ã€ŠGod of Blackfieldã€‹


 Chapter 1: Blackfield (1)

    <h4>Chapter 1: ckfield (1)</h4>

    The scorching heat and dust particles prated the barracks.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be neutralizing the leader of SISS, a group of Sunni Muslims. We have a total of five units and forty-nine men, including us, and the enemies are individually armed. They have an estimated force between 350 and 500.¡±

    Commander Shan exined today¡¯s operation while pointing at the map with his baton.

    ¡°What did he say?¡± Dayeru asked. The Algerian¡¯smand of French wascking, so his question came in English, which he knew a bit better.

    ¡°Be quiet.¡± Kang Chan immediately cut him off with a curt response.

    ¡°The 3rd unit will be in charge of clearing the way and covering us. Bear this in mind¡ªthe only target is the enemy leader, Masan. Once the target has been neutralized, break contact. Ignore all remaining hostiles.¡±

    ¡°Channy?¡±

    ¡°Tsk.¡±

    Kang Chan lifted his hand, acting as though he was about to hit Dayeru.

    Dayeru ducked and rolled his big eyes.

    ¡°Departure in 30 minutes. Any questions? Yes, Kang Chan?¡±

    As soon as he was done speaking, Shan gestured to Kang Chan with his chin. All eyes focused on Kang Chan.

    ¡°Is the pullback time the same as before?¡± Kang Chan asked in fluent French.

    Shan nodded without hesitation.

    That marked the end of the operational briefing. There was half an hour left before departure; that was enough for them to check their equipment and smoke a cigarette.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    Dayeru¡¯s arms,ing out of his sleeveless shirt, were as thick as Kang Chan¡¯s thighs. He was a bald Algerian-born man with big eyes. Due to his darkplexion, his eyes and white teeth shone particrly brightly.

    When Dayeru got angry, his better judgment would go down the drain. Because of that personality trait, he was an absolute sore loser. Even then, he had nothing on Kang Chan, the unit captain. That was because Kang Chan was more venomous than him.

    ¡°Daye!¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Kill. And fall back when I tell you to. Got it? Kill! I¡¯ll signal! Fall back! Understood?¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    In dozens of battles together,rge and small, Dayeru had only followed Kang Chan. Since Dayeru couldn¡¯t understand the fast-paced instructions in French flowing out of the walkie-talkie, Kang Chan¡¯s clear and simple exnations and instructions were his only lifeline.

    <i>Chi-ik!</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s time to go.¡±

    Kang Chan got up as soon as he heard the squad leader¡¯s order, and the members of his unit followed suit. Each unit was supposed to have twelve people; Kang Chan¡¯s had a Korean captain¡ªhimself, three Algerians, one Australian, two Americans, and two French soldiers, so he was missing three.

    The officialnguage used was French, and even thoughnguage proficiency was the most important test, Kang Chan had insisted on passing Dayeru and ultimately bringing him to Africa.

    African winds were dry and hot. When one inhaled, it felt as though the heat would melt the insides of their noses and lungs, so covering their noses and mouths with mufflers felt cooling instead.

    With about 20 minutes left before they got to their destination, Kang Chan took a cigarette out of his pocket and put it in his mouth.

    <i>nk. Tch. Tch. Tch-it</i>.

    The gasoline in Zippo lighters often evaporated on a hot day, so people often ended up getting burned, and there were cases where pockets would catch on fire because of fiber friction. Thus, in ces like these, the Zippo lighter fluid was mixed with kerosene. It was harder to light them, but in any case, it was better than running out of lighter fluid and not being able to use them at all.

    <i>¡°Hoo</i>.¡± Kang Chan thoroughly exhaled the cigarette smoke.

    <i>¡®2007</i>.¡¯

    Whenever he went tobat, he didn¡¯t want to get into the habit of counting the days, so he deliberately recalled the year, over and over again. It had started off as a promise to himself that he wouldn¡¯t be someone that lived from day to day, but it had now be a habit.

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Kang Chan was so ustomed to speaking Korean that unless it was under special circumstances, he would speak in Korean. And strangely enough, the emotions were urately conveyed in urgent moments.

    ¡°Harem tonight, okay?¡±

    ¡°Nokay!¡±

    Smithen was an ignorant American. He would always talk about his dream of marrying a pretty Frenchdy, building a ranch and vineyard, and starting up his own winery. However, none of hisrades believed he could make that dreame true. His w was that he liked women too much, and his merit was that hisrades could restfortably during the time he went out to look for women.

    ¡°Stop!¡±

    Hearing Kang Chan mumbling that word to himself, all the members of his unit stopped moving, like they were frozen solid.

    It was a grasnd. There was still some time left before the dry season, so there were still some bushes here and there.

    Kang Chan threw his cigarette on the ground and stepped on it as he quickly scanned the surroundings.

    <i>¡®What is this feeling?¡¯</i>

    The most indisputable reason why Kang Chan had been able to survive in this brutalnd thus far, as well as the reason why the members of his unit believed in his words rather than weapons, was his sixth sense¨C¨Cthe foreboding sensation he was experiencing right now.

    2km to the destination.

    The members of his unit were frantically scanning the area, trying their best to find the cause behind Kang Chan¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°Hey, Malkov!¡±

    Kang Chan faced Malkov and pointed his index and middle fingers at his own eyes before gesturing towards his 10 o¡¯clock and 2 o¡¯clock with his fingers. He was telling Malkov to look in those directions with his binocrs.

    ¡°No, Channy.¡± Malkov shook his head.

    ¡°What?¡±

    If any of the soldiers didn¡¯t participate in an operation without providing a specific reason, they¡¯d be deported if they were lucky, and if they were unlucky, the death penalty was a possibility as well.

    <i>Thump. Thump.</i>

    But what on earth was making him feel so uneasy that his heart was pounding?

    Kang Chan took a deep breath. He put his index and middle fingers together, and designated each and every one of their positions, starting from the left. The members moved swiftly after seeing his gestures as if already engaging the enemy.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Like a scene from a movie, even Smithen ran and jumped behind a rtively barren tree that exposed pretty much everything behind it.

    <i>¡®That bastard!¡¯</i>

    Seeing the dust behind Smithen rise like a re, Kang Chan inhaled twice to suppress his murderous intent. Now, all that was left was Dayeru.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    Because the letters at the end of Dayeru¡¯s name made it sound Japanese, Kang Chan had started calling him ¡®Daye¡¯ for short, and at some point, the rest of the members had also started calling him by the same nickname. Dayeru rushed over to Kang Chan, wobbling left and right.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes were glistening, lighting his sun-scorched face. He was an Asian man with a slender face and big eyes, as well as a slim build. More than one or two people had ended up wrecked because they had misjudged his abilities. Of course, as rumors about him spread, nobody picked a fight with him anymore.

    ¡°Kill on sight,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°On sight?¡±

    The words ¡®kill on sight¡¯ had actuallye out of Kang Chan¡¯s mouth. Needless to say, he had said it in Korean.

    Dayeru had spent thest five years together with Kang Chan, and since it was only the seventh time he had heard those words, it meant that today was truly going to be a tough day.

    He nodded and thought about how Koreans were extremely ruthless. His understanding of the words ¡®on sight¡¯ was that he had to kill absolutely <i>everyone</i>. What kind of people lived by such a principle?

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you moving?¡±

    Dayeru bolted for the position he was assigned to.

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Kang Chan got the eight members of his unit to spread out in a semicircr formation, with Dayeru in the center, and he squatted behind thetter.

    <i>¡®Since we''re screwed either way, might as well not regret it.¡¯¡¯</i>

    It was a thought that surfaced as he wondered if he had made the right choice just now. In any case, deportation was almost guaranteed because of the contributions they had made in the past. It was better to be discharged than to get all his men killed in this damnednd.

    Initially, Kang Chan had thought his premonitionsing true was mere coincidence. However, he had changed his mind after ignoring them anding face to face with death as a result. The loss of a fewrades had been very effective in convincing him to trust his sixth sense.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    At that moment, sharp sounds of something cutting through the air could be heard.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    Malkov flung his binocrs down onto the ground and called out to Kang Chan. Thetter had already seen it too.

    Almost all of their allies walking around had been gunned down by a sniper.

    ¡°Fuck.¡±

    It was a trap. They hadpletely fallen into it.

    ¡°Which bastard?!¡±

    If that was the case, the information must have been leaked from an inside source. Kang Chan quickly turned around and looked behind. The enemy was approaching them from afar. They were being surrounded, as though they were fish dragged in by a.

    ¡°Listen up!¡± Kang Chan always spoke in Korean at times like these.

    ¡°Kill on sight!¡± Kang Chan nced at hisrades. ¡°Retreat to Alpha Kilo! Do-you-copy? Retreat to Alpha Kilo!¡±

    It was a safe location Kang Chan had designated before their departure. Kang Chan had been doing this ever since he was appointed as captain, so naturally, the headquarters didn¡¯t know about the ce. They were just mercenaries, and if they missed their opportunity to retreat, then no one would rescue them.

    Hence, Kang Chan always designated a separate ce and waited there, before joining his men separately. That was the reason why he was still only a captain of a unit even after all his great contributions, as well as the reason why his unit listened to his orders, even if that meant risking their lives.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    When Kang Chan turned his head around, he saw Dayeru¡¯s eyes glistening with a murderous look.

    ¡°Nokay, today?¡±

    ¡°Kill them all!¡±

    Dayeru opened his mouth wide, baring his white teeth. It meant that he understood why Kang Chan would go to such lengths.

    Kang Chan quickly looked away. They were so close to the enemy that all it took was ten more steps for them to be able to distinguish the enemy¡¯s faces. They were Sunnites without a doubt, as they covered their faces with a headscarf and wrapped the end of their turban around their chin from left to right.

    ¡°Mont!¡±

    Kang Chan put two of his fingers together and pointed towards his 11 o¡¯clock as he yelled. The Frenchman¡¯s name was too long to be called out in full duringbat; hence, Kang Chan called him ¡®Mont¡¯ for short. As soon as he pointed at the enemy carrying an anti-tank RPG, their excellent sniper, Montechelle, aimed his rifle perfectly.

    <i>Taaahng!</i>

    ¡°Hey! Can¡¯t you shoot properly!¡±

    ¡°Je suis desol¨¦!¡±

    <i>nk. Taahng!</i>

    As dust rose in the air, the enemy holding the grenadeuncher was sprawled out on the ground. At the same time, dirt sttered from under Kang Chan¡¯s feet. Kang Chan quickly picked up his gun and pulled the trigger.

    <i>Taahng!</i>

    The familiar smell of gunpowder prated his nose and his target immediately copsed to the ground.

    <i>Tatatatatatatahng!</i>

    All kinds of gunshots sounded off at the same time, making his ears go numb.

    <i>¡®500 people.¡¯</i>

    <i>Taahng!</i>

    Every time he pulled the trigger, enemies would copse one by one.

    <i>¡®We have enough bullets.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan rolled over onto his back and raised only his upper body.

    ¡°Mont!¡±

    He raised his left index finger and wrapped it around three fingers on his right hand. The tactic was ridiculously simple¡ªthe three of them would cover and protect the sniper, Montechelle. If somebody were to die, they¡¯d put his gun down, prop the body up, and use it as a cover.

    Rolling back onto his stomach, Kang Chan continuously pulled the trigger.

    <i>Taahng! Taahng! Taahng!</i>

    The gunshots in this damnednd sounded like crap.

    Kang Chan pulled the trigger as fast as possible. His heart was still pounding hard, something felt off.

    ¡°Fuck!¡±

    An instantter, he heard Smithen¡¯s yell. Right now, however, there was no time for him to turn around to take a look. His job was to watch over hisrade next to him. Each had to kill even one more person before all their enemies got to the ground and took cover.

    Monteschelle aimed for the heads of those with heavy firearms and those lying prone, while the other members of their unit killed those that came close.

    70m.

    <i>Taahng! Taaahng! Taaahng!</i>

    Kang Chan heard some chatter on the other side, then the enemyid prone and ceased advancing. Kang Chan finally let his gun¡¯s muzzle down and crawled over to Smithen, staying as close to the ground as possible.

    ¡°Shit! Does it hurt?¡±

    Smithen gasped for breath and looked at Kang Chan. The other Algerian, Abs, was pressing hard against the right side of Smithen¡¯s abdomen, but red blood was oozing out through the spaces between his fingers.

    ¡°Do you need morphine?¡±

    ¡°No morphine, Channy. <i>Huff huff</i>.¡±

    If the entrance wound in his abdomen was that bad, then the exit wound had to be the size of a palm, which meant the bullet had basically ripped out his internal organs.

    Kang Chan looked at their surroundings once again, thinking about how he had to find a way to stop Smithen from bleeding out.

    ¡°Channy.¡±

    When Kang Chan turned his head around, Smithen looked at him with an utterly na?ve gaze, trying his best to cling to a small sliver of hope.

    ¡°Am I nokay?¡±

    ¡°You fool. Who am I? Smithen. Who. Am. I?!¡±

    Smithen smiled widely.

    ¡°God. Of. <i>Huff huff!?</i>ckfield. <i>Huff! Hu</i>¡­¡± He barely finished his words before taking a deep breath.

    Abs looked up at Kang Chan.

    <i>I know. He doesn¡¯t have much time left.?</i>

    <i>Krrrrrrreung!!!</i>

    At that moment, a loud mechanical roar resounded in their vicinity.

    <i>¡®They even have a tank?¡¯</i>

    But his heart was still pounding hard. In other words, more danger lurked around the corner. It was now time for him to make a decision.

    <i>¡®We¡¯ll charge straight ahead.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan was ready to go to the enemy¡¯s base, where their leader was hiding. As he was about to exin the situation to his men¡­

    <i>Thud!</i>

    A dull sound was heard, and the entire world turned white.

    <i>¡®Shit¡­¡¯</i>

    It hurt so much that it felt as though his head and neck were being ripped apart.

    ***

    A bright light pierced his eyes.

    The back of his head and neck hurt as if they had been broken, and he had lost all his strength as if a vacuum cleaner had sucked it out of his entire body.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m not dead?¡¯</i>

    He tried to open his eyes, but he couldn¡¯t even lift a finger.

    <i>¡®Water¡­water.¡¯</i>

    He was thirsty. His throat was so dry, like a dried-up rice paddy during a drought, that he couldn¡¯t speak properly.

    ¡°Doctor, over here!¡±

    <i>¡®I¡¯m asking for water¡­¡¯</i>

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.</i>

    The machine started beeping. He could feel somebody pulling his eyelids open, but all he could see was white light.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m asking for water.¡¯</i>

    ¡°Can you hear me? Blink if you can hear me.¡±

    <i>¡®You dumb ass. I can only blink if you don¡¯t let go of your hand.¡¯</i>

    This time around, he felt somebody grabbing his hand.

    ¡°Try clenching your hand.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to drink water so badly that he tried his best to move his hand.

    ¡°Good! Very good!¡±

    He could hear people constantly talking about something being good, but nobody actually gave him any water.

    <i>¡®Waaater.¡¯</i>

    As though he was falling asleep once again, Kang Chan lost consciousness.

    1. The actual word used here is ???, meaning ¡°unconditionally¡±, but it doesn''t quite work in this context in English, so we used an equivalent

    2. Rocket-propelled grenade, a shoulderunched missile mostmonly used against armored vehicles

    3. ¡®I¡¯m sorry'' in French.

 Chapter 2: Blackfield (2)

    <h4>Chapter 2: ckfield (2)</h4>

    When Kang Chan woke up the second time around, not only did the back of his head and neck hurt, but his nose hurt ridiculously as well.

    ¡°Waaaater.¡±

    ¡°Doctor!¡±

    <i>¡®Please. Don''t just call for the doctor. Give me some water.¡¯</i>

    ¡°Waaater.¡±

    After a brief ruckus, Kang Chan finally felt something moist on his lips. He wasn¡¯t given any actual water; instead, they simply ced a wet gauze over his mouth. He didn¡¯t care about anything else¡ªhe just needed a ss of water for his parched throat.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because he works out, but his body is definitely recovering quickly.¡±

    While it was true that he did have a rtively good physique, it was his first time hearing someone say that he worked out. But why were they speaking in Korean?

    After sucking in some water from the gauze, Kang Chan felt like he wasing back to his senses. He tried his best to force his eyes open, and after a brief struggle, he was finally able to move his half-open eyes and look around.

    He was in the hospital.

    Intricately connected machines were attached to each bed. Kang Chan knew why his nose hurt¡ªarge tube was going down his nose to his throat.

    ¡°Can you see me?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded his head slightly.

    One, two, three women: one with short hair, another with a bob cut, and one with her hair tied up. Height, chest, waist, hips. His trained eye instinctively assessed the features of the enemy.

    ¡°Water, please.¡±

    One of the women skillfully ced a new gauze on his lips.

    ¡°<i>Ptooey</i>! I¡¯m asking for water.¡±

    <i>Do they think I¡¯m some recruit or something?</i>

    ¡°You can¡¯t have any water yet.¡±

    She ced the wet gauze on his lips again. Perhaps his act of spitting out the gauze was effective¡ªthe gauze was soaked in quite a fair amount of water this time. After ¡®replenishing¡¯ himself like that twice, Kang Chan came to his senses. He started looking right and left, as he could finally open his eyes and move them properly.

    ¡°Where am I?¡±

    ¡°Have youe to your senses?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded slightly.

    ¡°Do you remember what happened?¡±

    <i>Do these people think I¡¯m an idiot?</i>

    ¡°Yeah, so loosen this thing around my neck.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t do that.¡± Thedy with short hair and a small chest answered with a firm voice.

    There weren¡¯t any facilities like that in Africa, so he must have been transported here by ne. If that were the case, then he must have been unconscious for quite some time.

    ¡°How many days was I in aa?¡±

    ¡°Three days.¡±

    ¡°Where is this?¡±

    ¡°Samjeong Hospital.¡±

    ¡°Samjeong, Korea?¡±

    Thedy with short hair looked at Kang Chan weirdly. She looked like she was around 27 years old; she had small eyes and a high-bridged nose, making her features look very sharp.

    Just then, a doctor decked in an operating gown approached him.

    ¡°How do you feel? Do you feel any pain anywhere?¡±

    Droopy eyes wearing high-index lens sses; he looked as though he hadn''t slept in two days. Chubby face, early thirties.

    ¡°Get this off me.¡±

    Kang Chan tried to move his neck.

    ¡°It¡¯s better to wear the neck brace for the time being.¡± As the doctor responded, the bell rang.

    ¡°Have a good visit with your parents, they must be very happy.¡±

    <i>Parents? What parents?</i>

    As soon as the doctor left, a group of people instantly flocked to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Chan! Our dear Chan!¡±

    Permed hair,te forties. Big eyes, somewhat high nose, short stature.

    ¡°Can you see me? Can you recognize me? It¡¯s mom.¡±

    Kang Chan blinked and tried to identify thedy.

    <i>A woman I don¡¯t know is iming to be my mother. How should I respond to this??</i>

    Kang Chan wondered if it was just a dream.

    ***

    It had been two days since the visitation, but Kang Chan was confused about everything that happened. After asking time and time again, what he had gotten thus far was that it was currently 2010, and his name was indeed Kang Chan, but he was a senior at Shinmuk High School.

    He had fallen off the roof of a five-story building in school, but a tree had broken his fall. Nheless, he had fallen upside down onto the ground, and was rushed to the hospital. Fortunately, he hadn¡¯t broken any bones, but he had some kind of amnesia, and delusions of grandeur.

    His father was Kang Dae-Kyung, and his mother was Yoo Hye-Sook. Kang Chan was their only son. He was neither good nor bad when it came to his academics; he was rather obedient, and he liked working out, so he did it regrly.

    ***

    ¡°Doctor, can my son be cured?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook wiped her tears with her handkerchief. The tall and old-fashioned Kang Dae-Kyung was sitting next to her. He also had the same sad look on his face.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that the cervical spine injury we were concerned about was so minor that it was truly a miracle but¡­¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s doctor, Heo Ji-Hwan, looked up again after ncing at theputer.

    ¡°Even the psychiatrist says that there¡¯s no cure right now. It¡¯s understandable for him to have amnesia, but as for how serious his delusions are, I¡¯m sorry, but it¡¯s best for you to just protect andfort him for the time being.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung patted Yoo Hye-Sook on the shoulder as she lowered her head.

    ***

    Entering Chorok Apartments in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Kang Chan quietly followed Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s lead. Judging from the luxury car and the area where the apartment block was located, it was evident that he led a fairlyfortable life.

    Unit 701.

    After getting off the elevator, Kang Dae-Kyung opened the door, and Yoo Hye-Sook led Kang Chan to the room on the left. Kang Chan looked around the room.

    ¡°Do you remember this ce? It¡¯s your room.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook started tearing up again.

    ¡°You¡¯re doing it again. He¡¯ll be fine after resting for a bit. Go rest up.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung consoled Yoo Hye-Sook and went out of the room.

    There was a bed with a headboard by the window, and a bookshelf and a wardrobe leaning against the wall on the other side. And so he could sit immediately, there was a desk right by the entrance with aputer on it. And that was everything he had in the room.

    Kang Chan looked at himself in the mirror on the wall.

    <i>¡®Is this a dream? Am I dead? What exactly is going on?¡¯</i>

    Now that he looked at himself, he didn¡¯t like the way he looked either. He sat down at the desk and rested his head on both hands.

    <i>¡®Could it be that those dead men were so pissed that they put a curse on me?¡¯</i>

    A shaman? That was ridiculous. If such ck magic existed, who would even die?

    Moreover, Kang Chan had seen several shamans die via beheading.

    ¡°Whatever. I¡¯ll just stay here for a while and see what happens. I might get an answer as time goes on.¡±

    Kang Chan sat down at the desk and rummaged through the drawers.

    ¡°This bastard doesn¡¯t smoke either?¡±

    Right now, he needed cigarettes. While he was searching for them, Kang Chan began scouring through the desk and shelves because he wanted to know what kind of person the original owner of his body was.

    He was 179cm tall, and he had quite a bit of muscle, so he wasn¡¯t weak, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t quite like the impression his face gave off. The corners of his eyes made him look kind, and he had a nose with a rounded tip, just like Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s. It wasn¡¯t his style.

    Kang Chan flipped open the books on the bookshelf one by one. Since all he had were just reference books, self-teaching books, and workbooks, Kang Chan was about to sigh when he tilted his head and scrutinized a book. That was because aside from the ten pages at the front and back of the book titled ¡®Math Solutions¡¯, the rest of the pages were filled with misceneous notes.

    [I¡¯ll kill them. I¡¯ll kill all the people that bullied me.]

    <i>¡®Seriously, this bastard. If you¡¯re going to kill them, just kill them. Why would you leave such evidence behind?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan decided to sit on the bed and slowly read it.

    [I brought them money again today. Even though I worked out so much, my heart was racing and I couldn¡¯t breathe, so I couldn¡¯t do it in the end. Why am I like this? Am I really a fool? Why do I feel so anxious and struggle to breathe whenever I¡¯m in front of them?]

    <i>¡®What the heck? He was actually bullied by them or something?¡¯</i>

    [Even though they knew I didn¡¯t take Mi-Young¡¯s photo, the other guys still insulted me. Coward. They did that on purpose. I¡¯ll kill them all.]

    ¡°Whew.¡±

    Kang Chan closed the book and threw it next to the bed. Suddenly, his craving for cigarettes became even more intense.

    ***

    It took a week for Kang Chan to get used to living in the apartment. Figuring out how to use the bidet and water purifier was fucking hard, but it was even harder learning how to use his smartphone. Naturally, the appliance that helped him the most was the television.

    During this period of time, Kang Chan refrained from speaking as much as possible; after eating his meals, he would sit in the living room and fiddle with the remote control, surfing through the channels and learning the ways of the world.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook would watch him. Their faces showed determination, but their eyes betrayed their worries.

    Kang Chan finally learned how to properly use a smartphone after a week. Naturally, he had many other questions aside from that.

    <i>¡®Let¡¯s leave it. I¡¯ll figure it out one by one.¡¯</i>

    However, he didn¡¯t ask any more questions, because he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say the words ¡®mom¡¯, or ¡®mother¡¯.

    ***

    It took two weeks for Kang Chan to get somewhat used to his new life. Unlike the first week, he mainly spent his second week browsing theputer and the inte, which was truly a whole new world for him.

    However, while Yoo Hye-Sook was rather tolerant of him watching the television, she was particrly concerned about him using theputer. That didn¡¯t mean Kang Chan felt the same way, so he was able to experience the new world to his heart¡¯s content by sleeping less.

    ***

    After dinner, before going to bed, Kang Dae-Kyung sat across from Yoo Hye-Sook as he drank a cup of tea.

    ¡°Is he still on theputer?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so worried about him.¡±

    ¡°Just let him be for now. At least he came back to life.¡±

    ¡°I try to think of it that way, but it¡¯s not working. And as the days go by, the look in his eyes is bing scarier and scarier, so it¡¯s making me really worried as well. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung pursed his lips and exhaled heavily. ¡°I did feel the same way too. Sometimes my heart sinks when I look into his eyes but¡­ <i>tsk</i>, it¡¯s probably because it was such a major ident that the shock and trauma haven¡¯t gone away. He¡¯s our son who came back to life. Let¡¯s just be grateful for now. Like what you said when he was in the intensive care unit¡ªas long as he¡¯s alive, we won¡¯t worry about his academics or anything else ever again. So let¡¯s just be grateful for now, okay?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook nodded with a helpless look on her face.

    ***

    Kang Chan was sitting in front of theputer. The contents of the African War from 2005 to 2007 were disyed on the screen. However, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t find anything particrly informative. There were no records of the French mercenaries, and he couldn¡¯t find anything by running a search on the short list of names.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take one step at a time and slowly dig for information.¡±

    In any case, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t expecting to find something right away, so he took a deep breath and slowly typed in the next search term.

    <i>Buzzz¡ª.</i>

    At that moment, his smartphone vibrated shortly. It was the first time it had rang since he got it, so Kang Chan quickly picked up his phone.

    It was a text message from a person named Lee Ho-Jun.

    <i>Buzzz¡ª Buzzz¡ª Buzzz¡ª</i>

    Just as he was about to check the text, three more consecutive messages came in.

    [Dickhead. I heard you went home? But you didn¡¯t bother reporting to me? Do you have a death wish? Call me now.]

    [You know what happens when you ignore me, right? Stop fooling around and call me now. Bring the money you owe from the past month too.]

    [Hey! Are you not going to call me?]

    Kang Chan looked at the text messages and smirked. Whoever wanted to talk on the phone could just call the other party first, so he didn¡¯t get why this guy was kicking a huge fuss, telling him to call. And on the other hand, the content of the messages was hrious.

    <i>¡®They call themselves his parents and they don¡¯t even know their son¡¯s being treated like this?¡¯?</i>

    <i>Buzzz¡ª</i>

    [You motherfucker! Why the fuck did you delete the messages? Hurry up and download the messages. Call me first.]

    ¡°I¡¯m busy.¡±

    Kang Chan decided to call Lee Ho-Jun first. As soon as he tapped on the blue image that looked like a phone, an upbeat tune, simr to the ones yed on the TV was heard. However, the tune stopped immediately and curse words started pouring out.

    ¡ª Hey! Kang Chan! You fucking bastard, you got a death wish?

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh. It was the first insult he had heard in seven years. If his unit members had heard about it, they wouldn¡¯t have believed it.

    ¡ª Did you justugh? You fucker, did that fall knock your brains out?! Hey! Heeey! Aren¡¯t you gonna say anything?!

    ¡°Lee Ho-Jun?¡±

    ¡ª Yeah, you bastard. Did you finally get your shit together? Answer me already, you fucker. Hey! You got the money?

    ¡°What money?¡±

    ¡ª Ha! Little dickhead, you really went cuckoo, huh? Did the doctors transnt you a pair of balls? Did they give you a bunch of courage pills, motherfucker?!

    ¡°Heh heh heh heh.¡±

    ¡ª Did you really go insane, you bastard? Come out now!

    ¡°Kiddo, it¡¯s nighttime now, so I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. Where do you want to meet?¡±

    ¡ª Hey, you motherfucker!

    ¡°Hahahaha.¡±

    Kang Chanughed, finding Lee Ho-Jun very cute. He wanted to leave the house right away to see what kind of person he was, but he didn¡¯t want to exin to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook why he was leaving the housete at night.

    As Kang Chanughed, Lee Ho-Jun went haywire, swearing hard at him.

    ¡°Stop cursing and call me tomorrow.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up and switched off the phone immediately.

    ¡°Whew¡­ How exactly did you live your life?¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head while staring into the mirror hanging on one side of the room.

    ***

    The next morning.

    While having breakfast, Kang Chan saw an opportunity and broke the silence.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going out for a bit today.¡±

    ¡°Oh? Where to?¡±

    Perhaps he was surprised that Kang Chan took the initiative to speak first¡ªKang Dae-Kyung asked him a question back in response, and Yoo Hye-Sook even stopped chewing and looked at him.

    ¡°I¡¯m just going to meet with some friends and walk around.¡±

    ¡°Yeah! That¡¯s a good idea. You should do that. I¡¯ll be going to work, so get some pocket money from your mom and get some fresh air.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    That was the end of the conversation, but excitement and concern lingered on Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s faces the entire time until they were done with their breakfast.

    When Kang Chan went back to his room and turned on his phone, more than fifty messages flooded his inbox.

    ¡°Huehuehue.¡±

    He was at a loss for words this time around, so heughed.

    After the phone was done vibrating from all the messages received, Kang Chan made a phone call. Strangely, the other party didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°What¡¯s with these people?¡± He looked at his phone and muttered to himself.

    <i>Buzzz¡ª.</i>

    [Come to school before ss is over.]

    A short message popped up on his phone.

 Chapter 3: School Zone (1)

    <h4>Chapter 3: School Zone (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan opened the wardrobe and chose a pair of jeans and a ck cotton T-shirt to put on. Now, he needed money. Kang Chan suddenly recalled the money he had saved back when he was a mercenary. He wouldn¡¯t be able to use it, but he had to look into it.

    As soon as Kang Chan left his room, Yoo Hye-Sook stood up in surprise. She then handed him ten 10,000 won bills.

    ¡°Is this enough for me to get a haircut?¡±

    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s enough. Since it¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve gone out, you should treat your friends to some pizza.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Yoo Hye-Sook. Judging from the look in her eyes, she genuinely loved and cared about her son. But why didn¡¯t she know about her son being bullied?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    ¡°Okay, be careful and don¡¯t be home toote. When you cross the road¡­¡±

    Kang Chan had been walking out the door but at that, he quickly looked back. Yoo Hye-Seok jerked her head back.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call if I¡¯m going to bete.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook nodded twice. Kang Chan then left the apartment.

    It felt strange. Being aware that someone out there was worried about him, that he had a mother who cared for him... such feelings were foreign to Kang Chan.

    As soon as he left the building, the first thing he wanted to do was buy a pack of cigarettes and smoke it. After putting up with his cravings for quite some time, he had a strong urge to smoke. However, something else was the priority right now.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get a haircut first,¡± Kang Chan muttered to himself, walking into a conspicuous hair salon.

    ¡°Oh my! If it isn¡¯t Chan! I heard that you got hurt. Are you okay now? Your mother told me about it. You want to get a haircut?¡±

    A woman in her early thirties weed him. She babbled so many words so quickly that even if she had rehearsed them, it wouldn''t be odd if she ran out of breath.

    ¡°Sit here. How do you want me to cut it?¡±

    ¡°Please cut it short, like a military crew cut.¡±

    ¡°Oh? Chan, if you grow your hair out¡­¡±

    ¡°Just cut it, please.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Oh! Alright.¡±

    The owner of the salon seemed astonished. She reached for the shaver from the shelf in front of her and began shaving his hair. As she did, little by little, Kang Chan started to like how he looked.

    ¡°Could you please cut it a little shorter?¡±

    ¡°Oh? Yeah?¡±

    There was something sharper about his gaze. Now that he had his usual hairstyle back, he was at least starting to look like his old self. Kang Chan had finally gotten the style he wanted. The owner then proceeded to wash his hair and dry it.

    ¡°Do you have any hair gel?¡±

    ¡°Of course! What would you like to do?¡±

    ¡°Just give me some please.¡±

    Kang Chan slicked his short bangs back using the gel the owner gave him.

    <i>¡®Yeah! That¡¯s Kang Chan right there!¡¯</i>

    It had been a while since he hadst smiled that contentedly. He was happy because, in the mirror, he could see the old him with the same look in his eyes.

    After leaving the salon, Kang Chan went straight to the convenience store in the same building.

    ¡°One pack of Marlboro and a lighter.¡±

    The young man at the counter appeared to be a college student. He nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please show me your ID.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You have to show me your ID, or I can¡¯t sell you any cigarettes.¡±

    ¡°Since when?¡±

    The student, clearly a part-timer, hesitated.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I have been in a good mood. I¡¯ll show it to you next time, so stop making a fuss and sell me the cigarettes and lighter.¡±

    Kang Chan felt like he was slowly regaining his old self. The actual timbre of his voice wasn¡¯t important¡ªwhat made him d was that he had found the right tone to match his personality.

    The hesitant student nced around the store as he quickly handed Kang Chan the pack of cigarettes and a lighter. After paying for the items, Kang Chan left the building and walked out of the apartmentplex. He sat on a rock on a flower bed at one side, whipped out a cigarette, and leisurely put it in his mouth.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°<i>Hooo.</i>¡±

    It felt good. Kang Chan looked at the smoke dispersing and felt as though the past and present were properlying together.

    He had to take the bus to get to school. After smoking two cigarettes, Kang Chan took a taxi to Shinmuk High School. He was still unfamiliar with the buses and subway lines, and, more importantly, he felt that taking public transportation was inconvenient.

    <i>¡®It feels like I¡¯m on leave.¡¯</i>

    He felt much better when he leaned against the backseat of the taxi. After about ten minutes, Kang Chan got off in front of the school and casually walked in.

    <i>¡®But which ss am I in?¡¯</i>

    He was in a pickle. Even after walking through the main gate, he didn¡¯t know where to go. Kang Chan looked at his surroundings before randomly walking toward a building.

    ¡°What kind of school has three buildings? It looks more like a business district. Does it even look like a ce for students?¡±

    Kang Chan strode towards the building in front of him. He could see a field covered in synthetic grass with lines drawn on it for the purpose of ying ser, with goalposts ced at both ends of the field.

    ¡°What now?¡±

    Just as Kang Chan stood in front of the building, agonizing over what to do¡­

    <i>Ding dong dang.</i>

    The bell rang and all of a sudden, it was as though the building had woken up from its slumber¡ªthe sound of chatter and noises from desks being dragged filled the air. Students wearing school uniforms came into view.

    <i>¡®There are girls too, huh?¡¯</i> Kang Chan stared nkly at the students.

    ¡°Yoo! Kang¡ª Chaaan!¡±

    Someone called out to him as they approached him. Judging from the way the guy ced his hands in his pockets and his condescending bodynguage as he walked, it was evident that he was up to no good. The other students were cautiously steering clear of the guy approaching Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re not wearing your school uniform, and you¡¯ve done your hair like that on top of it. You out of your mind?¡±

    The guy standing in front of Kang Chan ced his right index finger by his head and twirled it. The students in the building peeked out their heads to watch, while those who were at a distance away from Kang Chan and the guy also stopped to watch.

    Kang Chan recognized his voice immediately. Still, he felt he should at least confirm the identity of the enemy before engaging inbat.

    ¡°Lee Ho-Jun?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you bastard! I''m Lee Ho-Jun, the guy who had to personally get his own cigarettes and lunch because of how utterly inattentive you¡¯ve been. Have you finallye to your senses now?¡±

    <i>Smack!</i>

    The whole ce instantly became quiet. It was as if someone had silenced themotion. Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to drag this out; he didn¡¯t fancy being insulted by a nobody like Lee Ho-Jun, much less wasting his time to educate him.

    <i>Smack. Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.?</i>

    Kang Chan pped Lee Ho-Jun on the other cheek, and then openly struck him in the neck, chest, and stomach.

    ¡°<i>Cough! Huuuuff</i>.¡±

    It seemed that Lee Ho-Jun couldn¡¯t breathe¡ªhe bent his upper body over and opened his mouth in an unsightly manner. Nevertheless, since Lee Ho-Jun was fairly tall, his head was at Kang Chan¡¯s waist level.

    Kang Chan grabbed Lee Ho-Jun¡¯s hair.

    <i>¡®Are you watching this? I don¡¯t know where you are, but take a good look at him getting beaten up and feel better.¡¯</i>

    <i>Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.</i>

    Quite a lot of blood had already dripped onto the lower half of Lee Ho-Jun¡¯s face, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t stop hitting him.

    <i>SMACK!</i>

    Kang Channded a hard final blow on Lee Ho-Jun¡¯s cheek and grabbed him by the hair. He then looked at Lee Ho-Jun¡¯s swollen left eye and cheek, as well as his mouth, before tilting his head to the side.

    <i>¡®Is it because this isn¡¯t my body? Judging from this, he still has some defiance left, huh?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan held Lee Jun-Ho¡¯s head down and struck him hard on the cheek five more times.

    ¡°Hey, you!¡±

    Kang Chan heard someone yelling, and a middle-aged man passed through the crowd and stopped in front of him.

    ¡°You punk! What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the man and guessed he was a teacher.

    ¡°This bastard has been ordering me to get cigarettes for him and taking my money from me. I¡¯m finally standing up for myself after keeping silent for so long, are you punishing me for that?¡±

    ¡°What? You bastard! Who do you think you are talking to me like that!¡± The teacher bellowed.

    Kang Chan suddenly flew into a rage. ¡°Watch yournguage! Why? Do you want to get beaten up too? Are you sure you can do it?¡±

    As soon as Kang Chan jerked his left hand loose, Lee Ho-Joon sprawled out on the floor. Kang Chan took a step forward and walked up to the teacher. He emitted the malicious aura he normally had whenever he fought in its full glory, and the teacher couldn¡¯t look him in the eye.

    ¡°Give it a rest. I have all the evidence of that bastard extorting money from me, as well as how much he has bullied and put me through, so don¡¯t bother taking his side.¡±

    ¡°You little¡­punk. Do you want to get expelled from school?¡±

    .

    ¡°Do whatever you want. I still have matters to attend to, so leave us alone now.¡±

    Lee Ho-Jun had barely managed to wipe the blood dripping under his nose with the back of his hand when Kang Chan grabbed him by the hair once again. The girls gasped in shock, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t hesitate.

    ¡°Lee Ho-Jun. I¡¯m not done with you. Shall we have a little chat?¡±

    ¡°Huh? What?¡±

    ¡°You said you were inconvenienced because I didn¡¯t get you cigarettes and lunch, right? Since you told me toe, there must be more things you want to say to me, no?¡±

    At that moment, the petrified Lee Ho-Jun grabbed Kang Chan¡¯s wrist and started iling about. The teacher then grabbed Kang Chan by the waist.

    ¡°Why are you doing this? If you continue, you really won¡¯t be able to attend school anymore. Stop this right now!¡±

    Kang Chan suddenly turned around to look at the teacher, only to see a look of sincerity in his eyes. Kang Chan wasn¡¯t afraid of being expelled from school¡ªhe just didn¡¯t want to be disrespectful to a teacher who was sincere.

    He let go of Lee Ho-Jun¡¯s hair and took a deep breath.

    ¡°Okay, I get your point, so please let go of me.¡±

    The teacher¡¯s face twitched as he nced at Kang Chan, then propped Lee Ho-Jun up and helped him into the building. The students were still surrounding Kang Chan from a distance, as if there was still some show to look at. Every time Kang Chan turned his head around, they would look away and avoid his gaze.

    Kang Chan slowly left the building and made his way right to the top of the grandstand facing the field, and sat down.

    <i>¡®Why did it have to be at lunchtime? Tsk. I should¡¯vee after school ended.¡¯</i>

    He felt unsettled; it was as if he had left something unfinished. His mood took a turn for the worse as he thought about the subordinates he couldn¡¯t protect.

    As he was staring at the field and spacing out, a couple of shadows appeared around him.

    ¡°Oh? This motherfucker looks crazy, huh?¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head around and smirked. The corners of that student¡¯s eyes and face looked intimidating, but there was a sloppy vibe to him that couldn¡¯t be overlooked.

    <i>Six. One of them has something in his pocket. A utility knife?</i>

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°This bastard is smiling after beating up an idiot huh?¡±

    Kang Chan slowly got to his feet. Since he had been sitting at the top of the grandstand, he ended up being one step below the guys that appeared. He clenched his fist, but straightened out his thumb and ced it on top of his index finger. One hard jab with that hand and the weaklings around him wouldn¡¯t be able to get back up.

    <i>Jab.</i>

    Kang Chan suddenly jabbed the outer thigh of the guy standing right in front of him with his right thumb, right in the middle.

    <i>Jab! Jab! Jab!</i>

    Before the guy could react, Kang Chan had already jabbed him in the ribs, the sr plexus, andst but not least, his Adam¡¯s apple.

    ¡°<i>Cough</i>!¡±

    The guy shrieked in pain and copsed. Meanwhile, the rest of the guys charged at Kang Chan.

    <i>Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Punch! Smack!</i>

    Going up against their feeble fists was such a piece of cake that it almost made him yawn. Kang Chan deflected their punches with his palms, then knocked them to the ground by striking them in the abdomen or their Adam''s apple, one by one.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    It all happened in the blink of an eye. By the time the students on the field went ¡®Huh?¡¯ the six boys were already rolling on the ground.

    Kang Chan reached out his hand towards the boy he thought had a utility knife. In the pocket of the boy¡¯s pants, he indeed discovered a thick knife.

    <i>Rip.</i>

    ¡°Bastard. Why are you carrying this around with you?¡±

    Kang Chan grabbed the edge of the boy¡¯s pants, lifted him up, and walked down the grandstand, dragging him along.

    ¡°Ah! Agh! Aaaaagh!¡±

    The boy, whose head was hitting the cement stairs, let out a shrill scream.

    <i>Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan got down to the field and kicked the boy in the abdomen as hard as he could. As soon as he walked back up the grandstand, the boys he had knocked down tried to scurry away, even as they were still on the ground.

    ¡°Who was the first guy that cursed at me?¡±

    There was no way he would forget what an enemy looked like. One of the boys was shaking his head. Kang Chan grabbed him by the hair; as he fell over, Kang Chan dragged his body with him as he ran down the grandstand.

    <i>Thud thud thud thud.?</i>

    ¡°Ack! Agh!¡±

    Blood seeped through the torn part of his school uniform.

    ¡°Oy, you over there. Come here quickly!¡±

    ¡°Fuck you!¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled. Firstly, it would be troublesome if this guy were to run away. He mercilessly struck the nape of the guy, whose uniform was nowpletely torn apart at the front, with the edge of his hand

    <i>Bam! Thud!</i>

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s movements were truly swift. Kang Chan¡¯s body looked as though it was floating as he went up the stairs two steps at a time.

    ¡°Care to repeat yourself?¡±

    The other boy hadn¡¯t expected Kang Chan toe up that quickly. Kang Chan grabbed the boy¡¯s head.

    ¡°Ah! Ah!¡±

    Kang Chan paid no attention to his screams. He beckoned to the three remaining guys under the grandstand with a nod. As soon as the malicious boy squirmed and screamed, the three of them went down with frightened looks on their faces. How would they be able to escape the clutches of Kang Chan, who used such an insane, cruel, and high-level technique?

    <i>Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!</i>

    The sounds of the smacks bounced off the walls around the field. It was lunchtime, so the other students had alreadye outside and surrounded him, but all that was heard was the unbelievably loud sounds of Kang Chan hitting the wannabe bullies.

    Kang Chan lifted up the head of the guy he was holding.

    ¡°Oh my¡­¡±

    As soon as the guy struggled to regain consciousness, his saliva mixed with blood dripped down from his mouth.

    <i>Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!</i>

    It was a terror tactic. If the opponent had other allies, Kang Chan would have to prevent either of them from acting up by teaching one of them a lesson as deterrence. By this point, the person who was struck would not feel any pain. Instead, their will would be broken from then on.

    Kang Chan could sense from the hand grabbing the boy¡¯s hair that thetter was losing strength in his legs.

    ¡°Shall we stop now?¡±

    <i>Bam.</i>

    Kang Chan kicked the boy in the abdomen and he fell forward. Kang Chan then made his way down the grandstand while dragging him along. Some of the girls screamed, but it didn¡¯t drown out the sound of his body grinding against the cement.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    When Kang Chan got to the ground, he flung the boy aside, as though he was tossing out something dirty.

    <i>¡®Whew. I do feel kind of bad when I think of your parents, though.¡¯</i>

    Looking at his surroundings, he realized it was toote to salvage the situation. Kang Chan felt as though he had paid off his debt to the previous owner of his body. Wasn¡¯t it better to get expelled from school rather than murdering people ormitting suicide?

    ¡°Since things have already gotten to this point, I should wrap it up properly huh?¡±

    Wasn¡¯t the ending the most important thing?

    Kang Chan slowly scrutinized the three boys drenched in blood, as well as the three other terrified boys standing across from him.

    Three middle-aged men hurriedly walked over, as if they had been waiting for the situation to calm down.

    <i>¡®They must be teachers.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan nced over at the teacher in the middle. Judging from the way he walked, Kang Chan could tell that the teacher had received special military training.

 Chapter 4: School Zone (2)

    <h4>Chapter 4: School Zone (2)</h4>

    The three men shifted their gazes between the boys and Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Those bastards brought it with them.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. Was that so important?

    ¡°Answer me. Who brought it?¡±

    Kang Chan turned around and looked at the boy whose back was covered in blood.

    ¡°If he¡¯s the one who brought it, then I¡¯d say he got his just desserts. You shouldn¡¯t have taken it this far, though. It¡¯s hard for us to cover it up now that things have gotten this far.¡±

    <i>¡®What is he saying?¡¯</i>

    ¡°He¡¯s a school bully that goes around harassing other students. Serves him right for being beaten up, but right now, you¡¯re the problem we have to deal with. In any case, these six attacked you, and they have a weapon. When the school violence preventionmittee holds an investigation, we¡¯ll take care of it, so give me the knife and go home first.¡±

    A teacher with an angr jaw held out his pudgy hand. Kang Chan handed over the knife without saying a word.

    ¡°If you were going to do this anyway, shouldn¡¯t you have taught him a lesson earlier?¡±

    The teacher patted Kang Chan. He seemed to be feeling rather bitter.

    ¡°Go home and exin things to your parents. And starting tomorrow, you have toe to school no matter what. Also, I heard from Mr. Seo that you have evidence against them?¡±

    Kang Chan finally understood what he meant.

    ¡°Bring it tomorrow so we can submit it to the violence preventionmittee.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The teacher kept scrutinizing Kang Chan. It seemed like there was something about his posture and the look in his eyes that was very familiar, enough to have caught the teacher¡¯s attention. The other two teachers got the other students to bring the boys that had copsed to the ground back into the school.

    ¡°Where did you learn how to do that?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked and looked at the teacher.

    ¡°You must have gotten that gut of yours by training hard, right?¡±

    ¡°I was simply born with it.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll have another chat next time.¡±

    Perhaps the teacher felt that Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t reveal the truth that easily, so he simply turned around and left.

    Kang Chan wanted to smoke a cigarette. However, he couldn¡¯t smoke on school grounds no matter what, so he slowly walked away. The students scattered across the field like a pack of dogs, and Kang Chan watched them, as though he was seeing them off.

    Kang Chan went into a snack bar located next to the main gate of the school.

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have a pork cutlet please.¡± Kang Chan sat down and shifted his gaze to the TV.

    There were ten tables and two men were sitting across from him. There was also a youngdy in front of them, eating tteokbokki and kimbap in a neat and tidy manner.

    ¡°Here you go.¡±

    Meanwhile, ady wearing an apron gave him his pork cutlet.

    Thin slices of meat and the smell of cheap sauce and old grease. Kang Chan looked at the pork cutlet without saying a word. It was thest thing he had eaten before leaving Seoul. He had been dying to eat some, but he had barely eaten it only a few times because he didn¡¯t have a penny to his name back then. Even though he had eaten steak countless times, he had always thought about it.

    Kang Chan used a fork and knife to cut the pork into long strips, then into squares. He found that it tasted better when he did that and then ate it with chopsticks. It wasn¡¯t that amazing, but he ate it nheless. Just as he was finishing¡ª

    <i>Buzzz¡ª Buzzz¡ª Buzzz¡ª</i>

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡ª Chan, is that you? Where are you? What happened?

    Yoo Hye-Sook asked a bunch of questions, sounding flustered.

    ¡°I¡¯m eating some pork cutlet in front of the school.¡±

    ¡ª It¡¯s chaotic at school right now. I heard that even the police went there. What happened?

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when I get home.¡±

    ¡ª Chan, where are you right now? I¡¯ll go to you!

    ¡°I said I¡¯ll tell you when I go home, didn¡¯t I?¡± Kang Chan¡¯s voice dropped a few tones, and there was a moment of silence.

    Kang Chan hung up the phone. He was annoyed at the thought that Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s over-protectiveness might¡¯ve yed a part in making the owner of his body a weakling.

    ¡°In any case, it¡¯s better than murdering someone ormitting suicide.¡±

    Kang Chan muttered to himself. He ate everything on the te, including the shredded cabbage, and got up from his seat. After paying for the food, he walked for a bit before sitting down on a chair in front of a convenience store and smoking a cigarette.

    ¡°Hoo.¡± The cigarette hit the right spot.

    A world without bullets flying at him out of the blue; a world where people wore colorful clothes and short skirts, and had slim bodies; a world that was full of luxury cars. Kang Chan breathed in that view¡ªand slowly exhaled the cigarette smoke.

    .

    <i>¡®I¡¯ve gotten what I wanted.¡¯</i>

    That was the case back when he was a kid. If he were living in a world where he didn¡¯t have to worry about making ends meet, Kang Chan felt that he would probably do very well in school.

    <i>¡®Should I just go to France once I graduate, or maybe flunk out?¡¯</i>

    There was a time for studying. How was he going to manage his academics if he suddenly became a high school senior? He had been terrible at studying in his previous life too.

    ***

    Kang Chan took a taxi back to the apartment.

    <i>¡®Passcode?¡¯</i>

    It was a keyless smart lock. Kang Chan rang the doorbell; he had recently been discharged from the hospital and he couldn¡¯t remember the passcode. From behind the door, he heard footsteps hastening over before Yoo Hye-Sook opened it. Kang Dae-Kyung was behind her, with a flustered look on his face.

    Kang Chan stepped into the house in a dignified manner.

    ¡°Please sit. I have something I¡¯d like to show you in a moment.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s face twitched, and in spite of his will, he walked over to the dining table in the kitchen. Kang Chan wanted to take this moment to alleviate the injustice and frustrations the owner of his body had felt. He took out the math workbook where the boy had offloaded his thoughts and feelings, and ced it on the table.

    ¡°Please take a look at this.¡±

    Kang Chan gave the workbook to Yoo Hye-Sook and showed Kang Dae-Kyung the text messages in his phone.

    As they epted it, their bodynguage seemed to be telling him to say everything he wanted. They nced at Kang Chan from time to time but soon, their faces began to harden.

    By the time Kang Dae-Kyung put down the smartphone, Yoo Hye-Sook hadn¡¯t even read the first half of what her son had written in the workbook. She was covering her mouth as tears rolled down her face.

    Quite some time passed like this.

    ¡°Please exchange what you have with each other and take a look at it.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s enough.¡±

    ¡°Please take a look.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s face twitched once again, but he opened up the math workbook given to him by Yoo Hye-Sook. He gazed at thest page for a while before looking up.

    ¡°I went to school today. He told me to give him the money I owed him for cigarettes and food while I was gone.¡±

    ¡°Hoo.¡±

    ¡°I went to school feeling determined to confront them. Then, another six people tried to attack me. One of them had a knife¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh my goodness¡­!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t have a choice. I handed the knife over to the teacher, and the school¡¯s violence preventionmittee will be holding an investigation.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say anything all this time?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. As you could see written there¡­ I just thought it would be better thanmitting suicide or killing those kids.¡±

    Kang Chan was speaking so coldly, in such a matter-of-fact tone, that the two people seemed to have calmed down a lot too as a result.

    ¡°The school said that because too many students saw what happened, it would be hard for you to go to school like this. As your father, what can I do to make things better for you?¡±

    <i>Father?</i> Kang Chan looked at Kang Dae-Kyung in a new light.

    <i>Has there been anybody who took my side like this when I had done something wrong? Instead of hitting me after drinking, he¡¯s going to help me resolve the incident I¡¯ve caused?</i>

    ¡°I feel sorry for the students that were hurt, but as long as you¡¯re safe and sound, that¡¯s all that matters. I¡¯m d you didn¡¯t end up dying or killing them.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked away from Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s shocked gaze.

    ¡°That was how I felt back when you were at the hospital too. I just wanted you to stay alive.¡±

    ¡°Honey?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung shot Yoo Hye-Sook a brief nce and stopped her from saying more.

    ¡°But promise me one thing.¡±

    <i>What is this feeling I¡¯m experiencing??</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s sincerity was making Kang Chan experience some sort of warm, fuzzy feeling.

    ¡°Promise me that if something like this happens again in the future, you¡¯lle to me first and tell me about it. I¡¯ll be content if you do that.¡±

    ¡°There may be more fights in the future.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t kill others or get killed, right?¡±

    ¡°I give you my word.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good enough for me.¡±

    The fact that Kang Dae-Kyung was thankful that he was alive lingered in Kang Chan''s heart. It was an emotion he had never experienced before, even from the toon leader or thepanymander after an arduous battle.

    ¡°I was told to start attending school from tomorrow onwards.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be dangerous?¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, the look on Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s face shifted as he understood the absurdity of his own words, while Yoo Hye-Sook just looked petrified.

    ¡°Hmm. Fine. You deal with this your own way.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. You still don¡¯t know how our son feels after reading his diary? Boys might really choose death if you push them into a corner like that. Do you want our child to die? Or do you want him to go to prison for murder? Don¡¯tpare Chan to your friends¡¯ children. Our son is simply different.¡±

    ¡°Did I say anything? Still, he has to graduate from high school!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    She didn''t want to let it go. An awkward silence ensued.

    <i>Beep beep. Beep beep. Beep beep.</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s phone started ringing.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung answered the call, with a puzzled expression. A terrified look appeared in his wife¡¯s eyes, but he shook his head, as if he was telling her not to be worried.

    Kang Dae-Kyung could only stutter as the tense voice continued to pour out from the other end of the line.

    Kang Chan¡¯s ears pricked up¡ªit was Arabic. It was a slightly softer tone of Arabic,mon among French speakers. The speaker on the other end of the line was most likely an Algerian living in France.

    ¡°Pass me the phone.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Kang Chan took the phone from the perplexed Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Hello. Mr. Kang Dae-Kyung is busy, so I¡¯ll take the call for him instead. Please repeat what you said slowly.¡±

    <i>Fluent French?</i> Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at each other, eyes wide. They had sent Kang Chan to an expensive English academy, but now he was suddenly fluent in French for some reason.

    ¡ª It¡¯s urgent. The price and quantity of this shipment of cars don¡¯t match, so they can¡¯t get through customs.

    It was evident the person on the other end of the line was looking down on them.

    ¡°Please hold on for a second.¡±

    ¡ª Hurry up.

    Kang Chan figured out his interlocutor was the kind to get agitated very easily and start spouting nonsense when he got angry, and the most effective way to deal with such people was to be firm.

    ¡°Oy, cut the verbal vomiting. I told you to wait, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    As Kang Chan sounded very fluent, he was taking the lead in this conversation. Perhaps the person on the other end of the line was startled because all he could hear was just breathing sounds.

    ¡°He said that the shipment of cars cannot get through customs because the price and quantity don¡¯t match. What is he talking about? What should I tell him?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°He said it¡¯s urgent and everything¡¯s a mess.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung darted his eyes around for a moment

    ¡°Tell him that fifty cars will be arriving today. And perhaps the documents we had sent and the items don¡¯t match, so we¡¯ll check it out right away and inform the customs and their office.¡±

    Kang Chan repeated his father¡¯s words to his interlocutor.

    ¡ª It¡¯s a mess over here. What should we do? If we don¡¯t move the items by the end of today, the shipping andbor costs incurred will be very high.

    ¡°Hang on.¡±

    The other party wasn¡¯t intimidated by his harsh tone. After Kang Chan conveyed what he had said to Kang Dae-Kyung, thetter responded that they would take responsibility for any losses incurred due to discrepancies in the documents.

    ¡°We will take responsibility for it, so verify the total amount of damages incurred, and we will personally call the customs office, so give me the name and phone number of the person in charge.¡±

    ¡ª What?

    ¡°I¡¯m asking for the name and phone number of the person in charge.¡±

    Kang Chan suddenly became suspicious. He had a gut feeling. They couldn¡¯t drag things out in situations like this.

    ¡°Or I can send a mercenary friend over to resolve the matter first.¡±

    <i>Are these bastards trying to pull a fast one?</i>

    ¡°If need be, we can kick up a big fuss at the customs office, so tell me what exactly the issue is. Where are you? Tell me your location. I¡¯ll send three of my Algerian men over.¡±

    ¡ª Well, uhm, do we really have to take it that far? Ah! It¡¯s fine. I found the right documents.

    Kang Chan sniggered so loudly that the other person could hear him.

    ¡°Oy, next time organize your documents properly. Okay?¡±

    ¡ª Yeah.

    As soon as his interlocutor hung up, Kang Chan ced the phone down in front of Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°He found the right papers, so the matter has now been resolved.¡±

    A strange tension filled the air around the table.

    ¡°I learned French on the inte every night. Chat sites are well-developed these days, and French sites are easily essible, so it wasn¡¯t that hard.¡±

    Who would believe that? Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s eyes were strongly expressing his doubt, but there was nothing he could do about it. His son had never been taught French in school, and they had never sent him to private sses either, and yet he sounded like a native speaker.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that. And I¡¯ve been so troubled because I thought you were looking at terrible things on theputer at night.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes sparkled, still full of tears. It kind of gave Kang Chan goosebumps, but he simply remained silent.

    ¡°Look into otherpanies to do business with. It seems like they were trying to shift the me to you because of thenguage barrier,¡± he said after a moment.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded and licked his lips.

    ¡°Three people from the France office wille over next month. We were nning to sell their cars. It¡¯s a very good deal, but we¡¯ll change to a differentpany once everything¡¯s been settled.

    ¡°Please do that. I¡¯ll be in my room.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Without meaning to, Kang Dae-Kyung gave his permission, so Kang Chan headed for his room.

    ¡°Honey! Our son is actually a genius, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°People can only get to his level if they live abroad among the locals for at least ten years. Are kids picking up skills that fast these days?¡±

    ¡°How else would they have learned it? Should we take this opportunity to upgrade theputer? Oh, right! I should go to a French restaurant for brunch with Seong-Hee. She¡¯s the one whose son goes to an international school. I hate it when she brags about him. This is great!¡±

    Looking at Yoo Hye-Sook pping her hands, Kang Dae-Kyung was so tempted to say, ¡®I wish I were as simple-minded as you,¡¯ but he held himself back.

    1. Korean rice cakes

    2. Korean seaweed rice rolls

 Chapter 5: Bullies? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 5: Bullies? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan spent the whole night figuring out how to get to school using public transportation and which ss he was in. Truth be told, he had reincarnated¡ªinto a wealthy family he had longed for at that.

    Kang Chan wanted to give studying an actual shot, but gave up in less than an hour since he didn¡¯t understand anything. He found English and Math to be the most absurd subjects. What was the point of learning sentences that would never be used in real life and math forms only used by math majors?

    <i>¡®This bastard doesn¡¯t even have books?¡¯</i>

    A timetable was taped to the desk, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand why there were only a few books. What he had thought was a self-learning book at first turned out to be a textbook, and he only found out after rummaging through his things for quite some time.

    Before he knew it, it was morning.

    After breakfast, Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan if he wanted a ride to school, to which Kang Chan immediately nodded. He would rather get a ride and feel ufortable around his father than try to figure out how to use public transport in the morning.

    Kang Dae-Kyung easily drove their car out of the underground parking lot and onto the main road. Kang Chan gazed out of the window on the passenger side and looked at the morning scenery.

    ¡°You¡¯re my son, right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked out of nowhere. ¡°I¡¯m fine with whatever you¡¯ve be as long as you¡¯re alive. After looking at your diary and text messages yesterday, I understand why you¡¯ve changed. But I hope you can return to how you used to be. I want to see you smile from time to time.¡±

    <i>¡®I wonder if I¡¯ll be able to y the role of this person¡¯s son.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t be more proud of you when you took the call and resolved the issue yesterday. I used to think that people who bragged about their childrencked discretion, but today, I¡¯m one of those people.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled with ease for the first time.<i>?</i>He wished he had been born as the son of these people.

    ¡°Over there, right?¡±

    Even though Kang Chan didn¡¯t respond to him, Kang Dae-Kyung still dropped him off in front of the school.

    ¡°See you in the evening.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t get yourself hurt.¡±

    Before closing the door, Kang Chan poked his head into the car and noticed Kang Dae-Kyung appearing very emotional. His eyes had turned red.

    <i>Grin.</i>

    That was all there was to their interaction. Kang Chan had nothing to say, and Kang Dae-Kyung had already said what he wanted to say.

    After getting out of the car, Kang Chan found the main gate right ahead. Students were flocking to the wide-open main gate, but there were mixed reactions as soon as he appeared. A student quickly outdistanced and avoided him; a student gave him a furtive nce; another openly stared at him... However, there was one thing they all had inmon¡ªnone of them could make eye contact with him.

    Kang Chan entered the school gate, his bag slung over his right shoulder, and the first person he saw was the teacher that had given off a familiar vibe yesterday. He held a long stick used to discipline students, and his gaze immediately shifted to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Wear your bag properly before entering the school premises.¡±

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    All the students¡¯ eyes darted between Kang Chan and the teacher. However, Kang Chan walked right past the teacher without correcting anything. He held the teacher¡¯s gaze until he had to look over his shoulder.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let it slide this once.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The teacher smirked in the same way.

    <i>¡®I should find out what his name is.¡¯</i>

    Even though he was a bit old, Kang Chan liked him.

    ***

    12th Grade, ss 2.

    His ssmates¡¯ reactions were not much different from the ones he had gotten in the hallway. When Kang Chan walked into the ssroom, the loud students instantly became silent and carefully made their way to their seats. They looked at him without making direct eye contact with him.

    Kang Chan looked around the ssroom and realized that the number of students in his ss was surprisingly small, but that didn¡¯t mean he could tell where his seat was, leaving him no choice but to call out to the student sitting at the back by the door.

    ¡°Hey, where¡¯s my seat?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Oh! Right over there.¡±

    Kang Chan walked over to the seat the boy had pointed to and sat down. It was the second row from the front and the second column from the left.

    <i>¡®This is the perfect spot to get sniped at. There aren¡¯t any blind spots. Tsk!¡¯</i>

    As he was internally expressing his dissatisfaction, a strange tension filled the ssroom. Kang Chan turned around and made eye contact with Lee Ho-Jun as thetter entered the ssroom. Lee Ho-Jun was startled, but judging from his bodynguage, it was evident that he wasn¡¯t going to yield to Kang Chan. He sat down in the middle seat at the back of the ssroom.

    <i>¡®That¡¯s what happens when you don¡¯t fully teach someone a lesson.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan could tell from Lee Ho-Jun¡¯s eyes that he was vigntly waiting for an opportunity to get back at him. Lee Ho-Jun wanted to show everyone he didn¡¯t lose to Kang Chan. It was a foolish thought on his part.

    <i>¡®For all I know, he might even attack me during ss in a bid to save his face.¡¯</i>

    However, Kang Chan shook his head and got rid of the terrible thoughts in his mind.

    <i>¡®He¡¯s a child. I¡¯m up against a?child, what¡­¡¯</i>

    ¡°Hey! Kang Chan!¡±

    Kang Chan let out a short sigh and turned his head around.

    ¡°Come up to the roof during lunchtime.¡± It was Lee Ho-Jun. He spoke while clenching his teeth. The bruise on his left cheek and the cuts on his lips and around his eyes were very noticeable.

    ¡°To make things easier, if you have backups, just bring them with you all at one go.¡±

    On the other hand, Kang Chan found the fact that Lee Ho-Jun still tried to look tough despite being unable to respond to him adorable.

    ***

    His sses were truly a test of patience. They had homeroom with a teacher Kang Chan didn¡¯t recognize, followed by four hours of ss. The ambience was so heavy that the other students were cautious even when it came to breathing. And that was the same for the teachers as well.

    Kang Chan was not stupid¡ªhe was just ignorant. He soon became sick of listening to words he couldn¡¯tprehend at all.

    <i>Ding dong dang.</i>

    It was finally lunchtime.

    <i>Screeech!</i>

    Lee Ho-Jun got up from his seat and left through the back door.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m hungry.¡¯</i>

    The smell of curry and <i>banchan</i> whetted Kang Chan¡¯s appetite, but he had a promise to keep.

    Kang Chan got to his feet.

    ¡°Chan.¡±

    A girl sitting in the first column from the left and fourth row called out to him. She had huge eyes and shoulder-length hair with bangs that covered her forehead. It was no exaggeration to say that she looked like a bad impersonation of Snow White. She had a rather sharp nose and was well-endowed, unlike the average female student.

    ¡°I heard this morning that the Shimdeok bullies havee too.¡±

    It seemed as though she plucked up the courage to say that. There was a slight look of righteous indignation, as well as pity, on her face.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to go, right?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What would happen if I choose not to go?¡±

    That was when Kang Chan saw her name tag on her chest.

    <i>¡®Kim Mi-Young¡­ Wasn¡¯t she the girl that had something to do with some photo?¡¯</i>

    ¡°You could always avoid him.¡±

    ¡°What if he stilles after me?¡±

    ¡°Then you tell the homeroom teacher.¡±

    Kang Chan took a deep breath.

    ¡°You¡­ know I didn¡¯t take the picture, right?¡±

    Kang Chan instantly noticed that the other students were tense.

    ¡°When I remained silent and was treated like a fool, not a single soul came to help me, and now that things have gotten to this point, you¡¯re acting like you care about me?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young looked like she was about to cry.

    Kang Chan slowly turned around and left the ssroom. They were young children, but they could be very cruel in some ways.

    <i>¡®Yeah. This is all because I didn¡¯t put an end to it.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan decided to drop out of school today.

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    He was nning to swing by the rooftop before getting some pork cutlets.

    <i>¡®I¡¯ll go to France and start all over again.¡¯</i>

    It was getting a bit burdensome to start feeling affection towards someone else¡¯s parents. And when he thought about his subordinates who had died without knowing why, he felt like he had left the restroom without washing his hands¨C¨Cdirty and bothered.

    <i>¡®If I was going to be sent back, I should¡¯ve been sent back to the past.¡¯</i>

    Naturally, that was on the premise that Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were his parents.

    When Kang Chan was going up to the roof, some sloppy-looking male students and female students with thick makeup¡ªlooking as though they had just finished their shift at a bar¡ªtagged along.

    Kang Chan stopped in his tracks on the stairs. He turned around and looked at the girl in front. She had rolled up her skirt so much that he could see her underwear when she was climbing up the stairs.

    ¡°Go back downstairs.¡±

    ¡°Ah, fuck! Who the hell do you think you are?¡±

    Before he even finished speaking, the girl had already started acting aggressively with him. There were a lot of women like her in France as well. They had guts and went around wearing knuckle dusters.

    Kang Chan took two steps toward the girl. The ck lines around her eyes were so thick that it looked as though her eyes were attached separately to her face.

    ¡°What? You want to try me?¡±

    <i>p!</i>

    The boys at the bottom of the stairs caught the girl. As expected, she had copsed from the p.

    ¡°Fuck. Off. Before I kill you.¡±

    Looking at the girl, Kang Chan decided to wrap things up by viewing them as enemies rather than treating them as students or children. They weren¡¯t children¡ªthey were monsters in children¡¯s clothing. When people became adults, they¡¯d gain the fundamental ability to discern right from wrong, but these kids wouldn¡¯t even be able to do that.

    As soon as his eyes gleamed, the students on the stairs hesitated before going down. Kang Chan watched them until they reached the bottom before walking again toward the roof.

    <i>¡®I¡¯ll crush all of you to pieces.¡¯</i>

    He was already going to quit school anyway, so he was determined to take out these bastards. Kang Chan grabbed the handle of the roof door and shoved it open.

    He didn¡¯t want to be blinded by the sudden bright light, nor did he want to get ambushed by any of them and get into a brawl.

    <i>¡®Fools.¡¯</i>

    There were about ten people squatting while smoking. Perhaps they felt confident, considering they didn¡¯t evenunch a surprise attack on him. Kang Chan walked out onto the rooftop before shutting the door tightly.

    ¡°Look at you,ing here on your own. Good job taking the initiative!¡±

    <i>¡®That bastard is the leader, huh.¡¯</i>

    The sloppy guy looked at Kang Chan and spoke smugly. As soon as he tossed his cigarette, they all stood up and approached Kang Chan. Kang Chan looked at the weapons three of them were holding and felt relieved.

    A fillet knife, an iron pipe, and a piece of lumber with nails embedded in it.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t believe there were people like them in school.

    ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve grown some guts after your fall. Trynding in the parking lot today and smash your head to pieces.¡±

    Kang Chan took a deep breath.

    ¡°So I fell previously because of you guys, huh?¡±

    ¡°What? You cried for help and acted like a fool before running away, no? I didn¡¯t hit you at all, motherfucker. Has this bastard gonepletely insane?¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Lee Ho-Jun. He had a look of great anticipation on his face.

    ¡°Whatever, it all worked out. I was getting fucking annoyed ¡®cause I couldn¡¯t collect any money.¡±

    The guy Kang Chan had assumed to be their leader spoke insidiously as he walked towards him.

    This guy had good instincts.<i>?</i>He was born with that attitude. Walking at a distance meant that he could take the opportunity to calcte if he should extend his foot or throw a fist.

    ¡°You motherfucker, keep your eyes wide open!¡±

    The leader swiftly swung his fist at him. Kang Chan went around him, put his right arm in an armlock, and struck the boy¡¯s neck hard with his left elbow.

    ¡°<i>Keuk</i>.¡±

    The rest of the students rushed in to attack Kang Chan as he twisted the leader¡¯s arm and struck him again on the neck with his left elbow.

    <i>Tuk.</i>

    ¡°Ack! Aghh!¡±

    Even though he hadpletely broken his opponent¡¯s arm, Kang Chan didn¡¯t let go of it. He grabbed the boy by the neck and shoved him in the way of the iing iron pipe.

    <i>Pow.</i>

    The move startled the person swinging the iron pipe. His head had probably been smashed open, since Kang Chan could feel blood gushing from the boy¡¯s head on his hand. He had been grabbing the boy¡¯s broken right arm, but now, he dropped it to grab the left arm before twisting it a little.

    <i>Pow. Pow pow. Pow pow pow.</i>

    Kang Chan then used his left hand to bend the boy¡¯s left wrist and used it to hit the other three boys in their Adam¡¯s apples, creating a brief opening. Taking advantage of it, he leapt up and kicked the faces of the two boys next to him, ced the left arm of the boy he was grabbing between his legs, and descended.

    <i>Crack.</i>

    ¡°Gaaaaaaaah!¡±

    The boy fiendishly waved both arms and struggled, but Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t let go of him.

    ¡°Come here!¡±

    As soon as Kang Chan pulled his arms forcefully, the boy¡¯s arms stretched out grotesquely long.

    ¡°Agh. Arrrgh.¡±

    ¡°Fucking bastard. You¡¯re fucking loud.¡±

    <i>Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan kicked the nape of the boy, whose body had stooped over. He no longer moved after being thrown to the floor, as though he was dead. The rest of them hesitantly surrounded him.

    Kang Chan red at them.

    ¡°You!¡±

    The guy with the filet knife became terrified.

    1. A collective name for small side dishes served alongside rice in Korean cuisine, such as kimchi, fish cakes, etc¡­

 Chapter 6é”›å­­art1: Bullies? (2)

    <h4>Chapter6£¬Part1: Bullies? (2)</h4>

    As quick as lightning, Kang Chan pounced on the guy with the iron pipe.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    He jabbed his thumb into his target¡¯s neck, abdomen, and ribs. Taking advantage of the jump¡¯s velocity, he then forcefully kneed the boy in the thigh.

    ¡°<i>Cough.</i>¡±

    The iron pipe was already in Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°If you go around carrying this¡­¡±

    <i>Boong. Pow!</i>

    With all his strength, he then smashed the center of the boy¡¯s bent knee with the iron pipe.

    ¡°Aghhhhhh!¡±

    Next, Kang Chan struck the shoulder of the boy, who was now rolling on the ground and holding his knee.

    <i>Boong¨C¨C Pow.</i>

    ¡°Gahhhhh!¡±

    <i>Boong¨C¨C Pow.</i>

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Not wanting to break his promise to Kang Dae-Kyung that he wouldn¡¯t kill another person, Kang Chan held himself back when he hit the boy in the neck. Nevertheless, the boy fell to the ground as if he was dead.

    ¡°These bastards.¡±

    Kang Chan tossed the iron pipe aside and red at the boy with the fillet knife.

    ¡°At the very least, if you want to carry a knife with you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Die!¡±

    The boy screamed and lunged with his knife toward him.

    <i>Woosh!</i>

    Kang Chan swiftly grabbed his wrist, yanked it, and forcefully mmed his right elbow against the guy¡¯s face.

    <i>Thump.</i>

    Kang Chan twisted the boy¡¯s left hand, forcing him to hold the fillet knife up. He then grabbed the knife with his right hand and held it in a reverse grip.

    <i>Poke. Poke. Poke. Poke.</i>

    Kang Chan struck both of his shoulders and both sides of his waist.

    ¡°Gaahhh!¡±

    The boy¡¯s entire body was nowpletely drenched with blood, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t let go of him.

    <i>Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan struck his nape hard with the fillet knife¡¯s handle.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    The boy fell t on his face and became as quiet as a corpse. The guy holding the nail bat took a step back.

    Kang Chan looked at him, tilting his head to one side.

    ¡°You have one hell of an advantage. My weapon is shorter than yours, no?¡±

    ¡°You motherfucker!¡±

    Right as the boy cursed at him, Kang Chan bent his index and middle fingers and jabbed him in the eyes.

    <i>Jab. Jab. Jab.</i>

    It all happened in an instant. Kang Chan thrust his fingers into his opponent¡¯s right elbow and both shoulders in an instant, rendering the guy incapable ofbat for at least two months.

    Everything after that happened at the speed of lightning. With the students dispirited, Kang Chan could give them a break. Except for Lee Ho-Jun and the boy with the nail bat, he struck each of the students¡¯ right elbow and both shoulders with the knife.

    ¡°Euhhh!¡±

    A cry of pain resounded. In reality, muscles would only sting before they started throbbing if they were poked. It wouldn¡¯t hurt this excessively.

    ¡°Lee Ho-Jun.¡±

    Lee Ho-Jun backed away from Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re the only ones left. I¡¯m going to dig out your eye. Decide which side you want to keep before I make a hole in your fucking body. Otherwise, I¡¯ll just dig both out.¡±

    Lee Ho-Jun was utterly terrified, and he couldn¡¯t run away in his condition. Things would¡¯ve been better if Kang Chan had done this during their first encounter. Kang Chan now realized the importance of wrapping things up properly, but he still had business to take care of. He walked straight toward the guy with the nail bat.

    ¡°Ugh! Fuck!¡±

    <i>Boong.</i>

    .

    Kang Chan ran toward the nail bating at him and flung its wielder¡¯s right arm over his left shoulder before twisting his elbow in the opposite direction.

    <i>Crack.</i>

    ¡°Gaaah! Gahhhh!¡±

    ¡°Be quiet, motherfucker.¡±

    If Kang Chan cut them some ck, then something like this would happen again. Hence, he mped the boy¡¯s broken arm between his legs and bent it even more.

    <i>Crack.</i>

    As Kang Chan twisted the boy¡¯s arm violently, the sounds of bones breaking resounded from his shoulder.

    ¡°Hoo!¡±

    Kang Chan let go of the arm and picked up the nail bat that had fallen to the ground. There were more than ten nine-inch nails embedded in it.

    ¡°Bicycle chains were popr back in my day.¡±

    Kang Chan stood facing the guy that was now drooling and sobbing.

    <i>Whoosh. Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan struck him hard in the neck. Not wanting to kill him, he used the bottom part of the nail bat, breaking it just below the nails as he pounded the boy onto the ground. The boy soon stopped moving, just like the others.

    ¡°Lee Ho-Jun, have youe to a decision?¡±

    The guys that hadn¡¯t lost consciousness looked more startled than Lee Ho-Jun. Kang Chan thought about what to do for a moment. Lee Ho-Jun couldn¡¯t attack again because he was already utterly discouraged.

    <i>¡®Do I have to teach him a lesson?¡¯</i>

    ¡°Bring me a cigarette first.¡±

    Lee Ho-Jun couldn¡¯t even move.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me say it twice, motherfucker! It¡¯s annoying!¡±

    Lee Ho-Jun hurriedly walked over in response, handing him a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from the pocket of his pants.

    <i>Chik chik.</i>

    ¡°Hoo.¡±

    Kang Chan returned the pack of cigarettes and lighter to Lee Ho-Jun, who couldn¡¯t make eye contact with him.

    ¡°You got beaten up yesterday, so I¡¯ll cut you some ck.¡±

    Lee Ho-Jun doubted it, but he didn¡¯t dare speak up.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    ¡°Ack!¡±

    The door to the rooftop swung open and hit the guy that had been stabbed with a knife, making him scream. The teacher Kang Chan had met this morning came up to the roof and scanned the surroundings. He exhaled heavily.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    He quickly closed the door.

    ¡°Are you not going to put out that cigarette?¡±

    ¡°Please read the room. Can¡¯t you turn a blind eye just this once?¡±

    Though dumbfounded for a moment, the teacher soon disyed a look of resignation.

    ¡°Give me one too.¡±

    Lee Ho-Junplied like a good student.

    ¡°Hoo.¡± Kang Chan and the teacher sat down on the floor as they smoked.

    ¡°None of them needs urgent medical attention, right?¡±

    ¡°I just made sure they won¡¯t be able to fight for the next three or four months.¡±

    The teacher nodded in response.

    ¡°Oh? They¡¯re not from our school, huh?¡± The teacher turned his head toward the boy that had fallen t on his face.

    ¡°I heard they¡¯re Shimdeok bullies, is that right?¡±

    Lee Ho-Jun quickly nodded in response to Kang Chan¡¯s question.

    ¡°Don¡¯te to school anymore,¡± the teacher told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I was nning not to anyway.¡±

    ¡°Why? Are you thinking of bing a gangster or something?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to France.¡±

    The teacher¡¯s face hardened upon hearing Kang Chan¡¯s response. However, he shook his head lightly shortly after, snapping himself out of his thoughts.

    ¡°You¡¯re very simr to someone I know.¡±

    ¡°Hahahaha.¡±

    Kang Chanughed so hard he wheezed.

    ¡°If you knew who I really am, you¡¯d be very shocked.¡±

    The teacher smiled after hearing his reply but didn¡¯t respond further.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We need to send those bastards to the hospital,¡± the teacher said.

    ¡°I¡¯m going home.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t fool around. Get back to ss. You must tie up all loose ends properly before leaving the country. If you get charged with a crime, you¡¯re doomed. Stay in school because I¡¯m going to push for self-defense or standing up against violence angle. Wearing a school uniform will help the extenuating circumstances.¡±

    The teacher got up and dusted off his pants.

    ¡°Can you get that bastard to make a statement in our favor?¡± The teacher asked Kang Chan while staring at Lee Ho-Jun.

    Kang Chan slowly got up and looked at Lee Ho-Jun.

    ¡°Tell them these people were trying to seek revenge for the incident that happened a few days ago, and you were dragged here today to fight back. You didn¡¯t bring any weapons with you, right?¡± The teacher asked.

    ¡°Why would I carry such a thing with me?¡±

    ¡°True.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯re you looking out for me?¡± Kang Chan asked just as the teacher turned around.

    The teacher looked over his shoulder and gave him a meaningful smile.

    ¡°Because I¡¯m grateful that you did what I couldn¡¯t do,¡± the teacher replied, looking into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    As he turned back to the rooftop door and opened it, he found a bunch of students standing in front of him.

    ¡°What are you doing standing here? Go back downstairs!¡± He yelled at the students.

    ¡°Ha, considering I have to file a report to the police and deal with them, things are nokay today.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as though the whole world had stopped after hearing the words the teacher mumbled to himself.

    ¡°Hey, you. Stop.¡±

    The teacher sighed so hard and loud that his upper body shook.

    ¡°Hey, brat! Are you acting like this just because we shared a cigarette together? You¡¯re going to regret it if you take it too far.¡±

    Kang Chan stared suspiciously at him.

    ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re getting smug because I¡¯veplimented you too much!¡±

    The teacher approached Kang Chan. It seemed as though he couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer. It was Kang Chan¡¯s first time feeling this tense ever since he reincarnated, and it wasn¡¯t tension from a simple fight. It was sharp, simr to what he felt on the battlefield, where he risked his life.

    ¡°I¡¯ve barely made up my mind, so don¡¯t kick up a big fuss, kid, but I had also been thinking about leaving everything behind and going to France.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you too old?¡±

    ¡°Still! Be respectful when you speak to me from now on.¡±

    The teacher¡¯s ego seemed to have been bruised. It was as if he was more upset about Kang Chan¡¯sment about his age than about the fact that the kid was speaking to him informally.

    The two locked res without an inch of concession, seemingly about to pounce on each other at any given moment.

    ¡°Do you know who I am?¡±

    ¡°Hey! Kang Chan!¡±

    ¡°You knew my name all along, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    The teacher shook his head slightly without avoiding his gaze.

    ¡°You knew my name, right?¡±

    After hearing the same question for the second time, the teacher nodded.

    ¡°I know that name.¡±

    <i>Could it be¡­?</i>

    Kang Chan looked straight into the teacher¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Who am I?¡±

    And then¡­ he saw the teacher¡¯s eyes tremble.

    ¡°Say the next line too,¡± the teacher replied, his voice emotional.

    ¡°God of¡­¡±

    ¡°ckfield.¡± The teacher finished Kang Chan¡¯s clearly articted words.

    It was a truly astounding moment.

    1. This was spoken in English.

 Chapter 6é”›å­­art2: Bullies? (2)

    <h4>Chapter6£¬Part2: Bullies? (2)</h4>

    As the afternoon sses started, Kang Chan sat inside the counseling office with Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Man.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed. Seok Kang-Ho nced at him and tried to study his face.

    ¡°Do you have any cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You can¡¯t smoke inside the counseling office¡­¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    Kang Chan raised his hand and acted as though he was about to smack Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°...Sir.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak informally,¡± Kang Chan chided.

    Seok Kang-Ho lifted his angr jaw and looked at Kang Chan¡¯s fierce eyes before smacking his lips and lowering his gaze.

    This was nuts.<i>?</i>Dayeru was Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s¡ªno, Seok Kang-Ho was Dayeru¡¯s alter ego¡­? In any case, they were the same person. The timing was simr, just that Dayeru had been in his wife¡¯s arms while Kang Chan had been in the hospital.

    ¡°Was it good?¡±

    ¡°What was¡­Sir?¡±

    ¡°Being in your wife¡¯s arms.¡±

    ¡°Even if my wife dies, I have no regrets.¡±

    ¡°Oh my, look at this dumbass.¡±

    .

    ¡°Someone¡¯s listening.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re full of shit.¡±

    ¡°Are you really going to drop out of school?¡± Seok Kang-Ho quickly changed the topic as soon as the conversation stopped working in his favor.

    ¡°I told you I was going to France!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re nning to return to that hellish ce?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan pursed his lips and tapped the table with his index finger.

    ¡°This is strange. There was clearly a spy among us. If we don¡¯t find out why, I won¡¯t be able to sit still, because I¡¯ll keep thinking about my men who died an unjust death.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go during the school holidays. Vacation starts in a month and a half, so go with me then. Even if it¡¯s just during the holidays, I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    ¡°Do you think we¡¯re going on a pic?¡±

    ¡°Then what do you want to do? They won¡¯t ept me. I¡¯m old.¡±

    ¡°Just stay here. You have a wife and a stable job. What¡¯s the issue?¡±

    ¡°Hoo.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho ran his fingers through his hair with hisrge hand, feeling frustrated. It was true he had gotten older, but more importantly, it was just like Kang Chan said: he had be attached to this ce. Within a short span of time, his wife and child had already captured his heart. Well, he used to be a lonely man after all.

    ¡°Do you still remember how to speak Algeria¡¯snguages?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Strangely, although I speak Korean naturally, I¡¯m still fluent in Algeria¡¯snguages. I was pretty shocked initially.¡±

    That could happen.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be difficult. Let¡¯s go during the school holidays. I want to teach a couple of guys a lesson, and the thought¡¯s been driving me insane over here. The timing will be just right if we take care of them.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho hit his chest twice with his palm.

    ¡°Those fes we saw today are in an alliance. They have gangsters backing them up. Even without them, they were nning to capture me.¡± Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Oh? They¡¯re not easy to deal with.¡±

    ¡°Shut up. Are you really going to fight children because you have nothing better to do?¡±

    ¡°You saw what happened today. They may be students, but they totally act like neighborhood gangsters. Let¡¯s say we¡¯re doing something good and wait till the vacation! That¡¯s all I¡¯m asking. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°You told me you were going to do that.¡±

    ¡°As a teacher, wouldn¡¯t I be criminally prosecuted for cruel treatment the moment I get caught? I have to wear a mask too. There are a lot of things I¡¯m concerned about.¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    ¡°Are you truly Dayeru?¡±

    ¡°Why? If not, how would I have known you were the God of ckfield?¡±

    ¡°But how did you be so narrow-minded?¡±

    ¡°I just don¡¯t want to go to prison after being reincarnated.¡±

    That might well be the case.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>.¡±

    ¡°Will you help me?¡±

    ¡°Bring me a cigarette.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Seok Kang-Ho got up from his seat, looking happy.

    ¡°One month?¡±

    The duration didn¡¯t really matter all that much. But that didn¡¯t mean he was going to fight with those little brats.

    Kang Chan looked at the window of the counseling office, and Seok Kang-Ho came back shortly after. He dragged the sofa over and blocked the door.

    ¡°The counseling office cannot be locked because of the female students.¡±

    ¡°Ah, right! I pped a girl earlier. Have you dealt with her?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s nothing new to her, so it¡¯s not a big deal. As for the other guys, I dealt with them appropriately and sent them to the hospital. Since they were in possession of dangerous weapons as a group, they wouldn¡¯t be able to make much noise. As a teacher, I also told them what I was going to tell the cops, so it seems like I¡¯ve more or less managed to cover up the incident.¡±

    Kang Chan smoked his cigarette without saying a word.

    ¡°So let¡¯s go during the school vacation in a month.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked so pitiful that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bring himself to say no.

    ¡°Sure. If I don¡¯t flunk out, we¡¯ll go during vacation, but I don¡¯t want to deal with those children.¡±

    Kang Chan thoroughly exhaled the cigarette smoke once more in front of the sad Seok Kang-Ho.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s efforts were all in vain, as the hospital filed a report with the authorities. Since there were too many patients with stab wounds, the emergency room had to report it in ordance with their rules and regtions.

    It was already the second time Kang Chan showed up to school and was greeted by patrol cars. Seok Kang-Ho insisted on writing a letter guaranteeing he would take Kang Chan to the precinct instead of letting the police drag him into a patrol car and haul him there, so the police officers questioned Kang Chan in the counseling office instead.

    ¡°Seriously, what kind of person are you?¡±

    The policeman that took the report frowned, looking fed up. Ten people had waited on the rooftop with weapons and had lured Kang Chan there, so he found it hard to believe what had happened after that.

    He smacked his lips and looked at his co-worker sitting next to him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s forget about it,¡± one of the policemen said.

    ¡°Then, this brat will be expelled from school. He¡¯s going to feel very victimized.¡± The other responded.

    ¡°If something goes wrong, we might get in trouble trying to cover up the incident.¡±

    At that moment, Seok Kang-Ho, who had been walking on eggshells, stepped forward.

    ¡°Naturally, I¡¯ll pay for the hospital fees and take responsibility so the victims won''t file anywsuits. Please handle this amicably.¡±

    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re trying to say, but people change their minds very easily. My neck will be on the line if this isn¡¯t handled properly. A lot of children got injured, and I don¡¯t know what their parents are going to do.¡± The officer responded to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What kind of parents would want their child to be expelled from school? As you can see from his records here, he had always been a kind and introverted person prior to the incident. He was also admitted to the hospital for over a month because of an ident that gave him a delusional disorder. I¡¯m sure there was also a teacher you were thankful for back when you were a student, no?¡± Kang-Ho continued to plead Kang Chan¡¯s case.

    The two police officers smacked their lips and looked through the report.

    ¡°It¡¯s a revenge attack, and the majority of the people he hospitalized are known to be school bullies, so there wouldn¡¯t be any other charges. If there¡¯s an issue, I¡¯ll resign from teaching.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to do that, sir.¡±

    ¡°How can I call myself a teacher if I were to forsake such a student?¡±

    Perhaps he was clenching his teeth, but Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s face was twitching.

    ¡°Hmm, can you really ensure nobody files for any charges?¡±

    ¡°Officer?¡±

    ¡°I will assume all responsibility. Nothing would¡¯ve happened if the hospital hadn¡¯t reported it.¡± Seok Kang-Ho pleaded.

    Even though his subordinate¡¯s eyes were full of concern, the police officer in charge of the case stared at Kang Chan while pursing his lips. ¡°Can you promise not to do such a thing ever again?¡±

    Kang Chan tightened his jaw hard to stop himself fromughing.

    ¡°Alright. We¡¯re letting you off because of your teacher, understood? Your teacher saved you, so be remorseful for what you¡¯ve done, okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan responded that way, not because of his desire to go to school, but because he felt sorry for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°In that case, Mr. Seok, I¡¯ll go to the hospital and visit the victims. If they sign a statement stating they won¡¯t file for any charges, then we¡¯ll pretend this never happened. Instead of saying they got hurt from a fight, please think of other reasonable excuses.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Thank you. I¡¯ll go to the hospital first andfort the children then. Thank you very much.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it hard to teach kids these days? Seeing you reminds me of a teacher who cared deeply about me in the past. So I¡¯m determined to help him today as well. Please ensure there will be no problems in the future.¡±

    When the police officer got up, Seok Kang-Ho got up as well.

    How else could he react in such a situation?

    Looking down, Kang Chan got up from his seat and stood next to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°You have to hold it in, son. From now on, no matter who bullies you, you have to think of your teacher¡¯s kindness. Control your anger and put up with them. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    How would the police have reacted if they had heard Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s suggestion to beat up the bullies?

    ¡°I¡¯ll trust you, Mr. Seok. I¡¯ll be going to the hospital in about two hours, and because it¡¯s been reported to the central center, the students must say it wasn¡¯t an assault. If they don¡¯t, then there¡¯s nothing else I can do.¡±

    ¡°If they wanted to report him, do you think they would¡¯ve kept silent the entire time before the hospital reported it? You really don¡¯t have to worry about that. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m moved by the fact that people like you exist, Mr. Seok. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±

    After the two police officers left, Kang Chan sat down. Seok Kang-Ho walked the two of them out and came back shortly after.

    ¡°Please head back to ss.¡±

    ¡°You want me to go to ss?¡±

    ¡°I have to go to the hospital too, and haven¡¯t you been here for too long?¡±

    ¡°Your words are getting curter by the second, huh?¡±

    ¡°Huh, hmm. I¡¯m old. Let¡¯s just leave it at that and move on.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. Indeed, Dayeru was originally a year older than him. Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to be treated respectfully. He had no choice but to go to ss.

    Since ss was ongoing, the ssroom was quiet.

 Chapter 6é”›å­­art3: Bullies? (2)

    <h4>Chapter6£¬Part3: Bullies? (2)</h4>

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    When Kang Chan opened the door and entered, all eyes were on him. Startled, Lee Ho-Jun turned his head around as quickly as possible. Even the female teacher in her mid-thirties couldn¡¯t say anything. All she did was walk on eggshells around Kang Chan.

    He slowly sat down in his seat and looked at the teacher.

    ¡°Ah, let¡¯s continue with the ss.¡±

    The teacher proceeded with the ss as if she snapped out of hypnosis. It was a Japanese ss, and the discussion was about the story of how Cheol-Su entered a snowy vige and provoked the owner by asking about the price of the udon he wasn¡¯t even nning on getting. It was much better than math, but Kang Chan was still in a daze.

    The ss ended.

    <i>Screech</i>

    When one of the male students in front of Kang Chan stood up, his chair made a loud noise. He hunched over anxiously and nced at Kang Chan nervously.

    Even during the break, everyone was still stiff. Kang Chan smacked his lips and leaned back in his chair. The students going to the bathroom moved around solemnly and somberly, like monks in a monastery.

    Just then, Lee Ho-Jun approached Kang Chan. He ced a can of juice and a piece of bread on his desk.

    Was this guy truly rotten to the core?

    Kang Chan looked at him dumbfoundedly.

    ¡°The tenth- and eleventh-graders will swing by to greet you after ss.¡±

    Despite Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Lee Ho-Jun said what he wanted to say.

    ¡°Take those back.¡±

    Feeling embarrassed and overwhelmed by Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, he took the juice and bread and returned to his seat.

    As everyone was looking at them, the ssroom was filled with a great deal of tension. Kang Chan felt suffocated as well, so he let out a small sigh.

    Noticing the other students¡¯ attention had shifted away from him, he subconsciously turned around and found female students staring at him. He recognized one of them due to her swollen left cheek.

    ¡°Hey! Kang Chan!¡±

    The girl stood next to him, and three girls wearing childish makeup stood behind her. It was as if they had the word ¡®delinquent¡¯ written all over their foreheads.

    ¡°Free up some time after ss.¡± The girl demanded.

    ¡°Stop fooling around and leave.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    <i>Screech!</i>

    Kang Chan got up from his seat and faced her, the smell of the beauty products she used greeting him. The bloodthirsty vibe Kang Chan emitted was on apletely different level from the bravado disyed by the ordinary students, so all the girl could do was look angry. She couldn¡¯t even open her mouth.

    The girl stared at Kang Chan¡¯s right hand, seemingly afraid of being pped again. This sort of thing happened a lot in France too. Lovers of the men he had beaten up had approached him with concealed knuckle dusters on their hands, and he had also seen finger-length awls hidden in the hair of some women who were undressing.

    Problems would always arise when he cut them some ck.

    <i>¡®Do I have to make sure there isn''t any troubleter on this time around too?¡¯</i>

    He felt strangely soft-hearted when he saw her wearing a school uniform.

    <i>¡®This isn¡¯t a battlefield. Wouldn¡¯t it be okay to let it slide?¡¯</i>

    However, Kang Chan decided not to. He made up his mind. If she were to say one more word¡­

    As if the girl had read Kang Chan¡¯s mind, she turned around. The three people behind her looked at him with the same scowl on their faces, but that was it.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m tired.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan smacked his lips, sat down, and made eye contact with the voluptuous Snow White with the bangs.

    This was cumbersome. He wanted to quickly go to France and go through the whole process before going to Africa. He had never thought he would ever miss the dirt and bullets in his life.

    His sses ended after two grueling hours of hardship.

    ¡°Phew.¡± Kang Chan heaved a sigh of relief.

    Ten sloppy-looking students entered the ssroom through the front door. They immediately stood in a line, bowed deeply starting from the first person, and greeted Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan wanted to cry because the school had students like them, and even more so because they greeted him in such a manner.

    ¡°Fuck off.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    After hearing what he said, the sleazy group of students bid him goodbye in unison and left. Kang Chan missed home. He quickly got up from his chair and slung his bag over his shoulder.

    ¡°Let¡¯s leave together.¡± He heard a cautious voice. ncing at where it came from, he realized it was Snow White.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going home?¡±

    <i>Is she going in the same direction??</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything. He didn¡¯t know how to use public transport, so he thought this might be helpful. He walked right ahead, and Snow White followed behind.

    They left via the back door. The girl that got pped leaned against the wall with her arms folded and stared at him. The three worthless people standing behind her looked Snow White up and down.

    Kang Chan had no reason to pay any attention to them, but Snow White seemed to be afraid of them.

    ¡°You¡¯re dead.¡± The girl threatened Snow White

    Kang Chan heard the warning loud and clear. Unable to look up properly, Snow White simply looked at the floor. However, they weren¡¯t picking a fight with Kang Chan. He didn¡¯t know why the girl that got pped was following him around like that, but he couldn¡¯t just p her for standing there.

    The students that recognized Kang Chan quickly stayed close to the walls and made way for him to pass through. There was even a guy that pulled his friend aside when thetter didn¡¯t see Kang Chan passing by, as if Kang Chan had an infectious disease or something.

    It left a bitter taste in his mouth, but Kang Chan went down the stairs pretending not to notice. As they walked towards the main gate, Snow White seemingly eased up. Evidently, she wasn¡¯t aware that Kang Chan¡¯s nerves were on edge.

    ¡°I think Eun-Sil likes you.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Eun-Sil?¡±

    ¡°Eun-Sil! The girl waiting in the hallway.¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡±

    ¡°Be careful. I heard she sleeps around.¡±

    <i>Is that something to be careful about?</i>

    <i>¡®She¡¯s going to faint when she sees the French.¡¯</i>

    That was all he had time to think since he saw four big men in ck suits staring at him as soon as he turned around to leave the main gate. A child in a school uniform was standing next to them but disappeared quickly in the sea of students.

    ¡°Well, this is worse than Africa.¡±

    Kang chan looked at the ck car parked on the side of the road before looking at the four men again.

    ¡°Oy,e here.¡±

    One of them scowled, raised his hand, bent it slightly, and beckoned him with his index finger. Kang Chan then walked up to him. Snow White couldn¡¯t move at all, and the other students crowded around them. The man nced at the students with an annoyed look before returning his attention to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, so?¡±

    ¡°This motherfucker¡¯s getting smart with me, huh.¡±

    The look in his eyes could destroy a person.

    <i>¡®Got to be careful of gangsters¡­ Oh, right! There are no guns in Korea.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan felt more at ease.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to a nice ce. Get in the car.¡±

    The man nodded and pointed to the car.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>.¡±

    ¡°Motherfucker. Don''t piss me off. Hurry up and get in the car.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked andughed.

    ¡°Oppa!¡±

    Kang Chan caught a whiff of the scent of the beauty products he had smelled twice before. It was the girl named Eun-Sil. Things were bound to be as bad as they were right now since he hadn¡¯t taken care of them properly.

    Eun-Sil twisted her hip in a strange way and stood on one leg, showing confidence.

    The man pointed to the car to Eun-SIl.

    ¡°Get in the car too, you little shit!¡±

    The man snarled at Kang Chan.

    1. ssrooms in Korean schools have two doors¨C¨Cone at the front and one at the back.

 Chapter 7: Youéˆ¥æªe Never Been Given A Good Beating, Have You? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 7: You¡¯ve Never Been Given A Good Beating, Have You? (1)</h4>

    The students crowded around them while the girl named Eun-Sil observed the situation with her arms folded. The guy seemed to be getting irritated.

    ¡°Get in the car quick, you bastard.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Eun-Sil, who lowered her gaze as though to say, ¡®What are you going to do about it?¡¯ But in an instant, Kang Chan saw her mouthing the word ¡®dick¡¯.

    Kang Chan smirked. Whenever he let things slide, be it in front of the school or because of gangs and girls, things always turned out this way.

    These guys were professionals, but they were also disgusting fes that intervened in students¡¯ affairs. That being the case, it was only right for Kang Chan to treat them ordingly¨C¨Cgive them a real fight, not a squabble with children in school uniforms.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it your way.¡± He lowered the bag slung over his shoulder and approached the thug.

    ¡°Oh?¡± The guy was startled.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    Kang Channded a headbutt that could have knocked out even the 130kg Dayeru. The thug fell backward, and Kang Chan grabbed him by the chin and the back of his head before delivering a powerful knee strike.

    <i>Crrk.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s kneended on the thug¡¯s groin, making a terrifying sound that left all the male students petrified. made all the male students petrified.

    <i>Crack.</i>

    He then twisted the thug¡¯s neck, causing an injury severe enough to put him in a cast for about six months. The thugs didn¡¯t expect a mere student would dare charge at them.

    ¡°Did youe here to y?¡±

    Another thug had been at the side, observing Kang Chan with a dumbfounded look. Only when they made eye contact did hee back to his senses. Kang Chan knocked away the fist thrown by the guy on the left like he was swatting a fly.

    <i>Cha-ak. Pow pow pow.</i>

    He then jabbed the guy in the throat, abdomen, and armpit with his thumb.

    <i>¡°Cough.¡±</i>

    Clenching his fist and extending his middle knuckle, Kang Chan punched him hard in the jaw.

    <i>¡°Cough!¡±</i>

    Kang Chan grabbed the guy by his hair and jaw in the blink of an eye, then twisted his neck, just as he had done to his previous opponent.

    <i>Craaack.</i>

    ¡°You bastard!¡±

    Nevertheless, even though time was ticking, the guy swung a fillet knife at Kang Chan. Kang Chan quickly twisted his upper body.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Professionals were indeed different.<i>?</i>The knife cut across Kang Chan¡¯s waist fairly deeply, triggering tearful screams from the female students.

    ¡°You bastard, I¡¯m going to kill you!¡±

    It didn¡¯t matter how much the other person yelled¨C¨CKang Chan only focused on the side of his body. His clothes were torn apart, and blood was oozing out of his wound. Since he was no longer in his original body, his speed and power were no longer at the level they used to be.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>!¡± Kang Chan shook his head and expressed his annoyance. But even though those guys could seize the opportunity to win the fight, they didn¡¯t attack him.

    <i>¡®They probably didn¡¯t see thising.¡¯</i>

    They most likely didn¡¯t think that things would turn out like this when they were simply trying to capture a student. He was so strong that they were forced to use their knives. They checked their surroundings, looking all flustered. Things would take a turn for the worse if the cops were toe.

    ¡°You''ve never been beaten to a pulp, have you?¡±

    ¡°The hell did you say, motherfucker?!¡±

    Kang Chan waited for the enemy to let their guard down before taking the opportunity to attack them. It was clear that the guy had experience using a knife. Instead of stabbing him, the guy swung the knife a little to the right. Kang Chan stretched out his left hand toward the hilt as far as possible.

    <i>Tok. Pok.</i>

    The sound rang almost at the same time. Kang Chan¡¯s left palm had been sliced, but he had curled his right hand and used his index and middle fingers¡¯ second knuckles to stab the guy in the eyes.

    <i>Pok.?</i>

    ¡°Ack!¡±

    As the fillet knife fell to the ground, Kang Chan quickly grabbed the guy¡¯s hair with his left hand and took two steps back. Thest remaining thug could only flinch, unable to attack him.

    Regardless of how hard he tried, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t twist the heads of thest two guys, who had witnessed him doing that to their other two colleagues. They had instinctively stiffened¡ªthat was their bodies¡¯ way of protecting themselves. If he were to try and twist their necks, they would end up dead or paralyzed. Kang Chan pressed the thug¡¯s head down with his left hand instead and hit his face with his right palm.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    The thug struggled.

    ¡°Fuck! Let go of me! Let go!¡±

    Blood clogged the thug¡¯s mouth and nose. He struggled, but Kang Chan, holding his hair, continued hitting him in the face. It sounded gruesome, and Kang Chan menacingly ring at thest remaining thug only made it even more gut-churning.

    Huge drops of blood dripped onto the floor and sttered everywhere whenever Kang Chan hit him.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    The guy he was beating up lost consciousness, and the thug witnessing everything looked utterly terrified.

    Finally, Kang Chan stopped. He grabbed the guy¡¯s chin and hair, then twisted his neck.

    <i>Crack. Thud!</i>

    Blood dripped from Kang Chan¡¯s left hand, making it look as though he was wearing a red glove on his right hand, made from the blood of the thug that had copsed.

    Sadly, a lot of time had been wasted here. When Kang Chan abruptly lunged forward, the guy backed away from him, startled. Kang Chan picked up the knife with his hand that was covered in blood. He then grabbed the right hand of the guy whose neck he had just twisted.

    ¡°Hey, you motherfucker!¡± Thest man standing yelled at Kang Chan.

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    <i>Slice.?</i>Kang Chan cut a finger off the hand in his grasp.

    ¡°Aaaghhh!¡± A scream echoed, as though there was a choir harmonizing together.

    He only needed a thumb anyway. Even if Kang Chan were to cut any of the other four fingers at the base, this guy would still be able to use a pair of chopsticks, albeit barely, from now on.

    ¡°Fuck off.¡±

    ¡°You crazy bastard!¡±

    Gangsters would always be gangsters, even if they were intimidated. The guy swung the knife again.

    ¡°Get the fuck out of here before the policee, you imbecile. And bear this in mind¨C¨CI <i>will</i> break your neck.¡±

    Kang Chan meant what he said. He didn¡¯t want the police toe and kick up a big fuss, while on the other hand, he absolutely didn¡¯t want to let the guy that had attacked him with a knife get away scot-free.

    ¡°Hey! Get out of here now!¡±

    The man seemed to havee to his senses the moment he heard Kang Chan mentioning the police. As soon as Kang Chan yelled, the sloppy-looking students looked at his face and moved the guys that had copsed to the car.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stab you in the fucking gut!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t embarrass yourself. Take good care of your neck.¡±

    Meanwhile, the other students continued loading the thugs sprawled out on the floor into the car.

    ¡°If you want to work out, you have to do it right, you moron.¡±

    Kang Chan muttered to himself as he looked at the wound on his left palm. It was a mistake that never would¡¯ve happened before. If Dayeru¡ªno, if Seok Kang-Ho were to see that, he would¡¯veughed at Kang Chan. Nheless, Kang Chan still had unfinished business.

    Kang Chan approached Eun-Sil as he watched his opponents getting into the car. After seeing the knife and blood, witnessing the guys that had copsed being beaten up, and meeting Kang Chan¡¯s ring eyes, Eun-Sil trembled and her lips paled.

    ¡°I¡¯m warning you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do it.¡±

    With a trembling voice, she retracted what she had said, while Kang Chan kept telling himself not to twist her neck.

    ¡°If you get in my face one more time, you¡¯ll get it from me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sor¡ª¡±

    <i>Smaaaack!</i>

    It was a full swing. Kang Chan didn¡¯t care whether she was terrified or trembling with fear. Instead, he made sure to thoroughly teach her a lesson so he wouldn¡¯t have to twist her neck, break her arm, or kill herter.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    The girl fell to one side, and her skirt rode up, revealing her gray underwear.

    ¡°Get her out of here.¡± Kang Chan ordered her three useless friends that were hiding at one side.

    The girls hesitated.

    ¡°Get moving already.¡±

    They flinched and supported Eun-Sil up by putting their arms below her armpits.

    ¡°Snow White.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Kang Chan¡¯s words seemed to have confused Kim Mi-Young. Naturally, she didn¡¯t know what he was talking about.

    ¡°Get my bag.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Oh!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young quickly walked over and picked up his bag, and Kang Chan headed back to school first. Even though Seok Kang-Ho would be the one left picking up the pieces, Kang Chan had to treat the wound on his hand.

    ***

    Kang Chan wrapped his left hand with the handkerchief Kim Mi-Young had given him as he went to the nurse¡¯s office. The nurse in her forties was bewildered upon seeing his wound.

    ¡°We have to disinfect your wound first,¡± the nurse said, not knowing whom she was talking to. She brought a ss bottle containing an antiseptic solution, along with a pair of tweezers.

    ¡°Do you have a needle and thread?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t even sew, but disinfecting it will open the wound, and it''ll take quite some time for it to heal. So, do you have a needle and thread?¡±

    ¡°You have to go to the hospital to get it stitched up after we disinfect your wound.¡±

    The hospital? Wouldn¡¯t that be cumbersome? At a nce, the wound was approximately ten centimeters long and had to be stitched up since it was deep. It was so big that Kang Chan almost couldn¡¯t grip it properly.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Just then, Seok Kang-Ho rushed into the nurse¡¯s office.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    Kang Chan showed Seok Kang-Ho his palm.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the hospital.¡±

    Unlike how he was like in Africa, Dayeru had be a lot more quick-witted.

    ¡°In that case, let¡¯s disinfect the wound first before you go. He¡¯s bleeding at the waist too.¡±

    Kang Chan picked up Kim Mi-Young¡¯s handkerchief and wrapped it around his left hand once again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that. We have to disinfect the wound and bandage it,¡± the nurse protested.

    ¡°Are you going to use <i>that</i> on that little punk?¡±

    As soon as Seok Kang-Ho intervened, there was nothing the nurse could do.

    ¡°Are we¡­going to the hospital?¡± Kim Mi-Young was gaining on them, so Kang Chan had to be careful with his words.

    ¡°We should.¡±

    Kang Chan obediently followed behind Seok Kang-Ho without saying a word. Seok Kang-Ho pointed to an old supact car parked right next to the school.

    ¡°Go home,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the hospital with you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Just go home. I heard you have to go to <i>hagwon</i>?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll take care of it, so go home. High school seniors have no time to waste. Run along. Give me his bag,¡± Seok Kang-Ho chimed in.

    Kim Mi-Young looked as though she was about to cry. She didn¡¯t leave. Without saying a word, Kang Chan took his bag from her and threw it into the back of the car.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded at Kim Mi-Young and got into the car.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°The gangsters were waiting for me.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s driving skills were questionable. He clumsily drove out of the school gate and noticed a patrol car on one side of the road and two policemen in uniform in a store.

    ¡°This might pose a problem,¡± Seok Kang-Ho muttered as he looked at the police.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    <i>Screeeech!</i>

    That startled a student. They looked even more startled after seeing Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan.

    ¡°Move out of the way!¡±

    After Seok Kang-Ho gestured to the student to move, the student quickly stepped aside.

    ¡°Pay attention!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°I was looking at the police.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to take over the steering wheel, but because of the current circumstances, he cooled off by tying the handkerchief that was wrapped around his hand a little tighter.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be okay, right?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°What now?¡±

    ¡°The cops,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Was this person really the imprudent Dayeru?

    ¡°The police came, so I took care of everything and bounced. Those people wouldn¡¯t report to the cops, and I have no intention of reporting it, so it¡¯s not an issue.¡±

    ¡°That seems to be the case.¡±

    ¡°And how would they be able to bring themselves to tell the students that three of them had their necks twisted?¡±

    ¡°You twisted their necks?¡± Seok Kang-Ho was shocked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°How bad was it?¡±

    ¡°They won¡¯t be able to get into fights for about six months.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was relieved.

    ¡°We can¡¯t go to the hospital right now. Come to my house first and change out of your bloodstained clothes.¡±

    Kang Chan looked down at his wound. As expected, there was a huge, dark, hideous bloodstain spanning from his abdomen down to the bottom.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>. Do whatever you want.¡±

    Kang Chan stared nkly out the window, leaning his head against the passenger seat. It was a peaceful world, a world that was far frombat or death, but he didn¡¯t feel very happy. How would things be if he were in Africa right now?

    1. It¡¯s a private academy/cram school for students in Korea.

 Chapter 8é”›å­­art1: Youéˆ¥æªe Never Been Beaten To A Pulp, Have You? (2)

    <h4>Chapter8£¬Part1: You¡¯ve Never Been Beaten To A Pulp, Have You? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan suddenly grew curious about something.

    ¡°Did I die?¡±

    ¡°You were shot in the neck and bled to death.¡±

    ¡°Fuck! What about you?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smiled bitterly. ¡°I think I was shot once in the forehead, but I¡¯m not too sure. I just felt a burning sensation on my forehead. Then I woke up to my wifeforting me and asking if I had a nightmare.¡±

    ¡°That must¡¯ve been nice.¡±

    ¡°We had a round tomemorate my survival.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked and shifted his gaze to the front once again. The car passed through blocks of fairly old-looking apartmentplexes.

    ¡°What about the others?¡±

    ¡°Right after you got shot, I was next.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho pulled up in front of the innermost apartmentplex.

    ¡°You live here?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t afford anything better on a teacher¡¯s sry. This is Gangnam, so even this is rather expensive.¡±

    That was none of Kang Chan¡¯s concern. He smacked his lips as he got out of the car. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s apartment was on the third floor. After walking down the shabby hallway and up a flight of uneven steps, his apartment was the unit on the right¨C¨Cunit 302.

    ¡°Wonder if my wife is home.¡±

    <i>Rattle rattle.</i>

    The door was locked. Seok Kang-Ho inserted one of the keys attached to his keychain into the lock and turned the doorknob. Even though it was noon, it was very dark inside his apartment.

    There was a room close to the entrance on the right, and the kitchen was located by the wall on the right. At the end of the living room, where the sofa and TV were, there were three doors.

    Seok Kang-Ho opened the door to the room furthest from the entrance and entered it. He came back out right away with a set of shabby sweatpants and a T-shirt.

    ¡°This is the bathroom. Please wash up and change your clothes.¡±

    Kang Chan removed his school uniform and tossed it aside before making his way to the bathroom in his underwear.

    The sink, bathtub, and toilet had all turned yellow. After turning on the faucet, Kang Chan washed his hands first before carefully wiping off the dried blood from his waist. Fortunately, the wound wasn¡¯t too deep, and some of its parts had more or less closed up due to coagtion.

    ¡°I can just leave these parts alone.¡±

    Kang Chan then ced his bloodstained right hand under the running water, and undid the handkerchief tied around his left hand. He carefully washed his left hand.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>!¡±

    Thinking about the guy with a knife in front of the school swiftly filled him with annoyance.

    ¡°Motherfucker!¡±

    <i>I should¡¯ve just killed him. Why did I let him live?</i>

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked loudly, perhaps having heard him cursing.

    ¡°Not you!¡±

    <i>Creak.</i>

    ¡°What did you say?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, who had been leaning on the doorway, popped his head into the bathroom.

    ¡°I just lost my temper while looking at the wound on my hand.¡±

    ¡°I thought you were picking a fight with the sink this time around.¡±

    Kang Chan instantly frowned. He hadn¡¯t fought those guys because he had wanted to, nor had he been the one to call the gangsters out. He hadn¡¯t wanted to fight in his previous life, and he still didn¡¯t want to fight in his current life.

    <i>Does he think I only know how to fight with others??</i>

    Uncontroble rage abruptly overwhelmed Kang Chan.

    Seok Kang-Ho gulped. His eyes looked tense.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Watch your tongue.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes still looked angry even after chastising Seok Kang-Ho, so thetter lowered his gaze.

    ¡°Close the door.¡±

    <i>Creeeaaak.</i>

    He closed the door slowly and cautiously, the creaking sound of the door dragging on longer than it previously had.

    ¡°Hooo.¡±

    Kang Chan lifted his head and looked in the mirror.

    <i>It¡¯s not my fault I had a father who always hit me whenever he drank alcohol and a mother who was fine with her husband beating her every day.</i>

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask to be born into this world.¡±

    Kang Chan looked in the mirror and clenched his teeth. He was now the perfect copy of his old self in terms of both his appearance and the intensity in his eyes. Even though he had reincarnated, he was still the same.

    He was a guy who had jumped off the roof¡ªafter being reincarnated into his body, what else could he have done? Was he supposed to just die after buying those bullies food, giving them money, and getting cigarettes for them?

    ¡°Fuck! What am I supposed to do!¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s reflection in the mirror was staring back at him. His eyes gleamed as he pursed his lips.

    ¡°Hooo!¡±

    <i>Whatever.?</i>

    Kang Chan was always hungry. He wanted to eat pork cutlet so badly, but he would rather die than ask someone to buy it for him or freeload off someone else. He had absolutely never stolen anything from anyone before. On the other hand, he had also never let anybody that looked down on him get away with it, because being born to fucking shitty parents and being disregarded by his father was already enough.

    ¡°<i>Tsk.</i>¡±

    Kang Chan took a deep breath and got these feelings off his chest. He had the habit of doing this whenever something unpleasant happened, since it made him feel a little better.

    By the time he got out of the bathroom, Seok Kang-Ho had made some coffee while waiting for him. After changing into a new set of clothes, Kang Chan sat down at the table with four chairs around it. He took a sip of coffee from a tacky-looking mug.

    It was sweet¨C¨Cthe instant coffee was really sweet.

    ¡°You¡¯re not bleeding?¡±

    ¡°Stop looking around and sit down. Let¡¯s go after drinking the coffee. Right! Soak the uniform in water.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Cold water.¡±

    ¡°Oh,e on! It¡¯s not my first rodeo¨C¨CI¡¯ve bled out a lot before.¡±

    Soaking bloodstained clothes in hot water would cause the blood to harden, preventing the stains froming off. In short, the clothes would have to be thrown away.

    Kang Chan looked at his left hand, which was pale and stiff.

    ¡°Do you have thread and needle here?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid. Let¡¯s go to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going to the hospital!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho took a deep breath, then gulped the hot coffee in one go. He instantly writhed in pain¡ªthe coffee was so hot that he probably felt his esophagus and stomach burning. .

    Kang Chanughed. Maybe things like that remained unchanged from their time in Africa. He only finished half the coffee, and then they left Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s apartment.

    ***

    After Seok Kang-Ho, who was admiring Kang Chan¡¯s ce of residence, had left, thetter sat on a bench next to his apartmentplex. His left hand was so thoroughly bandaged that it felt ufortable. There was also a long strip of gauze covering the wound on his waist, even though it wasn¡¯t visible.

    Kang Chan had been charged a regr patient¡¯s fee, but he was insured. Seok Kang-Ho had organized the bills properly and nned to bring Kang-Chan¡¯s medical insurance card to the hospital the next day in order to get a refund. This reflected how meticulous and frugal he was.

    Dayeru looked happy. He was a lonely man, just like Kang Chan, so thetter had developed more of an attachment to him than to his other men. Perhaps he looked happy because he was happy with his wife?

    Kang Chan casually nced at the bandage on his left hand.

    ¡°Chan, is that you?¡± Kim Mi-Young was standing there with her bag on her shoulders.

    ¡°Oh my goodness! What should we do!¡±

    ¡°About?¡±

    ¡°Your hand. Oh my goodness. Did the doctor say it was serious? They didn¡¯t say you needed surgery?¡±

    Kim Min-Young said everything in one breath. She walked on eggshells around him as she lowered her gaze and looked at the bandage that was wrapped around his hand. She was annoying.

    ¡°Go inside.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as though he was talking to a child¡­ until the outline of Kim Mi-Young¡¯s chest caught his eye. He sat up straight with an annoyed look on his face, acknowledging that she wasn¡¯t a child¨C¨Cat least in the chest department.

    ¡°I have some time left before my tutoring ss.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young sat down a slight distance away from him. It seemed like she had a tutoring ss right aftering back from <i>hagwon</i>. For her to need all this extra help with her academics, was she rather stupid?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I knew you didn¡¯t take the photo, but I didn¡¯t have the courage to speak up. The more I talk about it, the more it shifts their attention to my chest, and I didn¡¯t want that. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Kang Chan almost looked down, but he forced himself to look straight.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who it is either. There was clearly nobody there when I changed into my gym clothes. After you fell from the roof and went to the hospital, I couldn¡¯t do anything for quite some time,¡± Kim Mi-Young added.

    ¡°Forget about it.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young ced her hands between her thighs and sat perfectly still.

    ¡°It was very terrifying to watch you hit Eun-Sil,¡± she continued with her head lowered.

    Kang Chan wished she would stop leaning her body forward.

    ¡°If hitting me will make you feel less angry, do it.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young quickly turned her body to face Kang Chan. With her hands between her thighs and head lowered, she closed her eyes. Kang Chan clenched his teeth, and his eyes trembled. His gaze kept¡­

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>. I¡¯m not mad anymore so stop talking about this and just go.¡±

    ¡°Really? So you¡¯ve forgiven me?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Chan, in that case, do you want to go to school with me tomorrow onwards?¡±

    <i>¡®Did they use to go to school together?¡¯</i>

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Alright, see you here tomorrow then.¡±

    As soon as Kang Chan nodded, Kim Mi-Young quickly got up and scampered off. She would look a lot better if her hairstyle was less tacky.

    Kang Chan sat there for a little longer. Not wanting to continue pondering about those thoughts he had earlier, he got to his feet.

 Chapter 8é”›å­­art2: Youéˆ¥æªe Never Been Beaten To A Pulp, Have You? (2)

    <h4>Chapter8£¬Part2: You¡¯ve Never Been Beaten To A Pulp, Have You? (2)</h4>

    As soon as he keyed in the passcode and entered the apartment, Yoo Hye-Sook happily came out to greet him, but she was startled.

    She looked at the shabby sweatpants he was wearing and the bandage wrapped around his hand.

    ¡°I hurt myself working out, so I went to my teacher¡¯s house to change into a new set of clothes before going to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Where? How bad was it? Did the doctor say everything¡¯s okay? Is there any problem?¡±

    She was genuinely concerned, but she was overreacting. It was annoying.

    As soon as Kang Chan frowned, Yoo Hye-Sook stopped talking.

    ¡°They said I¡¯m okay."

    Yoo Hye-Sook was a victim as well. She was a victim who had lost her perfectly normal son and had to be nice to a stone-cold man. Kang Chan suppressed his annoyance; he wanted to repay his debt to the owner of his body, even if it was just a small gesture.

    ¡°Have you had your dinner?¡± Perhaps, Yoo Hye-Sook felt hurt by his reaction:¨C her eyes had turned red as she teared up.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°In that case, go rest first. I¡¯ll call you when dinner¡¯s ready.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan went into his room and plopped onto the bed.

    ***

    When Kang Chan jerked awake from his nap, it was already dark in his room. He had slept more soundly than expected, probably because of the shot they had given him in the hospital when they had stitched up the wound in his palm.

    ¡°So you didn¡¯t get to talk to him about it, huh?¡± Kang Chan heard Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s voice.

    ¡°I think Chan hates me.¡±

    ¡°What makes you say that? He¡¯s probably just a little on edge because of the ident.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. The way he looks at me now ispletely different than before. He probably thinks it¡¯s all my fault.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook was crying.

    ¡°Nonsense! I¡¯ll lecture himter.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t do that.¡±

    Kang Chan could hear Yoo Hye-Sook inhaling through her nose loudly.

    ¡°Just like what you said, I¡¯m going to just be satisfied with the fact that he survived. Even if he res at me¡­or resents me, I¡¯ll be content either way because he¡¯s alive. <i>Sobs.</i>¡±

    Kang Chan heard Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s voice once again. She seemed to have calmed down a little.

    ¡°Honey, if Chan didn¡¯t wake up from hisa back then, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to continue living. So I¡¯m going to stop being greedy, like what you said before. Regardless of how good Seong-Hee¡¯s son is, he cannot even bepared to Chan¡¯s toes.¡±

    ¡°Now, now, dear. Seong-Hee¡¯s son has to be better than toes, right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung casually remarked. He started tofort his wife.

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Chan tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I told you not to do that. If he ends up hating me even more, it¡¯ll make things even harder.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright.¡±

    Kang Chan was hungry, but he couldn¡¯t step out of his room. Hey in bed and stared nkly at the ceiling. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook werepletely different from his parents in his past life. Even though a fucked-up son had appeared in their lives out of the blue, they were determined to let go of their greed.

    What would have happened if Kang Chan had been born as their son right from the beginning? They had conceived a son because they wanted a child, but they wouldn¡¯t have wanted a son like him, would they?

    ¡°What would you want me to do?¡± Kang Chan asked the owner of his body.

    ¡°What exactly do you want me to do?¡±

    The ceiling didn¡¯t give him a response.

    Kang Chan¡¯s new life was very confusing.

    ***

    It was morning.

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t gotten much sleepst night, probably because of the shot he had gotten at the hospital. In truth, he was so used to sleeping on battlefields that he had never had insomnia before. He had the habit of waking up early, and it was still the same now.

    <i>Knock knock knock.</i>

    ¡°Chan, have you gotten up?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    As soon as Kang Chan opened the door and left the room, Yoo Hye-Sook trod carefully around him. Like a guilty person.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    With the words ¡®I¡¯ll be careful¡¯ written all over her body, Yoo Hye-Sook hurried over to the kitchen.

    ¡°Did you sleep well?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Oh! Yeah, and you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    ¡°Yes, I had a good night¡¯s rest.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s your hand? I heard from your mom that you hurt yourself. Was it bad?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung was trying his best to hide the worried look in his eyes.

    ¡°I hurt myself while working out. The doctor said it will take approximately a month for it to heal.¡±

    ¡°It could¡¯ve been really bad. Let¡¯s dig in.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    The three of them started eating.

    ¡°You said that your teacher lent you some clothes?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Should we pay him a visit as a formality?¡±

    ¡°Just forget about it. It¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung said he would lecture him, but it seemed as though he was also trying his best not to get on Kang Chan¡¯s nerves.

    They somehow managed to get through breakfast together.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll give you a ride to school.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to school with Mi-Young.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook instantly looked up and tried her best to stayposed.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any ns this weekend, right?¡±

    Kang Chan wondered what it was about. It urred to him that it was Friday today.

    ¡°On Sunday morning, your mom is¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hey! Didn¡¯t I tell you not to say anything!¡±

    Unlike how she spoke to Kang chan, Yoo Hye-Sook snapped at Kang Dae-Kyung. As soon as she did that, Kang Dae-Kyung smacked his lips and grabbed his suit jacket.

    ¡°Drive safe.¡±

    As soon as Kang Dae-Kyung nodded and left the house, Kang Chan went into his room. He grabbed his extra uniform and put it on. He then recalled that he had left his bag with Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>¡®Seok Kang-Ho will probably bring it to school and pass it to me.¡¯</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Be safe.¡±

    Kang Chan tried to be nice. However, he felt it was more difficult than fighting ten people armed with fillet knives, so he decided to give it another shot after he had practiced more.

    When Kang Chan left through the entrance on the first floor of the apartmentplex, Kim Mi-Young, who was tapping the ground with her foot, smiled widely at him.

    <i>¡®No self-respect.¡¯</i>

    As soon as Kang Chan nodded, Kim Mi-Young ran over to him.

    ¡°How¡¯s your hand?¡±

    Kang Chan raised his left hand and simply walked without saying anything. The bus stop was right in front of the apartmentplex. There were quite a number of students there, probably because all the students were going to school at this hour.

    However, the moment Kang Chan arrived, the students slowly backed away from him, one step at a time. Everybody was avoiding his gaze¡ªno, nobody was making eye contact with him.

    Right when Kang Chan smacked his lips, a bus approached the bus stop and the students flocked toward it.

    <i>Screech, screeech.</i>

    As soon as the door opened, the students got on the bus. Considering the students and Kim Mi-Young were taking that bus, naturally, it was safe to assume it was heading toward their school. Kang Chan confidently got on the bus, but there was a problem¨C¨Che didn¡¯t have any money.

    ¡°Are you not going to tap your card?¡± the driver asked.

    Card? What card? As soon as Kang Chan looked nkly at the driver and began a staring contest with him, Kim Mi-Young quickly ran over.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    After looking at Kang Chan¡¯s facial expression, she told the driver that she would tap her card a second time. She then ced her small wallet on the card reader at the front.

    <i>Beep.</i>

    <i>¡®Damn. If I had taken the bus alone, I would¡¯ve been humiliated.¡¯?</i>

    Kang Chan followed Kim Mi-Young to the back of the bus. There were a lot of students on it, but strangely, the aisle was clear of students. Startled, the unpleasant-looking guys in the backseat got up to their feet.

    ¡°Please take a seat here, hyung-nim.¡±

    <i>¡®What did he just say?¡¯</i>

    The other students pretended not to notice them, simply looking ahead. Kim Mi-Young was also staring at Kang Chan with a surprised look in her eyes.

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and just sit down.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m only standing because my legs are numb.¡±

    There were six guys crowding around Kang Chan. As soon as they got up from their seats and stood in the bus that was already filled with students, the rest of the students grimly kept their arms close to their bodies and tried their best not to make physical contact with them, albeit with a lot of difficulties.

    <i>These bastards love doing this, huh? Why are they going to school then? Wouldn¡¯t it be better for them to just quit school and go to France or be a gangster??</i>

    More students boarded the bus at the next stop.

    ¡°Ah! Seriously! Students, move to the back of the bus!¡±

    Even though the driver raised his voice out of frustration, the students refused to move past the middle portion of the bus, where the rear door was, because the six guys standing around Kang Chan looked vicious.

    Even if Kim Mi-Young hadn¡¯t been awkwardly staring at Kang Chan, thetter would¡¯ve still felt very ufortable.

    At that moment¡­

    ¡°Ah, fuck! Hurry up and move to the back of the bus.¡±

    Someone in front swore harshly, and three boys that looked as though they had been beaten up came into view after making their way through by pushing the other students. But that was it.

    As soon as they made eye contact with Kang Chan, the boys poked their heads out of the window like enlisted soldiers on trains. For all he knew, they may have been waving their hands too. Judging by how they were wearing different school uniforms, Kang Chan knew they weren¡¯t even from the same school.

    He smirked because he saw the look of satisfaction on the faces of the six guys standing behind him.

    His bus ride to school was very eventful.

    1. ¡¯Hyung¡¯ is used by guys to refer to other guys who are older than them, and is also used as a sign of respect, especially among thugs. It is also used by a guy to address his biological older brother. Hyung-nim is a more formal/respectful version.

 Chapter 9é”›å­­art1: Only You(1)

    <h4>Chapter9£¬Part1: Only You(1)</h4>

    When Kang Chan entered the school gate, Seok Kang-Ho was standing there with a discipline stick. There was no need to acknowledge and greet one another.

    Kang Chan went straight to the ssroom. He received a lot of attention from the other students on the stairs and in the hallway. Wherever he went, there was silence, as though he was a monster named ¡®Sound Eater.¡¯ The same went in the ssroom.

    An unusual scene unfolded in the ssroom¨C¨Cstartled by his arrival, the noisy students chattering away shut their mouths and returned to their seats.

    Finding his bag on his chair, Kang Chan put it away and sat down. Perhaps Seok Kang-Ho had brought it to school and ced it there.

    At that moment, a group of idiots entered the front door. They formed three lines and stood in front of him.

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t a one-off greeting. They bowed their heads in order, starting from the front row. Without a doubt, they were mimicking gangsters. Kang Chan let it go the first time around because they were unaware that he didn¡¯t like it, but he didn¡¯t want to see something like this again.

    ¡°Who are you people?¡± Kang Chan demanded.

    ¡°We¡¯re 10th and 11th graders.¡±

    ¡°Did someone order you to do this?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± the guy standing at the end of the line on the left answered firmly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ever do this again.¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡±

    When Kang Chan got up from his seat, the boy flinched. The students sitting at their desks quickly lowered their heads.

    ¡°Get out. Never do anything like this again in the future.¡±

    It was nauseating to see them going around in a group like that, unting their ¡®power¡¯.

    Thinking Kang Chan would attack them at any moment, the boy tried his best to win him over, but bloodthirst filled Kang Chan¡¯s eyes instead. The 11th grader was simply way too young to be equipped with the skills to deal with those eyes of Kang Chan¡¯s.

    The boys bade him goodbye in a strange manner and left the ssroom. Looking more nervous than the day before, the homeroom teacher kept homeroom brief and then left.

    It was now time for ss.

    Most of the teachers that entered the ssroom fixated their eyes on Kang Chan¡¯s left hand, which was resting on his desk. And as soon as the bell rang, they hurriedly left out of fear.

    It was a grueling time.

    <i>¡®This is bad for everyone.¡¯</i>

    It was seriously hard on the students, who had to go to the bathroom with their heads lowered like monks, as well as Kang Chan, who was forced to sit through the sses as if he had been captured and was being tortured.

    At longst, the morning sses had ended, and it was now time for lunch. Even though Kang Chan was hungry, he didn¡¯t like the idea of dealing with the other students¡¯ stares and the suffocating atmosphere in the cafeteria. He agonized about his next course of action.

    ¡°Kang Chan.¡±

    At that moment, however, he heard a voice. It was Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Come out.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan happily left the ssroom. The hallway and stairs were filled with students, but they automatically made way for Kang Chan to pass through, just like Moses¡¯ miracle. After passing through the hallway and stairs, Seok Kang-Ho finally spoke.

    ¡°I did a good job, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Thanks for helping me this time around.¡±

    ¡°Hehehe. I went over because I thought you¡¯d be having a hard time. I¡¯m d I did. What would you like for lunch?¡±

    ¡°Pork cutlet.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at him without saying anything. It was lunchtime, so the restaurant was rather crowded because of the office workers that worked nearby. Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan sat down at a table and ordered two pork cutlets.

    When Seok Kang-Ho saw how Kang Chan cut his pork cutlet like he normally did and ate it with his chopsticks, he followed suit.

    ¡°So you can eat it like this, too. Chopsticks are really great.¡±

    Since there were a lot of people, they barely spoke to each other, save for Seok Kang-Ho mumbling to himself. The meal ended without any exchange of words.

    Needless to say, Seok Kang-Ho paid for the meal. After leaving the restaurant, both of them returned to the school premises. A lot of people stared at them as they made their way to the rooftop of the school building.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    There were quite a number of students on the rooftop, but they flinched at the sight of Seok Kang-Ho. And when they saw Kang Chan standing behind him, they quickly left.

    The two of them sat down and leaned against the rooftop door, smoking the cigarettes Seok Kang-Ho brought with him.

    ¡°Can¡¯t the school keep the rooftop door locked?¡±

    ¡°Of course we¡¯ve tried locking it. Why wouldn¡¯t we after a student fell from here? But no matter how many times we lock it, it keeps reopening as if there¡¯s a ghost at work.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho slowly exhaled cigarette smoke.

    ¡°And if we lock the door to this ce, the toilets in school would all be clogged up on the day itself, so we just let it slide.¡±

    That could happen.

    ¡°I have a favor to ask you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho threw the cigarette butt on the floor and put it out. He spoke with much difficulty.

    ¡°There are four students being bullied here in school. Their situation¡¯s pretty bad. I want you to watch over them.¡±

    Kang Chan held out his hand. Seok Kang-Ho gave him another cigarette.

    ¡°Hoo, it¡¯ll be more difficult for them to fend for themselves once I leave in a month and a half¡¯s time. Let¡¯s not overdo it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you cut ss.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho gave a very attractive offer that tempted even ¡®the great¡¯ Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of training you to be a school athlete. If you go to college using your practical skills, the teachers would be more than happy to have you, so wouldn¡¯t it be good for everyone?¡±

    <i>Why is this guy going to such great lengths?</i>

    ¡°You need to start working out too. Considering you got wounded so easily by a mere knife, you wouldn¡¯t be able to survive in Africa anyway,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    When Kang Chan looked suspiciously at him, Kang-Ho licked his lips.

    ¡°After spending my life as a loner, the first person I relied on was you, captain. When I saw blood gushing out of your neck, I thought the world had turned its back on me. But I was reincarnated. I kept thinking about this the entire time you were at the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Thinking about what? Saving those students from being bullied?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s clearly a reason why I¡¯ve been brought back to life, right? I don¡¯t think I was given this baffling opportunity just to simply live paycheck to paycheck and be with a wife, who¡¯s content with the little things in life, and a daughter, to whom I haven¡¯t developed much of an attachment yet.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. ¡°Seems like the owner of your body¡¯s thoughts still remain, huh?¡±

    ¡°That seems to be the case. Especially since when Ie to school, I remember a list of things to do.¡±

    ¡°Not for me. I have no recollection at all. Neither do I know why I was reincarnated like that. More importantly, I¡¯m taking all these sses, but I know nothing.¡± Kang Chan flicked off the remaining embers on the cigarette.

    ¡°Could the student that got bullied desperately wanted to take revenge?¡±

    ¡°Stop watching so many dramas,¡± Kang Chan spoke as he scoffed at him.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned in response. At times like these, he was definitely Dayeru.

    ¡°Let¡¯s say you and I were reincarnated. A lot of people were killed that day, including troops from the other units. In any case, it was ¡®kill or be killed¡¯ for all of us there during thatbat, but it would be a different story if somebody had made us walk into that trap. I have to find out who it was.¡±

    Kang Chan looked up at the sky full of white clouds. Even though it hadn¡¯t been long, it was a view he had gotten used to.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. sses are about to start.¡±

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°How many people did you say are being bullied?¡±

    ¡°Four.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed heavily, while Seok Kang-Hoo looked satisfied.

    ***

    Keeping Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s promise to let him cut sses from next week onwards in mind, Kang Chan made his way back to the ssroom. Lunch wasn¡¯t over yet, so there were still empty seats around.

    After entering the ssroom, Kang Chan looked strangely at Lee Ho-Jun, whose face had been thoroughly beaten up. Now that he thought about it, he wasn¡¯t at his desk this morning. Startled upon noticing Kang Chan, the guy lowered his head.

    <i>¡®Oh my, what a pathetic fe.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan went to his seat.

    ¡°What did you eat?¡±

    ¡°Pork cutlet.¡±

    Snow White nodded, looking disappointed. Since she was still a young girl, it was possible for her to be momentarily infatuated with Kang Chan¡¯s ¡®bad boy¡¯ exterior. Kang Chan felt he should distance himself from her whenever an opportunity presented itself.

 Chapter 9é”›å­­art2: Only You(1)

    <h4>Chapter9£¬Part2: Only You(1)</h4>

    Now that all the grueling afternoon sses and afternoon homeroom were done, Kang Chan wanted to go home as soon as possible.

    He was about to leave the ssroom when Kim Mi-Young called out to him.

    ¡°Wait for me.¡±

    The other students were watching them. If he were to treat her harshly in front of them, Kim Mi-Young wouldn¡¯t approach him ever again. However, all of the attention from the other students wasn¡¯t the reason why Kang Chan didn¡¯t do it.

    As much as Kim Mi-Young wasfortable around him, he was starting to feel the distance between them closing. Naturally, it wasn¡¯t that important, but he didn¡¯t want to lord over her in front of those students.

    ¡°Hurry, let¡¯s go.¡±

    As soon as he agreed to leave the school with her, Kim Mi-Young¡¯s face lit up, and the ambiance within the ssroom changed dramatically. He wasn¡¯t going to be attending sses from next week onwards anyway, so he felt it would be good to leave it at that.

    However, Kang Chan¡¯s mood was instantly ruined after walking out the back door. It was Eun-Sil and her three worthless minions. Kang Chan calmed himself down and looked at Eun-Sil. She had dark bruises on her face, neck, arms, and just below her skirt.

    ¡°Give me a couple of minutes.¡±

    She was evidently afraid. It was certain from the fact that she kept her eyes on Kang Chan¡¯s right hand the entire time. But what was more important than her fear of him?

    Kang Chan nced over at Snow White first.

    ¡°Shall I wait for you in the ssroom?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go to <i>hagwon</i>?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    She was a slow-witted child thatcked self-respect.

    <i>¡®Could she possibly have fallen for me?¡¯</i>

    Kim Mi-Young went back into the ssroom, looking both anxious and somewhat jealous.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the rooftop.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s really not what you¡¯re thinking.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what it is, but if it¡¯s some bullshit, it ends here.¡±

    Kang Chan watched Eun-Sil shake her head vigorously, then followed her up the stairs. The three useless minions stopped in front of the stairs like faithful dogs. The rooftop was as crowded as before, but the students smoking all over the ce immediately rushed out.

    ¡°I¡¯m Heo Eun-Sil.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil stood by the railing that overlooked the field, and the first thing she announced was her name. Why wasn¡¯t she wearing a name tag, though?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be mad and listen to what I have to say. I¡¯m really not trying to piss you off.¡±

    ¡°Okay, so just get to the point.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil took a deep breath and spoke with much difficulty.

    ¡°The guys from yesterday¡­ told me to bring you to them.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil quickly looked at Kang Chan¡¯s right hand.

    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t done that, they wouldn¡¯t leave Ho-Jun and me alone¡­¡±

    Tears rolled down her face, which was still caked with makeup.

    ¡°They said they would sell me off. They¡¯re more than capable of doing that.¡±

    She looked absolutely frightened and terrified.

    ¡°Report them to the cops.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil looked flustered after hearing Kang Chan¡¯s suggestion.

    ¡°When you and Ho-Jun bullied the other students, weren¡¯t you relying on those thugs to back you up? Have you ever considered the feelings of those students you bullied? Did you even consider the feelings of the guy that jumped off the building? Cut the bullshit. Regardless of whether you sell your body or get beaten into a pulp, it¡¯s up to you guys to figure it out for yourself.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil looked desperate. His subordinates used to have the same look on their faces whenever they werepletely surrounded by the enemy. She was hoping he would do something about it or give her the solution to her problem.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t take you to them within the day¡­ I¡¯ll have to face them all head-on today.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>What kind of bullshit is this?</i>

    The women that ended up getting entangled with the Sunnites were pitted against approximately fifty men, and they had their noses and ears cut off before being hung on a tree under the guise ofmitting the cardinal sin of sexually arousing men.

    ¡°Please help me. I¡¯m begging you. I¡¯ll do anything you say if you help me.¡± Heo Eun-Sil sped her hands together, begging Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it whenever you want to, and I¡¯ll do it with anybody you ask me to. Please don¡¯t let them sell me off. I¡¯ll die if they ship me off to an ind. Please.¡±

    This was what happened when one was terrified of violence. They would burn with the desire to escape that very moment and would do anything they could to save themselves, not knowing that there was something more terrifying awaiting them.

    Heo Eun-Sil looked at Kang Chan¡¯s cold eyes and slumped down against the parapet wall. At the rate this was going, there was a 70% chance she¡¯d jump off the building.

    There had been times when recruitsmitted suicide. They would die if they lost a battle, and would live if they won. Nevertheless, while there were aggressive guys like Dayeru who yelled and attacked the enemy, there were also recruits that pulled the trigger on themselves in a bid to reduce their suffering after watching the enemy stab hisrades to death countless times.

    The battles on ckfield were vicious, and closebat between arade and an enemy was as brutal as could be.

    When Kang Chan saw the pink underwear between Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s thighs as she was squatting, he shifted his gaze far away to the field.

    What did the owner of his body, or the person that gave him his new life, truly want? Did they want him to put an end to bullying, like what Dayeru mentioned? Did they send a man who had died in Africa thousands of miles away to this ce just for that reason?

    All of a sudden, Kang Chan desperately craved a cigarette.

    ¡°Will you really do what I order you to do?¡± he asked

    Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s eyes sparkled as she fixed her gaze on Kang Chan and got up to her feet.

    ¡°Do you want to do it now?¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil didn¡¯t know what the right answer was. She pulled up her skirt, revealing her pink underwear.

    Kang Chan raised his hand as though he was going to hit her. ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid and get me a cigarette.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil stared nkly at Kang Chan with her skirt pulled up.

    ¡°You''re not gonna bring me a cigarette?¡±

    ¡°I can! My girls have it. I¡¯ll get it for you right away.¡±

    She pulled her skirt back down and ran off.

    ¡°Ugh, I got myself involved in some mess.¡±

    When he looked up at the sky, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s face suddenly came to Kang Chan¡¯s mind. He recalled what she said in the living room while she was crying, and the look she had on her face when she looked at him while trying her best to walk on eggshells around him.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Perhaps because her skirt was too tight, Heo Eun-Sil fell amid her rush to get up to the rooftop.

    <i>What a mess.</i>

    ¡°Here you go, oppa.¡±

    Even though she had grazed her knees and palms, and they were bleeding, Heo Eun-Sil took out a cigarette with a happy face and flicked the lighter. It wasn¡¯t her first or second time doing this¨C¨Cshe was very proficient at it.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Hooo.¡±

    What kind of school was this? He was having an equally hard time here as he did in Africa.

    Heo Eun-Sil watched him with sparkling eyes as he smoked.

    ¡°You smoke, right?¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil nodded in response.

    ¡°Give me one more and smoke one too, if you want.¡±

    ¡°Really? Thank you, oppa.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil ced a cigarette in her mouth and exhaled smoke with ease.

    ¡°Where should I go?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Hoo hoo.¡± Heo Eun-Sil hastily exhaled the smoke. ¡°If you say you¡¯ll meet them, they¡¯ll tell me the location.¡±

    ¡°Stop calling me ¡®oppa¡¯.¡±

    It was giving him goosebumps.

    ¡°Then what should I call you?¡±

    ¡°Just call me by my name. Don¡¯t call me ¡®oppa.¡¯ It¡¯s gross.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil hesitated, but it was not his concern.

    ¡°I¡¯m busy this entire week. Can I meet them on Monday?¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s face fell immediately. Indeed, why would these bastards even listen?

    ¡°Oppa¡­no, I mean Chan¡­ maybe if you call them, they might agree to it.¡±

    It was cumbersome.

    As soon as Kang Chan nodded, Heo Eun-Sil hurriedly ran off again. This time around, she returned to the rooftop without falling and with a phone in her hand. She dialed a phone number, looking very nervous. Shortly after, she spoke, her voice shaking.

    ¡°Hello? Oppa? It¡¯s me. Kang Chan said he¡¯s busy today¡­¡±

    The person on the other end of the line started swearing.

    Kang Chan grabbed the phone from her and put it to his ear.

    ¨C¨C You crazy bitch, you wanna die?¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan.¡±

    Sudden silence enveloped the call.

    ¡°I¡¯m busy, so I¡¯ll see you on Monday. Give me the location.¡±

    ¨C¨C You better show up on Monday, then. If you don¡¯t, the students will get seriously hurt.

    The person on the other end of the line was unexpectedly more civil than he expected, even though he spoke in an inarticte voice, just like every other gangster.

    ¡°Cut the crap and just tell me where to go.¡±

    ¨C¨C I¡¯ll tell that bitch Eun-Sil by Monday. She¡¯ll let you know.

    When Kang Chan nced at her, Heo Eun-Sil gulped.

    <i>Oh my, this poor girl.?</i>

    ¡°Fine. And I have a favor.¡±

    Silence ensued once again.

    ¡°From today onwards, Eun-Sil will be with me. Text her the location instead of calling her. It ruins my mood.¡±

    The person on the other end of the line startedughing out loud.

    ¨C¨C Okay. Pass the phone to Eun-SIl.

    Kang Chan handed the phone back to her.

    ¡°Yes, oppa. Yes. Yes. I¡¯ll be sure to take care of it. Yes, oppa. No, it¡¯s really Kang Chan. Yes, talk to you soon, oppa.¡±

    It was full of crap.

    After hanging up, Heo Eun-Sil seemingly eased up.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Perhaps because she was no longer as tense as before, she stumbled. Naturally, Kang Chan didn¡¯t catch her.

    ¡°Give me your number.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil did as instructed.

    ¡°Here. If there¡¯s anything you want me to do, give me a call.¡±

    If the womanizer Smithen were still alive, they¡¯d be a match made in heaven.

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense, and don¡¯t wear any makeup to school on Monday. That goes for you and those half-witted girls.¡±

    A mixture of emotions could be seen on Heo Eun-SIl¡¯s face. After giving her that order, Kang Chan left the rooftop and went down.

    <i>Are they transgender people?</i>

    The three worthless minions flinched and backed away.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what exactly he was getting from doing something like that.

    1. Schools in Korea typically have two homerooms:¨C one in the morning before sses start, and one in the afternoon, after all the sses are over.

 Chapter 10: Only You (2)

    <h4>Chapter 10: Only You (2)</h4>

    When Kang Chan came down from the rooftop, the downcast Kim Mi-Young¡¯s startled face greeted him. He had told her to wait for him in the ssroom, but it seemed like she had been feeling uneasy. However, what was there to feel uneasy about?

    Kang Chan pondered over what he should do over the weekend. He was nning to make Yoo Hye-Sook feel as at ease as possible, so he pushed his ns to Monday.

    Even though he was only her son on the surface, Yoo Hye-Sook would be separated from her son forever in a month and a half¡¯s time. Hence, he wanted to at least leave her some good memories. He didn¡¯t get to share any good memories with his mother from his past life and it hurt so much that he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do this to someone else.

    ¡°Chan, can we walk home?¡± Kim Mi-Young suggested as they walked out of the school gate, albeit with much difficulty.

    He didn¡¯t think it would be a problem since walking a little more wouldn¡¯t make much of a difference.

    When Kang Chan nodded, Kim Mi-Young smiled and started walking.

    ¡°So¡­ are a lot of guys interested in <i>that</i>?¡±

    <i>What the hell is she saying?</i>

    ¡°And you guys watch porn, too. I heard guys like girls who do that. Is that really the case?¡±

    Even though he didn''t know why she was talking about porn, Kang Chan knew what Kim Mi-Young was getting at. He couldn''t help but sigh.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    Startled by Kang Chan¡¯s exmation, Kim Mi-Young stared at him nkly. Her face was so red that anybody who¡¯d see them would easily misunderstand the situation.

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense. Focus on your studies.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young trudged on, looking crestfallen.

    ¡°I¡¯m not as charming as Eun-Sil. And my chest is so big that the other kids tease me about it.¡±

    <i>¡®Goddammit!¡¯?</i>Kang Chan clenched his teeth.

    She was childish and obstinate. She looked physically mature, but she wasn¡¯t as mature mentally. Heo Eun-Sil was too shameless, and Snow White was like a child. Something was seriously wrong with this school.

    <i>¡®In any case, why did she even bring that up?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan suddenly remembered Heo Eun-Sil. She hadn¡¯t rolled down her skirt when she went to get the cigarette. Perhaps Kim Mi-Young saw that. He had certainly be Smithen.

    ¡°Do you like me?¡± Kang Chan felt goosebumps forming when he said that. But it was a crazy situation. Kim Mi-Young nodded the moment he asked the question, her cheeks and eyes red.

    <i>Could this airhead¡­ Am I her first love?</i>

    ¡°Whenever I think of you, my heart races and skips a beat, and I can¡¯t help but smile.¡±

    Kang Chanughed out loud immediately. It seemed like Snow White had gathered her courage to confess her feelings to him. Kang Chan sighed in a way that Snow White wouldn¡¯t notice.

    ¡°That¡¯s why it bothers me that you¡¯re seeing Eun-Sil. If it¡¯s because of that, I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll do it too.¡±

    ¡°Gaaah!¡± Kang Chan unintentionally let out his frustration.

    If he were to turn her down coldly, Kim Mi-Young would be extremely upset. She might push him away and resent him for the rest of her life.

    ¡°Eun-Sil.¡±

    But Kang Chan identally called her by the wrong name. Kim Mi-Young paused for a second and looked back at him. Tears were already welling up in her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. That¡¯s not what I meant¡­"

    Kang Chan wanted to give up and forget about it, but he gritted his teeth and held it in.

    <i>¡®Let¡¯s not get agitated.¡¯</i>

    He had made a huge promise to himself, but why were all these kids so extreme? Even more than the people living in Africa, that hellhole.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing between me and Eun-Sil. She only wanted to talk to me because the gangsters wanted to call me due to the fight we had yesterday.¡±

    Snow White didn¡¯t lift her head.

    When Kang Chan nced at her, he realized Snow White was crying.

    <i>Goddammit! I¡¯m not equipped to deal with this, and I don¡¯t have an aptitude for it either.?</i>

    Kang Chan was a lot morefortable dealing with the enemy attacking him with knives than with Yoo Hye-Sook or Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°What are you doing tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t have to force yourself to hang out with me. I know you¡¯re not interested in me.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young was crying as she spoke. Would it be okay to leave her as she was?

    However, Kang Chan was bothered by the coldness in her voice and how her eyes were glued to the ground.

    ¡°Will you be mine?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young stopped in her tracks, turned around, and looked at him suspiciously. Passers-by were looking at them; a female student in a school uniform was crying in front of a male student with a bandaged left hand.

    Kang Chan ignored the gazes of the elderly people that walked past while clicking their tongues.

    ¡°Do you love me?¡±

    How old was she exactly? Regardless, if he were to say no, it would mean that everything he said before was a lie. Why did he have to mention Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s name out of the blue? What a useless bitch.

    Snow White waited eagerly for his answer.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    There seemed to be a change of role, but Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be yours?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    Kang Chan immediatelyughed out loud but hastily said something to cover it up.

    ¡°Iughed ¡®cause I like you. Because I really like you. From today onwards, you¡¯re mine. You absolutely cannot fall for other guys. You should only have eyes for me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be the only man I¡¯ll love.¡±

    <i>Goddammit! Don¡¯t say that!</i>

    Kang Chan felt he should change Snow White¡¯s nickname to ¡®Simpleton¡¯.

    It took slightly over thirty minutes for them to walk home. Kim Mi-Young was very talkative the entire time. She asked him, ¡®Why am I Snow White?¡¯ to which Kang Chan answered, ¡®It¡¯s a secret,¡¯ and they moved on from that topic. Regardless of how slow-witted he was, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t say it was because her bangs were tacky.

    They arrived at the entrance of the apartment.

    ¡°Mi-Young!¡± A stick-thin, middle-aged woman called out to Kim Mi-Young. Snow White ran over to her while Kang Chan walked casually.

    ¡°Mom, this is Chan. You know Chan, right?¡±

    Kang Chan bowed his head slightly and said a simple greeting.

    ¡°Did you not go to <i>hagwon</i>?¡± Her mother questioned her in an angry tone. When Kang Chan nced at Mi-Young, it was clear she had lied to him about not having to go to <i>hagwon</i>.

    ¡°Something came up.¡±

    ¡°You guys are students! What could¡¯ve possiblye up? Don¡¯t you know you can¡¯t live like a proper human being if you don¡¯t go to college? You should at least go to a college in Seoul. And you. I¡¯ve heard bad rumors about you recently.¡±

    Her mother cornered Kang Chan in front of the embarrassed Kim Mi-Young. It was as if Mi-Young¡¯s mother was chastising her husband for squandering his sry on gambling. At that moment, her gaze shifted to his left hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± Kang Chan then made his way toward his house because he felt that he would make everyone feel ufortable in the event he lost his temper if he continued standing there.

    ¡°Bye, get home safe!¡±

    Kang Chan raised his hand in response without looking back at Kim Mi-Young.

    He heard her mother telling her, ¡®You know what happens when you hang out with someone like him, right? I can¡¯t have that happen!¡¯ but he didn¡¯t care. No, in fact, he hoped internally for that to happen.

    <i>¡®Please stop her from hanging out with me.¡¯?</i>

    He felt more relieved thinking that perhaps one of his problems would resolve itself if things went well.

    Kang Chan took the elevator and went home.

    ¡°Wee home.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook cautiously greeted Kang Chan. Kang Chan was trying his best to be nice to her. It was something he had promised himself he would do even if it was hard. It would be over in a month and a half at the most.

    ¡°Is there anything to eat?¡±

    ¡°Hmm? You want to eat something?¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t hungry¨C¨Cit was just an excuse to strike up a conversation with her.

    ¡°We have nothing at home, though. What should I do?¡±

    He just had to pick the wrong question. Yoo Hye-Sook had opened the fridge. Aside from some side dishes, all they had was a slice of cheese.

    ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll buy some fruits for you.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked very happy and grateful. It seemed like she considered him asking for something to eat a good thing.

    ¡°Shall we go together?¡±

    She stopped just as she grabbed her purse to leave, looking flustered. Her eyes turned red within a few seconds.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go together. It¡¯ll be heavy to carry back.¡±

    ¡°Is that okay with you?¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t it be?¡±

    Kang Chan ced his bag down and put on his shoes again. He assumed she was holding herself back from asking questions like ¡®You don¡¯t hate me?¡¯ or ¡®Do you really want to go together?¡¯, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t dig deeper.

    They got to the front of the elevator.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan muttered.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s lower lip trembled while looking straight at the elevator door.

    ¡°I knew you were just being nice but I was still rude to you. I guess the incident thoroughly shocked me. I¡¯ll try my best to do better from now on. And thank you.¡±

    They were in a small space, so Kang Chan¡¯s voice echoed a little. Feeling sorry for his body¡¯s owner, and both sorry and grateful for Yoo Hye-Sook, who was just being nice to the wrong person, he spoke with sincerity.

    Yoo Hye-Sook sniffled and wiped her tears with her long fingers. When the elevator opened, Kang Chan held the door for her and pressed the button for the first floor.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t say a word because the small elevator was filled with Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s emotions. As she sniffled, it felt as though the pain and sadness she had been struggling with had left her body through her tears.

    Fortunately, the elevator didn¡¯t stop on other floors. After leaving the main entrance and smelling the fresh air outside, Yoo Hye-Sook took a deep breath.

    ¡°I¡¯m so happy that I no longer envy anyone in this world.¡±

    Could she really love a son who kept getting into trouble, did nothing but grumble all the time, and did as he pleased?

    ¡°Chan! Should we ask your father to buy dinner?¡±

    After asking him the question, she acted as though she had made a mistake. It seemed like she thought she had gone too far.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes widened. She looked beautiful. This was the look of a mother who genuinely loved her child. Kang Chan never thought he would see that look ever in his life.

    ¡°Let me call him.¡±

    They stood in front of the apartmentplex as she called Kang Dae-Kyung. After saying a bunch of childish phrases like ¡®Chan thanked me!¡¯ and ¡®My son loves me so much!¡¯, Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung finally decided on the restaurant.

    ¡°Your dad wants us to go to his workce.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook hung up, only then realizing that she was wearing house clothes, which seriously bummed her out. But it was already gettingte, so they took a taxi anyway.

    ¡°The intersection at Yeongdong Bridge, please.¡±

    After Yoo Hye-Sook gave the directions to the driver, The hidden awkwardness began to surface.

    ¡°What are we eating?¡± Kang Chan decided to try his best to converse with her. He thought 45 days might be too short to create memories that a person would cherish for a lifetime.

    Yoo Hye-Sook appeared to be a talkative person by nature or maybe it was just because she was briefly excited, but she didn¡¯t stop talking. When she mentioned that if anything were to happen to him back at the hospital, she was prepared to die with him and that she had lost the will to live after seeing his cold eyes, Kang Chan felt emotional.

    It had to have been very hard on her.

    ¡°Right! Didn¡¯t you say you have ns on Sunday?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Hmm? Do you want toe with me? Can you?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Where are we going?¡±

    ¡°You know Aunt Seong-Hee, right? She¡¯s always bragging about her son, so I was nning to take all of us to a French restaurant. I¡¯m childish, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    <i>There are mothers like her in this world, huh??</i>

    Finding Yoo Hye-Sook adorable, Kang Chanughed.

    ¡°You¡¯re not childish at all.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, my dear son. Are you really going to go with me?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook teared up even at the littlest things Kang Chan said.

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s office was located in the same direction as Nonhyeon-dong from Yeongdong Bridge. Shortly after, Kang Dae-Kyung emerged from the building looking happy.

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled softly after hearing Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s voice that was full of aegyo.

    ¡°Are you done with work?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s see. Wow! My dear son has brought his mom back to how she used to be.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at the two of them alternatively with a genuine smile on his face. He was truly happy to see them.

    ¡°Hmph. What did I do to deserve this?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The three of them headed to a famous restaurant known for its spicy seafood stew. There were quite a lot of people there because it was Friday evening, but the restaurant owner was very happy to see Kang Dae-Kyung, who seemed to be a regr here. Since Kang Chan was already ying the part of a good son, he obediently greeted the owner.

    The owner guided them to their seats and Kang Dae-Kyung proceeded to ce their order.

    ¡°You mind if I have some soju? You can drive us back.¡±

    With Yoo Hye-Sook looking happier, and Kang Chan putting in the effort to be a good son, Kang Dae-Kyung also tried to smile at the end of every sentence. It was a sight Kang Chan never could¡¯ve imagined. Kang Dae-Kyung asking for permission to have a drink felt unfamiliar, but it was nice. Yoo Hye-Sook bragged to Kang Dae-Kyung about how Kang Chan was going to have a meal with her and her friend on Sunday.

    ***

    After having a pleasant meal, Kang Chan was truly in high spirits. He washed up, returned to his room, andid down in bed.

    ¡°I hope you can see this. I¡¯ll be doing my best as well, so don¡¯t be too upset about having your body taken away from you. I¡¯ll try even harder to be a good son during the remaining time I have left here.¡± Kang Chan muttered to himself while facing the ceiling.

    <i>Bzzzzz.</i>

    His phone vibrated.

    He was toozy to take his phone around with him and had thought it had died, but it seemed like it was still on.

    [I just got done with <i>hagwon</i>. Can we meet by the bench for a bit?]

    It was a message from Kim Mi-Young. What should he do? It was 9:50 P.M. ording to his phone.

    [Are you asleep?]

    Texting was cumbersome, and he could go for a smoke anyway, so he called Kim Mi-Young.

    ¨C Hello?

    ¡°Yeah, when should we meet?¡±

    ¨C¨C I¡¯m already at the bench.

    Grinning, Kang Chan told her to wait for him, then hung up.

    ¡°I¡¯m going for a walk!¡±

    Kang Chan left immediately after hearing an ¡®Okay!¡¯ing from the master bedroom. Snow White was kicking the floor, as usual.

    ¡°Chan!¡±

    It was his first time seeing Kim Mi-Young smile so brightly. She ran toward him as if she was going to hug Kang Chan at any moment.

    <i>¡®Ugh!¡¯</i>

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be going home? Your mom is going to get worried.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hagwon</i> ended early. I was supposed to do some self-studying before taking the <i>hagwon</i> bus, but I decided toe home on my own. I have thirty minutes of free time.¡±

    She looked extremely ted.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about my mom.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Adults can be like that. Have you eaten?¡±

    ¡°I had a sandwich. I can always go home and eat somethingter. Also, I¡¯m on a diet.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to lose any weight. You look good.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Kim Mi-Young smiled.

    ¡°If you¡¯re hungry, let¡¯s go eat something. I¡¯ll buy you pork cutlets.¡±

    Being with Kim Mi-Young made Kang Chan feel like he was just hanging out with his youngest sibling whom he had a huge age gap with. Hence, he grew morefortable being around her.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m on a diet. I want to be thinner than Eun-Sil.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t like girls like her. They¡¯re too skinny. Girls that look healthy like you are more attractive.¡±

    ¡°Really? Is that really the case?¡±

    <i>Is there nowhere to smoke??</i>Kang Chan looked around, trying to find a secluded ce to smoke.

    ¡°Let¡¯s¡­¡± After hearing Kim Mi-Young speak, Kang Chan suddenly came to his senses.

    ¡°Snow White.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°I want to treat you right. Let¡¯s go on a 2-day 1-night trip during school vacation. Maybe to a beach. Let¡¯s do that, okay?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s cheeks blushed under the scarlet light.

    ¡°Instead¡­¡±

    <i>What now?</i>

    ¡°Can we kiss each other? Everyone else is doing it.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t lose his temper.

    <i>¡®Hold it in. Hold it in.¡¯</i>

    Kim Mi-Young seemed to be afraid when Kang Chan¡¯s eyes looked angry.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a kiss if youe in first ce in the final exam.¡±

    Kang Chan secretly smiled delightedly after seeing Kim Mi-Young¡¯s surprised face, delighted with the really good excuse he came up with. He was nning to go to France during the school vacation, after all. He admired his ability to adapt fast.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been in first ce all along. I¡¯lle in first ce again this time around!¡±

    Up until Kim Mi-Young responded to him.

    1. Cute disy of affection that is often expressed through a cute voice, changes to speech, etc.

 Chapter 11: I Donéˆ¥æª› Know About That (1)

    <h4>Chapter 11: I Don¡¯t Know About That (1)</h4>

    ¡°You have to kiss me!¡±

    Kang Chan had to run all night to avoid Kim Mi-Young, who was as big as a five-story building. After a while, his eyes snapped open, and he sighed heavily.

    ¡°It was just a dream.¡±

    His throat was parched.

    Snow White wasn¡¯t ugly. In fact, she was rather pretty, had charming eyes, and a fantastic set of breasts. However, she was just a high school student. She was merely infatuated with him right now, just like how girls her age had a crush on teachers or celebrities.

    However, even if he had morning wood every morning, or even if it was hard to control his urges, he didn¡¯t want to do anything that would scar Snow White for life. And more importantly, getting involved with underage girls was a crime.

    It was an ufortable start to a fresh morning.

    Kang Chan went to the bathroom and took a shower mainly using his right hand while keeping his bandaged left hand raised high. The worst thing about prolonged confrontation with their opponents in the African deserts was theck of water. They were only given three 1.5 liter bottles of water each day, drinking half of it and showering with the other half under normal circumstances. That was why Dayeru¡ªwith his huge build¡ªonly showered once every two days.

    Aftering out of the bathroom, Kang Chan saw Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook sitting in the living room.

    ¡°Did you take a shower?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Did you sleep well?¡± Kang Chan greeted his parents.

    ¡°Yeah! Are you going somewhere?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    At his confusion, Yoo Hye-Sook felt like her assumption was correct. ¡°There¡¯s no school this weekend. Did you not know that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Saturday, though.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Today is the second Saturday of the month.¡±

    Kang Chan racked his brain to figure out what Yoo Hye-Sook was talking about. He didn¡¯t a clue what it was, but it was at least evident he didn¡¯t have to go to school today.

    ¡°Oh really? I thought I had sses today.¡±

    ¡°I knew it. You forgot, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Chan smiled, feeling relieved.

    Kang Chan thought he only didn¡¯t have afternoon sses, but now it seemed like he took a full day off every other week. After breakfast, Kang Dae-Kyung went to work, and Kang Chan turned on theputer in his room to browse the inte.

    <i>Buzz.</i>

    Just then, he received a text.

    [What are you doing?]

    It was obviously from Seok Kang-Ho. Strangely, Kang Chan found texting inconvenient.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¨C¨C It¡¯s me.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¨C¨C What are you doing today?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It turns out I don¡¯t have sses today, so I¡¯m a little disconcerted.¡±

    ¨C¨C Let¡¯s meet if it¡¯s okay with you. I have to give you your clothes as well. I¡¯ll be in front of your apartmentplex in approximately thirty minutes.

    <i>What¡¯s up with this guy?</i>

    Then again, they had always been together even on vacation.

    ¡°Okay. Buy a few packs of cigarettes when you get here. It¡¯s hard for me to buy some without an ID.¡±

    ¨C¨C Got it.

    Kang Chan had thirty minutes of free time. He turned off theputer, got changed, and went to the living room. Yoo Hye-Sook was sitting on the sofa watching TV.

    There were three rooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen in their apartment. The balcony was connected to the living room.

    Yoo Hye-Sook turned her head toward Kang Chan. She looked lonely just a moment ago, but happiness removed all traces of it the moment she turned her attention to him.

    Did a child mean this much to a mother?

    She had been waiting, lonely and in solitude, for him to open his door. Just looking at his face made her feel happy¡­

    ¡°Are you going somewhere?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­going to meet with Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    ¡°Your teacher? Why?¡±

    ¡°We became closer after the recent incident. He said there was something he wanted to talk to me about. He wanted to have lunch together because he happened to be passing by this area.¡±

    Even though Yoo Hye-Sook was no longer shocked, she still looked worried.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have to get my school uniform back as well.¡±

    ¡°Ah! That teacher!¡±

    Only then did Yoo Hye-Sook feel relieved.

    ¡°I¡¯ve washed your teacher¡¯s clothes. Invite him over so I can say hello to him. No¨C should I go out to greet him instead?¡±

    Simply thinking about it was suffocating enough.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll introduce you to him next time.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook walked over from one side of the living room holding a paper bag, then she took out five 10,000 won bills from her wallet.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s really okay, right?¡±

    Kang Chan had gotten a little used to her behavior now. Moreover, upon remembering how lonely she looked, he no longer found her annoying.

    ¡°Oh, my son.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook opened her arms and put them around Kang Chan¡¯s neck. Perfunctorily, in a bid to make an effort to be a better son, he bent his upper body since Yoo Hye-Sook might feel hurt if he were to reject her.

    However, the moment Yoo Hye-Sook hugged him tightly¡­

    ¡°Thank you, my dear son. I love you.¡±

    For some reason, Kang Chan felt sad out of the blue the moment she patted him on the back.

    Even when he grumbled, she held in her sadness and put up with him. Yoo Hye-Sook had wanted to die together with him if things had gone wrong when he was still hospitalized. And just a single apology from him orying eyes on him when he came out of his room was enough to te her.

    <i>Mom.</i>

    ¡°<i>Sob</i>.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately burst into tears. It had been twenty years since hest cried. He didn¡¯t cry even when he left Seoul, and he didn¡¯t cry either when he witnessed his unfortunate mother getting beaten up the day before he left.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay, my dear son. I love you the most in this world. I¡¯ll protect you no matter what anybody says.¡±

    ¡°<i>Sob. Sob.</i>¡±

    The more Kang Chan tried holding back his tears, the more he lost control over them. It was like he was trying to release the sadness he had pent up for thest twenty years.

    Just once. Just one time. He wanted to be hugged like he was right now. He never longed for anything more desperately in this world than to be in his mother¡¯s arms.

    <i>In truth, she loves me. She doesn¡¯t hate me¨C¨Cshe truly loves me.?</i>

    ¡°You must¡¯ve had a very hard time, my son.¡±

    Even though Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s right shoulder was wet from all his tears, she continued patting his back.

    ¡°Haa!¡±

    After exhaling heavily, Kang Chan calmed down a little. Yoo Hye-Sook couldn¡¯t even wipe his tears. She looked at him.

    ¡°Are you feeling better, dear?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan felt embarrassed, and he thought what happened was cringe-worthy. He wiped his tears with his sleeve and walked toward the front door.

    ¡°Have a good time.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    He still couldn¡¯t bring himself to call her ¡®mom.¡¯

    Kang Chan took the stairs because he didn¡¯t want to bump into a certain someone. It was a wise choice.

    By the time he had left the entrance of the apartmentplex, his emotional heart had hardened. Kang Chan sat on the bench and looked at the bandage around his hand.

    <i>I must not be weak.</i>

    ¡°Come to your senses, you fool. I¡¯m not the one they love.¡±

    That was the truth. If Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were to learn about Kang Chan¡¯s true identity, would they still shower him with as much love as they were doing right now?

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving anyway.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t just forget the members of his unit that died unjustly. And for him to avoid Snow White, who was waiting for school vacation, and for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, who were protecting and treating aplete stranger as their son, going to France was the right thing for Kang Chan to do.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>.¡±

    Kang Chan suddenly felt annoyed because he seemed to be constantly coveting someone else¡¯s parents.

    <i>Honk honk.</i>

    He heard a car honk and Seok Kang-Ho calling out to him.

    Seok Kang-Ho drove off right after Kang Chan got in the car.

    ¡°Have you been waiting long¡ªhuh? Did you get an eye infection?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s probably because the wind blew into my eyes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s serious. You used to be able to withstand sandstorms without a problem. At this rate, forget going to Africa. You¡¯ll be eliminated from the recruitment process in France.¡±

    Kang Chan crying probably didn¡¯t even cross Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mind. That was clearly how they lived back then. If Dayeru¡¯s eyes were red, Kang Chan would¡¯ve also thought he had an eye infection.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡±

    It was after the morning rush hour, so the roads weren¡¯t congested.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to do at home. Let¡¯s just go to the suburbs, cook a chicken or something, eat it, then take a nap.¡±

    ¡°Cook a chicken?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, why are you acting like a country bumpkin? We can just get it at a restaurant for 30,000 won.¡±

    Kang Chan had never expected Dayeru to call him a country bumpkin ever in his life. When he turned his head slightly toward Dayeru, it seemed like thetter had adapted rather well to his current self.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    When Kang Chan called his name using his old voice, Seok Kang-Ho stopped smiling and looked at him.

    ¡°Are you satisfied with who you are right now?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned.

    ¡°So it¡¯s finallye.¡±

    ¡°What did?¡±

    ¡°I was like you, too. I felt like I was going crazy living in someone else¡¯s body. I don¡¯t like it, but I can¡¯t say Ipletely hate it either. To put it bluntly, there¡¯s no way to go back to my old self, anyway, and it¡¯s not like anybody will believe me if I told them about it.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. While he was at the hospital, it seemed like Seok Kang-Ho was a mess in school and at home.

    ¡°My wife and my daughter were the ones who straightened me out. This body is too old to be a mercenary, and I can¡¯t help but wonder what would happen to the ones I¡¯d be leaving behind if I were to leave.¡±

    His train of thought wasn¡¯t wrong.

    ¡°Haha. After all, I get lonely.¡±

    ¡°Bullshit.¡±

    ¡°In any case, I thought that if the universe was crazy enough to give me a second chance, I should just ept it and live a good life.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not because of your wife?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s be honest. The women in France are much more attractive.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Her looks are average, but every time she runs to me to hug me after seeing me struggling with life, she bes prettier to me. But just as I was making up my mind to ept my new life, you came along.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Remember the time you took the utility knife? At that time, I wondered if you had taken over the student¡¯s body.¡±

    ¡°So that was why you said it was because of repeated training.¡±

    ¡°Phew! It¡¯s nice to not feel lonely and to have someone to talk to. I can¡¯t say much about going to France, but, frankly, it¡¯s a pity.¡±

    They had already left the city center and were driving fast.

    ¡°It¡¯s very peaceful here, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Hahaha, you¡¯re saying that after getting into fights two days into going to school?¡± Seok Kang-Ho retorted.

    ¡°Hahahaha.¡±

    Kang Chan startedughing as well.

    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m nning to meet with the gangsters on Monday.¡± Kang Chan suddenly remembered to tell Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Where? I¡¯lle with you.¡±

    ¡°Give it a rest. It¡¯s a hassle. Right! Have you helped me get out of ss?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get it approved on Monday morning, so you don¡¯t have to go to sses in the afternoon onward.¡±

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>!¡±

    ¡°Has it been that hard on you?¡±

    ¡°Forget about it.¡±

    What was the point of talking about it?

    Kang Chan stared nkly out the window. It wouldn¡¯t be terrible to live like this¨C¨Cif only all of this belonged to him and none of his unit members suffered an unjust death.

    After driving for about an hour along an open road, Seok Kang-Ho pulled over at a valley close to Gapyeong.

    Chicken stew. <i>Maekgeolli</i> mixed with soda. Naps. Knee-deep waters.

    He loved all of it. It felt like he had gotten the break he had always imagined during an intense battle.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Hoo!¡±

    The two of them thoroughly exhaled the cigarette smoke while sitting on the restaurant¡¯s low wooden bench.

    ¡°How many people do you think you¡¯ve killed so far?¡± Dayeru asked Kang Chan out of the blue.

    While Kang Chan was recalling his past battles, Seok Kang-Ho smiled bitterly as he spoke. ¡°Would we have collectively killed at least a hundred people?¡±

    ¡°Probably around that many. Why are you talking about this when we¡¯re having a good time?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡±

    ¡°Hoo! Do you not know me well?¡±

    ¡°You give back as much as you receive from others¡­ and you take care of our unit members.¡±

    ¡°You know it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a waste.¡±

    ¡°This is good. Wouldn¡¯t it be better for me toe back alive? When I¡¯m back, let¡¯s visit this ce again.¡±

    ¡°Ha! Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°What for?¡±

    ¡°Just leave it at that, you punk!¡±

    The two of themughed out loud at the same time, but because Seok Kang-Ho started drooling, Kang Chan chastised him, calling him a ¡®dirty bastard,¡¯

    1. Originally, students had to go to school on Saturdays as well, but from 2010 onwards, the Korean public school system changed so that the students have 2 Saturdays off per month.

    2. Korean sparkling rice wine

 Chapter 12: I Donéˆ¥æª› Know About That (2)

    <h4>Chapter 12: I Don¡¯t Know About That (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan came home in high spirits. Yoo Hye-Sook happily weing him also felt nice.

    ¡°My dear son! What did you do today?¡±

    ¡°We went to the stream in Gapyeong, had chicken stew, and talked about all kinds of things.¡±

    ¡°What a wonderful teacher. I¡¯m truly grateful for him. How did he even wash your school uniform so thoroughly? It¡¯s so clean.¡±

    What would she have thought of Seok Kang-Ho as a teacher if she saw them smoking cigarettes together?

    Kang Chan gave a vague response, then went into his room and fell asleep.

    ***

    Kang Chan woke up early the next day. By the time he got to the living room, breakfast had already been prepared.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say we were having brunch today?¡±

    ¡°But what if you get hungry? Here, eat. I have to go do my makeup.¡±

    ¡°Do you not realize I¡¯m here too?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Stop acting like a child. If you¡¯re hungry, go you feed yourself!¡±

    When Yoo Hye-Sook red at him, Kang Dae-Kyung obediently sat down at the dining table. She had prepared soybean paste stew, napa cabbage kimchi, cucumber kimchi, seasoned bean sprouts, and an unknown stir-fry dish for breakfast.

    Even though Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook had be a lot morefortable around each other, he still felt awkward being around Kang Dae-Kyung, especially when they were alone like they were right now.

    <i>Let¡¯s give it our best shot. 45 days.</i>

    Kang Chan wanted to repay them for what they had done for him, even if it was just a small gesture on his part.

    ¡°How¡¯s your car import businessing along?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m doing my best, so we¡¯ll just have to see the results.¡±

    Just as Kang Chan picked up some seasoned bean sprouts with a pair of chopsticks, Kang Dae-Kyung continued.

    ¡°Ah! Remember how you took the call for me previously? Because of that, I could brag about my son for the first time in my life.¡±

    ¡°Feel free to let me know whenever you need my help.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Kang Chan decided to put in a little more effort. ¡°Who will be interpreting for the peopleing over from the French office?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°I think you should hire a credible interpreter, considering what happened previously.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be careful.¡±

    When they were done with breakfast, they wrapped up the conversation.

    ¡°Honey! Put the dirty dishes in the sink and the leftovers in the fridge.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes!¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook urately deduced that they were done eating. Deep down, Kang Chan was surprised since she did that purely based on gut feeling.

    After washing up, Kang Chan changed into a modest pair of pants and a T-shirt.

    ¡°Oh no, we¡¯rete. Do my clothes and bag look good, honey?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook kept grilling Kang Dae-Kyung until he finally said, ¡®They look fantastic.¡¯ They could only leave the house after hearing that from him.

    When they exited the underground parking lot, Yoo Hye-Sook looked nervous and excited at the same time.

    ¡°Ah, right. Do you want to meet those people from the French office? I want to brag about you, and you can also check to see if the interpreter is doing their job right.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked his son.

    ¡°You¡¯re giving our child a hard time! Why would you bring him along?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook scolded him.

    ¡°Oh? Is that so?¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to give Kang Dae-Kyung a pleasant memory as a gift.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±

    ¡°Oh no, our son is going to have to work hard. But if you go, it would take some weight off your dad¡¯s shoulders. Isn¡¯t that right, honey?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Just thinking about it makes my shoulders feel lighter.¡±

    It was a Sunday morning so the roads were rtively empty. They got to their destination in no time. If they had known this, Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook would''ve taken a taxi instead of asking Kang Dae-Kyung to give them a ride since he probably wanted to rest.

    ¡°Eat lots of delicious food, and brag about our son as much as you want.¡±

    ¡°Okay, honey. See you.¡±

    Kang Chan was slowly getting goosebumps, so he quickly said goodbye to Kang Dae-Kyung.

    They got out of the car, which was parked right in front of the restaurant.

    Martin Levasseur. The restaurant was named after a street in France. It was akin to naming a restaurant ¡®Masan¡¯ or ¡®Jeonju¡¯ in Korean. That wasn¡¯t important, though. It was just a restaurant they were having a meal at.

    When Kang Chan followed Yoo Hye-Sook into the restaurant, which was rather crowded. Half of their customers were Korean, and the other half were French.

    ¡°Over here.¡±

    Kang Chan saw a middle-aged woman sitting inside the restaurant with her hand raised to catch their attention.

    <i>¡®I get why she doesn¡¯t want to lose to her friend.¡¯</i>

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s friend, Seong-Hee, was wearing an elegant outfit. More importantly, she looked very confident.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you!¡±

    ¡°Hello, how are you?¡± Kang Chan greeted Seong-Hee.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Chan. I heard you¡¯ve hurt yourself. Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a lot better now.¡±

    ¡°Oh my! Your hand hasn¡¯t healed?¡±

    ¡°No, not yet.¡± Kang Chan was determined to do his very best.

    There was a table for four in front of a bench seat that was leaning against a wall. Kang Chan got Yoo Hye-Sook to sit on the inside, while he sat on the outside.

    .

    There were three girls at the next table that looked half-Korean and half-French. One of them was so attractive that she caught Kang Chan¡¯s eye. She looked just like a sexy Barbie doll.

    Kim Seong-Hee and Yoo Hye-Sook had been friends for twenty years. Her husband worked in finance, and her son¡¯s name was Bang Dae-Shik. He was a skinny and high-strung bespectacled boy of medium stature. He was a senior at Daesan Foreign Language High School. Kang Chan promptly gathered the other party¡¯s characteristics.

    ¡°The tiger moms have recently organized a private tutoring ss. I¡¯ll save you a spot, so make sure you send Chan there.¡±

    Kim Seong-Hee shook her index finger, like a parent who was criticizing a student with poor grades. She was conceited.

    ¡°How are his grades in English?¡±

    ¡°Not bad.¡±

    ¡°Not bad? Get your act together! If he¡¯s attending a regr high school instead of a foreignnguage one, he should be the top student in his school. Oh my, I get so frustrated whenever I look at you.¡±

    Like Heo Eun-Sil, Bang Dae-Shik was looking down on Kang Chan.

    <i>Do you want me to teach you a lesson like what I did to her?</i>

    Kang Chan tried his best to calm himself down by looking at Yoo Hye-Sook. After seeing her drooping shoulders, Kang Chan felt so bad for her that he even pitied her.

    To Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s disappointment, it was a brunch buffet. Furthermore, all the servers were Koreans. Regardless of how much she wanted to show off Kang Chan¡¯s proficiency in French, she didn¡¯t have any opportunity to do so. If they were having an ¨¤ carte dinner, they would at least be able to call for the manager and elegantly ce their order in French.

    ¡°Monsieur!¡±

    Kim Seong-Hee spoke in a conceited way even when she called out to an employee who was obviously Korean.

    ¡°Bring me another ss of water.¡±

    The best part was she asked for a ss of water in Korean.

    ¡°My son goes to a foreignnguage high school, so he already knows how to say some simple words in French. He has only been there for a month, but he can already introduce himself. Why else do you think I picked such a restaurant? The children will put in as much effort as the mothers put into them. I¡¯m telling you, this is very important!¡±

    ¡°My son speaks French too.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook finally got in a word.

    ¡°Oh? Which <i>hagwon</i> does he go to? Daechi-dong? Cheongdam-dong? Did he take private sses? Oh my! Oh my! My son is learning from a French student who was introduced to us by the French embassy. Where is Chan learning from?¡±

    ¡°He learned it on his own from the inte¡­¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Kim Seong-Hee and Bang Dae-Shik openlyughed at them.

    Yoo Hye-Sook nced at Kang Chan. She looked crestfallen. There was anger, frustration, and emptiness in her eyes. She had been looking forward to this day for so long, but it wasn¡¯t turning out the way she thought it would.

    <i>¡®Tsk. Should I order something special instead?¡¯</i>

    It was so childish. Not to mention, that was a level of proficiency even Bang Dae-Shik would be able to do as well.

    While Kang Chan was briefly agonizing over what to do, he kept overhearing the conversation going on at the next table, which had initially caught his attention. Perhaps it was because he didn¡¯t want to hear how conceited Kim Seong-Hee was when she spoke.

    Even though all thedies at the next table were mixed, two of them looked French, and the other one looked Korean. The issue here was their conversation. The girls cleverly mixed Korean and French the entire time they were talking about doing <i>the deed</i>.

    The Barbie doll talked about how the guy she met two nights ago was worn out after doing it only twice, and how when she slept with a ck guy, he was so good in bed that they stayed up all night. She wasn¡¯t shy about it at all.

    The three girls werepletely carried away. They had attractive blonde hair, blue deep-set eyes, defined features, and mannequin-like figures. But their conversation was akin to a detailed report of a depraved Barbie doll¡¯s nightlife. Even though people in France were open-minded enough to have open marriages, it was rare to find degenerates like these girls.

    Kang Chan looked at them speechlessly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me he understands what we¡¯re saying.¡± The Barbie doll remarked in French while looking straight at Kang Chan.

    Speechless, Kang Chan could only smirk at her.

    ¡°You understood what we¡¯re saying?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t eavesdrop on purpose. It simply caught my attention because the conversation here was boring. I¡¯m sorry if I offended you.¡±

    The three girls stared at him, amazed by his proficiency in French.

    That wasn¡¯t all. Kim Seong-Hee and Bang Dae-Shik also shifted their gazes between Kang Chan and the Barbie doll with nk looks on their faces.

    The Barbie doll seemed fascinated by Kang Chan. ¡°You¡¯re good at French, huh. Do you live here?¡±

    ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s not what you¡¯re thinking. This is a family brunch type of situation.¡±

    The Barbie doll stole a nce at Yoo Hye-Sook, then winked at him.

    ¡°The imbecile across from me can barely introduce himself, while the other two women can¡¯t speak French at all, so you don¡¯t have to greet them.¡± Kang Chan told her.

    That level of French was what Yoo Hye-Sook wanted to show off. And he was even easily carrying out a conversation in French with a dazzling French beauty. She promptly remarked, ¡®My son learned French on the inte. He must be a genius,¡¯ and talked about how Kang Chan helped his father when he received a call from France. She bragged about her son, looking proud.

    The Barbie doll could understand Korean. She looked at Kang Chan and smiled meaningfully at him when she saw how proud Yoo Hye-Sook was of him.

    ¡°Just think of it as making a middle-aged woman happy. I¡¯ll return the favor in the future if I get the chance to do so.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good. I¡¯m Michelle. This is Cecil and Cindy.¡±

    ¡°Kang Chan.¡±

    When the Barbie doll introduced herself and the other two girls, he simply replied with his name.

    ¡°Come on, we¡¯ll help you out. I think it¡¯s going to give you the upper hand. What do you think? Wouldn¡¯t it be fun to ridicule the imbecile?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a hassle.¡±

    The Barbie doll bit her lip, then said, ¡°You¡¯re very charming. Do you want to meet with me tonight?¡±

    ¡°Woah!¡± Michelle¡¯s two friends next to her eximed. Yoo Hye-Sook would curse France for the rest of her life if she were to understand their conversation. Luckily, she seemed a little more excited.

    ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±

    ¡°Why? You seem like a fun guy. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>!¡±

    He wasn¡¯t Smithen¡¯s reincarnation. The funny thing was that the two girls next to her were looking at Kang Chan while swallowing hard.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the deal. The three of us will go all out to make you look good in front of your family, and in return, you¡¯ll bring it tonight. Sounds good?¡±

    These girls¡­?

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have time to be mad or stop them. The Barbie doll leaped to her feet and stood behind Kang Chan, while the other two stood at his side each. At that moment, everyone in the restaurant immediately looked at Kang Chan¡¯s table.

    ¡°You must be proud to have such a wonderful son. He¡¯s so fluent in French that it seemed as though he had lived In France. I¡¯m Michelle. This is Cecil, and this is Cindy.¡± She deliberately spoke very fast in French.

    Meanwhile, Michelle was pressing her chest against the back of Kang Chan¡¯s head. Puzzled, Kim Seong-Hee looked at Bang Dae-Shik.

    ¡°I think they¡¯re saying hi to us¡­?¡± Bang Dae-Shik looked equally puzzled.

    The sly and evil Michelle blinked innocently, shifting her gaze among the three people, as though she was wondering why they didn¡¯t react.

    ¡°Dear, what is she saying?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook smiled innocently at Michelle as she asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°She just wants to say hi because she had fun talking to me. Her name is Michelle.¡±

    The Barbie doll nodded and said hello to Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°This is Cecil, and she¡¯s Cindy.¡±

    ¡°Oh my, I see. Tell them I said hi.¡±

    Kang Chan turned around and looked at Michelle. And then he leaned his upper body away from the chair. Her bare chest within her blouse was right in front of his face.

    ¡°Thank you. I think that¡¯s enough, so let¡¯s stop here.¡±

    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s a breach of contract. Give me your number. If you don¡¯t give it to me, I will speak in Korean from now on and humiliate you.¡±

    Kang Chan clenched his teeth and forced a smile.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop here.¡±

    ¡°This is yourst chance. I¡¯m feeling hot. Make up your mind fast or you¡¯re going to regret it.¡±

    Kang Chan almost dragged her out of there, but he held it in with his superhuman will. He was fighting a losing battle today. He had no way out because Yoo Hye-Sook was being held hostage. Kang Chan continued forcing a smile and gave her his number. After Michelle saved it, she suddenly leaned her head closer.

    ¡°Why are you so old-fashioned? I¡¯m just saying hi, darling.¡±

    <i>Smooch. Smooch.</i>

    When Michelle gave Kang Chan a  bise¡¯ greeting, the other two girls smiled delightedly, yet insidiously, and greeted him too.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t give me the wrong number, right?¡±

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>, I don¡¯t do things like that.¡±

    ¡°Alright, then. I¡¯m going now. We¡¯re looking forward to seeing youter!¡±

    As soon as the three girls left, everyone else looked away and resumed what they were doing.

    ¡°Hye-Sook, which site did Chan use to learn French?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. He found it on his own, so I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Kim Seong-Hee looked at Kang Chan, her eyes filled with envy and jealousy.

    ¡°I just bought a French grammar book and studied it, and I looked for French sites and chat rooms.¡± Kang Chan told her.

    Kim Seong-Hee red at Bang Dae-Shik as though she was going to lecture him hard. The mes raging in her eyes seemed about to spread to her bangs at any moment.

    ¡°Dae-Shik! You need more French sses.¡±

    Bang Dae-Shik pursed his lips, looking as if he was about to cry.

    After brunch, Kim Seong-Hee left first.

    ¡°Son! I¡¯m sooooo happy.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s smile reminded him of Snow White, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even react because she linked arms with him. The feeling of his mother clinging onto his right arm and leaning on him made him feel warm and fuzzy.

    When she turned to look at Kang Chan, she was looking up at him with the happiest face in the world.

    ¡°Were you okay today?¡±

    ¡°Of course! I think I¡¯ll even walk home from here.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook was actually skipping down the street.

    It must have been a good memory, right?

    Kang Chan hoped that was the case.

    <i>¡®Thank you. And I¡¯m sorry.¡±</i>

    1. The original term used in Korean is ¡®pig mom(s)¡¯, which refers to mothers who spare no effort in trying to improve their children¡¯s grades by grouping them together for private tutoring sessions. They strategize, lobby, and gain ess to and negotiate with the best tutors.

    2. Traditional French way of greeting someone by ¡®kissing¡¯ them on both cheeks, without the lips actually touching the cheek.

 Chapter 13: Even When You Knew? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 13: Even When You Knew? (1)</h4>

    The morning after getting home, Yoo Hye-Sook repeated what happened at the restaurant to Kang Dae-Kyung about five times. Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s reaction was surprising. Every time he heard Yoo Hye-Sook recounting the story, he would smile widely without showing any signs of annoyance.

    Kang Chan was engrossed in browsing the inte on theputer in his room. He had been trying his best to look for records of the battles in Africa but to no avail.

    Buzzz- Buzzz- Buzzz-

    Kang Chan picked up his phone and smiled softly.

    [Are you home?]

    It was a text from Kim Mi-Young. He called her in response.

    ¨C¨C Hello?

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¨C¨C Where are you?

    ¡°At home.¡±

    ¨C¨C Can youe out for a bit? I have some free time after <i>hagwon</i>.

    ¡°You have to go to hagwon even on Sundays?¡±

    ¨C¨C It¡¯s for my academic records.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what she meant by that, but he took her word for it.

    ¨C¨C You can¡¯te out?

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    ¨C¨C Tron Square.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know where that was. He hesitated for a moment, but he didn¡¯t want to disappoint Kim Mi-Young, who was already there.

    ¡°Where do you wanna meet?¡±

    ¨C¨C Eunbo Bookstore. It¡¯s on the third floor.

    A joyful reply came from the other end of the line.

    Kang Chan changed into his jeans and T-shirt and went into the living room.

    ¡°I¡¯m going out to see Mi-Young for a bit.¡±

    ¡°Mi-Young? Your ssmate, Kim Mi-Young?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked worried.

    Kang Chan was puzzled, but he wasn¡¯t the type to be inquisitive and get to the bottom of it. He proceeded to put his sneakers on at the front door.

    ¡°Do you still have some allowance left?¡±

    ¡°I still have the money you gave me yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled at Yoo Hye-Sook and walked out the front door.

    ***

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Even Kang Dae-Kyung noticed that Yoo Hye-Sook looked tense.

    ¡°I¡¯m worried her mother will say something terrible about our son again.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung blinked.

    ¡°Her mother is well-known in this apartmentplex. She previously went to the house of her daughter¡¯s close friend to talk to her parents, telling them to keep their daughter away from hers so she wouldn¡¯t interfere with her daughter¡¯s studies.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Her dad¡¯s a judge.¡±

    ¡°What has that got to do with our children being friends?¡±

    ¡°Honey! Mothers aren¡¯t like that. It really hurts a parent¡¯s pride to hear someone say something like that. If Mi-Young¡¯s dad wasn¡¯t a judge, she would¡¯ve been so badly bullied that she wouldn¡¯t have been able to go to school. Her mother even went to the school and requested them not to put students that disrupt sses in the same ss as her daughter.¡±

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung shook his head, speechless.

    ¡°Things will be okay, right?¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t it be? Seong-Hee¡¯s son isn¡¯t even close to being on Chan¡¯s level.¡±

    ¡°What do we do if shees knocking on our door?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? All we have to do is agree and say ¡®okay.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on thinking about brunch with Seong-Hee today. Why worry about something that hasn¡¯t even happened yet on such a good day?¡±

    It seemed like Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s words had a positive effect on Yoo Hye-Sook, considering a whimsical smile appeared on her face.

    ¡°Since our son isn¡¯t home, let¡¯s have that steamy session I¡¯ve been waiting for¡­¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked dumbfounded.

    Kang Dae-Kyung continued, ¡°We couldn¡¯t do it properlyst night because Chan went out.¡±

    ¡°Have you been taking drugs without my knowledge?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll get in trouble if we take drugs here. Don¡¯t be like that. Okay?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook walked over to Kang Dae-Kyung, who was sitting on the sofa, and sat on hisp.

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Chan.¡±

    She proceeded to hug Kang Dae-Kyung tightly.

    ***

    Tron Square was so close to their apartment that Kang Chan only had to pay the minimum taxi fare. At first nce, it looked huge, but as soon as he entered the mall, he found the lobby the size of a ser field packed with people.

    Kang Chan took the esctor and made his way up to the third floor. Eunbo Bookstore¡¯s entrance design was that of a monster¡¯s mouth facing the esctor, looking as though it was devouring it. Kim Mi-Young was easy to spot since she stood by the entrance, looking at the peopleing up the esctor.

    ¡°Chan!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young jumped joyously and greeted Kang Chan.

    She was cute. Just like a maknae female friend.

    ¡°Are you buying some books?¡± he asked her.

    ¡°No.¡±

    Kang Chan stared at Kim Mi-Young. That was when the realization hit him. Even though she was smiling broadly, she had the typical look that lonely people had. Perhaps Kang Chan was the only person she found sce in.

    Among the people that signed up to be mercenaries, there were quite a lot of them who had the same look on their faces because they had a lonely life. Those men were tough¨C¨Cthey tried to prove themselves through fights.

    ¡°I want to watch a movie. I have some money,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    Kim Mi-Young looked kind of sad.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go watch one. What do you want to watch?¡±

    His response seemed to have flustered and dumbfounded her. People would usually have that look on their faces if someone beat the living daylights out of them and then handed them a bottle of beer afterward. While Kang Chan was on the esctor with Kim Mi-Young, he thought about the first time he met Dayeru. Kang Chan had almost killed him in their third and final fight.

    ¡°It¡¯s my birthday today,¡± Mi-Young suddenly spoke up.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°I said it¡¯s my birthday today.¡±

    <i>I see.</i>

    Kang Chan nodded.

    Kim Mi-Young looked at Kang Chan with a sad look on her face. Was she hinting at him to give her a present? Kang Chan had never celebrated his birthday in his life and had never met anyone who wanted him to do anything for their birthday.

    He decided to think about it during the movie. Ironically, there were no seats, probably because it was Sunday. All the movie tickets starting in the next three hours had been sold out, including the movie with the poster of a pretty woman smiling broadly while standing next to a dumb-looking man.

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s shoulders drooped. Was she that disappointed because they couldn¡¯t catch a movie?

    <i>¡®What should I do?¡¯</i>

    Even if he wanted to do something for her, he needed to know what his options were. Kang Chan then looked around.

    Kim Mi-Young whipped out her flip phone from her pocket and her face immediately turned pale after seeing the name of the caller. Kim Mi-Young nced at Kang Chan, then answered the phone.

    ¡°Hi, mom.¡±

    She shifted her gaze down to the floor.

    ¡°No, I was done with <i>hagwon</i> earlier than expected, so I swung by Eunbo Bookstore to buy a book.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young looked like she was about to cry.

    ¡°Mom, there¡¯s a book I¡¯m interested in. Can I read it here before I go home?¡±

    Kang Chan seemed to have an idea of what her mother¡¯s reply was. Kim Mi-Young still looked sad.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s my birthday today, though.¡±

    Such defiance would only give the other party even more justification to stand their ground.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Then their call ended ording to Kang Chan¡¯s expectations.

    Kim Mi-Young felt resentful, disappointed, and so angry that it seemed like she was about to explode. Nheless, she had no choice but to suppress those feelings even though they were already mixing and entangling with one another. It could all be seen in her eyes.

    Kang Chan gestured to the entrance with a nod.

    The girl was no longer jumping for joy and instead walked with drooping shoulders.

    ¡°Snow White.¡±

    ¡°The <i>hagwon</i> probably called her. I studied really hard toplete the test early today, though¡­¡±

    ¡°You have to take tests at <i>hagwon</i> too?¡±

    ¡°If you make mistakes, you have to stay there until you get the right answer. That¡¯s why I tried my best to get them all right on my first try. My mom probably told the <i>hagwon</i> to text her.¡±

    <i>¡®You have a difficult life too, huh.¡¯</i>

    When Kang Chan suddenly wanted to console her, he smirked to himself. Since when did he be such a caring person? He felt like he could hear Seok Kang-Ho teasing him.

    Kang Chan held out his right hand and grabbed Kim Mi-Young¡¯s hand. She looked at him in surprise.

    ¡°Birthdays may be important, but I hope you¡¯ll study hard ande in first ce in the entire school.¡±

    Kang Chan could feel goosebumps all over his back, but hepletely ignored his body¡¯s reaction to his words.

    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for our promise, I would¡¯ve kissed you here today. What a pity.¡± Kang Chan clicked his tongue.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    He regretted looking at Kim Mi-Young¡¯s blushing face. He truly didn¡¯t expect her to look so happy because of what he said in passing.

    Kang Chan suddenly pulled her closer to him.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young froze the moment Kang Chan held her in his arms. Even though she talked about their rtionship so casually, she seemed very nervous when he hugged her.

    ¡°Cheer up. And do well on your exams. Even though we¡¯re not doing anything for your birthday today, I¡¯ll celebrate it with you next year. Okay?¡±

    Snow White buried her head in his arms and hugged him tightly. There was still some space between them below the waist, though. Kang Chan patted Kim Mi-Young on the back just as Yoo Hye-Sook did to him.

    ¡°Happy birthday.¡±

    Those passing by looked at them with judgmental eyes.

    It was emotional.

    Anything more than a hug would be dangerous. It waspletely different seeing her as a <i>maknae</i> female friend versus feeling her chest pressed against him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan stepped away from the blushing Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned.

    Yoo Hye-Sook said she was happy in the morning, and Kim Mi-Young said the same thing in the afternoon.

    Had he ever made anyone happy before in his life? There had been a couple of times when his men thanked him for saving them during difficult battles, but nobody had ever told him he made them happy.

    Kang Chan walked back to the apartmentplex holding Kim Mi-Young¡¯s hand.

    He was worried for nothing¨C¨CKim Mi-Young¡¯s mother wasn¡¯t waiting for her outside.

    ¡°Go home and study hard.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    Kang Chan found Kim Mi-Young cute. However, he was also worried because he tended to blindly focus on one particr thing.

    ¡°Run along.¡±

    ¡°Alright. You should go home too.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young skipped into the apartmentplex.

    <i>¡®Am I doing something wrong?¡¯</i>

    At this rate, would the naive child be okay once he suddenly vanished to France? He was also worried about Yoo Hye-Sook. He had to think of a good excuse to go to France.

    Nothing eventful happened after he got home. Kang Chan was more worried about his sses than his rendezvous with the gangsters tomorrow. Just like that, Kang Chan¡¯s Sunday came to an end.

    1. It¡¯s a Korean term that refers to the youngest person in any group, like a friend group, or at work, etc.

 Chapter 14é”›å­­art1: Even When You Knew? (2)

    <h4>Chapter14£¬Part1: Even When You Knew? (2)</h4>

    Monday morning.

    Kang Chan was walking onto the school grounds with Kim Mi-Young when he saw Seok Kang-Ho standing in front of the school gate with a hard look on his face.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s with him? Did he fail to get me out of my sses?¡¯</i>

    When their gazes met, Seok Kang-Ho gave him a look that told Kang Chan to meet him before lunch.

    The students that ran into Kang Chan on the stairs or in the hallway still avoided making eye contact with him, and silence still followed wherever he went.

    ¡°Ha,¡± Kang Chan sighed, feeling frustrated, but would anything change?

    <i>¡®Why don¡¯t I just give studying a shot?¡¯</i>

    What about an easy subject like Japanese? Just as Kang Chan was staring at the textbook intensely¡­

    ¡°Kang Chan!¡± It was Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan obediently followed behind him down the hallway. Both of them kept their mouths shut the entire time they were walking since there might be other people around. It looked as though a student was being hauled into the teacher¡¯s office because he had seriously gotten himself into trouble, but Kang Chan had no reason to be concerned about anything like that.

    Seok Kang-Ho took Kang Chan to the basement of the school building where the teacher¡¯s office was located. There was a partition wall to the left of the entrance, and a structure on the semi-basement with a window that overlooked the field.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to use this ce for the athletic club.¡±

    It had a squareyout, each side spanning thirty meters. It was a decent space. Although there were only three chairs at the moment, after cleaning up and adding some equipment, it would be a good enough make-shift gym for Kang Chan to get fit before leaving for France.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Hang on.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho left and returned a couple of momentster with two paper cups.

    <i>Squeaak. nk!</i>

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s hot!¡±

    Coffee seemed to have sshed onto Dayeru¡¯s lips when he closed the door while holding a cup of coffee in his mouth. Strangely, he wasn¡¯t good with hot drinks or food.

    Both of them sat downfortably.

    ¡°The gangsters you¡¯re meeting today are not your usual thugs,¡± Seok Kang-Ho began.

    ¡°Is that why you were frowning this morning?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the issue here.¡±

    ¡°So what do you suggest I do? Run away? Or report it to the cops?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s get the police to help us with them.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    ¡°This is no time to beughing. If things go south, you¡¯ll be going to France on crutches!¡± Seok Kang-Ho spoke in a frustrated tone, dragging the end of his sentence.

    ¡°If you call the cops, Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun would be done for, no?¡±

    ¡°Do you really think that would happen?¡±

    ¡°But didn¡¯t you say they¡¯re not the usual thugs?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grunted in response.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°Legio Patria Nostra.¡±

    ¡°The Legion is our Fathend. ¡°

    ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°We will not retreat.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. ¡°Then why are you suggesting I run away?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed as though he hadn¡¯t given up on persuading Kang Chan.

    ¡°Even though Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun are total trash, I gave them my word that I would go. I¡¯d rather be stabbed with a knife than go back on my word,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Seok Kang-Ho puffed out his chest and exhaled, sounding like he was groaning.

    ¡°Okay. In that case, make sure youe see me before you leave.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to sharpen a knife for you.¡±

    ¡°Hahahaha, are you trying to put me behind bars?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to use a knife anyway. Isn¡¯t it better if it fits in your hand?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d be disgraced if they were to do a body search. I¡¯ll figure out what to do on my own.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho finished the rest of the coffee in one go.

    ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll go get the bullied students¡¯ records.¡±

    As soon as Seok Kang-Ho left, Kang Chan walked over to the window that was facing the field. The window was at his waist level. From the outside, the window would be on the second floor of the building, so a nce through it would be enough to see the entire field.

    There was such a thing as fate, and it felt as though it was endlessly forcing him to face a life-and-death battle. Kang Chan went to France because he didn¡¯t want to be someone without anything to his name or power. But now, the life he wanted was all around him.

    Maybe he should just try living afortable life. Being in the middle of the pack, closing an eye when others got bullied, as well as living with a harmonious family that loved him¡­

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>!¡±

    Considering Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s personality had influenced Dayeru, Kang Chan felt unhappy about the possibility that he was exhibiting the personality of his body¡¯s owner.

    <i>Let¡¯s not live like a coward.</i>

    A bowl of pork cutlet. What was the difference between the pork cutlet he had been craving badly up until the day before he left Korea and the one he was having right now? Was he supposed to make peace with the guys that were much bigger than the students they were harassing and turn his back on those who had died an unjust death?

    He smirked.

    ¡°You messed with the wrong person.¡±

    <i>Squeaaak.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho was opening the iron door when he paused.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s with the look in your eyes?¡±

    <i>m.</i>

    It seemed like fixing the door was of utmost priority.

    ¡°These are the bullied students.¡±

    ¡°What? Two tenth-graders and two eleventh-graders?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Chan looked at the four files containing the students¡¯ records and looked up at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not in the same grade?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    ¡°There are twelfth graders that are being bullied too, but the tenth graders have it the worst. Graduation is just around the corner for the twelfth graders, but the tenth graders have to put up with the harassment for the rest of their remaining high school life, so more often than not, students like them end up dropping out or making extreme choices.¡°

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    ¡°Even if they were to transfer to a different school, things would remain the same because of the damned inte. If it was posted on the school website that they transferred to another school because they got bullied here, they would automatically be bullied at the new school too, so they¡¯d have nowhere to escape.¡±

    Kang Chan bit his lips hard and nodded.

    ¡°Are there any other students who are being bullied apart from these?¡±

    ¡°These four students have it the worst. There are ten other students who are struggling as well, but their situations are rtively better.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed happy and curious at the same time.

    ¡°Let¡¯s form an athletic club,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s form an athletic club. That way, even after I leave during the school vacation, they can unite together and deal with their bullies. Wouldn¡¯t that be better?¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡±

    ¡°Single out the remaining students and bring me their records. I¡¯ll round them up during lunch and sign them up for the athletic club.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that. It would be a lot easier for us to get the budget for the exercise equipment. I¡¯ll be the teacher-in-charge.¡±

    The excited Seok Kang-Ho made his way back to the ssroom. Even though it was an impromptu n, it wasn¡¯t bad.

    Shortly after, Seok Kang-Ho reappeared with ten more files. Two of the students were female.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chen then removed their jackets and started cleaning the space, sweeping and scrubbing the floor.

    ¡°By the way, which subject are you supposed to be teaching right now?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Perhaps Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t hear him properly over the scrubbing sounds, but he rubbed his forehead with his sleeve and frowned.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you which subject you¡¯re teaching.¡±

    ¡°P.E..¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought.¡±

    Just like that, morning came and went.

    ***

    Lunchtime.

    The tenth graders took their lunch in their ssrooms, while the eleventh and twelfth graders ate in the school cafeteria.

    Tenth grade, ss 3. The ssroom was very noisy because it was lunchtime. Some students shared a desk with their good friends, sitting across from one another and eating together, while some students ate by themselves.

    With his head lowered, Moon Ki-Jin forced himself to eat. The other students sat far away from him as though there were infectious viruses on the desk he sat at. It was like a remote ind floating within the ssroom.

    It all started when a close friend of his started hanging out with the bullies. The bullies then told everyone not to hang out with him for unspecified reasons. As a result, not only Moon Ki-Jin¡¯s close friend but even the entire ss started to turn their backs on him one by one until he had bepletely invisible to them.

    There were people that looked for him, though. The bullies.

    Even though he tried resisting, begging, texting, and even buying food for them, the more he did those things, the more severe the bullying and teasing became. Lately, all Moon Ki-Jin wanted to do was jump off the roof.

    That was because he saw how a sunbae in twelfth grade named Kang Chan fought against a gangster. He had also heard that that sunbae had been an errand boy in the past, but he had changed after falling off the roof of a building.

    When he heard that Kang Chan went up against six people at once on the field, it gave him goosebumps. Kang Chan looked so terrifying when he fought the gangsters in front of the school that Moon Ki-Jin didn¡¯t have the time to think of anything else.

    1. The Korean hierarchy in school, at work, or in the military, is clearly shown by how Koreans call the people who have been in thepany/military longer, or students in a higher grade, ¡®senior¡¯(??).

 Chapter 14é”›å­­art2: Even When You Knew? (2)

    <h4>Chapter14£¬Part2: Even When You Knew? (2)</h4>

    The noisy ssroom instantly went silent, as though someone had turned down the volume. Moon Ki-Jin was terrified, so he lowered his head even further, burying his head in his food tray.

    Considering he didn¡¯t have any money, he might have to stand in front of his ssmates with kimchi in his mouth again if the bullies came looking for him. He wanted to die. He should¡¯ve run yesterday, but he didn¡¯t have the courage to. Hence, he cried for a long time on his apartment¡¯s balcony instead.

    ¡°Moon Ki-Jin! Which one of you is Moon Ki-Jin?¡±

    Moon Ki-Jin teared up.

    Strangely, he teared up whenever he was teased while he was eating even though he knew his ssmates would tease him even more if he did.

    ¡°It¡¯s him.¡±

    The figure of a person appeared before Moon Ki-Jin. It seemed somebody had given him up.

    ¡°Are you Moon Ki-Jin?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Even though they were in the same grade, talking to the bullies with respect was better for him. He clenched his teeth hard in a bid to hold back his tears, but he also felt afraid the other party might misunderstand and think he was trying to resist.

    The ssroom was dead silent.

    The rice, soup, and kimchi had blurred because of his tears.

    ¡°Look up.¡±

    Moon Ki-Jin swallowed the food in his mouth and slowly lifted his head. However, he couldn¡¯t look up, so he stared at the waist of the student standing before him. The student was holding a bundle of papers in his left hand.

    ¡°Moon Ki-Jin?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    He felt a little more at ease since he had already made up his mind. If they were to torment him today, that would be it. In the evening, he would certainly¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan from the twelfth grade. Can I talk to you for a second?¡±

    Moon Ki-Jin slowly looked up. He looked at his waist, belly, chest, and then his face.

    <i>¡®Oh my goodness!¡¯</i>

    It was Kang Chan, the winner of the fight against four gangsters in front of their school, and the twelfth grade senior that used a fillet knife to cut off the finger of an unconscious person.

    Moon Ki-Jin was scared at first, but his fear soon turned into disbelief.

    ¡°Are you not done eating yet?¡±

    Was there something wrong with his food? He struggled to even give Kang Chan an answer.

    Moon Ki-Jin shook his head after wiping his tears with the back of his hand.

    ¡°I guess not. Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll buy you something good. Okay?¡±

    Moon Ki-Jin nodded.

    <i>Smack!</i>

    Moon Ki-Jin felt like he couldn¡¯t breathe for a moment since Kang Chan had just hit him on the head, but it didn¡¯t hurt.

    ¡°Hey, if a hyung asks you a question, you should answer.¡±

    ¡°... Yes.¡±

    When he nodded and barely answered, Kang Chan smiled softly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan gestured toward the door with a nod and looked at the students around them.

    And then he grinned, causing all the students to lower their heads. In truth, Moon Ki-Jin was also scared.

    ***

    Eleventh grade, ss 5.

    Cha So-Yeon was eating a piece of bread in a hurry in the ssroom today as well. This was because the bullies would surround her if she were to go to the school cafeteria, harassing her or throwing <i>banchan</i> at her.

    Cha So-Yeon became a loner once it became known that her mother was selling salted fish at the market. Her mother had worked hard to move to Gangnam. She told her to study hard, but all Cha So-Yeon wanted to do was go back to Daejeon. It was Daejeon, but the other students teased her by asking, ¡®You take the cultivator to school, right?¡¯

    And after she was seen with her mother at the market, theypletely isted her. When Cha So-Yeon found out that a close friend was at the market, she introduced the friend to her mother, but that became the source of trouble for her.

    She got choked up. Even though she was beating herself in the chest, Cha So-Yeon couldn¡¯t bring herself to drink water because she didn¡¯t want to hear sarcastic remarks like, ¡®Who put salted fish in the kettle?¡¯

    She hated it¨C¨Cschool, Gangnam, everything.

    She felt apologetic toward her mother for resenting her even though she sometimes shivered in the cold market just to provide for them.

    ¡°Cha So-Yeon?¡±

    Startled, Cha So-Yeon lifted her head, finding a student with a bandaged left hand standing by the front door.

    ¡°Hello.¡± Cho Se-Ho was a bully who was said to have connections to a gang. He got up to his feet and greeted Kang Chan.

    ¡°Who¡¯s Cha So-Yeon?¡±

    ¡°Over there, hyung-nim.¡±

    As soon as Cho Se-Ho politely pointed to her, the student with the bandaged hand walked toward her with long strides. Cha So-Yeon¡¯s heart pounded so hard that she had trouble breathing.

    The student was now standing in front of her desk.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan from twelfth grade.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°I have a favor to ask of you. Do you have time?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡±

    Kang Chan smiled at her.

    ¡°Why are you so shocked? I have something to talk to you about, which is why I¡¯m asking you to spare me some of your time. Would that be okay?¡±

    <i>Ah! Kang Chan, the terrifying twelfth grader!</i>

    Cha So-Yeon subconsciously nodded.

    Kang Chan smiled again.

    ¡°Do people in this school only ever answer with nods?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡±

    He didn¡¯t look like a bad person when he smiled. However, he did use a fillet knife to cut off the finger of an unconscious person.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Cha So-Yeon got up from her seat. Kang Chan red at Cho Se-Ho. Thetter¡¯s eyes looked truly terrifying. Had he always been such a person?

    ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Oh, I¡¯m Cho Se-Ho from eleventh grade. I was one of the people that went over to your ssroom to greet you.¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, Cho Se-Ho flinched.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Cha So-Yeon truly didn¡¯t know what he meant.

    ***

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and the fourteen other students they had rounded up during lunch had gathered at the storage room they decided to use for the athletic club.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to form an athletic club. Mr. Seok Kang-Ho over here¡­ will be the teacher-in-charge.¡±

    The students stared at them, looking puzzled.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do if you don¡¯t want to be a part of it, but if you¡¯re interested in signing up, write your name on the application form. And since I decided to skip the first afternoon ss, let¡¯s eat pork cutlet before leaving.¡±

    It was evident that Seok Kang-Ho would be paying from how he licked his lips.

    ¡°Any questions?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you! What?¡± Kang Chan pointed to one of them.

    Moon Ki-Jin had already made up his mind. ¡°What kind of exercises will we be doing?¡±

    ¡°Basic physical strength training, self-defense, and Dakyu.

    Moon Ki-Jin and everyone else were dumbfounded after hearing Kang Chan¡¯s unexpected answer.

    ¡°Sounds fun, right?¡± Kang Chan said with a smile. Who would dare to reply to him, ¡®No, I don¡¯t think it would be fun.¡¯?

    <i>Squeaaak.</i>

    The door opened at that moment, and the owners of the snack bar in front of the school walked in with a huge container.

    ¡°You ordered pork cutlet, yes?¡±

    ¡°Yes, please bring it over here.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho got up and greeted the owners.

    ¡°Hey! Why aren¡¯t you guys getting your food?¡±

    One by one, the students got up and went to get their food. Just like what Kang Chan said, there was pork cutlet on each of the huge tes.

    ¡°You brought chopsticks, right?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked the owner.

    ¡°Of course, sir.¡±

    The owner took out a handful of wooden chopsticks from his back pocket. He had also given them three stic bottles of soda and coke each.

    Where were they going to eat?

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat on the floor when the students were looking around the room.

    ¡°You two female students. Put those on the floor and sit on them.¡± Seok Kang-Ho was pointing to the cushion on the chair.

    ¡°Pork cutlets taste best when you cut them into pieces and eat them with a pair of chopsticks.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan cut the long strips of pork cutlet into squares and picked them up with the chopsticks, the female students followed suit too.

    ¡°It¡¯s delicious, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Eat slowly or you¡¯ll get indigestion. Do you want cider or coke?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Cider, please.¡±

    It was the first time in two months that Cha So-Yeon had such a pleasant lunch. She made up her mind and decided to write her name on the application form.

    1. Korean side dishes.

    2. The stereotype is that Daejeon isn¡¯t very modernized or city-like. Although it is a city, people living in Seoul generally think that anywhere outside of Seoul is country-like.

    3. A cultivator is a piece of agricultural equipment used for secondary tige

    4. Respectful way of calling a person ¡®hyung¡¯

    5. An equestrian sport in East Asia that¡¯s simr to polo

 Chapter 15é”›å­­art1: They Have No Idea (1)

    <h4>Chapter15£¬Part1: They Have No Idea (1)</h4>

    After lunch, they sat back down on the chairs, forming a circle.

    ¡°As you all know, I¡¯m Kang Chan from ss 2, and I¡¯m currently in twelfth grade. Introduce yourself, starting from the person on the right. This has nothing to do with signing up for the athletic club, so don¡¯t feel pressured.¡±

    There were two students from twelfth grade, six from eleventh grade, and six from tenth grade. All fourteen students said their names, ss, and grade in turn.

    ¡°Even if you join the club, attendance is notpulsory. It¡¯s all up to you, but if anybody¡¯s having a hard time in school,e look for us immediately. I know the woes of being an errand boy better than anyone else.¡±

    Perhaps because they had just eaten pork cutlets together, the atmosphere was very rxed.

    ¡°Lastly, using your current grades as a yardstick, if your GPA for the entire academic year were to drop even by 0.01, you¡¯ll be kicked out. Keep that in mind.¡± Kang Chan continued. The atmosphere instantly became chilly but he didn¡¯t seem to care.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim?¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    An eleventh grader, Lee Deok-Gi, raised his hand.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what <i>Dakyu</i> is.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho with a smirk.

    ¡°Ahem. ce a stic bottle in the center of a circle with a diameter of ten meters. And then you run with a foot volleyball in your hand and try to hit it. That¡¯s all.¡±

    The students blinked. They didn¡¯t understand what he was trying to say.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You¡¯ll get it when you try it. From tomorrow onwards, we¡¯ll be working out an hour before ss starts, and two hours after ss ends, so prepare some gym clothes orfortable tracksuits.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± a couple of male students responded.

    ¡°Let me reiterate that it¡¯s not mandatory for you to take part in all the activities, so don¡¯t feel pressured. Understood?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Head on back to ss after the fifth period ends. If you want to join the club, fill out the application form before you go.¡±

    Moon Ki-Jin raised his hand after Seok Kang-Ho was done speaking. ¡°I¡¯ll sign up now, teacher.¡±

    ¡°Me too!¡± Cha So-Yeon raised her hand as well.

    One by one, all the students walked over and grabbed an application form. The bell eventually rang while they were filling out the application forms and asking a variety of questions, marking the end of the fifth period.

    The students went back to their ssrooms with mixed emotions on their faces, leaving behind Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯m just upset that the school isn¡¯t doing its job of watching over the students. You saw their faces when they were eating the pork cutlets, right? It breaks my heart.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at him and smiled softly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. I think this body has consumed me.¡± Seok Kang-Ho looked embarrassed. ¡°Anyway, I have to go. I¡¯ve got a ss to teach.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be warming up here,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    As soon as Seok Kang-Ho left, Kang Chan took off his shirt and walked over to the window before slowly beginning to do his warm-up exercises.

    ¡°Huh?!¡± He eximed in surprise after putting his left arm behind his neck and pulling it with his right hand, leaning his upper body to the side.

    Was it because his physical age was young? His body was more flexible than he expected.

    ¡°What if I do this?¡± This time around, he stretched his legs to the front and back as much as possible.

    ¡°Ack!¡±

    He managed to stretch his legs further than expected, but his inner thighs hurt as he did.

    Afterward, he did his warm-up exercises for approximately ten minutes before looking out of the window due to the noise outside. He saw Seok Kang-Ho on the field.

    Seok Kang-Ho was making his students y <i>Dakyu</i>.

    Back in Africa, units oftenpeted against one another when they didn¡¯t have any special operations. Not only were they running until they were out of breath, but it was also the next best physical activity that offered low risks of injury, which was why the legion didn¡¯t stop them from ying it.

    The rules were simple¡ªall they had to do was run with a ball and knock over a stic bottle. Doing so would end the game. However, if the opponent were to touch the yer that was holding the ball, thetter¡¯s team would lose the ball. Hence, the yers had to pass the ball before that happened. Moreover, they also had to make the shot outside the circle and¨C-simr to handball¡ªit would only count if the yer jumped and made the shot mid-air.

    In truth, there wasn¡¯t much to debate about in a game of <i>Dakyu</i>. There were asional disputes about yers stepping on the edge of the circle before jumping or throwing the ball after their foot touched the ground, but Dayeru would resolve any issues whenever that happened in the past.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart raced when he watched the students y <i>Dakyu</i>, a game he had forgotten about. Back then, if the womanizer Smithen knocked over the stic bottle, he would celebrate the win like a ser yer who had scored a goal in the World Cup.

    <i>¡®Fucking bastard.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan clearly remembered the look in Smithen¡¯s eyes when he said the words ¡®God of ckfield¡¯ with his dying breath. It was faith. That was why that fucking bastard didn¡¯t want to take any morphine. He didn¡¯t want to be a burden even in his final moments.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    On another note, the door needed to be fixed as soon as possible.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been looking all over for you.¡± A female student approached him without hesitation.

    Who was it?

    ¡°Heo Eun-Sil?¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil looked like apletely different person without any makeup.

    ¡°The oppas told me they¡¯ll be picking us up and that they¡¯ll being to the back gate because of what happenedst time.¡±

    She looked pretty, but there was something about her face that seemed disproportionate. In any case, Kang Chan thought she looked much better with makeup.

    ¡°I got it. Leave.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil silently studied Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Can I join the athletic club too?¡±

    Caught off-guard, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t respond right away.

    ¡°Even if Ie to school, I have nothing to do and I don¡¯t understand what the teachers are teaching anyway.¡±

    Even though she wasn¡¯t wearing any makeup, her bad standing posture remained the same. Heo Eun-Sil was perpetually leaning her body weight on one leg. It wouldn¡¯t be weird for someone to wonder if she was born like that.

    ¡°Then why are you going to school?¡±

    ¡°I want to quit school, too. That¡¯s why I ran away from home several times before. But ¡®cause my mom tried to overdose, I agreed to graduate from high school on the condition that I can do whatever I want.¡±

    Her life itself was tiring.

    ¡°Heo Eun-Sil.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil quickly nced at his right hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ll discuss it with the other students tomorrow and let you know. Now, leave.¡±

    ¡°Is that really necessary? Op¡ªI mean, isn¡¯t it up to you?¡±

    This bitch had already gotten a taste of cheap, dirty, and worthless authority and power. Kang Chan thought about how great it would¡¯ve been if Heo Eun-Sil were a guy since, if that were the case, he would¡¯ve beaten her until she was at death¡¯s door and made sure she wouldn¡¯t be able to go near him ever again.

    Seemingly deducing his emotions through his eyes, Heo Eun-Sil quickly turned around and walked toward the door.

    <i>ng.</i>

    That damn door needed to be fixed.

    Kang Chan shook off his annoyance and resumed doing his warm-up exercises. Even though his strength and agility were definitely lower, his body was much more flexible now.

    <i>Gangsters? Gangs? They have no idea¡ªthe kind of resolve one must have when surrounded by and facing countless enemies wielding crescent-shaped swords. What it¡¯s like to see countless des slicing apart fallen allies, and what it¡¯s like hearing the dreadful screams. What it feels like to fight using a dagger next to arade who had been mutted beyond recognition.?</i>

    Those people wielded a fillet knife and went berserk with it for the sake of protecting their interests, but Kang Chan lived as a killer to survive and save at least one more person before being killed.

    Parents? School? Life?

    Kang Chan smirked. If he were to take those into consideration, the right call would¡¯ve been to call the cops, just as Dayeru said. But were those things more important than Smithen¡¯s faith, who called out ¡®God of ckfield¡¯ while clinging on to his dear life?

    If he were to make apromise, he would eventually be won over by the things he enjoyed now.

    <i>¡®Moron.¡¯</i>

    If it weren¡¯t for the womanizer Smithen¡¯s final moments¡­

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Kang Chan red at the door and found Kim Mi-Young standing there, so he quickly eased up.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°All the ssrooms are in chaos right now. Students have been badgering the members of the athletic club at every chance they get during the breaks because they want to join the club too.¡±

    When Kang Chan grinned, Kim Mi-Young looked a little relieved.

    ¡°Can I join too?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young kept ncing at the door.

    ¡°I heard Eun-Sil is going to join the club too. I have onest ss for the day, so I¡¯lle here after it ends. I¡¯m joining the club.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young ran out after she was done speaking. Coincidentally, Seok Kang-Ho then entered the room.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°She said she wants to join the athletic club.¡±

    ¡°This is bing a problem. Apart from her, many other students want to join the club after sses end.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still good at running, huh?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a P.E. teacher, you know. By the way, there¡¯s only an hour left. What are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll be arriving at the back gate.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gaze sharpened as it had before when he was Dayeru.

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back no matter what.¡±

    ¡°No matter what?¡±

    When Kang Chan nodded, Seok Kang-Ho sighed heavily.

    ¡°Fucking morons. They should¡¯ve messed with someone they could handle. But then again, those people are idiots.¡± He spoke just like Seok Kang-Ho, but the look in his eyes was that of Dayeru¡¯s.

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I like my wife.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled lowly.

    ¡°So don¡¯t do something silly and make a P.E. teacher go to jail for acts of violence.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Ayy, fuck! Don¡¯t be like this. Let me go with you.¡±

    ¡°Forget about it. Remember Mang?¡±

    ¡°<i>Tch</i>! You¡¯re bringing that up again.¡± Seok Kang-Ho tilted his head, looking displeased.

 Chapter 15é”›å­­art2: They Have No Idea (1)

    <h4>Chapter15£¬Part2: They Have No Idea (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan left the athletic club room the moment the bell rang after sses had ended. He didn¡¯t like the attention he was getting from the other students. Since Seok Kang-Ho was in charge of the roll call, he didn¡¯t have to go to the school assembly or homeroom.

    When Kang Chan reached the back gate, he found three slim, short-haired men in ck suits and white shirts standing in front of a ck car.

    ¡°Are you Kang Chan?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Get in.¡±

    Not only did they have short hair, but the bottom part of their suit pants were also tapered, like leggings. It was an outfit that was hard for the opponent to grab in a fight. Naturally, they weren¡¯t wearing any neckties.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan got into the back seat of the car, sitting directly behind the passenger seat. The three men got in after, upying the driver, passenger, and remaining back seats.

    ¡®<i>Stupid bastards.</i>¡¯

    There was a fillet knife hidden in the left chest area of the guy in the passenger seat despite his suit still being buttoned. The guy sitting in the back seat next to Kang Chan also had one inside his pants.

    They drove along the alley and circled around the school. The atmosphere within the sedan was chilly, almost as if its interior had been covered in ice.

    Kang Chan looked out the window. Students whose sses had finished were flocking out of the school gate.

    The three men¡¯s heads never moved, making it seem like their heads were bolted to their bodies. Kang Chan thought they were bringing him to some secluded factory. However, the car stopped in front of a two-story building located next to a huge hotel instead. The building was ck with snacks scattered all around the entrance and ¡®Cotton Candy¡¯ scribbled in white on one side of the walls.

    Kang Chan waited.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Face twitching, the guy in the passenger seat got out and opened the door for Kang Chan, but it didn¡¯t matter to Kang Chan since it wasn¡¯t like he was going to get hit in the face.

    The man then pointed to the door leading to the basement.

    It was a so-called hostess bar. The stairs were so wide that three men could walk side by side, and it led to a carpeted floor with a counter on the left and a hallway that forked into two paths.

    A man Kang Chan had never seen before was standing in front of the counter. He pointed to the hallway on the right, which was quite long and had doors on both sides¡ªsix on the left and five on the right, with the third one on the right being guarded by a man in a ck suit. Upon noticing Kang Chan, he opened the door behind him. Kang Chan entered the room.

    The room had a huge chandelier hanging above a marble table with bottles of water, beverages, and about a dozen knocked-over cups on it. It also had a bathroom, which was just across the door he had just entered.

    There were five men inside. Kang Chan figured that the person in front of him, who was sitting at the very center, was the so-called boss. He had sharp eyes and a thick neck, forearms, shoulders, and chest that looked twice as big as Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought I¡¯d see a boy in school uniform in a ce like this! Are you Kang Chan?¡±

    He looked around forty years old.

    ¡°Come, sit. Hey! Get up and make some room for him.¡±

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim.¡±

    The two guys on the right quickly got up from their seats, and Kang Chan sat down next to the boss without hesitation.

    ¡°I like the intensity of your gaze! Oh! It¡¯s excellent! Yeah. That¡¯s how a young person should be.¡±

    The boss was more talkative than expected. He ced his arms on the table, leaning forward.

    ¡°I¡¯m not here to drink with you.¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The boss pursed his lips and nced at Kang Chan. Kang Chan¡¯s calm attitude and intense gaze seemed to bother him.

    ¡°There are people out there looking to put you six feet under. They used to say the same about me, but now, even the hyung-nims avoid me when they see me. The choice is yours, though. Will you obediently be one of us? Or will you spend the rest of your life living with regret?¡±

    At that moment, it felt like anotheryer of tension was ced on top of the existing tension.

    Kang Chan looked at the gangsters staying silent.

    The boss clenched and opened his fist on the table, nodding in sync with the rhythm. It seemed like he was doing it out of habit rather than in an attempt to scare him.

    ¡°It makes sense that you made a fool out of three of my guys. Ah! Didn¡¯t you say he injured ten students too?¡±

    ¡°Nine, hyung-nim.¡±

    The boss nodded again then swiftly returned his gaze at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ha! I can see that. This little dipshit needs to be taught a lesson.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh softly. He tried to hold it in as much as he could, but he couldn¡¯t stop it from blurting out anymore after seeing those men test his patience and make decisions as they pleased.

    ¡°Are youughing?¡±

    ¡°Should I be crying then?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The guys sitting next to him and across from him cursed at him and sprung to their feet but sat back down when their boss raised his hand.

    ¡°Do you know what death is?¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head to either side.

    ¡°Do you?¡± he asked in response.

    The boss looked like he was boiling with rage.

    ¡°He¡¯s one crazy bastard.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, punk. So don¡¯t mess with the school that a lunatic like me attends,¡± Kang Chan retorted.

    ¡°You little bastard!¡±

    The boss¡¯ right hand swung toward Kang Chan¡¯s face out of the blue. It seemed like the boss was trying to p Kang Chan, but his thick forearm slowed his movements tremendously.

    <i>Smack.</i>

    Kang Chan grabbed the boss¡¯ hand with his left hand and punched his nape almost at the same time.

    <i>Pow.</i>

    In doing so, he prevented the boss from using any strength immediately. Kang Chan then mercilessly broke the boss¡¯ right finger that he was tightly holding onto.

    <i>Crack.</i>

    ¡°Gah!"

    <i>Pow.</i>

    Simultaneously, the guy sitting next to Kang Chan aimed a punch at his face, but it was all too easy for Kang Chan to dodge. Using his right index and middle fingers, Kang Chan stabbed the boss¡¯ eyes hard.

    ¡°Ack!¡±

    ¡°Hey, you bastard!¡±

    The guy next to Kang Chan attacked him. Bastards like him were the most foolish ones.

    <i>Pow.</i>

    Kang Channded an elbow strike on his forehead.

    <i>Thump.</i>

    The two guys across from him were already standing on the table. Kang Chan immediately lowered his stance a bit and kicked both of them in the shin.

    <i>Crash!</i>

    The two men fell t on their faces before Kang Chan, who then swiftly struck them in the neck.

    <i>Pow. Pow.</i>

    ¡°<i>Cough</i>!¡±

    ¡°<i>Cough cough</i>!¡±

    The two men writhed in pain with only their legs on the table as their boss tried to leave, clutching one of his eyes. The narrow space between the sofa and the table forced him into an awkward stance, however.

    ¡°Where are you going, you bastard!¡±

    When Kang Chan swiftly got onto the table, the guy sitting by the bathroom whipped out a fillet knife. The door connected to the hallway also flung open.

    From atop the table, Kang Chan kicked up.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    The boss¡¯ awkward posture put him at just the right height. If Kang Chan were to stop here, the boss would seek revenge.

    <i>Crack.</i>

    ¡°<i>Cough</i>!¡±

    The boss turned limp when Kang Chan twisted his neck. Kang Chan leaped to the innermost sofa and hauled his body up.

    ¡°You fucking bastard! Let go of him!¡±

    Kang Chan had no idea the hostess bar was this spacious.

    About a dozen men in ck suits entered the room.

    ¡°Let go, you bastard!¡±

    <i>Swish. Swish.</i>

    The guy sitting by the bathroom swung his fillet knife menacingly.

    ¡°Take him.¡±

    .

    Kang Chan¡¯s response seemed to have surprised them.

    ¡°You bastard!¡±

    ¡°I twisted his neck, so if I drop him, it won¡¯t be good for him. Make sure you catch him properly, fucker.¡±

    Flustered, the guy holding the fillet knife, quickly looked toward the entrance. The one standing in front of the dozen men nodded.

    <i>Hesitates.</i>

    <i>¡®Imbeciles.¡¯</i>

    The guy with the fillet knife then walked over to him hesitantly, and Kang Chan shoved their boss toward him with immense force. This startled his opponent, since Kang Chan had mentioned moments before that the boss might die because his neck had been twisted.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan charged toward them and aggressively pushed the back of the boss¡¯ head, aiming at the forehead of the man reaching out.

    <i>Whack.</i>

    <i>Crash!</i>

    Tangled up, the boss and the man with the fillet knife tumbled under the table.

    ¡°You bastard!¡±

    A few of the other guys thought of climbing over the table to get to Kang Chan, but they hesitated because Kang Chan had grabbed their downed ally¡¯s knife and was standing on the chair once again.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart pounded against his chest. He hadn¡¯t felt so nervous in a long time.

    Unlike the gangsters, Kang Chan held the fillet knife in a reverse grip, with the edge toward his opponents. As soon as he put his left foot down from the chair to the table, the three men who had climbed up on top of it paused.

    ¡°You idiots. Do you really have nothing better to do with your fucking lives than mess with students in school?¡± Kang Chan taunted them.

    ¡°You bastard! I¡¯ll rip your mouth apart!¡±

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan stood on top of the table. The guy that had copsed after his boss crashed into him and the guys previously standing in the back were busy dragging their boss out.

    ¡°There are fifty people outside waiting for you, you fucking bastard! You won¡¯t be getting out alive today! This ce will be your grave even if it means I¡¯ll get sentenced to death, you fucking son of a bitch!¡± one of the gangsters yelled at him.

    Kang Chan slowly clenched his left hand. His wound had probably opened up¡ªit felt damp and was throbbing with pain.

    ¡°You¡¯re not a bunch of weaklings, so why do you only hang around outside the school picking on students?¡±

    ¡°You fucking bastard!¡± Seemingly losing his cool, the guy yelling at him charged forward with a fillet knife.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Kang Chan extended his left hand and shifted his grip up the handle, positioning it closer to the de. His opponent stared at him, apparently flustered by Kang Chan¡¯t movements.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed him in the forearm four times.

    <i>Pew!</i>

    ¡°Aaaaack!¡±

    He screamed in pain when Kang Chan shed his wrist for the final blow. Kang Chan then shoved him away.

    <i>Crash!</i>

    ¡°Aagh! Ack!¡±

    The guy fell on the cups scattered on the floor and grabbed his wrist, crying in pain.

    He seemed to have mistakenly thought Kang Chan had sliced his artery open.

    <i>Moron.</i>

    The guy got himself all startled.

    The two remaining gangsters couldn¡¯t even run. One of them was shaking. Kang Chan smirked. Bastards like him were especially merciless to people who were weak.

    Meanwhile, a few guys leaped onto the sofa from both sides.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    The guy on the left sofa swung his knife toward Kang Chan¡¯s waist.

    <i>Seven threats and three targets.</i>

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    The moment the knife swung past him, Kang Chan sprung forward and shoved his assant. As the man¡¯s shoulder was now facing Kang Chan, Kang Chan jabbed at the guy¡¯s shoulder muscles.

    <i>Pow. Pow.</i>

    ¡°Gahh!¡±

    <i>Pow. Pow.</i>

    Next, Kang Chan struck both his armpits, rendering the bastard unable to wield a knife.

    <i>Bam.</i>

    Even so, Kang Chan still mmed his forehead into his face.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    The guy who seemed terrified earlier thrust his knife forward and charged, appearing to have found an opening. Did he not know that the human body stiffened up when one was afraid?

    Kang Chan ruthlessly stabbed him in the right arm.

    <i>Stab.?</i>

    ¡°Gaaaaaargghh!¡±

    ¡°Come here, you fucking bastard!¡±

    When Kang Chan moved toward the middle sofa, the guy charged at him, almost as if Kang Chan had caught him with a fishing line and was pulling it in.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan had no desire to let him go. He forcefully jabbed the thug¡¯s muscles just above his knees, then struck his shoulder muscles.

    ¡°Aghhh! Eckkk!¡±

    Such cries and screams would destroy hisrades¡¯ morale.

    Kang Chan shed the guy¡¯s right wrist with the fillet knife.

    ¡°Never do this ever again.¡±

    In tears, the man nodded.

    <i>Pew!</i>

    ¡°Aaaaghhh!¡±

    Kang Chan flung him aside and climbed onto the table once again.

    <i>Hesitate.</i>

    When the guy at the table suddenly leaped down, the men in front of Kang Chan took that as a signal to retreat. By now, the dance floor was filled with gangsters.

    Kang Chan jumped down to the left sofa and grabbed the right hand of the guy that had passed out after getting headbutted. He red fiercely at the men standing in front of him.

    <i>Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan was showing them that their lives would be over if he were to ever catch them. It didn¡¯t matter if it was repulsion or fear he instilled in them. He was fine with it. Those feelings guing their minds would stiffen their movements, which would ultimately tire them out quicker when fighting against him.

    When Kang Chan jumped onto the floor from the sofa, some of those at the back headed toward the door. One would think they were tenacious bastards, but they were just tenacious high schoolers wearing ck suits and standing in line. They¡¯d bow and apologize out of fear.

    <i>You messed with the wrong person.</i>

    ¡°Move out of the way!¡±

    Amotion sprung at the door. Soon, two men with baseball bats entered the room.

    Did they think their weapons¡¯ length would give them an advantage? If that were true, the long swords in Africa would¡¯ve long killed Kang Chan and his unit!

    ¡°You motherfucker. Fuck around and see what happens!¡±

    <i>Whooosh! Whoosh!</i>

    The bat made a rather powerful sound because of its size.

    ¡°Just try me, you fucking bastard!¡± Kang Chan shouted back.

    <i>Crash.</i>

    It seemed as though the thugs thought Kang Chan was being backed into a corner. The three guys with fillet knives charged at the same time, following the lead of the man with the bat.

    <i>Bam.</i>

    Kang Chan kicked the bat with his right foot.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan grabbed the fillet knifeing from the left and yanked it toward him. Based on the way it stung, it had definitely cut his hand even though it was bandaged.

    <i>Pew! Pow!</i>

    As Kang Chan jerked the de in his direction, he shed its wielder¡¯s wrist and stabbed the forearm. He then yanked the thug even closer to him.

    ¡°Gaghhhhh!¡±

    <i>ank.</i>

    The bright, resonant sound of the aluminum bat hitting the guy¡¯s head rang throughout the room. Blood gushed out as if in celebration of a home run.

    <i>Crash!</i>

    Kang Chan positioned the gangster with the split head in front of him as he charged forward.

    <i>Pow. Pow.</i>

    Two knives ruthlessly stabbed into Kang Chan¡¯s meat shield.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed the person holding a bat in the forearm and shoulder, then mercilessly shed the necks of the two guys with fillet knives. They could die, but if he tried to be careful and let them live, then he would be the one to die.

    <i>Pew!</i>

    At that moment, Kang Chan felt a prick in his left shoulder.

    <i>Pew! Pow!</i>

    He shed the wrist of the man that stabbed him in the shoulder, then stabbed him in the forearm.

    ¡°Gaaahhhh!¡±

    Kang Chan had to retreat for now. He dragged with him the guy whose forearm he had just stabbed, causing his victim to let out a shrill scream. A knife was still sticking out right below Kang Chan¡¯s left vicle, and it would¡¯ve been a disaster if he hadn¡¯t moved out of the way reflexively.

    <i>Damn it.</i>

    <i>¡®There¡¯s a lot of them.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan twisted the knife and pushed upward.

    ¡°Gaaaaaahhh!¡±

    When the guy twisted his body¡­

    <i>Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan struck his throat with his left hand.

    ¡°<i>Cough</i>!¡±

    The guy fell to his knees, coughing in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Would you like me to take out the knife for you?¡±

    ¡°<i>Cough! Cough</i>!¡±

    The bastard nodded.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan smirked as he pulled out the knife, then stabbed the man¡¯s shoulder and back muscles.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    He then kneed the thug in the face.

    <i>Clink nk.</i>

    Kang Chan tossed the knife the guy was holding aside and pulled out the knife that was embedded in his own left shoulder, causing his blood to spurt out intermittently like a broken faucet. He clenched his left fist.

    <i>Tingle.</i>

    The pain traveled through his nerves and reverberated throughout his body.

    <i>Drip. Drop.?</i>

    Blood was dripping from the bandage around his left hand, as if it had been dipped in blood. More importantly, his current body was the issue here. It was slow andcked strength, preventing him from moving as he pleased. Had he been in his original body, these stupid amateur knife users wouldn¡¯t have been able to wound him.

    His left cheek was throbbing with pain after being hit the first time.

    <i>Tingle.</i>

    He tried to act as if nothing had happened and took half a step, but his shoulder hurt so badly that it felt like it had been torn off.

    At that moment, amotion at the door interrupted the short confrontation. A man had appeared, holding a bright blue katana.

    1. The direct trantion of this sentence is: ¡®It was shaped like an upended ck box of snacks, with the name of thepany, ¡®Cotton Candy¡¯, scribbled in white.¡¯ but because it wouldn¡¯t work as well in English, we tranted the meaning of it instead.

 Chapter 16: They Have No Idea (2)

    <h4>Chapter 16: They Have No Idea (2)</h4>

    If Kang Chan were to carelessly confront the guy with the katana, he would be shed.

    ¡°You need to be chopped up into pieces before being taken to Cheonan.¡± The guy holding the katanaughed maniacally. He had the eyes of someone who had killed another human being before.

    ¡°I raise dogs over there.¡±

    What was he talking about? Staying silent in the face of the enemy¡¯s provocation would give one more confidence.

    ¡°Fucking bastard! I¡¯ll give you credit for wanting to take care of your friends.¡±

    ¡°Huehuehuehue.¡±

    This bastard was dangerous. Instead of getting angry, he imagined how Kang Chan would look when he was dead. That meant that he had had a simr experience before.

    Kang Chan extended his left shoulder forward and lowered his stance, which was nothing like what he had been doing thus far. Once. If he were to get seriously injured here¡­

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes shone for a second.

    ¡°What is this!¡±

    ¡°You fucking bastard!¡±

    ¡°Aaaaahhhhh!¡±

    Profanity and yells were hearding from the other end of the hallway. The people that were blocking the door turned toward the direction of the noises, breaking into amotion.

    ¡°<i>Ptooey</i>!¡± Kang Chan tried spitting on the floor, but there was no spit.

    ¡°Fuck, your throat is so parched you can¡¯t even produce any spit.¡± The katana wielderughed, his face contorting.

    Kang Chan looked straight into the man¡¯s eyes, lifted his left hand, and put the bandage on his mouth.

    ¡°<i>Tch</i>. <i>Tch</i>.¡± He sucked his own blood. Because of the piercing pain in his left shoulder, his gaze naturally sharpened.

    When themotion outside became louder, the guy with the katana became concerned as well.

    Kang Chan slowly moved the bandage away from his mouth. With the blood concentrated around his mouth, half of his face was covered in blood.

    ¡°<i>Ptooey</i>!¡± Kang Chan instantly spat out the blood in his mouth at the guy.

    The moment the guy turned his head to the right and dodged it¡­

    ¡°<i>Ptooey</i>!¡±

    Kang Chan spat out the rest of the blood and moved, seemingly about to pounce forward.

    <i>Swish.</i>

    A person who had lost his bnce wouldn¡¯t be able to swing their sword much. As soon as the sword swung past him, Kang Chan extended his right foot and kicked the guy¡¯s wrist.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    Just once. Right before his opponent could raise his katana¡­

    <i>Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan thrust his fillet knife into the thug''s right arm, just above his elbow, and dragged it upwards.

    ¡°Gaaaahhhh!¡±

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan then stabbed the guy¡¯s elbows and both sides of his chest.

    <i>nk.?</i>

    The moment his opponent swung his katana downward¡­

    <i>Pew! Pow.?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s left forearm and right shoulder were cut open as well. It was such a dangerous situation that if Kang Chan hadn¡¯t stopped the guy with the katana, he would¡¯ve been stabbed in the neck.

    <i>Pow. Pew! Pew! Pow.</i>

    The blood that spurted out startled some of the people around them, while there were also some that got excited at the sight of it.

    Terrified by the sight of blood and gore, some thugs blindly attacked him, unaware of what they were doing. Kang Chan roughly blocked their attacks with his bandaged left hand and stabbed, shed, and stabbed again at random.

    ¡°Huff. Huff. Huff. Huff.¡±

    Kang Chan was out of breath. What kind of workout did the owner of his body do exactly? He was still so weak. Nevertheless, Kang Chan was thest person standing in the room. About a dozen people that had copsed on the floor surrounded him, writhing in pain. The floor was covered in so much blood that shoes were sticking to the floor.

    Nobody else entered the room probably because Kang Chan had defeated their strongest men. Kang Chan noticed his vision had turned white, and neither his shoulder nor his left hand, which had cuts all over, hurt at all. Even in Africa, whenever this happened, the enemy couldn¡¯t easily attack him.

    God of ckfield.

    One might not know this, but the enemy troops were the ones who had given that nickname to Kang Chan. It meant ¡®god of death.¡¯

    <i>¡°I¡¯ll kill all of them.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan tilted his neck to the left. Strangely, whenever he became mad, he¡¯d find himself unable to tolerate all the bastards in the world because he found them annoying.

    As soon as Kang Chan pounced at them, the men in front of the door scattered across both the left and right hallways.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    The mor was getting louder and louder. Kang Chan slowly walked out of the door.

    <i>Swish.</i>

    A fillet knife came swinging toward him, but it was too slow¡ªan attack filled with reluctance due to sheer terror.

    <i>Pew! Pow!</i>

    ¡°<i>Cough</i>!¡±

    The guy retreated with his arms bent. Kang Chan¡¯s body was as fast as it was before.

    ¡°Come here!¡±

    When he red at the thugs, a couple of them hesitated and ran into a nearby room. Kang Chan turned to those who remained in the hallway.

    <i>I¡¯ll kill them all! I¡¯ll kill all the people that killed my people. What do I have? Family? Money? Happiness? Honor? Love? I only have my unit members. And they took that away from me?</i>

    <i>Pew! Pow. Pow.</i>

    As quick as lightning, Kang Chan charged at the guy that was retreating away from him and stabbed him in the arm and shoulder.

    ¡°Gaaaah!¡± His target screamed, struggling to escape. Kang Chan yanked his shirt and suit.

    ¡°You can¡¯t even protect a few people, huh?¡±

    ¡°Ugh¡­¡±

    Kang Chan stared at the thug¡¯s throat¡ªright below his Adam¡¯s apple.

    ¡°HEY!¡±

    Kang Chan came to his senses after hearing someone calling out to him. When he looked up, he found a man at the end of the hallway wearing a monkey¡­

    ¡°Daye?¡±

    ¡°You must not kill them!¡±

    <i>Plop.?</i>

    Kang Chan pushed the guy he was grabbing onto aside.

    Crazy bastard. He had never imagined anyone would ever wear a monkey mask to such a fight. It was already over, anyway.

    The men in front of Kang Chan and the guys close to Seok Kang-Ho could only hesitate. Nobody attacked them.

    ¡°If any of the bastards go near the school in the future, I will definitely cut off their heads.¡±

    The basement hallway. The only thing that drowned out Kang Chan¡¯s voice was the asional ghastly groans.

    ¡°The bastards who don¡¯t want to fight, go into the room in the front.¡±

    As soon as Kang Chan craned his neck and red at them, they entered the room as instructed, one to two men at a time.

    Kang Chan slowly walked toward Seok Kang-Ho. Perhaps because he had regained his rationality, he felt a sharp pain every time he walked.

    <i>Stagger.</i>

    It seemed like his left leg had been wounded as well, considering he couldn¡¯t move it very well.

    Seok Kang-Ho took a very deep breath as he spoke, ¡°Fuck. I thought I was never going to see you again.¡±

    Did he have an eye infection? Kang Chan could see Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes through the holes in the mask¡ªthey were red, bloodshot.

    ¡°Where did you even find that?¡± The monkey seemed happy. He had a big smile on his face.

    ¡°It¡¯s a monkey with an English name. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho supported Kang Chan¡¯s upper body, and they walked toward the entrance.

    ¡°If you get into the car like this, people are going to report it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was right. What could they do? If Kang Chan had a nket, he would cover himself with it and leave the ce.

    ¡°Hang on.¡±

    Since Seok Kang-Ho was supporting Kang Chan, the front part of his clothes got covered in blood too. Seok Kang-Ho went to the counter and started rummaging around with his head lowered. At that moment, when the monkey with the big smile abruptly raised his head, more of those bastards flocked toward the stairs at the entrance.

    Kang Chan was leaning against the wall but quickly stood up straight. The men with iron pipes and fillet knives held their ground at a distance away in front of him, staring at the two instead of charging at them immediately. Kang Chan stretched his neck.

    ¡°School uniform? I guess he must really be a high school student?¡±

    The man standing in front of him spoke, looking surprised.

    ¡°Hurry up! Go in and check the situation out!¡±

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim.¡± As soon as the person who replied nodded, the guys standing by rushed inside.

    A yell was heard immediately, but it didn¡¯t seem like a fight.

    ¡°It¡¯s Oh Gwang-Taek. Everybody knows who Gwang-Taek of Sinsa-dong is.¡±

    He was slim for a gangster, so he had a simr body shape as Kang Chan.

    ¡°I was ready to take action anyway. I heard in the parking lot that Ki-Bum had been taken to the hospital, so I rushed here.¡±

    ¡°You got any cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You bastard¡­¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek red at the guy who swore, ¡°Mind your own fucking business, motherfucker.¡±

    The guy lowered his head.

    ¡°You bastard, you think you could do this? If you want to talk about age, go to the seniormunity center, you fucker.¡± Gwang-Taek continued to criticize him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, hyung-nim.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek red at him and looked him up and down once more before looking at Kang Chan again. He then took out a pack of cigarettes with about ten cigarettes left and a lighter.

    He looked at the hand Kang Chan extended and smirked. He put two cigarettes in his mouth, lit them, then handed one of them to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hoo.¡±

    It felt good. Kang Chan leaned against the wall and slid down to sit on the floor.

    ¡°Daye,e here.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    From the counter, Seok Kang-Ho made his way through the crowd and went over to Kang Chan¡¯s side.

    ¡°Give me another cigarette.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Dayeru took the pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He ced a cigarette in his mouth, his face looking just like a smiling emoji.

    ¡°Wow, a high school student and a monkey mask. Ah, guess Park Ki-Bum won¡¯t be able to go around talking about this.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek was dumbfounded. When he exhaled smoke, a guy came out from inside the bar.

    ¡°There are no dead bodies. Five guys are seriously injured. It seems like the gang is finished with this.¡±

    After Oh Gwang-Taek nodded, he looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s a particr hospital that we go to. Let¡¯s head there. Those bastards need to be treated too. If news about a high school boy destroying gang members with a knife gets out, the gangsters in Gangnam would all be beaten into a pulp.¡±

    ¡°After one more cigarette.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek gave a low chuckle and turned his head to the back.

    ¡°Block the front, and park the car. Make sure they¡¯re unable to see this ce from the opposite building. Remove all the CCTV footage and take them with you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim.¡±

    The two guys hurried upstairs.

    ¡°Hurry up. The Intelligence Division must have gotten suspicious too.¡±

    ¡°Hoo!¡±

    Kang Chan put out his cigarette on the floor.

    ¡°Ugh,¡± He groaned as he tried to get up. Seok Kang-Ho quickly supported him.

    ¡°Hey! Get rid of that monkey mask.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take it off when we reach the hospital.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked at the two of them with a puzzled look on his face. When Kang Chan barely managed to get up, the guy that ran down the stairs reported that he was ready. He was even holding a nket too.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the hospital with them, so take the injured people to the hospital and tie up all loose ends properly.¡± Oh Gwang-Taek ordered.

    When Kang Chan started walking, the man opened up the nket and put it over Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

 Chapter 17: Thank You (1)

    <h4>Chapter 17: Thank You (1)</h4>

    The first thing Kang Chan saw when he came to his senses was Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s worried face.

    ¡°Are you feeling a little better?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Thest thing Kang Chan remembered was him leaning on Seok Kang-Ho in the car. The volume of blood in the two blood bags gradually decreased, as though they werepeting with each other.

    ¡°You have so many cuts that we nearly had to use a sewing machine.¡±

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    ¡°Give me some water.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho first reached out toward the bottom of Kang Chan¡¯s bed and turned the lever.

    <i>Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.</i>

    He slowly adjusted the angle of the bed, propping Kang Chan¡¯s upper body up and putting him in a morefortable position. Seok Kang-Ho handed him a ss of water afterward, which he downed.

    ¡°What time is it?¡±

    ¡°1:15 am. I¡¯ve called your parents and told them you¡¯re going to sleep over at my ce tonight and to call youter.¡±

    Kang Chan was in a 4-bed ward, with a bed in each corner of the room.

    ¡°Do you want something to eat?¡±

    Just as Seok Kang-Ho asked, the door opened, and Oh Gwang-Taek entered the room. He pulled up an empty chair by the bed and sat down next to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette.¡± Kang Chan demanded.

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked dumbfounded, but he took out a cigarette without saying a word and gave it to Kang Chan anyway.

    ¡°Ugh!¡± Kang Chan tried extending his left hand only for his expression to contour in pain. He held out his right hand instead.

    <i>Chik chik.</i>

    ¡°Hoo.¡±

    When Oh Gwang-Taek offered Seok Kang-Ho some cigarettes as well, he took one out and put it in his mouth.

    ¡°Daye, I want a cup of coffee.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Coffee?¡± Seok-Kang agreed before extending the offer to Oh Gwang-Taek as well.

    Oh Gwang-Taek shook his head lightly. Seok Kang-Ho made a cup of coffee next to the bed across from Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why are you shaking your head?¡± Kang Chan asked Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°I heard he¡¯s a teacher. Is that right?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Ha! Looking at the interaction between you two, it all sounds so wrong.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek appeared to be in histe thirties.

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story. Just leave it at that,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s hot!¡±

    The two of them chuckled softly when they heard Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s short outburst.

    ¡°Here you go.¡±

    Kang Chan took a sip of the instant coffee. It tasted quite nice.

    ¡°Thanks to you, Gangnam¡¯s fine for now. I¡¯ve made a deal with the cops and reporters too, so there won¡¯t be any issues with those punks.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek spoke as Kang Chan took another sip of coffee.

    ¡°Is there anything I can do for you?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°Just leave the students in school alone.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek nodded.

    ¡°As for the punks in the parking lot, we had a lot to talk about because of what happened.¡±

    ¡°Everything¡¯s in order, then,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Hoo! It¡¯s great that you¡¯re notplicating things,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek exhaled deeply. ¡°You should be careful. Rumors about you have been circting among the gangs. I told them the family register was wrong and that you¡¯re actually my friend and family. Even so, it¡¯ll take some time for it to blow over.¡±

    These stupid gangsters were still using the twenty-year-old dumb excuse of the family register being incorrect. It sounded stupid to both the person saying it and the person listening to it in silence.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t very happy about it, but it had already been done.

    ¡°I gave my business card to your teacher.¡±

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek,¡± As soon as Kang Chan called him out, he red at Kang Chan sharply.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about my life, but I don¡¯t want you people anywhere near me. Especially not anywhere near the school.¡±

    The ambiance drastically changed in an instant. Kang Chan and Oh Gwang-Taek looked each other in the eye.

    ¡°You said your name was Kang Chan, right?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek spoke softly. ¡°I told you about the whole family register bullshit because I acknowledge who you are, with or without your ID.¡±

    <i>Slurp.?</i>

    The tension was slowly rising. However, the sound of Seok Kang-Ho slurping his coffee exquisitely interrupted them.

    Oh Gwang-Taek subconsciously broke eye contact with Kang Chan. Dumbfounded, a mncholic smile crept up his lips.

    ¡°I give up. Hey! Quit yapping about random bullshit and just be friendly, motherfucker. Wouldn¡¯t that give me a reason to stop the other people from loitering around the school and messing with the students?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek shook his head. ¡°By the way, what subject does your teacher teach?¡±

    ¡°P.E.¡±

    ¡°Ha, I can see that.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek got up in an exaggerated manner.

    ¡°I ordered some of my men to stand guard outside. Let them do their job. The Ulsan guys might be up to something.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°If you want to eat something, let them know.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°You can¡¯t eat the nurses, though.¡±

    They allughed at the joke with a simr look on their faces.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek raised his hand and left the room, looking exhausted.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that guy seem like a decent chap?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    In truth, it was hard to predict what the oue would¡¯ve been if the gangsters had attacked them in the basement.

    ¡°You can leave now.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you to go home. You made the kids promise toe to school an hour earlier. Are you going to disappoint them by beingte yourself?¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡± Seok Kang-Ho seemed to have forgotten about them. ¡°Mi-Young sent you a bunch of messages up until midnight. Did something happen between you guys?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s my first love.¡±

    ¡°Hehehe.¡±

    ¡°Tsk, you dirty bastard.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho wiped his drool. ¡°She looks like an innocent girl, though. How did it happen?¡±

    ¡°Things just kind of went awry.¡±

    Seok Kang-Houghed out loud.

    ¡°Why are youughing?¡±

    ¡°I was just thinking about her aspirations. She¡¯s always been the top student, so all the teachers show great interest in her. ¡°

    Kang Chan had never thought about that, so he just stared at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°She wrote that she wanted to be a good wife and mother, but she changed it to diplomat after her homeroom teacher persuaded her.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny about it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Huh? You don¡¯t find it funny?¡± Seok Kang-Ho looked at him in surprise.

    ¡°Haa!¡± Frustrated, Kang Chan sighed. Strangely, the simple-minded Kim Mi-Young and Seok Kang-Ho, who would randomlyugh at unfunny things, frustrated him.

    ¡°Leave.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here and go straight to school at dawn.¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan left it at that since there was nothing else to say.

    ¡°Please call home tomorrow morning,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    ¡°I left my phone at home, though.¡±

    ¡°You can just use mine.¡±

    ¡°Oh,e on. How am I going to reach you if something happens and I have to contact you urgently? When will I be discharged from the hospital anyway?¡±

    ¡°In about a month, probably.¡±

    ¡°So I have to be bedridden for a week, huh?¡±

    The first person Kang Chan thought of was Yoo Hye-Sook. What kind of excuse could he use to prevent her from worrying about being hospitalized for a week, and how was he going to exin why he was wrapped up in bandages like a mummy?

    ¡°Just tell my parents I got into a car ident.¡±

    ¡°A car ident?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah. Just pick one of the guys outside and say he¡¯s the perpetrator.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho turned his head. He looked like he was thinking.

    ¡°We have toe up with an excuse. How are we going to exin this otherwise?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°Call Oh Gwang-Taek and tell him to collude with the doctor.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    ¡°Anyway, you have to take care of those students at the very least. It sucks that I won¡¯t be there from day one, but we might end up making a fool out of them if we don¡¯t handle it well.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes sparkled.

    While both of them were talking to each other, the doctor and nurse on-call dropped by to check on Kang Chan, but they didn¡¯t say anything even though they saw traces of them smoking. There was a preconceived notion that the hospital was associated with gangsters, but the middle-aged doctor looked surprisingly decent and affable.

    Seok Kang-Ho left at dawn with a sad look on his face, and Kang Chan fell asleep once again. He was feeling drowsy from all the drugs the hospital made him take.

    When Kang Chan woke up, he wished he could go back to the battlefield in Africa.

    ***

    A nurse entered the room and gave him his medications via the IV line. He woke up because she had to take his temperature and blood pressure.

    ¡°Can I get a ss of water?¡±

    ¡°Yes, just a minute, please.¡± The nurse had to pack up the equipment.

    The door opened and a man dressed in a suit entered with a huge food tray. It smelled good.

    ¡°Please eat, hyung-nim. Did you manage to get some rest?¡±

    However, Kang Chan got annoyed by the stupid ¡®hyung-nim¡¯ treatment. Should he just kick him out?

    <i>¡®Ugh,e on.¡¯</i>

    Nheless, Kang Chan gritted his teeth and calmed himself down. He found it ridiculous for the gangster to serve him food from the hospital.

    The guy respectfully ced the tray on one side and turned the lever to adjust the bed¡¯s angle. He then lifted the table attached to the side of the bed and ced it in front of Kang Chan. He moved so skillfully that one would¡¯ve thought he was a professional caregiver.

    The guy was clearly an unruly delinquent back when he was a student, but he wouldn¡¯t have expected himself to serve food to others after fulfilling his lifelong goal of bing a gangster.

    The guy ced the tray on the table, removed its cover, and bowed respectfully to Kang Chan. He appeared to be twenty or twenty-one years old.

    ¡°Enjoy your meal, hyung-nim.¡±

    He wouldn¡¯t have prepared such a spread for his parents. Kang Chan felt bitter about it, but that didn¡¯t mean he¡¯d skip his meal.

    ¡°Ha!¡± Kang Chan looked down at the tray and sighed loudly.

    White rice was good. Kang Chan wasn¡¯t pregnant, but he had lost a lot of blood, so he understood why the guy prepared some seaweed soup for him. But he didn¡¯t get why there were ribs and <i>gulbi</i> for breakfast. How on earth was Kang Chan supposed to wrap his head around the fact that the beautifully-sliced raw fish was prepared by the same person that was wielding the fillet knife in a fight yesterday?

    Ignorant gangsters.

    Kang Chan was so speechless that he just stared at the guy standing in front of him. The guy blinked in return, flustered. Kang Chan eventually decided to let it go since the gangster hadn¡¯t done anything wrong.

    Kang Chan held the bowl in his left hand out of habit. It stung.

    <i>What¡­?</i>

    Before Seok Kang-Ho left, he couldn¡¯t even move his left arm. However, when he inadvertently grabbed the bowl of rice just now, it stung, but it didn¡¯t hurt any more than that.

    Kang Chan realized the nurse didn¡¯t give him any water and simply left because that guy had entered the room.

    ¡°Give me a ss of water.¡±

    ¡°What was that, hyung-nim?¡±

    ¡°I said give me a ss of water!¡±

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim.¡±

    It was Kang Chan¡¯s first time feeling this annoyed being called ¡®hyung-nim.¡¯

    The gangster returned to the room with a jug of water and bowed to him before pouring him a ss. Afterward, he bowed to him again. If a fucking bastard like him were to get promoted¡­

    Kang Chan drank it. When he picked up the chopsticks, he noticed the man swallowing his saliva in his peripheral vision.

    <i>Oh, what a poor fe. Yeah. You and I both have crappy lives.?</i>

    There was no harm in sharing a meal together.

    ¡°Go grab a bowl.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, hyung-nim.¡±

    When Kang Chan red at him, the guy ran out and returned immediately. It wasn¡¯t like there was a mountain of rice bowls right outside in the hallway, so he was actually quite a handy person.

    ¡°Sit.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, hyung-nim.¡±

    ¡°Stop annoying me and just sit, you bastard.¡±

    ¡°Yes, hyung¡ª¡±

    ¡°Stop calling me ¡®hyung-nim¡¯!¡±

    After bowing again, he obediently sat on the other side of the bed like a newlywed bride.

    ¡°All these three dishes¡ª-this one, this one, and this one. Eat them with some rice.¡±

    The man was about to respond, but when Kang Chan red at him again, he kept his mouth shut.

    ¡°I hate gangsters, so finish your food fast.¡±

    When Kang Chan scooped up some rice, the gangster began eating as well, seemingly trying his best to do so as quietly as possible He quickly scarfed down all the ribs, <i>gulbi,</i> and raw fish.

    They finished their breakfast, finding it satisfying.

    ¡°Bring me a cup of coffee and a cigarette.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    The man was about to call him ¡®hyung-nim¡¯ but stopped himself when Kang Chan lifted his hand, as though he was about to smack him. He cleared the tray, handed him a cigarette, and made him a cup of coffee.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Jang Geun-Du, hyu¨C...ng.¡±

    Kang Chan red at him, which made the end of his sentence sound weird.

    ¡°What time is it?¡±

    ¡°8:10 A.M.¡±

    ¡°Jang Geun-Dup.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    Jang Geun-Dup checked Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Ha! Never mind.¡±

    Kang Chan was thinking of giving him some advice, but what could he even say to him to stop him from being a gangster?

    After Kang Chan had finished his coffee and put out his cigarette in the paper cup, Jang Geun-Dup grabbed the cup and tray and took them out.

    Kang Chan moved his neck and shoulders slowly since he wasn¡¯t in good physical condition, noticing something strange in the process. He felt throbbing pain when he was stabbed right under the corbone, but he couldn¡¯t feel it now.

    Kang Chan gently squeezed his left hand. It felt stiff.

    How? How could it be?

    Kang Chan shifted his gaze and saw that the IV fluid had been changed.

    ¡°Ah!¡± He recalled the nurse inserting some medication into the IV line. They probably gave him some painkillers.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan smiled. He heard a woman¡¯s voice outside the room. Soon after, the door burst open. Yoo Hye-Sook hesitated before approaching Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Her eyes were red and she could barely speak properly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized to her.

    Yoo Hye-Sook cried as she stared at Kang Chan, who was covered in bandages.

    ¡°What did the doctor say? How bad are your injuries?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked amid her tears.

    ¡°He said I¡¯m fine. I can be discharged in a week.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll talk to the doctor when your fatherester. You don¡¯t have any serious injuries, do you?¡±

    ¡°Please worry about yourself instead. I¡¯m okay.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled as he moved his arms around.

    It stung. He could feel throbbing pain.

    His body was protesting against his actions, but Kang Chan kept a smile on his face. However, judging from the oue alone, his n failed. The bandages around his left shoulder, arm, and hand were a ghastly sight even to Kang Chan himself.

    ¡°Be even more careful from now on.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I know.¡±

    Witnessing Kang Chan¡¯s movements seemed to have made Yoo Seo-Sook feel slightly relieved.

    ¡°Your father is going to check with the hospital you were previously admitted to. Let¡¯s get a full check-up. The car ident might cause long-term effects, so we have to be careful.¡±

    The situation made even the great Kang Chan feel flustered. He couldn¡¯t argue that his knife wounds were caused by a car running over him.

    ¡°There are some scary men standing outside. They¡¯re not causing you any problems, are they?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed to gradually regain her rationality. She removed her jacket, hung it in the wardrobe, and examined the hospital room with suspicion in her eyes.

    ¡°What kind of hospital reeks so strongly of cigarettes?¡±

    ¡°I agree.¡±

    ¡°What exactly is your father doing? Why isn¡¯t he here yet? Our dear son is injured. We need to move you to another hospital as soon as possible.¡±

    Kang Chan desperately needed toe up with an excuse so he wouldn¡¯t have to relocate to another hospital.

    1. Seok Kang-Ho is speaking formally to Kang Chan in Korean, while Kang Chan is speaking to him informally, which is weird because he¡¯s supposed to be his teacher.

    2. It is tradition for women who have just given birth to have seaweed soup.

    3. Dried yellow corvina

    4. Korean sashimi

 Chapter 18: Thank You (2)

    <h4>Chapter 18: Thank You (2)</h4>

    ¡°How did this happen?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I was hit by a car when I left Mr. Seok¡¯s house.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook nodded.

    ¡°Who hit you?¡±

    ¡°One of the bas¡ªpeople standing outside. They¡¯re here to apologize,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°They look like they¡¯re here to scare you instead. Let¡¯s report them to the police when your father gets here.¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook, who had been staring at the door, turned her attention to Kang Chan.

    ¡°They¡¯ve sincerely apologized to me. They told me not to worry about the hospital bills and treatment fees and just focus on recovery. They stayed here untilte in the night before leaving.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed to find it suspicious, but she didn¡¯t say anything else. It seemed like she didn¡¯t want to agitate Kang Chan anymore after remembering the strains that had been between them until recently.

    ¡°Have you had your breakfast? Should I buy you something? Is there anything you want to eat?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already eaten. Have you had your breakfast?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook suddenly hit her chest.

    ¡°I got the call right after your father left for work. I was so shocked it felt like eating would upset my stomach even more.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t describe what he was feeling¡ªit was a little irksome, but it didn¡¯t upset him. Not even being in the presence of a trustedrade in the middle ofbat couldn¡¯tpare to this feeling offort.

    ¡°We should get you some medicine. We¡¯re already in a hospital anyway,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Seeing you made me feel better.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes and smiled timidly.

    ¡°Please give me your hand.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook looked confused.

    Kang Chan extended his left hand and pulled Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s hand toward him. He then firmly pressed the area between her thumb and index finger.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Even though she let out a short scream and writhed in pain, Yoo Hye-Sook looked happy. ¡°It hurts!¡±

    She was making a fuss, but the look on her face suggested she was dying to tell Kim Seong-Hee, ¡®My son massaged me here when I had an upset stomach!¡¯

    45 days.

    He tried to instill good memories in her mind, but it felt like she had shown him a beautiful face instead and gifted him a sense offort and small moments of happiness in his everyday life, which he could cherish for a lifetime.

    ¡°How did you get hit that you¡¯re hurt this badly anyway?¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t wearing a top since they had to bandage his chest, shoulder, and arm due to the wound on his left shoulder, left hand, and both forearms. He didn¡¯t tell her that, though. There was also a bandage around his waist, so hardly any bare skin was exposed.

    ¡°I scraped myself against the road when I fell.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook grimaced, appearing to be imagining the scene. She was examining his bandages with a look of doubt and relief.

    The door opened, and the doctor and nurse entered the room. Yoo Hye-Sook got up to her feet right away.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± The doctor asked.

    ¡°I feel fine.¡±

    The doctor smiled gently at Kang Chan first before ncing at Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Kang Chan¡¯s mother.¡±

    ¡°Ah! You must have been very worried about him.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I was, doctor. He¡¯s badly hurt, isn¡¯t he? Will any of his injuries cause any long-term effects? He was gravely injured just a month ago.¡±

    The doctor responded to Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s question with a bright smile.

    ¡°You have nothing to worry about. I¡¯ve already done all the necessary tests as soon as he was admitted, and I found no major abnormalities. He¡¯ll be fine as long as he eats properly and gets sufficient rest.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook still looked worried.

    ¡°My son was hospitalized at Samjeong Hospital previously, doctor. If it¡¯s okay with you, I¡¯d like to admit him back to that hospital.¡±

    The doctor nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sure, if that¡¯s what you want.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    <i>That¡¯s not how this is supposed to go!</i>

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t exactly in the position to say anything, so he just looked at the doctor.

    ¡°The chief of surgery of that hospital is my friend. You received special care from Dr. Heo Ji-Hwan back then. If need be, I can give him a call.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Chan looked surprised.

    ¡°Patients that aren¡¯t critically ill or need intensive care get sent here due to the limited number of hospital beds there,¡± The doctor warmly reassured her.

    ¡°The driver that caused the ident was willing to pay any amount of money to empty this room so your son can get the entire ward to himself. Weplied, but we have patients that are waiting for a bed, so¡­¡±

    Kang Chan thought the man seemed like a crafty fellow.

    ¡°Let me know what time works for you. I¡¯ll give Dr. Heo a call.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, doctor. That won¡¯t be necessary¡­ When his fatheres, I¡¯ll discuss it with him and let you know. Now that I think about it, there¡¯s no need to switch hospitals.¡±

    The doctor nodded.

    ¡°As you wish.¡±

    ¡°Will my son really be okay?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry about that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡±

    ¡°After he arrived at the hospital, we notified general surgery, internal medicine, thoracic surgery, and neurology. After running some tests, they¡¯ve concluded there wasn¡¯t any issue with his health.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes.¡±

    Before she knew it, the doctor had already won over Yoo Hye-Sook with his words. What a scary person.

    ¡°Could you please step out for a moment?¡± The doctor asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°We need to change his dressing and bandages. It¡¯s better for you not to be here to see it. Normally, he would have to go to the treatment room, but we¡¯ve been doing it here instead since he¡¯s a VIP patient. That¡¯s why we didn¡¯t admit any other patients in this ward.¡±

    ¡°Ah, I see. I¡¯ll be waiting outside,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook told Kang Chan, then left the room with pity in her eyes.

    Looking benign, the doctor removed Kang Chan¡¯s bandages with the nurse¡¯s help. Kang Chan genuinely wondered what kind of person he was.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    The doctor¡¯s focus seemingly deepened as he cut the bandages in the middle with a pair of scissors and peeled them off.

    <i>¡®Ugh!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan stopped himself from yelping.

    ¡°The blood that seeped through the bandages had hardened. I¡¯ll apply as much ointment as possible, but it won¡¯t have much of an effect on such wounds.¡±

    <i>Plop plop.</i>

    When the doctor tried to remove the bandages, they stuck to the skin, almost pulling it off the flesh, before they peeled off. After removing the bandages, the doctor tilted his head and looked at the blood-soaked bandages and Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder a couple of times.

    ¡°Is there an issue?¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    The doctor kept his head tilted, a quizzical look now on his face.

    ¡°The stitches came off. It normally takes around fifteen days¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you have to stitch up the wound again?¡±

    ¡°No. What I¡¯m trying to say is that your wound healed quite fast.¡±

    The doctor nced at the nurse with a puzzled look, perhaps to ask her what she thought about it, but all she could do was stare with her eyes wide open.

    ¡°Could this be an idiosyncrasy? Dr. Heo said the same thing. You were previously hospitalized after falling off a five-story building, right?¡± The doctor asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    The doctor nodded.

    ¡°They were shocked, too. You were supposed to be hemiplegic but your condition suddenly improved to the point where you could be discharged immediately. It bewildered Dr. Heo.¡±

    Kang Chan was shocked as well.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a look at your other wounds,¡± The doctor said.

    The doctor removed the other bandages with a serious look on his face. It wasn¡¯t a matter of pain. Now concerned, Kang Chan checked his wounds as well.

    ¡°Hmm, there¡¯s not much to say apart from the fact that this is an idiosyncrasy. You¡¯ve recovered so much that you can already just receive outpatient treatment.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve recovered to such an extent?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Kang Chan looked away from his wound and shifted his gaze to the doctor.

    ¡°Your physical condition¡¯s way better than that.¡±

    Coming from such a sly person?

    Kang Chan smiled softly.

    ¡°Still, let¡¯s change your dressing and get you bandaged up.¡±

    The doctor cleaned his wounds with the disinfectant the nurse had prepared and applied some ointment before bandaging his wounds.

    ¡°Thank you for helping me with my mother.¡±

    He was more grateful to him for reassuring Yoo Hye-Sook rather than the fact that he had convinced her not to relocate him to the other hospital.

    ¡°My younger brother seemed to have be a gangster when I was studying abroad. He had a hard time beingpared to me, so he snapped and argued he was better than me when ites to using weapons.¡±

    The doctor kept turning his head while he bandaged Kang Chan up as if he were gossiping about someone else.

    ¡°He died in the emergency room. He was probably worried he would be reported to the police, so he stalled for time. That son of a bitch insisted he couldn¡¯t go to a hospital even if he died,¡± The doctor continued as he secured the bandages with a tape.

    ¡°I despise gangsters. Still, I do what I do because I don¡¯t want people to die hesitating toe to the hospital.¡± He continued.

    The kind doctor didn¡¯t avoid Kang Chan¡¯s intense gaze.

    ¡°I have a favor,¡± He said.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I heard you¡¯ll be the one dominating Gangnam from now on.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t like he was running aundromat.

    After Kang Chan smiled, the doctor added, ¡°You cane anytime you want, and you can send anyone here, too, but don¡¯t die or kill anyone. It¡¯s overwhelming whenever that happens.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do if it bes an issue?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve earned enough money. If I lose my license, I¡¯ll just move to America.¡±

    The doctor appeared to be waiting for Kang Chan¡¯s response.

    ¡°Okay, I don¡¯t want to live as a killer either.¡±

    The doctor smiled pleasantly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you another phone number. So call me if it¡¯s urgent.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying I shoulde back here again?¡±

    ¡°No, but won¡¯t the gangsters going up against you be in danger?¡±

    When Kang Chan chuckled softly, the doctor looked at him and smiled.

    ¡°Can I be discharged today?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯ll be difficult. Well, it¡¯s reported that around 0.1% of the people in the world have idiosyncrasies, but frankly, it¡¯s my first time seeing it for myself, so I have to examine you further. If we let it fester, you might have to amputate your left arm.¡±

    This doctor had a knack for saying bad news while looking at ease.

    ¡°But I can be discharged, right? I don¡¯t mind staying here, but there are a lot of students at school who¡¯ll be in trouble if I don¡¯t go back.¡±

    The doctor looked into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Is it true that you got to where you are right now because you were standing up to school bullies?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°I can discharge you if you receive outpatient treatment over the next five days. But you have to promise that if I say you need to be rehospitalized, you¡¯ll listen to me no matter what.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    The doctor was more understanding than Kang Chan had expected.

    ¡°Doctor.¡±

    The doctor removed his rubber gloves and returned his gaze to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯m the one who should be thanking you. Since you¡¯re not iming medical insurance, I¡¯m being paid heftily.¡±

    Kang Chan felt like if he were to beat up this crafty fellow, his fist would ricochet instead.

    ¡°If you show up at this hospital dead, I¡¯ll remove your organs without your parents¡¯ knowledge and sell them.¡±

    The doctor made a horrifying remark, then left the room. His words would¡¯ve prompted Yoo Hye-Sook to strangle him if she had heard him. Judging by how Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t enter immediately, it seemed like she was either talking to the doctor or had gone to his office together with him.

    ***

    Kang Dae-Kyung created amotion after he rushed to the hospital. However, when both Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook met with the doctor, his charms rendered them as powerless as birds constricted around by a snake. They went through with the discharge procedure.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t possibly ask for his school uniform, which was covered in blood and rips. While Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung were talking to the doctor, Kang Chan changed into a pair of stic waist pants and a T-shirt.

    Naturally, they had no choice but to ept the gangsters¡¯ help. As promised, Oh Gwang-Taek paid for the hospital bills. However, one of the gangsters standing outside gave them an envelope, which became an issue.

    ¡°Please receive the outpatient treatment and use this to get some herbal medicine as well.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll take care of that. We don¡¯t want to ept the settlement money right now. What if he suffers from long-term effectster on?¡± Kang Chan¡¯s parents rejected the money.

    ¡°You misunderstand. This is not the settlement money. We¡¯ll put it in writing that we¡¯ll take responsibility for everything if he were to suffer from any long-term effects. If you don¡¯t ept this, my boss would severely reprimand me.¡±

    He spoke rather politely, but he couldn¡¯t mask his attitude and voice, which were unique to gangsters.

    ¡°I ask for your kind understanding.¡± The guy even did a 90-degree bow. Naturally, the men standing behind him did the same.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Dae-Kyung. It was a very difficult situation.

    ¡°Please ept it. You may return it to the boss next time.¡± When Kang Chan interjected, Kang Dae-Kyung finally epted it, albeit reluctantly.

    ¡°Thank you!¡±

    This time around, the gangster did a normal bow of respect.

    Kang Chan wanted to quickly get away from these guys.

    The car was in the underground parking lot of the hospital. However, there were also about a dozen gangsters standing there looking at Kang Chan and bowing to him.

    The ambiance was weird. There was something suspicious about it, but Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t say anything.

    Kang Dae-Kyung sped away, leaving the hospital, as though he was escaping them. The hospital was in Gangnam, so it wasn¡¯t too far from their apartment. They felt more relieved after they got home. Kang Chan was thinking about going to school.

    <i>¡®Should I buy a set of school uniforms?¡¯</i>

    Even after washing his uniform, the sharp cuts from the knives still remained. It was an issue future Kang Chan would have to think about.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s startled voice reverberated from the living room.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Why are you wearing your uniform? You¡¯re not going to school! You should just rest for today.¡±

    ¡°No, If I can go, I should go. Anyway, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at the check on top of the envelope.

    ¡°I¡¯m just shocked because of the amount written on the check. It¡¯s a check for 50 million won.¡±

    That crazy bastard! In any case, she had no intention of epting that ill-gotten money.

    ¡°You¡¯re returning it to him the next time you see him anyway,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do that. This is making me feel ufortable for some reason.¡±

    After Kang Chanforted Yoo Hye-Sook, she asked, ¡°Your father is going to work. Do you want him to give you a lift?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan went to the underground parking lot.

    ¡°Is there anything you still haven¡¯t told me?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked when they got into the elevator. He had been looking worried for quite a while now, and it seemed like he was waiting for a moment alone with him to ask him about it.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Kang Chan and waited for a response.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    Without saying a word, they walked to the car upon arriving at the underground parking lot, got in it, and left.

    It was frustrating. Kang Chan even thought he might as welle clean about everything he had done thus far.

    They were already halfway to the school, which was ten minutes away from their apartment.

    ¡°Do you like pork cutlet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced at him while he was driving. He looked upset and angry.

    ¡°Do you want some?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    Nevertheless, he yielded to Kang Chan.

    They parked the car at the snack bar in front of the school and ordered two tes of pork cutlets.

    ¡°I got into a fight,¡± Kang Chan broke the silence.

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung exhaled and groaned.

    ¡°I was up against the gangsters that looked after the students I previously fought in school.¡±

    They were served the pork cutlets after Kang Chan finished speaking.

    ¡°Nobody died, but the fight seemed to have been beneficial to the group of people affiliated with the hospital. I decided to call it quits on the condition that we no longer cross paths, which also meant they¡¯d have to leave the school and its students alone.¡±

    ¡°Why did you lie about it?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want mom to be worried.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung appeared to have mixed feelings.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk while we eat. Eat up.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung saw how Kang Chan cut up his pork cutlet into pieces and ate it with a pair of chopsticks. He then followed suit.

    ¡°Let¡¯se here again with your mom next time.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung seemed relieved.

    ¡°You know your mom made sacrifices for me, right?¡± He continued.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what he was talking about, but he had to pretend he did.

    ¡°She also sacrificed herself to give birth to you. The doctor tried to stop her, but she risked her life anyway.¡±

    Seemingly thirsty, Kang Dae-Kyung took a sip of the soup.

    ¡°Your mom is endearing despite what she¡¯s like. I do my best to understand her even when she¡¯s making me do something troublesome or when she¡¯s grumbling. After all, she risked her life to give me the best gift in the world¡ªyou.¡±

    Kang Chan swallowed the remaining pork cutlet in his mouth.

    ¡°When we nearly lost you, I thought I was going to lose both you and your mom. She told me not to tell you about it, but she never left the ICU when you were bleeding nonstop.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t make your mom cry. I don¡¯t need you to go to college. If that upsets your mom, I¡¯ll deal with it myself.¡±

    Both of them smiled awkwardly.

    ¡°Thank you for being honest with me today.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized again.

    He looked pitifully at Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s smile.

    1. It¡¯s said that pressing on the web between your thumb and index finger helps with indigestion, nausea, and headaches.

    2. It¡¯s a wordy:¨C the word ¡®????¡¯ means ¡®crease¡¯, but it also means ¡®dominate¡¯.

    3. Approximately US$38,000

 Chapter 19: You Donéˆ¥æª› Want To? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 19: You Don¡¯t Want To? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan headed to school after parting ways with Kang Dae-Kyung, walking along the path above the grandstand¡ªthe empty field serving as his background¡ªuntil he arrived at the gymnasium.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    The gymnasium.

    Kang Chan moved one of the chairs leaning against the wall to the window. He then sat down, took a deep breath, and exhaled heavily. He couldn¡¯t believe he came to school. It was as confusing to him as dying and being reincarnated into someone else¡¯s body.

    Even though he had reincarnated, things had been chaotic. On top of that, he had an idiosyncrasy that allowed his wounds to heal very quickly.

    <i>¡®What exactly do they want from me?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan had never gotten lucky in life.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>!¡±

    He never liked handouts, preferring to get an exnation as to why people gave him things or asked him to do certain things.

    Judging by the time, it was currently the fifth period.

    While Kang Chan was staring at the field, the bell rang, marking the end of ss.

    Momentster¡­

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed to pause for a moment, so Kang Chan walked right up to him.

    ¡°Are you insane? What are you doing in school?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan smiled softly and pointed to the chair.

    ¡°I was given the green light toe to school. Even the doctor was surprised by my fast recovery. He said I have an idiosyncrasy that is present in about 0.1% of the world poption. Apparently, I was miraculously discharged from the hospital much earlier than expected as well when I fell from the roof in the past.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho brought a chair over and sat down next to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying!¡±

    ¡°That sounds about right. You returned to school without any issues after only a month,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s great, but it makes me feel kind of uneasy because I don¡¯t really like getting lucky like this.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t seem to sympathize with him.

    ¡°Anyway, have there been any issues?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There have been strange rumors going around in school, probably because of the students affiliated with the gangsters. Some say you were in a critical situation after being stabbed by a knife. Some say you were dead, and there was also a rumor about someone seeing you get arrested at the police station. I can¡¯t reveal to anyone that I know the full story, can I?¡±

    ¡°Many of them are relieved, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Hahahaha, they think they won''t be seeing you in school this year.¡±

    He wondered how difficult things would¡¯ve been without Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s help.

    ¡°Right, the anti-bullyingmittee has decided to drop the matter,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Lee Ho-Jun said nobody had hit him, and the other students insisted that they fell from the grandstand. But rumors have been going around this morning, so I don¡¯t know if they¡¯ll end up spilling the truthter in the afternoon.¡±

    Kang Chanughed hollowly.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take a day off today?¡±

    ¡°Strangely, I wanted to see you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t like men!¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled whileughing.

    ¡°How¡¯s the athletics club doing?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There aren¡¯t any problems in particr apart from students badgering me about wanting to join the club.¡±

    ¡°Maybe I should do ap around the school.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t marking territory your specialty? Take it easy on them. The students with weak hearts would most likely pass out.¡±

    They burst outughing at the same time.

    ¡°We gathered for a bit today, and Iid down some ground rules before dismissing the club members. Since it was right before ss, I didn¡¯t see the need to make them break a sweat. Rumors about you have been going around the teachers¡¯ office since the end of the first period as well,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan simply stared at him.

    ¡°The teachers probably think you died,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    ¡°They¡¯re going to be disappointed.¡±

    Seok Kang-Houghed distinctively.

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily the case. Quite a number of teachers are concerned because of the students that are being bullied.¡± Seok Kang-Ho had a bitter look on his face.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t make that face. There¡¯s not much a teacher can do. We now live in a world where you¡¯ll get sued if you hit someone, and if you curse at them, video clips of it can end up circting online on the day itself. There are even teachers that get beaten up.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as bitter as Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Are you going to stay here? I stopped by because it was empty, but I have to go to the teachers¡¯ office.¡± Seok Kang-Ho said he would be on time for the athletics club, and then made his way to the teachers¡¯ office.

    Kang Chan remembered he had to take the medicine the doctor at the hospital had prescribed him. He also remembered the promise he made to the doctor. If he wanted to strengthen his body, he needed topletely recover as soon as possible.

    Kang Chan left the gymnasium to get some water. There was a water faucet inside the main building, though there was also the cafeteria and a nearby snack store.

    He decided to go to the snack store. He didn¡¯t want to put his mouth anywhere near the water faucet, and he didn¡¯t want to go to the cafeteria since it wasn¡¯t lunchtime yet.

    The snack store was located in a temporary building between the field and the back gate. It was quite a distance away from the ssrooms, so the students had to sprint all the way there if they wanted to stop by between their sses.

    It was Kang Chan¡¯s first time going to that ce. Since it was close to the back gate, he decided to take the route that would pass by the teachers¡¯ office.

    The surroundings were very quiet. However, despite how peaceful the school was, he could hear noisesing from the narrow space between the building and the wall.

    Kang Chan took a peek inside, finding four boys hiding and smoking cigarettes.

    <i>¡®Shouldn¡¯t they be in ss?¡¯</i>

    They looked like 10th graders, but one of the students appeared to be even younger.

    Kang Chan smirked and cautiously stepped back. Smoking wasn¡¯t something he encouraged, nor was it something to be praised, but he had no intention of interfering with other students¡¯ deviant behaviors.

    What could he say to stop them from harming themselves using the pocket money their parents had given them? It was cumbersome. He couldn¡¯t help but shake his head just thinking about telling those boys not to smoke.

    Kang Chan dropped by the snack store, bought a bottle of water, then returned to the gymnasium.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Now that the club members had gotten close to one another, he felt that there was no need for him to intervene.

    ***

    As soon as the sixth period ended, noises filled the buildings. The 11th and 12th graders¡¯ ssrooms were located in different buildings, and Kang Chan entered the building used by the 11th graders.

    The children looked startled. It was as if they had seen a ck-cloaked grim reaper carrying a huge scythe.

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    As soon as Kang Chan went up the stairs and turned to face the hallway, all the students fell silent, shocked.

    <i>¡®Tsk!</i>¡¯

    Their gazes made it seem like they had just seen a zombie, leaving a bad taste in Kang Chan¡¯s mouth.

    11th grade, ss 5.

    The door was half open.

    <i>Slide.</i>

    The students stiffened up as though someone had shouted ¡®Freeze!¡¯ Cha So-Yeon looked stunned, and Cho Se-Ho, who was slumped over his desk, looked up and blinked at him repeatedly.

    Kang Chan walked up to Cha So-Yeon.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim?¡±

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Kang Chan asked her.

    ¡°Yes! Yes!¡±

    ¡°Are you going to the gymnasium after ss ends?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Cha So-Yeon responded.

    When Kang Chan smiled and turned around, Cho Se-Ho came to his senses and stood straight.

    ¡°Goodbye.¡± Cha So-Yeon bid him farewell a bitte. Kang Chan raised his right hand in response.

    Next up was Moon Ki-Jin, a 10th grader.

    <i>¡®This isn¡¯t even a battlefield¡­¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan felt like he was proving to everyone he was still alive.

    ***

    There was a guy gauging Kang Chan¡¯s mood, a flustered student, and a 10th grader who looked like they had a hard day at school.

    The students entering the gymnasium had all kinds of expressions on their faces. They greeted Kang Chan and looked at him with wonder, while those that were already seated observed him quietly.

    <i>Rattle!</i>

    When Kang Chan turned his head, he saw Kim Mi-Young standing outside, poking her head in through the doorway. There were tears in her eyes.

    ¡°Come in!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young hesitated and entered.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked.

    Kang Chan nodded in response.

    ¡°Are you really okay?¡±

    ¡°I really am. I heard there were strange rumors about me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Look at me.¡±

    As long as Kang Chan didn¡¯t take off his school uniform, nobody would suspect his injuries were grave.

    ¡°<i>Sob</i>.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young started crying out of nowhere in front of all the other students.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. I¡¯m perfectly fine, so why are you crying?¡± Kang Chan stood up andforted Kim Mi-Young.

    <i>Don¡¯t tell me I like her as a woman.</i>

    But Kim Mi-Young had to have been unbearably anxious for her to cry in a ce like this. Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to ruin a young girl¡¯s fantasy in front of the other students, and it felt like he was consoling a younger sister who was afraid of losing her older brother anyway. Nothing more, nothing less.

    It would all be over once school vacation had started.

    Kim Mi-Young managed to wipe the tears from her face.

    ¡°You have to go to <i>hagwon</i>, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Mi-Young shook her head. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t have <i>hagwon</i>, but that she wasn¡¯t going to attend the ss.

    ¡°Don¡¯t skip <i>it</i>. Text me after you¡¯re done with your ss. I¡¯ll be at home.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Kim MI-Young asked.

    They were having a conversation in front of the athletics club members, who were ncing suspiciously at them.

    ¡°Go to <i>hagwon</i>. And text me after.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young seemed to have finally calmed down. She only left the gymnasium after Kang Chan nodded twice.

    Shortly after, four more people entered the gymnasium, and finally, Seok Kang-Ho showed up. They arranged the chairs in a circle, and Seok Kang-Ho sat down on an empty chair by the door.

    He looked at the members of the club and asked, ¡°Did you bring your workout clothes?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± They answered.

    ¡°In that case, the girls will be changing in the counseling office. As for the boys, you may change here. When you¡¯re done, gather at the field.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Seok.¡±

    The children rushed out of the gymnasium after changing.

    ¡°In any case, you¡¯ve achieved celebrity status.¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at him and said in an amused tone, ¡°The school was thrown intomotion after the news about youing to school started spreading.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t find that amusing at all.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯m going to make the students y a good round of <i>Dakyu</i>.¡± Seok Kang-Ho got up from his chair, looking happy.

    ¡°Hurry up. Let¡¯s y a round of <i>Dakyu</i>!¡± He told Kang Chan and left the gymnasium immediately after.

    ¡°Did that bastard forget I¡¯m injured?¡± Kang Chan smirked and got up.

    All attention was on the athletics club¡¯s members. There were quite a number of students sitting at the grandstand and watching them.

    As soon as Kang Chan appeared, all eyes focused on him.

    ¡°<i>Tsk!</i>¡±

    Looking at the gazes of these high school students, Kang Chan felt like he was the odd one out.

    Kang Chan sat on an empty seat and watched the club members split themselves into two groups before ying <i>Dakyu</i>.

    They still looked clumsy. Then again, it was only their first day, so he shouldn¡¯t have high expectations. Additionally, they were running around not knowing why they had to engage in this activity.

    One by one, the students that were watching them got up and left. Seok Kang-Ho roughly set the mood and walked over to Kang Chan leisurely before sitting down next to him.

    ¡°They¡¯re not going to be able to do this every day,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    When Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho, he continued.

    ¡°They have to wash up after this, and it¡¯s almost finals. It¡¯ll be hard for them to study properly after running around like this. Doing this twice a week should be enough.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan shifted his gaze back to the field. Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan¡¯s side profile.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°France¡­¡± Kang Chan slowly turned his head and looked at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t go,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    Kang Chan smirked. When he looked at the field once again, a 10th grader, Kim Min-Soo, was cheering after knocking over the stic bottle.

    ¡°Minors require parental consent,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    ¡°There¡¯s always a way.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smacked his lips loudly.

    ¡°My memory of Smithen¡¯s face and others¡¯ have be unclear. One side had to fall on that battlefield anyway, and survival wasn¡¯t guaranteed, so I¡¯ve been wondering if I really have to go there,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You¡¯re still ultimately going to go there, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°If I can¡¯t find the man responsible for our deaths, I¡¯lle back here again.¡±

    ¡°Fat chance. If you take charge and lead your newrades, the enemy is going to give you another cool nickname. Since you still have the same name, they¡¯ll probably call you ¡®God of ckfield Jr.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Your English has improved a lot, huh?¡± Kang Chan said in admiration, to which Seok Kang Ho responded, ¡°I am a teacher, after all.¡±

    The sound of students running around and screaming caught their attention.

    ¡°The enemy was the one who pulled the trigger, but we need to find out how and why they targeted us. The operation was supposed to begin 30 minutester, but we heard the radio announcing our departure 25 minutes before that. That meant it was safe at the frontlines. In other words, we got sniped.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded with a serious look on his face.

    ¡°Apart from our unit, all the other soldiers were shot to death, which means they had positioned their snipers ording to our numbers. Considering we began the operation 25 minutes earlier, their leader was probably the one that shot us,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    ¡°What can people do about dying on the battlefield? If they get enraged, they¡¯ll just shoot and sh the enemy like lunatics before dying. But Daye¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a different story when ites to feeding you, me, or our unit members to the enemy as prey. After seeing the look in Smithen¡¯s eyes, I can¡¯t confidently ept the current life I¡¯m enjoying without repaying my debt to that bastard.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho exhaled loudly.

    ¡°The parents of this body¡¯s owner are truly wonderful, so much so that I don¡¯t want to let them go. Whenever I feel their love for me, I feel sorry and grateful for them. And I start refusing to leave whenever that happens. Thinking about the amount of pain they¡¯d have to go through when they send me off, or if they were to receive a notice that I¡¯ve been killed in action, scares me.¡±

    ¡°Why did you leave out your first love?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang smirked.

    ¡°She¡¯s not my first love. And I¡¯m not the son they know, trust, and love. Frankly, I¡¯m deceiving those good people, which is all the more reason for me to leave. Isn''t it too cowardly of me to abandon the people who believed in me for things that aren¡¯t mine to begin with?¡±

    When Cha So-Yeon fell down, the other students ran over and helped her up.

    ¡°It¡¯s the first time in my life I''ve experienced love from others. I hate that it¡¯s not actually meant for me.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grunted. He ced his hands on his knee and got up.

    ¡°Fucking bastard. You have to find out who he is and cut his head off beforeing back.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Kang Chan got up too.

    An hour had passed. The two girls went to the watch room to wash up, and the boys washed off the dirt on their bodies using the water faucet.

    Since Kang Chan had received a generous allowance from his parents, he gave them money, and Moon Ki-Jin bought ice pops for the club members to share on the field.

    The students¡¯ faces were still flushed. They chatted with one another, looking relieved.

    When Seok Kang-Ho warned them that they would be kicked out of the athletics club if their grades were to drop, Cha So-Yeon suggested studying together in the morning when the club members would gather. Seok Kang-Ho readily epted her suggestion.

    It was just the first day, but it seemed like they were already relying on one another. Seok Kang-Ho proposed to have dinner together. Avoiding his gaze, Kang Chan left school.

    Six of the students took the bus. It was nice to see them smiling while reeking of sweat.

    ¡°Bye.¡±

    After seeing Cha So-Yeon get on the bus, Kang Chan realized he didn¡¯t know which bus to take and that he didn¡¯t have a transportation card.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t possibly be incapable of buying his own transportation card and finding out which bus to take. However, he simply walked home. Apart from being greeted by high schoolers he didn¡¯t recognize at times, he didn¡¯t feel particrly bad.

    He was now used to the apartment.

    When Kang Chan opened the front door, he saw Yoo Hye-Sook approaching him, probably because she heard the sound of him keying in the passcode.

    ¡°You¡¯re back, dear?¡±

    Kang Chan smiled at her.

    ¡°Are you feeling alright? Have you taken your medicine?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Kang Chan smiled softly.

    ¡°Why are you smiling?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just happy to be home,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Oh, my! Do you want some fruit?¡±

    ¡°Would you like to have some?¡± Kang chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    He had gotten used to conversations like that.

    After changing out of his school uniform, Kang Chan had some melon and watermelon with Yoo Hye-Sook and spent time with her.

    1. In the original text, the author described that Kang Chan felt like a sardine that was identally caught in a school of mackerels. The word ¡®????¡¯ means ¡®mackerel¡¯, but it is also a term used for ¡®high schoolers¡¯.

 Chapter 20é”›å­­art1: You Donéˆ¥æª› Want To? (2)

    <h4>Chapter20£¬Part1: You Don¡¯t Want To? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan entered his room and looked at his phone on his desk. After inserting a fully-charged battery and turning it on, a bunch of text messages flooded in. He received a lot of texts from Kim Mi-Young, followed by a couple from unknown numbers.

    [Hi Channy, it¡¯s Michelle. Call me back.]

    [Call me.]

    [It¡¯s such a turnoff for you to keep ignoring me.]

    [I don¡¯t like where this is going.]

    [It seems like you¡¯re telling me to get lost, huh? I¡¯m debating about it.]

    There were five text messages.

    Kang Chan looked at the messages for a moment before pressing the call button.

    ¨C¨C ¡®ello?

    ¡°Michelle? It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    ¨C¨C Channy?

    ¡°Yeah. You texted me?¡±

    ¨C¨C You read my texts? I was disappointed you didn¡¯t pick up my calls.

    ¡°I was hospitalized. I just got discharged today.¡±

    ¨C¨C Did you hurt yourself? Is it because of the bandaged hand I saw that day?

    Why did women ask more than one question at a time?

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¨C¨C You shouldn¡¯t get thedies all excited and then y dumb. My friends were really looking forward to it, too.

    ¡°You know I¡¯m a high schooler, right?¡±

    ¨C¨C You probably know what it¡¯s like in France. You were so cold that day, and you¡¯re being cold right now, too! You¡¯re kind of strangely charming whenever you turn me down, you know. You give off the vibe of a wounded beast.

    <i>Hooo! Should I ask if she¡¯s Smithen?</i>

    ¨C¨C Are you free today?

    Michelle had a sweet voice. No, it was seductive.

    ¡°My upper body is all wrapped up in bandages.¡±

    ¨C¨C Ahh! How sexy!

    Was she a crazy bitch?

    ¨C¨C We¡¯ll get your blood pumping.

    ¡°I¡¯m not free today¡­¡±

    ¨C¨C You¡¯re really strange. There are men begging on their knees to be with us.

    ¡°Go meet with those men, then.¡±

    ¨C¨C Whoa! I really like you. In that case, let¡¯s grab something to eat. Perhaps you might change your mind after that.

    ¡°Fine.¡±

    Kang Chan agreed to meet with Michelle and her friends on Saturday afternoon, saying he would text her as soon as he had decided on the location. There was a chance he wouldn¡¯t meet with them, though. In any case, he didn¡¯t tly reject her when she had offered to help him the other day, so he was nning to draw a clear line between them without Yoo Hye-Sook around.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t hate women. He did have his fair share of experience with women back in France, but it was all purely lust. He never dated any of the women because he didn¡¯t want to find love in a hellhole like that.

    He passed the time browsing the inte until it was time for dinner. Regardless of how many times he had searched for terms rted to France, Africa, and the battle that fateful day, he couldn¡¯t find anything. Then again, it would be rather odd for information pertaining to it to be circting on the inte.

    Kang Chan had dinner with just Yoo Hye-Sook. The steamed egg was delicious so he finished all of it, leaving nothing behind. The sight ted Yoo Hye-Sook. She looked quite happy, almost as if she had won a cookingpetition.

    Kang Chan took his medicine after watching TV for a while. Kang Dae-Kyung got home at around 9 pm.

    ¡°Wee home,¡± Kang Chan greeted him.

    ¡°You must be tired, honey,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°I feelpletely fine now that I¡¯ve seen you and Chan.¡±

    ¡°Oh my!¡± She responded.

    It was a scene that gave Kang Chan goosebumps. However, Kang Chan could tell there was a tinge of awkwardness on Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s facial expression. It was simr to the facial expressions of his unit members when they were seriously injured but acted as though it was nothing. Such behavior could only mean one thing¨C¨Cthey didn¡¯t want to break theirrades¡¯ morale.

    Kang Chan feigned ignorance and went back to his room. That was all one had to do if they were to see someone hiding something. There had to have been a reason why Kang Dae-Kyung was hiding something from them.

    About 30 minutester, Kang Chan went outside to the bench. Shortly after, he saw Kim Mi-Young looking at her phone while walking into the entrance of the apartment. She seemed to be waiting for a response after sending a text.

    ¡°Snow White!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young lifted her head in surprise and smiled brightly at Kang Chan. The reason why he didn¡¯t mercilessly turn her down was right before him.

    ¡°You¡¯re exhausted, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡± She responded with relief in her eyes, seemingly having found a safe ce to rest after a long journey.

    ¡°Are you hungry?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just eat something at home,¡± She responded.

    At most, all he had to do was meet with her and chat with her at the bench. He wondered if that ever bored her or if she found it troublesome.

    Even though she was naive and frustrating, Kim Mi-Young¡¯s presence didn¡¯t make Kang Chan feel ufortable¡ªa sensation he never experienced in France. It wasn¡¯t too bad because he just felt like he had a younger sister he wanted to protect within society instead of on the battlefield.

    Afterforting her, he could just tell her, ¡®I¡¯m going to study abroad in France. Let¡¯s meet after we be sessful.¡¯ Wouldn¡¯t that be a great excuse? He was nning to use the same excuse on Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. And then, he could immediately apply to the army after six months.

    People¡¯s memories of others would gradually be fainter and fainter when they were out of sight. Just like how even Kang Chan¡¯s memory of Smithen¡¯s face was blurry now.

    Kim Mi-Young rambled on about things that had happened at <i>hagwon</i> and looked at Kang Chan from time to time, smiling. Little by little, Kang Chan gained a better understanding of Kim Mi-Young¡¯s situation¡ªher mother decided everything for her. It seemed like she followed her mother¡¯s wishes, even when it came to who she could be close friends with and who she had to distance herself from.

    She had an old, basic keypad phone because smartphones were a waste of time.

    ¡°Right! What do you wanna be in the future?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Mi-Young. He asked because he suddenly remembered what Seok Kang-Ho said and because he had nothing else to say.

    ¡°Um¡­a diplomat.¡±

    Kang Chan just nodded. People could change their aspirations whenever they felt like it, after all.

    At that moment, Kim Mi-Young¡¯s phone started buzzing.

    ¡°I¡¯m in front of the apartment building now. I¡¯ll be going up any minute.¡±

    Kang Chan got up too. It was time to go home.

    ***

    Up until Friday, the days were so peaceful they came across as boring. After Kang Chan was done with his sses, he swung by the hospital to disinfect his wounds. Apart from his shoulder and left hand, his wounds had healed significantly enough to only need gauzes.

    ¡°By next Monday, you should be able to start taking showers.¡±

    ¡°That soon? Will I be able to do physical activities, then?¡±

    Kang Chan was surprised.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be difficult for you to do strenuous physical activities, but I think you should be able to walk briskly. Don¡¯t ever overexert yourself,¡± The doctor warned him with a warm smile.

    It seemed like he would still be fine after removing half the bandages wrapped around his body. Besides, he could even shower now.

    When he returned home, Kang Chan had dinner with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Is there something you¡¯re worried about?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Huh? Oh, it¡¯s nothing.¡±

    It was apparent that Yoo Hye-Sook was now aware of what Kang Dae-Kyung was trying to hide. When Kang Chan entered the room, Yoo Hye-Sook had to bottle up her worries.

    Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t force Kang Chan to study, probably because he had fallen from the roof of a building and was just in a car ident. Were they thinking of suggesting he take a break from school this year and resume studying next year?

    While Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook were watching TV together, Yoo Hye-Sook would go into her bedroom whenever she received a call, returning to the living room after it had ended with a disappointed look on her face.

    Kang Dae-Kyung got home after the clock struck 9.

    ¡°I¡¯m home.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung forced a smile. Yoo Hye-Sook looked at him with pity.

    What should Kang Chan do? Should he continue feigning ignorance until the very end?

    Just then, Kang Chan saw Yoo Hye-Sook hitting her own chest, evidently forcing herself to eat. She probably forced her food down so Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t have to eat alone.

    When Kang Dae-Kyung changed into somethingfortable and went to the living room, Kang Chan became determined to do something about it.

    ¡°Would you like to take a walk?¡± Kang Chan asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook was still in the room.

    After hesitating for a bit, Kang Dae-Kyung said, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯lle with you,¡± then went into the master bedroom.

    ¡°Where are you nning to go at this hour?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re just spending quality time between men. Even if you¡¯re jealous, please bear with it.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung came out of the room with a cardigan and forced himself to make a joke.

    ¡°Honey!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook called out to Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook quickly nced at Kang Chan in an attempt to tell her husband not to say anything that would make Kang Chan worry.

    ¡°Don¡¯t stay out toote.¡±

    Nheless, she said something entirely different, hiding her true feelings.

 Chapter 20é”›å­­art2: You Donéˆ¥æª› Want To? (2)

    <h4>Chapter20£¬Part2: You Don¡¯t Want To? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Kang Dae-Kyung got out of the elevator and walked toward the bench on one side. Kang Chan didn¡¯t say a word. Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t have to ask him why he wanted to leave the house to know why, and he had no intention of forcing him to do anything.

    ¡°I was nning to import cars from France. I decided to get 50 of them first. They are going to be disy and test drive cars. After that, there was a high chance we¡¯ll make huge profits since we¡¯ll be submitting customers¡¯ orders separately.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung let out a long sigh.

    ¡°You know Suh Jeong Group, right? They have a subsidiary called Suh Jeong Motors. They made an offer to import the cars I was going to import, clearly greedy for the market I pioneered.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked slightly relieved.

    ¡°Then I received a call from France. They said if I were to purchase 500 cars in one go, they would give me exclusive rights to import them. Since we made a deal with them first, they imed it was the best offer they could make. They made that offer knowing I couldn¡¯t do that, essentially forcing me to work together with the big corporation.¡±

    ¡°What kind of cars are you importing?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s called Chiffre. You¡¯ve heard of it, right?¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled cautiously. Chiffre was a luxury sedan. The local price was approximately 90 million Korean Won. If they were 90 million won each, 500 of them would cost¡­ a huge sum of money.

    ¡°Will you suffer a huge loss if you were to back out of the deal?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to forfeit the down payment we made for the 50 cars, or we have to pay the remaining sum of money and buy them before reselling them. Either way, the losses we¡¯d incur are about the same. I feel sorry for you and your mother, but I got a loan using our house as coteral. If things go south, we¡¯d be in a very tough situation. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t bother me,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at him for a moment and smiled sadly.

    ¡°I¡¯m worried about you and your mom. I tried everything I could to hide it from you two, but I failed. It¡¯s especially harder for me when ites to deceiving your mom.¡±

    ¡°It was very obvious.¡±

    ¡°Was it?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t control his facial expressions.

    ¡°Your mom barely managed to survive you getting into an ident. If something happens to me this time around, your mom might¡­¡±

    Did Yoo Hye-Sook have any chronic illness?

    ¡°Her doctor said it would be very dangerous if she were to have a bloody discharge again¡­ If your mom copses or seems to be having a bloody discharge when I¡¯m not around, you need to do whatever it takes to rush her to Sam Jeong Hospital¡¯s emergency room. They have your mom¡¯s chart, so they¡¯ll know what to do.¡±

    If she risked her life and bled in the ICU to give birth to Kang Chan, then¡­

    Kang Dae-Kyung covered his face with his hands.

    ¡°The French executives we have an appointment with next week are arriving this week. Suh Jeong Motors made a very attractive offer to the Korean branch manager. They¡¯re probably hoping to wrap things up with us quickly so they can proceed with the offer they made with the branch manager.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung only talked about it briefly, but it sounded like it was already a done deal. If they were on a battlefield, this would be the perfect time to quickly gather the survivors and order them to retreat.

    ¡°It¡¯ll all work out,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Hoo! There truly are times when sons can be a pir of strength. You¡¯re still young, so it must be a huge shock to you, but I didn¡¯t want to lie to you either. If things be difficult for us for some time¡­ It¡¯ll be all my fault. Your mom hasn''t done anything wrong, so if you want to resent someone¡­¡±

    ¡°Thank you for being honest with me.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung forced a smile.

    ¡°So they¡¯ll be arriving tomorrow or the day after, huh?¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    ¡°They¡¯re arriving tomorrow. We decided to take the day off and meet with them on Sunday at lunch.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t we n to go together?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung shook his head.

    ¡°Since this is the final stretch, I¡¯lle with you,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll do well.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t want Kang Chan to see him bow down to them or witness the deal fall apart.

    ¡°The only thing I can do is interpret for you. Considering mother seems to have been calling around asking for help, we should join forces and give it our best shot. If it doesn¡¯t work out, at least we did everything we can. Please let me go with you.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes and exhaled heavily.

    ¡°Alright. Even if it doesn¡¯t work out, help me out until the very end. Your mom¡­¡± Kang Dae-Kyung clenched his teeth hard, keeping his emotions in check.

    ¡°Let¡¯s pretend everything¡¯s alright so your mom wouldn¡¯t worry¡­ Let¡¯s do our best.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung shifted his gaze to the seventh floor, where their apartment was.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head up first,¡± Kang Chan said.

    There were moments when men needed time alone.

    When Kang Chan walked through the front door, Yoo Hye-Sook looked behind him.

    ¡°Father said he wanted to get some fresh air beforeing back.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook nodded grimly. There were mixed emotions written all over her face¡ªfear of the difficult times ahead, concern for Kang Dae-Kyung, and pity toward Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan went into his room. He had to look for the money he kept in his bank ount in France. He didn¡¯t have much, but he had hardly touched it, so he probably had approximately 150 million Korean Won.

    <i>¡®I would¡¯ve been regarded as dead, so will my biological parents receive the sum of money instead? No, it¡¯s my personal individual ount. I know the passcode.¡¯</i>

    If everything went ording to n, he¡¯d find it.

    At that moment, Kang Chan received a text message, so he called the sender.

    ¨C¨C ¡®ello, Channy!

    ¡°Let¡¯s push back our meetup by a week, Michelle.¡±

    ¨C¨C Channy, this is too disrespectful.

    ¡°Something important came up at home. Let¡¯s meet next week.¡±

    A loud sigh came from the other end of the line.

    ¨C¨C Monday.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¨C¨C Don¡¯t reschedule it again.

    ¡°Text me the time and location. I¡¯ll definitely be there.¡±

    ¨C¨C Alright.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan scoured the inte.

    ¡°There it is!¡±

    He found Cr¨¦dit Paris¡¯ website. Contrary to his expectations, however, there was no way for him to ess his bank ount since he didn¡¯t apply for inte banking in the first ce. And he also couldn¡¯t remember his ount number.

    Kang Chan heard Kang Dae-Kyung entering the apartment and going into the master bedroom with Yoo Hye-Sook. Kang Chan wanted to help him in any way possible, even if it was just a little.

    ***

    Kang Chan went to school that Saturday. He told Seok Kang-Ho about Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s problem.

    ¡°Oh no. I don¡¯t have any of my sry left in France.¡± Seok Kang-Ho quickly turned his head and stared into the void. ¡°Wait, I might be able to get a loan using my house as coteral.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves. Finding my savings in Cr¨¦dit Paris is the best thing we can do right now, but their only branch office is in Hong Kong. I¡¯ll call them on Monday and look into it first,¡° Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°I¡¯m worried about your mother.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    He was fortunate to have Seok Kang-Ho by his side.

    Kim Mi-Young sent Kang Chan a text message that Saturday evening, but he lied to her, saying he had a cold, so they only talked on the phone. Kang Chan was so worried about Yoo Hye-Sook that he had no time to think about anything else.

    <i>¡®If I pray, will my prayers be answered?¡¯</i>

    Despite enemies attacking him in the countless battles he had fought, he never did resort to praying.

    ***

    The next morning, Yoo Hye-Sook was on the brink of tears during breakfast. Even so, she put on a strong front and held it in. She looked like she felt bad for Kang Dae-Kyung and sorry for Kang Chan at the same time.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want her to eat because he was afraid she would get indigestion, but he couldn¡¯t stop her since he thought it would make Yoo Hye-Sook feel even worse.

    After having a tension-filled morning, Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan stood at the front door. Kang Dae-Kyung was wearing a suit, while Kang Chan had neat cotton pants and a shirt on.

    ¡°See youter,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook finally burst into tears.

    ¡°We¡¯ll give it our all. I¡¯m sorry, honey.¡±

    While Kang Dae-Kyung was hugging her, Kang Chan quietly walked out the front door.

    Momentster, Kang Dae-Kyung left the house. His eyes were red.

    Kang Dae-Kyung was silent the entire time they were taking the elevator down to the underground parking lot. He remained silent even when the car left the apartmentplex and entered the main road.

    ~

    Kang Dae-Kyung finally broke the silence after pulling over at the hotel at the bottom of Namsan Mountain.

    ¡°I feel like I can maintain my confidence until the end. My son¡¯s with me, after all.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled at Kang Chan with every ounce of energy and courage left in his body.

    ¡°There will be two executives and an interpreter from mypany. I¡¯ll be upfront with them about you being my son. I¡¯ll also tell the French executives that you¡¯re assisting with the interpretation.¡±

    Even though it was bound to fail, Kang Chan really hoped everything would be okay.

    Kang Chan nced at the sky just before they entered the lobby.

    <i>¡®Help these two people in exchange for my life.¡¯</i>

    They walked through the revolving door. Kang Chan flew into a rage.

    <i>¡®This is the first time I¡¯ve ever asked you for anything since I was born. After dealing me a bad hand, a fucked up life, the least you can do is grant my wish just this once! Do this for me, and I¡¯ll die smiling even if the price I have to pay is to be hacked to death in Africa.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan clenched his teeth. They were already in the lobby, and the lounge was just inside it.

    "They¡¯re already here, huh,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    The executives and interpreter got up when they made eye contact with Kang Dae-Kyung. By the time Kang Dae-Kyung approached the table, the two French executives had also gotten up from their seats.

    ¡°Bonjour.¡±

    It was Shan, themander that briefed them about the operation that day. And the person next to him was Smithen. Both of them stood up to greet Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Chan felt as though his heart and brain had froze.

 Chapter 21: Things that Couldnéˆ¥æª› be Imagined (1)

    <h4>Chapter 21: Things that Couldn¡¯t be Imagined (1)</h4>

    <i>¡®Why are those assholes Shan and Smithen here?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan felt like the question was tightly entangling him.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s face randomly popped up in his mind While he was deep in thoughtWhat would Seok Gang-Ho say?

    Ah shoot! That wasn''t important right now.

    Kang Chan knew Smithen was alive and well. After all, he was on the verge of death but wasn¡¯t actually killed.

    To be blunt, however, Shan and Smithen hadn¡¯t even saved a country. How was he supposed to understand that the two assholes had be executives for Gong Te automobilepany?

    After shaking hands with Kang Dae-Kyung, Shan and Smithen looked at Kang Chan strangely.

    ¡°Chan, please have a seat and introduce yourself.¡±

    Kang Chan then realized that he was standing in a hotel lobby, and those two were here as the vice president and an executive of a French automobilepany.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan. I¡¯m here to assist with interpretation.¡±

    When Kang Chan offered his hand hurriedly as if he was caught off guard, Shan confidently leaned his head and smiled as if he knew something.

    ¡°I¡¯m Shan. You have really good pronunciation, and your social habits are also familiar. This is Smithen, the director in charge of Asian affairs.¡±

    ¡°Bonjour, Kang Chan.¡±

    When Smithen finished his greeting, he sent Shan an amused nce.

    They all sat down.

    Kang Chan was able to gain his bearings while a female employee wearing a very revealing royal blue skirt and a white blouse took orders.

    Smithen licked his lips while looking at the female employee¡¯s butt.

    <i>¡®The director in charge of Asian affairs? You should introduce yourself as the director in charge of adultery instead.¡¯?</i>

    ¡°Smithen.¡±

    Shan gave a low warning.

    As Smithen looked away, his eyes met Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ¡°Is the name Kang Chanmon in Korea?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart had barely calmed down when it started hammering violently again at the question. He secretly wanted to jump in, twist Smithen¡¯s neck, and ask him if he remembered ¡®God of ckfield¡¯. But that kind of action was only suitable for the old Daeryu.

    ¡°There would be around 20 people with the same name in a phone book. I assume that you know someone with the same name?¡±

    At that moment, Shan quickly looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I only asked because your name seemed familiar.¡±

    <i>¡®Familiar?¡¯</i> Kang Chan smirked while looking at Smithen.

    ¡°Your names sound familiar to me as well.¡±

    While Smithen was making a somewhat ufortable expression, their coffee and juice arrived.

    ¡°Mr. Vice President, our Kang Yoo Motors is having difficulties epting your sudden proposal. So we are hoping to lower the exclusive contractual terms of 500 cars.¡±

    The interpreter passed on Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s words.

    He was around 40 with a slim body and greased hair that was neatlybed, which made him seem like an old-fashioned public official.

    ¡°We never changed the terms. If desired, Kang Yoo Motors can purchase and sell 50 cars as per the contract. In such a case, we¡¯ll also sell the cars to Suh Jeong Motors under the same contract. Friendlypetition in good faith needs to be respected. It brings good results.¡±

    ¡°We have already paid half the price of the 50 cars. If the bnce is paid as per the contract, Kang Yoo Motors will monopolize the exclusiveness of AS for the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ in Korea. You and Suh Jeong Motors need to consider this fact.¡±

    While the interpreter passed on Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s words to Shan, Smithen found the server and kept staring at her.

    ¡°We acknowledge the exclusiveness with AS, but only if the following prerequisites are fulfilled: you must have facilities that meet the regtions of the Gong Te headquarters, stock up the mandatory parts, and hire employees.¡±

    Shan responded. The interpreter raised his head again after interpreting to Kang Dae-Kyung and the two executives of Kang Yoo Motors.

    ¡°The facility has contracts with 10 car centers that are currently running and are nning on using the employees there. The parts will be equipped with consumables that can be reced immediately.¡±

    ¡°It only needs to meet the regtions of the headquarters,¡± Shan briskly replied as he ced the coffee mug down. Even a newbie that doesn¡¯t know anything about businesses like Kang Chan could see that they were pathetically hanging on.

    Shan looked like a businessman on the outside, but he had the same expression and look in his eyes that Kang Chan had seen on the battlefield.

    .

    <i>¡®Those fuckers. Did they somehow survive, get discharged, and be executives because they were recognized for their work?¡¯</i>

    Someone that sold off their teammates could be watching out for them, which meant that a deal had been made in exchange for his crew¡¯s death.

    Kang Chan stared at Smithen¡¯s thick neck.

    <i>¡®I should twist his neck first. The truth wille out then.¡¯</i>

    The boring conversation allowed Kang Chan to calm down and regain hisposure. He found it funny that Shan had turned into a businessman and that Smithen couldn¡¯t keep his eyes away from the female employee. However, it was still hard for Kang Chan to endure the desire to rush in and attack.

    As the conversation continued, Kang Dae-Kyung and the two executives'' faces darkened, while Shan remained rxed. It seemed like he was conveying that the result had already been decided. When one executive was about to state that they were going to consider legal actions, Kang Chan quietly shook his head.

    They wouldn¡¯t even think of that if they knew Shan, that fucker. That smile only ever appeared whenever he was waiting for the other party to provoke him first.

    As soon as the words ¡®legal actions¡¯ were delivered, it was clear that Shan would leave the ce, stating that Kang Yoo Motors had declined their final consideration. If they knew how cruel Shan could be after his smile disappeared, they wouldn¡¯t consider saying such simple threats.

    If it ended like this, then those two would ignore Kang Chan in order to sever their ties with Kang Yoo Motors.

    ¡°One moment please.¡±

    Kang Chan interrupted the interpreter and stood up.

    ¡°Mr. Vice President, it seems that you came here with your mind made up, but could you give us some time?¡±

    Even though he tried, when Kang Chan asked Shan a question he couldn¡¯t hide the glint in his eyes.

    ¡°It seems to me that Kang Yoo Motors won¡¯t be able to fulfill the requirements. Is there really any need for us to waste time?¡±

    Kang Chan forced a smile when he saw Shan¡¯s face harden.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. But we can¡¯t be entirely certain of the possibilities, can we? Hence, it should be usible to at least provide us with the time that¡¯s equivalent to half the price of 50 cars.¡±

    The interpreter was still busy interpreting Kang Chan¡¯s words to Kang Dae-Kyung and the two executives.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang? It seems that you don¡¯t have authority here. Are you allowed to give such offers?¡±

    When the interpreter passed on Shan¡¯s words, Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Kang Chan, flustered. It was as if his high schooler son just took over and said something foolish.

    ¡°Mr. Vice President, please give me time to persuade the president. It won¡¯t take longer than 5 minutes.¡±

    Shan gave Smithen a subtle nce.

    ¡°I hope you seed.¡±

    He epted Kang Chan¡¯s words with good grace and an amused expression.

    ¡°Don¡¯t interpret what I¡¯m about to say.¡±

    Kang Chan first warned the interpreter not to open his mouth.

    ¡°If the situation remains unchanged, the deal will be over right here. I think it¡¯ll be better to take some time to consider it some more before resuming negotiations.¡±

    Shan gazed at the interpreter but then looked elsewhere with a sly smile when the interpreter didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°French people are snobs and won¡¯t ept offers even if we cling on. It will be better to take some time and consider legal actions or propose different conditions.¡±

    Kang Chan spoke stiffly because the executives and the interpreter were there.

    There might be a solution to the Kang Yoo Motors situation, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t tell Kang Dae-Kyung and the executives that he had fought with Shan and Smithen in Africa even if it meant cutting off the two men¡¯s necks. Moreover, he needed to figure out how they survived.

    When Kang Chan noticed Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s hesitation, he spoke, ¡°Father.¡±

    Kang Chan desperately needed time.

    ¡°Remember the previous phone call? From my knowledge, it hasn¡¯t been long since the two became executives.¡±

    The interpreter checked the paperwork and nodded.

    Wasn¡¯t it obvious? The two men were soldiers until 2007, and it was now 2010.

    ¡°Let¡¯s end it here for today and buy some time. We need to act ordingly against them in response to their characteristics.¡±

    A short moment passed. Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s eyes now seemed determined.

    ¡°Are you confident?¡± asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Mr. President!¡± One executive protested with a frown.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find a solution for the person waiting,¡± answered Kang Chan.

    This was about Yoo Hye-Sook, which only the two of them knew.

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled handsomely.

    ¡°Thank you for waiting, Mr. Vice President. We have two conditions.¡±

    Shan leaned his head forward slightly. It was his habit whenever he asked for others¡¯ opinions.

    ¡°We require a week, and one night of that week.¡±

    Shan gave a broad grin.

    ¡°Remarkable. Will a week really be sufficient?¡±

    The question was asked to the interpreter. When Kang Dae-Kyung replied through the intrpreter, ¡°Yes, it¡¯ll be enough,¡± Shan looked at Kang Chan again.

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®one night¡¯?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re thinking of providing an unimaginable experience.¡±

    Smithen''s eyes sparkled.

    ¡°Hmmm¡­ Will you give up your exclusive rights to AS if 500 cars aren¡¯t bought in a week?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry about that.¡±

    The interpreter hurriedly tranted Kang Chan¡¯s stern reply.

    The two executives groaned, but Kang Dae-Kyung kept staring at Kang Chan with a surprisingly calm demeanor.

    ¡°Please confirm if the president also agrees.¡±

    The interpreter passed on his words, and Kang Dae-Kyung answered with a nod.

    ¡°Korea is a surprising country.¡±

    <i>¡®Why wouldn¡¯t it be, Shan?¡¯</i>

    Even the things happening in front of them were hard to handle.

    ¡°All Asians look simr. Speaking of which, Kang Chan looks very simr to someone. Especially the way he speaks, the look in his eyes, his expression, and how he suits a bandage in his hand.¡±

    Little did they know, even Kang Chan¡¯s neck-twisting techniques were the same.

    Kang Chan regained hisposure.

    ¡°Is everything in order, then?¡±

    Shan nodded widely.

    ¡°Sounds good. When will the said night take ce?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll let you know by tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°We have ns, so please make the reservation at least one day in advance.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    The conversation ended there. Everyone stood up and said their goodbyes. Only after Shan and Smithen walked towards the elevator did the Kang Yoo Motor group sit down. The two executives sighed while side-eyeing Kang Chan.

    Even Kang Dae-Kyung seemed like he was regretting what had happened, but what could they do now?

    The boat¡ª no¡ªthe two men, had already gone up the elevator.

    The two executives scolded and expressed their concerns by asking ¡°What are you thinking?¡± and ¡°This is very reckless,¡± but Kang Dae-Kyung remained surprisingly still.

    He told them he would see them at the office and left with Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan nced at the sky while walking out of the lobby with Kang Dae-Kyung.

    <i>¡®It must be fun to watch, right? No matter what happens, I won¡¯t resent you as long as the contract with Kang Yoo Motors goes well.¡¯?</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung sighed heavily after getting in the car. Then he burst outughing.

    ¡°Ha! Now that I think about it, what I did was really strange. I can understand the executives¡¯ expressions now.¡±

    ¡°Do you regret it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Dae-Kyung only stared at him while lowering his head towards the steering wheel.

    ¡°Are you really my son?¡±

    Kang Chan only smiled.

    ¡°Are you still going to say that you learned French online?¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe me even if I told you.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s upper body heaved as heughed with a ¡°Hah!¡±

    He seemed dumbfounded. Throughout the drive, Kang Dae-Kyung muttered to himself, ¡°Lease? No that¡¯s not it,¡± and ¡°Could we connect with the capital? What about interest?¡± but it seemed like he couldn¡¯t afford to handle therge cost of purchasing the cars.

    When they arrived at the underground parking lot, Kang Dae-Kyung seemed stumped.

    ¡°What should we tell your mom?¡±

    ¡°How about we tell her that we were able to buy a week?¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°What if she asks about the solution?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung shook his head.

    ¡°How am I running a business when I¡¯m asking my son these questions?¡±

    Both of them got on the elevator.

    ¡°Tell her that the executives found a way.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think about getting help from the gangsters from before.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung warned him.

    ¡°Then please make a reservation at an appropriate ce.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re thinking about confronting them, then I¡¯ll do it instead.¡±

    At Kang Chan¡¯s nce, Kang Dae-Kyung smiled awkwardly.

    ¡°Keep it a secret from your mom.¡±

    Even if that wasn¡¯t what he was nning, Kang Chan still decided to refuse Kang Dae-Kyung since he wouldn¡¯t be able to handle what Kang Chan was nning on doing that day.

    The atmosphere was fairly good when the front door of the apartment opened.

    It had already happened anyway, and there was an absurd sense of relief that they still had a week.

    ¡°Did she go somewhere?¡±

    When Kang Chan saw Kang Dae-Kyung going inside the master bedroom, he went inside his room, picked up his phone on his desk, and gave Seok Kang-Ho a call.

    ¨C¨C What happened?

    Seok Kang-Ho sounded worried. He knew of today¡¯s meeting, after all.

    ¡°Do you have time to spare?¡±

    ¨C¨C I¡¯ll be at the front door of your house. Come out in about 30 minutes.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart started hammering again when he ended the call. This was different from meeting Seok Kang-Ho for the first time. Kang Chan decided to leave the house first. Meanwhile, Kang Dae-Kyung was sitting on the living room couch.

    ¡°Are you going somewhere?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°What about mom?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s sleeping because she had a hard time yesterday.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung stared at the master bedroom like a student hiding his grades.

    ¡°There¡¯s a person I know in France. I believe they might be helpful.¡±

    This was Kang Chan¡¯sst hope.

    Kang Dae-Kyung seemed suspicious of it, but he couldn¡¯t disguise the small amount of hope he had.

    ¡°Is it a person you met in the inte?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t say that he got to know Seok Kang-Ho in Africa. Hence, instead of replying, he just smiled.

    ¡°I¡¯m going out for dinner. I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung, saddened by hisck of abilities, faced the reality that their only hope was someone his son met in the inte. Nheless, he felt proud of Kang Chan above all else.

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s smile looked painful to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan felt confused as he walked out the front door and pressed the button for the elevator.

    This was more than Shan and Smithen.

    The gap in mental capacity and a senior high schooler¡¯s body also yed a role.

    As his current appearance was being ingrained in his brain, his previous appearance was bing harder to remember. He also felt apologetic every time he thoughtlessly swore at Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Ding</i>

    There was a mirror inside the elevator.

    Currently, there was the Kang Chan with only his appearance and the Kang Chan with only his thoughts.

    Which one was real?

    Kang Chan sharply red at the high schooler in the mirror.

    The look in his eyes was the same as before. So were the bandage that was wrapped around his hand, his uncanny smirk, the way he talked, and his personality.

    <i>¡®Do I have to live like this?¡¯</i>

    He might be stuck in a form that would be impossible to escape until death.

    <i>Ding.?</i>

    The elevator sound indicated that he had arrived on the first floor. It was like a warning that he should devote his best to what was in front of him instead of messing around.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Fuck it, let¡¯s twist their necks first!¡±

    He walked unhurriedly to the bench.

    Sunday afternoon. He took a deep breath, curious about how Seok Kang-Ho would react.

    1. AS stands for After Service in Korea

    2. The Korean phrase ¡°the boat already left¡± is simr to the English phrase ¡°missed the bus.¡± Basically, they were too slow and it was toote to do anything

 Chapter 22: Things that Couldnéˆ¥æª› be Imagined (2)

    <h4>Chapter 22: Things that Couldn¡¯t be Imagined (2)</h4>

    Sitting on the bench, Kang Chan felt much morefortable as he stared at the people walking about. Strangely, he evenughed as well.

    Gong Te automobile? Vice President? Executive?

    He truly hoped they obtained their positions through normal means after barely surviving. If that were the case, he¡¯d be able to shake their hands, smile, greet them while bumping shoulders, and say that he was also alive but in this form. There wouldn¡¯t be any need to worry about his pride or be greedy.

    He was thinking of epting the reality if asking them to be considerate and avoid negatively affecting Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s Kang Yoo Motors wasn¡¯t possible. But there were hints of dirty deeds in Shan and Smithen¡¯s faces.

    Their faces and the look in their eyes were simr to when they were beaten up almost to the point of death as a punishment and forced into a corner after they had assaulted and beaten a 16-year-old African girl.

    <i>¡®Smithen, that fucker.¡¯?</i>

    After he had sworn never to taint the name of their crew, it was never brought up again. Kang Chan had actually lived with the thought that the look he had seen in Smithen¡¯s eyes at thest moment was a debt that he had to repay.

    Kang Chan realized that his eyes were glinting.

    <i>Beep Beep.?</i>

    Raising his gaze, a familiar car came into view. However, his thirst for blood that had already been roused didn¡¯t disappear so easily.

    When Kang Chan went into the car, Seok Kang-Ho looked him over with surprised eyes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere where we can smoke and talk openly.¡±

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked in response.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who that asshole is, but I feel really bad for him,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Smithen.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was surprisingly calm, but only for a second. Soon, his face turned towards Kang Chan.

    ¡°Watch the road.¡±

    <i>Screech.</i>

    They almost got into an ident while trying to merge onto the main road, but Kang Chan continued smiling with a murderous look in his eyes.

    ¡°Smithen¡¯s alive?¡±

    After noticing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Seok Kang-Ho became curious about where and how he found out.

    ¡°Shan was with him.¡±

    ¡°Haha. Hahaha.¡±

    ¡°Those two fuckers appeared together as Gong Te automobile¡¯s Vice President and executive.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°I told you to watch the fucking road!¡±

    ¡°Fuck. I got a ticket.¡±

    <i>Swish.</i>

    They passed by a camera that was hanging above the road.

    ¡°Where are they?¡±

    ¡°Namsan hotel.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°I decided to give them one night.¡±

    ¡°You should¡¯ve just blown off their necks instead!¡±

    ¡°Our priority is to figure out how they survived. It would be depressing if we barge in and everything goes wrong.¡±

    Tilting his head, Seok Kang-Ho asked, ¡°Since I died right after you did, let¡¯s assume they survived. Regardless, isn¡¯t it harder to believe that they were able to be the Vice President and executive of an automobilepany than being able toe back to life right after death? Especially Smithen. That fucker¡¯s stupider than me.¡±

    In all honesty, Dayeru was more stupid, but that wasn¡¯t important right now.

    ¡°There¡¯s got to be something we¡¯re not aware of.¡±

    ¡°Ha! Let¡¯s just go.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    ¡°We need to prepare. We can just ignore it if we understand it after looking into it. If not, we¡¯ll just twist their neckspletely.¡±

    Seok Kang-Houghed suspiciously.

    He saw the old Dayeru that he hadn¡¯t seen in a while.

    They arrived in Misariafter driving for about 20 minutes.

    Upon leaving the main road and taking the curvyne, they saw a coffee shop with tables outside. They sat down at one of the tables with a view of the nearby river.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get two coffees!¡±

    The employee walked toward them but quickly went inside.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    While grabbing a cigarette from Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan exined the situation in detail up until the point where he arrived at and left the hotel.

    This fight couldn¡¯t be forced upon Seok Kang-Ho and wasn¡¯t something Kang Chan could ask of him. It had to be decided by Dayeru himself, considering he couldn¡¯t throw him aside and tell him to step out either. When he finished exining, the strange feeling of excitement they always felt before battle rose within them.

    ¡°Those fuckers¡­¡±

    ¡°You think the same, right?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s be sensible. If Smithen¡ªthat stupid fucker¡ªis an executive for Gong Te, then I should be the Minister of France or something.¡±

    It seemed Seok Kang-Ho truly believed that Smithen was more stupid than him.

    ¡°When are we doing this?¡±

    ¡°We need a n and a quiet location first.¡±

    They needed to prepare a ce where they could hide from people¡¯s eyes.

    Seok Kang-Ho groaned while clenching his teeth. Regardless, those two also survived death, but while Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho now had the body of a high schooler and a middle-aged man, Smithen and Shan had their original bodies. They had to be prepared for the fact that it could be Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s necks that could be blown.

    ¡°What do you think about getting Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s help?¡±

    Kang Chan already thought about that, but if they got help from gangsters because they were in a hurry, then how could they handle school bullies when kids like Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jean were bullied?

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    Kang Chan solidified his decision. What¡¯s wrong was wrong; you can¡¯t justify wrongdoings.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it ourselves.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Then the biggest problem would be finding a suitable ce.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s search around first. If we can¡¯t find any, we¡¯ll stuff them in a car and go out to the outskirts.¡±

    ¡°Huhuhuhu.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes were glinting so much that if other people saw them, they might be mistaken for nning a murder.

    ¡°I¡¯m currently thinking we can do it on Tuesday.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s lips curved bitterly. It was Dayeru¡¯s smile, which only appeared during battle, especially when facing fights that required him to take out his dagger to survive viciously and fiercely.

    ¡°I¡¯m excited.¡±

    ¡°So am I.¡±

    Both of them smiled like idiots at the same time.

    <i>Swish</i>. Just after Seok Kang-Ho had wiped his mouth with his sleeve¡­

    <i>Brr. Brr. Brr.?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone vibrated.

    It was Michelle.

    ¡°Bingo!¡±

    Kang Chan had a sudden thought.

    ¡°Hello!¡±

    ¨C Channy! I¡¯m assuming that your family issues worked out!

    ¡°No! It¡¯s a bit screwed up.¡±

    ¨C Sorry, your voice sounded bright so I assumed it went well.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, where are we meeting tomorrow?¡±

    ¨C Should we meet at the hotel?

    ¡°Sounds good!¡±

    ¨C It¡¯s weird that you¡¯re so assertive.

    ¡°Come over, I¡¯ll buy dinner.¡±

    ¨C Bien! What hotel? What time?

    ¡°Namsan, tomorrow at seven.¡±

    ¨C Okay, Channy! I¡¯m hot already! See you tomorrow!

    Kang Chan grinned after cing his phone on the table.

    Naturally, Seok Kang-Ho seemed curious. Since he started telling him already, Kang Chan exined exactly how he ended up meeting Michelle.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you now have the female luck that you didn¡¯t have in your previous life?¡±

    ¡°Are you jealous?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smiled with a ¡°Huhuhu.¡±

    ¡°Bring the car to the hotel tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that it was happening on Tuesday?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m nning on spending time at the hotel lobby tomorrow evening. Michelle¡¯s friends are very eye-catching so Smithen will definitelye if he sees them.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed amused.

    ¡°After all, he isn¡¯t someone to stay in his room even if hees backte. He¡¯ll definitely lurk around clubs. So let¡¯s park the car nearby and drag him with us if things don¡¯t go well.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make an appointment for Tuesday night since we might spend time at Suh Jeong Motors tomorrow. But if Smithen takes the bait then we¡¯ll grill him. <i>Tsk</i>! If it doesn¡¯t work out, then we can twist all of their necks on Tuesday.

    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡±

    <i>Did he always have such a cruel expression?</i>

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked him curiously.

    ¡°Lighten up. You look like you¡¯re about to twist someone¡¯s neck right now.¡±

    ¡°Speak for yourself. Your eyes look like you¡¯ll arrest someone if they¡¯re caught during an inspection,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anything to say. Even though he tried, he couldn¡¯t hide his glinting eyes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s try to find a solution for your father¡¯s work.¡±

    ¡°That would be ideal, but that¡¯s an entirely different issue.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan while biting on a new cigarette.

    ¡°Our priority is to unlock the secrets behind the deaths of our crew. If we try to fix my father¡¯s work instead, then it will all go downhill. For a guy that looks at trophies first¡­¡±

    ¡°No one ended up surviving.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    However, when battles were won, trophies always followed.

    ¡°Change that look in your eyes. I¡¯m hungry. There¡¯s a ce that makes really good doenjang jjigae baekban. Let¡¯s go there,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°You need to loosen up as well.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho blinked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat. Hopefully, it¡¯ll disappear while we eat,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    What made his heart freeze became something that excited him as soon as he met Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>¡®Am I feeling happy because I¡¯m going to be in a bloody fight?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    He decided to think that it was because he was given an opportunity to live life again without the burdens that always weighed down his shoulders. He also was honestly excited about the possibility that the situation with Kang Yoo Motors might turn out well.

    Failure? Poverty? None of that scared him.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook weren¡¯t people that would change with those things. However, he sincerely wanted to see Yoo Hye-Sook smile brightly after Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s work went well. Throughout dinner, the conversation revolved around Shan and Smithen, but they made no progress.

    As Seok Kang-Ho dropped Kang Chan off, he said that he would search for a suitable ce as soon as he got home and then inform Kang Chan once he found one. It didn¡¯t matter if he couldn¡¯t find a suitable ce as they could just pick a quiet ce that was along the way. Regardless, Kang Chan thought it would be great if they could grill Smithen first.

    He was a simple guy. He felt fear when he was alone, and there would be no time for him to n what to say.

    ¡°I¡¯m back.¡±

    When Kang Chan entered the house, Kang Dae-Kyung was stirring something in front of the stove with a rice paddle.

    ¡°Your mom isn¡¯t feeling well.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t she go to the hospital?¡±

    ¡°I was thinking of going with her tomorrow.¡±

    It looked like Kang Dae-Kyung had made porridge before.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see her after I change my clothes.¡±

    He probably smelled like cigarettes. Kang Dae-Kyung wouldn¡¯t say anything, but Yoo Hye-Sook was different. Kang Chan also didn¡¯t want to see her in clothes covered in dust when she wasn¡¯t feeling well.

    When Kang Chan walked into the master bedroom after changing and lightly washing his face, he saw Kang Dae-Kyung cing a small table in front of Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I¡¯m back.¡±

    ¡°Have you eaten?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked tired as if all of her energy was sucked out of her.

    ¡°I had doenjang jjigae baekban with my teacher.¡±

    Kang Chan moved the side table¡¯s chair closer and sat down beside Yoo Hye Sook¡¯s bed.

    ¡°Have a bite.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung ced porridge, water, and a side dish on the table.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°I should be the one apologizing.¡±

    ¡°What for?¡±

    ¡°This is all my fault. I¡¯m sorry. So eat even just a little for me. Please?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook had just raised the spoon and looked at Kang Chan when Kang Dae-Kyung continued.

    ¡°Channy was amazing today. He bought us some time. The two executives were at a loss for words.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung perfectly and positively interpreted the day¡¯s events and told the story. Of course, it was hard to say that he lied because the ending remained the same. Yoo Hye-Sook looked like she wanted to hear more.

    ¡°The Vice President and the Executive in charge of Asian affairs for Gong Te automobilepany, a Frenchpany, were there. Our senior managing director and the managing director were having a hard time with the interpreter but Channy spoke eloquently.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook kept her eyes on Kang Dae-Kyung as she ate the porridge.

    ¡°The conversation started with the Vice President and the executive in a surprised state, and the interpreter was busy passing on their words. Unfortunately, the directors were at a constant loss for words.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook nced at Kang Chan.

    <i>Is she really that happy about such trivial talk?</i>

    When the story ended with Kang Chan buying one week of time, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s expression was a perfect mix of happiness and worry.

    ¡°I might be able to get in touch with someone who can help tomorrow or the next day.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung sent a look to Kang Chan that said not to overdo it and to limit their lying.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up. We will know the oue by Wednesday at thetest.¡±

    The two of them seemed confused.

    ¡°The person I was chatting with was very close to Shan. He decided to contact us. They¡¯ll let us know the results by Wednesday.¡±

    <i>Could we trust that?</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s faces seemed to be asking him that.

    ¡°We have to try something. We can try our best, but if it doesn¡¯t work out, we will have to live ording to what we have. Get better soon. Seeing you like this saddens me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Chan.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook stretched her hand toward Kang Chan, wanting to hold his hand. Kang Chan leaned in and hugged her.

    ¡°You brought me back to life in the hospital. All that matters is that the three of us are together, so get well soon.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do that. Thank you, Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan patted Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s back and forced himself to look at her tear-ridden face. Yoo Hye-Sookughed, seemingly embarrassed.

    ¡°You heard that, right? How can we lose strength when Chanie is holding on like this? I¡¯m sorry, but cheer up.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said after Kang Chan left the room.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°What do you keep apologizing for?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung also gently held Yoo Hye-Sook andforted her.

    ***

    Kang chan had returned to his room and turned on hisputer when his phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¨C It¡¯s me.

    <i>Took him long enough.</i>

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¨C I found a suitable ce to fight.

    <i>Phew! This stupid fucker!?</i>Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anything to say.

    ¨C It¡¯s not far from the hotel. It won¡¯t take long if we can drag them into the basement and get them in the car. I¡¯ll prepare the knife myself.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¨C Will you be okay fighting them in that body of yours?¡±

    Now that he thought about it, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s inquiry made sense.

    ¡°We need to end it soon somehow. If we take too long and Shan calls the police, then things will go awry in many ways.¡±

    ¨C It would be weird if he came into my room at night.

    <i>Is this guy really smarter than Smithen?</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s still better to be careful.¡±

    ¨C Understood. I¡¯ll also give you my card so use that in the meantime.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about that tomorrow when we meet.¡±

    ¨C Sleep well.

    The call ended soon after.

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    He didn¡¯t feel good about this.

    Smithen was as strong as the previous Dayeru. Kang Chan felt worried about Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s well-being in one part of his heart.

    1. Misari is the name of a neighborhood in South Korea

 Chapter 23é”›å­­art1: Things that Couldnt be Imagined (3)

    <h4>Chapter23£¬Part1: Things that Couldn''t be Imagined (3)</h4>

    There was nothing more important than getting a good night''s sleep before the final showdown.

    Kang Chan got rid of all the useless thoughts that filled his head andy in bed.

    <i>¡®Tsk!</i>

    Surprisingly, however, he couldn¡¯t fall asleep, which was a first since he had be a soldier.

    The worry about Seok Kang-Ho, the sense of betrayal from Smithen¡­

    <i>¡®It will all end in two days, maximum.¡¯?</i>

    After Kang Chan tossed and turned in bed for about twenty minutes, he finally fell asleep.

    That was a first since he became a soldier.

    ***

    He woke up at the same time as usual.

    <i>¡®You¡¯re up first, Smithen.¡¯</i>

    He didn¡¯t feel bad.

    After he warmed up, he cut off the bandage on his shoulder and wrist. It was better to warm his shoulder up to prepare for his fight against Smithen. It seemed okay to unwrap the bandages, but the problem was the knife cuts on his left hand.

    <i>¡®It¡¯s not like I¡¯m Frankenstein¡¯s monster.¡¯</i>

    Not only were there six wounds, but the stitches made the areas look even uglier. He decided to re-bandage his hand after he washed up.

    Due to his injuries, it had been so long since he had a shower thisplete and refreshing. It still stung whenever shampoo and soapy water touched his wounds, but the cold water made him feel reinvigorated.

    After he finished showering and applying medication to his injuries, he and Kang Dae-Kyung had breakfast without Yoo Hye-Sook since Kang Dae-Kyung wanted her to get more sleep.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    If all went well, he might not have to go to France. It wouldn¡¯t feel good for Kang Chan to leave while Yoo Hye-Sook was in despair from their difficult situation.

    The elevator mirror reflected the fierce look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ***

    When ss started, the athletic club room became quiet as well.

    Kang Chan called the hotel in front of Seok Kang-Ho, who was watching with an expression full of excitement and expectation.

    ¡°Please connect me to room 1901.¡±

    ¨C Only designated people can call that room... Whom should I say is calling?

    ¡°Please say that it¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    On-hold music yed for a moment, then someone picked up.

    ¨C Hello?

    Smithen answered in a greasy voice.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan. I¡¯m calling to let you know about tomorrow¡¯s appointment.¡±

    ¨C Ah! Right. What time is it happening?

    ¡°How about 7 pm?¡±

    ¨C One moment, please.

    He seemingly discussed it with Shan.

    ¨C 7 sounds good. Should we meet in the lobby?

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that. Oh! I also have ns to meet some beautifuldies there. I thought I should let you know just so you don¡¯t get the wrong idea in case you see me.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ko grinned.

    ¨C I¡¯m jealous. See you tomorrow.

    The call ended.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with this fucker?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did he say that he doesn¡¯t like women?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked in response.

    Kang Chan thought about the details of the call for a moment.

    ¡°It seems like he¡¯s with the Suh Jeong Motors representatives? He hung up when we were talking about women.¡±

    ¡°Phew! Don¡¯t worry about it. There are probably only two things left in that fucker¡¯s mind right now: dinner and women.¡±Kang Chan nodded.

    <i>Smithen?was someone who was unable to take his eyes away from female servers even in that short moment. But for him to show disinterest at the mention of women¡­??</i>

    ¡°Maybe he acted that way because he¡¯s currently having important discussions with Suh Jeong Motors?¡± Kang Chan wondered.

    ¡°You¡¯re probably right. In that case, let¡¯s have it out with him after we break his head. If he¡¯s the guy that sold off our crew¡¯s lives, I have no ns of letting him go easily.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho smiled bitterly at the same time.

    ¡°Will you be okay, though?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°About what? Are you worried that my neck is going to be twisted by someone like Smithen?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve been doing nothing all this time. You¡¯ve seen me run with the kids. It¡¯s going to be me that twists that fucker¡¯s neck.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t like Seok Kang-Ho would listen even if Kang Chan tried to stop him anyway, and it wasn¡¯t something Kang Chan could try to stop either.

    When Kang Chan nodded, Seok Kang-Ho took out a card from his shirt¡¯s pocket and handed it to him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop worrying about nothing and deal with what¡¯s urgent. Pay with this today, and dress nicely since you might go to the club tonight.¡±

    ¡°I can just wear what I normally wear,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°They won¡¯t even let you in if you wear what you wore yesterday. Save yourself from being humiliated right at the entrance¡­ Actually, let¡¯s go buy some clothes right now,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°ss isn¡¯t over yet!¡±

    ¡°Haha. Aren¡¯t I your teacher?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho went shopping with Kang Chan and bought him a ck suit, a well-fitting shirt, and new shoes at a big discount store.

    ¡°You look good. When you go outter, get your hair done at a hair salon. Since we¡¯re doing this, might as well not give them any doubt. Isn¡¯t it better that you take care of Smithen today first instead of handling both of them at the same time?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    He had a point. Kang Chan was worried that Seok Kang-Ho might just be pretending to be strong and how strong Smithen would be.

    ***

    As soon as ss ended, Kang Chan headed home.

    Seok Kang-Ho nned to contact Kang Chan after he took care of the kids in the athletic club and parked the car by 7 pm in front of the hotel.

    When Kang Chan arrived back home, Yoo Hye-Sook was asleep in bed. Kang Dae-Kyung greeted him after letting him know that he and Yoo Hye-Sook had gone to the hospital.

    There was still time.

    Their n was stillcking since it was made in a rush, but it was going to be hard to find an opportunity as good as today if they took more time and other things into consideration.

    Thinking Yoo Hye-Sook might get anxious if she saw his newly bought clothes, Kang Chan decided to leave early. Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s expression turned grim when he saw Kang Chan all dressed up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± Kang Chan told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Is today the day?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s tomorrow, but there¡¯s someone I need to be introduced to so I¡¯m going out.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung let out a deep sigh.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overwork yourself, Chan. I¡¯m thankful for your help, but I don¡¯t want you to do something that a high schooler shouldn¡¯t do.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°Okay. You look all grown up now that you¡¯re wearing this. Did you buy this online as well?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung held Kang Chan¡¯s arms and smiled.

    The tight-fitting clothes and shoes felt ufortable to Kang Chan.

    He went out of the apartment truly hoping today¡¯s mission would go ording to n. He also hoped that Smithen and Shan had be executives under normal circumstances, which would make him feel bad for cursing and holding a grudge against them. If that were the case, he¡¯d actually consider sucking up to Smithen and Shan for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s sakes.

    He got his hair done at a different hair salon to avoid the chatty woman. He hoped that today¡¯s hard work would pay off.

    Taking a taxi to the hotel, Kang Chan thought about thest thing he remembered about Smithen that night: the final look in his eyes as he stared at Kang Chan while letting out a big breath.

    Had those eyes been a lie? He was about to find out.

    Slowly, his heart started beating faster, but it calmed back down when he arrived at the hotel.

    The lobby was crowded enough.

    Dressed in a ck suit with a white shirt and a thin tie, his reflection in therge entrance¡¯s ss wall didn¡¯t look bad.

    Kang Chan went to the lobby and ordered a ss of juice. Soon, a female employee ced his order in front of him in a ssy manner as he enjoyed the stunning view just outside the lobby¡¯s external ss wall.

    Kang Chan found suits ufortable, especially when they were so tight-fitting like what he was wearing.

    There was a huge possibility that the guys from Suh Jeong Motors went out with Smithen and Shan to have fun. If that were the case, then Kang Chan needed to count on Smithen¡¯s tendency to not be satisfied with<i>?</i>having<i>?fun</i> just once a day.

    He needed to see the oue today somehow.

    If he tried to take both Shan and Smithen at the same time, then he and Seok Kang-Ho would definitely be at a disadvantage. He was especially worried about Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s old physique.

    <i>¡®I should end it before Dayeru steps up.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan clenched his teeth and braced himself for the fight. As he did, two men in navy blue suits stopped in front of him.

    ¡°How do you do, hyung-nim?¡±

    Both of them bowed deeply before he had a chance to stop them.

    It was a relief that their voices weren¡¯t loud. Kang Chan looked over the lobby, finding the people nearby ncing at them but thankful that he didn¡¯t find Shan and Smithen among them.

    ¡°I¡¯m Suh Do-Seok, hyung-nim. I saw you in the basement that day.¡±

    These fuckers were never helpful to him throughout their lives.

    ¡°Leave.¡±

    ¡°We understand, hyung-nim. If there¡¯s anything you need¡­¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes were already glinting with bloodthirst, and as he red at them sharply, they grandly bowed and turned to leave.

    <i>Fucking gangsters. Why are they at such a fancy hotel?</i>

    1. ¡¯Hyung-nim¡¯ is a way for men to address other men who are older or of higher social status, and -nim is a suffix that makes it more formal and respectful.

 Chapter 23é”›å­­art2: Things that Couldnt be Imagined (3)

    <h4>Chapter23£¬Part2: Things that Couldn''t be Imagined (3)</h4>

    As Kang Chan turned his head away to avoid people¡¯s attention, he saw Suh Do-Seok ordering something at the counter. It seemed like he was trying to pay for the juice, and Kang Chan let him be for the moment because he didn¡¯t want to draw people¡¯s attention.

    <i>Buzz¡ª</i>

    [I¡¯m on my way now.]

    It was Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s message.

    There was no need for Kang Chan to respond since Seok Kang-Ho woulde either way.

    It was 6 pm, and he felt somewhat hungry.

    <i>Buzz¡ª?Buzz¡ª?Buzz¡ª</i>

    This was why Kang Chan didn¡¯t like bringing his phone with him. Things like this were a hassle.

    Although it was an unknown number, Kang Chan picked it up because it was an important day.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¨C It¡¯s me, Oh Gwang-Taek.

    <i>¡®Tsk!¡¯</i>

    ¨C I heard that you were in the Namsam hotel in a suit. Isn¡¯t the teacher with you?

    <i>Is this fucker stalking me??</i>

    Kang Chan looked over the lobby.

    ¨C Suh Do-Seok, the one you greeted, is a senior director there. If you need anything, just let him know.

    ¡°I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    ¨C Don¡¯t be so hard on me. I¡¯m just trying to thank you. We were able to monopolize Gangnam thanks to your work.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need any of that. I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    Kang Chan swiftly ended the call.

    <i>¡®This doesn¡¯t feel right.¡¯</i>

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    Keeping his frustration in check, he returned his attention to the view.

    As his emotions calmed down a little, he turned back toward the lobby, only to see everyone else looking toward the entrance. Kang Chan followed their gaze to see three peopleing in.

    It was Michelle and her two friends.

    ¡°Hah!¡±

    The moment Kang Chan sighed¡­

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    Michelle¡¯s eyes widened as she saw him. When she waved her hand at him, everyone¡¯s attention deliberately turned to Kang Chan.

    Michelle was wearing a ck skirt and a thin blouse that was basically transparent, Cecile was wearing leggings and a tight top, and Cindy¡ªthe only one that looked Korean¡ªwas wearing a denim skirt and a top that showed a few good centimeters of skin above her belly button. They stood out so much that everyone in the lobby, including the female server, was staring.

    There was no doubt they could catch Smithen¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Chanie? You look so sexy wearing that!¡±

    Pretending to be happy to see him, Michelle disyed a surprised expression.

    They were really pretty, all three of them.

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    ¡°Have you been waiting long?¡±

    When the three of them sat down, the jealous stares from the men around him made even Kang Chan feel ufortable.

    All three of them were wearing see-through clothes that clearly showed their underwear. Michelle in particr was wearing a blouse that was transparent enough to explicitly show her sensuality. Seemingly unbothered by the attention they were getting, they ordered beers.

    ¡°What¡¯s today¡¯s n?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going to the club after dinner.¡±

    ¡°Here? The club in this hotel?¡±

    .

    ¡°Yep.¡±

    All three of them seemed satisfied.

    ¡°Michelle, I need to tell you something.¡±

    Michelle nced at her two friends and then looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s an American named Smithen that¡¯s staying in this hotel. If hees, then he might sit with us.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s all five of us together?¡±

    She seemed to be having the wrong idea. Fortunately, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to lie about this kind of thing.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. We only agreed to have dinner today. Just have fun, and if he shows up, then there''s something I have to talk about with him.¡±

    ¡°Did you want to meet us here because of him?¡±

    Seemingly suspicious of him, Michelle grabbed a beer.

    ¡°Something like that. This is important work for me.¡±

    He felt sorry for Michelle, but it was all the same for Kang Chan.

    It would be the end if Smithen didn¡¯t show up until they were at the club, and if he showed up Kang Chan would have to drag them somewhere with another excuse.

    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Michelle blinked.

    ¡°Is this about the family issue that you said got messed up?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just about that. There¡¯s something I need to personally check,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°It could be fun with the five of us.¡±

    Even though he had told them that wasn¡¯t the n, when Michelle raised her ss, Cecile and Cindy smiled slyly and clinked their drinks against hers.

    They decided to go to the Western restaurant on the other side of the lobby. However, when they went to the counter to pay for the beer, the bill had already been settled.

    ¡°It¡¯s already paid for. Pleasee again anytime.¡±

    A middle-aged man with a navy suit and a silver name tag respectfully bowed toward Kang Chan.

    There was nothing good about being stubborn when eyes were on them. As such, Kang Chan thanked them and went into the restaurant.

    ¡°Chanie! Are you richer than we thought?¡±

    Looking at Kang Chan in surprise, Michelle linked arms with him, close enough for his arm to touch her breasts. It was ufortable, but for the sake of dealing with Smithen, he was willing to endure it.

    It was clear that Oh Kwang-Taek¡¯s influence extended into the Western restaurant as well. As soon as they arrived, a ssy-looking female manager greeted them respectfully and led Kang Chan into the restaurant. Her respectful actions didn¡¯t suit someone like him.

    It wasn¡¯t that he disliked being treated like a VIP, but he hated the fact that he mighte across as cocky because he was merely borrowing the authority of gangsters. How might the hotel employees feel about serving him? Did they feel the same way they did when serving the other customers?

    The employees might be holding in their vomit.

    <i>¡®Smithen, that fucker!¡¯</i>

    Though it was in vain, he couldn¡¯t help getting angry at Smithen for forcing this situation on him.

    Kang Chan took a seat right in front of the artificial garden along the inside of the middle wall. Upon checking the menu, he grew even more annoyed. The steak they were nning to order was twenty times the price of a regr pork cutlet, which meant that the four of them would eat the money equivalent of eighty pork cutlets. He ordered in an appropriate range while feeling sorry for Seok Kang-Ho.

    After the female manager removed the unnecessary tes, she brought and poured a bottle of wine into their sses.

    ¡°To thank you for gracing us with your presence. We have prepared a wine suitable for your choice of dinner. If you prefer a different wine, please let us know!¡±

    They were doing a perfect job at catching people¡¯s attention, that was for sure.

    Kang Chan assumed that this process would repeat even if he refused, so he took it after thanking her.

    Michelle and her two friends seemed slightly hyped up. They had be friends due to a few things they had inmon: age twenty-six, mixed ethnicity, graduated from the same university in France. They even currently lived in the same neighborhood, Bang Bae-Dong. Michelle was an editor for a Fashion magazine, Cecile was a broker for HNC, and Cindy seemed to be unemployed, as she described herself as a ¡®frencer¡¯. Kang Chan had held the impression that pretty girls were rather empty-headed, but what they told him about their jobs seriously challenged his stereotypes. Of course, he couldn¡¯t say anything about it since there was no way for him to verify whether they were telling the truth.

    As the dinner progressed, they presented a lot of questions for Kang Chan, ranging from how he had learned French, why they were treated this way in the hotel, what he meant by ¡®family business¡¯, and even why his hand was bandaged.

    To answer their questions, he needed to exin everything else, which was that he had reincarnated into a new body upon death. However, he didn¡¯t really want to be treated as a delusional person.

    In any case, all that mattered was that they were the center of attention in the restaurant. Sometimes, an olderdy would point at them andin, but the female manager would continue to smile and shake her head.

    The atmosphere had been warming up for about an hour when Kang Chan¡¯s phone vibrated.

    <i>Buzz¡ª</i>

    [I¡¯m in the basement.]

    After Kang Chan checked Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s message, Kang Chan called him back.

    ¨C What¡¯s wrong?

    ¡°Come up instead. It¡¯s not like they¡¯re going to recognize you, right?¡±

    ¨C That¡¯s true.

    ¡°Wait for me at the lobby.¡±

    ¨C Understood.

    He exined to Michelle that there was a person rted to his work waiting, and added that Smithen was the key to a very important contract so he nned on negotiating with him right then and there.

    It was around 7:30 pm when the three of them finished the bottle of wine, and it was still too early to go to a club.

    Cecile ordered another bottle of wine.

    As they emptied the new bottle, Kang Chan¡¯s heart started pounding.

    <i>¡®Will Smithen show up? Will I be able to drag him to a quiet ce? How did he be a businessman?¡¯</i>

    When the feeling of nervousness and strange excitement started to take ce in his heart, Michelle looked at Kang Chan with eyes full of lust.

    ¡°Chanie, those eyes of yours are very charming.¡±

    <i>Would she still say that if I twist her neck?</i>

    He smirked at her bullshit.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª?</i>

    It was Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¨C It¡¯s Smithen. He¡¯s looking around the lobby.

    <i>He¡¯s here!</i>

    Kang Chan quickly looked at the entrance.

    ¨C Huh?

    <i>Did he go up again? Should I go out and grab him for now?</i>

    ¡°What¡¯s happening? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¨C Serpent venimeux?

    It meant ¡®venomous snake¡¯ in French.

    1. Bang Bae-Dong is a neighborhood in Seoul that¡¯s considered uptown, which means that they¡¯re all from rich families

 Chapter 24é”›å­­art1: Things that Couldnt be Imagined (4)

    <h4>Chapter24£¬Part1: Things that Couldn''t be Imagined (4)</h4>

    There was no way that a snake would be roaming around a fancy hotel like this. Considering Seok Kang-Ho described it in French, he had to be referring to the French gang.

    Hitman, human trafficking, drugs.

    ¡®Serpent Venimeux¡¯ was the biggest French organization that did anything for money. They were easily recognizable due to the red snake tattooed right above their left thumb, its head thick like a scar due to the mercury added to the ink when tattooing that part.

    Seok Kang-Ho even had experience fighting them once in Paris, so there was no way he could have mistaken them.

    When it came to the Serpent Venimeux, even Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t have been sure about his back if he hadn¡¯t gone to Africa back then.

    ¨C Three of them are seemingly protecting Smithen. That fucker.

    This was very unexpected.

    ¨C I don¡¯t think today¡¯s the day.

    Dayeru sounded freaked out. If they were to stop here, then Seok Kang-Ho and even Michelle, who was obliviously drinking wine, would get hurt. Plus the threedies had many reasons to go to France.

    ¨C It looks like they¡¯re going into the club.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll call back after thinking about it a bit. Don¡¯t even think about moving alone..¡±

    ¨C Understood.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s voice sounded surprised and discouraged.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Now slightly calmer, Michelle asked as she looked him over.

    No matter how much Kang Chan would regret this, he couldn¡¯t carelessly drag them into this.

    ¡°Smithen, the guy we were nning to negotiate with showed up, but he¡¯s with the ¡®Serpent Venimeux.¡¯¡±

    The trio¡¯s faces hardened quickly.

    There was no way the girls wouldn¡¯t know about that organization due to one famous case. A detective had shot and killed a member of the ¡®Serpent Venimeux,¡¯ and the gang had gotten revenge by dismembering his wife and cing her head on his bed and her limbs on his children¡¯s beds.

    There wasn¡¯t much time left until 8 pm.

    <i>¡®It¡¯s happening today.¡¯</i>

    If they missed today¡¯s opportunity, then they would have to handle Smithen and Shan at the same time. However, if they weren¡¯t careful, Serpent Venimeux might actually prove easier to handle than those two. Kang Chan turned his head and sought out the manager.

    ¡°Do you need anything?¡± asked the female manager after quicklying to his side.

    ¡°I heard that Suh Do-Seok was the managing director here. Can you bring him over?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the senior director. I¡¯ll contact him right away.¡±

    Suh Do-Seok¡¯s position wasn¡¯t important right now.

    Kang Chan became anxious and kept ncing at the clock.

    After about three minutes, Suh Do-Seok quickly walked toward Kang Chan and greeted him grandly.

    ¡°I heard that you were looking for me, hyung-nim?¡± Suh Do-Seok asked.

    Kang Chan talked to him as quietly as possible.

    ¡°Four French people went into the club. Think you could get all the customers out of there and lock the door from the outside after I go in?¡±

    Suh Do-Seok looked at Kang Chan with flustered eyes, seemingly wanting to know what was going on.

    ¡°You might have to close the club today,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Gwang-Taek hyung-nim is a shareholder so it might be good for you to talk to him.¡±

    Kang Chan took his phone out right away. Since he had Gwang-Taek¡¯s number saved, all he needed to do was press a button.

    <i>¡®Answer quickly.¡¯</i>

    ¨C Yo! Kang Chan!

    ¡°I¡¯m short on time, so I¡¯ll get straight to the point. Close the club for today.¡±

    ¨C What? What did you just say?

    ¡°Close the club for today.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek stayed silent for a moment.

    ¨C What¡¯s wrong? That¡¯s a famous hotel. Closing it so abruptly will cause a lot of problems. There¡¯s also the problem with other shareholders.

    ¡°Just do what I¡¯m telling you to do right now, Oh Gwang-Taek. If I survive this, I¡¯ll owe you one.¡±

    Another moment of silence.

    ¨C Will you really owe me one?

    Although that question was like asking if he was going to dip his foot into a pit or swamp, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t afford to think about the future.

    ¡°Suh Do-Seok is right next to me. I¡¯ll hand over the phone.¡±

    When Kang Chan pushed the phone toward him, Suh Do-Seok took it with two hands.

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim. I was told to lock him and four foreigners inside. Pardon? Understood, hyung-nim.¡±

    Suh Do-Seok handed Kang Chan the phone again.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¨C I did what you wanted. Take my guys with you since it will be problematic if things get out of hand.

    In all honesty, Kang Chan felt greedy. If they could handle the French gang¡­

    ¨C Take Do-Seok and his younger brother for now. I¡¯ll be sending the others after our call. They should arrive in about 30 minutes.

    Smithen wasn¡¯t someone to stick around in a club with nobody in it for thirty minutes. And Suh Do-Seok didn¡¯t seem like someone that was good at fighting even though he was a gangster.

    Kang Chan actually felt at ease. It was better to solve this with Seok Kang-Ho instead of being in debt to gangsters, regardless of whether Kang Chan would live or die.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just lock the door.¡±

    ¨C Like I said, I¡¯ve already given them the order to do that.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Kang Chan turned off the phone before Gwang-Taek could say anything else.

    ¡°Michelle, as you probably heard, let''s stop here for today. Suh Do-Seok, you go and get everyone out,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim.¡±

    Suh Do-Seok said his goodbyes and turned away.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to die if you provoke them,¡± Michelle told Kang Chan, seemingly frightened..

    ¡°This is Korea, and there would be no reason for me to go to France if everything works out today,¡± Kang Chan replied. ¡°I just need to finish my business with him today. Anyway, I¡¯ll get going now. It won¡¯t be good if you¡¯re seen with me. I¡¯ll call youter,¡±

    ¡°Channy, how about we go and seduce Smithen toe out alone instead?¡± Michelle asked just as Kang Chan was about to stand up and leave.

    <i>While looking all scared?</i>

    Kang Chan smirked and shook his head. ¡°You guys have to go to France one day.¡±

    Her potentially tempting offer didn¡¯t reach his ears because his mind was already set. He nodded to Michelle once and stood up.

    ¡°This is already paid for. Pleasee again anytime,¡± said an employee.

    It was a waste of time to receive goodbyes.

    Seok Kang-Ho was staring at the stairs that led to the club in the basement with a terribly subdued expression. Kang Chan first went to the table he was sitting at.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s expression was perfectly venomous.

    ¡°Not only Shan but more of the gang members mighte out tomorrow, so let¡¯s end it today,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What are you going to do about the other customers?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, his eyes glinting as he looked at him.

    ¡°We decided to let them all out and lock the door.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Both of them smiled when Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    ¡°Ah, shoot!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed, his expression swiftly turning serious.

    ¡°I left the knife in the car.¡±

    <i>Shit. No wonder it was messed up from the start.</i>

    ¡°It will take about five, maybe ten minutes to retrieve it,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    It wasn¡¯t Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s fault, considering they didn¡¯t really n to empty the club in the first ce.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just ask Suh Do-Seok for it and head in first,¡± answered Kang Chan.

    The French gang might have good aim, but theirbat skills werecking. Dayeru managed to take down six of them back then before they took out their guns so it was worth a shot.

    Kang Chan was thankful for the manager¡¯s hand motion that signaled that the bill had already been settled.

    The cost of a cup of coffee wasn¡¯t the problem. He was just thankful that the manager bought them time. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho then ran into two young women that had beenining at the entrance of the basement while they were going up the stairs.

    ¡°Daye, let¡¯s hit those three first. Since they don¡¯t know who we are, it¡¯s best to do it while they have their guard down.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Suh Do-Seok stood at the entrance where the music was so loud that it made his heart pound. Kang Chan then shook his head toward him as a sign to not greet him, as such carelessness would only make Smithen more suspicious.

    It was too early for customers toe in.

    There was an empty space in front of the DJ box, which had seats surrounding it.

    Smithen was drinking a small bottled beer while sitting at the left part of the entrance.

    Kang Chan immediately walked toward Smithen. He needed to remove the glint in his eyes. Soon after, Kang Chan and Smithen¡¯s eyes met.

    <i>Grin.</i>

    When Smithen smiled, the three gang members looked at Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    It was hard to tell if they were carrying knives or guns from the outside.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang!¡±

    ¡°You were here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    As expected, Smithen looked behind Kang Chan.

    ¡°I came here to save a seat before I brought three beautifuldies. As you can see we¡¯re short one person. Care to join?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Smithen held out his hand and gestured to the chair.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat facing each other because those were the only seats left.

    Seok Kang-Ho also seemed like he was struggling to keep his emotions in check, just like Kang Chan did the day before.

    ¡°Beer?¡± Smithen asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    When Smithen raised his head to order, he tilted his head with a confused look. Kang Chan and the three gang members followed Smithen¡¯s stare and saw Suh Do-Seok ushering a woman with a great body and long straight hair out of the club.

 Chapter 24é”›å­­art2: Things that Couldnt be Imagined (4)

    <h4>Chapter24£¬Part2: Things that Couldn''t be Imagined (4)</h4>

    Since the entrance was at the back, all three gang members had to almost turn their entire upper bodies to follow Smithen¡¯s stare.

    At that moment, Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>¡®Now!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan then grabbed the beer on the table and smashed it onto the back of the head of one gang member.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    Simultaneously, Seok Kang-Ho did the same to the guy beside him.

    <i>Pow! Crash.</i>

    Smithen kicked the table with his foot and used that momentum to push his body back.

    <i>Stab. Stab. Stab..</i>

    Kang Chan continuously stabbed the armpit and the lower part of his first target¡¯s chin with the broken bottle. It was the same gang member that had the back of his head smashed by Kang Chan at the beginning.

    <i>Pow. Crash. Pow.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho tried to finish his opponent as well, but, the remaining gang member brutally hit his face, chin and side.

    <i>Crash.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho fell toward the ground with the gang member he had attacked. Meanwhile, Kang Chan ran toward the remaining gang member.

    <i>Pow. Crash. Pow-pow.</i>

    The gang member blocked Kang Chan¡¯s attacks with his hand, which showed he was aware of a soldier¡¯s basicbat skills. However, he wasn¡¯t especially talented or skilled.

    <i>Crash. Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan had no choice but to rush in. After all, if his opponents survived or escaped, the situation would get worse.

    <i>Crash.</i>

    His current enemy threw a chair as he tried to distance himself.

    ¡°Fucker!¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore as he charged at Smithen.

    <i>Punch. Punch. Punch. Punch.</i>

    Their battle became a fistfight, which wasn¡¯t surprising since the gang members were stupid.

    <i>Pop.</i>

    The moment an enemy struck Kang Chan¡¯s cheek, Kang Chan punched the gang member¡¯s chin and continued to strike him in between his nose and cheek with his elbow.

    <i>Crunch.?</i>

    This was enough for the target¡¯s bone to be sunken-in.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    They got rid of the gang members surprisingly easily. However, Kang Chan, who had turned toward Smithen, stopped in his tracks.

    Smithen had the bloodied Seok Kang-Ho in a sleeper hold.

    If Smithen applied any more strength, Seok Kang-Ho would die.

    It was hard to tell where and how he got hit, but Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes were so out of focus that only the whites of his eyes were visible..

    ¡°I¡¯m assuming you aren¡¯t doing this for the contract?¡± asked Smithen.

    Blood was seeping from Smithen¡¯s left eye, and his lips were also ripped.

    The music had already been turned off.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t hide the look in his eyes under the dark lights.

    Smithen stretched his neck from side to side, a habit he did when he was feeling confident about an uing fight.

    You still don¡¯t know what I want even after hearing my name, Smithen?¡±

    Smithen looked at Kang Chan with a strange smile on his lips.

    ¡°I know your name.¡±

    ¡°How did you survive? Was it you that betrayed our crew?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Smithen seemingly couldn¡¯t believe it, and even if he could, he wouldn¡¯t want to.

    ¡°I guess you don¡¯t believe me? The one you¡¯re holding is Dayeru. What do you think? Is it more believable now?¡±

    As if finding Kang Chan¡¯s reply shocking, Smithen backed away two steps when Kang Chan slowly approached him. ¡°Who are you? What¡¯s your identity?¡± Smithen asked.

    Smithen¡¯s eyes glinted as if he slightly regained his bearings.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know me? Like I said, I¡¯m Kang Chan. The guy that you clung onto with an almost dying expression. God of ckfield, Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°How¡­?¡±

    Having a hard time taking this surprise in, the cocky Smithen shook his head in fright.

    It wasn¡¯t a surprise that he had a hard time taking it in.

    ¡°Maybe the dead guys pushed me back to life because they wanted me to twist the traitor¡¯s head for giving them unjust deaths,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    As Kang Chan kept talking, he slowly made his way toward Smithen.

    Smithen had incredible strength, so if Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t get his bearings or if Kang Chan failed to stop Smithen in one shot, Smithen would be able to break Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s neck.

    ¡°I knew there was a reason I didn¡¯t want toe to Korea,¡± Smithe said, his eyes bing venomous upon deciding to ept the situation. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you for sure this time.¡±

    Kang Chan slowly made his way to Smithen. He had to end this quickly for Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°I think it¡¯ll be different than before.¡±

    Just then, Seok Kang-Ho briefly shook his head, seemingly regaining consciousness.

    <i>¡®How stupid. He should¡¯ve just signaled.¡¯</i>

    The moment Smithen started to twist Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s neck, Kang Chan rushed onto Smithen.

    <i>Crunch. Pow.</i>

    ¡°Keuk!¡±<i>?</i>Smithen grunted. Kang Chan had just stabbed his eye with his thumb, freeing Seok Kang-Ho and causing him to fall backward onto the table.

    <i>Crash.</i>

    <i>Pow. Crash. Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Smithen didn¡¯t fall, however. Rather, they exchanged blows in rapid session.

    <i>Pow. Pow!</i>

    <i>¡®Keuk.¡¯</i>

    When Kang Chan stabbed Smithen¡¯s armpit, Smithen¡¯s fist struck Kang Chan¡¯s side, knocking the air out his lungs.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow.?</i>

    But Kang Chan would die if he gave Smithen any break.

    Kang Chan hit Smithen¡¯s chin three times with his left elbow.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.?</i>

    Smithen¡¯s speed and strength were different, which was why Smithen didn¡¯t fall. He still aimed for Kang Chan¡¯s neck and the pit of his stomach even though he couldn¡¯t keep his left eye open.

    In the blink of an eye, Kang Chan attacked a few times and got hit in return.

    Kang Chan threw a fake punch, then followed it up with an elbow strike.

    <i>Tok. Crash. Pow.?</i>

    Smithen hit Kang Chan¡¯s side after he gave up on protecting his chin.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow-pow-pow.</i>

    This was the most important part of the battle.

    Kang Chan would die the moment he backed off or stopped attacking.

    In a matter of seconds, Kang Chan had hit Smithen¡¯s neck, stomach, and side. Kang Chan also got hit as well.

    With their hands tangling up in between them, he couldn¡¯t even keep track of the times he had hit Smithen.u

    <i>Tok!</i>

    Just then, Smithen grabbed Kang Chan¡¯s hair. He was trying to end it with his strength.

    <i>Pow. Crash! Pow. Pow-pow.</i>

    Kang Channded elbow strikes on Smithen¡¯s chin and neck mercilessly.

    <i>Grab</i>.

    It happened in mere seconds. Seemingly giving up on protecting his face, Smithen grabbed Kang Chan¡¯s chin with his right hand.

    <i>Crash.</i>

    As Kang Chan hit Smithen¡¯s chin with his elbow, Smithen twisted his neck forcefully. However, Kang Chan turned his body in that same direction in response, using the speed he gained from that to hit Smithen¡¯s temple with another elbow strike.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan watched Smithen fall to the side but couldn¡¯t run toward him due to the pain he felt every time he breathed. It was as if he was being stabbed with a knife with each air intake. Even his neck was in pain. However, he needed to end this. He gritted his teeth and walked toward Smithen.

    ¡°Gaaaaaah.¡±

    Smithen wasn¡¯t unconscious yet, which wasn¡¯t surprising since his strength and durability was second only to Dayeru.

    Kang Chan ducked down and grabbed Smithen¡¯s hair. Kang Chan then pounded his fist with all his might onto Smithen¡¯s left eye.

    <i>Pop!</i>

    Kang Chan hit Smithen¡¯s eye so hard that if his fist was pointy, Smithen¡¯s eye would¡¯ve burst open.

    <i>Pop!</i>

    ¡°Aaahhh!¡±

    He delivered another blow, his middle finger¡¯s second knuckle digging into Smithen¡¯s right eye.

    Smithen grabbed his right eye as he screamed. Thick fluids seeped out from underneath his hand.

    When Kang Chan released Smithen¡¯s head, he flopped around the floor while holding onto his eye.

    Kang Chan felt horrible pain in both of his sides whenever he walked. It was like having a de digging into him. He persisted, however, until he reached the entrance.

    <i>Knock knock knock.</i>

    ¡°Suh Do-Seok! It¡¯s me, Kang Chan!¡±

    The door opened hurriedly and Suh Do-Seok came running in with about fifteen gangsters, all of them equipped with weapons.

    ¡°Bring Seok Kang-Ho to the hospital immediately,¡± ordered Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim!¡±

    About three or four of them ran off.

    Kang Chan again walked across the hall, feeling as if he had broken bones tearing through his skin.

    <i>¡®Gah.¡¯</i>

    ¡°Give me that,¡± Kang Chan told one of the gangsters. The gangster then gave the metal pipe to him.

    A respectful greeting wasn¡¯t important. All Kang Chan wanted was to know if Seok Kang-Ho was alive or not. However, he really needed to end this.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    One of the Serpents Venimeux members rolled around the floor after Kang Chan hit him on the shoulder.

    <i>Crash! Crash!</i>

    Even Kang Chan nched from the horrible pain in his shoulder after hepletely broke his target¡¯s shoulder and knee bones and.

    ¡°This is Korea, you fuckers,¡± Kang Chan growled.

    Kang Chan cleanly finished the remaining two men¡¯s shoulders and knees as well.

    <i>ng.</i>

    Kang Chan threw the metal pipe, letting it roll on the floor, and grabbed a nearby beer bottle.

    <i>Shatter.</i>

    Kang Chan approached Smithen after breaking the bottle on a table, giving it sharp and pointy edges.

    ¡°Smithen.¡±

    Kang Chan grabbed Smithen¡¯s hair and brought his lips toward Smithen¡¯s ear.

    ¡°I won¡¯t kill you. I¡¯ll even send you to the hospital. But as of today, you¡¯ll have to give up on sleeping with women,¡± Kang Chan told Smithen.

    An abundant volume of fluid from Smithen¡¯s right eye, which he was covering with his hand, had covered his cheeks and chin.

    ¡°Live a long life, Smithen, long enough to be boring.¡±

    That wasn¡¯t a threat. Kang Chan didn¡¯t even want to know if Smithen was the one that betrayed them or if he was on the traitor¡¯s side.

    Kang Chan only wanted to give a satisfying punishment to a dirty man.

    ¡°Shan¡­ Shan sold it,¡± said Smithen.

    ¡°It¡¯s toote, you idiot,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan looked at the broken bottle after smirking.

    ¡°It¡¯s diamonds and drugs. He¡¯s nning on using Kang Yoo Motors,¡± Smithen went on, leaving Kang Chan with no other choice but to be a bit more patient.

 Chapter 25: It Went Well For You, Right? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 25: It Went Well For You, Right? (1)</h4>

    ¡°Repeat what you just said,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Shan¡­¡±

    ¡°Not that!¡±

    They were talking in French, preventing the gangsters from understanding them. One of them was looking at Kang Chan in awe, though.

    ¡°Drugs, it¡¯s drugs. It¡¯s in the cars that will be imported this time,¡± Smithen said.

    ¡°Your words don¡¯t add up. I heard that the cars were going to Suh Jeong Motors!¡±

    ¡°We were nning on giving fifty cars to Suh Jeong Motors with the condition that we¡¯ll receive the remaining bnceter. The other condition was that we¡¯ll hand over the cars every time Kang Yoo Motors sold them, and we nned on retrieving the drugs before handing the cars over.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand everything Smithen said, but he was certain that Kang Dae-Kyung would be in danger.

    <i>Crunch</i>.

    ¡°Gah.¡±

    Kang Chan violently stabbed Smithen in between his left shoulder and chest with the broken bottle.

    Considering the broken bottle left many pieces stuck in Kang Chan¡¯s hands, words wouldn¡¯t be able to describe Smithen¡¯s injuries. However, Kang Chan still couldn¡¯t leave him like that due to how strong he was. Smithen still had his right arm, which was more than enough for him to attack Kang Chan.

    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s this?¡±

    The gangsters found a strange-looking knife in the Serpents Venimeux member they were moving.

    Kukri.

    It was a ded weaponmonly used to sh through necks and body parts. It had a slight recurve from the tip to the middle part of its de.

    <i>He should¡¯ve taken that out sooner. If I had that in my hand I wouldn''t have been injured from the bottle.</i>

    ¡°Give me that.¡±

    The gangster quickly handed the Kukri to Kang Chan.

    ¡°The left is for Dayeru. This one¡¯s for me,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    ¡°Agh! Arrgh!¡±

    The knife hit the part where Smithen¡¯s right shoulder met his chest. He wouldn¡¯t be able to put strength on his right arm from now on.

    ¡°Move this fucker to the hospital,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s side hurt so much that he couldn¡¯t even feel pain from his right hand, which was covered in ss shards. Nevertheless, he followed the gangsters and crossed the kitchen that was in the hall. When the small metal door opened, he saw a big van blocking the door and shielding them from prying eyes.

    ***

    A doctor was already waiting when they arrived because the gangsters had contacted the hospital beforehand. The doctor let out a deep sigh as he watched patient after patient being brought inside. Now that Kang Chan thought about it, he didn¡¯t even know the doctor''s name.

    ¡°What happened to Seok Kang-Ho, the one that arrived here earlier?¡± Kang Chan asked the doctor.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to wait and see.¡±

    <i>Son of a bitch. He survived.?</i>

    Kang Chan suddenly felt drained with all the tension seemingly leaving him.

    The doctor followed Smithen and the gang members while the nurse in charge of Kang Chan this whole time removed each shard of ss in his hand with a tweezer. Having finished, the nurse looked awkwardly at Kang Chan because if he were to bandage Kang Chan¡¯s right hand as well, it would look like he was wearing mittens.

    ¡°Let¡¯s remove the bandage on the left hand,¡± Kang Chan told the nurse.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°But what¡¯s the name of the doctor here?¡±

    Before Kang Chan had finished his question, the doctor came into the room.

    ¡°I¡¯m Yoo Hun-Woo.¡±

    His entrance made Kang Chanugh bitterly. Doing as Kang Chan requested, the nurse removed the bandage, then left the room.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± the doctor asked as he looked over Kang Chan.

    When Kang Chan tried moving his upper body, he grimaced in pain as he held his ribs.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see that.¡±

    The doctor pressed Kang Chan¡¯s side with his hand. Each time he did, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but groan.

    ¡°We¡¯ll need to take an X-ray,¡± the doctor told him.

    Kang Chan agreed to an X-ray when he was told they would get the results immediately.

    ¡°Do you see that? Three of your left ribs are broken. Forget fractured¡ªthey¡¯re on the verge of being shards. You walked here and asked for my name in this state?¡±

    ¡°Since I can¡¯t see my insides, I just considered myself very injured,¡± answered Kang Chan.

    The doctor¡¯s eyes looked at Kang Chan as if he was looking at a monster.

    ¡°You should be hospitalized. If you overexert yourself, your bones will break and stab your organs,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo replied.

    ¡°Just bandage me, please.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    There was still Shan left. He wasn¡¯t as stupid as Smithen, and he wouldn¡¯t mess things up even if a woman seduced him. On top of that, there might be more Serpents Venimeux members.

    ¡°Please bandage me as tightly as possible. If I get confined, the two people you saw before will be in danger.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo sighed, his expression somber. ¡°There¡¯s a high possibility the small bone shards are already digging into your lungs or organs. Without usingplicated medical terms, this basically means you¡¯re the one in danger right now. Do you want toe back here dead?¡±

    ¡°If that happens, then take all my organs out and sell them.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s going to buy organs with punctures all over?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo retorted to Kang Chan¡¯s rare joke.

    ¡°Please just bandage me up,¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    ¡°Why are you like this? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re trying to do, but you might faint on the way there.¡±

    Kang Chan understood that Yoo Hun-Woo was frustrated, but he had to get to Shan. Plus, if Smithen was right, then there was a chance that Kang Chan could make things right with Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s business.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t go, everything will go wrong. My mother might pass away as well,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Yoo Hun-Woo pursed his lips then nodded.

    ¡°Okay. However, even if it¡¯s ufortable, don¡¯t take off the bandage, ande to the hospital as soon as possible when you¡¯re done.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo left for a moment, came back with a chest brace that looked like a breastte, and tied it on Kang Chan. He¡¯d probably end up catching more attention than Michelle due to it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about taking this off,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo warned.

    <i>¡®How did he know?¡¯</i> Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but wonder.

    Still, though it looked ugly, it made moving and breathing morefortable.

    When Kang Chan left the treatment room and went to the fifth floor, the guys that Oh Gwang-Taek sent lined up along the hallway and greeted him with their usual tiresome greetings.d

    Kang Chan first went to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room.

    Perhaps hoping for the best, he thought Seok Kang-Ho wouldin and ask for a cigarette the moment he entered. However, he found Seok Kang-Ho unconscious and had a cervical cor around his neck.

    Kang Chan stood next to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s bed and looked down at him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back after I¡¯m done,¡± Kang Chan told him.

    <i>Stupid bastard. But thanks, you fucker.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho should¡¯ve just backed off even a little bit if his strength wascking, but all he had left of Dayeru was his personality. Afraid they would¡¯ve attacked Kang Chan if he didn¡¯t, he rushed in vigorously.

    From drugs to the Serpents Venimeux, things had gotten more out of hand than Kang Chan had expected.

    With the two new variables in y, ending it clumsily or quietly was no longer an option.

    ¡°You idiot, you better be awake when Ie back.¡±

    Kang Chan suddenly felt lonely. He felt like stroking Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s head but left the patient room instead, finding the idea gross.

    Smithen and the Serpents Venimeux members were in the room next to Seok Kang-Ho.

    The two gangsters guarding the door jumped up to greet Kang Chan. There were a total of four beds inside, each side having two beds separated by a small gap. Bandagespletely covered Smithen¡¯s face and body, while the gang members had at least their faces and hands uncovered. The gang member¡ªwhose nose Kang Chan had broken¡ªsmiled menacingly and shook his head, conveying that Kang Chan had messed with the wrong person.

    The gang member remained rxed even though he saw Kang Chan smirk.

    ¡°I admit that we let our guard down, but you and your family won¡¯t survive.¡±

    He even ¡®threatened¡¯ Kang Chan.

    This always happened whenever he didn¡¯t end things properly.

    Kang Chan looked at the two gangsters in the room.

    ¡°Go and get the Kukri,¡± ordered Kang Chan.

    ¡°Pardon, hyung-nim?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m talking about the knife these fuckers had.¡±

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim.¡±

    One of them quickly left.

    Kang Chan really didn¡¯t want Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s help to this extent. But he needed it to monitor these people and protect Seok Kang-Ho.

    Falling into a ditch? The only thing that changed was that the battle he had been prepared to die in was now in Seoul instead of Africa. These guys were different from high school bullies or the gangsters in the basement parking lot, and he needed to deal with them ordingly.

    When the gangster returned with a Kukri, the Serpent Venimeux members¡¯ smiles vanished. Perhaps they remembered how it was used to burst Smithen''s eyeball and stab his shoulders at the end of their fight.

    Kang Chan grabbed the Kukri¡¯s handle and unsheathed it.

    He felt bad for Doctor Yoo Hun-Woo, but stabbing these bastards with a beer bottle wouldn¡¯t keep them down for long. The moment Kang Chan let his guard down, the two guys watching this room and even Seok Kang-Ho in the next room would have a hard time surviving.

    ¡°Do you really want to get your family killed?!¡± yelled one Serpent Venimeux member.

    <i>Smirk.?</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re French people that came here for business!¡± another eximed.

    ¡°You should say that at the embassy,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The other two gang members¡¯ expressions soured, seemingly having expected this oue.

    ¡°Who do you think we are¡­¡±

    ¡°Tais-toi! (shut up!)¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    The Kukri wasn¡¯t carried around forbat.

    It was mostly used to cut the necks of those who had been immobilized by being shot near their knees. It was more effective when used in front of families or other people, and even if there wasn¡¯t anyone around, it brought more shock than being shot to death.

    If these gang members had guns, then Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho would''ve already died with bullets in their thighs or knees and their necks slit open.

    From now on, it was a fight to protect what was theirs.

    Being faithful to the basics brought better results in more difficult fights. And the basics of the basics started from a perfect finish.

    ¡°Putain Merde!¡± one gang member yelled angrily as Kang walked closer to them.

    If it was to be forcefully tranted, it would be mean along the lines of ¡®Fuck.¡¯

    <i>Stab. Stab. Slice! Slice! Stab. Stab.</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed the shoulder and armpit of the gang member that raised his head and threatened him. Kang Chan then sliced his shoulder muscle. The Kukri¡¯srge de brought better results than expected.

    The two gang members lying beside the first gang member red at Kang Chan.

    It was to hide their fears.

    <i>Stab. Stab. Stab. Stab.?</i>

    Despite their actions, Kang Chan didn¡¯t n on going easy on them. He repeated what he did to the Serpent Venimeux member that threatened him to the other two. In doing so, he lowered the chances of incidents happening in the hospital.

    ¡°Move these fuckers to another room,¡± he ordered.

    The two gangsters called for the others that were outside, then dragged the beds outside.

    He heard a nurse¡¯s shocked cry, but that wasn¡¯t important.

    ¡°Smithen, you fucking traitor,¡± Kang Chan said.

    For as long as this fucker¡¯s legs were working, he was still dangerous.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know! Shan came with the rescue team after confirming that even our unit had been annihted, but I was still alive. That¡¯s it!¡± Smithen eximed.

    ¡°But why did you look after Shan¡¯s back? You should¡¯ve told everyone that he betrayed us.¡±

    Smithen didn¡¯t say anything. If Kang Chan let this guy loose, something would happen for sure. Kang Chan was thinking of ending it.

    ¡°Diamonds. Shan sold us for the diamonds. The Serpent Venimeux members were there when I regained my bearings, so I had no other choice.¡±

    ¡°Then you should¡¯ve said he was the traitor the moment you were saved in the hospital!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    <i>Slice</i>.

    Kang Chan sliced Smithen¡¯s left hip muscle.

    ¡°Arrgh!¡±

    Smithen¡¯s upper body jerked upward.

    ¡°How many more are there other than Shan?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Two! Two!¡±

    ¡°What weapons do they have?¡±

    ¡°Glock 19s!¡±

    They did bring guns, after all. If Kang Chan hadn¡¯t taken care of Smithen in the club and instead met him on Tuesday, there was a high possibility that they would¡¯ve brought guns.

    <i>Slice!</i>

    Kang Chan made sure to end it properly and left the patient¡¯s room. The nurse that was going into the next room looked at him with eyes full of fear and disdain.

    Kang Chan nned on going to the hotel first.

    He was going to finish everything by today. No matter how thoughtless Shan could be, he still wouldn¡¯t be dumb enough to open fire in a fancy hotel..

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo walked toward Kang Chan with a very angry expression.

    ¡°If you keep acting like this in here, then we can no longer provide you with medical services,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo warned him.

    He was just being faithful to his job, but so was Kang Chan.

    ¡°They¡¯re members of an infamous gang in France. If I left them as they were, they probably would¡¯ve killed Seok Kang-Ho, the idiots in the hallway, you, and the nurses. Should I still pretend that I didn¡¯t see them and leave?¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo gulped.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t kill them. Nobody died. I simply refused to leave them alone knowing other innocent people could die. Just say the word and I¡¯ll never set foot in this hospital again,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    It was the truth. Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to stay in a ce that didn¡¯t want him anyway, and he didn¡¯t want to live with regrets because he didn¡¯t finish things properly.

    ¡°Are there any gang members left?¡± the doctor asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s still three, and two of them have guns.¡±

    For some reason, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to lie to Yoo Hun-Woo even though the gangsters in the hallway would understand their conversation because they spoke in Korean.

    ¡°Are they part of the gang that tried to escape prison using a helicopter?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    If Yoo Hun-Woo were to hear the horrible murders they hadmitted, he¡¯d probably spearhead selling their organs himself.

    ¡°I can¡¯t just let go of a patient that frequently pays me without relying on medical insurance. I¡¯ll be waiting. No need to go to a different hospital,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo told Kang Chan, then went into Smithen¡¯s room. He seemed tired but didn¡¯t have any intention of giving up.

    ¡°Always keep your guards up around the three guys over there,¡± Kang Chan ordered a gangster.

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim.¡±

    The answer seemed rote and careless.

    The problem was how to handle Shan and the two gang members. Simply going up to their room didn¡¯t feel right, and Kang Chan thought Shan and the others most likely wouldn¡¯te out even if he blindly called them.

    Kang Chan needed to finish things one at a time.

    Smithen, that fucker, probably went down to the club after talking about Kang Chan. Kang Chan needed to sort things out quickly, but he urgently had to go return to the hotel.

    Kang Chan stopped walking momentarily to think.

    Smithen knew all of Shan¡¯s secrets, so it was only right for Shan to be anxious.

    How worried did Shan have to be to hire three gang members to watch Smithen, a guy that said he was going to the club to meet women? Who was more desperate? Solidifying his decision, Kang Chan went into Smithen¡¯s room again.

    Yoo Hun-Woo and the nurse turned back to look at him while they were stitching up Smithen¡¯s side.

    ¡°Smithen,¡± Kang Chan called out.

    Smithen felt a special type of fear due to his eyes being covered. He tried his best to figure out what was going on by shaking his head back and forth.

    ¡°What did you do with the money that you earned from selling diamonds?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t see Smithen¡¯s expression since his face was bandaged up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to y tricks in front of me.¡±

    When Kang Chan spoke in French, Yoo Hun-Woo and the nurse looked at him in shock.

    ¡°It¡¯s in a swiss bank,¡± Smithen replied.

    ¡°Then why did he let you live? If Shan killed you earlier, then it would¡¯ve been over.¡±

    ¡°We shared the password to the bank ount so that I would get half, and Smithen would get the other half. If he kills me, he¡¯ll never find the money¡­¡±

    Smithen wasn¡¯t this smart.

    ¡°You¡¯re not this smart. This is myst warning, don¡¯t try to y tricks on me. Why did Shan let you live?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not making this up! Shan made it this way after visiting the hospital so that I keep my mouth shut! There are still ten million euros left!¡±

    <i>It can''t be a diamond that¡¯s as big as a human¡¯s head¡­</i>

    ¡°ckhead?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Channy! ckhead!¡±

    ckhead was the rough diamond that appeared every twenty or something years in the African diamond mine. Rumored to be cursed, one would apparently feel desire upon looking at it, and it would lead them to their death if they couldn¡¯t ovee that desire. Even Kang Chan had never seen it before.

    ¡°What about the drugs?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Shan only has the sample.¡±

    <i>Damn it! If things go south, then I¡¯d have to take care of the drugs as well.</i>

    ¡°Who¡¯s buying them?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Channy. I really don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the bank password?¡±

    Smithen didn¡¯t reply, as if he tried to not let go of hisst lifeline.

    ¡°Doctor, please step out for a moment,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, please. This patient will die if you continue.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t kill him.¡±

    When they spoke in Korean, Smithen turned his head from side to side, seemingly anxious. Kang Chan didn¡¯t want the money. If Shan didn¡¯t tell him the password then there was no way Kang Chan could find it with only half the password. However, he needed to have at least the smallest proof as bait topletely bring the bastard down.

    ¡°Smithen, tell me the password,¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    The look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes made Yoo Hun-Woo sigh and walk away.

    ¡°Smithen¡­ Smithen 0702 of 0913 Africa.¡±

    <i>This son of a bitch!</i>

 Chapter 26: It Went Well For You, Right? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 26: It Went Well For You, Right? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan realized his phone was missing after he came out of Smithen¡¯s room. He thought it went missing in the club during the fight.

    ¡°Contact Gwang-Taek for me,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim.¡±

    The fight had already started, and Kang Chan nned on winning.

    Kang Chan took the phone the gangster respectfully handed to him.

    ¨C What¡¯s up? You speak a foreignnguage as well?

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s voice was filled with surprise. Kang Chan moved to a corner to keep the gangsters from hearing their conversation.

    ¡°I was told there¡¯s a drug sample in the Namsan hotel. Do you know anything about it?¡±

    - What?

    <i>Could this fucker be the one buying the drugs?</i>

    Kang Chan sharply red at the men that stood along the hallway with the thought that they could be enemies at any moment.

    - Speak clearly. There are drugs in the Namsan hotel?

    ¡°It¡¯s a sample!¡±

    - That¡¯s the same thing! Which fuckers did it? Which sons of bitches are fucking around in someone else¡¯s business without permission?

    Kang Chan felt slightly relieved, but he couldn¡¯t let his guard down.

    - Hey! Which bastard did it? What kind of fuckers are they?!

    ¡°Three French guys have the sample, which means there¡¯s someone buying it.¡±

    - And those fuckers don¡¯t know who?

    ¡°Are you even listening to me? Like I said, they don¡¯t know. And those bastards are part of the Serpents Venimeux, a French gang. Two of them apparently have guns.

    - Seito?

    To Kang Chan, it sounded like a Japanese gang.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of ending it today. Find a suitable location for it, then I¡¯ll call them out. If they don¡¯te, then I¡¯m thinking of going to the hotel.¡±

    - Hey! I barely managed to patch things up at the club. It¡¯s a relief that it''s open right now or else I would¡¯ve been in deep trouble. Let¡¯s drag them outside. There¡¯s a quiet vi near the riverside of Namyangju. You can do it there. I¡¯ll also send a car to both the hospital and the hotel, so use that.

    ¡°Okay. The French aren¡¯t pushovers, though, so be careful. If they decide to take revenge, things will get out of hand.¡±

    - Shit! What makes you think I¡¯d bow down on my own turf? Stop the bullshit and tell my men what you need. I¡¯ll be going as well but to where? The hotel? Or should I be at Namyangju?

    Oh Gwang-Taek didn¡¯t seem like he would listen if Kang Chan told him to stay out of this.

    - It¡¯s really weird, though. Regardless of who it is, I should¡¯ve heard about it if someone was dealing drugs. Should I investigate the fucking drug addicts?

    ¡°Don¡¯tplicate things.¡±

    - Fine. Let me know where you¡¯re going once it¡¯s decided.

    Kang Chan called over a gangster with a gesture of his chin after he ended the call.

    ¡°Find out the hotel¡¯s number,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°I know its number, hyung-nim.¡±

    It was about 10 am.

    A gangster quickly dialed the number and handed it to Kang Chan.

    ¨C This is the Namsan hotel, how can I help you?

    ¡°Please connect me to Mr. Shan in room 1901 and tell him that Kang Chan is calling.¡±

    - Please wait.

    Kang Chan heard the on-hold music.

    <i>¡®Pick up, Shan.¡¯</i>

    - ¡®Ello.

    It wasn¡¯t Shan¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Please connect me to Mr. Shan.¡±

    - He can¡¯t take calls right now. I¡¯ll pass on your message if you tell me what you want to say to him.

    Kang Chan could feel that things had gotten messed up a little.

    ¡°Understood. Then I¡¯ll ask that you memo what I say. Are you ready to write it down?¡±

    Kang Chan momentarily heard rustling sounds.

    <i>Is Shan really not there?</i>

    ¡°Pass on the message that the God of ckfield is waiting along with swiss bank and drugs.¡±

    There was no answer from the other end.

    Kang Chan then turned off the phone.

    The man in front of Kang Chan looked at him with a strange expression. These fuckers¡¯ eyes turned respectful the moment they heard him speak in French.

    ¡°Do you know Suh Do-Seok¡¯s number?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Pardon, hyung-nim?¡±

    ¡°I asked if you know Suh Do-Seok¡¯s number in the Namsan hotel?¡±

    The gangster found the phone directory and handed over the phone after pressing the call button.

    - What!

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Hyung-nim! Suh Do-Seok speaking.

    His arrogant voice suddenly turned polite. That had to be a skill.

    ¡°Is there a French man named Shan near the lobby?¡±

    - Well, a person hase down to the club looking for the whereabouts of a foreigner named Smithen.

    ¡°What did you tell them?¡±

    - I told him Smithen visited the club before it opened and then left.

    ¡°How many are left from the people that first came with Shan?¡±

    - I¡¯ll call you after I check, hyung-nim.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re looking into it, find out where that bastard Shan is right now and how many people visited him today. And if there are any, find out who they are and let me know through this number. Oh, right! Was my phone not left in the club?¡±

    - I¡¯ll look into it, hyung-nim.

    That fucker didn¡¯t clean up the club himself, so it would be hard for him to know where his phone was.

    ¡°Do you have cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked the gangsters.

    Strangely enough, Kang Chan had been asking other people for cigarettes a lot these days. The most annoying thing was when people didn¡¯t give back the lighter after they asked. After Kang Chan handed over the phone to the gangsters, he opened the metal door at the end of the hallway and went to the stairs outside.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    It was hot and humid, and yet, it was also pleasantly cool.

    How many people were aware that things like this were happening in the middle of Gangnam?

    Leaning on the stairs¡¯ handrails, Kang Chan got lost in his thoughts for a moment.

    He was unhappy that Seok Kang-Ho wasn¡¯t here.

    Was this the reason Seok Kang-Ho tried to eat with him at least once a day?

    When Kang Chan let out a long exhale after extinguishing the cigarette, a gangster opened the door and handed over the phone, telling him it was Suh Do-Seok on the line.

    ¡°How¡¯d it go?¡±

    ¨C The French man named Shan is currently talking to a Korean customer in the restaurant. ording to the restaurant¡¯s manager, the Korean seems to be an official from an automobilepany.

    <i>Shan is meeting Suh Jeong?Motors thiste?at night? Then who were the people he met when I called in the morning?</i>

    ¨C There are two foreigners left, and they¡¯re currently down at the restaurant with Shan.

    They could be down there to pass on the memo Kang chan left a little while ago.

    ¡°Good job.¡±

    - Oh, also, I couldn¡¯t find your phone.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan was certain that Smithen wasn¡¯t lying at this point. Smithen was aware of his personality, after all. Smithen wouldn¡¯t have mixed in lies unless he was nning on living without women for the rest of his life.

    Kang Chan ended the call and took some time to himself.

    Now the odds were in his favor.

    ¡°Call Suh Do-Seok again,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim.¡±

    The gangster politely handed over the phone.

    - What?! I¡¯m busy¡ª

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Yes, hyung-nim?

    It really was a skill. Anyhow.

    ¡°Let me know when those bastards return to their rooms. I¡¯m going to call them to get them out, then do a thorough search of their rooms. You should have plenty of time.¡±

    The response came after a short pause.

    - I can¡¯t search their rooms with my authority, hyung-nim. It¡¯s probably going to be difficult even if Gwang-Taek hyung-nim orders it. It¡¯s only possible in urgent situations such as death, long unpaid stay, and fire.

    <i>That seems logical.</i>

    ¡°I see. Then just let me know when they return to their rooms.¡±

    Kang Chan received the call when he pulled out another cigarette and smoked about half of it.

    - They¡¯ve gone up to their rooms, hyung-nim.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan continued to smoke the rest of the cigarette after calcting the time it took them to take the elevator, then called the hotel.

    - ¡®Ello?

    It was Shan.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    For a moment, Shan stayed silent.

    ¡°I called because I thought you needed it, but I¡¯ll hang up if you¡¯re not interested.¡±

    - I assume that you heard it from Smithen, but stop bbing around when you don¡¯t even know what the God of ckfield means. Just tell me where Smithen is. Do that, and I¡¯ll give you the exclusive rights to import the cars.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying? Is he perhaps..?</i>

    Shan seemed to have misunderstood that Smithen betrayed him. After all, that was more rational than assuming that Kang Chan reincarnated into another body.

    In this case, it wouldn¡¯t be bad to match what Shan was saying.

    ¡°Kang Yoo Motors doesn¡¯t have the money to pay the initial payment.¡±

    - Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle the initial payment for fifty cars, so stop meddling already and tell me where Smithen is.

    ¡°The confirmation of the contractes first.¡±

    - There¡¯s an organization involved in this situation¡ªone you¡¯d be surprised to know about. So stop acting cute and tell me where Smithen is.

    ¡°The contractes first, Shan. If you say anything else, you might as well assume Smithen will be gone forever.¡±

    When Shan didn¡¯t answer, Kang Chan thought <i>¡®oh shoot¡¯</i> to himself.

    Shan wasn¡¯t the type to crumble even if Kang Chan acted like this.

    <i>¡®Tsk!¡¯</i>

    What else could Kang Chan do? That was his personality.

    - How can you guarantee that we¡¯ll get Smithen after the contract has been signed?

    Nheless, the bait he used proved to be quite effective.

    ¡°I¡¯m not the one that¡¯s at a loss here, Shan. I saw quite a lot of money in Swiss bank.¡±

    - Hmm.

    It was quite a long groan.

    - It will take some time to attest and announce the contract even if I have the right to make an arbitrary decision.

    ¡°That type of excuse isn¡¯t like you, Shan.¡±

    - And you really seem like the Kang Chan I knew in the past.

    This time it was Kang Chan who remained silent.

    If Kang Chan obstinately said ¡®God of ckfield¡¯ in a weird moment, Shan would obviously think Kang Chan was trying to insist on having his way based on what he heard from Smithen.

    - Is Smithen with you?

    ¡°How could I have found out about ckhead or the Swiss bank otherwise?¡±

    - Okay. Thene to the hotel business center by 10 tomorrow. Let¡¯s conclude the contract and finish this.

    This was the frightening part about Shan. He definitely noticed some things yet didn¡¯t recklessly act up despite how desperate he was. He didn¡¯t n on leaving any evidence behind.

    - Why aren¡¯t you answering?

    Wouldn¡¯t Yoo Hye-Sook also be in danger if people start following Kang Dae-Kyung?

    ¡°Understood. 10 am, at the business center.¡±

    - Let me see Smithen first before we sign the contract.

    The call ended with that.

    That was very much like Shan. He had responded to Kang Chan¡¯s bait by throwing a really delicious bait himself, ensuring Kang Chan would have to take Smithen to the hotel. He was suspicious of Kang Chan, but ten million euros was too big for Shan to give up. On the other hand, Kang Chan was desperate for that automobile contract.

    It was already 10:30 pm.

    Not only wasn¡¯t it good to take Smithen to the hotel now, but he needed to let Kang Dae-Kyung know about the contract quickly. However, Kang Chan had bruises all over his face, a breastte on his chest, and bandages on his right hand.

    He had no other choice but to call Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me, Channy.¡±

    - Channy? Where are you? Why haven¡¯t you been answering your phone?

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s voice sounded like he was trying to keep his anger down. Kang Chan also heard ¡°Is that Chanie?¡± from Yoo Hye-Sook nearby.

    - Your mom¡¯s been so worried. You¡¯reing home now, right?

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now.¡±

    Kang Chan decided to head home first. If Kang Chan hadn¡¯t heard that Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s health was deteriorating, he wouldn¡¯t have gone home tonight and would¡¯ve just told Kang Dae-Kyung about the contract on the phone.

    There was still time left until 10 am tomorrow.

    Kang Chan first ordered the gangsters to bring some clothes, then called Suh Do-Seok. Kang Chan told him to confirm if there was a reservation at the business center for 10 am tomorrow, and to contact him if Shan goes outside or if he has more visitors. He also made sure to call Oh Gwang-Taek.

    Kang Chan told Oh Gwang-Taek that he¡¯d figure things out tomorrow since he nned on meeting them at 10 am tomorrow in the hotel. Kang Chan then hung up the phone, took off the breastte, changed into clothes that were bought in a hurry, and even wore sneakers.

    ***

    Kang Dae-Kyung was near the bed Yoo Hye-Sook was using.

    ¡°Our son ising. Happy now?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    Despite looking tired and having no strength due to her depleted energy, Yoo Hye-Sook smiled.

    ¡°Do you like our son that much?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked again.

    ¡°Having Chanie¡¯s what I¡¯m most thankful for after meeting you.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Yoo Hye-Sook with an appalled expression.

    ¡°I realize that when I saw you giving birth to Chanie. You stopped bleeding after you held Chanie, even though it didn¡¯t stop even after you¡¯ve used six hundred packs of blood beforehand. Do you remember the medical team¡¯s reaction? They started tearing up because they were touched.¡±

    ¡°Why are you bringing that up again?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to tell Chanie everything when he gets married¡ªthat you held on until you almost died in the ICU, then stopped bleeding when our son woke up. Be honest. You were nning on dying with him, weren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°How could I do that when I have you?¡±

    ¡°Geez! Don¡¯t lie through your teeth.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, honey.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook caressed Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Shake it off and get better soon if you understand. We were told that your condition can be serious if you start bleeding again due to your uterine fibroids. You have to be strong for Chanie¡¯s sake.¡±

    When Yoo Hye-Sook answered ¡°I will¡±, Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on at this hour? Hello?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung answered the call, perplexed.

    ¡°Yes. Yes. Pardon?¡±

    Wondering what was happening, Yoo Hye-Sook focused on Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Is that true? Did you confirm this yourself?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung asked again in a sense of disbelief.

    ¡°What about thewyer? Did you contact him? And the journalists? 10 am tomorrow? Senior director. Have you really checked everything? Is there not a chance that the interpreter misunderstood something? You¡¯ve confirmed this with the headquarters in France, right?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung ended the call after verifying the information a few times, then nkly looked at Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°What happened? What¡¯s wrong, honey?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re going to sign the contract because of Chanie. With the initial payment of the contract for fifty cars, they¡¯ll give us exclusive rights to Gong Te automobile in Korea for the next twenty years.¡±

    ¡°What? What are you talking about?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked as she forcefully raised her upper body to sit and lean against the backboard of the bed.

    ¡°Honey, I asked what you were saying.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re apparently signing the contract because of Chanie. They said they¡¯re going to agree to our exclusive rights for twenty years with the initial payment of the contract Gong Te automobile previously sent. This isn¡¯t just with the ¡®Chiffre,¡¯ either. They¡¯re going to give us exclusive rights to all car models that Gong Te produces. The senior director was so excited that he didn¡¯t know what to do. They want to sign the contract in front of the journalists at 10 am tomorrow,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Honey, is that true? Really?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes were full of tears.

    ¡°Did I yell at Kang Chan toe home quickly without knowing about this?¡±

    ¡°What if our son had a hard time dealing with this and hadn¡¯t even eaten? How nervous would he have been while he was doing something this big?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ***

    When Kang Chan got out of the car at the entrance of the apartment, the gangsters that drove him said that they would wait there, and Kang Chan epted. If Shan wanted to, he could¡¯ve easily found Kang Chan¡¯s home address. Kang Chan wanted to prepare for the possibility of something happening until he had it out with Shan tomorrow.

    Kang Chan looked ugly in the reflection in the elevator mirror.

    <i>¡®Smithen, that fucker.¡¯?</i>

    His face looked distorted.

    What if Seok Kang-Ho hadn¡¯t been there?

    Kang Chan felt like Shan had decided to take Smithen with him to France since everything had already been ruined. Shan was cold-hearted enough to do that.

    <i>¡®Should?I cover up everything?from here and forget everything?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan had found out who the bastard that sold off their crew was. What would his dead unit members say when he only punched Smithen, who was now on their side, and let Shan go?

    <i>Ting.</i>

    The elevator¡¯s ding made him remember to head home first.

    Kang Chan held onto his side, exhaled slowly, then pressed the password for the apartment. When he opened the door, he found Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook walking out of the master bedroom.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for beingte. Are you feeling better?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan¡¯s face with shocked eyes. Their gaze thennded on Kang Chan¡¯s bandaged right hand.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? How did you get hurt this badly?¡±

    ¡°It was from working out,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Kang Chan looked at Kang Dae-Kyung because Yoo Hye-Sook was crying her eyes out.

    ¡°I got the call. I was told that the contract was being signed thanks to you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°You got a call?¡±

    ¡°Yes, from the senior director that you saw at the hotel. He told me about the contract signing at 10 am tomorrow. Did that friend of yours you¡¯ve told us about help you?¡±

    ¡°I guess so. This is what you wanted, right?¡±

    ¡°My son.¡±

    Unable to continue speaking, Yoo Hye-Sook hugged Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Thinking about how nervous you must¡¯ve been alone tears me apart.¡±

    ¡°Father did all the hard work. And, as great as the contract is, I like it better when you cheer up, mother.¡±

    Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook.

    He felt warm.

    And cozy.

    He was in horrible pain due to his side, but the hardships that he had endured that day seemed to be melting away like snow.

    1. Namyangju is a city in South Korea

 Chapter 27é”›å­­art1: So What do you Want me to Do? (1)

    <h4>Chapter27£¬Part1: So What do you Want me to Do? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan¡¯s parents weren¡¯t fools, so he ended up lying that he randomly started boxing when they asked about the injuries on his face. And his hand? He just told them that he got injured.

    Kang Chan was thankful for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s warm hearts for first asking about his face and if he had dinner instead of asking him about the contract.

    ¡°Why do you keep crying?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying not to. I¡¯m just happy to see you, and I feel sorry for you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    .

    ¡°No, I''m your mom. I should be the one apologizing.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook wiped her tears with the front of her long, straightened finger.

    She was beautiful, pretty, pitiful, and cute.

    ¡°Have you always been a crybaby, mom?¡±

    Even Kang Chan was surprised by what he just said. He didn¡¯t know he could say the word ¡®mom¡¯ so naturally.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. She only acts that way toward you. She¡¯s never acted like that toward me, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered.

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    ¡°Look at her. I¡¯m always the easy target,¡± Kang Dae-Kyungined.

    ¡°When did I do such a thing!¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung mischievously shook his head and stood up from his spot.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to take a walk with our son. We¡¯re going to have a conversation that is strictly for men only.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°But he¡¯s having a hard time. Imagine how nervous he was while he was dealing with all this alone.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay, I''m not having a hard time,¡± Kang Chan said.

    When Kang Chan stood up, Yoo Hye-Sook followed them to the door. Seeing her without any energy made him feel bad.

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°Yes, my son.¡±

    ¡°I really hope you get better soon.¡±

    ¡°I will. I¡¯ll cheer up so that you won¡¯t have to worry about me.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to hug her but couldn¡¯t hold his hand out because he felt like he¡¯d suddenly burst into tears likest time.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon,¡± Kang Chan told her instead.

    Kang Chan calmed down while he was on the elevator.

    The two of them walked further in and sat on a big rock that decorated a garden because there were people on the bench today of all days.

    ¡°Did you get help from the gangsters that I met back then?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t seem to bepletely happy about the contract.

    ¡°Father.¡±

    ¡°Be honest. I stayed quiet because I didn¡¯t want to ruin your mom¡¯s happiness, but I want you to tell me exactly what¡¯s happening.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung seemed to be struggling in front of Kang Chan. His eyes contained the guilt of closing a deal by selling his son.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t nning on lying to you and actually was going to tell you about itter.¡±

    Kang Chan truly didn¡¯t want to lie to this kind of person.

    ¡°Did you threaten them like they do in movies?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    When Kang Chanughed lightly, Kang Dae-Kyung awkwardlyughed, too. It seemed even Kang Dae-Kyung found his own question silly.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to get the contract. I was just trying to do a favor for someone on the inte, but Shar¡ª Mr. Shan proposed the offer out of the blue. I was also taken back,¡± Kang Chan said. Half of his words were true, the other half a lie.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll believe you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°I should be the one saying that since you made your mom smile brightly. The senior director sounded like a crazy person on the call, but he did say you were amazing and that he underestimated you. Your mom was right beside me listening to that call, seemingly happier about the call itself than the contract.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung took a deep breath.

    ¡°I owe you big time for this.¡±

    He then stretched out his hand and ced it on Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back. Your sick mom will be eagerly waiting.¡±

    <i>I can¡¯t believe there¡¯s a father as amazing?as him in the world</i>.

    Both of them wore silly grins as they walked to the entrance of their apartment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get hurt. Even though we try not to, we worry for days when we see our child get hurt.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook was on the couch when the both of them went inside the apartment.

    ¡°You should be lying down. Why are you sitting like this when it¡¯s hard for you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Yoo Hye-Sook grinned broadly while looking at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Geez, you love our son so much! How are you going to let him get married at this rate?¡± said Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°When he gets married, I¡¯m only going to see him once a month,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered.

    ¡°Why?¡± Kang Chan asked out of sheer confusion.

    ¡°Apparently that¡¯s how mothers can get along with their son.¡±

    Kang Chan really couldn¡¯t understand what she was saying.

    ¡°Oh, right! My teacher, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, is hospitalized from a car ident so I want to stay there for tonight,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Why did he have to use ¡®car ident¡¯ as an excuse when he already used itst week? It was toote to take it back now, though.

    ¡°Since he stayed by my sidest time, I want to be there today,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°You must be so tired already. Can¡¯t you just rest for today?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Dae-Kyung gave Kang Chan a tired look behind Yoo Hye-Sook while she fussed over Kang Chan. As Kang Chan was trying to stop her when she said she wanted to visit Seok Kang-Ho, he asked Kang Dae-Kyung for help. He didn¡¯t need to say anything¡ªthey just shared a momentary nce.

    ¡°Should we have something delicious for dinner tomorrow after we sign the contract?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°You should at least have apany get-together with the employees,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Then let''s have dinner in two days. How does that sound?¡±

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do that,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Yoo Hye-Sook helplessly followed Kang Chan to the entrance

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bear to tell them that he had to miss school tomorrow since they were already going through so many hardships.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to give me a hug?¡± Kang Chan asked, sensing that Yoo Hye-Sook was hesitating. She seemed worried that he might not like it or he¡¯d find her constant desire to hug him bothersome.

    ¡°Thanks, Chan.¡±

    ¡°Me too, mom.¡±

    Kang Chan stroked Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s back in front of Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s tired face.

    ***

    Kang Chan arrived at the hospital just past midnight.

    The gangsters in the hallway greeted him grandiosely and told him the unexpected but good news.

    ¡°The teacher woke up, hyung-nim.¡±

    At that moment, there couldn¡¯t be better news than this. Kang Chan hastily walked into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room.

    He found Seok Kang-Ho looking at the ceiling but turned his eyes to the side with all his might.

    ¡°You survived?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Did you think I was going to die in that fucker¡¯s hands?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho groaned after he finished talking.

    ¡°Are you injured anywhere, captain?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°My rib bones are fractured and my right hand¡¯s in this state.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s seemingly amused smirk turned into a frown.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette, please.¡±

    ¡°Cigarette?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    He had gotten rid of his since he had to go home. Kang Chan went outside to get cigarettes again from the gangsters and thought of paying them back by buying a carton of cigarettes and about ten lighters tomorrow.

    ¡°Here!¡±

    Kang Chan lit two cigarettes and put one of them in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mouth. Seok Kang-Ho wasying down straight with his head fixed in ce, looking up toward the ceiling. He could only blow the smoke upward like a factory¡¯s chimney.

    As the two of them smoked one more cigarette each, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho what had happened up to that point in a slow, detailed manner.

    ¡°It went well,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    ¡°More importantly, the problem is what we¡¯re going to do about Shan tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Agh! It¡¯s hot!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled.

    Kang Chan quickly grabbed the cigarette in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mouth but the sparks had already dropped onto his cheek. Seok Kang-Ho really hated hot things. Kang Chan then wiped his cheek with a tissue that he roughly soaked in water.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just let Shan go tomorrow,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, the way he was positioned making it seem like he was trying to convince the ceiling.

    ¡°There¡¯s your father¡¯s contract as well, but from the looks of it, there seems to be no question about it. It looks like Shan is going to take Smithen with him. We now know the culprit, and we¡¯ve beaten Smithen up enough, so let¡¯s just let them go. We don¡¯t have to think about it too much. That¡¯s better than you getting hurt or your father¡¯s contract being broken.¡±

    ¡°Right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°What do you think I¡¯ll do?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to throw a fit and say that you¡¯re going to grill Shan until the end?¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied. ¡°Ugh, my neck.¡±

    Kang Chanughed out loud.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t eat dinner,¡± Seok Kang-Ho seemed to be hungry amidst all of this.

    ¡°Should I buy you kimbap?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    After the two of them chuckled, Kang Chan remembered something that he had forgotten about.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get mad, but I just remembered something, Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Kang Chan went to the bed¡¯s underside and turned a lever.

    1. kimbap is a cheap but popr food in Korea that is easy to eat

 Chapter 27é”›å­­art2: So What do you Want me to Do? (1)

    <h4>Chapter27£¬Part2: So What do you Want me to Do? (1)</h4>

    When Kang Chan turned the lever before speaking, Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°Damn it! Why didn¡¯t you do this while I was smoking?¡±

    ¡°I told you not to get angry.¡±

    Kang Chan ordered a gangster that was in the hallway to buy them kimbap and a few snacks. He then made coffee.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you fractured your ribs?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°So? It¡¯s not like the coffee cup will jump at me.¡±

    ¡°Have you be considerate?¡±

    ¡°You want to get hit?¡±

    It was strangely pleasing. When the kimbap arrived, Seok Kang-Ho intensely ate the two rows of kimbap while frowning.

    ¡°Let¡¯s tell my wife tomorrow that it was a car ident,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°That¡¯s already been done.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked back at him, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t exin any further.

    ¡°That wife of mine will try to get a lot ofpensation,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan stared at him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you get mixed up?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already said that I had made up my mind to just live like this. We¡¯ve already avenged the fallen, and I¡¯m with you, so I know that I¡¯m not crazy. What else is there to do but live this life as I see fit?¡±

    That might be the answer. But Kang Chan wasn¡¯t willing to just let Shan go.

    ¡°Please help me move a bit,¡± Seok Kang-Ho requested.

    ¡°You should rest.¡±

    ¡°I have to see Smithen, that son of a bitch, again. I won¡¯t be able to see him again once he¡¯s been taken to the hotel tomorrow, right?¡±

    It would be hard to stop him from doing that.

    Kang Chan brought a wheelchair that was in one part of the hallway and went to Smithen¡¯s room with Seok Kang-Ho. Smithen was looking around when they entered. He had been separated from the French gang. His body looked hideous. All of his limbs and his eye werepletely bandaged, and there were sprouts of yellow hair on his chest, the lower part of his stomach, and in between his thighs.

    ¡°Smithen.¡±

    Smithen flinched when Kang Chan said his name.

    ¡°Dayeru is here.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t know French, so he definitely needed an interpreter.

    ¡°You fucker, I¡¯ll forgive you with this.¡±

    There really wasn¡¯t anything equivalent to Korean swear words, so Kang Chan just appropriately passed on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s words.

    ¡°You¡¯ll never do this, but when you leave tomorrow, live your entire life apologizing to our brothers that died an unjust death.¡±

    When Kang Chan passed on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s words, Smithen''s face leaned toward Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Are you really the God of ckfield?¡± Smithen asked.

    ¡°What are you saying after you already said everything?¡±

    ¡°I acted that way back then because I was shocked. I lost my bearings after the name Dayeru was mentioned and the situation unfolded. I figured Shan worked in the back to get the password when he was alone,¡± Smithen said.

    ¡°I bet Shan doesn¡¯t know that you almost got beaten to death after assaulting a sixteen-year-old girl.¡± Kang Chan told Smithen.

    Smithen didn¡¯t say anything. A small moment of silence passed.

    ¡°Does Dayeru speak Arabic?¡± Smithen asked soon after.

    ¡°He definitely does since he¡¯s Algerian. But you don¡¯t know Arabic.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    This stupid fucker really didn¡¯t change one bit.

    ¡°I borrowed money from Dayeru. Please ask how much that was, exactly.¡±

    When Kang Chan passed on his words, anger seemingly filled Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°That son of a bitch borrowed from me three times after drinking because he needed to buy women. No, it¡¯s actually four times if we include that time he ran away after stealing money that I had in my top¡¯s pocket while I was in the bathroom.¡±

    Kang Chan passed on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s exact words.

    Smithen¡¯s Adam''s apple moved when he gulped.

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    ¡°Tsk! Keep it up, and I¡¯ll wheel you back to your room. I¡¯m getting annoyed,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°The sound you make when you¡¯re annoyed is the same as well. Is this really possible?¡±

    ¡°How do you think we feel?¡± Kang Chan asked Smithen.

    Smithen seemed to finally ept the reality.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to hand you over to Shan tomorrow. We didn¡¯t tell him your part of the password, so head over to France.¡±

    Smithen asked for one when Seok Kang-Ho bit down on a cigarette. Kang Chan then saw a guy with only his mouth and nose out of the bandage smoking.

    ¡°I know Shan¡¯s password,¡± said Smithen.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    ¡°I have a share with Gong Te automobile under my name. Half of it was paid by the money from selling diamonds, Serpents Venimeux paid the other half. So if I go to France like this, I¡¯m going to die.¡±

    <i>Smithen really lived life while doing various things</i>.

    ¡°Please protect me. Then I¡¯ll tell you the entire bank password.¡±

    ¡°Smithen.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to join this clingy trade.

    ¡°I¡¯m treating you to this extent because I believe that you were honest at the end. I have no ns on touching the price for the death of our crew so stop talking bullshit and go negotiate with Shan tomorrow. Of course, there¡¯s no telling what I¡¯m going to do to Shan before that happens,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°There are ten mafia members from both China and Japan at the hotel that¡¯s in front of the city hall and in the Banpo hotel. If Shan asked that you hand me over when you guys made the deal, that means he¡¯s nning on doing something with them. Please spare me,¡± Smithen begged.

    ¡°Phew.¡±

    Things were really getting out of hand. If possible, Kang Chan wanted to run to Shan thiste at night and beat him up. On the other hand, he also truly wanted to step out.

    ¡°It seems like Shan nned on handing over the drugs to Japan and China. When they called me yesterday, they had finished discussing that in the room. They¡¯ll obviously be filled with vengeance, so I¡¯m sure they won¡¯t just stay put,¡± Smithen continued.

    ¡°You can¡¯t live in Korea,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Please make me the branch manager of Korea for Gong Te automobile.¡±

    Appalled, Kang Chanughed.

    ¡°What¡¯s that fucker saying?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan bit on a cigarette and told him exactly what Smithen had said.

    ¡°Ask him how he discovered Smithen¡¯s password. He doesn¡¯t have the brain to do tricks right?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you perhaps asking because you¡¯re tempted by the money?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so bad about that? It would be better to donate it to ces that help those in need than to let them use it for evil. The dead would also hope for that as well, wouldn¡¯t they?¡±

    <i>Is this guy really Dayeru?</i>

    ¡°What¡¯s there to do other than asking questions right now and waiting until tomorrow to determine if he¡¯s telling the truth? We can go and beat up all the Chinese and Japanese gangs in the hotel at night, which is what you''re good at.¡±

    ¡°And after that?¡±

    ¡°We should cut off Shan¡¯s neck tomorrow the moment all parties involved have signed the contract,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    As Kang Chan listened to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s answer, he actually felt betrayed. He couldn¡¯t believe this fucker was this smart.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying we should let that fucker be the branch manager of Korea Gong Te automobile?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Do you think you can just stand by and watch him go after women here?¡±

    ¡°So what should we do?¡±

    ¡°Since he¡¯ll die no matter where he goes anyway, let''s just keep him in school. Do you think he¡¯s going to hit on high schoolers in front of you? After he got almost beaten to death in Africa? Afterward, we can just slyly hand over a female to Smithen. Isn¡¯t it a match made in heaven? Won¡¯t that sound like heaven for him?¡±

    <i>Had this bastard been studying on his own??</i>

    Kang Chan quickly looked at Smithen.

    ¡°Smithen, how did you discover Shan¡¯s password?¡±

    Shan wasn''t a normal, cool-headed guy. He wasn¡¯t the type to just spill important information like a password to a dumbass like Smithen¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s the God of ckfield,¡± Smithen told Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®These stupid fuckers!¡¯</i>

    ¡°And how did you know that?¡±

    ¡°I found out when I was saying the password in the bank. There was a time when Shan told me to call the bank as he requested to withdraw money. Before saying the numbers I always say ¡®Smithen of Africa¡¯ first, I got confused that day. I said ¡®God of ckfield¡¯ instead, then the automated voice told me to say the next password.¡±

    It was ridiculous.

    ¡°When I said ¡®Smithen 0702 of 0913 Africa¡¯ the voice confirmed that it had been taken care of. That¡¯s how I discovered his password,¡± Smithen continued.

    These two dumbasses were giving him quite a lot of shock.

    At the very least, the only issue left now was how to get rid of Shan.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware that Shan always keeps his back safe, right? He willpletely trust the Japanese and Chinese gangs, so let¡¯s get rid of them first,¡± said Smithen.

    Smithen was so excited it was as if he was the one that was going to do all of this.

    ¡°What¡¯s there left to do? Let¡¯s send Shan to France quietly after the contract signing ends tomorrow. That way, the Serpents Venimeux guys will be the ones to end itpletely. That¡¯s better than doing it ourselves,¡± Smithen continued.

    Now the tail was wagging the dog..

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t Shan think you¡¯re going to betray him since you¡¯re with us?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Even if he does, what¡¯s he going to do? Plus Shan won¡¯t believe it since we both have a part of the password. Until now, there was no reason for the gang to butt in, but we bought a share of Gong Te automobile because Shan was greedy. If he wants to live, he¡¯s definitely going to try and pay back the damages with the money in the bank after taking me to France. I¡¯m going to die if there¡¯s no money, and Shan is going to n his next move.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Kang Chan thought about it.

    ¡°Captain. One of my eyeballs is broken, and my right arm is unusable. I also didn¡¯t n on betraying you. Please spare me just this once,¡± Smithen begged.

    Kang Chan exhaled deeply again.

    ¡°Let¡¯s spare that fucker.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho added to the conversation, seemingly understanding what Smithen said.

    1. This is a saying used to describe a situation in which an important or powerful person, organization (in this case Shan with the SV gang) is being controlled by someone or something that is much less important or powerful (Smithen, Kang Chan, and Seok Kang-Ho)

 Chapter 28: So What Do You Want me to Do? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 28: So What Do You Want me to Do? (2)</h4>

    Everything roughly made sense.

    Kang Chan wheeled Seok Kang-Ho out of Smithen¡¯s room. All of the gangsters stood up when they emerged. He Kang Chan looked at one of them.

    ¡°Call Gwang-Taek,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho returned to his room, he held his neck and sat on the bed, groaning. It was much morefortable for him to talk with his back straight.

    ¡°Have you called your family?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of calling them after tomorrow. How am I going to exin the gangsters in the hallway to my family if theye running over immediately?¡±

    ¡°Say that they¡¯re the offender.¡±

    ¡°Nah. My wife is the type of woman to grab them by their cor and demandpensation from them.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho side-eyed the hallway, a gangster came in with the phone.

    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Hey! What happened?

    ¡°There are Chinese and Japanese guys in the hotel that¡¯s in front of the city hall and in the Banpo hotel. I was told they¡¯re the ones nning on buying the drugs.¡±

    - Japan and China? They¡¯re pulling out all the stops. Do you know the names of the organizations involved?

    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±

    - How many are there?

    ¡°Apparently ten from each country.¡±

    - It¡¯ll be easy to distinguish a group that big.

    ¡°I need a room tomorrow morning at the Namsan hotel.¡±

    - Do-Seok can do that.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be at the hospital, so contact me through this number.¡±

    - Understood.

    The gangster took the phone and bowed respectfully before leaving the room. Kang Chan really didn¡¯t want to fight the Serpents Venimeux¡ªeven if he was told that he¡¯d have to fight a drug organization otherwise¡ªunless they had to fight with all of the evil in the world.

    He was only going to get Shan.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked out of the blue, confusing Kang Chan.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to beat up the Chinese and Japanese gangs?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart cooled down when he heard Seok Kang-Ho say those words so easily and confidently.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    Attempting to determine how Kang Chan would react, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s face hardened.

    ¡°Did you think I¡¯d lead those fuckers in the hallway in a fight? I epted their help because of our location and out of fear that I won¡¯t be able to avenge our unit if things go wrong. I¡¯m expecting to meddle in a fight between gangs to pay the price for that. Yet you still want me to take them with me even though just hearing them call me ¡®hyung-nim¡¯ already bothers me so much? Is that it?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho finally seemed to realize his mistake. ¡°I didn¡¯t think ahead that far.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho for a moment, then took out two new cigarettes. They each bit down on one.

    ¡°Let¡¯s be fair. That¡¯s the reason why both of us fought until the end, even though it meant you¡¯d end up like that. Once we¡¯ve signed the contract with Gong Te automobile, I¡¯m thinking of asking my father to pay for the hospital and hotel fees. If we don¡¯t, then we¡¯d be no different from the stupid fuckers that act out because they¡¯ve got gangsters backing them up. That holds true even now.I¡¯m only using their help because I need to protect you. I can¡¯t be here all the time. The least I can do is avoid dragging them into fights,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan then stood up, made two coffees, and gave one to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Shan isn¡¯t the type to go down so easily,¡° Kang Chan said. ¡±Do you think that snake-like fucker will believe Smithen¡¯s words? He definitely would¡¯ve taken the possibility of Smithen snitching into consideration, which means we¡¯re going to get attacked if we rush in recklessly.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes widened when he subconsciously tried to nod despite his neck injury.

    <i>¡®Stupid fucker.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan ended up smirking.

    Soon after, the door opened, and a gangster walked in.

    ¡°Gwang-Taek hyung¨Cnim is calling, hyung¨Cnim.¡±

    He handed Kang Chan the phone.

    - I¡¯ve found and will take care of them. How dare those fuckers conduct business on someone else¡¯s property?

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek.¡±

    - What?!

    Kang Chan thought for a moment. But he needed to say what needed to be said.

    ¡°Tell me right now if you¡¯re going to make me finish them off after you¡¯ve half-assed dealing with them.¡±

    - What are you trying to say?

    ¡°You can¡¯t just beat them up because you have connections, can you? Just step out of this if that¡¯s the case.¡±

    - Ha! You fuck.

    With his emotions seemingly all over the ce, Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s sudden response sounded like he was provoking Kang Chan.

    - What do you take me for? A pushover because I¡¯m making you feelfortable? Don¡¯t fuck around too much. There''s a limit to how much I¡¯m willing to take.

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    <i>Now this is what gangsters are like</i>. <i>I almost?grew attached to him.</i>

    Kang Chan decided to take this opportunity to draw the line.

    ¡°Do you want me to bow down to you because I asked you to close the club and take us to the hospital, Oh Gwang-Taek? Seok Kang-Ho and I still would¡¯ve been fine even if your club didn¡¯t close, you son of a bitch.¡±

    - You fucker!

    ¡°It ends here. I¡¯ll do you a favor as I promised, but don¡¯te near me otherwise.¡±

    Kang Chan ended the call and slowly stood up. Seok Kang-Ho forcibly twisted his body and ced his legs down from the bed. The gangster beside Kang Chan looked him over with a nervous expression.

    The phone rang, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t pick it up.

    ¡°Get out. Take the rest of the guys and leave the hospital. You better listen while I¡¯m still ying nice. I don¡¯t want to fight you guys since you helped us today.¡±

    When Kang Chan handed over the phone, another gangster came into the room.

    ¡°Gwang-Taek hyung¨Cnim is calling.¡±

    The gangster came toward him but stopped in his tracks when Kang Chan red sharply at him.

    ¡°Get out,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    When the gangsters left, he felt like he suddenly realized all of his mistakes all at once. epting a fucking gangster¡¯s hand to catch Smithen was his first mistake, considering he could never depend on them. Kang Chan shouldn¡¯t have relied on such dirty aid even if hecked the manpower and wanted to protect Seok Kang-Ho.

    The two gangsters quietly left the room.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we leaving the hospital?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t their hospital, is it? And we¡¯re the ones who¡¯ll be paying the hospital bills anyway. Even if we did want to leave, there¡¯s nowhere for us to move Smithen and the three bastards with him.¡±

    Kang Chan found it nice to see Seok Kang-Ho smirk.

    ¡°Were you nning on handing over the Chinese and Japanese gangs to Oh Gwang-Taek from the beginning?¡±

    <i>Phew! I can¡¯t believe I forgot that he was like this. To think I was even surprised by his sudden bursts of intelligence.</i>

    ¡°Did you think I would be crazy enough to pick unnecessary fights with people even if doing so won¡¯t help us achieve our goal? Use your brain a little.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan in amazement.

    They had to use this time to prepare for tomorrow.

    ¡°Shan needs two things from Smithen: The bank password and an excuse to give to the French gang,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What do you mean by excuse?¡±

    ¡°He needs them to think Smithen conspired with me and ruined everything by trying to steal the money.¡±

    ¡°Would they really go easy on Shan if he did that?¡±

    ¡°Were you even listening to me when I was interpreting for you? Smithen said that Shan would be able to live if he can hand over the money in the bank.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t that make him poor?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    Kang Chan got annoyed.

    ¡°With the way things are going, Shan¡¯s probably going to get Smithen''s shares of Gong Te automobile. That stupid fucker¡¯s going to sign the contract and live infort.¡±

    ¡°That fucker¡¯s a sick bastard,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s realization made even Kang Chanugh because of how ridiculous he sounded.

    The problem was the contract. If it weren¡¯t for it, they could just beat Shan up either tonight or tomorrow morning once an opportunity presented itself, but Shan¡¯s bait was so good it made it difficult for them to move recklessly.

    <i>¡®That¡¯s why that son of a bitch called the senior director separately.¡¯</i>

    That made it difficult to call off the contract.

    Kang Dae-Kyung might be okay, but Yoo Hye-Sook would have a hard time dealing with the shock.

    <i>¡®They¡¯re never going to end it quietly.¡¯</i>

    Would Shan really go to France quietly if they handed Smithen over?

    That was another problem. Since they were already on bad terms, how would he be able to quietly approach Shan once they had gone to France? The French gang would probably line up and joyously wait for him at the airport.

    Just then, Kang Chan awoke from his thoughts because a nurse came into the room.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to get your shot,¡± the nurse said.

    ¡°Ugh.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s going in the IV so you just need to stay still.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was about to show his butt but immediately stopped, his face covered in awkwardness. It was just one shot, but the moment the nurse left, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes rxed.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired. You should sleep as well, captain,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. Just go to sleep.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was already asleep by the time Kang Chan turned the lever and lowered the bed. He fell asleep so fast that Kang Chan actually wondered if the nurse put poison in the needle. Looking at the sleeping Seok Kang-Ho, he finalized his decision.

    Kang Chan had a lot on his mind.

    He didn¡¯t act like himself because he thought about Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, and even the contract with Gong Te automobile.

    Kang Chan went out of the room and headed to the stairs outside. Hot air breezed past him even though it was already evening.

    He lit and smoked a cigarette as he thought about what to do after finishing the deal with Shan. Would he go to France and live as the previous Kang Chan or live the life that was suitable for his current body like Seok Kang-Ho was doing? Regardless of which side he¡¯d choose, he wanted to live a fulfilling life.

    It would be best for everyone if Kang Chan chose to live the life that suited him instead of rejecting it and saying that it wasn¡¯t his. If it weren¡¯t, however, it would only be right for him to boldly reject it.

    While Kang Chan was organizing his thoughts, he noticed a few ck cars heading to the front of the hotel. A nce was enough for him to know the way they arrived was unusual. When they stopped in the driveway, gangsters in suits got out one after the other, and the gangsters in the hallway ran to greet them.

    <i>¡®This isn¡¯t going to be an easy night.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan went into the hallway and sat in front of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room.

    Momentster, gangsters emerged from the elevator and the stairs.

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    The first one out of the elevator was Oh Gwang-Taek.

    Kang Chan stood up, and Oh Gwang-Taek faced him with a hardened expression.

    The look in his eyes was that of a gang leader.

    ¡°Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Stay out of this mess if it makes you uneasy,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s face grimaced.

    ¡°Ha, you fucker. You really don¡¯t know when to stop, do you?¡±.

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s words were awkward to reply to.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to tell you to be a gangster. Think of this as me paying you back for putting Gangnampletely under my control. But keep this in mind: I¡¯ve never once backed down in my life. If I did, I wouldn¡¯t have gotten this far. So don¡¯t ever provoke my pride like that again. You understand?¡±

    When Kang Chan stared at him cockily, Oh Gwang-Taek bit his cheek once.

    ¡°Say that it was a car ident again. Let¡¯s end our rtionship with me being responsible for the hospital bills and settlement until the teacher¡¯s discharged from the hospital. Is that good enough for you, you son of a bitch?¡±

    Hisst swear words seemed somewhat timid to Kang Chan.

    ¡°I moved all of my guys to the floor below, but I¡¯m going to keep two of them in the hallway. And I¡¯m going to go annihte the Japanese and Chinese guys now, so don¡¯t worry about that either. Understand?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Live well. Study hard or else you¡¯re going to be a gangster.¡±

    When Oh Gwang-Taek was done talking, he red at Kang Chan as if he was going to kill him before stepping away.

    He was a gang leader. But Kang Chan felt bad since he seemed like a pretty good guy.

    He needed to get his bearings.

    ***

    Kang Chan felt much better after sleeping for about three hours in the empty bed in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room. After washing his face, he left behind a disappointed Seok Kang-Ho and moved Smithen to the Namsan hotel.

    The hospital¡¯s ambnce dropped them at the hotel. They then used the freight elevator in the hotel¡¯s basement to move Smithen to a suite in the innermost part of the seventeenth-floor hallway.

    The suite had arge living room and a bedroom, both of which had bathrooms.

    Kang Chan showered after having toast for breakfast.

    His mind and body felt refreshed. Dull pain was stilling from his side, but he had no issues breathing or twisting around.

    ¡°Is it really only the two of us here?¡± Smithen asked.

    He seemed afraid.

    ¡°Why are you acting like that? It¡¯s like you haven¡¯t been on a battlefield before.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t been on one since my body¡¯s been reduced to this state, have I?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about,¡± Kang Chan reassured Smithen.

    They passed the time watching some news and enjoying a cup of coffee. At 9 am, Kang Chan picked up the phone in the room and asked that the hotel pass on his memo to Shan¡¯s room.

    The phone rang about five minutester.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    - Kang Chan?

    It was Shan.

    ¡°Room 1701. If you want to check on Smithen,e alone.¡±

    - And what if I get attacked?

    ¡°Considering how desperate we are for the contract, would we really do that?¡±

    - Fair point.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hand over Smithen once awyer has confirmed that nothing¡¯s wrong with the contract.¡±

    - That doesn¡¯t sound fair. What if Smithen disappears after we sign the contract?

    ¡°How do you want to do this, then?¡±

    - I¡¯m going to bring one person with me. He¡¯s going to stay there until we¡¯re done with the contract signing.

    Kang Chan paused for a moment.

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    - I¡¯ll be in the room in 10 minutes.

    Smithen gulped when Kang Chan ended the call.

    ¡°Are you really sure about this?¡± Smithen asked.

    ¡°Who am I?¡±

    Smithen firmly shut his mouth.

    ording to the weather forecast, today was going to be quite hot.

    <i>Ding dong.</i>

    The bell rang.

    Kang Chan slowly opened the door after looking through the peephole on it.

    Shan walked into the room with his pointy nose in the air. Behind him was a tall, white, blond man in a ck suit.

    Shan looked back and forth between Kang Chan and Smithen.

    ¡°What are you trying to pull?¡±

    ¡°As you can see, his injuries are severe,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Shan didn¡¯t seem to believe his words.

    ¡°Unwrap the bandages, Smithen,¡± Shan ordered.

    ¡°I can¡¯t. My arms have been stabbed,¡± Smithen replied.

    Kang Chan shrugged when Shan sharply looked at him.

    ¡°Unwrap the bandages,¡± Shan ordered the Serpents Venimeux member.

    The white-skinned man walked over to Smithen with a sardonic expression and uncovered Smithen¡¯s face. Smithen groaned in the process, but the man didn¡¯t care at all. It took a while before he could remove all the bandages, but when he was done, he frowned. Even Shan seemed to be fairly surprised.

    Smithen¡¯s face was torn all over and covered in bruises. Most importantly, his right eye socket was empty.

    ¡°What have you done?¡±

    Shan sharply red at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a small price to pay for selling off his crew?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°You should stop ying around. I can just take Smithen right here, right now.¡±

    ¡°If you do that, a lot of people will being up here, Shan. Why don¡¯t you leave for now and return once you¡¯ve signed the contract?¡±

    When Shan gestured to Kang Chan with his chin, the gang member took out a technical gun and a silencer, which he attached to the gun.

    ¡°Keep quiet and stay here until Ie back from the contract signing. Keep in mind that it doesn¡¯t matter who you are. We only need Smithen.¡±

    ¡°Do as you wish.¡±

    ¡°What about the other three gang members?¡± asked Shan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let them go since they¡¯re just baggage to me once you take Smithen out of my hands. Do whatever you want with them. I don¡¯t care if you get rid of them or take them with you.¡±

    When Shan left the room, the tall man sat in the chair in front of the round table in the corner.

    ¡°Let¡¯s bandage this guy,¡± said Kang Chan.

    The gang member shook the gun toward Kang Chan, signaling him not to get closer and sit away from them.

    ¡°It¡¯d be better to bandage him since you¡¯re nning on taking him outside. What would you do if other people end up seeing him like this once you¡¯ve taken him out?¡±

    Clearly displeased, the gang member red at him, but Kang Chan slowly approached and bandaged Smithen again anyway.

    When Kang Chan finished bandaging Smithen, it was already around 9:40 am.

    ¡°I can sit there, right?¡±

    Kang Chan gestured to the sofa with his chin, to which the man replied with a quick nod. Kang Chan walked to the sofa, took the thermos bottle on the table, poured himself a cup of coffee, and took a sip.

    They watched a TV program about unique foods in China until the clock struck 10 am. Momentster, as Kang Chan finished his coffee, the phone rang.

    The man gestured to it with his chin.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - The contract signing ended sessfully. We¡¯ve checked it with thewyer, and Shan is now on his way up.

    It was Suh Do-Seok.

    Kang Chan ended the call.

    ¡°I was told that the contract signing ended sessfully,¡± He announced.

    The Serpents Venimeux member just looked at Kang Chan emotionlessly.

 Chapter 29: A New Start (1)

    <h4>Chapter 29: A New Start (1)</h4>

    <i>Ding-dong.</i>

    The doorbell rang after Kang Chan gave Smithen a ss of water.

    The Serpent Venimeux gang member pointed to the door by gesturing to it with his gun twice.

    ¡°Stop messing around and open the door.¡±

    The expressionless gang member frowned, but Kang Chan¡¯s attitude didn¡¯t change.

    <i>Ding-dong.</i>

    The gang member walked toward the door and opened it, his bodynguage seemingly saying he was going to let this go just this once.

    <i>Click</i>.

    Shan entered with a keen look in his eyes.

    Another gang member came in after him and stood in front of the door, his hands ovepping.

    ring at Kang Chan and Smithen sharply, Shan sat on the sofa. He aggressively loosened his tie and threw it on top of the coffee table.

    ¡°We¡¯ve signed the contract and upheld my end of the bargain. It¡¯s your turn now,¡± Shan told Kang Chan.

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    One side of Shan¡¯s face twitched. It was clear Kang Chan¡¯s smirk offended him.

    ¡°I¡¯ve said this before, but you¡¯re really simr to the Kang Chan that I knew. Especially with that offending smirk and the fact that you make me lose face.

    When Kang Chan sat on the edge of the table in front of Shan, Shan side-eyed the thug with the gun, seemingly displeased.

    ¡°What did that Kang Chan do to make you lose face, Shan?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Shan looked over the room, seemingly trying to figure out his intention, then looked back at him.

    ¡°Was the ckhead more important than the lives of your crew? Enough to shove your henchmen¡¯s heads to the enemy¡¯s guns?¡± Kang Chan prodded.

    Shan smiled vulgrly. He then shook his head and looked at Smithen.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that bastard bbed about the God of ckfield and whatnot, but it looks like you were a step ahead of that stupid fucker,¡± Shanmented.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to y tricks on me and just answer the question.¡±

    At that moment, Shan¡¯s expression turned as cold as a snake. That change was typical of him when he needed to make a cold judgment.

    Shan spoke as he tilted his head slightly.

    ¡°If you keep acting like this, your beautiful mother will be sliced into so many pieces nobody would be able to identify her.¡±

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    At that moment, Shan¡¯s venomous expression returned.

    ¡°Tell them toe in,¡± Kang Chan said.

    When Kang Chan briefly gestured with his chin toward the gang member positioned in front of the door, the gang member opened the door and let two Asians in. They then stood in front of the gang member, looking at Kang Chan and Shan.

    ¡°Oh, my. I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see you so surprised, Shan,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Smithen moved the bandages just enough to look at Kang Chan and Shan with his remaining eye.

    ¡°There¡¯s a time in life when you¡¯ll face a trap that¡¯s impossible to escape from, Shan. You¡¯ve just fallen into the God of ckfield¡¯s trap. Do you understand the situation now?¡± Kang Chan asked Shan.

    Even though Shan had quickly shifted his gaze to Smithen, Kang Chan continued to speak.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think that Shan, known as the ¡®ice of the desert,¡¯ would use such a password.¡±

    Gritting his teeth, Shan let out a groan-like noise.

    ¡°To summarize today¡¯s n, you¡¯re going to die here, Shan,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Did you send money to France?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kang Chan answered. ¡°It was the price of the shares that Smithen had, plus we got you as a bonus. I don¡¯t think your dirty body¡¯s worth seven million euros, though.¡±

    As his expression changed once more, Shan suddenly gave the two Asians that had just entered a quick look.

    ¡°I caught them yesterday, but France contacted me, saying they won¡¯t release more Serpents Venimeux members in Korea if I let France continue their deal with the Chinese gang. And those Chinese guys standing by in front of the apartment I live in? They said they¡¯ll protect the apartment with their lives.¡±

    Atst, Smithen harshly gritted his teeth.

    ¡°So, what should we do now, Shan?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Shan red at Kang Chan as he visibly showed his anger.

    ¡°The decision is up to you. You either get out of here after killing me,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Smirk.

    A satisfied smile swiftly passed by Shan¡¯s face.

    ¡°Or you can just die here. It¡¯s impossible to find the remains of those the Chinese guys over there have chopped,¡± He continued.

    ¡°There are security cameras here. Won¡¯t you also be in trouble if a foreigner disappears from this hotel?¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk, Shan.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    The glint in Shan¡¯s eyes quickly settled down.

    ¡°How are you going to do it?¡± Shan asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to end it our way.¡±

    <i>The way mercenaries fight?¡¯</i>

    Shan looked at Kang Chan, appearing to have a hard time believing what he heard.

    ¡°Are they going to ept it if I kill you?¡± Shan asked.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°This country is really hard to understand.¡±

    Shan folded the sleeves of his shirt above his forearms.

    The gang member blocking the door took two knives from the Chinese and gave them to Shan and Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you really the God of ckfield?¡± Shan asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Does it matter? You¡¯re going to die soon anyway.¡±

    When the two put their left hand forward, the gang member tightly tied their left wrists, securing it with a figure eight knot,. Unblinking, Kang Chan and Shan red at each other.

    ¡°If you¡¯re really Kang Chan, then you¡¯re probably well aware that you almost ruined my ns that day as well. You couldn¡¯t escape my gun in the end, though, Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Oh. My. God,¡± Smithen spewed out while sitting in the wheelchair.

    Both Kang Chan and Shan got into position after they stretched and cracked their necks.

    He would¡¯ve been fine if Shan were to slice or stab him. However, Shan instead tried to pull Kang Chan off bnce as he drew in and let go of his left arm.

    In the blink of an eye, they had turned two times in the same spot.

    ¡°Were you also the one that shot Dayeru?¡± Kang Chan asked Shan.

    Despite Kang Chan¡¯s fiery eyes, Shan didn¡¯t get discouraged.

    <i>Whish. Swish. Whish. Whish.</i>

    <i>His neck. I have to aim for his neck no matter what.</i>

    Amateurs would try to stab their opponent¡¯s arms and cut their shoulders. Their necks would be stabbed or slit in those moments, and it would already be toote by the time they realized it.

    ¡°Are you talking about the dirty Algerian that sold his soul to an Asian?¡± Shan retorted.

    <i>Shick. Slice!</i>

    Maximizing his long arms, Shan reached in and cut Kang Chan¡¯s right shoulder. He then smiled bitterly.

    ¡°Well, I killed everyone else except for Smithen, that son of a bitch.¡±

    <i>Whish. Swish. Slice. Whish. Swirl.</i>

    It didn¡¯t take long for Shan to cut Kang Chan¡¯s right shoulder again.

    Due to Shan¡¯s long arms, he appeared to have an implicit advantage in this fight.

    <i>Swish. Whish.</i>

    ¡°If I had also shot that guy, he¡¯d already be long dead,¡± Shan continued, his knife swiftly passing by Kang Chan twice as he spoke.

    ¡°Shan.¡±

    <i>Whish. Swish. Whish. Whish.</i>

    Kang Chan used his left hand to control the space in between them while constantly moving his upper body from side to side, barely dodging his opponent¡¯s glinting knife multiple times.

    ¡°Goodbye,¡± Kang Chan told Shan.

    <i>Swish. Whish!</i>

    Shan didn¡¯t respond. However, just as he aimed for Kang Chan¡¯s neck¡­

    <i>Stab!</i>

    Kang Chan deeply impaled his knife into Shan¡¯s left armpit.

    <i>Crunch.</i>

    He then hacked his knife down from there.

    ¡°Aarrgh!¡±

    <i>Slice! Slice! Pit!</i>

    Shan¡¯s screams and the sounds of bones cracking filled the room. Even at that moment, however, Shan managed to slice into Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder two more times.

    ¡°Arrrgh!¡±

    Shan¡¯s knees buckled and he copsed.

    ¡°We¡¯re all going to hell, so go and start apologizing to the crew because I¡¯m going to split your chest the same way when I meet you there,¡± Kang Chan told Shan.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    When Kang Chan sliced the fabric that bound him to Shan, Shan immediately fell forward. The two Chinese guys brought out a neatly folded body bag from behind their backs, unfolded it, and put Shan in it.

    Then the Serpent Venimeux member in front of the door came toward Kang Chan and handed him a phone.

    ¡°The boss wants to talk to you.¡±

    Kang Chan stared at the phone that was handed to him before cing it next to his ear.

    ¡°¡®Ello?¡±

    - I was able to lessen my shame thanks to you.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget the two promises.¡±

    - A gentleman keeps their promises and values their honor. Contact us anytime when you need our help. Tell me your name.

    Kang Chan looked down on Shan, who was twitching inside the bag, before answering.

    ¡°God of ckfield.¡±

    - Huhuhu. Your name is quite grand. Just once, you¡¯re free to call us for help anytime and anywhere.

    They ended the call on that note.

    The tall thug with a gun walked forward.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get going now,¡± He told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why do you insist on taking Shan?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We also have to take care of our partners¡¯ honor.¡±

    He looked into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes and nodded.

    ¡°The gang leader told us to pass on his thanks for the deal and the deposit. As you requested, Gong Te automobile will appoint Smithen as their Korean branch manager,¡± The mobster added.

    A Chinese gang member spoke softly when the Serpent Venimeux gang member finished talking.

    ¡°They¡¯re expressing their gratitude for the impressive battle and the deal. And they also hope that you visit China one day,¡± The thug passed on the Chinese guy¡¯s words to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Tell them I¡¯ll kill them if I see them again.¡±

    The gang member smirked, then spoke in Chinese.

    It seemed that he had phrased the words more positively seeing as how the Chinese gang member smiled and bowed his head, looking satisfied.

    ¡°It¡¯s best we part ways,¡± The gang member said.

    Kang Chan knew that as well. The gang member in front of the door took off his jacket and gave it to Kang Chan. Kang Chan epted it since his right shoulder was covered in blood and needed to be covered. The jacket had a noticeable Chanel logo at the back of its cor.

    A Chinese gang member snapped his fingers once, and argeundry cart was wheeled into the room. The guys put Shan¡ªwho was still twitching¡ªinside the cart and left shortly as if nothing happened.

    ¡°Let''s go, Smithen.¡±

    Kang Chan grabbed a thin nket from the bed, ced it on Smithen, and pushed his wheelchair.

    ***

    Suh Do-Seok¡ªwho was waiting in front of the ambnce, greeted Kang Chan when they reached the basement. He then anded Kang Chan a phone afterying Smithen down on a portable roway bed.

    ¡°Gwang-Taek hyung-nim wanted me to pass this on as his final present. The number is the same as yourst phone.¡±

    When Kang Chan just stared at him in silence, Suh Do-Seok continued.

    ¡°He said that if you refuse this, he¡¯s going to find you at your school. And he also wanted to thank you for taking care of the Japanese and Chinese gangs.¡±

    Kang Chan took the phone with a smirk.

    ¡°There¡¯s going to be a lot of things to take care of,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°The price for emptying that floor has already been deposited this morning, so all we need to do is clean up and take care of the CCTV.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s pretend that we don¡¯t know each other next time.¡±

    Suh Do-Seok bowed low as if he didn¡¯t hear anything.

    ¡°Goodbye, hyung-nim.¡±

    Kang Chan got in the backseat of the ambnce.

    The car slowly moved.

    ¡°How do you want me to live from now on?¡± Smithen asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°We sent over seven million euros for the price of the shares that were used by the gang, so there are still three million euros left.¡±

    ¡°That should be split between you and Dayeru, captain. The twelve million euros worth of stocks that I own is enough for me.¡±

    ¡°What makes you think I¡¯m going to ept that money?¡±

    ¡°Please just think of it as a form ofpensation. I¡¯ll be selling my stocks and using the money I¡¯ll earn from them wisely, and I¡¯ll also be getting a monthly sry and a car as Gong Te automobile¡¯s Korean branch manager.¡±

    That was true.

    ¡°I just need some money right now since I¡¯ll be staying at the hospital for quite some time,¡± Smithen continued.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Their bodies leaned to one side. The ambnce seemed to have turned a corner.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d get to live in Korea,¡± He told Kang Chan.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, then go somewhere else¡ªa resort with a great view or even a ce full of women.

    Smithen peeked out and looked at Kang Chan through the bandages.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to live here. I¡¯m going to be by your and Dayeru¡¯s side for the time being,¡± Smithen replied.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t answer.

    ***

    When they arrived at the hospital, they first admitted Smithen into a room before treating Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re really our hospital¡¯s best VIP,¡± Yoo Hyun-Woo said.

    Even without Yoo Hyun-Woo¡¯s remarks, Kang Chan and the entrance security guard were able to recognize each other. Kang Chan even asked the security guard to buy him some clothes as a favor.

    ¡°This is a hospital!¡± The security guard eximed.

    ¡°Think of it as customer service.¡±

    Kang Chan then went into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room.

    ¡°Was it difficult?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°A cigarette is best for that kind of situation.¡±

    Kang Chan feltfortable when he was with Seok Kang-Ho.

    Both of them had a cigarette. Moving stiffly, Seok Kang-Ho made coffee and handed it to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan slowly told him what had happened in the hotel.

    ¡°Son of a bitch. I should¡¯ve seen his side being split. Was that fucker¡¯s blood red as well?¡±

    Kang Chan stared at Seok Kang-Ho while letting out a heartyugh.

    ¡°I thought killing him would make me happy, but I actually don¡¯t feel that good,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Do you want to go out for a drink?¡±

    ¡°The fuck are you saying? Why would I want to watch over you while you drink?¡± Kang Chanined.

    ¡°Huh? I¡¯m already drinking coffee, aren¡¯t I? That should be enough to tell you that I can eat by myself now. Despite how I look, I¡¯ve actually already eaten kimbap.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu,¡± Both of themughed.

    ¡°You¡¯ve be smarter,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Kang Chan shifted his eyes to Seok Kang-Ho as he drank coffee.

    ¡°Even if I consider it possible to make a deal with Serpent Venimeux, I still couldn¡¯t have predicted you¡¯d also use the Chinese and Japanese gangs.¡±

    ¡°Being unable tomunicate during a military operation is the worst. I figured that fucker Shan was going to contact them in the morning. Since the Serpent Venimeux gang had been wanting to finish their deal with them as well, I gained and gave what I should and gave what I should give.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s answer made Seok Kang-Ho smirk.

    ¡°You did well. I feel happy now that I don¡¯t have to watch my back anymore. And it¡¯s all thanks to you.¡±

    ¡°There are about three million euros left, and Smithen wants us to split it in half and take it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho blinked.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°How much money is that in Korean Won?¡±

    ¡°Not sure. Hmm¡­ Wouldn¡¯t it be about four and a half billion won?¡±

    ¡°Then I don¡¯t have to worry about thepensation from the car ident?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chanughed, finding Seok Kang-Ho absurd.

    ¡°Sure. Use it wisely since your hospital bills will be huge, and you¡¯re going to need to pay a lot for other things as well. Let¡¯s put the rest into charity.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    Kang Chan was thankful that he wasn¡¯t being greedy.

    ¡°Oh, right! My wife will likely visit. I should tell her to stop by at ater time.¡±

    ¡°You called? Why did you do that when they¡¯re going to worry?¡± Kang Chan asked. Smiling pleasantly, he dusted off his seat and stood up.

    ¡°You can stay. I just told her to move her visit to ater time anyway,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I want to get some rest anyway since I didn¡¯t get to sleep properly yesterday.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled again and left Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room. He then headed to the security office, changed his clothes, and left the hospital.

    Kang Chan wanted to rest. He was considering taking the taxi to go home, Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t have any money in his pocket.

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    Left with no other choice, he walked home. The city looked quite peaceful, even though it had just swallowed today and yesterday¡¯s brutality.

    After walking for about 40 minutes, the apartment finally came into view.

    He sat on a bench for a moment and caught his breath.

    <i>¡®What should I do?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan wanted to make a decision before going home, opening the apartment door, and greeting Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Should he ept his current self or leave to find his previous self?

    Kang Chan stared nkly at the sky.

    <i>What would the original owner of this body say?</i> <i>Would it be okay if I truly epted Yoo Hye-Sook as my mom and Kang Dae-Kyung as my father?</i>

    It was a hard decision to make, however, and all he wanted to do for now was rest.

    Kang Chan smiled bitterly as he took the elevator, realizing he wanted to see Yoo Hye-Sook.<i>?</i>

    When Kang Chan opened the door and went inside, Yoo Hye-Sook was standing in front of the entrance.

    ¡°You must¡¯ve had a hard time, my precious son,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan took off his shoes at the entrance feeling grateful. Her face seemed like she was genuinely more worried about him than being happy about the contract.

    ¡°I heard that father''s contract went well?¡± He asked.

    Yoo Hye-Sook was strangely teary even though he smiled widely.

    ¡°Yes, and he said that it¡¯s all because of you. Your dad was even crying when he called after the contract signing. I don¡¯t remember how many years it has been since hest did that.¡±

    ¡°As I said before, father did everything.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I love you, Kang Chan.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook opened her arms and hugged him.

    The difficult things from the past few days slowly melted away, and a weird emotion emerged.

    He was¡­ happy.

 Chapter 30é”›å­­art1: A New Start (2)

    <h4>Chapter30£¬Part1: A New Start (2)</h4>

    After consoling Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan fell asleep the moment he went into his room.

    He slept soundly.

    By the time he woke up, it was almost 6 pm. He shook his head.

    ¡°Ow.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s right shoulder and ribs were throbbing as if the adrenaline went away when he woke up. After slowly loosening up, he checked his injuries¡ªhis right hand that used to be covered in ss shards, his left hand with stitch scars, his stinging side, and his right shoulder, which had just been stitched so it wouldn¡¯t fall apart.

    .

    Even in Africa, it was rare for him to get injured this badly.

    He felt like he was getting a vacation after a long battle.

    Back then, he¡¯d usually head to a bar and have a nice drink after getting some sleep in him. Unfortunately, he was just a high schooler now. In other words, he would only embarrass himself if he acted hastily and sloppily without Seok Kang-Ho.

    Upon hearing noises outside his room, he got out of bed, changed intofortable workout pants and a shabby shirt to hide his injuries, and went out to the living room.

    ¡°What are you up to?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I¡¯m preparing dinner.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook pointed to the pot. She seemed like she still hadn¡¯t recoveredpletely.

    ¡°Get out of the kitchen, please,¡± Kang Chan told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Why? I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s something that I want to eat.¡±

    Kang Chan put a pan on top of the gas stove and put oil in it.

    Eggs, olive oil, green pepper, and a few vegetables.

    Kang Chan thought about asking to eat out, but he figured Yoo Hye-Sook would just say she didn¡¯t want to. He didn¡¯t really want to, either.

    He chopped the vegetables into thin slices, added them to the well-beaten eggs, and seasoned them with salt. He then rolled the eggs up while its top part was still slightly undercooked, turning them into a somewhat edible omelet. Kang Chan had eaten so many times that he had grown sick of it, but it was much better than eating what Yoo Hye-Sook made while she was sick.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan in amazement. She thought his knife skills and the way he rolled up the eggs were extraordinary.

    ¡°You¡¯re really good at this,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°I learned it from the inte.¡±

    ¡°Really? I should use the inte more often.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook had a somewhat naive part about her, which was why she¡¯d often take jokes seriously.

    Kang Chan set the table, transferred the finished omelet to a te, then ced it in front of Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°This one¡¯s mine,¡± He sat opposite her.

    She raised her eyes from the omelet and looked at him.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t have to eat if you¡¯re not feeling well.¡±

    ¡°This is the first dish you cooked for me. It¡¯s too valuable for me to just eat it,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. I can make it for you every day if you want, so please, eat up. Dishes made with eggs taste really bad when they get cold.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook sliced a part of the omelet with a fork and ced it in her mouth.

    ¡°Mmm!¡±

    The eggs were seasoned just right, had a moist center, and were mixed with crunchy vegetables.

    It actually tasted good.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Kang Chana asked.

    ¡°This is really good. It¡¯s even better than the dishes at the restaurant I go to.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate to let me know whenever you want to eat it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you up on that offer.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    It tasted quite good, perhaps partly due to the fact that it had been so long since hest had omelets, and that he was eating with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe it,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Can¡¯t believe what?¡± Kang Chan asked as he ate.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe your father had signed the contract.¡±

    That was a reasonable reaction. Who would find it easy to believe that their high schooler son closed a deal with the help of someone they met on the inte?

    Seemingly worried, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s expression cast down.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Did you get hurt or something because of the contract? I got a call from the school that you missed today¡¯s ss. Your dad told me to act like I didn¡¯t know, but¡­¡±

    She couldn¡¯t say anything and just kept gauging Kang Chan¡¯s mood because of that, even though the thought troubled her deeply. Since she was aware of that, she probably couldn¡¯t feelpletely happy about the contract. Kang Chan decided to make her and Kang Dae-Kyung feel better.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t go to school today because I spent time with someone who¡¯s departing for France. I should¡¯ve told you, but I couldn¡¯t because I thought you¡¯d think it¡¯s because of the contract, which would end up making you feel bad.¡±

    After finishing his exnation, Kang Chan smiled broadly, seemingly imitating Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°And I¡¯m also thinking of going to the University for Athletics, so I joined the athletics club. Mr. Seok Kang-Ho is our club advisor,¡± He continued.

    ¡°University?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes sparkled. The shadow on her face disappearedpletely in an instant.

    ¡°Is that also why you¡¯ve been seeing that teacher a lot these days?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯d probably be meeting with him more often in the future.¡±

    There was nothing wrong with setting things up in advance to prepare for any type of situation.

    ¡°What do you want to do in the future, Kang Chan?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked as she munched on the omelet happily.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about that yet. I¡¯m just preparing to go to a university right now, though I¡¯m also thinking of studying abroad in France.¡±

    ¡°Studying abroad?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s face lit up so much it made Kang Chan feel bad. He only said that because he wasn¡¯t sure what could happen, but he didn¡¯t expect her to like it so much.

    ¡°Oh, my! Studying abroad in France! That¡¯s amazing. Since you¡¯re so good at French, it won¡¯t be difficult for you,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kang Chan smiled faintly.

    ¡°What?¡± She asked.

    ¡°Aunt Seong-Hee popped into your head, didn¡¯t she?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook smiled awkwardly.

    It was only an omelet, but Yoo Hye-Sook was so happy it was as if she was served a grand feast. Her worries about his injuries and school absence seemed to havepletely disappeared when he talked about going to a university and studying in France.

    ¡°Thank you for this very delicious dinner,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook told Kang Chan.

    Since Kang Chan was the one that cooked their dinner anyway, he decided to do the dishes as well, allowing Yoo Hye-Sook to keep resting.

    Yoo Hye-Sook sat down on the sofa when he finished cleaning up.

    ¡°You know the only thing left for you to do is cheer up, right?¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you, Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan talked to her for a few more moments before going into his room.

    It was around 7 pm when Kang Chan¡¯s phone on his desk started emitting a blinking blue light. Upon checking it, he found a text message.

    [Give me a call please.]

    <i>Have I told him that I¡¯ve gotten a new phone??</i>Kang Chan could immediately tell who sent the message even though it came from an unknown number.

    Kang Chan called it.

    - It¡¯s me.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    - Have you had dinner?

    ¡°I just ate. Is there something wrong?¡±

    - I got a call from the school that the athletics club will close for the time being until I go back to work since it has no acting club advisor. Apparently, none of the teachers want to take the role.

    <i>What the fuck is this¡­</i>

    ¡°What¡¯s going to happen, then?¡±

    - You have to attend your sses for the time being.

    ¡°When are you going to be discharged from the hospital?¡±

    - They said in about two weeks because I was insistent.

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    - Endure it even if it bores you.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll try to visit after my sses tomorrow.¡±

    Kang Chan ended the call.

    ¡°Haaaa.¡±

    He sighed loudly. Unfortunately, there was no other choice.

    <i>What if I just stay in the athletics club when I go to school?</i>

    Then he would be acting just like the bullies.

    ¡°Damn it.¡±

    He had just finished a tiresome battle, but he was already being forced to face something so boring and tedious.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    He got another text message.

    [Channy. You still haven¡¯t contacted me. You¡¯re okay, right?]

    Since he could already tell who sent it, he called the number immediately.

    - Channy?

    ¡°Yeah. Did I make you worry?¡±

    - Are you okay? Is everything alright?

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine, and everything worked out in the end.

    - That¡¯s good to hear. We were worried sick. Where are you now?

    ¡°My house. This week doesn¡¯t work for me, so let¡¯s have dinner around next week instead.¡±

    - Then how about having a cup of tea at least before that?

    ¡°I¡¯ve got matters to attend to. I¡¯ll see you next week.¡±

    - Okay, Channy. I¡¯ll be in touch. Bye.

    Kang Chan felt bad about that day, and he also remembered Smithen. Hence, he decided to have dinner with her sometime next week instead.

    This was his new life¡ªone he was grateful for. Kang Chan normally would¡¯ve found this cumbersome before, but he appreciated it now. He turned theputer on and browsed through the inte until he heard the apartment door opening and Yoo Hye-Sook asking, ¡°Didn¡¯t you have thepany dinner today?¡±

    Kang Chan went out to the living room.

    ¡°Wee home,¡± Kang Chan greeted Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Thank you. How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung seemed to be having mixed emotions.

    ¡°What about yourpany dinner, honey?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I attended but left early because they were going for round two.¡±

    ¡°Tsk, you should¡¯ve used this day to show your appreciation to those who worked hard up to this point.¡±

    ¡°The senior executive and the managing director are still there. And it didn¡¯t feel right for me to stay there since they kept talking about Channy.¡±

    ¡°Still.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked down and took a good look at Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Look at you, though. Has my wife regained her energy?¡±

    ¡°Jeez.¡±

    She still hadn¡¯t fully recovered, but she was clearly getting better.

    ¡°We¡¯re having dinner tomorrow, right?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung went into the master bedroom after Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Chan answered. Kang Chan¡¯s injuries and failure to go to his sses seemed to be weighing on Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s mind, driving him crazy. Nevertheless, it seemed like he decided to wait until Kang Chan opened it up himself. However, unable to tell Kang Dae-Kyung the truth, Kang Chan thought only time would fix things.

    1. The raws don¡¯t say out right who Kang Chan is talking to, but it is our understanding that it¡¯s Michelle. However, it seems like the author left it out intentionally so we have left it out as well.

 Chapter 30é”›å­­art2: A New Start (2)

    <h4>Chapter30£¬Part2: A New Start (2)</h4>

    When Kang Chan went into his room, he found another text message.

    He was busy.

    [I¡¯ll arrive at the apartment at 8:30 pm. Are you still in a lot of pain? I can¡¯t help but worry since you didn¡¯t show up to school today.]

    [Text me anytime you see this message.]

    <i>Wouldn¡¯t it be more efficient to send everything she had to say in one message instead of sending multiple texts like this?</i>

    Kang Chan called the number.

    - Chan!

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - I¡¯ll be there in about 5 minutes. How are you feeling?

    ¡°I¡¯m okay now.¡±

    - Can we meet?

    <i>What should I do?</i> Kang Chan didn¡¯t really want to move because of the pain in his side and his shoulder. But when Kim Mi-Young¡¯s voice turned lifeless upon asking thatst question, it reminded him of her crying in the athletics club room not too long ago.

    ¡°Sure. See you at the bench.¡±

    - Okay. I¡¯ll be there soon.

    After ending the call, Kang Chan got an idea. He took twenty dors with him from the drawer on his desk and went out to the living room.

    ¡°I¡¯m going out to see Mi-Young. I¡¯ll be back after,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Yoo Hye-Sook came out of the master bedroom.

    ¡°Your dad¡¯s in the shower. Have fun.¡±

    After telling her he wouldn¡¯t take long, Kang Chan took the elevator.

    There were a lot of people on the bench, possibly because it had gotten hotter. Kang Chan was thinking about going out anyway, so he walked to the entrance of the apartment.

    Momentster, Kim Mi-Young got off a yellow <i>hagwon</i> bus and awkwardly ran to him.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to fall,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Are you still in pain?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay now.¡±

    Kang Chan thought it was the right decision to go out when he saw Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°There were a lot of people on the bench. Why don¡¯t we take a walk instead?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°As I said, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Kim Mi-Youngughed with a ¡°Huhuhu,¡± and walked next to him.

    It felt like Kang Chan was walking with his younger sister while on vacation, which didn¡¯t feel bad.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to school together starting tomorrow,¡± He told Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°You have to go early because of the athletics club.¡±

    ¡°The athletics club will close for about two weeks because Mr. Seok Kang-Ho got into a car ident.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young seemed so happy about the news that Seok Kang-Ho would¡¯ve been upset if he saw her.

    ¡°So he¡¯ll be discharged just right before the final exams, then?¡± She asked.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t aware of that.

    ¡°Exams! I¡¯m going to ce first in the school no matter what. I¡¯m confident. Studying¡¯s been so funtely.¡± Kim Mi-Young lowered her head, seemingly embarrassed.

    <i>Phew, you baby.</i>

    Kim Mi-Young acted her age by liking celebrities for how they appeared, which was how she seemed to like Kang Chan as well. Kang Chan thought it was a relief that she at least found studying fun. However, he still hadn¡¯t finished his ¡°homework¡± of making an appropriate excuse within the remaining two weeks.

    Walking on the outer road of the apartment, they took a turn.

    ¡°Do you want some pastries?¡± He asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to buy a cake. My father signed a big contract today and I want to celebrate that.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s really sweet.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s so sweet about that?</i>

    They headed into a pastry shop and bought a simple-looking cake that Kim Mi-Young picked.

    A few people looked at them as they walked home, but it wasn¡¯t enough for him to care. About 30 minutes had passed and they had talked about various topics by the time they got back to the apartment building.

    ¡°Go home and study hard,¡± Kang Chan bid her goodbye.

    ¡°I will. See you tomorrow morning. Bye.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young ran off.

    <i>Well, it¡¯s not bad to make her devote herself to studying this much.</i>

    Kang Chan turned away after confirming that Kim Mi-Young had entered the apartment.

    When he got out of the elevator and took out the cake, Kang Chan ced three candles in the middle. He smirked as he did this while crouching down. If someone had told him to do this in the past, he would¡¯ve stepped on the cake immediately. Kang Chan also lit up the candles, then held the box that had the cake on top of it and opened the front door.

    ¡°Is that you, Channy?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook was about to go out to meet him but stopped in her tracks. She covered her mouth and nose with both hands.

    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked. He seemed to have finished showering. Following Yoo Hye-Sook out to the entrance, he stopped with his mouth closed firmly.

    ¡°Congrattions on the contract, father,¡± Kang Chan greeted him.

    ¡°You should be the one being congratted.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Dae-Kyung while wiping her tears with her fingertips, keeping her face hidden.

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who nned and prepared for it. And it¡¯s only right for mom and me to help out whenever we can. Blow the candles out quickly, but buy me something delicious tomorrow in return,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Kang Dae-Kyung to feel at least a little bit better.

    <i>¡®You don¡¯t need to get hurt anymore?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Yes, it¡¯s really all over.¡¯</i>

    They nced at each other tomunicate.

    ¡°Thanks. How about we all blow out the candles together?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung offered, holding Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s back and Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Thanks, Kang Chan. You worked hard as well, honey,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Are you crying?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked her.

    ¡°I¡¯m just thankful!¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled broadly, seemingly feeling much better.

    ¡°Congrattions! Your hard work paid off!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°You worked hard for this, honey.¡±

    ¡°The candles are melting. Now, one, two, three! Whoo!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung blew at the candles.

    They then went to the table and each had a slice of cake.

    Yoo Hye-Sook sounded quite happy as she passed on Kang Chan''s desire to attend a university and possibly study abroad in France. At this rate, Kang Chan was going to have to go to France even if he didn¡¯t want to. After spending about an hour listening to what people in thepany were saying about him and what had happened during the contract signing, he went into his room.

    He could finally sleep infort.

    His injuries started to throb when he went to bed, but he still quickly fell asleep.

    ***

    The morning after was peaceful.

    Kang Chan¡¯s injuries felt less painful after a good night¡¯s sleep.

    He had breakfast with Kang Dae-Kyung, who now seemed at ease, and Yoo Hye-Sook, who looked much healthier. Afterward, he went down and walked to the bus stop with Kim Mi-Young.

    Kang Chan brought his bus card with him, and he got a separate allowance in the morning.

    With nothing else that could bother him, he thought of focusing on school for the time being.

    When Kang Chan got on the bus, the students sitting at the back stood up one after the other. <i>Do they get on at the final stop?</i> He hated how they surrounded him and how the other innocent students were forced to a corner.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Despite their ufortable positions, the students only awkwardly gauged his mood when his expression darkened. He moved to the very back on purpose since that would help the other students in the middle go to school in peace.

    It was nice to be at school.

    Kang Chan went through the entrance with Kim Mi-Young. He did find it strange to see a different teacher carrying out Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s roles, but it would at least all be over in two weeks.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim ¡±

    Kang Chan turned toward where the voice came from, finding Cha So-Yeon.

    It was nice to see her greeting him brightly and without fear or anxiety.

    ¡°Have you heard the news? I was told that the athletics club will close for two weeks,¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡° I heard about it yesterday. How are you, though, sunbae-nim?

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll see youter.¡±

    ¡°I see. Goodbye.¡±

    Kang Chan went up to the building for the twelfth-graders after he parted ways with Cha So-Yeon.

    Going through the hallway and up the stairs, he went into the ssroom. The ce immediately fell silent as usual.

    <i>Phew.</i>

    It was gloomy, but there was no solution.

    Lee Ho-Jun lowered his head after he saw Kang Chane in, his face looking quite unusual. Frankly, it was so obvious he got beat up. Considering his actions, it definitely wasn¡¯t farfetched for Lee Ho-Jun to get roughed up that much. However, his parents should¡¯ve noticed such grave injuries at this point.

    Now wasn¡¯t the time to worry about other people, though. Kang Chan sat down in his seat with mixed feelings.

    The only one that had a bright face right now was Kim Mi-Young. The moment she sat down, she opened her book and photocopied paper on the desk, and started to focus.

    <i>Should I disturb her so that she doesn¡¯t get first ce</i>?

    Kang Chan ended up smiling lightly to himself.

    A strange nervousness went around the entire ssroom.

    When Kang Chan turned his gaze to the back door, he found a girl standing there with a hardened expression.

    <i>Madama?Butterfly??</i>

    Heo Eun-Sil seemed surprised as well. She did after all lock eyes with Kang Chan when she walked in with white makeup that reminded him of Kabuki actors.

    Kang Chan had two options on how to deal with those types of bitches: beat her up until she was at death¡¯s door to stop her froming near him or actually beat her up until she died.

    <i>¡°Tsk!¡±</i>

    That type of thing should only be done if he was interested. He would be crazy to waste his strength on that type of thing. Kang Chan turned his interest and attention away from her.

    Kang Chan was thinking of organizing his past little by little, and the first step he had to take was to find an ount in a bank called the ¡®Cr¨¦dit Paris.¡¯

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    The vibrations seemed louder since the ssroom was quiet.

    Kang Chan decided to take his phone with him due to what had happened with Shan, but it was of course still bothersome and annoying.

    It was Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>¡®He¡¯s a teacher. Why is he texting me during ss?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan opened the message.

    [Smithen¡¯s asking for our bank ount. He¡¯s apparently going to split and deposit his shares to us?]

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    He got another message while he was nked out.

    [Word went around about the shares because that crazy fucker had asked the hospital staff for an interpreter. My wife is now going crazy. Please sort it out soon.]

    Kang Chan sighed deeply and turned off his phone.

    1. Sunbae-nim is a respectful way of referring to more experienced people in the same school, workce, or group.

    2. Madama Butterfly refers to the Italian opera that¡¯s based in Japan. Kang Chan thinks of this when he looks at Heo Eun-Sil because the main character in the opera was a Geisha.

    3. Kabuki actors performed in popr Japanese dramas with white makeup

 Chapter 31é”›å­­art1: Distribution (1)

    <h4>Chapter31£¬Part1: Distribution (1)</h4>

    Smithen spoke English because he was American, so there would¡¯ve been a few people he could¡¯ve talked to in the hospital.

    Smithen had about twelve million euros in stocks, which would be around eighteen billion in Korean Won.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how much Smithen nned to give Seok Kang-Ho. However, it certainly wouldn¡¯t be an amount an ordinary housewife with a school teacher husband could handle.

    <i>¡®Smithen said he wanted to split the leftover money in the bank. Why is he doing that with his stocks too?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan let out a long sigh, but there was currently nothing he could do.

    ss started.

    The topic was about Chulsoo again. He was still in Japan, bothering and angering the store owner by constantly asking about prices, but he was about toe across the Yakuza.

    During math ss, Kang Chan found himself unable to understand anything. How was he supposed to know how long a bullet would take to hit a target if someone shot a gun from a moving car? He wasn¡¯t a spy or a sniper. It seemed like the people who wrote the textbook weren¡¯t aware of it, but shooting required senses, experience, and guts. It was something one had to be born with.

    There was no point in trying to find the answer. Studying in school wouldn¡¯t be enough to make someone pull the trigger while aiming at an actual person.

    Lunchtime saved Kang Chan, who was on the verge of copsing because he was tired of enduring ss. He really didn¡¯t expect to miss Seok Kang-Ho buying him pork cutlets this much.

    ¡°Let''s go eat,¡± Kim Mi-Young said as she got up from her seat with a bright expression, but the thought of going to the cafeteria alone was enough for Kang Chan to lose his appetite.

    <i>Should I just buy ramen or something from the snack bar?</i>

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    <i>¡®Ugh.</i> <i>I¡¯m going, I¡¯m going.¡¯</i>

    The other students would probably be morefortable around Kang Chan if he kept showing a side of his that they could rte to.

    <i>Damn it</i>.

    However, Kang Chan¡¯s hopepletely shattered when he got to the hallway. The students on their way to the cafeteria went to the sides of the hallway and lowered their heads.

    He could sense their fear of him.

    <i>¡®Tsk!¡¯</i>

    He couldn¡¯tpletely me them, though. It would be weirder if they treated Kang Chan as a pushover and provoked him after he cut a hand in front of the school with a fillet knife. But now that he didn¡¯t have a reason to go to France anymore, he had to be friendlier than before, especially since he¡¯d have to continue going to school even in the second semester.

    He wanted to tell the students, <i>¡®Look. Snow White¡¯s walking next to mefortably,</i>¡¯ but strangely, the students looked away quickly when Kang Chan tried conveying his thoughts.

    The student cafeteria was in the basement of a building where the teachers¡¯ offices were located.

    Kang Chan thoughtlessly went down the basement stairs.

    ¡°Chan,¡± called Kim Mi-Young.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯</i>

    When he nced at her, he found her standing at the end of the stairs.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you getting in line?¡± She asked.

    Kang Chan was momentarily dumbfounded. He didn¡¯t think they had to get in line from here, considering they still had to go around the stairs two more times to get to the cafeteria. However, he didn¡¯t want to get special treatment from this kind of ce. If quick service were what he wanted, eating ramen or pastries from the snack bar would¡¯ve been better.

    He went up the stairs as if nothing happened.

    This was the first time Kang Chan had gone to the student cafeteria.

    Not wanting to surprise or frighten the students walking by, Kang Chan purposely moved Snow White toward the wall so he could face both her and the wall.

    ¡°Ah fuck, the student cafeteria fucking sucks!¡±

    Just then, two guys walked past him with their hands in their pockets and headed down the stairs with a swagger. They had had their pants altered to fit like leggings.

    ¡°I heard the Salted Shrimp ising to the cafeteria again,¡± one of them said.

    ¡°She¡¯s acting fucking cocky because she¡¯s in the athletics club, even though that bitch fucking stinks!¡± the other guy answered.

    Snow white quickly assessed Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    <i>Are they perhaps talking about Cha So-Yeon??</i>Kang Chan was confused but pretended not to notice for now. It wasn¡¯t ideal to call and yell at them just because they said a few words, and he doubted that even the apostle of justice would yell at the students one by one to get in line.

    The line moved forward quicker than he had expected.

    <i>¡®This isn¡¯t too bad.¡¯</i>

    Kim Mi-Young looked quite happy while she was against the wall. She even described the menu and the dishes¡¯ taste in the cafeteria to him by saying, ¡°The curry is really good,¡± and ¡°there¡¯s a lot of times when the soup is salty,¡± among other things.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t quite sure if it was really a relief that someone in the school, not to mention a ssmate, acted thisfortably around him. If Snow White wasn¡¯t here, he would¡¯ve bought ramen from the snack bar instead, isting himself from the others.

    When they went around the stairs twice, the smell of a variety of different dishes hit him through the wide-open metal door. ncing inside, he saw a catering table on the right side of the metal door, with neatly arranged long tables in front of it. It looked like the students received food in their own food tray, then sat down and ate wherever they wanted.

    Meanwhile, a few cocky guys brushed past them while ignoring the line, and each time the students in front and behind Kang Chan looked over at him.

    <i>Why are you just standing there? Can¡¯t you just do something about those guys?</i>

    Kang Chan understood what their gazes were trying to say. However, it wasn¡¯t like him to call and stop those types of guys one by one.

    He had never been to this cafeteria before, after all.

    Peeking inside, he suddenly tilted his head.

    <i>Cha So-Yeon?</i>

    He recognized her with just a nce since she was the only one with nobody around her in the bustling cafeteria. Cha So-Yeon had her head down and was only looking at the food tray.

    <i>Is this how she acted outside the athletics club?</i>

    Kang Chan had heard about this, but it was his first time seeing it in person. She had greeted him with such a bright face, but this was how she was treated whenever she was alone. There was racism in France and Africa. But they didn¡¯t openly give someone such a hard time like that.

    Kang Chan breathed deeply as he clenched his teeth.

    <i>Calm down. What was the point of beating up the kids here?</i>

    It would only further iste Cha So-Yeon if he were tosh out at some cocky guys and a few others.

    The students in front and behind Kang Chan began to look nervous as their gazes alternated between him and Cha So-Yeon.

    Kang Chan stayed in line with a cold expression. When his eyes sharpened, even Kim Mi-Young anxiously looked at him and Cha So-Yeon.

    They finally went inside the metal door.

    Kang Chan slowly and confidently looked around the cafeteria¡¯s interior.

    Eyes turned to him one by one, and the cafeteria grew quiet in an instant.

    <i>Screeech. Screech.</i>

    A few eleventh-graders quickly stood up from their seats and greeted Kang Chan with serious expressions. When the tactless kids noticed Kang Chan, even the sounds of chopsticks hitting disappeared.

    A few older women handing out the food peeked out from the kitchen, curious about what was happening. They then looked at the student in front of them, seemingly asking who Kang Chan was.

    An eleventh-grader ran toward him.

    ¡°Please sit. Let me¡­¡±

    ¡°Leave,¡± Kang Chan told the student.

    His eyes no longer easily rxed when he was filled with spite, perhaps because of his experience with Shan.

    The cafeteria began serving lunch in a very quiet and reverent way.

    Nervous, Cha So-Yeon had lowered her head and couldn¡¯t even move her utensils.

    <i>Why does a kid like her have to exist? Do all of the other fuckers in here smell something that I don¡¯t? Do they all?have a dog¡¯s sense of smell?</i>

    When it was finally his turn, even the olderdy seemed nervous. After being served, Kang Chan went in front of Cha So-Yeon, food tray and milk in hand.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan red sharply around the cafeteria again after putting his food tray on the table, noticing that some of the guys eating had quickly ced their utensils down. When Kim Mi-Young sat next to Kang Chan, Cha So-Yeon slowly raised her eyes and seemingly checked out the cafeteria¡¯s current mood.

    She seemed surprised, flustered, and happy to see him.

    Her eyes looked like that of a child¡¯s upon finding their guardian after getting lost.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t sit down yet.

    Three tables across from him, he saw the guys that walked past the line in leggings. When Kang Chan looked at them and smirked, they shook their heads like frightened dogs.

    <i>What should I do with these fuckers? Should I blow each of their heads off with the food tray?</i>

    ¡°Chan.¡±

    If Kim Mi-Young didn¡¯t call him with a concerned voice, then he might¡¯ve really done that. He had done that before as a soldier. He had just finished a difficult battle then, which meant he was especially spiteful since he was on edge.

    Nobody provoked Kang Chan when he was like this. Even in Africa, people learned to stay away from him after he turned an Algerian from another unit into a bloody mess when the Algerian became cocky and said, ¡°He¡¯s making a sour face just because he killed a few people.¡±

    He lost a medal and the prize money that came with it because of that incident.

    ¡°Chan, let¡¯s eat.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young tried to calm him down again, which came across as whiny.

    The girl he thought of as his little sister was here. Unfortunately, as he turned away from the bastards to suppress his anger, Kang Chan noticed Cha So-Yeon¡¯s empty surroundings again.

    <i>re.</i>

    ¡°Chan, please.¡±

    ¡°Phew.¡±

    By the time Kang Chan raised his gaze again, the guys standing had now lowered their heads. Nobody, not one person, was able to eat yet.

    Kim Mi-Young gently held Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    <i>What¡¯s this?</i>

    When he turned his head, he found Kim Mi-Young smiling despite her frightened expression.

    It was funny. Kang Chan¡¯s spite disappeared, and he actually felt sorry for the other innocent kids, the moment he felt her warm hand on his and saw her expression.

    1. This is referring back to a previous chapter¡¯s lesson

    2. Yakuza is a Japanese transnational organized crime gang. In other words, they are the Japanese mafia

    3. The direct trantion of the original sentence would be ¡°Keep trying to find the answer for a hundred days,¡± but I reced it because this worked better in English

 Chapter 31é”›å­­art2: Distribution (1)

    <h4>Chapter31£¬Part2: Distribution (1)</h4>

    The moment Kang Chan sat down, the suffocating atmosphere died down.

    When Kang Chan, Kim Mi-Young, and Cha So-Yeon began eating their lunch, the other students gradually resumed eating as well,

    The other students ate solemnly, however, as if they were at a memorial ceremony.

    Kim Mi-Young kept asking questions, and Cha So-Yeon answered to seemingly relieve the vicious atmosphere.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t butt in as they were mostly talking about studying.

    ¡°Can you teach me math for an hour every morning then, unnie?¡± Cha So-Yeon asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s try that. It¡¯ll be fun.¡±

    As they finished lunch, Kang Chan felt relieved that he got to school safely. If he didn¡¯t, Cha So-Yeon would¡¯ve been increasingly isted.

    This didn¡¯t seem like a problem that could be solved with violence since he couldn¡¯t force students to sit close to Cha So-Yeon or get along with her. He could prevent them from openly despising her, but it would be hard to make them befriend her through force. He needed a way to make this work.

    After lunch, they had a brief chat near the athletics club, then headed to ss.

    ¡°Snow White,¡± Kang Chan called out.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Thanks for holding my hand back there.¡±

    ¡°Huhuhu.¡±

    He needed to fix herugh.

    And it looked like she misunderstood why he thanked her for holding his hand.

    The afternoon sses bound Kang Chan to a seal, although the Koreannguage ss was surprisingly bearable. It wasn¡¯t that boring, either, since he used its time to contemte how he could erase the stigma stamped on kids like Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jin.

    Finally ss ended as if a long seal was released.

    Kang Chan decided to head home first. It didn¡¯t feel right to go to the hospital while wearing his school uniform after he made such a scene.

    ¡°Let¡¯s walk home,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    There wasn¡¯t anything wrong with that.

    Kim Mi-Young kept bbing about the bad kids and how afraid she was in the cafeteria until they arrived at the apartment.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Bye.¡±

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    After parting ways with Kim Mi-Young, he was about to enter the apartment building when his phone vibrated. Upon checking it, he found a message he assumed came from Seok Kang-Ho.

    [It starts now, Kang Chan.]

    <i>What¡¯s this?</i>

    The caller ID was ¡®000000¡¯.

    <i>¡®Who¡¯s this dickhead?¡¯</i>

    That was the end of it. Kang Chan smirked and took the elevator.

    Confident people would never result to methods like this. They would just confront their enemy head-on instead of doing something as cowardly as this.

    Kang Chan washed up and changed his clothes when he got home, then headed to the hospital. He first sought out Yoo Hun-Woo and got his ribs X-rayed. Upon looking into the results, the doctor¡¯s face filled up with surprise.

    Next was the injury on his shoulder.

    Yoo Hun-Woo pursed his lips, then sighed loudly as he sanitized and bandaged his shoulder.

    ¡°Does it look bad?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m worried because it looks too good. If everyone in the world was like you, doctors would starve.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo continued with a serious expression.

    ¡°Let¡¯s test out your tissues when there''s time. If your cells¡¯ regeneration and division are faster than normal, we¡¯d probably get unexpected results.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do thatter.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t force you to do it because you¡¯d have to pay for it, but please make some time for it.¡±

    A doctor like Yoo Hun-Woo wouldn¡¯t encourage something like that to make more money. Nevertheless, Kang Chan dyed the test for now since he didn¡¯t want to give Yoo Hye-Sook more things to worry about at the moment.

    Kang Chan took the elevator and went up into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted him.

    ¡°Hi, Channy!¡± Smithen eximed.

    .

    Seok Kang-Ho greeted Kang Chan with a displeased expression.

    ¡°What¡¯s that fucker doing in here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    upying the bed across from Seok Kang Ho, Smithen was sitting with his back on the bed, his left eye and mouth uncovered.

    ¡°He¡¯s been spouting bullshit because he¡¯s bored and scared. We need to speak the samenguage tomunicate, but I only speak Korean and Arabic, and that fucker only speaks French and English. I¡¯m going to be bored to death soon,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    Kang Chan looked at Smithen, who was avoiding his eyes.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Kang Chan asked him.

    ¡°It was boring being alone, so I tried to take this time to learn Korean.¡±

    <i>He¡¯s good at bullshitting.</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho again.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your wife?¡±

    ¡°She went home to take care of our kid. I told her toe tomorrow after she sleeps since I can move on my own anyway,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Make me a cup of coffee.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Daye!¡± Smithen eximed as Seok Kang-Ho made a cup of instant coffee, letting him know he also wanted a cup

    ¡°Just make him one,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho, wearing a stic neck brace, red at Smithen, but Kang Chan calmed him down. Kang Chan could almost feel his head starting to throb just by watching these two guys together.

    ¡°This tastes really fantastic,¡± Smithen said.

    Smithen¡¯s entire physique, which was normally covered with curly yellow hair, had now been tightly bandaged. Kang Chan stared at him as he drank coffee.

    Kang Chan had mixed emotions¡ªincluding pity and spite¡ªfor Smithen since he only had his left eye and mouth visible.

    ¡°What¡¯s with all the bullshit about you wanting to split up the stocks?¡± Kang Chan asked after opening the window. They all bit down on a cigarette. Smithen looked at Kang Chan after cing his hand down, which he was using to drink coffee and smoke.

    ¡°There are three million euros in the bank ount, and I have twelve million euros in stocks. Splitting that into three, it should be around five million euros per person. I¡¯m willing to split it equally on one condition. I need cash right now, so let me use one million euros in the bank ount,¡± Smithen answered.

    ¡°I already have stocks and money, so just use it, you bastard!¡±

    ¡°No, Channy.¡±

    Smithen gave Kang Chan a serious look.

    ¡°Please forgive me for what I did in the past and ept me as your teammate again. I already paid the price with my right eye and my broken body. I just thought that I was going to eventually end up bing like Shan once I start getting more money since that would make me greedy. I¡¯m not saying you should be more greedy about money. I¡¯m just asking for one more chance¡ªa chance to be the God of ckfield¡¯s subordinate.¡±

    ¡°Are you going to keep pretending like you¡¯re a decent person, you son of a bitch?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Channy. Please continue to treat me like that¨Chow you did before.¡±

    It was the first time Kang Chan saw a guy being happy while getting sworn at.

    ¡°I understand. But leave the stocks be. Dealing with that¡¯s going to be annoying in more ways than one.¡±

    ¡°Channy.¡±

    Smithen didn¡¯t look like he was going to back down.

    ¡°We should split it equally since it¡¯s just the three of us left. If it bothers you that much, I¡¯m going to find other ways to give it to you.¡±

    Smithen was stubborn. He wouldn¡¯t listen even though he had been fairly beaten up.

    Kang Chan red at him profoundly.

    ¡°This son of a bitch must be crazy,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said while looking into his phone, sounding irritated.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Ah, a stupid fucker sent me a text message that said, ¡®You¡¯re going to die soon.¡¯ Geez, what an unlucky day.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the sender ID?¡±

    ¡°Let me see, what¡¯s this? It¡¯s six zeros.¡±

    Feeling uneasy, Kang Chan walked toward Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Look at this.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho deleted the message and threw his phone on the bed after showing Kang Chan the text.

    ¡°What fucker is doing this?¡± Kang Chan took his phone out and showed Seok Kang-Ho the text message he received earlier.

    ¡°What? What¡¯s this?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho raised his eyes from the phone and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°The fucker knows both of our numbers?¡±

    ¡°It could just be a prank of one of those sons of bitches that got beat up in school. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Kang Chan had a sudden thought.

    ¡°What if this person has the phone that I lost at the hotel?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Nah, we took care of everything starting with the Serpent Venimeux. There isn¡¯t anyone left that could¡¯ve picked it up and sent us both a message. You also said that Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s henchman cleaned up the ce.¡±

    ¡°Is that right?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not act so alert. Since you still seem to be on the edge, how about we go somewhere and take a nice¡­ Oh, right. You¡¯re still a student.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho licked his lips, his eyes filled with pity for Kang Chan.

    ¡°All I¡¯m saying is we shouldn¡¯t be so sensitive. If you¡¯re still worked up, then let¡¯s have a drink or something,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I also had a close call at noon, but I just let it go.¡±

    Kang Chan told them what had happened during lunch now that they were on the topic.

    ¡°Kids can be so fucking cruel in their own ways,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    That was true.

    ¡°Anyways, what are we going to do about that fucker?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan looked at Smithen.

    ¡°That fucker basically wants to evenly split up the stocks and the money in the bank into three in exchange for a new, clean start.¡±

    ¡°What do you think, captain?¡±

    Smithen lightly observed their reactions with his head down.

    ¡°That bastard most likely doesn¡¯t have pure intentions. I didn¡¯t make a big deal out of it when he offered us the money, but I have my doubts now that he¡¯s also offering to split up the stocks.¡±

    ¡°He asked you to let him join us, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. If you were him, would you rather stay with us or sell your stocks and live afortable life somewhere you won¡¯t have to worry about others?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±

    Smithen quickly looked away when his eye met Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s.

    ¡°It¡¯s strange that he¡¯s avoiding my gaze. That bastard normally didn¡¯t act that way since he saw me as a pushover back then. He even used to boast openly about stealing my wallet and running away,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho, confused by what he was saying.

    ¡°He kept protesting that there was more money in the wallet than I had said, but he can¡¯t even look me in the eye after saying that he¡¯d split it evenly among the three of us? That doesn¡¯t make any sense. I find his behavior really weird.¡±

    <i>¡°Tsk!¡±</i>

    That wasn¡¯t urgent at the moment. Kang Chan had just finished thinking he should just watch him for now.

    ¡°Hear me out, captain,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°And don¡¯t jump to conclusions with what I¡¯m about to say.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s split the money and stocks between the three of us,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, then proceeded to protest when he noticed Kang Chan¡¯s reaction, seemingly finding it unwarranted. ¡°Hey, I told you not to jump to conclusions.¡±

    1. Unnie is a term used by females to address other females that are older than them or females that are of higher social status

 Chapter 32é”›å­­art1: Distribution (2)

    <h4>Chapter32£¬Part1: Distribution (2)</h4>

    ¡°He used to trick me all that time, and I¡¯m sure that fucker is hiding something this time as well. Something will probablye up after we split everything up, which is why he insists on splitting the money and stocks as soon as possible. He wants to do it before a problem urs and he¡¯s forced to give it to a different and unrted party,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    <i>Maybe he¡¯s right.</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Smithen.

    ¡°If you¡¯re still in doubt, then you can hold onto my share of the split as well, Captain,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    Kang Chan thought Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s words carried weight.

    This was Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s prize for surviving hell, making Kang Chan wonder if he even had the right to tell him what to do with his share of the split.

    He honestly thought about passing on the money to their deceased unit members¡¯ families, but his crew rarely talked about their past. And they all grew up in solitude. They didn¡¯t have affectionate family members that Kang Chan could search for and give the money to.

    ¡°Understood. Let¡¯s go with your suggestion after we ask him a few more questions and after we¡¯ve ensured he has no other schemes.¡±

    Kang Chan called Smithen over after finishing their conversation.

    ¡°I get what you¡¯re saying, Smithen. I¡¯ve also taken Daye¡¯s opinion into consideration. But I need you to bepletely clear about this: Are you still hiding something from us?¡±

    Smithen gave Kang Chan a quick nce.

    <i>¡®He¡¯s hiding something.¡¯</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m not. What else is there for me to hide at this point?¡± He gave an answer Kang Chan found irrelevant.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want a guy that used to be on Shan¡¯s side to join them for his own personal agendas.

    ¡°Smithen,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s nervous gaze alternated between the two of them when Kang Chan¡¯s tone changed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s pretend our conversation about the stocks never happened,¡± Kang Chan replied. ¡±From now on, you¡¯re on your own. I¡¯ll send you one million euros since I¡¯m the one that¡¯s made this decision. It ends here.¡±

    Deciding that the leftover money should be Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s, Kang Chan smirked and turned his head away from Smithen.

    ¡°I think someone was backing Shan up. I can¡¯t get into details since I¡¯m not sure if someone really was, though, let alone who they were,¡± Smithen confessed.

    ¡°Is that why you said the stocks should be split?¡±

    ¡°About that¡­¡±

    It seemed like Smithen also wanted to share the danger.

    Kang Chan passed on what Smithen had just said to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore.

    Smithen recognized that swear word.

    ¡°I¡¯m really not hiding anything anymore, captain. So please, let me join you once we¡¯ve split the money and stocks equally,¡± He begged, his eye now filled with seriousness and honesty.

    ¡°Phew¡­ Okay. I¡¯ll believe everything you¡¯ve said for now,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Thank you, captain! Thank you, Dayeru!¡±

    Smithen flinched when he tried to move, his expression turning sour.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I was going to make a cup of that fantastic coffee to express my gratitude.¡±

    This guy truly was full of bullshit. Kang Chan ended the situation by telling Seok Kang-Ho to make coffee.

    While drinking coffee, Smithen requested a private teacher to teach him Korean since he was in a hurry and a house that wasn¡¯t far from Kang Chan¡¯s ce. He didn¡¯t mind even if he had to pay monthly rent.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Chan agreed, remembering one of Michelle¡¯s friends, Cindy, who was some kind of frencer. Now that he thought about it, the girl named Cecile said that she worked at a brokerage firm. He wasn¡¯t sure if they would actually work properly.

    ¡°I should go. I have ns for dinner today,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you send that fucker to another room first? He acts like that even when my wife¡¯s here.¡±

    Smithen sat and leaned against the bed as he gauged their reactions with an expression that mirrored his confusion on what was being said. A hairy man sitting down with only his eye and mouth visible was an ugly sight to see.

    ¡°Endure it only for now. I¡¯lle up with something by tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan made Smithen promise not to tell anyone about what happened in Africa except him and Seok Kang-Ho before leaving.

    ***

    Upon getting home, Kang Chan found Yoo Hye-Sook wearing afortable outfit.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we going out for dinner today?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Of course we are. Your dad also said that he¡¯s arriving soon.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked happy despite her expression visibly disying her inner struggles.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Kang Chan asked. As he did, the door opened and Kang Dae-Kyung walked.

    ¡°Wee home,¡± Kang Chan greeted him.

    They seemed to be having dinner at home.

    ¡°Thank you. Are you ready to go, honey?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Yeah. I can just go out like this.¡±

    Based on their conversation, however, they were clearly going out to eat.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve just told us to go down,¡± Kang Chan told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°I was dying to see your mom.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being cheesy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°Time to go, my queen.¡±

    cing a hand on the small of Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s back, Kang Dae-Kyung walked to the entrance with her.

    <i>Are they hiding something</i>?

    Kang Chan could do nothing but follow them in this situation.

    Kang Dae-Kyung led them to the car in the underground parking lot, drove the car out of the apartment, and merged onto the main road. On the way, he kept talking to Yoo Hye-Sook about various things, such as the interviews he did today and what articles were released. Kang Chan kept quiet and just watched the two of them from the back seat.

    They looked happy.

    Kang Dae-Kyung soon stopped the car somewhere he didn¡¯t expect.

    <i>Could it be?</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook smiled mischievously while looking at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I said that we¡¯de here with your mom next time, didn¡¯t I?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    That was true. But he didn¡¯t know they would go to a snack bar in front of his school on such a day.

    Momentarily confused, Kang Chan got out of the car and went inside the snack bar with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. They then ordered pork cutlets.

    ¡°I made a promise to your mom,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    Yoo Hye-Sooklooked at Kang Dae-Kyung softly and lovingly.

    ¡°It was that if we don¡¯t have debt and own a house and car, we¡¯d use our extra money to help children in need.¡±

    <i>Do people like them really exist in the world? They¡¯re using their hard-earned money to help other people?</i>

    ¡°It was what your mom asked me to do after she first held you. It¡¯s our way of reminding ourselves not to be selfish and expressing our gratitude for being blessed enough to watch you grow. I did actually brag about eating pork cutlets here with youst time, but I didn¡¯t know she¡¯d want toe here today.¡±

    They were served pork cutlets. Kang Dae-Kyung quickly cut the pork cutlets, ced it in front of Yoo Hye-Sook, and handed her some chopsticks.

    ¡°Are you disappointed?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°No. This was a bit unexpected, but I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook smiled broadly, which she hadn¡¯t done in a long time.

    They started eating.

    ¡°When did the two of you meet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    He immediately realized how thoughtless his question was when he saw their confused expressions. They had probably told him about it before.

    ¡°Ever since the ident, I¡¯ve been having instances when I can¡¯t remember conversations I¡¯ve had in the past,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s expression suddenly held pity, but there was nothing they could do. Kang Dae-Kyung nodded and answered him.

    ¡°We met in college. All of the pictures are in our house.¡±

    <i>¡®I should take a look at themter.¡¯</i>

    ¡°I see,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°My family was actually very poor back then,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung continued.

    ¡°Honey, why are you bringing that up again?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook tried to whine and stop him with a grumble, but Kang Dae-Kyung remained firm.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t leave in a rural area, but I needed to work part-time relentlessly to afford school books and transportation fees. Not long after I was admitted as a freshman, I was told that the students were going to an MT , but I wasn¡¯t financially capable of attending things like that.¡±

    ¡°Did mom pay for it?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Now that I think back to it, your mom has been deeply in love with me since then.¡±

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    When Kang Chan and Kang Dae-Kyung startedughing together, Yoo Hye-Sook appeared to be making excuses.

    ¡°I felt really bad for him because he came to school every day looking like he hadn¡¯t eaten. Your dad¡¯s eyes were already quite big back then, but whenever he had to buy books or something came up that involved paying money, his eyes would widen even more, almost as if he was scared.¡±

    ¡°But didn¡¯t you pay the MT fees for him because you were somewhat interested in him?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Right? Right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung added.

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook firmly closed her mouth and red at Kang Dae-Kyung when people started looking at them.

    ¡°We¡¯re kidding. Eat up,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    It was a pleasant dinner. Kang Chan was worried because the oil used to make the pork cutlets weren¡¯t good. Fortunately, she ate heartily, seemingly finding the dish delicious.

    ¡°She bought all of my lunches since then without missing a day. When I did my military service in Cheorwon, she made sure to visit me twice every month,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung continued.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Yoo Hye-Sook with loving eyes.

    ¡°Once during my military service, we had to clean up snow all day because it snowed so much it was as if there was a hole in the sky. All of us thought no one would visit, but she did even though the cold was making her tremble. Even the executives in the military camp came out and greeted her, and I got two nights and three days of vacation thanks to her. This still alwayses up when I meet up with my crew from back then.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Yoo Hye-Sook with surprised eyes.

    ¡°When I was discharged from the military, your mom got offered to study abroad at the expense of the government, but she gave it up without telling me. She chose to stay by my side until I graduated and got a job.¡±

    Kang Chan had always thought there had to be a sufficient reason why Kang Dae-Kyung was good to her.

    ¡°Your maternal grandmother stealthily told me about it after we had you. While in tears, she also said that your mom probably ended up surviving because she met you.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to ask about his grandmother but thought that would ruin the mood, so he just nodded along.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan finished their food, while Yoo Hye-Sook still had about half of her dish left.

    ¡°Even if it seems inadequate, let¡¯s consider this our family dinner since your mom chose this menu because she wanted to celebrate our achievement in a special way. This doesn¡¯t mean that we should live like penny pinchers, though. We¡¯re going to continue using a portion of our earnings to help children in need,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°You guys are still doing that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Shoot! Looks like this is also a wrong question.</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung quickly remedied the atmosphere.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t stopped donating a certain portion of my paycheck,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    The dinner ended appropriately.

    1. MT stands for Membership Training, an event, usually held in remote locations, that University students attend to socialize and participate in training activities with others that are often in the same club or academic major

    2. Cheorwon is a South Korean county in the province of Gangwon

 Chapter 32é”›å­­art2: Distribution (2)

    <h4>Chapter32£¬Part2: Distribution (2)</h4>

    At sunset, they parked the car beside the Han River and went for a walk. There were quite a lot of people.

    ¡°There¡¯s going to be a ¡®Chiffre¡¯ presentation next week. I heard that Mr. Smithen, who¡¯s been appointed as the manager of the Korean branch, and the French Ambassador areing. I hope you attend with your mom that day.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung gave him a grateful gaze, then spoke to Yoo Hye-Sook. Kang Chan looked at the heedlessly flowing river while he listened to their inquisitive conversations that consisted of ¡°What should I wear?¡±, ¡°What about that outfit you wore when we met Seong-Heest time? That looks good¡±, and ¡°I heard the Ambassador¡¯sing¡ªOh, right! Can I invite Seong-Hee?¡±

    <i>I should get used to this. There¡¯s no reason to go to France and be a soldier if I¡¯m not going to look for my body.</i>

    <i>¡®I¡¯m thinking of epting this life. Please understand.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan conveyed his intentions to his body¡¯s owner, who might be somewhere. He then thought about why this happened and why it didn¡¯t only happen to him but to Seok Kang-Ho as well. He was curious if there were others that had been reincarnated like him.

    Considering they didn¡¯t walk that long, it seemed like they strolled around specifically for Yoo Hye-Sook because she ate greasy food.

    After a while, the three of them arrived home.

    Kang Chan first called Michelle.

    ¡°Maybe she went to a club?¡±

    She didn¡¯t pick up even though he called twice.

    He didn¡¯t sweat it, thinking she¡¯d call once she had checked her phone.

    ***

    The next day, Kang Chan thought about ways to remove the stigma on kids like Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jin throughout morning ss. His sses were no longer as painful, perhaps because of the various matters he had to think about. Some teachers even seemed satisfied with his attitude in ss, but they never prevented him from sleeping or told him to properly pay attention in ss.

    When lunch break came, Kang Chan headed to the cafeteria with Kim Mi-Young again.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim!¡± Cha So-Yeon called.

    Cha So-Yeon was standing in front of the cafeteria. She brightly greeted Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Yeong.

    ¡°Were you waiting for us?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    That wasn¡¯t a bad thought.

    It looked like he had no choice but to eat lunch with them for the time being.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    He got a text when he was going down the stairs to follow the line.

    [Channy, I just woke up because I finished work in the morning. What¡¯s up?]

    <i>What does she do for a living anyway, and why does it finish in the morning?</i>

    Kang Chan pressed the call button.

    - Channy, aren¡¯t you in ss?

    ¡°It¡¯s currently our lunch break.¡±

    - Sorry. The photoshoot ended in the morning, so I couldn¡¯t call back.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. This isn¡¯t urgent anyway, but Smithen, the manager of Gong Te automobile¡¯s Korean branch, needs a personal teacher to teach him Korean, so I¡¯m thinking of introducing Cindy if she doesn¡¯t have anything special ongoing right now. He¡¯s currently in the hospital, though.¡±

    - Okay, I¡¯ll ask her and call back. Is there anything else? Don¡¯t you suddenly feel a little hot and bothered today?

    ¡°I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    Kang Chan ended the call. There were too many students around him to respond to that kind of bullshit. Just talking quietly since he was standing in line was already so annoying. Why should he answer if he was feeling hot?

    He thoughtlessly turned his attention toward the kids around him and noticed that the two guys that wore leggings and the guys that greeted him yesterday were at the end of the line. When their eyes met, they greeted him again in a way that obnoxiously imitated gangsters.

    They quickly shook their heads when Kang Chan smirked andughed.

    It was always sickening to be greeted by those dickheads. Especially during lunch.

    ***

    It had be a routine for Kang Chan to walk home with Kim Mi-Young, even though it had only been two days.

    Would she believe him if he told her that she was the first one that managed to stop him when he almost exploded?

    She was definitely going to smile strangely if he told her, but it was the truth.

    Dayeru had once stopped him in Africa when an Algerian guy sneered at Kang Chan while he was smoking. A young, new recruit had just died in a bloody mess during his second battle that day. If Dayeru didn¡¯t fend off Kang Chan while Dayeru was getting stabbed in the forearm, the Algerian would¡¯ve certainly died.

    The upper levels of the apartment soon came into view behind the buildings.

    ¡°I¡¯m going in. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow morning. Bye,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. Bye.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young ran off with a happy expression. Her face was full of the hope that she would see him again tomorrow.

    Kang Chan went inside the house, had a brief talk with Yoo Hye-Sook, changed clothes, then headed to the hospital.

    He got a call when he got into the taxi and told the driver his destination. It was Michelle.

    ¡°Hey.¡±

    - Do you have time today? Cindy is unavable because of her broadcasting work, but she has a friend that¡¯s willing to do it. She wants to meet and talk to you and Smithen for a bit today.¡±

    Kang Chan felt worried for a moment but decided to ept it.

    ¡°Tell her toe to the Bang Ji Hospital, room 503. That¡¯s where Smithen¡¯s admitted. I¡¯m on my way there now.¡±

    - Okay, Channy. Bang Ji Hospital, room 503.

    Michelle ended the call with a joyous tone. She would¡¯ve been a pretty good friend one way or another if she weren¡¯t so crazy for him.

    After arriving at the hospital, Kang Chan first sought out Yoo Hun-Woo and got the injury on his shoulder treated.

    ¡°Though your shoulder has a scar now, more of the sutures have fallen off. At this point, it doesn¡¯t even need to be bandaged anymore. How¡¯s the pain?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I never felt any today.¡±

    Still looking surprised, Yoo Hun-Woo sanitized his injury and ced gauze on it.

    As soon as Kang Chan went into the patient room, both Seok Kang-Ho and Smithen greeted him as if they had met their savior.

    ¡°Did something happen?¡± He asked them.

    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m just bored since I have to spend the entire day stuck with a guy I can¡¯t even talk to. Do you want coffee?¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan looked at Smithen while Seok Kang-Ho made coffee.

    ¡°I was told that Gong Te automobile has appointed you as the manager for their Korean branch. And in a few minutes, your Koreannguage teacher will be arriving to meet with us.¡±

    ¡°A female?¡± Smithen asked, then gauged Kang Chan¡¯s mood. When Kang Chan simply stared at him in silence, he took the coffee with a smirk.

    Smithen¡¯s behavior didn¡¯te across as a surprise. He had lived his whole life with only his ability to endure attacks. Even now, that fucker was probably confident he¡¯d survive being beaten up for 30 minutes. Heined that he was going to go crazy for having to stay still for a moment to learn Korean. After he smoked another cigarette, the door opened and a mediocre-looking French girl with insanelyrge breasts came in.

    Kang Chan stood up and greeted her. She introduced herself as Alice.

    ¡°Everyone, meet Alice. That¡¯s Seok Kang-Ho, and this is Smithen, the manager of Gong Te automobile¡¯s Korean branch.¡±

    The three of them chaotically greeted each other.

    ¡°That¡¯s the person you have to teach, Alice. Would you like to conduct a trial run now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to talk to him for a bit first.¡±

    Smithen smirked when she walked over to him, his remaining eye about to pop out toward her chest.

    Alice stood up from her spot when Kang Chan was talking to Seok Kang-Ho about school.

    ¡°I¡¯ll start teaching him tomorrow. We can decide on my rates then. Is that alright?¡± Alice told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sure. Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Bye.¡±

    Alice left the room with Smithen feeling bad.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to stay in a different room starting tomorrow,¡± Smithen told Kang Chan. He sounded serious.

    ¡°I¡¯m requesting this because I don¡¯t want my Koreannguage sses to disturb Dayeru¡¯s rest. No, Channy. Does that look in your eyes mean that you¡¯re suspicious of me?¡±

    ¡°Be quiet,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    Smithen quickly shut his mouth and turned his gaze to the side.

    ¡°What¡¯s he saying?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°He wants to stay in a separate room starting tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Son of a bitch.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho swore in Kang Chan¡¯s stead.

    Kang Chan looked for a nurse and requested another private room, then prepared to leave after seeing Seok Kang-Ho hadid down.

    ¡°Goodnight, Channy.¡±

    Kang Chan only responded to Smithen¡¯s goodbye with a tired smile, finding him pitiful even though he didn¡¯t trust him.

    Kang Chan felt bad for him due to his current situation. After all, the only thing he could do was say goodbye to the very person that destroyed his right eye.

    <i>¡®Sleep well.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan said his goodbyes in his head, then left the room.

    ***

    On Friday, Kang Chan headed to the hospital as soon as sses had finished.

    Seok Kang-Ho was now alone in the room. He was sitting on the bed watching TV, but his face seemed puffed up, most likely because he had done nothing but stay in the hospital for the past few days.

    ¡°Why do you visit every day?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Smithen?¡±

    ¡°He kept bullshitting the hospital employees, asking how he could activate a phone all morning, and now he hasn¡¯t gone anywhere after his Koreannguage teacher arrived.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    Kang Chan went to the room right beside Seok Kang-Ho and knocked, not wanting to see something he shouldn¡¯t.

    Alice opened the door.

    ¡°Channy.¡±

    Her blush was suspicious, but it would only tire him out if he let every little thing bother him.

    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±

    Smithen sat on the edge of the bed and greeted Kang Chan.

    ¡°Can you contact Gong Te automobile?¡± He asked Smithen.

    ¡°I should be able to.¡±

    ¡°Then call them and tell them not to let the Korean branch office know what hospital you¡¯re admitted to until you¡¯ve been discharged. Letting those involvede here will onlyplicate things. I¡¯ll also get you a house to move into once I¡¯ve withdrawn the money.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Do you have a phone?¡±

    Kang Chan took out his phone and handed it to him.

    ¡°Wait, what time is it in France?¡± Smithen asked.

    ¡°Probably around 11am?¡±

    ¡°Do you know their international number?¡±

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    Alice went out of her way and actually pressed the number for him before Kang Chan exploded. It seemed she had figured out that there was something weird between Kang Chan and Smithen¡¯s rtionship, but she didn¡¯t butt in any further.

    Smithen exchanged contact information with the responsible employee working in the rtive department after he sufficiently exined his reasoning, allowing him to directly contact the employee instead of the Gong Te headquarters for things that needed the French headquarters¡¯ approval.

    ¡°Alice, step out for a moment,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    She willingly headed outside the room.

    ¡°Smithen, how could the French headquarters take care of things as if nothing happened even though Shan disappeared?¡±

    ¡°Channy, the influence of the Serpent Venimeux in France is beyond imagination. How else could I have be the director of Asian affairs, right? The Korean embassy also would¡¯ve been contacted even if they didn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that the headquarters were aware of this drug deal?¡±

    ¡°They could be, or they initially weren¡¯t. Either way, they probablyter became aware of it, considering how the whole situation involving Shan got resolved and how easily I became the branch manager of Korea. They usually just want to cover it up because nothing goodes out of things getting out of hand.¡±

    ¡°Those dirty fuckers.¡±

    Smithen nced outside the door.

    ¡°Apparently, there¡¯s a presentation for Gong Te automobile next week,¡± Kang Chan told Smithen.

    ¡°I can take Alice and go there in a wheelchair.¡±

    ¡°Sure. What are you going to do for dinner?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going out with her.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up, shaking his head.

    Alice was sitting in a long waiting chair but promptly went inside the room when he left. Considering the mood between them, they¡¯d most likely give birth to a child first before Smithen could learn Korean.

    ¡°The coffee¡¯s gone cold,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    The two of them talked about multiple matters as Kang Chan drank the coffee that Seok Kang-Ho handed to him while heined.

    1. The Han River (Hangang) is a major river in South Korea. It¡¯s a hotspot for people looking to hang out, go on walks, and even eat

    2. Sunbae-nim is a respectful way of calling others that are more experienced in a school,pany, or group

 Chapter 33é”›å­­art1: Things are Starting to Get out of Hand

    <h4>Chapter33£¬Part1: Things are Starting to Get out of Hand</h4>

    When Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s family said that they were going to visit him on Saturday morning and nned on staying with him on Sunday as well, Kang Chan decided not to visit him this weekend. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s family were bound to meet each other someday, but he currently didn¡¯t look presentable, and their first meeting didn¡¯t have to be in the hospital.

    Yoo Hye-Sook had recovered to some degree, and she was happy the entire Saturday since she kept receiving congrattory calls from her acquaintances.

    ¡°Yep! It¡¯s 3 pm next Saturday. Thanks, sweetie!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook smiled from ear to ear as she invited Kim Seong-Hee to the presentation for Gong Te automobile next Saturday.

    Kang Chan hoped this peace wouldst.

    Kang Chan had lunch, then asked Michelle if he could have a private meeting with Cecile. Doing business with a brokerage firm in Korea was burdensome, considering word about therge amount of money they had in the bank and in stocks could get out.

    They discussed how they¡¯d allocate the stocks, the issue with remittance in the Swiss bank ount, and how to track down Kang Chan¡¯s money that was in Cr¨¦dit Paris.

    There were a lot of problems.

    They first took care of the stocks in the form of donations, which meant he¡¯d have about half of that amount in taxes. Since the money woulde from overseas, it would be difficult to report it as foreign exchange.

    ¡°My head hurts. Just leave it, and I¡¯ll order Smithen to collect itter. It wouldn¡¯t be a problem if the branch manager of Korea brings his own money with him, right?¡± Kang Chan asked Cecile.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll contact you after I look into it more.¡±

    They parted ways on that note that Saturday.

    The next day, Kang Chan received a call from Cecile while he was resting at home.

    She proposed that he use a fairly petty andplicated method, suggesting Smithen should put up the stocks as coteral to receive a loan at the HNC branch, then collect the money that was in the Swiss bank to repay it.

    It would be expedient if they took it as Smithen lending money to Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho in the end. Cecile also told him it would solve the problem of bringing money into Korea immediately and the problem of receiving gift tax.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho and I have to pay him back, then?¡±

    - We can create a bond expiration paperwork in advance. Our legal team will prepare that themselves.

    ¡°What about the taxes?¡±

    - I¡¯m proposing that we don¡¯t handle it as a donation. Since everyone else does this too, it won¡¯t stand out, and the paperwork will perfectly cover it up.

    ¡°Will this be a vition of thew or not?¡±

    ¨C Let¡¯s just say that it¡¯s an expedient, Channy. I¡¯ll take care of it myself.

    ¡°Tsk! Don¡¯t do anything that¡¯ll create more problems. I don¡¯t want to live like a coward.¡±

    - As I said, leave this to our team.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    <i>What on earth is she saying?</i>

    Kang Chan trusted Cecile to handle everything after he pointed out just three things. Smithen himself didn¡¯t need to prepare anything, so Kang Chan was told everything would be resolved if he went to Smithen¡¯s room in the afternoon and got his signature on six pages of documents.

    Seok Kang-Ho had a bank ount, and Kang Chan needed to create one on Monday.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan felt annoyed, finding it quite tedious. He told Seok Kang-Ho to put everything in his ount, but Seok Kang-Ho said that it would be wiser to deposit the money into separate ounts. This gave Kang Chan no choice but to go to the bank on Monday at lunch time.

    ***

    Monday.

    Kang Chan bore through the morning sses, ate lunch, then went to the bank to open an ount. Afterward, he took a picture of the first page of the paperwork and sent it to Cecile. No matter how many times he thought about it, these actions were out of character for him. He gritted his teeth and did as Smithen asked, however, upon remembering how he whined about wanting a house.

    - Please sign the promissory note at dinner tonight, Channy. Thew firm will hold onto it, and the loan will be released sequentially when Smithen repays it.

    Kang Chan was told that after the stocks were split into three, the stocks would be taken care of in a way that would prevent Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho from selling them immediately.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯tpletely understand what she was saying, but everyplicated and headache-inducing matter appeared to have ended at least.

    He felt better when he went to the hospital and visited Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Did something happen?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I just can¡¯t take all these requirements for bank ounts and paperwork. I¡¯d much rather be ordered to join a knife fight.¡±

    ¡°Phuhuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed as he made him a cup of coffee.

    ¡°Smithen¡¯s apparently going to move into an apartment with Alice after the moneyes in tomorrow,¡± He said.

    ¡°Tsk! That¡¯s actually better. That¡¯s the best way to learn anguage. There¡¯s also no one that can take care of that injured bastard right now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho gave Kang Chan a serious look after he put the rest of the coffee in.

    ¡°The money that¡¯ll be deposited tomorrow is all yours. It¡¯s for the price of your life. Do what you want with it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Can I do that?¡±

    ¡°Smithen will be buying a house, phone, and clothes immediately. He¡¯s going crazy. So do what you want with it¡ªwhether you want to give it to your wife, buy a car, or drown in alcohol.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I gave it to you.¡±

    ¡°But didn¡¯t we get this money because of that bloody fight with Shan? I feel bad for getting an equal share of it.¡±

    ¡°Stop with the nonsense and give me a cigarette instead,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    They put a cigarette in between their lips.

    ¡°Let¡¯s end the money talks here,¡± Kang Chan concluded.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho knew his personality. Kang Chan would never bring up conversations that he had already closed. While they were talking about school, Cecile came in. After she got Kang Chan¡¯s signature on a whopping six sheets of documents, she took out two more pages.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°This is for applying a charge to the ount that¡¯s in Credit Paris. Write your social security number and password here. You¡¯ve told me you remember them. The legal team should be able to take care of it with that information.¡±

    Kang Chan signed this with more care, feeling as if this money was more precious than the money that came over from the Swiss bank.

    ¡°Channy. We¡¯ll be deductingmission fees,pany expenses, and a month''s worth of interest from the money that¡¯ll be deposited tomorrow. You know that, right?¡±

    ¡°How much will that be?¡±

    ¡°About fifty thousand dors per person?¡±

    ¡°Okay. You did well.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thankful that you raised my work performance. Let me buy you a drink next week in return.¡±

    ¡°Does it matter who buys it?¡±

    ¡°Fair enough, Channy. I¡¯ll go now since this meeting is strictly for official matters only.¡±

    Cecile left without saying anything else.

    ¡°She seems okay when she¡¯s like that,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Yeah. And she¡¯s dressed neatly as well.¡±

    They had finally finished the long organization of the documents. The thought made Kang Chan feel kind of strange, perhaps because it was as if his life in France and Africa had ended.

    ***

    Tuesday.

    Kang Chan turned on his phone at lunch and saw two messages.

    [Deposit from HNC.]

    [Deposit from HNC.]

    <i>Why did these fuckers send two separate transactions? They¡¯re just annoying people.</i>

    He didn¡¯t even try to read the amount in the first message as it had too many numbers. However, his heart fluttered strangely when he checked the second message.

    Kang Chan immediately called Cecile.

    - Channy, I was actually debating on calling you.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the second deposit of two hundred thirty million won?¡±

    - It¡¯s from Credit Paris. You had signed a contract with an operating profit use, which has umted quite a lot of money. I can¡¯t believe you made such a decision, Channy.

    Even Kang Chan wasn¡¯t aware of it. If things had gone wrong, he probably would¡¯ve lost his capital. At any rate, he again reminded himself of the lesson that he shouldn¡¯t trust the fuckers in the financial sector.

    ¡°Thank you for all your efforts. I can¡¯t express my gratitude enough. After all, this money actually means something to me.¡±

    - You¡¯re such a strange person. Anywho, due to the amazing currency exchange rate, you got over 1.5 billion won from the Swiss ount. There aren¡¯t that many people your age that would have that much wealth. Our ounting team will manage it, so make sure to inform me if Korea¡¯s National Tax Service or other rted organizations contact you.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan ended the call to eat lunch.

    Kang Chan¡¯s presence in the cafeteria seemed weed since nobody cut in line, pretended to be tough, or acted dramatic and silly anymore. They actually even left two seats in front of Cha So-Yeon for Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young. They took all the other seats beside them, eatingfortably even with Kang Chan nearby.

    ***

    Kang Chan checked his phone on his way home after ss, finding six missed calls from an unknown number. He pressed the call button.

    - Hello, Mr. Kang Chan? I¡¯m Song Gi-Wook, the Bank of Korea¡¯s Sin-Mook branch manager. I called to introduce myself because of the deposit you¡¯ve made. I was wondering if you¡¯d be interested in using our bank¡¯s other products. I¡¯d be more than d to visit you at your earliest convenience.

    <i>Is this person acting like this even though he knows I¡¯m a student?</i>

    ¡°I have no ns on touching it for the time being so just leave it.¡±

    Kang Chan quickly turned off the phone before the caller could say anything further.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just a solicitor.¡±

    It was an expression that would make Song Gi-Wook, the branch manager, dwell on his own misfortune and cry sorrowful tears, but what could he do? It was one hundred times better than Song Gi-Wook bbing to him because he had about one point eight billion won in his bank ount.

    1. Operating profit is the total earnings from its core business, excluding the deduction of interest or taxes. So Kang Chan signed a contract with Credit Paris when he deposited the money, and since the bank was sessful, he also got some money

 Chapter 33é”›å­­art2: Things are Starting to Get out of Hand

    <h4>Chapter33£¬Part2: Things are Starting to Get out of Hand</h4>

    Smithen moved to arge vi with a view of the Han River below it, and Seok Kang-Ho got discharged on Friday, eliminating all reasons for Kang Chan to visit the hospital. His school life was peaceful, and Kang Chan had the money that he had earned as a soldier in his bank ount. It was a somewhat happy week.

    On Saturday morning, Yoo Hye-Sook began to look like she was heading onto a battlefield.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably better for us to get ready ourselves, right?¡± Kang Chan asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°That seems like the wise thing to do.¡±

    Kang Chan stopped Kang Dae-Kyung from going into the kitchen and made omelets. Momentster, the three of them sat at the table and ate the omelets that Kang Chan had made.

    ¡°Honey, I¡¯m going to the salon. What time are you going out?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Around 12 pm.¡±

    ¡°Oh my, Chan! You look really amazing!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed in a high-pitched tone. Kang Chan could no longer remember how long it had been since hest heard it.

    If he could continue listening to it, then even he was confident about living like Kang Dae-Kyung and walking on eggshells around Yoo Hye-Sook.

    .

    ¡°Kang Chan is going to be amazing today. The suit I picked for him looks really great on him,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    <i>She seems so happy about her husband and son looking amazing and being in the spotlight.</i>

    Yoo Hye-Sook disappeared into the master bedroom.

    ¡°Thanks. To tell you the truth, I would¡¯ve done anything just to see her act like that again,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who did everything, though. Why are you saying that now?¡±

    ¡°Because I never wanted to sell my son for it.¡±

    When Kang Chan discreetly sent a nce toward the master bedroom, Kang Dae-Kyung gauged Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s reaction with a face that said, <i>¡®Oh shoot!¡¯</i>

    ¡°Will there really be no more danger from now on?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then can I be genuinely happy today?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked again.

    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ve already talked about this.

    Kang Dae-Kyung exhaled deeply when Kang Chanughed lightly.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how much he longed for a father like Kang Dae-Kyung. It didn¡¯t matter if he drank alcohol or if their family wasn¡¯t well off. All he needed was a father he could sometimesugh with and open his heart to when they sat together.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s because you look amazing.¡±

    ¡°You little punk!¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung went in front of the sink when Kang Chan stood up.

    ¡°Leave the dishes there,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it together, just like how we were together for this contract.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t stop this. He felt like he was receiving something that couldn¡¯t be bought with money.

    He felt really sorry for his body¡¯s owner, but he never wanted to lose this.

    ***

    Kang Chan got into the taxi with a very nervous Yoo Hye-Sook a little after 2:30 pm. The level of attention she put into this day was too strange for him to understand, so he just decided to ept it.

    ¡°What should we do? There¡¯s a lot of traffic,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookined.

    This was expected since it was a Saturday. He wanted to leave earlier, but they couldn¡¯t because Yoo Hye-Sook kept changing outfits and essories.

    ¡°Do I look okay? I won¡¯t be an embarrassment to your dad, right?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Thest part of her question made Kang chan smirk.

    The Latz hotel was on a hill, making it seem like the first floor was on the basement level externally when looking at it from the hotel lobby. That was where they¡¯d be presenting the new car. By the time Kang Chan had gone inside, Kang Dae-Kyung was already standing on a podium and exining Kang Yoo Motors¡¯ vision while basking in the cameras¡¯ shes.

    ¡°Your dad looks amazing,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Dae-Kyung with an expression that made her look like a girl in love. Kang Chan was wearing a form-fitting ck suit, a white shirt, and a thin tie.

    ¡°Congrattions, sweetie!¡±

    Kim Seong-Hee walked closer and grabbed Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s hand when she found them. Her expression was filled with jealousy.

    ¡°How have you been?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Seong-Hee.

    ¡°Hello, Chan. I hope you¡¯re doing well. How¡¯s studying going for youtely?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s nning to study abroad in France,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered instead.

    ¡°Oh, my! That¡¯s good. It¡¯s totally possible since he¡¯s so good at French.¡±

    Kim Seong-Hee¡¯s eyes were burning with envy, but Kang Chan decided to take it as a good thing for now.

    ¡°Channy.¡±

    The clueless Smithen then approached Kang Chan in a wheelchair, which Alice was pushing.

    ¡°When did you arrive?¡± Kang Chan asked Smithen.

    It was a relief that Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Seong-Hee couldn¡¯t understand what they were saying since they were speaking in French.

    ¡°I arrived about an hour ago thanks to Alice.¡±

    Smithen looked at Alice lovingly.

    <i>How long has it been since they first met?</i>

    Kang Chan introduced Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Seong-Hee as formally as he could with a gentle expression.

    ¡°Smithen, meet Mrs. Yoo Hye-Sook, the wife of Kang Yoo Motors¡¯ president, Mr. Kang Dae-Kyung. This is her friend Mrs. Kim Seong-Hee. Act proper around them.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head again and introduced Smithen in Korean.

    ¡°Mother, this is Mr. Smithen. The Gong Te automobile¡¯s Korean branch manager.¡±

    ¡°Oh! They are beautiful wives!¡± Smithen eximed.

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed satisfied with the French conversation they were having, while it seemed to make Kim Seong-Hee very ufortable.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you two often from now on. I¡¯ll invite you to my ce soon,¡± Smithen offered.

    ¡°Chan, what is he saying?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s saying that he¡¯s happy to meet you two.¡±

    After Kang Chan had appropriately ended the introductions, a thin French guy that looked to be in his early fifties approached Kang Chan with two entourages.

    ¡°Mr. Smithen, is this person Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You should introduce yourself, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    It seemed like the two had met earlier. The ambassador held out his hand to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan. I''m Lanok, the French Ambassador to Korea.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan.¡±

    Lanok had peculiar French features¡ªfrom his thin face, sharp nose and fierce eyes. In other words, his impression made him look like a difficult guy to handle. Gong Te¡¯s Korean branch manager showed up in a wheelchair, and now the Ambassador of France sought out a mere high schooler in person. Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Seong-Hee¡¯s gazes alternated between Lanok and Kang Chan in shock. Honestly, even Kang Chan himself was surprised.

    He introduced Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Seong-Hee to Lanok.

    Kim Seong-Hee actually seemed stupefied.

    ¡°Can I talk to you in private for a moment, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°With me?¡±

    <i>¡®What¡¯s there that would require a French Ambassador to tell me in private?¡¯</i>

    The proposal was out of the blue, but considering the Ambassador¡¯s request, it could only mean something important was going on. Kang Chan smiled at Yoo Hye-Sook, told her he was going to leave for a moment and followed Lanok outside the event hall.

    Kang Chan saw an Indonesian-styled awning in therge lobby. The tables and chairs were stylishly ced nearby.

    The entourage ced two coffees in espresso cups in front of them, then moved farther away.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I want to take this time to talk to you about matters involving Shan.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect the French Ambassador would mention Shan this quick.

    ¡°Gong Te automobile is an automobilepany that represents France. Our country wasn¡¯t aware that Shan tried to conduct a drug deal, so I¡¯d like to express my gratitude in France¡¯s behalf for steering us away from disgrace and shame, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Lanok was talking in circles when all he needed to say was thanks. It made Kang Chan¡¯s head hurt, but he continued listening in silence anyway since he seemed to have more to say. Lanok smiled formally and continued.

    ¡°Since France¡¯s Intelligence Bureau has cleanly dealt with Shan¡¯s matters, we¡¯d like to request for your cooperation to avoid disgraceful rumors from circting afterward.¡±

    In short, he wanted Kang Chan to keep his mouth shut.

    ¡°How was Shan taken care of?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He was on his way to the airport when he got in a car ident. Sadly, he died in the crash.¡±

    <i>How could he get hit by a car when the Chinese took Shan and sliced him to pieces</i>?

    Lanok most likely just stated how he died on paper.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°France wants to pass on its sign of appreciation. We would like to invite you to be an international student at a National University in Paris with full schrships, and, if you wish, an opportunity for you to obtain French nationality,¡± Lanok offered.

    ¡°That¡¯s very extreme, considering this is for Shan¡¯s matters.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s also a bonus,¡± Lanok''s smile looked natural for the first time.

    ¡°We¡¯ve taken care of the remittance issue with the Swiss in France, so the Korean National Tax Service isn¡¯t going to have any issue with it. And Gong Te automobile is going to give you stocks with the condition that you¡¯ll take care of the taxes. You probably won¡¯t have to worry about money for the rest of your life.¡±

    <i>¡®These fuckers were aware of everything.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan smiled bitterly.

    ¡°It¡¯s all in the past. Is it necessary for the Ambassador to insist oning here and acting like this?¡± He asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s going to be a Presidential election in two years. The leading candidate is connected to Gong Te by a rtive. Hence, if word gets out to the world and it deteriorates into a scandal, the election¡¯s results and the politicalndscape will be hard to keep under our control. The internal interests of Europe that you, Mr. Kang Chan, don¡¯t understand are also a bit tangled in this.¡±

    <i>I knew it.</i>

    ¡°You can rest assured, then.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Lastly, if you have any favors that you want to personally ask me, feel free to contact this number.¡±

    Lanok took out a business card wallet and handed him a small business card. Kang Chan received and looked at it, then returned his gaze to Lanok.

    ¡°Could I by any chance get the battle records of a mercenary?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lanok tilted his head, finding his inquiry interesting, before answering.

    ¡°It¡¯s best to leave everything rted to Shan alone, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take note of that.¡±

    Kang Chan willingly stepped down instead of delving further since there wasn¡¯t any need for him to get on the Ambassador¡¯s nerves.

    ¡°I got an interesting report from the Main Directorate. You, Mr. Kang Chan, are a teenager with no record of learning French from anywhere. Where on earth did you learn it?¡±

    ¡°Would you believe me if I said I learned it through the inte?¡±

    ¡°Indeed, that¡¯s not surprising as Korea is a leader in IT,¡± Lanok replied, though his expression showed he didn¡¯t believe him. He then turned his head toward the event hall, conveying that their conversation was over.

    ¡°You should go back,¡± Kang Chan told Lanok.

    ¡°That would be wise.¡±

    Both of them stood up from their seats. ¡°If word gets out, then the DG SE will take care of loose ends,¡± Lanok quietly spoke to Kang Chan with a very friendly expression.

    The DG SE was an organization that mainly operated in the shadows, assassinating key figures and executing the dirty jobs of the government. Kang Chan had never seen anyone talk about murder with such a soft expression.

    ¡°It would¡¯ve been better if you didn¡¯t say thatst part.¡±

    Lanok¡¯s formal smile didn¡¯t change despite Kang Chan¡¯s reply. When they walked into the event hall, they found Smithen on the tform, wishing for the development of Kang Yoo Motors and Gong Te automobile.

    Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Seong-Hee quickly came toward him.

    ¡°Is everything okay, Chan?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t think of any excuse to give.

    ¡°He invited me to be a full schrship student in a National University in Paris.¡±

    He didn¡¯t mean to brag but just blurted that out since he had to give a suitable answer to why the Ambassador had to urgently talk to him in private. However, when Kang Chan saw the end of Kim Seong-Hee¡¯s lips tremble, he truly felt bad for her and her son Bang Dae-Sik, who didn¡¯t even attend the event.

    After Smithen¡¯s speech ended, the lights dimmed and music red loudly.

    <i>Pak!</i>

    A car drove through the wall and slowly went forward with a spotlight on it. The wall was made of styrofoam, but the lighting made it look real. The audience apuded as cameras shed ceaselessly. Simultaneously, two models came up from the left side of the presentation hall and stood at each side of the car.

    Everyone in the presentation hall focused on the car.

    Amongst the reporters that continued to take pictures, there was a beautiful woman that especially stood out.

    <i>¡®Michelle?¡¯</i>

    She was busy giving orders to a cameraman and a female employee with her finger. She wore a ck suit and a white blouse¡ªnot a translucent outfit.

    1. The Korean word for this was ????, which is directly tranted as Main Directorate. However, since the description is simr to the CIA, we went with DG SE, the French equivalent of the?CIA

 Chapter 34é”›å­­art1: Things are Starting to Get out of Hand (2)

    <h4>Chapter34£¬Part1: Things are Starting to Get out of Hand (2)</h4>

    They were funny.

    How many people that were at Gong Te automobile¡¯s presentation venue were unaware of ¡®Chiffre¡¯ in Korea, when it was developed in IT? Kang Chan wondered if anyone was genuinely congratting them while he watched their fake cheers and ps.

    One person seemed genuine about it, at least.

    Yoo Hye-Sook.

    As she watched Kang Dae-Kyung open the driver seat door near the model, she raised her hand, covering her nose and lips.

    ¡°My father looks amazing,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    When he wrapped his arms around Yoo Hye-Sook, she ended up crying.

    ¡°Your dad struggled a lot because he met me, but he constantly looked over both of us without ever losing that amazing look of his.¡±

    A joyfulugh came out.

    Yoo Hye-Sook wiped her tears with the end of her long finger and pped timidly. When the excitement all around the presentation venue died down, Michelle also came down from the podium. Since there was no reason to pretend he didn¡¯t know her ande across as impolite, he raised his hand to get her attention.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    <i>Damn it. I should¡¯ve pretended I didn¡¯t know her.</i>

    Michelle was already eye-catching, but she still boisterously ran to Kang Chan, her long blonde hair fluttering behind her.

    ¡°Michelle! Speak in French.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have time to stop her, so he came up with a contingency n instead.

    ¡°It¡¯s so good to see you!¡± Michelle eximed.

    Thankfully, she followed his instruction.

    However, Michelle kept her entire body close to Kang Chan and kept kissing his cheek as if he was her lover whom she hadn¡¯t seen for months, even though Yoo Hye-Sook was right in front of them. She was overacting, which wasn¡¯t like her normal self.

    ¡°Calm down. There are people here that you metst time. You should greet them first,¡± Kang Chan said.

    If Michelle spoke Korean here, they would basically be confessing they were acting when they first met. Finally, she moved away from Kang Chan.

    Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Seong-Hee had strange looks on their faces.

    Michelle had good senses, but she had two sides to her. She greeted Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Seong-Hee in French and even bowed at them brightly.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Kang Chan asked Michelle.

    ¡°The magazinepany that I work at is releasing a feature story for ¡®Chiffre¡¯ next month. What about you, Channy?¡±

    ¡°I was the one that introduced Smithen. Didn¡¯t you hear from Alice?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not close enough to contact each other privately.¡±

    Michelle gazed at Alice with a formal expression, then returned her attention to Kang Chan with a bright smile.

    ¡°My father¡¯s the president of Kang Yoo Motors,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Channy, you were a part of a royal family?¡±

    ¡°No, not at all.¡±

    Kang Chan thought it was time for <i>him</i> to arrive. Sure enough, Smithen approached Kang Chan, his left eye turning into a heart as soon as he did.

    ¡°You know of such beauty, Channy?¡± Smithen asked.

    Kang Chan thought about kicking them away, but Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Seong-Hee were beside him. More importantly, Smithen was Gong Te automobile¡¯s Korean branch manager. He had no choice but to just let him greet Michelle properly. Kang Chan was told that it was the first time that Alice and Michelle had seen each other in person.

    Smithen kept showing interest in Michelle but had to leave because of the reporters and the event organizer¡¯s request. He seemed very disappointed, while Alice seemed relieved.

    The hotel employees looked busy preparing simple snacks and drinks. When the people gathered around to socialize, Kang Dae-Kyung approached Michelle, greeted her, then took Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Seong-Hee with him.

    Michelle was definitely different from her usual self.

    It wasn¡¯t new for her to keep her body close to Kang Chan or anything. However, she brought drinks over and never left Kang Chan¡¯s side.

    ¡°Channy, can you have a beer with me after the event?¡± Michelle asked.

    Her eyes looked like she was imitating Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Michelle helped him meet Cecile, and she also introduced him to Alice, so Kang Chan agreed to go withoutints.

    Lanok then approached Kang Chan. When Kang Chan introduced Michelle to him, Lanok greeted her in a very formal way and said, ¡°I really should go now. I wish for your sess, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    He then left the scene.

    ¡°Channy, how do you know that person?¡±

    ¡°I just saw him for the first time today.¡±

    Michelle couldn¡¯t seem to believe him.

    ¡°He¡¯s famous for being arrogant, and there are rumors that he¡¯s aiming for the presidential seat after the uing election. He¡¯s definitely not someone that would walk up to someone by himself and say hello first¡­¡± Michelle replied.

    <i>Why would any of that matter?</i>

    Kang Chan suddenly felt ufortable being in this kind of ce.

    ¡°Want to go?¡± Kang Chan asked Michelle.

    ¡°Now?¡± Michelle seemed happy to hear that.

    Kang Chan walked toward Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving ahead with a friend. Would that be okay?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Yoo Hye-Sook became worried when she looked at Michelle.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. Your mom¡¯s going with me, anyway,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    ¡°Thank you. Then I¡¯ll be going. You were really amazing today.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook still looked worried even as Kang Chan smiled and turned away, but he left anyway, pretending not to notice since he didn¡¯t have any means to ease her worries.

    ***

    Kang Chan and Michelle sat down on the top floor of the event venue, which had an outdoor terrace. Since it was a Saturday, it had a good number of people, but it wasn¡¯t enough to be crowded. Most importantly, Kang Chan liked that he could smoke here.

    Kang Chan smoked slowly after they ordered two beers.

    He didn¡¯t have to worry about Kang Dae-Kyung or Yoo Hye-Sook witnessing something they shouldn¡¯t since he could see the people walking around through the ss wall. Taking a sip of beer, he actually felt a bit rxed. Kang Chan then untied the knot in his tie and unbuttoned his cor.

    ¡°Ooh! You look so sexy right now,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°You need to go to a hospital. You¡¯re acting a bit weird.¡±

    Michelle¡¯s eyes curved when she smiled.

    She was charming, so much so that everyone sitting on the terrace nced at her. But that was it.

    Not only was Kang Chan not interested in sex without love, but he also didn¡¯t have any intentions to cling onto Michelle and tell her to only look at him when she was already used to an open lifestyle.

    ¡°Channy, do you not like sex?¡±

    <i>I was wondering when she was going to ask that.?</i>

    Kang Chan smirked. He didn¡¯t want to respond to her question, but Michelle seemed to be waiting for an answer.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to do it without love,¡± Kang Chan told Michelle.

    ¡°Can¡¯t people just enjoy it because they¡¯re attracted to each other?¡±

    ¡°You do that. I¡¯m not interested.¡±

    ¡°Then are you inexperienced?¡±

    Michelle copied Kang Chan, taking a sip of her beer.

    It didn¡¯t seem like a bad idea to take this opportunity to draw the line.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that. I did lose interest after I had sex without love. I felt empty, and my loneliness just felt like it deepened. I wondered what I was doing when I turned away. That¡¯s all.¡±

    Michelle looked at Kang Chan, confused.

    ¡°Channy, are you really a high schooler?¡±

    <i>Shoot! I should¡¯ve just said that there was something wrong with my body</i>.

    Instead, he thoughtlessly told her how he felt in France.

    ¡°Can you enjoy it with me if I love you?¡± Michelle asked again.

    The way she spoke changed, but it didn¡¯t matter.

    ¡°That¡¯s going to be difficult. I don¡¯t want chastity, but I also don¡¯t want an open lifestyle.¡±

    ¡°Sure. So is it possible if I throw away everyone else from now on and love only you?¡±

    ¡°Michelle.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Michelle seriously while biting down on a cigarette.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯ll immediately start loving each other when we start doing that. I don¡¯t want to break up because it got boring after we¡¯ve had sex for some time. So you should be yourself and have fun with good people. If you¡¯re ufortable with meeting me because there¡¯s no sex involved, then let¡¯s not see each other anymore.¡±

    ¡°Agr¨¦able (You¡¯re cool!)¡±

    <i>Phew! What¡¯s the point of saying anything?</i>

    Michelle looked at Kang Chan with a flushed face. Kang Chan could only look back at her as well since he felt eerie for some reason.

    ¡°Je t''aime, Channy.¡±

    Kang Chan stared nkly at Michelle for a moment because of how serious she sounded. And because her deep blue eyes were wet with tears.

    ¡°Pull yourself together.¡±

    ¡°No, Channy. I feel weird. It seriously hurts my pride to say this, but those eyes of yours sway me for some weird reason. I actually first found out about my feelings when you said that you were going to meet Cecilest Saturday. That actually put me at a loss on what to do. I even asked Cecile for a favor that evening¡ªto consider you as mine for the time being because I think I love you.¡±

    <i>No wonder Cecile left without doing anything unusual in the hospital.</i>

    ¡°This makes me ufortable, Michelle.¡±

    ¡°Is it because of my past?¡±

    ¡°I said that doesn¡¯t matter to me. But you talk about love just as easily as asking to spend the night together. What are you going to do if the choice that you make now is wrong? Are you sure we can have a good break up? I can¡¯t do that. Losing someone is so horrible that I have no confidence in letting them go once I¡¯ve grown to love them. Even if it means death.¡±

    <i>Damn it.</i>

    Kang Chan held back from swearing after he finished talking.

    His intention was to clearly draw the line through a serious conversation, but his n had gonepletely awry and seemed to have actually made the situation worse.

    ¡°J¡¯taime. J¡¯taime, Channy.¡±

    It sounded like she was saying ¡®I¡¯ll kill you. I¡¯ll kill you.¡¯

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    Kang Chan got slightly annoyed when Michelle appeared to be losing control of her emotions after not getting her way with him, even though she could get any man that she wanted.

    1. Technically, the exact trantion would be agra?t, which is Catn, not French. But agr¨¦able is used here because she speaks French and not Catn

 Chapter 34é”›å­­art2: Things are Starting to Get out of Hand (2)

    <h4>Chapter34£¬Part2: Things are Starting to Get out of Hand (2)</h4>

    Just as Kang Chan decided that he should leave, a beautiful, eye-catching woman walked toward their table. He assumed she would just walk by and go to the table behind them.

    ¡°Hello, unnie?¡±

    Unexpectedly, however, she greeted Michelle brightly and examined Kang Chan.

    ¡°Oh my! What brings you here?¡± Michelle asked.

    The eyes ncing at them in the Terrace now explicitly jumped to Michelle when she spoke Korean so naturally and stood up.

    ¡°I was looking for you to say hello after the event. The reporter, Mr. Jung, told me that you came here.¡±

    ¡°I see, good job. Mr. Kang Chan, this is Eun So-Yeon, the model for the car today. Mr. Kang Chan is the son of Kang Dae-Kyung, the president of Kang Yoo Motors, and is the person I love.¡±

    She was so good at bullshitting. It wasn¡¯t right for him to be rude to Eun So-Yeon just because he didn¡¯t like how she introduced him, so Kang Chan just stood up and simply bowed his head.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going now, then. The two of you should talk,¡± Kang Chan said goodbye.

    It was a good opportunity to leave, but things rarely went ording to n. When Eun So-Yeon saw Michelle¡¯s unhappy expression, she tried to stop him, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t do it for my sake. I¡¯m just here to say hello.¡±

    People¡¯s eyes were on them already, and he also didn¡¯t want to create a situation ufortable for everyone. Adding to that the fact that Eun So-Yeon was also the model of Kang Yoo Motors, Kang Chan decided to stay and have a cup of tea instead.

    He thought she was beautiful in a natural and healthy way but thought she didn¡¯t have the charms to draw people in as much as Michelle.

    Eun So-Yeon ordered herb tea.

    ¡°Do you have other work to do?¡± Michelle asked Eun So-Yeon.

    ¡°I only have a drama shoot tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°The <I¡¯m going to do what I want this time>?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m d it¡¯s quite popr. That special article you wrotest time was well-received.¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t even interested in their conversation. The few drama episodes that he watched after he changed bodies were around half of all the dramas that he watched in his life, and he knew nothing of that industry.

    Eun So-Yeon got up first after she had drunk about half of her tea.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now. It was nice meeting you.¡±

    After respectfully saying goodbye, Eun So-Yeon left first.

    ¡°We should also go,¡± Kang Chan told Michelle.¡°Is it because I said something unnecessary?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a part of it.¡±

    Michelle seemed unhappy, but there was nothing that he could do.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go after we drink this beer,¡± She said.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    It wouldn¡¯t take long for her to get over him, considering she had been living an open lifestyle.

    ¡°Oh right, Channy. You should acquire apany.¡±

    Kang Chan only looked at her nkly.

    ¡°Thepany that Eun So-Yeon is a part of is good. Word got out that the president has some problems. Maybe that¡¯s why they¡¯re trying to sell it right now.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think that I¡¯ll do that, Michelle?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Michelleughed when Kang Chanughed out loud.

    ¡°I think you never will, but I also think you¡¯ll be really good at it. Most importantly, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll make money by grilling the kids that are in difficult situations.¡±

    ¡°Forget about it.¡±

    Michelle also seemed like she didn¡¯t have intentions to keep rmending it.

    She downed all of her beer without wasting any time.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Channy.¡±

    Michelle quickly grabbed the bill when Kang Chan stood up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for this with thepany¡¯s credit card.¡±

    It was two beers and a cup of tea, so Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel ufortable letting her pay. Two reporters were waiting on the sofa and walked toward them when they went out to the entrance of the hotel.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t ept me, Channy, then I won¡¯t cling to you. But don¡¯t push me away.¡±

    Kang Chan silently stared at Michelle. He felt that she was being truthful now.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that make it harder for you?¡±He asked.

    Two reporters just gauged their mood a step away from them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s continue casually seeing each other. You just have to start liking me, right?¡±

    Michelle smiled at Kang Chan, seemingly satisfied when he grinned.

    ***

    By the time Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook came home, Kang Chan had already arrived and changed his clothes.

    ¡°Kang Chan! When did you arrive?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I just got changed. You guys should go out and have an intimate dinner for once.¡±

    ¡°I actually tried to coax her, but she said that she can¡¯t do that without you, so we just came home,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    Kang Chan actually assumed that they came home because Kang Dae-Kyung looked tired, but there was no need to verify that. After they lightly washed up, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook drooped down on the sofa as if the nervousness left their bodies.

    ¡°Oh! You haven¡¯t had lunch, have you?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I actually had a light lunch with the friend I met earlier, so let''s just have dinner.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do that.¡±

    It seemed like they were fairly tired.

    ¡°Have you been meeting thatdy named Michelle after we first saw her, Chan?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook prodded.

    ¡°We¡¯ve talked on the phone at times and met once in person for her to learn Korean and for me to learn French. I guess she was happy to see me today since it was purely out of coincidence,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The number of lies kept increasing with time. Yoo Hye-Sook seemed relieved, at least.

    ¡°Oh, right! Honey, the Ambassador of France offered Channy the opportunity to study abroad with a government schrship.¡±

    Kang Chan had no choice but to lie again after he saw Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes light up. It was because he couldn¡¯t exin what had happened with Shan.

    ***

    Kang Chan had just finished breakfast and was browsing the inte when got a message on Sunday morning.

    [Can youe out?]

    This guy was already wearing a neck brace but still didn¡¯t know how to rest.

    Kang Chan called him.

    - It¡¯s me.

    ¡°Stay at home. Where are you thinking of going with a neck you can¡¯t even turn?¡±

    - To the front of your apartment.

    Dumbfounded, a feebleugh came out. However, he would indeed be happy to see him, and he did have something to tell him as well. Kang Chan left the house after using Seok Kang-Ho as an excuse.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car started beeping from far away as soon as Kang Chan went out of the entrance.

    ¡°You really should rest for a bit,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I was thinking of doing that, but I was bored. I also want to see your face.¡±

    The car went out of the apartment and entered onto the main road.

    ¡°I saw the event yesterday through the articles. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t go,¡± Seok Kang-Ho apologized.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It would¡¯ve been bad to introduce you there, and you wouldn¡¯t have heard anything good if you went there with a neck brace. Oh, right! Michelle came to cover the event.¡±

    ¡°Really? I guess it¡¯s true that she works at a magazinepany.¡±

    ¡°I guess so.¡±

    The car went on the outer road.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a cup of coffee at the store that we went to before,¡± Seok Kang-Ho offered.

    Kang Chan really liked that proposal. They arrived in about 20 minutes, took the same table as before, and ordered coffee.

    Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho what Lanok had told him.

    ¡°Things are weirdly getting out of hand,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    ¡°We just have to keep our mouth shut.¡±

    ¡°For us, that¡¯s true. But what are we going to do if Smithen, that fucker, babbles to the girl named Alice or something?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t think of that, but it was totally possible. Smithen really was a tiring guy, after all.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to school starting tomorrow, and the athletics club will reopen on Friday,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I heard they were going to reopen it as soon as you¡¯ve returned. Is there a problem?¡± Kang Chan asked out of worry for the athletics club members he had to take care of, not because he wanted to ditch his sses.

    ¡°There¡¯s exams from tomorrow until Thursday. I know that you¡¯re living life without caring about school, but you should at least be aware of that.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho smiled mischievously, Kang Chan saw Kim Mi-Young pout from the other side of the river.

    1. Literally meaning older sister, unnie is a term used by females to address their older female sibling, other females that are older than them, or females that are of higher social status

 Chapter 35é”›å­­art1: Sharply (1)

    <h4>Chapter35£¬Part1: Sharply (1)</h4>

    5 am. Monday morning.

    Kang Chan quietly got out of the apartment in workout pants and afortable cotton t-shirt.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    He tilted his body in multiple directions and slowly warmed up his muscles after taking in a deep breath. His injuries have healed a lot, so he was about to go for a long run.

    Kang Chan got out of the apartment at an appropriate speed because he felt that his muscles were somewhat warmed up. The roads and sidewalks were empty except for a car that was quickly moving with the headlights on, and a few diligent people.

    He regained his previous body¡¯s capabilities in the final minutes of his fight against the gangsters in the parking lot and when he fought with a knife in the hallway. The condition of his body back then was exactly the same as it was in Africa. If he didn¡¯t have that sensation, it would¡¯ve been hard to defeat Shan.

    Kang Chan inhaled in two separate intervals.

    Shan had a lot of experience, but he had be physically weaker since he had been amander for so long.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to lose his sharpness as Shan did.

    Adjusting to his new body to live a peaceful life was one thing. To lose his sharpness was another. He didn¡¯t want to be one of those knife-wielding gangsters, and he also didn¡¯t have to seek revenge anymore, but he still wanted to maintain his physique.

    <i>¡®Damn it!¡¯?</i>

    He ran out of breath after running for about two kilometers.

    That was his body¡¯s limit.

    The useless journal of this body¡¯s previous owner said that he didn¡¯t skip his workout, yet his limit was just a measly 2 kilometers.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and tried to maintain his speed. His body would ept new limits once he had ovee this pain.

    He exhaled heavily after running for about three kilometers. He had gotten a burst of energy, making him feel like he could run to the end of the earth.

    <i>¡®What is this fucker?¡¯</i>

    He pondered if that was a good thing, but concluded only ignorant and oblivious people would think that way. After all, considering it didn¡¯t take him that long to get to this point, he¡¯d be in even more horrendous pain around the five-kilometer mark.

    Kang Chan focused on maintaining a consistent speed through his breathing. Sure enough, when he ran about two more kilometers, so much pain tormented Kang Chan so much that he felt like his waist was being broken.

    <i>¡®Do what you want.¡¯</i>

    One shouldn¡¯tpromise with pain.

    As expected, it didn¡¯t take that long for him to reach the worst of it. He was winded, and his body no longer wanted to run. However, he had never yielded to this kind of pain before. It wasn¡¯t like he was trying to run a marathon¡ªhe just wanted to maintain his body¡¯s sharpness.

    Kang Chan thought about the runway in the dreary outskirts of France and the zing red sunset in Africa.

    Back then, he used to run until he was out of breath whenever he remembered those that had died inbat.

    ¡°Captain! Did I do well?¡±

    Kang Chan remembered the time a soldier wanted him to praise him.

    Kang Chan had heard that the guy applied to be a mercenary after graduating from school in a foster home. He looked quite young for a twenty-year-old French guy, and he yelled, ¡°Sorry!¡± all night long after his first battle.

    He wasn¡¯t the only one that did that.

    After their first battle or after getting their first kill, people would normally spew out the feelings they had at that moment as if they were sleep talking.

    Those that yelled ¡°die!¡± were mostly ones with previous experience in killing, and those that yelled ¡°Wah! '''' and ¡°No!¡± were often those scared but pretending to be strong.

    But it was the first time that Kang Chan had heard someone yell, ¡°sorry!¡±

    <i>Stupid fucker.?</i>

    That soldier looked into the corpse of someone around his age for quite a while, followed right behind Kang Chan until he finished running, then asked, ¡°Did I do well?¡± bringing two bottles with him even though Kang Chan was already about to shower.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t protect that fool in the next battle.

    There were too many of them.

    Despite the order to retreat, Kang Chan killed all the enemies in front of him relentlessly and ran over to the soldier. However, by the time he got to him, his corpse was already unrecognizable.

    <i>Son of a bitch.</i>

    <i>Why did that fool yell ¡°Channy!¡± at the end if he was going to do that?</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    If his waist couldn¡¯t endure even this much, then it might as well just snap and break.

    When the Algerian guy sneered at him in the distant past, Kang Chan made a bloody mess out of him and severely beat up the man¡¯s captain and his two crew members as well when they all lunged at him. Only Dayeru understood him when he did all of those.

    This was also why Kang Chan couldn¡¯t forget the look in Smithen¡¯s eyes, which he had shown at thest moment. Kang Chan was thest person those who lived in loneliness¡ªturning them desperate¡ªdepended on.

    He never wanted to betray that trust.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    He had mistakenly gone the wrong way.

    Even though he ran about ten kilometers based on the GPS, the entrance of the apartment was still over one kilometer away.

    His body knew best how much he ran.

    <i>¡®You¡¯re given to the wrong owner.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s physique had begun bing sore all over to convey he had covered the promised ten kilometers, but he pretended not to notice it.

    ¡°Huff Huff, Huff Huff.¡±

    .

    After going into the apartment area¡¯s entrance, he headed to the bench.

    Breathing heavily, he bent over and ced his hands on his knees. He was sweating so much that it was as if he was standing in the middle of a rain.

    He was dizzy and felt like he was going to puke.

    Kang Chan moved to the yground to avoid the eyes of those going to work early.

    He hung his feet on a rung and did pushups and chin-ups, then went on the parallel bars.

    <i>¡®Damn it.¡¯</i>

    He decided to stop here for today.

    ***

    ¡°Oh my! Look at all that sweat. Have you just finished working out?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook greeted Kang Chan with a bright expression as she was preparing breakfast.

    ¡°You¡¯re already awake?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°It¡¯s the same time as usual.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to wash up a bit.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Make it quick so we can eat together.¡±

    Kang Chan took the clothes he was going to change into, went into the bathroom, and took a shower.

    The stiff pain felt somewhat good.

    Only scars remained from his injuries.

    When he had finished and gone out, he found Kang Dae-Kyung helping Yoo Hye-Sook take out the side dishes.

    ¡°You look good. Maybe I should join you starting from tomorrow?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°You should. You need to exercise as well,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered.

    It would be a headache if Kang Dae-Kyung really dide with him, though.

    Not only would he distract Kang Chan, but Kang Dae-Kyung would also surely end up in the emergency room if he tried copying him.

    Thankfully it seemed like Kang Dae-Kyung wasn¡¯t going to insist on joining him in the morning.

    Kang Chan had breakfast, went out of the apartment in a happy mood, and met Kim Mi-Young.

    Kim Mi-Young smiled, seemingly in a good mood as well.

    ¡°Did something good happen this morning?¡± He asked.

    ¡°We have exams. Let¡¯s go somewhere this Sunday.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young looked at Kang Chan with a strange expression.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have to go to <i>hagwon?¡±?</i>asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I can have the Sunday off during exam weeks.¡±

    She had the body, the twinkling eyes, and the sharp features. And to top it all off, she was smart. If only she were a bit more mature, she would¡¯ve been worth raising. He was about to develop feelings for her, but Kang Chan felt like he wasmitting a crime when he saw her smiling innocently and spouting nonsense.

    Kang Chan quickly moved his gaze to the bus when he realized he had been unconsciously looking at her lips.

    Kids were really fast at adjusting. It hadn¡¯t even been a few days, but they were no longer cautious or afraid of Kang Chan riding the bus.

    It felt like Kim Mi-Young¡¯s chatter and the sight of herughing with a ¡°huhuhu¡± while talking to him yed a big role in lessening the cautiousness of the kids. This was also the case in the cafeteria.

    When they went inside the main gate, he saw Seok Kang-Ho with a neck brace.

    Kang Chan was happy to see him.

    That was where their very refreshing Monday morning ended.

    After all, their exams had started.

    <i>Why do I have to stay in my seat even though I¡¯ve finished answering the test?</i>

    After writing his name, Kang Chan answered as best as he could. He looked at Kim Mi-Young at some point, finding her quite charming with her head craned to the side as she focused on the exam.

    Kang Chan quickly shook his head.

    He felt like he was continuing to sink into the lures of crime. Guilt rushed through him at the same time since he felt like an older brother desiring his younger sister.

 Chapter 35é”›å­­art2: Sharply (1)

    <h4>Chapter35£¬Part2: Sharply (1)</h4>

    sses ended after Kang Chan finished the exams for three subjects.

    This was really good.

    Kang Chan followed Seok Kang-Ho to the athletics club room after he said goodbye to Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you get a text message?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why? Did you text me?¡±

    Kang Chan took two chairs that they had ced on one side of the athletics club room as Seok Kang-Ho made coffee.

    ¡°Huh? Then that means that this son of a bitch only sent me a message?¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m talking about the six zeros¡ªthe message that says ¡®you¡¯re going to die.¡¯¡±

    <i>So that¡¯s what he was talking about.</i>

    ¡°Did you get another one of those?¡±

    ¡°I got it this morning. Why is he only texting me?¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Who¡¯s the fucker behind this?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not let it bother us. I can just change my number if it gets too much. That would definitely surprise that guy. He¡¯ll be like ¡®<i>huh?¡¯?</i>Phuhuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed.

    <i>Does he really find it that funny?</i>

    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m also going to a three-day, four-night retreat during the break,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Since they couldn¡¯t go on the field trip, the eleventh-graders decided to substitute the field trip with the retreat.¡±

    ¡°Sounds fun.¡± Kang Chan quipped.

    ¡°Fun? What¡¯s so fun about looking after children during the break while everyone else is resting? I wonder if they¡¯d give the task to someone else if I use my neck injury as an excuse.¡±

    The two of them had pork cutlets for lunch.

    Kang Chan checked his phone when he got a text message.

    [Honey, are you avable on Saturday?]

    It was Michelle.

    Kang Chan pressed the call button.

    - Honey!

    ¡°I¡¯m going to hang up. You must be looking for someone else.¡±

    He heard the sound of Michelle¡¯s peculiar cheerfulugh through the phone.

    ¨C Cecile, Cindy, and I decided to eat together, and I was hoping you could join us. What day works for you: Saturday or Sunday?

    They were nning to meet again anyway.

    Plus Kim Mi-Young had already ced dibs for Sunday.

    ¡°I think Saturday¡¯s better.¡±

    - Okay. Saturday it is. See you then, honey.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ***

    Kang Chan felt like he was testing his physical limitations.

    Starting on Wednesday, he increased his running speed a bit and more than doubled his previous number of chin-ups.

    <i>¡®Tsk! Do I need to discuss this with the doctor as well?¡¯</i>

    His body was acting a bit strange.

    He couldn¡¯t ignore the fact that his muscle soreness, which urred when he worked out strenuously, had disappearedpletely after an hour or two.

    Kang Chan was thinking of getting examined since he had plenty of money.

    He went to the bank after exams ended on Wednesday, was issued a cash card, and learned a surprising fact at the bank. Apparently, he had be viable to take a driving test since his birthday was on March 13.

    After about 30 minutes had passed since he left the bank, the branch manager called and apologized for his absence. Since he didn¡¯t have anything vital to say, Kang Chan simply hung up.

    Kang Chan continued on that route and applied for a driving test with Seok Kang-Ho, then went out to the outskirts.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have eel,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    It took them about an hour to arrive at a secluded restaurant in Gimpo that specialized in roasted eel.

    ¡°Ah, that son of a bitch!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled as he looked into his phone, evidently annoyed.

    ¡°Is it the six zeros?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking if the caller ID is six zeros.¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡± Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    ¡°What is up with that fucker? Can we catch him if we go to the telephone office and look into it?¡± Kang Chan asked just as the eel was served, causing their topic to swiftly change.

    They talked about many things, such as the book that they bought while they were applying for the driving test, tricks to pass the exam, and things going on at school.

    ¡°Will Mi-Young get first ce this time as well?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Probably. There¡¯s a huge difference between her and second ce, plus she only got one question wrong during the entire exam period, including the exams that she did today,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied while cing two pieces of well-cooked eel into his mouth.

    <i>¡®Tsk!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan thought about Kim Mi-Young¡¯s face while he was looking into the open view through the ss window of the restaurant.

    <i>¡®Well, a kiss can¡¯t be that bad.¡¯</i>

    <i>It¡¯s not like it will kill me, plus I¡¯m doing it because she did well on her exams¡­</i>

    ¡°What are you thinking so intensely about?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    Things like this didn¡¯t really need to be said.

    .

    ***

    When the exam period ended and the athletics club reopened on Friday, Kang Chan saw bright faces. Everyone including Cha So-Yeon had a joyous expression, but Moon Ki-Jin in particr seemed satisfied. He had apparently made a new friend again.

    They spent time talking to each other instead of exercising. It had been a while since theyst gathered together, after all.

    When the kids had gone home, Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho, ¡°What if we buy some workout equipment?¡±

    ¡°For the club?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked around the athletics club¡¯s interior.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you register at a gym somewhere during the break?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to bother me since there would be a lot of people there. The athletics club is within the appropriate distance for me toe running from home, plus it¡¯s easier to meet you here.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. That would allow me to also exercise a bit when we meet.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s buy some,¡± Kang Chan insisted.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    They decided to let Kang Chan choose and order the workout equipment.

    It was nearly time to go home.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner first before you go. I found a ce that makes amazing stir-fried octopus,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why are you going crazy about what you eattely?¡±

    ¡°I am? Phuhuhu.¡± Seok Kang-Houghed, tilting his head. ¡°Ever since I got discharged from the hospital, I¡¯ve been strangely wanting to eat amazing dishes and bear witness to any amazing sights with you.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s exercise together during the break. Your neck brace will be removed by then, right?¡±

    ¡°It should be. Now that I think about it, Smithen, that fucker, has been real quiettely,¡±

    ¡°Let him be. Do you think he¡¯ll be sane right now?¡±

    ¡°Phuhu. Let¡¯s go. I heard that you¡¯re busy on Saturday and Sunday. Let¡¯s eat spicy octopus mixed with rice before heading home.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed to be moving a lot morefortable now, considering he could now turn his neck a little.

    ***

    On Saturday, Kang Chan spent the morning watching TV with Yoo Hye-Sook and left the house after Kang Dae-Kyung arrived home.

    Kang Chan arrived at the Latz Hotel at 5 pm. Michelle¡¯s group was already there.

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    Jealous eyes immediately jumped to him when Michelle grandly waved her hand.

    Instead of hugging him, it would be more urate to say she quite literally threw herself at him.

    They were at the same outdoor terrace that he visitedst Saturday.

    After Michelle hugged Kang Chan and clung to him, she noisily kissed both of his cheeks.

    ¡°Wee, Channy.¡±

    Cecile and Cindy hugged him and lightly kissed his cheek. They didn¡¯t seem to be wearing underwear since he could feel the peaks of their chests poking against him when they hugged him.

    They first ordered a bottle of beer for everyone, then they spent time listening to Cindy talk about how difficult it was to finish one special program.

    ¡°But Channy.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Cindy called Kang Chan while grabbing a peanut snack that was given to them as part of the service.

    ¡°I heard from Alice that you and Smithen met in Africa. What does that mean?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank heavily.

    That son of a bitch had let his big mouth run loose after all.

    ¡°She asked Smithen why you treat him that way because she found it weird. Smithen told her that it was because of something that had happened in Africa, but even if he told her, she wouldn¡¯t believe him. Alice asked me if I knew anything about it, but we¡¯ve never talked about such things before,¡± Cindy continued.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    It didn¡¯t seem like she was baiting him out from her expression.

    After this weekend, he needed to warn Smithen not to spill anything else.

    On the terrace, they simply ordered steaks and a bottle of wine.

    Kang Chan agreed to stop by the club that was in the basement of the Latz hotel when Michelle asked, which seemed to have made her very satisfied.

    After they ordered another bottle of wine and drank about half of it, darkness slightly descended. The atmosphere became more romantic when the dainty oil candles on every table lit up.

    He would¡¯ve thought he was having dinner with a beauty somewhere in France if it wasn¡¯t for the man in his fifties that was talking loudly two partitions across from him.

    And it would¡¯ve been even more fun if they were with Seok Kang Ho. If only he were young and weren¡¯t married.

    Kang Chan ended up smiling lightly when he suddenly wanted to see Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Honey.¡±

    Kang Chan thoughtlessly turned his gaze to Michelle when she called him.

    She proposed a toast while holding onto a wine ss.

    ¡°To a beautiful night,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°With the four of us?¡±

    Cindyughed loudly when Kang Chan raised his ss with a joke.

    1. Gimpo is a city in South Korea

 Chapter 36é”›å­­art1: Sharply (2)

    <h4>Chapter36£¬Part1: Sharply (2)</h4>

    In all honesty, Kang Chan didn¡¯t have that much fun at the club.

    The drooling idiots¡¯ gazes as they watched the three French women with him made him feel ufortable, and it wasn¡¯t like he¡¯d appreciate the bodies of the other women in the dance floor. Hence, he just left the ce at around 10:30 pm.

    He felt much morefortable since Michelle wasn¡¯t desirously clinging to him.

    Kang Chan felt like he was acting like a clown while wearing clothes that didn''t suit him when they were leaving the club.

    Kang Chan missed Seok Kang-Ho, Kim Mi-Young, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    After he went home, Kang Chan, Kang Dae-Kyung, and Yoo Hye-Sook ordered and ate fried chicken for the first time, then watched a movie together. It was one hundred times more enjoyable than the club. He wanted to drink beer, but couldn''t since even Kang Dae-Kyung drank c.

    Kang Chanughed, feeling like he had be a diligent high schooler now.

    ***

    Kang Chan left just in time to get to the meeting spot by 10 am, and headed to the bus stop Kim Mi-Young told him about via text.

    ¡°Chan!¡±

    He automatically smiled when he saw Kim Mi-Young waving her hand at him while smiling brightly.

    He definitely felt morefortable with her than with Michelle.

    ¡°Where do you want to go?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The Yongin amusement park!¡±

    That proposal was just like her.

    They took the subway to the Sports Complex, which had a shuttle bus.

    Chatter chatter.

    Their conversation never ended. She told him about a part she found funny in a TV program she watched yesterday, and that she regretted getting two questions wrong in the recent exam.

    <i>¡®That¡¯s it!¡¯</i>

    She hadn¡¯t gotten her grades yet, so he had just wasted time trying to find an excuse.

    When they went on the tour bus, Kim Mi-Young took out her earphones from the bag that was on her shoulder and ced one end of it into Kang Chan¡¯s ear.

    A song with a fast beat was ying.

    The ride to the amusement park itself was fun since they had fun music ying, and Kim Mi-Young had a bright expression on her face.

    <i>Ring.</i>

    But he clearly heard her ringtone amongst the music.

    Kim Mi-Young looked at Kang Chan with an annoyed face after she looked into her phone.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank coldly the moment he looked into her phone.

    [You¡¯re going to die.]

    The caller ID was of course ¡®000000¡¯.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably just a prank,¡± Kang Chan said.

    In moments like this, it was better to just act like it was nothing and move on. Kang Chan calmly controlled his emotions to prevent them from showing in his eyes.

    ¡°I get these once a day. It¡¯s honestly quite offensive,¡± Kim Mi-Young told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Since when?¡±

    ¡°I think it startedst week. I even showed it to my mom.¡±

    <i>What kind of fucker is doing this?</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t think that bastard would do this to Kim Mi-Young as well.

    Kim Mi-Young soon forgot about it when he didn¡¯t make a big deal out of it.

    The amusement park was full of people.

    Within three hours, they had omurice for lunch and went on three rides. He began to think, ¡®<i>Why do I have to pay to scream and fall from a high ce?¡¯</i>

    It was already evening by the time they had finished looking around the zoo and watching a seal and monkey show. shy lights lit up each ride.

    After having kimbap and udon for dinner, he decided it was time to go.

    ¡°I want to ride that.¡±

    But Kim Mi-Young pointed to a ride that was basically ridden as if they were standing up. It was a ride where the small cylinder spun in a circle and came back down again.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    There weren''t a lot of people queuing up for it anyway.

    Kang Chan ended up bursting intoughter when they got the tickets and sat down inside. It was because Kim Mi-Young had awkwardly lowered her gaze when they sat facing each other inside a cylinder that was narrow enough for their knees to touch.

    She was a kid that most likely looked forward to this moment, from the moment the exams ended up to now, even though she hadn¡¯t gotten her grades yet.

    When the ride slowly turned, little by little the appearance of the amusement park unfolded before their eyes.

    ¡°Can we kiss?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    Kim Mi-Young stole a nce, but when Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything, she quickly lowered her head.

    Kang Chan suddenly thought about the threatening text message.

    Regardless of the promise or other bullshit, it would be very irresponsible of him to start something with Kim Mi-Young when there was a lunatic like him near them.

    ¡°Give me your hand,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Kim Mi-Young carefully held out her hand, and Kang Chan gently held it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do everything on your birthday after we graduate from high school. That is if we haven¡¯t changed our minds by then,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°I won¡¯t change! I¡¯m not going to change!¡±

    She seemed upset and felt wronged.

    She would¡¯ve been excited for this moment in the days leading up to it, but Kang Chan had pushed it away.

    ¡°Come here,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan hugged her tightly after he pulled her to hisp.

    Kim Mi-Young trembled.

    It seemed like she was still having a hard time taking this much skinship in , even though she had feelings for him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll trust you. Let¡¯s wait until then so that we won¡¯t regret it. But in return, let¡¯s wear the rings that I prepared,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Mi-Young.

    Kim Mi-Young gently embraced Kang Chan¡¯s neck when he kissed her on the forehead.

    <i>Was it because of the atmosphere?</i> He wanted to have her.

    ¡°You can wait for me, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    She nodded.

    Kim Mi-Young smiled with a flushed face.

    His words most likely had a more intense effect than a simple kiss, but saying that made him feel much morefortable than actually kissing her.

    He needed to find out who sent the text message, no matter what.

    ***

    On Monday morning, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho the moment he came into the athletics club that Kim Mi-Young had also received the same message.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t feel right,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°It¡¯s either someone¡¯s picked up the phone that I lost, or it¡¯s the guys that were hiding behind Shan¡¯s back.¡±

    ¡°This is even more problematic since it¡¯s happening in the same time frame. If Shan had someone behind his back, wouldn¡¯t they be ced in an ufortable position if word gets out?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Tsk! That¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about right now? You should worry about yourself first.¡±

    ¡°What are you even saying?¡± Seok Kang-Hoined with a frown.

    ¡°You can¡¯t even use your neck properly. Don¡¯t make me kill the person that did that to you.¡±

    ¡°This neck brace will be gone before I go to the retreat.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to the retreat? Just use your neck as an excuse to give the task to someone else.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s already decided, so it can¡¯t be changed now.¡±

    <i>Should I twist his neck just until he doesn¡¯t die?</i>

    When Kang Chan red at him with a profound expression, Seok Kang-Ho got up from his spot while shaking his head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s buy some workout equipment instead. They¡¯re cheaper in the ces near Dongdaemun , so let¡¯s look around and have lunch there. Buying workout equipment for the athletics club is an official duty.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho wasn¡¯t the type to listen even if Kang Chan tried to stop him, so they headed to Dongdaemun as Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°Ask about the death threats at the telephone office tomorrow. I¡¯m going to see if anyone else has received that message,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Oh! That sounds good.¡±

    ¡°And let¡¯s go meet Smithen at dinner. We should hear in detail why he thought someone was backing Shan up, and we also need to tell him to watch his mouth,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    They shopped for workout machines after they had finished their discussion, picking only those that would work the muscle group they needed to target since it would only slow them down if they made their forearms stupidly bigger.

    They had cold buckwheat noodles for lunch.

    ¡°Oh! I feel much better,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Where are they holding the retreat?¡±

    ¡°I was told it¡¯ll be at Jirisan.¡±

    ¡°In this heat?¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it. I was told the kids voted among the possible ces to go, but it would¡¯ve been hard to choose the beach since it would¡¯ve been costly.¡±

    After they ate the refreshingly cold Buckwheat noodles, they headed to school while feeling slightly rejuvenated. Kang Chan took out his phone when he remembered their n for the evening.

    - Hi, Channy!

    ¡°Smithen, where are you right now?¡±

    - I¡¯m out shopping with Alice.

    ¡°What are you doing for dinner?¡±

    - I don¡¯t have any special ns.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s meet up.¡±

    - Okay, Channy. How about my ce at dinner time?

    ¡°Sure. Text me your address.¡±

    - Yes, Channy.

    Kang Chan got Smithen¡¯s address via text after ending the call and waiting for a bit.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the written test for the driver¡¯s license this week?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smiled strangely while twisting his neck, even though he couldn¡¯t rotate it properly.

    ¡°Do you think that I¡¯ll fail that?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°You never know. Apparently, there¡¯s a lot of people that don¡¯t line up their answers properly and mark their answers one bubble after where they¡¯re supposed to.¡±

    When they returned to school, lunchtime was already over.

    sses ended while Kang Chan had a cup of coffee alone in the athletics club, searching and calling a few security guardpanies.

    ¡°I¡¯lle back after I change my clothes at home.¡±

    ¡°You should put extra clothes here tomorrow. It¡¯s going to be cumbersome if you have to go home to change every time we go somewhere,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    That was true.

    Kang Chan spent about 30 minutes with the kids in the athletics club and left after telling them that the workout equipment would arrive tomorrow and that they could work out anytime they wanted from then on.

    ¡°Chan,¡± Kim Mi-Young called.

    ¡°Huh? Why haven¡¯t you gone home yet?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to see you before I go.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young was sitting in the stands.

    He kept noticing her breasts, possibly because of what he felt yesterday.

    ¡°Did you get a text message today?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°What? Ah, that weird perverse text message.¡±

    When annoyance swept through Kim Mi-Young¡¯s face, Kang Chan didn¡¯t need to hear an answer. At this point, he needed to catch the suspect regardless of whether it was a prank or not.

    1. Yongin is a city in South Korea

    2. Omurice is a Japanese dish that includes rice mixed in with vegetables, topped with an omelet and ketchup

    3. Udon is a Japanese dish made from thick noodles

    4. Skinship is a Korean term that refers to physical affection.

    5. Dongdaemun District is one of 25 districts in Seoul, South Korea

    6. Jirisan is a mountain located in the southern part of South Korea.

 Chapter 36é”›å­­art2: Sharply (2)

    <h4>Chapter36£¬Part2: Sharply (2)</h4>

    After he had a shower and changed clothes at home, Kang Chan spoke to Yoo Hye-Sook in a joking manner.

    ¡°I heard that text messages that say, ¡®you¡¯re going to die,¡¯ are a trend nowadays.¡±

    ¡°Really? No wonder! Did you also get a text message like that?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt outraged, but he forced himself to look calm and collected.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m telling you just in case, but don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t know why they¡¯re doing that. It feels really insulting.¡±

    After Kang Chan consoled her with a few more words, he left the house.

    Seok Kang-Ho was waiting in front of the apartment.

    ¡°Phew, what¡¯s up with that look in your eyes?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°My mother apparently got the same text message too.¡±

    ¡°Ah, good gracious. Those fuckers are dickheads. It looks like a lot of people are going to die again.¡±

    Kang Chan breathed out quietly.

    At this point, it was going beyond insulting.

    It felt like an invisible opponent had suddenly approached him while he was wasting his time with Michelle.

    They got caught in the evening rush hour, so they arrived at Smithen¡¯s ce at around 7 pm.

    It was a fairlyrge and luxurious vi. When they went inside, Smithen stood up from the living room sofa.

    ¡°Wee!¡± Smithen pointed to the sofa after he greeted them in poor Korean. The bandages on his face had been reced with gauze now, making him look fairly human.

    Alice brought out sandwiches and coffee, and they all ate together while looking at the Hangang river.

    ¡°Cigarettes?¡± Smithen also asked in poor Korean.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho followed a waddling Smithen and sat at a table outside the living room. The view was great, as they were able to see the river and the road beside it in one nce.

    ¡°Pleasee here often,¡± Smithen said. He seemed quite rxed.

    ¡°Smithen, remember when you said there could be someone backing Shan up?¡±

    But his face hardened immediately at Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Tell me in detail why you thought that way.¡±

    ¡°Did something happen? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Smithen asked in fast French.

    ¡°There¡¯s something suspicious going on, so I need you to give me an exnation.¡±

    ¡°As I said, it was just a gut feeling. It also looked like he was getting orders from someone. That¡¯s all,¡± Smithen answered.

    Kang Chan¡¯s expression hardened while he was looking at Smithen, finding his answer subtly mixed with truth and lies.

    ¡°Dayeru has been getting threatening text messages. I¡¯m going to look into it starting tomorrow, but if somethinges upter, or if Dayeru gets hurt even in the slightest bit, then even I am not sure what I¡¯d do as a consequence,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t understand what they were saying.

    ¡°One more thing. It seems like you told Alice about Africa,¡± He continued.

    ¡°About that, Channy¡­¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what you say since no one will believe it anyway. But Smithen, just don¡¯t forget that that mouth of yours can cause trouble anytime.¡±

    Kang Chan brought out a cigarette and bit on it.

    ¡°Phew. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m going to be with you until the end. You¡¯re also probably nning to go somewhere in a few years. I¡¯m not going to stop you, nor do I have ns on stopping you,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    When Kang Chan¡¯s eyes burned fiercely, Smithen seemingly grew anxious. He couldn¡¯t even give an excuse.

    ¡°But watch you say, at least from now on. Someone is watching. And remember that for at least the next two years, a lot of people can die because of what you say,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Kang Chan leaned onto the back of the chair after he extinguished the cigarette.

    He had said everything that he wanted to say.

    A warning to this extent was the best if he wasn¡¯t going to torture him.

    Kang Chan was just about to stand up after a moment of silence had passed.

    ¡°Channy, Shan got orders from someone,¡± Smithen said while he looked around the river and the living room.

    ¡°He seemed to think that I wasn¡¯t there, but when Iter asked who that was, he said the same thing that you just said¡ªthat I¡¯m going to certainly die if I tell this to anyone. I saw him talk that way on the phone two more times after that, and I pretended I didn¡¯t notice on purpose.¡±

    <i>¡®Damn it!¡¯</i>

    There really was something.

    But the Serpent Venimeux would cut anyone¡¯s head or limbs and ce it on the bed if they were ordered to do so. They didn¡¯t send that kind of message. This could mean that the person behind Shan and another enemy were trying to go for Kang Chan¡¯s surroundings.

    Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho his thoughts and what Smithen had said.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that things ended well with the Serpent Venimeux?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Exactly. The messages seemed to havee from Korea, but Serpent Venimeux has definitely figured out that someone was backing Shan up.¡±

    ¡°Phew, this is fuckingplicated. How about we ask the Ambassador about the potential issues with France?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    ¡°That¡¯s not a good idea. Wouldn¡¯t it only let him know that we¡¯re aware of something? We¡¯re better off just catching the guy sending the messages as soon as possible and quietly moving on instead. This will getpletely forgotten when the French presidential election is over, anyway.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, now that you mention it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°For now, let¡¯s just head home.¡±

    Kang Chan got up from his spot.

    ¡°Smithen, be careful when you¡¯re outside for the time being. And really watch what you say. Call me right away if there¡¯s something urgent,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Smithen was stupid but strong in the past, but now he looked like a coward that only had his wits left.

    ¡°We¡¯re going,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Channy.¡±

    Smithen called Kang Chan while slightly looking over the inside of the living room.

    ¡°Should I let Alice go?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s up to you,¡± He answered.

    Kang Chan went into the living room after he saw Smithen nodding.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get going now, Alice,¡± Kang Chan bid her goodbye.

    ¡°Pleasee again.¡±

    She really wasn¡¯t pretty, but her breasts were amazing.

    And it would be around this time for someone like Smithen to miss interacting with new females.

    Seok Kang-Ho gave Kang chan a ride to the apartment. When they parted ways, Kang Chan went into his room and stared nkly at his phone.

    There really weren''t a lot of people on his contact list.

    Kang Chan would¡¯ve been at ease if it were actually the parking lot gang that was ying tricks behind their backs.

    <i>Did Michelle and her friends also get this type of text message?</i>

    Kang Chan thought about calling but shook his head.

    It wasn¡¯t important whether one more or one less person got a text right now.

    <i>Let¡¯s catch him first.?</i>

    If this took too long, then he¡¯d consider discussing this with Lanok, the Ambassador of France.

    Kang Chan himself could endure being in danger for as long as his situation required it, but he needed to prevent something from happening to Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Dae-Kyung, and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    He felt like he was standing off with an enemy that was lying in wait to ambush him.

    An ufortable nervousness swept through Kang Chan, simr to when he was searching a hill where a bullet could hit him at any moment.

    <i>¡®Was I too rxed?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan thought this was the punishment for thinking he¡¯d be able to live in peace after finishing the deal with Shan, which in turn resulted in the loss of his sharpness.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho headed straight to the police station after Kang Chan briefly saw him in the athletics club. To figure out who sent the text messages, Seok Kang-Ho was told that the police had to receive aint about the threats first before they could order the start of the investigation.

    In the morning, a carload that contained about two and a half tonnes of workout equipment was delivered, which Kang Chan roughly arranged. He also positioned the electric fans given as freebies in appropriate locations.

    Kang Chan then called a security guardpany without letting anyone know.

    - What you said yesterday is possible. But it will require fifty million won as an advance deposit, and fifty million won per month.

    ¡°I¡¯ll deposit it right away. Please start as soon as possible, and don¡¯t forget that this must be done secretly.¡±

    - We¡¯ll deal with the task once we¡¯ve confirmed the deposit, then we¡¯ll pay you a visit.

    After he ended the call, Kang Chan immediately ran to the bank and deposited the money. While he was there, he also applied for telebanking and an inte banking service.

    Kang Chan had heard that the president of the securitypany had previously worked at the Presidential Security Service. Before he could even leave the bank, he already got a confirmation call. Just as Kang Chan asked, they told him they would start their mission immediately.

    This would protect Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Dae-Kyung, Kim Mi-Young, and also Seok Kang-Ho, even though he felt bad.

    He felt a bit relieved for now.

    Seok Kang-Ho arrived at the athletics club a little after 11 am.

    ¡°The cyber police or something started right away. Apparently, the person used a professional message forwarding service, and they applied for it overseas. The cyber police also said that they¡¯ve taken care of it, so we won¡¯t get those messages starting from today,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Overseas?¡±

    ¡°Apparently, spam mail can be created so that it originates from an address that¡¯s in China, Thand, or the Philippines, and even Korean people can do that as well.¡±

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    ¡°Hey! It takes up so much space when it¡¯s assembled,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Seok Kang-Ho turned his eyes to Kang Chan after he pulled the lever on the workout equipment.

    ¡°Forget about it. There are a lot of gangsters that be criminals through petty crimes, aren¡¯t there? It¡¯s obviously going to be the losers,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Could that really be true?</i> <i>Is it going to end quietly like this?</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho tried to lift a piece of workout equipment while wearing a neck brace but soon made a pained expression when he moved his neck.

    Sillyughter burst out. As they snickered together, the bell rang to signify lunchtime.

    ¡°Where are we going to have lunch?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°We should go to the student cafeteria so we can take care of the kids.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Then I¡¯ll eat with the teachers of the student department. We¡¯re going to need to buy a lock and put it on the workout equipment, won¡¯t we?¡±

    Kang Chan stood up after Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s phone vibrated briefly.

    1. About 36,000 USD

    2. The student department is focused on improving the lives of students, outside of their grades. Their duties include punishing bullies or students that go against the rules of the school and guiding the students

 Chapter 37é”›å­­art1: Heéˆ¥æªš Teaching me a Lesson Until the End (2)

    <h4>Chapter37£¬Part1: He¡¯s Teaching me a Lesson Until the End (2)</h4>

    Seok Kang-Ho immediately frowned after checking the text message. ¡°These fuckers are also quite incredible.¡±

    He handed over the phone to Kang Chan.

    [You¡¯re going to die anyway.]

    <i>Who could it be?</i>

    Kang Chan felt like he¡¯d run over, beat up, and catch that guy if he just knew where he was, even if he were in Africa.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s catch this guy after we have lunch and replenish our energy,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan assumed the guy might be connected to the parking lot gang because, if it was the guy Shan was taking orders from, then he wouldn¡¯t have excluded Smithen. Rather, he would¡¯ve been the first one to receive the text.

    If that were the case, then Kang Chan needed to find the guys and finish them offpletely while he was being protected by the securitypany.

    ¡°What are you going to do after ss?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I have to go early today. There¡¯s someone I have to meet.¡±

    ¡°I see. I also have a meeting about the retreat. Let¡¯s go eat something good tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    It looked like Dayeru was bing more and more like Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Should I treat him like a teacher and as someone older?</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    Things like this would be solved with time.

    When they arrived at the cafeteria, the kids seemed hyped up.

    This was especially true for the eleventh-graders, as they had both the break and the retreat.

    Kang Chan finished eating while he sat next to Kim Mi-Young, who was happily talking to Cha So-Yeon.

    ***

    After sses ended, Kang Chan walked home with Kim Mi-Young. He then changed his clothes and immediately headed out to a nearby coffee specialty store.

    ¡°I¡¯m the president, Kim Tae-Jin. I didn¡¯t know that you were a high schooler, Mr. Kang-Chan.¡±

    Although Kim Tae-Jin didn¡¯t hide his surprise even as he handed over his business card, Kang Chan liked the sharp look in his eyes.

    ¡°Is there anything else besides the text messages?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯s everything for now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a lot of money to spend for only threatening text messages. It would be best to tell us everything you know for the safety of those that need guarding.¡±

    ¡°It could be a mafia organization, but I¡¯m not sure about that either.¡±

    ¡°We can connect with almost every gangster in South Korea. Even if all we know is their name, we should be able to act first. The best way to guard our objective is to remove the risk factor before something could even transpire.¡±

    ¡°Please just stand guard for now. That¡¯s enough.¡± As soon as Kang Chan finished his answer, Suh Sang-Hyun, the executive director, butted in.

    ¡°You probably don¡¯t know this since you¡¯re still just a student, but even the gangsters can¡¯t walk over our president. And why would we work needlessly when we can just immediately remove the root cause?¡±

    Kang Chan sharply looked at Suh Sang-Hyun.

    He kept talking thoughtlessly just because he knew some things about gangsters and Kang Chan was still a high schooler. Could someone like him do his job properly?

    Suh Sang-Hyun just red right back, as if not to lose.

    ¡°Director Suh,¡± Kim Tae-Jin called.

    But Suh Sang-Hyun shut his mouth when Kim Tae-Jin briefly shook his head.

    ¡°If you want to help, then please just look into who sent the text messages. And Mr. Seok Kang-Ho will go on a three-day, four-night retreat next week at Jiri Mountain. Please make sure that people don¡¯t notice you guys there as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan signed the contract and received the receipt.

    The contract process ended with that.

    ¡°Then we¡¯re done here, right? If so, I¡¯ll get going now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°We¡¯ll try our best.¡±

    Kang Chan left the coffee specialty store right after shaking both of their hands.

    ¡°That brat sure is arrogant just because he has some money,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun said while observing Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s mood. He was about to call Kang Chan rude but decided to y it safe due to Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s aura.

    ¡°He¡¯s the son of the Kang Yoo Motors president, right?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve worked eight years in the security office?¡±

    ¡°Eight years and three months, to be exact.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at Suh Sang-Hyun with pity.

    ¡°And you still didn¡¯t feel anything while looking into that student¡¯s eyes?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked again.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin stared in the direction of the exit Kang Chan took.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think I''d get to see those kinds of eyes again. Have I gotten too sensitive nowadays?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°What''s it like?¡±

    ¡°I thought that I had seen the Neck Ghost.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?!¡±

    Suh Sang-Hyun quickly looked after eximing.

    ¡°You said you checked on the president of Kang Yoo Motors, right?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Yes, our guys are guarding him even now, but there¡¯s nothing unusual to report.¡±

    ¡°The look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes is of someone that has killed people. A lot of people.¡±

    ¡°Is it that bad I didn¡¯t notice?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded.

    ¡°It¡¯s quite easy to discern if one thinks they can kill another by the look in their eyes. However, noticing the look of a person that could twist someone else¡¯s neck at any second is difficult. That¡¯s why they can win without much effort. From what I¡¯ve seen, if you and that student fought right there and then, you definitely would¡¯ve died.¡±

    ¡°No way. Aren¡¯t you just being overly sensitive?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin smiled bitterly.

    ¡°I was just like you when I fought with the Neck Ghost. But having my chest stabbed made me realize the importance of experience. You¡¯ll learn of it eventually.¡±

    Suh Sang-Hyun couldn¡¯t say anything else because he knew Kim Tae-Jin was being sincere.

    There wasn¡¯t anyone on their side that hade back after killing as many of the enemies in the DMZ as Kim Tae-Jin. Since the state of affairs had changed, it would be difficult for someone like Kim Tae-Jin to emerge again in the future. Of course, this was excluding the legend in the DMZ that Suh Sang-Hyun most respected.

    ¡°Focus. There¡¯s something suspicious about this case. ce two more guys for each person,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Is it that bad?¡±

    When Kim Tae-Jin gazed at him sharply, Suh Sang-Hyun quickly answered with an ¡®Understood.¡¯

    ¡°If someone like him goes crazy, then not only you, but everyone else that has failed to guard their detail will lose their necks.¡±

    <i>Can he really do that in today¡¯s world?</i>

    But as if he read Suh Sang-Hyun¡¯s mind, Kim Tae-Jin shook his head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think that he¡¯s going to calcte what¡¯s going to happenter. He would just click his tongue, not bothering to worry about things like that.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think so?¡± asked Suh Sang-Hyun.

    Kim Tae-Jin pursed his lips while looking down at the contract.

    ¡°If the task was to guard someone against that student, then I would¡¯ve never taken on the role. It would be better to pay the financial penalties of twice the original amount.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll increase the number of guys immediately.¡±

    ¡°Search through that student¡¯s surroundings. If needed, I¡¯ll call the National Intelligence Service and the National Police Agency as well.¡±

    Suh Sang-Hyun got rid of his doubts.

    The Kim Tae-Jin that he knew wasn¡¯t someone that would ever spout nonsense about this kind of thing.

    ***

    After Kang Chan came home, he surfed the inte when his phone vibrated. It was Oh Gwang-Taek.

    It was just in time because he was feeling rather unsettled by the parking lot gangsters.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¨C Kang Chan, everything¡¯s alright on your end, right?

    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Kang Chan could instantly tell that Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s voice didn¡¯t sound good.

    - Remember Do-Seok from the Namsan Hotel? He got attacked. He¡¯s in the hospital right now but isn¡¯t doing well. So be sure to be extra careful from now on.

    <i>Was it the parking lot?gangsters?after all?</i>

    Kang Chan felt strangely relieved, even though he felt sorry for Suh Do-Seok.

    - Things like this happen in our work all the time, but it¡¯s strange this time. He¡¯s injured so much that he can¡¯t work anymore. I can¡¯t help but wonder if he got robbed as well.

    ¡°Is there a reason why Do-Seok would be a target?¡±

    -That¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you this. There have been many cases where they attack the business, but there aren''t a lot of cases where they attack the employee themselves. And they did it too cleanly for this to just be a robbery. So be extra alert for now. I¡¯ll send over my guys if need be, so don¡¯tin and just pretend that you didn¡¯t notice anything.

    <i>Should I say it, or should I not?</i>

    Kang Chan made up his mind after debating about it for a moment.

    ¡°We also got threatening text messages.¡±

    - What? What did you just say?

    ¡°A few people around me, including Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, got text messages saying we¡¯re going to die. It seems like someone¡¯s picked up the phone I lost in the hotel, but I think it roughly connects to what I heard about Do-Seok.¡±

    Since he had already told him the gist of it anyway, Kang Chan decided to tell him everything¡ªfrom the process of reporting it to the police to receiving the texts even today.

    - It¡¯s those fucking parking lot gangsters. Those fuckers! Okay. Anyway, take care of yourself.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    He ended the call without any unnecessary talk.

    Kang Chan felt better as it seemed like he honestly got to know who the enemy was. And with the look in Kim Tae-Jin''s eyes, he wouldn¡¯t lose to people like the parking lot gangsters.

    <i>¡®It¡¯s also not good to go around searching for the fucking gangsters.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan licked his lips.

    Now that he had identified the suspects as the parking lot gangsters, it became awkward to search for them without Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s help.

    <i>¡®Those fucking dickheads.¡¯</i>

    Thinking about it, Kang Chan didn¡¯t actually get any threatening text messages.

    It wasn¡¯t like he was upset, but he got strangely angry.

    1. The DMZ refers to the demilitarized zone, which is a strip ofnd that acts as a barrier between North and South Korea

 Chapter 37é”›å­­art2: Heéˆ¥æªš Teaching me a Lesson Until the End (2)

    <h4>Chapter37£¬Part2: He¡¯s Teaching me a Lesson Until the End (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan¡¯s running speed kept getting faster during his morning workouts, which surprised even himself.

    ¡°Huff huff.¡±

    After he came back to the apartment, a feebleugh escaped him even while he was breathing heavily.

    <i>With this body, wouldn¡¯t he have gone to the Olympics if he was a track and field athlete?</i> This probably had something to do with his fast regeneration, but if the previous Kang Chan was like this in the past, then he probably wouldn¡¯t have realized his skills because he couldn¡¯t get past the two-kilometer limit in the end.

    After Kang Chan had breakfast, he went to school and then headed out with Seok Kang-Ho. He passed the written and practical driving tests which included the indoor driving course test, and the outdoor road tests

    ¡°Oh!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s expression was full of mischief when Kang Chan came out after receiving the driver¡¯s permit. He was able to fairly move his neck now, and the friction between his skin and the neck brace was probably why the fabric at the top of the neck brace had turned dark.

    ¡°When are you getting your safety lessons?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°They told me to receive it tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Then are you getting your license tomorrow as well? Phuhuhu.¡±

    Kang Chan side-eyed Seok Kang-Ho when heughed strangely. The two of them then returned to school.

    ~

    Kang Chan used the new workout equipment because there were still about an hour of sses left. Not used to the intensity, his muscles protested that he was being too harsh, but Kang Chan wasn¡¯t the type to listen.

    After working out to his heart''s content and washing up in the night-duty room, his body and mind felt sharper.

    With Seok Kang-Ho busy preparing for the retreat, Kang Chan went home with Kim Mi-Young, then he had dinner with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    His nerves were on edge, but he tried hard to not show it. It would¡¯ve been better if they were wiping their weapons together, and if they were in a situation where they could each watch out for their own lives instead, but he was still thankful that they weren¡¯t on a battlefield. If he were in Africa with Yoo Hye-Sook, he would definitely have gone out every night to cut off the enemies that were going against them the next day.

    Kang Chan always had his phone in his pocket, even when he was in the living room.

    ***

    The next day, Kang Chan went with Seok Kang-Ho to receive a two-hour-long safety lesson. He couldn¡¯t believe they were teaching someone that had already gotten their license to not fool around and drive properly.

    After it was done, Kang Chan came out of the test site while listening to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s joke.

    ¡°The driver''s license must be hot because it¡¯s fresh out of the oven.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t return to school, however. Instead, he headed to a nearby public parking lot.

    ¡°Why are we here?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please get out of the car.¡±

    <i>Is he nning on stopping here to smoke?</i>

    Kang Chan looked around their surroundings as he got out of the car, but Seok Kang-Ho took out a keyring from his pocket and handed it to him.

    ¡°It¡¯s a present,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    It looked like Seok Kang-Ho had hung a ck business card on the keyring, where a small military purpose dagger was hung.

    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Oh,e on! Just press it once.¡±

    When Kang Chan looked at it, he found open and closed lock symbols on it. It also had a car symbol with its trunk open.

    Kang Chan had just raised his gaze from the keyring.

    ¡°It¡¯s for the ¡®Chiffre.¡¯ I had a hard time making sure to bring it out by today,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan was at a loss for words.

    ¡°Phuhu. What¡¯s with that expression? Is it because this is the first time you¡¯re receiving a present or something?¡±

    <i>How did this fucker know that?</i>

    Of course, he had the phone that Oh Gwang-Taek bought him, but he didn¡¯t think that was a present.

    ¡°Ah jeez! I said to unlock the car door!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed again.

    Kang Chan pressed the button.

    The dark blue car right in front of them made a ¡®beep beep¡¯ sound, then its emergency lights shed.

    ¡°It¡¯s a full option car, and I also put insurance on it. Apparently, you¡¯re the second customer in South Korea to buy it with all of the options. Do you like it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°You also drive that kind of car, don¡¯t you? That must have cost you a fortune.¡±

    ¡°Hey! It¡¯s a present! I couldn¡¯t use a cent of the money I got because it didn¡¯t feel like mine, but now I think I can finally give my wife some of it.¡±

    Kang Chan stared at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What, you don¡¯t like the color?¡±

    ¡°Is that car under my name?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°About that. I registered it under my name for now because I figured your father would likely know right away.¡±

    Cost aside, Kang Chan was thankful Seok Kang-Ho considered those details as well.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho subtly gauged Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    ¡°It¡¯s the first present I''ve ever received in my entire life. Maybe that¡¯s why I like it a lot.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smiled when Kang Chan smirked, seemingly satisfied.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Phuhu. Your words right now don¡¯t suit you, you know.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho took out a cigarette for him when Kang Chan licked his lips.

    ¡°I probably would¡¯ve gone crazy if you weren¡¯t here. I should be the one thanking you because you¡¯re the reason why I got my revenge¡ªwhich I couldn¡¯t even imagine doing¡ªand received a lot of money,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    Kang Chan found this kind of conversation somewhat awkward.

    He looked around the car after putting out his cigarette, then realized that the two men in the car outside of the parking lot were looking their way.

    They could either be the guards or the gangsters. But the former was more likely.

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t park the car here, and you drive this for the time being,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan with an upset expression after he sat in the passenger seat.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any way to exin why I¡¯m driving around this car. So you drive it, then I¡¯ll borrow it when I need it. We move together anyway, so it wouldn¡¯t be efficient to stop by here every time.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho''s face seemed to say, ¡°Oh shoot!¡±

    How could he say that a school teacher bought him a ¡®Chiffre,¡¯ a very expensive car, when it would''ve already raised suspicions if they bought him a beat-up car?

    ¡°Do that for now,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Damn.¡±

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t given the money to your wife?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I can¡¯t use it for some strange reason.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re going to die waiting. Give it to her quickly. And I¡¯m going to say this again, but the money talks have to end here.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Dayeru looked like a weight had been lifted off of him.

    ¡°Should we go out for lunch tomemorate the new car?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    There would be no one to take a close look at Kang Chan even if he drove because he changed into a cotton shirt at school.

    Kang Chan awkwardly pressed the start button and started the car.

    The world had really changed a lot.

    <i>But wouldn¡¯t it be safer and more reliable to insert the key and start the car?</i>

    The car left the parking lot.

    ¡°Bloody hell! Please slow down!¡± Seok Kang-Hoined as Kang Chan merged into the main road. In all honesty, Kang Chan had broken out in a cold sweat simr to when he went out to the battlefield.

    ¡°Ah! That son of a bitch,¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°Phuhu. I was like that when I drove for the first time as well. I feel like I¡¯m going out to the battlefield whenever I take the wheel. You need to endure it.¡±

    They headed to the Chinese restaurant.

    The owner of the store seemed upset when they only ordered two Jajangmyeons despite parking a ¡®Chiffre¡¯, an amazingly fancy and expensive car.

    Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about his call with Oh Gwang-Taek, and he had the same thoughts as Kang Chan about it.

    ***

    Starting Saturday, Seok Kang-Ho no longer received threatening text messages.

    Kang Chan subtly asked Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Mi-Young about it, confirming that they hadn¡¯t received them since Saturday as well.

    It could be because Oh Gwang-Taek did something or because the suspects thought that there was no point in sending more texts.

    They didn¡¯t receive any even on Sunday morning.

    It seemed like Seok Kang-Ho had a lot to prepare since the break would begin on Monday, and the retreatsted from Tuesday to Friday.

    Having worked his body to its limits yesterday, Kang Chan didn¡¯t work out that Sunday. Sufficient rest was also important, after all.

    After Kang Chanzed in the morning while watching a TV program rted to movies with Yoo Hye-Sook, they cooked noodles for lunch. Although Yoo Hye-Sook was curious about him going to university, she didn¡¯t say anything else about him resting.

    He turned on hisputer after he went into his room.

    Having gotten used to searching on the inte nowadays, he searched for international blogs that were uploaded by individuals or any rted material. The matters with Shan had ended, but he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if there were any articles or materials rted to Shan online. Hence, he still spent a lot of time on international sites, especially when searching for materials in French.

    Yoo Hye-Sook came into his room with fruits to give to Kang Chan, then just left with a very happy expression after she saw him working so hard on theputer.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª</i>

    He thoughtlessly lifted his phone when it vibrated. The caller ID was ¡®000-0000-0000¡¯

    Kang Chan breathed deeply, then pressed the call button.

    - Ello.

    The voice sounded familiar.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t reply right away.

    - Monsieur Kang, it¡¯s Lanok.

    That was weird.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan. I didn¡¯t respond immediately because of the strange caller ID. Is this your phone number?¡±

    - This is the exclusive number for the Information Bureau, so a unique number popped up. It¡¯s to block recording, bugging, and eavesdropping. Even if you record this, you¡¯ll probably only hear static instead of our conversation when you listen to itter.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¨C We have a problem, Monsieur Kang. I wish to discuss it with you in person. Can you spare me some time?

    Lanok¡¯s voice sounded like it was mixed with the static in the background, but all that mattered was what he was saying. Kang Chan ended the call after they agreed to meet at the hotel in Hannam-dong.

    ~

    Kang Chan had just arrived at the hotel in Hannam-dong.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Follow me,¡± the French man led Kang Chan. His outfit and actions made a nce enough for Kang Chan to think he was an Information Bureau agent.

    When they went on the elevator, the man inserted the card key and pressed the button for the 16th floor. He then led Kang Chan to room 1601, opened the door, then retraced his steps.

    The living room was quiterge.

    The door of the bedroom was closed, so there was no way for him to know who was inside. When Kang Chan walked in, Lanok stood up and greeted him. He was with one other person.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, could you turn off your phone?¡± Lanok requested.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan removed its battery. The man with the ambassador then took out a detection stick used in airport security and approached him.

    <i>Do they really have to do?all of this?</i>

    ¡°I ask for your cooperation,¡± Lanok remarked.

    Kang Chan frowned because of Lanok¡¯s calm attitude, but he did as asked for now.

    After the entourage finished searching Kang Chan to the tips of his toes, he prepared two cups of coffee, then went into the room and closed the door.

    Kang Chan wordlessly sipped on the beverage.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, we just received surprising news from the Information Bureau.¡±

    Lanok seemed like he was in a predicament but didn¡¯t seem surprised.

    ¡°It was news that Shan is alive.¡±

    1. In Korea, there are two steps in the practical portion of the driving test. It includes the ¡°indoor¡± driving course test that¡¯s done in a safe environment where people have to follow the automated instructions to pass. See this photo for what a test course could look like: After that, participants have to pass the on-road driving exam, which is graded by an evaluator

    2. Jajangmyeon is a Korean noodle dish topped with a thick sauce

    3. Hannam-dong is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in South Korea

 Chapter 38: Its Teaching me a Lesson until the End (2)

    <h4>Chapter 38: It''s Teaching me a Lesson until the End (2)</h4>

    Coffee almost came out of Kang Chan¡¯s nose.

    ¡°Based on the remittance form from France, there¡¯s a high possibility that the Chinese had betrayed us. We¡¯re trying our best to find Shan, having judged that he might still be staying in South Korea,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan.

    <i>Click.</i>

    He put his cup down on the table with enough force to cause a loud noise.

    ¡°Are you sure Shan is still alive?¡±

    Kang Chan had definitely broken Shan¡¯s ribs near his heart.

    Even if a doctor had been waiting, it would¡¯ve been hard to survive that kind of injury.

    ¡°The Intelligence Bureau wiretapped his phone call to France.¡±

    Lanok sharply looked over Kang Chan, then spoke again.

    ¡°He used the ¡®Ice of the Desert¡¯ as his code name, which he used during his military service. His voice also matched Shan¡¯s, ording to our voice verification system.¡±

    <i>I should¡¯ve split open his heart.</i>

    An opponent iparably stronger than the parking lot gang now had Kang Chan in their sights.

    ¡°Do you also know what he said in the call?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I was told it was these two sentences: ¡®It¡¯s the Ice of the Desert. My enemy¡¯s in South Korea, and I have to kill him no matter what.¡¯¡±

    <i>Son of a bitch. Who¡¯s killing who?</i>

    ¡°Even the Intelligence Bureau doesn¡¯t know how to take care of this problem.¡±

    Lanok looked straight at Kang Chan.

    ¡°My country is focusing on finding the person backing Shan up, their efforts mainly revolving around the remittance material. They¡¯re also investigating if their purposes are rted to the French election.¡±

    ¡°Have they found anything yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Not yet.¡±

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee.

    ¡°I think the Chinese organization is making their move. We hope that Shan will target you, which would make it easier to solve this situation. If we see how Shan¡¯s backer moves, then we¡¯ll be able to know for certain.¡±

    ¡°We should entrap Shan.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    <i>This old fucking roon is openly treating me as bait?*?</i>

    Kang Chan had a sudden urge to smoke.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, do you perhaps have cigarettes?¡±

    Lanok was of course on an entirely different level from a gangster.

    When Lanok looked for a cigarette in the inner room, an employee came out and brought out a zippo lighter and an ashtray instead of a disposable lighter.

    Lanok bit on arge cigar.

    ¡°We were worried about that day¡¯s CCTV records, so our analyst ran over, but the employee in charge had already been attacked by then. Hence, what I¡¯ve been worried about would likely happen.¡±

    Lanok puffed on the cigar and exhaled the smoke away from Kang Chan. He continued.

    ¡°So, my country has to choose between one of two choices: to either kill you or to work together with you to catch Shan.¡±

    ¡°I like how simple that is,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid?¡±

    Lanok seemed dumbfounded.

    ¡°I can ept that you somehow know French you¡¯ve never learned before, the way you handled that fight with Shan and your rtionship with Smithen. But it¡¯s a different story if things get worse, especially if Shan is alive,¡± Lanok said.

    From Kang Chan¡¯s perspective, Lanok had already reached a conclusion. After all, a roon like him didn¡¯t make decisions through discussions. To them, conversations were just means to justify the option they had chosen.

    ¡°Considering there¡¯s a limit to how much our agent can move around in Korea, I n on doing everything in my power to help you for now. Let¡¯s first set up or acquire a corporation. If funds are needed, then our Intelligence Bureau will pay for it,¡± Lanok continued.

    <i>What¡¯s he trying to do now?</i>

    ¡°It¡¯ll be easier for you to move if you have a rtively powerful position than as a student. And it would be even better if you can¡¯t be associated with Gong Te.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not very keen on that offer,¡± replied Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan shook his head as he was reminded of how he acted like a clown while wearing clothes that didn¡¯t suit him in the club a few days ago.

    ¡°If Shan¡¯s backer is connected to China, and if that connection is rted to the Chinese regime, then this isn¡¯t simply about your personal resentment.¡±

    Kang Chan slightly relented when Lanok showed pity for the first time.

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll decide after I seriously think about it,¡± He replied.

    ¡°Would you like to have dinner with me?¡±

    <i>Does he really want to sit face to face and eat in this situation?</i>

    ¡°Let¡¯s do thatter,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    They had just stood up from their spot when Lanok spoke again, politely.

    ¡°You should acquire a French nationality, Mr. Kang Chan. I honestly want to work with you for the future I want to create.¡±

    ¡°You should¡¯ve said that from the beginning,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Lanokughed loudly for the first time, making him feel like he had just seen Lanok¡¯s honest emotions.

    ¡°If you wish, I¡¯ll also make it so that everyone you designate will be able to acquire a French nationality.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for the offer.¡±

    It was a tempting offer, but he ended the conversation with a short reply.

    Kang Chan left the hotel and hailed a taxi.

    He needed a ce that was full of people¡ªa ce where he wouldn¡¯t be alone and catch others¡¯ attention.

    ¡°Tron Square, please,¡± Kang Chan told the driver, remembering the ce he visited with Kim Mi-Young.

    Since it was a Sunday afternoon, there was no traffic on the way to it.

    The French Presidential Election?

    That was bullshit.

    He just needed to beat up Shan, who had sold off his crew, and the other higher-ups that could be supporting and controlling him, if any.

    All of this happened because he didn¡¯t end things properly again.

    <i>Son of a bitch.</i>

    <i>¡®Even now, he¡¯s still teaching me a lesson.¡¯</i>

    It didn¡¯t matter how often it was emphasized. There really was nothing more important than properly closing off every situation.

    While Kang Chan was gritting his teeth, the taxi arrived at the destination.

    Just as he had expected, Tron Square was crowded with people.

    As he sat on a chair in the lobby on the first floor, he thought about many things, arriving at only one conclusion: cut Shan¡¯s windpipe and destroy his backer if there was one, even if he had to ept Lanok¡¯s help.

    <i>That''s right! This isn¡¯tplicated.</i>

    Kang Chan looked up at Tron Square¡¯s high ceiling.

    <i>¡®Why on earth did I reincarnate like this?¡¯</i>

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    Even though he wasn¡¯t in a good mood, he knew he should kill Shan first before thinking about that.

    Those fucking Chinese cowards.

    They spoke so highly about their pride when they took Shan, only for them to exchange it for a bit of money.

    <i>¡®I have to deal with all of this before the break ends.¡¯</i>

    If it really were the Chinese mafia, then he needed to contact Oh Gwang-Taek.

    There really was a lot of excitement in his life.

    He got curious about how each person that tightly filled the first floor of Tron Square lived their lives and what emotions they were feeling.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop here!¡±

    Kang Chan ced his hands on his knees and pushed himself up.

    The fight had already started.

    It would be best for him to focus on stabbing Shan in the neck or heart for now, then think about what he should do afterward.

    This situation was much better than if he were to worry about what to do without knowing the enemy.

    <i>¡®Come at me quick, Shan.¡¯</i>

    After making a decision, he got the urge to smoke a cigarette.

    The cigarette and lighter that he brought from Lanok¡¯s room were in his pocket. Kang Chan had tried to return it, but he took it with him in the end since it was just a cheap zippo lighter for military purposes.

    There was a flower bed at the backside of Tron square, in between the building and the parking lot¡¯s wire fence. Since the area in front of the flower bed was as tall as his waist and looked like an appropriate ce to smoke, he headed there.

    Kang Chan was thinking of heading home after staying there long enough to sufficiently remove the smell of smoke from his body.

    Now in front of the flower bed, he pulled out a cigarette and bit on it, then pulled out the lighter.

    <i>ck. Chik.</i>

    As he tried to light up his cigarette, Africa popped into his mind. It had been quite a long time since hest thought of the country.

    <i>Smack. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan had just inhaled a puff of the cigarette.

    He heard someone getting beaten up from the opposite side of the flower bed. However, the flower bed was as tall as his waist and was made up of blooming nts that grew above the flower bed itself, preventing him from having a clear view of the other side properly.

    <i>p!</i>

    The sound of a cheek being pped echoed all the way to where he was.

    The fucking children did live diligently.

    <i>But how did those fuckers go across the flower bed?</i>

    Kang Chan tilted his head to peek around the flower bed, where he found a path he could take, but only if he walked sideways. It was narrow enough to make it difficult to go through if someone held their ground to prevent being dragged inside.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s that?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan was stunned.

    It was Lee Ho-Jun and Heo Eun-Sil.

    Kang Chan leaned against the wall and looked inside.

    Lee Ho-Jun had his pants down to his knees.

    <i>That¡¯s not impossible to happen to that fucker, but Heo Eun-Sil wasn¡¯t a bitch that would get beaten up by just anyone.</i>

    Just then, a guy with arge build tightly grabbed the end of Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s breast and twisted it.

    Because he did that, Kang Chan caught a glimpse of a knife-wielding guy, who was behind the man that twisted Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s breast.

    <i>This is absurd!</i> They weren¡¯t in a quiet backcountry area in Africa. It didn¡¯t make sense for something like this to happen in the middle of downtown Seoul.

    When Heo Eun-Sil twisted in pain, three girls near her chortled with delight.

    With Lee Ho-Jun¡¯s pants down, Kang Chan saw his thigh had turned ck and blue from being bruised.

    <i>¡®The kids that you guys bullied would¡¯ve been more miserable than that.¡¯</i>

    It irritated him.

    Nobody forced them to be there. That was just the life they chose to live.

    <i>Pow. Pow. p.</i>

    Lee Ho-Jun and Heo Eun-Sil continued to get hit.

    They couldn¡¯t even defy them.

    When Kang Chan finished smoking, he took onest nce before leaving. The same guy that pulled on Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s breast then pulled her cor and tried to press a lit cigarette on her breasts.

    <i>Why are they being so cruel?</i>

    And why was he seeing something he would only see in a war between tribes in Africa, in the middle of Seoul?

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>.¡±

    When Kang Chan clicked his tongue in displeasure, the man with the lit cigarette turned to him.

    ¡°What?! Get lost, you fucker!¡±

    A peal of lightughter broke out from Kang Chan.

    ¡°Is this son of a bitch crazy? The fuck are you snickering for?¡±

    ¡°You. Come here.¡±

    When Kang Chan cocked his finger whileughing, the guy shook off Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s cor and immediately walked through the path beside the flower bed.

    ¡°I¡¯m here. What now, bitch?¡± The guy asked Kang Chan.

    This fucker seemed like he was asking because he was really curious.

    <i>Pow. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan swiftly stabbed his thumb into the guy¡¯s neck and the pit of his stomach.

    <i>¡°Cough! Cough!¡±</i>

    When Kang Chan¡¯s target grabbed his throat and let out hideous screams, several people turned their heads toward them.

    Kang Chan grabbed the guy¡¯s head with his left hand.

    <i>Smack!</i>

    <i>SMACK!!!</i>

    <i>Thud.</i>

    His opponent copsed to the floor.

    ¡°Hey! You son of a bitch!¡± A man cursed from the opposite side of the flower bed, and about fifteen people came out, some jumping over the flower bed while others emerged from the path beside it.

    ¡°This is going to drive me crazy.¡±

    There were a lot of them, but his words weren¡¯t out of fear. It was out of annoyance that there were more peopleing over.

    <i>Whoosh</i>.

    Kang Chan jumped and ran up the flower bed in one go.

    <i>Pow! Pok! Pow!</i>

    He then beat up the three guys that went after him, hitting them with his elbow and fists.

    They wouldn¡¯t die even if they fell from this height.

    <i>Smack!*</i>

    Kang Chan then jumped down, kicking the head of a guy blocking the flower bed in the process.

    He let out a sigh when he looked at Lee Ho-Jun and Heo Eun-Sil.

    ¡°Who are you?¡±

    There were still close to ten guys surrounding Kang Chan. About three of them were girls.

    ¡°Who are those fuckers?¡± asked Kang Chan, gesturing toward the group with his chin.

    ¡°The union of bullies,¡± Heo Eun-Sil answered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ignore me, you son of a bitch,¡± said the guy.

    Kang Chan smirked and looked at him.

    He was the one that had been holding a knife that was about a handspan long. He had a fair build and looked like he had guts.

    <i>Shouldn¡¯t he know that if he can kill people, then he can also be killed in turn?</i>

    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡± His opponent yelled when Kang Chan approached him head-on.

    <i>Swish. Swish!</i>

    <i>Thud!</i>

    When the guy flinched and swung twice, Kang Chan snatched his wrist, pulled him over, and smashed his right elbow into the guy¡¯s face.

    <i>Thump.</i>

    Kang Chan then immediately grabbed the guy¡¯s finger and twisted it.

    <i>Crunch!</i>

    ¡°Gaah!¡±

    With blood covering his mouth and nose, his screams sounded quite nasal.

    Kang Chan turned the guy¡¯s right arm over, ced it on his shoulder, hung both of his hands on the guy¡¯s forearm, and puled down.

    <i>Crunch!</i>

    ¡°Aaahhh!¡±

    ¡°Son of a bitch. You¡¯re way too fucking loud. Stop right there!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    The guys that were leaving the flower bed flinched and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Lee Ho-Jun will be using this bitch that I had just taken out to find everyone that leaves. For those that don¡¯t want to use their arm for the rest of their lives, feel free to leave now.¡±

    ¡°Fuck you! Fuck!¡±?The guy at the middle of the path of the flowerbed swore as he moved back.

    <i>Tatata</i>!

    Kang Chan immediately went through the flower bed and stepped down on the opposite side.

    They probably didn¡¯t expect he¡¯de over this quickly.

    <i>Pow pow pow</i>!

    The man whose stomach pit, neck, and nose bridge Kang Chan had injured croaked.

    ¡°Hey! Drag this fucker inside,¡± ordered Kang Chan.

    The guy that met Kang Chan¡¯s gaze dragged the struggling guy inside with a surprised face.

    ¡°You go inside as well.¡±

    The first guy he beat up tried to gauge Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    ¡°Son of a bitch¡­¡± Kang Chan growled.

    <i>Swoosh</i>.

    The guy went inside real quick.

    Kang Chan jumped over the flower bed again and headed inside.

    He was really busy thanks to the fucking children.

    ¡°Ughh.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay quiet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The man he had broken the arm of parted his lips while clenching his teeth. It looked like he was having a hard time breathing due to the blood blocking his nostrils.

    ¡°Who¡¯s the fucking leader here?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    It seemed like Lee Ho-Jun didn¡¯t understand what he meant.

    Just then¡­

    ¡°Um, he provoked you because he didn¡¯t know that you¡¯re Kang Chan,¡± said the guy on one side, trying to appease to Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    ¡°Shut up! Who¡¯s your fucking leader?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    The guy who had just spoken looked at the man with the broken arm.

    Kang Chan approached the guy crumpled in the corner and looked at him while squatting down.

    ¡°Bullies? Fucking nonsense. If I ever hear you guys meeting and fucking around again, you¡¯re all going to die.¡±

    Kang Chan was thinking of making them live as if they were dead for at least half a year if he saw defiance in their eyes.

    Sure enough, although the guy had lowered his gaze, Kang Chan still saw resentment and spite lingering in his eyes.

    This guy would have Kang Chan in his sights again, just like how Shan survived because Kang Chan did an awful job in finishing him.

    <i>Tok.</i>

    Kang Chan tightly grasped the guy¡¯s head.

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    <i>aap!</i>

    Heo Eun-Sil flinched and shuddered, and Lee Ho-Jun was no different.

    <i>aap!</i>

    ¡°Ugh. Ughh¡­¡±

    <i>aap!</i>

    Kang Chan bent over again and looked into the guy¡¯s face.

    Smirk.

    When their eyes met, the guy quickly avoided Kang Chan¡¯s gaze.

    But it seemed like he didn¡¯t want to let his men see him losing confidence.

    This fucker would definitely gather the kids again. And he would call Lee Ho-Jun or Heo Eun-Sil to try to take his anger out on them for what he experienced now.

    Kang Chan released the guy¡¯s head and snatched his left arm.

    ¡°Uggh!¡±

    ¡°Be quiet, motherfucker,¡± said Kang Chan.

    The guy struggled when Kang Chan ced the former¡¯s right arm around thetter¡¯s right shoulder. Twisted, his right arm trembled hideously. Kang Chan got out to the outside, preventing the guy from stopping him.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    ¡°Gaaaah!¡±

    <i>Tok!</i>

    When Kang Chan pulled the guy¡¯s head toward him, his face was finally filled with fear.

    ¡°Are you going to meet up again?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Nuh, nuh!¡± The guy shook his head and wailed.

    Kang Chan red sharply at the nearby bullies he stood up.

    ¡°Do what you want, but if I hear that any of you fuckers bullied anyone, I¡¯m going to break all of your arms.¡±

    He meant every word he said.

    ¡°Take this fucker and get lost,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The guys hesitated. Three of them then supported their leader, and all of them disappeared.

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette and bit on it.

    Lee Ho-Jun and Heo Eun-Sil stayed by the wall and were looking at Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®Fuck it.¡¯</i>

    He was tired of swearing at them.

    ¡°Phew.¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled the cigarette smoke to relieve his annoyance.

 Chapter 39é”›å­­art1: Lets End it (1)

    <h4>Chapter39£¬Part1: Let''s End it (1)</h4>

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Heo Eun-Sil thanked Kang Chan while gauging his mood.

    ¡°Hey, I told you not to wear makeup in school, right?¡± Kang Chan told Heo Eun-Sil.

    ¡°I had to because I got bruised.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s head dropped to the floor.

    This bitch¡¯s ability to endure attacks was also almost on Smithen¡¯s level.

    ¡°Lee Ho-Jun, why are you getting beaten up again?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    This time, Lee Ho-Jun¡¯s head dropped to the floor.

    <i>Right, what¡¯s the point of hearing his answer?</i>

    Kang Chan was about to walk away while shaking his head.

    ¡°We¡¯re getting beat up because the gangsters that previously watched over us have disappeared, and the eleventh-graders in our school don¡¯t go out when the bullies meet up.¡± There was a subtleint in Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s exnation.

    ¡°Then you guys just don¡¯t have to show up either!¡±

    ¡°We have to show up because the sunbae of the guy that got beaten earlier and the guys that got their arms broken is a gangster. If we don''t show up, we¡¯ll get killed.¡±

    ¡®<i>Tsk</i>.¡¯

    Kang Chan found them to be a nuisance. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder why he was even doing this.

    Kang Chan got out of the flower bed and took a taxi.

    <i>What should I do with my life from now on?</i>

    This was the first time he thought about it since he reincarnated.

    Study abroad in France? Even if Lanok got him admitted to a school, he would just be a stupid student who could only speak French.

    He also didn¡¯t want to be a mercenary. He only risked his life back then because there was no other hope for him. Why would he go to a scene of carnage when there was not even a single person he could seek revenge on?

    Kang Chan could get a position at Kang Yoo Motors if he asked Kang Dae-Kyung for it after he graduated high school. It also wouldn¡¯t be bad to start from the bottom, but he didn¡¯t want to get a job with Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s help.

    If he wasted his time like this all throughout the break and second semester, he would be no different than Lee Ho-Jun or Heo Eun-Sil.

    Since Lanok had told him to try running apany, Lanok would definitely find an appropriatepany for him if he asked for help. But Kang Chan wanted to figure this out by himself.

    After he ate, Kang Chan called Michelle and asked if it was possible to acquire thepany that she mentioned before.

    Michelle answered that it would cost around five hundred million won and that it would take about a month to determine if it was even possible to acquire it.

    He quickly ended the call before his body got hot.

    ¡®<i>Let do it one at a time. I should also try to study a bit</i>.¡¯

    ***

    Since the break started on Monday, they still had 4th period. Thanks to that, everyone gathered in the athletics club room and had pork cutlets. The ninth-graders were rxed, the tenth-graders were hyped up for the retreat, and the twelfth-graders didn¡¯t feel anything special.

    ¡°What time are you guys leaving tomorrow?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Our call time is 9am, then we¡¯ll leave by bus,¡± Cha So-Yeon and another eleventh-grader answered as if they were singing together.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know about the other kids, but you guys can¡¯t fool around.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, you¡¯re too harsh!¡±

    ¡°The athletics club should show a good example.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve just barely gotten closer with the other kids. We¡¯ll get branded again if we pretend that we¡¯re nerds during the retreat,¡± Cha So-Yeonined to Seok Kang-Ho, who had a mischievous expression. It was good to hear her say something that could be hurtful with ease.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, can¡¯t you go with us?¡±

    Focused on eating his pork cutlet, Kang Chan wondered what they meant.

    ¡°You should go with us!¡± Cha So-Yeon continued.

    ¡°Only you guys would love it if I came. The rest of the eleventh-graders won¡¯t be able to have fun. Then you¡¯ll be branded forever,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true! There¡¯s actually a lot of kids in our ss that wish you would go.¡±

    ¡°Are they crazy?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked whileughing.

    ¡°You¡¯re a teacher, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. How can you say something like that?¡±

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    This time, Kang Chanughed as well. He almost spilled his food, nearly making him a ¡®dirty fucker.¡¯

    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of kids in the cafeteria that would get upset if you don¡¯te. They like your presence a lot because, nowadays, we all get to line up and eat in peace, and nobody bullies anyone anymore. That¡¯s why you should go with us, sunbae-nim!¡± Cha So-Yeon eximed again.

    ¡°Get a hold of yourself. How could a twelfth-grader go there?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°You can juste separately.¡±

    ¡°Where would I sleep?¡±

    ¡°You can sleep in the teacher¡¯s room. Or you can sleep in our room too.¡±

    If Kim Mi-Young heard that¡­ He didn¡¯t even want to imagine it.

    After they had eaten the pork cutlets, Kang Chan patted them on the back and told them to have fun, then told the ninth-graders and twelfth-graders toe and work out with the new workout equipment whenever it wasfortable for them, starting tomorrow.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go out somewhere with just the two of us after Ie back from the retreat,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°When are you getting your neck brace removed?¡±

    ¡°I decided to remove it by myself at dinner. I can move my neck around quite a bit now.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho turned his head from side to side as a demonstration.

    ¡°But I¡¯m curious. Those fuckers aren¡¯t contacting us. Is there nothing else going on?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t tell him yet since the issue could distract him throughout the retreat. Hence, when Seok Kang-Ho had actually asked him about it, he couldn¡¯t help but think, <i>¡®oh shoot!¡¯</i>

    ¡°I was actually thinking of telling you this after youe back from the retreat, but I actually met Lanok yesterday. I¡¯m talking about the Ambassador of France that we met at the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ presentation,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ah! What did that gentleman say?¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled, then replied

    ¡°I was told that Shan is still alive.¡±

    ¡°W-w-what?¡±

    ¡°I made sure to split him from his heart all the way down to his side, but there had apparently been a call to France with the name, ¡®Ice of the Desert.¡¯ He said that there¡¯s a guy in South Korea that he has to kill, no matter what.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that the Chinese guys were going to take care of him?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°They¡¯ve apparently also sent money in France.¡±

    ¡°What? Doesn¡¯t that mean there¡¯s someone Shan has a backer after all? Hold on, then wouldn¡¯t we just need to find and grill the guy that sent the money?¡±

    ¡°I said that I was going to do that, but would you send money under a name that would easily get you caught?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Seok Kang-Ho breathed out deeply.

    ¡°Just take care of yourself for now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Speak for yourself. I was actually thinking of twisting your neck to prevent you from going anywhere.¡±

    ¡°They wouldn¡¯t be able to rashly attack me since I¡¯m with the kids. I don¡¯t think that fucker Shan¡¯s the type to order another person to kill us, after all. Nothing big is going to happen until his body heals.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head toward Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let your guard down. If that fucker is gnashing his teeth in anger, then this won¡¯t be an easy fight.¡±

    ¡°Jeez! I suddenly don¡¯t want to go to the retreat now.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡±

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho imitated Kang Chan and made a displeased sound.

    ¡°Someone has to go in my stead, but there¡¯s no one suitable for that right now. I¡¯ll be careful, so be extra careful in the meantime. If it makes you ufortable, then just don¡¯te out of your room until Ie back.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho wasn¡¯t the type to listen, and it was also hard to tell him to ignore school schedules.

    ¡°What are you going to do in the evening?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to be at home.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll stop by your ce in the evening after I¡¯m done preparing for the trip. Let¡¯s have a cup of tea at Misari.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan headed home after their conversation ended.

    ***

    After arriving home and taking a simple shower, Kang Chan searched the inte about the drama productionpany that Michelle talked about.

    <i>¡®She said that an actor was affiliated with thatpany, which means that they work together and do something called management.</i>¡¯

    Now that he was on the topic, he looked into the actor named Eun So-Yeon.

    There were no eye-catching roles other than the fact that she was in the recent daily drama, <i>This Time, I¡¯m Going to Do What I Want.</i> as the youngest daughter.

    Kang Chan also looked into the ¡®D.I. Family¡¯, which was written as Eun So-Yeon¡¯s entertainment agency. There were no male actors, and they only had three female actresses.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    Kang Chan was dumbfounded.

    Michelle didn¡¯t seem like she would try and soothe him with something like this.

    ¡®<i>I¡¯ll ask herter</i>.¡¯

    1. In Korea, even though it¡¯s called a break, there are ten optional half days at the beginning and end of each break, which is practically attended by all students

 Chapter 39é”›å­­art2: Lets End it (1)

    <h4>Chapter39£¬Part2: Let''s End it (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan looked into taking the entrance exam in the College of Physical Education.

    The practical exam! Wouldn¡¯t something like this work? He could just say that his specialty was something like ¡®closebat.¡¯

    Since he had received an offer to be a closebat instructor even in France, shouldn¡¯t he be seen as a student that got treated as a professor, at the very minimum?

    ¡°Get a hold of yourself!¡±

    Kang Chan mumbled to himself. Yoo Hye-Sook soon called him from the living room. He walked out of his room and had watermelon with her.

    ¡°What are you going to do during the break?¡±

    Kang Chan first exined the athletics exam that he saw before, and answered that he was thinking of getting ready for that.

    ¡°What about studying abroad in France? You said that they¡¯ll even give you full schrships, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going there after studying in Korea for about two years. I also want to stay with you for a bit longer,¡± answered Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hurry up and eat, Chan. Do what¡¯s best for you. You don¡¯t have to take me into consideration.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook, holding a watermelon slice, looked so full of happiness.

    ¡°Aunt Seong-Hee has been spreading rumors, so I¡¯ve been getting a lot of that kind of calls nowadays. There were also a lot of calls asking me to look into studying abroad in France.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to ask if it would be okay not to go to university but stopped as he didn¡¯t want to insist on breaking her happiness.

    He left the house after dinner, using Seok Kang-Ho as an excuse.

    ¡°Have fun, Chan.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s nasal twang got better with time. He could understand why Kang Dae-Kyung tried hard to be good to her, enough for him to look like he didn¡¯t have a spine.

    Even though Yoo Hye-Sook acted cute and smiled a lot, she would risk her life and rush forward if put in a situation where she had to protect her husband and son. She had guarded a patient ward and was prepared to die for them. Kang Chan could understand why Kang Dae-Kyung acted that way. Seeing a woman like her be happy made him happy as well.

    <i>¡®Would Mi-Young act like that as well?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head. Their vibe and atmosphere were too different in all respects.

    <i>Beep. Beep</i>.

    When he went out to the entrance of the apartment, a different xon sound from before called Kang Chan.

    ¡°New cars really are great,¡±mented Seok Kang-Ho.

    They drove in a joyous mood and went to the outdoor table that was located in the restaurant they went to before.

    ¡°Have you finished preparing for the trip? Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I just need to pack my clothes. Why? Are you worried?¡±

    ¡°Tsk! I¡¯m asking because you¡¯re still physically recovering.¡±

    Kang Chan thought he wouldin, but Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    ¡°I won¡¯t let myself die in a strange manner. If something happens, then I¡¯ll run for my life. I¡¯m pretty good at running, remember?¡±

    Kang Chan just drank coffee. He was thinking of keeping the guards he had put on him a secret until the end.

    ¡°Let¡¯s visit the beach after the retreat,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°The sea?¡±

    ¡°Or the lower part of a mountain streamlet. It would be fun to take the athletics club members or Mi-Young there. Honestly, those ces are just generally fun to visit with a group.¡±

    ¡°Let''s do that.¡±

    Even though Kang Chan didn¡¯t know if they would actually go or not, there was no reason to insist on not going.

    ¡°It would¡¯ve been a really fun break if only that fucker Shan didn¡¯t exist.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s words were right on.

    They drank tea and talked about their time in Africa, how they fought after they drank in France, and how stupid Smithen was, then came back home.

    Seok Kang-Ho handed him the keys to the car after he parked it in the public parking lot.

    ¡°Keep that and use it when you need it. Since we¡¯re on break, It¡¯s going to be cumbersome if something happens and you need a ride.¡±

    ¡°Hey! I would rather take a taxi. Driving made me feel like I¡¯m going to be a killer if I¡¯m not careful.¡±

    ¡°Huhuhu. There¡¯s nothing like driving to increase your patience.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho took the car that he originally rode and dropped off Kang Chan.

    ¡°Have fun,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Call me if something happens.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho left the apartment when Kang Chan patted the roof of the car twice.

    ¡®<i>I wouldn¡¯t be able to live without that fucker</i>.¡¯

    Kang Chan burst intoughter because of the sudden thought.

    ***

    On Tuesday morning, Seok Kang-Ho called him to say ¡°I¡¯m leaving now,¡± and Cha So-Yeon immediately texted him.

    [Pleasee if you change your mind, sunbae-nim. I asked the kids and they all said that they wish that you woulde.]

    Three days and four nights. Michelle had also said that she would tell him the results of their endeavor after this week had passed anyway, so Kang Chan decided to focus on working out, which he hadn¡¯t done in a while.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back after I work out,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Chan! Drink this before you go.¡±

    Kang Chan walked closer to the table as Yoo Hye-Sook poured a dark liquid from a stic bag into a cup.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Working out has to be giving you a hard time, so I bought this.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile. Not because of the medicine, but because Yoo Hye-Sook looked pretty while she cared for him.

    ¡°You should give that to my father instead. He¡¯s the one that¡¯s been having a really hard time,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I prepared one for your father as well. Your dad will get sulky if I don¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    She didn¡¯t make herself one.

    ¡°Drink up. I¡¯m okay. I feel full just by watching you eat, and I gain strength just by watching you take the medicine,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t right.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll buy some for myself next time.¡±

    The look in her eyes made him drink it.

    ¡°Where do you buy something like this?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s a herbal clinic in front of the apartment. That¡¯s where I bought it.¡±

    He drank herbal medicine for the first time in his life. In his previous life, he never took vitamins. He was thankful and happy not because of the medicine itself but because he was getting this much love and attention.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing. I¡¯m feeling strengthened already,¡± He said before leaving the house.

    He wasn¡¯t aware of it until now since it never interested him, but the building inside the entrance had a sign that said ¡®Herbal Clinic.¡¯

    The Herbal Clinic quickly understood who he was referring to when he mentioned Yoo Hye-Sook. Kang Chan requested the medicine based on her previous medical records and then paid for it.

    Fortunately, he had already gotten a debit card.

    ¡°Should we deliver it to your apartment?¡±

    <i>What should I do?</i>

    Kang Chan thought about it for a moment, then said that he¡¯de back to pick it up himself before heading to school. He needed to go home for dinner anyway, plus he thought the delivery would fluster Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ~

    A school being empty didn¡¯t feel right.

    The ninth-graders that were on the sports field all greeted him, and he just smiled in response because they didn¡¯t seem afraid anymore.

    After warming up, Kang Chan went into the athletic club room and worked out using the equipment.

    Water, exercise. Water, exercise. And when his muscles could no longer take any more strains, he practiced his closebat skills.

    The main point was to pinpoint the middle of the opponent¡¯s movement with the end of his finger.

    Bare hands vs. bay. Bay vs. bare hands. Bay vs. bay.

    The movements slightly differed ording to who held the sword. It was such a subtle difference that even the gangsters who had a bit of talent wouldn¡¯t be able to understand it properly.

    ¡°Huk huk.¡±

    Kang Chan sat on a chair, feeling healthy fatigue after so long.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    Kang Chan urgently picked up his phone when it started to vibrate.

    [Where are you?]

    It was Kim Mi-Young. Kang Chan called right away.

    - Chan!

    ¡°I¡¯m at school working out.¡±

    - I finished with <i>hagwon</i>. Should I stop by there so we can go home together?

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    It looked like even Kim Mi-Young had spare time since they were on break.

    While Kang Chan was warming up again, the athletics club room door rattled open, and Kim Mi-Young went in.

    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young ran into Kang Chan¡¯s arms as he spoke.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been missing you so much since yesterday evening,¡± said Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to get sweat on you.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t even stroke her back because his arm was also full of sweat.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll just stay like this for a moment.¡±

    Their roles seemed to have changed somehow, but that wasn¡¯t a bad thing.

    He was wearing a thin shirt and thin rubber band pants because he was working out. When he felt Kim Mi-Young¡¯s chest, his body got hot, even though she wasn¡¯t Michelle.

    ¡°Stop,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    She now looked flustered for running and hugging him out of nowhere.

    Kang Chan decided to go home. If he was going to walk, then there was no reason to insist on washing up in the night-duty room.

    Chatter chatter.

    As they talked about different topics, Kim Mi-Young told him that there were times when she asionally missed him so much.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be having two days off from <i>hagwon</i>. Since I¡¯m going on a family vacation during one of them, we can use the other to go out,¡± Kim Mi-Young suggested.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. And if you have time, call me ande to school so we can go home together.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    After Kang Chan sent home a happy Kim Mi-Young, he picked up the herbal medicine from the clinic before going up to the apartment.

    ¡°Wee home. What¡¯s that?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Kang Chan wordlessly passed her the box of medicine while holding onto it with the handle.

    ¡°This is¡­!¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook raised her gaze from it.

    ¡°I received some money from Gong Te automobile for interpreting for them. I wanted all of us to have medicine together.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook had a nk expression on her face.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to wash up,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan got some clothes and went back out to the living room, finding Yoo Hye-Sook wiping her tears.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I feel like my heart is going to explode out of happiness.¡±

    Kang Chan moved closer to her and hugged her lightly.

    ¡°Stay healthy, okay? When you were sickst time, my father and I didn¡¯t feel happy at all.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook ended up smiling with tears in her eyes.

    After that, Kang Chan washed up and had dinner with her. Around 7:30 pm, he went to his room and turned on theputer.

    However, just as the wallpaper on his monitor popped up¡­

    <i>Thump. Thump.</i>

    His heart began to beat in an unusual way. He had never felt this way since he reincarnated. After all, this only ever happened to him when he was on the battlefield.

    <i>Thump. Thump.</i>

    It meant that something dangerous was right around the corner.

    Kang Chan nced at the door.

    Yoo Hye-Sook was in the living room.

    <i>Thump. Thump.</i>

    Was this a warning that Kang Dae-Kyung, Seok Kang-Ho, or Kim Mi-Young was in danger?*

    <i>Is it one out of the three of them? Where are they? Who do I have to protect?</i>

    <i>Badum badum</i>.

    He first needed to call and talk to the securitypany¡¯s Kim Tae-Jin.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª?</i>

    Kang Chan had just stretched his hand to get the phone on his desk when it started vibrating. On the screen, the name ¡®Seok Kang-Ho'' appeared.

 Chapter 40é”›å­­art1: Lets End It (2)

    <h4>Chapter40£¬Part1: Let''s End It (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan immediately answered the call. There was no need for a lengthy speech in this situation.

    ¡°It¡¯s me. Exin the situation.¡±

    - You knew? I¡¯m in the lodging in the middle of Jiri Mountain. They called me and told me toe out alone quietly. If I don¡¯t, they said they¡¯ll kill my wife and daughter.

    This was an unexpected course of events.

    ¡°Can you get in touch with them?¡±

    - Both of them aren¡¯t answering their phones.

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed like he was at least a little bit relieved.

    ¡°Tell me your home address and their phone numbers.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho gave him his address and his family members¡¯ phone numbers. He then gave him the phone number used to threaten him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move until I call you.¡±

    - Understood.

    By the time Kang Chan had ended the call, his heartbeat had settled down a bit.

    Kang Chan immediately called Kim Tae-Jin.

    - Hello?

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Kang Chan? Ah! Mr. Kang Chan! How can I help you?

    ¡°Are you aware that there are guys scattered near Seok Kang-Ho?¡±

    - Pardon? What did you just say?

    ¡°I think there are people skulking at Jiri Mountain. They¡¯ve told Seok Kang-Ho toe out of the lodging by himself, and he has no choice but to obey because his family¡¯s being used as hostages. You and the team just need to protect Seok Kang-Ho until I save the hostages.

    A moment of silence passed.

    - Are you sure?

    Kim Tae-Jin sounded surprisingly calm.

    - Let¡¯s report this to the police.

    ¡°Mr. President, they¡¯re from the Chinese mafia. And they¡¯ve also got a grudge, so it won¡¯t take much for them to start hurting the hostages.¡±

    - Okay. Where are the hostages?

    ¡°I¡¯m nning on going to their house.¡±

    - The chances of the hostages being there are almost zero. Do you know their phone numbers? If you do, then please tell me. We¡¯ll be able to locate them in 5 minutes.

    Kang Chan told him all the numbers Seok Kang-Ho provided, including the one used to threaten him. He then changed and stuffed his phone, car key, a cotton shirt, and workout pants in a bag and left the room. In an attempt to hide the fury in his eyes, he rubbed them with his palm.

    ¡°Are you going somewhere?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho is going to the retreat for the eleventh-graders today, and he just called to tell me I should join them since they¡¯re leavingter.¡±

    ¡°To the retreat?¡±

    ¡°Yes! I¡¯m popr. He said that he¡¯s already waiting outside.¡±

    She seemed somewhat suspicious of it but didn¡¯t say anything else other than to be careful.

    Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho as he ran down the stairs.

    ¡°It¡¯s me. I actually put a person from a securitypany on you. Answer the phone if they call. And they said that they can locate your wife and daughter within 5 minutes. I¡¯m going to go and take care of it, so¡­¡±

    After leaving his ce, Kang Chan ran towards the apartmentplex exit.

    ¡°Endure it until then.¡±

    - Thank you. Call me once you¡¯ve saved my family. All this anger boiling up inside me is making it so hard to just stand by and wait.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    No matter what anyone said to reassure him, Kang Chan would¡¯ve had a hard time enduring through a situation where Kang Dae-Kyung or Yoo Hye-Sook had been taken hostage. That was why he couldn¡¯t tell Seok kang-Ho to stay still.

    Kang Chan got in the taxi and headed to the public parking lot, making another call in the process.

    - Hi! Chany.

    ¡°Smithen, Seok Kang-Ho is in danger. Lock the door and don¡¯t go anywhere no matter what.¡±

    - Oh! I¡¯m in the department store, but I¡¯ll leave now.

    ¡°Then get out of there immediately and go to the Namsan hotel by taxi. And stay in the room until I call you.

    - Okay, Chany!

    When he spoke French, the taxi driver had just peeked behind him. Then, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang.

    - The two of them are together. They¡¯re at a flower farm in Hanam.

    ¡°Please text me their address.¡±

    - I¡¯m going as well, Mr. Kang Chan, so please wait.

    ¡°I should be nearby. So please send me the address first.¡±

    - Alright. But don¡¯t move on your own no matter what happens. Wait until I get there.

    He got a text message when he ended the call. Arriving in the public parking lot, he got into his car and started it.

    Kang Chan entered the address in the GPS device and pressed ¡®guide.¡¯ It said it would take him about 30 minutes to arrive at the destination.

    The tires started screeching.

    He drove like a lunatic and was able to drive with more speed as he went onto the highway.

    When the speedometer showed 160km/h, the woman in the GPS device started to yell desperately that this was a speed-enforced area.

    After driving for about 10 more minutes, he merged into the exitne on the right, left the highway, then crossed a bridge. After five more minutes, he finally arrived at his destination.

    It was arge greenhouseplex with more than twenty units. Within it, Kang Chan saw a van and a car parked near one of the greenhouses that had a thick fabric surrounding it for heat instion.

    Kang Chan went past the greenhouseplex and parked the car on the curve which was a blindspot that prevented them from seeing the other side.

    As soon as he exited the car, he opened the trunk and took out a handspan-long screwdriver in the toolbox. He then put it in the back pocket of his jeans.

    His body condition wasn¡¯t that bad.

    Kang Chan called for thest time.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek. I¡¯m at Hanam. Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s family is being held hostage here. I¡¯ll text you the address, so please clean up afterward.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek momentarily grew silent but soon replied, sounding quite shocked.

    - Hanam? Hey! I can get there in 20 minutes¡ªno, 10 minutes! So just tell me where they are and wait for a moment! I''m going. I¡¯m going to go, so¡­.

    ¡°Look at your text messages.¡±

    After he ended the call, Kang Chan sent Oh Gwang-Taek the text that Kim Tae-Jin had sent him.

    <i>It¡¯s done.</i>

    Kang Chan threw his phone in the car and locked the car door.

    They could be watching from a distance.

    After stuffing his keys in a patch of overgrown grass by the side of the road, he slowly walked to the other end of the greenhouse, where there was a creek with a disgusting odor.

    Thankfully there wasn¡¯t any separate surveince. That much was to be expected, though, since it would be difficult to deploy that unless it was a military operation.

    Kang Chan lowered his stance and quickly moved toward his targeted greenhouse.

    It was quite far away.

    The next unit had a car parked in its vicinity.

    He could see the outline of the greenhouse since it was made of stic. Kang Chan lowered himself further until he was almost lying down on his stomach.

    Carefully looking inside, he found two guys in baggy suits standing by. If they had guards even at the other side of the entrance, then there would be quite a lot of people here.

    There were two guys.

    Kang Chan took out the screwdriver that he had ced in his back pocket and held it in a reverse grip.

    <i>Those sons of bitches are?holding a family hostage.</i>

    The greenhouse was seven to eight meters long. Fortunately, it was just by the roadside, so the sound of the cars driving by was quite loud, and its floor was made up of soil.

    One of the fuckers put his hand in his pocket.

    Kang Chan examined his surroundings onest time.

    The two guys were talking while facing each other, giving Kang Chan a clear view of the back of one of them.

    He heard themugh loudly.

    Chinese.

    When the guy with his back toward Kang Chan jabbered about something, the otherughed so hard he leaned back.

    <i>Tatata.</i>

    Kang Chan ran out like a sprinter.

    Amid hisugh, the expression of the man facing Kang Chan¡¯s direction suddenly hardened when he started running toward them.

    <i>Stab.</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed through the man¡¯s adam¡¯s apple with his screwdriver.

    People wouldn¡¯t be able to make loud noises immediately with their vocal cords pierced.

    ¡°Gah. Guhh.¡±

    <i>Crack!</i>

    Kang Chan twisted the neck of the guy whose back was facing him in the same direction the guy turned his head to look at the source of themotion. Kang Chan then pounced and twisted the neck of the guy he had stabbed with the screwdriver.

    <i>Crack.</i>

    Kang Chan quickly caught the guy andid him down on the floor silently to prevent him from falling, which would¡¯ve caused a lot of noise.

    Seemingly copsing, the first guy had sunk to his knees so he didn¡¯t make that much noise, but this fucker fell over to the side.

    Noticing they had knives strapped at the back of their waist, Kang Chan took both of them by the handle. He then lowered his stance again and headed toward the entrance.

    He saw about four men inside the van.

    But he couldn¡¯t actually scout the greenhouse¡¯s interior since it was covered by a dark fabric.

    Kang Chan thought about going inside through the entrance, but the guys in the van weighed on his mind. He wasn¡¯t afraid of their numbers, but he was worried they might get the chance to hurt the hostages as he fought them.

    Kang Chan again moved toward the area where the two guys had copsed. He then stood closer to the greenhouse by the farm¡¯s entrance.

    After Kang Chan took out the knife and cut the string that held the fabric together, he carefully started to cut the inside part of the iron support.

    <i>¡®Phew.¡¯</i>

    A middle-aged woman that looked like Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wife sat against the greenhouse while holding onto her daughter.

    One, two, three, four, five¡­ Six men in total.

    Three of the fuckers had ced chairs together and were lying on top of them while two of them were sitting and looking into their phones.

    Thest fucker was the problem. He had his knife out and was scratching his cheek with the end of it.

    The key to winning this fight depended on how fast he had gone in.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have that much time to think either since he didn¡¯t know what kinds of things Seok Kang-Ho could go through.

    He used his knife to carefully cut the vinyl near the iron support.

    Due to the knife¡¯s extremely sharp de, the vinyl didn¡¯t even make a sound while he was cutting through it.

    1. Hanam is a city in South Korea

 Chapter 40é”›å­­art2: Lets End It (2)

    <h4>Chapter40£¬Part2: Let''s End It (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan examined what was in front of him, including the floor that led to his target.

    It would be hard to believe, but there had been cases of people tripping while running in battle. Not only were they nervous, but they also didn¡¯t examine the floor. This resulted in either stepping on a sunken part of the ground or their feet getting caught on a jagged stone, which would''ve never happened under normal circumstances.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    As Kang Chan examined the greenhouse¡¯s interior again to see if he missed anyone, the door of the entrance opened, and two guys walked inside. It seemed like it was rotation time.

    The guy holding the knife was moving toward the entrance.

    <i>Smack.</i>

    Kang Chan pushed against the vinyl and immediately ran forward.

    ¡°ÄãÊÇË­Ñ½?(Who are you?)¡±

    <i>Whish!</i>

    Kang Chan threw the knife with all his might.

    <i>The guy with the knife!</i>

    Kang Chan wanted to aim for his neck or forehead, but he aimed for the body instead since he wasn¡¯t used to his weapon.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    ¡°Uurgh!¡±

    It embedded below his target¡¯s heart, causing him to copse as he screamed.

    ¡°Aaaghhh!¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wife and daughter embraced each other, Kang Chan was in front of them.

    ¡°Who?¡± one of them asked.

    All seven guys pulled out a knife and surrounded Kang Chan.

    The door then burst open, and the two men that had just left entered again. Surprised, they jabbered, seemingly about the two guys that died.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you Kang Chan?¡± The guy with the mustache had just asked with a strange ent.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho sent me,¡± Kang Chan slightly twisted his head toward the back and quickly told Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wife and daughter.

    ¡°Hold on for just a little longer.¡±

    When the mustache guy quickly spoke in Chinese, the others widened their perimeter around Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®This could be dangerous.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan now had to fight and block all three directions in one spot.

    Thankfully, the hostages had their backs against the greenhouse, but if Kang Chan didn¡¯t protect them, his opponents would immediately seize that opportunity to stab them.

    The two guys standing on Kang Chan¡¯s nks climbed up the walls of the greenhouse and waited for a chance to attack the hostages.

    The three guys that stood facing Kang Chan took a different stance than the rest. They seemed to have learned martial arts.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Just as Kang Chan leaned backward to avoid the dagger swinging past him, the guy standing by to his left swung his knife toward the hostages.

    <i>Shick. Stab. Stab.</i>

    ¡°Gahh.¡±

    Kang Chan snatched and stabbed the guy¡¯s wrist.

    <i>Slice!</i>

    However, they managed to cut Kang Chan¡¯s right shoulder in return.

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    It happened in an instant.

    Kang Chan would¡¯ve stabbed him more than three times if he could, but the trio in front of him was skilled enough to prevent him from getting that much of an opportunity.

    While the guy whose forearm had been stabbed retreated, the other two attacked Kang Chan. And because the knives were serrated, it wouldn¡¯t be easy to remove them once they were embedded.

    <i>Swish! Swish!</i>

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    The guys on either side of Kang Chan deliberately looked for an opportunity to attack the hostages, while those in front of him looked for an opportunity to attack him.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    The guy on the right swung the knife toward the hostages.

    <i>Stab. Slice!</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed the guy¡¯s forearm and sliced his armpit¡­

    <i>Slice! Slice!</i>

    But they cut his left shoulder and forearm in retaliation.

    <i>¡®Tsk!¡¯</i>

    They first deliberately attacked the hostages to create an opening in their defenses.

    He had to persevere through this situation since he couldn¡¯t just rashly pounce on them.

    <i>Screech.</i>

    As Kang Chan red at the guy in front of him, the door of the greenhouse opened, and Kim Tae-Jin entered wearing dress pants and a shirt.

    He didn¡¯t seem too surprised with what he found in the greenhouse.

    The first guy to have his forearm stabbed pounced on Kim Tae-Jin.

    <i>Smack.?Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin swatted away the guy¡¯s wrist, then continued to hit the guy in the pit of his stomach, neck, and chin. Afterward, he immediately picked up the knife that had been dropped to the floor and came toward Kang Chan¡¯s side.

    ¡°I told you to wait,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°You can protect the two people behind us, right?¡±

    ¡°I should be able to do that.¡±

    He had already seen Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s capabilities.

    <i>It¡¯s going to be a bit different from now on!</i>

    When Kim Tae-Jin answered, Kang Chan immediately took a step forward.

    Martial arts? Without any hostages, they weren¡¯t that powerful.

    Holding his knife in a reverse grip, he twisted his body, seemingly about to pounce on the guy on the left, then stretched out his knife toward the neck of the guy to his right.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Just like he anticipated, the guy in the middle tried to stab him.

    <i>Tok!</i>

    Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t be able to catch that kind of knife.

    <i>Screech!</i>

    Hence, stabbed the groove on the back of his opponent¡¯s weapon instead.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    When Kang Chan grabbed his target¡¯s wrist with his left hand, he hit Kang Chan¡¯s right eye with his left hand.

    <i>Stab.</i>

    After piercing through his opponent¡¯s forearm in his grasp, Kang Chan swiftly moved backward.

    ¡°Aagh!¡±

    <i>Stab!</i>

    Even while he was screaming, the guy hit the back of Kang Chan''s neck.

    <i>Stab. Stab. Stab</i>

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan stabbed the guy¡¯s chest twice, then the back of his neck.

    ¡°Guhh.¡±

    <i>Thud.</i>

    The chances of this guy surviving were low.

    Kang Chan red at the two remaining enemies.

    <i>Slice. Slice!</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin and the guy that pounced on him each attacked each other.

    The two hostages were so terrified they couldn''t even scream. They could only hang their heads low while embracing each other.

    ¡°What are you doing?! Kill the hostages quick!¡±

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Just as the mustache man yelled in anger, Kang Chan threw his knife toward the guy to his left.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    ¡°Gahh!¡±

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin handed him a knife when Kang Chan extended his hand, then he quickly picked up the knife of the guy that had fallen.

    ¡°Do it again, you son of a bitch!¡±

    <i>Swish!</i>

    When Kang Chan thrust one of his knives forward, the guy in front of him flinched.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Kang Chan then violently threw it at the guy to his right.

    <i>Stab.</i>

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Holding onto the knife embedded in his chest, the guy hesitantly moved back.

    <i>Son of a bitch! I need to take his knife away!</i>

    As soon as Kim Tae-Jin handed Kang Chan a knife, Kang Chan pounced on their enemy.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    The mafia member in front of him swung at him and quickly moved away.

    It was taking too long, which meant Seok Kang-Ho was in that much more danger.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    After a while, the door opened for the second time.

    ¡°What the hell is this?!¡± someone eximed.

    It was Oh Gwang-Taek.

    And behind him entered more than twenty guys.

    They had iron pipes, filet knives, and baseball bats.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    With the Chinese mafia members flustered, Kang Chan immediately lunged forward.

    <i>Slice! Slice! Slice!</i>

    Kang Chan swiftly swung his weapon at his opponent with every flip of his arm, slitting the necks of two of his opponents open.

    <i>Stab. Stab. Stab. Stab.</i>

    Kang Chan then stabbed the enemy¡¯s shoulder and nape without mercy.

    ¡°Urgh.¡±

    <i>Thud.</i>

    One guy had copsed, and the other had twisted due to the knife still stuck between his shoulder and neck.

    <i>They dared to touch his family?</i>

    That person twisting in pain was the same that tried to kill the hostages until thest moment.

    Oh Gwang-Taek approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±

    <i>Slice!</i> <i>Thud.</i>

    His opponent had already copsed, yet Kang Chan was still enraged.

    ¡°I said that¡¯s enough. Is your shoulder okay?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked again.

    ¡°Phew. Thanks foring.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the injury on his shoulder, then turned his head toward Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Please contact those around Mr. Seok Kang-Ho,¡± Kang Chan said.

    As Kim Tae-Jin took out his phone from his pants while covering his wound, Kang Chan approached Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wife, who was in tears.

    ¡°Please stay at the hotel for now. I¡¯ll give you a call as soon as I get in touch with the teacher,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wife.

    It looked like she didn¡¯t understand what he said, but she nodded anyway. Their daughter, who looked to be in middle school, caught a clearer view of Kang Chan.

    ¡°They¡¯re not answering the phone,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    When Kang Chan stood up, Kim Tae-Jin looked into his phone and shook his head.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go check on him, so please take care of his family members,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s use my car. We¡¯ll be able to reach him a bit quicker since it has a siren installed,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    That wasn¡¯t bad either.

    Kang Chan urgently sought out Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Please apany these two in the Namsan hotel until I call. And clean up here as well.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you guys.¡±

    ¡°You should stay here. I feel like more of these fuckers are in Seoul.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek gritted his teeth and red at the three guys that had copsed a moment ago.

    ¡°Go!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek yelled.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Kang Chan left, and Kim Tae-Jin followed him.

    Kang Chan first went to his car and took his phone and bag.

    Kim Tae-Jin had arge ck car, which was parked right in front of Kang Chan¡¯s.

    It was time to go.

    Kim Tae-Jin took a pistol out of his pocket and threw it into the back seat.

    ¡°You had a gun?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a gas gun, so it¡¯s useless in that kind of fight.¡±

    When Kim Tae-Jin started the police car and pressed a switch, the siren on it red, and the warning lights on top of the partition at the rear window started shing quickly.

    Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho three times, but he didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°Do you know where in Jiri Mountain he is?¡± Kim Tae-Jin inquired.

    ¡°I should be able to find out on our way there.¡±

    The car elerated swiftly.

    Kang Chan took out the thin cotton shirt from his bag, ripped it apart, and tied it around his wounds.

    Kim Tae-Jin nced at him, then took a strip of the same cotton shirt that Kang Chan had handed over. He wrapped up his forearm without saying anything.

    ¡°Phew!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    Blood seeped through, but he felt morefortable with pressure constantly being applied to his wounds.

    The car had already entered the highway.

    ¡°The road will be quieter after about an hour. There¡¯s a medicine box with bandages in the trunk, so we should be able to patch up our injuries properly once we reach a more secluded area,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Kang Chan turned and looked at Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°It had been such a long time since I used it, so I forgot.¡±

    <i>Why would the president of a securitypany fight with knives, after all?</i>

    1. This was written as ?? which is a transliteration of ¡®who¡¯ in Chinese.

 Chapter 41é”›å­­art1: Lets End it (3)

    <h4>Chapter41£¬Part1: Let''s End it (3)</h4>

    After they entered the highway, Kim Tae-Jin drove as if he was driving a car without brakes.

    ¡°Where did you learn how to tie the knot?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    When Kang Chan looked at him with confusion, Kim Tae-Jin gestured toward his shoulder and forearm with his chin.

    ¡°Not only that, but you¡¯re also friends with Oh Gwang-Taek and have the close-quartersbat skills of a special forces unit. And you stabbed someone with a knife without a moment of hesitation.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin shook his head from side to side.

    ¡°I want to have you as an instructor for ourpany immediately. To be honest, if it weren¡¯t for your age, I¡¯d want to spar against you.¡±

    Taking it as empty words, Kang Chan looked through his contact list.

    ¡°How many people have you killed?¡± Kim Tae-Jin prodded.

    <i>Why is he asking me that?</i>

    When Kang Chan raised his gaze from the phone, Kim Tae-Jin was looking straight ahead.

    It was already 9:30 pm. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t focus as his nerves were on edge. He was worried about the state Seok Kang-Ho would be in.

    Kang Chan called Cha So-Yeon, who answered after three rings.

    - Sunbae-nim!

    ¡°Yeah. Where are you guys staying right now?¡±

    - Why? Are youing?

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. I¡¯m just nning on pranking Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    - That¡¯s a shame.

    Near Cha So-Yeon, he could hear the girls chorusing, ¡°Pleasee over, sunbae-nim!¡±

    - We¡¯re in the Youth hostel in Jiri Mountain¡¯s Natural Recreational Forest!

    ¡°Really?¡±

    - Mr. Seok Kang-Ho left earlier with his three guests, all of which were wearing suits.

    Kang Chan tightly gritted his teeth.

    ¡°Okay. Anything else?¡±

    - The kids keep saying that we should try drinking alcohol.

    ¡°Okay. Have fun.¡±

    - Yes, sunbae-nim. Keep safe.

    Kang Chan ended the call and told Kim Tae-Jin the address that Cha So-Yeon provided.

    ¡°I know that ce,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    The car¡¯s speedometer rarely went below 200km/h.

    ¡°If my guys can¡¯t get in touch with me, then I don¡¯t think this situation¡¯s going to end quietly. ¡± Kim Tae-Jin examined the difficulties of their circumstances as if he was talking to himself.

    ¡°What do you want the police to do? They listen to me to some extent,¡± He asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s best if they turn a blind eye to all of this until I contact them.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Kim Tae-Jin nodded.

    After speeding nonstop, they stopped at a simple service area.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the trunk,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    The two got out of the car, and Kim Tae-Jin opened the trunk and took out arge box.

    <i>Click.</i>

    When he opened it, Kang Chan first saw bandages and several different medications.

    Kim Tae-Jin opened the trunk and took out arge box. He gestured at it with his gaze, seemingly suggesting that Kang Chan should take a look inside.

    ¡°There¡¯s a bay in there, which I used when I was in the DMZ. There are other things as well. Feel free to take out anything you like,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan took out the bay, a thin wire, and a camo cream.

    Kim Tae-Jin returned the medicine partition to the first aid kit, took bandages from the medicine partition, and skillfully tied it around Kang Chan¡¯s injuries.

    Kang Chan¡¯s wounds already had blood clots closing them. However, they reopened, and he began to bleed again. He had previously bandaged them up with a ripped cotton strip, but that was nothingpared to actual bandages.

    Kang Chan took out a different shirt from his bag and changed into it, hiding his injuries underneath it.

    They left after putting the box back in the trunk.

    ¡°Is it alright if I smoke?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Only if you open the window.¡±

    Kang Chan retrieved a cigarette and lighter from his bag and bit down on the cigarette.

    <i>ng. Chik.</i>

    It felt like there was a typhoon inside the car due to how fast they were going.

    ¡°Let¡¯s buy a few rows of kimbap at the next service area,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    As Kang Chan extinguished the cigarette, his phone rang.

    - We¡¯ve escorted Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wife and daughter to the Namsan hotel. I¡¯ve also ordered my guys to stand by in the rooms next door and in front of it, so you don¡¯t have to worry about them anymore.

    ¡°Thanks for your help, as always.¡±

    - And we¡¯ve taken care of the four corpses. As for the remaining fuckers, we¡¯re going to fuck them up ande to an agreement with the Japanese gang leader. So don¡¯t worry about them either.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek.¡±

    - What?

    Kang Chan wanted to thank him, but he already did. He wanted to apologize for what happenedst time as well, but he couldn¡¯t get the words out.

    Kang Chan heardughter over the phone.

    - You even know president Kim Tae-Jin?

    ¡°I got to know him through this issue.¡±

    - Sure enough, I¡¯m crazy for trying to understand a guy like you.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    - We¡¯ll leave in about 5 minutes. Where do we need to go?

    ¡°I¡¯m beginning to feel ufortable with how helpful you¡¯re being.¡±

    - I¡¯m hanging up.

    The call ended immediately.

    Kim Tae-Jin only focused on driving, seemingly uninterested in Kang Chan¡¯s phone call.

    They arrived at the next service area after about 30 minutes.

    Kim Tae-Jin parked the car, ran out by himself, and bought two iced coffees and four rows of kimbap.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be best to eat it now since we¡¯re going to arrive in an hour. I made the coffee a bit stronger on purpose.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s voice sounded like he was taking care of a junior soldier that would be going out on a military operation. Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel bad because he felt like he met a senior soldier in the military.

    They ced the coffee and kimbap on top of the trunk and ate while standing up.

    ¡°The employees I put on guard duty have transmitters in their shoes. I¡¯ll give you the tracker, which should prove useful.¡±

    Kang Chan wordlessly drank the iced coffee.

    After finishing up their meals in two minutes, they disposed of their trash and left.

    On the road, Kang Chan opened the glove box in front of the passenger seat as Kim Tae-Jin suggested, finding a palm-sized tracker inside it.

    ¡°It won¡¯t be able to catch a signal yet because we¡¯re still far from them, but it should start working properly when we¡¯re within two kilometers of them since we¡¯re deep in the mountain. Would that be enough?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°It should be.¡±

    As Kim Tae-Jin drove, Kang Chan smoked another cigarette and heedlessly looked outside the window.

    <i>¡®Just be alive.¡¯</i>

    He clenched his teeth.

    <i>¡®Don¡¯t turn me into a killer.¡¯</i>

    He also wanted to let Seok Kang-Ho know that his wife and daughter were safe.

    However, although he had the number of the person threatening Seok Kang-Ho, he couldn¡¯t just give it a call. He was afraid doing so would just make them more cautious and make things worse.

    The Natural Recreational Forest of Jiri Mountain.

    A sign appeared not long after the road started to get curvy, but Kim Tae-Jin still didn¡¯t slow down much even while turning the corner.

    After about 15 more minutes, they arrived at arge building with a sign that said ¡®Youth Hostel.¡¯

    Kim Tae-Jin parked the car near the front of the hostel, but the tracker still didn''t pick up any signals.

    ¡°At this point, they¡¯re either at the pension house or the vi in the inner part of the mountain,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    As Kim Tae-Jin tilted his head, Kang Chan saw a red light sh on the tracker, but it swiftly disappeared.

    Kang Chan pointed to where it was, then looked around the surroundings. Looking at the direction of the signal, it seemed to havee from the mountain to the right of the hostel.

    ¡°They¡¯re probably at that mountain,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    Kim Tae-Jin drove the car into the parking lot at the back of the building.

    ¡°Since they didn¡¯t contact you even after kidnapping Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, it probably didn¡¯t go well.¡±

    He didn¡¯t have the time to respond to that kind of talk.

    Kang Chan wrapped the thin wire around his left hand, then took out the camo cream and applied it to his face.

    On the mirror of the passenger seat¡¯s sun visor, Kang Chan¡¯s eyes were burning.

    ¡°I¡¯m going,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you.¡±

    Seemingly unable to let Kang Chan go alone, Kim Tae-Jin tried to get out of the car while sighing.

    Kang Chan grabbed onto his forearm.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but please stay here. Fend off the police and look for hospitals that we can take Seok Kang-Ho or the employees to. It will be difficult for both of us if word gets out.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin tightly gritted his teeth and looked straight at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you confident that you¡¯lle back alive?¡±

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho wille back alive.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin smiled strangely.

    ¡°This will sound shameless, but please look out for our members as well. I¡¯ll give back twice the amount of the downpayment in return,¡± He requested.

    Kang Chan thought it was great he got to meet someone like him.

    Kang Chan got out of the car and red at where the signal came from. There was a short wall made out of rocks near the back of the parking lot.

    ¡°Whoo.¡± Kang Chan breathed out loudly, kicked a rock, and went up the mountain.

    The mountain was steep, but it was still summer, so the tree trunks were still sturdy and strong. That helped a lot.

    After he climbed for about 10 minutes, the mountain became tter, but he still couldn¡¯t move rashly due to the shadows formed by the Youth Hostel¡¯s lights.

    Kang Chan caught his breath again.

    Rather than the enemy appearing, what he was truly afraid of was discovering Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s corpse.

 Chapter 41é”›å­­art2: Lets End it (3)

    <h4>Chapter41£¬Part2: Let''s End it (3)</h4>

    Kang Chan carefully made his way through the forest but suddenly froze, seemingly unable to move any further.

    Seok Kang-Ho was dangling upside down on arge tree, his arms tied behind him.

    <i>Is he dead?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank upon noticing Seok Kang-Ho wasn¡¯t moving at all.

    He didn¡¯t know how long it had been, but if Seok Kang-Ho had been in that state the entire time Kang Chan and Kim Tae-Jin had been driving down from Seoul, then he¡¯d be in a critical state even if he was alive.

    There were also three men that looked like security guards tied to the trunk of the tree.

    They could be booby-trapped or just used to lure him out, but they were most definitely baits.

    How long could a person stay alive while hanging upside down?

    It differed for every individual, but four hours was the absolute human limit.

    Once blood burst out from the victim¡¯s ear and nose after their eyes bled, it was basically over for them.

    Kang Chan wielded his dagger in a reverse grip.

    <i>Step. Step.</i>

    There was no need to walk quietly. The tied-up security guards profusely shook their heads when they saw Kang Chan.

    Blood had dried in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s hair, and they had put a gag on his mouth.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho.¡± Kang Chan called out to him before doing anything else.

    ¡°You¡¯re here?¡±

    He couldn¡¯t talk properly, which meant his vocal cords couldn¡¯t move due to all the blood concentrated in his head. He also probably couldn¡¯t think or make sound judgments.

    ¡°Your family is safe.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu¡­¡±

    Among the shadows, there were guys crammed up on all sides apart from where Kang Chan came from.

    ¡°You should leave, Captain. Kill all of these sons of bitches for meter.¡±

    Seemingly having been lying in wait, more than ten guys with katanas stepped into view.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Did you forget who I am?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°Jeez, this is so piteous I can¡¯t watch anymore,¡± one of their opponents said out of nowhere.

    ¡°You thought you¡¯d gotten rid of us, didn¡¯t you, Kang Chan? This is your and that fucker¡¯s grave. Then it¡¯ll be Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s grave. Do you understand, you son of a bitch?¡±

    Kang Chan sharply red at his surroundings.

    There were more than fifty men, and among them was someone he recognized: the guy that said he¡¯d twist his neck one day in front of the school.

    Kang Chan cracked his neck from side to side as he smirked.

    He nned to kill all of them as quickly as he could.

    That was the only way to save Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Huhu. We were told you¡¯ll definitelye alone if we capture that teacher by using his family as bait, but I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d reallye. I¡¯ll acknowledge one thing, though: your obnoxious guts.¡±

    <i>Shan!</i>

    Shan was clearly backing these fuckers.

    Kang Chan slowly walked forward, watching his opponents lift their weapons up.

    <i>Tatata.</i>

    Kang Chan then burst into a charge.

    <i>Swish.</i>

    The guy in front of him swung his katana downward.

    <i>¡®Dickhead!¡¯</i>

    <i>Slice!</i>

    Kang Chan narrowly avoided it, then sliced the guy¡¯s neck with the bay.

    <i>Clink nk.</i>

    ¡°Cough!¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s victim grabbed his neck, his blood seeping through his fingers and bursting out of him like a fountain.

    <i>Swish.</i>

    Just like what the guy was doing, long, ded weapons needed to be swung diagonally to minimize the areas one could use to dodge.

    Kang Chan jumped backward and immediately pounced on him.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    He grabbed a wrist that was in the middle of moving up, then headbutted the guy.

    <i>Slice!</i>

    Afterward, Kang Chan ended his new target¡¯s life.

    <i>Pak!</i>

    Kang Chan mmed into the guy whose blood was gushing out and shoved him forward.

    <i>Slice! Slice! Slice!</i>

    Having been stabbed thrice, the guy started to lose consciousness, leaving only the whites of his eyes visible.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    At the same time, Kang Chan pushed back the head of the man he previously used as a shield, then stabbed the nape of the enemy right behind him.

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    <i>Slice! Slice!</i>

    While his knife was still embedded in his target, Kang Chan pulled his target toward him and used him to block two attacks.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    Kang Chan turned as he thrust the dagger deep into the chest of the guy beside him, then charged onward, pushing him along.

    ¡°Agh! Aaaagh! Aaagh!¡±

    With his lungs pierced, the man screamed desperately.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    Kang Chan twisted the knife, and the guy swiftly lost strength.

    <i>Slice!</i>

    The right side of his back stiffened.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan grabbed the guy that still had a knife embedded in him and used him as a shield.

    <i>Stab! Stab! Stab! Stab!</i>

    Four knives swiftly stabbed into Kang Chan¡¯s meatshield.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    A filet knife then flew toward him, which he grabbed the inner part of with his left hand.

    <i>ng.</i>

    He caught the de¡¯s inner edge right in his hand since he had wrapped it with wire.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    Right after, Kang Chan stabbed it into the guy¡¯s forearm and yanked on it.

    Humans were adaptable creatures. When Kang Chan used their crew members as meatshields a few times, his opponents no longer attacked recklessly.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    As soon as Kang Chan pulled the knife out of the guy¡¯s forearm, he rammed it into the inside of the guy¡¯s corbone.

    ¡°Gaah!¡±

    ¡°Be quiet, you son of a bitch,¡± Kang Chan growled into the guy¡¯s ear, causing those nearby to flinch.

    It looked like the guy was in Kang Chan¡¯s arms.

    Kang Chan moved his left hand to his right, which was still stabbing the guy, and quickly untied the wire. Kang Chan then wrapped the end of the wire around his current victim¡¯s neck in front of the bound security guards, who watched him in bewilderment.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    After pulling the knife out of the guy, Kang Chan violently pushed him forward. Two of his opponents tried to catch his victim in return, and three of them pounced on him.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Kang Chan violently pulled on the wire.

    ¡°Cough!¡±

    <i>Plop.</i>

    The guys running toward Kang Chan got caught on and tangled with the wire and the man it was tied to.

    <i>Stab! Stab! Stab! Stab!</i>

    In an instant, Kang Chan stabbed the guys four times.

    <i>Screech.</i>

    He then cut off the wire.

    <i>Stab.</i> <i>Slice!</i>

    At that moment, Kang Chan started to feel pain in his left waist and his right back. He felt like those parts of him were burning.

    <i>Slice! Slice! Slice!</i>

    Kang Chan sliced the arm that had stabbed his left waist three times, then stepped on the guys that fell and ran forward.

    If he turned around just because he got attacked from the back, then he would just get attacked from the back again.

    <i>Pow!?Slice! Stab! Stab! Stab!</i>

    He grabbed onto the arm of the guy that pounced on him, sliced his neck, then stabbed the guy beside him three times.

    <i>Slice!</i>

    At the same time, someone shed his right shoulder.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed the side of the guy in front of him and threw him to the side.

    <i>Stab! Slice!</i>

    Kang Chan narrowly avoided two katana shes.

    <i>Slice! Slice!</i>

    In retaliation, Kang Chan sliced the forearms of the two guys that pounced on him, then leaned his back against a tree.

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    With that, his physical condition had returned to when he was still a mercenary.

    But he felt like he was gradually losing energy due to the stab wounds on his side.

    He wasn¡¯t aware of it since they were wearing ck suits, but the upper bodies of the security guards tied to the tree were also covered in blood.

    <i>Pak!</i>

    Kang Chan cut the rope tied around the security guard closest to him.

    The guys hesitated as they carefully looked out and approached Kang Chan¡¯s surroundings. It looked like there were still forty of them left.

    ¡°Release Seok Kang-Ho when I lead them away,¡± Kang Chan whispered to the security guards, then twisted his head from side to side.

    These fuckers weren¡¯t interested in Seok Kang-Ho or the security guards. But they could kill them if Kang Chan went too far away, so he made sure he wouldn¡¯t go any further away from them than ten meters.

    ¡°Come at me, you insect-like fuckers!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Kang Chan looked around his surroundings as he grated on their nerves.

    He had to provoke them so they would focus on him.

    ¡°You garbage motherfuckers. There are so many of you but you still can¡¯t kill me! Are you shitheads scared, huh? Little sons of bitches are afraid of one man?¡±

    ¡°You fucker!¡±

    <i>Swish!</i>

    One of them swung his katana diagonally at Kang Chan, and Kang Chan simply bent his upper body backward, efficiently dodging it. Scared, the guy didn¡¯t pounce on him.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan pounced on the guy, hugged his waist, and thrust his knife into the guy¡¯s side.

    ¡°Aargh!¡±

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    It would be troublesome if he managed to summon up his strength. Hence, Kang Chan twisted his weapon while it was still inside, causing his opponent to lose all strength.

    Kang Chan got rid of the guy after he ran for about three steps, and while that happened he even got stabbed in his back two times.

    When he stood up, his enemies lined up in front of him to block him.

    ¡°Huhuhu,¡± Kang Chanughed strangely and smiled at those approaching him.

    Behind his foes that had taken up arms out of spite, he noticed the three security guards had stood up.

    Now he just had to keep his opponents¡¯ eyes on him until the security guards had freed Dayeru.

    At that moment, Kang Chan heard footsteps from behind him. Nervous, he quickly looked over.

    ¡°The police took action.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin had arrived at Kang Chan¡¯s side. There was someone else with him.

    ¡°Jeez, this looks just like a battlefield,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun spoke, seemingly dumbfounded.

    The guys that stood facing Kang Chan appeared flustered and unable to pounce on him.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that it was going to be a predicament for you?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t endure it. My blood was boiling.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, then red straight ahead.

    They¡¯d be able to keep Seok Kang-Ho alive with this.

 Chapter 42é”›å­­art1: To Catch A Fish (1)

    <h4>Chapter42£¬Part1: To Catch A Fish (1)</h4>

    ¡°Since Director Suh and I are here, let¡¯s just attack those that pounce on us,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said while ncing at Kang Chan¡¯s injuries.

    As a matter of fact, Kang Chan could no longer put strength in his hand.

    He red straight ahead with fiery eyes.

    ¡°Untie them quickly!¡± At the security guard¡¯s words, one of the katana-wielding guys that had been standing a fair distance away from them turned his head toward the guard. Kang Chan needed to bring his attention back toward him.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    When Kang Chan jumped in, three to four des immediately attacked him.

    <i>Smack. Stab. Stab. Thud. Smack. Stab. Slice!</i>

    He hit, stabbed, and sliced the wrist of the enemy so quickly his movements were no longer visible.

    His enemies were so full of spite that it would¡¯ve been hard for Kang Chan to endure if Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun hadn¡¯t run in from both sides.

    Kang Chan looked at the guy holding the katana. The three security guards were holding their ground against him.

    <i>Slice!</i>

    While distracted, Kang Chan got his side cut.

    <i>Stab stab!</i>

    As Kang Chan stabbed the guy¡¯s arm twice, a new enemy blocked his way.

    <i>Slice! Slice!</i>

    Without wasting a second, Kang Chan slit the new enemy¡¯s neck.

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    <i>St!</i>

    His victim¡¯s blood spurted all over his upper body, causing his surroundings to look red due to the blood in his eyes.

    <i>¡°Ptooey!¡±</i>

    When a security guard jumped up to avoid the katana, Seok Kang-Ho directly came into view.

    Kang Chan was going to save Seok Kang-Ho, even if it meant his eyes falling out or his side splitting apart.

    <i>Stab! Stab!</i>

    ¡°Aagh!¡±

    The guy whose nape and armpit had been stabbed let out a desperate scream.

    ¡°Step aside!¡±

    <i>Slice!</i>

    When the guy standing in Kang Chan¡¯s way just flinched, Kang Chan shed through his adam¡¯s apple with a katana.

    Sin? Retribution? Hell? Seeing Seok Kang-Ho die while tied up was hell.

    Kang Chan flinched. His side got wounded again.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed his attacker¡¯s arm and yanked it.

    ¡°Gaaah!¡±

    ¡°Come here!¡±

    Despite being entirely covered in blood, Kang Chan hugged his neck and ran forward.

    <i>Slice!</i>

    And due to Suh Sang-Hyun¡¯s inability to follow him, one of their enemies managed to add another sh wound to Kang Chan¡¯s left side.

    <i>Stab! Stab! Slice!</i>

    After being stabbed three more times, the man Kang Chan had caught went limp.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan charged forward, pushing his captive away.

    <i>Slice! Slice!</i>

    His left side got sliced again.

    By that point, thest security guard blocking the way to Seok Kang-Ho backed down from their battle against the katana wielder.

    <i>Stab! Stab! Slice!</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed and shed the two enemies standing in his way.

    Just the katana wielder lifted his weapon over Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan sprang forward.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    When Kang Chan¡¯s knife pierced through the katana wielder¡¯s neck, he smirked.

    Though still tied and on the floor, Seok Kang-Ho moved his head.

    Everything was okay now.

    Kang Chan carried histest victim and turned back, his side burning as if being cauterized with fire.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    When Kang Chan let go of the guy, he fell to the ground like a bundle of straw.

    ¡°Huff. Huff.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun breathed heavily beside him.

    After Kang Chan grabbed onto the end of the wire that remained on his left hand with his right, he used it to tightly tie the bay onto his right hand. It was too dull the nerves on his hand, the fingertips of which were trembling.

    He would¡¯ve copsed long ago had he not recovered his previous physical abilities.

    ¡°Ugh.¡±

    Kang Chan then heard Seok Kang-Ho say something as he tried to move.

    ¡°Fuck.¡±

    The first thing that Seok Kang-Ho did after recovering was curse.

    Now there were about twenty of their opponents left.

    Kang Chan wiped the blood from around his eyes with his forearm. It had dried up, which made it sticky, but he could now see much better.

    The moment Kang Chan caught his breath and red in front of him, Seok Kang-Ho stood up and went beside him while grinding his teeth.

    Seok Kang-Ho held the katana that was covered with blood.

    ¡°Go and stay in the back,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s fight together. If you join the fray, then we¡¯ll be able to kill all of those sons of bitches.¡±

    Just as Kang Chan smirked, seemingly satisfied, Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chan as if he was tired of his antics. He then spoke to their opponents in fluent Chinese.

    ¡°Oh? ¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin answered again when the guys asked another question, seemingly flustered.

    When the guy fiercely red at Kang Chan, he spoke to Kim Tae-Jin about two more times.

    ¡°Sounds good![ref]This was written as ???(ºÃ)?which is a transliteration of ¡®good¡¯ in Chinese.[/ref]¡±

    Even Kang Chan knew what this meant.

    When the guy looked behind him and yelled something, those standing around started to sort out the guys that had copsed on the floor.

    ¡°We decided to end the fight here,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Tae-Jin, keeping his guard up.

    ¡°I told them Oh Gwang-Taek is on his way.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin also had multiple cuts on his upper body, and there were even about two ces where his skin had been deeply split open.

    ¡°You¡¯re also at your limit, and we need to clean up the bodies as well.¡±

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s anger didn¡¯t disappear. He couldn¡¯t bear to see them leaving this ce alive.

    Not only did they capture Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s family, but they also hanged him upside down.

    <i>I can¡¯t let them go like this. I¡¯m going to kill all of them.</i>

    ¡°Kang Chan!¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin jarringly called out to him.

    Kang Chan suddenly turned and red fiercely at him.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t the end! You still have people that you have to protect! If killing those guys would end everything, then I¡¯d be fighting until the end as well, but you have to think about the people that you¡¯ve left.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s eyes also burned fiercely.

    He was a real man. It had been a long time since Kang Chan saw someone with such eyes.

    <i>It should be okay to do as he says for once, right?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for rashly speaking informally to you, but there are still people that you have to protect. Mr. Seok Kang-Ho will also be in a predicament if he overworks himself. Let¡¯s leave it be for now.¡±

    <i>Is that it? I still have people to protect?</i>

    When Kang Chan briefly breathed out, Kim Tae-Jin smiled in amazement with only the end of his eyes.

    ¡°Phew!¡±

    Suh Sang-Hyun copsed to the ground as if his nervousness had left him.

    Kang Chan could see at a nce that he had a deep injury right above his knee.

    Suh Sang-Hyun shook his head when he saw Kang Chan standing upright with fiery eyes.

    The guys that had copsed to the ground had been roughly taken care of after about ten minutes.

    Some of the injured walked on their own, while the rest were carried on the remaining twenty-something men¡¯s shoulders or backs.

    ¡°Walk quickly!¡± The guy that talked to Kim Tae-Jin abruptly yelled in Korean, then approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯re stopping here. I didn¡¯t know there was a warrior that could do this much by himself in South Korea,¡± He told Kang Chan, then nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°The Han Chinese fuckers are going toe themselves next time. We¡¯re going to cover up all of the maneuvers executed on our dead and injured, so don¡¯t die like a coward to the Han Chinese fuckers.¡±

    The guy turned his head toward Kim Tae-Jin and said a few more words to him in Chinese, then turned around.

    ¡°Ah!¡±

    The guy sharply gazed at Kang Chan again.

    ¡°Also, don¡¯t evere to Yanbian and Harbin.

    Looking at Kang Chan¡¯s side, he smirked and walked away.

    Kang Chan swallowed a groan, walked to the tree, and copsed. He felt like he was suddenly losing strength.

    ¡°Ah, fuck!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, following him, swore sharply upon noticing Kang Chan¡¯s side.

    Kang Chan smiled faintly, his eyes staring straight ahead. Yoo Hye-Sook popped into his mind.

    His side hurt so much he couldn¡¯t breathe anymore.

    <i>Rip!</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin ripped one of the security guards¡¯ jackets into a long strip, then approached Kang Chan, who just stared at him.

    ¡°You¡¯re bleeding too much,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Kim Tae-Jin wrapped the fabric around Kang Chan¡¯s chest, pulled it tight with all his might, then tied it.

    ¡°You can¡¯t pass out. The car will be brought to the road at the back,¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    Strangely, Kang Chanughed. Whenever he did, Yoo Hye-Sook popped into his mind.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s face crumpled.

    Seeing his crew members alive always brought Kang Chan happiness.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be the one asking that question!¡±

    ¡°Are you crying?¡±

    ¡°I have an eye infection!¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Kang Chan was grateful that he was alive.

    ¡°Fuck¡­ You should¡¯ve just saved my family.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know who I am, you dickhead?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho untied the wire from Kang Chan¡¯s right hand.

    ¡°Why did you tie this so tightly? Are you insane?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    When Kang Chan smiled brightly, Seok Kang-Ho wiped his tears with his forearm.

    ¡°I was told that the car has arrived right next to the road at the back. Let¡¯s go,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said, and Seok Kang-Ho knelt in front of Kang Chan with his back facing him.

    ¡°Will you be okay?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Please just get him on my back.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin and the security guards lifted Kang Chan and ced him on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s back.

    They were still deep in the forest in the middle of the night. And whenever Seok Kang-Ho took a step, Kang Chan felt as if the skin on his side was being ripped raw.

    ¡°How old is Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun asked while limping.

    ¡°He said that he¡¯s friends with Oh Gwang-Taek,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    ¡°A high schooler is friends with him?¡±

    ¡°The family register is wrong. Can¡¯t you tell by the way I treat him?¡±

    ¡°Then he¡¯s four years older than me?¡±

    When Suh Sang-Hyun looked at Kim Tae-Jin in surprise, Kim Tae-Jin said, ¡°He¡¯s younger than me.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! You can¡¯t fall asleep!¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin ced his hand on the back of his neck and shook it roughly.

    After walking for about 5 more minutes, multiple guys in functional attire came running toward them, one after the other.

    ¡°Have you finished the preparations?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°We have. We did everything ording to your orders.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin spread out the stretcher that the employees brought in front of Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Let¡¯sy him down on this. It¡¯s going to be much quicker than carrying him alone,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    Seok Kang-Ho lowered his stance, and the four employees ran over andid Kang Chan down on the stretcher.

    They were definitely quick.

    Kang Chan could no longer feel anything properly.

    ¡°Get a hold of yourself!¡±

    To Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s words sounded like they were echoing.

    The stars, moon, and white-clumped clouds slowly faded away.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! Can you hear me? We need to hurry up! ¡± yelled Kim Tae-Jin.

    The guys¡¯ heavy breathing as they carried the stretcher sounded exaggerated.

    Seok Kang-Ho and his family survived.

    That was a relief.

    1. This was written as ???(ÊÇÂð)?which is a transliteration of ¡®oh?¡¯ in Chinese.

    2. The Han people are an ethnic group in China that constitute the majority of the Chinese people

    3. Yanbian, or the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture is a city in China and is an Autonomous Prefecture, or an Autonomous administrative division of China because a lot of Korean people live there

    4. Harbin is a city in China

 Chapter 42é”›å­­art2: To Catch A Fish (1)

    <h4>Chapter42£¬Part2: To Catch A Fish (1)</h4>

    <i>Africa?</i>

    His surroundings were hazy.

    A rope was tied around Yoo Hye-Sook, who was yelling something.

    <i>¡®I have to go?¡¯</i>

    He couldn¡¯t move at all, almost as if he was tied to a pole.

    <i>¡®Let go!¡¯</i>

    He couldn¡¯t even get his voice to work.

    An Arab guy stood in front of Yoo Hye-Sook with a long knife.

    ¡°Chan! Just go!¡±

    <i>¡®Let go! Let go! You son of a bitch!¡¯</i>

    He didn¡¯t even know who was holding onto him.

    ¡°Chan!¡±

    At that moment, his body was set free.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan flung forward like a lightning strike, immediately feeling extreme pain.

    He couldn¡¯t open his eyes. He lost consciousness once again.

    He didn¡¯t know how much time had passed.

    When he opened his eyes upon hearing someone calling him from far away, he saw Yoo Hyun-Yoo¡¯s face asking, ¡°Are youing around?¡±

    ¡°Is he okay?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked the doctor.

    ¡°At this rate, he¡¯s probably going to say that he wants to be discharged by tomorrow.¡±

    Surprisingly, Kim Tae-Jin was the one sitting beside his bed.

    ¡°You can¡¯t drink water yet, Mr. Kang Chan. You also can¡¯t smoke or drink coffee. Of course, you can¡¯t drink alcohol or ¡®see¡¯ the nurse either,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo spoke shamelessly even as Kim Tae-Jin stared at him dumbfoundedly.

    When Yoo Hun-Woo left the room, Kim Tae-Jin began to speak.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho stayed in the hospital all night without even sleeping a wink. He had just left a moment ago to go back to Jiri Mountain, but he told me he wants you to call him when you wake up.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he was talking to a senior in the military.

    ¡°Please speakfortably with me,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kim Tae-Jin stared at Kang Chan, then smiled pleasantly.

    ¡°I¡¯m forty-nine. I usually don¡¯t like speaking informally with people, but I think it wouldn¡¯t be that bad to treat you a bit morefortably.¡±

    His chest and forearms were also entirely wrapped with bandages.

    ¡°Please raise the bed,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°You should just stay where you are.¡±

    When his eyes met Kang Chan¡¯s, however, he sighed and twisted a lever at the underside of the bed.

    ¡°Please give me some water,¡± Kang Chan then requested.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t the doctor say that wasn¡¯t allowed?¡±

    Kang Chan stared at Kim Tae-Jin.

    He seemed like he was tired of Kang Chan¡¯s antics. But a momentter, he poured water into a paper cup for him.

    ¡°Only drink a little,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin sat by Kang Chan¡¯s side again.

    ¡°I roughly heard stories from Oh Gwang-Taek, and also heard what happened with Gong Te automobile.¡±

    Something that Kang Chan hadpletely forgotten about then struck his mind.

    ¡°Is my phone here?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah, here.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin took out the phone beside the bed and handed it to Kang Chan.

    He had missed calls from Yoo Hye-Sook, Kim Mi-Young, Michelle, and Smithen.

    Kang Chan first called Smithen.

    The dial tone rang twice.

    - Ello! Chany?

    ¡°Yeah. Are you still at the Namsan hotel?¡±

    - Yes, Chany! What do you want me to do?

    ¡°I¡¯m going to send a security detail over. Once you get in touch with them, stay within their radar. Did anything happen?¡±

    - Not really. Are you okay?

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll see youter.¡±

    After he ended the call, Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin to guard Smithen as well.

    ¡°I¡¯ll order it right away.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin raised the phone, called his employees, and ordered them to start guarding while telling them about the Namsan hotel and Smithen¡¯s number.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to say this in advance, but the protection will all be done at no cost for the time being. I already sent two employees to Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s family, and I¡¯ll also give back twice the amount of the down deposit,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Don¡¯t take me for a cheap person.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. I¡¯m doing this out of pride.¡±

    They could talk about thister.

    <i>¡®What time is it right now?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan looked at the time on his phone. It was 11:30 am.

    He pressed the button and called Seok Kang-Ho.

    - Hello!

    ¡°You¡¯re going to make my eardrums burst.¡±

    - Did you survive? Are you okay?

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    - I¡¯ll visit you tomorrow! Please stay in the hospital until then!

    ¡°Come visit after the retreat ends.¡±

    - What are you saying? Tomorrow is when the retreat ends.

    Kang Chan was momentarily speechless.

    - You were unconscious throughout Wednesday. It¡¯s already Thursday. Anyway, stay in the hospital for now. I¡¯lle over tomorrow.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan realized that it was Thursday only after he ended the call.

    ¡°It¡¯s already Thursday, huh.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded.

    ¡°Saying that yesterday morning was a critical moment, he stayed by your side through it all. He¡¯s got quite the unique personality,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    Yoo Hun-Woo probably said that he needed to take out Kang Chan¡¯s organs.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s there for a figurehead to be busy about? We just act as the face during big contracts.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anything to say in response to that kind of answer.

    ¡°The car was taken to the parking lot of the hospital, so that¡¯s that,¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    He nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you join ourpany after you graduate? I¡¯ll treat you well.¡±

    <i>He wants me to follow someone around?</i>

    Kang Chan wanted to decline his offer no matter what the circumstances were, so he only smirked.

    ¡°Where did you learnbat techniques? We certainly didn¡¯t teach you those,¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°From the inte.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin smiled briefly as if to say he shouldn¡¯t mess around.

    ¡°You destroyed an organization by twisting the neck of Park Ki-Bum, the leader of the parking lot gang, and you can order around the Korean branch manager of Gong Te automobile. To top it all off, you fought against fifty people.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin shook his head.

    ¡°Just thinking about it is crazy,¡± Hemented.

    <i>Who would understand my situation?</i>

    Even Kang Chan had trouble understanding it because things just escted way too quickly after he reincarnated.

    ¡°The Chinese guys and the guys that survived from our recent fight said that they¡¯ll take care of the bodies of the parking lot gang that was in the Jiri Mountain. And Oh Gwang-Taek said that he¡¯s going to go to Ulsan to tell the parking lot gang not to say anything,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    It looked like that was what he and the Chinese guy talked about when they said a few words to each other in Chinese back then.

    Yoo Hun-Woo came in again after about 30 minutes had passed.

    ¡°Did you drink water?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    Kim Tae-Jin avoided his eyes when he looked at the cup.

    ¡°Anyway, are you okay?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked Kang Chan again.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I would¡¯ve let this pass if you were injured anywhere else since it would be easier to determine your physical condition, but being stabbed in the waist is a bit dangerous. I didn¡¯t cut your abdomen open because it looked like you didn¡¯t suffer any organ damage, but you¡¯re going to need a major surgery if you eat something wrong and it creates a problem. Since you drank water, let¡¯s wait for at least six hours,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo spoke seriously.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything else as this was the first time he saw Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s expression being this serious.

    When Kim Tae-Jin left after saying that he¡¯ll be back after having lunch, Kang Chan called Yoo Hye-Sook.

    - Hello? Chan? Where are you?

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t answer the phone because I was having fun.¡±

    - Why do you sound so tired? Did you get injured?

    ¡°No. Why are you so worried?¡±

    - Phew. I had a horrible dream two days ago. You have no idea how anxious I¡¯ve been since then.

    ¡°What was the dream about?¡±

    - You were crying while covered in blood, but I couldn¡¯t get close to you. I was so anxious. I couldn¡¯t go visit you at your retreat because your father stopped me. Hearing your voice makes me feel much better, though. Are you really okay?¡±

    ¡°I am. Oh, right! I might stay here for a few more days. The mountain is really nice.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t respond. He could feel she was doubting him.

    ¡°You shoulde down and visit with my father next week. It¡¯s beautiful here.¡±

    - Is everything really alright?

    ¡°Of course. I just really really like it here.¡±

    - You don¡¯t need money?

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho decided to stay here with me after sending the kids home. I also want to get ready for the entrance examination for the University of Physical Education.¡±

    - Phew!

    She let out a sigh, seemingly now feeling at ease.

    - I¡¯ll call back after I discuss this with your father, Chan.

    ¡°Sure. I''ll make sure to answer your calls from now on.¡±

    - Okay, Chan.

    He felt morefortable after ending the call.

    He then called Michelle.

    Michelle answered immediately and made a fuss. She had received word that it was possible to acquire the D.I. Family¡ªthepany that she told him about before.

    ¡°How much will it cost?¡±

    - Five hundred million.

    ¡°They only have three actresses. Is that really a fair price?¡±

    - The other two girls aside from Eun So-Yeon are quite popr. I think the price is justified.¡±¡°Michelle.¡±

    - Yeah?

    ¡°I¡¯ll acquire it if you take on the role of running thepany for me. Otherwise, let¡¯s forget about it. I don¡¯t even have that much knowledge about it, and I don¡¯t want to bother myself with something that¡¯s not worth it.¡±

    - Are you going to acquire thepany because of me and for me, Chany?

    Kang Chan turned his head away from the receiver and sighed.

    He was trying to acquire thepany because he remembered what Lanok had said, but she always went too far.

    Kang Chan wanted to buy Kim Tae-Jin¡¯spany if he could.

    ¡°Call meter after you think about it.¡±

    - Okay, Chany.

    Kang Chan quickly ended the call because her voice was coquettish.

    <i>Yeah. I should just endure this until we catch Shan.</i>

    Kang Chan tightly clenched his teeth.

    1. Ulsan is arge city in South Korea

 Chapter 43é”›å­­art1: To Catch Fish (2)

    <h4>Chapter43£¬Part1: To Catch Fish (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan felt like he received a warning from Shan.

    If Shan could coax the destroyed parking lot gang by using the Chinese organization, then it also meant he had finished his secret investigation about Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan felt the need for an organization. If he had one, then Shan wouldn¡¯t be able to do something as reckless as looking for an opportunity to attack his family, and they would be left with no choice but to attack him directly.

    <i>¡®I should acquire thepany that Michelle told me about first.¡¯</i>

    Lanok would perfectly figure thepany out.

    Kim Tae-Jin was the perfect fit right now. He had the skills, was the president of a securitypany, had pride, and most of all, the look in his eyes was undoubtedly fierce.

    <i>¡®But how should I exin it to him?¡¯</i>

    <i>Should I just be honest and tell him that I reincarnated in a high schooler¡¯s body?</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin would definitely rmend that he consult with a psychiatrist.

    <i>¡®Tsk.¡¯</i>

    As he thought about multiple matters, the phone rang. It was Kim Mi-Young.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - I¡¯m done with <i>hagwon</i>. Why didn¡¯t you answer your phone yesterday?

    She sounded upset.

    ¡°I left my phone somewhere else. I wasn¡¯t home.¡±

    - Where were you? Did you by any chance go to the retreat?

    ¡°Why would I go there? I just came to Jiri Mountain to look into something Mr. Seok Kang-Ho asked me to. Let¡¯s see each other next week. I think I have to stay here this week.¡±

    - I don¡¯t have <i>hagwon</i> next week. Would you be able to meet me then?

    ¡°Yeah. We did say we¡¯ll go out together.¡±

    - You really wille, right?

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s excited voice consoled Kang Chan a little bit.

    He ended the call after talking a bit more, and Shan-rted matters threw themselves at him again as if they had been waiting.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m going to go crazy at this rate.¡¯</i>

    He needed to organize his thoughts.

    Kim Tae-Jin soon walked in. Kang Chan wasn¡¯t sure if it was because he didn¡¯t want to smell like food, or if he just liked keeping himself clean and presentable, but he smelled like refreshing toothpaste, having just brushed his teeth.

    ¡°Do you have some time to spare?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°As I said before, I¡¯m usually free. You¡¯re not bothering me, so let me know if there¡¯s anything I can do for you.¡±

    Kang Chan liked that he was treating him so casually.

    ¡°There¡¯s something I want to discuss with you. Please have a seat.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin sat down on the chair beside the bed.

    Kang Chan first brought up his rtionship with Shan.

    Shan had sold off his crew during a military operation in Africa, and he now had forces backing him up, even though they hadn¡¯t revealed themselves yet. As for Smithen, he had joined Kang Chan¡¯s side after repenting for his sins.

    That was the summary of the story he told Kim Tae-Jin.

    When Kim Tae-Jin remained silent, Kang Chan briefly detailed why the fight with the parking lot gang happened.

    Kim Tae-Jin knew of the incident that happenedter on to some degree, so Kang Chan didn¡¯t need to say much about that.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that this fight will end only if you find the person named Shan,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at him with eyes full of questions.

    ¡°It¡¯d most likely be easier for you to understand if you just think of all this as me getting tangled up in this mess when I tried to get a contract with Gong Te automobile.¡±

    ¡°But I also want to hear the version that¡¯s hard to understand,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    ¡°It exins how I know French, my rtionship with Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, and even mybat techniques, but you wouldn¡¯t be able to ept it. It¡¯d be better for you to just let it go right now.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin exhaled heavily.

    ¡°Would doing that be the best for us both?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jinughed at the absurdity of the situation before continuing the conversation. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like you¡¯re telling me this because you want me to protect you properly¡­¡±

    ¡°I want help with catching Shan.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t Oh Gwang-Taek be better for that?¡±

    ¡°Shanmanded a Special Forces Unit. If he were to bring other people with him, then gangsters wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against them.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded but suddenly raised his gaze.

    ¡°You said he¡¯s French, right? Wouldn¡¯t it be tantly obvious if someone from that countryes here?¡±

    ¡°Shan will devise a method for sure. If you don¡¯t want it, you don¡¯t have to ept this role,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kim Tae-Jin frowned and pursed his lips together.

    ¡°Hmm, did you know that I worked in the Presidential Security office?¡±

    ¡°I saw that in the advertisement pitch on the Inte,¡± answered Kang Chan.

    Kim Tae-Jin had a long face.

    ¡°We¡¯ve hired people to be bodyguards in ourpany right after they¡¯ve graduated. Those kids¡¯ lives would be in danger upon meeting agents with professional training, so I¡¯ll cooperate on finding Shan under the condition that you work as their instructor.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s forget what I told you.¡±

    When Kang Chan refused without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Kim Tae-Jin licked his lips.

    ¡°Think about it seriously for once.¡±

    Kang Chan was the type to get enraged upon witnessing his crew members die. And Kim Tae-Jin still wanted him to teach newbies that just graduated?

    In other words, there was no chance he¡¯d ept Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s proposal.

    The atmosphere became a little stiff, but it was better than taking on a role that he didn¡¯t want to do.

    Kang Chan was hungry, but Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s serious warning weighed on his mind. If he had to undergo aparotomy, then Yoo Hye-Sook was going to search through the entire Jiri Mountain.

    They talked about multiple matters. He got an injection at some point, which made him feel drowsy an hourter.

    Kim Tae-Jin remained by his side until then.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    The vibration from the phone woke Kang Chan up.

    Kang Chan jolted awake and noticed Kim Tae-Jin wasn¡¯t beside him.

    Kang Chan blinked twice when he looked at his phone¡¯s screen.

    [111-1111-1111]

    <i>¡®Is it Lanok?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan pressed the pick-up button.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Kang Chan.

    ¡°Shan?¡±

    As if a bucket of cold water had been dumped on him, Kang Chan¡¯s sleepy brain swiftly became alert.

    - You ruined my amazing n again.

    ¡°It seems like your side has healed a bit.¡±

    - You¡¯re going to regret what you just said for your entire life.

    He faintly heard the mechanical sound of the hospital over the phone.

    Kang Chan checked the caller¡¯s number again.

    - I usually don¡¯t like a war of attrition.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m going to stab your heart with a knife soon.¡±

    Shan snorted.

    - The people around you will be in danger if you provoke me. You should know that by now, considering the kind of warning you¡¯ve been given.

    His words were difficult to immediately respond to.

    - I¡¯ll call again after four days.

    The call ended.

    It felt like Shan had great difficulty talking by the end of their conversation.

    <i>¡®Should I let Lanok know?¡¯</i>

    Wanting to raise his bed, Kang Chan pressed the button by his bedside. Soon after, a nurse came in.

    ¡°Please raise the bed,¡± Kang Chan said. As the nurse followed his request, Yoo Hun-Woo came in and checked his temperature and heart rate.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m really hungry.¡±

    ¡°I think that¡¯s a good sign. Let¡¯s see your injury.¡±

    He lowered the bed that the nurse had just raised.

    After Yoo Hun-Woo ordered the nurse to get ready to sanitize the injury, he took off the bandages and looked at the injury on his waist.

    <i>Rip.</i>

    Whenever bandages came off his body, blood oozed out and a tingling pain coursed through him.

    Yoo Hun-Woo was still examining Kang Chan¡¯s injury and pressing his abdomen a few times when the nurse brought in a rack with wheels.

    ¡°Based on its appearance, there doesn¡¯t seem to be any problems, and there are no issues with palpitations either. Your injuries are already healing,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said. ¡°Let¡¯s check the ones on your side as well. Since you¡¯re recovering quickly, changing your bandages more often would be better for you.¡±

    Kang Chan felt bad for the nurse because they had to raise the bed again.

    After Yoo Hun-Woo made Kang Chan sit, he cut the bandage with a scissor and slowly peeled it off his body again.

    This time, even Kang Chan groaned twice and he had cold sweat running down his forehead.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t feel it when you got stabbed?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°Being stabbed is probably more painful than removing the bandages. I¡¯m just amazed that you can endure so much pain.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo examined Kang Chan¡¯s wounds with a frown.

    ¡°You¡¯re injured in sixteen areas. It seems the department handling the approved painkillers and blood is bing suspicious since we¡¯ve used too much of them within the past month.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at the nurse. If anyone said anything, then Yoo Hun-Woo wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid getting entangled with them.

    ¡°Rest assured that no one within the hospital will say anything. Nothing will happen unless an external party says anything,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said dismissively as he applied an antiseptic to him. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know why Yoo Hun-Woo thought that way or why he was so confident, but he found it difficult to ask.

    ¡°You¡¯re recovering at a slower rate than before, perhaps because you have a lot more injuries. You should stay here until this weekend.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Letting his body recover to some degree before going home would be ideal.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you start eating normally tomorrow if you can eat porridge without problems for dinner.¡±

    Kang Chan had no choice but to obediently follow that as well.

    1.parotomy is a surgical incision into the abdominal cavity

 Chapter 43é”›å­­art2: To Catch Fish (2)

    <h4>Chapter43£¬Part2: To Catch Fish (2)</h4>

    As Kang Chan spent a bit of time watching TV, Kim Tae-Jin walked in.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡¯ Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°You should go and rest for a bit.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked more like a critical patient than Kang Chan since the gauze wrapped around him waspletely visible through his shirt.

    ¡°Director Suh has been admitted downstairs, so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    ¡°Is he badly injured?¡±

    ¡°They said that he nearly wouldn¡¯t have been able to use his legs for the rest of his life. He probably has nothing to say, considering he¡¯s the one in charge of training our employees yet he messed up and got himself injured so badly.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin stared at Kang Chan after he finished talking. It looked like he wanted to say something.

    Kang Chan turned off the TV and looked at him.

    ¡°On paper, it says that Shan died in a car ident on his way to France. And a friend of mine in the Intelligence Agency told me that the French government even requested cooperation to prevent it from getting reported in the news. Is there more to this that I¡¯m not aware of?¡±

    <i>¡®Oh shoot,¡¯?</i>Kang Chan thought.

    He said something unnecessary because of his greed to create an organization.

    It was going to be a very difficult fight to win if he made even the DGSE his enemy.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stop here if telling me about it would cause you problems.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin surprisingly stepped back.

    ¡°I have performed duties where I had to protect our side in the DMZ, and I¡¯ve raided enemy guard posts as a means of revenge,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kang Chan only listened as it was an abrupt story.

    ¡°It suited my aptitude. And I also wanted to live my life as a soldier that way. But everything went out the window when I lost five of my crew members to a North Korean Special Operation corps member known as the ¡®Neck Ghost.¡¯¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin clearly still carried his anger from that incident.

    ¡°That man would¡¯ve also been severely injured, considering the blood smeared on the swords of the dead. However, because I went really berserk since then¡­ Phew! I got discharged from the military. That¡¯s as expected, though, since I would¡¯ve run to Pyongyang if I was left alone. After that, I started working in the security office.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin kept his head high as he told his story. Afterward, he raised his gaze and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I have two colleagues that managed to be perfectly injury-free during those days. One of them is in the Information Bureau now, and the other is a General of that corps. My colleague at the Information Bureau told me never to touch Shan¡¯s matters, and that China and France¡¯s recent movements were suspicious. Ridiculously enough, I received another piece of news that made me unable to endure everything.¡±

    When Kim Tae-Jin clenched his fist, his bandaged forearm twitched.

    ¡°I was told that the Neck Ghost is in China¡¯s Intelligence Bureau. I¡¯ve finally found the very man that slit six of my crew members¡¯ necks and disappeared. I don¡¯t know his name or his age, but I remember his face. I fought against him, after all.¡±

    ¡°I''m guessing you¡¯ll go to China,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I was told he¡¯s in Korea right now.¡±

    It was surprising news, but that also meant Kim Tae-Jin had a chance to get revenge.

    However, he looked at Kang Chan with a strange smile on his lips.

    ¡°There was a guy on the list of names that Shan had talked to on the phone before he came to Korea¡­¡±

    <i>Who and who talked on the phone?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes suddenly widened.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t Shan appear if I pursue the Neck Ghost?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    Confused, Kang Chan pulled himself together for a moment.

    Even though it could be a lead, he thought it was too hasty of Kim Tae-Jin to think that the Neck Ghost was in Korea because of Shan.

    Kim Tae-Jin seemed to have guessed what Kang Chan was thinking.

    ¡°There¡¯s thispany that designs and manufactures PCB equipment. It¡¯s called the Kwang-Myung Joint venture, and their president had just arrived here in Korea. He¡¯s staying at the Seoul Hotel.¡±

    It was true that a spy hade into South Korea at that point in time, though they didn¡¯t know if the spy was from China or North Korea.

    He had thought he had lost all hope, but Kang Chan finally felt like he had caught onto Shan¡¯s trail.

    ¡°It¡¯s also hard for me to approach him right now. The Chinese agents are close by, and our agents from the Information Bureau are watching him as well. They said that thepany will load a cargo and get out of Korea after ten days.¡±

    ¡°A cargo?¡±

    ¡°It means that they¡¯re going to load the PCB equipment in Korea and then leave. But I was told that the guy chartered a cargo ship.¡±

    It was a different story if that were the case.

    ¡°Are you saying that he¡¯s taking Shan with him?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°If we take the extent of his injuries into consideration, then that inference might be right.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to shout.

    Kim Tae-Jin seemed satisfied with the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°That guy came up while I was searching through Shan¡¯s previous trails. I caught on because they had officially talked on the phone as the president of the Chinesepany and the vice president of Gong Te automobile. It would¡¯ve been difficult to identify the president as the Neck Ghost if it wasn¡¯t for my friend in the Information Bureau.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin said that they had ten days.

    ¡°I decided to get help from my friend in the Information Bureau,¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    Kang Chan had just looked at him with puzzled eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to catch the Neck Ghost, and you¡¯re going to catch Shan.¡±

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    Kang Chan was the type to join in such a n.

    ¡°The Neck Ghost¡¯s Chinese name is Wui Min-Gook. The Information Bureau is investigating thepany of the other party that traded with him, but they at least know it¡¯s an organization that manufactured PCB equipment since its foundation. Thanks to that, they discovered that a major stockholder was manipting their stock prices, but that''s not important to us.¡±

    He hadn¡¯t heard such pleasing news in a while.

    ¡°Thank you so much.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded and smiled brightly.

    ¡°We¡¯re still trying to figure out Wui Min-Gook¡¯s schedule and movement path, but I¡¯ll let you know about it as soon as I get more intel. For now, focus on recovery and building up strength for the fight.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m already feeling great.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten how the Neck Ghost slit my crew members¡¯ throats. I need to pay him back this time for sure.¡±

    If he could, Kang Chan wanted to have sweet coffee and a cigarette, but he had suppressed his desires for now.

    ~

    Soon after, he had porridge for dinner.

    Kim Tae-Jin left the room, saying that he¡¯d be back after checking on Suh Sang-Hyun and having dinner.

    Since he was starving, Kang Chan cleanly finished the bowl of porridge.

    About an hour after he had dinner, Yoo Hun-Woo visited him.

    ¡°Do you feel any pain, or are you getting any weird sensations?¡± The doctor asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo smiled faintly and pressed his stomach a few times.

    ¡°You can¡¯t drink alcohol, no matter what.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    He seemed to be assuming Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t be able to wait until morning.

    ¡°Let the nurse know immediately if you experience sudden stomach pain or any rted problem. Even if you experience it after you¡¯ve been discharged, contact us as quickly as you can,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo continued.

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo prescribed him a few injection medications as he turned around.

    Kang Chan organized his thoughts while sitting on the bed.

    <i>Why did Shan say he¡¯s going to call in four days? Is he going to meet with Wui Min-Gook, the Neck Ghost? How much should I tell Lanok?</i>

    Of course, he didn¡¯t tell Kim Tae-Jin about Lanok either.

    Kang Chan thought he just had a lot on his mind and that he looked somewhat like a coward. However, on the other hand, if could catch Shan, it would all be over.

    He couldn¡¯t let him live this time.

    Shan survived even though Kang Chan had split open his side down to the bone.

    Kang Chan first decided to continue acquiring thepany that Michelle would be in charge of. He then thought of preparing for the possibility of Shan not showing up this time, and of ways to decrease Lanok¡¯s suspicions.

    <i>¡®Let¡¯s stop here.¡¯</i>

    It would be best to keep his thoughts simple.

    The moment Kang Chan smiled satisfactorily, the door of the patient room opened, and Oh Gwang-Taek walked in.

    He was wearing a clean suit and a light green shirt without a tie.

    ¡°You¡¯ve recovered?¡± He asked.

    When Kang Chan smirked, Oh Gwang-Taek began making coffee.

    ¡°I was starting to think I¡¯ve be a mortician,¡± Heined while walking over to Kang Chan with cups of coffee. He handed one to Kang Chan and took out a cigarette.

    ¡°Open the window,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Should I? Okay.¡±

    It was weird that Oh Gwang-Taek obediently listened to him, but nothing bad had happened due to it anyway.

    Instant coffee and cigarettes.

    Kang Chan felt like the hardships in his mind and body instantly disappeared.

    ¡°Did you finish taking care of the parking lot gangsters?¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek suddenly made a sour face, appearing to dislike Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°What the! I already told you that I have properly taken care of them this time! The other gangs near Ulsan all took over, so they¡¯re never going to go anywhere near the parking lot or the car wash center ever again! Park Ki-Bum is going to immigrate to the Philippines next week.¡±

    ¡°You worked hard.¡±

    <i>Slurp.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek noisily drank coffee, then exhaled smoke like he was sighing.

    ¡°Just think of it as an after-service since I didn¡¯t properly take care of the parking lot gang. I¡¯m going,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said and stood up after he threw the cigarette into the paper cup. He seemed like he had something to say but decided to stay silent instead.

    ¡°Do you have something to say?¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek turned his head toward Kang Chan as he held onto the door. He then smirked and left.

    That fucker seemed a bit different somehow. Regardless, Kang Chan owed him one.

    He leaned against the bed in a happy mood.

    After some time, his phone rang. Upon looking at it, he discovered the caller was Seok Kang-Ho. Despite how impatient he was, Seok Kang-Ho managed to endure for so long.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - How was dinner?

    ¡°I ate. What about you?¡±

    - I just finished, but I could barely eat since I had to take care of the kids. I¡¯m going to go up and visit you in the evening.

    ¡°Why? You should just visit when you¡¯re free tomorrow. Don¡¯t overwork yourself.¡±

    - That¡¯s not it¡ªmy wife and daughter are so afraid they keep making a fuss about reporting the incident to the police. Something¡¯s bound to happen if I don¡¯t console them.

    ¡°True. It¡¯s difficult for normal people to put up with such traumatic experiences.¡±

    - I¡¯ll see youter.

    ¡°Keep safe on the way here.¡±

    - Will do.

    He felt more reassured when Seok Kang-Ho said he¡¯d be visiting him.

    1. PCBs or Printed Circuit Boards are used to mechanically support and electronically connect electronicponents using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces to another in a controlled manner

 Chapter 44é”›å­­art1: What the Heart Wants (1)

    <h4>Chapter44£¬Part1: What the Heart Wants (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan forcefully sent Kim Tae-Jin away, who insisted to stay by his side. Soon after, his phone rang.

    It was Michelle.

    - I¡¯ve decided to take your offer. Let¡¯s acquire thepany. When should we do it?

    ¡°Do it at your earliest convenience. I¡¯ll just send you the money.¡±

    - No, it would be better if youe and check it out as well.

    ¡°Do I really need to do that?¡±

    - Fine. I¡¯ll just dy this for the next opportunity. You should at least greet the employees after the takeover isplete, though.

    ¡°Okay. Then make an appointment with everyone next week.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed when he ended the call.

    He understood why Michelle was worried. She had to quit her job for this, after all, and quite arge amount of money would be going into this endeavor.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m hungry.¡¯</i>

    Acquiring apany was one thing. Hunger was another.

    He could understand why Seok Kang-Ho kept forcing down kimbap when he had the neck brace.

    Kang Chan had just tilted his body to go to the bathroom.

    <i>Slide.</i>

    The door opened, and Seok Kang-Ho came inside.

    ¡°What? Didn¡¯t you say that you were going home first?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I came here from my house.¡±

    When Kang Chan looked at the clock, it was almost 11am.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± His gaze fell on the stic bag Seok Kang-Ho was carrying.

    ¡°Phuhu. It¡¯s Bossam. This was what I wanted to eat the most when I wasst hospitalized.¡±

    ¡°Good job!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho promptly supported Kang Chan after lifting the stic bag and showing it to him.

    ¡°Your injury was gruesome. Is it okay for you to move?¡± He asked.

    ¡°My physical constitution is special, so yes.¡±

    Kang Chan could use the bathroom with ease since Seok Kang-Ho had moved the IV pack for him.

    They moved a table into the room and ate nearly all the Bossam together, which made Kang Chan feel much better.

    ¡°Right! What did you tell your family?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I actually didn¡¯t have anything to say.¡±

    After he ced the food waste in the stic bag, Seok Kang-Ho made coffee.

    ¡°So I sold out Oh Gwang-Taek. I lied and told them I received settlement money after getting into a car ident, but it seemed the Chinese thought we received drugs instead. I then told her something along the lines of receiving another settlement money under unbelievable conditions. However, if the outside world were to know about the kidnapping or whatever, I could really get killed.¡±

    ¡°Did they believe you?¡±

    ¡°When I first gave her five hundred million won to buy a house and told her that I was going to receive another five hundred million won the next day, she just nodded. She probably thought there was no way a teacher could get that much money any other way.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho handed him a cup of coffee.

    ¡°Did you make eye contact with my daughter?¡±

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    ¡°She said you looked straight into her eyes and told her not to worry. I saw hearts in her eyes. She¡¯s still in middle school,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Hey! Jeez, hahaha.¡±

    Dumbfounded, Kang Chanughed but soon held onto his side with a frown.

    ¡°She totally thinks that you¡¯re a knight in shining armor. She told me that you looked back in a very cool way and said ¡®I came because Mr. Seok Kang-Ho sent me!¡¯ My wife asked what happened and said that she needed to visit you in the hospital, but I convinced her to just express her thanks over a mealter instead. Do what you want.¡±

    ¡°I feel frustrated.¡±

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be bad for you to meet them, you know.¡±.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Kang Chan agreed. He then told Seok Kang-Ho about the phone call with Shan and the Neck Ghost, which he heard from Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smiled, his eyes burning.

    ¡°You should also work out during the break. And you should join Kim Tae-Jin¡¯spany as an instructor if need be,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°I already told you a teacher can¡¯t have two jobs.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s bullshit. Instead of being a teacher, working both as abat instructor and a Gong Te automobile executive would match your aptitude more. And it¡¯ll be better since you can use your time in peace.¡±

    ¡°But there¡¯s no break.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s true.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know any other jobs that gave summer and winter breaks.

    ¡°Since that fucker Shan imed he¡¯s going to call in four days, doesn¡¯t that mean he has some tricks up his sleeve?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve actually been thinking about that as well. The people backing him up are scary, so he probably had made a n. Still, part of me feels like he just warned us as a prank, not to show he¡¯s determined to seed no matter what this time.¡±

    ¡°Have a fast recovery so we can exercise together.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho kept gritting his teeth, his expression showing he was still angry.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also quit smoking. Starting tomorrow, I¡¯ll be gritting my teeth and working out,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    That was a personal choice, so it wasn¡¯t something he couldment on.

    It seemed like Seok Kang-Ho still hadn¡¯t recovered from the fatigue caused by staying up all night at the hospital yesterday, going to Jiri Mountain, and going back down to the city, considering heid down on the bed opposite Kang Chan.

    A momentter¡­

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    It was hard to put up with Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s loud snoring.

    ***

    The next morning, Kim Tae-Jin visited him but had no special news.

    After having lunch, Seok Kang-Ho left to go to school and check if the eleventh-graders hade back safely.

    <i>Buzz¡ª</i>

    He checked his phone when it vibrated, finding a text with a lot of zeros after the words, [Philip Jung. Deposit]His phone rang immediately afterward.

    - Monsieur Kang. It¡¯s Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. I was actually just about to call you.¡±

    - I see. Let me go tell you why I called first. Gong Te automobile stocks have been deposited into your stock ount. Please think of it as a token of appreciation for protecting Gong Te automobile¡¯s honor.

    ¡°I noticed there¡¯s also been a deposit made into my bank ount.¡±

    - It¡¯s yourpany acquisition fund. We deposited a billion won, but we can provide additional support up to a certain limit if more is needed.

    ¡°That¡¯s actually what I wanted to tell you about. I¡¯m going to buy a drama production and managementpany for five hundred million won. I¡¯ll return the money since I can afford that much myself.¡±

    - That¡¯s an excellent decision, but please use the money as acquisition funds and for operational costs. We should meet up once you¡¯ve acquired thepany.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan decided to tell him the details about the issue with Shan.

    ¡°Something happened between Shan and me, and I also received a call from him yesterday. He said that he¡¯ll call me again in four days, so I¡¯ll probably receive a call two days from now.¡±

    There was a moment of silence.

    - I¡¯ll adjust my schedule so we can meet up as soon as possible.

    Kang Chan felt like he had checked one task off of his list when he ended the call.

    It was hard to keep everything under control now that things had gotten out of hand. On the other hand, catching Shan would solve all their problems.

    All that was left was for Kang Chan to n for the possibility of Shan¡¯s backer being in France, give thepany he¡¯d be acquiring to Michelle, and lead a normal life with Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Isn''t that so simple?</i>

    However, the unnecessary stocks and money that kepting in made him feel more ufortable.

    <i>Slide.</i>

    As Kang Chan ced the phone down, Suh Sang-Hyun entered the room in a wheelchair. He seemed like he was feeling awkward, but he didn¡¯t appear to be dispirited or anything.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun smiled awkwardly. ¡°I came by because Tae-Jin hyung-nim said you two have finished talking. I find it amazing how that gentleman said he¡¯s going to drop the honorifics and talk casually with you even though he¡¯s not the type to normally do that.¡±

    As he rolled the wheelchair forward, the IV pack attached to it swayed back and forth. Suh Sang-Hyun stopped in front of Kang Chan¡¯s bed.

    ¡°His inability to yield to others once he¡¯s started considering someone his person is a habit he formed while he was still in the military. That¡¯s why he normally can¡¯t speak informally to new employees since that incident. He probably won¡¯t be able to do that until he¡¯s avenged his dead crew members,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun continued. His angled chin and slitted eyes looked strong, but he didn¡¯t appear to have been born with a natural talent, considering Suh Sang-Hyung¡¯s capabilities, which Kang Chan had seen during the fight.

    ¡°Phew¡ªI find it hard to ept that you¡¯re actually older than me, but I also can¡¯t just disregard you since you¡¯re friends with Gwang-Taek hyung-nim. I¡¯ll keep treating you this way, but feel free to treat me however you want.¡±

    Suh Sang-Hyun licked his lips after ncing at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to call you hyung after we spend some time together. Is that okay?¡±

    ¡°Do as you wish,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Phew! I would¡¯ve at least argued if I didn¡¯t witness your skills, but what a surprise! You¡¯re just like Tae-Jin hyung¡¯s younger self.¡±

    He vividly showed how much he liked Kim Tae-Jin through his expression and the way he spoke.

    ¡°Please help us catch the Neck Ghost,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun said.

    ¡°We¡¯ve already finished talking about that. You don¡¯t have to personally ask me for it.¡±

    Suh Sang-Hyun nodded.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be going. That¡¯s all I wanted to say.¡±

    Suh Sang-Hyun turned the wheelchair around and left.

    Kang Chan tilted his head because Sang-Hyun was uselessly decisive, but he didn¡¯t have any reasons to think otherwise.

    ***

    The weekend passed by in the most boring way.

    Kang Chan got a call from Cecile about the stock deposit, and he had a conversation that wasn¡¯t anything special about his first meeting with all of thepany¡¯s executives and staff members, which would be held after he had signed thepany acquisition contract. One could say it was special in its own right, though.

    Even though he had told Michelle to take care of everything herself, she still appointed awyer and insisted that Kang Chan needed to be there no matter what. Since she was the type to draw clear boundaries when it came to her work, he couldn¡¯t do anything about it.

    Something changed in his everyday life, though. He had been receiving calls once a day from Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Mi-Young, and Cha So-Yeon also called to let him know she had returned safely from the retreat.

    1. Bosssam is a Korean pork dish

 Chapter 44é”›å­­art2: What the Heart Wants (1)

    <h4>Chapter44£¬Part2: What the Heart Wants (1)</h4>

    They set his discharge date to Tuesday morning.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun seemed like they couldn¡¯t understand the decision, but they nodded when the sly and wily Yoo Hun-Woo gave them an exnation.

    ¡°We have five men monitoring Wui Min-Gook from the shadows, and they¡¯re also observing the ship in the contract. I¡¯ll contact you immediately if we notice any developments,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    Kim Tae-Jin visited the hospital on Monday afternoon. He looked like he had been getting increasingly nervous as the days passed.

    It didn¡¯t matter, though, for as long as they could catch Shan.

    <i>Slide.</i>

    As Kang Chan nodded, Seok Kang-Ho came in.

    His face looked quite pale and thin, which was as expected since he had started working out again, but he surprisingly also looked quite worried.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho came toward his bed after exchanging nods with Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Have you broken a kid¡¯s arm by any chance?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan blinked.

    ¡°Yeah! I did that to someone at Tron Square.¡±

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, his father has sued you, saying that you broke both of his son¡¯s arms. It¡¯ll be a problem if this situation gets out of hand, but I don¡¯t think we can talk our way out of this since they aren¡¯t from our school.¡±

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    Kang Chan exined everything that happened that day while they were on the topic.

    He didn¡¯t expect the leader of the union of bullies would sue him.

    ¡°What should we do about this? It would probably work if Lee Ho-Jun and Huh Eun-Sil testified for you,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°Leave them be. If I ask them for a favor, then I¡¯ll have to keep seeing them act like that,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you just need to prove that he was the one with the knife?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll probably listen to that. But in return, won¡¯t they just act all tough and say that they¡¯re going to sue when they¡¯re put in a simr situation again? There¡¯s no way weak-minded kids like Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jin would sue. So just leave them. We¡¯re either going toe to an agreement when I meet them or I¡¯m going to beat him up even more.¡±

    Kang Chan actually considered the thought.

    ¡°What you just said right now is all true, right?¡±

    But Kim Tae-Jin suddenly butted into the conversation.

    At that moment, a displeased look appeared in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. Why would he tell Seok Kang-Ho a cowardly lie?

    ¡°I apologize if that offended you. I just asked because you can probably im what you did was an act of self-defense if your story¡¯s true. Let¡¯s talk after I make a phone call.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin took his phone and went outside for a moment.

    ¡°I heard his father is a gangster. If he sued, then he must¡¯ve found the situation considerably unfair,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t go beyond that since I just did that for Lee Ho-Jun and Huh Eun-Sil. If Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jin were the ones getting beaten up like that at Tron Square¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s terrible.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho made a sour expression. He looked like he didn¡¯t even want to think about it.

    ¡°The kids have been working out with the equipment we bought, and they¡¯ll be going out starting this morning for a run. They¡¯re definitely quick since they¡¯re still kids,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan felt strangelyfortable when he heard about school-rted matters.

    As Seok Kang-Ho had told him about what happened in the retreat, Kim Tae-Jin walked in.

    ¡°The police station is going to order a re-investigation, so let¡¯s wait patiently for now. They¡¯re going to do it not because we asked for it, but because they need to call Lee Ho-Jun and Huh Eun-Sil and investigate if they got threatened or beaten up. It would be best if you respond as soon as the resultse out,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s countermeasures made Kang Chan feel bad for frowning a moment ago.

    ***

    On Tuesday morning, Kang Chan tried paying the hospital bills, but Kim Tae-Jin had already paid for it.

    ¡°I know getting the VIP treatment is great and all, but you should rest for a bit before finding a way to send yourself back here, especially since I¡¯ll be going on a five-day vacation next week,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo weed Kang Chan discharge so much he even personally came to his room.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overuse your muscles, and if you notice even the tiniest sign that your injuries are festering, then you have to contact us immediately,¡± He continued.

    ¡°I will. Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan left behind Suh Sang-Hyun, who looked at him with jealousy. He left the hospital with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to school after we buy and change into new clothes and have lunch,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    He did need clothes.

    They went to a nearby department store in a freshly cleaned Chiffre, bought clothes, then had cold noodles for lunch.

    He felt good.

    Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about thepany that Michelle was going to acquire and the money that Lanok deposited every now and then, but Seok Kang-Ho only listened.

    On their way to school, Kang Chan got a call from Kim Mi-Young.

    - When are youing to Seoul?

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way to school right now.¡±

    - Really? Then I¡¯ll go to school as well.

    Their voices and vibes were very different, but he felt she had some simrities with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Where are you right now?¡±

    - A crossroad in Non-Hyun Dong.

    ¡°Stay there. I¡¯ll go there.¡±

    - Okay! I¡¯m at the bus stop.

    That was right on the way to the school.

    He told Seok Kang-Ho about it, so he stopped the car at the bus stop.

    <i>Beep. Beep.</i>

    Everyone else stared, but Kim Mi-Young simply nced at the car. She only came running when Kang Chan lowered the window and called her.

    ¡°Is this your car, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡± asked Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho answered in a dazed manner, Kim Mi-Young admired the car and said ¡°The car is really nice,¡± and ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were rich, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    The look in her eyes seemed like she was deeply in love with Kang Chan, which was enough for Seok Kang-Ho to keep ncing at them in the rearview mirror.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, we should go to Tron Square and have Patbingsu before we go to school,¡± Kim Mi-Young suggested.

    Waiting for the light to change, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho looked back at the same time.

    ¡°There¡¯s a really good Patbingsu there.¡±

    <i>Tron Square of all ces?</i>

    ¡°But you have to go home,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°My mom is going to a gathering for couples today, so I can have dinner with you guys before I go home.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°You two should go eat before heading home,¡± Seok Kang-Ho rmended, probably because of the desperate look in Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes. She looked like Yoo Hye-Sook when she had been sitting alone in the living room.

    ¡°You guys should also use the car,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    He gave Kang Chan a sign again.

    Kang Chan was worried about Yoo Hye-Sook since she would be waiting for him at home, but he decided to spare Kim Mi-Young some time anyway.

    Seok Kang-Ho got out of the car in front of the school.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho? Why are you getting out?¡± asked Kim Mi-Young.

    Flustered, Kim Mi-Young followed suit and got out of the car as well. By the time she did, Seok Kang-Ho was already heading toward the school.

    ¡°Get in,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I have a license.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young got in the passenger seat after Kang Chan got in the driver¡¯s seat. He ended up smiling lightly because she seemed so surprised.

    ¡°Wear your seatbelt,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You really have a license? That¡¯s something we can get too?¡±

    ¡°I am licensed. Why would Mr. Seok Kang-Holet me borrow his car if I don¡¯t?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young seemed a little bit reassured when Seok Kang-Ho was mentioned, and her expressionpletely changed when he started driving, merging into a highway.

    Kang Chan liked seeing her happy.

    He honestly wished that she wasn¡¯t a high schooler.

    He wondered if he wasmitting a crime for being swept into the emotions of an innocent child, who had been living in a bubble and only knew how to study. The word ¡®High schooler¡¯ also seemed to act like armor that could never be taken off.

    <i>¡®That can change with time, right?¡¯</i>

    She was good at studying, so the way she saw the world would probably change once she had gotten into a good university.

    ¡°I look stupid, don¡¯t I?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s sudden question awakened Kang Chan from his thoughts.

    ¡°Why do you think that way?¡±

    ¡°Just because. After carefully thinking about it, I realized my one-sided feelings are probably annoying you or giving you trouble.¡±

    When Kang Chan gave her a faint smile, she also smiled. However, upon ncing at her, he noticed the pain in her smile.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do. It was just excitement at first, but my feelings for you grew too big one day. I now constantly wait for you to contact me and want to see you. I even think of you sometimes when I¡¯m studying,¡± Kim Mi-Young confessed calmly, making it easier for Kang Chan to understand. She seemed to have gotten a growth spurt.

    At that moment, they arrived at the cafe in Misari.

    After parking the car, they sat at an outdoor table that had a view of the river.

    She breathed in deeply.

    ¡°This is a really nice ce!¡± Kim Mi-Young eximed.

    If she added the word ¡®son¡¯ in her sentence, it certainly would¡¯ve sounded like Yoo Hye-Sook was the one who just spoke.

    They ordered coffee and juice when an employee came over.

    ¡°I know you just did as I asked back then out of consideration for my feelings, but I¡¯m not going to change my mind. I¡¯m going to make you love me deeply in the future, so wait for me until then,¡± said Kim Mi-Young.

    <i>Why did this kid suddenly grow up so fast?</i>

    Kim Mi-Young lifted her shoulder, seemingly embarrassed when she saw Kang Chan smiling widely.

    She was definitely pretty. She had big, clear eyes, a milkyplexion, and a bright smile.

    It felt like a girl he had thought of as his younger sister suddenly grew up and appeared in front of him.

    Was it because he got greedy at the amusement park?

    Or was it because his heart fluttered when he hugged her that time?

    ¡°Are you going to France to study abroad?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    <i>What¡¯s she saying now?</i>

    ¡°There¡¯s a widespread rumor in the apartmentplex that you¡¯ve received a full, government-paid schrship in France. My mom couldn¡¯t believe it until a simr rumor came from a different school. A mom that was personally there had apparently told all the other moms at that school about it. Your name has be famous in all the <i>hagwons?</i>in Daechi-Dong.¡±

    <i>Kim Seong-Hee?</i>

    <i>Do moms get to know each other when things like that circte between them?</i>

    ¡°French is excellent. Taking online French sses has even be a trend nowadays, and a lot of kids are getting scolded for not being able to get the hang of anguage that can be learned with ease.¡±

    Wryughter came out.

    ¡°I¡¯m also going to go to France to study abroad,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°Huh? But there¡¯s a chance that I won¡¯t go, though.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young nked out, then side-eyed him, seemingly telling him not to joke around.

    <i>¡®Why is she like this?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan breathed in deeply.

    <i>¡®Are her thoughts childish because she¡¯s physically young?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan felt like the sight of her smiling brightly was being carved into his heart.

    1. Non-Hyun Dong is a ward within Gangnam-Gu, South Korea

    2. Patbingsu is a popr Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings. In this case, it is topped with Pat, or red beans

    3. Daechi-Dong is an affluent neighborhood in Gangnam

 Chapter 45é”›å­­art1: What the Heart Wants (2)

    <h4>Chapter45£¬Part1: What the Heart Wants (2)</h4>

    ¡°Why are you staring at me?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Because looking at you makes me happy.¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile when she looked embarrassed.

    <i>She had been spouting nonsense for so long but dramatically matured in a sh. Is it because she¡¯s a woman?</i>

    ¡°Snow White.¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    Kang Chan called Kim Mi-Young, who was looking at their surroundings.

    ¡°You could meet someone really amazing when you go to college.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young smiled brightly first.

    ¡°That¡¯s mean,¡± She then retorted.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°That also implies there¡¯s a chance you¡¯ll meet a prettier and better woman than me in the future.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    ¡°Then why do you think that I¡¯ll meet someone better?¡±

    <i>Would you look at that.</i>

    Kang Chan felt like he got hit.

    ¡°I¡¯m not good at anything else other than studying,¡± Kim Mi-Young continued.

    That shouldn¡¯t be said in front of someone that was bad at studying.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I decided to study abroad. We¡¯ll be able to stay together in France. If my parents disapprove, then I¡¯m going to live there permanently. I¡¯ve been taking online French sses.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young frowned.

    ¡°The sses have proven to be very difficult, but they brighten me up since they make me feel like we¡¯re together.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t properly understand any of what she said afterward.

    <i>¡®This certainly feels different from Africa.¡¯</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, and Seok Kang-Ho.

    Those people would find it hard to live on properly if something unfortunate happened to Kang Chan. There was also Kim Tae-Jin, who had dropped the honorifics and spoke casually to him, even though Kang Chan had heard he found doing so difficult due to the painful memory of losing his subordinates.

    ¡°What?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Nothing. Seeing you makes me happy.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. Huhuhu.¡±

    Even her uniqueugh sounded great.

    They spent time talking about what happened at Kim Mi-Young¡¯s <i>hagwon</i> and about the TV program that she said she had watched two days ago.

    They then enjoyed dinner at the Baekban restaurant, which Kang Chan had visited with Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kim Mi-Young seemed bemused when Kang Chan paid the bill with a card.

    ¡°You have a card as well?¡± She asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m just using money that¡¯s in my bank ount.¡±

    After paying for their meal, he received the details of the transaction via text. It was hard to determine how much money he exactly had since his remaining bnce had too many zeros.

    He felt like he needed to split up his bank ount.

    ¡°Let¡¯s return the car to Mr. Seok Kang-Ho together,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    That sounded tedious, considering about two employees from Kim Tae-Jin¡¯spany should be following her around even at that moment.

    After Kang Chan dropped off Kim Mi-Young at the apartment, parked the car in a public parking lot, then took a cab home.

    His heart fluttered when he went on the elevator of the apartment.

    He then inputted the code on the keypad and opened the door, finding Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung together.

    ¡°Chan!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    Yoo Hye-Sook hugged him, then checked his condition.

    ¡°I guess my workout was a bit excessive,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Your face has be so thin. Is there anything you want to eat?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook offered.

    ¡°I actually ate before going home. What are those, though?¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the documents on the table.

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s the list of orphanages and refuges that your dad and I are nning to support.¡±

    Kang Chan went to the table since he liked seeing Yoo Hye-Sook, whom he hadn¡¯t seen in such a long time, and because he was curious about the ces they were going to support.

    ¡°Are you hurt anywhere?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung now finally found the opportunity to strike up a conversation with Kang Chan. He still wouldn¡¯t have been able to say anything if Yoo Hye-Sook hadn¡¯t left the table to warm up the herbal medicine for Kang Chan.

    ¡°Their situations are a lot worse than we thought,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°May I see?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the documents.

    Each ce needed six million won monthly for expenses, but the ones that had received a total of four and a half million won from the support and subsidy fundsbined looked betterpared to the others.

    <i>Can they really live properly in such situations?</i>

    ¡°They¡¯re all suffering from the same situation. They told us that things had gradually be more difficult for orphanages and refuges recently, but there¡¯s a limit to our capabilities. There isn¡¯t a ce that doesn¡¯t weigh on our minds,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Drink this first, Chan,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    She ced the medicine in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Did the two of you drink this?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s been taking it sparingly because you¡¯re the one who bought it for her, but if I didn¡¯t stop her, she would¡¯ve drank it all up, the stic pack included,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung quipped.

    ¡°You always tease me!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    When Yoo Hye-Sook side-eyed Kang Dae-Kyung, he ducked his head.

    It was great to see them like that. Kang Chan wanted to live this if he ever started a family of his own in the future.

    ¡°We¡¯re thinking of going to the Sang-Jung orphanage on Sunday. Do you want to go with us?¡±

    ¡°I do, but I¡¯d probably have to meet with Mr. Seok Kang-Ho that day.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Then we can just visit it when we¡¯re all free,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    Kang Chan went into his room after spending about an hour with them.

    Cozy.

    Upon entering his room,fort swiftly embraced him.

    After taking the medicine he received from the hospital, Kang Chan surfed on the Inte, which he hadn¡¯t done for a long time.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    Kang Chan picked up his phone, realizing that he hadpletely forgotten about Shan.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - What did you do to get discharged from the hospital so quickly?

    The bastard sounded like he had been trailing and keeping an eye on Kang Chan. Realizing he momentarily let his guard down, Kang Chan returned to his senses.

    - I heard you had a great time.

    ¡°Call me again when you actually have something to say aside from this nonsense.¡±

    - Whoa whoa, Kang Chan.

    Even though he tried to appearid back, Shan sounded like he wascking in energy again. This was already the second time his strength had been depleted during a phone call. It served as evidence that he hadn¡¯tpletely recovered from his injuries yet.

    - You caught me off guard for a moment there, but I called you because I recognize your skills. You should give my offer some thoughts.

    ¡°Just tell me what you want, Shan.¡±

    - Help us with our work for twenty billion won.

    <i>What is this fucker trying to say now?</i>

    - I already know everything, Kang Chan. Kill Lanok. You¡¯re fully capable of that, aren¡¯t you? You just need a fitting strategy to do it, or you can just tell me where he''d surely go to, and the twenty billion won will all be yours.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    - Think about it carefully, but there¡¯s not a lot of time. If you ept our condition, then you won¡¯t need to hire those worthless bodyguards anymore.

    <i>How much does this fucker actually know?</i>

    - If we find out Lanok¡¯s appointments first, then you¡¯ll never see one of your most precious loved ones ever again. Apparently, all it takes is a billion won for a car ident or an unexpected robbery to ur. Would those sloppy security guards be able to prevent that as well?

    ¡°Shan.¡±

    - You have until tomorrow to decide. There¡¯s only ten days left, Kang Chan. If you can¡¯t decide before then or if we solve the problem ourselves, then you¡¯re going to lose someone before you even get the chance to go crazy this time. Oh! It¡¯ll probably be a female.

    After Shan had finished talking, Kang Chan heard him breathing heavily. The call then ended, but it felt as if someone had taken the phone and dropped the call.

    It wouldn¡¯t be wise to call Lanok right now.

    Shan saying that Kang Chan had about ten days left matched perfectly with Wui Min-Gook¡¯s n to leave Korea with the ship they chartered.

    Kang Chanid in bed after he had the medicine that the hospital gave him.

    Shan asking him to kill Lanok didn¡¯t anger him.

    But him saying one of Kang Chan¡¯s female loved ones would disappear forever?

    <i>Son of a bitch.</i>

    <i>No matter what happens, I¡¯m going to stab a knife into your heart or neck.</i>

    ***

    When Kang Chan went to school the next morning, he found Seok Kang-Ho exercising with the tenth and eleventh-graders. His spite had increased to the point where he had quit smoking and especially focused onbat techniques.

    Seok Kang-Ho was a gym teacher and showed talent in his movements, but he had clearly gotten old.

    ¡°What are they doing, Mr. Kang-Ho?¡± asked one of the students.

    ¡°It¡¯s self-defense.¡±

    ¡°Please teach us as well.¡±

    Bored of working out using the exercise equipment, the kids crowded around him. Seok Kang-Ho nodded to their request.

    Closebat techniques were difficult exercises to memorize in this way. There wasn¡¯t a problem with him teaching those to them, though, since it wasn¡¯t like he was secretly giving them ssified information.

    Seok Kang-Ho first taught them the basic stance in hand-to-handbat.

    The kids seemed to have thought he was teaching Taekwondo. As they tried to follow his teachings without understanding the meaning behind his movements, they ended up in very odd positions.

    After Seok Kang-Ho finished teaching them the basics three to four times, Kang Chan called him over in the middle of the lesson by gesturing at him with his eyes.

    .

    ¡°Shan had called me,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°It¡¯s already been four days? Ah, that¡¯s right. What did he say?¡±

    Kang Chan told him the exact details of the phone call.

    ¡°That fucker think he¡¯s a big shot,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t I right? That bastard sold off his subordinates just for a diamond, then smuggled drugs, and now he¡¯s saying he¡¯ll give you twenty billion won if you kill the ambassador! I said that because the dickhead¡¯s acting dramatic and silly, which is absurd! It¡¯s as if he¡¯s in a position so important he can determine the future of France.¡±

    It was a refreshing evaluation, enough for Kang Chan to feel like a load had been taken off of his chest.

 Chapter 45é”›å­­art2: What the Heart Wants (2)

    <h4>Chapter45£¬Part2: What the Heart Wants (2)</h4>

    ¡°Did you call Lanok?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of calling him a bitter. I¡¯m nning on taking this opportunity to use him as bait.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes sparkled.

    ¡°Someone''s bound to act if Lanok and I conspire and reveal his location to Shan. Lanok will attack Shan¡¯s backer, and we canjust focus on catching Shan,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°But what if Lanok gets attacked when we do that?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for France¡¯s Intelligence Bureau to take care of by themselves. Shan wouldn¡¯t being with a filet knife to kill Lanok, would he? He¡¯s going to shoot Lanok or use a different method. We won¡¯t even need to butt in.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    When Seok Kang-Ho went into the athletics club room after roughly finishing their discussion regarding the issues they had to deal with, Kang Chan called Lanok.

    - The Ambassador is in the middle of an interview right now, Monsieur Kang. But he¡¯ll contact youter.

    Kang Chan felt dispirited when someone unrted to the matters at hand answered the call.

    Well, it was lunch time anyway. He ordered a few dishes from a Chinese restaurant and ate with everyone.

    Afterward, Kang Chan drank coffee and rested for a moment. When he got tired of watching the kids practice self-defense so horribly, Kang Chan decided to leave the athletics club room.

    His phone rang as he did.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - I¡¯m sorry that I couldn¡¯t personally answer your call, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. You probably have a lot on your tes. I called you to discuss the call I received from Shan yesterday.

    Kang Chan also told Lanok the details of the phone call.

    - We need to change the bait.

    Kang Chan smiled tiredly, but Lanok sounded serious.

    - when he calls today, please tell him to give you about two days to think. I¡¯ll make a reservation at a hotel for tomorrow evening. I¡¯ll see you then if that¡¯s okay with you.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan noticeably rxed after he ended the call.

    Kim Tae-Jin was going after Shan, so there was a chance they¡¯d find him first. There was also the possibility of Lanok catching Shan¡¯s backer.

    Regardless of which side caught him, they definitely wouldn¡¯t be half-assing their job since they both had their own motives.

    Now that he was reminded of Kim Tae-Jin, Kang Chan thought about calling him but decided against it. Not only was it natural for those being followed, but he couldn¡¯t even guess how on edge Kim Tae-Jin had to be while trailing after someone.

    Kang Chan then went into the athletics club room, finding the kids repeating the basic stance with Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>¡®Phew.¡¯</i>

    Their posture was dumbfounding. Because of their stance, they could be stabbed in the neck with just one hand movement if they stood face to face against an enemy.

    Shaking his head, Kang Chan slowly warmed up.

    ¡°Can we use this move in a fight, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡±

    A lot of people seemed to support Cha So-Yeon¡¯s question. It looked too sloppy, even for them.

    ¡°You¡¯ll know once you see the demonstrationter,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Their answer didn¡¯t contain faith.

    Kang Chan thought he should leave them be, but Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gaze on Kang Chan was full of disappointment.

    He was irritated, wishing he had someone to spar with.

    Seok Kang-Ho persevered and followed through with his decision to quit smoking, but practicing against the empty air would¡¯ve disheartened him.

    Kang Chan stood right in front of Seok Kang-Ho while tilting his head from side to side.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes seemed to be asking, <i>¡®What are you trying to do?¡¯</i>

    ¡°You should warm up a bit with me,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>Grin.</i>

    Satisfied, Seok Kang-Ho smiled, thinking he could be worried and happy at the same time.

    The athletics club room instantly became quiet when Kang Chan stepped forward.

    While both of them had their bodies slightly twisted, they aligned their hands with their necks like boxers.

    So far, all they had been showing was what the kids were practicing.

    <i>Shick.?</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho flinched twice and immediately attacked with his thumb.

    <i>Tatata.</i>

    Kang Chan blocked his attack with his elbow, then aimed for Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s jaw. Seok Kang-Ho shoved the elbow away and targeted Kang Chan¡¯s side and neck in return.

    <i>Pak. Pak. Whoosh.</i>

    Their hands shed against each other four to five times in an instant. Afterward, they stepped away from each other.

    Even though they were excited, the kids couldn¡¯t even yell not only because they had just realized how deadly the basic movements they were practicing could be,, but also because Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s fierce eyes overwhelmed them.

    <i>Whoosh. Pak. Pak. Bam!</i>

    The two continued their sparring match.

    Kang Chan shoved away Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s fist and elbow, then rammed the edge of his hand into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s side.

    The kids¡¯ faces immediately crumpled. It was as if they were the ones that got hit.

    Seok Kang-Ho pounced on Kang Chan after twisting his body from side to side.

    <i>Pak. Whoosh. Pak-pak-pak. Whoosh.</i>

    Kang Chan swatted Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s hand away, then struck his neck and side. If Kang Chan had a knife, Seok Kang-Ho would¡¯ve already been sprawled out on the floor.

    But that was where their bout ended. Kang Chan felt a surge of stiff pain in his side and back, where he had been stabbed with a knife.

    When Kang Chan stepped back while frowning, Seok Kang-Ho also eased up his stance.

    ¡°Wow.¡±

    The kids finally yelled their excitement out. A few of them even pped.

    Amid his attempt to soothe Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s disappointment, Kang Chan managed to light a fire in the innocent kids¡¯ hearts. As soon as he stepped out, they all stood up and started to practice the basics on their own.

    Seok Kang-Ho followed Kang Chan outside.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I just feel a bit cramped up, but it¡¯s nothing to worry about. Anyway, what do you n on doing with your body? It¡¯s so stiff.¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it. I didn¡¯t believe it at first since I had no idea this body was this slow. My arm and torso feel heavy. It¡¯s like I have sand bags on them.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s spar properly starting tomorrow. I¡¯ll help you get back in shape.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that after you fully recover. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t give it my all because I was anxious.¡±

    ¡°Tsk.¡±

    Kang Chan could see why Seok Kang-Ho would¡¯ve felt that way, and he thought he should try and devise a way to somehow spar with him while he was recovering.

    He rested for a moment, then headed home with Kim Mi-Young, who hade to the athletics club after finishing <i>hagwon</i>.

    ¡°Chan! Can we go out on Saturday?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Saturday?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m going to Kang-chon on Friday but I got permission to hang out as much as I want on Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Is there anywhere you want to go?¡±

    ¡°I want to see the sea.¡±

    ¡°The sea?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I want to eat raw fish, see the refreshing beach, and feel the sand under my feet.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    ¡°Huhuhu.¡±

    <i>Is she that happy about that?</i>

    After parting ways with Kim Mi-Young in front of the apartment and going inside his home, Kang Chan got a call from Michelle to confirm if he¡¯d be at the hotel reservation at 11 am tomorrow morning to sign the D. I. acquisition contract.

    Since Kang Dae-Kyung came home early, the three of them ate grilled pork belly for dinner together.

    They discussed many things as they ate, such as the olderdies in the apartment that were jealous of Kang Chan, and that the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ was starting to gain poprity by word of mouth.

    Their home was as filled with happiness as it was with the smell of meat.

    After having dinner, then eating fruits together in the living room, Kang Chan went back to his room. As if it had been waiting for that exact moment, his phone vibrated.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    [111-1111-1111]

    It felt like the caller id on the phone was eating a part of his happiness.

    On the other hand, Kang Chan thought that Shan¡¯s life was also fucking pitiful. There was no way that poor fucker had felt the happiness of grilling and eating pork belly with family.

    There wasn¡¯t even grilled pork belly in France.

    His phone ceaselessly vibrated, telling him to just pick up the call already.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Have you made up your mind?

    ¡°I need two more days to think about it.

    - There isn¡¯t much time left.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    - Then I¡¯ll call back after two days.

    ¡°Shan.¡±

    Kang Chan stopped Shan before he could end the call.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re probably not going to send the two billion won first, how can you guarantee that money?¡±

    Kang Chan had thought of this question in the afternoon. Since he was dealing with Shan, he needed to at least show this much caution.

    - I¡¯ll tell you how once I¡¯ve made up my mind.

    ¡°The methodes first, Shan. We¡¯re not in a rtionship where we can trust each other, are we?¡±

    - I¡¯m going to hand over the Swiss bank ount.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be over for me if you change the password before I can withdraw the money. I wouldn¡¯t have any means to bring that much money over to Korea either. I need a better way.

    A moment of silence passed.

    - I don¡¯t know what Lanok rambled to you, but something massive and unimaginable will happen if I catch him. It¡¯ll change the dynamics of entire Europe, Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯s for the Europeans to worry about. What¡¯s important for me is how I¡¯m going to get the twenty billion won and the safety that I¡¯ll be guaranteed with afterward. Even if I sell Lanok, both sides will be chasing after me without even getting paid if you guys fail to catch him. Don¡¯t treat me as if I''m that naive, Shan.¡±

    - Hmm. If you¡¯re that serious about this, then I¡¯ll find a more certain way.

    ¡°I want to hear about it when you call in two days.¡±

    The call ended abruptly. That fucker needed to learn phone manners before anything else.

    <i>¡®He¡¯s got to be irritated.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t resist grating on Shan¡¯s nerves.

    Shan was someone who needed to be in charge, so seeing Kang Chan take charge would probably annoy him.

    <i>How many pork cutlets can I buy with twenty billion won? Shit, I don¡¯t even know how much money that is.</i>

    Kang Chan really didn¡¯t want the money. He didn¡¯t even need it right now.

    Excluding the sry he earned as a mercenary, he didn¡¯t really value the money that was in his bank ount.

    Around ten days.

    It didn¡¯t matter if Kang Chan used Lanok as bait or if Kim Tae-Jin caught Wui Min-Gook. He only needed to catch Shan.

    It was a game of cat and mouse.

    Kang Chan was looking to kill Shan, and Shan was looking to kill Lanok, but Lanok was using Kang Chan, creating a damned rtionship. On top of that, Wui Min-Gook, the Neck Ghost, and Kim Tae-Jin had also be involved in this.

    This wouldn¡¯t be just another reckless fight. They were looking to kill each other.

    <i>¡®Let¡¯s end this quickly, Shan.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want this to drag on.

    1. Kang-chon is a vige in South Korea

 Chapter 46é”›å­­art1: Business? (1)

    <h4>Chapter46£¬Part1: Business? (1)</h4>

    Thursday morning.

    The open area of the apartment looked peaceful.

    But Kang Chan was at war with a cunning enemy that was hiding like a fucking rat while looking for an opportunity.

    Taking a deep breath and strengthening his resolve, he warmed up, then ran out of the apartment.

    <i>¡®Come at me!?You¡¯re wee to attack me!¡¯</i>

    A shooting? An ambush?

    Would the bastards aiming to kill Lanok and leave in ten days use guns in the middle of South Korea?

    Instead of Kang Chan¡¯s death, the media and the prosecution would conductrge-scale interference in such an urrence.

    It was fortunate that firearms weren¡¯t allowed in South Korea.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Feeling as if he had been shot, sharp pain started to course through his body¡ªincluding his side, waist, and back. This critical moment simr to when he had a knife in his hand while facing an opponent.

    Kang Chan straight-up ignored the pain. It was difficult to protect those he loved with physical strength that required him to tie a knife to his hand with a wire.

    ¡°Huff huff.¡±

    He had run out of breath.

    Running was quite strange. If one were to stop running for a couple days, they¡¯d be clearly reminded of their limit once they started running again.

    <i>¡®Do what you want!¡¯</i>

    If it festered, he just needed to disinfect his injury and ignore the pain.

    He exhaled heavily upon reaching the five-kilometer mark.

    ¡°Huff huff. Huff huff.¡±

    By the time he had circled back to the apartment¡¯s park, Kang Chan was sweating like it was raining.

    After stretching for about five minutes, he went up the apartment using the stairs. Not only did he not want to fill the elevator with the smell of sweat, but he also needed to cool his heated body down slowly.

    Upon opening the door to their home and heading in, Yoo Hye-Sook, who was preparing breakfast, and Kang Dae-Kyung, who looked like he had just woken up, greeted him.

    ¡°Oh my! Look at how sweaty you are,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented.

    She seemed to have assumed that Kang Chan went on a run to prepare for the University of Physical Education¡¯s entrance exam.

    ¡°How far did you run?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°About ten kilometers.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked startled.

    ¡°I would¡¯ve copsed if I came with you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. You just need to start exercising through walking first.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    The danger of Kang Dae-Kyung joining Kang Chan in his morning workouts noticeably decreased with just a few words.

    ¡°I¡¯lle out after I wash up,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Sure, my love. I¡¯ll make you a delicious breakfast,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    ¡°Okay. I look forward to it.¡±

    Kang Chan had noticed Yoo Hye-Sook was the type to appreciate one¡¯s words, which was why he faithfully replied to her. She always did pass happiness, gratitude, and love to others.

    Heading to the bathroom, Kang Chan thought he needed to get rid of Shan as soon as possible. When the intense shower of cold water hit and doused him, the burning pain that made him feel as if his skin was on fire died down a bit.

    <i>¡®Did I overexert myself?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan immediately shook his head.

    He never would¡¯ve had such a thought if he was in Africa.

    After drying his hair, he looked in the mirror.

    As he got used to his current look, his previous appearance became hazier. At the very least, however, the look in his eyes was far from that of a teenager¡¯s.

    He looked into the mirror while cing his arm on the sink.

    ¡°If you can hear me, then you probably saw everything that has happened up to this point. I¡¯m trying my best. Don¡¯t think that I stole your parents. Consider this as my way of finding an oue where we can all be happy.¡±

    It was embarrassing and awkward, which was different from thest time he talked to the previous owner of this body, but he at least wanted to portray his emotions. If the previous owner of his body could hear and understand what he was saying, then the previous owner would¡¯ve also already been aware of all the thoughts he had to endure anyway.

    As Kang Chan went out after washing up, Yoo Hye-Sook finished preparing breakfast.

    ¡°What are your ns for today?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I promised to meet some people, so I¡¯ll be out until dinner. Why do you ask?¡±

    They sat down at a table and started to eat, starting from Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°I¡¯m nning on meeting Smithen, the Korean branch manager. There¡¯s been a constant increase in Orders here in Korea, but that gentleman strangely hasn¡¯t done anything. I¡¯m worried he¡¯d be dissatisfied with the interpretation, so I thought I should meet him with you instead.¡±

    ¡°Really? But does it have to be the branch manager of Korea that has to do something?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°His signature on the invoice is mandatory. We also need the headquarters¡¯ help because orders are flooding in beyond our expectations.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Your dad is talented, Chan.¡±

    It was nice to see her so proud.

    ¡°Oh? Why are youplimenting me? That¡¯s unlike you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    ¡°No, no. Let¡¯s just eat quickly.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s mischievous gaze met Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try calling him,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You will?¡±

    ¡°Yes. He gave me his business card thest time we met, and I also thanked him for helping us sessfully sign the contract. It wouldn¡¯t be that difficult to make a private appointment with him.¡±

    ¡°That would be great.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook brought more stew for Kang Dae-Kyung when he had finished eating his Kimchi stew.

    ¡°But how many more cars do you currently need?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Thest batch was all used for disy or demonstration. I think we¡¯ll need at least two hundred cars for now.¡±

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung shook his head as if to say it wasn¡¯t that big of a deal when Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook expressed their surprise.

    ¡°It¡¯s not something to be that amazed about.¡±

    ¡°Really? But isn¡¯t that still impressive?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Impressive enough to have everyone¡¯s eyes on me, I guess? Something like that.¡±

    They finished dinner merrily.

    Of all the ces, they decided toplete the acquisition contract at 11 am at the Namsan Hotel.

    Kang Chan called Smithen when Kang Dae-Kyung had gone to work.

    - Hi Channy!

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - I¡¯m at home. I haven¡¯t gone outside since that day.

    That fucker would no doubt live for a long, long time.

    ¡°I was told that the purchase order sheet for the cars of Kang Yoo Motors needs your signature. Sign more copies than they need so they''ll have extra. And I don¡¯t think you¡¯re the target right now, so feel free to go out starting today, but make sure you keep a low profile and that the ces you¡¯ll be going to are crowded.

    - Will that be really okay?

    ¡°I think everything will be decided within two weeks, so just be careful until then. Oh, right! Call the headquarters of Gong Te and ask them to quickly send over the cars that had been ordered.

    - Okay, Channy. I¡¯ll call them right away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to sign first.¡±

    - I¡¯ll call Kang Yoo Motors immediately and tell them to bring over the documents. Then I¡¯ll call the headquarters as soon as I sign.

    ¡°Okay. How¡¯s your injury?¡±

    - I¡¯ll go to the hospital today and get an artificial eye if it¡¯s okay to go out. Then I¡¯ll look much better.

    <i>Is he saying that to make me feel bad?</i>

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    - Channy.

    Just as he was about to hang up, Smithen called out to Kang Chan again.

    - Can I apply to study at a Koreannguage institute?

    Kang Chan was wrong. This fucker had always been insincere.

    ¡°Wait the next two weeks out for now. After that, doing that shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    - Okay, Channy.

    Kang Chan sighed when he ended the call. There was no doubt that Smithen had gotten tired of the woman he was with, or he simply wanted new women.

    ***

    Kang Chan spoke to Seok Kang-Ho on the phone, then left the house a bit before 10 am. Since it was an important day, he wore afortable-looking jacket.

    He went to the bank and got a cheque worth five hundred million won, then headed straight to the hotel.

    The meeting took ce in the conference room at the Namsan Hotel¡¯s basement, which was a business center.

    Thewyer¡¯s or D. I¡¯s office would¡¯ve been a much better and morefortable venue. This wasn¡¯t Michelle¡¯s way of handling things.

    By the time Kang Chan had gotten out of the taxi at the hotel and entered the conference room, a lot of people were already there.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    She hugged Kang Chan and noisily kissed both of his cheeks.

    ¡°Channy, This is Kim Seong-Gil, the CEO of D.I. He made a reservation at this hotel today on purpose,¡± Michelle introduced.

    Kim Seong-Gil stood up and held out his hand intrusively.

    His big head,rge and bright eyes, and thick neck and body seemed to indicate he was a former gangster.

    ¡°And this is Mr. Kim Seon-Il, the vice president,¡± Michelle continued.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kim Seon-Il.¡±

    He held his hand out without bothering to hide his distaste for Kang Chan.

    ¡°And this is attorney Choi-Young, awyer from thew firm Taeyang. He¡¯ll be in charge of the contract.¡±

    After Kang Chan had greeted them, Michelle turned toward three women.

    ¡°And these are our actresses So-Yeon, whom you¡¯ve already met, Lee Ha-Yeon, and Seong So-Mi. We decided to meet with the other trainees and employees after the contract signing.¡±

    The heavy makeup wearers Lee Ha-Yeon and Seong So-Mi nodded at Kang Chan to greet him, then sat down.

    Kang Chan sat down in the middle after theplicated greetings ended, leaving only Michelle and Eun So-Yeon standing.

    On Kang Chan¡¯s left sat Choi Young, and on his right sat Michelle.

    ¡°I already examined the contract with thewyer,¡± Michelle said.

    Thewyer, Choi-Young, slid the contract toward Kang Chan and Kim Seong-Gil.

    It wasn¡¯t like it was going to change even if he looked at it now.

    Kang Chan wordlessly took out a cheque for five hundred million won and handed it to Michelle.

    ¡°A young gentleman with a lot of money,¡± Kim Seong-Gilmented provokingly.

    The way he spoke was full ofints, so much so that Kang Chan would¡¯ve thought he was surely picking a fight with him if he saw him elsewhere.

    Kang Chan smirked in response, and the atmosphere instantly turned cold.

    ¡°Where do I need to sign?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    He wanted to end this quickly.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you bring your stamp?¡± The youngwyer, Choi Young, asked in a flustered way.

    ¡°No. I thought all I needed to do was sign.¡±

    ¡°Ha, my god.¡±

    Vice president Kim Seon-Il gave Kang Chan a distasteful gaze.

    <i>Are these fuckers crazy?</i>

    If people saw that, they would probably think those two were being robbed of theirpany.

    ¡°Michelle, do these people know French?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°No, why?¡±

    When Kang Chan spoke French, everyone looked at him in surprise.

    ¡°They seem to haveints. Don¡¯t do this if this contract is going to cause trouble.¡±

    Unlike Kang Chan, Michelle thankfully didn¡¯t lose her smile.

    ¡°They probably feel disappointed for having to sell thepany. They were producing a drama when it all came crumbling down, after all. In this industry, people earn as much as they put in, yet they still had to sell thepany despite already having struggled to get investments. That made them result in such perverse behaviors. I mean, just look at them! They look like the rough and tumble type. They most likely hope you¡¯d invest in theirpany instead even though they¡¯ve already decided to sell it.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded, then turned to Choi Young.

    ¡°Can¡¯t it be done with a signature?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter for the acquirer, but you will need to give us your ID and registered dry seal for notarizationter.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    Kang Chan signed where Choi-Young had pointed to. He then exhaled to get rid of his difort and handed over the pen to Michelle.

    1. The Korean phrase used here was ???? ?? ??????. There''s a saying how people act how they look, and Michelle¡¯s saying that since they look rowdy, they''re definitely going to be harsh people

 Chapter 46é”›å­­art2: Business? (1)

    <h4>Chapter46£¬Part2: Business? (1)</h4>

    After Kang Chan signed, Kim Seong-Gil spoke in a deep voice.

    ¡°Hey, Mr. Acquirer, if possible, please don¡¯t fire the employees that stayed.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s he saying now?</i>

    Kang Chan first looked at Michelle.

    ¡°Employment preservation isn¡¯t in the terms of the contract,¡± Michelle replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking.¡±

    Kim Seong-Gil¡¯s way of speaking was strange. It wasn¡¯t formal, but it wasn¡¯t informal either.

    ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll do that if it¡¯s possible.¡± When Michelle answered, Kim Seong-Gil pointed to the contract with his thumb.

    ¡°If you¡¯re okay with it, then please add it to the contract in your own handwriting.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked and looked at Kim Seong-Gil.

    <i>It ends here.</i>

    It would only be burdensome in the future if he acquired thispany. These ruffians wouldter argue that they faced losses when they handed it over to him. Moreover, he didn¡¯t want to go through all this trouble just to acquire thepany.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop this.¡± Kang Chan grabbed the cheque from the table and put it in his inner chest pocket. He then grabbed the signed contract and ripped it vertically and horizontally.

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    When Kang Chan smiled, Kim Seong-Gil bent his chair¡¯s backrest backward and cracked his neck.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be in the right state of mind since you¡¯re still young and have some money, kid. Regardless, you now have to buy thepany at a billion won.¡±

    Eun So-Yeon turned to Michelle, looking like she was about to cry. Michelle previously felt bad for her.

    Kang Chan secretly shook his head.

    Michelle wasn¡¯t a fool that would make him spend five hundred million won just to save that girl. However, at the very least, she certainly did an awful job at handling her work.

    This wasn¡¯t right.

    Kang Chan was about to stand up.

    ¡°It seems you don¡¯t know me that well. In this industry, it¡¯s hard for people to ignore me. You¡¯re well aware of that, aren¡¯t you, Ms. Michelle? That¡¯s why you should ept my generosity of selling you thepany for only a billion won. Or you can just give us five million won as the price for ying with us and leave. I¡¯ll give back double that amount after we¡¯ve finished producing a drama.¡±

    There was no use crying over spilled milk. Looking offended, Michelle red at Kim Seong-Gil.

    She was really pretty when she was angry.

    The unnecessary thought made Kang Chan smirk. He got up from his spot.

    At that moment, he noticed the other two girls with gaudy makeup smiling strangely.

    Heo Eun-Sil. It was the exact smile that the bitch wore when she called him a ¡®dick¡¯ in front of the school.

    ¡°Do you want to stay longer? Or do you want to leave with me?¡± Kang Chan asked Michelle.

    ¡°Sit down!¡± Kim Seong-Gil growled, draping his left arm on the chair.

    A head suddenly popped in from the conference room that was beside theirs, and the employee at the entrance counter hurriedly approached them.

    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m sorry. I tried to be quiet. Please go back to what you were doing,¡± Kim Seong-Gil apologized.

    At this rate, he was going to cause trouble. Despite Kim Seong-Gil¡¯s attempt to lure him with danger, Kang Chan walked off as Michelle grabbed her bag.

    Kim Seon-Il hurriedly blocked the entrance.

    <i>¡®Phew. Why do things like this keep happening?¡¯</i>

    ¡°Our President hasn''t finished talking yet, you son¡ª¡±

    <i>Pow!</i>

    ¡°Cough!¡±

    Kim Seon-Il bent forward when Kang Chan stabbed his side with his half-bent fingers.

    As he pulled Kim Seon-Il¡¯s head, Kang Chan blocked the space from which Kim Seong-Gil could approach.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan bent his hand up and hit Kim Seon-Il¡¯s face with his palm. It only took two hits for Kim Seon-Il¡¯s blood to stter all over.

    ¡°Hey, you son of a bitch!¡±

    Kim Seong-Gil tried going over the table, but Kang Chan swiftly shoved Kim Seon-Il away, faced Kim Seong-Gil, and hit his leg with his right arm.

    <i>Crash. Crack!</i>

    Kim Seong-Gil fell from the thick table and onto a chair, crushing it to pieces. He ended up on the floor.

    Frightened, Michelle stood right against the wall, and Choi-Young stood at the innermost corner of the conference room with the three talents.

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    Kim Seong-Gil tried to get up, but Kang Chan violently struck his shoulder with his right foot.

    <i>Crack.</i>

    ¡°Gaaah!¡±

    The people that sprang out of the conference room next door quickly ran off when they saw the blood-stained carpet and the gruesome scene.

    <i>She wants me to acquire apany that¡¯s run by these fuckers?</i>

    Kang Chan sharply red at Michelle, then grasped onto Kim Seon-Il¡¯s head, which was now covered in blood.

    Just then¡­

    ¡°Please don¡¯t do it.¡±

    Eun So-Yeon stopped Kang Chan with a trembling voice. Unlike her, the other two bitches had their heads right against the wall to hide their faces.

    This crazy bitch pretended to be nice while working under such pathetic fuckers.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan had recovered enough to regain his capabilities when he worked as a mercenary, allowing him to give them a proper and powerful beating.

    ¡°Sir!¡±

    As he hit them three times, two healthy, robust men ran to Kang Chan. They appeared to be security guards.

    He was already enraged, though.

    Kang Chan sharply red at the guys.

    ¡°How have you been, Hyung-nim?!¡±

    Seemingly crazy, the two guys hastily stepped back and greeted him while bowing deeply.

    It was a disconcerting sight.

    ¡°I¡¯m Joo Chul-Bum, the one that served Do Seok hyung-nim, hyung-nim.¡±

    <i>Damn it.</i>

    He felt as ufortable as being caught relieving himself at the business center.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan pushed Kim Seon-Il¡¯s head, which he had been holding onto, against the wall.

    ¡°Apany all of the customers here to the conference room upstairs and give them two VIP hotel vouchers each. The Namsan Hotel will pay for it.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    After giving orders to the man with him, Joo Chul-Bum blocked the entrance, preventing anyone from looking into the room.

    As Kang Chan calmed himself down, the basement business center waspletely emptied.

    ¡°Did these fuckers go against you, hyung-nim?¡± Joo Chul-Bum asked.

    ¡°Stop spouting nonsense and leave.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking because I let them use this conference room when these fuckers requested for it, hyung-nim. I only cut them some ck since I knew them when they were still gangers. If something displeases you, then I¡¯ll take care of it, hyung-nim.¡±

    After finishing his exnation, Joo Chul-Bum kicked Kim Seon-Il¡¯s bloodied head.

    ¡°Get the fuck up and offer your respects, motherfucker. He¡¯s Gwang-Taek hyung-nim¡¯s friend,¡± Joo Chul-Bum said.

    Kim Seon-Il, who was wiping his blood off with his palm, flinched and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°You fucking dickheads should¡¯ve said something about hyung-niming. This is why I shouldn¡¯t take care of ex-gangsters. I¡¯ll deal with you guyster,¡± Joo Chul-Bum continued.

    The two of them hesitated and stood up, then greeted Kang Chan with a deep bow.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this so Gwang-Taek hyung-nim won''t hear about it, hyung-nim. Please go over there for now, hyung-nim,¡± Joo Chul-Bum told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Forget about it. I¡¯m leaving. Just send me the hospital bill for these fuckers and the price for immediately emptying this ce. I¡¯m going to go see Gwang-Taek myself if I don¡¯t hear from you by the end of the day, so do your best to take care of this.¡±

    Looking troubled, Joo Chul-Bum stepped back.

    ¡°Please spare me just this once, hyung-nim. If Gwang-Taek hyung-nim finds out from the kids, I¡¯ll get fired, hyung-nim.¡±

    Kang Chan felt like he was getting nauseous from hearing Joo Chul-Bum repeat ¡®hyung-nim¡¯ so many times.

    Just then¡­

    ¡°I only acted that way because I didn¡¯t know who you were, hyung-nim. I¡¯d be in your debt if you could turn a blind eye to my behavior just this once and continue buying ourpany, hyung-nim.¡± Kim Seong-Gil bowed deeply while clutching his shoulder.

    <i>Bullshit.</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even want to look at him.

    ¡°If you leave now, we¡¯ll fall out of favor with Gwang-Taek hyung-nim, and nobody will want to buy ourpany, hyung-nim.¡± Kim Seon-Il hastily clung to Kang Chan while wiping his bloody nose with his palm.

    Gangsters never fucking changed. They would only act like humans after they had been beaten up.

    Unable to decide, Kang Chan turned to Michelle, only to see her lower her head, which made him feel bad. This whole predicament was his fault, considering he told her to buy thispany without even checking it out first.

    Their rtionship also wasn¡¯t meant for business.

    He felt like a coward for asking her to do this, then getting angry after things didn¡¯t go well.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to proceed with thepany acquisition, Mr. Choi-Young. Can I still acquire it if Michelle signs as the acquirer in my stead?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll take care of it so there won¡¯t be any issues,¡± Choi-Young swiftly answered.

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Seong-Gil again.

    ¡°This is yourst chance. If you have any more conditions to add, then state them now. If I ever learn you cowardly said even just one word behind my back¡­¡±

    Kang Chan said too much. If they talked behind his back, there really wasn¡¯t anything he could do other than beat them up.

    ¡°Thank you, hyung-nim.¡±

    Fortunately, Kim Seong-Gil responded quickly.

    Kang Chan took out the cheque and handed it to Michelle.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for getting angry,¡± Kang Chan apologized to Michelle.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, Channy. I¡¯m sorry for how this turned out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to drink coffee at the lounge. Stop by once you¡¯re done here.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Michelle nodded and smiled awkwardly.

    She was certainly about a hundred times prettier when she was angry than when she was smiling.

    When Kang Chan walked out of the conference room, he heard a loud p, followed by Joo Chul-Bum saying, ¡°I¡¯ll deal with youter, fucking son of a bitch.¡±

    Someone most likely got pped in the face.

    When he stepped into the lounge, the manager hurriedly led him to a seat.

    This was why he hated this hotel.

    After he ordered a coffee, Kang Chan momentarily wondered why he was so mad.

    <i>Damn it.</i>

    He suppressed his desire for cigarettes on a whim when Seok Kang-Ho told him that he had quit smoking.

    He quit smoking once. That was back in Africa, and something simr happened that time as well. Dayeru and a few other crew members even brought him cigarettes and begged for him to smoke again because he kept losing his temper over even the smallest things.

    When his coffee had been served, Kang Chan took a sip of it. As he did, his phone rang.

    <i>Who is it?!</i>

    Despite his sudden burst of annoyance, he picked up the call.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - Monsieur Kang, I made a reservation for 5 pm today at the Namsan Hotel. Does that work for you?

    <i>Damn it. I have to find a way out of this at any cost.</i>

    Strangely, he was always tangled with this hotel.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - I¡¯ll see you at 5 pm, then.

    After he ended the call, Kang Chan decided he shouldn¡¯t stop smoking unless he had caught Shan.

    Just as Kang Chan lifted his cup of coffee again, he noticed Michelle and the three girls heading to the lounge.

    Everyone¡¯s eyes werepletely focused on the four women.

 Chapter 47é”›å­­art1: Business? (2)

    <h4>Chapter47£¬Part1: Business? (2)</h4>

    The four women approaching Kang Chan all had different expressions.

    Michelle looked sorry but happy to see him, Eun So-Yeon seemed both surprised and happy, Lee Ha-Yeon looked suspicious and rude, and Seong So-Mi appeared to be imitating Lee Ha-Yeon.

    ¡°I have signed the contract, Channy,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making you go through so much.¡±

    The people around them couldn¡¯t take their eyes off the four women.

    ¡°The trainees and employees are probably already on their way to this hotel, Channy. What should we do?¡± She asked.

    ¡°We all should just have lunch together.¡±

    He answered not because he liked them, but because he didn¡¯t want to insist they go back when they were already on their way.

    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to working with you,¡±

    When Eun So-Yeon greeted Kang Chan by bowing her head, the other two bitches made bitter expressions. They looked like they couldn¡¯t publicly express their distaste for Kang Chan because they saw him beat people up and because Joo Chul-Bum bowed to him respectfully.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even want Eun So-Yeon to greet him, much less those bitches. Bluntly put, he felt like he was sitting across two old Huh Eun Sil¡¯s, which didn¡¯t make him feel good.

    As Michelle finished her phone call, a hotel employee came over. They ordered tea.

    ¡°They said they¡¯re almost here.¡±

    ¡°What do you want for lunch?¡± Kang Chan asked Michelle.

    ¡°There¡¯s an amazing Japanese restaurant here,¡± Lee Ha-Yeon suggested.

    Detestable bitches would always be detestable, no matter what they did.

    ¡°Don¡¯t we need a reservation to eat there?¡± Eun So-Yeon asked.

    Michelle tilted her head when Lee Ha-Yeon told them her preferences out of nowhere.

    ¡°We can ask an employee about it.¡±

    Kang Chan noticed Eun So-Yeon hiding her displeasure, and Michelle also didn¡¯t seem up for it.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Don¡¯t you want to go to a Japanese restaurant?¡± Kang Chan asked in French.

    ¡°She¡¯s probably saying that on purpose,¡± Michelle joyously answered. ¡°A lot of employees and trainees are on their way here. She¡¯s acting high and mighty because she¡¯s the most popr out of the three actresses here, and because you¡¯re young.¡±

    Amazed, the two bad bitches looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°So what does therge number of peopleing here have to do with going to a Japanese restaurant?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Channy, that ce is really expensive. The bill cane out to about five times the price of everyone going to a buffet or a normal restaurant. So it¡¯s going to cost over five million won just for food.¡±

    Kang Chan finally understood the bullshit behind why Lee Ha-Yeon wanted to go to a Japanese restaurant.

    ¡°How long before her contract ends? Just let her go,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°That would instantly make it difficult to maintain thepany, Channy. We get to keep it and our trainees because of her. And her contract ends in a year, which is partly why she¡¯s acting like this. Her value has gone up a lot.¡±

    When Kang Chan looked at Lee Ha-Yeon while smirking, she smiled just like Huh Eun-Sil. He really wanted to take her to the roof of the school or Tron Square.

    ¡°Will terminating her contract cause problems?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a dangerous thought, Channy. This is business. You can only make money if you persevere through the displeasure.¡±

    ¡°Okay, so is there a problem in terminating her contract or not?¡± Kang Chan prodded.

    ¡°There isn¡¯t. But doing so would result in thepany needing about an additional thirty million won per month in expenses, Channy.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    When he ended the conversation, Kang Chan took a sip of coffee, then raised his head.

    The manager standing with her hands sped together in front of her courteously approached him when their eyes met.

    .

    ¡°Can you check if there are seats avable in the Japanese restaurant?¡± Kang Chan asked the manager.

    ¡°How many seats should we prepare?¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Michelle.

    ¡°Including all the employees and trainees, we¡¯ll have about twenty people,¡± Michelle answered in his stead.

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it and let you know.¡±

    The manager headed toward the entrance.

    ¡°You seem to have a lot of money,¡± Lee Ha-Yeon quipped after wiping the lipstick mark off her cup with her thumb.

    ¡°Did you insist to eat at the Japanese restaurant without even knowing that?¡±

    The corner of Lee Ha-Yeon¡¯s eye twitched.

    ¡°I heard that you¡¯re just a high schooler,¡± She said.

    ¡°So?¡±

    The atmosphere turned cold, but it didn¡¯t matter. Kang Chan would just treat her like that bitch Huh Eun-Sil if she kept acting like her.

    Frowning, Lee Ha-Yeon turned her head away.

    ¡°The office is in Cheongdam-dong,¡± Michelle told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Kang Chan briefly answered.

    Soon, about fifteen people entered the hotel. A nce was enough to tell they were the employees and trainees.

    When Michelle stood up and gestured at them, some of them crowded into the lounge while greeting them.

    The table was crowded, considering there weren''t even spots for them in the first ce.

    After a while, the manager tactfully returned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°We have finished getting your seats ready. We¡¯ll prepare ordingly if you decide to go there, or do you prefer to stay here and have tea?¡±

    Of course, they chose the restaurant.

    With Kang Chan in the lead, they headed to the Japanese restaurant on the other side of the conference room.

    The employees and trainees each scrutinized Kang Chan with varying expressions, then looked at each other, their gazes asking what happened.

    When they went down the stairs, a stone ornament released water from its mouth, seemingly greeting Kang Chan.

    ¡°Wee. It¡¯s an honor to serve you,¡± An older female manager politely greeted Kang Chan.

    Upon reaching the innermost part of the restaurant, they found multiple tables brought together in an area made with partitions.

    Kang Chan sat in the middle, and beside him sat Michelle and Eun So-Yeon. In front of him were three older guys and three bulky guys.

    Lee Ha-Yeon and Seong So-Mi sat diagonally from them, and the younger kids in jeans and shirts filled the leftover spots. They were all girls, which was almost uncanny.

    As they were given wet towels and tea, Michelle pointed to the person in front of her.

    ¡°This is Mr. Lim Soo-Sung, the general manager.¡±

    A man big enough to be described as a giant bowed his head.

    ¡°That¡¯s Mr. Kim Jae-Tae, the department head. And beside him are the road managers.¡±

    Sittingfortably, Kang Chan greeted them with a bow of his head.

    ¡°And those are the employees in charge of wardrobe and makeup. The rest are the trainees.¡±

    ¡°How do you do?¡±

    The restaurant manager approached Kang Chan when the trainees finished greeting him with such young voices.

    ¡°How should we prepare the meal?¡± She asked.

    Kang Chan looked at Michelle.

    ¡°We should have sashimi,¡± The distasteful bitch said.

    ¡°Please give us sashimi.¡±

    Kang Chan ordered raw fish without responding to Lee Ha-Yeon.

    ¡°I heard that you¡¯re a friend of Gwang-Taek hyung-nim,¡± Lim Soo-Sung told Kang Chan¡ªin a booming voice that was peculiar to giants¡ªafter they were done cing their order.

    ¡°Are you a gangster?¡± Lim Soo-Sung prodded.

    ¡°No, but I do know a few people.¡±

    He did seem awkward, but the look in his eyes wasn''t challenging.

    He was in an ufortable situation.

    Kang Chan wanted to end this quickly and smoke.

    He spoke to Michelle in French:

    ¡°Michelle, I want to smoke. Do you have any cigarettes?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I do, and I want to smoke as well. Do you want to go outside for a bit?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    When Kang Chan spoke in a foreignnguage, the trainees looked at him with faces full of respect.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be back shortly. We¡¯re just going to step outside for a bit,¡± Michelle excused both of them. They then went up the stairs and headed to the smoking area outside the entrance.

    ¡°Here.¡±

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    Kang Chan felt much better. He suddenly felt generous, and like he could concede with most things unless someone had punched him.

    ¡°I''ll send you about three hundred million won to your bank ount tomorrow. Use that to manage thepany,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Channy, that¡¯s too much money.¡±

    ¡°And look into producing another drama. Someone from France will likely being to Korea.¡±

    ¡°From France?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯reing for matters rted to drama production, so look into dramas rted to France if possible.¡±

    Michelle briefly shook her head.

    ¡°We need at least two billion won to produce a drama, Channy.¡±

    <i>What bullshit was this?</i>

    ¡°Popr leading actors all require a deposit, and the same goes for the writers and directors. That¡¯s why I¡¯m trying to keep Lee Ha-Yeon. Her participation brings about a sense of trust in all respects. And D.I. hasn¡¯t aplished anything in drama production yet, which is why president Kim Seong-Gil couldn¡¯t get an investment.¡±

    ¡°So how much can we earn from it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If it goes well, then we¡¯ll hit the jackpot. If it doesn¡¯t, then we¡¯ll lose all of our principal.¡±

    The taste of the cigarette suddenly turned bitter.

    Why did Lanok say that this was an excellent choice?

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll make a phone call about the drama production. Then there¡¯s going to be no reason for me to see that girl Eun So-Yeon or something again, right?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s only being slipped into where Lee Ha-Yeon is being taken to. That¡¯s how we progress our trainees¡¯ growth as well. Things like that will be an opportunity for even Eun So-Yeon if we produce a drama since we can choose who ys the parts, Channy.¡±

    Kang Chan stayed silent, not wanting to know more.

    ¡°But you were really sexy when you fought a little while ago,¡± Michellemented.

    That wasn¡¯t something a bitch that had retreated and trembled right against a wall should say.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Channy.¡±

    As Michelle walked gleefully, her ample breasts swayed between her ck jacket. She was definitely an excellent woman, but only as eye candy.

    The tables were already full of elegant-looking dishes when they returned to the restaurant, and many of the trainees were pouring drinks. They ordered alcohol when general manager Lim Soo-Sung asked for it.

    ¡°Please say a few words.¡±

    ¡°Michelle is going to be in charge of the practical affairs from now on. Everyone, please take care of her."

    Kang Chan gave a brief speech as Lim Soo-Sung rmended, and they all downed their ss. Afterward, they began to eat.

    1. Cheongdam-dong is a ward of the Gangnam District in Seoul. It¡¯s known for being an affluent neighborhood

 Chapter 47é”›å­­art2: Business? (2)

    <h4>Chapter47£¬Part2: Business? (2)</h4>

    As they ate, Kang Chan and Michelle talked about drama production and the inner workings of a broadcasting station in French. Kang Chan also asionally answered Lim Soo-Sung¡¯s questions.

    When the trainees seemingly felt the food they ordered wouldn¡¯t be enough, Kang Chan ordered more.

    ¡°Can we really eat as much as we want?¡± A girl asked cautiously. Even from Kang Chan¡¯s inexperienced eyes, she looked like she was never going to be very sessful.

    ¡°Yeah. Since you¡¯re already eating anyway, do so to your heart¡¯s content.¡±

    When Kang Chan casually responded, the trainees began choosing dishes from the menu on their own, which caused quite amotion.

    ¡°How much money do they each get?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Michelle, grabbing a piece of raw fish, shook her head.

    ¡°We only provide them with amuter allowance. They all live in a dorm together, and we hardly give them any money.¡±

    ¡°In return, thepany pays for their gym memberships and other expenses,¡± Lim Soo-Sung added.

    If this was what this industry was like, then there was nothing he could do about it.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t like it, but he kept quiet for now.

    They took nearly two hours to finish lunch.

    It was going to be quite costly, but he felt great seeing the trainees eat as much as they wanted since they looked like they were starving. Not having to see the two bitches sitting with troubled expressions also made him quite happy.

    He couldn¡¯t help but feel this was thew of this jungle.

    Lee Ha-Yeon treated the trainees as lower-ss people, and she treated the manager, wardrobe staff, and makeup employees as if they were her ves.

    She never had to pour a ss of water or alcohol herself since she kept ordering the nearby trainees and employees for everything¡ªeven getting a facial tissue to wipe her mouth with.

    After they ate everything, including the fruits that were given as dessert, the rtively long meal ended.

    ¡°Where are you going to go now, Channy?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°I have one more appointment at 5 pm here.¡±

    ¡°Then can you have a ss of beer with me?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± He epted. He had something he wanted to talk about with Michelle anyway.

    ¡°Now, then! Time to leave.¡± Lim Soo-Sung announced after ensuring they were all done eating, and everyone got up from their spots.

    ¡°We enjoyed the meal today.¡±

    When Lim Soo-Sung thanked Kang Chan, the trainees loudly chorused, ¡°we enjoyed the meal.¡±

    The manager at the counter held out their bill, her expression a mixture of gratitude and guilt because of how much he¡¯d be spending.

    ¡°We¡¯ve also given you the executive discount,¡± She said.

    <i>Damn. If our total is five million and three hundred thousand won with the discount, then how much is it without it?</i>

    He shouldn¡¯t say this since he enjoyed the meal as well, but he could¡¯ve bought a year¡¯s worth of the medicine that made Yoo Hye-Sook happy with the price of this one meal.

    The trainees turned their heads away and went outside, pretending not to see it.

    Kang Chan held out his card.

    A momentter¡­

    ¡°The credit card limit keeps stopping the transaction from going through.¡±

    <i>I can''t believe I¡¯m hearing such bullshit.</i>

    ¡°It seems like your card no longer has any remaining bnce, Mr. President. Don¡¯t you have another card?¡±

    When Lee Ha-Yeon and Seong So-Mi, who had been watching him,ughed as if finding this situation funny, Michelle took out her card.

    ¡°Use this for now, Channy.¡±

    <i>Oh, shoot! This card has a limit of fifty thousand won per transaction.?</i>

    ¡°Please try to pay the bill after splitting it up to fifty thousand won per transaction,¡± Kang Chan told the manager.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    When the manager ssily took care of the card, the transaction finally went through.

    ¡°Thank you. We¡¯ll see you again next time,¡± the manager said.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t really want to see her again, so he just smiled at her and went outside.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be going ahead.¡±

    ¡°Until next time, Lim Soo-Sung bid him goodbye with his deep voice after the two bitches with caked makeup left.

    ¡°Goodbye, Mr. President,¡± the others then chorused. Eun So-Yeon said goodbyest. She was hiding in the crowd.

    Finally, everyone started to leave.

    Kang Chan felt very relieved since he no longer had to be around an old Huh Eun-Sil.

    Michelle tactfully took out a cigarette for him.

    .

    ¡°I¡¯ll get you apany card, which has a high credit limit. Use that from now on. Your personal expenses can just be deducted from the operational budget you¡¯ve provided, so don¡¯t feel pressured.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do thatter.¡±

    <i>I doubt I¡¯ll ever need to use money like this again.</i>

    Kang Chan rxed and enjoyed the cigarette.

    They came back to the lobby and ordered a beer each, then talked about work.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t tell Michelle that Lanok was the one who wanted to produce a drama, but he ordered her toe up with a n anyway.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t suggest doing this to pressure you, Channy.¡±

    Michelle seemed to think that he was making things too big.

    ¡°And Eun So-Yeon is definitely a good kid. We just need to support her a bit more, and she¡¯ll definitely grow,¡± Michelle continued.

    ¡°No, I already had something in mind. And it doesn¡¯t matter to me what happens to Eun So-Yeon, so just proceed with the drama production. I¡¯ll leave the rest to you.¡±

    Michelle tilted her head, then smiled strangely.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Are you perhaps doing this because of me, Channy?¡±

    <i>I¡¯m doing this because of Lanok!</i>

    He couldn¡¯t tell her that either, though.

    ¡°I¡¯m doing this to earn money,¡± answered Kang Chan.

    ¡°How about we go to our room and talk there instead?¡±

    Michelle¡¯s eyes fluttered as she tossed back her blonde hair.

    ¡°Just drink beer,¡± Kang Chan answered, then smirked when they clinked their sses against each other.

    There was no question Michelle looked like a doll from head to toe, which made him wonder why he couldn¡¯t feel any sexual urges toward her. It was nonsensical, but if he had no choice but to sleep with either Michelle or Snow White¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    He stopped thinking.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy, it¡¯s Smithen.

    ¡°Why did you call? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    - I¡¯ve signed the paperwork for the headquarters, and I was just on a call with them. They said they¡¯d only be able to ship Korea¡¯s supply after about three months because of Chiffre''s high poprity.

    ¡°Can¡¯t they just take out two hundred cars for us?¡±

    - They said it would be difficult to provide that many because the orders from Korea opted for quite a lot of options.

    <i>This is unbelievable. They want us to wait for our turn, even though we¡¯re selling ¡®Chiffre,¡¯ that expensive car, for them.</i>

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    - I got an artificial eye put in. It hardly looks fake.

    ¡°Good job.¡±

    - I¡¯m going to go home after having dinner, Channy.

    ¡°Do what you want. Just be quick and don¡¯t unnecessarily go to inappropriate ces.¡±

    - Okay, Channy.

    <i>It¡¯s like I¡¯m raising a kid over here.</i>

    He checked the time after ending the call. It was only 2 pm.

    Kang Chan felt Michelle¡¯s warm gaze when he was contemting on what to do for three hours.

    He should send her home first before thinking about that problem.

    ¡°I should go. It¡¯s almost time for my next appointment,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I feel hurt, Channy.¡±

    Michelle truly did look unsatisfied.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to see each other frequently from now on anyway.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s see each other very often, Channy.¡±

    He felt genuinely relieved when she left after doing her noisy cheek kisses to bid goodbye.

    Kang Chan first called Kim Tae-Jin.

    - Hello?

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan. Can you talk right now?¡±

    - Of course. How can I help you?

    Kim Tae-Jin had a sense of familiarity, almost as if they served in the military together, even though they hadn¡¯t seen each other that much.

    ¡°Do you have any employees that can properly fight withbat techniques?¡±

    - Many of our employees can perform martial arts, but only a few can execute actualbat techniques. Even if there were, their experience came from the special forces, so their skills would look terrible at your level. Why? Have you finally decided to start teaching them?

    Kim Tae-Jin sounding so happy weighed on his mind. Even if it didn¡¯t, it would still be beneficial since it would improve their skills.

    ¡°For now, please send only a few of them to the school. I¡¯ll try teaching them while I exercise with them.¡±

    - Ha! Did I have a good dream yesterday? I guess things like this really do happen. Okay, I¡¯ll send about four employees that are a bit better than others.

    ¡°Go ahead. Has there been any updates?¡±

    - We¡¯ll most likely catch their trail soon.

    ¡°Alright. Take care.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled satisfactorily after he ended the call, having found excellent sparring partners for Seok Kang-Ho.

    Now he needed a ce where he could sit and smoke infort.

    <i>It would be?better to go and take a nap in the room that Lanok had reserved instead of?going somewhere ufortable.</i>

    When Kang Chan called Lanok and told him he¡¯d be arriving early, Lanok provided him with the name the room was booked under without hesitation.

    Kang Chan went to the front desk and told them the name used for the reservation. Soon after, they gave him the key to the room.

    Entering the elevator, he inserted the hotel card and pressed the button for the neenth floor.

    Now that he thought about it, however, he didn¡¯t have cigarettes.

    Kang Chan tried to leave the elevator right before the doors closed, but he bumped shoulders with someone that suddenly came in.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized, then left. However, upon getting an eerie feeling, he swiftly turned around.

    The man was ring straight at Kang Chan.

    Only those that hadpleted special training and killed a lot of people could have such a burning look in their eyes.

    Neither of them looked away, even as the doors gently closed.

    It was impossible to press the upper buttons in a guest elevator without a card key. Hence, the man waited for Kang Chan to press a button before getting in at thest minute.

    The elevators that were on his left and behind him were on floors far from the first floor.

    <i>¡®Shan?¡¯</i>

    The guy that he had bumped shoulders with wasn¡¯t just a part of a mafia organization. He had received professional training. The look in his eyes was so fierce that it was Kang Chan¡¯s first time seeing them since he reincarnated.

    Kang Chan called Lanok while crossing the lobby. As the ringtone buzzed, he scanned his surroundings.

    - Monsieur Kang. Have you arrived at the room?

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. There are people in this hotel who seem to have received special training. We should move to another ce."

 Chapter 48.1: My Person (1)

    <h4>Chapter 48.1: My Person (1)</h4>

    Lanok finally spoke after a moment of silence.

    - Even the Intelligence Agency would have a hard time wiretapping this phone, and I reserved the hotel room myself, so this can only mean we have a traitor among us.

    Kang Chan stood in front of the hotel entrance.

    He genuinely wanted to catch the guy even if he had to run up the emergency stairs, but it was best to act calmly in this situation.

    ¡°There¡¯s a chance he was actually after me, but Shan wouldn¡¯t insist on starting something with me right now.¡±

    - You wouldn¡¯t fail to recognize someone who has undergone special training. Was that person perhaps Asian?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Lanok sounded calm again, like his original self.

    - Even the embassy can¡¯t be free from wiretapping. I think it¡¯s best we look for a different meeting ce.

    ¡°Then the enemy could try staging a car ident during transportation.¡±

    - There are very few ces in downtown Seoul where crashing into my bulletproof Mercedes can instantly kill me, Monsieur Kang.

    He sounded at ease as if he was talking about someone else¡¯s matters.

    - Please reserve a new room, Monsieur Kang. I¡¯ll be heading over to the Namsan Hotel now. I¡¯d prefer it if we go up to the room together from the entrance, so I¡¯ll contact you when I arrive.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be dangerous?¡±

    - With your capabilities, Monsieur Kang, I don¡¯t think anyone would be able to kill me.

    <i>This sly fellow dares act like this?</i>

    - I¡¯ll y the role of bait. I¡¯ll also send out two pieces of incorrect intel from our side. If someone appears in those ces, then that would serve as proof that we have a spy among us. Either way, we¡¯ll get valuable information from it.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    - I¡¯ll arrive in about thirty minutes.

    Kang Chan sharply looked around after ending the call.

    Those who had received special training would definitely stand out if they were immediately assigned to actualbat afterward. That was generally the case for the new recruits deployed to Africa.

    By the time they had survived three to four battles, they most likely would¡¯ve already killed, give or take, ten people. As a result, they would be needlessly sensitive and their eyes were fierce. Later on, those soldiers could provoke aplete stranger and get beaten up until they were half-dead and regretting their actions.

    People like Dayeru had more training. Their gazes always seemed either rxed or crazy. However, upon finding a goal to strive toward, their eyes would burn so much that they¡¯d appear cruel, like a leopard that had found its prey while resting on a tree. Hence, for them, just ncing around would be enough to identify those who had received special training with seventy percent uracy.

    If their eyes met, they¡¯d be ny percent urate.

    And if their shoulders happened to bump into each other, then it would be nearly impossible for them to be wrong. After all, their bodies would react instinctively. They would pass that sharp nervousness traveling through them onto each other the moment their shoulders made contact.

    Smirking, Kang Chan twisted his head from side to side.

    Right now, all he had to worry about was Lanok¡¯s safety, since he had almost reached the physical condition he used to have back in Africa. And it only kept getting better whenever he fought with a knife. He even felt that he was starting to regain his peak while oveing his problems with running.

    Kang Chan went to the front desk and asked them to call Joo Chul-Bum.

    After about a minute, Joo Chul-Bum hastily approached Kang Chan, bowed deeply in front of him, and greeted him.

    ¡°I want to smoke,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll apany you, hyung-nim.¡±

    Kang Chan followed Joo Chul-Bum to the inner part of the entrance¡¯s right side. He didn¡¯t notice it until he had passed the restaurant, but there was a door that said ¡®Employees Only¡¯ between the bathroom and the restaurant.

    When Joo Chul-Bum pressed the card on thenyard around his neck against the lock, the door opened.

    There were rooms on both sides of the hallway. Joo Chul-Bum ced the card key again on the second door on the right.

    ¡°This is my office, hyung-nim.¡±

    Inside were a table and a sofa.

    Joo Chul-Bum brought out a cigarette from the desk drawer, lit it, and handed it to Kang Chan. He then filled a paper cup with water.

    ¡°Please sit.¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum bowed once more and sat opposite Kang Chan.

    ¡°I need a room in about 10 minutes. Don¡¯t use my name. Just use a fake one. I¡¯ll be checking out today as well, so I¡¯ll pay for it then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it, hyung-nim.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Joo Chul-Bum, tutting.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a gangster, and I also don¡¯t like being given special treatment, so just let me pay for all the services we used today. I¡¯ll also pay for the room ordingly. That way, I can keeping to this ce without feeling guilty or burdened.¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum raised his gaze, then lowered his head. ¡°Understood, hyung-nim.¡±

    Strangely, Kang Chan had received Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s help many times. It was as if their knot kept getting twisted and tightened after a single entanglement.

    Joo Chul-Bum called the front desk and ordered them to empty a suite, then asked Kang Chan what he was going to do with Kim Seong-Gil.

    ¡°We¡¯ve already signed the contract. Is there a reason why I should see him again?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    It was an obvious answer.

    ¡°But did you, by any chance, really acquire D.I, hyung-nim?¡±

    The damn sound of ¡®hyung-nim.¡¯

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    Joo Chul-Bum looked troubled.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­ About Lee Ha-Yeon.¡±

    ¡°What about that bitch?¡±

    Kang Chan swore, annoyed even just at the thought of her. Joo Chul-Bum actually seemed happy to hear him say that, though.

    ¡°She sometimes visits this ce. I thought I should tell you since it wouldn¡¯t hurt for you to be careful.¡±

    <i>It¡¯s not a big deal! Why should I be careful around a fully-grown bitch in a hotel?</i>

    Joo Chul-Bum seemed to have understood the meaning behind Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°About that, those people are all in broadcastingpanies, involved in dramas, and on the same side as business executives, hyung-nim.¡±

    Kang Chan only blinked.

    ¡°Lee Ha-Yeon sells her body, hyung-nim. That bitch can betray you any time, so you should always keep an eye on her.¡±

    ¡°Tsk.¡±

    Kang Chan lit up the cigarette again and bit it.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Hoo!¡±

    Michelle had effectively shoved him into a pit.

    Why on earth did she say they should do this? There was no way a magazine¡¯s editor-in-chief would be oblivious to such issues. Kang Chan wasn¡¯t even nning to look back at thepany once Shan had been subdued.

    <i>So why is this fucker saying something like this?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang when he extinguished the cigarette.

    - I¡¯m arriving in 5 minutes, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll be at the entrance.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately stood up.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Grab the room key and meet me in front of the lobby,¡± Kang Chan told Joo Chul-Bum.

    ¡°Copy that, hyung-nim.¡±

    When they reached the lobby, Joo Chul-Bum went to the front desk, and Kang Chan headed to the entrance.

    After a bit of waiting, a ck car, a dark blue Benz, and a ck van parked in front of the entrance. Lanok got out of the Benz.

    Ten or so agents rushed out from the vehicles behind and in front of the dark blue Benz and surrounded Lanok.

    Kang Chan knew that they were acting like this because Lanok¡¯s life was on the line, but this was still a bit excessive, especially if they had to be mindful of how other people looked at them.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡±

    After shaking Lanok¡¯s hand, Kang Chan led the way into the hotel.

    Joo Chul-Bum, who was standing in front of the front desk, ran over to Kang Chan with a surprised face and handed him the room key.

    Room 2101.

    Still surrounded by agents, they waited for the elevator. Overwhelmed by their numbers and atmosphere, the other customers didn¡¯t dare ride with them.

    When the elevator stopped, Lanok, Kang Chan, and five agents went in and immediately closed the door.

    From there, their trip to the guest room remained uneventful.

    After examining the room, the agents brought out the coffee pot and prepared tea. Meanwhile, Kang Chan and Lanok sat facing each other on the living room sofa, smoking cigarettes and cigars. The agents weremendable and amodating, considering they had even prepared cigarettes for Kang Chan.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang. The North Korean spy has been disying unusual movements,¡± said Lanok.

    Kang Chan only watched Lanok silently.

    ¡°That could be because of a request from the Chinese or a coboration between North Korea and China. Nevertheless, we still haven¡¯t figured out their numbers ore up with a list of names.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Lanok looked at Kang Chan while exhaling cigar smoke to the side.

    ¡°Shan told me the oue of your affairs will change Europe¡¯s dynamic, but that doesn¡¯t interest me. The acquisition of that obnoxious entertainmentpany doesn¡¯t even suit my aptitude. Hence, China and North Korea¡¯s interference is none of my business.¡±

    Lanok took a sip of his coffee while listening to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Too many factions have joined this battle with Shan. I want to know who his backer is if there is one, but I¡¯m not willing to get dragged into something like an intelligence war. Stocks? Remittance? I don¡¯t need those things either. I¡¯ll step away from this if you¡¯re hiding something from me while we¡¯re working together.¡±

    ¡°I understand, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok nodded. ¡°Even our Intelligence Bureau thought this would only be rted to the French election. They didn¡¯t expect there would be this huge chunk dangling from it. Honestly, even I am flustered by it.¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯ll easily get what you want if your agents and the DGSE act,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Unfortunately, Mr. Kang Chan, a lot of constraints have been ced on the Intelligence Bureau¡¯s movements because China has be a part of this as well.¡±

    ¡°If there were people watching me, then they all would¡¯ve been aware that I also acquired apany. Would that even help?¡±

    Since it had already been brought up, Kang Chan decided to organize the situation.

    He wanted topletely entrust hispany to Michelle, and, excluding matters rted to Shan, he didn¡¯t want to be dragged into anything, especially not an intelligence war.

    Lanok looked at Kang Chan as if he hade to a decision.

    ¡°Please just help us with two things. First, please announce as early as possible that yourpany¡¯s producing a drama. We¡¯ll take care of the rest.¡±

    ¡°How much time do we have to do that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You have until tomorrow.¡±

    Kang Chan used Lanok¡¯s money to acquire thepany anyway, so he didn¡¯t mind doing as Lanok wanted.

    ¡°Second, inform Shan of my future moves, and please take the twenty billion won that he offered,¡± Lanok continued.

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of simultaneously dealing with the matters revolving around the flow of money and those that revolve around my actions. Help me with these two issues, and I won¡¯t say anything else.¡±

    Considering that was all he had to do, then it wasn¡¯t such a bad request.

    ¡°Understood. But I also have a favor to ask in return,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Please go ahead.¡± Lanok smiled at Kang Chan and looked at him with interest.

    ¡°I would like the Gong Te headquarters to prioritize the shipment of Korea¡¯s orders, and I want you to be aware that I¡¯ll be moving independently as well for matters rted to catching Shan.¡±

    Lanok elegantly lowered his head a bit, then raised his phone.

    The call onlysted a short while.

    ¡°They¡¯ll start producing the cars tomorrow and will load them onto ships as soon as possible. And from now on, all Korean orders will be given priority in batches of 10.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°Consider it my way of showing you my sincerity, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    The conversation rted to work ended there.

    It seemed like Lanok nned to stay in the hotel until he had identified who the traitor was.

 Chapter 48.2: My Person (1)

    <h4>Chapter 48.2: My Person (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan also had extra time, so he called Michelle and told her to announce that they were going to produce a drama by tomorrow.

    - That¡¯s impossible, Channy! Even if we¡¯re the producers, we still need to discuss it with Lee Ha-Yeon.

    ¡°Just make Eun So-Yeon the main actress. I¡¯ll take responsibility for it.¡±

    - Everyone willugh at us if we announce that we¡¯re producing a drama with Eun So-Yeon as the lead actress despite theck of scripts, director, and such.

    ¡°Michelle, are you going to do it or not?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s words seemed to have flustered Michelle.

    - Okay, Channy. I¡¯ll talk to Eun So-Yeon and have it announced tomorrow. But don¡¯t expect it to be given prominent coverage. People will most likely think it¡¯s just a fake announcement made to promote Eun So-Yeon.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After ending the call, Kang Chan exined the details of their conversation to Lanok, to which Lanok said he understood.

    ¡°It seems to me that you don¡¯t like drama-rted work,¡± Lanokmented.

    ¡°I can¡¯t even spend a long time watching TV.¡±

    ¡°I see. Do you want to have dinner together?¡±

    French people took so long when eating their meals that it became boring.

    Since Lanok couldn¡¯t really leave, Kang Chan epted his offer.

    While they ate, they mostly talked about working out and what they did as hobbies, but as they were served cake for dessert, Lanok brought up his family for the first time.

    ¡°My one daughter is the biggest sce in my life.¡±

    It was a hard conversation for Kang Chan to respond to, considering he didn¡¯t have a child.

    ¡°If you find someone you truly love, then don¡¯t ever let them get away, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    <i>What is he saying? That doesn¡¯t suit him.</i>

    But as that thought came to his mind, Kang Chan ended up smiling lightly, having suddenly remembered Kim Mi-Young.

    They talked about different topics until 8 pm when Lanok¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±

    Lanok ended the call with those words, even though he had only listened the entire time.

    ¡°You can go now. It seems like you got what you wanted,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan.

    They all went out of the guest room together and parted ways at the lobby.

    Wanting to leave the hotel quickly, Kang Chan went to the front desk.

    .

    ¡°Those people already paid for the room, hyung-nim,¡± said Joo Chul-Bum.

    ¡°Alright. You did great today.¡±

    Kang Chan left Joo Chul-Bum and headed home.

    ***

    ¡°Wee home, Chan. Have you had dinner?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I ate dinner before going home.¡±

    ¡°Really? Then should we have watermelon?¡±

    <i>Should life be like this?</i>

    Kang Chan had lightly washed up and was eating watermelon when Kang Dae-Kyung arrived home.

    ¡°Wee home,¡± Kang Chan told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Yeah, thanks.¡±

    He half-heartedly responded to their greeting and sat at the table where the watermelon was.

    ¡°Gong Te headquarters contacted us today. They said they¡¯ll cooperate as much as they can regarding matters rted to you, and that they¡¯ll load the shipments as soon as they can. What¡¯s going on?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ah! The ¡®Chiffre¡¯.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked alternatively at the two of them.

    ¡°I had a phone call with branch manager Smithen today. I asked him to contact their headquarters, and it seems like he did. I also asked the person who helped mest time for a favor as well.¡±

    ¡°You should do business. Our employees are stupefied. We thought it would take at least two months because it was a veryplex order, considering the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ as a whole. The sales department even had a group dinner today because they can handle new orders starting tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying that Chany made it so they would import the cars as quickly as they could, Chany?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung nodded. ¡°And because of that, I think we can sell about two hundred more cars right now.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t seem to know what that meant.

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled warmly in return.

    ¡°I think the earnings from that would be enough to help the five orphanages we¡¯re nning on supporting for about a year more?¡±

    ¡°Two hundred cars are worth that much?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°That''s right!¡±

    Delighted, Yoo Hye-Sook pped.

    ¡°Are you happy?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Of course! Thanks to our Chan¡¯s help, we can now help more people! Thanks a lot, Chan!¡±

    There probably wasn¡¯t a betterpliment in the world than Yoo Hye-Sook hugging him and stroking his back right now.

    ¡°You should quickly wash up,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me to leave right after hearing all of the good news? Okay.¡±

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    Kang Chan also stood up when Kang Dae-Kyung got up.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please take care of my father. He¡¯ll get upset otherwise. After all, he just got back home from a day¡¯s hard work.¡±

    Kang Chan gave her a pleasant smile and went into his room.

    His body, which became dirty throughout the day, now felt clean aftering back home and seeing Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ***

    After running about ten kilometers and going to school a bit early, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho everything that had happened the day before while drinking mixed coffee with him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know everything, but I want to p that rude bitch in the face,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Seok Kang-Ho licked his lips when Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Shepletely fooled the people watching her pretending to be nice on TV. I really thought that bitch was a in and well-behaveddy.¡±

    ¡°You watch those kinds of things as well?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to avoid it when my wife and daughter ask me to watch it with them. I can¡¯t do anything about it since people keep calling things like that ¡®family bonding.¡¯¡±

    While the two of them were having small talk, the kids arrived one after another.

    ¡°Should we start warming up now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you rest for a few days?¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten about my regenerative capabilities? Be ready for today.¡±

    Just as the smirking Seok Kang-Ho raised himself from the stands, a car and a van stopped in front of the main gate. Robust men then exited the vehicles and entered the school.

    ¡°Who are those fuckers? Huh? Isn¡¯t that president Kim Tae-Jin?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    <i>Shoot!</i>

    He hadpletely forgotten.

    Kang Chan examined the people that came in while telling Seok Kang-Ho what he and Kim Tae-Jin had talked about on the phone yesterday.

    The person leading the pack was Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Why did youe in person?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°How could I miss such a good opportunity?¡±

    After Kim Tae-Jin shook hands with Seok Kang-Ho, he turned his gaze to the employees that came with him.

    ¡°Meet Mr. Kang Chan. He¡¯ll be acting as your instructor starting today. And this is Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. He¡¯s a teacher but will also act as your instructor,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told the employees.

    ¡°We¡¯re looking forward to learning from you.¡±

    They stood in such a way that if they had added ¡®hyung-nim¡¯ at the end of their sentences, they would¡¯ve seemed like gangsters.

    ¡°What are we doing first?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go for a run?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good choice. Where do we change?¡±

    ¡°We have an athletics club room.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin followed Kang Chan inside the athletics club room and nodded approvingly while looking at their facilities.

    Afterward, Kim Tae-Jin and the employees greeted the kids as a group, then let anyone who wanted to run with them join them.

    After the female students got changed, the male students and the employees put on sportswear together.

    Kim Tae-Jin also walked out in workout attire.

    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s get started!¡±

    There were six employees, so they made two three-person rows, and behind them stood the students, Kim Tae-Jin, and Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan jogged slower than usual.

    He didn¡¯t want to use a lot of energy since he had already run ten kilometers in the morning.

    After about twops, Kang Chan slightly turned his gaze toward the employees, finding a strange smile on their faces.

    They followed Kim Tae-Jin because he confidently said that they would learn, only to find out their instructors were a high schooler boy and a gym teacher when they arrived. Moreover, the kids that wanted to work out with them seemed to be new at this.

    <i>¡®Is that so?¡¯</i>

    It would be difficult to train them properly with that kind of attitude. Hence, Kang Chan decided to dampen the employees¡¯ spirits.

    Onep of the sports field was about four hundred meters.

    Kang Chan slowly increased his speed, but it still fell short of the speed of his morning workouts.

    After about tenps, the sound of their breathing started to get rough, and half of the kids had dropped out and gasped for breath at the stands.

    Kang Chan increased his speed a little bit more.

    After sixteenps, all of the kids had dropped out. At that moment, his speed was already quite simr to his morning run.

    ¡°Huff huff. Huff huff.¡±

    His body harshly rebelled against his wishes, as if to say, <i>didn¡¯t you already run this morning?</i>

    <i>¡®The new recruits are here!¡¯</i>

    He saw the six employees gritting their teeth.

    It had now be a contest of pride.

    <i>¡®Alright. Let¡¯s see who wins.¡¯</i>

    Gritting his teeth as well, Kang Chan increased his speed a bit more.

    He could hear Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s ragged breathing from the very back, but he couldn¡¯tpromise now.

    <i>¡®Don¡¯t be discouraged by the new recruits.¡¯</i>

    The sun shone down fiercely on the sports field, making it feel as if they were in Africa.

    ¡°Huff huff huff huff!¡±

    The sounds of the employees'' ragged breathing rushed out sporadically.

    He had forgotten how manyps he had run at this point.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan increased his speed a little bit more.

    It was delightful.

    It felt as if his limits, which pain had tightly held onto and prevented from being released, suddenly skyrocketed.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    When an employee fell to the ground, three other employees copsed one after another.

    After two moreps, only Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Tae-Jin remained.

    ¡°Please spare us!¡±

    Kang Chan would¡¯ve probably run until he copsed if it wasn¡¯t for Kim Tae-Jin¡¯sbored shout.

    ¡°Hak! Hak!¡±

    Keeping himself up by resting his hands on his knees, Kang Chan exhaled heavily. Meanwhile, Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho had sprawled out in the stands.

    The kids tactfully filled a kettle with water and poured it on them. Nobody stopped them.

    About five minutester, Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho pushed themselves up, soaked with water and sweat.

    ¡°You did that on purpose, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hand-to-handbat is going to be even harder,¡± Kang Chan smirked as he responded to Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s grudging question.

 Chapter 48.2: My Person (2)

    <h4>Chapter 48.2: My Person (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan also had extra time, so he called Michelle and told her to announce that they were going to produce a drama by tomorrow.

    - That¡¯s impossible, Channy! Even if we¡¯re the producers, we still need to discuss it with Lee Ha-Yeon.

    ¡°Just make Eun So-Yeon the main actress. I¡¯ll take responsibility for it.¡±

    - Everyone willugh at us if we announce that we¡¯re producing a drama with Eun So-Yeon as the lead actress despite theck of scripts, director, and such.

    ¡°Michelle, are you going to do it or not?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s words seemed to have flustered Michelle.

    - Okay, Channy. I¡¯ll talk to Eun So-Yeon and have it announced tomorrow. But don¡¯t expect it to be given prominent coverage. People will most likely think it¡¯s just a fake announcement made to promote Eun So-Yeon.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After ending the call, Kang Chan exined the details of their conversation to Lanok, to which Lanok said he understood.

    ¡°It seems to me that you don¡¯t like drama-rted work,¡± Lanokmented.

    ¡°I can¡¯t even spend a long time watching TV.¡±

    ¡°I see. Do you want to have dinner together?¡±

    French people took so long when eating their meals that it became boring.

    Since Lanok couldn¡¯t really leave, Kang Chan epted his offer.

    While they ate, they mostly talked about working out and what they did as hobbies, but as they were served cake for dessert, Lanok brought up his family for the first time.

    ¡°My one daughter is the biggest sce in my life.¡±

    It was a hard conversation for Kang Chan to respond to, considering he didn¡¯t have a child.

    ¡°If you find someone you truly love, then don¡¯t ever let them get away, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    <i>What is he saying? That doesn¡¯t suit him.</i>

    But as that thought came to his mind, Kang Chan ended up smiling lightly, having suddenly remembered Kim Mi-Young.

    They talked about different topics until 8 pm when Lanok¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±

    Lanok ended the call with those words, even though he had only listened the entire time.

    ¡°You can go now. It seems like you got what you wanted,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan.

    They all went out of the guest room together and parted ways at the lobby.

    Wanting to leave the hotel quickly, Kang Chan went to the front desk.

    .

    ¡°Those people already paid for the room, hyung-nim,¡± said Joo Chul-Bum.

    ¡°Alright. You did great today.¡±

    Kang Chan left Joo Chul-Bum and headed home.

    ***

    ¡°Wee home, Chan. Have you had dinner?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I ate dinner before going home.¡±

    ¡°Really? Then should we have watermelon?¡±

    <i>Should life be like this?</i>

    Kang Chan had lightly washed up and was eating watermelon when Kang Dae-Kyung arrived home.

    ¡°Wee home,¡± Kang Chan told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Yeah, thanks.¡±

    He half-heartedly responded to their greeting and sat at the table where the watermelon was.

    ¡°Gong Te headquarters contacted us today. They said they¡¯ll cooperate as much as they can regarding matters rted to you, and that they¡¯ll load the shipments as soon as they can. What¡¯s going on?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ah! The ¡®Chiffre¡¯.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked alternatively at the two of them.

    ¡°I had a phone call with branch manager Smithen today. I asked him to contact their headquarters, and it seems like he did. I also asked the person who helped mest time for a favor as well.¡±

    ¡°You should do business. Our employees are stupefied. We thought it would take at least two months because it was a veryplex order, considering the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ as a whole. The sales department even had a group dinner today because they can handle new orders starting tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying that Chany made it so they would import the cars as quickly as they could, Chany?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung nodded. ¡°And because of that, I think we can sell about two hundred more cars right now.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t seem to know what that meant.

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled warmly in return.

    ¡°I think the earnings from that would be enough to help the five orphanages we¡¯re nning on supporting for about a year more?¡±

    ¡°Two hundred cars are worth that much?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°That''s right!¡±

    Delighted, Yoo Hye-Sook pped.

    ¡°Are you happy?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Of course! Thanks to our Chan¡¯s help, we can now help more people! Thanks a lot, Chan!¡±

    There probably wasn¡¯t a betterpliment in the world than Yoo Hye-Sook hugging him and stroking his back right now.

    ¡°You should quickly wash up,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me to leave right after hearing all of the good news? Okay.¡±

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    Kang Chan also stood up when Kang Dae-Kyung got up.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please take care of my father. He¡¯ll get upset otherwise. After all, he just got back home from a day¡¯s hard work.¡±

    Kang Chan gave her a pleasant smile and went into his room.

    His body, which became dirty throughout the day, now felt clean aftering back home and seeing Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ***

    After running about ten kilometers and going to school a bit early, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho everything that had happened the day before while drinking mixed coffee with him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know everything, but I want to p that rude bitch in the face,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Seok Kang-Ho licked his lips when Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Shepletely fooled the people watching her pretending to be nice on TV. I really thought that bitch was a in and well-behaveddy.¡±

    ¡°You watch those kinds of things as well?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to avoid it when my wife and daughter ask me to watch it with them. I can¡¯t do anything about it since people keep calling things like that ¡®family bonding.¡¯¡±

    While the two of them were having small talk, the kids arrived one after another.

    ¡°Should we start warming up now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you rest for a few days?¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten about my regenerative capabilities? Be ready for today.¡±

    Just as the smirking Seok Kang-Ho raised himself from the stands, a car and a van stopped in front of the main gate. Robust men then exited the vehicles and entered the school.

    ¡°Who are those fuckers? Huh? Isn¡¯t that president Kim Tae-Jin?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    <i>Shoot!</i>

    He hadpletely forgotten.

    Kang Chan examined the people that came in while telling Seok Kang-Ho what he and Kim Tae-Jin had talked about on the phone yesterday.

    The person leading the pack was Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Why did youe in person?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°How could I miss such a good opportunity?¡±

    After Kim Tae-Jin shook hands with Seok Kang-Ho, he turned his gaze to the employees that came with him.

    ¡°Meet Mr. Kang Chan. He¡¯ll be acting as your instructor starting today. And this is Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. He¡¯s a teacher but will also act as your instructor,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told the employees.

    ¡°We¡¯re looking forward to learning from you.¡±

    They stood in such a way that if they had added ¡®hyung-nim¡¯ at the end of their sentences, they would¡¯ve seemed like gangsters.

    ¡°What are we doing first?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go for a run?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good choice. Where do we change?¡±

    ¡°We have an athletics club room.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin followed Kang Chan inside the athletics club room and nodded approvingly while looking at their facilities.

    Afterward, Kim Tae-Jin and the employees greeted the kids as a group, then let anyone who wanted to run with them join them.

    After the female students got changed, the male students and the employees put on sportswear together.

    Kim Tae-Jin also walked out in workout attire.

    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s get started!¡±

    There were six employees, so they made two three-person rows, and behind them stood the students, Kim Tae-Jin, and Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan jogged slower than usual.

    He didn¡¯t want to use a lot of energy since he had already run ten kilometers in the morning.

    After about twops, Kang Chan slightly turned his gaze toward the employees, finding a strange smile on their faces.

    They followed Kim Tae-Jin because he confidently said that they would learn, only to find out their instructors were a high schooler boy and a gym teacher when they arrived. Moreover, the kids that wanted to work out with them seemed to be new at this.

    <i>¡®Is that so?¡¯</i>

    It would be difficult to train them properly with that kind of attitude. Hence, Kang Chan decided to dampen the employees¡¯ spirits.

    Onep of the sports field was about four hundred meters.

    Kang Chan slowly increased his speed, but it still fell short of the speed of his morning workouts.

    After about tenps, the sound of their breathing started to get rough, and half of the kids had dropped out and gasped for breath at the stands.

    Kang Chan increased his speed a little bit more.

    After sixteenps, all of the kids had dropped out. At that moment, his speed was already quite simr to his morning run.

    ¡°Huff huff. Huff huff.¡±

    His body harshly rebelled against his wishes, as if to say, <i>didn¡¯t you already run this morning?</i>

    <i>¡®The new recruits are here!¡¯</i>

    He saw the six employees gritting their teeth.

    It had now be a contest of pride.

    <i>¡®Alright. Let¡¯s see who wins.¡¯</i>

    Gritting his teeth as well, Kang Chan increased his speed a bit more.

    He could hear Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s ragged breathing from the very back, but he couldn¡¯tpromise now.

    <i>¡®Don¡¯t be discouraged by the new recruits.¡¯</i>

    The sun shone down fiercely on the sports field, making it feel as if they were in Africa.

    ¡°Huff huff huff huff!¡±

    The sounds of the employees'' ragged breathing rushed out sporadically.

    He had forgotten how manyps he had run at this point.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan increased his speed a little bit more.

    It was delightful.

    It felt as if his limits, which pain had tightly held onto and prevented from being released, suddenly skyrocketed.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    When an employee fell to the ground, three other employees copsed one after another.

    After two moreps, only Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Tae-Jin remained.

    ¡°Please spare us!¡±

    Kang Chan would¡¯ve probably run until he copsed if it wasn¡¯t for Kim Tae-Jin¡¯sbored shout.

    ¡°Hak! Hak!¡±

    Keeping himself up by resting his hands on his knees, Kang Chan exhaled heavily. Meanwhile, Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho had sprawled out in the stands.

    The kids tactfully filled a kettle with water and poured it on them. Nobody stopped them.

    About five minutester, Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho pushed themselves up, soaked with water and sweat.

    ¡°You did that on purpose, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hand-to-handbat is going to be even harder,¡± Kang Chan smirked as he responded to Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s grudging question.

 Chapter 49.1: My Person (2)

    <h4>Chapter 49.1: My Person (2)</h4>

    It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say everything they did after their tiring running session was almostpletely a product of willpower since they could no longer use their strength properly¨C-not with their hands.

    After getting enough rest, Kang Chan began thebat techniques ss on the sports field, which had six mattressesid a good distance from each other. Since some students came to school to self-study on the weekdays or because they were a part of the athletics club, there were quite a lot of kids in the stands.

    ¡°How about you perform a demonstration first, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡±

    On Kang Chan¡¯s suggestion, Seok Kang-Ho stepped forward while cracking his neck.

    ¡°Before we begin, we need two volunteers,¡± Kang Chan said.

    As soon as he finished his sentence, the securitypany employee with an angr chin smirked. He then approached Seok Kang-Ho head-on with a disdainful look in his eyes.

    idents always happened with this kind of fucker.

    Step onto the mattress." Kang Chan instructed.

    <i>Swish.</i>

    The guy showed signs of displeasure toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me? Get moving before I kill you,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The atmosphere¡¯s temperature instantly dropped. It could be felt even from the stands.

    The employee nced sideways, and Kim Tae-Jin only stared at him calmly, as if telling him to do as he pleased.

    ¡°Let¡¯s spar,¡± the employee told Kang Chan.

    It seemed like the employee had gained confidence.

    <i>Smirk.</i>

    Kang Chan walked toward him.

    The guy raised his hand while putting his right foot back. He seemed to have learned martial arts.

    <i>Dickhead!</i>

    The fucker had confidence in his martial arts. If only he knew how much slower the foot waspared to the hand, he wouldn¡¯t have recklessly taken such a stance.

    Sure enough, when Kang Chan took two more steps forward, the guy lifted his right foot.

    <i>Pak!</i>

    Stepping on the fucker¡¯s shin to push it away, Kang Chan stabbed his opponent¡¯s side with his thumb.

    The guy bent forward upon getting hit on the shin, then held out his left hand to block Kang Chan.

    <i>Pow. Pow-pow. Pow.</i>

    However, Kang Chan had already pulled his fist back. He struck his enemy¡¯s chin with his right elbow, then violently stabbed the guy¡¯s neck, stomach pit, and side again with his thumb.

    ¡°Cough! Cough!¡±

    Screaming in pain, his opponent copsed to the ground and rolled around from side to side.

    The employees that seemed unsatisfied quickly lowered their gaze when Kang Chan looked at them.

    ¡°Why do you think we practicebat techniques? If you just came here to y, go kick a ball on the side then leave. Don¡¯t mess around while others are practicing.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the employee still holding onto his neck and writhing, then raised his gaze again.

    ¡°Combat is all about life or death. How dare you guys act arrogant when you struggle and can¡¯t even win against one bare hand?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that just because you depleted our strength when you made us run excessively on purpose and because you attacked without warning? Don¡¯t belittle our skills.¡±

    One of the employees strongly opposed Kang Chan, seemingly bing conscious of Kim Tae-Jin and the students.

    Kang Chan looked straight at the guy.

    ¡°How about the five of you try sparring against me all at once? How¡¯s that? I¡¯ll face you all alone.¡±

    The guys exchanged nces, then got up and stepped forward while dusting off their butts.

    ¡°Don''t hold back. And don¡¯t ever run away like cowards unless you really want me to kill you all,¡± warned Kang Chan.

    He felt exactly the same as when they had gotten new recruits in Africa.

    The guy that had copsed barely managed to get up, step away from the training ground, and shamble to the stands.

    Kang Chan looked at his opponents after cracking his neck.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to start.¡±

    Aside from the one guy that had learned boxing, their postures showed they had learned a variety of martial arts.

    As the five employees surrounding Kang Chan hesitated, Kang Chan turned to the guy on his right in such a precise manner that it may as well have been: obey themand, ¡®right face!¡¯.

    <i>Ta-ta. Pow-pow-pow.</i>

    Kang Chan deflected his target¡¯s fist as if he was swatting a fly away, then immediately stabbed his neck, stomach pit, and armpit. He then turned sharply to the left.

    <i>Crunch!</i>

    Kang Chan swung his left elbow as he turned, hitting the man behind him on the nose.

    <i>Tatatata.</i>

    He then continuously punched away the arms of his other opponents while taking a step forward.

    <i>Bam!?</i>

    The guyining earlier got hit in the pit of his stomach with a sharp fist, causing him to copse backward with his eyes and mouth wide open.

    Three down. Two to go.

    <i>Ta-dak.</i>

    After swatting away an arm, he charged at the guy to his right as if he was running into his arms.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow-pow-pow-pow.</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed him so fast Kim Tae-Jin flinched.

    When Kang Chan rapidly thrust both of his thumbs into his target¡¯s armpit, neck, stomach pit, side, and his side again, his target pitifully rolled around the floor as if he got shot.

    Unable to go on the offensive against Kang Chan, thest employee standing just looked at his fallen colleagues in an awkward stance.

    ¡°I¡¯m warning you. If you can¡¯te at me right now, you¡¯ll never be able to throw yourself at the enemy. If you¡¯re afraid of knives, and of being beaten and stabbed, then leave this industry and look for a new job now.¡±

    The guy pounced forward with a sloppy punch.

    Kang Chan lifted his opponent¡¯s arm, put it over his shoulder, and turned around.

    If he pulled the guy¡¯s wrist downward from here, he¡¯d break his elbow.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    <i>Crunch!</i>

    ¡°Gaaaaaahhh!¡±

    .

    Having had his arm twisted, the guy screamed eerily while holding onto his elbow. The fucker was exaggerating his pain.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan grabbed onto the man¡¯s cor and looked straight into his eyes.

    ¡°Be quiet.¡±

    ¡°Ugh. Urrrggghh.¡±

    ¡°You showed cowardice in the end. You didn¡¯t fight even as your colleagues copsed to the ground. What do you think will happen if people entrusted their backs to someone like you in an actual battle? Put some careful thought into that until your arm gets better, but please don¡¯t stay in this industry if you can¡¯t stop yourself from acting that way.¡±

    The guy nodded.

    The sports field stayed quiet even though Kang Chan had let go of the guy¡¯s cor.

    ¡°You seem tired.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin broke the silence. His blood seemed to be boiling, considering he was looking at him sharply despite having asked a question.

    ¡°I ran about ten kilometers this morning.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded.

    The employees that had barely calmed down and the terrified kids breathed loudly as if they were freed from magic.

    ¡°What do you think? Are they worth teaching?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°They''ve got potential. Three of them have a natural talent for hand-to-handbat.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chan with a smirk. He understood what he meant.

    Since Kang Chan said only three of them had talent, all five of them would cling to Kang Chan and put their lives on the line for him from now on. It was a method that the special unit instructors liked to use after beating up new recruits.

    ¡°What should we do with him?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked again.

    ¡°I only broke his arm a little, so it should heal in three months. If he still wants to train after he recovers, then I¡¯ll take responsibility and teach him.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡± the employee yelled, holding onto his arm. He shed tears as he tried to ovee his pain.

    ¡°You. Come here,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The employee wiped his tears with his left forearm and stepped forward.

    He didn¡¯t avoid Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, even though Kang Chan approached and stood so near him their noses almost touched.

    ¡°This is yourst warning. If you show cowardice again, then I¡¯m going to break your arm so that you¡¯ll never be able to use it again,¡± warned Kang Chan.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Do you still want to proceed?¡±

    ¡°I do!¡± The employee answered him while his mouth was full of saliva.

    Smiling, Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Your arm will get better in three months. Walk whenever you have time¡ªwhether ten or twenty kilometers, walk. That will speed up your rehabilitation.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that!¡±

    ¡°You may go back now.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡±

    As the employee walked away proudly, Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chan with a strange smile.

    ¡°How about we continue this after lunch?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Should I?¡±

    Moving only his upper body, Kim Tae-Jin turned and looked at the students sitting in the stands. There were about fifty people, including the athletics club members.

    ¡°Can I buy lunch for the students here?¡±

    The kids stirred.

    ¡°Fifteen Tangsuyuks would be enough for us all, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    In response, a boy in the middle yelled, ¡°Thank you for the meal!¡±

    They then immediately sent the employee with the broken arm to the hospital.

    Afterward, they decided to put Moon Ki-Jin in charge of ordering Jjajangmyun, Jjamppong, and fried rice. Those who needed to wash up then did what they had to do.

    Just as Kang Chan headed to the sports field after using a faucet to wash up, Cha So-Yeon brought Kang Chan¡¯s phone to him and told him it was ringing.

    ¡°What, Michelle?¡±

    - we announced that we¡¯re going to produce a drama on an online newspaper today for now, Channy.

    Her voice didn¡¯t sound bright for some reason.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work. But what¡¯s wrong?

    - As soon as the article got released, I received a lot of phone calls from reporters I¡¯m close with. They asked about what happened because of a rumor going around about it being a scam. And¡­

    ¡°Go on.¡±

    - Lee Ha-Yeon is making a fuss. She¡¯s asking how we could announce we¡¯re producing a drama with Eun So-Yeon and without her. She threatened to move agencies or refuse TV appearances if we don¡¯t take down the article immediately.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say her contract doesn¡¯t end until next year?¡± - There are bound to bepanies that would willingly offer to pay the contract infringement penalty because our investment isn¡¯t that high. She warned she won¡¯t just let things go if you don¡¯t apologize, and I think she¡¯s the one who told the reporters that this is a scam as well.

    ¡°Then let her leave. We¡¯ll be paid the contract infringement penalty anyway, which is good.¡±

    - If we let her go, Eun So-Yeon and the two rookies will all be fired from their supporting roles, and they¡¯ll also lose their roles in the next drama they¡¯d be starring in because of Lee Ha-Yeon.

    Kang Chan nodded. Rather than the fact that she quit her job to work for him, Michelle worried about the loss he could suffer. However, if they let her worry drag them around, those actresses would just do the same thing again.

    ¡°Michelle.¡±

    -Yes, Channy.

    ¡°Fire that bitch, and call me after you do.¡±

    Michelle failed to respond to Kang Chan''s firmmand.

    ¡°I apologize for saying this after telling you I¡¯d entrust thepany to you, but I don¡¯t care if I suffer a loss for as long as I get to deal with this properly. So j\do as I say.¡±

    - Okay, Channy.

    When Michelle hung up the phone, Cha So-Yeon seemed surprised and curious. Nevertheless, Kang Chan walked to the sports field, pretending not to notice.

    Over sixty people ate lunch together, including Kim Tae-Jin and his employees.

    When Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin if he was going to go into the athletics club room, he shook his head, saying he preferred to eat with them.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Tae-Jin sat in a circle and ate fried rice.

    ¡°Have they made their next move yet?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°They haven''t set a firm departure day, so we¡¯ve been checking hourly. I¡¯ll let you know when they¡¯ve decided on a date. And when they do, let¡¯s work together on that day.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Should we take care of the Neck Ghost before then?¡±

    ¡°Mmm.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s response came out weird because his mouth was full of fried rice.

    ¡°Are you teaching in the afternoon as well?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°I want to get warmed up, but I¡¯m afraid you''ll break my arm..¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled lightly, Seok Kang-Ho responded to Kim Tae-Jin, ¡°You should do it with me.¡±

    1. Tangsuyuk is a popr Korean-Chinese meat dish with sweet and sour sauce. It¡¯s avable in Chinese restaurants in Korea

    2. Jjamppong is a popr Korean-Chinese noodle soup with red, spicy seafood. It can be vored with a pork-based broth as well.

    3. Fried rice is another popr dish in Korea that originated from Chinese Fried rice

 Chapter 49.2: My Person (2)

    <h4>Chapter 49.2: My Person (2)</h4>

    After they had lunch, whichsted thirty minutes, they drank coffee from a paper cup.

    Everyone grouped up and sat infort at the stands. After a while, all of the kids that were watching headed toward the ssroom or to the library. They needed to rest for about 30 more minutes.

    They had decided that Seok Kang-Ho would be in charge of teaching the employees three times a week from now on, and Kang Chan would serve as a backup instructor.

    About 30 more minutes had passed.

    When Seok Kang-Ho called them in, the employees¡¯ expressions and gazes were very serious.

    He was killing two birds with one stone.

    With Seok Kang-Ho at the helm, he¡¯d see definite results even if he practiced that way for just two weeks. Moreover, it was clear the employees¡¯ skills would also improve for that reason.

    Kim Tae-Jin sat on the stands with his elbow on his legs, then nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Where did you learn to fight like that?¡±

    When Kang Chan onlyughed, Kim Tae-Jin shook his head while licking his lips.

    ¡°A high schooler that speaks French and has thebat techniques of a foreign legion. Wh-oo.¡±

    Ignoring Kim Tae-Jin, Kang Chan watched the spar between Seok Kang-Ho and the employees. It was best not to say anything in this situation, considering Kim Tae-Jin wouldn¡¯t believe him no matter what he said anyway.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>.

    Kang Chan picked up his phone when it rang. It was Lanok.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    When Kang Chan answered the phone in French, Kim Tae-Jin looked straight ahead with mixed emotions on his face.

    - Monsieur Kang, how¡¯s the drama production annoucement?

    ¡°Actually, I was just told that the announcement was uploaded to an online newspaper today.¡±

    ¡°You have a trustworthy way of handling affairs, as expected. Please apply for an investment from a Frenchpany called Yungs Ventures by tomorrow. It¡¯ll yield great results.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - One more thing. Next Wednesday at 3 pm, I¡¯m nning on visiting the Municipal Baseball Stadium at Yong-in. It¡¯s not an official event, so please call Shan and tell him about it. If you can use this matter as an excuse for him to transfer the two billion won, then please get him to remit the money to Korea as well. An amount thatrge will be difficult to hide, especially since it¡¯s a foreign exchange remittance.

    ¡°That sounds too dangerous, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - I¡¯m d to have met someone like you, monsieur Kang. I¡¯ll be waiting for good results.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - What is it?

    ¡°I want to express my sincere gratitude for what you did with Gong Te automobile. Kang Yoo Motors¡¯ employees were very happy.¡±

    - That¡¯s pleasing news.

    Lanok¡¯sugh was thest thing he heard from the call.

    Kang Chan ended it feeling somewhat ufortable.

    ¡°What¡¯s it like to guard a baseball stadium?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Baseball stadium? Are you talking about baseball stadiums where there are baseball games?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin immediately frowned.

    ¡°I''ve only done it twice, but crazy would be the correct term to describe their security detail. Not only could they not look away for even a moment, but they had to be ready to throw themselves whenever there was a homerun or a hit.¡±

    ¡°What if there are ten to twenty security guards?¡±

    ¡°Will there be an assassination attempt?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Let¡¯s say that there will be.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin pursed his lips, then shook his head.

    ¡°If you tell me to perform an assassination in that situation, then I¡¯m about 90% sure that I¡¯ll seed.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Kang Chan had finally figured out why he felt ufortable. The n was too impractical. He knew Lanok intended to do whatever it took to catch Shan¡¯s backer, not Shan himself, but it was still too dangerous.

    When Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything else, Kim Tae-Jin wordlessly watched the spar.

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed to be in his element.

    From beginning to end, he consistently taught the employees, sparred with them, and taught them again. Even though he most likely no longer had any strength left due to the earlier running session, he still seemed to be having fun training them.

    ¡°Our kids have already changed,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented.

    Kang Chan noticed it as well.

    That was why attitude was important. It was the biggest reason why instructors or seniors dampened the spirits of new recruits as soon as they arrived.

    ¡°Think they¡¯ll be a great help to you?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°They still have a long way to go.¡±

    ¡°How many people do you think there are in Korea that are like you or that teacher? They just met a bad match. Those kids had gotten rid of three or four gangsters equipped with filet knives.¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled lightly, Kim Tae-Jin also smiled, seemingly finding it funny.

    ¡°Should I also go out and warm up?¡±

    ¡°Want me to be your opponent?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°No way. I don¡¯t want to be sent rolling on the floor in front of the kids.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin firmly refused and went out to the sports field.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz.</i>

    He kept getting a lot of phone calls today.

    ¡°Michelle, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Channy. Lee Ha-Yeon wants to meet with you and put a clear end to her business with you. It seems like her pride has been hurt a lot. Can youe to thepany today?¡±

    ¡°Tsk.¡±

    He was displeased, but he did need to deal with her properly.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be there by 4 pm. Text me the address.¡±

    - Thanks, Channy.

    It was close to 3 pm.

    Kang Chan stealthily stood up, went to the night duty room, and showered. The cold water jolted him awake when it poured on him. However, while drying himself off, he felt so tired he was starting to fall asleep.

    <i>¡®Did I overexert myself too much?¡¯</i>

    He did in fact overexert himself, but if he was going to start teaching, he needed to do it properly to help Seok Kang-Ho. And, if he were being honest, his inability to bear watching recruits act arrogant also came out.

    His clothes were a bit shabby because they were for training, but it didn¡¯t matter.

    When Kang Chan walked into the athletics club room, he found the kidsying their heads on their desks, sleeping, perhaps because of the fatigue from their workout earlier. They still had their books open. Soon, however, they were startled awake and got up.

    ¡°Go home so you can sleep infort.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Cha So-Yeon answered while thrashing her head to keep herself awake.

    They were good kids. Fortunately, their expressions had gotten brighter.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, can I also be like you if I train hard enough?¡± asked Moon Ki-Jean.

    Kang Chan smiled brightly and grabbed his bag of clothes. He then stroked Moon Ki-Jin¡¯s head, who was looking over his mood.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to be much better than me. But don¡¯t forget that if your grades drop, you won¡¯t be able to participate in the athletics club anymore.¡±

    ¡°Ah! Alright.¡± Moon Ki-Jin looked fully awake now.

    When Kang Chan went outside, Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho were holding onto their sides and frowning.

    ¡°I have to leave now, I¡¯m afraid,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Phew, yeah. Thanks for today. Ugh, I¡¯m going to go after I train a bit more with the teacher.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho only gazed at him to bid him goodbye since there were students and other people around them. Now that he thought about it, Seok Kang-Ho looked especially taciturn today.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see you in the next ss, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan went out of the sports field as the employees said goodbye with their thick voices, then got in the taxi in front of the school and told the driver the address.

    After happily dozing off for about fifteen minutes, he arrived at his destination.

    He got out of the taxi and looked, noticing a sign with a blue background that said ¡®D.I.¡¯ in white letters.

    The building didn''t look too bad, but it had no elevator.

    Kang Chan walked up to the third floor and opened the door, finding arge area surrounded by mirrors on three sides.

    ¡°Huh? Oh, hello!¡± When one of the kids greeted him, the other kids followed suit.

    Looking around, Kang Chan saw the kids sweating a lot. There were also two fans barely running on the floor.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Michelle?¡± Kang Chan asked the kids.

    ¡°She¡¯s in that office.¡±

    Kang Chan took off his shoes and put on the indoor slippers by the entrance. One of the kids then opened the office door and said, ¡°Ms. Director! Mr. President is here!¡±

    Soon after, Michelle, Lim Soo-Sung, and Kim Jae-Tae all came out in an orderly fashion and greeted him.

    ¡°Wee, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan found her abruptly calling him ¡®sir¡¯ strange, but he just assumed that she did that because they were in thepany. If she was going to call him that, then she shouldn¡¯t talk to him informally either.

    Michelle looked like she was unusually tired.

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan acknowledged Lim Soo Sung and Kim Jae-Tae, then followed Michelle into the office.

    It was smaller than he thought. There were three tables, and in the middle of it was a sofa and a small room. It seemed to be the president¡¯s personal workspace.

    When Kang Chan went in, Lee Ha-Yeon, Seong So-Mi, and Eun So-Yeon got up from the sofa and greeted him. Lee Ha-Yeon only pretended to stand up but immediately sat down and crossed her legs.

    When Kang Chan sat down, Michelle sat beside him. Lim Soo-Sung, Kim Jae-Tae, and the other employees sat at the desk and the spare chairs with their heads down.

    ¡°I heard you wanted to see me?¡± Kang Chan asked Lee Ha-Yeon.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk down to me¡­ please.¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, Lee Ha-Yeon stared into the air, seemingly dumbfounded.

    ¡°If you have something to say, then be quick about it and leave. I¡¯m tired.¡±

    ¡°Before I leave, I need you to apologize¡­ please.¡±

    She ended her sentences in a weird way twice now.

    ¡°Lee Ha-Yan.¡±

    ¡°Lee Ha-Yan? Did you just call me Lee Ha-Yan?¡± Angered, Lee Ha-Yeon uncrossed her legs.

    ¡°It¡¯s the same thing. Anyway, it doesn¡¯t matter. Stop spouting nonsense and leave.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t apologize, then the actors from thispany will never be able to y a role in a drama or movie that I appear in ever again, and everyone¡¯s going to say that the drama being produced with Eun So-Yeon as the leading role is a scam. So apologize to me right now!¡±

    Michelle, Eun So-Yeon, the wardrobe and makeup employees, and even the road managers all lowered their gazes.

    <i>¡®It seems like this bitch is quite influential?¡¯</i>

    Smirking, Kang Chan looked at Seong So-Mi.

    ¡°What about you?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m with Ha-Yeon unnie on this issue,¡± Seong So-Mi shrugged her shoulders.

    ¡°What about you, Eun So-Yeon?¡±

    Eun So-Yeon just observed Michelle and Lee Ha-Yeon, unable to say anything.

    ¡°Give me their contracts,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan looked at Michelle. They seemed to have had them prepared since Kim Jae-Tae, the department head, swiftly ced a ck clipboard in front of Kang Chan.

    Lee Ha-Yeon¡¯s contract was at the very top.

    Kang Chan first grabbed Lee Ha-Yeon¡¯s contract and ripped it vertically.

    Lim Soo-Sung breathed out, which sounded like a groan.

    Next was Seong So-Mi¡¯s contract.

    ¡°You said you feel the same way, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    Kang Chan also ripped Seong So-Mi¡¯s contract the same way.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer, Eun So-Yeon. Does that mean you also feel the same way?¡±

    Kang Chan also grabbed Eun So-Yeon¡¯s contract vertically.

 Chapter 50.1: Ill do it Properly (1)

    <h4>Chapter 50.1: I''ll do it Properly (1)</h4>

    ¡°I want to stay.¡±

    But Eun So-Yeon¡¯s subdued voice stopped Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Think about it carefully. It would most likely anger me if you sayter that you regret your decision and that you want to leave,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    Lee Ha-Yeon looked at Eun So-Yeon with contempt.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to stay. I really want to work with Michelle unnie¡ªno, director Michelle.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the contract. It said that the investment was thirty million won.

    He wanted to wake up his sluggish body.

    ¡°If we have coffee, get me a cup,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Startled by his words, a female employee stood up and headed to a water dispenser..

    He slowly scanned through the documents under the contracts.

    The investment was the fund that covered the trainees¡¯ food, amodation, gym, and other daily expenses. Their contractsted ten years, and it forced them to pay back six times the amount that went into them. They also had topensate thepany with five hundred million won should they cancel the contract.

    <i>¡®They are essentially ves.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan smiled bitterly as he took the coffee that the female employee handed to him.

    ¡°General manager Lim,¡± called Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°Do all the employees here also have this kind of contract?¡±

    ¡°Only department head Kim Jae-Tae, our ountant Ms. Choi Yoo-Jin, and I are full-time employees. The rest are all temporary contract workers.¡±

    After Kang Chan had ripped the contract, Lee Ha-Yeon crossed her legs again and looked at Kang Chan while swinging her leg.

    ¡°How much are the makeup employees¡¯ sries?¡± Kang Chan asked Lim Soo-Sung.

    ¡°The makeup artists and wardrobe stylists are paid one and a half million won monthly. The road managers get one million two hundred thousand won.¡±

    ¡°They don¡¯t get bonuses?¡±

    ¡°No, they don¡¯t.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, bringing the cup of coffee to his mouth. At the same time, Lee Ha-Yeon tilted her head with an expression that seemed to say, ¡®Has he finally figured things out?¡¯

    <i>¡®Tsk.¡¯</i>

    This office was full of kids who practiced non-stop in a room so hot they couldn''t stop sweating, just to get the chance to participate in a drama that Lee Ha-Yeon starred in, employees who could only get paid if Lee Ha-Yeon earned money for thepany to pay them, and Michelle who was trying her best to keep Kang Chan from harm.

    <i>¡®I need to deal with this properly, don¡¯t I?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan nodded, having made up his mind.

    His pride couldn¡¯t tolerate the trainees having to please such a trashy bitch just so they could earn a supporting role. It was as if it wasn¡¯t sad enough that they were practicing without a sry.

    Since he had made a decision, the right course of action now was to get things moving as fast as possible.

    ¡°Michelle?¡±

    Yes, sir?¡±

    ¡°How much do you make per month?¡±

    Michelle¡¯s blue eyesnded on Kang Chan. She seemed flustered.

    ¡°I actually haven''t decided yet. I was hoping to decide after having a discussion about itter.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°How much do you earn in a month, General manager Lim?¡±

    ¡°About two and a half million won.¡±

    Their sries were at a miserable level. Kang Chan¡¯s pride was hurt.

    ¡°Give me a pen,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    When Michelle raised her head, the ountant Choi Yoo-Jin quickly brought a pen.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start from the beginning.¡±

    Kang Chan grabbed one of the employee¡¯s contract, then pushed the contracts of the trainees to the side.

    ¡°General manager Lim. Is there a building nearby where we can obtain two floors about the same size as this ce?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°The lower floor is empty.¡±

    ¡°Please get it leased to us. By today, if possible.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°I need another office, so please just get the lower floor leased. It would be better if you can get it done today.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get to it.¡±

    Lim Soo-Sung checked how Michelle was feeling about this situation.

    ¡°Ah, right. How much money do you need?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lee Ha-Yeon made an expression that said, ¡®I knew it.¡¯

    ¡°A fifty million won deposit should be enough to make it happen,¡± Lim Soo-Sung responded.

    ¡°Then please obtain and furnish it as our new office. Please do the same to my room, and give the people using this office a room as well. It should berge enough for all of us, right?¡±

    ¡°It is.¡±

    ¡°Good. This ce will serve as the trainees¡¯ lounge.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    Lim Soo-Sung nodded with a dazed expression.

    ¡°Starting this month, please hire the wardrobe stylists and makeup artists as full-time employees with a monthly sry of two and a half million won each.¡±

    The employees¡¯ heads popped up.

    Smiling brightly, Kang Chan then said, ¡°Pay the road managers two million won each,¡± and took a sip of coffee. He then turned his head toward Michelle.

    ¡°Michelle will get one hundred fifty million won per year.¡±

    ¡°Sir!¡±

    ¡°General manager Lim and department head Kim Jae-Tae will respectively get seventy million won and fifty million won yearly.¡±

    Lim Soo-Sung and Kim Jae-Tae¡¯s faces turned red.

    Kang Chan looked at Choi Yoo-Jin, who seemed stunned.

    ¡°How much do you earn, Ms. Choi Yoo-Jin?¡±

    ¡°Pardon? Me? One million won per month.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s start your sry at two million won per month since it¡¯ll keep increasing for as long as you don¡¯t quit anyway. Is that alright with you?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Thank you! Thank you, Mr. President!¡±

    Choi Yoo-Jin bowed her head as if to imitate gangsters.

    ¡°Keep supporting the trainees just like we¡¯ve been doing, and give them seven hundred thousand won each. That should motivate them to practice. And change all of their contracts in a way that would allow them to leave any time,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Lee Ha-Yeon snorted.

    ¡°Lastly, Eun So-Yeon.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Kang Chan looked into the contract.

    ¡°It says in your contract that you received thirty million won as an investment. Is that right?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    When Eun So-Yeon lowered her head, Michelle quickly answered in her stead, ¡°she only received half of that.¡±

    ¡°Forget this fucking shitty contract. Rewrite hers tomorrow. We¡¯ll be investing one hundred million won in her. Change the terms of her contract so that she¡¯ll only have to pay back what she¡¯s been given if she wants to go somewhere else.¡±

    ¡°You really don¡¯t know anything,¡± Lee Ha-Yeon said.

    She swung her foot around. But even as she did, her expression showed a hint of regret. It seemed as if she thought she would¡¯ve gotten something as well if only she endured it.

    ¡°Michelle, do you know a Frenchpany called ¡°Yungs Ventures?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Michelle¡¯s eyes widened enough for Kang Chan to get flustered even though he was the one that asked the question. Even Lee Ha-Yeon and Seong So-Mi seemed interested in the topic. And Lim Soo-Sung was no different, considering he leaned his head forward to listen closer.

    ¡°That¡¯s an international investmentpany. They support a lot of joint film and drama productions, but their minimum investment is more than ten billion won.¡±

    <i>Is that something to be surprised about?</i>

    Shan kept yapping about twenty billion won that ten billion won didn¡¯t really register for him. Honestly, he still hadn¡¯t figured out how many pork cutlets he could buy with ten billion or twenty billion won.

    ¡°Request cooperation for drama production from thatpany tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°With Yungs Ventures? We haven¡¯t even decided on anything other than having Eun So-Yeon as our lead actress, sir. We most likely won¡¯t even be able to make them look our way.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, then nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already talked to Yungs Ventures. You just need to send a formal application for investment.¡±

    For a moment, Michelle couldn¡¯t move an inch, almost as if she had been frozen.

    ¡°Whoo, okay, okay, Channy¡ªsir.¡±

    Michelle answered with a nk look on her face, having recalled Kang Chan being rted to French ambassador Lanok, Gong Te automobile, and the French gang that she saw at Namsan Hotel.

    ¡°Uh, Mr. President,¡± Lim Soo-Sung cautiously called Kang Chan.

    ¡°Have you really talked to Yungs Ventures? Please don¡¯t get me wrong¡ªI¡¯m not doubting you. All I¡¯m trying to say is that this will cause an uproar in the entertainment industry since this will be their first time investing in Korea.¡±

    Lim Soo-Sung was as big as Namsan, but he could barely finish speaking. He seemed flustered.

    ¡°They¡¯ll definitely answer. As far as I know, they¡¯ll only be giving us their minimum investment, but we¡¯ll know for sure once we get the results after applying for an investment tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re talking about the drama that D.I is producing, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Woah!¡± A sudden exmation came from outside the room, but it got quiet in an instant.

    ¡°They¡¯re acting like that most likely because they¡¯ll each get an opportunity to take on even a small role since we¡¯re producing the drama ourselves. If Yungs Ventures invests in it, then it¡¯ll certainly be exported to Japan and many countries in Europe.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Lim Soo Sung looked like he couldn¡¯t believe it, even as he was answering him.

    Eun So-Yeon had frozen up like a statue.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to send three hundred million won tomorrow, so lease the floor below us, then refurbish it. I want us to befortable in it. And don¡¯t forget to take care of our investment in Eun So-Yeon and the trainees¡¯ wages.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Michelle answered.

    ¡°Everything has been dealt with now, right? If so, then I¡¯m going.¡±

    ¡°Channy! Sorry, sir. Have dinner with me before you go.¡±

    ¡°I wish I could, but I have to go. This was an abrupt appointment, after all. General manager Lim.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°Please make sure I won¡¯t ever see those two in this office or the floor below us starting tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Lee Ha-Yeon looked like she had her money taken away from her, and Seong So-Mi appeared to be resenting Lee Ha-Yeon.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t care how those pathetic bitches felt.

    As soon as Kang Chan stood up, all of his employees except the two bitches sprang to their feet as if on cue.

    When Kang Chan stepped outside after Kim Jae-Tae swiftly opened the door for him, the trainees gave him a round of apuse.

    ¡°One, two, three!¡±

    ¡°Thank you so so much, Mr. President! We¡¯ll work hard!¡±

    After one of the trainees counted, they all loudly chorused their goodbyes to him.

    As Kang Chan smiled brightly and headed to the entrance, some of the kids covered their mouths as they screamed and jumped.

    Lim Soo-Sung said his goodbyes and quickly closed the door. It seemed like he wanted to let him be alone with Michelle.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan almost fell backward when Michelle ran into his arms.

    ¡°Mmh.¡±

    She gave him a surprise kiss.

    Since the French bitch was so excited at that moment, and they were in a situation where he could fully ept it, Kang Chan lightly returned her kiss, then moved his head back.

    ¡°You¡¯re heavy.¡±

    While she was glued to Kang Chan, her body warmed up enough for him to feel how hot she was.

    ¡°You were so amazing today that I feel like I can¡¯t breathe, sir.¡±

    Michelle pressed her lower body too close to his while wiggling her hips, so Kang Chan firmly shook his head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop here, Michelle. I¡¯m sorry for entrusting you with such a hard task.¡±

    ¡°No, sir. I¡¯m perfectly happy right now.¡±

    <i>Smooch.</i>

    Michelle kissed him again and finally detached herself.

    ¡°Have you by any chance done business in the past?¡±

    Business my ass. He was just acting like his personality¡ªhe hadn¡¯t even sold a single ammunition before.

    Kang Chan shook his head while smiling.

    His body reacted instinctively, so when he wasing down the stairs after waving his hand, he walked as if he had a weird gait.

 Chapter 50.2: Ill do it Properly (1)

    <h4>Chapter 50.2: I''ll do it Properly (1)</h4>

    When Kang Chan came home, he saw a lot of documents on the table. Yoo Hye-Sook seemed happy.

    After hearing her say, ¡°Chan!¡± about three times, he washed up lightly and went to the table.

    ¡°Are those the document from before?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Yeah. I think we can support more ces now thanks to you, so I¡¯m going to sort them out beforehand.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure that you aren¡¯t going to regret it?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook nced at Kang Chan, then smiled brightly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t really fancy luxury bags or clothes like other women. But I do have this as my extravagance. I¡¯m doing this because I want to. Your dad, fortunately, understands me, and I hope you understand me as well, Chan.¡±

    ¡°You look really happy. That¡¯s good enough for me.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, chan. I¡¯ll prepare dinner for you after I examine these for ten more minutes.¡±

    Not wanting to disturb her, Kang Chan went to his room. When he plopped down onto the bed, his phone rang. It was as if it had been waiting for an opportunity to call him, waiting to eat away his happiness.

    ¡°Shan.¡±

    - Got good news for me?

    ¡°I¡¯ve got a great one. Baseball stadium. How¡¯s that?¡±

    - That¡¯s excellent, Kang Chan. What¡¯s the time and location?

    There was a strange excitement to his voice, but it was at times like this that Kang Chan needed to bring this fucker back down to earth.

    ¡°I¡¯m not stupid like Smithen, Shan. What about the money?¡±

    - What if I hand over the money and you break your promise? Or was that the n in the first ce??

    ¡°If you can¡¯t trust me, let¡¯s pretend this never happened, Shan.¡±

    - Can you still do that knowing doing so would cause one of your loved ones to disappear from this world?

    It surely felt like Shan was the one holding the knife by the handle. If hegged behind even just once, then he¡¯d continue to be dragged.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you needed this to eat the entirety of Europe, Shan? Shouldn¡¯t twenty billion won be nothing more than pork cutletspared to that?

    <i>Why did I use pork cutlets as an example of all things? There have got to be a lot of cooler things I couldpare it to.</i>

    - Hmm, how much time is left until that event?

    ¡°Guessing like that isn¡¯t good, Shan.¡±

    - I¡¯m trying to transfer the funds through thepany. It needs time, so there is a need to schedule a time together.

    Someone seemed to be by Shan¡¯s side, helping him.

    ¡°The money needs to be in my hands by Monday. If I haven¡¯t received it by then, I¡¯m going to assume this deal isn¡¯t happening. And Shan¡­¡±

    Kang Chan only heard him gulp.

    ¡°Just know that you¡¯re not far away from my eyes either.¡±

    Kang Chan turned off his phone after he finished talking.

    <i>That son of a bitch is going to be a bit irritated.</i>

    ¡°Chan! Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    ¡°Coming!¡±

    Kang Chan happily headed to the living room to have dinner.

    ***

    When he came back to his room andy down in bed, he felt terribly sleepy. He expected as much, though. After all, he abruptly ran twenty kilometers.

    <i>¡®Let¡¯s just sleep for a bit!¡¯</i>

    It felt like his body was shouting, which was something that Michelle would make him do.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan felt somewhat d. He needed to ovee this limit.

    ¡°Yeah! Mi-Young!¡±

    - It¡¯s me! I just got home. Can you go to the beach tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. But let¡¯s leave at around 10 am. Does that work for you?¡±

    - Yeah! Huhuhuhu.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get a car ready in front of your apartment in the morning, so I¡¯ll see you at the entrance.¡±

    - Okay! Sleep well. See you tomorrow.

    ¡°Sleep well.¡±

    His lips curved into a somewhat satisfied smile when he ended the call. Just as he was about to put down the phone on the desk¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    He was really busy today.

    <i>Why is Seok Kang-Ho calling at this hour?</i>

    ¡°Hello? Why are you calling?¡±

    - What are you doing?

    ¡°I¡¯m just lounging around. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    - I¡¯m in front of the apartment. Let¡¯s have a cup of tea if that¡¯s okay with you.

    ¡°That sounds good. I¡¯ll be right down.¡±

    Kang Chan went down the apartment after saying that he was going toe back after having a walk.

    <i>Beep beep.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho waved his hand from the driver''s seat.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    As a matter of fact, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes were sunken in.

    ¡°Not as much as you. But I feel refreshed, which I haven¡¯t felt in a while.¡±

    Kang Chan understood what he meant.

    He didn¡¯t feel bad since it reminded him of his previous life as a mercenary, which he hadn¡¯t thought about in so long.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to move into the apartment next to yours next week.¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled lightly, Seok Kang-Ho scratched his head.

    ¡°My wife said that was her dream, so I just told her to do it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    ¡°Good job.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go to sleep if you keep saying nonsense.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying? We should have a cup of tea and smoke a cigarette.¡±

    ¡°What did you just say? Didn¡¯t you say that you quit smoking?¡±

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t something a human should do.¡±

    As theyughed, they headed to the coffee shop in Misari.

    Kang Chan slowly told him about wanting to use the car to go to the beach with Mi-Young tomorrow, him making his move next Friday, Lanok¡¯s bait and Shan¡¯s reaction, and what happened in D.I.

    ¡°You¡¯re going out on Wednesday, right?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I should.¡±

    ¡°I should go as well.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho with a serious expression.

    ¡°Lanok doesn''t know I''ve told you about these matters. He could easily misunderstand that word leaked from my end if things identally go wrong. So let me discuss it with Lanok first.¡±

    ¡°That could happen.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded while biting a cigarette.

    ¡°Ah! You¡¯ve fired that bitch named Lee Ha-Yeon or something, right?¡± He asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Why do you ask?¡±

    Kang Chan also took a cigarette while watching Seok Kang-Ho exhale smoke. He definitely smoked a lot more when he was alone with this fucker.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been asking around. It seems like her poprity is no joke. She appears to have some influence that gets her roles in dramas.¡±

    Cigarette smoke blew out with every movement of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°Tsk. I would¡¯ve knocked her out with a p if she stayed near me any longer. I¡¯m pretty sure I already said this before, but she¡¯s an old Huh Eun-Sil. I feel so relieved.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just like you.¡± Seok Kang-Houghed, then extinguished the cigarette.

    They spent time talking about their training earlier that day, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s decision to start running every morning starting tomorrow, and how Seok Kang-Ho felt much better because his wife kept sending him hot nces every night after giving her a billion won, even though they had just experienced a kidnapping.

    Languid, Kang Chan felt as if he was sitting with Seok Kang-Ho at dinner after finishing training. If the end of a battle left spite, then the end of training left a somewhat refreshed feeling.

    Kang Chan dropped Seok Kang-Ho off and parked the car in the apartment¡¯s parking lot. He listed it as a guest car, so leaving it there for about a day wouldn¡¯t be a problem.

    Kang Chan appropriately said goodnight when he came home, theny in his bed.

    Amid his dizziness, he felt terribly fatigued. It was as if he was falling from a high ce.

    <i>¡®Should I run twenty kilometers every day starting tomorrow?¡¯</i>

    With his body seemingly turning off his consciousness, Kang Chan fell into a deep sleep.

    ***

    It was already morning by the time he woke up, but he felt like he had only dozed off for a moment.

    Kang Chan got up and stretched, feeling as light as a feather.

    He then went outside in a light outfit, warmed up a bit more, and ran out of the apartment.

    His muscle pain and fatigue seemed to be disappearing. And the pain he felt while running approached him like a strange, pleasant sensation.

    Naturally, he only ran ten kilometers. Running twice the distance he was used to in one go was far too dangerous. The best thing he could do was split the distance between morning and afternoon running sessions, then finally run for twenty kilometers all at once after he had be fully ustomed to the distance.

    He also had Lanok¡¯s affairs to attend to on Wednesday, so he had to keep his body in top condition.

    ¡°Phew. Don¡¯t you find that difficult?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°But you work in apany, which is just as difficult, if not harder.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s profuse sweating seemed to frighten Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Chan had breakfast with his parents after he took a shower and remitted money five times to the D.I¡¯sw firm¡¯s bank ount. He needed to increase the transfer limit.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to the Sang-Jeong orphanage tomorrow?¡± asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯lle with you guys.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll finally get to go somewhere together after so long.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed as happy as Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°What are your ns for today, Chan?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going to the beach with Mi-Young. She also said she wants raw fish.¡±

    ¡°With Mi-Young?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Why?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook quickly hid her surprised reaction and smiled awkwardly.

    ¡°That sounds fun. Do you have an allowance?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung quickly butted into the conversation to make the atmospherefortable.

    ¡°I have enough. I still have money left that I previously received from interpretation.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re seeing her properly, right?¡±

    Kang Chan smiled lightly at Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s cautious question.

    ¡°She¡¯s my friend. I¡¯ll be sure to tell you both upfront if I find someone I like. But there¡¯s no one like mom. I want to be with a woman as pretty as she is.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled with a look in his eyes that said, ¡®You got better at it! It looks like it worked well on your mom.¡¯

    ¡°Oh my! You should find a woman much prettier than I am,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, but she couldn¡¯t hide her smile.

    When Kang Chan left after having breakfast, Yoo Hye-Sook ced tea in front of Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Are Mi-Young¡¯s parents weighing on your mind?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re only asking that because you don¡¯t know mothers that well. If Mi-Young¡¯s grades drop at this rate, then Channy will get all of the resentment.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t happen. I¡¯m not saying this because he¡¯s my child, but if I were Mi-Young¡¯s father, I would never reject our Channy.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook blinked at Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°He speaks French like a native, has been invited to study in France as a government-funded schrship student, and exerts his influence on Gong Te automobile better than most ministers or vice ministers in Korea. Most importantly, when I see the look in his eyes, I feel like he¡¯ll do things right, regardless of what he does.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung showed a pleasurable smile after seeing Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s expression, which made her look like she was dreaming.

    ¡°I still vividly remember the look in Channy''s eyes during our first meeting with Gong Te automobile. I think he said that he¡¯s doing it for you, who was waiting back here at home. At that moment, I thought I probably didn¡¯t need to worry about you for as long as he¡¯s here.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook covered her mouth with her hand, then stood up from the chair and hugged Kang Dae-Kyung tightly.

    ¡°But you need to stay beside me no matter what,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung continued.

    ¡°I¡¯m always going to be by your side. Let¡¯s watch Channy grow together.¡±

    When Yoo Hye-Sook hugged him tighter, Kang Dae-Kyung lifted Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°That¡¯s okay, right?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook quickly nodded.

 Chapter 51.1: Ill do it Properly (2)

    <h4>Chapter 51.1: I''ll do it Properly (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young were on the way to the beach in the direction of the airport, which Seok Kang-Ho had told him about. There was quite a lot of traffic, as it was a Saturday and the holiday season.

    They weren¡¯t in a hurry, though, so they just listened to music, bobbing their heads to the beat as they got onto the highway. Perhaps because there wasn''t a lot of ¡®Chiffres¡¯ in Korea yet, the passengers of the passing cars on both sides of the road all looked alternately between Kang Chan, the car, and Kim Mi-Young as they drove by.

    Kim Mi-Young looked happy while watching Kang Chan drive. She would sometimes do her peculiar ¡°Huhuhu¡±ugh, causing the corners of her eyes to beautifully bend downward. It was such a great sight to see.

    Around 11 am, they merged into thene that exited to the airport. It seemed like they were going to arrive just in time for lunch.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    There was nothing that could do a better job of ruining the mood than a phone call, especially if Michelle was the caller, and he was in the middle of a date.

    Kang Chan turned off the music and answered the phone in French.

    ¡°Ello.¡±

    - Sir!!

    Michelle sounded flustered and surprised.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Michelle was quick-witted. When Kang Chan spoke in French, she used the samenguage to match him.

    - We just got a call from Yungs Ventures a moment ago! Even though today is a Saturday, the CFO of Yungs Ventures called ourpany himself!

    Was receiving a single international call something to be this excited about? Kang Chan sighed slightly. He was worried that Shan had done something due to the surprise in her voice.

    - Yungs will be investing one billion won in us for their first round of investment, boss! If needed, they said that they¡¯ll invest more in the second round! The media outlets in Europe were the first to find out, and they¡¯ve been calling us to confirm it! We''re going crazy!! This is insane, sir!

    From Kang Chan¡¯s perspective, she clearly wasn¡¯t in her right mind.

    - What should I do? I think I¡¯ve gone crazy! And all of the employees here feel the same way! What should we do?!

    If they were alone, he would¡¯ve quickly run over and pped each of them once.

    ¡°It¡¯s a Saturday. Don¡¯t give the employees unnecessary trouble. Just clock out and go home.¡±

    - No, sir! Today is on me. We all decided to go to Namsan Hotel together. The interior business operator will also being a bitter since we¡¯ve signed a lease for the office! Kyaaa! I¡¯m so happy I feel like my heart¡¯s going to explode!

    When Kang Chan moved the phone away from him while making a sour face, Kim Mi-Young looked at him in surprise.

    ¡°It went well, right?¡±

    -Yesss! Sir!

    Kang Chan quickly ended the call. He¡¯d only suffer if he kept talking to such a crazy bitch.

    His phone rang again.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard for me to talk for a long time here, Michelle.¡±

    - Mr. President, it¡¯s Lim, the general manager.

    <i>They¡¯re taking turns calling me?</i>

    - We¡¯ll try our best to never miss or mess up this opportunity, which you¡¯ve given us. The employees said they have something to say.

    From far away, Kang Chan could hear someone saying, ¡°One, two, three!¡± so he quickly distanced the phone from his ear.

    - We¡¯ll work hard, Mr. President! Thank you so so much! We love you! Kyyaaaa!

    Kang Chan turned off his phone as he let out a feebleugh. Kim Mi-Young looked really confused.

    ¡°Sorry if that bothered you,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Who was that and why are they calling you Mr. President?¡±

    Kang Chan gave Kim Mi-Young a subtle nce, then ced his phone down on the cup holder. He didn¡¯t want to lie to Kim Mi-Young, Seok Kang-Ho, and his family unless the truth would require letting them know he was injured or putting them in danger. Even if that wasn¡¯t the case, it was still difficult to tell them the truth without even the tiniest altercation.

    ¡°I¡¯ve actually taken on the role of president for apany called D.I.¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Apany? President?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s a drama productionpany, but my parents don¡¯t know yet. The person that had introduced Gong Te automobile to us is close to an investmentpany that mainly invests in drama production, so I decided to temporarily take the role until the investment is over.¡±

    Once thepany got on the right track, he actually nned on entrusting it to Michelle. That¡¯s why it didn¡¯t weigh that much on his mind.

    ¡°Your amazing foreignnguage skill is certainly bringing you a lot of great opportunities.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of saving the money that I earned from this so I won¡¯t have to ask my parents for help when I study abroad in Franceter.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s face grew radiantly bright but darkened much quicker.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be earning that moneyboriously. But you¡¯re a full, government-paid schrship student, so you don¡¯t have to pay tuition. I don¡¯t like that.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young nced at Kang chan with an upset expression.

    ¡°In the past, my mother got chosen as a government-paid schrship student as well, but she gave all of that up while waiting for my father, who had to do his mandatory military service. Hearing about it made me jealous, but you probably won¡¯t be able to do something like that, right?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Why not? If you serve in the military, then I¡¯m just going to study hard while waiting for you.¡±

    Seeing her sincerity made Kang Chan happy.

    ¡°I feel the same way. But for now, let¡¯s do our best so no one will have to make any sacrifices. That way, I''ll be a husband of a diplomat or something like that. Andter, when you do an interview, say that your husband paid for your tuition fees. That would make me look really cool.¡±

    The nickname Simpleton, which he had forgotten about, suddenly popped into his mind when he noticed Kim Mi-Young¡¯s moist eyes and flushed cheeks.

    ¡°You can do that, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    He stroked her hair. Kang Chan liked seeing her smile brightly.

    She was like a younger sister sometimes, but he also saw her as a woman every now and then.. If they kept seeing each other little by little like this and she didn¡¯t change aside from maturing a bit more, then living together wouldn¡¯t seem like such a bad move.

    Kang Chan felt the same way about studying abroad. He felt like she¡¯d really be a diplomat and a wife if he told her to do so.

    The effect of talking about studying abroad together and being a diplomat wife was surprisingly good. It cheered Kim Mi-Young up enough to sp her hand with Kang Chan¡¯s and sway it around while humming to herself.

    They arrived at the beach at around 1:30 pm. When they got off the road and passed a narrow alley, the sea unfolded before their eyes. There were so many restaurants lined up along the sea that it was impossible to find an empty spot.

    The merchants clung onto Kang Chan¡¯s car like a swarm of bees, offering grilled ms and lodgings, then gestured with their hands that they were selling delicious raw fish. Kang Chan parked the car at the innermost house in the alley that Seok Kang-Ho had told him about, then went into a restaurant.

    The olddy told them to get out of the car and gave Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young an awkward smile.

    ¡°You young folks look really good together. Pleasee in. Let us serve you well.¡±

    She seemed to be ignoring their identities with great effort despite having gotten out of a foreign car she had never seen before.

    Kang Chan sat down on a terrace by the seaside.

    ¡°Wow! This is really nice!¡± Kim Mi-Young eximed.

    ¡°What would you guys like?¡±

    The olddy that owned the restaurant used the menu to suddenly put a stop to Kim Mi-Young¡¯s admiration.

    ¡°Please give us raw tfish,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Raw tfish! What about alcohol?¡±

    When the olddy noticed Kim Mi-Young¡¯s face had hardened, she skillfully ignored her and turned her attention to Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Please just serve us raw fish.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    If he came here with Seok Kang-Ho, he would¡¯ve already ordered a bottle of soju, a bottle of beer, and had a ss with him. He thought about ordering them but decided against it, thinking it could surprise Kim Mi-Young.

    Kim Mi-Young smiled as her gaze alternated between Kang Chan and the sea.

    The seawater came up to the front of the restaurant, so they were able to see families led by children, lovers, and friends ying right in front of their eyes.

    ¡°Your grades can¡¯t drop,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Mi-Young.

    The sea had caught Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes, but she smiled brightly after she looked at Kang Chan.

    A momentter, the owner brought a lot of food to their table, but the raw fish honestly wasn¡¯t that good. Kang Chan wondered if they had caught a tfish that had starved, as the raw fish itself was very thin and dry.

    Was it only two days ago? The expensive raw fish that he had at Namsan Hotel came into his mind, which made him feel sorry for Kim Mi-Young, Kang Dae-Kyung, and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°This is amazing,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    She ced and wrapped the raw fish into one of the very few pieces of lettuce they were served with, then deliciously ced it into her mouth.

    ¡°What?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked, finding him staring.

    ¡°You¡¯re gorgeous.¡±

    ¡°Hmhmhm.¡±

    Herugh sounded weird due to the food in her mouth.

    With his arm hanging on the rail of the terrace, Kang Chan talked to her while asionally having raw fish to keep pace with her.

    Would it be about five years or seven years until she became a diplomat?

    The answer was going toe out as he nurtured her while diligently feeding her raw fish, Tteokbokki pork cutlets, and other dishes.?The oue could disappoint him, but he was sure he wouldn¡¯t regret it even if Kim Mi-Young changed her mind halfway through.

    They were served Maeun-tang?after they finished eating the raw fish.

    Like the name, it tasted like they just added ramen seasoning to a few vegetables and the fish that had just bones left. Even though Kim Mi-Young said that it was good, she didn¡¯t eat a lot of it.

    ¡°Do you want to walk by the beach?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yeah! Yeah!¡±

    <i>Fool.</i>

    The people at the table next to them nced at them, but it didn¡¯t matter to Kang Chan. To him, she was beautiful.

    <i>¡®She¡¯s the top student in our school, even though she might not look like it.¡¯</i>

    He got up from his spot while having the same thoughts as the olderdies in the apartment. He paid for the meal by card, then they went out to the seaside.

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    They ran away from the seawater that rushed toward them, then ran into the sea, following the retreating wave. Kim Mi-Young jumped around the beach for about 30 minutes, which eventually got her shoes and anklespletely wet.

    They then sat down on top of the cement wall that separated the sandy beach and the road and looked at the sea.

    ¡®<i>I wish I could smoke a cigarette</i>!¡¯ Kang Chan thought to himself. Kim Mi-Young then leaned her head against his shoulder.

    It was a peaceful time.

    He had good parents, Seok Kang-Ho, with whom he could reminisce about his past life, Kim Mi-Young, and Kim Tae-Jin, whom he got along with just recently. He was surrounded by quite a lot of good people.

    It was a shame that the only way to protect them was to catch Shan, but he had to do it for the people that were still with him and to avenge those he had lost.

    Their clothes had dried up after another 30 minutes had passed, but Kim Mi-Young¡¯s shoes were still wet. Moreover, a lot of sand was smeared onto it.

    They went into the restaurant and got their car key, but the olderdy brought a hose and abruptly doused her feet with water.

    ¡°You¡¯ll ruin your car if you get in it in that state.¡±

    Though she was startled, Kim Mi-Young dusted off the dirt all over her shoes while looking apologetic at Kang Chan.

    ¡°What are you doing? Carry her on your back.¡± The olderdy gestured at Kim Mi-Young with her gaze.

    It would embarrass Kim Mi-Young if he said he didn¡¯t want to do that here. Hence, he happily lowered his stance in front of her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get your car out, so just dust off the sand inside her shoes, thene back after you guys walk to the beach. This is what everyone does when theye here,¡± the olderdy told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan actually felt sorry for treating the wrong bitches to expensive raw fish and treating Kim Mi-Young to dried ones. He carried her on his back and walked the path that led to the beach.

    ¡°Chan.¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    He turned his head without thinking, and Kim Mi-Young kissed his cheek.

    Her body felt hotter than Michelle¡¯s.

    ¡°I really like you, Chan! Thank you¡±

    Though he heard Kim Mi-Young¡¯s confession from behind him, he couldn¡¯t respond. It was still too early. He wanted to give her the choice until more time had passed¡ªuntil it would be okay to disclose their rtionship to others.

    The beach wasn¡¯t that long, which was good because if it was a little bit longer, then Kim Mi-Young could¡¯ve been burnt.

    1. In Chapter 10, Kang Chan thought he should change her nickname.

    2.? Soju is a popr clear Korean distilled alcoholic beverage

    3. Tteokbokki is a popr Korean food made out of rice cakes with sweet and spicy sauce

    4. Maeun-tang is also known as spicy fish stew. As its name suggests, it¡¯s a hot spicy Korean dish with fish and various vegetables

 Chapter 51.2: Ill do it Properly (2)

    <h4>Chapter 51.2: I''ll do it Properly (2)</h4>

    .

    Before they went home, they headed to Gangnam to have spaghetti and a bowl of bingsu each at a patbingsu specialty store.

    When Kang Chan parked the car in the public parking lot, Kim Mi-Young appeared crestfallen.

    ¡°Come here,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Mi-Young.

    When Kang Chan widened his arms for her, she cuddled up to him.

    ¡°Study really hard starting tomorrow. You have to be a diplomat, remember?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young resolutely answered while burying her cheek into Kang Chan¡¯s chest.

    ¡°I had so much fun today, Chan. Thanks.¡±

    Kang Chan softlybed his fingers through her hair.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan patted Kim Mi-Young while smiling.

    They took a taxi home. Kim Mi-Young went in first.

    Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho while sitting down on the bench and told him that he parked the car in the public parking lot. He also told him to rest until tomorrow evening. Seok Kang-Ho then said he was out eating with his family, so he¡¯d call him back once he was home.

    When Kang Chan went into the house, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were watching TV. The three of them had fruits andughed while watching an entertainment show.

    That brought about a safe end to his Saturday.

    As hey in bed, Kang Chan stared nkly at the ceiling.

    <i>¡®Let¡¯s put a quick end to this, Shan.¡¯</i>

    There wasn¡¯t a lot of time left until the big day, so he wanted to quickly win.

    ***

    Soldiers also rested on Sundays, but only if there wasn¡¯t a war or a battle.

    Kang Chan skipped his morning workout, which made him feel sluggish. His body knew as well, which was why it was coaxing him to run. However, rest would make his body struggle the next day since it wouldn¡¯t want to run again.

    One of the basics of exercising was oveing one¡¯s physical limitations.

    Kang Chan, Kang Dae-Kyung, and Yoo Hye-Sook had omelets that Kang Chan had made for breakfast, which they hadn¡¯t done in a while. They then left to go to the Sangjeong orphanage at around 10:30 am.

    The car that was parked in the basement was a ¡®Chiffre¡¯.

    ¡°You changed your car?¡± Kang Chan asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°People find it weird that I¡¯m driving around something else.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung went in the driver''s seat while feeling proud, Yoo Hye-Sook got in the passenger seat, and Kang Chan naturally went in the back.

    They arrived at the Sangjeong orphanage after about 40 minutes of driving. Like every other Sunday morning, the road was still empty.

    They first met someone known as the director, who had a look in his eyes that was sharper and sterner than expected. It would''ve been better if he appeared a bit more merciful, but he couldn¡¯t say anything about it.

    Since they were talking about supporting the operating expenses, Kang Chan sat on the broken bench in the orphanage¡¯s garden, then examined his surroundings.

    The building was shaped like a horizontal and reversed ¡®L.¡¯ Divided into two, its left side served as the orphanage and the right side as the nursing home.

    He saw the employees putting in and carrying rice, doenjang-guk, kkakdugi, and danmuji in arge metal pale, perhaps because it was lunchtime.

    <i>¡®Do they eat something like that?¡¯</i>

    After all, they did say the most well-off orphanages stillcked about two million won a month.

    Just as Kang Chan was looking at the entrance with a bitter gaze, a girl whose hair looked like it was cut by someone that she lived with grabbed onto the door and slightly peeked her head out.

    The girl quickly hid away when her eyes met Kang Chan¡¯s, then carefully stuck her head out again.

    When Kang Chan brightly smiled, the girl tilted her head, which made her appear shy, then hid behind the door.

    ¡°What are you doing here? You should go have lunch.¡±

    A small-framed woman that looked to be in her mid-twenties nced at Kang Chan, then grabbed the child¡¯s arm and went inside.

    Kang Chan¡¯s past life suddenly came to his mind.

    He wanted to eat pork cutlets like crazy.

    Even if he didn¡¯t steal, there were kids that were willing to buy something like that for him. He just needed to ask them for help.

    <i>¡®Wouldn¡¯t I be able to at least properly feed the children if I give this ce the money in my bank ount and the sry I get from D.I?¡¯</i>

    As Kang Chan nkly stared ahead, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook came out.

    ¡°You should look at the kids¡¯ living quarters,¡± said the director.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯ll greet themter to avoid disturbing their meal.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung politely shook hands with the director, and Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung bowed their heads. They then went outside the orphanage.

    They got in the car and headed home, but the atmosphere seemed quite frigid.

    ¡°Should we have lunch before going home?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked after about 5 minutes had passed, but they headed straight home instead since that was what Yoo Hye-Sook wanted.

    He shouldn¡¯t try to butt into everything just because he was curious.

    Kang Chan went to his room after having lunch, used hisputer to search the Inte for the things he was curious about, theny in bed.

    <i>¡®Should I work out instead?¡¯</i>

    It would be great to at least go for a walk.

    Just as he raised his body¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz.</i>

    The phone rang. Shan was calling. He had been waiting for this.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Kang Chan, I¡¯ll give you the username and password to an ount in Hong Kong¡¯s Silver Harvest Bank tomorrow. Korea has strict regtions, so that¡¯s the only option I had unless we wait until Monday.

    Kang Chan had been told that the money was in Switzend, but it seemed to have been transferred to Hong Kong for now. Kang Chan thought of talking to Lanok.

    ¡°That¡¯s good, Shan. I¡¯ll let you know about the time and location once I¡¯vee to a decision and changed the password tomorrow morning.¡±

    - Keep in mind that even though you can change its password, that ount forbids remittance for seven days.

    ¡°There¡¯s no reason for me to rush.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up the phone.

    Shan was probably nning on leaving Korea after taking care of Lanok. Kang Chan called Lanok and told him about the call.

    - Monsieur Kang. You¡¯re to tell me the ount and password as soon as you receive it only through a phone call. Text messaging is dangerous.

    ¡°As you wish, Mr. Ambassador. But if we keep going down this road, then you¡¯ll have to tell me the details about your baseball appointment this Wednesday by tomorrow.¡±

    - That goes without saying, Monsieur Kang.

    Their conversation ended.

    At the very least, they¡¯d finally discover the organization hoping to attack Lanok by Wednesday. And if things were to go well, then they¡¯d also catch Shan.

    Kang Chan got lost in his worries for a moment.

    It would be dangerous to trust the French agents alone to keep Lanok safe in the baseball stadium. He had to ensure their n would proceed seamlessly.

    Solidifying his resolve, Kang Chan picked up his phone.

    - How can I help you on a Sunday?

    ¡°Can I see you tomorrow for a short while?¡±

    - I¡¯m more than willing to meet with the instructor whenever he needs me. Where would you like to meet? The school, or do you prefering to ourpany?

    If he was going to tell Kim Tae-Jin about it, then he might as well tell Seok Kang-Ho too.

    ¡°I wish to see you in school.¡±

    - Okay. I¡¯ll be there first thing in the morning.

    He felt like a burden was taken off his shoulder.

    What Lanok needed to do was find the person that deposited the money in the ount anywhere between Monday to Wednesday since doing so would give them a rough outline.

    However, if a problem urred with Lanok even after they did all of this, then Kang Chan would be surrounded by enemies on all sides. The DGSE could try to go for Kang Chan since they¡¯d need to cover up his conversations with Lanok.

    <i>Crazy fuckers.</i>

    Why would they make him worry while saying things about the dynamics of Europe or whatnot while in Korea?

    A week. Everything should be able to be taken care of in exactly a week.

    ***

    On Monday morning, Kang Chan had breakfast when he returned from his workout. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook still hadn¡¯t brightened up.

    After a bit since Kang Dae-Kyung left for work, Kang Chan had to leave as well.

    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Yoo Hye-Sook smiled at Kang Chan, who had just entered the living room. Her smile had disappointment in it.

    ¡°Your dad and I wanted to designate how our financial donation should be used, but all the orphanages said that wasn¡¯t possible. We wanted to pay for the kids¡¯ food, clothes, and education, but the orphanage said that the money could also be used for administrative expenses, and that they also can¡¯t show us any rted information; so your dad is also very upset right now.¡±

    So that was what had been going on.

    When Kang Chan nodded, Yoo Hye-Sook added, ¡°The kids are often in the back of my mind. Your dad says it would be useless if we can¡¯t dictate how our donation will be spent. Even so, I still wanted to send it over.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s quite a difficult situation."

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about it. I¡¯ll find a good way to handle this.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I believe in you,¡± Kang Chan said.

    He then pleasantly smiled for her and went out of the apartment.

    1. doenjang-guk, or soybean paste soup, is made up of doenjang (soybean paste) and other ingredients such as vegetables and seafood

    2. kkakdugi, or diced radish kimchi is a type of kimchi that is popr as a side dish

    3. danmuji, or pickled radish, is a pickled preparation of radish that originated from traditional Japanese cuisine

 Chapter 52.1: You betrayed me? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 52.1: You betrayed me? (1)</h4>

    When Kang Chan walked into the school, he saw a sight so unexpected all he could do was blink.

    The employees from the securitypany and the kids in the athletics club were running in a line.

    They were annoying him in so many ways.

    Before Kang Chan could reach the athletics club room, Kim Tae-Jin came out.

    ¡°You¡¯re early,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°How can I letziness get the best of me when Kang Chan himself asked to see us?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t really know what to reply to that.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho went to the faculty office, but he said he¡¯ll be back,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk once he gets back if you¡¯re not busy.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Kim Tae-Jin casually replied, then turned his gaze to the sports field.

    ¡°If only I could go back to that age, then I would have given everything I had just to do that.¡±

    Even Kim Tae-Jin reincarnating at this school? The thought of it alone made Kang Chan shudder.

    I heard they practiced on their own throughout the weekend. They reviewed where and how they got hit, and also researchedbat stances. But what I like the most is how the fire in their eyes revived.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡±

    ¡°I gave the employee that had his arm broken a paid vacation. He said he¡¯s going to climb Jiri Mountain every morning and evening, and that he¡¯s going to ruminate about his acts of cowardice every time he¡¯d feel pain in his arm. After that, he bowed to me and expressed his gratitude for introducing you to him. His fire now burns the strongest out of them all.¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled faintly, Kim Tae-Jin discretely looked at him.

    ¡°A lot of my employees want toe here,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Mr. Seok Kang-Ho decide to go to thepany every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday?¡±

    ¡°I want you toe with him once every week. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t immediately give him an answer. The determined look Kim Tae-Jin had shown him when they saved Seok Kang-Ho and his family made it hard to outright refuse him.

    ¡°Huh? When did you get here?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he cautiously looked around his surroundings. He had approached them from the back while they were watching the sports field.

    ¡°Is there somewhere we can talk with just the three of us?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°We can go to the night-duty room. That¡¯s the best ce we can use since we can smoke and have a cup of tea in there as well.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    The three of them immediately headed to the night-duty room.

    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know there was a ce like this in this school.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked around the night-duty room, appearing to be amazed.

    Seok Kang-Ho handed them coffee.

    In order, Kang Chan told them that he met Lanok on Friday, about his phone conversation with Shan and Lanok, and about Lanok¡¯s n to go to the baseball stadium on Wednesday.

    Kim Tae-Jin looked dazed when Kang Chan was done.

    ¡°From the French Presidential Election to something that will change the dynamics of Europe¡­ At this point, wouldn¡¯t the Korean Information Agency already caught wind of this?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you have a friend there?¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard toe across intel from other fields unless you¡¯re in charge of it. Employees of that ce don¡¯t even know the names of their colleagues that are under other departments.¡±

    That wasn¡¯t such a farfetched concept. That agency took care of valuable information, after all.

    ¡°I think Shan will leave Korea after eliminating Lanok. But whenever I remember the guy I encountered in an elevatorst Friday, I can¡¯t help but feel like Lanok is taking this situation too lightly,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°He probably isn¡¯t,¡± Kim Tae-Jin spoke as he stretched his neck from side to side.

    ¡°The capabilities of France¡¯s DGSE are world-famous since they keep supplying not only mercenaries but talented people from different fields. And do you really think they¡¯ll lower their guard now, considering they¡¯re most likely aware that the Chinese have made their move as well?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin had a point.

    ¡°A bodyguard¡¯s most important duty is cooperation, but doing that bes a problem if we can¡¯t reveal our mission or identities. The French agents could mistake us for the enemy. It¡¯s a hard problem to deal with.

    Kang Chan only nodded. After all, despite havingbat experience, he had no experience in guard and escort duty.

    ¡°I¡¯ll order my men to spread out in the auditorium and around the stadium¡¯s vicinity. Our opponents will also have limited ways to mobilize their agents. That can be used to our advantage.¡±

    Pursing his lips, Kim Tae-Jin momentarily appeared to be doing calctions.

    ¡°If they can¡¯t use guns, then we¡¯ll probably be able to stop them somehow¡­¡±

    ¡°What if they use guns?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Tae-Jin shook his head.

    ¡°Then we¡¯re definitely going to die. It¡¯s an unofficial appointment of the French Ambassador, so inspecting the stadium in advance is going to be difficult.¡±

    Something suddenly came to Kang Chan¡¯s mind as he took a sip of his coffee.

    ¡°Then how about we preupy possible sniping locations a day in advance? It¡¯ll probably work if you check the area out and assign people to ces that seem dangerous to you.¡±

    ¡°Are you assuming they can use guns?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t they first get rid of Lanok, then just deal with the aftermath? That¡¯s what I¡¯d do, at least, considering the oue of this whole ordeal can change Europe¡¯s entire dynamics.

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded.

    ¡°Hmmm, it¡¯s going to be quicker if I look into whether we can use the baseball stadium the day before.¡±

    ¡°If things go wrong, then Lanok and his team could misunderstand our motives,¡± said Kang Chan.

    It was difficult toe to a definite conclusion for this matter right now.

    Kim Tae-Jin suddenly straightened up.

    ¡°Ah! Is that why the Neck Ghost abruptly came to Korea? To get rid of Lanok? If that¡¯s the case, then he¡¯s definitely going to mobilize the North Korean special corps as well.¡±

    When Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho looked at him, Kim Tae-Jin nodded and continued.

    ¡°You said Shan will have difficulties moving because of his current condition, right? On top of that, it doesn¡¯t matter whether it¡¯s China or France that kills Lanok¡ªthey¡¯ll still basically suffer from diplomatic conflict. But it¡¯s a different story if North Korea does it. Considering they¡¯re people that can spend two billion won just to get information, how much do you think they¡¯d pay people that can assassinate the Ambassador?¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯re saying there¡¯s a high possibility that they¡¯re going to use firearms, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s the most likely scenario.¡±

    <i>Why are things bingplicatedly tangled up?</i>

    When Kang Chan frowned, Kim Tae-Jin got up from his spot first.

    ¡°I should head to thepany. You said that it¡¯ll take ce at the Municipal Baseball Stadium in Yong-In, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho left the night-duty room after Kim Tae-Jin did.

    When they returned, about half of the kids were now on the stands, their faces red. The rest were still running around the sports field.

    After Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho parted ways with Kim Tae-Jin, they went into the athletics club room.

    He couldn¡¯t pull himself together right now. Everything was just too disorganized.

    ¡°We decided to make those employees teach the kids basic stances, and that I¡¯ll be training them in the afternoon,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Who thought of that?¡±

    That was a good schedule, even for the kids.

    ¡°The employees were the first to suggest it. What are you doing? We should exercise.¡±

    <i>Yeah. That would be wise.</i>

    Kang Chan stood up after Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan worked out with Seok Kang-Ho using the gym equipment for about an hour, then practiced hand-to-handbat for about 30 minutes.

    The muscle tension and physical exertion caused by their workout session felt great.

    Going to the night-duty room, Kang Chan washed up and changed. When he returned, Seok Kang-Ho was getting ready for the afternoon training.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overexert yourself. Won¡¯t you copse at this rate?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Don''t worry, I¡¯m taking herbal medicine.¡±

    ¡°Good job.¡±

    ¡°It definitely feels like I¡¯m regaining my senses because of the workouts I¡¯ve been doing. I also think that my sluggish body has gotten a bit quicker.¡±

    If Seok Kang-Ho had his past memories, then he would certainly regain his abilities to some degree. He didn¡¯t know about anything else, but Dayeru was a natural at one thing: fighting.

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I shoulde with you on Wednesday.¡±

    It felt like Dayeru was ring at him while huffing angrily. His eyes were imbued with fury from having to dangle from a tree and his family getting kidnapped.

    ¡°Will you get angry if I stop you?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯s a cruel act.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu,¡± Kang Chanughed, but Seok Kang-Ho didn''tugh along with him.

    ¡°Okay. Go for it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Phuhuhu, thank you.¡±

    Shan, the man who had Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s family kidnapped, was involved in this, so there was no way Kang Chan could tell Seok Kang-Ho to not get involved in this.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>.

    When his phone rang, Kang Chan quickly picked it up.

    It was Michelle.

    Shaking his head, he pressed the call button.

    ¡°Yeah, Michelle.¡±

    - Do you have a moment to talk, Channy?

    Fortunately, she sounded like she had regained her senses, but it seemed her excitement hadn¡¯tpletely disappeared yet.

    ¡°Yeah. Talk.¡±

    - We¡¯ve received a lot of inquiries rted to the drama production, and we¡¯ve decided to use the work of a writer that I know. The casting from the management side has been amazing since word got out about the investment. Proceeding with those wouldn¡¯t be a problem, would it?

    Kang Chan had indeed decided to take this work seriously, but he didn¡¯t want to deal with matters like this through a call.

    ¡°Keep leading the production in the direction that you want for now, then let¡¯s discuss the rest when we have time.¡±

    - The script is already done. We¡¯ll be giving our talents priority for the roles, then then take care of the remaining ones through auditions. I was told that the construction for the office on the floor beneath us will be finished this week, soe visit next Monday.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll do that.¡±

 Chapter 52.2: You betrayed me? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 52.2: You betrayed me? (1)</h4>

    Right after he ended the call with Michelle, his phone immediately started vibrating.

    When Kang Chan gestured at Seok Kang-Ho with his eyes, Seok Kang-Ho nervously looked around their surroundings.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Shan. I¡¯m about to tell you the bank ount and its password. Get something to write it down with.

    When Kang Chan imitated writing with his hand in the air, Seok Kang-Ho quickly brought him paper and a pen.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    - Alright, here goes. The ount number is 13765-golden-33255, and the password is 888-sprteu-2010. That¡¯s it. I¡¯ll give you ten minutes to check its bnce, then I¡¯ll call to get Lanok¡¯s schedule.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Shan ended the call.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why is that fucker so confident? Honestly, I can just secretly transfer this money elsewhere, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Perhaps he has someone to back him up?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s think about it after telling Lanok about this.¡±

    Kang Chan called Lanok and handed him the ount and password that he received.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I find it suspicious that Shan is handing over these bank details so easily. Please take this suspicion into consideration when you investigate the ount. Shan said he¡¯ll call back in ten minutes, at which point I¡¯ll be giving him the time and location of your appointment.¡±

    - Understood. I¡¯ll give you a call if, by any chance, something new emerges.

    The call ended with Lanok¡¯s polite voice.

    Kang Chan became very annoyed when he hung up the phone.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did he tell you to stand by?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Shoot!</i> Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t know French.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it¡ªI¡¯m just annoyed because I had to rack my brain out while exchanging the ount numbers. This would all be over if we just knew where that son of a bitch was. The dynamics of Europe or some other bullshit is none of my concern¡±

    ¡°Phuhu. I did notice you were doing your best to hold back your anger for some reason. How about we go to the roof after your call with Shan? We haven¡¯t been there in a while, and from what I can see, you¡¯recking nicotine.¡±

    <i>Am I too obvious?</i>

    Kang Chan licked his lips while discreetly looking down once at his chest.

    ¡°We only need to wait two more days. Even if it doesn¡¯t happen then, wouldn¡¯t Shan still make a move this week?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I also have nothing to be afraid of since we¡¯ll be fighting side by side. I¡¯m just worried those fuckers would act like cowards and take hostages.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s kill him this time, no matter what it takes,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    His phone rang with the call from Shan as they were smirking together.

    ¡°Shan, are you ready to write it down?¡±

    - Get on with it, Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s the Municipal Baseball Stadium in Yongin, at 3 pm.

    - You¡¯re sure, right?

    When Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything, Shan left behind an unpleasantugh, then hung up.

    <i>That fucker is definitely hiding something!</i>

    ¡°You¡¯re doing that again. Let¡¯s go to the roof quick,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Seok Kang-Ho got up first, then gestured to Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s not there. Here! Let¡¯s take the path near the eleventh graders¡¯ ssrooms.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho came out of the athletics club room, he pointed to the building for the eleventh-graders.

    ¡°Almost all of the twelfth-graders show up to school because they have to self-study. This is better since the kids stressed from studying go to that ce to rx.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was a teacher, so he definitely knew a lot.

    <i>Since when did this fucker be this considerate, though?</i>

    Kang Chan silently followed Seok Kang-Ho to the building for the eleventh-graders.

    More eleventh-graders came to school than he had expected. The kids loitering on the stairs and the hallway still lowered their eyes or moved out of the way when they saw Kang Chan.

    They finally reached the roof.

    When Kang Chan opened the door and entered, a male student and a few female students turned away, startled.

    The girls looked familiar.

    <i>Where did I see them from?</i>

    He remembered. They were the bitches that acted as Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s worthless minions.

    Kang Chan found it suspicious that female twelfth-graders were on the roof of the eleventh-graders¡¯ building, but was there anywhere bitches with legs couldn¡¯t go to?

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat and smokedzily while leaning against the door.

    He felt better.

    ¡°Did you know that the faculty office had asked if they could not let you graduate?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    ¡°Phuhu. Why do you look so surprised? Because of you, the bullies no longer cause trouble, and there¡¯s been a decrease in the number of victims of bullying. That¡¯s what the teachers that think that way say amongst themselves.¡±

    ¡°If I could go to a training center, I would rather be there than in school. I¡¯m already bored to death right now.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    <i>They want me to continue ying a role that I don¡¯t fit into? This doesn¡¯t make sense.</i>

    Smoking and chatting with Seok Kang-Ho made Kang Chan feel better.

    Everything woulde to an end this Wednesday.

    If it didn¡¯t, then it would still probably end this week, considering how things were going.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Houghed when their eyes met.

    <i>Screech.</i>

    Kang Chan went down from the roof feeling refreshed, which he hadn''t felt in a while.

    However, before they could reach the bottom of the stairs, they found Eun-Sil¡¯s three worthless minions and two male students¡ªwhom he didn¡¯t know¡ªstanding there.

    Did they wait until Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho left the roof?

    Kang Chan kept heading down the stairs with a smirk.

    ¡°Can you talk for a moment¡­¡±

    Unfortunately, one of the worthless minions made Kang Chan stop walking as she mumbled the end of her sentence.

    <i>They¡¯re so annoying. I¡¯m already so busy yet they¡¯re still bothering me.</i>

    When Kang Chan sharply red at them, the two guys lowered their heads.

    ¡°It¡¯s because of Eun-Sil and Ho-Jun.¡±

    What was worse was that it was lunchtime. Starving a person that followed a regr meal time made them even more violent.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take a minute of your time.

    The three worthless minions each said something, then the girl at the very right side nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please go on ahead. I¡¯ll follow after hearing what they have to say,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Hmm. Okay.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at the kids up and down, then went down the stairs.

    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯ll tell you at the roof.¡±

    These bitches practicedmunication every day. Otherwise, it would be difficult for them to take turns saying something.

    Kang Chan went up to the roof after a shallow exhale.

    <i>Smirk.?</i>

    It had be a habit to keep an eye on the people behind him by monitoring their shadows reflected through the rear window in case they were trying to ambush him.

    When they arrived, one of the two male students brought out a drink, and the other took out a cigarette. They then handed both to Kang Chan. They were like human vending machines.

    ¡°Stop it. Just be quick and tell me what you guys want to say,¡± said Kang Chan.

    When Kang Chan raised his gaze, Worthless Minion #2 spoke, which was as expected.

    ¡°Come to the group of bullies with us, just this once.¡±

    <i>What is she saying?</i>

    For Kang Chan, it sounded like she was asking him to p her in the face or break her arm.

    ¡°The students from our school all keep getting beaten up as soon as they see us because of what happened at Tron Square recently. Eun-Sil and Ho-Jun go out to the group of bullies every day,¡± Worthless Minion #3 exined.

    Kang Chan focused and red at Worthless Minion #1 again.

    ¡°Word got out that the strongest member got his arm broken when he got beaten up that day, and the other bullies unluckily got caught as well back then, even though you actually didn¡¯t take care of them.¡±

    That was true.

    ¡°Their retaliation¡¯s making it impossible for us to even go outside. The eleventh-graders also get called to go there once a week, so they either do as told or run away from them.¡±

    Kang Chan extended his hand to the male student.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette.¡±

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim.¡±

    ¡°Son of a bitch! I¡¯m going to fucking hit you. If you call me hyung-nim one more time, I¡¯m going to rip your mouth apart,¡± warned Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes, hyung¡­¡±

    The title sounded strange, but it wasn¡¯t like he called him hyung-nim.

    After lighting up the cigarette, Kang Chan looked at the worthless minions with a frustrated expression.

    ¡°I¡¯m curious. Why do Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun keep going there if they know they¡¯re just going to get beat up? asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Because if they don¡¯t, the moment they go outside, the bullies will gang up and beat them up badly.¡±

    Worthless Minion #3 couldn¡¯t talk properly because she kept hastily changing the jargon to refined words.

    ¡°What do you guys want me to do when I go there with you guys?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Please just tell them not to mess with the kids from our school from now on.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked when he heard Worthless Minion #1¡¯s urgent reply.

    ¡°You guys tormented your fellow ssmates until theymitted suicide, but now that you feel bad, you guys want me to do something? Do you even understand the feelings of the kids that jumped down from the roof, transferred to another school, or got tormented until they were forced to starve throughout lunch?¡±

    Enraged, Kang Chan stopped talking.

    These kids were just selfish animals. If they thought someone was weaker than them, they would form a pack and rip them apart<i>.</i> If that didn¡¯t suffice, they would then hide behind someone stronger.

    ¡°We were going to cut ties with them at Tron Square that day. Unfortunately, our n was ruined, which led us to this situation.¡±

    Worthless Minion #2 hurriedly lowered her head when Kang Chan red at her.

    ¡°Stop the bullshit and just live diligently while getting beaten up for the rest of your life. And don¡¯t forget to think about how the kids you guys tormented probably felt whenever you guys get hit,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Just as Kang Chan was heading to the door of the roof while shaking his head¡­

    ¡°If you stop the group of bullies from beating us whenever we go outside, then we¡¯ll get rid of the bullying, the kids that force others to run errands for them, and the kids that steal money.¡±

    Their offer was tempting, so Kang Chan turned his head around and nced behind him.

    ¡°Amongst the kids that got injured on the roofst time, there are kids that areing to school after the break ends. If it¡¯s them and Heo Eun-Sil, then they can keep the promise of what we just said. It¡¯s true.¡±

    The three worthless minions nodded with sparkling eyes.

    Could he trust these bitches? His heart was telling him ¡®no.¡¯

    But he still wanted to give them a chance for the sake of making their school a ce where Cha So-Yeon wouldn¡¯t be bullied even if he wasn¡¯t around.

    ¡°Where are they?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re at a ce that¡¯s twenty minutes away by car.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank coldly.

    That was a typical line from someone who had set up a trap. It was no different from ¡°It¡¯s not that far,¡± or ¡°getting to that ce is easy.¡±

    He calcted whether he could get caught up in this bullshit. After all, there was a chance he¡¯d have to stay up all night at the baseball stadium tomorrow.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked while nodding.

    <i>Trap? I¡¯ll make it so they¡¯ll never be able to even think about things like setting up a trap ever again.</i>

 Chapter 53.1: You betrayed me? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 53.1: You betrayed me? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan tilted his head whileing down from the eleventh-graders¡¯ building.

    Would they have asked him for this kind of favor if he hadn¡¯t run into them on the roof? If they wouldn¡¯t have, then that just meant they only clung to Kang Chan because he appeared when he could be of use to them.

    <i>¡®Tsk!?That¡¯s nothing.¡¯</i>

    Everything woulde to light once he had gone there.

    The next problem was lunch, which he could do nothing about. If the kids scattered while he ate, it would be hopeless.

    ¡°Stay here for a moment,¡± Kang Chan told the students.

    Kang Chan went into the athletics club room and briefly told Seok Kang-Ho about what happened.

    ¡°Ah, that. Those dickheads always do this when we¡¯re busy. This will only tire you out at this rate, especially if they also reveal what happened at Tron Square recently,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Still, they did say they¡¯re going to put aplete stop to the bullying.¡±

    ¡°You believe that?¡±

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m stupid?¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s just ignore them. You¡¯re only acting like that because you have no idea how they torment powerless kids¡ªit¡¯s no joke. Sure, they¡¯d stop bullying the kids in this school, but we wouldn''t know about it if they ever used your name to torment kids in other schools instead.¡±

    ¡°I have to go since I already told them that I¡¯lle with them, but I¡¯ll be back. Ah, right! There¡¯s a chance I¡¯ll leave immediately when I get there, so let¡¯s talk on the phone when I¡¯m done,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright. Please be careful.¡±

    Kang Chan left the school right after his conversation with Seok Kang-Ho ended.

    The kids said that they needed to take a taxi. Since there were six of them, Kang Chan and the two male eleventh-graders rode in the same taxi.

    ¡°Please go to the main gate of Ulsan Park.¡±

    These fuckers had a wide range of ces for their activities.

    They reached their destination in about 17 minutes.

    As Kang Chan paid the fare and got out of the taxi, the three worthless minions got out of the taxi that was right behind them.

    ¡°This way.¡±

    As they walked from Ulsan Park¡¯s main gate, they looked to the right.

    The three worthless minions walked toward the second of the four buildings connected with a long iron pipe.

    The second building was smaller than the other buildings because there was a parking lot in the front.

    <i>They can tantly enter this ce?</i> <i>How can students use this building so openly when the constructionpany isn¡¯t on break?</i>

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan went inside the building for now.

    A bunch of unusable resources and paint buckets upied the first floor. He had to use the stairs to go up because the elevator wasn¡¯t working.

    The dark stic covering the ss dimmed the second floor¡¯s interior.

    Kang Chan slowly looked arounding in through the entrance.

    Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun were kneeling at the innermost side of the second floor, their heads and faces unsurprisingly a mess.

    By that point, just looking at them tired him out.

    Next to them stood a guy that was in the same ss as Cha So-Yeon. He was with other men and women that didn¡¯t look unscathed either.

    There were about twenty people in there, five of which were female.

    ¡°You two, get up,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun looked at Kang Chan, then hesitantly stood up.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I told you guys I¡¯d break your arms if I ever catch you meeting up again while yapping about bullies?¡±

    Kang Chan looked past the students that were standing.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk informally to me when you¡¯re also young, you fucker. You just need to take them.¡±

    A guy with sharp, snake-like eyes red at Kang Chan with distaste. Kang Chan just thought of him as vulgar, not tough.

    ¡°You guys get out,¡± ordered Kang Chan.

    The eleventh-graders all hastily stood behind Kang Chan, and Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun slowly came behind him while warily observing the Snake Eye.

    ¡°Hey you punk, snake eye. Don¡¯t ever call the kids from our school or mess with them from now on,¡± Kang Chan growled, then turned to the students. ¡°Why are you guys still here? Didn¡¯t I tell you all to go?¡±

    He red at the entrance for a moment.

    Now that he thought about it, the Three Worthless Minions weren¡¯t at Tron Squarest time, and now, they still stood quite a distance from him. Moreover, he couldn¡¯t even see the two guys that came with him in the taxi anywhere, possibly because they went downstairs.

    Kang Chan nodded, then looked at Heo Eun-Sil.

    ¡°Is the snake eye¡¯s father a gangster?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°That sunbae¡¯s father owns this building.¡±

    <i>What a dumbass. Does she think?he¡¯s?a real estate agent?</i>

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We were told he¡¯s the boss of the Shin Yeon-Dong gang,¡± Lee Ho-Jun quickly added.

    ¡°So you guys can¡¯t go downstairs right now because those fucking gangsters could be there?¡±

    .

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lee Ho-Jun quietly answered.

    Kang Chan looked at the three worthless minions with a dumbfounded face.

    ¡°So after you three bitches saw me on the roof, you guys called here and thought of selling me?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°You forced us to do it. We used to be popr at the group of bullies.¡±

    Kang Chanughed, finding them absurd.

    ¡°Were you guys lying about putting aplete stop to bullying at our school?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Things will really change when the kids that were hospitalizedst time return to school.¡±

    ¡°Tsk.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s face reddened.

    He would¡¯ve been less embarrassed if he had been fooled by kids that had a brain, but he had beenpletely fooled by the lure of these empty-headed bitches.

    ¡°Then is Snake Eye over there the higher-up of the fucker that got his arm broken at Tron Square?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mess with me, motherfucker. I¡¯m two years older than you,¡± said Snake Eye.

    Kang Chan looked back at Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun.

    ¡°Then who¡¯s that fucker¡¯s superior?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°The president of the student body.¡±

    Kang Chan frowned because he didn¡¯t know what they were talking about.

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and decide quickly. If you guys are going to get rid of bullying, taking money from other kids, and forcing kids to run errands, thene with me. Otherwise, just stay here if you like this,¡± Kang Chan told the kids from his school.

    ¡°Are you going to protect us until the end if we follow you right now?¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil of course had better guts. That was evident despite her swollen face and having to lean on one foot.

    ¡°Sure. But in return, don¡¯t ever pull crap at school ever again,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I can do whatever I want with those fucking bitches, right?¡± A kid fiercely red at the three useless minions, enough for Heo Eun-Sil to go, ¡®Oh?¡¯

    Well, it wasn¡¯t like those bitches were good people.

    ¡°Do what you want,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get rid of them with Ho-Jun and the eleventh-graders. But make it so that they can¡¯t touch us outside, and,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said, ¡±that the fuckers you injured on the roof won¡¯t be able to mess around when they get discharged.¡±

    <i>Is this bitch calcting in advance?</i>

    Heo Eun-Sil had such an amazing look in her eyes. It was fierce enough to make the sloppy guys unable to defy her.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    When Heo Eun-Sil red at the three worthless minions while tightly clenching her teeth, the three worthless minions sent Snake Eye a sad nce.

    Now that they roughlye to a decision, it would be best to finish things quickly.

    Kang Chan began walking toward the snake-eye.

    ¡°What are you doing?! Get your asses here quick!¡± Snake Eye yelled while urgently climbing up the wall. Soon, guys with big builds rushed up the stairs.

    Finding them absurd, Kang Chanughed. Only one of them looked like he could fight. The rest all looked like swines that were fed with pig food.

    Kang Chan found this fight somewhat questionable.

    He was certain they were of his fight with the parking lot gang. If so, then why did they still send seven weaklings to fight him?

    When Kang Chan tilted his head, one of the pigs lifted a baseball bat.

    <i>Bam! Pow!</i>

    As soon as the guy raised his arm, Kang Chan curled his fingers halfway, then stabbed the guy¡¯s armpit with his now-pointed fist.

    ¡°Cough!¡±

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    As his target crouched down and clutched his armpit, Kang Chan hit his armpit, philtrum, neck, and stomach pit. The pain sent the guy writhing on the ground.

    This was too easy. He could take his opponent seriously when they could at least fight back a little.

    Kang Chan suddenly pounced on the rest of his opponents and knocked them out by stabbing their necks, stomach pits, and sides.

    These fuckers didn¡¯t even arm themselves with filet knives.

    At any rate, it ended too easily.

    Kang Chan walked to Snake Eye like that.

    ¡°Don¡¯te closer!¡±

    His shout echoed inside the building.

    <i>Tok.?</i>

    Kang Chan grasped the guy¡¯s hair and jerked him forward as if to hug him.

    <i>Crrk.</i>

    Kang Chan then headbutted his opponent right on the very center of his forehead.

    Kang Chan quickly supported Snake Eye just as he was about to copse from being beaten to a pulp. He then hung Snake Eye¡¯s right arm over his shoulder and supported his weight.

    As Kang Chan looked around him, Snake Eye¡¯sckeys avoided his gaze. Eventually, his eyesnded on the three worthless minions.

    <i>Crack.</i>

    <i>Thud.?</i>

    When Kang Chan let go of his arm, Snake Eye sprawled out onto the floor in a weird position.

    ¡°If any of you fuckers still want to continue this, go ahead. I¡¯ll just keep breaking your arms. As I said, don¡¯t mess with these kids. From now on, I¡¯ll break all of your arms if you ever gather in this ce again,¡± Kang Chan warned, then left the building.

    When he went outside of the building after finishing that asburd street battle, it made Kang Chan mistake his surroundings for a holiday destination. The kids followed him outside.

    Kang Chan felt hungry, but only expensive-looking pastry shops and restaurants were nearby. He turned to look at the kids behind him.

    ¡°Is there a ce that serves pork cutlets here?¡±

    ¡°Yes! We just need to turn into that alley,¡± Lee Ho-Jun answered with difficulty.

    It shouldn¡¯t be a problem since he had decided to protect them just this once and there was something he needed their determination on anyway.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat pork cutlets before we go. But if any of you need to go, feel free to do so,¡± Kang Chan told the kids.

    It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say that these dickheads had trouble making their own decisions. They just blindly followed whatever a person would say for as long as they were afraid of them. If he told them to eat poison, they would reply with, ¡°it¡¯s bitter.¡±

 Chapter 53.2: You betrayed me? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 53.2: You betrayed me? (2)</h4>

    Since the snack bar wasn¡¯t that small, it managed to amodate all of them.

    Kang Chan told them to order pork cutlets, ramen, and kimbap for themselves, but one of the fuckers ordered both pork cutlets and ramen.

    Startled, the office workers and other customers that were entering the snack bar left. After all, the faces of those with Kang Chan had been fucked up.

    They got their order quite fast, almost as if the staff was telling them to leave as soon as they had finished eating.

    Kang Chan sliced all of the pork cutlets and ate them with chopsticks.

    ¡°What should we do starting tomorrow?¡± Heo Eun-Sil asked as she ate pork cutlets. Her mouth was swollen due to the beating she received.

    ¡°Come to school. Stay with the athletics club until it¡¯s time to go home. If someonees looking for you guys, then tell Mr. Seok Kang-Ho about it first.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil gobbled up the food.

    ¡°But keep this in mind. If I hear you¡¯re up to something weird in school, then consider yourselves dead,¡± warned Kang Chan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. Ho-Jun and I will take care of everything rted to that if you just stop the guys that got injured when they get discharged. In return, I get to do whatever I want with the sperm bitches .¡±

    <i>She¡¯s really spouting such dirty remarks while I¡¯m eating?</i>

    ¡°You see, those bitches are from Jeongja-dong.¡±

    The tactless bitch kept telling him things that he didn¡¯t even want to know.

    ¡°Drop us off at the bus stop. We¡¯ll go to school starting tomorrow, but let us call you if those gangster oppas seek us out,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said.This bitch really was feisty.

    Kang Chan gave her permission to do that, then told her that they should contact Lee Ho-Jun if ever a problem urred. Although from how she acted, Heo Eun-Sil would probably call him.

    They parted ways at the bus stop after they were done with lunch, then Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho. He assumed Seok Kang-Ho was working out since he didn¡¯t pick up, but Seok Kang-Ho called a momentter.

    - I was in the middle of a spar. The kids told me you called. Are you okay?

    ¡°On the contrary, the fight was so easy it¡¯s making me ufortable, and¡­¡±

    Kang Chan briefly exined what had happened today.

    - Seems like everything went well. I¡¯ll call youter when I¡¯m done here.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    After Kang Chan hung up, he realized he had basically done everything he needed to do today. All that was left to do now was go home, rest, and look into entertainment-rted materials.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Just as Kang Chan was checking a bus¡¯ number, he got a call from Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Are you in school?

    ¡°No. I¡¯m in front of Ulsan Park. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    - It seems like Wui Min Gook¡¯s ship is set to leave on Wednesday. They were supposed to submit an application to obtain a license to operate ships three to five days prior, but it seems like people made things easy for them since their matters were about exports. Do you have any guesses as to why he¡¯s leaving on Wednesday?

    ¡°Not at the moment, no.¡±

    - If this goes on, then it could mean Wui Min-Gook didn¡¯te to Korea for Lanok¡¯s head. Or he¡¯s thinking of deporting people that could be suspected since his men at the special corps have finished getting preparations.

    ¡°Then we need to attempt to go for their ship.¡±

    - We have to do that as early as possible, but we should first monitor their movements until tomorrow before we set ourselves on a decision. After all, Wui Min-Gook hasn¡¯t gone to any ces that could raise suspicions yet.

    ¡°I see. I understand now. You said that the boat is at the Incheon Port, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    - The Dong-myeong Port, to be exact. They haven¡¯t decided on a time yet.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The call ended.

    <i>¡®Shan isn¡¯t the type to get caught, no matter what he¡¯s up to. What is it? What¡¯s he hiding?¡¯</i>

    Would he consider stowing away in a different ship? The method itself seemed usible.

    Due to his severe injuries, Shan would find it difficult to move rashly. Not even he could pull off a disy of strength, if he was going to move in a wheelchair or on a bed.

    Shan was the one that kidnapped Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s family and hung him upside down as soon as he regained consciousness. But he didn¡¯t do those with a clear goal in mind. He merely did that to warn them.

    <i>He probably wants me to cooperate with Lanok, right? But then he suddenly leaves Korea out of the blue on the nned day?</i>

    ¡°Ah! That son of a bitch.¡±

    The way he tried to y all sorts of tricks was far more annoying than warfare.

    ¡°Tsk.¡±

    Kang Chan recalled the eyes of the guy that he had bumped into in a hotel elevator.

    If Seok Kang-Ho ran into that guy, their encounter would end with a result Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to imagine.

    Even Kang Chan would find it difficult to have confidence in his chances of winning if more than three guys like that man pounced on him.

    <i>¡®I should think about this at home.¡¯</i>

    Just as Kang Chan had decided that he should get on the bus after shaking off his annoyance¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    His phone rang again.

    He felt like he¡¯d never bring his phone with him ever again after this whole situation was over.

    It was Lanok.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - Monsieur Kang. Was Shan''s phone number by any chance made up of single digits?

    ¡°Yes. It was all made up of 1¡¯s. I think I told you this before.¡±

    - I see. I¡¯ll give you two pieces of news. First is that the bank ount is an appointed ount that¡¯s impossible to send or transfer money from. The money inside will be deposited back into the appointer¡¯s ount after seven days.

    <i>You¡¯re bing more and more like trash, Shan.</i>

    - Now for the second piece of news. Formunications security, the Intelligence Bureaus of each country have different frequency bands. Shan used France¡¯s. We couldn¡¯t figure out his calls¡¯ contents, but we got his location.

    ¡°Pardon? His location?¡±

    <i>Nice!</i>

    Kang Chan clenched his right fist, then bent away from the grandma that was sitting next to him.

    - We think he¡¯s at Geomdan in Incheon. There are a lot of abandoned factories there. Our Intelligence Bureau agents are currently looking for medical supplies or traces of them buying medicine. They¡¯re also on the lookout for heart-rate monitor beeps and other mechanical sounds caused by treatment machines and frequencies, to name a few. We should get good news shortly.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    - France¡¯s DGSE employees need toe in through D.I. However, if Wui Min-Gook and Shan learn the exact locations of the agents at Geomdan as they¡¯re searching for traces, then the agents will be forced into an uphill battle. I hope you help us with this issue.

    ¡°That¡¯s what we have been hoping for.¡±

    - You will be of great help, Monsieur Kang. There¡¯s a saying that a faithful friend has the appearance of a God. I hope that you don¡¯t get injured from this.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t answer. He didn¡¯t expect Lanok to say something so emotional.

    It was as if he got a surprise kiss. However, being emotionally moved and killing someone were two different matters altogether.

    Kang Chan got out of the bus stop and called Kim Tae-Jin again to tell him about his call with Lanok.

    - Are you still in front of Ulsan Park?

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m at the bus stop.¡±

    - I¡¯ll be there shortly. Considering these new developments, it would be best for you to move with us starting today.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that for now, then.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart fluttered when he hung up the phone.

    After waiting for a moment and enduring his boredom, Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s car stopped right in front of the bus stop with the emergency lights on.

    After Kang Chan had gotten in, they headed to his school.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho will also being with us,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s eyes seemingly became calcting, but he didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°What should we do about the men training under you?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Actualbat will still prove difficult for them. I¡¯d take them with us so they could practice if we were just dealing with gangsters. Unfortunately¡­¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head when he remembered the eyes of the man he saw in a hotel elevator. Honestly, they wouldn¡¯t be a match for even Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho.

    Even if Kim Tae-Jin could now handle Wui Min-Gook, the Neck Ghost, since thetter had gotten older, they would still be as good as dead if three of their opponents could give Kang Chan a proper fight.

    Increasing their numbers now would be useless. Of course, the three of them could buy a bit of time before they were to die, but Kang Chan would never use his crewmates that way.

    In the end, only the three of them were left.

    Suh Sang-Hyun thankfully managed to do his part, albeit barely. However, Kang Chan heard that he needed to stay in the hospital for a month more.

    ¡°You want to get rid of Wui Min-Gook yourself, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Tae-Jin was well-aware that they werecking people. Still, he nodded with a firm look in his eyes.

    ¡°That bastard has to die by my hands.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan began formting a strategy.

    Kang Chan needed to hold their other opponents off until Kim Tae-Jin had killed Wui Min-Gook and Seok Kang-Ho killed Shan.

    ¡°Ah, shoot! Did you bring your bay?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have one for each of us in the trunk. I also brought gaiters, arm guards, chest protectors, and helmets for us.¡±

    ¡°It would be nice if its de was a little bit longer.¡±

    Kang Chan voiced out, hinting at the perfect length of the bay that would match his hand as if he was talking to himself.

    ¡°I also brought two bays used in the foreign legion,¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded with a strange smile. He then quickly nced at Kang Chan, then looked forward again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you get nervous?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°I do feel a little bit worried.¡±

    ¡°Worried?¡±

    Kang Chan quickly nodded after he strongly pursed his lips.

    ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s because Mr. Seok Kang-Ho hasn''t returned to form yet, and I feel like your senses and skills have be quite dull,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯ll admit that,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied with a hardened expression:

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind if I die here. Just help me kill the Neck Ghost.¡±

    Kang Chan only looked forward without answering.

    1. The nickname ¡®sperm bitches¡¯ is a y on words. The word sperm in Korean is pronounced as ¡®Jeongja¡¯, which is the same way ¡®Jeongja-dong¡¯ is pronounced. The girls are from Jeongja-dong.

    2. Jeongja-dong is a neighborhood in South Korea

    3. Geomdan is an area in Incheon, a city in South Korea

 Chapter 54.1: A Dog that Chased the Chicken (1)

    <h4>Chapter 54.1: A Dog that Chased the Chicken (1)</h4>

    When Kang Chan and Kim Tae-Jin arrived at the athletics club room, Seok Kang-Ho was drying his wet hair with a towel.

    ¡°How can I help you? Huh? You¡¯re here as well, Mr. President?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°We have good news,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan approached the water purifier and made coffee.

    ¡°What is it? Have we tracked Shan down or something?¡±

    Kang Chan stirred the coffee with a teaspoon, then looked over his shoulder and smirked.

    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s with that smile? Have you really found him?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t know his exact location yet, but they¡¯ve determined he should be around Geomban in Incheon. They said they¡¯ll search the area and contact us as soon as they find where he is,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    Kang Chan sat down on a chair after he handed a coffee to Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Since we now know the agents are over there, the two of us should take the fight to our enemy, ¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered while draping his towel on an empty chair.

    ¡°With only the two of you? What about me?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°But Wui Min-Gook isn¡¯t in Geomban.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded while looking dazed.

    ¡°Shan will do whatever it takes to contact Wui Min-Gook since his life is on the line here. Please remain on standby outside. We¡¯ll proceed ording to the oue.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good n.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, we¡¯ll get rid of Shan this time for sure. Let¡¯s tie that fucking son of a bitch upside down,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chanughed.

    The three of them decided to go to Geomdan and wait there.

    It was around 4 pm.

    They used Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s car to go there. As soon as they were on the road, Seok Kang-Ho fell asleep in the back seat.

    ¡°I understand that he¡¯s tired, but I didn¡¯t expect anyone could sleep with a situation like this ahead of them,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said after ncing at Seok Kang-Ho through the rearview mirror.

    It wasn¡¯t like there was anything he could do about it since he had always been like that. Hence, Kang Chan didn¡¯t really have anything to say back.

    They left before rush hour, so there didn¡¯t seem to be any traffic.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Kang Chan picked up the phone when it rang. Oh Gwang-Tek was calling.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s me. Can you talk for a bit?

    ¡°Go for it.¡±

    They were still far from Geomban, Incheon, so there was no reason for Kang Chan to decline.

    - Did you break the arm of Kwon Sae-Jik¡¯s fucking son?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who that is, but I did break the arm of a snake-eyed kid.¡±

    - Did you do that in Kwon Sae-Jik¡¯s building? It¡¯s the one in front of Ulsan Park.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nced at Kang Chan with eyes that asked, <i>¡®what¡¯s going on now?¡¯</i>

    - Kwon Sae-Jik is the man that rallied the Yeong-dong gang members and formed the Shin Yeong-dong gang when the former disbanded. That fucker¡¯s been looking for a reason to attack us, and now he has your name for that. I¡¯m not scared of him, but you better be extra careful for the next few days just in case.

    ¡°Do gangsters really need a justification to fight?¡±

    - Even in this field, if someone recklessly invades another person¡¯s territory, gangs above and even below them will pressure them. They have to be far stronger than the rest to do that. Otherwise, others will pick a fight with them using their action as justification. Anyway, take extra precautions for now.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up the phone, then exined the situation to Kim Tae-Jin, starting from him breaking the snake-eyed man¡¯s arm earlier in the day to his call with Oh Gwang-Tek.

    ¡°I heard that guy Kwon Sae-Jik is more of a schemer than a gangster because of how sly he is. People don¡¯t think highly of him either. As far as I know, a lot of kids still follow him because they¡¯ll be given a store or a building if they stay under him.¡±

    Based on Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s words, even he seemed to dislike Kwon Sae-Jik.

    ¡°Nowadays, the richest gangsters are the strongest. I heard that no matter how good someone treats others, they¡¯ll leave their side if they don¡¯t have money. In that sense, Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s assessment is good. He doesn¡¯t starve his people, and he also values the loyalty in their world,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented.

    ¡°Even so, he¡¯s still a gangster.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    They exited the highway to a narrower road, which was a lot more clogged.

    ¡°Geomdan is just past this industrial road, but we won¡¯t find a decent restaurant there. Let¡¯s have dinner somewhere around here while we wait instead,¡± Kim Tae-Jin suggested.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin parked the car in a Korean restaurant that had a wide parking lot.

    After they woke up Seok Kang-Ho, who was sleeping deeply, and went into the restaurant, they made three orders of Kimchi-jjigae.

    ¡°About what we were talking about a moment ago,¡± Kang Chan quietly brought up the conversation while the side dishes were being served.

    ¡°I¡¯ve actually been restless all day because the gangsters I fought were dumbfoundingly bad. As I expected, they were just hiding their real objective..¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin listened intently as he drank water.

    ¡°What if they''re leading our attention, including Lanok''s, to Geomdan for the same reason? What is it that they really want?¡±

    ¡°Are you saying we should think of Geomdan as bait?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    The olderdy that ced the jjigae on the table turned off the gas me, then left.

    Kang Chan thought about the different reasons he and the two of them could have.

    Seok Kang-Ho was the first to speak again.

    ¡°Lanok has been those fuckers¡¯ target all this time, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin seemed to agree with Kang Chan¡¯s answer. When the two people waited for what Seok Kang-Ho would say next, Seok Kang-Ho stirred the jjigae with his utensil.

    ¡°I¡¯m just stating what¡¯s been happening.¡±

    Why did he even expect more from Seok Kang-Ho, considering this matter required him to use his brains?

    Kim Tae-Jin tilted his head, then made a phone call.

    ¡°Yeah, good work out there. Where is he now?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho concentrated on Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s call while turning down the heat.

    ¡°Paju? Is there an industrialplex there? Yeah, yeah. Okay, I understand.¡±

    After Kim Tae-Jin hung up the phone, he told them Wui Min-Gook was in Paju.

    ¡°They said Wui Min-Gook visited the outlet mall and just went into a restaurant on the outskirts. Why don¡¯t you call Lanok?¡±

    The jjigae was now boiling deliciously, but no one could begin eating.

    Kang Chan quickly picked up his phone.

    - The ambassador is currently doing an interview.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - I¡¯m aware of that, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°Is the ambassador at the embassy right now?¡±

    There was a momentary pause. It seemed like the person had asked if it was okay to disclose Lanok¡¯s location to Kang Chan.

    - Lyon and Paju have set up a sister-city agreement with each other. The ambassador is attending that event. He ns to leave after he finishes dinner and another event here.

    Kang Chan mouthed the word ¡®Paju¡¯ to Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Please listen carefully. The ambassador is in danger. There¡¯s a high possibility that the special agents from North Korea are there. I¡¯ll be heading there right now, so please tell me his exact location.¡±

    - That¡¯s quite the shocking revtion, Monsieur Kang. Unfortunately, I can only tell you about the ambassador¡¯s location with his permission.

    ¡°Understood. Then we¡¯ll be leaving for Paju for now. Please do what you have to do for me to get on a call with the ambassador as soon as possible. How many agents are nearby?¡±

    - That¡¯s ssified information as well. I¡¯m sorry, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°I understand. But please take measures to get the ambassador to call me immediately. His situation can get very dangerous.¡±

    It hadn¡¯t even been 5 minutes since Kang Chan ended the call when all three of them finished eating and got up at the same time.

    ¡°I was told that Lanok is at Paju and Lyon¡¯s sister-city agreement event,¡± said Kang Chan.

    As soon as they hit the road, Kang Chan felt conflicted.

    If Kang Chan were to make the wrong judgment here, then they had to stop looking for Shan. Otherwise, Kang Chan would also be the one who meddled recklessly and messed up their entire n for nothing.

    <i>¡®Still, we should go. Our priority is saving Lanok.¡¯</i>

    He could kill someone who had escaped his graspter, but he couldn¡¯t revive a dead person.

    As Kang Chan hardened his resolve, Seok Kang-Ho handed over his phone from the back seat.

    ¡°This is the venue for the sister-city event with Lyon today, and at night there¡¯s also a festival at night where people catch trout while holding a torch.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin parked the car to the side and checked the location.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to guess how Wui Min-Gook will attack Lanok,¡± Kim Min-Gook told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I heard Lanok¡¯s car is a bulletproof Benz. Wouldn¡¯t he be okay in it?¡±

    ¡°He would be if he was escaping. If they attack him while he¡¯s parked, surviving for even just ten minutes would prove difficult. They¡¯d rip through theyers of bulletproof ss.¡±

    After familiarizing himself with the location, they hit the road again.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we attack Wui Min-Gook first?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Tae-Jin quickly turned his gaze from the driver¡¯s seat.

    ¡°Cleaning up the mess wouldn¡¯t be a problem, would it?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad n. If nothing happens today, then let¡¯s take the fight to Wui Min-Gook.¡± Kim Tae-Jin answered firmly. They didn¡¯t have any notable conversation afterward. Since Kim Tae-Jin knew the national road and even the old roads in detail, they easily reached their destination.

    ¡°That seems to be the ambassador¡¯s car,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented.

    ¡°They most likely can¡¯t cause trouble here, so they¡¯re waiting for him to leave.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s probably it.¡±

    They parked the car quite a distance away from the venue and popped its trunk open. They then took the bays and hid them behind their backs.

    ¡°What about body armor?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°They¡¯re too eye-catching.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin thought about it for a moment, then closed the trunk.

    1. Also known as Kimchi Stew, Kimchi-jjigae is a popr stew-like Korean dish made up of Kimchi and other ingredients

    2. Paju is a city in South Korea

    3. Lyon is a city in France

    4. sister-city agreement is when two cities form a ¡®sisterhood¡¯ or a close rtionship between two politically and geographically different localities, to help each other and promotemercial and cultural ties

 Chapter 54.2: A Dog that Chased the Chicken (1)

    <h4>Chapter 54.2: A Dog that Chased the Chicken (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were smoking at one side when Kang Chan got a call from Lanok.

    ¡°Hello? Mr. Ambassador?¡±

    - Monsieur Kang, I heard our enemy ns to attack me here at Lyon, not at Geomdan. Is that intel reliable?

    ¡°To a certain degree. At the very least, we¡¯re certain that a Chinese man that used to be in the North Korean army is nearby.¡±

    Kang Chan heard Lanok gasp. He seemed surprised.

    - That¡¯s information even our Intelligence Bureau doesn¡¯t have. Your skills are very astounding. How many people did they mobilize?

    ¡°We¡¯re not sure. There are three of us on standby on my end.¡±

    - Understood. I¡¯ll call you after the event ends. Let¡¯s leave together.

    ¡°Copy that.¡±

    The call ended.

    Kang Chan felt relieved. This would mark the end of fights that only ever bored him.

    He didn¡¯t know why they weren¡¯t receiving help from the Korean government when it was about matters that would change the dynamics of Europe or whatever, but they just needed toe to a conclusion today.

    ¡°Kang Chan.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin urgently called Kang Chan, who was stretching his neck while sitting by the sidewalk.

    ¡°It¡¯s the Neck Ghost.¡±

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho quickly raised themselves up and followed Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°See that van? Five more guys other than Wui Min-Gook got in there. I didn¡¯t see any other car.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin examined the front and back part of the van from a distance.

    ¡°That amount of people should be enough to capture Lanok,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented.

    The car was parked outside the venue¡¯s actual parking lot. Wui Min-Gook got out of the car and bought beverages, then got in the car again. Nobody left the car afterward.

    Kim Tae-Jin confirmed with his employees following Wui Min-Gook that only those people had gone out this afternoon.

    ¡°It means that they had abandoned Shan. It seems like their n was to go for Lanok after throwing Shan as bait as they got him because Wui Min-Gook was in a hurry, but he wasn¡¯t useful.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s also possible.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s going to clean up after those guys?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to take care of it. From what I¡¯ve seen, Lanok doesn¡¯t seem to know who exactly came here, even though he knows that an agent from either China or North Korea came to South Korea. I¡¯ll handle this ordingly.¡±

    When the surroundings darkened, they saw torches in the distance.

    Whenever the host yelled into the mic, the people also screamed.

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang.

    - The ambassador¡¯s car is leaving. Please don¡¯t hang up.

    The one that was calling wasn¡¯t Lanok. It was the agent that he had talked to before.

    The three of them quickly got in the car and waited for the Benz to get out of the parking lot.

    - We¡¯re getting out of the parking lot. Do you see us?

    ¡°We do. We¡¯ll follow behind.¡±

    Following Kang Chan¡¯s words, Kim Tae-Jin trailed behind Lanok.

    The van waited for a bit before following behind Kang Chan.

    ¡°The road that passes the hill over there¡¯s normally quiet and dark since it¡¯s newly built. It doesn¡¯t even have proper street lights yet,¡± Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kim Tae-Jin pointed to the hill that unfolded before themt. The Mercedez was over the hill, and it suddenly drove out to the right and headed into the forest. Kang Chan¡¯s group naturally followed, and the van didn¡¯t stop either.

    After passing a road the bumps of which they could feel directly because of the vibrations from the car, the Mercedez stopped somewhere dim and remote.

    ¡°Lanok¡¯s probably not in the car,¡± Kim Tae-Jin mumbled as if he was talking to himself, then opened the door. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho followed behind and got out of the car.

    No one had gotten out of the van yet.

    From the back, another car came in and smashed into the back of the van.

    Those are the employees I¡¯ve tasked to follow Wui Min-Gook,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kang Chan was only looking at the van.

    The man looking at him from the passenger seat¡ªKang Chan was certain he was the same person he bumped into at an elevator.

    ¡°Damn it! Hide!¡± Kang Chan urgently yelled and pulled Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s head back.

    Dazed, Kim Tae-Jin also followed Kang Chan.

    <i>Click. Slide.</i>

    All six of them got out of the car.

    Kang Chan pounded the Benz¡¯s window.

    <i>Ti-ng. Pak. Ti-ng. Pak.</i>

    He then heard gunshots and saw sparks flying off the Benz.

    ¡°Give me a gun quick!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    As their opponents quickly approached the Benz, an agent handed him a gun with a silencer.

    <i>Ti-ng. Ting. Ti-ng.</i>

    The enemies hurriedly bent down and ran away to the side.

    ¡°Give me the rest as well,¡± Kang Chan urged.

    Since there were too many enemies raining down bullets upon them, the agent swiftly handed over two more guns.

    Kang Chan then gave the weapons to Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Ah, those crazy sons of bitches.¡±

    Even though they had silencers, their guns didn¡¯t actually be so quiet they¡¯d only produce ¡®pshook¡¯ sounds like in movies. They still made normal gunshot sounds, just much quieter.

    At this point, everyone that could hear themotion should know the sounds were gunshots.

    What would people do if we go firing guns around in South Korea?

    That was a problem for another time. Right now, they had to focus on survival.

    Kang Chan pointed the van to Seok Kang-Ho, then pointed their right nk to Kim Tae-Jin.

    They had Glock 19s, which had fifteen bullets. They already fired three.

    The enemy seemed unable to shoot recklessly as well.

    But they couldn¡¯t take too much time. The gunshots had rung out already. The military or the police could arrive at any moment.

    <i>¡®Lanok certainly seems like an incredible individual.¡¯</i>

    At the very least, he was important enough to make people use guns in South Korea.

    The gun didn¡¯t feel bad in his hand.

    It wasn¡¯t like they were newbies at this.

    <i>Ti-ng. Ti-ng. Ti-ng.</i>

    When Seok Kang-Ho covered fire, sparks sshed from the car.

    <i>¡®Okay!¡¯</i>

    One of their opponents urgently moved.

    <i>Ti-ng.</i>

    ¡°Ugh.¡±

    <i>Thud.</i>

    When the guy whose ankle had been shot fell to the ground, his colleague moved.

    <i>Ti-ng.</i>

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Two down.

    Kang Chan noticed one of their opponents¡¯ feet behind the tire.

    <i>Ting. Ti-ng. Ti-ng.</i>

    <i>Swoosh. Rattle.</i>

    ¡°Urgh.¡±

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Three down.

    The van sank and tilted to one side when its tire burst. Afterward, another man copsed to the ground.

    Three to go.

    With their numbers reduced to half, they roughly repeated the same actions.

    Shouldn¡¯t they be reacting differently, considering they were a part of a special corps? This was bullshit. Those about to die and those about to fail their mission kept making the same mistakes, almost as if the first attempts were just an illusion.

    Those that remained all grouped up in one ce.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    Kang Chan pointed at the ground, gesturing for him to stop the enemy from using the same method.

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly crawled under the Benz and pointed his gun forward.

    Kang Chan then swiftly raised himself up.

    ¡°Please just focus on dealing with one target,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chan, flustered.

    ¡°Once I run into the fight, then go to the very left. Got it?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin urgently nodded.

    One, two.

    After counting to two with his fingers, he quickly ran out to the right side of the Benz.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    <i>Ti-ng.</i> <i>Ting. Ting.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho shot first.

    <i>Ting. Ting. Ting.</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin covered fire ceaselessly as Kang Chan ran toward the van.

    <i>Ti-ng.</i>

    <i>Thud.</i>

    <i>Ti-ng.</i>

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan killed two guys with a bullet each. However, he couldn¡¯t see the Neck Ghost.

    <i>Ti-ng.</i>

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    As he stood by the side of the van, he heard a gunshot from the other side. Kim Tae-Jin had fallen to the ground, having been shot in the shoulder.

    Kang Chan quickly turned around the back of the van.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Wui Min-Gook and Kang Chan pushed the other person¡¯s gun downward at the same time.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow-pow. Pow-pow. Pow-pow-pow-pow.</i>

    Within a blink of an eye, their hands shed so many times they lost count.

    <i>Pa-ak. Pak.</i>

    Nearly simultaneously, they took out bays that they had hidden in their waist.

    Kim Tae-Jin was going to face this kind of guy?

    ¡°Fucking son of a bitch.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    Nothing good woulde from stalling here. Kang Chan quickly ran forward.

    <i>Ta-ta. Tatata. Pow-pow.</i>

    <i>¡®I guess people like him truly do exist.¡±</i>

    It felt as if his imaginary opponent during shadowboxing became real.

    He didn¡¯t allow even the smallest opening from a hand or eye gesture.

    <i>Whick! Swish! Pow-pow.</i>

    It was Kang Chan¡¯s first time seeing a person so tenacious he didn¡¯t even bend backward to avoid the de that passed by so close to his eyes.

    <i>Pow-Pow-Pow. Slice!</i>

    When Kang Chan violently slit his wrist, Wui Min-Gook quickly took two steps back.

    ¡°Ha! You¡¯re amazing¡ªfrom your skills to how you ruin an important mission,¡± Wui Min-Gookmented.

    Wui Min-Gook red at Kang Chan while tightly grabbing and pressing down on his wrist.

    Kang Chan needed to finish this.

    Kang Chan fixed his grip on his bay and approached Wui Min-Gook.

    Gritting his teeth, Wui Min-Gook pounced toward Kang Chan.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow. Slice! Slice! Slice!</i>

    But the fight had already tilted to one side.

    It could be because he was older, but Wui Min-Gook got powerlessly pushed back after being wounded once.

    <i>Stab. Stab. Stab. Stab.</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed Wui Min-Gook¡¯s armpit and shoulder, then ceaselessly shed through his shoulders¡¯ muscles.

    <i>Slice! Slice!</i>

    With Kang Chan wounding him to this extent, he would no longer be able to use his strength properly from now on.

    <i>Rattle!</i>

    With his back pushed against a car, Wui Min-Gook stood straight.

    <i>¡®Do I have to kill him?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan took a moment to decide.

    ¡°Kang Chan.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin called Kang Chan while he was dropping his wounded right shoulder.

    ¡°Let¡¯s let him go. Our gunshots had rung out, so leaving him in this state would be more beneficial for us. Haven¡¯t you severed all of his muscles anyway?¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Wui Min-Gook, who appeared dispirited.

    ¡°Leave,¡± Kang Chan told Wui Min-Gook.

    They had already saved Lanok, and it wasn¡¯t like he had a personal grudge against Wui Min-Gook.

    When Kang Chan gestured to the car with a nod, Kim Tae-Jin added, ¡°I¡¯m going to order our employee to send you the van tomorrow, Wui Min-Gook. Use the car at the very back for now.¡±

    Wui Min-Gook only nodded in reply. Afterward, three of his men limped and loaded two of their colleagues, whose upper bodies were covered in blood, into the car.

    They left as soon as Wui Min-Gook got in. The back seat looked very cramped since they exceeded capacity.

    1. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what Wui Min-Gook was saying because the text was written as?<i>?? ??,?</i>which is a North Korean expression

 Chapter 55.1: A Dog that Chased the Chicken (2)

    <h4>Chapter 55.1: A Dog that Chased the Chicken (2)</h4>

    Feeling like he was missing something, Kang Chan turned around and looked behind him. Only then did the three agents get out of the car.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the ambassador?¡± He asked.

    ¡°He already left in another car,¡± one of the agents answered.

    This situation made Kang Chan feel somewhat ufortable, but there was no need for Lanok to stick with them.

    They started to leave.

    Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s employee to fix the van and move it somewhere else. He then headed to the hospital with Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Tae-Jin. Seok Kang-Ho drove the car.

    ¡°Growing old is depressing,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Kim Tae-Jin wrapped his injury with a bandage he had taken from the trunk.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m fortunately unscathed.¡±

    He actually wasn¡¯t injured anywhere.

    ¡°Kang Yoo Motors President Kang Dae-Kyung is your father, right?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan again.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze discretelynded on Kim Tae-Jin, seemingly wondering why he was asking.

    ¡°I asked because I recalled people calling a gentleman the DMZ King. It didn¡¯t matter what side they were on, bing his target meant their necks would be cut off with certainty. He was so talented that not even three people could injure him in a fight.¡±

    ¡°That story¡¯s quite ancient, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho elerated after they got on the highway.

    ***

    Yoo Hun-Woo was waiting for Kang Chan¡¯s party, who called beforehand.

    ¡°I mean, where in South Korea can peoplee to a hospital with a gunshot wound? Is there apletely different world here that I¡¯m not aware of?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo shook his head as he stitched and wrapped bandages around Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s injury.

    ¡°Luckily, this is only a skin-deep wound. You can start receiving outpatient treatment after a week of hospitalization. We¡¯ll empty a room that you guys have used before,¡± He told Kim Tae-Jin after providing him with a swift and effective treatment.

    Kang Chan, Kim Tae-Jin, and Seok Kang-Ho headed to their room. After a while, Suh Sang-Hyun joined them.

    Kang Chan had just made coffee and sat down when he got a call from Lanok.

    ¡°Kang Chan speaking.¡±

    - Monsieur Kang, I¡¯d like to thank you for getting us through such arge crisis. Moreover, I also bring good news: we¡¯ve caught Shan.

    ¡°Pardon? When?¡±

    - Our agents pounced on him while you were attacking the enemies. He¡¯s in the embassy right now. We¡¯re nning to repatriate him to France tomorrow.

    Kang Chan momentarily nked out. If what Lanok said was true, then he made the wrong decision. While he was fighting someone else¡¯s battle like a dog, someone else had gotten the chicken.

    ¡°I find this hard to understand, Mr. Ambassador.¡± Kang Chan¡¯s voice had dropped the niceties.

    - I get what you mean, Monsieur Kang. But I hope you also consider my position. I¡¯d probably return with Shan tomorrow as well. I¡¯ll discuss my schedule with you after this.¡±

    Lanok ended the call with a professional valediction, and Kang Chan immediately told the people with him about the call.

    ¡°What the fuck?! That¡¯s bullshit!¡±

    Kang Chan remained silent as Seok Kang-Ho vented his anger. Even though he had already been tricked before by the Three Worthless Minions, he still got tricked and made a fool of himself again.

    ¡°Maybe those fuckers were already thinking of hiding Shan from us while they were asking us for help,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s what probably happened.¡±

    ¡°Regardless, we intervened to catch Shan, not get orders from that guy.¡±

    Kang Chan looked outside the window.

    This wasn¡¯t right. If it would mean killing Shan once and for all, Kang Chan would willingly run into the embassy.

    He smirked.

    <i>¡®They¡¯re treating me like an idiot.¡¯</i>

    Having made up his mind, Kang Chan called Lanok.

    - Monsieur Kang.

    Lanok sounded like he was trying hard to exclude emotions from his voice.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t right, Mr. Ambassador. If you keep this up, then you best be prepared for the consequences.¡±

    Upon hearing a low sighing from the other end, Kang Chan decided to hang up the phone with a smirk.

    - One moment, Monsieur Kang! France¡¯s DGSE demanded Shan be transferred to them alive. This also displeases me, but I¡¯m in a position where it needs to be done no matter what. I promise in all of my honor that Shan would never be able to do something like this again in the future. Can you let this go just this once?

    ¡°Please allow us to meet Shan.¡±

    - Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°Are you saying even that isn¡¯t possible? If so, then I have no choice but to act on my own. It could mean we¡¯d meet in troubling circumstances in the future, but I hope you don¡¯t let that upset you.¡±

    - Monsieur Kang! Fine! Please give me ten minutes. I¡¯ll call you within that time.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up the phone, then told the others about their conversation.

    He didn¡¯t know how he would change after seeing Shan. However, at the very least, he wouldn¡¯t be able to tolerate being the dog that lost the chicken.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes burned fiercely, feeling enraged once more.

    He had never been afraid of something like the Intelligence Bureau or the DGSE. He knew they were powerful, but that didn¡¯t mean he¡¯d let them make a fool of him like this.

    A whileter, Lanok called and said that he was going to send a car over to the hospital.

    .

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Sure.¡± Kang Chan epted.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be more painful for Shan to put him under the Intelligence Bureau¡¯s custody than killing him now? And with him alive, it would be easier to find out who his backer is. You should suppress your anger,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll decide once I¡¯ve seen him.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead. I just thought I should remind you not to lose your temper. This is no different from when I decided to spare the Neck Ghost.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t fullyprehend what Kim Tae-Jin meant.

    ¡°France and China could be in the middle of psychological warfare. Wui Min-Gook and Shan were merely bait, which could be why they couldn¡¯t figure out each other¡¯s actions. For that reason, I hope you can keep your anger in check and make level-headed judgements,¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    A momentter, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho left the room upon getting contacted that the car had arrived in the parking lot.

    Suh Sang-Hyun looked at Kim Tae-Jin as if he had just woken up from a spell. Throughout their conversation, he couldn¡¯t utter even a single word.

    ¡°Did he just threaten the French Ambassador? And the Ambassador¡¯s response wasn¡¯t just to ept it but also send a car to pick them up?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun asked.

    ¡°Kang Chan did dispose of five special forces soldiers, then fought with the Neck Ghost in hand-to-handbat. He made that guy semi-paralytic without even getting injured one bit.¡±

    ¡°And all of his opponents were armed?¡±

    ¡°It nearly drove me crazy. He shot someone¡¯s ankles while lying on his stomach, then incapacitated two more using only a bullet each while running.¡±

    ¡°With a pistol?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded.

    ¡°Ha! He¡¯s an absolute mystery. I could understand attacking with a knife but shooting with a pistol¡­¡±

    ¡°I also find it bizarre how he hit two of our opponents that time with only two bullets mid-run. He was so urate. If it were me, I would¡¯ve spent a lot more ammo before making any difference. I only realized how eerie it was now. In that situation, he was confident in hitting his targets.¡±

    ¡°What on earth happened?¡± asked Suh Sang-Hyun.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I want to know too. In any case, we have to get him into ourpany no matter what. If he does well, he¡¯d likely work in a government position.¡±

    ¡°Phew.¡±

    Suh Sang-hyun shook his head, seemingly unable to bring himself to do that.

    ***

    The car crossed the Hangang river, then went into the basement parking lot of the French embassy after driving for about 15 minutes.

    Employees escorted Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho to the elevator, which they rode to the second floor. When they got out, another employee greeted them.

    ¡°Pleasee this way.¡±

    Thenky employee walked past the hallway and opened the innermost door.

    ¡°Wee, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Lanok was only wearing a shirt and dress pants.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, this is Seok Kang-Ho. He¡¯s also connected to Shan, who also recently had his family kidnapped.¡± Kang Chan introduced Seok Kang-Ho. Lanok then offered them a seat in the chairs in front of the table.

    ¡°My country¡¯s decision probably deeply upset you. But I hope you believe and understand that finding out the identity of Shan¡¯s backer was that much important. There are not only agents in the embassy, but also Korean employees. We¡¯re thinking of repatriating them tomorrow morning so that word doesn¡¯t get out,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan.

    Lanok lifted the kettle that was on the table, then poured them tea.

    ¡°Where is Shan?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s pay him a visit after we have a cup of tea.¡±

    ¡°We want to see him first,¡± Kang Chan insisted, leaving Lanok no choice.

    ¡°As you wish. Follow me.¡± Lanok took the lead. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho followed behind him.

    Lanok left the room and opened the door closest to the elevator.

    1. This refers to the Korean proverb, ? ?? ? ?? ????, which talks about a dog chasing a chicken, only to be left with no other option but to stare at the chicken when it flew up to the roof. In this context, Kang Chan worked hard only for Lanok to im his rewards. Like the dog, Kang Chan can¡¯t do anything to Shan now

    2. Korea has very strick gun control

 Chapter 55.2: A Dog that Chased the Chicken (2)

    <h4>Chapter 55.2: A Dog that Chased the Chicken (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho went inside the room, finding Shan lying down on a bed for critically ill patients.

    He had grown a bushy beard and looked so emaciated it seemed as if he only had skin and bones left. Kang Chan noticed he had two tubes stuck in his left side, which were then connected to a machine.

    His dead eyes seemed to gain strength the moment he saw Kang Chan.

    When Kang Chan approached Shan, two agents blocked him, but they stepped away upon noticing Lanok¡¯s eye gesture.

    ¡°Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan silently red at Shan. He was thinking of killing him if needed.

    However, seeing him having to depend on machines to survive made Kang Chan think he didn¡¯t even need to do that. Even if the Intelligence Bureau were to take Shan, Kang Chan still wouldn¡¯t have to worry about future troubles.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to kill me?¡± Shan provoked Kang Chan despite already having sunken cheeks.

    ¡°It looks like I don¡¯t even need to.¡±

    ¡°You could end up regretting it.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°There¡¯s a chance I will. If you ever want to find out if I did, then show up in front of me again. I¡¯ll definitely slit your neck then.¡±

    Kang Chan backed off afterward.

    Seok Kang-Ho gritted his teeth but soon turned away as he shook his head.

    After a while, the three of them returned to Lanok¡¯s room again.

    ¡°France¡¯s Intelligence Bureau is in chaos upon learning North Korea also got involved in this. I¡¯m really thankful for your help. I¡¯m going back to France tomorrow for the time being. I probably won¡¯t return to Korea until Shan¡¯s backer has been revealed.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± answered Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you sometimes.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled bitterly, then expressed that they were going to go.

    He wanted to leave for two reasons. First, Lanok had to go to France tomorrow morning. Second, he couldn¡¯t push himself to stay here any longer.

    They parted ways with Lanok after they shook hands in front of the elevator. They went through a lot of shit together.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho got in the car in the basement and returned to the hospital.

    Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin what happened before and after meeting Shan. By the time they left the room, it was already almost 11 pm.

    ¡°This day is quite long,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    <i>Why wouldn¡¯t it be?</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s strangely disheartening,¡± He continued.

    ¡°Tell me about it. Tsk!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go have coffee before we go home.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    The two of them sat on the terrace of a cafe in front of the hospital. They then smoked while drinking iced coffee.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe all we did was suffer today,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grabbed a napkin and quickly wiped his mouth.

    ¡°Forget about it. If Shan gets repatriated to his mothend, then that¡¯s the end of that! Let¡¯s focus on living a fun and worry-free life now.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho exhaled smoke.

    ¡°Should we do that?¡±

    ¡°We definitely should. It¡¯s not like we need a lot of money, anyway. Let¡¯s travel in pursuit of good food and have an outing together.¡±

    They snickered around for about an hour, which allowed them to get rid of some of the diforts they were feeling.

    They then took separate taxis home. Kang Chan got into quite a deep sleep on the way.

    ***

    Kang Chan felt his fatigue fading after his morning run.

    It was good. Regardless of whether he was ufortable or not, he had finally taken care of matters rted to Shan, which had been attached to him like a lump. He thought of ending the guard duty of Kim Tae-Jin and his employees after observing the situation for about a month more.

    After enjoying breakfast, he headed to school feeling quite refreshed.

    That was until Heo Eun-Sil, Lee Ho-Jun, and the other morons greeted Kang Chan while sitting in a straight line in the stands.

    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect them to be this diligent.

    ¡°You¡¯re early.¡±

    ¡°We promised.¡±

    If he were to base his judgment solely on their words and actions right now, he would¡¯ve thought they were the type to never break a promise.

    Kang Chan went into the athletics club room, finding Seok Kang-Ho already inside.

    ¡°What should we do about them?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°They said they were going to get rid of the bullying, so just let them run with the kids.¡±

    ¡°Will they really do that?¡±

    ¡°If they weren¡¯t going to, then why did they even bothering here?¡±

    ¡°Fair point, but I¡¯m worried this would make the kids that joined before them feel ufortable.¡±

    Amid their conversation, the athletics club members and Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s employees arrived.

    Kang Chan told them that the students outside were going to start working out with them during the break. The athletics club members surprisingly epted that quite easily.

    While athletics club members and the employees were changing, Kang Chan went out to the stands.

    Including Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun, there were about ten kids.

    ¡°Go join their morning run,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Heo Eun-Sil answered. ¡°Should we change into our workout clothes?¡±

    ¡°Did you even bring one?¡±

    ¡°We all did.¡±

    ¡°Then go change.¡±

    The so-called bullies went into the building to change. Excluding Lee Ho-Jun and Heo Eun-Sil, they were all in eleventh grade, so they couldn¡¯t even properly start a conversation with Kang Chan.

    When it was time to begin, the five employees stood at the front. Behind them were the athletics club members, and the troublemakers lined up at the very back.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho watched them from the stands.

    ¡°Ah jeez, this is the first time I¡¯m going to see them run voluntarily,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because they never listened to anyone before no matter what they were told.¡±

    <i>Is that so?</i>

    Kang Chan silently watched them run.

    After fourps, three or four of the students in eleventh grade that joined today started to fall out of the line. The guys staggered while looking over Kang Chan¡¯s mood, then eventually went out to the stands.

    After three moreps, only Heo Eun-Sil remained of the bullies. On the other hand, all of the kids in the athletics club were still running.

    He didn¡¯t me them. That was their first time running.

    Smirk.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh while watching them. Their refusal to lose was currently clearly visible on the athletics club members¡¯ faces.

    After two moreps, Heo Eun-Sil dropped out as well.

    Kang Chan decided to stop watching from here.

    He went into the athletics club room with Seok Kang-Ho and used the exercise equipment.

    Their workoutsted about two hours. When Kang Chan went outside to shower, the kids sitting on the stands were watching the ones practicing hand-to-handbat in difort.

    ¡°Wash up first,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The shower in the night-duty room couldn¡¯t amodate two people.

    Kang Chan walked to the stands, causing the guys that were sitting cockily to quickly straighten their posture.

    ¡°Lee Ho-Jun,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Lee Ho-Jun¡¯s answer sounded a bit weird. He approached Kang Chan from the side.

    ¡°About the snake eye from yesterday. You said the president of the student council or something is his superior, right? Who¡¯s that fucker?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°The student president oppa of Kwang-Min University is the head of the group of bullies,¡± answered Heo Eun-Sil.

    ¡°But you mentioned before that a gangster led that.¡±

    ¡°On the contrary, that oppa had be more powerful now that the organization disappeared.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil butted into the conversation, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything about it. He¡¯d been wanting to get his curiosity answered.

    ¡°Then will there no longer be any bullies that torment others if I just beat up that fucker?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Heo Eun-Sil didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°What? Is there still someone left?¡±

    ¡°To do that, you¡¯ll need to work with the kids that are about to be discharged. The group of bullies has a lot of people.¡±

    Kang Chan regretted bringing it up since his question didn¡¯t even get answered, leaving him still wondering if there were any more bullies that he had to take care of other than the group of bullies¡¯ president.

    He couldn¡¯t help but feel as if he made a mistake. He should¡¯ve washed up first.

    ¡°Even the entire country recognizes Kwang-Min University¡¯sbat club,¡± Heo Eun-Sil continued.

    <i>Do the gangsters throughout the country recognize their abilities?</i>

    Smirking, Kang Chan raised himself up.

    It was a hassle, but this was the best for the time being. Instead of calling others to ask for help and wasting time running around, this was a hundred times better.

    When Seok Kang-Ho came out of the night-duty room, Kang Chan immediately washed up. He felt refreshed.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, what do we do about those hyungs¡¯ lunches?¡±

    He had juste out of the shower when Moon Ki-Jin asked a question awkwardly in front of the athletics club room. Even bullies needed to eat, after all.

    ¡°Ah, those sons of bitches.¡±

    Kang Chan had firmly refused Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s offer to pay for every lunch during the break. Since then, Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan had alternately been paying for it.

    <i>¡®Are they taking money from me?¡¯?</i>

    Kang Chan quickly became displeased about paying for the bullies¡¯ food. However, he soon breathed out deeply to suppress his anger.

    ¡°Where are you going to order lunch for today?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°From the snack shop.¡±

    ¡°Then order pork cutlets for me, and get those kids¡¯ orders as well.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sunbae-nim.¡±

    Moon Ki-Jin headed to the stands while holding a memo pad and a pen.

    Kang Chan went outside after changing clothes in the athletics club room.

    Their delivery arrived after a while, and the male students all ate together in the stands. It was awkward at first, but it wasn¡¯t that ufortable anymore now that they had already done this a couple of times.

    ¡°What are you going to do in the afternoon?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going to the hospital. Why do you ask? Is there something we¡¯re supposed to do?¡±

    ¡°I was just curious about what your ns are today.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan after cing two danmujis in his mouth at the same time.

    ¡°Let¡¯s visit Gapyeong sometime. to celebrate getting rid of Shan.¡±

    Kang Chan said with a faint smile.

    Now that he had dealt with matters rted to Shan, Kang Chan now needed to take care of other things one by one, starting from D.I.

    1. Gapyeong, or Gapyeong-gun, is a county in South Korea

 Chapter 56.1: Business is Tedious (1)

    <h4>Chapter 56.1: Business is Tedious (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan finally got a half day¡¯s worth of peace, starting from when he returned from Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s room on Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday. He even talked to Kim Mi-Young on the phone and spent time with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Hence, he faced Thursday feeling lighthearted.

    However, Cha So-Yeon soon urgently sought out Kang Chan while he was working out with Seok Kang-Ho in school.

    ¡°You need to go to the sports field immediately, sunbae-nim.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Kang Chan went out of the athletics club room with Seok Kang-Ho while wiping his sweat with a towel.

    The sports field had a strange atmosphere. Upon going down the stands, he saw the noses of Moon Ki-Jin and Cho Sae-Ho bleeding. They were ninth and tenth graders respectively.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°They spared against each other. The ninth grader did quite well, but Cho Sae-Ho cowardly punched him as soon as their spar ended, so I involuntarily¡­¡± One of the employees answered.

    Basically, Moon Ki-Jin won the spar but Cho Sae-Ho punched him when it ended, so the employee hit Cho Sae-Ho in return.

    Kang Chan turned his head toward Cho Sae-Ho.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Cho Sae-Ho was extremely nervous.

    To make things worse, Kang Chan had already been feeling apologetic to the athletics club members for bringing the bullies here.

    Kang Chan slowly looked at the bullies one by one.

    ¡°So fear prevents you all from living in a world governed by strength, and your hatred of rules prevents you from living in a world filled with them. If you¡¯re so insistent on doing whatever the hell you want, then don¡¯t dirty this ce and go somewhere that¡¯ll allow you to do just that.¡±

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth while looking at Cho Sae-Ho.

    ¡°All of you are to stoping here starting tomorrow,¡± He continued.

    Kang Chan thought he should suppress his anger in this situation but found doing so quite difficult. He kept getting furious.

    Seok Kang-Ho stopped Kang Chan when he approached Cho Sae-Ho.

    Kang Chan red at Seok Kang-Ho, and thetter shook his head with a desperate look in his eyes.

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    Kang Chan heavily breathed twice to cool down his anger, then turned away.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, everyone. Please let this issue go. I¡¯m going to make sure they nevere here from now on,¡± Kang Chan apologized to the athletics club members, who looked surprised.

    Kang Chan returned to the athletics club room like that.

    He had lost his will to work out.

    Kang Chan sat down on a chair and drank a bit of water. He then wiped his sweat with a towel. As he did, Seok Kang-Ho came in.

    ¡°Thanks for stopping me back there,¡± Kang Chan thanked Seok Kang-Ho.

    Seok Kang-Ho sat opposite Kang Chan while smirking, then drank water.

    ¡°You did a good job suppressing it.¡±

    ¡°Him fucking around like that angered me. I forced everyone to ept him just to put him in the athletics club.¡±

    ¡°I know that more than you do. Before all this, though, I was actually surprised because they were quieter than expected. Normally, the bullies would¡¯ve immediately rebelled in that situation.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s emotions had somewhat calmed down when Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jin cautiously came inside.

    ¡°Is there something going on again?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°No!¡±

    Cha So-Yeon exaggeratedly shook her head.

    Once trained properly, kids like them were perfect as administrative clerks in the army.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, then?¡±

    ¡°Uh, I don¡¯t know how to tell you this.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled lightly at Cha So-Yeon.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Um, about you telling the bullies not toe here anymore¡­ Can you take that back?¡±

    The smile on Kang Chan¡¯s facepletely vanished.

    ¡°Did they say something again? They dare act like this?¡±

    ¡°No. It¡¯s not like that, sunbae-nim.¡±

    Cha So-Yeon frantically waved her hands, and Moon Ki-Jin shook his head as his eyes widened.

    ¡°We get that Se-Ho did something wrong, but I think everyone can still be close despite that. I feel bad and a bit disappointed they won¡¯t be able to join us anymore because of this incident.¡±

    When Kang Chan tilted his head, Cha So-Yeon quickly added, ¡°Everyone feels the same way. Of course, there could be one or two that would disagree.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at her for a moment before finally replying.

    ¡°Since you guys feel that way, then I¡¯ll reconsider just this once.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, sunbae-nim.¡±

    As Cha So-Yeon thanked Kang Chan, Moon Ki-Jin bowed his head.

    ¡°Hey, Moon Ki-Jin.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sunbae-nim.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been practicing hand-to-handbat for that exact moment, so howe you just stood still when he was about to punch you?¡±

    Moon Ki-Jin scratched his head while smiling sheepishly.

    ¡°I can move just fine when sparring, but I freeze for some reason when I¡¯m in a real fight.¡±

    ¡°Jesus.¡±

    Kang Chan extended his hand and tousled Moon Ki-Jin¡¯s head, ruffling his hair.

    ¡°Just let your body move reflexively. You won¡¯t ever be able to act on time if you keep thinking about what to do or how to do it.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of fights, sunbae-nim?¡±

    ¡°There are times when I¡¯m scared, such as when I¡¯m outnumbered or¡­¡± Kang Chan trailed off. Out of all the things he could say, he almost blurted out that he¡¯d feel afraid if his opponents had guns. After they talked a bit more, Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jin left the athletics club room.

    ¡°Those bullies didn¡¯t scare them, did they?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°From my perspective, it seemed like you scared the bullies.¡±

    When Kang Chan nced at him, Seok Kang-Ho looked somewhere else while pretending not to notice.

    They soon ordered lunch, and Kang Chan washed up. Their food had arrived by the time he came out.

    Today¡¯s lunch was Chinese food.

    Kang Chan ordered fried rice.

    Kang Chan sat down and had lunch with Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s employees.

    ¡°The kids were very upset,¡± An employee told Kang Chan while putting the fried rice in his mouth.

    <i>Were they really?</i>

    They ate the rest of their lunch in silence. Afterward, Kang Chan had coffee with Seok Kang-Ho in the athletics club room.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing else going on, right?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m going to teach the afternoon session.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going ahead, then. Let¡¯s just talk on the phone this evening.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho goodbye, then left the athletics club room.

    ***

    Kim Tae-Jin opened the door of his room.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kim Tae-Jin greeted.

    ¡°Pleasee in!¡± Suh Sang-Hyun eximed.

    Opposite Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s calmness, Suh Sang-Hyun, who was sitting in a wheelchair, looked extremely excited.

    ¡°Did something good happen?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Suh Sang-Hyun looked as if he had won the lottery.

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze alternated between the two.

    ¡°France has put ourpany in charge of safety for international events. France¡¯s Korean Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the KOTRA also contacted us. Oh, and we also got a bunch of interview requests from newspapers and press,¡± Kim Tae-Jin exined.

    ¡°When did this happen?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Barely an hour ago.¡±

    Kang Chan sat on the chair beside the bed.

    ¡°Lanok probably exerted his influence on this. This won¡¯t only bolster our sales. It also instantly made ourpany internationally recognized,¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    ¡°Good for you, then,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°This is all thanks to you. After discussing it with director Suh, we¡¯re thinking of giving fifteen percent of thepany¡¯s stocks to you.¡±

    Kang Chan gave Kim Tae-Jin an embarrassed gaze.

    What use would he have for stocks he couldn¡¯t even use?

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s upsetting. Just take it. The sales we¡¯ll get from France alone will already be over five billion won a year. And we¡¯ll get more orders from the EU. If our sales increase in Korea as well, then it would likely be possible for us to be a listedpany within two years. And we want to give your share in stocks rather than liquidate the amount first. Otherwise, I¡¯d just feel dismayed since it wouldn¡¯t be enough.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate the gesture, but please just keep the stocks.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin smacked his lips as if he was upset. ¡°Alright. The curb market rate will soar because of this contract. If we put that price on fifteen percent of the stocks, it¡¯ll be about two billion won. I¡¯ll sell the stocks and give them to you in cash.¡±

    ¡°I just told you not to do that.¡±

    ¡°We were nning on giving Mr. Seok Kang-Ho seven hundred million won in cash, which is equivalent to five percent of the stocks. Anyway, if you keep acting like this, then I¡¯m going to refuse to take orders from France. I don¡¯t want to be the guy that counts profits when you did all the work.¡±

    ¡°Ah, why are you acting like this? This is making me feel ufortable.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin still looked upset despite Kang Chan¡¯sints.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make one myself,¡± Kang Chan said.¡±

    ¡°Why are you like this? Please wait for a moment.¡±

    Suh Sang-Hyun adeptly turned the wheels of the wheelchair.

    Kim Tae-Jin still looked upset. Still, Kang Chan really didn¡¯t want to take the stocks. Why would he ept such a reward when he hadn¡¯t even done anything for them? And he had already received a lot of help from them when Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s family was captured alone.

    Amid the awkward atmosphere, the smell of coffee filled the room.

    ¡°Take the stocks.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh because Kim Tae-Jin kept insisting like a child.

    ¡°Just ept our gratitude, Mr. Kang Chan. The employees are going crazy right now out of sheer happiness. After all, we¡¯ll be able to send some of them overseas, myself included, thanks to you. Knowing the president, he¡¯s really going to cancel the contract,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun said.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what to say in reply to that.

    ¡°In situations like this, It¡¯s best to just give in,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know why Kim Tae-Jin kept insisting, but he knew that Kim Tae-Jin was definitely clinging to him with his pride on the line. And he was doing that in front of Suh Sang-Hyun.

    ¡°Alright. Then I gratefully ept your offer,¡± Kang Chan finally said.

    Kim Tae-Jin smiled, seemingly satisfied, and Suh Sang-Hyun spilled coffee while he was clenching both of his fists.

    Kang Chan also learned something, which was that sharing stocks like this gave the person concerned an enormous sense of belongingness.

    ¡°When are you being discharged?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Next week.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯lle again tomorrow if nothing intervenes.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for the stocks.¡±

    Kang Chan left the room smiling.

    1. KOTRA stands for Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, a state-funded trade and investment promotion organization operated by the Government of South Korea

    2. A curb market is a market for selling shares that are not dealt with on the normal stock exchange

 Chapter 56.2: Business is Tedious (1)

    <h4>Chapter 56.2: Business is Tedious (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan was thinking of going home, but he got the urge to head to D.I. the moment when he left the hospital.

    He was also curious if the trainees were being fed properly.

    Kang Chan got in the taxi that was waiting in front of the hospital.

    <i>¡®Is this how military officers feel when they go around for inspection?¡¯</i>

    During his mercenary days, high-ranking individuals often visited the battlefield to ask questions like ¡°Do you find anything ufortable?¡± and ¡°How¡¯s the food?¡±

    Kang Chan thought they could just stay at the battlefield for a few days if they were that curious, but that didn¡¯t always seem to be the case.

    As expected, people needed to experience a variety of things.

    Kang Chan arrived around 3 pm. He went up the stairs after getting out of the taxi, finding the second-floor undergoing construction.

    Upon reaching the third floor and entering the practice room, he found it quite crowded.

    ¡°Huh? Hello, Mr. President!¡±

    A few trainees greeted him while bowing their heads.

    ¡°Ms. Director, the president is here!¡± One of them yelled toward the inner room as Kang Chan put on indoor shoes.

    Michelle and Lim Soo-Sung hastily came out.

    ¡°Wee, boss.¡±

    ¡°Wee to thepany.¡±

    Kang Chan greeted them back and went inside the office.

    ¡°Wee?¡±

    The employees were obviously doing well. The office looked wider as well since the wardrobe stylists, makeup artists, and road managers weren¡¯t there.

    ¡°Pleasee in,¡± Michelle told Kang Chan.

    They went into a narrow room at the innermost corner. Its interior was quite cool since it had a small air conditioner on the wall.

    Michelle closed the door while holding coffee and a few documents.

    ¡°Thank you so much for stopping by, sir.¡±

    ¡°I just had time.¡±

    Michelle nodded while smiling brightly.

    ¡°I agreed to work with you the moment you talked to me about doing this because I believed you wouldn¡¯t just be a rich CEO. You¡¯d actually work with your employees. It seems I¡¯m right about that,¡± Shemented.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know about anything else, but this office strangely didn¡¯t make good coffee.

    ¡°To ensure thepany can progress nicely, we just need to develop Eun So-Yeon and three to four trainees before Lee Ha-Yeon and Seong So-Mi¡¯s contracts end,¡± Michelle continued.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to work in apany that would co-exist with its employees, instead of just apany that just lives off of its employees¡¯ blood, sweat and tears. And in achieving that dream, I¡¯ve been making progress as quickly and enormously as Yungs¡¯ investment. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been so happytely.¡±

    That was a good resolve in its own way. It was certainly better than what she had been thinking of until now.

    ¡°What¡¯s with your expression right now, though?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s because of the main male character.¡±

    ¡°One of the main characters has to be yed by an actor acknowledged by Hallyu,¡± Michelle replied with a serious tone when Kang Chan smirked, ¡°the writer also said that at least the male lead should be a top-tier actor. However, from the perspective of A-tier actors acknowledged by Hallyu, Eun So-Yeon¡¯s skills arecking. Even the broadcasting stations are holding their ground under the notion that they can¡¯t give us public television programming if even our main male character isckluster.¡±

    He roughly understood what he meant.

    ¡°What does public television programming mean?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Broadcasting stations used to produce their own dramas before. However, they all give outsourcing production nowadays. So whenever there¡¯s an empty airing spot during the weekends, or Monday to Tuesday and Wednesday to Thursday, productionpanies fiercelypete with each other to take that spot. Basically, the one that decides the next drama is the programming department, and the person responsible for that decision is the Director of Programming.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled brightly.

    <i>¡®She¡¯s quite good. She did say she was the chief editor of a magazinepany.¡¯</i>

    She was charming when she was passionate, as much as when she got angry.

    ¡°The big agencies that are able to win the programming slot are forcing joint production. I was told that we¡¯re getting thirty percent in profit distribution. Hence, the big agencies are pressuring the broadcastingpanies not to give it to others,¡± Michelle continued.

    That was nothing.

    He could understand why they acted that way since the fuckers that originally had the vested interests never wanted a new powerful person to emerge.

    ¡°For the ones with vested rights, the more they earn and are portrayed well, the stronger their resistance is,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Nevertheless, Michelle¡¯s confident face reassured him.

    ¡°Then shouldn¡¯t everything be in order if we don¡¯t broadcast the drama on Korean channels?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s a bit dangerous. Even if that¡¯s possible, the pre-sales would cause a conflict in the second round of distribution rights.¡±

    Kang Chan thought he should just stick to things that he knew.

    He decided to take this timely opportunity to honestly disclose his true intentions. Hence, he clearly dered that he wanted Michelle to take over thepany if this work progressed properly.

    ¡°I understand your wishes. I will handle all administrative work, but I hope you stille by sometimes and tend to importantpany duties like what you¡¯re doing now. It¡¯s great having a president our employees respect and have little difficulty confronting. Oh, take a look at this.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the card that Michelle had ced in front of him.

    ¡°This is thepany card for you, sir. Your name is engraved on it. It has quite a high withdrawal limit, so it should be a lot more convenient for you to use. It¡¯ll also benefit thepany since we¡¯ll be taking care of taxes and expenses anyway. If possible, please use this from now on.¡±

    epting it shouldn¡¯t pose any problems, so Kang Chan thanked her and took the card.

    ¡°There¡¯s an audition next week. I hope you attend things like that, especially the lead actor casting and the meeting with the Director of Programming,¡± Michelle continued.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    Michelle grinned.

    ¡°And we¡¯re nning on going to a one day, two nightspany retreat that includes all of our employees and trainees. Will youe with us?¡± asked Michelle.

    ¡°Maybe.¡±

    ¡°Please? Everyone is looking forward to youing.¡±

    ¡°When is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll book it once you¡¯ve decided.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±

    The nonstop business talks made Kang Chan feel like his brain was overflowing with too much information.

    He got up and left the building after receiving the trainees¡¯ sad goodbyes.

    ¡°Whoo! I feel good!¡±

    He couldn¡¯t be more lighthearted.

    ***

    Kang Chan arrived home early, so he went to the mart that was in front of the apartment with Yoo Hye-Sook, which he hadn¡¯t done in a while. Afterward, they prepared dinner using the ingredients they bought at the mart¡ªvarious fruits that were wrapped with green chili peppers, doenjang, and gochujang.

    ¡°This is really good,¡± Kang Chan told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Right? I actually like things like this better than meat.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook certainly looked like she ate more cucumbers and vegetables than rice.

    ¡°What did you and father decide to do about supporting the orphanages?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve decided to support five orphanages for now by sending them two million won each every month. We¡¯re going to support more orphanages when your dad¡¯s ie increases. It¡¯s not like we could use all of what thepany makes right now. And we also cover more than half of our donations with your dad¡¯s ie.¡±

    ¡°Would they be able to eat better food when they receive that support?¡±

    The food in the bucket and the small girl Kang Chan saw in the orphanage suddenly came across his mind.

    ¡°We were told we couldn¡¯t decide how our donation would be distributed ourselves. I do understand why, though. Orphanages have a lot of bills to pay, including electricity,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook exined, ¡°if they couldn¡¯t pay those on time, then their lives would be even harder. That only makes me feel more heartbroken for those kids,¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    It was fortunate that they had finished eating. They wouldn¡¯t have managed to eat properly otherwise.

    The two of them did the dishes together.

    ¡°You¡¯re really amazing,¡± Kang Chan told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Oh, my.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed to like Kang Chan¡¯spliment.

    ¡°I just think other people wouldn¡¯t be able to think the same way you do. I¡¯d love to meet someone like you¡ªa woman who¡¯s beautiful in mind, body, and soul.¡±

    After Yoo Hye-Sook cleaned up all of the side dishes, she went to the sink.

    ¡°Please stay seated. I just need to finish this,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯m living infort thanks to you.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook sat on one of the dining chairs looking like she loved the treatment.

    ¡°Your dad said we should go to the lower part of a mountain streamlet around next weekend. What do you think?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Next weekend?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. We were supposed to go this weekend, but I have to go to a reunion. Your dad would always apany me because people go there with their significant other. Unfortunately, doing so only made him feel despondent. So I¡¯m going to go there this time and boast about him a lot.¡±

    ¡°Why would dad be despondent?¡±

    When Kang Chan turned around and nced behind him, Yoo Hye-Sook appeared to be thinking, ¡®<i>Oh shoot</i>.¡¯

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± He prodded. ¡°As far as I¡¯ve seen, Dad¡¯s amazing.¡±

    Kang Chan rinsed a te nonchntly.

    ¡°A few friends of mine were envious of me. Whenever they felt that way, they¡¯d talk about your dad¡¯s job. Hearing about their husbands being the director of a big corporation and the senior vice president of a foreign corporation made him feel bad.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, I see.¡±

    ¡°Your dad always made me go even when I said I wasn¡¯t going to, saying he believed I¡¯d lose my rtionships with my friends if we didn¡¯t. Your dad is going to be really amazing this time.¡±

    That was certainly a good reason toe to the reunion.

    If something like that happened to Kang Chan, then Yoo Hye-Sook would most likely take her friends¡¯ husbands to a quiet ce and growled at them to educate their wives properly.

    ¡°Where is it taking ce?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s at the Namsan hotel on Sunday at 11am.¡±

    Kang Chan almost dropped the te.

    <i>God damn it.?</i>

    He should hang a cross in the hotel¡¯s direction or something.

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang when he finished cleaning up and came back to his room. Seok Kang-Ho was calling.

    - Have you eaten?

    ¡°I just finished. What about you?¡±

    - I¡¯ve been busy, so I had just finished ordering food. I¡¯m smoking a cigarette right now.

    ¡°Why? Is there something going on?¡±

    - I¡¯m moving tomorrow.

    ¡°Tomorrow? That¡¯s gotta be hectic.¡±

    - Yeah, so there¡¯s a chance I won¡¯t be at school tomorrow.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the kids, so don¡¯t worry. Call me after you¡¯re done moving.¡±

    - Alright. My wife is extremely excited.

    He happily hung up the phone.

    Kang Chan then called Smithen, whom he suddenly remembered.

    - Channy.

    As if getting a phone call from a long-lost family member, Smithen brightly answered the phone.

    - Is everything alright on your end?

    ¡°Yeah. And Shan has been dealt with, so feel free to go out whenever you want.¡±

    - What about Shan?

    ¡°We took care of him ourselves.¡±

    Smithen faltered for a moment, then brought up something else after pretending not to notice.

    - Okay, Channy. Can I put in the application with anguage school now?

    ¡°Do what you want.¡±

    - Thank you, Channy. You, Dayeru, and I should meet up sometime.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    - And we should go on a summer vacation.

    ¡°I said sure! And to do what you want!¡±

    <i>Ah, this fucker!</i>

    - Alright, Channy.

    If Smithen had listened to him in Africa as well as he did now, then Kang Chan¡¯s need to beat him up would¡¯ve been halved.

    Kang Chan ced the phone down and plopped onto the bed.

    <i>How did I reincarnate?</i>

    Were there other people that reincarnated somewhere in South Korea or the world and were adjusting to their new lives?

    Amid his thoughts, Kang Chan suddenly realized his parents from his previous life would still be alive. He went to France in 1998 and died in 2007. It was now 2010, so he hadn¡¯t seen them in about thirteen years. Nevertheless, he thought they¡¯d likely still be alive.

    <i>¡®What am I going to do after I find them?¡¯</i>

    He didn¡¯t resent them despite giving him such a difficult life. And he didn¡¯t resent them even when he wanted to eat pork cutlets so badly but couldn¡¯t since they didn¡¯t have enough money to pay for it.

    However, Kang Chan never asked them for money so he could pay for his tuition, shoes, and clothes. And the frequent whippings and their cold eyes were hard to endure.

    How could they have never hugged him throughout his childhood and even until he graduated high school?

    ¡°Gah!¡±

    Kang Chan vigorously shook his head and decided to think about something else.

    1. Hallyu, or the Korean wave, is a phenomenon of Korean pop culture bing popr in foreign countries

    2. In Korea, there are dramas that air only on the weekends, or Monday-Tuesday, Wednesday-Thursday, etc.

    3. doenjang, or soybean paste, is a fermented bean paste that is made out of soybean and brine

    4. gochujang, or red chili paste, is a sweet, savory, and spicy paste that is often used in Korean dishes

 Chapter 57.1: Business is Tedious (2)

    <h4>Chapter 57.1: Business is Tedious (2)</h4>

    Friday.

    The kids arrived while Kang Chan was getting changed in the athletics club room.

    They no longer hesitated around Kang Chan now that they had gotten close to him. On the contrary, they were always very d to see him.

    All the kids normally arrived around this time.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    As Kang Chan was about to go outside, he tilted his head while looking at the kids that wereing into the athletics club room. Heo Eun-Sil, Lee Ho-Jun, and Cho Sae-Ho entered with them.

    Kang Chan ended up smirking.

    <i>Is he thinking of killing me because I told him to note here starting today? If so, he better brought a gun or something with him.</i>

    Kang Chan was nkly staring at them when Cha So Yeon, Moon Ki-Jin, and other athletics club members all came into the athletics club room.

    ¡°I was wrong.¡± Cho Sae-Ho was the first to speak up.

    Kang Chan only observed for now.

    ¡°I apologized to Ki-Jin and the entire athletics club, and they forgave me. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here. Please allow me to work out with you all again.¡±

    ¡°Sae-Ho has admitted to his mistake and promised he¡¯d never do something like that ever again. Please let the incident go,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said when Cho Sae-Ho finished talking.

    <i>Damn it.</i>

    He got strangely soft whenever he saw kids wearing school uniforms.

    When Kang Chan remained silent, Cha So-Yeon spoke up next.

    ¡°We told him that you¡¯re going to ept him again if he sincerely apologizes. And since we really do want to work out together, I suggested I go with him to apologize.¡±

    Cha So-Yeon¡¯s voice was trembling as she spoke. Afterward, she lowered her head.

    <i>Do I really need to forgive him?</i>

    Kang Chan thought for a moment.

    ¡°I¡¯m willing to get hit for what I did. Hitting Ki-Jin that day was a huge mistake.¡±

    Cho Sae-Ho took a step forward.

    Now that Kang Chan had thought about it, this fucker was in the same ss as Cha So-Yeon.

    ¡°The hyungs outside invited me out to dinner yesterday, where they told me a lot of things.¡±

    Cho Sae-Ho seemed to be talking about Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s employees.

    ¡°They said I should work hard and be a security guard. They were right. I really want to do that.¡±

    Kang Chan also wanted to trust him again¡ªto give him onest chance.

    ¡°Do you guys really think this way?¡± Kang Chan asked the students.

    ¡°Yes. Please forgive him just this once.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Heo Eun-Sil.

    She didn¡¯t look like she disagreed.

    ¡°Cho Sae-Ho,¡± called Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    This guy didn¡¯t seem to have any defiance left in him either.

    Cho Sae-Ho had lost this fight fair and square.

    ¡°This is yourst chance.¡±

    Cho Sae-Ho and Cha So-Yeon¡¯s heads popped up. They looked as if they had just received consent for marriage from a stern father.

    ¡°Thank you!¡±

    <i>¡®Does Cha So-Yeon like Cho Sae-Ho?¡¯</i>

    The kids profusely thanked him before leaving.

    Kang Chan heard loud noises outside, making him think things were going well in their own way.

    Looking closely, he realized Heo Eun-Sil was the bullies¡¯ leader, and Cha So-Yeon led the athletics club.

    Pretending not to notice, he devoted himself to his workout.

    After Kang Chan worked out to his heart''s content and drank a cup of water, he went outside to see how things were going. He hung a towel on his neck since he thought of washing up right after.

    The sports field had a very serious atmosphere. It had a mattressid out, and the kids practiced hand-to-handbat in pairs under the employees¡¯ guidance.

    They looked extremely serious, but watching them was really funny. Kang Chan had to grit his teeth to hold in hisugh. There was a kid that looked like he had quite a bit of talent, but there was also a guy that looked like he was just pping around.

    Kang Chan left to wash up while shaking his head.

    ***

    After having lunch and watching the kids study from the athletics club room, Kang Chan taught the five employees hand-to-handbat for about an hour, then washed up again and left the school.

    When he arrived at the apartment, Yoo Hye-Sook wasn¡¯t at home.

    Kang Chan satfortably and searched on the inte for things rted to drama production, then thought about how he could find his corpsmen if any of them were still alive.

    He went out to the living room upon hearing the sound of keys rattling rang throughout the house from the entrance.

    ¡°Channy, you¡¯re home already?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan took the paper shopping bag that Yoo Hye-Sook was carrying.

    ¡°I bought a shirt for your dad to wear on Sunday since his clothes are very old. I also got you a cotton shirt.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t buy anything for yourself again?¡±

    ¡°I have a lot of clothes, so it¡¯s fine.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled wordlessly while thinking that he should buy a suit of clothes for her someday. He then went back to his room and sat at his desk again. Aside from a call with Kim Mi-Young, nothing else happened that day. Seok Kang-Ho called him in the evening, his voice sounding really tired. Kang Chan slept after that, ending his day. It was so peaceful it was almost boring.

    ***

    Saturday.

    Kang Chan worked out in the morning and had breakfast, as usual. He then returned to his room and wondered what he should do today. However, he soon thought he shouldn¡¯t spend time like this.

    Now that the issues rted to Shan had been dealt with and he had gotten used to his current life, Kang Chan wanted to spend his days properly.

    He thought of studying again, but he wanted to study a more systematic and practical subject instead of clinging to one he couldn¡¯t even understand right now. Hence, he searched on the inte again. Kang Chan searched through English, Chinese, and Japanese, then thought about what he had been interested in since his past life.

    .

    He came up with nothing.

    <i>¡®I shouldn¡¯t say anything about studying to bullies.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan was embarrassed enough for his face to be quickly flushed.

    <i>¡®Tsk! Since my life turned out this way, should I start working earlier than others?¡¯</i>

    It wouldn¡¯t be a bad thing to earn money and help the kids in difficult situations, like what Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were doing.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>.

    Seok Kang-Ho called at just the right time.

    - What are you doing right now?

    ¡°I just ate, so I¡¯m currently loafing around. Why don¡¯t you rest for a bit? You¡¯re probably tired.¡±

    ¡°My wife became aplete angel after we moved to the apartment. She told me to go out for the day because she was going to clean up by herself. Let¡¯s go to Yangpyeong today.¡±

    ¡°Yangpyeong?¡±

    It was a suggestion weed enough for Kang Chan¡¯s ears to nearly perk up. Using Seok Kang-Ho as an excuse, he went outside. It only took 10 minutes for them to meet since Seok Kang-Ho now lived in the apartment right behind Kang Chan¡¯s.

    Kang Chan got into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car at the entrance of the apartment.

    ¡°This is such a nice advantage to living so close to each other,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Agreed. I think I also feel somewhat reassured. Here, take this.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho handed him a cup of iced coffee.

    As they left, they enjoyed coffee and cigarettes together.

    Kang Chan told him about what happened with the kids yesterday before anything else.

    ¡°We should also go to a retreat somewhere,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Michelle also suggested the same thing. Should Ibine those two outings? Going to two separate events is too much of an inconvenience.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re fine with that, then it¡¯s not a bad idea. Things like retreats are more fun with more people.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her about it.¡±

    ¡°Sure. In any case, if we¡¯re going to reserve lodging and rent a bus anyway, it¡¯s better to do it in one go. If this pushes through, let¡¯s avoid doing it during the weekends since we¡¯re on break.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know as soon as I discuss it with her.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    The road gradually became congested, perhaps because it was a Saturday.

    ¡°I think I should be doing something for D.I. too. Starting next week, I¡¯m going to look into drama production work,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t your aptitude a better match for securitypanies?¡±

    ¡°I thought about that too, but the idea of following someone around made me realize I couldn¡¯t do that even if it would mean the death of me.

    ¡°That¡¯s also true. There¡¯s even a chance you¡¯ll have to stay in a car all day if you¡¯re unlucky.¡±

    Luckily, the traffic became a bit lighter out in the suburbs. Soon, they arrived at a restaurant that specialized in grilled duck.

    They sat on the wooden bedstead and happily ate grilled ducks, then had kalguksu and drank makgeolli.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about it. I know you can be great at anything you put your mind to,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I actually don¡¯t know how to do anything, except for things rted to warfare. I¡¯m still going to go for it, though, since I don¡¯t want to act like a coward.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smiled after taking his time exhaling cigarette smoke.

    ¡°The drama production industry is going to be in an uproar for a while,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I doubt you¡¯re going to work quietly.¡±

    ¡°Hey! I already told you I will! I¡¯m just working for the sake of working, gaining experience!¡±

    While Kang Chan was talking, his phone rang.

    It was Michelle.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at him, thenughed while saying, ¡°The world isn¡¯t going to let that happen.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Michelle.¡±

    - Sir, I¡¯m calling you because Alion, the second-best productionpany, and the Director of Programming of a broadcasting station¡¯s drama department suddenly asked to see us both tomorrow. Does 1 pm at Namsan Hotel work for you?

    ¡°Haa.¡±

    - Why? Do you have an appointment?

    ¡°No, but is Namsan Hotel thered in honey? I can¡¯t figure out why people keep holding appointments there. Can¡¯t we meet somewhere else?¡±

    - It¡¯s already been decided. It¡¯s difficult for us to change the location.

    ¡°Alright. 1 pm tomorrow, right?¡±

    - Yes! Thank you, sir. We should meet about 30 minutes prior to that appointment.

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be at the lobby.¡±

    - Yeah. See you tomorrow.

    Kang Chan sighed loudly after the call ended.

    ¡°Namsan Hotel again, huh?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°ording to her, yes. It¡¯s not like there¡¯s only one hotel in downtown Seoul.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re learning how to do your job, aren¡¯t you? This is work! Please do it properly.¡±

    ¡°You want to get hit?¡±

    Kang Chan frowned, but theyughed like idiots immediately after.

    On their way up to Seoul, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°Hello? Ah, Mr. President. How can I help you?¡±

    As if he had been expecting it, Kang Chan looked straight ahead.

    ¡°Yes. Yes.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho gave Kang Chan a nce.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sounded startled. Kang Chan looked at him while wondering what was going on.

    ¡°Ah, yes. It¡¯s a bit flustering. Yes, I understand. I¡¯ll discuss this with the captain and drop by the hospital either today or tomorrow. Yes.¡±

    After he hung up the phone, Seok Kang-Ho quickly looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°That was President Kim Tae-Jin. He asked for my bank ount number, saying he¡¯s going to put seven hundred million won in there,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°So that was what the conversation was about.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked dazed.

    ¡°I can¡¯t wrap my head around it. All the financial talks I¡¯ve been intely always involve huge amounts of money.¡±

    ¡°I feel that way too.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho focused on driving for a moment, then quipped up once more. ¡°Just so you know, I¡¯m going to send this money to you.¡±

    ¡°I got the money in stocks, and I already have more than enough. So stop talking nonsense and just give it to your wife too.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, why did he have to say something as bothersome as that? It¡¯s making me feel unsettled. Let¡¯s go smoke a cigarette,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    They lowered the windows all the way and drove on the highway that ran through the entire country.

    1. In Korean, the actual sentence would be, ¡°my wife became aplete bodhisattva¡±, which refers to the second highest-ranked saint after Buddha in Buddhism. In Korean, this just means someone became very nice, almost like an angel. We used angel instead of bodhisattva because it would be easier to understand for an English audience

    2. Yangpyeong, or Yangpyeong-gun is a county in South Korea

    3. Kalguksu is a Korean noodle dish made out of handmade wheat noodles that are served with broth and other ingredients

    4. Makgeolli is a Korean alcoholic beverage with a milky appearance because it¡¯s a lightly sparkling rice wine

    5. This is a reference to how bees, or humans, in this case, are attracted to honey¡ªNamsan Hotel.

 Chapter 57.2: Business is Tedious (2)

    <h4>Chapter 57.2: Business is Tedious (2)</h4>

    When he got back home, Kang Chan went on the inte and memorized information rted to drama production again.

    He made sure to learn the drama industry¡¯s jargons, and he especially read the article, ¡®The Realities of Korean Dramas¡¯ about ten times.

    Strangely enough, on Saturday evenings, Kang Chan¡¯s family always ended up ordering chicken and watching TV together. They had fun snickering while watching entertainment programs and enjoying watching films that were airedte at night.

    Not being able to have even a sip of beer used to disappoint him, but c didn¡¯t seem so bad now.

    On Sunday morning, Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan had to prepare breakfast since Yoo Hye-Sook was too busy making a fuss, which was as expected.

    Kang Dae-Kyung even put on an apron while saying that he was going to disy his secret talent. He scooped up doenjangguk from the middle with a utensil and ced it in Kang Chan¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°How does it taste?¡± asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Chan gave him a thumbs up with surprised eyes not because Kang Dae-Kyung looked so full of anticipation but because the doenjangguk was truly delicious. Kang Dae-Kyung nodded, seemingly satisfied.

    They quickly ate breakfast, then Kang Chan did the dishes.

    Kang went back to his room and loafed around. When he left his room again, Yoo Hye-Sook was still busy.

    ¡°Won¡¯t you bete at this rate?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You think so, Chan? How do I look?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Chan raised his thumb while smiling brightly.

    ¡°You¡¯re really pretty. You¡¯re going to be the star of the show today.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Chan! Honey! What are you doing? We should go now.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung urgently came out of the room wearing an eye-catching light blue shirt. It seemed to be the one Yoo Hye-Sook bought for him yesterday.

    After they approved of Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s shirt, the two of them stood at the entrance.

    ¡°I also have something to do at Namsan Hotel. I could be at its lobby around 12:30 pm, or I could just drop by the meeting ce out of curiosity,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°It would be great if you coulde. How about we buy pastries together after it ends? The pastries at that hotel are delicious.¡±

    After an hour had passed since Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook left, Kang Chan also changed clothes.

    ***

    The hotel¡¯s lobby was quite crowded because it was a Sunday.

    Even though Kang Chan had arrived around 10 minutes early, Michelle was already sitting in the lobby. She waved at him.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    Kang Chan momentarily thought Michelle was quite calm. However, she soon clung onto Kang Chan like a bitch whose disease that made her horny rpsed. She noisily kissed his cheeks.

    The manager ran over and acknowledged him, and Kang Chan ordered coffee.

    ¡°Alion is going to attack us because Lee Ha-Yeon went there. The broadcastingpany is going to demand that it bes a joint production under the notion that we don¡¯t have experience in producing dramas yet. There¡¯s also a high chance that Alion is going to insist that we distribute the profit seventy-thirty and that they get to cast one of the main roles, regardless of whether it¡¯s for the female or male role,¡± Michelle exined.

    Wearing a ck suit and a white blouse¡ªand talking about work¡ªmade Michelle look quite charming.

    ¡°We have to keep the fifty-fifty profit distribution no matter what, but we can let them cast the male lead. It would be great if we can split the profit for the international copyrights in half as well,¡± Michelle continued.

    ¡°There are multiple broadcastingpanies, right? Do we need to make a decision today?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    .

    Michelle shook her head while wrinkling up her nose.

    ¡°The problem ispanies like Alion have influence over public television. It¡¯ll be difficult for us if even one of them turns against us since the program managers are too close to each other.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Kang Chan processed Michelle¡¯s exnations one by one, considering this to also be a part of learning the job.

    ¡°Right, Michelle. About thepany staff retreat, would it be okay if we go with the kids from our school?¡±

    Michelle replied after appearing to think about it for a moment.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll matter, but wouldn¡¯t that put you in an awkward position in front of the employees? I¡¯m not sure how it would look if a high schooler were to ask you to do something in front of the trainees.¡±

    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s true.¡±

    Honestly, that was something he hadn¡¯t thought of.

    Kang Chan epted Michelle¡¯s opinion.

    In all respects, it seemed like he was going to have to go to two different outings and a family summer vacation during the remainder of the break.

    ***

    Alion and the Director of Programming went into the hotel together.

    Kang Chan turned around and looked behind him upon noticing Michelle¡¯s expression had turned weird, finding Lee Ha-Yeoning toward the table with two people.

    Kang Chan and Michelle got up from their spot and greeted them.

    ¡°Hello, President Chan. Director Michelle already knows everyone, but this is David Choi, the president of Alion. I recently joined theirpany. And this is the Director of Programming, Moon Bon-Geun.¡±

    After Lee Ha-Yeon introduced everyone and they greeted each other, they sat down and ordered tea.

    ¡°I bet you¡¯ve already heard about the situation, so let¡¯s keep this conversation quick.¡±

    Even before the tea was served, the man called David, who looked to be around forty years old, arrogantly spoke. He had quite a big build, thick lips, and sharp eyes.

    ¡°If you make Lee Ha-Yeon here the leadingdy, then we¡¯ll split up the profit in half. If we¡¯re going to cast the main male character, the split will be seventy-thirty. How¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Why does it have to be like that?¡± Kang Chan asked when Michelle was looking at him.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll be facing just quite the difficulty persuading someone to be the male lead if Eun So-Yeon is cast as the female lead. The party that goes through more hardship should get more money. The decision is up to you.¡±

    No matter how much Kang Chan looked at him, it didn¡¯t seem like David studied or lived abroad at all. It was clear that he just put an English name on a Korean man.

    ¡°Even from the broadcasting station¡¯s position, having Eun So-Yeon as the main actress is a burden in all respects. But they¡¯re acknowledging you guys anyway because Alion has a lot of experience.¡±

    Director Moon Bon-Geun was apletely easygoing person, but he looked very stubborn. Seemed their words wouldn¡¯t go through him.

    Kang Chan raised his gaze when their tea was served, finding Lee Ha-Yeon smiling slyly. She didn¡¯t hide her smile despite their eyes meeting.

    When Kang Chan showed her his peculiar smile, Lee Ha-Yeon looked at him with eyes that seemed to ask, ¡®<i>could it be?</i>¡¯

    Business? Wasn¡¯t that something people did to ultimately gain profits?

    Regardless, he didn¡¯t want to put up with subservient conditions. If he were to lower his head, then the trainees beneath him would have to kneel for something that they would have to pay the full amount for.

    Kang Chan first looked at Michelle, then asked her a question.

    ¡°I understand that this condition was given because of the investment that we got from Yungs. Is that correct?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Michelle¡¯s tactfulness was certainly amazing. To think she could speak formally yet in such a friendly way.

    ¡°We acknowledge Alion¡¯s conditions. In return, each party involved should pay half of the cost for the drama production.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s words made David harshly ce down the coffee cup, seemingly offended.

    ¡°You misunderstand, young president. If we have to pay half of the costs, then exceptionally better conditions that are better than D.I are lined up. Speak only when you actually know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Mr. Director, you¡¯re saying that it¡¯ll be difficult to program a drama if we don¡¯t work with Alion, right?¡±

    ¡°You can see it that way.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded again.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then let¡¯s just pretend that this didn¡¯t happen.¡±

    The atmosphere instantly became cold at that moment. However, the tactful Michelle held her ground, appearing to be not shaken even in the slightest.

    ¡°If you act that way, then it¡¯s going to be difficult for you to survive in South Korea,¡± David replied.

    Kang Chan undauntedly met David¡¯s sharp eyes.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t I be able to survive in this industry even with just Eun So-Yeon alone if I can receive one billion won in investment?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°What are you going to do after, though? You won¡¯t be able to sell your drama anywhere.¡±

    Kang Chan showed him his peculiar smile while looking straight into David¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°We can just coborate with China instead. Yungs said they¡¯ll give us one billion won more if needed. With it, we shouldn¡¯t have to worry about losses for as long as Eun So-Yeon bes popr in China. If even just one more actor ying a supporting or minor role bes popr as well, then we¡¯d be making more than we invested,¡± said Kang Chan.

    That was a passage from the Reality of Korean Dramas, which he saw on the inte.

    ¡°We can stop China from selling your product if we wish.¡± David came out strong, perhaps because his pride was hurt.

    Neither of them avoided the other¡¯s gaze for even a moment. In this battle, the first to divert their eyes away would lose.

    ¡°If that¡¯s how you want to do this, then so be it. From now on, if even one Alion actor tries to star in a drama, or if there¡¯s a drama that Alion has invested even ten cents in, then I¡¯ll block its export to China and Japan. This should be quite fun.¡±

    David suddenly got very angry.

    <i>I¡¯m going to hit that fucker¡¯s nose!</i>

    ¡°Now, now. Let¡¯s not act like this. We met up to cooperate.¡±

    Moon Bon-Geun couldn¡¯t watch any longer, so he held out his hand and tried to calm each side down. However, the fight had already started.

    ¡°This industry isn¡¯t a pushover for a rookie like you to agitate at will just because you know a few gangsters and you have the talent to bring in money,¡± David said.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m saying I¡¯m going to do it my way. If you don¡¯t like it, then you don¡¯t have to ept it. Why are you stillining?¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Hey! Everyone, stop! President Choi! Are you really going to ignore my words?¡±

    When Moon Bon-Geun directly criticized him, David gritted his teeth, then turned his head to Moon Bon-Geun.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    When David stood up, Moon Bon-Geun quickly followed him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see who wins.¡±

    ¡°Do what you want.¡±

    The three of them left the table.

    <i>Sons of bitches.</i>

    If they were going to walk out on them, they should¡¯ve at least left after paying for their coffee.

    ¡°Phoo!¡±

    After they went out of the door of the hotel, Michelle exhaled loudly. She lookedpletely different from when she sat with a calm expression throughout the conversation.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked Michelle.

    ¡°I was surprised. I was trying really hard not to get caught that my heart had be a hot mess because of how you acted.¡±

    It was correct that this bitch definitely had a disease¨Ca disease that made her horny no matter where and when.

    He needed to introduce director Yoo Hun-Woo to her.

 Chapter 58.1: Theyéˆ¥æª™e Really Doing This?

    <h4>Chapter 58.1: They¡¯re Really Doing This?</h4>

    ¡°Channy, did you know how to do business in this industry before today?¡± asked Michelle.

    <i>What¡¯s she saying?</i>

    Kang Chan nced at Michelle while drinking coffee.

    ¡°I just found your response so amazing. Despite how they left, I bet they¡¯re going to think you have experience working in some parts of this industry.¡±

    ¡°I just talked about what I saw on the inte,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Michelle was excited, but she looked upset by the time Kang Chan ced the coffee cup down.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m worried about how we should work out the rest of the situation. It would certainly be satisfying to do as you said, but we won¡¯t just be facing losses if we fail after getting the investment. Eun So-Yeon and the trainees will also find it difficult to be sessful.¡±

    Kang Chan remembered their trainees, who kept leaping out of pure joy.

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it, so don¡¯t worry about it too much and just stay put.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Channy. On a different note, can you spend some time with me today?¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head upon noticing the coquettish look in her eyes.

    ¡°My parents are inside this hotel. I told them I¡¯ll be meeting with them.¡±

    Michelle pursed her lips, seemingly disappointed. A lot of the nearby guys were ncing at her. If Kang Chan wasn¡¯t around, they probably would¡¯ve already asked her to have a cup of tea.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll say hi to them before leaving,¡± said Michelle.

    ¡°Only speak French around them. I told them that you¡¯re learning Korean, so don¡¯t speak Korean too fluently.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡± Michelle got up from her spot. Her fluttering blonde hair was always very charming during times like this.

    She paid for the tea with thepany credit card.

    Kang Chan heard that the second floor was the Vantree Hall, so they headed up the wide stairs that were in the inner part of the lobby.

    On the second floor, they were met by noisy conversations and the sight of people eating lunch in a buffet restaurant. When tried to enter the restaurant, a waiter blocked them.

    ¡°You guys need to put a sticker on you,¡± the waiter said.

    When Kang Chan was wondering what they were talking about, Michelle intervened.

    ¡°We¡¯re just here to greet some people. We¡¯ll go right after.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we have to follow the rules.¡±

    <i>So can we go in or not?</i>

    Despite Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, the waiter only stood there while pretending not to notice.

    ¡°Please stick it on both of us,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Understood.¡± The employee started taking off the papers on the back of the stickers.

    ¡°Wee!¡± A middle-aged female manager came toward Kang Chan as if she was flying.

    <i>Have I seen her somewhere?</i>

    ¡°I served you at the restaurant on the first floor before. It¡¯s an honor to meet you again,¡± She continued.

    ¡°I see. We were just about to go and say hello to my parents. They¡¯re inside.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s head inside. If you tell me their names, I¡¯ll find them for you.¡±

    With an eye gesture from the manager, the employee quickly backed off.

    ¡°That will likely be too much of a hassle. I¡¯ll find them myself. What about the sticker?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s not needed. It seems like our employee made a mistake since they didn¡¯t recognize you, but you don¡¯t really need to have it on you.¡±

    The manager exquisitely bowed her head while smiling.

    There was no need to continue arguing, so Kang Chan went inside with Michelle and looked around the restaurant while walking around the buffet.

    Kang Chan cocked his head upon finding Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung sitting at the table in the corner. Kang Dae-Kyung was a mess, having seemingly spilled coffee on his chest and stomach, and Yoo Hye-Sook looked dispirited.

    Kang Chan got extremely enraged. He felt like he was seeing Cha So-Yeon when she was eating alone in the cafeteria at school some time ago. It¡¯s during moments like this that his eyes burned fiercely.

    At Kang Chan¡¯s side, the manager sped her hands together in front of her.

    ¡°Are you looking for the president of Kang Yoo Motors?¡± asked the manager.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    The female manager gave Kang Chan an awkward smile.

    ¡°While they were eating, the person that was sitting next to them dropped their steak onto him. We wiped the stain for him, but we couldn¡¯t do more than that.¡±

    When Kang Chan turned his head, the manager looked back at him as if asking if he had any more orders for her.

    ¡°Ms. Manager, I¡¯m going to ask you just one thing honestly. Is there something that I don¡¯t know?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    The manager seemed to hesitate.

    ¡°That¡¯s not amon urrence, is it? I think you know best what happened today and what the atmosphere was like. I¡¯m also pretty sure you¡¯ll be honest with me.¡±

    The manager pursed her lips, then smiled brightly.

    ¡°Based on the atmosphere while they were eating, it seemed to me like the others were jealous of them. I also got the feeling that they were somewhat disregarding them. I didn¡¯t witness it myself, but ording to the employee that served them food, they said the person was in a position where they couldn¡¯t drop the food at all.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying the person did that on purpose, right?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°I¡¯m just passing on what I heard.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s expression softened, showing he wasn¡¯t going to make a big deal out of this.

    ¡°I heard them talking while I was wiping their clothes. The madam said they should go home, but the president insisted they should stay until the event ends. However, despite a few people asking them for a business card and voicing out their intention to purchase a car, they still didn¡¯t look that good,¡± the manager continued.

    Kang Chan roughly understood the situation with the information he got. He slightly bowed his head toward the manager.

    ¡°Thank you. And please call Joo Chul-Bum over,¡± Kang Chan said, then smiled lightly upon noticing the manager¡¯s eyes hardening.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry,¡± Kang Chan reassured her.

    ¡°Understood. Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    The title was awkward, but Kang Chan ignored it. He approached Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook with Michelle.

    As expected, Michelle was the best at catching people¡¯s attention.

    About half of the buffet restaurant was looking at Kang Chan and Michelle.

    ¡°Mother!¡± When Kang Chan called, Yoo Hye-Sook raised her head in surprise. She then looked flustered, seemingly not wanting him to see them like that.

    ¡°You two know Michelle, right?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook got up and greeted Michelle.

    ¡°Hello? I¡¯m Michelle. I¡¯m learning Korean. I¡¯m really d to see you two again.¡±

    Even in the midst of this, Michelle put in a marvelous French ent in her Korean.

    ¡°You''re a fast learner. It¡¯s so good to see you.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook shook hands with Michelle first, and Kang Dae-Kyung only lowered his head while smiling.

    ¡°It looks like you spilled food,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Unfortunately, we did.¡±

    When Yoo Hye-Sook turned around and looked back with a pitiful expression, Kang Dae-Kyung wiped his shirt while smiling awkwardly.

    ¡°That¡¯s a pity. You just bought those clothes,¡± Kang Chan told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°We can wash it at home. Have you had lunch? If you haven''t, you should eat with us,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook suggested.

    ¡°Should we do that?¡±

    Kang Chan asked Michelle if she wanted to eat lunch in French, and she satisfactorily answered with ¡°oui,¡± which everyone understood.

    More than five couples dropped by and asked who he was since then, and Kang Chan courteously greeted them every time they did.

    Perhaps it was because Michelle amazed them or it was because of Kang Chan, but people crowded near their table and were showing their interest in them.

    ¡°You were looking for me?¡± Joo Chul-Bum tactfully took out the ¡®hyung-nim¡¯ when he reached Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s a stain on his shirt. Can I get a shirt somewhere?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a tailor shop in the basement. I¡¯ll contact them and have them prepare ordingly. Are you going to have lunch here?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Why?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ll take all the necessary measures for the shirt right away.¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum grandly bowed, then walked away.

    Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung looked stupefied. Those who were watching also looked like something had bewitched them.

    No one asked what Kang Chan¡¯s rtionship was with him, however.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch,¡± Kang Chan said. As he was talking, the manager approached him with two other employees.

    ¡°Will you be dining here?¡± The manager asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes. I should put on a sticker.¡±

    ¡°Then please allow me to serve you.¡±

    With an eye gesture from the manager, the two employees skillfully got rid of everything on the table starting with the tes,id out a new tablecloth, and set out new sets of tes, forks and more.

    Everything happened in an instant. It was as if they were watching magic unfold.

    The manager didn¡¯t stop there.

    Immediately afterward, another employee held out and showcased a wine, then filled Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan and Michelle¡¯s sses.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware you two were Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s parents. It¡¯s an honor to be able to serve all of you. From now on, please feel free to look for us whenever you guys stay here in the hotel,¡± the employee said.

    Both Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked like they got repeatedly pped. Whilst everyone in the buffet was ncing at them, a clothing rack with a lot of shirts in different colors hanging on it came into the restaurant.

    Joo Chul-Bum ran ahead of it and bowed.

    ¡°We prepared this in a hurry, so we¡¯re not sure if any of them will be to your liking.¡±

    Soon after, approximately more than twenty shirts arrived in front of the table.

    ¡°Hello, I came from the tailor shop in the basement,¡± a man that had graying hair nced at Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°We thankfully have a shirt that will fit you. How does this look?¡±

    The man took out three shirts from the hanger and spread them out in front of Yoo Hye-Sook with two hands.

    ¡°Oh my.¡± As Yoo Hye-Sook admired the shirts, the man chose the shirt in the middle, seemingly satisfied with it.

    ¡°This is my rmendation. Please try this on. The color of your eyes is beautiful, so I chose a shirt in the same color.¡±

    The shirt that the man chose for Kang Dae-Kyung was also light blue.

    ¡°Do you like it?¡± The man asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you try it on?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please go for it. Where can he change?¡± Kang Chan asked the man.

    With a gesture from the man¡¯s eyes, the two employees that dragged the hanger into the room spread out a folded room divider.

    ¡°You can change on the other side of the divider,¡± said the man.

    <i>Isn¡¯t this a bit too much?</i>

    Kang Chan turned his gaze away, and Joo Chul-Bum only looked ahead while being very still, as if he was a statue.

    After changing clothes, Kang Dae-Kyung came out.

    ¡°It looks nice. Thank you. I¡¯ll pay for this on my way down,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°These three have already been paid for.¡± The man put the shirt that Kang Dae-Kyung took off in a fancy shopping bag.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also put three more shirts inside the bag. As for the shirt you¡¯re wearing, please consider it as a token of my sincerity to serve you and have you dine with us. Please enjoy your stay.¡±

    When the man left with the employees, Joo Chul-Bum bowed grandly again and followed behind them.

 Chapter 58.2: Theyéˆ¥æª™e Really Doing This?

    <h4>Chapter 58.2: They¡¯re Really Doing This?</h4>

    ¡°Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook looked like she suddenly became emotional.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Which dishes are delicious here?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan ended up smiling lightly due to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s veryplicated expression.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat quickly after we toast. They treat me like this because the person that came from Francest time was a major VIP at this hotel, and the staff greeted me when I was with him. I¡¯m sorry if the treatment displeases you,¡± Kang Chan apologized to his parents.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t displeased.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. You did all of those for us, so this lunch will now be even better. Now, let¡¯s have a toast!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung intervened and sorted out the atmosphere.

    The four of them had a sip of wine.

    Kang Chan went around with Yoo Hye-Sook, never leaving her side from start to finish.

    ¡°How¡¯s that?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ugh! That has too much oil.¡±

    ¡°Should we eat galbi?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    Kang Chan headed to the galbi section with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Please have this part, madam. It¡¯s especially delicious,¡± the cook grilling galbi ced a slice of delicious-looking meat on Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s te.

    Afterward, they were passing the sashimi corner when an employee called out to them. ¡°Madam! This sea bream tastes excellent, so please have some.¡± They then specifically sliced a piece of raw fish for Yoo Hye-Sook and ced it on top of her te.

    Kang Chan returned to the table with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Michelle kept their conversation going. Kang Chan interpreted for her and passed on Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s words in French to Michelle.

    Since she used to be the editor-in-chief of a magazinepany, Michelle led the conversation with a wide variety of subject matters, making the atmosphere extremely bright.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try speaking Korean,¡± said Michelle.

    Michelle looked straight at Yoo Hye-Sook immediately after she swallowed her food.

    ¡°You¡¯re really beautiful, mother.¡±

    ¡°Oh my! Thank you so much, Michelle.¡±

    <i>What a clever bitch.</i>

    The star of today¡¯s gathering was surely Yoo Hye-Sook.

    The couples around them took turns approaching, showing their interest in, and exchanging greetings with Kang Chan and Michelle.

    Kang Chan asked the manager for another favor in the middle of their meal. Soon after, while their fun was reaching its peak amid their lunch, a French person wearing a white Patissier outfit and a high hat came into the hall.

    ¡°Madam.¡±

    The manager guided him to Yoo Hye-Sook, to whom he held out a beautifully wrapped box.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my present. I got a shirt for father, and it¡¯s upsetting that I could only get you this,¡± Kang Chan told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Yoo Hye-Sook opened the box after observing the expressions of the Patissier and the manager standing nearby.

    ¡°Oh my!¡±

    Upon opening the lid, she found pretty slices of cake inside the box. They were beautiful enough for even Kang Chan to acknowledge. When Kang Chan thanked him, the Patissier turned around and left with a satisfied expression.

    ¡°Channy, I¡¯m so happy,¡± said Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Chan just smiled because he thought Yoo Hye-Sook was going to cry.

    At the table next to them, people asked if they could also order the same dish, but Kang Chan heard the manager politely refusing them.

    ¡°Do you like them?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Of course! But these are too precious! How can I eat them?¡±

    ¡°Please eat them. I¡¯ll buy them for you whenever you crave them from now on.¡±

    When Yoo Hye-Sook offered the box to Michelle, thetter refused with a smile.

    ¡°Um, Hye-Sook.¡± An older woman sitting at the table next to them approached Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Sorry for bothering you, but I just suddenly remembered my daughter. Can you do me a favor and order something like that for us as well?

    ¡°This? My son ordered it for me, so I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    The older woman smiled awkwardly while looking at Kang Chan, then looked at Yoo Hye-Sook again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. Can¡¯t you ask him to do that for us?¡± This time, she even acted a bit ¡®cute.¡¯

    Kang Chan looked closely at Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Channy, can you order this for her?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    He also noticed Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s awkward expression.

    Kang Chan sought out the manager after turning his head.

    ¡°You called for me?¡±

    ¡°I apologize for bothering you, but is it possible to order that again? I want to buy a few of them.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s for you, it shouldn¡¯t be a problem. How many should we prepare?¡±

    When the older woman pped her hands in happiness, a few other older women hastily came over to their table and asked him for the same favor.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but can you fulfill their orders?¡± Kang Chan asked the manager.

    ¡°As you wish, Mr. Kang Chan. I¡¯ll have them prepared.¡±

    When the manager left after politely answering him, the olderdies followed behind her, as if they were kids following the sound of a flute.

    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m full,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°Me too. I really enjoyed it. Thank you, Channy.¡±

    Kang Chan also ate a lot, just like Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    As the four of them were drinking coffee, Joo Chul-Bum appeared with a simple and chic-looking shopping bag.

    <i>Bow.</i>

    Again, all eyes jumped to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please ept this gift as proof of my sincerity, madam,¡± said Joo Chul-Bum.

    The guy carefully ced the shopping bag in front of Yoo Hye-Sook. Everything had been perfect until Joo Chul-Bum did this, but if they declined the gift just because they felt ufortable, then the atmosphere would get ruined.

    ¡°I¡¯m also quite curious about what¡¯s in it. Please open it,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    With Kang Chan¡¯s words, Yoo Hye-Sook took out a box that was as big as a cutting board.

    When she opened it, her expression hardened.

    Inside was a small Chanel wallet.

    ¡°That is the best VIP gift the hotel has to offer. We hope it¡¯s to your liking,¡± Joo Chul-Bum told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this too expensive?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a limited-edition product.¡±

    This time, the older women ran over like a swarm of bees.

    Kang Chan and Michelle even had to get up and move out of their way.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Kang Chan asked with a gentle expression in the corner, but his eyes were burning.

    ¡°Uh, Gwang-Taek hyung-nim hurriedly sent it over and told us to give it to her no matter what,¡± Joo Chul-Bum answered.

    ¡°That fucker.¡±

    Kang Chan quickly looked around their surroundings.

    ¡°How does that fucker even know I¡¯m here?¡±

    ¡°It seems like my subordinates on the first floor called him due to the bad situation with the Shin Yeon-Dong gang.¡±

    Kang Chan twisted his lips. It wasn¡¯t like he could tell Yoo Hye-Sook that they should give back the wallet right now.

    ¡°Let me take care of today¡¯s bill, including the wallet,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim. But I don¡¯t know the price of the wallet.¡±

    This wasn¡¯t something that he couldin about, so Kang Chan only nodded.

    It took ten minutes ofplete disorder before the room finally settled down and became organized again. About half of the older women that witnessed the scene had their eyes glinting.

    ¡°Can I really ept this, Channy?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Of course. Just this once, please don¡¯t feel bad epting my gift.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Dae-Kyung with a dazed expression.

    ¡°You should take it. Seeing you holding something like that makes me really happy,¡± said Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Thanks, honey.¡±

    It was good to see Kang Dae-Kyung stroking her back.

    When the gathering finally ended, they all headed out of the restaurant together, but the manager of the buffet restaurant handed them a small bag before they could.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°A gift tomemorate the honor of serving your parents.¡±

    The manager imposed a burden on Kang Chan until the end.

    ¡°You¡¯ll find our best steak meat inside. I rmend grilling it on a frying pan at home,¡± the manager continued.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan, then epted it. ¡°Thank you. We¡¯ll enjoy it.¡±

    They then headed out to the lobby.

    ¡°Do you want to go home with us?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°No. I should at least say thank you to the people here first. I¡¯ll also have a cup of tea with Michelle.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Then we¡¯re going first.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook said their goodbyes to Michelle. Yoo Hye-Sook felt sofortable around her that she even hugged Michelle.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    Kang Chan stroked Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s back.

    ***

    Having remained at the hotel, Kang Chan visited and thanked each person that took care of them today. The manager of the buffet restaurant even refused to ept the payment for the wine until the very end, saying she gave them the wine because it was good to see Kang Chan taking care of his parents.

    ¡°In return, Mr. Kang Chan, please allow me to ask you for a favor when I need er on.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have the heart to refuse, so he only said ¡°alright.¡±

    When they sat down in the lobby, Michelle looked at Kang Chan with coquettish eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m ufortable.¡±

    ¡°Seeing how you took care of your parents today made me think we¡¯ll have a really peaceful family in the future, Channy.¡±

    Kang Chan thought he should quickly go somewhere else.

    ***

    Beingpletely aware of the negotiations with Alion that Sunday morning, Eun So-Yeon had been feeling uneasy since then. She couldn¡¯t help but be worried about the results of that meeting.

    ording to those around her, there were rumors that she gave her body to a young president that newly arrived, and that she went around and slept around with an investor that came from France, but she pretended not to notice.

    Eun So-Yeon really hoped that everything went well. It wasn¡¯t that she felt greedy for the main role. She simply hoped things would work out and that the drama would do well for the sake of Michelle and Kang Chan, both of whom trusted and invested in her.

    Not long after the appointed time had passed, her phone rang. It was Lee Ha-Yeon.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - You won¡¯t even greet me properly now?

    ¡°That¡¯s not it, unnie. Have you been well?¡±

    - Hmph, are you being sarcastic?

    ¡°I¡¯m not, unnie.¡±

    - The negotiation with Alion didn¡¯t work out. And the conversation ended with the actors from D.I. never being able to go on broadcasts in Korea.

    Eun So-Yeon felt like the glimmer of hope and anticipation she had was breaking like ss.

    - But I do care about you. Plus what about the kids that practice there?

    There was something in Lee Ha-Yeon¡¯s words, so Eun So-Yeon only listened.

    .

    - There¡¯s a drinking session with Director Moon tonight. Go there and apologize, and make him feel better. If you do that, then I¡¯ll talk to him again. There¡¯s a girl named Ji Yeon-Hee amongst the trainees, right? Take her with you. If you make him feel better today, then there could be a way for you to star in dramas.

    Eun So-Yeon shook her head while covering her mouth.

    - Think about how much unnecessary trouble Michelle unnie has to go through because of your inadequacies. Don¡¯te out if you don¡¯t want to. But if you can¡¯t make Director Moon feel better today, then this is really the end for D.I. It¡¯s at 8 pm. I¡¯ll text you the location. Make sure to follow a decision you won¡¯t regret.

    When the call ended, Eun So-Yeon felt like her energy was draining out of her. She had decided to work with Michelle to not do things of this kind.

    <i>¡®Unnie.¡¯</i>

    Eun So-Yeon lowered her head while thinking of Michelle.

    1. Galbi or grilled ribs is a Korean dish that is usually made of beef short ribs

    2. Thisst part refers to the famous legend, the <i>Pied Piper of Hamelin</i>.

 Chapter 59.1: Why are you smiling like that again? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 59.1: Why are you smiling like that again? (1)</h4>

    After parting ways with Michelle at the hotel, Kang Chan headed home.

    ¡°I¡¯m back.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were in the living room, their expressions profound.

    ¡°Is something going on?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah, Channy.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered evasively.

    <i>Is there something that worries them?</i>

    While Kang Chan was observing Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s emotions, Kang Dae-Kyung, who was beside Yoo Hye-Sook, said, ¡°Can you talk for a moment?¡±

    He didn¡¯t seem that at ease either.

    ¡°I¡¯lle out after I get changed,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    Kang Chan hurriedly changed intofortable clothes and went out to the living room.

    ¡°We probably answered at least thirty calls after we arrived home,¡± said Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Calls?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Channy.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Kang Dae-Kyung as if to ask what was going on.

    ¡°About five of them were from people saying they¡¯ll buy a ¡®Chiffre.¡¯¡±

    They were starting with the good news first.

    ¡°The couple that spilled the food on your dad¡¯s shirt also called, saying they¡¯ll send a shirt that they bought from a department store by tomorrow,¡± said Yoo Hye-Sook.

    <i>Is that really a good enough reason to make that face?</i>

    ¡°And we also got more than twenty calls asking if we can ¡®look after¡¯ their kids.¡±

    <i>What do they mean to look after their kids?</i>

    They couldn''t have meant that the callers wanted to send their kids to orphanages as a group.

    ¡°That aside¡­ Are you the president of D.I.?¡±

    <i>How did they find out?</i>

    When Kang Dae-Kyung saw Kang Chan¡¯s expression, the former breathed out heavily as if he was trying to calm down his startled heart. Yoo Hye-Sook, on the other hand, couldn¡¯t hide her shock.

    ¡°We were told that when people search for Michelle on the inte, articles rted to D.I pop up. And in the articles, your namees up as its president. Some even state that D.I. has recently epted ten billion won in investments from Yungs Ventures,¡± said Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked like he needed an exnation.

    ¡°A person that I got to know from working on matters rted to Gong Te automobile was looking for a way to invest in a drama productionpany, so I connected them to Michelle. Both sides asked me to take over the role of the president just until the investment goes through in exchange for some stocks and a sry, and I decided to ept it. I didn¡¯t tell you both because I wasn¡¯t going to do it for a long time. I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    Kang Dae-Kyung pressed firmly on the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be sorry for not telling us. We were really surprised to find out our son is the president of a drama productionpany that¡¯s been trending online, though.¡±

    ¡°When they offered me stocks and a sry, I thought I¡¯d be able to help orphanages with those,¡± Kang Chan said.

    That was the truth.

    ¡°I was going to tell both of you after everything has been settled, but this happened instead. I didn¡¯t want to bother you when I haven¡¯t even gotten anything yet, mother.¡±

    ¡°My goodness! Our Channy has really amazing ways to take care of others!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°So that¡¯s what happened.¡±

    Even though he appeared to be epting it, something lingered in Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s mind. When his eyes met Kang Chan¡¯s, Kang Dae-Kyung smiled awkwardly.

    ¡°Are you perhaps the¡ªuh¡­ What was that? Oh! The alpha. Are you the alpha of the bullies in the Gangnam area?¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Kang Chan asked after smiling weakly at his absurd question. Only then did Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook seempletely relieved.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true, right? Your mom¡¯s friends have called her to say that. We were skeptical, of course, but we couldn¡¯t help but feel worried. That wasn¡¯t true, was it?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t stopughing.

    ¡°Of course not. You have nothing to worry about,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    When Kang Chanughed heartily, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s expressions finally returned to normal.

    ¡°I knew it! Our Channy is a good kid.¡±

    ¡°Your friends even talked about something like that?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Yeah. A few of them told me that their daughter wants to be an actress or a singer, and asked me to ask you so that you can pave the way for them. Some also told me to ask you to say something because their kid is getting bullied at school.¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled lightly, Yoo Hye-Sook did as well.

    ¡°Have you had dinner yet, Channy?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I¡¯m still full. I ate too much earlier.¡±

    ¡°Then should we eat a slice of cake instead?¡±

    ¡°Do you want to do that?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes met Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s while Yoo Hye-Sook was in the kitchen. Kang Dae-Kyung seemed proud of him, but he also seemed very concerned about him.

    ¡°Are you worried?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°A little. Even though I feel proud of how you took care of your mom today, I can¡¯t help but feel worried whenever I hear things that I have difficulties coping with, like this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t tell either of you. I wanted to let you know after I¡¯ve actually earned from it.¡±

    ¡°I understand. And thanks for today. You made me proud,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    As Kang Chan smiled in embarrassment, Yoo Hye-Sook brought over three slices of cake. All three slices were different, so the three of them shared a little bit of each slice.

    ¡°Mmm! This is really delicious!¡± eximed Kang Chan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get me started, Channy! My friends that bought this from the hotel even called me and asked if they could buy a few more.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook positioned her left hand under her fork as she ate a portion of the cake, preventing crumbs from falling onto herp.

    A familiar ssic music rang throughout the living room.

    ¡°Wonder who it is this time?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook looked into her phone, then quickly pressed the phone to her ear.

    ¡°Hi, Jin-Sook. Sure. He said it was him. It seems like Channy was nning on keeping it a secret until it was settled because he had taken over the role temporarily. Yeah. Huh?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook discreetly gauged Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°I haven''t talked to him about that yet. Yeah. I¡¯ll try talking to him. Yeah. Your daughter is pretty. Of course. Sure. Yeah.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Yoo Hye-Sook as he put a piece of cake in his mouth, appearing to have found this situation interesting.

    It was difficult to answer this kind of thing.

    But just as Yoo Hye-Sook was about to have a piece of cake, ssical music rang out again.

    ¡°Yeah! Sure. Yeah, he said that it was him. Huh? No. You don¡¯t have to do that, sweetie! I already said that¡¯s not true. It¡¯s okay. Yeah. But you already bought clothes. Not at all, my husband and I already forgot about that, so let it bother you anymore. I¡¯ll talk to him about it no matter what. Tomorrow? No, that won¡¯t work. I have something to do this week. No, really, I do. Yeah. Sure, let¡¯s talk again.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung burst out intoughter when she hung up the phone.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen your phone ring this much ever in my life,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°Honey! I¡¯m in a predicament. She was saying that we should meet up next week. She seems to be feeling bad that she¡¯s asking our Channy to take care of her daughter after she spilled food on you. She even said she¡¯lle over when I¡¯m avable next week, and that she¡¯s already bought five shirts for you as well. She¡¯s making so much fuss over this.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyungughed while shrugging.

    ¡°Mother, please eat the cake.¡±

    ¡°Sure, Channy.¡±

    From Kang Chan¡¯s perspective, it seemed like Yoo Hye-Sook felt both proud and embarrassed.

    She was cute. He didn¡¯t know if it would be right to say it, but he really did find her cute.

    Now that the news about D.I. had been revealed already, Kang Chan thought it would be best to take care of everything now instead of revealing them one by one like peeling the skin of an onion.

    ¡°There are things I need to tell you both,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan with slightly nervous expressions.

    ¡°Do you know of a securitypany called Yoo Bi-Corp?¡±

    ¡°I do. I heard they¡¯re now in charge of France¡¯s official events. Are you¡­?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung started to ask.

    ¡°Yes. They gave me stocks as well.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯sughter burst out.

    ¡°And father.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s more?¡±

    Kang Chan gave Yoo Hye-Sook a subtle nce.

    ¡°Now that I think about it, I also have Gong Te automobile stocks. Can¡¯t we help the kids in the orphanages with it? I think it would be best if we take care of it in a way that would let us get an appropriate amount of interest.¡±

    ¡°Gong Te automobile stocks?¡±

    ¡°Yes. When I met themst time, they told me their headquarters was going to send me something apart from the payment I got for tranting. That¡¯s what they sent me.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a way for us to get interest from stocks? Well, how much stock do you have?¡± asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Sitting in the middle, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s gaze alternated between the two.

    ¡°Um, I don¡¯t know how many I have. I was told that it should be worth about six billion won if I sell it?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked like her soul left her body, and Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s face hardened so much that Kang Chan wondered if he was having a heart attack.

    After quite a long pause, Kang Dae-Kyung blinked.

    .

    ¡°Did you say six billion won?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s what the employee in the brokerage firm told me, so that¡¯s probably correct.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung failed to understand this situation. It was so absurd it perplexed him.

    ¡°You¡¯re saying Gong Te gave that to you?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I received it for introducing a goodpany like Kang Yoo Motors to them instead of apany like Suh Jeong Motors.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re going to donate all of that to help orphanages?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you and mother are doing? I don¡¯t need the money anyway. I¡¯d feel better knowing my mother wouldn¡¯t be heartbroken for not being able to help the children anymore.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Yoo Hye-Sook while bursting intoughter like Seok Kang-Ho.

    Yoo Hye-Sook had heard this news in a moment of confusion, so she still looked like she couldn¡¯t distinguish whether it was a dream or reality.

    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°About what Channy said.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, honey. I really don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell the employee in the brokerage firm to call the bank tomorrow. Would that much be enough to help all the ces that you two want to help?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Kang Dae-Kyung tilted his head.

    ¡°The interest we¡¯d be getting alone would be enough to help. We wouldn¡¯t even need to touch the principal amount. But with that much, it¡¯d probably be better to create a Foundation in your mom¡¯s name. I¡¯ll look into this a bit more after it¡¯s confirmed tomorrow, so let¡¯s talk about thister.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I was going to give it to mother anyway, so please feel free to make a decision,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Whoo¡­¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung breathed out deeply.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have anything else to say, do you?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing else,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Kang Chan shook his head while smiling. Since he was confessing already, he wanted to tell them that he had about two billion won in his bank ount, but they already had trouble believing he had six billion won in stocks. Adding two billion won on top of that would be going too far.

    The atmosphere around them had be awkward, but that was a problem that could be solved with time. Kang Chan ended their conversation and went into his room.

    Yoo Hye-Sook breathed out deeply with her hand on top of her chest.

    ¡°Honey? This isn¡¯t a dream, is it?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I''d like to ask you the same thing."

    Since Yoo Hye-Sook was still dumbfounded, Kang Dae-Kyung stroked her shoulder.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about this after we confirm everything tomorrow. This is just so absurd that I can¡¯t help but feel astonished. That kid is our son, right?¡± asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Honey?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m just going to believe in our son. I¡¯m just going to think of him as a high schooler son that¡¯s giving us six billion won because it¡¯s what you would be happy about.¡±

    ¡°Honey, our Channy is okay, right?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled softly at her.

    ¡°You saw the inte article. It was apletely legal investment, and everyone finds it amazing. Our Channy likely has excellent capabilities that exceed our imaginations. However, if possible, let¡¯s ept his actions calmly. After all, even if he¡¯s remarkable, he¡¯s still a high schooler and our son.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook stroked the back of Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s hand, which was ced on her shoulder.

    ¡°Thanks, honey. Your words have made me feel a bit relieved,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Just as her face regained color, her phone rang again.

    ¡°Hello? Yeah! Sure!¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung sighed deeply beside Yoo Hye-Sook.

 Chapter 59.2: Why are you smiling like that again? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 59.2: Why are you smiling like that again? (1)</h4>

    His parents might be troubled, but Kang Chan felt at ease¡ªrelieved, even, now that he had revealed what he had been hiding.

    He was sitting at his desk when he got a text message from Kim Mi-Young.

    They talked for about 10 minutes, then decided to see each other for a moment on Monday evening.

    <i>¡®I have to go to D.I.¡¯s office tomorrow.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan was already nning on asking Michelle if there was a way to take care of the favors that were asked of Yoo Hye-Sook once he had met with her.

    He was still full.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s this guy doing?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan remembered Seok Kang-Ho, but he thought thetter could just be spending time with his family after moving.

    Kang Chan looked at his bed and thought of lying on it, but¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    It was Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - What are you up to?

    ¡°Just loafing around.¡±

    - Let¡¯s go and have a cup of tea without worry.

    They burst outughing.

    - Pleasee out now.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan changed into casual attire.

    ***

    The Juliana Hotel, which was near the Yeongdong crossroads, was a medium-sized hotel that had a coffee shop and a hostess bar in the basement.

    The sofa in the coffee shop was made out of fabric and looked plush, but it felt outdated due to its old and worn appearance.

    ¡°Would those bitches show up?¡±

    ¡°They probably will for the time being. Their hearts are weak, after all.¡±

    David Choi and Lee Ha-Yeon conversed while drinking coffee in the corner. Lee Ha-Yeon was wearingfortable attire, a scarf wrapped around her head like a headband, and sunsses big enough to cover half of her face.

    ¡°Two of the Directors of Programming are evening today. If we make those two drink a bunch of alcohol and push them into a room, we¡¯ll be able to get what we want from them without much work. We can bring Eun So-Yeon to ourpany. What should we do about Ji Yeon-Hee, though?¡± asked David.

    ¡°Give her a supporting role, then I¡¯ll console her myself.¡±

    David nodded as his thick lips curved upward.

    ¡°That¡¯s how people without any background or money be sessful in this industry. That bitch Eun So-Yeon can be a huge star if she just pulled herself together. Why is she making such a big deal out of this when this isn¡¯t even noticeable?¡± David asked.

    ¡°You¡¯ll just have to teach her about life today.¡±

    Lee Ha-Yeon was sitting on the sofa as if she was burying herself in it. She stretched her hand and grabbed the teacup.

    ¡°Can they handle alcohol?¡± David asked again.

    ¡°They probably won¡¯t know what they¡¯re doing anymore after just three Bomb Shots.¡±

    ¡°Phew, we can consider that done, then. The remaining problem is the rude kid.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President, don¡¯t you know people that can fight?¡± asked Lee Ha-Yeon.

    ¡°Fight?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m talking about gangsters.¡±

    David looked at Lee Ha-Yeon as if he found her words ridiculous.

    ¡°I know some that are notorious not just in Gangnam but in the entire country. Why? What are you nning to do?¡±

    ¡°How about we actually take care of him for good?¡± Lee Ha-Yeon asked, ¡°I¡¯ll call Kang Chan out by stealthily leaking what will happen today.¡±

    David tilted his head.

    ¡°Doing that in the hotel is dangerous. I¡¯m going to be in more of a predicament if the directors are found out.¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡±

    David frowned at Lee Ha-Yeon¡¯s response.

    ¡°Don¡¯t recklessly mess around,¡± He warned.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. He fights in public anyway. He even did it in the Namsan Hotel. Isn¡¯t it wrong for a president that ims to know famous gangsters in the country to hesitate?¡±

    ¡°As I said before, he¡¯s acting that way because he¡¯s still young.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    When Lee Ha-Yeon turned her head as if she was annoyed, David twisted his lips.

    ***

    Kang Chan drank coffee with Seok Kang-Ho at Misari.

    He first told Seok Kang-Ho about what happened at the hotel, then discussed for a moment about the retreat schedule.

    ¡°I was told there¡¯d be a way to help orphanages with the stocks from Gong Te automobile, so I decided to give them to my mother. I was also nning on giving her the money, but the stocks seemed to have shocked her too much. I¡¯ll do it when I get another opportunity instead,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Orphanages? Are you talking about the one that you went tost time?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. When I went there, I saw they were eating terrible food.¡±

    Just as Seok Kang-Ho was about to take out a cigarette, he turned his head to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s also hand over my share of the stocks that I got to the orphanage.¡±

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t. I know you have good intentions, but I had to force them to ept my stocks alone. How do you suppose we exin your share if we also give it to them?¡±

    ¡°Good point.¡±

    Kang Chan also took out a cigarette.

    ¡°I¡¯m still a bit confused. I was twenty-nine when I died. Since it¡¯s 2010 now, then I¡¯m already thirty-two. Having the body of a teenager confuses me. When I go home and talk to my family, I still have moments where I¡¯m like, <i>¡®Shoot, I''m a high schooler, right</i>?¡¯¡±

    ¡°At least you got younger. On the other hand, I¡¯m suddenly forty. This is hard to get used to. I can treat my daughter like she¡¯s my child now, but it was difficult for me to even hold her before.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho deeply exhaled cigarette smoke.

    ¡°Still, it¡¯s a relief that it¡¯s you that has a daughter. If it was that fucker Smithen, an awful incident would¡¯ve urred.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded while frowning.

    ¡°That fucker¡¯s definitely terrible enough for that to happen. I wonder how he¡¯s doing, though,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°I talked to him on the phone. Smithen said he was going to sign up to learn at anguage school.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s set a date and have a meal with him.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Seok Kang-Ho carefully brought something up.

    <i>What¡¯s making this fucker act like that?</i>

    ¡°What do you think about visiting our house?¡±

    Kang Chanughed out loud.

    ¡°My wife said we should thank you while having a housewarming party now that we¡¯ve moved. We¡¯re going to have a housewarming party with the teachers this week, and I was told that other family members areing. So how about sometime next week?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°Why are you having a hard time asking that?¡±

    ¡°Because just thinking about it is already awkward in itself.¡±.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯lle. It¡¯s ufortable, but I should at least know what she looks like so I can say hello whenever I run into her. Let me know when you¡¯ve decided on a date,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho leaned against the chair with a <i>flop</i>, seemingly relieved.

    ¡°Do you need anything at your house?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Not really.¡±

    Finding the straightforward answer funny for some strange reason, Kang Chan burst outughing with a ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    Though the days were longer now since it was summer, the street lights that surrounded the cafe and the road had turned on.

    ¡°I wish we can find out why the two of us reincarnated into new bodies like this. There could be other guys somewhere that reincarnated as well,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    Kang Chan looked at the river while shaking all of the remaining coffee bits into his cup.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been dreaming about Africately. Honestly, I lived like a crazy bastard picking fights all over the ce until I met you. Then I finally felt the fun of living for the first time.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect Seok Kang-Ho to beat around the bush like this just to say he had be a decent human being after being beaten up.

    ¡°You were the first person that I couldn¡¯t win against with my strength. Normally, people break by the third time I pounce at them, which I do even though they¡¯re already dispirited. Do you remember ourst fight?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    When Kang Chan smirked, Seok Kang-Ho turned his gaze to the dark sky.

    ¡°I really thought I was going to die that day. Strangely after that, though, I also thought I wanted to live with you until the end. Point is, on that day, I finally found someone I wanted to follow for the first time.¡±

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t suit you, you punk.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, I¡¯m also craving a ss of alcohol today. I remember when we were at Mang. Whew! You were really cool back then.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho took out a cigarette and handed one to Kang Chan, then also put one in his mouth.

    ¡°When you broke off the rope for me even though you were already covered in blood, I thought I¡¯d follow you even to the deepest parts of hell.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho raised his coffee cup, then ced it back down upon finding he had already drank all of the coffee in it.

    These were stories that happened a long time ago.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    At that moment, Kang Chan¡¯s phone vibrated.

    ¡°Yes, Michelle?¡±

    - Channy, So-Yeon called and said that Lee Ha-Yeon told her toe out to a bar today with Ji Yeon-Hee, one of our trainees. She said it was thest way to save D.I.

    ¡°Can¡¯t they just not go there?¡±

    - That¡¯s true, but she seems afraid since Lee Ha-Yeon told her that the Director of Programming is also going to be there.

    ¡°Michelle, I¡¯m fine with Eun So-Yeon calling you about her concerns, but I don¡¯t want you to be worried as well. Let¡¯s work fairly. Isn¡¯t that why you asked me to acquire D.I.? You should remain calm and steady at times like this.¡±

    Kang Chan heard the sound of Michelle inhaling loudly.

    - I¡¯m sorry, Channy. I think I got rattled a bit because I kept thinking I needed to protect the money that you invested. I¡¯ll work properly from now on. Thank you.

    ¡°Now that¡¯s more like you. Where¡¯s Eun So-Yeon and Ji Yeon-Hee?¡±

    - I told them toe to Bang Bae-dong, the restaurant where we first met.¡±

    ¡°Good job. Be confident, okay?¡±

    - Okay, Channy. I¡¯ll tell the kids that as well.

    ¡°Work hard.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked after he hung up the phone. As expected, problems always urred whenever he didn¡¯t close down matters properly.

    ¡°Why are you smiling like that again?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan roughly exined what happened.

    <i>Lee Ha-Yeon?</i>

    He needed to put a proper end to her.

    1. Yeongdong is a county in South Korea

    2. Bomb Shot is a drink where different alcoholic drinks are mixed. It¡¯s much stronger than regr alcohol, so it can get people drunk quicker

 Chapter 60.1: Why are you smiling like that again? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 60.1: Why are you smiling like that again? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho to give him a ride to the cafe in Bang Bae-Dong. They arrived forty minutes after his call with Michelle.

    When he went into the cafe, Michelle was startled. Eun So-Yeon and Ji Yeon-Hee were even more so.

    ¡°Hey, boss!¡±

    ¡°Hello.¡±

    After Kang Chan sat down, he ordered a small bottle of beer.

    Eun So-Yeon was twenty-three this year, and Ji Yeon-Hee was twenty.

    Though they looked a lot younger than him, there was no way for him to know if they saw themselves as older than him anyway.

    If they epted and treated Kang Chan ording to the maturity he had in his previous life, then everyone would find the situation okay. Otherwise, they¡¯d all likely be ufortable. That was also the case when he went to France.

    The contents of the call that Eun So-Yeon passed to him were simple.

    ¡°Good job. From now on, avoid talking to Lee Ha-Yeon as much as possible,¡± Kang Chan told Eun So-Yeon.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of doing that.¡±

    The fact that she hadn¡¯t gone to that kind of ce alone was praiseworthy in itself.

    Kang Chan asked about what Eun So-Yeon and Ji Yeon-Hee were worried about and listened to their opinions.

    ¡°We really don¡¯t want you or Michelle unnie to face a loss. This would¡¯ve been a different story if D.I. was powerful or if Yeon-Hee or I was a star, but neither of those is true. We just feel upset for not being able to stand our ground right now.¡±

    ¡°What about you, Yeon-Hee? Do you have anything to say?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°The trainees are very satisfied right now, but they¡¯re worried that the drama would be ruined or that they wouldn¡¯t be able to appear in it because Ha-Yeon unnie is being cruel.¡±

    Kang Chan roughly understood.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not rush into things. This is also my fault, considering I was the one who insisted we should produce a drama immediately because we''ve finalized the investment.¡±

    Honestly, this happened because Lanok had asked him to quicken things up as much as he could, but he didn¡¯t want to use that excuse.

    ¡°Michelle, is this drama really okay?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s a good drama, boss. There''s arge possibility for it to seed overseas as well.¡±

    He needed to trust Michelle when it came to things like this.

    ¡°Can you get a drama production team?¡± Kang Chan asked Michelle again.

    ¡°The director Pyo Min-Seong said that he just needs to gather other staff members, then he¡¯ll film it. All that remains is the casting.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s start filming the drama.¡±

    The three women looked at Kang Chan with dumbfounded expressions.

    ¡°You said that you¡¯re confident, right? So just film it. Make it so that our kids can star in it, if possible,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Are you thinking of doing a pre-production?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯ve secured the investment anyway. Oh, can you test a few kids for me as well?¡±

    ¡°You mean we should hold an audition?¡± Michelle asked again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make it grand. We just need to sound out their potential if possible.¡±

    Kang Chan recalled Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s awkward expression.

    ¡°That is something we¡¯re supposed to do anyway.¡±

    ¡°Tell them clearly if they have no potential,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about things like that. I won¡¯t be conducting the audition alone anyway. Everyone¡¯s going to be watching it, including the trainees.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. He was satisfied.

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s not worry about the programming anymore and just focus on producing the drama. Since we have no experience, get good actors even if we have to spend more money.¡±

    Michelle looked like she hade to a decision.

    ¡°Noted, sir. Since we¡¯re doing this, I¡¯ll cast well-known people even for the supporting roles.¡±

    Eun So-Yeon and Ji Yeon-Hee looked half-excited and half-worried.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    In the middle of their conversation, Kang Chan received a call from Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Mr. President. How can I help you?¡±

    - Do you have time to spare right now?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m in Bang Bae-Dong right now, but I can go elsewhere.¡±

    - Can you visit my room at the hospital, then?

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll leave right now.¡±

    Kang Chan warned them once more not to let Lee Ha-Yeon rattle them if ever she were to call again. He then got up from his spot.

    <i>Has he not been discharged still?</i>

    Kang Chan took a taxi to the hospital.

    He sometimes wished he had a senior like Kim Tae-Jin¡ªsomeone who genuinely cared for his subordinates or crewmates.

    When Kang Chan got off at the hospital and opened the door of Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s room, he found Kim Tae-Jin talking with a man that looked easy-going.

    Yet the atmosphere was heavy.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why do you have that expression on your face?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked back.

    The man got up from his seat and turned toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let me introduce him. He¡¯s my friend that I was telling you about. He was in the military with me before, and he¡¯s in the National Intelligence Service now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Kim Hyung-Jung.¡±

    He had quite a strong grip.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been pestering him to introduce me to you. It¡¯s nice to finally meet you,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kim Hyung-Jung held out his business card.

    <Kim Hyung-Jung: Nam-Young Corporation Department Head>

    ¡°Do you want a cup of coffee?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I already drank a lot of coffee today.¡±

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung sat diagonally from each other and faced Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°This friend of mine would¡¯ve tried to sympathized with me even if I were to betray him, saying that there must be a clear reason for it.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what Kim Hyung-Jung was going to say, but he started quite strong.

    ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯d like to say, so I¡¯ll be upfront. To begin with, I¡¯m going to disclose information I recently received from our best intelligence agency. However, I ask that this stays between us,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want others to know about it, then please just don¡¯t say it.¡± Kang Chan firmly cut off what he was about to say.

    ¡°I have one person that I trust deeply. I always end up telling him everything. Considering there¡¯s a possibility that you¡¯re going to be suspicious that what you¡¯re about to say has been leaked, then I don¡¯t want to hear it at all,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Kim Hyung-Jung nced at Kim Tae-Jin, then replied, ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll leave that to your judgment.¡±

    ¡°Is it that important that I¡¯m made aware of this information?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    This was the first time Kang Chan saw Kim Hyung-Jung. Regardless of the method, he didn¡¯t want to hear anything that would make him feel burdened.

    ¡°For my sake, let¡¯s hear what he has to say for now,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Kang Chan sighed softly. Now that Kim Tae-Jin had said that, Kang Chan thought this was now worth enduring.

    ¡°France is pushing some sort of n to reign supreme over Europe,¡± said Kim Hyung-Jung.

    <i>Is this rted to Lanok?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung checked Kang Chan¡¯s reaction before continuing. ¡°They have a n for a railway system that will connect Russia with France. I was told that its codename is ¡®licorne.¡¯¡±

    ¡°That means unicorn, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chanmented.

    Kim Hyung-Jung smiled sheepishly, seemingly apologetic for his poor pronunciation.

    ¡°The chief manager of that n is someone you also know very well.¡±

    <i>Lanok!</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t say the name.

    ¡°The problem is North Korea.¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    ¡°The Unicorn n includes North Korea.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung said that with a troubled expression, but it sounded nothing more than unremarkable news to Kang Chan.

    ¡°North Korea is even showing signs of being severely divided. Its people have split into two factions¨Cthose that suggest North Korea should refuse this case because they support China, and those that argue North Korea should participate in Russia¡¯s n.¡±

    ¡°And why do you find the need for me to hear about this?¡± asked Kang Chan, not wanting to further interfere in this situation.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, if ¡®Unicorn¡¯ connects with North Korea, South Korea will be put in a very awkward position,¡± said Kim Hyung-Jung.

    <i>South Korea wouldn¡¯t be put in an awkward position just because they couldn¡¯t buy train tickets for it, would they?</i>

    ¡°To start, seventy percent of the cargo load will go to North Korea. If that happens, then South Korea will have to be wary of North Korea even when we export goods. However, the bigger problem is China,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    Kang Chan sighed softly.

    ¡°China would find it hard to ept North Korea being financially independent.¡±

    Rather than informing a high schooler, this should be said in a meeting with government cab members.

    Kim Hyung-Jung stopped speaking when he noticed annoyance in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. The room¡¯s atmosphere was already cold, and Kang Chan¡¯s irritated expression didn¡¯t make it any better.

    ¡°It seems like he wants you to negotiate with Lanok,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kang Chan ended up smirking.

    Was he asking Kang Chan because there was no one else that could negotiate with Lanok about this kind of thing in South Korea?

    ¡°The chief executives of each country have a secretmunicationswork, which we call an unofficial workce rtionship. Unfortunately, Lanok never approved to be in one with anyone in South Korea. For some reason, though, you seem to be an exception, considering he¡¯s privately talked to you on the phone multiple times already,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve just looked for someone else in France if you have time to figure something like that out.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung smacked his lips with Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Honestly, you can¡¯t really get away from this matter either way. You¡¯ve be a figure that not only France but even the Intelligence Bureaus of China, North Korea, Russia, and all European countries are paying attention to,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    <i>Damn it! No wonder ten billion won was suddenly thrown at me when I spoke.</i>

    ¡°The money that Lanok supported you with all came from France¡¯s Intelligence Bureau, and it was also because of you that Lanok¡¯s opposition was settled properly.¡±

    Kang Chan felt bitter.

    ¡°Let¡¯s rest for a bit. I want to smoke a cigarette and drink a cup of coffee,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung got up from his spot while hitting both of his thighs as if he was pping them.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make it,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°No, let me. It¡¯s only proper for the person asking for a favor to make the coffee.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung gave Kang Chan a pleasant smile, which made him seem like a good person.

 Chapter 60.2: Why are you smiling like that again? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 60.2: Why are you smiling like that again? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung each smoked a cigarette after thetter made coffee.

    ¡°For the sake of our country, please help us.¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, Kim Hyung-Jung nodded.

    ¡°In return, we won¡¯t punish this hospital for the act of giving illegal medical treatment, and we¡¯ll give you the televising rights to the drama that you¡¯re producing right now. We¡¯ll also give you immunity from criminal liability within the country, no matter what you do.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung spewed out word after word, seemingly having memorized them.

    ¡°We¡¯ll also give you the opportunity to receive special admission to a University in Seoul. Lastly, The National Intelligence Service will allocate a fund of ten billion won per year to you.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung twisted his head to avoid exhaling smoke toward those in the room, then took out an envelope from his chest pocket and handed it to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan took the envelope for now since Kim Hyung-Jung was also holding a coffee cup.

    ¡°You can use the card that¡¯s inside the envelope. It¡¯s under the Sam Jeong Group and has no limit, so feel free to use it as much as you want. And if you need money, then you can just withdraw cash from an ATM or call the credit cardpany to remit money to an appointed ount,¡± said Kim Hyung-Jung.

    <i>Bullshit. Why should money be remitted into my ount when all I pay for is coffee and eat pork cutlets at best?</i>

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it weird that you¡¯re doing things to this extent to a high schooler?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°This is a request from our country to someone that can contact Lanok through an unofficial workce rtionship. If we get connected to ¡®Unicorn¡¯ as well, then South Korea will be able to grow twice as big as Japan in an instant.¡±

    ¡°What if Lanok refuses?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Then you should relieve his worries. He¡¯s a typical French person. He has inhibitions with others, but once he considers you as his person, he¡¯d give you unconditional trust.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung swallowed dryly even though he was holding coffee.

    ¡°If South Korea can¡¯t get connected with the railway system, then you just need to ensure that it doesn¡¯t connect with North Korea either. We hope it links up with North Korea and South Korea, though,¡± said Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kang Chan smiled slowly as he observed the look in Kim Hyung-Jung''s eyes, which made it seem they united with some sense of duty.

    ¡°Those that are against Lanok are in Europe. They nned to destroy him by using drugs to put Gong Te automobile on the line, but you stopped that. The Intelligence Bureaus of other countries are searching desperately for your connection with Lanok regarding that. Of course, we¡¯re about to go crazy from curiosity as well.¡±

    Kang Chan was about to go crazy out of sheer curiosity as to why he reincarnated too.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked like he was anticipating Kang Chan to give him an answer by any chance, but there was no way to exin his reincarnation.

    ¡°Please help us. For our country.¡±

    The atmosphere flowed strangely.

    When Kang Chan turned his gaze, Kim Tae-Jin briefly nodded.

    ¡°Are you telling me to ept it?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re going to live a normal life anyway.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think this is something I should be doing. I don¡¯t even know how Lanok is going to answer. How about I call him and ask for help after telling him that I¡¯ve heard about this?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    When Kang Chan handed him the envelope, Kim Hyung-Jung shook his head.

    ¡°If you take that, then I¡¯ll get a promotion.¡±

    This was a far more touching plea, more than all of the conditions that he yapped about before this.

    When Kang Chan smiled lightly, Kim Hyung-Jung did as well.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be upfront with Lanok about this and ask for his help. If he refuses, then there''s nothing else that I can do,¡± Kang Chan decided.

    ¡°Even if it¡¯s just that, we still ask that you do it, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Upon hearing Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s straightforward answer, Kang Chan suddenly got suspicious. There had to be something that he was hiding from him.

    ¡°Congrattions on getting the promotion,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you. I¡¯ll buy you somethingter.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung immediately responded to Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s joke.

    <i>Is he really getting a promotion just because he asked for one favor from a high schooler?</i>

    ¡°You probably won¡¯t believe this, but if we get linked up with ¡®Unicorn,¡¯ then we''ll generate about a hundred trillion won each year from it. When you take that into consideration, then the conditions that I offered you are unscrupulous and basically me shamelessly clinging onto your patriotism. If this seeds, I¡¯d likely be the next director of our country¡¯s National Intelligence Service,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    It sounded like a joke, but it also seemed like the truth. In any case, Kim Hyung-Jung looked serious.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be contacted a few times by tomorrow. I¡¯ll see you again in the afternoon or at dinner after you¡¯ve taken action,¡± said Kim Hyung-Jung.

    When Kang Chan looked puzzled, Kim Hyung-Jung smiled while saying, ¡°I should get some brownie points from Lanok.¡± He then immediately got up from his spot.

    It was obvious what he was hinting at¡ªhe wanted Kang Chan to talk to Kim Tae-Jin.

    They shook hands, then Kim Hyung-Jung left the room.

    ¡°Today is actually his third visit,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked straight at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I was worried if this would mean I¡¯d be selling you out and that it could harm you.¡±

    ¡°What about today?¡±

    ¡°He asked me to trust him, so I called you.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s words and the look in his eyes looked cool.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you do what he asked?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll be that fun if I do it alone.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded and smiled knowingly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call Kim Hyung-Jung tomorrow and deploy the five employees that you¡¯re training right now to the National Intelligence Service and let them assist you. They¡¯ll get to carry firearms, so they¡¯ll be helpful in case things go awry.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you thinking too far ahead?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°This is a battle between the Information Agencies and National Intelligence Services of different countries. Compared to Europe, China, and Russia, South Koreacks power in all respects. Still, I don¡¯t want to lose. If we¡¯re going to assume we¡¯re going to lose anyway, we might as well not join at all.¡±

    <i>Considering I''d be doing this with someone like Kim Tae-Jin, and Seok Kang-Ho could excel in this, then...</i>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°You have to take responsibility in my stead as well since deploying my employees also means we¡¯re going to be allowed to carry firearms,¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be much more fun than grappling with gangsters.¡±

    They smiled at each other.

    ¡°You¡¯re thinking of putting Mr. Seok Kang-Ho in this, aren¡¯t you?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°If he wants to do it.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a fat chance that he¡¯s going to say no with that personality of his.¡±

    They talked for quite a long time, which they hadn¡¯t done in a while, then Kang Chan returned home.

    There was a lot on his mind, but what he had to do was simple. He just needed to ask Lanok if he¡¯d help them. If he wouldn¡¯t, then that would be it.

    Nothing was difficult about that.

    ***

    On Monday morning, Kang Chan ate with his family after working out.

    ¡°The brokeragepany is going to call youter in the day. Please take care of the rest, father,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Alright. If this goes the way you said it will then let¡¯s make a foundation under your mom¡¯s name.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s faces showed that they had be much morefortable in one night.

    ¡°This is a lot of money, Channy. Wouldn''t you regret it?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Chan smiled happily.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to get to do what you¡¯ve always wanted. I don¡¯t think anything else I can buy with those stocks can make you happier than this.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Channy.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook stopped eating and put her arms around Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°Ah, right. I talked to Michelle. She told me to contact thepany right away if there are any kids that want to audition. She¡¯ll take care of them if they just say your name,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Really? Phew, that went well. This isn¡¯t too much of a burden for you, is it?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook still seemed worried about Kang Chan even in the midst of all this.

    ¡°On the contrary, Michelle said she¡¯s actually asking you to do this, because she¡¯s having a hard time finding rookie actors.¡±

    ¡°That takes a load off of your worries, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s because of our Channy.¡±

    By the time they had finished eating, Yoo Hye-Sook had a much brighter expression than before.

    Kang Chan then asked Kang Dae-Kyung if he could give him a ride to the school.

    ¡°You want me to? Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan and Kang Dae-Kyung left together.

    Just as the car headed out of the basement parking lot, Kang Chan spoke up.

    ¡°It seems like the person helping me has an amazing amount of power over in France,¡± Hemented, deciding that at least Kang Dae-Kyung should know what was going to happen from now on, even if it was just the gist of it.

    ¡°The South Korean Government contacted me. They want me to be the bridge between him and our country.¡±

    .

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Kang Chan, his expression seemingly saying he couldn¡¯t believe what his son just said, then concentrated on the road again.

    ¡°There could be asions where I¡¯d be acting differently from a regr high schooler. So I wanted to tell at least you about it in advance,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung first sighed loudly.

    ¡°Starting from when you seeded with the contract with Gong Te automobile and you got about six billion won¡¯s worth in stocks, I¡¯ve always thought of you as extraordinary. However, the phrase, ¡®there¡¯s no such thing as free in this world¡¯ exists for a reason. Isn¡¯t this dangerous?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just going to be passing on the South Korean Government¡¯s request to him, so it could end quickly. On the other hand, however, there could be things that mother would get worried about.¡±

    ¡°You expect me not to be worried about you?¡± asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Chan smirked. It seemed like a serious question, but it was strangely funny to him.

    ¡°No parent wouldn¡¯t like a talented child, but no parent would want their kid to be injured either. We¡¯d like to live with our children for as long as possible, even if their child was a bitcking. You get what I¡¯m saying, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung stroked Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder with his right arm.

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit gross to hug you as your mom did, but I also want to show my affection.¡±

    They both smiled gently.

    Soon after, they arrived in front of the school.

    When Kang Chan got out of the car and said, ¡°Please drive safely,¡± Kang Chan said upon getting out of the car. Kang Dae-Kyung waved him goodbye.

    There were still quite a lot of twelfth-graders that came to school, even though they were on a break.

    Kang Chan opened the door of the athletics club room while thinking he should have coffee, only to find Seok Kang-Ho already making one.

    ¡°Huh? What brings you here?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a teacher. Have you forgotten? I still have toe here for about a week, even during breaks.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho handed Kang Chan a cup of coffee.

    Kang Chan then told him what transpired earlier.

    ¡°What do you n to do?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°I doubt anything big is going to happen. I just have to call Lanok, after all. If he refuses, then I just need to tell Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung about it.¡±

    ¡°You said they asked you to at least stop the rail from being connected to North Korea if things don''t work out, didn¡¯t you? Would such a task really be that easy to do? I¡¯m worried, but on the other hand, I¡¯m also envious.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°You¡¯re also a part of this. What made you think you''re going to be able to sit this one out? Even President Kim Tae-Jin and the five employees we¡¯ve been training will be meddling in this matter with us.¡±

    ¡°But aren¡¯t I a teacher?¡±

    ¡°Hey! What made you think people capable of taking care of broadcasting programs and giving us immunity from criminal liability aren¡¯t capable of controlling something as little as your work schedule?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes glinted as he smirked.

    ¡°You¡¯reing with us, right?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Were you thinking of excluding me?¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho smirked at each other.

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone soon rang despite it still being so early in the morning.

 Chapter 61: Unicorn Project (1)

    <h4>Chapter 61: Unicorn Project (1)</h4>

    The phone number was just a bunch of zeroes.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Monsieur Kang, it¡¯s Lanok.

    The ¡®Unicorn¡¯ or the rail aside, Kang Chan was d to hear from Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I hope you¡¯re doing well.¡±

    - Unfortunately, I¡¯m not.

    <i>He sounds fine, though.</i>

    - I miss you a lot.

    <i>Was this sly fox able to say things like this?</i>

    When Kang Chan smiled brightly, he heard the sound of Lanok¡¯sugh over the phone.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯ve essentially finished all my affairs here in France. I¡¯ll be arriving in Korea tomorrow. I¡¯d like to see you for a moment in the evening then. Would that work for you?¡±

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Ambassador. Please let me know about the time and location once you¡¯ve decided.¡±

    - I¡¯ll do that. See you tomorrow.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan put the phone down and told Seok Kang-Ho about the call.

    ¡°Why would Lanok seek you out the moment hees to Korea?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be to talk about Shan¡¯s backer or the rail?¡±

    ¡°Right?¡±

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    They had simr thoughts.

    Since he already epted a call anyway, Kang Chan called Cecile and gave her Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s phone number, then expressed his wish for them to liquidate the stocks and hand them over to Kang Dae-Kyung.

    - We¡¯ll act ordingly then, Channy. We¡¯ll just need your signature for the remittance.

    ¡°Alright. Talk to my father first, then let me know when you¡¯re going to remit the money.¡±

    - Okay.

    Kang Chan dropped the call. After a while, the athletics club members came in one after another.

    The girls changed inside.

    As Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho got out of the athletics club room and walked down the stands, the five employees from Kim Tae-Jin¡¯spany ran over and politely greeted them.

    ¡°Hello, Mr. Director.¡±

    <i>Director? Director of what?</i>

    ¡°There was a notice that you were appointed as the Director of Yoo-Bi Corp as of Monday. We look forward to working with you,¡± one employee exined to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan smacked his lips.

    Kim Tae-Jin pulled it off in the end. Kang Chan had to be careful not to say the wrong thing now. Otherwise, he¡¯d be ruining Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s image.

    ¡°And tomorrow, we¡¯ll be going to amissioned education session for two weeks,¡± the employee continued.

    ¡°Commissioned education session? What¡¯s that?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    An employee got really close and answered, seemingly in a whisper, ¡°Hasn¡¯t it been decided that you¡¯re also going with us?¡±

    ¡°I am?¡±

    ¡°We heard it¡¯s for the country¡¯s National Intelligence Service, and that you¡¯re also included as a specially employed agent. We¡¯re apparently supposed to enter the Sam-Gun Military Academy tomorrow, but the President said that he¡¯ll call at around 10 am.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho turned his head and looked at Kang Chan, but thetter knew nothing about it either.

    <i>¡®What on earth did that guy do?¡¯</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho appeared to have mixed feelings about it.

    ¡°We¡¯ll only have the morning training session for today, then.¡± Kang Chan said. The employees then returned to the sports field again.

    ¡°So I¡¯m one of the specially employed agents in the National Intelligence Service now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°That seems to be the case. They said Kim Tae-Jin will call at 10 am, so let¡¯s talk about this after that.¡±

    Kang Chan was in a pretty bad mood.

    Seok Kang-Ho wasn¡¯t just a random person. Kang Chan was offended Kim Tae-Jin had put Seok Kang-Ho on the list of those that would receive themissioned education session without discussing it with them first.

    ¡°You should loosen up. As far as I know, President Kim isn¡¯t thoughtless or a bad person. There had to have been a situation that was a good enough reason to do this,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°That¡¯s true, but this still doesn¡¯t make sense. He only informed us about this after deciding for us to join it. Even if we assume it makes sense for me to join, how can he do this to you when you¡¯re going to be directly affected by this?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°As I said, we should listen to what Kim Tae-Jin has to say for now before we decide.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked like he was secretly excited.

    Having finished changing, the kids headed out to the sports field. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho returned to the athletics club room.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>.

    Wondering if it was Kim Tae-Jin, Kang Chan checked the screen, but the call was from an unknown number. He tilted his head, then answered the phone.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Is this Mr. Kang Chan?

    The voice sounded old and dignified.

    ¡°Yes, it is. Who am I talking to?¡±

    - Nice to meet you, Mr. Kang Chan. I¡¯m Yoon Hak-Suh, the president of SBC. I¡¯m calling you to convey our interest to broadcast the drama you¡¯re currently producing.

    Kim Hyung-Jung clearly delivered his words about working on the programming issue.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President.¡± Kang Chan didn¡¯t know a different procedure, so he first thanked him.

    - We¡¯ll send over Moon Bon-Geun, our director of programming, to yourpany within the day. Please let him know of any necessary conditions and the price per episode once you¡¯vee to a decision. Feel free to use this number to inform us as well if anything bothers you. We¡¯ll be sure to take action. What would be the best time for him to visit thepany?

    ¡°3 pm at D.I. works for me.¡±

    - We¡¯ll send him over at that time, then. Should you happen to pass by Yeouido at any time, then please don¡¯t hesitate to pay ourpany a visit.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that when I get the chance.¡±

    Sing this morning, Kang Chan had been on the verge of going crazy. He looked for Michelle¡¯s phone number as he told Seok Kang-Ho about the call.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    However, Kim Tae-Jin suddenly came into the athletics club room. He was wearing a tidy suit.

    ¡°You¡¯ve gotten discharged from the hospital?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Mm, can we talk for a moment?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was going to make coffee, but Kim Tae-Jin made him sit.

    ¡°First, I¡¯d like to apologize for not being able to contact you earlier. Things progressed too quickly this morning.¡±

    Kang Chan felt unhappy, but it softened to a certain degree when Kim Tae-Jin started with an apology.

    ¡°Four people from the National Intelligence Service came to my room at the hospital this morning. They insisted that Mr. Seok Kang-Ho and the five employees be given the qualifications of an agent no matter what, which resulted in a long conversation. They didn¡¯t care about anything else. I said I wasn¡¯t going to take on this role without hearing your and Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s opinion first. They then hastily contacted me at around 8 am, telling me that they were going to take care of Mr. Seok Kang-Ho as a specially employed technical agent. He¡¯s going to be handling private information on the scene for now because of his age.¡±

    ¡°Is that how the talk about the two-week training session came about?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That was the best that I could do to allow him to keep his job as a teacher. I was worried about his age. Hence, we decided to ensure he''d be spending the two-week education session around paperwork.. I¡¯m really sorry for not getting your consent first.¡±

    Kang Chan thought Kim Tae-Jin looked cool. He hoped he would look like him when he grew old. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s expression seemed to agree with his opinion as well.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I got upset since I didn¡¯t know what was happening,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°That¡¯s totally understandable. That¡¯s how you should think if you care about your people.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for understanding.¡±

    ¡°Our employees are going to go to a two-week training session tomorrow, and Mr. Seok Kang-Ho is set to only enter the military academy on paper. We need to be extra cautious not to be involved in any idents or criminal cases, including car idents, during that period,¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, seven hundred million won will be deposited into your bank ount today. Since Kang Chan was appointed as the director today, his wage will be arranged separately. I was also informed that the National Intelligence Service will be providing special extra payments. However, they said they¡¯ll take care of it themselves, so we won¡¯t actually know how much they¡¯d be giving until we receive it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho refused multiple times, but Kim Tae-Jin was adamant. In the end, the conversation ended with Seok Kang-Ho treating them to a expensive dinner.

    Kim Tae-Jin asked for coffee after he finished talking. He didn¡¯t even stop to take a breather.

    ¡°Phew, I feel a bit relieved now,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°About what?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but be worried since I made a decision on my own. I was also concerned if this meant I sold you out to put five of our employees in the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    ¡°Is this mission really that great?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin grabbed the coffee that Seok Kang-Ho handed to him and nodded.

    ¡°If I could pay to put them in the National Intelligence Service, I dly would¡¯ve even if it would cost me a billion won. Having experience working in that organization makes a huge difference.¡±

    As Kang Chan watched Kim Tae-Jin take a sip of his coffee, he realized he forgot to tell him something.

    ¡°Right! Lanok had called me,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Huh! Shoot!¡±

    At that moment, coffee spilled onto Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s pants. He wiped it with his hands.

    ¡°Lanok called you?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Yes. He said he¡¯s arriving in South Korea tomorrow, and that we should meet in the evening then. We decided to talk again when the time and location have been finalized.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jinughed, seemingly dumbfounded.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I just think even the National Intelligence Service¡¯s higher-ups will be powerless against you. They left after pestering me to allow them to quickly contact Lanok since this morning, so let¡¯s see what would happen when Lanok arrives in the country and meets you before anyone else. He¡¯ll probably tell you to state your bank ount information immediately, even if you tell him that the budget has been raised to twenty billion won.¡±

    ¡°Should I actually ask them to n a two-month training session, then?¡±

    ¡°Why are you like this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho bluntly replied when he received Kang Chan¡¯s meaningful stare.

    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea. Money and honor aside, this will greatly benefit our country. Please help with everything you¡¯ve got,¡± Kim Tae-Jin answered Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already decided to do it anyway. Let¡¯s take our time discussing the rest after observing how this progresses.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin had quite a great sense of duty.

    Their conversation continued until lunchtime, and Kim Tae-Jin happily decided to pay for lunch. Kang Chan then told the athletics club members that the employees would temporarily be unable toe to the club starting today.

    Everyone was upset. Surprisingly enough, Cho Sae-Ho seemed to be even more so.

    ¡°Make sure you don¡¯t neglect your training and always listen to your instructor properly, you punk. I¡¯ll make it so you can study at the University for Athletics. If that¡¯s not possible, then I¡¯ll at least look into how you can join ourpany. You just need to have the skills for it,¡± one of the employees told Cho Sae-Ho.

    It seemed like the two of them had enough chemistry for the employee that hit Cho Sae-Ho to stroke his head.

    After having lunch, Kim Tae-Jin and his employees left the school, and the kids studied in the athletics club room that afternoon.

    Before he went to D.I., Kang Chan sat with Seok Kang-Ho in the stands.

    ¡°Thank you. My heart is fluttering with excitement. This hasn¡¯t happened in a long time,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Upon seeing Kang Chan smile, Seok Kang-Ho smiled in return. He looked satisfied.

    ¡°Whenever I meet you, my life always overflows with excitement. I thought I¡¯d spend the rest of this life as a school teacher, but then something like this happened. Phuhuhu!¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    Kang Chan just smiled brightly at him.

    How upset and empty would Kang Chan have felt if he didn¡¯t have this kind of guy with him?

    ¡°I¡¯m going. See you tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Sure. Got any ns this evening?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to spend some time with Mi-Young.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m going to have a housewarming party with the school teachers today.¡±

    He decided to meet Seok Kang-Ho tomorrow morning. Kang Chan raised his hand as a form of goodbye, then left the school.

    ***

    It was around 1:30 pm when Kang Chan took a taxi to D.I.

    Cecile called and told him about her phone call with Kang Dae-Kyung. He had only looked into the current price of the stocks, and they had decided to talk again after a few days.

    Kang Dae-Kyung pretended to be calm, but it seemed like his shock was simply far too strong. No matter what Kang Chan said, his high schooler son just gave them six billion won. Wouldn¡¯t it have been a lot weirder if he was just happy about it?

    ¡°Tsk.¡±

    Kang Chan felt sorry for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, both of whom had to go through so much distress because of this matter. As he was thinking of spending some time with them at dinner, the taxi stopped in front of D.I.

    Now that he thought about it, he hadn¡¯t received any calls from Michelle recently. At any other time, he would¡¯ve gotten at least a few.

    <i>¡®Is the construction not finished?¡¯</i>

    If that were the case, then Michelle would¡¯ve called him to tell him not toe by today. Moreover, from a nce, he could tell the second floor had already beenpleted.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan felt uneasy, but it wasn¡¯t like he was going to go back just because he felt that way. He opened the door of the office.

    He found a desk inside the wide lobby. There were three rooms to its right and a conference room to its left.

    Kang Chan smirked while looking around the office.

    David Choi and Lee Ha-Yeon were sitting arrogantly in the innermost chair with five guys ring at Kang Chan. They were undoubtedly gangsters.

    Michelle, Lim Soo-Sung, Kim Jae-Tae, their ountant, wardrobe employees, and trainees were crowded into a corner. Even Eun So-Yeon and Ji Yeon-Hee were among them.

    Kang Chan closed the door and locked it.

    ¡°Who¡¯s he?¡± One of the gangsters asked crudely.

    ¡°Hey! He¡¯s the president of thispany.¡± David Choi answered sarcastically while twisting his head to the other side.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Lee Ha-Yeon here asked me to make it so that D.I. could broadcast a drama for old times¡¯ sake, so I gathered people yesterday. I invited two directors of programming, but I¡¯m facing a big loss in return because Eun So-Yeon and the trainee bailed on me. I¡¯m going to getpensation for that. Now that you¡¯vee at just the right time, negotiations should be easy. What are you going to do about this?¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan looked at the gangsters. They were quite huge, and two of them had baseball bats.

    ¡°Are those thugs also Alion employees?¡± He asked.

    ¡°What? Ha! I heard that you were selling Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s name. Have you gone out of your mind now?¡±

    ¡°Hey! Are these Alion employees or not?¡± Kang Chan gestured at the gangsters with a nod.

    Flustered, David looked at the gangsters.

    ¡°Hey, fucker.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the guy that just cursed at him.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you guys understand me? Answer me. Are they employees of Alion or not?¡± Kang Chan prodded on.

    The trainees were looking at him with an expression that asked, ¡®<i>that kind of?person really does exist?¡¯</i>

    ¡°They¡¯re not employees! What about it?¡±

    ¡°Then get out.¡± Kang Chan gestured to the door with his gaze.

    ¡°Is this fucker crazy?¡±

    The buffed gangster suddenly walked forward.

    ¡°Hey! Do you want to di¡ª!¡±

    <i>Bam!</i>

    Kang Chan swiftly stabbed the gangster¡¯s neck with his middle finger.

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    Most people would lower their heads after being hit with such an attack. The same went for his opponent.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan grasped onto the gangster¡¯s hair.

    <i>Bam! Bam! Bam!</i>

    He then hit the gangster¡¯s philtrum upward with the ball of his right palm.

    ¡°Hey! You fucker!¡±

    Only then did the remaining four gangsters run at Kang Chan, screaming.

    Holding onto his current opponent¡¯s face, Kang Chan kneed him on the chin.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    <i>Crash.</i>

    The muscr gangster fell backward onto a chair. It broke under his weight, causing him to fall all the way to the floor.

    Afterward, Kang Chan swatted the fist of the guy to his left, then hit the pit of his stomach with a half-clenched fist.

    ¡°Cough!¡±

    His opponents weren¡¯t that good inbat.

    Kang Chan violently kicked the groin of the gangster charging at him head-on.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    ¡°Cough!¡±

    Just as his current target fell to his knees, his hands grasping his groin, one of the gangsters swung a baseball bat at Kang Chan¡¯s head. Kang Chan dodged and pounced at him the moment the weapon passed by him.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    ¡°Keuk!¡±

    Kang Chan stabbed his enemy¡¯s armpit with his hand, causing thetter to tilt to the side.

    <i>Crunch! Crunch! Crack!</i>

    He held onto the gangster with his left arm, then elbowed his face three times.

    To Kang Chan¡¯s left, the guy that got hit in the pit of his stomach raised his red, flushed face. To his right stood the other gangster holding a baseball bat. He seemed to be hesitating.

    <i>Stupid fuckers.</i>

    Smirking, Kang Chan picked up the bat that was on the floor. Anyone who fought with his life on the line would never let their opponent freely pick up a weapon, but these idiots couldn¡¯t pounce at him due to the shock brought by the unexpected gap in their skills.

    <i>Boong. Crack!</i>

    ¡°Gaaahh!¡±

    Kang Chan broke the right corbone of the gangster he had hit the groin of.

    ¡°You¡¯re too fucking loud,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    <i>Boong! Crunch!</i>

    He then hit the gangster¡¯s left knee.

    Now unable to scream, the gangster¡¯s eyes and mouth just widened.

    ¡°Geesh!¡±

    <i>Boo-ng.</i>

    At that moment, the thug with a baseball bat swung his weapon at Kang Chan from behind.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    <i>Why can¡¯t they just block with the bat?</i>

    Kang Chan swung at the bat that wasing toward him again.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    His attackpletely shattered the thug¡¯s right corbone.

    Kang Chan then turned around, finding the gangster whose stomach pit he hit. Behind the thug was another gangster looking for an opportunity to attack him.

    <i>Boong!</i>

    Kang Chan first struck the thigh of the guy that stood in the front.

    When his target pretended to jump backward, the man tilted to the left with a ¡®<i>Bam!</i>¡¯ sound.

    <i>Bam! Crack! Bam! Crunch!</i>

    Kang Chan shattered his target¡¯s shoulder and knee without giving him any time to scream.

    The gangster stepped away from Kang Chan only for his back to hit the trainees. Unable to go anywhere else, he closed the distance between him and Kang Chan again. Lim Soo-Sung sped his hands together and violently struck the gangster¡¯s neck from above.

    <i>Baam!</i>

    ¡°Kyaaak!¡±

    The gangster sank to the floor as the trainees screamed.

    Kang Chan grabbed the head of the fainted gangster and dragged him to the middle of the office.

    <i>Boo-ong! Crack! Boong! Crack!</i>

    He then broke the gangster¡¯s knee and corbone.

    Kang Chan walked forward.

    ¡°Stap!¡± a guy yelled.

    ¡°Fucking bastard, you¡¯re making a mess!¡± Kang Chan yelled back.

    The guy that got hit on the face at the beginning struggled while letting out whiny noises.

    Kang Chan was right in front of Lee Ha-Yeon.

    <i>Boong! Crack!</i>

    ¡°Aaaargh!¡±

    <i>Boo-ong! Crack!</i>

    ¡°Ugh! Uggh! Urggghh!¡±

    When Kang Chan red at her, Lee Ha-Yeon quickly dropped her head to the floor in fear. She had turned pale.

    ¡°I¡¯ll deal with you in a bit,¡± Kang Chan told Lee Ha-Yeon.

    Kang Chan went to the gangster that only had his corbones broken andpletely broke his knee. He then threw the bat onto the floor.

    ¡°General Manager Lim, please pile these useless pieces of garbage in a corner,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Lim Soo-Sung, Kim Jae-Tae, and two of the road managers dragged the gangsters on the floor to one side of the entrance.

    ¡°Gaaahhh!¡±

    Kang Chan sharply red at the thug that was screaming.

    ¡°Are you not going to be quiet?¡±

    ¡°Ugh. Ugh.¡±

    In response, the son of a bitch closed his mouth and groaned.

    Kang Chan slowly walked toward Lee Ha-Yeon.

    David flinched, but he quickly dropped his head when Kang Chan¡¯s gaze fell on him.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Kang Chan called Lee Ha-Yeon.

    ¡°Why¡­ are you calling me?¡±

    Lee Ha-Yeon stealthily nced up at Kang Chan, then dropped her gaze.

    <i>Smack!</i>

    <i>Thud.</i>

    As she did, however, Kang Chan pped her, causing her to copse to the floor with a <i>flop.</i>

    Kang Chan pulled Lee Ha-Yeon¡¯s hair to lift her.

    Lee Ha-Yeon was trembling so much that her body was shaking from side to side.

    When Kang Chan smirked, Lee Ha-Yeon trembled even more.

    ¡°Lee Ha-Yeon?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes! Yes!¡±

    <i>SMACK!</i>

    <i>Flop.</i>

    Lee Ha-Yeon sprawled out on the floor as if she was dead. She couldn¡¯t even move an inch.

    1. Yeouido is arge ind at the Han River in Seoul. It serves as Seoul¡¯s main finance and investment banking district.

 Chapter 62.1: Unicorn Project (2)

    <h4>Chapter 62.1: Unicorn Project (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan walked up to David.

    ¡°Hey.¡±

    David didn¡¯t answer. He still had his head down, seemingly clinging onto his pride. Kang Chan smirked. He had seen enough fuckers like him for Kang Chan to be bored.

    David thought he just needed to get out of here. He was one of those guys that thought he¡¯d be able to get revenge and show how scary he could truly be for as long as he managed to survive this moment.

    <i>Grab</i>.

    Kang Chan grabbed a fistful of David¡¯s hair and lifted him upward.

    ¡°Agh! Argh-ah!¡±

    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Agh! argh-ah!¡±

    David straightened up, seemingly about to go up on his toes, as he continued to scream.

    <i>Smack!</i>

    His screams suddenly stopped.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Kang Chan yelled, then smirked.

    <i>Smack!</i>

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    David flinched when Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Never mess with thest pride of people who are trying to live diligently ever again. That could¡¯ve been just another night for you, but it could¡¯ve left a wound on them for the rest of their lives,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    <i>Smack!</i>

    The left side of David¡¯s face was now red and swollen, and blood was running down from his lips and nose.

    ¡°Is it a crime to be a trainee?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡±

    David¡¯s body started to tremble a bit.

    ¡°Hey, you son of a bitch.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    <i>Smack!</i>

    ¡°Kheuh. Ugh.¡±

    Startled, David couldn¡¯t breathe properly.

    ¡°Is it a crime for the trainees to want to work hard andpete with their skills, regardless of whether it¡¯s in dramas or broadcasts?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not!¡±

    <i>Smack!</i>

    ¡°Kheup. Kek. Kek.¡±

    ¡°Do you all have to do whatever it takes just to crush people that are going through a hard time? What were you guys going to do to those young kids after calling them to a bar, huh?¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t our intention...¡±

    <i>Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.</i>

    ¡°Keuk. Kaughh.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay quiet?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    David trembled like a leaf rustling in the wind.

    <i>What should I do with him?</i>

    Kang Chan strangely flew into a rage.

    Just because he had a bit more money and was a bit more sessful than others, David would force the type of pain that one would have to carry for the rest of their life onto others without even blinking an eye.

    <i>Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.</i>

    David¡¯s body drooped when Kang Chan hit him five more times.

    Still holding a fistful of David¡¯s hair, Kang Chan dragged David to where the gangsters were.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s right hand was already covered in dirty blood.

    He saw that half of the trainees, Eun So-Yeon, and the ountant were crying.

    Kang Chan walked to Lee Ha-Yeon, then smirked. She wasn¡¯t moving at all now, even though Kang Chan had seen her wiggling earlier.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to break both of your knees if you don¡¯t get up right now,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    Upon hearing his words, Lee Ha-Yeon swiftly raised herself up as she trembled.

    ¡°Lee Ha-Yeon.¡±

    ¡°Y-yes?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m warning you. If I ever see you again¡­¡±

    Lee Ha-Yeon flinched and cowered while looking at Kang Chan¡¯s right hand.

    ¡°Go and stay over there,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Still shaking pitifully, Lee Ha-Yeon moved to the gangster¡¯s side.

    She acted tough when she didn¡¯t even have as much guts as Heo Eun-Sil.

    ¡°Michelle, do we have wet towels here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Unable to answer, Michelle just approached Kang Chan while holding wet wipes.

    ¡°Clean this ce up a bit,¡± Kang Chan ordered everyone as he wiped his hand.

    Lim Soo-Sung, Kim Jae-Tae, and the road managers swiftly got to work, starting with returning the chairs and table to their proper positions.

    After organizing the office a little, Kang Chan heard someone knocking from the outside.

    The employees looked at Kang Chan and the gangsters with surprised eyes, but they had no other choice now.

    ¡°Tsk! Please open the door,¡± said Kang Chan.

    When Kim Jae-Tae walked to the door and opened it, Moon Bon-Geun came inside. He looked at David, Lee Ha-Yeon, and the gangsters. The scene surprised him so much he couldn¡¯t even breathe properly.

    ¡°Director Moon,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes! Yes!¡±

    ¡°Please sit on this side.¡± Kang Chan pointed to the chair that was on one side of the office on purpose.

    Moon Bon-Geun hesitantly did as instructed. Kang Chan took out another wet tissue, wiped his hands with it, and sat beside him.

    Moon Bon-Geun was sitting in front of a desk and in a ce where Michelle, their trainees, and employees could easily see him.

    ¡°I heard you have something to say,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan looked sharply at Moon Bon-Geun. This fucker was also a son of a bitch.

    This fucker would trample on the weak if he had the opportunity but would immediately back down when faced with overwhelming power.

    ¡°Uh, our broadcasting station has agreed to broadcast the drama that D.I. is producing. We don¡¯t mind whether it¡¯s aired on Monday-Tuesday or Wednesday-Thursday, or if it¡¯s a mini-series or whatever. Just let us know about your final decision¡ª¡±

    ¡°Um.¡± Kang Chan interrupted Moon Bon-Geun just as Eun So-Yeon and the trainees covered their mouths, their faces filled with surprise. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about practical affairs. I think it would be better to discuss this with Director Michelle. Would that be okay?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    On the contrary, Moon Bon-Geun looked like Kang Chan was doing him a big favor.

    ¡°Michelle, discuss this matter with him in a different room. And tell me if there¡¯s anything about the deal that doesn¡¯t match our conditions,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Noted, sir.¡±

    Michelle still looked afraid and flustered, but it was nothingpared to the trainees.

    Michelle and Moon Bon-Geun went to the conference room.

    ¡°There¡¯s a lounge on the floor above us for the trainees, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    They had decided to turn their old office into a lounge earlier.

    ¡°Then go up there and get some rest.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Like a flock ofmbs in the presence of a wolf, the trainees stuck close together as they headed out of the office.

    ¡°Eun So-Yeon,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°You should go up to the lounge as well and stay with the female employees for now.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Eun So-Yeon went out of the office with the wardrobe employees and the ountant.

    ¡°Can I have a cup of coffee?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make it.¡±

    One road manager quickly walked up to the water purifier.

    After a few moments, the road manager handed Kang Chan a cup of coffee. Thetter felt a little better upon taking a sip of it.

    ¡°Would you like a cigarette as well?¡± An employee asked.

    ¡°Please only give me one if you¡¯re going to smoke with me. Otherwise, I¡¯d rather not smoke right now.¡±

    Lim Soo-Sung seemed quite tenacious and had a strong personality. If he didn¡¯t, he wouldn¡¯t have hit the nape of one of the gangsters, making him faint.

    Lim Soo-Sung took out a cigarette from the inside pocket of his suit and handed it to Kang Chan. He then sat in front of him and lit a cigarette.

    Kang Chan¡¯s spite dissipated much faster than before.

    ¡°Lee Ha-Yeon, wake him up and get out,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Upon hearing Kang Chan¡¯s words, David got up. He looked disheveled.

    <i>Stupid fuckers.</i>

    Having a broken knee made walking extremely difficult, even with one good foot remaining. After all, they¡¯d need to hop to get around, but doing so required moving their broken bones around.

    The gangsters would have to be carried by their shoulders, but even that wouldn¡¯t be easy since Kang Chan had shattered their corbones.

    The gangsters got out of the office while miserably crawling on the floor.

    They needed to change their clean carpet now because of those sons of bitches.

    When Kang Chan sat for a moment after he finished smoking the cigarette, Michelle and Moon Bon-Geun came out of the conference room.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his gaze as he stood up. Michelle then nodded, seemingly satisfied.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± Kang Chan told Moon Bon-Geun.

    ¡°Not at all. We¡¯re happy we get to broadcast such a good drama.¡±

    Moon Bon-Geun got out of the office almost as if he was running away.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± Kang Chan said.

    After Kang Chan sat in his seat, Michelle sank down on a chair that was next to him, seemingly copsing. Her hands were trembling slightly.

    ¡°Michelle.¡±

    Michelle looked at him with surprise in her eyes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know the specific details of a business.¡±

    There was something that Kang Chan wanted to firmly tell her on this timely opportunity.

    ¡°But at least protect the people that trust and follow you at all costs. And don¡¯t keep anyone by your side if you don¡¯t have the confidence to protect them. If you can¡¯t do that, then stop working in this business. I don¡¯t have ns to make money through dirty means. Even if this fails, just protect my people. Do that, and I¡¯ll never resent you even if I face a loss¡ªno matter how big it is.¡±

    Michelle nodded while looking straight into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°That¡¯s done, then. There¡¯s no problem with broadcasting the drama now, is there?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir. Can we talk for a moment?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    When Kang Chan answered, Michelle stood up.

    ¡°There¡¯s something we should talk about in private.¡±

    Since Kang Chan had already said yes, he just followed her into the innermost room, which had a sophisticated desk and a matching sofa.

    When Michelle closed the door, she suddenly hugged him around his waist. Kang Chan smiled lightly and stroked her back.

    She had endured her fears while pretending to be calm, but now she was trembling like a chihuahua that was covered in ice water.

    They stayed like that for about five minutes, her quiver weakening little by little.

    ¡°Are you okay now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a seat, shall we?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Michelle genuinely smiled after she detached herself from him.

    The two of them sat on the sofa.

    ¡°This is your room. Do you like it?¡± asked Michelle.

    ¡°It¡¯s decorated nicely. Anyway, do you regret not epting Alion¡¯s deal?¡±

    Michelle¡¯s expression was a lot more natural now.

    ¡°This is what I wanted to do. It¡¯s bigger and much more difficult than I anticipated, but it¡¯s like windfall to me. I¡¯ll bear in mind what you said in the office a moment ago, and I¡¯ll make sure nothing else will bother you that¡¯s rted to the drama. Thank you, Channy.¡±

    Michelle¡¯srge eyes were filled with sincerity.

    ¡°Go upstairs. The kids had to have been really surprised, so you shouldfort them.¡±

    ¡°Sure, Channy.¡±

    Michelle went out of the room, and Kang Chan stayed on the sofa.

    Kang Chan felt really down, perhaps because he had just fought people with horriblebat skills. He was in perfect condition, too. Hence, he couldn¡¯t help but feel like a viin when he brawled against such pathetic gangsters.

 Chapter 62.2: Unicorn Project (2)

    <h4>Chapter 62.2: Unicorn Project (2)</h4>

    Just as Kang Chan was feeling down about fighting against gangsters, his phone began vibrating.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan held up his phone, but the call was from an unknown number.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Ah, yes.¡±

    - Did you decide to meet Ambassador Lanok tomorrow?

    ¡°Yes. He said he¡¯s going to let me know the time and location as soon as he arrives in South Korea.¡±

    - Would you be able to give us some of your time as well after you meet with him, Mr. Kang Chan?

    Kang Chan tilted his head, but he had already decided to do it. They said it was an urgent national-level matter, so there was nothing that cumbersome about giving them some of his time in the evening.

    ¡°Alright. Should I contact you through this phone number once I¡¯m done talking to Lanok?¡±

    - Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded relieved, almost as if he had just achieved a big wish.

    - Also, I got promoted thanks to you.

    Kang Chan ended upughing out loud. Why would the National Intelligence Service give a promotion just because he handed a card to a high schooler?

    - Now that I¡¯ve be the manager, please don¡¯t hesitate to call me immediately if there¡¯s something bothering you or if you need anything.

    ¡°Mr. Manager.¡±

    - Yes, Mr. Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan sounded quieter, which seemed to have made Kim Hyung-Jung nervous.

    ¡°President Kim Tae-Jin is working with someone that he trusts without regrets. You¡¯re someone like that to me. Now that I''ve decided to do this, let''s give it our all and handle this like equals.. So please stop treating me so formally.¡±

    Kang Chan heard the sound of his breathing over the phone, which sounded like a groan.

    - Kim Tae-Jin told me that if I want to work with you, I should prioritize taking care of those that you value over trivial conditions. I understand. I¡¯ll try my best for South Korea and not disappoint my friend who trusts me. Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.

    When the call ended, Kang Chan heard someone knocking on the door.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Michelle came into the room.

    ¡°Everyone, including the trainees, has alle down to the lobby. They said they have something to tell you.¡±

    His office was too narrow for everyone toe in.

    Kang Chan nodded, then went out of the room after Michelle.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President!¡± The employees and trainees greeted him all at the same time the moment they saw him.

    Kang Chan smiled brightly.

    It was childish and cheesy, but this was their own way of expressing their feelings.

    He hoped these trainees and employees would seed.

    ¡°Is that what you guys wanted to say?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Michelle could now smile without trouble.

    ¡°Honestly, the programming for the drama had finished. Everyone is extremely happy, but they¡¯re also afraid. I came down with them because they said they feel reassured when they¡¯re with you during times like this.¡±

    Since they were women, the earlier scuffle could have been their first time witnessing someone fight like him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit down. Having apany dinner today isn¡¯t a good idea, so how about we buy and eat snacks instead?¡± Kang Chan asked everyone.

    Michelle nodded satisfactorily, and the two road managers quickly went outside.

    They brought the chair at the table and all of the chairs in the conference room into the lobby then sat in a circle.

    ¡°Are all of our trainees appearing in the drama?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Of course, sir! There¡¯s a difference in screen time, but everyone is starring in more than three episodes, and all of them even have lines,¡± Michelle answered.

    Kang Chan smiled again after seeing excitement sh across the trainees¡¯ faces.

    ¡°Casting the male lead won¡¯t be a problem now either since we¡¯ve finalized the programming. Director Pyo also said there¡¯s an actor that he wants to rmend,¡± Michelle continued.

    When Kang Chan turned his head in the same direction as Michelle¡¯s gaze, he found Eun So-Yeon also looking quite excited..

    That was the first time that Eun So-Yeon had looked straight into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. The look in her eyes showed she was enduring something she was afraid of.

    At that moment, the door opened and the two road managers came in with a big stic bag in each hand. Based on the bags¡¯ size, it looked as if they bought everything from a store.

    The trainees all ran to them and spread out the snacks with the employees.

    Kang Chan said they should buy and eat snacks as a joke, but when everything had been spread out, there was so much food that it looked as if they actually did buy everything from a snack bar and a bakery.

    After preparing coffee, juice, and a few other drinks, they began to eat to their heart¡¯s content. The trainees initially only picked at their food but gradually showed the appetite they had when they were at the Japanese restaurant.

    Kang Chan mostly talked with Michelle. By the time he thought everyone had eaten their fill, it was already 4:30 pm.

    ¡°Before I go, I have a favor to ask all of you,¡± Kang Chan said, and all eyes quickly turned to him, almost as if they had been waiting for this exact moment. They seemed to have been looking forward to him saying something to them.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about drama production, broadcasting, or acting. But let¡¯s not live like cowards just because everyone else does. When you all be famouster and are in a position where everyone looks up to you, then I hope you be a figure people would sincerely congratte and be jealous of. This isn¡¯t what we mean when we stated in your contract that we won¡¯t cling to you, but if anyone here disagrees with what I just said and wants to work differently, you¡¯re free to leave anytime.¡±

    Some of the trainees even shook their heads at Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    ¡°However, while you¡¯re in thispany, don¡¯t even consider acting like a coward. Let Michelle know if you¡¯re going through something difficult. In that sense, I¡¯m grateful for Eun So-Yeon and Ji Yeon-Hee. They chose to trust Michelle and thepany with this situation.¡±

    <i>Why is that bitch acting like that?</i>

    Eun So-Yeon was staring intensely at Kang Chan again.

    Kang Chan turned his head toward Michelle.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we have apany dinner before we start filming?¡± He asked everyone.

    ¡°Mr. President! We have to go on a diet from now on. So please have thepany dinner after we''re done filming the drama!¡± One of the trainees said that as a joke, and the other kids agreed while pping their hands.

    .

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Let¡¯s do that instead, please!¡±

    Kang Chan and Michelle smiled and responded to them, then got up from their seats.

    ***

    Kang Chan took a taxi home.

    <i>¡®Taxi fares are no joke.¡¯</i>

    Having money in his bank ount was one thing, and paying a lot for the taxi fare was another. Still, it wasn¡¯t like there was any other way to get around.

    For some strange reason, Kang Chan felt at ease when he saw the apartment.

    Having decided to meet with Kim Mi-Young in the evening, he immediately headed inside.

    When Kang Chan pressed the key card against the scanner and opened the door, Yoo Hye-Sook greeted him.

    ¡°I¡¯m back.¡±

    ¡°Wee home. You must be exhausted.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. I didn¡¯t have any difficult tasks to do today.¡±

    The five obnoxious gangsters earlier were a piece of cake. He shouldn¡¯t say that out loud, though.

    ¡°Would you like some fruits?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°No thanks. I ate some snacks before going home.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great to hear.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked like she was trying hard to understand the six billion won that Kang Chan offered them.

    ¡°It seems like father had called you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Channy.¡± She smiled awkwardly.

    ¡°He said that creating and running a foundation would overall be the most effective move. He seemed very surprised that you really had stocks as well.¡±

    ¡°Would you like to have a cup of tea? I¡¯ll make it,¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Will you really make me one?¡±

    Kang Chan ced the kettle on top of the gas stove, then took out green tea and two cups.

    ¡°Here! This is yours.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook moved the cup that Kang Chan had ced on the table closer to her.

    ¡°The money is weighing on your mind, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It is.¡±

    Her answers and actions were simr to Kim Mi-Young''s. Kang Chan forced himself to hold in the urge to burst outughing. Kang Chan found Yoo Hye-Sook really pretty.

    ¡°Do you feel that way because you¡¯re worried it could harm me?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Are you really okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan responded to Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s question.

    ¡°I heard that Branch Manager Smithen also got paid. Gong Te automobile said choosing Kang Yoo Motors over Suh Jeong Motors was an excellent decision, and that while this seems like arge amount of money to us, it¡¯s not that big of a deal for Gong Te automobile,¡± he continued.

    ¡°Your dad and I have decided to ept this, but I couldn¡¯t help but feel worried and nervous when we¡¯ve confirmed the stocks really do exist and that your dad¡¯s going to create a foundation with it. Maybe I feel this way because your dad and I have never had this much money before.¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Smiling, Kang Chan consoled Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Please just think of this as the heavens helping us because you were trying to do something good. That¡¯s how I see it. On the contrary, I feel bad. I did this to make you happy but made you worry instead.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook hastily responded to Kang Chan.

    ¡°I was just worried this could harm you somehow because I kept recalling how you got injured and came backst time.¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled, Yoo Hye-Sook smiled as well.

    Making her feel better this way was the right call. People got used to things like this over time until this no longer made them feel better.

    Kang Chan had juste into his room after spending time with Yoo Hye-Sook for a moment.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan held up his phone to check if the caller was Kim Mi-Young, but it was from an unknown number.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan?

    It didn¡¯t feel right.

    ¡°Speaking.¡±

    - I¡¯m Yang Jung-Mook, the Criminal Affairs Department head of the Gangnam Police station. You¡¯ve been used of criminal assault. But you already know which incident I¡¯m talking about, right?

    Considering how he talked to Kang Chan so informally, he seemed to think thetter was still quite young.

    - Come to the Gangnam Police Station¡¯s Criminal Affairs Department by 10 am tomorrow. If you don¡¯t, then we¡¯re going to have to take action.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll go there tomorrow.¡±

    As Kang Chan listened to him, he noticed Yang Jung-Mook¡¯s voice was loaded with hostility.

    <i>¡®Phew! I¡¯m tired.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chany in his bed with a <i>thud</i>.

 Chapter 63.1: Unicorn Project (3)

    <h4>Chapter 63.1: Unicorn Project (3)</h4>

    That evening, Kang Chan walked with Kim Mi-Young for about thirty minutes around the apartment. He fell asleep early afterward.

    The following Tuesday morning, he decided to run around the apartment first, which caused him to leave the house ratherte. He called Seok Kang-Ho as he was leaving.

    - Will you be okay?

    ¡°I doubt anything strange would happen. Alion was the one that brought five gangsters to D.I. anyway, and they also brought weapons. I should be able to reach a reasonable agreement with them.¡±

    - Do you think the gangsters would actually file awsuit? It has to be that bitch Lee Ha-Yeon and that guy named David or something. You should draw up a report around them instead. I¡¯ll talk to President Kim Tae-Jin while you¡¯re there.

    ¡°Damn, all of this is messed up. At any rate, I¡¯ll call after I go there and check the situation out.¡±

    - Sure.

    Kang Chan got in a taxi and headed to the Gangnam Police Station.

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    The consequences were tedious, but he didn¡¯t regret what he did. Kang Chan truly felt satisfied for defending hispany¡¯s employees and actors, even if he had to beat some people up in the process.

    After reaching his destination, he went up to the second floor after finding out that was where the Criminal Affairs Department was through the information desk. He then opened a door that had a sign that said ¡®Criminal Affairs Department.¡¯ Upon entering, he found neat, long rows of iron desks and a middle-aged man that seemed to have a bad temper in the innermost part of the room. The man raised his head.

    ¡°What brought you here?¡± The man at the other side of the door suddenly spoke informally to Kang Chan.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    ¡°Kang Chan?¡± the middle-aged man in the innermost part of the room asked as Kang Chan stared intently at him.

    <i>Is that person the Head of this department?</i>

    Kang Chan walked toward the man and noticed a namete that said ¡®Yang Jung-Mook, Criminal Affairs Department Head¡¯ on the divider of the desk.

    ¡°Are you Kang Chan?¡± The man asked again.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Yang Jung-Mook looked at Kang Chan with a murderous look in his eyes.

    ¡°Sit down.¡±

    Kang Chan sat on the chair in front of his desk.

    ¡°You¡¯re a student, right?¡± Yang Jung-Mook asked.

    ¡°Yes. So?¡±

    ¡°Hey, punk! How can you im to be a student when you just incapacitated five people with a baseball bat? You also broke a woman¡¯s nose with a p and destroyed another person¡¯s eardrum!¡± Yang Jung-Mook suddenly shouted.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°You¡¯re smiling? Sure, keep smiling. Smile,¡± Yang Jung-Mook sarcastically replied like he was talking to himself as he flipped through the paperwork in front of him.

    ¡°Tell me what happened yesterday first before I draw up the report about your case,¡± said Yang Jung-Mook.

    Kang Chan sighed, then told him a concise summary of what happened in order.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that a fight broke out because when you went into the D.I. office, Alion employees were scaring the D.I. staff with baseball bats?¡± Yang Jung-Mook asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°You knocked down five people by yourself, and you only pped Lee Ha-Yeon and Choi Bong-Pal?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Choi Bong-Pal?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Choi Bong-Pal! The president of Alion!¡±

    <i>What an awful name!</i>

    When Kang Chan smirked, Yang Jung-Mook red at him in a detestable way.

    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡±

    ¡°Be careful of what you say,¡± Kang Chan told Yang Jung-Mook.

    The office quieted down at that moment, almost as if cold water was poured on the surroundings. This was proof that everyone was listening to their conversation.

    ¡°This fucker¡¯s asking for it!¡±a nearby detective swung a file at Kang Chan''s head.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    Kang Chan blocked it with his hand and got up from his seat.

    ¡°Do you want to die?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Another detective got up from his seat as well, his chair causing a loud, screeching noise. He then started to film Kang Chan with his phone.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to investigate me, then do it properly. Don¡¯t mess around like fucking gangsters,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    ¡°You¡ªI¡¯m going to deal with youter.¡±

    The detective nced at the cell phone that was filming them, gritted his teeth, and stepped back.

    Kang Chan looked through the inner part of the office.

    Except for Yang Jung-Mook, the detective that came toward him just now, and the detective that was holding the cell phone, everyone looked worried. The atmosphere seemed to suggest everyone knew what the case entailed, but they couldn¡¯t criticize Yang Jung-Mook publically, as he was the head of the department.

    ¡°You¡¯re saying that you¡¯reing out strong, right? Alright. Sit, Kang Chan.¡± Yang Jung-Mook also seemed a bit dispirited.

    Yang Jung-Mook started reading the conventional lines, such as that his testimony could be used against him and that he had the right to awyer. Afterward, he raised his head.

    ¡°You have broken the shoulders and knees of five Alion employees yesterday at the D.I. office, correct?¡± asked Yang Jung-Mook.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Yang Jung-Mook smiled in a vulgar way while looking at theputer monitor.

    ¡°Furthermore, you pped Lee Ha-Yeon three times, breaking her nose. You then threatened her after she copsed to the floor, saying that you¡¯ll break her knees if she doesn¡¯t get up, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Yang Jung-Mok looked satisfied with his answers.

    ¡°You also pped Alion President Choi Bong-Pal several times and caused his eardrums to burst, which is a severe injury. Correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Hmm. Together with Lim Soo-Sung, you also assaulted a victim in the office, correct?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±

    Behind theputer monitor, Yang Jung-Mook red at Kang Chan and straightened his posture.

    .

    ¡°We have all of the testimonies now, so juste out clean,¡± Yang Jung-Mook told Kang Chan.

    ¡°The case about Lim Soo-Sung isn¡¯t true, so please note that down ordingly.¡±

    ¡°Hmph! So you''re still going to act tough, huh? Alright. Let''s proceed with this for now.¡±

    After Yang Jung-Mook quickly typed something on hisputer, he stretched his hand toward the printer.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have your confessions signed with your thumbprint for now. We can gradually go through the restter and spend some time on it,¡± Yang Jung-Mook said.

    Yang Jung-Mook took out the paperwork from the printer and held it out in front of Kang Chan. It already had his name, address, and hisck of religion written on it.

    As Kang Chan signed the document with his thumbprint, Yang Jung-Mook gestured with his head to the detective that was beside him.

    Kang Chan swatted away a hand that was rushing toward him.

    ¡°Did you get that on camera?¡± asked Yang Jung-Mook.

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Charge this fucker for interfering with a public official in the execution of his duty. What are you doing? handcuff him and put him in a detention cell now!¡±

    The detective in front of Kang Chan came toward him again.

    ¡°Kang Chan, you have the right to remain silent¡ª¡±

    ¡°Stop spouting nonsense. Are you really going to try to arrest me?¡± Kang Chan asked, then gritted his teeth.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    The door opened, and Kim Hyung-Jung and other men in suits rushed inside.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Yang Jung-Mook tilted to the side to look at the people that had just entered, then jumped up from his seat.

    ¡°Salute!¡±

    Thest man to enter had a muscr build and really fierce eyes. His hair was clearly dyed ck.

    ¡°Be quiet. Head Yang, do you have the letters ofint that you received from the gangsters?¡± the man asked.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°The letters ofint that came in for Mr. Kang Chan here! Are you not aware that the gangsters listed on theint as intiffs are targets that are to be managed by the fourth team?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know.¡±

    The man¡¯s face twitched as he looked at Yang Jung-Mook. He then stood in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Good day, Mr. Kang Chan. I¡¯m Lee Eun-Ho, chief of the Gangnam Police station. I apologize for theck of a proper investigation on this case. We¡¯ll be handing Head Yang over to the Department of Internal Affairs, and we¡¯ll let you know about the punishments we''ll be enforcing after we''ve performed a self-audit. I sincerely apologize once again for the inconvenience this has caused you today.¡±

    When Kang Chan nced at Kim Hyung-Jung, thetter gave him a brief nod.

    ¡°Tsk! Alright. But I see room for improvement in this ce,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°We¡¯ll spare no efforts in taking all the necessary actions and reporting the results to you.¡±

    Yang Jung-Mook had a nk look on his face.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get going now, chief. I hope the measures you implement are sufficient. The prosecution will also investigate Woo Ak-San gang and Alion. I ask that you and others do a good job at this to avoid something shameful needlessly happening to you and the Gangnam Police Station,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°You have nothing to worry about.¡±

    Lee Eun-Ho bowed his head while politely shaking hands with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what was going on, but he felt relieved.

    As Kang Chan left the Criminal Affairs Department, he heard Lee Eun-Ho screaming inside the room. ¡°I said to not take on cases after receiving money!¡±

    When he got out of the police station, he found three vans parked in a line.

    ¡°Please get in,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    An agent opened the door that Kim Hyung-Jung had pointed to for him.

    Kang Chan did as Kim Hyung-Jung requested. Thetter went around to the other side and got in as well.

    As they drove past the police station¡¯s front gate, Kang Chan heard a police officer inplete uniform loudly yell, ¡°Salute!¡±

    ¡°Jeez, Mr. Kang Chan! Why would you personally go to things like this?¡± asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    This was a bit shameful.

    ¡°Would you like to head to your school? Or how about we have a cup of tea? I also want to smoke a cigarette.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine with that,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    With a wide smile, Kim Hyung-Jung bent forward and told the driver, ¡°Head to the branch office.¡±

    ¡°From now on, please call us in advance whenever something like this happens. Criminal immunity is the same thing as pardons. Pardons are given to those that have been found guilty, and Criminal Immunities are for those whose crimes are still being investigated,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°There are less than ten people in South Korea that can enjoy this right. You should take advantage of it when you have it.¡±

    This nonchnt attitude of Kim Hyung-Jung was simr to Kim Tae-Jin''s.

 Chapter 63.2: Unicorn Project (3)

    <h4>Chapter 63.2: Unicorn Project (3)</h4>

    After leaving the Gangnam Police Station and about five minutes on the road, Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung stopped in front of an office-use building with a subway station behind it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    After Kang Chan got out, the car left. Kim Hyung-Jung and Kang Chan went inside the building and took the elevator.

    ¡°This building is registered under the Nam Young Company. However, it''s really the National Intelligence Service''s Gangnam branch office,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    The elevator was narrow. It only had space for about five people.

    They went out of the elevator on the fifth floor, and Kim Hyung-Jung took out a card from the pocket of his dress shirt. He then pressed it on the lock, opening the iron door with a <i>click</i>.

    ¡°We registered this building that way because the solicitors were annoying us too much.¡±

    A translucent ss partition blocked the room¡¯s interior. Kim Hyung-Jung turned to the right and opened the door inside, the lock of which also required a key card.

    The room was wide and had a luxurious sofa, bookshelf, and arge desk at the very back of the room.

    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan.

    Kim Hyung-Jung pressed the inte device on the desk, then sat on the sofa. ¡°Bring us some coffee.¡±

    A female employee soon entered and served them coffee.

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung each lit up a cigarette, then took a sip of coffee.

    ¡°You¡¯re ssified as a special agent of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service. Regardless of what you¡¯re up to here or in other countries, all of South Korea¡¯s institutions are set up to cooperate with you.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nced at Kang Chan, then continued.

    ¡°Your criminal immunity applies even to murder. We normally don¡¯t tell people that, but I decided you should be aware of that in case things get messed up again like what happened today. No matter the problem that arises, please call us before doing anything. That honestly makes it easier for us to take care of it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    The cigarette smoke gotpletely sucked into the vent in the ceiling.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t just because of your rtionship with Ambassador Lanok. This is the result of all that transpired up until this point, including the whole situation with the Neck Ghost. This is also because our friend Kim Tae-Jin endured everything until now.

    Kim Hyung-Jung stretched out his neck to gesture at it. ¡°I¡¯ve even put this on the line.¡±

    When Kang Chanughed out loud, Kim Hyung-Jungughed with him.

    ¡°If the rail is connected, then it¡¯ll likely be the greatest administrative achievement in South Korea¡¯s history. Don¡¯t even get me started on the enormous benefits it¡¯d bring to the country. I don¡¯t fear being fired if we fail. I just don¡¯t want South Korea to be constantly wary of Japan and North Korea. That¡¯s why I¡¯m putting my life on the line for this.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Manager.¡± Kang Chan took out another cigarette, then called Kim Hyung-Jung as he lit it.

    ¡°You think Lanok¡¯s going to refuse ory down a troublesome condition, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung seemed to have decided to disclose his thoughts, considering the immediate answer he just gave.

    ¡°We specially employed Mr. Seok Kang-Ho and Yoo Bi-Corp¡¯s five employees because you said that you needed people that you can easily work with,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    It felt like things had progressed too much, but it couldn¡¯t be reversed now. He didn''t want to abandon the mission.

    ¡°If this seeds, then South Korea will be a central figure that connects the continent. There are six months left until the announcement. In that time frame, South Korea has to be included in that n.¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t South Korea just connect to the railter on?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°All countries linked to the rail have to agree, so that¡¯s practically impossible. The interests of each country are all different, after all.¡±

    ¡°What if North Korea suddenly blocks off the rail?¡±

    ¡°Any country that does that will be isted without question. And even North Korea isn''t dumb enough to give up on the massive amount of earnings they can get from the customs duty. The biggest reason why China tried so hard to stop North Korea was that they were trying to blockade the Wonsan Seaport, and move the shipping bay to the Dang Dong Port¡±

    Hearing that made Kang Chan¡¯s head spin.

    ¡°Currently, the forces opposing Lanok are hesitating now that Shan has been arrested. Moreover, every country¡¯s National Intelligence agents are crowding into Russia. It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say they¡¯re risking their lives to cling to this matter, considering three gunfights have already broken out in Europe. And meanwhile¡­¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked straight at Kang Chan.

    ¡°The key figure in the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project ising to South Korea, and he¡¯s meeting you first before anyone else.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s thrilling,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    They both smirked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung got up from his seat, walked to the desk, and brought over a menu that had a variety of food choices written on it.

    ¡°The specialty jjamppong here is amazing,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    When Kang Chan said he wanted that with a smile, Kim Hyung-Jung ordered two bowls of the specialty jjamppong through the inte device.

    The more Kang Chan talked to him, the better he seemed as a person.

    In the middle of their meal, Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Tae-Jin both called him because they were worried. Kang Chan apologized to them and told them that he was currently with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ***

    After having lunch, Kang Chan refused Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s offer to give him a ride. Instead, he took a taxi to the school. The jjamppong really was delicious, enough for him to think he shoulde backter with the others.

    When he went into the school, he found the bullies practicing martial arts in the sports field. Seok Kang-Ho, who was in the stands, turned his gaze to Kang Chan and acknowledged him.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    In response, Kang Chan told him what had happened in detail as he looked around their surroundings.

    ¡°Ah, jeez. Things like that still happen?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°It felt like it was orchestrated. If I was powerless, I wouldn''t have been able to live through such unfair treatment..¡±

    ¡°I doubt normal citizens could even do what you did, considering they¡¯d already be scared just for having to go to a police station. Anyway, I''m just d this has been resolved.¡±

    Kang Chan watched Cho Se-Ho while listening to Seok Kang-Ho. He could see quite a bit of talent in him.

    ¡°President Kim Tae-Jin had deposited money into my ount. I even got two calls from the bank this morning. Can I really ept it?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Manager Kim Hyung-Jung said that I should hold on to the things I¡¯m given. Hang onto it. There¡¯s got to be somewhere you can use it, right?¡±

    ¡°Tsk. That¡¯s true, but my sry now looks shabby since people keep mentioning hundreds of millions whenever they talk to me.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop the money talk here,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The two of them turned their attention to the kids that were working out.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan checked his phone when it rang. It was Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Hey. Kang Chan, did you beat up the kids from Woo Ak-San as well?

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s them, but there were five guys that came into my office. The Gangnam Police Station took care of them today.¡±

    - Ha! No wonder the old men were spouting bullshit. Alright. I¡¯ll stand by and see what happens now that things had ended up like this. Take care of yourself, and don¡¯t overdo it.

    What Oh Gwang-Taek said at the end could¡¯ve been annoying, but it ended up making Kang Chan smile instead since he said it so casually and familiarly.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Thinking he was such a busy person, Kang Chan held up his phone again. It was Lanok this time.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - Monsieur Kang, it¡¯s Lanok. Can we meet at the Namsan Hotel at 3 pm?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re already in South Korea?¡±

    - My schedule ended up like that. Is the time okay?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    - See you soon.

    After hanging up the phone, Kang Chan immediately called Kim Hyung-Jung and told him about his call with Lanok.

    ¡°He¡¯s set to enter South Korea from China,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied, his tone slightly higher than normal.

    Kang Chan then talked to Kim Tae-Jin. Afterward, he couldn¡¯t help but feel like he now had free time until 3 pm.

    ¡°Things are really starting to move, huh?,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Seems like it.¡±

    ¡°Imagine if Lanok just tells you, ¡®I ept your proposal,¡¯ this evening.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, how good would it be if he did that?¡±

    They grinned at each other. Soon after, the bullies crowded the stands.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to teach them a bit,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I should also get going.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    While Seok Kang-Ho was warming up after going down the stands, Kang Chan¡¯s eyes met Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s. He had be used to her bare face after seeing it so often.

    <i>¡®Why do they keep doing that?¡¯</i>

    Heo Eun-Sil was looking straight at Kang Chan, which Eun So-Yeon did yesterday. He couldn¡¯t help but feel something was strangely off.

    ¡°Gather round, all of you,¡± Seok Kang-Ho soon called them, which made Heo Eun-Sil look away.

    Kang Chan received the same type of gaze for two days in a row now. The look in their eyes showed that they were afraid, but they weren¡¯t avoiding him.

    One thing was for certain: Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s guts and ability to take punches were amazing.

    ***

    Kang Chan watched the kids work out for a bit more, then took a taxi to the Namsan Hotel. With thirty minutes left to spare, he went into the lobby and ordered a ss of a cold drink.

    He sat close to a window on purpose. Not wanting to see Joo Chul-Bum or have anyone show up and greet him, he faced the window.

    Kang Chan ced his phone down on top of the table and held up the drink that the employee brought over for him.

    Soon, however, he saw two men with extraordinary posturese into the hotel. He didn¡¯t intend to look at them. However, the pirs in the middle of every window were sparkling, causing the window to reflect the entrance.

    <i>¡®Who are they? Are they guarding Lanok?¡¯</i>

    If not, then they could be employees that Kim Hyung-Jung had sent.

    The two men looked around the lobby, then hastily headed elsewhere after looking in Kang Chan¡¯s direction.

    Kang Chan held up his phone.

    - Please go ahead, Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, did you send agents to the hotel?¡±

    - I only have them positioned on the outskirts of the hotel since I didn¡¯t want to cause any fights with Lanok¡¯s people. Is something wrong?

    ¡°I asked just to be sure. I¡¯ll call you after I look into it a bit more.¡±

    - Alright. We¡¯ll remain on standby. Call us immediately if you need help with anything.

    While Kang Chan was talking on the phone, the two men went inside, towards the right of the hotel and hid.

    1. Wonsan Seaport is a seaport in North Korea

    2. the Dang Dong Port is an artificial deep-water seaport on the coast of Dang Dong City, China

 Chapter 64.1: Unicorn Project (4)

    <h4>Chapter 64.1: Unicorn Project (4)</h4>

    Things like this asionally happened, even in Africa.

    Moments when his senses would sharpen and feel danger approaching.

    During such situations, Kang Chan would make his crewmates stop. And as he looked around his surroundings, bullets would then fly in from unexpected ces, encounter enemies lying in ambush, or even continuously find booby traps.

    He held up his phone and checked the time. It was 2:45 pm.

    <i>¡®Do I need to tell Lanok about this?¡¯</i>

    They could be trying to attack Kang Chan, though.

    As Kim Hyung-Jung said, Kang Chan was the first person Lanok was meeting upon arriving in South Korea. Hence, it was certainly possible for there to be a country hoping to ruin the process of the rail being connected to South Korea.

    <i>What would I have done if I was in Africa?</i>

    Obviously, he would¡¯ve made everyone stand where they were.

    Kang Chan held up his phone.

    - Monsieur Kang. I was actually just about to call you. I¡¯ve just arrived at the basement and am about to take the elevator. I¡¯ll see you on¡­ floor 19.

    An elevator that came up from the basement?

    Kang Chan quickly stood up and walked toward the elevators. The employees recognized him, so they didn¡¯t request him to pay. Rather, they bowed their heads at him to greet him.

    Kang Chan quickly ran over and passed by the regr elevator that was at the far end of the hotel¡¯s right wing.

    Nobody was there.

    If so, then that meant Lanok took the basement freight elevator, which was used to transport Smithen up from the basement in the past.

    <i>Screech!</i>

    The iron door that led to the emergency stairs screeched.

    Just as Kang Chan hastily opened the door and ran out to the path that was on the inner part of the stairwell¡­

    <i>Ting!</i>

    Kang Chan heard the sound of the elevator stopping.

    When Kang Chan put a hand on the doorway and twisted his body, he saw the two men take out a gun each.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    <i>Ti-ng!</i>

    Simultaneously, Kang Chan struck the face of the man in front of him and pushed the gun of the man beside his other opponent.

    ¡°Ugh!¡± A scream rang out from within the elevator the moment sparks flew from the marble floor.

    Kang Chan pounced on the second guy.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow-pow-pow.</i>

    They were professionals.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    They even managed to properly hit the left side of Kang Chan¡¯s neck.

    <i>Tak-ta-da-da-dak. Ta-dak! Pak.</i>

    Their hands collided against each other so quickly he couldn¡¯t even see the face of his opponents.

    <i>Pak! Pow. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan sessfully blocked an elbow with the edge of his hand. However, a thumb burrowed into his eye.

    <i>Ta-dak! Pak!</i>

    Kang Chan pushed the thumb away and elbowed the opponent¡¯s neck.

    Upon seeing his opponent gritting his teeth, Kang Chan realized he was up against someone who was used to getting hit.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan heard the two agents that had sprung out of the elevator engaging in a brutal battle against the other enemy.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!?</i>

    <i>Crack. Crack.</i>

    The moment Kang Chan elbowed his current opponent¡¯s left eye, Kang Chan¡¯s left eye also got hit in the same way.

    This was his first time fighting against someone this quick.

    His opponent was so tenacious he even managed to hide the fact that he was hit so well.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow! Ta-ak! Ta-da-dak!</i>

    They exchanged blows so fast they ran out of breath.

    However, his enemy controlled his breathing during their battle. That showed he was a professional.

    Kang Chan could hear his opponent¡¯s breathing.

    A flurry of exchanges followed.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    The edge of his hand, elbow, and wrist hit his opponent.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    His opponent kneed his thigh.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow!?</i>

    In retaliation, Kang Chan repeatedly hit the guy¡¯s right eye.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    As Kang Chan did, his foe threw a punch toward his stomach pit. Kang Chan pushed it away with his elbow.

    At that moment, their eyes finally met.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    Kang Chan headbutted his opponent in the face, causing thetter to fall backward and slide down against the wall.

    When Kang Chan turned around, he noticed one of the agents had fallen on the floor as if he was crumpled, while the other agent¡¯s nose had been severely damaged.

    Kang Chan and the man the agents were up against earlier simultaneously looked at the gun that had fallen to the ground.

    The moment the guy bent over, Kang Chan pounced on him.

    Kang Chan grabbed onto the pistol¡¯s barrel and drove his knee upward.

    <i>Pow.</i>

    His opponent blocked Kang Chan¡¯s knee with his elbow, then used that momentum to get up.

    At that moment, Kang Chan pushed and pointed the muzzle of the pistol at no one.

    <i>Tak-dak. Bam. Ta-da-tak. Pow.</i>

    Kang Chan tried to attack his opponent¡¯s right armpit with his right arm, and his opponent attempted to strike Kang Chan¡¯s neck and philtrum with his left arm.

    <i>Ta-tak. Ta-da-dak. Ta-da-dak.</i>

    As their arms continuously collided against each other, Kang Chan saw one of the agents standing back up.

    <i>Dash.</i>

    Kang Chan executed a feint toward the opponent¡¯s neck, then pushed him toward the agent.

    <i>Crash.</i>

    The agent caused Kang Chan¡¯s enemy to trip and fall. Thetter¡¯s strength was amazing, but not knowing when he was about to fall made a huge difference.

    Kang Chan bent his opponent¡¯s wrist and pushed the pistol away from him.

    <i>Ti-ng. Ti-ng.</i>

    ¡°Huff. Huff.¡±

    Blood spilled out of the chin of Kang Chan¡¯s enemy. While Kang Chan was on top of him, he fell down and seemingly rolled away.

    Kang Chan felt stiff pain surge up whenever he blinked. Moreover, his neck, side, and thigh hurt so much that he felt like they were going to rip apart.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    Kang Chan barely managed to raise himself. His left thigh had stiffened, and he couldn¡¯t put strength on it.

    ¡°Search through them,¡± Kang Chan ordered the agents.

    One of the agents held onto a pistol and searched through the man that had a hole in his chin. Simultaneously, the agent with a bleeding mouth and nose were bleeding searched through the guy leaning against the wall.

    ¡°It¡¯s poison,¡± The agent with the broken nose told Kang Chan.

    The face of the man leaning against the wall had a somewhat blue tinge. A nce alone would be enough to tell he looked like he was already dead.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the ambassador?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s in room 1901.¡±

    The agents acted as if they were talking to a superior.

    ¡°What should we do about them? I think it¡¯ll be better if my people clean them up,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°That should be fine.¡±

    Kang Chan took out his phone and called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    - Mr. Kang Chan! We heard gunshots from the hotel. Its employees have blocked the elevators to prevent people from going into the scene.

    ¡°We¡¯re on the first floor by the freight elevator. Two people died¡ªone by gunshot, and the other seemed to have swallowed poison. Please take care of this.¡±

    - We¡¯re heading in immediately. Our agents are wearing ck suits.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up the phone and told the agents to wait for a moment. It hadn¡¯t even been a minute when six men in ck suits came inside the freight elevator.

    ¡°The manager sent us here.¡±

    ¡°Take care of this situation for us,¡± Kang Chan told the employees.

    ¡°Please feel free to go upstairs. Leave this to us.¡±

    Kang Chan gestured to the two French agents with a nod.

    <i>Ting.</i>

    When the elevator opened, Kang Chan headed inside, and the two agents followed behind him. One of the two took out a handkerchief and covered his mouth with it, but his blood just seeped through it.

    <i>Ting.</i>

    When they arrived at the 19th floor, he found two agents waiting for him. They apanied him to Lanok¡¯s room.

    Kang Chan limped across the hallway and finally went inside room 1901.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Lanok approached Kang Chan and noisily kissed his cheeks. He then led Kang Chan to the sofa.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°I was lucky.¡±

    An agent poured them tea and ced cigarettes and a lighter on the table. The agent then entered one of the rooms inside.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I have something that I need to tell you first.¡±

    ¡°Please go ahead.¡±

    Kang Chan rubbed his eye with his hand, then took out a cigarette. As he did, Lanok also moved his hand.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I was also about to smoke a cigar,¡± said Lanok.

    <i>Click!</i>

    After Kang Chan lit up a cigarette, Lanok also lit up a cigar.

    ¡°The Korean National Intelligence Service contacted me to ask for a favor a few days ago. Oh, and I entrusted them to clean up the scene on the first floor. Two people died down there,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Lanok just calmly stared at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan took a sip of his tea. Afterward, the pain he felt dramatically decreased. He could also see properly now.

    ¡°Did the Korean government tell you about the rail?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I heard it¡¯s called the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project. They requested that I ask you to connect South Korea to the rail.¡±

    Lanok exhaled the smoke of the cigar to the side.

    ¡°Where did you get the skills to fight against two agents of an enemy country?¡± Lanok asked.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t answer him since it was an abrupt question.

    ¡°About French¡­ Ah! You told me you learned that through the inte.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to exin, but there was no way to do so.

    ¡°Two of our agents couldn¡¯t fight against one of those men, but you defeated both of them,¡± Lanok continued.

    <i>Was he watching me?</i>

    ¡°That means you can fight against four or five of our National Intelligence agents by yourself. A person that skilled in South Korea would be on every country¡¯s radar.¡±

    <i>Go on, keep trying to figure me out. You¡¯ll never find anything.</i>

    How could France¡¯s Intelligence Bureau, or the Intelligence Bureau of any country in the world for that matter, understand something even he couldn¡¯t?

    ¡°Let me ask a different question. So other countries think that you¡¯re a secret agent the South Korean government and I have raised. We can''t say anything about it though, considering we worked together to catch Shan,¡± Lanok continued.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t me them for thinking that way.

 Chapter 64.2: Unicorn Project (4)

    <h4>Chapter 64.2: Unicorn Project (4)</h4>

    Kang Chan extinguished the cigarette and took another sip of his tea.

    ¡°How did you know there were two men out to kill me today?¡± Lanok asked again.

    As Kang Chan drank tea, he raised his gaze and looked straight at Lanok.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The sound of the teacup being ced down was unusually loud.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have ns to be servile or bow his head just because he had a favor to ask of Lanok. More importantly, he refused to keep meeting with Lanok if it would just mean he¡¯d keep receiving suspicions from him.

    ¡°I think each person has a special talent, so please just think mine are meleebat and French. And I just got lucky today. I coincidentally noticed those two through the window in the lobby. Anyway, I¡¯ll stop here. I was hoping to ask you for a favor since I was told ¡®Unicorn¡¯ would be a big help to South Korea. However, I don¡¯t think I can do this kind of thing after all.¡±

    Lanok¡¯s eyes shone sharply.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now. I wish for your sess,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    <i>I did my best to save you, and you repay me with suspicions?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s delight when he talked to Lanok on the phone yesterday hadpletely disappeared. They were now in a situation where Kang Chan was essentially ¡®put off¡¯ by Lanok.

    There was no way to ease Lanok¡¯s suspicion. Kang Chan could confess he got reincarnated, but nobody would believe him even if he were to cut his finger and vow he was telling the truth.

    Kang Chan let go of his lingering regrets. He didn¡¯t want to keep fighting battles without knowing the reason why anyway.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    When Kang Chan stood up, Lanok also stood up.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I upset you. I had to gather as much information as possible.¡±

    <i>That¡¯s what you think.</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even say that it was fine.

    ¡°I¡¯ll consider you as my unofficial workce rtionship partner in South Korea from now on. I have one in every country, and I call all of them my friends. Won¡¯t you be my friend from now on?¡±

    White people always used such cringeworthy expressions.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a present tomemorate us bing friends. I¡¯ll connect the rail to South Korea. It hasn¡¯t been finalized, though, so I hope that you take this with a grain of salt.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to give you,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°I already received a big present. You saved my life today.¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled, Lanok opened his arms.

    <i>Why do French men do this kind of greeting with other men?</i>

    It was gross, but Lanok was his friend. It would be best to understand his culture.

    <i>Smooch! Smooch!</i>

    After Lanok finished noisily greeting him, he smiled while smiling widely like a European mask.

    ¡°Please take a seat and have dinner with me,¡± Lanok offered.

    The atmosphere made it difficult to refuse.

    They sat down and ordered food. Afterward, they bit on a cigarette and a cigar.

    Considering what just happened, I think your security needs to be strengthened, Mr. Ambassador," Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Please give out an order to Yoo Bi-Corp tomorrow. I think it would be best for you to be the one with the power of appointment, even though Yoo Bi-Corp¡¯s the one in charge of my security in Korea from now on.

    <i>Isn¡¯t this overdoing things again?</i>

    Lanok shook his head, seemingly understanding what Kang Chan¡¯s expression meant.

    ¡°We need to divert the other countries¡¯ attention to Yoo Bi-Corp. Since President Kim Tae-Jin is quite well-known, this n should be more effective."

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll have it done by tomorrow. Do I need to contact you through the embassy?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Contact me through Yoo Bi-Corp. Oh, and about Shan¡­¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s senses sharpened.

    ¡°We still haven''t urately identified his backer, but we''ve concluded they made a deal with the United Kingdom. Shan¡¯s backer had been sent into Loriam¡¯s basement, so they shouldn¡¯t be able toe back alive,¡± said Lanok.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Shan¡¯s backer was trapped in the basement bunker of a military camp, being inside which was apparently worse than death. From what Kang Chan had heard, it supposedly had iron cells inside a gray room, and they locked people in there. Once imprisoned inside, the only contact left they¡¯d have with the outside world was the newspaper they got once a week.

    Kang Chan had dinner and conversed with Lanok for about two hours, but they never talked about the rail.

    Lanok told Kang Chan he was married but death had separated him from his wife. He also told him he had one daughter, whom Kang Chan thought he had heard about before. Lanok also told him how golf was his only joy, but he had to stop ying it since he couldn''t guard himself.

    At any rate, all they did was shoot the breeze.

    ¡°I¡¯ll contact you again within a few days to let you know how much we¡¯ve progressed with the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project, Mr. Kang chan. China¡¯s currently its biggest obstacle.¡±

    ¡°Please let me know anytime if you need help.¡±

    Lanok gave Kang Chan a strange smile after looking at thetter¡¯s left eye. It still stiffened up whenever he blink, and it seemed to have swelled up.

    ¡°Thank you for today, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°I''m d I got to see you again. Thank you for the present.¡±

    Kang Chan went out of Lanok¡¯s room and took the elevator. Looking at the mirror inside it, he noticed his eye was swollen¡ªalmost like a beat-up boxer¡¯s.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan never wanted to meet another person simr to his opponents today ever again. Upon arriving on the first floor, he called Kim Hyung-Jung as he headed out the front door.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way out the front door. Where do I have to go?¡±

    - You just need to stay at the entrance.

    Kang Chan did as instructed.

    A momentter, a ck car parked in front of him, and an employee got out of the passenger seat and opened the back door for him.

    Since people¡¯s eyes were rushing to him, Kang Chan quickly got in.

    ¡°You worked hard today.¡±

    The car drove off at the order of Kim Hyung-Jung, who was behind the driver¡¯s seat.

    ¡°We can¡¯t identify the two men killed in the earlier conflict. We went through the airports and ports¡¯ photo verification process since we thought they used different passports, but we didn¡¯t get any matches there either. They probably smuggled into the country,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan.

    Upon leaving the premises of the Namsan Hotel, the car took a left turn and went into the parking lot of an art gallery.

    "Someone¡¯s waiting for you here,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said again.

    Kang Chan got out of the car for now.

    They opened the art gallery¡¯s ss front door and went inside, finding another set of double doors. The room past the doors was full of employees with IDs on the left side of their suits.

    ¡°This way, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung had also already hung his ID in the same area.

    Walking along the hallway, they found a sofa among the many paintings lined up on the wall.

    An old man with white hair got up from his seat and greeted Kang Chan. His build wasn¡¯t that big. Beside him was another man, seemingly his secretary, standing politely.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan?¡± The old man asked.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan could feel a sense of dignity from him that was difficult to ignore.

    He looked at Kang Chan¡¯s left eye.

    ¡°I¡¯m Go Gun-Woo. It¡¯s nice to meet you.¡±

    Kang Chan politely shook hands with him, then sat on the sofa.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a seat as well, Manager Kim?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay with standing, Mr. Prime Minister.¡±

    <i>The Prime Minister? The Prime Minister of this country?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung then returned his gaze to Go Gun-Woo, finding the old man smiling pleasantly.

    ¡°I¡¯m the Prime Minister of South Korea. A lot of people don¡¯t know that, though, since my abilities arecking. In fact, they say that the citizens not knowing their government¡¯s politicians or cab members are the most ideal,¡± Go Gun-Woo told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s during times like this that I feel this government is still doing good.¡±

    While Go Gun-Woo was smiling brightly, tea was ced in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hmm, honestly, seeing you makes me feel ashamed of myself,¡± The prime minister said calmly. He had stopped smiling.

    ¡°After all, I caused you a lot of inconvenience because of our inability to create a proper diplomatic channel amid this opportunity for our country to rise up without conditions or constraints.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo¡¯s bright eyes made Kang Chan think people like Go Gun-Woo could be found in ces he didn¡¯t expect.

    ¡°Thank you for helping us. I¡¯m d Lanok refused Russia¡¯s invitation and met you first. Moreover, I hope you do your best and keep in mind that what you''re doing is for the sake of the whole country,¡± Go Gun-Woo continued.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already decided to do that.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Is there anything else that you need help with? I was originally supposed toe here with the National Intelligence Service director today, but something urgent came up. From now on, if you need anything¡­¡±

    Go Gun-Woo turned toward the man standing beside him, and the man ced a business card in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Just contact the number written on there. It¡¯ll only answer your calls. We¡¯ll be on standby around the clock, so all administrative issues that you need help with can immediately be brought to my attention after prior measures are taken. Manager Kim here will take care of any other issues, especially things like what happened today,¡± He continued.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    When Kang Chan looked down at the business card, Go Gun-Woo rmended he drink his tea. Kang Chan was full, but he took a sip out of courtesy anyway.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Lanok say anything special?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked as Kang Chan was putting the cup down.

    This was probably the question he really wanted to ask. Kang Chan contemted on how much he should say but soon decided to just be honest.

    ¡°He said I¡¯ll be his unofficial workce rtionship partner for South Korea.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect the old man to be this happy about it.

    ¡°I heard Lanok always says a specific line to the person he¡¯s chosen as his unofficial workce rtionship partner. Did he say it to you?¡±

    ¡°Do you mean that he wants me to be his friend?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯s right! You aplished something really amazing today, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    <i>Damn it!</i> <i>I didn¡¯t expect he''d be so happy that I became friends with Lanok.</i>

    ¡°He also said he''d try to connect the rail to South Korea, and that he''ll announce itter once everything has been finalized,¡± Kang Chan added.

    As soon as he said that, Kang Chan thought Go Gun-Woo was having a heart attack.

 Chapter 65.1: Iéˆ¥æª“ being sincere (1)

    <h4>Chapter 65.1: I¡¯m being sincere (1)</h4>

    ¡°Is that really true? Did Lanok really say he¡¯s going to connect the rail to South Korea?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°He did. He also said he¡¯ll tell me how this would turn out within a few days. It hasn¡¯t been finalized yet, though, and he''s still thinking of how to push through with this, so he told me to take it with a grain of salt."

    ¡°Woah!¡± Go Gun-Woo¡¯s exmation was full of false hope.

    <i>What''s he doing?</i>

    Kang Chan discreetly looked around him, finding not only the secretary but even Kim Hyung-Jung unable to control their facial expressions.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡± Go Gun-Woo looked absolutely excited.

    ¡°Thank you! I feel like I¡¯ve now done my duty to the country as a Prime Minister. If this seeds, then our future generations will prosper for a long time. Thank you so much, Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    ¡°Lanok said nothing¡¯s been finalized yet, though,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± Go Gun-Woo shook his head. ¡°Once Lanok says he¡¯ll push through with it, then you can already consider it done. He has more than enough power to aplish it.¡±

    <i>That man is that powerful, huh?</i>

    Kang Chan just sat there calmly, which caused Gun-Woo tough out loud. His expression seemed to say, <i>¡®you really have no idea.¡¯</i>

    ¡°Manager Kim, I heard Mr. Kang Chan here had a problem today and even had to go to the police station?¡± asked Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°Alion is undergoing a tax investigation. Thepany¡¯s also being investigated for other reasons, including forced sex entertainment. Moreover, the police have started to round up the Wook Ak-San gang. Based on the current n, there¡¯s should be a prosecution announcement within two days.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo nodded. He was clearly boasting about it. Kang Chan almost smirked, but he forced himself to resist the urge to smile.

    ¡°Your father is the president of Kang Yoo Motors, right?¡± asked Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct, Mr. Prime Minister.¡±

    ¡°What about your mother?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s preparing to create a Foundation to support orphanages.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked at the secretary, then looked downward.

    <i>Should I have just said that she¡¯s a housewife?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I have to go now, but let¡¯s have lunch together next week. Please feel free to tell us if you need anything,¡± Go Gun-Woo continued.

    ¡°Mr. Prime Minister.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo leaned his head forward a bit and waited for Kang Chan to continue.

    ¡°I heard that Lanok¡¯s favorite hobby is golf. Unfortunately, he had given up on ying it in France since it caused a lot of difficulties in guarding him. Could you consider making preparations so he could enjoy golf, even if it''s just for a day?¡±

    ¡°Do you y golf, Mr. Kang Chan?¡± asked Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°I have done it poorly a few times.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll contact you as soon as possible.¡±

    Following Go Gun-Woo¡¯s actions, Kang Chan also got up from his seat. He then politely shook hands with him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll lead the way, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan followed Kim Hyung-Jung out of the room first and headed to the parking lot opposite where they came in.

    As soon as they got in the backseat and closed the door, the car immediately left.

    Kim Hyung-Jung tightly clenched both of his fists. Trembling, his facial expression hardened. Soon, he breathed in deeply.

    ¡°I¡¯ve forgotten about my personal aspirations for my career. I¡¯m just happy this massive project has moved a step forward, and that South Korea now has a foundation for further growth.¡±

    ¡°What about the promotion?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Kim Hyung-Jung smirked. This man had this type of charm.

    Kang Chan took out his phone and contacted Kim Tae-Jin.

    - How did it go?

    ¡°I think your friend just got a promotion.¡±

    - What does that mean?

    ¡°Lanok said he¡¯s going to carry forward with the n to connect the rail to South Korea.¡±

    - Wow!

    Kang Chan quickly distanced the phone from his ear.

    - You¡¯re not lying, are you? Where are you? We need to meet up! We need to have a drink on days like this! I¡¯m paying!

    Kim Tae-Jin was so loud Kim Hyung-Jung could hear everything.

    ¡°I¡¯m with manager Kim right now.¡±

    Beside Kang Chan, Kim Hyung-Jung said, ¡°Please tell him toe to Yeoksam-dong.¡±

    ¡°He says you shoulde to Yeoksam-dong.¡±

    - Alright. I''m on my way.

    ¡°Mr. President!¡±

    Kang Chan quickly called Kim Tae-Jin before he could drop the call.

    ¡°Lanok said he wants us to be in charge of his security while he¡¯s here in South Korea. He¡¯s going to put me as the client or something, and he asked that I contact the French Embassy through Yoo Bi-Corp.¡±

    - Huhuhu, I¡¯m going to go crazy.

    <i>Since when did heugh like that?</i>

    - You should¡¯ve contacted me when you left. Ah! If it¡¯s okay, then tell Mr. Seok Kang-Ho to join us as well.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    After Kang Chan hung up, he called Seok Kang-Ho and handed the phone to Kim Hyung-Jung instead of giving him a long exnation.. Kim Hyung-Jung then gave Seok Kang-Ho directions.

    Unexpectedly, Kim Hyung-Jung chose a hostess bar called the ¡®Bali¡¯ as their meetup point.

    ¡°I go there a lot. It''s got a great atmosphere and it¡¯s easy for us to talk to each other there," Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    When they went inside the bar, a nice-looking woman greeted them and led them to a wide room.

    Kang Chan was reminded of the time he beat up the parking lot gang¡¯s Park Ki-Bum sometime ago so he didn¡¯t feel great, but there was no need to express that.

    Kim Hyung-Jung and Kang Chan sat down, leaving the head of the table empty, and were drinking a bottle of water when Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho entered together.

    Upon seeing Kang Chan¡¯s swollen eyes, their excitement swiftly left their faces.

    ¡°Huh? What happened to your eye?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I got hit.¡±

    ¡°Did someone hit you while you were sleeping?¡±

    ¡°Sit down, then we¡¯ll talk,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan and Kim Tae-Jin sat beside each other, and Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung greeted each other and sat on the opposite side.

    Kang Chan first told them about what happened at the hotel earlier in the day, then about how he met Go Gun-Woo. Kim Hyung-Jung also added that there were no traces of the men Kang Chan fought entering the country at all.

    ¡°I should work out even harder starting tomorrow,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    As Kang Chan smirked, thedy earlier came into the room. No matter how he looked at her, she still looked so elegant that she should be doing embroidery, not working in a bar.

    ¡°I¡¯m Hong Jin-Ah. I look forward to serving all of you.¡±

    Hong Jin-Ah greeted Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan, then left the room after saying that she was going to order alcohol and side dishes.

    The social hierarchy got messed up.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Kang Chan, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho, Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung¡­ Organizing how they should address and speak to each other was difficult. Kang Chan was technically younger than them, but his skills, titles, and achievementsplicated things.

    ¡°We should organize it by age,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That makes me ufortable, Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung was so against it he even shook his head.

    ¡°How about we treat each other in the way we usually do for now? Even though you¡¯re my friend, I think it¡¯s wrong for a person executing their duty to speak rashly and informally.¡±

    They went along with Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s suggestion for now.

    A momentter, western liquor, beer, fruits, and fried Namix were served.

    Kim Hyung-Jung volunteered to make bomb shots, then handed them to everyone.

    ¡°Now! To the development of South Korea!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung eximed.

    He looked somewhat cool since he put conviction in such a cliche statement. The four of them downed their alcohol in one go.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    Kang Chan finally drank alcohol, which he hadn''t done in a while. He felt very relieved.

    For the second round of drinks, Kim Tae-Jin promptly made bomb shots again and handed them to everyone.

    ¡°People that are destined to meet will meet someday. Let¡¯s have a drink to Kang Chan, who connected us,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told everyone.

    This also seemed okay.

    Starting with Kang Chan, they again down their drinks in one go.

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly grabbed all of the cups, then made bomb shots again, this time with a lot of western liquor. He then gave them to everyone.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to pay for the drinks tonight,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told everyone.

    <i>I knew that fucker was going to do that.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll enjoy the drinks, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung drank while roaring withughter.

    Kang Chan then adequately mixed the drinks and gave everyone bomb shots.

    Fortunately, there were only four of them. If there were about ten of them, their gathering would¡¯ve ended after everyone had their turn making bomb shots.

    The three people that received drinks stared at Kang Chan.

    ¡°For the day we link up with Unicorn!¡± yelled Kang Chan.

    The four of them emptied their cups with kindred smiles. Afterward, they started pouring drinks for themselves.

    ¡°I¡¯ll immediately assign the five employees you¡¯re training to Lanok after they¡¯re done with their training,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please proceed as you see fit.¡±

    They roughly finished the conversation about work.

    In the middle of their gathering, Kang Chan texted Kang Dae-Kyung and said that he was going to stay with Seok Kang-Ho today. Kang Dae-Kyung responded by telling him to stay safe.

    They talked about when Seok Kang-Ho and his family were abducted, how Seok Kang-Ho felt when he was releasing the wire from Kang Chan¡¯s hand, how Kim Tae-Jin ran out of breath when he ran while carrying a stretcher, and about what happened today.

    The result of the investigation around Alion and the Woo Ak-San gang being announced soon was also a popr subject.

    All of them drank until the very end of their gathering. What Kang Chan liked the most was that they could drink infort and without worrying about their surroundings.

    Everyone went home after drinking to their heart¡¯s content. Kang Chan stayed at the Namsan Hotel.

    1. Yeoksam-dong is a ward of Gangnam-gu

    2. This refers to red catfish that has been dried and fried. It is a popr side dish to alcohol.

 Chapter 65.2: Iéˆ¥æª“ being sincere (1)

    <h4>Chapter 65.2: I¡¯m being sincere (1)</h4>

    In the morning, Kang Chan woke up at the same time as usual. He felt like drinking after so long made the stress he had been umting until now disappear.

    Kang Chan washed up lightly, then did a few exercises, including push-ups, for about an hour. Having worked up quite a sweat, he took a bath, finishing around 8 am.

    <i>Drrr¨C. Drrr¨C.</i>

    The phone in the room rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Hyung-nim, it¡¯s Joo Chul-Bum.

    Only this fucker could¡¯ve made it so clear to Kang Chan that he was in the Namsan Hotel.

    ¡°Why are you calling?¡±

    - I was told Gwang-Taek hyung-nim is arriving in five minutes and that he¡¯d like to have a meal with you. I sent up undergarments and clothes for you to change into.

    They already set this n in motion before calling him, making it difficult for Kang Chan to refuse.

    ¡°Alright. Where should I go?¡±

    - The restaurant on the first floor serves breakfast.

    <i>Ding-dong. Ding-dong.</i>

    His room¡¯s doorbell rang at that moment.

    - I¡¯ll see youter, hyung-nim.

    When Kang Chan hung up the phone and opened the door, a male employee politely handed him two clothes hangers and a shopping bag. Not only were there undergarments, socks, and outer garments, but there were even shoes.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    They were so-called luxury clothes.

    Kang Chan frowned, but they were better than wearing the clothes he had on yesterday, which smelled like cigarettes.

    <i>Shoot!</i>

    Kang Chanughed out loud when he looked in the mirror. His eyes already seemed fine. He still felt faint pain whenever he blinked, but it looked somewhat okay now.

    After changing, he went down to the first floor. Joo Chul-Bum, who was waiting in front of the elevator, quickly took the shopping bag from Kang Chan.

    From the look in Joo Chul-Bum¡¯s eyes and the gazes from the people around him, it seemed the saying ¡®fine clothes make the man¡¯ was true. Kang Chan had also clearly gotten in shape recently due to his workouts. That also yed a role.

    When Kang Chan walked into the first floor, a female manager came toward him while politely greeting him.

    ¡°Mr. Kang, you look really good today.¡±

    <i>Should I pay attention to what I wear from now on?</i>

    ¡°Pleasee this way.¡±

    The manager led him to the table that oh Gwang-Taek upied in the inner part of the restaurant. Thetter got up from his spot.

    ¡°Why did you want to see me?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s meet up every now and then. Serve us some food."

    Oh Gwang-Taek sat back down. He then smirked while looking over at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m really grateful for the present you gave to my motherst time and for these clothes today. But stop doing things like this from now on. I like wearing things that I¡¯mfortable with.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek replied briefly after leaning against the chair.

    ¡°Those clothes are on the cheaper side of that brand. I thought you¡¯d be spouting bullshit if I bought you expensive ones, so I paid extra attention to their prices.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°I heard about D.I., and that you also often meet with the French ambassador. I¡¯m also against you wearing expensive clothes when you¡¯re working out or going to school, but at least wear clothes that match the asion. That¡¯s just proper courtesy toward the person you¡¯re meeting,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan felt like he was being fooled even though what he was saying was right, probably because it was being said by a fucking gangster.

    ¡°You¡¯re wearing clothes from the same brand right now because I bought that in a rush, but you can mix what you¡¯re wearing today with the clothes that you normally wear. Still, you should also learn how to wear clothes that match the asion for important events.¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°Alright, alright. Don¡¯t worry about those things. I¡¯ll send you clothes that are on sale whenever I remember you while buying things from a store.¡±

    Kang Chan was reminded again of how frugally Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook lived. That could be the reason why they were often disregarded, but it felt a hundred¡ªno, a thousand times better than just looking luxurious on the outside.

    ¡°About the Woo Ak-San gang...¡±

    When Oh Gwang-Taek brought up the Woo Ak-San gang, two employees brought out their breakfast on elegant tes. The kimchi jjigae and the kimchi were subtly ced on a fancy te, so they didn¡¯t look that appetizing.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    Kang Chan started to eat.

    ¡°You know that the police are starting to do a roundup of the Woo Ak-Sang gang, right?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said after trying the jjigae.

    Kang Chan nced at Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Are they connected to you?¡±

    <i>What should I say?</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to lie to a fucking gangster.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t intend for that to happen¡ªit just did. The other party was the one that overdid it. Unfortunately, My position makes it awkward for me to stop them. If I work with Alion and make things work with them, then I¡¯d have to put up with issues that are too big in return..¡±

    Feeling like he waspletely losing his appetite, Kang Chan took a sip of water.

    ¡°Hey! Eat. Let¡¯s talk while eating,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek insisted.

    Things would¡¯ve been quite good if this fucker just wasn¡¯t a gangster.

    Kang Chan watched Oh Gwang-Taek put enough food in his mouth for it to burst, then scooped up food as well.

    ¡°Even among us gangsters, there are people we call the elders.¡±

    ¡°Swallow your food before you talk.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek held up the soup bowl and swallowed two or so mouthfuls.

    ¡°I asked because those old men were spouting bullshit,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    ¡°Those fuckers are the ones that submitted aint to the Gangnam Police Station.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m also pushing ahead with that fact.¡±

    Kang Chan ate the rest of his food, ending his meal.

    ¡°There are a lot of things I¡¯m indebted to you for, and a lot more than I won¡¯t even be able to repay. So on that note, can¡¯t you stop being a gangster?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Oh Gwang-Taek ced his spoon down and drank water.

    "There are younger people here that I have to look after. I can stop doing this if I was just looking out for myself. However, if I step back, then those looking to take over Joo Chul-Bum¡¯s position in this hotel, the ones managing the business, and those that are running the nightclubs are going to find themselves with nowhere to go. Expecting me to be satisfied after abandoning the people that have been following me since they were kids is unreasonable."

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s eyes sparkled quite a bit.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I want to smoke while we talk,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan stood up and followed Oh Gwang-Taek. As he did, he got a call from Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯m having breakfast with Oh Gwang-Taek. I¡¯ll go to school as soon as this ends.¡±

    - Is something going on?

    ¡°I¡¯m going somewhere to smoke.¡±

    - Phuhu, alright.

    They were going down to the club by the time he ended the call.

    ¡°Was that Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡± asked Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Phew!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek sighed.

    The club¡¯s lights turned on when they entered, but there wasn¡¯t much to see. They sat at one of the tables, and a waiter served them coffee. He then bowed grandly and left.

    Kang Chan drank coffee and bit down on the cigarette that Oh Gwang-Taek handed to him.

    ¡°Speaking of which, help me out just this once,¡± asked Oh Gwang-Taek.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying out of the blue?</i>

    When Kang Chan nced at him, Oh Gwang-Taek looked serious.

    ¡°There are about a hundred members that I need to look after.¡±

    ¡°Holy fuck, that¡¯s a lot,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Pah!¡±

    ¡°Geez, you dirty fucker!¡± Kang Chan swore when Oh Gwang-Taek spat out coffee. Oh Gwang-Taek was spilling coffee all over the ce, most likely because of what Kang chan said.

    A gangster came over and hastily wiped the floor.

    ¡°This is the first time anyone¡¯s ever talked to me that way.¡±

    Not only Oh Gwang-Taek, but the guy wiping the floor actually looked at Kang Chan with an expression that showed he respected him.

    ¡°Shut up and just tell me what you need,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Find us apany that my kids would be enticed by.¡±

    <i>What does he even mean?</i>

    ¡°I heard everything you¡¯ve done from Chul-Bum. I¡¯ve bought about two to threepanies from fuckers pretending to be smart, including ountants and employees of a brokerage firm, but it all went bankrupt. These bastards don¡¯t have anything up here.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek hit his head with his index and middle fingers.

    ¡°I thought about doing something that just requires physicalbor. I even discussed it with President Kim Tae-Jin. However, as you also probably know, fighting with a filet knife and conducting guard duties are two different things,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek continued.

    ¡°Stop beating around the bush and just tell me what you need. You¡¯re making this hard for me to understand.¡±

    ¡°Hey! There has to be a government-backed job out there, right? A job that will guarantee revenue for about ten years. Get me a job like that, then I¡¯ll change careers and take all of my men with me,¡± said Oh Gwang-Taek.

    <i>Is this fucker serious?</i>

    ¡°All the gangsters my age are broken. They ended up like that after using up all the money they earned from knife fights on horse race bets and casino gamblings. Among the gangsters I¡¯m close with, more than half have alreadymitted suicide. They were prideful, so they didn¡¯t want to be humiliated by the younger kids.

    A gangster ced a new cup of coffee in front of Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°I acted like a bully¡ªsomething that you don¡¯t like. But that was the only thing I was good at, and I thought it made me look cool. Still, I thought I should also live a bit more like a decent human being..¡±

    ¡°Did you go to the hospital?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°The hospital? Why? Did something happen to Director Yoo?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°There¡¯s a saying that something¡¯s bound to happen when you do something that you don¡¯t normally do.¡±

    ¡°Geesh! That¡¯s going to bring bad luck.¡± Oh Gwang-Taek temperamentally extinguished his cigarette. ¡°My daughter now recognizes me as her dad, but as she did, our rtionship with the Shin Yeong-Dong gang and the Woo Ak-San gang turned sour. It''s not like I''m immune to getting stabbed just because I''m powerful. I just want to live a normal life, but that isn¡¯t working out so well.¡±

    <i>Is he being sincere?</i>

    At a nce, it did look like he was being honest.

    ¡°Fuck! I can say this because you¡¯re not a gangster. There¡¯s also no reason for word about this to get out. If I tell anyone else about this, then the other gangsters will immediately go crazy trying to covet my district.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t someone else try to attack your district again if you step out?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯d still protect our district, but we¡¯re going to do it while we manage a proper business with the money that I earn. Money is the king even in this field now. People no longer follow others out of sheer loyalty like in the old days. They''d probably only be able to do that for just a year or two. People like Suh Do-Seok and Joo Chul-Bum will stay, but I''m sure the rest will leave. There are even gangsters that have graduated from universities now, making it hard to keep up with how sneaky they are.¡±

    Kang Chan shook the remaining coffee into his cup.

    ¡°I can''t promise anything right now, but I''ll look into it. Are you sure you won¡¯t regret thister on?¡±

    ¡°Do-Seok still hasn''t regained consciousness. Look into the gangsters in Gangnam. My hyung-nims have been trying to coax me so badly, but I¡¯ve never gambled in a casino or betted in horse races. I admit I made a lot of mistakes in the past, so just think of this as a father wanting to raise his daughter properly.¡±

    Kang Chan understood what Oh Gwang-Taek was trying to say. Still, he felt like something was missing.

    ¡°If you really want to quit being a gangster and live a normal life, then can you donate all of the money that you¡¯ve earned until now to those in difficult situations?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The unexpected suggestion made Oh Gwang-Taek look sharply at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Forget the idea of getting a fresh start if you¡¯re just going to hold on to everything that you have right now, despite knowing they¡¯re the product of your past wrongdoings. If that¡¯s what you¡¯re trying to do, then just keep living this life. For as long as you¡¯re holding onto the money you obtained in exchange for someone else¡¯s pain, then you¡¯ll just keep being a gangster that has a good business card to your daughter.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked as if he got pped.

    ¡°If you decide to do that, then I¡¯ll help you out,¡± Kang Chan continued. He was being sincere.

    If this fucker was determined to quit being a gangster, then Kang Chan would love to help him just this once. He wanted to treat him with more familiarity anyway.

 Chapter 66.1: Iéˆ¥æª“ Being Sincere (2)

    <h4>Chapter 66.1: I¡¯m Being Sincere (2)</h4>

    It was already past 10 am by the time Kang Chan parted ways with Oh Gwang-Taek in the hotel. As he left the hotel to go to school, he got a call from Kang Dae-Kyung.

    - Got a moment?

    ¡°Yes. How can I help you?¡±

    - Just a moment ago, the secretary for national affairs from the prime minister¡¯s office called us and said they¡¯re going to help make the foundation under your mom¡¯s name. They also said the government could support a part of the foundation.¡±

    <i>That old man has really crossed the line!</i>

    - They asked if we could go to the prime minister¡¯s office tomorrow, which has made your mom extremely worried. What happened?

    ¡°Should Ie home?¡±

    - Can you?

    It was just his son, so why was he so ufortable talking to him?

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m on my way.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately took a taxi home and saved the phone numbers that he had received so far while on the road. As soon as he arrived, he quickly made his way to their apartment.

    ¡°Channy!¡± eximed Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Wee home,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung greeted.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked like a middle schooler who went to the first day of school after a break without doing her homework. When Kang Chan smiled and said, ¡°Oh no, mom is scared!¡± her nervousness appeared to dissipate.

    The three of them sat at the table.

    ¡°Do you two remember Ambassador Lanok?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Lanok?¡±

    ¡°Yes. The French ambassador you two saw at the presentation for Gong Te automobile.¡±

    ¡°Ah! Yes! What about him?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Unlike Yoo Hye-Sook, who was getting into Kang Chan¡¯s story, Kang Dae-Kyung looked doubtful, as if he was asking, ¡®<i>Is this true?¡¯</i>

    ¡°He has something that could help South Korea. Unfortunately, he''s stubborn and insisted on speaking French. This made things go awry. Thankfully, though, it seems like Mr. Kim Tae-Jin, the Yoo Bi-Corp president, was there with a couple of government officials and theyplied with Lanok''s request. Personally, I''m very confused as well with how things are working out so easily these days.¡±

    While Yoo Hye-Sook was trying hard to ept what Kang Chan said, Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Kang Chan with a strange smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cancel the request for you two to go to the prime minister¡¯s office tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what we meant.¡± Surprised, Yoo Hye-Sook glossed over her answer, and Kang Dae-Kyung shook his head and gestured at Kang Chan with his eyes.

    <i>What on earth is going on here?</i>

    For the time being, he just followed the gesture that was thrown at him.

    ¡°If it¡¯s alright for you to go, then please do. It¡¯s for the orphans,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Would it be alright if I do that?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯m proud of you for working so hard for kids in difficult situations.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded.

    ¡°Mother, can I ask you a favor?¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°Please go to the department store with me. I want to buy you an outfit for tomorrow. This has been on my mind since I bought father a shirtst time.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Channy.¡±

    ¡°Pleasee with me. I just got my payment from Yoo Bi-Corp and D.I., and I heard that children are supposed to buy clothes for their parents with their first sry. Do you have time as well, father?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung gave a straight answer, which made Yoo Hye-Sook look confused.

    ¡°Come with us, mother.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, honey. Our son said that he got his first sry. We should enjoy the rewards of raising a good son.¡±

    ¡°Will that really be alright?¡±

    With Kang Chan and Kang Dae-Kyung working together, they managed to convince Yoo Hye-Sook toe with them. They left the house right after.

    ¡°Father, where¡¯s the closest department store?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s one right in front of our apartment. Let''s go there.¡±

    They got in the car in the basement parking lot and immediately got out of the apartmentplex.

    ***

    Go Gun-Woo sighed while pursing his lips. ¡°Mr. President, I¡¯ll step down.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll say that won¡¯t be enough. What they want is for us to hand over the position of the Director of the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    ¡°If that happens, then South Korea won¡¯t ever be able to link up with project ¡®Unicorn.¡¯ You know that, right?¡±

    President Moon Jae-Hyun took out a cigarette, bit down on it, and lit it up.

    ¡°Whoo¡­ If it¡¯s a crime that a President came from their opposition party in twenty years, then it¡¯s probably a crime. After all, if we announce the ¡®Unicorn¡¯, then it¡¯ll be difficult for them toe into power again.¡±

    ¡°We can never hand over the position of the Director of the National Intelligence Service,¡± Go Gun-Woo told the President.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that why we¡¯re doing this in the first ce? This is the only option we have, considering they also have the majority of the National Assembly. If need be, they''re going to try impeaching me.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo sighed deeply. They didn¡¯t have any answers to this predicament.

    .

    ¡°Japan is fully supporting them. They¡¯re even distorting the fact that we went to North Korea to connect the ¡®Unicorn.¡¯ And they¡¯d likely assassinate me as well if they ever get the opportunity.¡±

    ¡°We should destroy a conglomerate and make an example out of it,¡± said Go Gun-Woo.

    Moon Jae-Hyun smiled bitterly.

    ¡°If we do that, then they¡¯ll openly unite, and to make matters worse, they¡¯re already angry about the plutocracy control. Plus, as long as they have the press in their hands, they¡¯ll rise up while simultaneously executing political retaliation.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President! For the country¡¯s sake, get the media under your control just this once.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun exhaled cigarette smoke with a smile.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how much we im our purpose is fair if our methods to realize that purpose are unfair. We¡¯d just be doing what the regime we¡¯ve been criticizing thus far. I don¡¯t think our citizens are that foolish, considering they¡¯re the ones that entrusted us to lead them after thest regime¡¯s twenty years in power. This won¡¯t seed if we betray and disregard them.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun shook his head, then continued, ¡°If stepping down from my position as the president and handing over the regime to them is the price I have to pay to make the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project seed, then I¡¯d dly do that.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked at Moon Jae-Hyun, his eyes showing how sorry he felt for him.

    The press had been saying whatever they wanted about him and was making him walk on the de of a dagger simply because he couldn¡¯t tell them about the purpose of his visit to North Korea.

    The President proposed to give the support North Korea was requesting, along with resolving the dispute about the ceasefire line, if they were to connect the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ to South Korea. But the press maliciously distorted the facts and only talked about the ¡®ceasefire line¡¯ part of the proposal.

    If they just announced the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ instead and revealed that the current opposition party had vested interest and was deceiving the citizens¡­

    Moon Jae-Hyun would never give up the ¡®Unicorn.¡¯ He was so intransigent he would willingly give up his position just to connect the rail to South Korea.

    ¡°Mr. Prime Minister.¡±

    ¡°Please go ahead, Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°I would like to meet the student named Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°That would be difficult to do officially.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun smiled bitterly.

    ¡°But it should be fine if you just coincidentally run into him while you¡¯re going through your schedule,¡± Go Gun-Woo continued.

    Go Gun-Woo wished that Kang Chan was a bit older and had a high-ranking position in the government. He thought it would be great to have someone that would voluntarily beat people up to their heart¡¯s content in situations like this.

    ¡°Your Excellency, do you y golf?¡± asked Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°Haha, don¡¯t you know better than anyone else that I don¡¯t have a talent for sports?¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be alright to do it just this once?¡±

    ¡°People already call me an unqualified President just for watching a performance the day before a typhoon hit South Korea, and you want me to y golf?¡± asked Moon Jae-Hyun.

    Something crossed Go Gun-Woo¡¯s mind as he looked at Moon Jae-Hyun, who had burst intoughter.

    ***

    ¡°Madam, you look really great in that!¡± The clerk didn¡¯t seem to be lying.

    It was Kang Chan¡¯s first time seeing Kang Dae-Kyung smile this satisfactorily.

    She was beautiful.

    Though Yoo Hye-Sook did say she preferred using money to help kids instead of buying clothes, her current outfit still made her stand out.

    Yoo Hye-Sook was standing in front of a mirror when Kang Chan approached her from the back and ced a hand on her shoulder.

    ¡°Mother, why don¡¯t you go with this? You look really, really pretty.¡±

    ¡°Can I really wear this? Isn¡¯t this too expensive?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook was couldn¡¯t take her eyes away from the mirror.

    ¡°It¡¯s my first sry, so please don¡¯t hesitate to choose what you want,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Channy.¡±

    ¡°Why are you saying sorry?¡± Kang Chan smiled and looked closely at Yoo Hye-Sook. Tears had welled up in her eyes again.

    ¡°Mom¡¯s really pretty, isn¡¯t she, father?¡±

    The employees made a fuss in front of Kang Dae-Kyung, who was smiling like a fool.

    Yoo Hye-Sook epted Kang Chan¡¯s wish in the end.

    After Kang Chan paid for the clothes, he also bought shoes for Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Now carrying a sparkling shopping bag, Kang Chan then grinned at Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Father, you should buy a suit.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook was surprised but soon looked like she was secretly looking forward to it.

    ¡°You should at least have a suit that matches the asion since you¡¯ll be apanying her tomorrow. You¡¯re the president of Kang Yoo Motors, too.¡±

    Kang Chan persuaded Kang Dae-Kyung, who felt awkward. He bought thetter a suit, shoes and a belt as a present.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be the only ones with new clothes. I¡¯ll buy you a suit,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I bought these clothes this morning. It¡¯s from a fairly expensive brand.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook no longer managed to insist on it after noticing Kang Chan¡¯s outfit. Their dismayed faces weighed on his mind, though.

    ¡°Please buy me a delicious lunch instead,¡± He said, and the three of them left the department store.

 Chapter 66.2: Iéˆ¥æª“ Being Sincere (2)

    <h4>Chapter 66.2: I¡¯m Being Sincere (2)</h4>

    When Kang Chan returned to the school, the bullies¡¯ sses had already ended. He talked about what happenedst night with Seok Kang-Ho and exchanged jokes like ¡®fine clothes made the man.¡¯

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk for a moment,¡± Heo Eun-Sil called Kang Chan after changing.

    This bitch¡¯s guts deserved to be acknowledged, at the very least.

    Seok Kang-Ho inconspicuously left them alone.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Buy me coffee.¡±

    When Kang Chan''s eyes narrowed down, Heo Eun-Sil quickly looked at his right hand.

    ¡°Come to our neighborhood and buy me coffee from a coffee shop so the group of bullies and the oppas from Kwang-Min University would see us. We still can¡¯t go outside once we¡¯ve gone home from school. We¡¯ve been keeping our promise to work hard, but we also want to go out.¡±

    She was afraid, but she again didn¡¯t avoid his gaze.

    On one hand, it seemed like she was being sincere. But on the other hand, she also seemed like she was lying.

    ¡°Buy me coffee!¡± Heo Eun-Sil yelled.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t really have any appointments to attend to right now, but something always happened whenever he got involved with this bitch.

    <i>¡®I did notice she''s been really quiettely..¡¯</i>

    While Kang Chan was silently staring at her, Heo Eun-Sil dropped her gaze to the floor.

    Of all things, why did he remember her getting beat up at Tron Square? She still took a firm stand even while her breast was twisted and while she was getting brutally pped.

    ¡°Heo Eun-Sil, are you really confident you can rid the school of bullying when sses resume?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I already told you that I¡¯m confident as long as you stop the kids about to be discharged from the hospital.¡±

    <i>Yoo Hye-Sook even took medicine to send her kid to school. Howe this bitch is so twisted?</i>

    ¡°Alright. Call the others,¡± Kang Chan told Heo Eun-Sil.

    ¡°The others?¡±

    ¡°Since we¡¯re doing this anyway, wouldn¡¯t it be best to have them join us?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, Heo Eun-Sil again looked at his right hand.

    She was quite a steadfast bitch, even while she was this scared.

    ¡°If we do that, then the group of bullies won¡¯t believe it. Let¡¯s just go with the two of us today. And make it so the group of bullies and oppas really think we¡¯re close,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said while leaning on one foot. She looked weird since she wasn¡¯t wearing any makeup.

    If this bitch was a boy, Kang Chan thought he would¡¯ve either beaten her to death or they¡¯d be close friends after beating her to his heart¡¯s content.

    ¡°Alright. When are we going?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Right now.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded and got up from his spot. He thought this was worth doing. After all, he did tell them that he was going to protect them under the condition that they get rid of the bullying at school.

    Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho that he was going home first, then left the school with Heo Eun-Sil.

    They rode the bus.

    It¡¯s not like he did this on purpose, but she was like Kim Mi-Young. This bitch never looked away first when her eyes met someone else¡¯s. Still, her delinquent personality showed in how she walked, her posture when she stood, and even in the way she grabbed onto the bus handle.

    After about twenty minutes on the road, they got off the bus.

    Across the street, there was a neighbourhood with nearly identical vis all lined up in a row.

    Heo Eun-Sil walked toward a specialty coffee shop, the smoking area¡¯s folding door of which was wide open.

    ¡°What do you want to drink?¡±

    Kang Chan ignored Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s question and walked toward the counter.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to drink iced coffee. What about you?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have the same.¡±

    After Kang Chan paid for their drinks, they sat down on the terrace that was connected to the smoking area. When the buzzer rang a momentter, Heo Eun-Sil brought over the coffee.

    ¡°Would I also be able to live a normal life?¡± Heo Eun-Si asked Kang Chan. Thetter had just opened the lid and was drinking coffee.

    ¡°What should I do for a living?¡±

    Earlier that day, a gangster asked the same question as this strong-willed bitch.

    ¡°Ho-Jun said he¡¯s going to join the Yoo Bi-Corp, and all of the eleventh-graders are nning to do the same. What about me?¡± Heo Eun-Sil asked again.

    Dumbfounded, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ve be disgusted with the Jeongja bitches after seeing what they do. Those fucking bitches are acting dramatic and silly after joining the group of bullies right now. Watch what I do to them once theye back to school.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s eyes filled with spite but soon regainedposure. Was that what people called a monodrama?

    ¡°Don¡¯t treat me harshly when we go back to school, and help me when I look for you,¡± said Heo Eun-Sil.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what to reply to that, so he drank his coffee instead.

    Soon, he noticed Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s gaze looked past him, then dropped to the ground.

    ¡°Long time no see?¡± someone asked.

    At this point, it would''ve been weirder to hope that nothing would happen while he was with this bitch.

    Kang Chan looked over his shoulder because of the sarcastic tone, finding two guys wearing dickhead-like clothes¡ªspecifically body-hugging t-shirts and tight-fitting workout pants. They looked nasty. Standing close to the table behind them, their eyes alternated between Kang Chan and Heo Eun-Sil.

    ¡°You¡¯re ignoring me? It seems like you got a bit of courage because you¡¯re not beaten up.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil turned her head toward the road. Even those fuckers probably wouldn¡¯t be able topete with this bitch in terms of guts.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    Kang Chan got up and turned around upon sensing someone approaching him from behind.

    ¡°You fucker¡­¡± The guy swore at Kang Chan.

    <i>Smack!</i>

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    The guy that was at the back reflexively threw a punch.

    Kang Chan countered by pulling the guy¡¯s arm and cing it over his shoulder.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    ¡°Gaaahh!¡±

    Fighting weak opponents had be tiring for him.

    The rebellion in the eyes of the guy Kang Chan had just pped made thetter smirk.

    On his workout pants, the words ¡®Kwang-Min University¡¯sbat club¡¯ was inscribed in red. These university students acted so childishly.

    <i>Grab</i>.

    It was hard to grab his head since he had an athlete¡¯s hairstyle.

    Fucking amateurs.

    Kang Chan grasped the guy¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Ah!¡±

    Screaming, the guy¡¯s shoulder flinched, a clear indication he was about to throw a punch.

    <i>Smack!</i>

    Kang Chan pped the guy¡¯s face.

    The guy looked at Kang Chan in surprise.

    <i>He¡¯s still able to focus enough to see my face, right?</i>

    <i>Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!?</i>

    <i>Thud!</i>

    Kang Chan loosened his grip when the lower part of the guy¡¯s ear ripped. He wasn¡¯t on a battlefield, so there was no need for him to tear off his opponent¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Gaaah.¡±

    ¡°Be quiet.¡±

    The guy with the broken arm red sharply at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan smirked, then grabbed onto the guy¡¯s broken arm with his left hand and pulled.

    ¡°Gaaahhhh!¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to be quiet?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    When Kang Chan pressed his inner arm on the guy¡¯s broken arm, the guy¡¯s eyes widened.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    When Kang Chan loosened his grip, his opponent dropped hard enough to break his tailbone.

    ¡°Gaaaah!¡±

    "You¡¯re still being so loud, you fucker?" Kang Chan asked

    ¡°Ugh. Urgh.¡±

    With his eyes glued to the ground, Kang Chan¡¯s enemy struggled to get as far away as possible from him by kicking against the floor to push himself backward. His butt was exposed because his workout pants had dropped halfway through.

    When Kang Chan nced inside the coffee shop, the people around them quickly avoided his gaze.

    The guy that was holding and leaning onto the terrace¡¯s railing shook his head, trying hard toe to his senses.

    People had two ears.

    Kang Chan reached out and pulled on the university student¡¯s other ear, which made thetter quickly get up.

    <i>SMACK!</i>

    <i>Thud!</i>

    When Kang Chan reached out and grabbed the guy¡¯s ear again, thetter hastily wobbled up.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    He nced at Kang Chan, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t answer.

    <i>SMACK!</i>

    His ears, nose, and mouth were already a bloody mess.

    Kang Chan reached out and pulled his opponent¡¯s ear again.

    ¡°Ah! Ahhh!¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    ¡°Ur-gh.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    Kang Chan hit the guy¡¯s face hard with his right elbow.

    The impact caused the guy¡¯s waist to hit the terrace¡¯s railing. The momentum then sent him toppling over the railing and out of the coffee shop¡¯s premises.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    "If you go to a university, hang around the university you go to instead of fucking around in front a high schooler."

    The guy with the broken arm had his head hanging and about half of his butt out to the public.

    At any rate, Kang Chan had never met any bitch that attracted as much trouble as Heo Eun-Sil before.

    Just as Kang Chan was about to sit back down, a patrol car stopped in front of the coffee shop. Two police officers in full uniform got out of the car and each approached a student Kang Chan had just fought.

    Kang Chan took out his phone as the police officer looked for and spoke to the person that reported the incident to the police inside the coffee shop. The police officer then turned his gaze to Kang Chan.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°I apologize for bothering you, but I got into a fight and the police are here.¡±

    - Alright. Please put them on the phone.

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t even ask anything.

    At that moment, the police officer approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Did you assault the two men over there?¡±

    ¡°Please answer the phone.¡± When Kang Chan offered his phone, the police officer frowned.

    ¡°Please answer us first. Did you assault them?¡±

    Kang Chan put his phone back on his ear.

    ¡°He said he¡¯s not going to answer.¡±

    ¡°This person is really making things difficult for us.¡±

    The police officer looked displeased. Soon, the detective in full uniform outside came inside.

    -Mr. Kang Chan, please ask them what police station they¡¯re from.

    Kang Chan put his phone down and asked, ¡°I did assault them. Now, which police station are you a part of?¡±

    ¡°A young fellow like you is really doing this right now when you¡¯re about to get arrested?¡±

    Kang Chan was swiftly filled with annoyance.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to ask again. Which police station are you from?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re from the Seocho Police Station.¡± The police officer thatter came in answered as if he was going to call Kang Chan¡¯s bluff.

    ¡°One of the cops said they¡¯re from the Seocho Police Station.¡±

    - It¡¯ll only take a minute.

    When Kang Chan hung up the phone, the police officer in full uniform smiled, seemingly finding Kang Chan¡¯s behavior absurd.

    ¡°ID,¡± The police officer said, then held out his hand.

    Kang Chan took out his driver¡¯s license from his wallet.

    ¡°Huh? you¡¯re a minor? Look into him.¡±

    Just as the police officer was handing over Kang Chan¡¯s ID to his colleague, who was beside him, his phone rang.

    ¡°Hello? Yes. Yes. I¡¯m Sergeant Lee Chul-Ho of the Seocho Patrol Division. Yes! I am currently on the scene. Yes. Pardon?¡±

    The police officer nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes! He¡¯s in front of me. Yes. I''ll do as you say. Yes, sir!¡±

    The police officer hung up the phone, took Kang Chan¡¯s ID away from his colleague, then handed it back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°We weren¡¯t aware those guys threatened you first. We apologize for causing an inconvenience.¡±

    The guy with the broken arm looked at the police officer with a confused expression.

    ¡°Take those two to the police station,¡± Lee Chul-Ho told the other police officer.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°Do as you¡¯re told.¡± When his partner failed to follow his order, the police officer held up the other arm of the guy who had sunk to his knees.

    ¡°You both are under arrest formitting violence and making threats.¡±

    ¡°Guhh.¡±

    The guy screamed as he got up but quickly closed his mouth when he looked at Kang Chan.

    After getting the two university students into the patrol car, the police officers drove off.

    Kang Chan had just sat down and was looking at Heo Eun-Sil when his phone rang.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, your residence card and National Intelligence Service ID are ready. How about we have dinnerter?

    Kang Chan epted the offer and hung up the phone.

    ¡°You¡¯re cool,¡± Heo Eun-Silplimented.

    <i>Crazy bitch.</i>

    Kang Chan smirked, but he soon felt his heart sink. Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s eyes were heated up the same way Michelle¡¯s eyes would whenever she was worked up.

 Chapter 67.1: Dont Go Overboard (1)

    <h4>Chapter 67.1: Don''t Go Overboard (1)</h4>

    After parting ways with Heo Eun-Sil, Kang Chan arrived at the Korean restaurant where the reservation was.

    ¡°I was told the Nam Yang Company made a reservation?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°This way, sir.¡± A middle-aged woman in a navy blue suit led him to a room inside the restaurant.

    <i>Slide.</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho were already waiting for him.

    With the table in the middle, Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung sat closer to the walls while Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat opposite them.

    No one showed any signs that they had been drinking alcohol.

    ¡°Please ept this, Mr. Kang Chan. This is for you, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung held out IDs.

    One was a resident registration card, and the other had the words ¡®National IntelligenceService¡¯ inscribed in red.

    ¡°With this, you can ess any government building, regardless of the location. If you ever find yourself in trouble with the police or civil servants, just show them this card and tell them to contact the number written on its back. We¡¯ll take care of the rest,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    Kang Chan liked the resident registration card that stated he was twenty-five years old more than that privilege.

    <i>From now on, I can smoke without worries!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at the ID, seemingly amazed. He then put it in his inner chest pocket.

    ¡°You may also now schedule a golf session with Ambassador Lanok, Mr. Kang Chan. However, you¡¯ll need to inform us of the date two days ahead.¡±

    ¡°Can we really do that?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kang Chan had recently asked them to help Lanok go golfing again as a favor. He wanted to make Lanok happy.

    ¡°Since it¡¯s an unofficial event, Yoo Bi-Corp has to be in charge of security.¡±

    Kang Chan thought that shouldn¡¯t be a problem, but Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s face hardened for some strange reason.

    ¡°The forces that are trying to stop ¡®Unicorn¡¯ are moving on arger scale than we expected. They¡¯re trying to change the Director of the National Intelligence Service, which makes it difficult for us to provide Ambassador Lanok¡¯s security. The President and the Prime Minister are doing their best, but the ambassador could find himself in a dangerous situation.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll make a reservation at the Kyung Seoul golf club in Jangheung. As I mentioned earlier, you just need to tell us about the date two days in advance.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll discuss this with him.¡± Kang Chan agreed, but there was something that he was curious about.

    ¡°Why are they so against connecting the rail to South Korea?¡± Kang Chan asked out of sheer curiosity about what kind of people they were and why they were so opposed to the project.

    ¡°Those people are looking to be the next administration. From their perspective, if this administration announces that we¡¯ve been connected to the rail, the results of the next election would already be obvious. That¡¯s why they¡¯re willingly putting their lives on the line to stop ¡®Unicorn,¡¯¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    ¡°Japan is desperately supporting those people. Being unable to stop them despite knowing full well what they¡¯ve been up to is quite frustrating for us.¡±

    It was quite difficult.

    When they had finished their conversation, Kim Hyung-Jung pressed the buzzer to order food.

    ¡°I contacted the French embassy and dispatched employees today. Oh, and the National Intelligence Service also sent us three agents as support. Mr. Seok Kang-Ho will also be there while you and Ambassador Lanok y golf. I asked him for help since he¡¯s better than our employees,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    Seok Kang-Ho smirked. He looked satisfied.

    This fucker was the leader of stupidity, but he fought quite well.

    Their meal came into the room. As they were eating, Kang Chan listened to them talk about the current political situation, many parts of which made him simmer with rage.

    ***

    When Kang Chan returned home from a ten-kilometer run that morning, Yoo Hye-Sook looked like she was out of her mind.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan prepared breakfast. Yoo Hye-Sook ate her rice so quickly it was as if she drank it like soup. She then ran over to her makeup table.

    It was still 8 am.

    Kang Chan and Kang Dae-Kyung leisurely made tea and sat facing each other at the table.

    ¡°I feel like luck is suddenly flooding in after your ident happened,¡± Kang Dae-Kyungmented.

    Kang Chan drank tea, having nothing to say to that.

    ¡°I¡¯m thankful, but I keep getting worried about youtely, perhaps because I¡¯m not capable enough. I keep getting knots in my stomach since I can¡¯t help but wonder if you¡¯re getting hurt or in danger.¡±

    Kang Chan took the worry in Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s eyes to his heart.

    <i>¡®Is he saying I shoulde home no matter what happens?¡¯</i>

    However, Kang Dae-Kyung meant something else.

    ¡°If there¡¯s something you want to do or if you want independence, then don¡¯t worry about our family for the moment. Whenever you aren¡¯t able toe home, just let me know like you did before. Your mom and I believe in you. If you think what you¡¯re up to is the right thing to do, then don¡¯t hesitate to go for it. However, I do hope the three of us will always have each other. You understand me, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Thanks for buying your mom clothes. If I told her I was going to buy some for her, she probably wouldn¡¯t have ever epted it.¡±

    They smiled warmly. Kang Chan was truly thankful for having the chance to sit down and talk to a father figure. His heart warmed up, which hadn''t happened in a while.

    There was still some time left before 9 am.

    They turned on the TV to watch the morning news but found extensive reporting about the Woo Ak-San gang instead.

    ording to the news, almost a hundred of its members had been arrested and were being charged not only for being a part of a criminal organization, but also for murder, incitement, criminal threats, and extortion. They were also hunting down a member that managed to escape.

    <i>¡®Aren¡¯t they going too far with this issue?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan read the chyrons of different news stories at the bottom of the screen, one of which stated that the ¡®President of Alion Entertainment has been arrested.¡¯ It was followed by ¡®Actress Lee Ha-Yeon, engaging in prostitution,¡¯ and ¡®Prosecution aims directly at the entertainment industry.¡¯

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Lee Ha-Yeon a famous actress? So things like that still happen, huh?¡± asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°I think so. I¡¯m a bit surprised.¡± Kang Chan agreed with Kang Dae-Kyung and pretended to be shocked.

    In a way, he truly was. He didn¡¯t expect them to go this far.

    Kang Dae-Kyung got changed at around 9 am. At 9:30 am, he left the apartment with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Chan would be leaving for school soon as well. Before that, he called Lanok first, hoping that the ambassador would be happy.

    - Monsieur Kang, the ambassador is doing an interview. Is it urgent?

    ¡°It¡¯s not. Please just tell him to call me when he has the time.¡±

    - Understood.

    Kang Chan tilted his head. Compared to the previous phone calls, he had received quite a polite response this time. With this out of the way, he headed to school.

    The results of the kids¡¯ training in the sports field were now showing quite a bit. In particr, the boys¡¯ bodies and postures looked pretty good. Still, if they wanted to do their part, they¡¯d need to go through an intensive training session for about six months.

    Kang Chan first went into the athletics club room.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted him.

    ¡°Hi. Have you had your coffee yet?¡±

    ¡°I was waiting for you.¡±

    While Seok Kang-Ho was making coffee, the door of the athletics club room opened.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Having Seok Kang-Ho make coffee in front of the others didn¡¯t really look good, since they could see it as Kang Chan disregarding him.

    ¡°I think I ced it somewhere around here,¡± Kang Chan murmured while noisily searching through the desk that was on one side of the room.

    ¡°Have you found it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, then turned around while holding a paper cup in each hand.

    ¡°It¡¯s not here.¡±

    ¡°Then look for it after you drink this coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    <i>Damn it. I can¡¯t believe I have to go through this bullshit just to drink a cup of coffee.</i>

    Annoyed, Kang Chan turned around and looked behind him. All of the bullies, including Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun, hade into the room.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked the bullies.

    <i>Have I been letting them get away with too many things?</i>

    When Kang Chan¡¯s expression hardened, a few of the students dropped their gazes. However, Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun held their ground.

    ¡°We want to be trained properly.¡±

    To Kang Chan, it sounded like they were asking him to properly kill them.

    ¡°All of us here have decided to go into Yoo Bi-Corp and be security guards. Though studying is out of the picture, we still want to do something with our lives,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said.

    ¡°Get lost.¡± Kang Chan turned away and drank the coffee.

    ¡°We admit and sincerely feel the things we did before were wrong. That¡¯s why we¡¯re never going to bully anyone from now on, and we¡¯d even get rid of bullyingpletely. Even we want to go to school and be able to dream.¡±

    <i>Are these shameless fuckers serious?</i>

    At Kang Chan¡¯s murderous gaze, even Heo Eun-Sil, who had been taking a firm stand, lowered her head.

    Kang Chan put the coffee down and walked toward Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun.

    ¡°I¡¯m cutting you all some ck because you said I''m the reason why you''re all getting beaten up by those idiots called the group of bullies or whatever. And I''m tolerating you all since you promised to get rid of all the bullying in this school. But that¡¯s where I draw the line. Just continue what you guys are already doing.¡±

    ¡°But we said that we were wrong.¡±

    ¡°To me?¡±

    Cho Sae-Ho flinched when Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if any of you crosses me. I can just beat you all up myself or break your arms. But what about those that transferred schools, tried tomit suicide, and are now suffering from depression because you guys tormented them? Would their wounds disappear just because you all admitted you were wrong and I epted your apology? You still have a long way to go. You¡¯vepletely destroyed other kids¡¯ education and lives, yet you still have the guts to dream of bing security guards?¡± Kang Chan asked, then smirked. ¡°Stop messing around and go back to what you all were doing.¡±

    ¡°Then what are we supposed to do?¡± asked one of the bullies.

    ¡°Bring a proper end to what you all have done. Go apologize and get their forgiveness, even if it means having to return all of the money you extorted from them.¡±

    The kids observed his mood, their bodynguage showing that they didn¡¯t know what to do.

    ¡°You guys are scared, aren¡¯t you? Shameless fuckers. You don¡¯t even have the guts to seek forgiveness and pay your victims back, which could require working a part-time job that¡¯ll pay a few dors an hour. And yet you all want to be a security guard? Were you expecting me to let this issue slide after you¡¯ve apologized to me and pretended the kids that you¡¯ve all tormented so badly don¡¯t exist?¡±

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth to hold in the urge to hit them.

    ¡°What made you think everything¡¯s already been fixed just because you¡¯re all now close with the athletics club members? Stop messing around and get the hell out of my face. If any of you utters one more word right now, I might just break your arms in a way that would prevent you from working out ever again.¡±

    <i>Cowardly fuckers.</i>

    <i>Would they know the feeling of walking past snack bars about ten times in my previous life just because I wanted to eat pork cutlets, which?weren¡¯t?even that expensive?</i>

    At the time, Kang Chan endured everything because his pride would¡¯ve gotten hurt if he stole from other kids. This resulted in his inability to forgive those that used their strength to abuse others.

    Fortunately, when Kang Chan tightly clenched his teeth, the kids went out of the athletics club room.

    Seok Kang-Ho drank coffee while observing Kang Chan¡¯s behavior.

    ¡°Do you want me to make you a new one?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Leave it. My mood is ruined. I should work out.¡±

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee, which was now cold, and took out his workout clothes.

    1. Jangheung is a South Korean county

 Chapter 67.2: Dont Go Overboard (1)

    <h4>Chapter 67.2: Don''t Go Overboard (1)</h4>

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Just as he took out his workout clothes, Kang Chan got a call from Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    Lanok didn¡¯t hide that he was d to talk with him.

    ¡°Could you give me about a day of your time? You just need to tell me when you¡¯re free about two days in advance.¡±

    - Is this for a personal matter?

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m going to reserve a golf club.¡±

    - Hahaha!

    This was Kang Chan¡¯s first time hearing Lanokugh like that.

    - Please wait for a moment.

    While still on the phone, Lanok had a conversation with someone else about whether he could adjust his schedule.

    - ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, how does next Monday sound?¡±

    ¡°That works. What about the time?¡±

    - I think having the tee up early in the morning would be good. It¡¯s pretty hot outside.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you after I check. I was told that the golf club is called the ¡®Kyung-Seoul.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan listened because Lanok sounded so serious all of a sudden.

    - Thank you. Can I take someone with me that day?

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Ambassador. But you should probably think that you¡¯re golfing alone. My golfing skills are a disaster.¡±

    - Hahaha! Just golfing in and of itself is already pleasant when done with a friend. This weekend was boring, but I¡¯m finally going to get some excitement thanks to you. I¡¯ll be looking forward to it.¡±

    After Kang Chan hung up the phone, he contacted Kim Hyung-Jung. He then told Kim Tae-Jin about the schedule.

    ¡°You should also empty your schedule for that day,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered with a smile, then drank the rest of his coffee.

    After doing a strength workout, the two briefly practiced hand-to-handbat. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s skills weren''t bad.

    ¡°I¡¯m a bit relieved now,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°I feel that way as well¡ªI finally feel like I can move as I used to in my previous life.¡±

    They ordered and ate lunch after they showered.

    The atmosphere was cold, but it couldn¡¯t be helped. After all, Kang Chan had told even Oh Gwang-Taek to donate everything he had to the less fortunate in exchange for his help finding apany worth rmending.

    ***

    Kang Chan left the school early, since he couldn¡¯t stand the sight of the bullies. His phone rang as he did. The call was from an unknown number.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Eun So-Yeon, Mr. President.

    Her voice slightly trembled, which made her seem like she was nervous.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    - I just saw the news articles and was wondering if you¡¯re okay.

    <i>Eun So-Yeon shouldn¡¯t be this free, should she?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Don¡¯t you still have work to do?¡±

    - I do, Mr. President. We had just gone into reading right now.

    ¡°Reading?¡±

    - Practicing the script.

    ¡°Work hard.¡±

    - I will. Is it alright if you visit us while we¡¯re reading, Mr. President?

    ¡°Why?¡±

    - Just because. I think we will all feel encouraged and cheer up if youe by. I also feel a bit shy. The casting has just ended, and many famous people will gather for this.

    <i>Why is she acting cute?</i>

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll talk with Michelleter.¡±

    - Please keep it a secret that I called you.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Please get home safely, Mr. President.¡±

    <i>Why does Eun So-Yeon care about me going home?</i>

    Kang Chan put his phone in his pocket and went out to the main road. He headed home.

    He was worried since Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook hadn¡¯t contacted him yet. However, he decided to go home and wait for him instead of calling. He had no information about the situation, after all.

    ***

    Kang Chan immediately went to his house after he arrived at the apartment building.

    Upon opening the door and heading inside, he found Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook in the living room.

    ¡°Huh? You two were already home?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Yoo Hye-Sook had aplex expression on her face.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Your mom is very surprised,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered. ¡°Have a seat for now.¡±

    Kang Chan entered the living room and sat with them on the sofa.

    ¡°We met the prime minister in person. He said he¡¯ll create the foundation for us by next week, and that you took care of a very major concern for the country. He¡¯s also asking you to continue cooperating actively since they¡¯ll need a lot more of your help in the future,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung exined.

    <i>That old man exaggerated things again.</i>

    ¡°Channy! Did you perhaps hear about your special admission to a university in Seoul?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook finally spoke.

    ¡°He told you about that as well?¡±

    ¡°Oh my goodness!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook looked like she had just won the lottery.

    ¡°Oh my! Oh my!¡± She eximed again.

    ¡°Your mom asked me if she heard it correctly about a hundred times.¡±

    ¡°I would¡¯ve told the two of you about it earlier if I knew it would make you this happy.¡±

    Kang Chan had forgotten about the special admission to University. He didn¡¯t really care about it, considering that he didn¡¯t even want to go there.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat now. I have to go to Kang Yoo Motors,¡± said Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Ah! You haven¡¯t eaten anything yet, right?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t either.¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll still be full even if I don¡¯t eat for a few days.¡±

    ¡°Oh dear,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung smiled and went to the kitchen.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll do it,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Yoo Hye-Sook prepared ate lunch in a somewhat disordered manner.

    ¡°Your mom would¡¯ve likely worried so much she¡¯d fall ill if it wasn¡¯t for you going to University. So I¡¯d like you to pay more attention to her for the time being,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    ¡°However, even if that is the case, don¡¯t neglect your duty to our country.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Honey, let¡¯s eat,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook called.

    Kang Chan replied that he had already eaten, then went into his room.

    He didn¡¯t expect she¡¯d be that happy about him going to University, considering she had been so full of worries since he gave them six billion won.

    <i>Buzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan picked up his phone when he got a text. It was Kim Mi-Young.

    [I¡¯m done with <i>hagwon</i>.]

    She seemed upset.

    Kang Chan pressed the call button.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Should I go out? I¡¯m at home.¡±

    - Really? Can youe out?

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll go to the bus stop. Let¡¯s have bingsu.¡±

    - Okay. I¡¯d like that.

    Kang Chan changed and went out to the living room.

    ¡°I¡¯m just going to meet with Mi-Young for a bit. I¡¯ll go home after,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°Is that so? Do you have pocket money?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Even though Kang Chan said ¡°I do¡±, Yoo Hye-Sook still took out five 10,000 won bills from her wallet.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Have fun.¡±

    When Yoo Hye-Sook wrapped her arms around Kang Chan¡¯s neck, Kang Dae-Kyung winked from behind her.

    ***

    Not long after Kang Chan had arrived at the bus stop, Kim Mi-Young ran over to him.

    ¡°Huhuhu.¡±

    While Michelle would¡¯ve already run into his arms in this situation, Kim Mi-Young only smiled brightly.

    ¡°Was <i>hagwon?</i>hard?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°The studying is okay, but it was hard to endure wanting to see you.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled at her, took her bag, and ced it over his shoulder.

    ¡°Do you have time to eat bingsu?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah! I have about an hour to do that.¡±

    They went into a specialty store that was a bit far away from their apartments and ordered bingsu.

    ¡°I have a question,¡± said Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young took out a Frenchnguage book. She then asked about pronunciation and simr expressions between Korean and French.

    ¡°You already learned this much?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    Kim Mi-Young was certainly a smart child with great linguistic skills. And she learned surprisingly fast. Her pronunciation was still poor, but the very reason she had asked for help was that she knew she wascking in that part.

    Kang Chan read out loud the part that Kim Mi-Young inquired about, then they took turns talking to each other in French.

    ¡°Can I record this so that I can listen to it on repeatter?¡± asked Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young pressed the ¡®record¡¯ button on her phone, then read after Kang Chan.

    Together, they read all the parts she pointed to.

    ¡°Thanks. I¡¯m having fun studying French,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    As time went on, the possibility of only Kim Mi-Young going to France increased.

    Kang Chan felt like he was being purified whenever he was with her.

    Kang Chan had even been thinkingtely that it would be good if he couldfortably hug her whenever they met and parted ways.

    <i>If only she weren¡¯t a high schooler¡­?Wait,?</i>w<i>hat am I thinking?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan licked his lips after eating the patbingsu.

    1. In golf, ¡®tee up¡¯ refers to putting the ball on top of the tee. Basically, it¡¯s when they¡¯re about to hit at the golf ball at hole one

 Chapter 68.1: Dont go Overboard (2)

    <h4>Chapter 68.1: Don''t go Overboard (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan spent the Saturday with Yoo Hye-Sook, which he hadn¡¯t done for a while.

    They had an omelet for breakfast, and for lunch, they went out with Kang Dae-Kyung and had naengmyeon.

    Before lunch, Kang Chan got contacted and was told that their tee time was set for 7 am. Apart from that, the only other thing he did was tell Lanok¡¯s secretary about the reservation.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy today, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked while they were walking along the trail of their apartment.

    ¡°I¡¯m not. I was feeling bad for not being able to spend time with youtely.¡±

    ¡°I feel that way as well.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled with an expression that said, <i>¡®Oh? Look at this sweet-talker?¡¯</i>

    Walking for a long time was hard since it was hot outside, and it was also burdensome to go out and eat bingsu for Yoo Hye-Sook since she wasn¡¯t the type of person that ate a lot.

    It was somewhat upsetting, but it wasn¡¯t like today was the only day they could spend time with each other.

    The three of them went home and rested for a moment.

    All they could do now was order chicken for dinner and watch a movie while wholesomely drinking c. Kang Chan found it quite fun when he tried it, though.

    ¡°Come have some fruits!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook called Kang Chan, who was in his room, with a nasal twang in her voice.

    ¡°The watermelon¡¯s ripeness is just right.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung gestured at the fruit with his hand when Kang Chan went out to the living room.

    Kang Chan found Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s im to be true when he ate it. As he savored its taste, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°Hello? Hi, Sun-Ok. I¡¯m at home. Yeah. Our Channy? He¡¯s with us. Why do you ask?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook nced at Kang Chan, then made an awkward expression a momentter.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll let him know. Of course! But I was told there¡¯s another person that¡¯s in charge of that role. It¡¯s the Frenchdy that you guys sawst time in the hotel. That¡¯s right! I was told that thedy will take care of everything. Yeah! Sure. I¡¯ll be sure to talk to him, but don¡¯t get your hopes up. Okay, I understand.¡±

    The watermelon now tasted awful to her because of the phone call.

    ¡°Why did that phone call make you seem so ufortable? Who was that?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°That was Sun-Ok, that friend of mine that asked us to give her daughter a chance to audition. Don¡¯t you remember?¡±

    ¡°Ah! The skinny one with dark skin.¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t have dark skin.¡±

    They seemed to have very different viewpoints.

    ¡°She¡¯s acting that way because she¡¯s asking me to do whatever it takes to include her daughter in the drama that¡¯s being filmed right now in Channy¡¯spany. I was told students would get additional points when they apply for the Theatre and Film department if they¡¯ve appeared in three or more episodes of a series. She wants me to make sure I tell Channy that she¡¯ll even pay for the expenses if needed.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not right,¡± Kang Dae-Kyungmented.

    ¡°Which parent that wants to send their child to university wouldn¡¯t do that? I even received a call yesterday asking what I think about being the secretary for next year, honey.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyungughed.

    ¡°At this rate, I¡¯m going to have to hide somewhere if our Channy gets admitted to the Seoul National University.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°The rumors about you getting a schrship to a national university in France caused a lot of jealousy, Channy! There was even a rumor that your dad paid for all of those to happen.¡±

    <i>Lanok could transfer ten billion won to others with just a few words. How much would I have to pay him to make him send me to university?</i> <i>Twenty billion won? I¡¯d much rather build a university or buy one.</i>

    ¡°You¡¯re probably in an awkward position. What are you going to do?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook again.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. If I do this favor for her, then someone else will ask me for another favor. This will eventually lead to people saying I only ept from certain people. Pretending not to notice these types of things is better.¡±

    Kang Chan was strangely relieved when he saw her act with tenacity.

    ¡°Please have some watermelon,¡± Kang Chan told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Just as she picked up a watermelon slice, her phone rang again.

    ¡°Hello? Hi, Jin-Sook! Sure. Yeah. I heard that. Yeah. It seems it would be difficult for Channy to exert his influence and make that work. Yeah, sweetie. Sure. I¡¯ll talk to him again.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled. He looked as if he found this funny.

    ¡°I was told that Sun-Ok asked Jin-Sook to put in a good word for her since we¡¯re close,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented after hanging up the phone.

    ¡°Approximately how many calls do you get per daytely, honey?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­ About ten calls?¡±

    ¡°At this rate, you¡¯re going to be the busiest among us three once we¡¯ve established a foundation that¡¯s worth six billion won,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°Jeez!¡± Worries quickly emerged on Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s bothered face.

    ¡°Worry about thatter. Let¡¯s just eat for now,¡± said Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to help me, right?¡±

    ¡°Please stop worrying and eat, Mrs. Chief Director of the Foundation,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung skillfully reassured Yoo Hye-Sook.

    This was the life Kang Chan wanted.

    ***

    They decided to schedule the athletics club¡¯s retreat after the event with Lanok ended. When they started filming the drama, the retreat of D.I. also naturally got cancelled.

    He rested on Sunday.

    Kang Channguidly woke up and ate breakfast. However, he wasn¡¯t in a good mood.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s this? Why am I feeling this way?¡¯</i>

    He felt like something was missing. This somewhatx feeling continued to stimte Kang Chan.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>

    His phone rang just as his frustration made him think of going out for a walk. It was Seok Kang-Ho.

    - What are you doing?

    ¡°Justzing around.¡±

    - Let¡¯s have a cup of tea.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    What reason did he have to refuse? He was already feeling ufortable anyway.

    Kang Chan gave an appropriate excuse to his parents and left the apartment.

    It was really nice to live close to Seok Kang-Ho.

    It didn¡¯t take that long for them to arrive at the coffee shop in Misari. They sat at their usual spot and ordered iced coffees.

    ¡°Here, take this.¡± Seok Kang-Ho handed him a square card.

    ¡°As long as you have this with you, you can unlock your car by pressing the button on the door handle and start the engine¡­ You can basically do everything with it. I¡¯m going to park the car on the first floor of my apartment¡¯s basement parking lot so you can use it whenever you have urgent matters to attend to.¡±

    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s a good idea,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°I got close to ten million won as my sry for being an agent in the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    As Kang Chan put the card in his wallet, Seok Kang-Ho abruptly brought another topic up.

    ¡°The basic sry is simr to that of a teacher''s due to the activity cost and hazard pay, but the total amount is enormously different.¡±

    ¡°It would be best to just ept it.¡±

    ¡°It really doesn¡¯t feel right, though. I feel like you should be the one getting this instead,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°What made you think like that?¡± Kang Chan took out a cigarette and bit on it. ¡°I thought our way of life was great, but when you got capturedst time, it made me wonder what the family members we''d be leaving behind do without us. If they give you a lot of money, doesn''t that just mean there''s an equal amount of danger involved?¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m not doing anything, am I?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to guard tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we just going there to have fun?¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look down on this. If we encounter five agents simr to the ones I ran into a few days ago in the hotel, then one of us is bound to lose. Two of them got into South Korea through illegal smuggling, so what¡¯s stopping them from sending five more?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho took a sip of his coffee and chewed on the ice.

    ¡°You should pay more attention. Even if they say they¡¯re security guards or whatever, those that haven¡¯t experienced being in an actual battle are just going to lose. To put it bluntly, think about the two of us pouncing on Lanok when Yoo Bi-Corp is protecting him,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hmph! Lanok will surely die,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered. Right after, his expression seemingly said, <i>Oh shoot!</i>

    ¡°See? One of the agents I fought even bit on poison. If five agents with a simr level of determination pounced on them, then Yoo Bi-Corp¡¯s employees won¡¯t be able to handle them.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say they also had guns?¡±

    ¡°They could fire Glock 19s with one hand.¡±

    ¡°Phew,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as he put ice in his mouth and chewed on it. Using Glock 19 with one hand was possible with a little bit of training, but most people used it with two hands due to its strong recoil.

    ¡°If they can just ovee the recoil, then Glock 19s are the best when we consider fire power. Then that means¡­¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°That serves as proof that they¡¯re professionals.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded while looking at Seok Kang-Ho.

    The way Seok Kang-Ho was eating ice looked delicious, so Kang Chan also put an ice cube in his mouth while drinking coffee.

    <i>Crunch. Crunch.</i>

    ¡°Hey! This is good,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Phuhu, it¡¯s different from Africa.¡±

    Ice was hard toe by in Africa, and he didn¡¯t even think about chewing on ice cubes in France.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered with a serious tone when Kang Chan called him by his name.

    ¡°If you notice anyone acting even remotely strange tomorrow, then make sure you kill them no matter what.¡±

    ¡°No matter what?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. No matter what.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho twisted his head as his eyes shone.

    ¡°Are your guts telling you something?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°This just doesn¡¯t feel right. I didn¡¯t think anything of it yesterday, but I started feeling way off the moment I woke up today! If this operation was being done in Africa, I would¡¯ve made all the rookies stay behind.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we just cancel tomorrow¡¯s appointment, then?¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head with a frown.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have any valid reason to do that. And we¡¯ve already made a big deal out of this, so it¡¯s hard for us to reschedule just because we don¡¯t feel good about it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Even that fucker Shan always said you¡¯re spouting bullshit whenever you talked about your gut feeling.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s your first day, so do your best and don¡¯t embarrass yourself.¡±

    ¡°As I said before, I¡¯ve regained my previous life¡¯s physical condition.¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, Seok Kang-Ho also smiled at him.

    ***

    Kang Chan returned home after having lunch with Seok Kang-Ho in a nearby Baekban restaurant. He did feel a bit better now, but the displeasure he had been feeling since this morning still hadn¡¯t disappeared.

    He called Kim Tae-Jin to check how the preparation for the security detail wasing along and to discuss tomorrow¡¯s ns.

    - Hello? How can I help you?

    ¡°Mr. President, how many people are being sent to guard Lanok tomorrow?¡±

    - Honestly, I¡¯m all over the ce because of that. We¡¯ve got the entire golf club under control, but there¡¯s no way to stop people from going up the mountain from the opposite side anding over because it¡¯s open in all directions. Even if we throw in ourpany¡¯s entire manpower, it will still have a lot of openings we won¡¯t be able to cover. My head feels like it¡¯s going to burst since the National Intelligence Agency could only send in three employees to support us.

    <i>Am I feeling this way because there are too many ces that can¡¯t be guarded?</i>

    - Is something wrong?

    ¡°I¡¯m just a bit worried.¡±

    No matter how much Kim Tae-Jin trusted Kang Chan, it was still difficult for Kang Chan to say he was worried simply because he had a bad feeling about this.

    - If you¡¯ve got any othermands, then feel free to tell us as many of them as you like. Private securitypanies are supposed to follow their client¡¯s wishes, no matter what.

    <i>Was that the meaning of a client?</i>

    - You didn¡¯t know?

    ¡°Yes. I thought that¡¯s just what we call the person that introduced people to the securitypany.¡±

    - The client essentially decides every issue when ites to security. Simply put, we¡¯re trusting you with our lives. Anyway, I¡¯ll call you immediately if we run into any problems.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Upon hearing what being a client meant, Kang Chan felt the pressure on his shoulders increase.

    ¡°Tsk.¡±

    Regardless of what others said, tomorrow¡¯s appointment was already fixed.

    Kang Chan told his parents that he was going out early tomorrow to work out and attend a gathering. After that, he went to bed.

    It was just 9:30 pm, but he fell asleep right away.

    1. Tee time is amonly used phrase in the USA. It refers to the golf club reserved time.The raws technically said ¡®tee-up¡¯, but that refers to when the ball is ced on top of the tee.

 Chapter 68.2: Dont go Overboard (2)

    <h4>Chapter 68.2: Don''t go Overboard (2)</h4>

    The next morning, Kang Chan got up and washed up. He then packed simple clothes and met with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Phew! I haven¡¯t felt this nervous in a while!¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    When Kang Chan got in the car, they left immediately.

    Since it was just 4 am, the cars driving by still had their lights on.

    ¡°Are there no coffee shops around here?¡± Seok Kang-Ho looked at their surroundings while talking to himself.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a 24/7 store in that corner?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right! Let¡¯s stop there for a moment and buy coffee.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s smoke a cigarette before we leave as well,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sounds good!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho came back with two hot coffees from the coffee shop they had visited before. After smoking a cigarette, they left immediately.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°So-so. if my heart suddenly starts beating quickly, then an incident¡¯s about to happen. Otherwise, everything will go ording to n.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a fat chance that¡¯s going to happen. Anyways, it seems like you really were born optimized for things like this. How can your hunches even predict when danger¡¯s about to happen?¡±

    When they merged into the outer road, they drove faster above a hundred kilometers per hour while taking sips of their coffee from time to time. At around 4:30 am, they arrived at the Kyung-Seoul golf club.

    The golf club had bright lights inside and outside of it, so they recognized it in one nce from far away.

    ¡°What brought you two here?¡± A Yoo Bi-Corp employee asked. He was wearing aplete uniform.

    ¡°I¡¯m Seok Kang-Ho. I should be on today''s list.¡±

    ¡°Please show me your ID.¡±

    The employee checked Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s ID. He then gestured at the two other employees with his hand, making them move the barricade to one side.

    When they arrived at the clubhouse, the employee standing by the entrance greeted them.

    ¡°Park the car up front.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Seok Kang-Ho parked the car a distance away from the clubhouse.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the president?¡± Kang Chan asked one of the employees.

    ¡°He¡¯s upstairs.¡±

    After they had parked the car, Kang Chan went up to the second floor with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    ¡°Come on in.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung were wearing a suit without a tie. Seok Kang-Ho, who was wearing dress pants and a shirt, left and returned with a jacket, which he likely forgot in the car.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have breakfast. There¡¯s galbi-tang and toast. What should we eat?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kang Chan liked simple things. Everyone followed him and prepared toast.

    ¡°Twenty of our men have already been lying in ambush sincest evening. Anyway, this is a two-way radio. Please take one as well, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. Kang Chan is number one, Kim Hyung-Jung is number two, and Mr. Seok Kang-Ho is number three.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho hung the two-way radios on their waist. They then attached the radios¡¯ earphones to their ears after hiding the wires under their clothes.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung shook their heads as they watched the two.

    Watching how Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho attached the two-way radio to their bodies alone showed that they were skilled at this.

    They finished their breakfast at around 5:20 am.

    ¡°We¡¯ve finished deploying all of the guards to the golf club¡¯s outer edges. We can begin the operation as soon as Lanok arrives,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Can we go around the golf club before Lanok gets here?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Should we? They said that it would take ten minutes with a cart.¡±

    The four of them went out from the back of the clubhouse and got on a cart.

    <i>Brrrr.</i>

    The peculiar noise of an electric car rang out.

    ¡°I can check things out, right?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin again.

    ¡°Of course!¡±

    Kang Chan pressed the mic that was hung on his sleeve.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan, the one in charge of today¡¯s event.¡±

    The employees in charge of perimeter security on the hillside periodically stood out.

    ¡°Report in whenever the cart passes by,¡± said Kang Chan.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°First hole, all clear.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Second hole, all clear.¡±

    The other people in the cart also heard what Kang Chan was hearing through the two-way radio.

    After going around all eighteen holes, they returned to the clubhouse. Kang Chan then pressed the mic button and sent a morse code that said, ¡®beat okay?¡¯

    Dumbfounded, Kim Tae-Jin smiled. Kang Chan got a response in morse code that said, ¡®Okay.¡¯

    ¡°Is the ambush team only equipped with bays?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Kim Tae-Jin looked like he felt sorry for them, so Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything else on the matter.

    ¡°You guys prepared pistols, right?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°It¡¯s right here,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung tapped his chest a few times.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you also change your shoes?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan. ¡°I left gloves and other equipment upstairs.¡±

    ¡°I should do that.¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t sure about other factors, but he liked the fact that they didn¡¯t look nervous, at the very least.

    ¡°Should we have a cup of tea, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°That sounds good.¡±

    The four of them went upstairs and had a cup of tea, then also smoked a cigarette right below a no-smoking sign.

    ¡°With you and Ambassador Lanok as the center, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, Kim Hyung-Jung, and I are going to assume a triangle formation. The National Intelligence Service agents are all equipped with pistols, so they''re going to be guarding both of you as well,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°This wille across as a bit excessive for a domestic event, but the fact that the agents you fought used guns in a hotel weighed in my mind. That¡¯s why I ordered twenty men to lie in ambush startingst night. Their role is essentially to keep an eye out for any shootings.¡±

    Kang Chan still felt like something was tugging on his back, but he found it hard to keep asking more detailed questions. In truth, digging holes and standing by in it sincest night could already be quite excessive, considering they were only out here to y golf.

    Kang Chan changed his shoes into golf shoes, then ced the gloves in his back pocket.

    When it came to golf, the only experience he had was hitting the ball three or four times in Africa.

    <i>What do people find fun about something like this?</i>

    <i>Chkk.</i>

    ¡°The VIP has arrived.¡±

    Upon hearing those words on the two-way radio, the four of them got up and headed toward the entrance on the ground floor.

    Two ck cars came in. Lanok and a woman with a small build got out from the backseat of the car in the back.

    Six security guards also got out of the cars and surrounded Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan. I was so excited I couldn¡¯t get a wink of sleep,¡± Lanok hugged Kang Chan with a bright expression, then kissed both of his cheeks as a form of greeting.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, this is President Kim Tae-Jin of Yoo Bi-Corp,¡± Kang Chan introduced Kim Tae-Jin.

    Lanok and Kim Tae-Jin shook hands.

    ¡°And this is Kim Hyung-Jung, the manager of the National Intelligence Service that liaised with the golf club for today. I¡¯d like you to meet Seok Kang-Ho as well, a National Intelligence Service agent.¡±

    Lanok shook hands with the two of them with a businesslike smile and attitude.

    ¡°I came here with my daughter, Mr. Kang Chan. This is Adreanne.¡±

    Kang Chan thought she was a young child because of her small build, but she looked like she was in her mid-twenties.

    .

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Adreanne. I¡¯m Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°I heard my dad has acknowledged you as his friend. Please call me Anne from now on.¡±

    ¡°As you wish, Anne.¡±

    Anne was even shorter than the height of Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders.

    She looked ordinary, but she had a very small frame for a French woman.

    ¡°Have you two eaten?¡± Kang Chan asked Lanok.

    ¡°We had a simple meal. How about we have tea and enjoy a cigar before ying golf?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    When Kang Chan gestured toward the upper floor, he saw Lanok¡¯s expression instantly change.

    <i>¡®Why is he acting that way?¡¯</i>

    However, Kang Chan realized the reason right away. Anne had an unnatural gait.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, since we also have Anne with us, why don¡¯t we enjoy cigars and cigarettes in an open area?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s an excellent suggestion, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    When Kang Chan gestured with his eyes, two employees from Yoo Bi-Corp quickly moved.

    When they went out the back door, the golf club immediately unfolded before them.

    ¡°Hmm! Whoo! The mountains of South Korea have a unique scent. It¡¯s been so long since Ist inhaled such an exciting aroma,¡± Lanokmented.

    While Lanok was looking around their surroundings, the employees moved the table and chairs around and prepared three cups of coffee again.

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette and offered it to her out of courtesy, but Anne actually took it immediately, much to his surprise.

    <i>Chk chk</i>.

    Lanok lit up a cigar, then deeply inhaled its smoke.

    No words were needed right now.

    Lanok drank tea with a satisfied expression as he looked at their surroundings. The way Anne smoked her cigarette made her seem like a chain smoker

    ¡°Can I have another cigarette?¡± asked Anne.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Kang Chan took out another cigarette, gave it to her, and lit it.

    French women had sunken eyes, so they often appeared to have a gloomy gaze. Anne was no different. She also had a mix of blonde and brown hair that went down to her shoulders and was wearing a blue golf top, a yellow vest, and gray pants.

    They finishing smoking and also drank coffee in moderation.

    ¡°Before we go, please excuse me for a moment,¡± Anne said.

    Lanok and Kang Chan got up from their spots, and Kim Tae-Jin followed behind her with two employees.

    ¡°That child''s the reason why ying golf makes me happy. She and my wife got attacked when she was seven years old. Her leg was shot, and my wife died on the spot,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan.

    <i>Was this what he meant by being separated by death?</i>

    ¡°She''s stopped eating properly and begun feeling anxious about getting in cars since then. I don''t think she''s dating anyone either. She only likes going out to y golf, though.¡±

    ¡°Were they in a car when they got attacked?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. The assants probably thought I was inside it.¡±

    A sharp look shed from Lanok¡¯s eyes.

    1. A golf club¡¯s clubhouse refers to a building that usually has a locker room, a store that sells golf equipment, and a restaurant

    2. galbi-tang, or short rib soup, is a type of soup that¡¯s made primarily of short beef ribs and other ingredients

 Chapter 69.1: Itéˆ¥æªš not like weéˆ¥æª™e in Africa (1)

    <h4>Chapter 69.1: It¡¯s not like we¡¯re in Africa (1)</h4>

    After Anne headed out of the building, the three of them walked to the first hole.

    Kyung-Seoul had a concrete road on one side of the golf course for the people to drive their golf carts on.

    ¡°Hello,¡± the three caddies waiting for them greeted them as soon as the caddies saw them.

    The weather was nice, and it didn¡¯t feel that hot since it was still 7 am.

    ¡°You should go first, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± said Lanok.

    ¡°Should I?¡±

    Kang Chan held the driver that the caddie handed to him. After lightly warming up and taking the proper stance, he red at the ball as if he was going to destroy it.

    <i>¡®Damn it!¡¯</i>

    <i>Bang!</i>

    The white ball curved to the right side like a banana, then disappeared beyond the mountain.

    <i>¡®What happened?¡¯</i>

    When Kang Chan looked behind him because he felt awkward, everyone looked flustered.

    Anne had been trying hard to hold in herughter. Her eyes then met Kang Chan¡¯s. She looked awkward, but it was at least better than her crying.

    .

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t expect anyone toe out here with dad would y golf like that,¡± Anne said.

    ¡°You can just smile,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°You really haven¡¯t yed golf,¡± Lanok butted in, perhaps because he thought that Anne was being impolite. However, his expression wasn¡¯t any different from Anne¡¯s.

    ¡°I think the ball flew out straightst time, but this is a bit different,¡± Kang Chan replied. He turned his gaze, and from there Seok Kang-Ho shrugged.

    It was Lanok¡¯s turn.

    Hefortably put the ball on top of the tee. After swinging two to three times to practice, he struck the ball in a cool way.

    ¡°Nice shot!¡± The shot was worthy of getting praised by the caddies.

    ¡°Please try again, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± said Lanok.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. This is how I normally y golf, so trying again won¡¯t make much of a difference.¡±

    Anne¡¯s turn came next.

    ¡°Can I walk to the next hole?¡± Anne asked.

    <i>What¡¯s she saying? Don¡¯t people hit the ball first before heading to the next hole?</i>

    But Anne looked serious.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, around what time do we have to finish golfing?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°One moment please,¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung about their golf club reservation¡¯s duration.

    ¡°The golf club has beenpletely emptied for today. You two can enjoy golfing infort,¡± Kang Chan ryed what he heard.

    ¡°You heard that, right? You¡¯ll be able to walk without worries due to how thoughtful Mr. Kang Chan is,¡± Lanok told Anne.

    ¡°Thank you, dad. Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee. And please call me Channy if that¡¯s okay with you, Anne.¡±

    Anne smiled brightly and walked forward.

    Kang Chan looked around their surroundings, then positioned himself on Anne¡¯s right. Seok Kang-Ho and the French agents stood guard over Lanok¡¯s right side.

    Walking through an open and unsheltered golf course increased the risk of being shot far more than riding a cart.

    There was a mountain to the right of the golf course, and the security guards intended to hide Lanok and Anne from its vantage points as much as possible for now.

    <i>¡®This was what Kim Tae-Jin meant.¡¯</i>

    They walked about twenty meters down the golf course, finding a separate tee box for women. Anne received a driver that was as tall as her and swung it a few times. Afterward, she struck the ball skillfully.

    The caddies at the back pped.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, my abilities are not as good as you two in all respects. I¡¯d rather stay by your side like this instead. Is that alright?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    He truly did feel that way.

    Anne handed over the driver to a caddie, and the three of them walked side by side.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan said that he¡¯s going to withdraw. Why don¡¯t we continue ying golf with just the two of us?¡± asked Lanok.

    Anne looked upset but soon nodded. It seemed she had judged that Kang Chan wasn¡¯t skilled enough to y with them no matter how much she thought about it.

    After Kang Chan told a caddie to exclude him from that point onward, he gave Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Tae-Jin a hand signal.

    Lanok and Anne took turns hitting golf balls. It was amazing to witness them joyously dropping the ball into the cup.

    Meanwhile, the French agents wordlessly followed Kang Chan¡¯s eye gestures. Among them were the two agents that fought with Kang Chan in the hotel. They seemed to be waiting for Kang Chan¡¯s orders.

    Soon, they arrived at the sixth hole on the green that was beyond the big artificialke.

    Behind the hole was a mountain, which a sniper could use as a good vantage point and take unavoidable shots from.. Moreover, Lanok and Anne also had to fix their posture for about three to five seconds before they hit the ball.

    Kang Chan sent a morse code with the mic button that was on his sleeve, to which his men replied that there were no problems.

    ¡°Is everything around the sixth hole in order?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    <i>Chkk.</i>

    ¡°All clear up to now.¡±

    Everybody¡¯s nerves were on edge.

    Lanok went up to the tee box first.

    At times like this, Kang Chan had nothing else to trust but his senses.

    <i>¡®Will it be okay? Is there nothing wrong?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan looked at the mountain that was behind the hole.

    <i>Tak!</i>

    As Lanok¡¯s iron shot made the white ball fly straight, Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s eyes looked around in every direction without resting for even a moment.

    Anne¡¯s turn came.

    When she went on the top of the tee box, Kang Chan looked at the mountain while repeating the same thing over and over to himself.

    <i>¡®Hit it quickly. Quickly.¡¯</i>

    However, despite Kang Chan¡¯s wishes, Anne carefully hit the ball.

    <i>Tak.</i>

    Kang Chan quickly went to the front to receive the golf club, which put him in a position that covered Anne.

    Their eyes met.

    The look in Anne¡¯s eyes asked, <i>¡®why are you guarding me yourself?¡¯</i>

    ¡°We should go,¡± said Kang Chan.

    He stuck close to Anne as they walked. If someone on top of the mountain was looking for an opportunity, then being below it was dangerous.

    ¡°Channy, are you a security guard?¡± asked Anne.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. Please just consider my actions as driven by worry that something unfortunate would happen to the ambassador or you. I arranged this golf session, after all.¡±

    Lanok walked in front of them, which left the two of them walking side by side.

    ¡°I noticed dad¡¯s security guards were receiving orders from you. Both of us were a little bit surprised because even Louis, who¡¯s really prideful, is following your orders.¡±

    Kang Chan just smiled.

    ¡°When Ie out to y golf, I feel like I¡¯m in my mother¡¯s arms,¡± Anne continued.

    They walked around the artificialke and headed toward the green.

    Kang Chan wanted to rmend to Anne to use the cart since she had trouble walking, and it was also a much more excellent choice in terms of her security.

    ¡°My dad has been always busy, so I frequently went on a pic with my mom,¡± Anne continued.

    Almost all French people frequently went out for a pic. This was especially the case when their child was young. Since restaurants rarely epted young children, families had no choice but to go on pics.

    ¡°ying golf reminds me of the smell of the grass at that time, which makes me feel like I¡¯m in my mother¡¯s arms.¡±

    It felt like sadness had tightly coiled around her and was never going away. Anne couldn¡¯t cry to her heart''s content, but she was thinking that her inability to cry was a sign that she had ovee her emotions.

    About one or two out of ten guys that applied to be a mercenary were like her.

    They pretended to be strong and tough, but when Kang Chan beat them up over and over again until just before they died, most of them cried their hearts out at the end.

    The memory of them being abused in an orphanage or a foster home, of their mother dying at their father¡¯s cruel hands, and of their sister suffering a horrible death. Unable to ovee all of those memories and emotions, which they had thoroughly locked inside them, they burst out the mercenaries as tears of rage.

    The mercenaries then followed Kang Chan around after he beat them up.

    <i>Should I beat Anne up until she¡¯s nearly dead?</i> <i>No, I shouldn¡¯t think about this. How am I going to cope with the aftermath?</i>

    Kang Chan smiled, and Anne also smiled at him with deep-set eyes.

    When they arrived at the green, Kim Tae-Jin looked around their surroundings as if he was insane.

    Whenever someone assumed a posture to putt, they had to stand in the same spot for a long time. The security guards couldn¡¯t rashly go close to them since doing so would disturb the game.

    With Kang Chan¡¯s nerves now on edge, choosing the security guards¡¯ positions became almost like a war of nerves., Nevertheless, all of the agents from Yoo Bi-Corp and France followed Kang Chan¡¯s eye gestures withoutints.

    ¡°Whew!¡± When they went around the sixth hole and were walking on the corner of the mountain, Kang Chan sighed loudly.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Anne asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°The sixth hole is the section where the security guards be the most on edge. Especially when people take a long time in the tee box or during theirst putting, they feel like they¡¯re going to go crazy from worry.¡±

    ¡°So you really are a security guard.¡±

    ¡°I said I¡¯m not!¡±

    While Lanok examined Kang Chan and Anne with a gaze that asked ¡®What are you guys doing?¡¯ They arrived at the halfway house.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, how about we smoke a cigarette first before heading to the next hole?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We should do that, dad.¡±

    Lanok smiled widely like a European mask and nodded.

    With an iced drink in front of them, they smoked inside the halfway house. The building was a no-smoking area, but no one could stop them anyway.

    Yoo-Bi Corp¡¯s employees encircled the halfway house¡¯s perimeters.

    While they were resting for a moment, Seok Kang¨CHo, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Kim Tae-Jin made use of that time to drink water from bottles.

    ¡°Thedy should get ready to go out to the hole,¡± Lanok said.

    Anne headed to the bathroom at Lanok¡¯s rmendation.

    ¡°We should stop around here for your sake, but I can¡¯t do that after seeing Anne¡¯s face,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan just smiled and took a sip of his drink.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how long it has been since I saw her talk to someone thatfortably,¡± Lanok continued.

    ¡°Does she not talk to other people?¡±

    ¡°She only has formal conversations, and I also acted simrly after my wife died. I also thought about retiring for Anne.¡±

    Anne came out of the bathroom as Lanok finished his sentence.

    1. A driver is a type of golf club

    2. a tee box refers to the start of each hole, where golfers take their first swing

    3. The green is the area at the far end of the golf course that is nearest to the hole. The grass is the shortest in this area and easiest to putt.

    4. an iron shot refers to hitting the ball with an iron club

    5. The Korean text was written as ¡®shadow house¡¯, but we used ¡®halfway house¡¯ as it¡¯smonly used in English. The ¡®halfway house¡¯ refers to afort station where golfers can get light snacks or refreshments during their rounds. In Korea, it¡¯s called the ¡®shadow house¡¯ since it was built to create a shadow, which is especially weed by golfers on a sunny or windy day.

    6. The author used the word employee for the Yoo-Bi Corp¡¯s agents

 Chapter 69.2: Itéˆ¥æªš not like weéˆ¥æª™e in Africa (1)

    <h4>Chapter 69.2: It¡¯s not like we¡¯re in Africa (1)</h4>

    Once Anne came out of the bathroom, they then went out of the halfway house and yed through the seventh and eighth holes.

    With the sun now up, the atmosphere grew hot.

    Since the French agents were focusing on Lanok, Kang Chan was naturally by Anne¡¯s side and protected her, though it was possible that the agents were focusing more on Lanok because he had positioned himself there.

    Kang Chan just needed to protect her from being shot by blocking the direction of the snipers. Fortunately, it was easy to shield her since she had a small frame.

    They arrived at the ninth hole.

    The golf club looked wide and refreshing due to its golf course¡¯s structure, which had a vast fairway and a mountain on the left side. Its right side intersected with the fifth hole. However, from the perspective of a security guard, it was feel suffocated.

    After Lanok went on top of the tee box, Kang Chan felt frustrated.

    <i>¡®Why am I feeling this way?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan first sought out Seok Kang-Ho.

    Reading Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Seok Kang-Ho went a little bit closer to Lanok while quickly looking around their surroundings.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung looked like they were confused about what was going on.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    Nothing happened.

    They walked a little bit downward on the golf course, then Anne took her turn.

    Kang Chan was so nervous he felt like his mouth was drying up. He went slightly further away from the tee box and hastily pulled on the mic that was hung on his sleeve. He pressed a morse code, but there was no answer.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    Kang Chan ran over as if he was thrusting himself into the tee box and put his arms around Anne.

    <i>Badum badum.</i>

    ¡°Ambush team in the ninth hole, answer!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    There was no answer to Kang Chan¡¯s transmission. He had sent the morse code that they confirmed right before they went into the golf course.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung, who had been listening to the mic with Kang Chan, immediately covered Lanok.

    ¡°Go to the cart!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Kang Chan held Anne, then shouted in French, ¡°Get to the cart! We¡¯re going to apany the ambassador to the clubhouse!¡±

    The French agents surrounded Lanok in an instant.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, please head to the cart for now!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    All of them couldn¡¯t go on the cart from here, as there weren¡¯t enough carts.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to take responsibility of Anne, so please go to the cart for now!¡± Kang Chan yelled again.

    Four of the Yoo Bi-Corp employees and one of the National Intelligence Service employee surrounded Kang Chan and Anne.

    After Lanok waspletely hidden from view¡­

    <i>Ta-ng!</i>

    <i>Bam!</i>

    ¡°Kyaaaa!¡±

    With the screams of the caddies, one of the agents that had their arms around Lanok toppled over and fell.

    ¡°Go!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    The agents put Lanok on the cart andpletely hid him while the French agents ran and stuck close to the cart.

    ¡°You guys go that way with the caddies!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Two of the Yoo Bi-Corp employees led the three caddies and went over toward the fifth hole.

    Kang Chan lifted Anne straight up as if he was pulling out a tree from the ground and went to the bottom of the mountain that was in front of the tee box. Afterward, he turned Anne around and carried her on his back right away.

    ¡°Give me your arm!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    <i>Is she stupefied?</i>

    Anne was unresponsive, so Kang Chan ced her right arm over his shoulder. After putting her left arm under his armpit, he made her grab her own arm.

    ¡°Jacket!¡± Kang Chan yelled again.

    They had wasted too much time.

    <i>Ta-ng! Ta-ng!</i>

    Sparks flew up from the cart, and a French agent copsed.

    Kang Chan supported Anne with a jacket that a Yoo Bi-Corp employee handed over to him, then tied the jacket diagonally on his shoulder.

    <i>If the cart passes by, then I won¡¯t be able to protect Anne with this number of people!</i>

    ¡°Gun!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    The moment the agent from the National Intelligence Service got flustered¡­

    <i>Ta-ng! Ta-ng! Ta-ng!</i>

    Gunshots rang out from the front of the cart.

    Kang Chan pulled on the agent¡¯s cor and snatched the pistol from him.

    If Anne wasn¡¯t here, then there wouldn¡¯t have been any reason for people to try and attack the employees or the agents.

    ¡°You guys go up the golf course with the caddies and head to the clubhouse!¡± Kang Chan ordered again.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan ran toward the fifth hole while feeling like he was carryingplete military gear on his shoulder.

    <i>¡®Why isn¡¯t Anne crying or screaming?¡¯</i>

    <i>Taaahng!</i>

    The grass in front of Kang Chan violently burst up.

    <i>Taaahng!</i>

    When the grass burst up for the second time, he heard people openly shooting guns from the direction of the cart.

    At the end of the fairway, Kang Chan threw himself toward the fifth hole.

    <i>Plop!</i>

    His heart hurt as if it was going to burst because of Anne, who he was carrying on his back.

    It was a relief that there was at least a little bit of a mountain ridge.

    He could see the National Intelligence Service agents and the Yoo Bi-Corp employees going toward the clubhouse¡¯s direction with the caddies.

    ¡°Channy, please let go of me.¡±

    Kang Chan nced behind him, finding her voice too calm. The look in her eyes showed that there was something she was determined to do.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you for a favor. I have always imagined this moment¡ªthe moment when I can go into my mother¡¯s arms¡­¡± Anne continued.

    <i>Tang! Tang! Tadadang! Ta-ng!</i>

    The enemy was not only shooting at them. They were pouncing at them while looking to attack the cart.

    If they stayed like this, then it would be the perfect situation for Anne to die. Their opponents just needed to send two guys to attack them.

    Kang Chan raised himself up, then ran toward the eighth hole.

    ¡°Please let go of me!¡± Anne wailed.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    <i>Ta-ng!</i>

    Right beside them, the grass sprouted upward.

    <i>Ta-ng!</i>

    <i>¡®Urgh!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan felt pain in his shins, almost as if they were being burnt with fire. He staggered, but he just gritted his teeth and kept running anyway.

    ¡°Why?! Why?! You just have to leave me!¡± Anne yelled again.

    It was unreasonable to run more than this.

    <i>Tatata.</i>

    Kang Chan threw his body into the middle of a grove.

    ¡°Huff huff. Huff huff.¡±

    He released the jacket that he had tied. Since Kang Chan had already fallen down, Anne was already about halfway out of the jacket.

    Kang Chan¡¯s right shin was covered with blood.

    ¡°Kyaaa! Kyaaa!¡±

    Kang Chan jumped andnded on top of Anne, who was screaming.

    <i>Ta-ng! Pak! Ta-ng!</i>

    The tree that was on their right was caved in, and the grass that was beside it sprouted high toward the sky.

    ¡°Your leg! You got shot in the leg!¡± Anne yelled.

    ¡°Anne! Anne!¡±

    Kang Chan was currently on top of Anne, who was lying on the ground. He strongly grabbed onto her cheeks with both of his hands and looked into her eyes.

    ¡°I acknowledge that you had gone through a terrible experience. But if you die here, then your father will also die. Don¡¯t you get that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Anne shook her head.

    ¡°You idiot! Lanok took the risk of going out to the golf club because you like golfing! You think a father that doesn''t love you would act that way? Let¡¯s live for now. If you still want to die after this, then I¡¯ll kill you myself.¡±

    Even while Anne was looking at him with surprised eyes, she didn¡¯t avoid his gaze.

    ¡°Let¡¯s live for now. Got that?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    Anne nodded reflexively.

    <i>That¡¯s right! That¡¯s how people live on.</i>

    It felt like the vibrations from Anne¡¯s beating heart and the sound of her breathing were being directly passed on to Kang Chan.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Kang Chan then heard someone moving from their surroundings. He came down from Anne¡¯s body.

    ¡°What should we do?¡± asked Anne.

    <i>Shh!</i>

    Kang Chan quickly brought his index finger to his mouth.

    <i>How many people came to the golf club?</i> <i>Can illegal smuggling be done like this as a group?</i>

    He kept hearing the sound of gunshots from far away.

    <i>Damn it. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re in Africa.</i>

    Kang Chan only raised his thumb from his fist and pointed to his back. Anne nced at Kang Chan¡¯s bloody leg, but she got on his back withoutint anyway.

    It was a blessing that Anne was tiny.

    Anne had forgotten how she was holding onto Kang Chan before and was now hugging his neck, so he grabbed her left arm and ced it under his armpit. If he didn¡¯t position her arms this way, she¡¯d be pressing down on her neck while he ran. This position also made her body stick against his back.

    Anne buried her head into Kang Chan¡¯s back.

    Kang Chan went toward the boundary between the fairway and the mountain by going around the tree while squatting down as low as possible.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Kang Chan halted. He stopped in ce, then red at the direction the sound came from.

    The moment the wind blew softly¡­

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Kang Chan saw the head of an opponent.

    <i>Tang Tang. Thud.</i>

    After Kang Chan fired his gun, he quickly ran further inward.

    <i>Tang Tang.</i>

    He saw sparks flying from the inside of a tree.

    <i>Tang Tang. Tang.</i>

    <i>Thud!</i>

    When Kang Chan fired three times in a row, the enemy going up the mountain fell and tumbled back down.

    Gunshots still rang out from where Lanok was located.

    <i>¡®Do a good job, Daye.¡¯</i>

    <i>Crunch</i>.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth, then climbed up the mountain.

    Landscaping trees were nted on this mountain. It was a relief that there were trees in sloped ces. They made it difficult to see each other.

    ¡°Ugh. Ugh.¡±

    As he was trying to breathe quickly with his mouth closed, the sound of his breathing made him sound like a pervert.

    At that moment¡­

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    <i>Whish!</i>

    <i>Tang. Tang. Tang. Tang. Tang.?</i>

    <i>Thud. Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan was the first to act. The enemy was still in the same spot.

    He had killed the enemy, but he had to sacrifice the skin on his elbow and knee to do so.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Anne nodded, her head still pressed against his back.

    Kang Chan had dealt with three enemies by himself.

    Now that their location had already been discovered due to the gunfire, they had to move quickly.

    Kang Chan climbed up a mountain ridge and went toward the clubhouse¡¯s direction. He then tightly grabbed onto Anne¡¯s hands, which were sped around his neck, with his left hand because he could feel that her hands were starting to loosen, little by little.

    Kang Chan had climbed up about thirty meters into the mountain and was still climbing, but he soon stopped walking.

    He suddenly had an eerie feeling.

    <i>¡®What is it this time? Ah, shoot!¡¯</i>

    There should¡¯ve been an employee that was lying in an ambush nearby. The enemy that killed the employee could be waiting inside the employee¡¯s hiding ce.

    While Kang Chan was looking around their surroundings, he heard rustles.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    While he was in a prone position, Kang Chan threw himself down the mountain.

    <i>Tang. Tang. Tang. Tang. Tang.</i>

    <i>Craack. Crack. Crkk.</i>

    He held on with his feet and right arm, preventing his body from flipping over.

    Kang Chan had gone down the mountain in an instant, but he was about to go out of his mind because of the terrible pain.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow-pow.</i>

    In the midst of this, Kang Chan crawled to hide.

    <i>Brrrr.</i>

    From far away, several carts cut across the fairway and quickly came over.

    ¡°Huff. Huff. Are you okay?¡± Kang Chan asked Anne.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay! I¡¯m okay, Channy!¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s left hand, which had been covering Anne¡¯s arm, was injured. Its surface had been grated down enough for his white bone to show.

    <i>Brrrr.</i>

    ¡°Kang Chan!¡± Kim Tae-Jin brought a cart right in front of Kang Chan, and Seok Kang-Ho ran over like a crazy person and covered Kang Chan.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the Ambassador?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°He¡¯s at the clubhouse. Let¡¯s go!¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Take Anne first. There¡¯s one more guy on top of the mountain.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was going to lift up Anne, but she didn¡¯t release her arms that were around Kang Chan.

    ¡°Anne, go ahead first,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s one guy left.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡±

    ¡°Anne!¡±

    When Kang Chan looked behind him, Anne released her arms, turned around, and kissed Kang Chan.

    It was hard to shake her off since it seemed like it was a promise to keep on living.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you,¡± Anne told Kang Chan.

    When Kang Chan nodded, Kim Tae-Jin and the employees ran over and covered Anne.

    ¡°Please go ahead first. I¡¯ll go there after taking care of the enemy with Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kim Tae-Jin protected Anne and ran to the cart.

    1. the fairway in golf refers to the stretch between the tee box and the green. It¡¯s the idealnding spot for shots off the tee, and this mowed area is the pathway that leads the golfer from the starting point to the end point

 Chapter 70.1: Its not like weéˆ¥æª™e in Africa (2)

    <h4>Chapter 70.1: It''s not like we¡¯re in Africa (2)</h4>

    Right after the cart left, Kang Chan and Dayeru went to where the nt of the mountain started.

    ¡°Try to attack the ambush site,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Seok Kang-Ho turned his head and bit on the sleeve of his shirt, then ripped it with a <i>¡®woosh.¡¯</i>

    ¡°Let¡¯s tie your arm up first. And that pistol is dangerous,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    While Seok Kang-Ho was tying his left arm with the fabric, Kang Chan examined the pistol.

    ¡°Damn it!¡±

    There was a lot of dirt inside the muzzle.

    ¡°Use this,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    After Seok Kang-Ho handed over the pistol, he took out a bay from around his waist.

    ¡°Give that to me.¡±

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    Kang Chan snatched the bay and gave the pistol back to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to run up from both sides. If you see sparks, then attack them no matter what,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°There are five bullets left.¡±

    ¡°Take care of the enemy with less than five bullets.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    <i>One, two.</i>

    <i>Pow-pow-pow!</i>

    The two of them jumped and simultaneously ran up to the ce they had looked at in advance.

    Kang Chan felt so much pain it was as if a skewer was digging into his right foot. To make things worse, he was sore all over.

    <i>Tang! Tang! Tang!</i>

    Dirt sprouted upward in Kang Chan¡¯s surroundings.

    <i>Was the enemy this close by?</i>

    <i>Tang. Tang. Tang. Tang.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho walked whilepletely showing himself, then fired his gun.

    Thest shot!

    <i>Rustle!</i>

    The enemy that had been lying in ambush had turned toward Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan rushed out with all of his might.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow-pow!</i>

    <i>Tang!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯sst bullet fell on top of the ambush site.

    <i>Crazy fucker!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho had exposed himself to give Kang Chan more time.

    <i>You¡¯re dead meat even if you survive this!</i>

    Kang Chan threw himself forward while gritting his teeth.

    <i>Crack! Ta-ng!</i>

    Gunshots rang out from right beside his ear.

    He didn¡¯t know which part it was, but it was clear that the enemy had been stabbed with the bay.

    Kang Chan mercilessly pulled the bay.

    ¡°Urrgh!¡±

    The enemy struggled, but his strength had left his body.

    When Seok Kang-Ho ran over and cleared away the camouge tent, the enemy had been split from his neck down to the pit of his stomach.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°You¡¯re dead. Huff. Huff.¡±

    Kang Chan ced his waist on the edge of the hole, theny down.

    ¡°How many people came here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There were more than twenty people on just Lanok¡¯s side alone.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°About five agents with guns came out as support from the clubhouse.¡±

    <i>Does that mean that there were guys that Kim Hyung-Jung had been hiding?</i>

    ¡°Has something like this happened before as well?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    As Seok Kang-Ho was dragging Kang Chan up, he screamed, ¡°What did you say?¡±

    Kang Chan looked horrible due to the blood clotting with dirt in it.

    ¡°About the guns. I didn¡¯t expect to see guns this often in South Korea. Phew!¡± Kang Chan said.

    Possibly because the nervousness had left him, even the slightest movement made Kang Chan feel like he was being ripped apart.

    ¡°This is the first time something like this has happened to me as well. But considering that the issue at the hotel hasn¡¯t been reported on the news, maybe we just weren¡¯t aware of situations like this constantly happening before today?¡±

    That could be true.

    ¡°This is weird, in all respects,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go down the mountain for now.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho frowned while looking at Kang Chan¡¯s injuries.

    ¡°About the guy that I ran into at the hotel and the enemies that we fought today¡ªthis wouldn¡¯t have happened if the word didn¡¯t get out about our ns from the National Intelligence Service or Lanok¡¯s team, right?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°That¡¯s true, but I said that we should go down for now!¡±

    ¡°Damn it! Too many people died! We should find out who¡¯s the fucker behind this!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to find them here. We should treat your injuries first.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho straightened Kang Chan so that he could stand, then went down the mountain while supporting thetter.

    The two carts that were waiting immediately came toward them.

    ¡°Do you have a cigarette?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    The Yoo Bi-Corp agent in the cart¡¯s passenger seat quickly handed over a cigarette.

    <i>Click click.</i>

    Kang Chan perched on top of the cart and flicked the lighter, but the cigarette wouldn¡¯t light up.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The cigarette had be wet with blood.

    ¡°Give it to me, ¡±Seok Kang-Ho lit up two cigarettes at the same time and put one in Kang Chan¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    ¡°Shall we go?¡± asked an agent from Yoo Bi-Corp.

    ¡°Let¡¯s finish smoking first,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    The Yoo Bi-Corp agent looked at Kang Chan¡¯s body with a dazed expression.

    To Kang Chan, it felt like he just finished his homework.

    ¡°Golf is a dangerous sport,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Tell me about it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sucked on the cigarette while nodding.

    ***

    When they arrived at the clubhouse, Kim Tae-Jin ran out before anyone else.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m not shot. My skin is just all scraped,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°From the looks of it, your injuries are more severe than a gunshot wound.¡± Kim Tae-Jin seemed like he was relieved.

    ¡°The Ambassador has been waiting for you. What should we do?¡±

    Getting treatment was an urgent matter, but sending Lanok home first was the right thing to do.

    ¡°Please lend me your jacket for a moment,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kang Chan went inside the clubhouse while wearing Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s jacket.

    ¡°Channy!¡± Anne had been in Lanok''s arms, but she immediately ran over and went into Kang Chan¡¯s arms.

    <i>¡®Ugh!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan understood how she felt, but pain was pain.

    ¡°I was worried!¡±

    While Kang Chan patted Anne¡¯s back for a bit, Lanok was looking at them. His face held aplicated emotion.

    The more Anne burrowed into Kang Chan¡¯s arms, the more it felt like salt was being rubbed onto his wounds. If Lanok hadn¡¯t walked over, then Kang Chan would¡¯ve likely thrown Anne to the side.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I won¡¯t forget about today,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that this happened while you were ying golf, which you haven¡¯t done in a long time.¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Lanok shook his head. ¡°This golf session is where I found the most precious thing to me again.¡±

    The moment Anne moved away from Kang Chan with difficulty, Kim Hyung-Jung came toward them. ¡°The President came to this ce in person. He was in the car for safety reasons, but he said that he¡¯ll head inside.¡±

    While Kang Chan was confused about what he was saying, an employee that was behind Kim Hyung-Jung fluently interpreted his words into French.

    ¡°As I expected, it seems like you didn¡¯t know. As always, you¡¯ve acted like someone I consider as my friend. I¡¯ll be back in a moment,¡± Lanok said, then looked at Anne. She also had bandages wrapped on her arm, but her injury didn¡¯t seem that severe.

    ¡°I want to stay by Channy¡¯s side,¡± Anne said.

    ¡°Please let Anne stay here and talk with the President,¡± Kang Chan said.

    For the first time, Lanok showed a genuine smile. He followed Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Let¡¯s treat you first,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Tae-Jin went upstairs. Anne followed them.

    Seok Kang-Ho removed Kang Chan¡¯s top and pants for him. From how he looked in the front, it seemed there wasn''t really any sound bone left in his body.

    ¡°You¡¯re actually going to be a mummy if you get bandaged like this,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Be quiet!¡±

    Anne, who was behind Kang Chan, continued to stroke Kang Chan¡¯s head.

    Kang Chan finished receiving the emergency treatment and changed his shoes. He then had a cup of tea and a smoke, at which point Lanok returned.

    ¡°Channy! Can we see each other again?¡± Anne asked.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°When?¡±

    It seemed like Lanok was feeling bad to see Anne whining like a child.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, should we have dinner with Anne next week? My treat.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Anne kissed Kang Chan in front of Lanok, and only then did she go into the car.

    ***

    After Anne left, Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Tae-Jin all headed toward Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s hospital.

    ¡°I mean, what did you have to do to be injured like this?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo grumbled as he skillfully finished treating Kang Chan.

    ¡°For the bullet wound on your leg, the bullet just brushed past the skin so that¡¯s rather fortunate, but you¡¯ll probably need to get a skin graft for your left arm. Let¡¯s admit you to the hospital for about two days. Let¡¯s check your condition then. Please do as I say, as we have to change your bandages and you also have to get a shot.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Chan couldn¡¯t refuse because Yoo Hun-Woo said that so firmly.

    When they went up to his hospital room, it felt like the long day had ended.

    ¡°Would you like to have coffee? What about you, Mr. President?¡± asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯d like one.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho made and brought over cups of coffee, they all bit on a cigarette.

    An air purifier was actually installed on both sides of the bed.

    ¡°We¡¯ll know for sure when Hyung-Junges here, but I was told that they found circumstantial evidence that the opposing party had helped the enemies be illegally smuggled into the country. They said that they¡¯ll be able to properly counterattack with this chance,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    That was something that the President or the Prime Minister should do themselves.

    ¡°I was also told that the President originally went there to meet you. Since we saved Lanok thanks to you, it also became an opportunity for both sides to have a favorable impression of each other.¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t really in a good mood.

    ¡°Mr. President, isn¡¯t it somewhat weird that the President goes somewhere with a French interpreter in the normal run of things? Plus, when he¡¯s going somewhere to meet me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    There was no change in Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s expression as if he was also already thinking about that fact.

    <i>Did Kim Hyung-Jung really not know that the President wasing?</i>

    If they were a team that moved together, then this sort of information should¡¯ve been given beforehand.

    ¡°Information got leaked out. I don¡¯t know about the fight in the hotel, but we sacrified too many agents today,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Kim Tae-Jin tightly bit his cheek, then said, ¡°Let¡¯s discuss that after I do everything that I can do for now. The employees that gave their lives up will be buried in Daejeon, and we made sure they¡¯ll be given a reward as men of national merit. Mypany will also give thempensation as support.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin pretended to be calm, but he looked like he was holding in his anger. Kang Chan fully understood that feeling.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°Why should you be sorry? We probably kept the sacrifices to a minimum thanks to you. Phew, because I¡¯mcking, the kids that didn¡¯t even get to fully bloom?are?now¡­ I don¡¯t feel great.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯sst words also made Kang Chan worried.

 Chapter 70.2: Its not like weéˆ¥æª™e in Africa (2)

    <h4>Chapter 70.2: It''s not like we¡¯re in Africa (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan called Kang Dae-Kyung and told him that he wouldn¡¯t be able to go home for about two days. Kang Chan then talked to Yoo Hye-Sook a momentter. He told her he had to go with everyone to the drama¡¯s filming location as an excuse.

    When Kim Tae-Jin went out of the patient room, he ate dinner with Seok Kang-Ho.

    Around the time when the two of them were drinking a cup of tea, Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung came into Kang Chan¡¯s room together.

    ¡°How do you feel, Mr. Kang Chan?¡± asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±

    After taking off his jacket and draping it on a chair, Kim Hyung-Jung sighed deeply.

    ¡°About sixteen people lost their lives on Yoo Bi-Corp¡¯s side alone, and there¡¯s about that many injured people as well. Two French agents were also killed. Our government is going to deliver thepensation and the blood money through Yoo Bi-Corp, and they¡¯re going to grant the sacrificed men the qualifications to be men of national merit.¡±

    It was heartbreaking news, but it was better than doing nothing.

    ¡°We found circumstantial evidence that the enemies had been illegally smuggled into the country through a ship of a shippingpany. We¡¯re currently identifying the National Assembly members and government personnel that are rted to this. They won¡¯t be able to hide this since some agents and caddies died. Considering the President has been there at that time, the government is going to announce that a spy ring that includes National Assembly members and government personnel illegally smuggled North Korean special forces soldiers into the country, and they¡¯re going to go into an extensive round-up. The public sentiment is bound to support the President due to how severe this issue is,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    ¡°Tsk.¡± Kang Chan didn¡¯t feelfortable. It felt as if they were using the deceased for their own gain.

    ¡°It seems like the President has obtained a definite answer through the unofficial meeting with Lanok. By using this incident as an opportunity, he¡¯s thinking of strengthening the foundation of the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ business.¡¯¡±

    That was good, except for the one thing that Kang Chan was curious about.

    ¡°Mr. Manager.¡±

    ¡°Please go ahead, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Did you perhaps know that the President wille to the golf club?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s face with his closed mouth was all the answer he needed.

    ¡°It seems like you knew?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°The act of disclosing that I knew in advance is a vition of the regtion itself, and I didn¡¯t know that something like this would happen.¡±

    What he said was true. But that wasn''t what Kang Chan had wanted to say.

    ¡°I have no idea about your regtions. However, I just know that secrets shouldn''t be kept from my people. That''s why I told you I need to tell Seok Kang-Ho everything no matter what on the day that I first met you, after all. I have also already clearly exined this to Lanok.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan. I¡¯m an agent of the National Intelligence Service. And there are rules thate with that job.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s probably true,¡± Kang Chan nodded. ¡°But I don¡¯t want something that I¡¯m not aware of happening around me, because I won¡¯t know when that would harm my people. The fact that sixteen people were sacrificed today is probably irrelevant to you keeping secrets from me, but I hope that something like this doesn¡¯t happen again from now on.¡±

    ¡°I understand, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked like he didn¡¯t properly understand what Kang Chan was saying.

    ¡°When did you decide to meet with Lanok?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°We decided to have dinner with Anne next week, but the date hasn¡¯t been decided yet.¡±

    ¡°Please let me know when the time and location have been decided.¡±

    ¡°Why should I do that?¡±

    .

    Kang Chan¡¯s question seemed to have flustered Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hidden agenda. It¡¯s just for security and for other conveniences.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of those things myself. You¡¯re not saying that I should report all of my actions because I received an ID from the National Intelligence Service, are you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course not. That¡¯s not what I¡¯m saying. I¡¯m only asking because¡­ it¡¯s a veryrge project on a national level,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung equivocated when answering with a look in his eyes that asked why Kang Chan was suddenly acting this way.

    ¡°I¡¯ll repeat myself since you could be misunderstanding me. I don¡¯t like it when another n that I¡¯m not aware of butts into our n. If I lose Seok Kang-Ho or my people because of that, then a fight will start where the only way to end it would be for the National Intelligence Service to kill me.¡±

    ¡°It seems like you were displeased about what happened today, but the President had just dropped by as he was passing by the area,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    This person was only looking at what he wanted to see. That, or Kang Chan¡¯s exnation was simply insufficient.

    Kang Chan decided to exin what he wanted one more time.

    ¡°The Prime Minister suddenly showed upst time, and now the President dropped by as he was passing by. Let me ask you this. Did the Presidente to the golf club without knowing that I was with Lanok?¡±

    ¡°About that¡­¡±

    ¡°Did you not at all calcte the movement paths of the guards for the president when I was discussing Lanok¡¯s security with you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°Can you trust and work with a team of people that tattle the ns you make to someone else? Because I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°This is the affair of the country. Didn¡¯t you agree to do this while knowing that?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked back.

    This person ended here.

    Kang Chan turned his head and said, ¡°Give me my wallet.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho handed him the wallet, Kang Chan took out the resident card and the National Intelligence Service ID that he had receivedst time. He then ced them at the end of the bed where Kim Hyung-Jung was sitting at.

    Kim Tae-Jin only silently watched them.

    ¡°I¡¯ll continue cooperating if my help is needed in connecting the rail. But don¡¯t force me to do it,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Hyung-Jung.

    When Kim Hyung-Jung looked down at the ID¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m also putting my cards here. The sry for my first month of working at the National Intelligence Service hase in, but send me your bank ount tomorrow,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added like a decent person.

    ¡°We probably each have our own standpoints, but we can''t call ourselves a team if we need to keep things hidden from each other. We work thinking we''re in a team with you and Mr. Kim Tae-Jin, not because we''re National Intelligence Service agents.¡±

    <i>What the?</i>

    What Seok Kang-Ho had just said sounded more convincing than Kang Chan, who had been talking until now. Kang Chan tried his best to not let his surprise show.

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin ced his hands on top of both of his legs to make a <i>¡®Tak¡¯</i> sound, then said, ¡°Everyone indeed has their own standpoints. Let¡¯s assume that what the three of you want is different, but you two should keep the ID for now. And from now on, you should only monitor Kang Chan¡¯s movements if there¡¯s a special issue, Kim Hyung-Jung.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan is the number one security target for the National Intelligence Service,¡± said Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded and then said: ¡°That¡¯s a problem that you should persuade your superiors about. Even I, your friend, don''t think it¡¯s right that you¡¯re now tying Kang Chan down to the National Intelligence Service with the excuse that he¡¯s the number one security target when you first sought me out and asked me for help. If you¡¯re thinking of forcing things like that, then taking their IDs today is the right thing to do, even from my perspective.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung pursed his lips as if he was embarrassed, then nodded. ¡°I understand, Mr. Kang Chan. But let¡¯s have you keep the ID for now. Mr. Seok Kang-Ho should also do the same. I¡¯ll discuss this issue with my superiors after going back to the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    It would be best to end this conversation here for Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s sake. The atmosphere was heavy, but Kim Tae-Jin quietly stood up, then walked over to make coffee.

    ¡°Did this be a habit since I met with Kang Chan often? I first think of mixed coffee when I¡¯m hungry. Hey now! You should just stay sitting, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. What¡¯s the big deal about making something like this coffee?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kim Tae-Jin then skillfully made the cups of coffee while saying, ¡°I drank this so much I became bored of it when we were in the military.¡±

    ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s each take a cup,¡± Kim Tae-Jin handed over the paper cup like he was rmending them to drink alcohol.

    ¡°Anyway, where did you learn how to shoot a pistol, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    After Seok Kang-Ho quickly looked at Kang Chan¡­

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho was mentioned on several asions, even in our National Intelligence Service and our security office,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung butted into the conversation while looking curious.

    ¡°I learned from watching movies.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung smiled like they were pouring out false hope.

    ¡°I have to go now. I¡¯m going to go to the agents¡¯ funeral, so I might not be able toe here until the day after tomorrow. Contact me if there¡¯s something special going on,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll also go with him. I¡¯ll report Mr. Kang Chan and Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s standpoints to the higher-ups, then I¡¯ll give you an answer in some way,¡± said Kim Hyung-Jung.

    The two of them stood up.

    Kang Chan was sorry because he thought that he had been too stubborn for nothing, but even if that was the case, he couldn¡¯t just stand by and just watch everything about their operations being leaked out to people outside of their team. If he had to create a secret retreat route that Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t know as he had done in Africa, then he would rather not meddle in something like this at all.

    After the two of them left the hospital room, a nurse came in. The nurse injected medication into the IV and gave Kang Chan medicine.

    ¡°Go home,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep here today. That shouldn¡¯t be a problem, considering there¡¯s a bed here and we¡¯re on school break.¡±

    ¡°I might kill you if you snore.¡±

    ¡°Phuhuhu.¡±

    After talking about what had happened earlier in the day, they turned on the TV because they were bored, but unexpectedly, the news story being extensively reported was about an attempt to assassinate the President in a golf club on the outskirts of Seoul in broad daylight. It discussed various things, such as the fact that the location of the golf course was close to the Panmunjeom because it was in the direction of Jangheung, that there were suspicious circumstances that suggested that people were illegally smuggled into the country, and that there was a spy in the midst of the National Assembly and the nation¡¯s high ranking officials.

    The dead enemies and the guns that they had used were shown on TV from time to time.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to trust the news as it¡¯s shown now,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Kang Chan also felt the same way.

    ***

    The next day, Seok Kang-Ho bought and brought over Haejang-guk early in the morning. After eating breakfast with Kang Chan, he then headed to the school.

    A momentter, Yoo Hun-Woo came inside the hospital room with a nurse.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Yoo Hun asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay aside from the fact that I¡¯m sore.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s check your injuries. I have big expectations about how much you healed.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo pulled off the bandages from Kang Chan while wearing medical-grade gloves.

    <i>Rip.</i>

    The bandages that had been wrapped around his chest and arms had clotted with his skin.

    ¡°It must be really painful, huh?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked again.

    That wasn¡¯t something that he should say while ripping apart Kang Chan¡¯s flesh.

    ¡°Hahaha,¡± Yoo Hun-Wooughed. This gentleman always had the talent to make people curious about him.

    After Yoo Hun-Wooughed as if he was dumbfounded, he looked at Kang Chan with a serious expression.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m always like this whenever I see your injuries. I don¡¯t think that we need to get a skin graft for your left arm anymore.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo disinfected Kang Chan¡¯s injuries and applied medication on them. Afterward, he wrapped them in bandages again. Medication was injected into the IV and Kang Chan also took the oral medicine that the nurse had handed to him.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, didn¡¯t you say that you got hurt in a golf club yesterday?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    ¡°Did I say that?¡±

    ¡°No! No, you didn¡¯t! I¡¯m just going to think that I didn¡¯t hear anything,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo walked out of the room while shaking his head.

    1. Panmunjeom refers to the location where the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean war was signed. Before the agreement was signed, Panmunjeom was a small vige that was just north of the de facto border between North and South Korea. In other words, the news is suggesting that North Korea was behind this

    2. Haejang-guk, or Hangover soup, refers to every kind of soup in Korean cuisine that can be used to cure hangovers by eating it the next day

 Chapter 71.1: Lets Try it (1)

    <h4>Chapter 71.1: Let''s Try it (1)</h4>

    Seok Kang-Ho brought over galbi-tang that he bought for lunch. He then ate with Kang Chan.

    ¡°What about the kids?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Their eyes are sparkling with the motivation to learn, so they should be worth teaching. I¡¯ve more or less decided what to do in the evening beforeing here.¡±

    They finished their meal while talking about school.

    ¡°You know where the funeral home is, right?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going there in a little bit,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered while putting the empty tes in arge bag.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go together. I¡¯ll just wash up.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure? I talked to Mr. Kim Tae-Jin in the morning, and he said that he doesn¡¯t know how it would go since there are a lot of reporters.¡±

    ¡°Even if so, I don¡¯t think staying here is the right thing to do.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    ¡°Buy some clothes.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    When Kang Chan came out of the bathroom after washing his hair, Seok Kang-Ho had prepared a ck suit, a shirt, and shoes. The bandages showed through from under his shirt, but it didn¡¯t look that bad.

    Kang Chan got in the car that Seok Kang-Ho had brought over from the parking lot and left.

    Sixteen people had died, even though they weren¡¯t in Africa.

    Kang Chan should¡¯ve looked after them starting the day before instead. If he did, then there wouldn¡¯t have been this many casualties. He felt sorry to the dead employees for expressing the situation like this, but amateurs had been ced in front of professionals.

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    They likely lowered their guard under the assumption that the enemies were going to go at them wielding knives like the gangsters, leading them to believe there wouldn¡¯t be a gunfight. That could be the reason why so many employees were killed in that incident.

    It took Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho around fifteen minutes to arrive at the hospital. At the entrance of the mortuary hung arge card that said ¡®Yoo Bi-Corp Group Memorial Altar.¡¯ Kang Chan also noticed several cars with antennas and the logos of broadcasting stations on them.

    The Yoo Bi-Corp employee that was controlling the cars immediately saluted and opened the front door when he saw Seok Kang-Ho. As they were going down to the basement, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were greeted by more Yoo Bi-Corp employees, many of which had bandaged arms or legs.

    The portraits of the deceased employees were ced within the white chrysanthemums that fully filled up an entire wall.

    Kang Chan went up to the front with Seok Kang-Ho and bowed his head after burning out an incense.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan tried not to let anyone get emotionally close to him because he was afraid of saying goodbye like this. When he lifted his head and turned around, Kim Tae-Jin gave a pained smile.

    ¡°How are you?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±

    ¡°The TV reporters¡¯ eyes are zing with curiosity. It¡¯ll be good for you to just go quickly since that would suggest that you just dropped by.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand. His eyes were bloodshot.

    Kang Chan knew how Kim Tae-Jin was feeling better than anyone. After Seok Kang-Ho finished greeting Kim Tae-Jin, Kang Chan walked away.

    At one side of the mortuary, he saw people crying intively. Among them were old mothers, young wives, and children that hadn¡¯t epted the situation yet.

    Things like this were different from what happened in Africa, where it was hard to find a family member even if they died. There were too many people here in South Korea that had to live on with their grief.

    Before leaving the funeral home, Kang Chan turned around and looked behind him, finding pictures of people smiling brightly.

    He also saw Kim Tae-Jin, who had bowed his head while gritting his teeth.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head to the sound of someone calling him. Suh Sang-Hyun was limping toward him. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t say anything. No, he didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°I have a favor to ask you.¡± Behind Suh Sang-Hyun stood two Yoo Bi-Corp employees.

    ¡°I¡¯m training again starting next week. At this timely opportunity, we¡¯re also thinking of forming an elite forces. If you by any chancee across our enemies again from yesterday, then please allow me to participate no matter what,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun¡¯s eyes were burning with anger.

    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss this after the funeral.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Just when their conversation was ending¡­

    ¡°My precious son! Oh god, you good-for-nothing child! How could you do this to me? You said you¡¯re going toe home today! You told me to make yukgaejang ! Get up! Get up and eat the yukgaejang that I made! You ungrateful child!¡±

    A wailing elderly woman whose wrinkled face reflected the hardship she had gone through fell in front of the altar. It seemed like she had only just arrived.

    The broadcast journalists trusted the cameras onto the elderly woman.

    ¡°Who did this? Who did this to my son?!¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin walked out and kneeled on the floor.

    ¡°Please say something! Did you do this to my son?!¡± The elderly woman asked Kim Tae-Jin, then threw herself toward him and grabbed his jacket.

    Kang Chan noticed Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s hand gesture. He then saw the employees in the vicinity turning their heads and wiping their tears.

    ¡°Please say something! Did you do this to my son? Say something! Please!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kim Tae-Jin was fighting back tears while gritting his teeth.

    A grandmother that was around the same age as the elderly woman soon approached them and hugged the wailing elderly woman.

    ¡°This gentleman is innocent! He¡¯s the President of thepany that my son had always bragged about! Please don¡¯t do this to him!¡±

    ¡°This happened because of my mistakes,¡± said Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Why are you ming yourself when they died serving the country?!¡± The grandmother cried. ¡°My son had an honorable death! He died confidently!¡±

    Crying, the two elderly women wrapped their arms around Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s neck.

    This was something that Kang Chan couldn''t have imagined in Africa.

    ***

    When they returned from the hospital where the funeral was being held, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho smoked a cigarette.

    That mission was difficult for an ordinary securitypany to handle.

    ¡°I feel like shit,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    ¡°Is the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ worth this much suffering?¡±

    ¡°We were like this when so many people died in Africa, remember? That¡¯s why you felt even more sorry for the kids that died,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t think of anything that he could do right now. It felt like things suddenly got too out of hand, which made him feel shocked. It was as if he got attacked while he was defenseless. If Lanok¡¯s schedule didn¡¯t leak out from the National Intelligence Service, then that would mean there was a problem in France.

    <i>¡®This means that Lanok is also in danger.¡¯</i>

    With the Yoo Bi-Corp employees¡¯ current level, it would be difficult for them to fight professionals if thetter pounced on them, just like yesterday..

    They needed a specialized team. A group of professionals?that could take on the enemies.

    While Kang Chan was drinking a cup of water while frowning, the door of his hospital room opened. Kim Hyung-Jung entered.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kang Chan wasn¡¯t that pleased to see him anymore.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, the President wants to see you. Let¡¯s go together.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    ¡°The location is Hwng, the ce where you met the Prime Ministerst time. As for your attire, you can just go with what you¡¯re wearing right now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    ¡°Right now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes. He hastily scheduled this to avoid unwanted attention.¡±

    The sense of duty that was in Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s face stimted Kang Chan.

    ¡°Do I need to go out right now?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°We have a car prepared at the entrance.¡±

    Kang Chan got up from his spot.

    ¡°You should alsoe with us, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. The President has been wanting to see you because you were mentioned in the security guard office.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan with a flustered face.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho breathed in deeply, then stood up as well.

    The three of them got in the car that had been waiting at the entrance and left the hospital. Immediately after, another car followed right behind them.

    ¡°I reported what you said yesterday to the director myself. We¡¯re performing a self-inspection on the fact that Lanok¡¯s schedule got leaked, so I¡¯ll let you know when the resultse out.¡± As expected, Kim Hyung-Jung looked like he had a knot in his stomach about this issue.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anything to reply to that, so he just listened.

    ¡°National Intelligence Service agents can¡¯t leave their names behind, even if they die. We just engrave a star on the wall of the entrance to symbolize that we won¡¯t forget them. All of us work with that determination. In spite of myself, I think I likely forced you to act the same way since I¡¯ve been living with the promise I made to myself that I won¡¯t be an embarrassment to the agents that had be stars on the wall. I realized a lot of things with this incident.¡±

    The promise was good, but it felt like it was slightly off the mark from the key point.

    ¡°A decision was made this morning. The President, the National Intelligence Service Director and the Prime Minister have given their approval for me to form a separate organization. The organization won¡¯t even report to the National Intelligence Service. An SDT (Special Duty Team) is going to form that only gets support in the form of the required personnel, weapons, and expenses, and it¡¯s the first time in Korean history that this is happening.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s expression looked very grim.

    ¡°On paper, I¡¯ll be the person in charge. I¡¯m going to take responsibility, regardless of what problems arise.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung turned his head, so Kang Chan looked at him.

    ¡°Please lead the organization, just like how you led everyone at the golf club. This is the best that I can do.¡±

    Kang Chan never thought of something like this.

    ¡°I¡¯d be happy even if I can¡¯t be a star. I¡¯d be satisfied with justpleting the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project or if you do your best to help us.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled lightly.

    <i>Why are men like him crowding around me?</i>

    1. In Korean funerals, incense is traditionally burned as a part of the funeral. This Korean culture dates back thousands of years. Burning incense is believed to remove unclean spirits and refresh the body and soul, which links the deceased to heaven. The incense¡¯s fumes are also believed to alert the spirit of the dead

    2. Yukgaejang is a spicy beef soup Korean dish consisting of shredded beef, scallions, and other ingredients simmered for a long time

    3. This refers to the art gallery that was mentioned in Book 4

 Chapter 71.2: Lets Try it (1)

    <h4>Chapter 71.2: Let''s Try it (1)</h4>

    The car arrived at Hwng.

    The parking lot entrance was perfectly blocked by a car, and from the entrance, employees with sharp eyes were looking at the car that had just arrived.

    ¡°Pleasee this way. And please excuse me.¡±

    When Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed inside Hwng, an employee politely greeted them, then frisked them with a portable detection stick.

    After the inspection, another employee guided Kang Chan further into the building.

    Moon Jae-Hyun and Go Gun-Woo were sitting on the sofa that was in the middle of Hwng. However, they soon stood up.

    ¡°Mr. President, these are Mr. Kang Chan and Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun shook hands with Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I heard you¡¯ve met them before, Mr. Prime Minister?¡± asked Moon Jae-Hyun.

    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve met Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡± Go Gun-Woo smiled at Kang Chan, then shook hands with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit,¡± said Moon Jae-Hyun.

    Kim Hyung-Jung, other secretarial staff, and security guards stood in a circle around the sofa. Large ss cups of iced tea were served.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have tea,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun pointed to the ss cups, then picked one up. Kang Chan also had a sip of the drink. He thought its sharp sweetness wasn¡¯t bad.

    ¡°I heard that your injuries are severe. Are you okay?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun dropped his gaze as if he was looking at Kang Chan¡¯s shirt, then nodded.

    ¡°We went to the golf club yesterday purely because I insisted on going,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun calmly continued.

    ¡°Our chief security officer was adamant about preventing me from going after receiving a report about the gunfight. Breaking through that gentleman¡¯s obstinacy was more difficult than winning an argument against my wife.¡±

    The chief security officer was standing with an expressionless face.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t miss this opportunity. If we can connect the rail, then South Korea will prepare to obtain the foundation needed to be the center of Asia for more than the next five hundred years. There are three years left in my term of office, and we need to finish this within that time. However, Japan won''t just watch this happen. If our opposing partyes into power, then just the sheer fact that Lanok is in South Korea will be dangerous, just like what happened yesterday,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun looked at Kim Hyung-Jung for a moment, then looked at Kang Chan again.

    ¡°We¡¯ll support everything that¡¯s needed with my Presidential post at stake. Ambassador Lanok told me yesterday that he also put about half of his life on the line to connect the rail to South Korea all because you¡¯re here.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun stood up from his spot after he finished talking, so Go Gun-Woo, Kang Chan, and Seok Kang-Ho quickly did as well.

    ¡°I have to go now since this isn¡¯t an official schedule,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun exined.

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked straight at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun was radiating a feeling of intense pressure, which Kang Chan had never felt until now.

    ¡°I sincerely apologize to those that were sacrificed in this incident. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister, the National Intelligence Service Director, and I are still going to proceed with this with our lives on the line. I truly hope you¡¯ll do your best for South Korea, and for our people. Manager Kim here said yesterday that I can¡¯t force things on you,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun continued.

    Kang Chan felt strange.

    If men like this were his superiors, then it was worth doing.

    ¡°Please do us a favor. If a situation ever arises where someone has to die, then let me stand right at the very front,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    This was a request from a man with fervent eyes.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re also going to help, right, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°Of course!¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun smiled lightly because Seok Kang-Ho answered like a soldier. After firmly shaking Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s hands, he headed outside.

    ¡°I have to go ahead of you all today, Mr. Kang Chan. I¡¯ve approved of all of the support that¡¯s required, but this is based on your sacrifice in the end. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Prime Minister.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo headed outside After shaking Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s hands in order.

    ***

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Hyung-Jung swiftly returned to the hospital. They made coffee, and they each bit on a cigarette.

    As they did, the fact that they had just returned from a meeting with the President finally felt real.

    ¡°What are we supposed to do now?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I heard that the President and Ambassador Lanok reached a basic agreement yesterday. I think the right course of action now is to consider it our duty to relieve parts that Lanok is frustrated about in order to ovee the obstacles from China and Japan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered as if he had been waiting for Kang Chan to ask that question.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t easy.¡±

    ¡°If we get to connect to the rail, then Japan will be nothing but an ind that¡¯s just floating above the ocean. That¡¯s why Japan is desperately trying to get in our way. It¡¯s embarrassing, but they had managed to buy off many high-ranking public officials and National Assembly members. We need to fend them off.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying that we have to do all of that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Simply put, you can do everything that you want to do, except for participating in a war.¡±

    Kang Chan had nothing to say.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take our time to think about it.¡±

    ¡°Nothing has changed from what it was like until now. You two just need to know that there¡¯s no need to report what happens in our team beforehand, the National Intelligence Service will protect your families, and both of you will be able to receive every support that¡¯s needed,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s expression seemed to show what he had decided to do.

    ¡°We¡¯ll do it,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°I knew you¡¯d say that.¡±

    Saying that they were going to do it made Kang Chan feel rather lighthearted.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now. Call me immediately if you need anything,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    When Kim Hyung-Jung left the room, Seok Kang-Hopletely leaned back in the chair.

    ¡°Did we really just meet the President? It doesn¡¯t feel real,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I feel the same way.¡±

    As the two of them smacked their lips, Yoo Hun-Woo and a nurse came in.

    ¡°Let¡¯s change your bandages,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo told Kang Chan.

    ¡°But wasn¡¯t it changed this morning?¡±

    ¡°Since your injuries heal quickly, we need to change your bandages often.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo skillfully took off the bandages, but the pain wasn¡¯t that bad.

    ¡°Can I do a biopsy on you?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    He ced the bandages he had removed from Kang Chan on top of the rack, then continued, ¡°Let¡¯s do it. I''ll pay for the expenses. Your recovery speed is getting quicker. I was actually half in doubt while I was changing your bandages, but there are no reported cases in academic circles where someone¡¯s recovery has sped up like this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay the expenses for the biopsy, but will it be a problem that my recovery speed is getting faster?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Yoo Hun-Woo nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Please just tell me. It¡¯s okay for Seok Kang-Ho to hear this.¡±

    ¡°I read almost all the papers that were published on constitutional idiosyncrasies until now because of your condition, and I found one case where someone''s recovery speed had increased.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo hesitated for a moment, then continued, ¡°That patient aged very quickly. They couldn¡¯t figure out how that happened, so I¡¯m asking you to do the biopsy. I want topare your tissues with that patient''s tissue. After all, this is the only other case that this has happened.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying that they became old in an instant?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s just one case. Let¡¯s just do the biopsy for now.¡±

    As a matter of fact, Kang Chan was thinking about doing it.

    When he agreed to do the biopsy, Yoo Hun-Woo took out a small piece of Kang Chan¡¯s skin from the wound on his left arm, then wrapped his arm in a bandage.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get the results in about a month,¡± said Yoo Hun-Woo.

    ¡°That¡¯s quite a long time,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°It is.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo left the room. Seok Kang-Ho looked worried.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m just worried about you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m a little hungry. Let¡¯s buy and eat some pastries.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, then left the room.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to worry in vain. He thought he could just think about this problem once they had gotten the biopsy results.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang when he was thinking about turning on the TV. It was Michelle.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy. How are you these days?

    From her voice, it sounded like she was being careful.

    ¡°Is the drama going well?¡±

    - There¡¯s nothing wrong with that. They¡¯re rehearsing the script right now, and there¡¯s going to be a production press conference this weekend.

    ¡°That¡¯s great. As a matter of fact, I was thinking of visiting.¡±

    - It¡¯ll be great if you cane. The kids would love that.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to be happy?¡±

    - I¡¯m going to be the happiest person when youe by.

    Michelle replied as if she was confessing, which made Kang Chan smile.

    - I didn¡¯t contact you because I was determined to make it so that you won¡¯t bother about the drama production. Honestly, our employees and I were all so surprised to find Alion and Lee Ha-Yeon on the news.

    ¡°They were on the news because they did a lot of wrongdoings.¡±

    - I¡¯m actually a little scared of you.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say such useless things. Do the kids practice the script every day?¡±

    - Yeah. They now get together and practice in the broadcasting station. Our trainees get to act in the drama starting from the first episode, so ourpany''s morale is at an all-time high.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll stop by within the next few days. Tell them to work hard.¡±

    - I¡¯ll do that. Please contact me ahead of time when you''reing over. There are a lot of times when I¡¯m not there.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    When Kang Chan hung up the phone, he felt like he had returned to his ordinary life, even though drama production was not at all ordinary.

    Seok Kang-Ho returned carrying pastries and drinks.

    ¡°I gave everyone on the floor below us and in the nurse¡¯s office pastries,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Good job.¡±

    When Kang Chan took a bite out of a red bean bread¡­

    ¡°Can youe out to school tomorrow?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho had taken out a cream bun and answered while handing Kang Chan a drink. ¡°It''s orientation day. You¡¯re going to be marked as absent if you don¡¯t show up for that.¡±

    Strangely, Kang Chan smiled.

    1. Red bean bread is a pastry that originated in Japan. It¡¯s filled with red bean paste and has a sweet vor

 Chapter 72.1: Lets Try it (2)

    <h4>Chapter 72.1: Let''s Try it (2)</h4>

    To wear his school uniform, Kang Chan had to go home. However, doing so would mean letting Yoo Hye-Sook see his injuries. Things would¡¯ve been simple if he bought a uniform set, but he heard that he had to wait for a few days after he ordered since the first semester had already ended.

    ¡°Try calling the Prime Minister¡¯s office. Who knows? The Minister of Education might suddenly get rid of the orientation day.¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Dumbfounded, a feebleugh burst out of Kang Chan. He honestly wanted to do that, if only that were possible.

    ¡°Wait a minute! The kids in the school! Let¡¯s pick a kid that has a simr body type as you and ask them for their school uniform.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho in a daze. He used to be dumb, but it now felt like he was bing smarter.

    Kang Chan called Cha So-Yeon. Fortunately, one of the twelfth-graders that were studying at that time had an extra uniform.

    - Sunbae-nim, I¡¯ll bring it for you.

    ¡°Can you do that?¡±

    - Yes! Where are you?

    Kang Chan exined the location of the hospital. After firmly telling her not to let the other kids know that he was at the hospital when she got surprised, he hung up the phone.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    It had only been an hour since they had pastries. Seok Kang-Ho was somewhat strange in his manners.

    ¡°Go home first since I have to have dinner anyway when So-Yeon gets here. It¡¯s going to be ufortable for her if you¡¯re here.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, there¡¯s actually a housewarming party in my wife¡¯s family today.¡±

    ¡°You should¡¯ve told me that earlier. Go home. I¡¯m going to be discharged tomorrow anyway, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll visit you again after it ends.¡±

    ¡°Just call me. Let me sleep in peace . I almost killed you when you snored in your sleep yesterday,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Seok Kang-Ho insisted that he was going toe here no matter what, then headed home.

    The TV bbered about the spy ring incident with determination. Kang Chan watched the report about the meless Minister of National Defense and the Capital Defense Command, then quickly turned off the TV.

    Now that he was free, he suddenly wanted to see Kim Mi-Young.

    The look in her eyes when she was talking in French in a poor ent came across his mind. He also recalled her out-dated hairstyle.

    <i>Am I starting to like a female high schooler the same way Seok Kang-Ho is shaking off his ignorance as he¡¯s getting used to his new body?</i>

    <i>¡®At this rate, won¡¯t I be clinging to her?¡¯</i>

    The eerie feeling made Kang Chan shake his head.

    They had agreed to decide if they still felt the same way even after they had be university students, which would be on her birthday next year.

    ¡°Phew!¡± It was better to have Seok Kang-Ho next to him.

    Disliking the fact that he kept having useless thoughts, Kang Chan took out his phone and browsed the inte. He couldn¡¯t believe that the hospital was so nice¡ªthey had even plugged in a charger in the room.

    Just as dinner time hade¡­

    <i>Slide!</i>

    The door of the patient room opened wide and Cha So-Yeon came inside.

    ¡°So-Yeon? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    ¡°Sunbae-nim! Se-Ho got taken away,¡± Cha So-Yeon was on the verge of tears while looking like she was terrified.

    ¡°We got out of the bus in front of the hospital with the school uniform, but the hoodlums that were at the bus stop dragged Se-Ho away.¡±

    ¡°Hoodlums?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes! They were wearing tight-fitting workout attire and had short hair. They had dragged Se-Ho away immediately as soon as they saw him.¡±

    ¡°Do you know Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s phone number?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±

    ¡°Call her and put me on the phone.¡±

    Cha So-Yeon put down the stic bag with the clothes in it, then called her.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the phone, sunbae-nim.¡±

    Noisy music rang out in the background. He soon heard Heo Eun-Sil saying, ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Heo Eun-Sil, It¡¯s Kang Chan. it seems like Cho Se-Ho got dragged away by the university guys fromst time.¡±

    - Huh?

    ¡°I¡¯m talking about the guys that we saw at the coffee shop. I heard that he got taken away at the bus stop that¡¯s in front of Bangji hospital. I think it¡¯s them since I was told that they were wearing tight-fitting workout clothes, so I thought I¡¯d ask you.¡±

    - They wear ck pants and purple tops.

    When Kang Chan asked Cha So-Yeon about it, she said, ¡°That¡¯s right, sunbae-nim!¡±

    ¡°Can you guess where he is?¡±

    - Did you say that you guys are at Bangji hospital?

    ¡°Yeah! It happened at the bus stop here.¡±

    - There¡¯s a building with a blue sign for a bank on the opposite side of the hospital. They¡¯re likely in the open area in the parking lot behind that building.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan changed after he hung up the phone. Cha So-Yeon followed after him while looking flustered upon seeing him wearing a ck suit with a shirt.

    ¡°You stay here,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°I want to go too.¡±

    She did like Cho Se-Ho. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what could happen if they wasted time, so he went out of the hospital for now.

    The blue building was on the opposite side of the hospital. Kang Chan crossed the street when there weren''t many cars on the road, but Cha So-Yeon hesitated while looking at the traffic lights.

    His body throbbed when he started to run, but it wasn¡¯t to the extent of not being able to endure the pain. Turning around the corner of the building and going into the open area, he saw an area that was blocked on three sides because of the building next to it. There were boxes and different kinds of junk piled on the floor, so it was quite hard to see what was happening in there from the outside.

    Cho Se-Ho was weakly sitting down at the very back, his face entirely covered in blood.

    The guys that heard Kang Chan¡¯s footsteps all looked behind them. They were all wearing the same tight-fitting workout clothes, which made them look nasty.

    ¡°Who are you?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. It was dumbfounding to see more than ten university students working together just to hit one high schooler.

    ¡°Are you guys really univesity students?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°So who are you, fucker?¡±

    Kang Chan knew that his eyes were burning. He still hadn¡¯t been relieved of the spite that had formed because of what happened at the golf club. If he got into a fight in this state, it would be too cruel for the kids. He breathed in deeply to repress his anger.

    Cha So-Yeon came into the alley at that moment, then looked at Cho Se-Ho and the surroundings with startled eyes.

    ¡°Hmph!¡± A guy with an angr chin turned his head toward Kang Chan after he saw Cha So-Yeon.

    ¡°Are you idiots trying to show off in front of a high schooler?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The guy with the angr chin came toward Kang Chan with a swagger and stealthily pushed his shoulder backward. He was nning to sucker punch Kang Chan.

    <i>Swish! Tak!</i>

    Kang Chan hit the guy¡¯s hand away as if he was swatting away a fly.

    Flustered, the guy looked at Kang Chan¡ª

    <i>Bam!</i>

    Kang Chan curved his index and middle finger and stabbed the guy¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Agh! Arghh!¡±

    Strangely, these fuckers¡¯ screams were loud.

    Kang Chan then tightly grasped onto the ears of his target, who had short-cropped hair.

    ¡°Hey! Let go of him!¡±

    Three or four guys pounced at Kang Chan¡­

    Kang Chan violently kicked his current target¡¯s face, which he had been holding between his knees.

    <i>Crack! Swish!</i>

    As the head of his current target snapped backward, another man tried to punch Kang Chan.

    <i>Tak! Ta-dak.</i>

    Kang Chan continuously hit away his two other enemies¡¯ fists, which were being swung at him, while simultaneously pulling his very first target toward him with his left hand. Kang Chan¡¯s first opponent seemed to have learned some hand-to-handbat, seeing as how he tried to stab Kang Chan in the face with his left elbow even as he was being pulled forward.

    <i>Tak! Pow-pow-pow.</i>

    Kang Chan hit the guy¡¯s elbow away with his right hand, then consecutively struck his neck, armpit, and side.

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    Kang Chan immediately grasped the guy¡¯s adam''s apple tightly, which made the others at the back hesitate and prevented them from pouncing at him.

    ¡°Cough! Ugh!¡±

    If Kang Chan kept holding onto his opponent like this for another twenty seconds, then the fucker was going to die.

    <i>University students? It was an undeserved status for guys that just bullied others or imitated gangsters.</i>

    ¡°You wanna die? Let go!¡± one of the guys yelled.

    The two guys that were in the back tried to find a gap or a moment of weakness to attack him.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    ¡°Cough!¡±

    Kang Chan released his current target¡¯s neck and violently struck the pit of his stomach. When his opponent bent forward, Kang Chan struck upward with his knee.

    <i>Pop!</i>

    The others hesitated upon seeing their two members copse to the ground with their faces burst open.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    Kang Chan was trying hard to not break their arms and was frantically trying to fight back against his immense spite, which was making his eyes try to glint.

    He tightly closed his eyes and opened them to not cross the boundary. He didn¡¯t want to release his spite while fighting with these newbies. These guys weren¡¯t gangsters. They were just morons that wanted to show off their strength. He knew they were being violent toward the bullies, but he had never seen them doing anything to good kids.

    <i>¡®Hold it in. Let¡¯s try to hold it in.¡¯</i>

    While Kang Chan was gritting his teeth and trying hard to suppress his anger, one of the guys at the back called someone, and another took out a knife from his bag.

    ¡°Move. I¡¯m going to kill that fucker today,¡± The man walked toward Kang Chan while shouting spitefully. His long eyes looked like lines that were drawn with a thick pen.

    ¡°Cha So-Yeon,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Stay outside.¡±

    Trembling, Cha So-Yeon ran outside of the alley.

    ¡°Catch that bitch!¡±

    The knife-wielding guy pounced at Kang Chan while shouting.

    1. The original sentence was ¡°it felt like Seok Kang-Ho used to be a dumb caterpir, but he shed his ignorance and was now bing a smart butterfly. We didn¡¯t trante it exactly like that because that figurative description won¡¯t match the context of this novel

 Chapter 72.2: Lets Try it (2)

    <h4>Chapter 72.2: Let''s Try it (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan hooked his foot around the ankle of the university student that was trying to leave the alley, tripping him.

    <i>Plop.</i>

    As he fell to the ground, a knife was quickly swung toward Kang Chan.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Kang Chan snatched the attacker¡¯s wrist with his left hand, then ced it on his right elbow so that it was hanging.

    <i>Crunch. Crack.</i>

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    His target¡¯s arm had been properly broken.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    Nevertheless, he swung the guy¡¯s armpletely backward again.

    ¡°Gah! Gaahh! Gaaahhh!¡±

    Hesitating because of the terrible sight, those at the back couldn¡¯t get closer to Kang Chan.

    ¡°So you¡¯re gonna act like this to the end, huh?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    When he picked up the knife that had fallen to the ground, the guy that was sprawled on the floor crawled away from him.

    ¡°Get out of here now, Cho Sae-Ho. Cha So-Yeon knows where the hospital is. Stay there with her,¡± said Kang Chan.

    When Cho Sae-Ho stood up while rubbing his nose with the back of his hand¡­

    <i>Bam.</i>

    A guy that was standing next to Cho Sae-Ho violently hit thetter¡¯s face.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow. Pow-pow-pow. Pow-pow-pow.</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed people at random, starting with the guy that was in front of him.

    He stabbed both of their shoulders and armpit. Now, they wouldn¡¯t be able to quickly use their fists forbat or properly carry heavy things.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow. Pow-pow-pow. Pow-pow-pow.</i>

    One or two of them tried to sloppily punch him, but it didn¡¯t do anything.

    With six of them sent to the floor bleeding in no time, the remaining guys stuck close to the wall.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow. Pow-pow-pow. Pow-pow-pow.</i>

    Except for the guy that hit Cho Sae-Ho, Kang Chan stabbed all of their shoulders and armpits with his knife.

    Thest man standing, who was sticking close to a wall as well, looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    The guy tightly gritted his teeth.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow-pow!</i>

    Kang Chan then stabbed his shoulder and armpit. Unable to even scream, his target¡¯s eyes widened. Kang Chan grabbed onto his neck and pushed him toward the wall.

    ¡°Cho Sae-Ho, get out of here now and go to the hospital with So-Yeon,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Cho Sae-Ho hesitated, but then quickly ran off.

    ¡°Hey, you son of a bitch,¡± Kang Chan said again.

    ¡°Cough! Cough!¡±

    ¡°Do you like living like this? Do you really like going around with a knife in your bag and dragging high schoolers that are weaker than you and beating them up?¡±

    <i>Pow!</i>

    ¡°Arghh! Cough!¡±

    When Kang Chan stabbed the guy¡¯s back muscle on the left side with a knife, he struggled.

    ¡°If you ever go around while wearing these clothes again¡­¡± Kang Chan warned.

    Holding the knife in a reverse grip, Kang Chan pressed it on his opponent¡¯s neck, making thetter tremble. Kang Chan then gritted his teeth, holding in his desire to quickly slit his opponent¡¯s neck.

    At that moment¡­

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Kang Chan heard someone ask roughly from behind him. When he turned around, he realized gangsters had walked into the area.

    While the guy that was standing in the front was looking around the surroundings, those next to him took out filet knives from around their waists. A few of them hit the heads of the kids that had copsed onto the floor. After a guy that was at the back quickly walked to the front and whispered to the ear of the guy that was standing in the front¡­

    ¡°Are you Kang Chan?¡±

    Kang Chan was now really disgusted with things like this. If people cut them some ck because they were wearing school uniforms and because they weren¡¯t gangsters yet, then they became those fuckers in the end.

    ¡°I heard you were reckless, but I didn¡¯t expect you¡¯d get into a fight in our turf. I¡¯ll give you that,¡± said the gangster at the very front.

    Kang Chan looked down at the knife that was being held in a reverse grip.

    A man who just wanted to eat a bowl of hot Yookgaejang with his old mother risked his life for a monthly sry that wasn¡¯t even thatrge, while these fuckers were showing off and swinging filet knives in a back alley.

    ¡°You fucking gangsters,¡± Kang Chan cursed.

    <i>I¡¯ll kill all of you to make those puny university students think that they should never be like you fuckers.</i>

    When Kang Chan walked forward while smirking¡­

    <i>Pow-pow-pow. Pow-pow. Pow-pow.</i>

    Violent sounds rang out from the back.

    ¡°What was that? Hey!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re under attack! Kill them!¡±

    Kang Chan was confused. There were three men at the back wearing a suit and a shirt, their movements extraordinary. One of them snapped a gangster¡¯s wrist in an instant, then took away the knife.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Their movements were rough, but there was no hesitation in their knife-wielding skills.

    <i>Bam! Pow! Pow!</i>

    The three men hit the gangsters¡¯ groins with their knees, hit their adam¡¯s apples with their elbows, and even stabbed their shoulders and back with the knives that they had taken from them.

    In about three minutes, only two gangsters remained. One of the three men approached Kang Chan and politely greeted him. Meanwhile, one of the remaining gangsters was stabbed with a knife. The other sank to his knees while grasping onto his groin. A knee then hit his face, causing him to fall backward.

    ¡°I¡¯m Choi Jong-Il. We¡¯re dispatched here under Manager Kim¡¯s orders. He told us to avoid interfering unless necessary, but we stepped in because we thought that this wasn¡¯t right. If you go, then we¡¯ll immediately contact the prosecution and cleanly take care of this gangster organization.¡±

    What was this? Kang Chan felt like a tiger that had its meal taken away from him in front of his eyes. He wasn¡¯t that angry, though, since he wasn¡¯t a hungry tiger.

    ¡°Come here and greet him,¡± Choi Jong-Il told the other two men.

    ¡°I¡¯m Lee Doo-Hee.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Woo Hee-Seung.¡±

    When Kang Chanughed out loud, Choi Jong-Il looked behind him for a moment.

    ¡°Along with manager Kim, we have already sent in our letters of resignation to thepany and left. You can leave these dirty matters to us. We''d willinglyy down our lives and die instead for as long as it means you''ll seed with your goal. Even if we have to do it hundreds or thousands of times.¡±

    ¡°Letter of resignation?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Choi Jong-Il made a face that said, ¡®Could it be?¡¯ then closed his mouth. He had an angr chin and a sunburnt face.

    ¡°You guys submitted a letter of resignation?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°I thought you were already aware of that. Our role is to personally help you,¡± Just after Choi Jong-Il answered¡­

    ¡°You fuckers, which family are you a part of?¡± A gangster yelled.

    ¡°This fucker is so loud!¡±

    <i>Boong. Pow.</i>

    Woo Hee-Seung suddenly lifted an iron pipe and struck the gangster¡¯s nape. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud because of the absurd sight.

    ¡°I¡¯m the leader. I¡¯m going to leave my number in a text message, but a new phone will be given to you tomorrow. If you press a button on the phone, then I¡¯ll act immediately,¡± Choi Jong-Il continued.

    <i>Bam! Pow! Pow!</i>

    The gangsters came to their senses, but Lee Doo-Hee and Woo Hee-Seung continuously hit the back of their necks to knock them back out.

    ¡°Please leave this ce. We¡¯ll take care of the rest.¡±

    Dumbfounded, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t say anything. He liked one thing, though¡ªhe didn¡¯t kill a sloppy gangster because of his spite.

    He got out of the alley while shaking his head.

    From the alley, Kang Chan heard someone say ¡°contact the chief of the police station and tell them toe here,¡± and the sound of them swearing, ¡°Who do these sons of bitches think they''re thrusting their knives at??¡±

    Right after, he heard the sound of an iron pipe hitting something.

    <i>pow-pow</i>.

    When Kang Chan returned to his room in the hospital, Cho Sae-Ho already had gauze on his nose and around his right eye.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim,¡± Cha So-Yeon and Cho Sae-Ho jumped to their feet.

    <i>Did they perhaps?</i>

    Cho Sae-Ho¡¯s mouth was swollen.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kang Chan asked Cho Sae-Ho.

    ¡°Yes, sunbae-nim.¡±

    His pronunciation was amazing, considering his mouth and nose were swollen.

    ¡°I tried my best to teach you, but you got beat up by those morons.¡±

    ¡°I also hit them a few times.¡±

    ¡°Forget about it.¡±

    <i>What use is there for me to talk to him?</i>

    ¡°Anyway, I was thinking of having dinner, but can you eat with your mouth like that?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°If you¡¯re buying us dinner, then we¡¯ll eat with you before we go home,¡± when Cha So-Yeon answered, Cho Sae-Ho quickly nodded.

    ¡°What do you guys want to eat?¡±

    Cha So-Yeon nced at Cho Sae-Ho.

    People were quite unpredictable. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t believe that Cha So-Yeon would like someone like Cho Sae-Ho when she couldn¡¯t even eat because of the bullies.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, please buy us sushi,¡± said Cha So-Yeon.

    ¡°Sushi?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll be able to eat with his mouth like that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No! I can eat properly.¡±

    In truth, eating sushi was going to be a wiser choice than eating hot soup or meat. Kang Chan called the interphone in the nurse¡¯s office and asked if there was a sushi restaurant near the hospital.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat outside,¡± Kang Chan told the two of them.

    ¡°Right now?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry and juste with me. Everything¡¯s been taken care of.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan had already changed, so he immediately went outside.

    When he went out of the entrance of the hospital, the opposite side of the road was packed with patrol cars and emergency vehicles.

    When Kang Chan mumbled to himself, ¡°What are they doing when there¡¯s a hospital nearby?¡± Cha So-Yeon and Cho Sae-Ho looked at each other and firmly closed their mouths.

    When the three of them arrived at the sushi restaurant, Cha So-Yeon¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°Eun-Sil unnie said that she arrived in front of the hospital?¡±

    ¡°Tsk! Tell her toe to this restaurant,¡± said Kang Chan.

    A momentter, Heo Eun-Sil showed up perversely, and the four of them ate sushi. Cho Sae-Ho hesitated at first butter showed he could devour five servings of sushi with the word ¡®special¡¯ in front of the dish¡¯s name by himself when Kang Chan told him to eat without restraints.

    Kang Chan thought of Kim Mi-Young.

    <i>¡®I should¡¯ve called her. We could¡¯ve eaten together.¡¯</i>

    But he shook his head soon after. He was about to start a dangerous task. He doubted something that required Kim Hyung-Jung to put those security guards on Kang Chan¡¯s trail and submit a letter of resignation would end easily.

    <i>¡®I should give this a proper end.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan firmly made up his mind. He was working with men that submitted letters of resignation to an organization that they had been working for just to help him on this. Making sure that those men got back safely to their organization naturally became his responsibility.

    <i>¡®But why is this bitch so quiet?¡¯</i>

    The bare-faced Heo Eun-Sil quietly ate sushi.

    An ident happened no matter what whenever he met her, but they might get away with it today since something had already happened.

    1. This is referring to one of the employees of Yoo Bi-Corp that died because of the fight at the golf club

    2. Here, the word ¡®special¡¯ refers to the most expensive dishes

 Chapter 73.1: Are you Confident? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 73.1: Are you Confident? (1)</h4>

    The orientation was at 10 am.

    Kang Chan made Seok Kang-Ho stay at home since he drank alcohol the day before, then he had a good night¡¯s sleep. When morning came, he headed to school early.

    While Kang Chan was walking through the front gate, he saw the bullies working hard at sweeping the surroundings.

    <i>¡®Did the bullies do drugs together as a group?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what they were hoping for, but it also wasn¡¯t something that he should interfere with.

    The process of going into the ssroom was much easier than it was before. The kids that he ran into at the stairs or in the hallway still got flustered, but they no longer stood against the wall or dropped their heads like before.

    It was probably because of how he acted in the school cafeteria at lunchtime.

    ¡°Chan!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young smiled brightly while waving her hand. Snow White acting like that also definitely yed a role in helping the kids change their attitudes toward him.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your arm?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°I got a small scratch while exercising. Look¡ªthere¡¯s nothing wrong with it, see?¡±

    Kang Chan moved his arm around, and it actually only stung. He didn¡¯t feel any other pain.

    ¡°Did you get your school uniform''s size reduced?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked again.

    ¡°No. I just temporarily borrowed Yoon-Seup¡¯s uniform because something happened yesterday.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young smiled strangely. Was she hiding something?

    Kang Chan heard people talking about the bullies cleaning the school from time to time, but it stopped when Lee Ho-Jun came inside the ssroom. The homeroom teacher came inside soon after, and the orientation ended with the teacher asking if anything happened during the break and asking the twelfth-graders to focus more on the subjects they werecking at.

    The school called the students during the break just to say that?

    But what could he do? The orientation had already ended.

    When Kang Chan got up from his spot, Kim Mi-Young quickly approached him. Smiling, she said, ¡°Chan, I have free time until dinner today. What about you?¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°My mom went out to a gathering. My hagwon is at 7 pm. I told her that I¡¯m going to study at school until then.¡±

    It looked like she was anticipating something.

    ¡°Want to have lunch together?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah! We should also watch a movie if it¡¯s okay with you!¡±

    Kang Chan found Kim Mi-Young¡¯s childish ¡®yeah!¡¯ answer cute.

    ¡°Sure. Where should we go?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to Tron Square.¡±

    ¡°Wearing this?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°What should we wear, then?¡±

    Would it be okay to go to Tron Square while wearing school uniforms?

    Kang Chan went down the stairs with Kim Mi-Young and dropped by the athletics club room before going.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim! Unnie!¡± Cha So-Yeon brightly greeted them. Kang Chan talked to Seok Kang-Ho outside of the room.

    ¡°Security guards?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Three of them cleanly took care of about fifteen gangsters. Kim Hyung-Jung probably put them on you as well.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, alright. Well, either way, President Kim Tae-Jin has to act before anything happens, so let¡¯s just test the waters today.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go home immediately after dropping by Tron Square with Mi-Young, so let¡¯s meet up in the evening if need be.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan got out of school first with Kim Mi-Young.

    ***

    After passing by two Japanese-style tatami rooms, the chef came into the innermost room, knelt on the floor, and carefully ced sushi on the table.

    ¡°Please enjoy your meal!¡± Nobody said anything until the chef left. After the door on the opposite side closed¡­

    ¡°What did the Ministry of Foreign Affairs say that they¡¯re going to do?¡±

    ¡°It seems like even Japan is flustered, seeing as how they said that we should watch how things develop for now.¡±

    The four people sat facing each other, their faces holding a mix of worry and anger.

    ¡°With this incident, half of our power ispletely gone. The Reds are using North Korea as an excuse to deceive the citizens when they didn¡¯t even interfere in this. They¡¯re suffocating us. Yet you only want us to watch? Do you think those people without a good background are going to let this opportunity end just like this? The Seung-il shippingpany is gone, and now we''re in a situation where those that restlessly tried their best for the country are being stripped of their positions and are being kicked out for one reason or another.¡±

    ¡°Chairman Yang, no one here approves of connecting the rail.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m saying we should defend ourselves more aggressively. If the rail is connected, then there¡¯s also a paper that says that the minimum wage will increase to 10,000 KW per hour immediately. Does that make sense? People that aren¡¯t doing much will make 80,000 KW per day, and if we include the night shift, then the world wille to where they can make a maximum of 200,000 KW per day. And in this damn country, it has be expected for people to fight back against the owners that are keeping them alive. Even if we¡¯re in a crisis, we shouldn¡¯t step back. We need to deal with this aggressively.¡±

    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t know that? Isn''t the problem here the fact that we¡¯ll all be branded and kicked out as traitors at once if even a small link is found between us and the Seung-Il shippingpany if we carelessly interfere right now? The chairperson and a few others are trying their best, so we should endure this for a little bit.¡±

    ¡°Ha!¡± Yang Jin-Woo openly expressed his frustration.

    ¡°It isn¡¯t just the Financial Supervisory Service or the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs. Everything is being reced. At this rate, if legition is wrongfully announced, then we¡¯re going to wither and die.¡±

    ¡°The chairperson and I are going to stop that.¡±

    ¡°Chairperson Huh, are you aware that they¡¯re now starting a people¡¯s court with the excuse that they¡¯re clearing away the remnants of Japan and that they¡¯re tracking down the pro-Japanese?¡±

    ¡°I know, I know.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo immediately responded to Huh Sang-Soo¡¯s annoying response and said, ¡°We¡¯re now at a time where my family is being reviled as being pro-Japanese or as a traitor for selling out the country when we were the ones that brought in Japan¡¯s advanced culture while throwing away all of our pride. The country became well off because of what we did! We are now living well, enough to have cars! And everyone forgot that we now get to go around foreign countries! The fucking Reds that aren¡¯t even worth bugs are all like this! All I¡¯m saying is, the time when people yell that everyone has to live equally ising.¡±

    ¡°Ha, my god! Chairman Yang, are you yelling atme right now? Should I apologize or something? Should I bow my head and say that I was wrong?¡±

    When Huh Sang-Soo¡¯s eyes glinted with anger, Yang Jin-Woo''s spirit immediately died down.

    After a moment of silence passed¡­

    ¡°Let¡¯s endure this for now. What¡¯s urgent is to first figure out where and what on earth went wrong, and to find the person that¡¯s causing us trouble. We¡¯re trying our best to dig up information by focusing on the Yoo Bi-Corp employees right now, so we¡¯ll be able topletely figure out what¡¯s going on soon.¡±

    ¡°Please at least take care of the legitive bill for foreignborers first.¡±

    ¡°That bill is going to be passed next week. On the contrary, it¡¯sfortable to pass that bill because it¡¯s concealed this kind of issue. And let¡¯s turn a few temporary workers into permanent workers. The chairperson was also very worried about the foreignborers.¡±

    ¡°Those fucking Reds! They can¡¯t get rid of the beggar in them and are trying to get more than what they worked for! If they¡¯re going to revile us, then they shouldn¡¯t change, and if they¡¯re going to demand help, then they should bow their heads!¡±

    ¡°Money is being brought over on arge scale from Japan. When everyone gets that money, please discreetly acquire a few financial institutions.¡±

    ¡°Is that already underway?¡± Huh Sang-Soo was going to grab the chopsticks, but he held up a ss of water instead as if he was tired of eating food.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to proceed next month, so everyone please be aware of that and please make some operating costs with that money. I heard that a high schooler is involved in this and that the National Intelligence Service is actively supporting him, but we¡¯re still trying to figure out if that¡¯s true because we¡¯re unsure of whether or not we should trust that information. Plus the French Ambassador, who was granted an Agr¨¦ment, arbitrarily came back to our country, so we¡¯re nning on slicing the National Intelligence Service Director¡¯s neck in this timely opportunity while kicking out the French Ambassador from South Korea as well.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Yang Jin-Woo focused on what Huh Sang-Soo was saying.

    ¡°We¡¯re all going to im that North Korea nned this, that there are too many Reds in the country, and that the reason this transpired is that the current regime is taking a pro-North Korean policy. And we have to intensively attack one ce.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo smiled meaningfully, his expression showing that he understood what Huh Sang-Soo was saying.

    ¡°Our most urgent task right now is to stop the people that are on the same side as the current party in power from bing cab members, no matter what. Other than them, everyone else is our people. Hence, regardless of who we use, we can make a contract with them.¡±

    ¡°If only we can just change the Director of the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    ¡°Japan is going to make something big happen soon.¡±

    Huh Sang-Soo smiled suspiciously.

    ***

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young had hand-made hamburgers for lunch, then they watched a movie about two lovers. In the middle of the movie, Kim Mi-Young leaned her head against his shoulder, which Kang Chan didn¡¯t see as a bad thing.

    They looked through a few stores after the movie ended, then headed home. Strangely, it felt like Kim Mi-Young was calming down the chaos that had been happening. It was as if he had stepped back after being pushed around by the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project that had abruptly run into his life. This was simr to when she held his hand at the cafeteria and calmed him down.

    ¡°Today made me really happy,¡± Kim Mi-Youngmented.

    Kang Chan smiled widely while standing face-to-face with Kim Mi-Young. Now that smile made him feelfortable.

    After they parted ways at the apartment entrance, Kang Chan headed to the hospital again. He got his wound disinfected and his bandages and clothes changed, then returned home.

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re here, Channy? Where did you go and why couldn¡¯t youe home for two days? And what¡¯s with your clothes?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I had to meet the employees of the broadcasting station.¡±

    ¡°You should¡¯ve told me if it was urgent.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that from now on.¡±

    For some reason, Kang Chan thought about Yoo Hye-Sook when he recalled the crying old mother that clung to Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t had dinner, have you?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯lle out after changing. Where¡¯s father?¡±

    ¡°He said that he''ll be home soon.¡±

    Kang Chan went into his room and eventually took out and wore a long-sleeved shirt. If he didn¡¯t, it would be hard to hide the bandages that were wrapped around his left arm.

    Kang Dae-Kyung arrived about thirty minutester. Kang Chan went out of his room, greeted him, then ate with him.

    ¡°Why are you wearing a long-sleeved shirt when it¡¯s so hot?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°My body doesn¡¯t look good right now.¡±

    ¡°Are you hurt anywhere?¡±

    Right before he was cornered into a crisis, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s phone thankfully rang. A friend of hers seemed to be asking her for a favor again, seeing as how she took her phone and went into the room.

    ¡°Father, I have bandages wrapped around my arm.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung exhaled as if he was groaning, then nodded.

    ¡°Eat quickly. Let¡¯s go somewhere for a bit.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The two of them ate as if they were pushing food down their throats.

    1. Tatami rooms are traditional Japanese-style rooms with traditional tatami flooring, which is a type of mat

    2. The Reds are used to describemunists in Korea. They also refer to South Koreans who support North Korea

    3. The original was ¡®yelling in front of me.¡¯ The nuance behind that is that he would find it disrespectful for Chairman Yang to yell at someone else in his presence since he thinks very highly of himself. However, it doesn¡¯t sound natural in English so we went with ¡®yelling at me.¡¯

    4. In international affairs, Agr¨¦ment refers to an agreement by a state to receive members of a diplomatic mission from a foreign country. The posting state formally requests consent from the receiving state before appointing a diplomat to the receiving state. Simply put, Lanok was able toe to South Korea as an Ambassador of France because he was granted consent (Agr¨¦ment) from South Korea

 Chapter 73.2: Are you Confident? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 73.2: Are you Confident? (1)</h4>

    Kang Dae-Kyung urgently drank water, then dropped by the master bedroom. They went out of the entrance in a hurry, but it was still hot outside.

    ¡°Do you want to have a cup of tea?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    They went into a specialty coffee shop located on the opposite side of the apartment and sat at a table to their liking. Kang Chan ordered and brought over iced coffees, then ced one in front of Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°I told your mom that we¡¯re going out to buy medicine. Are you badly injured?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°I wrapped it in bandages because my arm is a bit scraped, but it doesn¡¯t look good, plus I have to put medicine on it.¡±

    The long-sleeved shirt didn¡¯t make him feel that hot since the air conditioner was on high.

    ¡°Your mom isn¡¯t showing it, but she¡¯s clearly thinking that you¡¯re acting weird. Your mom¡¯s gut feeling is on a level that I cannot catch up.¡±

    They both smiled while thinking of Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have to create a foundation, and you don¡¯t have to go to university. Can¡¯t you opt out of this now? I just want the three of us to live infort. If it means giving you a peaceful school life, then I¡¯ll also hand over Kang Yoo Motors to Gong Te automobile,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung continued.

    Kang Dae-Kyung had to watch his high schooler son go around outside, understand him offering billions of won to them, and bear with himing home with injuries often. There were a lot of times when Kang Chan wanted to honestly confess to him what had happened until now, but if he were to do that, then he¡¯d have to exin that his body had changed first before saying anything else.

    How could he do that? Kang Chan pushed down the sigh that was about to emerge.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang while he was in an awkward position.

    ¡°Answer the call. Let¡¯s talk afterward,¡± said Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kim Hyung-Jung was calling him.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Manager.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, do you have time to spare in the evening?

    He obviously knew where Kang Chan was since security guards were following him.

    ¡°I¡¯m at the coffee shop with my father.¡±

    - I¡¯ll go there if you¡¯re okay with that.

    ¡°Sure. And please contact me when you get here.¡±

    Worry shed across Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s face when Kang Chan ended the call.

    ¡°Father.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked like he was trying hard to calmly ept everything.

    ¡°Things went on with just me alone, but it suddenly got out of hand with me in the middle of it all. I can step out of this if I insist on doing so, but I know I¡¯d definitely regret it.¡±

    ¡°Are you going to regret it because what you¡¯re doing matches your aptitude?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t really want to butt in.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Kang Chan with a face that asked, ¡®but why are you doing this?¡¯

    ¡°I wanted to do it because it¡¯s what¡¯s good for everyone and because I really like the people that want to work with me.¡±

    ¡°Is the Prime Minister included in the people that want to work with you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that you¡¯re going to say that you¡¯ve met the President at this rate.¡±

    Kang Chan forcibly smiled along with Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s silly smile.

    ¡°We¡¯re creating your mom¡¯s foundation this week. Though the rules are veryplex, we finally got a notice yesterday. Your mom really wanted to put your name in there, but we decided to just go with ¡®Kang-Yoo Foundation.¡¯¡±

    ¡°That sounds good.¡±

    ¡°It was originally ¡®Yoo-Kang Chan Foundation.¡¯ But we changed it because we didn¡¯t want people to misunderstand us. Your mom would¡¯ve told you that she was very upset that your name got excluded, so I insisted that the ¡®Kang¡¯ at the front meant your name,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung exined.

    ¡°I think Kang-Yoo is much better than Yoo-Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung drank the iced coffee while smiling.

    ¡°You remember what I saidst time, right? That you should do something to the fullest if there¡¯s something that you want to do.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°When I heard that there was a chance you wouldn¡¯t survive when you were admitted to the hospital, I thought to myself that I¡¯m going to let you do anything as you please if you can just live on. I¡¯m going to keep this promise no matter what, so just live. It¡¯s hard for me, but I¡¯m keeping that promise. However, I don¡¯t want to experience that again. You know that, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving first since it seems like you have to meet someone.¡±

    .

    ¡°You can stay longer.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    When Kang Chan stood up after Kang Dae-Kyung, he reached out and stroked Kang Chan¡¯s back.

    ¡°Stay by your mom¡¯s side more often rather than doing surprise events. She seems lonely.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s watch a movie again on Saturday,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said, then left the coffee shop after patting Kang Chan¡¯s back.

    Kang Chan was thankful and sorry. The fact that he couldn¡¯t confess to him the truth weighed on his mind more than anything.

    As Kang Chan red at the coffee for a moment, Kim Hyung-Jung reached his table.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Wee. Have you had dinner?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s order coffee when Mr. Seok Kang-Ho gets here.¡±

    ¡°Did you contact him?¡±

    ¡°He said that he¡¯sing right away.¡±

    Kang Chan said that they should go somewhere else because he was ufortable with the people that could see them since they were right on the opposite side of the apartment.

    When they went outside, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho toe to the specialty coffee shop located at the intersection. They then walked there.

    ¡°We¡¯re presuming that the attack at the hotelst time and the attack at the golf club were done by agents of China¡¯s Ministry of State Security. What¡¯s unusual is that they entered the country through Japan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan.

    Couldn¡¯t they have done that to hide that China was involved in this?

    ¡°They entered the country by cargo ship from the Seung-Il shippingpany, and it seems like Japan cooperated in making that happen. The Seung-Il shippingpany is saying that the captain did that because he was greedy about kickbacks. They¡¯re also iming that it¡¯s hard to interrogate other wrongdoings. Anyway, Seung-il shippingpany will get their license revoked because of the tax investigation by the National Tax Service and for other reasons.¡±

    ¡°We only cut the tail of the problem,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°That¡¯s currently true, but we¡¯re looking for traces of how the money was given to the shippingpany¡¯s captain, so much more solid proof should be found soon. There are also people that we¡¯re suspecting to be involved in this.¡±

    Things like this were disordered and troublesome.

    ¡°We used this opportunity to hold the management supervision responsible, which resulted in those in charge of the relevant departments being reced,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung arrived at the coffee shop, and Seok Kang-Ho was already sitting on the terrace with a coffee in front of him.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I wasing here by taxi, but I found myself walking, so I just came here.¡±

    Now even Kim Hyung-Jung seemed like he had adapted to this type of conversation between the two of them.

    ¡°I already bought iced coffee. That¡¯s okay with you, right?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Without needing to say anything, they sat down and drank coffee.

    Kim Hyung-Jung took out two phones.

    ¡®This is for Mr. Kang Chan, and this is for Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    <i>Is this the phone that the employees told me about yesterday?</i>

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho raised his eyes from the phone and looked at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°We installed two types of apps on the home screen. The app on the left is for the radio, and the app on the right is for calling us in case of emergencies. The emergency call app includes a request for help. The moment it¡¯s pressed, your location will be found and the nearby employees will immediately run over.¡±

    ¡°What about the radio?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be able tomunicate with us immediately within a one-kilometer radius in the center of the city¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered. ¡°It¡¯s also going to somewhat prevent wiretapping, so you can use that phone from now on. The number is the same, so if you turn off the phone that you¡¯re using right now, you can use the new phone immediately.¡±

    This was even better since it looked nothing out of the ordinary.

    It seemed like Kim Hyung-Jung had realized some things because of what happened a few days ago, so he also told exactly what he told Kang Chan to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Mr. manager,¡± Kang Chan called Kim Hyung-Jung after he waited for the conversation to end. ¡°Will something like this happen again in the future?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t easily answer and just looked back at him.

    ¡°What I¡¯m trying to ask is, if they can get Chinese agents into the country like this, won¡¯t simr things keep happening even in the future?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, there¡¯s a more pressing matter than that.¡±

    <i>A more pressing matter? Is an army actuallying over?</i>

    ¡°We can breathe easily by taking this opportunity. However, what the opposition party wants is the position of the Director of the National Intelligence Service. The development of Pyeongtaek port is the precondition to connect the rail, but the opposition party is saying that they want the position in exchange for passing the legitive bill rted to the development of Pyeongtaek port,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    ¡°Then we can just do that, right?¡±

    ¡°If we hand over the position of the Director of the National Intelligence Service, then we could actually end up giving up on the ¡®Unicorn.¡¯¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s because the opposition¡¯s end goal is to impeach the President. If they can get the position of the National Intelligence Service Director, then they¡¯ll have the capacity to achieve that..¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho spewed out a ¡°Ha!¡±

    ¡°How can we solve this?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°We need to get Europe¡¯s approval as fast as possible and officially announce that South Korea is included in the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project. If that happens, then all of our problems would be solved.¡±

    ¡°In the end, Lanok is holding the key to make that happen,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°That would only be possible if we stop Japan, the opposition party that¡¯s looking to be the next administration, and the distractions from the pro-Japanese.¡±

    This wasn¡¯t something that could be solved by just guarding people.

    ¡°The reaction from metropolitan France is also a problem. It seems like they¡¯re examining whether or not they should rece the Ambassador because of the recent attack, but we¡¯re still just monitoring the situation since we haven¡¯t confirmed the information¡¯s credibility yet,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    For now, they had to examine things one at a time.

    ¡°Is it true that you¡¯ve submitted your letter of resignation?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kim Hyung-Jung with surprised eyes.

    ¡°This was the best that I could do to get rid of the obligation of reporting to my superiors.¡±

    Since Kim Hyung-Jung had done that, the ways their secrets could leak would definitely diminish.

    ¡°The security guards were amazing. They had also submitted their letters of resignation, right? How about they take on the role of training the Yoo Bi-Corp employees for the time being instead of guarding me? I can just call them if needed,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°For as long as Lanok is the Ambassador of France, then, either way, South Korea will need you.¡±

    ¡°But I haven''t beenpletely discovered yet. And since we¡¯re on the topic, would someone actually believe that a mere high schooler is doing this?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung smiled helplessly.

    ¡°ording to Lanok, there¡¯s a rumor that I¡¯m an agent that South Korea and France have secretly created, but isn¡¯t that rumor not going around in the public yet? It¡¯s about the Intelligence Bureau, after all. Right now, what we need are stronger employees.¡±

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll discuss what you suggested with my friend after the funeral procession ends tomorrow,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Kang Chan first needed a reliable organization. An organization of people that are both skilled and trustworthy.

    1. This refers to a port that is located in Pyeongtaek, a city in South Korea

 Chapter 74.1: Are you Confident? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 74.1: Are you Confident? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan went into the house and found his parents in the living room.

    ¡°How are you?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    Kang Dae-Kyung winked from behind Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I feel a lot better after I took the medicine. I¡¯ll head inside my room for now and sleep.¡±

    ¡°You overworked yourself too much, which is why you¡¯re not feeling well.¡±

    ¡°I guess I really did.¡±

    Kang Chan went into his room andy in bed. He didn¡¯t have a cold, but it was true that he had overworked himself. He heard people say this and that about the opposition party, something about the position of the Director of the National Intelligence Service, and even about impeaching the President. It felt like he had butted into a mud-slinging, which was worse than people pouncing at him with a filet knife.

    ¡°I should sleep. It¡¯s not like things are going to change even if I worry about it,¡± Kang Chan told himself.

    He soon fell asleep, then woke up early in the morning.

    Kang Chan remembered Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s plea to not do immoderate workouts yet, so he skipped working out in the morning. Instead, he adequately washed up and had breakfast. As he was getting ready to go to school, Lanok unexpectedly called him.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, how¡¯s your condition?

    ¡°I¡¯ve recovered enough to be able to work out starting next week.¡±

    - I¡¯m d to hear that.

    He could feel that Lanok was relieved.

    ¡°When would be a good time to have dinner next week?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan thought that Anne had urged Lanok to quickly set up the dinner appointment, but it seemed like Lanok called him for another reason.

    - Can you spare me some of your time for a few days, starting today?

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    Lanok¡¯s sudden request confused Kang Chan.

    - There¡¯s somewhere that I want to go with you.

    ¡°Understood. Where should I go?¡±

    - I¡¯ll see you at the Namsan Hotel. I¡¯d like to see you at 9:30 am.

    ¡°Alright. I''ll be there.¡±

    Kang Chan was curious why Lanok wanted to see him after he hung up the phone, but he¡¯d find out in an hour anyway.

    <i>¡®What should I tell my parents?¡¯</i>

    Things got messed up. He used the excuse that he had a cold and whatnot, but he suddenly wasn¡¯t going to be able toe home for a few days again.

    Kang Chan wore a shirt and a suit, then went out to the living room.

    ¡°Channy! Are you going to the broadcasting station today as well?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°The Ambassador said that he wants to see me and go to the countryside together.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t. What do you think you¡¯re doing? You¡¯re sick!¡±

    ¡°I feel fine right now. I find it fun to meet new people while I go out to ces with others, too.¡±

    If it was possible, he wanted to alleviate her worries.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Alright. He¡¯s going with the Ambassador of France, not just anyone. All of your friends would be jealous if they knew about this,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Still.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry, mom.¡±

    Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook and went out of the apartment with Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°The French Ambassador really called and asked me to clear out my schedule, and said that he wants to meet at the Namsan Hotel.¡±

    ¡°Should I give you a ride?¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t you bete?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t be.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung willingly offered to give Kang Chan a ride.

    After they drove out of the basement parking lot¡­

    ¡°Going to the hotel like this reminded me of the time when wepleted a contract together,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung seemed to be reminiscing. ¡°Start using the bag I usually take on business trips next time. Take some underwear, socks, and clothes to change into.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Jeez,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung expressed his feeling bad for Kang Chan like a joke.

    ¡°Will you be home by the weekend?¡± asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°I should be since I was told that it¡¯ll only take a few days starting today.¡±

    ¡°Make sure to call me if you won¡¯t be able toe, and call your mom from time to time. I often feel bad for her when I see her quickly pacing around with her phone. She acts like that because she¡¯s worried that you could find yourself in a predicament in front of other people.¡±

    ¡°But she can just call me to see how I¡¯m doing.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s worried that people would look down on you because you¡¯re still a student but you¡¯ll be out working and mingling with your co-workers.¡±

    There wasn¡¯t that much traffic on the way to the hotel, even though it was rush hour.

    ¡°I won''t forget. I¡¯ll call both of you,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    After Kang Dae-Kyung dropped Kang Chan off at the hotel, he immediately headed to thepany.

    Kang Chan went to the lobby and ordered tea, then called Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung in order and exined the situation. Since he could call them anyway on the ne, he decided to contact them right away if there were any changes.

    At around 9:20 am, Kang Chan received a call from Lanok.

    - Can youe out to the entrance?

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right there. I¡¯m at the lobby.¡±

    Kang Chan paid for the tea and stood at the entrance of the hotel. Soon, a ck car and a van came toward the hotel at the same time. The car¡¯s backseat window opened, revealing about half of Lanok¡¯s face. Kang Chan immediately got in the back seat.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for already making you busy so early in the morning. A schedule was created in a rush, so I was also in a very awkward position,¡± said Lanok.

    It seemed like Lanok was having a hard time since his dignity as an Ambassador was being tangled up with the familiarity he felt toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°Would Anne be okay?¡±

    ¡°Thanks to you, we got to talk about a lot of things for the first time in a long while. Of course, half of our conversation was about you.¡±

    The car went through the Olympic Expressway, which was used for people to get to work, then went out to the outskirts. The car then immediately went onto the highway.

    ¡°Are we going somewhere far?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯re first going to a ce called Osan. I¡¯ll exin the specifics when we get there,¡± Lanok answered while ncing at the two employees that were sitting in the front seats of the car. Kang Chan just epted his answer.

    ¡°I looked into the admission requirements for entering South Korea¡¯s universities. When the second term starts, the national university in France will send the eptance letter to your school and the Ministry of Education.¡±

    ¡°But the semester hasn¡¯t ended yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m nning on sending an official document in the Ambassador¡¯s name that asks your school to be considerate of you so that you can receive the basic education in France¡¯s cultural center as a full schrship student. If that happens, then you won¡¯t need to insist on going to school.¡±

    It felt like Kang Chan had received a proper present that was as meaningful as the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project. Lanok yfully nced toward Kang Chan, then frowned.

    ¡°South Korea¡¯s political situation will change rapidly by today or tomorrow,¡± Lanok continued.

    Kang Chan just listened to what he was saying.

    The car was going through the highway at a furious pace.

    ¡°The biggest reason why I was appointed to South Korea was to secure minimum safety until the next regimees into power since there was no risk of being shot at or assassinated because firearms were regted and public security was in ce.¡±

    ¡°Will this matter be a problem?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°My country has contacted me and asked what I thought about returning.¡±

    ¡°I should cling onto you so that you won¡¯t leave.¡±

    ¡°I told them that there were major reasons to fight against China and Russia.¡±

    The car passed through Osan¡¯s toll gate.

    ¡°I¡¯m desperate for a cup of tea and a cigar,¡± Lanokmented.

    Kang Chan felt the same way.

    After they passed through the toll gate and drove for about fifteen more minutes, they arrived at the airfield in Osan, much to his surprise. The car passed through the checkpoint and stopped in front of the ne parked at the end of the runway.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan turned his gaze toward Lanok. People that were clearly a part of a foreign legion were surrounding the ne.

    Ignoring Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Lanok got out of the car.

    The people wore a green beret with the left side nted downward, military uniform, and boots. They also had a rifle pointed to the ground, its string draped diagonally over their shoulder. Kang Chan got out of the car and looked at them, the feeling of happiness at seeing them, the faint perfume, and the awful memories swiftly resurfaced and struck Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s board the ne, shall we?¡± Lanok asked.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect he¡¯d be boarding a ne at an airfield he didn¡¯t even know about in Osan. The ne was painted like a military aircraft, but it was clearly a Boeing 737 . Kang Chan was about to go up the ramp, but he hesitated upon looking at the man that stood right at the very front of the ne.

    G¨¦rard Gee. The new recruit that had yfully followed Kang Chan around was standing with a look in his eyes that showed he had gone through all sorts of difficulties.

    The scar from a knife that cut across his cheek from the corner of his left eye was extremely eye-catching.

    <i>You fucking child. Your shoulder is going to break.</i>

    As G¨¦rard was looking at him with suspicion, Lanok looked down at Kang Chan from the top of the ramp.

    <i>Let¡¯s get on the ne for now.</i>

    Kang Chan went up the ramp, and six agents and about ten or so Foreign Legion members went up the ne after him.

    Compared to the ne¡¯s dull exterior, its interior was tidy.

    Lanok led Kang Chan further into the ne where arge sofa was.

    It felt like Kang Chan was being consecutively pped.

    When Kang Chan went inside, Lanok closed the midway door. Rather than being inside a ne, it felt like they were in a suite room in the Namsan Hotel.

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    The warning sound went off four times, and the ne immediately began to move. Lanok probably wasn¡¯t saying that they should go to Jeju-do because he was thankful that Kang Chan saved him at the golf club.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be able to enjoy tea and cigars after the ne takes off,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan.

    1. The Olympic Expressway or daero is an eightne highway located in Seoul, South Korea. The Expressway was created in preparation for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Its purpose was to provide an easier way for foreigners to get to the stadiums. Currently, it¡¯s used frequently as a main route of Seoul.

    2. Osan is a city in South Korea

    3. A Boeing 737 is a narrow-body aircraft produced by Boeing, an aircraft industrypany. It was developed to supplement the Boeing 727 on short and thin routes, and it¡¯s the most-sold jet airliner in the world. As of November 2022, more than eleven thousand nes have been built

    4. Jeju-do is a province of South Korea that¡¯s located on the ind of Jeju at the Korea strait. It¡¯s popr as a vacation destination

 Chapter 74.2: Are you Confident? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 74.2: Are you Confident? (2)</h4>

    The ne roughly taxied through the runway and began to take off. After about five minutes, it had risen up into the sky and was maintaining its usual altitude.

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    The warning sound went off again, then the door opened and two agents ced toast, baguettes, a teapot and cups, cigars and cigarettes, an ashtray, lighters, and more on top of the table. Lanok poured out the tea himself.

    ¡°ck tea has a special taste when it¡¯s enjoyed during flight,¡± Lanokmented.

    <i>Since I''ve gone this far, might as well see where this will take me.</i>

    Kang Chan had a sip of the ck tea and bit on a cigarette.

    ¡°Whoo,¡± Kang Chan rxed.

    After Lanok exhaled a couple of puffs of cigar smoke, he took out a neatly folded document from his jacket¡¯s inner pocket and handed it over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s the reason why I stole your time today.¡±

    Kang Chan unfolded the document that he had received.

    Before anything else, the red writing on it that said d¨¦c¨¨s (death) stood out, and his previous face that he had forgotten about immediately came into sight.

    It felt like everything in the world had stopped for a moment.

    ¡°It¡¯s the record of a person named Kang Chan from France. He died in a war. Themander at that time was Shan,¡± said Lanok.

    Kang Chan liked that he didn¡¯t have to force himself to exin the document.

    ¡°The members¡¯ evaluation of the Kang Chan in that document is incredible. The enemies even called him the ¡®God of ckfield.¡¯¡±

    Lanok looked straight at Kang Chan, then started to speak as if he hade to a decision. ¡°Are you that ¡®God of ckfield¡¯?¡±

    Kang Chan had always wished for this moment¡ªone where people would understand him without having to subserviently exin his life. However, now that he had received the question that he had been looking forward to, he was unable to answer.

    ¡°One of the members here had fought alongside the Kang Chan of that time. Can you identify that person?¡± Lanok asked again.

    <i>Was this the reason why the fucker was standing there?</i>

    Kang Chan had no reason to hide his identity.

    ¡°Are you talking about G¨¦rard Gee? But how did you know?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    When Kang Chan answered while smirking, Lanok inhaled deeply.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this. I can¡¯t believe something like this actually happened. This exins everything¡ªyour ability to speak French, your amazing capabilities, and the reason why you asked me to give you information on the battle in Africast time. Still, this is unbelievable.¡±

    If Lanok was this shocked, then how shocked would the person in question be?

    Lanok took a sip of the ck tea, seemingly trying to hide his expression.

    ¡°Can you tell me what happened at that time?¡± Lanok asked.

    There was no reason for Kang Chan to not tell him, but Lanok had to satisfy his curiosity first.

    ¡°How about you tell me how you found out first?¡± Kang Chan extinguished the cigarette, and Lanok deeply inhaled the cigar.

    After a moment of silence, Lanok answered, ¡°We¡¯re also confused. I think telling you Shan¡¯s testimony first would be the right thing to do. He kept testifying that everything went wrong because of you and that you were the reincarnation of the God of ckfield. We were also curious about how something like this happened because a mere high schooler was the only one to benefit from fighting against Shan, Smithen, and the Serpent Venimeux.¡±

    That was true. Kang Chan sipped on his ck tea, and Lanok exhaled deeply.

    ¡°The day after the golf club incident, there was a secret request from the United States for cooperation. They said that they¡¯re looking for the ckhead that disappeared in Africa, and they said that it¡¯s most likely within a three hundred kilometer radius of the Korean Penins.¡±

    ¡°I was told that Shan sold that and bought the stocks of Gong Te?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s all we know as well. However, the United States is doing its best in looking for the ckhead, and I¡¯m aware that they¡¯re only doing that because it¡¯s rted to the United States¡¯ safety. They¡¯re searching for it so desperately that they¡¯re even willing to wage war with the United Kingdom if necessary.¡±

    In the end, Kang Chan just smirked. Things kept getting more and more out of hand as time went on. A war between the United States and the United Kingdom had even been mentioned. At this rate, they were soon going to have to fight with octopuses that came from Mars with filet knives.

    ¡°The United Kingdom is pulling out of the ¡®Unicorn.¡¯ They¡¯re gritting their teeth while saying that they¡¯re going to revive the British Empire¡¯s honor, but the most urgent matter is to know why they¡¯re doing that,¡± said Lanok.

    <i>Don¡¯t these gentlemen get tired?</i>

    ¡°Identifying why the United States is trying to attack the United Kingdom when they¡¯re acting like that is also important.¡±

    Lanok looked at Kang Chan, whose eyes were filled with fascination and was taking out a cigarette.

    ¡°The United States requested absurd cooperation. They said that the ckhead might not be in the shape of a diamond, but rather is a strange phenomenon. When we heard that, we examined Shan¡¯s testimonies one by one. Things added up while we were searching through the list of the deceased and we checked a familiar name that came up. The European Intelligence Bureau analyzed that the ckhead could be a sort of energy that can mutate into a sort of life energy,¡± Lanok continued.

    <i>I¡¯m the diamond?</i>

    When Kang Chan looked down at his body, Lanok burst out withughter.

    ¡°The ckhead that the United States is talking about clearly isn¡¯t a diamond. We have to find out what they¡¯re referring to from now on,¡± Lanok exined.

    ¡°Are you nning on taking me to aboratory?¡±

    ¡°No, I''m not. I¡¯m thinking of meeting Shan.¡±

    Kang Chan needed an exnation.

    ¡°To be exact, it¡¯s Shan that wants to meet you. He said that he¡¯ll tell us why the United States and the United Kingdom are acting that way if we allow him to talk to you alone,¡± Lanok said.

    In the end, Kang Chan¡¯s job after flying for more than fifteen hours was to meet Shan. And he was apparently getting involved in a war between the United States and the United Kingdom.

    ¡°Do I have to meet Shan?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand, Mr. Kang Chan. The fact that you¡¯re my friend hasn¡¯t changed. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t tell even my country about the information rted to the God of ckfield. If you don¡¯t want to meet Shan, then let''s just return after greeting my friends.¡±

    What was this sly fox hiding? Based on Lanok¡¯s expression, he seemed very rxed.

    ¡°They¡¯re the decision-makers for the ¡®Unicorn.¡¯ This meeting will be with the unofficial workce rtionships from each country, so it¡¯ll be helpful to you in many ways.¡±

    ¡°It seems like you¡¯re hiding something,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true.¡±

    <i>Is Lanok hiding something?</i>

    ¡°Now, then, Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯d like to hear an exnation of what happened¡ªthe process of how a person that died in Africa became a high schooler in South Korea.¡±

    It had already been revealed. Kang Chan confessed the things that had happened until now, from the moment the operation in Africa started to his death and what happened after he was reincarnated in a different body. He disclosed everything, except for the fact that Seok Kang-Ho was Dayeru.

    ¡°That¡¯s a really tall tale,¡± Lanokmented afterward.

    ¡°I haven¡¯tpletely adapted to everything that had happened yet either.¡±

    After smacking his lips, Lanok looked into his watch with a strange expression.

    ¡°Would you like to watch TV since the flight is long? Or even a movie?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t really like watching TV.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe the president of a drama productionpany doesn¡¯t like watching TV. The investors would be very upset if they heard that.¡±

    Lanok looked rxed while pouring out more tea for Kang Chan.

    ¡°Bedrooms have been prepared beside this room. I¡¯m going to use the room on the right, so you should rest for a bit in the room on the left if you¡¯re tired,¡± Lanok stood up and went into the bedroom, seemingly for Kang Chan¡¯s sake.

    .

    ¡°I¡¯ll first stay here for a bit longer.¡±

    ¡°Befortable and enjoy the ne.¡±

    Lanok walked to the bedroom, leaving Kang Chan alone.

    Kang Chan leaned back against the sofa and nkly looked at the wall. Should he meet Shan? It wasn¡¯t like there was a need to kill a guy that was locked up in the basement of Loriam. Moreover, would there be a viable reason to live tiredly after carelessly butting into a war between the United States and the United Kingdom?

    It clearly seemed like Lanok had something to gain out of this. Plus, he now knew Kang Chan¡¯s original identity.

    Kang Chan shook his head to get rid of hisplicated thoughts. This was no different than meeting all the sly foxes of the world and being caught in the middle of them.

    <i>¡®I¡¯ll just p all of them if they mess with me.¡¯</i>

    When Kang Chan rxed, G¨¦rard, who was outside, came across his mind.

    By the time Kang Chan had run over to G¨¦rard, thetter had already gotten a cut on his cheek. They returned after Kang Chan recklessly saved him, and G¨¦rard stubbornly followed him around since then. Kang Chan also remembered how G¨¦rard acted during the operation in Mang.

    ~

    <i>¡®If you want to live, then don¡¯t leave me.¡¯</i>

    ~

    G¨¦rard really didn¡¯t leave Kang Chan. When they rescued Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard wiped away his thick tears with the back of his arm.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    As Kang Chan was smirking to himself, his phone rang.

    ¡°Mr. Manager.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan. Can you talk right now?

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded somewhat unsettled.

    ¡°Yes. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    - A few things had just transpired. Japan has revealed a Swiss bank ount and imed that it¡¯s the President¡¯s slush fund, and theyunched arge-scale report that there¡¯s circumstantial evidence that a portion of that slush fund was handed over to North Korea by the Director of the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    The President handed money to North Korea? Even though Kang Chan didn¡¯t know anything about politics, he also thought it was something worth getting reproached.

    - It was the preliminary work to connect the ¡®Unicorn,¡¯ which was done since we didn¡¯t have an unofficial workce rtionship before you intervened. We haven¡¯t sent them money after that.

    Was this why they clung onto him that much, and why Go Gun-Woo liked the fact that he became Lanok¡¯s friend so much it was as if he was having a heart attack?

    ¡°Is it a major problem?¡±

    - The Director of the National Intelligence Service will step down. The problem is that if that happens, then our agents and I and the work we did to cover your case will alle up to the surface.

    Kang Chan was about to get tired.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    - Please ask Lanok for a favor to let you stay at the embassy in France temporarily. Our agents and I will take responsibility for the safety of your parents. If the director resigns, then it would be wise for you to go to France. We¡¯ll also take action so that your parents can also go there in that situation.

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    - I shouldn¡¯t have any problems.

    <i>Tsk! Something was going on with him!</i>

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there another way?¡±

    - We¡¯re looking for ways from various angles. I don¡¯t think there¡¯ll be any special way right now, other than officially announcing the fact that South Korea is included in the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ n.

    ¡°Understood. Please contact me again if there¡¯s anything special going on.¡±

    Kang Chan put down the phone, thinking that this was what Lanok had been going for. No wonder the decision-makers for the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ gathered at Loriam of all ces. In the end, Kang Chan would still have to beg for the announcement of the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ even after he had met Shan, which was what Lanok desired.

    <i>¡®Shan, you son of a bitch.¡¯</i>

    <i>You inserted me into a war between the United States and the United Kingdom. You¡¯re the most unhelpful fucker in the world. I¡¯m going to break?your neck!</i>

 Chapter 75.1: Various Encounters (1)

    <h4>Chapter 75.1: Various Encounters (1)</h4>

    As Kang Chan grumbled while waiting for the chance to see Shan, he got a call from Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Kang Chan, where are you? Let¡¯s meet for a moment if you have time.

    ¡°It would be hard for me to meet up with you for the next few days. Why do you want to see me?¡±

    - Did you do something to the Shin Yeon-Dong gang as well?

    ¡°I did take care of the guys that attacked me in front of the Bang Ji hospital.¡±

    He heard Oh Gwang-Taek dejectedlyugh over the phone.

    - The elders want to see you. What do you say?

    ¡°Hey! I¡¯d prefer you to be my only gangster friend. Wouldn¡¯t you be in an even more awkward position if they get disgraced during my meeting with them?¡±

    - That¡¯s not what I mean. The gangsters are also getting nervous because the Japanese and Chinese are acting unruly in public, and two organizations have been destroyed. Kang Chan, every gangster in Korea knows the fact that you don¡¯t like our kind. However, if you keep destroying Korean gangs like this, then those backed by the Japanese gangs will be able to take over crucial territories. Moreover, they can just leave by ne if the battles don''t turn in their favor.

    ¡°You¡¯re scared of something like that?¡±

    - You told me to stop being a gangster! Can you really still consider someone that now avoids conflict a gangster? That¡¯s why you should be careful about who you pick a fight with.

    <i>Why is this fuckerining?</i>

    ¡°At any rate, since this could also put me in trouble, let''s discuss this once I''ve returned to Korea. I''ll only be gone for a few days.¡±

    - Kang Chan.

    ¡°What is it, Oh Gwang-Taek?!¡±

    - Contact me if you¡¯re having a really hard time.

    ¡°The fuck? Alright, alright.¡±

    He felt like a fucking gangster¡¯sst words were being etched into his heart.

    He had to prioritize meeting up with Shan for now. Kang Chan reclined against the sofa and turned on the TV. With the Korean penins as the background, it showed a bundle of money following an arrow in South Korea then going through a human silhouette and going over to North Korea, depicting that it was being handed over to North Korea.

    Kang Chan justughed because of how absurd it was.

    Not only the President, but even Kim Hyung-Jung and National Intelligence Service Director Go Gun-Woo, whom he had never seen before, would likely be going through a really hard time right now.

    ¡°I¡¯ll smoke a cigarette first,¡± Kang Chan told himself.

    Having instant coffee and ramen on a ne was the best.

    Most French guys weren¡¯t able toe to their senses after trying a Korean instant coffee. But ramen was a bit different. The guys that frowned in Africa would strangely look like they wanted some whenever they were on a ne. They''d even lick their lips. After learning that Korean instant coffee and ramen were hard toe by in France, they''d collect money amongst themselves to buy those products and bring them over to France.

    Kang Chan never could¡¯ve imagined when he reincarnated into a high schooler¡¯s body that things would turn out like this. Moreover, seeing the foreign crew members suddenly made him want to be a mercenary again. Being a mercenary wouldn¡¯t cause him trouble, and being in a world where he needed to survive against his enemies likely suited his aptitude more.

    Exhaling cigarette smoke, he unintentionally looked at the picture of his previous self that was on the table. He then looked at the word ¡®death¡¯ that was stamped in red on top of it. Would Yoo Hye-Sook be able to survive receiving this document?

    He shook his head no.

    Kang Chan held up his phone and called someone. The ringtone didn''t y that long.

    - Channy!

    ¡°Hi. What are you doing?¡±

    - I was cleaning. Is there something wrong?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    - What? What¡¯s wrong? Are you hurt anywhere?

    ¡°No. I just wanted missed you.¡±

    - Jeez! You really scared me!

    She sounded like she was in a good mood and like she was acting cute.

    ¡°I just called because I want to see you. I also thought that you would be worried.¡±

    - There¡¯s really nothing going on, right?

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Kang Chan suddenly missed Yoo Hye-Sook as he talked to her. Giving up on applying to the foreign legion was the right thing to do, in all respects.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hang up now. I doubt I¡¯d be able toe home today, but I¡¯ll try to call at least once a day for as long as it¡¯s possible from now on.¡±

    - You don¡¯t have to do that, Channy.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    - Just call me asionally. I don¡¯t want you looking over other people¡¯s moods to call me. Talking to you like this is enough to keep me happy for a few days.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll call you when I can.¡±

    - Okay. I love you, Channy.

    ¡°I love you too.¡±

    For some strange reason, Kang Chan felt rxed and confident after the phone call. He also felt as if the rough personality he had as a mercenary right before he reincarnated as a high schooler was returning.

    The United States? The United Kingdom? No matter how much confidence he had regained, he couldn¡¯t go up against those countries by himself. Kang Chan shook his head and stood up to find the bathroom. There was a bathroom between the bedrooms, but he didn¡¯t want to disturb Lanok when he was asleep, plus he was feeling stuffy so Kang Chan decided to go out of the living room.

    When he opened the door, he found the agents and Foreign Legion members resting in the big seats that were ced on both sides of the ne, and past them were chairs ced in a long row, from side to side. When Kang Chan¡¯s eyes met an agent¡¯s, he mouthed the word ¡®toilette¡¯ to let them know why he was there.

    Kang Chan walked past the long sofa, finished his business in the bathroom, then washed his hands. He came out afterward and noticed a paper cup near G¨¦rard, who was sitting back against the sofa.

    ¡°Do you have instant coffee?¡±

    G¨¦rard sharply looked up when Kang Chan asked that question.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking because I like the smell of instant coffee, and I want to bum one and a cigarette off of you. If you feel awkward, I can just get a cigarette from the living room,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    The scar on G¨¦rard¡¯s left cheek wiggled as if to threaten Kang Chan, but to him, it just looked cute. Perhaps it was because his threat didn¡¯t work or because he found it annoying to deal with Kang Chan, but G¨¦rard nodded to the Foreign Legion member sitting next to him. The young-looking person took Korean instant coffee out of a bag.

    It was the most inexpensive kind.

    <i>¡®What a cute fucker.¡¯</i>

    A foreign legion member filled a cup with hot water and made coffee for Kang Chan. The smell of coffee, firearms, and men in military uniforms mixing together felt weird.

    ¡°Are you not going to give me a cigarette?¡± Kang Chan asked G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not go overboard.¡±

    When Kang Chan looked at him while smirking, G¨¦rard appeared suspicious.

    ¡°Do you know me?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°I think so?¡±

    ¡°But this is my first time seeing you?¡±

    ¡°This is the first time you¡¯ve seen a Korean?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it¡ªWhat I mean is this is the first time I¡¯ve ever met you,¡± G¨¦rard came out strong, seemingly displeased by how Kang Chan was talking to him.

    ¡°Are you going to give me a cigarette or not?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    Seemingly helpless, G¨¦rard took out a cigarette from his left pocket. He gave one to Kang Chan and took one for himself and bit down on it.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± G¨¦rard exhaled as if he was in a bad mood. He then took out a lighter from his right pocket. Kang Chan recognized the zippo lighter right away¡ªit was Kang Chan¡¯s lighter that he had with him just before he died.

    <i>¡®This fucker really took my lighter?¡¯</i>

    <i>nk.</i> <i>Chi-ik.</i>

    G¨¦rard reached out and gave it to Kang Chan.

    ¡°This is a nice lighter,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Hmph.¡±

    G¨¦rard lit up the cigarette that he had in his mouth, then put the lighter back in his pocket. He was probably alive because he had transferred to a different military camp. It was a relief that he didn¡¯t die because of Shan.

    Kang Chan took another sip of the coffee, then smoked again.

    Nothing good coulde out of messing with prideful people. Having coffee and smoking a cigarette with G¨¦rard in this way was enough for Kang Chan. However, he had one more thing to say.

    ¡°Before I go, I¡¯ll give you some helpful advice in exchange for the coffee,¡± said Kang Chan. He then exhaled cigarette smoke for thest time while putting the cigarette into the paper cup.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to use that lighter in Africa, then mix oil in it. If you don¡¯t, then you could run into trouble at an important moment.¡±

    G¨¦rard fiercely red at Kang Chan.

    Things ended there. Kang Chan turned away and got away from his past.

 Chapter 75.2: Various Encounters (1)

    <h4>Chapter 75.2: Various Encounters (1)</h4>

    The ne glided down to the runway after flying for exactly sixteen hours.

    In the time zone of the Loriam station, it was around 7 am. The members of the foreign legion went off the ne first. Lanok and Kang Chan got offst.

    Three military officers who had been standing outside of the ne gave Lanok a French salute.

    ¡°The others have already arrived,¡± one of the military officers said.

    ¡°Should we go there first, then?¡± Lanok asked.

    The officer pointed to the Jeep, so Kang Chan and Lanok got in its backseat.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired?¡± Lanok asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°No. I liked the in-flight meals. The ne having a bed makes me want to borrow itter..¡±

    ¡°The United States provided that ne. I¡¯ll borrow it if you say that you need it.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to do that. The price of the oil will probably be expensive.¡±

    They exchanged nonsense while the Jeep drove on the runway.

    It felt like the barracksid out in the surroundings and the vibration from the car was consoling Kang Chan, who was tired from the long flight. The Jeep got off the runway, then stopped in front of a barrack in the second row.

    ¡°They¡¯re inside.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lanok responded to the military officer¡¯s salute by slightly bowing his head. They went inside, finding its bunker-like ceiling and fluorescent lights lighting up its interior.

    ¡°Lanok!¡±

    Five middle-aged men exchanged cheek kisses with Lanok to say hello while getting up from their spots.

    ¡°Allow me to introduce someone. This is Mr. Kang Chan, my new friend.¡±

    ¡°Wee, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Unable to avoid it, Kang Chan also exchanged cheek kisses with them.

    At times like this, these fuckers were one of two things¡ªthey either smelled terrible or like strong perfume.

    They all sat down.

    ¡°If you¡¯re tired, you can rest for a moment. We¡¯ll talk afterward. We have time today anyway,¡± one of the five men told Lanok.

    Luckily, everyone spoke French.

    ¡°We got enough rest inside the ne. Mr. Kang Chan is hoping that you¡¯d all quickly decide the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project¡¯s fate.¡±

    Lanok had either already figured out what they were thinking, or he had calcted what to do before they even came here. Kang Chan thought that he had no choice but to meet Shan.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chang.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan,¡± Kang Chan corrected Ludwig.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Kang Chang? Kang Chawn? Kang Cha-an.¡±

    Ludwig, who was sitting at the left side of the barrack, answered Lanok after pronouncing Kang Chan''s name all weird, ¡°We have alreadyplied with your request since you¡¯re Lanok¡¯s friend, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Lanok. He had eaten with this sly fox two times since they woke up, yet Lanok had never brought up the fact that they had already decided on their way here.

    .

    Kang Chan tried hard not to make his expression obvious.

    ¡°Hmm!¡± Lanok skillfully grabbed the five men¡¯s attention.

    ¡°I sincerely thank all of you. Without wasting more time, let¡¯s officially announce the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project, which includes South Korea. This will be the best present that we can give. Isn¡¯t that right, Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Lanok asked.

    <i>¡®I lost.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile lightly because of Lanok¡¯s meaningful gaze at the end.

    ¡°Lanok, even though we¡¯ve already decided on the matter, it¡¯s still too early to officially announce the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project,¡± one of the five men said.

    ¡°Our friend from South Korea is in a difficult situation. If all of you help him this time, then we¡¯ll also receive the same help someday.¡±

    If Go Gun-Woo were here, he would be having a hard time right now and anxiously grabbing onto his chest.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok has epted me as his friend,¡± Kang Chan said. People quickly stared at him with eyes filled with both curiosity and surprise due to his fluent French.

    ¡°Tomemorate the start of our friendship, he also gave me an enormous present called the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project. I want to sincerely thank Lanok and everyone here for that.¡±

    Lanok cheered Kang Chan on with a wide smile.

    ¡°My colleagues in South Korea are in a dangerous situation. I trust that everyone already knows what¡¯s going on. I sincerely ask for your help,'''' Kang Chan continued.

    The five men had strange expressions, making Kang Chan wonder if he made a mistake.

    ¡°Lanok,¡± Ludwig called, then grimly started to talk with a strong German ent, ¡°Does this mean that you¡¯re determined for what happens after the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project is announced?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan has saved both Anne and my life. In regards to everything that needs an unofficial workce rtionship in South Korea, it¡¯ll be fully taken care of through our friend Mr. Kang Chan here. There¡¯s nothing more important than this.¡±

    Ludwig looked at Vant, who was sitting opposite him, then turned his green eyes to Lanok.

    ¡°The United Kingdom is staying silent to the end,¡± Ludwigmented.

    ¡°The United Kingdom will stay silent until thest moment, and they¡¯ll quietly follow us after the announcement is made,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°If that¡¯s your decision, then the only thing left is the specific method and procedure to announce the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project.¡±

    Vant, a Swiss, spoke up and concluded the situation when Ludwig pursed his lips and nodded. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how long it would take, but it seemed like it had ended the way he wanted it to for now.

    ¡°I would like to thank everyone,¡± Kang Chan thanked them, yet the atmosphere was still heavy. Was he missing something?

    These men wouldn¡¯t be able to live for long since they thought too much.

    ¡°You must be tired, Mr. Kang Chan. Please rest for a moment. The six of us should discuss the remaining problem,¡± said Lanok.

    Two things were clear¡ªonly Lanok knew about the announcement of the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project that included South Korea and the ckhead and the God of ckfield''s existences.

    ¡°If it¡¯s okay with everyone, then I¡¯ll go out and take a walk,¡± Kang Chan slowly stood up, opened the door, and went out of the barracks.

    The sunlight was blinding. Kang Chan, who had been feeling muddled, now felt a little better. At times like this, having a shower, coffee, and cigarettes was the best thing to do.

    Four members of the foreign legion were standing at ease in front of the barracks.

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette from his pocket and bit on it. He then twisted his left fist from side to side. His forearm was no longer in that much pain.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    Kang Chan needed G¨¦rard to be here to get instant coffee, but it seemed like he was now resting since his shift had ended. After about twenty minutes, Kang Chan thought of going in and showering. However, Lanok came outside at that moment.

    ¡°How¡¯d it go?¡± Kang Chan asked Lanok.

    ¡°We decided to announce it as soon as possible, but I don¡¯t know we would make it in time.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee. This is the least I can do for saving our lives and bringing my daughter back to me.¡±

    It was hard to figure out this sly fox. He seemed to be showing his true self, but there were times when he¡¯d appear to be executing perfectly calcted actions.

    ¡°Breakfast will be prepared soon,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of showering first.¡±

    ¡°Clothes for us to change into will be prepared once we''ve been served food. I think it¡¯ll be better if you shower after you eat instead.¡±

    Since it wasn¡¯t a bad suggestion, Kang Chan decided to go along with it.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Lanok, who had been leisurely looking around the surroundings, turned toward him.

    ¡°Would South Korea¡¯s political situation be stable if the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project is announced?¡±

    ¡°Hmm, it¡¯ll probably be stable for thirty years. By Korean standards, the regime won¡¯t change until the sixth presidential election.¡±

    ¡°I heard that the remittance to North Korea became a problem?¡±

    ¡°Once the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project has been announced, the United States will immediately insist that the remittance didn¡¯t happen. China¡¯s influence on South Korea will be greater than the United States from that point, so the United States will have to curry favor with the current regime. It¡¯ll also be difficult for Japan to survive if they make an enemy out of the Korean government. Hence, there¡¯ll probably be a widespread correction report and a public apology.¡±

    If that were the case, then the fight was about how quickly the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ was announced.

    Wasn¡¯t Lanok perhaps trying to use this opportunity to naturalize Kang Chan into France? Nevertheless, he had to prioritize giving the minimum return to what he had received right now.

    ¡°Should I meet Shan after I eat?¡± Kang Chan asked Lanok.

    ¡°There¡¯d be nothing more I could wish for.¡±

    <i>How can he be this happy in front of me?</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan could see a Jeep and a truck leisurelying toward them from the opposite side of the runway.

    ¡°Do you really think that protecting the people around you is more valuable than money or power?¡±

    Why was he asking a question that sounded like it should be in an ethics textbook? Kang Chan turned his gaze while smiling, but Lanok looked serious, much to his surprise.

    ¡°I just want to protect my people.¡±

    ¡°Is that always more important than money or power?¡± Lanok asked again.

    ¡°In the foreign legion, there were almost no instances where I received power or money. If I had followed orders and given up on my subordinates back then, I would be in a higher position right now¡ªhigh enough to not have died because of Shan.¡±

    Lanok smiled while nodding. ¡°That¡¯s true, now that you mention it. You risked your life in Africa to save one of your subordinates.¡±

    Around the time when Kang Chan could clearly see that two agents were sitting in the Jeep¡­

    ¡°Would you protect Anne if something were to happen to me?¡± Lanok asked.

    Kang Chan turned his head and sharply looked at Lanok.

    ¡°I think I can trust you to hold onto your promise,¡± Lanok continued. He looked serious.

    ¡°Will you protect Anne?¡± He asked once more. He clearly wanted to hear an answer before the Jeep arrived.

    ¡°Is there something going on?¡±

    The Jeep changed directions toward the barracks.

    ¡°If the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project, which we¡¯ve kept as a secret until now, is announced, then our enemies will begin attempting public assassinations. I just want to ensure my daughter¡¯s safety in preparation for that,¡± Lanok exined.

    The Jeep passed the barrack that was right in front of them, and the truck changed directions. Even though he could dy it, Lanok had rushed the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project¡¯s announcement for Kang Chan. The price for doing that was putting his life at risk.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t say no.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Lanok turned to look at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Now I¡¯m relieved. Let¡¯s enjoy breakfast.¡±

    Kang Chan followed Lanok¡¯s hand gesture and went inside the barracks.

    <i>¡®Just you wait, Shan.¡¯</i>

    1. The original Korean sentence was, ¡°smelled like he was hugging a big dog that was covered in butter,¡± but we just tranted its meaning because it wouldn¡¯t match the context of this novel

 Chapter 76.1: Various Encounters (2)

    <h4>Chapter 76.1: Various Encounters (2)</h4>

    The seven participants of the meeting ate breakfast together.

    There was a long dining table in between the living room and the sink, but it felt slightly cramped when everyone sat around it.

    <i>¡®Who are these people?¡¯?</i>Kang Chan thought after passing over the bread and jam and as he ate scrambled eggs. Even though they represented Europe, there was no rule that forced them to remain formal while eating. On the contrary, Kang Chan found it better to sit infort like this and eat toasted bread with jam on it.

    ¡°So I did talk to the President while having lunch, but it seems like it¡¯s going to be difficult in all respects,¡± one man said.

    ¡°What would happen if we exert our influence slightly on the finance sector and suppress it a bit?¡± Someone else answered.

    ¡°If you help us like that, then it would be difficult for even the President to refuse.¡±

    If it wasn¡¯t for Lanok, then the conversation would¡¯ve made Kang Chan believe that he was in the midst of megalomaniacs.

    ¡°Can I share contact information with you, Mr. Kang Chawn?¡±

    Kang Chan responded with an ¡°of course,¡± to Ludwig¡¯s question.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you guys Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s phone number once we¡¯re done eating, and I¡¯ll also pass on everyone¡¯s contact information to Mr. Kang Chan,¡± said Lanok.

    Everyone nodded with satisfied expressions.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going first,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°You should go shower,¡± Lanokmented.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I had in mind.¡±

    Kang Chan headed to the shower room after cing his te inside the sink.

    ¡°Lanok, do you trust Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Vant asked. He then ate cereal and looked at the shower room that Kang Chan had walked over to.

    ¡°If I can make just one phone call in a desperate moment, then I would contact him without hesitation.¡±

    ¡°Is he that dependable?¡±

    ¡°He exceeds that,¡± Lanok responded.

    ¡°Even if so, we would still be unfamiliar people to Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Everyone¡¯s eyes turned to where Kang Chan had gone off to. When they did, Lanok wiped his mouth with a napkin, then exhaled.

    ¡°The ¡®Unicorn¡¯ being announced is where everything truly starts. I have already asked that friend to look after Anne,¡± said Lanok.

    The five men¡¯s gazes¡¯nded on Lanok with apletely different look in their eyes from before. They understood what his words meant.

    ¡°If any of you are ever in an emergency or find yourself in a difficult situation, then I rmend going to South Korea or contacting Mr. Kang Chan. The reason why I said that we should quickly announce the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ is also based on the fact that I depend on him. Establishing Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s position in the South Korean government is also for our safety. There¡¯s no one else other than Mr. Kang Chan that we can entrust our safety to,¡± Lanok continued.

    ¡°Are you sure, Lanok?¡± someone asked.

    ¡°I entrusted him with Anne.¡±

    The five men exchanged nces.

    ¡°Hmm. If so, then we truly do need to establish Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s position,¡± someonemented.

    ¡°Yes, if all of you have epted him as a friend,¡± Lanok answered.

    They had finished breakfast.

    ¡°Lanok, the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ has already be an open secret, so announcing it a little earlier wouldn¡¯t make much of a difference. However, it''s important to note that doing so would put you at risk for too long. If a situation urs, nobody would be able to fill in your position,¡± one manmented.

    ¡°I trust the capabilities of Europe and everyone here. Don¡¯t all of you know better than anyone that our meeting won¡¯t change because of one person?¡± Lanok asked.

    Vant smiled when Lanok was done speaking, showing he couldn''t win against his persistence. ¡°We started the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ under the pretext of reviving Europe¡¯s economy, then we immediately grabbed onto the continent¡¯s leash. Huhuhu. Wouldn¡¯t the United Kingdom¡¯s position would be right up ¡®shit creek¡¯ as you guys have said, since they held their ground and trusted the United States?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha.¡±

    The French used the word ¡®merde,¡¯ which meant something like ¡®shit,¡¯ to belittle British people. Laughter broke out because of Vant¡¯sment.

    ¡°Lanok, have you figured out why the United Kingdom and the United States are side-eyeing each other when it wouldn¡¯t even be enough if theybined forces?¡± someone asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯m also working hard to find out why. Any information we get should be shared using our usual intel distribution method.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that. Anyway, I need a cup of hot coffee.¡±

    ***

    Kang Chan went into the shower room and removed his bandages. The pain from his chest wound was now bearable even if water got on it, but pieces of skin still got ripped off with the bandages on the wound on his arm.

    It didn¡¯t feel right to ask for bandages while he waspletely naked, so he showered with his left arm raised instead.

    There was only a scar left on the palm of his hand that had been cut by a knife earlier.

    The water in the shower was hard water, and the soap doesn''tther well. Hence, though showering made him feel refreshed, it didn¡¯t make him feel relieved.

    Kang Chan dried himself off. Blood still seeped from his left arm.

    The agents had prepared a suit and a shirt from a luxury brand. It could¡¯ve been Lanok that sent him these clothes.

    <i>¡®I do have to buy some clothes.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan carefully put on the shirt and went out of the shower room with his left arm wrapped in a towel. The meal had already ended, and he didn¡¯t see anyone else other than Vant who was drinking coffee while sitting.

    Kang Chan greeted Vant with his gaze, then went outside. It seemed like the foreign legion members had rotated duties since G¨¦rard and the other crew members were now standing at ease in front of the entrance. Two agents were waiting as well.

    ¡°Can I get some bandages? I need it for my arm,¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll contact the medical personnel,¡± An agent called someone when Kang Chan showed them his left arm.

    ¡°We¡¯ll bring over the army surgeon. Do you only need to wrap bandages around your arm?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Do me a favor,¡± Kang Chan told the agent.

    The two agents got in the Jeep and disappeared after going through the barracks.

    Kang Chan wanted to smoke a cigarette, but he decided not to ask for one upon looking around the surroundings since it could like like he was acting out with Lanok backing him up. Nobody liked people acting cocky just because they were in a high-ranking position.

    ¡°Want a cigarette?¡± G¨¦rard asked Kang Chan.

    Kang Chanughed out loud.

    ¡°I was curious if that would be alright. Should I bring over a cup of hot coffee in return?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s four of us,¡± G¨¦rard gestured to the members that stood next to him with his head, then continued, ¡°If it''s alright with you, we''d like to have a cup of instant coffee.¡±

    Kang Chan went inside, filled five mugs with coffee, then brought them outside.

    ¡°Here you go!¡± G¨¦rard handed Kang Chan a cigarette.

    <i>nk. Chi-ik. Chi-ik. Chi-ik.?</i>

    The cigarette lit up on Kang Chan¡¯s third attempt. This guy had already mixed the lighter fluid with oil, but he put in a bit too much. Kang Chan smoked and drank coffee. Due to the runway and barracks in front of him and the foreign legion members beside him, he felt like Dayeru was going toe out with coffee at any moment.

    ¡°Are you Korean?¡± G¨¦rard asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why do you ask? Do you want to visit if you get a vacation? If you do, I¡¯ll buy you pork cutlets and bulgogi.¡±

    Kang Chan thought, ¡®<i>oh shoot,¡¯</i> as he looked at G¨¦rard¡¯s expression.

    ¡°A Korean superior that I knew rmended the same dishes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because they¡¯re delicious.¡±

    G¨¦rard smirked. Was that how this fucker smiled before?

    ¡°Do you like your unit¡¯s members?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    G¨¦rard nced at the people standing beside him.

    ¡°Pull out the moment you think it''s too dangerous. Forget rewards or medals. Your biggest duty as the captain is to survive and save even one person.¡±

    Perhaps it was because he sucked too deeply on the cigarette, but it looked like G¨¦rard was frowning. Kang Chan was taking a sip of the coffee when the Jeep returned. The army surgeon put down the white cross bag and then approached Kang Chan.

    When Kang Chan pulled down the towel, the army surgeon frowned. Pieces of his flesh had been pulled off in some areas because he removed his bandages that morning.

    ¡°We need to disinfect the wound,¡± the army surgeon told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please do so.¡±

    Bubbles formed when the disinfectant touched his wound. While the army surgeon applied medication on top of it, Kang Chan leisurely drank coffee.

    Bandages were wrapped around his arm and were secured with tape.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Louis the security guard put the army surgeon on the Jeep and retraced their steps.

    ¡°You seem to be in a high position,¡± G¨¦rardmented.

    ¡°Why do you think that?¡±

    ¡°Louis, that gentleman, is in the Intelligence Bureau, so he¡¯s ranked higher than us.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anything to reply to his question, so he just drank coffee. With his arm now bandaged, he pulled down his sleeve and buttoned it up to cover the wound.

    ¡°Put the cup here,¡± Kang Chan told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at G¨¦rard for giving him a rough reply, then went into the barracks.

    Lanok and his party came toward Kang Chan as if they had been waiting for him. They seemed like they were about to leave, considering they were wearing neat and tidy clothes and were holding a bag.

    ¡°I hope we see each other often now, Mr. Kang Chawn,¡± said Ludwig.

    ¡°Thank you. Please contact me anytime.¡±

    The five men hugged and exchanged cheek kisses with Lanok and Kang Chan, then got out of the barrack.

    1. Ludwig pronounced Kang Chan¡¯s name incorrectly here

    2. Originally, the English word ¡®goddamn¡¯ was used but we decided to use the French word ¡®merde,¡¯ which has a simr meaning in this context because ¡®goddamn¡¯ wouldn¡¯t make sense in actual English.

    3. bulgogi is a popr Korean dish made of marinated slices of beef, and the name literally means ¡®fire meat¡¯

    4. Ludwig pronounced Kang Chan¡¯s name incorrectly here

 Chapter 76.2: Various Encounters (2)

    <h4>Chapter 76.2: Various Encounters (2)</h4>

    ¡°Shall we meet Shan now?¡± Lanok asked Kang Chan.

    Lanok and Kang Chan left the barrack and got in the Jeep that had been prepared for them.

    The foreign legion members didn¡¯t follow them. Rather, they walked toward the runway. The Jeep drove to and headed inside a huge concrete dome about a kilometer away. Its interior was empty except for the lights on the ceiling. It was big enough for Kang Chan to mistake it for an indoor ser field.

    The Jeep stopped at the innermost part of the dome, and Lanok and Kang Chan got out.

    ¡°Move the Jeep!¡±

    An order was given from the speaker as soon as they did. Louis and another agent got on the Jeep and went outside the dome.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    A motor sound stopped, and the concrete wall opened.. Fascinated, Kang Chan looked closely. The elevator door had been camouged to look like a concrete wall.

    Lanok got on the elevator first, and Kang Chan went in after him. When the elevator started to move, Kang Chan shook his head. It had no button, so people were operating the elevator while looking at the camera in the cockpit. This dome¡¯s structure made it so that no one could go down to the basement without the help of the people inside the dome.

    <i>¡®Ha, you¡¯re fucked now, Shan.¡¯</i>

    This building was so secure it made Kang Chan feel relieved.

    The elevator stopped about a minuteter, and its doors finally opened. Soldiers carrying rifles were standing by in front of them.

    ¡°Pleasee this way.¡±

    Following one of the soldiers, Lanok and Kang Chan walked for about fifty meters and passed through a thick iron door. After walking fifty more meters and passing one more iron door, they arrived at arge room.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to stay here for a long time since the room¡¯s air was murky. In the middle was a prison cell, and inside it was Shan.

    <i>nk!</i>

    When a soldier opened the prison cell¡¯s door, Lanok gestured to Kang Chan with his eyes to go in. Inside, he noticed that, although still alive, Shan had to depend on two machines to survive.

    ¡°Kang Chan.¡±

    It looked like he didn¡¯t have much time left.

    Kang Chan walked to the left side of Shan¡¯s bed. The upper part of the bed was slightly raised, making it easy for him to see thetter¡¯s face.

    ¡°Your suit looks cool,¡± Shanmented.

    ¡°It better be. It¡¯s expensive.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Shan while slightly twisting his head.

    The fucker was trying to deceive them. It was clear he was figuring out the security of this ce and waiting for the day that people would put their guard down.

    ¡°It would be good for you to practice hiding the look in your eyes, Shan,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    The corner of Shan¡¯s lips moved slightly. ¡°Let¡¯s do a deal.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to refuse.¡±

    Meeting Heo Eun-Sil every day was a hundred times wiser than doing something foolish with this fucker.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got a tempting offer.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t even want to hear it. If that''s all you have to say, then I''ll get going now.¡±

    ¡°God of ckfield.¡±

    ¡°Stop saying nonsense.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re really the Kang Chan I know, then listen to me.¡±

    <i>Should I listen to him or just turn away?</i>

    ¡°I was told that the ckhead wasn¡¯t perfect, and that was apparently the reason why the United Kingdom didn¡¯t immediately do anything when you attacked me in South Korea. They knew I would betray them. However, they¡¯re now making frantic attempts to take me. Why would that be the case?¡± Shan asked.

    Someone was passing on information to this fucker.

    ¡°It¡¯s not funny, Shan.¡±

    ¡°Why would they need me?¡± Shan grated on Kang Chan¡¯s nerves with an expression that showed he found this funny.

    ¡°The United Kingdom probably didn¡¯t buy the ckhead to create a ring, did they?¡± Shan asked again.

    It was evident that he was deliberately irritating Kang Chan after getting a clue about something.

    ¡°If you¡¯re really Kang Chan of the foreign legion, and if something that had never happened before did, then it¡¯s definitely rted to the ckhead.¡±

    ¡°Why are you rambling like this after saying that we should do a deal?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The fire in Shan''s eyes burned stronger.

    ¡°Something big happened, enough to make you reincarnate into your current vessel. If the same thing happened to Dayeru, then that just serves as further proof of that. I¡¯m also using you as an excuse to trade with the United Kingdom. I told them that if they can take me out of here, I¡¯ll help them find the ckhead. What do you think? If something that difficult to understand is underway, then why not make a deal with me?¡±

    ¡°Shan,¡± Kang Chan looked straight at him.¡°Go to hell.¡±

    Shan smiled hideously as his bony face crumpled. Kang Chan felt as if he was seeing a human with only evil left. He left the prison without any lingering regrets, and a soldier immediately locked the door.

    Kang Chan entered the room in silence, then turned around to walk right back out. It seemed like they couldn¡¯t talk inside, considering Lanok didn¡¯t say even a single word until they got in the elevator and went up. When the elevator door finally opened and they stepped out of the elevator, he breathed in extremely fresh air despite still being in the innermost part of the dome.

    A Jeep came over a momentter, and both of them got on it.

    ***

    The Jeep immediately headed to the runway. After the agents and foreign legion members boarded the ne, it immediately took off.

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    When the signal that told people that the ne had reached the right altitude rang out, an agent brought over tea. Kang Chan lit up a cigarette and told Lanok everything that Shan had said.

    ¡°It definitely seems certain that what the United Kingdom and the United States are desperately trying to find is at least rted to you,¡± Lanokmented afterward.

    ¡°It¡¯s also clear that there¡¯s a double agent that has ess to Shan among us.¡±

    Lanok nodded.

    <i>If we were going to do this, then wouldn¡¯t it be better to kill Shan instead?</i>

    Seemingly reading Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Lanok said, ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush too much. There are still things that we can learn from Shan.¡±

    Changing Lanok''s decision would be difficult.

    ¡°We''re bound to find something if we examine the United States and the United Kingdom''s following reactions,¡± he continued.

    <i>I knew it.</i>

    A sly fox like Lanok wouldn¡¯t just call his friends to discuss something that wasn¡¯t that important and travel from South Korea to France just to see Shan for five minutes. Today¡¯s meeting and Kang Chan¡¯s meeting with Shan was part of Lanok''s n to examine the reactions of the United Kingdom and the United States.

    Fortunately, Kang Chan was on the same side as Lanok. Just thinking about having someone like Lanok as his enemy made the back of his head stiff.

    ¡°It¡¯s best not to tell anyone else that we¡¯re announcing the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project for the time being. If word gets out that the announcement has been finalized, then terror beyond your imagination and international actions will unfold in public.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°South Korea¡¯s current regime staying in power will also keep me safe. I¡¯ll try my best to quicken the announcement,¡± Lanok stood up, then continued, ¡°I¡¯ll be going to my bedroom to rest for a moment.¡±

    ¡°Please do. I¡¯ll stay here for a bit longer.¡±

    Left alone, Kang Chan leaned back against the sofa. In the span of two days, he had gone from South Korea to France, then back to South Korea. After arriving in Osan and parting ways, it was difficult to even imagine where Lanok would be tomorrow. Kang Chan was certainly not jealous of his life. Fatigued, he napped for a moment on the sofa instead of the bed. He fell asleep instantly.

    ***

    After sleeping for about an hour, Kang Chan woke up feeling much more refreshed.

    He thought about bumming off mix coffee from G¨¦rard, who was outside, but changed his mind. Not talking to him anymore would be for the best since doing so made him want to talk to G¨¦rard about the past.

    Sixteen hours after departure, the nended in Osan. By the time Kang Chan had gone down the ramp, G¨¦rard and the other members were already standing far apart from each other around the ne.

    <i>¡®Tsk. It would¡¯ve been great if I just said something before leaving.¡¯</i>

    G¨¦rard didn¡¯t know Kang Chan anyway. It was disappointing, but it was better than annoying him. Before Kang Chan got in the car, he looked around the runway. His eyes met G¨¦rard¡¯s.

    <i>¡®Live a wonderful life.¡¯</i>

    That was the end.

    There was no traffic on their way to Seoul.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired?¡± Lanok asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I ate and slept well. You don¡¯t look like someone who had just gotten off a long-distance flight, either.¡±

    Actually, Lanok didn¡¯t show signs that he was having difficulties.

    ¡°I sleep as much as possible during long flights. That makes the travel bearable. Anyway, are you free to have dinner with Anne next week?¡±

    ¡°Yes. My schedule''s free, so just let me know about the time,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Since the highway was empty, the car sped up..

    They got out of the Hannam Bridge, and Kang Chan parted ways with Lanok at the intersection in front of Kang Chan¡¯s apartment. He then went into a specialty 24/7 coffee shop.

    After Kang Chan ordered a cold drink, he sat on the terrace and called Kim Hyung-Jung first.

    - Mr. Kang Chan!

    Kum Hyung-Jung sounded very happy to hear from him.

    ¡°Where are you? I¡¯m at the coffee shop in the intersection where we metst time.¡±

    - I¡¯m at the Yoo Bi-Corp office. Should I go to the coffee shop?

    What should they do? What location would be better?

    The specialty coffee shop was morefortable for Kang Chan.

    ¡°This is going to be an inconvenience for you, but let¡¯s meet up here.¡±

    - I¡¯ll head over there immediately.

    Kang Chan hung up the phone and took another sip of the drink. It was almost 12 am, so he decided to meet and talk to Seok Kang-Ho tomorrow instead.

    How much should Kang Chan tell them? Would Kim Hyung-Jung really keep his mouth shut if he told him about the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project¡¯s announcement being finalized? On the contrary, would it be okay if Kang Chan didn¡¯t tell them about something this crucial after saying they were a team? He found this matter quite difficult.

    Kang Chan had consumed half of his drink by the time Kim Hyung-Jung and Kim Tae-Jin had parked and walked to the terrace. The inner struggles that Kim Tae-Jin had gone through lingered on his face. There were things that Kang Chan knew, even though Kim Tae-Jin didn¡¯t insist on telling him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I should¡¯ve paid more attention,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°It isn''t your fault, so stop apologizing,¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded as he shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand. His eyes showed that he truly believed it wasn¡¯t Kang Chan¡¯s fault.

    After saying a few more words to each other, Kim Hyung-Jung bought and brought over two drinks. The three of them then sat facing each other.

    ¡°I went to France with Lanok,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Within two days?¡± asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Yes. I met Shan at the Loriam station in France, and it seems like he put the condition where he¡¯ll help find the ckhead because he wants to get out of that palce, in all respects.¡±

    ¡°What did he say?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked again.

    ¡°I definitely did a fool¡¯s errand.¡±

    If Kang Chan didn¡¯t bring up the fact that he had reincarnated here, then it would certainly sound like what he did was no different than doing a fool''s errand.

    ¡°I¡¯m dumbfounded,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented.

    ¡°I also feel the same way.¡± Disappointment shed across Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes. ¡°The mood doesn¡¯t seem ordinary, in all respects.¡±

    ¡°I did see the news as I was traveling,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Kim Hyung-Jung sighed deeply.

    1. The Hannam Bridge is a girder bridge over the Han River in South Korea. It¡¯s usually congested with traffic since it connects wards and districts with each other

 Chapter 77.1: Settling a Civil Complaint

    <h4>Chapter 77.1: Settling a Civil Comint</h4>

    Kang Chan kept his mouth shut about the fact that the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project was going to be announced until the end. He was going to observe until he had found out who disclosed Lanok¡¯s golf club schedule, and if he couldn¡¯t, then at least until a crucial moment happened or the announcement date was finalized. The fact that there could be a terrorist attack if word got out about its announcement had also been in his mind.

    ¡°When our employees that went to train at the military academy return next week, I¡¯m thinking of bolstering Lanok¡¯s security immediately,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    ¡°The President seems to be thinking of observing the political situation for now, just like how he became convinced through the one-on-one talk with Ambassador Lanok,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    It was already 2 am. They couldn¡¯t find a good solution in the end, but Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung looked like they had be much more relieved.

    ¡°You must be tired. You should rest,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please go on ahead. I¡¯ll smoke another cigarette first.¡±

    ¡°Why? I can wait and give you a ride before going home.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. You can head home first. I have to get rid of the cigarette smell before I go home.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin smiled as if saying he understood Kang Chan¡¯s situation, then left with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Going home was the mostfortable thing for Kang Chan. However, if he went home at this hour, then he¡¯d be disturbing Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s sleep. Kang Chan held his phone and thought for a moment, then pressed Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s number.

    After the call rang three times or so¡­

    - Kang Chan!

    His voice sounded livelier than ever.

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - The Namsan Hotel.

    ¡°Did you ther that ce with honey?¡±

    - Where are you? I¡¯lle over.

    Kang Chan decided to go to the hotel instead because it would be extremely difficult to exin where he was and he didn¡¯t want Oh Gwang-Taek to go near his house. Since it was so early in the morning, he arrived at the hotel within five minutes. Its atmosphere was clearly different during the day, seeing as how every table in the lobby currently had lit candles on them.

    ¡°Hyung-nim!¡± Joo Chul-Bum, who was near the club¡¯s front door, ran over and bowed deeply. ¡°Gwang-Taek hyung-nim is in the club. I¡¯ll apany you there.¡±

    ¡°Tell him toe up. It¡¯s noisy there.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Please have a seat.¡±

    On the stairs that led down to the club and near the lobby, gangsters that Kang Chan hadn¡¯t seen before were staring at him while ncing at him.

    When Joo Chul-Bum went down to the club, Kang Chan sat in the lobby. Since he had already drunk coffee beforeing here, he ordered a simple cup of green tea instead.

    A momentter, Oh Gwang-Taek came up the club¡¯s stairs with two middle-aged men.

    Kang Chan got up from his spot out of courtesy.

    ¡°This is Kwon Deuk-Mo hyung-nim, whom I served in the past, and this is An Kang-Min hyung-nim. Hyung-nim, this is Kang Chan, the person I¡¯ve been telling you about,¡± said Oh Gwang-Taek.

    Both of them looked like they were around forty, but their eyes were fierce.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you,¡± said Kwon Deuk-Mo.

    Kang Chan shook the hand that Kwon Deuk-Mo held out.

    ¡°I¡¯m An Kang-Min.¡±

    Kang Chan also shook An Kang-Min¡¯s hand without bowing his head. While people were ncing at them, they sat down.

    The three ordered cold water.

    ¡°Park Ki-Bum of the parking lot gang, the Woo Ak-Sang gang, and even the Shin Yeon-Dong kids this time. Although we can¡¯t help but fight with knives amongst ourselves and get injured, It¡¯ll be troublesome if you keep acting like this with the government behind your back.¡± An Kang-Min frowned.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t order the government to step in, but he couldn¡¯t say that since the situation made it look like he did.

    ¡°The Chinese and Japanese gangs are no joke. The Japanese fuckers in particr basically throw money to gangsters, so now all our youngsters are quitting and going over to Japan. From now on, if any gangster tries to mess with you, tell us or Gwang-Taek first. We¡¯ll take care of them,¡± An Kang-Min continued.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    Kang Chan answered in such a way because Japan could be acting like that due to the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project. Oh Gwang-Taek nced at Kang Chan with eyes that wondered, <i>¡®Why are you being so obedient?¡¯</i>

    ¡°Is there anything that¡¯s irritating you right now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll discuss it with Gwang-Taek if something happens.¡±

    The conversation ended with An Kang-Min nodding.

    The two gangsters stood up. Kang Chang and Oh Gwang-Taek did as well.

    ¡°Kang Chan,¡± Kwon Deuk-Mo called Kang Chan with a gruff voice. ¡°You could say that I¡¯m the actual boss of Honam, and Kang-Min here is the actual boss of Gyeongsang-do. Seoul has be Gwang-Taek¡¯s world now. We¡¯ve ced our bets on you to show the other gangs that we support you. Even if we fight amongst ourselves, let¡¯s not bow our heads down to the money of the Japanese or Chinese.¡±

    He spoke as if gangsters were protecting the country, making Kang Chan smirk.

    ¡°Attend the event next week with Gwang-Taek. Rather than just hearing about you, it would be best for you to show your face to the other gangsters at least once. That way, the other gangsters won¡¯t cause you trouble by ignorantly picking fights with you,¡± Kwon Deuk-Mo continued.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Please be safe on your way home, hyung-nim,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said, then bowed his head.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan ploppled down on the chair.

    ¡°Did something happen?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°About what?¡± Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s question.

    ¡°Not only me, but gangsters around the level of those hyung-nims have a lot of connections with the prosecution, the court ofw, and more, yet I was told that they pulled out and said not to even bring this issue up. Do you have the President¡¯s support or something?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s bullshit.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek feeblyughed, seemingly dumbfounded that Kang Chan chastised him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go down to the club and have a drink,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek offered.

    ¡°No thanks. That ce is too loud.¡±

    ¡°Really? Let¡¯s just go out, then.¡±

    ¡°To where?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a good ce that sells soju across the street.¡±

    Kang Chan was tired, but he didn¡¯t feel like he could sleep.

    ¡°Hey! You should also drink alcohol that a gangster buys you,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek continued.

    Kang Chan nodded, then got up. When they went out through the main entrance, the two employees at the front door bowed their heads low enough to be at the same level as their waists.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to my aunt¡¯s ce so you guys stay here,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek ordered.

    Kang Chan liked that Oh Gwang-Taek stopped his subordinates from following them.

    There was a convenience store to the left of the hotel, and beside it was a shabby store with ¡®Tented Street Stall¡¯ written crudely. This ce only operated at night, so it was nowhere to be found during the day.

    They opened the door and headed inside, and a chubby old woman weed Oh Gwang-Taek. ¡°It¡¯s been a while. What took you so long toe back?¡±

    They sat down at a table and ordered soju, beer, and a couple of drinking snacks. While Oh Gwang-Taek was making a bomb shot, the old woman urgently brought over a few side dishes for them.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been going to this store since I was a kid,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek confessed even though Kang Chan didn¡¯t ask. Oh Gwang-Taek then said, ¡°Let¡¯s drink.¡±

    The two of them emptied their cups in one gulp.

    ¡°Here.¡± Oh Gwang-Taek handed over the second cup to Kang Chan.

    ¡°This is our first time drinking alcohol together, you son of a bitch,¡± Oh Gwang-Taekmented.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    He was clearly joking, so Kang Chan just smiled softly. He immediately frowned right after, though, because the injury on his left arm was throbbing. Yoo Hyun-Woo didn¡¯t say much, but he did tell Kang Chan not to drink alcohol.

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    Wanting to rest for just a day, he continued to drink anyway.

    The look in G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes, Lanok¡¯s expression as he asked Kang Chan to look after Anne, and the word ¡®death¡¯ stamped in red on his old picture was putting him on edge.

    It hadn¡¯t even been twenty minutes, but they had already emptied two bottles of soju and four bottles of beer.

    ¡°You can hold your alcohol, huh?¡± Oh Gwang-Taekmented.

    ¡°Just order more alcohol.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek brought over soju and beer himself with an expression that seemed to say that he knew Kang Chan would act like this.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to change everything I own into cash as you suggested. Take responsibility for my wife and daughter if I get stabbed with a knife after doing this,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    While Kang Chan might not be destined to have any of his own, he now had two daughters to protect.

    As he was wordlessly drinking alcohol¡­

    ¡°Why are you drinking alcohol on an empty stomach? Here! Eat some of this. Are you eating these days?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°I ate. Are there kids that are causing you troubletely?¡±

    ¡°Who would dare to do that?¡±

    The old woman went back to the kitchen again. She treated Oh Gwang-Taek affectionately enough for Kang Chan to think she was actually his mother.

    It seemed like Oh Gwang-Taek felt Kang Chan¡¯s stare, because he said, ¡°There were people that wanted her restaurant¡¯s spot in the past. She¡¯s being nice to me out of gratitude for helping her back then. She¡¯s also like an aunt to me since there was a time when she fed me while I was going through a hard time¡­¡±

    It seemed like Oh Gwang-Taek was getting drunk.

    ¡°Do-Seok still hasn¡¯t regained consciousness. Looking at that fucker makes my heart so heavy. I thought that I shouldn¡¯t let the people sincerely following me get injured like that at least. I would rather get stabbed with a knife than let that happen. Would you understand if I were to say that I can¡¯t stand to see more of my men in that condition?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked, then nked his cup against Kang Chan¡¯s cup and immediately downed the alcohol.

    ¡°I want to open a way for people like Chul-Bum to live and eat properly so that they won¡¯t be like Do-Seok in the future even when I¡¯m no longer there. I¡¯m going topletely get rid of everything that I have, so make sure to really look into what I asked for.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be dangerous if an organization disappears?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking you to look after my wife and daughter when the other gangsters start attacking me.¡±

    Drunk, Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s eyes glinted. ¡°Unlike the other fucking gangsters, I earned money through my business. That¡¯s why I can confidently talk big in Gangnam at this age. The only thing that I¡¯ve learned is to steal, which is why I¡¯ve been leading a rough life in clubs, hotels, or casinos, but it¡¯s hard to have a long life in this field since it¡¯s extremely brutal.¡±

    Kang Chan only listened.

    1. This is the same military academy that was mentioned in book 4 (Sam-Gun Military Academy) but we¡¯re just writing it as ¡®military academy¡¯ as the raws said Military Academy 3 (3????)

    2. In Korean culture, the younger generation is supposed to bow their head as a sign of respect toward the older generation when greeting them and saying goodbye. Kang Chan didn¡¯t bow his head because he isn¡¯t a gangster

    3. Honam is a region in South Korea and can refer to multiple provinces, namely Gwangju, South Jeo and North Jeo

    4. Gyeongsang province is one of the eight provinces in South Korea and is located in the southeast part of the country

    5. Oh Gwang-Taek isn¡¯t actually referring to his aunt here. In Korean culture, people could call others that aren¡¯t actually their family members using family terms as a sign of a close rtionship or as a formality. ¡®Aunt¡¯ ismonly used by customers to refer to female restaurant owners. Other family terms such as uncle, mother, father, sister (unnie), brother (hyung, hyung-nim) etc. could also be used

    6. The Korean word for this is ???? (Pojang machua), which is a small tented restaurant on wheels or street stalls. It sells a variety of dishes and drinks, and people go there to eat and drink alcohol like soju. It can easily be found downtown or on small streets

 Chapter 77.2: Settling a Civil Complaint

    <h4>Chapter 77.2: Settling a Civil Comint</h4>

    Oh Gwang-Taek stumbled at around 4 am. Kang Chan called Joo Chul-Bum, and he urgently ran over with two younger guys.

    ¡°Look after him,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim.¡± Joo Chul-Bum put his hands under Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s armpit, and the other two guys held his legs. They then walked away.

    ¡°How much do I have to pay?¡± Kang Chan asked the old woman.

    ¡°Just give me 50,000 KW.¡±

    The old woman fully filled a cup with a brown liquid and brought it over.

    ¡°It¡¯s brewed oriental raison water. Please drink this before you go,¡± the old woman told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan handed over the money and received the cup.

    ¡°That man has a good heart,¡± the old womanmented.

    Could a gangster really be nice? Kang Chan drank the oriental raison water while suppressing augh.

    ¡°He¡¯s a gangster so he seems to have been in situations where he had to hurt other people, but every time he does, hees here alone, drinks a lot, and cries.¡±

    <i>That fucker did that?</i>

    The old woman looked at Kang Chan as she put the bowl on the tray, then continued, ¡°A lot of people wanted this spot before. He relentlessly protected it all by himself so that I could somehow make a living because he knew that my son wasn¡¯t well.¡±

    The old woman dabbed her tears with her apron, seemingly filled with emotion. ¡°After that, he got as mad as a ho when I said I¡¯m not going to take his money. That¡¯s why I¡¯m also taking 50, 000 KW today. That man would get too upset otherwise. I felt so bad for him when he went up to me and asked if I was rejecting his money because it came from a gangster.¡±

    Kang Chan thought he could understand how she felt.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going. I enjoyed the food,¡± Kang Chan told the old woman.

    ¡°Come visit if you ever find yourself hungry at night. I won¡¯t take your money since I know what you look like.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    Kang Chan left the shop in a good mood. He was thankful to the old woman for saying that.

    He ran into Joo Chul-Bum who was walking out of the hotel when Kang Chan was stepping into the entrance of the hotel.

    ¡°We¡¯ve taken Gwang-Taek hyung-nim to his room. Where do you n on spending the night, hyung-nim?¡±

    ¡°Has that fucker always been a lightweight with alcohol?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He wasining that you¡¯re just an absurdly strong drinker.¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum burst out withughter, then quickly regained his neutral expression.

    Kang Chan immediately went up to his room. When heid in bed, the tiredness that had been hiding swiftly engulfed him.

    ***

    Kang Chan woke up around 7 am. He felt refreshed, which was good, but his left arm didn¡¯t feel right. Kang Chan had no choice but to shower with his left arm raised after wrapping it with a towel over the bandages.

    <i>¡®Is this fucker sleeping?¡¯</i>

    Yesterday, Joo Chul-Bum had taken the clothes that Kang Chan took off, saying he was going to take them to the dry cleaners. As Kang Chan thought about what to do for a moment, the phone rang.

    - Hyung-nim, are you awake?

    ¡°I¡¯ve just finished showering.¡±

    - An employee had gone up to your room but came back down because they thought you were still sleeping. I¡¯ll be right up.

    A momentter, Joo Chul-Bum brought over the clothes.

    ¡°Gwang-Taek hyung-nim is waiting at the restaurant.¡±

    ¡°Has he pulled himself together?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He worriedly asked if we properly looked after you.¡±

    They went downstairs while smirking. A female manage of the restaurant then apanied Kang Chan to Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s table, who raised his hand while looking embarrassed upon noticing him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about yesterday,¡± said Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°I drank alcohol in a good mood. Let¡¯s go there again next time.¡±

    An employee brought over food, and the two of them ate breakfast.

    ¡°I¡¯ve essentially cleared away everything that I have, so I have about twenty billion won,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek told Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯s filthy fucking rich for a gangster.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because my stake at the casino and the hotel are expensive,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek urgently swallowed the food and drank water, perhaps because he was choking up.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that gangsters from either China or Japan were going toe to Seoul if you leave it behind?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Then wait for now, but don¡¯t do something that¡¯ll get you in trouble.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked like he didn¡¯t understand what Kang Chan just said. The Chinese and Japanese forces had to be stopped one way or another until the announcement was made. Even if so, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t exin the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ business to him.

    ¡°I¡¯m just saying that we shouldn¡¯t allow Seoul be engulfed by fights right now,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t take away businesses in vain like what happens in movies.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek smiled as if he found him absurd.

    ***

    Kang Chan parted ways with Oh Gwang-Taek and immediately headed to the hospital.

    He waited for a moment, then met Yoo Hun-Woo and got the bandages on his left arm removed.

    ¡°Jeez!¡± Yoo Hun-Woo frowned. ¡°It festered. How are the other injuries?¡±

    ¡°I showered two times, and there weren¡¯t any problems with them.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t drink any alcohol, did you?¡±

    When Kang Chan didn¡¯t answer, Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s expression became stern. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, this injury was severe enough to show the bone. If you were an average person, it would¡¯ve been enough to put you in the hospital for two months.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful next time.¡±

    After his injuries were disinfected and wrapped in bandages, Kang Chan got two shots. He felt relieved when Yoo Hun-Woo treated him.

    After going out of the hospital, Kang Chan talked to Yoo Hye-Sook, then Seok Kang-Ho. Kang Chan told him toe out as he was wearing a suit and a shirt.

    He met Seok Kang-Ho at a specialty coffee shop that was located between the hospital and the school. Kang Chan told him everything that had happened in the past two days.

    ¡°What¡¯s the n?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°Let¡¯s observe the situation for now since it could reveal the reason we reincarnated.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to go back, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    Even if Kang Chan went back to the moment he got shot in the neck, his neck would still be in pain, and he¡¯d still die.

    ¡°Wait. Wouldn¡¯t that fucker Smithen know something?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Would he know anything special when he just got dragged around?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just meet him.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a bad idea.¡±

    The time hade for Kang Chan to meet Smithen again. Smithen was such a simple guy he¡¯d rattle on about things Kang Chan didn¡¯t even know about even if he didn''t ask directly.

    ¡°I want to see G¨¦rard, that fucker,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°You¡¯d be surprised.¡±

    ¡°How different could that little fucking brat be?¡±

    Kang Chan leisurely told him he got instant coffee from G¨¦rard and that he still had Kang Chan¡¯s lighter.

    ¡°That fucker! That just makes me want to see him even more now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    That topic ended there. They chatted for about an hour more and had a simple lunch.

    ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m already here anyway, so I¡¯m nning on going to where the trainees are practicing the script.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll head back to the school to teach the kids. Right, you shoulde to our house. Is next week okay?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    Kang Chan talked to Michelle on the phone as he got up. He then took a taxi to Yeouido. On the way, the people on the radio continued to have conversations that strongly condemned the issue of sending money to North Korea. The taxi driver tried to talk to him a few times, but Kang Chan pretended not to notice and didn¡¯t say anything.

    When he arrived at the SBC broadcasting station, Michelle was sitting on a chair in the lobby. She ran over while smiling brightly.

    ¡°Boss!¡±

    She now had the habit of throwing herself into his arms.

    ¡°You look really cool today!¡± Michelle looked him up and down with admiration on her face. As she did, she hung the pass on his jacket. The script practice room was on the third floor.

    ¡°It¡¯s here.¡± Michelle opened the door and led Kang Chan inside.

    ¡°Hello!¡± Eun So-Yeon and the trainees got up and greeted Kang Chan.

    ¡°Boss, meet Pyo Min-Gook, the director.¡±

    Pyo Min-Gook looked somewhat feminine and seemed to be in his mid-forties. He held out his hand with a kind-looking smile. Kang Chan then greeted the writer, an actor that was said to be quite famous, and the rest of the staff.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee, Mr. President?¡± Eun So-Yeon came toward him, but Kang Chan shook his head. He had drunk too much of it since yesterday, and he even drank more with Oh Gwang-Taek and Seok Kang-Ho beforeing here.

    ¡°How are you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m working hard,¡± Eun So-Yeon looked happy.

    The inner part of the room had a friendly atmosphere. The inner part of the room had a friendly atmosphere. In fact, even the highly reputed actors were polite and didn''t grumble at Kang Chan, who was the President of a drama productionpany.

    ¡°You look good,¡± Kang Chan told Eun So-Yeon.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Do you need anything?¡±

    ¡°Um, I want to have a group dinner with the people here.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Michelle. There was no way that she didn¡¯t have money, but she looked like she wanted him to pay for it as the President anyway.

    ¡°Alright. Decide on a reasonable ce and time with Michelle.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President,¡± Eun So-Yeon happily answered.

    Kang Chan greeted everyone. Afterward, he went down to the lobby with Michelle and sat on the sofa. At that moment, his phone rang. It was Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Yes, mother.¡±

    - Hi Channy! Can you talk?

    Yoo Hye-Sook sounded like she was feeling very awkward.

    ¡°Yes. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    - Um, are you at the broadcasting station?

    ¡°Huh? How did you know?¡±

    - It seems like my friend and her daughter are in the area. I got a call asking me to allow them to greet you. If you can¡¯t, I¡¯ll just tell them you¡¯re busy.

    <i>Does she need to be this apologetic to her son?</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Please tell them toe see me. I¡¯ll meet and take care of them.¡±

    - I¡¯m sorry, Channy.

    ¡°As I said, it¡¯s alright.¡±

    After Kang Chan ended the call, he told Michelle about his situation.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve told me something like that earlier,¡± said Michelle.

    ¡°Would it be a problem?¡±

    ¡°There are about three to four empty roles. Or we can just create one. A lot of actors ask to just appear on dramas with the condition that they return the base performance fee.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want that to happen.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± The look in Michelle¡¯s eyes showed she was getting horny, but a middle-aged woman and a daughter arrived in front of Kang Chan while hesitating.

    ¡°Um¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes? Are you the one that called my mother?¡± Kang Chan asked the middle-aged woman.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Did she tell you?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Please speakfortably to me.¡±

    ¡°Oh jeez! That¡¯s not right.¡±

    Kang Chan politely greeted her and her daughter. She looked average, but Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s honor was on the line.

    Kang Chan introduced them to Michelle so they wouldn¡¯t be upset, and the sly Michelle pretended to barely understand Korean.

    ¡°She said you shoulde to the office tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Thank you! Thank you!¡± The mother and daughter profusely thanked Kang Chan. They then left the broadcasting station with bright expressions.

    ¡°Since she¡¯s only filming a few episodes, we¡¯ll just hand over the script for those parts. She¡¯ll have to train intensively. There won¡¯t be a lot of instances where she would be with our trainees either,¡± Michelle told Kang Chan. She¡¯d take care of it and do a good job.

    Kang Chan got up from his spot.

    ¡°Boss, can you spare some time on the weekend?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I want to drink beer.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Michelle went into his arms with a bright expression, so he stroked his back before leaving the broadcasting station. He was now thinking of going home and resting.

    After going out of the broadcasting station¡¯s entrance, he walked over to a taxi.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s this? Is it because I¡¯m tired?¡¯</i>

    He was strangely irritated, so Kang Chan looked around his surroundings.

    1. oriental raison water, or ???, is a hardy fruit tree found in Asia that helps treat hangovers. Its scientific name is Hovenia Dulcis.

    2. This is based on the idea that actors with good reputations may also be a snob and won''t talk to other people, especially those who aren''t celebrities like Kang Chan. But they''re nice to him because he''s a president of apany in their industry and they have no reason to be rude to him

 Chapter 78.1: Iéˆ¥æª’l Make you Regret it (1)

    <h4>Chapter 78.1: I¡¯ll Make you Regret it (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan got in a taxi and held up his phone on the way home. He was in a crucial situation, so he couldn¡¯t just overlook this ufortable feeling while pretending to not notice.

    - Monsieur Kang, the ambassador is doing an interview.

    This gentleman also led a very busy life.

    ¡°Put Louis on the phone.¡±

    .

    - Please wait for a moment.

    The agents began treating Kang Chan as their superior after the golf club incident. Their response was now different from just respecting his rtionship with Lanok.

    - Monsieur Kang, it¡¯s Louis.

    ¡°Louis, do you believe in your gut feeling?¡±

    - I¡¯m not sure what you mean.

    A businesslike voice came over the phone after Louis hesitated.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a good feeling about today. This is simr to how I felt at the golf club. Can you tell me the ambassador¡¯s schedule for today?¡±

    - Please wait for a moment.

    Over the phone, he heard Louis say, ¡°give me the schedule.¡¯ There was no way that the chief of security wouldn¡¯t be aware of Lanok¡¯s schedule. Louis was checking if it had any suspicious parts.

    - Monsieur Kang, he has four interviews in the embassy, a lecture in the cultural center, and an interview with the foreign vice-minister today. They¡¯re all conducted in the embassy aside from the lecture, but the cultural center is just right next to the embassy. Yoo Bi-Corp is in charge of guarding the perimeter, and I¡¯m in charge of the ambassador¡¯s personal security detail.

    Kang Chan found nothing suspicious about Lanok¡¯s schedule.

    ¡°Louis, if by any chance his schedule suddenly changes or if there¡¯s a new schedule where he has to go out of the embassy, then use my name to cancel it for now.¡±

    - Copy that.

    Kang Chan had talked to Louis in French. The taxi driver nced at Kang Chan through the rearview mirror. If it wasn¡¯t Lanok, then who was it? Kang Chan called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, Is my family safe?¡±

    - What¡¯s the matter? Did something happen?

    ¡°I have a bad feeling about this day. Please check on the security team, and can you tell them to be a bit more careful today?¡±

    - Understood. Are you okay? Choi Jong-Il, the leader, is at Yoo Bi-Corp right now. Should I send him to you?

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way home right now, so please don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    - I¡¯ll contact you after I inspect the situation.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that.¡±

    This much precaution should be enough. He just had to contact one more person.

    Kang Chan leisurely called Seok Kang-Ho.

    - How can I help you?

    ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve got a bad feeling about today, so don¡¯t let your guard down.¡±

    - Is it me again?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m just feeling the same way I did the morning we went to the golf club. Be careful for now and be on standby just in case.¡±

    - Alright.

    No one trusted Kang Chan¡¯s gut feeling as much as Seok Kang-Ho.

    With thatst phone call, Kang Chan essentially secured everyone. The only ones left were Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung. As soon as he arrived home, Kang Chan was thinking of staying with Yoo Hye-Sook and asking Kang Dae-Kyung to buy them dinner. If he did that, he wouldn¡¯t have to worry about them anymore.

    The midday sunlight flooded into the taxi through the window as the driver bobbed his head to the upbeat music from the radio. Instead of getting annoyed that there was traffic, the driver¡¯s current actions felt much morefortable to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you a security guard?¡± the taxi driver asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m not. I took on that job just for a few days.¡±

    ¡°You spoke a foreignnguage fluently. Are you sure you¡¯re not working as a security guard for the Blue House or something like that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±

    The taxi driver again bobbed his head to the music with a bored expression. Why would the fact that Kang Chan was a security guard matter to a person that drove taxis?

    Kang Chan thought about going home after smoking a cigarette, but he immediately got out of the taxi at the apartment because he was worried about Yoo Hye-Sook.

    <i>¡®Why am I so sleepy?¡¯</i>

    Now that he thought about it, he remembered the shot that he got in the morning. It was 5 pm.

    Kang Chan opened the front door and went inside. Yoo Hye-Sook walked toward him with interest.

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You went through a lot, didn¡¯t you?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    He couldn¡¯t believe being in Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s arms could be this cozy.

    If she really knew what had happened, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to greet him like this. Rather, she would¡¯ve been worried.

    ¡°I got a call from my friend. She said that her daughter got to participate in a drama because you took care of them. You didn¡¯t lose face because of me or something like that, did you?¡±

    ¡°Nah, not really. Michelle said it wasn¡¯t that difficult to make it happen.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Can you tell Michelle that I¡¯m going to buy dinner for her someday?¡±

    ¡°Will do.¡±

    Should Kang Chan just go out with Yoo Hye-Sook when he was going to drink beer with Michelle on the weekend? Kang Chan smiled to himself and went to his room. He then changed and plopped onto the bed.

    He felt much better. He was leisurely looking at the ceiling of his room, which hadn¡¯t happened in a long time.

    <i>Hopefully,?the day will pass smoothly.</i>

    Kang Chan fell asleep.

    Yoo Hye-Sook woke Kang Chan up while telling him to have dinner. The house¡¯s interior was cool because of the air conditioner, which hadn¡¯t been turned on in a long time.

    <i>¡®Oh shoot!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan had forgotten about Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Did father say he was going toe homete?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°He went to Yongin, so he¡¯d probably bete. They¡¯re opening a new showroom there.¡±

    Since a showroom was being opened, it was certainly worth going to Kang Dae-Kyung. Kang Chan felt mentally and physically refreshed now that he had gotten good sleep. It was as if the effects of the medicine had disappeared.

    <i>¡®Should I go to Yongin?¡¯</i>

    There wasn¡¯t a problem with protecting Kang Dae-Kyung, but if something happened in Seoul, then it would take too long for Kang Chan to return.

    After they peacefully ate dinner, Kang Chan went into his room and called Kim Hyung-Jung to ask him about Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s current location and situation. Ufortable with just staying home, he changed into a nice suit and a shirt after the call. He then went out to the living room.

    ¡°Are you going somewhere?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to see my father.¡±

    ¡°Your dad?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes widened as she looked at him, seemingly finding his answer unexpected.

    ¡°I¡¯m nning on surprising him.¡±

    ¡°Sure! Your dad is going to be very happy.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going anywhere?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Where would I go thiste in the evening? I¡¯m just going to watch a soap opera that I liketer.¡±

    Kang Chan felt the most relieved when she was at home. He smiled at her and left the house.

    Now that he thought about it,muting would be annoying. At times like this, it would be best to call Seok Kang-Ho.

    - What¡¯s going on?

    ¡°Give me a ride to Yongin.¡±

    - Alright. Where are you?

    ¡°I¡¯m outside. I¡¯ll see you at the exit of the basement parking lot.¡±

    - Alright.

    Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t even ask why he was going to Yongin. Kang Chan walked busily and went to the basement parking lot entrance of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s apartment.

    A momentter, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s ¡®Chiffre¡¯ quickly went out of the exit. Kang Chan got in the car and set up the location in the navigation system. They left immediately.

    ¡°How do you feel about this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Can my gut feelings be right all the time?¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, it was back in Africa.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smiled slyly when Kang Chan nced at him.

    ¡°I was feeling stuffy at home, so I¡¯m d you called me,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    This guy was clearly unfit to be a family man.

    ¡°I want to live peacefully after quickly announcing the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project. Look at Lanok¨Cis that how a person should live?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°A lot of people are jealous of that life.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather just go to Gapyeong with you every now and then.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan with curiosity.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you in your heyday? Your body is in twelfth grade, and your mind is about thirty years old, so you should think about women as well. Aren¡¯t there times when you just be horny?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    <i>Is that supposed to happen?</i>

    ¡°I haven¡¯t felt that way yet since I reincarnated¡­ as a matter of fact, I would¡¯ve had time to do that if my body was normal.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho shook his head as if saying that he felt sorry for him. ¡°You should get tested for that instead of taking a biopsy of your arm.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    <i>Why is this fucker being so persistent today?</i>

    ¡°Let¡¯s live in peace. We had no choice but to live tireless lives in the past, but we don¡¯t have to do that now. You should spend some money and eat delicious food. You pretend not to, but it seems to me that you haven¡¯t let go of your past life yet. You earned that money with your capabilities, so you should relieve your body and mind. Is there really no woman that you want to sleep with?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    A woman he wanted to sleep with? The moment he thought of her, it would be a crime.

    <i>Wait, this fucker is making me think about something else!</i>

 Chapter 78.2: Iéˆ¥æª’l Make you Regret it (1)

    <h4>Chapter 78.2: I¡¯ll Make you Regret it (1)</h4>

    When Kang Chan sharply turned his gaze, Seok Kang-Ho suddenly held out a cigarette.

    ¡°There¡¯s a weird look in your eyes again,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho.

    This man was clearly evolving.

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    ¡°Just light your cigarette!¡±

    Kang Chan handed over one of the two matches that he had lit up to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Do you know what the look in your eyes was like when we were talking about G¨¦rard?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    It was already dark, so the air from outside the window wasn¡¯t hot.

    ¡°You looked like a homesick new recruit. You deny it, but don¡¯t you want to go back?¡±

    <i>Is that true?</i>

    ¡°If you like Mi-Young, then just tell her that you like her. You¡¯re still in high school, so you can sleep with her after you graduate. Either way, find a ce to put your heart in aside from your parents. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯d get a postcard someday that says, ¡®I¡¯m writing this on my way to Africa,¡¯ when I wake up.¡±

    Kang Chan nkly got lost in his thoughts. Did he really want to go back to Africa? Even though they had already gotten their revenge on Shan?

    Didn¡¯t he shake his head because Yoo Hye-Sook came across his mind before anything else when he saw the word ¡®death¡¯ on the ne?

    ¡°If you want to¡­¡± Seok Kang-Ho woke Kang Chan up from his thoughts.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t think that you can endure living like this and you really want to go back to Africa, then be cold and go. It¡¯s your life, and you have the right to live it as you see fit,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    Kang Chan stared at Seok Kang-Ho. He couldn¡¯t even recall Dayeru¡¯s past appearance. The face that was beside him was Dayeru and Seok Kang-Ho at the same time.

    ¡°I want to see you be happy now. But if you¡¯re going to leave, then do it quickly. Don¡¯t even bother telling me about it. I don¡¯t want to cling to you while crying and screaming,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    When Kang Chanughed out loud, Seok Kang-Ho showed his peculiar smile andughed as well.

    Would Kang Chan be happy if he went to Africa? As a new recruit under G¨¦rard?

    G¨¦rard bing a captain meant that, with the exception of a few guys that went to another military camp, all of the people above him had died.

    Kang Chan shook his head. He didn¡¯t want that kind of life.

    On the contrary, he also knew that the wound from his past hadn¡¯tpletely disappeared from his heart. He could be intentionally avoiding loving someone and taking responsibility for them because he was afraid that he¡¯d be like his past father.

    Kang Chan sighed deeply.

    <i>What am I doing when even Dayeru is evolving?</i>

    Anyway, it felt like he had finally put down one of the burdens he had been carrying with difficulty.

    They soon arrived at their destination in Yongin while chuckling. After they had parked, Kang Chan called someone, and an agent approached them.

    ¡°He¡¯s having a group dinner at the Korean restaurant over there, but it¡¯s almost done. There are about twenty people eating with him including the salespeople, but we haven¡¯t seen anything suspicious,¡± the agent told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Have you guys had dinner yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We had a simple meal.¡±

    ¡°Go and have a proper meal.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll rest for twenty-four hours after rotating shifts tomorrow morning.¡±

    Kang Chan liked that the agent didn¡¯t look inattentive. He returned to the car, and Seok Kang-Ho soon came back as well. He had bought a cup of coffee.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you going into the restaurant?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°What a cheap fucker.¡±

    ¡°I only bought one because I thought you were going into the restaurant. I was going to drink this on my way home. I¡¯ll go buy another one.¡±

    ¡°We can just share. Give me a cigarette.¡±

    What use was there to go into the restaurant right now and making the employees ufortable? If nothing special happened, then he was thinking of meeting Kang Dae-Kyung like he only found the restaurant after the group dinner.

    They took turns drinking the coffee as they smoked a cigarette each. Simr to how the inner part of the alley that the car was parked at was the ¡®food alley¡¯, the smell of food and all sorts of flyers littered the area.

    Seok Kang-Ho leaned over and groaned. ¡°Do I need to sacrifice myself for the captain?¡±

    On the piece of paper about the size of a business card was a naked woman covering her chest and groin.

    ¡°That¡¯s nasty. Throw it away,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Look at this. You¡¯re ill, in all respects. Let¡¯s go to the hospital.¡±

    Was this guy tired? They chuckled as Seok Kang-Ho threw the flyer behind the car.

    ¡°Go home first,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°As I said before, I¡¯m only going to get bored if I go home now. I¡¯ll just wait when there¡¯s less traffic and take my time on my way back. Anyway, this ce is heaven. There''s massage parlors next to each other.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re tired, aren¡¯t you? If you¡¯re acting like this because you want to do stupid things by using me as an excuse, then snap out of it now,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? I¡¯m satisfied with my current wife.¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan followed Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gaze and looked at a massage parlor. As its neon sign shed and turned on¡­

    <i>What¡¯s that?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze stopped at the van by the side of the massage parlor. He knew what happened inside it, so a bunch of guys could¡¯ve just gone in. Still, it was weird to see huge men cramped up and waiting in a car. If it weren¡¯t for the light of the massage parlor¡¯s sign, it would¡¯ve been difficult to spot them.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s expression had sharpened, Seok Kang-Ho followed Kang Chan¡¯s gaze to the van. The silhouettes of the people inside it were only clearly visible when the neon sign was at its brightest.

    ¡°Why are those guys sitting in there like that?¡± It seemed like Seok Kang-Ho also thought they were acting weird.

    ¡°Could they have seen us?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    ¡°It¡¯s only been twenty minutes at most since we arrived, so it would still be too early to be suspicious of us. Your clothes also suit this ce.¡±

    Still, their car was a ¡®Chiffre¡¯ of all things. If they were here to attack Kang Dae-Kyung, then they had likely quickly caught on.

    ¡°Park this car on the opposite side of the massage parlor. If something happens, then I¡¯m going to go home in my father¡¯s car, so follow behind it, said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho left, Kang Chan crossed the street at a crosswalk while calling an agent.

    - We¡¯re on standby.

    ¡°How many of you are there?¡±

    - There are three of us.

    ¡°Listen carefully. There¡¯s a massage parlor on the road next to the Korean restaurant. The van next to it seems suspicious. I don¡¯t know for sure, but there¡¯s likely another car. I just don¡¯t see it. I¡¯ll go over there and pretend to buy cigarettes to examine that area. You should check out the other side.

    - Understood.

    When the signal turned to ¡®walk,¡¯ Kang Chan crossed the pedestrianne and passed by the van. As he did, he quickly counted seven heads in the vicinity, but there could be more.

    Kang Chan went into the convenience store and bought a cigarette and lighter. As he was looking into the drink partition while pretending to rx, his phone rang. It was Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What?¡±

    - Where are you? The van left!

    <i>The van?</i>

    - Come out quick! Your father has already left!

    ¡°Come to the front of the massage parlor!¡±

    Kang Chan hung up the phone and ran out of the convenience store, As Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car stopped in front of the store, his phone rang again.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Your father has left.

    ¡°Where is he?!¡±

    - He¡¯s headed toward Seoul. If he continues at this pace, he¡¯ll soon be at the entrance of the highway. We still haven¡¯t found any vehicle other than the van.

    ¡°We¡¯re on our way.¡±

    The sudden change in situation flustered Kang Chan, but it was difficult to pull tricks on the side of the street.

    ¡°He said my father is headed to Seoul,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be difficult to create an ident here.¡±

    ¡°Right?¡±

    They were on a twone road.

    <i>Beep! Screech!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho was going to overtake the car in the front, but he urgently turned the steering wheel after looking at the truck.

    <i>It would be okay, right? This road has quite a lot of traffic, and three agents are tailing him, so it''s going to be okay.</i>

    They were on a twone road that went around to exit to the highway, and there were a lot of freight trucks that made it difficult to overtake the car up front.

    <i>Beep!</i>

    The moment when arge container truck passed by them¡­

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank. The few seconds it took for him to take out his phone and press the call button felt like hours.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Who¡¯s driving my father¡¯s car?¡±

    - It looks like he called a recement driver.

    ¡°How far away are you from him?¡±

    - Thirty meters, and there are four cars in between us.

    ¡°Is there a truck behind my father¡¯s car?¡±

    - There¡¯s a van right behind the ¡®Chiffre¡¯, and there¡¯s a truck behind that van.

    ¡°The truck might push my father¡¯s car if the van changesnes! Get in between them no matter what and stop the truck from pushing!¡±

    <i>Screech!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho was going to overtake the car in front of him, but he returned to hisne again while gritting his teeth.

    <i>Vrooom!</i>

    The car swiftly shot forward, enough for their heads to be pushed back.

    High beams continuously came toward them from the other side of thene, but Seok Kang-Ho forced ahead.

    <i>Beep! Beep!?</i>

    Headlights shed.

    <i>Screeeech!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho cut in between two cars, and the cars behind them consecutively and urgently pressed on the brakes.

    That seemed to have angered the driver behind them, seeing as how their car¡¯s headlights shed twice.

    ¡°Over there!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled.

    As they turned a corner, Kang Chan saw the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ at the front. At that moment, the van shot forward from the corner to the side of the ¡®Chiffre.¡¯

    <i>No!</i>

    A car sprang forward from behind the truck. It was clearly the agents¡¯.

    <i>Screech!</i>

    A van cut in front of the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ while it was turning the corner, and a car bent over backward and turned the corner while brushing past the front of the truck.

    <i>Crack! Crash! Crash!</i>

    1. A ¡®food alley¡¯ (????) refers to an alley where a lot of restaurants and bars are clustered together

    2. In South Korea, there are people called ¡®recement drivers¡¯ who bring inebriated people and their cars to their homes. It is an actual upation

 Chapter 79: Iéˆ¥æª’l Make you Regret it (2)

    <h4>Chapter 79: I¡¯ll Make you Regret it (2)</h4>

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    The horrible sound of a collision rang out, and white smoke rose from the front. Seok Kang-Ho drove out to thene on the opposite side, while the truck stopped amid its turn into the corner.

    <i>Screech!</i>

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho ran out at the same time.

    People got out of the van and the car in front. They then pounced on the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ that Kang Dae-Kyung was in.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan threw himself toward the man standing by the seat behind the passenger seat.

    <i>Whish!</i>

    They were equipped with knives, so Kang Chan violently struck his target¡¯s face with his right elbow and grabbed his wrist.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    Kang Chan twisted his opponent¡¯s wrist, causing it to lose strength, and took away his knife.

    <i>Slice! Slice! Slice!</i>

    He then swiftly sliced his opponent¡¯s wrist, forearm, and left eye.

    ¡°Gaaahh!¡±

    <i>Crash!</i>

    ¡°Gahh!¡±

    On the other side of the car, Seok Kang-Ho had shoved someone against the car. He was consecutively slicing his opponent¡¯s shoulder, waist, and thigh.

    ¡°Kill them!¡± One of the enemies yelled. People wielding filet knives and iron pipes simultaneously ran toward them.

    <i>Slice!</i>

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan cut the wrist of the man that pounced at him, then pulled another man¡¯s cor. How could they try to kill Kang Dae-Kyung? He was powerless!

    <i>Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan stabbed a knife into someone¡¯s side and ran it through his body toward the armpit.

    ¡°Gahh! Gah! Gaahh!¡±

    <i>Whish!</i>

    Meanwhile, another opponent swung a knife at him.

    <i>Pow.</i>

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    As the man with the stabbed forearm twisted around, two more swung their knives at Kang Chan.

    <i>Whish!?Whish!</i>

    If Kang Chan got overpowered here, Kang Dae-Kyung wouldn¡¯t be able to survive.

    <i>Slice! Slice!</i>

    ¡°Huh? W-what?¡± The two men asked in shock. They stepped back while applying pressure on their slit necks.

    <i>Pak!</i>

    Blood fountained out in between their fingers.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Another swung a knife at Kang Chan. Kang Chan grabbed the attacker¡¯s arm and sliced his wrist, armpit, neck, and eyes.

    <i>Pit! Slice! Pit! Pit! Pit!</i>

    ¡°Gaahh!¡±

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    At that moment, another enemy pounced at Kang Chan.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    As Kang Chan bumped against the ss window, he stabbed the person¡¯s back multiple times so fast the knife wasn¡¯t even visible anymore.

    Kang Dae-Kyung could be watching him. Kang Chan had to suppress his anger, but he got so enraged it was as if he was going to go crazy. He quickly twisted the knife that he had stabbed into the guy¡¯s back.

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    Three more opponents pounced on Kang Chan.

    <i>Slice! Pit! Pit! Pit! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan instantly got through the three, making the rest of them hesitate.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?!¡±

    They were speaking Japanese. Kang Chan red at someone yelling ¡°It¡¯s toote! Stop!¡±

    The guys got in the van and car, dragging their injured with them. The people that came over to see what was going on ran away after shuddering at the horrible sight.

    Kang Chan first checked on Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s forearm was bleeding, but it didn¡¯t look life-threatening.

    ¡°Check on the agents,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan opened the back door of the ¡®Chiffre.¡¯ Kang Dae-Kyung was looking at Kang Chan with surprise in his eyes.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung nodded despite looking stunned.

    Kang Chan stood upright and examined the surroundings. Their intense battle¡¯s aftermath required an ambnce and a tow truck. However, it was weirdly way too quiet.

    Kang Chan looked behind him. Seok Kang-Ho was trying to open a crushed car door. The white car waspletely crushed in between the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ and the truck.

    After about three minutes passed since the cars of the enemy had left¡­

    The sound of an ambnce siren rang out.

    ¡°Daye! Leave it and get the car!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at the car with a sad expression and then walked forward.

    <i>Oh shoot!</i>

    To Kang Dae-Kyung, Seok Kang-Ho was just a P.E. teacher. Kang Chan bent down from the waist and held out his hand to Kang Dae-Kyung. ¡°Father, please get in that car for now.¡±

    His hands and sleeves were soaked with the blood of his enemies.

    Kang Dae-Kyung was stupefied and couldn¡¯t walk properly. He had lost strength in his legs partly due to the ident and mainly because of the shock of witnessing the fight that urred afterward.

    ¡°Please get in quick,¡± Kang Chan said again.

    Kang Chan seated Kang Dae-Kyung in the backseat, then looked at the driver¡¯s seat.

    ¡°Please go to the hospital for now, and give me a call when you get there,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    When Kang Chan turned away after hearing Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s answer, Kang Dae-Kyung grabbed Kang Chan¡¯s arm. ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I have something to sort out at the back of the road. I¡¯ll be with you after I¡¯ve taken care of it.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung shook his head.

    Kang Chan looked straight into Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Father, please go with Mr. Seok Kang-Ho for now. I have to look after the people that stopped the truck from the back.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re going to follow us immediately, right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes. If you stay at the hospital, I¡¯ll go there.¡±

    From the front, the police officers and medical workers ran over.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, please go to the Bang Ji Hospital if you¡¯re not too injured. And please contact President Kim Tae-Jin and tell him to send more employees to the hospital,¡± said Kang Chan.

    After he closed the car door, Kang Chan walked to the car that the agents were in. Two police officers were clinging onto the car door and were trying to open it. Beyond the broken ss, the three agents could be seen. They were all over the car and were covered in blood.

    <i>¡®They hadn¡¯t even had a proper dinner yet.¡¯</i>

    Why did he think about that at this moment? The tow truck driver brought over the equipment. On one side, the cars slowly moved ording to the police officer¡¯s hand signals.

    Kang Chan went to the truck. The door was wide open, and the driver¡¯s seat was empty. He then went to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s ¡®Chiffre.¡¯ Beside it was a middle-aged man sitting on the road. He got startled upon seeing Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you that car¡¯s driver?¡± Kang Chan asked the man.

    ¡°Huh? Oh, yes, yes. I did.¡±

    This person was indeed just a recement driver.

    ¡°Have you been paid yet?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°No, but it¡¯s fine.¡±

    Kang Chan took out 100,000 KW from his wallet and gave it to the driver.

    ¡°Please make sure to go to the hospital and contact Kang Yoo Motors if you¡¯re hurt anywhere,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you. Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan walked out to one side, then held his phone.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, I¡¯m at Yongin. The three agents guarding my father are severely injured. They might¡­¡±

    - Understood. What¡¯s your exact location?

    Surprisingly, Kim Hyung-Jung sounded calm.

    ¡°My father has left for the Bang Ji Hospital with Seok Kang-Ho. I¡¯m at the outskirts of Yongin. I don¡¯t know the exact name of this road, but it¡¯s headed to Seoul.¡±

    - Has the police arrived?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    - I¡¯ll find out your location, then I¡¯ll contact you.

    After Kang Chan ended the call, he called Oh Gwang-Taek.

    - Kang Chan? How can I help you? Do you want to drink again?

    He didn¡¯t even know why Kang Chan called. He just seemed genuinely happy to hear from him.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek, let me ask for a favor.¡±

    - What is it? You asking for a favor scares me.

    ¡°My father was attacked today at Yongin. Find the people who did it.¡±

    - What? What did you say just now?

    ¡°Some people attacked my father at the Yongin-Seoul boundary. They crashed into the back of his car with a truck, then thronged over with two vehicles¡ªa van and a sedan. There was a Japanese guy involved. Can you find them?¡±

    - What about you? No, wait, your father! Is your father safe?

    ¡°Three employees either died or are in critical conditions. As you requested, I¡¯ll make it so that the institutions don''t get involved. But find the people who did this.¡±

    Kang Chan heard the sound of a quiet sigh across the phone.

    - Hang up. I¡¯ll find them as fast as I can and let you know.

    Kang Chan smirked after he hung up the phone.

    Sons of bitches. They followed the Japanese¡¯s orders and tried to kill Kang Dae-Kyung even though they didn¡¯t have any resentment toward him.

    <i>You guys messed with the wrong person.</i>

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan got a call from Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, the video that was taken at the time of the ident is being uploaded on the Inte. Please leave the scene for now.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    - It seems like there were people that were recording the scene with their phones. We¡¯re trying to conduct a media ckout about it, but it¡¯s difficult to delete videos that are personally being uploaded. It¡¯s hard for the National Intelligence Service to publicly do something due to the whole incident revolving around money being sent to North Korea, so please leave the scene for now. If you stay there, you¡¯re definitely going to prison.

    ¡°What about Seok Kang-Ho?¡±

    - I already called him. We¡¯ll take action as soon as he arrives at the Bang Ji Hospital. You should really leave the area now.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    How could videos be uploaded already? It hadn¡¯t even been that long since the cars were moved after the incident happened.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s voice strangelyforted him.

    - Don¡¯t worry about the Bang Ji Hospital. They haven''t arrived yet, but thirty of our employees are surrounding its perimeters, and I sent another ten employees to guard their room. I also stationed twenty more employees in front of the apartment as a precaution.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    - I heard from Hyung-Jung. Leave immediately and stay somewhere safe in Yongin. I¡¯m leaving now, so I¡¯ll arrive in forty minutes.

    ¡°I¡¯m going.¡±

    - Kang Chan, if something happens to you now, then everything will go awry. I also can¡¯t stand to see the members of mypany getting injured. We didn¡¯t cause this, so let''s avoid others until my friend takes care of everything. We should just watch from afar.

    Kang Chan heard the sound of a car starting up. It was difficult to refuse this kind of sincerity.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll call you after finding a ce to stay in.¡±

    - Be quick. I¡¯ll see you in a bit.

    Kang Chan hung up the phone, looked around his surroundings, and found the recement driver getting in the van.

    ¡°Mister!¡±

    Kang Chan called out to him, and the man turned his head in surprise.

    ¡°Please give me a ride as well!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°Sure! Come quickly!¡±

    Despite being surprised, the man gave Kang Chan an amicable look.

    Kang Chan quickly went over and got in the van. The driver said that he was a recement driver and that he should be paid for this. When Kang Chan handed him 50,000 KW for both of them, the driver got excited and said that he¡¯d even go to Seoul if Kang Chan gave him another 50,000 KW.

    ¡°They told me to go to the police station tomorrow,¡± the recement driver told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please go and tell them what you saw.¡±

    ¡°Alright. But the people that left first¡­¡±

    Kang Chan smirked at the man. ¡°What just happened has nothing to do with you and is already over, so please don¡¯t worry too much.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± the man answered as he nced at Kang Chan. Kang Chan followed the man¡¯s gaze on his upper body, finding bloodstains all over it. It didn¡¯t look too bad since his shirt was ck, but it was stained enough for the blood to be clearly visible whenever light shed across him.

    Those sons of bitches had even ruined the clothes that he liked.

    Kang Chan took off the jacket, turned it inside out, and draped it over his arm.

    About twenty minutester, Kang Chan got out of the taxi at the other side of the restaurant where Kang Dae-Kyung had a group dinner. He went to the coffee shop Seok Kang-Ho had bought coffee from and sat down. After ordering coffee, he contacted Kim Tae-Jin, took out a cigarette, and bit on it. His phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy! I saw that there was a knife fight at Yongin. Was that you by any chance?

    <i>Michelle saw that already?</i>

    - That video unexpectedly popped up while I was searching for dramas and actors. It keeps on getting deleted, but if I really want to, I can still find it and watch it as many times as I want. That was you, wasn¡¯t it?

    Michelle¡¯s voice started to tremble when Kang Chan didn¡¯t answer.

    - Channy! Where are you? Are you hurt?

    ¡°I¡¯m not injured. I¡¯m okay. But I¡¯d probably have to avoid people for a short while until things settle down. I might not be able to talk to you via phone for the time being as well.

    - Where are you going to stay? No, stay with me. I have a workroom that¡¯s not in Bang Bae-dong. You can stay there! Where are you? I¡¯ll go there.

    ¡°Someone¡¯sing here to pick me up, but I¡¯ll contact you if things get ufortable. Don¡¯t worry too much and do a good job in producing the drama.¡±

    - Channy! Don¡¯t do that!

    Michelle was on the verge of tears.

    ¡°I said you¡¯ve got nothing to worry about. Everything¡¯s going to be taken care of soon, so let¡¯s drink beer together then. There¡¯s someone that¡¯sing here, so I have to contact them.¡±

    - Alright. Make sure to contact me, okay?

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up the phone and bit on the cigarette again. The incident was bigger than he had expected. Kang Chan stared at his phone. Should he call Yoo Hye-Sook first? What would she do if he or Kang Dae-Kyung wasn¡¯t there?

    As Kang Chan was frowning, a car stopped in front of the coffee shop. It was the car that Kang Chan had ridden with Kim Tae-Jin when they were going to Mount Jiri.

    Kim Tae-Jin got out of the car, then smiled leisurely while looking at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Wait here. I¡¯m going to buy coffee,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said, then gestured to Kang Chan¡¯s clothes with his eyes. In that short moment, it seemed he had already noticed the bloodstains on Kang Chan¡¯s clothes.

    ¡°They appear to be making frantic efforts.¡± Kim Tae-Jin sat down opposite Kang Chan a momentter. He put his coffee down on the table.

    ¡°They¡¯re likely trying to stop us somehow before the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ is announced. Still, I didn¡¯t expect they¡¯d try to kill your father,¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    ¡°A Japanese was involved in this.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin took a sip of his coffee, then tilted his head. ¡°Their actions can¡¯t be exined. If your identity has been revealed, then they should¡¯ve tried to kill you instead. They have nothing to gain by killing your father. At best, it¡¯ll just make you want to get revenge on them¡­¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin briefly raised his head. Kang Chan also had the same thoughts. But when he carefully thought about it, it seemed like a stretch. They weren¡¯t in a movie. Would they really kill Kang Dae-Kyung just to drive Kang Chan into a wall?

    ¡°Let¡¯s not go that far,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hmm, if we take the profit that the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ would bring into consideration, then it might not be true.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that everyone will profit if the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ gets connected? From my perspective, the conglomerates don¡¯t have anything to lose. Rather, won¡¯t they earn even more money from it? However, for the Japanese, this is worth screaming and throwing themselves at us. The question is why they¡¯d try to kill my father.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin poured about half of his coffee into Kang Chan¡¯s cup, perhaps because he didn¡¯t like his coffee hot.

    ¡°The conglomerates and those with vested rights could dislike having the current regime being maintained like this since the privilege and benefits that they had enjoyed until now would disappear,¡± Kim Tae-Jin exined.

    ¡°But didn¡¯t you say that everyone will be well off?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re already well off. Anyway, let¡¯s observe the situation for now.¡±

    ¡°My mother is going to be very surprised.¡±

    ¡°Is she alone right now?¡±

    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s why I¡¯m worried.¡± Kang Chan was heavy-hearted.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    ¡°Father?¡± Kang Chan answered his phone.

    - Are you okay? Are you safe?

    ¡°I¡¯m drinking coffee in downtown Yongin right now. The President of Yoo Bi-Corp is also with me.

    - Okay. I¡¯m going home now.

    ¡°Father? You have to do a proper examination.¡±

    - I was told that there was nothing wrong with me. I¡¯ll have to go home. Your mom¡¯s going to be worried, and I¡¯m going to have to console her.

    Kang Chan deeply breathed a sigh of relief.

    - Let¡¯s not tell your mom what happened today for the time being. I¡¯ll just mention it in passing once you¡¯ve gone home and the three of us are together. Okay?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    - Chan.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan heard the sound of him inhaling deeply.

    ¡°You¡¯ll get home safely, right?¡±

    Kang Chan answered with an ¡°of course.¡±

    - Your P.E. teacher is a really wonderful person.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud at Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s evaluation of Seok Kang-Ho.

    - Then I¡¯ll be at home.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    - Wait.

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    - It¡¯s me.

    Kang Chan heard Seok Kang-Ho. He sounded serious.

    ¡°Go on.¡±

    - I¡¯ll call you again after I apany your father home. We¡¯re going to go with the Yoo Bi-Corp employees stationed here, so you probably don¡¯t need to worry.

    ¡°You worked hard. How¡¯s your injury?¡±

    - Let¡¯s talk about the detailster.

    After their strange conversation, Kang Chan heard, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Mr. Kang Dae-Kyung,¡± and ¡°Yes, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡¯ The call ended then.

    If Kang Dae-Kyung was at home, then Kang Chan would feel somewhat relieved.

    The remaining problem was how they¡¯d take care of the videos that got uploaded to the Inte and find out the people behind this.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan looked at his phone, then texted that he was going to contact themter.

    .

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s Heo Eun-Sil, one of the female students you¡¯ve seen at the school.¡±

    ¡°Ah! The tenacious-looking female student?¡±

    Kang Chan wondered if it was possible to describe that bitch like this.

    Cha So-Yeon, Moon Ki-Jin, and a few other people called him as well, but he declined all of them. Considering how many calls he got, then people likely somewhat recognized him in the video.

    ¡°Hyung-Jung has to cover up this incident properly,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented and looked at Kang Chan with a worried expression.

    ¡°I¡¯m more worried about the three agents that got injured.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin wordlessly drank the coffee when Kang Chan said that.

    After they smoked a cigarette¡­

    ¡°Let¡¯s get up,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said and got up.

    1. This was written as ???! (¤Ê¤ó¤À¤è!), which is a transliteration of ¡®What¡¯s going on¡¯ in Japanese

 Chapter 80.1: Letéˆ¥æªš Pinpoint Things One by One (1)

    <h4>Chapter 80.1: Let¡¯s Pinpoint Things One by One (1)</h4>

    On their way to Seoul, Kang Chan made up his mind.

    He didn¡¯t know who the people that tried to kill Kang Dae-Kyung were, but letting them get away like this would be stupid. They had stopped those assants for now, but they would certainly attack again. He had learned this lesson so many times in Africa that he had grown tired of it.

    It wasn¡¯t like the order to imprison them had been issued yet.

    <i>¡®We have to find them fast.¡¯</i>

    ¡°Have you had dinner yet?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Yes. What about you?¡±

    ¡°I have. If the police or the prosecution makes a move, then Kim Hyung-Jung will tell us all about it, so how about we go to the office for now? That would make it easier for him and Mr. Seok Kang-Ho toe to us as well.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    There wasn¡¯t that much traffic past Yongyin. At some point, Seok Kang-Ho called Kang Chan, and Kang Chan told him toe to Yoo Bi-Corp, which was close enough to their houses that they could just run back home if necessary.

    Seok Kang-Ho had arrived at Yoo Bi-Corp before them and was waiting for them.

    ¡°How¡¯s your arm?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I only needed four stitches.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was wearing a cotton shirt. It would''ve been ufortable to go around while wearing clothes torn all over.

    Kim Tae-Jin brought over cold drinks and said, ¡°Now, then. Let¡¯s have a drink and watch that video.¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t seen it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Things were chaotic while I was deploying the employees to the hospital and the apartment.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho focused on Kim Tae-Jin¡¯sputer screen with their arms on the table.

    ¡°Is this it?¡±

    ¡°Kyyaa!¡±

    They clicked on the video, and a nearby woman¡¯s scream rang out.

    The shaky video showed two people fighting gangsters. One of them was wearing a suit, and the other was in a casual outfit.

    The video was only about forty seconds long, but it showed their outline enough for people that knew Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho to think, ¡®Could that be them?¡¯

    The video also showed Kang Chan shing someone from their chest to shoulder with a knife. However, since the video was shot from the driver¡¯s seat, it was thankful difficult to determine what he was doing exactly due to the car covering him.

    ¡°Some people are iming it¡¯s a promotion for a movie, but a lot are asking why it isn¡¯t being reported in the news if so. The National Intelligence Service is steering the public to believe that it¡¯s for a movie for now, but they seem to be having a hard time convincing everyone,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    They returned to the table.

    ¡°The situation¡¯s a lot better than it could¡¯ve been since Kang Chan was fortunately on the opposite side of the car and the video mostly only got to capture Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s back. ¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented.

    Kim Tae-Jin was being optimistic about it. However, bluntly put, the video showed Kang Chan¡¯s face and all of Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Anyway, the National Intelligence Service is making excuses to stop it from being reported on the news. If need be, they¡¯re also going to steer the situation to make it appear as self-defense. That¡¯s why we should just wait for now,¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    They were all together, but they didn¡¯t have anything special to do.

    It would also be reckless to go anywhere else right now since Kim Hyung-Jung hadn¡¯t contacted them yet since they came here. Kang Chan thought about calling him, but he decided to wait a bit longer for now after wondering how bad the situation had to be to prevent Kim Hyung-Jung from contacting them.

    A momentter, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang. It was Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Kang Chan, it¡¯s me.

    ¡°Did you find out who they are?¡±

    - No, but this is a bit strange.

    ¡°What is?¡±

    He didn¡¯t appear to be making excuses for being unable to find out their assants¡¯ identity.

    - I searched high and low, every nook and cranny, but I couldn¡¯t figure out who they are at all. But then I looked at the ¡®knife fight¡¯ video on the Inte. I know one of the people in it.¡±

    ¡°Who was it?¡±

    - He used to live with us when we were kids, but he eventually left for China. I think it¡¯s been more than ten years ago. Anyway, he¡¯s the second person Mr. Seok Kang-Ho fought.

    ¡°Will you be able to find him?¡±

    - He was with the Japanese gangsters. If he¡¯s on their side now, then even I refuse to leave him be.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch him¨Cno matter what.¡±

    - I get it, I get it. Hey! Why is Mr. Seok Kang-Ho so good with a knife?

    ¡°Just find that man quickly. Stop talking nonsense.¡±

    After Kang Chan put the phone down, he told Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Tae-Jin exactly what Oh Gwang-Taek had said.

    ¡°If so, then doesn¡¯t that mean those gangsters also got into South Korea through Japan?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°That would be the case, wouldn¡¯t it? They¡¯re like the ones that attacked Lanok recently,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s a bit suspicious.¡±

    It looked like Kim Tae-Jin thought the same. After thirty more minutes had passed, Kang Chan thought they should just go. However, his phone soon rang.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, where are you right now?

    ¡°I¡¯m at Mr. Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s office.¡±

    - Understood. I¡¯ll be there soon.

    Kang Chan wanted to ask about the three agents¡¯ conditions but didn¡¯t since Kim Hyung-Jung said that he wasing over anyway. After Kang Chan had another drink, Kim Hyung-Jung came into the office. He looked quite tired.

    ¡°The gangsters that attacked us today aren¡¯t from a domestic organization. We think they¡¯re from China, but we¡¯re going to get an outline of who they are by tomorrow,¡± said Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kang Chan told Kim Hyung-Jung what Oh Gwang-Taek had said.

    ¡°They used the same method asst time,¡± Kim Hyung-Jungmented.

    ¡°That¡¯s what we think as well. The question is why they targeted my father.¡±

    ¡°If we figure out who those gangsters are, then that question will be answered.¡±

    ¡°What happened to the agents?¡± Kang Chan asked expecting bad news.

    ¡°Fortunately, they¡¯re alive. The agent in the back seat was severely injured, so we were told that he has to be hospitalized for about six months. The other two are suffering from fractures and contusions. However, ording to their current medical results, they¡¯re not critical.¡±

    ¡°Whoo,¡± Kang Chan sighed as he leaned back on the chair.

    That was good to hear. He was really happy for them.

    ¡°I said you could be imprisoned because the police officers that came to the scene at that time were acting suspiciously. The National Intelligence Service has requested cooperation from the press and the broadcastingpanies with the thought of covering up the incident, so you can probably rest easy about that for now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    ¡°A video of the incident was uploaded multiple times, though?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°We already took measures against the first uploader, and the phone recording has already been deleted. We¡¯re soon going to sort out the situation by concluding that they misunderstood a fight scene for a movie as a real fight.¡±

    What would¡¯ve happened by now if they didn¡¯t have Kim Hyung-Jung?

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang Ho, is your arm okay?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Yes¨CI only had to have four stitches.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, then chugged his drink.

    ¡°Mr. Manager.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan while putting down the cup.

    ¡°There¡¯s no point in doing just this. If we just let them get away with it this time as well like what happened when they attacked Lanok, then they¡¯ll just keeping until they seed. Have we found a connection between those that attacked us today and those that attacked us at the golf clubst time?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Not yet.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t we get a gist of who they are if we catch the troublemakers today?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, but it¡¯s hard to attack their backer with just their testimonies. It also doesn¡¯t help that the current political situation is working against us.¡±

    If so, then Kang Chan could just attack them himself. He thought of doing it as soon as he became sure of their assants¡¯ identities.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, you¡¯re going to lose if you move rashly,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung warned.

    ¡°That won¡¯t happen.¡± Kang Chan adamantly shook his head. ¡°Those people can do anything while we¡¯re here waiting out of fear of someone from our side getting hurt or killed. Be it Lanok or my father, they would win.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin shifted his gaze between Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°If someone dies while we¡¯re stuck here, then it¡¯s going to be toote by that point,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Kim Hyung-Jung exhaled as if groaning, and Kim Tae-Jin only listened with a grave expression.

    After a moment of silence had passed, Kim Hyung-Jung said, ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, no matter how angry you get, you should act within the legal boundaries.¡±

    He should act within the legal boundaries even though their enemies fired bullets at them in a golf club and tried to kill them with knives on the outskirts of Seoul? Kang Chan was frustrated, but he stayed silent.

    Things like this shouldn¡¯t be forced. He just had to act on his own.

    ***

    Kang Chan left Yoo Bi-Corp in afortable mood and dropped by a specialty coffee shop with Seok Kang-Ho at an intersection near their houses.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat bingsu,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said. A momentter, he brought over tworge bowls of bingsu.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve just bought one¨Cwhy did you stupidly order two?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You said that I was cheap a moment ago, and now you¡¯re acting like this?¡±

    ¡°You seem to be having fun.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stuck a spoon into Kang Chan¡¯s bingsu. ¡°I honestly feel like I can breathe easily again. I was so angry when I was stuck hanging on a treest time.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t me him for thinking that way. He scooped up patbingsu and ate it.

    ¡°Patbingsu is better than drinks,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°As I said, eating it asionally is alright.¡±

    Despite having just said that he was angry, he was now eatingrge scoops of patbingsu. Kang Chan ate patbingsu whileughing.

    ¡°Are you going home?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I should.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do this alone.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    ¡°Why are you acting like this? I can obviously tell what you¡¯re going to do based on the look in your eyes. You¡¯re going to run out right away when Oh Gwang-Taek contacts you. I¡¯m saying that you shouldn¡¯t exclude me when you do so.¡±

    ¡°Is that what my expression is showing?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°How couldn¡¯t I know? Your eyes are burning with anger. Let¡¯s make this clear¡ªare you going to exclude me or take me with you?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of this?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho put down his spoon. ¡°Captain, don¡¯t you want hot coffee right now?¡±

    ¡°Can you also see that in my eyes?¡±

    ¡°See? It¡¯s the same thing.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho answered and went to the counter. What was that? It felt like he heard something amazing, but also like he just got swayed by nonsense. Seok Kang-Ho came back with only one cup of coffee.

    ¡°Good job,¡± Kang Chan praised Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°See? Don¡¯t you want cigarettes as well?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter.

    Seok Kang-Ho lit up his cigarette, then said in a serious tone, ¡°It¡¯s not like I miss our life in Africa. I like how it is now. Despite being a teacher, I got to abruptly buy an apartment in Gangnam and give my wife a fortune thanks to you. Even after doing all that, I still have a few hundred million won in my bank ount. Still, I want you to recognize me as much as I recognize you, as a man and a member of your crew.¡±

    This fucker hadpletely gotten rid of his stupidity and was now smarter than before.

    ¡°What¡¯s with that expression?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Suddenly hearing something cool got my ears muffled.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, I have always been a bit cool.¡±

    Smoking cigarettes and sharing hot coffee made Kang Chan feel much better, though it could¡¯ve been because he confessed how he truly felt about the situation to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Let¡¯s attack them as soon as Oh Gwang-Taek contacts me,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°You packed the kukrist time, right?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s at home. I should probably sharpen it, shouldn¡¯t I?¡±

    When Kang Chan nodded, Seok Kang-Ho grinned in response.

 Chapter 80.2: Letéˆ¥æªš Pinpoint Things One by One (1)

    <h4>Chapter 80.2: Let¡¯s Pinpoint Things One by One (1)</h4>

    It was almost midnight by the time Kang Chan hade home. He had left his bloody jacket to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Is that you, Channy?¡±

    When Kang Chan opened the front door of the apartment, Yoo Hye-Sook walked toward him. She looked worried.

    ¡°Huh? You haven¡¯t slept yet, mother?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    ¡°Yeah. Your dad isn¡¯t feeling well.¡±

    ¡°He isn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s taken medicine and is sleeping now, but his neck and back are apparently in a really bad condition. He told me he¡¯ll go to the hospital tomorrow, but he can¡¯t sleep deeply and he also keeps having sleep paralysis. Was he alright while he was with you?¡±

    ¡°Ah! Yes. He was fine earlier.¡±

    Kang Chan roughly prevaricated his answer, hurriedly changed, then went out to the living room. Yoo Hye-Sook was sitting on the sofa.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry too much. Let¡¯s take him to the hospital tomorrow,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Okay, Channy.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan. She seemed drained.

    ¡°Right, I got a lot of calls today. People said that a horrible video about a knife fight or something has been uploaded, and they were asking if that was you in the video. Do you know what that¡¯s about?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I did hear about that. I heard it for a movie promotion. Haven¡¯t you watched it?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t watch things like that,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook shuddered.

    ¡°I thought about calling you a few times, but I didn¡¯t since there was no way you would do that. I was worried that I¡¯d just distract you from work as well with something pointless. Right! You must be tired. Go to your room and rest.¡±

    ¡°Not at all! I feel good because I¡¯m with you.¡±

    Kang Chan thought Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s worries were melting away, little by little.

    ¡°Do you want to eat something?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked afterward.

    ¡°I had patbingsu not long ago.¡±

    Kang Chan stroked Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s back¡­

    ¡°Are you home, Channy?¡±

    They heard Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s voiceing from the room. Kang Chan got up, and Yoo Hye-Sook followed after him.

    ¡°Father. I didn¡¯t greet you because you were sleeping. Are you feeling really sick?¡±

    ¡°My body¡¯s aching all over,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    When Kang Chan went toward him, Kang Dae-Kyung raised his upper body from the bed with a frown.

    ¡°Please stay lying down,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Your mom wasn¡¯t next to me, so loneliness woke me up.¡±

    ¡°Honey.¡±

    While Yoo Hye-Sook was anxiously walking toward him, Kang Dae-Kyung examined Kang Chan¡¯s condition.

    <i>¡®You¡¯re okay, right?¡¯?</i>Kang Dae-Kyung seemed to be asking with his eyes. Kang Chan subtly nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to be able to sleep soundly now,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung smiled while exhaling deeply.

    ¡°Honey, you teased mest time that I¡¯m a fool for our son, yet you¡¯re acting like this now?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? Am I not allowed to like our son?¡±

    ¡°You actually regained your energy because Channy came home,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t look like she disliked Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s behavior.

    ¡°You took the medicine, right?¡± Kang Chan asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Yes. You must be tired, so get some rest. Are you going out tomorrow as well?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to see if they ask me to. What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not. It¡¯s Saturday tomorrow.¡±

    It was Saturday already? The week had flown by.

    They talked for about twenty more minutes, then Kang Dae-Kyungy down again. Yoo Hye-Sook looked much less worried, so Kang Chan went into his room while feeling at least a little bitfortable.

    Kang Chan was about to sleep when he received a text.

    [There¡¯s a rumor that the video was a promotion for a movie. You¡¯re okay, right?]

    The text was from Michelle. It didn¡¯t sit right with him that he made her worried even though he was already in his home¡¯sfort, so he pressed the call button.

    - Channy!

    ¡°I¡¯m already home. I couldn¡¯t contact you right away because my father isn¡¯t feeling well.¡±

    - Are you okay? I don¡¯t have to worry about you, do I?

    ¡°Yeah. Did you worry a lot?¡±

    - I was afraid that you¡¯ve gotten hurt or that something had gone wrong.

    Kang Chan never imagined that she would be on the verge of tears.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay now. I¡¯m sorry for making you worried.¡±

    - No, I¡¯m fine. And thanks for being honest with me. I¡¯ll tell you the location of my workroom and give you my keys next time, so use it whenever you need it.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    What use would he have for that? He still gave a polite answer for Michelle¡¯s sake though, who was on the verge of tears.

    ¡°Cheer up and go to sleep.¡±

    - I¡¯ll do that. You get a good rest as well.

    Kang Chan plopped down onto his bed after putting his phone on the table. He wasn¡¯t going to Africa for now. He could¡¯ve been cowardly putting only half of his foot in this life to keep the door open for him to go to Africa, like what Seok Kang-Ho had said.

    He looked at the ceiling.

    ¡°From now on, I¡¯m you. If I keep pulling out, then I could lose not only the two people in the master bedroom but also the others that are precious to me. Starting tomorrow¡­ No, starting now, I¡¯m going to live as the true Kang Chan. I want you to understand that,¡± Kang Chan told the previous owner of his current body.

    Kang Chan almost lost Kang Dae-Kyung, a person who couldn¡¯t evenfortably lie down until he came home. He felt sorry.

    <i>Those fucking bastards tried to kill someone like that. I¡¯ll make them regret it to their graves. Everything that I¡¯m about to do, those fuckers asked for it.</i>

    Kang Chan made up his mind and fell asleep.

    ***

    Kang Chan woke up early in the morning, but he skipped his morning run because he was worried that the bandages on his arm would get sweaty. He just did a simple workout, which consisted of pushups and several other exercises, then showered. He didn¡¯t remove the bandages on his arm.

    ¡°How¡¯s father doing?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook afterward.

    ¡°He¡¯s can¡¯t move his neck properly. He also told me his back hurts.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed scared. Kang Chan went into the master bedroom.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan. His face was swollen.

    ¡°Please have breakfast. Let¡¯s go to the hospital after,¡± Kang Chan told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°I should do that, shouldn¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s a good idea.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung appeared willing to do that.

    While Yoo Hye-Sook was making porridge, Kang Chan made omelets.

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    They heard Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s voice from the master bedroom.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is the pain too much?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked as she urgently ran over. Kang Chan followed behind her.

    ¡°Are you making porridge by any chance?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m making rice porridge. Why? Is there a specific type of porridge that you want to eat?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have an omelet, so don¡¯t make porridge.¡±

    ¡°Why are you acting like a child?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    Kang Chan burst out withughter in front of Yoo Hye-Sook, who was side-eyeing Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Please have omelets¡ªI¡¯ll quickly make another one. Let¡¯s have breakfast together in the master bedroom. Omelets don¡¯t need side dishes anyway,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed relieved despite her grumbling.

    In the end, they all had omelets.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just get ready, so wait for a bit. I¡¯ll be quick,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kang Chan knew that she was going to say that she was going with them, so he went into his room and called Yoo Hun-Woo. He then went out into the living room and found Kang Dae-Kyung sitting in an ufortable position on the sofa. Kang Dae-Kyung slowly turned his upper body.

    ¡°I contacted the hospital so that mother wouldn¡¯t be surprised,¡± Kang Chan told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Good job. I¡¯ll be okay, right?¡±

    ¡°Please take this opportunity to rest for a few days in the hospital. It should be good for you.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan thought about borrowing a car from Seok Kang-Ho but shook his head. He didn¡¯t want to surprise Kang Dae-Kyung by driving now. When Yoo Hye-Sook was done getting ready, they slowly got out of the front door of their apartment.

    ¡°Why are there a lot of those kinds of people so early in the morning?¡± Yoo Hye-Sookined while looking at the employees of Yoo Bi-Corp.

    ¡°I like how strong they look,¡± Kang Dae-Kyungmented.

    ¡°Honey! What¡¯s good about having scary-looking people like that in front of our house? Isn¡¯t the security office going to do something about this?¡±

    They arrived at the entrance of the apartment, then got in a taxi.

    Yoo Hun-Woo sneakily diagnosed Kang Dae-Kyung with body aches caused by overworking, then opined that it would be good for him to be hospitalized for a few days.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with the test results.¡± Yoo Hun-Woo revealed the truth when Yoo Hye-Sook left the examination room to go through the arrangements for hospitalization. ¡°You¡¯re suffering the usual ill effects of a car ident, but it¡¯s better for you to be hospitalized and rest for a few days instead of staying at home just to be safe,¡±

    Kang Chan moved Kang Dae-Kyung to the patient room. Afterward, he returned to Yoo Hun-Woo again.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see your injuries,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    There were times when this gentleman looked like he was feeling pleasure when he was ripping bandages off Kang Chan¡¯s wound.

    ¡°Hmm, you won¡¯t need to bandage your arm anymore since it¡¯s healed this much,¡± Yoo Hun-Woomented.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know the condition of his injury, but it looked ugly right now.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just bandage it. It looks ugly,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°I don¡¯t rmend it since we¡¯re in summer, but sure, let¡¯s have it bandaged up for a few more days. Feel free to remove the bandages, but please don¡¯t do excessive workouts yet.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo applied medication to it, then skillfully wrapped the bandages around Kang Chan¡¯s arm.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe an injury so severe your bone was showing has healed this much within a few days. What¡¯s your blood type?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked afterward.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying now?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m only asking because I want to transfuse your blood to a critically ill patient. If even a portion of your healing ability gets passed on to them, then I¡¯m hoping that would save their life.¡±

    In the past, Yoo Hun-Woo had said that he was going to take his organs out and sell them, but now he was looking for an opportunity to have his blood like a vampire. Yoo Hun-Woo stared at Kang Chan, then said, ¡°I saw the video yesterday.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t give any excuses since he came to this hospital.

    ¡°Even though I knew you were safe, I thought I was going to have a heart attack while I was watching it,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo looked like he was sincerely concerned about him.

    ¡°It seems seeing you fight yesterday has shocked your father. An average person would get traumatized if we just leave them alone in that state. Seeing violence, blood, or knives would be enough for them to get cold sweat, so you should be careful about those things while he¡¯s at the hospital,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo continued.

    Kang Chan thought he should just take some of his blood out and give it to Yoo Hun-Woo.

 Chapter 81.1: Letéˆ¥æªš Pinpoint Things one by one (2)

    <h4>Chapter 81.1: Let¡¯s Pinpoint Things one by one (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan went up to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s room and found him leaning against the propped-up bed. Yoo Hye-Sook was beside him.

    Kang Chan dragged a chair and sat next to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s bed.

    ¡°Go home and get some rest,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I should see mom when I can.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled awkwardly. It seemed like how Kang Chan had acted yesterday and how he was acting right now were ovepping in front of Kang Dae-Kyung.

    How scared could Kang Dae-Kyung have been of the knife fight that unfolded before his very eyes? He was just a person that had a normal upbringing and family. His child participating in that battle only made it worse.

    Kang Chan carefully thought of a way to relieve Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s shock. Rather than trying to relieve his shock, Kang Chan would have more confidence teaching Kang Dae-Kyung how to fight spitefully.

    They soon got bored despite the TV trying its best to attract their attention. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t figure out what had to be done right now.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Should we order something to eat?¡± Kang Chan asked his parents.

    ¡°Do you want to?¡±

    The couple didn¡¯t eat snacks often, so they didn¡¯t show special interest when they answered him.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang, which he took as an opportunity for him to divert their attention. It was Michelle.

    ¡°Ello!¡± Kang Chan answered in French.

    - Channy, are you in a predicament?

    Michelle replied in French as well. Her tactfulness was amazing.

    ¡°I¡¯m at the hospital. My father¡¯s been hospitalized.¡±

    - Why? Is he okay?

    Her reaction was understandable. She didn¡¯t know that Kang Dae-Kyung got in a car ident yesterday, after all.

    - If you¡¯re okay with it, can I go there?

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - I¡¯m at D.I. Which hospital is it?

    The memory of her being on the verge of tears yesterday came across his mind. He also remembered his promise to have a beer with her today.

    ¡°Wait a minute.¡±

    Kang Chan put down his phone and told his parents that Michelle was going toe here to see Kang Dae-Kyung. They appeared to have found the idea awkward, but they didn¡¯t look like they disliked the news.

    Kang Chan told Michelle the name of the hospital, then hung up.

    ¡°We can treat her to lunch when shees,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented.

    Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t know why Yoo Hye-Sook suggested that. After Kang Chan briefly told him that the daughter of Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s friend got to participate in a drama¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho was the one calling Kang Chan this time.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    - Are you with your parents?

    This fucker was still loud even after reincarnating into a different body. Kang Chan lowered the volume of his phone so that his parents wouldn¡¯t notice that Seok Kang-Ho was speaking formally to him.

    ¡°I¡¯m at the hospital because my father isn¡¯t feeling that good.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung discreetly observed Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s mood.

    - I heard that he was discharged yesterday. Is he feeling very unwell?

    ¡°I was told that he has severe body aches. He¡¯s going to be discharged after a few days.¡±

    - Is there anything we can do? If you were going to go to the hospital, you should¡¯ve told me to bring the car in the morning!

    <i>Don¡¯t go overboard and just hang up the phone!</i>

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll give you a callter.¡±

    Kang Chan swiftly ended the ufortable phone call.

    ¡°My goodness! Your teacher really cares a lot about you. We should at least meet him someday,¡± said Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°We can do that some other time,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    If possible, they shouldn¡¯t meet Seok Kang-Ho. Kim Hyung-Jung and Kim Tae-Jin also called Kang Chan in order. He gave them simr answers, and everyone seemed to have tactfully understood what was going on. Lanok called him as well.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan. Are you busy today?

    ¡°I¡¯m at the hospital. My father has been hospitalized due to overwork.¡±

    - I didn¡¯t know. I¡¯m sorry.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be. Are you calling for an urgent matter?¡±

    - No, I¡¯m not. I¡¯ll call youter.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked curious about who Kang Chan had talked to.

    ¡°That was the ambassador. He asked if I had time today, so I told him that I¡¯m at the hospital. He then said he¡¯ll just call me some other time,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°If you said that because of me, then you should¡¯ve just made the appointment,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said. He felt bad.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    ¡°Hello!¡±

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    Even Kang Chan was flustered that they came here.

    Yoo Hye-Sook quickly got up from her seat, and Kang Dae-Kyung forced himself up a bit more and leaned against the bed.

    ¡°We¡¯re here because we heard that the President¡¯s father is unwell. I¡¯m Eun So-Yeon. We met at the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ presentation hall. And these are all D.I. actors.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you! Father, please recover quickly!¡± They cheerfully greeted Kang Chan¡¯s parents as if they were chorusing. Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung seemed to have recognized Eun So-Yeon.

    ¡°Thank you foring. Please have a seat. What should we do? There aren¡¯t enough chairs!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We have to go to the broadcasting station today to practice the script anyway. And here¡­¡± Eun So-Yeon handed over flowers, and behind her, the trainees held out boxes of drinks and a fruit basket.

    ¡°You guys shouldn¡¯t have. Please have a cup of tea or eat these fruits with us at least before you go,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook offered.

    ¡°We got to film a drama thanks to the President, who¡¯s been protecting us. And all of us here are a part of it. We¡¯re not big yet, but even if we¡¯ve be huge stars, we still won¡¯t forget his kindness. That¡¯s why we¡¯ve made a decision,¡± Eun So-Yeon spoke politely. She then looked behind her.

    ¡°From now on, we¡¯ll make an appearance on all advertisements for ¡®Chiffre¡¯ and all advertisements that the President¡¯s father does in his business for free until we die!¡± the trainees yelled.

    They had shouted their determination like elementary school students reading a book. Their voices filled the room.

    ¡°We still have a practice scheduled, so we¡¯ll go now. Father, please get well soon,¡± Eun So-Yeon continued.

    ¡°Please get well soon!¡± The rest of the trainees yelled.

    Eun So-Yeon bowed her head toward Kang Chan while looking disappointed, then left the patient room with the trainees.

    It felt like a huge storm had just swept past the room.

    ¡°Was that youngdy also affiliated with thepany that you¡¯re in?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes. I forgot she was at the ¡®Chiffre¡¯ presentation hall.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung was flustered, and Yoo Hye-Sook was slightly blushing.

    ¡°My goodness! It was really nice to see them. They had such bright expressions,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented.

    Kang Chan just smiled. They definitely came here because Michelle told them to. Sure enough, Michelle arrived with flowers, a fruit basket, and a cake box not long after they left. She forcibly opened the door with the hand that was carrying the flowers.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Hello, mother?¡± Michelle was speaking in Korean, though she cleverly used a French ent. Even if he put her in the drama, her acting skills wouldn¡¯t lose to the current actors. Michelle hugged Yoo Hye-Sook and kissed her cheeks, ten greeted Kang Chan in the same way.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Michelle with an expression that seemed to say she should definitely be here.

    ¡°Please sit. I actually felt bad for asking something unreasonablest time,¡± said Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Michelle looked at Kang Chan, so he asked her in French, ¡°You¡¯re the one that sent Eun So-Yeon and the trainees here, right?¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t unreasonable, mother,¡± Michelle replied to Yoo Hye-Sook in Korean.

    ¡°Your Korean has improved a lot,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented.

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    <i>What a load of bullshit. Was she also acting when she was on the verge of tears yesterday?</i>

    Anyway, the atmosphere hadpletely changed. Michelle even brought disposable tes and stic forks. The cakes were all in different vors, all of which were delicious. She went above and beyond, almost as if she was their child, and Kang Chan was the one who came here to visit Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook got absorbed in their conversation with Michelle. Kang Chan felt like bugs were crawling on his back when Michelle told them about him stopping Alion from exploiting Eun So-Yeon.

    Yoo Hye-Sook becamepletely absorbed in the story about a scary person visiting them in the office and Kang Chan arriving and protecting the actors and employees so that they wouldn¡¯t get scared.

    Writing scripts were better for Michelle than acting. Kang Chan wondered how she could tell the story in such an interesting way despite taking out all the violence from it, including him breaking their arms. Later on, he remembered that she was originally an editor for a magazinepany.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked like he could roughly guess how Kang Chan acted at that time.

    1. When visiting people that are admitted to hospitals in Korea, it¡¯s customary to bring gifts such as fruit baskets, drinks, vitamins or other health products

 Chapter 81.2: Letéˆ¥æªš Pinpoint Things one by one (2)

    <h4>Chapter 81.2: Let¡¯s Pinpoint Things one by one (2)</h4>

    At around 11 am, Kang Yoo Motors executives and employees visited them.

    When they were taking out drinks and greeting each other¡­

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung came into the room.

    ¡°Huh? Mr. Manager,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kim Hyung-Jung slightly bowed his head, then stood next to the door. As Kang Chan was wondering <i>¡®what¡¯s going on?¡¯</i>, about three to four men with their IDs clipped on their left chest came inside.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Thest person to enter was Go Gun-Woo, the prime minister. Yoo Hye-Sook couldn¡¯t even speak, and Kang Dae-Kyung struggled to raise himself up. Meanwhile, the Kang Yoo Motors executives and employees walked to the foot of the bed.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I happened to be in the area, so I thought I¡¯d drop by. It wouldn¡¯t be very disrespectful since I¡¯ve met your parents before, right?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked respectfully, then he approached the bed.

    ¡°If a patient strains themselves, then that means I, the person who visited you, did something unnecessary. Please just sitfortably.¡± Gun Gun-Woo told Kang Dae-Kyung, then looked around him.

    The Kang Yoo Motors executives and employees bowed in greeting.

    ¡°They¡¯re the executives and employees of my father¡¯spany,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Ah! Right, hispany is Kang Yoo Motors. It¡¯s nice to meet everyone. I¡¯m Go Gun-Woo.¡±

    The executives and employees went up in order and shook Go Gun-Woo¡¯s hand while bowing deeply. After Go Gun-Woo shook hands with Michelle, who was standing next to Kang Chan, he turned around toward the bed, then said, ¡°Father.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Prime Minister.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo discreetly looked at Kang Chan, then answered, ¡°Because of my shorings, I had to ask your young son to do something difficult.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked nk.

    ¡°Watching their child go through so much has to be hard for any parent, but no one can rece your son and do what he¡¯s assigned to do right now. I¡¯m sorry,¡± Go Gun-Woo continued.

    Gun Gun-Woo turned around and looked behind him afterward. When he did that, the secretary took out a white envelope and gave it to Yoo Hye-Sook. It had a fancy phoenix pattern drawn on its front.

    ¡°The President sends his sincerity. He hopes that you¡¯ll make a full recovery soon,¡± Go Gun-Woo exined why they gave her the envelope.

    Yoo Hye-Sook and the Kang Yoo Motors executives and employees appeared to have nked out as well.

    ¡°How¡¯s the foundationing along?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked his secretary.

    ¡°Its establishment is nned to be announced on Monday.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo turned to Kang Chan upon hearing the secretary¡¯s answer. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    He was probably apologizing for the fact that Kang Dae-Kyung got attacked. They were in a situation where it would be easy for the people around them to misunderstand them regardless of how Kang Chan answered him, so he found it difficult to hastily answer.

    ¡°I hope you make a full recovery soon,¡± Go Gun-Woo bid farewell to Kang Dae-Kyung, then went outside. Kim Hyung-Jung used his gaze to say goodbye, then followed the prime minister.

    The employees of Kang Yoo Motors were still standing at the foot of the bed.

    ¡°Mother?¡± Kang Chan called Yoo Hye-Sook, causing everyone in the room to snap back to reality. It was as if they had just woken up from a trance.

    .

    ¡°Ah! Please have a seat,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook told the employees.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯ll get going now.¡±

    The executives and employees refused Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s offer to have lunch before leaving several times, then respectfully said goodbye to Kang Chan on their way out.

    ¡°Lunch! That¡¯s right¡ªwe should have lunch with Michelle,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented. It seemed like she hadn¡¯tpletely gotten herself together yet.

    ¡°Mother, what would you like to have for lunch? How about I go out and buy something from a nearby store instead?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that¡ªI¡¯m not hungry because I had cake,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered.

    Getting herself together took precedence over food. Michelle had the same thoughts, so she decided to eat lunch sometimeter.

    <i>¡®The Prime Minister has this much power, huh.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan nodded at his unfounded thoughts as Michelle made coffee. It smelled even better since they had just finished eating cake.

    ¡°Thank you, Michelle,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    It felt like the warm coffee had calmed Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook down.

    When lunchtime came, the peculiar smell of food exuded from outside the room.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    <i>Did the food get here?</i> Kang Chan turned his gaze, only to find Heo Eun-Sil entering. The athletics club members and the bullies followed behind her.

    Dumbfounded, Kang Chan just smiled.

    ¡°Hello?¡± One of the kids asked.

    Thankfully, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were rxed. The kids started to speak while ncing at Michelle, ¡°We heard you¡¯re unwell, so we decided toe here. We¡¯re all having fun at school thanks to him. Please get better soon. And here¡­¡±

    Cha So-Yeon sheepishly held out a box of drinks. Perhaps it was because she looked shy, but Yoo Hye-Sook took the drinks while profusely thanking her. Meanwhile, Heo Eun-Sil was tantly looking at Michelle.

    Everything that bitch did made Kang Chan tired.

    ¡°Please have lunch before you go,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook told the students.

    ¡°Our teacher said he was going to buy us lunch. We dropped by on our way to the restaurant.¡±

    ¡°Then please at least take drinks and fruits with you when you leave.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going to a beef buffet, so we¡¯ll be eating a lot there,¡± the students responded.

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed to be buying them lunch. He clearly didn¡¯t like being alone at home.

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    After they said that, the kids left.

    For the first time since Heo Eun-Sil appeared in Kang Chan¡¯s life, they parted ways without a hitch. Still, he thought it would be better to be careful today.

    Kang Chan drank thest bit of the cold coffee.

    ¡°Channy, what¡¯s the name of the female student that looked at me because I¡¯m pretty?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡±

    They were speaking in French.

    ¡°I think that female student is interested in you,¡± Michelle replied.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you clueless boy. How can you be so sharp when ites to other things yet don¡¯t notice something like that? That girl likes you. I think that she can¡¯t bring herself to tell you, though, and that she feels wronged and frustrated. After watching you guys from the side, it seems like you weren¡¯t aware at all. This is fun. She was cute.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s horrible. Don¡¯t say something like that even as a joke.¡±

    ¡°It seems like your indifference is making her worried to death,¡± Michelle said something mysterious, then stared intensely at him. He thought of sending her away with a rough excuse, but the door soon opened again.

    ¡°Mr. President!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun walked in this time. Kang Chan introduced them to everyone.

    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯m meeting you two. I¡¯m Kim Tae-Jin.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin calmly asked them how they were doing, then showed his gratitude toward Kang Chan¡¯s parents while saying that hispany was getting a lot of help thanks to him. When he told them he decided to take this opportunity to meet them, Suh Sang-Hyun held out a fruit basket and an envelope.

    Kang Chan¡¯s parents refused persistently, but they reluctantly epted it in the end because Kim Tae-Jin was asking them to take it so desperately. Afterward, Kang Chan introduced Michelle to Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun.

    ¡°Have you had lunch?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°We had cake, so I¡¯ll eat a littleter. What about the two of you?¡±

    ¡°We actually have a lunch appointment, so we¡¯ll be going now. Let¡¯s see each other again next time. Please take good care of yourself,¡± Kim Tae-Jin left without doing anything unnecessary.

    Suh Sang-Hyun nced at Michelle so much even Yoo Hye-Sook noticed. He then followed Kim Tae-Jin out with a disappointed look on his face.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked so exhausted it was as if they had done something difficult. They should¡¯ve just stayed at home. Fortunately, there shouldn¡¯t be any more hassles now that most of the people who were likely to visit them already did.

    ¡°We¡¯re really busy today, huh,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Did you really help all of the people that came to visit today?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked. She looked like she had gotten herself together, at least a little bit.

    ¡°I met those people under different circumstances, so I decided to help them.¡±

    Kang Chan examined Kang Dae-Kyung. He hoped Kang Dae-Kyung wouldn¡¯t get hurt.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    <i>Stop it already!</i> When Kang Chan quickly turned his head, two French agents came inside. It was Lanok.

    Yoo Hye-Sook and Michelle followed Kang Chan and also got up from their seats.

    ¡°Channy!¡± Anne was the first to enter. She limped toward Kang Chan, hugged him, and kissed him on the lips.

    <i>Damn it! Damn it!</i>

    Her actions would be nothing out of the ordinary to Lanok, who was French, but it wasn¡¯t something that someone should do in front of Korean parents.

    ¡°Doing that in front of parents in Korea is rude,¡± Kang Chan told her after gently pushing her away from him.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Anne looked at Lanok after she greeted Kang Chan¡¯s parents with poor Korean.

    Kang Chan introduced the two of them to his parents, and Lanok greeted them.

    As Kang Chan introduced them to Michelle as well, the atmosphere grew strange. Anne and Michelle casually greeted each other¡ªsuggesting that nothing was wrong¡ªbut Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook still observed Michelle¡¯s mood. Lanok rmended a national university in France to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, then continued on to say that he wanted to give them French nationality, if they were okay with it.

    Kang Chan burst out withughter after looking at Yoo Hye-Sook. It was clear that she misunderstood Lanok¡¯s words as him asking them to ept Anne as their daughter-inw.

    ¡°I apologize foring here without contacting you, Mr. Kang Chan. I was wondering what we should do since my schedule was too tight to find time to see you, but Anne said that she was going to see you even if she had toe alone, so here we are,¡± Lanok exined.

    ¡°Channy, why haven¡¯t you called me even once?¡± Anne asked.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t because we¡¯ve decided to eat next week.¡±

    Lanok looked happy about Anne¡¯s change, who used to only stay at home.

    ¡°Channy, I decided to change,¡± the small-built Anne told Kang Chan with an attitude that suggested she wanted to brag.

    She was acting that way because she only ever stayed at home, which was a distinct trait of loners. In his previous life, when the guys that had lived a lonely life before bing a mercenary came into his crew and followed him around, they also showed the same look in their eyes as Anne¡¯s.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes discreetly met Michelle¡¯s. She looked to be having fun.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, what¡¯s your schedule for next week?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I can just match yours.¡±

    ¡°Then how about we have dinner around Tuesday?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    Their conversation ended there.

    Lanok passed on an envelope to Kang Chan through an agent.

    ¡°Channy,¡± Anne walked toward Kang Chan. He held her and patted her back.

    ¡°Phew.¡±

    When Lanok left, Kang Chan feltpletely drained.

    Yoo Hye-Sook checked Michelle¡¯s mood.

    ¡°Channy, did Anne also fall in love with you, by any chance?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°I only saw her once. When would she have had the time to fall in love with me? She¡¯s probably only acting like that because I came into her life while she was lonely. She¡¯s going to change in an instant once she meets someone she really likes.¡±

    Michelle smiled as if she found this situation to be funny. ¡°You do know that someone among the agents likes Anne, right?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook nervously shifted her gaze between the two of them because she couldn¡¯t understand what they were talking about.

    ¡°I¡¯m talking about the man right behind Lanok. The look in his eyes showed he was in love with Anne. Other people likely won¡¯t notice because his expression is so stiff, but he can¡¯t fool my eyes,¡± Michelle exined.

    <i>Louis? Louis was looking at her that way? Why did this situation be simr to some kind of soap opera?</i>

    ¡°So. You kissed another woman in front of me, huh?¡± Michelle then asked.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank while he was looking at her smile.

    1. The Prime Minister is calling Kang Chan¡¯s father as ¡°father¡±, because it¡¯s a part of Korean culture to refer to a person¡¯s parents as x¡¯s father or x¡¯s mother, and it would be rude to call Kang Dae-Kyung by his name

 Chapter 82.1: Catching the Tail (1)

    <h4>Chapter 82.1: Catching the Tail (1)</h4>

    Things became peaceful after Lanok left.

    ¡°Channy, I¡¯m going to stay at the hospital today. Go out with Michelle and have a cup of tea at least or something, then go rest at home. Come here tomorrow,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°What are you going to eat for lunch and dinner?¡±

    ¡°You think I won¡¯t be able to take care of our meals?¡±

    Michelle could be feeling ufortable for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see how things go and call you in the afternoon, then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Michelle followed Kang Chan and stood up with him.

    ¡°Goodbye,¡± Michelle said in poor Korean.

    ¡°Bye, Michelle. Let¡¯s see each other again next time. I¡¯ll be sure to treat you to a meal,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°You understood that, right? Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan told Michelle in French.

    ¡°Goodbye,¡± Michelle repeated and hugged Yoo Hye-Sook.

    It was 2 pm when they left the hospital. Telling Michelle to leave like this wasn¡¯t polite.

    ¡°We should eat. Where should we go?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Somewhere with a good atmosphere!¡±

    When Kang Chan nced at her, Michelle linked her arms around his. ¡°Channy, let¡¯s drink beer.¡±

    ¡°Right now? Is there somewhere that¡¯s open at this hour?¡±

    The feeling of Michelle¡¯s chest on his arm was ufortable, but it didn¡¯t feel right to remove his arm because he remembered his kiss with Anne and how Michelle was on the verge of tears yesterday. They walked toward the parking lot and stopped in front of her car. It was a small and cute-looking imported car. Kang Chan thought about driving it, but he got in the passenger seat instead.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have a ce in mind, do you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Michelle drove the car out of the parking lot with a bright smile.

    It was a Saturday, so the traffic on the Olympic Expressway was quite heavy.

    ¡°Channy, I don¡¯t know about the young female student, but pay a bit more attention to Anne. Thatdy¡¯s likely only thinking about you right now. Praise her determination to change and encourage her. When she¡¯s stronger, let her know that there were people that kept looking at her. That security guard, for example. There aren¡¯t only strong people like you in the world.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not angry because of Anne?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m satisfied with you being ufortable.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got the qualities of a yboy,¡± Michellemented.

    Michelle side-eyed Kang Chan with a mischievous look in her eyes.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know how charming you are when you¡¯re indifferent, do you?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re the only one who thinks that way.¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡±

    Michelle coyly turned her head. Her deep-set eyes, sharp nose, blonde hair, and even her breasts he sometimes wanted to touch¡­

    <i>What went wrong with her? Should I just sleep with her?</i>

    However, Kang Chan was afraid of what would happen afterward. He didn¡¯t want to experience the emptiness he felt when he went on vacation to France ever again.

    ¡°Channy, about the group dinner with the drama production team¡­¡±

    While they were talking about D.I., they got on the Jayu Motorway. From there, they no longer experienced that much traffic. Their conversation had ended by the time they got off the Jayu Motorway. Not long after, they arrived at arge building made of logs.

    They were surrounded by mountains, so there wasn''t anything special in the area. Kang Chan liked the refreshing air that rushed toward him when he got out of the car, though. When he got out of the passenger seat and headed to the building¡¯s entrance, Michelle rushed toward him and hugged him. She ced her head on his chest and put her arms around him. She was warm.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stay like this for a moment,¡± Michelle said.

    <i>Sure, this much touching is okay</i>.

    Kang Chan stroked her back.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy,¡± Michellemented, then raised her head. Her eyes showed she was turned on.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know whether her suddenly throwing herself at him was right, but this wasn¡¯t. When all he did was look at her, Michelle winked.

    ¡°Michelle, I¡¯m uh¡­ sorry, but¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine even if you don¡¯t love me. Just understand me right now the same way you understood Anne so I can bear through this.¡±

    The coquettish look in Michelle¡¯s eyes showed she wanted Kang Chan.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    At that moment, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang. He flinched, perhaps because it was after Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s incident had happened. Michelle stepped away from him while exhaling loudly, sounding disappointed.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Kang Chan, we found them! The fuckers are in Bundang. They¡¯re staying in a vi-like house in the mountains, but I don¡¯t know how many of them are there yet.

    Kang Chan returned to his senses when he heard Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s excitement.

    ¡°Do you know the exact address?¡±

    - Put ¡®marinated grilled duck¡¯ in Bundang on the navigation. We¡¯ll find it if we follow the road right next to it. It¡¯s the only house there. So, what¡¯s the n?

    ¡°Stay put, Oh Gwang-Taek.¡±

    - Hey you fucker! I¡¯m also a gangster! I also lived by fighting with knives! Don¡¯t even try to exclude me from something like this or I¡¯m going there first!

    ¡°Okay, okay! Then wait until I get there for now. Position your men somewhere else and go to the grilled duck ce alone. Let¡¯s decide what to do after we meet since there could be gangsters outside the vi.¡±

    - I¡¯m leaving right now, and I¡¯m going to select twenty guys. I¡¯ll see youter.

    Michelle worriedly looked at Kang Chan who ended the call.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Michelle. Something really important came up.¡±

    ¡°Where do you have to go? I¡¯ll give you a ride.¡±

    Withoutints, Michelle went into the driver¡¯s seat. There was still a lingering feeling from his conversation with her, but now wasn¡¯t the time to think about it. Kang Chan inputted the restaurant in Bundang that Oh Gwang-Taek had told him about, and they left immediately. He then called Seok Kang-Ho.

    - Hello? Are you still at the hospital?

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek said that he found the people that caused the car ident. Put ¡®marinated grilled duck¡¯ in Bundang on the navigation and go there. Don¡¯t forget to pack your kukri.¡±

    - Alright. Are you on your way there already?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    - 10 minutes! No, I¡¯ll leave in five minutes.¡±

    It had begun.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how far he would have to go from here, but he was thinking of ending things with this timely opportunity.

    ¡°What¡¯s with that look in your eyes?¡± Michelle asked.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes seemed to have been burning up again. He had been momentarily swayed, so he hoped to arrive at Bundang after setting himself straight.

    ¡°Michelle, there¡¯s actually a girl that I like,¡± Kang Chan confessed.

    Michelle nced at Kang Chan. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    ¡°I know very well what I looked like to you when we first met,¡± She told him bluntly, ¡°I actually lived like that. But I truly do like you. I understand why you like that young girl, but as I had asked you in the past, don¡¯t push me away.¡±

    <i>Does she really like me?</i>

    ¡°Date a lot of people because you¡¯re still young and have no experience. I have met someone that I¡¯m going to love wholeheartedly, so waiting for you while watching you from the side like this is enough to make me happy.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you upset or angry?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No, but in return, hug me the way you did a moment ago every now and then. I¡¯m fully satisfied with that.¡±

    Kang Chan strangely smiled. How could she possibly say something like that without reservationeven though she looked like a barbie doll?

    ¡°It¡¯s okay if we kiss sometimes, right?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not so sure about that.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do¡ªthat¡¯s too cruel. You also kissed Anne, so what¡¯s the problem with it? Give me the right to kiss you whenever I want twice a month.¡±

    It felt like the male and female gender roles had somewhat changed.

    ¡°But your body was really nice,¡± Michellemented.

    That wasn¡¯t something that someone should say to a person about to go into a fight.

    ¡°Make the reservation for thepany dinner. I¡¯m doing something with the people that came to visit my father at the hospital earlier, so whether I can go to thepany dinner or not depends on that prior engagement,¡± Kang Chan told Michelle.

    ¡°Did something happen? I feel like you changed somehow?¡±

    ¡°Not sure,¡± Kang Chan evasively answered. He did change his mindset when he decided that he was going to forget about Africa, but he couldn¡¯t think of a way to exin how he felt.

    ***

    Kang Chan made Michelle stop the car somewhere he could see the restaurant. He then got out.

    ¡°Go back,¡± Kang Chan told Michelle.

    ¡°You¡¯re not doing something dangerous, are you?¡± Michelle had been turned on until just recently, but she was now asking with a bit of fear.

    Kang Chan smiled softly, closed the door, and turned around.

    The way up to the restaurant was uphill. The low mountain was in front of him, and with that as the background, both sides of the road were full of small trees growing wildly with vines twisted around the trunks.

    When Kang Chan stepped into the restaurant¡¯s lot, a guy in the parking lot deeply bowed his head. Kang Chan frowned, but he had already received the greeting.

    It would be better for Kang Chan to head inside the restaurant quickly instead of talking to the guy in vain and confirming that the gangsters had arrived. He should¡¯ve met Oh Gwang-Taek and Seok Kang-Ho further down the road instead.

    1. Jayu Motorway or Jayu-ro is a major north-south arterial highway in South Korea. Its southern terminus is in Seoul, and its northern terminus is at the Reunification bridge that leads into the DMZ. North Korea is visible from a section of the highway, and due to the close proximity to North Korea, this highway is heavily fortified with barbed wire and military observatories

    2. Bundang is a nnedmunity in South Korea. It was developed to encourage affordable housing and urban decentralization

 Chapter 82.2: Catching the Tail (1)

    <h4>Chapter 82.2: Catching the Tail (1)</h4>

    The restaurant¡¯s interior had arge hall made of ondol, and with that in the center one side had the kitchen and the other side had a room.

    ¡°Wee.¡± The owner nced at the restaurant''s dining area upon seeing Kang Chan enter alone.

    ¡°Kang Chan!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek opened the door of one of the rooms inside the restaurant and called Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you going to order?¡± The owner had followed Kang Chan to the door, then slightly tilted her head forward.

    ¡°Another person will be eating with us, but please give us one grilled duck.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek closed the door after ordering.

    ¡°How did you find them?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Sit. Talk after catching your breath. Here.¡± Oh Gwang-Taek handed him a cigarette. ¡°The fucker I recognized in the video is Cha Yang-Woon. He used to hang around with another bastard. They¡¯re really close, and they even quit being gangsters at the same time when Cha Yang-Woon went to China. We recently heard that Cha Yang-Woon¡¯s friend told people to tell him if they want to go to China, so we caught him, and he told us about this ce. That house was also bought under his name,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek exined, then deeply exhaled cigarette smoke.

    ¡°What are you going to do if that fucker tells Cha Yang-Woon about us?¡±

    ¡°I have men with him right now in the van below the restaurant. We heard the fucker was also involved in the fight in Yongin.¡±

    Kang Chan was relieved, which he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. Should they take care of the sons of bitches in the house first?

    ¡°What about the other gangsters in the video?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I watched the video with a few guys, but we didn¡¯t recognize anyone else in it, so they¡¯re likely from China.¡±

    ¡°How much further up do we have to go from here?¡±

    ¡°I was told that the house is right above the restaurant. We can¡¯t see it since the road is curved, but the fucker said that we¡¯ll be able to hear it immediately if someone yells.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled as if he was satisfied, and Oh Gwang-Taek shrugged smugly.

    ¡°Wee.¡± Soon, they heard the owner greeting someone from outside the room.

    ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said after opening the door, and Seok Kang-Ho came inside with a small bag.

    Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho exactly what Oh Gwang-Taek had said.

    ¡°What are we still doing here? Let¡¯s go there now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said afterward and patted his small bag.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for now and eat what we ordered. We¡¯ll pounce on them when it gets darker and they¡¯ve all gone home,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I saw a van and a car below the restaurant, and unless they¡¯re idiots, wouldn¡¯t they realize that there are gangsters here the moment they see the kid standing in the parking lot?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t see the van or the car when he came here through the single path.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t youe here from the other side? The car was parked beside a weird real estate building. I easily recognized it with a nce.¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan did see the real estate building. Either way, if the car was close enough for Seok Kang-Ho to recognize it, then it was likely possible for their enemies to do so as well.

    ¡°I was told that there are CCTVs?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°There are security cameras?¡±

    ¡°I heard there¡¯s two of them.¡±

    While Kang Chan was wondering what they should do, the grilled duck was served.

    ¡°Enjoy the meal,¡± the servermented.

    The thick pumpkin was burnt on the outside and had been split open with a knife. Inside, the cooked duck was steaming. The duck wasn¡¯t important right now, though. What should they do?

    <i>¡®The days are longer too since it¡¯s summer.¡¯</i>

    They couldn¡¯t blow their chance now that they had unexpectedly seized it.

    The gangsters at the house saw Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s faces in Yongin, and they already knew Oh Gwang-Taek. Still, it didn¡¯t feel right to send a sloppy gangster there instead because he¡¯d likely just ruin things.

    ¡°Yes, yes. Three grilled ducks for the house above? Yes. We¡¯ll bring it up right away.¡±

    The moment they heard the owner say that, their gazes alternated among them.

    ¡°We can go up to the house with the grilled ducks they ordered. That should work. We still have time, so we should eat our order first,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    Kang Chan used chopsticks to take off and eat a piece of breast meat from the grilled duck. A major reason why he had suggested that they eat before going up was that he had skipped lunch and was hungry.

    ¡°It''ll be ufortable no matter how I address you anyway, so let me just refer to you as Kang-Ho hyung-nim,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    ¡°Do what you want.¡±

    ¡°Please eat this.¡± Oh Gwang-Taek handed over one leg of the duck to Seok Kang-Ho. He then held the other leg and dug in.

    After about twenty minutes had passed, Oh Gwang-Taek left the room first and then said, ¡°Ma¡¯am! About the ducks that the house above told you to bring¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re about to go there, so just let us know when it¡¯s finished.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be thankful if you do that, but what about the payment?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The conversation ended without a hitch. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho washed their hands to get rid of the oil, then went out to the yard of the restaurant. They stood on the opposite side of the car so they wouldn''t be seen from the road just in case.

    ¡°Give me the kukri,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho took out two kukris from the small bag and handed one to Kang Chan.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    When Kang Chan grabbed the handle and unsheathed the kukri, its terrifyingly sharpened de was revealed. He was satisfied.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go up with the duck and open the door. Come up to the house then,¡± Kang Chan ordered Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°How would I know you¡¯ve opened the door while I¡¯m down here?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re on a mountain. You¡¯re going to hear everything no matter what sound they make.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go there together.¡±

    ¡°Hey! It¡¯s just three ducks. Those fuckers would catch on to us immediately if we go up together. I can pass through alone somehow since I¡¯m also wearing a casual outfit.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan¡¯s clothes, then twisted his lips. Kang Chan definitely looked like a different person from when he wore a suit.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°If need be, break a window.¡±

    As Kang Chan was smoking with Seok Kang-Ho, Oh Gwang-Taek came out of the restaurant with a paper bag that had a stic string hanging on it.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Seok Kang-Ho called.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°If I don¡¯t hear anything for more than five minutes, then I¡¯m just going to go up.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan hid the kukri on his waist behind his back, then took the three paper bags from Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°I¡¯m going. Right! How much does this cost?¡± Kang Chan asked Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°It¡¯s 150,000 won. Hey! What¡¯s the signal? Wait for a bit before going. I still have to call my men.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve already nned everything out, so just follow Seok Kang-Ho. Put them in a call and tell them to go up the house once you hear me fighting.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going!¡±

    Kang Chan inhaled, then followed the road up the house.

    Past the restaurant, the path turned into a dirt track. Kang Chan thought people should¡¯ve put concrete on it and turned it into an actual road. The ground was bare, so it had a long sunken line on either side of the narrow track. They were the distance of car wheels apart.

    <i>Step. Step.</i>

    Kang Chan walked while blinking to release the tension in his eyes. Having the kukri on his back felt great.

    <i>¡®I see it now.¡¯</i>

    Just like what Oh Gwang-Taek told him, the house came into view when Kang Chan went up a bit the mountain path. It was as if it was hiding on the left side. Rather than a vi, it was amon and old two-story western-style house.

    Inside the barred gate was a parking lot that doubled as a garden, and to its right was the front door. The house also had a veranda on the second floor and marble stairs that led to the second floor from outside the house.

    The time hade. Here, Kang Chan would find the people that ordered Kang Dae Kyung and Lanok¡¯s death.

    The gate came up to Kang Chan¡¯s chest. He pressed the bell that was attached to it. The windows were frosted, so he couldn¡¯t see inside the living room from where he was at all.

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°I brought the grilled duck,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    After a short silence had passed¡­

    <i>Beep! Rattle!</i>

    The door opened. Kang Chan got nervous for a moment because he thought that the sons of bitches were suspicious of him. He went across the yard without hesitation.

    Kang Chan pulled the front door to open it, but it was locked from the inside.

    ¡°Wait!¡± Someone shouted. Kang Chan could hear the sound of the padlock turning.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The front door opened. A mean-looking man held the door open with his foot, then held out his hand.

    ¡°How much is it?¡± he asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s 150,000 won.¡±

    Kang Chan handed over the three paper bags to the guy.

    .

    ¡°Ah, you fucker. You should¡¯ve given them to me after I¡¯ve taken out the money.¡±

    Kang Chan nced inside the house as the man grumbled.

    ¡°Here!¡± The guy held out the money, and Kang Chan stared at his face.

    ¡°What are you doing, fucker?! Take the money already!¡±

    A guy that had been sitting on the living room sofa leaned his upper body to the side. He then looked in Kang Chan¡¯s direction. The moment when their eyes met, Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank coldly. The look in his eyes showed that he was a professional at the level of the people that went to the hotel to try and kill Lanok. Plus, there weren¡¯t just one or two of them here.

    ¡°Why is this fucker still isn¡¯t taking the money?¡±

    As the person that received the ducks was swearing, the guy on the sofa quickly got up. He recognized Kang Chan. No, they recognized each other.

    ¡°Move!¡±

    The man yelled while running to the front door.

    <i>Whoosh! Slice!</i>

    Kang Chan pulled out the kukri and slit the neck of the person in front of him.

    ¡°Cough! Cough!¡±

    <i>Crash!</i>

    As his first opponent grasped onto his neck and bumped against the shoe shelf, Kang Chan ran and took a step into the entrance. The guy that had been on the sofa took a step forward from inside the doorway.

    <i>Pow. Pow-pow-pow-pow. Slice! Pow-pow.</i>

    Even though Kang Chan had sliced the guy¡¯s right elbow with the kukri, he still couldn¡¯t overpower him even a bit.

    <i>Bam! Stab!</i>

    Kang Chan and his enemy¡¯s elbows crashed against each other twice in front of their faces.

    At that moment, other people moved quickly into the living room.

    1. ondol is a heating system in Korea. Its underfloor heating uses direct heat transfer from wood smoke to heat the underside of the floor

 Chapter 83.1: Catching the Tail (2)

    <h4>Chapter 83.1: Catching the Tail (2)</h4>

    <i>Bam! Stab!</i>

    Kang Chan positioned the kukri¡¯s de up against the enemy¡¯s arm, preventing the enemy from rashly stopping Kang Chan¡¯s elbow.

    <i>Smack!</i>

    Kang Chan then swatted away his opponent¡¯s arm twice with his left hand and attacked with his right hand, moving it from side to side.

    <i>Stab! Stab! Stab!</i>

    The kukri¡¯s de prated into the enemy¡¯s armpit, shoulder, and left side of the neck.

    <i>St! Bang-bang-bang. Crash.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s opponent gushed out blood as he pushed him back. Eventually, his opponent heavily fell backward.

    As he did, another enemy went up to fight Kang Chan. It was as if he had been waiting.

    <i>Swish! Swoosh! Swish!</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s situation could prove dangerous. Although he and his opponent were equipped with knives, Kang Chan had to use the entrance¡¯s hallway to force his opponents to fight him one by one. Things could swiftly take a turn for the worse if they starteding down from the balcony outside or if they were to open, enter, and pincer him through a window in the living room.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Seok Kang-Ho was loud.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan discretely looked behind him.

    <i>Slice! Pit!</i>

    As he did, his shoulder got sliced twice even though he had moved his upper body back.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan ran away, seemingly heading for the entrance. A guy inside the house ran after him.

    <i>Swoosh! Swish. Swish. Swish.</i>

    Kang Chan swung his kukri four times to fend off the enemy.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    He then kicked the paper bag that had been dropped at the entrance. The enemy bent sideways to avoid the paper bag.

    <i>Bam! Bam!</i>

    Kang Chan kicked two more paper bags, then immediately threw himself at the enemy at thest moment. The enemy twisted his upper body to avoid the paper bag, then looked at Kang Chan with surprise in his eyes.

    <i>Slice! Slice!</i>

    Kang Chan deeply slit his opponent¡¯s neck and the area below his ear.

    <i>St!</i>

    The moment the man¡¯s blood started spurting, Kang Chan mmed himself against him to push through, making it seem like Kang Chan was hugging him.

    <i>Crash!</i>

    <i>Swish! Swoosh! Swoosh!</i>

    Two more pounced on Kang Chan, one from each side. All three of them had ded weapons, so they couldn¡¯t just recklessly crash into each other despite fighting at close range.

    Kang Chan heard the sound of fighting from outside the house. Seok Kang-Ho and Oh Gwang-Taek and his gangsters were now battling the people that had gone down from the second floor through the stairs connected to the balcony outside. He felt as if he was running out of time.

    <i>ng!</i>

    Kang Chan blocked the dagger of the enemy to his right with his kukri.

    <i>Slice! Slice!</i>

    The guy to his left sliced his waist, but Kang Chan managed to cut the wrist of the man to his right in return. As soon as his opponent¡¯s dagger fell to the ground¡­

    <i>Tatatata!</i>

    Kang Chan pounced on the enemy to his left as if he was running into his arms.

    Kang Chan blocked his opponent¡¯s knife with his own kukri, then rotated his wrist and flicked the knife aside, following up with cuts to the opponent¡¯s wrist, forearm, and neck. However, the opponent to his right took that as an opportunity to stab him twice¡ªone in his side and another in his armpit. Fortunately, since Kang Chan had sliced the guy¡¯s right wrist beforehand, his opponent¡¯s attack wasn¡¯t powerful enough to make him lose his grip on the kukri.

    <i>Bam! Pow! Pow-pow. Slice!</i>

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chan turned around and stopped a guy from kicking him. He then immediately followed the block by slicing the guy¡¯s thigh. In response, his opponent moved his injured thigh away and looked at him with surprise.

    <i>He has?time to do that?</i>

    Kang Chan immediately threw himself at him and used his kukri to cut him.

    <i>Slice! Slicee! Slice!</i>

    <i>Bang!</i>

    The guy that had his armpit, neck and the area beneath his ear sliced fell down.

    Kang Chan kept hearing the people outside the house screaming and yelling. When he ran outside, he found more than ten gangsters already on the ground, bleeding. Seok Kang-Ho was holding on somehow.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    Kang Chan first ran over to and pushed Oh Gwang-Taek away with his shoulder, then fought the enemy in front of him.

    <i>Pow-pow! Stab! Stab! Slice! Slice!</i>

    Kang Chan had now realized what was going on. Except for the first two men he fought, their enemiescked actualbat experience. Kang Chan slit his current opponent¡¯s neck, turned around, and pounced on another enemy. Meanwhile, three more gangsters screamed tragically while grasping onto their necks.

    Kang Chan immediately swung his kukri, shoving the gangsters away.

    <i>Slice! Slicee! Swing! Swing!</i>

    His opponent looked at Kang Chan while applying pressure to his neck, his eyes showing he couldn¡¯t believe what just happened.

    <i>St! Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan turned around, finding the blood-covered Seok Kang-Ho still in the middle of a fight. His opponent was thest of their enemies.

    Kang Chan immediately ran over and cut the left shoulder of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s enemy, who was swinging his knife toward Seok Kang-Ho. Kang Chan then consecutively shed his neck and the area below his ear.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    ¡°Who do these fuckers think they are?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, seemingly to insult them.

    ¡°Contact manager Kim and clear the first floor. I¡¯ll search through the second floor.¡±

    Kang Chan walked past Oh Gwang-Taek, who was just standing around stunned, and ran toward the second floor. He took the stairs outside the house to go up to the veranda, then immediately ran into the second floor.

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    Kang Chan frowned. There were around ten dead gangsters inside, their necks and the area below their ears sliced open. They were probably the people that had allegedly been called in from China

    One of them was still wriggling, but it wouldn¡¯t be wrong to consider him as good as dead even if he was in the emergency room right now due to those neck and ear wounds he had sustained. After all, the moment an artery between those wounds was cut, it would shrivel up and be smaller than half of its original size.

    There was one more room on either side of the second floor, the situations of which were even more horrible. Inside them, he found the people he had only injured during the battle were now dead. Someone had sliced through the bandages around them and slit their necks. Who did this, and for what?

    Kang Chan went down to the yard. Seok Kang-Ho was walking out from the front door. He had ripped his clothes and wrapped the cloth around his arm and shoulder.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t find anything special on the first floor,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette.¡±

    ¡°Here.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s hand was entirely covered with blood, so Kang Chan took a cigarette, lit it up, and put it in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mouth for him.

    ¡°I think they¡¯re beginners,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Kang Chan just nodded in agreement. He then yelled, ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek!¡±

    It seemed like Oh Gwang-Taek hadn¡¯t returned to his senses yet. His eyes were nk as he walked to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Here.¡±

    Kang Chan lit up the cigarette that Oh Gwang-Taek had reflexively taken from him.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    There was nothing better than cigarettes at times like these.

    ¡°Have you contacted manager Kim?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Yeah. He told us to stay put and not to contact anyone else since he¡¯sing with the medical team.¡±

    Kang Chan looked around the yard. He was told that more than twenty gangsters came here, but amongst them, only four of them were standing right now, and that included Oh Gwang-Taek. He felt sorry for the dead guys, but in that situation, newbies had basically thrown themselves at professionals.

    ¡°Do you have another cigarette?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan wordlessly handed over a cigarette to Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Is this why you told me to keep out of this?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s eyes were gleaming with anger, perhaps because he hade to his senses.

    ¡°Answer me.¡±

    He looked threatening. It was as if he was about to attack Kang Chan.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek, your men¡¯s determination in knife fights wasn¡¯t inferior, especially those like you. But this is a different kind of battle. Our enemies today were specifically made for fights like this. All they ever did were eat and train to kill others,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Then what about you and Kang-Ho hyung-nim?¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho, then looked at Oh Gwang-Taek again. Oh Gwang-Taek couldn¡¯t even take a puff of the cigarette, even though he had asked for it.

    ¡°I asked what kind of people you and Kang-Ho hyung-nim are!¡±

    ¡°Both of us used to live in this kind of world. That¡¯s all I can tell you,¡± Kang Chan answered Oh Gwang-Taek.

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked straight at Kang Chan. He was surprised and angry. This was hard for him to take in. People in his situation would end up doing one of two options.

    They either pounced.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    Or they dropped their heads like Oh Gwang-Taek did just now.

    Kang Chan bit on a cigarette, then held a lighter up to light it.

    ¡°Give me another one,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek held out his hand after throwing the cigarette that he had been holding to the ground.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°Whoo. What should I do? I feel sorry for the fuckers that got killed. What am I supposed to tell them now that they had been killed without even being able to fight back just to protect me?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    Things like this shouldn¡¯t be touched. If Oh Gwang-Taek pounced on Kang Chan, then he would beat him up. But it wasn¡¯t respectful to provoke a person that had lost their subordinates or someone they loved. They heard the noisy sound of a car engine and the sounds of people stepping on gravel. Soon, a van and an ambnce roughly came into their view.

    <i>Click!</i>

    The door opened, and the agents and paramedics spilled into the house.

    Four of them ran into the house without a word, seemingly aware of what transpired here. The four paramedics split into two groups. They then examined the dead gangsters and treated the survivors¡¯ injuries.

    An agent and a doctor approached Kang Chan at the same time.

    ¡°We were told that the manager will arrive a bitter since he''s at Samseong-dong right now, so please get some treatment for now. We¡¯ll be transferring the bodies to the police hospital, filling up their death certificates, and handing them over,¡± one of them told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of my injuries since it¡¯s not severe!¡± Kang Chan called.

    1. The original sentence was ¡°a pack of dogs had basically attacked a tiger, but we changed it because it wouldn¡¯t fit this context

    2. Samseong-dong is an affluent neighborhood or ward in Seoul, South Korea. It has a lot of upscale shopping malls, and popr restaurants and hotels

 Chapter 83.2: Catching the Tail (2)

    <h4>Chapter 83.2: Catching the Tail (2)</h4>

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek!¡± Kang Chan called.

    Oh Gwang-Taek obediently walked over when Kang Chan called him. Even when Kang Chan told him about how the bodies would be taken care of, he only listened silently. Meanwhile, the doctor started treating his injuries.

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Kang Chan told the agent.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    When the agent walked away to issue orders to the others, Kang Chan sat on a yellowish stic tub that had fallen on one side of the yard.

    ¡°You¡¯re not affected?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    Oh Gwang-Taek sat back against a big rock near him with his legs straight out in front of him. He then stroked his face with both hands.

    ¡°I know you feel angry and empty right now, Oh Gwang-Taek, but you need to get yourself together for now,¡± Kang Chan sounded quieter.

    At that moment, another agent inside the house approached Kang Chan. ¡°It¡¯s going to take some time to take care of the corpses upstairs, so we requested assistance. Is there anything else that you need?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re fine here.¡±

    The agent turned around and walked to the car. Seok Kang-Ho then came toward Kang Chan and plopped down onto a thin piece of marble floor. He hadpletely taken off his top and had bandages wrapped around his shoulder and chest.

    ¡°Kukris and bays are different. Kukris are meant to slice through your opponents. Don¡¯t insist on using one if you¡¯re just going to treat it like a bay,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Got it. Please get your shoulder and waist treated.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯d feel bad getting such a small injury treated even though so many people died.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still bleeding, you know.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not getting it treated. Leaving my wounds like this makes me feelfortable. I¡¯ll watch how they heal first and get treatment only if I don¡¯t recover properly, so just leave me be for now.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho turned his gaze while sighing, and Oh Gwang-Taek gave Kang Chan a strange look.

    ¡°Get treated,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Too many people died because I messed up.¡±

    ¡°How is this your fault?¡±

    ¡°I ran in there without looking into the situation, and I failed to anticipate that there would be people in there that had gone through special training. Oh Gwang-Taek, I¡¯m currently forcing myself to hold back because now¡¯s the time to be cold, so just leave me be.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes burned furiously as spoke, silencing even Oh Gwang-Taek. Kang Chan missed the hot coffee Michelle made for him in the past.

    He probably missed its scent.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Kang Chan took out his phone and looked at it. Kim Hyung-Jung was calling him.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯ll be there in fifteen to twenty minutes.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for bothering you, but please bring something to drink when youe here. Doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s canned coffee or bottled water.¡±

    - Understood.

    Kang Chan sighed loudly and looked at the sky. Darkness was approaching as the sun set.

    A momentter, three or four more ambnces arrived. All the corpses were soon taken care of.

    ¡°Stay at the hospital, Oh Gwang-Taek. You should stay by their side in theirst moments,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Make sure to contact me once you find out who¡¯s behind this. Otherwise¡ª¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek knew what he was going to say won¡¯t work on Kang Chan at all, regardless of what he said. He turned around and walked away while gritting his teeth.

    They had thought that this was a rabbit burrow, but a badger full of spite had jumped out instead.

    <i>¡®What were these sons of a bitches really trying to do?¡¯</i>

    Two of their enemies had been properly trained, one had adequate skills, and about seven werecking experience. The ones that had pounced on Kang Chan when they saw him went upstairs after realizing that Seok Kang-Ho arrived. They then slit the necks of those who were hiding. If Seok Kang-Ho hadn¡¯t called Kang Chan, or if Oh Gwang-Taek was the only one who followed him, the enemies would¡¯ve killed the two of them first before trying to kill Kang Chan.

    Still, even if that was what happened, Kang Chan thought he wouldn¡¯t have died in this fight. However, Oh Gwang-Taek would¡¯ve certainly been killed, and Seok Kang-Ho would¡¯ve been in danger.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s this? What were they trying to do?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan nkly red at the corner of the yard until an agent came toward him with a paper cup on top of a magazine.

    ¡°I got this from the restaurant below.¡±

    It seemed like Kim Hyung-Jung had ordered them to do this by phone.

    Kang Chan took a sip of the coffee, then put it beside him since it didn¡¯t meet his expectations. As their surroundings got dark, a car came toward the house with its headlights on. Kim Hyung-Jung got out of it and immediately went toward Kang Chan. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan¡¯s injuries and their surroundings.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here for now, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    The medical team had already left, leaving only the National Intelligence Service around them.

    ¡°Can the three of us have a conversation for a moment, Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s leave first¡ª we should at least go to Yoo Bi-Corp.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head. Kim Hyung-Jun stood with a hardened face for a moment, then ordered the agent behind him to ¡°go down and stand by.¡±

    ¡°Please sit here.¡±

    Kang Chan sat on a fallen stic bucket, Seok Kang-Ho on a piece of the marble floor deeper intof the yard, and Kim Hyung-Jung on a rock in the garden.

    ¡°It was Oh Gwang-Taek who had found this ce,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kang Chan bit on a cigarette and lit it, then handed over the cigarette case and the lighter to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°When I rushed into the house, there were about ten guys that had received special training. Two of them were top-tier, one was good enough, while the rest were so-so. If you weren¡¯t aware of this, then that means you were defenseless until they tried to kill someone, and if you were, then that means you¡¯ve been keeping information from me. Which one is it?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan after he bit on a cigarette.

    ¡°Close to twenty gangsters died,¡± Kang Chanmented, smirked, then continued. ¡°The ¡®Unicorn¡¯? The development of South Korea? I¡¯d be happy to help with that. But it bes a different story if doing so means the people precious to me will keep getting attacked one-sidedly. You¡¯re well aware that my father¡¯s in the hospital right now. You visited him, after all. Who¡¯s next? It¡¯s probably going to be Seok Kang-Ho or my mother, right? After all, they probably wouldn¡¯t have tried to kill Lanok or the Prime Minister with just this amount of men, weak men at that.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, will you give me a cigarette?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung held out his hand as if he was trying not to listen to what Kang Chan was going to say next.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    Holding the cigarette butt, Kim Hyung-Jung skillfully lit up the cigarette with a lighter.

    ¡°Whoo-oo.¡± He looked at the cigarette as he turned it in between his fingers, then took another puff.

    ¡°We couldn¡¯t identify the people that attacked us at the golf club. No country has information on them. That¡¯s probably going to be the case for the ones that died here today as well. We couldn¡¯t do anything to identify them other than perform examinations on their teeth and test their DNA to get even vague information about them. We¡¯ve concluded that they¡¯re North Korean special forces that had received secondary training in China beforeing into South Korea through Japan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    When darkness descended, the mosquitos started to bite them, one by one.

    ¡°The information about Lanok¡¯s golf club schedule was most likely leaked by one of his people. China and Japan probably tried to kill Lanok first, then they tried to kill you because they think that you¡¯re a secret agent that France and our government have created,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    This wasn¡¯t the answer that Kang Chan had wanted.

    When Kang Chan twisted his head to the side with dissatisfaction and didn¡¯t say anything, Kim Hyung-Jung inhaled the cigarette that was close to being finished, then threw it to a corner.

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service is focusing on Yang Jin-Woo and Huh Sang-Soo since they¡¯re the two leading forces in South Korea that helped the North Korean soldierse into the country,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan had never heard of their names before. Of course, he had no thoughts of leaving them alone, but was Kim Hyung-Jung saying that <i>just?</i>knowing them would be a problem?

    ¡°As a member of the National Assembly on his fifth term, Huh Sang-Soo is in charge of national defense, and Yang Jin-Woo is the chairman of Suh Jeong Group,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    <i>Suh Jeong Group?</i> Kang Chan cocked his head to the side. <i>Where did I hear that name? Suh Jeong?</i>

    When Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s the parent group of Suh Jeong Motors, which had beenpletely destroyed because of Kang Yoo Motors,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined further.

    ¡°If so, then the reason they tried to kill my father¡­¡±

    ¡°It seems they wanted to take revenge for what had happened in the past while also giving you a warning. The truck driver that ran away from the ident in Yongin was previously affiliated with the Suh Jeong Transportation Company. Unfortunately, by the time we had found him, he was already dead.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>Yang Jin-Woo? You son of a bitch.</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung sighed. He looked worried.

 Chapter 84.1: Prelude (1)

    <h4>Chapter 84.1: Prelude (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan was thinking of going home in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car.

    The problem was his wounds. Seok Kang-Ho had bandages wrapped around his upper body, while Kang Chan was still bleeding out.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, let¡¯s get you treated now.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s honest words went against Kang Chan¡¯s wishes, but he had been waiting and left Kang Chan¡¯s wounds alone for far too long. They had to stop the bleeding.

    ¡°Let¡¯s at least bandage around your wounds. Your parents are in the Bang Ji Hospital, so you should get preliminary treatment here first. We can also buy two shirts to change into.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up because of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s suggestion.

    They headed to the grilled duck restaurant and got on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s ¡®Chiffre.¡¯ They then merged into the main road, where a car and a van were waiting. Kim Hyung-Jung led Kang Chan to the van. An agent examined Kang Chan¡¯s injuries under Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s orders.

    ¡°We have to stitch up your wounds,¡± the agent told Kang Chan.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have the equipment to do that here, so just bandage it.¡±

    The agent disinfected Kang Chan¡¯s wounds because of his attitude, then tightly wrapped the bandages around them.

    ¡°Great job.¡±

    When Kang Chan got out of the car, Kim Hyung-Jung and Seok Kang-Ho walked toward him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go home in Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung called him as if he had something to say, but just said, ¡°understood.¡±

    After parting ways with Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho immediately left.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you buy some clothes to change into?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to my ce. We can change there.¡±

    ¡°Ah, right. No one¡¯s home, right?¡± Seok Kang-Homented as he nodded and observed Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Ease up that look in your eyes. If other people see it, they¡¯re going to think you¡¯re going home to fight.¡±

    ¡°Thinking that son of a bitch Yang Jin-Woo will get tough behind our backs because he seeded makes it impossible for me to calm down,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°We can¡¯t just run up to someone so famous even a three-year-old would know and twist his neck. Even if we could, we didn¡¯t find any clear evidence to justify it. That fucker probably did this with that in mind.¡±

    ¡°Son of a bitch. He should just live infort and spend his money if he had that much. Why is he doing something like this? Is he crazy?¡±

    ¡°Kim Hyung-Jung said that he suffered a loss because of Kang Yoo Motors, right?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Hey! That fucker was the one that butted in. And even if he suffered a loss, how much would it have been? Regardless, that¡¯s not even what¡¯s important!¡±

    ¡°What is, then?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°What matters is that that fucker cooperated in attacking Lanok and my father to stop the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project from happening. What I don¡¯t understand is how Yang Jin-Woo could be so quick to kill someone just because he couldn¡¯t get the distribution rights for Gong Te¡¯s automobile. If South Korea gets richer, that fucker Yang Jin-Woo is going to earn more money than anyone else anyway.¡±

    The traffic frustrated Kang Chan, so he lowered the window. Perhaps it was because of the cool air from the air conditioner, but he thought the air that rushed into the car was quite warm.

    ¡°Are we missing something?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°We probably are.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t say anything else upon noticing the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ***

    A French restaurant in a hotel in South Korea.

    Yang Jin-Woo, who was in one of its VIP rooms, didn¡¯t pick up the fork even though he had an escargot dish in front of him.

    Of the four people that met at the Japanese restaurant, only Huh Sang-Soo was currently missing.

    ¡°What did Assemblyman Huh say?¡± Yang Jin-Woo asked someone.

    ¡°He only told us to make sure to discard the data.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s already done.¡±

    When Yang Jin-Woo turned his gaze, the man sitting to his left answered while bowing his head.

    ¡°The perpetrator this time was Kang Chan as well.¡±

    ¡°General manager Kwak, what I want to hear from you is how we¡¯re going to take care of that crazy bastard,¡± Yang Jin-Woo said.

    Kwak Do-Young had a big build andrge and bright eyes. Even his hands and feet were big. He was sorge he made the table and the dishes look that much smaller.

    ¡°We¡¯re being careful until we can reim the National Intelligence Service. We¡¯re searching through Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, and Kang Chan¡¯s previous records that are avable, but we¡¯re grappling with this issue since they hasven¡¯t done any suspicious activities until recently,¡± Kwak Do-Young answered.

    ¡°General manager Kwak.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Chairman.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo took a sip of the water in a crystal cup, then said, ¡°I think I already did everything I could for this country and its people.¡±

    ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t know that?¡±

    ¡°I feel the same way about this incident as well. I did everything that people asked me to do for them and the country. But if we still can¡¯t take care of one Red traitor for the Westerners even after I did that, then what was I enduring these kinds of sacrifices for? Forget the traitor¨CI can¡¯t even touch the parents of that dirty fucker. What¡¯s with this situation?¡±

    ¡°About that, if you give us a bit more time, then¡ª¡±

    ¡°The traitor has to be given a clear warning. I¡¯ll participate in the next n if it means showing him that the world isn¡¯t easy enough for a breed of humans without a good background to act unruly.¡±

    Kwak Do-Young sighed with a groan. ¡°Mr. Chairman, what you just said could upset the assemblyman.¡±

    The edges of Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s lips slightly curled upward. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be disgraced by letting our people, who have been bought by the Westerners, call us traitors even though we¡¯ve given it our all to feed and look after them. I¡¯d much rather step out of this matter.¡±

    Looking troubled, Kwak Do-Young frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to pass on to the Assemblyman how firm you are about your intentions.¡±

    ¡°At least one of the parents that made such a traitor should be punished. They¡¯re no better than trash for opposing me and trusting their foolish child! I don¡¯t think Kang Chan will bat an eye even if one of his parents is killed, but still, I wish to see at least see his mother as a corpse.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pass on exactly what you said.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll trust you, so I¡¯ll send the required funds by tomorrow.¡± Yang Jin-Woo then turned his gaze. Cho Il-Kwon, the chief secretary, looked at Kwak Do-Young from over his sses.

    ***

    ¡°Honey, would it really be okay if we take all of this?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Dae-Kyung. She was looking at the envelopes with a worried expression.

    ¡°Calm down. There¡¯s no way to return them either anyway. I¡¯m way more d about our son not going around doing bad things than about the money itself.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked like she didn¡¯t understand what he said.

    ¡°I¡¯m talking about the Prime Minister saying that what Channy is doing right now is difficult and that only he is capable of doing it.¡±

    ¡°I thought you were talking about something you¡¯re the only one aware of again.¡±

    ¡°Like what? Channy is also devoted to you.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook smiled as if she was satisfied when Kang Dae-Kyung said that.

    ¡°Honey, what are you going to eat for lunch?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook then asked.

    ¡°Go home and look after Channy. You can juste back tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook stroked Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s hand after cing the envelope on one side. ¡°I¡¯m going to call Channy and stay here today, so just focus on getting better and getting out of here quickly, honey. I probably let you carry an extremely heavy burden alone. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying nonsense.¡±

    ¡°You went through a hard time, didn¡¯t you? I wouldn¡¯t have known if you aren¡¯t suffering from body aches like this.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s with you? If you¡¯re that sorry, then kiss me!¡±

    ¡°Honey! What are you going to do if someone sees us!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook pped Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s hand while pursing her lips right away.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it? It¡¯s just the two of us here.¡±

    ¡°Are you going to stop with just a kiss?¡±

    ¡°Would I really think about doing something else in here?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked back.

    ¡°Jeez!¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook raised herself up while pretending that she couldn¡¯t win against him, then kissed him. ¡°Are you satisfied now?¡±

    ¡°I definitely am!¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook tightly held onto Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m always happy and thankful because I met you, honey.¡±

    ¡°Why is my madam acting like this today of all days?¡±

    ¡°Maybe because you and Channy make me so happy.¡±

    They tightly held each other¡¯s hands.

    ***

    On their way up to Kang Chan¡¯s house, Kang Chan talked to Yoo Hye-Sook and decided to stay at home today. As soon as they arrived at the apartment, he handedfortable clothes to Seok Kang-Ho, and Kang Chan changed after lightly washing up.

    ¡°Put the dirty clothes here. Let''s throw them out when we leave,¡± Kang Chan said.

    He didn¡¯t know how many clothes he already had to throw out because of how often he got into fights.

    ¡°What are you going to do for dinner?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I should eat.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the baekban restaurant in Misari, then have a cup of coffee in the establishment in front of it afterward. It won¡¯t feel right to smoke in here anyway, right?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho got out of the apartment.

    ¡°Are you thinking of killing Yang Jin-Woo?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded, seemingly expecting that would be his answer.

    ¡°They had tried to kill our people anyway. Regardless of the reason behind their actions, they¡¯re not going to give up until they¡¯re satisfied. And if they¡¯re not going to give up, then we might as well do this our way,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Have you thought about how you¡¯re going to kill him?¡±

    ¡°Not yet. Gathering information about that fuckeres first, so there isn¡¯t anything in particr that¡¯se across my mind.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not going to be easy.¡±

    ¡°Right. I have to think about it for now.¡±

    Kang Chan stroked his forehead with the hand draped over the open window.

    Upon arriving at Misari, they had baekban. He wasn¡¯t hungry, but when the food was served, he cleanly emptied the rice bowl.

    They then went to the coffee shop they went to often and ordered two iced coffees. Afterward, they sat outside at a table that had a view of the river.

    Click.

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    Coffee was served while they were smoking.

    ¡°I¡¯ll meet manager Kim tomorrow to see if I can get him to give me information about Yang Jin-Woo. If he does, great. If not, I¡¯ll forget just about it and kill Yang Jin-Woo with just the two of us. Keep that in mind,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Now that they hade to a decision, Kang Chan felt at ease.

 Chapter 84.2: Prelude (1)

    <h4>Chapter 84.2: Prelude (1)</h4>

    They came back to Seoul, then parted ways in front of the apartment.

    He couldn¡¯t go to the hospital yet because there was still a lot of spite visible in his eyes. If he went there in this state, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook would immediately ask what was wrong. He felt like he had received an order not to attack first, even though they didn¡¯t know when the enemy would attack because they were right in the enemy¡¯s sights.

    Close to twenty gangsters had been killed. Kang Chan had always hated them and denied their lifestyle in general, but they shouldn¡¯t have suffered such absurd deaths. If only they were a little bit more careful. If only he didn¡¯t let his guard down because the people involved in the scene of the Yongin ident were former gangsters that Oh Gwang-Taek had recognized.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t turn on the lights, even though the living room was very dark.

    ¡®You have to be cold-hearted, Kang Chan.¡¯

    Kang Chan exhaled deeply, then pulled himself together.

    Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    Sitting absent-mindedly, his phone screen¡¯s light lit up the living room when he got a text. Did this mean that he should turn on the lights?

    Kang Chan flicked on the living room light switch and held up the phone.

    [Where are you?]

    It was Kim Mi-Young. At that moment, he felt sorry because he remembered his kiss with Michelle. He calmed down at least a little bit as he exhaled deeply.

    Should I not call her? He was also scared he¡¯d make a mistake he was getting furious at the moment.

    Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    [I¡¯m on my way home from hagwon.]

    Kang Chan smirked when the image of Kim Mi-Young trudging home while looking crestfallen came across his mind. He hesitated for a moment but pressed the call button anyway.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Are you done with your hagwon?¡±

    - Yeah!

    Kang Chan felt as if Kim Mi-Young was his younger sister again today. For some strange reason, when he heard her voice his spiteful mind calmed down a little bit.

    ¡°Would you like to meet up for a bit?¡±

    - Can you do that?

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s voice had a hint of cuteness. How could he say no when she was this happy?

    ¡°I¡¯ll go out right now.¡±

    - Okay.

    Kang Chan trudged down the apartment after hanging up.

    As he was going out of the entrance, Kim Mi-Young was already at the front gate. She ran toward him after she discovered him.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to fall!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Kim Mi-Young approached him while smiling brightly.

    Jeez, you little kid!

    Kang Chan looked around them. There were a lot of people on each bench because it was a hot day, and perhaps because it was a Saturday.

    ¡°Would you like to eat patbingsu?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have to go home early today.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young looked around them as well. The stares from the people that were sitting seemed to make her ufortable.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just take a walk instead, then.¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan took Kim Mi-Young¡¯s bag and ced it across his shoulder, then leisurely got out of the apartment.

    Kim Mi-Young covered her mouth with her hand and yawned.

    ¡°Are you sleepy?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve only been getting three hours of sleep per day nowadays because I¡¯ve been studying French on the side.¡±

    ¡°Why are you studying that much? You can just finish the university entrance exam first before focusing on that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m preparing to take the DALF at the end of the year.¡±

    ¡°Already?¡±

    Was this possible? Her preparation wasn¡¯t to take the DELF, the basic level test, but to take the DALF test, which was for advanced learners only was going to be held in a few days?

    ¡°I¡¯m studying hard because the certification is at the end of this year. I¡¯m going to study abroad after finishing one semester in South Korea. I made a good decision, right?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s excellent!¡±

    He was being sincere. If she could pass the DALF, the French qualification test, in only six months, then that meant she learned how to speak like a native in a year.

    ¡°Studying is so fun. I¡¯m getting more of it done since I made a n that would allow me to study French after studying the school subjects that I had targeted. I get a lot of energy when I think about living with you in France starting next year!¡± Kim Mi-Young eximed.

    When Kang Chan smiled lightly, Kim Mi-Young smiled along with him.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to be in France on my birthday next year. You can¡¯t forget what you promised me,¡± Kim Mi-Young reminded Kang Chan.

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Huhuhu,¡± Kim Mi-Youngughed in response to Kang Chan¡¯s answer. He expected her to be a bit more mature within the few days that he hadn¡¯t seen her, but she felt like a proper high schooler again now that she heard herugh.

    Kim Mi-Young looks a bit thicker than Michelle since her chest and butt are bigger in rtion to her waist¡­ what am I doing?

    Kang Chan shook his head to get rid of his useless thoughts.

    A lot of the spite left him as he walked with Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°I¡¯ll study hard,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    When Kim Mi-Young turned her head, the look in her eyes tugged at his heartstrings with a bump. Perhaps it was because she was a child that studied with spite, but the look in her eyes showed she wasn¡¯t going to shatter easily.

    ¡°Mi-Young, you¡¯re going to enter a university in Seoul first, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yeah. I heard doing so will make it more advantageous for me to study abroad in France.¡±

    Kang Chan asked that question just in case. After they circled around about half of the apartmentplex¡¯s vicinity, they circled around to the entrance through a shortcut.

    ¡°You should sleep more, just for today. Tomorrow is Sunday anyway, so you can study a bit more then. You look tired,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Huh? Do I look ugly?¡±

    At times like this, she was definitely a female adolescent student.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it¡ªI only said that because I¡¯m worried about you.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll sleep a little early today, then. bye!¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young smiled brightly.

    When Kang Chan waved his hand, Kim Mi-Young quickly ran off as if she was heading toward a goal that she had set. He wanted to sit on a bench if there weren¡¯t as many people, but there were still many of them since a lot of families hade outside.

    Kang Chan returned home. A momentter, Yoo Hye-Sook called him. He looked after them by asking if they had dinner and if anything else happened. He then talked to Kang Dae-Kyung for a moment. Kang Chan thought everything was alright since he sounded calm.

    But what happened to that fucker Oh Gwang-Taek? Even though they were gangsters, they died all too soon. If they went through the police hospital, then they¡¯d certainly be at the funeral home. Hence, it felt ufortable that Oh Gwang-Taek wasn¡¯t calling him.

    ¡®Should I call him?¡¯

    Kang Chan had been ring at his phone, but he went into his room andy down in bed instead. He fell asleep while feeling his injuries throb a little bit.

    ~

    Kang Chan had been nning on waking up early in the morning and taking a shower, but he just washed his hair and his face since the bandages wrapped around his waist and shoulder were severely damper than he had expected.

    As always, omelets were the best for the morning. This damned dish was okay when he ate with Yoo Hye-Sook or Kang Dae-Kyung, but it tasted so horrible now that he was trying to eat it alone.

    Kang Chan changed as he thought about going to the hospital. He was going to have to throw out his clothes again because the ones he had worn yesterday had dried bloodstains and were now ck.

    Yang Jin Woo, you son of a bitch! I should¡¯ve searched for your face on the inte.

    Kang Chan got changed and went down to the apartment. He put the clothes in a recycling bin before taking a taxi.

    If the Bang Ji Hospital didn¡¯t recognize Kang Chan, then that would be very suspicious.

    The doctor on duty examined Kang Chan¡¯s wounds more calmly than Yoo Hun-Woo. He then disinfected, stitched, and wrapped bandages around them.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think your wounds will be that big of a concern since you received good first aid. Please get a shot and take the prescribed medicine,¡± the doctor told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡±

    After Kang Chan got the shot, he went up to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s room with the prescription in his back pocket.

    Rattle.

    ¡°Oh my! Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°How is father doing?¡±

    ¡°All good! He¡¯s a lot better now. Have you had breakfast?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I made myself an omelet.¡±

    Kang Chan examined Kang Dae-Kyung first, then looked at Yoo Hye-Sook. ¡°Mother, Have you had breakfast?¡±

    ¡°This hospital is weird. They served us an abundant meal, like a special meal. They even gave me food as well. They¡¯re not trying to amp up our hospital bills, are they?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan burst out withughter at the same time because of what Yoo Hye-Sook had said.

    ¡°There wasn¡¯t anything else, right?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes. Nothing happened.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart warmed up as he was looking at Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Chan, can you stay at the hospital for a bit by any chance?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes, father. Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°I n on sending your mom home so she can get some rest. She keeps saying that I shouldn¡¯t be alone like the other patients since I¡¯m the one suffering from body aches. Honey! Since Channy is here now, go home and get some rest. Come back after.¡±

    ¡°Please do that. Get some rest while I¡¯m here,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Okay, Channy. I¡¯ll go home, take a shower, and change clothes. I¡¯ll return afterward. Until then, look after your father,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook left the room after stroking Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Have you had tea?¡± Kang Chan asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Your mom made it for me. Feel free to drink something if you want to.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    He was going to crave cigarettes if he sloppily drank instant coffee.

    ¡°You¡¯re worried about me, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked an unexpected question, then stared at Kang Chan. ¡°When did you grow up so much that you can now worry about me?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung elevated the head of the bed and leaned against it. He then stroked Kang Chan¡¯s head, tousling his hair.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. If what you¡¯re doing is right, then keep doing it. Seeing sincerity in the eyes of the people and students that visited me is enough for me, so don¡¯t needlessly worry about me. If you have to, then ask for my help whenever. I can do that for you, right?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even answer. He only blinked.

    ¡°I thought that you were all grown up, but seeing you like this makes me realize you¡¯re still young,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung continued.

    Kang Chan really liked Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s touch.

    ¡°Chan.¡±

    ¡°Yes, father?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t ask you why those people tried to kill me or how you found out about it. However, I hope there wouldn¡¯t be instances where your mom would get startled or injured.¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll stop at nothing to make sure of that.¡±

    Kang Chan thought that he had to kill Yang Jin-Woo as fast as possible.

    1. Kang Chan doesn¡¯t actually think of her as a kid here, but he¡¯s saying this because he¡¯s thinking that she¡¯s acting younger than her age

    2. DALF, or the Dipl?me approfondi dengue fran?aise (Advanced diploma in Frenchnguage) is a certification of Frenchnguage abilities for non-native speakers of French. It¡¯s administered by France Education International for France''s Ministry of Education. It¡¯s valid for life and the certification has two versions¨CDELF, or the Dipl?me d¡¯¨¦tudes enngue fran?aise (Diploma of Frenchnguage studies) is for beginners and intermediate learners, and DALF, which is the one that Kim Mi-Young is preparing to take, is for advanced learners

 Chapter 85.1: Prelude (2)

    <h4>Chapter 85.1: Prelude (2)</h4>

    The doctor that had stitched up Kang Chan¡¯s waist and shoulder came by to treat them. The son hid his wounds, and the father hid the identity of his illness to appear healthy. However, neither did so with bad intentions.

    Just as Kang Chan was thinking about calling Kim Hyung-Jung, thetter called him instead just at the right time.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, how¡¯s your father doing?

    ¡°I¡¯m at the hospital, and he¡¯s a lot better, thanks to you.¡±

    - Do you have some time to spare in the afternoon?

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯m in my father¡¯s room right now.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung, who was in front of Kang Chan, gestured that he should go.

    ¡°Yes! I think we can meet up.¡±

    - Then please give me a call when you¡¯re leaving the hospital.

    ¡°Will do.¡±

    When Kang Chan ended the call, Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Kang Chan as if he was curious about the phone call.

    ¡°It¡¯s manager Kim. He wants to see me today,¡± Kang Chan told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°You should go. No matter how important of a role you took on, you shouldn¡¯t disrespect adults.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    It felt good that his father was worried about these things for him.

    ¡°Did you know that your mom has be dramatically popr among graduates nowadays?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Mom¡¯s popr?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. People found out what you did for us at the hotel, and how you gave the daughter of her friend a chance to appear in a drama. They also heard that you got admitted to a university in France and a university in Seoul. Your mom¡¯s been feeling as if she¡¯s walking on cloudstely.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled slightly, and Kang Dae-Kyung smiled in turn after thanking him.

    While they were talking about random topics, Kang Chan suddenly remembered Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s advice.

    ¡°Father, can you really move on already despite having gone through something like this? You¡¯re not curious about how I found out?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m curious, but I think it would be best for you if I forget what happened that day. If I ended up discovering what you do, I feel like I¡¯d stop you or interfere. Knowing you and I are safe is enough for me. Still, don¡¯t try to manage everything by yourself. If serving the country proves difficult, then you canin to me sometimes.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Come here. I probably won¡¯t get to do this anymore when you get older.¡±

    Kang Chan awkwardly went in-between Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s arms when thetter opened them.

    <i>Pat. Pat. Pat.</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung patted his back while only their shoulders were touching.

    ¡°The look in your eyes on that day is still vivid in my mind. I¡¯m honestly scared, but I¡¯m enduring it, so don¡¯t ever think you¡¯re alone. Open up to me whenever you¡¯re tired or if things be difficult, okay?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get hurt.¡±

    <i>Rattle</i>.

    Even before Kang Dae-Kyung could finish talking, the door opened.

    ¡°Why did youe here so early?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I was worried that Channy would find this difficult.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook smiled pleasantly at them. ¡°Phew, our Channy has been consoling his dad. Give me a hug as well.¡±

    Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook, who had wrapped her arms around his neck.

    ¡°I love you, Channy. I love you so much,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even respond. He had never thought that this kind of happiness existed in this world and that it would be his.

    Yoo Hye-Sook peeled some fruits with the knife she brought, and they all ate together for the first time in a long while. For lunch, they had the bossam that Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Honey, I¡¯m going to be discharged tomorrow,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Yoo Hye-Sook afterward.

    ¡°But the doctor said you should rest for about a week, honey!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have to¡ªI already feel great after a good night¡¯s sleep yesterday. This room is a bit ufortable as well. I¡¯ll tell the director tomorrow about my wishes, and I¡¯ll get discharged if he says that it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll rest for a day or two more at home, so don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook red at Kang Dae-Kyung with suspicion, then nodded after adding the proviso ¡°we¡¯ll decide after hearing what the director has to say.¡±

    ¡°You do know you have to go to the Foundation office next week, right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Why should I? You take care of it.¡±

    ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t you? Drop by for even just a moment since it¡¯s an officetel that¡¯s beside our office. There should be a female employee there.¡±

    Kang Chan listened and watched them talk about the Kang-Yoo foundation until almost 3 pm.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving now. I¡¯m thinking about meeting the manager,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°Okay, be quick. I¡¯m going to be discharged tomorrow, so make sure to go home swiftly, okay?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you after seeing how things go.¡±

    ¡°Be careful out there, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kang Chan left the room.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung unexpectedly said that he wished to see Kang Chan at the office in Samseong-dong. Kang Chan could just take a taxi to that ce, though, so he didn¡¯t find it that troublesome.

    Kang Chan arrived at the building in fifteen minutes. He went up to the fifth floor, and, the moment Kang Chan stood in front of the door, the door opened with a <i>nk</i>.

    ¡°Pleasee in.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung was inside.

    ¡°Did I miss a CCTV while I wasing up here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°But isn¡¯t this a special office without one?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung led Kang Chan to his room, which was located further into the office.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you submitted a letter of resignation?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk over tea. Would you like coffee? Or a cold drink?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like both.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a wise choice.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung smiled and left, then returned with two coffees and two drinks on a tray. ¡°I got some cigarettes as well.¡±

    A cigarette pack was on the table. It was missing three to four cigarettes.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t smoke a lot since I thought that I also have to take care of my mental health,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    Kang Chan smiled lightly in response. They both took out cigarettes.

    <i>Chk chk</i>.

    ¡°Whoo, cigarettes are amazing,¡± Kim Hyung-Jungmented.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what he was talking about, but it looked like Kim Hyung-Jung needed time. In moments like this, just watching him and giving him that was the best thing to do.

    ¡°We found circumstantial evidence that thirty people that are a part of the North Korean special forces have gone over to China,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung started to exin.

    ¡°Did theye over to South Korea through Japan again?¡±

    ¡°They seemed to have initially expected to eliminate Lanok and execute the rest of the terrorist attacks with only the people they sent into the countryst time. They¡¯re probably in a hurry as well, though, since those people all got KIA¡¯d, including their surviving members, thanks to you.¡±

    Kang Chan waited for Kim Hyung-Jung to continue after taking a sip of the coffee, thinking thetter hadn¡¯t said his main point yet.

    ¡°Seven of our agents in Berlinid down their lives to obtain this information.¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled softly. The number of lives sacrificed here was not unlike what would have happened in a local war.

    ¡°We also caught the movement of China¡¯s Intelligence Bureau while we were chasing Cha Yang-Woon, who came into the country from China. Thanks to that, we¡¯ve ascertained where the North Korean special forces soldiers went,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added as he extinguished his cigarette on the ashtray. He then looked at Kang Chan. ¡°The President has approved ofunching a preemptive attack on the North Korean special forces soldiers that are in Mongolia.¡±

    Kang Chan sat nkly. He never would have expected this.

    ¡°This issue can cause a war, so we should also move on from this afterpletely getting rid of our identities. I returned to the National Intelligence Service to do that. My fingerprint, pictures, and every record about me right now have been changed or deleted. Regardless of where I¡¯m caught or who¡¯s searching for me, they won¡¯t be able to find me.¡±

    <i>Why is Kim Hyung-Jung telling me this?</i>

    ¡°The President said he¡¯s not going to just watch the enemiesmit merciless terrorist attacks on our territory and that neglecting you while you¡¯re making sacrifices for the country doesn¡¯t sit right with him either. He wanted me to pass on his sincerest apology about what happened with your father.¡±

    ¡°How many people are going to Mongolia?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, everything that happens from here on out will proceed in absolute secrecy. In about a week, my sessor will contact you. This is the best thing that this country¡¯smander-in-chief and I can do for you.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s calm smile looked very cool.

    ¡°Can I ask you for information about Yang Jin-Woo?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    When Kang Chan said that, Kim Hyung-Jung brought over a USB from his desk and handed it to him. ¡°I thought you¡¯d ask, so I wrote down everything about him¡ªfrom his surroundings to suspicious circumstantial evidence rted to him, his movement paths, security, and his funds¡ªand stored them in here. I personally collected all of the intel in it.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung was already prepared for death. He was thinking that this was the best he could do and felt that he had no choice but to die at the end of it. Kang Chan cocked his head.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, why are you so sure of your death?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Do I look like I am?¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t dodge the question.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung inhaled deeply as if he was strengthening his resolve, then said, ¡°We weren¡¯t able to secure a retreat route.¡±

    <i>What kind of stupid n is that?</i>

    ¡°The target location is close to the boundaries of Mongolia, China, and Russia. We can get to it, but we have no means of returning after the war.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, thenmented, ¡°That also means we¡¯ll ultimately have to fight Mongolian soldiers as well if a war breaks out after you enter Mongolia.¡±

    ¡°The border guards are near the target spot.¡±

    ¡°What about entering Mongolia?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s going to be done normally. Quite a lot of agents areing with me.¡±

    Kang Chan thought he understood what was going on. They¡¯d pay someone to get them into Mongolia, but that meant there would be no way to help Kim Hyung-Jung once a war had broken out. If so, then they¡¯d be left with death as their only option.

    ¡°Why are you going this far?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°This will serve as a strong warning to the force that¡¯s trying to stop the ¡®Unicorn.¡¯ It¡¯ll show the people that ordered others to kill your father our intention not to sit back and just watch anymore.¡±

    Kang Chan only watched Kim Hyung-Jung because he was dumbfounded.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, please look after the ¡®Unicorn¡¯.¡±

    ¡°You said it¡¯ll take about a week, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I can¡¯t disclose any more information.¡±

    ¡°Does President Kim also know about this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve arranged this meeting with you because there¡¯s the promise that I¡¯ve made to you. I can¡¯t force you, but I hope you¡¯ll make sure only the two of us know about this. This is for the members and agents that have prepared to die with me.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded, then asked, ¡°Can I join?¡±

    ¡°No, you can¡¯t.¡±

    Contrary to Kang Chan¡¯s expectations, it was a t refusal.

    ¡°If by any chance something happens to you, then the reason why I intervened in this in the first ce would disappear. Mr. Kang Chan, please look after the ¡®Unicorn¡¯.¡¯ That would be enough for me,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    The look in his eyes showed that he was prepared to die. It was the gaze of a soldier with a strong sense of duty.

    1. In South Korea, officetel refers to a multi-purpose building with residential andmunity units. It¡¯s a studio apartment or t designed to be a self-contained building that allows its residents to live and work in it

 Chapter 85.2: Prelude (2)

    <h4>Chapter 85.2: Prelude (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan was thinking of eating the jjampong that he had before with Kim Hyung-Jung, but he left his office before dinner.

    To someone prepared to die, a week would pass by so quickly that it would feel no longer than a day, especially if they had a family or a person they love.

    On his way home, Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°You have a suit jacket, right?¡±

    - I¡¯ve cleaned it and prepared it so I can wear it anytime.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go to the funeral home for Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s men. Do you want toe?¡±

    - Should I wait in front of your house?

    ¡°I¡¯ll be at the entrance of the apartment in twenty minutes.¡±

    - Alright.

    Kang Chan went up to his house and put on dress pants and a clean shirt, then headed out of the apartment.

    Seok Kang-Ho was already waiting with his Chiffre¡¯s emergency lights on.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the funeral home located?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I was told it¡¯s in Sanggye.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho input the location in the GPS, then immediately left.

    <i>What should I do with this fucker?</i> Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m looking at you because that suit doesn¡¯t suit you.¡±

    ¡°Huh? My wife said to be careful of the young bitches that would be running after me.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud.

    ¡°How¡¯s your father?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°He¡¯ll probably get discharged tomorrow. I didn¡¯t say anything because I didn¡¯t think it was a bad idea. He was just at the hospital out of fear and because he was going through severe aftereffects due to the idents anyway.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡±

    This time, Seok Kang-Ho discreetly looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Is something going on? What is it? Be honest with me,¡± Seok Kang-Ho pushed.

    ¡°There isn¡¯t! I just feel down because I¡¯m going to a funeral home with you despite how good the weather is today.¡±

    ¡°Why do I doubt that?¡±

    ¡°After dropping by the funeral home, let¡¯s visit the hospital where the agents that got hurt in Yongin are confined.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    They arrived at the funeral home after driving for about forty minutes. Starting from the entrance, it was swarmed with guys that, given their looks, could have just as well held signboards that said ¡®I¡¯m a gangster!¡¯

    Three or four people approached them when they entered the parking lot.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t really want to deal with them, so he got out of the passenger seat.

    ¡°Where did youe from?¡± one of the people asked. He looked at Kang Chan while twisting his lips.

    ¡°Wee, hyung-nim!¡± Another man urgently ran over from the inner part of the parking lot. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know his name but remembered his face.

    ¡°You fuckers! You don¡¯t know Kang Chan hyung-nim?¡± he asked the others as he arrived in front of Kang Chan.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    The men in the parking lot all bowed, making those walking nearby look at Kang Chan in surprise.

    The man quickly gestured with his head to help Seok Kang-Ho get out of the car. He then said, ¡°This way, hyung-nim.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho followed him down to the basement.

    As they descended, Kang Chan remembered that the person they were following was the one who had called people for him when Seok Kang-Ho had been hospitalized because of a neck injury.

    It seemed like they were using the entire first floor of the basement. While they were passing the hallway, they saw portraits of the deceased hung up in every partition and people that seemed to be their family members, looking stunned.

    ¡°No! Anything but this! Please!!¡± From far away, they heard the mncholic cries of a mourning old woman.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek hyung-nim is inside this room, hyung-nim,¡± the guy told Kang Chan.

    Oh Gwang-Taek was at the innermost partition of the room. When Kang Chan went in, the gangsters inside all stood up and greeted him.

    ¡°Oh, I wasn¡¯t expecting you. Wee,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek greeted Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho. He looked haggard and had his beard grown out. It looked like it had a mind of its own.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit. Hey! Bring us coffee,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek ordered one of his subordinates, then took out cigarettes. He bit on one then handed the rest to Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I made the incident appear as a car ident,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek told Kang Chan.

    <i>What am I supposed to say?</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked at Kang Chan, then nodded. ¡°I thought that you wouldn¡¯te, since you said so many times that you don¡¯t like gangsters.¡±

    ¡°Do you need anything?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Just look into the fucker that Cha Yang-Woon brought here.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about that after the funeral.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek gritted his teeth instead of answering him. It didn¡¯t matter what Kang Chan said. Oh Gwang-Taek was so full of spite that nothing could appease him right now.

    Kang Chan sat at the funeral home for about twenty minutes, then left.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho then headed to the police hospital. When they went into the patient room that Kim Hyung-Jung had told him about, they found two agents beside their colleague, who had half of his body covered in a cast. One of the two agents had crutches, while the other had a cast on one of his arms. Seok Kang-Ho handed over a fruit basket.

    ¡°Please have a seat,¡± one of the agents offered.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We can¡¯t stay long,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± one of the agents said.

    ¡°Thank you. It¡¯s because of you guys that my father is safe,¡± Kang Chan said, then walked out of the room. The agents bowed with awkward expressions.

    ¡°Where are we going now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner and smoke somewherefortable. Is there something that you want to eat? My treat.¡±

    ¡°How about eel?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    They headed to Gimpo. It felt like they were circling around the outskirts of Seoul.

    After eating eel until they were full, they sat down at a specialty coffee shop.

    ¡°Feeling better?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m not angry anymore.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re clearly hiding something.¡±

    This fucker was now quick-witted as well.

    ¡°Hey, should I sleep with Michelle? Would I be a bit more generous once I relieved everything I¡¯ve been holding in?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho grabbed a cigarette while grinning, then asked, ¡°See? You¡¯re even changing the subject now. Stop doing that, Captain. Just tell me what¡¯s going on so you won¡¯t have to carry the burden alone.¡±

    Kang Chan just took out a cigarette and bit it.

    ¡°Are you thinking of going to Africa, by any chance?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s not it, then it¡¯s fine.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ***

    Kang Chan went home at around 10 pm, and he fell asleep after he talked with Yoo Hye-Sook and washed up a bit.

    On Monday morning, Kang Chan called Lanok.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, is there a problem with tomorrow¡¯s appointment?

    ¡°There isn¡¯t, Mr. Ambassador. I¡¯m calling you to ask you a favor before the meeting tomorrow. I don¡¯t want Anne to know about this.¡±

    - How much time do you need?

    ¡°One hour should be enough.¡±

    - Please wait for a moment.

    Over the phone, Lanok talked about his schedule with an employee.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, I have time to meet you at 1 pm today, although it will be tight. Can youe to the embassy?

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll see you then.¡±

    After he ended the call, Kang Chan washed up, had an omelet, and headed to the hospital. Yoo Hun-Woo, who had been waiting for him, examined his wounds.

    ¡°They look okay. You¡¯ll even be able to shower starting tomorrow,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said as he dismissively bandaged Kang Chan¡¯s wounds, almost as if he was just putting a band-aid on him.

    ¡°Can my father be discharged from the hospital?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Hmm! That should be fine, he doesn¡¯t really need any special treatment. It¡¯s safe to say he can get discharged as long as he¡¯s no longer afraid and has calmed down.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s going to ask about being dischargedter when you see him in the in-person rounds.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll exin it to him well.¡±

    After he finished getting treated, Kang Chan went up to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s room and found him in a much better state than the day before. Yoo Hun-Woo arrived not long after Kang Chan, and they decided that Kang Dae-Kyung would get discharged.

    Kang Chan returned home with Kang Dae-Kyung, then immediately headed to the French embassy. An agent had been waiting for him at the front door. He apanied Kang Chan to Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan was happy to see him. They greeted each other ording to French customs. Kang Chan then sat on the seat that Lanok pointed at.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, is this room safe?¡±

    Lanok nced at Kang Chan, then gestured with his eyes to the agent that had been waiting in front of the door. The agent closed the door, and calm ssical music filled the room.

    ¡°We¡¯ve blocked nearly all frequencies that are used for wiretapping. Even if someone ced a mic outside, the music would be louder than us, so it would be difficult to catch the conversation. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    After Kang Chan took a sip of the tea that Lanok rmended, he picked up a cigarette. While the ssical music was being yed, Lanok, who was sitting with his long legs crossed, listened to what Kang Chan had to say.

    ¡°Is that really necessary, Mr. Kang Chan? From my perspective, I find it incredibly reckless,¡± Lanok said afterward. He had straightened his posture and was looking at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s a difficult favor, Mr. Ambassador, but I can¡¯t just sit on my hands and watch this unfold.¡±

    Lanok looked like he couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you an answer to your request at tomorrow¡¯s dinner,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    They stood up from their seats. Lanok¡¯s expression remained extremely grim.

    1. Sanggye, or Sanggye-dong, is a neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea

 Chapter 86.1: Things Went Wrong and Got Messed Up (1)

    <h4>Chapter 86.1: Things Went Wrong and Got Messed Up (1)</h4>

    On Monday afternoon, Kang Chan came home, had dinner with his family, and spent time with them watching TV. If he had to insist on picking something special that happened, then it would be the phone call that Yoo Hye-Sook received about their application tounch a Foundation having been approved. In his spare time, he looked at all the materials about Yang Jin-Woo that were on the USB, then checked the important parts.

    But even if he could understand the other things, he really couldn¡¯t understand how Yang Jin-Woo could provide mary support to six separate women.

    <i>¡®He¡¯s a weird fucker.¡¯</i>

    Cha Yang-Woon only saw them once every two months at most. He didn¡¯t even sleep with them often, yet he was still providing them with the best apartments and paying their enormous living expenses.

    Compared to his short height, he had a solid build, small eyes, and a big nose. He had a strange expression that made him look as if he was looking down on others.

    <i>¡®Just you wait.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan slowly examined the materials as his eyes shone.

    Kang Dae-Kyung had decided to rest until Tuesday. He looked like he was itching to go out after he had breakfast, but he couldn¡¯t win over Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s determined eyes. Kang Chan was greatly relieved when he saw Kang Dae-Kyung acting that way.

    On Tuesday afternoon, Kang Chan headed to the meeting ce in Bang bae-dong.

    They were meeting at a restaurant that specialized in French cuisine, but it was much smaller than he had expected.

    ¡°This way, monsieur Kang.¡± An agent personally led Kang Chan from the entrance.

    ¡°Channy!¡± Anne got up first, and Lanok followed after her.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect them to be here already.

    ¡°You¡¯re here early,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°I needed time to speak with Anne privately.¡±

    ¡°Did I intrude into that conversation?¡±

    ¡°Not at all. You¡¯re right on time. Now! Should we have a simple drink before the meal?¡±

    With Lanok¡¯s suggestion, Kang Chan and Anne held up their sses. After Lanok drank the wine, he gestured for the food to be served.

    Anne was the star of the day. It was great to see her going on about the handful of stories that she had about her school days, the absurd driver shot that Kang Chan had shown at the golf club, and the change she went through since that day, all with a bright face.

    Lanok looked delighted, and Kang Chan enjoyed listening to her as well.

    The dinnersted two hours, during which no other customers entered the restaurant. When Lanok gestured with his eyes, a server brought over cigars and cigarettes, an ashtray, and a lighter on a silver tray.

    ¡°This is today¡¯s foremost service,¡± Lanokmented.

    Kang Chan smiled satisfyingly, and the three of them leisurely enjoyed the cigarettes.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Anne has decided to act as a hostess of the embassy from now on,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s amazing.¡±

    When Kang Chan looked back at Anne, she brought her face closer to him while smiling widely.

    <i>Damn it! I shouldn¡¯t have pretended to be happy</i>. Left with no other choice, Kang Chan quickly kissed her. The smooch was loud but passionless.

    ¡°I have to go in a little bit, Channy. There¡¯s a social gathering with special guests from Africa, and I have to join them for tea,¡± Anne said afterward, wanting to be praised by him. Kang Chan told her that she was incredible, then gave her a thumbs-up several times. True to her word, Anne got up from her seat thirty minutester.

    Anne hugged Kang Chan and lightly kissed him. He had been worried about her, but at this rate, it seemed she¡¯d be able to swiftly pull herself together.

    Those who wanted to be recognized followed the person that recognized them. If someone stood by her, continuously watched over her, and consoled her, then she would soon grow attached to them instead. When Lanok looked around their surroundings, all of the agents went outside of the restaurant.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, as a result of France¡¯s Intelligence Bureau directing all of their strengths into your request, it¡¯s been confirmed that the mission¡¯s target location is at a hill near S¨¹khbaatar and the Selenga river,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Lanok offered a cigarette to Kang Chan, then lit up another cigar again. ¡°This is reckless, Mr. Kang Chan. Please rethink your decision.¡±

    ¡°I heard there were thirty North Korean special forces soldiers in Mongolia. If we eliminate them, the surrounding countries, including Japan and those that oppose South Korea, would have no choice but to slow down and observe our behavior for a while.¡±

    Lanok shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s really no reason for you to go there in person for that.¡±

    Kang Chan breathed deeply, then looked at Lanok. ¡°This is my fight, Mr. Ambassador. It happened because I asked you to include South Korea in the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ and because we decided to move up the announcement date. If I look the other way, who knows how many people will die this time? Our enemies this time don¡¯t care who they kill for their goals as well, which is the reason why you and my current parents got mixed into this in the first ce.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that the specialized team is leaving for Mongolia from South Korea? If needed, I¡¯ll look into a way to help them escape.¡±

    ¡°Considering there are thirty North Korean soldiers in Mongolia, then we¡¯ll be deploying around the same number of people as well, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan replied. ¡°The gun is aimed at me and you. I can''t let those men die just because they''re trying to buy us time or prevent us from getting killed.¡±

    Lanok deeply inhaled the cigar, then slowly exhaled. He appeared to be stalling on purpose.

    ¡°Everyone has their own duty to take care of. As far as I can tell, your current role isn¡¯t to go and fight in Mongolia. Rather, it¡¯s to take center stage and ensure the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project can be achieved.¡±

    It seemed like Lanok had already made up his mind, seeing as how he didn¡¯t say anything else and just red at the wine ss on the table. Kang Chan also didn¡¯t n on backing off, but he didn¡¯t n on begging either.

    ¡°Thank you for providing me with the mission¡¯s urate location. I¡¯ll join the Korean team, and I¡¯ll contact you when Ie back,¡± Kang Chan told Lanok.

    There was a limit on how much Lanok could do. Help like this couldn¡¯t be given by force.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Lanok had raised his gaze from the wine ss to Kang Chan. ¡°If things go south, this situation can escte into a war.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, the enemy country ran rampant in South Korea with guns zing. If we just fall behind them, even the agents around you will keep being sacrificed. Battles like this will never end unless the opponent gives up or achieves their purpose.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Lanok straightened his cigar, then rubbed it on the ashtray. ¡°I know your secret, and I trust you, so I¡¯ll disclose something to you. The Intelligence Bureaus of each country are assessing you as a secret agent that¡¯s created by France and the Korean government.¡±

    Kang Chan had already heard that, but Lanok likely had a reason to tell him about it again.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, all of my friends whom you met a while back in Loriam are the head of their country¡¯s Intelligence Bureaus.¡±

    <i>Damn it! That meeting was onlyposed of big shots?</i>

    ¡°I might not be a director of any Intelligence Bureau, but if by chance things go wrong and you, God forbid, get captured by the enemies in Mongolia, or if you leave evidence behind, then Europe as a whole won¡¯t be able to free itself from taking responsibility for that.¡±

    <i>Why is this conversation suddenly heading that way?</i>

    ¡°You and the team will have to infiltrate Mongolia and kill the members of a specialized team. However, there¡¯s a high chance that doing so would cause this to develop into a world war. After all, China and Japan would do whatever it takes to stop the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ from happening, even if it meant fighting another war.¡±

    Kang Chan bit on a cigarette whileughing feebly. In the end, there was no way to save Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, we¡¯ll cooperate as much as possible to help them get back home. We¡¯ve got plenty of ways to help since Mongolia receives nearly all of its resources from Canada and the United States. Plus a Europeanpany is producing and selling goods there.¡±

    Kang Chan was frustrated, but it was difficult to force Lanok not to interfere in this anymore.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving now, Mr. Ambassador, ¡± Kang Chan said and deeply inhaled. He was frustrated and felt like he¡¯d explode if anyone messed with him. When he got outside the restaurant, the French agents urgently went inside.

    ¡°Phew!¡±

    Kang Chan slowly walked along the street.

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to sigh, but heughed instead. Why was he this angry? There have already been too many deaths, and now more than twenty people will go to Mongolia just to add to that number. He was angry for having to just stand by and watch that happen despite beingpletely aware of their fate.

    It was currently around 10 pm, so the roads were crowded. If he bumped shoulders with someone like this, it would be hard to handle. To avoid that situation, Kang Chan walked around and looked a secluded ce.

    .

    It took him quite a while before finding an underpass that was only big enough for one car to barely go through. It also had a sign that stated he¡¯d reach the riverside of the Hangang river if he went across.

    When Kang Chan headed to the underpass, the Hangang river swiftly came into view.

    There were quite a lot of people since it was summer, but the riverside was big enough to amodate them.

    Kang Chan perched next to the stairs that went down to the river. He got angry, his pride got hurt, and he was ashamed.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Lanok was calling him.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, let¡¯s take the time to rest tomorrow, then meet again two days from now.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    - A person on center stage has to b capable of enduring a bit of pain.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that yet.¡±

    - Please don¡¯t be in too much distress. You have much greater things ahead of you.

    ¡°Thank you for saying that.¡±

    After he ended the call, Kang Chan took out a cigarette and bit it.

    <i>Chk chk. Chk chk.?</i>

    ¡°Whoo-oo.¡±

    1. S¨¹khbaatar is one of the twenty-one aimags (provinces) of Mongolia

    2. the Selenga or Selenge is a major river in Mongolia and Buryatia, a mountainous Russian republic in eastern Siberia

 Chapter 86.2: Things Went Wrong and Got Messed Up (1)

    <h4>Chapter 86.2: Things Went Wrong and Got Messed Up (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan could hear the nearby people¡¯s boisterousughter. They had spread out a mat, sat around in huddles, and were drinking alcohol. Kang Chan shook the cigarette and extinguished it, then put the cigarette butt in a garbage can. As he looked at the river, he felt as if he could breathe easily again, at least a little bit. Amidst the noisy surroundings, he turned his head when he felt someone approaching him.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Someone asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Did you put a tail on me? As far as I can recall, all of my security guards were changed to Yoo Bi-Corp employees.¡±

    ¡°I used the tracking device on your phone to find you.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung perched next to Kang Chan, then bit on a cigarette and lit it.

    ¡°Did it bother you that I met with Lanok?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. I came here to see you in person. Should I buy canned beer? We should have some on this riverside to liven things up.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung went to a shop. He soon came back with a convenience store bag.

    <i>Chk!</i>

    ¡°Here!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung handed him a canned beer, then grabbed another for himself.

    Kang Chan felt much more refreshed after drinking it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a toast, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested.

    Kang Chan just watched him in response.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving tomorrow,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    <i>Didn¡¯t he say that he was going to leave in a week?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back. Please look after the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ until then.¡±

    ¡°Can you evene back?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung took a big gulp of the beer, then took out a cigarette and offered it to Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m d to be a part of this mission.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Manager, more than twenty agents and members of the Foreign Legion are going there. Don¡¯t ever assume everyone¡¯s going to be happy about their deaths. Do you think your sacrifice will instantly make the enemies leave the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ alone? They¡¯ll keeping for the project.. Are you going to keep sending more people to their deaths whenever that happens?¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°This is the best that we can do right now, which is why I¡¯m asking you a favor. I want to make South Korea stronger for the next generation. That would stop people from ever daring to do things like this again. If the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ is connected, we¡¯ll be able to buy good weapons with the enormous wealth that¡¯lle with it, and we¡¯ll be able to adte the agents like kings and ask them to turn South Korea into a very powerful nation. That¡¯s why I can go there smiling.¡±

    Kang Chan almost fell for Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s words. However, he soon shook his head and argued, ¡°this isn¡¯t an operation. Entering a dangerous location fully aware that no matter what you do in there will result in your death is not an operation. It¡¯s suicide.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung held out his beer toward the river. ¡°The Selenga river is so long that I heard it goes along the border.¡±

    In front of Kang Chan, who was looking at him with suspicion, Kim Hyung-Jung smiled strangely. ¡°This originally isn¡¯t part of the operation, but I n on going along the border to get to Russia, climb the mountain, and head to Kazakhstan. Please help me when I arrive there.¡±

    ¡°How are you going to contact me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s use a satellite phone. That should be enough to have a toast with me, right?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t seem like the person who would lie about something like this.

    Kang Chan nked his beer against Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s and took a big gulp.

    ¡°We need Lanok¡¯s help in Kazakhstan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan afterward.

    ¡°He already promised to help with that matter.¡±

    ¡°I knew he would. After all, you didn¡¯t have any other reason to meet Lanok at the embassy yesterday aside from asking him for help in this operation.¡±

    Kang Chan looked around them.

    ¡°There isn¡¯t a country that neglects a special security target. You can trust us because it¡¯s on a different level than simply trailing you,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung reassured Kang Chan.

    ¡°It seems like this phone is the problem, then?¡±

    ¡°If you throw that away, then I¡¯ll have to write a detailed exnation.¡±

    They both smiled.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said seriously while looking straight at Kang Chan.

    ¡°That came out of nowhere.¡±

    ¡°France has given us more detailed information than what we had been aware of. Our guess is that France¡¯s DGSE is making a move, and they urgently handed over the intel they gathered to us through France¡¯s branch office between yesterday evening and this morning.¡±

    ¡°You and the members returning safely is far more important than things like that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve found a way to survive because of the information they recently gave us. It included the Mongolian border guards¡¯ locations, shifts, and even the path we should follow while going up the river.¡±

    Tsk! Kang Chan suddenly felt very apologetic toward Lanok.

    <i>Ah, shoot!</i> He had been holding onto Kim Hyung-Jung for too long.

    ¡°You should go, Mr. Manager. You should spend time with your family as well if you¡¯re going to go to Mongolia tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I should, shouldn¡¯t I?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stood up withoutints. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll give you a ride.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay! Please go home quickly. I¡¯ll head home after having another beer. I doubt I¡¯ll be able to sleep like this anyway.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded, then walked up to Kang Chan. ¡°I¡¯m d to have met someone like you.¡±

    ¡°Please tell me that after you¡¯ve returned alive. If you don¡¯te back, then I don¡¯t care if it¡¯s the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ or whatever. I¡¯m throwing it all aside and running to you.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung held out his hand after smiling in a cool way. Kang Chan held onto it tightly, enough for his hand to hurt. After Kim Hyung-Jung swallowed dryly, he turned around, headed to the parking lot, and got in his car. Kang Chan stared nkly at him as his car¡¯s lights turned on and he drove away.

    Kang Chan then smirked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung gave him a military salute just as the car was turning around.

    ***

    On Wednesday, Kang Chan loafed around at home all day. He didn¡¯t exactly have it in mind to go out. After all, their current situation was chaotic because of what Kim Hyung-Jung was doing.

    Kang Dae-Kyung went to work, and Yoo Hye-Sook left after saying she¡¯ll be back after meeting a friend and dropping by the Foundation¡¯s office.

    <i>¡®Time to get to know you better, you son of a bitch.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan again put Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s information on the screen and examined it as if he was going to memorize it. It wasn¡¯t easy. To put it bluntly, he could easily run over and beat him up with Seok Kang-Ho if that was all he had to do. However, beating Yang Jin-Woo up waspletely different from beating up gangsters or David from Alion. He didn¡¯t want to start something that even the National Intelligence Service would have trouble covering up just so he could punch him a few times.

    <i>¡®Should I actually incapacitate this man forever?¡¯</i>

    <i>Don¡¯t do that</i>. If Kang Chan did an awful job in finishing him, Yang Jin-Woo would spare no effort in getting revenge. Moreover, if that fucker desperately tried his best to make them suffer even more than he did rather than just getting even, then it would only be burdensome in the future.

    <i>¡®Should I kill him?¡¯</i>

    That wasn¡¯t easy to do either. If he suddenly killed the country¡¯s best chaebol?

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    ¡°Phew! How can I deal with this son of a bitch in a way that would make me feel relieved and not worry about future troubles?¡± Kang Chan asked himself.

    As Kang Chan was scratching his head¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>.

    Kang Chan held up his phone.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy! I¡¯m going to get upset if you¡¯ve forgotten about me.

    That was right¨CKang Chan had forgotten about Smithen.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you doing well with a girl? You can just call me if I suddenlye across your mind.¡±

    - I¡¯m living by myself nowadays.

    ¡°What about the girl with the big breasts?¡±

    - We broke upst week.

    <i>I knew it!</i>

    - Channy, I received a weird offer. Let¡¯s talk in person.

    ¡°A weird offer? What is it about?¡±

    - I said that we should talk about it in person.

    Was this fucker stringing him along? Now that he had thought about it, Smithen had be very rxed.

    ¡°When can we meet?¡±

    - Let¡¯s have dinner tonight. Why not bring Dayeru with you?

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll contact you after I talk to Daye.¡±

    - Okay, Channy. By the way, I enrolled at anguage institute.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about thatter.¡±

    - Alright, Channy. Keep me updated.

    After ending the call, Kang Chan contacted Seok Kang-Ho and set up a time to meet. He then called Smithen again. His schedule suddenly became hectic. He had to wash up, change, and call Yoo Hye-Sook to tell her he was going to go out. Moreover, he decided to meet Seok Kang-Ho an hour before meeting Smithen.

    When Kang Chan walked out of the entrance of the apartment, Seok Kang-Ho was already waiting for him looking excited.

    ¡°What¡¯s with you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you gone anywheretely?¡±

    ¡°Hey! It¡¯s only been two days since Ist went out. My father hasn¡¯t been well.¡±

    ¡°Please look after me as well. I¡¯m lonely.¡±

    Kang Chan usually smiled whenever he met this guy.

    They headed to a specialty coffee shop near Smithen¡¯s house.

    ¡°Speak of the devil,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Smithen knows how to string someone along by saying that he got a weird offer.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the point in doing that when he¡¯s just going to chatter about everything on his own anyway?¡±

    They bought iced coffees and put them on the table. They then smoked cigarettes.

    Kang Chan beat around the bush for a moment, then confessed what was going on with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Were you thinking of going to Mongolia with him without telling me?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°That¡¯s not exactly true.¡±

    ¡°Hmph! No wonder you were acting so weird the other day! I should¡¯ve known better when you changed the subject and said something about sleeping with Michelle and whatnot. I¡¯m upset.¡±

    ¡°I said it¡¯s not like that!¡±

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll just let this slide, then. I don¡¯t want to be narrow-minded. However, I have a favor to ask in return.¡±

    ¡°What is it? Just name it. Should I buy dinner?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Please swear on the name of the God of ckfield that from now on, you¡¯ll never leave me out if something like this happens again.¡±

    Kang Chan thought Seok Kang-Ho was taking this a bit too easily, but he soon turned to look at Kang Chan seriously.

    ¡°Captain, I¡¯m letting this slide even though I¡¯m very upset that you didn¡¯t tell me. If I could, I¡¯d probably be bawling my eyes out right now. Put yourself in my shoes. How would you feel if I talked about sleeping with other people for your sake, then suddenly disappeared without telling you that I¡¯m actually heading to my death?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    <i>Tsk! Why does this fucker suddenly turn into a great speaker when talking about topics like this?</i>

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    ¡°Okay. I promise.¡±

    ¡°Please do it properly.¡±

    <i>This fucker. I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s really doing this.</i>

    ¡°Captain?¡±

    Kang Chan sighed when he saw Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes. The only way to stop Seok Kang-Ho whenever he acted like this was to beat him up to death.

    ¡°I swear on the name of the God of ckfield that I¡¯ll include you in every operation from now on.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned, which made Kang Chan feel as if he just made a big mistake.

    1. a chaebol is a powerful conglomerate run by a single family

    2. The raws actually used a Korean idiom, which is ???? ? ??? ??. It¡¯s literally tranted as ¡®the tiger wille when you talk about it¡¯, and in chapter 77.2, Seok Kang-Ho suggested that they meet Smithen to see if he knows anything and Kang Chan agreed to do so.

 Chapter 87.1: Things Went Wrong and Got Messed Up (2)

    <h4>Chapter 87.1: Things Went Wrong and Got Messed Up (2)</h4>

    After Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho talked for about an hour, Kang Chan called Smithen.

    - I know that ce! I¡¯ll leave right now!

    Smithen answered excitedly.

    ¡°He said he¡¯sing,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho afterward.

    ¡°Son of a bitch.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk when Seok Kang-Ho swore out of nowhere. Why would he swear when he looked happy to hear that Smithen was on his way?

    ¡°Channy!¡± A momentter, Smithen arrived and morously waved his hand.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kang Chan told Smithen.

    ¡°Have you been great? And long time no see, Dayeru! Please stay seated. Let me just buy coffee.¡±

    Smithen spoke in Korean. His pronunciation was alright. And by all ounts, he looked like a very rxed Western man with his sophisticated clothes.

    ¡°Did you see that fucker¡¯s eye?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan after Smithen walked away.

    ¡°I told you he was putting in a prosthetic eye back then.¡±

    ¡°Ha! I didn¡¯t expect it''d look that realistic.¡±

    While Seok Kang-Ho was admiring the prosthetic eye, Smithen approached them.

    ¡°Your Korean has improved a lot,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°It¡¯s thanks to Alice.¡±

    Smithen was speaking in Korean again. Seok Kang-Ho still looked surprised.

    ¡°I also got into the advanced ss in the Koreannguage institute,¡± Smithen continued.

    ¡°You¡¯re talking to me informally, you fucker?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Channy¨CI did that because I spoke informally with Alice, and it has be a habit. Can I smoke?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to ask for my permission. Anyway, it seems like you¡¯re doing well. I¡¯m d.¡±

    ¡°Whoo. How have you been, Channy?¡± Smithen asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been doing okay. Right! What¡¯s the weird offer about?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah! I got a weird offer!¡± Smithen dramatically responded while flicking the ash off of his cigarette. ¡°They wanted me to sell my shares of Gong Te automobile¡¯s Korean branch. They offered an unbelievable amount for it. Five billion won, to be exact.¡±

    French and English words were mixed in between his Korean, but he spoke thenguage well enough for even Seok Kang-Ho to roughly understand what Smithen was saying.

    ¡°Who gave you the offer?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Suh Jeong group? Awyer from aw firm contacted me directly.¡±

    Kang Chan was dumbfounded. ¡°What did you tell them?¡±

    ¡°That it¡¯s not for me to decide.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°We were right. It¡¯s that fucker Yang Jin-Woo,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°It seems he¡¯s just begging to be killed.¡±

    ¡°Am I missing something here?¡± Smithen asked. He was observing their mood while turning his head from side to side.

    ¡°Do you remember the people that tried to steal the contract with Gong Te, when Kang Yoo Motors was already in the process of importing the cars a while ago? They¡¯re from Suh Jeong Motors,¡± Kang Chan answered Smithen.

    ¡°Ah! Suh Jeong! Huh? They¡¯re the same name?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. They probably keep pestering us because they got ousted back then. Well, they offered you five billion won. You likely want to sell your shares.¡±

    ¡°No! Channy, I can¡¯t just recklessly sell my shares. I have to get permission from the Gong Te automobile headquarters first.¡±

    ¡°How many shares do you have?¡± Kang Chan prodded.

    ¡°Twenty percent of Gong Te automobile¡¯s Korean branch.¡±

    Kang Chan was momentarily confused. Would the stuck-up Suh Jeong Group¡¯s highly capable people andwyers really offer to buy twenty percent of shares for five billion won without knowing that?

    Kang Chan thought about it for a moment, then drank his coffee with a smirk.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°They¡¯ve probably wiretapped or are trailing Smithen to see who he contacts after telling this fucker that they¡¯ll buy shares from him. We should all smile so we¡¯ll look good in the photos.¡±

    ¡°Why would they do something like that? What do they have to gain?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°Would those fuckers even guess what happened between us and Shan? They have to be trying to look into why things suddenly got messed up halfway through, right? Smithen, have you taken another woman to your house after you broke up with Alice?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Smithen couldn¡¯t answer, seemingly anxious of how they¡¯d react.

    ¡°Fuck you, you son of a bitch!¡±

    ¡°Dayeru, I¡¯m just¡ª¡±

    ¡°Be quiet. Settle for one woman, motherfucker.¡±

    People looked in their direction with fascination when Seok Kang-Ho suddenly shouted.

    ¡°Let¡¯s let this slide for now. It hasn¡¯t been confirmed yet if a woman has done this. And even if we do look into it, we¡¯re going to let it go once we find out anyway. Do you still meet with that woman?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°About that, Channy¡ª¡±

    ¡°Are you seeing a lot of women right now?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Three, to be specific.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re seeing all three at once?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    ¡°I take turns meeting them.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh heartily. He understood, though.

    Smithen was good-looking, tall, and muscr due to his mercenary days. Moreover, he was the Korean branch manager of Gong Te automobile. He looked like the type that shallow girls would like.

    Something suddenly shed across Kang Chan¡¯s mind as he was holding a cigarette.

    He aligned his index finger to the middle of his lips, signaling both of them to be quiet, then ordered them to move Smithen¡¯s shoes and phone somewhere else.

    Upon seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Smithen obediently took off his shoes and put his phone in one of them. Seok Kang-Ho then moved it to the far end of the terrace.

    ¡°Smithen, are you confident you can seduce women?¡± Kang Chan asked afterward.

    ¡°For you?¡±

    ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s say that it is..¡±

    ¡°If so, then I am.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a list of names. Can you sleep with all of them?¡±

    ¡°Who are they? Are they pretty, Channy?¡± Smithen eagerly asked as he leaned closer toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s six of them, ranging from their twenties to mid-thirties. How¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Please leave it to me, Channy!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan with eyes that asked, ¡®what¡¯s he saying?¡¯

    ¡°You fucker. Does your house require a password to enter?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No, but I need the card in my wallet to get in,¡± Smithen answered.

    ¡°Have you ever given it to someone else?¡±

    ¡°Never. Someone suddenly barging in while I¡¯m having a good time would ruin the mood.¡±

    The fucker was putting on airs. Kang Chan called Kim Tae-Jin and told him they suspected that someone was wiretapping them. He then asked Kim Tae-Jin how they could solve this issue.

    - Are you with the person in question?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve separated his shoes and phone from him.¡±

    - I¡¯ll send over two employees right now. Where are you?

    Kang Chan told him the location of the specialty coffee shop and ended the call. He then asked, ¡°What do you guys want to have for dinner?¡±

    ¡°Channy, do you have pictures of those women?¡± Smithen threw a question but flinched when he saw Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have pork ribs,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested, ignoring Smithen.

    ¡°You sure?¡±

    The two chose what to eat for dinner and talked nonsense for a bit. Soon, Yoo Bi-Corp employees ran over.

    ¡°Search through him, then look at his shoes and phone over there. Afterward, search his house while we¡¯re having dinner,¡± Kang Chan told the employees.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The employees took out three phone-shaped devices and a detection stick from a bag. They then slowly scanned Smithen.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing on him,¡± one of the employees said afterward.

    Since they were in a specialty coffee shop, Kang Chan carefully looked around to see if someone nearby was trailing them. Meanwhile, the employees used the detection stick to the shoes and the phone.

    <i>Be-ep.</i>

    An employee from Yoo Bi-Corp put his index finger in front of his mouth, then quietly headed to a car with the shoes and the phone.

    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s surprising,¡± Smithenmented.

    ¡°I¡¯m more surprised by you, you fucker,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Dayeru! Stop swearing!¡±

    ¡°What are you saying? Fucking idiot!¡±

    ¡°Tsk! Stop it,¡± Kang Chan told the two of them.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Smithen stopped fighting.

    About ten minutester, a Yoo Bi-Corp employee returned with the shoes and the phone. ¡°High-performance wiretapping devices were installed on both of them. It can record within two kilometers of downtown.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to ask for this as well, but scan the house too. I¡¯ll give you the keycard,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    When Kang Chan gestured with his eyes, Smithen handed over his keycard and told them his address.

    ¡°It¡¯ll take about an hour. We¡¯ll give you a call when we¡¯re done.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be eating nearby. What are you guys going to have for dinner?¡±

    ¡°We decided to go somewhere nice after the job.¡±

    The employees seemed friendlier than how they would treat an ordinary superior.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be going now,¡± one of the employees said.

    ¡°Keep up the good work.¡±

    When the employees left, the three of them went to a restaurant near the specialty coffee shop.

    It was still early, so they were the first customers. They sat at a table inside the restaurant and ordered pork ribs. They didn¡¯t have to worry about wiretaps anymore.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let anyone elsee into your house for the time being, Smithen. Protect it as best as you can, even if people from the maintenance office say they¡¯reing for an inspection. Okay?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Alright, Channy.¡±

    ¡°The leader of the Suh Jeong group is Yang Jin-Woo. That fucker is harboring a grudge against me, Dayeru, and even you. And you¡¯re going to suffer first if you behave carelessly since you¡¯re an easy target. Be careful about that.¡±

    Smithen grinned. His stomach seemed to have churned when Kang Chan said that he¡¯d suffer.

    ¡°The list of women that I¡¯m handing over to you tomorrow are all Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s women,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Smithen looked at Kang Chan with startled eyes.

    ¡°It appears he meets them once every two months or so, and he had bought them an apartment and pays for their living expenses. I¡¯ll order the Yoo Bi-Corp employees you saw a moment ago to determine the women¡¯s daily routine and give it to you, so make all of those women yours. Make them listen to whatever you say. Okay?¡± Kang Chan asked Smithen.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, Channy.¡±

    As the trio grinned at each other, their food was served.

    As a savory scent rose up with a <i>¡®chkk¡¯?</i>from the grill, Seok Kang-Ho made bomb shots with the soju and beer that they had ordered.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a toast, Channy. I¡¯ll risk my life to seed in what you told me to do,¡± Smithen said.

    It wasn¡¯t something that Smithen should risk his life for, but Kang Chan just held out his ss.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho heard about the women that Smithen had met while they were having dinner. He had been with quite a lot since Kang Chan hadst seen him. It was clear that some of them likely approached Smithen on purpose. Those women seemingly would¡¯ve had enough guts to install wiretapping devices on Smithen¡¯s phone and shoes, too.

    ¡°Does that mean those women thought I was stupid?¡± Smithen asked.

    Smithen seemed to be more resentful about the fact that the reason why the women slept with him wasn¡¯t because of his charms, but that was none of Kang Chan¡¯s business. As they were bing somewhat full, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang. A momentter, the Yoo Bi-Corp employees came into the restaurant.

    ¡°We found four devices in different locations¡ªthe bedroom, living room, bathroom, and entrance. We¡¯ve removed all of them. Here¡¯s the keycard,¡± one of the employees told Kang Chan.

    ¡°You guys did great.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re just d we could help, even in this way.¡±

    When Kang Chan looked at them suspiciously, the two employees politely said goodbye and left the restaurant.

    <i>Are they hiding something?</i>

    Even if they were, it was awkward to call them over and ask. So Kang Chan just let it go.

 Chapter 87.2: Things Went Wrong and Got Messed Up (2)

    <h4>Chapter 87.2: Things Went Wrong and Got Messed Up (2)</h4>

    They were currently intoxicated, so it was difficult for them to drive.

    After sending Smithen home, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho returned to the specialty coffee shop.

    ¡°What do you n to do to Yang Jin Woo¡¯s women?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I just thought of throwing a job at Smithen that he¡¯ll handle with a sense of duty. He¡¯s a fucker that goes crazy over women anyway. Who knows? One of the six women might spill secrets that we aren¡¯t aware of.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°We should retaliate, considering they even wiretapped Smithen.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, I¡¯m looking forward to that,¡± Seok Kang-Ho smiled strangely.

    Kang Chan called Kim Tae-Jin and briefly exined what was going on with Smithen, then asked him to check the women¡¯s daily schedules.

    - Do you have to go this far?

    ¡°Yes. They not only tried to kill my father but installed wiretapping devices in my surroundings. I¡¯m thinking of slowly preparing to fight Yang Jin-Woo.¡±

    - Alright. Since you¡¯re going to do it anyway, might as well do it properly.

    ¡°Please put an employee in charge of this matter and have them contact Smithen directly. I¡¯ll tell you the addresses of the womenter.¡±

    - Don¡¯t send that information through email or other means. Tell me on a phone call instead.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡± Kang Chan ended his call with Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Does he still not know what¡¯s going on with manager Kim?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I think so?¡±

    ¡°Ha! He¡¯s a scary person. What time would he have left? In any case, wouldn¡¯t we get the gist of the results tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Probably. Lanok did ask me to see him tomorrow, so the results should be ready by then.¡±

    ¡°That sounds about right.¡± Seok Kang-Ho nodded to himself, drank the coffee, then continued. ¡°The break is going to end in ten days.¡±

    ¡°Already?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m disappointed as well. If I was told to just train with the kids while working out like right now, then I would do it for years.¡±

    Kang Chan was rxed deep down. Once his school and the Ministry of Education had gotten the eptance letter from France, then that would be the end of his life as a high schooler!

    ***

    On Thursday, Kang Chan started to run in the mornings again.

    He thought he could run a bit more now that he had gotten used to running quite a bit, but he wasn¡¯t nning on being a track and field athlete. Running just this much was enough.

    Honestly, Kang Chan felt uneasy. He also regretted his actions. The thought that he shouldn¡¯t have sent Kim Hyung-Jung alone even if he had to cling to Lanok kept haunting him.

    Kang Chan had breakfast, then thought about going to school, which he hadn¡¯t done in a long time. He gave up on the idea, however.

    Instead, he called Kim Tae-Jin and Smithen and told them the names and addresses of the women, then asked them to do the trivial task of seducing the women. Kang Chan kept breathing deeply because he was frustrated. To stop having useless thoughts, he exercised in his room without any equipment, causing him to sweat like a pig.

    After he washed up, he had Bibim-guksu[ref] Bibim-guksu, or spicy noodles, is a cold dish that¡¯s made up of very thin noodles and spicy seasoning. It¡¯s one of the most popr traditional noodle dishes in Korean cuisine, especially in the summer[ref/] that Yoo Hye-Sook had made for him for lunch.

    <i>Is there anything that I should do?</i>

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan urgently picked up his phone.

    - Channy, are you busy today?

    ¡°I have a dinner engagement. Why?¡±

    - It¡¯s about thepany dinner. The other actors all happened to be avable today.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say this, but you¡¯ll have to take care of it like how I told youst time. Contact me if something urgent happens, though.¡±

    - Alright. This appointment is sudden anyway. Is there anything else going on right now?

    ¡°Not really.¡±

    - Then give me a call if it ends early, by any chance. Everyone would love it if you drop by, even if for just a moment.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan inhaled deeply after he ended the call with Michelle.

    Honestly, he couldn¡¯t guarantee that all of the members would survive every battle. This also applied to him. What increased their chances of returning safely was a thorough operation and the capabilities of those joining the operation.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what they were capable of, and the operation had been hastily nned.

    It wasn¡¯t like he wasn¡¯t aware of Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s determination or the feelings of the people that ordered this operation to be done. It was obviously difficult for him to participate in all operations of this kind as well.

    <i>¡®Trust him. I have to trust that he¡¯lle back alive.¡¯</i>

    In situations like this, he thought that the people that sent their cherished members to the battlefield were really incredible.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    His phone rang at that moment. After Kang Chan red at it sharply for no reason, he held it up.

    It was Lanok.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, have you calmed down a little?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for yesterday, Mr. Ambassador. I heard that you helped us, but I didn¡¯t call you because we¡¯d be seeing each other today anyway.¡±

    Kang Chan first told him what he had in mind because his voice sounded no different than usual.

    - If you¡¯re avable this evening, would you like to have tea with me?

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m avable. Where should we meet?¡±

    - The Namsan Hotel would be good. Please go there first and book a room. I¡¯m nning on going there after a work-rted dinner, so we should be able to meet at around 9 pm.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up. He felt greatly relieved after talking to Lanok. If he knew that this was going to happen, then he should¡¯ve at least gotten the contact information of Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s superior. If he did, he would¡¯ve known the results by now since they had a satellite phone with them. As he was smacking his lips, he got a call from Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s me. Can you go to school for a moment?

    ¡°Why? What¡¯s going on?¡±

    - A few of the people that you beat up on the roof a while ago are here to see you. I told them to wait.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way.¡±

    - Alright.

    Kang Chan got changed. Since he couldn¡¯t stop this from happening anymore, dealing with it was much better than just pacing at home out of frustration. He even wished that those people would bring strong fighters with them.

    Yoo Hye-Sook was still busy with phone calls. She had said that she was going to be busy until this week with work rted to the Foundation and the reunion. He didn''t know why they would persistently call when she already said she wouldn''t do it.

    Kang Chan tactfully said goodbye and headed to school. It didn¡¯t take that long for him to get a taxi since it was already the middle of the day. As he entered the school gate, he couldn¡¯t help but smirk. Even from far away, he could already see someone with a cast on his arm and people with gauze on their heads.

    When Kang Chan approached them, they hesitantly stood up from their spots.

    ¡°You guys wanted to see me?¡± Kang Chan asked them.

    Kang Chan knew his eyes were more fiery than necessary as he was going down the stands. Why was he filling up with spite?

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have to act like this. Whatever the reason, he came to school because the men that he beat up said that they wanted to see him. There were three of them in total.

    ¡°What do you all want?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Sit.¡±

    <i>Alright, I¡¯ll sit.</i>

    Kang Chan sat on the stand, then put his arm over his thigh and looked at them. He didn¡¯t have a good feeling about them since they looked seedy and had gauze and bandages wrapped around them.

    ¡°We¡¯re going toe to school for the second semester,¡± one of them told Kang Chan.

    Instead of responding, Kang Chan only listened. Keeping an eye on Kang Chan¡¯s mood, the guy continued, ¡°we heard from Eun-Sil and Ho-Jun.¡±

    ¡°So what do you want?¡±

    ¡°We just wanted to tell you that we¡¯re nning on attending school again.¡±

    <i>These fucking idiots are really doing this?</i>

    Why did they have to tell him that they were returning to school? They were the ones that were going to attend it and pay for it.

    ¡°I heard that you were waiting for us to return. Cut us some ck. We¡¯re going to keep to ourselves until we graduate,¡± he continued.

    Kang Chan was dumbfounded. He didn¡¯t know what Heo Eun-Sil had told them, but they clearly thought Kang Chan was going to attack them the moment they came to school.

    ¡°Stop saying nonsense and just be mindful of your actions,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°We¡¯re good, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I said.¡±

    The trio stood up hesitantly and sluggishly walked out since they couldn¡¯t gain anything. The sight was quite ridiculous.

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    Kang Chan had been nkly looking at the sports field when Seok Kang-Ho approached him. ¡°Huh? When did you get here? Have you seen the students that were waiting for you here?¡±

    Kang Chan told him everything that happened a moment ago.

    ¡°It seems like Heo Eun-Sil lied again,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    ¡°Seems like it.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry about them.¡±

    ¡°Why would I?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with your expression, then? Is it because of manager Kim by any chance?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°I can¡¯t me you. I also don¡¯t feelfortable about this. I couldn¡¯t even work since this morning.¡±

    ¡°So you feel the same way, huh?¡±

    ¡°Both of us are probably acting like this out of worry. The Korean special forces are famous for their skills, aren¡¯t they?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    .

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    Kang Chan then told Seok Kang-Ho what he had talked about with Kim Tae-Jin, Smithen, and Lanok on the phone in order.

    ¡°In any case, we¡¯re going to get the result this evening. How did Lanok sound?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Like business as usual.¡±

    ¡°Phew! I feel like I¡¯m turning into a nervous wreck as time goes on. Did I really grow attached to him even though I haven''t even seen Kim Hyung-Jung that much? Phew!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sighed loudly as if he was spewing out his worries. ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see.¡±

    They didn¡¯t really have any other choice, but Kang Chan found it difficult to endure the frustration and anger boiling up inside him.

 Chapter 88.1: Are You Going to Do This to Anne as Well? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 88.1: Are You Going to Do This to Anne as Well? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan was d he was with Seok Kang-Ho until that evening. After he made a reservation at the hotel, he had fried rice at a Chinese restaurant for dinner, which he hadn¡¯t done in a long time.

    ¡°Let¡¯s think positively,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Phu,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed. He then stroked his face with his hands. ¡°If you hear some news, please let me know right away.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan parted ways with Seok Kang-Ho, then immediately headed to the hotel.

    He took a seat facing the window in the lobby. Joo Chul-Bum, who urately deduced that Kang Chan was on the premises, came over and greeted him.

    ¡°Please give us a call whenever you n oning here, hyung-nim.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Go and do your work. You¡¯re probably busy,¡± Kang Chan responded to Joo Chul-Bum.

    ¡°Have you had dinner?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum¡¯s actions weren¡¯t irritating. It seemed as if Kang Chan had grown attached to him. They saw each other often, after all, and he was friendly. Joo Chul-Bum then dropped by the counter before heading to the basement, turning Kang Chan into a coward that didn¡¯t pay for the coffee that he drank again.

    Kang Chan exhaled and was looking out the window when his phone rang.

    It would be weird if he didn¡¯t get a phone call from Oh Gwang-Taek while he was at the Namsan Hotel.

    - Did you drop by the hotel?

    ¡°Yeah. I have an appointment.¡±

    - You still haven¡¯t identified the fucker that called the shots?

    ¡°We¡¯re looking for him, so settle down and wait.¡±

    - I know that I fall short. Still, don¡¯t exclude me. If that doesn¡¯t work, then I¡¯ll just sharpen your and Kang-Ho hyung-nim¡¯s knives.

    Why wouldn¡¯t Kang Chan know how Oh Gwang-Taek felt?

    ¡°Alright. Right! I¡¯m thinking of sending some money to your subordinates¡¯ families. How does that sound?¡±

    - Don¡¯t worry about that. I actually signed over a store in amercial building that¡¯s frequently visited by customers due to its location. I¡¯ll take care of this. Those fuckers protected me knowing full well doing so would kill them.

    ¡°Tsk! Anyway, I¡¯ll contact you if we find something and are going to make a move.¡±

    - Please.

    Kang Chan put down his phone and resumed nkly looking out the window. His phone rang about thirty minutester. He told Lanok the room number and headed up the room. Lanok arrived about five minutes earlier than 9 pm.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kang Chan told Lanok.

    They greeted each other like Frenchmen.

    Since it waste at night and Kang Chan couldn¡¯t prepare anything else, he poured them water from the bottle that was provided with the room. They then bit on a cigar and a cigarette respectively.

    ¡°I apologize for leaving the way I did yesterday,¡± Kang Chan told Lanok.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. That made me certain of how you think about those around you. Please don¡¯t worry about it too much.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for understanding,¡± Kang Chan said. He extinguished the cigarette and had a sip of water.

    Kang Chan decided to wait for Lanok to talk for now since he had to have a reason to insist on meeting. Lanok did tell him over the phone that they should see each other today, but Lanok wouldn¡¯t have decided to set up an appointment to meet him just because he didn¡¯t have anything better to do or because he missed the hotel room.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    <i>He¡¯s going to talk about Kim Hyung-Jung!</i>

    Lanok had just called Kang Chan, but he still felt certain that the ambassador was going to talk about Kim Hyung-Jung. His heart raced, and he felt frustrated.

    ¡°The Korean specialized team has secretly prated into Mongolia, and they were hidden enough to not be caught despite being inside the radar of France''s DGSE. They left Korea at around 4:40 am,¡± Lanok continued.

    Kang Chan focused on Lanok as much as he could.

    ¡°It was hard to know their mission¡¯s results until I was talking to you on the phone, but at around 7 pm Korean time, the DGSE contacted me.¡±

    After Lanok saw the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, he immediately continued, ¡°the operation failed. Among the twenty-five people that were deployed, about thirteen died. We haven¡¯t figured out how many are injured yet.¡±

    ¡°What about the rest?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been confirmed yet,¡± Lanok breathed in deeply before continuing. ¡°but we believe that they¡¯ve been captured.¡±

    <i>Damn it! So this is why I was so frustrated.</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth. His eyes dropped to the ground.

    After a moment passed¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s unlikely that they¡¯ve actually been taken prisoner, however. If the enemies be aware that South Korea sent them, then as you worried, it¡¯s going to be difficult to clean up afterward. Completely aware of that, they probably chose death,¡± Kang Chan told Lanok.

    ¡°It seems like the Korean National Intelligence Service used too simple of a method. We¡¯re judging that the enemies got intel about them the moment the Korean specialized team entered Mongolia. The enemies had probably been waiting for them and pounced on them when they got the opportunity.¡±

    Lanok drank water, seemingly avoiding Kang Chan¡¯s sharp eyes. He then said, ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, you shouldn¡¯t get worked up.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to rescue anyone. What you should do now is ensure the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ seeds so that their sacrifices won¡¯t be in vain,¡± Lanok continued.

    Kang Chan picked up a cigarette. Lanok was never going to cooperate in a rescue operation. Now that it hade to this, then the right thing to do was go to Mongolia for now on the fastest ne tomorrow.

    ¡°Thank you for letting me know, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Lanok nced at Kang Chan, who was exhaling deeply. ¡°You¡¯re thinking of leaving anyway, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Lanok¡¯s question made Kang Chan feel ratherfortable, so he just smiled in response.

    He had already made a promise to Seok Kang-Ho. Seok Kang-Ho, Kim Tae-Jin, and Suh Sang-Hyun swiftly crossed his mind.

    Lanok shook his head. He likely wouldn¡¯t understand Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, are you going to do this for me or Anne as well if we¡¯re ever in danger?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect that question. What was he trying to say?

    ¡°Let me rephrase that. If we ever find ourselves in a dangerous situation, are you going to throw everything aside ande running to save us regardless of the consequences as well like what you¡¯re doing now?¡±

    Lanok was looking straight at Kang Chan, who was smiling softly.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador. Honestly, I¡¯m thinking of going to Mongolia tomorrow. I¡¯d do the same for you or Anne if ever you¡¯re ced in this situation. I¡¯m thankful that you¡¯ve been considerate, but I won¡¯t be able to live with myself, even for just a day, if I ever turn a blind eye to someone waiting to be rescued,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Lanok sighed deeply, then replied, ¡°I prepared a ne and twelve Foreign Legion members in the Osan airfield. I¡¯ve also prepared enough military uniforms and weapons to arm ten more people.¡±

    <i>What is he saying?</i>

    Kang Chan ruminated about what he had just heard.

    ¡°After getting out of the ne at a military base in the suburbs of Darkhan, you¡¯ll have to take a light aircraft or a helicopter. If things go out of hand now, China is certainly going to start a war.¡±

    Lanok smiled brightly after he saw the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re going to protect Anne like this as well, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stop at nothing to save her!¡±

    Lanok stood up from his seat. ¡°There isn¡¯t that much time. Since we don¡¯t know what they¡¯ll do to the captives, leaving as quickly as possible will give you the best chance of rescuing them. We¡¯ve got two advantages, at least. The enemies can¡¯t move their base yet, and they¡¯ve likely let their guards down after confirming that it¡¯s an independent operation done by South Korea. Now, do whatever it takes toe back alive.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan tightly shook Lanok¡¯s hand that was held out. He quickly loosened his grip after seeing Lanok frown, but he unexpectedly didn¡¯t let go of Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°You¡¯ll hear the detailed briefing inside the ne, but there¡¯s one thing that you have to keep in mind,¡± Lanok continued. He was still holding onto Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Never bring this up to someone that won¡¯t be able to leave with you tomorrow, and if you¡¯re going to tell anyone, you have to do it in person and in a location that you haven¡¯t been to before. We¡¯ll assemble at 3 am and move by our van. I¡¯ll tell you the location in an hour by phone,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°Thank me after you¡¯vee back alive. The chief manager of this operation is the God of ckfield. I¡¯ll look forward to your safe return.¡±

    Lanok looked at Kang Chan with eyes that showed he was fascinated. ¡°Do you really like doing this that much?¡±

    ¡°To save my people, I¡¯d dly go to hell.¡±

    After Kang Chan left, Lanok¡¯s assistant quietly walked out of one of the rooms inside. ¡°It still isn¡¯t toote to change your mind, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Lanok shook his head, then turned around and looked behind him. ¡°I won¡¯t have any regrets even if my political career ends with this operation. After all, if this seeds, then a generation would open where the United States would have to obey France. Hence, this is also my fight. If you ever get the chance, take a closer look at Monsieur Kang¡¯s eyes and engrave it in your mind. Someone like that will change the course of events, regardless of whether they want to or not. Monsieur Kang could be the only person that the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ will acknowledge as its owner.¡±

    Lanok turned his gaze from his assistant, then continued, ¡°erase all records if he fails in the operation.¡±

    ¡°What should we do about the people that went with Monsieur Kang?¡±

    ¡°Check the total number of people in the van tomorrow. There¡¯s likely going to be two people including Monsieur Kang, so it would be best for two burnt bodies to be discovered in a car ident.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°This is for France. We have already devoted our lives to our country when we started the ¡®Unicorn.¡¯ If only Monsieur Kang was born in France.¡±

    Lanok looked at the door that Kang Chan went out of with a terribly subdued look in his eyes. ¡°I would¡¯ve been disappointed if he didn¡¯t go to Mongolia.¡±

    1. Darkhan is the secondrgest city in Mongolia

 Chapter 88.2: Are You Going to Do This to Anne as Well? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 88.2: Are You Going to Do This to Anne as Well? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan sat at a specialty coffee shop that wasn¡¯t that far away from the Yoo Bi-Corp building. From there, he called Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho and asked them to meet him at different times.

    Kim Tae-Jin arrived first at around 10 pm.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on thiste at night? The employees are investigating the locations that you sent, so we¡¯ll get the women¡¯s daily routine in approximately three days,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    ¡°You already told me that. I asked to see you today because I¡¯m going to go to the countryside for about three days, starting tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow? Is it for something important?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I hope you¡¯ll protect my parents a bit more intensively while I¡¯m away.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin cocked his head, then asked, ¡°is there another reason why you have to ask me even though you know that the National Intelligence Service is guarding them?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just concerned because I¡¯m going to be far away from them.¡±

    ¡°If what you¡¯re about to do is enough to make you act like this, then it should certainly be important. I¡¯ll assign as many people as possible to guard your parents for about three days.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Where are you going, and why are you so determined?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked again.

    ¡°I¡¯m nning to go and help someone I¡¯ve taken a liking to. He seems to be in a predicament.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s suspicious that you¡¯re avoiding telling me the exact location. I don¡¯t know where you¡¯re going, but I should go as well if needed.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not something that requires you to go. I¡¯ll be back shortly.¡±

    ¡°What about Mr. Seok?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯sing with me,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe that you¡¯re leaving me out. This is upsetting.¡±

    ¡°Please let it slide just this once.¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled, Kim Tae-Jin stood up while smiling in a simr way. ¡°I¡¯ll be going early because you said that you¡¯re going somewhere far. Have a safe trip, and contact me as soon as youe back.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin left.

    While Kang Chan was drinking his drink, Seok Kang-Ho arrived. ¡°What did they say?¡±

    As soon as he arrived, Seok Kang-Ho leaned his head closer to Kang Chan and pulled his chair forward.

    ¡°The operation failed. Among twenty-five, thirteen died. They believe that twelve of them have been captured as well,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suddenly swore, then tightly gritted his teeth. ¡°What are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re leaving from Osan tomorrow. Twelve Foreign Legion members are joining us, and we¡¯re going to receive the briefing on the ne. We¡¯ll assemble at 3 am and get a ride from Lanok¡¯s people.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho understandably nked out for a moment. Soon after, ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Why? Do you want to be left out?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather die!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned at Kang Chan.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    [The third exit of the Sinsa Station]

    Kang Chan got a text message just at the right time. He showed it to Seok Kang-Ho, then immediately erased it.

    ¡°Was someone here before me?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I met President Kim for a moment to ask him to guard my parents more extensively.¡±

    ¡°Then I can have that drink, right?¡±

    ¡°Just buy one.¡±

    ¡°Please leave me be. I have to go home immediately after having just a sip,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, drank the rest of the drink, then bit on a cigarette.

    ¡°I feel strange,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward. He appeared to be having mixed feelings. ¡°This kind of operation carried no burden for me back then. But now that you actually say that we¡¯re leaving, my wife, daughter, and the kids are weighing on my mind a little bit.¡±

    ¡°You should stay back. It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just telling you how I feel! Aren¡¯t you affected?¡±

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t settled on me yet since this decision is too abrupt and unexpected,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Hmph! We just have to go there and save Kim Hyung-Jung, don¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes were glinting.

    ¡°Thank you, captain.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    ¡°Pleasee out an hour early. Let¡¯s have a cup of coffee together,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    When Kang Chan smirked, Seok Kang-Ho responded with a grin.

    Kang Chan got in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car and got out when they arrived at the entrance of the apartment. He then called Kim Dae-Kyung.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Father, is mother next to you?¡±

    - Yeah. What¡¯s going on?

    ¡°I have to go to the countryside at around 2:30 am tomorrow. I¡¯ll be there for about three or four days. I was hoping you could tell mom ahead of time since it could startle her.¡±

    After a short silence¡­

    - I forgot to tell your mom about that. It¡¯s okay! I heard this in the hospital! I see. That was taking ce tomorrow morning! I¡¯ll tell your mom right now. When are youing back?

    Kang Dae-Kyung was quite loud.

    ¡°Thank you, father. I¡¯m going home in ten minutes. I¡¯ll just tell her that I¡¯m going to a retreat.¡±

    - You¡¯re busier than me. Alright. I¡¯ll exin it to your mother properly.

    Kang Chan looked at the time as he was hanging up. It was 11:10 pm. He was going to leave at 2 am tomorrow, and even though he used ¡°retreat¡± as an excuse¡ªwhich likely wouldn¡¯t work at all¡ªKang Dae-Kyung responded in a cool way.

    Kang Chan wanted to talk to two more people, no matter what. He texted Kim Mi-Young first for the first time.

    [Can you call me?]

    It was already way past 11 pm. Even if she wasn¡¯t sleeping, it could be difficult for her to talk at home. However, since Michelle had said that there was apany dinner today, she was certainly going to pick up. At that moment, his phone rang.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    It was Kim Mi-Young.

    - It¡¯s me! Huhuhu.

    ¡°Did something good happen?¡±

    - I¡¯m just happy because this is the first time you¡¯ve ever texted me first.

    Kang Chan smiled brightly.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you at home?¡±

    - We had to practice for our written exam so we just finished. I¡¯m on my way home now.

    Hearing about the subjects that Kim Mi-Young was studying sometimes made Kang Chan feel like he was attending a different school.

    ¡°Can I see you for a moment?¡±

    - Of course. How can I say no to you?

    ¡°I¡¯m in front of the apartment. Where are you?¡±

    - I¡¯ll be there in five minutes.

    Kang Chan sat on a bench for a moment and soon saw Kim Mi-Young at the entrance of the apartment.

    ¡°Over here!¡± Kang Chan yelled. He waved his hand, and Kim Mi-Young quickly came toward him with a wide smile on her face.

    ¡°You must be tired,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not. Today¡¯s a good day.¡±

    ¡°What are you happy about?¡±

    ¡°You texted me.¡±

    ¡°I texted you because you popped into my head on my way home.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young smiled brightly.

    ¡°Did it really make you that happy that I texted you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yeah. I was extremely delighted.¡±

    Kang Chan thought she was cute, but he also felt bad for her.

    He was happy he got to see her even though he just wanted to talk to her.

    ¡°You should go home now, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have about five more minutes to spare.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ste. Go home. Your mom is going to worry.¡±

    It was a summer night. When his eyes met Kim Mi-Young¡¯s, Kang Chan exhaled softly. He realized her eyes were very pretty.

    Kim Mi-Young swallowed dryly.

    Kang Chan knew what she wanted but now was not the time.

    For the first time, the fact that he might not be able toe back from Mongolia if things went wrong felt real.

    This could be thest time they see each other.

    <i>¡®Have a good life.¡¯</i>

    ¡°You should go home. It¡¯s been five minutes,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kim Mi-Young smiled while wrinkling her nose as if she was disappointed.

    ¡°Hug me!¡±

    ¡°Here?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡±

    Kang Chan lightly hugged Kim Mi-Young. They stayed like that for a moment.

    Kim Mi-Young smelled like green apples. Her scent faintly wafted toward him, which strangely made his heart flutter.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go to the countryside for about three days tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said afterward.

    ¡°The countryside? Where?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho know about it. I¡¯ll contact you after Ie back.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Have a safe trip.¡±

    ¡°Sleep early, okay?¡±

    After Kim Mi-Young stepped away from Kang Chan, she quickly ran off. It seemed like she was shy and was feelingplicated.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    He did the right thing. He should be fully satisfied with being able to unexpectedly see her in person.

    Kang Chan sat on a bench and called Michelle. She answered after two rings, and he heard loud music before anything else.

    - Wait a moment.

    Michelle seemed to be going somewhere since the music slowly faded into the distance.

    ¡°It seems like thepany dinner is still going strong?¡±

    - It¡¯s almost finished now. How are you doing?

    ¡°I have to go to the countryside in the morning. I¡¯m on my way home to pack my things right now. The trip will take about three days.¡±

    - That¡¯s disappointing. Everyone has been waiting in case youe.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about today. Let¡¯s have another dinner with just ourpany when I return instead. We can all go to karaoke as well.¡±

    - Okay, Channy! You said you¡¯re going out in the morning, so go home quickly and get even just a bit of sleep. J¡¯taime, Channy.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Work hard.¡±

    After he hung up, Kang Chan immediately went up to his house.

    ¡°Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook greeted Kang Chan. Kang Dae-Kyung soon came out as well.

    ¡°You two haven¡¯t been able to sleep because of me, have you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I heard that you¡¯re going out at 2 am? You must be tired. Is there anything we can do? Have you had dinner yet?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s going to run out of breath trying to answer all your questions,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had dinner, and I can sleep in the car on the way there. I was told that I don¡¯t have to pack much luggage since they have everything there. They even have workout outfits and toiletries.¡±

    ¡°Why are you going to a retreat all of a sudden?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Honey, Channy should sleep for even an hour. He¡¯s got to be tired,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung interfered and tried to stop Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. If both of you are okay with it, then let¡¯s order chicken. How does that sound?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You want to eat chicken, Channy? Let''s order quickly, then. This is good. I¡¯m also a bit hungry anyway.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled. He looked as if she found her ridiculous.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, father?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I told your mom I was a bit hungry a moment ago, but she¡ª¡±

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    Kang Chanughed loudly. He then ordered chicken.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook both had worry in their eyes, although they were worried aboutpletely different things.

    When the chicken arrived, they talked about random topics over the food. Fortunately, Yoo Hye-Sook was happy enough to alleviate her worries. Kang Dae-Kyung would certainly take proper care of Yoo Hye-Sook even if they were to receive grave news.

    Kang Chan felt apologetic toward them, but he couldn¡¯t ignore Kim Hyung-Jung, who could be dying right now.

    He finished washing up and changing at around 1:45 am.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°Have fun, Channy. Take care.¡±

    Kang Chan stroked Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s back as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

    He was about to head off to a ce where he could return in the worst possible state. Kang Chan inhaled deeply, then let go of her hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered with a brief nod.

    Their eyes met for a moment.

    <i>¡®You better be careful.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Yes. I¡¯ll be careful.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan went out the front door pretending everything was alright.

    1. The Sinsa Station is a station on the Seoul Subway Line 3 and is located in Sinsa-dong, an upscale neighborhood in Gangnam, South Korea. It has been operating since 1985

 Chapter 89.1: Are You Going to Do This? Even to Anne as Well? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 89.1: Are You Going to Do This? Even to Anne as Well? (2)</h4>

    As he stood at the entrance of the apartment, Kang Chan discreetly looked up at his house.

    It still didn¡¯t feel real that he was going to Mongolia. It could turn out to be an insane idea.

    Kang Chan decided to think about just two things¡ªthat terrorist attacks were going to keep being carried out if they just left the enemies alone, and that abandoning their captured allies wasn¡¯t something that arade who fought with them should do.

    He took a taxi to the Sinsa station.

    ¡°I¡¯m here!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, who had been waiting for him, approached him. ¡°There¡¯s one ce open over there. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan walked to where Seok Kang-Ho had pointed with a smirk. It was summer, but he still missed hot coffee in the morning.

    ¡°Did you sleep?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°We ordered chicken. What about you?¡±

    ¡°I made love to my wife because it could be thest time I see her.¡±

    Kang Chan went into the smoking room with a soft smile, opened a window widely, and upied a table. A momentter, Seok Kang-Ho brought over two cups of coffee.

    ¡°It¡¯s still not toote.¡± Kang Chan reminded Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Why do you keep spouting nonsense?¡±

    .

    ¡°Because I doubt either of us has fully realized what¡¯s actually happening.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s tr¡ªAgh! Hot!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled.

    ¡°Pull yourself together.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho rubbed his lips with the back of his hand, then looked into the coffee shop with dissatisfaction. ¡°We¡¯re going to feel better once we¡¯re on the ne. I thought about it after making love to my wife, but I doubt I can endure staying back by myself. We¡¯ve already decided to go, so stop saying things like that already.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll stop.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho handed over a cigarette, smirking.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo¡ªDaye.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t trust a single part of this entire operation. The moment I think something¡¯s even just a bit suspicious, I¡¯ll startpletely ignoring the basic operation. After the briefing inside the ne, we¡¯re going to set up the final evac location in private. Keep that in mind.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I haven¡¯t seen that look in your eyes in a long time. I¡¯m d I finally get to see it again,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    The closer the time was to 3 am, the more real their departure for an operation felt.

    Kang Chan slowly looked around his surroundings, finding light escaping from the asional lit-up offices and apartments in the distance. He also watched the cars quickly driving past them.

    <i>¡®I should¡¯ve had pork cutlets.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan thought about Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, Kim Mi-Young, and Michelle.

    It had only been a short while, but quite a lot of things had already happened.

    Kang Chan exhaled deeply. This feltpletely different than when he was going over to France with not even a penny to his name.

    He was in good physical condition¡ªfar better than when he was in Africa. He initially thought it was because his new body was still young, but it actually seemed rted to how his regenerative capabilities had gotten better, like what Yoo Hun-Woo had said.

    Fortunately, Seok Kang-Ho regrly exercised as well.

    An hour passed by quickly. Soon, a ck van stopped in front of the station.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The look in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes changedpletely to that of Dayeru¡¯s.

    <i>Rattle</i>.

    When Kang Chan approached the van, its door opened.

    ¡°Please get in, Monsieur Kang,¡± an agent said while examining the van¡¯s exterior.

    They drove away as soon as the two got in the car and sat down.

    At times like this, nothing had to be said. As Kang Chan was indifferently looking out the window, the van quickly sped through the road. They were so quick they arrived in Osan in thirty minutes.

    When the driver, who was also an agent, presented his ID at the entrance, the door opened without anyone even examining what was inside the van. The van immediately headed into the runway and stopped in front of a ne. It was a C295, which was a cargo aircraft for military purposes.

    The agent, who had been silent throughout the entire trip, finally spoke as he opened the door. ¡°Good luck to both of you.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked in response. He got out of the car and immediately boarded the cargo aircraft.

    Unlike its cockpit, the C295¡¯ fusge was empty aside from two rows of roway beds on both sides of the wall.

    The door of the airne closed.

    Twelve foreign legion members watched Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho while sitting in a line on the bottom row of roway beds. G¨¦rard sat at the very left. When the two sat on the bed that was on the other side of G¨¦rard, the ne¡¯s propellers immediately began to spin.

    ¡°I knew it would be you!¡± G¨¦rard yelled to Kang Chan.

    ¡°What did you say?!¡±

    ¡°I said I knew you¡¯de here!¡± G¨¦rard repeated as the ne moved. He then nced at Seok Kang-Ho, who was grinning and looked fascinated.

    The military aircraft flew roughly for about ten minutes, maintaining its usual altitude, then the warning light flickered three times. G¨¦rard walked to the center of the aircraft and yelled, ¡°look at his face! This person here is themanding officer of this operation!¡±

    ¡°For the sake of convenience, we won¡¯t reveal our names! His codename is¡­¡± G¨¦rard gave Kang Chan a dissatisfied nce, then continued, ¡°the God of ckfield! The person that came with him is¡ª¡±

    When G¨¦rard turned his head, Seok Kang-Ho answered with ¡°Dayeru!¡± Kang Chan didn¡¯t even have the time to stop him.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    ¡°Dayeru! What you should remember is that today¡¯s operation is not an official operation! Anyone that wants to be excluded has until the nends to decide! Any questions?¡± G¨¦rard asked afterward.

    The members didn¡¯t say anything. They only looked at Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho, both of whom were sitting across from them with determined eyes. G¨¦rard then pointed to the back with his index and middle finger, and four members moved a box to the middle of the ne. The box was taller than a human.

    <i>nk. nk.?Crrrrr.</i>

    After securing the wheels, a member opened both sides of the box¡¯s doors. It contained military uniforms, military boots, firearms, and bays. The military uniform was yellowish in color and had no markings on it.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho wordlessly took out a military uniform and boots that fitted them. They took a rifle, pistol, bay, magazine, and bullets as well.

    As they changed, G¨¦rard nced at Kang Chan, whose scars were clearly visible because of the lights inside the ne.

    Now wearing military uniform, Kang Chan fastened a bay Bowie knife to his right foot and his left thigh. This type ofbat knife became famous when it was shown in the movie <i>Rambo.</i>

    Toward the back of the Bowie knife¡¯s de was a jagged section. The inside the handle was a fishing line and three or four needles.

    They then armed themselves with colt 1911s. Kang Chan attached one to the right side of his waist and his left leg.

    <i>nk.</i>

    Seemingly intent on not leaving any traces of the Foreign Legion, they equipped themselves with Colt 727 assault rifles, which was also known as the ¡®Abu Dhabi carbine¡¯ since it was essentially an M16 remodeled ording to the United Arab Emirates¡¯ wishes.

    Kang Chan then attached six magazines to his sides, which went all the way to his back, and one on each of his forearms.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Finally, he fastened a magazine on his gun.

    When Kang Chan lifted his gaze after arming himself, G¨¦rard, who looked dumbfounded, extended his hand.

    Kang Chan took the beret from G¨¦rard and wore it with the right side nted downward.

    <i>Click. Click.?</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho was no different than Kang Chan. G¨¦rard handed over a beret with a dirty expression, and Seok Kang-Ho quickly grabbed and wore it. G¨¦rard kept ring at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked in Korean.

    G¨¦rard looked at Kang Chan suspiciously, then turned around. Kang Chan shook his head. The moment they got on the military aircraft, Seok Kang-Hopletely turned into Dayeru.

    G¨¦rard got armed with the members. About twenty minutester, they returned the box in the center of the aircraft to its original spot.

    ¡°At 7 am local time, we¡¯re going to get off the aircraft at the Darkhan army base and ride a helicopter to the Onon river! We expect to arrive by 8 am. We¡¯ll cross the mountain from there to reach the area of operation. The trek should take us about six hours.¡± G¨¦rard exined.

    The n gave them time to conduct a reconnaissance and rest until dinner. After dinner, they¡¯d be able to immediately proceed with a night operation. Hence, Kang Chan just agreed to it.

    ¡°What¡¯s our evacuation n?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll radio the headquarters after the operation, and they¡¯ll immediately send a helicopter.¡±

    Kang Chan cocked his head. They could easily get caught if they used a helicopter. However, he had no choice but to ept it for now. They still had approximately a full three hours left.

    ¡°Go up to your bed and sleep,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho afterward.

    ¡°The look in that fucker¡¯s eyes is bothering me. It¡¯ll give me a weird dream.¡±

    ¡°Why did you use that name as a code name in the first ce?¡±

    ¡°It just came out. It¡¯s cute to see a chick mimicking an eagle, though.¡±

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and get some sleep.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho received a look from Kang Chan, heid down on a roway bed in the top row. After arming themselves, the Foreign Legion members also started to imfortable beds andy down. The only people left sitting were Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, and a member that looked to be the youngest out of everyone.

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette from the clothes that he had taken off and bit on it.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    The cigarette smoke swiftly flew toward the back.

    Except for the two snipers, nobody else had heavy weapons. It was difficult for Kang Chan to determine their exact capabilities, but he liked that they didn¡¯t have a daft look in their eyes.

    1. This is a light cargo aircraft developed by CASA, a Spanish aerospacepany. As of 2021, two hundred of them have been built, and it¡¯s still in service.

    2. A bowie knife is a type of fixed-debat knife that¡¯s popr with outdoor crowds. It¡¯s used as a multi-purpose knife for hunting animals in modern times.

    3. Rambo is an American movie franchise centered around a series of films featuring John J. Rambo.

    4. The raws wrote this as colt 19 (?? 19), but the colt 1911, or the M1911 is a single-action, recoil-operated, semi-automatic pistol

    5. The raws wrote this as the M727 carbine (M727 ??), an American assault carbine (long gun) developed in the 1980s.

    6. The raws had written this part as ?? (Oron), but this refers to the Onon river in Mongolia and Russia

 Chapter 89.2: Are You Going to Do This? Even to Anne as Well? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 89.2: Are You Going to Do This? Even to Anne as Well? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan ced both of his arms over his knees, then leaned back against the wall.

    Even though they were flying over as fast as they could, there was a chance they¡¯d only find Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s corpse. Kang Chan breathed out deeply while remembering Kim Hyung-Jung. He knew how betrayal made his blood boil.

    It somehow felt like he returned to reality after having a good dream, yet on the other hand, he felt like he was still dreaming.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    Kang Chan stepped on the cigarette to extinguish it, but when he raised his gaze, his eyes met G¨¦rard¡¯s.

    ¡°Would you like a cup of coffee?¡± G¨¦rard asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯ll be great.¡±

    When G¨¦rard nodded, the young member that had been sitting with him went to prepare coffee. He soon wafted the peculiar smell of instant coffee as the member brought over three paper cups.

    Kang Chan took a sip of the coffee, then bit on a cigarette again.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    G¨¦rard was tantly looking at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Get some rest,¡± Kang Chan told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be okay with not sleeping for a day.¡±

    ¡°The members be anxious if the captain¡¯s nerves are on edge, so rx. However, if a situationes where you feel like it¡¯s dangerous, then be on edge. Let them know if they can rest or if they should be nervous through your expression, the way you talk, and the aura you give out,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    G¨¦rard tilted his head and looked at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan finished drinking his coffee and extinguished the cigarette on the paper cup. He then put the cigarette butt that he had ced on the floor a moment ago in the paper cup as well.

    He was starting to feel exhausted.

    <i>¡®Should I get some sleep?¡¯</i>

    Two hours of sleep would be enough.

    Kang Chan looked at the roway beds while thinking of lying down.

    ¡°Do you know why I applied for this operation?¡± G¨¦rard suddenly asked a question.

    ¡°Hey, Captain!¡± Kang Chan called and looked at him, smirking. ¡°If you want to keep the chick next to you alive, then quickly put him to bed and get some sleep, even if it¡¯s just for a bit.¡±

    Kang Chanid down on a cot and secured himself by pulling the magazine that was hung around both sides of his waist to the side as much as possible. He then covered his eyes with the beret. A momentter, Kang Chan heard G¨¦rard saying, ¡°go to sleep!¡±

    Kang Chan soon fell asleep.

    ***

    <i>Karaaang. Whoooosh!</i>

    Kang Chan opened his eyes to the sound of the ne¡¯s propellers and the feeling of the altitude changing rapidly. After he shook his head and sat on the bed, he couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    The time he had spent in Koreapletely felt like a dream.

    When Kang Chan raised himself up and brought back a bottle of water, Seok Kang-Ho then G¨¦rard raised themselves up.

    The lights of the cabin flickered twice.

    ¡°Phew!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho approached Kang Chan and tousled his hair. Kang Chan then opened the bottle of water and poured it out on Seok Kang-Ho.

    After noisily washing his face, Seok Kang-Ho poured water on Kang Chan in return. Kang Chan washed his face as well and drank the remaining water.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    The paper cup that Kang Chan had ced beside him fell toward the other side and rolled away as the ne took a wide turn. Its engine rang out loudly, and the altitude fell rapidly.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    The wheels touched down on the ground. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know who their pilot was, but the fucker had really bad flying skills.

    <i>Kaganng.</i>

    As it made a loud noise, the ne slowed down on the runway. It was as if it was screaming. Kang Chan quickly examined the members. It was easy to tell who was afraid during moments like this.

    None of their expressions changed except for the youngest.

    <i>Brrrr.</i>

    The door of the ne opened. With Kang Chan¡¯s nod, G¨¦rard led the members and ran out.

    The helicopter that was waiting for them was the CH-47 Chinook. It was shaped like a sausage and had a propeller on the front and back of its body.

    After Seok Kang-Ho boarded the helicopter, Kang Chan got on itst. The helicopter immediately rose up from the runway.

    Two members distributed C-rations to everyone. This wasn¡¯t something that they should refuse.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho cleanly went through the bread and biscuit, chocte bar, and even the canned fruits that were inside the C-rations.

    <i>Ddu-ddu-ddu-ddu-.</i>

    Over the deafening noise of the helicopter, Kang Chan shouted ¡°Map!¡± toward G¨¦rard.

    G¨¦rard seemed to have guessed what Kang Chan had said based on his mouth¡¯s movements. He walked toward Kang Chan while taking out a map from the left pocket of his top. ¡°Why are you asking for a map now?!¡±

    ¡°We should tell the members when we¡¯re marching up the mountain!¡±

    ¡°Why?!¡±

    Kang Chan nced at G¨¦rard. ¡°Telling them where to hide in case of an emergency would be ideal! Why ask when you already know the answer!¡±

    G¨¦rardughed, seemingly dumbfounded.

    On the map that Kang Chan had spread out, the Onon river and the S¨¹khbaatar area had been marked in detail, and the location of the enemies had been stamped with a red dot.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Kang Chan called. When Kang Chan turned around and looked behind him, G¨¦rard brought his head closer to Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ¡°This ce next to this river shall be ¡®alpha¡¯! The heart of this mountain is ¡®beta¡¯! If we lose each other due to unforeseen circumstances, then just hide and stay near whichever of these two is closest to you at the time! I¡¯ll go find you no matter what!¡± Kang Chan exined.

    G¨¦rard took a deep breath, then asked Kang Chan, ¡°Are all Korean people like you?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I asked if all! Korean! People! Are like you!¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, then gestured to Seok Kang-Ho with his eyes. ¡°Daye and i Are going to form groups! If possible, put the members that can speak Algeria¡¯snguages into his team!

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go crazy!¡±

    Calling ¡®Dayeru¡¯ as ¡®Daye¡¯ was a mistake. G¨¦rard looked like he suddenly got pped.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Kang Chan called.

    G¨¦rard didn¡¯t answer. He only looked back at him.

    ¡°Question what you¡¯re curious and suspicious aboutter! Our first priority right now is the members¡¯ lives, followed by this operation¡¯s sess! Your goal is to have all the members here right now in this helicopter when the operation ends! Got it?!¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Alright!¡±

    ¡°Have the rookie beside you no matter what!¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded as he tightly clenched his teeth.

    <i>Ddu-ddu-ddu-ddu-ddu.</i>

    It took them forty minutes to divide into groups and examine the terrain.

    They saw a ¡®Ger¡¯ from time to time within the endless earth, but they couldn¡¯t see anything now.

    After about ten minutes, they saw a small river.

    Kang Chan felt on edge, which hadn''t happened for a long time. His eyes met Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s as he was turning his gaze, and Seok Kang-Ho grinned. His eyes were glinting. ¡°Rx your eyes. You¡¯re going to scare these people!¡±

    Kang Chan could understand what he was saying based on his mouth¡¯s movements. He smirked, then looked at the members. It looked like they were all nervous upon seeing Kang Chan and his senses on edge.

    <i>Ddu-ddu-ddu-ddu-.</i>

    The helicopter took a wide turn and went farther away from the riverside.

    Kang Chan quickly examined the terrain stretched out as far as the eye could see. It felt less rugged than what he thought the map portrayed.

    The wind was cold, but Kang Chan liked it because it made him return to his senses.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    Kang Chan widely separated his index and middle finger and pointed to the back, which meant that they should be on the lookout for danger before they got out of the helicopter.

    When the members looked at G¨¦rard¡­

    ¡°From now on, the God of ckfield willmand the operation!¡± G¨¦rard yelled, ¡°The second group will receive Dayeru¡¯s orders!¡±

    Six members nodded in response to G¨¦rard¡¯s orders.

    <i>Ddu-ddu-ddu-ddu-ddu.</i>

    The helicopter gradually glided down to the ground.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan. It seemed like he wanted to know how Kang Chan was feeling about this.

    <i>Whooosh.</i>

    The back door opened¡­

    <i>Bang.</i>

    And the helicopternded.

    The two armed guards nodded toward Kang Chan, who then gave G¨¦rard an eye gesture.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± G¨¦rard yelled.

    They rushed forward.

    The sound of military boots and the <i>¡®click¡¯</i> from the weapons could be heard despite the noisy engine.

    ¡°Daye!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho ran out with Kang Chan¡¯s second nod. After Kang Chan left, the two members that had mounted guard followed behind him. They were running at their full speed.

    Standing in the middle of this in and warily observing their surroundings was no different from just offering their necks to their enemy for target practice.

    As they ran seven hundred meters, those who were nervous started to breathe faster.

    People had to habitually run at least seven kilometers regrly to run seven hundred meters at their top speed in this kind of situation. Otherwise, they¡¯d fall behind.

    And people would say that the weights of the gun and weapons that they were holding and had hung around their shoulders weren¡¯t that big of a deal?

    A newbie would never know the feeling of such weight doubling up for every hundred meters they ran at full speed.

    ¡°Run!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°Huff Huff! Huff Huff!¡±

    Sure enough, the newbie was already out of breath. He was too nervous.

    Kang Chan quickly searched through their surroundings. He couldn¡¯t trust anyone.

    He wasn¡¯t even thinking of Lanok. If anyone that knew of this operation, even those that flew the helicopter and left just a moment ago, said anything, then Kang Chan would experience having a bullet go through his neck again here.

    An enormous amount of money paralyzed everything about a person.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel anything.

    Seok Kang-Ho was running as well. He was the farthest away from Kang Chan.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Kang Chan called.

    When G¨¦rard nced at Kang Chan, Kang Chan directed his fist to the front, straightened his index and pointy finger, and signaled for G¨¦rard to go left and to go right.

    They had now ran halfway toward their target.

    Kang Chan ran to the new recruit¡¯s side and yelled, ¡°Hey! You son of a bitch!¡±

    He swore in Korean, but he managed to directly convey his emotions.

    Startled, the newbie nced at Kang Chan, then turned his gaze to the front.

    1. The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a military transport aircraft that was developed by an American rotorcraftpany Vertol, and was manufactured by Boeing Vertol. Specifically, it¡¯s a tandem rotor helicopter that''s among the heaviest-lifting Western helicopters and was introduced in 1962

    2. The C-ration, Field Ration, or Type C, refers to prepared and canned wetbat ration that was intended to be issued to U.S. militarynd forces when fresh food or packaged unprepared food of mess halls or field kitchens was unavable or couldn¡¯t be cooked or when a survival ration was insufficient

    3. a ¡®Ger¡¯ or ¡®Yurt¡¯ is a portable, round tent covered and insted with skins or felt. It¡¯s traditionally used as a dwelling by several distinct nomadic groups in the steppes and mountains of Central Asia

 Chapter 90.1: Long Fucking Day (1)

    <h4>Chapter 90.1: Long Fucking Day (1)</h4>

    The members that had arrived first crouched at the bottom of the mountain, then red at the top part of it. Kang Chan tightly grabbed the back of the neck of the new recruit who was about to fall. After letting go of the flustered squadmate, he sharply looked around them.

    Meanwhile, the chick adjusted his posture.

    ¡°Go.¡±

    G¨¦rard ordered three members to scout ahead with Kang Chan¡¯s briefmand.

    Before them was a long mountain range that looked as if it had multiple mountains ovepping each other. It was actually considerably far from them.

    Sunlight asionally peeked through the tall and straight trees. At some point, they heard a weird bird call that went <i>¡®beep¡¯</i> amid the wind and the patchy weed.

    Kang Chan ced the string of the Abu-Dhabi carbine over his right shoulder and walked with his index finger on the trigger.

    They were amid a cool mountain, so they didn¡¯t sweat.

    <i>p.</i>

    Birds flew above them.

    <i>Wheeng! Wheeng!</i>

    And they even heard the weird cry of a beast.

    This was Mongolia.

    A battle was bound to happen regardless of who caught them, and no excuse could stop it. They would either survive through a desperate escape or die in battle, leaving not even a trace of their existence on paper.

    They very nervously marched forward.

    Even though they had sent three men to scout ahead of the groups, they still didn¡¯t know when or at which side the enemy woulde from.

    The difference between training and an actual battle was whether or not they felt extreme nervousness. In a situation where they didn¡¯t know when or from where a bullet would go through their necks, most people would copse after about six hours of walking.

    A few members nced at Kang Chan with suspicion. Unlike how he ran at full speed from the helicopter, they thought he didn¡¯t know a thing about marching. Their lives were on the line here, so he should be wary of his surroundings. However, he seemed to be carelessly marching without thinking about the consequences instead¡­

    <i>Rustle! Click!</i>

    Just then, they heard the sound of grass being pushed back from the right side of the woods.

    <i>Click! Click!?</i>

    When the members flinched, Kang Chan had already pointed his rifle. By a narrow margin, Dayeru and G¨¦rard followed suit and aimed their weapons as well.

    What just happened?

    Was it possible for a person to react like that? Especially against the specialized team of the thirteenth foreign brigade that was overflowing with pride?

    Was that why they stood with Dayeru, G¨¦rard, and Kang Chan and inserted the rest of the members in between them?

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    After two more rustles, a shape of a ckish animal went down the mountain.

    The silence returned.

    If Kang Chan was their opponent, Dayeru and G¨¦rard would¡¯ve already been killed in that small difference in speed. The members would¡¯ve been turned into corpses the moment they flinched.

    When G¨¦rard received a nce from Kang Chan, he mouthed, ¡°I¡¯m going to go crazy¡± to himself. He drew a circle in the air with his index and middle fingers and pointed to their front, signaling that the situation ended and to march forward.

    It wasn¡¯t a world of difference, but they had to admit that Kang Chan¡¯s skills were on another level, even if only a little.

    ***

    ¡°Captain,¡± Kang Chan called and stopped their march when the wind that touched their foreheads felt cool. They had been walking for about an hour.

    ¡°Gather around,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    G¨¦rard obediently called the members.

    They had to ce at least the minimum number of sentries to guard them. However, Kang Chan gathered all the members.

    ¡°Give me the map,¡± Kang Chan ordered again.

    G¨¦rard spread out the map on the floor.

    ¡°Look closely. This is where we are right now, and this is where we think the enemy¡¯s base to be. If we go straight toward the back from here¡­¡± With his finger, Kang Chan pointed to a spot in the riverside. ¡°This is location ¡®alpha.¡¯ And this ce just over the mountain is ¡®beta.¡¯¡±

    Except for Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard, the members looked at Kang Chan with faces that asked, ¡®What¡¯s he saying?¡¯

    ¡°Regardless of what I yell out, just listen for the words ¡®alpha¡¯ and ¡®beta.¡¯ If I yell ¡®Alpha, lima,¡¯ then head to location ¡®alpha,¡¯¡± Kang Chan exined.

    The members observed G¨¦rard¡¯s reaction when they showed Kang Chan they understood through their eyes, only to find G¨¦rard unexpectedly calm.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take a five-minute break. Guard our vicinity within a ten-meter radius,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    They stopped on the top of a slope in the middle of the mountain. Kang Chan decided to rest in this area since it posed no risk of being shot from behind the trees.

    G¨¦rard didn¡¯t spout nonsense. He just called the three members ahead of them, then stationed four members in four locations that were ten meters apart.

    While resting, Kang Chan plopped down to the ground and leaned back against a tree to getfortable.

    After Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard sat down, the others also found afortable ce to rest.

    G¨¦rard looked at Kang Chan with a strange expression.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked G¨¦rard.

    ¡°If we keep going at this speed, it wouldn¡¯t even take us four hours to get to the location.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s he saying?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°He¡¯s saying that it won¡¯t even take four hours if we keep going at this speed,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Idiot. Is he nning on walking all day?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°What did he say?¡± G¨¦rard asked Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan chuckled. These two fuckers kept tiring him out.

    ¡°Do we have anyone that knows how to speak Algeria¡¯snguages?¡±

    These people were already curious about Kang Chan. Hence, when he asked them that question, the eyes of two of them suddenly sparkled. Moreover, when Dayeru talked to them, they answered looking surprised and happy. Meanwhile, G¨¦rard sighed as he looked at Dayeru.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    When Kang Chan stood up, three members moved ahead first.

    The atmosphere was very different than before they rested.

    ***

    Kang Chan felt as if something was bothering him.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Kang Chan ordered, and the members quickly did as instructed. They then nervously examined their surroundings.

    Having walked for three hours, they had gotten the hang of determining whether Kang Chan was walking leisurely or if he was nervous.

    However, right now, Kang Chan was exuding bloodthirst.

    It couldn¡¯t be exined with words.

    Kang Chan ordered Dayeru, G¨¦rard, and the members to go to their respective positions with his index and middle finger.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan slowly looked around them but found nothing noteworthy right now.

    <i>¡®Is it nothing?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t exin his gut feelings.

    It happened all the time in Africa and South Korea, but he didn¡¯t know when and what was going to happen.

    About a minute passed.

    Just as G¨¦rard looked at Kang Chan with eyes that asked, <i>¡®what¡¯s wrong?¡¯,?</i>they heard people talking, moving, then stepping on rocks.

    When Kang Chan got nervous, he heard the sound of his own breathing before anything else, which was the result of his training that had been repeated multiple times and the actualbat experience he had umted over the years.

    Normally, people would instead get a headache while their cheeks burned or hear the sound of their hearts beating. This was why it was emphasized in every training session to listen to the sound of their breathing.

    If they heard the sound of their heart beating or felt their head going nk due to nervousness, then there was a high chance that the opponent could hear them breathing.

    This was happening to the new recruit right now. He had gone through adequate training, but he wascking actualbat experience.

    The sounds kept getting closer and closer.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand what they were saying, but considering that their sentences were pronounced with fortises and ended with sounds such as ¡®tu-deuk¡¯ and ¡®ba-teuk,¡¯ they were clearly speaking Mongolian.

    Rather than cautiously, they were walkingfortably.

    Kang Chan took out the bay that he had attached to his right foot. If he had to eliminate them, then he intended to do so without gunshots.

    Dayeru and G¨¦rard also took out their bays, having figured out Kang Chan¡¯s intention.

    Three opponents walked past the area just below where Kang Chan and the members were hiding.

    They had a rifle slung over their shoulders that looked to be a few decades old. Two of them had a mountain animal hanging around their waists. It was as big as a forearm and appeared to have been caught in a trap.

    Kang Chan nned to run over and pounce on them before they could fire their guns.

    There was a fair distance between Kang Chan and the trio. However, their voices sounded awfully loud perhaps because they were on a mountain.

    <i>¡®Just go.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to kill these talkative people with dirty faces, however.

    They kept walking, but one of the three nced upward when they were right below Kang Chan without knowing that fourteen guns and three bays were seeking to kill them right above.

    Their voices had grown fainter about three minutester. After three more minutes, they couldn¡¯t hear them anymore.

    Kang Chan shook his head when he received a look from G¨¦rard.

    People like them who hunted for a living had eyes and ears sensitive enough to beparable to mountain animals.

    After about five more minutes passed, Kang Chan slowly raised himself up.

    They were leaving.

    They walked for thirty minutes, then Kang Chan decided they should rest. ¡°Captain.¡±

    G¨¦rard now understood what Kang Chan wanted from the look in his eyes alone, so he immediately assigned four members to guard their perimeter.

    They were halfway up the mountain, so they could easily look down and see in all four directions. It was also a great ce to hide since it was packed with trees.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have lunch before moving onward,¡± G¨¦rard told the members.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The C-rations were swiftly distributed.

    1. Fortis refers to consonants(especially voiceless ones) being strongly articted more so than another consonant articted in the same ce

 Chapter 90.2: Long Fucking Day (1)

    <h4>Chapter 90.2: Long Fucking Day (1)</h4>

    Kang Dae-Kyung hadn¡¯t been able to concentrate on his work since this morning. Breathing feltborious as well, almost as if his chest was tied tightly.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    He breathed in deeply, but the frustration didn¡¯t go away at all. It felt as if something was taking up space in his lungs, keeping him from getting enough air.

    The hardest thing he had worked at sinceing to the office at 9 am was fiddling with his phone.

    <i>¡®Wouldn¡¯t it be okay to talk to him just this once?¡¯</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t bring himself to press the call button, however. He was worried that Kang Chan was talking to someone important, like the Prime Minister, who even came to visit him personally in the hospital and asked him to allow Kang Chan to continue working for the country.

    The salespeople had even be more energetic recently because the executives that had shaken hands with the Prime Minister told stories about what happened when he visited.

    ¡°Whoo-oo!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung exhaled, then gave the cigarette that was on top of an employee¡¯s desk a subtle nce.

    <i>¡®You¡¯re okay, right?¡¯</i>

    He needed to trust Kang Chan. He had to.

    Kang Chan was still a high schooler, but that son of his performed acts that Kang Dae-Kyung, an ordinary person, couldn''t even understand. Stories about parents that ruined their genius child were verymon. In fact, there were just as many of them as there were geniuses.

    Kang Dae-Kyung had to endure even though he was worried and wanted to keep Kang Chan by his side. For his son, he had to suppress that desire and watch him. That was what an ordinary father should do.

    Kang Dae-Kyung recalled how Kang Chan swung a knife while blocking the front of the car. He could be acting like this because of how Kang Chan looked at that moment.

    Kang Dae-Kyung would never forget the look in his son¡¯s fierce eyes when Kang Chan nced back at him while swinging his knife at his opponent.

    In the middle of that terrifying battle, Kang Chan even managed to ask him if he was okay. He seemed to be saying that Kang Dae-Kyung had to be okay and was pleading for him to endure everything.

    <i>¡®Okay. I¡¯ll endure this as well. I¡¯ll put on a strong front and endure everything, so you also shouldn¡¯t worry about our family. Just¡­¡¯</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung recalled when they went into the Namsan Hotel to meet the Gong Te automobile executives, when Kang Chan returned home with a cake to congratte him forpleting the contract, and when he hugged Kang Chan at the hospital.

    <i>¡®Juste back safely.¡¯</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung hit his tight chest with his fist.

    ***

    They spent ten minutes having lunch.

    ¡°Are we resting for twenty more minutes?¡± G¨¦rard asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°If you want to.¡±

    G¨¦rard chuckled with a strange expression.

    In Africa, Kang Chan rested for twenty minutes after having a meal, if possible. They also frequently had early meals if they found a good ce to eat. He had multiple reasons for doing so.

    Being faced with a tense situation right after eating could cause a really loud a loud <i>¡®growl¡¯</i> to emerge from someone¡¯s stomach. Being full could also cause them to lower their guard. Moreover, it was dirty, but some even had to look for an appropriate ce to defecate while clutching their stomachs.

    ¡°Is that fucker bullshitting again?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re fucking worse!¡±

    Dayeru quickly turned his head when he saw Kang Chan¡¯s expression. Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect this fucker would adapt this fast.

    Kang Chan then looked at the new recruit.

    Among Westerners, some were unexpectedly soft-hearted. They alsocked guts and were a bit timid.

    Most of them pretended not to be like that at all, but their eyes still showed fear.

    Whenever new recruits got nervous, they would stiffen and their ability to make judgments would slow down.

    That was why Kang Chan always went around with the new recruits behind him.

    They didn¡¯t notice it at first, but as time passed, they started to trust and depend on him. Afterward, they fired their guns with an easy mind.

    From there, as long as they didn¡¯t die, they would juste out of this with a scar from a knife like G¨¦rard in front of them and frown to act tough.

    That could¡¯ve been why Kang Chan had run over more relentlessly to save him.

    He couldn¡¯t give up on someone that had trusted and depended on him. Even though it sometimes required him to slit his enemies¡¯ necks like a demon thirsty for blood, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t give up on someone that he had told to stay behind him. He would even do it all over again if he had to.

    ¡°I did good, right?¡± Thest memory of one of his subordinates, who had brought him a water bottle and smiled, came across Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Fuck.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    <i>I should''ve stopped at nothing to save that son of a bitch.</i>

    Kang Chan sighed softly.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s nose, left cheek, and the area around his right chin had swelled up. Moreover, the ends of his eyes, his cheek, and the area around his mouth were covered in blood.

    <i>Creak. Creak.</i>

    The string hanging from the ceiling made ufortable noises, almost as if finding Kim Hyung-Jung too heavy. He had already lost strength in his legs and couldn¡¯t even stop his knees from bending. He would¡¯ve been rolling on the floor already if not for his two arms that were tied toward the ceiling.

    ¡°You stubborn fucking son of a bitch!¡± a man yelled.

    <i>Creak. Creak.</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung had multiple cuts and splits on his upper body. He didn¡¯t have a top on, so his blood and bruises were all on full disy.

    ¡°Tell us your name and the organization that you¡¯re affiliated with, and we¡¯ll let you go as we promised!¡± he yelled again.

    The man violently and tightly grasped onto Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s bangs, which were soaked with blood. ¡°Well send you to China. From there, you¡¯ll be able to return to South Korea. I¡¯m just asking you to tell me two things. Your name and the organization that you¡¯re affiliated with. Why do you have to keep stalling?¡±

    The man harshly shoved aside Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s head, then grabbed a long and thin awl. Just then, they heard someone yelling ¡°Ugggh! Gaaah!¡± It was as if the person was yelling right next to them.

    ¡°See? He¡¯s having that much of a hard time in the room next to us. More importantly, once I pierce your finger with this, then you won¡¯t be able to grow a nail anymore. And if this follows the bones in your finger and pierces through to the other side, it would cut your nerves. Do you understand?¡± the man asked.

    ¡°Phew.¡± When Kim Hyung-Jung exhaled deeply, his blood, mixed with saliva, seeped out and fell to the ground.

    ¡°Are you going to talk now?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung reflexively shook his head.

    ¡°Fucking son of a bitch!¡± The man roughly snatched Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s second finger on his left hand.

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    ¡°Talk already, you fucking son of a bitch!¡± the man yelled again.

    ¡°Ugh! Arrgggh!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung gritted his teeth and continued to shake his head as if he was crazy.

    ***

    They arrived in four hours, including lunchtime.

    Kang Chan had thought that they¡¯d only find a temporary barrack, but they instead found a small but proper military base. It even had wire fences as tall as a human.

    Excluding the area where the main entrance was located, the military base was surrounded by mountains. In the middle of it were five cement buildings built around a sports field.

    It also had a main gate and a guard post on either side.

    Kang Chan examined the military base¡¯s vicinity with a grave expression.

    Twenty meters above it was a precipice that was entirely made up of rocks.

    It didn¡¯t matter what they did. This natural rock formation forcefully made them stand out immediately..

    After examining the camp for about ten minutes, Kang Chan gathered the members together and said, ¡°Starting from the left, we¡¯llbel the buildings number 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Radio operator!¡±

    A member briefly raised his chin and nodded up.

    ¡°Snipers.¡±

    Two other members raised their chins simrly in response.

    ¡°Captain, assign the snipers in teams of two. If possible, send them behind building number 2 and number 5. Make sure they¡¯re perfectly camouged,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    G¨¦rard dispatched the sniper and one member to their ces.

    ¡°Radio operator, how do we contact the headquarters?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll talk to them using satellite phones.¡±

    ¡°Can our telephone conversations be wiretapped or our location tracked?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a chance that our location will be detected because we¡¯re using a satellite.¡±

    If so, then using a phone would be difficult.

    When Kang Chan was shaking his head, G¨¦rard came towards him.

    ¡°The rest of us should rest for now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    G¨¦rard nodded.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to order some of our men to guard the perimeter.¡±

    ¡°I know at least that much,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    While Kang Chan was smirking, G¨¦rard ordered the members.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to feel cramped,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Tell me about it.¡±

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    No matter how urgently they came here, if it was this kind of military base then they should¡¯ve given them more information.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a moment to think for now. Identify the number of sentries and when they¡¯re relieved of their duty,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re relieving the guards in thirty minutes.¡±

    ¡°Pay attention to important details. I¡¯m better for tasks like this.¡±

    Alone, Kang Chan headed to a ce where he could look down at the military base, then leaned back against an appropriate rock and sat down on the floor.

    He couldn¡¯t think of any good ways to solve this matter right now.

    They were going to fight against North Korean special forces soldiers. Plus there were at least thirty of them.

    If they didn¡¯t ambush the enemies, they¡¯d be fighting a losing battle.

    <i>Snap. Snap.</i>

    Just then, he heard the sound of a thumb and middle finger being flicked.

    Kang Chan quickly walked towards Dayeru.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t that sounde from a human?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan braced every nerve and concentrated for a moment, allowing him to hear awful screams, albeit barely.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    ¡°That was a human¡¯s, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°They¡¯re probably being tortured.¡±

    ¡°Ah, fuck,¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore.

    Despite what was happening, they couldn¡¯t leave right now.

    If they dangled on a precipice in broad daylight, they¡¯d be nothing more than cheap prizes that were hung up on a shooting gallery in an amusement park.

    The enemies would take the lives of the members dangling on the precipice as prizes in two shots. They wouldn¡¯t be able to stop the opponents from killing the captives either once they had found out about their rescue operation.

    On that day, with the sun so high up they¡¯d have to bend their heads backward to see it, the wind carried another scream to them.

 Chapter 91.1: Long Fucking Day (2)

    <h4>Chapter 91.1: Long Fucking Day (2)</h4>

    They heard a horrible scream from far away.

    They wouldn¡¯t keep hearing it if they didn¡¯t hear it the first time. However, now that they did, it kept reaching their ears.

    Kang Chan tightly gritted his teeth. The chick he failed to save in Africa came across his mind.

    ¡°I did good, right?¡±

    The screams of the new recruit, who wanted to get praised and brought him a water bottle, when he got surrounded by enemy soldiers and was getting stabbed with arge knife just like the scream Kang Chan heard a moment ago.

    By the time Kang Chan had slit the enemies¡¯ necks and stabbed their hearts, the new recruit was already unrecognizable.

    If Kang Chan had arrived a minute¡ªno, just thirty seconds sooner, if he got there a bit quicker just as how he saved Dayeru¡­

    Kang Chan breathed in deeply when the wind stopped bringing screams toward them. ¡°Daye.¡±

    Dayeru just silently looked at Kang Chan due to how fierce and fearsome Kang Chan¡¯s eyes had be.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to attack them. Now.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan solidified his decision and walked back to their camp. G¨¦rard nervously stood up from his spot when he saw Kang Chan.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Please go ahead.¡±

    ¡°It seems like our people are being tortured. We should look for an opportunity to attack them at sunset, but I don¡¯t want to go in there only to find corpses.¡±

    G¨¦rard was looking straight into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Daeyru and I will go down to the enemy¡¯s military base. Provide sniper support. If the operation fails, take the members and retreat using the same route we took to get here,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Hmph!¡±

    G¨¦rard snorted as if at a loss for words, then said, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a chick?¡±

    <i>Did this fucker really just ask that?</i>

    ¡°A gentleman in the past disregarded me like that before¡­¡± G¨¦rard abruptly stopped talking and tightly gritted his teeth. He then said, ¡°Let mee with you to the enemy¡¯s base.¡±

    ¡°There are thirty special forces soldiers waiting for us below the precipice.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m saying that we should go there together!¡± G¨¦rard couldn¡¯t bring himself to shout, so he snarled instead. ¡°Don¡¯t act as foolish as the gentleman who sent me somewhere else in the past. Let mee with you and protect you! I''m not going to let anyone go like that ever again! I¡¯m going. I have to!¡±

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    ¡°Be quiet! I¡¯m going if you are. Otherwise¡­¡±

    This fucker was making an unreasonable demand.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go down the precipice with two of our members, so if a problem urs, lead the retreat,¡± G¨¦rard told Kang Chan.

    G¨¦rard didn¡¯t react even after Kang Chan smirked in response.

    The look in his eyes was the same as Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s when he made Kang Chan promise to include him in every operation.

    This fucker was still lonely. He lived pretending to be strong and better than everyone else, but he still failed to find someone he could turn to.

    ¡°We¡¯ll rappel upsidedown to go down the precipice. Prepare three harnesses and three radios. Be on the ground in two seconds.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± G¨¦rard answered, then breathed in deeply.

    ¡°Call the members before we go down the precipice,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to order me to do things like that. I would¡¯ve done it either way.¡±

    <i>This fucker has really all grown up.</i>

    G¨¦rard turned around first.

    Kang Chan walked toward Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°We¡¯re going with G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going with that baby chick?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s be real. He¡¯s now a half-grown chick.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned. Having already gone past the point where he¡¯d feel anxious or nervous, his eyes grew fierce as well.

    They could be heading straight to their deaths. Some fuckers would feel overwhelmed with nervousness in situations like this. People like Dayeru, on the other hand, felt a strange sense of pleasure.

    ¡°Do you have anything important to report?¡± Kang Chan asked Dayeru.

    ¡°Not yet. I¡¯m more concerned that we aren¡¯t hearing screams anymore.¡±

    While they were ring at the enemy¡¯s military base, G¨¦rard appeared with the members. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho received radios and hung them on their bodies, then fastened a harness behind their waist.

    Kang Chan first exined the infiltration route and the n that they were going to carry out afterward.

    ¡°We¡¯re going tounch an assault now. Dayeru, the captain, and I are going to go down the precipice first. Head down once we¡¯ve secured a foothold. If the operation goes south, then you are to either immediately retreat using the same route we took to get here or head to the locations that I designate, depending on the circumstances. Any questions?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Who¡¯ll give us the order to open fire?¡± someone asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not nitpick about the little details. Shoot at will if you deem the situation to be dangerous. However, wait for my order before opening fire.¡±

    The members exchanged nces with each other, then briefly nodded.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°One of the sniper teams will position in front of building 2. The other will go in front of building 5. We¡¯re going down the precipice in five minutes. Depending on the circumstances, make sure to shoot to kill. However, refrain from doing so until we¡¯ve cut the wire fence. We n to infiltrate the enemy base from behind building 3, but contact me immediately if there¡¯s a problem,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>Chk</i>.

    ¡°Group 1, check.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Group 2, check.¡±

    With all the members equipped with radios, they were able to listen to everything being said right now.

    ¡°Chick,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Everyone¡¯s eyes fell on the new recruit.

    ¡°If youe down the precipice, don¡¯t jump in the operation until I order you. This is an order.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan took out a yellowish bandana from his left forearm pocket and covered his face. Dayeru, G¨¦rard, and the others did as well.

    After tying the rope to a tree and using a figure-eight knot to tie it behind their backs, they were going to run down from the precipice while looking downward.

    Going down twenty meters in two seconds was no different from almost falling from the precipice. Despite already wearing two gloves on their left hand, they still had to be prepared to be wounded to some degree.

    Kang Chan, Dayeru, and G¨¦rard went toward the precipice after getting ready.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re ready to descend. Shooting team, report abnormalities,¡± Kang Chan radioed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Group 1 reporting in. No significant changes.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Group 2 reporting. Three tangos exited building 2. Descending team stand by for a moment.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his gaze to building 2, but he couldn¡¯t see it properly because it was covered by building 3.

    G¨¦rard stood at Kang Chan¡¯s left, and Dayeru stood at Kang Chan¡¯s right.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Group 2 reporting. The threathas been neutralized. There¡¯s nothing significant to report.¡±

    Kang Chan looked both ways, then leaned forward.

    They normally would¡¯ve gone out to the precipice and gotten into position first but they couldn¡¯t even do that now.

    <i>Tatatatatak.</i>

    They rushed toward the ground as sharp wind came into their eyes.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    By the time Kang Chan felt like the skin on his left palm and index finger were being ripped apart, the ground was already in front of him.

    <i>Swooosh!</i>

    Kang Chan tightly pulled the rope, causing him to straighten up.

    <i>Thud. Thud.</i>

    His squadmates seemed to have arrived safely as well.

    The ropes went up as Dayeru and G¨¦rard lowered themselves to the ground, almost as if they were sticking to it.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Operations team, be on standby,¡± someone radioed.

    Kang Chan heard an rm from the radio, then he alsoid down t on the ground. The smell of dirt suddenly went up to his nose.

    <i>The rope wouldn¡¯t have been able to go up the precipice yet¡­</i>

    <i>Whoo. Whoo.</i>

    Kang Chan heard his own breathing.

    <i>Chk</i>.

    ¡°Operation team, move,¡± someone radioed again.

    As soon as they heard the order from the radio, Kang Chan ran forward. G¨¦rard and Dayeru stayed by his side.

    ¡°Gaaahhh!¡±

    When they arrived at building 3, they immediately heard awful screams.

    Kang Chan first examined the wire fence, then held out his hand.

    G¨¦rard handed over the cutter. He and Dayeru then held onto the wire fence while examining their surroundings.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯ve removed the wire fence. Shooting team, we¡¯re awaiting orders,¡± Kang Chan radioed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Infiltration team, enter,¡± someone radioed.

    Kang Chan quickly went inside the enemy base through the crevice that was created when Dayeru and G¨¦rard pulled the wire fence apart.

    ¡°Urrghh! Gaahhh!¡±

    Screams from two or more people kept escaping from building 3.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Hold your positions, infiltration team. One tango came out of building 3. Reason is unknown. We¡¯re ready to shoot,¡± someone radioed.

    <i>Bang.</i>

    The sound of the door being closed soon rang out.

    Kang Chan took out the bay that he had attached to his foot.

    <i>Whoo. Whoo.</i>

    With his head, he gestured and made Dayeru and G¨¦rard stand far apart from him on either side to avoid all of them getting gunned down in the worst moment.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The enemy went into building 4. Infiltration team, move,¡± someone radioed again.

    Kang Chan sheathed the bay, pointed to his own eyes with his index and middle finger, then designated ces for Dayeru and G¨¦rard to go to. Afterward, he moved to building 5 and stuck to its wall. Lowering his posture, he examined the guard post. One man was in it.

    Kang Chan held up his index finger and turned it three times in the air, then pointed to the guard post in front of building 5.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We see tangos at the third guard post. Stand by,¡± someone radioed.

    Kang Chan kept hearing his own breathing.

    He discreetly looked around the mountain, finding no traces of them going down the precipice. The wind calmly circted around the army base as the sunlight warmed it up.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Clear out the fifth guard post,¡± someone radioed.

    <i>Tatatatatak.</i>

    With his posture lowered as much as he could, Kang Chan followed the wired fence to the fifth guard post¡¯s wall.

    The guard post had no windows.

    Kang Chan went in between the wired fence and the guard post, then took out his bay and slowly raised himself up.

    He saw the special forces soldiers. If they treated them carelessly, then everything would end here.

    The enemy was sitting upright with his rifle in front of him.

    Kang Chan slowly raised his arms.

    <i>Swoosh. Shhhiiick.</i>

    He then ced the bay on the enemy¡¯s neck, covered the enemy¡¯s mouth, and slit his neck with the bay with all of his might.

    The enemy choked due to the air in his blood and lungs moving the vocal cords.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Fifth guard post cleared. Infiltrate building 3,¡± Kang Chan radioed.

    Kang Chan climbed up the window, went into the guard post, then waited while supporting the enemy¡¯s back. As he heard more screams, he saw Dayeru moving from the opposite side.

    They were doing better than he expected.

    Kang Chan wiped the bay on the enemy¡¯s body, then sheathed it.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Clear out the third guard post,¡± Kang Chan radioed, then looked alternatively at the main gate and the third guard post.

    After a while, two arms came up and the enemy flinched. Two guard posts had been cleared.

    <i>Rattle.?</i>

    At that moment, an enemy opened building 4.

    Kang Chan quickly looked at the third guard post. Dayeru¡¯s hand was still covering the enemy¡¯s mouth.

    <i>Whoo. Whoo.</i>

    It was over if the enemies saw them.

    Kang Chan held his rifle, then turned his gaze to the building.

    The enemy that came out of building 4 stopped walking in front of building 3 and looked at the guard post. Kang Chan turned his gaze, finding the enemy manning it, and he was turning his head toward the main gate.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t see Dayeru.

    He returned his attention to the enemy, finding him opening the door of building 3 and going inside.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Third guard post cleared,¡± Dayeru radioed in.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Third and fifth guard posts have been secured.¡±

    When Kang Chan answered in French, he saw G¨¦rard in between building 2 and 3.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Teams standing by, prepare to infiltrate,¡± Kang Chan radioed.

    A momentter he received a response, ¡°Standing by.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Shooting team 1, aim for the guard post at the main gate. Shooting team 2, cover them. Teams on standby, proceed with the infiltration.¡± Kang Chan ordered, and the other members came down the precipice. Considering three soldiers coulde down at once, they just had to buy time for two batches.

    Kang Chan was a nervous wreck as he watched the members. He wasn¡¯t angry because they werete, but he was worried that they¡¯d get shot while they were dangling on the precipice.

    The first group came down safely. Next was the second group.

    From what Kang Chan could see, the person at the very left of the precipice was the new recruit.

    Kang Chan was so frustrated he felt like he was going to go crazy, but there was no other way. The new recruit would build his skills in this way.

    This was just like riding a bike. As they umted experience, there woulde a day when they would be able to do this naturally. From that moment, their eyes would be more terrifying. After all, their gaze would show they could stab anyone at any moment or pull the trigger without hesitation.

    1. Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, and Dayeru are referred to as the ¡®infiltration team¡¯ for most of this operation after they descend, but the author referred to them as ¡®descending team¡¯ here perhaps because they¡¯re about the descend down the precipice

 Chapter 91.2: Long Fucking Day (2)

    <h4>Chapter 91.2: Long Fucking Day (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan exhaled softly.

    All of them had reached the ground. The rope quickly went back up the precipice again.

    Having the signaller stay back was the right decision.

    Right now, pulling up the rope on the precipice was already a big help¡­

    ¡°What¡¯s that?!¡±

    At that moment, they heard a terrifying shout.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Squad 1, eliminate the tango at the main gate guard post.¡±

    As soon as Kang Chan ordered that¡­

    <i>Whoosh! Bam!</i>

    Blood spattered from the forehead of the enemy at the main gate guard post.

    Kang Chan quickly ran to building 3 with his rifle at the ready.

    G¨¦rard, who was beside the building, moved to the entrance. Dayeru aimed his rifle from the second guard post.

    <i>Rattle.?</i>

    The enemy opened the door of building 4.

    <i>Ta-ang!</i>

    When Kang Chan pulled the trigger, the guy in front of him fell back with a <i>thud</i>.

    <i>Ta-ang. Ta-ang. Rattle!</i>

    When Kang Chan fired two more times, the door of building 3 opened.

    <i>Ta-ang. Ta-ang.?</i>

    G¨¦rard, who had been waiting, shot the enemy from beside him.

    <i>Rattle. Whoosh.</i>

    As soon as someone opened building 5¡¯s door, a sniper blew his brains out.

    <i>Bang.</i>

    Kang Chan stood by the door of building 3 and counted with G¨¦rard through eye gestures, his rifle aimed and ready.

    <i>One, two.</i>

    <i>Bang! Swoosh.</i>

    G¨¦rard kicked the door, and Kang Chan ran inside.

    <i>Tang. Tang. Tang.</i>

    Blood spattered all over behind three people.

    <i>Swoosh</i>.

    G¨¦rard ran inside as well.

    There were two desks in front of the entrance and a hallway to their left. There were rooms on both sides.

    They kept hearing gunshots from outside the building.

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard leaned against the room that was at the very front of the building.

    <i>Whoo. Whoo.</i>

    The structure of the room required the door to be pulled for it to be opened.

    G¨¦rard pulled the door, and Kang Chan quickly examined its interior, finding captives inside.

    He couldn¡¯t even distinguish their faces, which were swollen and covered in blood. Some of their bones had also been exposed, almost as if their fingers had been ripped apart.

    This was also the case for the next room.

    Gunshots continued to echo. Every now and then, the unique gunfire of sniper rifles would mix in.

    Kang Chan stood in front of the next room, then made eye contact with G¨¦rard.

    <i>Swish! Swoosh.</i>

    This was his gut feeling. Things like this could really only be described as his senses.

    The moment the door was opened and they ran inside, Kang Chan was sure there would be an enemy waiting for them.

    <i>Ta-ang! Thud.</i>

    <i>Whoo. Whoo.</i>

    Fortunately, the captives after the first two rooms were fine.

    Even though they were wounded to the point where they were unrecognizable, Kang Chan knew he hadn¡¯t found Kim Hyung-Jung yet. He could tell by their body types.

    <i>Ta-da-da-da-da-dang. Ta-da-dang. Ta-da-da-da-da-dang.</i>

    Kang Chan heard gunfire that he hadn¡¯t heard until now. This meant that the enemies had gotten into their positions to some degree.

    <i>Rattle!</i>

    At the same time, two people ran inside the building through the entrance.

    <i>Ta, Ta-ng. Ta-ng.</i>

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard pulled the trigger at almost the same time. Kang Chan fired another bullet.

    Considering the situation, this showed their snipers were busy enough to let enemies run into building 3. If so, then it also meant that all of their troops were busy.

    Kang Chan decided to hurry a bit more.

    So far, the rooms up to the fifth room were empty.

    G¨¦rard seemed excited for some reason. Kang Chan could tell from the subtle differences in his movements as he moved with his gun aimed.

    If they weren¡¯t in the middle of an operation, then Kang Chan would¡¯ve already stopped G¨¦rard and swore at him.

    Considering the gunshots were increasing in number, their troops were at a disadvantage. Seok Kang-Ho was in a guard post that was made up of wooden boards.

    Kang Chan hesitated for a moment when he walked into the seventh room. He had found Kim Hyung-Jung dangling from the ceiling with both arms tied above him. He also had an awl stabbed into his left index finger.

    He was alive, though. That was what mattered.

    If they could ensure the captives¡¯ safety after searching through the rest of this building, then they¡¯d have aplished their objective here.

    Kim Hyung-Jung gave them a subtle nce, then flinched. Now was not the time to release him.

    Kang Chan carefully drew back while aiming his gun.

    There were three rooms left.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan fiercely red at G¨¦rard because he took Kang Chan¡¯s ce. He tightly gritted his teeth, but he couldn¡¯t tell G¨¦rard to change ces right now.

    <i>¡®Son of a bitch. I¡¯ll deal with youter.¡¯</i>

    When G¨¦rard received a look from Kang Chan, it felt like G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes were saying, <i>¡®Do whatever you want. Just open the door first.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan was forced to put his hand on the doorknob.

    The moment when their eyes met¡­

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Kang Chan opened the door, and G¨¦rard charged into the room.

    <i>Tang. Ta-da-dang. Tang.</i>

    Sounds like this shouldn¡¯t be heard.

    Kang Chan pushed the door with his foot, then knelt down with his right knee. The enemy had sunk to his knees.

    <i>Ta-ang! Thud!</i>

    <i>G¨¦rard?</i>

    G¨¦rard had copsed in front of the door.

    <i>Bang.</i>

    At that moment, the two remaining doors opened, and more enemies jumped out.

    <i>Ta-ang! Ta-ang!</i>

    Kang Chan twisted his upper body and opened fire.

    <i>Bam! Pow!</i>

    Blood spattered on the wall behind his targets.

    Kang Chan checked the remaining two rooms first, finding only captives in them.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯ve cleared building 3 and secured the objectives. The captain has been shot,¡± Kang Chan radioed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Captain? What do you mean?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan quickly ran over to G¨¦rard and immediately noticed his left shoulder and chest werepletely soaked with blood. He then noticed a hole in between his shoulder and heart.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    G¨¦rard opened his eyes with difficulty. Kang Chan examined the rest of his body. Fortunately, it seemed the bullet wound on his shoulder was the only injury he sustained.

    ¡°What about the objectives?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ve safely secured all of them.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing? Please go out quickly and look after the members.¡±

    ¡°Son of a bitch.¡±

    G¨¦rard smirked. ¡°Hearing Korean swear words feels quite great.¡±

    They had to hurry. G¨¦rard was conscious, but if he kept bleeding like this, he¡¯d be in a critical condition.

    <i>Ta-ang. Tang. Ta-da-dang. Ta-da-da-dang. Tang.</i>

    The firefight continued.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Radio operator,¡± Kang Chan radioed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Radio operator here.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Request for a helicopter. I¡¯m going to check every ten minutes to know when it¡¯sing. The captain is wounded, and the captives are in critical conditions, so request medical supplies as well, especially blood,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan went out of building 3¡¯s entrance.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Firing team, provide the situation report,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°There¡¯s only the 4th building left. Our troops aren¡¯t wounded.¡±

    Kang Chan hid at the entrance, then stood and looked at the guard post.

    <i>Ta-da-dang. Tang. Tang. Ta-dang. Ta-da-dang.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho kept shooting from the third guard post, but the enemies were resisting from inside a cement building that made it difficult to take them down.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Daye, we¡¯ve secured the objectives, but the captain is wounded,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Fuck. How bad is it?¡±

    <i>This fucker is talking like this on the radio!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°A bullet went through his shoulder. We¡¯ve called in for a helicopter, so we have to take care of building 4 in twenty minutes,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Alright. What¡¯s the n?¡± Daye asked again.

    <i>Ta-da-dang. Tang. Tang. Ta-da-da-dang.</i>

    Fragments of the guard post that Seok Kang-Ho was in were noisily shot off.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m going. Get ready to cover me! Keep covering fire!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Alright!¡±

    <i>Ta-da-da-dang. Tang. Ta-da-dang. Ta-da-da-dang.</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is the God of ckfield. I¡¯m going into building 4. Starting now, we¡¯re switching to volley fire. Fire three shots at building 4 every time I signal to prevent the enemies froming out. Join me once I¡¯m inside.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    <i>Ta-da-da-dang. Tang. Tang. Tang.</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Shooting group 1, I¡¯m running in from building 3. Cover me,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk</i>.

    ¡°Copy.¡±

    Kang Chan reloaded.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Cover me!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    <i>Ta-da-dang.</i> <i>Ta-da-dang. Ta-da-dang. Ta-da-dang. Ta-da-dang.</i>

    The gunshot sounds¡¯ rhythm changed. Gunshots from the snipers butted into the middle of the firefight as well. The snipers could now open fire due to the opportunity presented whenever those resisting by the window were forced to hide from the concentrated gunfire.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan now stood close to the entrance of building 4.

    <i>Ta-da-dang. Tang. Tang. Ta-da-dang.</i>

    He kept seeing sparks from inside the building.

    <i>Whoo. Whoo. Whoo. Whoo.</i>

    Kang Chan caught his breath.

    <i>One, two.</i>

    He then ran into the building, his rifle aimed.

    <i>Tang. Tang.?</i>

    When Kang Chan took care of the enemy by the entrance, the others dangling on the window turned around.

    <i>Tang. Tang. Tang. Tang. Tang. Tang.</i>

    <i>Click!</i>

    He quickly examined the building to see if anyone was still moving.

    It was an old-style amodation. The corpses of the enemies he had taken down were scattered all over the floor, the beds facing each other on either side of the room, and the hallway.

    The members ran inside and urgently aimed their guns at the corpses.

    <i>What happened? Did he really go through all of these bodies by himself?</i>

    Most of their face was covered with a bandana, but their eyes were enough to show their surprise as they looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Form teams of two and search through the rest of the buildings,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t let your guard down.¡±

    Four members ran out, and Kang Chan went out of building 4.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°What¡¯s the status of the helicopter?¡± Kang Chan asked afterward.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s expected to arrive in fifteen minutes.¡±

    When Kang Chan went into building 3, he found Dayeru tying G¨¦rard¡¯s shoulder with a bandana.

    Kang Chan took out a bay, releasedf the captives, and moved them into the office space starting from the first room. That was what Kim Hyung-Jung would¡¯ve wanted Kang Chan to do.

    Dayeru helped release and move the captives after taking care of G¨¦rard, increasing their pace.

    Kang Chan ran to Kim Hyung-Jung, then pulled out the awl that had been stabbed into his index finger before anything else.

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    Kang Chan cut the string that was used to tie Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s hands with a bay. He then held him in his arms. ¡°You okay?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan with surprise in his eyes.

    ¡°A helicopter is on its way. We¡¯ll wait outside,¡± Kang Chan added.

    He looked like he was thinking, <i>¡®Kang Chan?¡¯</i> Kang Chan had covered most of his face, but Kim Hyung-Jung could still see his eyes.

    When Kang Chan went out to the office space while supporting Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s shoulder¡­

    ¡°Those fuckers are really fucking cruel.¡±

    They heard Seok Kang-Ho grumble.

    ¡°Mr. Seok? Is that you?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho had uncovered his face.

    When Kim Hyung-Jung saw Seok Kang-Ho smirking, he looked at Kang Chan stupefied. However, there were too many things that Kang Chan had to take care of right now.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you in a little while,¡± Kang Chan responded to Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s stare.

    It took quite a long time to search through the other buildings and move the captives to the office.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The helicopter should be here in five minutes,¡± someone radioed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Sniper team, Signaller, on me,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    Kang Chan took off the bandana covering his face, then approached Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re alive.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung kept frowning because of the pain.

    <i>Ddu-ddu-ddu-ddu-ddu.</i>

    From the distance, they heard the sound of helicopter rotors.

    1. this refers to the military tactic ¡®volley fire¡¯, which is when soldiers shoot in the same direction en masse (all together)

 Chapter 92.1: On Their Way Back (1)

    <h4>Chapter 92.1: On Their Way Back (1)</h4>

    It had been a while since Kang Chan heard a Chinook¡¯s noise, but he was d to finally hear it again.

    While the team was moving G¨¦rard and the captives to the front of building 3, the snipers and the signaller came down.

    The look in their eyes showed pride for their operation¡¯s sess, having managed to defeat infamous enemies. If this were to happen two or three more times, the members would wholeheartedly trust themander.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    Helicopter rotor sounds bounced off from the rock wall that surrounded the military base, causing its ringing to echo.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Delivery team, this is the stork. We see the military base,¡± someone radioed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Copy that, stork.¡±

    The helicopter noises had be so loud that it was as if they wereing from right above them.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    The helicopter finally came into view as a dust cloud violently rose upward. With the rock walls trapping the helicopter noises inside, the sounds became loud enough to render Kang Chan unable to think.

    ¡°Move out!¡±

    They helped the evacuees toward the Chinook¡¯s door. Likewise, Dayeru ran while holding G¨¦rard in his arms.

    ¡°Hurry up!¡± Kang Chan yelled again, knowing full well how dangerous a helicopternding and take-off could be. Every second was precious.

    The members frantically ran until everyone finally got on the helicopter.

    By the time Kang Chan boarded it as well, it was already in the air.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    ¡°Whoo,¡± Kang Chan sighed deeply.

    The army surgeon on board inserted blood and an IV into G¨¦rard¡¯s arm.

    ¡°How is he?!¡± Kang Chan asked the army surgeon.

    ¡°He¡¯s losing too much blood!¡±

    Kang Chan frowned. Currently, all he could do was watch.

    <i>Son of a bitch. The idiot got too excited for participating in an operation!</i>

    Kang Chan felt it was unfair that he believed someone like G¨¦rard had be a middle-sized chicken.

    The army surgeon, who had inserted two IV medications into G¨¦rard, looked frightened upon seeing the evacuees. He first tended to a person in critical condition. His finger had been sliced open, leaving his bones exposed.

    Kang Chan sat down and leaned against the helicopter. A Foreign Legion member soon handed over a cigarette.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    After trying hard to light up the cigarette, Kang Chan seeded on the second attempt. It might as well have been everyone who bit on a cigarette. Smoking would anger the Chinook¡¯s pilot. However, in this situation, nobody would listen even if they were told to extinguish it.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    Kang Chan felt much better.

    Biting on a cigarette that someone had put in his mouth, Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan and around the helicopter¡¯s interior, appearing as if he still couldn¡¯t believe what was happening.

    ***

    <i>Click.</i>

    Lanok¡¯s assistant opened the door, approached Lanok¡¯s desk, and leaned toward his ear. ¡°We¡¯ve received word of Monsieur Kang¡¯s sessful rescue operation. They¡¯re on their way back. The Foreign Legion suffered no casualties, only one wounded.¡±

    While looking at his assistant, Lanok looked as if he couldn¡¯t believe what he had just heard. He checked the clock on the desk. ¡°It¡¯s likely a little over 6 pm in Mongolia.¡±

    ¡°All of the North Korean special forces soldiers had also been killed in action. This operation will be recorded as the Foreign Legion¡¯s most perfect and brilliant operation in their history.¡±

    ¡°This result is truly unbelievable,¡± Lanokmented with a slight shake of his head. ¡°How are China and the United States reacting to it?¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t confirmed any unusual movements yet.¡±

    Lanok straightened a ballpoint pen on the desk and gave a strange smile. ¡°China¡¯s n to transport their captives and pressure me and South Korea haspletely fallen through. The special forces soldiers North Korea had deployed to Mongolia have also been killed. This oue will make people think I perfectly gained the upper hand, at least in special warfare.¡±

    Lanok slightly twisted his head and looked at his assistant. ¡°Contact the DGSE and make sure they reward the members that participated in this operation.¡±

    ¡°Duly noted.¡±

    When his assistant left, Lanok sank lower into the chair and mumbled to himself, ¡°Monsieur Kang, this situation has made it truly worthpeting against China.¡±

    ***

    The C295 transport aircraft left the Darkhan airport a little past 8 pm local time. It took some time to examine G¨¦rard¡¯s condition and do other things such as looking after the Korean team¡¯s wounds.

    As usual, they ate c-rations for dinner.

    Kang Chan only felt relieved when the aircraft had risen up into the sky and began to maintain its usual altitude.

    The atmosphere also improved when G¨¦rard regained consciousness and asked for a cigarette.

    They were a specialized team. Hence, even the army surgeon, who had roughly guessed what operation they participated in, didn¡¯t say anything about G¨¦rard smoking.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± the new recruit asked Kang Chan. His eyes showed he respected Kang Chan. And although how each member gazed at Kang Chan differed, the look in their eyes was the same.

    ¡°Do you participate in operations often, by any chance?!¡± the group 1 sniper yelled at Kang Chan from the other side of the helicopter, causing everyone¡¯s eyes to immediately rush toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please let me join you in the next operation as well!¡± the sniper yelled again.

    When Kang Chan smirked, another soldier yelled even louder, ¡°We¡¯re all thinking the same thing! I was going to tell the captain thatter!¡±

    The new recruit gave everyone paper cups of instant coffee, then took a seat. As he did, he kept ncing at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡± Kang Chan asked the new recruit.

    ¡°Can I have your beret and bandana?¡±

    ¡°What did he say?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°He wants to have my beret and bandana.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure he didn¡¯t say he wants your signature?¡± Grinning, Seok Kang-Ho looked at the new recruit, who avoided his eyes.

    Kang Chan took off his beret and ced the bandana in it. He then threw it to the new recruit.

    He didn¡¯t intend to show off. Rather, he just hoped that the new recruit would find the beret and bandana helpful when he was really scared and breathless.

    ¡°Fuck, I don¡¯t want to go to work,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Seok Kang-Ho sounded sincere. Although he had been talking about his wife until morning, this fucker had nowe to like this lifestyle.

    Rxed and sedated by the dozen of IV packs hung up on the ne¡¯s walls, Kim Hyung-Jung and the captives fell into a profound sleep.

    Kang Chan was taking out a cigarette when his eyes met G¨¦rard¡¯s, who was lying right next to him.

    ¡°Want one?¡± Kang Chan offered.

    G¨¦rard shook his head.

    As Kang Chan bit on a cigarette and tried to light it, G¨¦rard swallowed with difficulty and asked, ¡°When¡¯s the next operation?¡±

    ¡°There aren''t any more operations now. Even if there were, I refuse to fight alongside a captain who gets too excited during an operation.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help it.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s exactly why you¡¯ve got a hole in your shoulder.¡±

    ¡°What else could I do? I like being a part of such missions.¡±

    ¡°Crazy fucker.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go visit you if I get a vacation,¡± G¨¦rardsaid with a smirk when Kang Chan swore in Korean.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have ns to stay with a madman.¡± Kang Chan exhaled cigarette smoke.

    ¡°Are you going immediately?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°To where?¡±

    ¡°I mean are you going to leave the Osan army base immediately?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you off first.¡± Kang Chan smirked, thinking the fucker was acting like that because G¨¦rard met and grew attached to him while he was lonely. There was no way G¨¦rard acted like this because he had found out that he reincarnated.

    ***

    Go Gun-Woo and Moon Jae-Hyun started to walk along the trail in the Blue House a little past 9 am.

    ¡°Mr. President, we¡¯ve received word that the kids who went out for a walk are on their way home.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun briefly looked at Go Gun-Woo, then pretended he didn¡¯t hear anything. He just kept walking forward.

    ¡°Kang Chan got France¡¯s support and left South Korea in absolute secrecy. This information was clearly intentionally leaked from France¡¯s DGSE,¡± Go Gun-Woo continued.

    ¡°How many people are returning to South Korea?¡±

    ¡°We were told there are fourteen individuals, including the manager.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun groaned and gritted his teeth.

    ¡°We were also told that all of the North Korean special forces soldiers had been eliminated.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo¡¯s words made Moon Jae-Hyun turn his head and look at Go Gun-Woo. ¡°That¡¯s hard to believe.¡±

    ¡°It has actually been confirmed. However we still haveto validate the report that fourteen people, including Kang Chan the student, ambushed them. With this opportunity, we¡¯re also thinking of confirming the hotline with France¡¯s DGSE.¡±

    ¡°What did the director say about this?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°That it¡¯s what he was hoping for.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun stood at the crossroad in the middle of the trail, then looked down at the Blue House.

    ¡°We basically pped China mercilessly,¡± Go Gun-Woo worriedlymented.

    ¡°If we did something worthy of getting hit for, then we should get hit,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun answered without second thoughts. ¡°Even though it won¡¯t be done publically, we have to be as considerate of the dead agents and their families as possible.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve already taken actions to make that happen.¡±

    ¡°The same goes for the agents on their way home and their families. Information leaked out because we did something wrong, not because their capabilities were inadequate. If needed, I¡¯ll meet them in person and apologize.¡±

    ¡°The Director has promised to meet them. We won¡¯t leave anything out, especially not the agents¡¯ treatment andpensation.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun smiled brightly upon hearing Go Gun-Woo¡¯s answer. ¡°This is the first time in recent years that I¡¯ve felt relieved.¡±

    Looking as if he was forcibly suppressing a smile, Go Gun-Woo said, ¡°Aside from North Korea, which acted out carelessly because they trusted China, even the people that helped them enter South Korea using North Korea¡¯s backing are going to have a restless sleep.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded, then breathed in deeply. ¡°Meeting Kang Chan would be a predicament in all respects, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a good idea, Mr. President. For Kang Chan¡¯s sake as well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. But as the president and as a man, I still want to reward him for his contributions. Would there be a way to do that?¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned his gaze away. Go Gun-Woo looked as if he thought of something.

    1. We¡¯re assuming that this is a code name that the members are using to refer to the helicopter

    2. This was written as ?????, which is a transliteration of ¡®D¨¦m¨¦nageons!¡¯ in French. We think that the author meant ¡®move out!¡¯, but ¡®d¨¦m¨¦nager¡¯ means ¡®moving out¡¯ as in moving house¡¯

 Chapter 92.2: On Their Way Back (1)

    <h4>Chapter 92.2: On Their Way Back (1)</h4>

    After getting off the helicopter at the Osan airfield, G¨¦rard, the members of the Foreign Legion, Kim Hyung-Jung, and the Korean specialized team were assigned two barracks for them to stay at.

    ¡°You¡¯re really absurd,¡± Kim Hyung-Jungmented toward Kang Chan despite having trouble speaking. He had bandages wrapped around his head, chest, finger, and thigh.

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes still weren¡¯t clear due to the IV drip constantly sending painkillers into his body.

    ¡°Please get some rest. I was told an ambnce wille here from Seoul tomorrow morning to transfer you to the police hospital,¡± Kang Chan said. He couldn¡¯t say anything else while looking at Kim Hyung-Jung since he appeared to be feeling angry, wronged, and even miserable.

    He wouldn¡¯t have that look in his eyes just because he got wounded during an operation they carried out. Anyone would feel simr emotions if they walked into a trap that killed thirteen of the agents that followed them and critically wounded the others.

    ¡°You were unlucky this time, Mr. Manager. You should get better quickly so we can get revenge. Now that they¡¯ve attacked us, we should strike back and make them pay for all the damages they caused.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung smiled bitterly.

    ¡°Please sleep.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung closed his eyes softly.

    <i>Tsk.</i>

    Kang Chan went out of the barrack, sat at the stairs at the entrance, and bit on a cigarette.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho came out to the stairs from the barrack next door. ¡°You were here? The spicy ramen was amazing. I can make you one real quick if you want.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was sniffling. He looked satisfied.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine¡ªjust head inside and make a lot of coffee,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°There aren¡¯t instant coffees here.¡±

    ¡°I know. Just make a cup of light roast coffee.¡±

    When Seok Kang-Ho stepped through the door and started talking in one of Algeria¡¯snguages, they immediately heard someone reply ¡°Okay¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sat next to Kang Chan after closing the door. ¡°Is something bothering you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Kang Chan answered, then crushed the cigarette out into the floor.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯re on the verge of exploding and actually will if someone messes with you. Didn¡¯t you see the people checking your mood after you came into the barrack?¡±

    <i>Did I do that?</i>

    ¡°Anyway, considering you made those men wary of your mood even though you haven¡¯t even been with them for twenty hours yet, it seems you¡¯re born with the ability to make people listen to you,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you wary about my mood, then?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always been this way.¡±

    Kang Chanughed out loud. This fucker had truly acted like that from the beginning.

    ¡°Please feel better. Manager Kim being wounded is unfortunate, but isn¡¯t it good that we brought him back alive? Let¡¯s just focus on that. It¡¯s already a relief that he¡¯s not that severely injured aside from the wound on his finger.¡±

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The new recruit brought over mugs in both hands while looking happy.

    Regardless of the location, the new recruits always ran errands for the seniors¡­ but Kang Chan and Dayeru were the exceptions.

    The new recruit went inside right away after handing over the coffee.

    ¡°Let¡¯s forget about the agents that were killed in action. This always happens in this kind of work,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Although he appeared to be Seok Kang-Ho again, he was still Dayeru. Nevertheless, he was acting smart again. At any rate, his ability to adapt was amazing.

    <i>Creak</i>.

    The door opened again.

    G¨¦rard frowned as he came down the stairs with difficulty. He looked pale, and he had bandages wrapped around his shoulder.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I was feeling cramped in there.¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled lightly, Seok Kang-Ho stood up from his spot with a grin and told Kang Chan, ¡°This fucker really can¡¯t read a room.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho''s eyes ufortably met G¨¦rard¡¯s as he headed inside the barrack. These two fuckers were making Kang Chan quite tired.

    ¡°Sit. Want a cigarette?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    G¨¦rard carefully approached Kang Chan, then sat by him. Kang Chan lit up two cigarettes and handed one of them to G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Who are you really?¡± G¨¦rard asked. He exhaled cigarette smoke as if sighing, then looked at Kang Chan. ¡°The fact that we rested for twenty minutes after eating, that you hit all of the enemies you shot either in the heart or the forehead, that you did everything yourself without ordering the members to do it, and swearing in Korean¡ªthose are all well and fine. After all, others could do all of those. However, as far as I know, there has only been one person until now that has forbidden the Foreign Legion members from covering fire.¡±

    Kang Chan was just looking back at G¨¦rard.

    ¡°I was happy. I got excited when we were searching the buildings because I had previously thought that I would be happy if I could fight like that onest time with someone I can depend on, even if it meant my death¡­ Hmph! Even if I die, I¡¯d be happy to fight alongside someone who can protect me in any situation. I¡¯ve always missed that kind of day. So please be honest with me. Who are you?¡± G¨¦rard added.

    The cigarettepletely burned up while it was in between G¨¦rard¡¯s fingers.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°It¡¯s G¨¦rard. The operation is already over, so call me G¨¦rard. We all know each other¡¯s names anyway. Now, what¡¯s your real name? Ah! Is it a secret?¡±

    ¡°Are you going to believe me if I tell you?¡±

    ¡°Whether I believe it or not is up to me. Just be upfront with it, please. If I go back like this, then I¡¯m going to shoot some random bastard¡¯s head off unintentionally because I¡¯m confused.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, then said with a sigh, ¡°my name is Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Damn it. Don¡¯t y with me.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me, fucker?¡±

    G¨¦rard looked at Kang Chan with puzzled eyes when Kang Chan suddenly swore in Korean.

    ¡°There¡¯s not even a way to exin everything, so just make of that what you will. How should I or Daye exin ourselves? Would you believe us if we say that our bodies changed or if I say that I died and my spirit had been shoved into this body by the time I opened my eyes? There¡¯s no way to exin what happened. So just think whatever you want.¡±

    ¡°Let me ask you one thing,¡± G¨¦rard said afterward.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°How much oil am I supposed to mix in gasoline?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud. ¡°Mix 3 parts oil with 1 part gasoline when you¡¯re going to Africa. You mixed in too much oilst time. Where did you get that lighter?¡±

    ¡°No one was taking the mementos, so I did.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know the saying that you¡¯ll be unlucky if you take a dead person¡¯s stuff?¡±

    ¡°Hmph! Can people still say that if they realize you¡¯ve returned to life like this?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°Crazy fucker.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t swear in Korean out of nowhere.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled, then took a sip of the coffee.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be able to join an operation for three months. Please schedule the next one when I get back,¡± G¨¦rard requested.

    ¡°I don¡¯t participate in operations anymore.¡±

    G¨¦rard looked at Kang Chan with a hint of dissatisfaction on his face. ¡°What do you do in South Korea?¡±

    ¡°I go to school.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°What do you understand?¡± Kang Chan was suddenly worried about the future.

    ¡°I mean that I understand that you go to school. Why do you ask?¡±

    <i>Why is this fucker acting like this as well?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m going inside,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    When Kang Chan looked at G¨¦rard¡¯s back, who had carefully stood up and headed into the barracks, he sighed for some strange reason.

    ***

    6 am.

    Six ambnces went into the military airfield in Osan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll visit you in the hospital, Mr. Manager,¡± Kang Chan carefully held Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s bandaged hand. He then watched him until the back door of the ambnce was closed.

    At 6:30 am, Kang Chan had breakfast with G¨¦rard and the crew members. The menu was toast, cereal, and fruits.

    Afterward, Kang Chan and G¨¦rard sat on the stairs in front of the barracks and drank a mug of coffee each.

    When Kang Chan offered him a cigarette, G¨¦rard took it.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    ¡°When are we seeing each other again?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    Kang Chan, who had been looking at the runway, looked at G¨¦rard while smirking. ¡°I wanted to see you once, no matter what. I¡¯m already thankful that I did, but we even fought together. I don¡¯t want to see an idiot again that gets a hole in his shoulder because he got excited like a dickhead.¡±

    G¨¦rard smirked, then stood up from his spot. ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®understood¡¯?¡±

    This fucker had learned a trick that made people uneasy.

    ¡°I¡¯m saying that I understand that you, a person who doesn¡¯t want to see someone who had been shot in the shoulder, are going to school.¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled faintly, the door opened and the members came out.

    They were all wearingfortable outfits and were each carrying a bag. Only the new recruit was carrying two bags.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be going now,¡± G¨¦rard told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately turned around.

    From there, they were going back to where they all lived. They shouldn¡¯t drag on this type of farewell for a long time.

    Seok Kang-Ho nkly looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°God of ckfield!¡±

    That shout didn¡¯t sound as if it came from G¨¦rard.

    When Kang Chan looked behind him, he found the members saluting with the sun rising above their shoulders.

    1. This was written as ??? ?, which is a transliteration of ¡®okay¡¯ in one of Algeria¡¯snguages

 Chapter 93.1: On Their way Back (2)

    <h4>Chapter 93.1: On Their way Back (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan slightly smiled at the Foreign Legion members, then walked toward the entrance. Seok Kang-Ho followed him.

    Two French agents, who had been waiting for them, politely opened the van. They left as soon as the two got in.

    The members getting on the military transport aircraft watched the van leave.

    <i>Have a safe way home. And survive.</i>

    The van soon turned toward the main gate, preventing Kang Chan from seeing the members anymore.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, there¡¯s a phone call for you.¡± The agent sitting in the passenger seat handed him a phone.

    ¡°Ello.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Lanok.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador?¡±

    - Can I see you for a moment?

    ¡°Sure. Where should I go?¡±

    - Pleasee straight to the embassy in that car.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan handed over the phone to the agent.

    ¡°Lanok wants to see us. Let¡¯s drop by the embassy for a bit,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The van went onto the highway, then headed to the embassy using the bus-onlyne.

    He saw peaceful, everyday life on the way¡ªpeople going through their everyday lives and fully filling up the highway without knowing about the horrible tortures or desperate battles happening behind the scenes.

    Kang Chan knew that the spite that he had within him hadn¡¯t been relieved. He often felt this way after joining a fight.

    If they had lost Gerard, Kang Chan wouldn''t have dealt with people for at least two days.

    He wanted to get a good night¡¯s sleep. He wanted to relieve the spite that was lurking inside him, even by sleeping.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the van to reach the embassy, despite the morning rush hour.

    The agents quickly opened the door and guided Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho to the upper floor.

    They soon arrived in Lanok¡¯s office.

    Lanok¡¯s assistant and Louis had been standing at the entrance. They bowed their heads toward Kang Chan.

    Lanok came toward them the moment they went inside the office. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    After they shook hands, they sat at the spot that Lanok had pointed to. The employees immediately prepared simple cookies and tea.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Lanok¡¯s assistant and Louis headed outside and closed the door behind them.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± Lanok said.

    It was difficult to respond to things like this.

    ¡°The United States and China and its Intelligence Bureau were thrown into chaos this morning. Not only are they surprised, but their pride has likely been hurt as well,¡± Lanok continued.

    Lanok pointed to the tea, then added, ¡°We have given the best rewards to the Foreign Legion specialized team asid out by our regtion. Moreover, even though it¡¯s small, we prepared something for the person that worked with you as well. Consider it the Intelligence Bureau of France¡¯s gesture of sincerity.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t refuse since Lanok was saying that he was giving it to Seok Kang-Ho. Seok Kang-Ho kept munching on a biscuit, unaware of what Lanok was saying.

    ¡°Shok Kwang-Ho? We¡¯re going to deposit five hundred million won in cash to his bank ount. We¡¯ve alreadypromised with the Korean government, so you won¡¯t have to worry about problems like taxes.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    They had to consider the money as hazard pay.

    Kang Chan turned his head and told Seok Kang-Ho exactly what he heard right now.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    .

    ¡°He¡¯s only talked about you so far.¡±

    ¡°Am I allowed to take that?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s saying that France is giving it to you, so I don¡¯t see why not.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s too much,¡± Seok Kang-Ho argued, but he immediately stopped talking after he saw Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°He¡¯s saying thank you, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan answered instead.

    Seok Kang-Ho awkwardly bowed his head, and Lanok responded in a rxed and sophisticated manner.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, you remember that I was going to give you shares of Gong Te automobilest time, right?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve forgotten about that. Please don¡¯t be pressured to make that happen.¡±

    ¡°I knew you would say that. It took time because it was arge amount, but we¡¯ve managed to convert it into cash through our recent trade with the Korean National Intelligence Service.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. I already have enough money to live.¡±

    Lanok took a sip of the tea looking as if he thought that Kang Chan was incredible. He then put down the teacup. ¡°You¡¯re probably only saying that because you have no idea how valuable the operation you¡¯ve executed truly is. Europe¡¯s friends, Russia, and a few countries can now breathe easily again because of your sess. All of my friends whom you¡¯ve seen at Loriam have passed on their gratitude, and my position has be more solid thanks to you. This oue is hard to put any price on.¡±

    <i>Just what is he trying to say that¡¯s making him drag it out like this?</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re expecting the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ to be announced a bit earlier than we had initially thought,¡± Lanok said.

    If things like this were what Lanok wanted to say, then Kang Chan liked it.

    ¡°Europe¡¯s friends have also shown their sincerity, little by little. They¡¯re expressing extreme satisfaction with this operation. After all, those friends of ours have always been a target for assassination. The truth is, they¡¯re satisfied because if this operation failed, they would¡¯ve had no choice but to be wary of China¡¯s mood.¡±

    ¡°I went there to rescue manager Kim. You helped us with that. I¡¯m already satisfied with being able to bring all twelve agents back home,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    <i>Crunch. Crunch.</i>

    <i>What a tactless fucker!</i>

    When Kang Chan and Lanok smiled lightly, Seok Kang-Ho, who had been munching on cookies, smiled along with them without even knowing what they were saying.

    ¡°Six countries have expressed their sincerity. All thirty billion won are going to be deposited into your bank ount. Of course, we¡¯ve also finished discussing this with the Korean government, so you won¡¯t have to worry about problems like taxes,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°That¡¯s too much.¡±

    ¡°In addition, twenty billion won will also be deposited into your bank ount. It came from the liquidation of the Gong Te automobile shares, and they were converted into Korean won. I promised to give you. Consider this my and my friends¡¯ sincerity, as I had promised to give you this.¡±

    Kang Chan had met Lanok multiple times, so he already knew that there was something else that Lanok wanted to say just from looking into his eyes.

    ¡°Europe¡¯s friends will likely ask me¡ªor you, to be precise¡ªto participate in operations,¡± Lanok continued.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t immediately understand what he was saying.

    ¡°This means that they¡¯re going to rely on me to take care of raids rted to the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project.¡±

    They wanted him to continue to participate in more battles like this? Kang Chan couldn¡¯t answer right away.

    He did want to repay Lanok for calling the Foreign Legion specialized team for this rescue operation, and he was also willing to participate in operations to rescue his captured allies or if it was absolutely necessary to aplish the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project. But on the other hand, he didn¡¯t want to keep joining battles of this nature.

    ¡°I understand that it¡¯s not something you can decide on immediately. Please take your time thinking about it,¡± Lanok said when Kang Chan didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°That would be ideal.¡±

    ¡°And Mr. Kang Chan¡­¡±

    Lanok took out and handed over a USB from the pocket of his vest that he wore inside the suit.

    ¡°That contains detailed information rted to Woo-Ang Jeon-Woo,¡± Lanok said when Kang Chan looked at him.

    It made Kang Chan unable to stop himself from bursting out with energeticughter.

    ¡°Please rest for a few days. Let¡¯s have dinner together someday,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°You must be tired, yet I still took away your time in vain because I wanted to see you.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying? I¡¯m a bit morefortable now that we¡¯ve met again.¡±

    As he stood up from his spot, Kang Chan thought, ¡®Oh shoot! This sly fox got me again!¡¯ Their conversation ended without giving Kang Chan time to refuse the fifty billion won.

    Soon after, they left the embassy.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho got in the embassy¡¯s van, then headed to the specialty coffee shop that was located in the intersection in front of their houses.

    They sat on the familiar terrace, had iced coffees, then smoked.

    It felt like Kang Chan had just woken up from a long dream.

    ¡°I feel nk,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Same.¡±

    When Kang Chan took a sip of the coffee¡­

    ¡°Since we told everyone that we¡¯ll be back in three days, should we go somewhere first?¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled as if he was disappointed.

    ¡°I just want to go somewhere I can get a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to a jjimjilbang, have a hot bath, and sleep. We should eat something delicious afterward.¡±

    ¡°That sounds nice.¡±

    Finding Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s suggestion tempting, Kang Chan stood up right away. He wanted to relieve his spite.

    He strangely became full of spite after a battle.

    ***

    On top of having restless sleep, Kang Dae-Kyung felt like he got bombarded starting that morning due to Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s school friends, whom they had seen at the hotel, gathering with their spouses to congratte the start of their Foundation.

    Even if it was called an office, it was just a small twenty square meter officetel.

    ¡°Honey, what should we do?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Kang Dae-Kyungforted Yoo Hye-Sook, who was flustered. He then gathered the visitors to Kang Yoo Motors¡¯ office, which was located in the building right next to the officetel.

    ¡°Oh my! Hye-Sook! Congrattions.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung was a businessman, so he wasn¡¯t ignorant of the sense of superiority that was in the expressions of the women that greeted Yoo Hye-Sook.

    He fully understood the mockery in the strange nces that showed they were thinking, <i>¡®Even if you think you¡¯re all that just because you have a good son, you¡¯re still nothing,¡¯</i> and <i>¡®I heard that it was a Foundation, but it¡¯s only an office this big?¡¯</i>

    That wasn¡¯t all.

    ¡°Could I receive an estimate for a car? It¡¯s time for us to change my wife¡¯s car.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung also clearly knew the intentions of the husbands that looked down on him by treating him as if he was a salesperson, even though they knew fully well that he was the President of Kang Yoo Motors.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m this powerful, so don¡¯t act out just because you have a good son. Listen well to what I ask you to do, then I¡¯ll buy a car from you.¡¯</i>

    Their gazes and attitudes were so obvious that anyone could fully understand what they were thinking unless they were stupid.

    Kang Dae-Kyung gave in for Yoo Hye-Sook, and Yoo Hye-Sook did as well to avoid disrupting Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s business. Nevertheless, it was dumbfounding that they were acting arrogant even though they walked in here without anyone asking them toe.

    Since it was morning, even the sales representatives that didn¡¯t have any appointments had all worked on preparing refreshments and tried their best to entertain the guests, but Kang Yoo Motors was the definition of disordered because the number of people that only a hotel could handle hade into the office.

    ¡°Hey! Give me more drinks.¡±

    The second man to receive Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s business card spoke informally and treated the employees rudely, which was ufortable to hear.

    The female employee that was selected to work for the Foundation was still young. Right after graduating high school, she was a child that was trying to work hard because of her difficult family circumstances, but they were walking over her just because of her appearance.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying it¡¯s going to be a little over one hundred million won if I pay in a lump sum?¡± the husband asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°Why are you like this¡ªisn¡¯t there an employee discount? I¡¯m buying this because of you, so shouldn¡¯t you give me a discount? I told you I¡¯m paying in cash. Why is thispany acting so cheap when even all German carpanies are giving discounts? How are you going to make any sales at this rate?¡±

    The man, who had already received an estimate sheet three times, clearly never had the intention to buy a car. Even so, he still kept loudly negotiating the price.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, honey¡± Yoo Hye-Sook apologized.

    ¡°For what? This always happens in the car business industry.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyungforted Yoo Hye-Sook while pretending that nothing was wrong.

    1. Lanok pronounced Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s name incorrectly here, with a French ent

    2. Lanok means Yang Jin-Woo here, but says his name with a French ent

    3. Jjimjilbang refers to arge traditional Korean bathhouse where people can enjoy different spa treatments. People go there to eat, sweat, socialize, rx, and sleep

 Chapter 93.2: On Their way Back (2)

    <h4>Chapter 93.2: On Their way Back (2)</h4>

    The guests showed interest by saying many things that Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook weren¡¯t thankful for at all, such asining that the office was too small, asking if they would even receive support funds because of their Foundation¡¯s current state, and asking how many cars Kang Yoo Motors sells per month. They also had conversations about Kang Chan once in a while. A lot of people snorted while looking at the flower pots that the Prime Minister and the President had sent.

    ¡°Please move aside for a moment.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook then saw a mane inside and ask people to move while asking for their understanding.

    Kang Dae-Kyung sighed quietly enough to prevent Yoo Hye-Sook from noticing. He couldn¡¯t imagine how much they were going to show off if they came here with their own employees.

    He also found it ridiculous that they came here to see if they could benefit from Kang Chan yet were acting powerful and influential by having someone make way for them.

    Did anyone tell them toe here? Did Kang Dae-Kyung or Yoo Hye-Sook ever brag that their son was great?

    Kang Dae-Kyung still felt suffocated because he was worried about Kang Chan. He just wished his son would show up and say, ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± or give them a call at least. He didn¡¯t need any of this.

    ¡°Honey,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook called and held his hand.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung forced himself to smile. He didn¡¯t want to let Yoo Hye-Sook know that he was worrying about their son.

    ¡°Oh my!¡±

    At that moment, they heard someone being surprised near the door.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at their surroundings to check what was happening. Upon seeing the person that came into the office at almost the same time, they stiffened in shock.

    People pped.

    President Moon Jae-Hyun walked inside while greeting the people that were pping with his gaze.

    ¡°Mr. President. This is Mr. Kang Dae-Kyung, and this is Mrs. Yoo Hye-Sook, who took on the role of the Foundation¡¯s chief director,¡± a middle-aged man who had his hair neatlybed back introduced the married couple before the security guards who were sharply ring at the entrance and the windows.

    ¡°This is President Moon Jae-Hyun,¡± the middle-aged man introduced the President to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Did they still really have to introduce the President?

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you. I¡¯m Moon Jae-Hyun.¡±

    ¡°Hello, sir!¡±

    Looking flustered, Kang Dae-Kyung held Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s hand. At that moment, Moon Jae-Hyun unexpectedly squeezed his hand and said, ¡°I heard from the Prime Minister that you¡¯re experiencing a lot of inner struggles because I¡¯mcking as the President.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t have guessed that he would hear something like that. No, he couldn¡¯t even have dreamed that the President would appear before him in person.

    ¡°You must be Kang Chan¡¯s mother,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun lightly shook hands with Yoo Hye-Sook while smiling. ¡°It¡¯s great to see so many people doing amazing things, but I feel ashamed and as if I couldn¡¯t do as much.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Flustered, Yoo Hye-Sook immediately made the President a person that had done something shameful.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to go now, unfortunately. I only dropped by for a bit in the middle of my schedule because I heard that you two were doing amazing things.¡±

    When something suddenly came across Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s mind, he said, ¡°Thank you for what you sent to the hospitalst time and for the flower pots.¡±

    ¡°The flower pot is deducted from the expediency fund, but what I¡¯ve sent to the hospital was bought with a month¡¯s worth of my sry. I¡¯ve been nagged a lot because of that,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun burst out withughter after his strange response.

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll get going now.¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said his goodbyes to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook with his gaze, then strolled out of Kang Yoo Motors.

    ¡°Honey, what did the President mean just now?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked afterward.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking what he meant by our inner struggles. Is he talking about Channy, by any chance?¡±

    ¡°We heard from the Prime Minister at the hospital that Channy connected them with a higher-up in France because he knew them. Maybe he was talking about that?¡±

    The office was still silent. Everyone was in a daze.

    Kang Dae-Kyung absently looked around the office, and the people that made eye contact with him politely bowed their heads.

    ¡°Oh my!¡± the new female employee of the Foundation yelled. Still out of her senses, she ended up spilling a drink on a man who was already hot-tempered.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry! That was my fault!¡± the female employee apologized.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay! It¡¯s okay! Why should you be sorry for this kind of thing? Everyone can make mistakes when they¡¯re busy¡ªyou¡¯re human! It¡¯s not like the drink was poison or anything!¡±

    ¡°Honey! Why are you talking informally? She said she¡¯s an employee of this Foundation!¡± the wife yelled.

    ¡°Ah! Did I do that? I apologize. I talked that way because you just seemed like my niece and my daughter. It¡¯s okay, right?¡±

    The man observed Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s mood while consciously giving a wide smile¡­

    ¡°I don¡¯t need a discount when I¡¯m buying a good car! Um, I¡¯ll pay in installments for a year, so please bring over the contract when you can. I should be the one grateful for being able to buy a good car!¡± the man eximed.

    Kang Dae-Kyung watched people thank them by bowing their heads whenever their eyes met. He really missed Kang Chan.

    ***

    ¡°Hey! This is amazing!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°Phuhuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed as he was eating boiled eggs like a famished person.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that we should go somewhere to eat?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Would I not be able to eat food just because I ate a few of these?¡±

    Kang Chan thought that if it were him, he wouldn¡¯t be able to eat anymore.

    <i>Should I buy?anthelmintic?and feed it to Seok Kang-Ho?</i>

    After sleeping soundly for about two hours, they woke up and took a hot bath. They then came out. He felt much more refreshed after receiving a massage from a machine.

    Everything was okay, except for the surprised looks that they received from people after they saw the scars on their bodies.

    Kang Chan looked at the clock. It was 2 pm.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go out for lunch,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Right now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m craving something spicy. Let¡¯s have stir-fried octopus and rice.¡±

    Kang Chan could onlyugh.

    As they got changed, Kang Chan retrieved his phone that he had left at the front desk to charge. They then went out of the jjimjilbang.

    On the way, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about the money that Lanok said he¡¯d give him.

    ¡°That¡¯s great,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    Didn¡¯t this fucker get greedy about money? Well, to be fair, Kang Chan would¡¯ve said the same thing and ended the conversation if Seok Kang-Ho had told him that.

    ¡°The person who received a lot of money should buy lunch,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    At times like this, Kang Chan strangely felt poor and thought a couple tens of thousands of won was a lot.

    ¡°Should I pay?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I will.¡±

    ¡°Phuhuhu.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted tough like Seok Kang-Ho did, to snicker as he responded. He wished the spite would leave him already.

    <i>¡®Should I meet Mi-Young?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan thought for a moment, then shook his head. She was studying.

    He was thinking of calling Yoo Hye-Sook after eating.

    ***

    Cho Il-Kwon Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s chief secretary, pushed up his sses resting on top of his thick nose with his index finger.

    ¡°There¡¯s clearly a rtionship between them. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook weren¡¯t rxed enough to do things like this.It¡¯s also suspicious that Moon Jae-Hyun dropped by this morning,¡± a man told Cho Il-Kwon.

    They weren¡¯t in the office of the chief secretary but were on one of the top floors of an office building where they could look down at the Gyeongbokgung Pce

    Cho Il-Kwon turned over the A4-sized photos on the desk one by one.

    Kang Dae-Kyung going to work, Yoo Hye-Sook walking out of the apartment wearing shabby clothes and carrying a bag, and the couplefortably going about their daily lives were unfolded in order every time Cho Il-Kwon turned over the photos.

    ¡°Please check this one out. The people here and here are the same guys. They¡¯re clearly employees of a private security guardpany. Considering Kang Chan goes to Yoo Bi-Corp often, there¡¯s a high chance that they¡¯re Yoo Bi-Corp employees,¡± the man continued.

    ¡°I heard that the guys that were wounded in Yongin were admitted to the police hospital?¡±

    ¡°Yoo Bi-Corp and the police hospital are under contract with each other. We think that¡¯s because the police hospital is overall the best in the country for treating external wounds and bone injuries.¡±

    ¡°And how high are the chances that they¡¯re government agents?¡± Cho ll-Kwon asked again.

    ¡°It¡¯s unlikely. ording to the regtions, they¡¯re supposed to be moved to a military hospital if they¡¯re government agents. Moreover, the hospital bills were all paid in cash.¡±

    ¡°Who did that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s difficult to track the source since they paid in cash.¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon nodded while pursing his lips. ¡°You know why we¡¯re doing this, right?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re only loyal to you and the Chairman. We don¡¯t know anything more than that.¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon smiled. ¡°The next regime should be run by a person the Chairman wants. People that don¡¯t even have lineageing into power are the same as unlicensed people driving a car. Act relentlessly for the country and for the people. Have a sense of duty that you¡¯re doing work to maintain this country¡¯s public order.¡±

    ¡°Serving you and the Chairman is an honor.¡±

    ¡°Go now. If possible, find ways for Yoo Hye-Sook to get into a believable ident. I can¡¯t believe the members of the National assembly have been disgraced because they trusted a mere gangster,¡± Cho Il-Kwon looked at the man standing in front of the desk, dumbfounded.

    ¡°A robbery should work,¡± the man suggested.

    ¡°A robbery?¡±

    ¡°Our best option is to call two people from Vietnam and arm them with knives. We¡¯ll say that they came into South Korea as apprentices for somepany, gambled, andmitted an idental crime out of anger when they lost their money.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    ¡°The line of people who¡¯d want to do it themselves would reach all the way to Vietnam if we offer a billion won.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll take some time, won¡¯t it?¡± Cho Il-Kwon asked.

    The man smiled. ¡°We¡¯ve already prepared quite a lot of people.¡±

    ¡°The Chairman is going to be happy.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. General Manager.¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon looked out the window with a satisfied expression.

    1. <i>Anthelmintics or anthelmintics are a group of antiparasitic drugs that expel parasitic worms and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them without causing significant damage to the host. </i>

    2. the Gyeongbokgung Pce was the main royal pce of the Joseon dynasty. It was Built in 1395 in Northern Seoul. People can now visit it.

 Chapter 94.1: Youéˆ¥æª™e doing this because you want to die, right? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 94.1: You¡¯re doing this because you want to die, right? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t exactly like spicy foods, but the stir-fried octopus he was eating with Seok Kang-Ho put him in a good mood. He chuckled as the spiciness set his tongue on fire.

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s grab some iced coffee and a cigarette,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Okay, okay. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan left the restaurant with Seok Kang-Ho feeling much better. They headed to the specialty coffee shop just across it.

    ¡°Your eyes look a bit like a human¡¯s now,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Was it that bad?¡±

    ¡°Those in the Foreign Legion noticed it, which should tell you something.¡±

    ¡°Tsk.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, you had the same look in your eyes back in Africa. Phew! When was that? When I almost had my forearm chopped off just to stop you was the first time I thought you were scary. If that knife hadn''t stabbed my arm, you would¡¯ve been kicked out of the Foreign Legion. Do you remember that?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho suddenly brought out a memory that Kang Chan had barely managed to forget.

    ¡°Ah, right. It¡¯s just a feeling, but don¡¯t you think you¡¯ve be much sharper than when we were in Africa? From what I¡¯ve seen, you were even quicker than you were in your prime, especially when you were shooting while running from the guard post,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    ¡°When building 4 was opened?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! You were famous even in the past for shooting on the move, but you actually pulled off perfect headshots this time. I was astonished.¡±

    Did I do that?

    ¡°Phuhu, Before we left, one of the two Algerian members asked me to bring him along for the next operation. You remember the sniper who asked you when you would be participating in an operation again, right? He thought that we were part of the Korean specialized team.¡±

    ¡°At this rate, I feel like you¡¯re going to go over to France behind my back.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu.¡± Seok Kang-Houghed and drank his coffee, then chewed on the leftover ice. ¡°I was happy because I went there with you. I don¡¯t know about others, but I bet that fucker G¨¦rard is terrified of going on an operation without you.¡±

    ¡°Forget about it. Let¡¯s go home,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho stood up. It was about time they headed back to their daily lives.

    Kang Chan got in a taxi with Seok Kang-Ho and got off at the entrance of the apartment. All he cared about right now was seeing Yoo Hye-Sook before anything else.

    He never imagined that he would live a life where he would feel this happy about his home and family.

    Ding.

    Upon getting out of the elevator, Kang Chan immediately opened the door and entered the house. He examined the living room and looked into the master bedroom, but Yoo Hye-Sook was nowhere to be found.

    Did she go somewhere?

    Her missing from home when there was someone looking for an opportunity to kill her was not a good sign. Just in case something had happened, Kang Chan found his mother¡¯s number in his phone and pressed the call button.

    The dial tone beeped a few times, but she didn¡¯t answer.

    As a cold glint appeared in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, the call connected.

    - Hello? Is it you, Channy?

    ¡°Yes, Father. Is something wrong? Where¡¯s Mother? And why do you sound like that?

    - Nothing''s wrong. I¡¯m just happy to get a call from you. Are you sick or¡­

    Kang Dae-Hyung trailed off for a moment.

    - You aren¡¯t injured, right?

    He almost whispered the question.

    ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m at home right now.

    - What? Really? Have you finished work?

    ¡°Yes. Why were you the one that answered Mother¡¯s phone, though?¡±

    - The Foundation office opened today, so your mom¡¯s busy with the guests that came to visit.

    Kang Chan felt Kang Dae-Kyung sounded different from usual.

    ¡°Is there really nothing going on, Father?¡±

    - What would happen to me? I¡¯m just happy to hear your voice.

    ¡°Should I go there? I should congratte mom.¡±

    - No.

    Kang Dae-Kyung answered immediately.

    - It¡¯s going to end soon, and I¡¯m going to go home early today anyway, so you should just rest. I¡¯ll see you at home. You aren¡¯t going anywhere, right?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll see youter, then.

    - Okay. See youter.

    Kang Chan hung up, still feeling as if something was off. He didn¡¯t feel like his parents were in danger, however, or that they were in a crisis.

    He went to his room, changed intofortable clothes, then plopped onto the bed.

    He didn¡¯t care about anything else, but he had to quickly take care of the people behind the attack in Yongin.

    ***

    The material that Lanok had handed over to Kang Chan about Yang Jin-Woo investigated the case in a different directionpared to the material the National Intelligence Service had given him.

    In particr, there was a lot of information about the ways Yang Jin-Woo managed his slush fund and information about his bank ount, the politicians connected to him, detailed personal information about his chief secretary, Cho Il-Kwon, and even information about the separate office and the personal organization that Cho Il-Kwon led. As Kang Chan read it, the massive amount of information made him feel as if he had Yang Jin-Woo right under a microscope.

    ¡°So this shows that fucker Cho Il-Kwon did all of the actual work. Tsk, he even secretly hoarded twenty billion won from Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s slush fund. What a greedy fucking snake,¡± Kang Chan said to himself.

    Cho Il-Kwon had indeed bought two apartments for women to stay in. However, he clearly had a beautiful wife in the attached family photo, not to mention a daughter in the first year of middle school.

    ¡°Well, well, would you look at these fuckers!¡±

    Among the people that Cho Il-Kwon controlled, the most noticeable one was Yoon Bong-Sup, the fixer that used to be in a gang. He had a substantial criminal record¡ªthree convictions for violent crimes, making threats,borw and Foreign Exchange Act vitions, , and more. The material even recorded the fact that he was acquitted in two cases of instigating murder.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk as he looked at Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s face, which was ring at him from the PC screen.

    ¡®So you¡¯re the guy who actually did the dirty work, huh?¡¯

    The material was recorded in great detail. It even had personal information about Yoon Bong-Sup, his ce of residence, and the ces that he frequented.

    ¡°Let me take a look at you first.¡±

    Kang Chan would get the answer to whether Yoon Bong-Sup was involved if he checked things from the bottom up. If Yoon Bong-Sup received orders from Cho Il-Kwon and was paid a sizable amount of money, then there was a high chance that he was connected to the attack in Yongin.

    As Kang Chan was ring at the photo of Yoon Bong-Sup, he heard the front door opening.

    Kang Chan closed the material that he was looking at on theputer, then immediately went out of his room.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    ¡°Wee home. Congrattions on the Foundation, Mother.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook hugged Kang Chan as soon as she took off her shoes.

    It was nice. Being hugged by Yoo Hye-Sook was really nice.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked relieved as he examined Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Did something go wrong at the retreat, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°No. I was told that I didn¡¯t have to do more work since Ipleted the tasks that were prepared for me better than people expected.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook nodded. She looked as if she had no idea what Kang Chan was saying.

    ¡°Did something good happen?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I probably just look happy because I got to see the two of you early.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyungughed cheerfully.

    ¡°Honey¡­ You¡¯re the one who told me that I¡¯m doting on our son too much, but look at you now!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Yup. I really enjoy seeing my son these days.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung remained firm even after seeing Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s dumbfounded expression.

    After the couple got changed and came out to the living room, the three of them sat on the sofa. They told Kang Chan about the event, starting with the people that visited. They also mentioned that the President had visited them in person, but Kang Chan had no idea about that.

    ¡°Maybe he dropped by on his way somewhere because the Prime Minister told him about the Foundation?¡±

    He actually had no clue why that had happened.

    For dinner, they had bibimbap, which Yoo Hye-Sook had made with vegetables, kimchi, and fried eggs.

    As Kang Chan enjoyed the delicious rice bowl, he suddenly thought of G¨¦rard.

    No¡ªrather than appreciate the food, that fucker was the type to look at others weirdly and start ranting.

    At any rate, they enjoyed dinner and whiled away the time while watching TV together.

    ***

    In the morning, Kang Chan ran a bit faster than usual, wanting to shake his depressing thoughts off.

    They had saved Kim Hyung-Jung, and aside from G¨¦rard, nobody was injured.

    Seok Kang-Ho was given five hundred million won, and Kang Chan heard that fifty billion won was going to be deposited into his bank ount.

    Fifty billion won? In his previous life, Kang Chan had received three to five million won monthly for shooting things every day in Africa. He got slightly annoyed because he wondered how many awful tasks they were going to pile on him to get their money¡¯s worth.

    Of course, people had very different ways of counting money, depending on how important it was to them. If the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project earned profits in the trillions, as he had been told, then it wasn¡¯t unusual for him to be paid fifty billion won.

    However, no matter how much money they gave him, that wouldn¡¯t guarantee Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s safety.

    Huff. Huff.

    Breathing heavily, Kang Chan arrived at the bench in front of the apartment.

    Even though he hadn¡¯t been able to do anything when Kang Dae-Kyung had gotten attacked, he wasn¡¯t going to let anyone mess with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Who do those sons of bitches think they¡¯re messing with?

    The spite that he had barely suppressed suddenly surged. However, he was now in a much better condition.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you rest for just a day?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked when Kang Chan entered the apartment.

    ¡°I like doing this, father.¡±

    ¡°Wash up quickly and let¡¯s have breakfast, Channy¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    He took a good look at Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s content expression and Yoo Hye-Sook, who was preparing breakfast. He then went into the shower.

    After breakfast, Kang Chan sent off Kang Dae-Kyung. He then went into his room, called Kim Tae-Jin, and told him that he had arrived home earlier than he had promised and to set up an appointment with him at 9:30 am at Yoo Bi-Corp.

    Kang Chan wore a in shirt with a suit jacket. Yoo Hye-Sook had now grown ustomed to him wearing these kinds of clothes.

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯m going out.¡±

    The word ¡®mother¡¯ now came out very naturally from his mouth. He really liked that.

    ¡°Have fun, Channy!¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Is this what they call happiness?

    Kang Chan took a taxi to Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s office.

    1. someone who solves problems and gets things done

    2. Bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl topped with vegetables, kimchi, eggs, etc. The term literally means ¡®mixed rice.¡¯ It¡¯s enjoyed after mixing all the ingredients together

 Chapter 94.2: Youéˆ¥æª™e doing this because you want to die, right? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 94.2: You¡¯re doing this because you want to die, right? (1)</h4>

    ¡°Wee. It seems like things went well?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes. Thank you for taking on the role of protecting my parents. I came here to tell you to withdraw the employees starting today.¡±

    ¡°Since you¡¯re back now, I¡¯ll do that. The National Intelligence Service is going to keep guarding them, right?¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t told that they were going to stop, so yes.¡±

    Kang Chan hesitated for a moment, but he decided not to tell Kim Tae-Jin about what had happened to Kim Hyung-Jung. It was not the kind of topic that others could discuss without the person in question bringing it up.

    ¡°How should I pay you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to say something like that, I¡¯m never going to see you ever again.¡±

    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be like this!¡±

    As Kim Tae-Jin frowned, an employee brought over tea.

    ¡°That aside, why hasn¡¯t Kim Hyung-Jung contacted me? Has he contacted you, at least?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t.¡±

    Kang Chan felt a prick in his conscience, but Kim Hyung-Jung actually hadn¡¯t contacted him either.

    He spent about thirty minutes with Kim Tae-Jin, then stood up from his seat.

    ¡°Tell Mr. Seok Kang-Ho to drop by sometime. Does he n on not meeting up with me anymore?¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat together next time.¡±

    ¡°I look forward to it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll schedule it as soon as possible.¡±

    Kang Chan left Yoo Bi-Corp¡¯s office and took a taxi to Sinsa-dong. At the intersection in the Sinsa station, he looked at an eight-story steel-and-ss building to the right of the Hannam bridge.

    ¡°It must be that building,¡± Kang Chan told himself.

    Kang Chan went into the specialty coffee shop right next to the building, bought an iced coffee, and sat down on the terrace.

    Yoon Bong-Sup usually stayed on the fifth floor of that building in the morning, then went elsewhere after having lunch. From running a private loanpany to cing foreign workers in different workces, he lived quite a busy life.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes sparkled as he was lighting up a cigarette.

    He saw Yoon Bong-Sup.

    The man had a big build and hunched shoulders, but it was his nted eyes, protruding cheekbones, and mean-looking lips that made Kang Chan certain he was Yoon Bong-Sup. If there was something different about him from the photo, it was the shade of his skin, which was dark enough for Kang Chan to wonder if he was ck.

    Yoon Bong-Sup was going into the building where his office was located, apanied by two Southeast Asians with fierce eyes.

    Kang Chan put out his cigarette and got up immediately.

    In any case, his fight was with Yang Jin-Woo. It would be reported to Cho Il-Kwon if Kang Chan messed with this fucker, which in turn would make Yang Jin-Woo act.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t thinking of beating up Yoon Bong-Sup without any evidence. He visited him to ensure they wouldn¡¯t mess with Kang Dae-Kyung or Yoo Hye-Sook and to let them know that he was already watching Yang Jin-Woo.

    Doing that usually caused the enemy to either hesitate and stop what they were doing or tantly try to kill their target.

    Kang Chan went into the building, pressed the button for the elevator, and waited for a moment. He then went up to the fifth floor.

    The organization was called Gentleman Inc.

    Kang Chan checked the namete on the left side of the office door. Afterward, he opened the tempered-ss door and went inside.

    This was Kang Chan¡¯s first time seeing an office with a sofa right in front of the door.

    Three mean-looking guys sat there, ring at Kang Chan.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± asked the man at the desk on the left side of the sofa.

    There were two desks in the room. Beside the desks sat a woman in her thirties. She looked as if she would never be sessful.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to meet Yoon Bong-Sup,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Who are you? Where did youe from?¡± the man at the desk frowned. When he stood up, the three on the sofa also lumbered to their feet and checked to see if there was anyone else behind Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan. Yoon Bong-Sup is inside, right?¡±

    ¡°Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡®These fuckers know my name.¡¯

    The look on their faces showed they clearly recognized him.

    As he looked around, he saw the door to a conference room on his left, and another door with a namete that said ¡®President¡¯s Office¡¯ on the right.

    ¡°Yoon Bong-Sup is inside, right?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    For some reason, these people weren¡¯t acting recklessly.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to waste his time on these goons, so he immediately headed to the room on the right.

    They knew his name thanks to Oh Gwang-Taek.

    The ones in the office didn¡¯t even stop Kang Chan. They just followed him with confused expressions.

    Kang Chan opened the door, finding a sofa right in front of the door in this room as well. It was quite wide, and on its right side was a stately desk and a bookshelf.

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze was attracted to the things on the table in front of the sofa.

    They were photos of Yoo Hye-Sook. Among them was her walking from the entrance of the apartment with a stic bag. There were also close-up photos of her face.

    What¡­are those?

    Yoon Bong-Sup looked down at the photo, then raised his eyes toward Kang Chan again. The two Southeast Asians sitting on the sofa on the other side of Yoon Bong-Sup were looking at Kang Chan and Yoon Bong-Sup with an expression that said they had no idea what was going on.

    These fuckers dare?

    Kang Chan had been barely holding himself back from killing them for attacking Kang Dae-Kyung, and now he found out that they were up to something else too.

    ¡°Fuck. No wonder I had a bad dream,¡± Kang Chan told himself.

    There was no way that someone who knew Yoo Hye-Sook wouldn¡¯t know Kang Chan.

    Click.

    Kang Chan closed the door.

    Reading the room, the two Southeast Asians got up immediately.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± snapped Kang Chan.

    However, they ignored his sharp tone.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    These two were in a room with Yoon Bong-Sup, looking at photos of Yoo Hye-Sook. They also had the guts to re at him and ignore his orders.

    Kang Chan immediately went to them.

    The one closer to him flinched, while the other quickly took a step back. When Kang Chan slightly raised his right hand, the man reflexively raised his left arm.

    Kang Chan grabbed his wrist and yanked it hard.

    The man was clearly experienced. As Kang Chan pulled him forward, he used the momentum of the pull to throw a hard right at Kang Chan.

    Bam!

    Kang Chan deflected the man¡¯s fist as if he was swatting a fly away, then twisted his left arm.

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    The attack caused the man to bend over. As soon as he did, his face met Kang Chan¡¯s left foot at full speed.

    Crunch!

    His head shot up, but since his left arm was still locked, it bounced back down.

    Crunch!

    When Kang Chan kicked him in the faceagain, blood mercilessly spattered on the table, the floor, and Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s face and chest.

    Crash!

    He fell down, face-nting on the sofa. Kang Chan pulled his left arm up, then stomped on his elbow with his right foot as hard as he could.

    Crack!

    With a terrifying sound, the dislocated arm was pulled beyond its natural length.

    He fainted, but Kang Chan still dragged him by the arm to the front of the door and twisted his neck. He was fully aware that the goon could die, but he couldn¡¯t care less.

    When Kang Chan straightened his posture, the remaining Southeast Asian urgently looked at Yoon Bong-Sup.

    You think you have time to chat?

    Kang Chan darted toward the Southeast Asian still standing between the table and the sofa. Thetter tried to avoid Kang Chan by moving toward the desk. At the same time, Yoon Bong-Sup put his hand under the table.

    Kang Chan turned around, twisting his hips and elbowing Yoon Bong-Sup square in the face in one swift motion.

    Crack!

    When Kang Chan grasped onto Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s hair with his left hand, the filet knife that thetter was holding fell under the table.

    Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

    Kang Chan struck Yoon Bong-Sup four times with his elbow.

    Cough! Cough!

    Yoon Bong-Sup choked as he breathed in the blood flowing down his face. His nose waspletely crushed, and his left cheekbone had caved in. Only the right side of his face still looked somewhat normal.

    When Kang Chan stood up and looked behind him, he found the other Southeast Asian in abat stance, holding a pointy knife.

    ¡°What¡¯s this? Are we ying tag?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Smirking, Kang Chan jumped over the long three-seater sofa. He and his opponent were now facing each other from each side of the desk.

    When Kang Chan moved, the man quickly backed away, keeping his distance.

    You think I¡¯m gonna let you off just like that even though you were looking at a photo of Yoo Hye-Sook while carrying that kind of knife?

    Whoosh!

    Kang Chan jumped onto the top of the desk.

    Swoosh!

    When the man darted toward the door, Kang Chan jumped down.

    Whish!

    The guy swung the knife widely, but Kang Chan had already guessed that he would do that.

    Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.

    He shed at Kang Chan again and again, showing substantial knife-fighting experience.

    Whoosh.

    You didn¡¯t expect me to do this, did you?

    Kang Chan grabbed the knife by the de! With a speed that almost made it look like a single attack, he struck his opponent in the ribs, armpit, and neck.

    ¡°Gahh!¡±

    Kang Chan grabbed and twisted his target¡¯s right arm, causing the knife to turn toward the ceiling. The former then grabbed thetter¡¯s weapon, blood dripping on the floor from the deep gash in his left palm.

    Thud!

    Kang Chan drove the knife as deep as he could into the guy¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Ugh! Urgh!¡±

    Thud!

    Kang Chan stabbed him in the same ce. The knife pierced through the man¡¯s shoulder and out the other side. Blood streamed down and pooled on the floor. He had absolutely no intention to let these people off easily.

    Clink-nk.

    Kang Chan threw the knife on the floor, then mercilessly stepped on the man¡¯s elbow with his right foot.

    Crack!

    ¡°Eeepp! Eep!¡±

    His screams were quite strange.

    ¡°You do know I¡¯m not done yet, don¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    He grabbed the man¡¯s head and kneed him in the face four times. Following the gut-wrenching crunchy sounds of bones being crushed, the man fell limp.

    ¡°This is myst move,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Crunch. Thud.

    Throwing his opponent to the side, Kang Chan turned his gaze toward thest person still standing in the room. ¡°Yoon Bong-Sup! I should also take care of you, shouldn¡¯t I?¡±

    Yoon Bong-Sup was sitting on the sofa, leaning heavily against the backrest as if he was trying to phase through it to escape.

    1. Sinsa-dong is an upscale neighborhood in Gangnam with fashionable vibes. It¡¯s packed with small boutiques and design stores, including both mainstream and luxury brands. It also has wine bars and hip restaurants, making it a popr neighborhood to visit.

 Chapter 95.1: Youéˆ¥æª™e doing this because you want to die, right? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 95.1: You¡¯re doing this because you want to die, right? (2)</h4>

    <i>¡®Let¡¯s not kill him. I shouldn¡¯t kill him.¡¯?</i>Repeating those words to himself, Kang Chan approached Yoon Bong-Sup.

    <i>¡®I should find out if Cho Il-Kwon ordered him to kill Yoo Hye-Sook first.¡¯</i>

    However, when he saw the blood that had spattered on Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s photo, which was on top of the table, Kang Chan¡¯s lid ended up flipping.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    <i>Crash!</i>

    Kang Chan booted Yoon Bong-Sup in the chest, knocking over the sofa as thetter toppled over. Right next to the table, Kang Chan noticed the filet knife that Yoon Bong-Sup had tried to pick up but missed.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>This son of a bitch was looking for an opportunity to kill my mother?</i>

    Even at a nce, Yoon Bong-Sup clearly intended to use foreigners, then send them back to their country.

    Kang Chan picked up the knife.

    <i>¡®I should not kill him!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan knew what not to do. He even yelled it in his mind.

    But of all asions, Kang Chan had to run into a situation¡ªone that would¡¯ve flipped his lid even on a day when he was feeling perfectly normal¡ªwhile he was still feeling spiteful.

    Kang Chan frowned while holding himself back from killing Yoon Bong-Sup, who was crawling and wiggling on his back.

    If Kang Chan killed that fucker right now, then he would have to run over and kill Cho Il-Kwon and Yang Jin-Woo immediately as well.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°You son of a bitch. Why are you whining like a child?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir!¡±

    Kang Chan stepped on Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s right shoulder with all his might.

    <i>Crunch!</i>

    ¡°Urgh! Ugh! Urgh!¡±

    Yoon Bong-Sup groaned like a puppy that got kicked.

    ¡°Hey, you son of a bitch.¡±

    ¡°Yes¨Cugh¡­¡±

    Yoon Bong-Sup flinched.

    ¡°Whoo, let¡¯s talk like civilized people.¡± Kang Chan truly considered doing so.

    But during the short moment that Kang Chan was walking to sit on the table, he saw Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s eyes checking the door.

    This fucker was still expecting the guys outside to call someone that would save him.

    Of course, Kang Chan knew that Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s subordinates wouldn''t just stay quiet and do nothing. They couldn¡¯t fight him right now since they had heard Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s name, whom they knew, but Kang Chan guessed they were at least asking for help or gathering people. After all, they were aware that he came alone. Their arrival was what Yoon Bong-Sup was waiting for with anxious eyes.

    ¡°Yeah? I¡¯ll also call someone, then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan first stepped on Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s neck.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    ¡°Argh! Agh! Argh!¡±

    ¡°You son of a bitch! I almost dropped my phone!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Kang Chan stepped on Yoon Bong-Sup, who was struggling, and held the knife in his right hand.

    Kang Chan had taken out his phone, thinking he was really about to kill anyone who would disturb them. Right now, he was so full of hostility that it felt as if it would explode out of him.

    For the first time, Kang Chan pressed the radio app on his phone.

    <i>Drrr.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s Choi Jong-Il.¡±

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re on the fifth floor of the building you¡¯re currently in. We¡¯ve also got some agents stationed by the entrance. ¡±

    Knowing this would happen, Kang Chan said, ¡°Come into the Gentleman Company on the fifth floor.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    When Kang Chan pressed the app one more time, the red light shing on his screen turned off.

    ¡°Urgh. Ugh. Urgh.¡±

    ¡°Ah! Sorry, I was talking to someone on the phone. I was stepping on you for too long, wasn¡¯t I?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Cough! Cough! Cough!¡± Yoon Bong-Sup tightly grasped onto his throat as he gasped for breath.

    ¡°Son of a bitch. Have you caught your breath now?¡±

    <i>Bang!?</i>

    ¡°Ugh! Urgh! Urgh!¡±

    Only the right side of Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s face was visible now. Moreover, his eye was so swollen it looked as if it was about to burst.

    If Kang Chan kept his foot on Yoon Bong-Sup for just thirty seconds longer, the fucker would¡¯ve died already.

    Kang Chan removed his foot from Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s face.

    ¡°<i>Cough! Cough! Cough!</i>¡±

    ¡°Hey,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Agh! Arghh! Urghh!¡±

    Startled, Yoon Bong-Sup let out a strange groan that sounded as if he was crying. He only ever really looked scared now.

    <i>I¡¯ve had multiple opponents a hundred times more spiteful than people like you in Africa.</i>

    ¡°What the!¡±

    At that moment, Kang Chan heard a rough shout and people fighting out. He also heard the sound of a desk falling to the ground.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    The door was forcibly opened when one of the foreigners that had fallen to the floor was violently pushed into the room.

    ¡°It¡¯s Choi Jong-Il.¡±

    ¡°Guard the door. Don¡¯t let anyonee in, no matter who they are. Make sure nobody interferes even if they¡¯re the police or some other bullshit,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s eyes were full of fear.

    ¡°Are you willing to talk now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Yoon Bong-Sup nodded.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    ¡°Urgh! Ugh! Ugh!¡±

    ¡°Son of a bitch, you dare nod instead of answering me?¡±

    Yoon Bong-Sup sounded like the croaks of a frog that had gotten stepped on.

    Kang Chan removed his foot from Yoon Bong-Sup just before he died.

    As Yoon Bong-Sup inhaled as if he was sobbing, Kang Chan heard people engaged in brutalbat outside the room again.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    Startled, Yoon Bong-Sup trembled.

    Kang Chan perched on the armrest of the sofa that had fallen to the ground, then took out a cigarette.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    He then heard a loud noise that sounded as if someone had hit the door with an iron pipe or a baseball bat. Simultaneously, the door caved in right at the height where a human¡¯s head would be. People kept yelling and screaming outside, but he wasn¡¯t worried. He had seen Choi Jong-Il¡¯s skills.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    The yelling soon decreased a little, but they still continued to hear furniture breaking and horrible screams.

    Although they were on the fifth floor, they could also hear the noisy sirens of police cars from the roads.

    A glimmer of hope shed across Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s eyes.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Whoo!¡± Kang Chan deeply inhaled the cigarette smoke, then exhaled it as if he was sighing.

    Acting out because gangsters backed them up and Kang Chan acting out because he trusted National Intelligence Service or Lanok were both dirty deeds. However, if it meant saving Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan was willing to do even worse things.

    Yoo Hye-Sook couldn¡¯t buy expensive clothes for herself, not even once, because of the kids in the orphanage. Moreover, even though she had to give up her well-off lifestyle to marry her husband, she never hated him and only ever felt sorry for him whenever people looked down on him. After all, Yoo Hye-Sook had never resented anyone. Moreover, she had even decided to follow her son to the grave if he died due to his earlier injuries. When he survived, she held her tears back even as she witnessed and epted all the changes that he had gone through.

    <i>They¡¯re trying to kill a woman like that?</i>

    Strangely, Kang Chanughed.

    ¡°Cho Il-Kwon ordered you to kill my mother, right?¡± Kang Chan asked quietly after exhaling the cigarette smoke.

    Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s face was covered in blood, and he was barely breathing. At this rate, he would eventually faint.

    ¡°Oh, so you think you can just faint, huh?¡±

    When Kang Chan stood up, Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s right eye shook.

    ¡°Let¡¯s end this quickly. Did Cho Il-Kwon order you to kill my mother?¡±

    <i>Pow!</i>

    ¡°Ugghh!¡±

    Kang Chan stabbed the knife into Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s broken right shoulder. In doing so, the fucker would only barely be able to use his right arm to eat.

    ¡°If you ever hesitate to answer me again, I¡¯ll dig your eyeball out next. Got it?¡±

    ¡°Yeeaaaa!¡±

    Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s answer came out strangely since he had been stabbed.

    The sound of people fighting outside had already died down.

    ¡°The police can¡¯te in here, so make sure you carefully think your answers through. Otherwise, I¡¯ll make sure nobody would be able to find you even after I¡¯ve killed you, wrapped you up in a carpet, and carried you outside,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Yoon Bong-Sup nodded, then urgently answered with a strange sound.

    ¡°Did Cho Il-Kwon order you to kill my mother?¡±

    Kang Chan was looking straight into Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s eyes. If he did something stupid again, Kang Chan was thinking of just killing him and going straight to Cho Il-Kwon.

    ¡°Yeea!¡±

    It sounded like Yoon Bong-Sup was speaking Japanese.

    ¡°Good. Do you have evidence to back up your im?¡±

    ¡°The recording, phone¡­ there¡¯s a recording on the phone. I also put a billion won in the trunk of a car for the expectated cost.¡±

    Sons of bitches. They were going to use a billion won to kill a civilian in this world where some children would have to scoop up rice into a bucket so they could eat?

    ¡°Where are the car keys?¡± Kang Chan prodded on.

    ¡°Inside the closet.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it, you fucker. See how much better it is for the both of us when you tell me things quickly?¡±

    <i>Smack!</i>

    Kang Chan violently pped Yoon Bong-Sup, then stood up. Yoon Bong-Sup still had a knife stabbed into his shoulder, so he couldn¡¯t even twist his body properly. Tears mixed with blood dripped down his face.

    Kang Chan headed to the desk. When he opened the closet behind the chair and searched through a suit, finding the keys to a Benz in one of its pockets.

    Afterward, he looked for the phone. He searched under the desk since the phone wasn¡¯t on top of it, discovering that it had fallen to the ground in front of the chair¡¯s wheel.

    He didn¡¯t know the phone¡¯s model.

    <i>Knock. Knock. Knock.</i>

    Kang Chan heard someone knocking on the door that was broken at the top.

    ¡°It¡¯s Choi Jong-Il.¡±

    ¡°Come in.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il opened the door a little and poked his head in. When he saw Yoon Bong-Sup on the ground, he swung the door fully open.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Choi Jong-Il¡¯s shirt was drenched in blood, and more could be seen oozing from the right side of his forehead. He also had a handkerchief wrapped around his left hand as if he was wounded.

    ¡°The police have decided to arrest the people who came in here for multiple reasons, including the creation of an illegal organization and instigation of murder. We¡¯ve also contacted the prosecution,¡± Choi Jong-Il said.

    ¡°Are your wounds severe?¡±

    Choi Jong-Il smiled lightly as if he heard a funny joke.

    ¡°Yoon Jong-Sup said that evidence is recorded in this phone. Find it and y it,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    When Kang Chan handed over the phone, Choi Jong-Il examined it. ¡°It has a password.¡±

 Chapter 95.2: Youéˆ¥æª™e doing this because you want to die, right? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 95.2: You¡¯re doing this because you want to die, right? (2)</h4>

    Once Choi Jong-Il realized the phone had a password, he and Kang Chan turned to Yoon Jong-Sup at the same time¡­

    ¡°2796. It¡¯s 2796.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il immediately entered the passcode into the phone. After a while, he said, ¡°There¡¯s more than a few recordings.¡±

    ¡°y the most recent once.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il scrolled through the phone with his index finger for a moment, then double-tapped on the screen.

    ¡°You were looking for me?¡± The recording started. After some time, they heard, ¡°Find ways for Yoo Hye-Sook to get into a believable ident,¡± and ¡°A robbery should work.¡±

    They even heard, ¡°The line of people who¡¯d want to do it themselves would reach all the way to Vietnam if we offer a billion won.¡±

    Kang Chan sat on a desk and handed over a cigarette to Choi Jong-Il, who epted it. He then immediately took out a lighter and lit it.

    ¡°Is there any other evidence?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    ¡°Yoon Jong-Sup said the one billion won he received is in the trunk of his car.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s probably going to be one hundred thousand won cheques and cash. If we hand over the recordings, the people arrested here, Yoon Jong-Sup, and the two foreigners, then we¡¯ll be able to convict them of instigating murder.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head while exhaling cigarette smoke. ¡°That would only cut the tail of the problem. Let¡¯s keep the evidence for now. We¡¯ll settle this after paying Cho Il-Kwon a visit.¡±

    ¡°How did you know I was here? As far as I¡¯m aware, weren¡¯t you told that the Yoo Bi-Corp employees are training?¡±

    ¡°Manager Kim told me no country would ever leave a special security target alone. Honestly, I thought there would at least be someone else in my vicinity.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take them to the hospital. If we leave them like that for much longer, they¡¯ll bleed to death.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head and looked at Yoon Jong-Sup. A puddle of blood had formed under him and the two foreigners.

    ¡°Take care of them yourself. I already stopped a big incident from happening when I came here to warn them, so I have no more business with them,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Please wait for just twenty minutes at the coffee shop that you were at earlier.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t go out in these clothes.¡±

    Blood had hardened on his left hand, and his right sleeve, shirt, knees, and feet were covered in blood.

    ¡°We¡¯ll contact the hospital and prepare clothes right away,¡± Choi Jong-Il said, then headed outside.

    The agents also had to change anyway.

    Remembering something that he hadpletely forgotten about, Kang Chan went to the table and looked at the photo of Yoo Hye-Sook, which seemed ominous due to the blood sttered on it. Leaving this in a ce like this displeased him.

    Kang Chan brought over the iron trashcan inside the desk, threw the photos in it, and lit it up with a lighter.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    The photos gradually turned to ash as their corners curled up.

    <i>¡®You¡¯re next, Cho Il-Kwon.¡¯</i>

    .

    Now that it hade to this, Yang Jin-Woo and Cho Il-Kwon would be busy cutting their tails, so it would be difficult for them to start something else. Even if so, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want Cho Il-Kwon to just be sloppily convicted for something like inciting murder and letting Yang Jin-Woo escape.

    After burning all of the photos, Kang Chan left the room. He didn¡¯t like the smoke stinging his eyes.

    The ambnce and the police arrived almost at the same time. As soon as they did, they started receiving orders from Choi Jong-Il.

    Kang Chan went to the bathroom, lightly washed his hands, and applied medication that one of the agents had bought from the pharmacy. Afterward, he bandaged his left hand. As he did, an agent prepared clothes and shoes for him. It was probably difficult for the agents to handle the cost ofundry with a low-paying job.

    Choi Jong-Il had gauze on his forehead and bandages around his hand, but the blood seeped through them, making him look like he had been involved in a fight.

    ***

    ¡°Tell all of the agents toe here,¡± Kang Chan told Choi Jong-Il.

    They had already fought together, so what use was there for them to hide now?

    Choi Jong-Il smiled awkwardly in response.

    ¡°What are you doing? We should all have a drink, then catch Cho Il-Kwon,¡± Kang Chan said again.

    ¡°Are we also going with you?¡±

    ¡°You guys are going to follow me anyway, right? Do you guys have a car?¡±

    ¡°Yes, and we do.¡±

    ¡°See?¡±

    When Choi Jong-Il took out his phone and contacted the agents, two of them appeared. Like Kang Chan and Choi Jong-Il, they also had bandages around them, so the people in the specialty coffee shop kept an eye on them.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to a building in Sejongno. Cho Il-Kwon has created a personal office on the twenty-first floor of that building.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il didn¡¯t bother asking how Kang Chan found out about that. After spending ten minutes drinking coffee, they got in a gray mid-sized car and went to a building in Sejongno.

    Lee Doo-Hee and Woo Hee-Seung sat at the front, and Choi Jong-Il and Kang Chan sat at the back of the mid-sized car.

    Since it was a Saturday, the way downtown was quite crowded. When Kang Chan saw the cars that had densely filled up the roads, he as if he was being suffocated.

    What were the limits of a person¡¯s greed? Most individuals couldn¡¯t even dream of having as much money as they had, so how could some of these people still try to kill someone just because they couldn¡¯t own the distribution rights for cars they weren¡¯t even in line for in the first ce? How can they think of killing a housewife of a family that didn¡¯t even know anything?

    ¡°We¡¯re here. It¡¯s that building up ahead.¡±

    Lee Doo-Hee twisted his head and looked at the building to their right.

    After parking the car at the entrance, Woo Hee-Sung and Choi Jong-Il got out of the car with Kang Chan. The road was congested, but the building was quiet.

    The three got in the elevator and pressed the button for the twenty-first floor.

    ¡°Did you check if Cho Il-Kwon is here?¡± one of the agents asked.

    ¡°He stays here if he doesn¡¯t have any special schedule. He¡¯ll drop by a woman¡¯s apartment in Bang Bae-Dongter before eating dinner. He¡¯ll then go home to his house in Daechi-Dong.¡±

    This information was written in the schedule that Lanok had handed to Kang Chan.

    Room 2107.

    The keypad lock above the door¡¯s handle made it look difficult for them to open it.

    <i>¡®If we knock, he¡¯s going to ask who we are first¡­¡¯</i>

    If he saw Kang Chan¡¯s face, then Kang Chan would be basically saying ¡®I¡¯m Kang Chan.¡¯ What should they say? It would be detrimental to say his name from outside the office when its door was still locked.

    As Kang Chan smacked his lips, Choi Jong-Il gestured with his eyes, then suddenly pressed the bell.

    <i>Ding-dong. Ding-dong.</i>

    Kang Chan nkly looked at the door¡­

    - Who is it?

    ¡°I came here to run errands for Bong-Sup hyung-nim!¡±

    Kang Chan stepped aside to get out of the peephole¡¯s field of view.

    <i>Would something like that fool him?</i>

    - He didn¡¯t say anything about sending someone to run errands?

    ¡°He told me to inform you that he has to urgently go to Vietnam?¡±

    <i>Click</i>.

    Choi Jong-Il smirked while looking at Kang Chan.

    But Cho Il-Kwon was a difficult guy to handle. He kept the door chaintched, preventing the door from opening all the way.

    ¡°Just give me the documents.¡±

    The moment they clearly heard Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s voice¡­

    Choi Jong-Il put his arm through the gap between the door and the frame, then violently struck downwards.

    <i>Crunch. Whoosh!</i>

    The door chain immediately fell off, and the door swung open.

    ¡°What?! What is¡ª!¡±

    <i>Bam.</i>

    Choi Jong-Il punched the pit of Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s stomach, causing him to double over in pain and preventing him from screaming.

    ¡°Please go in.¡±

    Kang Chan went into Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s office, feeling dumbfounded.

    ¡°<i>Cough</i>.¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon kept screaming after barely getting his breathing under control¡­

    <i>Pow!</i>

    Choi Jong-Il struck Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s neck.

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon hunched his fat body forward. He was standing between the desk and bookshelf, which were ced near the window, and the sofa in the middle of the office.

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    Kang Chan went to Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s desk before anything else.

    <i>This son of a bitch.</i>

    As expected, a photo of Yoo Hye-Sook was on one side of it.

    Just as spite radiated from Kang Chan¡¯s eyes¡­

    <i>Pow!</i>

    It seemed Cho Il-Kwon was about to make a sound again, seeing how Choi Jong-Il had punched the pit of his stomach once more.

    By the time Kang Chan approached Cho Il-Kwon, his sses were already halfway down his nose, and he was in so much pain he vomited saliva.

    ¡°This fucker is definitely going to scream and spout some bullshit if he ever regains his senses. If you entrust him to me for just twenty minutes, I¡¯ll make it so that won¡¯t ever happen.¡±

    Kang Chan realized how Choi Jong-Il felt when he looked into his eyes. Choi Jong-Il had interfered first because he had guessed that Kang Chan would kill him if heid his hands on him.

    <i>Yeah. That could be the wise thing to do.</i>

    Yang Jin-Woo wouldn¡¯t budge even if they killed this son of a bitch.

    ¡°Alright. You¡¯ve started to beat him up anyway,¡± Kang Chan answered, then sat on Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s desk, took out a cigarette, and bit on it.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s beat down sounded very rhythmic, perhaps because he was fat.

    ¡°Urgh. Ugh.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il tightly grasped Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s head and lifted it. He then took off the sses that were hanging on his chin.

    ¡°Cho Il-Kwon,¡± Choi Jong-Il called.

    ¡°Ugh.¡±

    <i>Pow. Pow.?</i>

    Choi Jong-Il struck the pit of Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s stomach and his neck again. Afterward, he looked straight at him.

    ¡°He¡¯s going to ask you questions, and you¡¯re going to answer immediately. If you scream or do something stupid, I¡¯ll twist your neck. What happens to you is on you now.¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon urgently nodded.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.</i>

    Choi Jong-Il struck the back of Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s neck a couple more times. The hits were light enough to keep him from fainting.

    Why did he keep beating Cho Il-Kwon up when he had already said that he was going to listen to Kang Chan?

    Kang Chan cocked his head while inhaling cigarette smoke.

    ¡°There¡¯s still five minutes left. If you faint, I¡¯ll kill you and bury you where I buried Yoon Jong-Sup a little while ago,¡± Choi Jong-Il exined.

    <i>Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow. Pow.?</i>

    <i>Jeez, you cruel fucker!</i>

    When Kang Chan turned his head, he saw Woo Hee-Seung quietly ring at Cho Il-Kwon from the corner of the room.

    1. Sejongno is a street in downtown Seoul and is named after King Sejong the Great of Joseon. It has a great symbolic significance due to its central location

 Chapter 96.1: Letéˆ¥æªš do this until the End (1)

    <h4>Chapter 96.1: Let¡¯s do this until the End (1)</h4>

    Seeing the look in Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s eyes, who was quietly standing in the corner, made Kang Chan¡¯s heart sink.

    South Korea¡¯s best agent, and a superior whom Woo Hee-Seung respected, was beating up an ordinary person.

    Kang Chan hadfortably epted that it would be better to let Choi Jong-Il beat Cho Il-Kwon up since Kang Chan could end up killing him otherwise. He thought Choi Jong-Il interfered because he shared the same sentiment, so Kang Chan took it lightly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop.¡± Kang Chan ordered. Choi Jong-Il stopped beating up Cho Il-Kwon.

    Kang Chan felt bitter.

    It was fine until he suddenly thought of calling Choi Jong-Il to Sinsa-dong instead of Oh Gwang-Taek. However, Kang Chan shouldn¡¯t have used South Korea¡¯s best agent to beat up Cho Il-Kwon. He shouldn¡¯t get their hands dirty for this kind of ugly fight.

    ¡°Do you guys want tea?¡± Kang Chan asked the two agents.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make some.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    Kang Chan poured bottled water into the electric kettle on one side of the room, turned it on, and then poured instant coffee into a paper cup.

    In truth, Choi Jong-Il and the two agents were government employees dispatched to help out during incidents and prepare for an attack from outside the country. They weren¡¯t sent to be at Kang Chan¡¯s beck and call and for his personal matters.

    He had ordered the agents, people who lived with pride, to handle such a trifling matter.

    When the water started to boil, Kang Chan poured some into the paper cup containing the coffee mix.

    He was ashamed. It felt as if he had begun thoughtlessly using people just because he acquired power by working with the people responsible for the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ and France''s Intelligence Bureau.

    Kang Chan calmed down a little when he smelled the instant coffee.

    ¡°Cho Il-Kwon, go over there and stay seated,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t intend to cut Cho Il-Kwon some ck, however. Regardless of whether he killed him or let him live, he was ready to do it himself.

    Groaning, Cho Il-Kwon sat on the sofa near the wall.

    Kang Chan handed over coffee to Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung. He then took out and offered them cigarettes.

    ¡°Open all the windows,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    As Woo Hee-Seung opened four windows, the heat outside suddenly rushed into the room and overpowered the air conditioner.

    They lit up a cigarette and shared coffee with each other.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± As he should, Kang Chan apologized for his mistakes and wrongdoings. It was for the best.

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung looked at Kang Chan, seemingly asking what he meant.

    ¡°Even though this is my fight, I needlessly made you guys interfere. I got too angry because my family is involved in this,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    He couldn¡¯t just say things about what they had done as agents because Cho Il-Kwon, who was sitting on the sofa with his head hung, could hear them.

    ¡°Please let it pass just this once.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t mind it too much.¡± Their strange smiles showed they understood what Kang Chan meant.

    Kang Chan felt a lot calmer after drinking coffee.

    He had gone through the fight in Mongolia, Yoon Jong-Sup, the blood-sttered photos of Yoo Hye-Sook, and was now dealing with Cho Il-Kwon.

    He certainly felt as if he suddenly came to his senses in the middle of a fight that he had been dragged into before he could even think about it.

    ¡°What¡¯s your n?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    Kang Chan stopped drinking the coffee and looked at Cho Il-Kwon. ¡°I¡¯ll ask a few questions. If he gives me nonsensical answers, I¡¯ll throw him out the window.¡±

    He really wasn¡¯t above doing so.

    Cho Il-Kwon had thought lightly of killing people because he mooched off of power that wasn¡¯t even his. He secretly hoarded Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s slush fund and ordered people to kill a civilian to keep it.

    Cho Il-Kwon had money and the chief secretary position, but Kang Chan had even more money and the power to kill Cho Il-Kwon.

    It didn¡¯t matter whether Kang Chan ordered someone else to kill Cho Il-Kwon or if he killed Cho Il-Kwon himself.

    ¡°Let¡¯s settle this quickly and go out to eat,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    After drinking the rest of his coffee, Kang Chan sat across Cho Il-Kwon. ¡°Yoon Jong-Sup has given me all the evidence. He recorded your entire conversation.¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon looked at Kang Chan¡¯s chest, then tightly gritted his teeth.

    ¡°Yoon Jong-Sup also said that a billion won is in the trunk of a car. I know you did everything because Yang Jin-Woo ordered you to. Give me the evidence of that and of you all bringing in those obnoxious people from Japan. Confess about Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s sins that I¡¯m not aware of. Oh, I also know everything about the slush fund, so don¡¯t even think about saying something about it. I even know everything about the twenty billion won that you hid.¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s face flushed, then he quickly looked away. This son of a bitch was thinking of trying to y tricks again.

    That wasn¡¯t surprising for this kind of fucker.

    ¡°You two should stay outside for a moment,¡± Kang Chan told the agents.

    He wasn¡¯t trying to scare Cho Il-Kwon. He didn¡¯t tell the agents to get out because of his spite or anger.

    Kang Chan was just saying that he was going to fight his own battles by himself.

    <i>Creak. Rattle.</i>

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung left Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s apartment.

    ¡°Cho Il-Kwon?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir?¡±

    <i>Son of a bitch, his answers are good.</i>

    ¡°You know me, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Cho Il-Kwon replied so quickly that Kang Chan didn¡¯t even have the time to p him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go through this step by step. What¡¯s the real reason Yang Jin-Woo wants to kill me?¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon briefly looked away because he didn¡¯t want to answer but soon said, ¡°He knows you¡¯re rted to matters concerning the rail¡¯s connection.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and I''m saying that people can earn more money if that rail gets connected, so why is he fuckingining!¡±

    Kang Chan became very irritated.

    ¡°He believes that if theborers be financially stable, they¡¯re going to have more conditions, more thoughts, and more reasonable demands from the rich and the political circle¡­¡±

    As Cho Il-Kwon nced over and checked Kang Chan¡¯s reaction, Kang Chan became really curious about something.

    ¡°Hey¡ª!¡± he yelled.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    The son of a bitch answered so quickly Kang Chan got cut off.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that just mean Korea will earn an outrageous amount of money if we get connected to the rail? The chaebols are the ones who will profit the most from this, so can¡¯t they just listen to people¡¯s reasonable demands and whatnot?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If the rail brings us close to a hundred trillion won in revenue, then the regime won¡¯t change for the next thirty to fifty years. ording to research findings, if we continue with how things are done with this current regime, the chaebols will be disassembled and disappear.¡±

    Kang Chan straightened his posture and breathed out slowly. ¡°Is that why you¡¯re showing your loyalty to Yang Jin-Woo with this bullshit? When Yang Jin-Woo orders you to kill normal people?¡±

    ¡°I was wrong.¡±

    Kang Chan noticed Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s eyes were moving quickly to think of a way to get out of this situation.

    How could he say he was wrong when his eye movements showed otherwise?

    <i>He¡¯s looking for an opportunity to escape while he¡¯s in front of me?</i>

    ¡°You and Yang Jin-Woo helped out the people brought in from Japanst time, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked, then smirked.

    Although this fucker was scared of Choi Jong-Il right now, he wasn¡¯t too scared of Kang Chan.

    Since Kang Chan was speaking nicely, Cho Il-Kwon became more and more rxed. He was even tantly looking for an opportunity to escape now.

    ¡°Um¡­¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Chairperson Huh Sang-Soo and assistant Kwak Do-Young were the ones in charge of bringing people in from Japan. The chairman and I only provided support by giving them the money that they said was needed.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Huh Sang-Soo?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s a member of the National Assembly, and he¡¯s from a noble family whose members have been part of the National Assembly for generations. In fact, its Chairman is his older brother Huh Ha-Soo.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>Yeah, keep bullshitting.</i>

    Kang Chan remembered the recording of Huh Sang-Soo talking about what would happen if people without a lineage got behind the wheel.

    ¡°A noble family? Can they still be called a noble family if they secretly brought in North Korean special forces to prevent South Korea from getting the opportunity to advance, even if it meant assassinating people? Why is that fucker Huh Sang-Soo or something so opposed to the rail anyway?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s opposed to it because of his past. His family used to export rice since they had received a title from the Japanese emperor. If this current government continues to stay in power and the citizens gain wealth, then previous settlement problems are bound to resurface.¡±

    Kang Chan burst into a sillyugh. In the end, all he kept hearing were bullshit.

    ¡°Do you have evidence of money being sent over to Huh Sang-Soo?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette while smirking.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo, do you smoke?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    The wind blew in through the open window.

    ¡°Um, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    When Kang Chan looked at Cho Il-Kwon, Cho Il-Kwon slightly raised his head. Their eyes met.

    ¡°I can give you five billion won for now.¡±

    <i>This son of a bitch is only offering five billion won when he has twenty billion won?</i> <i>I¡¯m going to receive fifty billion won.</i>

    ¡°That¡¯s all I can give you right now. If I take out more money than that, it¡¯s going to be indicated on the slush fund.¡±

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    When Kang Chan deeply exhaled cigarette smoke, Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s eyes sparkled.

    ¡°Six months! No¡ªif you wait just one year, I¡¯ll give you an additional three billion won.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter while holding the cigarette.

    <i>This son of a bitch keeps treating me as if I¡¯m an idiot.</i>

    ¡°You know what, I¡¯ll give you an additional five billion won in a year. That¡¯s the best offer I can give you.¡±

    ¡°Even if you give me the money, what¡¯s stopping you from going behind my back and trying to kill me again?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Pardon? About that, I¡¯ll interfere and make sure that¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir?¡±

    ¡°Can you even do anything with Yang Jin-Woo ordering you around? Won¡¯t you just hire someone and badmouth a person¡¯s background to them again? Why would you pay me a yearter when you can just end things cleanly by hiring a foreign hitman to kill me for a billion won?¡±

    ¡°If you feel that way, then I¡¯ll give you six billion won¡ªno, I¡¯ll give you seven billion won right now.¡±

    How painful would what he had just heard be if he was extremely poor like in his past life or if Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were in a difficult situation and he didn¡¯t even have a cent in his bank ount?

    Cho Il-Kwon basically showed he broke poor people¡¯s hearts this way, In the end, he¡¯dugh, mock, and look down on his unfortunate victims even though he himself didn¡¯t have a good lineage either and was just sponging off Yang Jin-Woo while working under him.

 Chapter 96.2: Letéˆ¥æªš do this until the End (1)

    <h4>Chapter 96.2: Let¡¯s do this until the End (1)</h4>

    When Kang Chan dropped his cigarette on the ground and stepped on it, Cho Il-Kwon raised his head.

    ¡°I¡¯ll guarantee your safety and your family¡¯s,¡± Cho Il-Kwon continued.

    ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°The chairman listens to what I say to some degree. If you trust me and leave now, then¡ª¡±

    <i>SMACK!</i>

    ¡°Cho Il-Kwon?¡±

    Startled, Cho Il-Kwon straightened his posture. On his cheek was a handprint with enough details for Kang Chan to see his fingerprints.

    <i>SMACK! Thud!</i>

    Cho Il-Kwon buried his face into the armrest of the sofa, then straightened back up while trembling so much his head shook.

    <i>SMACK!</i>

    The outer edge of Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s left eye and the end of his lips got torn and were bleeding, and his cheek had be swollen. He stood up with difficulty.

    With his bandaged left hand, Kang Chan tightly grasped onto Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s head.

    <i>Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!</i>

    Since Cho Il-Kwon had thin skin, rips started appearing all over his cheek. It was as if someone had cut him with a razor de. The blood seeping out from around his eyes, his nose, and the end of his lipspletely covered his face.

    Kang Chan¡¯s grip on Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s hair tightened even more.

    <i>Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.</i>

    Having lost strength, Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s head shook from side to side.

    Just like Yoon Bong-Sup, this fucker was about to faint.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t open your eyes properly, I¡¯m going to call the people outside so we can bury you,¡± Kang Chan threatened.

    Cho Il-Kwon flinched, then put strength in his head to open his eyes properly.

    <i>This son of a bitch is trying so hard because he doesn¡¯t want to die.?</i>

    ¡°Give me all the evidence for what you said just now. Got it?¡±

    People in a crisis answered with a nod first before expressing their agreement using words.

    <i>Smack. Smack. Smack.</i>

    ¡°You dare nod instead of answering me, you son of a bitch?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir!¡±

    When Kang Chan released him, Cho Il-Kwon wavered.

    ¡°I want all evidence brought over before this cigarette is extinguished,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    While taking out a cigarette, Kang Chan sharply red at Cho Il-Kwon. He had never red at Cho Il-Kwon with such eyes until now because he felt sorry for ordering Choi Jong-Il to do something irrelevant.

    Cho Il-Kwon urgently dropped his gaze.

    <i>Chk chk</i>.

    ¡°Whoo, bring them over.¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon staggered once as he urgently went to the desk.

    <i>Son of a bitch.?</i>

    Those that worked for Yang Jin-Woo were sons of bitches who weren¡¯t any different from bullies who clung to gangsters tomit atrocities or Cho Il-Kwon who stayed by Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s side and thought that it was okay to rashly kill people. However one thing set them apart: bullies directly exercised violence, while Cho Il-Kwon hid behind violence using money and his petty power.

    When Kang Chan stood up, Cho Il-Kwon started to hastily open drawers.

    <i>What an idiot, I was just going over to get a paper cup to ash my cigarettes in.</i>

    That fucker would sacrifice even his wife if it meant getting out of this mess. Once their power had been taken away from them and they had been subjected to unimaginable violence, anyone would act like that.

    Countless people had been snapped and broken by that fucker¡¯s petty power and violence.

    When the cigarette made a <i>¡®chkk!¡¯</i> sound inside the paper cup, Cho Il-Kwon brought over a bundle of documents and a USB. He then stood in front of the sofa.

    ¡°Exin what those are,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°The material in here shows the date and the amount of money sent to chairperson Huh Sang-Soo and the money that was used to¡­¡± Cho Il-Kwon hesitated but noticed Kang Chan¡¯s expression. ¡°It includes expenses the chairman has used for personal reasons and information about the incidents that have been covered up.¡±

    ¡°What are the incidents that have been covered up?¡±

    The fucker had already spilled so much information, so why would he hesitate now? Although Kang Chan was frowning, he had be curious deep down.

    ¡°The chairman is a pedophile, so¡­¡±

    <i>What did he just say?</i>

    ¡°We couldn¡¯t bring ourselves to buy children that were too young, so we bought girls that were more than ten years old and¡­¡±

    Kang Chan felt his blood boiling.

    ¡°We mostly bought kids that had run away from their homes.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to rip Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°How old is Yang Jin-Woo this year?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°He¡¯s fifty-nine years old.¡±

    A sudden thought came into Kang Chan¡¯s mind. ¡°You have a daughter, right?¡±

    ¡°I do. This year she¡¯s¡­¡±

    Cho Il-Kwon closed his mouth, seemingly having figured out Kang Chan¡¯s intention.

    ¡°She¡¯s in first-year middle school. How do you think you would¡¯ve felt if Yang Jin-Woo touched her?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Yet you could still cover up the incident by paying the girls who were sexually assaulted behind closed doors?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do that directly¡ªYoon Bong-Sup¡­¡±

    Kang Chan breathed in loudly. He almost killed Cho Il-Kwon right there and then. It would be so easy to stab Cho Il Kwon¡¯s neck, twist his head, throw him out the window, or strike the pit of his stomach.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and turned his gaze to the rest of the material.

    ¡°That also has information about the chairman¡¯s family, including Yoon Bong-Sup, and proof that money was remitted to two private organizations with guys like Yoon Bong-Sup,¡± Cho Il-Kwon exined.

    ¡°Two other organizations have people like Yoon Bong-Sup?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve put all the evidence in there.¡±

    ¡°Whoo!¡± Kang Chan exhaled loudly. ¡°What do you want to do now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go out to a foreign country.¡±

    <i>This son of a bitch thinks he can go to a foreign country with twenty billion won? Dream on!</i>

    ¡°Cho Il-Kwon, how many years will people stay in jail if they¡¯re convicted of something like instigating murder?¡±

    ¡°Five to ten years.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°Do you want to stay in a hospital for now? Or do you want to go to jail?¡±

    ¡°Please let me go, just this once!¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    This fucker who¡¯s terrified of so many things was trying to negotiate while ying tricks again.

    Kang Chan tightly grasped Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s hair. ¡°Even if you guys are sent to prison, you¡¯re all going to be released for having an illness anyway. If so, then you should just head straight to the hospital.¡±

    <i>SMACK!</i>

    Kang Chan pped Cho Il-Kwon with all his might, causing his head to snap to one side.

    Kang Chan then let go of Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s hair and reached over with his right arm, pulling on Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s left sleeve.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    When he mmed Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s head onto the sofa¡¯s armrest, his arm naturally bent.

    <i>This son of a bitch is unbelievably tactful!</i>

    Kang Chan stood up from his spot and grabbed Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s wrist with his left hand. He then put his knee over Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s elbow and struck down with all of his might.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    Cho Il-Kwon, who had fainted, regained consciousness because of the pain, but then immediately fainted again.

    Even though Kang Chan had already beaten him up so much, he¡¯d only be in a hospital for a year with his current injuries.

    Kang Chan grabbed Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s head. He then threw it the other way as he pulled his right hand.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    Cho Il-Kwon would now have to stay in a hospital for a total of two years. Kang Chan had three to seven years left to add.

    That was easy.

    Kang Chan grabbed Cho Il-Kwon by the hair and pulled him up, straightening his upper body. The bandages on Kang Chan¡¯s left hand were now drenched in the blood that covered Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s face.

    Kang Chan grabbed onto Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s head with both hands, then quickly and briefly twisted it.

    <i>Crunch! Thud!</i>

    Cho Il-Kwon wouldn¡¯t die from that, but he¡¯d have to live the rest of his life sitting or lying down if he was unlucky. He probably would never be able to move his neck or his body below his waist ever again either.

    This much should be enough to punish the fucker for now.

    Kang Chan took the material on top of the table, then headed to the desk and found photos of Yoo Hye-Sook. One of them had fallen to the floor, and drops of blood had fallen onto the other.

    <i>This son of a bitch!</i>

    While gritting his teeth, Kang Chan folded the photos and put them in his inner chest pocket.

    It didn¡¯t look like there was a ce for him to burn the photos in this office.

    <i>Rattle. Creeaak.</i>

    When Kang Chan opened the door and headed outside, Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Sung, who had been standing in front of the door, moved aside.

    ¡°What should we do?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ve twisted Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s neck, so send him to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Understood. It¡¯ll just take a minute.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il went inside the office while holding onto the door, then came outside after they heard a <i>¡®click.¡¯?</i>He had changed the password to the office.

    ¡°This will allow the hospital officials to open this office themselves and take Cho Il-Kwon,¡± Choi Jong-Il exined.

    It seemed this guy also had a wide range of talents.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go out to eat,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Choi Jong-Il radioed someone while they were going down the apartment. When they got to the entrance, a car was already waiting for them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere where we can eat in peace,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°There''s a restaurant that sells delicious hanjeongsik down this road.¡±

    ¡°Okay. It should be a ce where we can talk among ourselves.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a good ce for that. You know where it is, right?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan gazed out the window upon hearing Lee Doo-Hee¡¯s answer.

    Should they report Cho Il-Kwon to the police? If they did, Yang Jin-Woo would make even more effort to cover up Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s wrongdoings.

    That fucker was worse than dogs.

    When Kang Chan was tightly gritting his teeth while recalling the impression he had of Yang Jin-Woo, which was based on the report¡­

    1. Hanjeongsik refers to a full-course set meal where a variety of foods are served based on traditional Korean standards. In the past, it was served to royals

 Chapter 97.1: Letéˆ¥æªš do this until the End (2)

    <h4>Chapter 97.1: Let¡¯s do this until the End (2)</h4>

    After deciding what restaurant they should go to, Choi Jong-Il called someone.

    ¡°There¡¯s a patient in the building on Sejongno Street. He¡¯s in room 2107. Take him to the hospital and make sure the police or the prosecution can¡¯t interfere.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il dropped the call after passing on only the necessary information.

    ¡°Do you call that number for the police as well?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If the headquarters contact them directly, the police will already be aware of the situation before they go to the scene. That eliminates the need for exnations.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know they could contact the police that way.

    The restaurant came into view after passing Gwanghamun and driving for about ten more minutes. A restaurant emerged when they drove for about ten minutes after they passed the Gwanghwamun. The restaurant was a hanok that had been renovated in a sophisticated way.

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    An easygoing elder pointed to the door inside the living room.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    They opened the hanji paper door and went inside, finding four cushions.

    ¡°Please stay here for a moment,¡± the elder said.

    Kang Chanfortably sat inside the room. He didn¡¯t want the four of them to make a show out of trying to get the others to sit first.

    Choi Jong-Il sat across from Kang Chan.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t this ce take people¡¯s orders?¡± Kang Chan asked Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°I called ahead and ordered.¡±

    <i>When did he do that?</i>

    Kang Chan asked another question, ¡°Can we smoke here?¡±

    ¡°Yes. There¡¯s even an ashtray.¡±

    ¡°Great. I¡¯m thinking of smoking after we eat.¡±

    He felt as if he was just sitting in a room in a regr house.

    ¡°I did something wrong to the agents. Let me buy dinner topensate for that,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Just as they had finished their conversation, they heard people outside the room. A small table was soon brought inside.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile a little.

    Choi Jong-Il had said that this restaurant served hanjeongsik, but things like this should be called baekban.

    Just as Kang Chan was about to pick up his utensils, his phone rang. Oh Gwang-Taek was calling him.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Kang Chan, it¡¯s me.

    ¡°Why did you call?¡±

    - Did something happen to you at Sinsa-dong?

    ¡°I fought with the fixers that belong to a certainpany. It was for something personal.¡±

    - It wasn¡¯t rted to Bundang, was it?

    Oh Gwang-Taek sounded somewhat tired.

    ¡°No. As I said, they were fixers of apany.¡±

    - Alright. I just asked because three or four gangsters were among the people that were beaten up. I knew you were the one who did it the moment I heard what happened. If it¡¯s okay with you, let¡¯s meet up for a bit tomorrow.

    ¡°Tomorrow won¡¯t work. Let¡¯s see each other some other time.¡±

    - Alright.

    After Kang Chan ended the call, he scooped up a spoonful of doengjang-jjigae and ate it. ¡°This is amazing!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard this restaurant is good. Seems like the rumors are true.¡±

    Utensils could be heard being used throughout the room.

    They talked about various normal topics while eating, which could be why it just took them thirty minutes to finish their food.

    Lee Doo-Hee went out of the room and came back with coffee and an ashtray.

    After Kang Chan lit up a cigarette¡­

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for lunch,¡± Choi Jong-Il offered.

    ¡°Why are you like this? I already said I¡¯ll pay for it as an apology.¡±

    ¡°I just thought I¡¯d offer anyway.¡±

    Was Choi Jong-Il nning on asking him for a favor? From the sound of it, that didn¡¯t seem like the case.

    ¡°I¡¯m paying for this. You can pay for the next one instead.¡±

    Their conversation ended with Choi Jong-Il smiling in response.

    ¡°Speaking of which, let¡¯s change our bandages before we leave,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Lee Doo-Hee went to the car and brought over bandages and medication. Afterward, all four of them changed their bandages into clean ones.

    ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going over to beat up Yang Jin-Woo.¡±

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo isn¡¯t a pushover. You should examine the material you received a moment ago from Choi Il-Kwon a bit more and look for an opportunity to use it. Meet Yang Jin-Woo after you find evidence that can eliminate all chances of him being able to run away.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    In fact, meeting Yang Jin-Woo would already be difficult in itself, much like his meeting with Cho Il-Kwon. Just as Choi Jong-Il had said, even if they were to run into each other, it would be hard to take care of Yang Jin-Woo.

    ¡°Tsk, fine! Let¡¯s call it a day. It won¡¯t be bad for me toy low while examining the material anyway,¡± Kang Chan answered, then stood up while thanking them.

    Kang Chan paid sixty thousand won for the food.

    After Kang Chan burned the photos of Yoo Hye-Sook in front of the hangari ashtray outside the restaurant, he got in the car that Lee Doo-Hee was driving. He was then dropped off at the entrance of the apartment.

    Kang Chan immediately went up to his house.

    When he remembered the photos on Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s table, he unconsciously sighed.

    What would he have done if he didn¡¯t visit Yoon Bong-Sup and Cho Il-Kwon today?

    At any rate, he should take care of Yang Jin-Woo quickly.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    Kang Chan got out of the elevator, walked to their unit, and immediately opened the front door.

    ¡°I¡¯m back.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook greeted Kang Chan from the living room.

    ¡°Wee, Channy.¡±

    ¡°Wee home.¡±

    ¡°Father, you¡¯re home early.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m already resentful for having to work on a Saturday, so it¡¯s only right that Ie home early. Have you had lunch? What¡¯s wrong with your hand this time?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Oh my, Channy! Did you injure your hand? How bad is it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had lunch, and I just got scratched a bit while doing some good.¡±

    ¡°How could you get hurt when you¡¯re doing some good? You should be more careful,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    Despite being scolded, Kang Chan was happy for getting to see Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Chan changed intofortable clothes, then inserted the USB that he had received from Cho Il-Kwon into hisputer.

    ¡°Ha!¡±

    <i>This son of a bitch!</i>

    Kang Chan initially thought Cho Il-Kwon had organized the remitted money into charts. But no matter how stupid Cho Il-Kwon was, there was no way he wouldn¡¯t know what jargon like H1 Statement of ounts, fixed costs, and current assets meant.

    Kang Chan looked through all the documents just in case Cho Il-Kwon had secretly written the remitted money in any of the tables, but they were all just titled ¡®bnce sheets¡¯ and ¡®ie statements.¡¯

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile bitterly.

    It was a crime that he didn¡¯t check the evidence even though he was up against someone smart and clever.

    He smiled again when he opened the documents that he had ced in the inner chest pocket of his jacket.

    Under the title, which was along the lines of ¡®H1 Statement of ounts Per Subsidiary¡¯ the target sales and amount of sales they achieved were organized, looking nice and neat.

    <i>Ah! That son of a bitch!</i>

    <i>¡®What was he going to do if I had checked this on the spot?¡¯</i>

    If anything, Kang Chan thought Cho Il-Kwon had balls of steel for risking his life in such a way.

    Should Kang Chan visit him at the hospital? Since Choi Jong-Il had admitted Cho Il-Kwon to one anyway, he could just go there quickly and¡­

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    Kang Chan decided to just be thankful for now that he managed to protect Yoo Hye-Sook. He then made engraved in his mind not to make this kind of mistake again against Yang Jin-Woo.

    ¡°Channy! Let¡¯s have dinner!¡±

    Kang Chan rubbed his eyes twice just in case his eyes were glinting, then went out to the living room.

    ***

    While Kang Chan was having breakfast on Sunday, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook said that they didn¡¯t have any special ns. For some reason, though, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s phone kept ringing, and none of the conversations ended quickly.

    ¡°Mom seems very popr,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°I personally think it¡¯s good to see her that busy,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced at the master bedroom, then asked, ¡°Nothing else is going on, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Kang Chan momentarily hesitated, wondering if he required Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s help with protecting Yoo Hye-Sook. But the moment he saw Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s worried eyes, Kang Chan decided to take care of this without him.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone, which was on top of his deck, started to ring.

    ¡°Seems like it¡¯s your turn this time. Go answer it quickly,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    Kang Chan hurriedly went into his room.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - What are you doing?

    It was Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯m just loafing around.¡±

    - Let¡¯s go out. Why don¡¯t we go to Misari? We always go there at times like these. Let¡¯s have a cup of coffee there, then grab some lunch.

    Kang Chan agreed to the n. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had told him that they didn¡¯t have anywhere to go today anyway.

    ¡°Sure. Should Ie out now?¡±

    - I¡¯m in front of the apartment.

    Kang Chan hung up while smiling slightly, then called Choi Jong-Il.

    - It¡¯s Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go to Misari and have a cup of tea. I called you because I¡¯m worried about my mother. Instead of following me, just protect her.¡±

    - I reported to my superiors yesterday, so more agents have been assigned to your parents since this morning. Twelve of them even have your mother as their sole responsibility. I was actually going to ask you to introduce two of them to your mother.¡±

    ¡°You want me to introduce two agents to her?¡±

    - They¡¯re female agents that are in their mid andte twenties. Please tell her that one of them was dispatched to manage the Foundation from the Prime Minister¡¯s office, and I hope we cane up with a believable excuse that would let the other agent guard your mother from a close distance. As for your father, six agents have joined hispany as salespeople.

    Kang Chan felt like he had received a tremendous gift. The worry taking up a part of his heart seemed to have somewhat shrunk.

    ¡°Thanks. They said they¡¯re just staying at home today, so I¡¯ll think of a good excuse and introduce the agents to her tomorrow.¡±

    - Are you meeting Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    - I see. So that¡¯s why I saw the security guards that are in charge of protecting Mr. Seok Kang-Ho earlier.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we have everyone greet each other and have a cup of coffee?¡±

    - We¡¯re all going to have to write a detailed exnation or get a sry deduction if we do that.

    Kang Chan smiled lightly and hung up the call in a good mood. He changed into jeans and afortable shirt.

    ¡°Father, I¡¯m going to see my teacher for a moment.¡±

    ¡°Did something good happen?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Something really good happened.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t pry further. ¡°Be careful, okay? I¡¯ll tell your mom that you¡¯ve gone out, so feel free to go now. She¡¯s talking to someone on the phone.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    Kang Chan felt much better.

    1. Gwanghwamun is the main andrgest gate of the Gyeongbok Pce in Seoul, South Korea. It¡¯s located at the three-way intersection at the northern end of Sejongno Street. It is thendmark and symbol of Seoul¡¯s long history as the capital city of the Joseon Dynasty

    2. A hanok is a traditional Korean house that was first designed and built in the 14th century during the Joseon dynasty

    3. the hanji paper door is a door in hanoks made out of hanji paper, which is made out of mulberry trees in ancient Korea

    4. Literally defined as ¡®white rice,¡¯ baekban refers to home-cooked meals that consist of a bowl of rice, soup, and side dishes

    5. doengjang-jjigae or soybean paste stew is a traditional Korean stew made primarily with soybean paste among other ingredients

    6. a hangari is a traditional Korean jar with a narrow top and bottom and a bulging middle. It is made out of baked y and is used for preserving pickled foods. A smaller version of the traditional hangari can also be used as an ashtray.

 Chapter 97.2: Letéˆ¥æªš do this until the End (2)

    <h4>Chapter 97.2: Let¡¯s do this until the End (2)</h4>

    Seok Kang-Ho was waiting for Kang Chan at the entrance of the apartment, so it didn¡¯t take long for him to get into the car.

    ¡°Did something good happen?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Not exactly.¡±

    As they left, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho everything that had happened the day before.

    ¡°What? So you¡¯re saying that you left me out for something like that?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    Rather than getting mad about Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s n or Cho Il-Kwon¡¯s petty tricks, this fucker was spouting bullshit about something irrelevant instead.

    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s not the point!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°Then what¡¯s the problem?!¡±

    ¡°Did you even listen to what I told you?¡±

    Dumbfounded, Kang Chan burst out withughter as they arrived at Misari.

    After ordering coffee and lighting up a cigarette, Kang Chan thought he had returned to his everyday life with Seok Kang-Ho again.

    ¡°Do you know we¡¯ve got a break until thising week?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    It didn¡¯t matter to Kang Chan, though, since Lanok had said that he would take him out of school in the second semester.

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee when it was served to him, then his phone rang. He had forgotten about this fucker.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Captain, it¡¯s Smithen.

    ¡°Got news for me?¡±

    - I¡¯ve already met all of them and even slept with one.

    <i>Already?</i>

    Smithen had gotten some progress, but he hadn¡¯t said anything important yet.

    ¡°So, did you get something?¡±

    - This is amazing. I think I¡¯ll be able to sleep with four people in a week. Captain, this task is fantastic. It¡¯s also thrilling.

    Kang Chan red at the innocent river. He didn¡¯t send Smithen to the women just so he could sleep with them.

    ¡°Smithen, I¡¯m asking if you¡¯ve obtained any information.¡±

    - No, captain. It¡¯s an interim report.

    ¡°Alright. Call me if you get information.¡±

    Kang Chan tightly gritted his teeth after he hung up, so Seok Kang-Ho discreetly observed his behavior.

    ¡°What did he say that¡¯s making you angry?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Smithen said that he even slept with one of the women yet hasn¡¯t gotten any information yet.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s an idiot,¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore when Kang Chan held up his coffee.

    It was strange, but this fucker wasn¡¯t close with their crew members in their previous life. He had always acted as if he was bullying everyone by himself, so he only followed Kang Chan that much more.

    ¡°If we don¡¯t have anything else to do, then let¡¯s go visit Manager Kim,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°Let me think about it.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t like Kang Chan hadn¡¯t thought about doing that as well.

    ¡°Half of his members died, and the other half had to be rescued from captivity because he failed to aplish the operation. He probably wants to die right now, so I¡¯m not sure about us suddenly going over to visit him. If I were him, I doubt I would want to meet anyone right now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Seok Kang-Ho nodded while picking up the coffee cup.

    ¡°Right! President Kim Tae-Jin was upset that you never contacted him, not even once. I told him that we should eat together sometime, to which he replied that he¡¯s going to be waiting with bated breath.¡±

    ¡°Should I call him right now, then?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked while grinning. Kang Chan nodded since it didn¡¯t seem like a bad idea.

    ¡°Hello? Mr. President? It¡¯s Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho happily began conversing with Kim Tae-Jin. However, without even doing small talk, he immediately started to exin how to get to Misari.

    ¡°Please take your time.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho put down his phone, then said, ¡°He said that he¡¯sing here.¡±

    Deciding to rest for the day, Kang Chan smirked while looking at the riverside in the distance.

    <i>Yang Jin-Woo. How do I kill that fucker?</i>

    ***

    The official office of Yang Jin-Woo, the chairman of Suh Jeong Group, was located on the twenty-ninth floor of the Suh Jeong Group¡¯spany building in Teheran-ro in Gangnam.

    He used an entire floor that was close to thirty-five thousand square feet as his office. Moreover, even though it was Sunday, everyone in the secretary¡¯s office hade to work. Thirteen employees were on stand-by with grave expressions as well.

    The floor had five meeting rooms, two waiting rooms, three conference rooms, an office with a desk, and a bedroom that had a shower facility. Lastly, there was a lounge where people could practice golf. It also had simple exercise equipment.

    Yang Jin-Woo sat facing Kwak Do-Young, looking ufortable and displeased, in the first meeting room.

    ¡°Does this country even havews? The chief secretary of Suh Jeong-Group got beat up so much in his own office that he got crippled, yet you just want me to sit back and watch? What on earth are you guys thinking?¡± Yang Jin-Woo asked.

    Kwak Do-Young sighed deeply. His head was slightly lowered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how busy Chairperson Huh is, but I understand what he¡¯s thinking now since he has already sent you twice. From this moment onward, I¡¯m going to take care of everything by myself, so please tell him that.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Chairman, I don''t think you need to take this that far.¡±

    Displeased, Yang Jin-Woo smiled. ¡°For as long as it¡¯s for Chairperson Huh, I¡¯ll act as I please. If people threaten me for such a shallow reason, then I¡¯m confident that I won¡¯t die even if I were alone. I¡¯ll deal with this myself from now on, so please tell him that I don¡¯t want him to contact me for the time being.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo turned his head toward the window, then suddenly red at Kwak Do-Young. ¡°My god! This isn¡¯t even a presidential election, yet they still took ten billion won from me to bring in dozens of people into the country. Ten billion won! Even so, you still want me to hold in my anger? They even hurt Chief Secretary Cho, who had been working with me all this while, after taking the money! If I said I would pay ten billion won for Kang Chan¡¯s head, there would be a ton of people who would bring it to me on a tray tonight!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Chairman, we have made all the preparations needed to deal with Kang Chan. Our ns were ruined only because Moon Jae-Hyun interfered in the middle of it all.¡±

    ¡°Moon Jae-Hyun?! Until when are you going to use that guy as an excuse?! He doesn¡¯t even have a good background! Considering how bad the current situation is, can you all still reim the regime even without the rail being connected to us?! There are evenbor unions being formed in the building that I¡¯m in, not to mention factories! Is that all you can do? me Moon Jae-Hyun even though you guys have taken more than twenty billion won from me within the past few months while dogs are sitting and facing each other at a dining table and are asking for the utensils?!¡± Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s veins bulged with anger, showing his determination. It also evidenced that he had concluded that he should no longer expect anything from Suh Sang-Soo.

    ¡°Everything would turn out fine if we can just get the position of Director of the National Intelligence Service,¡± Kwak Do-Young exined.

    ¡°When will that happen? After I¡¯ve been rendered severely disabled like Chief Secretary Cho and am already lying in a hospital? I¡¯ve already taken measures.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Chairman¡­¡±

    ¡°How dare you re at me!¡±

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t my intention. I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Chairman.¡± Kwak Do-Young immediately lowered his head. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t say this, but I have something to tell you so you wouldn¡¯t misunderstand us further.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo, who had turned his head toward the window, shifted his eyes toward Kwak Do-Young.

    ¡°The chairperson and the assemblyman are in China right now,¡± Kwak Do-Young continued.

    ¡°Hmph! They want Chinese food for lunch, huh?¡±

    ¡°Moon Jae-Hyun had sent over a specialized team to Mongolia.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s head slightly turned toward Kwak Do-Young.

    ¡°We¡¯re having a hard time digging out the details, but we know China¡¯s senior official and the chairperson have failed to aplish the matter they had been preparing with the utmost secrecy because of Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s actions.¡±

    ¡°So in short, you¡¯re saying that they lost my money!¡± Yang Jin-Woo yelled.

    ¡°China currently has thirteen bodies affiliated with the Korean specialized team. This is expected to receive widespread media coverage on the inte and the news sooner orter. Their identities will be kept hidden, but wouldn¡¯t at least one person know who they are if their faces are disclosed? What do you think would happen if people find out that Moon Jae-Hyun is the one who sent them to Mongolia?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going to do that to Moon Jae-Hyun?¡±

    ¡°Moon Jae-Hyun is hard to deal with. However, this would force the Director of the National Intelligence Service to step down. China will also state that they won¡¯t pursue the matters any longer or cause more trouble. The chairperson and the assemblyman are still currently busy in China,¡± Kwak Do-Young added.

    Before Yang Jin-Woo knew it, he was already looking straight at Kwak Do-Young.

    ¡°Anyway! I¡¯ll keep an eye out. I¡¯ve already done something on our end, so please keep that in mind!¡± Yang Jin-Woo said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be looking forward to your wise judgment.¡± Kwak Do-Young bowed his head.

    Yang Jin-Woo opened the drawer of the end table, then pushed an envelope toward Kwak Do-Young. ¡°Here! I¡¯m giving you this to show my gratitude for how good you¡¯ve been to me, even if we don¡¯t get to see each other in the future anymore.¡±

    ¡°Please think about the chairperson¡¯s passion, Mr. Chairman. I¡¯ll contact you when we get good news.¡±

    ¡°You should take it. If you refuse, then I really will stop meeting up with you anymore, assistant Kwon.¡±

    Kwak Do-Young sighed quietly as he put the envelope in his inner chest pocket. ¡°I¡¯ll leave now.¡±

    He then went out of the meeting room after saying goodbye in a disciplined manner.

    ¡°Hmmm.¡± Yang Jin-Woo sighed, then held up the phone on the end table and called someone.

    ¡°What happened? The Serpent Venimeux? Yeah! We should use a renowned organization like theirs! We shouldn¡¯t be like Chief Secretary Cho, who just tried to steal money! That¡¯s right! We should send Asians instead of Westerners. Be quick, but be careful!¡±

    After ending the call with a satisfied expression, Yang Jin-Woo pressed the inte on top of the end table.

    - Yes, Mr. Chairman.

    ¡°Come inside for a moment.¡±

    - Understood, Mr. Chairman.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The door opened, and a neatly dressed female employee walked toward Yang Jin-Woo. She looked quite young.

    When Yang Jin-Woo walked to the window, the female employee¡¯s expression hardened.

    ¡°What are you doing? Why aren¡¯t youing here?¡± Yang Jin-Woo asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Chairman.¡±

    The female employee walked to the window with her head lowered, and Yang Jin-Woo roughly pulled her toward him.

    <i>Bang.</i>

    She bumped against the window as Yang Jin-Woo pulled her skirt upward from her back. He then pulled down her underwear even quicker.

    ¡°Bend over already!¡± Yang Jin-Woo yelled.

    Yang Jin-Woo was too busy pulling the female employee¡¯s waist toward him with one hand and unbuckling his belt with the other. Hence, he didn¡¯t see the female employee close her eyes in shame.

    1. Teheran-ro is a street in the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea. Due to the high number of inte-rtedpanies operating there, Teheran-ro is bing one of the busiest streets in South Korea.

    2. An average house is two thousand five hundred square feet

 Chapter 98.1: Strangely, he gets pushed aside (1)

    <h4>Chapter 98.1: Strangely, he gets pushed aside (1)</h4>

    After having lunch with Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan immediately went home.

    He already had dinner and was watching TV when he got a text message from Kim Mi-Young.

    [Are you home?]

    <i>Ah, shoot!</i> Kang Chan had told her that he wasing home in about three days.

    He called her soon after, then met with her at the apartment¡¯s bench. She seemed pale, enough for Kang Chan to be worried.

    ¡°Why do you look so pale?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have to study. I¡¯m going to study abroad in France no matter what.¡±

    Kang Chan stared at Kim Mi-Young. She had been quietly putting her heart into her sses so she could study abroad with him.

    ¡°Mi-Young, should we just go to a university in Seoul? If you¡¯re fine with it, let¡¯s prepare for that instead.¡±

    ¡°A university in Seoul?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I actually got epted to a university in Seoul as well. I got a special admission or something, so I¡¯ll probably get notified in the second semester,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes, so take it easy. You told me you¡¯re going to finish one semester in a Seoul university anyway while preparing to study abroad in France. You should study French after we¡¯ve seen how everything turns out.¡±

    She appeared to be disappointed at first, but she soon looked thankful for his consideration.

    She suddenly grew up. It felt as if the tough times had brought out the maturity in Kim Mi-Young¡¯s face.

    Kang Chan hugged Kim Mi-Young, who wasing toward him.

    He smiled quietly. Unlike how she had gone into his arms awkwardly and was stiff at first, she was now hugging him back so tightly it seemed as if she was embracing him with all her strength.

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young sighed.

    ¡°What are you going to do if someone sees us?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    They were in front of the apartment building. The olderdies in their neighborhood were so good and fast at gossiping it was as if they could spread new rumors via telepathy.

    Kim Mi-Young raised her head to see Kang Chan, the look in her eyes passing on her desperate wish.

    <i>Smooch.</i>

    Kang Chan kissed Kim Mi-Young¡¯s forehead.

    Kim Mi-Young smiled brightly as her snow-white face blushed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go on a trip again once I get epted to a Seoul university,¡± Kim Mi-Young suggested.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he could hear Kim Mi-Young¡¯s heartbeat. A strange excitement engulfed him as her body temperature and breathing were passed onto him.

    A momentter, Kim Mi-Young, who had been snuggling her head on Kang Chan¡¯s chest, took a step back while looking disappointed.

    ¡°Go home and cheer up. Okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay! Don¡¯t forget that we decided to go on a trip,¡± Kim Mi-Young replied.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Bye!¡±

    Sunday passed with Kang Chan leaving behind strange excitement and disappointment.

    ***

    On Monday, two female employees joined Kang-Yoo Foundation as requested by the Prime Minister¡¯s office. ording to the request, one of them was going to manage the Foundation, while the other was going to work for just three months as a form ofmissioned education.

    Six of the salespeople at Kang Yoo Motors were agents.

    One of them was tasked to guard the office with their life, while those that worked outside stood by within the area. Another agentmuted to and from work with Kang Dae-Kyung with the excuse that they lived nearby, so Kang Chan worried less, to some degree.

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed surprised that there was more work in the Kang-Yoo Foundation than she expected, but she still looked happy. Although she felt sorry for not being able to take care of Kang Chan properly, she at least seemed satisfied with having something to do.

    After positioning the agents, Kang Chan spent the day searching for information about Yang Jin-Woo.

    He then had dinner, then sat on the sofa.

    ¡°Is work really that difficult?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook. He held onto her shoulders and carefully massaged them.

    ¡°Ah! Ah!¡±

    She twisted her shoulders whenever Kang Chan put strength in his hands, but she seemed to like it.

    ¡°What should we do? I can¡¯t take care of you while I¡¯m working,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re doing work that helps those who are in more difficult situations than us, so don¡¯t worry. However, don¡¯t strain yourself, okay?¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, then turned her arms and stroked Kang Chan¡¯s hand. ¡°Fortunately, the new employees are doing great.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you. Thank you, Channy.¡±

    Kang Chan thought that there could be a cool response in situations like this, but he just ended up smiling.

    Kang Dae-Kyung soon returned home. Kang Chan went into his room after they talked for about an hour.

    When he sat at his desk, his phone shed a blue light. He didn¡¯t notice he received a call, perhaps because the vibration was overwhelmed by the sound of the TV.

    It was Lanok.

    Kang Chan quickly pressed the talk button.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. I apologize for not being able to answer your call right away.¡±

    - It¡¯s alright. It happens. Can we meet tomorrow for a moment if it¡¯s okay with you?

    Lanok probably didn¡¯t want to meet just to see him.

    ¡°Understood. Where should I go?¡±

    - The Namsan Hotel would be good.

    <i>Is this gentleman thinking of?devoting his life?to the Namsan Hotel?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t say anything about the location, though.

    - Would 11 am be okay? Let¡¯s have lunch together.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    Lanok had to have something he wanted to say, but it was difficult to figure out what he was thinking since he was such a sly person.

    Then again, why should Kang Chan annoyingly guess, when he was going to find out tomorrow at lunch anyway?

    ***

    Tuesday morning.

    Kang Chan sent off Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, who were going to work together. This was to be expected, as the Kang-Yoo Foundation was right next to Kang-Yoo Motors.

    ¡°Channy, what will you have for lunch?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be eating with the Ambassador of France this afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Enjoy lunch.¡±

    Kang Chan joyously stroked her back, finding it great to see her happy.

    ¡°Drive safely,¡± Kang Chan said.

    His parents went to work.

    Kang Chan found it dumbfounding for a high schooler to have a lunch appointment with the Ambassador of France and for his parents to be surrounded by around twenty National Intelligence Service agents at work.

    The people concerned werepletely unaware of all of those happening, too.

    Kang Chan decided to have a cup of coffee and then change clothes since Joo Chul-Bum would likely somehow find out that he came to the hotel and meet him.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Just as Kang Chan took off his clothes, his phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy, we got to export our drama!

    Michelle sounded excited.

    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. Where is it being exported to?¡±

    - All over Europe. This is the first time a South Korean drama is being sold to all of Europe! If it does well, we might just earn back our investments before the drama is even finished. Articles are going to be published soon! Eun So-Yeon could be a world-famous star. No¡ªI¡¯m going to make that happen no matter what, Channy!

    It was a relief she wasn¡¯t near him right now. Whenever she got this excited, she would get turned on and throw herself at him.

    - Aren¡¯t you happy?

    ¡°Why won¡¯t I be? You¡¯ve done and gone through so much, Michelle.¡±

    - While I have you on a call, drop by sometime to cheer our employees on. Everyone is down because you couldn¡¯te to thestpany dinner.

    ¡°Is everyone at the broadcasting station today?¡±

    - We¡¯ll have everything done by 4 pm since we don¡¯t have an outdoor shoot today. The trainees are staying at thepany. They keep practicing even though we¡¯ve told them to go back to their dorm. Since So-Yeon is persistently practicing the script as well, everyone is going to be at the office.

    Kang Chan remembered the trainees and how they jumped up and down with happiness.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you and let you know if I cane over after my lunch appointment.¡±

    - I didn¡¯t expect to ever get this far when I started working at this job. Thank you, Channy. Thank you so much.

    ¡°Why are you thanking me when you did all the work? I¡¯ll call youter after I see how things go.¡±

    After he hung up the phone, Kang Chan changed into a shirt and a suit.

    He was going to get through today safely and without getting into any fights!

    Kang Chan was wearing a luxury suit, but it was already difficult to count how many times he had washed it. He hoped to return home with it still wearable at least for today.

    ***

    Kang Chan arrived at the hotel at around 10:20 am.

    He couldn¡¯t help butugh for having actually gotten used to it now.

    Kang Chan ordered coffee after sitting down in the lobby, but Joo Chul-Bum got to him faster than they could even serve it.

    <i>How can this fucker do this?</i>

    ¡°Wee, hyung-nim.¡±

    ¡°Hey! Greet me normally. Don¡¯t refer to me as hyung-nim.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know about anyone else, but I at least want to serve you as my hyung-nim until the end.¡±

    <i>He¡¯s full of shit.</i>

    ¡°Reserve a suite for me,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim. If you¡¯re going to smoke, then I¡¯ll apany you to my room¡ªI can tell the employees to bring the coffee there.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s troublesome.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back after I¡¯ve taken care of your order.¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum went to the front desk, and an employee brought over coffee.

    <i>Drrrr.</i>

    The coffee cup noisily shook because the hands of the female employee, whom he hadn¡¯t seen before, were trembling profusely.

    <i>tter.</i>

    The cup almost fell.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡±

    The female employee had leaned downward to ce the cup on the table, allowing Kang Chan to read the name tag on her chest.

    ¡®Probationary employee Lee Ji-Yeon.¡¯

    Looking startled, the female manager ran toward Kang Chan. ¡°I apologize, Mr. Kang Chan. There was an event yesterday, so we only have two probationary employees this morning. It seems she made a mistake while I was looking elsewhere. I¡¯ll prepare a new coffee.¡±

    The female manager gestured with her eyes to Lee Ji-Yeon. Her reaction was excessive, considering that the employee had only spilled some coffee on the saucer.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay¡ªplease just leave it. I won¡¯t be able toe here anymore if you keep acting like that since it makes me ufortable.¡±

    While Kang Chan was refusing the female manager¡¯s offer with a faint smile, Joo Chul-Bum approached them. ¡°Is something wrong, hyung-nim?¡±

    ¡°I spilled some of the coffee while epting the cup. Sit down. Do you want coffee?¡±

    ¡°Do you have time?¡±

    ¡°I came here a little earlier to have a cup of tea or coffee with you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, hyung-nim,¡± Joo Chul-Bum bowed while looking touched. He then sat down.

    ¡°Please give us some coffee,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The female manager went back with Lee Ji-Yeon with a thankful expression.

    ¡°I prepared room 1701 for you, hyung-nim.¡± Joo Chul-Bum politely handed over the card key.

    That room was where Kang Chan had cut open Shan¡¯s side, but it didn¡¯t really matter.

    ¡°How is Gwang-Taek nowadays?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s sharp, hyung-nim. So much so that even nearby gangster organizations are keeping an eye on him.¡±

    As Joo Chul-Bum lowered his head with a dismal expression, the female manager brought over the coffee herself.

    ¡°And how¡¯s Do-Seok?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°He still hasn¡¯t regained consciousness, hyung-nim.¡±

    There was nothing that he could say about this.

 Chapter 98.2: Strangely, he gets pushed aside (2)

    <h4>Chapter 98.2: Strangely, he gets pushed aside (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan was drinking coffee when his phone rang. Cecile was calling him.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy! Fifty billion won has been remitted to your bank ount!

    ¡°Really? So that has been deposited, huh.¡±

    - Who on Earth are you really? The branch manager is kicking up a fuss while telling me to let him meet you right now!

    ¡°I¡¯m busy, so let¡¯s talkter.¡±

    - Sorry! Please call me.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    It seemed the money that Lanok had told Kang Chan about had been deposited.

    Perhaps it was because he couldn¡¯t see it in front of him, but it didn¡¯t feel real at all.

    ¡°Did you get displeasing news?¡± Joo Chul-Bum asked.

    <i>Did I look displeased?</i>

    Kang Chan gave a vague response and resumed drinking coffee until his phone rang again.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, it¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯m arriving in five minutes.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan told Joo Chul-Bum that he would see himter, then went to the entrance.

    A momentter, a ck car and a van parked in front of him. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    They gave each other a French greeting, then immediately headed to the guest room.

    After preparing tea, a cigar, and an ashtray, the secretary and the agents headed into the inner part of the living room.

    ¡°I have one bad news and one good news,¡± Lanok started.

    Why did Westerners like using that kind of expression? It wasn¡¯t funny at all.

    While biting on a cigar, which he hadn¡¯t lit up yet, he continued. ¡°The bad news is that China has the bodies of the Korean specialized team members who died in the recent operation. It seems they¡¯re preparing photos to let people confidently recognize them. We have concluded that they¡¯ll go through several procedures to file an officialint to the Korean government, then they¡¯ll report this on the news and make major headlines soon.¡±

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know about the countries¡¯ international interests, but the situation made the agents who were saved from captivity, the dead agents, and the National Intelligence Service, which was in charge of the operation, unable to avoid being internationally shamed.

    Right now, Kang Chan was worried about Kim Hyung-Jung the most.

    ¡°What¡¯s the good news?¡± Kang Chan asked after taking out a cigarette and lighting it.

    ¡°I got contacted by Europe¡¯s friends yesterday.¡±

    Since they were so sly and wily, Kang Chan couldn''t even guess what they had talked about. As he was thinking that, he remembered what he hadpletely forgotten about.

    ¡°Ah! Mr. Ambassador, I heard you deposited the money today, yet I haven¡¯t thanked you for that. Thank you, and please tell your friends as well that I¡¯m thankful for the money.¡±

    ¡°You look like you¡¯re not very happy about it?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°It just doesn¡¯t feel real to me yet.¡±

    Looking as if he found Kang Chan funny, Lanok continued, ¡°We¡¯re expecting to announce the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project next week. Two days after that, articles that will list the countries that they¡¯re estimating to be a part of the project will be published in the newspapers, making that information circte.¡±

    <i>Is the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project really happening?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Lanok while feeling stunned.

    ¡°Please meet up with the Prime Minister as soon as possible and tell him my intentions. Can you request cooperation for something as well?¡±

    ¡°A request for cooperation?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk chk!</i>

    Like the sly fox that he was, Lanok held up the lighter and finally lit up his cigar only after making Kang Chan curious.

    ¡°China intends to put me and the South Korean government in trouble, so we¡¯re determined to announce the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project in South Korea. The people in charge of it, which are in Europe and Russia, are thinking ofing to South Korea because of that. If they proceed with it, then China will also have topletely abandon the news reports they n on broadcasting. Can you request South Korea¡¯s cooperation for that, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    Kang Chan smiled brightly at Lanok. ¡°You¡¯re trying to make it so I¡¯d make an enormous contribution to our government. Do you, by any chance, want something else than that?¡±

    ¡°Hahahaha.¡±

    That was Kang Chan¡¯s second time seeing Lanokugh like this.

    ¡°Even the heads of the National Intelligence Service of each country are alling here, so we¡¯re thinking of requesting cooperation with South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service as well. We want to put you in charge of that,¡± Lanok said. He puffed on the cigar, then continued. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, once the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project is announced in South Korea, about fifty trillion foreign capital will hope toe into this country by the end of the year. Almost everypany will try to build a branch office, an assembly nt, or a logistics center here. The property value that South Korea has right now will increase by a minimum of over three times its current value.¡±

    That didn¡¯t sound that good.

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Lanok looked curious about what he was thinking.

    ¡°If that happens, then won¡¯t only the rich people that already have real estate properties be even more well-off? It¡¯ll put the people that are trying to buy homes in even more difficult situations.¡±

    Lanok softly exhaled as he nodded. ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true. Thepanies that wille into the country from abroad will need to employ Korean employees, and they will obviously focus on housing, wages, and welfare to preupy talented people. Hence, the pre-existing Koreanpanies will also have no choice but to follow them if they don¡¯t want to lose talented people. Moreover¡­¡±

    Lanok smiled strangely as he was watching Kang Chan¡¯s expression rxing. ¡°The smallpanies that were underrgepanies will obtain the opportunity to work with the bestpanies in the world. It will open a world where the organizations and the chaebols in South Korea will find it difficult to survive by using the same pre-existing way that they¡¯re currently used to. As a result, even the employees that work at smallpanies will be able to enjoy a more abundant, rxing life than now, with just their wages.¡±

    <i>That was what Cho Il-Kwon had said!</i>

    Kang Chan vaguely guessed what Cho Il-Kwon had told him.

    ¡°Lastly, the country will get an enormous amount of tax revenue. The welfare for the poorest people or the elderly will increase to a level that¡¯spletely different than now¡ªit will reach a level that people can''t even imagine,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing.¡±

    ¡°This year is just the start. From now on, an economic effect will ur that¡¯s several times greater than before. This is the reason why China and Japan are willing to go as far as assassinating people. After all, Japan will bepletely ignored in this market and will copse contrary to South Korea, which will rise.¡±

    Thanks to Lanok¡¯s exnation, Kang Chan roughly understood why people had been clinging onto the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project so persistently.

    ¡°Will you request cooperation?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice but to do that anyway. They¡¯re going to be really happy.¡±

    ¡°Even though I¡¯m not sure of it¡­¡± Lanok had a sip of the tea that he had been holding, then continued. ¡°They probably won¡¯t be able to sleep for a few days.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled brightly, and Lanok burst outughing.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know about anything else, but he was at least relieved that Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s efforts weren¡¯t fruitless.

    They ordered lunch in the hotel room and ate together while talking mostly about Anne¡¯s recent activities. Lanok had a very bright expression as he told Kang Chan the news, perhaps because she was doing better than he had thought.

    They then had dessert as Lanok asked, as if in passing, ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, is there something that demands your money right now?¡±

    Kang Chan only nced at him.

    ¡°Please invest twenty billion won in stocks, and about thirty billion won in futures by tomorrow. Selling both of them a weekter is the wisest.¡±

    ¡°I know stocks, but what are futures?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lanok smiled in a rxed manner. ¡°If you tell the brokerage firm that you¡¯re trading with about it, they¡¯ll know what that means. But please don¡¯t tell other people about this, no matter what.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just not do that¡ªI don¡¯t even know what that is, and I¡¯m not greedy about money. I don¡¯t want to earn easy money by taking advantage of the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ announcement.¡±

    <i>I knew this would happen.</i>

    Lanok¡¯s expression showed that was what he was thinking. ¡°I told you to sell them a weekter because that¡¯s when the people that want to buy stocks and futures will be desperately cing orders. Of course, they are also going to earn at least several times more than their original amount. Hence, with a week¡¯s worth of investments, you would be able to help even more people in difficult situations. There¡¯s still a lot of kids that are starving to death in Africa.¡±

    Lanok sounded strangely convincing.

    ¡°I know I¡¯ve already told you this, but you should never tell anyone outside your circles about this. If you find it hard to buy stocks, then please tell me your stock ount number and password. I¡¯ll have my assistant take care of it,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°That¡¯ll be great.¡±

    ¡°Excellent decision, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Lanok put down his dessert fork. He then smiled as if he was satisfied while wiping his mouth with a napkin.

    1. futures are derivative contracts to buy or sell an asset at a future date at an agreed price. It allows investors to secure a specific price and protect against future price swings. They can expose themself to a much greater value of stocks than they could when buying the original stocks

 Chapter 99.1: Strangely, he gets pushed back (2)

    <h4>Chapter 99.1: Strangely, he gets pushed back (2)</h4>

    After Kang Chan parted ways with Lanok, he called Cecile first because Lanok had asked him to do so twice.

    - Hello? Channy?

    ¡°Can you talk right now?¡±

    - Of course. I¡¯m sorry for calling you a little while ago when you were busy. I probably just got flustered because I have never dealt with that amount of money except with a few VIP customers in our firm.

    ¡°Forget about that. I¡¯m going to ce an order for stocks with twenty billion won, and the thirty billion won will be for¡­ futures? I¡¯m going to ce orders for that. All of that is possible, right?¡±

    - Oh! You¡¯re going to invest in derivatives? To trade futures, your signature is mandatory. You have to prove that you were notified of its risks as well. Where are you right now? I¡¯ll prepare it right away ande over.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you in an hour or two, then. I might meet Michelle at dinner, so we can just meet over there if you¡¯re okay with that.¡±

    - Okay, Channy! I¡¯m going to empty out all of my future appointments, so call me anytime.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Just as Kang Chan finished the call, Joo Chul-Bum approached him. ¡°Are you going? How are you going to get home, hyung-nim?¡±

    ¡°I have someone to call and someone to meet, so I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±

    ¡°Alright, hyung-nim. Please take care of yourself.¡±

    If anyone who didn¡¯t know them saw this situation, they would certainly think of Kang Chan as a gangster.

    Kang Chan first went into the lobby and ordered something because he had to, then looked for the number that was supposed to be waiting around the clock for his call. He then pressed the call button.

    The ringtone only rang once before it got picked up.

    - How may I help you?

    Had someone really been assigned to just wait for Kang Chan¡¯s call for twenty-four hours every day?

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Yes, I know. Tell me what you need, and I¡¯ll take action right away.

    The person was polite, but they couldn¡¯t get rid of the somewhat business-like feeling in the phone call.

    ¡°I wish to see the Prime Minister as soon as possible. Can you contact him?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk because he felt the female employee hesitate.

    - Is it for an urgent matter?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    - I¡¯ll contact him right away and get back to you.

    Kang Chan hung up. He then put down his phone whileughing in a silly way.

    How boring and hard could it have been for the employee waiting for Kang Chan¡¯s call? If Kim Hyung-Jung was avable, Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t even have dialed that number.

    The drink that he had ordered had been served when his phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Go Gun-Woo. I heard you have to meet me for something?

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Prime Minister. I wish to tell you something in person.¡±

    - Is it for something urgent?

    ¡°It¡¯s something rted to the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project.¡±

    - Alright. Where are you right now?

    Go Gun-Woo suddenly started to speak quickly.

    ¡°I¡¯m at the Namsan Hotel. I can go to you, so please just tell me where to go.¡±

    - You don¡¯t have to do that. Hmm¡­

    Go Gun-Woo stalled for a moment, perhaps because he was checking the time, then continued.

    - I¡¯ll send a car to the hotel in twenty minutes. See you soon.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Prime Minister.¡±

    Kang Chan stared at the drink while cing his phone on top of the table. He didn¡¯t want to drink it since it hadn¡¯t been long since he had lunch.

    <i>Should I have just asked for a cup of water instead?</i>

    Kang Chan leaned back against the chair, then saw Lee Ji-Yeon. Considering she was a probationary employee, she was likely at least a high school graduate. She looked young enough to be in middle school, though.

    She was obviously nervous, too, and looked flustered. She was stiff, and her movements didn¡¯t seem natural.

    Since it wasn¡¯t graduation season, Kang Chan wondered if she had just been staying at home when she got the job.

    Kang Chan turned his gaze to the window.

    He couldn¡¯t say that the kids that only studied were happier than Lee Ji-Yeon, but Kang Chan thought that she might want a life where she could study.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    While lost in thought and looking outside the window, his phone rang again.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - I¡¯m contacting you from the Prime Minister¡¯s office. If youe out to the entrance of the Namsan Hotel, you¡¯ll find a car ready for you.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll head out now.¡±

    They were also quick¡ªit hadn¡¯t even been twenty minutes yet since their phone call.

    He paid for his drink and went out to the entrance, finding a man standing next to a ck car. The man opened the back door.

    <i>Click.</i>

    When Kang Chan got in the car, the man closed the door for him and quickly got in the passenger seat.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to the ce that the Prime Minister told you about,¡± the man told Kang Chan as the car drove off.

    Kang Chan roughly guessed where they were heading. It was the art gallery where he met Go Gun-Woo.

    The man in the passenger seat immediately got out and apanied Kang Chan inside the building.

    Neatly dressed agents and employees were all already waiting with their IDs on their clothes, but no one was on the sofa.

    ¡°He¡¯s arriving in five minutes. Please wait for a moment,¡± someone told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan sat on the sofa. Five minutes was nothing.

    While he was slowly looking at the paintings hung up on the walls, Kang Chan wondered what went on in this art gallery.

    He had looked at about four paintings when he heard footsteps getting faster. The secretary and an agent had gone inside.

    Kang Chan stood up from his spot when he saw Go Gun-Wooing into the entrance.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯m sorry for beingte,¡± Go Gun-Woo apologized.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a problem. I requested to see you urgently, after all.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a seat. Get us some tea.¡±

    Kang Chan really wanted to refuse the tea.

    Go Gun-Woo sat down, then exhaled. ¡°You have gone through so much this time. I should¡¯ve met you earlier and thanked you, but a lot of things were going on.¡±

    Kang Chan certainly did go through a lot of things, though he did receive a lot of help while he was taking care of Yoon Bong-Sup and Cho Il-Kwon.

    The secretary ced the tea on the table.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk after having tea,¡± Go Gun-Woo continued.

    Kang Chan only ced his lips on the teacup and immediately put it down because he was full.

    ¡°Mr. Prime Minister, I¡¯m sorry to ask this of you, but could you send out all of the entourages?¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked around their surroundings, surprised. ¡°Is what you¡¯re going to say that important?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t like Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand Go Gun-Woo¡¯s response, but there weren¡¯t just one or two people around them. Kang Chan thought he shouldn¡¯t tell him about the news in front of fifteen people or so.

    ¡°Yes. I apologize, but I think that¡¯s the right thing to do,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Go Gun-Woo cocked his head for a moment, then answered while looking as if he had made up his mind. ¡°How long will it take?¡±

    ¡°Ten minutes? That should be enough.¡±

    Right after Kang Chan answered¡­

    ¡°Alright. Everyone, please excuse us for a moment.¡±

    The employees and the agents standing along the wall of the art gallery all went outside with a look from Go Gun-Woo.

    Only then did Kang Chan start telling him the news. ¡°I had lunch with Ambassador Lanok today. The first thing he told me was that China has the bodies of the Korean specialized team members and that they are going to pressure him and the Korean government by sending photos of the bodies to the press.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo held up the teacup while pursing his lips, seemingly to hide the fact that he was angry rather than just being thirsty.

    ¡°Lanok then told me they¡¯re going to announce the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project next week,¡± Kang Chan added.

    Go Gun-Woo, who was holding the teacup, froze like a wax figure.

    ¡°He told me to pass on his intention to announce it in South Korea. The people in charge of Europe and Russia¡¯s Intelligence Bureaus areing here for it, and he also said that they want to take this opportunity to establish ties with our National Intelligence Service.¡±

    <i>Click.</i>

    Go Gun-Woo put down the cup as roughly as Lee Ji-Yeon, causing the tea to stter on the table.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I couldn¡¯t anything properly after you said the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project is being announced next week, so please correct me if I¡¯m wrong. Did you just say it will be done in South Korea, the heads of the other countries¡¯ Intelligence Bureaus are all attending that announcement, and they¡¯re going to exchange information with our National Intelligence Service?¡±

    Even though he seemed excited, Go Gun-Woo still clearly understood what Kang Chan had told him. Kang Chan thought Prime Ministers were indeed different from other people.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct. I heard that the people responsible for the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ and the heads of the other countries¡¯ Intelligence Bureaus are alling.¡±

    ¡°Phuhuhu.¡± Go Gun-Woo wasughing like Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°This is¡­ How should I put it? Phuhuhu.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo organized what Kang Chan had said so neatly only to utterplete nonsense and continue to burst out with strangeughter as if he was crazy.

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling very emotional, but it also doesn¡¯t feel real," said Go Gun-Woo. He smiled awkwardly at Kang Chan. ¡°I¡¯ll call you by tomorrow. Of course, this is an issue that our government should fully cooperate with Lanok, but we also have to decide on the staff that¡¯ll be working at the announcement, so we need around a day.¡±

    ¡°Please do what you have to do¡±

    ¡°Haa.¡±

    Since Go Gun-Woo had stood up while exhaling, Kang Chan also stood up with him.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Go Gun-Woo held out his hand as if they were going to shake hands, but he tightly held onto Kang Chan¡¯s right hand with both of his hands instead. ¡°Thank you. Your name might be excluded from the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project right now, but the President and I are never going to forget about you. Once the announcement has been made, we¡¯ll let the world know of your contributions.¡±

    ¡°No thank you, Mr. Prime Minister! Please don¡¯t do that,¡± Kang Chan stopped Go Gun-Woo while shaking his head.

    Kang Chan would feel annoyed and inconvenienced by that. He thought he would be able to rx more after the announcement, but what Go Gun-Woo was saying would instead only further restrain him.

    Go Gun-Woo let out a heartyugh upon seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, then quietly exhaled again. ¡°Let¡¯s discuss thister. Where are you going now? I¡¯m on my way out anyway, so I can drop you off.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Prime Minister, I¡¯m fine with taxis.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, I guess that¡¯s alright. If that¡¯s the case, then let me drop you off by the hotel instead.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan left the art gallery with Go Gun-Woo, then went out of the car near the main gate of the hotel. He managed to immediately get a taxi since they were lined up in front of the hotel and were waiting for customers.

    On his way to D.I., he called Michelle and Cecile.

    He was really busy today.

    The ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project? Trading stocks and futures with fifty billion won?

    He didn¡¯t want this life, but he was thinking of trying his best anyway.

    He did feel burdened as well by the constantly increasing amount of money that he kept getting. It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say it was as if he was being dragged into a pit that was hard to escape from.

    <i>Tsk! I¡¯ll just keep earning and see how things go for now. To help those in difficult situations, the more money the better.</i>

    Kang Chan smirked while looking outside the window.

    The world looked quite unfair.

    1. In finance, derivatives are contracts between two or more parties based upon the asset or assets. The underlying assets can be stocks, bonds,modities, and currencies

 Chapter 99.2: Strangely, he gets pushed back (2)

    <h4>Chapter 99.2: Strangely, he gets pushed back (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan arrived at D.I., then headed into the office that was on the second floor.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    The wardrobe stylists and makeup artists were the first to greet him. They had been sitting at the desk with tired expressions. Department Head Kim Jae-Tae and their ountant Choi Yoo-Jin then stood up and greeted him, and Michelle and Lim Soo-Sung urgently came out of their respective rooms.

    ¡°Wee back,¡± Lim Soo-Sung said.

    ¡°Wee back, boss!¡± Michelle greeted Kang Chan.

    At a nce, the employees had bright expressions, but they couldn¡¯t hide the fact that they were tired, which was to be expected.

    ¡°You all seem to be having a very hard time¡ªdon¡¯t we need more employees?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Not at all!¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t need more employees, Mr. President.¡±

    The wardrobe stylists and the road managers said no and even waved their hands.

    ¡°Mr. President, we can recruit more employees after we¡¯re done producing the drama and checking the viewers¡¯ reactions. This drama will serve as work experience for not only myself but all of the employees. We¡¯re even getting calls from people that want to work for us for free, so you don¡¯t need to worry about us.¡±

    The employees even nodded to Lim Soo-Sung¡¯s response. What more could be said when the employees themselves were the ones saying they didn¡¯t need more people?

    Kang Chan went to the President¡¯s room with Michelle.

    ¡°Mr. President, would you like anything to drink?¡± Choi Yoo-Jin asked, and Kang Chan replied with coffee.

    When Kang Chan looked behind him while sitting on the sofa, he noticed documents neatly ced on top of the desk.

    ¡°Those are documents that the President should review and see for himself,¡± Michelle exined.

    ¡°I told you to take care of those yourself.¡±

    ¡°I know, Channy, but I prepare to report the documents to the President anyway because that makes the employees more nervous and keep their guards up. If I tell them I¡¯m currently the acting President, then everyone will be disappointed.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled softly as Choi Yoo-Jin brought over the coffee.

    ¡°We got the official contract from Europe by email. Once thew firm is done examining it, you will have toe here in person for the contract signing. Since the atmosphere has changed, even the rtionships between the actors have improved so much that the veteran actors who have supporting roles in the drama are teaching the trainees on the side,¡± Michelle continued. She looked excited. ¡°I feel as if everything I hoped for when I said I¡¯ll try working in this job has been achieved. That¡¯s why the employees and I don¡¯t realize that we¡¯re having a hard time.¡±

    Kang Chan put down the cup after he drank the coffee. ¡°Don¡¯t assume that you can endure everything forever just because you can handle it right now, Michelle. The leader has to see two steps ahead. That way, you can quickly decide if we should provide more support or if we need to stop here. What you have to do right now is to decide when we should work on the next drama, and to hire more people who are well-suited for the tasks at hand. Cooperate with the employees in this drama, then make it so that the employees who have just been hired can properly get used to working here for the next drama.¡±

    Michelle looked at Kang Chan with admiration in her eyes.

    <i>You should go to war and fight for your life. You naturally learn things like this.</i>

    Someone knocked and opened the door.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    It was Cecile.

    Michelle weed her in. Cecile asked for tea, then sat down on a chair.

    ¡°I forcibly stopped the branch manager when he tried toe with me, so I might get fired if you move your ount to another brokerage firm,¡± Cecile told Kang Chan.

    Michelle turned her head while looking confused at what Cecile was saying when someone brought tea into the room.

    ¡°Now! Here you go. You have to sign the ces that I¡¯ve circled with a pencil. After that, you¡¯ll be able to ce orders immediately.¡± Cecile took out a few pages of documents from a paper envelope that had the mark of the brokerage firm stamped on it, then ced them in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Trading derivatives is dangerous. You should read the document first before deciding, Channy,¡± Cecile exined.

    Kang Chan roughly pretended to read the documents, then quickly finished signing.

    ¡°Channy, you¡¯re thinking of trading stocks?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Yes. I want to try and study it. Right, what¡¯s the password for the orders?¡± Kang Chan asked Cecile.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need that¡ªjust call me anytime, Channy. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±

    ¡°Someone else might call in my stead, though.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take their order and call you to confirm, then. Will that be alright?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    When would the fifty billion won feel real?

    Cecile took the documents and put them back in the paper envelope. Looking satisfied, she then said, ¡°I¡¯ll buy us dinner today. Is that okay?¡±

    ¡°Everyone has to eat, though. That includes the trainees upstairs,¡± Michelle mentioned.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Michelle! I got apany credit card thanks to Channy! Eat to your heart¡¯s content today! It probably won¡¯t be a problem for as long as I don¡¯t spend over twenty million won!¡±

    ¡°Oh my! How did that happen?¡±

    ¡°Channy has entered into an enormous contract with us! Whenever he makes an order, there¡¯s a billion won inmission from the stocks and the futures, but from that, our branch will get three hundred million won inmission, and I¡¯ll get thirty million won inmission. So let¡¯s eat without worrying today, Michelle!¡±

    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s amazing, Cecile! Congrattions!¡±

    ¡°This is all thanks to you Michelle. You connected me to Channy.¡±

    The two talked noisily, then made a hugemotion as they hugged in the end.

    ¡°Channy, thank you so much.¡±

    Kang Chan just smiled in response to Cecile thanking him. Lanok made this happen¡ªKang Chan didn¡¯t even know much about what he was doing.

    Michelle was definitely perspective, and she had a way of thinking that was peculiar to French women, so she didn¡¯t ask how much money Kang Chan was investing despite seeing Cecile¡¯s excitement.

    They all had sashimi at a nearby Japanese restaurant for dinner.

    Kang Chan chose that menu since the trainees requested to only eat light meals. They shouldn¡¯t gain weight, after all. The atmosphere was stillpletely harmonious, though, because nobody acted arrogant like Lee Ha-Yeon.

    ¡°When are you guys going to appear on TV?¡±

    ¡°The trailer is starting next week and the drama will be broadcasted ten days after that. So-Yeon, Yeon-Hee, and Eun-Jeong over there are all in the trailer.¡±

    The trainees looked at Michelle with big smiles on their faces; they appeared to be happy just hearing that news.

    The group ate, conversed, and just had fun for quite some time.

    The employees seemed to be feeling secure as they were watching Kang Chan, perhaps because of what happened with Alion in the past.

    If there was one thing that bothered Kang Chan, it was Eun So-Yeon.

    <i>¡®She seems to be hiding something.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan felt ufortable with the look in Eun So-Yeon¡¯s eyes whenever their gazes met. Even if so, it was weird to ask, ¡®What¡¯s wrong with you?¡¯ in the middle of eating. He also wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything if sheter said that she wants to terminate her contract and go somewhere else.

    Dinner ended after they had dessert.

    ¡°Michelle, Cindy said that she¡¯s done with work now. It¡¯s been a while, so why don¡¯t we all go out together and have a ss of wine¡ªmy treat,¡± Cecile offered.

    ¡°Should we? What do you think, boss? Come with us.¡±

    ¡°I have to go home now¡ªI have something to do that requires me to be there a bit early,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Michelle looked disappointed, but rather than clinging to him, she just went with it.

    Kang Chan got in a taxi and headed home first.

    That was the end of his long Tuesday.

    ***

    On Wednesday, Kang Chan had breakfast and sent off Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, then turned on hisputer.

    Yang Jin-Woo was still around.

    While he was searching about Yang Jin-Woo and the Suh Jeong group on the inte, he came across a short news report that stated that a female employeemitted suicide yesterday by jumping off the Suh Jeong group¡¯spany building in Gangnam.

    <i>¡®Depression?¡¯</i>

    The news report only included testimony from a colleague that stated that the female employee suffered from depression. Kang Chan was also going to suffer from depression if he didn¡¯t take care of Yang Jin-Woo quickly.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    While Kang Chan was looking at hisputer screen with a profound expression, his phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Prime Minister.¡±

    - Our government wholeheartedly epts Ambassador Lanok¡¯s request and will cooperate to the fullest of our capabilities. Please pass that on to him. Afterward, can you tell him that we hope he¡¯ll give us an official request?

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    - Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m only passing on what I¡¯ve been told.¡±

    After Kang Chan hung up, he immediately called Lanok. He first passed on Go Gun-Woo¡¯s intentions, then told him Cecile¡¯s work number.

    - We will likely make the official request tomorrow. I don¡¯t know if the announcement would be dyed a bit, but the official request will publicize the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project. It¡¯s better to be careful since we don¡¯t know what China is going to do.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up, then red at the material about Yang Jin-Woo that was on his monitor.

    <i>Should I have a cup of coffee first?</i>

    Kang Chan went to the kitchen and boiled water. As he did, Cecile called him to confirm the person in charge of the orders. He just answered three questions, and the call ended.

    As Kang Chan took his coffee back to his desk, he got another damn phone call. He had been getting calls nonstop today since morning.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Ah! Mr. Manager, how are you?¡±

    - I¡¯m a lot better now, thanks to you. If it¡¯s alright with you, can we have a cup of tea?

    ¡°Of course! Where should I go?¡±

    - Let¡¯s meet at the specialty coffee shop located at the intersection where we metst time. Let¡¯s invite Mr. Seok Kang-Ho as well if it¡¯s okay with you. I want to thank him.

    ¡°When should we meet?¡±

    - At your earliest convenience.

    ¡°Please choose the time that¡¯sfortable for you.¡±

    - How about around 11 am, then?

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    It should be difficult for him to move yet, but it seemed his pride wouldn¡¯t let him stay in bed any longer.

    Kang Chan first told Seok Kang-Ho about the meeting¡¯s details, then sharply red at his monitor again.

    For some strange reason, this son of a bitch kept being pushed back.

    1. Derivative trading is when traders specte on the potential price action of a financial instrument with the aim of achieving gains, all without having to own the asset itself

 Chapter 100.1: Who would be quicker? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 100.1: Who would be quicker? (1)</h4>

    When Kang Chan arrived at the specialty coffee shop at 11 am, Kim Hyung-Jung was already sitting near the terrace and had opened the door of the smoking room.

    He was wearing a gray suit and a shirt, but he still had scars all over his face. On his left index finger, he was wearing a cast.

    ¡°Mr. Manager!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    Kang Chan felt pity and worry, but he felt happiness first and foremost when he saw Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you straining yourself too much?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. It doesn¡¯t feel right to stay hospitalized for this kind of wound.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung raised his index finger that was in a cast.

    ¡°What do you want to drink? My treat,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Let¡¯s order when Mr. Seok Kang-Ho gets here.¡±

    That wasn¡¯t a bad idea.

    Just as Kang Chan sat down, Seok Kang-Ho got out of the taxi and walked toward them.

    ¡°Have you ordered yet?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°No. Order coffee for me.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, I hate to ask, but could you get me coffee as well? I¡¯m injured and can¡¯t move very well,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung requested.

    ¡°Of course, don''t worry about it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho gave a straightforward answer, then walked to the counter to order.

    ¡°I¡¯ve talked with Kim Tae-Jin,¡± Kim Hyung-Jungmented.

    ¡°What did he say?¡±

    ¡°I told him that I got a little wounded while on a business trip, but he made a fuss and said that he wanted to see me. I¡¯m thinking of meeting him in the afternoon, but I still can¡¯t make up my mind about what excuse to give. In our line of work, saying we got wounded immediately makes anyone think it happened during an operation.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled lightly as Seok Kang-Ho came toward them with three cups of coffee on a tray.

    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s drink coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Seok Kang-Ho ced the tray on the table, then looked at Kim Hyung-Jung while taking out a cigarette. ¡°Getting to see you again feels good.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. Thanks to you, I can still sit down with the two of you, have coffee, and smoke a cigarette.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±

    It felt a little awkward, but things like this were often forgotten after a day or two.

    ¡°How did you two end up joining the Foreign Legion¡¯s specialized team, though?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked, then brought his cup up to his lips while discreetly looking around their surroundings.

    ¡°We were prepared to go to Mongolia with just us two if we had to. Fortunately, this gentleman visited and pestered Lanok twice. He initially nned to go to Mongolia without me, but I caught him.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded in response to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s grumbling.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought. The Director came to the hospital in person, and as he apologized about the information being leaked, he mentioned that he thought the Foreign Legion went to Mongolia because Mr. Kang Chan intervened.¡±

    ¡°Why would you give yourself a headache by thinking of things like that? We¡¯re alive, so let¡¯s just have a drink and shake it off once your wounds have healed.¡± Seok Kang-Ho then chewed on ice.

    Kang Chan thought for a moment and made a decision. ¡°Mr. Manager, I was told that the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project is nned to be announced next week here in South Korea, so we expect the people in charge of it and the heads of the other countries¡¯ Intelligence Bureaus toe here.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stopped chewing on the ice, then discretely looked around their surroundings.

    ¡°It seems the European countries are nning to leak this information first, probably around tomorrow. Just this morning, I was informed that the South Korean government has also decided to cooperate,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Whoo!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung pursed his lips, then deeply sighed. ¡°It¡¯s really happening.¡±

    ¡°You went through so much trouble for this.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Still, I can¡¯t help but be dumbfounded because it¡¯s actually happening.¡±

    ¡°Even the Prime Minister said that it doesn¡¯t feel real.¡±

    ¡°I feel the same way right now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said with a nod, then drank coffee.

    ¡°Are you going back to work immediately?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Lying down actually puts me in even more pain, so I decided to return to work tomorrow.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if a reliable ally had just returned.

    ¡°I heard that a lot of things had happened within the past few days.¡± Kim Hyung-Jungmented.

    Since they were on the topic, Kang Chan exined everything starting from how he coincidentally met Yoon Bong-Sup while digging into Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s past and how he met Cho Il-Kwon afterward.

    ¡°I want to go over and kill him right now, but I can¡¯t make up my mind on what I should do about this,¡± Kang Chan said. He held up a cigarette, and Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung also took out their own

    ¡°Let¡¯s just twist his neck. Can¡¯t all this be resolved if we just tell that fucker Smithen to find out when Yang Jin-Woo goes to which woman¡¯s house so we cane over and kill him as he¡¯sing out of one of those houses?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a good way to settle this.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung shook his head in response to Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°While it can be done because Mr. Kang Chan has criminal immunity, things get a bit moreplicated with Yang Jin-Woo involved, but not because he¡¯s a chaebol. It¡¯s because he also has a lot of personal connections in Japan and China, and he has quite a lot of connections with worldwide figures that are rted to sports as well. If we kill him, then it¡¯ll be significantly burdensome for the government to take care of the aftermath.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just avoid getting caught?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    <i>You stupid fucker!</i>

    While Kang Chan rubbed his face in frustration, Kim Hyung-Jung carefully answered, ¡°That¡¯s true, but without a suspect, the police will have difficulties trying to cope with the criticism that will follow that. On the other hand, if people be aware of even a small clue, then that¡¯ll also be a problem. With Yang Jin-Woo, it¡¯s also difficult to control the press.¡±

    ¡°Hmph!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about this some more as well. Mr. Kang Chan, we can¡¯t stop you if you really want to do it, but we should try finishing it in a way that would give us minimal problems in the future.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung smiled, then looked at Kang Chan. ¡°Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s a bit early, but I¡¯ve been meaning to treat the two of you to lunch.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll buy lunch,¡± Kang Chan interfered, but he couldn¡¯t stop Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Since it was a hot day, they decided to simply eat dumplings and naengmyeon. Afterward, Kim Hyung-Jung left first, saying that he was going to meet up with Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°If things go wrong, his emotions are going tost a long time,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    The sadness and despair that were in Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes were the problems.

    It would be better not to send amander who had just lost a lot of his subordinates to the next battle. There had been numerous cases where themander ended up dying because they went ahead with an impractical attack.

    ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have to go to school. There¡¯s quite a lot of documents that I have to take care of because next week is the first day of school.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be at home. That should keep mefortable.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to make a move because of Yang Jin-Woo, then you better take me along with you. Don¡¯t act alone likest time.¡±

    ¡°Hey! As I said before¡ªthings ended up like that because I had just gone over to check who they were on that day.¡±

    ¡°Phew! Yang Jin-Woo you motherfucker! Son of a bitch!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s curses could be enough for anyone to misunderstand that Yang Jin-Woo had tried to kill Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s family. After the incident at Mount Jiri, Seok Kang-Ho expressed a lot of anger over things that messed with their family.

    ¡°You should go to school with me if you¡¯re bored.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I exercised long enough in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Jeez! Should I just resign and join Yoo Bi-Corp?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you don¡¯t want to work there because there are no breaks?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho headed to school while smacking his lips in pity, and Kang Chan returned home.

    He sat at his desk after changing intofortable clothes, unable toe up with a viable way to beat up and catch Yang Jin-Woo.

    <i>¡®Should I just kill this fucker?¡¯</i> Kang Chan thought. It wasn¡¯t easy, but if he and Seok Kang-Ho put their minds to it, it wouldn¡¯t be impossible to aplish.

    ¡°Whoo!¡± Kang Chan ran his fingers through his hair.

    He couldn¡¯t spend eternity looking for nice ways to settle this since Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s lives were on the line.

    <i>¡®I¡¯ll keep looking for a good n until the end of this week. If I don¡¯te up with any, I¡¯ll just kill him.¡¯</i>

    In any case, Yang Jin-Woo was the one who started this fight.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t turn on hisputer. Every time he saw Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s photo, he was reminded of the photos of Yoo Hye-Sook that he saw a few days ago. That made it hard to hold in his anger.

    Being at home was great, except for the fact that it was a horrible ce to smoke.

    ***

    In the afternoon, the news channel and the inte started to report stories about the Eurasian rail.

    With a provoking title like ''Enormous Business Changes World Economy Dynamics,'' the new reports hinted that while it wasn''t finalized, it was absolutely certain that it would happen. They also discussed the astronomical economic effects that would result from the Eurasian rail.

    In addition, there were reports that said they were almost certain that North Korea was included, and the majority of the news stated that South Korea would likely be excluded. As Kang Chan listened to the news reports, he found them so convincing that even he thought, <i>¡®Is South Korea really excluded from this?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan talked for a bit with Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung, then spent time in the afternoon working out at home. His senses felt sharper than ever, not to mention his physical condition.

    After a shower, he returned to his room and saw that Seok Kang-Ho had called him. Kang Chan immediately pressed the call button.

    - Hello? It¡¯s me.

    ¡°I was showering. Why did you call?¡±

    - The eptance letter and the schrship certificate from the national university in France have arrived from the French embassy. An official document also came with it, asking the school to excuse you from sses because you¡¯ll be getting lessons at the French cultural center starting from the second semester. The faculty office is in chaos right now, and the principal is foaming at the mouth and saying shit like we need to advertise this to the press. They¡¯re even urgently stamping a certificate ofmemoration because they want to give it to you in front of the entire student body at the opening ceremony.

    ¡°What¡¯s a certificate ofmendation?¡±

    - It¡¯s basically a certificate that the school awards you for being a good model student. It makes the school¡¯s name look better or something as well, I guess?

    <i>The fuck? Model student? Making the school¡¯s name better?</i>

    It felt as if centipedes were crawling on his back, even though he just listened to what was going to happen.

    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m going to skip school on Monday, so cover it up yourself.¡±

    ¡°The school is just going to wait until Tuesday, then. I can somehow stop them from advertising it in the press by saying we have to confirm that with the French embassy first, but it¡¯s going to be difficult for you to avoid receiving the certificate ofmemoration in front of the entire student body. What are you doing for dinner? Let¡¯s eatter after school.¡±

    ¡°Alright. In any case, let¡¯s not go overboard.¡±

    - I¡¯ll call you after work.

    Kang Chan got very annoyed, but he wouldn¡¯t have to deal with it if he didn¡¯t go to school. He was thinking of not attending school in the second semester anyway.

    That was the end of his ufortable school life, at the very least. He even got a proper ID that the South Korean government gave him.

    It felt as if a big part of his worry was being resolved.

 Chapter 100.2: Who would be quicker? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 100.2: Who would be quicker? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chanpletely dried his hair, ced the towel in theundry room, then returned to his room. Soon after, his phone rang. Yoo Hye-Sook was calling him.

    <i>Is something going on?</i>

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy! I heard your school received an eptance letter from the national university in France!

    ¡°How did you find out?¡±

    - You knew about it? The principal called us himself and said that we raised you well! I¡¯m feeling so emotional¡ªI¡¯m proud and thankful for you at the same time.

    Yoo Hye-Sook couldn¡¯t keep talking anymore, perhaps because she had burst into tears.

    What should he say at times like this?

    At that moment, from the phone, Kang Chan heard Kang Dae-Kyung asking, ¡°Who are you on the phone with, and why are you crying?¡±

    After some time¡­

    - Is that you, Channy?

    ¡°Yes, father. Is mother crying?¡±

    - She is, but she¡¯s just overwhelmed with emotions, so don¡¯t worry about it. I heard that you got an eptance letter. Congrattions.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t think of what to say in response this time as well.

    - I think I¡¯m going to have tofort your mom a bit, so I¡¯ll call youter.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Could she really be happy enough for her to sob despite already knowing for certain that this was going to happen?

    Kang Chan felt an ominous feeling that he would have no choice but to attend the back-to-school ceremony, so he sat at his desk, frowning.

    There were only a few days left now, so Kang Chan picked up the phone and dialed Smithen¡¯s number.

    - Hello? This is Smithen.

    Smithen answered in Korean.

    ¡°Smithen, let me know immediately if you ever find out Yang Jin-Woo is going to visit a woman¡¯s house¡ªregardless of whose house it is¡ªstarting next week.¡±

    - Next week?

    Kang Chan deliberately spoke in French, but Smithen still answered in Korean.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. I¡¯m just telling you to tell me as soon as you confirm the day that has the highest possibility of Yang Jin-Woo going over to visit a woman¡ªregardless of when he¡¯s visiting them¡ªstarting next week.¡±

    - Alright.

    Kang Chan was sure that this fucker was with a woman. The fact he was acting respectable gave him away.

    It would be good if Kang Chan first killed Yang Jin-Woo, that son of a bitch¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    His phone rang again.

    - Channy!

    ¡°Are you okay, Mother?¡±

    - Of course. I just got emotional when I suddenly remembered what you told me while hugging me when you were six, and it also reminded me of the past. We decided to buy dinner for the employees of your dad¡¯spany and the employees of this foundation¡ªdo you want toe over?

    <i>What a horrible suggestion!</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m going to meet Mr. Seok Kang-Ho for dinner.¡±

    - Ah! That¡¯s right! I need to thank that teacher as well. Will you tell him that I¡¯m really thankful and that I¡¯ll visit him one day?¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t n on doing it.

    After he hung up the phone call with Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan looked at his phone with a cold expression.

    <i>How could Cho Il-Kwon order people to kill a woman like her?</i>

    ***

    After Kang Chan had baekban at Misari with Seok Kang-Ho, they headed to the cafe.

    They ordered and drank coffee, then smoked.

    ¡°What do you think about buying something like this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Captain, you¡¯re financially stable, right? Wouldn¡¯t it be nice if you buy something like this and turn it into a cafe that only allows people we know inside? You can even create a workout facility in the backyard over there. That will give us afortable ce to talk in, and we won¡¯t have to be considerate of other people when we smoke there.¡±

    For the first time, Kang Chan looked around the back part of the cafe. He couldn¡¯t me Seok Kang-Ho for suggesting that.

    ¡°We can divide it in half and make this part a personal area for you, and that part the exercise area,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°How much does something like this cost?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it. It¡¯ll be great if you create a personal area in a ce like this since you¡¯re not going to attend school.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee, then said, ¡°I¡¯m thinking of monitoring Yang Jin-Woo until this week. If needed, I¡¯ll probably twist his neck next week. Let¡¯s do that together.¡±

    ¡°Okay! I couldn¡¯t eat properly because that son of a bitch was bothering me anyway. That''s a good idea.¡±

    That wasn¡¯t something a guy that ate two bowls of rice for dinner should say, but Kang Chan pretended not to notice and just moved on.

    ¡°I already called Smithen. We¡¯re going to go to Yang Jin-Woo immediately as soon as we get his schedule. Keep that in mind.¡±

    ¡°Phuhuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed as his eyes glinted instead of answering.

    ¡°I feel as if my body loosened up after the operation in Mongolia. I feel it especially when I run and work out. Oh! The kids are also bing awfully good, perhaps because they¡¯re kids¡ªespecially Ho-Jun, and, uh, Eun-Sil! Those two have talent.¡±

    ¡°Forget about it.¡±

    Even if they had improved, with their current abilities, their necks would be immediately twisted if they got into a proper fight now.

    ***

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook returned home at around 9 pm.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook and stroked her back while smiling softly.

    ¡°You¡¯re like a daughter being hugged by her dad,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung joked.

    ¡°Honey!¡± Even as Yoo Hye-Sook got angry at Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s joke, she was smiling.

    After the two got changed, they sat in the living room with Kang Chan.

    ¡°Eat some fruits.¡±

    Kang Chan was full, but it wasn¡¯t like he couldn¡¯t eat a few slices of oriental melon, so he picked up the fork.

    ¡°Right! Have you heard the news about the Eurasian rail?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s such a shame. If we just kept the stocks from Gong Te that you had, it would have immediately be twenty-four billion won.¡±

    ¡°Twenty-four billion won? Would its value really increase that much?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>How did he calcte that to end up with that result?</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s possible. Stocks can immediately double in value, after all. Moreover, Russia and France are key members of the rail, so the stocks of France¡¯s Gong Te have likely increased even more. If six billion won doubles in value, then it¡¯ll be twelve billion won, and if it doubles in value again, then it¡¯ll be twenty-four billion won. It probably wouldn¡¯t even take a week for all that to happen.¡±

    Now that Kang Dae-Kyung exined it, it certainly seemed possible.

    If that were the case, if Kang Chan bought twenty billion won in stocks, it¡¯ll be forty billion won, and then eighty billion won? Kang Chan had said that he was going to buy thirty billion won in futures, so would that be sixty billion won, then sequentially be one hundred and twenty billion won?

    If hebined the two of them¡­

    Kang Chan shook his head with a brief exhale.

    ¡°It seems we lost out because I wanted to create a Foundation,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, looking sorry as she gazed at Kang Chan. Even so, Kang Chan could never tell them that he invested fifty billion won.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t say that. If we put it that way, then it¡¯ll be on our minds whenever we help, regardless of the amount of money. Let¡¯s not calcte things like that and just help those in difficult situations whenever we financially can. I¡¯m not jealous one bit about the stocks¡¯ price increase,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    He secretly felt a prick of conscience, but he wouldn¡¯t have been that jealous even if he didn¡¯t invest fifty billion won. Seok Kang-Ho and Smithen still had their stocks, though, which Kang Chan thought was a relief.

    ***

    [The ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project includes South Korea.]

    [It will be announced sometime next week in South Korea.]

    [A major event that marks a milestone in South Korean history.]

    On Thursday morning, breaking news was shown at the bottom of every news channel, almost as if the world had turned upside down. There were even news shes continuously being reported.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect Kang Dae-Kyung would stand up in disbelief at what was happening when he turned on the TV for a bit after breakfast.

    ¡°Honey, aren¡¯t you going to work?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I should. It¡¯s already amazing that the Eurasian rail is being connected to South Korea, but to think the announcement is going to be done here as well. It¡¯s really amazing how the current government made that happen without even making a rumor.¡±

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes! Okay. I should go.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung stood up looking disappointed, then headed to the entrance with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Drive safely,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you, Channy.¡±

    When the two went to work, Kang Chan sat in front of the TV for a moment.

    It honestly hadn¡¯t hit Kang Chan yet, but it at least felt as if something big had happened as he watched the news talk about it.

    The news also talked about stock prices and mentioned that the price of real estate was going to surge and what the GNP and GDP per capita would be once the rail is connected. Moreover, they kept reporting that inquiries about investments from foreignpaniesing into the country were flooding in already.

    Did people have to be that excited about something that hadn¡¯t even been announced yet?

    The public probably would never even know about the agents who died in Mongolia, unable to even leave their names behind in history. They probably wouldn¡¯t even be able to imagine the agents¡¯ pain when they were tied up and a long awl was stabbed into their fingers because they wouldn¡¯t reveal their identity or the organization they belonged to.

    Would the public even know how dirty people acted to stop this from happening?

    Kang Chan turned off the TV and went to his desk.

    1. oriental melon is a group of yellow Cucumis melo cultivars that are cultivated in East Asia

    2. GNP refers to Gross National Product

    3. GDP refers to Gross Domestic Product

 Chapter 101.1: Who Would be Quicker? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 101.1: Who Would be Quicker? (2)</h4>

    Since the dinner on Thursday, the atmosphere had been overwhelming.

    Everyone Kang Chan met spoke about the Eurasian rail. Even the news kept talking about things relevant to it, including stock prices being likely to surge and properties on sale were being cancelled and taken off the market.

    People were quite quick.

    Kang Chan shook his head while watching the news, which was reporting that the size of the remittances that were being brought in from foreign countries one by one was several times greater than normal or whatnot.

    The people remitting money at times like this likely already had enough money to live on. Why were they still making so much fuss over making even more money?

    Starting Saturday morning, the news that turned the entire nation into an expert in the Eurasian rail changed course. It started topetitively report about the people that are expected to attend the announcement on Thursday.

    What was funny was that Kang Chan didn''t know anyone aside from Lanok, but it wasn¡¯t a big deal.

    While thinking of going out to have lunch with Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan¡¯s phone vibrated.

    ¡°Hello? Mr. Manager!¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, can you talk right now?

    He sounded as if he had recovered at least some of his energy.

    ¡°Yes, but you sound exhausted for some reason.¡±

    - All the employees of the National Intelligence Service feel the same way. What do you think about having delicious jjampong for lunch today?

    ¡°That¡¯ll be great! As a matter of fact, I was already thinking about jjampong before you asked.¡±

    - Pleasee over, then. I¡¯ll call Mr. Seok Kang-Ho as well.

    ¡°Alright!¡±

    Kang Chan left the house after telling Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook that he was going out for lunch.

    He arrived at his destination twenty minutester, then immediately headed up to the fifth floor.

    <i>Click!</i>

    As Kang Chan stood at the entrance, Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door for him.

    ¡°Wee, Mr. Kang Chan. Mr. Seok Kang-Ho is already here. He arrived just a moment ago.¡±

    Kang Chan walked inside and headed into the room with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°This is great¡ªI was bored so I was debating if I should call you and have lunch together. The jjamppong here is amazing,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kim Hyung-Jung smirked, then ordered three servings of jjampong. In the past few days, the pain in his eyes had significantly decreased and the wounds on his face had healed up.

    Kim Hyung-Jung started to talk about the operation in Mongolia little by little, showing that he was oveing his wounds faster than they had expected.

    Kang Chan only listened.

    Was it because they were the National Intelligence Service or was it because they were in Samseong-dong? Either way, the jjampong was delivered quite fast after they ordered.

    ¡°Phew! This is amazing!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed about ten times before they finished eating.

    The trio then bit on a cigarette with a cold iced drink in front of them. Only then did Kim Hyung-Jung bring up what he had been meaning to say. ¡°Europe¡¯s Intelligence Bureau has expressed that they hope you will attend this event.¡±

    Kang Chan recalled the faces of the people he met at Loriam.

    ¡°That¡¯s why the French embassy sent you an invitation. They¡¯re trying to use it to get you to attend. The Prime Minister has told me to pass on that he hopes you will ept it.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t that open up the possibility of me being shown on TV?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That won¡¯t happen. The people in charge of the countries¡¯ Intelligence Bureaus attending this event always follow a closed-door policy for meetings. You¡¯re going to be moving separately from them.¡±

    If that was the case, then it wouldn¡¯t hurt toe.

    ¡°Alright, but does Lanok also know about this?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°The suggestion came from France''s DGSE.¡±

    Lanok was clearly the one who suggested it.

    It didn¡¯t really matter, though. Kang Chan just had to attend the event to meet Ludwig or Vant, whom he saw at Loriam.

    ¡°This event is surprisinglyplicated. Since the heads of the attending countries¡¯ Intelligence Bureaus will all be gathering here, we¡¯ll be facing?problems with security and agents that will be difficult to sort out,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    That was certainly a possibility.

    After about thirty more minutes of talking about different topics, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho left the building.

    Parting ways like this would be upsetting, so Kang Chan thought about having another cup of tea with Seok Kang-Ho first.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere else for now. It¡¯ll be ufortable for everyone if we run into someone we know while we¡¯re uselessly lurking around here,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    The two headed to the main street and got in a taxi¡­

    <i>Beeep. Beeep. Beeep.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°Hello? Ah! Mr. President. Pardon? Right now? You¡¯re working even though it¡¯s a Saturday? Ah, that¡¯s right. One moment please.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho put down his phone and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°The real estate agency says that a building near Misari was put on the market as a distress sale, so let¡¯s drop by for a bit.¡±

    <i>He¡¯s already doing this even though it¡¯s not an urgent matter?</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re on our way,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, then hung up while Kang Chan still looked puzzled. Seok Kang-Ho then told the taxi driver the address of the building in Teheran-ro.

    ¡°Real estate prices are going crazy right now because of the Eurasian rail announcement. The building is currently priced for urgent sale on the market, so we should definitely buy it. A bank loan they took will pull it from them anyway, so I was told that thendowner is willing to do the contract signing today if we buy it at the previous market price, which would be less upsetting for thendowner. Let¡¯s check it out for ourselves first, though, then decide after.¡±

    ¡°You go there and take a look. I¡¯ll be at a nearby specialty coffee shop. You just have to sign the contract, then send over the payment, right?¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t busy, but he didn¡¯t want to sit in a ce like that if he had a choice.

    ¡°Hmm, let¡¯s do that, but¡ª¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at the taxi driver, then whispered in Kang Chan¡¯s ear, ¡°Thend costs two billion won.¡±

    Two billion won? They were going to spend that much just to exercise and to drink coffee a bit morefortably?

    Seok Kang-Ho shook his head when he saw the look Kang Chan was giving him. ¡°Jeez! Let¡¯s just buy it. It¡¯s up to the seller how much he¡¯ll sell it anyway. If it doesn¡¯t work out, then I¡¯ll just give back the money to you even if I have to sell my stocks.¡±

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    Then again, what Seok Kang-Ho said also made sense. Why would Kang Chan keep money in his bank ount that he wasn¡¯t even nning on using for a long time?

    Preparing a ce where Kang Chan could exercise without worry andfortably stay with Seok Kang-Ho in the second semester would be a hundred times wiser than that.

    Kang Chan stared outside the window. It was a Saturday, so the traffic was quite heavy.

    While thinking the signboards around them were very shy, he suddenly sawrge letters that said ¡®Suh Jeong - Best Value!¡¯

    That was right! The Suh Jeong group¡¯spany was in Teheran-ro.

    <i>¡®There are so many fucking people.¡¯</i>

    For some reason, sturdy men in suits were standing around the front of the building.

    ¡°What are you looking so intently at?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    .

    ¡°That.¡± Kang Chan gestured with his chin. Seok Kang-Ho leaned over and looked up at the building.

    ¡°Huh? That was here?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°Apparently.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho followed Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, then saw the group of people as he moved his head from side to side to get a good look.

    ¡°I heard that there¡¯s a picketing because of their female employee thatmitted suicide. Is that why they¡¯re crowding that ce?¡±

    Kang Chan looked back at him, seemingly asking what he was talking about. Seok Kang-Ho continued, ¡°There was a short news report about the deceased¡¯s family iming that the police concluded it as suicide even though there¡¯s evidence that she died unjustly.¡±

    ¡°Would picketing even make Suh Jeong bat an eye?¡±

    ¡°Phew! What else could they do? Don¡¯t you think they¡¯re doing that because that¡¯s their only option?¡±

    Amid their conversation, they arrived at their destination.

    ¡°Go sign the contract. I¡¯ll be in the coffee shop over there,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan ordered a cup of coffee and brought it to an unupied table. Sittingfortably, he smoked a cigarette.

    After about forty minutes, Seok Kang-Ho entered the coffee shop. ¡°Phew! What kind of ce doesn¡¯t let people smoke inside?¡±

    He sat on the other side of Kang Chan whileining. He then took out a cigarette and bit on it.

    ¡°We decided to deposit the initial payment of a hundred million won today and repay the one billion and six hundred million won bank loan on Monday. We¡¯ll then pay the remaining bnce excluding the overdue interest, which might have to be deducted from the three hundred million won,¡± Seok Kang-Ho exined.

    ¡°What¡¯s your ount number? I have my card with me, so I can go to the bank and deposit the money now.¡±

    ¡°I paid with what I have for now. This is the contract.¡± Seok Kang-Ho took out an envelope that had thepany name of a real estate agency stamped on it, then ced it on top of the table.

    ¡°Hey! Is it okay for us to buynd worth two billion won when we haven¡¯t even seen it in person yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Hey now! That property is valuable enough for the bank to lend us a hundred and six billion won. They can¡¯t fool us because everything about thend¡ªeven satellite photos¡ªis on the inte these days, so don¡¯t worry about that. Since it¡¯ll be on its third auction next week, we also got a discount of five hundred million won. It¡¯s not easy to findnd like this.¡±

    Kang Chan felt uneasy for some reason, but he just let it pass because Seok Kang-Ho was so confident.

    ¡°Anyway, make sure youe to school on Monday,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Stop spouting nonsense. I¡¯m not going. Why should I get shamed in front of the kids?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that¡ªjuste to school on Monday. That way, the school will send the Seoul university eptance letter to your house. If that also blows upter on, then it¡¯ll be tiring. Just attend and think of it as a graduation ceremony.¡±

    <i>Why is this fucker acting like this?</i>

    ¡°You¡¯re hiding something, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m your teacher, am I not? Please just attend. Think of it as you helping me out.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Did the school really say that they¡¯re giving me a certificate ofmemoration?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already stamped everything beforeing here.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t even remember anything about the school other than breaking kids'' arms, yet they still want me to ept a reward for being a good student and whatnot?¡±

    Seok Kang-Houghed with a ¡®Phuhu,¡¯ and then quickly wiped his nose. ¡°Regardless, you still have toe. It¡¯s only for a day anyway. We decided to broadcast you receiving the reward in the principal¡¯s office. Let¡¯s do that, at the very least.¡±

    The conversation ended with both of them grinning.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go get a hamburger,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been two hours since we had jjamppong.¡±

    ¡°So? We should eat if we¡¯re hungry.¡±

    Kang Chan forgot to buy and feed this fucker anthelmintics.

    After having dinner with Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan came home and ordered chicken while watching a movie with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sookte at night.

    Spending time like this with just his family was very nice.

    1. picketing is a form of protesting where people congregate outside a ce of work or where an event is taking ce. It can be used to draw attention to a cause.

 Chapter 101.2: Who Would be Quicker? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 101.2: Who Would be Quicker? (2)</h4>

    Sunday morning.

    ¡°Channy! Let¡¯s have breakfast!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook called.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had told Kang Chan that apart from going to the supermarket after lunch, they would stay at home all day.

    With so many National Intelligence Service agents guarding them, Kang Chan didn¡¯t really lose sleep over his parents going to the supermarket.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t too worried since his parents seemed thankfully satisfied with the new employees.

    After eating, Kang Chan went into his room and turned on hisputer. While browsing, he remembered the scene that he saw in front of the building yesterday.

    However, no matter how hard he searched for what Seok Kang-Ho told him and how many search words he used, he found no news articles about the picketing aside from the one titled ¡®Miss Lee suicide¡¯ and the one that stated she suffered from depression

    ¡°What the? Did this fucker do something to get rid of the evidence?¡± Kang Chan asked himself.

    It wasn''t impossible. Considering even the knife fight on the national road in Yongin was kept secret, there was no way a chaebol like Yang Jin-Woo wouldn''t be able to stop the spread of articles about an employeemitting suicide.

    In the afternoon, he went to the supermarket with his parents.

    He couldn¡¯t believe that this mundane kind of life gave him happiness.

    He was in a highschooler¡¯s body, but since he was quite mentally old, he also thought that it wouldn¡¯t be bad if he married a bit earlier than others.

    Whom should he marry, though? Kim Mi-Young? She hadn¡¯t even graduated yet.

    Kang Chan shook his head while smirking to himself. He decided to wait at least until she graduated from university.

    After a simple lunch at a restaurant, they headed home. Looking for an opportunity, Kang Chan then brought up the subject of his schedule on Wednesday while pretending that nothing was wrong.

    ¡°Do you two remember the Ambassador of France? His name is Lanok,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°Yes. What about him, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook peeled off the skin of the yellow melon on the tray, then sliced them and ced them neatly on a te.

    ¡°He told me there¡¯s someone that he wants to introduce to me among the people that are visiting Korea, so he asked what I thought about attending as the French interpreter at the presentation hall,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Really?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook first looked at Kang Dae-Kyung, surprised.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good opportunity. What do you want to do?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I want to attend if the two of you are okay with it. I also want to know how that type of event progresses.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be a good experience for you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung sent him a worried nce as he answered. He seemed to be asking if it wouldn¡¯t be ufortable.

    ¡°Right! Channy, you¡¯re going to get the certificate of eptance from a national university in France tomorrow, right?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll receive it at school tomorrow. I think I¡¯ll be going to the French cultural center starting the day after that.¡±

    ¡°Is that okay with you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll decide once I¡¯ve received the special admission letter to a Seoul university and after I see how everything goes. I¡¯m still not sure whether a university in Seoul or France would be better.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook burst into tears again.

    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I just remembered when you were hospitalized. I decided back then to forget about you going to college like what your dad had said, so I¡¯m thankful that you got epted to a university that everyone wants to get into.¡±

    While Kang Chan was looking down at the oriental melon, not knowing what to say¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    His phone rang.

    ¡°Go. You should answer it,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said and gestured with his eyes. Kang Chan went into his room.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s me. Let¡¯s go check out thend that we bought yesterday if you don¡¯t have anything special going on.

    That wasn¡¯t a bad idea.

    After giving a usible excuse, Kang Chan immediately left the house and found Seok Kang-Ho already waiting for him in the car.

    He immediately got in the passenger seat.

    ¡°Your family doesn¡¯tin?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to Gapyeong with your family for a day?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even get me started. It seems they want me to go out of the house because I¡¯m a distraction to my daughter when she¡¯s studying.¡±

    ¡°... How big of a ruckus do you cause at your house?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho shook his head when Kang Chan looked at him. ¡°We couldn¡¯t send her to a <i>hagwon</i> or get her private lessons before because we couldn¡¯t pay for them with a school teacher¡¯s sry. But now that we have some money left over after moving to an apartment, they¡¯re both going crazy.¡±

    ¡°Your daughter¡¯s not mad?¡±

    ¡°The weird girl likes to study. She also can¡¯t stand falling behind the other kids.¡±

    ¡°Why would you call your daughter a girl? And why would you act like that¡ªisn¡¯t it good if she¡¯s studying hard?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smirked. ¡°She¡¯s dumb. We sent her to <i>hagwon</i>, paid for private lessons, and she¡¯s studying so much that she¡¯s sacrificing her sleep, but she¡¯s barely fifth in her ss.¡±

    ¡°Being fifth in her ss is excellent!¡±

    ¡°How could you say that? It takes so much money for her to study! I would¡¯ve saved up that money instead and sent her to study abroad. Their eyes ze up with fury as they re at me if I just so much as turn on the TV!¡±

    Kang Chan had to change the subject because the displeased Seok Kang-Ho kept grumbling.

    ¡°Hey! I searched online, but there wasn¡¯t any article about the picketing anywhere. Where did you see that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Huh? Oh, I¡¯ll look for itter and call you.¡±

    There was no point in him reading the news article. After all, there was nothing he could do about it. He was satisfied that it changed the subject, though.

    They reached their destination after a while. Thend was in a fairly good location. It had a view of the river, and it wasn¡¯t far away from the roads.

    But before them was an eyesore of an iplete building that had ¡®Foreclosed¡¯ written in red on white fabric in three different locations.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, finding themselves in an unexpected situation.

    Seok Kang-Ho immediately took out his phone and pressed the screen to call someone.

    ¡°Hello! I¡¯m Seok Kang-Ho, the person that bought thend in Misari yesterday. Yes. I¡¯m here now, and I see that it¡¯s under a property lien. What¡¯s this?¡±

    Kang Chan perched somewhere nice and smoked a cigarette as Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s voice got louder and louder.

    No wonder he was so confident.

    ¡°When did you say something like that!¡±

    Right after Seok Kang-Ho yelled, two men with big builds approached them from the other side of the building, dragging their feet on the ground.

    When Kang Chan tilted his head and looked at them, he noticed a small container tent behind the building. It was positioned in a way that seemed to hide it from view.

    They were annoying him in so many ways.

    ¡°What brings the two of you here?¡± One of the men asked, sounding raspy. His head, which was about twice as big as Kang Chan¡¯s, alternated between Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°I heard that thisnd was bought yesterday. Are you two the new owners, by any chance?¡±

    ¡°Alright! The people that you told me about just came. I¡¯ll call again once I¡¯m done talking to them!¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, then hung up. He looked at the guy with the big head. ¡°I bought thisnd yesterday, but I didn¡¯t know about the property lien. What happened?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked when he saw the man spit on the ground. The guy behind the big-headed man stared at Kang Chan, looking ufortable.

    ¡°You two bought goodnd. Thendowner went bankrupt while this building was being built, and he didn¡¯t pay for the construction costs. If you two just pay us what we¡¯re owed, we¡¯ll be out of your hair by tomorrow,¡± the big-headed man replied.

    ¡°And how much is that?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    The guy smiled sleazily. ¡°Just two billion won.¡±

    Kang Chanughed dryly.

    Seok Kang-Ho was happy for getting a five hundred million won discount for and that was worth two and a half billion won. Unfortunately, that led them to his situation where if they exchanged blows, the two men would shift the me on them and make them pay one and a half billion won.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said, and then stood up.

    They got fooled because they were stupid. It was their fault for impulsively buying thend without checking out the site first and for thinking the price ofnd would absolutely increase because of the Eurasian rail.

    If it was just the hundred million won initial payment, then they got away easily.

    ¡°Go! I¡¯ll send you a hundred million won tomorrow, so be more careful next time,¡± Kang Chan insisted, then walked to the car while dusting off his butt.

    ¡°Those sons of bitchespletely treated me as if I¡¯m an idiot!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled.

    ¡°This happened because we were greedy. Didn¡¯t you also expect thisnd to be several times more valuable once the Eurasian rail is connected? Just shake it off and move on. The Gong Te stocks that you own are going to increase in price a lot. In just ten days, I heard they will increase from twelve billion won to twenty-four billion won, so just think of this as an opportunity to learn a good lesson.¡±

    The two men gave them a nk look. It seemed they thought that Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho would cling to them because otherwise, they would regret the lost deposit.

    ~

    Sitting at the cafe that they always went to, they smoked and drank coffee. Seok Kang-Ho got angry multiple times, his eyes burning.

    ¡°Stop it. We won¡¯t be any different from gangsters if we beat up people just because we got fooled because of our own stupidity. Or do you want to take this to court? Sue for fraud? Just let it go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    It wasn¡¯t as if Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand how Seok Kang-Ho felt. He also knew how big a hundred million won was. However, it would be best to stop pursuing this matter further.

    ¡°Right! The fifty billion won that I told you aboutst time has been deposited into my brokerage ount. I¡¯ll take it out soon and send you some,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Why would you send that to me? I received money from Lanok.¡±

    ¡°See? When did we ever get greedy about money? We suffered this loss because we were uselessly greedy, so just shake it off and remember never to do this ever again. Anyway, I¡¯ll send you some money.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it¡ª¡±

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho flinched when he heard Kang Chan briefly call him.

    ¡°Let it go. How many times do I have to say that this happened because we were greedy before you understand? Yes, those fuckers did act dirty. Still, there¡¯s no way to get that money back. So just move on,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    When Kang Chan drank coffee with a smirk, Seok Kang-Ho exhaled. ¡°Phew!¡±

    He had finally gotten rid of his lingering anger.

    ¡°Sons of bitches. They took a hundred million won in the blink of an eye,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°It¡¯s a relief that you only sent a hundred million won as a down payment because yesterday was Saturday. Imagine what would you have done if it was a weekday and you could pay off the money owed to the bank and the remaining bnce.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. We still have luck remaining on our side. Let¡¯s be careful from now on.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Sunday passed like that.

 Chapter 102.1: Die or Kill Someone (1)

    <h4>Chapter 102.1: Die or Kill Someone (1)</h4>

    The second semester had begun.

    Kang Chan felt as if everything was unfamiliar, including the school that he was leaving early for, the students crowding in front of the school gate, and even Seok Kang-Ho, who was giving the students a sharp look while holding a training stick.

    Kang Chan went to school with Kim Mi-Young. She didn¡¯t seem aware that he was getting the eptance letter today.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to drop by the athletics club, so you go up first,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Okay! Let¡¯s watch a movieter. I have some time to spare since it¡¯s the first day of school.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I can. I might have to go home first before going anywhere else, but I¡¯ll let you know after seeing how things go.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡±

    After saying goodbye to Kim Mi-Young, Kang Chan headed to the athletics club room.

    <i>Click</i>

    ¡°Hello!¡± the kids greeted.

    The athletics club room was packed to the brim with kids.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why aren¡¯t you in your ssrooms?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We had a morning meeting to get rid of bullying, and to put a stop to people taking money from other kids, and forcing them to run errands. We¡¯ll start today,¡± Heo Eun-Sil answered from inside the room.

    She had removed her makeup and looked different, but more importantly, the look in her eyes had changed. Now that Kang Chan had thought about it, the look in Moon Ki-Jean¡¯s eyes was quite lively. The same went for Lee Ho-Jun, Cho Sae-Ho, and Cha So-Yeon.

    ¡°You¡¯re all in the athletics club, so don¡¯t ever act out in the bullies¡¯ stead,¡± Kang Chan told the kids.

    ¡°Alright, sunbae-nim.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine with you guys helping kids that are having a difficult time, but I¡¯m not okay with you ¡®helping¡¯ irrelevant kids and fostering a scary atmosphere by attacking in groups. Got it?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be careful, sunbae-nim.¡±

    This should be enough.

    But when did the look in their eyes change?

    Kang Chan smirked as he sat in an empty seat and listened to the kids¡¯ discussion.

    After a while, Seok Kang-Ho opened the door with a <i>click</i> and poked his head. ¡°Go to your ssrooms now.¡±

    As instructed, the kids headed to their respective ssrooms.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    The atmosphere made it seem as if Kang Chan was being dragged away. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to follow Seok Kang-Ho to the principal¡¯s office.

    The door was wide open.

    The lights in the office were on, and there was also a camera inside that would broadcast the moment Kang Chan received the awards.

    ¡°Mr. Principal, I brought Kang Chan, the senior student,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Oh!¡±

    The principal patted Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder with a broad smile on his face.

    After themotion that came with greeting Kang Chan, an employee from the teacher¡¯s office gestured to the principal.

    ¡°Ehem! We will now begin the opening ceremony for the second semester in the year 2010.¡±

    His loud voice rang out from the speakers all over the building.

    With the principal¡¯s speech over, the time hade to give out the letter of eptance, the schrship certificate, and the certificate ofmemoration.

    ¡°Kang Chan, a senior student, has been given a full schrship to a national university in France. We hereby present to him the letter of eptance, the schrship certificate, and the certificate ofmemoration.¡±

    ¡°Wow!¡± eximed the people listening from the entire building.

    The awarding ceremony ended on that note.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim! Congrattions!¡± the kids greeted Kang Chan when he returned to the athletics club room. They had run over to him as if they were flying. Kim Mi-Young was with them, looking full of worry. Hence, Kang Chan smiled lightly.

    ¡°What happened? I didn¡¯t know!¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°I was notified rather suddenly too. I¡¯m thinking of going home and giving this to my parents. I¡¯lle back here after. What do you want to do?¡±

    ¡°Can Ie with you?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Cha So-Yeon, tell the teacher about this. When I get back, lunch is on me. Let¡¯s eat together.¡±

    Thinking that today was hisst day at school, Kang Chan wanted to at least have a meal with them. After instructing Cha So-Yeon, he headed home with Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°You¡¯re really not going to France?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°I already told you that I¡¯m not!¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t go alone!¡±

    ¡°Even if I do want to go, we have decided to go there together once you¡¯re ready.¡±

    ¡°Yeah! But if you end up going to the military, I¡¯ll write you a letter every day and visit you every week.¡±

    She was taking this too far.

    Kang Chan walked with Kim Mi-Young, which he hadn¡¯t done in a while. After some time, they arrived at the apartment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just stay here. Come with me,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You want me to go to your house with you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll just give these to my parents. We¡¯ll leave right after.¡±

    Though hesitant, Kim Mi-Young followed Kang Chan and went on the elevator.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    When they arrived at the seventh floor and opened the front door, Yoo Hye-Sook noisily ran over. However, she hesitated when she saw Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°This is Mi-Young. I decided to buy my friends lunch at school tomemorate these rewards, but I didn¡¯t think it would be right to go home alone, so I took her with me,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you,¡± Kim Mi-Young greeted Kang Chan¡¯s parents.

    ¡°Come in. Stay for a bit.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung gestured for them toe inside. The four of them sat at the table.

    ¡°Here you go, Mother.¡±

    When Kang Chan saw Kang Dae-Kyung giving him a look, Kang Chan held out the letter of eptance, schrship certificate, and certificate ofmemoration. Tears suddenly welled up in Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes, but she cried a little less because Kim Mi-Young was with them.

    While they were having a simple cup of tea, Kang Chan got changed.

    He no longer had to wear his school uniform ever again.

    Kang Dae-Kyung offered to give them a ride to their school on his way to work, so the four of them headed to the basement parking lot.

    During the entire drive, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s phone never stopped ringing, not even for a moment.

    How did the olderdies learn that Kang Chan had received the eptance letter?

    ¡°Enjoy your lunch. Ah, right! Channy, do you have money?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I still have plenty of allowance. I¡¯ll call you at dinner.¡±

    After waving them goodbye, Kang Chan went past the school gate, finding the kids running in the sports field.

    <i>¡®Would you look at them?¡¯</i>

    Just like what Seok Kang-Ho had said, they were in better shape.

    It looked as if they would be able to properly y their part if they just kept practicing persistently like that for a little more than a year.

    ¡°Can we watch a movie after lunch?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Do you have time?¡±

    ¡°The schedule of my <i>hagwons</i> matches the school¡¯s regr ss schedule, but since we have no sses today, I just have to go home by 5 pm.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    It would be nice to watch a movie.

    Kang Chan wanted tofort Kim Mi-Young anyway since she was tired from studying.

    While sitting in the stands, they saw Seok Kang-Ho walking toward them with a grin, but it was soon reced with a more dignified expression when he saw Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch. My treat!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed, then took out a white envelope and smacked it two times with his hand. ¡°Phuhuhuhu, the school gave the teachers a bonus. Let¡¯s have meat today.¡±

    This fucker shouldn¡¯t have pretended to be serious. What was even the point of changing his expression if this was how he was going to act?

    Kang Chan worked out a bit, then headed to a BBQ restaurant with the kids.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, when are you going to start attending the French cultural center?¡± one of the kids asked.

    ¡°Tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Does that mean you won¡¯te to school anymore starting tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    The kids looked jealous and upset, but that didn¡¯t stop them from eating a lot of meat.

    Kang Chan parted ways with the kids in front of the school, then headed to the movie theater with Kim Mi-Young. The first movie they ever watched together was a romanticedy, but it wasn¡¯t that funny. They had patbingsu afterward.

    Before parting ways, Kang Chan asked her not to study so much that she¡¯d tire herself out.

    Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho before he went home.

    - Where are you?

    ¡°I¡¯m at the movie theater in Cheongdam-dong. You?¡±

    - I just left the school. Let¡¯s have a cup of coffee.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan met Seok Kang-Ho at the specialty coffee shop in the intersection where he frequently saw him at.

    ¡°What were you up to?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I watched a movie.¡±

    ¡°Was it good? If it is, I¡¯ll watch it with my wife as well.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t if I were you. It¡¯s just about an idiot who keeps wavering because of a woman. He cried in the end, which made the girl fall in love again,¡± Kang Chan said. He then shook his head.

    ¡°Ah! I got a call from the real estate agency. Thursday is the auction day. They also said that they¡¯ll give us some discount on the property lien if we want,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Forget about it. If we get involved with those fuckers that way again, it¡¯ll just tire us out.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smacked his lips, perhaps because he still couldn¡¯t give up the building since he was the one who showed it to Kang Chan. Even if so, Kang Chan would never change his mind.

    ¡°Have you heard anything from Smithen?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°No. Since we have made up our minds to kill Yang Jin-Woo anyway, let¡¯s take our time nning it out.¡±

    ¡°I agree.¡±

    ¡°Now, then. Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed home, ending Kang Chan¡¯s Monday in a good mood.

    ***

    Tuesday.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had gone to work when Kang Chan received a call from Lanok to tell him that they should meet at the hotel after lunch.

    Kang Chan had been meaning to meet him anyway to thank him for the eptance letter and discuss their schedule on Wednesday and Thursday.

    They decided to meet at 2 pm.

    Kang Chan thought about having a sandwich for lunch, so he went to the hotel a bit earlier. He was already sitting in the lobby by 1 pm. Just as he was ordering coffee and a sandwich, Joo Chul-Bum appeared out of nowhere.

    ¡°Are you having lunch here?¡± Joo Chul-Bum asked.

    ¡°Yes. I have an appointment at 2 pm. Just likest time, I¡¯ll be using a room, so prepare one for me.¡±

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim.¡± Joo Chul-Bum went to the front desk.

    Kang Chan took his time finishing his sandwich. He then looked all around him while drinking coffee, but he didn¡¯t find Lee Ji-Yeon.

    ¡°Here is the key to the room,¡± Joo Chul-Bum brought over a card key. It was around 1:40 pm when Kang Chan thanked him and received it.

    After about fifteen minutes, Lanok arrived at the hotel.

 Chapter 102.2: Die or Kill Someone (1)

    <h4>Chapter 102.2: Die or Kill Someone (1)</h4>

    Once Lanok arrived at the hotel, he and Kang Chan headed up to the hotel room.

    The first thing Kang Chan did was thank him for the eptance letter.

    Having sat infort, they started smoking and drinking tea. However, Lanok brought up something unexpected. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, if youe out to the venue tomorrow, Louis will hand over a pistol to you.¡±

    ¡°A pistol?¡±

    ¡°The Intelligence Bureaus¡¯ heads have all decided to guard themselves. Likewise, my friends and I are nning to put our security in your hands. All five of my friends that you met at Loriam have agreed to this.¡±

    Kang Chan was confused. Why did he have to do this?

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, from my understanding, doing the meetings in South Korea means that you¡¯re entrusting your safety and the way things will proceed to the South Korean government. Are you asking for a separate security detail?¡±

    ¡°Officially, that¡¯s how it would go. However, meetings with the heads of the Intelligence Bureaus aren¡¯t that easy. That¡¯s why my friends and I are asking you to take responsibility for our security,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Think about the agents¡¯ pride.¡±

    Lanok nced inside the room and nodded. ¡°Louis has rmended you. He said he isn¡¯t sure how it would go if you were only guarding me, but no one is better than you when ites to security and managing even the agents of the other Intelligence Bureaus.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed quietly.

    All he ever had to think of for the past two days was seeing familiar faces. Now, he suddenly had work to do¡ªone that was going to put a lot of pressure on him, no less.

    ¡°If I and my friends give you leadership over the agents, then even the heads of the Intelligence Bureaus of Russia and the other countries will have no choice but to follow. Although you¡¯re rumored to be an agent I and the South Korean government created, it will still be better for everyone to have a South Korean agent in control of the situation,¡± Lanok added.

    Kang Chan felt bitter.

    Controlling the agents was totally different from being inbat. Although Kang Chan had experience patrolling the outer perimeters and escorting people at close range, professional security details were still different.

    ¡°We n to hold the event at one of the international building and international hotel. The exact schedule will be released on Wednesday morning. It¡¯s best to keep that in mind.¡±

    Lanok spoke as if everything had actually been confirmed.

    ¡°The thirty-fifth brigade and the Korean 606 will be in charge of guarding the outer perimeter. I heard that the National Intelligence Service will oversee general security, and the presidential security service will handle close-range security. Ah, that¡¯s just for the official meeting. Guards are not allowed during the unofficial meeting except at the outer perimeters. It¡¯s a distinct characteristic of the meetings involving the heads of Intelligence Bureaus,¡± Lanok continued.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud.

    There was no way that this sly and wily person would call anyone for no reason. Kang Chan thought Lanok had something in mind that required making him represent their security.

    ¡°Will you take on the role?¡± Lanok asked.

    It was difficult for Kang Chan to decline right now, considering Lanok was asking him so seriously.

    ¡°I will, Mr. Ambassador, but is there another reason you¡¯re telling me something this the day before the event?¡±

    Lanok smiled as if he didn¡¯t expect such a question. There was certainly something that he didn¡¯t tell Kang Chan.

    ¡°One of the Intelligence Bureau¡¯s heads will likely seek asylum. If they do, the worst-case scenario will be a gunfight urring. We need a person that can exin the situation to the presidential security office and the South Korean National Intelligence Service and make them understand it immediately, and no one fits such a job as well as you do.¡±

    See? Although Lanok kept telling him good things in the beginning, he was clearly hiding something.

    ¡°Can I tell the National Intelligence Service about this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You can¡¯t, Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Lanok adamantly shook his head. ¡°If evidence is found that the South Korean government prepared for such a situation, the people concerned will certainly be killed. That¡¯s how Intelligence Bureaus normally operate. Moreover, there¡¯s a chance nobody will actually seek asylum, so it would be best for you to be the only one to know about this.¡±

    <i>Damn it! I shouldn¡¯t have asked?the?real reason why I had to take this role.</i>

    ¡°Come to the embassy at 10 am tomorrow. We can head out together. I prepared everything¡ªfrom your suit to your equipment¡ªso all you have to prepare is yourself,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Ambassador. I¡¯ll get the schedule at that time as well, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Now that Kang Chan had decided to help Lanok, he decided to do it properly since there was actually something that he wanted from Lanok as well.

    ¡°What are you nning on doing to WuYang Jin-Woo?¡± Lanok asked, almost as if he read Kang Chan¡¯s mind,

    ¡°I¡¯m nning to wait for an opportunity until the end of this month, and if I don¡¯t get any, I¡¯ll probably get help from France¡¯s DGSE. I¡¯m thinking of using a satellite to track his location, then kill him when he¡¯s staying out overnight.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s certainly possible to cooperate with the DGSE to execute that n.¡±

    The DGSE had no reservations when it came to assassinations as well. ustomed to such things, Lanok had no qualms with Kang Chan¡¯s intentions at all.

    ¡°He will be a huge and recurring burden to South Korea, and we still have no idea what his ns are even though the Eurasian rail has already been announced. That¡¯s why taking this opportunity to remove him isn¡¯t such a bad idea,¡± Lanok said, then lifted his cup of tea. However, he suddenly looked at Kang Chan as if he just thought of something. ¡°WuYang Jin-Woo is a pervert¡ªa pedophile. If he can¡¯t satisfy that desire, he would rape a very young-looking female employee. He has shown extreme tendencies multiple times before whenever he can¡¯t satiate his carnal desires. It would be beneficial for you to use this information in the future.¡±

    ¡°You investigated him that deeply?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, we investigate almost everyone that¡¯s in the top 0.1% in more than the one hundred thirty countries that we¡¯repeting with. Even my country confidently remembers WuYang Jeon-Woo because he satisfies his perversion by periodically going out to Africa and Southeast Asia.¡±

    That son of a bitch really was going around shaming the country.

    ¡°WuYang Jeon-Woo can lose his position because of the operation in Mongolia and the announcement of the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project. Just watching someone that dangerous isn¡¯t wise, which is why I¡¯m supporting your n,¡± Lanok added.

    Kang Chan felt bitter, but he already nned to twist Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s neck anyway for Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, there¡¯s something that makes me curious.¡±

    ¡°Go on. I don¡¯t keep secrets from my friends.¡±

    What he said was just as unreliable as Kang Chan saying that he learned French on the inte, so he just decided to ask what he was curious about.

    ¡°Is there another reason why you¡¯re insisting on doing the announcement of the Eurasian rail in South Korea?¡± For his own sake, Kang Chan would never say something like this ever again just to benefit the position of the South Korean government.

    ¡°Hmm, there are two, actually. The first reason is to send a strong warning to China, Japan, and North Korea, and the second is to figure out what the United States and the United Kingdom. are doing.¡±

    ¡°The United States and the United Kingdom?¡±

    ¡°I already told you this before, but we¡¯re trying to figure out why the United Kingdom is looking for the ckhead, why Shan still hasn¡¯t given up hope, and what rtion Shan has to the ckhead. Moreover, the United States is silently watching the United Kingdom while also searching for the ckhead through a different organization. Why do you think they¡¯re doing that, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Why do you think the United Kingdom and the United States are persistently trying to find a diamond even though the international economic power and roles they''ve been maintaining until now are about to be taken away by France and Russia?¡±

    <i>Would I be asking if I knew?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    It was something that was difficult for Kang Chan to even guess.

    ¡°The key is going to be in you¡­ if you believe that a person can die and reincarnate into a different person¡¯s body, that is. The United States and the United Kingdom can¡¯t take that into ount. That¡¯s only natural, though, considering it took even me a considerable amount of time to be convinced about it as well.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s question ended in vain. The only thing he got out of it was a headache. He decided to just think about tomorrow¡¯s schedule.

    ¡°Once the Eurasian rail is announced, the United Kingdom and the United States are going to start making moves in full swing,¡± Lanok added.

    Why would Kang Chan pay attention to the United States and even the United Kingdom when he wasn¡¯t even an international figure?

    Kang Chan drank tea to get rid of hisplicated thoughts.

    ¡°Do you really not want to be naturalized in France?¡± Lanok asked.

    Lanok had said quite a lot of things today that Kang Chan hadn¡¯t even thought about.

    ¡°South Korea is a cramped ce to stay in for someone who possesses abilities like yours,¡± Lanok continued.

    ¡°Are you telling me to join the Foreign Legion?¡±

    ¡°No way,¡± Lanok said andughed, seemingly amused. ¡°I¡¯m just asking because I think it would be in your best interest to do work that is a bit more active. Honestly, I want to turn you into a powerful person in the DGSE.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head while smiling lightly. He didn¡¯t want to live the rest of his life worrying about a bullet flying at him at any moment.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help but wonder what you would have been like if you had just a little bit more ambition or greed,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°If I was like that, you wouldn¡¯t have epted me as your friend.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think so?¡±

    The two gave knowing smiles, then stood up from their spots.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at 10 am tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send a car to your apartment. Be out at front by 9:10 am.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just go there by taxi.¡±

    ¡°The weight that you¡¯re carrying in this event isn¡¯t light. Respectful treatment like that is a matter of course.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn''t refuse anymore when Lanok insisted.

    Kang Chan sent off Lanok to the basement parking lot after they left the hotel room. Since the announcement was right around the corner, they entered and left the hotel using different entry points as a precaution.

    <i>Did I take on an unnecessary job?</i>

    There was no point in regretting it now. It had already been decided, so there was nothing he could do about it.

    Kang Chan took the elevator up to the first floor so he could take a taxi home.

    As he headed toward the exit, he walked past the front desk and the lobby to the ride. ncing into the lobby, he saw Lee Ji-Yeon. She had her hands politely sped in front of her as she listened to what the female manager was telling her.

    <i>Was shete? Or did she go absent from work without prior notice?</i>

    She looked very haggard, but everyone was going through their own situations. Kang Chan didn¡¯t have to know about all of them.

    The moment Kang Chan turned his head toward the entrance¡­ the man standing beside the entrance suddenly caught his attention.

    <i>¡®Who¡¯s that fucker?¡¯</i>

    The man felt intense.

    It would be ridiculous to think such a person was just an ordinary civilian. The look in his eyes was different.

    Kang Chan quickly examined the guy.

    <i>¡®Serpent Venimeux?¡¯</i>

    He was Asian and had the head of a snake tattooed on his left hand¡ªthe Serpent Venimeux had agreed to get rid of it because it was too eye-catching, but it held its ground because it was tradition.

    <i>¡®What is that fucker waiting for, though?¡¯</i>

    The man was looking at the lobby.

    Considering he came here from France, he probably wasn¡¯t doing that because he didn¡¯t have enough money to buy coffee.

    <i>¡®Does he have a crush on someone in the lobby?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. That was nonsense.

    <i>¡®Ah! That fucker is fucking bothering me.¡¯</i>

    While Kang Chan was shaking off his annoyance, Lee Ji-Yeon headed out of the lobby. The man¡¯s eyes followed her.

    1. Korean 606 is a military division that the author has created for this novel.

    2. Lanok pronounced Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s name incorrectly here, probably with a French ent

 Chapter 103.1: Die or Kill Someone (2)

    <h4>Chapter 103.1: Die or Kill Someone (2)</h4>

    Honestly, it would¡¯ve been possible that the man liked Lee Ji-Yeon if she were attractive enough for her to really stand out. However, she was skinny and looked so young she would seem like a child at first nce.

    Actually, considering Cha So-Yeon and Cho Se-Ho were dating, could it be possible?

    At any rate, the guy at least seemed to be clearly following Lee Ji-Yeon when she headed to the entrance.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    The Serpent Venimeux wouldn¡¯t follow Lee Ji-Yeon just because they were bored.

    Kang Chan ended up trailing the man.

    Considering she had left the hotel and was walking outside, Lee Ji-Yeon was probably going to take the bus.

    ¡°Miss Lee Ji-Yeon!¡± Kang Chan called out.

    <i>Son of a bitch! He would¡¯ve been surprised.</i>

    Startled, Lee Ji-Yeon turned around to look behind her. She momentarily nked out, but she soon urgently bowed her head.

    <i>Why does she look like that?</i>

    ¡°Hello?¡± Lee Ji-Yeon¡¯s face was thin, and she looked at Kang Chan with frightened eyes.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you working today?¡±

    Lee Ji-Yeon hesitantly approached Kang Chan.

    She probably thought of him as a gang leader because of how Joo Chul-Bum treated him and the things that the female manager likely told her.

    ¡°Uh, I came here to inform the hotel that I won¡¯t be able toe to work.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan carefully looked at her.

    ¡°My family¡¯s going through something bad.¡±

    All Kang Chan could do was nod to matters like this. He couldn¡¯t just ask her questions like ¡®What exactly is happening?¡¯ and ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ After all, he had made her stop walking in the middle of the street even though he wasn¡¯t a stalker.

    However, he still had to look into why the Serpent Venimeux was following her around.

    ¡°Where do you live?¡±

    ¡°At Sanggye-Dong.¡±

    Kang Chan suddenly thought of an amazing idea.

    ¡°This is good¡ªI¡¯m headed there as well, so let¡¯s go take a taxi together. Going there alone would be boring.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m not going home right now, sir.¡±

    <i>Damn it! Now I have to go to Sanggye-Dong for no reason.</i>

    While Lee Ji-Yeon was looking at Kang Chan, who was at a loss for words, she said goodbye and bowed her head, implying that she was leaving.

    ¡°Where are you going now?¡± Kang Chan prodded further.

    The doorman at the entrance looked at Lee Ji-Yeon as if he felt bad for her. It definitely looked as if Kang Chan was flirting with a powerless female employee.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to Suh Jeong¡¯spany building at Teheran-ro.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m protesting alone because my unnie died unjustly,¡± Lee Ji-Yeon replied daringly, perhaps because she didn¡¯t like how Kang Chan kept bothering her. She then dropped her gaze, seemingly realizing she was a bit too bold.

    She was protesting alone? At thepany building of Suh Jeong?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say this, but can you spare me some of your time?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Sir, please just let me go.¡±

    Kang Chan could feel people looking at him, but that wasn¡¯t important right now.

    ¡°I just think I might be able to help you. It¡¯ll only take a minute.¡±

    Lee Ji-Yeon looked hesitant, but she answered with an ¡°alright¡± a momentter.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk inside.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the Serpent Venimeux member, who was reflected on the ss, as he walked through the entrance. He had to be in an awkward position.

    Kang Chan entered the lobby, and the female manager came toward them as she nced at Lee Ji-Yeon, seemingly confused about what was going on.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to have a cup of coffee,¡± Kang Chan told the manager.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Please call Joo Chul-Bum over for a moment.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    Kang Chan rmended a seat to Lee Ji-Yeon, then sat across from her.

    ¡°Do you want to drink something?¡± Kang Chnan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll drink coffee.¡±

    As Kang Chan ordered two cups of coffee, Joo Chul-Bum approached them.

    ¡°You were looking for me?¡± Joo Chul-Bum asked while ncing at Lee Ji-Yeon. For some reason, it sounded as if he was asking ¡®Did this bitch do something wrong?¡¯ Kang Chan even saw Lee Ji-Yeon flinch.

    ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    ¡°Alright, hyung-nim.¡±

    Kang Chan got very annoyed because he called him hyung-nim, but that wasn¡¯t important right now.

    ¡°Listen, and don¡¯t look behind you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim.¡± Joo Chul-Bum brought his head closer to Kang Chan.

    ¡°A member of the French gang Serpent Venimeux is on the sofa on the opposite side of the lobby. I¡¯m going to talk to that fucker and take him to your office. You remember the room that I smoked a cigarette inst time, right? Empty that room, and¡ªdon¡¯t look behind you!¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum was about to turn his head, but he flinched.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to beat him up if he defies me, so clean up the mess.¡±

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim. I¡¯ll be waiting in front of the front desk, then.¡± Joo Chul-Bum stood up and walked toward the front desk.

    Kang Chan spoke to Lee Ji-Yeon again. ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but someone is trailing you. That¡¯s why I called you. If your¡­ unnie? You said that she was your unnie, right? If she died unjustly, then I can probably help you, so let¡¯s talk after I take care of that man. Will that be okay?¡±

    Having heard Kang Chan¡¯s conversation with Joo Chul-Bum, Lee Ji-Yeon¡¯s eyes widened in shock when she learned someone was trailing her.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    An employee approached them and ced coffees in front of Kang Chan and Lee Ji-Yeon.

    Back when Kang Chan beat up and caught Shan, the Serpent Venimeux told him that they owed him a favor, but he didn¡¯t save their number.

    Rather than dealing with this using troublesome means, it was better to just use his name.

    Kang Chan checked one more thing before he stood up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to ask, but can you think of any reason why someone would tail you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lee Ji-Yeon shook her head, but she seemed to have suddenly remembered something. ¡°Would someone tail me because I protested in front of the Suh Jeongpany building?¡±

    ¡°An organization like Suh Jeong will find it difficult to make a move because of something like that.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    After getting an answer, Kang Chan immediately stood up and approached the gang member.

    What a fucking child. He was pretending not to know Kang Chan even though they both knew each other.

    ¡°Serpent Venimeux, let me ask you for a favor,¡± As Kang Chan spoke in Fre, the gang member sharply red at him. ¡°I don¡¯t know who it was, but someone from the Serpent Venimeux told me they would do me a favor if I say my name. Call your superiors for me.¡±

    ¡°You seem aware of our organization. If so, then are you not aware of the horrible oue that this act of yours will bring?¡±

    Kang Chan looked straight into the gang member¡¯s eyes while smirking. ¡°Why don''t you behave while I''m being polite? Otherwise, you''ll end up like the ones who came before you, which means you¡¯ll be leaving this ce with broken limbs.¡±

    The gang member, who appeared to be around his early thirties, cocked his head. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°God of ckfield.¡±

    ¡°What do you want?¡± the man asked after they bluntly answered each other¡¯s questions.

    ¡°Tell me why you¡¯re following that woman around.¡±

    Doubt shed across the gang member¡¯s eyes. He seemed to think, ¡®Can I do that?¡¯

    ¡°There¡¯s a quiet office inside this hotel. Why don¡¯t we talk there over a cigarette?¡± Kang Chan offered.

    When Kang Chan nodded toward the office, the gang member stood up as if he had no other choice.

    <i>Bam!?</i>

    However, in an instant, the gang member closed in on Kang Chan and tried to stab his eyes.

    <i>Bam! Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan swatted away his hand and hit his neck, the pit of his stomach, and his armpit with all his might.

    ¡°Kyaak!¡± someone screamed.

    As Joo Chul-Bum came over, Kang Chan draped the gang member¡¯s arm over his shoulder.

    The employee at the front desk and the employees in the lounge immediately headed to themotion and reassured the customers. Meanwhile, Kang Chan saw Lee Ji-Yeon looking at them with a surprised and scared expression.

    ¡°Miss Manager, please tell Miss Lee Ji-Yeon to wait for me.¡±

    ¡°As you wish, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan quickly headed to Joo Chul-Bum¡¯s office.

    ¡°It¡¯s this one, hyung-nim.¡± Joo Chul-Bum opened the door slightly and waited for Kang Chan to enter.

    ¡°Bring over coffee and an ashtray,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Okay, hyung-nim.¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum had left by the time the gang member lying on the sofa briefly tousled his hair while frowning. He seemed to being to his senses.

    ¡°I will only cut you some ck once. If you do something unnecessary again, I¡¯ll break your arm. You better keep that in mind,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Ugh, so you¡¯re doing this despite knowing who we are?¡±

    ¡°Why were you following Lee Ji-Yeon?¡±

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette and handed it over to the gang member. When the gang member took it obediently, Kang Chan took out a lighter and lit up the gang member¡¯s cigarette and the one Kang Chan was biting.

    ¡°Can I make a call before I give you an answer?¡± the gang member asked.

    ¡°Do whatever you want.¡±

    As the gang member took out his phone and called someone, Joo Chul-Bum brought over two cups of coffee and ced it on the table.

    ¡°You can stay outside. I¡¯ll be heading to the lobby as soon as this ends anyway,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright, hyung-nim.¡±

    The gang member exined the situation to someone on the phone. When the call ended, he put his phone on top of the table.

    ¡°I was told that they¡¯ll check and call back within five minutes,¡± the gang member told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Have some coffee.¡±

    The gang member silently massaged his neck and his side while ring at the coffee that Kang Chan had pointed to.

    Five minutes passed ufortably. Neither of them said a word.

    It would be alright even if nobody called back. After all, Kang Chan had at least confirmed that they were following Lee Ji-Yeon. Hence, he was thinking of making it impossible for the gang member to keep following her. If he had to, he would even break one of his arms.

    Kang Chan was leaning back against the sofa and lighting up his second cigarette when the gang member¡¯s phone rang. He said ¡°oui¡± about three times, then held out his phone to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ello,¡± Kang Chan answered the phone while looking at the man sitting in front of him.

    - It¡¯s been a long time since we talked.

    The man¡¯s voice was insidious enough for Kang Chan to clearly remember the one phone call he had with him.

    - I did say that I¡¯ll do you a favor if you ask for it using your name. What do you want, God of ckfield?

    Thinking he wanted to p the caller¡¯s face just once someday, Kang Chan answered, ¡°Why is this man in front of me following a woman? Is it rted to Yang Jin-Woo?¡±

    A short silence came from the other end of the line, but he soon got an answer.

    - Hey. How close are you to Lanok?

    Kang Chan told him to answer, but the caller asked a question instead. From his voice, Kang Chan felt as if he was strangely looking forward to his answer.

    ¡°He calls me his friend.¡±

    - A friend of Lanok¡­

    He sounded worried, but it was difficult for Kang Chan to know what the guy was worried about.

    - There¡¯s something called luck in life. Luck always offers opportunities. The ones who seed are those who know how to quickly take that opportunity, and the ones who fail are the idiots who blow it away out of stubbornness and reckless bravado.

    ¡°I wish you¡¯d stop the life lesson now and just answer my question.¡±

    Kang Chan heard the callerughing out loud when he said that.

    - It would be difficult for us to be enemies with Lanok. If you promise to keep the Serpent Venimeux out of what will happen afterward with the information that I give you today, then I¡¯ll give you valuable information.

    Kang Chan nced at the man sitting across from him, finding him still massaging his neck. Kang Chan only asked him why he was following Lee Ji-Yeon, so he naturally got suspicious of why Lanok was mentioned and why the guy on the phone was asking to leave out the Serpent Venimeux from this, which was something difficult.

    - We received thirteen million euros from WuYang Jeon-Woo.

    <i>How much is that? Twenty billion won? It has to be around that much.?</i>

    He was using such arge sum of money just to follow Lee Ji-Yeon around?

    - The man in front of you is Phillip. Excluding him, we have recently sent over four people to South Korea and handed over a total of one hundred pounds of C4 to WuYang Jun-Woo.

    Kang Chan¡¯s mind momentarily nked out.

    <i>Damn it! That crazy son of a bitch!</i>

    One pound of C4 was 1.3 times stronger than a grenade.

    The bomb could be transformed into any shape like y, so detectors also had trouble finding it.

    If they were all detonated at the same time¡­

    An entire floor of the international building would explode and disintegrate.

    1. Sanggye-dong is a neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea

 Chapter 103.2: Die or Kill Someone (2)

    <h4>Chapter 103.2: Die or Kill Someone (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan was shocked to hear about how much C4 was there.

    ¡°Who is it? Tell me exactly who you guys handed the C4 over to so I¡¯ll have something to say to Lanok.¡±

    - Whoa! Calm down. I said calm down, my friend.

    If this guy were near Kang Chan, Kang Chan would have already broken his arm or ruptured his eyeball.

    - We don¡¯t reveal the person directly concerned about things like this. I just did business, and I betted on your luck while risking my loyalty. I already told you this much, so you should be able to solve the rest.

    Kang Chan took a deep breath.

    Since the event hadn¡¯t started yet, what the caller was saying also made sense. If they used bomb detection dogs, they might be able to find it immediately because of the nauseating stic smell of the C4. It had a fishy smell as well.

    - It seems like the sister of the woman Phillip has been following knew about it. Since she could¡¯ve ced evidence of that anywhere in her house, we were thinking of finding them.

    ¡°Were you the ones who killed her as well?¡±

    .

    - That was of course part of the contract. The woman was already dead when we arrived, though.

    Kang Chan felt as if he had to act quickly.

    It was a hundred pounds of C4. Even if they were to start looking for it now with eyes zing with fury, they still wouldn¡¯t have much time before the event tomorrow morning.

    Ten pounds of C4 was approximately four and a half kilograms.

    Unless a bomb detection dog went into the venue, if just five people ced the C4 around their waists and pressed a switch, the explosion would be powerful enough to guarantee the deaths of everyone in attendance.

    <i>Yang Jin-Woo! You crazy fucking son of a bitch!</i>

    - Please pass on our sincerity to Lanok.

    ¡°How about you guys stop following that woman around starting today?¡±

    - What¡¯s the point of following her when we have already gotten caught? Put Phillip on the phone. Oh! And¡­

    Kang Chan cocked his head.

    - I wish you luck, my friend.

    Son of a bitch. How could he say that after selling that many bombs?

    Kang Chan handed over the phone to Phillip.

    The gang member answered twice, then dropped the phone call. Looking dissatisfied, he stood up. He had no business here now.

    However, just as Kang Chan turned toward the door¡­

    <i>Whish.</i>

    The gang member whipped out his hand.

    <i>Bam.</i>

    Kang Chan grabbed the gang member¡¯s wrist with his right hand. He then twisted it and hooked his own left hand around the gang member¡¯sr elbow.

    <i>What an idiot. He¡¯s surprised even though he¡¯s the one who attacked first!</i>

    <i>Crack.</i>

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    This was what happened if people acted based on their useless pride.

    As Kang Chan opened the door and walked out of the office, he heard the gang member swearing in French while sobbing inside.

    Kang Chan opened the door in the hallway, finding Joo Chul-Bum waiting for him.

    ¡°I broke the man¡¯s arm. Send him to the hospital and end things there. Don¡¯t pay for his medical expenses,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim.¡±

    As Kang Chan was headed to the lobby, he immediately called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, I was told that Yang Jin-Woo has brought in a hundred pounds of C4. The seller is the French gang Serpent Venimeux. There might be evidence, so I¡¯ll go to look for that for now.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, did you just say a hundred pounds of C4?

    Kim Hyung-Jung naturally sounded as if he couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing.

    ¡°It would be difficult to get more details, so please just figure out if there¡¯s anything weird around Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s surroundings for now and check if anyone like Yoon Bong-Sup has returned from a foreign country or received cargo by ship or ne. I heard two of them are now here. I¡¯ve broken the arm of a Serpent Venimeux member in the Namsan Hotel just now, and I was told that four more people aside from him hade into the country, so please check the list of names that have entered the country as well. I was told that the man whose arm I broke is called Phillip.¡±

    - Just a moment! Just a moment, Mr. Kang Chan.

    Kim Hyung-Jung called Kang Chan, perhaps because Kang Chan spoke so quickly.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, please start looking into it for now. Let¡¯s talk again once we have the results.¡±

    Kang Chan entered the lobby, approached, Lee Ji-Yeon, and sat down.

    ¡°Who was that man from a moment ago?¡± Lee Ji-Yeon asked. She looked flustered.

    It was difficult to be honest in situations like this.

    ¡°We handed him over to the police, so we should find out once they have investigated him.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lee Ji-Yeon answered and nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to ask this, but you¡¯re saying that your unnie died unjustly, but the police concluded that shemitted suicide, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    With fidgety fingers and her head down, Lee Ji-Yeon started to tell Kang Chan about her life.

    There were three people in her family: their single mother, her unnie Lee Ji-Eun, and Lee Ji-Yeon.

    Her unnie was three years older than Lee Ji-Yeon. She was specially appointed to the Chairman¡¯s secretary¡¯s office because she caught the attention of Cho Il-Kwon, the chief secretary, while he was inspecting one of the subsidiaries of Suh Jeong Motors. However, shemitted suicide not even a month since she started working there.

    Lee Ji-Eun did have a hard time when she started to work in the Chairman¡¯s secretary¡¯s office, but Lee Ji-Yeon had never even heard of her being depressed. Lee Ji-Yeon also told Kang Chan that recently, her unnie told her that she was just going to work at the Chairman¡¯s secretary¡¯s office until she got a job with a full-time position and that she was already looking for another job.

    However, despite being so determined, Lee Ji-Eunmitted suicide.

    As Kang Chan was looking at Lee Ji-Yeon¡¯s worn-out sneakers, jeans, and her stretched-out cotton shirt, he suddenly remembered something.

    ¡°Does your unnie also look young like you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes. She actually looked even younger than me.¡±

    <i>Could it be? That can¡¯t be, right?</i>

    Frowning, Kang Chan looked outside the window. What Lanok had told him crossed his mind. If he had killed that son of a bitch just a bit more quickly, this would have been prevented.

    Kang Chan should have run over to Yang Jin-Woo after beating up Cho Il-Kwon.

    He collected himself for now.

    ¡°Do you have something that you can submit as evidence?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have my unnie¡¯s notes.¡±

    ¡°Notes? What do they say?¡±

    ¡°Things like, ¡®I need to endure everything for my mom and sister,¡¯ and, ¡®I figured out a scary fact.¡¯ My unnie was never the type tomit suicide.¡±

    ¡°I get what you¡¯re saying. Anyway, I¡¯ll contact youter. Go home for now and make sure to keep the notes safe. Oh, one more thing. Don¡¯t ever visit the Suh Jeongpany building for now.¡±

    Lee Ji-Yeon seemed to suspect something when she raised her head. Looking into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, she answered, ¡°Alright.¡±

    After sending Lee Ji-Yeon home, Kang Chan sat back down his seat earlier.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Kang Chan held up his phone, which was ringing. It was Lanok.

    If Lanok didn¡¯t call him, Kang Chan would¡¯ve been the one to call.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, have you been to the United States recently, by any chance?

    <i>Why is he spouting?nonsense?this urgently?</i>

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible. You¡¯re also quite aware of my schedule, aren¡¯t you?

    - That¡¯s weird. The United States¡¯ Intelligence Agency seems certain that someone rted to the ckhead is in South Korea. Your name was even mentioned. I can¡¯t figure out who handed information that even France¡¯s DGSE doesn¡¯t know over to the United States. Do you have any guesses?

    ¡°I really don¡¯t know. That aside, Mr. Ambassador, I met the Serpent Venimeux earlier in the day at the Namsan Hotel.¡±

    Kang Chan told Lanok about the C-4 that had been brought into the country.

    - I can¡¯t believe they would leak out information again after selling everything that they could. As expected, they¡¯re cunning. They always get away with things by doing things like this. If it wasn¡¯t for you, they would¡¯ve made the same offer to the DGSE. The Serpent Venimeux are known to specialize in trading with matters rted to weapons and drugs.

    This sly person was still spouting nonsense even though there was a bomb that could explode in the event at any given moment?

    - Mr. Kang Chan, if we think about how important the Eurasian rail announcement is, then your discovery is just a part of it. The DGSE has discovered and removed three terror organizations so far. Moreover, Ludwig and his people have also blockaded two locations. Vant has done the same.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt drained. All the tension seemed to have left him while listening to Lanok.

    - The reason we didn¡¯t discover those bombs even though the Serpent Venimeux did something like that is that the DGSE and all of the Intelligence Bureaus of Europe are focused on preventing terror attacks. This announcement is that important.

    After hearing Kang Chan sigh, Lanok exined the situation to him as if he was teaching someone who would be doing things like this often in the future.

    - With that being the case, our problem now is figuring out how the United States even knew your name.

    <i>You sly person! That¡¯s not important right now! We have a hundred pounds of C4 on the loose in South Korea!</i>

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador! I requested a biopsy in the past when I learned that I have a physical constitution so rare it¡¯s in the top one percent in the world. I don¡¯t know if the samples were sent to the United States, but I¡¯ve sent some overseas.¡±

    - Oh no!

    Lanok sighed, disappointed.

    - Understood, Mr. Kang Chan. Since we have an outline of the situation for now, I¡¯ll have to sabotage them as much as I can and find out what they really want. Please keep this in mind¡ªnow that the United States knows about you, the United Kingdom will also find out within a week.

    <i>Considering you already know about it, what does that make you?</i>

    - France''s DGSE is ahead of them by about a week. In this world of information, that¡¯s a tremendous amount of time.

    Lanok¡¯s answer made it seem as if he read Kang Chan¡¯s mind. It made Kang Chan look around his surroundings.

    - In any case, let¡¯s discuss the rest tomorrow in person.

    The call ended.

    Did that sly person really just think such an enormous bomb was something that could just be discussed tomorrow?

    As Kang Chan sighed, the female manager approached him in a sophisticated manner and changed his coffee to a new one.

 Chapter 104.1: Did people really need to do this? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 104.1: Did people really need to do this? (1)</h4>

    Feeling calmer when he had a sip of the fresh coffee that the female manager had brought over, Kang Chan made the phone call that he had to put off for a moment.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded as if he was in a rush.

    - I checked, but we haven¡¯t found anything yet. The National Intelligence Service¡¯s branch in the airport¡¯s customs in the National Intelligence Service are immediately deporting suspicious arrivals right now, and we have also gotten a report about the movements of the people on the cklist of the National Police Agency¡¯s foreign affairs division. However, we haven¡¯t noticed anything strange so far. Are you sure that the information is trustworthy?

    Kang Chan briefly exined what he had talked about with Lanok.

    - We have also figured out three different ways that Europe will act. The problem is that we can¡¯t figure out the circumstances around the C-4 and the circumstances around the enemies being smuggled into the country.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, I¡¯m sorry for the trouble, but can you include Seok Kang-Ho among the security guards for tomorrow? He¡¯ll have weapons for protecting people at close range. I would also like to see the security n if you have ess to it.¡±

    - I can¡¯t make a decision about this on my own since this concerns the president¡¯s security service, so I¡¯ll contact you as soon as I have spoken to the director.

    After dropping the call, Kang Chan leaned toward the window.

    The attack had already happened.

    He thought that they could finally put a stop to Yang Jin-Woo with the event tomorrow.

    A momentter, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, the Director has granted me permission to support you in any way you please. Fortunately, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho has the qualifications of an agent. If he has any pistol preferences, I¡¯ll be sure to get it.

    ¡°He would want two pistols¡ªthe Beretta M9 and the Glock 19. He will also need four mags and a walkie-talkie. That should be enough.¡±

    - Mr. Seok Kang-Ho will be using all of that?

    ¡°Yes. Lanok said that he¡¯ll prepare weapons for me, so I¡¯ll get my weapons from him. Prepare two bays as well, please. I want to secure them on my ankle.¡±

    - Understood. Regarding the security n, you may only see it in the office in Samseong-dong.

    ¡°I¡¯m currently at the Namsan Hotel, but I¡¯ll head there now. Is that okay?¡±

    - Of course. I¡¯ll call Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan hung up and looked at the time. It was 5:30 pm.

    He couldn¡¯t help but sigh. What kind of life was this? Why didn''t he have any days that didn¡¯t require him to have a weapon in hand?

    Was it really true that Yoo Hun-Woo had requested a biopsy to be done in the United States?

    Kang Chan went out of the hotel and got in a taxi. As they left, he called Yoo Hun-Woo.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯m out at a gathering right now, so it will take about an hour for me to get to the hospital. Are you severely wounded?

    ¡°I¡¯m not wounded, Mr. Director. I called you because I want to ask you something.¡±

    - You¡¯re not wounded?

    Kang Chan smirked because Yoo Hun-Woo sounded disappointed.

    ¡°It¡¯s about the biopsy we talked about a while ago. Did you request that to be done in the United States, by any chance?¡±

    - Yes. I sent it to the Sampleton Research Institute in Washington. It¡¯s the most prestigious research institute in the world, so we can trust its findings, regardless of what it says.

    <i>Damn it! Lanok was right!</i>

    - Why do you ask? What is this about?

    ¡°I was just curious if you identally sent it somewhere inappropriate.¡±

    - Their services are expensive, but they¡¯re trustworthy.

    Yoo Hun-Woo quietlyughed.

    ¡°I just used that as an excuse to call you. I just wanted to talk with you for a bit.¡±

    After they exchanged a few more words, Kang Chan hung up.

    The taxi came across traffic when they passed the Hannam Bridge, forcing them to slow down.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Seok Kang-Ho. What¡¯s going on? Manager Kim asked me toe, but he sounded strange.

    ¡°It¡¯s not something we can talk about over the phone, so let¡¯s meet up first. Can youe?¡±

    - I¡¯m on my way to Samseong-dong right now. Have you had dinner yet?

    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±

    - Great. Come over and let¡¯s eat together.

    Kang Chan hung up the phone. Twenty minutester, he arrived in Samseong-dong.

    He went up to the fifth floor. When Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door, they headed straight to his room.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted Kang Chan with a grave expression, perhaps because he had heard what was going on.

    After they ordered three bibimbap, Kang Chan told them everything, including his meeting with Lanok earlier in the day, the Serpent Venimeux incident, and what happened to Lee Ji-Yeon. He was already done talking when the food arrived.

    This neighborhood had a really fast delivery service.

    After their meal, which they finished in five minutes, Kim Hyung-Jung brought over and ced three drinks on the table.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go over the schedule first,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, biting on a cigarette. He walked over to the desk, brought over a pile of documents and floor ns, and ced them on the table. ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, please take a look at this. The ones marked with a ¡®V¡¯ are the segments of the event that the President is attending. Since the announcement will be made with the other countries, Ambassador Lanok is expected to announce it with everyone gathered around him.¡±

    Kang Chan skimmed through the entire schedule. It wasn¡¯t as tightly packed as he was expecting.

    ¡°Our problem lies in the private meetings that the heads of the other countries¡¯ Intelligence Bureaus hold among themselves in between the segments. They decide when to conduct those on the spot, making those moments especially bothersome when ites to guarding them.¡±

    ¡°I was told that they¡¯ll take care of their own security during those meetings,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°That¡¯s also driving us crazy. The building and the hotel we¡¯ll be using for the event use the same passage, so more than a hundred armed agents will be in the building next to the hotel. Some peopleined about it, but since we¡¯re very pressed for time and the announcement has a strong symbolic meaning, everyone just let it slide and epted it.¡±

    Kang Chan started to think that the other countries just passed the headache onto South Korea.

    Instead, he could feel his nervousness disappearing..

    ¡°Mr. Manager, assuming the worst-case scenario happens and we find ourselves in the middle of a gunfight between the Intelligence Bureaus, what would your contingency measure be?¡±

    The room momentarily fell silent.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we assume the worst since all the foreign Intelligence Bureau agents will possess a gun? I¡¯m just curious about the standard procedure for situations like that.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, the security office will focus on guarding the VIPs, and the National Intelligence Service will step in to stop the gunfight. We will also deploy the 606 members to the scene.¡±

    ¡°Can C-4 be brought into the event?¡±

    Cocking his head, Kim Hyung-Jung spread out the floor n on the table. ¡°We had ced an inspection sign in the venttion, the joint, and all of the doors. The 606 have been stationed in those locations, and they¡¯re expected to remain on stand-by there until the event starts. That would make installing C-4s in the building difficult.¡±

    ¡°If so, then that means that they¡¯re going to bring in the C-4 in the middle of the event, right?¡±

    ¡°Assuming they do, they¡¯ll have trouble smuggling it in since the 606 members will be watching everyone for the next two days, including those working in the kitchen. All the attendees will also have to pass through security and bomb detection dogs.¡±

    ¡°Do we have the entire building under our control?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Unfortunately, that¡¯s impossible. If they didn¡¯t decide to hold this event on such short notice, we honestly wouldn¡¯t even have to prepare things separately like this. We wouldn¡¯t have even used one of the internationally owned buildings and hotels.¡±

    Kang Chan looked up from the map, his gazending on Hyung-Jung. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t control all the people within the building. Even if we assume that we can somehow stop anything from happening on one floor, it''s basically impossible to contain any more than that. Plus¡­¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stopped and sighed mid-sentence. ¡°There¡¯s an unimaginable number of reporters interested in this event. ording to the press center, ny journalismpanies and nearly four hundred people have officially requested the right to cover this event already. Even variety programs are doing all sorts of lobbying to try and butt into covering this event in one way or another, so it¡¯s absolutely torturous.¡±

    ¡°It seems I epted a useless offer simply because I wasn¡¯t aware of things like this.¡± Kang Chan wasn¡¯t being sarcastic, but he didn¡¯t regret his decision either.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true, Mr. Kang Chan. You shouldn¡¯t think about things like that.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung leaned back against the chair and picked up a cigarette. ¡°Even though we weren¡¯t originally a part of the ¡®Unicorn¡¯ project, the announcement is an opportunity for South Korea to be properly recognized as one of the main contributors of the Eurasian rail along with Russia and France. That¡¯s why the government happily epted this offer despite all of the uncertain elements thate with this event.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung lit up the cigarette. Looking straight at Kang Chan, he then continued, ¡°The Director said a moment ago that he feels extremely apologetic for having to borrow your power for this event right after the operation in Mongolia. I feel the same way. You have no idea how thankful I am to you for seizing this opportunity. If the conference was done without South Korea, I would¡¯ve led the specialized team again so they would include us.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. Seok Kang-Ho and even Kim Hyung-Jung smiled as well.

    ¡°Whoo! Let¡¯s sort things out one at a time for now, Mr. Manager,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°How should we do that?¡±

    Kang Chan began to reveal the ideas he had thought of. ¡°I¡¯ll take charge of Lanok¡¯s safety and the agents from the five countries. In the event of a gunfight against the Intelligence Bureaus¡¯ agents, I¡¯ll try to suppress them by myself first, and if that proves impossible, I¡¯ll request help. If that time everes, I need to have authority over the operation.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯spletely possible, considering even the Intelligence Bureaus¡¯ agents will be mixed in with everyone,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said while extinguishing the cigarette.

    ¡°Secondly, that operational authority will be a problem if the enemy manages to infiltrate the event or a bombing incident transpires. In such a situation, the foreign Intelligence Bureaus¡¯ agents will prove to be a problem as well. You need to choose someone to have the operational authority. Then, I think that I can tell the Intelligence Bureaus¡¯ agents that the person is going to take control.,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll discuss things with the Director at 10:00 am tomorrow. I¡¯ll give you a name after that. The Director will probably discuss it with the chief officer of security first before giving me an answer.¡±

    ¡°I think this should be enough. If we get into a gunfight with the Intelligence Bureaus¡¯ agents, make sure you stop at nothing to follow my decisions when ites to the deployment of foreign military strength.¡±

    ¡°Roger that. However, Mr. Kang Chan¡­¡± Kim Hyung-Jung hesitated. There was only one reason why he would behave this way.

    ¡°If I¡¯m attacked, everything will still work out for as long as the National Intelligence Service epts Seok Kang-Ho and Louis gets the authority over the operation,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Even though it wasn¡¯t anything special, Kang Chan felt more relieved now that he had a general outline of what to do.

    It was now way past 10 pm.

    ¡°The Chinese are subtly offering their hand to our government. The people who led thetest terrorist attack might also make ast desperate attempt,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    ¡°For some reason, I suspect China would also support the terrorist attacks until the very end.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s possible. If the terrorist attack fails, China will just apologize through a diplomatic channel and try to maintain a good rtionship.¡±

    Kang Chan also made sure that Kim Hyung-Jung would make the right authorities investigate the case of Lee Ji-Yeon¡¯s unnie again. Afterward, he left Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office with Seok Kang-Ho.

    1. the Beretta M9 is a semi-automatic pistol that has been the standard firearm of the United States Armed Forces since 1985.

 Chapter 104.2: Did people really need to do this? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 104.2: Did people really need to do this? (1)</h4>

    ¡°Can we have a cup of tea?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Did you think we¡¯ll head home without doing that first?¡±

    The two went to the specialty coffee shop at the intersection.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned. Their conversation now would be different from the one with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about what he had heard about the United State¡¯s Intelligence Bureau, which was something he didn¡¯t tell Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Can you guess what that''s about?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but it could be somehow rted to us being reincarnated into these bodies.¡±

    ¡°Phew, let¡¯s just leave it at that. It¡¯s something we¡¯ll learn about when the timees anyway. Shouldn¡¯t we focus on the event tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°What about the sses that you teach?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have already discussed it with Manager Kim before you arrived. He said that he¡¯ll take care of it himself and told me to not even worry about things like that. Aside from my face appearing on TV, I¡¯ve got nothing to worry about,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, then chewed and ate ice again.

    ¡°Tsk! Combat aside, I¡¯m a bit ufortable. Security detail operations aren¡¯t our expertise.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Agh!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I bit my tongue while chewing on ice. Wow!¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    ¡°Would my tongue get paralyzed if I eat ice?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stuck out his tongue a couple of times, then picked up a cigarette. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about visiting the hospital sometime.¡±

    <i>Seok Kang-Ho was going to the hospital?</i>

    When Kang Chan looked at him, Seok Kang-Ho continued, ¡°I realized I¡¯ve been strangely going crazy about food. My body has been getting so hot as well. It¡¯s as if I¡¯m constantly angry about something. I thought it was just the summer at first, but after some time, I concluded that wasn¡¯t the reason, so I¡¯m thinking of getting myself checked up.¡±

    ¡°In all honesty, you have been going a bit crazy over foodtely.¡±

    ¡°Even though I have just eaten, I¡¯ll still eat two or three pastries at home before I sleep.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you eating that much because you have started working out?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You think so?¡±

    From a nce, Seok Kang-Ho looked healthy. There wasn¡¯t anything different or strange about him.

    ¡°The official schedule starts at 11 am tomorrow. I¡¯ ¡¯ll be inside with the National Intelligence Service agents, so I¡¯ll see you when we arrive. What¡¯s your gut feeling about this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel anything yet.¡±

    ¡°Everything will be alright, then.¡±

    Kang Chan decided to think of it the same way.

    ¡°Let¡¯s smoke before we go home,¡± Kang Chan suggested. He then took out a cigarette and lit it.

    Kang Chan felt calm yet strangely ufortable at the same time. However, there wasn¡¯t anything he could do. He could only act once he had encountered it.

    He arrived home at around 11 pm.

    Yoo Hye-Sook greeted Kang Chan. Kang Dae-Kyung was already asleep, and Yoo Hye-Sook looked as if she was forcing herself not to fall asleep perhaps because she had to go to work at the foundation.

    ¡°Why are you still awake?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I was just about to head to bed. I can sleep in peace now that you¡¯re home. You¡¯re going to the event tomorrow, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes. You should go to bed quickly.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Channy. Sleep well.¡±

    Kang Chan lightly washed up and went to bed.

    ***

    Just like any other day, Kang Chan lightly warmed up as he went down the stairs the next morning.

    The morning air was now cold and brisk.

    ¡°Phew!¡±

    Kang Chan controlled his breathing, then started to run around the apartmentplex.

    Although he still had some difficulties, he was in much better condition than when he was in Africa. He couldn''t help but wonder whether he should run a marathon.

    He would be running for about twelve kilometers if he went around the apartmentplex from the entrance. He controlled his pacing for the first 11 kilometers, then sprinted at full speed for thest one. Regardless of his condition, he always did feel pain during thisst kilometer.

    ¡°Huff. Huff. Huff. Huff.¡±

    Kang Chan caught his breath in front of a bench, then cooled down by doing easy bodyweight exercises. Afterward, he went up the stairs again.

    Even though it wasn¡¯t even 7 am yet, he could already see students in their school uniforms and people going to work.

    ¡°Channy! Did you go out to exercise? You should rest on days like this,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. If anything, I¡¯d feel heavy if I skip this.¡±

    If Kang Chan skipped working out for every day with a big event just as Yoo Hye-Sook suggested, then he wouldn¡¯t have even just thirty days to work out in a year. Comments like that would¡¯ve annoyed him if he heard it before, but it made him happy now.

    He had breakfast with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°You¡¯re staying with everyone else at the hotel today, right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes. After the official announcement has been made tomorrow, I¡¯ll drop by the French embassy beforeing home. I¡¯ll probablye home reallyte.¡±

    ¡°I heard that the entire schedule of this event will be broadcasted live on TV. A lot of people are saying that everyone should gather around and watch it together as if it¡¯s some kind of world cup game. Some are even looking forward to what the President will say during his wee speech at tonight¡¯s dinner.¡±

    ¡°People are looking forward to things like that?¡±

    When Kang Chan enjoyed the kongnamul guk, which he found was to his liking. Yoo Hye-Sook happily brought over more kongnamul guk.

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s obviously interested in that. After all, we¡¯re told that this event will make South Korea rich. We couldn¡¯t even imagine that happening.¡±

    ¡°What do you think about this?¡± Kang Chan asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I don¡¯t know about anything else, but I don¡¯t want anything else for as long as your mom is healthy and I have someone as dependable as you by my side. What do you think, honey?¡±

    ¡°Me? I also want the same thing as you,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered.

    Kang Chan had gotten used to talking while eating.

    While thinking that he wanted to finish this event quickly so he could return to his everyday life, he finished eating breakfast.

    Since Yoo Hye-Sook was currently heading to work every day, they had breakfast about twenty minutes earlier than before. After all, It took that much more time for her to put makeup on.

    Even then, they always left around five minuteste.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overwork yourself. Just get good some experience, thene home, okay?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung advised.

    ¡°Channy! Be careful.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    After sending off his parents that morning, he sat in the living room. He was told that the car would arrive at 9:10 am, so he still had about forty minutes to spare.

    During moments like this, he didn¡¯t have to rush to do something.

    He acted like this in the past as well.

    The morning before a battle, Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t do anything special other than washing up and eating.

    One of his subordinates always wrote a will, and another neatly organized his personal belongings. There was also a guy who noisily¡ªor devotedly¡ªprayed to God.

    Kang Chan justfortablyid down among them. Whenever he did, Dayeru or Gerard would always bring over coffee.

    Kang Chan absently picked up the TV remote that was next to him, thinking about watching the news channel that Kang Dae-Kyung watched every morning.

    <i>Click.</i>

    When he pressed the power button, the blue LED light shed from under the tv as it turned on.

    [We¡¯re in front of the international hotel, which is where the representatives of different countries will be going to for the announcement of the historic Eurasian rail. With the specialized team of the military currently guarding the hotel rigorously, the rail will be announced tomorrow after delegations from each country have gathered here and signed a written agreement.]

    [Alright. Reporter Huh Min-Young, how are the citizens reacting to this?]

    [We can¡¯t see a weing crowd, perhaps because it¡¯s a weekday and because it¡¯s morning rush hour, but all citizens are happy about this event. They¡¯re expecting a lot from the Eurasian rail. Just take a look at these interviews.

    The screen suddenly changed.

    Yoon So-Ra (university student)

    [This is something that I could never have imagined! I¡¯m going to be thirty-seven in ten years, and they¡¯re saying that the national ie per person will be two hundred thousand dors by then! I¡¯m also really proud that this historic announcement will be done in South Korea! Hooray South Korea! Way to go!]

    Jung Hyun-Tae (business owner)

    [I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever been this proud for being born in South Korea. It¡¯s not because we¡¯re going to get a lot of money but because South Korea is at the center of this historic event. I can¡¯t believe there wille a time when the United States, a country that China and Japan have to be wary of, will entrust South Korea with distributing resources. Way to go, South Korea!]

    [Now! It¡¯s about 8:50 am local time. Let us check out how each country is reacting to the announcement of the Eurasian rail. Reporter Joo Sang-In.]

    [Joo Sang-In reporting in.]

    [How are foreign countries reacting before the important announcement tomorrow?]

    [First, in the midst of rising excitement in Europe and Russia, Japan and China''s reactions are strangely different¡­]

    <i>Beep.</i>

    Kang Chan turned off the TV. It was time for him to get ready.

    He wore a shirt and a suit.

    When he saw his school uniform, which was hung up on one side of his closet, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh. He suddenly thought that he wanted to go to school even though there wasn¡¯t anything for him to do there other than to stay in the athletics club room, have lunch, re at the textbooks with a strange gaze, and listen to sses that he had trouble understanding.

    It was time to leave.

    Kang Chan subtly looked into the master bedroom and closed the door. He then went out of the entrance after checking if the window of the veranda was closed properly.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    The elevator door opened.

    1. Also known as Korean bean sprout soup, the kongnamul guk is a cheap and easy soup to make. Like its name, it consists of bean sprouts, soy sauce, garlic, water, and seasonings.

 Chapter 105: Did people really need to do this? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 105: Did people really need to do this? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan arrived at Lanok¡¯s office at around 9:40 am.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I apologize for getting here a little earlier than expected,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That¡¯s actually even better. How do you feel?¡± Lanok stood up from his desk, then pointed to the table that was in the middle of the office. ¡°Since we still have time to spare, would you like to have a cup of tea with me?¡±

    Lanok ordered something by giving a look to someone, then guided Kang Chan to the table.

    Lanok tilted the silver kettle and poured out some tea onto cups, the strong scent of ck tea permeating the room.

    Kang Chan lifted the cup and took a sip, then carefully put the cup down.

    ¡°I need to smoke a cigar. Would you like a cigarette?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I brought my own.¡± Kang Chan took out a cigarette as Lanok cut the end of a cigar with a cutter, then bit on it.

    ¡°We¡¯ve confirmed that C-4 has been brought into the country this morning, and we also got an intelligence report from more than three organizations that people are going to attempt a terrorist attack at the event venue. However, we are yet to find out who the key force behind this is,¡± Lanok said.

    People wouldn¡¯t purchase C-4 just to enjoy fireworks. They were obviously going to attempt a terrorist attack.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be a very difficult event,¡± Lanok continued.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°I ended up being the face of the event, Mr. Kang Chan, which means you might be shown on TV as well. Moreover, if a problem arises at the event tomorrow¡­¡± Lanok continued while looking straight at Kang Chan, ¡°You have to guarantee Anne¡¯s safety.¡±

    <i>Why would Lanok say this?</i>

    Kang Chan cocked his head.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, if you have spections, it would be best to tell me about them. I don¡¯t know much about being a security guard, but there¡¯s a huge difference between knowing and preparing for what could happen and getting attacked while oblivious to the dangers present.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it, Mr. Kang Chan. I simply told you about the dangers thate with this kind of gathering because, naturally, many variablese into y when multiple Intelligence Bureaus gather to meet.¡±

    Kang Chan took another sip of his tea. He doubted the sly Lanok would say anything even if he pestered him.

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    Kang Chan was so absorbed in talking about Anne that he couldn¡¯t even question his face appearing on TV.

    <i>When would I be able to win against this sly person in terms of pure conversational skills?</i>

    <i>Knock. Knock. Knock.</i>

    As Kang Chan thought about something unnecessary, Lanok¡¯s assistant came in and said, ¡°Mr. Ambassador, it¡¯s time.¡±

    ¡°Everything you require is in the room next door. We¡¯ll leave whenever you¡¯re ready,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up and followed the assistant to the room next door.

    ¡°Bonjour, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Louis and one agent were waiting for him.

    ¡°You can change into this, then prepare whatever weapons you want,¡± Louis told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Will do.¡±

    Kang Chan got changed as soon as Louis and the agent left the room. He then examined the weapons on the desk.

    <i>¡®What are they telling me to choose?¡¯</i>

    The pistol options he had were only the Beretta 93R and two kinds of Glocks.

    Kang Chan took two gun holsters and sheathed Glock 19s into them. He fastened one of them on the right side of his waist and the other on his left ankle. Afterward, he put magazines in four magazine pouches and fastened them on the back of his belt. Unfortunately, they didn¡¯t have any bays prepared for him.

    <i>¡®Is Lanok saying that any fights we¡¯ll get into are a product of information warfare, so we should be able to end them quickly using pistols?¡¯</i>

    Smirking, Kang Chan opened the door. Louis, who was waiting for him outside, handed over a walkie-talkie.

    <i>Damn it! If you were going to give something like this to me, you should¡¯ve done so before I put on my jacket.</i>

    Kang Chan took off his jacket and hung the walkie-talkie at the left side of his waist, the microphone on his sleeve, and the earphone on his ear. He then put on the jacket again.

    <i>Whoo! I¡¯m done preparing.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re the only ones going inside the venue. We were told that they limited the number of agents allowed inside to two agents per Intelligence Bureau,¡± Louis said.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    On the contrary, for events like this, having fewer people in there could be better.

    As Kang Chan headed to the office, Lanok walked out of it.

    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Yes. We can leave whenever.¡±

    Lanok walked through the hallway while smiling like a European mask.

    Crowds of reporters had already swarmed to the yard of the embassy.

    The shutters of the reporters¡¯ cameras kept going off from every direction. Lanok waved at them and turned from side to side a couple of times, then immediately got in the car.

    Kang Chan sat next to Lanok, and Louis sat in the front.

    When the car left, a van followed behind them.

    ¡°When we arrive, ten agents will look for you. Your codename for today is God of ckfield. Is that okay?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan turned toward Lanok.

    ¡°A meeting with the Intelligence Bureaus is simr to a gathering of immature boys. Overpower them, and they will no longer be able to exercise their power. After all, it¡¯s difficult to speak up in a situation where they can¡¯t protect themselves. I believe you understand what I¡¯m trying to say here.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his gaze toward the front whileughing out loud, and Louis, who was ncing at them, quickly looked forward.

    ***

    [One by one, the representatives of all countries in charge of the Eurasian rail are nowing into the presentation hall. They are either going to stay at their respective embassies or will be at the international building for the first meeting, which will be at noon in Korean time. Ah! The Head of Russia¡¯s Intelligence Bureau has just entered.]

    ¡°Honey, I¡¯m strangely nervous,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Why? I know this will be a historical event, but you don''t have to be nervous. Just watch and enjoy it.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were sitting on a chair. Employees were around them, some having brought over their own chairs and some just standing in front of the TV.

    Nearly all of the salespeople had either their morning appointments canceled or didn¡¯t have any to begin with, so they decided to watch TV together today. Their office was quiet enough for even the female employee of the foundation to be able to watch TV with them.

    [The Ambassador of France is nowing into the presentation hall as well. He¡¯s the key figure of the Eurasian rail, having taken on the role as its Founder and the first Operation Committee member. The Ambassador of France is this project¡¯s real decision-maker.]

    A car stopped on the screen, and as Lanok got out of it, the door on the right opened as well.

    ¡°Oh! Honey! That¡¯s our Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°Huh? It really is!¡±

    When the camera zoomed in on Lanok waving his hand toward his surroundings as if he was waiting for Kang Chan.

    ***

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    A roar loud enough for the Shinmuk High School to reverberate rose from the school.

    Since the event was happening at the same time as the start of the second semester, the students were watching the broadcast instead of having ss.

    Having heard the news that Kang Chan had been admitted to a national university in France as a full schrship student, the students were already watching the entrance of the Ambassador of France with interest. Hence, when they saw Kang Chan, they screamed as if they had gone crazy.

    [It seems Ambassador Lanok is currently apanied by an Asian. However, we don¡¯t know who he is yet.]

    ¡°He¡¯s a student in our ss!¡± a male student yelled.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± the students chorused. Unable to hold in their excitement, some of the kids even smacked their desks.

    Kim Mi-Young watched the screen with her hands tightly sped in front of her chest.

    Kang Chan looked so cool that she felt as if she was having trouble breathing.

    The other kids in their ss looked as if Kang Chan had bewitched them as well.

    Wearing a form-fitting suit, Kang Chan didn¡¯t seem to shrink down even as he stood next to Lanok.

    The kids felt deeply touched when they saw Lanok waiting for and entering with Kang Chan despite being the Ambassador of France, the Founder of the Eurasian rail, and the first Operation Committee member.

    ¡°Wow!¡± The students eximed when the camera focused on Kang Chan¡¯s face as he looked at a French person, who the students didn¡¯t know the name of, get out of the car.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    ¡°He still smiles like that despite where he is right now!¡±

    The kids kept yelling while watching Kang Chan smirk.

    Lee Ho-Jun, who was sitting at the very back, tightly clenched his fists while looking as flushed as Kim Mi-Young. He wanted to be a man like that.

    ***

    ¡°Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! Our President is so cool! I can¡¯t handle this!¡±

    Aside from the wardrobe employee who had yelled in excitement, all of the D.I. employees were spellbound as they focused on the TV.

    It would¡¯ve only been natural for anyone to be intimidated in that situation, but when they saw Kang Chan smirk at thest moment, the expressions of the female employees and the trainees were almost simr.

    Michelle looked as if she could no longer hide the emotions brimming in her heart. Seeing Michelle¡¯s reaction, Eun So-Yeon lowered her gaze to her tightly sped hands.

    ***

    As they were walking toward the venue, Lanok turned and leaned his head toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you nervous?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Should I be?¡±

    Lanok lifted his head and walked onward. His expression seemed to say, ¡®As I expected.¡¯

    Following the direction of the sign that said ¡®main conference room,¡¯ they arrived at a spacious area the size of a sports field.

    Circr tables were all over the ce. The guide by the entrance confirmed Lanok¡¯s identity and led them to their seats, which were the closest to the tform.

    Since the four Intelligence Bureau Heads each had two of their own entourages sitting with them at each circr table, the tables were big enough for all twelve people to sit at.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    Ludwig and Vant, who were already sitting at the table, stood up from their seats and exchanged cheek kisses with Kang Chan. Two people came over from the table right next to them and happily greeted Kang Chan as well. As a result, the people naturally started paying attention to him.

    ¡°Let me set the frequency of the walkie-talkie,¡± Louis approached Kang Chan as if he was Kang Chan¡¯s subordinate, then set the walkie-talkie¡¯s frequency.

    ¡°There are only twelve people tuned in to this frequency. If you want to change the channel, press this button,¡± Louis exined.

    Kang Chan nodded, then looked at the people sitting at the same table as him, including the agents across him.

    They all looked unique¡ªone of them was bulky, another had fierce and sharp eyes, and another looked nimble. However, none of them gave off an eerie feeling simr to the man he ran into at the hotel.

    Looking around the vast hall, Kang Chan finally understood what Lanok meant.

    <i>¡®This is why Lanok wanted to bring me here with him.¡¯</i>

    Unlike the eleven people that had said that they would follow Kang Chan, each table had one or two agents that gave off an eerie feeling.

    Only those who were born with a natural talent and had gone through a lot of battles could have the same look in their eyes.

    Regardless of whether they had natural talent or not, it wasn¡¯t easy surviving on awful battlefields for ten years since they were twenty-one years old.

    And leaving the battlefield and bing an agent again and gaining experience was a different story. Plus when they were over thirty years old, their senses and strength decreased.

    Kang Chan understood at least a little bit why Lanok strongly rmended bing a citizen of France.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    When the two exits closed, employees in uniforms ced two tes¡ªa sd and a steak¡ªin front of the attendees.

    There were eight circr tables. ording to basic math, that would mean there should be a total of ny-six attendees.

    Despite that many people inside, it was quiet.

    The eyes of those at the other tables, as they nced at Kang Chan, showed they were being cautious, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t really care.

    As the food was being prepared, Lanok stood up and took the microphone in front of the stage. He then greeted, ¡°Hello, everyone. Thank you foring. I¡¯m Lanok.¡±

    Three or four people wore the headsets hung on their chairs, but most people were just listening to Lanok speak French.

    ¡°I wee everyone that gathered here for this historic moment. After our meals, we will be moving to the main conference room. I hope we can create a cooperative framework for the peaceful establishment and operation of the Eurasian rail.¡±

    Even though there were close to a hundred attendees, only asional coughs could be heard. The rest were just the sounds of people putting down their food.

    <i>¡®The eyes of the elderly are fucking fierce,¡¯?</i>Kang Chan thought as he looked at his surroundings.

    Some of the people were overweight and had a lot of wrinkles. One of them had thick sses, but his eyes glinted so much that it looked as if he wouldn¡¯t lose to anyone.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes kept going to the three nimble-looking men sitting two tables diagonally away from him.

    They had pale skin, thin faces, and firm physiques.

    They seemed to be from Russia, and they all had extraordinary impressions.

    The atmosphere made Kang Chan feel as if he had gone back to after he applied to be a mercenary in Africa. He was sitting with those who passed through the first round of training, and some of theirpetition had already been eliminated and sent home.

    The current atmosphere was the same as back then¡ªit made Kang Chan feel as if someone like Dayeru or G¨¦rard would suddenly jump out from somewhere and re at people. The only thing different from that time was that they were currently wearing a suit and had a steak in front of them.

    ¡°As stated in the schedule that was given to everyone, we will all head to the main conference room together at 2 pm,¡± Lanok said. He looked around his surroundings, then raised the ss in front of him. ¡°Let¡¯s have a toast to the establishment of the Eurasian rail.¡±

    Following him, everyone raised the wine ss in front of them.

    ¡°For the Unicorn,¡± Lanok continued.

    ¡°For the Unicorn,¡± everyone else repeated.

    The meal progressed after Lanok¡¯s speech.

    Ludwig and Vant took turns talking to Lanok about nonsensical things, but considering that throughout their conversation words such as ¡®elderly¡¯ and ¡®treasure¡¯ were seemed to be jokingly mixed in, those terms were probably something that only made sense to them.

    Kang Chan ate in a way that followed formal table etiquettes.

    It didn¡¯t taste bad, but honestly, he was bored.

    Unlike being in the battlefield, sitting as if they were Lanok¡¯s mercenaries made him feel irritating nervousness spreading out to the entire room. When Kang Chan thought about this gathering continuing until tomorrow, he felt like writhing.

    <i>¡®This isn¡¯t something that a person should do.¡¯</i>

    Acting as a security guard at the golf club suffocated him, and feeling his opponents'' energies subtly beginning to tighten like a noose around his neck was also exhausting.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile faintly to himself when he thought that he would do a really good job if he was told toplete the operation in Mongolia three or four more times instead of doing this.

    <i>What would Seok Kang-Ho be doing right now?</i>

    Kang Chan just wished Seok Kang-Ho wouldn¡¯t say ¡®fuck¡¯ on the walkie-talkie.

    There wasn¡¯t even one guy that didn¡¯t get beat up among the guys that pounced on Kang Chan after seeing him do well.

    Since he was bored, Kang Chan kept having so many unnecessary thoughts.

    After he ate, he smiled a bit at the jokes Vant made every now and then and the jokes he heard from across the table.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, please be careful around the Russian Intelligence Bureau. Almost everyone here is watching you right now. It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say that half of the people that are here already know about the operation in Mongolia,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan as he pretended to look somewhere else.

    ¡°A lot of the people here can also lipread, which is why most people cover their lips like a habit when they talk,¡± Lanok exined.

    They lived quite ufortable lives.

    Kang Chan nodded to let Lanok know he understood.

    ¡°Lanok!¡± An elderly fat man at the table furthest away from them slightly raised his right hand.

    ¡°It seems like the elderly man wants to boast about what he did,¡± Lanokmented.

    Lanok wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood up. Louis stood up after Lanok while looking at Kang Chan.

    <i>Should I just stay here? No, I shouldn¡¯t be thinking about this. What benefits would I even gain from bringing shame to Lanok here?</i>

    Kang Chan wordlessly followed Louis and walked next to Lanok.

    Everyone¡¯s eyes, including the Russian agents¡¯, tantly followed him.

    ¡°Long time no see, Jean-Jacques.¡± As soon as Lanok reached the elderly man, an agent stood up and excused himself.

    <i>What on earth is happening?</i>

    Listening to what the elderly man was saying appalled Kang Chan.

    The man was praising himself and said that Lanok shouldn¡¯t forget about his contributions even though he had be the Founder of the rail and the Operation Committee member.

    <i>Damn it. This isn¡¯t a meeting with elementary school students.</i>

    The people gathered here were all Heads of the Intelligence Bureaus of France, Russia, Germany, and Switzend¡ªsome of the most powerful countries in the world¡ªyet they were acting like this.

    Lanok didn¡¯t show his dissatisfaction while talking to the elderly man named Jean-Jacques. Rather, he pacified him while smiling peculiarly like a European mask, but he didn¡¯t give a definite answer about the things that the elderly man wanted.

    Just what kind of person was Lanok?

    ¡°I¡¯ll set a separate meeting for uster, then,¡± Lanok said. He stood up and shook hands with Jean-Jacques, then walked somewhere else.

    It was funny, but the atmosphere prevented anyone fromughing. After all, the pride and honor of every country were at stake here.

    If the official representatives would be writing the agreement with the fixed framework in the building next door, then this was where they sat down and unofficially made the practical decisions.

    There were still a lot of things in the world that Kang Chan had to learn and master.

    ¡°Lanok.¡±

    As Lanok walked somewhere else, a Russian that Kang Chan had been carefully observing raised his hand.

    ¡°Vasili(§£§¡§³§ª§­§ª§«)!¡± Lanok walked to the table, then happily shook hands with the man named ¡®Vasili.¡¯

    ¡°Just because the rail is finalized doesn¡¯t mean you should keep your distance from me too much,¡± Vasili said in fluent French.

    ¡°How could I ever disregard you when I have to be in the good graces of the next chairman of operations so I can survive and resign from that position?¡±

    ¡°Hmph, your sharp tongue never changes. Is that man with you the one called your secret weapon?¡±

    ¡°If I attracted your attention, then it¡¯s an honor. Let me introduce you two to each other. This is Mr. Kang Chan, whom I have epted as my friend. Mr. Kang Chan, this is Vasili, a friend of mine who came from Russia¡¯s vicious KGB.¡±

    Vasili held out his hand, his expression seemingly saying he thought Lanok was absurd.

    ¡°I¡¯m Vasili.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan.¡±

    They tightly grabbed onto each other¡¯s hands and shook them.

    Vasili was verypetent, but that was it.

    When they returned to their seats, Louis looked less nervous.

    Kang Chan somewhat got used to the atmosphere.

    Now there were only two things left to do¡ªcontinue this tedious schedule, which had only been going on for two hours, and keep an eye out for the terrorist attack that could happen within that time.

    1. Beretta 93R is an Italian selective-fire machine pistol, designed and manufactured by Beretta (an Italian firearm manufacturingpany) in thete 1970s for police and military use. It is derived from their semi-automatic Beretta 92

 Chapter 106.1: End it Quickly (1)

    <h4>Chapter 106.1: End it Quickly (1)</h4>

    Even after lunch, the Kang Yoo Motors employees were still in front of the TV. They had even locked the doors to the office on the second floor and refused visitors.

    [Reporter Lee Sang-Min? I heard that the Asian that was with the Ambassador of France was a South Korean high schooler?]

    [Yes. The student apanying the ambassador of France this morning is revealed to be Kang Chan, a senior student at Shinmuk High School. People say that he¡¯s such a remarkable student that he was invited two days ago to be a full schrship student at a national university in France. Here¡¯s our interview with the Principal of Shinmuk High School.]

    The screen changed to a video of the principal saying that Kang Chan ¡®served as a good example for other students¡¯ and that this was the ¡®result of the school¡¯s project to bring up talented people¡¯ as if he was reading a book.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were showing mixed emotions.

    They started to get calls when Kang Chan appeared on TV, and by the time they had finished lunch, they were even getting calls from people that they no longer remembered. Visitors swarmed into their office as well, ultimately making them lock the doors.

    The principal¡¯s interview was now being broadcasted.

    [We¡¯re guessing that the father of Kang Chan¡ªKang Yoo Motors president Kang Dae-Kyung¡ªintroduced Kang Chan to the Ambassador of France in the process of bringing the distribution rights of Gong Te automobile, but for a country that doesn¡¯t have a representative for the Eurasian rail yet, it¡¯s the same thing as gaining a valuable, talented student who will go into the international world.]

    Before the reporter was even done talking, all the phones in Kang Yoo Motors had already started to ring.

    [The Shinmuk High School is currently substituting all sses by watching the coverage of the Eurasian rail event until tomorrow. The Ministry of Education has told the high school to decide if students should watch TV ording to the principal¡¯s discretion. This was Lee Sang-Min on the scene.]

    After the report, an advertisement was shown.

    The new female employee carefully approached Yoo Hye-Sook and asked, ¡°Mrs. Chief Director, would you like a cup of coffee?¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my pleasure. What about you, Mr. President?¡±

    ¡°I''d like one as well.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The female employee turned around. Meanwhile, the sales department employees were yelling on all the phones in thepany. There were even people knocking on the door to the office, which was closed.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably best for you not to go to the foundation office, right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes, honey. I¡¯m thinking of staying here today and quietly going home.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung nodded. As he did, the executive director approached them.

    ¡°Mr. President, Over a thousand customers have expressed their desire to order a ¡®chiffre¡¯ today. At this rate, we¡¯ll have five hundred more car orders by the end of the day.¡±

    ¡°Mr. executive director, taking orders when we don¡¯t have the stocks toplete them isn¡¯t right. Please don¡¯t take them.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re already doing that, but we can¡¯t stop the customers who are asking for queue numbers.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung sighed quietly when the executive director turned around while looking awkward.

    Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t want to sell cars like this. It felt as if he was selling his son.

    ***

    Fourrge TVs facing different directions had been installed in the middle of the conference room, creating a square with two rows of seats facing each side in a circle. The back row was about fifty centimeters higher than the front row to give everyone a clear view of the TVs.

    In front of all the Heads of the International Bureaus was a desk with a mic and a headset. The room was prepared so that if any material was put on the scanner on the desk, it would appear on the TVs. However, nobody was taking out the materials.

    Ludwig, Vant, and Lanok¡¯s friend were sitting in the front, and at the back sat Lanok. Sitting beside him were two people whom Kang Chan had seen at Loriam.

    Kang Chan, Louis, and all the other countries¡¯ agents guarded both sides of their country¡¯s Intelligence Bureau Heads, creating quite a strange atmosphere.

    ¡°I¡¯m Vasili.¡±

    Vasili sped his hands and draped them over the desk, then leaned forward toward the microphone. His raspy voice was heard across the room through the microphone and the look in his eyes really suited him.

    ¡°Since the Founder and the first operationmittee member has been decided, let''s now decide how to form the organizations before taking a break. Even though the organizations will be formed by the vice-chairman and the operationmitte, it¡¯ll be good to first decide how many people will be in themittee.¡±

    When Vasili finished talking¡­

    ¡°Vasili.¡±

    The overweight man sitting in the middle of Vasili and Lanok slightly raised his hand.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t the vice-chairman and the operationmitteee from a country like Romania, where the rail hasn¡¯t been immediately connected?¡±

    Vasili¡¯s eyes looked as if he was disgraced.

    <i>Why is that fucker acting like that?</i>

    ¡°Romania and Ukraine use the Soviet Union¡¯s railroad constructionpany. The Head of an Intelligence Bureau should be able to urately read a situation. Europe shouldn¡¯t be cut off from gas because of something worthless, should it?¡±

    The atmosphere turned cold. The threat was perfect.

    ¡®Why is this fucker bullshitting?¡¯ Kang Chan thought as he looked at Vasili. At that moment, his eyes met the gaze of the man sitting to Vasili¡¯s left.

    When Kang Chan smirked, Vasili looked at him with dissatisfaction.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes wouldn¡¯t fall out just because Vasili was ring sharply at him. Hence, he didn¡¯t break eye contact.

    ¡°I doubt you understand what we¡¯re talking about because this is your first time attending this kind of meeting, so let me exin to you how things work here. Don¡¯t you ever look at me in that manner, especially when I¡¯m speaking,¡± Vasili continued.

    At that moment, everyone except for Lanok looked at Kang Chan.

    If Kang Chan backed down in moments like this, he would¡¯ve already be a powerful executive in the Foreign Legion.

    ¡°I¡¯m not your agent, Vasili. So don¡¯t tell me what to do,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The Romanian representative¡¯s gaze alternated between Vasili and Kang Chan.

    Vasili¡¯s snort was clearly heard through the microphone.

    ¡°Lanok, did you incite this kind of fight?¡± In the end, Vasili looked away first.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan is my friend, and I don''t have the right to order or stop anyone here, Vasili. Not even Ludwig and Vant.¡±

    ¡°This is appalling.¡± Vasili leaned back into the chair, then turned his head toward the agent.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the Founder¡¯s stance, then there¡¯s nothing I can do,¡± Vasili continued while ncing at Kang Chan. ¡°Russia will have no choice but to back down.¡±

    The agent¡¯s cheek moved, seemingly gritting his teeth. He was still ring straight at Kang Chan.

    The agent¡¯s eyes showed his strong pride yet also extreme patience.

    ¡°With this happening, why don¡¯t we send the agents out so only the core members would be here, Lanok? Ah, of course, Mr. Kang Chan isn¡¯t an agent, but I would love for him to leave as well since he isn¡¯t even an official member yet. Will you request that?¡±

    Kang Chan naturally understood Vasili¡¯s French.

    When Kang Chan nced beside him, he found Lanok showing mixed emotions.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be outside,¡± Kang Chan told Lanok.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Lanok and Kang Chan smiled at each other, then Kang Chan slowly got up from his seat.

    The two Russian agents had already stood up and were walking toward the entrance.

    ***

    ¡°Will you smoke a cigarette, Monsieur Kang?¡± Louis asked.

    As soon as they left the main conference room, Louis gave Kang Chan a look while pointing outside.

    <i>Why would I refuse that?</i>

    The other countries¡¯ agents were also scattered in groups of three or four in the designated smoking area.

    From far away, Kang Chan saw the two Russian agents ncing at him while smoking.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    Kang Chan breathed in deeply, then asked, ¡°The meeting ends at 5 pm, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct. The Ambassador will be going to the presidential dinner afterward.¡±

    ¡°What about the others?¡±

    ¡°This evening, the Director of the National Intelligence Service will be hosting a dinner where we ate earlier.¡±

    Kang Chan deeply exhaled cigarette smoke. He then thought about asking Louis who Lanok was but decided against it.

    ¡°It seems like they¡¯re giving people coffee.¡±

    In the direction where Louis had turned his head toward, employees in uniforms had set up a table and were handing out coffees.

    ¡°Would you like one?¡± Louis asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Louis walked toward the table. He was being polite, but it looked as if he was trying not to step out of the designated line.

    Soon after, he handed over a mid-sized paper cup to Kang Chan. ¡°Almost all of the Intelligence Bureaus¡¯ Heads heading back to their countries tonight.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this event supposed to continue until tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°They schedule another day to follow customs. All the actual decisions are made at the current meeting, so it wouldn¡¯t be wrong to assume nearly everyone will be heading home after the Director of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s dinner.¡±

    ¡°Living like that must be tiring.¡±

    Louis smiled awkwardly.

    What Michelle had told him suddenly came across Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    ¡°How is it going with Anne?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Startled and flustered, Louis spat out coffee. He moved the paper cup away from his mouth, then looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why are you so surprised?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°You know about it? Does the Ambassador also know?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he does.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud.

    It wasn¡¯t like Anne was the third daughter of Mr. Choi.

    Kang Chan sipped on his coffee because it seemed Louis didn¡¯t want to say more on the matter. As he did, he saw Kim Hyung-Jung walking out from the ss door that led to the meeting room and looking around.

    ¡°Mr. Manager!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung quickly approached Kang Chan when he raised his hand.

    ¡°The walkie-talkie wasn¡¯t working, so I ran over,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°We changed the frequency to a special one. I was going to change the frequency after this meeting since I¡¯d be joining you then anyway. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Can we talk in private for a moment?¡±

    Kang Chan excused himself to Louis after noticing Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s expression, then walked to one side of the building.

    ¡°It seems like the bomb hasn¡¯t been brought into the building yet, but I¡¯m worried. This is a hotel, after all. The group of Chinese tourists right above us is also weighing on my mind,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung urgently told Kang Chan when they reached the marble flower bed.

    Kang Chan only listened.

    ¡°If you tune in to channel two, you¡¯ll connect with me, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, and everyone else on the security team. I¡¯ve already designated the channel, so you just have to connect. I went with Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s opinion and unified your codename as ¡®God of ckfield.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Alright. That aside, is something bothering you?¡±

    ¡°You''ve been talked about way too much on the news. You seem to be gathering a lot of national interest and reaction because South Korea doesn¡¯t have a representative here.¡±

    Kang Chan naturally frowned.

    ¡°I also can¡¯t help but think about the fact that the constructionpany that built the international building and international hotel is Suh Jeong Constructions.¡±

    ¡°They built this building?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been told. I was also informed that the Rutu¡¯s hotel¡¯s management team is the one managing it.¡±

    Perhaps because he had seen Kang Chan¡¯s abilities in Mongolia, but Kim Hyung-Jung told him everything, even the little details. In fact, if he didn¡¯t feel that way, it wouldn''t have been easy to even put Seok Kang-Ho on the security team.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, why isn¡¯t a South Korean representative in the meeting with the Heads of the Intelligence Bureaus?¡± Kang Chan asked. He had been curious about it since he listened to Lanok earlier.

    ¡°South Korea wasn¡¯t a part of the establishment process. However, if themitteeunches today, we¡¯ll have a seat by the next meeting. Will you be staying here until the meeting ends?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I should be loyal to Lanok.¡±

    ¡°Understood. On another note, the chief officer of Presidential security knows about the operation in Mongolia. If there¡¯s something that you want, then feel free to make demands.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung soon left, and Kang Chan returned to Louis. Nothing tense had happened so far since then.

    1. This is a reference to a Korean myth about third-born daughters always being the prettiest. There¡¯s even a song based about it called ¡®The Third Daughter of Mr. Choi.¡¯ Many men tried to propose to her, but Mr. Choi loved his daughter so much that he rejected their proposals and didn¡¯t even allow them to see her. However, the narrator of the lyrics tells his story about eventually marrying her after persistently proposing to her. Basically, Kang Chan is saying that Louis shouldn¡¯t be too worried because he isn¡¯t going to have too much trouble with Anne since she isn¡¯t that pretty, so Lanok wasn¡¯t going to prevent him from seeing her.

 Chapter 106.2: End it Quickly (1)

    <h4>Chapter 106.2: End it Quickly (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan just drank coffee on one side of the international building in a suit. Honestly, he was bing less nervous.

    ¡°Would you like a cigarette?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Louis epted the offer. Soon after, they both lit up their sticks.

    <i>¡®Being a security guard is fucking hard.¡¯</i>

    They had to stay alert even when faced with dull mundanity.

    Kang Chan shook his head as he sat on the marble of the flower bed.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, what do you think about Anne?¡± Louis asked with a serious expression.

    ¡°Louis, I already like another woman. And Anne is just interested in me because she needs someone she can depend on while shaking off the sadness she¡¯s been holding inside since that incident. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡±

    Kang Chan took a sip of the cold coffee, then put the cup down beside him. ¡°I would rather go to Mongolia one more time if I was told to go. I really can¡¯t do things like this.¡±

    Louis forcibly gritted his teeth as if he was holding in hisughter.

    ¡°You should actfortably when you¡¯re with me. I don¡¯t know if smiling in front of the Ambassador is rude, but to me, it isn¡¯t.¡±

    Louis smiled awkwardly, then perched on the marble beside Kang Chan.

    The fucker had really long legs.

    ***

    ¡°We have prepared everything.¡± Yang Jin-Woo told someone in the second meeting room. ¡°As soon as it¡¯s out, Lee Ji-Yeon¡¯s case will be closed as her hanging herself because she was pessimistic about her unnie¡¯s death,¡± the man told Yang Jin-Woo.

    ¡°I heard that there¡¯s also an elderly in her family?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s undergoing dialysis for kidney failure. They¡¯re undergoing a lot of financial difficulties because the unnie who bore the cost of the hospital fees died.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want any loose ends.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Go.¡±

    The man bowed his head and stood up. Yang Jin-Woo went somewhere as well.

    The first meeting room.

    Straightening hisrge physique, Kwak Do-Young, the assistant of Chairperson Huh Sang-Soo, greeted Yang Jin-Woo.

    ¡°Have a seat. How did it go?¡± Yang Jin-Woo asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ve finished our preparations.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo leisurely looked around therge meeting room, then leaned toward Kwak Do-Young. ¡°We aren¡¯t giving our work to them after we put all that effort into this, are we?¡±

    ¡°The Chairperson, the Assemblyman, and the Chairman have basically raised the Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.¡±

    ¡°How are we supposed to know what¡¯s going on inside someone¡¯s mind?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing for you to be worried about. The chairman even called him yesterday and had dinner together,¡± Kwak Do-Young quickly added when he saw Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s expression. ¡°He didn¡¯t say anything else.¡±

    ¡°Whoo, we should be very careful. Look at chief secretary Cho right now¡ªdidn¡¯t he directly show our situation after the Eurasian rail was announced? The current regime ismitting cruel things that we couldn¡¯t have imagined. They¡¯re even saying that South Korea is freeing itself from the influences of China and the United States. This is why people who have nothing to offer aren¡¯t enough. This world has hierarchies, even in schools.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo clicked his tongue, then leaned toward Kwak Do-Young again. ¡°Where¡¯s the chairman and the chairperson?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re in the meeting hall and the private office.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t they go abroad?¡±

    ¡°Only tourists came into the country from China. What would they go abroad for?¡±

    ¡°Hu, Hu, hu, hu.¡±

    Yang Jin-Wooughed breathily, then looked at Kwak Do-Young. ¡°I met the chairman and chairperson Huh when they were still young, but they weren¡¯t as magnanimous as you. I¡¯m really curious about how far you¡¯ll go.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m only following orders.¡±

    ¡°Phew, that¡¯s right. That kind of mindset is important. People gain standards ording to what they have. Know that a world will soon be created where you¡¯ll be able to spread your wings properly. Never lose your personal connections in China.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind, Mr. Chairman,¡± Kwak Do-Young answered while bowing his head.

    ***

    The meeting ended at exactly 5:30 pm.

    Kang Chan was outside for over two hours, during which he spent some time talking to Louise about different topics and Kim Hyung-Jung came over two more times.

    Kang Chan realized two things. One was that he would never be a security guard again even if it cost him his life, and the other was that Choi Jong-Il was going through a really hard time.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯ve kept you waiting for far too long. My friends would like to greet you,¡± Lanok said. He had a bright expression when he came out of the main conference room.

    Five people including Ludwig hugged Kang Chan and noisily kissed each other¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°I hope we see each other a lot more, Mr. Kang Chan. If it¡¯s okay with you, please drop by our country someday as well,¡± one of them said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll visit it in the future. Until next time.¡±

    They exchanged greetings for about five minutes while a man who looked like a National Intelligence Service agent was waiting for them on one side of the building.

    ¡°Good luck to you.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he had finished one assignment.

    Lanok, Kang Chan, and Louis headed to the international hotel while following an agent of the National Intelligence Service.

    ¡°Vasili has been elected as the vice-chairman, and Ludwig and Vant are now part of the operationmittee along with two more people. The result is satisfactory,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan didn''t know what Lanok was talking about, but he wasn¡¯t particrly interested either.

    They soon headed to the international hotel by following the National Intelligence Service agent. On the way, Kang Chan became worried about how boring the dinner would be.

    ¡°Only the Ambassador and Mr. Kang Chan are entering the official meeting.¡± The employee standing at the entrance blocked Louis¡¯ way.

    Honestly, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to go in either. He wouldn¡¯t gain anything by having his face repeatedly shown on TV. Even if they were in a situation where he would have to stop a terrorist attack, just rashly standing up during the dinner would still be burdensome.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to say this, but I¡¯m thinking of staying outside as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°The President has invited you himself. We ask you to attend if you don¡¯t have special circumstances that prevent you from doing so.¡±

    The employee¡¯s remarks made Kang Chan feel as if he had to go in.

    ¡°I¡¯ll inspect you two for a moment.¡±

    The agent stopped the employee from raising the detection stick.

    ¡°These two are exceptions to inspection.¡±

    Surprised, the employee urgently apologized after checking theputer.

    ¡°Please go in, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan headed inside with Lanok, who had been looking at them because he was wondering what was going on.

    ¡°This way.¡±

    The employee in charge of guiding people to their seats approached them and led them to a table near the front, where a podium was, and the middle of the room.

    The broadcastingpanies¡¯ cameras were lined up along the walls of the room.

    Before he sat down, Kang Chan briefly greeted those sitting at the same table as him. Rather than being sharp, they politely greeted Kang Chan and Lanok with stern looks in their eyes.

    The table had a variety of cups, tes, and utensils on the white tablecloth covering it.

    Lanok leaned in and whispered in Kang Chan¡¯s ear, ¡°I also can¡¯t digest food properly when I¡¯m eating in ces like this, but it would be best to loosen up your expression a little bit since we¡¯re being broadcasted.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I said that I don¡¯t want toe in here a moment ago.¡±

    Lanok turned his head to listen to what Kang Chan was saying, then turned to whisper again, ¡°That would have made this boring meal lonely as well.¡±

    When Kang Chan smiled slightly, Lanok smiled like a European mask.

    ***

    [It seems the South Korean student Kang Chan is talking about something funny with the Ambassador of France right now, but we don¡¯t know what they¡¯re talking about exactly.]

    The screen was filled with Lanok and Kang Chan talking to each other and then smiling.

    [Although the President hasn¡¯t entered yet, the dining room is already filled with excitement. The people eagerly wait for the time tomemorate the establishment of the historic Eurasian rail.]

    Kang Yoo Motors was already on the verge of closing the doors to the showroom on the lower floor, but calls were still flooding in.

    ¡°The President is out on the field right now. If you leave a message, then I¡¯ll ry it to him. Yes. Yes. Yes, I understand.¡±

    The employees kept hanging up the calls that were looking for Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Honey, our Channy is going to be okay, right?¡±

    ¡°This happened so suddenly, which is why everyone¡¯s reacting this way. Everyone is going to forget about this soon, so don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung stroked Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s back, who looked gaunt even though only half of the day had passed. He became worried as well when he noticed all broadcasts werepetitively reporting about Kang Chan and the office was being flooded with calls, though.

    ¡°Honey, why did Channy hang something like that on his ear?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    The screen was showing the entire dining room again.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t see? Channy was wearing a gray earphone on his ear?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked again.

    ¡°He¡¯s probably wearing that because it¡¯s needed for the event,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung decided to overlook the truth for now.

    ***

    ¡°Everyone, please wee the President.¡±

    Following what the host said, everyone stood up and weed President Moon Jae-Hyun and the First Lady with apuse.

    Moon Jae-Hyun waved as he entered. Behind him, two security guards guarded each side of the entrance.

    When Moon Jae-Hyun reached the podium, everyone sat down.

    ¡°I sincerely wee everyone who visited South Korea for the establishment of the Eurasian rail.¡±

    When Moon Jae-Hyun started his speech, Lanok hung the earphone beside his chair on his ear.

    Kang Chan listened to Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s speech while looking asfortable as possible.

    This was better than being in sses that he couldn¡¯t understand.

    The speechsted for about twenty minutes. Moon Jae-Hyun then walked to the very front seat and proposed a toast. People gave another round of apuse afterward, and the meal course consisting of Korean cuisine started.

    After that, today¡¯s schedule would be over.

 Chapter 107.1: End it Quickly (2)

    <h4>Chapter 107.1: End it Quickly (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan sat in room 503 in the international hotel. He threw his jacket and tie on the bed and then unbuttoned his shirt.

    ¡°Whoo! This feels good,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Phuhu, I¡¯m going to order coffee. Do you want yours hot or iced?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Iced for me.¡±

    ¡°What about you, Mr. Manager?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I¡¯d like iced coffee as well.¡±

    While Seok Kang-Ho was calling room service, Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung bit on a cigarette.

    ¡°It must¡¯ve been difficult,¡± Kim Hyung-Jungmented.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t even mention it¡ªnobody should even have to go through that,¡± Kang Chan answered as Seok Kang-Ho came over to the table and picked up a cigarette.

    <i>Chk chk. Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo, but isn¡¯t it great that everything went smoothly today?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    With all the official schedules done, the Intelligence Bureaus¡¯ Heads went into their rooms. Kang Chan could rx to a certain extent since the 606 members were guarding all entrances from the fifth to the seventh floor.

    ¡°How do you feel about this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m calm.¡±

    As Kang Chan expressed how he felt, they heard the doorbell ring.

    ¡°Room service,¡± someone said.

    <i>Click.</i>

    With a pistol in hand, Seok Kang-Ho walked along the wall and carefully opened the door.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The male hotel employee, who had stiffened with nervousness, ced the tray with coffees on the table. He then left the room as if he was running away.

    ¡°The announcement is at 11 am tomorrow. It¡¯s expected to be broadcasted live all over the world on news channels, including CNN. The President and the Prime Minister will be attending it, of course,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°ording to the original n, wasn¡¯t Lanok the one doing the announcement?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung urgently swallowed coffee, which was full of ice. He then coughed profusely, almost as if he was choking.

    ¡°Why not answer a bit slower? Here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho reached out to pull out two tissues, then gave them to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°<i>Cough! Cough!</i> It¡¯s very strong,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan with a flushed face after coughing.

    ¡°As I was saying, wasn¡¯t Lanok the one doing the announcement?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    ¡°Ahem! Ahem! The announcement should¡­ Ahem! Hmm. Lanok is still the one doing it. The President and the Prime Minister are just attending to congratte the announcement.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung discreetly checked Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    ¡°Will you tell Ambassador Lanok to make the President look good? I know the event is run by the establishmentmittee of the Eurasian rail, but it would be very disappointing for him to just be standing there, considering it¡¯s going to be broadcasted live to the entire world,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    ¡°Do I really have to?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s been a lot of discussions about it, but many people voiced that the President should attend and are hoping that he doesn¡¯t look like just another audience at the very least.¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled softly. Doing things like this was really just the underlings going over the top.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re in an awkward position. We should be the ones asking him, but unlike how he treats you, Ambassador Lanok is very logical when dealing with business. It¡¯s like he turns into apletely different person.¡±

    Lanok did have such a side.

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why we wanted an unofficial workce rtionship that badly. Hearing him refuse us without batting an eye or seeing his cold expression is enough for us to wonder if he actually has emotions,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    <i>Was Lanok that cold?</i>

    Kang Chan remembered his first impression of Lanok.

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him about it tomorrow morning,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung left the room after spending about ten more minutes with them.

    ¡°You packed a bay, right?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I ced an extra bay in the closet.¡±

    ¡°Good job.¡±

    After they took turns washing up, Kang Chan slept on the twin bed.

    Sleeping properly whenever he could during an operation was a lesson that he had learned in Africa.

    If they survived, then he¡¯d have a lot of time to think.

    ***

    Kang Chan woke up at 5:30 am, warmed up lightly, and did a few bodyweight exercises. He then had a shower.

    Everything would be over today.

    At 11 am, the announcement would be made in the grand ballroom on the international hotel¡¯s second floor.

    Kang Chan felt at ease because, unlike the operation in Mongolia, he wasn¡¯t in charge of this event. However, he also felt frustrated. It was as if he had just butted into something that he didn¡¯t even know much about.

    When Kang Chan went out of the bathroom, he found Seok Kang-Ho drinking water at the table.

    ¡°Did you get a good night¡¯s sleep?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah. go wash up quickly.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan took out and put on the clothes he wore yesterday. They hadn¡¯t even been washed.

    It wasn¡¯t a big deal to him, though. It was nothingpared to when he was in Africa.

    Seok Kang-Ho hade out of the bathroom and was changing when Kim Hyung-Jung pressed their room¡¯s doorbell. Seok Kang-Ho opened the door, and Kim Hyung-Jung came into the room with someone unfamiliar.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, this is Jeon Dae-Geuk, the section chief of the presidential security service,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk held out his hand.

    His prominent cheekbones, the sharp look in his eyes, and his hair, which was slicked back using oil, reminded Kang Chan of military officers.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°I came so early because I wanted to see you and to familiarize myself with how you look before the event today.¡±

    It seemed Jeon Dae-Geuk was already acquainted with Seok Kang-Ho, considering he lightly greeted him with his eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to have breakfast with you here. Will that be alright?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°Sure. I don¡¯t mind.¡± Kang Chan answered.

    At that moment, Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door and nodded.

    <i>Drrrrr.</i>

    An employee dragged in a long box with wheels and opened the serving cart, forming a square table. Four tes came up from below, all containing foods such as toast, bacon, and eggs.

    There were also coffee, water, and even juice.

    They started eating.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk ate without hesitation even though he had just met Kang Chan.

    Who would refuse to eat with him?

    Within five minutes, the foods on all four tes were consumed as if they never existed in the first ce.

    ¡°You smoke, right, Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m d. I¡¯ll smoke before I go.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung took out a cigarette, and Seok Kang-Ho opened the electric window as wide as possible.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk held a cigarette and had a sip of coffee, then looked straight at Kang Chan. ¡°I went into the security service after working in the special forces brigades.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk immediately extinguished the cigarette, which was unexpected. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about the operation in Mongolia. The official position of our government is that it never happened, but personally and as a representative of the South Korean specialized team, I¡¯d like to thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan just smiled awkwardly, finding thepliment embarrassing.

    ¡°What I¡¯m jealous about is not the capabilities of the Foreign Legion¡¯s specialized team, but the intelligence capabilities and flexibility of France''s Intelligence Bureau, which epted your request. If simr problems ur in the future or situations arise where you have to make a move, then I ask that you call me first before anyone else.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked as if he didn¡¯t know that Jeon Dae-Geuk would say something like this.

    ¡°Manager Kim Hyung-Jung here and Kim Tae-Jin from Yoo Bi-Corp are both juniors to me by two years. I¡¯ll interfere if there¡¯s something that they can¡¯t do for you. Consider this promise as my way of saying thank you for making the South Korean specialized team look good as well.¡±

    When Kang Chanughed out loud, Jeon Dae-Geuk smiled widely.

    ¡°Section chief, you don¡¯t really smoke, do you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s been about ten years since I quit. I have to care about how I smell since I¡¯m protecting higher-ups at close range. Going somewhere else just to smoke isn¡¯t ideal either, so I just quit.¡±

    This person seemed okay.

    Kang Chan especially liked the look in Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s eyes, which was bright even though he was already old.

    ¡°The director called and told me to just wholeheartedly follow what you want regarding security. Although I normally would¡¯ve tly refused, I now think doing as he instructed is the right decision. You ate like a soldier, and one who had gone through a lot of fieldwork at that. France probably realized that early, and our National Intelligence Service did so a littlete. Anyway, I look forward to working with you today,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk continued. He suddenly stood up, then held out his hand.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk was the type of person to push things through even if it drove other people crazy, but that didn¡¯t seem like a bad thing. At the very least, he was considerate of Kang Chan and smoked a bit even though he had already quit just so Kang Chan would feel at ease smoking.

    ¡°Let¡¯s meet a lot more from here on out,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk told Kang Chan as they shook hands.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk smiled strangely, then shook hands with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to stay here for a bit longer, right?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    The two left the room¡­

    ¡°It''s been a while since I''ve seen eyes that bright. You must not lose him to a country like France, no matter what,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud because of the conversation they heard in the hallway¡ªit sounded as if Kim Hyung-Jung had a difficult time replying to Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ¡°Phuhuhuhu!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho burst out withughter as Kim Hyung-Jung returned to the room. Kim Hyung-Jung closed the door and sat at the portable table again while shaking his head.

    It felt as if a huge storm had just swept past the room.

    ¡°Despite how that gentleman acts, he¡¯s themanding officer that the members want to do an operation with the most,¡± Kim Hyung-Jungmented, then lit up a cigarette. He looked at ease. ¡°Ever since he received data and intel about the operation in Mongolia from the National Intelligence Service, he had been looking forward to meeting you. He¡¯s also the only person that Kim Tae-Jin can¡¯t defy.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho burst out withughter again because Kim Hyung-Jung spoke as if he was making excuses for the conversation in the hallway.

 Chapter 107.2: End it Quickly (2)

    <h4>Chapter 107.2: End it Quickly (2)</h4>

    ¡°Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s nerves are on edge because there¡¯s information that you¡¯re being managed by France¡¯s DGSE. He strongly believes that to develop as a country, we have to ept and raise the talented people that we find,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    The carefree atmosphere calmed down to a certain degree.

    ¡°All of the foreign reporters are going to attend the event. There are going to be three lines of security. The security service will be in charge inside the grand ballroom, the National Intelligence Service¡¯s specialized team outside it, and the 606 on its outskirts.¡±

    The atmosphere changed when they went back to business.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to support everyone from the outside. We designated Mr. Kang Chan to sit next to Ambassador Lanok in the guest seats, and Mr. Seok Kang-Ho will be near the back of the guest seats. Anyway, I¡¯ll get going now. Let¡¯s finish strong today, then have a drink.¡±

    When Kim Hyung-Jung left the room, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho took their weapons.

    ¡°How do you feel today?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I do feel a bit ufortable. Anyway, stop asking me questions like that over and over again. I¡¯m not a fortune teller.¡±

    ¡°I keep asking you because it hasn¡¯t just been once or twice that we survived thanks to your gut feelings.¡±

    Kang Chan strapped the bay to his right ankle, then wore the earphone of the walkie-talkie on his ear.

    For some reason, he sighed loudly when he put on the jacket.

    Everything would be over after this meeting.

    The security was thorough. Jeon Dae-Geuk was in charge of it, and the 606 and specialized team were standing by at the event¡¯s venue. Although this historic event was enormous since it would change the dynamics of the world¡¯s economy,mitting a terrorist attack here would be difficult.

    Kang Chan saw Seok Kang-Ho taking weapons. It felt as if he was wearing clothes that didn¡¯t suit him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see youter,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Kang Chan left the room at around 9 am.

    ***

    Lanok¡¯s room was about three times bigger than Kang Chan¡¯s.

    Kang Chan heard that Lanok had nonstop interviews untilte at night with the people in charge of the countries that stayed at the same hotel as him, but he didn¡¯t look tired.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, how are you?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel great today. What about you?¡±

    ¡°I feel the same way. It seems I need ck tea and a cigar.¡±

    As Lanok¡¯s assistant prepared ck tea for them on the table, Lanok bit on a cigar and lit it.

    ¡°There¡¯s only the announcement left,¡± Lanokmented.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled loudly as he put down the teacup he drank out of. He had so much trouble breathing that his chest started to tighten.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Lanok looked at Kang Chan, perplexed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a good feeling about this. I don¡¯t know about anyone else, but I think you¡¯d believe me, so I thought I should tell you that. I hope you follow all my decisions at least for today even if it seems impractical.¡±

    It was going to be difficult for Lanok to believe him, but Kang Chan thought at least Lanok should be aware of this.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lanok answered after looking at Kang Chan for a moment. ¡°Is that why your expression is different than usual, by any chance?¡±

    ¡°Did my eyes glint a bit?¡±

    ¡°I was starting to wonder if I¡¯ve done anything to displease you,¡± Lanok answered while smiling like a European mask.

    ¡°This has happened before. I already had a bad feeling about what was about to happen before we got ambushed and before unexpected danger could evene close to us. Even if my guts aren¡¯t always right, it doesn¡¯t hurt to be more careful in moments like this.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fascinating.¡±

    This was also something that couldn¡¯t be exined.

    ¡°Right¡ªMr. Ambassador, I was told that the President and the Prime Minister are nning to attend the event today, so¡­¡±

    Kang Chan stopped. Lanok¡¯s expression had changed.

    Would Moon Jae-Hyun and Go Gun-Woo attending this event something that could surprise this sly fox this much?

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, did you just say that the President and the Prime Minister are attending?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I heard about it loud and clear. I was even asked to tell you that they¡¯re asking you to make the President look good before the announcement today.¡±

    ¡°Whoo!¡± Lanok sighed loudly.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mr. Ambassador?¡±

    .

    ¡°Since I¡¯m hosting this event, I requested yesterday for the Prime Minister to not attend the President¡¯s dinner, and I¡¯ve only invited the Prime Minister to the presentation today because of South Korea¡¯s regtions.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand what Lanok was saying.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, the Eurasian rail will rock the world¡¯s economy for the next hundreds of years. If France was left out of this n, then I would havemitted terrorist attacks even if it meant getting the Foreign Legion killed.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung also said something simr.

    ¡°In South Korea, if the President suffers an ident, then the power will be transferred to the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister fails to do their work, then the power will be transferred to the Minister of Economy and Finance,¡± Lanok added.

    Kang Chan had never thought about things like that.

    ¡°Lee Min-Woo, the minister of South Korea¡¯s Ministry of Economy and Finance was basically raised by Huh Ha-Soo, the chairman of the national assembly, and WooYang Jeon-Woo. The current regime has handed over that position instead of approving the legitive bill because theycked the number of seats.¡±

    ¡°In that case, if the C-4 was to explode here, then¡­?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Until the next President is elected, Huh Ha-Soo and WooYang Jeon-Woo can operate the government however they want. I don¡¯t know why the South Korean government acted so impulsively like this¡ªmy country¡¯s DGSE has even secretly leaked information because of things like this.¡±

    This was appalling.

    ¡°Since Huh Sa-Soo is the chairman of the National Assembly, he definitely would''ve put some kind of condition to force the President and the Prime Minister to attend. It¡¯s probably along the lines of the opposition party keeping quiet and no longer asserting that the Director of the National Intelligence Service and the Prime Minister should be reced. After all, they know how much the current President values his people,¡± Lanok continued.

    There was something that Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Mr. Ambassador, if this goes wrong, then it would be difficult for Huh Ha-Soo and Yang Jin-Woo to survive. Can they really be desperate enough to put their lives on the line?¡±

    ¡°WuYang Jeon-Woo is an American citizen, and China and Japan wouldn¡¯t abandon those two anyway. Taking that into consideration, it would be difficult for the South Korean government to find evidence. It¡¯s the same as knowing that youmanded the operation in Mongolia but having no evidence toin about it publicly.¡±

    Looking slightly flustered, Lanok continued, ¡°What would you do if you were in charge of stopping this meeting today no matter what? Would this meeting really proceed as nned if you handle itpletely prepared to die?¡±

    <i>What would happen if that really was the case?</i>

    ¡°We decided to hold this event here in South Korea because it¡¯s difficult to get weapons here and its President and Prime Minister share the same goals. Go Gun-Woo would support the Eurasian rail even if the President dies.¡±

    Kang Chan breathed out deeply, then held up a cigarette and lit it.

    ¡°Cancelling this event now will be difficult,¡± Lanok added while looking grim.

    ¡°Can I tell the security service or the National Intelligence Service about what you just told me?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter., but it would be best to be as careful as possible before the meeting progresses.¡±

    It was already 9:40 am.

    Kang Chan immediately pressed the talk button on the walkie-talkie.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kim Hyung-Jung, it¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan received a response the moment he extinguished his cigarette.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Something urgent came up. It would be best to meet up as soon as we can. I¡¯m in Ambassador Lanok¡¯s room right now.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way. I¡¯ll be there in ten minutes.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Please get here even faster. We need you here as soon as possible, even if that¡¯s just a minute quicker.¡±

    When Kim Hyung-Jung said that he understood, Kang Chan pressed the button on the walkie-talkie again.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Jeon Dae-Geuk, it¡¯s Kang Chan. You¡¯ve probably been listening to our conversation and already know what¡¯s going on. Can I see you as well?¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan put down the walkie-talkie¡¯s microphone, which was attached to his sleeve.

    ¡°You can tell them toe into this room,¡± Lanok said.

    ***

    Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung formally greeted Lanok. Listening to Kang Chan¡¯s exnation, their expressions hardened.

    They seemed to have thought they shouldn''t have any doubts because Lanok was sitting right there and because Kang Chan was adding his own opinions as he interpreted.

    ¡°Can the President and Prime Minister cancel their n to attend?¡± Kang Chan asked in Korean.

    ¡°It would be difficult to cancel that for this kind of reason. Even the Ambassador is probably going to say that he¡¯ll attend. It doesn¡¯t matter what type of event it is. If people stop attending just because of the circumstances, there won¡¯t be any events that VIPs can attend.¡±

    Kang Chan passed on what Kim Hyung-Jung said, and Lanok said that he shared the same sentiments on that part.

    ¡°We¡¯ll return to our posts for now and push back the reporters a bit more so we¡¯ll have more space. Afterward, we¡¯ll check if there¡¯s no other way to stop the terror attack. It¡¯s already past 10 am, so even if we do this, we¡¯ll still be extremely short on time. Anyway, we¡¯ll contact you about the rest of the matters through the walkie-talkie,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    When Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung left, Lanok looked at Kang Chan as if he was wearing a European mask.

    ¡°This alone is no different from stopping half of the terrorist attack, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, Lanok poured out more ck tea for him.

    ¡°The dice have already been cast,¡± Lanok continued, ¡°Since they got attacked in Mongolia, China will try their hardest to get revenge. We have to stop them.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid?¡± Kang Chan asked out of genuine curiosity.

    ¡°This is what our lives are like. A lot of people quit because they couldn¡¯t ovee this fear and nervousness, but we won¡¯t gain anything if we keep fearing death.¡± Lanok tightly pressed the half-smoked cigar on the ashtray. ¡°Have you ever been afraid before heading into battle?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about it.¡±

    With a nod, Lanok said, ¡°I¡¯m heading into battle today, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    All Kang Chan could do was nod in response.

    1. Lanok continues to pronounce Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s name incorrectly

 Chapter 108.1: Lets Kill Everyone (1)

    <h4>Chapter 108.1: Let''s Kill Everyone (1)</h4>

    10:15 am.

    It was now time for them to go out to the event location.

    <i>Badum-badum. Badum-badum.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s instincts started to tell him that this was dangerous.

    ¡°The look in your eyes changed again. Is this how you immediately knew something dangerous was about to happen at the golf club as well?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Yes. Back then, I felt something like this as well.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok called with an intense look in his eyes. ¡°We¡¯ve done our best, so let¡¯s now humbly ept the results, no matter how it turns out. That being said, I¡¯m d you¡¯re with me as I head out to the event venue.¡±

    Lanok lived with so much determination. Even though his wife was shot to death and his daughter had injured her leg, he lived on to participate in this kind of event all the time.

    Kang Chan smirked, then breathed in loudly. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I met a great man today.¡±

    ¡°You must be talking about the chief officer of security.¡±

    ¡°Yes. With such a strong ally on our side, fighting our enemies will be worth it. We¡¯re also very lucky to have you in events like this.¡±

    Lanok smiled widely in response.

    ¡°Now!¡± Lanok stood up, and the agents and his assistant headed out to the waiting room.

    ¡°Let¡¯s start our war,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Europeans always had a cool way of saying those kinds of expressions.

    Two agents opened the door and examined the hallway. Louis and Kang Chan went out of the room in order. Lanok followed behind them.

    <i>Badum-badum. Badum-badum.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s nerves were on edge.

    As Louis moved quickly ording to Kang Chan¡¯s nces, the different agents nervously inspected the hallway and the front of the elevator.

    A member of the 606 was at the end of the hallway by the elevator.

    They were on the fifth floor.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    The elevator opened. Louis got in first, then Kang Chan, then Lanok.

    Someone pressed the button for the second floor. The door closed and the elevator, which was filled with a strangely nerve-wracking atmosphere, descended.

    4¡­ 3¡­ 2¡­ <i>Ding.</i>

    When the door opened, an enormous amount of sh, the sounds of camera shutters, and blinding lights shone onto Lanok and Kang Chan.

    ***

    [Finally, Lanok Belmonde Pardieu, the Ambassador of France, Founder of the Eurasian rail establishment, and first Operation Committee member has appeared for today¡¯s historic announcement. Beside him is Kang Chan, the Shinmuk High School student who has been with Lanok since the start of this event. He does not seem dispirited at all, which is praiseworthy and something that we¡¯re proud of. Everyone! This is one for the books. We¡¯re honored to be able to broadcast the moment South Korea will confidently position itself as a key yer in the world¡¯s economy that will lead for the next several centuries.]

    ¡°Wow!¡± the kids eximed loud enough to shake the Shinmuk high school¡¯s ss windows. Even the teachers looked flushed with excitement and had both of their hands tightly sped in front of them because the announcer¡¯s excited shout was instigating them.

    ***

    The military band performed Arirang with discipline at the same time Lanok entered. The representatives from each attending country all stood up and greeted Lanok and Kang Chan with apuse.

    Kang Chan quickly examined their surroundings, noticing the five security guards in charge of Lanok¡¯s safety adjusting locations ording to Lanok¡¯s movements.

    The second floor was spacious.

    The distance that they walked after they stepped out of the elevator and went to the grand ballroom was long enough to be over twenty meters.

    <i>One, two, three, four, five.</i>

    Kang Chan instinctively measured the distance.

    He could hear the sounds of his own breathing, which showed just how nervous he was.

    The sounds of shutters and shes kept bursting out from the cameras as they followed Lanok.

    ¡°Move!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t push!¡±

    ¡°Those in the front¡ªduck down a bit!¡±

    The reporters who went up the foldabledders and the reporters that blocked them grappled against each other. In between them, the agents paved the way for Kang Chan and Lanok.

    The grand ballroom¡¯s door waspletely opened.

    If it weren''t for the two 10-meter walls on either side of the room, the entire second floor would have seemed like an open-space area.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes briefly met Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s, who was standing at the wall on the right.

    They immediately looked away from each other, but that short moment was enough for Kang Chan to read Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s expression. He looked surprised by the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    An agent guided Lanok to the seat at the front and center, then gestured to the seat next to it to Kang Chan.

    Lanok turned from side to side with his hand raised in greeting and while smiling like a European mask to his heart''s content.

    In front of their table was a tform, and to the side of where Seok Kang-Ho was standing were a man and a woman who looked like the hosts. They were standing in front of the small podium and were quickly checking their scripts.

    <i>Badum-badum. Badum-badum.</i>

    Kang Chan''s heart seemed to be yelling at him, ¡®Get out. Get out of here. Please get out of this ce.¡¯

    After quickly observing his surroundings, Kang Chan looked at Lanok.

    <i>I¡¯ve already decided to join this battle anyway, so I might as well fight them with everything I¡¯ve got.</i>

    Kang Chan smirked, having strengthened his resolve.

    ***

    ¡°Oh my! What should I do? What should I do? Our president¡¯s smile even appears in my dreams! A D.I. employee eximed.

    The screen was showing Kang Chan, who was smiling.

    The event woulde to a close after the announcement at 11 am.

    With the majority of people in front of the TV watching the announcement, the businesses in South Korea came to a halt. D.I. was no exception.

    After canceling their morning shoot, all the employees, including Michelle and their ountant Choi Yoo-Jin watched TV.

    [President Moon Jae-Hyun and Prime Minister Go Gun-Woo have decided to attend today¡¯s event and are expected to arrive soon. If the President and our government are the ones leading the Eurasian rail, then we¡¯re sure that the next generation like Kang Chan will raise up South Korea and put it at the top of the world. My fellow citizens! You are currently bearing witness to an event that will go down in South Korea¡¯s history forever.]

    ***

    [The President and the Prime Minister are making their entrance now.]

    The male host spoke in Korean, while the female host quickly interpreted it in English and French.

    <i>Bam-ba-baba, bam-ba-baba, bam-ba-ba-ba.</i>

    The military band performed Arirang again as Moon Jae-Hyun and Go Gun-Woo went up the stairs.

    As the foreign countries¡¯ delegations all stood up and apuded, Kang Chan quickly examined their surroundings.

    The scene was chaotic¡ªfilled with shes, shutters, and voices of foreign reporters.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk, who was also quickly looking over their surroundings, met Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    He looked nervous.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s eyes were glinting, and he was so full of spite that it looked as if he would shoot anyone who¡¯d block him immediately regardless of who they were.

    <i>Badum-badum. Badum-badum.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart was beating so quickly that it made him feel as if he was running around his apartmentplex like he always did during mornings.

    <i>Whoo. Whoo. Whoo. Whoo.</i>

    Kang Chan could hear his own breathing.

    The sounds from the military band, cameras, reporters, and apuse sounded so far away, and everything seemed to be flowing slowly.

    Kang Chan was now in perfectbat mode. In this condition, he was confident he could defeat anyone he would run into.

    <i>Whoo. Whoo. Whoo. Whoo.</i>

    Kang Chan examined his surroundings again from left to right, then observed those who were close to him and then those far away. He looked at the hosts, the agents, and the person in charge from Europe, who was sitting at the very right.

    He also looked at the tform again, the security guards in the grand ballroom, the reporters, and the National Intelligence Service agents positioned far away.

    As Kang Chan looked at those nearby again, he noticed Lanok¡¯s pinky finger slightly trembling.

    Lanok was smiling as if he was wearing a mask and was looking at his surroundings with an arrogant gaze, but he couldn¡¯t suppress his pinky finger from trembling.

    Kang Chan remembered Lanok saying that he was going out to battle as well.

    Moon Jae-Hyun and Go Gun-Woo reached their seats, which were to Lanok¡¯s left.

    Moon Jae-Hyun stood beside Lanok and shook hands with him, then unexpectedly held out his hand to Kang Chan as well.

    Kang Chan politely shook hands with him.

    ***

    [In front of the first operationmittee member of the Eurasian rail, South Korea¡¯s present and future are shaking hands with each other. This historic scene hints toward South Korea¡¯s further development.]

    Kang Dae-Kyung held Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s trembling hand tightly.

    They didn¡¯t know why, but Yoo Hye-Sook had a nightmare and started trembling the moment she sat in front of the TV. It only got worse whenever Kang Chan was shown on TV.

    Kang Dae-Kyung reached around her shoulder and hugged her.

    They didn¡¯t go to work today.

    Their phones were on silent mode, they closed the door to their apartment, and they even unplugged the power cord of their home phone.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay. You should trust and watch Channy. He¡¯s doing so well. Why are you so scared when it¡¯s about to end in a few hours?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Honey, I¡¯m trying not to be, but¡­¡± Yoo Hye-Sook, who looked pale from fright, tightly held Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Our Channy shouldn¡¯t work at high ces.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s eyes were also trembling despite making a joke that sounded forced, but Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t notice.

    ¡°He¡¯s going to do a good job. It¡¯s okay. Everything is going to be okay,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung mumbled as if trying to reassure himself.

    Would it be okay, though? As he kept repeating that it would be okay, Kang Dae-Kyung remembered the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes when he begged him to be okay.

    On TV, Kang Chan shook hands with Go Gun-Woo, then sat down.

    1. Arirang, or ???, is a Korean folk song sung in both North and South Korea. It represents the symbol of unity in the region divided by the Korean War. It is estimated to be over six hundred years old.

 Chapter 108.2: Lets Kill Everyone (1)

    <h4>Chapter 108.2: Let''s Kill Everyone (1)</h4>

    [We wee everyone to this historic event.]

    [Ladies and Gentlemen.]

    The sound of camera shutters rang throughout the event venue.

    The male and female announcers took turns saying their lines, signaling the start of the event.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan¡¯s eyes met Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s about two times, then he clearly conveyed his intentions to Jeon Dae-Keuk.

    The look in their eyes made sense for people who had fought and experienced life on battlefields. Only those who were in a nerve-wracking matter of life or death could understand their gazes.

    <i>¡®I trust you. Do what has to be done.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan felt reassured, but trust didn¡¯t stop idents from happening.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to announce the Eurasian rail.¡±

    The host¡¯s line made the noisy performance, apuse, and camera shutter sounds erupt again.

    ¡°Beforehand, we would like to wee to the stage Lanok Belmonde Pardieu, the chairman of the Eurasian rail establishment, for a congrattory message.¡±

    While the female host was interpreting, Lanok stood up from his seat and greeted Moon Jae-Hyun with a nod, then turned his head toward Kang Chan.

    As Lanok smiled, his glinting eyes conveyed his thoughts to Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®I trust we¡¯ll win this war, but if we lose, I ask that you take care of Anne.¡¯</i>

    Lanok meant that, at the very least, Kang Chan had to survive. His eyes also showed he believed that Kang Chan had the ability to do so.

    Kang Chan responded to Lanok¡¯s fake smile with his peculiar smirk.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan said after standing up as well.

    Being prepared to die wasn¡¯t good. The will to survive until the very end was far more important.

    ¡°Do you know my codename?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The sound of camera shutters rang throughout the event venue.

    ¡°God of ckfield.¡±

    In front of the President, the Prime Minister, numerous cameras, and the countless people watching him on TV, a high schooler was stalling the event while shaking the hand of the Founder of the Eurasian rail.

    ¡°My enemies created that codename. It means ¡®a god of Africa who brings death.¡¯ I¡¯m going to win the war today, so please take care of Anne yourself,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    An honest smile appeared inside Lanok¡¯s mask, but it disappeared quicker than it appeared.

    <i>¡®Did you read the look in my eyes?¡¯?</i>

    <i>¡®Of course.¡¯</i>

    Things like this didn¡¯t have to be said.

    Lanok and Kang Chan smiled brightly at the same time.

    ¡°Sounds good. We¡¯ll need to confuse our enemies,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°We should do that. I have your back.¡±

    ***

    [This is surprising. South Korea¡¯s high schooler and Lanok are talking to each other before his congrattory speech. Lanok¡¯s expression ispletely different from how he usually looks. I have been working on CNN as a reporter for politics for ten years now, but this is my first time seeing such a smile from him. Considering Lanok always ces political meaning in all of his movements, even if he¡¯s just moving a finger, it¡¯s safe to say that his smile is passing on a definite message.]

    The foreign reporters beside or in front of the cameras quickly passed on the situation using their microphones.

    ***

    ¡°To the honorable President of South Korea, his fellow citizens, and the representatives of every country connected to the Eurasian rail that has attended this event for this historic moment,¡± Lanok said, and the female host quickly and urately interpreted his words into Korean.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank coldly.

    <i>Badum-badum. Badum-badum. Badum-badum. Badum-badum.</i>

    The pulsation of his heart had changed.

    This had only ever happened a few times to Kang Chan. It felt as if the enemy¡¯s gun was pointed at his neck or forehead from somewhere.

    .

    Not even a word of the speech wasing into Kang Chan¡¯s head.

    He would die the moment he missed the sound of his own breathing.

    Where were they? Who was acting suspiciously around him? Was one of the involved countries¡¯ attending representatives going to take out their gun?

    Kang Chan once again scanned his surroundings from left to right, then from close by to the far distance.

    At times like this, the one he could trust the most was Dayeru.

    <i>¡®We¡¯re almost there. Get ready.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Alright.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Kill them no matter what.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®No matter what?¡¯</i>

    Dayeru briefly nodded after receiving a nce from Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan saw everything¡ªfrom a foreign reporter with a microphone gulping to a reporter¡¯s finger pressing a button on a camera.

    Kang Chan exhaled quietly, then tilted the pistol holster to the back.

    The security guards instantly looked at Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®What are you doing?¡¯?</i>Jeon Dae-Geuk red at Kang Chan as if he was going to draw his gun at any moment.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m doing what I want to do.¡¯</i>

    Jeon Dae-Geuk tightly gritted his teeth, then quickly looked at the nearby security guards.

    They were thinking, ¡®Figure out their locations. Figure out the situation. Be on the lookout for danger.¡¯

    <i>Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.</i>

    ¡°What I¡¯m the happiest about regarding the connection of the Eurasian rail to South Korea is the chance I¡¯ve been given to eat Korean food nonstop,¡± Lanokmented, causingughter and apuse to erupt.

    ¡°South Korea¡¯s President and Prime Minister attended this honorable event today. This is a sudden request, but as the Founder, I would like to ask the President to give us a congrattory message.¡± Lanok looked behind him.

    <i>Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.</i>

    <i>¡®You shouldn¡¯t be standing with the President.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®The Prime Minister is far away, so it¡¯ll be fine. We just have to protect the Prime Minister.¡¯</i>

    When Moon Jae-Hyun stood up, people pped again.

    There were so many people crowded outside the hotel cheering and apuding that it seemed as if they were listening to a coverage of a ser game.

    Lanok and Moon Jae-Hyun shook hands.

    <i>Do it quickly!</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s nerves were so on edge that the pit of his stomach began to feel hot.

    <i>Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.</i>

    Lanok and Moon Jae-Hyun patted each other¡¯s shoulders. Lanok then walked to Kang Chan¡¯s side.

    As if he had gone crazy, Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s gaze alternated between the reporters, the foreign countries¡¯ representatives, and the security guards.

    When Lanok sat next to Kang Chan, Moon Jae-Hyun started to speak on the microphone. ¡°To our honorable citizens of South Korea, our foreign guests who visited South Korea for the establishment of the Eurasian rail, and Founder Lanok Belmonde Pardieu, who is responsible for it. Today, I¡¯m¡­¡±

    Kang Chan examined Lanok after pushing back the pistol holster. Lanok¡¯s right pinky finger was still, but when Lanok walked over, it started trembling again.

    ¡°Now, we¡¯re going to be the leader of this great era,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said as he held out his right hand to the front, seemingly to emphasize what he was saying. A loud roar and apuse were heard from outside the hotel.

    <i>Will this event really end so peacefully??</i>

    They were in South Korea.

    <i>Was something actually going to happen here?</i>

    It wasn¡¯t like a missile could be fired from the outside¡­

    Kang Chan''s cheeks felt as if they were burning. He quickly looked at the right side of the grand ballroom.

    It was blocked by a cement wall, yet they could still clearly hear the shouts of the people outside?

    Kang Chan raised his left hand and pressed the button on his walkie-talkie.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Manager, the right side of the grand ballroom is blocked from the inside. Is a wall also blocking it from the outside?¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk, the security guards, and Seok Kang-Ho quickly looked at Kang Chan upon hearing him through the walkie-talkie.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m in the car of the situation room right now to find out. The grand ballroom¡¯s external wall is a ss window, but panels are blocking it from within to stop any shootings.¡±

    Kang Chan tightly gritted his teeth.

    Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s congrattory speech was about halfway done.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Is there a building built by Suh Jeong Constructions or owned by Suh Jeong Group across from the hotel?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, all of the buildings across the hotel are being controlled by the 606 and the thirty-fifth brigade.¡±

    <i>Really? Am I overreacting again?</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Manager, does the building behind the one across from the hotel have a clear view of the hotel¡¯s second floor? The Mistral or the I has an effective range of up to five kilometers,¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s head popped up. He had thought about the possibility of a gunfight, but he didn¡¯t take into consideration that their enemies couldunch a surface-to-air missile.

    Mistrals and Is could fire a missile as long as an arm with auncher that was as tall as a human.

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t answer immediately.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, we couldn¡¯t calcte that far.¡±

    <i>Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.</i>

    Kang Chan''s heart raced like crazy.

    People hade in and sat on the second floor of the hotel, so it was now tightly packed.

    If there were special operation forces members prepared to die just to fire an I, no one would survive, especially considering the situation inside the hotel was being broadcasted on TV.

    Kang Chan pressed the button on the walkie-talkie while quickly meeting Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s eyes.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s the God of ckfield. The snipers on the roof of the hotel are to check all of the buildings that are on the other side of the event venue. The target is a portable anti-air missile. If you see anything of the sort, you are to shoot on sight. Report afterward.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s the chief officer of security. Follow the orders of the codename God of ckfield.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk looked at Kang Chan while gritting his teeth.

    Moon Jae-Hyun was about to end his congrattory remarks quicker than Kang Chan had thought.

    <i>Where are they going to use the C-4? How can they kill Moon Jae-Hyun and Go Gun-Woo at the same time?</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Manager, what facilities are on the third floor?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°A buffet restaurant and a normal restaurant. We emptied both of them.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°What about the fourth floor?¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Empty guest rooms.¡±

    <i>God damn it!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Send the 606 to check the guests on floors eight to eleven. The enemies can break the ss with the C-4 and rappel down. There¡¯s a chance they¡¯re armed,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    After listening to Kang Chan¡¯smands, Jeon Dae-Geuk looked at him with an expression that said, ¡®Could it be?¡¯

    Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s speech ended.

    There was no answer. Everyone heard Kang Chan¡¯s codename, but they couldn¡¯t follow hismand toward the guests.

    <i>Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.</i>

    Kang Chan felt as if time had slowed down.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, if I shout, then please do whatever it takes to run over to that man,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Lanok stood up from his seat. He briefly nodded while looking at Seok Kang-Ho.

    France had recognized Kang Chan¡¯s abilities, but South Korea was unaware of it.

    When Kang Chan turned his gaze, Jeon Dae-Geuk brought his left hand to his mouth after seeing Lanok nod.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s the chief officer of security. 606, search through the hotel immediately! If you keep refusing to follow the God of ckfield¡¯s orders, I¡¯ll hold everyone ountable.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The 606 is moving in. We don¡¯t have enough people. Requesting permission to send in the thirty-fifth brigade as well.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk sent a fierce look at Kang Chan.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Send in the thirty-fifth brigade.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The thirty-fifth brigade is moving in.¡±

    Lanok and Moon Jae-Hyun shook hands in front of the podium, and camera shutters noisily rang out.

    <i>Badum-Badum-Badum-Badum. Badum-Badum-Badum-Badum.</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth to ovee the warning his heart was telling him.

    At that moment¡­

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We have discovered the missile. We have discovered the missile. Open fire. I repeat. Open fire,¡± someone urgently reported on the walkie-talkie.

    1. The Mistral, or the Missile Transportable Anti-a¨¦rien L¨¦ger (Transportable lightweight anti-air missile), is a French infrared homing short-range air defense system.

    2. the 9K38 I is a Russian/Soviet man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile system.

 Chapter 109: Lets go and Kill Everyone (2)

    <h4>Chapter 109: Lets go and Kill Everyone (2)</h4>

    ¡°Move!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    The moment Kang Chan sprang to his feet, Jeon Dae-Geuk and a security guard threw themselves at Moon Jae-Hyun.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Meanwhile, Seok Kang-Ho and the agents threw themselves at Lanok.

    ¡°Stick to the wall!¡± Kang Chan yelled again.

    <i>Grumble! Banng!</i>

    A powerful explosion reverberated, sending intense vibrations through the building.

    It wasn''t a missile. The C-4 had exploded on the floor above.

    A scream then echoed. It was loud enough to ovee themotion inside the hotel.

    They had to stick to the wall if they wanted to live.

    ¡°Go to the back! The building is crumbling! I said to go to the back!¡± Kang Chan yelled as if he was crazy.

    The security guard and the National Intelligence Service¡¯s specialized team pushed the reporters away, and Kang Chan shoved the attendees sitting nearby to the area that was diagonal to the window.

    <i>Rumble!</i>

    The C4 exploded on the fourth floor.

    ¡°Escape to the back!¡±

    Detonating just fifty pounds of C-4 on the fourth floor would¡¯ve made enough rubble fall to make the second and third floors copse, since they didn¡¯t have pirs.

    <i>Rumble.</i>

    The third floor crumbled.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Missile! Missile! Run away!¡± Someone yelled into the walkie-talkie.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk and Seok Kang-Ho, who were basically carrying Moon Jae-Hyun and Lanok respectively, were mmed into the corner.

    ¡°Go inside!¡±

    Kang Chan shoved away a European who had frozen up.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Missile!¡± someone yelled on the radio again.

    <i>We get it already, you son of a bitch! You should have shot them before they couldunch the missile!</i>

    The security guards threw themselves on Moon Jae-Hyun, Go Gun-Woo, and Lanok, one over another.

    <i>Rumble!</i>

    The second floor began to copse.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    ¡°Cover your ears! Your ears! Cover your ears!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Kang Chan threw himself down, covering the foreigner that he saw in front of him.

    <i>Crack! Crack! Crack!</i>

    The ceiling crumbled down, followed by the sound of an explosion loud enough to tear their eardrums and for them to feel shockwaves.

    <i>BANG!</i>

    <i>Swoosh! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Swish!</i>

    As heat, wind, and fragments bounced off the buildings, cement powder swept across Kang Chan.

    <i>Whooosh.?</i>

    Kang Chan had be so numb it was as if he was seeing everything unfold from underwater.

    <i>Fckkk!</i>

    Kang Chan had gone through countless experiences like this.

    He couldn¡¯t even feel the backside of his entire body.

    Among the pile of what seemed like dead bodies covered in cement powder, some of the people twitched.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Ta-da-da-dang! Ta-da-dang! Ta-da-dang!</i>

    ¡°Kyaa!¡±

    <i>Swish! Swish! Swish!</i>

    From outside the window, ck lumps dropped to the ground.

    <i>Those crazy fuckers!</i>

    They were prepared for a war. That¡¯s why they even rappelled down to the second floor.

    Forcing himself to turn around, Kang Chan took out his pistol from the holster on his waist.

    <i>Crack.</i>

    ck lumps flew into the second floor.

    Kang Chan aimed at his opponents without hesitation.

    <i>Ta-ang!</i>

    The gunshots quickly returned him to his senses.

    <i>Ta-ang. Ta-ang. Ta-ang.</i>

    He shot four times, each one causing one of his enemies¡ªwho were wearing ck clothes and dangling on the ropes like monkeys¡ªto fall to the ground.

    Honestly, he didn¡¯t even know if they were his enemies or not.

    <i>Ta-ang. Ta-ang. Ta-ang.</i>

    ¡°Phew!¡±

    Kang Chan instantly knew that was Dayeru shaking his head, even if he didn¡¯t see it.

    <i>Ta-ta-ta-ta-tang. Pow! Pow! Ta-da-dang. Ta-da-da-da-dang.</i>

    Gunshots stirred up the dirt inside the building. Red lights fromser scopes could now be seen everywhere.

    <i>Ta-da-da-da-dang. Ta-da-da-dang. Ta-da-da-dang. Tang.</i>

    Continuous gunshots rang from the floor above and outside the building.

    Rubble had blocked the bottom half of the windows and the right side of the entrance.

    Kang Chan bent down to move quickly.

    <i>¡®Urgh!¡¯</i>

    He felt horrible pain from his waist and the back of his neck.

    <i>Dayeru! Shoot them!</i>

    <i>Tang! Tang-tang! Tang!?</i>

    That had to be Seok Kang-Ho¡ªthat fucker always fired pistols that way.

    <i>Tang! Thud</i>. <i>Tang!</i> <i>Thud</i>.

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chan raised his head and found one of the enemies¡¯ser scopes pointed at Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s forehead.

    <i>Click! Ta-ang!</i> <i>Thud!?</i>

    Kang Chan swiftly shot down the enemy and moved forward.

    <i>nk!</i>

    He then picked up a rifle. As he did, he felt as if his entire backside was being ripped apart.

    <i>Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!</i>

    After taking the rifle, he looked at Seok Kang-Ho.

    The C-4 was wrapped around the waist of a corpse.

    <i>Swish! nk! Swish! nk!</i>

    Kang Chan threw two rifles toward Seok Kang-Ho and Jeon Dae-Geuk, then went up the mountain of rubble while holding onto the back of the dead enemy¡¯s neck.

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk yelled.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Ta-dang. Tang. Ta-da-dang!</i>

    At that moment, they heard gunshots from the entrance.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and Jeon Dae-Geuk leaned against the wall to the left of the entrance and aimed at their opponents.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan was still dragging the deceased enemy.

    <i>Why is this son of a bitch so heavy?</i>

    He felt as if he was being ripped apart, but he couldn¡¯t stop now.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Pow! Tang! Pow! Ta-ang! Tang! Ta-dang.</i>

    As piles of dirt sttered at the front of Kang Chan¡¯s feet, Seok Kang-Ho and Jeon Dae-Geuk kept up the cover fire.

    <i>¡®Urrgh!¡¯</i>

    <i>Swish!</i>

    ¡°Kyaaaaaah!!¡±

    They heard a scream when the dead body fell outside the building.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    As Kang Chan pulled the second corpse by the neck, Lanok forcibly stood up, tousling his hair.

    ¡°Please don¡¯te here! There¡¯s C-4 wrapped around the enemy¡¯s waist!¡± Kang Chan warned.

    <i>Ta-ang! Tang! Ta-ang! Ta-da-dang!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and Jeon Dae-Geuk quickly looked at Kang Chan.

    They needed to ignore the pain, because at one point, they might get used to it like Kang Chan right now.

    <i>Swish.</i>

    When he threw the second dead body outside, they heard a louder scream.

    <i>Beep.</i>

    At that moment, they heard a beep.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    ¡°Lie down on your stomach!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Jeon Dae-Geuk braced themselves against the wall, and Kang Chan threw himself behind another dead body nearby.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    They heard another loud explosion.

    <i>Rumble.</i>

    What remained of the ceiling copsed.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    His ears had been renderedpletely useless, so he didn¡¯t hear anything.

    <i>Where is Lanok?</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t see him, but he couldn¡¯t even think right now.

    He saw four red lights by the entrance, alling fromser scopes.

    The window was almostpletely blocked.

    Kang Chan had been mmed into a corner, and the enemies couldn¡¯t even see him because he was hidden by a pile of rubble.

    Kang Chan took out the pistol that he had attached to his ankle.

    From his position, the enemies looked like they were standing in line.

    The red light from theser scope headed toward Seok Kang-Ho and Jeon Dae-Geuk¡­

    <i>Four guys standing in a straight line, huh?</i>

    Shooting people exactly in the forehead or the heart with a Glock that had a really strong recoil?

    Kang Chan would feel outraged whenever he failed to save people.

    He straightened his back and pulled the trigger.

    <i>Ta-tanng! Tang. Tang.</i>

    <i>Thud</i>. <i>Thud</i>. <i>Thud</i>. <i>Thud</i>.

    The four men in front of the wall to the left of the entrance dropped to the floor.

    Still unable to hear properly, Kang Chan felt as if he had shot them while wearing a headset.

    With difficulty, Kang Chan then crawled toward their enemies.

    At some point, he started faintly hearing his knees dragging against the ground.

    He didn¡¯t know if the walkie-talkie was still intact, but if it was, he needed proper hearing to use it.

    Kang Chan first thought about taking the rifle of the man who had fallen closest to him, but¡­

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    A red light flickered from the waist of the third enemy that Kang Chan had taken down. He also had a C-4 belt wrapped around him.

    As Kang Chan raised himself up to crawl, he looked at Seok Kang-Ho, who had copsed.

    If the C-4 exploded now, Seok Kang-Ho and Jeon Dae-Geuk would be ripped apart.

    They were too busy to even crawl away, so they wouldn¡¯t have time to do anything else.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth as he looked at Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>You idiot! You think I¡¯d let you die?!</i>

    ¡°Urgh!¡±

    Kang Chan dragged Seok Kang-Ho away.

    The ceiling in the hallway had copsed, and the entrance of the elevator had been blown away.

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.?</i>

    The red light started to sh quickly, and theser scopes beeped.

    Kang Chan continued to drag Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Beep-beep. Beep-beep. Beep-beep.?</i>

    Kang Chan dropped Seok Kang-Ho in front of the crumbled hallway. Thanks to the wall, he had at least saved Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kang Chan waspletely exhausted, but he still had to crawl. That was the only way to win in this fight.

    Hence, Kang Chan kept crawling.

    <i>Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep. Bee-eeep.</i>

    <i>Bang!</i>

    ***

    The screen shook hard as people screamed.

    ¡°Urgh,¡± let out the reporter amid their lines.

    [An explosion happened from the second floor again.]

    The cameraman, whose head and face was covered in dust, pointed the camera at the cloud of dust rising up from the second floor.

    [Having failed their suppression tactic, the 35th brigade and the 606¡¯s special operation members are now tightly surrounding the building. We still can¡¯t confirm the terrorist organization behind this or if there are any survivors.]

    ***

    The Shinmuk High School fell silent.

    It was already past lunch time, but no one could move.

    One of the children had be pale with fright while another cried profusely.

    On TV, the international building had beenpletely destroyed, and foggy smoke and a cloud of dust was rising from the second floor.

    Kim Mi-Young sat there unmoving, staring nkly, with an ashen face. She was so scared that she couldn¡¯t even cry.

    It felt as if the world and everything in it had stopped.

    ***

    ¡°Honey! Honey!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung yelled. He urgently wet the towel with water and rubbed it on Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s face and neck.

    Yoo Hye-Sook had turned so pale with fright that she seemed dead. However, when water dripped down from the unwrung towel to her upper body, she managed to open her eyes, albeit barely.

    ¡°Honey, what should we do? Our poor Channy¡­ I have to go. He¡¯ll be waiting for me there,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go, but you need to gain energy first. You need energy to get there!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, honey. We have to go.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I got it. I got it, so please pull yourself together, okay?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung eventually burst into tears as well.

    He wasn¡¯t supposed to cry.

    But no matter how much he tried to hold in his tears, he couldn¡¯t stop his tears from falling.

    ***

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo sat alone in the lounge, his right fist tightly clenched as he looked at the building with smoke rising from it.

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    <i>Smack. Smack. Smack. Smack.?</i>

    He breathed out loudly, then smacked his left breast a few times.

    ¡°Hahaha.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t time tough yet, but no matter how hard he tried to look serious, he couldn¡¯t stopughing.

    ***

    Kang Chan twitched and barely moved his index finger.

    ¡°You thought I was going to die, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lying on his stomach, Kang Chan tapped his ear.

    ¡°Damn it! Now, I won¡¯t be able to answer phone calls anymore. Urgh!¡±

    They were very lucky that the wall hadn¡¯t crumbled.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth. With difficulty, he lifted and nted his right palm on the ground.

    Just as Kang Chan was about to push himself up, Seok Kang-Ho grabbed and lifted Kang Chan¡¯s left arm, which was on the ground.

    Kang Chan smirked. The dust hadpletely covered the area around Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes, which were so red they looked like a ghost¡¯s.

    ¡°Please wait for a bit. I¡¯ll stand up and help you sit,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°I can¡¯t hear you.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying? Ugh! I said I¡¯ll raise you up.¡±

    ¡°I said I can¡¯t hear you.¡±

    Gritting his teeth, Seok Kang-Ho helped Kang Chan up.

    ¡°Ugh! If we get out of here alive, then¡ªurgh! Let¡¯s twist the necks of all of those sons of bitches. Urgh,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, dragging Kang Chan with him.

    Aftering helping Kang Chan sit and lean against the wall, Seok Kang-Ho sank to his knees with a <i>thud</i>.

    Kang Chan smirked once more.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned.

    ¡°We survived again,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s go and kill them.¡±

    .

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I said¡ªI said we didn¡¯t die.¡±

    ¡°I already said I got it. I¡¯m going to kill everyone, and I¡¯ll start with the fuckers who nned this and the fucking friends of those fuckers, so prepare ordingly.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    Dumbfounded, Seok Kang-Houghed. At the same time, Jeon Dae-Geuk twitched and moved his head.

    ***

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re re-entering in three minutes! I repeat! We¡¯re re-entering in three minutes!¡±

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung put down the walkie-talkie and smacked the table like a crazy person.

    When the explosives were detonated, the entry team that had been waiting at the entrance retreated again.

    The hallway was blocked.

    If they approached it incorrectly and the bomb went off, the team would be written off as casualties.

    All they could do now was make the bomb explode from where they were. However, that could seal the fate of those still inside the building.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Section Chief!¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho!¡±

    They shouldn¡¯t have hesitated.

    They shouldn¡¯t have hesitated when Kang Chan told them to search through the guest rooms.

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t get rid of his stereotypes, even though he was already aware of Kang Chan¡¯s capabilities due to the operation in Mongolia.

    He couldn¡¯t believe he thought about what to report to the higher-ups while sitting in the situation room and got worried about the diplomatic friction that could result from messing with Chinese tourists before a terrorist attack.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°nt the explosive,¡± the officer-in-charge of the 606¡¯s intrusion said over the walkie-talkie.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! Please answer me!¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°You¡¯re the God of ckfield, aren¡¯t you?! Is that nickname all there is to you?!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung red at the walkie-talkie while gritting his teeth. He was having trouble breathing, even though he was only sitting in the situation room.

    ¡°Fuck!¡±

    <i>Bang!</i>

    The agents beside Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t even stop him.

    ¡°Whoo! Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯m going to get revenge for this no matter what! I don¡¯t care if that means having to quit my job in the National Intelligence Service!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s re switched to the screen that was showing the smoke rising from the building¡­

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s the God of ckfield.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung froze.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Cease the entry operation.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung, who had nked out for a moment, raised the walkie-talkie to his mouth so quickly that his hand seemed to teleport.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Entry team, cease all operations! I repeat! Entry team, cease all operations!¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The entry team has stopped,¡± someone responded to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s the God of ckfield. All of the VIPs are safe. I repeat. All three VIPs are safe. The hallway is dangerous, so prepare adder truck to the window.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood, God of ckfield,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    ¡°Arrgghh!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung shouted as if he had gone crazy, having put down the walkie-talkie and tightly clenched his fists.

    ***

    [There has been a rapid change in the situation! The entry team has retreated, and adder truck is urgently being connected to the second floor. The space we see is barely big enough for a person or two to pass through. We haven¡¯t been able to confirm if the President or the Founder is alive! While the armed members are guarding the building, thedder truck has now reached the window on the second floor.]

    As the reporters yelled, the members aboard the truck¡¯s aerial lift headed to the second floor.

    [They¡¯re clearing up space from inside the building. We still haven¡¯t confirmed if the President or the Founder of the establishment is still al¡ª!]

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    The people nearby and the citizens watching the situation from a building kept shouting as if they had gone crazy.

    [It¡¯s the President! Surrounded by the specialized team, President Moon Jae-Hyun is currentlying down thedder!]

    ***

    ¡°Please go next, Mr. Ambassador.¡± With difficulty, Kang Chan smiled at Lanok while leaning against the mountain of rubble piled up in front of the window.

    ¡°When are you going toe down?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°If I appear on TV one more time from here, I won¡¯t be able to take revenge for this.¡±

    <i>Whooosh.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador! Pleasee out quickly!¡± Someone yelled.

    Lanok looked outside, then looked at Kang Chan again. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯ll mobilize everything I can to support this revenge.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. Lanok briefly nodded, then went out through the hole.

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    An uproar and loud apuse followed.

    Kang Chan struck his chest with his right arm.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you having trouble breathing?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, looking surprised.

    ¡°Cigarettes¡ªI was checking to see if I had cigarettes.¡±

    The wounded Go Gun-Woo was lying down on one side of the room. Meanwhile, those that could move among the representatives used thedder and went down first.

    ¡°Urgh, please tell them to send over a cigarette first. Manager Kim is great, but he¡¯s too square,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    Before Seok Kang-Ho even finished talking, an enormous uproar erupted from outside the building.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Manager Kim.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! Ambassador Lanok has just said that the Eurasian rail isn¡¯t going to submit to any kind of threat and announced the establishment, then shook hands with the President!¡±

    At any rate, the gentleman also had amazing showmanship.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Manager Kim.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Please go ahead, Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Please give us cigarettes and a lighter. And contact my family¡ªthey¡¯re probably worried right now.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The paramedics are heading in right now. I¡¯ll send over the cigarettes and the lighter right after they go in, and I¡¯ll contact your parents immediately once I¡¯ve located them through the security guards assigned to them.¡±

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Two men who looked like army surgeons came in through the hole.

    ¡°Here!¡± When Jeon Dae-Geuk raised his hand, the two army surgeons ran toward Go Gun-Woo.

    A momentter, Jeon Dae-Geuk approached Kang Chan with difficulty.

    ¡°How did you realize they were going tounch a surface-to-air missile?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk sounded as if he was imitating Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°If I was going to attack this ce, that¡¯s what I would¡¯ve done.¡±

    ¡°You would¡¯ve used C-4 as well?¡±

    ¡°I would¡¯ve done even worse things than that.¡±

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Jeon Dae-Geuk sank to his knees and leaned against the wall across from Kang Chan.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    A member urgently came into the room and looked at Jeon Dae-Geuk. ¡°Manager Kim told us to bring these.¡±

    He was holding cigarettes and a lighter.

    ¡°Give them to him.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk looked very tired.

    ***

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep.</i>

    ¡°Mr. President! It¡¯s me, assistant manager Kim! We heard that your son is safe! Mr. President!¡±

    The assistant manager knocked on the door.

    <i>Rattle!</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung opened the door with wide eyes. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    ¡°They contacted thepany because you didn¡¯t answer your phone. They said that your son is safe and that they¡¯ll contact you when he has been transferred to a hospital! I ran over immediately because they told me that you¡¯re probably very worried and I should tell you quickly.¡±

    <i>Thud!</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung sank to his knees at the entrance.

    1. This was written as ¡®Couvre tes oreilles!¡¯, which means ¡®Cover your ears!¡¯ in French

    2. No,ser sights don¡¯t beep. Laser tag guns do.

 Chapter 110.1: Where is He Right Now (1)

    <h4>Chapter 110.1: Where is He Right Now (1)</h4>

    Five members entered the room and checked their surroundings.

    In any other situation, they would have stuck to the n. However, taking Moon Jae-Hyun, Lanok, and Go Gun-Woo out of the building was far more important.

    Right now, they had to rescue the wounded as quickly as possible and avoid any further copse or attacks that could happen.

    Small rocks and powder fell down from the ceiling in a flurry.

    Apalled, Jeon Dae-Geuk looked at Kang Chan. He then looked around their surroundings again.

    Seok Kang-Ho put a cigarette in between Kang Chan¡¯s lips, then flicked the lighter.

    <i>Chk chk. Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo!¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s back and waist hurt so much that moving even just a bit proved difficult.

    A few more agents entered and took care of the wounded. With help, those who could move descended thedder from the event venue.

    The broken wall was basically blocked, and the light permeating through the drilled holes drew long lines that illuminated dust particles.

    ¡°Mr. Section Chief, I¡¯ll apany you outside the building,¡± someone said.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please go first. I probably need the medical team¡¯s help to get out of here,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talkter.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk was trying hard to ept their current situation.

    As amander who mainly worked in the field with special forces, Jeon Dae-Geuk saw today¡¯s incident as a painful defeat.

    When Kang Chan extinguished the cigarette, he feltnguid.

    ¡°Can you move?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Are you asking me that because you¡¯re thinking of catching Yang Jin-Woo?¡±

    People who could easily read people¡¯s mind like this fucker was rare.

    ¡°Doing that now would be hard. We can certainly kill him, but why should we die with him? Hold your anger in for now. We¡¯ll kill him in the best way possible,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan straightened his back while gritting his teeth, then looked around his surroundings, which were a mess.

    It was so unfair that he had to leave Yang Jin-Woo alone.

    Yang Jin-Woo got them three times already¡ªstarting from the ambush on Kang Dae-Kyung, the operation in Mongolia, and even today.

    Barely stopping his attack didn¡¯t satisfy Kang Chan.

    If Yang Jin-Woo would do anything to stop them, then they also wouldn¡¯t refuse to fight.

    Patients kept being carried outside.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, we have contacted your parents. Pleasee out now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Manager, take care of the other patients first. Seok Kang-Ho and I will go to the Bang Ji hospital.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll tell the others.¡±

    ***

    Yoo Hun-Woo cut all of Kang Chan¡¯s clothes with scissors, then showered him with disinfectants.

    Three doctors rushed toward Kang Chan, who was lying on his stomach. Meanwhile, a nurse washed his hair with a strange medicine.

    They removed the foreign objects embedded in his skin with tweezers, disinfected his wounds, applied medication, and wrapped bandages again. They then did an x-ray and a CT scan on him, checking some of his body parts including his waist, spine, neck, and back.

    ¡°Whoo, we don¡¯t have to worry too much. Please head up to the patient''s room¡ªI¡¯ll visit you this evening after checking on Mr. Seok Kang-Ho in the room next door. If you feel sick, even in the slightest, tell us immediately,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said afterward.

    Not only Kang Chan, but even Yoo Hun-Woo was tired.

    After being moved to his room, Kang Chan nkly sat on his bed¡­

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    ¡°Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook, looking pale with fright, ran toward Kang Chan. ¡°Are you okay? Are you really okay? Aren¡¯t you severely wounded?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I¡¯m sorry for making you worried.¡±

    As Yoo Hye-Sook checked and examined his face and body, Kang Chan made her sit on the bed and held her hand.

    ¡°See, Mother? Nothing¡¯s wrong with me.¡±

    ¡°<i>Sob</i>, okay. That¡¯s a relief. <i>Sob</i>.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t cry,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Yoo Hye-Sook cried for quite a while. Kang Chan held her hand until she breathed out with a ¡°whoo.¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chan looked at Kang Dae-Kyung, who appeared to have aged ten years in a day.

    This was what a child meant to the parents.

    Kang Chan found the deep love that he couldn¡¯t feel during his previous life in Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s aged face and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s cries.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry? Did you have lunch?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    When Kang Chan smiled slightly, Yoo Hye-Sook felt as if she was bing a little bit calmer.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°Why are you sorry, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked again.

    ¡°Father, please sit here.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung brought over a chair as if suddenly regaining his bearings, then sat next to the bed.

    Kang Chan massaged Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s hand, which was icy cold.

    ¡°This must be difficult for you to do, Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±

    Kang Chan wished doing this would warm up Yoo Hye-Sook at least a little bit.

    ¡°It seems like your mom is returning to her senses now,¡± Kang Dae-Kyungmented, looking a little relieved.

    ¡°Mother, are you okay now?¡± Kang Chan asked. When he looked at her, Yoo Hye-Sook breathed loudly while wiping her remaining tears.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to go abroad to study,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°You think so too?¡± Kang Chan asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    For some reason, Yoo Hye-Sook couldn¡¯t refute it.

    ¡°Ah! Mother has finally smiled!¡±

    ¡°Oh my!¡±

    When Kang Chan extended his hand, Yoo Hye-Sook hugged him from the side, and only their shoulders touched.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized again.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. You didn¡¯t do anything wrong, and I¡¯m just d and okay now that I¡¯m sure you¡¯re safe.¡±

    Kang Chan could tell Yoo Hye-Sook had softened up because of the warmth that he felt on his shoulder, the way she spoke, and the look in her eyes after she straightened her back and gazed at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t have any critical injuries?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°My back¡¯s a little hurt, but I was told that it¡¯s not serious.¡±

    ¡°How bad is it?¡±

    ¡°They really said it isn¡¯t serious. You know the director here, right? So please don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook sighed in relief, finally letting go of her worries. She felt fine now.

    <i>Rattle!</i>

    Crying, Michelle opened the door to Kang Chan¡¯s room.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    ¡°Michelle?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Michelle quickly ran over and hugged Kang Chan.

    ¡°I was so worried. I thought things were going to go wrong! You have no idea how anxious I was just thinking about not being able to see you again!¡± Michelle unconsciously yelled in French, using thenguage she was mostfortable with.

    She was crying so hard that Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at each other in surprise.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m really okay,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Honey, let¡¯s buy some fruits and something to drink,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suggested.

    ¡°Sure, honey.¡±

    When Kang Dae-Kyung gave her a look, Yoo Hye-Sook got off the bed. Michelle cried that profusely.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Michelle hugged him so tightly that the wound on his back throbbed.

    <i>Rattle</i>.

    After about five minutes since Kang Chan¡¯s parents discretely went out of the room, Michelle stopped crying and look at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you okay now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Michelle nodded as her blond hair fluttered. She was still teary-eyed.

    ¡°Channy, don¡¯t work. I¡¯ll work hard to make money.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    Perhaps it was because he was spending too much time with Seok Kang-Ho, but heughed in a simr way.

    ¡°I¡¯m being serious. Do what you want, but stop doing things like this, Channy.¡±

    European women normally wouldn¡¯t say things like that.

    Michelle was thinking like an Asian.

    ¡°What about the people in thepany?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re at today¡¯s afternoon shoot. They all looked grim because you got injured.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be there?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here for a bit longer.¡±

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    The door carefully swung open, and Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook peeked inside the room.

    Kang Chan burst out in awkwardughter, and Michelle quickly got up and politely greeted them.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Father and Mother,¡± Michelle apologized in Korean.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be sorry for worrying about our Channy. It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay. Please sit. Would you like a cup of coffee?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I-I¡¯ll make it.¡±

    Michelle persistently made them sit, then went over to the water heater.

    ¡°Your Korean has improved a lot,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented.

    ¡°Thank you, Mother.¡±

    Michelle quickly made four cups of coffee and brought them on a tray. She offered one to Kang Dae-Kyung first.

    ¡°Father.¡±

    ¡°Ah! Alright.¡±

    ¡°Channy, tell your father to speakfortably to me,¡± Michelle spoke in French, making Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook look at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you overreacting?¡± Kang Chan asked in French.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s saying that you two should speakfortably to her,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°Wow! How can you have really amazing ways to take care of others?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Mother, please have coffee as well.¡±

    ¡°Alright. You should have a seat as well. Thank you foring here¡ªyou must be tired because of work.¡±

    Michelle handed Kang Chan some coffee, put the tray down on one side, then sat in a chair.

    Kang Chan felt tired for some reason.

    They talked for about thirty minutes, then Michelle stood up from her seat.

    ¡°Why are you getting up? Are you thinking of going already? Have dinner with us first,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook suggested.

    Michelle asked Kang Chan to interpret for her, then said, ¡°Please stay herefortably today. I¡¯ll treat the two of you to a meal once Mr. Kang Chan gets better. I looked into a delicious andfortable French restaurant.¡±

    ¡°Father, I¡¯ll see you next time,¡± Michelle said. When she extended her arm for a handshake, Kang Dae-Kyung awkwardly hugged her instead like a stern father hugging his cute daughter.

    ¡°Mother, it¡¯s a relief that he¡¯s okay.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook hugged Michelle like they were close friends and even stroked her back.

    Soon after, Michelle left.

    ¡°Channy, how old was that youngdy again?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Huh? I¡¯m not sure. Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s so pretty and gentle.¡±

    There was something strange with the look in Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes, but Kang Chan pretended not to notice.

 Chapter 110.2: Where is He Right Now? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 110.2: Where is He Right Now? (1)</h4>

    <i>Rattle</i>.

    The door soon opened again.

    Kang Chan thoughtlessly looked toward it. A thin middle-aged woman came in, followed by a stern-looking middle-aged man and,stly, Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Hello?¡± the woman greeted.

    Kang Chan remembered! She was Kim Mi-Young¡¯s mother.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook stood up and greeted Kim Mi-Young¡¯s parents. Kim Mi-Young was standing at the very back, and her eyes were swollen because she had cried so much.

    ¡°Forgive us. It''s our first meeting, yet we¡¯re already being rude. I¡¯m Kim Gwan-Sik. We came here after looking into where Kang Chan was in many ways, even though we knew that everyone would be ufortable because our daughter was crying so much.¡±

    ¡°Thank you foring,¡± one of Kang Chan¡¯s parents said.

    They awkwardly greeted each other.

    ¡°Come here quickly and see Channy¡ªyou¡¯ve been crying so much,¡± Kim Gwan-Sik told Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young loudly burst into tears, each one filled with relief and embarrassment.

    Kim Gwan-Sik smiled bitterly, and the gaze of Kim Mi-Young¡¯s mother alternated between Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young. She looked ufortable.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Did you worry a lot?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I thought you¡¯d get injured while I was watching the broadcast. <i>Sob</i>.¡±

    ¡°Look at me! I¡¯m fine. So stop crying now, okay?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes were very swollen, and her nose was red.

    ¡°Please have a seat for a moment,¡± said Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Despite being a father as well, we did something rude because she was crying so hard she couldn¡¯t even attend her <i>hagwon</i> ss. I¡¯d be grateful if you can think of this as me bing soft-hearted for my daughter,¡± Kim Gwan-Sik said.

    ¡°Raising a child is certainly difficult.¡±

    In front of Kang Dae-Kyung and Kim Gwan-Sik, Kim Mi-Young looked as if she barely calmed herself down.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t severely wounded?¡± Kim Gwan-Sik asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Kim Gwan-Sik nodded, looking at Kang Chan. ¡°I heard on the TV that you got hurt. I know that your father introduced you to that position, but please don''t get mad at him or resent him. You didn¡¯t get hurt because of him. Please just think of this as you getting hurt while serving your country.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kim Gwan-Sik really looked like a stern father.

    Kim Mi-Young looked at Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°Wee. Thank you for worrying about our Channy.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young hung her head in embarrassment, unable to answer.

    ¡°Ah, why are we just standing around? Please, let¡¯s have a cup of tea.¡±

    Kim Gwan-Sik looked at Kim Mi-Young, then said, ¡°We¡¯re in your care, then.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook stood up, and Kim Gwan-Sik looked at Kim Mi-Young¡¯s mother with fierce eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you,¡± Kim Mi-Young¡¯s mother offered.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You came here to see Kang Chan, so please just take a seat. I¡¯ll handle this,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s mother pretended that she couldn¡¯t win against her and just sat next to Kim Gwan-Sik.

    ¡°To think he did something like this for the country¡­ Having such a dependable son must make you happy and proud,¡± Kim Gwan-Sik told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true. Seeing him get injured makes me wish he was a pretty daughter instead.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, I heard that boys are like that. Ah! Thank you.¡± Kim Gwan-Sik politely epted the paper cup.

    ¡°You said that you¡¯re going abroad to study in France?¡± Kim Gwan-Sik asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going to university in Seoul instead.¡±

    Kim Gwan-Sik¡¯s gaze alternated between Kim Mi-Young and Kang Chan, seemingly asking what Kang Chan was saying. Kang Chan decided to treat him a bit more politely for Kim Mi-Young¡¯s sake, who likely cried and frantically begged her parents toe here.

    ¡°I changed my mind because I think I can get special admission to a university in Seoul. I¡¯m thinking of deciding whether I should study abroad after learning a bit more of the basics,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    <i>Would you look at?that?</i>

    Kim Gwan-Sik cocked his head as he looked at Kang Chan. Funnily enough, Kim Mi-Young¡¯s mother no longer seemed to have anyints.

    ¡°What are you thinking of doing in the future?¡± Kim Gwan-Sik asked.

    ¡°I want to be a diplomat,¡± Kang Chan blurted, remembering Kim Mi-Young¡¯s old wish.

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Kim Gwan-Sik nodded with a strange expression, then gave Kim Mi-Young a subtle nce. ¡°Are you a bit relieved now?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re probably making his parents ufortable. Why don¡¯t we leave now?¡± Kim Gwan-Sik asked.

    Kim Mi-Young disappointedly stood up, her eyes still puffy.

    ¡°You¡¯re going home already?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°We have already inconvenienced you three far too much.¡±

    ¡°Not at all.¡±

    Kim Gwan-Sik shook hands with Kang Dae-Kyung, then wordlessly patted Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Goodbye,¡± said Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Bye. Thank you, Mi-Young,¡± Kang Chan¡¯s parents said.

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s mother bowed her head, looking less displeased, then headed out of the patient room.

    ¡°Was that Mi-Young¡¯s father?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°This is my first time seeing him as well.¡±

    ¡°He seems like a good guy.¡±

    ¡°Right? Honey?¡±

    Kang Chan and Kang Dae-Kyung both knew that the backbitingment Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t say at the end was, ¡®But her mom¡­¡¯

    A momentter, Yoo Hun-Woo came into the room with a nurse. He greeted Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, then stood in front of Kang Chan. ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±

    ¡°If you vomit, feel any tingling sensation, or if you think there¡¯s anything wrong at all, then you have to tell us right away.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo nodded, then turned. ¡°After dinner, we¡¯re going to use IV medication that¡¯s a bit stronger. He¡¯ll go into a deep sleep, which is the best thing for him right now. I¡¯ll monitor him as closely as possible, so you two should head home after dinner. There¡¯s nothing more important than creating an environment where the patient can sleep soundly.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked disappointed, but they seemed to agree with what Yoo Hun-Woo had said.

    As expected! If Kang Chan had to choose a sly fox that could go up against Lanok, Yoo Hun-Woo was the only one he could think of.

    The three of them ordered bossam for dinner.

    Yoo Hye-Sook had calmed down and smiled every now and then, and Kang Dae-Kyung seemed to have rxed as well.

    They talked about Michelle, Kim Mi-Young, and how proud and worried they were as they watched what happened on the TV.

    <i>Rattle</i>.

    At around 8 pm, the nurse handed over the medication and inserted a needle in the IV line.

    ¡°It would be best for you to go home now,¡± the nurse said.

    The two stood up from their seats at the nurse¡¯s kind suggestion.

    ¡°Sleep well, Channy. I¡¯ll visit you again in the morning. Do you want to eat anything?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m okay. Please don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Behind Yoo Hye-Sook, who was hugging Kang Chan, Kang Dae-Kyung nodded.

    Approximately five minutes after Kang Chan¡¯s parents left, the door opened, revealing Seok Kang-Ho.

    He was dragging an IV pole with him as he walked so stiffly it was as if he felt ufortable all over.

    ¡°Have you recovered a bit?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chanughed out loud. ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t even get me started. My back hurts so much it¡¯s hard for me to even move an inch! Anyway, I asked the director to make your parents leave. Phew!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho frowned as he brought over a chair and sat down.

    ¡°Here. I got cigarettes,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said afterward.

    Kang Chan swung himself out of bed.

    ¡°Huh? Why are you getting out of bed?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Stay seated. I¡¯m going to the bathroom.¡±

    It didn¡¯t matter how much he moved. His back, waist¡­ everything hurt whenever he did. Kang Chan made coffee aftering out of the bathroom.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m already up anyway.¡±

    After making two cups of coffee and putting them on a tray, Kang Chan dragged the IV pole and walked to the bed.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    Ah! As expected, instant coffee and cigarettes were the best when hospitalized.

    ¡°We were really lucky. There were a total of three Is, but because we shot down two of them, the enemies detonated the C-4s first. I was told that they fired the remaining I between the first and second floors. However, since the second floor crumbled first, it acted as a barrier,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    When Kang Chan looked at him, Seok Kang-Ho exhaled cigarette smoke. ¡°Manager Kim dropped by earlier today. Your parents were here, so he told me to tell you that he¡¯ll drop by againter instead. Anyway, are we just going to leave the people who did this alone?¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, Seok Kang-Ho smiled suspiciously and added, ¡°Ah! Oh Gwang-Taek called multiple times. He kept throwing a fuss because you weren¡¯t answering your phone, so I told him you had reasons preventing you from doing so. I¡¯ve said this before, but that fucker cares more than he seems.¡±

    Now alone with Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan started to remember the things left undone and pushed back.

    ¡°How many of our people died?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Huh? You don¡¯t know even though it was on the news? There were no fatalities. Five people are severely injured, but they already announced that their injuries weren''t life-threatening. Manager Kim confirmed that as well.¡±

    If so, then that was really a relief.

    ¡°Let¡¯s meet and get some information from manager Kim tomorrow, then use that to n our next move. We¡¯re going to return what we received to those sons of bitches,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    The two of them spent time together.

    ***

    The next morning, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook dropped by the hospital and, looking disappointed, went to work at around 10 am. They had no choice but to go to work despite the current situation since they had already gone absent yesterday.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook apologized.

    <i>What should she be sorry about?</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m really fine, so please be at ease when you work.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll visit again in the evening.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook was so gaunt it was as if she was sick, but her eyes looked lively.

    The very first person to visit Kang Chan after his parents left the room was Kim Hyung-Jung.

    They called Seok Kang-Ho over as well and sat together.

    ¡°We still haven¡¯t identified the terrorists. We¡¯ve searched everything¡ªtheir fingerprints, how they look, the wounds on their bodies, and their tattoos, but all we can do is believe that they were from the Chinese special forces; we haven¡¯t discovered anything else,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    That was a matter of course.

    ¡°It¡¯s difficult to confirm since the Is and the firearms¡¯ serial numbers have been erased as well. Yang Jin-Woo and Huh Ha-Soo seem to have had a central role in the attack, but they both left the country this morning. Right! Mr. Kang Chan¡­¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung as he extinguished his cigarette in the paper cup.

    ¡°About Lee Ji-Yeon, thedy that works at the Namsan Hotel¡­¡±

    Kang Chan wordlessly waited for Kim Hyung-Jung to continue.

    ¡°She was found dead this morning, having hung herself. We couldn¡¯t pay attention to her since everyone, including Choi Jong-Il, had been mobilized at the event yesterday, but while tracking her down, we eventually confirmed her death. She¡¯s in the mortuary right now. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    <i>Crack!</i>

    When Kang Chan clenched the paper cup, the remaining coffee, which had turned ck since the cigarette ash had mixed with it, spilled out to his hand.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo, that son of a bitch! Where is he right now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Raising his head and looking at Kang Chan, Kim Hyung-Jung answered with a grim expression, ¡°He¡¯s in New York, United States. He¡¯ll probably stay at his property in Las Vegas starting tomorrow.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung then exhaled deeply.

 Chapter 111: Where is He Right Now? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 111: Where is He Right Now? (2)</h4>

    ¡°Can you make me a passport that matches the ID you gave me a while ago?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The room¡¯s atmosphere was heavy.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t look away from Kim Hyung-Jung even as he was wiping his hand with the tissue that Seok Kang-Ho had handed to him.

    ¡°You¡¯re drawing international attention because of this event, and there¡¯s also intel that you¡¯re a secret agent that Ambassador Lanok and South Korea have raised, so the United States will be on high alert and closely monitor you the moment you enter their country.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung sighed deeply, then continued, ¡°The people responsible for the attack are National Assembly Chairman Huh Ha-Soo, Chairperson Huh Sang-Soo, assistant Kwak Do-Young, and Yang-Jin-Woo. Yang Jin-Woo is in the United States, and the other three are in China. I¡¯ll create a n that would make them all go to South Korea.¡±

    ¡°What about Lee Ji-Yeon¡¯s killer? I heard that two of Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s private organizations are still around,¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    Kim Hyung-Jung picked up a cigarette. ¡°That¡¯s currently under investigation.¡±

    Kang Chan calmed down a little bit, but his eyes still glinted.

    ¡°We will give Lee Ji-Yeon¡¯s hospitalized mother the full support that the country can provide her, so let¡¯s suppress our anger a little until we can drag Yang Jin-Woo and Huh Ha-Soo here,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°Have you thought of a way?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re still looking into it from multiple angles.¡±

    Having seen Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s will, Kang Chan didn¡¯tin. They were in a difficult situation, after all.

    ¡°Right! I left my phone in the hotel, but I came here because of the ident,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°It will be there as you left it because the guest rooms are being restricted to preserve evidence. We¡¯ll bring it over to you as soon as possible. Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s phone will be there as well, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan after exhaling smoke. ¡°The Director and the Chief Officer of Security are also waiting for a chance to catch them. The problem is the diplomatic pressure from China and the United States, but we¡¯re also determined to cope with that.¡±

    ¡°Why would China and the United States pressure us?¡± Seok Kang-Ho suddenly butted in.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo has American nationality, and Huh Sang-Soo is Chinese. South Korean citizenship always automatically disappears if people acquire citizenship from a foreign country, but we believe China gave him citizenship secretly.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that one of the National Assembly members is Chinese?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s expression crumpled. ¡°The man who has American citizenship despite earning all of his sry in South Korea is already a problem, but now we also have to worry about a politician fucker with Chinese citizenship.¡±

    ¡°They acquire South Korean nationality if they win in the election. Checking if they have another nationality is difficult since they don¡¯t report it and revealing it would cause problems every time a legitive bill is passed, so we have just been leaving it alone and moving on while pretending not to notice.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that these fuckers are patriots loyal to the United States and China,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Kang Chanughed in a silly way, but he didn¡¯t have anything else to say.

    ¡°If needed, we¡¯re considering making them go to Southeast Asia. That would make it easier to do an operation because the influences of China and the United States aren¡¯t immediately effective over there,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    ¡°Please have the section chief take care of that,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    At lunch, the three ordered galbi-tang, but it tasted mediocre.

    After eating, Kim Hyung-Jung soon stood up and left.

    ¡°What did you tell your family?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I said that I¡¯m on a business trip.¡±

    ¡°They believe that a teacher goes on business trips?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m usually very well-behaved, and the National Intelligence Service is paying me close to ten million won as my sry, so they repeatedly told me to take care of myself. Phuhu.¡±

    ***

    Lanok¡¯s assistant entered the room and urgently approached the desk. ¡°We heard that the DGSE has killed two Serpent Venimeux underbosses.¡±

    Lanok covered the document he was looking at and sat up straight. ¡°We won¡¯tpromise until they give us the information that I want. Kill their leader quickly as well. We have to use this opportunity to make the Serpent Venimeux bow down to us.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell them that.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s Louis?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I heard he¡¯ll be discharged in a week, but¡­¡±

    ¡°Is Anne with him?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad thing.¡± Lanok smiled a bit as he put his pen on top of the desk, disappointment shing across his face.

    ¡°Track down WooYang Jeon-Woo, Huh Ha-Soo, and Huh Sang-Soo. Afterward, report to me about the movements of China, the United States, and the U.K. or whenever a Serpent Venimeux is killed.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    When the assistant left the room, Lanok exhaled loudly.

    ¡°I introduced a tiger, but you got your heart stolen by a wolf,¡± Lanok spoke to himself. He shook his head slightly, thenid out the document again.

    ***

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    While Kang Chan was having small talk with Seok Kang-Ho, four men in ck suits entered the room.

    Although they were Asians, they looked like Europeans. They also had a tattoo on their left thumb.

    After Kang Chan broke the arm of a man in the Namsan Hotel a while ago, the man told him that a total of five people came into the country. The other four men were now in front of him.

    Kang Chan, who was sitting on the chair in front of the bed with Seok Kang-Ho, smirked. In response, the man standing at the front raised his hands and showed his palms.

    ¡°We don¡¯t want any misunderstandings,¡± the man spoke in Korean.

    ¡°Tell me what you want,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Is it alright if we take a seat?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded, and the man brought over a chair and sat across from Kang Chan.

    The other three men stood with their hands sped in front of them in front of the door.

    ¡°I¡¯m Xavier. Can we smoke here?¡±

    ¡°Tell those men behind you to make coffee so we can all have a cup,¡± Kang Chan said.

    When Xavier turned his head and issued an order, one of them immediately walked toward the water heater. However, he hesitated.

    ¡°Pour out all of the coffee bits in the bag into the cup,¡± Kang Chan told him in French, and the man finally started to make coffee properly.

    The three men bit on a cigarette that Seok Kang-Ho had handed over.

    ¡°We have a favor to ask you,¡± Xavier said.

    One of the subordinates awkwardly put the coffee down, then walked toward the door.

    <i>Ask me a favor? Are these fuckers out of their minds?</i>

    Kang Chan stole a nce at Xavier and the three men standing at the back.

    ¡°Lanok has ordered his men to kill all of the heads of the Serpent Venimeux. They have taken down two underbosses and five regional executives already. Our leader hopes that the God of ckfield will arbitrate this issue,¡± Xavier continued.

    This was Kang Chan¡¯s first time hearing this.

    ¡°At this rate, we will alsoy everything in our organization on the line and start assassinating Lanok and those around him,¡± Xavier added.

    After sipping on his coffee, Kang Chan smirked. ¡°Xavier, I have neither the power nor the desire to tell Lanok what to do, so drink your coffee and leave.¡±

    However, Xavier, who was looking at the paper cup that Kang Chan had put down, didn¡¯t back off.

    ¡°There will be a reward for arbitrating this. Please say what the God of ckfield wants.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything. Your rtionship with me ended with you doing business with Yang Jin-Woo.¡±

    ¡°What if we catch Yang Jin-Woo for you?¡±

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    Kang Chan nkly stared at Xavier due to the unexpected offer.

    ¡°One of Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s sons is in France, and his daughter and his other sons are in the United States. We¡¯ll kill them, their spouses, and their children, and we¡¯ll catch Yang Jin-Woo. How does that sound?¡± Xavier continued.

    It was a shocking condition, but it was difficult to willingly ept it.

    Kang Chan took out another cigarette.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo also fooled us. If we kill his children and spread rumors, Yang Jin-Woo will inevitably run away to South Korea. When he does, we¡¯ll catch him. However, in return, we ask that you arbitrate so we can establish friendly rtions with Lanok.¡±

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    Kang Chan thought about it while lighting up his cigarette.

    Lanok wasn¡¯t simple-minded. He even ordered his men to kill all of the Serpent Venimeux executives just because they sold weapons.

    ¡°Why is Lanok attacking you guys?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We don¡¯t exactly know why either. It would be best to meet Lanok and find out what he wants.¡±

    The fucker had great Korean pronunciation, but the way he spoke was so awkward.

    Kang Chan suddenly thought of the man whose arm he broke. ¡°Why are you still in South Korea? Were you the ones who killed Lee Ji-Yeon?¡±

    The moment Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted, Seok Kang-Ho straightened his back and frowned.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t us. We¡¯re still here to¡­¡± Xavier urgently responded to Kang Chan, ¡°Receive the data that Yang Jin-Woo was supposed to give us.¡±

    Xavier hesitated for a moment when the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t change. ¡°Huh Sang-Soo is a member of the National Assembly that¡¯s in charge of national defense, so Yang Jin-Woo was supposed to get information about the arrangement of the South Korean military from Huh Sang-Soo and ry it to us.¡±

    ¡°Is that what Yang Jin-Woo deceived you all about?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the biggest matter.¡±

    ¡°Sons of bitches,¡± Seok Kang-Ho took out a cigarette while swearing.

    ¡°How do I contact you?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°We¡¯ll give you our phone number before we go.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Now leave.¡±

    ¡°We ask that you take care of this quickly.¡±

    When Kang Chan red at him sharply, Xavier quickly ced his business card on the table and stood up.

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    ¡°Ugh! Why did those fuckers work with those kinds of gangsters? Didn¡¯t they have anyone else to work with? Is it possible for the National Intelligence Service to not know about this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Tell me about it.¡±

    ¡°Manager Kim said he¡¯singter, so let¡¯s ask him then. Unfortunately, of all things, both of us left our phones at the hotel.¡±

    Things were a bit chaotic, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to butt into this kind of fight.

    ***

    Having left the hospital, Xavier called someone while getting in the car.

    ¡°I have just finished meeting with Kang Chan. I don¡¯t know how it¡¯ll go since it seems like he doesn¡¯t like us very much.¡±

    - You have to hurry. Lanok is already full of spite, and our organization is faltering because of that crazy fucker Yang Jin-Woo. Lanok ordering the DGSE to kill us is surprising, but nobodyining about his order is even more so. He has some kind of power that we¡¯re not aware of. Anyway, we¡¯ll start by hanging the necks of Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s son, his wife, and his child at the apartment back in France. Use that in the negotiation.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    - Don¡¯t go against the God of ckfield. He¡¯s the key. Don¡¯t forget about the meaning behind the smile Lanok showed on TV and the time that his daughter started to act when she met the God of ckfield. Hurry.

    ¡°I won¡¯t let my guard down.¡±

    - You know why I¡¯m insisting on sending you, my adopted son, to South Korea right?

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    After Xavier ended the call, he put his phone in his inner chest pocket.

    ¡°Where is that stupid fucker Philip?¡± Xavier asked someone.

    ¡°We have him in a hotel on the outskirts of Seoul.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s no better than trash. His arm broke as soon as he came to South Korea, and he couldn¡¯t even fulfill one mission. Slit his neck open today and bury him near the hotel.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Xavier tightly gritted his teeth, then looked outside the window.

    ***

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan stiffened in surprise when the door opened.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho!¡±

    It was Kim Mi-Young.

    Shouldn¡¯t she still be in ss?

    Fortunately, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t smoking right now.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I came here to see Channy. Why are you wearing a hospital gown?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t as swollen now, but they were still pretty bad.

    ¡°I got a bit injured when I went to the countryside. Anyway, don¡¯t you have sses?¡±

    ¡°School ended early because we had mock exams today.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young approached them and looked surprised upon seeing the paper cup on the table. ¡°Was it you who smoked, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Huh?¡± Seok Kang-Ho discretely picked up the cigarettes and lighter on the table. ¡°I¡¯m in pain, so I¡¯ll go back to my room now. I¡¯ll see youter.¡±

    As Kang Chan sighed quietly, Seok Kang-Ho awkwardly went out.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho is too much.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young stacked the paper cups and threw them away in the trash can. She then tried hard to open the window a bit more.

    ¡°Leave it¡ªthat¡¯s the best that we could do. Did you do well on your test?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Mi-Young nodded, smiling brightly.

    She wasmendable.

    ¡°Good job.¡±

    If her grades dropped because she came to the hospital crying and screaming yesterday¡­ Kang Chan suddenly remembered the cold expression of Kim Mi-Young¡¯s mother.

    ¡°Um, my father asked me a lot of questions after we went home yesterday,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°He asked me if I liked you.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even guess what she could have said.

    ¡°You¡¯re curious, right?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°So I told him everything¡ªthat I was nning on studying abroad with you, and that we decided to go to a university in Seoul again.¡±

    <i>¡®I¡¯m going to go crazy.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh.

    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked again.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡ªI was just happy that you were honest with him.¡±

    ¡°Really? My dad was also happy.¡±

    He was happy with that stern face? Kang Chan listened to what Kim Mi-Young was saying while trying hard to not show his expression.

    Was it because of the gap between her mental age and her body?

    Kim Mi-Young looked so much more mature since the break ended.

    She had dark eyebrows and long eyshes. Her eyes had always beenrge, so that wasn¡¯t new. However, now that her baby fat had disappeared, she looked more mature. Since she always hadrge breasts and a good body shape, people could mistake her to be older than a high schooler at first nce.

    <i>Chatter chatter.</i>

    Kang Chan, who was annoyed because of Yang Jin-Woo, Huh Ha-Soo, and Xavier, slowly calmed down while listening to Kim Mi-Young talk.

    The first time this happened was when she held his hand at the student cafeteria even though he was full of spite.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked, perplexed, when she noticed Kang Chan staring at her.

    ¡°Just because. Looking at you makes me happy.¡±

    ¡°Huhuhuhu.¡±

    Thisugh also seemed to be a part of her charm perhaps because he had gotten used to it now.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    At some point, the door opened, and Eun So-Yeon walked inside. Stopping in her tracks, her gaze alternated between Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Come in.¡±

    Kang Chan looked behind her, but it seemed Eun So-Yeon came alone since she immediately closed the door.

    Kim Mi-Young stood up from her seat and greeted Eun So-Yeon, ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°Hello,¡± Eun So-Yeon said.

    After exchanging awkward greetings, Eun So-Yeon ced fruits on the table next to the coffee cups.

    Kim Mi-Young had clearly seen Eun So-Yeon on TV.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy?¡± Kang Chan asked Eun So-Yeon.

    ¡°I¡¯m free until the afternoon. I dropped by on my way to thepany because Director Michelle said that you were here yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Have a seat. Right! This is my friend, Kim Mi-Young. Kim Mi-Young, this is Eun So-Yeon,¡± Kang Chan introduced them.

    The two awkwardly and slowly nodded.

    ¡°I saw you on TV. This is fascinating,¡± Kim Mi-Youngmented.

    Eun So-Yeon smiled pleasantly at Kim Mi-Young.

    Her aura had changed a lot, and she seemed a lot more sophisticated than before. Kang Chan also thought that her eyes became somewhat deeper. It was weird topare, but Kang Chan thought it wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say that her aura was simr to Gerard¡¯s.

    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Kang Chan told Eun So-Yeon.

    ¡°Please sit, unnie.¡±

    When Eun So-Yeon was about to sit down, Kim Mi-Young quickly went to the water heater and made coffee.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Eun So-Yeon offered.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, unnie. Let me do it. I already started.¡±

    Eun So-Yeon hesitantly sat down, then examined Kang Chan. ¡°Are you feeling okay?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m severely wounded. How¡¯s the drama going? Is it doable?¡±

    ¡°Even now, I still can¡¯t believe that I¡¯m in it. I¡¯m also feeling anxious and having trouble sleeping perhaps because it¡¯s going to premiere next week. All of the actors feel this way.¡±

    ¡°Why do you all feel that way? You guys worked hard.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young brought over two cups of coffee, then ced them in front of Kang Chan and Eun So-Yeon.

    ¡°You¡¯re not drinking coffee, Ms. Mi-Young?¡± Eun So-Yeon asked.

    ¡°I can¡¯t handle coffee that well¡ªI tried a couple of times, but I ended up being unable to sleep properly.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re pretty.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young timidly smiled and blushed in response.

    Smiling brightly, which she hadn¡¯t done in a long time, Eun So-Yeon looked at Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°But you appear on TV. I¡¯m really jealous. Ugh, just thinking about it makes me nervous,¡± Kim Mi-Youngmented.

    ¡°I also get nervous.¡±

    ¡°You do? Thest time I saw you, you weren¡¯t nervous at all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it¡ªI get really nervous in the bathroom before I shoot something like that. There are times when I can¡¯t even go outside because my hands are shaking too much.¡±

    ¡°But how do you appear like you¡¯repletely fine on TV?¡±

    ¡°I also find that weird. When the time to shootes and the camera lightse on, my nervousness justpletely disappears.¡±

    ¡°Wow! That¡¯s fascinating.¡±

    ¡°Right? I think so as well.¡±

    Kang Chan just watched the two for a moment, finding the sight of them talking to each other quite fun.

    After about five minutes had passed¡­

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now,¡± Eun So-Yeon stood up, seemingly disappointed.

    Kim Mi-Young also looked as if she felt the same way.

    ¡°Ms. Mi-Young, let¡¯s see each other again next time,¡± Eun So-Yeon said.

    ¡°Sure, unnie. I¡¯ve actually always wished to have an unnie like you and brag to my friends about her. Everyone¡¯s going to stare if I go out with you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and see you whenever. Just call me.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    The two even exchanged numbers.

    For some reason, Kang Chan felt as if he was being swept into somethingplicated.

    1. Lanok pronounces his name incorrectly here

    2. Here, the ¡®tiger¡¯ is Kang Chan, and the ¡®wolf¡¯ is Louis

 Chapter 112.1: Absurd Events Unfold (1)

    <h4>Chapter 112.1: Absurd Events Unfold (1)</h4>

    When Kim Mi-Young left for <i>hagwon</i>, Kang Chan headed to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room.

    ¡°I should¡¯ve stayed in this room earlier,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Tell me about it. What would you have done if Mi-Young came in while we were smoking?¡±

    Just thinking about it already felt like a hassle.

    ¡°Someone else visited you, right?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°An actor dropped by. Phew, I should see how things go tomorrow and get discharged.¡±

    ¡°You should stay here with me for one more day.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter because Seok Kang-Ho spoke as if he was rmending something good.

    Soon, they heard the door to Kang Chan¡¯s room being opened.

    ¡°It seems like someone¡¯s here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Who could it be?¡±

    As Kang Chan forcibly raised himself up, Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door and entered.

    ¡°You¡¯re early,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°It¡¯s 5 pm. I told everyone that I¡¯m returning your phones to you two as an excuse to leave work. I bought three samgye-tang as take-out from the restaurant in front of our office in case you two were hungry. Anyway, here¡¯s your phone, Mr. Kang Chan, and this one is Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head upon receiving his phone. His phone was so full of missed calls and text messages that it felt heavy in his hands.

    Without checking any of them, Kang Chan immediately erased the calls and text messages. The three then sat around the table and ate samgye-tang.

    It was certainly tastier than the food delivered to them from this neighborhood.

    ¡°Phew! I¡¯ll be a pig if I stay at Manager Kim¡¯s office,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said afterward.

    ¡°If you doe, I¡¯ll immediately empty out a room for you.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, I don¡¯t know what I¡¯d do if you make me sit at a desk all day.¡±

    They ate to their heart''s content for the first time in so long.

    Since he was the one in the best condition, Kim Hyung-Jung made coffee. Meanwhile, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho cleaned up a bit and threw the trash in the trash can.

    Once they were all sitting around the table again, Kang Chan told them what the Serpent Venimeux had told them earlier.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok was the first to make a move, after all,¡± Kim Hyung-Jungmented.

    ¡°Do you have any guesses why he¡¯s doing this?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I don¡¯t, but he clearly wants something. Isn¡¯t there a saying along the lines of, ¡®Give me what I want willingly or else I¡¯ll kill all of you until I get it¡¯?¡±

    ¡°But the ones Lanok is killing don¡¯t know what he wants.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung smiled, seemingly finding Kang Chan funny. ¡°Lanok is thinking of killing them by using this matter as an excuse. Doing so hits two birds with one stone¡ªit warns them, and it also allows him to take revenge. Lanok will probably make his demands once his anger subsides to a certain extent. At that point, the Serpent Venimeux will likely give him what he wants without hesitation. But if something simr happens again, I¡¯m not sure. They probably won''t ever be able to sell weapons to anything or anyone rted to Ambassador Lanok.¡±

    Having heard that, Kang Chan realized Kim Hyung-Jung could be right.

    ¡°Ha! That gentleman is scary,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°I agree,¡± Kang Chan also agreed.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s son is indeed in France. He¡¯s managing funds held in offshore ounts, but we still haven¡¯t figured out how much he currently has,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    ¡°I was told that he also has sons in the United States,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo has six sons.¡±

    ¡°Does he have any daughters?¡±

    ¡°Just one. She¡¯s also in the United States. Oh, his children came from five different mothers.¡±

    At any rate, Yang Jin-Woo was a fucker Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand at all.

    ¡°Anyway, I have passed on your intentions to the director and applied for your passport to be made. We¡¯ll also likely find a way to force Yang Jin-Woo to return to the country soon,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of meeting Lanok sometime tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You¡¯re already being discharged?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked upset, and Kim Hyung-Jung looked surprised.

    In any case, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to stay at the hospital now that he could already move around.

    After talking for about an hour, Kang Chan quickly stood up. He heard someone looking for him from his room.

    When he opened the door and went out, he saw the back of Yoo Hye-Sook, who was heading to the nurse¡¯s office.

    ¡°Mother!¡±

    ¡°Channy! I was about to go looking for you because you weren¡¯t in your room. Where were you?¡±

    ¡°I was in the room next door because I was bored. You¡¯re here early.¡±

    ¡°I was worried. Anyway, I brought sushi. Your dad bought it from a delicious restaurant. Let¡¯s go inside.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Afraid that she would see Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s name on the door beside Kang Chan¡¯s room, Kang Chan quickly looked after Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Look! Doesn¡¯t it look delicious, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Kang Chan felt as if his stomach was about to burst.

    ¡°Quick, take a bite,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook urged.

    ¡°Alright. You should eat as well.¡±

    Kang Chan held up the chopsticks and had a piece of sushi. It was good, but that didn¡¯t mean it would make him hungry.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you not feeling well?¡± Looking worried, Yoo Hye-Sook was about to put down her chopsticks.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. I just thought of Father since it tastes amazing.¡±

    ¡°If we eat this, he said he¡¯ll buy chicken when hees here.¡±

    .

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You should eat a lot especially when you¡¯re not feeling good. Your dad is treating us¡ªwhich he hadn¡¯t done in a long time¡ªso don¡¯t worry and just eat as much as you want.¡±

    How could Kang Chan refuse anything she was cajoling with that kind of expression? Didn¡¯t Kang Dae-Kyung say that she was so worried when the incident happened that she even fainted in front of the TV?

    <i>Fine! This will make my mother happy! Since I¡¯m going to eat it anyway, I might as well enjoy it!</i>

    Kang Chan thought about confessing that he had samgye-tang, but with a sense of duty, he relentlessly ate sushi. He just kept thinking about Yoo Hye-Sook, who would¡¯ve been disappointed otherwise.

    ¡°Wow! This is really good,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Since you like it this much, I¡¯ll start buying it for you every now and then.¡±

    Her response instinctively made him shake his head, but he forcibly smiled at her.

    It wasn¡¯t like his stomach would explode just because he had a lot of food. If eating with Yoo Hye-Sook would make her that happy, then it would be worth coping with it just this once.

    Kang Chan secretly controlled his breathing.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    The door soon opened, and Michelle entered the room with a bright expression.

    ¡°Wee, Michelle!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook greeted.

    ¡°Hello, Mother!¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank when he noticed the box that Michelle was holding.

    ¡°Mother, please have some of this,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cake and sandwiches.¡±

    ¡°Oh my, that¡¯s very nice of you. It seems like you haven¡¯t had dinner yet¡­ What should we do? We just ate. We would¡¯ve waited for you had we known that you wereing.¡±

    ¡°Yes, mother.¡± Michelle looked at Kang Chan, pretending that she couldn¡¯t understand Yoo Hye-Sook when Yoo Hye-Sook said many things at once.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy?¡± Kang Chan interrupted very briefly.

    Flustered, Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan as well¡­

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯ll have a sandwich. You should eat cake,¡± Michelle suggested.

    ¡°You must be smart. How can your Korean improve so fast?¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    <i>She¡¯s not clever! She¡¯s cunning!</i>

    Just as Kang Chan thought, ¡®<i>Oh shoot,¡¯</i> Michelle opened the box.

    They made coffee and put cake and sandwiches in front of him.

    ¡°Here you go, Channy!¡±

    Kang Chan ate the cake that Yoo Hye-Sook scooped up for him, then sat far away from them using the excuse that he was full.

    As if she was proving how many things she could express with short sentences, Michelle talked to Yoo Hye-Sook while eating a sandwich.

    He listened to Kim Mi-Young and Eun So-Yeon talk to each other earlier today. This evening, he did the same to Yoo Hye-Sook and Michelle.

    ¡°The clothes in Dongdaemun are really nice,¡± Michellemented.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard people say that, but I also heard that you can get scammed if you go there without knowing how things work.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s buy thepany¡¯s clothes sponsored by the magazinepany.¡±

    ¡°Would there be clothes that fit me, Michelle?¡±

    ¡°Of course, mother.¡±

    From the very beginning, it felt as if this situation was bing more and moreplicated. Kim Mi-Young and Eun So-Yeon had exchanged numbers, and now Yoo Hye-Sook and Michelle were doing the same.

    As Kang Chan sighed with a profound expression, Kang Dae-Kyung came inside.

    When Kang Chan smelled the yangnyeom chicken, he made up his mind to get discharged tomorrow no matter what.

    ***

    The three stayed with Kang Chan until 8 pm. When the nurse injected him with medication, they stood up and left.

    Left alone, he went to the counter where the nurses were to get digestive medicine, but as soon as he reached it, he flinched. The nurses offered him bossam, which they were enjoying.

    Kang Chan got startled, but he didn¡¯t forget to ask them for digestive medicine. As soon as he was given some, he visited Seok Kang-Ho to avoid the smell of food.

    Having taken digestive medicine, Kang Chan thought he would feel much better if he smoked a cigarette.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Kang Chan opened the door to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room only to stop in his tracks for a moment.

    Sitting together, Kim Tae-Jin, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Seok Kang-Ho greeted Kang Chan. They were eating jokbal and bossam.

    ¡°You weren¡¯t answering your phone, so I decided toe here unannounced. Wee. I gave plenty of food to the nurses¡¯ office and the security office, and I also brought plenty of food for you. Why do you look so upset? Is it because we ate first? We tried to wait for you and made sure not to even open your food,¡± Kim Tae-Jin exined.

    ¡°This one¡¯s yours. Come eat quickly,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    Kang Chan almost kicked the table, but he suppressed the urge with a superhuman will. Instead, he avoided them by going to another room for a bit.

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    Kang Chan lit up and smoked a cigarette. Thinking that Kang Dae-Kyung or Yoo Hye-Sook wasn¡¯t going toe and see him made his stomach feel a littlefortable.

    1. Samgye-tang or ginseng chicken soup is a Korean traditional soup meant for health.

    2. Yangnyeom chicken is fried chicken that¡¯s seasoned with sweet and spicy sauce

    3. Jokbal is a Korean dish that consists of pig''s trotters cooked with soy sauce and spices

 Chapter 112.2: Absurd Events Unfold (1)

    <h4>Chapter 112.2: Absurd Events Unfold (1)</h4>

    ¡°That¡¯s why your expression was like that a moment ago!¡± Kim Tae-Jin smiled as if he now understood. ¡°I was so worried while I was watching the TV. I immediately ran over because I couldn¡¯t contact Kim Hyung-Jung either, but I at least got to talk to him a little today. Let¡¯s keep each other informed, okay? Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, you shouldn¡¯t keep things to yourself either.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded because there was sincerity in Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s words.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek called me about ten times as well. It should be on the list of your missed calls, so give him a callter,¡± Kim Tae-Jin added.

    ¡°There were too many notifications, so I erased all of them as soon as I got my phone. I¡¯ll call himter after I see how things go.¡±

    ¡°Alright. No matter how busy we are, we should update each other every now and then,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said. He then leaned back against the chair and looked at Kang Chan. ¡°I saw Section Chief Jeon today. He talked about you.¡±

    ¡°About me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. He suddenly called me and asked what I thought about you. He also told me that we needed a lot of people like you in the future and that we can¡¯t lose you to France no matter what.¡±

    Shaking his head, Kim Tae-Jin, ¡°Howe that gentleman hasn¡¯t changed at all despite having grown older? Kim Hyung-Jung, I heard that you said that Kang Chan and I are close?¡±

    ¡°The section chief told me to tell him about what happened since I met Mr. Kang Chan, so I also told him that I asked you to introduce me to Mr. Kang Chan. When I did, he asked if you and Mr. Kang Chan are close, and I replied, ¡®Yes.¡¯¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nced at Kim Hyung-Jung and ended upughing.

    Being alive was quite a good thing¡ªespecially if he was with good people.

    ***

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook dropped by the hospital the next morning, then headed to work. Kang Chan then told Yoo Hun-Woo that he was going to be discharged.

    ¡°Will you be okay? Moving around is still ufortable for you.¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    ¡°Yes. It would be better to be at home instead if I¡¯d just be lying down anyway.¡±

    ¡°Alright. But if you get dizzy or if you feel like vomiting, then we need to hospitalize you immediately.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo looked at Kang Chan as if he was joking. ¡°You looked much cooler on TV. I had a hard time avoiding the reporters the day after the announcement. It¡¯s been quiet since then though, perhaps because the people involved with the announcement kept them at bay for me. Anyway! You did something huge. I feel proud that I treated you.¡±

    ¡°You know that what you just said doesn¡¯t suit you, right?¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo smiled slightly and jokingly tapped Kang Chan¡¯s forearm. He then left the room.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t get discharged right away, however, because he didn¡¯t have clothes to change into.

    As Kang Chan was thinking of what to do, Seok Kang-Ho opened the door and came in.

    ¡°I also decided to be discharged,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Will you be okay?¡±

    ¡°What would I do by myself here once you leave? Staying at home and telling them I¡¯m just having body aches is much better. Let¡¯s go to Misari and have a cup of tea this evening.¡±

    ¡°Alright. That¡¯s certainly better. We can¡¯t even smoke a cigarette in peace here since we don¡¯t know who will be visiting and when.¡±

    However, despite having reached a conclusion, they still didn¡¯t have clothes to change into.

    In the end, Choi Jong-Il bought clothes and shoes for both of them.

    ***

    When Kang Chan returned home, he felt as if everything wasing to an end.

    He saw the familiar building, elevator, entrance, living room, and his room.

    Kang Chan went into his room and sat at his desk.

    South Korea had be part of the Eurasian Rail, and the announcement had been made.

    It was as if he had just woken up from a long dream and sat on his bed.

    Why would he feel that way?

    His surroundings were so quiet that it seemed everything had calmed down. However, Lee Ji-Yeon came across Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    He remembered her hand trembling as she put down a teacup and her tired and frightened eyes when he called out and stopped her.

    She held up a sign to protest and ask people to reveal her unnie¡¯s unjust death while looking around nkly like a child.

    However, before she could unearth her unnie¡¯s unjust death, she hanged herself to death.

    How scared and wronged could she have felt?

    Kang Chan slowly inhaled, then exhaled.

    No matter how much money or power a person had, there were things that they should and should never do.

    Not only did Yang Jin-Woo attack Kang Dae-Kyung and try to go for Yoo Hye-Sook, but he also killed two young and pitiful women like bugs even though they were dreaming of earning as much as they could and being happy with their widowed mother for the first time since all of their hardships had ended.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo,¡± Kang Chan said as if Yang Jin-Woo was inside his monitor. ¡°You messed with the wrong person, you son of a bitch.¡±

    ring at his monitor and tightly gritting his teeth, Kang Chan continued with a smirk, ¡°Just you wait, motherfucker.¡±

    Kang Chan had fought countless battles, but this was his first time hating someone as much as Yang Jin-Woo.

    Kang Chan decided to start again from the beginning.

    He would do things perfectly one at a time.

    Although he had always done that, he thought of finishing things especially perfectly this time.

    After recing the battery on his phone, Kang Chan pressed the call button.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, how do you feel?¡±

    - Refreshed, thanks to you. As a matter of fact, I was thinking about visiting you at the hospital this afternoon or tomorrow morning.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been discharged.¡±

    - You never cease to surpass my expectations.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I¡¯d like to meet with you for a moment if that¡¯s okay with you.¡±

    - Of course. Where should we meet?

    ¡°Anywhere you¡¯refortable.¡±

    - It would be difficult to meet at the hotel since you¡¯re too well known right now, so let¡¯s just meet at my office.

    ¡°Sounds good. What time would befortable for you?¡±

    - Would you like to have lunch together?

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be there by 12 pm.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up, then went out to the living room and slowly warmed up.

    There was already a scab on the stab wounds the fragments inflicted, but the area where he was hit by a big chunk of cement was so stiff it was as if he got badly beaten up.

    <i>¡®Ugh.¡¯</i>

    Nevertheless, he continued warming up.

    For as long as his bones weren¡¯t broken and his muscles hadn¡¯t been ripped apart, nothing could warm him up as much as stretching.

    Kang Chan was straining himself. He should probably rest, but they werecking too much time for him to just be lying around.

    Kang Chan warmed up for about thirty minutes, got changed, and left the apartment.

    His body was screaming at him, but as usual, he ignored it.

    <i>¡®Ugh, you were given to the wrong owner.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan held out his hand toward the taxi.

    ***

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    Kang Chan smiled when he saw Lanok.

    They hugged and exchanged noisy cheek kisses like Frenchmen, an odd sense ofradeship flowing between them.

    ¡°Have a seat. We should have a light cup of tea before we eat,¡± Lanok suggested.

    When Lanok pointed to the table with his long arm, the assistant poured out ck tea.

    After asking each other how they were doing, Kang Chan confessed everything to Lanok about Xavier visiting him.

    ¡°Xavier is the adopted son of Fabrix, the Serpent Venimeux leader. He¡¯s also the only sessor crueler than Fabrix,¡± Lanok said afterward.

    ¡°He has a lot of sessors?¡±

    Lanok nodded. ¡°Having a lot of sessors is insurance for Fabrix. He gets to keep living because of them. With his adopted sons and subordinates keeping each other in check, nobody can mess with Fabrix. He¡¯s the most cunning, cruel, and vicious Serpent Venimeux leader in history.¡±

    Kang Chan drank tea while nodding.

    That kind of man begged Lanok for his life. How cunning, cruel, and vicious was this sly and wily fox?

    ¡°I just want one piece of information from Fabrix,¡± Lanok said.

    What kind of information was it that Lanok couldn¡¯t get from even the DGSE? Sincerely curious, Kang Chan waited for Lanok to continue.

    ¡°I just want to know where the Serpent Venimeux bought the C4 and the Is from.¡±

    Kang Chan cocked his head. ¡°Can¡¯t you just get that information from the Intelligence Bureau or the DGSE?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    Kang Chan slowly inhaled.

    Protecting the seller was the first rule in arms dealing. Revealing who they got their weapons from would result in a punishment iparable to drug dealing.

    Like Kim Hyung-Jung had said, this sly and wily fox nned to perfectly beat up the Serpent Venmeux and proceed with what he wanted.

    ¡°But if that happens, then the Serpent Venimeux will have to fight a war with the seller,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°That¡¯s their problem to choose, not mine. However, I will firmly punish them for selling thosemodities to use for an event that I¡¯m attending to avoid something like this from happening again.¡±

    When Kang Chanughed out loud, Lanok continued with a faint smile. ¡°We have different ways of fighting, but that¡¯s what scares me every now and then. If you start fighting in the same way I do, I will be no match for you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather not fight you at all.¡±

    ¡°I feel the same way.¡±

    For the first time in his life, Kang Chan felt sorry for the Serpent Veniemux. They were even willing to kill Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s children to save themselves, but revealing the identity of their arms dealer would be far more humiliating than erasing their tattoo, which was what they had been doing until now.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok called after he put down the teacup. ¡°Will you arbitrate this issue with the Serpent Venimeux?¡±

    ¡°If I was their leader, I wouldn¡¯t reveal our arms dealer.¡±

    ¡°They wouldn¡¯t either.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s Lanok thinking this time?</i>

    ¡°Please tell them that I¡¯ll hold in my anger around here if they make Xavier the leader.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, may I ask the reason behind that decision?¡±

    ¡°Xavier is an agent of the United States¡¯ Intelligence Bureau. The United States has worked hard for so long to put him in France.¡±

    Why was Lanok living such aplicated life? Kang Chan smirked andughed feebly.

    ¡°If so, then wouldn¡¯t it be bad if he bes the leader?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lanok smiled meaningfully. ¡°He will pass over the military intel that he received from Huh Sang-Soo to the United States. After all, what the United States wants is the list of names of the weapons brokers, the transactional information, and the military secrets of other countries. We¡¯ll instigate a fight between Japan and China.¡±

    It was a great answer.

    Kang Chan thought that Lanok was just getting revenge on and warning the Serpent Venimeux because he was angry and to avoid something like this from happening again. However, Lanok had actually secretly calcted something like this as well.

    Kang Chan wanted to learn how to use people in a cool way instead of just being able to kill his enemies.

    <i>Damn!</i>

    Kang Chan never imagined that he would be jealous of the sly and wily Lanok.

 Chapter 113.1: Absurd Events Unfold (2)

    <h4>Chapter 113.1: Absurd Events Unfold (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Lanok headed to another ce, and as soon as they got seated, the employees served their meal. The employees left right after.

    During French meal courses, food had to be served continuously, so they usually didn¡¯t excuse themselves after serving all of the food on the table. If they weren''t saying that they should mix the sd and steak together, someone had clearly ordered them to leave.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, China and Japan will attack us using any means necessary,¡± Lanok sliced the steak. ¡°Please pay special attention to Japan. Unlike China, they don¡¯t have anyone to depend on or anywhere to retreat to.¡±

    ¡°Rather than me, that seems like something that the government should interfere with.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    Lanok wiped his mouth with a napkin, then had a sip of the wine. ¡°We¡¯re about to engage in a desperate espionage warfare. It would be best for you to keep this in mind as well.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, is there anything else you want to tell me?¡±

    ¡°Not right now, no.¡±

    Smiling meaningfully, Lanok held up his knife and fork again.

    Why did he take a break in the middle of their meal? A meal should be eaten in one go, but they spent 2 hours alternating between eating and taking a break

    ***

    On the second floor of a luxurious mansion in Las Vegas¡­

    Ondol wasid out under the hanji paper door, which was unusual in the United States. A luxurious table was in the middle of the room.

    Yang Jin-Woo was sitting across from a man.

    ¡°Chairman Yang, we¡¯re nning on continuing the construction of the suspended underwater tunnel project,¡± the man said.

    ¡°No wonder. I thought it was strange for Japan to say they¡¯re building a highway and a railroad under the sea. It seems like Japan has been aware that the Eurasian Rail would be established since then.¡± Yang Jin-Woo didn¡¯t appear to be particrly interested.

    ¡°The underwater tunnel will cost a hundred trillion won. Japan will bear the full amount.¡±

    ¡°Hmph, so now you¡¯re saying that you¡¯ll take the transported goods that will be flocking to South Korea to Japan? If that¡¯s the case, then South Korea will just be a transit stop that the goods will just pass through. Yang Jin-Woo exhaled loudly while pursinghis lips¡­

    ¡°We¡¯ll entrust all of the construction of the underwater tunnel to you, Chairman Yang.¡±

    ¡°Will the South Korean government ept that?¡±

    The proposal was amazing enough to make people go crazy, but Yang Jin-Woo just seemed to snort at it.

    ¡°They naturally wouldn¡¯t approve of it easily. However, doesn¡¯t the opposition party have the majority?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true, Mr. Kanemaru. Even though the opposition party has the majority, Moon Jae-Hyun is receiving an enormous amount of support from the citizens.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no future for the Eurasian Rail right now. Meanwhile, the underwater tunnel is something that all South Korean constructionpanies can immediately work on. We just have to make the South Korean public demand for the tunnel to be constructed.¡±

    Looking as if he was pacifying Yang Jin-Woo, Kanemaru continued, ¡°Japan will internationally and extensively announce that they have be South Korea¡¯s economic subordinate country through my country¡¯s broadcasts and press. They will then criticize all of the economic effects that the underwater tunnel could cause for being taken away by South Korea. Japan will be able to fully satisfy and excite South Korea by doing all of that.¡±

    Kanemaru didn¡¯t miss Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s small smile.

    ¡°We¡¯ll say that you obtained the rights to construct the tunnel. If a first-ss constructionpany from South Korea forms the consortium, then even better. Moreover, if the majority of the Assembly members demand for the construction to push through, then even the current regime won¡¯t be able to stop it. We¡¯ll provide ten trillion won for the groundwork.¡±

    ¡°Ahem.¡±

    ¡°Chairman Yang, the Prime Minister has also put out an extreme proposal to deposit two trillion won to the Bahamas as a way of recognizing your hard work.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo looked outside the window as if he wasn¡¯t interested.

    A moment of silence passed¡­

    ¡°This matter will let you turn the tables around in South Korea. Moreover, Japan¡¯s Intelligence Bureau will take care of everything that would block your way, regardless of what they are,¡± Kanemaru continued.

    Yang Jin-Woo inhaled softly. ¡°I have always felt that South Korea would have difficulties matching Japan¡¯sprehensive ns and decisions, no matter how much it tries.¡±

    ¡°But at least you¡¯re part of South Korea, right?Japan still finds it unfortunate that you weren¡¯t born in Japan.¡±

    Kanemaru lightly smiled. He then pped once as he turned around.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    The door opened, and ten men in suits entered. Assuming a triangle formation, they bowed.

    ¡°Kotaro,¡± Kanemaru called.

    ¡°Yes!¡± The man at the very front answered as he lowered his head to the ground.

    ¡°This is your new owner. You¡¯ll be serving him from now on.¡±

    ¡°Yes! Pleased to meet you!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the best agent Japan¡¯s Intelligence Bureau has ever seen in the past hundred years. He¡¯ll aplish everything that you want, no matter what it is,¡± Kanemaru exined.

    Yang Jin-Woo nodded as he looked at the man bowing to them. Yang Jin-Woo seemed satisfied.

    ***

    After parting ways with Lanok, Kang Chan called Oh Gwang-Taek.

    - Hello? Kang Chan! Where are you?

    ¡°I¡¯m at the Seodaemun. I lost my phone and just found it recently.¡±

    - Anyway! Hey! Don¡¯t go home yet¡ªlet¡¯s meet up!

    ¡°Sure. Where do you want to meet?¡±

    - The Namsan Hotel?

    ¡°Going there is currently ufortable for me. Can¡¯t we go somewhere quiet?¡±

    - Somewhere quiet? Let¡¯s just get a room in the hotel instead. There¡¯s hardly any other ce where we can quietly drink coffee nowadays.

    Strangely, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t escape from the Namsan Hotel.

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯m leaving right now, so I¡¯ll be there in thirty minutes.¡±

    - Alright, alright. For as long as you get here.

    Kang Chanughed quietly. Oh Gwang-Taekughed with him, then hung up.

    Kang Chan hailed a taxi and soon reached the hotel. Joo Chul-Bum, who had been waiting at the entrance, bowed deeply toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°What are you doing? Get inside quickly,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes, hyung-nim.¡±

    Kang Chan hurriedly entered the hotel. However, he couldn¡¯t help but stop walking for a bit in front of the lobby when he saw a new employee busily working.

    ¡°Would you like to have a cup of tea before going up to the room?¡± Joo Chul-Bum asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Hyung-nim.¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum headed to the elevator, his expression showing deep respect for Kang Chan.

    Upon reaching room 1701, Joo Chul-Bum took out a card key and opened the door.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek stood up from the sofa and approached Kang Chan. ¡°How are you doing? You¡¯re fine, right?¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek appeared to be sincerely worried, which Kang Chan found burdensome.

    ¡°Son of a bitch! If you were going to appear on TV, you should¡¯ve taken me with you.¡±

    The two sat on the sofa, and Joo Chul-Bum courteously poured them coffee.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan bit on a cigarette.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be downstairs,¡± Joo Chul-Bum said.

    ¡°Okay, sure,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek answered. Joo Chul-Bum courteously said his goodbyes and left the room.

    ¡°We still haven¡¯t figured out who caused the fight in Bundang,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I know! Did you even have the time for that, considering how busy you were? Either way, it¡¯s fine. All that matters is you survived that mess.¡±

    Strangely, Oh Gwang-Taek seemed to be having a hard time.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°About what?¡±

    Kang Chan noticedGwang-Taek''s eyes widening in shock.

    When Kang Chan extinguished the cigarette and stared at him, Oh Gwang-Taek rubbed his face first in frustration. ¡°I couldn¡¯t say this to my subordinates, but¡­¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek stopped mid-sentence, then took out and bit on a cigarette again. ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling strangely anxious. It¡¯s as if every person I run into on the street is hiding a knife. I¡¯m anxious even when I¡¯m at home and at the hotel. Phew! I can¡¯t talk to my people, though, since I feel embarrassed about it.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t think a gangster would have such a side. This gang leader was feeling the same fear that captains felt whenever they lost crew members inbat.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that? I told you this because of who you are. Even if I¡¯m like this, I¡¯m still confident that I won¡¯t lose to anyone,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek added.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    Getting results from things like this was only a matter of time. Oh Gwang-Taek would either ovee this and rise above the situation or copse.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Amid their conversation, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang. The call was from an unknown number.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Xavier.

    Did this fucker call because he knew that Kang Chan had met Lanok? Kang Chan instinctively frowned, thinking they were following him.

    - I have something to tell you. We have taken care of the three family members of Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s son, who¡¯s in France.

    <i>They did what to whom? The family of Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s son?</i>

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s son had a child? Who ordered you to do that?¡±

    - The leader did. It¡¯s his way of showing his sincerity. We beheaded all of them.

    ¡°Hey! You son of a bitch!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek suddenly raised his head. Xavier grew silent.

    ¡°You said that they¡¯re still kids! Their old man and the father hadmitted crimes and sins, but what did the kid do wrong, you son of a bitch?!¡±

    - Although we did ask you to arbitrate this issue, it still isn¡¯t right for you to talk in that manner.

    Was this fucker really an agent of the United States¡¯ Intelligence Bureau?

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked strangely at Kang Chan, who was exhaling deeply.

    - We already gave the order to our people that are in the United States as well. They will be cutting their necks by now.

    Kang Chanughed feebly. Why was Lanok trying to make this kind of fucker the leader of the Serpent Venimeux?

    ¡°Xavier, call them right now and tell them to stop. I¡¯ll arbitrate this matter then.¡±

    - I¡¯ll do that now.

    Kang Chan¡¯s energy drained out of him when he heard Xavier¡¯s cold voice.

    1. This was written as ??!, which is a transliteration of ¡®Yes!¡¯ in Japanese.

    2. This was written as ¡°??! ??? ???! ??? ???? ???????!¡±, which is a transliteration of ¡®Yes! Pleased to meet you!¡¯ in Japanese.

    3. The Seodaemun District is one of the 25 districts of Seoul, South Korea.

 Chapter 113.2: Absurd Events Unfold (2)

    <h4>Chapter 113.2: Absurd Events Unfold (2)</h4>

    Hating Yang Jin-Woo and killing kids werepletely different things.

    This wasn¡¯t a war between African tribes. Beheading innocent children wasn¡¯t something that Kang Chan could ept, regardless of what the purpose was.

    Kang Chan held up a cigarette. The situation strangely kept bing messier and messier.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? What got you so mad?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even get me started¡ªall kinds of thugs butted into the Eurasian Rail. Phew! Let¡¯s leave it at that.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek took out and bit on another cigarette, deciding not to pry further.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Kang Chan quickly held up his phone.

    - It¡¯s Xavier. I heard that they have already finished beheading them.

    ¡°They beheaded all of Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s family members that are in the United States?¡±

    - They started with his two sons, followed by his daughter and her husband and three children. They killed seven people in total.

    <i>Crazy sons of bitches.</i>

    Kang Chan was well aware of the Serpent Venimeux¡¯s cruelty, but this was his first time actually witnessing it for himself.

    He was so dumbfounded that all he could do was smirk.

    - That¡¯s all for now. I¡¯ll let you know immediately once we¡¯ve figured out Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s ns.

    ¡°Phew!¡±

    Something so nonsensical just happened.

    Kang Chan had stiffened, and he felt grim.

    After tly refusing the people who called him to request an interview, Kang Chan held up his phone and passed on what he had talked about with the Serpent Venimeux a moment ago to Lanok.

    - Things are getting so messed up andplicated.

    Did this sly and wily fox really not expect this to happen?

    - For now, let¡¯s see what will happen.

    ¡°Okay. However, I don¡¯t want to arbitrate this issue anymore.¡±

    - Alright. I¡¯ll take care of this myself.

    Kang Chan put down his phone and leaned back against the sofa.

    Messing with family left him with no other choice but to be needlessly cruel. Now that things hade to this, killing Yang Jin-Woo as soon as possible and ending this fight was the wise thing to do.

    ***

    Nothing unusual happened since Kang Chan had parted ways with Oh Gwang-Taek and headed home. However, his phone was a problem.

    Not only Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s phones but even Kang Chan¡¯s phone unexpectedly rang nonstop, making it difficult for them to talk on the phone to other people.

    All of the phone calls were from people requesting an interview or asking Kang Chan to appear on TV, but he obviously had no reason to ept those requests.

    Yoo Hye-Sook in particr received a lot of phone calls from her friends, who knew a reporter, asking for an interview just this once for their sake.

    The next day, Kang Chan started doing his morning workouts.

    For the past two days, the National Intelligence Service had been trying hard to figure out the identities of the terrorists by directing all of their strengths into it. They also made aint and requested cooperation from China but didn¡¯t achieve anything special.

    Diplomacy was funny.

    China prepared the North Korean military in secret only for all of them to die, and, pretending not to know anything about it, South Korea made aint and requested cooperation.

    ¡°Phew.¡±

    Kang Chan soon felt refreshed and morefortable.

    Since then, he hadn''t received a phone call from Xavier.

    Kang Chan had no reason to insist on contacting someone who kills children, so he decided to just forget about him.

    If Xavier suddenly appeared in front of Kang Chan again, Kang Chan might just twist his neck.

    ¡°Wash up quickly, Channy. Let¡¯s eat,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Is it okay for you to be working out already?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m feeling better now.¡± Kang Chan answered. He then had a refreshing shower and went out to the kitchen.

    As the three ate, they all put their phones on silent.

    Kang Chan was about to be curious about what the people requesting an interview with him since before they even had breakfast looked like.

    After their meal, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook went to work, and Kang Chan got a text message.

    [Is something going on? Answer the phone.]

    <i>When did this fucker call me?</i>

    Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho.

    - Hello? Is everything alright?

    ¡°I just put my phone on silent because so many people are calling me to request an interview. Why did you call?¡±

    - Let¡¯s have a cup of coffee if you don¡¯t have something special going on. I feel strangely frustrated as well.

    ¡°Alright. How long will it take you to get here?¡±

    - Let¡¯s see each other in an hour.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan slowly got ready to meet Seok Kang-Ho.

    His phone continued to light up because of iing calls. Every time he checked who was calling, he just found an unknown number.

    This was nuts. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t change his phone number right now.

    ***

    Kang Chan met Seok Kang-Ho in front of the apartment, then headed to Misari together. Since it was still early in the morning, it seemed they were the coffee shop¡¯s first customers today.

    While looking at the river that stretched as far as the eye could see, Kang Chan had a sip of the coffee he had ordered. He felt relieved.

    Kang Chan first told Seok Kang-Ho that the Serpent Venimeux had murdered Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s sons and daughter.

    ¡°Damn it. The kids didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Aren''t you going to get implicated in vain?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Considering what that fucker Yang Jin-Woo is capable of, it wouldn¡¯t take long for him to find out who did it, so wouldn¡¯t he try to look for an opportunity to kill the Serpent Venimeux?¡±

    ¡°I know he has a lot of money, but do you think it¡¯ll be easy for him to fight them? Lanok can go against the Serpent Venimeux because he¡¯s Lanok. If Yang Jin-Woo tries to fight the Serpent Venimeux with money, my neck would be slit first before he could win.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    Still drinking coffee, Kang Chan then told Seok Kang-Ho about his meeting with Oh Gwang-Taek and lunch with Lanok.

    ¡°What will you do now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°Tsk! I do feel ufortable because innocent kids got swept into this mess, but I¡¯m still determined to end Yang Jin-Woo once and for all.¡±

    ¡°Why are innocent kids the ones dying when Yang Jin-Woo is the one who did something wrong? Damn it!¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it. However, if we just leave Yang Jin-Woo alone, that fucker will likely look for opportunities again to try and kill my parents. That makes it difficult to just leave him be. Not to mention there are also those women who died pitifully.¡±

    ¡°Will Yang Jin-Woo even return to the country?¡± Seok Kang-Ho took out and bit on a cigarette. He then draped both of his arms across the table as if to wrap himself around it.

    ¡°We should see how things go. ording to Xavier, they think Yang Jin-Woo will return to the country if they kill his family, and manager Kim also said that he¡¯s looking for ways to bring him back here, so there will probably be a way.¡±

    ¡°Whoo. So I heard Lanok say that Xavier is an agent of the United States¡¯ Intelligence Bureau.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. It seems like there¡¯s an organization simr to France''s DGSE in the United States.¡±

    Frowning, Kang Chan stroked his head. Instead ofplicatedly getting entangled, it was a hundred times better to just meet up and duke it out.

    ¡°What will you do starting tomorrow?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything special to do. Going to school isn¡¯t a good idea either, so I¡¯ll just look for somewhere I can work out nearby.¡±

    ¡°Look at this¡ªwe should¡¯ve just bought thatndst time.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. It seemed Seok Kang-Ho still couldn¡¯t give up thatnd.

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone continued to ring as they drank coffee. Every time it did, he checked the called ID just in case it was someone he knew.

    ¡°Just seeing that makes me feel like I¡¯m going to go crazy,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°How do you think I would feel as the one actually getting these calls?¡± After Kang Chan grumbled, he got a call again. This time, it was Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Look at this,¡± Kang Chan quickly held up his phone and answered.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung. Where are you?

    ¡°I¡¯m at Misari with Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    - I heard that Yang Jin-Woo is returning to South Korea. If you two are nning to stay at Misari for a bit longer, I¡¯lle over.

    ¡°Sounds good. We were thinking of having lunch here, so please join us.¡±

    When Kang Chan put down his phone, Seok Kang-Ho asked, ¡°Did he say that he¡¯sing here?¡±

    ¡°He said that Yang Jin-Woo is returning to South Korea.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Kang Chan wordlessly took out a cigarette.

    Why did he feel so ufortable despite having heard that Yang Jin-Woo was returning to South Korea? Was it because Kang Chan gained sympathy for him now that he had lost his children and grandchildren?

    Kang Chan looked at the river as he exhaled cigarette smoke.

    <i>I have to do this. I¡¯ll take care of this one step at a time.</i>

    He had to take care of Yang Jin-Woo and the espionage war.

    Kang Chan worked on this issue just to help South Korea get connected to the Eurasian Rail. Since then, he hade so far.

    He had already aplished so much and had even made the Eurasian Rail announcement event happen ahead of schedule. Now, all he had to do to live infort was put an end to this by taking down Yang Jin-Woo.

    ¡°Son of a bitch. Once he returns to South Korea, then let¡¯s do whatever it takes to end him. We¡¯ll live infort afterward,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s husky voice woke Kang Chan up from his thoughts.

    Kim Hyung-Jung arrived just as the coffee shop employees served them the second order of coffee they had ced.

    ¡°That gentleman seems so busy that his feet almost never touch the ground,,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    Kim Hyung-Jung ordered coffee first before going to their table.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°We¡¯re okay¡ªwe both got discharged. Please sit,¡± Kang Chan said.

    With all three of them now seated, Kim Hyung-Jung looked around their surroundings. ¡°Let¡¯s wait for the coffee to be served before we start.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    In thest several days, Kim Hyung-Jung lost more weight.

    ¡°You must be very tired,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m dying because I¡¯m up to my neck in reports. We have to figure out the identities of the dead terrorists, how the weapons used in the terrorist attack got into South Korea, and a bunch of other things like their port of entry into the country. I also have to organize the data we¡¯ve gathered ording to the information that you¡¯ve given me. Phew! This is crazy.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung opened his hand and stroked his face as if he was washing it. He took a sip of the coffee when it arrived. After examining their surroundings again, he continued, ¡°Yang Jin-Woo is returning to the country. The flight he booked willnd in South Korea tomorrow afternoon, but we have intel that he¡¯s apanied by an agent from Japan¡¯s Intelligence Bureau.¡±

    ¡°That fucker is still doing all sorts of things to survive despite all of the bullshit he has done. He¡¯s an American citizen, and he¡¯s also involved with Japan¡¯s National Intelligence Service? Give me a break,¡± Seok Kang-Hoined.

    ¡°We still don¡¯t have evidence that Yang Jin-Woo directly intervened in the attack. Are you aware that Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s children in France and the United States have been murdered?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°I heard that even his grandchildren were murdered.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct. If Yang Jin-Woo is still nning toe into the country with Japan¡¯s Intelligence Bureau despite everything that has happened, then that means someone is backing him up or that he has a failproof n.¡±

    Kang Chan just listened to Kim Hyung-Jung. Regardless of what he said and believed, the fact that he was going to die didn¡¯t change.

    Kang Chan decided to think of that and that alone.

 Chapter 114.1: Iéˆ¥æª’l Follow Your Orders (1)

    <h4>Chapter 114.1: I¡¯ll Follow Your Orders (1)</h4>

    With the strong feelings caused by the Eurasian Rail announcement now subsiding, the request for the underwater tunnel¡¯s construction immediately caught public attention.

    As a result, the requests to interview Kang Chan basically disappeared. However, since Yang Jin-Woo rapidly became the center of attention, it was difficult to do anything to him right now.

    Around Lunch on Saturday, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho visited Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office at Samseong-dong.

    ¡°Let¡¯s order tangsuyuk today as well.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung happily epted Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s request.

    After their meal, Kim Hyung-Jung prepared tea and cigarettes for them, then handed over a report to Kang Chan. ¡°That¡¯s the data that the National Intelligence Service has analyzed. As Yang Jin-Woo said, if the highway and the rail that will be using the underwater tunnel get connected, then almost all of the profits from the Eurasian Rail will go to Japan.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t we show things like this on TV or in the press?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s difficult to do that right now.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung sighed as he extinguished the cigarette on the ashtray as if he was stabbing it. ¡°Japan has already reported on TV that they lost to South Korea. Moreover, the public has heard that Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s children were murdered because their lives were used to ckmail him into canceling the underwater tunnel. As a result, Yang Jin-Woo has been receiving a lot of sympathy. We describe situations like this like the wind. No matter how much objective data we show, there wouldn¡¯t be any no point if it¡¯s windy. This strategy has been proven to be effective for election campaigns.¡±

    ¡°What if South Korea doesn¡¯t give them permission to connect the highway and the rail?¡±

    ¡°Japan will still proceed with the construction of the tunnel, and we will have to face civil resistance whenever their progress gets reported on the news. What¡¯s worse is that there¡¯s also the National Assembly elections next year, so if we make the wrong move, we won¡¯t even be able to protect the Eurasian Rail.¡±

    ¡°This fucker is a powerful enemy,¡± Seok Kang-Ho¡¯sment seemed to be the most appropriate description of Yang Jin-Woo.

    ¡°Taking any measure right now is also difficult. If Yang Jin-Woo suddenly dies, we have no idea what the public sentiment will turn into,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Manager,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you find this too stupid?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kim Hyung-Jung, perhaps because he felt that Kang Chan wasing off strong.

    ¡°We have the President and many government institutions, including the National Intelligence Service, yet you¡¯re saying that we¡¯ll still just stand by and watch something like this happen?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s our current reality.¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s funny. Not only is there no evidence that Yang Jin-Woo tantly tried to kill the President and the Prime Minister but you¡¯re also telling me that we can¡¯t stop him from trying to sell the profits of the Eurasian Rail to Japan because you¡¯re scared of public sentiment.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung tightly gritted his teeth as he red at the cigarette.

    ¡°Is my criminal immunity still valid?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t I use it against Yang Jin-Woo?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! We shouldn¡¯t deal with this using our emotions.¡±

    ¡°Then how do you n to deal with this without using our emotions?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°He tantly attacked my father, hired a foreign hitman to kill my mother, and killed two pitiful sisters. Please don¡¯t say that I don¡¯t have any evidence.¡±

    Kang Chan knew that Kim Hyung-Jung wasn¡¯t the decision-maker, but it was difficult for him to ept that they just kept being stupidly attacked.

    ¡°What should I do? Get naturalized in France with my parents because my parents¡¯ lives are in danger here and I can¡¯t even do anything about it because my opponent has a lot of money and power? Do you really think they¡¯ll be okay just because close to twenty National Intelligence Service agents are protecting them?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette and bit on it. ¡°If there really isn¡¯t a way, then I¡¯ll take care of Yang Jin-Woo myself and go to France.¡±

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo, this is the best that I can do. What happens to the Eurasian Rail after that ispletely up to the South Korean government. Had I known that we wouldn¡¯t be able to find a way to fight back against a plot this obvious, I never would have started this,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll pass on your thoughts to the Director.¡±

    The atmosphere was heavy.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung called.

    Kang Chan just looked at him in response.

    ¡°The Intelligence Bureaus of France and the United States bothmit assassinations only during emergencies. We¡¯re not staying put because we can¡¯t do that. Rather, we¡¯re worried that methods like this could be used to maintain the regime in the future.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung deeply exhaled cigarette smoke. ¡°That¡¯s what Russia is like right now. Theymit political maniption and assassinations. Our President is not afraid of the public sentiment¡¯s estrangement. He¡¯s simply worried about developing the country and settling democracy.¡±

    Kang Chan saw enthusiasm in Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes.

    .

    Kim Hyung-Jung went to Mongolia to willingly sacrifice his life for his country, and despite enduring horrible pain, he refused to disclose his identity and the country he belonged to.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I spoke harshly,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be. Honestly, I will use you as an excuse to outright tell the Director what I have in my mind.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung spread out his hand and stroked his face. Kang Chan could clearly see his frustration about the reality that he couldn¡¯t have his way.

    ¡°Can we stop the underwater tunnel if Yang Jin-Woo dies?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo has ten security guards with them. Based on how they move, they clearly received special training.¡±

    Now the situation had really be difficult.

    ¡°We should be able to momentarily stop the underwater tunnel project. I also thought about breaking up the Suh Jeong group, but if things go wrong and Japan sends in funds and acquires the Suh Jeong group, then there will no longer be any way to stop the tunnel. Another problem that we have is that the opposition party that holds the majority of the National Assembly is supporting Yang Jin-Woo,¡± Kim Tae-Jin exined.

    ¡°What about Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s movements?¡±

    ¡°He only goes to and from his house andpany. He also strictly moves within the range of CCTVs, so covering up his death as an ident will prove difficult.¡±

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    Shooting Yang Jin-Woo and killing him was impractical in South Korea. It would be very difficult to clean up the mess because the nation¡¯s attention was focused on him.

    ¡°How much time do we have until the construction of the underwater tunnel officially starts?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°If our government doesn¡¯t approve of it, then it''ll be absolutely difficult to connect it. However, if we take everything into consideration, including the opposition party impeaching the President and the public sentiment backing them up, then we probably have about a month to spare.¡±

    The situation was so absurd that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh. To think that this time, they had to stop the people that did everything they could to stop the Eurasian Rail.

    This wasn¡¯t a ser or baseball game, but they now had to switch ces between defense and offense.

    ¡°Killing Yang Jin-Woo could lead to the President¡¯s impeachment, which is the worst thing that can happen. The opposition party will put forward the reason that we failed to protect a citizen. If that happens, the underwater tunnel¡¯s construction will proceed again,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the people who are supposed to be National Assembly members?¡± Seok Kang-Ho expressed his anger whileining.

    ¡°To get this matter approved, Japan will release an enormous amount of funds even if it would require mobilizing all of the economic power they currently possess,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    ¡°Making Japan pull out of this matter is ultimately the best way to stop this from happening, then,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°If that actually happens, I¡¯ll take care of Yang Jin-Woo myself,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t help but dejectedlyugh when they felt Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s desperation to stop the underwater tunnel.

    ¡°Let¡¯s put some more thought into this,¡± Kang Chan said.

    They wouldn¡¯t be able to find an answer right now anyway, so they ended their discussion there.

    ***

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho left Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office and headed to the specialty coffee shop at the intersection in front of their houses.

    As soon as they arrived, Seok Kang-Ho went to the counter to order their drinks.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>.

    Kang Chan held up his phone when it rang. The call was from an unknown number. He wasn¡¯t getting that many calls requesting an interview anymore, so he answered it.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s me.

    Kang Chan had heard this voice somewhere before.

    - It¡¯s me, Eun-Sil.

    <i>Ha! Is something about to happen again?</i>

    Kang Chan looked around his surroundings before answering.

    ¡°Why did you call me?¡±

    - Can we meet for a bit?

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Just tell me on the phone.¡±

    - We have to talk in person. It doesn¡¯t matter where¡ªjust give me a location and I¡¯ll meet you there.

    To Kang Chan, it was as if she just said, ¡®It doesn¡¯t matter where you are. I¡¯ll bring trouble to you.¡¯

    Thinking Heo Eun-Sil wouldn¡¯t just back down, Kang Chan told her where they were and toe here in an hour.

    ¡°Who was that?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. Despite having voraciously eaten all of the tangsuyuk by himself earlier, he still brought over patbingsu that was as big as a washbowl again.

    ¡°Eun-Sil. She told me she has something to say, so I told her toe here in an hour.¡±

    ¡°Eun-Sil? You mean Heo Eun-Sil?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s up with her this time?¡± Seok Kang-Ho ate a spoonful of patbingsu as he cocked his head. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about. Let¡¯s take care of the problems in our way.¡±

    ¡°If I could, I would have already organized mercenaries and gone to Japan.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s also a good idea¡ªurgh!¡± Seok Kang-Ho hit his head. ¡°Wow! I¡¯m getting brain freeze! I ate way too much patbingsu in one go.¡±

    Spending time with Seok Kang-Ho was worth it since Kang Chan got tough whenever they were together.

 Chapter 114.2: Iéˆ¥æª’l Follow Your Orders (1)

    <h4>Chapter 114.2: I¡¯ll Follow Your Orders (1)</h4>

    Heo Eun-Sil entered the specialty coffee shop around ten minutes since Seok Kang-Ho left.

    She was wearing a tight t-shirt and short shorts that barely covered her underwear. Plus since she only applied red lipstick, it looked as if she had the words ¡®I have fun a lot¡¯ written all over her body.

    After she looked at Kang Chan, she immediately headed to the counter after saying ¡°What do you want to drink?¡±

    ¡°You looked cool on TV.¡± Heo Eun-Sil sat across from Kang Chan, and she talked to him while taking off the stic from the straw.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°I called you because of the festival.¡±

    ¡°The festival?¡±

    Kang Chan waited for a moment because she had the straw in her mouth.

    ¡°Our school has a fall festival. It¡¯s done in two high schools along with Shimdeok, and they¡¯re going all out by gathering the parents as well. So help us.¡±

    After she put down the drink, Heo Eun-Sil looked at Kang Chan as if she was asking him for something that she entrusted to him. ¡°I¡¯m the operationmittee member of the festival.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    ¡°We don¡¯t want to lose to Shimdeok Highschool this time, so all the athletics club members decided to be operationsmittee members. This will be myst festival since I won¡¯t be able to go to college.¡±

    ¡°What do we have to do to win?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We need a lot of residents toe to the school festival for the performance on thest day.¡±

    ¡°Are you asking me to call people to the festival?¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil looked at Kang Chan with eyes that asked why he was pretending to not know what she was saying. ¡°I heard that the father of one of the students there runs an entertainment agency, so Shimdeok is inviting So Yoo-Ran and AMP. Don¡¯t you know AMP? It¡¯s an up-anding girl group.¡±

    <i>Phew, what did I expect from meeting this bitch? In the end, she was asking me to call celebrities to the school festival.</i>

    ¡°I heard that our high school has had inquiries from students looking to transfer since we have gotten rid of bullying. For the first time, I find it fun to go to school nowadays, so I wanted to make myst festival cool.¡±

    Shouldn¡¯t she say things like this seriously for it to be convincing? However, she was just perversely sitting back against the chair and swinging her crossed leg.

    ¡°I¡¯ll buy clothes today. Apany me,¡± Heo Eun-Sil continued.

    <i>Does this bitch have something on me that even I am not aware of or has she gone crazy because she can¡¯t act like a delinquent anymore??</i>

    ¡°I only have clothes like this. I¡¯m also trying to wear normal-looking clothes like the other kids, but I really don¡¯t know what to wear at all, so pick them for me,¡± Heo Eun-Sil exined.

    ¡°You can go with Ho-Jun for things like that.¡±

    ¡°How can I trust him? He¡¯s just like me.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know anything else, but he had to at least acknowledge this bitch¡¯s guts.

    ¡°I also didn¡¯t put on makeup because you told me not to,¡± Heo Eun-Sil added.

    Kang Chan was about to get annoyed. He already had a lot of things he had to pay attention to, and here she was thinking of him as a pushover¡­

    ¡°Come with me just for today. I won¡¯t ask you for this kind of favor ever again. I really just want to live an honest life.¡±

    She thought she looked and sounded cute.

    <i>¡®Ha!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Heo Eun-Sil with a profound expression. There was no way for him to know what this bitch was thinking.

    He would rather look into a math textbook.

    ¡°I can¡¯t even choose my own clothes,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That just means you¡¯ll be choosing clothes worn by simpletons, right?¡±

    Kang Chan genuinelyughed this time.

    <i>Fine. Since she ims she wants to live a normal life now that she has quit bullying, why shouldn¡¯t I go with her and help her buy clothes just this once??</i>

    ¡°Where do they sell the clothes that you want?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Tron Square.¡±

    Kang Chan was as tired of that ce as he was of the Namsan Hotel.

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    When Kang Chan stood up, Heo Eun-Sil readily followed him.

    They hailed a taxi, and Kang Chan sat on the passenger¡¯s seat.

    ¡°Tron Square, please,¡± Kang Chan told the driver.

    No one said anything on the way.

    Kang Chan thought he knew what the driver was thinking just by looking at his expression¡ªin the back seat, Heo Eun-Sil was sitting perversely and swinging her crossed legs.

    It was Saturday, so Tron Square was extremely crowded.

    Clothing stores were lined up on the second and third floors, which were connected to a department store. However, they were all expensive.

    ¡°There are cheap clothes inside over there,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said.

    It was hard topare her to Michelle, but Heo Eun-Sil also attracted people¡¯s attention.

    She looked cheap and like a deliquent.

    It would be difficult to clearly disy those two things as this bitch did.

    Unlike his worries, barely anyone recognized Kang Chan.

    Heo Eun-Sil went into a store that was quiterge even for Tron Square standards. The products were cheap, and there were quite a lot of young people inside.

    Behind Heo Eun-Sil, who was choosing clothes, Kang Chan stood nkly.

    Unlike when he went to the department store to buy Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s clothes with Kang Dae-Kyung, Kang Chan felt so suffocated it was as if a rope was tied around his neck.

    ¡°How¡¯s this?¡± Heo Eun-Sil asked.

    ¡°Is that for babies? It¡¯s the same as what you¡¯re wearing right now.¡±

    <i>ng.</i>

    Heo Eun-Sil roughly put down the clothes that she had picked out, then asked, ¡°What about this one?¡±

    ¡°Are you doing this on purpose?¡±

    ¡°Doing what?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s shorter than what you¡¯re wearing right now.¡±

    ¡°This is short?¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil quickly turned around when she saw that the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes had changed.

    ¡°Heo Eun-Sil?¡±

    Even though Kang Chan was calling her, Heo Eun-Sil pretended not to know him.

    ¡°Hey.¡±

    This wasn¡¯t right at all. He just wasted his time.

    Kang Chan apanied her because he remembered the look in the new member¡¯s eyes when he asked Kang Chan for his hat and bandana and because Heo Eun-Sil said that she would live an honest life for once. However, enduring this any longer was difficult.

    Kang Chan was about to turn around and leave.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Heo Eun-Sil suddenly turned around. ¡°I don¡¯t know! I really don¡¯t! That¡¯s why I asked you to help me! I don¡¯t know what to wear because you aren¡¯t choosing clothes for me first! What kind of clothes do you like? What will make me look like a normal kid?!¡±

    Everyone nearby looked at them.

    The look in Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s eyes and her expression seemed to show that she found this situation unfair. She wanted to pick the right clothes, but she was failing at it. Even though Kang Chan didn¡¯t know why this bitch was trying this hard, he could at least clearly tell that she wanted to make this work.

    ¡°Leave,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Heo Eun-Sil reflexively looked at Kang Chan¡¯s right hand, afraid that he would hit her.

    ¡°Get out of the store.¡±

    When Kang Chan took Heo Eun-Sil out of the store, she looked very disappointed.

    On the hallway, they found a bench without a backrest.

    ¡°Sit,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Heo Eun-Sil sat down loudly with a <i>plop</i>, then crossed her legs. She looked as if she felt mistreated as she nced at Kang Chan, who was calling someone.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy! Where are you?

    ¡°I¡¯m at Tron Square. Michelle, I¡¯m sorry to ask this of you, but can you send a wardrobe stylist over?¡±

    - You¡¯re buying clothes, Channy? I¡¯ll go!

    ¡°That¡¯s not it¡ªthere¡¯s this female student who wants to wear normal clothes but can¡¯t choose what to buy. Just let me know if there¡¯s a wardrobe stylist avable since it¡¯ll be ufortable if youe here.¡±

    - Is it your new woman, by any chance?

    ¡°Don¡¯t say unnecessary things.¡± Kang Chan replied tly, making Michelle quickly change her tone.

    - Sorry, Channy. There¡¯s an outdoor shoot at Yeouido and Nonhyeon-dong, so hmm, they¡¯ll get to Tron Square in twenty minutes. Where exactly are you?

    ¡°I¡¯m at the hallway on the second floor.¡±

    - I¡¯ll tell the employee to leave right now. Are you free today? Let¡¯s have dinner together.

    Kang Chan had shown her that he was free.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll call you once I¡¯ve taken care of this.¡±

    - Okay, Channy.

    When he ended the call, Heo Eun-Sil was still sitting with her legs crossed. Her shorts were so short it actually looked as if she wasn¡¯t wearing any bottoms.

    They had to wait twenty minutes.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go smoke a cigarette. Do you want to stay here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you.¡± Heo Eun-Sil stood up.

    They went down the stairs from the second floor and headed to the flower bed where Kang Chan beat up the kidsst time.

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette, then sighed. ¡°Do you want to smoke?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    How could the same ¡°yeah¡± sound so different as an answer? Now that he thought about it, he had never bought Kim Mi-Young a single T-shirt.

    While they were smoking, some people carefully bowed to Kang Chan as they passed by.

    When Kang Chan nced at them, Heo Eun-Sil kindly exined who they were. ¡°They¡¯re the bullies from Shimdeok Highschool.¡±

    They returned to the second floor, and after ten minutes of waiting, the wardrobe stylist arrived.

    ¡°Hello!¡± The employee greeted Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for calling you on a Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. I don¡¯t ever feel like I¡¯m having a hard time whenever I¡¯m at work, Mr. President!¡±

    The wardrobe stylist looked more excited than Heo Eun-Sil, who was the one that was going to buy clothes.

    ¡°Since ourpany is producing a drama that has our actors ying both the lead and supporting roles, the productionpany will be even more powerful for as long as the wardrobe and the makeup employees remain responsible for the lead actors. Not only me, but all the employees have so much energy nowadays that it¡¯s as if we ate mountain ginseng!¡± the employee eximed.

    This was surprising.

    Kang Chan looked for an opportunity to introduce Heo Eun-Sil to the employee, then asked the employee to look for clothes that Heo Eun-Sil could wear regrly.

    .

    ¡°How much are you thinking of spending?¡± the employee asked.

    Kang Chan looked at Heo Eun-Sil, but for the first time, he felt her hesitating. It was just for a really short moment, but Kang Chan remembered what he felt when he was parting ways with the kids that said that they should eat pork cutlets, which was very absurd.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for it, so if it¡¯s not something very expensive, then you don¡¯t have to worry about money,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. President.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil didn¡¯t look at Kang Chan to the end.

    The wardrobe stylist looked around their surroundings with an expression that was hard to tell if she didn¡¯t know or if she was pretending to not know anything about Kang Chan and Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s rtionship. Soon after, she went into a store.

    She did the work of many people by herself very quickly and without problems.

    The wardrobe stylist, who had gone around four stores, instantly made Heo Eun-Sil look normal.

    She didn¡¯t look tacky at all.

    The employee told Heo Eun-Sil how to wear the clothes and which ones to pair together among those that they had bought. The employee also advised her about the different styles she could go with.

    For some reason, Heo Eun-Sil didn¡¯t say unnecessary things and just put on the clothes that the female employee told her to wear and epted the clothes that the employee picked for her.

    The female wardrobe stylist left in less than an hour.

    Honestly, Heo Eun-Sil looked like a different person.

    <i>¡®I should also buy proper clothes.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know that clothes could make a person look this different.

    ¡°Are you satisfied?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Heo Eun-Sil didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°Let¡¯s smoke before we leave,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Shopping around was very tiring.

    Kang Chan went in front of the flower bed again, took out cigarettes, and lit them up with Heo Eun-Sil.

    In any case, they were finally done.

    As Kang Chan thoughtlessly looked around his surroundings, he suddenly had a weird feeling. ncing to his side, he found Heo Eun-Sil crying.

    <i>She¡¯s crying with just a few clothes? Did the wardrobe stylist¡¯s expertise touch her?</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    <i>This bitch tires people out¡­</i>

    ¡°This is the first time,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said, wiping the back of her hand that she used to rub her nose on her butt. ¡°This is the first time someone didn¡¯t request anything after buying clothes for me.¡±

    <i>This crazy bitch¡ªyou should wipe your tears. Why are you only wiping your nose?</i>

    ¡°I hated losing more than dying, but there was nothing that I could do. Every time I tried to do a good job, nobody helped¡­ me. Urgh.¡± Heo Eun-Sil sniffled. She should stand up straight when talking.

    ¡°Give me another cigarette,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said.

    Kang Chan just quickly gave her one.

    ¡°I want to finish the festival nicely. I¡¯ll show the sperm bitches and the bullies from Shimdeok that even I can do a good job. I¡¯ll also try to be a wardrobe stylist.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know who she would be working with, but that actor would be the best in the universe when it came to wearing clothes that made them look vulgar.

    ¡°Give me that unnie¡¯s phone number so I can ask questions and about <i>hagwons</i> that I can go to. Urgh!¡± Heo Eun-Sil said.

    This bitch tired him out so much.

    1. It wasn¡¯t exined, but we think that So Yoo-Ran is a singer in the novel.

    2. mountain ginseng, or ?? has many benefits and has antidiabetic and anticancer effects. It also causes cardiovascr improvements.

 Chapter 115.1: Iéˆ¥æª’l Follow Your Orders (2)

    <h4>Chapter 115.1: I¡¯ll Follow Your Orders (2)</h4>

    Not calling Michelle after Kang Chan sent Heo Eun-Sil home wasn¡¯t polite. He obviously called her, and Michelle also appeared at Tron Square in twenty minutes while attracting a lot of attention.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    The moment Michelle went into his arms, it felt as if a lot of people were looking at him. It seemed some of the people were thinking, ¡®Is that the guy that I saw on TV?¡¯ so he quickly went somewhere else.

    ¡°I brought my car. Let¡¯s go get dinner,¡± Michelle said.

    For as long as he could get out of Tron Square, it was all the same to Kang Chan.

    Michelle had parked the car in the basement parking lot, so they immediately headed to Bang bae-dong.

    ¡°There''s a restaurant frequented mostly by French people,¡± Michelle continued. She was definitely quick-witted.

    On the way to the restaurant, Kang Chan was told that the drama would premiere thising Tuesday and that they were expecting good responses from the viewers.

    ¡°It¡¯s this ce,¡± Michelle said.

    They headed deep into the alley in Bangbae-dong, seemingly burrowing into it. Eventually, they reached a small restaurant that was small enough to make Kang Chan wonder if it was a snack bar. If they didn''t have their menu by the entrance, people would¡¯ve had trouble figuring out that it was a restaurant.

    Heading inside, they found about ten tables. But theyout was simple enough for there to be seven tables for two people.

    They didn¡¯t make a reservation, but since it was still too early to have dinner, they got a seat at the innermost, quiet part of the restaurant.

    The food unexpectedly tasted quite good.

    They had an early dinner while drinking the wine that they ordered.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of inviting your mother to this restaurant,¡± Michelle said.

    Kang Chan looked at Michelle, who was smiling. He wanted to settle something one more time.

    ¡°Michelle, let me be honest. I already like someone. So-Yeon even met her when she came to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°So-Yeon went to the hospital? When?¡± Michelle showed interest in what he said about Eun So-Yeon, who wasn¡¯t really important to the conversation.

    ¡°No wonder! She¡¯s certainly different since she¡¯s an actress,¡± Michelle said afterward.

    ¡°What¡¯s different about her?¡±

    Michelle gave Kang Chan a sly nce. ¡°Channy, you do know that So-Yeon also likes you, right?¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not ill?¡±

    Bursting out withughter just as she was drinking wine, Michelle urgently took a napkin and wiped her mouth.

    ¡°You¡¯re really charming when you¡¯re like this,¡± Michelle said.

    A Frenchman and a Frenchwoman sat down at the table next to them, but Kang Chan and Michelle could stillfortably converse since they didn¡¯t know Korean.

    ¡°She¡¯s not the only one. The wardrobe employees and several actors are probably having a hard time because of you.¡±

    ¡°Stop it. Even if they did like me when they saw me on TV, I¡¯m not interested at all. I don¡¯t like them,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You¡¯re always like that, but that only makes the people who like you even more frustrated.¡±

    Michelle seemed to feel indifferent.

    ¡°Compared to So-Yeon, I think I¡¯m happy. I¡¯ve dated a lot of men in the past, so you should also date a lot of people if you can. However, I¡¯ll only give uppletely if you end up marrying some other woman,¡± Michelle added. She looked as if she found this situation funny.

    ¡°Phew!¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to smoke and have coffee.

    ¡°There¡¯s a bar behind this ce that has a simr atmosphere. Would you like to go there and smoke?¡± Michelle asked. Her tactfulness was amazing.

    After paying for their meal, Kang Chan followed Michelle and went to the wine bar that was right behind the restaurant.

    Kang Chan thought the two establishments should¡¯ve just been one restaurant.

    They went into the narrow alley beside the restaurant, finding a table in a yard that was as small as his palm. They could smoke there without worry.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know that there was this kind of ce in Bangbae-dong. It was somewhere that Yoo Hye-Sook would really like.

    They ordered coffee, then took out a cigarette.

    <i>Yeah, I should take my time enjoying myself just for today.</i>

    Kang Chan became more generous.

    ¡°While I was watching TV, I thought about which one would give me more happiness: not being able to see you ever again, or still getting to meet you but in this situation,¡± Michelle said. She had turned weird since they started filming a drama.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± Michelle added.

    Why was she acting cute? She was very pretty, too.

    ¡°Just allow me to live like this,¡± Michelle continued.

    ¡°Forget about it. I get what you¡¯re saying, so let¡¯s stop here.¡±

    The female employee who brought over their coffee looked at Michelle and Kang Chan strangely, then quickly headed into the bar.

    Michelle was wearing a suit. Clothes like this really suited her well.

    ¡°Right, Channy. If you¡¯re avable tomorrow, then let¡¯s buy some clothes. You looked really good in the suit you wore when you were on TV.¡±

    ¡°Should we do that?¡±

    Even if she didn¡¯t ask, he already thought of buying clothes. He didn¡¯t know which ones would look good on him, though, so Michelle¡¯s suggestion wasn¡¯t bad.

    When the skies darkened, the lights in the yard turned on.

    ¡°Channy, don¡¯t you have desires?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Desires for what?¡±

    ¡°Like making a lot of money or bing famous. Things like that. Isn¡¯t there something that you really want to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    Right now, he wanted to kill Yang Jin-Woo.

    Kang Chan suddenly realized he was living in quite a different world from Michelle. This was going to be difficult for Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Dae-Kyung, and Kim Mi-Young to ept.

    He once again felt surprised that he didn¡¯t have a hard time thinking of killing someone.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I was just thinking about what I want to do.¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re not an ordinary person. You are acquainted with Ambassador Lanok, abruptly appeared on TV, have amazing personal connections, and have lots of money that I sometimes get to see.¡±

    Looking serious, Michelle continued, ¡°However, when I looked at you, you didn¡¯t look happy aplishing any of those things. But did you know that your eyes smile whenever you¡¯re with your mother, when you were eating with your parents at the Namsan Hotel, and when you were at the hospital? While I was looking at you smiling, I thought I really didn¡¯t want to let you slip through my fingers.¡±

    In the end, her conclusion went to that topic¡­

    ¡°Channy, find work that will make you happy. One that can make you smile the same way you do when you¡¯re looking at your mother. I heard that the money you entrusted to Cecile wasn¡¯t little, so at least use some of it. Look for what will really make you happy.¡±

    Her big eyes were filled with truth and desperation.

    ¡°Are you satisfied with what you¡¯re doing right now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, except for one thing.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that? Wait! Don¡¯t answer.¡±

    When he saw the look in her eyes be coquettish, Kang Chan thought he already knew the answer. He felt as if the gender roles had changed.

    ¡°Can I drink wine?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Since Kang Chan had already made time for her, he didn¡¯t want to upset her.

    While they were drinking more wine, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t stop thinking, ¡®What do I really want to do?¡¯

    Thirty minutester, French people had upied a handful of tables.

    The oil candles on the tables were lit, and quiet jazz music yed in the background.

    The atmosphere wasn¡¯t bad.

    Michelle stood up and approached Kang Chan, then sat on top of his leg, seemingly climbing on top of him.

    French people didn¡¯t even bat an eysh at things like this.

    ¡°You¡¯re heavy,¡± Kang Chanined.

    Michelle mischievously wrinkled her nose, then briefly kissed Kang Chan¡¯s nose. ¡°This is my reward for making me worry while you were at the hospital.¡±

    Michelle stretched out her arms and tightly hugged Kang Chan.

    The smell of her skin, the feeling of her chest on his face, the heat from her body, and even her breath that brushed past his hair¡­

    It would be dangerous if they kept this up.

    ¡°Hug me. I was really scared because I thought something would go wrong for you,¡± Michelle said.

    Remembering Michelle crying in the hospital, Kang Chan hugged her.

    ¡°I won''t request for more if we can keep living like this. I¡¯d like it if you stop doing dangerous things like that, though. I¡¯ll even make money for us if I have to and if you¡¯re okay with it,¡± Michelle added.

    Michelle raised her head and looked into Kang Chan with her big blue eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡±

    ¡°Channy, I get really turned on when you act like this.¡± Michelle gave him a mischievous look, kissed his nose one more time, then stood up.

 Chapter 115.2: Iéˆ¥æª’l Follow Your Orders (2)

    <h4>Chapter 115.2: I¡¯ll Follow Your Orders (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan woke up to a calm Sunday, which hadn¡¯t happened in a long time.

    Thanks to Yang Jin-Woo using the underwater tunnel to stir the whole country, Kang Chan rarely got phone calls. Of course, it was a slightly different story for Yoo Hye-Sook.

    They had toast, milk, omelets, coffee, and tea for breakfast.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked happy as she ate the breakfast that Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan prepared.

    The Chiffre was selling well, and work for the Foundation was also making great progress.

    ¡°What are your ns for today, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of buying clothes with Michelleter.¡±

    ¡°Clothes?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Ones that arefortable. I¡¯ll also buy a suit since I keep having to go to stern formal events.¡±

    ¡°I see! You definitely need those. Do you have money? Should I give you some?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I get a sry from D.I.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook drank tea as she nodded in response to Kang Chan¡¯s excuse that he had just made up¡­

    ¡°Mother, what would you like me to do in the future?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at him with perplexed eyes, perhaps because the question came out of nowhere.

    ¡°Honestly I¡¯m not really sure what I like to do and what I should do for a living in the future,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Did you think of that just now?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Michelle asked me about it yesterday, and I couldn¡¯t answer. Now I¡¯m curious about what you two think about it.¡±

    When Kang Dae-Kyung received a look from Yoo Hye-Sook, he smiled widely. ¡°I forget that you¡¯re a high schooler when I look at you sometimes, but now that you¡¯ve said something like that, you finally seem like one.¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan smiling softly, Kang Dae-Kyung continued with a gentle expression. ¡°If you don¡¯t know what you want to do in the future yet, then just focus on the present. What are you so worried about? You¡¯re still young. Figuring out what you really want to do and who you want to spend the rest of your life with takes time.¡±

    ¡°You should go to university first,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled as if he knew that she would say something like that. ¡°So take your time thinking about it so you¡¯ll end up doing something that you really want to do and marry someone you really love.¡±

    ¡°Is what you¡¯re doing right now something that you wanted to do?¡± Kang Chan blurted out, not really having any specific purpose. He didn¡¯t even intend to ask the question.

    ¡°After being discharged from the military, making your mom happy was what I wanted to do the most.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect such an answer.

    ¡°For me, it didn¡¯t matter what I did for a living. I would be happy for as long as I got to start and protect a family with your mom. That¡¯s why there¡¯s only really one thing that made me think, ¡®I should really do that.¡¯¡±

    ¡°What was that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Marrying your mom.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t believe that he could say something like that so seriously.

    Kang Chan looked to the side, finding Yoo Hye-Sook looking awkward but touched at the same time.

    ¡°Regardless of what kind of woman you date, if it¡¯s someone you love, then your mom and I are satisfied. The same goes for your job as well. However, we do wish that you don¡¯t do something or date someone who will make us worry. You understand, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan was thankful that he could talk about something like this with his father. He also thought that he wanted to be like Kang Dae-Kyung as a father.

    ¡°Let¡¯s clean this up,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle this,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook offered.

    ¡°Hey! We¡¯re just cleaning up after a meal on Sunday. Don¡¯t take away the joy that I get from doing this with our son.¡±

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    Kang Chan quickly stood up and cleaned up the tes because he thought that he would cringe because of the look in their eyes and the way they talked.

    After they finished cleaning up, Kang Chan got changed and went out to the living room.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Okay, Channy. Have fun,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Have fun,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook sent off Kang Chan and walked over to the living room. ¡°Honey, our Channy grew up again, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°You think so? I¡¯ve been feeling as if Channy was about ten years older than his agetely, but now, for the first time in so long, I was reminded that he¡¯s still a teenager.¡±

    ¡°Honey! If Channy is ten years older, wouldn¡¯t that make him twenty-nine right now?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s been a lot of times when I felt that he was,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung continued, ¡°So I doubt I would be that surprised even if he says that he¡¯ll get married right this instant.¡±

    ¡°Who would he marry? He wouldn¡¯t marry Michelle by any chance, would he? Honey?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with thatdy?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook, who was in front of Kang Dae-Kyung, looked worried. ¡°She¡¯s older, and she¡¯s also a foreigner.¡±

    ¡°Oh dear, madam. Didn¡¯t you see how Channy treats thatdy? He totally treats her like a child. Let¡¯s stop talking about who Channy likes. Even if he says he¡¯s marrying Mi-Young, I think you¡¯ll still worry.¡±

    ¡°Why would I be worried about her?¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t look too happy talking to Mi-Young¡¯s mom.¡±

    ¡°I was just worried that she would give Channy a hard time because she was putting on airs,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook exined.

    ¡°See? You already even thought about it,¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled, and Yoo Hye-Sook yfully side-eyed him.

    ¡°Honey, how hard would it have been for us if my mother-inw was against our rtionship while you waited for me and when you gave up studying abroad because of me? Just as she did for us, let¡¯s not get greedy and ask too much from our Channy. While we wait for him to return from the military, let¡¯s practice bing selfless and respecting his choices,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung added.

    Kang Dae-Kyung then stroked Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s back, who looked upset.

    ***

    Kang Chan met up with Michelle and headed to the department store to buy things such as clothes, shoes, and sneakers. He started with suits from so-called luxury brands, then boughtfortable clothes that would be okay for him to wear when he met Lanok, but the prices for those were beyond imagination.

    Honestly, Kang Chan wondered if it was right to spend this much on clothes.

    ¡°You can mix and match the clothes that you¡¯ve been wearing until now with the clothes you bought today,¡± Michelle said, so Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything about it.

    Two hourster, Kang Chan waspletely exhausted. It was as if he ran nonstop for about half the day.

    ¡°Let¡¯s buy some clothes for your mother this time, Channy,¡± Michelle suggested.

    ¡°For my mother?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯ll be upset if you just go home on this kind of day. You should also buy a tie for your father.¡±

    Was that true? It was something that he never thought about, but he was honestly thankful that she was being considerate.

    ¡°Channy, I¡¯ll buy the clothes for your parents.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not do that¡ªyou already chose clothes for me.¡±

    ¡°Treat me to lunch in return, then.¡±

    Kang Chan found it difficult to stop her since she said that it was to show her sincerity.

    The long shopping spree ended there.

    Kang Chan wanted to eat Korean food because he had been eating Western food since breakfast. However, since he was treating her to lunch, he decided to just eat what Michelle wanted to have.

    Michelle parked the car near Hannam-dong.

    ¡°The Yukgaejang here is good,¡± Michellemented.

    Kang Chan smirked, thinking she read his mind.

    They enjoyed their delicious lunch, then had tea at a nearby cafe. The sunlight during the leisurely Sunday afternoon wasn¡¯t bad.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go now,¡± Kang Chan said afterward.

    Michelle obediently stood up from her seat. Even though Kang Chan thought that she was being clingy, she treated himfortably at times like this.

    ¡°Hug me right now because I won¡¯t be able to hug you in front of your house,¡± Michelle said.

    She wasn¡¯t suffering from ack of love, but when he reached out and hugged her, Michelle buried her face in his chest.

    ¡°You won¡¯t do something that will make me worried again, will you?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Why would I do something like that?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get hurt, Channy.¡± Michelle gently pushed herself away from Kang Chan, then held his hand.

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to arrive in front of Kang Chan¡¯s house.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talkter, Channy.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan got out of the car with the clothes and immediately went up to his house.

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Yoo Hye-Sook, who was watching TV, greeted Kang Chan at the entrance.

    ¡°Did you have fun? Are those what you bought today?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan put down the shopping bag in front of the entrance, then looked for the clothes he bought for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°What else did you buy?¡±

    Kang Chan found and handed over the clothes he bought for them to Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Michelle bought these for you two. She said that this is for father, and this is for mother.¡±

    ¡°Michelle did?¡±

    The unexpected present seemed to have caught Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook by surprise.

    Kang Chan left his clothes in his room and headed back out, finding his parents unwrapping their clothes.

    ¡°Oh my! This is really pretty! What do you think, honey?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°It suits you!¡±

    The blouse that Yoo Hye-Sook was holding looked sophisticated, even to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yours is a tie? Michelle has great taste. I should really go to Dongdaemun with her next time,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented.

    This was what Michelle was talking about.

    While looking at his parents, who appeared to be satisfied with what they got, he thought that he should¡¯ve bought some more for them.

    ¡°Channy, would you like to have some fruits?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked afterward.

    ¡°Should I?¡±

    Kang Chan thought it wouldn¡¯t be bad to enjoy the leisurely Sunday afternoon with his family as well, which he hadn¡¯t done in a long time.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It seems like there has been a massive earthquake in the deep waters of the Antic and Pacific Oceans. Due to the tsunami watch, the beaches across Hawaii and Europe are in an uproar,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung exined.

    As Yoo Hye-Sook brought over fruits and peeled them, Kang Dae-Kyung exined the news that was being reported on TV.

    If something was on the news nowadays, then it broke the record.

    ¡°ording to the news, there has never been an earthquake as wide and strong as this one, and two earthquakes have never urred at the same time in two seas. Since the entire tectonic tes could shake if things go wrong, they report that ces like Los Angeles and Hawaii and some small inds are worried that they might cease to exist,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung added.

    No matter how bad it was, it wouldn¡¯t be as dangerous as Yang Jin-Woo.

    Kang Chan handed the oriental melon to Kang Dae-Kyung and ate a slice.

    If not for the massive tsunami, he wished an earthquake like that to happen between South Korea and Japan as well.

    1. Hannam-dong is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in South Korea. It has been continuously shown in South Korean content as a wealthy and luxurious area

 Chapter 116: It begins now (1)

    <h4>Chapter 116: It begins now (1)</h4>

    Monday.

    After Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook went to work, Kang Chan sat in the living room and suddenly felt a sense of being detached from the rest of the world.

    ¡°I should get some work done.¡±

    Kang Chan had just decided to take care of Yang Jin-Woo when he received a call from Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    -Mr. Kang Chan, if it¡¯s all right with you, can we meet in my office?

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m on my way.¡±

    Their conversation ended without the typical formalities.

    Assuming Kim Hyung-Jung had something important to say, Kang Chan immediately changed clothes. He then left the apartmentplex, got into the back of a taxi, and watched the passing view outside.

    The streets were peaceful.

    Project Unicorn, terrorist attacks, the underwater tunnel, earthquakes, and tsunamis¡ªthe monotony of daily life swallowed these significant events discussed on the news, creating a blissful ignorance.

    Special agents suffered wretched deaths in Mongolia to create and protect the country¡¯s peace. However, Huh Ha-Soo betrayed his nation, and bastards like Yang Jin-Woo killed the powerless while enjoying wealthy andvish lifestyles.

    Was he born again to protect themon citizens from those sons of bitches?

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°How grand,¡± he said without realizing it.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± the driver asked.

    ¡°I was just talking to myself about the nice weather.¡±

    ¡°Sure is. I can smell autumn in the mornings and evenings now.¡±

    The elderly driver nced at Kang Chan through the rearview mirror.

    ¡°Suits like that must be expensive, huh?¡±

    ¡°This?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t reply right away. This attire, which he had bought with Michelle, definitely wasn¡¯t cheap even ording to his standards.

    ¡°My son was recently employed. I want to get him a suit, but it¡¯s not easy. He¡¯s short and chubby like me. The least I can do is dress him up well, but goodness, it¡¯s hard with my paycheck.¡±

    The driver¡¯s expression was filled with pride, yet it was also filled with regret for not being able to give his son an expensive outfit.

    ¡°Your son must have gotten a nice job.¡±

    ¡°Samjeong,¡± the driver replied and peeked back.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t aware of how nice a job like that was, but it was harder to pretend not to notice the driver¡¯s expectant eyes.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing.¡±

    ¡°Everyone says that, but we¡¯ll have to see. Huhuhu.¡±

    He looked happy.

    The driver praised his son a few times more before they arrived at Samseong-Dong.

    ¡°Thank you. Have a good day.¡±

    ¡°You too, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan paid the fare, thinking the driver was ten million times better than Yang Jin-Woo as a father.

    Sure enough, the door opened the moment he stepped on the fifth floor.

    ¡°Wee, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re not waiting around to see when I arrive, so how do you open the door for me every time?¡±

    ¡°We have an employee whose job is to monitor the building,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied as he led Kang Chan in.

    That made sense.

    After closing the door, Kim Hyung-Jung brought over coffee and sat across from Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s smoke first.¡±

    They lit the tips of their cigarettes.

    ¡°To be honest, I was nning to submit a letter of resignation. I would rather quit and take care of Yang Jin-Woo myself than lose you,¡± he said with intense resolve in his eyes. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know if the man was obstinate or just simple-minded.

    Kim Hyung-Jung reciprocated Kang Chan¡¯s light smile.

    ¡°I already told the Director of the National Intelligence Service. I used your name and said ¡®that¡¯s what Mr. Kang Chan wanted me to deliver,¡¯ so you have to exin this properly.¡±

    ¡°Why are you beating around the bush?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s this thing called the Grand Circle.¡±

    ¡°Grand Circle?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s an organization of chaebols and politicians that collude with each other. Depending on their motives, they would even use methods like marriage to establish rtionships with each other.¡±

    What bullshit. Did they think they were living in the Middle Ages?

    ¡°For those with endless greed for power and wealth, entering the Grand Circle means getting to enjoy generational wealth.¡±

    ¡°Whew! Don¡¯t chaebols and politicians already live infort? I don¡¯t understand why they still have to do such a thing.¡±

    ¡°Probably to protect their riches. I presume they wish to eternally benefit from their fortune amid new political powers and citizens bing more conscious.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why the opposition party objected to the Eurasian Rail so profusely.¡±

    Frowning, Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo stands at the top of the Grand Circle. His recently deceased daughters-inw and son-inw were children from the top chaebol families, and one was the daughter of the former prime minister.

    Kang Chan felt apologetic to the dead, but that was fucked up.

    ¡°That¡¯s part of why eliminating Yang Jin-Woo can¡¯t be done rashly. If something goes wrong, you may have to fight against everyone with vested interests. Currently, it would be difficult to handle them if they temporarily move their businesses and fortunes overseas and pose political challenges as well.¡±

    ¡°Can businesses be moved in that manner?¡±

    ¡°Yes, and they can even sell the vendorpanies that are essential for our everyday life abroad.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t quite understand what Kim Hyung-Jung was saying.

    ¡°If they sell thepanies that are necessary for our daily lives overseas, costs will inte.¡±

    ¡°Is that possible?¡±

    ¡°The privatepanies that purchased patents from the government during past political eras can do that because they have a monopoly. Gas, for example.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll coborate to set up apany abroad and attempt to control things from overseas. Meanwhile, within Korea, they¡¯ll find a reason to impeach the president.¡±

    ¡°Whew!¡±

    Kang Chan lifted his cigarette, finding the topic frustrating to listen to.

    ¡°What I¡¯m about to tell you is something that neither the President nor the Prime Minister knows. It¡¯s an independent action on the Director¡¯s part.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung took a deep breath, then continued with a rigid expression. ¡°He has decided to form a special team that¡¯s positioned above thew to eliminate people who support terrorist attacks within the Grand Circle, like Yang Jin-Woo, and politicians who sell our military¡¯s secrets like Huh Ha-Soo.¡±

    Not even the cigarette could make Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s expression rx.

    ¡°I will take responsibility. If any scandals arise as a result of this decision, it will be due to my independent judgment. The Director agreed to take responsibility as well. We three are the only ones who know about this.¡±

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh.

    ¡°If things go awry, you¡¯ll be wrongly framed as a murderer and might still be criticized even after death.¡±

    ¡°I recall you being just as determined when you said you¡¯d kill Yang Jin-Woo and leave for France.¡±

    Society and the taxi driver who drove Kang Chan here wouldn¡¯t know that people like them existed.

    ¡°Your strength is undoubtedly required for this task. Will you assist us?¡±

    Kang Chan smiled wryly, and Kim Hyung-Jung smiled simrly in response.

    ¡°The thought of being able to create the country that I dream about excites me. I despise how the citizens suffer over expensive electricity bills while businesses rake in trillions of won. I resent how a select few fill their wallets by controlling services that should be run by the government. If it means our citizens get to live in a country where the bare necessities of medical care are guaranteed and no one takes their life because it¡¯s too taxing, I¡¯ll willingly walk the path to hell now.¡±

    It was a fine aspiration, but it all sounded too grand to Kang Chan.

    ¡°I will definitely connect the Eurasian Rail to create a South Korea where citizens are happy and grateful to be born.¡±

    The tension on Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s face didn¡¯t ease up.

    ¡°Surely you¡¯ll help me?¡±

    He wanted to hear Kang Chan¡¯s answer and gain certainty.

    ¡°I just wanted to kill Yang Jin-Woo, so how did it get blown out of proportion like this?¡±

    ¡°Even if we kill him, others will spring up like mushrooms and sh with you.¡±

    This matter wouldn¡¯t end so easily. It would require getting their hands dirty with blood again and again. Moreover, initiating it meant Kang Chan would have to say goodbye to his dream of living a normal life.

    He didn¡¯t know what he was going to do with his future, but at the very least, he wanted to be the pir of his own family, just like Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Would Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, and Kim Mi-Young understand and ept this decision? It could mean making them live with fingers pointed at them for the rest of their lives. What if he lost the battle against those with vested interests?

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook would face a more miserable death than the sisters Yang Jin-Woo killed.

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Could he ignore the determination of a man with eyes like that? With Kim Hyung-Jung now having brought a solution to the table, could Kang Chan still back out after he had condemned the man for acting like a coward a few days ago in this exact office?

    If this was his fate, and this was the reason why some of the people he had met died in battle¡­ then the answer was yes. He would confidently stand against them.

    ¡°Can you include Seok Kang-Ho?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the person in charge, aren¡¯t I? I didn¡¯t report this to the Director either.¡±

    ¡°Starting today, that bastard Yang Jin-Woo will be having a hard time sleeping.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung held out his hand.

    Although it made Kang Chan feel awkward, he still grabbed it and shook hands with him. It wasn¡¯t like he could refuse.

    After that, they discussed their strategy.

    Their immediate financial necessities would be covered by the ten billion won allocated for the Unicorn Project, and Kim Hyung-Jung would procure the necessary weapons and tools through unofficial channels.

    Kim Hyung-Jung informed Kang Chan of a few other matters before spreading out pictures and documents from a yellow folder.

    ¡°The French Information Bureau provided these materials. This one is the data on the ten guards that Yang Jin-Woo has around him.¡±

    Kang Chan flipped through the documents.

    The guards receivedmissioned education in Russia, and a few of them had been dispatched as agents to the Arabian Penins before, among other locations.

    ¡°It won¡¯t be easy.¡±

    ¡°I was surprised as well when I saw their experience. Right, also, Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s remaining three sons all have divorce suits going.¡±

    What was this now?

    As he watched Kang Chan down the rest of his coffee, Kim Hyung-Jung exined the situation.

    ¡°They probably realized something was wrong, considering chaebols all have their own sources of information as well. They¡¯re probably trying to show that this is irrelevant to them. It¡¯s along the lines of ¡®we¡¯ll cut off ties, so don¡¯t touch us.¡¯¡±

    Those motherfuckers.

    Kang Chan smiled dryly.

    ***

    Yang Jin-Woo was looking out the window with puffed-out cheeks reminiscent of a pouting toad.

    <i>Beep!</i>

    The inte in his office rang.

    <i>Click.?</i>

    He pressed a button.

    -Assemblyman Huh Sang-Soo, Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo, and their assistant Kwak Do-Young aren¡¯t picking up. The only thing the assemblyman¡¯s office told me is that he¡¯s absent.

    The short report was delivered in a careful tone.

    Yang Jin-Woo lifted his hand from the inte without bothering to reply.

    ¡°Do they think the underwater tunnel isn¡¯t going to cut it?¡±

    His hands and feet were being tied up.

    Even if he had a lobbying fund of ten trillion won at his disposal, it was only useful if someone was willing to take it. On top of that, his children¡¯s spouses had them in court for divorce.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I have to suffer this humiliation because of Moon Jae-Hyun, that lowly punk. Ha, hahaha.¡±

    In contrast with the sound of hisughter, Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s eyes glinted sharply.

    <i>Click.?</i>He pressed the inte button again.

    -Yes, Chairman Yang.

    ¡°Assemble a meeting with the directors. Every single one.¡±

    -Yes, sir.

    Releasing the button, Yang Jin-Woo palmed his forehead and looked in front of the door.

    ¡°Tell Mr. Kanemaru to proceed as nned.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hai!</i>¡± Kotaro replied with a bow.

    Yang Jin-Woo continued, ¡°Now that things havee to this point, eliminate that boy and his parents immediately. I trust you can do it?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s only a high-schooler, sir.¡±

    ¡°The security detail around him isn¡¯t ordinary. Never let your guard down.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you what an elite agent is capable of.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo nodded.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho stepped into the coffee shop at the intersection, then nodded and headed straight for the counter. The terrace was teeming because it was already evening, making it difficult to speak of critical matters.

    ¡°We won¡¯t get to talk properly here. It¡¯s too noisy,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled, bringing over iced coffee.

    He wasn¡¯t exaggerating. They could hear the words being spoken at the table next to them quite clearly.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s just wait for now and grab dinner when he arrives.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Captain, do you have about a billion won?¡±

    Why was this punk talking about money?

    ¡°I¡¯ve given up on thend we tried to buy, but I want to buy a nice little building.¡±

    ¡°A building?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s spend the money we have right now to buy a building together. It will eliminate the need for us to travel around to coffee shops like this, and we can also use the rent we get as pocket money.¡±

    It was an enticing suggestion.

    ¡°No need to use your money then. I still have mine.¡±

    ¡°What do you think, though? We can put together a gym, and if we set up an office, we¡¯ll also be able to take care of everything there without having to go around ces.¡±

    ¡°Are there any you¡¯ve been looking at?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t rush and lose the money likest time.¡±

    ¡°Hey! Please forget about that.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sipped his iced coffee looking abashed. Soon after, Smithen entered, attracting the attention of everyone inside.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    ¡°Sit.¡±

    ¡°Let me just get some coffee first.¡±

    His Korean pronunciation was awkward, but he could now clearly deliver what he was trying to say.

    A whileter, Smithen sat down with a cup of coffee.

    ¡°There¡¯s no news about Yang Jin-Wooing.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s probably not in the mood right now.¡±

    ¡°I heard he stilles once or twice a year.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked surprised at Smithen¡¯s response.

    ¡°Your Korean has improved a ton.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m smarter than you,¡± Smithen replied smugly.

    ¡°What did you just say, you son of a bitch?¡±

    ¡°I said cursing is bad.¡±

    ¡°Enough.¡± Kang Chan cut them off.

    A Caucasian man and a sturdy-looking Korean man exchanging profanities definitely caught the eyes of the people around.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t had dinner yet, have you?¡±

    ¡°I certainly have not.¡±

    Smithen¡¯s reply was a little strange, but he got the point across.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat. What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Pork galbi.¡±

    What has this bastard been going around doing? As Kang Chan looked at him curiously, Smithen stood up.

    They headed to a restaurant that had a selection of pork galbi, Smithen¡¯s choice.

    The blonde, blue-eyed American wrapped pieces of meat in lettuce and stuffed them in his mouth, then washed them down with Bomb shots.

    ¡°Ajumma, some spicy peppers and gochujang please.¡±

    People looked at him again as he raised his hand to order.

    ¡°Your Korean¡¯s great.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, pretty ajumma.¡±

    ¡°You talk so kindly too. Do you need anything else?¡±

    ¡°Will you give us soybean paste soupter, ma¡¯am?¡±

    Smithen continued chattering. Kang Chan deeply sighed as he looked at him.

    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve seen you somewhere. Are you a celebrity?¡±

    ¡°I must resemble someone. Another beer, please.¡±

    Kang Chan put in another order to divert the waitress¡¯ attention elsewhere.

    ¡°Smithen.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Captain,¡± Smithen responded with yet another weird phrase after stuffing more meat into his mouth.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to associate with Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s women anymore.¡±

    Smithen swallowed his food with a troubled face.

    ¡°Captain, I would like to spend two months or so cutting them off slowly rather than doing it instantly. I hope that would be alright¡±

    ¡°You take care of it.¡±

    ¡°My, that is a relief, sir.¡±

    His speech sounded somewhat feminine, likely due to having learned from a woman.

    ¡°Daye, my ss is empty.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho scowled, then carefully observed Kang Chan¡¯s mood while pouring him some alcohol.

    ¡°Captain, please, I would like to know.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Please, what do you n to do now?¡±

    That rough voice speaking in such a feminine manner started to get on Kang Chan¡¯s nerves.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of calling it off,¡± he said.

    ¡°Call it off?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m quitting,¡± Kang Chan rified.

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed surprised, and Smithen seemed to doubt Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take things easy. All this is bothersome.¡±

    He was feeling full and wanted to leave the restaurant, but Smithen stood up only after scarfing down some rice mixed with soybean paste soup.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Take it easy and tie loose ends properly.¡±

    ¡°I will, sir.¡±

    Smithen left with a regretful expression. Meanwhile, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed back to the coffee shop. It was a lot quieter than before.

    ¡°You¡¯re not really thinking of taking your hands off Yang Jin-Woo, are you?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho brought two drinks over and slid closer to Kang Chan.

    ¡°I just said that because Smithen was around. Actually¡­¡±

    Kang Chan told him what he had discussed with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°That''s a total elite squad. Mr. Kim has guts I wasn¡¯t aware of.¡±

    ¡°The n is to eliminate Yang Jin-Woo as soon as we find a way to do it. I have also been getting a bad feeling, so be careful for the time being.¡±

    ¡°Gotcha.¡± Seok Kang-Ho grinned in satisfaction.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s smile instantly disappeared at Kang Chan¡¯s low voice.

    ¡°I have a bad feeling. Stay alert and be wary of your surroundings.¡±

    ¡°That bad?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling it since this afternoon. Something¡¯s off.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful, so don¡¯t worry. Let¡¯s finish him off quickly.¡±

    ¡°Definitely.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced around.

    1. ¡®Yes!¡¯ in Japanese

 Chapter 117: It begins now (2)

    <h4>Chapter 117: It begins now (2)</h4>

    Tuesday.

    Waking up at dawn, Kang Chan left the house, much like he always did. The brisk air of morning break was already hinting at autumn.

    ¡°Whew.¡±

    He stretched his muscles, which had stiffened overnight. While pulling his right arm with his left and pretending to twist his body, he scanned his surroundings.

    Someone was observing him.

    He only saw a few people heading to work early, but no one seemed particrly suspicious.

    <i>¡®I can¡¯t even exercisefortably because of this son of a bitch.¡¯</i>

    He didn¡¯t want to skip his workout, though.

    After examining his surroundings a few more times, he warily left the apartmentplex. However, the unpleasant feeling made it difficult to focus on running.

    Running defenselessly despite knowing someone was out for you was as foolish as jogging in the middle of a battlefield.

    Kang Chan slowed down to a walk after running a kilometer.

    Choi Jong-Il was somewhere out there, but agents could eliminate him in one strike. Moreover, in this situation, ground-to-air missiles were already being brought into y. His gut feeling meant shit if the game were to end with a single bullet.

    He frowned and let out a deep breath. That was enough of his workout for now.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m using the sidewalk, so I probably won¡¯t get hit by a car.¡¯</i>

    However, just as he turned toward the apartmentplex¡¯s entrance¡­ <i>Vrrrrrrrroom.?</i>He whipped around at the harsh engine noise, finding a motorcycle sweeping past him.

    <i>¡®So that¡¯s the punk.¡¯</i>

    It was all his gut.

    These kinds of things took ce duringbat too. Enemies opened fire without any specific target, but their purpose wasn¡¯t to kill the opponent. Rather, it was to keep them tense and wear them out.

    Only one bastard would do this.

    ¡°This is how you¡¯reing at me?¡±

    He chuckled and went up home.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook weren¡¯t up yet. He quietly entered his room and called Seok Kang-Ho first.

    The call rang for a bit before Seok Kang-Ho finally picked up.

    <i>-What¡¯s wrong?</i>

    He seemed to have woken up just now, considering he frantically answered and he still sounded hoarse.

    ¡°I think Yang Jin-Woo is after me. Since you participated in the security that day and we meet often, they probably know about you as well.¡±

    <i>-They¡¯re making their move this early?</i>

    He sounded so hoarse Kang Chan wanted to make him drink some water.

    ¡°Some guy passed by me on a motorcycle, and I think it¡¯s them. Be careful when you¡¯re on the streets. It¡¯s the end of both of us if we get into a car ident or get sent to prison.¡±

    <i>-That son of a¡ª! Ahem, got it. Anything else?</i>

    ¡°Who is it?¡± someone sleepily asked over at Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s side.

    ¡°Nothing, aside from the fact that I didn¡¯t get to work out.¡±

    -Okay. Let¡¯s talkter.

    Kang Chan hung up and shook off his bad mood. Afterward, he started to exercise in his room. He would shower earlier than normal today.

    When he came out into the living room, Yoo Hye-Sook wasing out of the bedroom.

    ¡°Son!¡±

    She looked at the clock in the living room, her face flustered.

    ¡°I just worked out in my room today.¡±

    ¡°Why? Are you not feeling well?¡±

    ¡°No. I just wanted to take a break for a day.¡±

    He smiled at her, then headed inside the bathroom.

    <i>¡®I¡¯ll do what you want.¡¯</i>

    Since the Yang Jin-Woo still had the Japanese agents and two other organizations like Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s at his disposal, he probably wanted to exert some power.

    Yang Jin-Woo wouldn¡¯t be willing to back out or yield, considering he knew of a method that could provide greater peace of mind. Once this kind of battle began, nothing good would arise from dragging things out.

    If he was being targeted, then that meant Kang Dae-Gyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were as well.

    After showering, he helped Yoo Hye-Sook prepare breakfast. Afterward, he ate together with Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Have a good day.¡±

    ¡°Bye, son.¡±

    ¡°See you in the evening.¡±

    When the two left for work, he immediately dialed Kim Hyung-Jung and informed him that he would be going to the office in Samseong-Dong.

    ***

    Kang Chan exined the events that transpired earlier that morning to Kim Hyung-Jung, who brought over some coffee.

    ¡°Hmm, since you¡¯re the one saying that, you¡¯re probably right.¡±

    Knowing what happened at the international hotel, Kim Hyung-Jung nodded in agreement.

    ¡°You know Yang Jin-Woo has two other organizations like Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s, don¡¯t you, Mr. Kim?¡±

    ¡°That information was in the materials I showed you during yourst visit.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s attack them today,¡± dered Kang Chan.

    Kim Hyung-Jung abruptly looked up from his coffee cup.

    ¡°The fact that they¡¯re targeting me means they¡¯re prepared and ready. We¡¯ll lose if we spend too much time thinking about this.

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t reply.

    ¡°How many times have you lost already? Let¡¯s do things my way.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± mused Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kang Chan pulled out a cigarette. Looking stiff, Kim Hyung-Jung did the same as well.

    ¡°They have a lot more men.¡±

    ¡°As long as we have you, Seok Kang-Ho, and me, an organization like Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s doesn¡¯t stand a chance.¡±

    ¡°What about the aftermath?¡±

    The conversation paused. Kim Hyung-Jung flicked the lighter on.

    ¡°You said it doesn''t matter if we¡¯re not inside the boundaries of thew. Why else would they not be able to report the incident with Cho Il-Kwon and Yoon Bong-Sup? I n on making the agentse here, so let¡¯s beat the evidence out of them.¡±

    ¡°All ten of them?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked, ¡°Do you think you can take on that many?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easily worth a try.¡±

    Even though Kang Chan grinned, Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s expression remained solemn.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, this could reveal how the surface-to-air missile was acquired. That will be the end of Yang Jin-Woo.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s done within the boundaries of thew.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re truly hard to predict, Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung sighed as if admitting his defeat. ¡°Let¡¯s call Choi Jong-Il.¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head at the unexpected proposal.

    ¡°I heard he already provided assistance in dealing with Yoon Bong-Sup and Cho Il-Kwon.¡±

    ¡°I thought only you and the director were aware of this.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Mr. Seok know as well? That agent of ours went as far as submitting a resignation letter, so he¡¯ll take part this time as well.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung lifted his phone and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°If it makes you ufortable, I¡¯ll tell him I was tasked with this business.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just worried their futures will be ruined after getting involved with something they don¡¯t have to.¡±

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il has been my subordinate for a while now. If he knows I left him out of this mission, he¡¯ll resent me quite a bit.¡±

    ¡°He might say no.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Kim Tae-Jin and I went around shing the throats of our enemies at the DMZ. Back then, for every neck I slit, I thought that our country was no longer looked down upon. It¡¯s for our citizens who sent their precious sons to the military. That¡¯s also why I entered the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan with determined eyes.

    ¡°If there¡¯s anything dirty that has to be cleaned for the benefit of our country, I¡¯ll do it with my own hands.¡±

    ¡°I acknowledge your resolve.¡±

    ¡°I know Choi Jong-Il. I practically taught him. What¡¯s more, this task involves Japanese agents. Our agents will never fall short against them.¡±

    The atmosphere was a little strange, but it wasn¡¯t unpleasant.

    ¡°Go ahead and call them.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung dialed a number with a satisfied look.

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s me. All three of youe on up. Oh! You know that coffee shop out front? Grab some americanos. One for Mr. Kang Chan, too.¡±

    Putting the phone down, Kim Hyung-Jung sipped his now-room-temperature coffee and took in a deep breath.

    ¡°This is embarrassing, Mr. Kang Chan, but I¡¯ve been suffering from nightmares every day since I returned from Mongolia. It¡¯s the same dream every time. The moment I step into the mountains, a countless number of wolves dash forward and tear me apart.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung fiddled with the lighter.

    ¡°I wanted to apologize to the agents who are already gone and kill all the bastards connected to their deaths. If that wasn¡¯t possible, I wanted to at least travel around brutal battlefields.¡±

    He had wanted to die on the battlefield out of guilt. Kang Chan understood how he felt.

    ¡°But it seems like my job has embeddedws and regtions into me. I¡¯m trapped inside those limits. If I had orders to assassinate someone from an enemy nation, I would¡¯ve done it in a breath. However, my mind still perceives Yang Jin-woo as a citizen of South Korea who has to be protected ording to thew.¡±

    <i>Rap rap rap.?</i>

    Someone knocked on the door although Kang Chan didn¡¯t hear anyone outside. The room¡¯s soundproof walls were incredible.

    Kim Hyung-Jung stood up.

    ¡°From now on, I will consider Yang Jin-woo as a spy dispatched by an enemy nation.¡±

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door after he was done talking. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee entered.

    Lee Doo-Hee set five cups of coffee on the table.

    Kang Chan grinned, feeling d to see them.

    ¡°Sit.¡±

    The three bowed and, at Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s order, sat around the table.

    ¡°I have a special mission.¡±

    He got straight to the point.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be assassinating a key figure, and the country and the National Intelligence Service will not acknowledge the mission as per usual. The figure is so influential that if we fail, the pain it could cause to our families is unimaginable. Make your choice.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il spoke without even a moment¡¯s hesitation.

    ¡°Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to my country.¡±

    Did they practice responses beforehand? Kang Chan just watched on.

    ¡°Who¡¯s the target?¡±

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you guys saying anything?¡±

    ¡°We deemed it unnecessary because our team leader has spoken for us,¡± responded Woo Hee-Seung. Lee Doo-Hee just nodded.

    ¡°The target is Yang Jin-Woo.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il looked satisfied.

    ¡°Ranks don¡¯t matter anymore. Let¡¯s speak more casually.¡±

    With that, the mood instantly changed. The men sipped coffee and smoked cigarettes.

    The smoke all five of them exhaled was sucked in by the ceiling¡¯s venttor like a whirlpool.

    ¡°Do you have a strategy already?¡±

    ¡°There are two more private organizations like Yoon Bong-Sup¡¯s. We¡¯ll attack them today, collect as much information as we can, and deal with the ten agents who came in from Japan.¡±

    ¡°Are we allowed to kill?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not necessary when ites to the gangsters, but that¡¯s the n for the Japanese agents.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung strode to his desk and brought over a few documents.

    ¡°These are Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s remaining organizations. There¡¯s almost no information on them, likely because Yang Jin-Woo himself manages them.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re houses.¡±

    In Kang Chan¡¯s hand was a picture of a two-story house with arge garden.

    ¡°One¡¯s in Seongnam, and the other is in Hannam-Dong. They¡¯ll probably contact the other if one¡¯s attacked.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s statement made the others in the room look at him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s attack Hannam-Dong first. The Japanese agents will probably join the frontlines when we head to Seongnam. They outnumber us, and they also have pride as agents.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea.¡±

    Having fully made his decision Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t back out.

    ¡°Why did you leave them alone when you¡¯ve already investigated this much?¡±

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo would dly fly to the US and throw a fit from there if we take them by surprise and fail to find anything. If we tried to get him with something small, then he would spout bullshit about how he''s being framed or that it''s a trap, so we were trying to find decisive evidence.¡±

    That made sense. People would question why a chaebol would do such a thing when he already had everything.

    Kang Chan nodded and wrapped up the conversation with that.

    ¡°We¡¯ll use a van for transportation.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung was fast when he put his mind to something.

    ¡°Guns and bays should be enough for weapons, right?¡±

    Guns too? Well, it was better safe than sorry since they didn¡¯t know what the Japanese agents were going to bring.

    Kang Chan nodded. All they had to do now was execute the n and one other thing.

    After a moment of contemting what to do about Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan picked up his phone.

    That damned promise!

    ***

    The license te of the van parked in the underground garage was changed. On one side of the parking lot were tools needed to change tes along with 20 extra tes.

    Contrary to the battlefields in Africa, espionage warfare had a different kind of subtlety to it.

    The parking lot was spaciouspared to the size of the building.

    Three vans, tworge and two small passenger vehicles, and one Mercedes Benz and BMW.

    ¡°Here, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung opened the inner section of the parking garage with a key and handed him a revolver and a bay.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I was just thinking I should loot this ce someday.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be shot immediately if you sneak in.¡±

    Really? He looked around but didn¡¯t see any ce for security to watch from.

    ¡°There are only two entrances to this garage. Anyone who wants toe inside has to send a notification beforehand. Behind the channels, machine guns are waiting in ambush.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in response. He holstered his bay at his ankle and attached his gun to his waist. He was mostfortable with it on his back, behind his right hip.

    ¡°Please prepare Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s too.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    As soon as they finished preparations, tension filled the lot.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan climbed into the car at Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s words.

    Lee Doo-Hee, who had an elongated head, did the driving, while Woo Hee-Seung rode in the passenger seat.

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung rode in the middle, and Choi Jong-Il was at the back.

    Kim Hyung-Jung pressed a few buttons on his phone. After the beep sound, they left.

    ¡°This ce doesn¡¯t seem fit for emergency dispatches.¡±

    ¡°Emergency dispatches aren¡¯t relevant here because we specialize in strategic analysis, agent cement, and special missions.¡±

    There was an exit to the side of the building. It was past the channel from the parking garage.

    If it wasn¡¯t for Seok Kang-Ho, they would have eaten some delicious jjamppong before leaving.

    Kang Chan pulled out his phone and pressed call.

    <i>-Are you on your way?</i>

    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll arrive in about fifteen minutes.¡±

    <i>-Whew. I left work early.</i>

    This bastard probably ate nervousness for lunch.

    ¡°Come out to the main road.¡±

    <i>-I¡¯m in front of the snack bar. Should I buy some kimbap?</i>

    ¡°Hey! Let¡¯s at least eat properly.¡±

    <i>-Okay.?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung made a knowing smile when Kang Chan hung up.

    Traffic wasn¡¯t too heavy, so Seok Kang-Ho joined them soon.

    While the car zoomed down the road, Seok Kang-Ho exchanged greetings with Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee, and was given weapons.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes were already teary from anxiety.

    They didn¡¯t know when this battle would end. Some people could ask, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be alright to skip a meal since it¡¯s an important fight?¡± However, those were the ones who didn¡¯t know the feeling of strength leaving your body in the middle of an intense battle.

    Rookies couldn¡¯t eat properly because of how nervous they were, and they fell first. They learned the hard way why soldiers stuffed their throats with food during the short breaks they got in front of their dead enemies or corpses of their allies¡ªwhy they forced food down before an operation or a battle.

    There was a possibility that they would have to skip dinner if a fight was drawn out, so to survive, it was wise to eat a good meal when they could.

    Lee Doo-Hee turned right after crossing the Hannam Bridge and parked the car in front of a restaurant near the road.

    It was a little early for lunch, so it wasn¡¯t bustling yet.

    They ordered bibimbap.

    The restaurant owner hesitantly brought out their food. It wasn¡¯tmon for six men to quietly sit around waiting for the food after pouring their water cups and setting their cutlery.

    They finished their meal in five minutes. After paying for the food, they bought coffee at the shop right next to the restaurant, then drank it in front of the van.

    At least twenty minutes were required.

    Gangsters wouldn¡¯t be able to kill any of them, but the agents from Japan were a problem. Ten against six wasn¡¯t a bad fight.

    ¡°The coffee tastes especially delicious when I think of how I¡¯ll beat up those motherfuckers.¡± Seok Kang-Ho chuckled with glinting eyes.

 Chapter 118: Do You Have Any More To Pull Out? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 118: Do You Have Any More To Pull Out? (1)</h4>

    The group had already crossed the Hannam Bridge and eaten lunch, and Kang Chan had finished smoking his cigarette and drinking coffee as well. They were ten minutes away from their destination.

    It was time to go.

    However, when Lee Doo-Hee threw away Kang Chan¡¯s empty coffee cup into the trash, Kang Chan¡¯s heart suddenly started to thump faster.

    <i>Badump. Badump.?</i>

    <i>¡®Damn it.¡¯</i>

    They couldn¡¯t have nted mines at the house, could they?

    Kang Chan turned to look at the others.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. He covered his cigarette with a hand as he lit it.

    ¡°I have a bad feeling. It¡¯s significant enough for me to stop an operation that¡¯s already underway.¡±

    ¡°That bad?¡±

    After Kang Chan nodded, Seok Kang-Ho nced around.

    ¡°What is it, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    The bad feelings he got were a pain in the ass to exin¡ªno, it was virtually impossible to exin them.

    ¡°Mr. Kim Hyung-Jung, please just trust me on this. Let¡¯s go over the conditions again. I¡¯m getting the same bad feeling that I had back at the event.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s head to a quiet ce for now.¡±

    Having observed the entire situation during the day of the event, Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t raise any doubts and just followed Kang Chan¡¯s wishes.

    They all climbed into the car and entered an alley.

    <i>Badump. Badump.</i>

    It was ridiculous.

    He had no means of being certain about the specifics every time this happened. Nevertheless, even though he didn¡¯t have the slightest idea of what dangers they would face and when they would appear, his heart continued to beat faster.

    Kang Chan red outside through the windshield.

    <i>¡®What is it? What did I leave out?¡¯</i>

    He did say they should attack first, but before the mission even started, he suddenly got an ominous feeling.

    It wasn¡¯t as if they were here under someone¡¯s orders. The people who were aware of this operation were all here.

    ¡°Mr. Kim Hyung-Jung, we¡¯re the only ones who know about this mission, correct?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m certain of it.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee also had stiff expressions although they didn¡¯t understand what was happening.

    Kang Chan took a slow, deep breath.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    At that moment, his phone rang. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and saw the name ¡®Smithen¡¯ disyed on the screen.

    ¡°Cut to the chase.¡±

    At times like this, no other words were required.

    <i>-Captain, these people are trained. I closed the curtains and bolted through the door.?</i>

    ¡°How did you find them?¡±

    <i>-I was making love next to the window.?</i>

    He was speaking rapid French.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    Next to Kang Chan, Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s phone vibrated.

    ¡°Hold on for now. I¡¯ll call you again once it¡¯s been taken care of.¡±

    <i>-Yes, sir.</i>

    Smithen was under attack? Was this the reason he had a bad feeling?

    Kang Chan turned around after dropping the call.

    ¡°All right. Hold on a minute.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked frantic.

    ¡°I just got a report. People who seem to be enemy agents are currently in meetings with your father and mother.¡±

    <i>¡®What?¡¯?</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have time to think. He immediately put Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s phone against his ear.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan. Exin the situation.¡±

    <i>-Two agents are speaking to your father regarding the mass purchase of his automobiles, and two more are discussing with your mother about making donations to the foundation. Our agents are behind them, but we have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.</i>

    Those motherfuckers!

    ¡°Do our people have firearms?¡±

    <i>-The two team leaders do.</i>

    ¡°If the situation deems it necessary, shoot to kill.¡±

    <i>-We need Manager Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s approval for opening fire.</i>

    Kang Chan handed the phone to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°He says they need your approval to open fire.¡±

    The look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes was so vicious that Woo Hee-Seung, who had been looking back at them, quickly turned his gaze to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    As soon as he got his phone back, Kim Hyung-Jungmanded, ¡°Shoot if necessary.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and the others grasped what was going on.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head to Father¡¯s office first.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded at what Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Did that son of a bitch Yang Jin-Woo make the first move?¡±

    ¡°Let me make a few more calls first before we talk.¡±

    As the car¡¯s engine started, Kang Chan pressed the call button and held his phone to his ear.

    <i>-Boss, I¡¯m in the middle of a meeting. Can we talkter?</i>

    Even Michelle?

    ¡°Michelle, don¡¯t talk and just listen. This is extremely important.¡±

    Just in case, he spoke in French.

    ¡°If you¡¯re with other people, say you like mountains. If you¡¯re alone, say you like the beach. Don¡¯t show anything on your face.¡±

    <i>-I prefer the beach.?</i>

    Damn it!

    ¡°You¡¯re at the office, right?¡±

    <i>-Yes, it¡¯s official business.?</i>

    ¡°You could be in danger. Find a way to at least get a female employee to be with you. Leave if you can.¡±

    <i>-Got it, Boss.</i>

    ¡°Exin to them that I¡¯m not your boss.¡±

    <i>-I said I got it.?</i>

    He hung up, feeling blindsided. He was a step toote.

    The car had crossed over the Hannam Bridge and was waiting for the traffic signal.

    Kang Chan made another call and looked at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°How many agents do you have that can be mobilized immediately?¡±

    ¡°Mobilizing them all will give away this operation.¡±

    That was true.

    As Kang Chan nodded, his call connected.

    <i>-What brings me the pleasure of your call at this time?</i>

    ¡°Director, the entertainmentpany D.I., Smithen¡¯s house, which you protectedst time, and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s home are in danger. They could be agents from Japan¡¯s Intelligence Bureau, and they could be carrying firearms. Can you dispatch some people?¡±

    <i>-We¡¯ll cooperate with the police in those areas. Give me their addresses.</i>

    Kang Chan listed the locations and their phone numbers one by one. The call ended before he could say thanks.

    ¡°Manager, please oversee the situation from the car, and look into where Yang Jin-Woo is currently.¡±

    He could now see Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s building from afar.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho, go with Woo Hee-Seung to my dad¡¯s office.¡±

    His eyes met with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°If your gut tells you to, don¡¯t hesitate to kill.¡±

    ¡°Got it. Leave it to me.¡±

    The car rolled to a halt.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, do you know where my mother¡¯s office is?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    The moment the van¡¯s door slid open, Kang Chan immediately jumped out. There were quite a few people because it was an officetel.

    ¡°Go up the stairs.¡±

    Under Kang Chan¡¯smand, Choi Jong-Il went through the entrance to the staircase, which was next to the elevator.

    They ran up the flights by two or three stairs at a time.

    Yoo Hye-Sook being surprised was a problem forter in the future. Saving her came first.

    The knife at his ankle asionally came into view, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t hesitate. As they dashed up together in their suits, one woman they met on the way jumped in surprise and clung to the walls.

    ¡°Over here!¡±

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Choi Jong-Il opened the door, panting.

    The moment they stepped into the hallway, a woman who appeared to be an agent quickly hastened over.

    ¡°They¡¯re sitting facing each other on the office¡¯s sofa. Two agents and the team leader are on standby behind Ms. Yoo.¡±

    If not for the agents, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook would¡¯ve been dead already.

    Kang Chan nodded and caught his breath in front of the office door.

    <i>Whew.?</i>

    <i>¡®These motherfuckers dare target my mother?¡¯</i>

    Choi Jong-Il followed right behind him.

    Kang Chan flung open the door and went inside.

    Three tense female agents were standing behind Yoo Hye-Sook, and sitting opposite them on the sofa were two men who had clearly received special training.

    ¡°Son!¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked both surprised and delighted, while the two men quickly moved their right hands behind them.

    Kang Chan immediately threw himself at the man closest to him, elbowed his face, then kicked the other man¡¯s shoulder.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    The fight transpired in a matter of moments.

    However, the enemy blocked Kang Chan¡¯s elbow and jabbed him in the side.

    <i>Crash!?</i>

    As Kang Chan fell on the table, Choi Jong-Il and two female agents raced toward the guy that was further away.

    <i>Pow pow! Pow! Pow! Pow pow pow!?</i>

    Kang Chan got up and threw a punch.

    As soon as they made eye contact, Kang Chan felt that the bastard in front of him had a lot ofbat experience!

    <i>Pow!?</i>

    Choi Jong-Il gripped his enemy¡¯s right wrist as he took a hit to his waist.

    One female agent dragged Yoo Hye-Sook behind the desk.

    <i>Pow pow pow! Pow! Pow pow!</i>

    As Kang Chan consecutively traded punches and elbows in-between the table and sofa with the enemy, a female agentnded on the table, having been punched in the throat.

    <i>Pow!?</i>

    The enemy struck aside Kang Chan¡¯s outstretched hand. At the same time, Kang Chan pushed his opponent¡¯s elbow away.

    If given the chance, they would pull out their guns.

    That was why Choi Jong-Il was tightly holding onto the right wrist of the man he was facing.

    He didn¡¯t expect them to be this strong. They had wasted too much time already.

    Kang Chan parried yet another elbow. The guy¡¯s left fist immediately followed, and Kang Chan voluntarily let the bastard hit him!

    <i>Pow!?</i>

    <i>¡®Kegh!¡¯</i>

    The moment the enemy¡¯s left fistnded on Kang Chan¡¯s sr plexus, his own right fist made contact with the man¡¯s chin.

    ¡°Kegh!¡±

    <i>Shit!</i>

    The punch he took to the gut knocked the wind out of him.

    <i>Son of a bitch!?</i>

    Kang Chan got the man in a chokehold and held it as tightly as he could.

    <i>Crack!?</i>

    He had to move, but he couldn¡¯t budge because he couldn¡¯t breathe.

    <i>Thwack!?</i>

    A female agent took a hit right on the face and fell back.

    Kang Chan bit the inside of his cheek.

    <i>¡°Keghh!¡±</i>

    The horrific pain and metallic taste of blood instantly shot him back to reality. He could breathe again.

    With Choi Jong-Il still holding onto the other guy¡¯s right hand, Kang Chan was given the perfect opportunity to attack.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    ¡°Cough!¡±

    The man wobbled as Kang Chan struck his neck.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow!?</i>

    Kang Chan struck him in the neck three more times. The moment the enemy bent over, Kang Chan jabbed him in the throat with the knuckle of his middle finger.

    Kang Chan grabbed the enemy¡¯s head. He had to finish the fight right here, right now.

    <i>Crack!?</i>

    With the man¡¯s head now facing the wrong direction, Kang Chan had eliminated both of the enemies. The man he was holding copsed in front of the sofa as soon as he let go.

    Choi Jong-Il sat on the ground grabbing his chest. One female agent¡¯s face was covered in blood.

    When Kang Chan turned around, he saw Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s petrified eyes. As he walked forward, the agent who fell on the sofa got up just as Yoo Hye-Sook shook her head in surprise.

    He stopped.

    It seemed like Yoo Hye-Sook was having a hard time epting that Kang Chan was a murderer.

    Not many people could easily ept killing others¡ªespecially women. Yoo Hye-Sook would make those eyes even if she knew Kang Chan wasn¡¯t her real son.

    ¡°Father¡¯s in danger too,¡± Kang Chan said, blood dripping out of his mouth. He had bit his cheek so hard that his mouth was filled with blood.

    ¡°These women are special agents sent from the National Intelligence Service. Please follow them.¡±

    The agent next to Yoo Hye-Sook answered her phone and talked briefly before nodding at Kang Chan. It meant Kang Dae-Kyung was safe.

    Yoo Hye-Sook began to tremble.

    Choi Jong-Il barely managed to stand up behind Kang Chan.

    ¡°Escort her to a safe ce.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    When he turned around, he saw a female agent covering her bleeding nose and their two opponents who had copsed into strange positions.

    Kang Chan wiped his mouth with his palm.

    <i>Gulp.?</i>

    Blood continued to spill from his cheek.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of Father.¡±

    He forced a smile.

    His voice was a little strange because of the blood he had swallowed, but Yoo Hye-Sook remained silent. Her eyes still showed the same emotion as before.

    This was how it had to be. It was supposed to be like this from the beginning, but he had been deceiving her all this time.

    Kang Chan took a deep breath, then headed to the door.

    ¡°Kang¡­ Chan.¡±

    Just then, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s shaking voice made him stop in his tracks.

    When he turned around, Yoo Hye-Sook was already standing.

    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ okay, right?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t say a word to his mother, even though she was clearly trying to ovee her fear and horror.

    ¡°You¡¯re okay, right, Son?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook pushed herself to approach Kang Chan, then lifted her poor, trembling hands to touch his cheek.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ fine. So you can¡¯t get hurt either, okay?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I was just so surprised. But I¡ª¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook stretched out her shaking arms.

    ¡°I love you. I love you, my son.¡±

    She was trying to ovee and ept it.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s warm embrace felt like a luxury he couldn¡¯t afford.

    ¡°Mother, go home with Father.¡±

    Kang Chan signaled with his eyes, and a female agent approached Yoo Hye-Sook and held her shoulders.

    Yoo Hye-Sook nodded, seemingly trying to tell him not to worry.

    Kang Chan nodded back, then immediately left the office.

    As he headed down the stairs, three male agents on the way up bowed to Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°Mr. Kang is also fine.¡±

    ¡°Was anyone injured?¡±

    ¡°Three agents were hurt, but it¡¯s not life-threatening.¡±

    ¡°Clean up the rest and escort Mr. Kang Dae-Kyung and Mrs. Yoo Hye-Sook home.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately headed to the Kang Yoo Motors office with Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°Father.¡±

    Although his face was as pale as a sheet, Kang Dae-Kyung seemed to be in better shape than his wife.

    ¡°Mother is safe, but she seemed a little taken aback.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯llfort her. You¡¯re not hurt, are you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    He swallowed the blood in his mouth so it wouldn¡¯t spill out. When he looked around, he saw the table in splinters and the area around the two bastards covered in blood.

    ¡°Please take care of Mother.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung gritted his teeth and patted Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked directly into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes and nodded.

    Kang Chan turned around as Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung followed him.

    It was a relief that there were quite a few agents at Kang Yoo Motors.

    Leaving the building, Kang Chan immediately hopped in the car. Kim Hyung-Jung appeared to already have received reports about the situation.

    <i>Drrrrk</i>.

    The van¡¯s door shut.

    ¡°Manager Kim, I¡¯ll lead the mission today.¡±

    ¡°I started with that in mind. You do everything you want to do, Mr. Kang Chan. It has been confirmed that Yang Jin-woo is currently at his Pyeongchang-Dong home. It appears we were misinformed about how many agents entered from Japan. There were at least twenty more in Pyeongchang-Dong.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded and lifted his phone. It was answered on the third ring.

    <i>-Yeah! It¡¯s me.</i>

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek, we found the punks rted to the Bundang incident fromst time.¡±

    <i>-What? Really? Wait! Where are you? Kang Chan! Don¡¯t go alone!</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek sounded frantic.

    ¡°The bastards might have guns, so be careful. There are two ces to hit, so split your guys into teams. I also have a request.¡±

    -What is it? If you want me to stand back and watch, I¡¯ll throw hands with you too.

    Kang Chan chuckled before continuing, ¡°I won¡¯t be going to any of the two locations. I have to go to a different ce, so I was going to ask you to kill all the people that are at the two locations. That¡¯s the request.¡±

    -I will. Do you think you can block off the police? If not, I have to prepare to take the me.

    ¡°Wait.¡±

    Kang Chan momentarily put down his phone.

    ¡°Can you hold the police off?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Everyone in the car, including Kim Hyung-Jung, had heard the phone conversation, so the car was brimming with tension.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek, we can keep the police away. Don¡¯t be too loud, and try not to make gunshot noises if possible.¡±

    <i>-Leave it to me. Also, Kang Chan¡ª</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek continued without giving Kang Chan time to reply.

    <i>-Thank you.?</i>

    ¡°Enough with that bullshit. Let¡¯s grab some drinks together if we get out of this alive.¡±

    -Got it.

    The call ended.

    Kang Chan breathed in deeply.

    Considering their enemies¡¯ skills, their team of six fighting against twenty of those enemy agents would be a suicide mission.

    ¡°Please put in a call to Mr. Jeon Dae-Geuk for me.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung had likely prepared himself for Kang Chan to lead the mission. As if he was Kang Chan¡¯s subordinate, he obediently pressed the call button as ordered and immediately handed over the phone.

    -Jeon Dae-Geuk speaking. What is it?

    ¡°This is Kang Chan.¡±

    -Kang Chan? Oh! Kang Chan! To what do I owe this honor?

    ¡°Mr. Jeon Dae-Geuk, we¡¯ll beunching an attack on the agents that came from Japan. As you might have already guessed, this is a covert operation. We need you and any subordinate you can trust.¡±

    Was his exnation too short? Should he have said their opponent was a man about to carry out a terrorist attack or that the enemy was Yang Jin-Woo?

    He heard Jeon Dae-Geuk breathe about two times before he replied.

    -I and five others will go. How many are on their side?

    ¡°There are at least twenty. We will have twelve on our side if we include your people.¡±

    -Where do we meet?

    ¡°Mr. Kim Hyung-Jung will tell you the location.¡±

    Kang Chan handed the phone back to Kim Hyung-Jung. Thetter answered a few questions and gave the name of a hotel as they made arrangements to meet in front of it.

    Finally, Kang Chan called onest person.

    -Hello? My people have all been dispatched, and the guys at D.I. were confirmed to be mere investors. Where are you?

    Kang Chan thanked Kim Tae-Jin and gave him the same exnation that he had just given Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    -Actually, I did think you and Kim Hyung-Jung seemed a bit strange these days. I¡¯ll take Sang-Hyun as well. Will that be all right with you?

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that. As for the meetup ce¡­¡±

    When Kang Chan nced at Kim Hyung-Jung, Kim Hyung-Jung replied, ¡°Oryun Hotel.¡±

    ¡°He says the meeting ce is at Oryun Hotel.¡±

    <i>-I¡¯ll leave immediately.</i>

    Kang Chan hung up and turned back. Kim Hyung-Jung smirked as he spoke up.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo, that son of a bitch! Let¡¯s do whatever it takes to end him.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho smirked, and Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung quickly looked ahead.

    1. An officetel (office+hotel) is very much like a studio in a multi-purpose building where there are both residential andmercial units. At times, the rent is paid by the employer and the person living in it just needs to pay utilities as the officetel could be considered as a work expense.

 Chapter 119.1: Do You Have Any More To Pull Out? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 119.1: Do You Have Any More To Pull Out? (2)</h4>

    Having arrived at the Oryun Hotel first, Kim Tae-Jin told everyone to meet at an area behind the hotel. It was a parking garage that belonged to a massive building.

    When they drove behind the building, they saw Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun standing in a corner.<i>?</i>

    <i>Drrrrk.?</i>

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    The members exchanged greetings as they stepped out of the car.

    ¡°Section Chief Jeon Dae-Geuk said it would take him around ten more minutes to arrive, so let¡¯s sit down and talk for now.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin pointed to the cafe diagonally across the parking lot he had checked out earlier. They could upy all three of the tables outside, and he especially liked that they could smokefortably.

    They put the tables together and sat around them.

    Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee took everyone¡¯s orders.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s gaze alternated between Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    There was no need for aplicated exnation. Kang Chan began to give an ount of all the incidents rted to Yang Jin-Woo.

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded as he listened.

    Finally, as their order was served, a ck van arrived in the parking lot.

    Seeing Jeon Dae-Geuk step out of the car, Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung stood up like soldiers greeting their direct superior officer.

    Suh Sang-Hyeon was visibly stiff from nervousness.

    Everyone else, including Kang Chan, stood up as well to wee Jeon Dae-Geuk, who was apanied by five stocky employees.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand, then Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s. He only gave Kim Tae-Jin a nce.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit.¡±

    ¡°After you, sir.¡±

    ¡°Has the troublemaker finally grown up a little?¡± Jeon Dae-Geukmented.

    Kim Tae-Jin peeked at Kang Chan with slight embarrassment.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, let¡¯s sit down.¡±

    After Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kang Chan got on their chairs, the rest also sat down.

    ¡°What would you like to drink?¡±

    ¡°Looks like everyone¡¯s drinking coffee. I¡¯ll have that as well.¡±

    Lee Doo-Hee headed back inside the cafe to bring drinks for Jeon Dae-Geuk and his employees.

    ¡°Are you trying to eliminate Yang Jin-Woo?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk nodded upon hearing Kang Chan¡¯s answer.

    ¡°I came here without informing the president. If any issues arise because of today¡¯s incident, these five subordinates and I will no doubt be on the express track to prison. I don¡¯t know about me, but these kids have bright futures ahead of them.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Gyuk suddenly turned to face Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Look after them and take responsibility for their employment after they get out of jail.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk looked back at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I believe you said they¡¯re agents from Japan, correct?¡±

    Kang Chan briefed Jeon Dae-Geuk about what had just happened. When he turned to Kim Hyung-Jung in the middle of his exnation, Kim Hyung-Jung nodded in agreement and added that this operation was kept secret from the National Intelligence Service as well.

    ¡°Hmph, I suppose the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Director is finally earning his keep.¡±

    With a satisfied expression, Jeon Dae-Geuk looked at the people seated at the tables.

    ¡°You can¡¯t avoid the rain just because you¡¯re scared your feet will get wet. The fact that we have Mr. Kang Chan in times of danger like this is a blessing for people like us¡ªa blessing! My only sorrow is that I didn¡¯t meet you when I was your age.¡± Jeok Dae-Geuk kept a solemn face as he spoke these cringy words.

    ¡°No matter what the oue is today, as former members of South Korea¡¯s special forces, don¡¯t leave space for an ounce of regret in your actions.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The only ones who didn¡¯t respond were Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense for us to just watch while our enemies run wild in our mothend. The Director of the National Intelligence Service finally seems to have regained his senses. Suh Sang-Hyun!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir! Suh Sang-Hyun reporting for duty, sir!¡± Suh Sang-Hyun replied firmly as he stood upright with a dignified posture.

    ¡°What is our motto!¡±

    ¡°If I can protect the country with my blood, I am happy!¡±

    ¡°Good! As soldiers, we have lived on the fruits of our mothend. Now, thanks to Mr. Kang Chan, we have obtained the opportunity to repay that debt. Understood?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir! Understood!¡±

    Those who answered were filled with pride.

    What in the world was this? The atmosphere was so different from the special forces of France¡¯s Foreign Legion that Kang Chan almost burst outughing. But at the same time, their sense of duty impressed him to the point that he felt a lump in his chest.

    ¡°From now on, Mr. Kang Chan will be inmand. For the sake of making things smoother, let¡¯s skip the formalities with each other.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±

    When Kim Tae-Jin responded, everyone rxed. Now it felt more like the atmosphere of the Foreign Legion during a mission. These people were quite impressive.

    They drank coffee and smoked cigarettes, even Lee Doo-Hee. The atmosphere waspletely different from what it had been.

    ¡°We initially estimated the number of agents who entered South Korea to be around ten. However, based on today¡¯s events, it¡¯s difficult to guess now. It has been confirmed that there are at least twenty Japanese agents at Yang Jin-Wo¡¯s house, but we couldn¡¯t determine their full effectives.¡±

    After listening to Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s exnation, Jeon Dae-Geuk nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°There is no strategy. The n is to make our entrance and corner them until we kill Yang Jin-Woo.¡±

    ¡°That is the most foolish method I¡¯ve ever heard of in any operation.¡±

    ¡°That may be true. However, Yang Jin-Woo dared pull what he did today because we continued to hold back despite all his provocations. I think the time hase to show him our resolve and strength.¡±

    ¡°Five of my men and me, plus Mr. Kang Chan, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, two from Kim Tae-Jin, and four from Kim Hyung-Jung,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk counted as he folded his fingers. He lifted his gaze as if confirming the numbers with Kang Chan.

    ¡°So, we are fourteen people against twenty Japanese agents?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    ¡°We can only call ourselves former members of South Korea¡¯s special forces if we can handle that much.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk smiled mysteriously, then turned his head.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better for you to drop out of this operation since you have be slow?¡± he asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°I have never had azy day while running the securitypany. Also, I¡¯ve already participated in two operations with Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan had done operations with Kim Tae-Jin?

    ¡°Even though Suh Sang-Hyeon was injured in the second operation, I was unharmed.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t until he heard that exnation that Kang Chan understood what Kim Tae-Jin meant. Catching the Neck Ghost and rescuing Seok Kang-Ho¡ªthose two could certainly be considered operations.

    ¡°What about the weapons, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°Guns and bays.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk nodded, then said, ¡°Two of the employees I brought used to be snipers in the military. Just keep that in mind. I don¡¯t have any further questions.¡±

    Two employees bowed their heads as Jeon Dae-Geuk spoke.

    ¡°Mr. Jeon Dae-Geuk, there¡¯s a high probability we¡¯ll have to fight with knives.¡±

    ¡°You mentioned having guns during the attack on your parents?¡±

    ¡°I nned on aiming for a vulnerable spot when I had a chance, but I never intended to shoot from the beginning. If Yang Jin-Woo ends up opening fire, he¡¯ll definitely have no room for excuses. We don¡¯t need gunshot noise either, so the chances are high the fight will not involve firearms.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    ¡°If one side bes extremely disadvantaged, that side will have no choice but to draw out their guns. If possible, it would be best to make them use their guns first, which in turn would mean they¡¯d attempt to shoot the National Intelligence Service manager and the section chief of the president¡¯s security detail.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk expressed his admiration while Kim Hyung-Jung nodded in understanding.

    ¡°How do we get in? If they don¡¯t open the door, there¡¯s nothing we can do. The neighboring house might report us.¡±

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t taken that situation into calction, but Kim Hyung-Jung answered in his stead.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s estate is designed so others can¡¯t look into the house from the neighboring houses. And we can climb over the walls to unlock the gate.¡±

    ¡°Phuhuhu, a National Intelligence Service manager and the section chief of the president¡¯s guards are making ns to break in by jumping over fences.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geukughed like Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ring the bell first. They¡¯ll recognize me anyway, and they¡¯ll probably open the door without worry if they see there are only a few people.¡±

    ¡°Whatever works. Well then, time for a smoke!¡±

    Following Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s words, everyone lit their cigarettes.

    ¡°You¡¯re truly amazing, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯re even more amazing, Mr. Jeon Dae-Geuk.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk looked at Kang Chan, curiosity in his eyes.

    ¡°It seems like you¡¯re not considering what might happen if things go south.¡±

    ¡°Phu.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk snorted and shook his head.

    ¡°As I said before, most of us here have already received too much from the country. If tarnishing one¡¯s name means the country can advance forward, I should obviously be the first in line.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk took another sip of his coffee upon seeing Kang Chan¡¯s smile.

    ¡°Some of the top ten chaebols and a few members of the National Assembly may have noticed what Yang Jin-Woo is up to. If today''s event serves as a warning and prevents them from running around freely, I¡¯ll be satisfied no matter what the oue is.¡±

    After Kang Chan put out his cigarette in the ashtray, Jeok Dae-Geuk got up, supporting himself by pressing down on his thighs.

    ¡°Shall we get started?¡±

    Everyone, including Kang Chan, took a deep breath and left the cafe.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    While they moved to the parking lot, Jeon Dae-Geuk stopped Kang Chan.

    ¡°No matter what happens, you must survive. The burden will be carried by old people like me, so someone like you, who has great abilities and a bright future, has to live and aplish greater things.¡±

    He was beingpletely sincere. Jeon Dae-Geuk wrapped an arm around Kang Chan and patted his back.

    If only someone like Jeon Dae-Geuk had been hismander¡­

    Kang Chan suddenly thought that it would have been nice to have served in the military under someone like Jeon Dae-Geuk. <i>?</i>

    They decided to take two vans. Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyeon boarded Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s van to get their guns.

    The engine started.

    ¡°Daye, don¡¯t worry about the aftermath. If you get caught, just kill them.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. Don¡¯t rush ahead alone.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The car turned and exited the parking lot.

    Malice rose in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. He had simply wanted to avenge the unjustly killed sisters and make sure Kang Dae-Gyung and Yoo Hye-Sook could never be targeted again, but things had be messier than expected.

    Shan, that son of bitch. After him, every problem had blown out of proportion.

    When the traffic light turned green, they turned onto the road next to the hotel and crossed to the other side.

    As they continued up the road, tall, castle-like houses appeared on both sides. They increased in size as the team drove on.

    <i>Vrooom.?</i>

    The van sped up and climbed the final hill, entering a narrow alley on the right nked by tall walls. They soon reached a wrought iron gate that looked to be about four times the size of a standard school gate.

    Ridiculous luxury like this probably made the average person seem like a beggar in the owner¡¯s eyes.

    The van stopped in front of the main gate.

    There were cameras above the front gate, and on the left wall was a small door for vehicle ess. The space seemed to have been built by caving the wall in..

    The van that Jeon Dae-Geuk was in stopped right next to them.

    Kang Chan unboarded the car and red at the cameras.

    ¡°<i>Whew.</i>¡±

    What kind of lunch did they eat in houses like these?

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo, did you stuff yourself well for lunch? I had bibimbap.¡±

    There was really nothing special about living. Earning a lot of money, eating well, wearing expensive clothes, and living in a good house? That was all nice and something to be envious about.

    Who would criticize anyone for living like that?

    But why would anyone kill the unfortunate sisters, bring in weapons and foreign agents, and kill South Korea¡¯s perfectly fine agents just to prevent the whole nation from living just as prosperously? What reason could there be for such bullshit?

    Kang Chan smirked.

    The measly right to sell automobiles that Kang Dae-Gyung received?

    What did Yoo Hye-Sook do that was so wrong when all she did was be overjoyed that she could support a few orphanages?

    Kang Chan stood at the front, while Jeon Dae-Geuk and Seok Kang-Ho backed him up from behind. He strode toward the main gate.

    However, just before he pressed the bell, the entire door creaked. The right corner of therge gate opened as if it was detached from the rest of the gate.

    <i>Pft.?</i>

    <i>¡®So, you really want to do this, huh?</i>¡¯

    This was the beginning. There was no knowing what would happen or who woulde out dead once they entered this door.

 Chapter 119.2: Do You Have Any More To Pull Out? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 119.2: Do You Have Any More To Pull Out? (2)</h4>

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Kang Chan took a deep breath and stepped in through the door.

    There were stairs in front of him. A space that was about five square meters was surrounded by stone walls as tall as a person,pletely blocking the estate¡¯s interior from view.

    Even his house was ridiculous.

    Kang Chan red at the stone staircase ahead of him.

    What if someone shot him while he climbed up? Should he draw his gun?

    After a moment of contemtion, he simply went up the stairs. He trusted his instinct.

    If someone had been waiting with a gun, his heart would have been racing by now.

    As he clunked up the stairs, the upper levels gradually came into view. Soon, he stopped in front of a building that looked to him like a monster with its mouth wide open and seemingly about to devour the yard next to it.

    The first floor had a porch and ss ceilings like an opera house, and above it, on a cement dome, were windows to the second and third floors.

    He would only be exaggerating a little if he were to say the front yard was as massive as a school field. On top of that, it was decorated with natural grass, neatly trimmed trees, garden stones, and an artificial pond to the side.

    Kang Chan red at the building from the end of the garden. The man wouldn¡¯t shoot him after opening the door for him, especially since it was highly likely that Yang Jin-Woo knew Kang Chan and the identity of the people behind him.

    <i>¡®You tenacious bastard. Your end hase.¡¯</i>

    He could try to squirm like a worm and make money even after bing a ghost, but he wouldn¡¯t live past this day to harm anyone else.

    ¡°Hoo.¡±

    Kang Chan breathed in deeply and took another step. The grass was soft and well-groomed.

    He was already halfway through when the left entrance opened and men began pouring out.

    <i>¡®Yang Jin-Woo?¡¯</i>

    A dark gray suit jacket, dress shirt, and deep blue pants. The person walking out was undoubtedly Yang Jin-Woo.

    What was he so confident about to pull this crap?

    Kang Chan could only tilt his head in confusion.

    Six Caucasian men were walking on either side of Yang Jin-Woo. Three of them clearly had the gait and posture of former agents.

    <i>Pft.?</i>

    That wasn¡¯t all. After all the Caucasian men had gone out, Japanese agents stepped out into the clearing as well.

    The ss doors closed just as Yang Jin-Woo stopped in front of Kang Chan. By this point, there were almost thirty Japanese agents behind him.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you would visit without any appointment, Mr. Jeon.¡±

    Why was this guy so confident? Did the Caucasians have some kind of abilities that Kang Chan didn¡¯t know about?

    Yang Jin-Woo addressed Jeon Dae-Geuk and turned his gaze back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°So, you¡¯re the kid named Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo, pretending to be calm won¡¯t change the oue.¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo let out a sigh.

    ¡°This is why people without principles won¡¯t cut it. You still haven¡¯t learned how the world works, and you¡¯ve never experienced having it beneath you. Well, it¡¯s not so much your fault as it is the fault of your parents for raising you by just feeding you and thinking they have already fulfilled their responsibility. Because of you, your parents will inevitably pay the price.¡±

    Yang Jin-woo chewed his cheek and looked at Jeok Dae-Geuk, who was behind Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ahem! Mr. Jeon, it was an unexpected visit, but I¡¯ll excuse myself as I have something to do.¡±

    Just as Yang Jin-Woo was about to move¡­

    ¡°Cut the bullshit and stay still, Yang Jin-Woo. Otherwise, I¡¯ll put a hole through your forehead.¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk, you uneducated child.¡±

    Yang Jin-woo turned to the Caucasian man standing next to him.

    ¡°Chairman Yang is a U.S. citizen,¡± the American spoke fluently in Korean. ¡°We are from the embassy.¡±

    The man took out an I.D. from his suit pocket and handed it to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan finally understood why Yang Jin-Woo was acting this way.

    This son of a bitch had the prestige of the United States behind him and put on this show to brag about it. He wanted to demonstrate that no one in South Korea could touch him with force or thew by disying the power of the Japanese agents and the U.S. Embassy.

    ¡°If there are any illegal assaults or acts that obstruct his passage, the U.S. government will not overlook them. You are currently threatening a U.S. citizen. I sternly warn you not to obstruct Chairman Yang any longer.¡±

    When Kim Hyung-Jung and Jeon Dae-Geuk sighed from behind, Yang Jin-Woo had a smug expression.

    ¡°You worthless scum, wee to the real world. A world your parents will never know even if they live a thousand years longer. Those without money are nothing more than servants and ves. They breed offspring for their masters, rejoice in being able to have a meal, and die when they are told to! ves!¡±

    ¡°Shut up, you son of a bitch!¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, Yang Jin-Woo quickly looked at the American.

    ¡°This is a warning.¡±

    ¡°You shut up too, you fucking bastard. This isn¡¯t the States, so I¡¯ll kill you if you say one more word.¡±

    ¡°You¡­!¡±

    <i>Click!?</i>

    Kang Chan pulled out his gun.

    Seok Kang-Ho also immediately drew his gun and pointed it at the American.

    The three American agents flinched but couldn¡¯t move a muscle when they saw who Seok Kang-Ho was aiming at.

    For the first time since this meeting started, Yang Jin-Woo had a bewildered look in his eyes.

    ¡°Hey! A ve, motherfucker? A ve?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked at Yang Jin-Woo.

    ¡°You think you¡¯re so strong? You think America will protect you? Fine. Let¡¯s see how long you¡¯ll be protected.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his gaze to the flustered American.

    ¡°Call the French Embassy.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    Kang Chan moved the gun he was aiming at Yang Jin-Woo to the American¡¯s face.

    ¡°If you keep annoying me, I¡¯ll kill you first. Call the French Embassy and ask for Lanok. If you ask again, I¡¯ll blow your damn head off.¡±

    Kang Chan actually intended to pull the trigger.

    If he left this fucking bastard Yang Jin-Woo alive, it would only cause more problems. It didn¡¯t matter whether he started bullshit with Japan or America backing him. The oue would be the same.

    War? Bullshit.

    The United States would wage war just because of Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s death? Bullshit.

    Perhaps everyone here would receive life sentences, but war was out of the question.

    The American carefully put his hand into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and made a puzzled expression. He didn¡¯t know the number.

    <i>Damn it.</i> Kang Chan didn¡¯t know the number either.

    Just then, Kim Hyung-Jung, who was behind Kang Chan, called the French Embassy.

    <i>Beep beep beep. Beep¡ª</i>

    He put the phone to his ear.

    ¡°Is this the French Embassy?¡± he asked, then nced briefly at Kang Chan. ¡°Tell them that Kang Chan is asking for Ambassador Lanok.¡±

    There was no response for about 30 seconds.

    As Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s nce ufortably alternated between the Americans, Seok Kang-Ho shifted the muzzle of his gun whenever the Japanese agents tried to do anything suspicious.

    ¡°Hello. Lanok? This is Frank.¡±

    The man who introduced himself as Frank exined the situation in English while asionally narrowing his eyes at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Just a moment.¡±

    He extended his arm and handed the phone over.

    ¡°All??¡±

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, are you trying to have me mediate the withdrawal of the U.S. Embassy?</i>

    Lanok was quick to catch on, perhaps because he was a sly fox.

    ¡°Well, it would be better if it ended well. I used your name, so I thought the consequences would be less severe.¡±

    As he spoke in French, Yang Jin-Woo nced at Frank, seemingly curious about what was happening.

    <i>-Hmm, I see. I understand. This could make things difficult for you, though, Mr. Kang Chan.?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m willing to ept that, Ambassador.¡±

    From the other end of the phone came a deep sigh.

    <i>-Please give the phone to Frank.?</i>

    ¡°Thank you, Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan replied, then handed the phone back.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    The conversation continued for about a minute. Most of what was said was answered by a simple ¡°Yes!¡± in English that anyone could understand. Soon after, Frank looked at Kang Chan in surprise. When the call ended, he exhaled deeply, eyes still on Kang Chan.

    ¡°From this moment on, the United States will revoke Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s U.S. citizenship for breaching the conditions for dual citizenship and viting thew prohibiting support of terrorism.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo whipped his head around.

    ¡°The United States government and the DIA appreciate your cooperation, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan was also taken aback by the situation.

    ¡°If it¡¯s alright with you, the U.S. Embassy will now withdraw. If any legal or diplomatic issues arise, the U.S. Embassy will testify that you acted in self-defense.¡±

    Frank¡¯s gaze was serious, just as it had been when dealing with Yang Jin-Woo a moment ago.

    Something Kang Chan didn¡¯t know about had taken ce, but he couldn¡¯t ask about it right now.

    ¡°Go.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan. Three of our agents can help you if needed.¡±

    As Yang Jin-Woo tried to retreat, he froze in ce upon seeing Kang Chan¡¯s gun move. His eyes moved back and forth.

    ¡°We¡¯re good.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I sincerely respect your decision to cooperate for world peace.¡±

    Had this man suddenly lost his mind? Was it necessary to suck up to Kang Chan and say killing Yang Jin-Woo was an act of cooperation for world peace?

    Frank bowed curtly, then left with his team. Things had taken a strange turn, but at least that took care of Yang Jin-Woo.

    ¡°Oh no! What are you going to do? You¡¯re not an American anymore.¡±

    Kang Chan had pulled out his gun first, preventing the Japanese agents from doing anything.

    Kang Chan decided to only kill Yang Jin-Woo and tidy up the situation. There was no need for the blood of thirty Japanese agents to spill.

    He didn¡¯t even need a gun to kill Yang Jin-Woo.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan put his gun in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s left hand. This way, he could fire at least 30 consecutive shots.

    ¡°If anyone moves, you¡¯re allowed to open fire.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho took two steps to the right.

    ¡°South Korea is a country under the rule ofw! Section Chief Jeon! If you do this, you¡¯re finished! Thew states that I have the right to be protected¡ª!¡±

    <i>Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan clenched his fist, with a protruding index knuckle supported by the thumb, and struck Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s abdomen.

    ¡°Ugh!¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo clutched his stomach as he bowed over like a gangster greeting their superior.

    <i>Thud.?</i>

    Kang Chan grabbed Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s hair. Blood dripped down as Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s cheek trembled like in theics.

    Yang Jin-Woo dropped to his knees after being struck only five times. He was grabbing his head in a posture that made it seem like he was desperately praying to Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®Are you watching this? I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t protect you. I¡¯ll at least send this guy over to you today¡­¡¯</i>

    This bastard was going straight to hell, though, so he probably wouldn¡¯t meet those kind kids.

    <i>Thwack!</i>

    <i>¡®Anyway, I hope you can let go of your anger and move on to a better ce now.¡¯</i>

    <i>Thwack!</i>

    Kang Chan lifted Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s head with his left hand. The man¡¯s left cheek was swollen, and vibrant red blood trickled down from his eyes, nose, and mouth.

    ¡°Motherfucker, I thought your blood would be gold, but look! It¡¯s just red.¡±

    ¡°<i>Uhuhu¡­</i>¡±

    <i>Thwack!</i>

    The flesh on Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s cheek trembled uncontrobly. Blood sttered to the right.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo?¡±

    ¡°<i>Uhuhu¡­</i>¡±

    <i>Thwack!</i>

    ¡°<i>Khuhuhu</i>!¡±

    ¡°Are youughing now?¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo frantically shook his head.

    <i>Thwack!</i>

    ¡°<i>Cough! Cough!</i>¡±

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo?¡±

    <i>Thwack!</i>

    After pping Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s cheek hard, Kang Chan stayed still for a moment.

    With the midday sun shining down, the garden looked stunning.

    Thanks to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s pointed guns, the Japanese agents could only grit their teeth, unable to move recklessly.

    Both sides knew whether or not Seok Kang-Ho would pull the trigger or not and what his skills were like.

    Yang Jin-Woo carefully looked up at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan smirked and lifted his right foot to stomp on Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s left thigh with all his might.

    ¡°Ugh! Ahhh!¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    ¡°Is it because you stuffed yourself well? Why won¡¯t this break properly?¡±

    Despite cracking noises filling the garden, no sounds came out of Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s wide-open mouth.

    ¡°AAAHHH!!!¡±

    It was a littlete, but Yang Jin-Woo eventually let out a scream that sounded as if it came from the depths of his lungs.

    ¡°Jeon-san!¡± one of the Japanese agents suddenly shouted.

    Kang Chan raised his gaze.

    ¡°Fight proudly against the agents of Great Japan! If you want, we can match your numbers! No, we¡¯ll fight with only half!¡±

    What were those idiots saying?

    ¡°If not, we¡¯ll draw our guns. Let¡¯s see who ends up dead!¡±

    The glinting, venomous gaze spread among the Japanese agents like a contagion.

    ¡°You bastards! You attempted to kill powerless people, and you have the audacity to speak so boldly?¡±

    ¡°Jeon-san!¡±

    The Japanese agent ignored Kang Chan and called Jeon Dae-Geuk out again.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°Shoot that son of a bitch.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡ª¡±

    Before Seok Kang-Ho could pass down his sentence, Jeon Dae-Geuk ced his hand on Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡®<i>Surely he wouldn¡¯t fall to such tant provocation, would he?¡¯</i>

    When Kang Chan turned around, however, he saw the mad look in Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Let me request this of you.¡±

    It was a blunt statement. He also spoke informally, which was something he¡¯d never done before.

    ¡°Let me request this of you as a man who led an era of South Korea¡¯s special forces. Let us kill those bastards with our own hands.¡±

    ¡°Section Chief Jeon!¡± Kim Tae-Jin called, but Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s gaze remained on Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re not considering the consequences?¡±

    ¡°Would I havee here if I cared about something like that?¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s retort rendered Kang Chan speechless.

    ¡°Kang Chan, I entrusted themand to you. You make the decision. But I hope you allow these old soldiers to protect their pride. Look behind you.¡±

    While Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung had mixed expressions, everyone else looked furious.

    ¡°They will be the core of South Korea¡¯s agents from now on. Allow us to fight to protect our pride without the help of the United States or the interference of France.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>¡®Are you that confident?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®That¡¯s why you need to help.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Why are you going this far?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®We¡¯re soldiers. Soldiers who have only lived on the battlefield.¡¯</i>

    It was madness.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s absurd request struck Kang Chan¡¯s heart.

    ¡°We don¡¯t care if we die here. It will be a story that will forever protect the pride of the agents present¡ªa lesson that no one can recklessly raise havoc in the Republic of Korea.¡±

    Kang Chan turned to look at Yang Jin-Woo. The dirty bastard was sobbing, saliva flowing from his mouth.

 Chapter 120: Im Sick of This! (1)

    <h4>Chapter 120: I''m Sick of This! (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan briefly hesitated, caught in a dilemma between honoring Jeon Dae-Geuk''s request and steering clear of a potentially perilous trap. After a moment''s contemtion, he firmly grasped Yang Jin-Woo''s head and confronted his adversaries head-on.

    "Alright, fine. I''ll give you what you want but only under some conditions. First, drop all your guns, and second, give me a moment to take care of this scoundrel."

    The Japanese agent who had spewed nonsense earlier visibly flinched when Kang Chan treated them as if they were absolute imbeciles.

    "So, all that high and mighty act was just an attempt to deceive us and rescue this scumbag? Just what does this fucker mean to you, anyway?" Kang Chan lowered his gaze, noticing a glimmer of hope in Yang Jin-Woo''s eyes despite his pained moans.

    <i>Thwack!?</i>

    Kang Chan kicked Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s abdomen.

    ¡°Trying to strain your brain out of this, you son of a bitch?¡±

    ¡°Ughh! Ughh!¡± Hunched over, Yang Jin-Woo trembled. He made a feeble attempt to straighten up, desperately seeking relief from the excruciating paining from his fractured thigh bones.

    ¡°You fucker!¡± Kang Chan growled.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    ¡°Aghhhh!¡±

    The scorching midday sun shone down on Yang Jin-Woo''s disfigured, blood-soaked face.

    ¡°We will give you two trillion if you hand over Chairman Yang!¡± the agent urgently shouted.

    ¡°The Eurasian Rail will go up in smoke if I let go of this punk, yet all you¡¯re offering is a measly two trillion? You can keep it, you fucking moron!¡±

    <i>Pow!</i>

    <i>¡°Cough! Cough!¡±</i>

    ¡°Shut up, motherfucker! You acting like this makes me look like some kind of money-hungry hostage-taker!¡±

    Kang Chan pretended to lift his foot, making Yang Jin-Woo involuntarily flinch.

    <i>Whack!</i>

    ¡°<i>Kuhuh! Kuhuhuh</i>!¡±

    Yang Jin-Woo''s condition was rapidly deteriorating. His swollen face was covered in tears, snot, and blood, and he drooled with each pitiful cry.

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo.¡±

    ¡°Y-yes, sir?¡±

    This pathetic man lost the will to fight more easily than Kang Chan expected.

    Kang Chan tilted his head in annoyance and peered down at him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let me catch you doing something like this again.¡±

    With his hair still clutched in Kang Chan¡¯s hand, Yang Jin-Woo frantically nodded. It seemed he thought Kang Chan would spare him.

    ¡°Tell me what you want!¡± the Japanese agent shouted again.

    <i>Thud!?</i>

    Tightening his grip on Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s hair, Kang Chan slowly lifted his gaze.

    ¡°What I want? For this bastard to die!¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    <i>Crack</i>!

    Kang Chan twisted Yang Jin-Woo''s neck. Eerie silence devoured the surroundings, the world seemingly frozen over.

    Taken aback, Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Tae-Jin, and even Kim Hyung-Jung nked out.

    <i>Thud.?</i>

    Yang Jin-Woo slumped lifelessly,ing to rest on Kang Chan¡¯s left side.

    "What''s your n now? If you still insist on safeguarding your precious pride, I''m more than willing to throw down with you."

    ¡°Bakayaro!¡± the agent spat out.

    "Quit your nonsensical bbering and make up your mind already."

    ¡°Yoroshii!¡±

    Still ring at Kang Chan, the agent cautiously retrieved his gun and tossed it aside. Taking that as a cue, the other agents around him followed suit, pulling out their firearms and piling them up on the ground near Seok Kang-Ho, who maintained his aim, ready to pull the trigger if anyone tried anything stupid.

    ¡°Mr. Jeon, tell the two snipers to keep their guns.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk responded.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, go and toss these guns in front of the main gate.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee threw all the guns down the stairs, all of themnding near the front gate. With a gesture from Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho picked up the enemy¡¯s guns and tossed them near the gate as well.

    Finally, Kang Chan turned to Jeon Dae-Geuk. The snipers had their guns pointed at the Japanese agents, which meant they could put an end to everything now and ensure everyone on their side would leave safely.

    ¡°This is sheer madness,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°I know, but this fight will go down in history as a source of pride for our agents. Whether we win or lose, this will forever be known as an act that symbolizes the dignity of South Korea¡¯s agents. Thank you, Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded slightly in acknowledgment¡ªa subtle gesture of understanding. He pulled out the bay holstered at his ankle and held it tightly in a reverse grip.

    <i>Kashing.?</i>

    The short de gleamed sharply in the midday sunlight as it left its scabbard.

    In response, their opponents also pulled out concealed weapons from their waists and ankles. The garden shimmered with shes of sunlight reflected off the gleaming des.

    For every man on Kang Chan¡¯s side, there were two enemies.

    Though it seemed insignificant right now, that difference¡¯s effects would be painfully apparent once the battle started. It would feel as if they were each contending with fifteen enemies at once.

    There was also no knowing who the Japanese agents were going to attack first. They could opt to target the weak ones first to reduce the South Korean agents¡¯ numbers, or they could prioritize taking down the stronger adversaries to gain an advantageous foothold in the fight.

    Kang Chan took a deep breath and, with narrowed eyes, looked at the Japanese agents in front of them. As he mentioned earlier, this was, without a doubt, pure madness.

    He gritted his teeth.

    In exchange for Kim Tae-Jin and Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s assistance in killing Yang Jin-Woo, he decided to lend them his aid in this battle against the Japanese agents.

    ¡°Daye, cover our right nk.¡±

    ¡°Copy that.¡± Seok Kang-Ho got into position.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, left nk,¡± Kang Chan instructed again.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook momentarily shed in Kang Chan''s mind as Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il nked him. She had looked¡­ frightened. However, she disappeared from his mind as quickly as she hade.

    Since he had already decided to join the fight anyway, he thought he might as well take down as many as he could and divert the attention away from his allies.

    The first agent to face Kang Chan quickly swung his dagger. However, he was caught off guard when Kang Chan suddenly charged forward.

    Kang Chan swung his bay multiple times, slitting the agent¡¯s wrists and neck. blood spurted out of the deep wounds.

    Without wasting a second, Kang Chan then deflected and forcefully struck down the next agent¡¯s forearm and swiftly cut him three times.

    Sounds of bodies dropping to the ground came from where Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il were fighting, but Kang Chan had no time to nce back.

    The enemies¡¯ blood sttered on his face. Kang Chan had fought so many dirty battles like this that he had be as familiar with this as he was with the back of his hand. This was nothing new.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Tae-Jin, and Kim Hyung-Jung also rushed in, joining him. They were followed closely by the other members who formed a protective circle around them to guard them.

    ¡°<i>Kegh!</i>¡±

    The battle¡¯s first cry rang out.

    Interestingly enough, Kang Chan could identify whether it was from an ally or an enemy. Just now, the shriek was from a Japanese agent.

    Unflinchingly, Kang Chan swung his bay with mechanical precision, devoid of any emotion.

    <i>Pant. Pant.</i>

    With his acute senses, he could hear rapid breaths and also survey his surroundings with rity.

    Blood sttered across the battlefield. The new agent facing Kang Chan shifted his gaze downward, readying his dagger for an attack.

    Kang Chan could see everything clearly.

    In quick session, he shed the man¡¯s armpit and neck.

    ¡°Ack!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t easy to hold back screams after being heavily wounded. No matter how well-trained anyone was, they would need one hell of a resolve to choke back their shouts when it really came down to it.

    The enemy¡¯s eyes showed momentary confusion when Kang Chan abruptly lunged forward, grabbing his head. The move caught the agent by surprise. He didn¡¯t expect Kang Chan to suddenly target his head.

    In this battle to the death, this fight where they could just cut a man¡¯s throat open, Kang Chan unwaveringly used every ounce of his strength to bring them down. Anyone surprised for having a fistful of their hair grabbed¡­ was bound to get their necks slit.

    With a swift motion from Kang Chan, blood spurted out of the agent¡¯s neck.

    ¡°Agh!¡±

    As Kang Chan gashed the side of another man, Kang Chan¡¯s ears caught Choi Jong-Il¡¯s pained shout.

    <i>Fweeck! Fweeck!</i>

    When he turned to look, he saw Choi Jong-Il getting stabbed in the armpit, then near his heart.

    <i>Pow!?</i>

    Kang Chan instinctively rammed into Choi Jong-Il with his shoulder, veering Choi Jong-Il away from the dagger aimed at his throat. It cut his face instead, but it was surely better than dying.

    <i>Shing!</i>

    <i>¡®Ack!¡¯</i>

    In the heat of the battle, Kang Chan swiftly shed the enemy¡¯s armpit, but his left side wascerated in the process.

    The enemy¡¯s speed was truly impressive. He easily deflected the relentless onught of Kang Chan¡¯s elbow strikes and bay swings.

    Kang Chan pushed away the agent¡¯s attack with the ball of his palm.

    Exploiting the opening Choi Jong-Il left in their formation, the enemy cut Kang Chan¡¯s back and shoulders. However, Kang Chan just put the searing pain aside and focused on the man in front of him.

    Fighting a battle of speed and precision, Kang Chan and the agent¡¯s barrage of attacks collided in rapid session.

    It was a life-or-death situation. One mistake, and they could find themselves lying on the ground. However, if Kang Chan could just outpace his opponent, a chance to eliminate him would certainly arise.

    <i>Thwack! Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    ¡°Agh!¡±

    Just then, Choi Jong-Il, who was defending against the attacking agents to the left of Kang Chan, let out another grunt.

    The noise momentarily diverted Kang Chan¡¯s attention.

    Seizing the opportunity, the enemyunched a sudden attack. Kang Chan instinctively pulled back his neck, but not before his corbone and right side were viciously cut.

    Sounds of bones being struck rang out as they exchanged a flurry of elbows, punches, and weapon swings. However, Kang Chan stood resolute, refusing to falter.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    Their gazes locked in a fierce confrontation as their elbows collided.

    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡±

    ¡°Bakayaro!¡±

    Kang Chan was soon stabbed in the armpit, causing his arm to tremble slightly.

    However, he simply further steeled his resolve. At this rate, there would be no end to their fight.

    When the agent tried to stab him again, Kang Chan blocked it with his left hand, the de piercing all the way through his palm. Kang Chan then closed his fingers and tightened his grip around the dagger¡¯s cross-guard, preventing the enemy from using it.

    The agent flinched in shock.

    <i>Wasn¡¯t expecting this, were you?</i>

    The agent hastily lifted his other arm, but Kang Chan had his bay ready.

    <i>Shing! Shing! Shing! Shing!</i>

    Elbow, shoulder, forearm, and armpit¡ªhe relentlessly targeted the agent¡¯s vulnerable points.

    In a desperate attempt to get away, the agent twisted the dagger lodged in Kang Chan¡¯s palm.

    <i>¡®Agh!¡¯</i>

    However, letting go was thest thing Kang Chan would consider doing. He thrust his bay into the agent''s throat twice, leaving behind two deep holes.

    Blood fountained out from the agent¡¯s injuries.

    Until the veryst moment of the agent¡¯s life draining out of his eyes, he red at Kang Chan with hatred.

    <i>Shik!</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s every single nerve tingled the moment he pulled out the dagger from his palm.

    When he turned to look at Seok Kang-Ho, he saw his teammate also covered in blood.

    Kang Chan had never imagined that he would be fighting to the death like this again. He never asked to be born into this world, nor did he want to reincarnate into another body.

    Yet, for some reason, bloodshed and carnage relentlessly pursued him throughout both of his lives.

    As he thrust his bay into an enemy''s throat, Yoo Hye-Sook suddenly crossed his mind. What would she say if she saw him mercilessly killing these people?

    It was already challenging enough for her to ept that her son had snapped another man''s neck. What expression would she have if she saw him impaling a bay in an enemy¡¯s neck?

    <i>Fweeck!</i>

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Distracted by the thought, he had another near-death moment.

    <i>Shing! Shing! Shing!</i>

    None of these remaining bastards seemed as persistent as the opponents that he faced earlier. Unfortunately for them, Kang Chan decided to kill as many of them as possible. That was the only way to ensure the survival of hisrades.

    <i>Where do you think you¡¯re going?</i>

    He wrenched back the shoulder of an enemy advancing toward Choi Jong-Il. Fueled by malice and adrenaline, Kang Chan no longer felt any pain in his left hand. It merely throbbed a little.

    ¡°Aghhh!¡±

    His bay found its mark in the enemy''s throat, causing a wretched scream to tear through the air and blood to spurt out of the injury. Finally catching a short break, Kang Chan scanned the chaos around him and soon spotted the enemy who had been gunning for Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan had probably been stabbed in his left forearm, but it strangely didn¡¯t hurt at all.

    <i>Shing. Shing. Shing. Shing.?</i>

    If this was the destiny he had to live, so be it. He would wholeheartedly embrace it.

    He would survive until the end.

    Even if Yoo Hye-Sook abandoned him, even if Kang Dae-Kyung turned his back on him, he would persevere.

    He would survive and go to Gapyeong with Seok Kang-Ho to eat chicken legs if that was what he had to do.

    Kang Chan relentlessly thrust his dagger, pouring all his frustration into each stab.

    Why did fate have to be so merciless to him? Why couldn''t he lead a normal life like everyone else? Why? Why!

    <i>Stab. Stab. Stab. Slit. Slit. Slit.?</i>

    He kept going until someone grabbed onto him, making him flinch and breaking his rhythm.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    It was Dayeru.

    Dayeru clutched Kang Chan with his blood-stained arms, holding on as tightly as he could.

    ¡°It¡¯s over.¡±

    ¡°Haah. Haah.¡±

    This fool dared interrupt him?

    ¡°It¡¯s over, Captain. Everything¡¯s over.¡±

    ¡°Haah. Haah.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked directly into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, then nodded in acknowledgment of what Kang Chan was experiencing.

    Only then did terrible pain surge throughout Kang Chan.

    ¡°Do you have a cigarette?¡±

    Grinning, Seok Kang-Ho released let go of Kang Chan, and, with a grunt, took out a cigarette. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s upper body was drenched in blood and covered in deep wounds.

    ¡°Here.¡±

    Kang Chan lit the cigarette and took a deep drag from it as he looked around.

    There were only five people standing: Kim Hyung-Jung, Choi Jong-Il, and three agents he didn¡¯t know.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung approached Kang Chan with an exhausted expression.

    ¡°I¡¯ve contacted the hospital.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung copsed to the ground as if gravity pushed him down. With a hand applying pressure on his right cheek, Choi Jong-Il walked toward them from behind Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Tenk you.¡±

    His pronunciation was strange because of the blood caught in his throat.

    ¡°Want a smoke?¡±

    ¡°Yus.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho handed Choi Jong-Il a cigarette as Kang Chan chuckled.

    Pale bodies littered the front yard and soaked it in blood. A few of them were still twitching in pain.

    ¡°Do you have a phone? Please call Bang Ji Hospital for me.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il asked for a phone from the other agents and dialed the number for Kang Chan.

    -<i>Hello?</i>

    ¡°Director, it¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, if you called me to brag about getting a new number, I¡¯m going to get mad.?</i>

    ¡°Director, Seok Kang-Ho and I have suffered severe wounds. We can¡¯t get to the hospital like this.¡±

    <i>-Where are you?</i>

    Yoo Hun-Woo unexpectedly sounded grave.

    ¡°We¡¯re in Pyeongchang-Dong. I don¡¯t know the address, but it¡¯s Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s house.¡±

    <i>-I¡¯m on my way now. I can send a nearby doctor to help first if you need me to.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll just wait for you, Director.¡±

    <i>-All right.?</i>

    The call ended curtly.

    ¡°Hand me another cigarette.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho gave him another stick. The lighter was soaked in blood, so he had to use his old cigarette to light the new one.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go sit over there, Channy.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    The two limped over and leaned against a tree. They were beyond tired.

    ¡°Hu.¡±

    The cigarette smoke vanished into thin air.

    ¡°Captain, did you know you killed at least ten of them?¡±

    ¡°I did?¡±

    ¡°I knew you wouldn¡¯t know. You seemed totally out of it after killing that snake over there. Ow.¡± Seok Kang-Ho groaned as he tried to adjust his upper body. ¡°Let¡¯s visit Gapyeong when we recover.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled, then agreed that they should do that sometime.

    It was strange, but he wasn¡¯t worried about who had died or how his allies who had copsed on the ground were doing.

    <i>Damn it.?</i>

    He felt as if he crossed a line that he could never uncross.

    In the distance, the sound of an ambnce wailed.

 Chapter 121.1: Iéˆ¥æª“ Sick of This! (2)

    <h4>Chapter 121.1: I¡¯m Sick of This! (2)</h4>

    The National Intelligence Service agents arrived while the medics were taking care of the wounded.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! Are you really going to the Bang Ji Hospital?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    .

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Manager, so please rest easy and leave first. Anyway, should we really call agents to this covert operation?¡±

    ¡°We have enough reason to because the Japanese agents are here.¡±

    Since Kim Hyung-Jung said it was okay, Kang Chan thought it should be fine.

    ¡°Thank you for granting the section chief¡¯s wish,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said with difficulty. He had just asked the medical team, who was going to help him, to wait for a bit. ¡°The operation in Mongolia destroyed the morale of the special forces members, so he probably did this to breathe life into them again. He wanted to show that we also have the ability toplete operations that are as difficult as the one that France¡¯s Foreign Legion had done. Please just consider this as our defiance against defeat, even if only in spirit.¡±

    ¡°I was already aware of how everyone felt before the battle started. That¡¯s why I chose to fight with you all. Now, please get treated.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung copsed to the stretcher the medical team had prepared, unable to endure any longer.

    Two new agents then approached Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho. They stood behind them, guarding their perimeter.

    Yoo Hun-Woo ran over while Kang Chan was wondering if they should¡¯ve just gone to the same hospital as the others.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo looked surprised when he saw the yard. However, he quickly controlled his expression as he approached Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    After Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Hoy down in the ambnce with the help of the agents and two paramedics, the ambnce immediately left.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware something this horrifying was happening...¡± Yoo Hun-Woo muttered to himself as they quickly drove to the hospital.

    ***

    Yoo Hye-Sook was lying in bed, looking gaunt.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get you to the hospital already. Yourplexion looks terrible,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, honey. I was just startled. It¡¯s really bearable now.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, then stared at Kang Dae-Kyung. ¡°You already knew Channy is involved with the National Intelligence Service, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Hesitant to answer, Kang Dae-Kyung wordlessly held Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s hand.

    ¡°I never thought the female employees could fight like that. Did you also know about that?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung shook his head. ¡°Let¡¯s just think that we can¡¯t understand everything because our son is too remarkable. Look! He was the youngest attendee in the presentation hall for the Eurasian Rail, and he made people like the President and Prime minister seek us out.¡±

    ¡°Honey, I feel so sorry for not knowing that side of Channy. I was so scared that I trembled when I saw our son.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook burst into tears while pursuing her lips. ¡°It breaks my heart so much that I was the reason Channy looked so sad, honey. He did what he had to do to save me, yet all I did in return was make him upset. What should I do? I feel so guilty!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung reached out and wiped Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s tears away. ¡°Channy really cares about you. He gave me a heads-up that you¡¯ll be worried no matter what he does or where he goes. He even immediately got worried about you when you hit your chest because you might have indigestion. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll understand. It¡¯s not like your love for our Channy has changed, right?¡±

    ¡°It would never change!¡±

    ¡°Then everything will be okay. You just have to give him a big hug when hees home, then we¡¯ll just act like nothing happened. like now. Okay?¡±

    ¡°Our Channy isn¡¯t doing anything dangerous, is he?¡±

    ¡°My goodness, madam. Channy¡¯s heart will break if he sees you like this. Please be up and about quickly.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m going to do that. I¡¯ll recover and protect our Channy.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded with a faint smile. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do that. Let¡¯s be parents that can hug him whenever he¡¯s having a hard time. Okay?¡±

    ¡°Alright. It still breaks my heart that Channy might be out there feeling upset.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook burst into tears again. Kang Dae-Kyung gently stroked her head.

    ***

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you gave such an order, Director.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President, this matter concerns the agents. You understand why the chief officer of security made that decision, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun, the Director of the National Intelligence Service, didn¡¯t budge an inch even though he was talking to Moon Jae-Hyun.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t something that can be exined by something like loyalty or spirit. The head of a chaebol family was murdered in broad daylight in aw-governed country. I am well aware of the crimes that the chaebolmitted, but proving someone guilty before punishing them ording to thew is the country¡¯s biggest duty and the reason why I¡¯m in this position as the President.¡± Seemingly frustrated, Moon Jae-Hyun took out a cigarette. ¡°That¡¯s not even all. South Korea¡¯s Chief Officer of Presidential Security joined the knife fight and, as a result, is now in critical condition. Does it make sense to you that I, the actual President, wasn''t aware of this happening and that I¡¯m now receiving your letter of resignation?¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed. As he lit up his cigarette, Hwang Ki-Hyung took out a white envelope and put it down in front of Moon Jae-Hyun.

    ¡°I¡¯ll resign and take responsibility for this matter. I¡¯m truly happy and thankful that I was able to serve and work under you. I don¡¯t know how this matter will be settled, but please ept my letter of resignation, Mr. President. That way, I¡¯ll be able to end things and fix any problems that could arise,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    Moon Jae-Hyung inhaled loudly, then slowly exhaled.

    ¡°Mr. President, please allow me onest piece of advice.¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun looked at Moon Jae-Hyun with stern eyes. ¡°Appoint Kang Chan as the South Korean representative for the Eurasian Rail.¡±

    ¡°Phew, he¡¯s still a high schooler.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President, it will take three years for the Eurasian Rail to be operational. Please think about how much Kang Chan would have grown by then and what he can aplish by the time he¡¯s thirty. This is a golden opportunity for South Korea to get someone like Lanok.¡±

    ¡°Everyone knows that, but people will bite at us and chew us out like a pack of dogs for appointing a young student to such an important position. Who would interfere and protect Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°Even so, you still have to do it. We haven¡¯t been able to properly teach anyone, even if they were talented, because of their age, school ties, and regionalism. If the Eurasian Rail proceeds as nned and Kang Chan keeps growing at this rate, South Korea¡¯s conviction will be well received by the entire world in ten years,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun argued.

    Moon Jae-Hyun bent the cigarette in the ashtray as he softly exhaled. ¡°How¡¯s the section chief?¡±

    ¡°I heard that today or tomorrow is the critical moment, and then we¡¯ll know if he will survive.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    ¡°Jeon Dae-Geuk med me a lot when our juniors¡¯ morale plummeted due to the operation in Mongolia. He even called me just to hurl an enormous amount ofints and ask why we couldn¡¯t give the same support that France did.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun smiled dejectedly and nodded. ¡°That¡¯s definitely the section chief I know. How long will it take for him to make a full recovery?¡±

    ¡°Even if he survives, he won¡¯t be able to move for three months.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun picked up two envelopes that had ¡®Letter of Resignation¡¯ written on them. ¡°I can¡¯t believe the Chief Officer of Security will be going on a paid vacation for three months on this momentous asion. I can¡¯t just forgive him for that.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President?¡±

    ¡°Furthermore, while we¡¯re nning to support Kang Chan, the Director of the National Intelligence Service is thinking of running away instead of being extra alert. What will you do if Kang Chan finds out about this?¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun couldn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°Let¡¯s protect him. Let¡¯s give it a try, at least. I¡¯ll do everything I can, so you and the section chief should do your best as well. We¡¯ll create a talented person that¡¯s powerful enough to give a warning to the United States, Russia, and China with just a phone call,¡± Moon Kae-Hyun said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked at the letters of resignation, then at Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    <i>Rip. Rip.</i>

    ¡°From now on, don¡¯t ever think about writing a letter of resignation until I fire you,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun continued.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°Moreover, you are to report covert operations to me at all times.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°Alright. The Director of the National Intelligence Service should have that much determination and tenacity. Right! I heard that Kang Chan¡¯s parents got attacked too?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct, Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°Please ask them if we can have a meal together at the safe house. If we¡¯re going to appoint a minor, then we need the parents¡¯ consent.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have it arranged.¡±

    Finally looking rxed, Moon Jae-Hyun took out another cigarette. ¡°Will we really be able to create the South Korea that we dream of?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll do whatever it takes to turn it into reality.¡±

    ¡°Yes, we will. You¡¯re right. We¡¯ll make it happen.¡±

    After nodding in agreement, Moon Jae-Hyun dropped the cigarette on the floor.

 Chapter 121.2: Iéˆ¥æª“ Sick of This! (2)

    <h4>Chapter 121.2: I¡¯m Sick of This! (2)</h4>

    Upon reaching the hospital, Kang Chan had his wounds stitched up before being moved to a patient room. Much to his surprise, Lanok and Louis were already inside, waiting for him.

    The nurses stopped pushing the hospital bed, and Kang Chan raised himself up.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, have you been waiting for me?¡±

    ¡°I arrived a little while ago.¡± Lanok pursed his lips while examining Kang Chan¡¯s body. ¡°From what I heard about the situation, I didn¡¯t think that something like this would ever happen. Why did you do all of this?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t exin it either.

    The nurse helped Kang Chan transfer to the patient bed, propped up the head of the bed, then left the room.

    ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± Kang Chan asked Louis.

    Louis nodded solemnly.

    ¡°Then make us a cup of coffee.¡±

    Lanokughed. Louis suppressed his.

    ¡°Did the matters with the American embassy put you in a difficult position?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m in a predicament,¡± Lanok admitted. ¡°In the information warfare between the United Kingdom and the United States, even Russia is involved. The international situation is like a loose cannon right now¡­ or a crazy woman dancing.¡±

    Kang Chan listened to the unexpected news.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯ve started this, we might as well give it a proper end. It would be best to take down National Assembly Chairman Huh Ha-Soo and Assemblyman Huh Sang-Soo as well. Those two will definitely look for opportunities to kill you,¡± Lanok added.

    Kang Chan decided to use this timely opportunity to ask for advice. Lanok was, after all, more informed about South Korea¡¯s situation than Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, is there a way to stop Japan¡¯s underwater tunnel project?¡±

    Louis brought over coffee in paper cups, stopping their conversation for a moment.

    ¡°They¡¯ll hesitate for quite a while since the bodies and guns of Japanese agents were discovered in Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s house. The National Assembly and the opposition party will most likely just assert those as a political maneuver, but the South Korean government hasn''t approved the underwater tunnel yet, so there¡¯s still time. If we can reveal that Huh Sang-Soo sold state secrets, then things will be easier,¡± Lanok exined.

    ¡°So the best course of action is to catch those two?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    Lanok only took a sip of his coffee, making it seem as if he only put his mouth on the paper cup. ¡°It¡¯s going to be a difficult fight.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re probably right.¡±

    Lanok put the paper cup down beside him.

    ¡°Louis? Do you have cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked, suddenly getting the urge to smoke.

    Lanok and Louis looked surprised.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I have permission to smoke in this hospital, which is why I did everything I could to get confined here.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why there are several air purifiers installed in this patient room,¡± Lanokmented as Louis ced cigarettes and a lighter in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡± Kang Chan offered a cigarette to Lanok, thinking he probably didn¡¯t bring a cigar. Lanok epted it. The cigarette looked short between his long, slender fingers.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok called after they had lit up their cigarettes.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Lanok, who was looking at his cigarette as he exhaled smoke, looked up. ¡°You should get naturalized in France.¡±

    Lanok had rmended the same thing before. This matter wasn¡¯t urgent enough to be brought up this seriously in a patient room, though, so Kang Chan only stared at him in response.

    There had to be a good reason why this sly and wily fox opened the topic now.

    ¡°The South Korean government might not be able to protect you. I¡¯m not saying that they will abandon you, but South Korea is still inferior when ites to information warfare, and the situation is bing more and moreplicated,¡± Lanok added, ignoring the cigarette smoke from the lit cigarette in his hand. ¡°My country¡¯s Intelligence Bureau and the DGSE would likely have to put lives at risk to cling onto this. Hence, no matter how much I assert my influence, it will be difficult for me to mobilize everything in my country for you. You should get French nationality for now. That would allow me to publicly say that I¡¯m your supporter.¡±

    He was definitely hiding something.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I think it would be best for you to tell me what this is about instead,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure yet since the information we received is so ridiculous and absurd that we¡¯re still processing and confirming if it¡¯s false information. Even so, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Russia have been making unusual moves. In information warfare, there¡¯s a lot of times when it¡¯s a fight that¡¯ll end when people die after rising up against false rumors, so we need a little more time.¡±

    Lanok changed the subject, which made Kang Chan assume this issue was simply that sensitive.

    ¡°You should focus on recovery for now. I¡¯ll update you once I¡¯ve gotten more urate and reliable information. That aside, the agents that Louis is leading will be guarding the hospital¡¯s perimeter for now. They naturally won¡¯t cause any conflicts with the South Korean agents, so don¡¯t worry,¡± Lanok added.

    Cocking his head, Kang Chan dropped the cigarette butt into the paper cup. No matter how curious he became, Lanok wouldn¡¯t tell him any more than what he had already revealed. Hence, moving on for now would be for the best.

    However, Kang Chan was certain that something was up¡ªsomething important enough for Lanok to appoint guards to him and even mobilize French agents.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be in touch, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok said.

    Lanok stood up and left the patient room. Soon after, Kang Chan sighed while looking out the window.

    It felt like things were getting messier.

    Kang Chan just wanted to live a normal,fortable life, but the world kept preventing it.

    Would he finally be able to achieve his dream once he had taken care of every fucker that he had to kill?

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    The door to his room soon opened. Seok Kang-Ho entered not long after.

    ¡°Was it Lanok who visited you?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°How did you know?¡±

    ¡°Two Frenchmen are outside your room right now, guarding the door.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded, then told Seok Kang-Ho exactly what Lanok had told him.

    ¡°If he was going to tell you, then he should¡¯ve confessed everything. Lanok has a petty side to him,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    This fucker definitely wouldn¡¯t fit in the information field.

    The two shared a cigarette.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan had the majority of their entire upper body wrapped in bandages. Kang Chan¡¯s left hand was bandaged especially thick, making it lookrge enough to be a boxing glove.

    ¡°What do you n on telling your family?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯ve thought about it every now and then, but I still don¡¯t know what to tell them.¡±

    Kang Chan remembered Yoo Hye-Sook bing pale with fright.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just tell them I got hurt doing something that Yoo Bi-Corp asked me to do. I¡¯m thinking of taking out about fifty million won from my bank ount as well. I¡¯ll give it to them and tell them I got a bonus.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, someone has to bring over the phone that I left in the van¡­¡±

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Before Seok Kang-Ho could finish what he was saying, someone opened the door.

    Four men, all of them clearly agents, stood along the room¡¯s wall. Afterward, a man with sharp eyes came inside.

    Seemingly around histe fifties, the man was slightly overweight and looked quite nice, but that was perhaps why his gaze felt fierce.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan?¡± The man asked.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then you must be Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± Seok Kang-Ho looked at the man with suspicion as he answered.

    ¡°I¡¯m Hwang Ki-Hyun, the Director of the National Intelligence Service. I should¡¯ve introduced myself to you two ways earlier, but I¡¯m cautious about making public appearances,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun politely greeted them. Afterward, an agent ced a chair behind him.

    ¡°I brought some coffee. Would the two of you like some?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    Another agent brought forward three disposable cups that were clearly bought from a specialty coffee shop.

    They had certainly brought something unusual for a patient visit.

    ¡°Please have some coffee. Feel free to smoke as well. I don¡¯t mind,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun continued.

    ¡°I already did a little while ago,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun nodded, then drank coffee. ¡°I heard that tomorrow is the critical moment for the section chief. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll survive. I went over and told him things that would wind him up, after all.¡±

    His expression and the way he talked made him seem friendly.

    ¡°What did you tell him?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That I¡¯ll disband the special forces if he dies. If he does survive, I told him I¡¯d establish a new specialized team in the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho burst intoughter when the image of Jeon Dae-Geuk suddenly waking up popped into their heads.

    ¡°Many more weapons were discovered in the basement of Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s building. We¡¯re thinking of closing this matter by having the joint investigation headquarters make an announcement about it tonight.¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun observed Kang Chan¡¯s mood, then continued, ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, we¡¯re thinking of appointing you as the South Korean Representative of the Eurasian Rail. The President has already approved of it, so there shouldn¡¯t be any problems unless somethinges up. The position is new, so we don¡¯t even need the National Assembly¡¯s consent for this.¡±

    The people visiting him kept bringing up unexpected news. He didn¡¯t even want to take any position.

    ¡°We would need the National Assembly¡¯s consent to give you better treatment than what a vice minister receives, so we¡¯ll just give you the same level of treatment on the surface. However, we¡¯ll also give you the authority to issue orders,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun added when he saw Kang Chan pursing his lips, seemingly already prepared for Kang Chan¡¯s disapproval. ¡°Only those ranked equal or higher than the Assistant Director of the National Intelligence Service have that authority. You don¡¯t have to report to me since you¡¯ll be doing special missions, and you¡¯ll get a yearly budget of a hundred billion won, an unlimited amount of reserve funds, and an unlimited number of employees that you can mobilize.¡±

    ¡°One moment, Mr. Director. I don¡¯t want to take on that position,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun nodded. ¡°Manager Kim told me you¡¯re definitely going to refuse. There¡¯s still time, so I hope you at least give some more thought to it before deciding.¡±

    Kang Chan frowned. Hwang Ki-Hyun wasn¡¯t the type to easily back down.

    Nevertheless, he wasn¡¯t that happy about Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s suggestion. Even though it was worth joining the information warfare since his identity would be kept undercover, he simply didn¡¯t want to butt into it.

 Chapter 122: What Should We Do? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 122: What Should We Do? (1)</h4>

    After saying what he had wanted to say, Hwang Ki-Hyun ordered an agent to hand over the phones Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho left. He seemed to have forgotten about it, but he clearly just didn¡¯t want anything to disturb their conversation. Nevertheless, his sly acting looked very natural.

    Kang Chan thought South Korea had its own sly and wily fox after all.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, please think about it slowly while you¡¯re recovering,.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Director.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun patted Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder and left the room.

    ¡°Hmm, he seems approachable, but he has an oddly fierce atmosphere around him,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Right? Ah, shoot!¡±

    Kang Chan quickly called Smithen, who would still be stuck at home.

    - Hello? Captain!

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me! How¡¯s everything on your side?¡±

    - The agent-looking men disappeared when the security guards arrived.

    ¡°Everything should be alright for now. Be careful, and never ever go out to the suburbs by yourself.¡±

    - Alright.

    After hearing Smithen¡¯s awkward answer, he checked who had called him while he didn¡¯t have his phone.

    Kang Dae-Kyung had called him three times, and Michelle and Oh Gwang-Taek had called him once.

    Kang Chan called Oh Gwang-Taek first.

    - Kang Chan, we got revenge.

    Kang Chan heard Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s delighted voice as soon as thetter picked up the call.

    - Those sons of bitches had all sorts of weapons. I even took five of their pistols. What should we do?

    ¡°Did you guys clean up afterward?¡±

    - We took care of them in our own way. Even with all of thembined, there weren¡¯t even twenty of them.

    <i>What a scary fucker.</i>

    At any rate, the pistols Oh Gwang-Taek had would cause a lot of problems.

    ¡°Return the pistols. Where did you guys leave the bodies? It¡¯ll be a pain if people talk about itter, but if we know where the bodies are, we should be able to cover the matter up even if they¡¯re discovered.¡±

    - They can¡¯t be discovered. They need to have parts intact for that.

    ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    - We mixed them with the molten metal at the factory I own. Some of their parts will still be around when the molten metal is poured on a cast, but that much impurity won¡¯t even be a problem since we mainly make iron gates there.

    Kang Chan was appalled. How could Oh Gwang-Taek say something horrible so straightforwardly?

    <i>¡®I should be aware of the name of thepany that this fucker owns?¡¯</i>

    Regardless, it seemed this matter wasing to an end.

    ¡°Okay. Anyway, I¡¯ll send someone over. Hand over the pistols to them discreetly. That would allow me to protect you.¡±

    - Copy. Where are you? Let¡¯s have a drink tonight.

    ¡°I¡¯m at the hospital. Let¡¯s just meet up after I get discharged.¡±

    - Where are you? Are you at the Bang Ji Hospital?

    ¡°Hey! A woman will being. Don¡¯t ruin the mood and just meet up with me once I get out of here.¡±

    - Okay, okay. Make sure you contact me. Onest thing¡­

    Oh Gwang-Taek hesitated for a moment. He was clearly about to thank Kang Chan.

    ¡°Be quiet. I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about the call.

    ¡°Is he just like any other gangster after all? I feel like we¡¯re never going to live a normal life.¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    ¡°Tell me about it. Things are increasingly getting out of hand.¡±

    While Kang Chan was drinking the coffee that Hwang Ki-Hyun gave them before he left, Seok Kang-Ho took out a cigarette and handed it to him.

    ¡°Captain, you looked tired while we were fighting a moment ago. You also looked enraged.¡± Seok Kang-Ho exhaled smoke through his mouth and nose as he spoke. ¡°We¡¯ve been participating in this kind of fight nonstop since we reincarnated. We should take a break. Even back in Africa, we used to go on vacations after battles like this, didn¡¯t we? Let¡¯s take at least half of the month off after we get discharged. The beach or even abroad would be great. If those don¡¯t work, we should at least go to Jeju-do.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded as he exhaled and groaned at the same time.

    In all honesty, Kang Chan had so much trouble letting go of the knife and the gun that he even wondered if they reincarnated specifically to fight.

    ¡°Would that fucking National Assembly Chairman leave us alone?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Pff! That fucker won¡¯t be able to do anything because he¡¯ll be busy observing people¡¯s moods for quite some time, so let¡¯s at least think that we¡¯re going to rest for now.¡±

    ¡°Okay, sure.¡±

    What Seok Kang-Ho had said wasn¡¯t wrong. After nodding in agreement, Kang Chan called Michelle.

    - Channy! Are you okay?

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m sorry for making you worry for no reason. I must¡¯ve be a bit sensitive.¡±

    - It¡¯s fine. You were just looking out for me. I called you because I was worried, but I decided to just wait since I was afraid I would disturb you. Thank you, Channy.¡±

    Her voice sounded seductive. However, before Kang Chan could hang up¡­

    - Where are you right now?

    Kang Chan¡¯s expectation was spot on.

    ¡°I¡¯m with other people. Why do you ask?¡±

    - Our drama is premiering today at 8:30 pm! We¡¯re all at thepany right now. It would¡¯ve been great if you were also here.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll also watch it if I can.¡±

    - Take care of yourself, Channy. If you get hurt, then Eun So-Yeon, Kim Mi-Young and I will be crying together.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    Kang Chan flinched. Shouting made his wounds sting. He heard Michelleughing as if she found it funny.

    - I¡¯ll hang up. J¡¯taime, Channy.

    Theplicated phone call ended.

    ¡°The drama being produced by D.I. is apparently airing today,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What time?¡±

    ¡°She said 8:30 pm.¡±

    ¡°We should watch it together after having dinner. Why haven¡¯t you called your family, though?¡±

    Kang Chan sighed, then exined what had happened at the Foundation¡¯s office.

    ¡°Phuhu, I guess you¡¯re weak when ites to things like this. Don¡¯t think. Just call her. Didn¡¯t you say that she hugged you after? She probably can¡¯t even eat dinner right now because she¡¯s so bothered that she showed that kind of expression to you. I¡¯ll be back after calling my family as well, so give her a call already,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    Even though Seok Kang-Ho was frowning, he left the room still somehow looking as if he found the situation funny.

    <i>Would that fucker really know much about things like this?</i>

    ¡°Whew.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung popped into Kang Chan¡¯s mind. He looked as if he was trying hard to ept Kang Chan and had put in quite a lot of effort to pretend that nothing was wrong.

    <i>Yeah. Even though I don¡¯t know what they have to say to me, calling them right now is the right thing to do.?</i>

    With a heavy heart, Kang Chan pressed the call button.

    The call rang twice before it was picked up.

    - Channy!

    That one word conveyed all of her happiness, worry, sympathy, and pity to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mother? What happened to your voice?¡±

    Kang Chan unexpectedly felt troubled.

    - I probably sound off because I feel bad for how I reacted and because I was afraid that I broke your heart with the weird expression I showed you earlier today. Where are you? Have you had dinner? Are you okay? You¡¯re not hurt, are you?

    Kang Chanughed. He was initially annoyed because Yoo Hye-Sook was so worried about him, but he now felt happy.

    ¡°I¡¯mpletely fine. Have you had dinner?¡±

    - Not yet.

    ¡°Why not? Please eat dinner already. I heard that the drama that D.I. is producing will air at 8:30 pm, so please watch it.¡±

    - Okay, we will. Are youing home today?

    ¡°No. It¡¯ll probably take a few days for me toe home since I still have things to do here, but let¡¯s go on a vacation for a few days once I get back, Mother.¡±

    Kang Chan heard Yoo Hye-Sook sob and burst into tears. He also heard Kang Dae-Kyung ask, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡±

    - Hello? Is that you, Channy?

    ¡°Yes, Father. What¡¯s with Mother?¡±

    - I should be the one asking you that. What did you tell her that made her cry?

    ¡°I told her we should go on a vacation for a few days once I get back home.¡±

    - That¡¯s something worth crying for your mom. She¡¯s been lying down all day because she was afraid that you were upset. Ow!

    Based on what Kang Chan heard, Yoo Hye-Sook seemed to have hit Kang Dae-Kyung. Theyughed soon after.

    - Are you alright?

    ¡°Yes, Father.¡±

    - Do you also understand that your mom acted that way earlier because she was surprised?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Kang Chan heard Kang Dae-Kyung breathing softly, he heard Yoo Hye-Sook saying, ¡°Give me the phone, honey.¡±

    - Your mom is asking me to put her on the phone.

    Kang Chan heard her sniffling.

    - Thanks, Channy. I love you.

    How could he hate a mom like this?

    ¡°I love you, Mom.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook burst into tears for the second time.

    - I love you. I love you Channy.

    In the background, Kang Dae-Kyung said, ¡°If someone else saw you like this, they¡¯d think Channy lives in a foreign country. How are you going to send him to France? Ow! Alright, alright.¡±

    ¡°Mother, please don¡¯t worry too much and make sure to have dinner, okay? If you look sick when I get home, I¡¯m really going to be upset.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at the door. He didn¡¯t think of it when he said ¡®I love you¡¯ earlier, but he was now bothered that Seok Kang-Ho would hear him.

    - Okay. I¡¯ll put your dad on the phone.

    Yoo Hye-Sook now sounded calm, making Kang Chan feel relieved. It was as if a heavy burden was lifted off his shoulders.

    - Chan, you know that both of us are on your side forever, right?

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    - If you¡¯re struggling,e home whenever. No matter what you did, we¡¯ll be happy to have you back. You don¡¯t have to tell us anything if you don¡¯t want to. We just wish you¡¯de home to us.

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Kang Chan was sincerely thankful for having parents like them.

    - When are youing home?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how many days this will take to finish.¡±

    - Alright. Call your mom at least once a day.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan heard Yoo Hye-Sook saying, ¡°Honey, wait a second,¡± in the background after he had finished his conversation with Kang Dae-Kyung, but the call had already dropped. Kang Chan thought that Kang Dae-Kyung probably pretended not to hear her and just pressed the end button because he was worried that it would prolong the call too much.

    Kang Chan felt refreshed and as if he was on top of the world. He also felt hungry not long after.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Yoo Hun-Woo opened the door and came inside with a nurse.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I feel particrly different than usual?¡±

    Perhaps it was because bandages were wrapped around Kang Chan earlier in the day, but Yoo Hun-Woo just examined if blood had seeped out from the bandages, then stood up straight.

    ¡°You should be really careful when using your left hand. If things go wrong, you could lose your strength on it permanently. The pain will be quite severe as well since your bones held the knife in ce and got ground when you were stabbed,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    While the nurse was injecting medication into the IV, Yoo Hun-Woo stared at Kang Chan.

    The nurse put medicine on top of the table, then left the room first.

    ¡°People from the National Intelligence Service dropped by. They said that if the hospital needs any medicine in the future, I can charge them as I please. They also told me not to worry because they¡¯ll take action for that to happen,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    ¡°That went well.¡±

    ¡°I have a favor to ask, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°What is it? Is there someone you hate?¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo smiled, his expression seemingly saying, ¡°No way.¡± He then said, ¡°It¡¯s fine even if the hospital doesn¡¯t get support from any institutions. I just hope I can continue treating gangsters like I do now.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Yoo Hun-Woo as if he didn¡¯t understand, so thetter borated, ¡°I¡¯m saying this out of unnecessary concern, but I¡¯m afraid that I won¡¯t be able to treat the people who really need to be treated because some institution came here to investigate or became interested.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best and help you with your concern, then. If, by any chance, someone stops you, then please call me immediately.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    After talking about a few more things, Yoo Hun-Woo left. Around ten minutester, Seok Kang-Ho entered the room, frowning due to the pain he was enduring.

    ¡°Have you called your parents?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah. They liked it.¡±

    ¡°See? That¡¯s how a parent feels.¡±

    Kang Chan had nothing to say to things like this.

    ¡°Let¡¯s order meat for dinner. Considering we also lost a lot of blood, we should have jokbal and Jaengbanguksu! What do you think?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    While Seok Kang-Ho was ordering their food, Kang Chan leaned back against the bed.

    <i>¡®I should think about thingster.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan decided to rest for now.

    Bing naturalized in France? Bing the South Korean representative for the Eurasian Rail?

    He could take his time thinking about those after eating jokbal and watching the drama on TV.

    ***

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho ate a filling meal, then turned on the TV and rxed.

    They were full, had made a cup of coffee, and had cigarettes beside them. They couldn¡¯t wish for more.

    However, watching the news made theirfortpletely vanish.

    With the Japanese agents¡¯ bodies lined up in the background, the TV showed a news report about Yang Jin-Woo for forty minutes.

    The news started with why Yang Jin-Woomitted all his atrocities, then continued on to why he tried to install the underwater tunnel. The news also stated they were still figuring out the identities of the dead agents. All of that seemed fairly convincing.

    The news called it the worst rebellion incident since the establishment of South Korea. It also included interviews with citizens and pictures of Yang Jin-Woo, some of which showed him shaking hands with others. The news seemed to be saying Yang Jin-Woo was a chaebol who had dreamed of being the perfect traitor.

    By the end of the news, the reporter said that the ones who solved this incident were the National Intelligence Service¡¯s nameless agents, then closed it off with, ¡°we pray for the bliss of the nameless agents who sacrificed themselves to put a stop to this rebellion.¡±

    The news report made Kang Chan smoke.

    ¡°People will probably move on from this one way or another with that kind of news report?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°You think so?¡±

    There were a significant number of parts that were different from what actually happened, but Kang Chan wasn¡¯t going to talk about it.

    They talked while watching the news. Soon after, the drama started.

    The title was Jinsook is Pretty.

    <i>Damn. What an awful title!</i>

    Kang Chan watched the drama while being slightly suspicious of Michelle¡¯s tastes.

    He cringed whenever he saw someone he knew appear on TV and act like they were someone else. Contrary to his expectations, however, Seok Kang-Ho kept saying, ¡°This is fun. It¡¯s well made.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know about anything else, but he at least agreed that Eun So-Yeon looked pretty. The way she tried to lead her poor family in the drama seemed to make her look pretty.

    When the drama ended, Seok Kang-Ho pursed his lips and nodded. ¡°Ha! This is going to be a hit.¡±

    ¡°You think so? I¡¯m not sure how I feel about it.¡±

    ¡°My wife and daughter have been making me watch dramas with them, so I¡¯m confident in my skills to judge a good drama. If the drama keeps going at this quality, it¡¯s definitely going to be a hit.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel the need to correct Seok Kang-Ho about the drama bing a hit.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Is there a reason why we have to insist on sleeping in separate rooms? Staying in the same room means we get to talk to each other any time we want. We can just sleep in the beds across from each other.¡±

    ¡°Hey! I already told you that you snore.¡±

    ¡°So?! My wife said that she couldn¡¯t sleep because she couldn''t hear me snoring. Just be understanding for now. It¡¯s only for a few days.¡±

    <i>Jeez, this boring fucker.</i>

    Kang Chan just gave up because it wasn¡¯t like Seok Kang-Ho would listen to him even if he said anything.

    ¡°Do you think that fucker G¨¦rard has fully recovered by now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°His shoulder waspletely pierced. No matter how fast he heals, it¡¯ll take at least three months.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t he say he¡¯ll go to South Korea sometime?¡±

    ¡°What will he do if hees here? He should just keep living peacefully. Do you really think either of us would remain still if we learn that that fucker died or has gotten himself captured in an operation somewhere? We¡¯d get so furious that we¡¯d run wild and head straight to his rescue. Phew! Just thinking about it makes me feel crazy,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Phuhu, that fucker! I can''t help butugh whenever I remember how he tried to look cool just because he had be a half-grown chick.¡± Seok Kang-Ho wiped his nose with the hospital gown¡¯s sleeve. Snot seemed to have gotten out of his nose while he wasughing.

    ¡°Anyway, Captain, if you¡¯re going to be the South Korean representative of the Eurasian Rail, please make a position for me as well. I¡¯ll quit working at the school.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho as thetter pursed his lips.

    ¡°We have been fighting nonstop since we reincarnated. Considering things have been gradually getting out of hand, there¡¯s definitely something going on,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued. He looked excited. ¡°Instead of constantly being forced to fight, we should prepare in advance as well. We should create our own organization and handpick the agents that we need. Aren¡¯t they going to create an office for you?¡±

    ¡°What are you doing? Pull yourself together.¡±

    ¡°In any case, won¡¯t we feelfortable after we knock down the Huh brothers? It¡¯s also not right to keep asking for help every time we fight, so we should create a proper organization instead and take the initiative.¡±

    Kang Chan stared at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Captain, I mean it.¡±

    He actually did look serious.

    ¡°While we were fighting Yang Jin-Woo, I realized there is a ton of nasty fuckers in the world. Since we¡¯ve already started taking them down, we might as well eliminate them all,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    When Kang Chan burst intoughter, Seok Kang-Ho smirked.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Wanting to get something straight, Kang Chan asked, ¡°Do you want to continue participating in fights like the one that urred today?¡±

    ¡°Even if we try, it doesn''t seem like we¡¯ll be able to avoid fighting.¡±

    ¡°What about your family? We were lucky today, but one day they might get a death notice.¡±

    ¡°About that¡­¡± Seok Kang-Ho stopped mid-sentence.

    ¡°You were the lonely Dayeru in Africa, but aren¡¯t you the head of your family here? What about the people you¡¯ll leave behind?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho hung his head for a moment, then looked straight at Kang Chan.

    ¡°What else can I do? I only feel like I¡¯m alive when I¡¯m fighting with you. When we went to Mongolia and when we stood before our enemies today, I thought that even if I were to die, I¡¯d die happy. Having a home to return to is good and all, but if I keep working at that school, I¡¯ll lose my will to live.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sighed deeply.

    ¡°If I didn¡¯t remember anything from my past life, I would¡¯ve gotten ustomed to this way of life and just lived as Seok Kang-Ho. But after fighting together with you twice, I started missing our suspenseful lives. If I was just your age, I would¡¯ve gone back to Africa already.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho dropped his head.

    <i>¡®Ha! Tsk.¡¯</i>

    <i>What should I do with this fucker?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho with a profound expression.

    1. Jaengbanguksu is a cold noodle dish served on arge tter with a lot of fresh vegetables. Jaengban means a tter or tray in Korean, and guksu means noodles.

 Chapter 123.1: What Should We Do? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 123.1: What Should We Do? (2)</h4>

    The next five days peacefully passed by like a dream. Spending most of his time just eating and ying Kang Chan¡¯s injuries healed so perfectly that it was as if they were never there. Seok Kang-Ho''s recovery, however, was a different story.

    Although the hole in Kang Chan¡¯s palm had been stitched up and wrapped in thick bandages, his grip strength still hadn¡¯tpletely returned.

    Every passing day, he had a conversation on the phone with Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Hyung-Jung. He also received good news about Jeon Dae-Geuk regaining consciousness. They still lost two agents during the battle, however.

    Was it worth sacrificing the lives of those two men to restore the specialized team''s fighting spirit and bravado? It seemed like a simple question, but the answery in a gray area.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk had been inbat before and even fought at the front of the fray, so Kang Chan didn¡¯t me or criticize him. However, as a former captain who valued the lives of his squad members above all else, he couldn''t help but have deep thoughts about the matter.

    Saturday morning, Kang Chan had already enjoyed a satisfying breakfast. He sat alone, lost in his thoughts until Seok Kang-Ho''s ¡°Phuhu¡±ughter brought him back to reality. The way Seok Kang-Ho doubled overughing while watching TV made him seem like a friendly old man around the block.

    His sharp features, prominent eyebrows, and study build obviously marked him as someone to avoid picking a fight with, but that didn¡¯t apply to Kang Chan.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho turned his head toward the sudden ringing. Kang Chan raised his phone to his ear. It was Cecile.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    <i>-Channy, are you avable to talk right now?</i>

    Why did she sound as if she was preparing him for bad news? Had there been significant losses to his portfolio?

    ¡°Yeah. Go ahead.¡°

    <i>-A sell order came in yesterday, so I sold all your owned stocks and closed out your futures positions. Combining the value of the sold stocks and futures contracts, your earnings total to about two hundred and thirty billion won. You¡¯ll be able to withdraw the bnce on Tuesday.?</i>

    Damn. It seemed that there were shrewd people out there making money in ways like this.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    <i>-Channy, aren¡¯t you surprised by the amount?</i>

    ¡°It just hasn¡¯t sunk in yet,¡± Kang Chan replied, realizing that she didn¡¯t sound calm. Rather, she was so stunned that she felt numb.

    <i>-If you ever need the money, just let me know anytime. You¡¯re one of the most important VIPs at our brokerage firm, so the branch manager personally manages your ount. Also¡­</i>

    Did she want to ask him for a favor or something?

    <i>-I got a bonus of over 300 million with this. Channy, is it really okay for me to have all this to myself?</i>

    ¡°You said it yourself. It¡¯s your bonus.¡±

    <i>-I mean, I know the kind of person you are, but in cases like these, I usually give about 40% back to the ount owner. People generally purchase cars with this money. If you want, I can get you a car for your parents.?</i>

    ¡°Why are you suggesting that?¡±

    <i>-So you won¡¯t transfer your ount to another brokerage firm.?</i>

    Kang Chanughed so hard that he almost snorted.

    ¡°I have to discuss this with the person who told me to do this, but I¡¯ll do my best not to transfer my portfolio somewhere else. There¡¯s nothing I can do about the withdrawal, but I¡¯ll keep my ount open while the transactions are still being processed, so don¡¯t worry about it too much.

    <i>-Channy, if you do that, I¡¯ll get a promotion.?</i>

    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±

    <i>-Let me buy you dinner sometime. Thank you, Channy. Thank you so much.?</i>

    Her voice was slowly returning to normal, so Kang Chan wrapped up the call and hung up.

    Two hundred thirty billion? It was preposterous.

    Since Lanok earned that money for him, Kang Chan decided to discuss with him about what to do with it. He had no desire for it. He had only ever spent the money in his bank ount on taxi fares, coffee, and some clothes. What was he supposed to do about 230 billion won?

    How many pork cutlets could that buy? Was there a way to deliver pork cutlets to hungry children in Africa?

    ¡°What was that all about?¡±

    ¡°Lanok told me to put the money he sent me into a brokerage ount, so I did, but the stocks and futures I invested in made it grow to two hundred and thirty billion won.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a rich man!¡± eximed Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s not really mine, is it? I¡¯m going to call Lanok and send it to him.¡±

    ¡°Ah! That has to be such a bother.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho turned back to the TV.

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s with thatughter?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Hey! You can¡¯t grasp how much all that money is either, can you?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned.

    ¡°I still have the seven hundred million that President Kim Tae-Jin gave me. It¡¯s just collecting dust in my bank ount. The stocks are untouched too. Those already make me ufortable, and now you¡¯re saying you now have two hundred and thirty billion won? Whew! My head hurts just thinking about it.¡±

    Kang Chan was now certain that he should call Lanok and sort things out. It would be best to call him now or else he could forget about this, so he immediately looked for Lanok¡¯s number in his phone and pressed the call button.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan.</i>

    ¡°How have you been, Ambassador Lanok?¡±

    -I¡¯ve just been a little busy thanks to you.

    Kang Chan could hear the smile in Lanok¡¯s voice as he cracked a joke.

    ¡°I received a call from the brokerage firm. They said I currently have about two hundred and thirty billion won. Please give me your bank ount information so I can send the money over immediately.¡±

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan! That money is rightfully yours. I have no reason to take it. Your assets would¡¯ve be worth at least four hundred billion if you held on to them for a week longer, but I sold them earlier as you wanted me to. So please, use it as you see fit, Mr. Kang Chan.?</i>

    <i>-You¡¯ll need that money soon. Information warfare can give you immense profits, but it also brings tremendous expenses. It¡¯s merely my way of expressing gratitude for saving me and my friends during the announcement of the Eurasian Rail. Rather than feeling burdened by it, you should use it for anything you need, Mr. Kang Chan.?</i>

    Kang Chan sighed, then frowned.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced over at him as he headed off to boil some coffee.

    <i>-You should learn how to graciously ept gifts that are given to you out of sincerity.</i>

    There was nothing he could say to that.

    <i>-Well, would you like to have dinner next week?</i>

    Kang Chan felt like he could understand the emotions hidden in Lanok¡¯s dry tone a little bit now. The dinner invitation just now actually meant that there was something he wanted to discuss.

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll call you once I¡¯m discharged from the hospital.¡±

    -I¡¯ll be waiting.

    When Kang Chan hung up, Seok Kang-Ho handed him a steaming cup of coffee.

    On the television screen, arge man was being overpowered by two smaller men. The audience erupted in noisyughter.

    Seok Kang-Ho reached over and switched off the television, then extended a cigarette to Kang Chan. The two lit their cigarettes up and smoked.

    ¡°He said he won¡¯t even take a penny because it¡¯s his way of expressing gratitude for saving him during the Eurasian Rail event. It all sounds like nonsense to me, though.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like the money is going to rot. Can¡¯t you just leave it in there?¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s true. Do you need any money?¡±

    ¡°No! I said I still have seven hundred million plus the money Ambassador Lanok gave me!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho firmly shook his head, declining the offer.

    ¡°Captain. Let¡¯s use the money to buy a big building.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho kept talking about buying a building as if he was just buying a toy.

    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s put some more thought into this,¡± Kang Chan agreed reluctantly.

    ¡°Sure. We have to recover first anyway, so there¡¯s no rush.¡±

    ¡°Land and building prices have gone through the roof, haven¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure they haven¡¯t jumped in price as much as your money has skyrocketed. We¡¯re not buying a building to profit off of it. We just want to keep it, so it should be enough. If ites down to it, you can make D.I. and the Yoo Bi-Corp move into the building.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s actually a pretty good idea!¡±

    Seok-Kang Ho seemed to be steadily getting smarter. It was strange, but Kang Chan¡¯s mood always improved whenever he had a conversation with this punk.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho had be more rxed by the time the door slid open and Yoo Hun-Woo entered the room.

    Why was he here? He had already made his morning rounds.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo greeted.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo nodded at Seok Kang-Ho with a serious expression, then walked over to Kang Chan.

    Feeling apologetic, Kang Chan quickly put out his cigarette.

    ¡°Haah, I¡¯m really sorry, but you¡¯ll have to donate some blood for me.¡±

    ¡°Blood?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    Yoo Hun-Woo nodded gravely.

    ¡°We have a patient who attempted suicide by jumping off a building. The patient¡¯s just a young high school student, but he¡¯s in such a critical condition that there doesn¡¯t seem to be anything else we can do. I¡¯m really sorry, Mr. Kang Chan, but I can¡¯t just turn a blind eye to this. Please don¡¯t feel disrespected and¡ª¡±

    ¡°Go.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°You said he¡¯s in a critical condition, didn¡¯t you? Let¡¯s hurry and go, then. You just need my blood, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan¡­!¡±

    ¡°I said let¡¯s hurry and go!¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay.¡±

    Kang Chan got up, and Yoo Hun-Woo turned to leave. Seok Kang-Hoo promptly followed after them.

    As they exited the ward, the two National Intelligence Service agents standing by escorted the group.

    Yoo Hun-Woo led them to an examination room on the second floor.

    ¡°Don¡¯t we have to do a blood test?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re type O, so there¡¯s no need for one, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± replied Yoo Hun-Woo.

    Kang Chan used to be type B in his past life.

    Hey on the bed inside the room as Yoo Hun-Woo instructed. A nurse then brought out a needle and pricked him with it slightly.

 Chapter 123.2: What Should We Do? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 123.2: What Should We Do? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan couldn''t help but wonder who jumped off a building this time.

    <i>No, it doesn¡¯t matter. Just survive. Wake up with your own memories intact.?</i>

    The empty blood bag soon filled up to the top.

    As Yoo Hun-Woo prepared to remove the needle, Kang Chan voiced his thoughts, ¡°Is that really enough?¡±

    ¡°Any more, and it may wear you out.¡±

    "I''m fine, so let''s do it one more time. It¡¯s not like donating more blood will kill me," Kang Chan asserted.

    ¡°You could still experience shock. It hasn''t been too long since your injury.¡±

    Despite his warning, Yoo Hun-Woo hesitated to remove the needle due to Kang Chan¡¯s insistence.

    ¡°There''s no difference between shedding blood due to a stab wound and donating blood. Let''s do it again.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    An anxious agent tried to intervene, but Seok Kang-Ho waved him off, restraining him. The nurse swiftly took the stic blood bag filled with Kang Chan''s blood and left the room. Shortly afterward, the second bag was filled.

    "Doctor! The patient shows no abnormal symptoms from the blood," the nurse reported, rushing over to Yoo Hun-Woo.

    Yoo Hun-Woo handed her the freshly drawn blood and instructed, "Transfuse as well quickly."

    "Let''s lie down a little longer, okay?" Yoo Hun-Woo suggested, pressing a cotton ball to Kang Chan''s forearm and preventing him from getting up. Kang Chan couldn''t help but let out a faintugh at the feeling of being babied.

    After about three minutes, Kang Chan finally rose from the bed.

    Yoo Hun-Woo thanked him several times, then took the elevator to go straight up to the upper floors.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s because you recover quickly?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah. Since my body is unique in some ways, Director Yoo once said that a transfusion with my blood could be helpful to patients in dire conditions.¡±

    "Well, if that turns out to be true, it''s not necessarily something to be entirely pleased about. Families of severely ill patients might swarm to you if word gets out,"

    Kang Chan hadn''t considered that perspective. Seok Kang-Ho''s point seemed valid.

    ¡°I''m sure Director Yoo will handle it well. Anyway, I''m curious about the person who jumped. I wonder if they''ll be reborn in a strange body like we were.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    Kang Chan opened the door to their ward and settled down. He didn''t notice any issues with his body.

    ¡°Perfect, this means we need to have to eat meat for lunch again,¡± Seok Kang-Ho half-joked.

    ¡°Ugh. I''m starting to get a bit tired of meat.¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk! You need to eat properly whenever you have the chance.¡±

    Although he was no longer a teenager in the middle of a growth spurt, Seok Kang-Ho remained adamant about indulging in meat at least once a day. He excitedly hummed to himself as he scanned the menu.

    ¡°By the way, I¡¯m going to get discharged on Monday,¡± Kang Chan announced.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that. I can just stay at home then,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have to stay here a little longer?¡±

    ¡°All they do is change my bandages once a day and give me shots. I can just visit the hospital for that. I don¡¯t want to be stuck alone in a hospital ward.¡±

    That was understandable. He was probably bored out of his mind for having to stay in a hospital room for over a week. Moreover, as he said, it would be better for him to stay at home with his family. What would he do alone in a hospital ward?

    ¡°I choose you! This one looks good. Let¡¯s fill our stomachs to the brim with braised short ribs.¡±

    ¡°Order some for the agents outside too.¡±

    ¡°They said they¡¯re not allowed to eat when they¡¯re on duty. They couldn¡¯t have any of the kimchi wraps with pork that I got themst time.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s bullshit.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± Seok Kang-Ho agreed.

    After eating lunch, the two leisurely lounged around.

    Kang Chan felt as if he was putting on pounds after doing nothing but lying down and indulging in food for about a week.

    They spent the entire afternoon watching TV.

    While Seok Kang-Ho dozed off, snoring loudly, Kang Chan watched the news broadcasts and the asional kdrama.

    To be honest, it was boring. However, thinking of the hardworking actors and crew at D.I., hepelled himself to watch and ended up finding a few dramas that were interesting. He probably wouldn¡¯t take time out of his own schedule to watch them, though.

    "Ahhhh!" Seok Kang-Ho stretched his arms and let out a hoarse grunt. He got up from his bed and dragged his drip stand over to sit next to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Urgh! I¡¯m sleepy even if I do nothing but sleep.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s probably because your body is trying to recover.¡±

    "You''re right. Good Lord, life is just a never-ending cycle of pain. I get sleepy after a meal, and then I wake up hungry again. What should I have for dinner today?" Seok Kang-Ho asked loudly.

    It was ridiculous. Kang Chan nced incredulously at the guy who, immediately after waking up from a lengthy nap, was now meticulously scrutinizing the menu.

    Just as Seok Kang-Ho red at the menu like a hunter sizing up his prey, the door slid open. Yoo Hun-Woo entered the room apanied by a nurse.

    ¡°How are you feeling, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo carefully observed Kang Chan¡¯splexion, eventually looking relieved. He then turned his attention to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Let¡¯s change your bandages, Mr. Seok.¡±

    ¡°Right now, doc?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Your condition is different from Mr. Kang Chan''s. Your wounds are still in the process of healing, so we have to change your bandages regrly. Please put that down and prepare ordingly.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s treatment took approximately twenty minutes. Judging by his tired expression, it was evident that he would insist on having a hearty meal of meat to replenish his energy after enduring such horrible difort.

    ¡°What is the current condition of the patient you told us about earlier?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    "The patient is still in critical condition, but it''s nothing short of a miracle that the student is still alive. We are all holding onto hope for the patient¡¯s recovery," Yoo Hun-Woo replied, removing histex gloves and massaging the back of his neck wearily.

    At that moment, Seok Kang-Ho looked up from the menu and asked, ¡°Director, I''m curious. Why do you personally care for every single patient in the hospital?¡±

    ¡°I don''t personally care for<i>?every</i> single patient, but the student has been a frequent visitor to our hospital, so I felt a special empathy towards them.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say the kid jumped off a building?¡± Kang Chan interjected.

    ¡°Well, I shouldn''t discuss personal details about our patients, but since you have assisted us and possibly yed a role in saving the patient''s life, I suppose I can share this information. This student has endured injuries and immense stress since the beginning ofst year due to bullying at school. Since he dropped out of school, the patient has been receiving therapy sessions at our hospital. And, well, you know the rest.¡±

    <i>Damn all those school bullies!</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes immediately zed with anger.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, when you first arrived at our hospital, you mentioned that you had to be discharged because you had to attend to students who were being bullied. Do you recall?¡±

    Of course, Kang Chan remembered.

    He nodded, then replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°One of the reasons why I couldn¡¯t bring myself to make you stay was because of this particr patient. Both of the student¡¯s parents are genuinely good people, but¡­gosh. It¡¯s truly unfortunate.¡±

    ¡°Hm? Director, is the student you¡¯re talking about right now a girl? It was a Shim something¡­oh! Shim Su-Jin!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed, and Director Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s startled expression confirmed he was correct.

    Kang Chan was even more surprised, though. How did this punk remember something that happenedst year? He and Seok Kang-Ho were reborn at the same time, so how did Seok Kang-Ho know that?

    ¡°That¡¯s weird. Su-Jin''s parents informed us back then that she would be transferring to another school,¡± mused Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°She couldn¡¯t adjust at the new school either. She had to find a way to ovee the mental trauma on her own, but it seems she was unable to.¡±

    ¡°Haah!¡± Seok Kang-Ho sighed noisily while Kang Chan sat in front of him,pletely bewildered.

    <i>Tsk!?</i>

    Still confused, Kang Chan suddenly felt a burst of annoyance. ¡°Which son of a bitch harassed her so much that they pushed her to this point? Since it happenedst year, they¡¯re still attending the same school, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    ¡°Who is it?!¡±

    ¡°Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun. They were in the same ss as Shim Su-Jinst year.¡±

    <i>Motherfucker!?</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    ¡°Are you a teacher at Su-Jin¡¯s former school, Mr. Seok?¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo leaned closer to Seok Kang-Ho, seemingly wanting to verify the truth himself, but he quickly adjusted his posture when they made eye contact.

    ¡°Director Yun, do you think it would be of any help if the perpetratorse forward and sincerely apologize to her?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. It may not provide immediate relief, given her current unconscious state,¡± Director Yun thoughtfully replied.

    ¡°Well, please do let me know when she regains consciousness. I¡¯d like to visit her myself.¡±

    ¡°You, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°As you already know, I have my own experience with jumping off a building. Even while unconscious, in the darkness, I could hear the voices of those around me. It would be unjust for her to leave this world feeling wronged. I hope she can have some closure and have some peace of mind before it¡¯s toote.¡±

    ¡°Getting closure is considered an effective form of therapy by psychiatrists, but how will she get closure by simply receiving an apology?¡±

    Kang Chan grinned at Yoo Hun-Wo.

    ¡°I beat some sense into Lee Ho-Jun and Heo Eun-Sil, just enough so they wouldn¡¯t die. Wouldn¡¯t she feel less wronged if she faces her end after hearing their oue?¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo looked astounded.

    ¡°Those little shits have truly reflected on their behavior and are earnestly striving to turn over into new leaves. If I tell them toe and apologize, they¡¯ll apologize genuinely,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added, supporting Kang Chan¡¯s suggestion.

    Yoo Hun-Woo nodded with a contemtive expression, weighing the options.

    ¡°Hmm. I will discuss this matter with her parents first. While there is a possibility of positive results, Su-Jin''s condition remains critical, and I cannot make any guarantees.¡±

    The three all sighed simultaneously.

 Chapter 124.1: Something I Never Wouldéˆ¥æªe Done (1)

    <h4>Chapter 124.1: Something I Never Would¡¯ve Done (1)</h4>

    When Yoo Hun-Woo left the room, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho both took out a cigarette.

    ¡°Hey! How do you remember the name of a kid who stopped going to our schoolst year and that Lee Ho-Jun and Heo Eun-Sil bullied her?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Startled, Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t think about that?¡±

    ¡°Not really. It just came across my mind as if it was something I¡¯ve always known. I have even forgotten that I reincarnated this year because the feeling and the situation of that moment in my memories was so natural.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    This waspletely different from Kang Chan¡¯s case.

    Kang Chan exhaled deeply about three or four times. He shouldn¡¯t say anything about Seok Kang-Ho remembering things.

    ¡°I remember Su-Jin as a very tender-hearted kid, yet this still happened to her. <i>Whoo!</i>¡± Seok Kang-Ho exhaled cigarette smoke with a sigh, then pursed his lips with a dissatisfied expression.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked like a bandit worrying about a bullied student. It made it so hard for Kang Chan to rte to what he was saying that he thought about getting Seok Kang-Ho a razor or something so he could shave.

    ¡°What did the bullies do to her to make hermit suicide? And considering they bullied Su-Jin so much that they pushed her to cross that line, the school should have expelled Lee Ho-Jun and that bitch Eun-Sil already. Why did the school let her keep suffering so much?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Pfft, people don¡¯t hit others so openly anymore, you know? The bullies subtly harass their victims instead, just like what they did to Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jean. They don¡¯t take the kids¡¯ money immediately either. Rather, they would start by handing over a hundred won and ordering the kids to buy food for them or stuff like that. Meanwhile, the girls would surround other female students and take pictures of their chests. As I said, it¡¯s difficult to get evidence.¡±

    ¡°Jeez!¡± Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette by pressing it on the coffee cup.

    Frowning, Seok Kang-Ho guzzled water.

    ¡°Fortunately, you saved those kids when you started attending school. Right now, our school is getting a flood of transfer inquiries from kids in Seoul because they find it difficult to keep studying because they¡¯re being bullied,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, then discretely looked over Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Captain, Lee Ho-Jun and Heo Eun-Sil are also victims.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Seok Kang-Ho quickly continued, ¡°I¡¯m not saying that what they did was good but that they ended up doing those things because the school couldn¡¯t create a proper school environment for them. Now, the bullies are stepping up and getting rid of bullying themselves. They¡¯re even stopping people from making other students run errands for them. Except for Heo Eun-Sil beating up three girls, our school¡¯s environment has seriously improved.¡±

    Feeling strangely annoyed and angry at the same time, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t get rid of his frown.

    Seok Kang-Ho promptly made coffee. ¡°Things like this can¡¯t be fixed in a day or two, so drink a cup of delicious coffee and loosen up¡ªah! H-hot!¡±

    Dropping the coffee cup to the floor, Seok Kang-Ho grabbed his chest as he frowned. His wound seemed to have stung when he moved frantically.

    ¡°Are you okay? Get over there,¡± Kang Chan said. After making Seok Kang-Ho sit, he wiped the floor and made two cups of instant coffee.

    ¡°Here.¡± Kang Chan put one of them in front of Seok Kang-Ho, who had a coffee stain on his hospital gown. Thetter dly epted the drink.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a quick dinner after drinking coffee. People often get annoyed if they¡¯re hungry,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    <i>Would this fucker understand that people can also get annoyed if they eat too much?</i>

    ¡°Hey! You should get tested,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan while taking a sip of his coffee.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking of buying and making you take anthelmintics for quite some time now. Your eating habits just don¡¯t seem normal at all. It¡¯s hard to eat as much as you do while hospitalized, you know.¡±

    ¡°Hey! I lost a lot of blood!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you eat three pastries before you sleep at home?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°See? When was thest time you¡¯ve had anthelmintics?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I took one after reincarnating. My wife gave it to me.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho cocked his head, then immediately red at the menu.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t stop Seok Kang-Ho right now, though, since he wanted to eat.

    ¡°Captain, let¡¯s order spicy nakji-bokkeum and rice.¡±

    ¡°Sure! That¡¯s better than meat,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Phuhu, it also has red sauce!¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk while looking at Seok Kang-Ho, who excitedly picked up the phone.

    If this fucker didn¡¯t exist, Kang Chan would¡¯ve been living quite a boring life.

    Kang Chan thought about buying a building and living with Seok Kang-Ho. It wasn¡¯t exactly because he liked being alone with him. Rather, he just wanted to create situations that Seok Kang-Ho would find really interesting. Kang Chan could ask Yoo Bi-Corp to have its employees act as security guards, which was hectic, or get Seok Kang-Ho to go on operations with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    As for himself¡­ He hadn¡¯t made a decision yet.

    Honestly, just as Seok Kang-Ho said, living an ordinary life could be boring. He knew that.

    However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to go through the pain of losing a member in an operation again. They lost two in their most recent operation alone. If Seok Kang-Ho, Kim Hyung-Jung, or even Kim Tae-Jin were among the casualties?

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    It was during times like this that Kang Chan wanted to see Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    They were probably aware by now that their new employees were agents. How many people could say, ¡®She¡¯s just tenacious,¡¯ after seeing a female employee persistently fighting back against a trainedbatant after being hit in the face?

    <i>What would they be doing right now?</i>

    If nothing was up, then for tonight¡¯s dinner they were likely eating chicken while watching a movie on TV.

    Despite being frustrated because of the fucking bullies, Kang Chan easily calmed down.

    ***

    Both wearing a suit, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were sitting at a circr table with a white tablecloth draped over it. They looked as if they couldn¡¯t shake off their nervousness.

    Before them, sitting at the same table, were President Moon Jae-Hyun, Prime Minister Go Gun-Woo, and National Intelligence Service Director Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    Their meal wasn¡¯t served yet.

    ¡°Despite having to take responsibility for the country, the three of us here clung onto your son instead due to ourck of ability. As a result, we made you two go through a difficult time,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    ¡°I see,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered.

    As Kang Dae-Kyung discreetly examined everyone¡¯s mood, the three people before them smiled at the same time.

    ¡°As a matter of fact, South Korea initially wasn¡¯t a part of the Eurasian Rail,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun began upon receiving a nce from Moon Jae-Hyun. As if he was giving a briefing, he proceeded to tell Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook that Kang Chan was the one who connected South Korea to the Eurasian Rail through Lanok and made it so that it would be announced in South Korea.

    ¡°As the President, I am infinitely grateful to Kang Chan. However, when I tried actually to reward him, I became cautious of the world and how they will think. That¡¯s why I have invited the two of you to dine with us today and express my gratitude,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun added.

    Perhaps it was because they just told a story about Kang Chan¡¯s heroic deeds, but Yoo Hye-Sook became much more rxed.

    ¡°Next week, a special admission certificate to Seoul National University will arrive at the school. France seems to be doing whatever it takes to take our Kang Chan, but we¡¯ll stop at nothing to protect him. As his mother, please help us prevent a foreign country from taking away someone as talented as Kang Chan,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun continued.

    Kang Dae-Kyung softly held Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s trembling hand.

    ¡°If you need something or if there¡¯s anything that makes the two of you ufortable, then please don¡¯t hesitate to call the number that we¡¯ll be giving you after the meal. We will have an employee on standby around the clock, waiting to answer your call. No matter what it is, the National Intelligence Service Director and I, as the Prime Minister, will take responsibility and take care of it. If it¡¯s something that is so important that it would require a higher-ranking person to decide, then the President himself will help us,¡± Go Gun-Woo softly told Kang Chan¡¯s parents.

    ¡°The two of you have truly raised an amazing son. As the President of South Korea, I sincerely thank the both of you.¡± Tilting his head and looking at Yoo Hye-Sook, Moon Jae-Hyun then asked, ¡°Seems like you, unlike Mr. Kang Chan, can cry a bit?¡±

    The four men, excluding Yoo Hye-Sook, burst intoughter at the same time.

    The food was served when Go Gun-Woo gave the employees a nce.

    Just as a French course should, appetizers were served first.

    ¡°Please indulge yourselves¡ªwe can talk while eating,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said, then picked up the fork and began to eat infort. He clearly over-exaggerated his movements to make Yoo Hye-Sookfortable.

    ¡°I actually like Korean food, but gulbi or galbi-jjim is difficult to eat since it requires being held with both hands to eat it. The Prime Minister has even nagged me quite a lot of times now because of how I eat it. It¡¯s quitefortable to eat with Africans, though. The two of us really ate to our heart''s content when we were with them.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at him, seemingly feeling a little less nervous now.

    ¡°We ate around six servings of the galbi that day, didn¡¯t we? Ah! You were also there, weren¡¯t you, Mr. Prime Minister?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°Mr. President, the two of you ate eight servings of ribs back then.¡±

    Bursting intoughter, Kang Dae-Kyung quickly held up the napkin to hide it. It made him seem as if he was sobbing.

    ¡°The galbi-jjim from this restaurant is really good,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun added.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s gaze at Moon Jae-Hyun turned cautious.

    ¡°We had Western food prepared because we were afraid that the two of you wouldn¡¯t be able to eat since you have to keep up appearances. Moreover, what would Kang Chan think of me if the two of you go home and speak ill of me, saying that I, the President, gobbled down food while smearing it all over my hands and face?¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s efforts to make Kang Chan¡¯s parentsfortable certainly changed the atmosphere. ¡°If you have spare time for me next month, then I¡¯ll treat you to really good ribs.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered.

    1. Nakji-bokkeum or stir-fried octopus is a popr dish in Korea. It is also recently made, its origins dating back only two centuries. It was first introduced in the early 1960s.

    2. Galbi-jjim or braised short ribs are a variety of jjim or Korean steamed dishes made with galbi. Galbi-jjim is generally made with beef or pork short ribs.

 Chapter 124.2: Something I Never Wouldéˆ¥æªe Done (1)

    <h4>Chapter 124.2: Something I Never Would¡¯ve Done (1)</h4>

    As Kang Chan and his parents started eating in earnest with the President of South Korea, their conversations revolved mainly around their kids and how they were making them worried. Hwang Ki-Hyun even asked Moon Jae-Hyun to use his influence to turn his damned son into a member of the special forces because his wife was so worried about him.

    ¡°We should never abuse our powers,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun responded.

    ¡°Mr. President! This is for the country. You just have to put him in the special forces.¡±

    Despite his pleas, Moon Jae-Hyun firmly rejected the notion.

    Could the National Intelligence Service Director really not take care of that one thing by himself?

    It was childish, but Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook became a lot less nervous because of it. By the time the main dish was served, even Yoo Hye-Sook was joining in the conversation from time to time.

    ¡°Meeting Kang Chan made me disappointed in my own son so. I even thought about asking Kang Chan to take care of him for about a year,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    ¡°Saying that will get you in trouble!¡± Moon Jae-Hyun replied, startled.

    ¡°If that doesn¡¯t work, then maybe we can at least get my son to lodge with Kang Chan¡¯s parents,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun continued, making everyone in the roomugh.

    ***

    After eating dinner until they were full, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho leaned back against the bed¡­

    The door opened, and Yoo Hun-Woo came inside.

    ¡°Does it hurt anywhere in particr?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked Seok Kang-Ho with a cautious expression after examining him.

    Afterward, Yoo Hun-Woo said, ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Su-Jin¡¯s parents hope that you¡¯ll do what you just said if it¡¯s perfectly okay with you. They want to help Su-Jin relieve her deep sorrows, even if just a little bit before she passes.¡±

    ¡°How is she doing right now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°She likely won¡¯t survive past this evening.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed softly. ¡°Can I go there right now?¡±

    ¡°For as long as you¡¯re okay with it, it doesn¡¯t matter what time you go. However, you will have to change your hospital gown due to the smell of cigarettes. You will also have to disinfect yourself since she¡¯s in the ICU.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°I should go as well,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, only to frown as he stood up.

    ¡°You stay here. It will be difficult to exin why you¡¯re here if the parents see you as well. I¡¯ll go there alone for now. You should visit her after we see how things go,¡± Kang Chan reasoned.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Yoo Hun-Woo, but thetter didn¡¯t side with him.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    Kang Chan left the patient room with Yoo Hun-Woo. It wasn¡¯t like Seok Kang-Ho was going to go with them just because his lips twisted with dissatisfaction.

    Kang Chan got changed in the nurses¡¯ office, washed his face, and sprayed disinfectant all over him.

    ¡°I told Su-Jin¡¯s parents that you intervened and helped out during the blood transfusion due to the urgent situation and because our hospital wascking blood. We¡¯re both going to be in a real predicament if the patient¡¯s condition improves and word about it gets out,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo exined.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just not talk about that.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to hide the fact that you helped out.¡±

    They got on the elevator and went up to the ninth floor. From the entrance alone, the ICU was definitely different from a regr patient room.

    To its left was an area full of guardians. It had ¡®waiting room¡¯ written on the que attached to it. Yoo Hun-Woo gave two of the people inside a nce, then went into the office across the waiting room.

    ¡°This is Kang Chan, the student that I told the two of you about,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo told Su-Jin¡¯s parents.

    ¡°Hello?¡± As soon as Kang Chan greeted them, Sim Su-Jin¡¯s mother immediately covered her mouth and started to cry.

    ¡°We heard that you gave our daughter a blood transfusion. Thank you.¡± Sim Su-Jin¡¯s father told Kang Chan after exhaling softly. He looked haggard.

    ¡°I only gave a small amount of blood. Anyway, please speakfortably to me,¡± Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even sit yet.

    ¡°I heard that you¡¯ll relieve our Su-Jin¡¯s deep sorrows¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I know this is shameless, but please do,¡± Still sobbing, Su-Jin¡¯s mother barely managed to get the words out.

    ¡°We disinfected ourselves beforeing up here, so we should see the patient first. Let¡¯s talk afterward,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said. The parents stepped aside to one side of the room.

    Grief filled the eyes of Su-Jin¡¯s mother.

    While some peoplemitted suicide, leaving their parents behind and brokenhearted, those who did them wrong dreamed of living a new life after saying they felt remorse for what they had done.

    <i>Damn it! Where and what in the world went wrong?</i>

    Yoo Hun-Woo opened the automatic door of the ICU by using the inte. When they entered, they were met with another set of doors.

    ¡°This way, Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Yoo Hun-Woo pointed to their right, where he took out green clothes so thin and light that it was as if they were made out of hanji.

    ¡°Put this on your head,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo put on the same thing.

    Yoo Hun-Woo pressed a button, and they were showered with disinfectant. Afterward, he opened the automatic door.

    On both sides of the room were big beds, each one having an enormous number of machines and devices connected to it.

    With mechanical beeps in the background, the doctors and nurses busily moved as if they were on a battlefield.

    Yoo Hun-Woo took Kang Chan to the bed on the left side of the room.

    With Su-Jin¡¯s entire body basically wrapped in bandages, only her eyes, nose, hands, and feet were visible.

    <i>Be-ep. Be-ep. Be-ep. Be-ep.</i>

    The machine that Kang Chan had only ever seen on TV drew vertical lines, telling him that Sim Su-Jin was still alive.

    When Yoo Hun-Woo nced at Kang Chan, thetter approached Sim Su-Jin.

    <i>What am I supposed to say?</i>

    Now that he was actually facing her, he didn¡¯t know what to say.

    What could Kang Chan tell a girl¡ªwho was in so much pain that she decided tomit suicide¡ªthat could make her want to live tirelessly?

    Kang Chan looked at Shim Su-Jin¡¯s eyes, which were slightly visible through a crevice in the bandages. She had a thick tube inserted under her neck, leaving her nose exposed.

    ¡°Shim Su-Jin,¡± Kang Chan called, then carefully put his hand on top of hers. She was cold to the touch, almost as if her hand had been left in a refrigerator. ¡°I believe you¡¯re listening. I jumped off the roof before the summer break as well. It was fucking painful. Fortunately, I faintly heard someone talking.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo watched them from a good distance away from the foot of the bed. Another doctor and a nurse in scrubs were standing behind him.

    ¡°They transfused my blood into you because we were wondering if my blood could pass on the energy that revived me. Anyway, there¡¯s one more thing that I have to tell you. I jumped off the roof because I was bullied as well. However, I survived and developed guts. After that, I fought like a crazy person. I even fought Lee Ho-Jun and Heo Eun-Sil.¡±

    He wondered what he was doing, but he couldn¡¯t stop.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan, a senior at Shinmuk High School. You might have heard of me because, until the start of my senior year, people told me that I used to hand over my money and act as others¡¯ errand boy. Despite doing all of those, I¡¯m still alive.¡±

    To a girl that was dying, Kang Chan was saying things that Seok Kang-Ho would likely say. ¡°It¡¯s unfair, isn¡¯t it? You were angry and felt mistreated because you didn¡¯t receive any help even though you were really desperate. You can¡¯t die because you received my blood, though, so shake this off and get better soon. When you have recovered, let¡¯s go to school together. I¡¯ll beat up everyone who bothers you until you no longer feel angry.¡±

    Kang Chan stroked Shim Su-Jin¡¯s hand. ¡°Cheer up, kid. I beat up and got rid of every bully out there, including those in Shimdeok High School, the weird university kids that are apparently the bullies¡¯ higher-ups, and even Park Ki-Bum and his parking lot gang that controlled those university kids. Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, one of our P.E. teachers, is also waiting downstairs. If you want me to prove what I said, he¡¯ll help me do just that.¡±

    Kang Chan then talked about her parents, whom he met outside the ICU, and about him seeing a side of Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook that he didn¡¯t know about.

    This was something that Kang Chan had never done before¡ªsomething that he would¡¯ve never done in the past.

    However, having felt Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s love, and after seeing kids like Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jean, he now wanted to help Shim Su-Jin using any means.

    Since he had started talking about his life already, Kang Chan decided to tell her about Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jean, what had happened in the school cafeteria, and Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun almost getting beaten to death at Tron Square.

    As Kang Chan talked to Shim Su-Jin for a little less than an hour, Yoo Hun-Woo, the other doctor, and the nurse stood beside them, watching. Rather than protecting Kang Chan, it felt as if they were waiting because they didn¡¯t know when Shim Su-Jin would stop breathing.

    ¡°I¡¯m going. Remember my name. The hospital will contact me. If they tell me you have woken up, I¡¯ll run over immediately. My blood is in your veins now, so I don¡¯t mind doing that. Endure it. Endure it and survive, and I¡¯ll take care of everything for you after that. Okay?¡± Kang Chan ended.

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.?</i>

    Just as Kang Chan finished talking, the rhythm of the machine¡¯s sounds changed.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    Yoo Hun-Woo, the doctor, and the nurse urgently ran toward Shim Su-Jin. Yoo Hun-Woo gave an order that Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand, and the doctor and the nurse immediately carried it out.

    Medication was injected into the IV, and a momentter, Shim Su-Jin¡¯s parents urgently ran over.

    Yoo Hun-Woo looked at Kang Chan, then briefly shook his head.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan was angry, but for now, he had to move out of the way for her parents.

    Shim Su-Jin¡¯s mother shed a shower of tears as she reached out her hand toward Su-Jin¡¯ from the other side of Kang Chan. Her mother carefully stroked the bandages wrapped around Su-Jin¡¯s face as if it was her bare skin.

    Kang Chan stood up as Shim Su-Jin¡¯s father approached her as well.

    Seeing a middle-aged man with graying hair tearing up and crying was extremely painful.

    At that moment¡­

    Shim Soo-Jin stirred.

    Kang Chan quickly raised his head and looked at Yoo Hun-Woo.

    <i>Be-ep. Be-ep. Be-ep. Be-ep.?</i>

    With surprise in his eyes, Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s gaze alternated between the machine and Kang Chan.

    Not long after, Su-Jin stirred again!

    Her hand clearly moved.

    ¡°Mom¡­¡±

    ¡°Su-Jin! Su-Jin!¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­¡±

    ¡°Su-Jin! Su-Jin!!¡±

    Her mother called Sim Su-Jin as if she had gone insane.

    1. hanji, or Korean paper is traditional handmade paper from Korea.

 Chapter 125.1: Something I Never Wouldéˆ¥æªe Done (2)

    <h4>Chapter 125.1: Something I Never Would¡¯ve Done (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan stepped out of the way for Shim Su-Jin¡¯s father.

    Shim Su-Jin¡¯s voice cracked. She seemed to be having difficulties talking, but they definitely heard her calling her mother from under the bandages. After that, the ICU began reminding Kang Chan of a battlefield.

    ¡°Please go to the back!¡± Yoo Hun-Woo firmly yelled. Shim Su-Jin¡¯s parents stood beside Kang Chan, breathlessly watching their daughter.

    Ten minutes flew by in an instant.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡± Yoo Hun-Woo sighed as he stepped away from the bed. Approaching the onlookers, he shook his head, but it was difficult to know what that meant.

    ¡°Doctor Yoo Hun-Woo!¡± one of Su-Jin¡¯s parents yelled.

    ¡°Her pulse and breathing have stabilized for now. We have to monitor how she does tonight,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    ¡°She called for me! You heard that!¡± Shim Su-Jin¡¯s mother eximed.

    ¡°Honey!¡± Su-Jin¡¯s father held her shoulder, but they looked as if they had used up all of their energies.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the office first,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    As Shim Su-Jin¡¯s parents followed Yoo Hun-Woo, their gaze remained on the bed until thest moment. It was as if they found it hard to walk away.

    ¡°Please have a seat,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo told everyone.

    Su-Jin¡¯s parents sat on the sofa, and Kang Chan sat across from them.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Yoo Hun-Woo brought over an office chair in the middle of the office.

    Kang Chan fully understood why he looked tired.

    ¡°This would be difficult for the parents to hear, but we will probably only be certain whether she just recovered a little bit of energy prior to her death or that was a sign that she¡¯s recovering at the end of the night,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    ¡°<i>Urgh!</i>¡± Su-Jin¡¯s mother began sobbing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡± Yoo Hun-Woo tried to reassure them.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Su-Jin¡¯s father said with a sigh, then turned his head toward Kang Chan and expressed his gratitude again.

    Kang Chan remained silent.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, let¡¯s head downstairs,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    When Yoo Hun-Woo and Kang Chan stood up, Su-Jin¡¯s parents did as well.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I couldn¡¯t be of help,¡± Kang Chan apologized to Su-Jin¡¯s parents.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it enough that we got to hear her voice again? Since we don¡¯t have much time, we¡¯ll talk to you again after tonight.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo walked away after Kang Chan finished talking to them. Kang Chan followed behind him. After entering the elevator and waiting for its doors to close, Yoo Hun-Woo nced at Kang Chan. Their eyes met.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m just thankful.¡±

    Kang Chan simply smirked in response.

    ¡°A lot of doctors start their own medical business because they can¡¯t stand their patients dying on them. They avoid working for university hospitals even though they are more than capable to do so and they would get great treatment there. Watching patients die every day, we often feel skeptical about this job,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo added.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you also save me?¡±

    The elevator opened.

    Kang Chan stepped out of the elevator and headed to his room. Yoo Hun-Woo was the one following him now.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up while holding his chest. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll know whether she will survive or not tonight,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Mr. Director, have you had dinner?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I haven''t eaten yet.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s too bad! Should I order a jjajangmyeon for you?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good!¡± Yoo Hun-Woo replied, then went to goy down on the empty bed across from Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan¡¯s beds.

    As Yoo Hun-Wooid down, Kang Chan made coffee, and Seok Kang-Ho ordered jjajangmyeon.

    A momentter, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho heard Yoo Hun-Woo snoring lightly.

    ¡°What the? That gentleman is the director of this hospital, yet he just fell asleep in someone else¡¯s patient room?¡± Seok Kang-Homented. Despite speaking crudely, he walked over and put a nket over Yoo Hun-Woo. ¡°He must¡¯ve been having a hard time.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho then approached Kang Chan and held up a cigarette. However, he put it back down after looking at Yoo Hun-Woo.

    ¡°It¡¯s strange, but you attract people,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho took a sip of coffee, then looked at Yoo Hun-Woo again with a smirk. ¡°I find myself depending on you whenever you¡¯re around. No matter how difficult the situation I¡¯m in or even when I start thinking, ¡®How am I going to get out of this?¡¯ I just know that we¡¯ll find a way somehow for as long as you¡¯re there. Something like that.¡±

    ¡°Hey! I was shot in the neck and died as well.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s snores were like the sounds a cat made whenever they were in a good mood.

    ¡°You still don¡¯t get it even after looking at that gentleman? He probably would¡¯ve wanted to depend on someone right now as well. He¡¯s probably like that fucker G¨¦rard right now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>, forget about it.¡±

    Being able to console people was great and all, but not being able to smoke cigarettes was bullshit.

    ¡°Go get changed out of those weird clothes. You look like you just got back from a semiconductor factory,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan took off the clothes that he had put on when he went into the ICU.

    The jjajangmyeon arrived some time after Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho what happened upstairs. It didn¡¯t feel right to wake up someone sleeping soundly, so Seok Kang-Ho ate Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s jjajangmyeon whileining instead. He ate everyst bite, cleaning his tepletely.

    Yoo Hun-Woo woke up about thirty minutester. He left the patient room feeling upset because they didn¡¯t wake him up when the jjajangmyeon arrived.

    <i>Damn it. He can tell a nurse to order another one.</i>

    Saturday ended not long after.

    ***

    Doing his morning rounds, Yoo Hun-Woo entered Kang Chan¡¯s room with a bright expression.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°She¡¯s responding well. We think she¡¯s bing stable, so we¡¯re watching her with hope,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo answered while unwrapping the bandages around Kang Chan¡¯s left hand, then asked Kang Chan if moving it was painful.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wrap a thinyer of bandages around your left hand. If your hand trembles when you clench it, that means it¡¯s in a dangerous condition and you have toe back and get it checked immediately,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo warned.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    After treating Kang Chan, Yoo Hun-Woo cut Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s bandages.

    Several pieces of skin were taken off with the bandages, the sight making Kang Chan groan. Fortunately, Yoo Hun-Woo said that wasn¡¯t a bad sign.

    Yoo Hun-Woo disinfected Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wounds, applied medication, then wrapped them in bandages again.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo thanked him out of nowhere.

    The best thing to do during moments like this was to just smile in response.

    After Yoo Hun-Woo left, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Hofortably rxed. They felt as if they had gone on a vacation for about a week.

    ¡°What are you going to do starting tomorrow?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Considering everyone is hospitalized right now, including manager Kim, I think I¡¯ve be a bit free¡­ What about you?¡±

    ¡°I asked the school to hire a new teacher for a couple of months.¡±

    When Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho, he borated, ¡°Just think of it as a substitute teacher. Since running and jumping is difficult for me right now, I¡¯m thinking of taking time off for about a year. There¡¯s still that National Assembly member who¡¯s trying to sell off military secrets, too. Taking that into consideration, wouldn¡¯t it be better for you if I have a bit more time?¡±

    Thinking the idea didn¡¯t seem that bad, Kang Chan nodded. Seeing how Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s knife wounds weren¡¯t healing as fast as Kang Chan¡¯s, he definitely had to rest for a bit. Since Seok Kang-Ho also had spare money in his bank ount and received a sry from the National Intelligence Service anyway, he didn¡¯t have to worry about his livelihood.

    Sitting on his bed, Kang Chan looked outside the window. It bothered him that he didn¡¯t get a single text message from Kim Mi-Young.

    <i>¡®I should leave her be. She¡¯s a senior in high school.¡¯</i>

    He was like a kid whose younger sister recently grew up dramatically. However, no matter how much Kim Mi-Young would change in college, Kang Chan thought of epting her.

    All that was left for him to do was spend the rest of the day resting properly.

    As he leaned back against the bed¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang as if to ask, ¡®Why are you trying to rest?¡¯

    It was Lanok.

    <i>Lanok said he¡¯ll wait for me to get discharged before contacting me. Is this for something urgent?</i>

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, how are you feeling?

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of getting discharged tomorrow.¡±

    - I¡¯m sorry for calling you on your day off, but Vasili contacted me. However, this isn¡¯t something we can talk about over the phone, so I was hoping we could meet up. Is it okay for me to visit you at the hospital?

    Vasili was Russia¡¯s representative for the Eurasian Rail. That fucker looked mean.

    ¡°Sure. How long will it take you to get here?¡±

    - I¡¯ll be there in ten minutes.

    ¡°Alright, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about the phone call, then asked him to stay in the room next door for a bit.

    Seok Kang-Ho threw several paper cups in the trash can, then left the room. Lanok arrived not long after.

 Chapter 125.2: Something I Never Wouldéˆ¥æªe Done (2)

    <h4>Chapter 125.2: Something I Never Would¡¯ve Done (2)</h4>

    After a brief greeting, Kang Chan and Lanok sat facing each other at the table in front of the bed.

    ¡°It¡¯s impressive that you really have recovered enough to get discharged,¡± Lanokmented.

    ¡°I was told that my body constitution is unique. I got a biopsy done because of it in the past, and it was sent to a research institute in the United States.¡±

    Lanok nodded, then crossed his legs.

    Louis prepared a cigar for Lanok, and Kang Chan bit on a cigarette. They both started smoking.

    ¡°Vasili has requested for an arbitration,¡± Lanok started while turning the lit cigar with his fingers. ¡°He offered to give us the bodies of the South Korean agents who joined the most recent operation in Mongolia in exchange for the bodies of the Japanese agents found in Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s house.¡±

    Kang Chan cocked his head while tapping his cigarette on the paper cup, shaking the ashes off. Even though he knew about the operation in Mongolia, Vasili had been pretending as if he didn¡¯t know anything because it was executed in absolute secrecy. Even so, he now tantly wanted to exchange bodies.

    ¡°Vasili has intervened. With Russia mediating, we no longer have to discuss or question things like purpose, result, and nationality. However, that¡¯s not what¡¯s important.¡± Lanok looked around the patient room, then softly continued, ¡°Vasili isn¡¯t the type to arbitrate things like this, and even if he did want this, he definitely isn¡¯t the type to intervene in the frontline. Vasili likely had to do this to create an excuse toe to South Korea.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t he juste to South Korea? People like Vasili can make any kind of excuse, can¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Russia and Vasili do have the capabilities to do that. Taking that into consideration, why would he have to make such a lousy excuse toe here? There is a possibility that Vasili was the one who suggested exchanging bodies.¡±

    If even the sly and wily Lanok didn¡¯t know and was unsure about it, then there was no chance Kang Chan would know it.

    Extinguishing his cigarette, Kang Chan waited for Lanok to continue.

    ¡°Vasili is probablying here to meet you. No matter how hard I think about it, there is nothing for Vasili or Russia to gain from the South Korean government right now. Considering he¡¯s also bringing over the South Korean agents¡¯ bodies, which were in China¡¯s possession, he has already negotiated with Japan as well,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Why do you think Vasili ising to meet me?¡±

    ¡°Most likely because of the two things that he has requested from me. One was to mediate the body exchange with the South Korean government, and the second was for me to apany him in meeting you.¡±

    ¡°Vasili said that?¡±

    ¡°A lot of countries currently see you as something simr to my sessor.¡± Lanok looked behind him and nodded at Louis, who then brought them tea in a paper cup.

    ¡°Vasili wants an answer by Wednesday. If the South Korean government agrees to this, then he has said that he¡¯ll fly to South Korea using a private ne on Friday. He wants to exchange bodies immediately at the airport,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°What do you think about this?¡±

    Lanok looked down at the cup for a moment, then looked up. His slim face and fierce eyes, which were distinctive of French people, made him appear extremely tenacious during times like this.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with whatever you decide to do. Since this exchange of bodies is just some kind of excuse that Vasili has made to meet you, this most likely won¡¯t happen if South Korea says that they only want to exchange bodies.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re skeptical about this, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked as he picked up a cigarette, certain that Lanok was still hiding something. He couldn¡¯t understand Lanok¡¯s small reactions in the past, but he could now decipher what they meant. This happened much more often since the day he noticed Lanok¡¯s pinky finger trembling.

    ¡°I do have my guesses, but I can¡¯t confirm any of them yet. That¡¯s why I personally want to meet Vasili. I want to know why in the world someone so prideful is trying toe to South Korea just to meet you,¡± Lanok responded.

    ¡°Should I tell the South Korean government about this?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s probably a good idea.¡±

    Lanok¡¯s smile told Kang Chan there was a different scheme behind that answer as well.

    <i>Phew! They live such tiring lives.</i>

    ¡°Please give me an answer by Wednesday noon. As soon as you do, I¡¯ll n our schedule with Vasil,¡± Lanok said, then took a sip of the tea in the paper cup.

    ¡°Will the South Korean government even ept the offer?¡±

    ¡°They will be extremely thankful for it.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Lanok was a cut above Kang Chan in analyzing and predicting the results of information warfare. Hence, he obediently epted Lanok¡¯s answer.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, if Russia intervenes, the South Korean government truly won¡¯t be able to protect you. Since this requires risking the lives of the DGSE and my country¡¯s Intelligence Bureau, this will give Russia, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom the opportunity to stand together as one and look for opportunities to kill you. Moreover, if things go wrong, Japan and North Korea will certainly side with them.¡±

    <i>¡®Why would Russia, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom try to kill me?¡¯</i>

    Lanok softly exhaled when he saw Kang Chan¡¯s expression. ¡°Let¡¯s meet Vasili. We should discuss this afterward.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, are you in a dangerous situation as well because of me?¡±

    Lanok sharply looked at Kang Chan. ¡°There¡¯s a lesson passed down like an irond rule in the Intelligence Bureau: if there everes a time when you¡¯re drawn to a person, then drop everything and quit.¡±

    ¡°What happens if they don¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°Please give me a response after contacting the South Korean government. I¡¯ll take care of the rest. You have until Wednesday noon.¡±

    Kang Chan knew that Lanok was avoiding his question, but there was no way to force him to answer.

    ¡°Alright, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Lanok stood up from his seat and left.

    Kang Chan looked at the clock. Lanok spent a total of twenty minutes with him.

    Kang Chan looked for Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s number and was about to call him when Seok Kang-Ho opened the door and entered.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anything to hide from him, so he told him everything about his conversation with Lanok.

    ¡°Ah, those fuckers. Why are they making this soplicated? How good would it be if they just straightforwardly said, ¡®This is where we draw the line,¡¯ and, ¡®This will happen if we do this, so why don¡¯t we do this instead?¡¯¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    It did sound straightforward, but Kang Chan doubted those in charge of information warfare would ever do that.

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call manager Kim and ask him for an answer first. Lanok told me they won¡¯t refuse.¡±

    ¡°As a matter of fact¡­¡± Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    These were the bodies of the agents who sacrificed their lives for the country. Refusing this offer was undesirable, especially for Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan called Kim Hyung-Jung and exined the situation.

    - I¡¯ll report this to the Director and give you an answer as soon as possible.

    ¡°The deadline is until Wednesday noon. The exchange will happen in the airport, and thest condition is that Vasili wille into Seoul.¡±

    - Understood. Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.

    This would allow them to retrieve the agents who went to Mongolia with them.

    Hearing the grief in Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s soft voice, Kang Chan quietly hung up.

    ¡°It¡¯s strange, though,¡± Seok Kang-Homented again.

    ¡°What is?¡±

    ¡°I mean, what¡¯s in it for Russia to seek you out? You also said that the big countries are all looking for an opportunity to kill you, and France keeps telling you to naturalize to their country to protect you, but they¡¯re not telling you the details. What on earth is going on?¡±

    ¡°Tsk!¡±

    At any rate, they would get some answers if Kang Chan met Vasili.

    It had been a while since he had rested without worry, so Kang Chan had thought to enjoy it a bit, but he was already heavy-hearted even though it was still early in the day.

    <i>At times like this, I should eat something delicious.</i>

    Kang Chan sharply red at Seok Kang-Ho.

    Having been conditioned to eat all week, Kang Chan thought of eating something as soon as his mood turned foul.

    They ordered lunch and enjoyed coffee and cigarettes. Afterward, they rxed on the bed.

    Kang Chan called Yoo Hye-Sook and told her that he would be going home tomorrow. He then called Michelle, who told him that the feedback about the drama were better than they had expected.

    - If it wasn¡¯t for the Chairman Yang incident, the drama would¡¯ve done much better.

    That son of a bitch had continued to cause trouble even as he died.

    He had just finished making calls and had put his phone down on one side of the bed when Yoo Hun-Woo entered.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Considering there were no rounds during lunchtime, Yoo Hun-Woo most likely came here to tell them about Shim Su-Jun¡¯s condition.

    ¡°Su-Jin has woken up,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Startled, Seok Kang-Ho sat up as Yoo Hun-Woo nodded. Thetter had a satisfied look on his face.

    ¡°She¡¯s beenining about the pain, but her heartbeat and body temperature, among other things, have all gone back to normal. Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°Of course. As a doctor, moments like this feels really rewarding.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s expression turned apologetic as he looked at Kang Chan. ¡°However, it seems like she doesn¡¯t remember anything about you. She hasn¡¯t talked about you at all, and it also doesn¡¯t feel right to ask about it, so I pretended not to know.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s actually better. Getting involved with random strangers is ufortable. All I want is for her to recover quickly until she¡¯s healthy enough to get discharged.¡±

    ¡°Her bones were so finely broken that she will be in that state for a year. Moreover, she will be in extreme pain during treatment. Still, you have no idea how pretty she looks whenever she smiles because she survived. Anyway, Su-Jin¡¯s parents will try to thank you once the afternoon visits end, so please spare them some of your time.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head. Letting it end on this note would be for the best.

    ¡°Please tell them that they don¡¯t have to. I just want to rx here and get discharged tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s talk about thister during the evening rounds.¡±

    After sharing the good news, Yoo Hun-Woo left the room.

    Deep down, Kang Chan felt better.

 Chapter 126.1: What Do I Want to Do? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 126.1: What Do I Want to Do? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan had already declined to meet up with Yoo Hun-Woo twice before dinner, yet he still ended up following him to the director''s office to meet with Shim Su-Jin¡¯s parents. Not only was he worried about how Su-Jin¡¯s parents felt, but it was also difficult for him to keep ignoring Yoo Hun-Woo when he had already visited him three times.

    As Kang Chan followed Yoo Hun-Woo into the director¡¯s office on the eleventh floor, Shim Su-Jin¡¯s parents quickly stood up from the sofa. They still seemed tired, but they now looked lively.

    ¡°Kang Chan!¡±

    Shim Su-Jin¡¯s mother walked over to Kang Chan and grabbed his hand. He had a feeling that Yoo Hye-Sook had the same expression as Su-Jin¡¯s mother back when he was confined in the ICU.

    Kang Chan was really happy that things had worked out for them.

    ¡°Please have a seat.¡± Yoo Hun-Woo sat in an armchair as he gestured at the sofa for them.

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re not upset by Su-Jin not remembering you,¡± Su-Jin¡¯s mother said.

    Kang Chan smiled lightly and told them that it was okay.

    ¡°Here you go. I guess you can call me a university professor.¡± Su-Jin¡¯s father handed over a business card to Kang Chan, which said ¡®Shim Min-Deok, Go Jeong University¡¯s Department of Political Science and International Rtions.¡¯

    ¡°As my wife just said, don¡¯t be too upset.¡¯

    ¡°I¡¯m actually d that she doesn¡¯t remember.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Su-Jin¡¯s mother quickly answered, still looking apologetic.

    By the time Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s secretary brought over tea, they had already gone through everything there was to say.

    ¡°Drop by the university anytime. In life, when people meet like this, they be support systems for each other,¡± Su-Jin¡¯s father said, then thanked him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to do that.¡± Kang Chan felt just as grateful toward them.

    ¡°We¡¯re also thinking of going home, which we hadn¡¯t done in a long time. Thanks to you, we¡¯ll finally be able to get a good night¡¯s sleep for the first time in so long. I heard that you¡¯re getting discharged tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo quickly butted into the conversation when he saw Kang Chan smiling awkwardly.

    ¡°Right, I think enough thanks have gone around. The two of you should head home and get some rest. Don¡¯t worry about anything today and just have a good night¡¯s sleep. Come back during visiting hours tomorrow. Her parents looking well-rested and happy will make things a lot better for Su-Jin as well.¡±

    Su-Jin¡¯s parents stood up and thanked Kang Chan a few more times before leaving the Director¡¯s office.

    ¡°Are you satisfied now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo answered with a pleased smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m getting discharged tomorrow, but I don¡¯t have any clothes to wear,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Again?¡±

    ¡°Why ask that when you already know why?¡±

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll be happy to prepare clothes for you tomorrow,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo responded.

    ¡°Please prepare clothes for Mr. Seok Kang-Ho as well.¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡±

    When Kang Chan stood up to leave, Yoo Hun-Woo got up and left with him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a family?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have a wife beautiful enough to make me speechless, and I also have three gym rats for sons. Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t theyin about you working on a Sunday?¡±

    ¡°I made sure my family understands that priests and doctors can¡¯tin about working on holidays, especially when I started treating people in secret.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo talked as if he had been firm with his family, but from what Kang Chan saw, it was more likely that he had slyly persuaded them.

    ***

    The next morning, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho changed into the clothes Yoo Hun-Woo had bought for them, then dropped by the specialty coffee shop at the intersection.

    ¡°The weather is amazing,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Is it because it''s already autumn? Thendscape is definitely picturesque. Get a table on the terrace. I¡¯ll buy coffee.¡±

    Kang Chan bought two cups of coffee and headed back outside.

    ¡°Do you have all of the previous Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s memories?¡± Kang Chan asked, then took a sip of his coffee. He suddenly wanted to look properly into what he could remember.

    ¡°Apparently so. You also think it¡¯s strange, don¡¯t you? Don¡¯t you think it makes no sense that I understand and speak Korean? It¡¯s been this way since I reincarnated, though, so I¡¯ve gotten used to it.¡±

    Actually, everything, including Dayeru being able to speak Korean, didn¡¯t make any sense.

    ¡°I also inherited the emotions of this body¡¯s previous owner. Since I know his past, my wife and daughter are less suspicious of me. Remember when I had a housewarming party? I knew all my rtives and even all my colleagues who visited our house,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    That seemed to be the reason why Seok Kang-Ho sometimes looked deep in thought.

    ¡°It¡¯s already worrisome that Vasili is paying us a visit, but that fucker named Xavier could still be in South Korea as well. The United Kingdom and the United States are also getting involved, which is unusual, so be extra careful for the time being,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t even want to go out, but let¡¯s at least visit Misari once a day. I feel like I¡¯d die from frustration andck of activity if I do nothing but lie around at home.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    They stood up and left after smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee for a bit.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t notice it when they were in the hospital, but Seok Kang-Ho seemed ufortable whenever he moved. It was especially noticeable when he was getting in the taxi.

    After they parted ways in front of the apartment, Kang Chan immediately went up to his apartment. As soon as he unlocked the door and headed inside¡­

    ¡°Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook delightedly greeted Kang Chan.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t go to work?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You said you wereing home today, so I didn¡¯t! I wanted to see you before I head out. What¡¯s wrong with your hand?¡±

    ¡°Just a small wound. The doctor said it should be fully healed by the end of this week.¡±

    ¡°You should be more careful. Does it hurt a lot?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    This was their first time seeing each other since Yoo Hye-Sook got attacked, which was perhaps why she still looked and sounded awkward.

    Kang Chan walked toward her and embraced her. Whenever they hugged like this, Kang Chan could tuck her head under his chin.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Of course. You¡¯re protecting me.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled a bit as Yoo Hye-Sook stroked his back.

    What more had to be said? When they were upset or couldn¡¯t properly convey their feelings, hugging was the best.

    ¡°I made you upset, didn¡¯t I?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay¡ªyou were very startled.¡±

    ¡°I was.¡±

    Kang Chan put down his arms.

    ¡°Channy, do you want some fruit?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked again.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯d like some.¡±

    Noticing that Yoo Hye-Sook wanted to say something, Kang Chan sat down at the table. Yoo Hye-Sook took out a melon from the fridge, sliced them to make them easier to eat, then peeled them.

    ¡°The employees told me that they couldn¡¯t have protected me and that one or two of them could have been injured if it weren¡¯t for you. Here you go!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook took a slice of melon using a fork and handed it to Kang Chan. ¡°I also heard that because of the Eurasian Rail, some countries are trying to stop you by sending people to assassinate me and your dad. And I¡¯ve also been told that you¡¯ve done your best to prevent them from doing so. Eat up, Channy.¡±

    ¡°Please eat with me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll eat after I peel this.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t do anything else but start eating when he saw Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Your dad and I will also be stronger. We decided to keep our chin up so that we won¡¯t be a distraction to you while you¡¯re working hard for the country,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook continued.

    <i>Is she hiding something?</i>

    Kang Chan noticed Yoo Hye-Sook looked proud. He was curious, but he had trouble asking her about it.

    ¡°All of our employees decided to stay in thepany. They said that South Korea will be very well-off when the Eurasian Rail gets connected¡­ Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked when she noticed his smile.

    ¡°Mother, you met someone, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, you do know it¡¯s obvious when you lie, right? You and Father are really bad at lying.¡±

    ¡°Is it really that obvious?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan took a fork to get another slice of the melon, then handed it to Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Pretend you didn¡¯t notice anything. Your dad and I have decided to keep it a secret,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Alright. Please eat up.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook epted the fork and ate the slice of melon.

    ¡°If it brings you too much trouble, I can quit working for the country now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Mrmph!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s answer came out weird because of the fruit in her mouth. She quickly swallowed the fruit, then said, ¡°Do whatever makes you happy, not what your dad and I want. There are a lot of things we don¡¯t know much about because we¡¯ve been living normal lives. That¡¯s why it¡¯s taking us some time to get used to this, but all I really want and hope for is that you¡¯re not doing anything dangerous.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook then looked at Kang Chan¡¯s left hand. She was clearly hiding the fact that she felt bad for him and was trying to ovee it.

    Simr to how Yoo Hun-Woo had persuaded Kang Chan not to switch hospitals, someone had really persuaded Yoo Hye-Sook.

    They shouldn¡¯t make a decision right now, so Kang Chan just said, ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have to go to work?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I do. I actually have a car I can use to go to and from work now.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s she talking about?</i>

    ¡°Your dad bought it for me so I can visit ces with the two female employees.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing.¡± Kang Chan meant what he said. Their security guards didn¡¯t have to keep up a disguise anymore, and above all else, Yoo Hye-Sook would be in much less danger once she had epted them.

    ¡°I''ll go to work after lunch,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Since it was about 11 am, Kang Chan agreed that it was a good idea.

    After eating enough fruits, Kang Chan headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

    Kang Chan took off his clothes and noticed that some of his new wounds were still red. Every part of his body had been either wounded or scarred in a knife fight. Although he doubted Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sooj would go to a swimming pool any time soon, he thought he wouldn¡¯t be able to join them.

    Kang Chan felt as if he was on top of the world after his shower. It had been a while since he had been able to take one.

 Chapter 126.2: What Do I Want to Do? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 126.2: What Do I Want to Do? (1)</h4>

    For lunch, Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook had doenjang-guk, kimchi, seasoned bean sprouts, and seasoned cucumbers. It had also been a while since he had eaten a home-cooked meal. Kang Chan ate until he was so full he wondered if his appetite had grown while he was with Seok Kang-Ho.

    After doing the dishes, Yoo Hye-Sook called a female employee, talked, then walked to the front door.

    ¡°Have a good day at work,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you, Channy.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s she thankful for?</i>

    Kang Chan thought he should be the one feeling thankful for having her as a mom.

    Once Yoo Hye-Sook left, Kang Chan went into his room, then called Kim Hyung-Jung to ask him for a favor.

    In the middle of the afternoon, Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan that the special admission letter from Seoul National University had arrived and that Kang Chan had to go to the school on Wednesday and pick it up. When he started talking about awards, Kang Chan tly refused and told him that he would never do things like that ever again.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook both got home at around 6:30 pm. They all had dinner together for the first time in quite a long while.

    ¡°I¡¯m so full. Want to go for a walk?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan after dinner.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked as if he had something to say, so Kang Chan agreed withoutint.

    Once they were out of the house, Kang Dae-Kyung asked, ¡°Is your hand really okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Someone from the floor below them got in the elevator, preventing Kang Dae-Kyung from saying anything else until they had left the building.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit over there,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said, pointing at an empty bench by the pavilion.

    Upon reaching it and sitting down, they both gotfortable.

    ¡°Your mom and I ate with the President, the Prime Minister, and the Director of the National Intelligence Service,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung opened up.

    <i>So that¡¯s what happened.</i>

    Kang Chan smiled faintly.

    ¡°It was really difficult at first, but after a while, even your mom started feelingfortable around them. They treated us really well.¡±

    ¡°Is that why Mother has changed?¡±

    ¡°She does look like she has changed, doesn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung inhaled loudly, then exhaled slowly. ¡°They told us that they want to appoint you as the South Korean representative of the Eurasian Rail.¡±

    ¡°They want to appoint <i>me</i>?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded while pursing his lips. ¡°They¡¯re thinking of using the excuse about our government having trouble refusing because Ambassador Lanok, the Eurasian Rail founder, rmended you. If you take on such an important role, they said the other countries that want to distract you will use any means to do so, which is why they hope we¡¯ll do our best to help you.¡±

    ¡°What do you think about it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Why would you ask that? What¡¯s really important is what you think.¡±

    What Kang Dae-Kyung had said was obvious, but it seemed new again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you doing something that you don¡¯t like for our sake. We already told you this before, but you don¡¯t even have to go to college if you don¡¯t want to. I promised you that I would your mom if she makes a fuss, didn¡¯t I?¡± Kang Dae-Kyun added.

    Theyughed quietly.

    ¡°I made a promise with your mom that we would not try to mold you into something that you¡¯re not and that we wouldn¡¯t stop you from bing an influential person just because we¡¯re scared and worried for you. However, there¡¯s something that we¡¯re honestly scared of. You know what that is, don¡¯t you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    There was no way that Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t know that they were scared of someone attacking them and him getting hurt.

    ¡°It¡¯s difficult for us to understand and ept what you have shown us, but we think you have an innate ability in that field, unlike us. The Director of the National Intelligence Service has said that if you keep growing at this rate, you would be an important figure by the time you¡¯re thirty and that no country in the world will ever be able to trample you.¡±

    <i>Will I even still be alive by then?</i>

    ¡°Personally, I would be happier if you¡¯re living happily than if you became an important figure. Your mom feels the same way. But if that kind of life makes you happy, then I want you to know that you don¡¯t have to hide the fact that you¡¯re working for the country for my sake and your mom¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°You¡¯re bound to get hurt in this line of work, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung smiled awkwardly while looking at Kang Chan. ¡°Give your mom the special admission letter to Seoul National University no matter what.¡±

    ¡°You knew about that?¡±

    ¡°They told us during the meal that they will send the letter to the school today. Your mom is eagerly waiting for it.¡±

    Kang Chan no longer had any choice but to go to school on Wednesday.

    ¡°Kang Chan,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Your mom is working extremely hard to make up for the fact that she looked upset in front of you and is also trying really hard to ept what you do. I hope you¡¯ll be more understanding toward her.¡±

    ¡°Of course I will.¡±

    ¡°Oh dear, when did you grow up so fast?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung reached out and tousled Kang Chan¡¯s hair. ¡°It feels like just yesterday, you were still the kid who cried and screamed because you couldn¡¯t get on the esctor by yourself.¡±

    ¡°I did that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Are you going to pretend that you don¡¯t remember?¡±

    Kang Chan actually didn¡¯t.

    ¡°Fine. Men should have pride, after all,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung added, then stood up. ¡°<i>Phew!</i>¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go home. Your mom is probably getting worried,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said afterward.

    That was how Kang Chan¡¯s Monday ended.

    ***

    The next day, Kang Chan headed to Samseong-dong once Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had left for work. He didn¡¯t know why Kim Hyung-Jung had unexpectedly called and asked to meet at the office, but he went anyway.

    <i>Click.</i>

    When Kang Chan arrived at the fifth floor, an employee he had never met before opened the door and greeted him.

    ¡°The manager is waiting for you,¡± the employee said. He tapped a keycard on the scanner and opened the door to Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung eximed.

    Kang Chan burst outughing as he entered the room. Below the window in front of him was Kim Hyung-Jung, lying on a hospital bed.

    More than two-thirds of Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s body was wrapped in bandages.

    ¡°Do you have to do things like this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The National Police Hospital doesn¡¯t allow smoking. <i>Phew</i>! This is actually better.¡±

    For some reason, the people around Kang Chan were bing weirder and weirder.

    ¡°Kim Tae-Jin is being discharged tomorrow,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    ¡°Already?¡±

    ¡°He isn¡¯t the type to y tricks to get discharged earlier, but I was told that he was getting discharged. Want to smoke?¡±

    Kang Chan walked past the table. Just as he was about to sit down beside the hospital bed, someone opened the door with a <i>click</i>.

    An employee brought over coffee and an ashtray.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know about anything else, but he thought that the employees probably hated doing things like this.

    Kang Chan put a cigarette in Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s mouth and lit it up for him. He then lit another for himself.

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service has decided to ask you to take over the role of being responsible for the dead agents and entrust you with full authority to issuemands. They¡¯re also thinking of approving any request you may have, Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Chan was going to do it either way, but this made him feel light-hearted.

    ¡°The transmitter you requested is on top of my desk,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    Kang Chan turned his head, finding a small box on top of the desk.

    ¡°The box has a tie pin, buttons, a belt, and three thumbtacks. ce the thumbtacks on the heel of your shoe. Once you install it, you¡¯ll be able to use it for three months.¡±

    ¡°What about the receiver?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you an app that will allow you to check on it from your phone.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung reached out his arm, which was tightly wrapped in bandages, and stiffly held up a cup. It looked risky, but he managed to drink coffee without spilling any of it.

    ¡°I feel much better now because it feels like I relieved at least some of our dead members¡¯ deep sorrows,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. Kang Chan hadn¡¯t asked about it yet, but Kim Hyung-Jung already talked about it. He did look like he was in a much better mood, though.

    ¡°If Vasilies into South Korea on Friday, the Intelligence Bureau is going to issue a first-ss alert. If he gets murdered in our country, the aftermath won¡¯t be easy to handle,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t look like a person who can be killed so easily, though.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s also a problem. Vasili will use whatever methods are avable to him for his own benefit. In a word, he¡¯s¡­ extreme.¡±

    When Kim Hyung-Jung saw Kang Chan smirking, he swallowed dryly with difficulty. ¡°In truth, if Vasili knows you, then he won¡¯t act hastily.¡±

    ¡°Are you really going to stay here?¡±

    ¡°As I said, this is better than being in a hospital.¡±

    In truth, Kim Hyung-Jung was staying at the office not because it was better than a hospital but because he wanted to provide support to the event on Friday. If it meant finding the agents that Kang Chan had left behind, he would have done the same.

 Chapter 127.1: What Do I Want to Do? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 127.1: What Do I Want to Do? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan adamantly turned down Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s invitation to have dinner together before he left. The offer of delicious jjamppong was definitely tempting, but Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s current condition didn¡¯t bode well for them lightheartedly enjoying a meal together.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt as if his appetite had increased after living with a greedy and gluttonous foodie for a week.

    Thinking of the foodie in question, he pulled out his phone.

    <i>-Where are you?</i>

    ¡°I just made a quick stop by Samseong-Dong,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    <i>-Wait, really? Does that mean Mr. Kim already got discharged?</i>

    ¡°Yeah, but he¡¯s not in the best state right now. Anyway, have you had lunch yet?¡±

    <i>-It¡¯s only eleven, sheesh. Hurry on over. I¡¯ll be waiting in the underground parking garage, so let¡¯s take a little trip to Suwon.?</i>

    ¡°Suwon?¡±

    <i>-Suwon¡¯s traditionally cut galbi ribs are to die for.?</i>

    Kang Chan snorted and got in a taxi right away. He estimated that he would arrive at their apartmentplex in a couple of minutes since it wasn¡¯t very far.

    On the way over, he opened the box that he had just received and saw the various portable handheld transmitters that Kim Hyung-Jung mentioned meticulously organized within the box¡¯s spongeyer.

    <i>¡®This should do it for now.¡¯</i>

    There had to be a reason why Vasili wasing to see him.

    The uing battle wouldn¡¯t involve shooting at each other. It was a war of information so the transmitters were more fitting than a gun. Since Kang Chan had made up his mind to fight in this contest, he would prepare everything he would need for the battle.

    The moment he got off the taxi, he saw Seok Kang-Ho waiting on the road in front of the apartmentplex with his car.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve just waited for me inside the parking garage!¡± Kang Chan admonished.

    ¡°I took it slow and steady, and this much isn¡¯t too hard for me to drive,¡± replied Seok Kang-Ho.

    When Kang Chan sat behind the wheel, he noticed Seok Kang-Ho had already input their destination¡¯s address in the car¡¯s navigation system.

    <i>Fine, if you¡¯re that desperate to eat, let¡¯s eat!</i>

    Since the still-recovering Seok Kang-Ho insisted on having meat, Kang Chan decided to be generous and go along with it.

    Kang Chan drove away, following the course the navigation system suggested.

    ¡°Is your face bloated or what?¡±

    ¡°Nah, I gained weight,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered nonchntly.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anything to say to that.

    On the way to Suwon, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about his conversation with Kim Hyung-Jung, then ordered him to take two of the handheld transmitters.

    ¡°The receiving transmitter set will be programmed into our phones, so tell your wife and daughter to always carry their transmitters around. Let¡¯s not get stupidly taken by surprise likest time.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean you¡¯ve officially decided to join the operation?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Well, there¡¯s not exactly any other way out, is there? It doesn¡¯t feel right to turn down taking over for our deceased team members either. I don¡¯t know what it is that Vasili wants, but we should take small steps to prepare for whatever lies ahead.¡±

    Kang Chan then nced at Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you want to continue doing this type of work too?¡±

    ¡°Phuhu, you¡¯re the best, Captain. I knew you¡¯d look after me,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded and let out his trademarkughter, expressing his satisfaction.

    ¡°Carefully think it over, all right? A single mistake or moment of hesitation can end you. Information warfare is a different type of battle than what we¡¯re used to, so make sure you always keep your guard up,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    ¡°Got it, Cap. Let¡¯s have a nice, hearty meal so we¡¯ll have the strength to fight.¡±

    The ce that Seok Kang-Ho chose was located in front of a traditional folk vige¡¯s entrance road. The restaurant was massive, yet it was still filled to the brim with customers.

    All the food items that Seok Kang-Ho rmended were absolutely tasty. Kang Chan thought he shoulde here with Kang Dae-Hyung and Yoo Hye-Sook sometime.

    ¡°Cap, are you going to school tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I have no other choice because my parents know now,¡± Kang Chan replied as he scratched the edge of his eyebrow with his index finger.

    Kang Chan felt as if he smelled like galbi after eating the meat that was slowly cooked over a charcoal grill.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get something to drink before we head back.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    There wasn¡¯t any reason to say no.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho enjoyed some coffee together before driving back to Seoul.

    ***

    On Tuesday evening, Kang Chan gave Lanok his answer. Their call didn¡¯tst that long since they made arrangements for him to stop by the embassy after school on Wednesday. They would finish their conversation there.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    He would have to wear his school uniform since he was going to school, so unless he wanted to lug a whole suit to ss, he would have to stop by his house to change before heading to the embassy.

    Kang Chan arrived at school at about ten in the morning. The school gates were closed, but the small door next to the security guard¡¯s office was open. First-year students were ying with a ball out on the field.

    The moment Kang Chan stepped in, the students who recognized him bowed in his direction even though he didn¡¯t ask them to. Their faces were a mix of envy, respect, and a little trace of horror. Pretending not to see them, he made his way to the clubroom.

    The door clunked open, and he was greeted by the distinct smell of sweat.

    It was a relief that the students had at least cleaned up after themselves, or else Kang Chan would have thrown out all the sports equipment right that instant.

    After briefly scanning the room, he headed to the teacher¡¯s office.

    The office was already quiet, but when Kang Chan entered, an even heavier silence descended on the room briefly before the room exploded with noise.

    Teachers approached him to shake his hand and even take pictures with him.

    <i>Fine! You can take a few pictures as long as you don¡¯t make announcements over the inte.?</i>

    While Kang Chan was politely greeting his fans, the teacher who had been in charge of the school year¡¯s opening ceremony quickly hurried over.

    ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Hello, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°The principal is waiting for you. Let¡¯s get going.¡±

    Kang Chan obediently followed him to the principal¡¯s office.

    As Kang Chan and the principal drank tea together, thetter encouraged him for a whole ten minutes to continue doing good things for the advancement of the school. Kang Chan managed to persuade him not to make an announcement on the inte, but he had to take about five celebratory pictures with him.

    Twenty minutester, Kang Chan received his certificate of special admission from the principal¡¯s office. Fortunately, it ended a lot faster than he had expected.

    Now, he had some time to kill.

    Should he wait until break and then stop by his ssroom?

    Kang Chan shook his head. He didn¡¯t want to disrupt his ssmates from their studies.

    <i>Ha.</i>

    Heughed at himself.

    If he was being honest, the only reason he wanted to go to the ssroom was because he wanted to see Kim Mi-Young.

    <i>¡®That¡¯s enough acting like an idiot, Kang Chan. Don¡¯t be a coward and just go.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan got up from his seat in their clubroom. Unless there were extenuating circumstances, there wouldn¡¯t be a reason for him to return to the school until graduation day once he left.

    A lot had taken ce in such a short amount of time.

    Just then, the door clicked open, and Lee Ho-Jun entered wearing his tracksuit. He paused when he saw Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± Kang Chan greeted. He forced a rxed expression. ¡°What are you doing here? Why aren¡¯t you in ss?¡±

    ¡°I spoke to the school about wanting to be a sports major, so they allowed me to spend my ss time exercising in the athletic club. That¡¯s also what Heo Eun-Sil is doing.¡±

    There was no reason not to believe Lee Ho-Jun. Kang Chan didn¡¯t have to supervise them or pick at their words to confirm whether they were telling the truth.

    He just wanted to go home quickly.

    Just as he was about to stand up, the door opened again. This time, Heo Eun-Sil came in. Her face was bare of any makeup.

    ¡°When did you get to school?¡± Heo Eun-Sil asked.

    ¡°Just now,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Great. I¡¯ve actually been meaning to contact you.¡±

    That had to be a sign that another problem was in the works. Nothing had happened after the clothes incident, and there was still the tab to be paid. Perhaps that was it this time.

    ¡°What are you thinking of doing for the school festival?¡± Heo Eun-Sil asked.

    Kang Chan let out a heavy sigh as he watched Heo Eun-Sil hang a towel around her neck.

    The victim was painfully lying in a hospital bed because all her bones were crushed, but the assant¡¯s greatest concern was what to do for a school festival.

    ¡°Heo Eun-Sil.¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil quickly looked at him when his voice dropped multiple tones.

    ¡°You and Lee Ho-Jun know Shim Su-Jin, don¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked in a low voice.

    They nced at each other before turning back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°She recently attempted tomit suicide by jumping off a building. She barely survived. I heard you two harassed her horribly. Even though she transferred to another school, she couldn¡¯t adjust and had to receive therapy. Even then, she still jumped.¡±

    The two seemed to remember who Shim Su-Jin was.

    ¡°You two stay out of the school festival. As I said before, don¡¯t seek forgiveness from me or the school. We¡¯re not in the ce to be handing that out. It¡¯s the bullied students who have the right to forgive you.¡±

    ¡°How long do we have to do this for?¡±

    ¡°Until everyone forgives you,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°We can¡¯t even find all of them.¡±

    ¡°Just continue living your life, and then when youe across news of your victims like now, go and apologize. Got it?¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil looked down at the ground.

 Chapter 127.2: What Do I Want to Do? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 127.2: What Do I Want to Do? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan had never seen Heo Eun-Sil drop her gaze before today.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay out of preparing for the festival,¡± Heo Eun-Sil epted.

    The moment he heard her response, he felt like he had made a mistake; after all, he didn¡¯t have any authority over the festival or over her, to begin with.

    Kang Chan always felt drained after meeting these two.

    ¡°Sure, whatever,¡± he replied.

    Kang Chan walked away.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the hospital?¡±

    However, Heo Eun-Sil stopped him again.

    Kang Chan doubted that Heo Eun-Sil was asking so she could go and throw a fit in Shim Su-Jin¡¯s room, not unless she didn¡¯t fear for her life anymore. He figured an apology from Heo Eun-Sil couldn¡¯t hurt Shim Su-Jin¡¯s recovery.

    ¡°Bang Ji Hospital.¡±

    Listening to Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s uneven breathing, he hoped for the first time that things would work out for this rude girl.

    <i>Go and beg for forgiveness. Ask for forgiveness every time youe across someone you hurt.</i>

    Kang Chan hoped she would have at least that much courage to face her past.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tie up loose ends with Su-Jin first. If Su-Jin epts my apology, promise me you¡¯ll help out with the festival,¡± Heo Eun-Sil requested.

    Why was she so intent on their club¡¯s participation in the school festival? It wasn¡¯t like she was getting paid for it.

    Kang Chan smirked. As he did, the bell rang, marking the end of ss.

    He left the clubroom and walked over to where the senior ssrooms were.

    It was probably the break between the second and third periods now, but students were still dashing for the student store. A few students spotted Kang Chan and flinched before stopping in their tracks.

    Those same students had avoided his gaze like the gue not too long ago. Now, however, they seemed to be wanting to start up a conversation with him as they stole nces at him. As they peeked at him, they couldn¡¯t help but stare at the bandages on his left hand.

    <i>How adorable those little kids are.</i>

    Kang Chan moved past them and climbed up the stairs. Themotion instantly died down, and a wide path was made in front of him like before, but the atmosphere wasn¡¯t as stiff as it used to be.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan!¡± one female student even whispered.

    Having finally reached his ssroom, he found the back door open because it was currently break time.

    Kang Chan poked his head inside and looked for Kim Mi-Young. Students crowded around him and gazed up at him with fascinated eyes.

    However, although the noise in the ssroom suddenly quieted down, Kim Mi-Young didn¡¯t look up from the textbook she was studying.

    ¡°Hey, Snow White!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young jumped in surprise before looking back. As she did, Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank. She had lost so much weight that her cheeks were half the size they used to be.

    She floundered up from her desk and ran over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why did you lose so much weight?¡±

    ¡°Did youe to pick up your admission certificate?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to change the subject. Are you not feeling well?¡± he chided.

    Kim Mi-Young grinned. Seeing her smile made him miss her light ¡°hehehe¡±ughter.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to apply early to the Seoul National University. I¡¯ll attend school with you no matter what,¡± Kim Mi-Young said firmly.

    ¡°Do you still practice French?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yup!¡± she replied eagerly.

    ¡°You hopeless girl!¡± Kang Chan ruffled her hair. A few female students around them covered their mouths and shrieked.

    Kim Mi-Young had grown up so fast. She hadpletely lost her baby fat and seemed like a real youngdy now.

    ¡°I said I don¡¯t like girls who are too thin, remember?¡±

    ¡°Then buy me a lot of yummy things once finals are over, okay?¡±

    Kang Chan thought about having Kim Mi-Young take a break from her studies soon. It was a shame they were at school. He would¡¯ve patted her on the back if they were elsewhere.

    <i>Ding, ding.?</i>

    The bell rang, signaling that sses were resuming.

    Kim Mi-Young could neither let go of Kang Chan¡¯s hand nor look away from his face. That was how much she liked him. Even so, she had delved into her studies without contacting him because she was determined to go to the same school as him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now. Text me when you have time, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± Kim Mi-Young replied energetically.

    Kang Chan felt more at ease after hearing her voice. He nodded and turned to leave the ssroom as sses resumed.

    ***

    Upon returning to their apartment, Kang Chan left his special admission certificate to the Seoul National University on the dining table. He then made some scrambled eggs for himself and changed out of his school uniform.

    This was where things would really begin.

    .

    He picked up the breastpin and thumbtack-shaped transmitter before leaving theplex.

    Kang Chan took a taxi and headed straight for the embassy. When he arrived, an agent was already waiting for him to guide him inside.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡± Lanok greeted.

    Lanok was the same as ever. However, Kang Chan thought he could catch the small differences in his facial expressions now.

    As always, they sat across from each other at the table, and tea was served.

    ¡°He¡¯s scheduled to arrive at six in the evening on Friday. They requested for the exchange to happen at the airport so Vasili¡¯s ne can fly straight to Japan afterward.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll inform my colleagues about it,¡± Kang Chan replied, finding no reason to say no to that request.

    ¡°Vasili said he wants to have dinner together. I¡¯m not looking forward to dinner with that guy, but we have to listen to what he has to say, so I hope you take that into consideration as well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Kang Chan replied, then pulled out the breastpin and thumbtack-shaped transmitter from his inner pocket andid them on the table.

    ¡°They¡¯re transmitters, I see,¡± Lanok mused.

    <i>Damn it.</i>

    He hadn¡¯t expected Lanok to be stumped by what they were, but he felt the enthusiasm in him being drained when Lanok guessed what they were so effortlessly.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok, if you keep one of these two transmitters on you, I¡¯ll be able to know where you are on my phone,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Lanok watched Kang Chan with a careful gaze.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly what being friends with you means, Mr. Ambassador, but I also don¡¯t know what I might do if I fail to protect you. I won¡¯t be able to do anything if I¡¯m not certain I can protect the people who are special to me,¡± Kang Chan added.

    A smile slowly drew on Lanok¡¯s lips.

    ¡°There is nothing more dangerous than revealing my location in real-time to intelligence agents.¡±

    <i>I suppose so.?</i>

    Kang Chan thought that made sense.

    ¡°Are you getting bad feelings as you didst time?¡± Lanok inquired.

    ¡°Not to that extent yet. However, I want to prepare as much as I can before anything happens.¡±

    Lanok took a sip of his tea as if he was trying to mask his contemtive eyes.

    He put his teacup back onto the saucer with a <i>click,</i> then looked back at Kang Chan as he rubbed his index finger and thumb together.

    ¡°I¡¯ll connect a transmitter used by the DGSE to your phone, Mr. Kang Chan. However, I can block the transmissions whenever I want to. Moreover, should I find myself in a predicament that would require your assistance, I can use it to contact you immediately.¡±

    It was a better transmitter than what Kang Chan had prepared for him. Kang Chan had no reason to refuse.

    ¡°Thank you, Ambassador Lanok.¡±

    ¡°I should be the one thanking you. That aside, I¡¯m certain there¡¯s a reason why Vaisili insists on meeting you during his trip.¡±

    ¡°Based on what you said, it seems like you already have a guess about what that could be, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan conjectured.

    Lanok made a curt nod at him.

    ¡°There are all kinds of messy intel going around right now. The problem is that your name keeps getting mentioned at the core of it all. The United States managed to find you with the results of the biopsy, the French government is attempting to naturalize you as one of our citizens, and Vasili himself wants to meet you. However, the reason behind all that hasn¡¯t been exactly revealed yet.¡±

    Kang Chan let out a deep sigh.

    ¡°Among the information that we¡¯re constantly picking up, some are extremely absurd. That¡¯s why I¡¯m eager to see what Vasili would bring with his arrival,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°Is Xavier still in South Korea?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, he is. His original mission was to receive military intelligence from Huh Sang-Soo, but I¡¯m assuming his aim now is to keep an eye on what you do, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a little ridiculous,¡± Kang Chan scoffed.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s information warfare for you. The moment the parties learn what it is that each other really wants, countless lives will be sacrificed. And the greater the profits thate with the intelligence, the more lives will be lost,¡± Lanok exined.

    That wasn¡¯t just the case for information warfare.

    The many mercenary lives that were sacrificed from participating in Africa¡¯s civil wars were all a result of who could profit more as well.

    ¡°There are now two days left before Vasili arrives. We¡¯ll learn the reason behind all this then,¡± Lanok dered.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Will you being directly to the airport on Friday?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know about that tomorrow morning,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Lanok smiled, wrapping up their talks of Vasili.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, don¡¯t turn down the offer if you¡¯re designated as South Korea¡¯s representative for the Eurasian Rail.¡±

    ¡°I heard you would be rmending my appointment for the position. Is that correct?¡±

    ¡°I received a request from the Korean government¡¯s National Intelligence Service.¡±

    Lanok lifted the teapot and poured them some more tea.

    ¡°Of course, naturally, I said I would,¡± Lanok said.

    It was time toe to a decision now. Kang Chan looked Lanok directly in the eye.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok, do you think I can do a good job as South Korea¡¯s representative?¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re the best suited for that position, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°But if I ept, I can say goodbye to being naturalized as a citizen of France.¡±

    Lanok chuckled, amused, at what Kang Chan said.

    ¡°At least you won¡¯t be an enemy of France,¡± Lanok said with a smile, but for some reason, Kang Chan didn¡¯t get the feeling that the ambassador was joking.

 Chapter 128: The Brown Bearéˆ¥æªš Visit (1)

    <h4>Chapter 128: The Brown Bear¡¯s Visit (1)</h4>

    At four in the afternoon that Friday, Kang Chan arrived at Incheon International Airport and immediately headed to the National Intelligence Service Airport Office on the second floor.

    He pressed the inte button, and a female employee with an identification card pinned to her chest came out and escorted Kang Chan inside. The National Intelligence Service¡¯s office interior had narrow corridors betweenpletely sealed spaces, making it difficult for outsiders to eavesdrop on what was happening inside each room. The doors didn¡¯t even have the typical nametes hanging on them to describe their purpose.

    The female employee knocked on the door of the innermost room. Soon after, a man in his mid-40s weed Kang Chan inside.

    ¡°Pleasee in,¡± he said.

    The sharp-looking man pointed to the sofa.

    ¡°I¡¯m Heo Chang-Seon, the one I¡¯m in charge of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s office here at Incheon Airport.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan.¡±

    Standing on opposite sides of the center table, they exchanged greetings and took a seat on the sofa. The female staff member who had guided Kang Chan inside brought two cups of coffee and half-filled paper cups of water.

    ¡°Director Kim instructed me to make sure you have an ashtray,¡± Heo Chang-Seon stated.

    ¡°Are you not a smoker?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be the first to smoke in this office.¡±

    Heo Chang-Seon took out a cigarette from his pocket and offered it, his sharp expression still intact. When Kang Chan epted the cigarette, Heo Chang-Seon lit it for him.

    ¡°We have finished all preparations. As soon as Ambassador Lanok arrivester at 4:40 pm, we will head directly to the VIP lounge. I confirmed the ambassador¡¯s expected time of arrival at the airport just before you arrived.¡±

    The conversation felt more like Heo Chang-Seon was giving Kang Chan a report. While Heo Chang-Seon exhibited pride in overseeing a section of the airport, Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel any sense of friendliness from him.

    An awkward silence hung between them.

    Kang Chan put his half-smoked cigarette into the paper cup filled with water.

    ¡°Can I take a look around the site of arrival?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re wondering if you can do that right now?¡± Heo Chang-Seon inquired in disbelief.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Some things could be understood without having to be said. This was one of those.

    It was only natural that Kang Chan would want to inspect the site. He wanted to quickly leave and get out of this office due to Heo Chang-Seon¡¯s grumpy attitude.

    ¡°It¡¯s quite a distance,¡± Heo Chang-Seon warned.

    Kang Chan raised his gaze just enough to look Heo Chang-Seon in the eye.

    ¡°Division Chief Heo,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Go ahead, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Heo Chang-Seon responded.

    ¡°I said I want to see the site,¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    What was wrong with this man?

    Heo Chang-Seon¡¯s expression made it clear he was ruffled by Kang Chan¡¯s request. Did this self-important guy, who took pride in having some responsibility over the airport, feel frustrated because he had to deal with a high school student who had only probably gotten in through connections?

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want the Korean agents to have any tension in a meeting where top-level officials from France and Russia would be participating. To that end, it would be best for him to leave this office quickly before his temper erupted.

    Heo Chang-Seon stood up and handed Kang Chan an ess card that had beenid on the desk.

    The card waspletely ck and only had the number zero written on it.

    ¡°Hang this on your chest,¡± Heo Chang-Seon ordered.

    Kang Chan used the clip to attach the identification card to his left breast.

    <i>¡®Idiot.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan inwardly shook his head as he followed Heo Chang-Seon out of the office.

    Men like Heo Chang-Seon were everywhere. While there were humble individuals like Kim Hyung-Jung who risked their lives to carry out missions for their mothend, there would always be arrogant bastards intoxicated by the authority in their hands.

    Damned bastards like him could never do missions where their lives could be lost in vain, like the Mongolian operation. However, they would always be left with a bitter taste in their mouths because they couldn¡¯t understand nor embrace the agents¡¯ honorable sacrifice.

    Did he want to be in the spotlight when important people like Vasili and Lanok arrived?

    It was aughable idea. If Vasili and Lanok hadn¡¯t arranged to meet with Kang Chan quietly to avoid causing a fuss, high-ranking officials from the National Intelligence Service, far superior to Heo Chang-Seon, would have eagerlye running at the drop of a hat.

    Heo Chang-Seon led Kang Chan toward customs and into an elevator. They then headed straight out to the runway. Employees saluted Heo Chang-Seon as he walked by them, and even in the way the idiot nodded, Kang Chan could feel a sense of arrogance.

    Maybe it was only because of his first impression of Heo Chang-Seon that Kang Chan felt that way, but who knew?

    As the two stepped onto the runway, the noise from airnes and various equipment rushed past their ears.

    ¡°Get in!¡± Heo Chang-Seon shouted over the noise.

    Heo Chang-Seon gestured to the open-roofed industrial jeep waiting for them, then climbed into the passenger seat.

    What was the point of Kang Chan saying anything about that? In situations like these, it was best to just quietly take a seat.

    The jeep followed the line drawn on the runway, then turned right, facing the airport. Moving away from where travelers could see them, they reached an area blocked from view with modr walls around all sides. A unit of about thirty-five soldiers strong was standing guard around it.

    The jeep stopped approximately ten meters away from the site.

    ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± Heo Chang-Seon announced.

    Kang Chan stood up and got off the jeep. He took two steps toward the passenger seat, Heo Chang-Seon was right in front of him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here on site, so please escort Ambassador Lanok to this ce when he arrives,¡± Kang Chan asserted.

    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Heo Chang-Seon asked confusedly, doubting his ears.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to the VIP lounge. Please escort the ambassador over here when he arrives,¡± Kang Chan reiterated.

    Heo Chang-Seon glowered at Kang Chan. He looked annoyed because Kang Chan dared disrupt his ns.

    Kang Chan turned around, took out a cigarette, and put it in his mouth.

    ¡°Smoking is forbidden on the runway,¡± Heo Chang-Seon nagged.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>,¡± Kang Chan breathed out.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t here today to introduce Ambassador Lanok to this stupid bastard or sit still and obediently take orders from him.

    He walked toward the modr walls.

    The 35-member unit wasn¡¯t a small force, but it was obvious what kind of soldiers would be chosen for a special operation like this.

    They seemed to recognize Kang Chan. A senior soldier who appeared to be their leader gave him a short salute.

    Kang Chan nodded and stood by the senior soldier¡¯s side.

    <i>Vroom.?</i>

    Not long after, the jeep carrying Heo Chang-Seon stopped in front of him.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯m aware of your friendly rtionship with Ambassador Lanok. However, there is a certain etiquette that must be followed in certain ces,¡± Heo Chang-Seon arrogantly dered.

    Nothing about this moronic punk struck Kang Chan the right way.

    <i>Pft.?</i>

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s smirk, Heo Chang-Seon gritted his teeth.

    For quite some time, Kang Chan had forgotten people like Heo Chang-Seon existed because,tely, he had only ever met people who put their lives on the line to make South Korea a better ce like Kim Tae-Jin, Kim Hyung-Jung, and more recently, Go Gun-Woo, Choi Jong-Il, and Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    It hadpletely slipped Kang Chan¡¯s mind that there were people like Heo Chang-Seon too. The very reason he didn¡¯t want to continue in this line of work was that he hated deranged idiots who got off on power and appearances.

    Those people were also in the military.

    For everymander who fought and bled out on the battlefield, there were over a hundred dumb punks decorated in fancy uniforms loftily pointing at random ces on a map with extravagant batons to seem impressive.

    Kang Chan breathed in deeply.

    It would be truly embarrassing if he caused an incident at the airport over something like this.

    Lanok, who was as sly as a snake, and the viper-like Vasili would surely notice something was amiss in this ufortable atmosphere. For the sake of the agents who had waited for a long time to return home, Kang Chan was willing to clench his teeth to hold in his temper.

    However, if he let Heo Chang-Seon¡¯s crap continue, Kang Chan would certainly be horribly disgraced in front of Lanok and Vasili. This idiot would clearly try to act up because of his self-importance as the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Airport Division Chief.

    Kang Chan pulled out his phone.

    It was already 4:30 pm. Lanok would be arriving soon.

    Kang Chan pressed the call button and put the phone to his ear. Heo Chang-Seon watched him with a scowl on his face.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, what¡¯s the matter?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung frantically answered the phone in an anxious tone.

    ¡°Mr. Kim Hyung-Jung, I¡¯m calling because I have a favor to ask,¡± Kang Chan began.

    Themander of the 35-member brigade was watching Kang Chan as well.

    ¡°I¡¯m having trouble with the airport¡¯s division chief. If you don¡¯t take action, I¡¯ll step out of the task of retrieving our soldiers¡¯ bodies and head straight to the dinner instead.¡±

    Heo Chang-Seon¡¯s expression seemed to show he was angrily grumbling, ¡°What the hell!¡± inside his head.

    <i>-You¡¯re inpletemand of the site today, Mr. Kang Chan. I¡¯ll take care of it asap.?</i>

    ¡°Also, since I¡¯m out on the runway right now, please contact the airport¡¯s office and have them guide Lanok here as soon as he arrives.¡±

    <i>-Got it. Is the division chief next to you, by any chance?</i>

    Kang Chan heard Kim Hyung-Jung exhaling lowly as if he was forcing himself to be patient.

    ¡°He is. Please don¡¯t ask me to switch the phone over to him,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    <i>-I didn¡¯t know the situation was so bad that you of all people would say that. Understood. I will contact the office first.</i>

    As soon as Kang Chan hung up, his phone immediately rang again.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok,¡± he greeted.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯ll be there in five minutes.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m currently out on the runway. I asked them to bring you here as soon as you arrive. This is the perfect ce for a smoke.¡±

    When Kang Chan started speaking in French, Heo Chang-Seon carefully observed Kang Chan¡¯s expression in an attempt to read his reaction.

    <i>-I expected nothing less from you. I understand. I¡¯ll see you soon.</i>

    After wrapping up the call, Kang Chan took out another cigarette, bit on it, and lit it up.

    Whether Kang Chan was out working or running an operation, if he didn¡¯t do things his way, he would start feeling unwell. Was it because he had a crappy temper? That could be a part of the reason.

    However, in Africa, failing a mission tranted directly to death.

    And what were the consequences now? The negotiations for the Eurasian Rail could fall apartpletely for South Korea.

    The fallen soldiers arriving today, the agents who had been injured at the conference hall, and the agents who died in the fight to stop Yang Jin-Woo¡ªthey sacrificed themselves for this day toe to fruition. Yet a man like Heo Chang-Seon was still prioritizing having his pride and authority acknowledged in this situation? Bullshit.

    Kang Chan would rather get the stupid man out of his sight as soon as possible than show this embarrassing scene to Vasili.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me, Director!¡± Heo Chang-Seon said.

    Kang Chan looked away from the runway and turned toward Heo Chang-Seon, who had urgency in his tone.

    ¡°No, sir! It¡¯s not like that¡­¡± Heo Chang-Seon pathetically pleaded.

    The person on the other side was shouting so loud that even Kang Chan could hear the words ¡°son of a¡­¡± through the noise from where he was standing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to you immediately, sir.¡±

    After the call, Heo Chang-Seon gave the driver some instructions, then looked back at Kang Chan.

    Heo Chang-Seon was fucking lucky to be leaving unharmed after prioritizing his pride and authority when they were supposed to be weing fallen soldiers home.

    <i>Vroom.?</i>

    The lucky bastard soon disappeared from Kang Chan¡¯s sight.

    Kang Chan saw themander of the unit smiling. Some things just weren¡¯t worth trying to fix and were better to let them go.

    Kang Chan was still frowning when six ck sedans and military buses rushed onto the runway. Although they were on a runway, few could just drive across the asphalt without a care in the world. It was interesting how there were yellow, blue, and white lines painted onto the cement, and there were even traffic lights in the middle of the runway.

    Lanok and some agents got out of the sedans, and honor guards stepped out of the buses.

    Kang Chan approached the sedans and greeted Lanok.

    ¡°Vasili will arrive in about five minutes. Why don¡¯t we have some refreshments while waiting?¡± Lanok suggested.

    ¡°Here, right now?¡± Kang Chan asked in disbelief.

    Lanok gestured with his eyes, and Louis appeared with a thermos and somerge paper cups.

    ¡°To the French, wine and tea are needed just as much as we need air,¡± Lanok joked. He put the paper cups on the sedan''s trunk and filled it with tea.

    Kang Chan took out a lighter and lit his cigarette when he saw Lanok bite on a cigar.

    ¡°Once today¡¯s event is over, the DGSE will send the reception program of the transmitters to your phone. I should warn you about something, though. Every time you check my location, your location will also be reported to the DGSE.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    The scent of ck tea on the airport¡¯s runway actually wasn¡¯t all that bad.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok, how capable is South Korea¡¯s intelligence agency?¡± Kang Chan randomly asked. He had always been curious about it.

    ¡°The DGSE¡¯s human resources have always been recognized aspetent. The agents¡¯ passion, determination, and perseverance are top-notch. Unfortunately, the system has always been a weakness for the agency,¡± Lanok replied as if he had been expecting Kang Chan to ask.

    As Kang Chan took a sip of his tea and nced up, Lanok continued, ¡°To demonstrate how great your strength is in information warfare, you have to invest quite a bit of time. You have to stabilize your agents and manage them so that they won¡¯t betray you, and you have to keep purchasing cutting-edge equipment. I apologize for being so direct, but repeated acts of corruption and misconduct have continued to crush the passion and perseverance of the agents in South Korea.¡±

    Lanok shouldn¡¯t be the one apologizing for that.

    ¡°Until now, South Korea has trained their agents to be loyal to the governments rather than cing emphasis on their ability. They also sold satellites that the National Intelligence Service intended to use for a cheap price so they could get bribes to fill their own pockets.¡±

    Kang Chan slightly regretted asking the question.

    ¡°The agency barely scraped by thanks to the sacrifices and perseverance of its agents. The current capability of South Korea¡¯s intelligence agency would likely rank around 40th in the world,¡± Lanok finished.

    ¡°So in other words, it¡¯s not that impressive,¡± Kang Chan noted.

    Lanok tilted his head in amusement as if to say that it was up to Kang Chan to judge that. Kang Chan smiled wryly.

    On one side of the modr walls, the honor guards had assumed a formation. Aircraft marshals and vehicles that transported cargo arrived one after another.

    It was too noisy to have a conversation.

    Kang Chan followed Lanok¡¯s gaze, finding a Boeing 737 aircraft approaching from behind a tow car. It was marked with a Chinese airline¡¯s logo.

    ¡°Well, that must mean the negotiations with China are now over,¡± Lanok remarked.

    ¡°Help from China was required to get the fallen soldiers anyway, right?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    ¡°Vasili brought a ne from Russia. However, the Chinese intelligence agency must have provided him with a Chinese civilian aircraft as well,¡± Lanok exined.

    This was the first time that Kang Chan saw Lanok smirk.

    ¡°I wonder why China is extending this favor of goodwill to you, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok pondered.

    As the tow car passed through the barrier, the aircraft was guided by a marshal who carried signs in his hands.

    As the roar of the engines was blocked by the barrier, the aircraft marshal crossed his arms above his head, and the ne jerked and came to a halt.

    The rigging moved forward, and the stairs were connected to the ground.

    ¡°Now then, shall we go greet him?¡± Lanok asked.

    Kang Chan and Lanok headed for the bottom of the stairs.

    The doors opened, and Vasili, dressed in a ck suit from top to bottom, immediately descended the stairs.

    Kang Chan supposed he was meeting a bucket load of sharp-eyed men today. It wasn¡¯t just Vasili. The three agents behind him also had looks so dirty it was as if they had taken time to practice beforehand.

    ¡°Lanok!¡± Vasili greeted.

    Vasili embraced Lanok with exaggerated expressions and kissed him on the cheeks.

    It was ufortable, but Kang Chan had no choice but to ept these kinds of greetings.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡± Vasili addressed next.

    Kang Chan lightly embraced Vasili and kissed him near the cheek, only making the sound without actually touching him.

    Vasili seemed to have his guard up, but that was probably only natural given the time and ce.

    After exchanging greetings, Vasili turned to Lanok. However, he was stopped by Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for the fallen soldiers to get off the ne before we get going. I want to show what respect I can toward them first,¡± Kang Chan asserted.

    As the highestmander, it was probably more appropriate to let others handle the soldiers¡¯ remains and just focus on escorting Vasili first.

    However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to leave yet. Perhaps it was because of his experience in Africa, but that wasn¡¯t important.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t take the soldiers¡¯ return lightly. After all, they died far away from their mothend. Fortunately, their tombstones had already been prepared in the military cemetery in Daejeon.

    These soldiers could have bullet wounds, so they would be taken to the military hospital for identification by the end of the day. They would only be returned to their families¡¯ arms after they had been cremated.

    The first coffin was brought down from the aircraft.

    Four ceremonial guards waiting on both sides of the ne respectfully spread the national g of South Korea over the coffin. The officer standing guard in the front then ced a badge version of the g on the head of the coffin and struck it with the edge of his hand. The badge was just the size of a palm.

    <i>Thud.?</i>

    These deaths protected South Korea. The living fought, shed, got beaten up, and beat up each other to protect this nation, allowing it to stand safely.

    The members of the brigade watching the coffin also had solemn expressions.

    The grave and sad sound of trumpets rang out from somewhere.

    Soon after, the second coffin began to descend through the rail of the aircraft.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    The South Korean national g was spread over the coffin, and with the sound of another thud, a badge the size of a palm was embedded onto the top of the coffin.

    The only way Kang Chan could show respect was to watch and observe. Nevertheless, he at least wanted to make sure he did this.

    As Kang Chan stood without budging, Vasili looked at him with curious eyes.

    ¡°My, what an interesting fellow,¡± Vasilimented with interest.

    ¡°If it¡¯s all right with you, let¡¯s go have some tea together over there, Vasili,¡± Lanok offered.

    Vasili nodded at an odd angle. The two headed for the ck sedan.

 Chapter 129.1: The Brown Bearéˆ¥æªš Visit (2)

    <h4>Chapter 129.1: The Brown Bear¡¯s Visit (2)</h4>

    All the coffins that were wrapped in the South Korean national g were loaded onto the buses.

    While the coffins of the Japanese agents were being carried onto the ne, themander of the 35th Brigade and the staff officer of the honor guard saluted Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan met each of their gazes and gave a brief nod before turning back around.

    Walking out of the barrier of modr walls, he saw Lanok and Vasili drinking tea from paper cups on the trunk of a ck sedan.

    ¡°Are you finished with your business?¡± Lanok asked gently.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go have dinner. I made a reservation,¡± Lanok suggested.

    From about ten meters away, the agents from the National Intelligence Service were waiting for them to move.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head to the restaurant with Vasili,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll be right behind you two,¡± Kang Chan responded, then headed for the sedan that the National Intelligence Service agents had brought.

    Kang Chan provided the Russian and French agents apanying Vasili and Lanok with separate sedans. He himself rode with the National Intelligence Service agents.

    Kang Chan had never met these agents before, so he was debating whether he should introduce himself. While he was contemting that, Lanok¡¯s sedan stopped at a restaurant that was only twenty minutes away from the airport. The sedan Kang Chan was riding in followed closely behind.

    It was a restaurant that specialized in Hanwoo, which was beef from native Korean cattle.

    Considering how a French agent was already standing by at the entrance and that Lanok¡¯s aide was waiting for them in the parking lot, Lanok seemed to have reserved the entire ce.

    When Kang Chan stepped out of the car, Lanok immediately guided them inside the restaurant. Three tables had been set up individually in the vast, spacious interior. Just a nce was enough to determine that the agents from France, Russia, and Korea were meant to upy the tables so they could have their own meals while, a separate ce was prepared further inside the restaurant for Lanok, Kang Chan, and Vasili.

    ¡°Korean barbecue is absolutely delicious,¡± Lanok remarked.

    It was funny. A French was introducing a Korean restaurant to a Russian and a Korean who followed along.

    Soon, they entered a room where there was a depressed section of flooring. Seats with backrests were ced in a triangle around the table. Kang Chan unintentionally ended up sitting in the middle.

    While they waited for the thick sirloin to be served, the charcoal fire meant to cook the meat emitted waves of heat toward them. They had soju and beer for drinks.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I heard there¡¯s a dangerous drink here in Korea. Do you know how to make it?¡± Vasili jokingly asked.

    ¡°I suppose you¡¯re talking about bomb shots?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    Based on the way Vasili smirked, it seemed he already knew what the cocktail was and had tried it.

    Kang Chan had no reason to refuse to make it. He had been feeling mncholic due to the agents who had finally returned home anyway.

    He eagerly mixed some soju and beer together, then poured a ss for each of them.

    Exchanging any words at this point was unnecessary.

    After clinking their sses together, they downed the drink in one gulp.

    An employee entered the room to cook the meat for them as they had four more of the bomb shot cocktails.

    The young employee carefully sliced the meat into edible portions, and the three began their meal.

    ¡°It truly does taste fantastic,¡± Vasili eximed in awe.

    Even though the mealsted for about 40 minutes, there was little conversation aside from the asional expressions of admiration regarding the food.

    The same went for the three French agents, three Russian agents, and three Korean agents eating in therger hall. As a result, a peculiar sense of tension enveloped the restaurant.

    Once they set down their chopsticks, waiters brought out coffee and ashtrays.

    With no one to nag or object, Kang Chan and Vasili took out their own cigarettes while Lanok received a cigar and lit it up.

    ¡°I believe it is about time you exin why you want to meet Kang Chan, Vasili,¡± Lanok dered.

    Lanok and Vasili were evidently fierce rivals who weren¡¯t all thatfortable with each other.

    ¡°Lanok, the British intelligence agency discovered one of the two missing energy sources that disappeared from ckhead in South Korea,¡± Vasili stated solemnly.

    Vasili blew out a long puff of smoke and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Interestingly enough, it was around the same time the United States discovered the source through the Sampleton Research Institute. The British detected a signal from the source while inspecting the Eurasian Rail conference hall with their satellite surveincework,¡± Vasili continued in a wry tone.

    What in the hell was this crap about? Energy sources that had gone missing from ckhead? Sampleton Research Institute?

    Kang Chan had heard about them before since that was where Yoo Yun-Woo sent Kang Chan¡¯s biopsy, and the diamond that Shan had sold off was called ckhead.

    But what was this about two missing energy sources? Kang Chan had never stolen anything like that if that was what Vasili was using him of.

    Kang Chan pressed his cigarette against the ashtray, putting it out.

    ¡°Vasili, exin how you¡¯re involved in this first,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°That¡¯s what you and Kang Chan should be exining to me!¡± Vasili shouted.

    Although they had happily eaten sirloin and drank shots just moments before, the atmosphere changed in an instant.

    Vasili glowered sharply, but Lanok stood his ground with a hard expression that was perfectly devoid of any emotion.

    ¡°Why did the British intelligence agency purchase cetinium and denadite? What was the cause of the two earthquakes that urred in the deep sea recently? Why did the United States finish preparing tounch nuclear missiles? Andstly¡­¡± Vasili paused, ring at Kang Chan as if he were going to kill him. ¡°Why does Kang Chan have one of the missing energy sources from ckhead? You and Kang Chan should be exining all of those to me, not the other way around.¡±

    Lanok remained silent.

    ¡°If I don¡¯t receive any proper exnation, then both my country and China will start preparing tounch nuclear missiles as well, Lanok. I¡¯m here today to deliver a final warning,¡± Vasili continued. ¡°If all the intelligence that is currently circting around the internationalmunity is misinterpreted, it will mark the start of a nuclear war. Russia and China are genuinely warning you about what could happen.¡±

    Things had been escting quickly recently, but how could a nuclear war be suddenly put on the table?

    Kang Chan inwardly shook his head from side to side.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Vasili called. The Russian man had only called Kang Chan¡¯s name, but it strangely sounded as if he was sneering at him. He pulled out a small business from his pocket and handed it over. ¡°If there¡¯s anything you find difficult to ask of or discuss with Lanok, you can call the number on this card. Doesn¡¯t matter when you call. I¡¯ll be sure to answer it.¡±

    With Kang Chan¡¯s gaze on him, Vasili turned to Lanok.

    ¡°I¡¯m well aware that intelligence isn¡¯t something one should get on their knees to beg for. However, consider yourself warned that if France makes the wrong move this time, a war that no one will be able to stop will break out. I don¡¯t know how or why Mr. Kang Chan possesses the energy from ckhead, but the time hase to cooperate with the internationalmunity on this matter. China is of the same mind on this, Lanok,¡± Vasili warned, then got up.

    <i>What a presumptuous and selfish guy.?</i>

    ¡°Well then, I will be heading straight to the airport from here. I¡¯m sure this snake of a man here reserved a restaurant so close to the airport because he was anticipating that¡¯s what I would do,¡± Vasili said loftily.

    When he stood up and walked out into the parking lot, the three Russian agents stood up and followed him out. They immediately set off for the airport with a few National Intelligence Service agents.

    After the chaotic afternoon, they were met with an evening that was beyond tumultuous.

    Did Vasili reallye all the way to South Korea with the bodies of the soldiers just to say those few words of warning?

    ¡°That exchange surely gave me quite a bit to ponder over. Why don¡¯t we leisurely drink tea together?¡± Lanok suggested.

    ¡°That sounds good, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan epted.

    When Kang Chan gestured with his eyes, two National Intelligence Service agents stood up and carried a table and chairs outside the restaurant.

    Perhaps because this barbecue restaurant often had asions like this, the owner readily brought out a square can that was filled with charcoal and firewood to work as a heater.

    .

    The vibe and scene were picturesque.

    The reddish hue across the sky during sunrise or sunset was even redder near the sea. The heat emanating from the firewood pushed far the chilly air lingering in their surroundings.

    As an agent brought out some coffee for them, Kang Chan nced around. Before he knew it, agents dressed in formal suits had gotten in formation around the restaurant.

    The smell of coffee, the mes rising from the firewood, the heat, and the red sky.

    Kang Chan took a sip of coffee and leisurely leaned back in his chair to gaze up at the evening sky.

    A nuclear war? The idea felt more unreal to him than 230 billion won.

    Everyone had their own assigned tasks.

    Rifleman, sniper, heavy weapon operator, and radio operator¡ªif one person could do all those jobs, what need would there be for squads, toons, and battalions?

    In all honesty, President Moon Jae-Hyun couldn¡¯t handle everything by himself, and even powerful nations couldn¡¯t solve all the problems in the world alone.

    Hence, while the great world powers shed against each other, all South Korea had to do was diligently focus on its own development.

    Nuclear missiles? Kang Chan didn¡¯t have to worry about something that he didn¡¯t even possess.

    1. This is known as poktanju in Korea

 Chapter 129.2: The Brown Bearéˆ¥æªš Visit (2)

    <h4>Chapter 129.2: The Brown Bear¡¯s Visit (2)</h4>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I think the UK is using the energy contained in ckhead to create earthquakes,¡± Lanok said, his expressions no longer hidden behind a poker face.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Ambassador, but that¡¯s simply too hard for me to believe at all,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I fully understand where you¡¯reing from. Even the DGSE wasn¡¯t certain of this. However, observing Vasili¡¯s actions today answered my question.¡±

    ¡°Does such a machine really exist?¡± Kang Chan doubtfully asked.

    ¡°Our country refers to it as a subterranean shock device. The ckhead used to contain nine unique energy sources, but two of them were taken by the UK through Shan. We suspect that one of them is with you, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok answered.

    ¡°Do you think that¡¯s the reason why I resurrected?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t know for sure. However, considering the energy was discovered in the UK¡¯s satellite and in the biopsy you sent to the United States for examination, its source is clearly somewhere inside your body,¡± Lanok further exined.

    In that case, the other missing energy source was probably Seok Kang-Ho.

    Lanok probably thought the same thing, but he didn¡¯t delve into it any further.

    ¡°We had intelligence that the earthquakes caused by the UK in the Antic and the Pacific Ocean were a part of that experiment. As time goes on, the attention of intelligence agencies from various countries will be focused on you.¡±

    ¡°I thought the UK seeded in their experiment,¡± Kang Chan said inquisitively.

    ¡°Well, who knows?¡±

    Lanok shook his head.

    ¡°If their experiment was indeed sessful, they wouldn¡¯t be interested in the lost energy, and the United States wouldn¡¯t act this way either. There is clearly something going on behind all this. We have to find and uncover that to match the puzzle pieces that Vasili is so curious about.¡±

    <i>Why did they have to make things soplicated?</i>

    Kang Chan gazed at the mes rising from the firewood, then nced back up.

    ¡°Was that why you told me to be a French citizen?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s one of the main reasons,¡± Lanok replied, not fully answering the question.

    People with hot tempers should never engage in conversation with Lanok because they would probably die from frustration.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, but you keep an eye on your surroundings,¡± Lanok advised.

    ¡°Yes, I will, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    They didn¡¯t talk about anything special in particr after that. About ten minutester, Lanok left the restaurant.

    Kang Chan took the sedan provided by the National Intelligence Service to head home. It was Friday, so the roads were quite congested.

    Kang Chan called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan!</i>

    ¡°I assume you have received a report from the airport by now?¡±

    <i>-I just met with the soldiers from the unit. Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s voice was low, making it seem as if he was trying to suppress his anger.

    ¡°Vasili returned to the airport a while back, and I just parted ways with Ambassador Lanok. I¡¯m going to take it easy today, but I¡¯ll call you again tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    It was difficult to meet up with Kim Hyung-Jung since he was at the military hospital.

    After ending the call, Kang Chan rang up Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>-Is it over?</i>

    ¡°Yeah. Have you had dinner yet?¡±

    <i>-Of course. Where are you right now?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m actually on my way back. If you¡¯re up to driving, let¡¯s go to Misari and have some tea.¡±

    <i>-Got it. Should I head out now?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you once I¡¯m in front of the apartment. The traffic¡¯s a bit heavy.¡±

    <i>-Okay, I¡¯ll be waiting.</i>

    By the time Kang Chan was about to reach the apartment and call Seok Kang-Ho, Seok Kang-Ho was already waiting in front of the building.

    Kang Chan immediately hopped into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car.

    ¡°Good work today,¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted.

    They drove away from theplex.

    ¡°Apparently, there¡¯s some unique energy inside ckhead,¡± Kang Chan began to tell Seok Kang-Ho about everything that happened today.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying we both resurrected because of the energy from ckhead?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    They arrived at the cafe in Misari as they continued to talk.

    It was Friday night, so there were quite a few customers. Other guests had taken the seats that Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho usually sat in, so they sat under the parasol out back instead.

    After ordering coffee and lighting a cigarette, Kang Chan finally felt as if he had returned to his everyday life.

    ¡°What do you n to do?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I have no idea. I feel numb,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°True. It¡¯s not like we have any nuclear missiles to shoot, so what can we do?¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho, who had pulled out a cigarette and was holding it in his hand.

    ¡°They haven¡¯t discovered me yet, have they?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think Lanok would have his suspicions, though?¡± Kang Chan pondered.

    ¡°Yeah, but that Vasili guy probably met with you today so he can scare me intoing out.¡±

    Was that really the case? Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho with awe.

    <i>This punk is improving day by day.</i>

    ¡®Those motherfuckers. Nuclear weapons are already awful enough, but they¡¯re even making earthquakes now? What if all of Earth sinks because of them?¡± Seok Kang-Ho snapped.

    ¡°I doubt they¡¯d do anything that would kill themselves.¡±

    ¡°I know, but it¡¯s not like Earth will move ording to their will. It¡¯s not something they can quickly glue back together once it cracks.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°Ugh. Let¡¯s just stick our heads in the dirt for now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho wisecracked.

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    ***

    Kang Chan got home at around 11 o¡¯clock. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were still in the living room.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t gone to sleep yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Chan thought it could be because they saw his admission certificate for Seoul National University.

    ¡°Have you had dinner? Want me to cut you up some fruits?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Sounds good. I¡¯lle back out after changing,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    When he walked out to the living room infortable clothes, Yoo Hye-Sook put some grapes down in front of him.

    ¡°How was your day? Was it tough?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°It was fine,¡± Kang Chan nonchntly replied.

    Kang Chan obviously couldn¡¯t tell her that he had met Vasili and Lanok as themander in charge of receiving deceased soldiers¡¯ bodies.

    Seeing the concern on Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s face, Kang Chan forced a bright expression.

    ¡°Have you seen the admission certificate?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have, but I can¡¯t say I¡¯m entirely happy. I¡¯m worried you¡¯re putting too much on yourself.¡±

    ¡°The kids who study hard to get into college don¡¯t have it any easier either.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯repletely right, son!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied as if they were having a light chat.

    ¡°Just think of it that way,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you.¡±

    Kang Chan picked up a grape after putting Yoo Hye-Sook at ease.

    ¡°The drama is really entertaining. I¡¯ve been catching up on all the episodes with your dad. I saw all the actors who came to the hospital, which is pretty interesting.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re watching it too, Father?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise.

    ¡°It¡¯s a show produced by thepany that my son is the director of. Of course I¡¯m watching it,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered.

    If Kang Dae-Kyung said the drama was interesting to watch, Kang Chan would have felt like he didn¡¯t have to be as worried about the production anymore.

    ¡°Anyhow, I¡¯m thinking of selling the carpany,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung spoke again.

    ¡°Really? Why?¡±

    Kang Chan carefully observed Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s expression because it didn¡¯t seem as if he broached this subject lightly.

    ¡°After you made an appearance on TV, some of the customers started ordering cars with some other purpose in mind. If you end up being assigned an important role rted to the Eurasian Rail, I feel like I¡¯ll get offered multiple bribes in return for favors. I¡¯m already getting those kinds of requests right now.¡±

    That wasn¡¯t an issue that could be solved in the immediate future.

    Kang Chan wanted to take his hands off of the jobs he was involved in if he could. He wanted to live normally, or at least pretend to live normally, but it would be a while before that could happen.

    <i>Should I just move to France after all?</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    If Kang Chan left by himself to a different country, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook would be treated like the parents of someone who betrayed his mothend, and if all three of them moved together, his parents would be too lonely in the foreign nation.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry you have to go through that. It must be tough,¡± Kang Chan sympathized.

    ¡°To be frank, I should be grateful to have these kinds of problems. Nobody my age is being troubled with these issues because of how great their sons are. However, when I see people reaching out to me to buy cars after decades of no contact, I can¡¯t help but be worried. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve already epted any favors, though.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t do anything but smilefortingly. There was really nothing that could be done about these situations.

    ¡°I¡¯ll figure out how to handle it, so don¡¯t worry about it too much,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung assured his son.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After their conversation, Kang Chan returned to his room.

    He was dead tired, so he headed straight to bed.

    He was physically fine, but he felt as if he had been injured and was bleeding mentally¡­ as if he had just spent the day experiencing the type of war that Lanok fought.

    That was how exhausted he currently was.

    <i>¡®Two energy sources disappeared from ckhead?¡¯</i>

    .

    The timing was just spectacrly perfect for him too. Unfortunately, sending his biopsy to the research institute in the middle of this mess further worsened the situation.

    Kang Chan smiled dryly.

    When it came down to it, information warfare wasn¡¯t all that fancy as he made it out to be. Kang Chan had unwittingly ended up at the center of this whole ordeal, but much to his frustrations, he was unfamiliar with his surroundings.

    <i>Pft.?</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head and tried to fall asleep.

    Even if he was facing great perils that put the whole world at stake, he had to get some sleep whenever he could.

 Chapter 130.1: What is it? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 130.1: What is it? (1)</h4>

    On Saturday, Kang Chan woke up at the crack of dawn and slowly began to warm up in front of the park at the apartmentplex.

    He still had faint traces of his previous injuries. They made him feel so heavy that it was as if they were trying to convince him to take a break. He had taken off the bandages on his left hand yesterday, however, making him feel at least a bit lighter.

    He properly stretched his muscles, then started jogging outside the apartmentplex, following his usual routine and path.

    The clear autumn sky and cold air refreshed Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    He had decided to do his best with what was within his control. Rather than letting iprehensible events that were out of his control ruin his focus, he thought it would be far wiser to just maintain his best condition and keep his bnce. No events should faze him.

    ¡°Haah. Haah.¡±

    With each intensifying breath, the stagnant weight in his chest seemed to be dissipating little by little.

    That damned ckhead. Kang Chan died because of that diamond, but it was its very energy that brought him back to life.

    He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what could have happened if he remained in Africa. Considering his vtile temperament, getting promoted would¡¯ve been a challenge.

    He had already rested for a few days, but he still found it difficult to catch his breath.

    Kang Chan recalled the newbie who had gone to Mongolia with them¡ªthe one who took a bandana and a beret.

    G¨¦rard had been left out of the operation due to his injury. However, based on the look in his eyes as he brought over their coffee, he had probably practiced and trained relentlessly since he returned to Africa.

    ¡°Whew. Hoo, hoo.¡±

    It was ridiculous, but a few new recruits imitated Kang Chan¡¯s attitude while training. Having remembered how he aimed his gun at some tiny noise in the mountains, they often proceeded to create rustling sounds with their mouths during training, aiming their own guns with a <i>click</i>.

    There were other simr cases where they copied him.

    Some of the recruits would practice smirking all day, and others would practice aiming their rifles as they ran. While it could look easy, quite a few soldiers fell and got hurt because they tried to steady their aim while running.

    <i>Stay alive. Cover yourself in your beret and bandana, and copy how I hold my bay in reverse if that¡¯s what it would take for you to survive.?</i>

    <i>¡°I did a good job, didn¡¯t I?¡±</i>

    <i>Don¡¯t die like that idiot. Live.?</i>

    <i>Just like G¨¦rard, who would copy me every chance he got.?</i>

    Kang Chan could already see the apartmentplexing into view. He had run faster than normal thinking of Africa.

    His back hurt so much that it felt as if it was going to snap, but it had never snapped before. He knew he would be perfectly fine.

    Kang Chan focused on his breathing.

    <i>Run forward! If I stop here, I can¡¯t prevent the deaths of the members I lead.?</i>

    ¡°Haa! Haa! Haa! Haa!¡±

    He ran into theplex, bent over in front of a bench with his hands on his knees, and let out loud puffs of air. It had been a while since he had gone on a run, so he had run as if his life was at stake.

    Just then, Kang Chan sharply raised his gaze at an approaching presence.

    ¡°Would you like some water?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze traveled up the hand holding out a water bottle. He soon burst intoughter.

    ¡°You already got discharged?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Choi Jong-Il had a long bandage on his right cheek.

    ¡°If it¡¯s alright with you, can I join in on your run from now on?¡± Choi Jong-Il requested.

    ¡°Whew, that¡¯s refreshing! Why suddenly join me, though?¡± Kang Chan asked curiously.

    ¡°I figured out what I¡¯mcking,¡± Choi Jong-Il responded seriously.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>,¡± Kang Chanughed, looking at Choi Jong-Il.

    If Kang Chan ended up getting close to Choi Jong-Il like this, he would have yet another person to take care of, and he would have to make an effort again so this punk wouldn¡¯t die. Although Kang Chan couldn¡¯t express it, he couldn¡¯t guarantee that he would forget Choi Jong-Il if thetter died.

    <i>¡®Damn it.¡¯</i>

    <i>So why would you give me a water bottle? It¡¯s a bit small though.</i>

    ¡°Feel free to tag along anytime,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il seemed to have a change in attitude.

    Kang Chan finished drinking the rest of the water and nced back at him when Choi Jong-Il opened a different topic.

    ¡°One of myrades from the 35th Brigade asked me to deliver a message to you.¡±

    What was Choi Jong-Il talking about?

    ¡°I heard you watched until all our fallen soldiers descended from the ne. You even made France¡¯s ambassador and the director of Russia¡¯s intelligence agency wait until you were done, so my friend wanted me to pass on his sincere gratitude to you. Now that he knows there¡¯s someone who treats the special forces so well, he can now die confidently in an operation knowing he¡¯s in good hands¡­¡±

    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    The warmhearted sense of awe in Choi Jong-Il¡¯s words was instantly shattered.

    ¡°If he has time to spout such useless nonsense, tell him he should train like a madman and be determined toe back alive no matter what it takes.¡±

    When Kang Chan twisted the cap back on the empty water bottle, Choi Jong-Il held out his hand again.

    ¡°I have no need for men who die heroic deaths. Rather, they should focus on staying alive. I prefer soldiers who aggressively survive and stand before me with zing eyes during the next operation,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°What about Doo-Hee and Hee-Seung?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re waiting for me in the car,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Kang Chan nced around the entrance of theplex.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we grab lunch together?¡±

    ¡°Do you have time?¡±

    The two grinned at each other.

    ***

    Yoo Hye-Sook greeted Kang Chan when he returned to their residence.

    ¡°Have you just finished working out?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes. Oh, I smell something good,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°I made some kimchi stew,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook exined.

    ¡°I¡¯lle back out after washing up.¡±

    Kang Chan was more than grateful he was born again so he could experience the small joys of everyday life like these.

    The three sat down at the dining table once Kang Chan came out of the shower.

    ¡°Are you going to work today, Father?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m off today. Why do you ask?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung inquired, looking quite curious. He took a sip of a spoonful of the soup.

    ¡°I was thinking we could all go have lunch with the agents who protect you both.¡±

    ¡°Would that be alright?¡±

    ¡°You already know there are guards on you. It¡¯s not something to hide, anyway, so it¡¯s perfectly fine.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Yoo Hye-Sook, but she didn¡¯t seem to have any qualms about the idea either.

    After breakfast, Kang Chan took a tie pin and a tack-shaped transmitter from his room.

    ¡°Father, if you go around wearing this, I¡¯ll be able to track your location immediately regardless of where you are. This one¡¯s yours, Mother. You can stick it to your bag. But if you pull it out, it will deactivate, so please put it in a bag you always carry around.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s expressions were a mix of both fascination and concern.

    ¡°I know it could be ufortable, but I¡¯ll make sure nothing about your private lives is leaked. I¡¯ll keep my lips sealed.¡±

    ¡°You punk!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied exaggeratedly with a joking smile. ¡°Alright. Nothing I can¡¯t do for my son who¡¯s trying to protect me. Do I have to turn a switch on or anything?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Father,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung turned the pin around in his hand as he examined it with interest. Afterward, he stuck it to the shirt he was wearing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep it pinned to my wallet. I end up switching the bag I carry pretty often. Is that okay?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook confirmed.

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m sorry for asking this from you, Mother.¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re just doing this to protect us.¡±

    Kang Chan expressed his gratitude upon seeing the worry on Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s face.

    He then called Choi Jong-Il and asked the agent to invite all the employees who were avable. It was to Kang Chan¡¯s surprise that Choi Jong-Il said everyone would be attending.

    ¡°What? No one¡¯s going on dates with their significant other? It¡¯s Saturday.¡±

    <i>-From what happened at the Eurasian Rail conference hall, the incident with Yang Jin-Woo, and your recent retrieval of the fallen soldiers¡­ The God of ckfield has be quite popr among the agents and members of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s special team. Everyone takes pride in the work they¡¯re doing, so who would turn down an invitation from you?</i>

    It wasn¡¯t a bad feeling at all.

    ¡°Alright, then. Should we do meat? Or hoe, the raw fish?¡±

    <i>-Meat sounds good.</i>

    ¡°Then make a reservation somewhere that¡¯s not too shabby, and tell everyone to dressfortably. Today¡¯s a weekend, after all. I¡¯m sure you already know what people will think if we all get together and the agents are wearing their ck suits. The look in their eyes is already scary enough.¡±

    <i>-Understood.?</i>

    They made arrangements to meet at one in the afternoon, and Kang Chan ryed the time to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°What should I do? Kang Chan. What should I wear?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked worriedly.

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    ¡°It¡¯s the weekend. I told everyone toe wearingfortable clothes. If you dress to the nines, the guards might feel ufortable.¡±

    ¡°You think so?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook headed inside the bedroom.

    The TV was currently broadcasting news.

    ¡°Have youe to a decision?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suddenly inquired.

    ¡°About what?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Doing work for the country,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m still not sure yet,¡± Kang Chan began to confess. ¡°I had to give you and Mother transmitters, you¡¯re guarded 24/7, and you might even have to give up your business because of me¡­ What do you think I should do, Father?¡±

    It was unlike him, but Kang Chan hoped Kang Dae-Kyung could give him an answer. It was the first time in his life Kang Chan thought it would be okay to leave such a critical decision to someone else.

 Chapter 130.2: What is it? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 130.2: What is it? (1)</h4>

    ¡°What do you think I should do about my business?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked in response to Kang Chan¡¯s question about what he should do.

    Kang Chan silently looked back at his father. The first answer that came to mind was, ¡°Whatever you want,¡± since he genuinely hoped Kang Dae-Kyung would do what he really wanted and not be stressed worrying about this and that.

    Was this how Kang Dae-Kyung wanted to reply to Kang Chan¡¯s question?

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled, and a look shed across his face as if he suddenly remembered something.

    ¡°Oh! There¡¯s something I¡¯ve been meaning to ask. Is it okay for you to speak down to the employees? They seem to be older than you from what I saw,¡± he said.

    ¡°Ah! That!¡±

    Kang Chan could never tell the truth about that.

    ¡°It¡¯s intentional. We¡¯ve been practicing talking this way to each other because I¡¯m higher ranked than them. We¡¯re trying to get used to it since I often meet the French ambassador and other countries¡¯ agents.¡±

    ¡°I suppose that seems necessary,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung agreed, nodding at the sorry excuse Kang Chan gave. ¡°But still, make sure you¡¯re not rude to adults, okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Father,¡± Kang Chan replied, actually taking to his father¡¯s advice to heart.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</i>

    Not long after, the phone began to ring. Kang Chan went inside his room to pick it up.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    <i>-Channy! Where are you?</i>

    ¡°Home.¡±

    <i>-Do you want to grab lunch together? I can be at your house in a few.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m taking my mother and father to lunch with the guards.¡±

    <i>-I want toe too.?</i>

    Did this woman never get shy?

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask my parents first. If they say yes, then maybe. Don¡¯t you think the guards will feel ufortable, though?

    <i>-The food will taste better if there¡¯s a pretty girl at the table with them.?</i>

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s hang up for a minute. I¡¯ll call you back after asking them.¡±

    <i>-If it¡¯s too ufortable, let¡¯s just have some tea together after you have lunch.?</i>

    The drama had already started airing, and Kang Chan saw no reason to refuse. He hung up first so he could go and ask.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook seemed pleased they would get to see Michelle again¡ªa lot more than Kang Chan had expected.

    After asking Choi Jong-Il as well, Kang Chan told Michelle about their decision.

    ***

    The restaurant staff had curtained off a huge space. About twenty members had gathered for the lunch invitation.

    ¡°Mr. Kang! Mrs. Yoo!¡±

    ¡°Michelle, hi! Nice to see you!¡±

    Michelle dashed forward, seeming more excited to see Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook than Kang Chan. Thankfully, that eased some of the awkwardness that was evident in Yoo Hye-Sook from being in front of the guards.

    Kang Chan first introduced Michelle to the employees, then introduced Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Chan intended for this to be a light and casual lunch together, but this gathering had a stiff atmosphere instead, making it seem more like apany dinner.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook sat in the middle. Kang Chan and Michelle were across from them, and Choi Jong-Il and the other guards sat around them.

    Someone had to break the silence or they would continue like this.

    ¡°Thank you, everyone. Please continue to keep my father and mother as safe as you always have,¡± Kang Chan bravely attempted.

    Kang Chan scanned the employees sitting around him.

    The female agent who had taken a hit directly to the face still had some thinly folded gauze stuck on her nose bridge.

    ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m all okay now,¡± she answered.

    Kang Chan nodded and asked the employees what they wanted to eat.

    ¡°Before that, I have a request.¡±

    The female agent with the gauze on her nose spoke again, raising her hand. It was still an awkward atmosphere, so everyone¡¯s gazes immediately shot at her.

    ¡°After that day, Mr. Kang and Ms. Yoo have been acting uneasy around us. I ask that you both treat us all morefortably.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his gaze to his parents with a smile, and everyone looked at Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°W-well, I was feeling apologetic that you all have to work hard because of us. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re important people who have to be guarded so carefully,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook stuttered as if she was making an excuse. She seemed flustered.

    These kinds of things were difficult to mediate, and it wasn¡¯t exactly Kang Chan¡¯s ce to help either.

    ¡°Cha Min-Jeong!¡±

    Just then, Choi Jong-Il called the female agent¡¯s name in a firm tone. It seemed the employee with an injured nose was named Cha Min-Jeong.

    ¡°You¡¯re from unit 606, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°What is 606¡¯s chant!¡±

    ¡°The mothend summoned me here!¡± powerfully shouted the female agent.

    ¡°Hwang Seok-Gi!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± loudly replied the male agent who had guarded Kang Chan¡¯s parents by acting as one of the salespeople.

    ¡°You¡¯re from the special forces, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s our chant!¡±

    ¡°If I can protect the country with my blood, I am happy!¡±

    Was it necessary to go that far, considering they were about to eat? However, knowing Choi Jong-Il, Kang Chan just decided to watch silently.

    ¡°As you can see, this is why we¡¯re gathered,¡± Choi Jong-Il said with the bandage on his right cheek, directing his words at Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. ¡°Thanks to your son, we¡¯re able to live ording to our chants. Our jobs are closest to the heart of connecting South Korea and the Eurasian Rail.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il looked left and right before continuing again.

    ¡°Allowing your son to focus on the Eurasian Rail without having to worry about the safety of his parents¡­ it is a truly honorable task for us. We don¡¯t have to be praised or have our names go down in history. Even when you just tell us to buy a piece of green onion or a mere pack of ramyeon, we take pride in what you have entrusted us to do.¡±

    Kang Chan looked away because he was cringing so hard he got goosebumps. Soon after, he sighed. He understood why the agents were sitting with their faces filled with pride, but why was Michelle moved to the point of getting teary?

    ¡°Please, treat us as your family, a little sister or brother, or even a niece or nephew. Use us as you wish. Allow us to fill any holes in your security that way. The reason why Cha Min-Jeong asked you to treat us morefortably is so we can also request things from you both with more ease as well.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il¡¯s words were definitely effective.

    Seeing Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s cheek twitch and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes tear up, Kang Chan knew Choi Jong-Il¡¯s strategy had gone to n.

    ¡°I hear what you all are saying. My personality won¡¯t allow me to suddenly treat everyonefortably, but I¡¯ll make an attempt to do so going forward,¡± said Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Someone started pping, and the other agents joined in, causing a loud ripple of apuse to break out.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry. What does everyone want to eat?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have galbi.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s order galbi first. Feel free to order anything you want after, okay?¡±

    ¡°Can we really eat to our heart¡¯s content?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s put down our ranks when we¡¯re eating. Show me how much you can eat,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Someone stepped out to order for all of them, and soon, a mountain of meat was brought inside.

    They only had a few bottles of beer because they didn¡¯t want to let their guard down even in the slightest, so Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bring himself to offer them more. The amount was just enough for everyone to have a single ss.

    Kang Dae-Kyung poured Kang Chan¡¯s ss himself, looking at his son proudly.

    There was a lot ofpetition for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s sses. They had a round of rock, paper, and scissors while the meat was being cooked, which resulted in one of the salespeople filling Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s ss, while Michelle imed Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s. Of course, Michelle could only do this because another salesperson who had emerged victorious gave her the opportunity.

    ¡°We¡¯re in your hands. Please take good care of us,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said as he held out his ss.

    ¡°Thank you for the meal,¡± the employees replied.

    Kang Chan and Michelle turned to the side and downed half of their sses. The meal officially began.

    No idiot acted ufortable after Kang Chan said they should put down their ranks, so everyone was enjoying themselves.

    ¡°Here, Mr. Kang,¡± Michelle said, wrapping a well-cooked piece of meat in some lettuce before giving it to Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Chan felt a sense of danger. It was so natural he wondered if Michelle had visited their home when he was gone. Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s face was filled with satisfaction.

    ¡°Mrs. Yoo.¡±

    ¡°Mm! It tastes even better since you¡¯re the one making me this wrap, Michelle,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Michelle was definitely adept on asions like these. She cooked the meat perfectly, cut it into nice pieces, and even ate it deliciously. She had tied her hair back at some point. Now, on Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s tes, she was skillfully putting the side dishes of fermented crab that she had cooked over the grill.

    ¡°Michelle, the drama¡¯s so good,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°Oh, your friend¡¯s daughter is making an appearance next week, Mrs. Yoo.¡±

    Michelle was using fluent Korean. However, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t seem to question the speed at which Michelle¡¯s Korean had improved and just went with it.

    The ambiance was great, and the meat was mouthwatering.

    However, Kang Chan peeked at his phone. Why did he feel like something was off?

    ¡°So what happens to the girl?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Unfortunately, that¡¯s a secret, Mrs. Yoo,¡± Michelle tactfully replied with a smile.

    ¡°Even from me?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook mischievously asked back.

    Kang Chan felt as if he was pushed a step away from the morous mood. The noise was crumpled up in a ball and slowly moving away from him.

    <i>What is it? Is there a bomb at the restaurant or something?</i>

    Kang Chan slowly examined his surroundings. His senses were standing sharp.

    The meat in someone¡¯s chopsticks, smoke rising from the grills,ughter, whispers, someone calling for another, and fingers holding a cup of water¡­ Kang Chan could see and hear it all.

    .

    ¡°Kang Chan? What is it?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Suddenly, everything rushed back at him.

    ¡°I¡¯m full. I¡¯ll be back to eat more after getting some air,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan turned to Choi Jong-Il, who understood just by the look in his eyes. There were just some things one would immediately know after oveing death together.

    ¡°Whew! I must have eaten too much as well. I¡¯ll head outside for a moment. I¡¯ll be back,¡± Choi Jong-Il said.

    Kang Chan carried his phone outside the curtained area.

    It was Saturday afternoon, which meant there were quite a few customers in the restaurant. After a brief scan of the area, Kang Chan walked outside. When he reached the restaurant¡¯s front entrance, Choi Jong-Il spoke up.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked. He had also been sharply examining their surroundings even since he saw Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

 Chapter 131: What is it? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 131: What is it? (2)</h4>

    ¡°I¡¯m getting a shitty feeling right now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan nced around his surroundings before turning back to Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°Do you have a gun on you?¡± he asked.

    ¡°All the guards have been given permission to keep weapons with them at all times since the attack a while back,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Kang Chan checked his phone. He had two applications meant for tracking locations, which meant all he had to do was press a button to check the location he wanted.

    ¡°Geez, what is it?¡±

    Kang Chan had secured the transmitters because he thought calling the people he was worried about would just make them more anxious. However, the problem was that he was concerned about too many people. He couldn¡¯t ount for all of them.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    Choi Jong-Il¡¯s gaze shot to Kang Chan¡¯s phone as quickly as Kang Chan moved.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me. Cut straight to the point,¡± Kang Chan briskly asserted.

    <i>-Kang Chan.?</i>

    A different, undesired voice came from Smithen¡¯s side of the call.

    <i>-So you already knew something was amiss, hm?</i>

    ¡°Don¡¯t pull antics and just say what you want.¡±

    <i>-Good, as you wish.?</i>

    Choi Jong-Il rapidly scanned the interior of the restaurant.

    <i>-The view from this guy¡¯s house is absolutely brilliant. Come alone. Understood? Don¡¯t try anything stupid. I¡¯m prepared to die with this guy, and that would be the end of your chance. After him, another will¡ª</i>

    ¡°Motherfucker, do you not know what cutting to the point means? So you want me toe alone, is that it?¡± Kang Chan spoke coldly.

    It felt as if the person on the other side of the line flinched at Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Traffic is heavy on Saturday, so it will take me at least two hours even if I rush over to that ce.¡±

    <i>-Fine.?</i>

    The other person seemed to be swallowing the words that they wanted to say.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Kang Chan raged.

    Choi Jong-Il nced around their surroundings again.

    ¡°It¡¯s the Korean branch manager for Gong Te automobile. You know Smithen, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±

    ¡°That punk seems to have been taken captive. They want me toe alone.¡±

    ¡°We should wrap up the lunch first since it¡¯s not safe.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. The meal was almost over anyway. I¡¯ll contact Ambassador Lanok and Seok Kang-Ho, so you get Director Kim Tae-Jin and Manager Kim Hyung-Jung.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The two pressed their phones against their ears and made the appropriate calls.

    Louis answered in Ambassador Lanok¡¯s stead, but he ryed the information to the ambassador right after. Seok Kang-Ho answered his phone right away.

    ¡°Smithen was captured.¡±

    Kang Chan heard Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s rough intake of breath over the call.

    <i>-Where are you? I¡¯ll head over right away.?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m at lunch with my parents and the guards. It¡¯ll be done in less than thirty minutes. You should be waiting in front of the apartment already when I call you again. How are you feeling?¡±

    -I¡¯ll be waiting with my dressings off.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    As Kang Chan finished making all the necessary calls, he noticed Choi Jong-Il was also done making his own rounds.

    ¡°I hear the both of them are safe. They said they want you to contact them so they can prepare special agents to standby as backup,¡± Choi Jong-Il ryed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back inside for now.¡±

    Kang Chan stressfully rubbed his eyelids with his fingers. When he entered the curtained area with Choi Jong-Il again, they found the table was full of fruits that were served as dessert.

    An agent retorted something, causingughter to ripple throughout the room.

    ¡°Are you feeling any better?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked with a smile on his face.

    ¡°Yes. I feel like I can finally breathe now.¡±

    ¡°Channy, are you okay?¡± Michelle asked this time.

    ¡°Yeah. Did you get to eat a lot?¡±

    ¡°Of course I did.¡±

    Michelle patted her stomach in satisfaction.

    ¡°Well, are you both ready to leave?¡± Kang Chan asked Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    It appeared the agents read the look in Kang Chan and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s eyes. They immediately got up while expressing their gratitude for the meal.

    Kang Chan paid for the meal outside.

    The agents who weren¡¯t on duty left the restaurant first.

    ¡°Channy, do you have time to get some tea with me?¡± Michelle asked in front of Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-sook, who were waiting for him.

    ¡°I have to go home and change clothes before heading somewhere. Sorry, Michelle. Let¡¯s have tea together next time,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Okay, Channy.¡±

    Michelle instantly realized Kang Chan¡¯s eyes and expression were different than normal. She didn¡¯t grab onto him any longer.

    ¡°Why not? You should go and drink some tea before leaving.¡±

    ¡°Some stuff came up, so there¡¯s somece I have to be,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°That¡¯s a shame.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed most upset about the fact that Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t be drinking tea with Michelle.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we drink together then, Mrs. Yoo?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°That sounds wonderful. Honey, let¡¯s have a cup of tea first before heading back home.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung seemed to wee the idea as well.

    Kang Chan felt better knowing the guards would protect them.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go home first, Father, Mother. I apologize for cutting things short even though it¡¯s been a while since west ate outside together.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Go take care of whatever it is that needs you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung voiced.

    ¡°See youter, son,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook added.

    ¡°Channy, let¡¯s call soon,¡± Michelle finished.

    Parting ways from the three, Kang Chan climbed into the car Lee Doo-Hee brought and hurried home.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Manager Kim asked me to tell you to give him a call.¡±

    Kang Chan felt more urgent now that they were on the move. He pulled out his phone to check the time. It was 3 p.m. He pressed the call button next.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, we¡¯ve deployed agents from the special team around Mr. Smithen¡¯s home. We¡¯ve been monitoring suspicious individuals, but no one hase up yet. There were no suspicious traces in Mr. Smithen¡¯s call records either.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m heading home to change, then I¡¯ll be going straight to Smithen¡¯s home with Seok Kang-Ho. They¡¯ll be able to see us from the entrance, so what should we do? The caller threatened me saying I had toe alone, and he seemed prepared to take his own life with Smithen¡¯s if he discovered anything suspicious.¡±

    <i>-That¡¯s strange. With Yang Jin-Woo taken care of, there should be a shortage of avable channels for illegal entry. Their motive could be to eliminate you, Mr. Kang Chan.?</i>

    ¡°Please check if there is a way to get inside aside from the front door. The caller probably won¡¯t be alone, so they could be watching us from the rooftop. Please have our snipers positioned in the vicinity.¡±

    <i>-Understood.?</i>

    Getting off in front of the entrance of the apartmentplex, Kang Chan immediately headed up and changed out of his clothes to a formal suit.

    As he left his house and dashed down the stairs, he made another call.

    <i>-I¡¯m in front of theplex. Choi Jong-Il is with me.</i>

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    The moment he ran out of the apartment building, he was greeted by Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯m going in that car, so follow behind. You know where Smithen¡¯s house is, right?¡±

    ¡°I do, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    ¡°Oh, right. Call Manager Kim and ask for two pistols and two bays.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re already in the car,¡± Choi Jong-Il assured.

    Kang Chan nodded gratefully to Choi Jong-Il and signaled with his eyes for Seok Kang-Ho to get in the Chiffre with him.

    <i>Vroom.?</i>

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think the kidnappers are giving you too much time?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°You also think so?¡±

    Kang Chan had been wondering about it. Sure enough, Seok Kang-Ho considered it strange as well.

    ¡°The reason they¡¯re holding Smithen hostage is because of you, Captain.¡±

    ¡°The caller was bbering about how he would make himself explode immediately if he saw I wasn¡¯t alone at the entrance.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean he could still detonate the bomb even if you go inside?¡±

    Kang Chan pursed his lips and focused ahead.

    ¡°Do you have a cigarette?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho wrinkled his face as he reached out into his pants pocket to take out a cigarette and lighter. It seemed as if his injury throbbed.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    Having put the cigarette in his mouth, Kang Chan made eye contact with Seok Kang-Ho. The caller was Smithen.

    Kang Chan ced the phone in front of the rearview mirror and pressed the speaker button.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    <i>-Tell me your estimated time of arrival.?</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho raised his index finger to show Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll arrive within an hour. What are your demands?¡±

    <i>-For you toe in alone.?</i>

    ¡°Switch the phone to Smithen.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes shed because there was no answer. However, not long after, Smithen exhaustedly spoke into the phone.

    <i>-Captain.?</i>

    Like an idiot, Smithen clearly sounded terrified.

    ¡°Smithen, I¡¯m on my way. Just stay alive, alright?¡±

    Kang Chan heard Smithen gulp.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget who I am. Endure it. Got it?¡±

    <i>-Yes, Mr. Captain.?</i>

    As Kang Chan smirked, the call abruptly ended. He lit two cigarettes and handed one to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°How long do you think it will take?¡±

    ¡°Since it¡¯s Saturday, it¡¯ll take 30 minutes at most.¡±

    Kang Chan felt himself calm down a bit after smoking with the window rolled down.

    ¡°Captain, let¡¯s not head inside.¡±

    Kang Chan puffed out a breath of smoke out the window, then nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°What if they nted a bomb?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked worriedly.

    ¡°Smithen, that punk, seemed pretty scared, huh?"

    Kang Chan opened the cup of coffee in between the driver and passenger seats and tapped the cigarette ash into it.

    ¡°That bastard lost an eye after getting beat up by me, and he can¡¯t move properly either. You know he lost his bravado ever since,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go in together.¡±

    ¡°He sounded serious when he said he would set off a bomb immediately if I didn¡¯te alone.¡±

    There was no other solution they could immediatelye up with.

    ¡°Son of a bitch! I knew I was worried for a good reason!¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    Listening to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯sints, Kang Chan extinguished the cigarette and closed the coffee lid.

    <i>Buzz.</i>

    He received another call.

    ¡°Manager Kim, we¡¯ll arrive in another ten minutes.¡±

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, we¡¯ve parked a ck van near the ce where we atest time across the Hannam Bridge. We¡¯re currently waiting on standby, but one of their people is standing on guard on the rooftop, so it¡¯s hard to deploy our snipers.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll stop by the ck van first.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho what Kim Hyung-Jung told him.

    Fortunately, the stop light turned green as soon as they crossed the Hannam Bridge, so they weren¡¯tte.

    There were two sedans parked in front and behind the ck van.

    After parking the car, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho approached the van, and the doors slid open.

    ¡°Youe in too,¡± Kang Chan told Choi Jong-Il before climbing in.

    Kim Hyung-Jung was wearing arge shirt, but his upper body was still bandaged. Kang Chan felt apologetic for involving an injured person in the situation, but he had little time to get Smithen to safety to say anything.

    ¡°We have no idea what the kidnapper looks like.¡±

    An agent next to Kim Hyung-Jung handed them coffee and cigarettes from a specialty shop that they had prepared in advance.

    ¡°There is one person on the rooftop who appears to be an enemy lookout. There are no ces for snipers to infiltrate behind the building, and we couldn¡¯t find any spots to hide at the front entrance. Mr. Smithen¡¯s vi is the tallest building in the area as well, so it isn¡¯t easy to deploy our agents.¡±

    <i>¡°Tsk!¡±</i>

    Kang Chan tilted his head. He didn¡¯t even meet Smithen that often. Even if the enemies had done background checks, it wouldn¡¯t have been easy for them to create a n to kidnap Smithen.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, do you havemunication with the kidnapper?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I think so.¡±

    ¡°Then give him a call and say you want to secure Smithen¡¯s safety. Deal with him firmly.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung gestured with his eyes, and an agent handed Kang Chan a cord.

    ¡°Please plug it into your phone.¡±

    It looked just like a phone charger, so it wasn¡¯t difficult to plug in.

    When Kang Chan pressed the call button, the dials sounded throughout the van.

    Kim Hyung-Jung swirled his finger.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The call was answered, but the other party remained silent.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan. I¡¯m nearby.¡±

    <i>-Come in.?</i>

    ¡°How will my safety be insured?¡±

    -How disappointing. I gave you enough time. If you don¡¯t show up at the entrance within the next 10 minutes, know that you¡¯ll never see Smithen again.

    The call was disconnected.

    ¡°How long will it take to get to Smithen¡¯s house?¡±

    ¡°Five minutes should be enough.¡±

    Kang Chan let out a low breath.

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s head over there for now.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung ordered the driver of the van to start for the road, and the van immediately departed.

    ¡°Here, take this.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t think Kang Chan could be convinced not to go in, so he pulled out and gave Kang Chan pistols and bays.

    However, when Kang Chan lifted the gun, Kim Hyung-Jung eventually shook his head.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, you can¡¯t go inside like this.¡±

    It would all be over if a bomb went off as soon as Kang Chan opened the door.

    <i>I know. I know, but if I don¡¯t, Smithen dies.?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung sighed and proceeded to speak through gritted teeth.

    ¡°We can use a signal disruptor. It will prevent the use of any remote controls and wireless phones among other items within a 500-meter radius.¡±

    There were truly a lot of interesting contraptions in this world.

    ¡°When you give us the signal, we will instantly cut off power. Afterward, we will begin the operation,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡±

    At the end of Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s words, the van came to a stop ahead.

    ¡°This is the house opposite Mr. Smithen¡¯s. The moment you give us the signal, we will cut off power and immediately eliminate the enemy on the rooftop. After that, we will deploy our agents to the balcony.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung handed Kang Chan a watch with a ck strap.

    ¡°We will listen in to your conversation through this watch. If the situation seems to be heading in the wrong direction, we will use the signal disruptor, but that means we won¡¯t be able to hear what¡¯s happening inside anymore.¡±

    ¡°How do I give the signal?¡±

    ¡°Give us a code word before you go in.¡±

    Nothing immediately came to mind.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go with ¡®unconditionally.¡¯¡±

    Kang Chan nodded at Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s abrupt remark. When Kang Chan turned his gaze to Seok Kang-Ho, he saw Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes glinting.

    ¡°Daye, if I die, shoot all those bastards for me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll not only kill those motherfuckers, but also their parents, children, and acquaintances. I¡¯m going to kill anyone connected to those sons of bitches.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m off then.¡±

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho from where he was holding the van door handle.

    ¡°Don''t turn me into a killer.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan met eyes with Kim Hyung-Jung and Choi Jong-Il onest time before getting out of the van and heading straight for Smithen¡¯s house.

    As he entered the alley, he recognized the buildings from when he hade here before.

    Kang Chan remembered thinking the balcony was pretty nice, but it was actually getting in the way now.

    The alley was short.

    When he sharply looked up, he found it hard to see inside because of the curtains. He entered the front door and went up the stairs.

    Although he was carrying a gun at his waist, it would definitely be taken from him the moment he entered.

    Finally, Kang Chan stood in front of the main door.

    He kept his gun as it was, but he subtly removed the bay holstered to his leg and ced it between the door and the wall.

    <i>Ding.?</i>

    When he pressed the bell, he heard the sound of the door being utched. The front door opened with a <i>click</i>.

    Inside, a man wearing a bandana on his head nodded at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan saw a gun in the man¡¯s hand. When Kang Chan stepped in further, he saw two more enemies.

    Smithen was tied to a chair at the dining table. It looked as if he had taken a beating in the struggle because his eyes, mouth, and white shirt were covered in blood.

    The enemy who examined Kang Chan pulled out the gun at his waist, then pointed at the chair in front of the balcony.

    Kang Chan walked over with his shoes still on and sat down.

    One enemy approached him and held a gun behind Kang Chan¡¯s right ear.

    ¡°Can I have a smoke?¡±

    Nobody answered, but Kang Chan slowly pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and put it in his mouth anyway.

    There was an enemy in front of the door, another next to Smithen, and another holding a gun to Kang Chan¡¯s ear.

    Kang Chan lit up his cigarette with a click of his lighter.

    It didn¡¯t seem like anything inside would change immediately even if these bastards lost power.

    ¡°Let me give Smithen a cigarette too.¡±

    <i>Why aren¡¯t they answering? Did these guys really juste to blow themselves up?</i>

    Kang Chan pretended to observe the living room as his eyes met Smithen¡¯s. Just then, the guy next to Smithen opened his jacket.

    ¡°Haah!¡±

    Kang Chan sighed as if he was exhaling the smoke.

    The enemy had a palm-sized C-4 hanging on his upper body. If that exploded, no one in this living room would get out alive.

    ¡°What is it you want?¡±

    <i>Click</i>.

    The sound of a trigger being pulled echoed behind Kang Chan¡¯s ear.

 Chapter 132.1: The Hidden Things (1)

    <h4>Chapter 132.1: The Hidden Things (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes shed the moment he heard the sound of the breechblock being pulled. Time seemed to have slowed down.

    <i>Haah. Haah.?</i>

    Even the sound of his breathing felt elongated.

    The man standing near the entrance tilted his head as the man with the C-4 hanging from his body lowered his jacket to its original position. The barrel of the gun touching the back of Kang Chan¡¯s ear slightly recoiled, then touched him again.

    Did these punks think he was an easy target just because he obediently sat down when they instructed him to? How dared they pull the breechblock behind him? Were they agents or members of the special forces or something?

    Could these bastards take him on in a fight?

    Using his thumb and middle finger, Kang Chan held in ce the cigarette in his mouth. He then bent his elbow as if he was flicking off a spark.

    <i>Idiot! If you pull the breechblock, it will fire two hundred milliseconds faster when you click the trigger!</i>

    KC watched the cigarette go by from the corner of his right eye as he threw it backward.

    Kang Chan reached behind, swiftly gripped the barrel of the gun behind his ear, and pushed it up.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    As an ear-splitting sound almost tore his eardrums apart, he felt scorching heat near his right eye. The bullet flew by, the acrid smell of gunpowder heightening his senses.

    Kang Chan adjusted the gun barrel and pushed his thumb, which he had ced onto the gun¡¯s trigger.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    Another bullet was fired.

    The enemy with the C-4 hanging on his body clutched his chest as he fell to the floor with a <i>thud</i>.

    Kang Chan kept pulling the trigger, firing bullets in merciless session.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    People were quickly approaching him.

    Still seated, Kang Chan twisted his body and threw a left punch into the right gut of the enemy standing behind him. In return, he sustained a blow between his right jaw and neck.

    <i>Thump!</i>

    The two crashed to the floor, their right hands still holding onto the gun tightly.

    Wrapping his left hand around his right hand, Kang Chan forcefully rotated to the right.

    The enemy¡¯s right arm cracked. Broken at the joints, it was twisted at an odd angle.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan jabbed the enemy¡¯s neck with his right elbow four times, causing the enemy¡¯s broken arm to jolt each time.

    At the same time, the sounds of ss shattering from the balcony noisily rang out, announcing the entrance of masked agents.

    ¡°Shoot the bastard next to the table! Now!¡± Kang Chan gritted out.

    As ordered, two agents quickly dashed forward.

    Barely managing to get up, Kang Chan frowned when he saw his thumb stuck in the barrel of the gun. He didn¡¯t realize it during the fight, but his thumb had almost gotten twisted. He couldn¡¯t even pull it out now because of how swollen it was.

    Kang Chan removed the magazine and the bullets inside the chamber with repetitive clicks, then pulled the trigger all the way to make space for his thumb toe out.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il frantically rushed in through the front door as soon as the masked agents unlocked it for them.

    ¡°Daye! That punk has a C-4 around his body. Tell them to keep the jamming device running and get the bomb disposal team to hurry in.¡±

    Kang Chan smacked his head with his right palm. His ear was still ringing from the gunshot, and he couldn¡¯t see properly because his right eye was throbbing.

    Choi Jong-Il quickly ran back out. An agent untied Smithen¡¯s binds.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Smithen shouted.

    ¡°Smithen, head outside! Quick!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Two agents supported Smithen outside.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get you up, Cap.¡± Seok Kang-Ho frowned as he helped Kang Chan stand up. Seeing the blood staining his shirt, it seemed his injury had split open again most likely because he rushed inside so quickly earlier.

    The agents tightly tied up and gagged the enemy whom Kang Chan had punched.

    The area was hectic. Over ten agents busily ran around inside Smithen¡¯s house.

    ¡°What about the guy on the rooftop?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We shot him the moment we heard gunshots. Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho urged, looking at the enemy who had fallen near the dining table.

    Not long after, Choi Jong-Il came running over.

    ¡°The jamming device is now operational,¡± he said as he helped pull Kang Chan up to his feet.

    ¡°We should get out of here first,¡± Choi Jong-Il continued.

    Kang Chan lightly shook his head. His senses were still disoriented, preventing him from measuring the distance of objects surrounding him. As a result, his steps were unsteady.

    Choi Jong-Il tightly held onto Kang Chan¡¯s upper body and quickly led him outside Smithen¡¯s house.

    Ambnces, police cars, and ck vans had been parked on the road to block off any civilians froming close to the scene, but they none of them red sirens.

    Once he had gone outside, Kang Chan did his best to collect even just some of his bearings.

    ¡°Get me to Bang Ji Hospital,¡± Kang Chan said. He and Seok Kang-Ho hopped into the back of an ambnce, which had a bed waiting for them.

    The doors closed shut, and they heard Choi Jong-Il give curt orders to drive to Bang Ji Hospital from the front.

    Kang Chan lightly tapped his head with his hand again.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Everything feels so numb it seems as if I¡¯m drunk. I think it¡¯s because the gun was shot right next to my ear. ¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still a relief, though. At least that¡¯s all the damage we sustained,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied. Soon after, he headed toward the front of the ambnce and asked, ¡°What about Smithen?¡±

    .

    ¡°He¡¯s already on the way to the Bang Ji Hospital!¡± Choi Jong-Il shouted through the barrier.

    It hadn¡¯t even been a week since Kang Chan was discharged, but he was already going back to the hospital again.

    When they arrived at the hospital, Kang Chan¡¯s senses finally returned, eliminating his numbness.

    Kang Chan¡¯s neck was throbbing where it had been punched, and he could still hear monotonous ringing in his ears. However, the tipsy, drunk-like feeling had at least mostly disappeared.

    His thumb was fixed straight with a cast, then he got an MRI scan of his head, Fortunately, they found no noticeable abnormalities, which meant there was no reason for Kang Chan to be hospitalized.

    Meanwhile, Seok Kang-Ho had his wound disinfected and got new bandages wrapped around it.

    After getting themselves treated, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed for the hospital room where Smithen was hospitalized.

    Kang Chan felt some of his worry ease when he saw four agents guarding the door to Smithen¡¯s room.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Smithen greeted as he sat up from the bed.

    ¡°Do you want some coffee?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, please,¡± Smithen replied in his feminine Korean.

    Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho to sit down while he prepared coffee for the three of them. He also opened the windows.

    Smoking and drinking a cup of coffee made Kang Chan feel a lot better.

    ¡°So, what happened?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They knew the password to my house, sir,¡± Smithen replied.

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh.

    ¡°Did you bring girls into your home again?¡± he asked admonishingly.

    Smithen¡¯s gaze dropped to the floor.

    ¡°Damn it, you son of a bitch! You still haven¡¯te to your senses after thest incident?¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore at Smithen.

    Smithen couldn¡¯t bring himself to retort back at him.

    ¡°Smithen.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°If something like this happens again, I¡¯m turning a blind eye to you,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    ¡°I sincerely apologize,¡± Smithen apologized in his feminine Korean again.

    Kang Chan left it at that and pulled out another cigarette. What exactly was going on?

    ¡°Did the bastards not say anything else?¡±

    ¡°Not at all, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t learn what the enemies were going to demand because they had been killed so quickly.

    ¡°We have agents standing by outside your room, so have some peace of mind, okay?¡± Kang Chan sympathetically said.

    ¡°Agents?¡± Smithen repeated, unsure what the word meant.

    Kang Chan quickly gave an exnation in French.

    ¡°Oh! I see now. Agents.¡±

    ¡°Once you get discharged and go home after this, start being more careful in the future. Got it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Smithen replied.

    Kang Chan nced at Smithen one more time before leaving the hospital room.

    Smithen had the sturdy and buff build that was characteristic of Caucasian men and still had strong-looking shoulders and forearms. However, he could no longer properly use his strength. Smithen¡¯s pride had probably been quite hurt in this incident, likely making him feel even more pathetic about himself.

    ¡°Manager Kim is waiting for you inside,¡± an agent informed Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho as soon as they headed outside the hospital.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho stepped into the van in the parking lot. They immediately drove off.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the office in Samseong-Dong,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested.

    ¡°You look like you need to be hospitalized again too, Mr. Kim. If it¡¯s because hospitals are too stuffy, why don¡¯t you get hospitalized at the Bang Ji Hospital as well?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Things are not looking so good right now. It¡¯s better that we speak in the office,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Kang Chan took off the watch and handed it to Kim Hyung-Jung before he could forget to give it back.

    ¡°We have defused the bomb. It seems like the enemy had no chance to set it off because the button-shaped detonator was kept at his waist. They weren¡¯t expecting to get shot like that either, and the bomb was most likely just used for intimidation than to actually cause damage,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung briefed them.

    The enemy wasn¡¯t holding the button in his hand, so Kim Hyung-Jung was probably right that the purpose of the bomb was merely to intimidate.

    ¡°The enemy who had the bomb was killed on site, and the one with the gunshot wound died a few moments ago. We captured the man whom you fought and took measures to prevent him from killing himself, but haven¡¯t done anything else to him yet.¡±

    As Kim Hyung-Jung spoke, the van arrived in Samseong-Dong and drove down to the underground parking area. When they entered the garage, an agent rolled over a wheelchair and assisted Kim Hyung-Jung into it.

    When they ascended to the office on the fifth floor, a doctor came inside to examine Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s injuries, administer a shot, and connect him to an IV.

    It made Kang Chan feel as if he was back at the hospital again.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t had dinner yet, have you?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    To be frank, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t that hungry, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to turn Kim Hyung-Jung down, so they ordered hot stone bibimbap to be delivered to the office.

 Chapter 132.2: The Hidden Things (1)

    <h4>Chapter 132.2: The Hidden Things (1)</h4>

    By the time the food arrived and Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Hyung-Jung finished eating, it was already past seven in the evening.

    Throughout the course of their meal, they received no report that they had to pay special attention to.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll be on our way now. Give me a call if there are any updates,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I will,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    After parting ways with Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed to the coffee shop at the intersection.

    Kang Chan had to n countermeasures. He couldn¡¯t just let people he knew take turns falling in danger one by one like what happened today. He knew wouldn¡¯t be able to take action every time this happened.

    The enemies would only be more cruel and vicious as these incidents went on.

    ¡°I should¡¯ve killed them as soon as I learned what those motherfuckers wanted,¡± Kang Chan said frustratedly.

    ¡°Enough with that crap. It¡¯s already a relief that no one got hurt any more than they have right now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho chided.

    It had been a while since they had lemon tea together. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat across from each other.

    ¡°I have to find a solution. This isn¡¯t right. I don¡¯t know who will be attacked at what time, and it¡¯s not like I can guard everyone I know,¡± Kang Chan mused.

    ¡°That is also true,¡± Seok Kang-Ho agreed.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>! That means we¡¯ll have to drop everything and run to save even Heo Eun-Sil or Lee Ho-Jun if they get kidnapped!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded, then lifted his gaze.

    ¡°How do you think those bastards targeted Smithen, though? The bugging device back then was one thing, but this is a bit strange, isn¡¯t it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho questioned.

    ¡°I also find that suspicious. No matter how much I rack my brain, I can¡¯t think of anyone who knows Smithen.¡±

    The two contemted an answer for about thirty minutes, but they couldn¡¯te up with a usible exnation of how Smithen got kidnapped.

    Taking into consideration Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s condition, Kang Chan thought it was probably best for them to return home now.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Are you sure you can go home with those injuries?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°You have it way worse than I do. Go home and rest, and be wary of your surroundings.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan split ways in front of theplex, but Kang Chan sat on a bench for a while instead of heading straight into his apartment.

    Kang Chan¡¯s entire right hand was wrapped in a cast to keep his thumb stationary inside. He had just gotten the cast off his left hand, but now it was his right hand¡¯s turn. He couldn¡¯t go home to his parents like this.

    Kang Chan slowly took the cast off. He would be fine as long as he was careful with his thumb. When he was in Africa, he never got a cast for small injuries like these.

    He removed the cast with his left hand and ced it next to him on the bench. Just then, he saw Kim Mi-Young heading inside through the apartmentplex entrance.

    ¡°Kim Mi-Young!¡± Kang Chan called.

    Kim Mi-Young jumped in surprise. She then ran over with her trademark bouncy steps.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Have you just finished cram school?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    ¡°Yup!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s face was still as thin as when he had seen her back at school.

    ¡°What¡¯s the cast for?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°I sprained my finger, but I decided to take it off because it doesn¡¯t really hurt. Have you had dinner yet?¡±

    ¡°I did!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young sat down on the bench next to Kang Chan.

    Kids these days really grew up fast. Kang Chan felt a sense of unfamiliarity at the way she suddenly seemed to have grown up into an adult.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s been a while since Ist saw you, so I¡¯m just happy to be with you again,¡± Kim Mi-Young applied with a broad smile.

    ¡°How are your studies? Are you having trouble?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s definitely hard,¡± Kim Mi-Young replied.

    Kim Mi-Young extended her arms in front of her, seemingly stretching after a long night.

    ¡°But the hardest part is not being able to see you.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you miss me?¡± Kang Chan asked abruptly before he knew it.

    Kim Mi-Young slowly turned her head and looked at him.

    ¡°Do you remember when you appeared on TV?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°When? At the conference hall?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    ¡°Yes. I was at school then, but while I was watching, I suddenly felt scared,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°But I¡¯m not hurt. I¡¯m sitting here just fine, as you can see,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Not because of that,¡± Kim Mi-Young rified.

    She was already pretty, but she would be even prettier if she changed her bangs a little bit.

    ¡°You¡¯re already shaking hands with the president at important events, Kang Chan, but I¡¯m still just a normal, in high school senior. I want to do whatever it takes to be admitted into the political science department at Seoul National University,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°You¡¯re smart enough for that,¡± Kang Chan reassured.

    ¡°No. I¡¯m going to be at the top of the ss. My dad said people from wealthy families, the chaebols, won¡¯t leave someone as incredible as you alone.¡±

    ¡°Your dad said that?¡±

    ¡°I heard him speaking with my mom,¡± Kim Mi-Young responded.

    Kang Chan smiled faintly. He already had enough of chaebols because of his experience with Yang Jin-Woo, and he hadn¡¯t even thought about what Kim Mi-Young was worried about.

    ¡°Kang Chan, buy me some coffee,¡± Kim Mi-Young demanded.

    ¡°Do you have time?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel like going home right away anyway.

    ¡°Give me your bag,¡± he said.

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young left the apartmentplex together.

    <i>¡®Should I go back to school?¡¯</i>

    Walking side by side with Kim Mi-Young, he realized how easygoing those days were.

    ¡°So, about So-Yeon unnie,¡± Kim Mi-Young suddenly opened.

    Kang Chan initially had no idea who she was talking about.

    ¡°She¡¯s super pretty in the drama,¡± Kim Mi-Young continued.

    ¡°Oh! Are you talking about Eun So-Yeon? You have time to watch TV?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I just watched for a few minutes. Some girls showed the drama to me on their phones after cram school. It has been really popr these days, and it has a super cool soundtrack too.¡±

    They walked across the street to the coffee shop.

    Kim Mi-Young ordered an Americano with less coffee, and Kang Chan just got a bottle of water. They found a table and sat down.

    Kim Mi-Young continued to chatter. She was the same as ever. She spoke endlessly about her after-school lessons and events that took ce at school. Through it all, she sounded as if she was working extremely hard to keep the promise she made to him.

    ¡°Dad said he would pay for me to study abroad in France if I wanted.¡±

    Kang Chan just smiled back at her.

    ¡°And he said I shouldn¡¯t bother you because the work you¡¯re doing is super important. He said you would be annoyed if I got in your way instead of being diligent in my own studies,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°He said that about me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Now that they were together, Kang Chan recalled the loneliness that had been hidden deep within her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m really okay with it, so if you¡¯re going through a tough time or if you think of me after cram school, text me. I¡¯lle out to see you for a little bit if I¡¯m home,¡± Kang Chan told her.

    Kim Mi-Young shook her head.

    ¡°The applications for early admittance are due soon. After that, I¡¯ll contact you.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young was probably so sessful in her studies because she was this stubborn.

    ¡°For the first time, I¡¯m having fun studying. I¡¯ve just been going along with what my mom made me do in the past, but I enjoy it whenever I solve problems,¡± she said.

    ¡°Alright. But you should take it easy with studying French. You have to take care of yourself too,¡± Kang Chan chastised.

    ¡°I will,¡± Kim Mi-Young replied.

    Kim Mi-Young wrapped both hands around her coffee cup and looked at Kang Chan.

    She was only wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans. Although her outfit was in, and she wasn¡¯t dressed up at all, her sparkling eyes were beautiful.

    If Kang Chan¡¯s emotions could bepared to cluttered and messy pieces inside a bottle, he felt like they had now neatly and calmly sunk to the bottom after someone had given it a shake.

    Strangely, whenever he was with Kim Mi-Young, he didn¡¯t feel so high-strung and could be at ease.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m just happy to be with you,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Hehehehe. Thanks.¡±

    Kang Chan adored her uniqueughter now.

    ¡°Oh, right! I heard Ho-Jun and Eun-Sil frequently visit a hospital these days.¡±

    <i>Did those two get beaten up?</i>

    Receiving a curious look from Kang Chan, Kim Mi-Young continued, ¡°There¡¯s a girl named Shim Su-Jin that they used to bully in the past. They apparently go to the hospital to apologize, since that¡¯s where she is. They go together after school ends. Sometimes, other students go with them too,¡± she exined.

    ¡°Do they cause trouble or anything like that at school?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No, they¡¯re always on their best behavior! No one gets bullied at our school anymore. If someone tries to be mean, the teachers immediately look for Ho-Jun and Eun-Sil.¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, Kim Mi-Young looked upset, thinking he was smirking at her.

    .

    This was nice.

    His emotions, which had been restless due to the recent incidents, seemed to be serenely settling down, and the brimming tension inside him from the event this morning was alleviated.

    Kang Chan suddenly wanted to hug Kim Mi-Young. Once he did, the exhaustion in him would also be melted away.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m just happy I get to look at you. It¡¯s been too long,¡± Kim Mi-Young said with a bright smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, though. You should head inside now,¡± Kang Chan urged.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you stay a little longer?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked pleadingly.

    ¡°Is that really okay with you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s fine,¡± Kim Mi-Young replied.

    Kang Chan nodded. He was in a tranquil state.

    Strangely, however, he still couldn¡¯t get rid of the anxiety that had taken ce in the back of his mind.

 Chapter 133.1: The Hidden Things (2)

    <h4>Chapter 133.1: The Hidden Things (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan received a call from Lanok around nine o¡¯clock on Sunday morning to make ns to have lunch together. Kang Chan ended up leaving the apartment a little early, though. Having arrived at Namsan Hotel first, he asked to see Joo Chul-Bum.

    If Kang Chan was going to run into Joo Chul-Bum at some point anyway, he would rather get the dreaded meeting over with when he was expecting it. He waited for Joo Chul-Bum in the hotel¡¯s lounge.

    ¡°You¡¯re here, sir?¡± Joo Chul-Bum greeted extremely politely as he approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Come sit down. What do you want to drink?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with coffee, hyung-nim,¡± Joo Chul-Bum replied.

    Kang Chan ordered two cups of coffee.

    ¡°Do-Seok hyung-nim has woken up,¡± Joo Chul-Bum said when Kang Chan finished ordering.

    ¡°Really?¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    Suh Do-Seok having finally regained consciousness after months in the hospital was certainly wee news.

    ¡°He can¡¯t speak properly yet, but he can at least clearly express what he likes or dislikes now. Gwang-Taek hyung-nim and the others are currently in the hospital with him,¡± Joo Chul-Bum stated.

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I¡¯ll contact you, so let¡¯s go visit him together someday,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    Their conversation paused for a moment when their coffee was served. The two chatted for a little longer until Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang. When it did, Kang Chan immediately headed up to the room.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡± Lanok greeted as he held out his hand.

    <i>Goddammit, that hurts!</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s thumb throbbed at the unexpected handshake, but he didn¡¯t show it on his face. He wasn¡¯t expecting to be in this much pain since he was taking the injury lightly. Tears sprang to his eyes because of the pain.

    When Kang Chan sat down, Lanok¡¯s secretary carried out some tea and cigarettes.

    ¡°How are you? Did you get hurt anywhere?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°How did you know, Mr. Ambassador?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise.

    ¡°South Korea does not have the tendency to take care of business with subtlety,¡± Lanok replied.

    Kang Chan had intended to tell Lanok about the incident anyway, so it didn¡¯t matter. As Kang Chan exined yesterday¡¯s events in detail, Lanok lit up his cigar and carefully listened.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, is information warfare supposed to involve putting the people around you in danger?¡±

    Lanok briefly shook his head.

    ¡°No. And you would reach the same answer if you observe the agents of Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service. Your case is highly atypical, Mr. Kang Chan. You drew many people¡¯s attention in a short span of time, and even more so because this is a vital matter for some countries, such as Britain.¡±

    Lanok lifted arge paper file that was on the table and handed it to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan nced at him, but Lanok remained silent as if indicating to him to look at what it was. When Kang Chan opened the envelope, three passports and threerge pictures fell out, each one with personal information clipped to it.

    ¡°These are the three men who attacked you,¡± Lanok announced.

    Just how far did this sly snake¡¯s ability reach?

    Kang Chan looked at Lanok for a moment before scanning the pictures and the information.

    ¡°They¡¯re ex-SAS from the UK. Their abilities can match the special forces of the Foreign Legion. Since you handled those three all by yourself, you¡¯ll find yourself faced with stronger enemies next time.¡±

    The unfortunate exnation made Kang Chan sigh.

    ¡°Currently, your nationality is a weakness. South Korea has never fought in any retaliatory battles so far,¡± Lanok added.

    When Kang Chan lifted his gaze, Lanok had a sharp glint in his eyes.

    ¡°In a case like this, France would retaliate until it has worn out its opponent. France will set a target and won¡¯t hesitate to carry out assassinations. That threatens others not to touch the valuable assets of our homnd. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re well aware of how the DGSE conducts business as well,¡± Lanok stated.

    Kang Chan picked up a cigarette, and Lanok lit it up for him.

    ¡°The previous incident in Mongolia is known to be a French operation. Thankfully, that is the reason why I was able to avoid conflict with China, but you still remain an easy target, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Then I should get back at the UK,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Lanok shrugged his shoulders in an ¡°if that¡¯s what you want¡± attitude.

    ¡°Information warfare is like a fight between children who possess weapons. It¡¯s why national power is necessary. Do you think South Korea can handle the UK in a full-scale war?¡± Lanok questioned.

    ¡°Will there be a full-scale war?¡± Kang Chan asked curiously.

    ¡°You may think that it¡¯s immature of them, but don¡¯t think Britain will just take it lying down. They may exert their influence in the internationalmunity and impose economic sanctions or even engage in military demonstrations. If you fail any operation and leave evidence, you will havemitted a grave mistake in the internationalmunity,¡± Lanok exined.

    ¡°Sounds like adults intervening in kids¡¯ fights,¡± Kang Chan scoffed.

    ¡°Indeed, that¡¯s exactly it. In any case, national interest will take precedence above all else. Because it¡¯s so important, it¡¯s that much more difficult for a country with weak national power to confront and fight a stronger country. This is precisely the reason Vasili acted so rudely during ourst meeting.¡±

    ¡°Then if it¡¯s as you say, I shouldn¡¯t attack the UK,¡± Kang Chan said, expecting confirmation.

    ¡°Not if you attack them perfectly where it hurts,¡± Lanok corrected.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Eliminate your chosen target perfectly without leaving any evidence. If such incidents are repeated once or twice, the UK won¡¯t be able to attack you so recklessly anymore,¡± Lanok furthered.

    ¡°You speak as if I should assassinate someone like it was done to the director of the French DGSE.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    Kang Chan had been half-joking, but Lanok replied in a serious tone. Lanok shook the ash off his cigar and leaned back on the sofa again.

    ¡°Assassinating the head of the UK¡¯s intelligence agency would be the most effective, I¡¯m sure,¡± Lanok dered.

    ¡°Are you being serious right now, Mr. Ambassador?¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t joke about such matters,¡± Lanok responded.

    Why was Lanok suggesting he take such extreme lengths?

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Lanok continued, ¡°Regardless of whether you like it or not, information about you has been spread in the world of intelligence. I¡¯m sorry to say this, but South Korea is still weak when ites to international strength, and the National Intelligence Service¡¯s capabilities are mediocre. To survive in this precarious situation, you have to show your opponents that they have to be prepared to put their lives at stake if they n on targeting you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    The statement was so blunt that it sounded as if it should be used to describe wars between tribes in Africa. However, listening to Lanok¡¯s exnation made Kang Chan realize how brutal and cruel the fight he had gotten himself involved in was.

    ¡°It will be difficult for you to target the head of the British intelligence service immediately, so it would be better to eliminate the person who facilitated the entrance of these three men to South Korea instead. After all, it¡¯s only a matter of time before the people involved find out who killed whom and why.¡±

    Kang Chan slowly inhaled, then let out a deep breath. He was genuinely grateful Lanok was a friend of his, not a foe.

    ¡°The Speaker of the National Assembly, Huh Ha-Soo, assisted in their entrance to South Korea. The Chinese intelligence agency provided them with their passports, and they entered through Hong Kong. I¡¯m sure the Korean intelligence agency must have gathered this information by now as well.¡±

    ¡°But China gave Vasili a ne and even returned the fallen soldiers,¡± Kang Chan countered.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, from China¡¯s point of view, if another country attempts to eliminate you, they have no reason to oppose it. Don¡¯t forget, in information warfare, you will always regret it if you make decisions by looking at only a single side,¡± Lanok kindly exined as if he was a teacher educating a student. ¡°The same goes for you and me. We can meet up to coordinate if the interests of France and South Korea happen to be in disagreement. However, if the interests of the two countries sh too severely, the DGSE may proceed and act without informing me. That is the nature of information warfare.¡±

    ¡°I really hate it,¡± Kang Chan remarked. He took a sip of tea from his cup and picked his cigarette back up.

    ¡°The I that was discovered at the conference hall was sold by the Russian government. The Serpents Venimeux purchased it and handed it over to Yang Jin-Woo.¡±

    ¡°Is Vasili aware of this fact?¡± Kang Chan asked with a sigh.

    ¡°If Vasili wasn¡¯t aware of the smuggling of weapons in his own country, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to climb as high as his current position,¡± Lanok snorted.

    <i>That son of a bitch!</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I understand how angry you may be. However, you have to forget about Vasili for the time being. If you provoke him, South Korea will have to pay a heavy price. Russia will begin to provide North Korea with unlimited weapons and financial support, which means that even if the United Stateses to South Korea¡¯s aid, it will likely be after the country is already in ruins.¡±

    <i>Tsk!?</i>

    It was difficult to kill the bastards who really had to be killed.

    ¡°You should begin by taking measures to keep your family safe and sound. Since Huh Ha-Soo and Huh Sang-Soo are targeting you, I know you won¡¯t feelfortable if you don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I suppose I¡¯ll have to start there,¡± Kang Chan surmised.

    ¡°Now then, shall we finish the rest of our conversation over a meal?¡± Lanok asked in a tone that made it seem as if they were speaking about a pleasant subject. Kang Chan thought that this moment could be a break from Lanok¡¯s daily life, at least in the sense that Lanok was having a lunch appointment with a friend and talking about a topic that wasn¡¯t too serious based on his standards.

    Lunch was served as a French feast. Therge meal was a little heavy for the morning, but it didn¡¯t matter. Kang Chan continued to ask things he was curious about, and Lanok took time to generously answer each question.

    Kang Chan felt as if he was currently in the middle of a one-on-one tutoring session. Meanwhile, Lanok seemed to be very pleased that Kang Chan was taking an interest in international affairs and the nature of intelligence agencies.

 Chapter 133.2: The Hidden Things (2)

    <h4>Chapter 133.2: The Hidden Things (2)</h4>

    The meal ended when Kang Chan and Lanok lowered their forks and knives with a <i>click</i>, and a lightly frozen ice cream was brought out as dessert.

    ¡°The greatest advantage you have in information warfare is your animalistic instinct,¡± Lanokplimented, scooping the ice cream with his spoon as if he was carving it. ¡°While yourck of experience in this type of fight and South Korea¡¯sck of national power may be a weakness, your decisions and actions could change the oue.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying I need to demonstrate my abilities?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    ¡°It will not be easy, but it¡¯s the best course of action for now,¡± Lanok replied.

    Kang Chan pushed his ice cream aside and pulled the coffee in front of him.

    ¡°Is there still a chance I can remove myself from the information war?¡± Kang Chan asked with some hope.

    Lanok tilted his head as if Kang Chan had given the wrong answer.

    ¡°As long as South Korea requires a person to covertly carry out business until the Eurasian Rail is built, the country will not stop relying on you and will continue to request your service. If you decide not to be involved with the information war, I won¡¯t force anything on you. However, please don¡¯t rmend someone else to me to rece you in your position,¡± Lanok dered.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>! Well, Mr. Ambassador,¡± said Kang Chan, letting out a loud sigh, which Lanok observed with a questioning smile. ¡°Can I ask you for a favor? Will you assist me by recruiting French mercenaries?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re my friend, Mr. Kang Chan. And I have never refused a friend¡¯s request for something that is within my ability,¡± Lanok said surely.

    <i>So I really will be doing this, then. I¡¯ll take any help I can get.?</i>

    Since Kang Chan was going to fight this war anyway, he didn¡¯t want to give up and step back, especially since seeding meant he could protect those special to him.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Lanok gave him a mysterious smile.

    ¡°Does this mean you¡¯ve made up your mind?¡± Lanok inquired.

    ¡°To some extent, yes,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Lanok extended his wine ss toward Kang Chan. Although it made him ufortable, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t refuse this one considering the meaning behind it.

    The sound of sses clinking echoed in the room.

    ¡°I will show you my abilities at their finest,¡± Lanok announced.

    ¡°Should I be scared?¡± Kang Chan asked jokingly.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lanok replied with a twinkle in his eyes, clearly amused. ¡°Intelligence agencies across the world are nervously awaiting your formal debut. The greater your name bes known, the higher my reputation will climb in turn. So, perhaps I should give you a gift instead.¡±

    Lanok slightly raised his index finger and signaled at his secretary.

    His secretary, who had brought out the cigars, cigarettes, and therge paper file previously, cleared everything away from the table with the exception of the coffee cups.

    ¡°The brothers Huh Ha-Soo and Huh Sang-Soo are currently in China. They will return to South Korea in a week, and the Korean National Intelligence Service should be able to get the exact date of their arrival. There are already rumors that the brothers have cooperated with the British intelligence agency and sold Korean military secrets to the United States. This should be enough to make a fancy debut, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    <i>Lanok prepared all of this in advance? What would he have done if our conversation never headed in this direction and I never mentioned it?</i>

    Lanok studied Kang Chan¡¯s expression as if asking what the matter was.

    ¡°You truly are a scary person, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan said exhaustedly.

    ¡°<i>Hahaha</i>,¡± Lanokughed out loud as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

    Lanok¡¯s secretary quickly nced over as if he was seeing a miraculous spectacle.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe the very man who made Vasili bring the corpses of the soldiers is saying that to me! Mr. Kang Chan, at your age, I traveled around the world to make myself familiar with the people at the grassroots level of various intelligence agencies,¡± Lanok said as he stoppedughing, looking Kang Chan straight in the eye. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate your power. If you were to ask Vasili right now, the Russian would probably even hand over a nuclear warhead to you.¡±

    What? Why would Vasili go so far as to give him a nuclear warhead?

    ¡°Before a world that revolves around you arrives, people will want to do either one of two things. They can be friends with you¡­¡± Lanok trailed off, ncing at his cigar before looking back at Kang Chan. ¡°Or they can get rid of you.¡±

    <i>Pft.?</i>

    Lanok seemed to be satisfied by Kang Chan¡¯s smirk.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, am I really your friend?¡± Lanok suddenly asked.

    It was a horrifyingly cringy and goosebump-inducing question, but Lanok looked serious.

    ¡°You¡¯re like a mentor to me, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Therefore, Kang Chan genuinely replied with an embarrassed answer.

    Lanok just stared at Kang Chan without budging. Not longer after, however, he suddenly took a deep breath and slowly began to speak with a determined expression.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan. In this case, like you did Anne, I hope you can help France,¡± Lanok stated firmly.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador?¡± Kang Chan asked, not quite sure what Lanok meant.

    ¡°Until the dayes when you have established yourself and gained your footing, I will put everything I have on the line. To be honest, I had already made up my mind to do so since the Mongolian operation ended, but I¡¯m only telling you this now. Starting now, you¡¯ll be on the path to building a solid career among intelligence agencies. If something happens to me in the meantime, please protect Anne and the country of France.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if the conversation was moving too fast and too far out of his grasp.

    ¡°And just as I helped you, please find and mentor a talented individual in France. If you can promise me that, I believe I¡¯ll be able to go to sleep peacefully starting today,¡± Lanok finished with a smile.

    Lanok¡¯s sparkling eyes were awaiting Kang Chan¡¯s answer. Not only Lanok but also his secretary and Louis were watching him with anxious expression.

    ¡°I promise, Mr. Ambassador. However, as long as I¡¯m alive, you won¡¯t have to worry about being killed. You already know how my instinct is exceptionally sensitive and sharp,¡± Kang Chan asserted.

    ¡°Hahaha! I see! That instinct of yours momentarily slipped my mind!¡± Lanok chuckled goodnaturedly.

    This was a first. Lanok hadughed out loud in front of Kang Chan a few times before, but this was the first time he wasughing so wholeheartedly.

    Kang Chan stayed for about an hour longer before saying goodbye, so their lunch appointmentsted a whopping three hours.

    Lanok got up from his seat and extended his arms to Kang Chan from next to the door. However, he didn¡¯t say anything.

    <i>Seriously, is something going on with him?</i>

    Kang Chan was bothered to see Lanok acting differently from how he usually did.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± he said, stopping Lanok in his tracks as Louis opened the door. ¡°I¡¯m a very simple-minded person and can¡¯t control my emotions very well. Promise me that you wille to me first if you are ever in danger.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s expression hardened when he saw Lanok¡¯s pupils clearly shaking from his statement. Lanok was definitely not the type to betray such a wavering gaze.

    ¡°I promise,¡± Lanok replied.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t turn me into a killer,¡± Kang Chan firmly asserted.

    Kang Chan finally realized why Seok Kang-Ho had used that expression, but that wasn¡¯t what was important right now.

    Kang Chan nced at the secretary and Louis, gesturing that they should quickly call him if something were to happen to the ambassador.

    ¡°Au revoir, ¨¤ demain.¡±

    With that French goodbye uttered impressively, Lanok left the room.

    <i>Is it okay to let him go like this? Should I have grabbed him and forced him to swear on Anne¡¯s name to call me if he finds himself in danger?</i>

    It urred to Kang Chan that the strange bit of anxiety that had suffocatingly followed him around since yesterday could have been caused by Lanok.

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    However, even if Kang Chan were to implore and plead that of Lanok, Lanok would never change his decision if he had already made his mind up.

    Since it was toote now, the wisest choice Kang Chan could take was to quickly make his name known among intelligence agencies. No matter who or which country it was, anyone who touched his people would forever have to suffer the consequences and beg him to stop.

    God of ckfield.

    The name his enemies had given him would naturally have to be epted across all intelligence agencies. This was the fastest and wisest way to protect those around him, including Lanok.

    When Kang Chan arrived at the first floor of the hotel, it was already four in the afternoon. He was striding into the lobby with two folders in hand when he stopped and smiled.

    Oh Gwang-Taek was staring back at him from the hotel lounge. Joo Chul-Bum was standing at his side.

    ¡°Hey, dog! Kang Chan!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek shouted.

    <i>That dumb gangster bastard!</i>

    The hotel was busier than normal and was filled with people because it was Sunday, but Oh Gwang-Taek just had to bellow Kang Chan¡¯s name as if he was a long-lost family member.

    It was nice to see him. Kang Chan suppressed theugh that threatened to escape and walked toward the lounge.

    ¡°Hey! Punk!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek greeted. He grabbed Kang Chan¡¯s hand tightly.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know he would receive this kind of passionate wee. As a matter of fact, Kang Chan¡¯s thumb was twisted so enthusiastically that he almost threw a punch at the idiot.

    After the dreadful handshake, they sat down in the lounge.

    ¡°You already had lunch, right? Then have dinner with me,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek insisted.

    ¡°Hmm. All right,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    ¡°Right, man! Do-Seok is back up.¡±

    ¡°I heard earlier. I¡¯m nning on visiting soon too.¡±

    ¡°He said something weird, though,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek mused.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Although Kang Chan never ordered anything, the server brought out some coffee for them.

    ¡°The fight that day. We thought it was the parking lot gang that was behind it. But apparently, it was some foreign guys,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise.

    ¡°You beat some French guy back then, right? Do-Seok said that seemed to be why they were attacked.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Kang Chan asked disbelievingly.

    ¡°Yeah, punk!¡±

    What was going on? Were the gangsters including Do-Seok attacked after Kang Chan took care of Shan?

    Either way, Suh Do-Seok shouldn¡¯t have been swept up in that incident.

 Chapter 134.1: We Should Go (1)

    <h4>Chapter 134.1: We Should Go (1)</h4>

    After having dinner at a gukbap restaurant, Kang Chan tried to kill some time before going home. While he didn¡¯t drink a lot of bomb shots, he still smelled like alcohol, so he didn¡¯t want to go back immediately.

    Kang Chan held up his phone and made a call.

    - This is Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°Are you guys free? Let¡¯s go have a cup of coffee.¡±

    Kang Chan thought he heard someone snort, it seemed like someone had failed to hold in theirughter, but there was nothing wrong with that so Kang Chan ignored it.

    He didn¡¯t have to wait even a minute before he saw Lee Doo-Hee driving a car and parking by the hotel entrance.

    ¡°Did you guys have dinner?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We had bibimbap.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s head over to the specialty coffee shop at the intersection.¡±

    As if to signal that they should go, Choi Jong-Il nced at Lee Doo-Hee. They left immediately.

    Kang Chan looked outside the window.

    He didn¡¯t have a problem debuting as an agent internationally by picking a fight with Britain. However, he couldn¡¯t help but have trouble deciding whether he actually <i>should</i> debut when he thought about the sacrifices that woulde with fights like this.

    Unlike in Africa, where he just had to follow orders, the fight that Kang Chan was about to start required him to make decisions and give orders himself. Was it really okay for him to sacrifice others to fulfill his personal desire of properly protecting those around him?

    ¡°Whoo!¡± Just as Kang Chan got the urge to smoke, the car stopped.

    ¡°Do you want me to get you a coffee?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah, a light roast one. What are you all waiting for? Let¡¯s get out of the car.¡±

    Everyone headed to the terrace, including Lee Do-Hee, who had closed the door of the driver¡¯s seat. After Woo Hee-Seung brought over their coffee, the four made themselvesfortable and bit on cigarettes.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il,¡± Kang Chan called after lighting a cigarette. The three looked at him at the same time. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of finally fighting properly, but now that I¡¯ve thought about it, this will be almost like gueri warfare.¡±

    ¡°Are you thinking of infiltrating an enemy country?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in response.

    Although it could be seen as childish, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to lie in front of these kinds of men.

    ¡°Is that possible?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked again.

    ¡°France will support me. They will provide nes, weapons, entry into the enemy country, and even the troops and information I¡¯ll need for the operation. The operation won¡¯t have South Korea¡¯s approval, so if we die, our deaths won¡¯t cause any damage.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il grinned like Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°Ever since we fought Yang Jin-Woo, the three of us have been imagining us going out on operations like the powerful nations¡¯ Intelligence Bureaus do. Rather than dying to get just one piece of information, we have always wanted to punish people for messing with our agents. Even if that gets us killed by being torn to shreds, we¡¯ll die happy. We won¡¯t resent you either if our bodies don¡¯t make it back home.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that too grandiose?¡±

    ¡°If we can show South Korea¡¯s¡ª¡± Choi Jong-Il eximed but abruptly paused, perhaps thinking his voice was too loud. ¡°If it means getting to show the National Intelligence Service¡¯s power to the world and stopping other countries from looking at South Korea as a pushover, then we¡¯ll do anything.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head to look at the others. Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee didn¡¯t avoid his gaze.

    Kang Chanughed.

    Men like them died young in this fucked up world. They would return to the airport in body bags after doing all kinds of unpleasant work.

    Fuckers like Huh Sang-Soo or Yang Jin-Woo seized that honor and acted cocky.

    ¡°You all received special training, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We have gone through every training you can think of, even the UDT.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Seemingly excited, Choi Jong-Il drank coffee.

    ¡°Let¡¯s schedule a training session to test you all. If you fail, then you just aren¡¯t capable enough. We can¡¯t do anything about that,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Choi Jong-Il smiled as if he found Kang Chan funny.

    ¡°I want you to split into infiltration and defense teams for the training. Who can I contact that can get this done quickly?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The Section Chief is your best bet,¡± Choi Jong-Il said, sounding as if they should run over to Jeon Dae-Geuk right now.

    ¡°Yeah? I give him a call, then,¡± Kang Chan took out his phone and called Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    The call rang thrice before it was picked up.

    - Hello?

    Kang Chan heard Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s husky voice.

    ¡°Section Chief, it¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Huh? Kang Chan? Hey! How could you not visit me in the hospital when I¡¯m dying?

    Kang Chan burst out withughter. Jeon Dae-Geuk did as well.

    - Are you okay?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    There was an emotion that was difficult to exin in the question that Jeon Dae-Geuk asked, that was what made Kang Chan think this gentleman was born as a soldier by nature. .

    - Come over.

    ¡°Right now?¡±

    - Why are you asking that? Can¡¯t you?

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chanughed after hanging up. ¡°He wants us toe over right now.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    ¡°I should go.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il stood up before anyone else.

    ***

    Jeon Dae-Geuk was staying in a VIP room, but it wasn¡¯t anything special.

    When they opened the door and went inside, a heavily bandaged Jeon Dae-Geuk grinned at them. He was leaning against the headboard of his bed.

    Kang Chan almost gave him a salute. To him, Jeon Dae-Geuk was a true soldier.

    ¡°Have you had dinner?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    When Kang Chan sat in front of the bed, Choi Jong-Il and the other two people stood behind him.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk nced at the trio. ¡°Are you guys trying to intimidate me by standing behind Kang Chan? From the looks of it, you guys seem to bepletely enamored with him now.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re betting our lives on him,¡± Choi Jong-Il answered.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk smirked, then looked at Kang Chan. ¡°What did you do to make them act like that?¡±

    Havinge this far, Kang Chan had no reason to deny anything or avoid the topic. Hence, he firmly made up his mind. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of retaliating against the countries that have been provoking South Korea.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk inhaled loudly. ¡°Have you thought about what would happen if you guys fail?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but we can¡¯t properly connect the Eurasian Rail if we keep getting beat up like this. I also keep watching anymore as we sacrifice agents and our members just so we can barely stop our enemies.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk tightly gritted his teeth. ¡°South Korea won¡¯t be able to properly support you.¡±

    ¡°France will be supporting me in the form of transportation, information, weapons, and even troops if required.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk swallowed dryly, he looked at Kang Chan and the three people that were standing behind him. ¡°What can I do to help?¡±

    ¡°I want to train people to form infiltration and defense teams.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a facility that you guys can use at the First and Third Airborne Forces. I¡¯ll mobilize the special forces soldiers of the DMZ.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know why, but the skin around Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s eyes was red.

    ¡°Was it the God of ckfield thatmanded the operation in Mongolia?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked when their eyes met.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan answered with a nod.

    ¡°Kang Chan.¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk reached out and grabbed his hand. ¡°I prepared for an operation to Mongolia about five times or so but eventually gave up. The United States interfered and put pressure on us, and we had to keep observing China¡¯s reaction. Even in Europe, more than ten of our National Intelligence Service¡¯s agents are sacrificed every year.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk nodded while smiling awkwardly. ¡°You don¡¯t know how long I¡¯ve been waiting for someone like you to show up¡ªsomeone who can exert their influence in France¡¯s DGSE, someone that even the head of Russia¡¯s Intelligence Bureau visit has to visit in person, and more than anything¡­¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk seemed to be getting very emotional.

    ¡°... someone who can bring back the bodies of those who sacrificed themselves in an operation! Today is the second happiest day of my life.¡±

    ¡°When¡¯s your happiest day?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The day I became a South Korean soldier.¡±

    Kang Chan and Jeon Dae-Geukughed out loud at the same time.

    ¡°Damn it! I should have a drink on a day like this. Hey! Go buy five bottles of soju,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk ordered.

    Choi Jong-Il didn¡¯t budge an inch, as if he didn¡¯t hear anything.

    ¡°Hey, you fucker! Don¡¯t ruin this touching moment and just go quickly.¡±

    ¡°You have to suppress the urge to drink today, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il responded.

    ¡°No! I feel like my chest is going to explode. I have to calm it down.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t drink. Focus on getting better quickly andmand the operation instead. We¡¯ll be able to fight without worry if someone we trust will bemanding everyone within the country,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You think so?¡±

    People like Jeon Dae-Geuk were made to be in the field.

    ¡°When do you want to start training?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll start gathering the personnel tomorrow. We can probably start on Wednesday.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll think of a decent ce with the First and Third Airborne Forces and mobilize the DMZ¡¯s specialized team. That aside¡­¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk looked around his surroundings, then lowered his voice. ¡°Which country is our first target?¡±

    ¡°Either China or the United Kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha¡ªow!¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk burst out withughter but soon frowned and pressed his hand against the bandages wrapped around his side. ¡°Those sons of bitches! They always look down on us!¡±

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°This is nothing.¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk nodded. ¡°Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°I started this to protect the people around me. It¡¯s actually embarrassing because you¡¯re thanking me too much.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not something to be embarrassed about. We¡¯ve been careful and wary of others too many times now. Even though we couldn¡¯t protect them, many agents died without resentment for the sake of their missions¡ªall of them were valuable and kind-hearted. I have watched those fuckers step forward and say they¡¯ll happily die for the country too many times now! Phew!¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s emotions suddenly seemed all over the ce, but Kang Chan wasn¡¯t worried about what would happen once they had gone on the operation. After all, Jeon Dae-Geuk remained level-headed during the incident at the presentation hall.

    1. Gukbap is a Korean dish made by putting cooked rice into hot soup or cooking the rice in soup, typically in earthenware.

    2. WARFLOT, or The Republic of Korea Navy Special Warfare Floti is a special operations force of the Republic of Korea Navy. It¡¯s also known as the UDT (Underwater Demolition Team) because that¡¯s the most publicly known branch of the floti

 Chapter 134.2: We Should Go (1)

    <h4>Chapter 134.2: We Should Go (1)</h4>

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s emotions seemed all over the ce, but Kang Chan wasn¡¯t worried since he had see how level-headed Dae-Geuk could be.

    ¡°If they entrust you with the position of the Founder of the Eurasian Rail, just pretend that you can¡¯t win against them and take on the role,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    See? Jeon Dae-Geuk already seemed to havee to his senses.

    ¡°Take on a position. Having someone that represents South Korea will be something extremely importantter on. It¡¯s something that you have to do if you want to properly reward those that follow you as well,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk continued.

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±

    ¡°Please soar higher than I or the President has done. You have to make sure that people will remember you first before anyone else when someone from South Korea runs into danger on foreign soil. Please make sure the agents can smile as they¡¯re dying because they know you¡¯re there for them. I¡¯ll also try my best.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk was going too far, but it was difficult to say anything else here.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk had burst out withughter like a crazy person and applied pressure to his wounds twice before they left the room.

    It was already close to 11 pm.

    On his way home, Kang Chan watched the scenery unfolding outside the window.

    Everything was now starting.

    <i>I¡¯ll make the Intelligence Bureaus all around the world acknowledge the ¡®God of ckfield.¡¯ If someone messes with those around me, then the god who brings death is bound to appear.?</i>

    Was it childish? Kang Chan wondered if people could still say that in death.

    ***

    Kang Chan started his Monday morning with a phone call from Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    He told Kang Chan that he had arranged a first-ss training area near Jeungpyeong, and that he would prepare the special forces soldiers of the DMZ, the Third Airborne Forces, and the members of the 606 at the date that Kang Chan chose.

    Things were progressing amazingly.

    But the problem was Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s condition.

    Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho and headed to a cafe in Misari.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Strangely, my wound keeps opening up.¡± Seok Kang-Ho looked annoyed.

    ¡°Remember when I met Lanok yesterday?¡± Kang Chan exined what had happened yesterday, then told Seok Kang-Ho his ns for the future as well.

    ¡°<i>Phuhu</i>, so you¡¯re saying that we¡¯re going to an operation?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward. He hadughed with an expression that waspletely different from a moment ago.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to test them. Those who fail won¡¯t be able to join.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that only natural?¡±

    ¡°Since we¡¯re going to make the teams by units, each team will have a maximum of twelve people. We also have to get a good sniper. You should take two snipers in this training session,¡± Kang Chan said, then frowned while looking at the river in the distance.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I feel ufortable, but I can¡¯t pinpoint what¡¯s causing it.¡±

    Whenever Kang Chan said something like this, Seok Kang-Ho took it seriously. ¡°Are you not concerned about your parents?¡±

    ¡°I told Choi Jong-Il to frequently check on them.¡±

    ¡°Who else? Won¡¯t they kidnap Smithen again?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I heard that he¡¯s in the hospital. I told the agents to keep Smithen there. Even if he gets discharged, the agents guarding him right now will keep taking care of him.¡±

    ¡°What about Ambassador Lanok?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t in a very good mood when we parted ways, which bothered me. The look in his eyes was a bit weird as well. It felt like something was wrong, but he was hiding it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a major concern. What about Mi-Young or thatdy Michelle? Won¡¯t they target those two as well?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. At any rate, the people around me will be watched over starting today. They even said thatst time, the agents will start protecting Mi-Young. Argh! I feel like I¡¯m going to suffocate. We have to know what¡¯s going on before we can run over or something!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in agreement. He had been closest to Kang Chan at times like this, so he could understand Kang Chan much better than anyone else.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of starting the training on Wednesday. We¡¯ll both make our own teams, but we should get our members from the 606 and the special forces soldiers of the DMZ. Let¡¯s choose the defense soldiers from the Third Airborne Forces,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho understood him whenever he was giving orders about the operation, which was really nice.

    ¡°You don¡¯t regret getting involved in this, do you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Why are you asking that? I have the will to live now because of this. I¡¯m happy, Captain. <i>Phuhuhu</i>.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud.

    There was something pitiful about a guy grinning and talking about happiness despite their eyes being filled with bloodthirst.

    But still, Kang Chan having a colleague like this was incredible.

    After having lunch at Misari, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed to Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office in Samseong-dong.

    They didn¡¯t have to tell Kim Hyung-Jung since Jeon Dae-Geuk had already briefed him on what they were nning.

    Kim Hyung-Jung found it very unfair that his wounds still hadn¡¯t properly healed.

    Kang Chan would lead Team 1, which would consist of eleven personnel, and Team 2 would have twelve members, including Seok Kang-Ho.

    With the list of applicants in their hands, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho each chose their team members. Kang Chan included Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee in his team.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, the Director wants me to tell you something,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    After preparing everything, Kim Hyung-Jung, who was sitting at the table with an IV in his arm, looked at Kang Chan. ¡°If by any chance there¡¯s an emergency, the Director said that you should use him as an excuse and that you should take care of the issue as something that he has personally ordered you to do.¡±

    Kang Chan thought that South Korea got connected to the Eurasian Rail thanks to people like them.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Chan answered. He and Kim Hyung-Jung were both thinking that an emergency where he would have to act like that was not going to happen.

    ***

    Kang Chan had a busy day, but it wasn¡¯t even 6 pm yet when he returned home because it was around that time that Monday-to-Tuesday dramas aired.

    He still had this ufortable feeling, which bothered him, but there wasn¡¯t really anything that he could do about it.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook hadn¡¯t arrived home from work yet.

    Kang Chan quickly washed up and got changed. Just as he was walking out of his room, the front door opened, and his parents entered the apartment.

    ¡°Wee home,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    ¡°You¡¯re home early,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°Yes. You two must be tired.¡±

    ¡°Not anymore since I¡¯ve seen you,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied. She actually looked happy that he was at home.

    After Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook got changed, the three of them prepared dinner, which consisted of soup, refrigerated side dishes, and dried seaweed.

    ¡°Starting this Wednesday, I might stay at Jeungpyeong for a few days,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°Jeungpyeong? Why are you going to Jeungpyeong?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°I heard they¡¯re holding something like a workshop for government employees there. I¡¯ll be meeting people that I will probably be working with, and I¡¯ll also check out the tasks I¡¯ll be doing.¡±

    ¡°Have you decided to work there?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Since it¡¯s something that I have to do anyway, I¡¯ve decided to give it my all instead of constantly trying to avoid it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not bad.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung nodded.

    They ate dinner while consoling Yoo Hye-Sook, who was worried. Kang Dae-Kyung did the dishes, and Kang Chan prepared tea.

    ¡°The drama is airing today, right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked. He went to the living room while drying his hands on the kitchen towel.

    It was strange seeing Kang Dae-Kyung acting like this¡ªnot only did Kang Chan not watch TV that often, but he had also never seen men taking an interest in dramas before.

    When the drama started, the three of them sat down and conversed for a few more moments.

    Eun So-Yeon filled her role quite well. Kang Chan immediately liked how steadfast she looked while oveing her hardships.

    ¡°Oh my! She¡¯s really in the drama!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed. In the middle of the drama, the daughter of Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s friend appeared.

    Even Kang Chan thought she wasn¡¯t suited to y a lead role, but her scene at least swiftly passed by without any awkwardness.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s phone rang before the end of the drama.

    ¡°I saw her. She looked really pretty. Why are you thanking me? Okay, sweetie.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook received phone calls from a few more people. She looked happy.

    The drama ended while Kang Chan was thinking that he would protect their happiness.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>.

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone, which was on top of his desk, started ringing. He quickly went into his room.

    - Channy, did you watch the drama?

    ¡°Yeah. I watched it with my parents at home.¡±

    - If it¡¯s okay with you, then let¡¯s go out for a beer.

    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s have a drink.¡±

    Promising to meet Michelle, Kang Chan headed out to the living room. He parted ways with herst Saturday quite awkwardly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be meeting up with Michelle for a bit,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°It seems she wants to meet you because the drama has ended. Have fun.¡±

    After talking to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan got changed, then told them, ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    Michelle had said that she would pick him up at his house.

    Kang Chan headed outside, then called and checked on the security. They reported nothing unusual.

    1. Jeungpyeong is a county in North Chungcheong Province, South Korea

 Chapter 135.1: We Should Go (2)

    <h4>Chapter 135.1: We Should Go (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan met Michelle at 9 pm.

    He was already waiting in front of his apartment when she arrived. Once he had gotten inside her car, they headed to the wine bar in Apgujeong-dong.

    Michelle definitely knew the best ces to go.

    Going into the ¡®Jazz in The Clouds,¡¯ which was located on the second floor, they found an overweight middle-aged woman singing along to the apaniment being performed by a four-person band.

    The two sat at a corner table, and Michelle ordered for them since she was more familiar with ces like this.

    They gave the performers a round of apuse when the song called ¡®Summer Time¡¯ ended. Around the same time, Kang Chan and Michelle were served cheese, as a side dish, and wine.

    ¡°You can smoke in here,¡± Michelle said. She was wearing a ck suit and a white shirt, making it seem as if she coordinated with Kang Chan to wear matching clothes.

    Kang Chan poured them wine and took a sip, then lit up a cigarette.

    ¡°Michelle,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Michelle looked at Kang Chan with her blue eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of working for the government starting this Wednesday. You probably won¡¯t be able to contact me.¡±

    Michelle blinked. White women were born with really long eyshes.

    ¡°My presence in your life will probably put you in danger, so here.¡± Kang Chan ced a thumb-tack-shaped transmitter on top of the table. ¡°My mother attached it to her wallet, but you can attach it to anything that you always carry with you. That way, I¡¯ll be able to track your location.¡±

    Michelle opened her purse, took out a wallet, and attached the transmitter to it.

    ¡°Like this?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Kang Chan sighed softly.

    ¡°Channy,¡± Michelle called as she extinguished her cigarette on the ashtray. ¡°For as long as you¡¯re doing this because you want to, and for as long as it gives you that look in your eyes, then I¡¯ll be okay with it even if it¡¯s dangerous. I¡¯d like to be someone who can provide you with rest whenever you¡¯re having a difficult time¡­ After your parents, of course.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°I know, but I¡¯m doing this because I¡¯m happy to. I don¡¯t want to be a burden to you, so don¡¯t worry about me and just focus on your work. All I ask in return is that you don¡¯t forget to meet up with me at least twice a month,¡± Michelle said with a mischievous look. Kang Chan just smirked.

    ¡°If you skip even a month, then I¡¯m going to ask for something bigger the next month. I don¡¯t like that you¡¯re growing up more and more into an amazing man, but that¡¯s probably the real reason why I fell for you,¡± Michelle added.

    ¡°You¡¯re cringey.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a yer!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a yer?¡±

    ¡°Not only do you have a pretty female student, but you also have me, Eun So-Yeon, and Kim Mi-Young!¡±

    Saying that he had something going on with Heo Eun-Sil was out of the question, and he didn¡¯t even know if Eun So-Yeon liked him. It was unfair, but it was also difficult for him to make excuses.

    Smiling, Michelle brought her face closer to him.

    Doing things like this as they were talking was just everyday life for French people. When Kang Chan lightly kissed her, Michelle sat up straight with a broad smile.

    Although a lot of people were dressed up around them, the gazes were still all on Michelle, just like in any other bars they had gone to.

    ¡°If something dangerous happens, I¡¯ll probably check on your location. Try not to go out alone if possible or be alone with someone you don¡¯t know in secluded ces. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s for work,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Channy, my birthday is next month.¡±

    <i>Damn it! I¡¯m doing my best to tell you that things will get dangerous!</i>

    Nevertheless, Michelle still said something irrelevant. The look in her eyes showed that she was really looking forward to it.

    ¡°You know what I want as my birthday present, right?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan really didn¡¯t know.

    ¡°Let¡¯s spend a night together¡ªjust that day in the entire year. Don¡¯t refuse that.¡±

    <i>Phew!</i>

    Kang Chan exhaled deeply.

    At times like this, changing the subject would be best.

    ¡°Michelle, I¡¯m thinking of buying a building. Look into that for me,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°A building?¡±

    Kang Chan told her that Seok Kang-Ho had been scammed not long ago.

    ¡°What¡¯s the budget?¡± Michelle asked afterward.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I think it won¡¯t hurt to spend up to a hundred billion won.¡±

    Michelle exhaled with a shocked expression.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need about two floors. Aside from that, it¡¯d be great if it can amodate Kang Yoo Motors, my mother¡¯s foundation, and D.I. as well,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°What about facilities?¡±

    ¡°A private elevator that goes down to the basement, a private basement parking lot that I can use, a gym, and showers.¡±

    ¡°A bedroom!¡± Michelle quickly added. ¡°We¡¯ll probably have to renovate the building¡¯s interior, then.¡±

    ¡°You think so?¡± Kang Chan cocked his head.

    Michelle shook her head. ¡°Channy, there¡¯s barely any pre-existing buildings that are built like that. It¡¯ll be better to just buynd and build a new building instead.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that take too much time?¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll look into it. You have the money ready, right?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°The money is with Cecile.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phew!</i>¡± Michelle sighed. ¡°I fell in love with a man who¡¯s far too great for me.¡±

    New singers and apanists climbed up the stage and prepared to y.

    Michelle pointed to the seat next to her, implying that they should watch the performance.

    Kang Chan sat next to Michelle, and she leaned toward him and hugged him.

    The apanists sweetly yed ¡®Fly Me to the Moon¡¯. At that moment, Kang Chan realized for the first time that jazz was good.

    ¡°Channy, don¡¯t do anything dangerous.¡± Michelle held Kang Chan tightly in her arms. ¡°When I was having tea with your father and mother, I realized they¡¯re both proud of you but are also anxious about what you do. I feel the same way. If you find yourself in a really dangerous situation, then think of your parents. Think of me as well. Okay?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Kang Chan raised his right arm and stroked Michelle¡¯s head.

    ¡°How did you know that my head is my erogenous zone?¡± Michelle asked.

    When Kang Chan was startled, Michelle smiled mischievously. ¡°Stupid! I already told you that my only request is the present I want for my birthday next month.¡±

    <i>Phew! I¡¯m definitely no match for Michelle when ites to things like this.</i>

    As performers began the second song, the host exined that the song was for people who enjoyed dancing. Hence, three or four couples went out to the area in front of the stage.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go and dance,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°I¡¯m shit at dancing.¡±

    ¡°Leave it to me.¡±

    Michelle stood up and pulled Kang Chan by the hand. The people around them immediately looked at them.

    This was crazy.

    As soon as they got to the dance floor, Michelle reached out and ced her arms inside Kang Chan¡¯s jacket, embracing him. Wrapping his arms around her back, she felt hot. He felt not only Michelle¡¯s chest but her lower body as well.

    In front of people who were looking at him with envy and jealousy, Michelle snuggled up to Kang Chan, hugging him tightly. He couldn¡¯t help but feel ufortable.

    At that moment, it felt as if Michelle was consoling herself while loving and longing for Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan lowered his head on top of Michelle¡¯s, then hugged her softly.

    ¡°Kiss me,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°There are too many people.¡±

    ¡°Then promise me that you¡¯ll be with me on my birthday.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed softly. He felt as if the music had been going on forever.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Chan answered. When he did, the music ended.

    Michelle looked disappointed, and the guys around them sighed. They all had the same expression.

    When they went back to their seat, Michelle had a coquettish look in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m happy.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what to reply to things like that.

    ¡°Channy, if you ever have time, then at least go to Jeju-do with your parents on the weekend,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°Jeju-do?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t have the money, so go to Jeju-do. Give your parents good memories. They probably can¡¯t say that to you.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that just because they¡¯re busy?¡±

    ¡°See? You really don¡¯t know anything when ites to this. Your parents can¡¯t ask that from you because they¡¯re afraid that they¡¯ll burden you. At times like this, you should ask them to spare you some time and surprise them with a trip during the weekend. I¡¯ll book the trip.¡±

    Kang Chan stared at her nkly, and Michelle justughed as if she found him funny.

    <i>Jeju-do?</i>

    That wasn¡¯t a bad idea. He could find some time on the weekend for his parents once they had finished training.

    ***

    Michelle was still happy when Kang Chan sent her home. He then took a taxi home, arriving around a little after midnight.

    For some reason, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were still in the living room.

    ¡°You¡¯re still awake?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, but we should head to bed now.¡±

    <i>Were they worried that I would sleep with Michelle, by any chance?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh up his sleeve.

    ¡°Right, are you free this weekend? There¡¯s this ce I want to take you both to,¡± Kang Chan asked his parents.

    ¡°This weekend? Is it on Saturday or Sunday?¡±

    ¡°We can probably leave Saturday morning and be back on Sunday.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at each other.

    ¡°I¡¯m free on the weekend. What about you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°¡®I¡¯m not busy, honey. Where are we going, Channy?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a secret.¡±

    ¡°But we have to prepare clothes and other things... Are we going to go to a pension house?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°No. It¡¯s a secret. So you¡¯re both free, then?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Are you really free, honey?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked, to which Kang Dae-Kyung responded with a nod.

    Kang Chan thought this was probably the first time he had ever seen Yoo Hye-Sook look so excited. Meanwhile, Kang Dae-Kyung looked as if he wanted a hint.

    Michelle was definitely a cut above Kang Chan for things like this.

    Kang Chan washed up and headed to bed.

    ***

    On Tuesday, Kang Chan met up and headed to Misari with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I met Michellest night. I told her to find a building that we can buy,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡±

    Due to the current season, red leaves could now be seen along the faraway riverbank.

    As an employee brought over their coffee, Kang Chan took out a cigarette.

    ¡°Anyway, how are you feeling?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°My wounds are about healed up.¡±

    ¡°Already? it''s only been a day.¡±

    ¡°I went to the hospital yesterday after we parted ways and asked them to tightly tie up my wounds. Don¡¯t even think about using my wounds as an excuse to exclude me from this.¡±

    ¡°I got it, so don¡¯t overdo it. Don¡¯t give us a headache bying with us all tightly bandaged just to lie down in pain.¡±

    ¡°Captain,¡± Seok Kang-Ho called Kang Chan with a serious tone.

    <i>This fucker is acting like this to change the mood, isn¡¯t he?</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho remained firm even though Kang Chan looked at him suspiciously.

    ¡°I got a call from the school today.¡±

    ¡°A call from the school? Why?¡± Kang Chan asked. He couldn¡¯t help but feel worried, thinking they were trying to get him back to school again.

    ¡°A teacher I¡¯m close with called me to ask how I¡¯m doing. I was told that a lot of kids have been visiting Su-Jin at the hospital, so her and her parents¡¯ anger has melted away. Can you ask the administration to let Su-Jin go to school again?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t they just tell the school that Su-Jin will be attending again?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that easy. She didn¡¯t take time off from school; she dropped out. I think she can go back to school if the school board or something exerts its influence.¡±

    ¡°Hey, didn¡¯t Mr. Yoo Hun-Woo say that she has to be hospitalized for more than a year?¡± Kang Chan argued.

    ¡°It looks like there¡¯s a way for as long as the administration or the school board gives their approval. Su-Jin¡¯s father is a professor, so he¡¯s looking deep into this, but it seems he can¡¯t make this work by himself.¡±

    Kang Chan cocked his head. ¡°Let¡¯s look into it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fascinating, isn¡¯t it? I thought Ho-Jun and Eun-Sil could never be decent human beings. I heard that even those discharged from the hospital have been obediently going to school. <i>Phuhu</i>, Ho-Jun apparently hasplete control over them and really pressures them to stop them from ever bullying other kids again.¡±

    ¡°Do you think they¡¯ve really got their act together?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it only proper for us to correct them whenever they do something wrong and praise them whenever they do something right?¡±

    <i>Is that right?</i>

    ¡°Let¡¯s think about this after the training tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright. I just thought I should mention it.¡±

    Kang Chan red at Seok Kang-Ho, feeling as if he lost.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°No matter how badly you want to go, you can¡¯t go with us if you don¡¯t get better.¡±

    ¡°Hey! Won¡¯t we see how I¡¯m doing tomorrow?¡± Looking shameless, Seok Kang-Ho tried to take a sip of his coffee but spilled some of it on him. ¡°Ow! Hot!¡±

    1. Apgujeong-dong is a neighborhood of Gangnam-gu in Seoul, South Korea. It is considered one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in South Korea

    2. this is an actual song by Count Basie and Frank Sinatra

 Chapter 135.2: We Should Go (2)

    <h4>Chapter 135.2: We Should Go (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho had lunch together, then headed to Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office in Samseong-dong.

    Kim Hyung-Jung actually looked heartbroken.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I find it unfair that I can¡¯t go with you two.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to feel that way¡ªwe¡¯ll keep doing this in the future.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked very heartbroken, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t tell him to overexert himself because of his condition.

    ¡°We have prepared everything. The Third Airborne Forces¡¯ brigademander is under the directmand of the Section Chief, and he¡¯s my and Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s junior by a year. He contacted me not long ago.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung looked at the document in disappointment. ¡°The look in your eyes behind your bandanas and the way Mr. Seok Kang-Ho looked in Mongolia are still vivid to me. You had backed off while pointing the rifle. <i>Phew</i>! I want to join the two of you so bad that I¡¯m feeling frustrated.¡±

    If they were going out to have fun, Kang Chan would have quickly grabbed him and left.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to get better before the operation starts,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. He then looked up, his eyes glinting.

    ¡°I look forward to it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    .

    ¡°Thank you. In my entire life, I never thought that South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service would one day retaliate against other countries.¡±

    ¡°I heard from the Section Chief that he tried to do that about five times or so but eventually gave up. Well, we haven¡¯t left yet, so we don¡¯t know yet if it¡¯ll actually happen, do we?¡±

    ¡°Now that France¡¯s DGSE has intervened, this operation has already partly seeded for as long as Vasili remains silent. When the Section Chief was preparing an operation, we couldn¡¯t even train without worry because we had to keep an eye on other people¡¯s moods.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exhaled loudly. ¡°Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Get better soon. I¡¯d like you to be with us if possible.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get better,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered with a brief nod. ¡°Be careful.¡±

    ¡°We will.¡±

    Kang Chan gave Kim Hyung-Jung a firm handshake. It felt as if Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s wishes were being directly passed on to him through their hands.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho left the office and headed to the hospital for Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s treatment.

    Arriving at around 3 pm, they didn¡¯t have to wait to go into the examination room. They found Yoo Hun-Woo inside.

    ¡°Huh? Mr. Kang Chan, you already removed the bandages on your right hand?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    ¡°This? It¡¯s all healed up now, so I removed it. Look, I can move it without problems.¡±

    Now that he thought about it, Kang Chan didn¡¯t even feel any pain when he shook hands with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Yoo Hun-Woo unraveled Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s bandages while shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯ve been moving too much. At this rate, your wound will take a long time to heal. You¡¯re lucky it¡¯s no longer summer. Otherwise, I would have told you to be confined again.¡±

    Kang Chan red at Seok Kang-Ho, who had lied just so he could go on the operation.

    ¡°Mr. Yoo Hun-Woo, it doesn¡¯t hurt at all,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said shamelessly.

    In response, Yoo Hun-Woo firmly pressed on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wound.

    ¡°Ow!¡±

    ¡°See? It¡¯s swollen, which means you haven¡¯t been resting for the past few days. You can get an infection,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo didn¡¯t back off. Using a tweezer, he picked up a cotton ball soaked in disinfectant and disinfected Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wound. Whenever he did, Seok Kang-Ho winced in pain.

    ¡°How about we put some of my blood into Seok Kang-Ho?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo sounded surprised, and Seok Kang-Ho quickly turned his head to look at Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s somewhere that we have to go to no matter what, so I was wondering if Seok Kang-Ho would heal a bit more quickly if I give him my blood right now and he gets a good night¡¯s sleepter. Now that I have thought about it, I also became a lot better after sleeping,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Yoo Hun-Woo cocked his head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s try it. That¡¯s the only way he¡¯ll be able to join me anyway, right?¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°I want to try it, but only if you¡¯re okay with it, Mr. Kang Chan. What do you think, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    ¡°I see no reason for me to oppose it.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s try it. When are the two of you leaving?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    ¡°Tomorrow.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo shook his head and frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll prescribe you strong antibiotics. But if your condition gets worse, you have toe to the hospital immediately. Otherwise, your condition can be really dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo disinfected and applied medication to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wound. After wrapping bandages around Seok Kang-Ho, he then transfused Kang Chan¡¯s blood into Seok Kang Ho.

    The entire operationsted forty minutes. Afterward, Yoo Hun-Woo asked if they could have tea together, so they all sat down together.

    ¡°Students from the school kepting to the hospital,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    So I¡¯ve heard.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s unexpected, but Su-Jin is also quickly getting better. Honestly, she¡¯s recovering so fast that it can only be exined by your blood. To top it all off, she¡¯s now mentally stable.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not qualified to be a doctor.¡±

    Perplexed, Kang Chan looked up from the teacup in his hand and looked at Yoo Hun-Woo.

    ¡°She did get better, but I still gave her a blood transfusion without knowing anything about possible side effects. To make things worse, I did the same thing today even though Mr. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s life isn¡¯t even in danger,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo exined.

    <i>I guess some doctors think like this.</i>

    Kang Chan felt as if he was learning new things.

    ¡°Thank you. Qualified as a doctor or not, I¡¯m sincerely grateful to you for helping me save a student when there was no other way to save her,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo added.

    This sly and wily fox also had a bothersome way of thanking him.

    ¡°I heard that the students talked about you. They also knelt in front of the ICU for more than two hours for a few days before leaving. Seeing that melted away the anger of Su-Jin¡¯s parents. At that moment, I couldn¡¯t help but feel as if treating you was truly worthwhile.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t feel that treating me was worthwhile before that?¡± Kang Chanughed. Yoo Hun-Wooughed with him.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Yoo Hun-Woo looked relieved now that he had said what he wanted to say.

    After happily drinking tea, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho left the hospital.

    ¡°Huh? I feel tired for some reason,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°He probably gave you a high dose of the medication. Let¡¯s head home quickly¡ªI¡¯ll drive.¡±

    In all honesty, Seok Kang-Ho looked exhausted.

    Kang Chan drove Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car to his apartment¡¯s parking lot, then walked home.

    He had dinner at home, watched the D.I. drama with his parents, then fell asleep.

    ***

    Wednesday morning.

    After Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook told Kang Chan to be safe and headed to work, Kang Chan met up with Seok Kang-Ho in front of the apartment.

    Choi Jong-Il was waiting for them at the back, so they couldn¡¯t waste time.

    They bought coffee at the specialty coffee shop across the street for them and the others, then left for Jeungpyeong.

    ¡°Captain, it¡¯s seriously amazing,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°What is?¡±

    ¡°After having dinner, I slept nonstop after the blood transfusion. When I woke up this morning, all my wounds have closed up.¡±

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Kang Chan looked at him suspiciously.

    Seemingly finding it unfair that Kang Chan didn¡¯t believe him, Seok Kang-Ho said, ¡°See for yourselfter. As I said, my wounds havepletely healed.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t really too surprising since Kang Chan that was what always happened every time he got wounded.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t understand how you could remove your bandages after just a good night¡¯s sleep, but I definitely do now that I have gone through it myself.¡±

    ¡°Hey! Selling my blood will make me rich,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Ugh! You¡¯ll be in trouble if word gets out about this.¡±

    ¡°Nothing will happen if you just keep quiet.¡±

    The highway was quite empty, perhaps because it was a weekday.

    In a little less than two hours, they arrived at where their GPS led them to. However, soldiers were blocking the unpaved road that went into the mountain.

    ¡°What¡¯s your purpose?¡± one of the soldiers asked.

    The soldier checked Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s IDs, then opened the barricade.

    Heading inside, they found four military trucks and two Jeeps in an area that seemed to be the parking lot. There were also two concrete barracks.

    As Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il and his party exited the car, the officers inside the barracks came outside.

    Choi Jong-Il greeted the officers first, but they already seemed acquainted with each other.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan?¡± one of the officers asked.

    ¡°That would be me.¡± Kang Chan corrected when the officers greeted Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯m Choi Seong-Geon, the brigadier general of the Third Airborne forces.¡±

    After shaking hands, Choi Seong-Geon corrected his greeting toward Seok Kang-Ho, then guided the two into the barrack that he hade out of not long ago.

    ¡°You guys should alsoe in,¡± Choi Seong-Geon told Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°We¡¯ll stay here.¡±

    ¡°Okay! Would you like me to send over some coffee?¡±

    ¡°We already had coffee on our way here.¡±

    With that, Choi Seong-Geon headed inside.

    The barrack had a simple interior. It didn¡¯t even have a sofa, which most ces had. It was certainly a perfect suit for the field.

    The first lieutenant quickly made instant coffee and put it on the table.

    ¡°I heard from the Section Chief and Kim sunbae about what you want to do. The soldiers you selected are waiting in the adjoining room,¡± Choi Seong-Geon told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Have some coffee.¡± Choi Seong-Geon looked up and examined Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho with his sunburnt face.

    Instant coffee had its own special taste, but it was even more delicious than usual, perhaps because it was chilly. After all, they were deep in the mountains.

    When they put down the paper cups, Choi Seong-Geon stood up from his seat. ¡°We have military uniforms and equipment prepared in the adjoining room.¡±

    In the field, soldiers were all the same. They were straightforward with everything, no matter what it was about.

    Choi Seong-Geon guided Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho into the barrack next door. As soon as they entered, the soldiers stood up from their seats.

    They were all wearing ck military uniforms and ck berets. The South Korean g was emroidered on their uniform¡¯s left forearm sleeve.

    ¡°Everyone, meet Mr. Kang Chan and Mr. Seok Kang-Ho,¡± Choi Seong-Geon introduced.

    The people looked at them with caution and slight curiosity.

    ¡°Pleasee out after changing into your uniforms,¡± Choi Seong-Gon said before leaving.

    Two military uniforms were hung up in front of the locker on the left.

    Since only men were in the barracks and they didn¡¯t have anything to hide, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho immediately went up to the locker and changed into their uniforms.

    Kang Chan was covered in scars, and Seok Kang-Ho still had bandages wrapped around him.

    After changing and putting their berets on their shoulder, they put on their boots.

    ¡°Team one?¡± Kang Chan called.

    No one replied.

    ¡°Team one?¡±

    Still no answer.

    It was as if they were saying thatthey were special force soldiers, so Kang Chan should respect them and at the very least follow etiquette if he wanted to order them around.

    Kang Chan smirked, then shook his head.

    By the time Seok Kang-Ho discreetly looked over Kang Chan¡¯s mood, Kang Chan had already given up.

    It seemed Kang Chan had expected too much from them because Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung had talked about their sense of duty so much.

    ¡°Daye, get our clothes. We¡¯re leaving.¡±

    Now wearing military boots, Seok Kang-Ho went on top of the bed. When he came down with their clothes, Kang Chan immediately went out of the barrack.

    Wearing military uniforms, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee were waiting for them in front of the barracks.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Choi Jong-Il¡¯s answer was a bit stronger than usual, perhaps because he was in uniform.

    ¡°We¡¯re heading back,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°I said we¡¯re heading back. From now on, my team will only consist of you three and Seok Kang-Ho. I¡¯ll find new members myself, so make do with what we have for now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    As Choi Jong-Il looked over their moods, Seok Kang-Ho got in the driver¡¯s seat withoutining. Choi Jong-Il only turned his head to look at them when Kang Chan walked to the passenger seat.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il,¡± Kang Chan called again.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re also thinking of only following my orders once I¡¯ve exined things like the fuckers inside, then you better quit right here!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho immediately drove away as soon as Kang Chan went into the passenger seat.

    They saw Choi Seong-Geon urgentlying out of the barracks and Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee quickly getting in the car.

    Was Kang Chan crossing the line?

    That was bullshit.

    Even French mercenaries answered if people called them.

    Even if it was distasteful, dirty, and cheap, all soldiers answered when given orders.

    It didn¡¯t matter if they hadpleted all kinds of special training in South Korea. Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to go out to an operation with people that couldn¡¯t even answer.

    <i>They want me to show my capabilities first? Why? Why should I go through all of that and still take them on an operation?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang, but he didn¡¯t even take it out.

 Chapter 136.1: What are you all doing here? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 136.1: What are you all doing here? (1)</h4>

    Choi Seong-Geon sat at his office desk as he spoke on the phone.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about this, but I believe what happened is that the young man acted arrogant and eventually decided to leave because he couldn¡¯t handle the soldiers.¡±

    <i>-Choi Seong-Geon, did you order Code A?</i>

    ¡°Sir, even without me having to order Code A, isn¡¯t it only natural in this field to prove your worthiness first if you want to lead a special forces team?¡±

    A long sigh came from the other side of the phone.

    -Brigadier General Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°Yes, sir?¡±

    <i>-I didn¡¯t expect you would be so big-headed just because you earned a star that you would dare offer me advice. This matter is highly ssified, so I can¡¯t say more on the matter, but if it meant making Kang Chan return and train the soldiers, Kim Tae-Jin, Kim Hyung-Jung, and I would dly get on our knees.?</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon looked at his aide with a curious and surprised expression.

    <i>-From this moment on, I will no longer consider you as my junior. You are a soldier of South Korea, a general who is supposed to serve his mothend willingly. I can¡¯t believe you of all people would ruin such a significant event because of your pathetic pride. I¡¯m embarrassed to have proudly rmended you as my junior.?</i>

    ¡°Sir! The men on standby right now are all strong enough to hold their own against any enemy.¡±

    <i>-You idiot. If Kang Chan wanted to, all the men there would have been dead by now. Let me tell you one thing. Even if Kim Tae-Jin, Kim Hyung-Jung, and I were to attack that man all at once, we wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat him. Don¡¯t think it¡¯s because of our age because even Choi Jong-Il willingly submitted to Kang Chan. Can you confidently say any of the men there are more outstanding than Choi Jong-Il?</i>

    ¡°That can¡¯t be possible.¡±

    A resigned sigh came from the other line, making it seem as if the caller was trying to control his temper. The call dropped right after.

    In disbelief, Choi Seong-Geon pressed a button on his phone to confirm if he had really been talking to Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ¡°What in the world is going on?¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon scrolled through his contacts and called another number. When the call connected, he heard another suppressed sigh.

    ¡°Mr. Kim, this is Choi Seong-Geon. Is that Kang Chan guy that important? Why is Mr. Jeon acting so furious? Mr. Kim, the abilities of my men here are¡ª¡±

    <i>-Choi Seong-Geon.?</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    <i>-I can¡¯t say much on this matter because this is a ssified government secret. However, just know that a single call from Mr. Kang Chan will have France sending their Foreign Legion and Russia dispatching their Spetsnaz¡¯s elite team. That incredible person offered his services for South Korea, but you turned him away because of your stupid pride.?</i>

    ¡°But he¡¯s still a young child.¡±

    <i>-It seems you now think that I and Mr. Jeon have low standards just because you have gained a star. Brigadier General Choi Seong-Geon, if it ever bes known that you let Code A happen, it will be the gravest mistake you¡¯ll ever make in your entire life.</i>

    ¡°You should have told me something that important in advance, sir!¡±

    <i>-You¡¯ve truly be the definition of a corrupt soldier. The Choi Seong-Geon I knew trusted and put his life at stake with a singlemand from Mr. Jeon. Where did that man go? Do you think the entire world is now at your mercy just because you have a star and the Third Airborne Forces under you?</i>

    Another low sigh echoed across the call before it dropped.

    ¡°Just who that bast¡ªthat guy for him to be a ssified government secret?!¡± Choi Seong-Geon shouted as he red at his aide.

    ¡°We couldn¡¯t find any other information about him other than that he was with the founder of the railway project at the Eurasian Rail conference event,¡± the aide replied.

    ¡°Well, Mr. Jeon and Mr. Kim aren¡¯t the kind to act like that just so they can try and kiss up to the president. <i>Haah</i>, what the hell is going on?¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon clenched his teeth and stepped over to the window.

    <i>¡®Damn it!¡¯</i>

    It was only at that moment that he realized the look that Kang Chan had in his eyes.

    ***

    ¡°We can¡¯t even stop by a bathroom because of this outfit,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration. They were currently wearing ck military wear, military boots, and a South Korean g on their left sleeve.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve at least picked up the phone,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Whatever. I think this is for the best. We¡¯re heading into a mission where people could die, so I don¡¯t want to choose men who can¡¯t put their hearts into it. Our team in the past used to beposed of men looking to die, and even with them, things still proved difficult. I won¡¯t be able to take it if I drag men who don¡¯t give two shits about the operation only for their lives to be sacrificed.¡±

    ¡°They just behaved that way because they have no idea who you are. They¡¯ll act differently once they do.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked and looked at his military wear.

    ¡°Over half of the soldiers in that barrack have never killed anyone. What could I do with those people?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, when none of them replied, I thought a few of those men¡¯s arms would be broken soon.¡±

    ¡°For what? It didn¡¯t look like anything would change even if I did that.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Even with big heads and bigger egos, those people wouldn¡¯t even be able to do half as much as rookies of the Foreign Legion. When they go into the battlefield, they¡¯ll rely solely on their abilities, and they¡¯ll cause a huge mess before dying. Not backing down and submitting to others doesn¡¯t mean you have a strong will. All that matters is whether or not you followmands.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho shook his head. He was reminded of the time Kang Chan beat up an arrogant recruit a long time ago. It was quite obvious how much that incident devastated the recruit.

    ¡°What about me? Why did you beat me into shape and take care of me?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked and nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Because you were just as lonely as I was.¡±

    ¡°Well, I suppose if you didn¡¯t drag me along, I would already be dead in some alley by now.¡±

    As they continued talking, Kang Chan¡¯s phone kept ringing.

    ¡°Park the car. Let¡¯s get out of these clothes,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    They reached a resting area about five minutester. Seok Kang-Ho parked the car, and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s car stopped right behind them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s change into something else and have some boiled chicken on the way back before going home.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il was about to say something but quickly went to his car and pulled out a new outfit. Using the wide-open car doors of the sedan as a curtain, they quickly changed into new clothes.

    Since they had already stopped, they thought it wouldn¡¯t hurt to have a smoke as well.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho bit on a cigarette each as Choi Jong-Il approached them.

    ¡°Mr. Jeon wants you to answer his calls, sir.¡±

    ¡°I will probably just get angry if I speak on the phone now. Give him a call once we hit the road again. Tell him I¡¯ll calm myself down and head back for today, then I¡¯ll go see him tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan likely felt even more disappointed because he thought the special forces he saw today would be like Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Choi Jong-Il. However, he did consider the fact that the soldiers probably didn¡¯t take to himself and Seok Kang-Ho all too well because they were chosen to train without knowing anything about the operation.

    Those men lived on pride, so Kang Chan understood why they would refuse to take orders from a high school student and a P.E. teacher. However, that was the very issue: they wouldn¡¯t listen to his orders.

    Mercenaries were an extremely defiant bunch. They would never submit to anyone unless they had learned that theirmander was exceptionally stronger. Nevertheless, they at least knew how to respond when they were spoken to.

    That difference in attitude mattered. Would they still follow orders even though doing so would make them feel like shit or would they act up right from the beginning?

    If the former type of person requested Kang Chan to demonstrate his capabilities, Kang Chan would have been more than willing to. However, Kang Chan thought there was no reason for him to show his abilities to insubordinate people who would say, ¡°This is how strong I am, so you better listen up,¡± from the beginning. That was just bullshit.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°If you¡¯re fine with it, want to have some maeun-tang for lunch?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked Kang Chan, approaching him just as he was about to step back into the car.

    ¡°Maeun-tang?¡±

    ¡°There is a great maeun-tang ce on the way back. It¡¯s near a reservoir in Anseong. Why don¡¯t we have lunch there?¡±

    That sounded like a good idea.

    Seok Kang-Ho put the address in the car¡¯s navigation system and immediately drove off.

    ¡°Cap, seriously, this is amazing,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as he elerated, leisurely moving the handle. ¡°My injuries¡­ They¡¯re just itchy now. I¡¯m already curious about what Director Yoo will have to say.¡±

    It was definitely a relief, but if Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s recovery was really as quick as he imed, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be concerned about word getting out and the possible side effects of this.

    They left the expressway after driving on the interstate for about an hour and entered a quiet country road.

    ¡°<i>Whoa</i>! What a fantastic view!¡±

    Mountains lined up to their left, a reservoir could be seen to the right.

    The asional fishing rods and parasols set up by fishers made for a picturesque scene.

    ¡°Now that I think about it, we¡¯ve never gone fishing,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    Kang Chan smiled faintly and rolled down the windows. He stretched out his arm as a refreshing breeze blew inside the car.

    Fishing, his ass. Kang Chan''s life was anything but idle, and he barely had time to even buy himself some pork cutlets in the past.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we stay the night here before going back?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Mr. Jeon Dae-Geuk and Mr. Kim Hyung-Jung will have a breakdown from all the anxiety,¡± Kang Chan replied jokingly.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>. Why not just give them a call then? You can do it after we have lunch.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I will.¡±

    The navigation system announced they were about 100 meters from their destination.

    1. Spicy fish stew.

 Chapter 136.2: What are you all doing here? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 136.2: What are you all doing here? (1)</h4>

    ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t that man over there Mr. Jeon Dae Geuk?¡±

    Kang Chan wasrgely taken aback when he turned the corner and was greeted by Jeon Dae-Geuk, who was sitting on the Korean-style wooden bench in front of the diner.

    As the door opened with a <i>click</i>, Kang Chan suddenly felt apologetic toward Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ¡°Section Chief Jeon! What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Well, why weren¡¯t you answering my calls?¡±

    What in the world? Kang Chan had never met someone like Jeon Dae-Geuk¡ªa man with a spirit so fiery that he would drag his injured body all the way here while sweating from all the pain.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°If you really are, treat me to some expensive maeun-tang!¡±

    ¡°I will. Please, let¡¯s head inside.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t do anything but surrender to this man.

    With the help of Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho, Jeon Dae-Geuk walked into the diner.

    ¡°Choi Jon-Il, tell all the employees standing outside toe in,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk ordered.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Jeon!¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Two people who seemed to have assisted Jeon Dae-Geuk to this ce soon entered the establishment.

    ¡°I¡¯m a regr at this ce,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°So you made Jong-Il rmend this restaurant to me?¡± Kang Chan was astounded.

    ¡°I would¡¯ve had to chase you around if I didn¡¯t!¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk replied defensively.

    The floor was warm and cozy.

    The elderly couple that ran the diner pulled over a nket on top of Jeon Dae-Geuk, who was leaning on a wall. They even gave him a pillow for his back. They tended to him with care.

    ¡°Why would you move around in this condition, sir?¡± the owner asked.

    ¡°That young man over there made me worried sick,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk replied with a smile. ¡°I might as well eat heartily now that I¡¯vee all the way here. Extra spicy, please. And enough for the guys outside too.¡±

    ¡°Got it. It¡¯ll take some time.¡±

    The elderly couple nced at Kang Chan and left after wrapping Jeon Dae-Geuk in the nket like a cocoon. Not too long after, the elderly man brought over three cups of instant coffee and put them on the table.

    ¡°You must have beening to this ce for a long time now,¡± Kang Chan noted.

    ¡°Back when I used to do field operations, I did. Whenever I was feeling down, I woulde here and sleep a night before heading back,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk responded.

    ¡°You feel down too, Mr. Jeon?¡± Kang Chan asked surprisedly.

    ¡°What? You think I¡¯m heartless and devoid of any emotions?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk scoffed.

    Kang Chan scratched the back of his head, feeling as if he made a mistake. If he had someone like Jeon Dae-Geuk in high school, he never would have left for Africa. If only a teacher like Seok Kang-Ho, or mentors like Kim Hyung-Jung and Kim Tae-Jin had been there for him back then¡­

    Kang Chan abashedly looked down at his stic cup.

    Just then, he heard someone utter a greeting from outside the diner, which was then followed by a familiar voice.

    The door slid open with a creak.

    <i>This is getting ridiculous.</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin was helping Kim Hyung-Jung inside.

    The surprised owner quickly hurried into the side room.

    ¡°What are all of you doing here?¡± Kang Chan asked, bbergasted.

    ¡°Why did youe here when you¡¯re not feeling well?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk followed up.

    ¡°I was craving some maeun-tang,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Kang Chan rushed forward and had Kim Hyung-Jung lean on the wall so quickly that he didn¡¯t get to properly exchange greetings with Kim Tae-Jin. The owner brought out another nket and pillow and had Kim Hyung-Jung rest on the pillow before wrapping the nket around him.

    A momentter, two more coffee cups were carried inside.

    ¡°Please give us an ashtray,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung requested from the owner.

    Hearing Kim Hyung-Jung from outside, Choi Jong-Il quickly brought an ashtray for him.

    ¡°See? This is what happens when you leave me out and do things yourselves,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you the businessman?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°Are you really in the position to say that?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Jeon Dae-Geuk, pretending to be upset, then red at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Hey, you said the nagging on the way here was gonna be the end of it,¡± Kim Hyung-Jungined.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m still upset!¡± Kim Tae-Jin yelped.

    Now, Kang Chan really felt as if he hadmitted a great sin.

    ¡°Take a smoke,¡± Jeon Dae-Geukmanded.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°I¡¯m putting down the ranks right now. Should we have a drink?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    At Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s words, Kim Hyung-Jung pulled out his hand from the nket and took a cigarette into his mouth, attempting to make Kang Chanfortable. Kang Chan signaled with his eyes to open the door and picked up a cigarette himself.

    Seok Kang-Ho held the lighter and lit up Kim Hyung-Jung and Kang Chan¡¯s cigarettes first before lighting up his own.

    ¡°We have this thing called Code A,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk began. ¡°It¡¯s a tradition to disregard the orders of a newmander or amander the soldiers dislike. Those in the special forces probably think it¡¯s a way to protect their pride since they won¡¯t be properly rewarded for things they do. I couldn¡¯t get rid of it during my time.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk then looked at Kim Hyung-Jung for assistance.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t inform the soldiers of your experience, Mr. Kang Chan. The misunderstanding most likely sprang up because of that. I will change the training to the First Airborne Forces and switch out all the soldiers as well,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung attempted, hoping to appease Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan faced Kim Hyung-Jung directly.

    ¡°Manager Kim Hyung-Jung, Section Chief Jeon Dae-Geuk. I think I was in the wrong to turn around without saying anything, and for not answering my phone. I even made the two of you and Director Kim Tae-Jin head all the way here.¡±

    Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray and looked at Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ¡°I left the training ground without a word for two reasons. First, all the soldiers present were unaware the operation could lead to death, and more than half of the men have never even shot anyone.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk let out a low sigh.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what Code A is. However, insubordinate soldiers and inexperienced soldiers will only get in the way and cause idents, regardless of how capable they are. If I want to be acknowledged as theirmander, I¡¯ll likely have to break some soldier¡¯s arm to disy my abilities, but that means the operation will already be held back at that point. What will be the point in me continuing to train the soldiers then?¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk sighed deeply again. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, youe to that judgment in that short amount of time?¡±

    ¡°To be honest, half of my judgment was based on instinct. However, the other half was based on my thought process,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kim Hyung-Jung nced at Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°There¡¯s no answer to something like this. Spec Ops are already hard enough even with themander and soldiers having each other¡¯s backs. No matter how much we exin to the soldiers, they won¡¯t be able to ept Mr. Kang Chan until they witness his abilities,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    It was a harsh judgment, but Kang Chan thought Kim Tae-Jin was right.

    They could spend days exining the situation to the soldiers, but without any visible proof, Kang Chan would only seem like a high school student to them.

    It would have been a different story if they were in this together for the long run. While they were training and coordinating with each other, the soldiers would naturally learn to obey Kang Chan. However, the operation was set to begin next week, so if there was any distrust between Kang Chan and the soldiers, all he would be doing was forcing them to march toward their deaths.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this subject anymore,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said in good nature when the atmosphere grew uneasy. ¡°Forget about it for now and just have some tasty maeun-tang. Then, when we get back, we can think about this again.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t one to hold grudges or be fixated on an issue, so that conversation ended there.

    ¡°Anyway, have you already recovered, Mr. Seok?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°Yes, I actually have. I healed up faster than I thought,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°And you¡¯re not even bandaged anymore?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°You know my body¡¯s unique,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kim Tae-Jin shook his head in disbelief.

    As they made small talk and discussed various topics, a portable gas burner and a wide pot were carried in. The wide pot was filled to the brim with three different types of half-cooked fish.

    The red soup bubbled deliciously when it was heated up. When no one took thedle to get maeun-tang, Seok Kang-Ho took the initiative and poured some of the soup into his bowl.

    ¡°Mr. Seok, would you like to try how we eat maeun-tang?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked with a smile.

    ¡°Sure!¡± Seok Kang-Ho agreed and watched the pot.

    They chatted for around ten more minutes.

    Kim Tae-Jin lifted his spoon and smushed the fish, then split the fish from head to tail, making it unrecognizable. As a result, the soup quickly thickened.

    ¡°After this, we¡¯ll wait for it to boil again. I learned this from my old bosses, who started this. This way, no one will have to feel apologetic about taking more fish for themselves in front of their superiors or subordinates. Everyone can easily get some of the soup without having to worry about offending anyone,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said as he sifted the maeun-tang with thedle. As he said, the soup had be so thick that it was almost like porridge. ¡°Now, let¡¯s dig in.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin served Jeon Dae-Geuk a bowl first before serving the others.

    ¡°Mm!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    Kang Chan scooped up some of the soup with his spoon. It was so good that he found himself smiling in surprise.

    The door slid open a tiny bit, and the owner brought five bowls of rice and three types of kimchi for them.

    No other words had to be said to describe how tasty it was. The bones of the fish were a little bothersome, but that small hindrance couldn¡¯t get anyone to give up on this miraculous dish.

    ¡°It¡¯s really delicious.¡±

    There was more than enough to go around too. They all had two bowls before they got to the bottom of the pot.

    Kang Chan put his cutlery down after eating to his heart¡¯s content. If someone asked him to choose between a French feast and this maeun-tang, he would¡¯ve picked maeun-tang in a heartbeat.

    The table was moved aside after they were done eating, and they were served more coffee.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to get some shut-eye,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk dered as he brazenlyy down on his side and moved the pillow from his back to under his head.

    ¡°I¡¯lle back after getting some air,¡± Choi Jong-Il said.

    ¡°Sure, whatever you want,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied with a smile. With an eye gesture, Kim Tae-Jin helped him up so the remaining four could head out to the Korean-style bench in front of the diner.

 Chapter 137.1: What are you all doing here? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 137.1: What are you all doing here? (2)</h4>

    The reservoir¡¯s scenery, which stretched out across the other side of the street, was quite easy on the eyes. Kang Chan was taking in the sight with admiration when a voice broke the peaceful silence.

    ¡°Please,¡± Kim Tae-Jin started out of nowhere. ¡°I know the soldiers aren¡¯t up to your standards and that their attitude disappointed you. But Section Chief Jeon, this guy here, and I poured our heart and souls into shaping those soldiers.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nced at Kim Hyung-Jung, then continued, ¡°We have never properlyunched an attack against an enemy nation until now. Even when I used to work on the field with Hyung-Jung at the DMZ, all we did was make our way around North Korea¡¯s guard posts.¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t aware of what the Mongolian operation had exactly been, but Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s words killed some of his expectations for it.

    ¡°A team of soldiers who have experience going to enemy territory¡­ Please make that kind of team for us. We know you¡¯re capable enough to do that. On the way here, I heard from Hyung-Jung that you have the power to call over the special French and Russian mercenaries whenever you¡¯d like. I don¡¯t even have to mention all the great things you¡¯ve done that I have witnessed with my own eyes. Please, forget about the strings attached and don¡¯t worry about them. Would you do me, Mr. Jeon, and Hyung-Jung this favor and help us out just this once?¡± Kim Tae-Jin solemnly requested.

    When Kang Chan turned around and made eye contact with Kim Hyung-Jung, he immediately realized that he wouldn¡¯t be able to say no to this request. How could he pretend not to notice their pleading and grave eyes?

    It wasn¡¯t like they were asking him for something petty like babysitting their kids or lending them money. Their request was far nobler than that¡ªthey wanted him to train with the soldiers of South Korea and take them on a field operation.

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh.

    ¡°All right,¡± Kang Chan finally agreed.

    ¡°Really? You¡¯ll do it?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked, looking a lot brighter.

    ¡°Do you think you would be able to say no if anyone asks you that request so seriously, Director Kim?¡± Kang Chan asked in disbelief.

    Kim Tae-Jin drew a broad smile on his lips.

    ¡°Well, now that we¡¯re done with that delicious lunch, I¡¯ll be heading back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Right now? Already?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked in surprise.

    ¡°Section Chief Jeon will stay here if I don¡¯t go back, won¡¯t he?¡± Kang Chan asked resignedly.

    ¡°What made you think that?¡± Kim Tae-Jin sarcastically admonished.

    ¡°Just hurry and escort him to a hospital, sir. I¡¯ll make my trip back to the training grounds the way we came here,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Trust me, I really will go back,¡± Kang Chan assured him.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. I just want to take a look around myself, so let¡¯s head over there together. We can just take one car on the way there. Sang-Hyun is in Cheonan right now, so I¡¯ll tell him toe here so I can head back to Seoul with himter.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin had already been discharged from the hospital and was already back to work anyway, so Kang Chan saw no reason to say no.

    Having made a decision, there was no need for them to drag things out. Everyone got up and immediately headed for the room where Jeon Dae-Guk was lying down.

    ¡°Mr. Jeon, please get up and hurry to the hospital. I¡¯ll be heading back to Jeungpyeong now,¡± Kang Chan informed Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ¡°What?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked in disbelief. He sprang up, but he soon frowned due to the pain brought by the sudden movement.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going with him, Section Chief. I¡¯ll tell Sang-Hyun toe over as well,¡± Kim Tae-Jin added.

    ¡°Are you sure you can go?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°I want to take a look around with Kang Chan while I¡¯m here,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    ¡°All right. Do what you want, then. Make sure things don¡¯t go badly. Kang Chan, if anyone starts acting up again, just kill them on the spot, got it?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said, only half-joking.

    Kang Chan chuckled, clearly amused.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know about killing them, but I¡¯ll break their arms if that¡¯s what it takes to get them in proper shape,¡± Kang Chan assured him.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk gratefully said.

    ¡°However, in return, you have to go to a hospital immediately, okay?¡± Kang Chan urged.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk nodded and quickly turned his gaze.

    ¡°Give Choi Seong-Geon a nice little phone call, won¡¯t you?¡± he ordered Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied, immediately picking up his phone.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho drove. Kang Chan sat in the passenger seat, and Kim Tae-Jin sat behind Kang Chan.

    Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee were in another car, and Suh Sang-Hyun said in a phone call with Kim Tae-Jin that he would immediately head over to Jeungpyeong straight from where he was.

    Kang Chan counted how many people they would have.

    ¡°Director Kim, are you sure you havepletely recovered?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve already told you this before,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s form a team together,¡± Kang Chan suggested, making Kim Tae-Jin seem confused. However, he soon understood what Kang Chan was saying.

    ¡°Are you sure about that? It¡¯ll be one hell of an embarrassment if we lose,¡± Kim Tae-Jin warned.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it anyway. It¡¯s a whole lot better than getting annoyed over team members whose hearts aren¡¯t in it, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan rebutted.

    Kim Tae-Jin, whose face was peering out forward from between the driver¡¯s seat and the passenger seat, made a knowing smile. His blood was boiling up for the uing fight.

    ***

    After about another hour on the road, Kang Chan reached the training grounds again. They rode past the barricades at the entrance and stopped in the parking lot. Nothing had changed since he wasst here a couple of hours ago.

    Choi Seong-Geon headed outside to greet them once again. Seeing Kim Tae-Jin, he greeted him with ax military salute.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we head inside first before we begin anything?¡± Choi Seong-Geon offered.

    He wasn¡¯t able to hide his displeasure, but none of that mattered. It didn¡¯t change the fact that their first impressions had gotten off to a bad start anyway. It was understandable that Choi Seong-Geon was mad because Kang Chan left without so much as a word.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll get changed first,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°General Choi. I¡¯m sure you can lend me and Sang-Hyun some military uniforms and equipment as well?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be running the grounds yourself, sir?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked in disbelief.

    ¡°I want to see what kids these days are like with my own eyes,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    Choi Seong-Geon gritted his teeth and let out a quiet sigh. Seeing Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho change into military wear, Choi Jong-Il followed suit and pulled out his own outfit.

    ¡°What do you n on doing?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked Kang Chan.

    The question made Kim Tae-Jin turn his gaze to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Director Kim, Mr. Suh, Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il¡¯s group of three, and I will be forming a team,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°Seven members? And? What then?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked, acting miffed as if he had just been looked down on.

    ¡°We will be the infiltrating team,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Hm! How many soldiers should we put on defense then?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked stiffly.

    ¡°Where will the training take ce?¡± Kang Chan asked in turn.

    Choi Seong-Geon looked up and pointed at a mountain on the other side.

    ¡°High-ground training battles take ce on the mountain up front, and we have a separate building prepared for urban operations if you go around back this way.¡±

    Kang Chan considered the terrain in China and the UK, which was where the operation would take ce. With those countries in mind, he determined that the urban training grounds would be more appropriate to use.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go with the urban training grounds then. Excluding our team members, how many personnel do we have avable?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    As he was speaking, a car quickly drove to the area where they were standing. The conversation then briefly paused as they exchanged greetings with Suh Sang-Hyun.

    ¡°We have twenty-two soldiers who are still waiting on standby to create a team. We also have thirty soldiers from the Third Airborne Forces on standby.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the size of the building?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s five stories high.¡±

    Great. Then there was no need to debate any further. It was the perfect training condition.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to do assassination target training. Mark the assassination targets and use the remaining soldiers to guard them,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    ¡°Mmm,¡± Choi Seong-Geon exhaled, seemingly sighing deeply. He then looked directly at Kang Chan. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the target on our side. Since I also have to be wearing the appropriate attire, please do wait a moment. Mr. Kim, the military uniforms should be inside. Youe in too, Suh Sang-Hyun.¡±

    Suh Sang-Hyun was bewildered, not having any idea what was going on. However, he followed Kim Tae-Jin inside anyway.

    Kang Chan beckoned over Choi Jong-Il and the other two with a wave of his hand.

    ¡°We need a sniper,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    Choi Jong-Il turned his gaze toward Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Lee Doo-Hee said, stepping forward.

    As Kang Chan finished giving a few orders to his men, Choi Seong-Geon, Kim Tae-Jin, and Suh Seong-Hyun came out of the barracks wearing military wear.

    It was already about 3 o¡¯clock in the afternoon.

    ¡°Tell the men toe out with the equipment,¡± Choi Seong-Geonmanded the officers as he put his hands at his waist. He was oozing with determination to show Kang Chan his and his men¡¯s abilities.

    Not long after, soldiers came out of the barracks where Kang Chan had gotten changed earlier. Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s aide handed them radios, and they all stared at the radios sharply.

    <i>It¡¯s not like the radio will break just because they re at it.</i>

    But the glint in their eyes was something Kang Chan could work with.

 Chapter 137.2: What are you all doing here? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 137.2: What are you all doing here? (2)</h4>

    Rifles, grenades, and methrowers were put in front of them. Among them were three types of modified K-1 rifles. They were equipped with day/night system rifle scopes and had small rangefinders attached to the side.

    <i>Click. Click.?</i>

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho picked up the Daewoo Tel K7s and suppressed submachine guns. Kim Tae-Jin, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party took K-1 rifles.

    Next up were pistols.

    They loaded Glock pistols on their right waist and left legs, having mentally calcted the number of rounds that they would need for this training session.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect that he would be using a bay today. He picked up the ded weapon and drew it from its sheath.

    The de wasn¡¯t sharp, which was to be expected. However, Kang Chan still had to arm himself with it. Hence, he hung the bay on his right leg.

    After attaching six rifle magazines and three pistol magazines to his body, an officer walked over to approach him.

    The officer used a machine that looked like an inspection device to confirm the weapons that Kang Chan was armed with. Afterward, he handed Kang Chan a card the size of a business card, which the machine had produced.

    ¡°Please insert it into the device in your left pocket,¡± the officer said.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know that his garment included the device the officer was talking about. When he looked inside the left pocket of his upper attire, he found a device which he could insert the card into. When he did, the device let out a <i>click</i>, and all the equipment that he was wearing let out mechanical beeping sounds.

    Meanwhile, the officer checked everyone¡¯s weapons with the tool and handed them cards. The entire process took about twenty minutes.

    ¡°The guns produce sound and recoils that are nearly the same as real guns. If someone is killed by a gun, grenade, or bay, it will be recorded on the mainputer. Moreover, the beeping sound that you heard when the cards were inserted into your devices will begin to ring again. Whenever a grenade explodes, the devices of any nearby soldiers will detect it and notify them of injuries and deaths,¡± the officer exined.

    Technology had truly made remarkable advancements.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Now, then. We¡¯ll be heading to the training area,¡± added the officer.

    While Kang Chan¡¯s party was divided up among the jeeps, the soldiers got into the backs of the trucks.

    One could easily tell another person¡¯s ability based on their posture and attitude when they handle weapons. Consequently, the soldiers had quite a curious look in their eyes as they looked at Kang Chan and climbed into the vehicles.

    They traveled around back for about a hundred meters on the rough mountain terrain, eventually reaching a in surrounded by mountains. Surprisingly, there were buildings throughout the area.

    When Kang Chan dropped off the jeep, he felt as if he had just gotten off a bus in the middle of a city.

    ¡°It was modeled exactly after a certain district in Seoul. I will be on the fifth floor of the stock firm building up ahead. Just like the real thing, the interior of the building isposed of elevators, stairs, and offices,¡± Choi Seong-Geon exined with a proud expression and tone. ¡°Since it is currently fifteen hundred and fifty hours, we will begin when the signal sounds at sixteen hundred and ten hours. Keep in mind that a preemptive attack can beunched from our side as well.¡±

    Afterward, Choi Seong-Geon saluted Kim Tae-Jin and immediately headed toward the stock firm building.

    The operation would begin in twenty minutes. Choi Seong-Geon intentionally did not give Kang Chan a map of the city. Kang Chan debated whether or not he should ask him for one, but he decided against it.

    Of course, that didn¡¯t mean that he shouldn¡¯t make an effort to survey their surrounding buildings. Kang Chan looked at a nearby three-story building.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go up there for now,¡± he said.

    Everyone with him understood the intent behind his strategy, so they all followed Kang Chan up to the rooftop of the three-story building that he had set as his initial target location.

    The miniature city was a lotrger in scale than Kang Chan had expected. The buildings were densely packed within a hundred-meter radius centered around the five-story stock firm building, giving the feeling of being on a movie set.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il. You two will be in Team Two,¡± Kang Chan announced.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il nodded in response.

    ¡°Director Kim, please take charge of Lee Doo-Hee and the sniper team,¡± Kang Chan spoke again.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    ¡°Mr. Suh Sang-Hyung and Woo Hee-Seung will be in Team Three.¡±

    The two men also acknowledged Kang Chan¡¯s orders with a nod.

    ¡°When you want to speak to me over the radio, refer to me as Team One.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the n?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked as he nced around their surroundings. He then turned his gaze back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s simple, really. Imagine the situation is switched around and that we are the defending side. They will most definitelye out to capture us as soon as the signal sounds,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>,¡± Kim Tae-Jin sighed contemtively, then nodded.

    ¡°You will be our side¡¯s target, Mr. Kim. ¡± Kang Chan said, then turned to Lee Doo-Hee and called him.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Lee Doo-Hee replied.

    ¡°The defending side will no doubt position snipers on the rooftop of the five-story building over there. If you spot a window of opportunity and it seems doable, take them out. This is where the victors of the first round will be decided. Even if it¡¯s hard to shoot them, try to attract their attention as much as you can.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Lee Doo-Hee said.

    ¡°Mr. Suh Sang Hyun and Woo Hee-Seung, block the entrance of the building as best as you can to protect our target,¡± Kang Chan gave orders again.

    ¡°Then my role is to stay in here?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Please draw the attention of the enemies from here,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said with a nod.

    Kang Chan turned to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Guerri warfare, remember?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Got it, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Cover me as I infiltrate the building,¡± Kang Chan ordered Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Are you nning to go in immediately?¡± Kim Tae-Jin questioned incredulously.

    Kang Chan¡¯s only response was a mischievous smile.

    ***

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun!¡± Choi Seong-Geon shouted.

    ¡°Yes, General,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied sharply.

    ¡°You lead the squad and go out. Make sure you show that rude little kid the power of the Third Airborne Forces,¡± Choi Seong-Geon ordered.

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho,¡± Choi Seong-Geon called next.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied robustly.

    ¡°You will be in charge of Unit 606 and the special team. Position snipers on the rooftop and move separately from Cha Dong-Gyun. Once you¡¯re outside, eliminate as many enemies as quickly as you can,¡± Choi Seong-Geon ordered again.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho responded.

    ¡®The rest of you, stand guard on each floor,¡± Choi Seong-Geon gave his finalmand.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the soldiers replied.

    Choi Seong-Geon sat on the couch in the stock firm and looked outside the window.

    ¡°Ha! How fucking ridiculous!¡±Choi Seong-Geon eximed, feeling a mixture of astonishment and frustration. ¡°A high school kid and a physical education teacher? And they¡¯re even ssified government secrets? Hahaha!¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon shook his head and gritted his teeth. Just then, his aide put aptop next to the table for him. In it were columns with card numbers and names. The columns were divided into categories of alive, dead, and injured. At the very bottom marked down the total number of soldiers.

    So far, all of the soldiers had a green light under the alive section.

    ¡°Is this the button?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± his aide replied.

    Choi Seong-Geon pressed the button that was marked with a single ¡°S.¡± As soon as he did, the siren bells in the vicinity began to re three consecutive times.

    ¡°Ridiculous. I just don¡¯t believe it,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said cynically.

    After pressing the button, he let out a dubiousugh, seemingly finding the situation absurd.

    ***

    Sirens rang throughout the entire miniature city. Lee Doo-Hee positioned himself behind the entrance of the rooftop in a way that allowed him to stay out of sight while still having his rifle aimed at the five-story stock firm building. Behind him, Kim Tae-Jin, Suh Sang-Hyung, and Woo Hee-Seung pressed against the wall of the rooftop in a triangle formation.

    ¡°Is it really going to be okay for us to stay like this?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun asked worriedly.

    Kim Tae-Jin gave Suh Sang-Hyun a look as if asking what he meant.

    ¡°The enemy has fifty-two defending soldiers,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun said.

    ¡°Who is ourmander?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked firmly.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡­¡± Suh Sang-Hyun trailed off.

    ¡°Do you really not know why Kang Chan included you and me here?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not sure,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun replied with uncertainty. He genuinely didn¡¯t seem to have a clue.

    ¡°Quite a ruckus went down today,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Kim Tae-Jin quickly scanned the surrounding buildings, then briefly nced at Suh Sang-Hyun.

    ¡°Apparently, Section Chief and Hyung-Jung gave Choi Seong-Geon a harsh scolding,¡± he added.

    ¡°They did? Why would they do that?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun asked in surprise.

    ¡°Kang Chan included us in this fight against fifty-two soldiers out of sheer consideration for Mr. Jeon and Kim Hyung-Jung. He probably wanted to prove to everyone that their judgment wasn¡¯t wrong,¡± Kim Tae-Jin mused.

    Suh Sang-Hyun turned his head as far as he could to check on their allies, then turned back to Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Did Kang Chan actually say that?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun asked doubtfully.

    ¡°Do you really think Kang Chan would go around saying such mushy things?¡± Kim Tae-Jin said cynically as if he couldn¡¯t believe that Suh Sang-Hyun would even ask such a thing.

    Just then, two rounds from what sounded like they were from Daewoo Tel K7s rang out consecutively.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun quickly looked around, but nothing came into view.

    ***

    Beep. Beep.

    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s going on?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked, confused.

    Choi Seong-Geon leaned forward so much that it seemed as if he was sticking his face into theptop. Red lights appeared under the dead column. The total number of soldiers that were still alive decreased to fifty.

    Choi Seong-Geon numbly stared at theptop monitor. It didn¡¯t take long for three more beeping sounds to echo out. The number of soldiers marked dead with the red light increased.

    For the first time today, Choi Seong-Geon looked shocked. His eyes widened as he looked outside the window. However¡­

    <i>Beep. Beep.?</i>

    More deaths appeared on the monitor.

    ¡°Did they all line up so the enemy can shoot them all down with ease? Radio Cha Dong-Gyun right now!¡± Choi Seong-Geon bellowed as he turned to his aide.

    <i>Beep.?</i>

    ¡°Hey! I told you to get in contact with Cha Dong-Gyun!¡± Choi Seong-Geon shouted again.

    ¡°General Choi, First Lieutenant Cha Dong-Gyun is already dead,¡± the aide replied. The aide''s stunned expression showed that even he had gone nk due to the shock.

 Chapter 138.1: In a whole different league (1)

    <h4>Chapter 138.1: In a whole different league (1)</h4>

    Choi Jong-Il couldn¡¯t fire a single round of the K7 in his hands. He simply didn¡¯t get the chance to.

    <i>¡®Eleven soldiers.¡¯</i>

    Choi Jong-Il knew the soldiers of the South Korean special forces and their training like the back of his hand. Moreover, based on what Choi Jong-Il knew of Kang Chan''s meleebat abilities, he already expected his men to have difficulties defeating Kang Chan. However, he didn¡¯t expect their battle would be so one-sided.

    Bang! Bang!

    <i>¡®That¡¯s thirteen now!¡¯</i>

    This was on another level. Kang Chan made no sounds as he moved.

    Crawling forward on one¡¯s belly, moving by twisting one¡¯s body from side to side, opening fire while running, rolling on the ground and immediately assuming a firing position¡­ Choi Jong-Il had learned all of that too. However, he never would have imagined doing it the way Kang Chan did.

    This wasn¡¯t just a man with a rifle. Choi Jong-Il felt as if he was watching a monster with three arms, one of which was a gun.

    Kang Chan leaned on the corner of a building and lowered his stance before pointing with his index and middle fingers at the building right in front of him.

    Seok Kang-Ho had a very sturdy build. However, that same burly and stocky man was currently creeping forward in a hunched position as silently as a cat.

    Choi Jong-Il initially couldn¡¯t understand what they were doing, but he realized for the first time in his life that if he aimed his rifle¡¯s scope toward the ss window of the building from a short distance away, they could see through the reflection.

    Seok Kang-Ho pointed four of his fingers.

    <i>One, two¡­!</i>

    Kang Chan had a habit of always being half a beat early.

    By the time he had extended his right leg outward as smoothly as a spider would, his body was already out and turning the corner.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Kang Chan fired precisely four bullets. He didn¡¯t have to fire in rapid session to take down his targets.

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep</i>.

    Kang Chan returned to his original position and gave a slight nod to Seok Kang-Ho.

    With Choi Jong-Il covering his back, Seok Kang-Ho advanced onward and upied the area where the special forces soldiers had been assassinated just moments before.

    <i>¡®Seventeen!¡¯</i>

    Choi Jong-Il stood next to Seok Kang-Ho and nced at the faces of the soldiers whom Kang Chan had swiftly killed. They seemed to be in disbelief at first for having been taken out of the battle so easily, but they soon despaired and, finally, seethed in anger over how powerless they were.

    They never stood a chance. How could they even ¡°fight back¡± when they werepletely unmatched? If this was a real operation, this would rightfully have been called a massacre, not a battle.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted. He spun his index finger in the air and gestured toward the building to their one o¡¯clock.

    Choi Jong-Il had no idea why their enemies were lying in wait there, and he also couldn¡¯t figure out how Kang Chan had caught on to their n.

    However, Choi Jong-Il was certain about one thing. There would most definitely be soldiers on their one o¡¯clock, and they would soon get assassinated!

    This day was filled with new realizations for Choi Jong-Il. On that note, he came to the realization today that he could move without making a single sound even if he was wearingbat boots for as long as he touched the ground using the outer edges of his feet first.

    Naturally, however, knowing how to do it and actually putting it into action were two different things.

    Choi Jong-Il wobbled so badly that he was having a hard time keeping up.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan pointed at his eyes with his index and middle fingers, then signaled that there were two soldiers to their left and three to their right.

    <i>One, two!</i>

    <i>Bang! Baang! Baang! Bang!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho smirked¡ªor at least the man that Choi Jong-Il formerly knew as Seok Kang-Ho did.

    It was almost as if Seok Kang-Ho had split personalities, much to Choi Jong-Il¡¯s amazement. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gaze, actions, and even facial expression made him seem like an entirely different person.

    Choi Jong-Il was soon brought back to reality with a wave from Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>¡®Get a grip, Choi Jong-Il! There are five soldiers here, that¡¯s twenty-two cleared in total!¡¯</i>

    There were only thirty men left now.

    Kang Chan had eliminated twenty-two soldiers in merely twenty minutes, which was equivalent to about one person per minute.

    With this training operation, Choi Jong-Il learned something important.

    Fighting Kang Chan in a one-on-one knife battle meant getting severely injured before death. However, fighting him in a gunfight just meant instant death. To put it more urately, Kang Chan only required a single shot to take his opponent down.

    ***

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.?</i>

    ¡°Ha. Hahahaha!¡± Choi Seong-Geon burst outughing incredulously as he looked at the entrance with a dazed expression.

    Choi Seong-Geon didn¡¯t even have to contemte that long to imagine what would happen if Kang Chan were let loose in the DMZ. If they had an enemy like Kang Chan wreaking havoc in the DMZ¡­ Choi Seong-Geon didn¡¯t even want to finish the thought.

    ¡°Ahem,¡± Choi Seong-Geon coughed embarrassedly. He now understood why Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung furiously scolded him and told him that they would no longer treat him as their junior.

    They had suffered twenty-two deaths in twenty-one minutes and twenty-six seconds.

    <i>That means he took down one man every single minute¡­</i>

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep.?</i>

    ¡°Huhuhuhu.¡±

    No, he was wrong. The results were far more incredible than what he could hope to imagine.

    ¡°He still hasn¡¯t used the radios once until now, has he?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked.

    ¡°No, sir,¡± his subordinate replied.

    ¡°Ha!¡± Choi Seong-Geon eximed as he red at the button marked with the single letter ¡°S.¡±

    Once he pressed the button again, the training operation would be over immediately.

    His soldiers¡¯ pride had probably already been hurt enough. How much damage would it do if all fifty-two of them were defeated and the subject that they had to protect was assassinated? All of that against a team of only seven men, at that¡­

    Rumors would inevitably spread among the other soldiers. However, that wasn¡¯t the issue right now. Choi Seong-Geon had to somehow think of a way to restore the devastated pride of his men.

    Could there be anything more important than keeping the pride of South Korea¡¯s representative, their country¡¯s most elite special forces team, intact?

    Choi Seong-Geon anxiously gulped as he moved his finger above the button marked ¡°S.¡±

    ***

    <i>Weeoo! Weeoo! Weeoo!</i>

    The moment Kang Chan¡¯s team discovered their next targets and began approaching them, the siren that rang when the training began started ringing again.

    It was only a little over half past four, so the sun was still high up in the sky.

    [Training is over! All personnel, gather in front of the stock firm building!]

    The voice of Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s aide echoed clearly through the miniature city, making it seem as if it was broadcast over the inte by a mayor in a rural vige.

    Kang Chan straightened up and turned to Choi Jong-Il with a curious look.

    ¡°It seems the training is over, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Choi Jong-Il said.

    Kang Chan waspletely aware of that. He heard the announcements as well. He shot a nce toward Choi Jong-Il not because he didn¡¯t understand the announcement but because he wanted to know why the training was suddenly rushed to an end.

    The soldiers who had been numbly sitting down on the ground got to their feet. As they walked toward the stock firm building, some looked at Kang Chan with sharp gazes while others shot him nces filled with disbelief.

    ¡°Kang Chan!¡± Kim Tae-Jin shouted in greeting.

    Kim Tae-Jin, Suh Sang-Hyun, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee walked over to him with their rifles pointed toward the ground.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked in confusion.

    ¡°I¡¯m not really sure,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I kept hearing gunshots. What were those?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked again.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan assassinated twenty-five soldiers, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il chimed in, answering the question.

    ¡°What? How many?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked, doubting his ears.

    ¡°Twenty-five in total, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il repeated.

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded in understanding, seemingly having realized why the training had ended so abruptly.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand what the fuss was about. After all, the number meant nothing to him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go and see,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    As the party reached the stock firm building, Choi Seong-Geon and his aide walked out to greet them. They then politely saluted Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°I would like to stop the training here,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    ¡°Well, it doesn''t matter to me. Whatever themander says goes, and you¡¯re in charge, General Choi,¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded.

    ¡°Can I invite you all to dinner?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked.

    Kim Tae-Jin turned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sure, why not.¡±

    ¡°Great. Let¡¯s head back down, then,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    Following Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s long strides, the group left the miniature city the same way they came.

    Not too long after, they arrived at the parking lot in front of the barracks.

    ¡°You can turn in your weapons to the officer,¡± Choi Seong-Geon stated.

    That was fantastic. There was certainly no need to lug these heavy things around.

    Kang Chan took off the radio and the weapons he was carrying and set them down.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you head inside for a moment, everyone? Just go and check if the food has been prepared as nned for now,¡± Choi Seong-Geon ordered his aide.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the officer replied.

    Upon hearing his aide¡¯s affirmation, Choi Seong-Geon opened the door to his barrack. Kim Tae-Jin, Kang Chan, and Seok Kang-Ho followed him inside.

    Choi Seong-Geon gestured for them to take a seat at the table and brought them cups of instant coffee.

    ¡°Do you smoke?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes, I do,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s okay if we smoke, right?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    Kim Tae-Jin replied by holding out his hand to ask for a cigarette as well.

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t seen the type of ashtray in front of them in a while. It was a massive ss tray that seemed like it would require smoking ten packs of cigarettes to fill it.

    Choi Seong-Geon offered Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho a Korean-made cigarette before taking one out for himself, and Seok Kang-Ho pulled out a lighter to light up their smokes.

    ¡°<i>Haan</i>. Sir, what is the real purpose of this training?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked Kim Tae-Jin. His eyes shed sharply, and his tone was dead serious. ¡°I know it¡¯s a ssified government secret. I also admit that it was my fault for not keeping the soldiers in check this morning. However, at the very least, I would like to know <i>why?</i>I¡¯m making my men go through such training before I force them to do it.¡±

    <i>Oh, so they didn¡¯t tell Choi Seong-Geon either.?</i>

    Kang Chan finally realized why the atmosphere was so heavy.

    ¡°That¡¯s a question that only Mr. Jeon can answer. Why don¡¯t you give him a call right now instead?¡± Kim Tae-Jin suggested.

    ¡°I see,¡± Choi Seong-Geon mused.

    Choi Seong-Geon peeked at Kang Chan, then pulled out his phone and pressed a few buttons to dial Jeon Dae-Geuk.

 Chapter 138.2: In a whole different league (1)

    <h4>Chapter 138.2: In a whole different league (1)</h4>

    It was only a few seconds when the call connected and Jeon Dae-Guek answered.

    ¡°Mr. Jeon, this is Choi Seong-Geon. Yes, sir. The training just ended. No, sir. Everything went well. Mr. Jeon, what exactly is the mission of this training?¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon pressed the cigarette he was smoking in the ashtray to extinguish it and continued speaking into the phone.

    ¡°I¡¯m well aware it¡¯s a ssified government secret. However, I will swear on the honor of the Field Army that I will keep quiet. Why do my men have to do this training? What lies at the end of this training? And what is the true identity of this man in front of me named Kang Chan?¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon stared at Kang Chan as he spoke, making it seem as if he was arguing with Kang Chan. He then removed his gaze and turned to the window.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Please wait a moment.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon suddenly held out the phone to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    <i>-Just what in the world did you do for Choi Seong-Geon to be so heated?</i>

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s question made Kang Chan peek at Choi Seong-Geon.

    <i>?-Go ahead and tell him your n. Choi Seong-Geon is full of pride. He¡¯s a soldier through and through. He won¡¯t ever disclose secrets even if a dagger is held against his throat.?</i>

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where to start. It seems like he has no idea who I am,¡± Kang Chan countered.

    <i>-I¡¯ll exin that to him, so don¡¯t worry about that. Please tell him.?</i>

    ¡°Alright, I understand,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan gave the phone back to Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Yes. I do know. Yes. What?¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon shot Kang Chan apletely different look from before.

    ¡°Is that really true? Of course, I saw. You should¡¯ve told me that earlier, sir! Understood. Yes, yes. I will give a report to you tomorrow,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    After hanging up the phone, Choi Seong-Geon took a deep breath, then enticingly smiled.

    ¡°Are you the person called God of ckfield, Mr. Kang Chan?¡± he asked.

    Kang Chan was a little embarrassed by the nickname, so he just smiled awkwardly and replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That ¡®God of ckfield¡¯ who went on the Mongolian rescue operation?¡± Choi Seong-Geon reiterated.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct. Seok Kang-Ho and I went on the operation together,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°You were a part of that? When?¡± Kim Tae-Jin jumped in, taken aback because it was his first time hearing of this as well.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t know, sir? The code name of the Korean agent who brought back Mr. Kim Hyung-Jung is God of ckfield! He¡¯s a role model to all of our soldiers, and they desperately want to meet him!¡± Choi Seong-Geon shouted in excitement.

    ¡°What? So back then, when Hyung-Jung was injured and you said you had to leave for somece far away for some time¡­ That was when you left for Mongolia?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked, clearly astounded.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t tell you,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this! Kang Chan, how could you! You as well, Mr. Seok! How can you do this to me?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked with a betrayed expression.

    Meanwhile, Choi Seong-Geon now behavedpletely differently from how he did a few moments ago.

    ¡°The agents who went with Mr. Kim on the operation back then were part of the 606 and the special forces of the DMZ. Those men have not recovered enough yet to train, which is why they¡¯re not here. They¡¯ve been keeping their lips sealed about that mission, but I still heard about the greatness of the God of ckfield. Haha! You should have told me earlier!¡± Choi Seong-Geon eximed as he enthusiastically held out his hand. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to meet you in person, Mr. Kang Chan. Mr. Seok, you must be the one who apanied him on the operation!¡±

    After shaking Kang Chan¡¯s hand, Choi Seong-Geon held out his hand to Seok Kang-Ho. Choi Seong-Geon gripped Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s hand so hard that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but grimace in pain just by watching the scene.

    ¡°Mr. Kim and Mr. Kang Chan. For dinner today, I¡¯ve prepared a feast with a whole pig to cheer up my men. Why don¡¯t you all join us for dinner?¡±

    ¡°Sure, why not?¡± Kim Tae-Jin epted.

    ¡°Sounds good to me too,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    Choi Seong-Geon grinned widely with a satisfied expression.

    ¡°Wonderful! Now, all that¡¯s left is why my men are doing this training. Let¡¯s go out and head to dinner after finishing this conversation,¡± he said with a genuinely curious face.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk had already expressed his approval over the phone, and Kim Tae-Jin was informed of the situation as well, so Kang Chan had no reason to keep the operation a secret anymore.

    ¡°I am going to take revenge on the countries thatmitted acts of terror in our country,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s grin instantly vanished.

    ¡°I believe our first target will be China. I divided the men into multiple teams today to observe them and select twelve people to form a unit,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Did you just say China?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked in shock.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. China is correct,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Choi Seong-Geon seemed to be having a difficult time believing Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    ¡°France will provide us with the airnes for our transportation, the weapons, and any other additional intelligence we may require,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Is that how you flew to Mongolia during the previous operation?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Choi Seong-Geon clenched his teeth at the scale of the mission.

    ¡°We won¡¯t have the South Korean government¡¯s approval for this operation,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t tell you about this mission in advance. This will be an individual operation. The governments won¡¯t know about my departures or arrivals into their countries,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said curtly.

    Fitting of a soldier who had formerly spent all his days on the battlefield, Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s eyes were glinting sharply.

    Amid their conversation, someone knocked on the door three times.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked toward the door.

    ¡°The meal is ready, sir,¡± his aide replied.

    ¡°All right. We¡¯ll be out soon,¡± Choi Seong-Geon announced.

    The sun was still up in the sky, but it was alreadyte in the evening. The shadows cast by the mountain nketed half of the windows of the barrack.

    ¡°Sir, you should spend the night here today,¡± Choi Seong-Geon offered.

    ¡°Sure. What about you, Kang Chan?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kang Chan replied with uncertainty.

    To be frank, Kang Chan hadn¡¯t made up his mind yet. Based on what he observed at the training today, he would essentially be taking a bunch of rookies out to the battlefield like the newbies that G¨¦rard had brought.

    It would pretty much be a suicide mission if they went now.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s a long way back, and you already came all the way here anyway. Please be our guest for today,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said. He was speaking in a gravelly, old man-like tone that reminded Kang Chan of Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    <i>Well, I suppose spending a day here can¡¯t hurt.</i>

    ¡°Alright, then. I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    ¡°Fantastic. Then let¡¯s have dinner first and talk again after,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said as he stood up. Everyone followed suit and left the barracks after him.

    The parking lot was also half-covered by the shadows of the mountains, making the chilly atmosphere seem as if it had descended onto the ground.

    Ten vertically cut drum barrels had been turned into long fire pits, andrge rubber barrels stacked up with pork meat.

    ¡°Attention!¡± Choi Seong-Geon shouted, causing all eyes to turn toward them.

    The soldiers had expressions that had a mix of embarrassment, frustration, incredulity, and surprise.

    ¡°Let me introduce the men who have worked hard to do the training with us today. This man here is the living legend of the DMZ, my senior, Kim Tae-Jin.¡±

    The men pped, and Choi Seong-Geon continued.

    ¡°Over there is Suh Sang-Hyeon, who fought at the DMZ with Mr. Kim Tae-Jin, and this is Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee. They all went through the 606 and the DMZ special forces team. They are all your seniors.¡±

    Apuse rippled every time a name was mentioned.

    Firewood had to have been ced in the pits instead of charcoal because the mes zed vigorously.

    ¡°And this is Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon''s statement was followed by polite but stiff apuse.

    ¡°Since you probably aren¡¯t familiar with his name, I¡¯ll tell you his code name instead. Mr. Kang Chan is the God of ckfield, the very soldier all of you were so eager to meet.¡±

    Their surroundings suddenly turned so quiet that one could hear even a pin drop. The fire pits made popping noises from the wood burning, and a few birds chirped as they went by.

    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you everything because it¡¯s ssified, but the God of ckfield is nning on proceeding with an operation simr to the one they executed in Mongolia. He wants to select members from South Korea¡¯s special forces instead of working with a foreign country¡¯s soldiers,¡± Choi Seong-Geon exined.

    The soldiers'' expressions and looks changed in an instant.

    ¡°Then the man next to him is the Seok¡­?¡±

    ¡°My name is Seok Kang-Ho,¡± Seok Kang-Ho introduced himself.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho is the man who carried out the mission in Mongolia with the God of ckfield.¡±

    This time, a booming round of apuse began.

    ¡°First, let¡¯s have some dinner. That¡¯s all I have to say. At ease.¡±

    ¡°General Choi!¡± the soldier in the middle shouted as he shot his hand up in the air.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked.

    ¡°We would like to express our gratitude toward them for saving our fellowrades.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon nced at Kang Chan, then nodded.

    ¡°Attention!¡±

    Military boots clicked and thudded together as one.

    ¡°Salute the God of ckfield!¡±

    The men, who were scattered throughout the front of the barracks, all neatly saluted together.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t ignore them even if he wanted to. He saluted back at them.

    ¡°At ease!¡±

    The soldiers moved as one. It was a solemn but somewhat ufortable atmosphere. The soldiers looked as if they had mixed feelings.

    ¡°Now eat!¡±

    ¡°Thank you for the meal!¡±

    As the soldiers were staring at Kang Chan, Kim Tae-Jin looked around with a smirk.

    Kang Chan felt ufortable.

 Chapter 139.1: In a whole different league (2)

    <h4>Chapter 139.1: In a whole different league (2)</h4>

    Thick and juicy pork was put on the grill above the stacks of firewood, and mes instantly engulfed it. The soldiers were so adept at cutting the meat into edible portions that this obviously wasn¡¯t their first time doing a barbecue.

    Kim Tae-Jin helped ease the awkwardness the most. The soldiers could feelfortable around him because he was a senior to Choi Seong-Geon but was no longer an active soldier. Moreover, his rxed, soft charisma naturally drew the men to him.

    Suh Sang-Hyun asionally chimed in as well, further lightening up the stiff atmosphere.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s group took to one side of the grill.

    <i>Fwoosh!?</i>

    The mes zed mercilessly, but Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee still expertly cut the meat, seemingly unaffected by the heat. The cooked ribs that they cut right off the fire were especially delicious.

    As Kang Chan ate a piece of meat with his chopsticks, someone came up to him.

    ¡°My name is Cha Dong-Gyun,¡± said the sharp-eyed soldier who approached Kang Chan. ¡°I was at the conference for the Eurasian Rail too. Back then, I heard your orders over the radio, but I had no idea you were the God of ckfield, Mr. Kang Chan. Before the training began, all we knew about you was that you were a high school student.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s voice was low and husky. When he turned older, he would definitely take after Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s rugged and coarse voice.

    ¡°We had a lot of debate among ourselves about whether it made sense that the God of ckfield was both the man at the conference and the man who went to Mongolia. Well, that¡¯s in the past now. Please ept a drink from me, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    Cha Dong-Gyun poured a beverage from a stic bottle into a paper cup, then handed it to Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯m curious about, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun continued.

    Choi Jong-Il watched Cha Dong-Gyun with a bemused expression.

    ¡°I would like to know why we got defeated before we could evenunch a single counterattack,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun requested.

    The soldiers around them had been pretending to continue their meal as they listened to their conversation. However, the moment Cha Dong-Gyun asked that question, not a single person moved their chopsticks.

    <i>Fwoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Woo Hee-Seung moved the meat over to the side of the grill that the fire couldn¡¯t reach so the food wouldn¡¯t get burnt as they spoke.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably the difference between someone who believes they can kill and someone who actually has killed,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Cha Dong-Gyun gave a tense smile, but it didn¡¯t seem to be because Kang Chan spoke down to him. Rather, he seemed to disagree with what Kang Chan said.

    ¡°All the men here have experience participating in missions and operations before. Although they have never been in a situation where they had to kill, none of the soldiers here is scared or distressed over the idea of killing an enemy,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    Everyone was near the grill, so they could all hear the conversation between Cha Dong-Gyun and Kang Chan. Even Choi Seong-Geon had turned to face Kang Chan.

    ¡°Just because you¡¯ve gotten your driver¡¯s license doesn¡¯t mean you can immediately start driving like a pro. If you have the guts, you can certainly have a go with your car, but that will most likely get you in an ident, won¡¯t it? Using that same logic, what do you think will probably happen if you go on an operation?¡± Kang Chan rebutted.

    ¡°So we¡¯re like newborn chicks in your eyes,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    ¡°You aren¡¯t like newborn chicks. You <i>are</i> newborn chicks,¡± Kang Chan corrected.

    The tension made the atmosphere frost over. Meanwhile, Seok Kang-Ho squirmed because the piece of meat he put in his mouth was too hot.

    Kang Chan had already made up his mind to give these soldiers a chance anyway. He intended to try getting them into shape at least for Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jun, who anxiously rushed all the way over to Anseong to persuade him, and Kim Tae-Jin, who willingly agreed to spend the night here.

    ¡°Refresh my memory. What were the results of the Mongolian operation again?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s cheek twitched.

    ¡°There were three Is at the conference hall, weren¡¯t there? One of which was sessfullyunched. What do you n to do if something like that happens during an operation in an enemy country? Are you just going to return to your mothend in a bodybag because you were prepared to die anyway?¡± Kang Chan relentlessly asked.

    No one dared breathe by the time Kang Chan finished. They all stayed frozen¡ªexcept for Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°He¡¯s jabbing them where it hurts, for sure,¡± Choi Seong-Geon whispered to Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Kang Chan isn¡¯t the type to do that without any reason,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied under his breath.

    The tension ran so high that it felt as if a fight would break out at any moment.

    ¡°Why do you carry around a pistol?¡± Kang Chan asked, looking Cha Dong-Gyun in the eye. ¡°What about your rifle? Or your bay? I¡¯m looking for soldiers who can actually survive situations like the one today, not someone who will protect a conference hall and shoot human-shaped dummy dolls.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t speak as if we have never participated in missions that took ce in other countries. All the soldiers here have experience training with famous teams from foreign nations, and they received high praise as well. On top of that, they are all veterans who have gone on operations in the Middle East too,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun defended.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Do you think you can really show me what you¡¯re made of?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°How should we do that?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun eagerly asked with glinting eyes.

    Kang Chan turned his gaze to Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°Can I be in charge of the soldiers¡¯ training tomorrow, General?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Choi Seong-Geon replied after shortly ncing at Kim Tae-Jin for approval.

    ¡°Show me what you¡¯re capable of during training tomorrow, then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun responded. His admiration was tinted with a bit of hostility, causing the other soldiers¡¯ eyes to betray the mixed emotions they felt.

    When Cha Dong-Gyun returned to his seat, Seok Kang-Ho handed Kang Chan a pair of chopsticks.

    ¡°It¡¯s so good that it¡¯s to die for. Hurry up. Dig in,¡± Seok Kang-Ho urged.

    Everyone went back to their meal, but the mood had been fully thrown in the dumps.

    After eating their fill, Kim Tae-Jin, Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Suh Sang-Hyun entered the barrack where Choi Seong-Geon had previously guided them. When they opened the door next to Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s office, they found a few cots that had already been set up.

    Choi Seong-Geon and his aide had erected the temporary beds because he wanted his guests to restfortably.

    ¡°You¡¯re really serious about doing this, huh?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Yes. I keep wanting to go easy on them whenever I see the looks in their eyes,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Why did you provoke them so much earlier, then?¡± Kim Tae-Jin wondered curiously.

    ¡°Because I¡¯m going to give them the beating of their lives tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan mischievously answered.

    Suh Sang-Hyun stood in ce with a numb expression, and Seok Kang-Ho just shook his head in disgust and horror.

    ¡°What do you think? Do they have any potential?¡± Kim Tae-Jin prodded.

    ¡°They have the skills, but theyck way too much experience. I¡¯m not confident I can provide them with that experience by taking them around either,¡± Kang Chan pondered.

    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m honestly not surprised that you came to that conclusion. We have always found that to be a shame too. It can¡¯t be helped, though, since they have never gone to other countries and initiated attacks first. The senior soldiers at the DMZ can at least pass on their experience, so we do get some capable soldiers out of that, but none of the soldiers ever got the chance to gain experience in strategies like these,¡± Kim Tae-Jin mused.

    ¡°Sir, with my abilities, I can still pull my weight wherever I go,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun countered with frustration, jumping into the conversation. It seemed as if he had sympathized with the soldiers¡¯ feelings earlier.

    <i>Suh Sang-Hyun is right, but he¡¯s also wrong.?</i>

    ¡°The difference between practice and real-life experience is simple. When you hear the sound of some rustling, will you shoot immediately or wait on standby? Those brief moments are what determine life and death,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°These men can shoot at the drop of the hat when ites to it,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun argued, seemingly upset by Kang Chan¡¯s response.

    ¡°Let¡¯s say they have already snuck into an enemy country. What if they pull the trigger and it was just a wild animal? What happens after that? What if the object they thought was a beast was actually an enemy instead? Instantaneous but correct judgments can only be made with enough experience.¡±

    ¡°The soldiers have already received that kind of training,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun insisted.

    ¡°I suppose we¡¯ll see tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Suh Sang-Hyun didn¡¯t have anything to say to that.

    The moonlight traveled in through the window and illuminated the room.

    ¡°My, time flies fast. It feels like just yesterday when I was roaming around the DMZ¡­¡± Kim Tae-Jin muttered to himself. Just then, the sound of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s snoring echoed throughout the room.

    ¡°You should hurry and get some sleep. You might not be able to fall asleep after a little while,¡± Kang Chan advised.

    ¡°Is his snoring that bad?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°It will be hard for you to ignore it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Then I really should hurry and sleep,¡± Kim Tae-Jin remarked.

    Kim Tae-Jin pulled the covers over himself and turned over on his side.

    ***

    They woke up at six, washed themselves up, and ate breakfast.

    It was so good that it wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say the food was the best part of their special treatment. Even Kim Tae-Jin was satisfied.

    After they finished their meal, they rxed with some tea and refreshments for about 30 minutes.

    ¡°What¡¯s your n for the training?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Just some basic running, mountain warfare, and urban warfare,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Then I guess I should sit out of this one,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said as he shook his head with a smile.

    When Kang Chan walked outside, the soldiers were already standing in line.

 Chapter 139.2: In a whole different league (2)

    <h4>Chapter 139.2: In a whole different league (2)</h4>

    ¡°Today, we¡¯ll be training together. First, running. We¡¯ll head to the makeshift city and run along the exterior of the city. Everyone warm yourselves up,¡± Kang Chan ordered. At his words, the soldiers began to stretch their muscles, using professional movements.

    Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il¡¯s group, and Suh Sang-Hyun stood with the soldiers.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go if you¡¯re done,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    ¡°Soldiers, turn left! Begin running!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun shouted, and the soldiers began to run.

    <i>Pat. Pat. Pat. Pat.?</i>

    The rhythmic sound of military boots crunching on the ground could be heard as the soldiers moved along. After about a hundred meters, the makeshift city came into view. A road spanned along the outskirts of the city, making it easier to run.

    Kang Chan ran with them on the left, matching their pace. As he ran with them, he learned that their skills weren¡¯t inferior at all.

    Even though it was just a running exercise, through their speed, breathing, and the inexplicable energy that they exuded, he learned that they were certainly capable.

    If these soldiers rigorously trained like the Foreign Legion and umted intensebat experience, they would truly be an exceptional unit.

    However, the real-lifebat experience obtained from just one battle or operation wouldn¡¯t be enough. They would have to umte and have experience passed down to them during a period where more than half their current members and the new recruits that would rece them would likely die.

    Kang Chan understood why Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Kim Tae-Jin had been feeling as if the special forces team wasn¡¯t being raised to their full potential. Despite having the determination and endlessly repeating their training, they had never had the opportunity to go into a real battle.

    It was an unfortunate tragedy. The special forces team was confident in their expected sess in any operation, but they couldn¡¯t make any progress because they feared the consequences that would follow. This wasparable to a talented child not being able to advance properly because their father¡¯s abilities to guide the child to their fullest potential were insufficient. Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Kim Tae-Jin probably felt how the father in the metaphor would feel.

    Kang Chan continued to think to himself as they ran 10 kilometers in no time.

    Kang Chan gradually felt his blood heating up. The determination and passion emanating from the soldiers¡¯ bodies were ryed directly to him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s pick up the pace!¡± Kang Chanmanded as he started to run faster.

    <i>Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.?</i>

    The soldiers¡¯ upper bodies moved in rhythm from side to side with each step they took forward. Their running formation was still intact although they had run over 10 kilometers and were picking up speed.

    Kang Chan could see they had trained to no end. They had pushed themselves to the extreme because they couldn¡¯t gain realbat experience.

    Kang Chan turned his gaze to observe the soldiers. They all looked tired, but they kept moving forward. They were running with the thought that stopping could cause theirrades to die.

    <i>¡®These punks.¡¯</i>

    It would make Kang Chan ufortable to develop a fondness for these men. If any one of them died, he would face an extremely hard time enduring their loss.

    However, Kang Chan¡¯s heart was already being moved just by witnessing the soldiers¡¯ determination and passion as they ran.

    Now, they had already run 20 kilometers. Every single soldier was already wheezing for breath, but none of them showed signs of giving up.

    ¡°Let¡¯s return to the barracks!¡± Kang Chan shouted upon seeing the path in the mountains that led inside the makeshift city.

    The running formation veered off the outer road of the small city and entered the mountain path.

    ¡°Haah! Haah!¡±

    In front of the barracks, Kim Tae-Jin, Choi Seong-Geon, and his aide watched the soldiers return.

    Kang Chan and the soldiers werepletely drenched in sweat.

    ¡°Do you have helmets and bulletproof vests?¡± Kang Chan asked Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°We have it all,¡± Choi Seong-Geon replied.

    ¡°Please prepare those. Rifles as well,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    When Choi Seong-Geon gave the order to prepare what Kang Chan asked for, his aide quickly went to work.

    By the time the soldiers¡¯ breaths had calmed down a little, the officer had finished putting down helmets, bulletproof vests, and rifles in front of them.

    ¡°Please give us some live ammunition,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    Choi Seong-Geon whipped around to turn to Kang Chan, and the soldiers all looked at Kang Chan in shock.

    ¡°Did you just say live ammo?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked, doubting his ears.

    ¡°Yes. We will conduct today¡¯s training with live ammo,¡± Kang Chan reiterated.

    Choi Seong-Geon was at a loss for words, and even Kim Tae-Jin couldn¡¯t hide his surprise.

    ¡°Please exin how you will proceed with the training, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Choi Seong-Geon requested with a stiff re.

    Kang Chan walked up onto the steps in front of the barracks.

    ¡°I n tounch a preemptive attack on our enemy countries soon. I need twelve people from the soldiers here. If you wish to volunteer, take a step forward,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    The soldiers all took a step forward as one with a <i>thud</i>. It was as if they had rehearsed it in advance. Seok Kang-Ho and Suh Sang-Hyun stepped forward as well.

    ¡°Today, we will train with live ammunition. You will be split into two teams, but you may only shoot each other on the helmets or on the bulletproof vests. Any soldier who gets injured by gunfire or shoots a member of the opposing team will be eliminated from the candidates. If you are displeased with these conditions, you may step back,¡± Kang Chan announced.

    Choi Seong-Geon nced at Kim Tae-Jin with a look of protest. Just then, Seok Kang-Ho came forward and took a helmet, bulletproof vest, and submachine gun for himself. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee followed suit.

    They put their helmets on despite their faces still drenched in sweat. They also wore their bulletproof vests, tightening the front.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± grumbled Suh Sang-Hyun. Everyone heard what he said. However, even he came forward and picked up a helmet and vest.

    ¡°This should be fun,¡± Kim Tae-Jin jokingly said as he also stepped up and picked up a helmet and vest too, surprising everyone in the area.

    ¡°Sir, how will this kind of training be effective?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun loudly and boldly asked, breaking the silence.

    ¡°Should we just do realbat instead?¡± Kang Chan sarcastically asked.

    ¡°You know that¡¯s not what I meant, sir!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied.

    ¡°You told me all of you had trained and prepared!¡± Kang Chan shouted back with force.

    It came as a shock. The always calm andposed Kang Chan never raised his voice, but he just did.

    Kim Tae-Jin looked down, pretending to examine his bulletproof vest so he could hide his surprised expression.

    ¡°What will you do if something unexpected happens while you¡¯re out on a mission? Are you going to make excuses like you are now? Because it¡¯s not what you¡¯re used to, because information was leaked, because you¡¯ve never fought against moving enemies with live ammo?¡±

    Kang Chan turned his sharp re to the rest of the soldiers.

    ¡°Never ever forget what it means to have nobat experience! You will go on missions where more than half of you won¡¯t return alive! After that, more new recruits will be sent, and you will go on missions again where even more will die! Those who survive will be veterans, and their experience will trickle down to the new men. Cha Dong-Gyun! How long do you think it will take until then?¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun couldn¡¯t find anything to say.

    ¡°Navy SEALs! Spetsnaz! The elite team of the Foreign Legion! All year long, they all engage in numerous big and small operations and battles. What about you? You should¡¯ve gone out on a new mission after the Mongolian operation was over. Can any of you tell me if you¡¯ve been on new missions since then?¡±

    Kang Chan red at the soldiers.

    ¡°It¡¯s madness. I know. But there isn¡¯t a single person in this world who can give youbat experience other than yourself. Simted battles? Bullshit. How do you think you would feel if the soldiers who were shot yesterday were actually killed, but you have to go on the same kind of operation again today anyway?¡±

    It had been so long since Kang Chan felt his blood boil to this extent.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to train if you don¡¯t want to. However¡­¡±

    Kang Chan looked directly into Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I need soldiers who will return from operations alive, no matter what it takes¡ªeven if information was leaked, even if they arepletely surrounded by enemies. I need agents who can survive until the very end! None of you understand how it feels to see yourrades fall dead to the ground, covered in blood! So if you¡¯re going to spout bullshit, leave!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho peeked at Kim Tae-Jin. Neither of them had ever seen Kang Chan so enraged, so they were quite taken aback.

    Kang Chan and Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s eyes remained unflinching on each other. It was as if they were having a staring contest.

    This was it. This was as far as Kang Chan could go. He was moved and touched by the passion of the soldiers and the sincerity of Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Kim Tae-Jin.

    His blood boiled because of all of that, but he couldn¡¯t force the soldiers to do anything they didn¡¯t want to.

    The operation required the soldiers to be prepared to die. Kang Chan could inform them and advise them, but he wouldn¡¯t or couldn¡¯t drag them along.

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s cheek twitched. He took two steps forward.

    ¡°Lieutenant Cha Dong-Gyun, volunteering for live ammo training!¡± he shouted through clenched teeth, gripping a helmet and a vest.

    ¡°Sergeant Yoo Kwang-Yeol, volunteering for live ammo training!¡±

    ¡°Staff Sergeant Park Dae-Gi, volunteering for live ammo training!¡±

    ¡°Second Lieutenant Yoon Sung-Gi, volunteering for live ammo training!¡±

    The soldiers dered their intentions with strong resolve as if they were making a pact. They stepped forward one by one, grabbed their helmet and vest, and put them on.

    ¡°You punks!¡± Choi Seong-Geon bellowed stiffly as he watched the soldiers with gritted teeth.

    Kim Tae-Jin looked up at the sky to hide his red eyes.

    ¡°Officer! After you provide live ammo, call all the medical officers who are avable and have them report here!¡± Choi Seong-Geon shouted.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± his aide replied.

    Even as Choi Seong-Geon gave the order, the determined soldiers continued picking up their helmets and vests with clenched teeth.

    Kang Chan descended down to the barracks and picked up his own equipment.

    ¡°God of ckfield!¡±

    Just then, Cha Dong-Gyun called for Kang Chan, his voice strong and resolute.

    ¡°If South Korea¡¯s special forces will be able tounch preemptive attacks as a result of this training, I will dly give my life!¡±

    When Kang Chan turned to him, Cha Dong-Gyun neatly turned half a circle and faced the soldiers.

    ¡°What is our motto?!¡± he shouted.

    ¡°If I can protect my mothend with my blood, I am happy!¡±

    Their shout, fierce and intense, echoed proudly throughout the mountains as their blood boiled further.

 Chapter 140.1: Even If It Means Death (1)

    <h4>Chapter 140.1: Even If It Means Death (1)</h4>

    After the soldiers wore their helmets and bulletproof vests and strapped on their radios, the officer came out with a stiff, unreadable expression. He had magazines in his hands.

    <i>Thunk. Thunk.?</i>

    The sound of the magazines being set down on the ground weighed down Kang Chan¡¯s heart.

    <i>Click.?</i>

    Kang Chan detached the magazine from his rifle and loaded it with 9mm bullets, the tip of each one looking sharper than a bay. After inserting the magazine back with a <i>nk</i>, he pointed his gun¡¯s muzzle at the ground and started to load bullets into his spare magazine.

    When Seok Kang-Ho began to load his own rifle, the other soldiers rushed to fill their magazines as well.

    An icy, anxious tension as cold as the winter wind hung over the barracks.

    ¡°Please give us pistol rounds as well,¡± Kang Chan requested. Choi Seong-Geon nodded.

    Although Choi Seong-Geon didn¡¯t say anything, hisplex emotions could be clearly seen in his eyes.

    His aide returned with pistol magazines.

    nk! nk!

    Kang Chan pulled the breechblock and inserted bullets in. The tension in the atmosphere was so thick and taut that it felt as if the soldiers would snap with a single touch.

    <i>Vroom!?</i>

    Military ambnces marked with white crosses arrived one after another. Army surgeons, medics, and nursing officers rushed off the vehicles with bewildered expressions.

    An army surgeon quickly ran forward and saluted Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be doing live ammo training. Stay on standby. There may be casualties,¡± Choi Seong-Geon directed.

    ¡°Pardon, sir?¡± the army surgeon asked, doubting his ears.

    ¡°Hurry and prepare medical facilities inside the barracks!¡± Choi Seong-Geon shouted with a piercing gaze, which he had developed during his time on the battlefield. At the sight, the intimidated army surgeon sprang into action.

    With all the preparations made, Kang Chan walked up the stairs in front of the barracks.

    ¡°No automatic or repeated fire. Use single shots or don¡¯t fire at all. If anyone gets injured, the one responsible for the injury will help the injured back to the barracks, understood? Team One, step forward!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Eight of the men quickly came forward with Cha Dong-Gyun at the forefront.

    ¡°Team Two!¡±

    This time, eleven soldiers swiftly took a step forward.

    ¡°I willmand Team One, and Seok Kang-Ho willmand Team Two,¡± Kang Chan announced.

    The members of Team Two swiftly nced at Seok Kang-Ho to confirm their team leader.

    ¡°The remaining soldiers will be the upying force. You will bemanded by President Kim Tae-Jin and Director Suh Sang-Hyun! Now, as for the objectives of Team One and Team Two¡­¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the soldiers one by one before continuing, ¡°You will be responsible for theplete annihtion of the upying force.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin let out a low sigh.

    ¡°The upying forces will depart first, and Team One and Team Two will depart twenty minutes after. Does anyone have any questions?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Can we hide inside the buildings?¡± Kim Tae-Jin immediately spoke up.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°The training couldst for a long time, then,¡± Kim Tae-Jin warned with concern.

    ¡°This is a training simtion to assess the abilities of the soldiers. We will continue until there are only twelve men standing. Any soldier who fails to fire even a single shot during this training will be disqualified,¡± Kang Chan announced.

    ¡°This is madness,¡± Choi Seong-Geon muttered to himself and quickly nced around.

    ¡°upying forces, you may now leave,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    It was currently around eight in the morning.

    Kim Tae-Jin and his team checked their radio frequencies and set off in trucks and jeeps.

    Choi Seong-Seon, his aide, and the army surgeons looked more nervous than the soldiers were.

    ***

    ¡°Who is the most senior soldier here?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°I am, sir. I¡¯m First Lieutenant Kwak Cheol-Ho.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re now themanding officer, Lieutenant,¡±

    ¡°Will that be all right?¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho sounded uncertain.

    ¡°This is a real mission, and someone could actually die. I¡¯ve lost my touch, while you¡¯re currently on active duty. It¡¯s only right that you¡¯re in charge. Now that we¡¯ve proceeded with this mission, we might as well win.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho looked at Kim Tae-Jin with a puzzled expression. He clearly couldn¡¯t understand why the DMZ legend, someone who had retired long ago, was going this far.

    ¡°Lieutenant Kwak,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho immediately replied.

    ¡°I¡¯d be willing to die if it means I can help you all gainbat experience.¡±

    ¡°I understand, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho responded as he gritted his teeth. He then turned around. ¡°Did all of you hear what he said?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the soldiers replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s put our lives on the line and do this properly! We will show the abilities of South Korea¡¯s special forces team to the God of ckfield and our very own DMZ legend! What is our motto?!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho rallied.

    ¡°If I can protect my mothend with my blood, I am happy!¡±

    ¡°Good! You will be divided into three teams. Jang Gwang-Jik!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the second lieutenant replied.

    ¡°You will take over the three-story building. Annihte our enemies!¡± Kwak Cheol-Homanded.

    Jang Gwang-Jik turned around and called ten of the soldiers before dashing off together.

    ¡°Ha Jung-Kook!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho called.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the staff sergeant responded.

    ¡°upy the rear building and provide them with cover!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    Ha Jung-Kook also took ten men and hurried up the two-story building that was in front of them.

    After givingmands, Kwak Cheol-Ho turned to Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Sir! I intend on using that building over there as our base,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said.

    ¡°I said you¡¯re in charge! Don¡¯t report to me,¡± Kim Tae-Jin insisted.

    ¡°Thank you, sir. Then as for the two of you, please watch over the rooftop of this building with two other soldiers,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho requested.

    ¡°Got it. Let¡¯s go!¡± Kim Tae-Jin shouted.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun left with two men.

    ¡°Are you really going to do this, sir?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun asked as they ran up the flights.

    ¡°You do know why Lieutenant Kwak assigned us separately on the rooftop, don¡¯t you?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°He was nicely telling us to stay out of action, wasn¡¯t he?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun snorted.

    <i>Bam!?</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin mmed open the rooftop door, which was protruding from the roof like a rooftop apartment. He leaned on a wall where he could see the entrance and slid to the floor.

    ¡°I can¡¯t remember thest time I was this nervous,¡± Kim Tae-Jin remarked.

    ¡°This is absurd,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun agreed.

    Kim Tae-Jin chuckled lightly as if he was thinking the same thing.

    ¡°I never imagined Kang Chan would have us train using live ammo,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said in disbelief.

    ¡°Like I said, it¡¯s absurd. If they get shot in the wrong part of their arms or legs, they¡¯ll have to retire. A single mistake can leave them with a hole in their head,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun griped with concern.

    Kim Tae-Jin turned his gaze toward Suh Sang-Hyun. ¡°Did you see the soldiers¡¯ faces earlier?¡±

    ¡°They looked like they were going to a real war zone.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. That¡¯s probably what Kang Chan is aiming for. Even Kang Chan will die if he¡¯s hit in the head with a bullet. Do you think he would conduct this kind of training without knowing that? I¡¯m so grateful I could cry,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°You already cried earlier,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun tly replied.

    Kim Tae-Jinughed abashedly. Not long after, three siren bells that signaled the start of the training echoed throughout the makeshift city.

    ¡°This is ridiculous!¡± Suh Sang-Hyun yelped.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>, pull yourself together,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told himself as he smacked his own helmet.

    ***

    <i>-What? Training with live ammo?</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir. We have army surgeons waiting on standby since there could be idents,¡± Choi Seong-Geon.

    Choi Seong-Geon was standing in front of the barracks with his left hand on his waist.

    ¡°If a problem arises because of this training, I will take full responsibility and resign. However, if any of the men are injured or something worse happens, please assist them in making sure they receive help from the government,¡± Choi Seong-Geon requested.

    <i>-Understood. I will speak with the head of the National Intelligence Service to make sure that happens.</i>

    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    <i>-How¡¯s the training progressing?</i>

    ¡°The men just left,¡± Choi Seong-Geon replied.

    <i>-How¡¯s the atmosphere?</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s reminiscent of a real-life operation. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to convince the soldiers otherwise when I saw the look in their eyes.¡±

    <i>-We taught those men what they know. Let¡¯s put our faith in them.?</i>

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know what else to do if we still couldn¡¯tunch a preemptive attack after going through all this,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said darkly.

    .

    <i>-I understand.</i>

    With that response, Jeon Dae-Geuk ended the call.

    Choi Seong-Geon roughly palmed his face with his left hand.

    ***

    It took about five minutes to walk to their destination, an area that was a hundred meters away. From there, one could travel on a mountain path and get a view of the makeshift city.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun, how long will it take to get through the mountains and reach the stock firm building?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked at Kang Chan with a surprised expression but still replied, ¡°It should only take twenty minutes since there¡¯s already a path to it for our training course.¡±

    Kang Chan turned to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head around back. Stay on standby here and initiate the operation when it¡¯s time to enter the city,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded, and Cha Dong-Gyun started for the mountains.

    ¡°Post two guards. The rest can rest,¡± Seok Kang-Homanded. Kang Chan also headed into the mountains after listening to Seok Kang-Ho give his orders.

    To the left was an uphill path, and to the right, they could asionally see one of the city¡¯s buildings.

    The soldiers standing on guard were excellent. Just as Kang Chan had noticed when he was running with them, they had clearly developed well-practiced stances through extensive training.

    ¡°Stop,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Cha Dong-Gyun quickly nced back.

    Kang Chan quickly scanned his surroundings and pressed a finger against his mouth. He then pointed each soldier to their spots.

    In response, the soldiers quickly and silently took their positions.

    Kang Chan sharply observed the entrance path. Something didn¡¯t feel right. An ambush was likely waiting for them. He observed the corner where they would enter, then waved Cha Dong-Gyun over.

    "There''s a high probability of an ambush ahead. Let''s descend from the mountain this way.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun whispered.

    Relying on the trees for support, Kang Chan began to step down the mountains. Due to the rustling of the grass and leaves, it was impossible topletely eliminate any sound.

    They were now about twenty meters away.

    Having infiltrated the outer road of the city, Kang Chan raised his index finger and signaled to his front. The rest of the members cautiously descended one by one.

 Chapter 140.2: Even If It Means Death (1)

    <h4>Chapter 140.2: Even If It Means Death (1)</h4>

    ¡°They¡¯re taking too long,¡± a soldier said.

    ¡°Keep waiting on standby!¡± Kwak Cheol-Homanded through clenched teeth. His palms were drenched in sweat.

    <i>¡®Is this what the God of ckfield is aiming for?¡¯</i>

    Anxiety and nervousness were apparent on the soldiers¡¯ faces. It was as if they were in a real fight.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho red at the entrance path. At that moment¡­

    <i>Bang! Bang!</i>

    <i>¡°Agh!¡±</i>

    The two gunshots were immediately followed by shouts.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s head instinctively whipped around. Which bastard had actually shot live ammo?

    Seeing the soldiers'' surprised faces, Kwak Cheol-Ho gritted his teeth further.

    ***

    ¡°It sounds like it has started!¡± Suh Sang-Hyun whispered frantically to Kim Tae-Jin, who had turned around from his leaning position against the wall so he could scan his surroundings.

    At that moment¡­

    <i>Bang! Bang!</i>

    Holes were bored on the wall of the rooftop he was resting on.

    Kim Tae-Jin urgently got down on the ground.

    ¡°Argh! This is driving me insane!¡± Suh Sang-Hyun agitatedlyined, speaking the words in Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s mind.

    ***

    Cha Dong-Gyun was dumbfounded. It wasn¡¯t just him. The other soldiers and even Choi Jong-Il, who already had experience with Kang Chan from the day before, looked astounded.

    The moment Kang Chan found two of the enemy soldiers, he rushed toward them while shooting at them.

    The soldiers were wearing bulletproof vests, but the two sentries still fell back as if someone had pulled them by the napes.

    <i>What if he shoots them in the neck, chest, or inner thighs by ident?</i>

    Kang Chan was not only shooting at his enemies. He was running while doing so. Was he that confident in his skills?

    Cha Dong-Gyun quickly nced at Choi Dong-Il.

    Was this what live ammo training truly was? For the first time, Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s fingers began to tremble. His fingers wouldn¡¯t have trembled to this extent if Kang Chan was an enemy.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho red fiercely at the soldiers.

    ¡°You and you, head back!¡± he growled at the soldier who hadn¡¯t provided cover fire and the soldier who was supposed to rush forward.

    ¡°Please give me one more chance!¡± the soldier pleaded.

    ¡°Head back, you motherfuckers! Everyone could¡¯ve died because of you bastards!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted.

    ¡°I won''t run away from the fight again! Please give me a chance!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho gritted his teeth and red at the soldier.

    ¡°Think about why Captain is doing this! Anyone will die if they get shot in the head, but he¡¯s still risking his life for this training. Do you think doing this stimtion will benefit Captain or me in any way? From now on, I will mercilessly send away anyone who doesn¡¯t listen to my orders.¡±

    The soldiers clenched their teeth.

    ¡°Get a visual on the base!¡±

    The soldier who begged for another opportunity turned to look at their target.

    ¡°Cover me!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted as he suddenly leaned forward and aimed his gun at the opposite building¡¯s rooftop.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    ***

    The rooftop spewed out cement dust.

    ¡°Hahahaha!¡± Suh Sang-Hyunughed bitterly.

    Kim Tae-Jin nced at their other two team members.

    ¡°Return fire.¡±

    Seeing the tense expressions on the soldiers¡¯ faces, Kim Tae-Jin realized why Kang Chan had chosen to conduct this kind of training.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    He quickly fired his gun and hid behind the wall with a <i>thud</i>. He had no particr target and just shot in the direction of the mountain.

    However, he had to do this if he wanted to bring the team members to reality. Their foreheads could be pierced by bullets, and their necks could be blown up too.

    <i>¡®Have courage. I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s our fault that you are all like this.¡¯</i>

    .

    <i>Swoosh! Pew! Pew!</i>

    When he got up and fired two shots, a few bullets from the opposite side hit the wall.

    ¡°Haah! Haah!¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin gasped for breath. However, there was a faint smile on his lips. He had seen the determination on the faces of the two soldiers.

    <i>¡®Thank you. Take advantage of this opportunity to grow.¡¯</i>

    Suddenly, Kang Chan¡¯s face shed in his mind. Kim Tae-Jin thought the long-cherished wish he held his whole life could actuallye true.

    ***

    <i>Pew!</i>

    ¡°Aah!¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan wave him over, Choi Jong-Il rushed to his side.

    His mouth was dry. The soldier who had flown back earlier like his nape was dragged was still down. Even so, Kang Chan led their team members forward with hand gestures.

    Aside from Kang Chan, no one had fired their guns yet.

    <i>There won¡¯t be any point to the training then!</i>

    Choi Jong-Il suddenly got an ominous feeling. Soldiers who couldn¡¯t fire a single shot would be eliminated without exception. Choi Jong-Il had witnessed Kim Hyung-Jung, Kim Tae-Jin, and Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s frustration more closely than anyone else. They had despaired multiple times after having to give up on missions despite trying to prepare for them.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m not going to let that happen this time! I¡¯m going on this mission!¡¯</i>

    Choi Jong-Il knew where Kang Chan¡¯s target was.

    <i>Click!?</i>

    Seeing something move, Choi Jong-Il quickly aimed his rifle.

    <i>Pew! Pow!</i>

    <i>¡°Ugh!¡±</i>

    <i>Thud.?</i>

    <i>¡°Haah! Haah!¡±</i>

    However, Kang Chan fired andnded a bullet first.

    Choi Jong-Il couldn¡¯t even pull the trigger because he was scared.

    Kang Chan smirked as he looked at Choi Jong-Il.

    <i>¡®Was my skill only at this pathetic level?¡¯</i>

    Choi Jong-Il¡¯s pride was severely hurt.

    ¡°Please let me go,¡± Choi Jong-Il pleaded.

    Kang Chan had ordered them not to speak, but Choi Jong-Il couldn¡¯t bear it.

    It was true that he was more scared of pulling the trigger on his fellow soldiers than getting shot himself. However, even if he couldn¡¯t be as daring as Kang Chan, at the very least, he had to aim for the enemy soldiers¡¯ bulletproof vests.

    Kang Chan nodded and pointed to a location with his finger. He then raised his fingers and began to count.

    <i>One, two¡­!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Swoosh! Pow!</i>

    While Choi Jong-Il ran to his target, his team members covered his back. The enemy soldiers returned fire. Someone had finally pulled the trigger from the other side.

    It gave Choi Jong-Il peace of mind. He didn¡¯t have to be scared of shooting anymore. It looked as if Cha Dong-Gyun was requesting Kang Chan to send him too.

    ¡°<i>Hahahaha,</i>¡± Choi Jong-Il let out a strangeugh.

    ***

    <i>Pew! Pow!</i>

    ¡°Aaaahh!¡±

    One member from Team Two, the team that Seok Kang-Ho was leading, fell to the ground, clutching his thigh. The dirt around him was quickly stained red with blood.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°The soldier who just fired has to hurry and help the injured member back!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted into the radio.

    <i>Crackle!</i>

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯m heading down,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s radio transmission. All the soldiers could listen to this channel.

    ***

    ¡°Argh, damn it!¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon swallowed the curses at the tip of his tongue and mmed his desk after listening to the radio. He was smoking so many cigarettes that his ss ashtray was already half full.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the ambnce?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked.

    ¡°The army surgeon is waiting on standby at the entrance,¡± his aide informed him.

    There was no knowing where the injured soldier was shot or how much he was hurt.

    ¡°Motherfucker!¡± Choi Seong-Geon swore.

    Choi Seong-Geon had devoted all of this time to raising these soldiers to the point that he almost didn¡¯t have time to take care of his own children.

    <i>You are the strength that supports this country! You are as strong as any elite team in the world!</i>

    That was what he genuinely believed, and he habitually repeated those words to the soldiers too.

    Unable to contain his frustration, Choi Seong-Geon stepped out of the barracks to cool down.

    <i>¡®Endure and get through this! You will be the soldiers rewriting the history of South Korea¡¯s special forces.¡¯</i>

    Rough engine sounds began to approach the barracks, and dust rose from the mountain road.

    ¡°Just how much did he get hurt?!¡± Choi Seong-Geon growled as he cursed at the vehicle with a white cross that wasing toward him from afar.

    ***

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    The members of Team Two acted as if they were beside themselves. Although the one who shot their team member was their colleague, they were aggressively firing back at the other side as if he had fallen from the bullet of an enemy.

    <i>Whoosh!?</i>

    Their muscles had been stiff from nervousness, but they were all ready to go now.

    A team member dashed forward and dove toward the ground as he aimed his rifle.

    Seok Kang-Ho watched him with a satisfied smirk.

    ***

    The upying forces were inside the building. It was difficult to know how many were waiting inside, but Team One hadpletely blocked the entrance of the building to prevent anyone from getting out.

    Kang Chan pointed at his position with his finger, and the rest of the team members immediately understood his n to also block off the other side.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Swoosh! Pow!</i>

    This was the dictionary definition of urban warfare. The walls that concealed the soldiers crumbled, leaving cement dust rising as they did.

    Everyone was aware of what happened over the radio.

    Not long after, shadows appeared at the entrance of the building.

    <i>Pew! ng!</i>

    The head of the soldier standing at the entrance jerked back, and he fell to the ground.

    <i>¡®This man can¡¯t be real.¡¯</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun was filled with disbelief and shocked beyond words.

    The interior of the entrance was dark, and it was difficult to make out any shapes. However, Kang Chan still managed tond a bullet on the soldier¡¯s helmet from twenty meters away.

    If this was one of theirmon training situations and he was given the time, Cha Dong-Gyun was confident he could urately hit his target as well. However, Kang Chan just suddenly sprang up from where he was giving them directions and made the shot.

    The soldiers of the upying forces were shooting furiously in their direction from inside the building.

    <i>What are you gonna do now?</i>

    That seemed to be what Kang Chan¡¯s eyes were asking them, taunting them.

    <i>¡®I¡¯ll do it, and I¡¯ll do it properly. Mark my words.¡¯</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun didn¡¯t want to give up and run away here.

    If all of them could fight as well as Kang Chan in actualbat situations¡­ if Kang Chan¡¯s dexterity came from extreme and grim operations that resulted in the deaths of half the team members, Cha Dong-Gyun would willingly put his life on the line to learn Kang Chan¡¯sbat style and experience.

    Kang Chan smirked. This was the first time he had smiled during the operation.

    With a determined look, Cha Dong-Gyun glowered at the location Kang Chan pointed to.

 Chapter 141.1: Even if it means death (2)

    <h4>Chapter 141.1: Even if it means death (2)</h4>

    A buzz came from the radio.

    ¡°He was hit in the arm. The soldier who shot him needs to take him to the medics, now!¡±

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°A soldier by the entrance was hit in the thigh! Whoever shot him better hurry and evacuate him!¡±

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°A soldier just fainted! Get him out of here now!¡±

    A series of radio transmissions were heard from inside the barracks. The army surgeon quickly nced at Choi Seong-Geon and rushed outside.

    Four of the medics already had their hands and arms drenched in blood. Meanwhile, a soldier lying on an improvised cot barely managed to regain consciousness.

    A nursing officer looked at Choi Seong-Geon while switching the soldier¡¯s blood bag. The soldier¡¯s ruptured blood vessels had been sealed off, but that was only a temporary solution. If they wasted any more time, they would have to amputate his arm.

    ¡°What the hell are they doing?! Why are theyte?!¡± Choi Seong-Geon shouted in frustration. Unable to control his temper, he exhaled heavily.

    After some time, ambnce sirens echoed from a distance, followed by the de ps of a helicopter.

    ¡°They¡¯re here! Prepare the soldiers for medevac!¡±

    <i>Vroom! Creaaak!</i>

    The soldiers who had already taken out soldiers from the enemy team all dashed outside.

    The soldiers who required medical attention had different wounds. One had an arm covered in blood, while another was shot in the thigh. There was also the unconscious soldier who had been carried inside the barracks on a stretcher.

    ¡°The bullet went through him! Prepare to stop the bleeding!¡± urgently shouted a medical officer. His uniform was drenched in so much blood it was almost ck. It evidenced just how chaotic the scene was.

    <i>Chuf, chuf, chuf, chuf, chuf.?</i>

    Helicopter chops continued to echo in the background.

    ¡°Get all the patients to a hospital! You go along with them, and report the situation while you¡¯re there!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the medical officer replied. A strong gust of dust blew through the windows of the barracks, which were shaking so hard it seemed as if they would crack at any moment.

    The soldiers rushed forward to transport the patients on stretchers. Meanwhile, the army surgeon pushed aside the medical officer and gave the unconscious soldier chestpressions.

    ¡°This is madness! They¡¯re all out of their minds!¡±

    ¡°<i>Gasp! Huff, huff</i>!¡±

    <i>¡°Haah, haah!¡±</i>

    When the soldier finally began to breathe again, the army surgeon slumped heavily into a nearby chair, both relieved and worn out.

    Helicopter noises, blood-soaked soldiers, and shocked medical officers¡­ This was no different from a warzone.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.</i>

    ¡°The line is secure! This is Training Site Thirty-Seven! Yes, sir! Yes! Understood, sir!¡± Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s aide nervously replied.

    Choi Seong-Geon turned when his aide answered a call. His aide handed him the phone with a bewildered expression.

    The exact location of this training site had been kept a secret, and none of the soldiers here had disclosed their ranks or positions to anyone. Since they had gone to such lengths to keep the area secured, it was extremely rare for them to have to answer any phone calls.

    Did something urgent happen that required the skills of the special forces team?

    ¡°Who is it?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s from the Blue House, sir,¡± his aide replied.

    ¡°What?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked in surprise, quickly taking the phone. ¡°This is Choi Seong-Geon.¡±

    <i>-General Choi, this is Moon Jae-Hyun.?</i>

    ¡±Sir! This is Brigadier General Choi Seong-Geon, sir!¡± Choi Seong-Geon robustly shouted.

    The army surgeon, nursing officer, and medical officers curiously looked over, wondering who he was speaking so politely to.

    In the meantime, the helicopter took off to take the injured soldiers to a hospital, and the soldiers who had carried the stretchers were returning back inside the barracks.

    <i>-I heard you¡¯re conducting a special kind of training, General. I apologize. It¡¯s because I¡¯m not capable enough as the president that our country¡¯s soldiers have to train in ways others do not. I am not supposed to know why the soldiers are receiving this training. That¡¯s the only way I can keep our nation safe. However, General Choi, no matter what happens, I will take full responsibility. I swear on my title to protect you and the rest of the soldiers.?</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon clenched his teeth and turned his gaze out the window, feeling an overwhelming surge of sentimentality.

    <i>-Thank you, General. I sincerely apologize to the soldiers. Please deliver my gratitude to them as the president and a man who loves South Korea from the bottom of his heart.?</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said, throat choking with emotion. The fact that someone recognized the soldiers¡¯ efforts in going through this hellish training and understood why they had to do this made his heart swell.

    <i>-If there is anything you should need, you can reach me through Section Chief Jeon. I¡¯m sure that¡¯s the easiest way to establishmunication with me.</i>

    ¡°We are already receiving everything we need, sir.¡±

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°There¡¯s a new patient! Hurry and transport him!¡±

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Got it!¡±

    The army surgeon, a medical officer, and the soldiers swiftly ran outside as if they were dodging bullets.

    <i>-I leave this in your capable hands, General Choi.?</i>

    Moon Jae-Hyun attempted to finish up the call quickly, likely having heard the radio transmission over the phone.

    ¡°Mr. President,¡± Choi Seong-Geon began.

    <i>-Yes, go ahead, General.?</i>

    ¡°If I can protect my country with my blood, I am happy,¡± he said firmly.

    <i>-I believe that is the motto of our special forces, isn¡¯t it? I didn¡¯t know you possessed the talent to make people tear up, General. Then¡­ I will contact you again at another time.?</i>

    The line was disconnected.

    Choi Seong-Geon wasn¡¯t certain if proceeding with this training was the right thing to do, but the moment he shouted the special forces¡¯ motto, something inside him began to ze.

    When he handed the phone to his aide, a patient entered the barracks. The army surgeon applied pressure on the shin of the soldier, who was lying on a stretcher.

    Choi Seong-Geon furrowed his brows and looked at the soldier.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>!¡± he eximed. He gritted his teeth and walked out of the barracks.

    The two soldiers sitting at the entrance sprang to their feet. Choi Seong-Geon pulled out some cigarettes from his pocket and offered them to the soldiers.

    ¡°We¡¯re all right, sir.¡±

    ¡°Just take it, punks,¡± Choi Seong-Geon stated.

    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon was the only one who had a lighter with him, so the soldiers politely held their cigarettes to him to light them up. They turned their heads to the side as they breathed out puffs of smoke.

    <i>¡°Haaah.¡±</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon saw a few soldiers approaching the barracks through the smoke he exalted. They were most likely the soldiers who had gotten shot but on their bulletproof vests.

    Some of the soldiers who were shot in the sr plexus were carried in on stretchers because they had lost consciousness. The shock of the bullet¡¯s impact had rendered a few of them unable to breathe.

    ¡°General Choi!¡± they greeted as they saluted him.

    ¡°Take a smoke, men,¡± Choi Seong-Geon responded.

    The soldiers tried to politely refuse but when they saw the look in his eyes, they quickly epted the cigarettes. Again, Choi Seong-Geon didn¡¯t hand them the lighter but instead lit their cigarettes for them instead.

    It had already been three hours since the training started at eight in the morning.

    ***

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s eyes glinted as sharply as Choi Jong-Il¡¯s piercing gaze.

    He could see them. The moving shapes in front of him were way clearer than when they had first begun training.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    The upying forces were also shooting back at them with the firm intent to hit them. Hence, neither side could make any hasty movements.

    <i>¡®So this is the purpose of this training!¡¯</i>

    Hisrades were carried out in stretchers, bloodied in the blink of an eye.

    His senses had be so heightened it was as if he could feel every hair on his body. The moment he made a single mistake, bullets woulde flying at his bulletproof vest or helmet. Worse, if he was unlucky, he¡¯d end up with a hole in his arms and legs.

    This was iparable to the mock battles they had. That kind of training couldn¡¯t evene close to this.

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    The moment Woo Hee-Seung leaned forward to take a look, bullets immediately came shooting in his direction. At this rate, this wouldn¡¯t end even if night came. They had already used every drop of energy they had and were now just hanging on through pure resolve.

    He never imagined he would experience this in a mock battle.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun fired three consecutive shots from his position to cover Woo Hee-Seung, who ran out.

    Just then, the radios began to crackle.

    ¡°This is the God of ckfield. The morning training is over. I repeat. The morning training is over. Everyone, gather at the entrance,¡±manded Kang Chan.

    ***

    ¡°Haaaaaaah,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun sighed as he leaned his head against the wall.

    <i>Creak.?</i>

    Even though they had been informed that the training was over, Suh Sang-Hyun still reflexively raised his gun, and Kim Tae-Jin aimed his rifle with a <i>click</i>.

    It was Team Two. They had reached the entrance of the rooftop.

    Seeing Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s smirk as he stepped on the rooftop, Suh Sang-Hyun scowled.

    ¡°Are you all right? Let¡¯s head back down,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Did this man not get nervous?

    <i>Click. Click.?</i>

    Suh Sang-Hyun whipped his gaze around every time he heard the sound of a gun. It had be instinctive to him now.

    ***

    ¡°Good work, everyone!¡±

    Team One, which Kang Chan led, and the upying forces that were led by Kwak Cheol-Ho arrived at the entrance with their guns pointed at the ground.

    Kim Tae-Jin was running on fumes at this point, but he cast Kang Chan a curious look, wondering why he stopped the training.

    ¡°The agents are too tired. If we go any further with the training, some of the soldiers will actually die,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded in understanding. He was aware that even his own focus had waned. He had a little less than half left to go in him.

    They all left the makeshift city and walked down the mountain path. They were so tired that a hundred meters seemed like a kilometer.

    ¡°Is the training done for today, then?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m nning on picking back up with it after lunch,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°I see,¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded.

 Chapter 141.2: Even if it means death (2)

    <h4>Chapter 141.2: Even if it means death (2)</h4>

    ¡°Sirs!¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon, who was in front of the barracks with the soldiers who were shot, greeted Kang Chan and the rest of his party from where he was standing.

    ¡°We will proceed with afternoon training after lunch,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon replied with a nod instead of speaking, but it wasn¡¯t out of ill intent.

    Kang Chan stepped up the stairs in front of the barracks.

    ¡°After your meal, you will have two hours to rest. Get an hour of sleep. Doesn¡¯t matter if you <i>can¡¯t?</i>fall asleep. You have no choice. You never know when mountain warfare will end upsting into nighttime,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°You n to keep this up at night too?¡± Choi Seong-Geon suddenly chimed.

    It was already this hellish in the morning. If they trained at night, the soldiers could actually die. Even so, Choi Seong-Geon had no choice but to ept it. After all, the soldiers¡¯ eyes were zing more furiously than ever before.

    ***

    ¡°Enjoy your lunch, sir.¡±

    Every soldier who passed by Kang Chan greeted him, holding their trays of food. There was no exception to this.

    ¡°Ha,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun scoffed as he ate a big spoonful of rice.

    Red, spicy pork, white rice, and five different kinds of side dishes were prepared for the men. If the soldiers wanted, they could choose to have hamburgers instead. There were also three types of fruit stacked up next to one side of the serving table. They had three soup options as well: spicy beef soup, short rib soup, and soybean paste soup.

    ¡°What do you think of the men now that you¡¯ve trained with them?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked as he raised a spoonful of short rib soup. He only asked the question out of curiosity, but all the soldiers eagerly waited for Kang Chan¡¯s answer.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll have to apologize,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°For what?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°They were trained to a higher standard than I initially thought. More than anything, their determination and sense of duty are definitely worthy of praise,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kim Tae-Jin abruptly stopped eating and looked at Kang Chan, the spoon in his hand hanging halfway toward his mouth.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not just saying that to make me feel good?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked suspiciously.

    ¡°To get the hang of live ammo training this fast¡­¡± Kang Chan trailed off musingly. ¡°The Foreign Legion would probably have to repeat this training at least ten to fifteen times to get used to it. The special forces soldiers are skilled in that regard. We haven¡¯t suffered any deaths yet, either.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin grinned until Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Of course, none of the soldiers have managed to shoot at their opponents¡¯ helmets yet.¡±

    In response, Kim Tae-Jin quickly filled his mouth with rice. Before slightly bending over to drink some of the soup, he asked, ¡°You all heard what he said, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Kang Chan scanned the faces of the soldiers inside the cafeteria.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to admit, I judged you men too harshly in the beginning. I apologize for that. Let¡¯s wrap up our afternoon training with gusto. After the training, let¡¯s get some fresh air in a few days,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Are you referring to the preemptive attack, sir?¡± a soldier asked.

    Kang Chan smirked in reply instead of answering the question.

    Kang Chan¡¯s party leisurely finished their meal and sat in front of the barracks, enjoying some bagged coffee and cigarettes.

    ¡°Sang-Hyun and I will skip out on the afternoon training,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Got it. I don¡¯t think you have to worry about the soldiers any more, given their abilities,¡± Kang Chan assured him.

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chan as thetter drank his coffee from a paper cup.

    At the mess hall, Kim Tae-Jin had seen the soldiers willingly following Kang Chan. They observed Kang Chan¡¯s every word, gaze, and even the movements of his hands.

    <i>If this kind ofmander leads an operation, and his team actually gets to infiltrate another country¡­</i>

    Kang Chan gazed at Kim Tae-Jin as if to ask why he was giving him that look.

    ¡°I¡¯m just looking at you because I like you!¡± Kim Tae-Jin jokingly said, then grinned. He felt happiness so pure he felt like a child again. ¡°<i>Ahem</i>!¡±

    He was feeling sleepy and cozy, probably because he had eaten lunch, and the tension he felt had disappeared.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you get some sleep, sir?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Sounds like a good idea,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said. Soon after, he headed back inside the barracks.

    The soldiers also returned to the barracks one by one. It seemed like they were doing it to follow Kang Chan¡¯s instructions, not because they were drowsy. They had taken Kang Chan¡¯smands to sleep as part of their training.

    Kang Chan took out his phone and checked if there were any missed calls.

    ¡°These kids aren¡¯t to be taken lightly, Cap. They¡¯re pretty strong,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as he bit on a new cigarette. ¡°But they stillck experience. They were only slightly better than the recruits from the operation in Mongolia, really. Are you really nning to go with just these soldiers?¡±

    ¡°What else can I do? They¡¯re all determined to put their lives on the line just so they cane.¡±

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>! This won¡¯t be easy, huh?¡± Seok Kang-Ho sighed.

    ¡°Do you want to rest for the uing training session?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°What are you talking about? I was just saying that this is not going to be easy, not that I¡¯m going to stop,¡± Seok Kang-Ho asserted. He looked a little shocked by Kang Chan¡¯s offer.

    ¡°Are you really feeling okay? Your wounds aren¡¯t acting up?¡± Kang Chan asked, concerned.

    ¡°About that¡­ I¡¯m pretty much all healed now. There¡¯s seriously no reason anymore for me to still have bandages wrapped around me.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s recovery speed was now nearly on par with Kang Chan¡¯s. Was it because he had received the energy of the ckhead diamond?

    ***

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho also got about an hour of sleep. By the time they had washed their faces and headed out of the barracks, Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun were already there.

    The soldiers bustled around as they washed up, preparing for what was toe this afternoon.

    They had only finished morning training, but their faces were already so gaunt it was as if they had trained for a full day.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring. He had kept it on him since they still had some break time left.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador? This is Kang Chan,¡± he answered.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, where are you right now?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m in the Jeungpyeong area right now. Why did you call?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t put his finger on it, but Lanok sounded different.

    <i>-The UK is preparing a surprise attack. We¡¯re thinking ofunching an attack first, so I was wondering if you couldmand the special forces team of the Foreign Legion.?</i>

    Kang Chan stared at Cha Dong-Hyun for a moment. The soldiers had gathered in preparation for the afternoon training, and they were now peeking at Kang Chan because he suddenly started to speak fluent French.

    ¡°When do I have to leave?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>-You¡¯ll have to depart at dawn the day after tomorrow. This isn¡¯t just urgent because this will be your debut. France will suffer great damage if we can¡¯t stop the attack. We need a perfect victory like in Mongolia. I¡¯m asking you for a personal favor right now, Mr. Kang Chan.?</i>

    ¡°I understand, Mr. Ambassador. However, I will take the South Korean special forces with me as backup,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    <i>-This is a fight for France.?</i>

    ¡°We received help in Mongolia, so it¡¯s only fair that we repay the favor. I am actually coordinating with their soldiers right now, so it will be morefortable to take another team with me.¡±

    <i>-All right. What do you need me to prepare?</i>

    ¡°I only need means of transportation and information regarding the operation. I¡¯ll head back to Seoul after this call, so let¡¯s discuss the rest when I get there.¡±

    <i>-Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.?</i>

    By the time Kang Chan had hung up, the soldiers were already standing around him while still giving him some space.

    Kang Chan stood up from where he was sitting on the steps. Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun were naturally waiting for him to begin, while Choi Seong-Geon was looking at Kang Chan with a worried expression. Choi Seong-Geon seemed anxious to know how the afternoon training would be conducted.

    Kang Chan strode over to Choi Seong-Geon and gestured to Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Mr. Kim, I¡¯ve just received a request from France to lead the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces on a preemptive attack operation on the UK. France will take care of the transportation and information and tie up any loose ends. I will choose eight members from these soldiers to join the operation as the Foreign Legion¡¯s backup. You can¡¯t get any betterbat experience than this.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon quickly turned to Kim Tae-Jin. The rest of the soldiers nced over at the three, wondering what was going on.

    ¡°Sir, do you think we can get permission for this?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°It might be hard to give official permission, but they¡¯ll turn a blind eye if Kang Chan requests it. I heard you received help from France during the Mongolian operation,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    Choi Seong-Geon looked at Kang Chan with his lips pressed together.

    ¡°We will have to depart at dawn the day after tomorrow. I will take eight soldiers. Please make arrangements and say they¡¯re using their vacation days instead,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    Choi Seong-Geon nodded with his lips protruding thickly in a pout. He then asked, ¡°How will you select the soldiers?¡±

    ¡°I want to leave that to Cha Dong-Gyun.¡±

    ¡°All right. I take it you will bemanding this operation yourself?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Hearing Kang Chan¡¯s response, Choi Seong-Geon took in a deep breath and nodded. As he did, Kang Chan turned toward the soldiers and approached them.

    ¡°Today¡¯s afternoon training is canceled,¡± he announced, surprising the nervous soldiers. Disappointment shed across their faces.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun,¡± Kang Chan began.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied.

    ¡°I need eight soldiers to go with me on vacation at dawn the day after tomorrow. Two of those should be snipers. Create a list and request for the days off from General Choi,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s expression made it difficult to tell if he was smiling or crying.

    ¡°Can you make the list?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Please leave it to me, sir!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied. His sharp, pointed eyes glinted.

    ¡°We will be going as support this time. Consider it asbat training, got it?¡±

    ¡°Thank you, sir!¡±

    Kang Chanughed at the silly response.

 Chapter 142.1: Just Who Is This Man? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 142.1: Just Who Is This Man? (1)</h4>

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan had already left for Seoul.

    Kim Tae-Jin, Suh Sang-Hyun, and Choi Seong-Geon sat in front of the barracks, drinking tea together.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe their participation in the French operation was decided with a single phone call. Just who is this man?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked incredulously.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to dwell on the answer to that question. Just take what you see and feel at face value,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Choi Seong-Geon nodded. ¡°All this time, I thought Section Chief Jeon and you were the only scary people in this world. I didn¡¯t know I was just a small fish in a pond.¡±

    ¡°I was scary? I realized that I had definitely aged when I saw you, though,¡± Kim Tae-Jin remarked.

    ¡°You definitely were, sir. I still clearly remember the look in your eyes when we went to and returned from the DMZ. Back then, everyone became nervous whenever you entered the barracks. From what I saw earlier, that¡¯s how the soldiers react to Mr. Kang Chan now,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s consider ourselves lucky to have someone skilled enough to send soldiers on a real field operation so quickly. Some of the soldiers will have to make sacrifices. However, to improve and move forward, the special forces are fated to suffer such pain,¡± Kim Tae-Jin firmly stated.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. We had no choice but to swallow our frustration and anger because we couldn¡¯t obtain opportunities like this until now. The look in the soldiers¡¯ eyes has changed. I¡¯m both grateful and proud to have men desperatelypeting against each other to go somewhere they could die,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said with a mncholic smile.

    After some time, someone knocked on the door three times.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s the list of the men who are requesting their off days, General Choi,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied as he entered.

    Choi Seong-Geon epted the paper from Cha Dong-Gyun, taken aback by how quickly it had been prepared.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun, you punk! Even if I can understand Kwak Cheol-Ho being on this list, Yoo Kwang-Yeol is a newbie who has just passed his hundredth day here!¡± Choi Seong-Geon protested.

    ¡°Please talk to them directly, General. I can¡¯t convince them otherwise.¡±

    ¡°You bastards!¡± Choi Seong-Geon eximed as he shook his head and red at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°On a separate note, sir, I¡¯d respectfully like to ask for you to have face-to-face talks with all the soldiers.¡±

    ¡°Why? Is there a problem?¡±

    ¡°The men who were disqualified are greatly disappointed in themselves, sir.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon let out a loud sigh, not knowing what to do with his men.

    ***

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand why the UK is suddenly attacking France. It doesn¡¯t make sense,¡± Seok Kang-Ho wondered.

    ¡°Did the things<i>?we</i> did ever make any sense?¡± Kang Chan countered.

    ¡°Ha, that¡¯s true,¡± Seok Kang-Ho agreed with a wide grin. He seemed extremely excited at the prospect of leaving on another operation. ¡°I should probably take my wife out tomorrow, then. It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right! What day is it today?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Thursday. Why?¡±

    Kang Chan, who had been leaning against the window, abruptly sat up.

    ¡°That means we¡¯ll be leaving on Saturday, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan asked, half-hoping Seok Kang-Ho would say no.

    ¡°Since we¡¯re supposed to depart at dawn the day after tomorrow¡­ that would be the dawn of Saturday, Cap.¡±

    ¡°Damn it!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan, then looked ahead again.

    ¡°I told them to make time on Saturday so we can go on a surprise trip. What should I do?¡± Kang Chan asked despairingly.

    ¡°You told who?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, not understanding.

    ¡°My mother and father. Damn it! They¡¯ll be disappointed. I don¡¯t know about my dad, but my mother seemed to be looking forward to it a lot. <i>Tsk</i>! What should I do?¡± Kang Chan wondered out loud.

    Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t have an answer to questions like these. Kang Chan scowled, unable toe up with a solution.

    ¡°You should discuss it with your father. That might be the best option,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°I guess. I¡¯ll talk to him after meeting Ambassador Lanok.¡± Kang Chan sighed again. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯te up with anything right off the bat. In the car on the way to Seoul, he called Lanok and made arrangements to meet.

    As Kang Chan expected, they were meeting at the embassy. Given the current circumstances, it would be unwise to meet anywhere that could leave them exposed to external forces.

    Seok Kang-Ho dropped Kang Chan off at the embassy around five-thirty in the afternoon.

    ¡°You can head home without me since this can take a while if the ambassador invites me to dinner. You should stop by a hospital on your way back,¡± Kang Chan urged.

    ¡°You¡¯re still saying that after seeing me in the shower stalls earlier today?¡± Seok Kang-Ho jokingly asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t take your condition lightly. Make sure you stop by a hospital before you go home,¡± Kang Chan rebuked.

    ¡°All right, I will. Call me if you need me. I¡¯ll be home for the rest of the day,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°I will,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kang Chan said goodbye to Seok Kang-Ho and thumped the hood of the car before entering the embassy.

    The agent standing at the entrance immediately led Kang Chan to the office once he saw him. The hallways were packed with agents today, which was unusual.

    The office door opened with a <i>click</i>.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡± Lanok greeted as he walked over and hugged Kang Chan.

    Thest time they met, Lanok had greeted him with a handshake instead. Kang Chan now understood how urgent and anxious Lanok was feeling, which were things he wouldn¡¯t even have any idea about in the past.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit down, shall we?¡± Lanok gestured at the table.

    The chairs in Lanok¡¯s office were fancy, ssic, pleasing to the eyes, andfortable. It was as if he had brought them from France¡¯s medieval times. They were a lot better than the couch.

    Kang Chan suddenly wanted to gift Yoo Hye-Sook these kinds of chairs too.

    Lanok poured him some tea and offered him a cigarette before lighting his own cigar.

    ¡°Let me begin by telling you about the Hadron Collider.¡±

    With the cigar in his mouth, Lanok handed Kang Chan a few documents that he had prepared in advance. They contained the location and scale of the object and otherplicated information that he couldn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°Under my country¡¯s leadership, nearly the entirety of Europe participated in creating it. Some parts of Russia even joined in. It was installed in the border area between France and Switzend, but most of it is in France.¡±

    Kang Chan briefly scanned the documents and put them down, focusing on Lanok¡¯s words.

    ¡°As Britain was developing their subterranean shock device, they seemed to have judged that France¡¯s Hadron Collider serves the same purpose, which is likely why they are attempting to destroy it. They have already dispatched agents to the mountainous region of Martigny Combe in Switzend.¡±

    ¡°Are we up against the SAS?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°SBS,¡± Lanok replied curtly.

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh. The elite among the SAS, which was remarkable in its own right already, were handpicked and trained to form the SBS, a unit that had sessfully carried out undisclosed special operations not only in Europe but also in Africa and even during the Gulf War.

    ¡°We should never leave any loose ends in any operation, but it¡¯s especially important that we don¡¯t leave anything behind that can cause conflict with this specific operation. If the UK manages to find any of our traces, they will try to exploit the situation in any way they possibly can.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded before speaking up again.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, the uh¡­ Hadron Collider, was it? Can that thing actually cause earthquakes?¡±

    ¡°There are many misconceptions about it. Simply put, yes, it can. However, it is impossible for France to independently modify it for such a purpose, considering more than twenty thousand people coborated to create it.¡±

    It was difficult to discern this snake¡¯s true intention from his words alone. Unless Britain was a fool, they would obviously know about what Lanok said as well. Perhaps they were aware but decided to attack anyway to find a reason to pick a fight with France.

    For now, Kang Chan decided to trust Lanok.

    ¡°If the SBS is already there, aren¡¯t wete already?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The mobilization of the special forces of the Foreign Legion was dyed by a day. There¡¯s only one spot for the title of ¡®best team,¡¯ after all. However, GIGN and the Unified Special Operations Command both judged that we would be at a disadvantage in this operation because it¡¯s located in the mountains,¡± Lanok replied.

    Since the teams were both responsible for different roles and used different equipment, what Lanok was saying waspletely reasonable. Still, in operations like this, time was everything.

    Only then did Kang Chan sympathize with the urgency in Lanok¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°It will take approximately twelve hours to get to Switzend,¡± Kang Chan stated, sounding concerned.

    ¡°Thirteen hours, to be specific. You will also have to travel from the Sion Base by helicopter and on foot through the mountainous area. Taking those into calction, it will take twenty hours without breaks.¡±

    ¡°What if the SBS makes their move before we arrive?¡± Kang Chan mused.

    Lanok couldn¡¯t answer. His expression grew stiff.

    ¡°Would it be difficult to reinforce the collider¡¯s security or strike them directly from Switzend?¡± Kang Chan asked, recalling Ludwig and Vant being good friends with Lanok.

    ¡°If we inform Switzend about this and request their assistance, we will essentially be revealing the secrets rted to the subterranean shock device and the ckhead diamond to the European intelligence agencies. Although the truth will be revealed at some point anyway, it is wiser to give up the Hadron Collider for now.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded and lifted his cigarette.

    If Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s team had practicalbat experience¡ªif there were just five members with skills like Dayeru, Kang Chan would have said he would depart immediately.

    It wasn¡¯t just out of his personal gratitude to Lanok. The more he gained insight into the field of intelligence, the better these kinds of operations seemed to be for establishing the reputation of South Korea¡¯s special forces. Moreover, the subterranean shock device was created to prevent the Eurasian Rail from being built, which was all the more reason why this was significant.

    Seemingly understanding Kang Chan¡¯s silence, Lanok kept quiet and just enjoyed his cigar and tea.

 Chapter 142.2: Just Who is This Man? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 142.2: Just Who is This Man? (1)</h4>

    There were only two things left for Kang Chan to confirm.

    ¡°How many personnel are the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces mobilizing?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    ¡°Two units for a total of twenty-four men,¡± Lanok replied.

    Rumors were bound to get out regarding operations thisrge. To make things worse, just a single error could cause this whole situation to explode into a full-scale war.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, if I told you I wanted to depart now, could you have a flight prepared for me immediately?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s already waiting for you in Osan,¡± Lanok responded with ease, seemingly anticipating the question. He then changed the topic, ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, what would you like to have for dinner?¡±

    Kang Chan genuinely wanted to help him and not miss out on this opportunity. However, the soldiers¡¯ck of experience was holding him back right now. In a way, that was a more important factor than their abilities.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I think It¡¯s best that I take my leave early. I have to confirm a few things. Can I call you again at ater time?¡± Kang Chan requested.

    ¡°I¡¯ll always be waiting for your calls, Mr. Kang Chan, especially those rted to this particr operation,¡± Lanok replied.

    ¡°Understood, sir. If that¡¯s all we have to talk about, I¡¯ll get going now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    .

    As Kang Chan got up, Lanok stood up as well.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯m well aware that asking for your assistance with this operation is a difficult request to aplish, so I hope you don¡¯t strain yourself any further than you¡¯re already doing. One lost battle won¡¯t mean we lose everything in Europe, but if we lose you, there¡¯s no way to get you back,¡± Lanok implored.

    Kang Chan had never seen Lanok look this concerned before. Lanok could have chosen to put on a mask to hide his emotions, but it seemed he had decided against doing that in front of Kang Chan.

    As Kang Chan walked out of the embassy, he took out his phone and checked the time. It was six-thirty in the evening.

    Afterward, he immediately searched for Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s number and called it, but he had more in mind than just postponing their trip.

    <i>-Hello? Kang Chan?</i>

    ¡°Yes, Father. Where are you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>-I¡¯m at the office, but I¡¯m just about to leave. Are you back in Seoul now?</i>

    ¡°Yes. Do you have time to have dinner with me?¡±

    <i>-What about your mother?</i>

    ¡°I was hoping to have dinner with just us today. There¡¯s something I want to discuss with you.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung briefly remained silent likely because he was taking a moment to process the situation.

    <i>-Where are you? I¡¯ll be done in about ten minutes.?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to where you are. It¡¯ll probably take about an hour since it¡¯s rush hour.¡±

    <i>-All right. I¡¯ll be waiting at my office, then. I¡¯ll tell your mother that I have a dinner appointment.?</i>

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan called Choi Jong-Il. Almost immediately, Lee Doo-Hee drove up to the back alley of the embassy.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to my father¡¯s workce.¡± Kang Chan asked for their help getting to his father because getting a taxi during rush hour would be difficult.

    Going on this operation with just the South Korean team¡­ If someone told Kang Chan he was being greedy, he wouldn¡¯t have any rebuttal.

    However, this was far better than a few minorbat experiences. After all, this made sure their abilities would improve. Seeing the soldiers¡¯ abilities during the live ammo training had a great impact on Kang Chan¡¯s decision as well.

    Kang Chan looked out the window in silence as they drove along, creating an awkward atmosphere.

    Choi Jong-Il subtly peeked at Kang Chan. He seemed worried that France had rejected the South Korean team¡¯s assistance or that their authorization to participate had been denied at the final stage, which was what happened to countless operations in the past.

    There wasn¡¯t anything Kang Chan could say to them right now, however. Amid the continued silence, they soon arrived at Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯spany.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have dinner with my father. He¡¯ll have his guards on him, so you all have dinner in peace without worrying about us. Let¡¯s try to eat whenever we can, got it?¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan stepped out of the car and called his father. Kang Dae-Kyung came down not long after.

    ¡°Father!¡± Kang Chan greeted, to which Kang Dae-Kyung reciprocated with a smile.

    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Since we¡¯re eating without Mother, let¡¯s just have something simple,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Are you sure? I was going to treat you to something nice,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said, patting Kang Chan¡¯s back as they entered the street next to his office¡¯s building. ¡°Why don¡¯t we have a light meal with ox bone soup?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Kang Chan replied. He followed Kang Dae-Kyung into the ox bone soup restaurant behind the building.

    Kang Chan was extremely grateful to have a father he could rely on and confide in whenever he had a difficult decision to make. He obviously couldn¡¯t tell his father everything, and even if he could make up his mind now, the South Korean government would likely disapprove of the mission. Still, his father was a source offort.

    ¡°This ce is actually pretty famous,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung exined.

    The restaurant did seem popr because it was bustling with a lot of people. It hadn¡¯t even been three minutes since they ordered, but they were already served their ox bone soup.

    ¡°So, what is it?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked without looking up from the rice and soup he was mixing together. He was obviously attempting to create a casual mood intentionally so Kang Chan could easily tell him what was on his mind.

    ¡°I was nning on taking you and Mother to Jeju this weekend, Father,¡± Kang Chan started.

    Kang Dae-Kyung lifted his gaze to look at Kang Chan.

    ¡°But something came up, so I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to go. Mother seems to be looking forward to it quite a bit. What should I do?¡± Kang Chan contemted.

    ¡°Is it something that will take a few days again?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung raised his spoon and began to eat.

    ¡°Eat up. Let¡¯s think about it while eating,¡± he said, eating a spoonful of soup, rice, and diced radish kimchi. ¡°Hmm. Let¡¯s just think of this as you sending me and your mother on a trip as a present, okay? That way, the two of us can rx together. Your mother will still be upset, though, so let¡¯s take a day trip somewhere nearby next week.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°I¡¯m more excited since it¡¯ll just be the two of us,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said with a smile, showing Kang Chan that he didn¡¯t have to worry.

    ¡°Father,¡± Kang Chan hesitantly called.

    ¡°There¡¯s more?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung joked.

    Kang Chan grinned.

    ¡°There¡¯s this thing I really want to do, but it¡¯ll be difficult. I don¡¯t have time to do it multiple times, and there won¡¯t be a better opportunity than this. But it¡¯s something I won¡¯t be doing alone, and if I fail, the people joining me will have to sacrifice something great. I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    ¡°What did the others say about this?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    Kang Chan recalled Cha Dong-Gyun and the other soldiers¡¯ fierce expressions.

    ¡°I think they want to do it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Hmmm, then I take it this is something you¡¯ll be taking responsibility for?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung confirmed.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Deep in thought, Kang Dae-Kyung slowly swallowed the food in his mouth.

    ¡°The person responsible will always find themselves in the toughest spot since he¡¯ll have to ept the oue of his choices. Remember how hard it was for me when our contract with Chiffre ended? No matter the situation, unexpected variables are bound to arise. If you¡¯re confident and determined to face those unknown odds, then you should push through with it. Otherwise, it would be pointless.¡±

    Kang Chan ate a spoonful of food as he listened to Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°How does seeding in this benefit you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung questioned.

    ¡°Sorry?¡±

    ¡°Were you nning on doing something that won¡¯t benefit you at all?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked with a grin.

    The advantages? The greatest advantage was that he¡¯d be repaying his favor to Lanok. Apart from that, although they would have to put their lives on the line, the South Korean team would obtain valuable experience from this. Moreover, defeating the SBS would proudly disy the might of the South Korean special forces to the rest of the world.

    After their conversation, they finished the rest of their meal.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go straight home from here,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung dered.

    ¡°By yourself?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise.

    ¡°It¡¯s written all over your face that you¡¯re busy. Don¡¯t worry about us ande home once you¡¯ve taken care of your business. I¡¯ll pretend not to know anything about the trip to Jeju until the weekend,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    They left the restaurant and walked over to where Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s car was parked.

    ¡°Well, see you at home,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°Thank you, Father.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, son,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said as he thumped Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder.

    Once Kang Dae-Kyung had driven off, Kang Chan called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan!</i>

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>-I¡¯m a lot better now. To what do I owe the pleasure?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung seemed to have noticed that Kang Chan sounded different from normal.

    ¡°Have you heard that a unit will be going out on an operation as backup?¡±

    <i>-Yes, I¡¯m aware of it.?</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kim, I want to take two teams.¡±

    <i>-Pardon?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m asking this of you so we can leave immediately. If we leave the day after tomorrow, we might have to cut the mission short ande back without getting to do anything. The flights are already prepared.¡±

    A loud intake of air could be heard over the line.

    ¡°We will be going against the SBS. Half of the soldiers we start with won¡¯t being back.¡±

    <i>-The SBS? Britain¡¯s SBS?</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    It was silent. Kim Hyung-Jung had gone speechless.

    ¡°These are the best conditions to gain experience. If things go sessfully, the soldiers will be able to obtain ten small operations¡¯ worth of experience with this single mission.¡±

    <i>-Will you be inmand?</i>

    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±

    <i>-I assume you¡¯ll leave as soon as it¡¯s decided?</i>

    ¡°Yes. I informed them to select eight members, so I¡¯ll need twelve more. Each team will need to have two snipers too.¡±

    No one would probably be able to imagine this kind of conversation was taking ce in the middle of a street.

    <i>-I understand. I will talk this over with the director and call you again. However, I should tell you these types of operations have never been approved in the final stage. Moreover, this operation is for France, so it won¡¯t be easy.?</i>

    After hanging up, Kang Chan looked around his surroundings.

    He had made up his mind, but other people would be making the important decision. It felt strange.

 Chapter 143.1: Just Who Is This Man? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 143.1: Just Who Is This Man? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan ordered coffee at a nearby specialty coffee shop. After receiving his order, he sat on the terrace and called Michelle to change his reservation to Jeju-do for his parents. He then talked about the building he was nning to buy.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for the trip upfront. Just text me the bank ount number.¡±

    - Will do, Channy. As for the building, I still think the most efficient way we can tackle this is to change the interior of a building that¡¯s still under construction. You¡¯ll be able to move into the building in two months, and since it hasn¡¯t even been subdivided yet, you¡¯ll be able to use everything, including the office and the showroom on the first floor.

    ¡°Look into it a bit more. Let¡¯s check out the building together once you¡¯ve reached a decision. I don¡¯t have time to go there this week because of a sudden business trip.¡±

    After his conversation with Michelle, Kang Chan smoked a cigarette.

    He felt frustrated and ufortable. It was as if he had unfinished business that he was forgetting.

    Seok Kang-Ho would run over if Kang Chan just gave him a call, and even Choi Jong-Il was on standby. However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to disturb Seok Kang-Ho while he was spending time with his family, and he had trouble making silly jokes with Choi Jong-Il.

    <i>¡®What would Lanok do at times like this?¡¯</i>

    Going home could be the wise thing to do, but Kang Chan would rather stay outside instead of going home and feeling suffocated.

    Exhaling softly, he looked at the people passing by.

    Michelle definitely would¡¯ve made some time for him if he had said that they should meet up, but he doubted meeting her would make his frustration disappear.

    Kang Chan took out his phone and looked for Kim Mi-Young¡¯s phone number. She was the only person that he wanted to see right now.

    <i>Can she get rid of my frustration the same way she did when she held my hand at the school cafeteria?</i>

    She clearly wouldn¡¯t be able to pick up because she was at her <i>hagwon</i>, but Kang Chan called her nheless.

    The call rang about four times.

    - Hi!

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s peculiar answer made Kang Chan involuntarily smile.

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - I¡¯m in front of my <i>hagwon</i>. Why do you ask?

    ¡°Nothing. I was just thinking about you,¡± Kang Chan answered, still smiling. He didn¡¯t know he was capable of saying something so cringe.

    - Where are you right now?

    ¡°Samseong-dong.¡±

    - I¡¯m at my <i>hagwon</i> at Daechi-dong. Can we meet up?

    ¡°But you have to go to ss.¡±

    - For French lessons. You can just teach me instead, right? Right?

    Much to Kang Chan¡¯s fascination, just talking to her made his frustration subside a little.

    ¡°I¡¯lle to you. Where should I go?¡±

    - Come to the intersection at Daechi-dong. I¡¯ll wait at the ice cream shop there.

    The ice cream shop wasn¡¯t that far from where Kang Chan was.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately left the specialty coffee shop and got in a taxi. As soon as he got out at the intersection at Daechi-dong, the brightly lit ice cream shop caught his attention.

    He opened the door and headed inside. As he did, Kim Mi-Young stood up from her seat.

    She seemed to have grown up some more since thest time he saw her.

    No, she had actually be mature now.

    Her body had been mature for quite some time now. However, her face now looked paler and slender. Even her eyes seemed bigger. She looked like a youngdy¡ªor she would have if not for her bangs that were cut right to her eyebrows.

    ¡°Have you had dinner?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I did. Before ss.¡±

    ¡°Do you want ice cream?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Smiling brightly, Kim Mi-Young followed Kang Chan to the disy stand.

    They ordered four different ice cream vors in a cup, then returned to their table.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you weren¡¯t going to take French sses yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m just doing it because it¡¯s fun. Let¡¯s talk in French if we go somewhere crowdedter. Other people won¡¯t be able to understand what we¡¯re saying, right? <i>Huhuhuhu</i>.¡± Kim Mi-Young smiled as she ate a spoonful of ice cream.

    Kang Chan felt his frustration being swept away as he listened to<i>?</i>Kim Mi-Young.

    However, as she talked and ate ice cream, Kang Chan could see in her eyes that she longed for him.

    She missed him, and she wanted to keep spending time with him like this, but she seemed to have been suppressing her emotions.

    ¡°I have a favor to ask you,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young pouted. ¡°The Athletics Club members said that our school¡¯s festival will be the best if you help out. I¡¯ve seen them myself, so I know they regret what they have done. Moreover, when word got out, more students began to wish you¡¯d help out. Even So-Yeon and Ki-Jean want to ask for your help, but they said they can¡¯t bring themselves to call you since they find it hard to ask you for a favor. They also said that you¡¯ll definitely help out if I ask you to¡­¡± Kim Mi-Young trailed off toward the end.

    ¡°So you¡¯re asking me to help with the festival?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Why are you so nervous about it?¡±

    ¡°I was worried that you would find it difficult.¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan Smile, Kim Mi-Young sheepishly waited for his reply.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to help?¡±

    ¡°How can I not help out when you¡¯re the one who asked me to?¡±

    ¡°Really? You¡¯re not joking, are you?¡±

    ¡°I am!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young scooped up the ice cream whileughing. ¡°<i>Huhuhuhu</i>.¡±

    ¡°Anything else you want me to do?¡±

    ¡°Nope. That¡¯s all.¡±

    <i>Is Kim Mi-Young my younger sister or the woman I love?</i>

    One thing was clear¡ªKang Chan felt better.

    ¡°Were you nning not to ask me for help if I didn¡¯t contact you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Mi-Young pouted. She looked as if she was in a predicament.

    ¡°Jeez! Don¡¯t ever do that again,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright. I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°And don¡¯t study excessively once you¡¯re home just because you didn¡¯t go to French ss today.¡±

    ¡°The teacher said that I¡¯m really good. I was told that the teacher was new to our <i>hagwon</i>, but the kids in our <i>hagwon</i> and even the unnies at the front desk fell in love with him. He looks like an actor.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I think of you whenever I see that teacher,¡± Kim Mi-Young responded while looking straight into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart thumped.

    ¡®Untainted¡¯ was the perfect word to describe Kim Mi-Young¡¯s clear eyes.

    ***

    ¡°Mr. President, this is a golden opportunity to solidify Lanok¡¯s position. Considering the influence that he has as the Founder and first operationmittee member of the Eurasian Rail, then we should be the ones asking him for a favor with this operation,¡± someone argued.

    ¡°After analyzing the profits and losses from the trade with the United Kingdom, we expect a maximum of twenty billion dors in losses. We also have to consider the safety of the Koreans and the international students residing in the United Kingdom,¡± another person said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun sat in the middle of the meeting room. To his left was National Intelligence Service Director Hwang Ki-Hyun. Jeon Dae-Geuk, who was tightly wrapped in bandages, and the third and fourth deputy directors of the National Intelligence Service were present as well.

    ¡°What¡¯s the operation¡¯s sess rate?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°In Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s words, they¡¯ll lose more than half of the members due tock of experience.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun exhaled softly while pursing his lips.

    ¡°Mr. President! When he tookmand of the operation in Mongolia, he achieved the best result we¡¯ve ever gotten since the establishment of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team. Kang Chan made it clear that our special forces teams need this operation to gain experience,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk quickly added.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t as simple as it sounds, Section Chief Jeon. Each and every one of those soldiers is the head of a household, a son, and a father. That¡¯s an important matter to consider when discussing whether South Korea needs this operation or not,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun responded.

    ¡°Mr. President.¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk showed no signs of backing off. ¡°Sacrifice is the fate of soldiers, especially those who belong to the special forces. Have you thought about the special forces teams that can¡¯t do anything but train because they can¡¯t participate in operations? Their pride isn¡¯t shown when they¡¯re training. It shows only when they execute operations.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun exhaled softly.

    ¡°But the consequences we¡¯d have to bear would be too much if the operation fails. Worst-case scenario, we might even identally leave behind evidence that proves our men executed the operation. ¡±

    ¡°Fourth deputy director, that¡¯ll still be a problem even if we go as a backup.¡±

    ¡°But in that situation, we¡¯ll at least have France to depend on. It can¡¯t even bepared to our team failing a solo operation.¡±

    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s make a decision,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun interjected. ¡°Section Chief Jeon desires to dispatch our special forces soldiers.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk briefly nodded in response.

    ¡°The third deputy director wants to dispatch our special forces soldiers to a solo operation as well, while the fourth deputy director is against dispatching them entirely. What about you, Director Hwang?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°Mr. President, this might seem bothersome, but I think it¡¯s best we take the thoughts of the people on the scene into consideration.¡±

    Everyone quickly looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    ¡°Brigadier General Choi Seong-Geon is waiting,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun exined.

    ¡°You want us to talk to him?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun stared at Hwang Ki-Hyun for a moment, then nodded.

 Chapter 143.2: Just Who Is This Man? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 143.2: Just Who Is This Man? (2)</h4>

    Hwang Ki-Hyun pressed a button, and a call soon connected in the meeting room.

    - Hello. Brigadier General Choi Seong-Geon speaking.

    ¡°Brigadier General Choi, I¡¯m Hwang Ki-Hyun, the Director of the National Intelligence Service. We are currently in the middle of a meeting with the President. We apologize for bothering you, but we would like to ask you a few questions.¡±

    - Please go ahead.

    Choi Seong-Geon sounded so husky that a lot of people likely wondered if they were listening to a young Jeon Dae-Geuk talk.

    ¡°Brigadier General Choi, we have currently reached an impasse. Our debate on whether or not we should send our troops to execute the operation, which Mr. Kang Chan has been advocating for, as a solo operation instead has us torn. The pros and cons thate with it are as clear as day. However, the President is naturally concerned not only about the members who will beying down their lives in this impractical operation but also their friends and rtives. Is there anything you want to say about this?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    - Mr. President! I have privately spoken with the soldiers who were not selected to be a part of the backup team. It is hard to put into words the despair they are currently feeling, sir.

    ¡°Brigadier General Choi, I was just an army sergeant when I was discharged from the military, so I¡¯m not sure how true this is, but I heard that more than half of our men will likely meet their end in this operation. Is there any chance that they are acting like that because they got carried away by the atmosphere?¡± After speaking into the mic, Moon Jae-Hyun looked around him.

    - Mr. President, the true worth of the special forces isn''t shown when during training, no matter how intense. Their true worth shows only when they go out on operations. In the past few decades, we have only ever executed a total of three operations, only one of which was a solo operation conducted by our soldiers. If it means getting to participate in this operation, and if it means bing physically capable to join my men again, I would be more than happy to be demoted to the rank of sergeant.

    Moon Jae-Hyun exhaled heavily, which sounded more like a groan. ¡°Both sides have good points and neither side seems willing to concede. Is there anything you want to say before we decide?¡±

    - Mr. President! Allow me to tell you our motto just one more time. This is the best I can think of to express our determination.

    Moon Jae-Hyun stared at the mic as if he could see Choi Seong-Geon.

    - If I can protect the country with my blood, I am happy!

    Choi Seong-Geon yelled out their motto with all of his might, his resolute voice reverberating throughout the meeting room. It was as if he had gone to bing a recruit who had just enlisted.

    Just as Jeon Dae-Geuk tightly gritted his teeth, Moon Jae-Hyun smiled. He seemed to be crying. He then slowly looked at those in attendance in this meeting.

    After a moment of silence¡­

    ¡°General Choi.¡±

    - Please go ahead, Mr. President!

    ¡°We will do as Mr. Kang Chan wants. Please choose the soldiers who will be joining the team on the solo operation.¡±

    - Thank you, Mr. President!

    ¡° I should be the one thanking you, general. I give Mr. Kang Chan full authority and fullmand of this mission. Can you tell the members that I wish them good luck?¡±

    - I¡¯ll be sure to tell them!

    When Moon Jae-Hyun looked up, Hwang Ki-Hyun pressed the button to end the call.

    ¡°Now that this has been settled, it¡¯s time for us to work together to create and prepare contingency measures for any possible dangers and situations. Have the National Intelligence make follow-up measures and prepare for the worst-case scenario,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    ¡°Yes, sir. We¡¯ll do that,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun responded.

    ¡°I hope the decision I have made did not upset you, fourth deputy director,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    ¡°How could I be upset after hearing the determination of General Choi and the soldiers? I also have experience receivingmissioned education from the 606, Mr. President.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked around, then replied, ¡°I cannot help but think of this as an opportunity for South Korea to be reborn. If we fail, then I will take full responsibility. However, if we seed, it will serve as a strong warning to our neighboring countries that have rashly exercised their military strength against us. As a member of the Eurasian Rail, we have to make sure that the voice of South Korea is heard through this operation. For that reason, I hope everyone spares no effort.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Looking grim yet determined, everyone stood up to leave.

    ¡°Ah! Mr. Director,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun called Hwang Ki-Hyun, who had stood from his seat, to stop him from leaving.

    ***

    ¡°You¡¯re worried about something, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young was staring at Kang Chan.

    <i>I was enjoying spending time with her¡­ but was I still too obvious?</i>

    ¡°If we do get to study abroad, I¡¯m going to study hard enough to get a schrship for my tuition. But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll still tell peopleter on that I became a diplomat thanks to my husband,¡± Kim Mi-Young added.

    Kang Chanughed joyfully.

    Kim Mi-Young took the napkin and the stic spoon on the tray. ¡°I have to go to ss.¡±

    She looked as if she was trying hard not to be a burden to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Did anyone pressure you to go to <i>hagwon</i>?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young, who had been looking at her bag, turned toward Kang Chan. Her eyes seemedpletely filled with disappointment.

    Which would be better for Kim Mi-Young¡ªparting ways like this or staying together for about an hour more?

    It was disappointing, but parting ways here was the right thing to do.

    Kang Chan left the ice cream shop with Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Mi-Young?¡± Kang Chan called.

    Kim Mi-Young looked into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Can you make time for me¡ªjust about a day¡ªif I ask you for it next week?¡±

    ¡°I most certainly can,¡± Kim Mi-Young delightedly answered with a bright smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to wrap his arms around Kim Mi-Young, but he just smiled.

    ¡°Bye~ I¡¯m heading to ss now!¡± Kim Mi-Young waved at him and disappeared among the crowd.

    Kang Chan thought it was about time to head back home. He was strangely disappointed, but no matter how he felt, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to cling to Kim Mi-Young.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, the solo operation has been authorized. Just give us the location and departure time, and we¡¯ll send the men over. We will need at least two hours to get to Seoul.

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll contact you as soon as I get more information.¡±

    Although they parted ways after only seeing each other for a brief moment, Kang Chan still felt d that he met up with Kim Mi-Young.

    ***

    ¡°You asked to see me, sir?¡±

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! The operation has been changed to a solo operation. We¡¯re going to select twelve more people. One of them has to be a sniper.¡± Choi Seong-Geon looked up from his desk and at Cha Dong-Gyun, who was standing in front of him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m so d to hear that.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon stood up from the desk and walked toward Cha Dong-Gyun. ¡°Bring over the list of the twelve other soldiers who will be joining the operation. We¡¯re leaving right away.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, General.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon gave him a broad grin. ¡°Hey.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir?¡±

    Neither Choi Seong-Geon, who had called Cha Dong-Gyun, nor Cha Dong-Gyun, who had answered, could say anything else. Hence, they just looked at each other in silence.

    ¡°Get me that list quickly,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Cha Dong-Gyun swiftly turned to leave.

    ***

    Kang Chan had to focus on the operation now.

    Before doing anything else, he called Lanok and exined the situation.

    - Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan! It would be best for you to leave the Osan Airfield by four in the morning. By three o¡¯clock, I¡¯ll have a van standing by on where you were picked upst time for the operation in Mongolia.

    As soon as the call dropped, Kang Chan exined the situation to Kim Hyung-Jung, then dialed Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s number.

    - Where are you?

    ¡°I¡¯m at Daechi-dong.¡±

    - I¡¯ll see you at the specialty coffee shop at two-thirty in the morning.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan called Choi Jong-Il after.

    Choi Jong-Il answered as soon as Kang Chan called him. Not long after the call dropped, a car stopped at the intersection.

    ¡°Take me home. At two-thirty, I¡¯ll be meeting Seok Kang-Ho in the specialty coffee shop on the third exit of the Nonhyeon Station,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Choi Jong-Il only listened.

    ¡°We got approval to execute the operation with just our team, so make sure to drop by your house.¡±

    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked, looking shocked. He made eye contact with Woo Hee-Seung.

    ¡°First Lieutenant Cha Dong-Gyun would have likely made a new team by now. It¡¯s unfortunate that we don¡¯t have much time to prepare, but since it¡¯s still currently around nine-fifty, you should go see the people that you want to see,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il¡¯s response was reassuring.

    ***

    Kang Chan inputted the password into the lock system of their apartment. As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Yoo Hye-Sook leaning her head back to see the front door.

    ¡°Mother!¡±

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook in front of Kang Dae-Kyung, who was smiling.

    ¡°Have you had dinner yet?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I have, Unfortunately, I can¡¯t stay long. I¡¯ll have to leave in a few minutes.¡±

    ¡°Again?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I think this trip will take a few days.¡±

    ¡°Will you be back by the weekend?¡±

    <i>Shoot!</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t think of an eptable answer even though he had talked to Kang Dae-Kyung about this.

    ¡°Channy said that it¡¯s a secret. It¡¯s going to get boring if you keep asking him about it,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°You know what we¡¯re going to do on the weekend, don¡¯t you?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°How should I know? He said that it¡¯s a secret. I¡¯m just taking his word.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Dae-Kyung as if she would grill him as soon as Kang Chan headed out again. Like magic, however, Yoo Hye-Sook already had a calm expression by the time she looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°What time will you be leaving?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to be on the road by midnight.¡±

    Midnight was a bit early, but he thought it was still for the best. He didn¡¯t want Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook to lose decent sleep because of him.

    Kang Chan washed up, then headed to the living room.

    ¡°Channy, I¡¯m a little hungry. Should we order chicken?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Yes, I would like some.¡±

    Their order soon arrived.

    While eating, they talked about car sales and the Foundation.

    Spending time with his parents, Kang Chan listened to what Yoo Hye-Sook was telling him.

    When the clock struck twelve, Kang Chan brushed his teeth and stood at the entrance.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked extremely upset.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Okay. Be careful.¡±

    Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Afterward, Kang Dae-Kyung patted his back, but Kang Chan reached out and hugged Kang Dae-Kyung as well.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said as if he was whispering.

    When Kang Dae-Kyung loosened his hug, he put his hands on Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder. He seemed to be saying that he hadn¡¯t told Yoo Hye-Sook anything.

    Kang Chan¡¯s parents were so kind-hearted that he wished he could go on a trip with them.

    1. Nonhyeon Station is an underground metro station on Seoul Subway Line 7 and the Shinbundang Line, located in Seoul.

 Chapter 144.1: What Happened? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 144.1: What Happened? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan arrived at the specialty coffee shop thirty minutes past midnight. Since he had arranged to meet with Seok Kang-Ho at 2:30 am, he had to wait for two hours.

    <i>¡®Two hours is nothing.</i>¡¯

    From Kang Chan¡¯s perspective, waiting for two hours was better than killing time at home until the arranged time. If he was at home, Yoo Hye-Sook wouldn''t have gone to sleep until he left.

    While eyeing an empty seat on the terrace because he wanted to smoke a cigarette, he couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee stood up when they saw him arrive.

    ¡°Do you want coffee?¡± one of them asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯d like a light roast.¡±

    Lee Doo-Hee quickly went to the counter to order.

    Considering there were already a lot of cigarette butts in the ashtray on the table, they seemed to have arrived much earlier than him.

    ¡°You guys didn¡¯t go home?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We did. My child wakes up if I rustle around the housete at night, so after seeing their faces and telling them that I¡¯m going on a business trip, I immediately made my way here.¡±

    Lee Doo-Hee brought over a cup of coffee and uncovered the lid.

    Kang Chan took a sip from it, washing down the oiliness of the deep-fried chicken he had eaten earlier.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    He then lit up a cigarette. Deeply exhaling the smoke, he looked at the trio. Among the three, he didn¡¯t even have the slightest clue about who would die and who would survive. When the thought crossed his mind, he finally felt how heavy this operation was.

    Even whenpared to any special forces team in the world, the SBS¡¯ capabilities and umted experience didn¡¯t fall behind anyone.

    Kang Chan leaned against the back of the chair, momentarily calcting and thinking about who he could depend on to do their part and fight with all their might. Dayeru immediately came to mind.

    The fucker definitely had the capabilities to fight the SBS.

    Dayeru¡¯s aim and reaction speed were good enough for even Kang Chan to acknowledge. Moreover, Dayeru had abundant experience and tenacity that overwhelmed his nervousness. No matter where he was deployed, Dayeru would survive and deliver.

    Next were Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun, and Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    Kang Chan knew they had great skills, but he wasn¡¯t sure how well they would perform in actualbat situations due to theirck of experience.

    <i>I can¡¯t tell whether this is operation a good or a bad idea.</i>

    However, he was certain of one thing¡ªgoing on operations like this was a hundred times more helpful in improving their skills than being dragged to operations that wouldn¡¯t really help them grow.

    Of course, gaining experience and whatnot only mattered if they returned alive.

    That was also why the 13th regiment¡¯s special forces team was still famous even after all the members of the 6th regiment¡¯s special forces team from the Foreign Legion¡ªwhich had been called the world¡¯s best¡ªbravely died in Algeria.

    ¡°<i>Whoo,</i>¡± Kang Chan sighed, then put the cigarette that he had been smoking into the used coffee grounds.

    ¡°Are you worried?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°Your capabilities aren¡¯t the only thing I¡¯m worried about. I have to think about the enemy¡¯s skills and experiences as well. Honestly, this operation is too much for us. I¡¯m so worried that I even talked about it with my father while we were having dinner.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee focused on Kang Chan¡¯s expression and what he was saying.

    ¡°It was easy to calcte the risks that came with practicing with live ammo. Being shot in the limbs on the training grounds is far better than going out on an operation to die.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Choi Jong-Il, then moved his gaze to the other two.

    ¡°I can still hear the sounds of the Korean g badges being put on the coffins of those who died in the operation in Mongolia¡­ You say that you¡¯re not afraid of death? That that¡¯s just the way it is with the special forces? That you can just die?¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head toward the road and looked at the cars passing by for a moment.

    ¡°I still think of the men who died. They still weigh on my heart. I keep wondering if I had just run a bit more, if I had just been a bit wiser, and if I had just trained them a bit more relentlessly¡­¡± Kang Chan sighed softly, then took a sip of the coffee.

    ¡°The look in your eyes changed.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked in response to Choi Jong-Il¡¯sment.

    He felt his senses bing sharper as he thought about the battles that he had experienced in Africa and as it finally hit him that he was going out on an operation again. His uneasiness, which wouldn¡¯t go away, most likely also yed a role in his senses bing sharper.

    Just as Kang Chan picked up his cigarette again, Choi Jong-Il tilted his head to the side and stood up from his seat.

    When Kang Chan turned his head, he saw Seok Kang-Ho closing the taxi door.

    ¡°You¡¯re here already?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why¡¯d youe so early?¡±

    Lee Doo-Hee walked to the counter to get Seok Kang-Ho coffee. Meanwhile, Seok Kang-Ho brought over a chair from the next table and sat near Kang Chan.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t get some sleep due to the awkward timing, so I decided to have a cup of coffee instead. Well, no wonder I wanted to leave quickly. Seems like I was meant to meet you here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho exined.

    When Lee Doo-Hee put the coffee on the table, Seok Kang-Ho thanked him and opened the lid on his cup.

    The look in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes and his expression had changed a little.

    It seemed even Choi Jong-Il noticed it, seeing as how his gaze alternated between Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Did something happen?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at him and finished lighting up his cigarette before replying, ¡°<i>Phew</i>, for some reason, my wife clung to me and told me not to go this time. Even when I hugged her, she kept burrowing into my arms. <i>Haaa¡­?</i>Seems like I¡¯ve be too strong of a temptation now that I make a lot of money and I¡¯m physically fit.¡±

    Even though Seok Kang-Ho was acting cheeky, he didn¡¯t lookfortable.

    <i>Should I tell him to sit this one out?</i>

    No<i>¡ª</i>If Kang Chan did that, Dayeru would definitely talk shit and kick up a fuss to prevent Kang Chan from going on the operation as well. Stubbornly leaving without Dayeru anyway would make him feel ufortable, making the operation even more difficult for him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about leaving me out of this,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan quickly grabbed his cigarette.

    Seok Kang-Ho had not only be smarter. Rather, it seemed he was getting better at guessing what Kang Chan was thinking as well.

    ¡°How do you feel about this operation?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a good feeling about it. The uneasiness won¡¯t going away.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s get rid of that feeling, then,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as if it wasn¡¯t a big deal, then drank coffee. ¡°Are the men going straight to the airport?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    The conversation didn¡¯t flow well. They were just saying things bluntly. As time passed by, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes grew fiercer and fiercer. It was as if his eyes were feeding off the tension.

    The difference between knowing and not knowing how scary the SBS¡¯ capabilities could be seen in Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s expressions.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>! Is there something to eat here?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°They have different kinds of pastries.¡±

    ¡°Stay here,¡± he told Lee Doo-Hee, ¡°I like choosing what to eat. What do you guys want?¡±

    Even though everyone looked as if they didn¡¯t really want to eat anything, Seok Kang-Ho still bought three pastries with a lot of cream on top of it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat. You have to eat and sleep whenever you can.¡±

    Just as Seok Kang-Ho picked up the pastry with his fork, Kang Chan suddenly remembered something. ¡°Hey! I¡¯m going to the convenience store.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go. I know what you¡¯re going to buy,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as he stood up with cream all over his lips.

    ¡°Keep eating your pastries¡ªI¡¯m bored anyway.¡±

    ¡°I can go,¡± Lee Doo-Hee offered.

    ¡°Come with me, then,¡± Kang Chan said. Lee Doo-Hee followed him to the convenience store.

    Perhaps it was because it was small, but the convenience store didn¡¯t have a lot of items inside.

    Kang Chan put in the basket nearly all of the instant coffee, cup ramen, and packed ramen that were in the convenience store.

    ¡°Do you have any more coffee and ramen?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s more inside. Should I bring it out for you?¡± A female student who was clearly a part-timer looked at Kang Chan and Lee Doo-Hee suspiciously.

    <i>What¡¯s she suspicious about?</i>

    ¡°Please bring out five boxes of coffee and five boxes of cup ramen,¡± Kang Chan said. If they could buy that many instant coffee and ramen in boxes, they wouldn¡¯t have to buy the coffee and rame in the basket.

    Kang Chan waited just in case. Not long after, the female student brought over three boxes of coffee and two boxes of cup ramen. ¡°This is all we have right now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll buy those and the ones in this basket.¡± Kang Chan paid with his card and took the stic bag. Lee Doo-Hee carried the boxes under his arms.

    ¡°Will we even find a ce where we can eat these?¡± Lee Doo-Hee asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to cryter because you¡¯re thankful that I bought all of these.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you¡¯d be buying these.¡±

    Upon returning to the specialty coffee shop, Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung examined the boxes with an expression that said, ¡®Why did they buy ramen?¡¯

    By the time Seok Kang-Ho had persistently finished all the pastries and enjoyed coffee and cigarettes, it was already time for them to go.

 Chapter 144.2: What Happened? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 144.2: What Happened? (1)</h4>

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Kang Chan held up his phone, checked the caller ID, then answered the call.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, it¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, I think it would be best for you and the team to head to France instead of Switzend. ording to the DGSE¡¯s calctions, it would be best to track down the SBS in France if they ever make a move instead of chasing them down. A guide with a map of the area of operation will be on the ne with you and your team.

    ¡°Can I decide after seeing the map?¡±

    - You¡¯re themander of this operation. The Intelligence Bureau and the DGSE will only pass on information; judgments and decisions arepletely up to you.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make a decision on the ne, then.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    Lanok didn¡¯t seem to be speaking as a diplomat now, considering his voice deepened with emotion.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, you¡¯ll get sick if you don¡¯t get enough sleep. Let¡¯s go golfing with Anne when I get back.¡±

    Kang Chan heard Lanokughing from the other end of the line. However, hisughter ended with a sigh.

    ¡°Thank you for trusting the Korean team.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s <i>you</i> that I¡¯m trusting.

    The call ended with Lanokughing again.

    Except for Seok Kang-Ho, who had been looking at the street, those around Kang Chan had been watching him in fascination since he began speaking fluent French.

    ¡°The car¡¯s here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as a ck van stopped in front of the store.

    At that moment, Kang Chan unconsciously inhaled and approached the van. As they got closer, someone opened the door and quickly looked around their surroundings.

    ***

    They arrived at Osan at exactly 3 am.

    As Lanok had already told Kang Chan on the phone, they saw a parked tour bus and van when they passed the intersection in front of the airfield.

    The van that Kang Chan was in stopped in front of the bus, and the bus door opened. Choi Seong-Geon and Cha Dong-Gyun got out.

    When Kang Chan approached them, Choi Seong-Geon suddenly held out his hand. Kang Chan shook it in a moment of confusion.

    ¡®<i>Please do a good job.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan understood what Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s eyes were telling him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best, general.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon pursed his lips as he nodded.

    Not long after, a French agent approached them and told Kang Chan that they could go inside.

    ¡°I and the others will be taking the bus, so wait for me at the entrance,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood, Monsieur Kang,¡± the agent politely answered and got in the van.

    ¡°Can you spare me some time?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked.

    ¡°We have about an hour to spare before our departure time.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon got on the bus and shook hands with the soldiers. Kang Chan also asionally saw him patting their shoulders through the front window.

    ¡°That gentleman seems to really value them,¡± Seok Kang-Homented, stating how he felt regarding the sight.

    Kang Chan lit up a cigarette and started smoking.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°Whoo.¡±

    The pity in Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s eyes seemed to tell them about the difficulty of this operation.

    How many of them would be able to return alive?

    Would they be able to endure the sadness that came with putting the dead soldiers in their hearts?

    As Kang Chan heavily exhaled the cigarette smoke, three deep-blue vans drove toward the bus.

    <i>¡®It¡¯s way too early. What¡¯s going on at this hour?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan red sharply at the approaching vehicles. One of the vans stopped in front of Kang Chan, parking just beside the driver¡¯s seat of the bus. It basically blocked the firstne.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il also began to look more and more cautious. Meanwhile, after saying his goodbyes to the soldiers, Choi Seong-Geon quickly came down from the bus.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan quickly threw the cigarette on the floor and stepped on it.

    It was Moon Jae-Hyun. Behind him were Hwang Ki-Hyun and the security guards.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun shook hands with Kang Chan, then held out his hand to Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°Mr. President, we can¡¯t address people by their official rank and name here.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m aware of that. Are our members inside the bus?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon understood what Moon Jae-Hyun meant, so he quickly headed toward the bus.

    Kang Chan could only see the outline of those inside the bus.

    As the members stood up from their seats one by one, Moon Jae-Hyun embraced them.

    It took around ten minutes before Moon Jae-Hyun and Choi Seong-Geon got off the bus again.

    Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s eyes had turned red and were brimming with tears. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, please do your best. Everyone¡¯s safety is now in your hands.¡±

    ¡°I will, Mr. President.¡±

    Kang Chan thought that they were just going to shake hands, but Moon Jae-Hyun took a step toward him and hugged him instead.

    This kind of man existed as well.

    Moon Jae-Hyun then hugged Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee as well. Afterward, he turned his head and looked back at the bus as if he was engraving it on his mind, then got on the van.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, please take care of them,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    <i>Choi Seong-Geon isn¡¯t going to hug me as well, is he?</i>

    Exactly as Kang Chan had wondered, Choi Seong-Geon hugged him. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but stare at him with nk eyes.

    He then stood in attention and saluted Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan quickly raised his hand and saluted back.

    <i>¡®Please take care of my men.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®I¡¯ll do my best.¡¯</i>

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon lowered his hand and immediately headed to the car.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>.¡±

    The time hade for Kang Chan and his team to leave.

    Not only did Moon Jae-Hyun run over to see them, but Choi Seong-Geon even acted like that for the first time since Kang Chan had met him. They probably behaved in such a way due to the enemies that they would have to face soon enough. Their opponents were extremely powerful.

    Wasting not a single second more, Kang Chan¡¯s party boarded the bus.

    As soon as Kang Chan sat down in the front seat¡ªwhich was left empty specifically for him¡ªthe bus left.

    The bus was brimming with everyone¡¯s sense of duty and determination. It even made Kang Chan think that they could win even against the SBS if they fought them right now.

    Kang Chan was still smirking when the bus reached at the entrance. With a gesture from the French agent, the gate immediately opened.

    The van put on its emergency lights, drove right past the tour bus, and guided them to the front of a C295 cargo aircraft.

    The sound of the cargo aircraft¡¯s engine sounded as if it was urging them to hurry.

    The soldiers stood up. Since they still had to take out the cloth jump bags from the overheadpartment, Kang Chan got out of the bus first.

    Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee took the stic bag and boxes of coffee and ramen, which they had left inside the van they had ridden earlier, from a French agent.

    The operation had now begun.

    As Kang Chan watched the soldiers, the soldiers all got on the cargo aircraft that was in front of him.

    ¡°Good luck,¡± the French agent finished saying his goodbyes. As soon as the agent got back in the van, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho boarded the cargo aircraft as well.

    <i>Brrr.</i>

    The door closed.

    As Kang Chan expected, there were beds attached to the wall. The soldiers perched on the lowest bed beside each other.

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du!</i>

    The aircraft, which had been waiting for them, began to drive up the runaway. That made it difficult for Kang Chan to say something right now.

    The cargo aircraft perfectly followed the curves of the runway before rising to the skies.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be flying for at least twelve hours!¡± Kang Chan yelled, making all of his subordinates e simultaneously look at him.

    ¡°Get some sleep if you can. You¡¯ll find boxes of instant coffee and cup ramen up front. Those who want to eat, feel free to take them. Any questions?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Can we smoke here?¡± someone asked.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter for as long as you don¡¯t cause a fire!¡± Kang Chan answered with a smirk. No other questions followed.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>, I¡¯m excited!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    When Kang Chan perched on the bed, Seok Kang-Ho offered him a cigarette.

    Not long after, Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted. He remembered Lanok saying that someone who would be guiding them would be aboard this aircraft with them.

    While smoking the cigarette Seok Kang-Ho had handed to him, Kang Chan gazed at the cockpit. After pushing aside the curtains, someone stepped into view.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Seok Kang-Ho gasped, surprise all over his face.

    The man approached Kang Chan without paying attention to the soldiers who were looking at him.

    It was G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Surprised, aren¡¯t you?¡± G¨¦rard asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    Appearing to be satisfied with how Kang Chan reacted, G¨¦rard exined, ¡°I volunteered. I can¡¯t join the operation due to the hole in my shoulder, but I do have experience in the area of this operation. France has always been my home ground as well, so I¡¯m perfectly capable of guiding people around it.¡±

    ¡°What about your shoulder?¡±

    ¡°I was told that they¡¯ll tell me whether or not I¡¯ll be deployed into another operation after we observe how it heals for two more months.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that fucker saying?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan quickly tranted what G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°He¡¯s much better than having someone we don¡¯t know for a guide, at least,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°What¡¯s Dayeru saying?¡± G¨¦rard asked this time.

    These two fuckers had just met again, yet they were already tiring Kang Chan out.

    ¡°He¡¯s saying that you¡¯re better than aplete stranger,¡± Kang Chan said.

    As soon as he told G¨¦rard what Seok Kang-Ho said, the two grinned at each other.

    ¡°I bought a bunch of instant coffee. They¡¯re up front.¡±

    ¡°Would you like some?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I could use some coffee and some cigarettes.¡±

    G¨¦rard went to the front and made coffee. When he returned, they all bit on cigarettes.

    The members also gathered in groups and had instant coffees and smoked cigarettes. They didn¡¯t have to worry about the smoke because it was being sucked out through the crevice in between the aircraft¡¯s door and the cargopartment.

    ¡°You remember the maknae, right?¡± G¨¦rard asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡±

    <i>Did he die?</i>

    G¨¦rard smirked when Kang Chan looked at him. ¡°I heard that fucker is going around imitating you. People are saying that he can already carry his own weight, but I feel nervous for him. He still looks like a baby chick imitating a half-grown chick, so I¡¯m afraid he¡¯d get into trouble.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Captain, it feels weird saying this to you, but strangely enough, I don¡¯t have a good feeling about this operation. How do you feel about this?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    When G¨¦rard was looking up while throwing the cigarette into the paper cup¡­

 Chapter 145.1: What Happened (2)

    <h4>Chapter 145.1: What Happened (2)</h4>

    Chapter 145 - Book 9 Chapter 6: What happened? (2)

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du! Bannng!</i>

    As they felt the cargo ne slowly descend, they heard the engine making noises.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shook the coffee that he spilled off his hand, then quickly wiped his hand on his clothes. Thanks to his little ident, Kang Chan no longer had to reply to G¨¦rard¡¯s question about how he felt about this operation.

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and get the map,¡± Kang Chan told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Copy that. I¡¯ll bring it over.¡±

    G¨¦rard went through the curtains. After a short moment, he came back with four map pages. Since the map was as wide as a desk, it was big enough for all of the soldiers in the ne to see when he ced it down on the floor.

    ¡°This is our target location, the Col des Corbeaux in Switzend. We have been informed that the SBS will be in this area,¡± G¨¦rard exined.

    ¡°I was told that we would be crossing from the French side.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯ll be much more advantageous for us to fight them head-on, so this ne willnd at the military base in Col du Gen¨¦vrier. That¡¯s where we will take a helicopter to our destination.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s really only one path that people can take on this rough mountain. The SBS aren¡¯t stupid, though, so I doubt they¡¯ll actually use that path.¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded in response to Kang Chan¡¯s exnation. He then said, ¡°Take a look at this.¡±

    He spread out the newspaper-sized map, which had been folded in half, in front of Kang Chan. ¡°There¡¯s only one road that connects the two ces. However, this five-kilometer section starting from here to here might be a problem¡ªthis spot is t enough for the enemy toy in wait and ambush us. Moreover, in case of emergencies, they can just easily retreat into the mountain.¡±

    ¡°How long has it been since the SBS arrived?¡±

    ¡°Today¡¯s their third day in the area.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the map with a frown. ¡°It¡¯ll probably be difficult to just drop down.¡±

    ¡°Their snipers will be more than d to shoot us down.¡±

    If they parachuted to where the SBS were lying in ambush, then they would sooner orter find out that G¨¦rard was right.

    ¡°G¨¦rard,¡± Kang Chan called.

    G¨¦rard looked up.

    ¡°About the Hadron Collider¡ªif the SBS is going there to destroy it, wouldn¡¯t it be better to strengthen its security?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I heard that they have already done that. They dispatched the GIGN to guard it.¡±

    ¡°I see. What¡¯s with the other map?¡±

    ¡°This map has a more detailed outline of the surrounding area. It¡¯s all mountains, though, so there isn¡¯t really anything in particr that we have to take a closer look at. To go over this side of the mountain, people have to be an expert in mountain climbing. Even then, they won¡¯t be able to move quickly. At that height, oxygen is quite thin.¡±

    ¡°What weapons are they equipped with?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°The MP5SD.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. The special forces preferred that weapon the most.

    Not only were its noises extremely suppressed, but it also had great uracy and high magazine capacity.

    ¡°Captain, is it really okay for the Korean team to take part in this operation alone?¡±

    <i>Why is this fucker being so serious?</i>

    When Kang Chan smirked at G¨¦rard, thetter pointed to a spot on the map. ¡°I think this is the best ce to stand guard and ambush our enemies from. This is the very reason we nned for you to head over to Switzend from France. The helicopter will go right in front of this area to get¡­ to this ce here.¡±

    G¨¦rard was pointing to a one-way ess road that people had to stop over to go into France. It was an excellent enough location for everyone to choose no matter who they asked.

    ¡°How far will you apany us?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    G¨¦rard looked at Kang Chan with a dissatisfied look in his eyes.

    ¡°I can¡¯t afford to look after someone with a hole in his shoulder. I know how you feel, but we have to make rational judgments.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m supposed to return with the helicopter,¡± G¨¦rard admitted with a deep sigh. He knew how burdensome it was to have a wounded person butt into an operation. He wanted toe with them, but he couldn¡¯t argue further.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, listen carefully. From now on, we will call this area right here Alpha. This is Beta.¡± Kang Chan leaned his head closer to G¨¦rard as he spoke, and G¨¦rard quickly checked where Kang Chan had pointed to.

    ¡°If we run into a problem, n a rescue operation with one of these two areas as the starting point once you get back. How do I contact you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We will be using a satellite phone likest time.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head. ¡°Our locations will be exposed too easily if we do that. Every day, I¡¯m going to turn on the phone at eight in the morning and eight in the evening. I¡¯ll turn it off after ten minutes. If you have to contact me, then do it within those time frames. However, unlike us, you have to be on standby at all times in case we have to contact you.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± G¨¦rard anxiously looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t have a good feeling about this. I have been feeling uneasy for the past few days already. It¡¯s such a relief that you¡¯re the guide,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°How bad is it?¡±

    Kang Chan quickly looked around their surroundings. ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re already aware of this, but I only feel things right before the situation arises. If by any chance the operation goes south, then you have to do what it takes tounch another operation. If you have no choice but to pass on incorrect information to us, then make sure to include Dayeru in a sentence. I will take that as a code that you¡¯re being threatened. The moment you use it, I¡¯lle get you alone.¡±

    ¡°Is it that bad?¡±

    ¡°The only reason we can do this is because we already know each other. If we had someone else as our guide, I couldn¡¯t have told them something like this. Anyway, think of what I just said as a backup n.¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded after pursing his lips.

    ¡°Still, it¡¯s such a relief that you¡¯re here¡ªat least I won¡¯t have to be suspicious about your intentions.¡±

    G¨¦rard simply smirked in response.

    ¡°We can¡¯t be flying nonstop straight to Switzend, so where¡¯s theyover?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We will be refueling at the United States¡¯ military base in Qatar.¡±

    They still had plenty of time.

    ¡°What weapons do we have?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Let me get them. Can someone help me out?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up when Kang Chan nced at him. They had experienced this before.

    <i>Drrrrr. nk. nk. Drrrrr.</i>

    They moved a big box and opened its lid, revealing military uniforms and weapons.

    ¡°We brought our own military uniforms,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    ¡°Your own military uniforms? Let me see them.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun quickly opened his jump bag and showed Kang Chan the light gray military uniform that they had brought. When turned inside out, it could offer adequate camouge on green fields.

    It waste fall in France, but since they were going to be in the mountains, it wouldn¡¯t be wrong to assume that it would be as cold as the beginning of winter.

    The uniform was light gray, so it offered decent camouge in such areas.

    ¡°Put that on,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°We brought a few more uniforms. We¡¯re hoping everyone would find one that fits them.¡± At Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯smand, a soldier brought over clothes, bandanas, and helmets.

    Everyone changed into their uniforms and military boots, put on a bandana and a helmet, and attached a walkie-talkie to themselves.

    Next up were weapons.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know how long this will take, so bring as much ammo as you can. Make sure to have a sleeping bag and other necessary tools and equipment in your bags as well,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Like what he did in his previous operations, Kang Chan attached six rifle magazines, two pistols, four pistol magazines, and a bowie knife to him.

    He also stashed away another magazine in his bag along with a sleeping bag, a field ax, a shovel, a rope, and other equipment he thought coulde in handy.

    After finishing up his preparations, Kang Chan felt more reassured.

    ¡°The teams will be the same asst time. I will bemanding one, and Seok Kang-Ho will bemanding team two. Team one!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Twelve soldiers raised their hands. One of them was Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°Team two!¡± Seok Kang-Ho called. He then looked at the soldiers who raised their hands.

    With basic preparations out of the way, Kang Chan sat down in his seat. Not long after, Cha Dong-Gyun handed him and Seok Kang-Ho a watch that had ck leather straps.

    There was no harm in wearing a watch, so Kang Chan just put it on and smoked a cigarette.

    ¡°It¡¯s about time we get some sleep, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan asked G¨¦rard.

    ¡°There¡¯s a bed inside. It¡¯s morefortable than the ones here.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll sleep here. Why would I sleep on a bed that¡¯s meant for patients? I¡¯ll see you when it¡¯s time to eat.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    As Kang Chan looked at the beds, G¨¦rard stood up.

    More than half of the members were alreadyying down.

    ¡°Are you going to sleep?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah. You should sleep as well.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I will.¡±

    After Seok Kang-Ho climbed up to the top bunk, Kang Chany down. The sound of the engine and the strange vibration that they felt from the bottom of the aircraft sounded like a luby.

    1. Col des Corbeaux is a mountain pass in Vallorcine, Switzend

    2. Col du Gen¨¦vrier is a mountain pass in Vallorcine, France

    3. It was written as ??? in the raws, but the GIGN (Groupe d''intervention de Gendarmerie nationale) is the elite police tactical unit of the National Gendarmerie (one of two nationalw enforcement forces) of France

    4. the MP5SD is a variant of the MP5, a submachine gun manufactured by Heckler and Koch

 Chapter 145.2: What Happened (2)

    <h4>Chapter 145.2: What Happened (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan woke up due to his body clock. Fortunately, he had slept deeply enough to feel as if he had only been asleep for a second.

    He sat up on the bed. There was still some time before breakfast.

    Kang Chan went to the back of the aircraft, took out a bottle of water, and drank it. He then sat back down on the bed.

    After some time, the other soldiers began to wake up and sit up as well. Thirty minutester, Seok Kang-Ho woke up.

    ¡°<i>Hnnghh</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho noisily stretched, then came down from the bed and perched next to Kang Chan. ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Your gaze looks a little sharp. Is that how bad you feel about this operation?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡± Kang Chan couldn¡¯t fully believe his intuition yet. However, his nerves had been on edge since he had woken up.

    While Seok Kang-Ho was drinking bottled water, G¨¦rard came up to them. ¡°It¡¯s time to eat.¡±

    He didn¡¯t say anything else when he saw the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    <i>Drrrrr. nk.?</i>

    G¨¦rard dragged over a rectangr box to the middle of the aircraft. He then locked its wheels and opened both of its sides, revealing a bunch of c-rations inside.

    G¨¦rard took three of them and handed two over to Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho. He then sat across from them.

    The soldiers also began to take c-rations for themselves.

    This wasn¡¯t something that they should refuse.

    They ate everything inside the box, drank coffee, then smoked cigarettes.

    After eating breakfast and sleeping for about another hour, they reached the United States¡¯ military base in Qatar.

    As Gerard had discussed with them before, they really only stopped to refuel. They left as soon as they were done. After some time, they had cup ramen and c-rations one more time.

    Kang Chan felt better after eating spicy food.

    Kang Chan noticed the look in the members¡¯ eyes and their expressions were changing as time went on. However, it wasn¡¯t something that he shouldment on.

    Woo Hee-Seung received a satellite phone and put it in his bag. Nothing else happened afterward except for two of the soldiers checking the medical supplies.

    The cargo nended at the military base in Col du Gen¨¦vrier military base at 9:16 am Central European Time.

    They set their watches ording to the timezone, then immediately got on the chinook.

    Since they hadn¡¯t been given any additional information before they took off, they assumed they already had all the intel they needed.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    The chinook¡¯s noises, which continuously buffeted them from all four directions, were loud enough to make their ears ring.

    Upon boarding the chinook, G¨¦rard began to look nervous. The area of operation was just an hour away from where they were.

    Kang Chan began to hear the men¡¯s breathing bing heavier.

    They weren¡¯t in a tense situation. Rather, they were just about to start the operation.

    They were still an hour away from the target location. Considering they were in a mountainous area, their enemies would have to travel for over half a day to get to where they were heading.

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chan stared outside. In the distance, he could see a bleak mountain.

    <i>¡®What is wrong with me?!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan was so full of hostility that he was starting to annoy himself.

    Unable to even talk to Kang Chan, all Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard could do was keep an eye on his mood.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>.¡±

    <i>This isn¡¯t right.</i>

    Kang Chan looked at G¨¦rard. ¡°Give me the map!¡±

    G¨¦rard quickly handed over the map that he had prepared.

    "We are currently around this area, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct!¡±

    ¡°This location is Alpha, and this one is Beta!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m aware of that!¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard! We will rappel down from here, so tell the pilot to stop the helicopter for a moment.¡±

    ¡°Captain! If you do that, it will take you all too much time to reach the best spot to set up an ambush! It can even take you an entire day on foot.¡±

    ¡°I know, but I can¡¯t let us keep going like this!¡±

    Meeting Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, G¨¦rard briefly nodded.

    ¡°You are to return to base immediately as soon as we all reach the ground! If things go wrong, then you¡¯re the only one we can trust!¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Alright!¡±

    G¨¦rard wore a headset and exined the situation to the pilot.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Be prepared to rappel down!¡± Kang Chan yelled on the walkie-talkie. The soldiers did as instructed.

    ¡°Daye! I don¡¯t have a good feeling about this! Go down with Cha Dong-Gyun first and secure the perimeter!¡± Kang Chan yelled again.

    ¡°Alright!¡±

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du!</i>

    The chinook turned around as it descended.

    The trees bent away from the helicopter as if a violent wind was pushing them.

    <i>nk! nk!</i>

    They connected a rope and threw it down to the ground. Two of the soldiers stood near the door and kept an eye out for hostiles.

    When Kang Chan pointed to the doorway with his index and middle finger, Seok Kang-Ho and Cha Dong-Gyun immediately descended with the rappel wrapped around their waists.

    Upon receiving a signal from Seok Kang-Ho, one of the soldiers nodded at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Go go go!¡±

    They descended two at a time.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du!</i>

    With everyone now on the ground, including the lookouts beside the door, Kang Chan wrapped the rope around his waist.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! I¡¯m going!¡±

    ¡°Please be careful!¡±

    Kang Chan dropped down as G¨¦rard gave him a brief salute.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du!</i>

    The helicopter immediately headed back.

    Kang Chan walked toward the area that he had seen earlier. Seok Kang-Ho took up the front, and Cha Dong-Gyun, Gwak Cheol-Ho, and Kang Chan took the middle. Choi Jong-Il covered their rear.

    In this situation, spending half of the day to the entire day traveling could be considered crazy, especially when taking their food and stamina into consideration.

    After walking for about thirty minutes, they saw a small nd.

    ¡°Stop. Gather round,¡± Kang Chan ordered. He stood in the middle of the soldiers, who had formed a circle, then unfolded the map in his hands. ¡°This is where we are right now, and this is the location we were supposed to fly to through the Chinook.¡±

    Kang Chan thought they were probably curious about why they got off the helicopter before they could even reach their destination, but nobody asked him any questions.

    ¡°Pay close attention. From now on, We will be calling this location Alpha, and we¡¯ll calll this one Beta. In case we find ourselves in an emergency, I¡¯ll yell things like ¡®Alpha Rima¡¯ or ¡®Alpha Echo.¡¯ If I do that, immediately make your way to Alpha. The same goes for when I yell out Beta,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    The soldiers only nodded in response.

    ¡°Forget everything that you have heard about the operation. Considering our current situation, it would be more appropriate to think that we have just fallen into enemy territory. If we¡¯re quick enough, it¡¯ll only take us half a day to reach our target location. However, if we take too long, we won¡¯t be able to predict how our situation will change. After all, this is a four-day expedition, and we just got out of the helicopter early.¡± Kang Chan looked at his subordinates one by one. ¡°From now on, always be prepared forbat. If you think we¡¯re in a perilous situation, you are free to open fire. However, no one should cover fire. Cha Dong-Gyun.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Deploy two people to the front and two to the back.¡±

    One soldier sniffled, perhaps because of the cooler temperature.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Cha Dong-Gyun gestured at four of their members, assigning them to their positions.

    ¡°Our current priority is to reach the original target location.¡± Kang Chan folded the map and put it back in his bag. Afterward, they began their journey.

    With their rifles in hand, Kang Chan and his subordinates walked with their fingers on the trigger.

    Kang Chan had felt it before, but they were trained extremely well. The members of his team showed firm postures as they walked up the mountain path.

    Since there were sentries at the front, the main group could afford to rx.

    To a certain extent, walking calmed down the suffocating nervousness that Kang Chan had felt inside the helicopter.

    Yesterday, Kang Chan was just talking about the school festival with Kim Mi-Young over ice cream. Today, he was walking at the border area of France and Switzend.

    The sunlight was blinding, and the air was indescribably fresh. The cold winds reminded him of the onset of winter.

    Before them was a mountain so beautiful it looked as if it came out of a painting.

    Kang Chan wanted to see this scenery with someone he liked.

    The cold feeling of the rifle in his hand and the hostility filling up his eyes seemed to be telling him to focus on the operation.

    <i>We can just keep going at this pace.</i>

    If they could preupy the ess road, their chance of winning would increase.

    They continued to march in silence.

    The military gear on their backs was approximately twenty kilograms. Considering they ate two to three c-ration meals a day, their baggage was at least bound to gradually be lighter.

    However, they had to keep walking until they had to stop.

    Flying to their target location could¡¯ve made things easier, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t keep going while oveing the uneasiness that he had been feeling since a little while ago.

    <i>What would¡¯ve happened if I didn¡¯t have this intuition?</i>

    Kang Chan would¡¯ve received a big promotion, or he would¡¯ve died already.

    Honestly, Kang Chan thought he was more likely to receive a promotion because he had been confident that he would survive all the battles that he had fought before Shan¡¯s trap.

    Examining their surroundings, Kang Chan smiled bitterly¡ªissuing a seemingly nonsensicalmand instead of watching his subordinates die had seemingly be a part of his nature.

    Now that he had thought about it, he probably knew the reasonmanders couldn¡¯t abandon their team but also weren¡¯t willing to cacel the operation.

    When Kang Chan inhaled, his mind cleared up. It was as if the cold air he had breathed in immediately went up to his brain.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Kang Chan quietly ordered.

    His subordinates immediately stopped walking.

    While sharply observing their surroundings, Kang Chan gestured to each soldier, then pointed them to their position.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Sentries,¡± Kang Chan called.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Please go ahead.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Join us quietly and quickly. Don¡¯t lower your guard.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan slowly looked around their surroundings.

    They were on their way up to the middle of the mountain and were leaning forward. Since they were surrounded by rocks and trees, they doubted those outside the mountain could detect them.

    The two sentries stationed at the back soon regrouped with them.

    <i>Where are the sentries up front?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Dayeru, then quickly looked up ahead.

 Chapter 146: The Objective of This Operation (1)

    <h4>Chapter 146: The Objective of This Operation (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan quickly dashed forward, and, on his signal, Seok Kang-Ho followed after him. They shouldn¡¯te into contact with the enemy here, but inbat and operations, death always came to people when they least expected it.

    Kang Chan went around the left of the rock obscuring their view, and Seok Kang-Ho rushed along the right. Behind it, they found the two sentries sticking close with their rifles aimed and ready to be fired.

    Soldiers tense enough could identallymit friendly fire when approached without warning. Hence, Kang Chan intentionally let his steps be heard, which made one of the sentries turn around.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho swiftly darted next to the soldier, who then gestured to his eyes with his index and middle finger, then pointed beyond the grass.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t spot anything out of the ordinary, but in cases like these, it was best to trust the judgment of his subordinates. They were surrounded by rocks and cold winds in this mountainous terrain. Trees like evergreens, which could only grow tall in certain ces, were also all around them.

    The soldier had pointed to a location twenty meters ahead. They couldn¡¯t talk since it could be heard from this distance.

    Kang Chan gave Dayeru a knowing look. With his rifle aimed and ready, Kang Chan crouched down and began advancing toward the location. Seok Kang-Ho assumed the same stance and followed after him.

    Every time the wind brushed past their cheeks and the sunlight shone through the trees, they felt a tingling sensation that made their hair stand on end.

    <i>Haah. Haah.?</i>

    There was no doubt about it. It was someone¡¯s breathing.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were currently standing on a downhill slope. If they came any closer, the enemies could spot Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s heads.

    They descended carefully as a team. Half a step ahead, Kang Chan took charge of guarding their front, and Seok Kang-Ho covered their nks from behind.

    Kang Chan was slowly turning the barrel of his gun from side to side when a cold shiver suddenly ran down his spine.

    <i>Thump. Thump.?</i>

    Kang Chan rammed into Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Crash! Pew! Pew!</i>

    A bullet bounced on the dirt behind where Seok Kang-Ho had just been standing and rebounded somewhere in their surroundings.

    A sniper had just shot at them. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho crawled on the ground before getting up and running under the cover of rocks and trees.

    <i>Pew! Bang! Pow!</i>

    The dirt flew into the air, and chunks of trees shattered around them. With a <i>whoosh</i>, they leaped to where the other soldiers, who were lying on the ground.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Just now, they hade extremely close to death. They weren¡¯t simply being shot at, either. The sniper had let loose a barrage of bullets on purpose.

    Kang Chan examined the mountain opposite them. There was a sniper somewhere on it, ready to shoot them from approximately two kilometers away.

    If the wind hadn¡¯t blown or if Kang Chan was a secondte in pushing Seok Kang-Ho to safety, one of them would definitely be dead by now. The sentries could have been killed as well if he didn¡¯t call for a regroup.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, keep an eye on all the areas where snipers could be lying in wait. Cha Dong-Gyun, we have an enemy about twenty meters ahead. We are likely already surrounded, so reposition the soldiers ordingly,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    The sniper aside, one of their enemies was currently just twenty meters away from them. They were likely assigning a sniper to the narrow path to gain control of it when they spotted Kang-Chan¡¯s sentries.

    <i>Should we head back the way we came?</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Lee Doo-Hee, can your bullets reach the mountain in front of us from where I was?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Crackle</i>.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Lee Doo-Hee replied.

    Kang Chan quickly scanned his nks.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, there may be a sniper above the area or enemies around us. Check your surroundings,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®Do you think we¡¯re surrounded, Cap?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan gave a brief nod.

    The radio crackled again.

    ¡°I can shoot that far, but I can only reach about one and a half kilometers if the target is uphill. I¡¯ll only be half as urate as well,¡± Lee Doo-Hee reported back.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth. If they lingered and wasted time here for too long, they could bepletely surrounded and have all their escape routes cut off.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun, once you hear gunshots, take five men with you to secure higher grounds. Make sure no bulletse flying over our heads no matter what happens,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Leave it to me, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun responded.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, once Cha Dong-Gyun secures a better position, take five men with you to cover the rear. Move only when Cha Dong-Gyun is ready,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, Seok Kang-Ho, and I will be advancing. If something happens, head to point Alpha and inform everyone about it.¡±

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Kang Chan then turned back to the two soldiers standing guard. ¡°If the sniper starts shooting at us again, provide cover fire.¡±

    The soldiers quickly nodded. Kang Chan tapped the soldiers¡¯ helmets twice.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Lee Doo-Hee, there will be bulletsing from a sniper upfront. Try to pinpoint or at least get an idea of their location, then begin firing back. Don¡¯t let the sniper just shoot at us infort, got it?¡±

    Kang Chan thought that if Cha Dong-Gyun haphazardly went to secure a more uphill position without any backup, he would be an easy target for the sniper.

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho. They would proceed forward and divert the sniper¡¯s attention so Cha Dong-Gyun wouldn¡¯t bepromised.

    <i>One, two¡­! Whoosh!</i>

    They were already aware of the enemies¡¯ presence now, so it wouldn¡¯t be a surprise anymore. Kang Chan kept himself as concealed as possible from the opposite mountain as he bolted behind the trees.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pow! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Bullets furiously raced at them from the other mountain. At the same time, retaliatory fire erupted from their side.

    The sentries he had assigned to their front earlier had mentioned enemies up ahead.

    Sticking to the trees as closely as he could, Kang Chan aimed down the slope.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Bang!</i>

    Bullets came flying at him from below. The trees above his head exploded, scattering so much dust in the air that he was almost blinded.

    <i>Huff. Huff. Huff. Huff.?</i>

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho had hunched over to keep as close to the ground as he could. They were exposed to the sniper above and the enemies below.

    <i>Pew! Bam!</i>

    The moment the trees behind them cracked, Kang Chan noticed two sparks from where the gunshots wereing from. Those soldiers had most likely been assigned to protect their sniper.

    If this situation kept up, Seok Kang-Ho would die.

    ¡°Daye!¡± Kang Chan shouted as he threw himself toward the downhill slope.

    With his legs spread like a frog, he braced himself as much as he could and straightened his back. However, leaves began to give the moment he aimed where he saw the sparks, causing his body to slide downward.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Seok Kang-Ho stiffly eximed.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Gunshots consecutively echoed throughout the mountain.

    Kang Chan had hoped it was a in downhill slope. However, after his quick ten-meter descent, he came across a small cliff with a two-meter drop.

    At this rate, he would be nothing more than easy target practice.

    Kang Chan decided to release the strength from his legs, which he had been using to brace himself. As a result, his speed increased as he rustled down the slope. He was soonunched into the air and over the cliff.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Crash!</i>

    He fired four bullets before crashing heavily onto the ground with a <i>st</i>. The wind was knocked out of him at the moment of impact, but he couldn¡¯t waste any time. He crawled on the ground like a madman and made his way to the opposite hill.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho had stood upright to return fire, providing Kang Chan some cover.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    The sniper¡¯s shot bounced off of the ground.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    The tree that Seok Kang-Ho had been relying on exploded.

    ¡°<i>Haaa</i>!¡± Kang Chan could finally breathe again. Gritting his teeth, he climbed up to where the sparks wereing from earlier.

    Seeing Kang Chan move, Seok Kang-Ho quickly got back down to hide.

    It was a smokescreen.

    The two enemies who had covered themselves in mesh and hid under dirt and leaves were now lying dead with holes in their foreheads.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re in position,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said over the radio.

    Kang Chan picked up the pace. Unlike where Seok Kang-Ho was, it was difficult to shoot from Kang Chan¡¯s position.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Lee Doo-Hee, give me the sniper¡¯s approximate location,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°The sniper is thirty degrees up and sixty meters away from me,¡± Lee Doo-Hee replied.

    Crackle.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho, take charge of the slope,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    Crackle.

    ¡°Got it, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    No other enemies showed themselves despite this level of engagement, which could only mean that this location wasn¡¯t their main target. They were simply unlucky enough toe across Kang Chan¡¯s team while they were preparing for an ambush. However, since they were most likely carrying radios, Kang Chan had to take down the sniper before their main forces arrived.

    Kang Chan looked down at his knee. He was undoubtedly bleeding, but his military uniform wasn¡¯t torn. When he began checking the path up, the radio crackled again.

    ¡°This is Kwak Cheol-Ho, sir. We have spotted enemies approaching from behind,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said grimly.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun, do you have eyes on the enemy?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Crackle</i>.

    ¡°I will be exposed to the sniper if I check the rear, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan once again nced at where the sniper would likely be.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, send more men to the rear. Kwak Cheol-Ho, hold the enemy back for ten minutes,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il and Kwak Cheol-Ho responded at the same time.

    Kang Chan slung his rifle over his right shoulder and climbed up the mountain. It wasn¡¯t hard to go back up because the rocks and trees hid him from view. However, considering most sniper teams consisted of two people, there was no predicting when more bullets woulde flying at him again.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°The enemy is approaching from the left as well,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun spoke over the radio just as Kang Chan held onto a rock and pulled himself up. It was difficult to use the radio in his current position.

    <i>Daye! Come through for me!</i>

    <i>Crackle</i>.

    ¡°This is Seok Kang-Ho. Assess the situation and return fire ordingly,¡± Seok Kang-Ho ordered when Kang Chan didn¡¯t reply.

    Kang Chan continued to climb as he surveyed the area above.

    They were surrounded. How did this happen? Where did things go wrong?

    Despite his growing curiosity, he had to focus on eliminating the enemy sniper and nt their own snipers in their position.

    ¡°<i>Hegh,?hegh,?hegh,?hegh</i>.¡±

    Because he was trying not to make any noise, his breathing unintentionally sounded like an excited pervert¡¯s.

    <i>Rustle</i>.

    At the sound of falling gravel, Kang Chan pressed his body tightly against the rock. There was something up above.

    <i>Pew! Pew! P-Pew! Pew! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Gunshots came from where the soldiers were. Kang Chan leaned his head forward a little to look up.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Cap, there¡¯s an enemy soldier above you. Turn to the right,¡± Seok Kang-Ho radioed.

    Kang Chan twisted to the right and continued climbing up. The gunshots made it easier to hide his footsteps and breathing.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°About ten meters higher from where you are,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    It would be nice if Kang Chan could provide assistance now, but he still had some ways to go. Moreover, he was in a far different situation now.

    The sound of gunfire made him feel hurried, but he kept calm, steadily aimed his rifle, and slowly climbed the mountain.

    <i>Huff. Huff.?</i>

    Not long after, he saw a small path between the rocks and the mountain. The sniper was probably targeting the soldiers because he could hear consecutive rounds being shot.

    <i>One, two¡­!</i>

    Kang Chan leaped toward the narrow path, finding a team of two snipers, as he had expected.

    The enemy sentry whipped around in surprise, but Kang Chan had already opened fire.

    <i>Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!</i>

    The enemy fell to his back with a bullet in his forehead. Meanwhile, the sniper fell forward with a bullet in his neck. It was as if he just fell asleep.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°The snipers have been eliminated. Choi Jong-Il, send a sniper and two soldiers here,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Cancel the two soldiers. I¡¯ll send a couple of my men over,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan scanned his surroundings from above. The rear was safe now.

    Seeing the face of the dead enemy, Kang Chan tilted his head.

    Even though it was only natural for special forces to recruit talented individuals from around the world, it was still strange to find a Russian in the SBS.

    Sparks continued to fly around him, which made it easy for Kang Chan to locate where the friendly fire wasing from.

    With no other gunfireing from where Kang Chan was, a sniper and two soldiers from their side could safely run up the slope with their rifles slung behind them. When they arrived, Kang Chan realized the two soldiers guarding the sniper were also the ones who served as sentries earlier and discovered the enemies first.

    ¡°You stand guard on this side, and you keep your eye below. Don¡¯t miss anything thates up from down there. If we lose this position, we¡¯re all going to die,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    The soldiers nodded in response. Wasting not a single second longer in the area, Kang Chan left them behind and quickly descended the mountain. Gunshots came from all around him.

    Kang Chan seamlessly slid down the mountain and looked again at the face of the enemy whose camouge had been exposed.

    He was starting to get another strange feeling.

    It was difficult to climb back up from the direction he fell, so he went around five meters to the right to head up the cliff.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Together, they regrouped with the soldiers warily guarding their surroundings. Choi Jong-Il was at the center of their formation.

    Kang Chan moved back. There was currently no immediate threat.

    ¡°The enemy isn¡¯t moving from behind that sharp rock over there,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said, pointing to the rock he mentioned.

    <i>Why isn¡¯t he moving?</i>

    Kang Chan nodded and stepped away, pulling out a map.

    <i>This is where Lee Doo-Hee is.?</i>

    Kang Chan looked back up to nce at the location where Lee Doo-Hee should be.

    Cha Dong-Gyun was higher up, and Choi Jong-Il was below him. Meanwhile, the direction that Kang Chan and Kwak Cheol-Ho were covering was¡­

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and looked behind him. Was the enemy targeting the hill he fell from earlier? Kang Chan stuffed the map back and palmed his forehead. Should they hold out or try to break through?

    Seok Kang-Ho, who was next to Kang Chan, grinned widely as his eyes glinted like a deranged person. He was feeling nervous, having guessed the situation with Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    If they endured and held it out here, how long would it take for the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team to arrive? They could attempt to break through, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how many they were up against.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°This is Lee Doo-Hee. Enemy spotted seven kilometers from our location.¡±

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°This is Cha Dong-Gyun. Enemy spotted approximately seven kilometers away from our left as well.¡±

    Kang Chan nced and smirked at Seok Kang-Ho. Seok Kang-Ho grinned back. The water had already been spilled, so there was no turning back now. Kang Chan pressed the button on his helmet.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°This is Kang Chan,¡± he began. The heavy silence was pierced as wind whooshed past them. ¡°The enemy we are facing appears to be the Russian Spetsnaz. As the world¡¯s most formidable special forces team, they require no other introduction.¡±

    Kang Chan noticed the soldiers stiffened like statues.

    <i>Crackle</i>.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho and Cha Dong-Gyun. From now on, your teams will be acting as one. Choi Jong-Il and Kwak Cheol-Ho, your teams will be merging as well. I will be moving alone,¡± Kang Chan said.

    A soldier peeked at Kang Chan, then turned his head toward his assigned position. He still couldn¡¯t seem to understand what Kang Chan meant.

    ¡°The South Korean special forces will now start hunting down the Spetsnaz. This is no different from live ammo training. The soldiers going down the mountain are the assassination squad, and the soldiers who¡¯ll be staying behind will be the upying forces. If the upying forces fail to keep this area safe, we will all die,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho awkwardly smiled at Kang Chan. He tried to rx, but he couldn¡¯tpletely get rid of his nerves.

    ¡°You must kill and protect. From now on, our operation¡¯s objective¡­¡±

    The soldiers turned to focus on Kang Chan.

    ¡°... is the elimination of all enemy forces.¡±

    The soldier who had peeked at Kang Chan earlier now looked at him with a dazed expression.

 Chapter 147: The Objective of This Operation (2)

    <h4>Chapter 147: The Objective of This Operation (2)</h4>

    Seok Kang-Ho and Cha Dong-Gyun were put in charge of hunting the enemy approaching from the left of their current position, while Choi Jong-Il and Kwak Cheol-Ho were put in charge of hunting the enemy approaching from the right.

    Kang Chan went two meters down the hill.

    In operations like this, putting unconditional trust in theirmander was absolutely important. During the live ammo training, Kang Chan shot them in the chest and the head. Fortunately, they were wearing bulletproof vests and helmets back then. Was that the reason they could work with each other so well it was almost natural?

    The forest grew silent as they advanced by five meters.

    Ten meters ahead of them was another rocky area of the mountain. Even their enemies would find it difficult to recklessly climb it.

    Taking that into consideration, their enemies were probably waiting for nightfall.

    If Kang Chan and his team let the Spetsnaz have their way instead of bringing the fight to them now, his team would be surrounded and forced to wait for the Foreign Legion. If the SBS joined the battle in that situation, then Kang Chan and his team were as good as dead.

    Not wanting to let that happen, Kang Chan insisted on hunting the Spetsnaz now. He looked at Seok Kang-Ho, who was behind him. Seemingly understanding what his gaze meant, Seok Kang-Ho quickly advanced.

    The moment Seok Kang-Ho got into position, Choi Jong-Il headed toward where Kang Chan was looking.

    Cha Dong-Gyun followed Seok Kang-Ho, and Kwak Cheol-Ho followed Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°<i>Haah. Haah.</i>¡±

    Not only did they have the three people that had the best abilities in the special forces team, but they also had Seok Kang-Ho, who understood Kang Chan¡¯s intentions better than anyone else.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho sharply red behind him¡ªwhich was where Choi Jong-Il was positioned¡ª then checked their nks as well.

    Sunlight coursed past leaves whenever the wind blew, making the shadows of the forest dance.

    In the middle of their sway, Kwak Cheol-Ho felt as if he saw a ck helmet.

    <i>Did I see that correctly or is my brain ying tricks on me?</i>

    He wasn¡¯t sure either.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Just as Kwak Cheol-Ho was about to react¡­

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Thud!</i>

    He saw blood stter and spread like red fog.

    While they were still pondering if they saw a helmet, the enemy was shot in the head.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho looked at Kang Chan in shock quick enough to witness Kang Chan aiming his gun back to their front.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho felt like a wolf hunting with a lion. He held down augh.

    <i>Who can defeat a lion?</i>

    They had already seen enough of Kang Chan¡¯s capabilities during the live ammunition training.

    Right now, they were up against the Spetsnaz, a special forces team renowned even among the world¡¯s special forces. Nevertheless, one of their members had just been killed with a headshot simply because he leaned his head forward a little.

    A thrill went down Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s spine and spread throughout his body like goosebumps.

    He decided to shoot anyone he saw, having gained confidence that he didn¡¯t have anything to worry about. After all, even if Kwak Cheol-Ho couldn¡¯t hit his target, Kang Chan would simply send a bullet right between their eyes.

    <i>The Spetsnaz? You little dickheads! We have the God of ckfield on our side!</i>

    Meanwhile, Cha Dong-Gyun gritted his teeth.

    By the time Kwak Cheol-Ho had pointed his gun, Kang Chan had already pulled the trigger.

    He was surprised not only by Kang Chan but by Seok Kang-Ho as well.

    Seok Kang-Ho aimed opposite where Kang Chan was aiming. Cha Dong-Gyun felt as if he was learning new things about what he should do in a team.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s actions let Kang Chan focus on one side.

    This was it.

    It didn¡¯t matter if they were up against the Spetsnaz or any other bullshit. As soon as their enemies revealed themselves, even if it was just their head or a leg, Kang Chan would kill them.

    The others just had to protect Kang Chan during that brief moment.

    Even though the gunshot and the body falling to the ground rang loud and clear, none of the enemies showed up.

    They probably didn¡¯t expect this to happen. How could they have known that one of the soldiers they had sent over to secure a foothold would be shot in the head?

    <i>Sons of bitches!</i>

    The Korean team just had to act as they had been trained.

    Kang Chan would take care of the rest.

    The bitterness and extreme sorrow that had umted in the soldiers¡¯ hearts seemed to be dissipating.

    They just had to cover their left and defend Kang Chan even if it meant throwing themselves in the line of fire.

    Cha Dong-Gyun examined their surroundings even more fiercely.

    It was subtle, but Kang Chan¡¯s movements changed. He no longer made any sounds¡ªlike a lion prowling after finding prey.

    <i>¡®An enemy is near!¡¯</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho only instinctively felt that an enemy was close by, so they couldn¡¯t understand how Kang Chan knew where the enemies were.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho gulped.

    <i>Where are they?</i>

    <i>Are they near Cha Dong-Gyun?In front of Seok Kang-Ho? Or near Kwak Cheol-Ho again?</i>

    Their senses heightened so much they were starting to be dizzy.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    During the brief period that the wind swept past, something moved in front of them.

    Cha Dong-Gyun felt as if all of his blood ran cold.

    <i>Click!</i>

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Thud!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun couldn¡¯t pull the trigger.

    <i>¡®This was what Cheol-Ho had experienced!¡¯</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun couldn¡¯t shoot because he wasn¡¯t certain if he had spotted an enemy, then he began to worry if things would be dangerous if they failed to kill the Spetsnaz in one shot.

    Cha Dong-Gyun locked eyes with Kang Chan, who then looked up ahead.

    He was the God of ckfield! To their enemies, he was the god of death.

    Cha Dong-Gyun vowed to let nothing stop him from shooting them next time.

    It didn¡¯t matter if he hit or missed the target. He would pull the trigger no matter what.

    No matter the oue, the God of ckfield was there to take care of it anyway. He would disy yet another thin spray of the enemies¡¯ blood¡ªlike what he was doing now.

    Twenty minutes had passed, but none of them could still stand straight. However, Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho weren¡¯t tired.

    Kang Chan controlled his pacing.

    Right now, he was moving faster.

    <i>How does he know? How can he figure out where the enemy is? We¡¯re up against the Spetsnaz here!?</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun had discovered that enemy first, yet Kang Chan had shot them in the forehead way faster than he could pull the trigger. It was almost instantaneous.

    Kang Chan lowered himself a little more. When he did, Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il looked from side to side to figure out why.

    Eventually, they realized an enemy was nearby.

    <i>See? Kang Chan slowed down.</i>

    His walking speed slowed down enough for them to sense it.

    Deciding he would stop at nothing to fire at the enemy this time, Cha Dong-Gyun sharply aimed at and observed the area that he was in charge of.

    He would shoot anything that moved.

    <i>I have to trust myself! Even if I miss, the God of Death is right in front of me.</i>

    Not longer after, he saw something moving.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun pulled the trigger.

    He felt as if the world had stopped. His hairs were standing on end.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    With the sound of something falling to the ground, the speed of the world around him quickly returned to normal.

    Cha Dong-Gyun unknowingly looked at Seok Kang-Ho.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned in response. Although his eyes were glinting so hard it seemed as if he would beat up Cha Dong-Gyun at any moment, Cha Dong-Gyun realized Seok Kang-Ho was actually praising him.

    <i>I killed a Spetsnaz!</i>

    <i>Sons of bitches!</i>

    During the joint training, those fuckers acted all cocky and didn¡¯t even let the Korean team near them.

    <i>Motherfuckers! Come at us!</i>

    When Cha Dong-Gyun looked at his team again¡­

    <i>¡®Get your act together!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan red at him, then looked away.

    Cha Dong-Gyun returned to his senses. If Kang Chan wasn¡¯t here, he would¡¯ve exposed himself due to his excitement, and he would have be the next one to be shot in the head.

    ***

    Lanok sat up from the desk, then looked at the aide with an unusually fearsome gaze.

    ¡°The Intelligence Bureau has just detected a Russian submarine in the Celtic Sea. How am I supposed toprehend this?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°We believe that Vasili sent a special forces team on the submarine¡ª¡±

    ¡°That can¡¯t be.¡±

    Having been interrupted, the aide waited for Lanok to continue.

    ¡°You¡¯re saying that the Intelligence Bureau, which has five satellites and enough budget to abundantly feed the starving kids in Africa for ten years, didn¡¯t know that Russia¡¯s nuclear-powered submarine was right around the corner? Does that make any sense to you?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°We have received a report that said the DGSE will investigate this matter.¡±

    With a deep sigh, Lanok shook his head. ¡°Raphael.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°If you took out a gun in front of me, then¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador!¡±

    Raphael looked flustered, but Lanok simply continued as if that didn¡¯t matter. ¡°Louis can just easily shoot you in response. However, what would it mean if Louis didn¡¯t even bother to take out a gun after you shot me?¡±

    Raphael couldn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t say that he was looking somewhere else, would you?¡± Lanok asked again.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°Even if people don¡¯t like how I treat Monsieur Kang, we shouldn¡¯t put France in danger just for our personal reasons. If we just leave this at that and move on, then there¡¯s bound to be someone who¡¯ll see this behavior and learn from it in the future.¡±

    Raphael quickly nodded.

    ¡°Contact the DGSE and tell them that by today, I should hear news about the deaths of two of the Intelligence Bureaus¡¯ deputy directors. I also want to create a team to assassinate Vasili. Increase the embassy¡¯s security to ss one, and order an emergency decree to the entire Foreign Legion,¡± Lanok added.

    Raphael loudly inhaled.

    ¡°The Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team is to head immediately to where Monsieur Kang is. Inform me when they¡¯re ready. Can we contact Monsieur Kang?¡±

    ¡°We heard we can contact him at eight o¡¯clock this evening.¡±

    Lanok nodded while pursuing his lips. He gave Raphael a look that made thetter urgently leave the room.

    ¡°Vasili,¡± Lanok muttered to himself, then fiercely red at the phone on his desk as if it was Vasili.

    ¡°So you want to double-cross me and the United Kingdom?¡± Lanok muttered to himself with a sigh, then nced at the clock. ¡°You¡¯re making me bet everything I have on Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ***

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Thud!</i>

    <i>¡®Twenty-three!¡¯</i>

    Choi Jong-Il had been counting the number of Spetsnaz members that they had killed.

    Each Spetsnaz special forces team had nine members. Taking that into consideration, almost three of their teams had been wiped out before they could even pull the trigger.

    <i>Would the Spetsnaz dispatch more than three of their units in a single operation?</i>

    .

    Choi Jong-Il shook his head.

    <i>Can it be this easy?</i>

    Although Kang Chan took down neen of those twenty-three soldiers, this situation was still too absurd.

    The sun above them was slowly going down past the horizon.

    <i>Whrrr! Peep! Cheep!</i>

    Unlike Choi Jong-Il, who flinched whenever they heard the strange sounds from the birds, Kang Chan didn¡¯t react at all.

    The enemies who had been so determined to pounce on them had now hidden themselves.

    <i>How will they act? How long will we keep seeding?</i>

    Kang Chan paused, making Choi Jong-Il examine him while pulling his rifle close to him.

    Kang Chan stopped for the first time since they started this operation.

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    Choi Jong-Il, Kwak Cheol-Ho, Seok Kang-Ho, and Cha Dong-Gyun examined their surroundings thoroughly enough for their eyes to feel dry.

    <i>Badum badum. Badum badum.</i>

    Their hearts raced the same way they did right before they got out of the helicopter.

    Kang Chan examined their surroundings.

    While the enemy was still likely fully aware of Kang Chan and his team¡¯s movements, they could no longer see the enemy.

    Kang Chan moved his head back toward Seok Kang-Ho.

    They were going to retreat.

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly went past Cha Dong-Gyun, reversing their position.

    Seok Kang-Ho was now at the very front, and to their right were Cha Dong-Gyun and Kang Chan.

    This was their best option right now.

    Their hearts calmed down upon retreating for about twenty meters.

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    Kang Chan clicked his tongue, seemingly displeased.

    When everyone looked at him, he assigned them to their positions. Once they had assumed a pentagon-shaped formation, he softly exhaled.

    Their enemies hadn''t attacked their troops yet. If nightfall wasn¡¯t what they were waiting for, then they had to be trying to think of other means to win.

    The sun had gone down to some degree. Based on his experience, he thought that the members had to eat and rest now. Otherwise, they could fail to keep their nervousness under control.

    Making up his mind, he made his way to the forefront.

    There was no forest in the middle of where the snipers and other team members were located.

    They could be exposed if they stayed there, but the area made it just as difficult for their opponents to hide as well, especially considering the tension in the air.

    Before leaving the forest, Kang Chan pressed a button.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan. We¡¯re heading back. Snipers, check the perimeter.¡±

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°Nothing out of the ordinary.¡±

    Kang Chan slowly led them out of the forest upon hearing that answer.

    ***

    Lanok let his phone ring about five times before answering the call.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    - Lanok, are you nning on starting a war?

    ¡°Vasili, you can¡¯t just talk to me about what you want right after pushing a gun to my head. I hope you know that Russia isn¡¯t the only country that has nuclear weapons.¡±

    - This is all a misunderstanding, Lanok.

    Lanok quickly looked at the clock.

    The viper that had backstabbed him suddenly wanted to reconcile. Why would he do that? Why would Vasili, the man who had sent the Spetsnaz to Kang Chan, bow down to him now?

    <i>Monsieur Kang!</i>

    Unable to contain his happiness, Lanok tightly clenched his right hand, which was on the desk.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t underestimate Monsieur Kang¡¯s capabilities. I have said this before, but I¡¯m not in a position to force anything on him, Vasili.¡±

    - Lanok, I fell for the United Kingdom¡¯s tricks. Only the United Kingdom will benefit from war starting between us.

    ¡°Discuss that with Monsieur Kang.¡±

    - Wouldn¡¯t this be easier if you arbitrate? I would appreciate it if you do me that favor. It¡¯s the only way I would get to apologize to Monsieur Kang. Of course, I¡¯ll be sending properpensation for our rash decision to head into France as well.

    ¡°Vasili, you probably know this already, but our Intelligence Bureau lost two deputy directors because of this matter. Moreover, considering Monsieur Kang¡¯s personality,ying down such a hasty condition could result in me losing credibility as well, just like what happened to you for losing your beloved Spetsnaz,¡± Lanok said, then red at the clock.

    This was a gamble.

    Lanok couldn¡¯t contact Kang Chan, but if he didn¡¯t gamble this much right now, the situation could be even harder at any moment.

    - Can you tell Monsieur Kang that I¡¯m willing to even tell you the exact location of the SBS? How do you even contact him?

    ¡°It would be in your best interest to not look down on France, Vasili.¡±

    - I will contact the DGSE, so check with them.

    Lanok hung up, then sighed loudly.

    Monsieur Kang Chan had done it. He had defeated the Spetsnaz.

    Lanok shook his head.

    ***

    The sun was around forty-five degrees above their heads by the time Kang Chan¡¯s team had regrouped with the rest.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    ¡°Phew.¡±

    As if on cue, all five straightened their legs and leaned against a rock.

    Looking extremely curious, the others checked how the five were doing.

    <i>¡®Twenty-three,¡¯?</i>Choi Jong-Il mouthed to Woo Hee-Seung when their eyes met.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°We killed twenty-three Spetsnaz soldiers,¡± Choi Jong-Il repeated.

    Looking like they couldn¡¯t believe what they just heard, they turned toward Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>He¡¯s telling the truth!</i>

    The soldiers looked strangely proud of themselves. In the middle of that standoff, they emerged victorious.

    Through this experience, they became battle-hardened enough to no longer feel dispirited, and even if they did, it ensured that they would still be able to properly use the abilities that they had learned during training.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun, have the members eat on shifts. Order the sniper team to eat one at a time. Make sure they never let their guard down.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered.

    ¡°What do you think those fuckers did?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°They either nted ymores in the area or have withdrawn.¡±

    ¡°Phew! I¡¯m fucking dying for a smoke.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡±

    ¡°Why do you ask? As a matter of fact, I¡¯m starving,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled. Not long after, one of their team members brought him a C-ration.

    ¡°Eat, then get some sleep,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Will we keep moving tonight as well?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. He ced his finger on the lid of the c-ration, then nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°If they have nted ymores around us, then even just two people would find it difficult to get anywhere. We should prepare in case things go awry instead.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Seok Kang-Ho tore off the stic of the c-ration with his teeth, then ate the bread.

    Kang Chan ate a biscuit.

    What would Kim Mi-Young be doing right now? He wanted to see her again.

    They were in a sunken part of the mountain, so they were enclosed on all sides.

    <i>So that fucker Vasili stabbed us in the back, huh?</i>

    Kang Chan assumed they wouldn¡¯t get betrayed since Lanok was on their side.

    He picked up a pastry.

    <i>Son of a bitch.</i>

    He decided to let the matter go for now since he had essentially killed most of the Spetsnaz soldiers anyway. However, he already nned to think about how to retaliate after this operation.

    He had no intention of just leaving this at that and moving on.

 Chapter 148.1: May Luck Be On Your Side (1)

    <h4>Chapter 148.1: May Luck Be On Your Side (1)</h4>

    Stars showed up in the night sky as the sun went past the horizon. They were so close that they seemed like they would get caught on the tips of the mountains. The sight would remain in one¡¯s memory for a lifetime, but the South Korean special forces team was in a situation far too tense and nervewracking to bask in their beauty.

    After eating dinner, they took turns sleeping for two hours each. It was now seven-forty in the evening.

    The Spetsnaz could use the cover of the dark to attack them. In the worst-case scenario, they could evene rushing in with the SBS by their side.

    <i>nk! nk!</i>

    Sounds of weapons being checked asionally rang out in the silence.

    The agents had been imitating the behavior that Kang Chan had been showing. Matching his tempo, they would tense up and rx as he did. Currently, however, they were extremely nervous. No one had ordered them to, but they sharply observed their surroundings.

    <i>nk!</i>

    ¡°Are we heading down?¡± Seok Kang-Ho quietly asked Kang Chan after checking his magazine.

    ¡°Let¡¯s contact the base with the satellite phone at twenty hundred hours before deciding. The bad feeling I was getting this morning concerns me. There¡¯s something out there. We just don¡¯t know what it is. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s ymores or men lying in ambush¡ªit¡¯s still dangerous out there,¡± Kang Chan firmly replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced around and then turned back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Captain, is everything alright?¡± Seok Kang-Ho hesitantly asked.

    Kang Chan looked back at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I know how strong you are, but today, you¡¯re different from any other time I¡¯ve seen you¡ªespecially the look in your eyes. I don¡¯t know how to describe it, but you seem more on edge and more keen than in the past. It¡¯s like your senses are overloading and you¡¯re running on overdrive.¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    ¡°Like you¡¯ve advanced a step, maybe,¡± Seok Kang-Ho exined further.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re more refined than you were in the Mongolian operation. You have already surprised everyone during that operation, yet you have still be apletely different person now. Honestly, be it during the Mongolian operation, the live ammo training, and now, you seem to be turning more and more into a monstrous beast every time you lift your gun,¡± Seok Kang¨CHo said.

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t realized. Had he not always been like this in the past?

    ¡°The soldiers we fought in Africa are nothingpared to the Spetsnaz. The Spetsnatz are a lot stronger, yet you took them down more easily than back in Africa. Your eyes are alsopletely different from how they usually are. They¡¯re hard, vicious, and show no sign of loosening up,¡± Seok Kang-Ho exined.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t I always struggled to cool down after a fight?¡± Kang Chan refuted.

    Seok Kang-Ho tilted his head, then shook it twice.

    ¡°It¡¯s different now. You¡¯re acting as if you have already lost three or four rookies. Well, as long as you¡¯re okay, it doesn¡¯t matter. I just thought you should know that you are more sensitive than usual,¡± Seok Kang-Ho informed him.

    Kang Chan nodded in understanding. An unnecessarily sensitivemander could quickly tire their soldiers out.

    ¡°<i>Whew,</i>¡± Kang Chan sighed as knelt down one knee and leaned against a rock.

    The cold, hard feeling of the rifle hanging by his shoulder once again reminded him of where he was. Every time he exhaled, he could see his breath vanish in the air in front of him.

    Kang Chan chuckled faintly. He suddenly missed Kim Mi-Young.

    She was still just a little chick who had a long way to go before growing up to be an adult. She had to know that there were a lot better guys than him in college.

    She nned to attend the Seoul National University, after all. It was filled and led by men who stood out in their fields like Kim Mi-Young, not men who had the most kills on the battlefield. What kind of person would Kang Chan be in such a ce?

    But none of that mattered. He just wanted to see her right now. Her signatureugh, her adoring eyes at him¡­ he felt as if the vicious look in his eyes would rx once he saw her.

    Kang Chan looked up at the stars in the sky. As he did, someone spoke to him.

    ¡°It¡¯s twenty hundred hours,¡± Woo Hee-Seung said as he approached, bringing over the satellite phone.

    They could certainly call the base first, but they had to do it far from the location where they had unexpectedly ran into the Spetsnaz. It would otherwise be dangerous to let the base know of the situation.

    The same went for the call at twenty hundred hours. Kang Chan would wait, but if G¨¦rard didn¡¯t call, it would be far wiser for them to head straight to Switzend before contacting Korea. Although they still had more than enough ammo left, they only had two days'' worth of c-rations left.

    <i>Beep.?</i>

    The satellite phone turned on as soon as Kang Chan pressed a button. A shooting star fell slowly into the horizon, seemingly displeased by the artificial light that the phone was emitting.

    Two minutes passed by. The soldiers were pretending to be unaffected, but in truth, they were all sharply tuned in to the phone.

    <i>¡®Are they telling us to break through to Switzend first?¡¯</i>

    As Kang Chan recalled the directions on the map for that n, the phone rang awake.

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep.?</i>

    Kang Chan answered the call, causing the phone to let out a mechanical sound as he lifted it to his ear.

    <i>-This is the base.?</i>

    ¡°This is the God of ckfield,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    <i>-The visitors from this morning have all left. The gentlemen are on standby at the Lima, Alpha, and Delta points. You have the discretion on how to proceed.</i>

    ¡°What about the zoo?¡±

    <i>-Deers and bears.?</i>

    Deers meant two, and bears meant seven. There were twenty-seven enemies lying in wait.

    ¡°What are our chances?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>-Half and half. However, it has been confirmed that the visitors from this morning have all left. Napoleon has also been mobilized today.?</i>

    ¡°Repeat what you just said,¡± Kang Chan said in surprise.

    <i>-Napoleon has been mobilized today.</i>

    Kang Chan looked up at the sky in thought. That phrase was code that an emergency decree had been ordered on the entire Foreign Legion. Kang Chan was now finally starting to see the outline of the puzzle.

    Lanok had taken a firm stance, and Vasili had stepped back.

    ¡°Base,¡± Kang Chan began.

    <i>-Yes.?</i>

    ¡°I will take care of the gentlemen,¡± Kang Chan said determinedly.

    <i>-May luck be on your side.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun, and the others looked stiffly at Kang Chan, who let out a low sigh. Kang Chan had no other choice but to put his faith in that punk G¨¦rard more so since he had now heard that Lanok had ordered an emergency decree to all of the Foreign Legion.

    Kang Chan raised his hand to his helmet.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°This is the God of ckfield,¡± Kang Chan said.

    His surroundings seemed to turn a little quieter when he spoke into the radio.

    ¡°We have received information that the Spetsnatz has left,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    The emotions on Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s faces changed to relief and curiosity.

    ¡°We¡¯ve received other information as well,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    The soldiers'' gazes were all focused on the smoke-like tendrils of air that left Kang Chan¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°There are twenty-seven SBS members at point Alpha. We can take care of them or head back,¡± Kang Chan informed them.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned widely at Kang Chan, knowing what he already nned to do.

    ¡°It will take about four hours to reach point Alpha from here. We will move under nightfall. Upon arrival, we will wait right before daybreak before proceeding with the operation,¡± Kang Chan announced.

    The soldiers all nced at each other upon hearing Kang Chan¡¯s n.

    ¡°They far outnumber us, and they are on an entirely different level. However, you have all shown great performance, and I believe in all of you. The mission of this operation is to eliminate all the SBS members and return home safely together. To that end, we will divide into four teams and rush in at once,¡± Kang Chan stated firmly.

    Cha Dong-Gyun twisted his expression in an attempt to hold back his tears.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°Get some food in you and rest at your positions until twenty-three hundred hours. Remember to always stay sharp. You will find a hole in your head the moment you let your guard down, and yourrade will drop dead the second you look away, so keep our live ammo training in mind, and don¡¯t lose sight of the South Korean special forces that I remember. Seeding in this operation will make the world acknowledge the South Korean special forces as a team equal to the Spetsnaz and the SBS,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan in surprise. In Africa, or in any other operation after that, Kang Chan had never spoken in this way to the soldiers.

    ¡°I want all of us to shout it at the same time, but I don¡¯t want to reveal our location to the enemies,¡± Kang Chan said with a smile. The sound of Kang Chan chuckling a little could clearly be heard at the end of his words.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Instead, please state our motto for us, Cha Dong-Gyun. Cha Dong-Gyun! Begin,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    A momentter, all the soldiers connected to their frequency heard Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s teary voice.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°If I can protect my country with my blood¡­!¡±

    The South Korean special forces no longer felt sorrow.

    Just a few days ago, they could not even dream of going up against the Spetsnaz and the SBS because South Koreacked immense national power. However, at that moment, they were about to begin an operation that could lead to the total elimination of their opponents¡¯ soldiers.

    As proven by Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s tearful voice, the sorrow and regret that their superiors had been passing down from generation to generation were finally being cut off and healed.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°... I am happy!¡±

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed in disbelief, his voice traveling into the night sky before fading away.

 Chapter 148.2: May Luck Be On Your Side (1)

    <h4>Chapter 148.2: May Luck Be On Your Side (1)</h4>

    ¡°<i>Aaaaahhh! Aah! Aaahh</i>!¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk shouted like a madman, shaking his two clenched fists in the air. ¡°<i>Haah! Haah</i>!¡±

    He hung his head low to catch his breath for a little while, but he shot it back up soon after.

    ¡°So, how many of our men¡­?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked, trailing off.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t been able to confirm that information yet,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung reassuringly replied.

    ¡°The intelligence you gave them was certain, correct?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk prodded on.

    ¡°An emergency decree was ordered on all of France¡¯s Foreign Legion, but it was canceled just moments ago. The president of Russia has also expressed his desire to pay a covert visit to South Korea,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered with confidence.

    ¡°Those bastards! They did it! They managed to do it!¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk shouted gleefully.

    ¡°We received intelligence that although the Spetsnaz tried to ambush the team, they managed to push them back and defeat them without any casualties. ording to a detailed report that the DGSE surprisingly gave to us of their own volition, only four members of the Spetsnatz managed to survive,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk vehemently shook his head. He looked as if he couldn¡¯t believe the news.

    ¡°What about their return?¡± he asked earnestly.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t received any information regarding that. However, we did hear that they are going on another operation first,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stated.

    A tear soon dripped down Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°I no longer have any regrets in my life. I have never felt so proud and rewarded to have been a member of the South Korean special forces,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk dered through tears.

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded with his lips pressed together.

    ***

    ¡°Is that true?!¡± Choi Seong-Geon eximed.

    <i>-General Choi, don¡¯t speak of this to your men yet.</i>

    ¡°<i>Mmmmh. Mmmh! Mmmmh</i>!¡±

    <i>-It¡¯s okay! You can cry. The section chief and I cried as well.</i>

    ¡°An active member of the special forces cannot cry, sir!¡± Choi Seong-Geon replied.

    <i>-I see. I understand. I will contact you again when I receive more information.?</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon put down the phone and left his barracks with a face so red it seemed as if he would soon explode.

    It was currently four in the morning.

    <i>Vroom!?</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon got in a jeep and drove it all the way to the entrance of the makeshift city.

    ¡°Hey! You bastards! Stay alive! You better return home alive, punks!¡± Choi Seong-Geon shouted to the void.

    Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s voice echoed loudly in the city.

    ¡°You did a good job! So none of you better die! You are all toe back alive!¡± he burst out.

    A thick tear dripped down Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s tanned cheek.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± he muttered to himself as he stared at the dark morning sky. ¡°From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    ***

    The teams were divided into four. Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, Cha Dong-Gyun, and Choi Jong-Il each led a group. Before leaving, they carefully reviewed the area the operation would take ce and the path each team would take to infiltrate the area.

    Kang Chan would take the front, and Seok Kang-Ho would handle the rear.

    They began the trip at 2330.

    About twenty minutes in, Kang Chan paused and raised his hand. During the morning of the previous operation, he had turned away from this area with Seok Kang-Ho.

    The soldiers all sharply scanned their assigned territories. Kang Chan gestured with his hand for two soldiers to take about three steps back.

    Kang Chan turned his head again and gave Kwak Cheol-Ho a knowing look, making thetter carefully advance. Kang Chan pointed his index finger at the long line that was lying on the ground.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho nodded.

    <i>¡®Can you do it?¡¯?</i>

    <i>¡®I know I can, sir.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan nodded back at him.

    Based on what Kang Chan¡¯s instinct was telling him, it didn¡¯t seem like any of their enemies were nearby. Nevertheless, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to stay alert, especially considering letting their guard down could get them killed.

    Kang Chan pointed his left index finger backward at one soldier and put his right index and middle fingers next to it, signaling the soldier to cover Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    Immediately after, he had the rest of the soldiers retreat about twenty meters back.

    A heavy, palpable tension hung over the forest, making it hard to breathe.

    Around fifteen minutester, Kwak Cheol-Ho returned with the soldier who had covered him. In Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s hand was a ymore and its triggering mechanism. If the team had taken a single misstep with those in ce¡­ Kang Chan didn¡¯t even want to imagine what could have happened.

    <i>¡®Good work.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®It¡¯s nothing, sir.¡¯</i>

    When Kang Chan nodded at Kwak Cheol-Ho, thetter an admiring gaze at him for having discovered a ymore in pitch-ck darkness. What made it even more amazing was that he even found the thin line that was tied to the trigger mechanism.

    They could do this. This operation was possible.

    As Kwak Cheol-Ho brimmed with confidence, Kang Chan began to push forward again.

    <i>Rustle.?</i>

    After about thirty minutes, they found a path easier to walk on. Although it allowed them to pick up the pace, they still couldn¡¯t put their guard down.

    Birds were starting to chirp.

    <i>¡®How can he keep doing that?¡¯?</i>Kwak Cheol-Ho wondered in amazement as he followed after Kang Chan.

    Leading squads from the very front were so exhausting that it made one feel as if they would be worn out to death. However, Kang Chan never lost focus¡ªnot even for a moment. Rather, he just kept advancing while keeping track of their pacing.

    Wolves standing behind a lion¡­ Kwak Cheol-Ho couldn¡¯t agree more with the metaphor that the soldiers had made at dinner.

    They walked for about an hour longer when Kang Chan suddenly stopped, scanned their surroundings, and turned back to the men.

    Kang Chan spread his left hand apart and pointed his right index finger toward his open palm. That was the signal for the soldiers to rest but keep their guards up.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho headed over to the position he had been assigned to guard without having to receive anymand. He was determined to do his task to stand watch perfectly so the other soldiers could catch a break, no matter how short, and so Kang Chan could rx even just a little.

    ***

    The South Korean special forces reached their target location at around 0410. Kang Chan had the soldiers guard their vicinity, then summoned the squad leaders to issue themmands.

    ¡°If a problem arises here, you are to take your men and gather at point Beta,¡± Kang Chan ordered them.

    The three men nodded curtly in response.

    ¡°The enemy will be taking extreme precautions. The moment you think the SBS is easy to deal with is the moment our men start dropping like flies. They will be more than aware of the fact that the Spetsnatz retreated, so I¡¯m sure they are on very high alert. Keep calm and collected, and we¡¯ll steadily surround them from the outside,¡± Kang Chan stated. The resolve in his eyes was clearly visible to the three men.

    ¡°Once your snipers have reached their positions, give me a signal with Morse code. I will give send a signal to begin the attack, but if necessary, you are free to open fire. Remember, if I can only do one thing right in this operation, it would undoubtedly be the safe return of all the men. If you¡¯re in danger, make sure to request help through the radio. Any questions?¡± Kang Chan finished.

    All of the men stayed silent.

    Kang Chan patted Cha Dong-Gyun and Choi Jong-Il on their helmets, one time each.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Dayeru replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t run wild and move with caution. Stay calm,¡± Kang Chan reminded him, half-joking.

    ¡°Got it, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    After Kang Chan tapped Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s helmet, Seok Kang-Ho began to head toward his position.

    The operation was officiallying to a start. Point Alpha was in a basin-like area that was stuck between two mountains, one lower than the other. They could only ever be aware of the presence of any nearby enemy, and even then, it would be difficult to know exactly where the enemy was located.

    Considering the sun would rise at about 0530, the team only had a little over an hour left to go.

    From his position, Kang Chan searched for areas that would be advantageous to assign the team¡¯s snipers to. After all, areas that were favorable to them were also favorable to the enemy. Hence, if the SBS was nearby, their snipers could be in those ces. That was why each of the special forces team had to have at least one sniper with them.

    Leading the soldiers, Kang Chan slowly began to proceed forward.

    The branches that were hidden under dry, fallen leaves were some of the scariest things they could step on. After all, stepping on them the wrong way could break them with a loud snap. Hence, the soldiers had to tread forward with care. There could also be more ymores in their vicinity, so they could never let their guard down.

    In special operations, putting up ymores in a foreign territory was practically suicide. Considering soldiers were bound to die if they weren¡¯t careful, the team had to always stay alert.

    The next path was uphill. They would have to walk for five minutes and scan their surroundings for thirty seconds. In that short span of time, they had to locate any hostile movements and let the soldiers catch their breaths if necessary.

    Even after putting their snipers in position, they would still have to keep examining the thirty-meter vicinity around them.

    Their current pacing was so exhausting that it was quickly draining them. They were using up far more of their stamina since they were going slow, which meant they were basking far longer in this tense and nervous atmosphere. At this rate, their guard could suddenly ease up without them meaning to.

    While on the way up, Kang Chan suddenly paused and pointed behind a rock to Kwak Cheol-Ho. It meant that from this moment on, Kwak Cheol-Ho would be responsible for the most basic method of covering the team.

    The ce that Kang Chan pointed to for the next soldier was about six steps ahead of where Kwak Cheol-Ho was going to be positioned.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.?</i>

    No matter how slowly the soldiers tried to walk, the dry leaves still made noise.

    The soldier exhaled visibly in the cold air, still not having reached his position.

    <i>Huff. Huff.?</i>

    The sharper Kang Chan¡¯s senses, the slower time seemed to flow. From the leaves that the soldier was stepping on, a star that suddenly twinkled, to a bird¡¯s cries that randomly came from the thick darkness¡ªKang Chan noticed it all.

    With his rifle aimed, Kang Chan sharply looked from side to side.

    Just as the soldier arrived at his position¡­

    <i>Whoosh.?</i>

    A gunshot echoed from quite a distance away. When Kang Chan turned his head to look, he found sparks endlessly lighting up the dark from across the other side of the basin.

 Chapter 149: May luck be on your side (2)

    <h4>Chapter 149: May luck be on your side (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan quickly looked at Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    <i>¡®Please go!¡¯</i>

    The look in Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s eyes answered for him.

    However if they failed to properly position a sniper here, they would all be in danger. That was why Kang Chan took it upon himself to take charge of this area in the first ce.

    <i>Whoosh! Swooosh! Pew! Pew! Swooosh!</i>

    Sparks ignited like fireworks as tracer bullets darted back and forth between them and the enemies.

    They had discovered where the enemies were¡ªand there were a lot of them.

    Considering the gunfight started without Kang Chan¡¯s signal, it was likely caused by a unit from the South Korean special forces passing in front of the enemy¡¯s camp.

    Kang Chan nodded, then immediately moved.

    He was sixty meters away from the battle.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t run because it was still dark and he didn¡¯t know where the enemies were, but that didn¡¯t mean he could keep dawdling. Hence, he immediately made his way toward the fight as fast as he could without making any noise.

    The closer he was, the louder the gunshots became.

    With his rifle at the ready, he closed in further.

    <i>¡®I just have to find one!¡¯</i>

    Taking down one of the enemies would be enough to distract them.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Seeing a red line flying toward the enemy from the top of the mountain, Kang Chan assumed that the sniper in Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s designated area had reached their position and began to open fire.

    Kang Chan gradually picked up his pace.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Battles like this would never stop halfway through. In a situation like this, it was most likely that the enemies would decide to take the detour route so it was clear which way Kang Chan should be moving.

    Kang Chan was prepared to pull the trigger as soon as he found a target, no matter who it was.

    It was hard to avoid casualties now that they were the onespromised first.

    ¡°<i>Huff. Huff.</i>¡±

    Kang Chan felt the world slowing down again. His intuition had kicked in, which meant an enemy was nearby!

    <i>Pew!</i>

    Enemy soldiers rained down bullets on Kang Chan¡¯s troops, each one leaving a red trail in the air.

    <i>Whooosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Naturally, Kang Chan¡¯s troops fired back.

    He was now only around twenty meters away from the enemy¡¯s military headquarters.

    Neen, eighteen, seventeen, sixteen, fifteen meters¡­

    Kang Chan saw a round shape between a tree and a rock. Two tiny parts of it were luminous, like an animal¡¯s eyes.

    <i>nk!</i>

    Soon, he heard the sound of the enemy¡¯s gun turning to the side.

    <i>Whoosh! Bam!</i>

    As the enemy looked behind him, the world quickly returned to its original speed.

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    By the time two bullets flew toward Kang Chan, he was already on his stomach.

    Targeting where the sparks came from, he quickly pushed himself back to his feet with his left hand, then quickly turned to the right.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    He was now in the enemy¡¯s camp.

    Bullets flew toward Kang Chan, determined to kill him at all costs.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Trees and rocks exploded all around him. As they shattered, the noises they made sounded as if they were screaming for being unjustly shot at.

    It seemed the South Korean special forces were advancing as well, considering the sparksing from both sides kept getting closer and closer.

    Someone had to cover Kang Chan.

    Now matter how talented he was or how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t stand up without knowing the exact location of their enemies.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Three soldiers approached his location and kept him under fire.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    His best option in this situation was to escape, but the SBS wouldn¡¯t miss it if he recklessly exposed his back.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    Considering their numbers, one of them had to be covering fire. If that soldier was anywhere near Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s level, then Kang Chan would be shot in the forehead or neck if he tried to fire back twice.

    <i>One¡­!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    However, before Kang Chan could count to two, a bullet flew toward where Kwak Cheol-Ho used to be.

    <i>Pew! Bam!</i>

    Kang Chan immediately stood up straight as soon as he heard someone getting shot.

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Thud!</i>

    Kang Chan killed one of the three soldiers zoning in on him. Just a bitter and he would have had to face his opponents head-on like in Western movies.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°The snipers have been deployed,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho radioed in. As he did, bullets flew from above the mountain.

    With the South Korean special forces¡¯ snipers and soldiers delivering concentrated fire, the enemy¡¯s aggression evidently subsided.

    However, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t advance any further either. Even if his men kept their opponents under fire, their opponents could still shoot back.

    After some time, a faint light started to spread from the horizon.

    <i>Swooosh! Swooosh!</i>

    Every now and then, Kang Chan heard gunshots from the snipers.

    Now that the sun was rising, Kang Chan and his team basically won half of this battle.

    <i>SWOOSH!</i>

    Considering Kang Chan also heard sniper shots from the area Choi Jong-Il was in charge of, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s team also had to be in the middle of a fight.

    <i>¡®Everything¡¯s going to be okay, right?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan now had difficulty even imagining a life without Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt tired of fighting.

    <i>Why am I doing all this bullshit? For what? What if I lose Seok Kang-Ho in the middle of all this?</i>

    As the sky brightened¡­

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°Two of my men are seriously injured. Cha Dong-Gyun, cover them.¡±

    Kang Chan heard Seok Kang-Ho grumbling on the radio.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°Fuck! Get down here! Snipers, keep covering them!¡±

    Hearing the fucker swear on the walkie-talkie again made Kang Chan happy.

    <i>Swooosh! Swooosh!</i>

    The snipers faithfully carried out Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s orders.

    Five minutes passed.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°The enemies are waving the white g. What should we do?¡± Choi Jong-Il radioed in.

    Kang Chan was in a predicament. He wasn¡¯t confident in his English, but he couldn¡¯t just pretend as if he didn¡¯t notice them.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°Everyone on standby but keep your guard up. Snipers, prepare to cover me,¡± Kang Chan ordered, then slowly walked forward.

    The SBS waving the white g was a little suspicious, but Kang Chan doubted they would attack him after surrendering. A special forces team¡¯s honor could sometimes be more important than death.

    <i>nk!</i>

    The enemy that Kang Chan met had his rifle¡¯s muzzle aimed toward the sky.

    ¡°We want to speak with the God of ckfield.¡±

    They were speaking French. Although their pronunciation was bad, Kang Chan clearly understood what they meant.

    ¡°I¡¯m the God of ckfield,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Their enemy looked at Kang Chan suspiciously, then slowly raised his left hand and radioed someone.

    It was difficult for Kang Chan to understand what they were saying because they were speaking fast English. However, considering he heard ¡®God of ckfield¡¯ twice in the middle of the sentence, it sounded as if they were saying that the God of ckfield had appeared.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    <i>nk! nk!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and two other soldiers squeezed their way through the forest and approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°What are those sons of bitches saying?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°They said they¡¯re looking for me.¡±

    As Seok Kang-Ho red at their enemy, seemingly about to shoot them at any moment, two men from the enemy¡¯s side revealed themselves.

    ¡°Are you the God of ckfield?¡± one of them asked Kang Chan in French. His pronunciation was poorer than Kim Mi-Young''s.

    ¡°Tell me what you want,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Can you speak a bit slower?¡±

    ¡°I said, ¡®tell me what you want.¡¯¡±

    The man looked to be around his mid-thirties and had a physique so firm it was like a gori¡¯s.

    ¡°Russia deceived us. We have already received an evacuation order from our country before this battle started. If it¡¯s okay with you, we would like to withdraw now.¡±

    <i>What kind of bullshit is he talking about?</i>

    Kang Chan cocked his head while fiercely ring at them.

    ¡°We have already asked for France¡¯s understanding through the DGSE. You have killed thirteen of our members and injured four of them. Our government has told us to tell you that they will visit you if the God of ckfield chooses to be considerate of our situation.¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled softly.

    Since they were fighting special forces who had trespassed into France¡¯s territory, the DGSE allowing them to retreat meant that Lanok had agreed to it.

    They didn¡¯t have to insist on fighting each other anymore.

    The gori frowned, seemingly perplexed.

    ¡°Is it true that you went to Switzend to destroy the Hadron Collider?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The gori¡¯s cheek moved, seemingly gritting his teeth. ¡°God of ckfield, as soldiers, we only act asmanded. Even if we be captives, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re already aware that we still won¡¯t disclose our identities or any information about our orders. Hence, capturing us will only give France, the United Kingdom, and South Korea¡¯s Intelligence Bureau a problem to deal with.¡±

    The gori didn¡¯t avoid Kang Chan¡¯s eyes even a little.

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s end the fight here, then. However, you must leave your helmets,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Showcasing the helmets of those who had surrendered was an old custom of the special forces team. This humiliated the surrenderees, but wasn¡¯t it only natural for the victor to take home a trophy for winning a battle that put their lives at risk? risking their lives? The helmets would be a gift for Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Hyung-Jung, Choi Seong-Geon, and all the soldiers who fought here.

    The gori red at Kang Chan as if he was going to kill him. He red for so long that his eyes turned bloodshot, but unfortunately for him, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t the type to back down from such a look.

    After about a minute, the gori nodded once, took off his helmet, and threw it in front of Kang Chan.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    That sound marked the end of their long battle.

    <i>Bam! Bam!</i>

    The enemies nearby also threw their helmets.

    ***

    After the SBS¡¯ surrender, Kang Chan told G¨¦rard their location through the satellite phone. They were about three hundred meters away from the basin.

    One of their members was shot in the thigh, and another was shot in the groin. The one that was shot just left of his groin was in especially bad shape. Hence, Kang Chan also told G¨¦rard to bring a medical team. Afterward, they injected morphine into the injured and waited for at least an hour before the medical team could reach them.

    Kang Chan positioned sentries and snipers all around them just in case.

    ¡°Can we smoke here?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, and the members looked at Kang Chan with twinkling eyes.

    ¡°If you have any extra, give me one.¡±

    Most of the soldiers took out cigarettes.

    <i>Chk chk! Chk chk! Chk chk!</i>

    When a lighter lit up, around four men rushed toward it to light their cigarettes. Seok Kang-Ho lit up two and gave both to Kang Chan.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡±

    Smoking made Kang Chan less nervous.

    The sunlight was blinding. In this beautiful scenery, they were forced to fight a battle to the death.

    Kang Chan felt tired of fights like this.

    After smoking, the five soldiers and two snipers sat against rocks and trees along with everyone except for those who had gone off to switch shifts.

    Kang Chan missed instant coffee, ramen, kimchi soup, and the hot rice that he ate at home. He also missed Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, and Kim Mi-Young.

    He wanted to see the people who made all his battles worth it, the people he didn''t have a business or political dealings with, and the people who valued Kang Chan as much as he valued them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go on a trip when we get back to South Korea,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho, who was biting on his second cigarette to light it, looked at Kang Chan with an expression that said, ¡®What¡¯s he saying?¡¯

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>! Let¡¯s go. With you, I¡¯m willing to even go to hell,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said soon after.

    Smirking, Kang Chan bit on another cigarette. ¡°How many people have we killed so far?¡±

    <i>What¡¯s wrong with this gentleman?</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan suspiciously.

    ¡°I¡¯m probably having absurd thoughts because of how scenic this mountain is,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s because you had to lead everyone throughout the entire operation. As I said, you seemed unusually sharper than ever. You¡¯re bound to feel the fatigue as soon as that sensation goes away. Let¡¯s rest when we get back to Seoul, then visit great ces and eat good food.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ***

    Kang Chan got on the helicopter and approached G¨¦rard, but they couldn¡¯t leave immediately because their injured had to get treated first.

    ¡°You guys are going to get surgery here. I¡¯ll take care of everything, including how you guys return home, so don¡¯t worry too much,¡± Kang Chan told them.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± The two looked as if they were trying hard to maintain a firm expression.

    After saying goodbye to the injured, who had to stay behind, the South Korean special forces team got on the cargo aircraft.

    They had cup ramen, c-rations, and instant coffee for breakfast.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, I¡¯m going to get some sleep,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    When Kang Chany down on the hospital bed, Seok Kang-Ho and the othersy down on their respective beds as well.

    Kang Chan quickly fell asleep, waking up only when the aircraft began itsnding at the United States¡¯ military base in Qatar.

    ¡°Phew!¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he had just woken up from an extremely long dream. Seeing the soldiers sitting in front of him made his senses return to reality.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    They all look proud.

    Cha Dong-Gyun went to the back and brought over bottled water. He opened the lid and poured it into Kang Chan¡¯s hand so that he could wash his face twice. Kang Chan then took the bottle and had a few sips.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why would the senior ask something like that?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I like doing it and I¡¯m about to get a cup myself anyway.¡± Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s sharp eyes showed how happy he was.

    As Kang Chan nodded to Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s offer, Seok Kang-Ho woke up noisily. ¡°<i>Ugh</i>! <i>Ugh</i>! Why is my throat so dry?¡±

    Kang Chan poured water into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s hands, and Seok Kang-Ho used it to wash his face. He then took the bottle and downed the water.

    ¡°Did I snore a lot?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I also slept soundly.¡±

    The others turned away and smiled, a clear indication that Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s snores were loud.

    As Cha Dong-Gyun brought over coffee, G¨¦rard also approached Kang Chan from the front of the ne. When Cha Dong-Gyun saw Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard, he quickly headed to the back again.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho began drinking their cups of coffee.

    ¡°I heard the surgery went well. Their lives are not in danger anymore. The soldier who was shot in the groin won¡¯t have trouble making children either,¡± G¨¦rard told Kang Chan.

    Cha Dong-Gyun brought over two cups of coffee and handed one to G¨¦rard.

    ¡°G¨¦rard said that the surgeries of our injured went well and that they won¡¯t have trouble making children,¡± Kang Chan informed his team.

    The members were so happy that they pped.

    ¡°I have a favor to ask you,¡± G¨¦rard asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    G¨¦rard handed over a cigarette to Kang Chan, then nced at Cha Dong-Gyun while taking out a lighter.

    ¡°Can I have one of the SBS¡¯ helmets?¡±

    Kang Chan lit up his cigarette, then stared at G¨¦rard.

    ¡°I¡±m going to consider it as a souvenir from you. Aren¡¯t people supposed to give a helmet to each member of the team that participated in the operation?¡±

    Kang Chan looked at G¨¦rard while cocking his head.

    He was right.

    If a team was joined by another in an operation, they were supposed to share the spoils of war with the team that acted as their backup.

    Word about this operation would definitely spread, which made Kang Chan concerned. Was it okay to spread rumors so publicly? Would G¨¦rard talk about Kang Chan to his team after getting a helmet?

    Kang Chan discretely turned his head to Cha Dong-Gyun, who was off to the side. ¡°G¨¦rard says that the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team wants a helmet. What should we do?¡±

    ¡°Well, what are we supposed to do in this situation?¡±

    ¡°We normally share the helmets with all the teams that went on the operation.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun sent a soldier a nce, who then opened a military crate and handed over a helmet.

    Cha Dong-Gyun brought it over, and G¨¦rard epted it.

    The two half-grown chicks shook hands while looking at each other.

    At that moment, the South Korean special forces team grew. They had just earned fame that couldn¡¯t be ignored.

    However, that came with the cost of more people looking forward to fighting them. Still, at the very least, they would no longer get pushed aside during joint training sessions just because of their name value.

    G¨¦rard gave Cha Dong-Gyun a thumbs up, then did the same to all of the soldiers.

    Getting injured seemed to have only made him better in showmanship.

    On the other hand, it could be some form of bond that those who liked Kang Chan shared.

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    Lights flickered as the aircraft began to take off.

    ¡°Would you like to have some ramen?¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho asked.

    <i>Don¡¯t these fuckers ever get sick and tired of ramen and coffee?</i>

    ¡°We will have to buy instant coffee and ramen if we get to go on our next operation,¡± Choi Jong-Il joked.

    ¡°I¡¯m good, so you guys eat if you want,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The happiness that came from suffering no casualties was the best thing about returning home alive. However, if they kept lingering near muddy grounds, they were bound to be sttered with mud sooner orter. They could even fall in.

    For the special forces team, that could mean their death.

    <i>Should I make them the best team in the world?</i>

    <i>¡®Don¡¯t think about that.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head. He wanted to spend some time away from fights like this.

    1. This was written as ???? ?? (Nous voulons parler) which is a transliteration of ¡®we want to speak¡¯ in French

    2. This was written as ¡®Je suis¡¯, which means ¡®I am¡¯ in French

 Chapter 150.1: I Missed You (1)

    <h4>Chapter 150.1: I Missed You (1)</h4>

    It was three-thirty on Sunday morning in Korean time. They were still thirty minutes away fromnding at the airfield in Osan, but not a single soldier was asleep.

    ¡°Should I take a short break in South Korea for a few days?¡± G¨¦rard asked jokingly.

    ¡°Is that even allowed?¡± Kang Chan said doubtfully.

    ¡°No. I would be staying in the country illegally,¡± G¨¦rard replied shamelessly, to which Kang Chan just smirked. ¡°Captain, can I stay in Korea after I get discharged?¡±

    What was up with this punk? Was he being serious?

    ¡°I still have about a year left. I¡¯m debating whether to request extending my service or get discharged. But to be honest, a battlefield without you, Cap, is just in boring.¡±

    ¡°Who in the world fights battles and puts their lives on the line just for fun?¡± Kang Chan asked in disbelief.

    ¡°I do.¡± G¨¦rard sounded serious. ¡°I¡¯ve been lonely my whole life. However, after meeting, fighting beside, and lounging around in the barracks with you, I noticed I wasn¡¯t lonely anymore. I was having fun.¡±

    G¨¦rard sighed loudly.

    ¡°Unlike you, Cap, I couldn¡¯t even properly save the little newborn chicks. Every time I lost one, I wondered what my reason was for living. However, seeing the looks on the faces of the South Korean special forces made me realize that I want toplete an operation as proudly as they did,¡± he said as he nced at the soldiers.

    The soldiers looked between G¨¦rard and Kang Chan curiously, unable to understand them since they were speaking in French.

    ¡°At least half of the famous Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team would have died if the Spetsnazunched a surprise attack on us. The SBS was there too¡­ Even so, not a single one of you died. When I return to our barracks, I¡¯ll find myself among little chicks with bandanas and berets on their heads again. They¡¯ll be attempting to mimic you by practicing their smirks and suddenly aiming their rifles as they walk. It¡¯s a sight for sore eyes! <i>Argh</i>!¡± G¨¦rard grumbled in disgust as he shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not confident that I can rescue those punks.¡±

    Kang Chan understood a bit of what G¨¦rard was feeling. The little punk was overburdened by the responsibility on his shoulders. If he could sessfully get through this alive, he would be a force to be reckoned with. If not, then he would be a corpse.

    ¡°Come over to Korea if you ever feel lonely.¡± Kang Chan grinned.

    G¨¦rard, who was looking down at the ground, raised his head up.

    ¡°I and Dayeru¡­ We all joined the Foreign Legion because we were lonely. So if the day everes when you feel like you¡¯re alone, hop on a ne to Korea. Heck, you can even join the South Korean special forces,¡± Kang Chan said in an easygoing tone.

    ¡°Will you be there too, Cap?¡±

    ¡°Maybe I will, maybe I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m stilling!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. G¨¦rard smiled happily.

    ¡°What are you two talking about?¡± Seok Kang-Ho suddenly jumped in, curiosity getting the best of him.

    Kang Chan exined their conversation to him. Kang Chan thought Seok Kang-Ho wouldin about the proposition, but much to his surprise, Seok Kang-Ho nodded and patted G¨¦rard on the shoulders.

    ¡°Come on over anytime. This big brother of yours will teach you the proper ways of life,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    His tone was warm, but the meaning behind his words seemed strange.

    ¡°What¡¯s this guy saying?¡± G¨¦rard asked with a hint of displeasure.

    <i>Sigh. It¡¯s never easy when these two are put together. And with Smithen added to the mix¡­</i>

    Kang Chan suddenly felt as if he had just made a big, big mistake.

    A series of three short sounds echoed throughout the ne, signaling the men that they had arrived at Osan. The moment they were signaled that they would bending soon, the soldiers began to feel excited.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    The ne¡¯s engines preparing fornding sounded as if home was calling out to them.

    <i>R-R-Rumble.</i>

    However, thending was horribly rough!

    It was currently ten past four in the morning.

    The doors of the ne opened, revealing anding strip shrouded in darkness. The soldiers all got up and began to collect their things.

    Just then, G¨¦rard saluted Kang Chan from the entrance, and Kang Chan turned around and reciprocated it. However, G¨¦rard wasn¡¯t finished. With the helmet of the SBS held to his side, he saluted the soldiers who were stepping off the ne, sending respect from one special force soldier to another.

    Cha Dong-Gyun, Choi Jong-Il, and Kwak Cheol-Ho got off the ne and saluted back in return.

    ¡°Those punks could be trouble in the future,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as he saw the prideful look in the three men¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Let them be. They should know what it¡¯s like to relish in their victories too,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in agreement.

    A tourist bus with all of its lights turned off approached the ne on thending strip.

    Kang Chan realized that they were all still wearing military uniforms when he saw thest soldier descend from the ne holding his and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s clothes.

    Kang Chan was thest to step on thending strip. With the soldiers climbing onto the bus, he nced back at the ne. It would most likely refuel and fly straight to France from here.

    He felt sorry for G¨¦rard. The chick would feel bored the entire trip back, but the time hade for everyone to return to their respective positions. There was nothing Kang Chan could do for him.

    <i>¡®Have a safe flight.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan nodded in G¨¦rard¡¯s direction to bid him farewell, then climbed on the bus himself. He sat in the front seat.

    The bus only turned its lights back on once it had gone past the barricades at the exit. They passed by a small intersection, took a left turn, and drove past arge intersection with traffic signals. They now just had to turn left at the next intersection, and the path they were on would eventually merge with roads that civilians drove on as well.

    However, the bus unexpectedly took a right and stopped instead. On the road were two sedans and two vans. They seemed to have been waiting for the bus.

    The doors to the van opened under the illumination of the streetlight, and three people stepped out.

    <i>Swoosh.?</i>

    Kang Chan immediately got off the bus.

    ¡°Kang Chan!¡±

    It was Jeon Dae-Geuk. The old man seemed to have taken up a bad habit of getting around to ces with bandages still wrapped around him. Kim Hyung-Jung, who was right behind him, wasn¡¯t any better.

    Kim Tae-Jin, the healthiest and most intact of the three, stood furthest at the back.

    A French agent also stepped out of the van. He held his hands together in front of him as he waited for Kang Chan.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk put a hand on Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders with mixed emotions in his eyes.

    ¡°Mr. Seok!¡± he addressed next, holding out his hand.

    Turning his head, Kang Chan saw Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee had also gotten off the bus.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we all have breakfast together, just us?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°Sounds fine. We should send the van off first, though,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Understood. You should go say goodbye to the soldiers too,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk suggested.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it together,¡± Kang Chan said to the others.

    They had just stepped off the bus, but it was only right to bid the soldiers farewell. Leading Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, and the others, Kang Chan returned to the bus.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be parting ways here,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    The soldiers all pressed their lips together as they looked back at him. The looks in their eyes were definitely different from before this operation.

    ¡°Good work, all of you. I¡¯m d you all came back alive. Whatever mission you go on next, always keep this operation in your heads.¡±

    ¡°Attention!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun shouted firmly, and the soldiers all shuffled in position. ¡°Salute!¡±

    <i>Thud.?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at all the soldiers inside the bus, then saluted back.

    It was a great relief that they had alle back alive.

    When Kang Chan dropped his hand, Cha Dong-Gyun shouted, ¡°At ease!¡±

    The floor of the bus rumbled once more.

    Lee Doo-Hee received their clothes, and the bus left immediately after.

    Kang Chan turned to the French agent who was waiting in front of the van.

    ¡°I¡¯ll travel with these men, so you can leave first,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    ¡°The ambassador is awaiting your call,¡± the agent stated.

    ¡°Right now?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise. It was already four-thirty in the morning.

    Kang Chan took the phone that the agent handed him.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador!¡± he greeted.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, that was a brilliant operation.?</i>

    The snake kept slyly using his emotions to move Kang Chan¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Some people waited for me today, so I need to have breakfast with them. I¡¯ll give you another call when I¡¯m back in Seoul,¡± Kang Chan told him.

    <i>-Ah! What a shame. I only have time for breakfast today.</i>

    Lanok¡¯s regretful tone was delivered over the phone.

    <i>-Top officials from two African countries are visiting South Korea, so I cannot miss it. I will call you once I¡¯m finished with my business.</i>

    ¡°Got it. If it¡¯s okay with you, I¡¯ll meet with you even if it¡¯ste at night,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan.?</i>

    Kang Chan sensed that Lanok was about to thank him, so he quickly spoke first.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. This aplishment was only possible because you were standing guard behind my back. Let¡¯s continue this conversation when we meet in person, sir,¡± Kang Chan respectfully stated.

    The call ended with Lanok¡¯sughter.

    After sending the French agent off with the van, Kang Chan returned to the group and left immediately.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party took one car, and Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kang Chan, and Seok Kang-Ho got in the car that Kim Hyung-Jung drove.

    Kang Chan sat behind the passenger seat. Jeon Dae-Geuk, who was next to him, used his left hand to softly shake Kang Chan¡¯s right hand.

    It made Kang Chan feel shy, but it also clearly conveyed to him Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s emotions. Since it warmed a part of his heart, he didn¡¯t say anything about it.

 Chapter 150.2: I Missed You (1)

    <h4>Chapter 150.2: I Missed You (1)</h4>

    Kim Hyung-Jung took them to a two-story western-style house somewhere in Hannam-Dong. The car entered through the side door that was built on the wall next to the main entrance.

    ¡°This is one of the safe houses of the NIS. The director specially gave orders to prepare your breakfast here, Mr. Kang Chan. I¡¯ve never been here myself either,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung informed them. He then stepped off the car.

    The front yard had parking space for about four sedans, but the house itself wasn¡¯t that fancy orrge in scale. Aside from the two men who appeared to be agents standing outside, the entrance and living room were no different from any other family house.

    Once they had settled in the sofas, an agent brought out ashtrays and coffees for them.

    ¡°You can get some sleep in the room if you¡¯re tired as well,¡± the agent offered.

    ¡°Thank you, but we slept soundly on the ne,¡± Kang Chan responded politely.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk offered Kang Chan a cigarette.

    ¡°Go ahead and take it! I hate the smell of smoke, but I hate it even more when people leave to just to smoke when I¡¯m around,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk grumbled.

    Kang Chan let out a light chuckle because Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s eyes were zing with the desire to listen to what happened during the operation.

    ¡°Please wait for just a moment. I¡¯lle back after a short smoke with Manager Kim,¡± Kang Chan said, not intending to smoke in front of Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    When Kim Tae-Jin agreed and Kim Hyung-Jung got up as well, Jeon Dae-Geuk openly showed a dissatisfied but resigned expression.

    ***

    ¡°Hey! Are all the preparations done?¡± Choi Seong-Geon shouted a little anxiously.

    His aide couldn¡¯t suppress his grin.

    ¡°General, you have already checked if breakfast is ready ten times,¡± the aide said with a smile.

    Choi Seong-Geon scowled at his aide, then picked up a cigarette. He had been standing in front of the barracks since five, but he felt as if time was taking forever to flow.

    ¡°Then what about¡ª!¡±

    ¡°Three kinds of soups, ten kinds of side dishes. We have also prepared fried pork, beef bulgogi, and rice in servings of more than half of usual,¡± his aide swiftly replied, cutting him off because he already knew what Choi Seong-Geon was going to ask.

    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± Choi Seong-Geon grouched as he nced at the entrance out of habit. ¡°<i>Whew</i>!¡±

    He let out a long sigh as he looked up at the dark night sky.

    The punks had all managed to survive. Two of them had had to undergo surgeries, but he had been assured that they were far from death¡¯s doors.

    They did not juste back from any mission. They were up against the Spetsnaz and the SBS, yet they managed to not only survive but return home with victory in tow.

    Just the mere thought of it sent shivers down his spine.

    He had muttered to himself at least a hundred times that he had done well to stay in the field. Choi Seong-Geon had already given up the opportunity to be promoted twice. Every time he did, his colleagues murmured that he had probably already gone mad, and his wife argued with him asking if he was intentionally staying in the field because he didn¡¯t want to see her.

    However, they were all wrong.

    The reason behind his decision was solely because he could not bring himself to leave his cherished subordinates. They were so special to him that he treated them as if they were of his own blood.

    From winter training, summer training, and joint exercises with foreign teams¡­ they had put all those time into harsh training in hopes that the day woulde when the men would be able to spread their wings. Choi Seong-Geon had been determined to make that happen.

    Throughout those times of hardships, Cha Dong-Gyun became first lieutenant, and Kwak Cheol-Ho became second lieutenant. Other soldiers were also promoted, but they were all at a standstill because they could not go on operations.

    <i>¡®The bus didn¡¯t crash on the way here, did it?¡¯</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon shook his head. Why was he bing so timid and nervous?

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon suddenly whipped his head around to look at the entrance, finding a light traveling through the mountains.

    <i>¡®Are they here? Have they finally arrived?¡¯?</i>he wondered to himself as the bus began to drive into view. Choi Seong-Geon felt the tension in his body immediately ease up. The bus stopped in front of the barracks with a light jerk.

    <i>Whoosh.?</i>

    The doors slid open. Cha Dong-Gyun was the first to step off the vehicle. The look in his eyes was truly a sight to see. Choi Seong-Geon had always dreamed of seeing the special forces team have such a prideful look in their eyes.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and the rest of the soldiers now had the same gaze as the ones that famous special forces teams from other countries had.

    ¡°Attention!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun shouted.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    ¡°Salute!¡± Cha Dong-Gyunmanded again.

    <i>Fwoosh!</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon gritted his teeth as he looked at the soldiers. He then lifted his hand to his brows, returning the salute. When he put his hand down, Cha Dong-Gyun gave the order to stand at ease.

    <i>These wonderful little punks!</i>

    As Choi Seong-Geon took in a deep breath to calm himself down, one of the soldiers quickly handed Cha Dong-Gyun a helmet, which Cha Dong-Gyun then gave to the confused-looking Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°It¡¯s a helmet from the SBS, sir!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun confidently announced.

    Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s jaw dropped open as his eyes widened.

    ¡°We obtained a total of five helmets. We gave one to the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces, who came to back us up, but we have returned with the remaining four helmets!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun exined proudly.

    Choi Seong-Geon lifted his gaze from the helmet to look at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°The SBS truly did surrender, sir. Of their twenty-seven members, we killed thirteen and critically injured four others. Additionally, we also heard that the Spetsnaz returned with only four of their members alive!¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon intentionally looked away from him and turned to the faraway sky. The symbol of the unbelievable achievement and the work he had dedicated his entire life to was in his hands. However, he was a general who was in charge of the special forces. It was part of his duty not to reveal his emotions in front of his soldiers.

    Choi Seong-Geon gritted his teeth and controlled his facial expressions. Once he was confident he could pretend that he was fine, he turned back to Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°Soldiers, at ease,¡± Choi Seong-Geonmanded.

    Cha Dong-Gyun spun around and repeated the same order, then leisurely turned back.

    ¡°Have a smoke. Afterward, let¡¯s have breakfast,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun responded in a more rxed tone than he did earlier.

    Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s aide was about to carry the helmet for Choi Seong-Geon but paused in his steps when he saw Choi Seong-Geon tightly holding the helmet to his side.

    Choi Seong-Geon looked like he was crying.

    ***

    Although they had already finished breakfast, it was still six-thirty in the morning.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t the type to chat about and revisit what happened in operations, but since Choi Jong-Il had no other choice but to report to his superior officers even if they were retired, Kang Chan was left with no other option as well.

    <i>Did they call us here so we could have breakfast together or did they just want to hear stories?</i>

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s eyes and ears were focused solely on Choi Jong-Il. It made him seem like an old countryman listening to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms for the first time. He became so excited when the story reached the part where they took the helmets from the SBS that he ended up spilling his the water in his cup. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remained buzzed.

    After breakfast and drinking tea, they had fruit for dessert after.

    ¡°What is your schedule like today?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°My parents are in Jeju Ind, so I was thinking of heading there and heading back to Seoul with them in the evening,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°You still have it in you to get on another ne?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked in shock.

    Seok Kang-Ho also looked surprised, but Kang Chan wasn¡¯t that tired. Moreover, he strangely missed Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Do you know where they are?¡±

    ¡°Of course. The agents are always within their vicinity, so we can even contact them now. Given the time, they are most likely at their hotel right now.¡±

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Kim Hyung-Jung quickly picked up his phone.

    ***

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook began to pack their belongings as soon as they woke up.

    ¡°This has been a really nice trip. I¡¯m really thankful to our son,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung remarked.

    ¡°Really? I feel like I don¡¯t have any strength because he¡¯s not here, honey. I feel a little bad for him too,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°This was a present from Channy. If we¡¯re happy, I¡¯m sure Channy will be happy too. Since we all promised to travel together next time anyway, let¡¯s just think of this as a nice experience instead.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I will. But the room is too big for just the two of us, don¡¯t you think? This was probably expensive.¡±

    ¡°There you go again,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung jokingly said. Yoo Hye-Sook sat down and stopped putting her things in her luggage, and Kang Dae-Kyung patted her on the shoulders from behind. ¡°Let¡¯s have breakfast. We can eat, have some tea, and head straight to the airport afterward to catch our flight on time.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook sighed and closed her suitcase. Just then, the sound of a helicopter chopping loudly began to make the windows of their room shake.

    ¡°Honey! Do helicopterse to hotels too?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked in surprise.

    ¡°I suppose top hotels usually havending strips for helicopters, but this is my first time seeing a helicopter actually fly over,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered in amazement.

    As Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook watched from the window, they could see hotel staff members standing outside as they waited for the helicopter tond. It was so far away that they could only see faint shapes.

    ¡°It must be an important person!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°It could also just be someone busy.¡±

    People who were out on walks were all watching the fascinating sight.

    When a man stepped off the helicopter, the hotel staff members greeted him.

    ¡°Honey, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because I miss our son, but he resembles Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said yearningly.

    ¡°Goodness, dear. You¡¯ll be able to see him when we fly back in the evening, madam,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied with amusement.

    He embraced Yoo Hye-Sook around the shoulders as sheughed, knowing it was a stretch.

    ¡°It¡¯s nine. We should have breakfast now,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    Yoo Hye-Sook nodded.

    When the man who had gotten off of the helicopter entered the building, the helicopter lifted off again and flew over the sea.

 Chapter 151.1: I missed you (2)

    <h4>Chapter 151.1: I missed you (2)</h4>

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook left their hotel room, got on the elevator, and got off on the first floor lobby. The swimming pool and the gym were to the right of the lobby, and the buffet restaurant was to the left. They had a free pass that the hotel offered to guests, so they had actually already eaten breakfast at the buffet yesterday.

    Their nended at the hotel on Friday night.

    Yoo Hye-Sook grumbled that they would not be able to get their money¡¯s worth if they stayed in their room for too long, so they headed out early on Saturday morning. However, theplicatedyout of the hotel caught them by surprise. Hence, today, they decided to take their time leaving the room.

    Now that they were already familiar with some of the areas, they leisurely walked past the hallway, then turned left toward the buffet restaurant.

    They just had to confirm the guest list at the information desk, and they would be able to head inside without trouble.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had been in the midst of turning around when they stopped dead in their tracks. Unable to move, all they could do was stare nkly at the person before them.

    ¡°I tried calling your hotel room, but since no one answered, I came over instead.¡±

    ¡°Channy?¡±

    Kang Chan was right in front of them, wearing a ck suit and a shirt. Smiling brightly, he approached his parents.

    ¡°You should have breakfast first,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°When did you get here?¡±

    ¡°A little while ago.¡±

    Four of the hotel staff quickly came over and prepared a table for them.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook did nothing but stare at Kang Chan. It was as if she hadpletely forgotten that they came down to eat.

    ¡°Honey, Channy has to be hungry. Why don¡¯t we talk over breakfast?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung interjected.

    ¡°Ah, right! What¡¯s wrong with me? Quickly now, let¡¯s eat.¡±

    Kang Chan was left with no other choice but to have breakfast again. Nevertheless, he was happy to see Kang Dae-Kyung, who gave him a knowing look, and Yoo Hye-Sook, who looked both happy and surprised.

    ¡°We got herest Friday. It would have been really nice if you could join us on this getaway,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said. She quickly changed her expression when Kang Dae-Kyung gave her a nce and cleared his throat.

    ¡°Still, thanks to you, we got to see a lot of amazing sceneries,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook added.

    As he smiled, Kang Chan subtly gestured at Kang Dae-Kyung, thanking him.

    ¡°Can the two of you head homete today?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Today? Our flight is at one o¡¯clock this afternoon.¡±

    ¡°I can change that. If the two of you are okay with it, we can head home togetherter in the evening.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung met Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s do that. We can leave our luggage with the hotel until our flight.¡±

    ¡°Channy, try this. Eat this as well,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    The point of a buffet was that customers could eat as much of their favorite food on the menu as they wanted. However, Yoo Hye-Sook just kept filling Kang Chan¡¯s te with different dishes.

    Kang Chan had no choice but to force himself to eat.

    After about an hour, they ended their meal with cups of tea.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to our hotel room and grab our luggage,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°Those can be left in the room¡ªI asked the hotel to keep them there.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to pay more fees?¡±

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Kang Chan with a puzzled expression; his expression soon turned strange.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. There¡¯s a ce that I want to go with the two of you,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Where are we going, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I have a surprise prepared for you both.¡±

    Kang Chan left the restaurant and walked past the lobby with his parents. Standing in front of the entrance of the hotel, they noticed a taxi, a rental car, a private car, and a white limousine parked before them.

    As Kang Chan walked onward, the employee standing in front of the limousine opened the door.

    ¡°After you, Mother.¡±

    ¡°Oh my!¡±

    In front of the people who were tantly looking at them, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook got on the limousine. They both looked dazed.

    <i>Bam.</i>

    As soon as Kang Chan sat across from his parents, the employee closed the door and drove off.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Naturally, they weren¡¯t asking that question because they didn¡¯t know that they were in a limousine.

    ¡°This is the beginning of the surprise I have for you.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung gave Kang Chan a look that seemed to say, ¡®Aren¡¯t you overdoing it?¡¯

    However, Kang Chan still seemed amused by Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°Where is this limousine taking us?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile brightly. She looked exactly like Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°I¡¯m happier that I get to be with my son than I am about the limousine ride.¡±

    ¡°Me too.¡± Kang Chan really missed this moment.

    Jeju ind and the limousine aside, he had sincerely hoped for a moment when he could be with his parents like this.

    Yoo Hye-Sook was looking outside with a curious expression when the limousine stopped. ¡°Are we getting out of the limousine here?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Unlike Yoo Hye-Sook, who was flustered and excited, Kang Dae-Kyung had a mischievous expression on his face. He appeared to be thinking, ¡®What is that kid trying to do this time?¡¯

    However, he soon began to look flustered as well.

    ¡°Getting to serve all of you is an honor.¡±

    It seemed even Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t expect the yacht with five employees in uniforms lined up in front of it. Dumbfounded by the n, he eventually burst out withughter.

    Kang Chan¡¯s parents kept checking and asking him multiple times if they were in the right ce. After a while, they finally boarded it. Only then did the yacht set sail toward the sea.

    The yacht was fairlyrge. It hadfortable chairs at the back and sophisticated decorations inside. The interior was so elegant that it reminded them of a fancy restaurant.

    The three sat outside the yacht.

    The female employee brought over champagne and filled their sses.

    ¡°Alright! Since Channy has gone through all the trouble to surprise us, let¡¯s enjoy this gift to our heart¡¯s content! Thank you, Channy.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung held his ss out for a toast, and Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Chan clinked theirs with it.

    <i>Clink!</i>

    The long and narrow sses rang clearly when they clinked together.

    ¡°This is good!¡± Yoo Hye-Sookplimented. If she knew the cost of the champagne, she never would have said that. Kang Dae-Kyung seemed aware that it was expensive, but he didn¡¯tin.

    Strangely, Yoo Hye-Sook kept checking Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan¡¯s moods.

    ¡°Mother, do you want another ss of champagne?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Can I have another one?¡±

    When Kang Chan looked at an employee, a female employee quickly approached them and filled up Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s ss.

    The sky was clear, the sunlight was warm, and the blue sea was brilliantly glinting.

    ¡°Honey, I¡¯m so happy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said as if she was talking to herself. As Kang Dae-Kyung started massaging her shoulders, the yacht stopped. Not long after, the captain brought them three fishing rods.

    Kang Chan put his fishing rod down and stayed near Yoo Hye-Sook, who had already caught a fish. The employee helped her collect the fish and put another bait on her hook.

    ¡°Oh my! I think I just caught another fish!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed. She was catching so many fish that it was fascinating.

    ¡°You seem to have amazing luck when ites to fishing, madam!¡± Even the employee looked surprised.

    It looked like Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t hear them because she was too distracted by the fish.

    They spent two hours fishing.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>! This is so much fun.¡± Smiling brightly, Yoo Hye-Sook wiped her hands on a wet towel and sat on a chair. An employee cleanly sliced the raw fish that they had caught a little while ago and brought it to them along with side dishes such as abalone and sea cucumber.

    ¡°Mmm!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t have to exaggerate her exmation since it really tasted amazing even for Kang Chan, who was full.

    They rested for a bit, then returned to where they first got on the yacht.

    The three got on the limousine that had been waiting for them and dropped by the ss park, which Kang Chan¡¯s parents couldn¡¯t go to yesterday. They then had abalone bibimbap in a hot stone pot and sea urchin soup for lunch.

    Afterward, for the first time, they took a photo together.

    His parents had likely done this before, but this was Kang Chan¡¯s first time taking photos with them since he reincarnated. With the sea as their background, they took a photo with all three of them. Afterward, Kang Chan took a photo with Yoo Hye-Sook, then with Kang Dae-Kyung.

    It was a luxurious day, but Kang Chan just thought of it as a present to himself.

    It was actually Kim Hyung-Jung that had prepared all of this.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t exactly know who was paying or how much everything cost. He just wanted to leisurely enjoy this moment.

    At around four in the afternoon, they ate what was said to be the most famous melon bingsu on Jeju Ind. By then, Yoo Hye-Sook already looked tired.

    Taking a yacht out to sea and fishing seemed to have exhausted her.

    ¡°When¡¯s our flight, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked after finishing her bowl of bingsu. She seemed to be saying that she now wanted to go home and rest.

    ¡°Want to head back to Seoul now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Can we go?¡±

    Kang Chan realized that Yoo Hye-Sook was pretty and that he felt thankful toward her. He felt grateful to have a mother who was so considerate of him that she was afraid telling him she wanted to go home would hurt him because he made time for them for the first time in so long. He was also grateful to have a father who pushed down his curiosity and surprise so he could pretend to be calm at all times.

    ¡°We should be just in time for our flight if we head back now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    The three returned to the hotel and dropped by their hotel room to brush their teeth. Afterward, they headed out again.

    The limousine took them to the airport. As soon as they arrived, an employee who had been waiting for them greeted Kang Chan.

    ¡°Do you have our ne tickets?¡± Kang Chan asked the employee.

    ¡°It should be ready.¡±

    They headed deeper into the airport until they reached the runway where the private ne Kang Chan had ready for them was waiting.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked like she was at a loss for words. Meanwhile, Kang Dae-Kyung burst out withughter.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go! This is a part of Channy¡¯s surprise for us,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    They calmed the startled Yoo Hye-Sook before they all boarded the ne. As soon as they were in, the ne took off.

    ¡°Was it you who flew to the hotel on a helicopter this morning, by any chance?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung whispered to Kang Chan.

    ¡°You saw that?¡±

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>,¡± Kang Dae-Kyungughed again, finding Kang Chan¡¯s answer funny.

    ¡°There isn¡¯t more to this, is there? We¡¯re not moving to a mansion or anything like that, right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked again.

    Kang Chan alsoughed loudly¡ªwhich he hadn¡¯t done in a long time¡ªat Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s joke.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°We¡¯re talking about secrets that are strictly for men only,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    ¡°You always tease me!¡±

    Even without the yacht, the private ne, and other luxuries, Yoo Hye-Sook would have still been happy to see Kang Chan.

 Chapter 151.2: I missed you (2)

    <h4>Chapter 151.2: I missed you (2)</h4>

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Kang Chan and his parents got off the ne at the Gimpo airport and arrived home at around eight in the evening.

    ¡°What would you like to have for dinner?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Kang Chan asked his parents.

    They were all still full.

    ¡°Should we just have fruitster?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Sure, Mother.¡±

    While his parents were unpacking their luggage, Kang Chan took a shower. He wouldn¡¯t trade thisfort for anything.

    After showering, Kang Chan went into his room andy down on his bed. He didn¡¯t feel that tired, but he still ended up falling sound asleep.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Checking in on Kang Chan, Yoo Hye-Sook looked at him with an expression that clearly showed how bad she felt for him.

    ¡°Is he asleep?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung stood behind Yoo Hye-Sook. His expression wasn¡¯t any different from hers.

    Yoo Hye-Sook quietly approached Kang Chan and gently put a nket over him.

    ¡°He must have been very tired,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented.

    ¡°He did look exhausted. He was probably forcing himself to keep going even though he was struggling.¡±

    Tears threatened to fall from Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes. As she bit on her lower lip to stop herself from crying, Kang Dae-Kyung hugged her around her shoulders. ¡°He was very upset that he couldn¡¯t go on the trip with us. He was also worried that you wouldn¡¯t be able to enjoy the trip.¡±

    ¡°How hard must all of this be for a kid, honey?¡±

    ¡°Now, our job is to silently support him. Let¡¯s make sure he knows we¡¯re in his corner before he leaves, so that he knows he cane to us whenever he¡¯s having a hard time resting.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook nodded.

    ¡°Did the trip make you happy?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Of course! It was the best trip I have ever been on, and it¡¯s all thanks to Channy.¡±

    The two smiled, seemingly satisfied.

    ***

    Kang Chan woke up around the same time he normally did.

    His mind waspletely nk¡ªalmost as if he had just woken up after drinking the night away¡ªand he could no longer feel any of the fatigue that had been umting in him.

    Kang Chan stood up while tousling his hair, put on his workout clothes, and went outside.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡±

    The morning air here was nothingpared to the fresh air in Switzend, but he still enjoyed the peculiar freshness that came with it.

    ¡°Good morning.¡±

    Kang Chan, who had been warming up, burst out withughter. Choi Jong-Il was approaching him with a small water bottle.

    ¡°You should rest!¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I got enough rest already.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t your family say anything? Don¡¯t you have a child?¡±

    ¡°I met my wife at the 606.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled dumbfoundedly. After taking a sip of water, he ran with Choi Jong-Il.

    It was great to be alive.

    Kang Chan felt as if he was being recharged whenever he extended his leg.

    He didn¡¯t speed up not because of Choi Jong-Il but because he didn¡¯t want to overexert himself.

    They ran in a circle for ten kilometers, then stopped at the entrance of the apartment.

    ¡°<i>Haah. Haah.</i>¡±

    Kang Chan caught his breath with Choi Jong-Il, drank water, then did simple exercises that did not require any equipment.

    ¡°Where are you going to wash up?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s a sauna at a nearby shopping center.¡±

    ¡°What about breakfast?¡±

    Choi Jong-Il smiled as if he found him funny.

    ¡°I¡¯m going home,¡± Kang Chan said. Smiling, he walked toward the entrance of the apartment.

    ¡°Channy! You should¡¯ve rested today. <i>Phew</i>, look at all that sweat!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°I¡¯ve gotten enough sleep anyway. And running actually made me feel more rxed.¡±

    ¡°Go take a shower quickly.¡±

    He smelled kimchi soup¡ªa spicy soup made with aged kimchi, bean sprouts, and tofu.

    It hadn¡¯t even been a few days yet, but he already felt at home again.

    Kang Chan sat at the table after showering. Kang Dae-Kyung, who seemed to have also taken a shower before he did, sat at the table as well.

    ¡°Did you get enough exercise today?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes. I havepletely gotten rid of my fatigue.¡±

    After Yoo Hye-Sook put the soup on the table and sat down, the three began to eat.

    Kang Chan liked the soup as much as anything that he ate at Jeju Ind.

    After having breakfast, Kang Chan stayed in the living room while his parents changed.

    Kang Dae-Kyung always tuned in to the news channel on TV until it was time to go to work. Currently, the news revolved mainly around the expected visit of the Russian president to South Korea. It continued with the hopeful news about the probability of an adjustment to the limit of the number of fish that South Korea could catch, which the country had been requesting for some time now.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked, havinge out to the living room before Yoo Hye-Sook. He nced at the master bedroom, seemingly hoping that Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t hear what he was saying.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand what he meant.

    ¡°The look in your eyes makes me think you¡¯recking strength.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m probably just tired. I can¡¯t feel anything wrong with me right now, so I don¡¯t know why my eyes look like that.¡±

    ¡°Well, it does. I feel bad for you.¡±

    As Kang Dae-Kyung patted Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder, Yoo Hye-Sook came out to the living room.

    After they exchanged a few words, Kang Chan turned off the TV, sent off his parents, and went into his room.

    Some people were waiting for Kang Chan to contact them.

    Kang Chan called Lanok first and set up an appointment with him. He then called Kim Hyung-Jung. While talking to her, he decided to visit the office at Samseong-dong after his meeting with Lanok.

    His appointment with Lanok was at two in the afternoon in the Namsan Hotel, so he still had some time to spare.

    <i>¡®Now that I¡¯m done making appointments, it¡¯s about time I ask someone about the school festival so I can help.¡¯?</i>

    Toply with Kim Mi-Young¡¯s request, Kang Chan had to first figure out what on earth the people at the festival wanted.

    Kang Chan eventually decided that it would be best to meet Heo Eun-Sil and Lee Ho-Jun.

    <i>I still have time before my meeting with Lanok. Since it¡¯s Monday, should I go to school? While I¡¯m there, I might as well have lunch at the school cafeteria with Kim Mi-Young. I¡¯m going to need my school uniform for that, though¡­ Damn it!</i>

    Since the students had lunch at around noon, he would have to make his way to the hotel as soon as he was done eating. That would mean he would still be in his school uniform by the time Joo Chul-Bum greeted him and Lanok met with him.

    As Kang Chan smacked his lips, his phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Are you busy?

    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you to call me. Let¡¯s go get some coffee.¡±

    - <i>Phuhuhu</i>. Come out here, then.

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - I¡¯m parked right in front of your house.

    Kang Chan quickly put on his suit and went outside.

    He and Seok Kang-Ho had really great chemistry.

    As soon as Kang Chan got in the car, Seok Kang-Ho drove to Misari.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°My father talked about my eyes. Are my eyes still glinting?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked as if he was about to say, ¡®Obviously.¡¯

    ¡°I asked how it looks.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan again, then frowned. ¡°Honestly, you look like you¡¯re forcing yourself to endure everything despite being full of spite.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It would perfectly match the look in your eyes if you pick up a knife.¡±

    ¡°My eyes can¡¯t look that bad. They¡¯re probably just fiercer.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not thinking that way because you¡¯ve grown even sharper? Maybe you look the same to those around you even after your eyes calmed down because the amount of spite that you were filled with was excessively higher than normal.¡±

    Kang Chan looked outside the window.

    Nobody died during hisst operation. Rather, they actually yielded great results from it. So why was he like this?

    He remained the same as he boarded the ne and the helicopter that Kim Hyung-Jung had prepared for him. And even though he enjoyed the yacht trip to his heart¡¯s content, he was still somehow full of spite by the time he returned home.

    They ordered coffee and started smoking as soon as they arrived at their destination.

    ¡°I¡¯m meeting Ambassador Lanok at two o¡¯clock this afternoon. After that, I¡¯ll visit manager Kim at his office.¡±

    ¡°I saw the news about people going crazy because the President of Russia will be visiting South Korea.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯ll probably hear about that from Manager Kim himself.¡±

    After talking about a couple more topics, Kang Chan also told Seok Kang-Ho about the favor that Kim Mi-Young had asked him to do.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going to school tomorrow,¡± Kang Chanmented afterward.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned at Kang Chan. ¡°Your face rxes a bit when you¡¯re talking about Mi-Young.¡±

    ¡°It does?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Kang Chan confessed how he felt when she held his hand in the school cafeteria.

    ¡°Let¡¯s be honest. From what I can see, you definitely like Mi-Young,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    He did like Kim Mi-Young, but did he really like her enough for the mere thought of her to change his expression? Before he reincarnated, had there ever been a time when he wanted to see someone during an operation?

    Kang Chan looked at the river.

 Chapter 152.1: Post-Operation Wrap-Up Procedure (1)

    <h4>Chapter 152.1: Post-Operation Wrap-Up Procedure (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho left the hotel after having a Korean home-cooked-style meal.

    Kang Chan thought they would be early, but due to some unexpected construction on the way, they barely arrived on time.

    ¡°What will you be up to while I¡¯m in a meeting with the ambassador?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll rest up at home. Call me when you¡¯re done and need a ride,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Will do.¡± Kang Chan headed to the front entrance, then went up the floors with the French agent waiting for him.

    The moment Kang Chan stepped into the elevator, he grinned mischievously. For the first time, he was heading up without running into Joo Chul-Bum.

    <i>Ding.?</i>

    Kang Chan stepped off the elevator, passed the now familiar hallway, and entered Lanok¡¯s office.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    Lanok approached Kang Chan with his arms spread wide open, which thetter didn¡¯t find ufortable in the slightest. The ambassador wasn¡¯t a stranger to him anymore. Just recently, they even coordinated strategy without contacting each other even once throughout the entire operation.

    Kang Chan dly hugged him back.

    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Lanok said.

    Tea, cigarettes, and cigars were on the table. They leisurely poured themselves some tea and picked up their choice of tobo product.

    ¡°The operation yielded excellent results,¡± Lanok said, his eyes as full of emotions asmonly seen in French people. ¡°Thanks to you, I now have the upper hand against Vasili.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. You would have gotten that sooner orter anyway, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    ¡°Vasili probably feels he has just been caught having an affair,¡± Lanok joked.

    The twoughed at the same time. Lanok exhaled the smoke of his cigar, then continued, ¡°He had reached some form of agreement with Britain, but unfortunately for him, you were there to ruin it all. Considering Britain ended up taking responsibility for everything, they will likely request help from my country soon. Vasili is probably at his wits¡¯ end wondering what they will tell us.¡±

    Tapping his cigar in the ashtray to get rid of the ash, Lanok smiled a little differently than he usually did.

    ¡°It makes me wonder how hard he¡¯s panicking right now for the president of Russia himself toe to South Korea. That being said, I was asked to be an intermediary, so let me know if there¡¯s anything you want to request from Russia. In cases like these, it¡¯s best not to think about whates after and just ask for something big,¡± Lanok advised him.

    ¡°I¡¯m not too familiar with this, so I¡¯ll have to discuss this with a government official. What would you suggest, Mr. Ambassador?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The only things Russia has to offer are weapons and resources. The sly Vasili probably intends to appear generous by making Russia¡¯s president increase the limit of fish South Korea is allowed to catch. You should ept it. I also suggest requesting nuclear weapons or the development rights to oil reserves.¡±

    ¡°Nuclear weapons or development rights to oil reserves?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    Lanok nodded.

    ¡°It is unlike the prideful Vasili to act so anxiously. He would not act this way unless he will be put at a disadvantage if Britain starts to work with my country or if Britain cooperates with you because Russia betrayed them,¡± he said, his expression as cunning as a snake. ¡°For that reason, I believe it wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea to see how he would react to you asking for their nuclear weapons. How will the cold and logical Vasili respond when South Korea asks for something so great?¡±

    It would certainly be amusing.

    ¡°That isn¡¯t all, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok added.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t show it on his face, but he was hoping that would be the end of it.

    ¡°The British Intelligence Bureau has finally expressed their desire to meet you. They also ask that you request of them what you want.¡± Lanok looked as if he was speaking to a disciple who had just passed a difficult exam. ¡°You have taken hold of the knife with just a single operation, Mr. Kang Chan, which is a truly incredible feat.¡±

    Another knife? Kang Chan inwardly shook his head. He had already held enough knives.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I didn¡¯t fight with that in mind,¡± Kang Chan objected.

    ¡°I know. That¡¯s what makes me feel even more grateful to you.¡±

    ¡°I heard you ordered an emergency decree on all of the Foreign Legion, sir. I¡¯m already happy enough that I got to work with you and take care of what you were worried about. That¡¯s why I¡¯m not really interested in what I can gain from the results of the operation,¡± Kang Chan asserted.

    ¡°I see. I will take liberties with the necessary arbitration for now, then.¡±

    Kang Chan thought that closed the main topic of their meeting. However, Lanok still seemed to have something to say, considering he hadn¡¯t stood up yet.

    ¡°The French government will soon express their gratitude to the South Korean special forces team for their hard work. My country will have Russia and Britain cough up the costs, so don¡¯t worry about the finances behind all this.¡± Lanok grinned.

    After taking a sip of his tea, Lanok turned to Kang Chan with a sly smile.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to care about money, and it¡¯s not like you¡¯re interested in women either,¡± Lanok mused.

    Kang Chan wondered if this snake knew he was missing a high schooler.

    ¡°Still, I want to thank you for this operation. Is there anything you want?¡± Lanok added.

    <i>Anything I want?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Can I think about it first?¡±

    ¡°<i>Hahahaha</i>!¡± Lanok casuallyughed. ¡°You¡¯ve improved, Mr. Kang Chan! Back then, you always said no to offers like this! Good! Very good!¡±

    <i>I should show him how much I¡¯ve really improved and ask for a nuclear weapon.?</i>

    If Kang Chan made such a request, Lanok would do anything in his power to wrangle two nuclear weapons away from Russia and only give him one. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know if Vasili had the power to hand out nuclear weapons, though.

    ¡°What about the two soldiers?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about them. The intelligence bureau has given them level-one protection, and they have the best doctors tending to them,¡± Lanok replied, then examined Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°You should rest a bit. Your eyes still seem quite tense,¡± he said with concern.

    ¡°I will. Actually, I¡¯ve been thinking about going on a trip soon,¡± Kang Chan assured him.

    After discussing other personal matters over tea, Kang Chan and Lanok left the hotel.

    Kang Chan saw Lanok off from the hotel entrance, then turned around to make his own way. Just then, Joo Chul-Bum greeted and bowed to him.

    Was this bastard a ghost or something? He was always waiting for him around the corner.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Joo Chul-Bum said with his hands sped together in front of him. Although all he did was call out Kang Chan¡¯s name, Kang Chan could read all the emotions he was feeling through his eyes.

    Once Lanok¡¯s car left, Kang Chan headed back inside the lobby.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you wereing. I apologize, hyung-nim!¡±

    This punk felt sorry for noting to greet him earlier!

    ¡°Do you want to grab some coffee with me?¡± Kang Chan asked in resignation.

    ¡°Do you have the time, sir?¡± Joo Chul-Bum asked respectfully.

    ¡°Would I have asked if I didn¡¯t? Let¡¯s go!¡±

    How could Kang Chan ignore the excitement on Joo Chul-Bum¡¯s face?

    The two walked into the lounge of the lobby and ordered some coffee.

    ¡°How¡¯s Do-Seok doing?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s been eating properly since a few days ago, hyung-nim,¡± Joo Chul-Bum replied.

    The manager bowed to Kang Chan, then put their cups of coffee on the table.

    ¡°Have they found anything about the culprit yet?¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum told Kang Chan that there hadn¡¯t been any progress because the culprit was a foreigner. However, as soon as he was done, he suddenly slid over closer to Kang Chan¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Hyung-nim, Do-Seok hyung-nim apparently has camera footage of that day,¡± he whispered.

    Kang Chan looked at Joo Chul-Bum while deep in thought. Joo Chul-Bum was talking about the day that Kang Chan stabbed Shan in the side and the Chinese wrapped Shan up in stic and took him underground using a rollingundry bin.

    The people involved already knew how all of that went down. They had even finished discussions with the Serpent Venimeux and wrapped everything up. What else was there to discover?

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that will be needed anymore since the situation¡¯s all done and over with,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°He said he would give it to you if you need it, hyung-nim.¡±

    ¡°Did the footage catch something we don¡¯t already know about?¡±

    ¡°Do-Seok hyung-nim said he hasn¡¯t been able to take a good look at it, but he seems to think that it¡¯s the only reason why foreigners would attack him and why someone would search through and make a mess of his car and house.¡±

    ¡°I see. Well, I¡¯ll visit him soon and ask him about this in person. Oh, right! I¡¯ll send you some money. Use it to help with Do-Seok¡¯s hospital bill,¡± Kang Chan offered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, hyung-him. There¡¯s no need. If Gwang-Taek hyung-nim finds out you did, I¡¯ll be a dead man.¡± Joo Chul-Bum shivered. He acted as if Kang Chan was offering him drugs or something. He was being so adamant that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t insist.

    After speaking for a while longer, Kang Chan left the hotel and took a taxi to Kim Hyung-Jung. He called him to let him know he was already on the way, but funnily enough, Kim Hyung-Jung told him that he was already with Seok Kang-Ho. The guy probably had nothing else to do because he wasn¡¯t teaching at school these days.

    <i>¡®We really need to get that building soon.¡¯</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan both needed afortable ce that they could use every day.

 Chapter 152.2: Post-Operation Wrap-Up Procedure (1)

    <h4>Chapter 152.2: Post-Operation Wrap-Up Procedure (1)</h4>

    The streets already smelled of autumn. Kang Chan had been living a busy life filled with incidents and operations that wererger in scale than the ones he had been involved in back in Africa.

    He was staring out the window in a daze when the cab stopped at his destination. After paying the taxi driver, he entered the building and went up to the fifth floor. Kim Hyung-Jung hobbled over and opened the door himself.

    ¡°Why are you opening doors in that condition?¡± Kang Chan sighed.

    ¡°You get used to moving with your injuries after a while,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied reassuringly.

    Kang Chan followed him inside and was greeted by Seok Kang-Ho, who had stood up.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s here early,¡± Kang Chan scoffed.

    ¡°We had jjamppong,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    The table was covered in ashtrays,rge ramen cups, and small paper cups that were clearly once filled with coffee. It seemed Seok Kang-Ho headed straight to this ce after they parted ways at the hotel.

    <i>Click.?</i>

    As Kang Chan sat down, an employee brought over three more cups of coffee and left with the empty ones.

    ¡°You should be in bed, Mr. Kim,¡± Kang Chan urged.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine¡ªI can handle it. I n on getting rid of the bed next week.¡±

    ¡°Did something good happen?¡± Kang Chan asked out of curiosity as he took a cigarette. He noticed Kim Hyung-Jung was all smiles.

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s the offer from Russia. They have always been so stubborn, but they finally got off their high horse. Moreover, aside from Russia¡¯s president paying us a visit soon, we have also received an amazing proposal from Britain. With the French intelligence agency, we¡¯ve begun to take steps toward coboration from both sides,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said enthusiastically.

    None of what he just said were personally happy events for him. Was this that important for him to be endlessly smiling from ear to ear?

    ¡°It probably does not sound like much, Mr. Kang Chan, but the three things I just mentioned will make our nation¡¯s reputation soar. Moreover, once the name of our special forces team spreads¡­ <i>Whew</i>! As an agent of the NIS, I¡¯ve always dreamed of this moment. Back then, other countries didn¡¯t have to worry about the consequences as they fired at our agents in Europe and all around the globe. Now, they will have to take the South Korean special forces into consideration.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho with a proud expression.

    ¡°Our special forces defeated the Russian Spetsnaz and Britain¡¯s SBS in France without losing a single man. That has made France, Russia, and Britain take the initiative to extend peace offerings toward us. This means that in the future, other countries will have to worry about our country¡¯s retaliation if they assassinate our agents. Honestly, I¡¯m moved beyond words. I don¡¯t know how to handle all the emotions I¡¯m feeling right now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said in a gracious tone.

    Kang Chan smiled at Kim Hyung-Jung, finding it interesting that a single operation could affect each country and its people so differently.

    ¡°Oh, right, Mr. Kim. Russia has apparently requested France to mediate its meeting with South Korea. I heard we can ask for certain things from there. Ambassador Lanok suggested requesting nuclear weapons, development rights to oil reserves, or something along those lines. What do you think?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung stiffened so much that Kang Chan was taken aback.

    ¡°N-n-nuclear weapons?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stuttered.

    <i>Did this man always have a stutter?</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Or d-development rights to oil?¡±

    ¡°Yes. The ambassador firmly told me to ask for at least that much.¡±

    ¡°From Russia?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked in disbelief.

    Kang Chan nodded again. ¡°He told me to ept their offer to adjust the fishing limit and to ask for one of the two options I just told you,¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung gulped. ¡°Ambassador Lanok said that?¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho smiled. It felt as if they were reenacting a skit from a weekendedy show.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, you have no idea what your suggestion means to us. Getting our hands on nuclear weapons¡­ <i>Phew,</i>¡± Kim Hyung-Jung eximed as he shook his head.

    ¡°Well, the worst thing they can say is no. You don¡¯t have to be so frenzied over something that they probably won¡¯t give anyway,¡± Kang Chan said lightheartedly.

    ¡°I see. Maybe that¡¯s why the ambassador also suggested asking for development rights as well,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung mused.

    ¡°That makes sense. Ambassador Lanok definitely would have thought two steps ahead,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>! Russia has never given its rights to oil reserves to another country. Aside from when Japan used their international resources to protect their 49% of shares of a reserve, no country has sessfully taken development rights from Russia.¡±

    ¡°So this is pretty important, I suppose,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kim Hyung-Jung chuckled. The understatement calmed him down.

    ¡°Our country will have unlimited ess to crude oil without having to worry about staying on the good side of Middle Eastern countries. And the intion in our country¡­¡± Kim Hyung-Jung trailed off in thought, staring into space as he tilted his head. ¡°It will probably drop by at least thirty percent.¡±

    ¡°<i>Whoa</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed. Even Kang Chan looked surprised.

    <i>¡®I didn¡¯t expect the ambassador¡¯s suggestion to have such significant impacts.¡¯</i>

    This was why knowledge was power.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked directly at Kang Chan. ¡°Are you sure Ambassador Lanok really told you those things?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I just told him to take care of things himself in response,¡± Kang Chan replied somewhat abashedly.

    ¡°What?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung eximed. His eyes widened. ¡°Do you think it would be possible for you to ask if we can request things ourselves?¡±

    ¡°Probably. I don¡¯t see why not.¡±

    ¡°Great. Please give me a moment. I have to report this immediately.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    .

    Kang Chan picked up a cigarette, and Seok Kang-Ho lit it up for him with a lighter.

    As they rxed and smoked, Kim Hyung-Jung called someone to report their most recent conversation.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m with Mr. Kang Chan right now. It¡¯s difficult to verify the truth of the statements without confirmation from the French intelligence agency.¡±

    Lanok wasn¡¯t one to lie, but these people were horrible at believing others.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m certain he said nuclear weapons and development rights to oil reserves,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    When Kim Hyung-Jung nced at him, Kang Chan nodded back in confirmation.

    ¡°Yes, sir! I will be waiting on standby, then. Understood,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Putting the phone back down, Kim Hyung-Jung let out a long sigh.

    ¡°I¡¯m suddenly filled with the sense of duty to improve the NIS¡¯ abilities. Our agents abroad will most likely shout in joy today or tomorrow,¡± he added.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho exchanged looks and stayed silent.in silence. Kang Chan didn¡¯t tell Kim Hyung-Jung about the news regarding Britain yet since he had not confirmed yet if it was true.

    ¡°Ah, right! Thank you for the Jeju trip. I got to have an amazing day with my parents because of you. It made me feel like I have finally done something for my mother, so I really appreciate it.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung let out augh that sounded close to a sigh.

    ¡°With what we gained through this operation, lending you the entire hotel for a year still wouldn¡¯t be enough to pay you back. We have to spend at least thirty billion won every year for three years to put our agents abroad in a better political position, yet all that we could do for you in return was a small trip. As an agent of the NIS, I cannot help but feel ashamed. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t lead the operation hoping to get rewarded for my efforts. The main reason I got involved in this affair is to help Ambassador Lanok in the first ce. I have already gotten everything I wanted when we left for the operation, so please don¡¯t feel bad,¡± Kang Chan assured him.

    Kim Hyung-Jung still looked to be regretting things.

    They talked for a little while longer when Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s phone suddenly began to ring furiously. When it stopped, the bell to his office rang, and thendline on his desk started crying out too.

    Kang Chan left the office with Seok Kang-Ho so Kim Hyung-Jung could take care of business.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner,¡± Kang Chan said once they were out, not wanting to head home yet. If he left Seok Kang-Ho alone, Seok Kang-Ho would just roam around because he had nothing else to do.

    ¡°Sounds good. Should we call that bastard Smithen too?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Why?¡± Kang Chan asked in suspicion. Nothing good had evere out of the two of them meeting.

    ¡°G¨¦rard looked pretty lonely thest time we saw him. Considering I used to be like him, Smithen probably feels the same too. If it wasn¡¯t for you, we¡¯d be wandering around alone, unable to find a ce to settle.¡±

    <i>Why does this bastard still seem to have something up his sleeve despite what he¡¯s saying??</i>

    However, even in front of Kang Chan¡¯s suspecting eyes, Seok Kang-Ho remained steadfast.

    ¡°That bastard has probably been feeling lonely, so let¡¯s call him and have dinner together. The fact that he got captured before he could even fight back has been bugging me,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Kang Chan finally conceded.

    They didn¡¯t know where they were going to eat yet, so Kang Chan dialed Smithen in the middle of the street.

    <i>-Hello? May I ask who this is?</i>

    Ha! The punk¡¯s Korean had improved again. More importantly, his pronunciation had be so natural that it sounded as if someone else had picked up the phone.

    ¡°Smithen, it¡¯s me.¡±

    <i>-Oh my goodness, Captain! It¡¯s me, Smithen!</i>

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    <i>-Why, I just left thenguage school, of course!</i>

    This motherfucker! Maybe it was because he learned from women, but people would think he was a girl in her twenties trying to act cute if they heard him talk in Korean. If Kang Chan didn¡¯t know Smithen any better, Smithen¡¯s soft and giggly tone would have made him wonder if Smithen was gay.

    ¡°Do you want to have dinner with us?¡±

    <i>-Oh my! Unfortunately, I have a date today. Hmm! I have ns with mynguage schools until tomorrow, so how about the day after tomorrow, dear?</i>

    Kang Chan slowly exhaled the sigh that was building up in his chest.

    ¡°Got it. I don¡¯t know what wille up then, so let¡¯s just keep each other updated.¡±

    As Kang Chan spoke, he heard someone ask ¡°Who is it?¡± over the phone.

    <i>-That sounds absolutely perfect. Toodle-oo, Captain.</i>

    ¡°Is he busy?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked when Kang Chan hung up.

    ¡°He says he¡¯s got ns with hisnguage friends until tomorrow. It sounded like he was with a girl, too, so let¡¯s just have dinner ourselves.¡±

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>! That son of a bitch!¡± Seok Kang-Ho spat.

    The two chuckled. So much for wanting to include a lonely guy in their ns.

    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have beef ribs!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    That was a bit of a heavy meal, but if that was what Seok Kang-Ho wanted, Kang Chan saw no reason to refuse. The two soon headed to a famous rib restaurant nearby.

    Upon entering and taking a seat, Seok Kang-Ho ordered, ¡°Five portions of beef ribs, please.¡±

    ¡°Will there be more in your party, sir?¡± the waiter asked.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s just us,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    The middle-aged woman nced at Seok Kang-Ho, then quickly went inside the kitchen.

    ¡°Want a ss of beer too?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°And a bottle of soju while you¡¯re at it,¡± Kang Chan replied with a grin.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Houghed in satisfaction.

 Chapter 153.1: Post-Operation Wrap-Up Procedure (2)

    <h4>Chapter 153.1: Post-Operation Wrap-Up Procedure (2)</h4>

    ¡°Wow!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed in delight as he ate more meat. He had just downed his beer in one go. Despite how much he ate, he neither suffered from indigestion nor gained weight. That was a talent in itself.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan felt relieved for finally getting to drink alcohol after so long.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s a little boring, but I need you to hang in there for just a bit longer,¡± Kang Chan said after Seok Kang-Ho ordered another bottle of beer.

    As Kang Chan tried his best to move the cooked meat on the grill away from the heat, Seok Kang-Ho put raw ones in the middle of the grill.

    ¡°I¡¯m still looking into buying a building, but once I¡¯ve bought one, we can use it as an office in the mornings. We can also work out and eat lunch there. Sounds nice, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>.¡± Seok Kang-Ho held up his ss, initiating a toast.

    <i>Clink!</i>

    The beer swayed a little as they clinked their sses.

    ¡°Wow! This is nice!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed too busy eating, so Kang Chan poured them alcohol this time.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want anything else right now. We got to meet again, so I don¡¯t feel lonely, and we can also participate in operations every now and then,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    As they downed another round of bomb shots, the meat in the middle of the grill began to smoke.

    ¡°<i>Gasp</i>! The meat is burning.¡± A middle-aged woman approached them, skillfully turned the meat over, and cut off the burnt parts. Before walking away, she first put the meat away from the heat to make it easier to eat.

    ¡°This is going to sound funny, but¡­¡± Seok Kang-Ho observed Kang Chan¡¯s expression. ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling anxioustely.¡±

    ¡°Why would you go on operations while feeling that way?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    Kang Chan silently waited for Seok Kang-Ho to continue.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just been constantly thinking about what I should do if you suddenly disappeared or if something bad happens to you. What should I do if I suddenly find myself all alone? If you¡¯re killed right in front of me again? Do you ever get worried about someone when you¡¯re not with them and feel relieved when they¡¯re around?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°Want me to hit you? Stop spouting nonsense and just keep drinking. The meat got all burnt because of your nonsense.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho took the meat and ate it as quickly as Kang Chan turned the meat over.

    ¡°Now that you mention it, I was worried you would get killed during ourst operation,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°<i>Jeez</i>! You were overreacting with that one! Did you really think those worthless bastards could kill me?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh so hard it sounded as if he was sobbing.

    If the Spestnaz and the SBS heard what Seok Kang-Ho had just said, only death could have stopped them from attacking him or jumping off a cliff.

    ¡°I¡¯ll buy a building as soon as I can. Anyway, I think it would be best for us to stick together,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    After having doengjang-jjigae and rice, they went to a nearby specialty coffee shop.

    They ordered two cups of hot coffee and sat on the terrace since they were allowed to smoke there.

    ¡°This is quite nice!¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Why¡¯s that? Are you not anxious now?¡±

    ¡°As I said earlier, I feel fine when I¡¯m with you! And get rid of that look in your eyes. You¡¯ll scare the other customers.¡±

    ¡°Will you keep pretending like you¡¯repletely normal?¡±

    They bothughed at Kang Chan¡¯s remark even though it was not really anything special.

    ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I told everyone that I¡¯ll be resting for the time being.¡±

    ¡°Should we run away and stay somewhere else for about three days?¡±

    ¡°Run away?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned. ¡°Let¡¯s disappear for around three days. <i>Phuhuhu</i>, wouldn¡¯t that turn lots of things upside down?¡±

    Kang Chan burst outughing. That would make Jeon Dae-Geuk jump up so high he would touch the ceiling of his patient room and Kim Hyung-Jung search for them all over the country despite his injuries.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t. That would get Jong-Il scolded even though he didn¡¯t do anything wrong,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The two snickered while smoking.

    Right now, they were behaving the way they normally did the day after they hadpleted an operation in Africa. Back then, if they didn¡¯t suffer any casualties, they would drink to their heart¡¯s content. Gerard would also sometimes butt into their conversation only to back off after getting sworn at by Dayeru.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to be alive,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Seok Kang-Ho grinned.

    An hour quickly passed by as they drank coffee and smoked. Kang Chan felt the same way he did before he reincarnated.

    Kang Chan held up his phone and checked the time. It was almost 9 pm.

    ¡°We should go home.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t go home yet. Why not go to Mi-Young¡¯s <i>hagwon</i> first?¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Mi-Young¡¯s <i>hagwon</i>. She would definitely love to see you waiting for her in front of her <i>hagwon</i> to walk her home. Seeing her would get your eyes to rx too.¡±

    Kang Chan drank coffee while smirking. He could certainly go, especially since it wouldn¡¯t really inconvenience him that much even if she had already left by the time he arrived. However, he didn¡¯t want to meet her just to get his eyes to rx. If he did wait for him, it had to be because he really wanted to see her.

    ¡°You really have no idea how to surprise people!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°Mind your own business.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Why are you saying that to me? Despite how I act around you, I¡¯m amazing when I go home.¡±

    ¡°I got it, so let¡¯s go already!¡±

    They no longer smelled like alcohol, so they could definitely go home now.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Just as they were about to clean up after themselves, Michelle¡¯s name popped up on Kang Chan¡¯s phone.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy, did you see the drama today?

    ¡°Ah, shoot! Sorry, I couldn¡¯t watch it. I¡¯ve been out all day.¡±

    - That¡¯s too bad. We got extremely positive reactions to today¡¯s episode.

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s good.¡±

    - Where are you? Are you busy?

    Kang Chan knew that she wanted to see him, but he thought it wouldn''t be right to see her while he had so much spite in him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t meet with you today. Is something going on?¡±

    - I found a building that meets your requirements. I would love to check it out with you if you have time tomorrow.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you tomorrow morning.¡±

    - Alright. I¡¯ll see you then.

    Kang Chan put his phone down. Seok Kang-Ho nced at him.

    ¡°Was that thedy named Michelle?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Today¡¯s an amazing day to go on a date with her. Why are you acting like you often did back in Africa?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. She just informed me that she found a good building for us on the market. I¡¯ll check it out tomorrow.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho just nodded in response.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Let me just smoke one more cigarette.¡± As Seok Kang-Ho picked up a cigarette¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan received a text. When he checked it, he couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    [I miss you.]

    As Seok Kang-Ho bit on a cigarette, his eyes alternated between Kang Chan and his phone. He seemed to be growing suspicious.

    Kang Chan immediately called Kim Mi-Young.

    - Hello!

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - I¡¯m at <i>hagwon</i>.

    ¡°Have you had dinner?¡±

    - I have. Are you busy today?

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked somewhere else while grinning.

    - My sses will finish in an hour. We have French ss today. I was reminded of you when I saw our cool teacher, so I thought I should text you.

    ¡°Want me toe over?¡±

    - Really?

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho loudly exhaled cigarette smoke. It was as if he wanted Kim Mi-Young to hear him.

    <i>That bastard!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho then pointed at the end of his eye with his index finger, then moved it up and down. He seemed to be saying that the spite in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes was disappearing.

    - I¡¯m at Daechi-dong. If you want, we can meet at the ice cream shop after my <i>hagwon</i>.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    - <i>Phuhuhu</i>.

    When Kang Chan put his phone down, Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan with narrowed eyes.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan took out a cigarette since he still had some time left.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had such a side. ¡®Want me toe over?¡¯ <i>Whew</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Houghed loudly after imitating Kang Chan. ¡°That¡¯s good for you, though. You should always use some of your time for yourself like this. Doesn¡¯t it make you feel better?¡±

    Kang Chan lit up a cigarette, then had a sip of coffee, which was now cold.

    ¡°I can totally tell that you like her now that I¡¯ve listened to you talking to her. Why can¡¯t you make the first move and ask her to meet up with you?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I do what?¡± Kang Chan responded bluntly. He knew Seok Kang-Ho was right, though. Smirking, he told him what was on his mind.

    ¡°<i>Jeez</i>! What the hell?¡± Seok Kang-Ho said afterward.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t look like it, but you¡¯re really square with girl problems. Even though Mi-Young genuinely likes you, you¡¯re still nning on taking a step back and saying ¡®I¡¯ll ept you¡¯re still the same next year¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly.¡± Kang Chan dropped his cigarette into the used coffee grounds, then drank the rest of his coffee.

    ¡°How is it different? People are allowed to break up, you know. Who in this world can be sure that the one they¡¯re dating right now would never change for the rest of their lives?¡±

    Kang Chan nkly looked at Seok Kang-Ho. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the fucker had always been that good at talking. Either way, Seok Kang-Ho had such a great point that he couldn¡¯t help but be swayed a little.

    Kang Chan had no idea what to say.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan stood up.

 Chapter 153.2: Post-Operation Wrap-Up Procedure (2)

    <h4>Chapter 153.2: Post-Operation Wrap-Up Procedure (2)</h4>

    ¡°Captain,¡± Seok Kang-Ho called out to Kang Chan just as he was about to leave the terrace. ¡°Let¡¯s find happiness in this life. Don¡¯t we have the right to that much, at least? You should do what you want to do with your parents so you won¡¯t have regretster on. You should also date Mi-Young. I want to see you living a genuinely happy life for once.¡±

    Kang Chan nked out even more due to how serious Seok Kang-Ho sounded.

    Kang Chan smirked. Seok Kang-Ho grinned in return.

    ¡°Go home,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t make other ns tomorrow.¡±

    Still grinning, Seok Kang-Ho made his way to the road. Not long after, they both hailed and got into two different taxis.

    Seok Kang-Ho was right. They did have the right to be happy.

    <i>Has Seok Kang-Ho been living in difort like me because he took over someone else¡¯s life?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t deny that every now and then, he would feel happy just because he got to meet Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. Still, that didn¡¯t answer why Seok Kang-Ho would say something like that.

    Kang Chan took a deep breath and softly exhaled when the taxi arrived at Daechi-dong. He got out at the intersection and slowly made his way to the ice cream shop.

    Now that he had thought about it, Choi Jong-Il still had to be following him.

    He should have called him and treated him to dinner. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but feel ufortable at the thought that he was still following him around while he was meeting Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡± Kang Chan tousled his hair after sitting down at a table.

    He had so many thoughts going on in his mind that he was having a headache. Unfortunately, what Seok Kang-Ho said just made it even worse.

    Seok Kang-Ho told him that they should be happy.

    Kang Chan was adapting to his life right now. In his past life, he grew up with a drunkard of a father who would beat him up whenever he was drunk. They were also so poor that he could not even afford to buy a single serving of pork cutlets. After that, he spent the rest of his life on battlefields in Africa. He fought battle after battle until death finally imed him.

    Reincarnating?

    It had been about six months now since he returned to life.

    Could his past life, whichsted almost thirty years, disappear from his memories overnight?

    While living with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, he was certainly learning how to be happy.

    As Kang Chan rubbed his face, he smelled nicotine from his fingertips.

    He went into the bathroom to wash his hands, then looked at the mirror above the sink.

    Kang Chan smirked. His eyes really were glinting.

    But wasn¡¯t this only natural? It had only been two days since he killed over twenty people. It would be weirder if he already looked calm today.

    Kang Chan dried his hands, returned to his seat, and nkly looked outside the window. Listening to Seok Kang-Ho talk only gave him a headache.

    Kang Chan breathed in loudly to get rid of his thoughts. As he did, Kim Mi-Young entered the ice cream shop.

    She waved at him.

    <i>Does she have to do that when it¡¯s obvious she¡¯s here to meet me?</i>

    ¡°Do you want ice cream?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    She put her bag down on the chair and went to the disy stand. After choosing an ice cream vor, she returned to her seat.

    Kim Mi-Young smiled, which made her look even prettier. She scooped up ice cream with a stic spoon while looking at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Say ¡®<i>ah</i>!¡¯¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°What?¡±

    As Kang Chan looked at her with an expression that said, ¡®What are you doing?¡¯ Kim Mi-Young held out the spoonful of ice cream toward him.

    This was the first time he would be doing this.

    Despite feeling awkward, he ate the ice cream she was trying to feed to him. Strangely enough, that made Kim Mi-Young smile. She just kept eating afterward.

    <i>¡®How old am I really?¡¯</i>

    He normally behaved in a way befitting his previous age. However, he regressed into the perfect high schooler whenever he met Kim Mi-Young. That could be the biggest reason why he rxed around Kim Mi-Young.

    Everything would be simple if he could just decide how old he should behave.

    If he went with his previous age, then that would make him a great match with Michelle. If he went with his current age, then it would be best to be with Kim Mi-Young.

    Was who he liked more important? Even Seok Kang-Ho hadn¡¯t gotten used to that problem even though he was already married.

    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m just thinking of how I can be happy.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes widened as she looked at Kang Chan. This was the expression that he had badly wanted to see during the operation.

    ¡°With me?¡±

    Kang Chan also missed these strange questions. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°<i>Huhuhuhu</i>, say ¡®ah.¡¯¡±

    Kang Chan just silently ate the ice cream that Kim Mi-Young fed him.

    After staying with Kim Mi-Young for about twenty minutes, they took a taxi home.

    He tried his best to ignore the disappointment in Kim Mi-Young¡¯s gaze as they parted ways and entered their respective apartmentplex.

    Kang Chan wanted to hug her but now was not the time.

    ¡°Bye!¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°See you. You should sleep early.¡±

    After sending Kim Mi-Young home, Kang Chan headed to his apartment.

    <i>Should I really disappear for about three days</i>? <i>No, I shouldn¡¯t. That could quickly get out of hand.</i>

    When Kang Chan entered their home, he was greeted by nothing but silence from the entire apartment. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had probably gone to bed.

    The trip to Jeju Ind had probably tired them out.

    Kang Chan headed into his room.

    After lightly washing up and changing, he walked out of his room again. Much to his surprise, he found Yoo Hye-Sook standing in the living room. She still looked quite sleepy.

    ¡°I thought you were already asleep. Did I wake you up?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No, I came out of the room because I wanted to see you. I¡¯m sorry I slept and couldn¡¯t wait for you.¡±

    Kang Chan stared at Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Wouldn¡¯t things like this be happiness?

    <i>They should have just made me the son of a household like this from the start!</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I came homete anyway. Please go back to sleep. I¡¯ll be heading to bed soon as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook hugged Kang Chan and stroked his back.

    Kang Chan just smiled.

    ¡°Goodnight, Channy.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight.¡±

    As if she was walking and talking in her sleep, Yoo Hye-Sook smiled as she headed back to bed.

    ***

    Kang Chan freshened up when he woke up. Afterward, he went outside and ran and worked out with Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever rest?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been following me nonstop. You should go home.¡±

    ¡°If I rest now, I won¡¯t be able toe back ever again.¡±

    ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Choi Jong-Il discretely looked at the entrance of the apartment. ¡°A bunch of people want to serve you. It seems even Cha Dong-Gyun thought about applying to be an agent but was badly scolded by General Choi.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°As you¡¯re probably well aware, the special forces are all connected. The men youmanded in the recent operation and the one in Mongolia talk about you like you¡¯re an actual god. So if I rest for even just a moment, more than a dozen men would immediately show up to do my job instead,¡± Choi Jong-Il added.

    They were annoying Kang Chan in so many ways.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go home now. Make sure to have breakfast!¡± Kang Chan said, then went into his apartment.

    After working out, Kang Chan always used the stairs because he didn¡¯t want the smell of sweat to be trapped in the elevator.

    As soon as Kang Chan returned home, Yoo Hye-Sook happily greeted him.

    ¡°Are you done working out?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Yes. How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°I looked ugly yesterday, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°No way! You looked prettier when you¡¯re slightly sleepy.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook side-eyed him in a pretty way, then headed to the kitchen.

    After washing up, Kang Chan went out of his room. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were waiting for him so they could all eat breakfast together.

    His morning was peaceful for once.

    ¡°How have you beentely, mother?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Now that he thought about it, his question did sound kind of abrupt and strange.

    ¡°Is there anything you would like toe true or want to do?¡±

    ¡°<i>Mm</i>! I want to see you more often.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°I was just about to. How have you beentely, father? And is there anything you wish would happen?¡± Kang Chan scooped up rice with his chopsticks as he looked at Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°I wish your mom would pay more attention to me.¡±

    ¡°You always tease me!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    They finished breakfast with a smile.

    Kang Chan sat in the living room and watched TV as he waited for his parents, who were rushing to get ready for work, to leave.

    The news headlines were still all about the President of Russia¡¯s visit to South Korea. While he was watching, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s phone rang three times from the master bedroom. She seemed extremely busy with the Foundation.

    Today, Kang Chan nned to meet up with Michelle and check the building. Afterward, he would start thinking about how to help with the school festival.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone, which was on his desk, rang as he organized what he had to do.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted.

    His heart didn¡¯t throb or sink. Strangely, however, he felt anger filling not only his eyes but the top of his head as well.

    <i>¡®Which son of a bitch is it this time?!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know who was calling him or what the call was about, but he was starting to be unbearably enraged. He walked toward his room as if he was closing in on his enemy.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan looked at his phone.

    <i>¡®Anne.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan answered the call and immediately pressed it against his ear.

    ¡°Ello!¡±

    - Channy! I think my dad just got kidnapped!

    Kang Chan inhaled softly.

    - I don¡¯t know what to do, Channy! Help me! Please! I really need you right now!

    ¡°Anne.¡±

    Anne burst into tears as she waited for Kang Chan to continue.

    ¡°I will do whatever it takes to save the Ambassador. I promise you that. So don¡¯t worry too much and keep calm, okay? I¡¯ll be heading over to you as soon as the call drops. Where are you right now?

    - I¡¯m at the embassy right now.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m on my way.¡±

    - Thank you¡­ Thank you so much, Channy.

    Kang Chan put down his phone and changed as quickly as he could.

 Chapter 154.1: Watch and Learn (1)

    <h4>Chapter 154.1: Watch and Learn (1)</h4>

    Although Kang Chan had already changed clothes, he couldn¡¯t walk out of his room yet because he didn¡¯t want Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook to see his eyes zing with so much spite.

    ¡°Channy, dear!¡± shouted Yoo Hye-Sook in such unfortunate timing.

    ¡°I¡¯m getting changed, Mother!¡± Kang Chan shouted back in response, trying to avoid meeting them.

    ¡°Okay then! We¡¯ll be heading out now. Have a good day today, and don¡¯t forget to be careful!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook shouted again so Kang Chan could hear her.

    ¡°See youter!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung bid him farewell.

    They didn¡¯t ask him where he was going or what he would be doing today. When other parents told their high school sons to be careful, it was to be careful of the roads or when crossing streets. But Kang Chan¡¯s parents telling him to be careful had a whole different meaning.

    <i>I¡¯m going to make sure I be happy in this life.</i>

    After rescuing Lanok, he nned to be a powerful, fearsome man if that was what it would take for his enemies to never touch even a strand of his people¡¯s hair ever again.

    The moment he heard the sound of the front door closing shut, Kang Chan immediately picked up his phone so he could try to locate where Lanok was. However, the application strangely did not disy the ambassador¡¯s location.

    <i>What¡¯s wrong with this? What¡¯s the problem?</i>

    .

    <i>Tsk!</i>

    Brushing his irritation aside, Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho, then dialed Choi Jong-Il. After the phone calls, about five minutes went by.

    <i>-Your parents have just left the apartmentplex, sir.</i>

    Choi Jong-Il reported to him through the application.

    Kang Chan hurried out of his home and headed down. By the time he exited the building, Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il were already waiting for him with their cars by the entrance.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, we¡¯re heading straight to the French embassy,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    They all drove off as soon as Kang Chan got into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, clearly concerned.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok has apparently been kidnapped,¡± Kang Chan bluntly replied.

    ¡°What? Jeez!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed in surprise, turning to Kang Chan with wide eyes before quickly looking back to the road again. ¡°How the fuck did that man get kidnapped? The security detail he has around him is no joke. What in the world were his guards doing? Twiddling their thumbs?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know the details yet. I¡¯ll have to learn more about what happened when we get there first. All I know is that Anne called me crying and told me her dad was kidnapped,¡± Kang Chan informed Seok Kang-Ho.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked like he was having a hard time understanding how Lanok could be kidnapped.

    They were driving during rush hour, so traffic was slow. Nevertheless, they did their best to get to their destination as quickly as possible.

    The agent standing outside opened the doors for Kang Chan upon confirming his identity. He then red at Choi Jong-Il¡¯s car.

    ¡°Let him through,¡± Kang Chan told the agent. ¡°I brought him along.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Monsieur Kang,¡± the agent respectfully replied.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s group all rushed up to Lanok¡¯s office.

    ¡°Channy!¡± Anne cried in distress. She hobbled over to Kang Chan with her hand over her mouth.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Anne. Everything will turn out just fine. You know how strong your father is, don¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan reassured her. He hugged her and patted her on the back, then took a scan around the office.

    He saw agents and aides standing on edge, but he could not see Louis anywhere.

    Kang Chan carefully helped Anne sit down and took a seat across the table from her.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Kang Chan asked her.

    Anne looked at one of Lanok¡¯s aides, who then began to speak in her stead.

    ¡°My name is Raphael, Monsieur Kang. We lost all contact with the ambassador after he said he would have a private conversation with the Chinese ambassador and the speaker of the national assembly following their lunch appointment at the Seoul Hotel,¡± Raphael said stiffly.

    ¡°The speaker of the national assembly? You mean Huh Ha-Soo?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that is correct, Monsieur Kang,¡± Raphael answered.

    ¡°When did that son of a¡ªthat guy get back to South Korea?¡± Kang Chan was having a hard time bottling in his irritation.

    ¡°The speaker returned while you were away on your operation, sir,¡± Raphael responded.

    <i>That rat! Son of a bitch!</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    ¡°You said they were meeting at a hotel. How have you not found the ambassador yet?¡± Kang Chan asked through clenched teeth.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t been able to officially request any assistance because we can¡¯t report him as missing. Moreover, Ambassador Lanok gave us specific instructions a while back for situations like this,¡± Raphael exined.

    ¡°What were they?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    As Kang Chan picked up a cigarette from the table, Raphael nced at Anne, carefully choosing his words.

    ¡°He told us that if something like this was ever to happen, all the staff at the French embassy should follow and listen to your orders. We were to report to you first, and whatever you decided to do, we shouldply with your orders under all circumstances.¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled, breathing out a long wisp of smoke.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know the snake had so much faith in him.

    ¡°For now, give me and the agents with me a ce where we can remain on standby. If we can stay in this room, then that would be even better,¡± Kang Chan ordered Raphael. Afterward, he turned to Choi Jong-Il. ¡°Did you bring any weapons?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re in the car, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Kang Chan looked back at Raphael.

    ¡°Prepare five pistols, each with four magazines, for me and all the agents here,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Raphael delivered Kang Chan¡¯s instructions to the agents around them, obeying Kang Chan¡¯s words as if he was really his superior.

    ¡°And get me Ludwig, Vant, and Vasili¡¯s numbers. Stat.¡± Kang Chan ordered again.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, if it¡¯s all right with you, please use Ambassador Lanok¡¯s desk. It has a direct line to the men you just mentioned. I will connect you to them,¡± Raphael advised him.

    Using Lanok¡¯s desk was such an unexpected suggestion that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t immediately reply. Fortunately, Anne quickly nodded in agreement in his stead.

    Kang Chan decided to push worrying about invading Lanok¡¯s personal space to ater time. Right now, he had to focus on rescuing him.

    Kang Chan rushed to the desk. As soon as he sat down in the chair, he immediately felt as if Lanok was watching him from behind. In the meantime, a few agents carried desks, tables, and chairs into the room so Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il could sit down. On the table, they set tea, ashtrays, and the five guns Kang Chan had requested for each of them.

    Time was of the essence. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t waste it contemting the situation.

    Was Huh Ha-Soo so influential that he could kidnap Lanok? Absolutely not. That was bullshit. There had to be more to this.

    Kang Chan first pulled out his phone to call Kim Hyung-Jung.

    <i>-Hello, Mr. Kang Chan. This is Kim Hyung-Jung.?</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kim. I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t have time to exin. I may need the South Korean special forces team¡ªthe same men who went on the operation in Switzend. Please have them all fully armed and waiting on standby as soon as you can,¡± Kang Chan requested, urgency in his voice.

    Kim Hyung-Jung paused for a moment before finally replying.

    <i>-Are you in a difficult position to exin the reason why?</i>

    ¡°That¡¯s correct, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    -I will call the director. I¡¯ll get back to you right after.

    ¡°Please tell him that this is something I absolutely have to do,¡± Kang Chan implored.

    <i>-I will, Mr. Kang Chan.?</i>

    Much to Kang Chan¡¯s gratitude, Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t ask any other questions. After hanging up, Kang Chan raised his head to look at Raphael.

    ¡°I want to order another emergency decree to the entire Foreign Legion and have the special forces team who participated in the Mongolian operation head straight to South Korea immediately. Who do I speak to for this?¡± Kang Chan asked sharply.

    ¡°Unfortunately, that would be difficult to do unless it¡¯s Ambassador Lanok¡¯s direct orders,¡± Raphael replied, his tone conveying how troubled he was.

    ¡°I see. Then connect me to Ludwig for now,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    Raphael picked up the phone on the desk and dialed a number for him.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    Kang Chan raised the receiver to his ear and patiently listened to the dial tone.

    <i>-Lanok? To what do I owe the pleasure at this hour?</i>

    ¡°Ludwig, this is Kang Chan from South Korea,¡± Kang Chan greeted brusquely.

    Based on Ludwig¡¯sck of response, it seemed he was taken aback.

    ¡°I apologize for calling you so abruptly, but I have a request, sir,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    <i>-Did something happen to Lanok?</i>

    ¡°That seems to be the case. I require assistance on the matter.

    <i>-Hmm, can I ask exactly what you need before I agree?</i>

    ¡°An emergency decree issued to the KSK and themand of three of their units.¡±

    <i>-Whew!</i>

    Ludwig let out a resonant sigh. It was as if all the sleep in him had suddenly left him.

    <i>-Who is the target?</i>

    ¡°China,¡± Kang Chan responded sharply.

    <i>-Ha. This is¡­</i>

    Ludwig seemed flustered and astounded by the scale of Kang Chan¡¯s request and target.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, do you understand the weight of what you just said?</i>

    ¡°Ludwig,¡± Kang Chan firmly began, his tone lowering enough to silence Ludwig once more.

    ¡°Regardless of whether you help me or not, I will proceed with this mission. If anyone dares hurt Ambassador Lanok, I will without question make an example of every single person who gave themand to do so. The ambassador¡¯s safety and well-being are more important to me than whatever political meaning my actions will have among the intelligence agencies,¡± Kang Chan stated resolutely.

    There was still no reply over the line.

    ¡°Ludwing, I understand your decision. However, from this moment on, you are no longer my friend,¡± Kang Chan hung up right after.

    <i>These cold-hearted bastards!</i>

    He was making slower progress than he anticipated.

    Kang Chan looked back at Raphael.

    ¡°I trust you know Xavier?¡± he asked him.

    ¡°I do, sir,¡± Raphael said.

    ¡°Let me borrow an agent of yours,¡± Kang Chan asked Raphael, then nced at Choi Jong-Il. ¡°Go and bring back this guy named Xavier. A French agent will guide you to him. He¡¯s armed and has received special training too, so be careful. I don¡¯t care if you shoot him or cut off an arm. Just make sure you bring him to me alive,¡± he ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il responded and immediately stood up to leave. As soon as Kang Chan nodded at Raphael, thetter ryed his orders to another agent.

 Chapter 154.2: Watch and Learn (1)

    <h4>Chapter 154.2: Watch and Learn (1)</h4>

    The direct line on Lanok¡¯s desk rang. Exchanging a look with Raphael, Kang Chan picked up the phone.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan. It¡¯s me again, Ludwig.?</i>

    This time, Kang Chan was the one to keep his silence.

    Meanwhile, a French agent and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s group left the office with their weapons in hand.

    <i>-When you reach my age, you start to make calctions before you make decisions. It¡¯s two in the morning here right now. Anyone would need some time to think if they suddenly received such a request in the middle of their sleep.?</i>

    Kang Chan remained silent.

    Raphael had poured some tea into a cup and was putting it in front of Kang Chan as if he didn¡¯t care about what the German was saying any longer.

    <i>-I ordered an emergency decree on the KSK. The European intelligence agencies are probably already watching with sharp eyes. What should I tell the three units that you asked for?</i>

    <i>Great. That¡¯s one checked off on the list.?</i>

    Kang Chan turned his head away from the receiver so Ludwig wouldn¡¯t hear his sigh of relief.

    ¡°Thank you, Ludwig. I¡¯ll give my orders to the three units myself, so please just inform them that the God of ckfield will havemand of this entire operation,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    <i>-Understood, Mr. Kang Chan. I never imagined there woulde a time in my life when I would be jealous of Lanok. I wish you the best of luck.?</i>

    The moment the call ended, Kang Chan suddenly had the urge to smoke. As if reading his mind, Raphael brought him an ashtray and a cigarette.

    ¡°The ambassador always enjoyed cigars at moments like these,¡± Raphael exined.

    Kang Chan chuckled wryly. He put the cigarette in his mouth and lit it up. Afterward, he asked Raphael to connect him to Vasili. Raphael dialed a number, then handed him the receiver.

    <i>Ring.?</i>

    <i>-Lanok. It¡¯s Vasili.?</i>

    The bastard picked up almost immediately. What was this guy?

    ¡°Vasili. It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan was once again greeted by another deafening silence as he had with Ludwig.

    ¡°I heard from the ambassador. <i>Haah</i>¡­ you wanted him to act as an intermediary between South Korea and Russia, is that right?¡± Kang Chan asked wearily.

    <i>-Hmm, is that such an urgent matter that you had to call at four in the morning?</i>

    <i>Motherfucker. He picked up on the first ring because he was desperate. Is he trying to pretend like he has the upper hand?</i>

    ¡°I need three Spetsnaz units. I¡¯m out to kill a man whom I would go to any lengths to kill. However, this is a personal request, not a matter rted to the reparation discussions.¡±

    <i>-Hahaha.?</i>

    Vasili¡¯s disbelievingughter carried over the line into Kang Chan¡¯s ear.

    <i>-I¡¯ll be generous and listen to your reason, at least. Why?</i>

    ¡°China,¡± Kang Chan responded briefly.

    <i>-Ha! Are you trying to start a world war?</i>

    ¡°Tempting, but I¡¯m not going that far. I just suddenly developed a sense of hatred overnight. I don¡¯t understand why people are trying to go off with my perfectly intact head.¡±

    Kang Chan felt anger boiling inside him as he spoke. Anne had stopped crying some time ago and was now focusing on Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to deal with them all at once, so I¡¯m trying to beat up one person at a time. What are you going to do, Vasili?¡±

    <i>-Kang Chan, just because I made a mistake in front of you once does not mean that Russia and South Korea are on the same level. That is foolish thinking</i>

    ¡°You¡¯ll change your mind on that soon,¡± Kang Chan announced menacingly.

    <i>-Interesting. No one has dared threaten me before.?</i>

    ¡°I take it you refuse. If so, then I see no need for mediation from France anymore,¡± Kang Chan curtly dered.

    <i>-Where¡¯s Lanok?</i>

    The question came in like a surprise attack. However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t intend to hide the truth anyway.

    ¡°Why do you think I would consider attacking China, Vasili? Hm?¡± Kang Chan asked sarcastically.

    <i>-Hahaha.?</i>

    There was something about Vasili¡¯sughter that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t quite put his finger on.

    <i>-That¡¯s a fine idea. So this is why Ludwig moved earlier. Fine. However, to be clear, you will be indebted to me after this, understood?</i>

    ¡°Fine, Vasili.¡±

    <i>-Let¡¯s go with the same conditions as you did with Ludwig. An emergency decree ordered on all of the Spetsnatz, and themand of three units. Is that enough for you?</i>

    <i>That sinister punk.?</i>

    The sly Vasili already knew about Kang Chan¡¯s arrangement with Germany.

    ¡°Thank you, Vasili,¡± Kang Chan said genuinely.

    <i>-This is the second time in my life I have met someone to be afraid of. Keep this in mind. Once Russia orders an emergency decree following Germany, All of Europe and the United States will be issuing emergency decrees as well. This could really end in a war before you know it. No one knows how this will go down.?</i>

    ¡°Understood.¡± Kang Chan hung up the phone and leaned back against the chair.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, did Russia just order an emergency decree?¡± Raphael seemed anxious. ¡°Emergency decrees from Germany and Russia will leave the DGSE no choice but to give an order to the Foreign Legion as well. Would you like to speak with the official in charge?¡±

    ¡°They don¡¯t know about the ambassador¡¯s kidnapping yet, do they?¡±

    ¡°With the emergency decrees already ordered, I¡¯m sure the DGSE will catch up soon anyway and take their own measures,¡± Raphael answered with confidence.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    Not understanding what was being said, Seok Kang-Ho drank his tea with aedically grave expression.

    Raphael dialed another number and handed Kang Chan the receiver again.

    ¡°It would be best to tell them that you¡¯re the God of ckfield,¡± Raphael suggested.

    The moment that Kang Chan held the phone to his ear, someone responded with an ¡°Ello?¡±

    ¡°This is the God of ckfield.¡± Kang Chan followed Raphael¡¯s advice.

    <i>-Why are you using this number?</i>

    The voice that came across the line was a deep baritone.

    ¡°Something happened to the ambassador. It¡¯s the reason Germany and Russia ordered emergency decrees on their special forces. I would like for France to take action as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>-Ah, then that exins why those countries suddenly sprang into action after you checked the ambassador¡¯s location with your phone. What do you need, Monsieur Kang?</i>

    ¡°An emergency decree on the Foreign Legion andmand of three of their units,¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    <i>-Understood. How would you like to carry out yourmands of the special forces?</i>

    ¡°Just have them on standby for now,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    <i>-May we know the target location?</i>

    ¡°China.¡±

    The person he was talking to grew quiet for a moment, probably just as astounded as the two ambassadors he called earlier.

    <i>-I will have that arranged. It will take a minute at most.?</i>

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan ended the call, took a sip of his tea, then bit on his cigarette again. When he turned around, he coincidentally met eyes with Anne.

    ¡°You¡¯re exactly like my dad when he was younger, Channy,¡± she said, making Kang Chan smirk. ¡°Once he made up his mind, he never went back. And he enjoyed some tea and cigars when he was done with his calls, just like you are doing now.¡±

    <i>What can I say to that? I don¡¯t know if she¡¯s right or wrong.?</i>

    Kang Chan lit up his cigarette, choosing silence.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    It was a call from Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, the First, Third, and Fifth Airborne Forces, the Thirty-fifth Brigade, and the Special Forces Team 606 are all on emergency standby. In about five minutes, the North Korean special forces will also go into emergency standby. Please be informed.?</i>

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kim,¡± Kang Chan said gratefully.

    <i>-I can only hope this affair is beneficial to South Korea.?</i>

    <i>I see now.?</i>

    Kang Chan realized something new as he hung up. Whatever the matter was, he should deliberate the interests of those who were involved. Of course, it wasn¡¯t as if he could start doing that immediately.

    He had rushed into this n without thinking, but he thought it wasn¡¯t that bad of an approach. Anne and Raphael also had hope on their faces. Seok Kang-Ho looked like he was fighting against boredom, but that wasn¡¯t important.

    This was the same method that Lanok used when Kang Chan was facing the Spetsnaz.

    <i>Being willing to go to war if someone dares to touch you.?</i>

    Kang Chan thought that this was a big gamble¡ªone where he was putting everything he had on the line. If he couldn¡¯t get Lanok back after all this, he would definitely be put in an ufortable position.

    Who in China was he supposed to attack? It wasn¡¯t as if he could actually start a war with the entire country.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    The bell tone tore down the heavy bubble of nervousness and silence that was building up in the room.

    Kang Chan gave a look at Raphael, then answered the phone.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    <i>-This is the DGSE. The White Wolves located in six territories of China have gone into emergency standby.?</i>

    France¡¯s feedback was immediate.

    There was a chance that China wasn¡¯t behind Lanok¡¯s kidnapping. However, even if they weren¡¯t, they still had to find the bastards who were. Was it unfair from China¡¯s point of view? Maybe. But why did they coborate with Huh Ha-Soo and create this whole mess in the first ce?

    The incident took ce while Lanok was returning from meeting the Chinese ambassador and Huh Ha-Soo. Did that mean South Korea was also partly to me?

    Neither China nor Huh Ha-Soo would think that. Therefore, all that was left was for a powerful country like China to cooperate in getting Lanok back. They had two options to choose from. They could find the culprit who kidnapped Lanok or they could kill Kang Chan. There was no going back now.

    ¡°Please give me the exact location and the number of people in those six areas,¡± Kang Chan said firmly.

    <i>-Monsieur Kang, please know that we will update you with intel as it enters our hands. However, giving orders to go into maind Chinese territory isn¡¯t something that can be done on yourmand.</i>

    ¡°Understood. Please give me the information for now,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    When he put the phone back down, Raphael poured him another cup of tea. Kang Chan rested his forehead on his arm that wasid on Lanok¡¯s desk. He suddenly recalled when he had first met the ambassador at the conference hall for Gong Te Automobiles¡¯ event.

    It truly was impossible to expect where life would lead a person or how one¡¯s rtionships with people would turn out.

 Chapter 155.1: Watch and Learn (2)

    <h4>Chapter 155.1: Watch and Learn (2)</h4>

    An entire hour had passed even though all Kang Chan did was take a few phone calls. Within that period, he received a call from Michelle to confirm if he was free to visit a few buildings he could buy, but Kang Chan put that aside for now.

    When he checked the clock, it was already twenty past eleven. The time for the situation to receive new developments was already long gone.

    Meanwhile, Anne and Raphael were currently so calm that it was almost funny. They regained their peace of mind upon seeing Kang Chan handle the situation so critically.

    <i>Should I have searched the Seoul Hotel?</i>

    He could easily get this done even if he asked Kim Hyung-Jung for a favor. However, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to pick up the phone since his rash judgment could be the determining factor for Lanok¡¯s survival.

    Kang Chan rested his forehead on his palms while calcting every situation and action he could think of. Not long after, someone knocked on the door three times. He looked up to see Xavier walking through the entrance. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee followed right behind him.

    <i>Pft.?</i>

    He didn¡¯t know about Choi Jong-Il, but Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s left cheek was definitely swollen, and Xavier¡¯s face and t-shirt werepletely covered in blood.

    ¡°A chair, please,¡± Kang Chan requested. In response, Raphael quickly took a chair and put it in front of Lanok¡¯s desk.

    Xavier sat down opposite Kang Chan. He looked irritated beyond his wits.

    ¡°What you have just donepletely disrespects my organization! I don¡¯t know how strong you are, but it doesn¡¯t matter. The moment my organization decides to eliminate you, you and the people around you will never be safe again!¡± Xavierined in annoyance.

    ¡°Enough with the talk about your <i>oh-so-mighty organization</i>, Xavier,¡± Kang Chan sarcastically replied. He stared directly at Xavier, who was wiping his face with a handkerchief.

    ¡°What do you want from me?¡±

    ¡°I already know you¡¯re an agent of the United States and that you¡¯re trying to obtain military secrets through Huh Ha-Soo.¡±

    ¡°Ha! You¡¯ve seen too many movies,¡± Xavier snorted.

    Kang Chan slightly shook his head. ¡°Xavier, I brought you here to ask you for just one simple thing. It doesn¡¯t matter if you use Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s Chinese connections or the US intelligence agencies¡ªjust bring me back Ambassador Lanok.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where Lanok is!¡± Xavier countered.

    ¡°Then find him.¡±

    Xavierughed in disbelief. ¡°That won¡¯t get you anywhere in information warfare. Just because you threatened and strong-armed someone does not mean you¡¯ll be able to have your way.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about how things are supposed to be done. All I want is for Ambassador Lanok to return to this office without so much as a scratch on him. That¡¯s all there is to it,¡± Kang Chan said with a fierce re. ¡°What I can¡¯t stand the most has already happened, so I hope you cooperate with me while I¡¯m still asking you nicely, Xavier. The moment I run out of patience, I won¡¯t hesitate to proceed with the operation. China, the United States, Britain¡­ It doesn¡¯t matter which country is involved in this. I will show the bastards involved in this affair no mercy as I get my revenge.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have the power to do that yet,¡± Xavier rebutted.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt as if talking to Xavier was a waste of time. This wasn¡¯t what he was expecting.

    <i>Ring. Ring.?</i>

    He immediately picked up the receiver on the desk.

    ¡°Ello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    <i>-We have decoded the intel about the six locations in China and sent it to the embassy.</i>

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Kang Chan was about to hang up the phone when the man started speaking again.

    <i>-God of ckfield, if you send Russian and German special forces to China, it may lead to a war that no one can stop.?</i>

    The low, grave warning traveled over the line into Kang Chan¡¯s ear.

    <i>-The DGSE is doing its utmost best. However, if you still judge it best to send in the special forces to rescue Ambassador Lanok, we will follow your decision.?</i>

    ¡°I understand. I will call you once it¡¯s decided,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After setting the phone down, Kang Chan let out a deep sigh. It was meaningless to drag things out from here. He had already decided to attack anyway, so there was no point wasting any more time.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    This time, Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to vibrate on the table.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    <i>-Mr. Kang, North Korea has gone into full defense, and Japan has issued a level one alert to its forces. The director would like to know what you wish to do.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kim.¡±

    <i>-Go ahead, Mr. Kang.?</i>

    ¡°If you get punched and don¡¯t do anything about it, you¡¯re definitely going to get punched again. Once that bes a pattern, you and the one who punched you will start thinking it is simply the norm. I don¡¯t want that to happen.¡±

    <i>-Is that what I should tell the director?</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir. This is my intent.¡±

    As Kang Chan ended the call with Kim Hyung-Jung, an agent headed inside with a few documents in hand. It was a Chinese map with six red dots marked in certain locations. Each one wasbeled with the areas¡¯ names.

    Kang Chan scanned the pages, then raised his eyebrow at Xavier.

    ¡°The ambassador went missing after having a meal with the Chinese ambassador and Huh Ha-Soo¡­ Huh Ha-Soo is the one who was trying to give you military secrets.¡±

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    Kang Chan stopped talking to Xavier to answer the phone.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    <i>-I¡¯d like to speak with the God of ckfield, please.?</i>

    Kang Chan was hearing this voice for the first time.

    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±

    <i>-My name is Eton. I¡¯m with the United Kingdom.</i>

    Britain? Kang Chan thought this was great. He had been nning to do something about them anyway since they kept getting on his nerves.

    <i>-Is this the God of ckfield?</i>

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The man let out a low sigh.

    <i>-We requested mediation from Lanok because we want to meet you. Your existence is critical to us as well. For that reason, we would like to help.</i>

    Kang Chan did not expect this. However, the UK had just recently attempted tounch a preemptive attack on France, and they hadn¡¯t formally met yet, so Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel right about readily epting their support.

    <i>-To begin with, we will order an emergency decree on the SAS and SBS and give youmand over them.?</i>

    ¡°That¡¯s too much. We can discuss the specificster.¡±

    <i>-We will make the preparations just in case, then. We will contact you as soon as we obtain new information.?</i>

    The call ended on that note. Eton seemed pleased about finally getting to speak to Kang Chan. Meanwhile, Xavier carefully observed Kang Chan¡¯s expression from where he had been arrogantly wiping his blood. He was probably acting this way because he didn¡¯t have any reason to hesitate anymore.

    Kang Chan put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it up with a lighter. He then turned toward Raphael, Choi Jong-Il, Seok Kang-Ho, then Anne.

    He didn¡¯t know what would happen if he proceeded with his decision, but they couldn¡¯t just keep letting the enemy beat them up. It had only been a few months since the golf course and conference hall terrorist incidents, yet they still did not hesitate to kidnap Lanok.

    Kang Chan faced Raphael with a determined look.

    ¡°Connect me to Vasili,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Raphael quickly pressed the speed dial button.

    <i>Ring.?</i>

    <i>-Kang Chan, this is Vasili.?</i>

    Now that Kang Chan had thought about it, the Russian had probably gotten no sleep today.

    ¡°Vasili, I received information from the DGSE regarding the location of China¡¯s White Wolves. Eliminate them all for me.¡±

    <i>-Haah.?</i>

    A long, loud sigh could be heard over the phone.

    <i>-You¡¯re asking for a lot.?</i>

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll just discuss this with the UK, then. Eton said they are ready to deploy at mymand.¡±

    <i>-Eton? You spoke with that dirty English bastard? You can¡¯t take his help so easily! Who knows what he¡¯ll ask in return?</i>

    ¡°I make the decisions, Vasili. So tell me what it¡¯s gonna be.¡±

    <i>-Ha! Fine. We will send the special forces in immediately.?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for results.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up and asked Raphael to connect him to Ludwig.

    <i>Ring.?</i>

    <i>-It¡¯s Ludwig, Mr. Kang Chan.?</i>

    ¡°White Wolves will be waiting on standby in the Chinese territories I¡¯m sending you. Please eliminate them all.¡±

    <i>-Hmm.?</i>

    His reaction was simr to Vasili¡¯s. The only difference was that Kang Chan heard Ludwig swallow at the end.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, I said I would help, but you should really reconsider this choice.?</i>

    It didn¡¯t seem like Ludwig was saying that because he changed his mind. He appeared to be genuinely concerned.

    ¡°Russia has already agreed, and Britain has expressed their intent to take part as well. Ludwig, if I stop now, it won¡¯t just end with me getting humiliated. We could lose the ambassador forever.¡±

    <i>-The United Kingdom contacted you?</i>

    ¡°He said his name was Eton, I believe.¡±

    <i>-That cunning bastard is trying to pull some tricks again, I see. Whew! All right. I will do as you say. May God bless this operation.?</i>

    Kang Chan ended the call, then used his phone to call someone. By this point, Xavier already seemed beyond bbergasted.

    <i>-This is Kim Hyung-Jung.?</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kim, I will send a few Chinese addresses to the NIS. We will be participating in a joint operation with France, Russia, and Germany. Please have the South Korean special forces sent to China. The objective is theplete elimination of the White Wolves, China¡¯s special forces.¡±

    Unlike the others Kang Chan had called, Kim Hyung-Jung gulped.

    ¡°I¡¯ll inform you when the French special forces will arrive. The South Korean special forces can leave with them.¡±

    <i>-I will report this first. Are we really going to be conducting this operation with France, Russia, and Germany?</i>

    ¡°Yes. Some of their forces have already started making their way to the target locations. The UK has also expressed their intent to participate if we requested their help.

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded as if he was choking back a sigh. The call ended not long after.

    Kang Chan looked at Raphael.

    ¡°The DGSE,¡± hemanded.

    Raphael connected the line as Anne nervously watched on from the background.

    <i>-Yes, go ahead.?</i>

    ¡°Please give Russia and Germany information on all locations of the White Wolves. We will choose one territory for the Foreign Legion to attack. Once the French special forces arrive at the Osan airport, you will be joined by the South Korean special forces.¡±

    <i>-I will request approval and inform you immediately.?</i>

    After hanging up, Kang Chan leaned back in his chair. He would make it clear to everyone that anyone who touched his people would suffer fatal consequences. He would make sure his enemies would fear messing with him or anyone around him ever again.

 Chapter 155.2: Watch and Learn (2)

    <h4>Chapter 155.2: Watch and Learn (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan stretched his arm out to pick up a cigarette. As he was lighting it up, Anne came hobbling over to the desk.

    <i>Huh? What is she doing?</i>

    Once she approached the table, she began to pour him more tea like a respectable societydy. In her eyes, Kang Chan could see the faith she had in him.

    <i>¡®It¡¯ll all be fine in the end, so you don¡¯t have to worry too much.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Thank you.¡¯</i>

    Anne turned back and returned to where she had been sitting. She probably just wanted to do something to express her gratitude toward him.

    ¡°May I make a call?¡± Xavier carefully asked when Kang Chan was exhaling the smoke of his cigarette.

    ¡°It¡¯s toote, Xavier. Now that the operation has already started, it¡¯s just going to be the men on our side getting sacrificed if you secretly deliver our strategy to the people you report back to. Let me get this straight. Like I said before, if something happens to Ambassador Lanok even after this operation, I will work with the UK if I have to if that means I can take revenge on the States. So you better hope to God that the ambassador will return safe and sound,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°Why are you still keeping me here, then?¡± Xavier asked, seemingly finding his situation unjust.

    Kang Chan looked at Xavier in amusement.

    ¡°You were arrested by the NIS for spying and trying to sneak out South Korean military secrets,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    Xavier looked as if he couldn¡¯t believe his ears.

    ¡°What? Did you think South Korea wouldn¡¯t be able to touch an American spy? Ha, bullshit.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand that having the ability tomand special forces is nothing in the world of international politics.¡± Xavier was starting to sound frustrated.

    ¡°That might be true,¡± Kang Chan agreed, nodding as he spoke. ¡°But you¡¯re a spy who was trying to steal South Korean military intelligence. That fact won¡¯t change regardless of what¡¯s going on in the political scene.¡±

    With his arms stillid on the table, Xavier looked to Raphael for backup.

    ¡°Did you think South Korea would continue to just take everyone¡¯s terrorist attacks lying down? Did you think we won¡¯t be able to arrest guys like you even if you steal the country¡¯s military secrets? Don¡¯t be an idiot, Xavier,¡± Kang Chan continued. He extinguished his cigarette on the ashtray and took a sip of his tea. Soon after, the phone began to ring again. Still ring at Xavier, Kang Chan picked up the receiver.

    <i>-The Foreign Legion has departed. They will arrive in Osan in approximately twelve hours. Germany and Russia¡¯s special forces have also left their countries. God of ckfield, China has ordered emergency standby on their entire military. Will you still proceed?</i>

    Kang Chan smirked, his eyes still on Xavier.

    ¡°An important official from France was kidnapped. I don¡¯t care if France decides they don¡¯t want in on the action. But you should think about why Germany, Russia, and South Korea¡¯s special forces are moving at mymand. I¡¯m a little disappointed with the DGSE today.¡±

    <i>-We were only rying the possible dangers to you. Our special forces team has already left. I hope there aren¡¯t any misunderstandings about our stance.</i>

    ¡°Got it. Thanks,¡± Kang Chan replied in a lighter tone, then set down the receiver.

    ¡°Please let me make a call!¡± Xavier pleaded desperately.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Kang Chan said firmly.

    ¡°War will break out at this rate! South Korea is going to go up in mes!¡± Xavier eximed.

    Kang Chan tilted his head as he began to glower at Xavier. Xavier flinched.

    ¡°What? Go up in mes? Repeat what you just said, you son of a bitch,¡± Kang Chan growled. He suppressed the urge to shoot Xavier in the forehead with his gun when he got interrupted by his phone.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    It was probably for the better that he received a call at such timing.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    <i>-Mr. Kang, the DGSE has contacted us and sent us all the necessary information, and the director has also given his approval. Our special forces will be joining the French team in Osan.?</i>

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll do my best to make sure this is a sess,¡± Kang Chan reassured him.

    When he put his phone down, he felt as if everything was over now. There was no turning back, but this was not something he should retreat from in the first ce. He decided to attack, so he simply proceeded with that decision. If he just kept making calctions and worrying about what could happen, he would have been left taking punches from the enemies. After all, no one would dare attack him if they thought he wasn¡¯t worth the consequences to mess with.

    Xavier looked flustered and shocked. This was probably how China and the United States were feeling right now. Nevertheless, the phone on Lanok¡¯s desk still wasn¡¯t ringing with any calls from the two countries. They were essentially threatening Kang Chan to let go of the agent who was trying to steal ssified information and not meddle with China.

    <i>Those motherfuckers.?</i>

    They were holding out until the end in hopes that Kang Chan¡ªno¡ªthat South Korea would surrender to them. The bullies in them probably wanted to argue and ask why he wasn¡¯t taking their beating lying down.

    ***

    ¡°Mr. President! You have to ept the calls,¡± a man said. They were in a conference room illuminated by lights that were wrapped around the dome-shaped ceiling.

    With his mic still off, the assistant director continued, ¡°South Korea¡¯s future is on the line here. He¡¯s just a student, sir, and yet the child has almost all the country¡¯s authority in his hands. This will only result into bigger issues if you keep approving of this. Mr. President! Geographically speaking, it¡¯s difficult for us to stay safe without the protection of China and the United States.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun stared at his mic, remaining silent.

    The fourth deputy chief of the NIS looked at the callers and carefully nced at Moon Jae-Hyun.

    ¡°China and the United States are still requesting to speak to you, sir. This is already the United States¡¯ third request.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned to look at the fourth deputy chief. ¡°They¡¯re only going to tell us not to send our special forces if we answer, are they not?¡±

    ¡°Mr. President. He¡¯s just a high-school kid. He¡¯s bombarding China with all these special forces teams like how a child ys a game. If this results in a full-scale war, this isn¡¯t something that can be solved by just turning off yourputer,¡± the assistant director replied with a tinge of frustration.

    Nevertheless, Moon Jae-Hyun continued to speak to the assistant director in an unaffected tone. ¡°What are the chances this will result in war?¡±

    "The Ministry of National Defense''s simtion result is forty-seven to fifty-three, and the National Intelligence Service''s simtion result is fifty-two to forty-eight."

    As if on cue, everyone sighed quietly at the same time.

    ¡°You have to speak with them now, sir, even if it¡¯s already toote. If the United States and China decides to ruin us, our country will copse from its economic foundation.¡±

    ¡°They wouldn¡¯t do that recklessly. South Korea is set to be a part of the Eurasian Rail, after all.¡±

    ¡°If Ambassador Lanok is already dead, we can¡¯t guarantee the Eurasian Rail either.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that all the more reason why we should work together to rescue Ambassador Lanok? Let¡¯s keep an eye on the situation a little longer.¡±

    The assistant director tantly showed his displeasure at Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s response.

    ***

    <i>-Ludwig?</i>

    ¡°Well, well, well. A call from Vasili? This situation is certainly interesting.¡±

    Ludwig rubbed his tired eyes with his thumb and index finger. Despite the fatigue, he kept his guard up during the phone call that he had just received.

    <i>-Our new hero seems to be aggravated, hm? If I turn him down, he will begin to work with the UK, and if I do as he wants, the results will be quite something. What do you think?</i>

    ¡°You¡¯re making aplicated issue out of a simple matter. All China had to do was set Lanok free, but they are worsening the problem by staying silent instead. We¡¯re not the aggravated ones here. That¡¯s China, Vasili.¡±

    Ludwig lifted his mug and sipped some of his coffee.

    <i>-China seemed to be trying to pressure the South Korean government into backing down.</i>

    Ludwig quickly put his mug back down and frowned.

    ¡°Vasili, don¡¯t you already know what kind of person Kang Chan is and what Lanok means to him? If I were in China¡¯s shoes, I would have quickly returned Lanok, apologized to Kang Chan and the South Korean government, and made reparations.¡±

    <i>-That would likely be the best way out, yes.?</i>

    ¡°China has alreadyunched three terrorist attacks in South Korea. If it were you, you would have already sought retribution, would you have not? The South Korea we used to know and the South Korea now is different. The synergy between Moon Jae-hyun and Kang Chan is fantastic. Anyone who treats them like they treated South Korea in the past wille to regret it just like how China and the United States are regretting it right now.¡±

    With a deep sigh from Vasili, the call ended.

    ***

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    Kang Chan lifted the receiver.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan, the United States and China contacted me. They are asking me to mediate the situation. What would you like me to say?</i>

    It was Ludwig.

    ¡°My conditions are simple, Ludwig. For Ambassador Lanok¡¯s safe return and for them to take responsibility for this incident through definite reparations.¡±

    <i>-Understood.?</i>

    As he set the phone down, he saw Anne and Raphael¡¯s lips tremble nervously.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    <i>-It¡¯s Vasili. I understand China, but why is the United States acting like they¡¯re freaking out?</i>

    ¡°Vasili, I¡¯m sure you know what it is that I want.¡±

    <i>-Sometime in the future, when you look back to this way, you will painstakingly regret it and get shivers down your back.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll worry about thatter, Vasili. Perhaps after I get everything I want,¡± Kang Chan said, unbothered.

    <i>-You made a scene with your first appearance too. Seems like you¡¯ve got a talent for making people focus and pay attention to you. I¡¯ll contact you again.?</i>

    Kang Chan set the receiver down and looked at Seok Kang-Ho. All that was left to do now was wait.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    The direct line began to ring again.

    <i>Damn it!?</i>

    Could these windbags not get enough chattering? The operation had barely started. Why did they have to call about so much?

    Kang Chan lifted the receiver to his ear.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    <i>-Is this the God of ckfield?</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t recognize the voice.

 Chapter 156.1: That Would Be Wise (1)

    <h4>Chapter 156.1: That Would Be Wise (1)</h4>

    ¡°Go ahead. Speak,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    A chuckle came over the phone. It sounded more like a scoff, though.

    <i>-You waste no time with formalities. You¡¯re just as curt as I heard.</i>

    This had to be the person currently holding Lanok hostage or someone who had the power to get Lanok back safely. Hisx, unhurried tone made it clear he was definitely either one of the two.

    <i>-You should be careful when you speak to me.?</i>

    <i>Pft!</i>

    Kang Chan snorted, then mmed the receiver down with a loud bang.

    <i>Motherfucker! He¡¯s the one who called because he¡¯s in a rush. Does he really think he can y it nice and cool?</i>

    Kang Chan had not given up on Lanok. However, in the spur of the moment, he concluded that he couldn¡¯t let the man confidently take the upper hand just because the man had Lanok in his grasp.

    Seok Kang-Ho, who was looking bored because he couldn¡¯t understand what was being said, was now carefully observing Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    When the phone rang again, everyone¡¯s gazes shifted to Kang Chan and the line on Lanok¡¯s desk.

    Kang Chan made his trademark smirk as he picked up the receiver.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    <i>-If you hang up on my calls like that again¡ª</i>

    <i>This son of a bitch still hasn¡¯t learned his lesson, has he?</i>

    Kang Chan swiftly ended the call again. As he bit on another cigarette, Raphael quickly held up a lighter for him.

    Across from Kang Chan, he noticed Anne¡¯s hands trembling vehemently, understandably so. After all, everyone in the room knew that the calls that they were receiving right now were directly rted to Lanok¡¯s safety. Even Xavier was looking at Kang Chan with a pale face.

    However, Kang Chan¡¯s expression clearly showed what he was thinking. ¡®<i>What the hell are you going to do about it</i>?¡¯

    His eyes had one clear message as well: find Lanok first and think about other thingster.

    ***

    The man gritted his teeth as he put down the phone. There were four desks in the vast room that he was in, and Lanok was sitting on the opposite sofa from him.

    He stared daggers at Lanok as the corners of his lips began to twitch out of a mix of anger and frustration. Not long after, the phone started to ring.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    Letting out a deep sigh, the man picked it up.

    ¡°Wei!¡± he answered.

    <i>-Sou Ke, it¡¯s Vasili.?</i>

    With his head hanging low, Huh Geuk¡¯s expression crumpled. He seem as if he was having a hard time trying to keep his temper under control.

    <i>-You have already lost. If you keep ignoring my warnings and still attempt to open the entrance to the nuclear silo, just know that I¡¯m not above cooperating with the United States and Britain to administer revenge. You only have an hour left before our special forces arrive now. You better finish your negotiations with the God of ckfield before you run out of time. This is myst warning, Sou Ke. If you don¡¯t listen, you¡¯ll know just how heavy my words are.?</i>

    Huh Geuk¡¯s face reddened as he let go of the lower lip he had kept bitten.

    ¡°The God of ckfield won¡¯t answer my calls,¡± he said.

    A moment of silence crossed the line before Vasili began to snicker at him.

    <i>-Ah, you must have unnecessarily put up an arrogant front. Huhuhu. Hahahaha.?</i>

    Huh Geuk red at Lanok, not having anyone else to direct his anger to.

    Lanok just looked calm and collected. He was leaning back on the chair with his legs crossed as if he was aware of everything that was going on.

    <i>-I¡¯ll mediate for you just this once. And if I may give you a piece of advice, don¡¯t mess with that man.?</i>

    ¡°Hmm!¡±

    <i>-And if you haven¡¯t already, you better make sure Lanok isn¡¯t ufortable. I hope in your best interests that there isn¡¯t even a single stray scratch on Lanok. If he does, China will have to pay an astronomical price as a consequence of this incident.?</i>

    ¡°Hey! Is there something about that guy that I¡¯m missing? What¡¯s his deal?¡±

    <i>-Ha. You dared touch Lanok when you don¡¯t even know who he is? Now that the God of ckfield has expressed his intent to protect Lanok, we¡¯re left with no other choice but to guarantee nothing happens to him. Because of that, the other countries¡¯ intelligence agencies can rx a little.?</i>

    Huh Geuk furrowed his brows, not understanding what Vasili was saying.

    <i>-From here on out, The God of ckfield¡¯s first suspect will always be China if ever Lanok¡¯s life is in danger again. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s just because of a traffic ident or some other reason.?</i>

    Huh Geuk sighed and sat against one of the desks.

    <i>-I¡¯m only helping you this one time. I¡¯ll call God of ckfield and speak to him, so call him again in ten minutes. Apologize, and don¡¯t state any conditions for returning Lanok. You better not waste my arbitration.</i>

    Huh Geuk hung up and let out another sigh.

    ¡°Can I have some tea, if it¡¯s fine with you?¡± Lanok asked, looking directly into Huh Geuk¡¯s eyes.

    Huh Geuk had lost. This was pretty much already a lost bottle. It was a futile and humiliating one too, becauseing out of it, China had just essentially donated their vested rights in the world of intelligence to Lanok.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Huh Geuk replied. He gestured and gave a look to an agent, who quickly brought over a porcin tea set and filled Lanok a cup. ¡°Lanok, it seems there has been a misunderstanding.¡±

    Lanok nodded as he lifted his teacup.

    ¡°Apologies and reparations to the South Korean and French government, as well as to any other country who mobilized soldiers,¡± Lanok stated his requests unfazed.

    Huh Geuk agreed in a tone that sounded like he was sighing.

    ¡°And isn¡¯t it about time for you to call?¡± Lanok asked calmly.

    Lanok set down his cup with a click, and Huh Geuk red at the phone at Lanok¡¯s question. Huh Geuk was now cornered and would only be able to make onest move.

    Would he retreat from here or attack again?

    ***

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    <i>-It¡¯s Vasili.?</i>

    Everyone in the office swallowed nervously when Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>-What are you so angry about? Sou Ke will call you again. It won¡¯t be the end of the world to answer the phone nicely for once, you know, especially with Lanok waiting for you.</i>

    Kang Chan stopped himself from asking the question that was threatening to spill out from the tip of his tongue.

    <i>-I see you still refuse to ask about Lanok¡¯s well-being. I understand you¡¯re brewing with anger, but it seems that some people have been injured, so why don¡¯t you stop here? At this rate, it¡¯s only going to be our nation¡¯s innocent men who are sacrificed all because they¡¯re geographically close to China.?</i>

    ¡°All right,¡± Kang Chan answered in acknowledgment.

    The call ended with Vasili¡¯s strangeughter. Just as the silence in the room palpably sank to the floor, the direct line began to bellow again.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    Kang Chan extended his arm to pick it up. Xavier anxiously watched on.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    <i>-It¡¯s Sou Ke, God of ckfield.?</i>

    ¡°Where are you?¡± Kang Chan cut to the chase.

    The man seemed to have been taken aback by how abrupt it was, considering he didn¡¯t say anything in reply.

    ¡°Tell me where the ambassador is,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    Anne covered her mouth with a hand, and Raphael¡¯s fists trembled slightly.

    A quiet sigh came from across the phone.

    <i>-Come to the Chinese embassy. But you have toe alone.?</i>

    ¡°That¡¯s up to me to decide,¡± Kang Chan stated standoffishly.

    <i>Click.</i>

    After hanging up, Kang Chan immediately got out of his seat and turned to look at a French agent.

    ¡°Move Xavier where you see fit, but make sure to keep a close eye on him,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± the agent replied.

    ¡°This is absurd,¡± Xavier grumbled loudly as two agents grabbed hold of both of his arms and took him out of the office.

    ¡°I will be heading to the Chinese embassy now. Seok Kang-Ho and I will head inside. Choi Jong-Il, you¡¯ll stand by right outside,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il responded.

    Anne looked between Kang Chan, Raphael, and Choi Jong-Il, not understanding their Korean. As Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s group left the office, Kang Chan turned to Anne.

    ¡°It seems the ambassador is being held in the Chinese embassy,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Tears immediately began to fall from Anne¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Thank you. Thank you, Channy!¡± she eximed.

    ¡°It¡¯s all going to be okay,¡± Kang Chan assured her as she ran into his arms and hugged him. He patted her back in response, then turned back around.

    ¡°Raphael,¡± he said.

    ¡°Yes, Monsieur Kang,¡± Raphael replied.

    ¡°If there are any more calls asking for me, give them my number,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    ¡°As youmand, Monsieur Kang,¡± Raphael replied.

    Kang Chan hung the gun that was on the table at his waist. Before walking out the door, he nced back, finding Anne wiping her tears and Raphael respectfully bowing at him.

    ***

    Choi Jong-Il knew the location of the Chinese embassy, so Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho simply followed him. As they hit the road, Kang Chan called someone on his phone.

    <i>-Mr. Kang Chan! It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.?</i>

    The tone and urgency with which Kim Hyung-Jung answered the phone showed just how nervous he was.

    ¡°Mr. Kim, please send two units of the special forces to the Chinese embassy,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    <i>-What? Pardon?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll be arriving there in around twenty minutes. It¡¯s where Ambassador Lanok is, Mr. Kim. We will win this battle whether we deploy special forces units or not. However, I also n to use this opportunity to disy our country¡¯s strength.¡±

    <i>-I understand, Mr. Kang Chan! I¡¯ll call you as soon as I¡¯m done arranging this.</i>

    When the call dropped, Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Those motherfuckers! Seems like they didn¡¯t learn their lesson even after getting wrecked in Paju, huh?¡± Seok Kang-Ho said jokingly.

    <i>Nope! They definitely didn¡¯t.?</i>

    Kang Chan simply nodded in agreement.

 Chapter 156.2: That Would Be Wise (1)

    <h4>Chapter 156.2: That Would Be Wise (1)</h4>

    ¡°Mr. President, please!¡± the assistant director of the NIS pleaded with a pale expression.

    They were currently connected on a call, so Kim Hyung-Jung also heard the assistant director¡¯s plea.

    ¡°Mr. Kim, are you absolutely certain that he said this battle will end in our victory?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    <i>- I am, Mr. President! I heard him say those words loud and clear.</i>

    ¡°To confirm, he also told you that he wants to disy just how powerful South Korea truly is?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked again.

    <i>-Yes, that is correct, Mr. President!</i>

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned his head and looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun, who had been silent all this time.

    ¡°Mr. President, we¡¯re already on a running tiger. There¡¯s no stopping now,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun spoke up for the first time. Moon Jae-Hyun smiled back wryly.

    ¡°Mr. Kim, do we have men to mobilize right now?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    <i>-The 606 is on standby in Songpa, sir.</i>

    ¡°I see. Give them the order, then,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun directed with a slightly resigned tone.

    <i>-Thank you, Mr. President!</i>

    As soon as the call ended, Moon Jae-Hyun turned away from the conference mic and leaned back to rest in his chair.

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed deeply, then asked the assistant director, ¡°Do you think this is reckless?¡±

    ¡°Mr. President, our country cannot survive antagonizing both the United States and China. They have such a powerful influence that if the U.S. raises their interest rates by just two percent, over ten countries in Latin America and Africa will inevitably suffer. If they raise the interest rates by three percent, then even we will find it impossible to keep our heads above the water,¡± the assistant director said in an attempt to change Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s mind.

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded at him and sighed deeply.

    ¡°We have to cooperate with at least either China or the United States, but we have turned our backs on both countries at the same time instead. Mr. President! We are in hostile rtions with all the countries that surround us. If Russia, France, and Germany turn away from us as well¡­¡± the assistant director trailed off after seeing Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s expression. He calmed his turbulent emotions down.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. President,¡± he said, then quieted down. Everyone here was already aware of the dire possibilities that he was talking about. There was no need to say them out loud.

    ¡°He¡¯s just a high school student, huh?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said as he looked at every face in the room. ¡°Well, you¡¯re right. As hard as it may be to believe, Mr. Kang Chan is certainly still in his senior year of high school.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun quietly sighed in response, then looked down.

    ¡°However, that high school student gave South Korea the opportunity to be connected to the Eurasian Rail. He also disyed diplomatic excellence by providing assistance in getting the announcement for the railway system held in our country,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun continued. ¡°It doesn¡¯t stop there. He also rescued me and the founder of the Eurasian Rail when a terrorist attack hit the conference hall where its announcement event was being held, safely brought back our agents from Mongolia, and, during the operation in France, helped our special forces make their greatest aplishment in the entire history of the unit¡¯s existence.¡±

    He paused halfway through to pick up the cigarette that was in front of him.

    ¡°We have always lost talents like him to the United States or China or nipped them in the bud with our own hands because other countries would not just sit still and allow such talent to grow in our nation. As the assistant director said, our people will have to suffer if we want to protect such a man with potential. I cannot imagine the costs that they will have to pay.¡±

    <i>Click.?</i>

    The smoke of his cigarette spun up to the ceiling fan, then was blown out of the room.

    ¡°If we lose Mr. Kang Chan, this man youbel simply a high schooler, we will also lose the Unicorn project. We have no influence or connections in that matter. We have put an extremely heavy burden on that young student¡¯s shoulders, men. I, the prime minister, the director of the NIS, and even General Choi Seong-Geon have forced that child to carry that back-breaking load.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun inhaled once, then extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray in front of him.

    ¡°If we lose Mr. Kang Chan, I have no idea if we¡¯ll ever be able to find a genius like him ever again. That young man is putting himself through all kinds of hardships just toplete the task we have left in his hands. As the president, for as long as he is still moving forward, I refuse to surrender and yield just because of an immediate threat. We can no longer turn a blind eye to China¡¯s acts of terror and the United States¡¯ thefts that they so tantly execute within our country. I will put my life on the line for him. I believe this is the best thing I can do during my regime.¡±

    The expressions of all the people at the conference stiffened. However, the tension they felt now was different from the one they felt before.

    ***

    As soon as they reached the Chinese embassy, Kang Chan stepped out of the car and turned toward Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°As soon as the 606 arrive, order them to wait on standby at the front,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    ¡°There are too many watchful eyes here, sir. I will have them wait inside the cars,¡± Choi Jong-Il politely suggested.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il. This is a battle against China. Don¡¯t be timid or worry about what others will think. The special forces will fight as they rightfully should,¡± Kang Chan stated firmly.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    As soon as Kang Chan was done giving orders, an employee of the embassy¡ªsomeone who seemed to be an agent¡ªapproached him.

    ¡°Pleasee with me, sir.¡± The agent unexpectedly spoke in Korean. The agent gave Seok Kang-Ho, who was following after Kang Chan, a second look, but he didn¡¯t stop him from heading inside. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho followed the employee past the entrance of the first floor and down a hallway to the left.

    <i>Beep.</i>

    The agent pressed a button, and a pair of heavy iron doors opened as a blue light turned on. Inside it was another set of doors.

    Suddenly, Kang Chan¡¯s heart loudly thumped.

    Before Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were just doors. Normal entrances. And they were standing in a space that was about three meters in size.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan¡¯s heart was warning him to get out of this ce. Thick cement walls, and a three-meter space that seemed pointless?

    Kang Chan quickly turned to Seok Kang-Ho and signaled at the doors that they had just entered. Seok Kang-Ho dashed forward to grab the door and put his foot in the doorway so they wouldn¡¯t close.

    ¡°Call Choi Jong-Il over,¡± Kang Chan firmly ordered.

    The embassy employee looked sharply at Kang Chan. Unfortunately for him, Kang Chan had never been the type to avoid such a re.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make things unnecessarilyplicated and just open the doors,¡± Kang Chan spokemandingly toward the employee.

    <i>Beep.</i>

    In the end, the employee opened the doors with a stiff expression. As he did, Seok Kang-Ho walked over to Kang Chan. Choi Jong-Il was now standing guard at the first set of doors.

    The employee had evident hesitation on his face.

    Kang Chan glowered at the agent.

    <i>Choose. Make your decision. Whatever it is, I¡¯m ready for it.?</i>

    The corner of the employee¡¯s mouth twitched as he guided them further in.

    Kang Chan swiftly nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>¡®Have the 606 positioned in this location.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Got it, Cap.¡¯</i>

    Others would have wondered how theymunicated. However, Kang Chan¡¯s sharp eyes and a wide grin from Seok Kang-Ho, who had deliciously gulped down his nervousness, were enough for them to read each other.

    As they walked past the open doors, they were met with another.

    Just how careful could these bastards be?

    <i>Beep.?</i>

    The third set of doors opened. Kang Chan grinned as soon as he walked inside, having found Lanok leisurely sitting on a sofa with a cup of tea in front of him.

    <i>¡®Are you all right, sir?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®We should get out of here as soon as we can.¡¯</i>

    As they exchanged a series of looks with each other, someone suddenly spoke up.

    ¡°Are you the God of ckfield?¡±

    ¡°I believe I am free to escort Ambassador Lanok out of this ce now,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Behind the sofa, over ten Chinese agents were on standby, perfectly prepared to attack at any given moment.

    ¡°Is it because you¡¯re a teenager that you¡¯re immature?¡± the man asked, making Kang Chan face him.

    ¡°It would be in your best interest to choose your next words carefully,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    The look in the man¡¯s eyes was as menacing as Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be taking the ambassador out of here first. If you have anything to say, then do it some other time and somewhere else,¡± Kang Chan announced.

    They could hear people shuffling outside.

    ¡°Did you bring soldiers inside the embassy?¡± the man asked.

    ¡°The 606,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Are you aware of how unbelievable your actions are? You just tossed your soldiers into Chinese territory, young man,¡± the man said with a scoff.

    ¡°And you think it¡¯s any better to kidnap a French ambassador inside South Koreannd?¡± Kang Chan snarked back.

    The man sighed, seemingly trying to relieve some stress. He then turned to Lanok.

    ¡°Lanok, I hope everything moving forward proceeds smoothly,¡± the Chinese man said.

    Lanok nodded briefly and stood up from his seat. Afterward, he said, ¡°Suo Ke, what about my agents?¡±

    ¡°Just let me know which hospital to send them to, and I¡¯ll have them rushed over,¡± Suo Ke replied.

    Lanok walked over to Kang Chan and stood next to him. When Kang Chan turned around to leave, the employee who guided him into the room opened the doors.

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    Soldiers of the 606 waited for them right outside, their rifles aimed in the air and their faces perfectly covered with bandanas and helmets.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know South Korea was this powerful,¡± the man said in a sarcastic tone.

    Kang Chan nced back at his disrespectful manner of speaking, but Lanok called out to him before he could do or say anything.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok said.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what the world of intelligence was like yet. Letting Lanok take care of the rest, he walked out of the room.

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    Witnessing the 606 soldiers covering them gave Kang Chan a sense of pride and protection.

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly started the engine of his car, and Choi Jong-Il gavemands to the soldiers. Stepping outside of the embassy¡¯s lobby, Lanok took in a deep breath and faced Kang Chan.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang,¡± Lanok started.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the embassy first, sir. Anne is very worried about you,¡± Kang Chan said, sounding quite concerned.

    ¡°Ah, that would be wise. From this moment forward, I will show you exactly how I wrap up incidents like these,¡± Lanok said. He smiled from ear to ear, making it seem as if he was wearing a mask that hid his true expression.

 Chapter 157.1: That Would Be Wise (2)

    <h4>Chapter 157.1: That Would Be Wise (2)</h4>

    It was already one in the afternoon when they left the Chinese embassy. Kang Chan briefly told Lanok everything that had happened that day. Once he was done, Lanok took out his phone and called Vasili.

    ¡°Vasili, it¡¯s Lanok.¡±

    Lanok faintly smiled at Kang Chan as he spoke into his phone a few times.

    ¡°Yes, please withdraw the troops. I¡¯ll contact youter,¡± Lanok said, then finally hung up. Not long after, he called another number.

    ¡°It¡¯s Lanok. Order every unit that has been deployed to return to base. Please pass on my gratitude to Ludwig as well, and tell him that I¡¯ll contact him by tomorrow. Onest thing¡­¡± Lanok paused and quickly looked at Kang Chan. ¡°Contact South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service and send an official application for the STB. Report to me once it has been approved.¡±

    Lanok hung up. He then turned his head and briefly looked at Choi Jong-Il¡¯s car and the van that the members of the 606 were in. ¡°The STB refers to the system that allows my country¡¯s DGSE to share all information and guarantees the mutual security of the Intelligence Service¡¯s agents.¡±

    Kang Chan simply nodded.

    ¡°<i>Hahaha</i>!¡± Lanok burst out withughter, his expression seemingly saying he found Kang Chan¡¯s reaction funny.

    The sly snake had beenughing too often these days.

    ¡°That means South Korea will get joint rights to use the satellites that my country¡¯s DGSE manages,¡± Lanok exined. ¡°China has been applying nonstop for the STB to the DGSE for the past five years, and Japan has been doing the same thing for the past ten years.¡± ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan thought getting ess to the STB was great and all, but it couldn¡¯t seem to sink in right now.

    ¡°Did you reallye to every decision you made this morning by yourself?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Yes. I didn¡¯t exactly have anyone I could have asked for help.¡±

    Lanok smiled as he pursed his lips. ¡°Was it also you who deployed South Korea¡¯s special forces at the Chinese embassy?¡±

    ¡°I only managed to do that because I got the National Intelligence Service¡¯s approval.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Lanok nodded.

    Not long after, Seok Kang-Ho parked at the French embassy¡¯s parking lot.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Agents swiftly exited the building and surrounded the car.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, do you have time to have tea with me?¡± Lanok asked.

    That was a given.

    As Kang Chan got out of the car, he noticed that Choi Jong-Il and the two vans that the members of the 606 used were parked in the parking lot as well.

    ¡°Wait here, Choi Jong-Il. You should deploy the members of the 606 somewhere inconspicuous,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Lanok silently waited for Kang Chan as he was giving orders. Afterward, they went up to the embassy.

    The embassy was full of agents. Some stood in front of them, and two others walked behind them. They walked down the hallway on the second floor and opened the door to the office.

    ¡°Papa!¡± Even though she was limping, Anne quickly ran over and went into Lanok¡¯s arms. Lanok stroked her head, then kissed it.

    ¡°Anne, you¡¯ll be able to rest easy under any circumstances now, won¡¯t you?¡± Lanok asked.

    Anne nodded toward Lanok, then looked at Kang Chan. ¡°Channy!¡±

    Kang Chan stroked Anne¡¯s back when she went into his arms.

    ¡°Raphael, I would like to enjoy some tea and cigars with Monsieur Kang,¡± Lanok requested.

    ¡°As you wish, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°Right! Raphael.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador?¡± Raphael quickly looked at Lanok just before he couldpletely turn around.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been through a lot today. You did well.¡±

    ¡°All of this was possible thanks to Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Lanok nodded, and Raphael quickly left the room.

    Lanok sat down at the table and took out a cigar from a case. At the same time, Kang Chan bit on a cigarette.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    It only felt real now for Kang Chan that he had rescued Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I would like to request that South Korea lighten the weight of the requests that they were going to ask Russia to fulfill as a courtesy for Vasili¡¯s contribution to solving this incident. In return, I will make sure Francepensates South Korea for anything that they¡¯ll becking as a result,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Your safe return is already more than enough for me. I still haven¡¯t done anything for you for connecting South Korea to the Eurasian Rail anyway,¡± Kang Chan said. As he was talking, Raphael brought over a teapot and poured them a cup of tea each.

    Anne and Seok Kang-Ho sat in different seats at the back, drinking tea in what seemed like an awkward atmosphere.

    ¡°Nevertheless, you should still ept your well-earnedpensation, Mr. Kang Chan. To that end, I hope that you can join me in a meeting with Suo Ke as soon as an appointment is made,¡± Lanok said.

    ***

    Kang Chan¡¯s conversation with Lanoksted for about an hour. Once it was over, he returned the weapons and entrusted Xavier to Lanok before leaving the embassy.

    It was around 2:30 pm.

    Only half of the day had passed, but Kang Chan had such a long morning that he felt as if a week had gone by.

    As per the embassy¡¯s request, the members of the 606 stood guard all over the building. Hence, only Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party left the embassy.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°Sure. Everyone is probably already hungry. We should call Mr. Kim as well, shouldn¡¯t we?¡± Kang Chan held up his phone and dialed Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s number.

    - Mr. Kang Chan! It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.

    His greeting got increasingly faster, making it seem as if he was stating his official rank and name.

    ¡°We have just left the French embassy.¡±

    - What do you n to do now?

    ¡°We all skipped lunch, so I was thinking of going somewhere to eat.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s exhaustedugh carried over the call.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t had lunch yet either, have you?¡±

    - Everyone ranked deputy manager and above in the National Intelligence Service couldn¡¯t eat with everything that was happening.

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯sughter this time sounded as if he found the situation funny.

    - Where are you going for lunch? I¡¯ll head over.

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°Where do you want to eat?¡±

    ¡°Well, if he¡¯s joining, then why don¡¯t we eat at the barbeque restaurant right in front of the office in Samseong-dong?¡±

    Kang Chan told Kim Hyung-Jung about Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s suggestion.

    - Ah! I know that ce. I¡¯ll head on over right now.

    ¡°We¡¯re still thirty minutes away from the restaurant, Mr. Manager.¡±

    - Ah, Is that so? I¡¯ll just wait until you¡¯re a little closer, then.

    Kang Chan hung up, then lowered the window about halfway.

    ¡°I was bored to death all morning. You seemed to be having one intense phone call after another, but I couldn¡¯t understand anything you were saying so I couldn¡¯t even y along. Should I just learn French?¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t talk about anything special.¡± Kang Chan draped his arm on the window as cold winds brushed past his face and his arm.

    Autumn was just right around the corner, and there wasn¡¯t that much traffic.

    They reached their destination at around three in the afternoon. By the time they got there, Kim Hyung-Jung was already inside¡ªand he was the only customer.

    ¡°I told you to wait for us to get here before you leave the office,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat at Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s table, and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party sat at the table next to them. Kang Chan wanted to eat a simple lunch, but Seok Kang-Ho suddenly ordered ten servings of galbi, leaving him with no other choice but to eat meat again.

    They also ordered a few bottles of beer. Everyone filled up their sses with it except for Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°You went through a lot today, Mr. Manager. You all did as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Wow!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed,plimenting the side dishes he was eating.

    ¡°France¡¯s DGSE has applied for the STB,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told them.

    ¡°Ah, I already know about that. I was in the car with Lanok when he ordered someone to do that.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know why Kim Hyung-Jung suddenly sighed.

    ¡°We¡¯re actually acting with extreme caution right now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°Will it be difficult to clean up today¡¯s incidents?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The President has been making all the necessary calls to handle that. That being said, it wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say that you have just done something impossible. Going toe-to-toe against China and the United States is bound to have heavy consequences.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, who had been pouring him more beer, suddenly nced at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°That¡¯s all you¡¯re drinking today. Keep in mind that you¡¯re driving,¡± Kang Chan reminded Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    To Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho drinking and driving seemed like a bigger problem than China and the United States.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, did Ambassador Lanok say anything else?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Well, he said that we should bepensated for our help and that he hopes we will make a fewpromises with what we¡¯re going to be requesting from Russia. They helped out in this incident as well, after all. In return, he said France will be making it up to us for whatever we¡¯ll becking as a result.¡±

    ¡°<i>Haa</i>!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung sighed once more. As he did, the meat they ordered was served.

    Eating whenever they could was for the best.

    Seok Kang-Ho ate in silence. While Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party ate a lot, Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung only ate moderately.

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>! I feel good,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    If Kang Chan ate as voraciously as Seok Kang-Ho did, he would¡¯ve died.

    After their meal, Kim Hyung-Jung asked, ¡°Would you like to have some coffee as well?¡±

    Kang Chan had actually been hoping someone would suggest that. Hence, after resting for a bit, they went to the specialty coffee shop in front of Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office. They split into two groups and sat at two tables. Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Hyung-Jung sat together.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, the President basically gambled with this incident,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined as coffee was served. ¡°He may not have gambled when we deployed our special forces team in France. However, if even just one error was made, our troops being inside the Chinese embassy would have been seen as no different as being caughtmitting major wrongdoings in Chinese territory.¡±

    ¡°What should we do?¡±

    ¡°It depends on the situation and the factors at y, but in general, the most important thing to do in situations like this is to establish quick and seamlessmunications. To that end, if by any chance you are faced with a decision to make again, please contact me. It doesn¡¯t matter what time it is.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to keep that in mind.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>. It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to assume that we¡¯ll have difficulties asking for Russia¡¯s oil development rights, then?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but Ambassador Lanok did say that we will have topromise to some degree, so wouldn¡¯t that naturally be the case?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung drank his cup of coffee with a disappointed look on his face, then proceeded to tell Kang Chan about a few other matters until his phone rang. Not long after, he left the specialty coffee shop.

 Chapter 157.2: That Would Be Wise (2)

    <h4>Chapter 157.2: That Would Be Wise (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan really felt as if he could befortable.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>! I¡¯m tired!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    Kang Chan had felt this way over and over again, but it was a hundred times better to have a gunfight than to fight exhausting battles like the one this morning.

    ¡°Should we visit a sauna?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Going to the sauna that they had gone tost time should provide them with plenty of rest.

    ¡°Huh? I only noticed it now, but your eyes have calmed down,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Ha! That¡¯s fascinating. If your heart is pounding, then something happened to your parents or me, and if your eyes are glinting, then something happened to Ambassador Lanok!¡±

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and let¡¯s just go to the sauna already,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up from his seat and headed to the sauna with Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party.

    ¡°One person has to stay in the car,¡± Choi Jong-Il said.

    No matter how hard Kang Chan insisted that they should all go, Choi Jong-Il didn¡¯t budge an inch.

    In the end, Lee Doo-Hee¡ªthe most junior of them all¡ªstayed behind as the others headed to the sauna.

    They soaked in hot water, enjoyed the wet sauna and the massage from a machine, then went into a hot cave andy down.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt as if he wanted toe here with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. Not long after, he began to feel himself sweating away the fatigue.

    However, just as he was about to fall asleep, Seok Kang-Ho asked, ¡°You¡¯re not going to eat dinner?¡±

    Kang Chan ended up feeling fully awake because of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s question.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not going to eat now, then I¡¯ll just go get some eggs with the guys,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    Choi Jong-Il definitely would not want to do that either.

    However, contrary to Kang Chan¡¯s expectations, Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung followed Seok Kang-Ho with a grin on their faces.

    <i>Scary fuckers.</i>

    ***

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You¡¯re home early. Have you had dinner?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already eaten a lot today. What about you, mother?¡±

    ¡°Your dad and I ate together when we got home.¡±

    Kang Chan greeted Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung, changed intofortable clothes, then went back out to the living room.

    ¡°Come quickly¡ªthe drama is starting,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ah! The drama is airing today, huh?¡±

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s getting more and more interesting. Even all my staff over at Kang Yoo Motors find it interesting.¡±

    ¡°My friends like it as well,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented.

    The three sat down and watched TV together.

    Kang Chan felt as if he was learning about happiness.

    ***

    The next day, Kang Chan called Michelle in the morning and met her two hours before noon to check out the building she had been talking about. It had a nice exterior, but since it was newly built, its interior was basically empty aside.

    Kang Chan thought it wasn¡¯t bad overall, especially when considering it was on the side of arge street.

    ¡°How many floors does this building have?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Seventeen in total.¡±

    It was way bigger than he was expecting. However, considering Michelle was the one who selected it, they would likely have a hard time finding a building even better than this.

    ¡°If you decide to buy this building and pay for it within the week, they said that they will change the structure of the elevator and the basement for you. It won¡¯t even go against the regtions since they gave the basement parking lot some extra space, which is quite fortunate for us,¡± Michelle exined.

    ¡°That¡¯s good. How much are they asking for this?¡±

    ¡°About that, since real estate prices have increased a lottely, it will most likely be at least ny-two billion won.¡±

    ¡°Will that be enough to guarantee I¡¯ll get ownership of the building once all construction is finished?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Yes, Channy.¡±

    Kang Chan took his time examining the building.

    ¡°Michelle, I don¡¯t know much about things like this, so I¡¯ll let you decide on what to do. However, I want you to determine if this building can meet all the conditions I have,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>, there are a few buildings that could meet all your conditions if we expand our scope beyond Gangnam. Otherwise, this is the best building that¡¯s avable right now.¡±

    She seemed to be in a predicament, but Michelle clearly already had a clear answer in her mind.

    ¡°I see. Let¡¯s finalize this decision, then. I¡¯m going to call Cecile, so withdraw the payment for this building and pay for it. When can I start using this building?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I heard it¡¯s going to take a little more than a month. Channy, have you really decided to buy this building? That¡¯s really quick.¡±

    ¡°I doubt I¡¯m going to find a better building even if I look into it.¡±

    Michelle seemed dumbfounded, perhaps because Kang Chan reached a decision so easily. Nevertheless, she called someone about the building, then headed to Bangbae-dong with Kang Chan.

    They went to the small French restaurant that they dropped byst time and ordered some food and wine. When the wine was served, they poured themselves a ss.

    ¡°Right, Michelle¡ªthe school that I went to will be holding a festival soon. Even events like that havepetitions now. Anyway, Is there something that we can do for the festival?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°A festival? In high school?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°I would have likely already given you an answer if we were talking about university festivals, but I''m not as familiar with high school festivals, so I¡¯m going to need more details about this, Channy.¡±

    ¡°I heard that there¡¯s apetition among schools about who can hold the best festival. The school next to ours is going crazy since they have a celebritying over. The father of one of their students is a President of an entertainment agency.¡±

    Michelle cocked her head. ¡°Channy, can I meet with the student that¡¯s in charge of the festival?¡±

    ¡°Do you have time for that?¡±

    Michelle smiled softly. ¡°This is for the school that the President is attending, right? You¡¯re the President of the drama productionpany we work for, so we should do a great job on anything you¡¯ve tasked us to do.¡±

    ¡°Kids are participating in the festival, so don¡¯t overdo it.¡±

    Michelle burst outughing as she raised her wine ss. ¡°At times like this, you really seem older than me. How is that even possible?¡±

    <i>nk.</i>

    After having a toast, Michelle had a sip of the wine. She then looked at Kang Chan with a sly look in her eyes.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Is the student that¡¯s preparing the festival the pretty student that I saw at the hospital, by any chance?¡±

    Kang Chan cocked his head. ¡°Heo Eun-Sil? Yeah, that¡¯s right. She¡¯s the girl that the employee from D.I. picked clothes forst time. But you¡¯ve got the wrong idea¡ªthe girl that I like is Kim Mi-Young. You¡¯ll get to meet her soon.¡±

    ¡°Hmm!¡± Michelle sighed deeply. French women often expressed their intentions with such sighs.

    ¡°You hesitated to tell me who you liked in the past, but now you look confident,¡± Michelle added. The appetizer was served not long after.

    ¡°Channy,¡± Michelle called out to him calmly as she picked up a shrimp with her fork. ¡°You two haven¡¯t slept together yet, have you?¡±

    French people were quite profound. How could they eat shrimp while asking that kind of question?

    ¡°You know how it works in France, right? It¡¯s fine with people over there if their significant other has a lover even if they¡¯re married. Some married couples even give their better half allowances that they can use to go out with their lovers,¡± Michelle continued.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do that.¡±

    Michelle smiled as if she found Kang Chan funny.

    Not long after, the main dish was served. Kang Chan changed to a new fork and knife.

    As they ate, they talked about multiple topics, including drama production, reactions to the drama, requests for Eun So-Yeon and the other actors to make an appearance, photo shoots, and requests for the actors to appear inmercials.

    ¡°About the school festival¡­ Introduce me to that female student,¡± Michelle said, changing the topic again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know her number, so I¡¯ll give her your number.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Channy. Should we go somewhere else?¡± Michelle nodded toward the small bar at the back. It had picturesque umbres in the yard.

    Kang Chan went to the bar with Michelle. He ordered coffee, then smoked a cigarette.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave the whole matter about the building to you. If possible, it would be best to allocate a space for D.I. over there as well, after we decide the space that it needs in the building¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I see no reason to keep paying rent if we can move to a building that you own. We still have a month anyway. I¡¯ll make sure D.I. is ready to move out and transfer to your building by then. There¡¯s a lot of demand for the building that D.I. is in right now, so it should be easy to terminate the lease.¡±

    Kang Chan just stayed silent, not knowing what else to say to that. He sat back against the chair and looked up at the sky, which seemedpletely different from the one he saw in Switzend even though they were part of the same sky.

    ¡°What on earth have gotten you so deep in thought?¡± Michelle asked.

    Kang Chan smirked while looking at the sky. ¡°I just thought that I want to get stronger.¡±

    ¡°How much stronger?¡±

    Michelle¡¯s question made Kang Chan sigh, but it did need to be answered.

    ¡°I want to be strong enough to protect those that I find precious and achieve everything that I want,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°What do you want?¡±

    <i>Do I have to reach an answer to that as well?</i>

    Kang Chan stared at Michelle. It felt as if the sky was the one asking him that question.

 Chapter 158.1: Iéˆ¥æª“ Going to Get Stronger (1)

    <h4>Chapter 158.1: I¡¯m Going to Get Stronger (1)</h4>

    After his morning workout with Choi Jong-Il, Kang Chan had breakfast as usual, then walked out to see Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook off.

    ¡°Feeling better?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I think so.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung took a good look at Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, thenughed softly. ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    ¡°See youter, Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°Drive safe!¡±

    After seeing his parents off, Kang Chan sat on the sofa and watched the news for a moment. He couldn¡¯t help butugh because he suddenly felt as if he was doing something useless¡ªhalf of the things that he had gone throughtely did not even get reported on the news and even those that did had been heavily altered.

    Kang Chan turned off the TV, then stared past the living room window.

    This was his break. He should spend days like this at home, especially since he hadn¡¯t done this in a while¡­

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    <i>Damn it! Go figure!?</i>

    His phone rang as if the sky was teaching him to live diligently. Kang Chan stood up and went into his room. When he looked at his phone, Lanok¡¯s name was on the screen.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, it¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, did I disturb your break?

    <i>Is this gentleman watching me or something?</i>

    Kang Chan knew that Lanok couldn¡¯t see him, but he instinctively looked around his room anyway.

    - I¡¯m nning to meet Suo Ke tomorrow at two in the afternoon at the Namsan Hotel. Does that work for you?

    ¡°It does. Should I head straight to the hotel?¡±

    - Yes.

    Kang Chan hung up.

    He was bound to meet Suo Ke anyway. After all, he was the main perpetrator behind the terror attack in Paju, the raid at the golf course and the presentation hall, and the military intelligence exchange with Huh Ha-Soo.

    After talking to Lanok, Kang Chan called Cecile and told her that he would be acquiring a building soon.

    - The branch manager will be the one handling this since that requires arge amount of money. You can use the funds whenever you want, though, so I¡¯ll talk to Michelle and visit you with the withdrawal slip on the day you need it. You¡¯re incredible, Channy. You¡¯re now the owner of a building worth more than a hundred billion won.

    ¡°It just happened somehow. Anyway, please do your best to avoid messing up my schedule.¡±

    - Don¡¯t worry. There is no way your schedule would get messed up. You¡¯re the best VIP in our branch, after all.

    After the call, Kang Chan looked for Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s number.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    However, his phone rang right before Kang Chan could press the call button. Seok Kang-Ho seemed fucking bored as well.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - What are you doing?

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and let¡¯s get some coffee.¡±

    - <i>Phuhuhu</i>,e out quickly.

    As usual, Kang Chan put on a suit with a shirt, then left his house. He met Seok Kang-Ho in front of the apartment and headed to Misari together.

    They arrived a little after ten in the morning.

    The employee had just finished setting up the tables when he greeted the two, seemingly happy to see them. A momentter, he brought over the coffee that they ordered.

    ¡°Autumn is here,¡± Seok Kang-Homented. He sounded as if he wasmenting it because he found it disappointing that he couldn¡¯t eat it.

    ¡°I decided which building to buy yesterday. We can move in a month after we pay the initial and intermediate payments,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s great!¡±

    ¡°I also decided that a floor of the basement parking lot will be just for us, like manager Kim¡¯s building. I also told the constructionpany to make sure we can use the elevator right away. I¡¯ll see how it goes first, but if everything goes ording to n, let¡¯s build a gym and a few rooms. We can renovate it as much as we want anyway.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked satisfied. ¡°What¡¯s the square footage of thend?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sighed loudly. ¡°You¡¯re nning on buying the building without even knowing the square footage of thend and the building? How much is it?¡±

    ¡°Michelle said it¡¯s ny-two billion won.¡±

    ¡°How many floors is it?¡±

    ¡°Seventeen floors.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>! That¡¯s an extremelyrge building.¡±

    Feeling as if Seok Kang-Ho would keep asking questions, Kang Chan quickly changed the topic. ¡°Remember Suo Ke, the guy that you saw at the Chinese embassy? I¡¯m going to meet that fucker tomorrow with Ambassador Lanok.¡±

    ¡°Just the two of you? Is that alright?¡±

    ¡°The agents from the embassy will be apanying us as well, and we¡¯re meeting at the Namsan Hotel anyway. What could go wrong?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho pouted like a catfish and cocked his head. ¡°When I saw Suo Ke, he looked like he would have done things differently if you weren¡¯t holding the door. I¡¯ll be on standby with Jong-Il on the first floor of the hotel.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho would be bored anyway, so Kang Chan just nodded and told him when the meeting would be held. After talking about various matters and killing some time, they had lunch.

    They decided to have another cup of coffee after lunch. However, around the same time, Kang Chan received a call.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung. Can I see you for a moment?

    ¡°I¡¯m at Misari with Seok Kang-Ho. Should we head to your office?¡±

    - I would appreciate that.

    ¡°We¡¯re on our way.¡±

    Kang Chan headed to Samseong-dong with Seok Kang-Ho, who was happy because he now had something to do.

    They parked the car close to the entrance of the parking lot and went up the building. When they arrived, Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door for them himself. Even though he couldn¡¯t get even a day¡¯s worth of a proper rest, he at least looked to be in much better condition than before.

    ¡°Have you had lunch?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I had jjamppong.¡±

    Disappointed, Seok Kang-Ho sat at the table. Kim Hyung-Jung brought over tea for them.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, have you decided to meet Ambassador Lanok, by any chance?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Yes. He said that I should go with him tomorrow at two o¡¯clock in the afternoon to meet a person named Suo Ke?¡±

    ¡°We call him Huh Geuk in Korean. He¡¯s third in line in China¡¯s Intelligence Bureau.¡±

    Kang Chan lifted the tea cup. While he was ruminating about the name ¡®Huh Geuk,¡¯ Kim Hyung-Jung continued, ¡°To our shame, the National Intelligence Service did not notice that Huh Geuk had entered South Korea.¡±

    Kang Chan took a sip of the tea while looking at Kim Hyung-Jung. He knew Kim Hyung-Jung was just about to get to his main point.

    ¡°The National intelligence Service thinks China is going to take a dualistic stance with Ambassador Lanok and the South Korean government.¡±

    ¡°A dualistic stance?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. He will surrender to Ambassador Lanok and agree to his demands. However, he will likely also take deadly measures against South Korea''s economy.¡±

    What Kim Hyung-Jung was saying was somewhat suffocating and difficult for Kang Chan to understand, so he picked up a cigarette and bit on it. If there was one thing fascinating about cigarettes, it was that those next to someone smoking always ended up smoking as well. Hence, when Kang Chan started smoking, the other two lit up their own cigarettes as well.

    ¡°Is Huh Geuk in a position to make that decision?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s in a position that directly reports to the President of China. He is more than capable of exerting his influence.¡±

    Kang Chan felt bitter.

    No wonder Huh Geuk made a fuss when he the 606.

    ¡°So things got out of hand because I asked you to send over the 606?¡± Kang Chan wondered.

    ¡°Not exactly. Even if you didn¡¯t, China has been disgraced anyway when Huh Geuk was found secretly staying in South Korea. However, because we¡¯re weak¡­¡± Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s face twitched. ¡°Anyway, we also ignored the United States¡¯ attempts to intervene in this matter. If China and the United States work together and ce economic sanctions, then South Korea might find it difficult to endure until the Eurasian Rail has been established.¡±

    <i>Basically, we¡¯re in this situation because I hit the kid from the rich family that South Korea is supposed to work for due to financial problems. Now that things havee to this, should I just kill Huh Geuk??</i>

    Kang Chan firmly pressed the cigarette against an ashtray to extinguish it. ¡°Mr. Manager, is there anything I can do to help?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan, unable to bring himself to say anything.

    ¡°Do I have to apologize to Huh Geuk or something?¡± Kang Chan prodded on.

    Kim Hyung-Jung sighed deeply. After a while, he confessed, ¡°The higher-ups has told me to ask you to improve your rtionship with Huh Geuk during your meeting with him and Ambassador Lanok.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t quite understand what was happening.

    When the special forces team headed to France, the higher-ups even came to Osan and kicked up a fuss. They also approved Kang Chan¡¯s request to dispatch the 606 to the Chinese embassy. Taking those into consideration, why were they asking Kang Chan to improve his rtionship with Huh Geuk now? Kang Chan was not trying to form a rtionship with a woman here. Otherwise, this could have been easier. Why would he need to improve his rtionship with a man? Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anything to say to Huh Geuk except for, ¡®I¡¯m sorry about what happened the other day. Lighten up.¡¯

    ¡°Will this end if I apologize?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They will be negotiating along the lines of the Prime Minister¡¯s resignation. Only the Director and the Prime Minister know about what I¡¯m telling you right now. If we tell the President, then he will do everything in his power to stop this from happening.¡±

    <i>What did he just say?</i>

    ¡°The President believes that you¡¯re talented enough to make South Korea shine. For that reason, he wants us to protect you, keep you within South Korea¡¯s arms, and prevent you from ever crumbling down. He also said that we should help you develop your talents even if we are put under heavy foreign pressure,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but cock his head to what Kim Hyung-Jung just said.

    This would ultimately end if he apologized, so what was this all about? Who was out to break him, and who was trying to take him away from South Korea? He wasn¡¯t a flower to be passed onto someone else.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked straight at Kang Chan, who appeared to be perplexed.

    ¡°Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo has told us that if you don¡¯t apologize, he will either rece the Director of the National Intelligence Service or submit a motion of impeachment against the President to the National Assembly.¡±

    ¡°Can he really do that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If China ces economic sanctions, and if the United States delivers a sudden rise in interest rates and withdraws the US armed forces in South Korea¡­ then the motion to impeach the President will push through.¡±

    Extremely dumbfounded, Kang Chanughed hard enough for his head move back and forth.

 Chapter 158.2: Iéˆ¥æª“ Going to Get Stronger (1)

    <h4>Chapter 158.2: I¡¯m Going to Get Stronger (1)</h4>

    The Chinese hade into someone else¡¯s country and shot people as they wished,unched missiles, and kidnapped the ambassador of France. Now, Huh Ha-Soo was even threatening to file a motion to impeach the President because Kang Chan had put a stop to their attempt to kidnap Lanok.

    ¡°What would happen if the Director is reced?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°If the Director of the National Intelligence Service gets reced, then we will no longer be able to protect you like we''ve been doing until now. You can get naturalized in France, at the very least. If that doesn¡¯t work either, then¡­¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    Everything he was hearing right now was absurd. However, he could not help but believe everyst one of them since they came from the manager of the national Intelligence Service himself.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, I¡¯m asking this because i genuinely have no idea what¡¯s happening, but is my apology really as important as the impeachment of the President or the recement of the Director of the National intelligence Service?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They are probably trying to use the value that you hold in the world of intelligence to their advantage. They want to show everyone that even though you suppressed Russia and are working with France, South Korea still cannot fight back against China. Your apology will also allow Huh Ha-Soo to recover and save face. Above all else, it will help China treat South Korea¡¯s Chairman of the National Assembly as their subordinate.¡±

    ¡°What if I kill Huh Geuk and Huh Ha-Soo?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! You shouldn¡¯t do that.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung looked as if he was sincerely trying to stop him. If Kang Chan was to kill Huh Geuk and Huh Ha-Soo, South Korea would inevitably suffer as they witnessed China actually kicking up a fuss.

    ¡°The world of the Intelligence Bureau and the world of politics is certainly different. Those two are like night and day. Moreover, even if Huh Ha-Soo dies, the second and third Huh Ha-Soo is going to appear again. A lot of people still want to take that route, after all.¡±

    Kang Chan pursed his lips, not knowing what to say next.

    Goodness! If a high schooler apologized, then this entire situation would end with the Prime Minister resigning. On the other hand, if the high schooler held his ground and refused to apologize, then it would result to either the Director of the National Intelligence Service getting reced or the President getting impeached.

    ¡°Can I discuss this with Ambassador Lanok?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°China will pretend to obey Lanok since they can take action any time they want. Moreover, the United States will no doubt join hands with China to deal with this matter.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything else you would like to tell me?¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I am terribly sorry, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan only nodded in response.

    ¡°The Director wanted toe here in person,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. ¡°But I told him to not do that.¡±

    <i>Well, it¡¯s not like changing the person telling me about this would also change the situation we¡¯re in right now.?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Unable to say anything else, Kim Hyung-Jung headed to the door and sent off Kang Chan. He felt bitter.

    ¡°Are you going straight home?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t stay here. Let¡¯s go to the specialty coffee shop at the intersection.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-ho got in the car and drove to the coffee shop.

    ¡°God! Your apology alone can change the oue of this situation. Seems like you have already be an extremely important person,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect that Seok Kang-Ho would reach that conclusion just from hearing about the situation. He was so surprised that he could not evene up with a response.

    ¡°Those fuckers are funny! They kicked up a fuss in someone else¡¯s country and now they¡¯re trying to make you apologize by making even more threats and taking economic measures!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed. He now looked like a proper human being.

    ¡°That son of a bitch Huh Ha-Soo is acting like a fucking traitor!¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    ¡°Let¡¯s be real. That fucker isn¡¯t just acting like a traitor. He <i>is</i> a traitor.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡±

    No matter how important or huge the problem Kang Chan was facing, he couldn¡¯t help but feel as if it was no big deal whenever he was with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°That being said, what do you n to do?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m honestly not sure yet.¡±

    ¡°Why is the United States even kicking up a fuss?¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan answered, ¡°They¡¯re probably angry because of that fucker Xavier. I did beat him up, after all. Moreover, he¡¯s now being held hostage in the French embassy.¡±

    ¡°Dickheads! <i>Jeez</i>, those sons of bitches!¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore as his gaze turned into a re. ¡°Captain! You should just head to France and kill all the fuckers who nned this!¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°Calm down. We have never fought in this type of battle before, but there has got to be a way to get out of this. Have you forgotten that we have only ever fought in battles that we¡¯re certain we were going to win?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    <i>Jeez, you simple-minded fucker!</i>

    They talked a little more about the situation at hand. Kang Chan was looking out the window when they arrived at their destination.

    As Seok Kang-Ho went to the counter to order, Kang Chan sat at the terrace.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan thought that if he discussed this with Lanok, they were bound to find a way to get out of this mess. However, the problem was that China would be surrendering to Lanok and ept all their demands during the meeting but then immediately turn around and put economic sanctions against South Korea in motion.

    Lanok had clearly said that Kang Chan would be receiving an apology andpensation. However, from what Kim Hyung-Jung had told him, that would only happen if South Korea was powerful enough to receive such rewards. If so, then why did Lanok tell him about the STB and pretend to be doing him a favor? Moreover, what did Lanok want South Korea to yield to Russia?

    Kang Chan was frowning when Seok Kang-Ho approached him while carrying two cups of lemon tea.

    ¡°Why did you order those?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We already had coffee anyway. It¡¯s always best to have something sweet when you¡¯re feeling like shit.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, then had a sip of the lemon tea.

    It was fucking sour and sweet.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chan took out a cigarette and bit on it.

    Should Kang Chan kill Huh Geuk and Huh Ha-Soo? Thinking about actually doing it made him feel relieved. However, if he did proceed with it, the things that Kim Hyung-Jung was worried about would all turn into reality. China would deliver economic sanctions, and Huh Sang-Soo, Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s younger brother, would take action. Moreover, Kang Chan would also bebeled as a murderer.

    Kang Chan hated Huh Ha-Soo¡ªwho sucked up to others¡ªmore than he hated Huh Geuk. Now that he thought about it, thought, those two fuckers had the samest name.

    Kang Chan cocked his head.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Huh Geuk and Huh Ha-Soo have the samest name. There was definitely one more bastard who irritated me and also shared theirst name.¡±

    ¡°I only know about Heo Eun-Sil.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho with a frown. He was about to remember who the fucker was, but the name escaped him again when Seok Kang-Ho suddenly brought up Heo Eun-Sil of all people.

    ¡°There was definitely another fucker with thatst name. <i>Tsk</i>! Who was that bastard again?¡± Kang Chan asked himself.

    ¡°Is it really that important to know who it was?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, making Kang Chan realize that remembering the name now really wasn¡¯t that necessary.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡± Kang Chan felt frustrated.

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t have feltfortable asking Kang Chan to do something so despicable. Go Gun-Woo, who had decided to resign to protect Moon Jae-Hyun and Kang Chan, and Hwang Ki-Hyun, who had to order something like this to be done, likely felt the same way as well.

    This was funny. The people who were actually trying their best to bring development to the country were forced to swallow their anger because China was oppressing them. Meanwhile, the guy who helped execute a terrorist attack and sold off South Korea¡¯s military secrets remained free and shameless!

    <i>A fucker that represented the national assembly, huh¡­?</i>

    ¡°Ah!¡± Kang Chan suddenly raised his head. ¡°I remember now! It was Huh Chang-Sun! He was the airport division chief of the National Intelligence Service!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stared at Kang Chan. His expression was clearly asking him, ¡°What about him, though?¡±

    <i>Does that name really have no value in this conversation?</i>

    ¡°That fucker was a cocky bastard, but I got him in deep trouble. For some reason, I feel like Huh Chang-Sun is on the same side as Huh Ha-Soo or Huh Sang-Soo,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Even if that¡¯s the case, what power would the airport division chief even have in this situation?¡±

    ¡°Right?¡± Kang Chan briefly nodded in response to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s logical reasoning.

    <i>What should I do?</i>

    While Kang Chan was feeling quite helpless, Michelle called him and asked for Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s number. Kang Chan called Cha So-Yeon because it was just about time for the eleventh-graders¡¯ sses to end.

    - Sunbae-nim?

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me, So-Yeon. How have you been?¡±

    - I¡¯m doing good. What about you, sunbae-nim? How can I help you?

    Women had a tendency to ask multiple questions all at once. Kang Chan could be perceived as weird if he were to answer them in order, but at the same time, answering just one would make him look stupid.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to ask this, but I would like to give you someone¡¯s number. I want you to pass it on to Heo Eun-Sil and tell him to call the number so she can discuss things about the school festival.¡±

    - You¡¯re going to be helping with the festival, Sunbae-nim?

    ¡°Yes¡ªMi-Young asked me to help.¡±

    - Wow!

    That exmation came out of nowhere.

    After talking for a just a brief period longer with Cha So-Yeon, Kang Chan hung up. He then texted Michelle¡¯s number to Cha So-Yeon.

    He had just taken care of something that was not relevant to the pressing matter at hand.

 Chapter 159.1: Iéˆ¥æª“ Going to Get Stronger (2)

    <h4>Chapter 159.1: I¡¯m Going to Get Stronger (2)</h4>

    After putting his phone back down, Kang Chan watched cars and people pass by.

    It would be cowardly to back down just because one didn¡¯t have any immediate influence or strength. Doing that would be no different from giving in to the bullies at school.

    Did they think including Lanok in the discussions would be like bringing school teachers to the meeting? It was as if they were scared that Huh Geuk would apologize in front of the adults but start putting up his fists once the teachers weren¡¯t around anymore.

    Kang Chan was well aware of Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s responsibilities and Go Gun-Woo¡¯s sacrifice. However, Kang Chan also had his own judgment on the matter.

    They wanted South Korea to fucking apologize? And they were threatening to impose economic sanctions and change South Korea¡¯s president if they didn¡¯t get what they wanted?

    Suo Ke frantically called Kang Chan when Germany, France, and Russia deployed their respective special forces teams to China. Now, however, he was acting up after cutting deals like the wimp that he was. How could Kang Chan apologize to that kind of bastard?

    <i>¡®I¡¯m doing this my way.¡¯</i>

    He felt the same way when he first went to school and met Lee Ho-Jun. The guy did not even say sorry to the teacher who tried to stop him, so what could apologizing even do in that scenario?

    Steeling his resolve, Kang Chan took in a deep breath. Just then¡ª

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    His phone began to ring.

    ¡°It¡¯s Smithen,¡± he informed Seok Kang-Ho when thetter nced at him. He then answered the call. ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Captain, why don¡¯t we have dinner today, sweetie?

    Kang Chan had no particr dinner appointment today, but things were already hectic enough. He didn¡¯t have time to have dinner with¡­

    - I specially made time for you today, dear.

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    -Why, I¡¯m in front of Hongdae, of course.

    Fuck that. Kang Chan was going to teach Smithen how to talk today.

    After asking Seok Kang-Ho if he was joining them, Kang Chan discussed with Smithen where they were going to meet.

    Meanwhile, Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t utter a word about what was happening tomorrow. He acted as if he would support Kang Chan no matter what his decision was. It was one of the things Kang Chan liked about him.

    ***

    ¡°I think the pressure has gotten to them, sir,¡± a man said.

    Huh Ha-Soo nodded in agreement as he carefully swept back the few strands of what remained of his hair.

    ¡°Everyone has their rightful ranks, as history shows. I have no idea what exactly they were trying to do by going against China and the United States, though.¡± Huh Ha-Soo clicked his tongue. ¡°Although they seemed to have given up on it now, we can never let our guard down. Quite a few punks were captivated by and swore their loyalty to Moon Jae-Hyun,¡± Huh Ha-Soo warned disgustedly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve taken all the necessary precautions, sir,¡± the man reassured him.

    ¡°I spent my whole life serving this country. I can¡¯t believe I would see South Korea fall in danger all because some young bastard pushed the nation around. Letting that kid run rampant is starting to ruin our country. They even murdered an individual as precious as Yang Jin-Woo in cold blood just because of a tiny w! This is absolutely ridiculous,¡± Huh Ha-Soo eximed with derision.

    ¡°It must be because they believe the Eurasian Rail is the solution to all these problems,¡± the man mused.

    ¡°<i>Hmph</i>, that has to be it. Those inexperienced idiots will fail to build the Eurasian Rail in Korea. They left out all the wise, seasoned veterans, so what else were they expecting? You¡¯ve seen that child before, haven¡¯t you? What did you think of him?¡± Huh Ha-Soo asked.

    Heo Chang-Seon, the man in the room with Huh Ha-Soo, scowled before he even said anything.

    ¡°He definitely had an extraordinary look in his eyes, but he was just a kid. He was apprehensive that I would meet Lanok or the man who came from Russia.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the type that tries to take credit for everything, then?¡± Huh Ha-Soo asked.

    ¡°Well, we really cannot expect any better from an immature child, can we?¡± Heo Chang-Seon replied with confidence.

    Huh Ha-Soo nodded in agreement, thenmandingly said, ¡°This will be ourst chance, then. We have toy low and take over the National Intelligence Service before they know what hit them.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir, but¡­¡± Heo Chang-Seon hesitantly trailed off. ¡°Who were you thinking of putting in the seat of the director?¡±

    ¡°<i>Haha</i>, would you not feel better knowing that it¡¯s family in that position?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, sir.¡± While still in his seat, Heo Chang-Seon bowed down with his entire upper body with his hands resting on his knees.

    ¡°I cannot help but wonder how that young kid will react when he apologizes but the director of the NIS still gets reced. Anyway, there may be something we missed or don¡¯t know, so never put your guard down. We also have to hurry and find out how a high school student was able to be so close with someone as significant as Lanok so quickly. For all his impudence, it would do us good to learn some of his tricks.¡±

    Heo Chang-Seon just briefly nodded in response.

    ¡°If we can rece the director with one of our people, we¡¯ll be able to check the young man¡¯s records. Lanok will also have no choice but to cooperate with us for the Eurasian Rail. We should prepare something to give him as a gift when that timees,¡± Huh Ha-Soo said as he stroked his nonexistent hair back out of habit. ¡°Where did that kid evene from? Moon Jae-Hyun didn¡¯t seem to have raised him either. Just who is he really?!¡±

    Huh Ha-Soo shook his head from side to side, annoyance clearly evident in his expression.

    ¡°I will be taking my leave for now, sir,¡± Heo Chang-Seon politely stated.

    ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s the day the announcement will be made. Stay on your toes and don¡¯t miss the moment the contingency actions are released. Make sure to thoroughly prepare your men as well,¡± Huh Ha-Soomanded.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about a thing, sir,¡± Heo Chang-Seon said, having gotten up from his seat. He bowed and left the room.

    ***

    Kang Chan took time out of his chaotic schedule to have dinner with Smithen because it had been a while since theyst ate together. He remembered Seok Kang-Ho saying that Smithen probably felt lonely too, so Kang Chan went all the way to Hongdae when he learned Smithen was finally free.

    However, not long after they arrived, Kang Chan found himself taking deep breaths in an attempt to suppress his anger. He understood that the people who came to this ce to learn Korean had different cultures and traditions. However, he couldn¡¯t understand why Smithen brought four people with him¡ªall of them women¡ªto their dinner ns.

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>! That idiot!¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just hurry up and eat, then leave,¡± Kang Chan said in an effort to calm himself down. They walked into the restaurant that Smithen rmended¡ªa fusion ce that served Korean food Italian-style.

    ¡°Let me introduce you, sweetie! This is¡­¡±

    Smithen proceeded to introduce all four of them to Kang Chan, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t really interested. He had no reason to remember them either, so he justzily nodded. He would save Smithen some face, but that was it.

    It urred to Kang Chan that Smithen probably wouldn¡¯t have much joy in his life if he couldn¡¯t enjoy these asions. The poor guy had lost his eye and strength, so he deserved to be cut some ck. Since Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were already here and Smithen had brought these girls along, Kang Chan thought they might as well let Smithen have some fun being the big man.

    It was partly Kang Chan¡¯s fault for expecting too much from someone who didn¡¯t think too deeply anyway, so he decided to just eat and leave right after.

    ¡°What should we order?¡± Smithen asked.

    ¡°Order whatever you want. Dinner¡¯s on me,¡± Kang Chan replied in resignation.

    Smithen and the four women pped with delight.

    <i>¡®Whatever. You just keep enjoying the rest of your life.¡¯</i>

    They ordered some wine and a couple of dishes on the menu. As everyone was poured a ss, their food were served.

    With Smithen at the center of the conversation, the four women chattered in somewhat awkward Korean. The atmosphere was ufortable, but the food itself wasn¡¯t that bad. The dinner ended with Kang Chan still perplexed about why Smithen had asked him toe here.

    ¡°Daye and I have something to do, Smithen, so we¡¯ll get going first. You all take your time finishing your food. I¡¯ll pay on the way out,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You were busy? Then you should have said so, goodness!¡± Smithen eximed.

    Kang Chan pushed down his anger and forced a smile out instead.

    <i>Remember, this punk has never been the bright type.</i>

    It didn¡¯t matter. Kang Chan wanted to see Smithen anyway. After all, nobody knew what could happen once he attacked Suo Ke.

    ¡°Captain, there¡¯s actually someone I wanted to introduce to you today. That person will being by soon. Do you really not have time?¡± Smithen asked.

    ¡°Smithen, this is it for today,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    ¡°I see. I understand, sweetie,¡± Smithen replied.

    The women carefully observed Kang Chan and Smithen¡¯s expressions. After saying their goodbyes, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho left the restaurant.

    ¡°That bastard is the same as ever. Jeez,¡± Seok Kang-Hoined.

    ¡°Well, he¡¯s always been that way,¡± Kang Chan reasoned.

    They normally would have had coffee together before parting ways, but they were worn out even though all they did was have dinner.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be parked in front of theplex tomorrow before one. Let¡¯s go together. I¡¯ll be sitting in the apartment lobby with Jong-Il,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan responded, his fatigue evident in his voice.

    Traffic was heavy because everyone was leaving work, so it took about an hour to reach Kang Chan¡¯s home.

    ¡°You should rest. Don¡¯t think too hard about it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said out of worry.

    Kang Chan stepped out of the car and thumped the car roof in response.

    There was nothing to think hard about. He had already made up his mind, after all. The question was how he would sort out the consequences, but that was something that he should worry about once he had executed his n. Why worry beforehand?

    Upon entering his apartment, Kang Chan washed up and spent some time in the living room. He went to bed early. Fortunately, he did not receive any other calls for the rest of the day. However, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s phone was ringing nonstop.

 Chapter 159.2: Iéˆ¥æª“ Going to Get Stronger (2)

    <h4>Chapter 159.2: I¡¯m Going to Get Stronger (2)</h4>

    After his morning workout and having breakfast, Kang Chan saw his parents off. Left alone in the living room, he felt as if time was flying by extremely fast.

    ¡°Today¡¯s going to be good!¡± he eximed.

    Kang Chan was bursting with so much energy that he wondered why he had been so lethargic yesterday. He could not help but wonder what to do until the clock struck one, though. He didn¡¯t have anything to do on the inte, and there was nothing fun on the TV or the news.

    <i>When in doubt, call Seok Kang-Ho.?</i>

    They had just enough time to have tea and lunch and then leave for Namsan Hotel together.

    Kang Chan headed toward his room to get his phone, when it suddenly began to ring.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    He chuckled at the sound.

    <i>He must have been bored too.?</i>

    However, when he looked at the screen, he found Lanok¡¯s name instead.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    -Mr. Kang Chan, do you have time for a chat?

    ¡°Of course. What is it?¡±

    -My work ended early today, and there¡¯s someone I want to introduce to you. Would you like to have lunch with me?

    ¡°Sounds good. Where should I go?¡±

    -The embassy is fine. I want to eat my food safely.

    <i>Did this guy really just crack a joke?</i>

    -Do you think you can head over right now?

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m on my way.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up and got changed. As he left his apartment, he called Seok Kang-Ho and told him to head straight to the hotel. Not long after, a taxi rolled to a stop in front of him.

    He still didn¡¯t get any call from Kim Hyung-Jung. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what Kim Hyung-Jung was thinking, but he was probably feeling pretty conflicted right now. If so, then the moment Kim Hyung-Jung heard of the oue, he would likely pass out from shock.

    The roads were usually empty around the time he left, so it didn¡¯t take long for him to get to the embassy. Raphael bowed to him gracefully, and Lanok approached Kang Chan in greeting.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok began.

    An Asian man that Kang Chan had never seen before stood up to look at him.

    ¡°Let me introduce you both. Mr. Kang Chan, this is Mr. Yang Fan. Mr. Yang Fan, this is the Kang Chan that I¡¯ve been dying for you to meet,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Yang Fan. Nice to meet you,¡± Yang Fan greeted.

    ¡°Kang Chan. Likewise,¡± Kang Chan said back.

    The man¡¯s French was conversational¡ªnot the best, but not too bad. He looked to be in his mid tote thirties, and his unreadable eyes and sharp cheeks stood out to Kang Chan.

    On Lanok¡¯s offer, Kang Chan took a seat at the table.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Yang Fan is associated with the Chinese intelligence agency,¡± Lanok exined as he poured some tea. ¡°Now, shall we take care of business before we get started with lunch?¡±

    Lanok pulled out a cigar from a case and offered the two men cigarettes. Yang Fan motioned for Kang Chan to take one first and began to speak as he extended his hand to take his own.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware that Suo Ke threatened the South Korean government.¡±

    Kang Chan abruptly stopped halfway into lighting up his cigarette and looked sharply at Yang Fan.

    ¡°Thanks to Ambassador Lanok¡¯s understanding, fortunately, we were able to stop Suo Ke from making another mistake. This is a personal curiosity of mine, but what did you intend to do the moment you meet Suo Ke today, Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Yang Fan asked.

    It seemed Lanok and Yang Fan were both aware of what Huh Geuk requested. If so, Kang Chan didn¡¯t have to hide anything.

    ¡°I was going to kill him.¡±

    Lanok showed a mask-like smile the moment he heard Kang Chan¡¯s response. Meanwhile, Yang Fan subtly shook his head.

    ¡°Well, then. We will take care of Suo Ke as <i>you</i> wish, Ambassador Lanok.¡±

    Were they trying to make a fool of him? What were they talking about?

    Lanok quickly started to exin the situation after seeing the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Yang Fan and I discussed how Suo Ke proceeded with the operation and pressured the South Korean government with no prior approval, ignoring the purpose of why intelligence agencies exist. From now on, Yang Fan will be the one dealing with reparations andpensations, and Suo Ke will be subjected to what you originally wished to do to him.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he had been hit in the face with a truck. Although he did not spend much time worrying yesterday, he had still struggled toe to a conclusion. Now, however, it seemed it was all for naught. He had just been sowing in the sand. There was certainly a reason why snakes were scary.

    A part of him also thought that even the South Korean intelligence agency probably still had notpletely grasped this snake¡¯s full capabilities.

    ¡°The Chinese intelligence agency has decided to ept Ambassador Lanok¡¯s mediation in this matter, Mr. Kang Chan. If something displeases you, please contact the ambassador, or you can simply contact me directly. You can speak to me in Korean when it¡¯s just us,¡± Yang Fan said.

    ¡°You know how to speak Korean?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise.

    ¡°I also know my name is Yang Bum when pronounced in Korean.¡±

    Lanok tried his hand at pronouncing the name but soon shook his head, giving up.

    ¡°Well, why don¡¯t we have lunch now?¡± he suggested next.

    Kang Chan and Yang Bum had no reason to refuse, so they stood up and headed to the cafeteria.

    As they ate, they just spoke about mundane topics. Just like when Kang Chan met with Ludwig and Vant in Loriam, they talked about normal things like recent movies and family.

    Yang Fan treated them both casually, but he seemed to be a bit ufortable around Lanok. He didn¡¯t try to hide it, though.

    There was a mysterious element to this world of politics. People solved issues by having tea from across each other, eating meals together, or through calls. Just like the dark underground world inhabited by the mafia and gangsters, these people controlled everything from behind the curtains. It was extremely rare for them to be known or appear in news articles.

    The lunchsted for about two hours. Afterward, they each had a ss of wine. Yang Bum seemed greatly satisfied with his lunch with Lanok.

    The employees hurried to put the dishes aside and prepare coffee and ashtrays for the three.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, there¡¯s no need for you to go to the hotel yourself. However, if you would like to see Suo Ke¡¯s end yourself, I can take you there,¡± Yang Bum nonchntly suggested. He made it sound like he was simply asking if Kang Chan wanted sugar in his coffee.

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be respectful for me to go out of my way to confirm what the ambassador mediated for me. However, since Suo Ke cowardly tried to threaten South Korea, I¡¯d like another employee to go and be a witness in my stead,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Yang Bum seemed to have expected a different answer.

    ¡°In our country, we have a saying that you should also swallow the bowl if you¡¯re going to eat poison. We also say ¡®shan gao, huang di yuan,¡¯ which means if you start something, you should see it to the end! There¡¯s also one that goes along the lines of, ¡®Thew is far, but your fists are closed.¡¯ Anyway, the Chinese intelligence agency wants to establish a good rtionship with you through Ambassador Lanok¡¯s mediation. Please send an employee to the Chinese embassy. You can ask for Yang Fan.¡±

    However, Yang Fan quickly concealed his expression and epted Kang Chan¡¯s wishes.

    It was clear that there was something that Kang Chan didn¡¯t know about, but he couldn¡¯t ask about it now.

    He could probably just discuss it with Lanok in private.

    ¡°Should I send an employee right now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course. The matter has already been decided,¡± Yang Fan replied good-naturedly.

    Kang Chan thanked him and immediately pulled out his phone to make a call.

    <i>-?</i>Mr. Kang Chan. This is Kim Hyung-Jung.

    His voice was quite down in the dumps.

    ¡°Manager Kim, please go to the Chinese embassy right now and ask for a Yang Fan. I¡¯ll exin the rest to you at ater time,¡± Kang Chan politely requested.

    After a brief moment of silence, Kim Hyung-Jung replied, ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll head over there now.¡±

    ¡°Was that an employee of the NIS?¡± Yang Fan asked.

    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s someone I haveplete trust in,¡± Kang Chan replied confidently.

    Yang Fan nodded, then offered a cigarette to Kang Chan.

    <i>Why is this guy going so far?</i>

    It was a nonsensicalparison, but this was like the son of a rich familying to promise that he would kill his own brother. He was even trying to appease Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan epted. They lit their cigarettes at the same time.

    ¡°Now then, Mr. Ambassador, Mr. Kang Chan. I have to get going to greet the visitor. We will make sure everything goes ording to n, so I hope France, China, and South Korea¡¯s rtions can flow smoothly,¡± Yang Fan said as he stood up, putting his barely smoked cigarette into the ashtray.

    They all walked out of the cafeteria together. When Yang Fan left, Kang Chan and Lanok headed up to his office.

    Once they were seated, Lanok smiled in response to Kang Chan¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°You were thinking of killing Suo Ke alone? You¡¯re really quite something, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok said, seemingly amused, as he leaned back in his seat with his legs crossed. ¡°I did expect this from you, however. And I was hoping you would finally be a French citizen with this issue.¡±

    ¡°How did you know Suo Ke secretly pressured the South Korean government?¡± Kang Chan asked, getting straight to the question he had been most curious about.

    ¡°There are a few rules to intelligence agencies. For example, Vasili and I may n to assassinate each other, but we won¡¯t do kidnappings. And once you¡¯ve agreed to an apology andpensation, you shouldn¡¯t pull any other tricks until after the payments have been made.¡±

    Lanok paused to make a displeased frown.

    ¡°That is partly the reason Vasili and Ludwig were so proactive in stopping Suo Ke. Those kinds of men do not change easily. That was why I only asked one condition from the Chinese government,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°Suo Ke.¡±

    Lanok nodded.

    ¡°But even so, aren¡¯t you going too easy on China?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s not every day that you get the opportunity to eliminate a political enemy. And China is now aware of your abilities.¡±

    Kang Chan cocked his head, his gaze remaining on Lanok. He didn¡¯t barge into China with the special forces, and it wasn¡¯t like China would get scared even if he did. So what did that matter?

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, for the time being, I will act as your official guardian. I can¡¯t speak further because I haven¡¯t obtained confirmed intelligence, but everything will be revealed soon. May I proceed as your guardian?¡± Lanok asked with a look that Kang Chan had never seen before. The ambassador¡¯s eyes were filled with trust.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Kang Chan epted.

    The corners of Lanok¡¯s lips curved to a broad grin.

 Chapter 160.1: You Dare Try to Avoid It? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 160.1: You Dare Try to Avoid It? (1)</h4>

    Kim Hyung-Jung exhaled softly right before he entered the Chinese embassy, having firmly made up his mind.

    Even if their country was weak, it didn¡¯t mean that their people were weak as well. Although they rmended that Kang Chan should apologize, as an agent of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service, Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t want to be overpowered in spirit. That was especially the case now since there were people who had decided to protect a talented young man to the point where they were willing to put their positions on the line. Some of those people were the President, the National Intelligence Service Director, and Go Gun-Woo, who even decided to resign as the Prime Minister for Kang Chan¡¯s sake.

    When Kim Hyung-Jung walked into the embassy, a man in a full suit approached Kim Hyung-Jung.

    .

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± the employee spoke fluent Korean, but he had a Chinese ent.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to see Mr. Yang Fan.¡±

    The man stared at Kim Hyung-Jung for a moment, then turned around. ¡°Please follow me.¡±

    The man guided him to the left side of the building and stopped in front of a door. He raised his hand and carefully knocked.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    With a sharp look in his eyes, an agent opened the door and examined Kim Hyung-Jung and the man who guided him.

    ¡°He came here to see President Yang,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s guide said.

    ¡°Pleasee in,¡± the agent said after briefly nodding to the guide. He then stepped aside to let Kim Hyung-Jung in.

    Kim Hyung-Jung had no ns to back down now. He didn¡¯t know why Kang Chan told him to go to the Chinese embassy. Perhaps it was so he could apologize in Kang Chan¡¯s stead. If he could do that, then he wouldn¡¯t mind bowing over and over again.

    However, he would be bowing for his country. He would be following the intentions of the President and the others who wished to protect a very important talent. He would not be bowing just because he was stupid orcking.

    Kim Hyung-Jung softly inhaled, then entered the room. As he did, he remembered the horrible torture that he went through in Mongolia.

    Kim Hyung-Jung wanted to smile like Kang Chan.

    <i>Come at me¡ªI¡¯ll fight all of you as much as you guys want.</i>

    As Kim Hyung-Jung went further inside, he stumbled upon another door that was about three meters in height. People whocked the courage to do this would have already sunk to their knees as they walked through the doors.

    With a grim expression, Kim Hyung-Jung stood in front of the door.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    A man with a pointy face opened the door and greeted Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Did Mr. Kang Chan send you here?¡± the man asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    ¡°Pleasee inside.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t know what was going to happen inside the embassy.

    He might have to give them a humiliating apology, or he could be disgraced. However, if he could do it instead of Kang Chan, then he would not mind at all.

    Kim Hyung-Jung entered the room and immediately noticed a man with a sharp look in his eyes sitting on the sofa. Behind the man were about ten agents standing by, all looking as serious as could be.

    The man on the sofa looked somewhat familiar.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The one who let him in closed the door and held out his hand to him. ¡°I apologize for thete introduction. My name is Yang Bum.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Kim Hyung-Jung.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯d like to introduce Huh Geuk as well, the one on the sofa.¡±

    Only then did Kim Hyung-Jung remember seeing the guy sitting on the sofa in a document that he had checked yesterday. He didn¡¯t recognize Huh Geuk right away because his hairstyle had changed and he wasn¡¯t wearing sses. Moreover, Kim Hyung-Jung initially only gave him a quick nce.

    ¡°Huh Geuk broke his promise to Mr. Kang Chan and made a cowardly demand to the South Korean government. China¡¯s Intelligence Bureau passes on its deepest apologies to the South Korean government and Mr. Kang Chan about this matter. To hold Huh Geuk ountable, he will be¡­¡± Yang Bum trailed off.

    The moment Yang Bum sharply turned his head, one of the agents behind Huh Geuk quickly drew a pistol and pointed it at the back of Huh Geuk¡¯s head.

    <i>Ting!</i>

    Huh Geuk flinched. Blood spurted out from his forehead like water gushing out of a faucet.

    <i>Crash!</i>

    Huh Geuk violently smashed headfirst into the sofa table, then fell to the floor.

    ¡°I apologize if that startled you. Mr. Kang Chan asked me to let you confirm Huh Geuk¡¯s execution. Now, can we take care of his dead body?¡± Yang Bum asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    Right in front of Kim Hyung-Jung, who had looked away to get his emotions under control, two agents skillfully put Huh Geuk in a body bag.

    ¡°Shall we leave? If you¡¯re okay with it, I¡¯d like to treat you to a cup of tea. Do you smoke?¡± Yang Bum asked Kim Hyung-Jung again.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Great. Mr. Kang Chan was quite hard to handle for some reason¡ªhis eyes were so intense.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve met with Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Yang Bum opened the door and guided Kim Hyung-Jung out of the room. Seemingly finding Kim Hyung-Jung funny, Yang Bum smiled as he looked at him. ¡°I had lunch with him. Anyway, I¡¯d like to take this time to discuss a few things with you. It would be best to think of it as China¡¯s present. Our country wants to maintain a friendly rtionship with South Korea, after all.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung and Yang Bum had to go through three doors before they finally got out of the building. As soon as they exited, Kim Hyung-Jook looked up at the sky. It lookedpletely normal to him, which meant he wasn¡¯t just dreaming. He had never felt emotions as deep as the ones he was feeling right now¡ªnot even when he was being rescued in Mongolia. This moment made Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯sment about protecting and nurturing talented people pierce through Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s heart.

    ¡°I heard that Mr. Kang Chan isn¡¯t twenty yet,¡± Yang Bum continued. He stretched out his arm and pointed to the establishment right next to the main building of the embassy. ¡°If he was born in China, he probably would have withered before he even had the chance to bloom. That¡¯s why Imend the judgment of the South Korean government and the National Intelligence Service. After all, they recognized and developed Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s capabilities. Anyway, pleasee this way.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung and Yang-Bum entered the building that Yang Bum pointed to. Inside it was a Chinese-style living room that allowed in a bit of natural lighting. With a gesture from Yang Bum, an employee quickly brought over and put a teapot, teacups, an ashtray, and cigarettes on the table.

    ¡°The present that we prepared is¡­¡± Yang Bum started.

    <i>Should he really be revealing something like this so easily?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t have the power to make decisions,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said once Yang Bum finished.

    Yang Bum gave Kim Hyung-Jung a pleasant smile. ¡°It¡¯s okay. However, we do hope that you can give us an answer soon so we can start taking all the necessary measures in ordance with your decision.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, then immediately stood up from his seat.

    <i>Why did Yang Bum tell me something like this without even asking about my position?</i>

    At the entrance of the embassy, Kim Hyung-Jung shook Yang Bum¡¯s hand. Thetter then sent him off.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan said that he has absolute trust in you. I hope we meet each other often.¡±

    ¡°Likewise.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung let go of the handshake and walked away. Not long after, the car that had been waiting for him stopped in front of him.

    <i>Click!</i>

    ¡°Get me to Naegok-dong as quickly as possible,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung ordered, then quickly took out his phone. He had no idea what was happening, but he was certain of one thing.

    What he just heard was only possible because they had Kang Chan.

    ***

    Huh Ha-Soo ran his fingers through his hair, making it seem as if he was trying to hide his anxiety. He then clenched his fist and looked at his phone. After a while, he sighed softly and wiped his lips. He still hadn¡¯t received the phone call that he had been waiting for.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>.¡±

    Huh Ha-Soo let out another groan.

    He believed in China. He had to believe them. China would never abandon him. Powerful countries didn¡¯t break loyalty easily.

    Huh Ha-Soo sighed once more.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.</i>

    The phone that he had ced on the end table rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - We have received word that Kang Chan held his ground and refused to apologize. They also told us that we should proceed as nned, but they want us to change the schedule a little bit first.

    ¡°The schedule?¡±

    - China said that they willpletely support you this time.

    ¡°<i>Haha, hahaha</i>. And why would they do that?¡±

    - Isn¡¯t that because China recognizes your great capabilities?

    ¡°You¡¯re saying nonsense! We have to be more self-deprecating, especially during times like this. We should never be arrogant when others show consideration toward us. Anyway, what¡¯s happening in South Korea?¡±

    - The Director has sprung into action. The manager of the special forces team seems to have been directly summoned to the Chinese embassy as well, but we haven¡¯t been able to confirm that intel yet.

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>! If so, then it seems China is earnestly setting ns in motion. Alright. Make sure to keep me informed about any further updates. I don¡¯t care if you haven¡¯t confirmed whether they¡¯re reliable intel or not.

    - Understood.

    Huh Ha-Soo hung up. He then loudly inhaled, which was far from how he had been actingtely.

    ***

    ¡°Mr. President, you have to give it your approval,¡± someone said.

    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President!¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun called Moon Jae-Hyun with an unusually strong tone.

    Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung were also in the room with Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    ¡°This is political maniption. They pushed us into a trap that they themselves have set, and they are now ming us for it. Director, how would you deal with the citizens¡¯ pride if the Chairman of the National Assembly¡ªsomeone who represents South Korea¡ªfalls for China¡¯s trap? What would other countries think of us? This simply cannot happen.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun dropped his head at Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s firm response.

    ¡°I agree that this is an opportunity. However, that does not mean we should push Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo into China¡¯s trap. As South Korea¡¯s president, I believe that there¡¯s something more important than staying in power. And I¡¯m certain that things like that are what makes South Korea grow and develop,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun added.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun raised his head, seemingly at a loss for what to do. Looking at Kim Hyung-Jung, he asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Kang Chan right now?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s currently at the Namsan Hotel,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung quickly answered.

    1. Naegok-dong is a neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea

 Chapter 160.2: You Dare Try to Avoid It? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 160.2: You Dare Try to Avoid It? (1)</h4>

    When Kang Chan realized that Seok Kang-Ho was waiting for him, he immediately left the embassy and headed to the hotel. He could¡¯ve told Seok Kang-Ho toe to the embassy instead, but Kang Chan wanted to tell him what transpired today over a cup of tea.

    On his way to the hotel, Kang Chan briefly told Kim Hyung-Jung where he was going, but it seemed Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t have much time to talk.

    Kang Chan went into the lobby and ordered coffee. A few minutester, Joo Chul-Bum approached and greeted him¡ªappearing faster than the hotel could serve Kang Chan his order. After exchanging short greetings with him, Kang Chan sent him back. Seok Kang-Ho arrived soon after, and Kang Chan told him about what happened in the embassy as he drank coffee.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Does that mean they¡¯ve killed Huh Geuk?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be the case? It¡¯s not like they can just say, ¡®We should let him live,¡¯ after I¡¯ve sent Manager Kim over.¡±

    ¡°Ha! Those fuckers are weird.¡±

    ¡°I don''t feel right about this, though. There¡¯s something going on, but I feel like I¡¯m being kept from learning about it. I¡¯m getting the same feeling from Ambassador Lanok appointing himself as my guardian.¡±

    ¡°Well, at least everything worked out, right?¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°As of right now, yes.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel relieved, but it was true that the cause of his worries had at least disappeared.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s not think about this anymore. This oue is a hundred times better than you killing Huh Geuk.¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, then began to look upset. ¡°Did you think that I won¡¯t be able to guess how you¡¯re feeling? The look in your eyes says it all. Why are you acting like this?¡±

    ¡°Is it that obvious?¡±

    ¡°The look in your eyes says, ¡®Congrattions, Huh Geuk died.¡¯¡±

    Both of them burst outughing when Seok Kang-Ho yed innocent. It felt as if they had just quickly brushed past an emergency.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go on a trip,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    <i>Do we even have the time to do that?</i>

    Kang Chan thoroughly considered Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s suggestion.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    While deep in thought, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang as if to say, ¡®How dare you have useless thoughts?¡¯

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung. Do you have time right now?

    ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t have anything special going on.¡±

    - Can you meet me at my office in Samseong-dong, then?

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up and stood up from his seat. He then told Seok Kang-Ho, ¡°We¡¯ve been summoned.¡±

    ¡°This actually feels like we¡¯re going to work.¡±

    ¡°We should get this over with as fast as we can. This is getting old.¡±

    They headed to the parking lot and got in the car. As soon as the engine started, they drove off.

    ¡°Maybe Ambassador Lanok offered to be your guardian because he wants you to make a proper debut in information warfare,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Maybe, but I¡¯m honestly not sure. It only made me vaguely think that I¡¯ll be able to grow stronger. However, since this involves government affairs now, I should probably set more specific and urate goals. I seriously can¡¯t help but feel as if something is happening that we¡¯re not aware of.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded, then pouted.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>! Instead of thinking about this too much, we should just deal with this in our own way. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s Huh Geuk or other bullshit. We can just twist the necks of anyone who bothers us. It¡¯s not like they¡¯re going to surrender even if we tell them to, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>.¡±

    They drove to their destination in a good mood. Not long after, they arrived at Samseong-dong and immediately went up to Kim hyung-Jung¡¯s office.

    Kim Hyung-Jung had a grave expression as he opened the door for them. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho went inside. To their surprise, they found Jeon Dae-Geuk and Hwang Ki-Hyun also sitting in the office.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you again, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    The atmosphere was ufortable.

    Kang Chan greeted them and sat down with them. Afterward, Kim Hyung-Jung brought over big cups filled with drinks.

    ¡°You did really great,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything¡ªAmbassador Lanok and Yang Bum were the ones who decided what to do.¡±

    ¡°No, that was only possible because you were there.¡±

    It was quite tricky to respond to things like this, so Kang Chan remained silent and had a sip of the drink that Kim Hyung-Jung offered him instead.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I actually got another offer from Mr. Yang Bum after I confirmed the death of Huh Geuk at the Chinese embassy,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, his expression still unusually dark. ¡°He told me that China is nning to purge the people who are abusing their powers in their country, which is also why they took care of Huh Geuk. For that reason, they ryed fake information to Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo. They told him that you refused to apologize.¡±

    Even though Jeon Dae-Geuk and Hwang Ki-Hyun were likely already aware of what was being said, they still concentrated on what Kim Hyung-Jung was saying.

    ¡°China¡¯s n is simple. They judged that Huh Ha-Soo is passing over not only South Korea¡¯s military secrets to the United States but China¡¯s secrets as well, so they want to take this opportunity to make a sweeping arrest of Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo and those close to him. At the same time, they will purge the people in their country who had been secretlymunicating with Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    Kang Chan had a hard time understanding what Kim Hyung-Jung was saying. After all, this was far from what entailed nning an operation with a map spread out. Hence, he only listened in silence.

    ¡°Unfortunately, the President has refused the offer,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    Kang Chan smirked, then quickly changed his expression.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk seemed curious about why Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°I can see why the President would refuse. If I were in his shoes, I probably would have also declined the offer. After all, epting it means we¡¯ll be moving exactly ording to China¡¯s wishes.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun exhaled softly. ¡°The reason the President refused is a bit different than yours. Regardless, it brings the same result.¡±

    During times like this, it was best to just wait.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, the National Intelligence Service actually also want to make a sweeping arrest of the people who secretly hoarded South Korea¡¯s military secrets with this opportunity. Even if the NIS didn¡¯t want to, breaking our rtionship with China will have dire consequences, so we were hoping that you could act as a channel for exchanging information with China,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun continued.

    ¡°That¡¯s a bit vague. What exactly do you all want me to do?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t announce that Huh Ha-Soo secretly hoarded military secrets yet because the evidence we have right now is weak. If the opposition insists that we¡¯ve been doing political maniption, then there¡¯s a high chance that the citizens will listen to them. No matter what we say, the people will find it hard to believe that the Chairman of the National Assembly sold off South Korea¡¯s military secrets.¡±

    ¡°So you want me to find evidence?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Not exactly. We simply hope that you¡¯ll execute a purge in China, and give us any evidence you find from it that points toward Huh Ha-Soo.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t find Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s request that hard to do.

    ¡°I¡¯ll discuss this with Ambassador Lanok first. I¡¯ll give you all an answer as soon as possible,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That would be great. We have already told Mr. Yang Bum that the President has refused the offer, though.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun then called out, seemingly having solidified his determination.

    ¡°If we seed in building the Eurasian Rail, the world¡¯s bnce of power will change based on each country¡¯s economic status. It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say that China is already carrying out a change for the next generation. However, they have chosen to reorganize authority rather than eliminate uwfulness and corruption, which is what we¡¯re doing. Anyway, when we were facing a difficult time, you appeared and helped us connect to the Rail. We would like you to help us a bit more so we can keep carrying the hope that you have given us.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan already had his foot in the door anyway. Moreover, he did not just decide to be stronger. Rather, Lanok also told him that he would be his guardian. Hence, Kang Chan thought he should use opportunities like this to learn about matters that he still had no idea about.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be taking my leave now.¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun stood up. Kim Hyung-Jung sent him off.

    ¡°Please sit back down,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If you¡¯re that curious, then you should give me a call! You forgot about me, didn¡¯t you? You¡¯re just wondering how I¡¯m doing now because we¡¯re right in front of each other.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t dislike this gentleman even when heined.

    ¡°The way you talk makes me think you have made a full recovery,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°I was born with the ability to heal quickly.¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk reached out to his cup and took a sip from it. ¡°Choi Seong-Geon often calls me and asks how you¡¯re doing. You¡¯re strangely difficult to talk to. You should give him a call when you have time.¡±

    <i>He wants me to call Choi Seong-Geon to ask how he¡¯s doing?</i>

    Just thinking about it made Kang Chan shake his head.

    Amid their conversation, Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door and went inside.

    ¡°Manager Kim, do we only need evidence for Huh Ha-Soo?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I was wondering if, even while I¡¯m in another country, you can still take care of everything as long as I reveal evidence that shows that Huh Ha-Soo was going to hand over military secrets.¡±

    ¡°We can certainly do that.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan, his expression showing his curiosity about why Kang Chan asked that question.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask because of any particr reason. I was just curious.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re more than capable of doing that if the announcement is made in China, the United States, or Japan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    <i>What would Lanok have done to Xavier?</i>

    Considering how things developed, the trip that Seok Kang-Ho suggested was nowpletely out of the window.

 Chapter 161.1: You Dare Try to Avoid It? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 161.1: You Dare Try to Avoid It? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan called Lanok as soon as he got out of the Samseong-Dong office.

    -Mr. Kang Chan.

    Lanok¡¯s voice sounded heavy and solemn.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, do you have time to meet today?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    -Unfortunately, today is a bit difficult for me. I am not in the office, and I do not know when I¡¯ll be done with my schedule. If you¡¯re in a hurry, we can speak over the phone right now.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that urgent. If you have time tomorrow, then please call me,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    -I will.

    Everyone around him was so busy.

    ¡°Are you meeting the ambassador now, then?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he looked at the traffic signal ahead, not knowing what Kang Chan just said over the phone since he was speaking in French. He looked as if he was getting ready to whip the car around the instant Kang Chan said yes.

    ¡°He said he would call me again tomorrow. He seemed too busy to meet with me at the moment,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°What are you going to do about dinner?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head home early today,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    He didn¡¯t want to eat barbecue again, and he was getting a bit tired of eating out. Kang Chan wanted to head straight home.

    ¡°Seems like I¡¯ll be having a barbeque party with my wife for the first time in a long while,¡± Seok Kang-Ho mused in excitement.

    Kang Chan chuckled disbelievingly at the statement. But since meat didn¡¯t make one sick or gave them unhealthy weight gain, he didn¡¯t make anyment about it.

    They arrived at the apartmentplex at around five in the afternoon. Kang Chan leisurely walked inside his home and changed into something morefortable.

    The past week passed by in a frenzy. He led an operation in France, rescued Lanok from Chinese captivity, and now joined the ongoing task of bringing Huh Ha-Soo to his downfall.

    <i>Buzz.?</i>

    Kang Chan nced at his phone screen when it vibrated.

    [Thanks for helping us out with the school festival.]

    It was a text message from Kim Mi-Young. A smile unknowingly stretched on Kang Chan¡¯s lips.

    <i>Should I give her a call right now?</i>

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    However, his phone began to go off again immediately after. Thinking it was Kim Mi-Young, Kang Chan picked it up and pressed the call button with a confused tilt of his head.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    -Mr. Kang Chan, are you avable to speak over the phone now?

    ¡°Yes, sure. What is it?¡± Kang Chan responded.

    What business could Yoo Hun-Woo have that made him call Kang Chan first? Surely it wasn¡¯t to ask Kang Chan for more of his blood, right?

    -I just got the results of your test. It showed that there are no abnormalities with you.

    ¡°Really? That¡¯s weird,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    It was really strange. This matter was so peculiar that even Lanok had asked if Kang Chan had requested a biopsy. How could there be nothing out of the ordinary with him?

    -Anyway, I called because I thought you might be worried. You should stop by when you get the chance, Mr. Kang Chan. I suppose it¡¯s a good thing that you¡¯re not getting hurt, but I¡¯m sad that our hospital¡¯s profits have fallen so dramatically in your absence.

    Damn, this man was also a snake who couldn¡¯t be beaten with words.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan thought that the United States¡¯ intelligence agency had probably meddled with his biopsy results somehow. The world was a scary ce where every country had certain people that could change biopsy results and even death records if they made up their minds to.

    Either way, the moment all the issues rted to Huh Ha-Soo were solved, Kang Chan¡¯s immediate problems would go away. Huh Ha-Soo was the Chairperson of the National Assembly, so Kang Chan needed proof that the bastard had worked with China to steal South Korean military secrets. The job didn¡¯t seem too daunting, though, since he had Yang Bum and Xavier on his side too.

    <i>¡®Son of a bitch. I bet he¡¯s living the life right now, unaware of everything that¡¯s actually going on.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan leaned back in his seat.

    ***

    In a safe house in Hannam-Dong, Hwang Ki-Hyun sat down across from Huh Ha-Soo.

    ¡°Please switch out the prime minister tomorrow,¡± Huh Ha-Soo briskly requested.

    ¡°I will make sure to inform the president,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun replied.

    ¡°If Prime Minister Go Gun-Woo is still in office and hasn¡¯t resigned by tomorrow, let me make it clear right now that China will certainly take action,¡± Huh Ha-Soo added.

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    Huh Ha-Soo scrunched his lips together, showing Hwang Ki-Hyun a displeased frown.

    ¡°I heard he never did apologize. There¡¯s really nothing to be gained from that aside from buying some time. The prime minister will be switched out regardless, after all. It would be in your best interest to bring that student to the Chinese embassy and make him sincerely apologize.¡±

    ¡°I will make sure to discuss it with him,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun responded.

    ¡°Good to hear. Now then, I have other matters to attend to, so I¡¯ll have to take my leave first,¡± Huh Ha-Soo said coldly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave with you.¡±

    Huh Ha-Soo stood first, but he didn¡¯t extend a hand toward Hwang Ki-Hyun even as they parted ways.

    ***

    It had been a while since Kang Chan had dinner at home. Knowing Kang Chan would be joining them today, Yoo Hye-Sook bought some pork belly on the way home and had a feast of meat for dinner.

    ¡°Make sure you eat a lot, Channy. I haven¡¯t been able to feed you meat these days,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said with concern.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I make sure to eat properly outside,¡± Kang Chan replied reassuringly.

    ¡°Are you sure? Your face has be so gaunt, honey,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook chided.

    ¡°Listen to your mom, kiddo. Don¡¯t just eat kimbap and other simple foods when you¡¯re outside. Have meat every other day when you can,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung urged him.

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll be sure to keep that in mind,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    It didn¡¯t seem like the right asion to tell them that thanks to Seok Kang-Ho, he was having meat every day and was starting to get sick of it. The table was filled with pork belly straight off the grill, lettuce, peri leaves, kimchi, and seasoned bean sprouts that Yoo Hye-Sook frequently served as a side dish. This kind of homemade food was unquestionably superior to eating out.

    After everyone had their fill, Kang Chan prepared some tea while Yoo Hye-Sook washed the dishes.

    ¡°Channy, guess what? I don¡¯t have to go to the office anymore starting next week,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said with a pleased expression as she walked out of the kitchen while drying her hands.

    ¡°Howe?¡± Kang Chan asked curiously.

    ¡°The revenue and expenses are now even, so I only have to go to the office and run things once or twice a month,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied happily.

    ¡°Won¡¯t you be bored if you just stay at home?¡±

    ¡°No, not at all,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook responded lightly with a smile as she nced around the living room. ¡°I haven¡¯t been as attentive to cleaning orundry recently as much as I¡¯d like to be. And there¡¯s no need for me to go all the way to the office when I don¡¯t have anything to do anyway. The other employees will take care of things just fine by themselves.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook was the boss of her foundation anyway, so if that was what she decided, then there was nothing wrong with it. Kang Chan just nodded supportively.

    ¡°How are things going with school, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook suddenly asked.

    ¡°School?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan with expectant eyes.

    ¡°I was just curious about how the special admission process is going. I¡¯m worried that maybe there was a deadline for your application that you might have missed,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said contemtively.

    ¡°Oh, that didn¡¯t ur to me. I¡¯ll look into it tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan replied. To be honest, his education hadn¡¯t crossed his mind one bit. Kang Chan decided to spare some time for it.

    After chatting with his parents about random topics for a while, Kang Chan headed to his room. For the first time in so long, he sat down at his desk and turned hisputer on. He wanted to see how the reviews of the drama were.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    Before his home screen even loaded, his phone began to ring.

    <i>¡®Who could it be?¡¯</i>

    It was a number he didn¡¯t recognize.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    -Mr. Kang Chan. This is Yang Bum.

    Yang Bum had urgency in his tone.

    ¡°Yes, hello. Is there something you want to talk about?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    -The situation has beenpletely overturned in my country, and Huh Ha-Soo is likely aware of what¡¯s happening now as well. I have to get to safety for now. I¡¯m calling you because I couldn¡¯t get in touch with Ambassador Lanok.

    What in the world was Yang Bum talking about?

    -The North Korean special forces team could invade us at any moment, Mr. Kang Chan. I will contact you againter.

    The call abruptly ended.

    The monitor of his screen was now disying the wallpaper, waiting for Kang Chan, who was now frozen with his hand on the mouse.

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t gotten any bad feelings while he had been eating a tasty meal of pork belly and worrying about going to college.

    Yet for some reason, the North Korean special forces were now about tounch an attack? The hell?

    The clock at the corner of his screen showed that it was already twenty-six minutes past nine.

    ***

    Huh Ha-Soo sat across from Huh Sang-Soo and Heo Chang-Seon in the living room of his house in Samcheong-Dong.

    ¡°Measures will be taken right away tomorrow if the prime minister hasn¡¯t been reced. Based on the way they were treating me, it seemed they were not aware of the changes that are taking ce in China,¡± Huh Ha-Soo mused.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been concealing the information to the best of our ability,¡± Heo Chang-Seon replied smartly.

    ¡°If we can rece the head of the National Intelligence Service as well, this battle will be a victory for us. What about our guests? When will they arrive?¡± Huh Ha-Soo asked.

    ¡°Their estimated time of arrival is tomorrow morning, sir,¡± Heo Chang-Seon replied.

    ¡°We¡¯ll already be halfway to sess even if we can only take the prime minister seat. Leave the country tomorrow and make sure they¡¯re well aware of where we stand,¡± Huh Ha-Soomanded his brother.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Huh Sang-Soo replied with a bow as if he was speaking to a superior and not his own family.

    ¡°We aren¡¯t acting out of personal greed. This is for the country. The United States is too far, so it¡¯s time for us to turn to China,¡± Huh Ha-Soo dered.

    ¡°I will keep that in mind, sir,¡± Huh Sang-Soo responded.

    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean you should pay less attention to them and ruffle their feathers. Always be careful,¡± Huh Ha-Soo added.

 Chapter 161.2: You Dare Try to Avoid It? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 161.2: You Dare Try to Avoid It? (2)</h4>

    ¡°Well, well, well, I wonder what significant event has brought you all the way here?¡±Vasili asked, dressed in formal attire as he guided Lanok to the center sofa inside his barracks. ¡°Would you like some Vodka?¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Lanok epted.

    They were currently in a Russian air force base in divostok. Lanok crossed his long legs and sat back on the sofa.

    ¡°Here, your cigar! And the ever important¡­¡± Vasili trailed off as he pushed a box of cigars toward Lanok and poured some vodka into a wine ss. Lanok stretched his hand out for the cigar first.

    <i>Click.?</i>

    <i>¡°Haah!¡±?</i>he exhaled the smoke in the air.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you didn¡¯te here despite the long trip just because Suo Ke died. And I¡¯m certain it isn¡¯t because you missed me, either,¡± Vasili said through his thin lips as he awaited Lanok¡¯s response with amusement.

    ¡°I hope you can hurry along with all thepensation that has to be made, Vasili. Everyone is too intricately knotted up right now. And there is something suspicious about China,¡± Lanok said grimly.

    The friendly look in Vasili¡¯s eyes changed in an instant.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it, Lanok. It¡¯s already tricky enough to handle China as they are right now. You shouldn¡¯t stimte them any further,¡± Vasili warned.

    ¡°Huh Ha-Soo will try to rece the South Korean prime minister. His next goal will obviously be to assassinate the president,¡± Lanok said.

    Vasili let out a low sigh.

    ¡°Everyone knows that China has been wanting to take over South Korea for a long time now. If it wasn¡¯t for the current president getting in the way, China would¡¯ve already legally purchased half of South Korea¡¯snd,¡± Vasili stated, perfectly expressing his displeasure through the corners of his eyes. ¡°Cut to the chase. What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Nuclear weapons,¡± Lanok responded.

    ¡°Stop joking around and tell me what it is you actually want,¡± Vasili ordered firmly.

    ¡°Russia¡¯s oil field development rights for South Korea,¡± Lanok answered truthfully this time.

    Vasili sank the ss of vodka in front of him in one gulp.

    ¡°<i>Hmph</i>. I genuinely wish China would assassinate you,¡± Vasili grumbled.

    Lanok smirked in a way that was simr to Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ¡°I see you have been picking up annoying things that tick me off,¡± Vasili muttered irritatedly again.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because we¡¯re on the same side, but it didn¡¯t seem all that bad to me,¡± Lanok said lightheartedly.

    Vasili stared straight into Lanok¡¯s eyes with a scowl.

    ¡°Leave,¡± he demanded.

    ¡°I will, indeed,¡± Lanok said as he pressed his cigar into the ashtray and stood up.

    ***

    - Mr. Kang Chan, is what you said just now all really true?

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied with certainty even though the question was a pointless one.

    - We didn¡¯t receive any news from China. Are you sure?

    ¡°Manager Kim. I¡¯m telling you exactly as I heard it,¡± Kang Chan stated firmly.

    -All right. I will report this matter to the higher-ups first. I¡¯ll contact you as soon as I receive any updates.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung quickly hung up.

    Just what in the world was going on? China aside, why the hell were the North Korean special forces crossing the border?

    There was only one reason that Kang Chan could think of, and it was probably the same reason the president and the prime minister were both targeted at the event hall. If the prime minister was switched out and Moon Jae-Hyun disappeared too, everything would be at Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s feet.

    But even so, could Huh Ha-Soo really try to eliminate the president that way? There was no announcement for Unicorn that he could take advantage of anymore, and it wasn¡¯t like he could just barge into the president¡¯s office.

    Kang Chan looked down in deliberation for a moment, then picked his phone up again and dialed a number.

    -Hello? Why are you calling me sote at night?

    The man¡¯s voice was as gruff and low as ever.

    ¡°Mr. Jeon. Can you talk right now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    -Sure, it¡¯s fine. What¡¯s going on?

    ¡°Can the president be assassinated if the North Korean special forces team crosses the border?¡±

    -Come again? What did you just say? The North Korean special forces team?

    ¡°Yes, sir. If theye to South Korea with the resolve to attack as they did with the surface-to-air missile, how likely is it that they¡¯ll seed in the assassination?¡±

    -Why are you asking me that? Did you hear something?

    ¡°Well, not yet. I just called you because I was going to all sorts of ces with my train of thought. I should make it a habit of calling you, anyway, if you want me to call asionally to ask how you¡¯re doing.¡±

    -<i>Hmm</i>.

    A long sigh came over the phone. Jeon Dae-Geuk then began to speak.

    -It depends on the location, but if the assassination is attempted at an unofficial public event, you¡¯re looking at about a thirty percent chance of sess.

    ¡°Can the National Intelligence Service get their hands on the president¡¯s schedule?¡±

    -That depends on what event it is. It¡¯s possible if it¡¯s an asion that was nned days before, but only the president¡¯s security detail will know about all other functions. The ones that are determined in advance are much safer because the president¡¯s guards are able to prepare countermeasures for them.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s answer made Kang Chan wonder if the target was someone else, not Moon Jae-Hyun. Just then, he came to a sudden realization.

    ¡°Mr. Jeon, is there any employee with the surname Huh among the president¡¯s guards?¡± Kang Chan asked with a hint of urgency.

    -Thest name Huh? There are fifty close-range guards on the president, but no Huh among them.

    That wasn¡¯t it either. Kang Chan supposed that was for the better.

    -You¡¯re really not asking because something¡¯s going on?

    ¡°It¡¯s just my guess. Nothing¡¯s been confirmed yet, though,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    -So you did hear something!

    It couldn¡¯t hurt to be overly careful with these matters. Kang Chan decided to tell Jeon Dae-Geuk a part of the truth.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Actually, I did hear that the North Korean special forces team might enter South Korea. This information hasn¡¯t been confirmed yet, though, and Manager Kim was alsopletely unaware of it. I just called you while I was pondering about it.¡±

    -Who was it? Who told you that?

    ¡°He¡¯s someone whose identity hasn¡¯t been verified by the National Intelligence Service yet, and I can¡¯t even get in contact with him right now,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    -But you¡¯re certain that¡¯s what this person said?

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Another sigh and a gulp came over the phone.

    -I see. I¡¯ll strengthen the security perimeter and call you again.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan felt a little more at peace. In cases like this, the best solution would be to order an emergency decree on their own special forces team and n an assassination of North Korea¡¯s most significant figures, but¡­

    <i>Calm down.?</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head. He would be pushing the soldiers to their deaths if he carried out that mission.

    <i>Buzz, buzz.?</i>

    [Are you up?]

    Just then, as if she could feel his struggles, a message from Kim Mi-Young arrived. It urred to him that she might be upset because he didn¡¯t reply to the text she sent in the afternoon.

    Kang Chan pressed the call button.

    -Hey, Channy.

    ¡°Are you done with your <i>hagwon?</i>lessons?¡±

    -Yeah. I¡¯m heading home now.

    <i>Haah! What should I do? Something serious could happen soon. Is it okay for me to go meet Kim Mi-Young right now?</i>

    -Did you see the text I sent you this morning?

    ¡°Yeah. I wasn¡¯t able to reply because I was a little busy. Can I see you right now?¡±

    -You sure you¡¯re not busy right now?

    ¡°No, I¡¯m at home. I¡¯ll be waiting for you outside, so let¡¯s meet up for a bit.¡±

    -Okay. I¡¯ll hurry home.

    Kang Chan swung on a cardigan and walked out of his room. It seemed like Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were already asleep, so he tried to leave the apartment as quietly as possible.

    Once outside, he sat on a bench and felt the cold breeze on his face. While looking at the entrance of theplex, Kang Chan tilted his head. Kim Mi-Young. She was finally here.

    However, although it had only been a few days since hest saw her, she already seemed so different. Was it because it was dark and she was far away?

    Noticing Kang Chan, Kim Mi-Young quickly came running over.

    ¡°You must be exhausted,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s really almost over now,¡± Kim Mi-Young responded. Even while she caught her breath, her doe eyes were still sparkling up at Kang Chan. Her nose seemed a little sharper, and the frame of her chin and cheeks had be more definite as well.

    ¡°You¡¯re not hungry?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have a sandwich when I go home,¡± Kim Mi-Young replied.

    ¡°Do you want to sit with me for a bit?¡±

    ¡°I was sitting this whole time. Can we walk instead?¡± Kim Mi-Young suggested.

    ¡°Sure. Let me hold your bag,¡± Kang Chan offered. He slung Kim Mi-Young¡¯s bag over his shoulder, and they walked out the entrance.

    ¡°Thanks for helping with the festival.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled faintly at her.

    ¡°Can youe to school sometimes just to have lunch?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Lunch?¡±

    ¡°Yup! I want to have a meal with you, and I miss you too. If you¡¯re alone during the day, it would be nice if you cane to school and eat with me.¡±

    Would that work out?

    He would be put in a difficult position if he put on a school uniform to go to school but something happened afterward. And it was a bit ridiculous to go to school just to eat and leave right after.

    ¡°Do you go to the French cultural center every day?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    <i>Did I not tell her what I do?</i>

    ¡°No, not every day,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°<i>Ooh</i>, what do you wear when you go there?¡±

    ¡°Well, just whatever¡¯sfortable, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Then have lunch with me at our school while you¡¯re in a suit like you did when you came out on TV, okay?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked, looking at Kang Chan with eyes full of hope.

    <i>Should we just study abroad in France together? Will that allow us to live happily and away from all theplicated matters here?</i>

    She looked at him with wide eyes, as if asking him what was the matter. Seeing the light reflected in her eyes, the emotions Kang Chan felt during the operation in France began to bloom again.

 Chapter 162.1: The first steps (1)

    <h4>Chapter 162.1: The first steps (1)</h4>

    Time flew by too fast. Kang Chan felt a slight pang of regret when he returned to the apartmentplex¡¯s entrance with Kim Mi-Young.

    People and their emotions were quite peculiar. Without actually having to speak, one could express their thoughts or understand another just by looking into their eyes.

    ¡°Mi-Young, isn¡¯t it tough to study so hard?¡± Kang Chan asked, breaking the silence.

    ¡°Well, studying has always just been a part of my life, and it¡¯s actually fun now that I have a goal in mind. This is the first time ever that I¡¯ve had so much fun studying,¡± Kim Mi-Young replied lightly.

    Were things more fun when there were set goals to achieve? Was he happy when he managed to sessfully protect his team members in the past? He couldn¡¯t be sure.

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young had already stepped inside the apartmentplex. They couldn¡¯t go any further, so that marked the end of their walk.

    ¡°All right. Get home safe,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Will do! Don¡¯t feel too pressured abouting to school for lunch, okay? I¡¯ll catch youter!¡± Kim Mi-Young said with a grin.

    After Kang Chan nodded in response, Kim Mi-Young turned around to go home.

    It urred to him that he still hadn¡¯t received any phone call yet even though it was already a little past eleven. It made him feel a little worried and anxious.

    <i>I¡¯m sure Kim Hyung-Jung will take care of it just fine.?</i>

    When he entered his room, he waited for a little while in case a call came through, but eventually fell asleep.

    ***

    After his morning workout, Kang Chan came back home to take a shower and have breakfast. Through it all, he didn¡¯t receive a call or get any particr feeling in his gut. However, while he was waiting for Yoo Hye-Sook to finish changing into a new outfit, a news broadcast on the television that read ¡°breaking news¡± captured his gaze. The announcer began to deliver the news with a stiff expression.

    [We have breaking news. China has designated all South Korean export items within its territory as prohibited items. This will take effect at eight o¡¯clock this morning in Korean Standard Time. The country has also initiated an investigation into the status of South Koreanpanies in China. We will now connect with our correspondent Han Gyu-Seok in Beijing for more details.]

    The shot on the screen changed, and the correspondent began to exin the situation in a somewhat frantic tone.

    ¡°How did something so ridiculous like this end up happening?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung muttered to himself as he focused on the TV.

    The correspondent reported that investigations into South Koreanpanies within China were being conductedprehensively and intensively, focusing onbor conditions, tax evasion, and other aspects. As a result, their factories currently could not operate.

    ¡°It sounds like they¡¯re practically dering war on us,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung worriedly remarked.

    ¡°Is it that bad?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Well, the stock market will be in chaos as soon as the clock strikes eight. Our country heavily depends on exports to China, so the severity of this situation can¡¯t even be put into words,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied. He looked as if he had a hard time believing the report despite watching the news himself.

    [We will now also examine the responses of other countries to China¡¯s extreme measures.]

    .

    Kang Chan recalled what Yang Bum had told him. The original n was for Kang Chan to cooperate with China to eliminate a traitor and his political enemies in one go. However, the way the opposing side counterattacked left South Korea with no other choice but to rece their current prime minister and National Intelligence Service director. If so, Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s assassination would likely follow that, resulting in all the protection Kang Chan had vanishing into thin air.

    Frankly, Kang Chan could care less about not being guarded.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Honey?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    However, without the protection, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, who had just walked out of the master bedroom with absolutely no idea about what was happening, could get into truly dangerous situations.

    ¡°I guess China is pretty mad about something,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s not worry about that right now. We¡¯re going to bete at this rate, dear,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook urged him.

    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s head to work,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    After seeing his parents off, Kang Chan sat on the sofa and continued to watch the news.

    He was aware that he shouldn¡¯t believe everything that was being reported, but watching this broadcast was the fastest way to get caught up on what was currently going on.

    This was no doubt a major defeat since he didn¡¯t see iting at all, allowing it to take himpletely by surprise. To make matters worse, the North Korean special forces team could be lying in wait anywhere, ready for action.

    [We have just received more breaking news.]

    The angle of the camera changed again as the announcer looked between the script and the camera.

    [Prime Minister Go Gun-Woo has apologized to the people for not preventing this Chinese incident from taking ce, and he has submitted a letter of resignation to the president.]

    The announcer gave way for the reporter to speak again, requesting an update on the situation.

    After that, it was just talk that was to be expected. There were analyses about how the prime minister¡¯s resignation was an inevitable decision and informed spection that the government could have known about this incident beforehand.

    [What¡¯s surprising is the response from National Assembly Chairman Huh Ha-Soo. In light of this incident, Chairman Huh Ha-Soo quickly rushed to China, departing from the country an hour before the announcement was made. His reaction stands in stark contrast to the current state of confusion within the government.]

    <i>Beep.?</i>

    Kang Chan turned the TV off. The report had been going well before suddenly going off on an absurd tangent.

    <i>In stark contrast to the government, they say?</i>

    Well, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t argue with that. After all, one side was trying to protect the country while the other was trying to sell it off.

    Kang Chan wondered if he should call Kim Hyung-Jung but figured that the man was probably too busy right now. If Kim Hyung-Jung was curious about something or wanted to ask for Kang Chan¡¯s help, he definitely would have already called by now. At the moment, Kim Hyung-Jung was likely stressfully upied trying to prevent the impeachment of the president and the recement of the NIS director, given that China and Huh Ha-Soo had apparently banded together.

    <i>I¡¯ll give it some time before calling him.?</i>

    What was Lanok doing right now, though? There was no way that snake didn¡¯t foresee this from happening. However, Kang Chan remembered how grim Lanok sounded earlier when he answered the phone.

    Unfortunately, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t do anything in this situation, especially with regard to its political aspects. He looked outside the veranda with all kinds of frustrating thoughts running through his mind.

    For now, he deliberated between two choices¡ªwhether he should wait or take matters into his own hands.

    He didn¡¯t know about Go Gun-Woo, but Hwang Ki-Hyun was a different matter. If Hwang Ki-Hyun were to step down as the director of the NIS, a dagger would immediately be held against Kang Chan¡¯s neck next. What could he possibly do in this situation? Things were bing tricky now.

    If Kang Chan killed Huh Ha-Soo, China would proceed to screw them over worse than what they were doing right now. Moreover, he didn¡¯t even know where the North Korean special forces team was currently at.

    A sh of intense irritation simmered inside him when the phone suddenly began to ring.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    Kang Chan hurried back to his room and picked up his phone.

    ¡°Hello, Mr. Ambassador. This is Kang Chan,¡± he answered.

    - I apologize, Mr. Kang Chan. I was held up by a few affairs. Do you have time to meet today?

    ¡°Yes, I can head to where you are as soon as we finish this call. Where do you want me to go?¡±

    - Brilliant. The embassy would be best.

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯m on my way,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan soon left his apartment, strangely feeling more reassured.

    While heading toward the embassy in a taxi, Seok Kang-Ho gave him a call. Seok Kang-Ho had a mix of both surprise and curiosity in his voice.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way to see the ambassador right now. I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯m done,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied. He was probably feeling uneasy too.

    As soon as Kang Chan arrived at the embassy, an agent escorted him up to Lanok¡¯s office.

    ¡°Wee, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok greeted him with an attitude that was no different from usual. Cigars, tea, and ashtrays were already prepared for Kang Chan. ¡°Why did you want to speak to me?¡±

    ¡°Yang Bum called me yesterday, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan replied. There was no way this snake wasn¡¯t aware of the political situation in China. Nevertheless, Kang Chan began to calmly exin what took ce yesterday, starting from Yang Bum¡¯s call to the morning news broadcast. ¡°... so if it¡¯s all right with you, I would like to take down Huh Ha-Soo using Xavier.¡±

    ¡°Xavier is no longer able to tell tales,¡± Lanok replied.

    <i>He killed Xavier?</i>

    Lanok delivered the news to him so nonchntly as he pieced and ate a biscuit next to the ck tea.

    ¡°He appeared to be aware of the situation, having listened in to everything. If we sent him back, the United States¡¯ intelligence agency would learn about the discussions that you, Ludwig, Vasili, and I had, along with your contact with the Chinese embassy.¡± Lanok exined to Kang Chan why Xavier had to die in the sameposed tone that he normally used.

    <i>So this is what information warfare is like.?</i>

    ¡°Moreover, even if we kept Xavier alive, he would never have been any help to us. He would have pretended to cooperate with us, then changed his mind the moment he found the best opportunity to make things problematic. Once the United States sessfully managed to pressure us into giving him back, you would have been the one in a difficult position,¡± Lanok added.

    <i>What kind of twisted tutoring session is this??</i>

    Kang Chan felt as if he was being taught right now.

 Chapter 162.2: The first steps (1)

    <h4>Chapter 162.2: The first steps (1)</h4>

    Lanok lifted the teapot and poured Kang Chan and himself some tea, the beverage audibly dribbling into the cups.

    ¡°It would be in your best interest to decide exactly what it is that you want first, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    <i>What I want?</i>

    ¡°I want to eliminate Huh Ha-Soo, Huh Sang-Soo, and all the bastards who are working for them. I also want to protect the current president,¡± Kang Chan stated with firm determination.

    Lanok set the teapot back down with a light <i>click</i>.

    ¡°That won¡¯t be an easy battle,¡± Lanok replied. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, already-established structures of vested interests can¡¯t be easily toppled down. The fight against Yang Jin-Woo was only possible because nobody tried to protect him, and you took him on when he was alone and abandoned. However, fights against men with vested interests will not be so easy. They will never yield. Rather, they will present a united front and attack you all at once.¡±

    Just how many men were under Huh Ha-Soo for Lanok to give him this warning?

    ¡°If you look at it another way, you will essentially be fighting against all the influences in South Korea. These people have the foundation to rece the president, and just as how you seek me, they have connections to the United States, Britain, Japan, China, and various other countries. Initiating the fight may be simple, but it will have a devastating process and results,¡± Lanok continued.

    Kang Chan drank a sip of his tea to organize his thoughts. Lanok was basically telling Kang Chan that he shouldn¡¯t underestimate the difficulty of his decision and that he should just turn a blind eye instead if he wasn¡¯t willing to go all the way through with it. As he picked up a cigarette and lit it, he wondered about which path he really wanted to take.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. Is this a fight I can win?¡± Kang Chan asked solemnly.

    ¡°All this time, you have never fought a winning battle, Mr. Kang Chan. That is precisely why the oues were all the more astonishing. You turned those impossible operations into your perfect victories,¡± Lanokplimented him.

    Kang Chan thought to himself that getting praised by a sly snake didn¡¯t feel all too bad.

    <i>A fight against men in power¡­</i>

    ¡°Can you help me?¡± Kang Chan carefully asked.

    Lanok gazed back at him with a look that seemed to ask why Kang Chan even bothered asking the question.

    <i>¡®Are you really going to try?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Yes. I can¡¯t just sit still and watch things fall apart.¡¯</i>

    There definitely were times when one could understand another without having to speak.

    ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to find a way to stop Huh Ha-Soo first,¡± Lanok said so casually that Kang Chan chuckled faintly. ¡°The correct way to take care of these types of fights is to win first, and then look back on the battle. The process and methods taken will all be forgotten and buried beneath the results anyway. Now, shall we begin?¡±

    Lanok looked to the side and checked the clock on the table. Kang Chan thought it was just for decoration, but apparently, it told the correct time too.

    ¡°This is a technique that Huh Ha-Soo enjoyed using in the past. I¡¯m sure it will be quite effective, and it happens to be the appropriate time for it as well,¡± Lanok dered.

    It was currently twenty past ten in the morning.

    Lanok walked over to his desk and picked up the phone.

    ¡°Raphael, please bring in the guest,¡± he ordered.

    <i>A guest?</i>

    While Kang Chan looked on in confusion, Lanok sat back down at the table. The door soon opened.

    <i>What the hell?</i>

    The ¡°guest¡± who followed Raphael into the office was none other than Yang Bum.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Yang Bum greeted as he shook hands with Kang Chan. He then sat down. ¡°I would like North Korea tounch a missile, and I require the soldiers at the Yellow Sea and the DMZ to be provoked. The bigger in scale, the better, of course.¡±

    <i>Launch a what to where? And he needs what?</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be quite costly, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Yang Bum told Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan will take care of that,¡± Lanok replied.

    <i>What the hell are they talking about?</i>

    ¡°Understood. I will make the call now, then,¡± Yang Bum informed them.

    Yang Bum pulled out his phone and pressed a few buttons, then began to speak over the line in Chinese.

    Kang Chanughed in disbelief.

    What would¡¯ve happened if Lanok was his enemy? Kang Chan would probably have had to bide his time waiting for the perfect time to kill him if he wanted to defeat the ambassador. The moment he missed his window of opportunity, he definitely wouldn¡¯t get a second chance.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Russia is preparing an announcement to dere their coboration with South Korea for the development of their oil field. To make it advantageous to us, the exnation given for it should be that Prime Minister Go Gun-Woo was secretly working on this assignment under the orders of President Moon Jae-Hyun. At the same time, Russia will express their concern and regret regarding Prime Minister Go Gun-Woo¡¯s resignation,¡± Lanok announced.

    <i>Is there anything this man can¡¯t do?</i>

    Kang Chan took another sip of his tea while listening to Lanok.

    ¡°They said they would contact me again once they have decided on a time, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Yang Bum chimed in as he finished his phone call.

    ¡°How is this cooperation with North Korea possible when their special forces team is infiltrating South Korea right now?¡± Kang Chan asked, unable to keep his curiosity to himself.

    ¡°North Korea has no choice but to rely on China, and that is why Huh Ha-Soo is so trusting of them. However, at the right price, North Korea will be more than willing tounch a few old missiles and conduct field maneuvers at the DMZ,¡± Yang Bum replied for him.

    Kang Chan felt as if he just entered a whole new world.

    ¡°What about their special forces team that¡¯s entering the country to assassinate the president?¡± Kang Chan asked this time.

    ¡°Weimin Guo is on the move for that. We have already begun to track him, so we should get his location soon,¡± Yang Bum responded.

    Right after, Lanok put down his teacup. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan. Regardless of the oue of this battle, a storm of bloodshed is bound to rain down on China as well. This is a fight that has to be won.¡±

    Their words connected smoothly. It was as if they rehearsed this beforehand.

    ¡°What you need to do is prepare a reliable special forces team, Mr. Kang Chan. The special forces team that Weimin Guo put together is skilled in assassinations and demolition works. Weimin Guo also harbors personal hostility against you, so he most likely wants to be sessful with this mission no matter the cost,¡± Lanok said.

    Kang Chan had no idea who the man in question was. Was it because of the men who died during the Mongolian operation?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know who he is, though,¡± Kang Chan said with a tilt of his head.

    ¡°Weimin Guo¡¯s Korean name is Wui Min-Gook, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok replied.

    Wui Min-Gook? The Neck Ghost?

    Yang Bum nodded when Kang Chan turned to him for confirmation.

    ¡°He is a former North Korean special forces soldier who managed to climb to the highest position in the Chinese intelligence agency. He was famous for personally running operations on the field, but he was defeated for the first time because of you. Since then, he hasn¡¯t been able to perform at his best. He likely holds a grudge against you.¡±

    ¡°Has he entered the country yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We have not obtained that information yet. It is difficult to receive confirmation because Weimin Guo is independently handling this operation.¡±

    <i>What in the hell is going on?</i>

    He felt as if he was getting scammed from right under his nose.

    ¡°All right! This is everything that I¡¯ve prepared for you on my own. Now, it¡¯s your turn to take action with what I¡¯ve drawn together. From the prime minister, the director of the NIS, a special forces team, and the president¡ªit¡¯s up to you to meet and persuade all these people for the n,¡± Lanok stated calmly.

    Kang Chan had already made up his mind to fight a long time ago.

    The oil development rights from Russia and North Korea¡¯s provocation¡­ Things he never sawing consecutively unfolded before him in the blink of an eye.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ambassador Lanok,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Lanok called for Kang Chan in a different tone than the one he had been using so far.

    ¡°This is your fight. I look forward to seeing the daring man who rescued me. Use all the resources at your disposal, and request for others¡¯ cooperation. If necessary, you can contact Ludwig, Vant, and Vasili yourself. You will have to think, judge, and decide on your own,¡± Lanok said solemnly.

    ¡°I understand, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯m certain Huh Ha-Soo will be taken by surprise.¡±

    ¡°Then I definitely shouldn¡¯t miss this chance.¡±

    ¡°Brilliant judgment,¡± Lanok said with a grin.

    There was no use in further extending this conversation. The time hade for him to begin.

    Kang Chan stood up from the table.

    ¡°I will get going, then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    After shaking Lanok and Yang Bum¡¯s hands, Kang Chan left the office.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, using North Korea could lead to significant consequences,¡± Yang Bum said worriedly.

    ¡°That could indeed be the case,¡± Lanok agreed.

    ¡°There are too many variables. The political situation in China, the changes within North Korea... the list goes on. Mr. Kang Chan still seems unfamiliar with this world. Will he be okay?¡±

    ¡°I suppose we will get the answer to that question once this battle is over. Whether he''s merely someone who can shine on the battlefield, or¡­¡± Lanok trailed off and pressed his lips together. Yang Bum nced at the door.

    ***

    After leaving the embassy, Kang Chan immediately pulled out his phone and called Choi Jong-Il. He didn¡¯t think he would be able to speakfortably inside the taxi.

    About a minuteter, a car driven by Lee Doo-Hee arrived.

    ¡°To Samsung-dong first,¡± Kang Chanmanded, then immediately called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Manager Kim, I just left the French embassy. I¡¯d like to head over to where you are right now. Is that okay?¡±

    - Yes. See you soon.

    As Kim Hyung-Jung spoke, Kang Chan heard the sound of another iing call. Things were probably extremely hectic for him.

    Next, Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho.

    - It¡¯s me.

    ¡°Our meeting just ended. I''m heading to Samsung-dong now,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    - Got it.

    Seok Kang-Ho answered swiftly since he was curious and frustrated about what was happening.

    A fight against Huh Ha-Soo and the rest of the people in power? He couldn''t gauge how difficult it would be or what kind of fight it would be.

    Therefore, Kang Chan decided to keep it simple. The task at hand was simply to create an opportunity that would allow him to twist their necks.

 Chapter 163.1: The first steps (2)

    <h4>Chapter 163.1: The first steps (2)</h4>

    As soon as Kang Chan arrived at Samseong-dong with Choi Jong-Il, he immediately headed to Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office. When he got in, Seok Kang-Ho was already sitting in front of the table.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, do you want anything to drink?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°I¡¯d like coffee,¡± Kang Chan quickly answered just in case Seok Kang-Ho was nning to give him the beverage that he was drinking.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, I¡¯d also like a cup of coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung asked for a drink and coffee through the inte, then sat down. If this was amercial on energy drinks or vitamins, then Kim Hyung-Jung current look would be perfect for how a person looks before drinking that energy drink or taking the vitamin.

    ¡°Everything seemed to have turned into a battlefield,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. He looked extremely fatigued.

    <i>Click!</i>

    As they were talking, an employee brought over drinks and coffee, then left right after.

    ¡°Please help yourselves,¡± Kim Hyung-Jun offered, then asked Kang Chan, ¡°Did Ambassador Lanok say anything else?¡±

    ¡°He did say a few things, but nothing conclusive. I heard that the Prime Minister has announced his resignation. Can you tell me more about that?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at the door behind him. Upon confirming that it had been tightly closed, he responded, ¡°That was the only thing we could do to at least buy us some time. Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo is insisting that ultimately, he¡¯s going to submit the impeachment motion if the Director of the National Intelligence Service isn¡¯t reced, and if you don¡¯t apologize to him or the Chinese embassy.¡±

    ¡°Dickhead!¡± Seok Kang-Ho expressed Huh Ha-Soo in a single word.

    ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Pursing his lips, Kim Hyung-Jung stared at the ss in his hand. After a while, he gazed up at Kang Chan without moving his head. ¡°The team that I¡¯m in charge of is supposed to support you until we connect the Eurasian Rail anyway, so I¡¯ll be honest. Telling you this probably isn¡¯t against the rules.¡±

    Seeing the fatigue in Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes, Kang Chan felt the need to make Kim Hyung-Jung take a handful of vitamins.

    ¡°I¡¯m starting to suspect that the National Intelligence Service¡¯s internal affairs are being reported to Chairman Huh Ha-Soo in real-time. I¡¯ve gotten to the point where I can¡¯t help but wonder if a portion of the information we¡¯re supposed to receive reaches him first before us,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    ¡°You mean we have a traitor among us?¡±

    ¡°Yes, and taking all factors into consideration, we think the traitor is in a fairly high-ranking position. Even so, we can¡¯t have all the employees report directly to the director. If the director gets reced right now, then we will probably find ourselves in a very difficult situation.¡±

    ¡°What about the countermeasures?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Due to the National Intelligence Service¡¯s nature, we can¡¯t even properly identify the other teams we have on the field, much less determine what they¡¯re up to. That¡¯s why we¡¯re putting all our focus on figuring out how information is being leaked to Chairman Huh Ha-Soo.¡±

    ¡°Are we seriously thinking of recing the Prime Minister in this situation?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Honestly, I haven¡¯t been told what the higher-ups are nning to do.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung had a bitter look on his face.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do, then,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung cocked his head, then continued, ¡°The moment we started suspecting that intel is being leaked to Chairman Huh Ha-Soo, we immediately made efforts to restrict the flow of outgoing information as much as possible.¡±

    The situation was bing worse.

    If this situation resulted in Russia¡¯s n or North Korea¡¯s provocation being leaked to Huh Ha-Soo, then their own n could have be their weakness.

    <i>Damn it! I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m starting to feel ufortable about the organization that I trust the most!</i>

    ¡°Do you own stocks?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked abruptly, making Kang Chan look up at him.

    ¡°The market is a mess right now. If you have stocks, then you should sell them quickly,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    ¡°I sold all of my stocks a while ago. I already told you that Cecile contacted me about the stocks, haven¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Ah, right.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed uninterested when Kang Chan told him about it back then, which was probably why hepletely forgot about it.

    <i>Ah, right. Seok Kang-Ho also had some stocks.</i>

    <i>Jeez! Now was not the time to worry about things like that.</i>

    ¡°Manager Kim, is this room safe from wiretapping?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The question came out of the blue, but Kim Hyung-Jung looked around the room anyway.

    ¡°My office has all the basic facilities that would protect it from wiretapping, but I can¡¯t say it¡¯s perfectly safe,¡± he then responded.

    ¡°Then we should head out for a bit.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung quickly looked at Seok Kang-Ho, then nodded.

    Kang Chan called Kim Tae-Jin as they were leaving the building. Kim Tae-Jin would know what to do during times like this.

    - Hello?

    Kim Tae-Jin sounded quite frustrated about something.

    ¡°Mr. President, where are you right now?¡±

    - I¡¯m at my office. Do you need me to go somewhere?

    <i>I knew it. He is frustrated.</i>

    ¡°I would like to borrow the employees who inspected us for wiretapping a while ago, and there¡¯s something that I want to discuss with you.¡±

    - Is that so? Where are you right now?

    ¡°I¡¯m at manager Kim¡¯s office in Samseong-dong. We just left, though, and we¡¯re about to head over to the specialty coffee shop in front of Yoo Bi-Corp.¡±

    - Hmm, okay. I¡¯ll leave right away.

    Kim Tae-Jin immediately deduced that Kang Chan wasn¡¯t nning on going up to his office.

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung got in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car. Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party followed behind them.

    As soon as they arrived and entered their destination, they immediately noticed two employees waiting for them. They inspected the trio from head to toe, starting from their shoes and phones.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t find any signals,¡± one of the employees said.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work. You can go home for today. I¡¯ll make sure to inform Mr. Kim Tae-Jin about it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    After sending the two employees away, Kang Chan sat on the terrace and looked around his surroundings. Customers had upied two other tables on the terrace.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kim Tae-Jin followed Kang Chan¡¯s gaze and examined the table next to them. Afterward, he looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere else¡ªI have something to tell the two of you,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kim Hyung-Jung and Kim Tae-Jin looked as if they perfectly understood what Kang Chan meant.

    Leaving behind their drinks, which they barely touched, the four left the specialty coffee shop and got into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car.

    Kang Chan thought of going to the Namsan Hotel. No one asked Kang Chan what was happening, or why he was acting like this.

    They simply trusted that there was a good reason behind Kang Chan¡¯s current behavior, and that trust was clearly evident on all of their faces.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even reserve a room. From now on, he was going to act the same way he did when he was rescuing Lanok. However, he would also be extra careful.

    As soon as they arrived at the hotel, Kang Chan was dropped off by the entrance. The others then took the car to the parking lot as he headed to the front desk.

    As Kang Chan expected, Joo Chul-Bum quickly approached and greeted him.

    ¡°Wee, hyung-nim,¡± Joo Chul-Bum greeted.

    ¡°Hey. Give me arge room¡ªone that isn¡¯t normally used. Don¡¯t ask or say anything. I need it for something confidential.¡±

    ¡°Please wait for a moment, hyung-nim.¡±

    About five minutester, Joo Chul-Bum brought over a key card. By then, Seok Kang-Ho and the others were already in the hotel as well. Hence, Kang Chan¡¯s group immediately headed to the elevator and went up to room 1804.

    The entrance of the bedroom was blocked by a divider, making them feel as if they just entered a luxurious office or a living room.

    ¡°There are drinks in the fridge, Seok Kang-Ho,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho went over to open the fridge while Kim Hyung-Jung brought over cups.

    the group took off their jackets, revealing the shirts they were wearing underneath, except for Seok Kang-Ho, who was only wearing a cotton t-shirt.

    Seok Kang-Ho pushed over a sofa and the chairs from the table and then sat down.

    ¡°I apologize for my weird behavior. It¡¯s rted to what I have to tell you all,¡± Kang Chan began.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    While opening canned drinks, Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I can only discuss this with people that I know I can trust.¡±

    Meanwhile, Seok Kang-Ho prepared four cups of drinks.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t mention what you hear in this room to anyone, no matter the reason. If by any chance you¡¯re ufortable with that, then feel free to leave now,¡± Kang Chan added.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kim Hyung-Jung as if they rehearsed it beforehand. However, it was only natural, considering Kim Hyung-Jung was working for the National Intelligence Service.

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t immediately answer.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Manager Kim, so don¡¯t feel pressured. However, I will have to ask you to keep the fact that you came to the hotel to meet with us today a secret,¡± Kang Chan said. He didn¡¯t want to force Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Alright. I won¡¯t tell anyone,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded with a grim expression. He looked as if he had solidified his decision, but it was difficult to discern which matter he had decided on exactly.

 Chapter 163.2: The first steps (2)

    <h4>Chapter 163.2: The first steps (2)</h4>

    With everyone in agreement with Kang Chan¡¯s condition, Kang Chan began to exin what happened again, starting with his business with Huh Geuk and Yang Bum, so that Kim Tae-Jin could properly understand. Afterward, he told them about his meeting with Yang Bum and Lanok at the embassy, then about Xavier¡¯s death.

    Kim Tae-Jin just listened intently.

    ¡°I have two cards up my sleeve¡ªone of them is an announcement that Russia will make about having decided to coborate with South Korea for the development of their oil fields. I was told that they will be announcing it along the lines of, ¡®it¡¯s a shame that the Prime Minister has decided to resign, considering he has been coborating with us in the development of our oil fields,¡¯¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Can we really have that announced whenever just because we asked Russia to?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked, his eyes sparkling. ¡°I can report this directly to the director. If you¡¯re ufortable with that, then I¡¯ll report it to the Prime Minister instead.¡±

    ¡°Listen to the rest of what I have to say first, Manager Kim,¡± Kang Chan responded. He felt as if he had just made a mistake, but even if he really did, he couldn¡¯t tell Kim Hyung-Jung to leave now.

    ¡°The second card that I have is to make North Koreaunch missiles at the Yellow Sea to provoke the special forces team over there and the DMZ,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Kim Tae-Jin, who was leaning forward as he listened to Kang Chan, slowly sat up straight. He seemed quite shocked.

    ¡°We have also received intel that Wui Min-Gook ising to South Korea with North Korea¡¯s special forces team. Their goal is the President,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Wui Min-Gook? The Neck Ghost?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Yes. I also heard that he¡¯s waiting for a chance to kill me.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s certainly something that man would do.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, a potential assassination attempt on the President isn¡¯t something that we should be discussing among ourselves!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung eximed.

    ¡°Mr. Manager,¡± Kang Chan decided to calm Kim Hyung-Jung down first. ¡°Everything will be ruined if we act carelessly right now. If even a single word of what I just said reaches Huh Ha-Soo, there will be dire consequences. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re already well aware of that, though.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, we also have Section Chief Jeon. Moreover, like I told you a moment ago, I can also directly report to the Director.¡±

    ¡°Can you tell me with utmost confidence that the director isn¡¯t the one leaking our intel to Huh Ha-Soo?¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    Kang Chan just blurted out the question. He knew how deep Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s sense of duty was, but he had to say it anyway to emphasize that now was not the time to act like this.

    .

    However, when he noticed Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s astonishment, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the director was actually doing that.

    ¡°Now, now! Let¡¯s not go that far. Let¡¯s discuss this after we listen to everything Kang Chan has to say. So, what are you thinking?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan, finally making him feel as if time was passing again.

    ¡°With this opportunity, I want to get rid of Huh Ha-Soo, Huh Sang-Soo, and everyone working for them.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin sighed deeply, and Kim Hyung-Jung shook his head.

    ¡°How are you going to do that?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m nning for right now.¡±

    ¡°And that n includes using Russia¡¯s announcement and North Korea¡¯s provocation?¡±

    ¡°Yes. However, I wanted to decide after discussing it among ourselves. Once Russia makes the announcement or North Korea starts its provocation, you have to tell anyone who asks that you didn¡¯t receive any information about it. That includes you, Manager Kim. That way, we can catch Huh Ha-Soo off guard,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°What about the Neck Ghost and the North Korean special forces team?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked again.

    ¡°We have Section Chief Jeon in the Presidential Security Service. If our special forces team is needed, then we can also meet General Choi Seong-Geon to ask for help.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin draped his left hand over his head. ¡°<i>Hmm</i>, if that¡¯s the case, then I think we should talk to Section Chief Jeon about this. General Choi Seong-Geon is a soldier¡ªhe takes action only whenmanded, no matter how good the intentions are.¡±

    <i>Shoot! I can¡¯t believe I actually thought that man would deploy their soldiers without first beingmanded to.?</i>

    Kang Chan had no choice but to agree with Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, at least tell the director about this,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°No¡ªthat can¡¯t happen yet.¡±

    ¡°What? Why? Howe Section Chief Jeon is allowed to know about this but not the director?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that man.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kim Tae-Jin as if he was asking for help, but Kim Tae-Jin unexpectedly said something irrelevant instead. ¡°I want to hear your n for now.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything else nned yet, but I¡¯m going to tell North Korea to provoke the soldiers over at the DMZ as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Today¡¯s Friday, so if you do that, we¡¯ll at least have the weekend. And then?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have Russia make the announcement about the oil field development.¡±

    ¡°That will probably be enough to temporarily dodge the bullet. What do you think?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of variable the weekend can bring, but since the President hasn¡¯t epted the prime minister¡¯s resignation yet, you might just be right,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied, then immediately turned to Kang Chan. ¡°However, this is nothing more than a stopgap measure. China still won¡¯t lift their economic sanctions on us.¡±

    ¡°We can think of something better during the weekend.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung expressed his frustrations with a sigh.

    ¡°Mr. Manager, why are you clinging so hard to China?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked as if he didn¡¯t understand what Kang Chan meant.

    ¡°Whenever we get attacked, you always wait for our assant to forgive us. You don¡¯t even consider retaliating. I don¡¯t know how much losses South Korea will suffer if we stop trading with China, but can¡¯t we just make up for it with another country?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Our exports to China have already earned us over ny billion dors this year. Our trades with Shanghai alone have brought us more profits than the trades we¡¯ve made with any one country. Simple calctions tell us that we have to trade with more than twenty countries to match the earnings we get from trading with China. We can¡¯t sell the products that were tailored for China to other countries either.¡±

    The only thing that Kang Chan understood about everything that Kim Hyung-Jung said was ny billion dors.

    <i>Damn it. That¡¯s an insane amount of money.</i>

    ¡°If we stop trading with China, business after business will swiftly go bankrupt, which will ultimately result in a rise in unemployment,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    Kang Chan smacked his lips. He never thought that he would be fighting this kind of battle.

    It wasn¡¯t like they could just approach some other country and borrow a hundred billion dors every year from then. Even if they could do that, they wouldn¡¯t have any means to pay them back.

    Kang Chan only didn¡¯t have money to buy pork cutlets in his previous life. Now, he was having trouble because he didn¡¯t have a hundred billion dors. All of this happened in a year.

    ¡°Manager Kim, please answer my next question under the assumption that I¡¯m simply curious. What would happen if I killed Huh Ha-Soo?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung stiffened.

    ¡°If there¡¯s no evidence, and if I¡¯m not caught, what will happen in the aftermath?¡±

    ¡°China will just put someone else in his seat,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    ¡°What if I kill that person as well?¡±

    ¡°China will have lots of volunteers regardless. A lot of people want the country to pick them, after all. As of right now, anyone who sides with China or Japan will at least be well off in South Korea. Considering they believe that it would be an opportunity to enjoy generational wealth and power, China will have an endless number of people to choose from,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    ¡°They¡¯re like fucking cockroaches,¡± Kang Chanmented as he leaned back against his chair and rxed. He had a drink in his hand, but he still felt frustrated.

    ¡°Open the window, Seok Kang-Ho. Do you mind if we smoke here, Mr. President?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Not at all. Don¡¯t worry about me and smoke.¡±

    Excluding Kim Tae-Jin, the group bit on the cigarettes that Seok Kang-Ho took out and handed over.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡± Kang Chan felt much better.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked as if he also felt the same way.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we borrow money with the development rights to oil reserves?¡± Kang Chan asked lowly, making it seem as if he was just muttering to himself.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    ¡°You said that the intion will drop by thirty percent the moment we start coborating with Russia on the development of their oil fields. Combined with our contract with Russia, wouldn¡¯t that be enough for us to borrow money from some another country?¡± Kang Chan wondered.

    ¡°Let¡¯s say we do manage to get ourselves a loan. What do you n to do then?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll use it to support thepanies that will be going through difficulties. We can also use it to make sure we endure, of course. Anyway, after I kill Huh Ha-Soo, we will provide support to our people so that we can seize the powers in China. Wouldn¡¯t that lead to China¡¯s eventual surrender?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan with a confused expression.

    <i>Be-be-beep. Be-be-beep. Be-be-beep.</i>

    As he did, a sharp ringtone rang from his inner chest pocket.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung. Yes, yes. I¡¯m with him right now.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung nced at Kang Chan, then focused on the call again.

    ¡°Ahem.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung showed his talent for changing a groan into a sigh.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll tell him about this. I¡¯ll contact you afterward.¡± After hanging up, he inhaled loudly.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? If that call is rted to Kang Chan, then it¡¯s only proper that you quickly tell him what it was about,¡± Kim Tae-Jin insisted.

    Only then did Kim Hyung-Jung turn his head to look at Kang Chan. ¡°I was told that Chairman Huh Ha-Soo has expressed his desire to meet you. He specifically requested that we bring you, regardless of whether you¡¯re nning to apologize or not.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phuhu</i>.¡± Seok Kang-Houghed as if he found it funny. Kim Tae-Jin looked dumbfounded.

    ¡°It seems that fucker really wants to die. Alright¡ªwhy is he looking for me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They didn¡¯t tell me anything about that.¡±

    ¡°That motherfucking traitor is kicking up a fucking fuss!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled.

    Kang Chanughed out loud. ¡°What¡¯s going to happen if I don¡¯t go?¡±

    ¡°I only heard that they were asking for cooperation. They didn¡¯t say anything else.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>! He probably threatened people with the motion to impeach the President again or told everyone that he¡¯ll impose new economic sanctions,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented.

    Silence enveloped the room.

    When Kang Chan picked up a cigarette¡­

    <i>Be-be-beep. Be-be-beep. Be-be-beep.</i>

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung. No, I haven¡¯t heard an answer yet, but Mr. Kang Chan probably isn¡¯t going.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung listened to what the person on the other end was saying for a little while, then answered, ¡°Yes. I understand.¡±

    After putting down the phone, Kim Hyung-Jung sighed loudly.

    ¡°Will South Korea really be able to rise up properly?¡± he muttered to himself.

    1. Previously specialized teams, but we¡¯ll be going with special forces from here on out.

 Chapter 164.1: We donéˆ¥æª› have much time (1)

    <h4>Chapter 164.1: We don¡¯t have much time (1)</h4>

    ¡°Manager Kim, why would Huh Ha-Soo want to see me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung shook his head, his gaze unmoving from the table.

    ¡°I have no idea. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not just because he wants to put up an immature show of strength, but I also doubt he would ask you to go to the embassy to make you apologize,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it, then,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked in surprise.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why I shouldn¡¯t meet him. He has no reason to request my presence, so the fact that he¡¯s asking for me has to mean that they want something. In return for epting his demand, tell him to postpone processing the prime minister¡¯s resignation letter to Monday,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked like he had a hard time believing that was going to happen.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you make the call? The worst they can do is say no,¡± Kang Chan reassured him.

    ¡°Understood.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung immediately picked up the phone to exin the situation. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan has requested to postpone the processing of the Prime Minister''s resignation letter until Monday. Yes, sir. Yes, I will wait on standby.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Kim Hyung-Jung turned back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°They said they would call back when they¡¯ve reached an answer. Ah, also, Mr. Kang Chan¡­¡± Kim Hyung-Jung trailed off. He looked as if he had a difficult favor to ask.

    ¡°Please trust the director,¡± he insisted even though Kang Chan already said no to this request.

    ¡°To bepletely frank, the president will not agree to any n that isn¡¯t legal and fair. However, if we want to outmatch people in power like Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo, we¡¯re going to need a separate organization, like the one France¡¯s DGSE has,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said firmly, his eyes filled with a sense of duty. ¡°We will buy time using North Korea¡¯s provocation and Russia¡¯s announcement. If that isn¡¯t enough, I will assassinate Huh Ha-Soo myself.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious!¡± Kim Tae-Jin eximed in shock, but Kim Hyung-Jung remained steadfast.

    ¡°However, at the very least, I must have the director¡¯smands. All we have to do is make theposition of the Eurasian Special Forces more independent. I will handle the creation of subsequent reports.¡±

    <i>Be-be-beep. Be-be-beep. Be-be-beep.</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung immediately answered the phone.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Yes. That is more than enough time. We will get to the Hannam-Dong safe house by five,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    The call ended soon after. Kang Chan now knew where Huh Ha-Soo wanted to meet.

    ¡°Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo was willing to dy the prime minister¡¯s resignation to Monday in exchange for meeting you, Mr. Kang Chan. I didn¡¯t think it would work,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung mused.

    They had managed to buy at least three days. However, this also meant that Huh Ha-Soo could easily afford a holdup of that much time in his schemes.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, this is all the more reason I suggest you work with the director. I went so far as to write a resignation letter to connect the Eurasian Rail to South Korea, and I joined the Mongolian operation too. If bing a murderer means our nation can stand tall, that¡¯s what I¡¯ll do,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asserted.

    Anyone witnessing the solemn resolve in Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes would not have been able to tell him no. Even Kim Tae-Jin and Seok Kang-Ho looked at him with stiff expressions.

    ¡°I understand. Then please handle the negotiation with the National Intelligence Service to establish a new organization, Manager Kim. And Director Kim, please persuade Section Chief Jeon to give usmand over General Choi Seong-Geon,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kim Tae-Jin only became more worried.

    ¡°I have no doubts about trusting you, but once organizations like this begin to act out of personal greed, they will be swept up in an unescapable raging whirlpool. Are you sure about this?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    Kang Chan only confidently smiled in response, making Kim Tae-Jin appear apologetic.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s have lunch!¡± Seok Kang-Ho chimed.

    ¡°Good call, Mr. Seok. I have been feeling hungry from a small breakfast, but who could suggest eating in this atmosphere? We can order to the room, right?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked with a grin.

    Seok Kang-Ho found a menu that was under the room phone and ordered some bibimbap. After they ate and had coffee, they reviewed the situation again one by one from the beginning.

    ¡°We can use this room until tomorrow, right?¡± Kim Tae-Jin confirmed.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Should we regroup here after meeting Huh Ha-Soo?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s decide on that when we get more informationter. I was just asking because this seems like a good ce to meet upte without attracting any unwanted attention,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    As the time to meet Huh Ha-Soo approached, Kim Tae-Jin left to see Jeon Dae-Geuk, and Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung rode in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car. It took about ten minutes to reach the safe house. Agents greeted Kang Chan¡¯s party when they arrived.

    ¡°Mr. Seok, pleasee with me,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung guided Seok Kang-Ho to the left side of the building. Kang Chan thought there was probably a waiting room or something of the sort there.

    ¡°Please wait here,¡± an agent said after politely escorting Kang Chan to the living room. He then left him alone.

    This was where Kang Chan had eaten breakfast after leading the operation in France. He supposed the same location could feel vastly different depending on who one was meeting.

    The middle-aged woman in the kitchen prepared him some tea.

    <i>¡®Is she also an agent?¡¯</i>

    She certainly didn¡¯t move like an ordinary citizen. He couldn¡¯t tell if she was a good cook who received training to be an agent or if she was an agent selected for this task due to her cooking skills.

    As he let his train of thought run free, bustling noises suddenly came from outside. The front doors opened soon after, and a man with a bald scalp entered following an agent.

    It had to be Huh Ha-Soo.

    Kang Chan stood up to observe the man.

    For one, he was tall. He had brushed the hair on the left part of his head over the top, empty section to cover it up, and his face was shining with oil. He had small, beady eyes and a t nose save for the tip, which was turned up.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, the high schooler?¡± Huh Ha-Soo greeted as he offered a hand. ¡°I¡¯ve heard many things about you. Why don¡¯t we sit?¡±

    He acted so at ease that it was as if he just walked into his own home. When he sat down, he was ordered tea to be brought out from the kitchen.

    ¡°Give us some space, will you?¡± Huh Ha-Soo pressed. At his request, the agent waiting at the back exited through the front door. The middle-aged woman went back to the kitchen as well.

    ¡°I heard you¡¯re quite the scary student, but you¡¯re quite handsome. Have some tea,¡± Huh Ha-Soo said as he gestured to a cup with a hand covered in age spots.

    <i>¡®What does he have to say that he¡¯s making so much small talk?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan was willing to listen, though, so he silently drank his tea.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have much time, so let me get straight to the point,¡± Huh Ha-Soo stated, raising his left arm to look at his watch. ¡°I know you connected South Korea to the Eurasian Rail and are close friends with the French ambassador. Although our perspectives differ, I suggested that we meet because the desire for the country to progress is something I believe we have inmon.¡±

    Huh Ha-Soo lifted his gaze as if to seek agreement, and then continued with a mock-pouting expression.

    ¡°You shouldn''t fall for clumsy ploys and ruin things for the greater good, boy. The people around you willpliment you so they can take advantage of you and trick you into doing tasks under the guise that it¡¯s for the country. However, when you look closer, they¡¯re just shallow schemes that would allow those people to take power for themselves,¡± Huh Ha-Soo said as if to counsel Kang Chan.

    ¡°What is it that you want to say?¡± Kang Chan formally asked.

    Huh Ha-Soo looked at Kang Chan with a dissatisfied expression. ¡°Don¡¯t act like you¡¯re on top of the world just because of the Eurasian Rail. Experience isn¡¯t something that can be easily gained. The reason I requested to meet you today is because I want to give you, someone of talent, my generosity by presenting to you an opportunity.¡±

    Kang Chan only tilted his head in response.

    ¡°I intend to connect the Eurasian Rail to Japan¡¯s underwater tunnel. I hope you can set up a meeting for me with the founder.¡±

    <i>Is this old man out of his mind?</i>

    Kang Chan could never have imagined he would be getting this type of offer inside the safe house of the National Intelligence Service.

    ¡°We are a nation that cannot survive without the assistance of China and Japan. Connecting the railway to Japan and epting their advanced technologies will be of greater help to our country in the long run, a hundred years or two from now. What you require right now is the foresight to see far into the future,¡± Huh Ha-Soo admonished.

    Kang Chan forced his smirk down.

    ¡°The victim always has a reason for getting beat up. Whether it¡¯s because he did something worth getting hit or because he was weak in the first ce, there will always be a valid reason for it. If Japan didn¡¯t colonize us, we would still be wearing traditional ck skirts and white jeogori garments, stupidly living in poverty, wouldn¡¯t we?¡± Huh Ha-Soo attempted to reason.

    Kang Chan looked directly into Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s eyes. Much to his surprise, Huh Ha-Soo seemed as if he sincerely believed what he said.

    Was this bastard mentally wrong in the head?

    ¡°For our country, the Eurasian Rail is like casting pearls before swine. Owning it just means China and Japan will eventually take it from uss. In that case, it is a hundred times wiser to build it with them instead.¡±

    Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh, which Huh Ha-Soo seemed to have misinterpreted.

    ¡°Once the current government¡¯s significant positions are reced, I n to privatize the railway, among other developments. If you do what I say, I''ll make sure you get a substantial stake in the operation of Incheon Airport and the underwater tunnel. Those alone should be more than enough for you, your parents, and even your future children to live on for generations toe,¡± Huh Ha-Soo said proudly.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but burst outughing. His reaction appeared to have displeased Huh Ha-Soo.

    ¡°Mr. Huh, why don¡¯t we stand against China and Japan using the Eurasian Rail instead?¡± Kang Chan asked, bbergasted. He found Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s stance so ridiculous that he could not help but want to know what went on in Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s brain.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t let there be a power struggle between the people. If that happens, the country will split into two, then three, and so on,¡± Huh Ha-Soo exined impatiently.

    <i>A power struggle?</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand.

 Chapter 164.2: We donéˆ¥æª› have much time (1)

    <h4>Chapter 164.2: We don¡¯t have much time (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand what Huh Ha-Soo meant by a power struggle.

    ¡°The current president is shamelessly trying to divide the nation and its people so he can maintain power. Since before the Eurasian Rail, he intercepted the efforts of those who have worked for the country, using the excuse that they¡¯re descendants of pro-Japanese coborators, and he even attempted to confiscate their properties,¡± Huh Ha-Soo said.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it wrong for the descendants of traitors to live off the fat of thend too?¡± Kang Chan countered.

    Huh Ha-Soo looked at Kang Chan sharply.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be swayed by irrelevant talk. Who didn¡¯t ally themselves with Japan back then? And so what? After killing them all, who would step up to maintain public order, and who would stimte the economy?¡± Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s eyes sparked angrily like firecrackers.

    ¡°Ahem.¡± He let out a sigh after a short moment of silence, stroking his hair back. ¡°Don¡¯t be swayed by the men who say they¡¯re working for the good of the country. Do you know anyone who imed to have worked for the country and got a happy ending? To put it bluntly, our failure to achieve independence wasn¡¯t because we couldn¡¯t. It was because of the nuclear bombs that the United States dropped that we achieved it. Nevertheless, those bastards talk as if it¡¯s all thanks to them that we are an independent country today.¡±

    Huh Ha-Soo stood up, finished with what he had to say.

    ¡°This is thest chance I¡¯m giving you. If you don¡¯t do as I say, our country will have to give up the Eurasian Rail,¡± Huh Ha-Soo stated.

    <i>Pft.?</i>

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s smirk, the corners of Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s eyes twitched.

    ¡°<i>Urgh</i>,¡± he grunted.

    Kang Chan also followed Huh Ha-Soo up.

    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Huh Ha-Soo narrowed his eyes at Kang Chan, unable to understand what he meant.

    ¡°I was able to make up my mind thanks to you,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s beady eyes looked straight at Kang Chan.

    <i>You¡¯re going to die.?</i>

    Kang Chan had found a new resolve.

    Huh Ha-Soo turned around and left the living room.

    Kang Chan would have chased after him and twist his neck if he could. A momentter, he also walked outside.

    ***

    Kang Chan returned to the hotel and ryed his conversation with Huh Ha-Soo to the rest of the men. Seok Kang-Ho had shouted ¡°that fucking traitor!¡± multiple times by the time he had finished.

    ¡°What about the prime minister¡¯s resignation?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°It seems he won¡¯t do anything about it for the weekend. He didn¡¯t say it explicitly, but that was the attitude he showed,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Have you contacted the director yet?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked again.

    ¡°Not yet. His direct line was disconnected,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    It was Friday night. If they failed toe up with a solution by Saturday or Sunday, they would be done for.

    They needed a breakthrough.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring. He couldn¡¯t have been happier to pick up the phone from this caller.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, this is Kang Chan,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, do you have time for a cup of tea?

    ¡°Yes, I do. Where should I go?¡±

    - I¡¯ll see you at Namsan Hotel in about an hour.

    ¡°Got it. See you then, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Lanok seemed to know that Kang Chan was at Namsan Hotel, but he didn¡¯t say anything about it.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok and I made arrangements to meet here in an hour,¡± Kang Chan told the group, who then all restedfortably in their positions. They didn¡¯t have any sharp solution anyway, so there was no use in talking. They needed some time to think.

    ***

    ¡°Thank you for your service, sir,¡± Heo Chang-Seon greeted with a deep bow as Huh Ha-Soo walked into the reception room of a ce in Samcheong-Dong.

    ¡°You can sit. Would you like to have dinner?¡± Huh Ha-Soo asked.

    ¡°I ate beforeing here,¡± Heo Chang-Seon replied.

    Huh Ha-Soo sat at the head of the table, and Heo Chang-Seong sat in front of him.

    ¡°How was it?¡± Heo Chang-Seon asked.

    ¡°The young punk was full of himself. I can¡¯t believe the men who sent him to stall for time are the ones who want to run the country. Absurd,¡± Huh Ha-Soo scoffed with dissatisfaction and then turned his gaze. ¡°You have to hurry and find out why the French ambassador is so protective of him.¡±

    ¡°The special force in Samseong-Dong is in charge of that, and I don¡¯t have clearance from my position.¡±

    ¡°The director is probably managing that boy himself. Anyhow, it¡¯ll all be over in two days. The moment we take additional measures on Monday, they won¡¯t even be able to think about holding out.¡±

    ¡°They would never imagine what¡¯sing to them.¡±

    Huh Ha-Soo nodded, feeling pleased.

    ***

    An hour after Kang Chan received a call from Lanok, he headed to the 19th floor and was guided to a room by an agent who had been waiting for him.

    Lanok greeted Kang Chan the moment he walked in.

    ¡°You must be having quite the hard time,¡± Lanok remarked.

    ¡°Do I make it that obvious?¡± Kang Chan asked with a sigh.

    Lanok extended his arm toward the sofa. However, his face also seemed a little stiff as well.

    ¡°A fight against those in power isn¡¯t easy, is it?¡± Lanok asked as he offered some tea. He put a cigar in his mouth and lit it up. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you look so down.¡±

    ¡°To be honest, I can now see my limits. I didn¡¯t even know how to use the oil field developments rights and provocation from North Korea, which you helped me get,¡± Kang Chan smiled bitterly. It was almost ridiculous how lost he felt.

    ¡°That¡¯s because you don¡¯t know what Huh Ha-Soo is really after,¡± Lanok said.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anything to say to that.

    ¡°On Monday, Japan will take the same measures that China did,¡± Lanok added grimly.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked in disbelief.

    China was already giving them so much trouble, but they now had to deal with Japan too?

    ¡°They only have one request,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°The Eurasian Rail, of course,¡± Kang Chan stated wryly.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Lanok confirmed.

    <i>I should destroy that damn underwater tunnel!</i>

    ¡°South Korea will have no choice but to surrender if Japan¡¯s economic measures are implemented on Monday. That''s where the prime ministeres in. The first document that acknowledges the underwater tunnel and the connection of the Eurasian Railway has to be signed by the prime minister,¡± Lanok exined.

    Kang Chan sighed quietly.

    He knew who the enemy was, but he didn¡¯t know how to kill them. It was as if he had jumped onto a battlefield blindfolded.

    ¡°Huh Ha-Soo requested the recement of the prime minister by today, but he actually was going to leave the prime minister untouched until Monday,¡± Lanok informed him.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t evenugh in disbelief anymore. If this fight waspared to a battle with guns, it would be like getting shot in the forehead before he could even get his hand on the trigger.

    ¡°China¡¯s economic sanctions, Japan¡¯s greed for the Eurasian Rail, and Huh Ha-Soo. You have to solve all three of these matters, Mr. Kang Chan. Before Monday arrives, no less,¡± Lanok stated.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± Kang Chan confessed.

    Lanok twirled his cigar before speaking again.

    ¡°Yang Fan requested help from China,¡± he said.

    ¡°Did he return to China?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He re-entered the country after parting ways with you. The situation is intense for both sides, but the opposition party still holds significant power, so Yang Fan doesn¡¯t have any forces he can mobilize. As you already know, France is too far and will take too long to be of any help,¡± Lanok told him.

    ¡°What do I have to do?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There''s a disguised intelligence agency building in downtown Beijing. The task is to eliminate Rishiquan, who is located there,¡± Lanok replied.

    Kang Chan let out a sigh. However, a part of him felt relieved.

    He had never been to Beijing. The chances of sess were slim, and sess would not guarantee an easy return.

    ¡°Even with Yang Fan''s help, it won''t be easy to handle the aftermath of failure or being captured,¡± Lanok warned.

    Larnock pointed out the worst-case scenario. Of course, that went without saying.

    ¡°Rishiquan is the mastermind. He is the one behind Korea''s economic measures and the plot to assassinate the President. He''s also the one who ordered my kidnapping. If he bes the head of the intelligence agency, Asia will plunge into great chaos,¡± Lanok dered.

    ¡°How will seeding in this benefit us?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If Yang Fan takes control of the intelligence agency, it will lead to the economic measures being lifted and the location of North Korean special forces that entered South Korea being revealed. It will also result in the arrest of Huh Sang-Soo in China,¡± Lanok replied.

    Kang Chan felt as if a rush of fresh air just entered his suffocated lungs.

    ¡°When do I leave?¡± Kang Chan asked this time.

    "Beijing is an hour behind South Korea. Your transportation will be disguised as a cargo ne. Your best window of opportunity is tonight at eleven,¡± Lanok answered.

    Only three hours for Kang Chan toe to a decision and depart?

    This was probably why Lanok came all the way to the hotel¡ªto save time.

    But there was no other opportunity like this.

    ¡°Then Mr. Ambassador, I''ll gather information immediately. Should I contact you by phone?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. You will depart from Osan.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    After exchanging a brief farewell, Kang Chan left Lanok¡¯s room.

    When he returned to the room where his group was waiting for him, he Kim Tae-Jin and Jeon Dae-Geuk inside.

    The atmosphere was as dark as expected.

    ¡°You¡¯re here, sir?¡± Kang Chan greeted Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ¡°It¡¯s tough, isn¡¯t it?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk sympathized. His husky voice sounded as if he was soothing Kang Chan.

    They were extremely short on time right now.

    ¡°Section Chief Jeon,¡± Kang Chan called, then ryed his conversation with Lanok.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>!¡± The mighty Jeon Dae-Geuk shook his head as he stepped back.

    Kang Chan understood how he felt. The conditions were just that harsh.

    ¡°There isn¡¯t enough time. It¡¯ll take at least an hour to get approval from the president even if I rush over there now, and it isn¡¯t like you can mobilize soldiers without permission either. Most importantly, the chances of sess are too low,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said with concern.

    ¡°Well, there isn¡¯t any other way, is there? It¡¯s not like we can assassinate Huh Ha-Soo with the current state of the nation,¡± Kang Chan uttered.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked to the ground.

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll get to the president first. Manager Kim, where is the director right now?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°His direct line has been disconnected for a while now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll call him while I¡¯m on the way to Choi Seong-Geon then. Oh, right. How many do you need?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked, turning to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Including me and Seok Kang-Ho, a total of twelve people,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk was already halfway out the door.

    They were all feeling simr emotions¡ªthe grief of the citizens of a powerless nation.

    But Kang Chan was morefortable doing things this way.

    He nced over at Seok Kang-Ho, feeling at ease when he saw him grinning from ear-to-ear.

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>! This is so frustrating. Let¡¯s go out and get some food, We can juste backter,¡± Seok Kang-Ho urged.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t leave the hotel. Why don¡¯t we eat on the first floor?¡± Kang Chan suggested, and the four headed toward the restaurant.

 Chapter 165: We donéˆ¥æª› have much time (2)

    <h4>Chapter 165: We don¡¯t have much time (2)</h4>

    While walking on a trail, Moon Jae-Hyun turned his head toward Jeon Dae-Geuk. ¡°Isn¡¯t it too risky?¡±

    ¡°Once Japan imposes economic sanctions as well, we will be left with no other choice. Didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯ll approve preemptive strikes anyway?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m simply worried about the risks the soldiers will have to take. This operation is so dangerous that it would be difficult for them to return even if they aplish their objectives. Even if someone will be helping them in China, they will still be in downtown Beijing, and once that man achieves his goal, they can easily disregard our soldiers.¡±

    ¡°I need you to trust Ambassador Lanok about that matter. He¡¯s connected with Mr. Kang Chan, and he was the one who suggested this operation in the first ce.¡±

    ¡°Even if so, we should still consider the fact that this operation has a low chance of seeding.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nced at Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ¡°China has directly sent their troops to our golf course and our Presentation hall. Please allow us tounch the preemptive strike,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid ofunching the preemptive strike. I¡¯m afraid that I could be agreeing to our people sacrificing their precious lives just because I want to hold onto the Presidency longer. Will Kang Chan bemanding this operation as well?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°He met with Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo, gave us information about Japan¡¯s n to impose economic sanctions, and is now nning tomand the Chinese intelligence agency¡¯s operation. We¡¯re depending on Kang Chan for everything.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President, if Japan ces economic sanctions as well thising Monday, then you¡¯re definitely going to be impeached.¡±

    That was rude, but Moon Jae-Hyun was still calm.

    ¡°Even if they seed with the operation, the result would still be the same¡ªyour impeachment. However, if they fail, then we can¡¯t guarantee your safety,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk added.

    ¡°I know. China and Japan won¡¯t let a South Korean leader who resisted them live. As you said, if our soldiers fail and I get impeached, then I¡¯m definitely going to die.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President, please risk your life for South Korea.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nced at Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ***

    Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s soft sigh dispersed inside the barracks. At the same time, Cha Dong-Gyun nced at the clock that was hung on the wall, then dropped his gaze.

    They experienced this kind of despair at least once a year.

    They flew to France and fought against Russia and the United Kingdom¡¯s special forces, distinguishing themselves on the battlefield.

    This time, however, they were fighting in South Korea¡¯s battle against China.

    South Korea issued emergency decrees whenever China and Japan carried out a terrorist attack in South Korea and whenever South Korea¡¯s agents were unfairly murdered, but the soldiers were never actually mobilized.

    They said that it would take three hours, and an hour had already flown by.

    This was the actual battle.

    What Kang Chan yelled before their training became the members¡¯ creed.

    ¡°Never forget what it means to have nobat experience! You will go on missions where more than half of you won¡¯t return alive! After that, more recruits will be sent, and you will go on missions again where even more will die! Those who survive will be veterans, and their experience will trickle down to the new men.¡±

    Which one of them would volunteer to be in the special forces just because they wanted to die?

    They wanted to live. They wanted to live and be veterans, and they wanted to pass on their experiences to their juniors.

    But to do that, they needed a sunbae who would go out with them to awful missions first.

    A sunbae who could protect their juniors using their experience, overwhelm their enemies with their capabilities, and take away their opponents¡¯ helmets in the end.

    A sunbae like Kang Chan.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>.¡± Cha Dong-Gyun sighed, then quickly observed Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s mood.

    At that moment¡­

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.</i>

    The hotline on the table rang loudly.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s Cho Seong-Geon,¡± Choi Seong-Geon answered. Not long after, he sat up straight and then stood up from his seat.

    Right in front of him was Cha Dong-Gyun, who was staring at him with eyes that were bing red.

    ¡°Thank you!¡±

    <i>Could it be? Can we really go on an operation that is targeting China?</i>

    ¡°Understood! Thank you, Mr. President!¡±

    <i>Click.</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon blinked after he put down the receiver. ¡°We got permission to proceed with the operation.¡±

    ¡°Really, General?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll get the detailed schedule on your way there. Leave. Now.¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡±

    ¡°Live! Return alive this time as well so you can teach your sessors. That is all I ask,¡± Choi Seong-Geon added.

    Cha Dong-Gyun saluted him, and Choi Seong-Geon returned it.

    He wanted to give Cha Dong-Gyun more time, even if it was just a second.

    ***

    - Kang Chan, it¡¯s Moon Jae-Hyun.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±

    This phone call was unexpected.

    The three people in the room exchanged nces and examined each other¡¯s moods when they heard Kang Chan¡¯s response.

    - I called to express my gratitude, shame, and apology. Instead of developing talented people, I keep pushing you into dangerous matters because of my shorings.

    This person was always so sincere no matter what he was saying.

    - Please deal with this situation and return with everyone again. It¡¯s shameless of me, but I really hope that you can make that happen.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. President. I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    - Please look after South Korea. The whole world has concluded that South Korea will never rise back up again, but our country aplished the Miracle on the Han River[1]. We are that remarkable and powerful. Please remember that South Korea needs you.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    - Thank you. Please wait for a moment.

    Instead of the call ending, Kang Chan heard Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s voice next.

    - The soldiers we deployed will be joining you at the road where you saw themst. They already left, so be there on time. I¡¯ll see you when you get back.

    ¡°Thank you, section chief.¡±

    - I¡¯m the one who should be thanking you. Let¡¯s have maeun-tang together once this is over.

    Kang Chan hung up while smiling.

    ¡°Are we leaving?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan nodded, and Seok Kang-Ho smiled with satisfaction.

    ¡°That son of a bitch! Let¡¯s see what kind of face he¡¯ll make when we return from China,¡± Seok Kang-Homented. His eyes were already glinting.

    Kim Tae-Jin gave Kang Chan an apologetic look. ¡°We put a heavy burden on your shoulders again.

    ¡°On the contrary, I actually feel relieved,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. I¡¯ll call the ambassador now.¡± Kang Chan immediately called Lanok and exined the situation as simply as he could.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯ll send over a car. By tomorrow, you¡¯ll be telling me about what happened over a cup of tea.

    Lanok told Kang Chan to return no matter what in aplicated way.

    Next, Kang Chan called Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°The operation has been approved¡ªI¡¯m going to contact you when the car arrives, so be at the lobby.¡±

    - Thank you.

    Choi Jong-Il sounded relieved. Kanc Chan could hear the underlying emotion¡ªit was something understood between men.

    Lastly, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho called their families.

    Kang Chan went inside the bedroom so he could have some privacy, but it was also because he found it a bit embarrassing.

    - Hello? Channy?

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me, Mother. Have you had dinner?¡±

    - Of course. What about you?

    ¡°I had something delicious. Anyway, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to go home today.¡±

    - Again? Why not? Are you doing something hard?

    ¡°I¡¯m preparing for something. I can¡¯t go home because I can¡¯t just leave while everyone is nning to stay.¡±

    - Okay. You must be tired. Is there anything we can do?

    ¡°I¡¯m really fine. I¡¯ll call you tomorrow.¡±

    - Alright, Channy. If you¡¯re tired, then you better get enough sleep, okay?

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up. He had made all the preparations now.

    Kang Chan opened the bedroom door and headed back out to the living room, Kim Tae-Jin putting down his phone.

    ¡°I just got off the phone with General Choi,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Why do you have that look on your face, though?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always been like this whenever I¡¯m about to send my juniors to the DMZ by themselves. I pretend to be firm on the surface, but I can¡¯t help but be worried, you know? I can really feel my age now¡ªI can¡¯t even properly control my expression.¡±

    They talked about awkward things for about twenty minutes.

    Kang Chan wanted to talk about the worries they had for each other and discuss what they should do if the operation failed, but the result of doing all of that was very obvious.

    What could they even say at this point?

    <i>Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Everyone immediately turned to Kang Chan when his phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Monsieur Kang, we¡¯re waiting in the basement parking lot.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up, then stood up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Do a good job for us,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho shook hands with Kim Tae-Jin, then Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, let¡¯s have a drink when you get back,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    After saying their goodbyes, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho went down to the basement.

    ***

    As soon as Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party got in the van, it immediately drove out of the hotel and onto the highway.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, the ambassador said that you should look at this data first.¡± The French agent sitting in the passenger seat passed over an envelope to Kang Chan.

    Inside was a front picture of a man with sharp eyes. It also contained five other pictures of him doing other things, such as shaking hands and waiting for something with his hands sped behind his back.

    This was the man who urged Huh Ha-Soo to rece the prime minister. He was also the one who ordered the North Korean special forces to assassinate the President and made China put economic sanctions on South Korea.

    Kang Chan took out the photos one at a time and examined them, then handed them over to Seok Kang-Ho, who then passed them to Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party after checking them out.

    Kang Chan put the photos back in the envelope, then put it in his inner chest pocket. He was thinking of showing them to the rest of the teamter.

    The van quickly drove on the highway, eventually stopping in front of a bus parked by the entrance of the Osan airfield.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be transferring to that bus, so you guys can head back now. Thanks for bringing us all the way here,¡± Kang Chan told the French agents.

    ¡°Good luck.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded, then immediately got out of the car.

    <i>Chkk.</i>

    The door of the bus opened. When Kang Chan boarded it, he found most of the soldiers sitting in the middle of the bus. Everyone saluted him, starting with Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not do things like that,¡± Kang Chan jokingly said as he sat in the front seat.

    The bus went past the barricade and stopped in front of a ne.

    They had experienced this before. Hence, they got on the ne¡ªa French public cargo aircraft known as an aigle¡ªin silence. They didn¡¯t have to say anything in this situation anymore.

    However, cargo nes didn¡¯t have seats.

    Going up the portable ramp, they found a man waiting for them in between the air cargo containers.

    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± the man spoke Korean. He was Asian and had a Chinese ent.

    Once the entire team boarded, the ramp was retracted, and the door was closed.

    <i>nk! nk!</i>

    The Chinese man turned on a rechargeablemp.

    ¡°We¡¯re leaving for Beijing Capital International Airport,¡± the man said.

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    A warning sound went off as the aircraft rattled and drove down the runway.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    The noisy vibration changed to a familiar sensation as the aircraft took off.

    Meanwhile, the Chinese man took out a map and put it on the floor.

    ¡°You guys will be moving inside a container. We¡¯re going to stop the trailer at this point. This is our target building.¡±

    The man pinpointed two locations with his finger. The buildings were on the left and right sides of an intersection.

    ¡°How many people will be guarding those buildings?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°About that¡­¡±

    When Kang Chan sharply looked at him, the man replied, ¡°Usually around twenty people.¡±

    ¡°What about now?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t been able to check yet.¡± The man¡¯s Chinese ent got a bit stronger, perhaps because he was nervous.

    ¡°What about Yang Bum?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°I meant Yang Pan. Where are we meeting him?¡±

    ¡°He will be waiting nearby. You can meet him as soon as you seed with the operation.¡±

    <i>What a cunning fucker.</i>

    It sounded as if he was saying that Yang Bum would pretend that he didn¡¯t know them if they failed.

    ¡°What¡¯s our escape n if we don¡¯t get to meet Yang Bum?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We will have a truck waiting for all of you at the same ce you¡¯ll be getting off the aircraft.¡±

    They wanted Kang Chan and his team to gather right beside the target building if they failed?

    Kang Chan tightly gritted his teeth, but this was the only way right now.

    ¡°How long will it take for us to get there?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Two and a half hours.¡±

    ¡°What about getting to the target location from the airport?¡±

    ¡°At least forty minutes, but it will probably take longer since we have to get the container down first.¡±

    The man¡¯s response was quite poor even though he was supposed to be their guide.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to ask this, but are there things like hot water or coffee in here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s at the back.¡±

    Kang Chan stared at the man. Only then did thetter head to the back.

    They were running out of time, and they were going to an unfamiliar downtown area. Kang Chan pointed to a building diagonal to the target building with his index finger. The soldiers looked at him.

    <i>¡®This is Point Alpha!¡¯?</i>Kang Chan mouthed.

    Cha Dong-Gyun quickly nodded.

    Before Kang Chan could choose point Beta, the guide had already gone back with a cup of water.

    ¡°Do you have coffee?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t been able to prepare that.¡±

    The DGSE probably prepared this aircraft. If so, then that also meant they could trust their guide.

    <i>Am I being too sensitive?</i>

    Either way, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to be careful. Little by little, he could pass his experience on to his subordinates this way.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get ready,¡± Kang Chan said, and the soldiers immediately opened the bag that they had brought with them. Two of the soldiers took a in ck military uniform from it and handed it over to Kang Chan, who then epted and put it on.

    Afterward, he put on military boots and applied a cream that was simr to shoe polish on his face. He also put on a headset and a helmet that night vision goggles attached to it.

    <i>Click. nk.</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun handed Kang Chan a pistol and a rifle.

    Meanwhile, the others attached pistols to their waists and ankles the same way as Kang Chan did as if they were following rules. Afterward, they attached a bay to their right ankle.

    <i>Why are they copying me? They can just do things like this as they see fit¡­</i>

    With magazines attached behind their waist and on their forearms, they hadpleted all preparations.

    ¡°Do you want coffee?¡± one of the soldiers asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°You brought some?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡ªit¡¯s one of the things we learned during thest operation.¡±

    Kang Chan only smiled in response.

    Two of the soldiers made instant coffee, filling the ne with its familiar scent.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± the guide said when a soldier handed him a cup.

    They took one sip after another. This would¡¯ve been a lot better if the water was a bit hotter, though.

    <i>Du-du-du. Du-du-du-du.</i>

    The container shook with the vibrations of the aircraft.

    They had already started this operation. No matter what happened now, only their team could take care of it.

    Kang Chan put the paper cup down beside him, then searched his pocket and took out a cigarette.

    ¡°You can¡¯t smoke here,¡± the guide said, startled. ¡°There¡¯s a high chance that people will think it¡¯s weird if they smell cigarettes in the cargo.¡±

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    They had to face this kind of inconvenience just because they weren¡¯t on a military ne.

    Seok Kang-Ho and the others looked just as upset as Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan instead took out the photos in his inner chest pocket and handed them over to Cha Dong-Gyun, who was sitting nkly while leaning back against the wall.

    <i>Whooosh.</i>

    The aircraft was fucking fast. Kang Chan even felt it take a sharp turn.

    <i>nk! nk!</i>

    The guide opened the door of the container up front.

    Kang Chan nced at the soldiers, making them all get in the container.

    This was a very stupid way to get into China¡ªif they were stabbed in the back now, the container would serve as their coffin.

    Kang Chan trusted Lanok, though.

    If they were to be betrayed, Lanok would brutally punish those responsible for it.

    However, by that time, they would have already been riddled with holes and died inside it.

    <i>nk! nk!</i>

    When the guide opened the second container, Choi Jong-Il went inside, and Seok Kang-Ho got in after him.

    ¡°Do the rest of the containers really have cargo in them?¡± Kang Chan asked the guide.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then close them.¡±

    The guide looked at Kang Chan in confusion.

    ¡°I said close them. I¡¯ll be hanging on the bottom of the trailer.¡±

    ¡°That isn¡¯t part of the n.¡±

    ¡°You guys are transporting the containers knowing full well that they¡¯re fake cargo anyway. I¡¯ll go to China under the trailer.¡±

    The guide reluctantly closed the door of the container after he saw the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    <i>Whooosh! Whoosh. Du-du-du-du-du-du!</i>

    Not long after, the ne descended and began to drive through the runway, its engine making noise again.

    1. The Miracle on the Han River refers to the period of rapid economic growth in South Korea following the Korean War, during which South Korea transformed from a least developed country to a developed country of the 20th century ??

 Chapter 166.1: Something more precious than life (1)

    <h4>Chapter 166.1: Something more precious than life (1)</h4>

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    The ne¡¯s loud engines boomed as they revved up, and Kang Chan shook up and down at the jerky vibrations of the nending on the airstrip.

    <i>Du du du du du.?</i>

    Kang Chan hung his gun on his right shoulder and locked its breechblock with a <i>click</i>. Now, all he had to do was pull the trigger to get the ammunition going.

    The ne rolled to aplete stop, rumbling on the runway.

    Even at that moment, Kang Chan still didn¡¯t take his eyes off the guide for even a single second. Just as the ne began to turn its huge fusge around, Kang Chan¡¯s heart began to race increasingly faster. He was already expecting this to happen, though. For quite some time now, his guts had been telling him that some unforeseen danger would be lying in wait for them.

    Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, and the other agents were just sitting ducks right now, waiting for their bodies to be riddled with bullet holes.

    He thought about what he would do if his suspicions proved to be a mistake. Either way, however, he couldn¡¯t just let them die inside the container because of the chance that he could be wrong, could he?

    The guide began to turn around, feeling Kang Chan¡¯s sharp gaze on him.

    ¡°Open the doors,¡± Kang Chan firmlymanded.

    ¡°I beg your pardon?¡± the guide asked, flustered.

    ¡°I said open the doors now,¡± Kang Chan repeated with conviction.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    The ne stopped to a halt.

    <i>Son of a bitch!</i>

    <i>Clunk!?</i>

    Right before Kang Chan was about to pull the trigger, the guide opened the container doors for him.

    <i>Click. Click.?</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il came dashing out ready forbat, their guns already aimed and at the ready.

    ¡°This seems like a trap!¡± Kang Chan shouted at them.

    Seok Kang-Ho pressed himself close to the doors as Choi Jong-Il opened the doors to the other container with a <i>clunk</i>.

    Kang Chan nced at the guide, who was now lifting his left arm, seemingly about to wipe his sweat off.

    <i>Whoosh!?</i>

    Kang Chan grabbed the guide and tightly covered his mouth. He then stabbed him in the neck with a dagger.

    <i>¡°Agh!¡±</i>

    <i>Swish!</i>

    The moment Kang Chan twisted the knife, the man jerked and slumped over. Kang Chan had to confirm his suspicions.

    He slid his dagger down the man¡¯s left shoulder with a<i>?shing,?</i>finding a line that was connected to a radio.

    The agents all knew what it was.

    <i>Was this bastardmunicating with the enemy? It doesn¡¯t seem like he has yet, at least. Damn it!</i>

    Unlike military aircraft, normal nes only had enough gas to reach their destination, not make a round trip. That meant Kang Chan and the rest of the team could no longer turn around using the same aircraft now that they hadnded.

    ¡°Daye!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan with glinting eyes. This man normally ate nervousness for breakfast, but right now, his anxiety was evident on his face.

    ¡°The moment the doors open, you and Cha Dong-Gyun are to kill everyone on sight,¡± Kang Chanmanded, the tension evident in his voice.

    The doors were beginning to slide open.

    ¡°Men, put your masks on! Lee Doo-Hee! Can you drive a semi-truck?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, I can, sir!¡± Lee Doo-Hee replied.

    The doors were now about halfway open, revealing the dark sky.

    ¡°You take the driver¡¯s seat then! The rest of you, stay in your positions.¡±

    <i>Rumble.</i>

    They could now see the upper part of the semi-truck¡¯s side rails that were intended to carry cargo out of the aircraft.

    ¡°Eliminate the enemies as fast as possible. Recover their bodies,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Clunk. Clunk.?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s highest priority for now was to safely leave the airport. He had no idea how many enemies would be waiting for them or whether or not they were armed.

    <i>Swoosh.?</i>

    However, he would find out as soon as the doors fully opened.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Thud! Pew! Pew!</i>

    There were six enemies in total.

    If there was a silver lining, it was that the doors opened to the opposite side of the airport building.

    <i>What about the guard posts?</i>

    Unless Yang Bum had already made arrangements for that as well, Kang Chan could only leave it to luck.

    The rails were about a meter away from the door.

    <i>Rattle.?</i>

    Kang Chan quickly made his way down the side and got off the ne.

    <i>Rattle. Rattle. Rattle.?</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and the others quickly followed after him.

    As they were about to lift the bodies on the ground, sirens began to ring and lights shed about seven hundred meters away.

    <i>Weeoo! Weeoo! Weeoo! Weeoo!</i>

    A military jeep and three more trucks followed them.

    Seok Kang-Ho, who had hunched over to pick up a body, turned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Daye! Make sure to kill them all!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    ¡°Got it!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted back.

    ¡°Dong-Gyun! Head to the semi-truck!¡± Kang Chan quickly ordered afterward.

    <i>Tatatatataa!</i>

    ¡°Woo Hee-Seung! Aim for the one manning the machine gun on the jeep!¡±

    The vehicles had already covered over three hundred meters.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan leaned on the semi-truck and cocked his head.

    ¡°Woo Hee-Seung!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Pew!</i>

    The moment sparks flew from Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s gun, Kang Chan made two consecutive shots as well.

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    The driver of the jeep was shot in the forehead nearly at the same time as the one stationed on the machine gun fell out of the vehicle.

    <i>Creak! Crash.?</i>

    The jeep collided with a truck, then skidded on the ground like a jetski cutting through water.

    They had effectively taken out the M60 machine gun.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho wasn¡¯t an idiot¡ªhe knew what he had to do as well. When Kang Chan opened fire, Seok Kang-Ho made his own consecutive shots, targeting the driver of the truck.

    <i>Pow! Creak!</i>

    The tire on one of the trucks blew up, and the vehicle began to tilt to one side.

    <i>These motherfuckers are in for a treat if they think they can take me down with three trucks!</i>

    ¡°Cover me!¡± Kang Chanmanded as he rushed forward with his gun aimed in front of him.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Thud! Thud!</i>

    The two sedans blindingly shing their lights quickly turned direction and speeded down the runway.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    The bullets that flew underneath the dark sky looked as if they were emitting streaks of neon or red lights. Although beautiful, anyone could get killed if they came into contact with them.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and tenaciously ran toward the jeep.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Based on the enemy¡¯s pathetic shooting skills, they couldn¡¯t be part of the special forces. They were probably just airport security at best.

    Two minutes had already flown by. They had about five minutes before they absolutely had to leave, and it would take another five minutes for them to get to their destination.

    In three minutes, the enemy¡¯s task force would be mobilized, and they would only take five minutes to reach thisnding strip. The moment they arrived, it would be the end for Kang Chan and his team.

    <i>Pew!</i>

    The strength suddenly left Kang Chan¡¯s right shin. As it did, an image of Yoo Hye-Sook crying shed through his mind.

    <i>Damn it! This is why I shouldn¡¯t love or get close to anyone! That¡¯s why I keep making so many excuses even though I already have a girl I really like!?</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Dayeru, the unhinged bastard, suddenly ran toward Kang Chan from where he had been covering him. He probably saw Kang Chan lurch to the side.

    <i>Clunk!</i>

    Kang Chan locked the breechblock of the M60.

    <i>Du du du du du du du du! Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud!</i>

    Streaks of light shot toward the trucks.

    Parts of the vehicles flew in the air as the enemies Kang Chan hit got covered in blood and holes.

    <i>You motherfuckers aren¡¯t the only ones who can attack someone in their own territory! You think we can¡¯t do what you did with our conference hall? You¡¯re going to be embarrassed as hell with this Beijing Airport incident!</i>

    <i>Boom!</i>

    The gas tank of a truck exploded, causing fiery sparks to soar high up in the sky.

    <i>Du du du du du du du du!</i>

    ¡°Daye!¡± Kang Chan shouted through clenched teeth.

    Seok Kang-Ho took hold of the machine gun and mercilessly rained down bullets on the remaining truck.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°The hangar to the left of the semi-truck!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    <i>Vroom, vroom! Clunk! Vrooooom!</i>

    The semi-truck began to move as it let out heavy noises. They only had about five minutes now.

    ¡°Daye!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho lifted the machine gun as if he was picking up arge dog, then headed for the semi-truck.

    Kang Chan ran in front of the semi-truck even though his right shin was throbbing in so much pain that he felt as if someone was stabbing him with a skewer with each step he took.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Right now, he still couldn¡¯t trust any of his subordinates to open fire while running, not even Choi Jong-Il.

    If people saw him right now, some would probably wonder why he didn¡¯t just ride the semi-truck. That¡¯s because people didn¡¯t know how high a semi-truck was if it didn¡¯t have any containers.

    <i>Vroooom! Vrooom! Vroom!</i>

    <i>Son of a bitch! Why did he have tond the ne so far away?</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Creak.?</i>

    The semi-truck came to a stop.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho,¡± Kang Chan called. ¡°Change into their clothes!¡±

    Kang Chan pointed at the dead security guards on the ground, then lifted both his arms in the air to direct the semi-truck.

    <i>Vroom! Vroom! Vroooom! Creak!</i>

    The semi-truck stopped again, and the machine gun was safely put inside it.

    <i>There! At least we won¡¯t be killed like fish in a barrel with this.?</i>

    Kang Chan gathered the soldiers inside.

    ¡°The tanker is over there, so the aviation fuel tanks are probably kept underground here. We¡¯re blocking this area off, so get yourselves into position,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    Kang Chan motioned with his arm, drawing arge circle on the floor of the hangar.

    If this area exploded, half of the airport would be blown away. That should make the enemies think twice before using heavy weaponry against them now.

    ¡°We got neatly stabbed in the back this time. It¡¯ll be sad if we just die in vain, so let¡¯s take revenge for what they did at the conference hall before we go down,¡± Kang Chan said with a grin.

    Seok Kang-Ho chuckled, his head bobbing up and down withughter. At that moment, the four men ordered to change into the security guards¡¯ clothes walked over to Kang Chan, havingpleted hismand.

    .

    Kang Chan pulled out a map from his pocket for them.

    ¡°The moment we engage inbat again, bring your guns and head to this location immediately. Make sure you kill our target. There is a chance that the bastard won¡¯t be in this location, but I have a feeling that he will be. Considering he set this trap, he¡¯ll probably waiting there to get updates on the situation,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    They could now hear heavy engines rumbling outside. It was likely the task force arriving now. As Kang Chan estimated, they took around ten minutes to get here.

    Those motherfuckers were in for a big surprise.

 Chapter 166.2: Something more precious than life (1)

    <h4>Chapter 166.2: Something more precious than life (1)</h4>

    ¡°Daye, you lead the assassination squad,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan with a glinting re that was as sharp as a knife.

    ¡°Get it together, fucker! If it wasn¡¯t for the bullet I took to the leg, I would¡¯ve left you behind and gone myself. I¡¯m not going to die here, you hear me? So go and kill that bastard using any means necessary. If Yang Bum takes control of the administration, we might just be able to get out of this alive!¡±

    Another loud rumble of the engines came outside. It sounded like a monster¡¯s growl.

    <i>Those assholes have got to be deranged.</i>

    Kang Chan could never have imagined that they would bring armored vehicles to the airport.

    ¡°Daye!¡±

    ¡°Got it, Cap!¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Change out of those clothes,¡± Kang Chan ordered him.

    Seok Kang-Ho gritted his teeth as he looked back at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to get out alive,¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to return with him dead,¡± Seok Kang-Ho furiously said, then spat as if he had just consumed poison. His emotions had be too intense.

    ¡°Hurry and get going! I can only get you one chance,¡± Kang Chan rushed him.

    ¡°Alright, alright! I got it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded. He had no idea how Kang Chan was going to give them an opening to get out of this ce. All he could do was believe in his orders.

    ¡°Wait here! You better be waiting here! And tie off that injury on your leg,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled as he turned around to steal someone¡¯s clothes.

    ***

    [The Beijing Capital International Airport in China is currently under terrorist attack. While a considerable number of casualties have been reported due to the engagement, the terrorist group responsible for the attack has not yet been identified, Once again, a terrorist attack has beenunched on China''s Beijing Capital International Airport, and at the time of this report, the situation is still ongoing. A significant number of casualties have been reported, and the responsible terrorist group has not been determined.]

    Choi Seong-Geon buried his forehead in his palms from where they had been resting on his desk after listening to what the reporter hurriedly said

    Active officers never cried. This was South Korea¡¯s proud special forces team. Even if they failed, those soldiers would go down in history as legendary men.

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>!¡± Choi Seong-Geon grunted.

    <i>I should¡¯ve hugged them at least once! They were like my sons¡­ I can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t just because it was awkward since they¡¯re men!</i>

    He sent them away far too easily.

    ¡°<i>Hah! Haah</i>!¡± Choi Seong-Geon groaned frustratedly.

    If he cried now, he would be sinning to those punks.

    ¡°<i>Heuuuh. Heuuh</i>,¡± he grunted in an attempt not to cry.

    <i>Those punks! I hope they¡¯re not lonely. I hope they¡¯re not scared.?</i>

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung and Kim Tae-Jin weren¡¯t any different from Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°<i>Hooo</i>,¡± Kim Tae-Jin exhaled, before raising his gaze.

    [The most prevailing theory is that it is an action of the military, fueled by grievances from a purge of a certain political force. Currently, all runways at the airport have been closed, and a helicopter attempting to approach for coverage hase under threat of gunfire. To summarize, the situation is reminiscent of a battlefield,] the field reporter said, a shot of the airport from far away in the background.

    ***

    <i>Du du du du du du.</i>

    There were at least twenty helicopters in the air now, all of which were military.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    The armored vehicles let out smoke as if they were threatening toe closer.

    <i>Swish. Swish.?</i>

    Searchlights Focused on the hangar that Kang Chan was in, illuminating the area enough to make the night seem like day. Task forces, the Chinese special forces team, also known as the White Wolves, and other agents wearing uniforms of apparent significance had formed an encirclement around the hangar.

    The soldiers swallowed nervously.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Two snipers have been designated to each person. Don¡¯t lift your head,¡± Kang Chan calmly ordered, much to their surprise.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re going to survive this. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s just one or two of us. We will get out of this alive. Keep your heads intact, and protect the guy lucky enough to stay alive.¡±

    The soldiers exchanged nces, only moving their eyes. How could Kang Chan say that and remain soposed despite the horrifying siege in front of them?

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Assassination squad, wait on standby,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    Kang Chan was really going to have them leave the airport? How? By giving them wings? By flying through the dam helicopters like Superman?

    They weren¡¯t even in front of the semi-truck right now. The soldiers were stuck in the innermost section of the hangar right now.

    Cha Dong-Gyun, who was looking around, frowned at the wretched smell of the aviation fuel¡ªfuel that was more explosive than ordinary fuel![1]

    .

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhuhu</i>,¡± Seok Kang-Ho chuckled. Hisughter seemed twisted because of the situation.

    Kang Chan was holding the valve of the refueling hose, which was nothing like the ones used to fuel cars. This was a thick, rubber hose that was so massive it had to be carried with both arms. At the end of it was a lever simr to the one used to open the hatch of a submarine.

    What would happen if that section was ignited?

    Cha Dong-Gyun felt an electrifying buzz that sent shivers down his spine and all over his body.

    Their Chinese opponents had no idea that they were facing this kind of man. They would never be able to imagine he would pour out aviation fuel even with a fuel tank below them.

    <i>This is the kind of man who¡¯smanding us! If we can just kill the man from the picture, we might just survive this! I¡¯m going to kill him! I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to kill him and save our brothers!</i>

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Defense team, awaitmand to cover fire,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Although they had masks on, it was still hard to breathe because of the gas. The moment Kang Chan lit up the end of the hose, this hangar would turn into an ocean of fire.

    Kang Chan could see the enemies¡¯ surprised looks. They had discovered the aviation fuel flowing toward them and smelled the gas.

    <i>Creak. Creak. Creak.?</i>

    Kang Chan shut the lever of the oil pipe.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°When I light it up, keep your noses on the ground and count to five. The gas will only burn from above. Sorry to ask you of this, but the assassination squad will have to run after just counting to four,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed. He had beenughing like a madman since a few moments ago.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, what is our motto?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho paused briefly.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°If I can protect¡ª¡±

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Bang!</i>

    Without warning, Kang Chan shot the searchlights, causing them to explode.

    Sparks suddenly began to fly all over as if the whole world was on fire.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    A scorching heat swept past the hangar¡ªan aftershock of the explosion.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Seok Kang-Ho dered. The heat made him sound like a monster.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Enemies who caught fire fell to the ground, dead, and the bullets of the ones who survived bounced off the ground and the semi-truck.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    ***

    [A massive explosion has just urred at the airport. Given the rtively subdued noise, it likely isn¡¯t dynamite but aviation fuel or otherbustible substances. Sporadic gunshots were heard following the explosion, suggesting the beginning ofbat. As of the moment, the Chinese government has refrained from making an official statement.]

    The reporter flinched every time sparks shot up into the sky.

    ¡°Those fuckers!¡± Choi Seong-Geon eximed with clenched teeth, then inhaled deeply.

    The soldiers were stubbornly holding out.

    <i>That¡¯s what a special forces team is supposed to be like! They don¡¯t give up! Theye up with the best solution possible in the worst situations!</i>

    The South Korean special forces were finally showcasing their capacities and rising from the shadows.

    ***

    Moon Jae-Hyun had a stiff expression.

    ¡°Section Chief Jeon,¡± he said.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. President,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk replied.

    ¡°There haven¡¯t been any other updates, have there?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked tensely.

    ¡°I apologize,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk responded with difficulty. He hadn¡¯t heard anything from the National Intelligence Service either.

    ¡°The operation has gone astray. At this rate, China will use any method to impeach me,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun stated.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk stayed silent, unable to bring himself to speak.

    ¡°Please connect me to the chairman of the National Assembly,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun requested.

    ¡°It¡¯s toote at night, sir,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said with concern.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he isn¡¯t sleeping right now. Call him and tell him I will resign without him having to impeach me if he sends those soldiers back safely. Chairperson Huh will certainly ept the proposition,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun concluded.

    ¡°Mr. President!¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk eximed.

    ¡°The soldiers who are fighting in there, in those mes, knowing they¡¯re going to die¡­ They are my people, my sons, and the children of the citizens of South Korea that I love. If I can save them by stepping down, then I¡¯m going to rescue them!¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said, raising his voice.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t step on the pride of the special forces team, Mr. President!¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk pleaded with clenched teeth. ¡°Why do you think the soldiers are going so far? They are protecting South Korea, which is more precious to them than their lives! They refuse to let our nation and our president surrender to China, Japan, or any powerful country! They are fighting so you will not utter defeat to anyone! That¡¯s why, Mr. President, even if your heart is so frustrated to the point of exploding, please continue to watch them until the end, and don¡¯t you ever give up! That is what those children sincerely wish for from the bottom of their hearts.¡±

    [We have just received another update on the situation. A second explosion has urred, and gunshots continue to echo through the night sky. The severity of the situation is underscored by the fact that a helicopter has made an emergencynding amid the intensebat.]

    When Moon Jae-Hyun turned to look at the TV, he witnessed one helicopter precariously swinging in the air.

    1. Jet fuel is actually less vtile than gas, but we''ve tranted it as it was written in the raws. ??

 Chapter 167: Something More Precious Than Life (2)

    <h4>Chapter 167: Something More Precious Than Life (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan closed the valve of the gas tank cover, then red at the helicopter that was flying at a lower altitude. It had secured itself in one spot, which he took as evidence that snipers were aboard it.

    Aiming at the gas tank of the semi-truck, Kang Chan opened fire.

    <i>Whoosh! Bang!</i>

    <i>Swish!</i>

    mes soared for the second time as he covered his nose and dropped down to his stomach.

    Heat engulfed his back, but what he found truly scary during times like this was the vapors that filled one¡¯s lungs through breathing.

    That was the cause of death for many of the children that Kang Chan and his team saved from the wars between tribes back in Africa.

    Those truly merciless even poured gasoline directly on their faces. Gas vapors would go straight through their nose and mouths, filling their lungs and throats.

    A child going through that would eventually die from burnt lungs and throat if a fire was thrown at them. Sometimes, they even struggled in pain for fifteen days before sumbing to death.

    As the heat swept past him, Kang Chan raised his gun and held his breath.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du!</i>

    The helicopter swayed and circled in the same spot a couple of times, then flew outside the airport.

    <i>These sons of bitches dare y an obvious trick?</i>

    <i>Thud!</i>

    Kang Chan sat up with his back leaning against the passenger seat of the semi-truck. His right leg was throbbing.

    They had to endure this battle for as long as they could and keep the attention of their enemies on them at least until Seok Kang-Ho¡ªwho was escaping through an air vent¡ªcould take down their enemy.

    <i>Should I have gone there myself?</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head. They had to prolong the fight here to win.

    ¡°<i>Haa. Haa</i>.¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki[/ref]Previously Yoon Sung-Ki[/ref] put his head right against the semi-truck. He was breathing heavily, but he still looked beyond the semi-truck instead of taking a break because he might miss something.

    There had been two jet fuel explosions so far.

    ¡°You did good, Yoon Sang-Ki. You¡¯ve done really well.¡± Yoon Sang-Ki muttered to himself like a crazy person. He didn¡¯t know that a helicopter was approaching them to shoot them, much less notice that it was slowly lowering its altitude as it steadily hovered in one area.

    They had poured out jet fuel and had been getting ready to shoot when Kang Chan targeted the helicopter pilot as soon as an explosion urred.

    Yoon Sang-Ki was proud to be in the team of such amander.

    Right now, in Beijing, they were warning China and the entire world not to look down on South Korea.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>.¡± Yoon Sang-Ki now slightly understood why Seok Kang-Houghed like that.

    Five out of their team¡¯s twelve members had already detached and left for another mission.

    Now, they only had seven men to hold their ground against twenty helicopters, the White Wolves¡ªChina¡¯s special forces team¡ªa task force, and an armored car.

    Yoon Sang-Ki thought of his wife. He remembered her crying as she ran into his arms and hugged him when he was promoted to second lieutenant. She told him that she was proud of him, that he did a good job, and that she was thankful that he was working so hard.

    He also wanted to see Choi Seong-Geon, who clicked his tongue during the first birthday party of Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s daughter, saying that it was a pity that she looked like her father.

    When his father bowed to Choi Seong-Geon, voicing his gratitude that a General came to his granddaughter¡¯s birthday party, Choi Seong-Geon bowed even deeper in return.

    What Yoon Sang-Ki was scared of the most was that he would look like a coward to those kinds of people in hisst moments.

    Right now, all he wanted was to show how strong and relentless South Korea¡¯s special forces were to their enemies. He wanted to make sure people wouldn¡¯t look down on South Korea ever again before he died.

    ¡°Honey, I¡¯m going to do a good job.¡± Yoon Sang-Ki strengthened his resolve.

    He would die a cool death¡ªas a member of South Korea¡¯s special forces team, a son, a husband, and a father.

    Yoon Sang-Ki strangely got goosebumps when he looked at Kang Chan.

    <i>How is he going to win this time?</i>

    It was impossible to survive this, but they weren¡¯t going to lose.

    <i>Vroom. Vroom.</i>

    The armored vehicle roared to life and retreated, which was ridiculous. The others followed suit.

    Kang Chan quickly examined the sky and his surroundings.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Their behavior could only mean that they nned to blow up this ce.

    Being prepared to die and being unable to do anything despite their inevitable deaths werepletely different things.

    <i>Screech. Screech. Screech.</i>

    Kang Chan opened the valve of the gas tank cover.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter now if the enemies shoot us from the helicopter or the armored car. They¡¯re going to blow up this ce either way,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The soldiers felt strangely tense.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡° Lee Doo-Hee. The moment I open fire, I need you to move the semi-truck up front,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    After a moment of hesitation¡­

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki, shoot the tank with the machine gun,¡± Kang Chan added.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I am the God of ckfield, the god who brings death to my enemies. Do not give up,¡± Kang Chan finished.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan checked his magazine as he leaned against the steps of the semi-truck¡¯s passenger seat.

    There was a helicopter in the sky and an armored car on the ground.

    <i>nk!</i>

    Kang Chan pulled the breechblock, then nced at the sky.

    He remembered the promise that he made some time ago about smiling even if he was torn to death for as long as the issue with Gong Te Automobile was taken care of.

    Words weren¡¯t enough to express how grateful he was to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook for teaching him about what motherly and fatherly love felt like and what it truly meant to be part of a family.

    At the same time, he felt apologetic to Seok Kang-Ho.

    He also wanted to see someone¡­

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    The sound of the helicopter changed based on how it moved, the direction it was taking, and its altitude.

    It wasn¡¯t time yet. Those fuckers were clearly also contemting when they shouldunch their final attack.

    <i>Stupid motherfuckers. Do you really think you can burn us all to death by blowing this ce up?</i>

    ***

    Lanok, who was sitting behind his desk, fiercely red at the TV mounted on the wall.

    [After the second explosion, we seem to have entered a state of momentary lull. The experts are judging that the Chinese government will soon make a decision. Considering China normally makes sacrifices for great causes, we¡¯re expecting them to blow up the hangar that the terrorists are upying right now even though that means having to destroy terminal one.]

    <i>Ring. Ring.</i>

    Lanok quickly picked up the receiver.

    ¡°This is Lanok.¡±

    Lanok, who had been silent, smiled. ¡°Mobilize all satellites.¡±

    After another brief silence, Lanok continued, ¡°I¡¯ll finalize the operation.¡±

    <i>Click.</i>

    Lanok put down the receiver, then red at the clock and held up his phone.

    ***

    [It¡¯s not being shown on the screen right now, but we just received news that China has moved its forces to the end of the runway. This is in line with our prediction that they will carry out an attack that will require giving up terminal one. Considering how significant this issue is and the fact that the world has its eyes on this situation, it seems it¡¯s taking longer for them to reach a decision.]

    [Will China really do such a thing?]

    [As you can see, they¡¯re sending even the reporters two kilometers away from the airport. However, if they sacrifice the airport in this situation, the Chinese army will lose a lot of prestige. That seems to be one of the things the Chinese government is contemting about. Either way, all we can say is that this situation will have devastating results.]

    Kim Hyung-Jung picked up a cigarette.

    ¡°I¡¯d like one as well,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Kim Hyung-Jung stopped for a moment before offering his cigarette pack to Kim Tae-Jin, who took a cigarette from it.

    <i>Chk chk. Chk chk.</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin took a puff of his cigarette as he watched TV. After a while, he awkwardly exhaled the smoke out.

    <i>Be-be-beep. Be-be-beep. Be-be-beep.?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s phone rang sharply.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung. That¡¯s right! Pardon? Yes! We have seven agents standing by right now.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kim Hyung-Jung, finding him looking both surprised and nervous.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung hung up, quickly went to his desk, and took out a pistol.

    ¡°I can¡¯t talk about it right now because it¡¯s a closely guarded secret,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it and go.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung attached the pistol to his waist, then grabbed his jacket and left the room.

    ***

    A car made its way between the buildings and entered the parking lot at the back.

    <i>Screech.</i>

    As soon as it stopped, Yang Bum, Seok Kang-Ho, and Cha Dong-Gyun opened the doors and got out of the car almost at the same time.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    They then opened the trunk, which was full of silenced submachine guns and bvas.

    ¡°Please use this,¡± Yang Bum said.

    Putting the bvas on made them look like bank thieves, but that was not important.

    ¡°Got any other intel for us?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Yang Bum.

    ¡°They just keep saying that they¡¯re at a standoff. Please hurry¡ªover ten intelligence satellites are monitoring the area around the airport.¡±

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Choi Jong-Il while pulling the breechblock.

    Their target was the square run-down building across from them.

    They were only wearing an Artemisia green military uniform and bva, not even having a helmet or a bulletproof vest.

    ¡°Our brothers at the airport are enduring as much as they can. We should hurry,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Everyone ready?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly went out between the buildings and examined the road.

    He didn¡¯t see any cars, perhaps because of the incident at the airport. They wouldn¡¯t have been able toe here if it wasn¡¯t for Yang Bum.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled, then quickly ran forward.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    Who had time to open doors gently?

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Thud! Thud! Crash!</i>

    The sound of their footsteps rang throughout the building.

    They took the stairs to the second floor and saw a head beside the handrail at the top.

    <i>Whoosh! Bam!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho ran, Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun covered him, and Woo Hee-Seung and Kwak Cheol-Ho covered their backs.

    They didn¡¯t even n to do that¡ªthey were just acting the same way they did in France.

    After a while, they heard people shouting.

    <i>Bang! Whoosh! Bam! Whoosh! Bam!</i>

    When the door opened, they immediately shot the two men inside in the head.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho ran as he brought up the rear. Meanwhile, Woo Hee-Seung kept an eye on the enemy leaning their head out at the top of the stairs.

    They arrived at the stairs leading to the third floor.

    <i>Whoosh! Pow-pow! Bam! Whoosh! Bam! Whoosh!</i>

    Two enemies jumped out from the floor below them, but Woo Hee-Seung quickly eliminated them.

    They were now on the third floor.

    Woo Hee-Seung and Kwak Cheol-Ho stood against the wall next to the stairs that went up to the fourth floor. While aiming at the floor below them¡­

    <i>Bang!</i>

    <i>Tang! Whoosh! Whoosh! Ta-da-dang! Ta-da-da-dang! Whoosh!</i>

    When the door opened, they opened fire. Choi Jong-Il was pushed against the railing as he shot the forehead of the enemies in sight. They mmed into the wall and sank to the floor.

    <i>Click! Click! Click!</i>

    Before heading further into the fourth floor, Seok Kang-Ho changed magazines.

    Choi Jong-Il leaned against the railing, blood seeping out from his mouth.

    ¡°Please¡­¡± Despite his mouth filling up with blood, he still seemed to be telling them to hurry.

    <i>¡®Fuck!¡¯</i>

    They ran through the hallway as fast as they could.

    Rishiquan was on this floor.

    If Seok Kang-Ho was Kang Chan, he already would have known where their enemy was.

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded at Cha Dong-Gyun to tell him to take charge.

    <i>One, two!</i>

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Ta-da-dang! Whoosh! Ta-da-da-dang! Bam! Pow-pow-pow!?</i>

    <i>Thud.</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Thud!</i>

    As Seok Kang-Ho shot the enemy to their left, Cha Dong-Gyun, who brought up their rear, copsed to the ground.

    There was only one door left down the hallway.

    Their mission wasn¡¯t over yet, though.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho,¡± Seok Kang-Ho called.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho walked to the front. The two stood close to both sides of the door.

    Rishiquan had to be inside this room.

    Seok Kang-Ho had to hurry.

    Even if Kang Chan wasmanding the operation, they were still stuck at the airport. Seven people couldn¡¯t possibly hold their ground against their enemies for long.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    ¡°<i>Haah. Haah.</i>¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho turned the doorknob a little¡­

    <i>One, two!</i>

    ¡­ then kicked the door open.

    <i>Crash!</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Ta-da-da-dang! Ta-da-dang! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Their enemies¡¯ foreheads looked as big as a full moon to them.

    <i>Click!</i>

    With his gun at the ready, Seok Kang-Ho went toward the man sitting with his hands raised in the air.

    <i>Rishiquan!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho clearly remembered the face he saw in the photos.

    The man spoke Chinese.

    They didn¡¯t have time. Kang Chan could be dying.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Bam!</i>

    <i>This son of a bitch keeps talking! We can¡¯t even understand him!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho urgently went to the window when Seok Kang-Ho nodded to him.

    <i>sh!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho broke the window and then waved his hand.

    <i>¡®Endure it for just a little longer! It really won¡¯t take long!¡¯</i>

    Woo Hee-Seung came into the room with Cha Dong-Gyun, whom he was helping walk.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho then ran out and dragged Choi Jong-Il inside.

    ¡°<i>Huff. Huff.</i>¡± After a while, Yang Bum also entered while breathing heavily.

    ¡°Is it this fucker?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Yang Bum approached them, then quickly nodded.

    ¡°What are we supposed to do now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°I have to make a call! I can give orders with the intelligence bureau¡¯s phone!¡±

    Yang Bum immediately held up his phone when he saw Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s glinting eyes.

    ***

    The runway that was soaked in the gushing jet fuel glimmered as if light was hitting it on a rainy day.

    ¡°<i>Haah. Haah.</i>¡±

    Kang Chan could hear his own breathing, which meant his senses were on edge. Based on his past experiences, that also meant that the enemy was about tounch an attack.

    The only heavy weapon they had was the machine gun that they had taken from the jeep.

    Kang Chan looked at his team.

    It was time. The moment they pulled the trigger, they would start a fight where all that mattered was how many people they could kill and take with them to their grave.

    The members did a good job. They did better than Kang Chan expected.

    But they still had more things to do.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    The helicopter noises changed.

    <i>¡®Come at me!¡¯</i>

    <i>Click!</i>

    Just as Kang Chan aimed his gun toward the helicopter¡­

    <i>Vroom. Vroom. Vroom.</i>

    An armored car drove into the runway.

    <i>Fuck! What¡¯s that?</i>

    Kang Chan turned his gaze, then smirked.

    <i>Sons of bitches! Sure enough, their battles reflect their mentality¡ªthey call themselves a continent and fight just asrge.?</i>

    Surprised, Yoon Sang-Ki instinctively looked at Kang Chan, immediately noticing his peculiar smile. He felt as if he was looking at a tiger that was surrounded by wolves on top of a mountain.

    A terrifying and thrilling shiver ran down his spine.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Don¡¯t lose our target!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    The armored car closed in on Kang Chan, who tightly gritted his teeth.

    <i>Bzzz! Bzzz!</i>

    As it did, its 30mm Vulcan automatic cannon aimed at the helicopter in the sky.

    <i>What¡¯s happening?</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Not long after, the armored car unleashed a terrifying amount of bullets.

    That wasn¡¯t all. The enemies Kang Chan¡¯s team had been fighting, including the armored car, were all under fire as well.

    <i>Seok Kang-Ho, you son of a bitch! You should¡¯ve told me!</i>

    Kang Chan yelled at the members, ¡°Run!¡±

    ***

    Hwang Ki-Hyun came into the room that Moon Jae-Hyun was in. He was clearly tired, but his eyes were still sharp¡ªbefitting the head of the National Intelligence Service.

    Moon Jae-Hyun and Jeon Dae-Geuk greeted Hwang Ki-Hyun without saying anything.

    ¡°We arrested all five of the traitors inside the National Intelligence Service, including the vice director,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    ¡°Did anyone get hurt?¡±

    ¡°Two agents were killed, and five agents were seriously injured.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed softly.

    ¡°Mr. President, we¡¯ll arrest the Chairman of the National Assembly,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun continued.

    ¡°Do we have enough evidence to prove the allegations?¡±

    ¡°We have confirmed that assemblyman Huh Sang-Soo went to China with the circuit design of the semiconductor and the floor n of the Incheon International Airport.¡±

    ¡°Nheless, we can¡¯t prove the chairman¡¯s crimes, can we?¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun couldn¡¯t answer.

    The room grew silent for a moment.

    [We have breaking news. The Chinese government has officially announced that they have killed all the terrorists in the Beijing Capital International Airport.]

    Moon Jae-Hyun and Jeon Dae-Geuk looked like they had just been stabbed with a knife.

    [They also im to have suppressed the situation. Moreover, it has been confirmed that a part of Terminal One of the Beijing Capital International Airport has been destroyed. Here is the Chinese government¡¯s announcement.]

    The screen showed a Chinese man reading a script in front of cameras. His eyes alternated between the camera and the script.

    [We¡¯ll bring you the Chinese spokesperson¡¯s words through simultaneous interpretation.]

    The news screen transitioned to an upper body shot of the spokesperson.

    [The Chinese forces that are against the reform conspired with military authorities tounch a terrorist attack at the airport. For that reason, we have killed Rishiquan, the main culprit, and all of the criminals on the scene.]

    Moon Jae-Hyun suddenly raised his head. Jeon Dae-Geuk sat up as well.

    [The Chinese government will also do whatever it takes to find the people involved in this terrorist attack. They dared ruin the country¡¯s public order, so we are nning to punish them ordingly. We will also do our best to repair the airport as fast as possible. That will be all for now.]

    The screen now showed the spokesperson, who had been subjected to a flurry of camera shes, folding the script that they had been reading.

 Chapter 168.1: What It Means to Live (1)

    <h4>Chapter 168.1: What It Means to Live (1)</h4>

    It was an incredible achievement, but none of the soldiers looked happy. Choi Jong-Il had been shot twice in the chest, and Cha Dong-Gyun had been shot thrice in his stomach and chest.

    Following the conclusion of the standoff, they immediately rushed straight to the hospital still wearing their camouge face paint and military uniforms.

    Kang Chan remained steadfast next to their beds. He forced the Chinese doctors, who didn¡¯t understand what he was doing, to give the two men a whole bag of his blood.

    Having taken full control of China¡¯s intelligence bureau, Yang Bum¡¯s influence became so great that the team was given the entire eleventh floor to themselves even though they were in arge hospital in the center of downtown Beijing. The air force even closed off the entrance of the hospital and the eleventh floor with a sign that read, ¡°People''s Liberation Army Air Force Airborne Corps.¡±

    Yang Bum entered the room with a creak of the sliding doors, breaking the heavy silence. It had been about ten minutes since they had reached the hospital room.

    ¡°Huh Sang-Soo has been arrested without a warrant. It has also been confirmed that Wui Min-Gook has infiltrated South Korea,¡± Yang Bum informed Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan just listened.

    ¡°Wui Min-Gook is probably aware of the situation on our end now, considering he has gone off the grid,¡± Yang Bum added.

    ¡°Please deliver this information to Manager Kim Hyung-Jung of the National Intelligence Service,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°I have already ryed the news,¡± Yang Bum replied.

    ¡°What about the ne for our transportation?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve prepared an aircraft for you. It¡¯s standing by at the Beijing Military Airfield,¡± Yang Bum said.

    All they had to do now was go back home.

    ¡°You should hurry back, Mr. Kang Chan. The opposing party has notpletely died down yet, and I can only keep the traffic under control before five,¡± Yang Bum warned him.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get going now, then,¡± Kang Chan told him.

    Kang Chan turned around to look at Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun.

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.?</i>

    ¡°Heard that? We have to leave now. Make sure you wake up soon and to call when you do,¡± Kang Chan dered, then left the hospital room with Yang Bum. The other soldiers saluted Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun before following Kang Chan out. They took the elevator to head straight to the underground lot, and Yang Bum guided them along.

    Kang Chan was walking with a limp now. Maybe it was because the adrenaline was gone, but the pain felt as if his skin was being ripped apart.

    A minibus curtained on the inside was waiting for them. They were all still in theirbat gear, so they made clunking noises throughout the trip, including when they walked, climbed into the bus, and the bus started its engine.

    After speeding down the roads for about thirty minutes, the bus arrived at the airport and stopped in front of the airfield. Yang Bum got out first.

    Kang Chan stepped off and shook hands with Yang Bum as Seok Kang-Ho and the other soldiers got into the aircraft.

    ¡°I won¡¯t forget your help today,¡± Yang Bum said in gratitude.

    ¡°Do I have toe here if I want to see you now?¡± Kang Chan asked him.

    ¡°For the time being, yes,¡± Yang Bum replied with a manly smile, ending their conversation.

    <i>Swoosh.?</i>

    After Kang Chan entered the ne, the doors of the aircraft slid shut with a thud.

    <i>Rumble, rumble, rumble.?</i>

    The aircraft soon began to take off. After a series of vibrations reverberating throughout the ne, it started to soar into the sky at a speed so rapid that it made the men inside lurch forward.

    ¡°Does anyone have any cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    One of the soldiers quickly pulled one out and held it out to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Those bastards. Would it have killed them to provide us with some coffee on the ne?¡± Kang Chan grumbled.

    ¡°I believe there is some in the back,¡± another soldier replied, then hurriedly headed to the back of the aircraft.

    This was the first cigarette that Kang Chan had since the end of the operation. The smoke he exhaled swiftly flew to the back of the ne. This was the perfect environment to catch some roons¡ªsince they used to smoke up roon dens in the past to catch the animals.

    It would¡¯ve been better if the coffee was instant coffee, but the roasted scent from Americanos wasn¡¯t too bad either. The soldier who brought Kang Chan a cup of it also found some bread to go with it.

    Kang Chan leaned on the wall and sat on the ground, then shook his head.

    <i>This is what fucking happens when I start to care about others.?</i>

    It was impossible for everyone toe back alive in battles and operations. A couple of people considered this side of him a pathetic weakness. If someone picked a fight with him when he was in this mood, there would be big trouble. That was also why Seok Kang-Ho was keeping his lips shut and walking around Kang Chan on eggshells.

    <i>Click.?</i>

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>,¡± Kang Chan exhaled.

    He felt a little better when he started smoking his second cigarette.

    .

    ¡°Let me tie up your leg, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho offered.

    ¡°Leave it alone. We¡¯ll get to Seoul soon, so I might as well get it treated there. You¡¯re not having any bread?¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel like eating. Not hungry right now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, much to Kang Chan¡¯s surprise. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯sck of appetite was so ridiculous that Kang Chan chuckled.

    ¡°Just eat one. Get me one too,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    There was no need to make the other soldiers ufortable. Kang Chan tore the bread that Seok Kang-Ho tossed him in half and took a big bite.

    ¡°What are you all doing? Eat up,¡± Seok Kang-Ho announced.

    At his words, everyone stuffed their mouths with the bread.

    It was aical sight, soldiers choking down bread with the whites of their eyes highlighted by the dark camouge paint.

    ***

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding.?</i>

    When Kang Chan woke up from his shuteye, the ne was already descending to the ground. It made quite a noisynding, which all bulky aircraft did. The men disembarked and stepped onto the bus that was waiting for them.

    The sun shone brightly down on them at this time of day. Even with the dark, tanned windows of the bus, there were curtains covering the ss.

    Once they left the airport, Kang Chan saw a few sedans and vans on the side of the road, and Kim Hyung-Jung was standing next to them. Kang Chan stood up from his seat and turned to the men.

    ¡°Good work, all of you. I¡¯ll see you againter,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Attention!¡±

    <i>Thud.?</i>

    ¡°Salute themander!¡±

    <i>Thud.?</i>

    Kang Chan knew there was no way he could ignore this kind of farewell. Kang Chan saluted the men back on behalf of his party, then stepped off the bus with Seok Kang-Ho, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jun greeted as he quickly slid open the doors of the van for them.

    Their attire was one thing, but they had to be especially careful because the dark paint on their faces would easily attract the attention of passersby.

    The men swiftly climbed into the van, and the van left immediately after.

    ¡°Is your injury serious, Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked, concerned.

    ¡°It¡¯s tolerable. Has Yang Bum contacted you yet?¡± Kang Chan confirmed.

    ¡°Yes. We have arrested five executives who were secretly in league with Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo. We have also secured all the evidence, including the confidential data leak and the distortion of internal information. This was why the director was unreachable for a time,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung informed him.

    ¡°What about Wui Min-Hook?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t been able to locate him yet,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, fatigue evident in his voice. His haggard face also made it apparent that he did not get any sleepst night. ¡°I will escort you to the safe house for now.¡±

    ¡°Got it. Will we be able to receive some medical attention there as well, Manager Kim?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve made all the necessary preparations,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    That marked the end of the urgent topics that they had to cover.

    ¡°An announcement has been made that all the economic sanctions will be lifted this afternoon,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    ¡°What happened to the prime minister?¡± Kang Chan asked curiously.

    ¡°We are nning to cancel his resignation using the reason that he is necessary to move forward with the Russian oil field development rights,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    It sounded as if they had put out most of the immediate fires now.

    ***

    The first thing that Kang Chan did when they arrived at the Hannam-Dong safe house was receive medical attention for his injury.

    ¡°How did it manage to dig so deep into your outer flesh?¡± the doctor who had been waiting on standby asked. He tilted his head in wonder a few times as he treated the wound and wrapped some gauze around it.

    Kang Chan covered his injury with arge rubber band and took a shower as well. They had been provided with formal clothes¡ªa shirt and dress pants¡ªbut Seok Kang-Ho looked like a gangster in the outfit.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get you fed for now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested.

    They all finally looked human again.

    After finishing his meal, Kang Chan drank the cup of coffee in front of him and smoked a cigarette in rxation.

    ¡°Section Chief Jeon says he will be staying in the office until he¡¯s done with the business with Wui Min-Gook. He was quite upset that he could not see you today. Would you give him a call when you get the chance? I¡¯ll probably find myself in a difficult position otherwise,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    Kang Chan could definitely see Jeon Dae-Geuk pressing Kim Hyung-Jung, so he agreed to call the gentleman.

    ¡°Oh, right, Manager Kim, please give these men some paid leave,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    ¡°I have actually prepared for their breaks already. You two have a week off starting today,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung informed them.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, sir.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid, you idiots. There will be gaps in the security if you two work while still tired. The B team is waiting on standby anyway, so there¡¯s nothing to worry about. Take a break when Mr. Kang Chan offers it,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung ordered.

    Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee looked as if they felt wronged, but they didn¡¯t press the matter any further.

    ¡°You should get some rest too, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    ¡°I will. I have to make a call to the embassy first, though,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°What about you, Mr. Seok?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going home, of course. What if someone stole my pretty wife while I was gone?¡± Seok Kang-Ho mischievously said.

    Everyoneughed at the absurdity of the lousy joke.

 Chapter 168.2: What It Means to Live (1)

    <h4>Chapter 168.2: What It Means to Live (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan was about to dial Lanok when he realized that he left his phone in the cargo ne earlier. He did think he was missing something¡ªhe just didn¡¯t expect it to be his phone.

    For now, he borrowed Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s phone to call the embassy directly.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, your safe return truly makes me feel relieved. I sincerely apologize for the great mistake that my country¡¯s DGSE has made.

    ¡°I know it wasn¡¯t intentional on your part. All¡¯s well that ends well, as they say. We were able to get China¡¯s economic sanctions lifted thanks to the operation, so don¡¯t take it to heart, sir,¡± Kang Chan assured him.

    - With this incident, I have reason tounch an internal agency-wide investigation on my end. My standing has be unshakeable thanks to you, but I don¡¯t know if I could ever apologize enough.

    Lanok apologized two more times before finally changing the subject.

    - Do you have time for a short meeting tomorrow?

    ¡°Yes, I do. I left my clothes and phone in the cargo ne, though, so I will have you call you through someone else¡¯s phone again tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - I see, don¡¯t worry about that.

    When Kang Chan ended the call with Lanok, he finally felt as if he had finished all his homework.

    ¡°Are you heading home, Cap?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m going to get some rest. I made arrangements to meet the ambassador tomorrow, so I¡¯ll call you when I learn what time that¡¯ll be,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho took the car that Kim Hyung-Jung provided them back to the apartmentplex.

    ¡°Rest up,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as they parted ways.

    ¡°Will do,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After saying goodbye, Kang Chan immediately headed up to his home.

    Yoo Hye-Sook was already standing at the front door when he put in the passcode and opened the door.

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± Kang Chan greeted her.

    ¡°Channy! Why is your face so gaunt? Was what you had to do difficult?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked worriedly.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably because I didn¡¯t get enough sleep. Where¡¯s Father?¡±

    ¡°He went golfing with some acquaintances he knows through work. Why?¡±

    ¡°Just curious,¡± Kang Chan replied. It wasn¡¯t like he could say Wui Min-Gook was lying in wait somewhere, waiting to jump at the opportunity to hurt him.

    ¡°Channy! What happened to your leg?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked in shock.

    ¡°I just sprained it a bit,¡± Kang Chan responded reassuringly.

    ¡°Have you eaten, at least?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then hurry inside and get some sleep,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook urged.

    ¡°I will. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Why are you saying sorry when you couldn¡¯t sleep because you were working? Hurry, go to your room,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook scolded him.

    Kang Chan went to his room and changed into morefortable clothes before lying in bed.

    <i>Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun will get through this.?</i>

    Now that he hade into his room andy down in his bed, he smelled a familiar scent. It was home. He was finally back home.

    <i>¡®Did my body get weaker? How can I be so sleepy just because I missed a single night¡¯s worth of sleep?¡¯</i>

    Well, he supposed he did receive two injections because of his leg injury.

    Immediately afterward, Kang Chan fell asleep. He slumbered so deeply that when he woke up, his trip to China seemed like something that happened a long time ago.

    The first thing he noticed was that his throat was parched, then he smelled something delicious outside.

    He ruffled up his hair and got up from the bed, leisurely leaving the room. Even though the windows were open, the living room was still filled with the aroma of food. He could hear people talking as well.

    Kang Chan blinked in surprise as soon as he went into the kitchen.

    <i>Why is she here?</i>

    Michelle, who had her hair tied back, was cooking with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°<i>Hm</i>? Look who¡¯s up!¡± Michelle eximed.

    ¡°Channy! Do you feel better now?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    He picked up a cup from the side of the kitchen where Yoo Hye-Sook and Michelle were, then poured himself some water from the purifier.

    ¡°Channy, did you lose your phone? I came because you weren¡¯t picking up,¡± Michelle said.

    <i>She¡¯s just speaking in Korean so openly now?</i>

    ¡°Channy, Michelle seems to be really clever. Her Korean has improved so quickly, hasn¡¯t it?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook remarked.

    ¡°She¡¯s not clever, she¡¯s sly,¡± Kang Chan said with a scoff.

    Michelle avoided Kang Chan¡¯s dark look as she told Yoo Hye-Sook, ¡°Yourpliment makes me so happy.¡±

    ¡°What happened to your phone though, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked, curiosity evident in her eyes.

    ¡°I probably just left it at my workce. I¡¯ll get it tomorrow or the day after,¡± Kang Chan said vaguely, not technically lying.

    The clock in the living room showed that it was two in the afternoon at the moment. It meant Kang Chan had slept for about three hours.

    ¡°Channy, try a bit of this,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said as she picked up some of the japchae with stic gloves and fed them to Kang Chan.

    Homemade japchae¡­ This was actually the first time in Kang Chan¡¯s life¡ªboth past and present¡ªthat he was eating japchae made at home. How should he describe this taste?

    ¡°Do you want to eat now?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Can I? What about you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t had lunch yet either. I was going to wake you up when this was done,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    Yoo Hye-Sook pulled out the side dishes, poured some soup, and ted some japchae in a bowl. She also gave him a bowl of rice.

    ¡°Michelle, hurry and sit down with us,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Got it. Thank you for the meal,¡± Michelle responded graciously.

    ¡°Channy, eat up, okay?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kang Chan took some japchae and put it on top of his rice to eat with kimchi.

    <i>To live life is to appreciate these small things.?</i>

    Kang Chan ate so much that he felt extremely full. Forcing Kang Chan to help, Michelle helped Yoo Hye-Sook clean up the dishes and brought out some cut fruit to the living room.

    Michelle was pretty, easygoing, and had great table manners. Yoo Hye-Sook seemed to have taken a liking to Michelle.

    The three finished a melon together.

    ¡°Mother, I should get going now,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°So soon? You should have some of the cake I brought before you leave,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said regretfully.

    ¡°I¡¯m too full. And I just had a delicious lunch too, so I wouldn¡¯t miss out by skipping cake. Please, next time, speak casually to me, ma¡¯am,¡± Michelle replied to her.

    How did Yoo Hye-Sook not think it was strange that Michelle¡¯s Korean was so good?

    ¡°Channy, do you have time for some coffee?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Good idea! You should go have some refreshments with Michelle, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook pushed.

    Michelle looked as if she still had something to say, so Kang Chan immediately epted and changed out of his clothes. Michelle exchanged a hug with Yoo Hye-Sook before leaving the apartment.

    ¡°What happened to your leg?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°I just twisted it a bit,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Michelle pecked Kang Chan¡¯s cheek the moment the doors of the elevator shut.

    ¡°I was worried about you,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°Why?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Just because. There was that news about a terrorist attack in China on TV, so I thought maybe you were involved in that. Is your leg really okay?¡± Michelle asked.

    Kang Chan silently gulped. He wanted a cigarette, but he couldn¡¯t smokefortably so close to home.

    Kang Chan got in Michelle¡¯s car, which was parked in the underground lot, and they drove to the coffee shop at the intersection.

    Kang Chan ordered coffee and sat down with it in hand, feeling as if life was finally peaceful.

    ¡°I need your signature on these documents,¡± Michelle suddenly said.

    ¡°What are they?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Chan took a sip of the coffee and scanned the documents that Michelle gave him.

    ¡°This is a building acquisition contract, and these are the documents for establishing a corporation,¡± Michelle replied.

    ¡°A corporation?¡±

    ¡°Apparently, owning a building like this as an individual could result in variousplications. ording to thewyer, setting up a corporation is better, so I prepared the relevant documents for that as well,¡± Michelle exined.

    ¡°Buying a building is soplicated,¡± Kang Chanined.

    Michelle smiled in amusement.

    ¡°You want me to sign all these documents?¡± Kang Chan asked in disbelief.

    ¡°You¡¯re the only one who¡¯s allowed to do it. And even if others can, this isn¡¯t something you should leave to others. Channy, you¡¯re not supposed to let other people take care of documents for you. I can just appoint awyer for you, though, and you can entrust things like this to them,¡± Michelle suggested.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>. Just do whatever you think is best.¡±

    Michelle had aplicated expression on her face, but she still agreed in the end. Kang Chan signed a few of the important documents, then put the cigarette back in his mouth.

    ¡°That girl named Eun-Sil¡­¡± Michelle began.

    ¡°<i>Hm</i>?¡±

    ¡°You know, Heo Eun-Sil. The girl who likes you,¡± Michelle teased.

    <i>She¡¯s still joking about this?</i>

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Michelle quickly backed down.

    ¡°Michelle, that¡¯s enough with that joke,¡± Kang Chan said firmly.

    ¡°Sorry, Channy.¡±

    It was Saturday afternoon. A bunch of idiots were sitting around, looking at Michelle with pitying eyes as if she were a helpless princess trapped by a monster.

    ¡°What did you want to say, though? What about Heo Eun-Sil?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The festival. She has already nned most of the framework for it. That girl has potential.¡±

    ¡°Potential?¡±

    ¡°I noticed it while discussing things with her. She¡¯s quite skilled in the field of stage direction and performance,¡± Michelle replied.

    Kang Chan wasn''t interested in this topic. Whether he liked her or not, he didn''t want to ept that the kid who trampled on the futures of other children could now blossom with her talents. She did say that she acknowledged her wrongdoings, but she had not received forgiveness from everyone yet.

    Michelle carefully observed Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    Just then, an unfamiliar man approached the terrace. A nce at the way he walked was enough for Kang Chan to tell that he was an agent. When Michelle saw Kang Chan''s sharp gaze, her expression tensed up. By the time she turned around to look, the man was already in front of their table.

    ¡°Section Chief Jeon would like to speak with you,¡± he said.

    He seemed to be the agent filling in for Choi Jong-Il.

 Chapter 169: What It Means to Live (2)

    <h4>Chapter 169: What It Means to Live (2)</h4>

    If Jeon Dae-Geuk wanted Kang Chan to answer his call even though thetter was with Michelle, then it had to be for something urgent.

    <i>Have they found Wui Min-Gook?</i>

    Kang Chan answered the call without saying anything.

    He pressed the ¡®answer¡¯ button in front of the imbeciles who were looking at Michelle. Their eyes showed that they felt sorry for her.

    - Hello? Is this Kang Chan?

    ¡°Yes it¡¯s me, section chief. I wasn¡¯t able to talk to you earlier because I was told that you¡¯re busy. I left my phone somewhere else as well.¡±

    - How are your injuries?

    It seemed Jeon Dae-Geuk didn¡¯t call to tell him about Wui Min-Gook.

    ¡°It got a lot better. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    - Chan.

    He was the first person from work to call Kang Chan by only his name. Kang Chan really liked it, though.

    - We have not experienced this yet, so I thought I should call you because you might know about this.

    ¡°Tell me what¡¯s going on.¡±

    <i>Why is he acting like this?</i>

    - General Choi called me and said that the men¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t rxing. He doesn¡¯t know how to get them to rx. It¡¯s not like they¡¯re causing problems, and they¡¯re acting the same as usual, but their eyes are still glinting so much it¡¯s as if they¡¯re about to explode. We have never experienced this before, so we don¡¯t know how to handle this. Do you know what¡¯s going on?

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t answer.

    <i>Is it because we¡¯re all Korean or because we became close through extreme training?</i>

    The only people whom he had shared these kinds of emotions with for almost the past ten years were only Dayeru and G¨¦rard.

    - Can you guess what¡¯s going on?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    - What are we supposed to do?

    ¡°I¡¯ll go there right now.¡±

    - Right now?

    Jeon Dae-Geuk sounded both happy and sorry at the same time.

    ¡°Will President Kim Tae-Jin make it?¡±

    - Don¡¯t even worry about that.

    ¡°He¡¯ll know where to go if you tell him that I¡¯m at the coffee shop at the intersection. We¡¯ll leave as soon as everyone gets here.¡±

    - Thank you so much. I¡¯ll call General Choi as well.

    After dropping the call, Kang Chan asked the agent for Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s number not only because he didn¡¯t have his phone but because he didn¡¯t have anyone¡¯s number memorized due to his habit of jotting things down.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Manager Kim, it¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Hello, Mr. Kang Chan!

    ¡°Can you call Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s house and tell him toe to the coffee shop at the intersection? Tell him we have somewhere to go to. I can¡¯t call him myself because I don¡¯t know his number.¡±

    - Alright.

    Kim Hyung-Jung seemed roughly aware of what was going on, so Kang Chan didn¡¯t have to talk much.

    The agent epted the phone back from Kang Chan, then politely said goodbye and left the terrace.

    Michelle didn¡¯t ask questions and only observed Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    ¡°I have to go somewhere,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright. Will your leg be okay?¡±

    It was quitefortable to be around Michelle at times like this, especially since she epted Kang Chan¡¯s work.

    ¡°Your guests will being here, right? I¡¯ll leave first, then.¡± Michelle stood up, then opened her arms while looking mischievous.

    <i>It¡¯s not like she¡¯s trying to tantalize the guys around us.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan said. He lightly hugged her and patted her back.

    ¡°Bye!¡± Michelle said.

    When Michelle left, people looked away. It was as if a scene in a musical just ended.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun arrived while Kang Chan was smoking a cigarette. As if they werepeting on who would get to the coffee shop first, Seok Kang-Ho arrived not long after. Kang Chan stood up and greeted them, then he bought coffee and sat down at his seat.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan. It seemed he wasn¡¯t fully aware of what was going on yet.

    ¡°The men haven¡¯t gotten over the battle yet, so I¡¯m nning to visit them.¡±

    ¡°Does something like that really happen?¡± Unlike Seok Kang-Ho, who immediately understood what Kang Chan meant, Suh Sang-Hyun looked perplexed.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t they aplish something great? Why can¡¯t they still get over it?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked again.

    ¡°They¡¯re probably feeling guilty because of what happened to Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun. I couldn¡¯t control my expression either. Right now, they¡¯re also forced to make up for the emptiness that Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun and I left behind.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s hit the road now unless you¡¯re not ready yet.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    They decided to take only one car, so they left Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s in the parking lot.

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember something like this happening when we were working at the DMZ,¡± Suh Sang-Hyunmented.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t experiencerge-scale battles back then, did we?¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded.

    ¡°Is that why?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun clearly wasn¡¯t aware of such emotions.

    The bigger and more intense the battle, the greater their sense of loss.

    Despite making a great achievement, their guilt about what happened to their fellow soldiers were just as prominent as their happiness.

    They could not help but think,<i>?¡®How can I be happy while someone is dying?¡¯</i>, <i>¡®Does this make me a bastard?¡¯</i>, <i>¡®Why couldn¡¯t I keep them safe?¡¯</i>, and <i>¡®If only I fought a little better!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan could already guess what the soldiers were feeling.

    <i>Those fuckers.</i>

    Kang Chan realized that he genuinely cared for them.

    He couldn¡¯t believe that people like them existed¡ªpeople who would feel as distressed as he was because their brothers-in-arms were wounded instead of being happy about their aplishment.

    Suh Sang-Hyun drove on the highway with the sirens on.

    ¡°Did you get some rest?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah. I slept like a rock. What about you?¡±

    ¡°My wife and daughter told me that they thought our house would copse because of how loud my snores were.¡± o

    They talked about various other matters inside the car as they quickly sped through the road.

    ***

    Going past the barricades and around the mountain path, a familiar barrack came into view.

    When the car stopped, Choi Seong-Geon opened the barrack¡¯s door and approached them so fast it almost seemed as if he jumped out.

    ¡°Wee, sunbae-nim and Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Choi Seong-Geon said.

    It was already almost six in the evening.

    ¡°Where are the members?¡± Kang Chan asked Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°They¡¯re eating.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll also eat first, then¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon looked like he wanted to talk first, but he didn¡¯t stop Kang Chan.

    Led by Kang Chan, they headed to the cafeteria.

    <i>Screech.</i>

    When they opened the door and went inside, they immediately felt the gloomy atmospherend on their shoulders. The soldiers¡¯ gazes shot straight toward them.

    Kang Chan looked at the soldiers, then took a food tray and scooped some food into it.

    He still found it ufortable to walk.

    Kang Chan got some soup, a bunch of stir fried pork, kimchi, and seasoned vegetables.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan put the food tray down in front of Kwak Cheol-Ho, then slowly looked around.

    The soldiers looked angry and suffocated. The look in their eyes showed that they felt bad about something. At the same time, they also looked happy to see Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, Kim Tae-Jin, and Suh Sang-Hyun.

    ¡°We fought against the Spetsnaz, the SBS, and China¡¯s White Wolves and task force,¡± Kang Chan started.

    Choi Seong-Geon came over with a food tray. He carefully put it on the table and quietly sat down.

    ¡°None of you probably expected that we won¡¯t ever have to make sacrifices during operations like the ones we¡¯ve gone on. Just as how none of you were afraid of death, Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun likely weren¡¯t either,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    The members sat up straight. It was as if they were being taught.

    ¡°Experience will be passed on. Everything that you all went through during the operations will all be passed down to your juniors and to those who find it unfair that they couldn¡¯t participate in the operation. Even the emotions that you can¡¯t get over right now will be passed on. Kwak Cheol-Ho,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes, sir?¡±

    ¡°In every mission we take, there will always be a chance that someone could die. If you die, will you resent those who survive?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t, sir!¡±

    The members gritted their teeth.

    ¡°You guys fought well. We seeded in an operation that seemedpletely impossible. The two people fighting for their lives right now would not want any of you to making such expressions!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    Choi Seong-Geon examined the members¡¯ expressions. As he nced at Kim Tae-Jin, Kang Chan added, ¡°What would Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun think if they saw South Korea¡¯s best special forces team looking like this? You all are supposed to run out tonight or even right now during a meal if you guys are ordered to!¡±

    Suh Sang-Hyun never imagined that Kang Chan would act like this. He didn¡¯t think that Kang Chan would calm down South Korea¡¯s best special forces team.

    He didn¡¯t know Kang Chan had this side to him. He even thought Kang Chan was arrogant when he first met him.

    ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Sir!¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s an operation tonight, will you be able to go?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°Even though you might die?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°Will you resent the members who survive the mission?¡±

    ¡°Never, sir!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s answer was low, husky, and heartbreaking.

    ¡°This is what experience is like! It''s a heartbreak that mock battles and live ammo training can¡¯t give you! The Spetsnaz, the SBS, and the White Wolves are ring at you all! Survive so that none of you will feel ashamed to meet your fallenrades!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    The skin around Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s eyes became red.

    ¡°You are the special forces team that is supposed to be responsible for South Korea, so don¡¯t lose to anything no matter what you¡¯re up against. Never back off.¡±

    As the soldiers¡¯ faces and eyes grew red¡­

    ¡°What¡¯s our motto?!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°If I can!¡± the members fiercely shouted loud enough for the dividers in the cafeteria to shake.

    ¡°Protect the country with my blood!¡±

    Before they knew it, Choi Seong-Geon and even Suh Sang-Hyun were shouting the motto at the top of their voices with them.

    ¡°I am!¡±

    The cafeteria rumbled.

    ¡°Happy!¡±

    Silence took over after their fierce shout.

    They felt deeply touched, but they felt that much embarrassed as well.

    ¡°See? You all did great, so why do you feel bad?¡± Kang Chan asked. When he sat down and picked up his utensils, they started to eat again.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim,¡± Choi Seong-Geon softly called Kim Tae-Jin, who was picking up his chopsticks to control his emotions.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin just smiled pleasantly in response.

    ***

    ¡°Where are you fuckers going? This is upsetting,¡± Choi Seong-Geon cheekily approached the open area in front of the barracks with a paper cup and cigarettes. ¡°Come here! Why are you guys so stiff during our break?¡±

    There was no way the soldiers wouldn¡¯t know how Choi Seong-Geon felt.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were shamelessly exhaling cigarette smoke.

    ¡°Is your leg okay?¡± Yoon Sang-Ki asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    They had notpletely gotten over their emotions yet, but at this point, they would go back to normal in a day or two.

    After a while, an adjutant An adjutant came looking for Choi Seong-Geon in front of the barracks. ¡°General! Someone is on the phone. They want to talk to you.¡±

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    The atmosphere became a bit better when Choi Seong-Geon left.

    As Seok Kang-Ho grinned and patted a soldier¡¯s shoulder¡­

    <i>Whe-oo! Whe-oo! Whe-oo!</i>

    ¡­ sirens sharply went off.

    The soldiers threw away the paper cups and cigarettes and ran into the barrack.

    A momentter, Choi Seong-Geon entered with a grim look on his face.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I was told that we should be on emergency stand-by.¡±

    <i>Is it because of Wui Min-Gook?</i>

    ¡°Have they found him?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t told anything more than that.¡±

    It at least meant that there was a possibility that they had found where Wui Min-Gook was hiding.

    ¡°Will it be okay for the men to go out on an operation in this state?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay. They¡¯re second to none no matter where they¡¯re deployed.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon nodded, then looked at Kang Chan with a puzzled expression. ¡°Where did you get this kind of experience, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a ssified government secret.¡±

    ¡°<i>Haha</i>.¡± Choi Seong-Geon decided to just be thankful that they had soldiers like this.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get going now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan. What about the soldiers?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon smiled instead of answering.

    As Kang Chan was about to get in the car, the soldiers jumped out already armed to the teeth.

    They had regrets, but Kang Chan saw greater determination in them.

    Kang Chan raised his hand and tapped Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s helmet.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun patted the helmets of the soldiers who were near them as well.

    There was no need to say anything at times like this. When the soldiers¡¯ helmets shook with a <i>tap</i>, everyone¡¯s emotions¡ªincluding the people leaving and those staying at the barracks¡ªwerepletely passed on to each other.

    ***

    The road toward Seoul was empty, unlike the road heading out of Seoul.

    During the trip, they called Jeon Dae-Geuk twice with Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s phone, but Jeon Dae-Geuk didn¡¯t answer.

    Something was definitely going on.

    On the radio, a reporter said that China¡¯s economic sanctions had beenpletely removed and that China would closely cooperate with South Korea to make sure that a misunderstanding like this would never happen again.

    ¡°Fortunately, the soldiers settled down before something like this happened,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented.

    ¡°We should find Wui Min-Gook quickly,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°He¡¯s a North Korean special forces soldier, but that doesn¡¯t mean he can just recklessly provoke us. After all, we still have the security and the section chief has put in ce effective countermeasures.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, when I saw the soldiers, I noticed that they havepletely fallen under yourmand.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. Strangely, his blood heated up when he met the soldiers.

    He was still in denial, but he already genuinely cared for them.

    Little by little, the traffic on the highway became heavier the closer they got to Seoul, but that didn¡¯t be a big problem.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun left after they dropped off Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho in the parking lot.

    Naturally, Kang Chan returned home in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car.

    ¡°Us not having a phone is really frustrating,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Endure it for just one day. They said that they¡¯ll find them tomorrow. Call my house or manager Kim if you run into any problem.¡±

    ¡°Alright. By the way, is your leg okay? We should¡¯ve gone to Director Yoo, but we didn¡¯t even have time to go see him today.¡±

    ¡°Go home. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan parted ways with Seok Kang-Ho and went home.

    He was worried for nothing¨C¨CKang Dae-Kyung was already home.

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Did you have dinner with Michelle?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°No¡ªI parted ways with her earlier because I had to work.¡±

    ¡°You still got called to work even though you didn¡¯t have your phone?¡±

    ¡°I met my co-workers by chance.¡± Kang Chan didn¡¯t prepare for this conversation, so he just kept giving absurd answers.

    ¡°Let¡¯s watch a movie together. It¡¯s been a while. The movie that I¡¯ve been wanting to see is also airing today,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung tactfully butted into the conversation, changing the atmosphere.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we also order chicken?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked happy as she listened to Kang Chan and Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s conversation.Things that Kang Chan never got to experience in his past life were now around him¡ªand the more he had of them, the more he remembered when he went on operations.

    <i>What do Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun, and the agents think when they¡¯re with their families? They do know that more than ten of them are sacrificed each year¡­</i>

    After ordering chicken, they talked about China¡¯s announcement. Meanwhile, Kang Chan cracked his neck due to an uncanny feeling he was getting.

    He first looked at the living room window.

    <i>Badum-badum. Badum-badum.?</i>

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Of all asions, his intuition was telling him that something bad was going to happen when he didn¡¯t even have his phone and while he was sitting with his parents in the living room.

    <i>They won¡¯t shoot a Mistral or an I from the apartment across from us, will they?</i>

    <i>Ding-dong. Ding-dong.</i>

    The doorbell rang.

    Yoo Hye-Sook flinched, and Kang Chan quickly stood up.

    ¡°Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook called Kang Chan in surprise, then noticed the look in his eyes.

    ¡°Mr. President! It¡¯s me, Assistant Manager Kim!¡±

    They heard the voice of an agent who was guarding Kang Dae-Kyung.

 Chapter 170.1: Weéˆ¥æª™e Okay (1)

    <h4>Chapter 170.1: We¡¯re Okay (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan immediately headed for the front door. Considering it was a National Intelligence Service agent, he probably would not ask for the door to be opened if there was a nearby threat.

    <i>Beep</i>.

    When Kang Chan opened the door, he was greeted by Assistant Manager Kim. The hallway behind him was filled with agents in suits.

    ¡°I have direct orders from the manager, sir. I will have to provide close proximity protection services to both of your parents,¡± Assistant Manager Kim said.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t deny this kind of offer even if he wanted to.

    ¡°What about the rooftop?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We have not secured it yet. For now, it would be best for you to draw the curtains,¡± the assistant manager advised.

    ¡°Come on in,¡± Kang Chan permitted, and the agents began to head inside.

    ¡°Hello, how are you?¡± the agents greeted.

    ¡°Oh! We¡¯re doing good. You?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook met the agents before, so they weren¡¯t as flustered. Nevertheless, they naturally could not hide their surprise when the agents suddenly visited them an hour before midnight.

    <i>Swish! Swoosh!</i>

    An agent scanned a window facing outward, then drew its curtains shut and stood guard in front of it. Meanwhile, the two female agents asked Yoo Hye-Sook if she could take them to examine the master bedroom, likely to determine if they could be shot from the room¡¯s windows.

    ¡°Manager Kim would like to speak with you,¡± Assistant Manager Kim said as he handed Kang Chan the phone.

    Amid the awkward and chaotic atmosphere, a suddenmotion urred outside. After a while, the agent standing guard out in the hallway came in with a delivery of chicken. Kang Chan felt bad for the delivery man, who probably had quite the shock when he arrived.

    Yoo Hye-Sook came out of the master bedroom and sat down next to Kang Dae-Kyung, looking both surprised and ufortable.

    At that point, Kang Chan pressed the call button on the agent¡¯s phone.

    -This is Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

    ¡°Manager Kim, what¡¯s going on?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - Mr. Kang Chan. The director has been attacked, and the fourth deputy director was shot to death. Information was leaked from the National Intelligence Service, so your acquaintances may be in danger as well. Also¡­

    Kim Hyung-Jung, who was speaking quite fast, suddenly paused.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - One of the agents guarding the apartmentplex¡¯s perimeter has reported suspicious activity in the area. I know it will be quite ufortable for you all, but I suggest staying with the agents today or moving to a hotel.

    <i>Damn it, Wui Min-Gook! Can¡¯t I at least rx on a Saturday and eat some chicken in peace??</i>

    Kang Chan almost cursed out loud. Fortunately, he managed to grit his teeth together before he could.

    - I advise you to persuade your parents and relocate to a hotel, Mr. Kang Chan. We don¡¯t know where and how much information was leaked. Only the director and I had clearance to your information, so we were actually able to identify the assistant director as a traitor because he attempted to ess your file. In the worst-case scenario, the enemy may have gotten their hands on all the information that we have.

    ¡°What about Seok¡ª!¡± Kang Chan asked before stopping mid-question, almost having disrespectfully said Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s full name out loud in front of Kang Dae-Kyung.

    - Mr. Seok and his family have been moved to a hotel.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan worriedly from where they were sitting on the sofa.

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to my parents,¡± Kang Chan stated with a low sigh before hanging up and taking a seat on the couch.

    If someone saw how the agents were standing in front of the curtains, kitchen, and inside the master bedroom, they would probably think that Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were being threatened.

    ¡°North Korea apparently ns tounch a terrorist attack because of the Eurasian Rail. Their goal is to make us give up on the project by targeting me and the people around me,¡± Kang Chan exined. His heart was thumping nonstop, so he kept ncing at the living room curtains as he spoke.

    ¡°You are wee to stay here, but the agents will be with us the entire time. Why don¡¯t you go to a hotel for a night?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°And you? You¡¯ll being to the hotel with us, won¡¯t you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung confirmed.

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll be going with you as well,¡± Kang Chan reassured him.

    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go, then,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said with determination. She was trembling, but she seemed to be trying to endure it better thanst time.

    ¡°Can I change into something else first?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°I think you should pack a few clothes before we head to the hotel,¡± Assistant Manager Kim replied in Kang Chan¡¯s stead.

    A female agent followed Yoo Hye-Sook into the master bedroom.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just get a change of clothes as well. I¡¯ll be out in a minute,¡± Kang Chan said before heading to his room to pull out a dress shirt and pants. Just then, Assistant Manager Kim quietly stepped into his room. He handed Kang Chan a gun, magazine, and a silencer. Kang Chan holstered the gun to the right side of his back.

    <i>Badum. Badum.?</i>

    His goddamn heart was still sending him warning signals.

    ¡°Do you have extra radios?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I do, sir. I will find one and bring it to your room,¡± Assistant Manager Kim replied. He then headed out to the living room and soon returned with a radio set. Kang Chan put the earpiece into his left ear and hung the radio on the left side of his back. He tried to cover the lumps around his waist with a jacket, but it didn¡¯t help much.

    ¡°What about our transportation?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We have prepared two vans in the underground parking lot,¡± Assistant Manager Kim responded.

    .

    Kang Chan nodded and walked out toward the living room, where he saw Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung carrying mid-sized travel suitcases.

    The atmosphere was beyond tense. Kang Dae-Kyung looked as if he was trying to stay brave, while Yoo Hye-Sook already appeared to bepletely terrified.

    Kang Chan went to the sofa and turned the TV off.

    ¡°Do you think you can go?¡± Kang Chan asked worriedly.

    ¡°Yes, we can do it,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied, pretending not to notice the earpiece in Kang Chan¡¯s ear.

    Kang Chan gestured to an agent with his eyes, and the agent stepped forward to carry their luggage for them. Kang Chan then put his shoes on.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°Status on the hallways,¡± he then spoke into the mouthpiece.

    <i>Crackle.?</i>

    ¡°All appears to be clear,¡± the assistant manager immediately replied through the radio.

    <i>Badum. Badum.?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart warned him crazily not to let his guard down. Was it the stairs? Or the elevator?

    <i>Beep.?</i>

    The moment he opened the front door, they were greeted by agents wearing formal ck attire from top to bottom. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked absolutely stunned now.

    <i>Ding!?</i>

    Kang Chan met eyes with the agent who pressed the elevator button.

    ¡°We¡¯re taking the stairs,¡± he dered, having decided against taking the elevator. Whenever his heart beat a mile a minute like this, it was best to avoid anything that made him even the tiniest bit anxious.

    ¡°We¡¯re using the stairs! Get moving!¡± Assistant Manager Kim ordered, and the agents rushed about to surround Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. They were standing guard all the way up to two floors up and two floors down, protecting them from all angles.

    A nce was enough for Kang Chan to immediately notice that at least twenty agents were dispatched.

    ¡°<i>Haah! Haah!</i>¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s nervous and surprised breathing came out in rough puffs of air. The loud tapping of footsteps that echoed as they walked through the quiet staircase made them even more nervous.

    Some of the agents descended first and blocked off each of the floors¡¯ doors before Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook walked passed it.

    It was a wonder how they managed to climb down intact.

    <i>Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.?</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart thumped even crazier the moment they stepped into the underground lot.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    ¡°Get a move on! What about the security on the perimeter?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Two vans came rushing toward them, and the agents began to approach the vehicles with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook sandwiched between them.

    <i>What the fuck is it? What¡¯s the problem? What the hell is causing this suffocating warning?</i>

    ¡°What about the security of the vans?¡± Kang Chan asked, feeling quite tense.

    ¡°Two vans are waiting on standby near the exit of the parking lot, sir,¡± Assistant Manager Kim stiffly answered, making his nervousness evident.

    If so, then there should be no problem. Kang Chan was told that Seok Kang-Ho was already at a hotel, and his own family was about to head there now, so what was the issue?

    <i>Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.?</i>

    His heart sent him onest warning that danger was right beneath his nose. What was it? What did he miss?

    Throughout his entire life, his heart rarely raced so fast.

    Is it on the way to the hotel?

    Just as Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook stepped into the vehicle, two agents dropped to the ground following the sound of two gunshots.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Thud! Thud!</i>

    ¡°Get going!¡± Kang Chan shouted through gritted teeth.

    The car doors were still open.

    <i>Pew! Thud! Pew! Whoosh!</i>

    An agent protecting the van fell to the ground, and sparks flew from the car.

    <i>Creak!</i>

    The van parked behind them rapidly elerated forward to block the direction where the bullets wereing from.

    ¡°I said get going!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Vroom! Creak!?</i>

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    The van began to move. Kang Chan ran beside it, holding the door on the driver¡¯s side. There was no knowing what else could pop out, so he stayed on alert.

    ¡°Shut the doors!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    The agent inside closed the sliding doors.

    Kang Chan¡¯s right shin was in so much pain that he felt as if it was going to be torn apart. However, he couldn¡¯t stop.

    <i>Pew! Whoosh! Swish! Swish!</i>

    Bullets ricocheted throughout the lot.

    He knew he would break Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s hearts if they saw him limping, but he could never move away from the car. The ss was too thick for him to see inside, but Yoo Hye-Sook was probably watching Kang Chan at that moment.

    <i>Creak!</i>

    A screech rang through the apartmentplex¡¯s parking lot as the van took a sharp turn.

    <i>Vroom.?</i>

    On the way toward the exit, they saw vans with their hazard lights shing and about four agents standing around them.

    ¡°Go!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    One of the vans immediately began to drive off. A van followed behind it.

 Chapter 170.2: Weéˆ¥æª™e Okay (1)

    <h4>Chapter 170.2: We¡¯re Okay (1)</h4>

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    After confirming that the vehicles left theplex, Kang Chan turned around to look elsewhere. The agent who brought him the phone this morning at the coffee shop and around five other agents were standing next to the van.

    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous down in the lot!¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°The manager asks that you get to safety for now and to leave this to the agents!¡±

    <i>Really? Even though there¡¯s a shoot-out happening underground right now?!?</i>

    Kang Chan frowned and began to head for the parking lot. Just then, he was interrupted by the crackle of the radio.

    ¡°The underground parking lot has been secured. I repeat. The underground parking lot has been secured. All agents should hold their current positions.¡±

    An urgent announcement was made over the radio.

    There was no way they would lie about something like this. Kang Chan thought that it was a good idea that his parents left for the hotel ahead of him.

    ¡°Please connect me to Manager Kim Hyung-Jung,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    An agent pressed the call button on his phone and then handed the phone to Kang Chan.

    - Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

    ¡°Manager Kim, my parents are now on their way to a hotel, and the shoot-out is now under control, but my guts are still telling me something bad is going to happen. Is the president in a safe ce right now?¡± Kang Chan asked anxiously.

    - Unfortunately, I have no idea either, Mr. Kang Chan. However, an emergency order has been given to the president¡¯s security detail, so I¡¯m sure Section Chief Jeon has taken all the necessary measures as well.

    Hearing that finally made Kang Chan feel a bit relieved.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, you should also head to a hotel now. You should stay there for now so you can observe the situation from a safe ce before making a move.

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s suggestion was reasonable as well.

    ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll be taking the agents who are here with me, then,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan nced around theplex once more and told the agents that they should head to a hotel for now.

    Their group consisted of three vans. Kang Chan rode in the van in the middle of the convoy.

    The fastest way to put a stop to this issue would be to quickly get rid of Wui Min-Gook. The lunatic, whom not even China could hold by the reins, was currently running free in South Korea.

    <i>What if he¡¯s after Ambassador Lanok again?</i>

    The chances of that were slim, though. Their enemies were already short on manpower, having dispatched their agents to multiple operations. Moreover, Lanok¡¯s security was tighter than ever since he got kidnapped.

    <i>Are they targeting Smithen, then?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but worry.

    ¡°Go to Samseong-Dong,¡± Kang Chan ordered. He would much rather stay with Kim Hyung-Jung at the office than pace back and forth on the floor of a hotel all night. The car turned around to go to where Kim Hyung-Jung was.

    It was already past midnight, so the roads were fortunately empty.

    As soon as they arrived, the agents protecting the building guided them down to the underground parking lot. Once they were parked, Kang Chan went up to the fifth floor.

    <i>Click.?</i>

    The agent who opened the door for them also opened Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office for Kang Chan.

    ¡°Wee, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung greeted.

    Kim Hyung-Jung had been looking at the map of Seoul spread out in front of him.

    As Kang Chan took a seat, Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s phone began to ring. Thetter picked it up.

    ¡°Yes. Good work. Hang on a moment,¡± hemanded.

    Kim Hyung-Jung put the receiver down and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I just received confirmation that your parents have reached their hotel room. Would you like to talk to them?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Yes, thank you,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kim Hyung-Jung ordered the agent on the phone to give the phone to one of Kang Chan¡¯s parents, then handed the receiver to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Channy!

    Yoo Hye-Sook sounded as if she was crying.

    ¡°You arrived at the hotel safely, I hope?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - We¡¯repletely fine! What about you, Channy? Are you okay? Where are you?

    ¡°I¡¯m at the building where the agents are. It¡¯s safer here than the hotel since this is also where your security guards stay,¡± Kang Chan rified.

    -Really? You¡¯re not just saying that to make us feel better, are you?¡±

    Kang Chan was so tense from nervousness that his chest felt tight. Even though he was listening to Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s voice, his mood didn¡¯t get alleviated.

    ¡°Yes, mother. I¡¯m really fine. Don¡¯t worry, okay?¡± Kang Chan reassured her.

    He persuaded andforted her for a while before Yoo Hye-Sook hung up the phone.

    ¡°Can I have Seok Kang-Hoe over here?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask right now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Kim Hyung-Jung dialed another number. The agent who picked up the call said he would arrive with Seok Kang-Ho in about five minutes.

    ¡°Our enemies are probably done for the day. Theyunched a total of six attacks on us and managed to kill the fourth deputy director and injured two agents. We were as alert as we have always been, but the enemies seemed to be aware of our agents¡¯ movements,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stated darkly.

    Kang Chan scanned the map. Kim Hyung-Jung had marked some parts of it in red.

    ¡°The attacks were pretty much like guerri warfare,¡± Kang Chan grimly remarked.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect them to provoke us to this extent,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung agreed.

    ¡°They probably have a base somewhere, then.¡±

    ¡°Our special forces team is already on their way to the Hwarang Mountains on the ind of Daebudo. The Chinese government was the one who provided us with this intel. Since you¡¯re injured and didn¡¯t have time to join, they left without you,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    It was regretful, but it wasn¡¯t as if Kang Chan could insist on going on every single operation.

    ¡°What about the suspicious activity that was reported at the apartmentplex?¡±

    ¡°We are still analyzing the camera footage. At worst, all the information leaked about you will be crucial intel rted to the operations weunched that you were a part of. However, as far as we know, your apartment, your parents¡¯ workces, and information about Mr. Seok Kang-Ho were the only ones that have been leaked,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh. His heart was no longer beating as fast.

    He took in a huge breath and bit on a cigarette.

    <i>Click.?</i>

    Just as he was lighting it up, the doors opened, and Seok Kang-Ho walked in.

    ¡°Wee, Mr. Seok. I¡¯m sorry for what happened. Your family must have been taken by surprise,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung apologized.

    ¡°They¡¯re fine now. The room that you provided us was so luxurious and I ordered them tons of food from room service. I also promised them that we would eat something tasty tomorrow, so they have already calmed down,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded good-naturedly.

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded at Kang Chan in greeting and pulled out a cigarette for himself.

    ¡°Are your parents all right, Cap?¡± he asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°So you heard already?¡± Kang Chan answered with surprise.

    ¡°They told me on the way here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan told him that he had already talked to his parents over the phone.

    ¡°Did that bastard Wui Min-Gook do this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t been able to confirm that yet, but we are already analyzing camera footage, so we should be able to get our hands on some leads soon,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Kim Hyung-Jung leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You think something¡¯s going to happen?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan, having thetter¡¯s eyes and expression.

    ¡°I¡¯m having a bad feeling about this,¡± Kang Chan responded gruffly.

    ¡°<i>Hm</i>! I wonder what else could be out there,¡± Seok Kang-Ho mused to himself.

    Hearing Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s words, Kim Hyung-Jung got up.

    ¡°If that is what your gut is telling you, Mr. Kang Chan, then we can¡¯t let our guard down. Fortunately, the high officials of the National Intelligence Service have already doubled their security, and both of your families have been moved to a hotel. The president¡¯s security detail is on high alert as well. At the moment, I can¡¯t think of anything else that we¡¯re missing,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Chan nodded. Since he wasn¡¯t running an operation right now, there was nothing he could do either.

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because your parents were attacked?¡± Seok Kang-Ho questioned.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I don¡¯t know what to think,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    His right shin throbbed rhythmically, seemingly trying to match his heartbeat.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    ¡°Kim Hyung-Jung speaking. Ah, I see,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered. He extended his arm to pick up the phone from his desk, then spun his wheeled chair toward his workspace. ¡°Yes, good work, sir.¡±

    The sound of him setting the phone down seemed louder due to tension in the room.

    ¡°They said they didn¡¯t discover anything in the Hwarang Mountains. The Third Airborne Forces will be examining the area for a little while longer before retreating,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stated.

    ¡°If so, then our enemies are probably already somewhere in Seoul. Has China figured out how many we¡¯re up against yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We have not received any information about that yet,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>. That sucks,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled, guessing what they were talking about. He poured half of Kang Chan¡¯s coffee into an empty cup.

    It was already almost one o¡¯clock. Unless the enemies were out of their minds, they wouldn¡¯tunch another gueri attack at this time. However, starting Sunday, everyone would have to be so alert that it would seem as if they were constantly walking on thin ice.

    Kang Chan red at the map on the desk.

    There was still a small piece of difort that he couldn¡¯t shake off.

    It wasn¡¯t as if the president would be strolling in the streets alone during this time. Who could be in danger this Saturday¡ªno, this Sunday morning?

    Feeling quite tired, Kang Chan rubbed his face and took a sip of his coffee.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.?</i>

    After a while, the phone on the desk began to ring again.

    ¡°Kim Hyung-Jung speaking,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered, then quickly nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Good work, all of you,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said with an upset expression. He then put the phone down. ¡°Three of the agents who were shot underground have passed away. Two of the enemies were killed at the site, and they are currently searching the opposite rooftop building.¡±

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    <i>Wui Min-Gook, that son of a bitch!</i>

 Chapter 171.1: Weéˆ¥æª™e Okay (2)

    <h4>Chapter 171.1: We¡¯re Okay (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan just wanted to have chicken with his family, but their Saturday ended up bing a mess instead.

    It was alreadyte at night. Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t clock out for the night and go home due to the situation, but he also couldn¡¯t stay in his office.

    ¡°We¡¯ll go to the hotel,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll contact you immediately if the situation changes,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    ¡°What should we do about the weapons?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung hesitated for a moment. ¡°You two should have weapons and National Intelligence Service IDs with you. If needed, I can give you belt holsters that you can strap around your waist.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho, unable to respond right away.

    If they carried guns around, their families would inevitably find out about it. If something were to go wrong, then even others, including those at the coffee shop, could notice it as well. Carrying guns around in South Korea was not normal, so it could cause a lot of problems. If word got out about them on the inte, then things would be even harder to sort out.

    ¡°Others will likely notice that we have guns on our waists. It¡¯s much better to have them on our ankles instead,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Good idea.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung went to his desk and found two ankle holsters. Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan took out the pistol on their waists and holstered them, returning the silencers. They also strapped two spare magazines on their other ankle.

    ¡°It''ll be best for your parents to stay at the hotel for now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan afterward.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have them do that.¡±

    ¡°It would be dangerous for them to go to work for about a week. If they have to go out, they should use the van that we¡¯ll provide.¡±

    ¡°What about my daughter? She has school,¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°How about your wife and daughter go abroad for about a week? We¡¯ll say that it¡¯s a field trip. That will give you the time and space you need toe here and help out,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested.

    What was there for Seok Kang-Ho to help out in this office? Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s suggestion wasn¡¯t bad, though.

    ¡°Will they have security abroad?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They¡¯ll be safer overseas, considering we don¡¯t even know what Wui Min-Gook is up to. A week should be enough for us to check the CCTV footage.¡±

    ¡°My family doesn¡¯t have passports,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kim Hyung-Jung smiled instead of answering.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have our families go abroad¡ªI¡¯ll tell my parents as well. I¡¯ll feel better with them out of the country instead of in a hotel. We have agents in the Foundation and my father¡¯spany, so they will still be running seamlessly,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Sure. My family was so surprised, though, so I¡¯m not sure if they¡¯ll be willing to go without me,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just talk to them about it for now.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s have another cigarette before we leave,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested. Since he already picked a cigarette up, they all smoked first.

    ¡°You can¡¯t go home, can you?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect a cot to be this useful.¡±

    The cold coffee and cigarettes seemed to beforting them for their long day.

    ¡°Have you had dinner yet?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I had a sandwich.¡±

    ¡°Why would you eat something like that instead of delicious jjampong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho abruptly grumbled.

    ¡°Things were hectic, so that was all I could eat. I threw it out after eating about half of it. Should I order you a jjampong though, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡±

    ¡°We can still order right now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    This was a conversation between Kim Hyung-Jung, who basically skipped dinner, and Seok Kang-Ho, who was always hungry. They both looked at Kang Chan, their eyes showing the answer to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s question.

    ¡°Please go ahead. It¡¯s been a while since we¡¯ve had a midnight snack,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Kim Hyung-Jung brought his phone to his ear.

    Three agents died in the basement of his apartment, yet they were ordering jjampong. The battles in Africa and Seoul were no different.

    They had to eat and sleep whenever they could. That way, they could maintain their condition for the next battle.

    There were times when little things like this decided whether one lived or died in an emergency.

    The jjampong arrived in less than ten minutes.

    Kang Chan ate as he thought about visiting the damn Chinese restaurant someday.

    ¡°Wow! This is really amazing!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed. He would definitely say something like that again at breakfast tomorrow at the hotel.

    They ate in moderation, then had coffee and smoked cigarettes again.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be going now. You should get even just a bit of sleep. Do you want to go to the hotel with us?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I¡¯mfortable here. I still have to keep an eye on the situation, after all.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho said goodbye to Kim Hyung-Jung and left his office. They then went to the basement parking lot and got in the van that the agents prepared for them.

    ¡°Is this window bulletproof?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he knocked on the window.

    The agent in the passenger seat answered with a ¡°yes.¡±

    ¡°Do you think Huh Ha-Soo is behind the attack in the underground parking lot?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I do. Hearing Huh Hang-Soo was arrested in China probably angered Huh Ha-Soo so much that he¡¯s no longer in his right mind. There¡¯s no reason for Wui Min-Gook to listen to Huh Ha-Soo, though, so it¡¯s hard to just conclude that he¡¯s behind it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°Make sure youfort your family. Your daughter must¡¯ve been shocked.¡±

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>. I can¡¯t believe this happened just as she was taking an interest in studying.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. He was not used to Seok Kang-Ho acting like this. Anyway, as Kang Chan expected, they were heading to the Namsan Hotel. That was fine, though. After all, no ce was as safe as the Namsan Hotel from ambushes since it didn¡¯t have any tall buildings around it.

    It was already dawn, so it did not take them long to reach the hotel¡¯s basement parking lot. They were given key cards as they got in the elevator.

    ¡°Why am I the only one getting two rooms?¡± Kang Chan asked the agents.

    ¡°We assumed that it would be ufortable for you to sleep with your parents.¡±

    They weren¡¯t wrong. They were at a hotel, after all.

    ¡°Great thinking. I feel ufortable sleeping in the same room as my daughter as well, so I¡¯ll sleep in that roomter too. What¡¯s your parents¡¯ room number?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Neen-o-three,¡± an agent quickly answered in Kang Chan¡¯s stead.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take room neen-o-five, then,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room was on the seventeenth floor, and Kang Chan¡¯s was on the neenth.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you in a bit,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    The two agents in the elevator with them followed Seok Kang-Ho out.

    When the elevator reached the neenth floor, Kang Chan saw an agent in a suit waiting in front of it.

    Kang Chan walked along the hallway and headed to their room.

    ¡°We¡¯re on standby in the room across from here,¡± the agent said.

    ¡°Thanks. You did great.¡±

    Kang Chan pressed the key card on the scanner and opened the door.

    ¡°Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were sitting in the living room.

    ¡°Have you guys slept yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook responded. She looked at Kang Chan¡¯s feet as he approached them.

    ¡°The incident earlier must have shocked both of you.¡±

    ¡°Your mom is handling this a lot better though, isn¡¯t she?¡± Kang Dae-Kyungmented.

    ¡°You always tease me!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    Kang Chan was sure that Kang Dae-Kyung was also very surprised, but he seemed to be trying hard to be Kang Chan¡¯s support.

    ¡°Do you guys want some tea?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Sure. We already had a cup of green tea because your mom was shaking so much, but we can¡¯t sleep anyway, so we might as well have another.¡±

    ¡°Please let me make it for you.¡± Kang Chan tried to stop him, but Kang Dae-Kyung insisted on standing up. Since Yoo Hye-Sook walked right along with him, they all made tea. They then sat on the sofa.

    ¡°Huh? Mother seems sleepy,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Looking at you puts me at ease,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Then please sleep¡ªI¡¯ll sleep in the room next door.¡±

    ¡°You got another room?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be alone¡ªthey said that I have to be with an agent.¡±

    How would Kang Chan exin to his parents if they ran into Seok Kang-Ho in this situation? He only actually said that he would be with an agent to prevent Kang Dae-Kyung froming into his room.

    ¡°If you press the extension number, then I¡¯ll answer the call from the room right next door. I¡¯ll be going to the French embassy tomorrow, but let¡¯s have breakfast before I leave. I also need to pick up my phone,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Little by little, Kang Chan¡¯s parents began looking calmer while sitting with him.

    ¡°Father,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Kang Chan with eyes that asked, <i>¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid you will have to stay here and be closely guarded for about a week, but you can also go on a trip to France and visit Gong Te automobile instead.¡±

    ¡°A trip?¡±

    ¡°Yes. They estimate this whole situation tost about a week. It could end a little bit earlier, but they also said that it could take longer than that,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Yoo Hye-Sook while exhaling softly.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I will have to stay here.¡±

    ¡°Is that because you¡¯re the one being targeted?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung prodded.

    ¡°That¡¯s not exactly urate. They also attacked the Director and the executives of the National Intelligence Service, so the main goal behind their aggression is probably to disturb the Eurasian Rail.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung asked a couple more questions, and Kang Chan patiently answered them all.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t feel as real as thest incident, perhaps because I never expected people would openly shoot each other in this country¡­¡± Kang Dae-Kyung discreetly examined Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s mood. He seemed to suddenly remember that she didn¡¯t know about him witnessing the knife fight in Yongin.

    ¡°Thest incident? Honey¡ªdid something else happen to you aside from this?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m talking about what happened in the Foundation office and our office in Kang Yoo Motors. You were much more surprised when that happened.¡±

    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re right. I was so shocked when I saw Channy pounce on people right in front of me mainly because that was my first time seeing him do that.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook shuddered, seemingly finding the incident far too horrible to think about.

    ¡°Please go to bed now¡ªwe can talk about the rest tomorrow during breakfast,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Okay! Go to your room and get some sleep as well. You must be tired. Is this a safe ce, though?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°There are agents in the room across from ours.¡±

    ¡°We heard the gunshots earlier. Was anyone hurt?¡±

    Kang Chan decided to lie as he picked up his teacup. ¡°Three suffered minor injuries, but I heard everyone¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡±

    ¡°It is. Now, please go to sleep.¡±

    Kang Chan left the room afterward. He locked eyes with the agent at the end of the hallway, then entered the room next door.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan could hear Seok Kang-Ho snoring.

    Kang Chan washed up lightly and went into the bedroom. He then took a pillow and a nket from the bed andid down on the sofa.

    So many incidents were happening that they seemed to be waiting for their turn in a long line. It would¡¯ve been really nice if Kang Chan¡¯s guts kept giving him warning signals that felt as if something was holding the back of his neck.

 Chapter 171.2: Weéˆ¥æª™e Okay (2)

    <h4>Chapter 171.2: We¡¯re Okay (2)</h4>

    When Kang Chan woke up in the morning, the first thing he saw was the droplets of water on the window. As soon as he sat up, the gentle autumn rain came into view.

    He yawned, stood up, and stretched.

    ording to the clock on the desk at the corner of the living room, it was only six in the morning.

    Kang Chan thought he should let Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook sleep a bit more. He took out a bottle of water from the fridge and drank it, then went into the bathroom lightly washed his face.

    ¡°Huh? Why did you sleep in the living room?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°It was just morefortable to sleep here.¡±

    ¡°Was I snoring that loud?¡±

    ¡°Not loud enough for me to kill you.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned, then drank water. After a while, he went into the bathroom in the living room even though the bedroom that he slept in had its own bathroom.

    ¡°Let¡¯s order coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said afterward.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho ordered for them. Afterward, they wore their earpieces and sat on the sofa in just their pants and shirtsleeves.

    ¡°My wife and daughter want to go to Australia. I told them that South Korea was sending them on a trip topensate for what happened a while back. They looked like they didn¡¯t believe me, but since they couldn¡¯t verify what I said, they just epted it for now. What about your parents?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what they think yet since I had to keep our conversation yesterday about it short. It¡¯s Sunday today, right? That means we have some extra time.¡±

    <i>Ding dong.</i>

    The doorbell rang.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We checked the coffee.¡± At the same time, they heard an agent on the radio.

    Seok Kang-Ho opened the door after checking who it was through the peephole.

    A metal carafe and coffee cups had been delivered to them.

    When the server left, Seok Kang-Ho poured two cups of coffee.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Any of you want some coffee?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We have a lot here, sir,¡± someone answered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t have ordered this much, then!¡±

    All of the agents in the hotel heard the conversation with Kang Chan through the radio. There wasughter at the end of his sentence.

    The coffee and cigarettes fully awakened their senses. At around half past seven, they headed back to their respective rooms.

    Kang Chan pressed the doorbell. Kang Dae-Kyung opened the door soon after.

    ¡°Did you get enough sleep?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>, I thought I wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep, but I slept like a rock. Your mom is still in the shower. Did you get some sleep?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung turned on the news channel on TV. Kang Chan sat on the sofa with him.

    ¡°It looks like your mom finds it hard to go abroad because you¡¯re not going. A lot of other things seem to be bothering her as well,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°If so, then just stay at the hotel with me. I only suggested going to France because living here for an entire week might be ufortable for you two. We¡¯re not in enough danger to force yourselves to go on a trip.¡±

    ¡°Can we really just stay here?¡±

    While Kang Chan was talking with Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook came out to the living room looking quite haggard.

    ¡°Did you get some sleep?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I did, Channy. I feel heavy, though.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s probably because it rained. Let¡¯s have a delicious breakfast, then you should just get some rest for the rest of the day.

    ¡°Here?¡±

    ¡°Just consider this as our family staying in an international hotel.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed to like Kang Chan¡¯s cheekiness.

    ¡°Let¡¯s order something delicious for breakfast. You should try the sauna while I¡¯m meeting the Ambassador of France. I heard the hotel¡¯s fitness club is quite amazing,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Sure! That sounds great. I was also thinking of working out anyway,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    Kang Dae-Kyung then held up the menu in the room. ¡°Honey! It¡¯s been a while since we had an American-style breakfast. We should try it. Ites with toast, juice, and coffee. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s also a breakfast buffet downstairs,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Since it¡¯s raining, let¡¯s just order food and eat in our room. Whenever I ate toast alone in the hotels I stayed in during business trips, I would often think about how nice it would be if you or your mom were there with me.¡±

    They followed Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s strong wishes to have an American-style breakfast in their room.

    The meal that they ordered soon arrived.

    They ate their breakfast while watching the autumn rain pour down on the living room window. When Yoo Hye-Sook drank coffee after breakfast, she finally looked like she could breathe again. Meanwhile, Kang Dae-Kyung appeared to be enjoying himself. He was even pestering his wife to go with him to the fitness center and the sauna. He really seemed to be on vacation.

    Kang Dae-Kyung was trying hard to console Yoo Hye-Sook, who experienced quite the shock, while also trying to make Kang Chan feelfortable.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to meet the Ambassador of France today, right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then you should go while it¡¯s still early. We¡¯ll just watch TV for a bit before going to the fitness center to exercise.¡±

    ¡°Will the two of you be okay?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    With Kang Dae-Kyung urging him, Kang Chan stood up. He had tofort Yoo Hye-Sook a few times first because of how worried she was before he could finally leave the room.

    <i>Click</i>.

    After Kang Chan left, Kang Dae-Kyung made green tea and brought it over to Yoo Hye-Sook, who was sitting on the sofa.

    ¡°You¡¯re very worried, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Of course I am, honey. We saw him yesterday¡ªI could feel my heart breaking while I was watching him run next to the car with a limp.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why you tossed and turned so much all night?¡±

    ¡°You couldn¡¯t sleep either?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I also felt the same way. How could Ifortably fall asleep after watching our son suffer like that?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Dae-Kyung. Her eyes showed how bad she felt for him.

    ¡°We promised each otherst time, didn¡¯t we? We said that we would watch Channy grow up. And we decided to ept that he¡¯s a bit different from the other kids.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung held Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s have a good time in the hotel even if we have to force ourselves to, okay? That will make Channy feel a bit morefortable when hees back in the evening.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, honey.¡±

    ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°For being so understanding whenever I feel anxious and for always understanding our extraordinary son. I seem to beining too much even though I know you¡¯re having a hard time as well. Thank you, and I¡¯m sorry, honey.¡±

    In response, Kang Dae-Kyung wrapped his arm around Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s shoulder while tightly holding her hand.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho was always early.

    By the time Kang Chan went into the room next door, Seok Kang-Ho already poured himself some coffee and was smoking a cigarette.

    ¡°Wee back. I reheated the coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Their morning felt so peaceful that Kang Chan wondered if they could return home if things kept going at this rate.

    After drinking coffee, Kang Chan radioed an agent to bring over a phone. He found it ufortable to call Lanok using the hotel¡¯s corded telephone. When Kang Chan called Lanok, Lanok immediately said that they should meet at the Namsan Hotel. Hence, Kang Chan now had an extra hour to himself.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat around and talked about multiple matters.

    <i>Ring. Ring.</i>

    After a while, the phone in the room rang. Kang Chan answered it.

    - The Ambassador has arrived. Please head to room eighteen-ten.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way.¡±

    When Kang Chan stood up, Seok Kang-Ho said, ¡°Make sure to bring back our phones.¡±

    ¡°If they didn¡¯t find our phones, then let¡¯s just buy new ones.¡±

    Not having their phones was very inconvenient.

    Kang Chan went down to the eighteenth floor and found a French agent waiting for him in front of the elevator. As the French agent guided him to the ambassador¡¯s room, he noticed so many agents that he began to wonder if he was in a hotel or the headquarters of an intelligence bureau.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Lanok gave Kang Chan a French greeting.

    Now that Kang Chan thought about it, this was his first time meeting the ambassador since the operation in China.

    Lanok guided Kang Chan to the sofa. An aide whom Kang Chan hadn¡¯t seen before prepared tea, cigarettes, and cigars for them, then retreated into a room.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, our intelligence bureau has now been sorted out, albeit barely. Throughout China¡¯s long history, they had numerous forces fight toe into power. That¡¯s why their intelligence bureau is extremely developed. Considering they¡¯re geographically close to South Korea, they probably have a good number of agents in this country as well,¡± Lanok exined.

    ¡°Actually, something happened.¡±

    Lanok nodded as he was pouring out tea for him, which meant that he was already aware of the incident. ¡°Although Yang Bum is now the head of their intelligence bureau, he¡¯s still in a precarious situation, and his foundation still isn¡¯t stable. He still requires quite a bit of time topletelye into power.¡±

    Kang Chan had a sip of the tea as Lanok stated the obvious. Lanok then held up a cigar, and Kang Chan bit on a cigarette.

    Kang Chan was spending time with a very powerful ally that he couldpletely trust.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, how about you take a step back from this incident?¡± Lanok asked.

    Kang Chan lit up his cigarette as he silently waited for Lanok to continue.

    ¡°South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service can take care of this level of threat by themselves. That¡¯s why I can¡¯t help but wonder if it would be best for you to take a step back and use this time to receive training.¡±

    ¡°What kind of training do you have in mind?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Observe every country¡¯s intelligence bureau, specifically Germany, Switzend, Russia, and France. That will prove quite helpful in the future you will live in. During that period, you will only ever meet important figures.¡±

    <i>Will I really need that?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t decide.

    ¡°It will be beneficial for South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service as well,¡± Lanok added.

    <i>Is he telling me to work for the National Intelligence Service?</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t like Lanok¡¯s second suggestion either.

 Chapter 172.1: Letéˆ¥æªš Go by Temperament (1)

    <h4>Chapter 172.1: Let¡¯s Go by Temperament (1)</h4>

    ¡°The Eurasian Rail is aplicated project. Starting this October, Saudi Arabia will be producing ten times more oil,¡± Lanok informed Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan just nkly looked at him.

    Lanok seemed to be telling him that people were trying to prevent the construction of the railway, but what did oil production have anything to do with it? Kang Chan didn¡¯t see any connection between the two.

    ¡°It means they are attempting to bring down Russia¡¯s economy,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°Will Russia¡¯s economy really fall just because Saudi Arabia started producing a lot more petroleum?¡± Kang Chan wondered, genuinely unable to not understand what Lanok meant. He wasn¡¯t embarrassed or ashamed, though. Lanok seemed to think that his question was valid anyway.

    ¡°Russia is one of the world¡¯s top three oil production countries. If Saudi Arabia sells their petroleum at reduced, bargain prices, Russia¡¯s economy will be shaken so much that the people in power within their country will change. Once they have defeated Russia, Saudi Arabia will raise their fuel prices again,¡± Lanok exined.

    ¡°Can¡¯t Russia just sell their oil at cheap prices as well, then?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They certainly can, but Saudi Arabia willst longer in that battle of attrition. Their supply is the world¡¯s greatest. On the other hand, Russia is simply structured in a way that allows it to support its economy despite its limited supply. They will not be able to weather things out.¡±

    ¡°Are you trying to tell me that there¡¯s a connection between Saudi Arabia producing a lot of oil and my training at an intelligence agency, Mr. Ambassador?¡±

    Lanok smiled from ear to ear, causing the ends of his eyes to curve.

    ¡°That is indeed correct. While Saudi Arabia provides an unlimited supply of fuel, the United States will attempt to render South Korea helpless through the dor. To prevent that, the National Intelligence Service¡¯s incredible potential has to be unlocked,¡± Lanok said.

    Not only oil but dors too? Kang Chan had no idea what Lanok was saying. This subject was like a thorn in his side.

    ¡°They will most likely try to take control of Russia and South Korea first. The only way to solve this is through political negotiations.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that something for the president or other politicians to solve?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    ¡°The negotiation between intelligence agencieses first,¡± Lanok replied.

    ¡°So what you¡¯re ultimately saying is that I have to propose something,¡± Kang Chan confirmed.

    ¡°First and foremost, you have to establish a firm partnership with Russia.¡±

    ¡°With Vasili?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Lanok tapped his cigar in the ashtray to shake the ash off.

    ¡°To do that, South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service requires power. At the very least, they have to be on the same level as Russia¡¯s intelligence agency. Of course, developing an entire organization that much in such a short amount of time is difficult. That¡¯s why a hero is needed during times like this,¡± Lanok added.

    <i>I can¡¯t be a hero just because I led a few sessful operations.?</i>

    Thinking there was probably an actual future hero out there, Kang Chan just chuckled.

    ¡°It¡¯s only right that you stand at the forefront of turning the Eurasian Rail into reality. In that process, South Korea will gain actual power. First will be intelligence, then politics, then,stly, the economy,¡± Lanok stated.

    Lanok¡¯s eyes seemed to be full of hope that Kang Chan would ept.

    Kang Chan knew Lanok would never suggest anything that would bring him harm. However, it was also true that Lanok had never pushed anything on him until now.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, a battle will soon begin between the countries that will be connected to the Eurasian Rail and the countries that won¡¯t. Of thetter countries, those that have immense financial power will be more proactive during the fight. Saudi Arabia is afraid of Russia and China¡¯s resources being utilized through the Eurasian Rail. China¡¯s connection to the railway will mean a bond with Mongolia,¡± Lanok informed him.

    ¡°And what does Mongolia have to do with this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re a repository of minerals.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he was in ss. He knew all the words that Lanok was saying, but he couldn¡¯t understand a single thing¡ªjust like whenever he listened to a math teacher reading a form.

    ¡°The abilities you have shown to the world are the center of attention right now. This is a fight that Russia, France, and Germany won¡¯t be able to do alone. However, with you by our side, the enemies will have no choice but to yield,¡± Lanok continued.

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who nned and actually made the Eurasian Rail happen, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan protested.

    ¡°You have be someone whom multiple countries desire to connect with, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok rebutted.

    ¡°That¡¯s my first time hearing of this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying that will be the case soon. You asked me what I think you should do before. Consider this my answer to that question,¡± Lanok stated.

    Kang Chan came here trying to set down a burden, but he ended up picking up a few more instead. He was also looking forward to obtaining some information about Wui Min-Gook, but it seemed he would have to suddenly take a tour around the European intelligence agencies instead.

    ¡°Now! That¡¯s enough for theplicated talk,¡± Lanok eximed, then turned to the side. ¡°Please bring me the documents and the phones.¡±

    His aide appeared seemingly out of thin air and handed Lanok Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s phones and arge paper envelope.

    ¡°Here. First off, here are your phones, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok said.

    Kang Chan used to be toozy to carry his phone around when he first got it. Now, having it back in his hand made him feel as if he could breathe again.

    ¡°Now, I prepared this as an apology for sending you the wrong guide for the operation in China,¡± Lanok continued.

    Kang Chan took the paper envelope from Lanok and pulled out the contents¡ªhuge pictures of Wui Min-Gook that filled the envelope to the brim.

    In the photos, Wui Min-Gook was standing in front of a gray van parked on the road. Behind the ten or so pictures was a rough map to a certain location.

    Kang Chan questioningly gazed at Lanok.

    ¡°We deployed three satellites. Our intelligence agency and the DGSE practically dropped everything they were doing to find this man as well. The information from the employee who betrayed us was the most decisive,¡± Lanok said.

    The traitor obviously wouldn¡¯t have truthfully answered their questions, which could only mean that they could not endure the DGSE¡¯s torture.

    Lanok was clearly the type to use any means to achieve his goals. There could be no better ally, but if he was an enemy, killing him should be prioritized.

    ¡°While you were carrying out the operation in China, he moved his base to Ansan and even stopped by the Chinese embassy,¡± Lanok stated.

    ¡°How could Yang Bum not be aware of that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yang Bum still hasn¡¯t taken full control in China. The Chinese ambassador is ying a double game as well. Yang Bum being defeated in this scenario will be a decisive turning point.¡±

    With his gaze still firmly on Kang Chan, Lanok continued in a low voice, ¡°La nuit tous les chats sont gris.¡±

    It was a French idiom that tranted to ¡°At night, all cats are gray,¡± which meant that it was difficult to distinguish things in the darkness. He was essentially advising Kang Chan that the situation was so messy that it was difficult to discern who was on their side.

    ¡°Thank you for the gift,¡± Kang Chan gratefully said.

    ¡°I heard that the gunshots at the apartment parking lot yesterday were covered up as plumbing issues. Nothing good woulde out of it for the current political party if word got out that there was a shootout in the middle of the city, especially since it was so close to Seoul. That matter has to be dealt with delicately,¡± Lanok stated.

    Only Lanok could give him advice like this. Kang Chan thanked him again and sipped some of his tea.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    When Kang Chan set down his cup and raised his eyes, he found Lanok looking as if he suddenly put a mask on.

    ¡°Everyone has a life that they want to live. However, there is surely a difference between what someone wants to do and what someone is good at. I hope you can live a life where you do what you¡¯re good at while enjoying what you want to do as well.¡±

    Their conversation ended with that.

    As Lanok stood up, his aides and agents headed out from one of the rooms and opened the door. At the same time, the agents waiting in the hallway stood in attention.

    ¡°Let¡¯s meet again once I¡¯ve taken care of Wui Min-Gook,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be seeing you again soon, then.¡± Lanok smiled.

    Kang Chan apanied Lanok to the elevator. After seeing him off, he immediately went to the neenth floor.

    <i>Chk.?</i>

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho, can youe to my room?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk.?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m already here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    The bastard was always a step ahead.

    When Kang Chan opened the door, Seok Kang-Ho, who was watching TV, stood up from the sofa.

    ¡°Here, your phone,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>! I¡¯m so d to see this old friend!¡± Seok Kang-Ho gleefully eximed. He immediately looked through his recent calls.

    ¡°That gentleman even charged it,¡± he said in astonishment.

    ¡°Yeah. Have a seat,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan brought a bottle of water over to the sofa and told Seok Kang-Ho what Lanok told him. He showed him the pictures as well.

    ¡°Huh? We shouldn¡¯t be lounging around like this. Let¡¯s go over there right now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho urged him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s call Manager Kim first,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    Kim Hyung-Jung became the first person Kang Chan called after getting his phone back.

    - Mr. Kang Chan! You found your phone?

    ¡°I have, Manager Kim. There¡¯s something I wish to speak to you about in person. Can youe here?¡±

    - Is it urgent?

    ¡°It¡¯s about Wui Min-Gook. I¡¯d prefer it if you don¡¯t tell anyone that you¡¯reing here,¡± Kang Chan politely requested.

    - I¡¯m on my way.

    Kang Chan set the phone down on the table and leaned back on the sofa. The noiseing from the TV seemed to have bothered Seok Kang-Ho, considering he took the remote and turned it off.

    This stressful and annoying fight would finally be over once they left for Ansan and eliminated Wui Min-Gook.

 Chapter 172.2: Letéˆ¥æªš Go by Temperament (1)

    <h4>Chapter 172.2: Let¡¯s Go by Temperament (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan had drunk about half the water in his bottle when the bell rang.

    <i>I know it¡¯s Sunday, but that was fast.?</i>

    <i>Chk.?</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan. It¡¯s me, Kim Hyung-Jung,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung radioed just as Kang Chan stood up and walked toward the door. Even then, Kang Chan still confirmed it was him through the peephole before opening the door.

    ¡°How did you get here so fast?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have my ways for situations like this,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied, entering the room with redshot eyes.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± Kang Chan offered.

    ¡°Yes, please,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung gratefully answered.

    Seok Kang-Ho brought them some coffee, then sat down on the sofa with them. There was no need to drag things out, so Kang Chan immediately showed Kim Hyung-Jung the pictures and told him everything he heard from Lanok.

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung mused. He gulped as he red at the pictures. ¡°We have to take action immediately.¡±

    ¡°My thoughts exactly,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    Kim Hyung-Jung frowned as he nced at the map.

    ¡°There aren¡¯t many civilians around in this area, but I can¡¯t believe we didn¡¯t think he would be staying in a ce like this¡­¡± Kim Hyung-Jung trailed off in regret.

    ¡°Can we begin the operation now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just report this directly to the director, then I¡¯ll have the special forces on the way,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    .

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho and I will go as well,¡± Kang Chan said firmly.

    Kim Hyung-Jung let out a low sigh and nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now. I¡¯ll call you as soon as I get an answer from the director,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. He looked extremely tired, but given the situation, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t suggest the man get some rest.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho saw Kim Hyung-Jung off and then sat back down.

    Kang Chan finally felt as if he could breathe again, but a part of him felt bad for the National Intelligence Service and its inadequacies. How could the French intelligence agencies discover an enemy hiding in South Korea before they could?

    Kang Chan felt as if the NIS was no different from the special forces team, who had been trained near perfection but hadn¡¯t been able to disy their abilities properly.

    ¡°How long do you think it¡¯ll take?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°An hour or so, I¡¯m guessing,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s stop by the other floors for a moment. Shouldn¡¯t we let our families know ahead of time that we¡¯re leaving?¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    Seok Kang-Ho had a point. Kang Chan nodded and stood up. It was about eleven in the morning.

    ¡°What are you going to do about lunch?¡± Seok Kang-Ho questioned.

    ¡°Considering how much time we have left, I¡¯m not really sure,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    They got in the elevator, and two agents followed closely behind them.

    ¡°I¡¯m just heading down for a bit. I won¡¯t be long, so you don¡¯t have toe,¡± Kang Chan told them.

    ¡°We are under orders, sir,¡± an agent responded.

    <i>Well, I guess everyone has their roles to y.?</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t insist any longer. He waited for the agents to get into the elevator before pressing a button.

    The fitness center and the swimming pool were on the third floor. Fortunately, they were divided into separate areas, so their families wouldn¡¯t run into each other.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see youter,¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted as he turned left.

    Kang Chan turned right.

    ¡°Wee. Will you be using our center today?¡± a female employee asked Kang Chan with a smile as she approached him.

    ¡°My parents are here. I just stopped by to see them,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I can escort them here if you point them out to me,¡± the female employee kindly offered.

    Kang Chan scanned the area past the ss window, finding multiple people exercising dressed in the same t-shirt and shorts that the hotel provided.

    ¡°There they are,¡± Kang Chan said, immediately finding Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook working out on stationary bicycles.

    ¡°Just a moment, please.¡± The female employee left to tell Kang Chan¡¯s parents. When the female employee walked over and gestured at Kang Chan, Yoo Hye-Sook quickly got off of the bicycle. She looked as if she didn¡¯t enjoy the exercise that much.

    ¡°Channy!¡± she eximed.

    Kang Chan was d that she kept herself busy with working out, which was evidenced by the beads of sweat on her forehead.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m going to have to leave the hotel for a while. We might be able to go home in the evening if things go smoothly.¡± Kang Chan grinned.

    ¡°Really?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s smile from seeing him soon disappeared and was reced with worry, however. Just then, Kang Dae-Kyung approached them while wiping the sweat off his face and neck.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be heading out for a bit,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Why are you making that face, then, honey?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Well¡­ Channy said we might be able to go back home in the evening¡­ so I can¡¯t help but wonder if he will be the one taking care of the problem¡­¡± Yoo Hye-Sook trailed off. She seemed worried that Kang Chan was leaving to do something dangerous.

    Kang Dae-Kyung turned to Kang Chan with surprised eyes.

    Strangely, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bring himself to lie. He should probably say that it was fine and that he would not do anything risky, but he didn¡¯t want to make an obvious lie when Yoo Hye-Sook already caught onto the situation.

    ¡°What about your leg? Will you be okay?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked, sounding clearly concerned.

    ¡°Yes. Oh right, I got my phone back too,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded.

    ¡°All right. Be safe. I¡¯ll be having lunch with your mother and staying in the room. Call us as soon as you¡¯re done with your business. I¡¯m sure your mom will be worried,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung requested.

    ¡°I will. Don¡¯t worry too much, Mother. It¡¯s not that dangerous,¡± Kang Chan reassured her.

    Yoo Hye-Sook wanted to hug Kang Chan but hesitated. She seemed conscious of the sweat on her.

    Kang Chan smiled and held his arms open, and Yoo Hye-Sook carefully patted his back, cautiously making sure her body didn¡¯t touch his.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± she said anxiously.

    ¡°I will,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After bidding them farewell, Kang Chan walked out of the fitness center.

    ¡°What about Mr. Seok?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He hasn¡¯te out yet,¡± replied the agent standing by the exit.

    It would be awkward for both of them if Seok Kang-Ho came out with his family.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading up first. Let me know when he¡¯s out,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan entered the elevator, and one of the two agents apanied him. Kang Chan started feeling as if going on operations was natural to him.

    The moment he reached his room, his phone began to ring.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    He couldn¡¯t have been more d to get a call.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, the special forces team has left. You can join them at a factory called Samhwa Facility past the Ansan Toll Booth. The special forces team is set to arrive at thirteen hundred. A van has been prepared for you in the underground lot.

    ¡°Great. I¡¯ll see them soon,¡± Kang Chan replied, then called Seok Kang-Ho to inform him.

    - I don¡¯t have to go back to the room, then. Let¡¯s leave immediately. I¡¯ll see you in the parking lot, Cap.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Time was of the essence, so Kang Chan immediately headed to the parking area as well. He hoped this would put an end to this incident. There was still a faint throbbing in his right shin, but although only a day had passed, he could move morefortably now.

    One of the agents sat in the driver¡¯s seat while the other sat in the passenger¡¯s seat. As soon as everyone got in the van, they immediately drove off.

    ¡°What are we going to do about lunch?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know how heavy the traffic would be over there, so let¡¯s just eat somece nearby,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know if it was allowed because they were in a van or because he didn¡¯t care about getting ticketed, but the agent used the bus-only road upon entering the interstate.

    ¡°There¡¯s so much traffic,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked. He was feigning calmness about the situation, but his eyes were glinting in anticipation. ¡°The men are getting one hell ofbat experience. I feel like we¡¯ve been going out in the field more often than in Africa.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled wryly.

    Seok Kang-Ho was right. Not even the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces had gone on so many operations. After this one was over, Kang Chan hoped things would be quiet for a while. He wanted to enjoy his peace with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, who forced nonchnce despite being worried out of their minds for him.

    ¡°Just how did they get into Ansan, of all ces?¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    ¡°Some motherfucker helped them, of course,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°I think I have a faint idea who that is.¡±

    ¡°Son of a bitch. If he got himself involved in this too, I¡¯m going to twist his neck.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned in response. The punk was starting to swallow his nervousness again.

    They tried to drive as quickly as possible, but there was nothing they could do about the traffic. If they didn¡¯t leave immediately, they likely wouldn¡¯t arrive in time.

    It was already forty minutes past noon by the time they got through the Ansan Toll Booth.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have some kimbap somewhere,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    They wouldn¡¯t be able to use their strength if they were hungry. The agent parked the car at a rest area with a gas station and bought some boiled eggs, kimbap, and beverages for them.

    ¡°How much further do we have to go?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°About ten more minutes, sir,¡± the agent replied.

    They were right on time. They finished their lunch in ten minutes and immediately got back in the car.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    As they did, Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring. It was a call from a long number.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Choi Jong-Il speaking, sir.

    Kang Chanughed in disbelief. Choi Jong-Il sounded like a sick man, but he was still putting up a strong front.

    - I just woke up this morning.

    ¡°Good. Good work.¡±

    Even the almighty Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask about what happened to Cha Dong-Gyun. Maybe it was because Choi Jong-Il¡¯s voice left him weak.

    - I¡¯ll switch you over to Cha Dong-Gyun.

    Choi Jong-Il¡¯s voice was listless. He sounded as if he would fall asleep at any moment, but his words were clearer to Kang Chan than any shout. The nurse was probably holding the phone to his ear.

    - It¡¯s me, Cha Dong-Gyun, sir.

    ¡°You idiot.¡±

    - I apologize.

    ¡°Call General Choi too,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    - I will, sir. Anyway, we¡¯re alive.

    There was no way Kang Chan could tell these guys that he was leaving on an operation. Their enemies in China could be listening into their conversation too. Kang Chan hung up and told Seok Kang-Ho about the conversation, making him smile from ear to ear. The agents sitting at the front also looked pleased.

 Chapter 173.1: Letéˆ¥æªš Go by Temperament (2)

    <h4>Chapter 173.1: Let¡¯s Go by Temperament (2)</h4>

    The Samhwa Facility¡ªa makeshift building with a blue roof and white walls made out of panels¡ªwas at a higher elevation than the road. The only thing in front of it was arge parking lot.

    When the van arrived, a bus that had been parked at the entrance to block it off moved, allowing them to enter. Once the van was inside, the entrance was shut tight again.

    ¡°Pleasee this way,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung, who had been waiting for them, guided Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho inside the building.

    <i>Screech.</i>

    When therge door was pushed open, the special forces team inside stood up.

    They were no longer beginners at this.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho put on a gray military uniform, bulletproof vest, bva, and helmet. They then armed themselves.

    <i>Click</i>. <i>Click</i>.

    Kang Chan could never get used to loading magazines onto his gun. After all, one bullet was all it would take to save a person¡¯s life.

    Kim Hyung-Jung hung arge map on a hanger and pointed to one part of the map. ¡°This is where we are right now.¡±

    He then slid his index finger to a red mark. ¡°As you all have probably noticed by now, the area is quite remote, and there¡¯s only a low mountain behind the building. Mr. Kang Chan will be takingmand of the operation, which we will be starting at fourteen hundred hours sharp. Until then, National Intelligence Service agents will keep the factory under watch.¡±

    The soldiers felt a strange sense of relief and excitement.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan stepped forward when Kim Hyung-Jung called him. Before he knew it, he was leading the special forces team.

    ¡°I received a call on my way here,¡± Kang Chan looked at the soldiers. ¡°Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun have regained consciousness.¡±

    Unable to contain their happiness, the soldiers smiled at each other.

    ¡°I studied the topographic map on my way here. Before we begin, we will be splitting into two teams. Those with Seok Kang-Ho will be climbing the mountain and entering the building from behind. My team will be moving along the road and approaching the building from the front. I also have to warn all of you to be careful of one simple factor.¡± Kang Chan nced at the map, then sharply looked at the men. ¡°If you are burning with too much sense of duty, you¡¯ll find yourself moving without thinking. Make sure you don¡¯t break the rhythm of your team. The moment any of you lose control of yourself and recklessly charge into danger, you will put not only yourselves but the others at risk as well.¡±

    With grim expressions, the soldiers intently listened to Kang Chan. Nobody had ever taught them something like that.

    All they were ever taught was how to fire a gun and that they should aplish their mission no matter what. They never learned anything about rhythm or, to be more precise, how not to break it.

    Kang Chan smirked as he looked at the soldiers. He then continued, ¡°Make yourselvesfortable. Lean back against your chairs and stretch your legs out as much as you¡¯d like. Be like Seok Kang-Ho over there.¡±

    <i>Screech. Screech.</i>

    The members changed postures and rxed as if they were imitating Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget about the look in your eyes and your postures right now. Protect the pride of the special forces team. Keep in mind that you all returned alive after blowing up a Chinese airport, so if anyone has to be nervous, it should be Russia, China, and the United Kingdom,¡± Kang Chan added.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho smiled. He had a strange look on his face.

    For some reason, Kang Chan was a lot more talkative whenever he was with these people. It was probably because he wanted to teach them as much as he could, even if it was just one more lesson, and because he couldn¡¯t help but feel greedy about saving even just one more of them from injuries.

    ¡°What we have to be careful of is the possibility of Wui Min-Gook making himself explode. As soon as you guys find him, kill him immediately. If you think it¡¯s too dangerous to confront him, then prioritize withdrawing away from danger. We will be sending out the snipers as soon as we arrive anyway. Any questions?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    As soon as Kang Chan finished talking, a few of the soldiers smirked.

    It seemed there were people who imitated Kang Chan even in this ce.

    ***

    After sending the soldiers on the operation, Choi Seong-Geon parked the jeep in front of the makeshift city and stared nkly in the distance.

    Choi Seong-Geon had never acted like this before. He never even thought that he would develop this kind of habit. After all, he didn¡¯t have experience sending his men to actual operations before.

    The soldiers¡¯ pride was crushed during the mock battle. They went through live ammo training and, finally, their first operation. Before they knew it, they turned into a special forces team that was constantly sent on missions.

    Choi Seong-Geon thought that there was nothing more he could wish for, especially since the special forces team evenpletely destroyed the Spetsnaz and put an SBS helmet across from his desk as if to show off.

    However, humans by nature were difficult to understand.

    His men aplished something great against world-famous special forces, which they were previously envious of, and alsopletely destroyed a Chinese airport. Nevertheless¡­ he somehow developed a habit of waiting for the soldiers like an old father waiting for his son to return home from the military.

    Even just yesterday, he dropped by Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s house with 1.2 kilograms of beef, drinks, an envelope full of money, and enough snacks to make it seem as if he swept an entire shelf of snacks into his cart at the market.

    His wife¡ªwho was now used to things like this¡ªwas probably talking shit and having a mental rampage, but what could he do? He wanted to see Cha Dong-Gyun and was worried about the man¡¯s family.

    Choi Seong-Geon had no sry left from being a General. He had spent it all on the families of Cha Dong-Gyun and the two soldiers left in France.

    However, he regretted none of his actions. If he did, then he would have already been given a lot more promotions and would be in apletely different position.

    <i>¡®Please wake up, you bastard.¡¯</i>

    As amander of a field army, Choi Seong-Geon pretended as if there was nothing wrong and that he didn¡¯t feel anything. However, despite being amander, he still could not help but hope to see his men return safely.

    He wished to send his men to operations not too long ago, but now that his wish hade true, he could not help but feel as if he would not be able tost if all he could do was wait for them.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.</i>

    After some time, Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s phone rang.

    <i>Did my wife find out already? Well, she would have received my credit card statements and withdrawal notifications through her phone, so it¡¯s notpletely unlikely.</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon had no choice but to answer the call. Otherwise, his phone would just keep ringing until he answered and the issue that he could have ended with her bullshit would end up growing bigger and leading to her demanding a divorce.

    With a frown, Choi Seong-Geon took out his phone and checked the caller ID. He didn¡¯t know who was calling him, but the number was long. He picked up the call.

    .

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - General, it¡¯s Cha Dong-Gyun.

    Choi Seong-Geon felt as if the world just stopped.

    - General?

    ¡°I hear you.¡±

    Choi Seong-Geon couldn¡¯t be happier to hear weakughter over the phone.

    - I¡¯m sorry for making you worried.

    ¡°Considering you¡¯ve recovered enough to talk nonsense, I take it your life isn¡¯t in danger anymore?¡±

    - You were the one who taught me, so how could I die?

    <i>Has this guy always been this cheeky?</i>

    ¡°Have you called your family?¡±

    - I¡¯ll do thatter.

    ¡°Give them a call quickly.¡±

    - Alright. I¡¯ll call you back.

    ¡°That¡¯s just bothersome. Make it easier for yourself and just get up quickly ande back here instead.¡±

    - Sir, yes sir!

    Choi Seong-Geon hung up, then sighed loudly.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>.¡± His strangeughter echoed through the makeshift city.

    ***

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°All the snipers have been deployed,¡± Seok Kang-Ho radioed in.

    Kang Chan examined their target area once more. The mountain at the back was low, and the front waspletely open.

    The factory was a two-story building with a warehouse attached to it, so it would not be wrong to assume that they woulde across armed guards.

    Kang Chan gestured to his eyes with his index and middle fingers, then pointed to the balcony on the second floor.

    Considering theck of cover, it would be difficult for Kang Chan and his team to ambush their enemies even under the cover of the night.

    The North Korean soldiers¡¯ power and poprity in the Middle East and Africa were beyond imagination. They were great hand-to-handbatants, had good aim, and even had nerves of steel, eliminating their fear of death. If Kang Chan had to point out their weakness, it would be that they were too old-school.

    While fighting such soldiers, Kang Chan and his team had to run to an area that was devoid of anything that they could use as cover.

    Kang Chan could only sigh softly as he red at the second floor of the building.

    ***

    Wui Min-Gook, who was sitting on the sofa, red at Huh Ha-Soo as if he was going to kill him.

    Behind Wui Min-Gook were two men with angr jaws looking at Huh Ha-Soo in the same way. Huh Ha-Soo looked somewhat frightened.

    ¡°We had a deal. We even cut offmunications with China for it. Pretending as if the deal does not exist now is no different frompletely ignoring North Korea and the soldiers who trust and follow me,¡± Wui Min-Gook said.

    ¡°About that¡ªyou¡¯re partly to me for failing to keep your end of the bargain.¡±

    Wui Min-Gook¡¯s eyes narrowed, and Huh Ha-Soo quickly averted his gaze.

    ¡°We ran over trusting the information you gave us, but when we got here, the Director of the National Intelligence Service and Kang Chan were already aware that we wereing. You don¡¯t even know where Kang Chan and his parents are right now, do you?¡± Wui Min-Gook asked.

    ¡°Director Wui, let¡¯s just stay hidden for the time being since it¡¯s difficult for me to make a move with my current situation. I¡¯ll be sure to deliver the things that I promised soon, but in return¡­¡±

    ¡°But in return, what?¡± Wui Min-Gook immediately responded when Huh Ha-Soo trailed off.

    ¡°Please just seed in the rebellion,¡± Huh Ha-Soo continued.

    Wui Min-Gook bit his cheek.

 Chapter 173.2: Letéˆ¥æªš Go by Temperament (2)

    <h4>Chapter 173.2: Let¡¯s Go by Temperament (2)</h4>

    <i>Buzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª.?</i>

    His phone rang from his inner chest pocket.

    Wui Min-Gook took out his phone. Still ring at Huh Ha-Soo, he answered the call.

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    Wui Min-Gook¡¯s eyes glinted, then narrowed.

    ¡°How many?¡± he asked, his cheek twitching a few times.

    ¡°Listen carefully¡ªdo what must be done to have an honorable death. I¡¯ll take good care of the family you¡¯ll leave behind.¡±

    Wui Min-Gook hung up, then red at Huh Ha-Soo with eyes so bloodshot they looked as if they were going to burst at any moment.

    ¡°Director Wui¡­?¡± Huh Ha-Soo asked.

    ¡°How did South Korea¡¯s special forces team find out about the hideout that you created for us?¡±

    However, Huh Ha-Soo seemed surprised as well.

    ¡°We don¡¯t care about how you do it. You can work with Japan or suck up to China if that¡¯s what it would take,¡± Wui Min-Gook said.

    Huh Ha-Soo looked away with a displeased expression as Wui Min-Gook added, ¡°That means I¡¯ll even make myself explode if that means you¡¯ll keep your end of the bargain. You have two weeks.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what we agreed on¡ªthere are things that I can and cannot do. I cannot make promises that I cannot keep.¡± Huh Ha-Soo was unexpectedly obstinate. ¡°And I made this deal with the higher-ups, not you. I n to keep my promises, so we should hide and avoid being found for now. Can they find evidence in Ansan?¡±

    Wui Min-Gook bit on his cheek.

    ¡°They will never find any evidence. Let¡¯s get going.¡± Wui Min-Gook stood up and headed to the entrance.

    ¡°<i>Ha</i>, this is absurd.¡±

    Huh Ha-Soo sighed as he looked at the river outside the living room window of his vi at Namyangju.

    ***

    Ten minutes had passed since they closed in on the enemy, yet Kang Chan still had not given any orders.

    The most textbook way to handle their current situation was for everyone to cover fire while two of his men ran to the building and broke the door. There were only four windows¡ªone on the porch, another on the balcony, and two on the warehouse. Hence, there was a low chance of their enemies returning fire if they covered fire.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but notice his team members quickly examining him. Moreover, he thought that Kim Hyung-Jung, who was in the factory to keep the perimeter off-limits using his radio, was probably feeling nervous.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan did nothing but re at the building. He was getting such a bad feeling from the situation that he felt as if he was jumping into a cesspit.

    The dampness that the recent rain brought to the ground only helped intensify the unpleasant feeling.

    <i>¡®Tsk!¡¯</i>

    He was also unexpectedly getting the bad feeling that he couldn¡¯t get rid of at his apartmentst Saturday evening.

    Kang Chan looked at the soldiers, then red at the building again.

    <i>¡®Come at me anytime if you want to die.¡¯</i>

    If his enemy told him something like that, he would have pounced on them without a moment¡¯s hesitation.

    He would fight them with guns if they used guns, and knives if they used knives.

    Kang Chan would never leave any enemy who provoked him alone, especially if they were targeting Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    However, only the building was provoking him right now. No, to be more precise, he felt as if a ghost had engulfed the building and was now trying to reel him in.

    Kang Chan smirked as he kept staring daggers at the building.

    This was a fight between the ghost of Ansan and the god of death.

    It sounded grand, but in reality, all that was happening was Kang Chan ring at the building so hard it seemed as if he was nning to destroy it.

    After about five more minutes, Kang Chan shook his head. This wasn¡¯t right. If they were moving right now, then he would¡¯ve definitely made them stop.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Daye, keep the snipers in position and move back ten meters,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho hesitated for a moment before answering, ¡°Alright.¡±

    There were more than twenty meters between Kang Chan¡¯s team and the building, so he found no reason for them to move back.

    Kim Hyung-Jung could hear everything being transmitted on the radio. He definitely would have asked questions if he was Kang Chan¡¯s superior, but he just stayed silent. Things like this couldn¡¯t be exined.

    Only Seok Kang-Ho would have thought, <i>¡®Is there something wrong?¡¯</i>

    While Kang Chan was looking at the building, he noticed its windows suddenly turning white.

    <i>BANG!</i>

    A powerful st echoed not long after.

    <i>Crumble.</i>

    At the same time that they dropped to the ground, a gust of wind and debris of the damaged building swept past Kang Chan and his men.

    Only one grenade went off, yet it was still strong enough to cause the ground to shake. The explosion itself felt as strong as an actual earthquake.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    The stronger the explosion, the wind that blew from the very back was sucked into where the explosion urred.[1] At the same time, the debris that the explosion sent flying fell to the ground.

    Kang Chan tousled his hair as he looked at where the building used to be. Only frames of it were left.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan stood up.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Daye, situation report,¡± he said.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°No casualties or injuries.¡±

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, examine the scene and then retreat.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately walked to the factory building. The shockwave made their ears ring.

    The air was still mixed with cement powder.

    Kang Chan went down a waist-high hill and found Kim Hyung-Jung waiting for them in the parking lot.

    ¡°Wui Min-Gook made the building explode. The explosion was so strong that it only left the frame of the building intact. I doubt we¡¯ll find anything in the ruins.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung looked as if he found the situation hard to believe.

    The explosion urred right after Kang Chan made his subordinates retreat a couple of meters back through the radio. If Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t know Kang Chan, he would have suspected him of secretlymunicating with the enemy.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡±

    Kang Chan entered the factory building and lit up a cigarette. After a while, Seok Kang-Ho and the soldiers came into the building as well, their guns nking.

    ¡°That was a close call,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    They certainly almost died today.

    Seok Kang-Ho bit on a cigarette and lit it up. He then looked at his surroundings. ¡°Do you guys have coffee?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s over here. Do you want a cup?¡± a soldier asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Three to four soldiers rushed out to make instant coffee.

    ¡°Do you think Wui Min-Gook was in that building?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    A member brought and handed over coffee in paper cups.

    Dispirited, they smoked cigarettes and drank instant coffee on that rainy autumn day. The atmosphere and environment seemed to perfectly match each other.

    A momentter, Kim Hyung-Jung came into the factory building. ¡°As I told you earlier, we couldn¡¯t find anything that we could use as evidence.¡±

    From far away, Kang Chan heard someone asking, ¡°Would you like some coffee as well?¡±

    A momentter, Kim Hyung-Jung also received a paper cup.

    ¡°It would¡¯ve been a close call if you weren¡¯t here.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung drank coffee, then backtracked a bit. ¡°It feels like we¡¯re still one step behind. Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan threw his cigarette into his paper cup and then looked at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°How did you know that the building was going to explode? Was that a gut feeling as well?¡±

    There was really nothing Kang Chan could say in response to this question or how he learned French and how to fight.

    Fortunately, Kwak Cheol-Ho approached Kang Chan and briefly saluted him. ¡°We¡¯ve been ordered to withdraw.¡±

    ¡°Great work.¡±

    ¡°We learned a lot today.¡±

    The soldiers¡¯ eyes showed that they had be a bit more skilled.

    With all the soldiers gone, only Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Hyung-Jung were left in the building.

    ¡°Section Chief Jeon called me. He wants to eat with us if you¡¯re okay with it,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were probably worrying about Kang Chan in the hotel right now.

    ¡°I have to get back to my family today,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Section Chief Jeon¡¯s hair is about to fall out. Can you help us without telling him that I told you about this?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°How can I help?¡±

    ¡°Thising Wednesday, the president is scheduled for an event where VIPs from the three branches of government, ambassadors of major countries, and people rted to the event will be in attendance. As you know, we¡¯re suspicious of Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo, but it¡¯s hard to guard them with so many attendees,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be safer if Huh Ha-Soo attends?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°The enemy probably won¡¯t result in explosives, but it¡¯ll be difficult to keep everyone safe if he helps smuggle weapons into the event. Honestly, we decided not to ask for your help on this matter, but the explosion earlier reminded me of what I heard during our training.¡±

    ¡°What would that be?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. This fucker really couldn¡¯t hold back his curiosity.

    ¡°It¡¯s what the king of the DMZ once said. ¡®If you meet an enemy with heightened senses, then there should just be on thing in your mind.¡¯¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s probably to escape,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. He wanted to meet this DMZ king and see who he was for himself.

    ¡°Please help us. Just think of it as saving the section chief¡¯s life,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    They were supposed to guard the president, but Kim Hyung-Jung instead focused on saving Jeon Dae-Geek.

    ¡°I¡¯ll help out, but I really have to go back to the hotel today,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan. I¡¯ll call the section chief.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung stood up after Kang Chan. He then said, ¡°Right! Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, your family is departing tomorrow at lunchtime. Their passports will be delivered tomorrow morning, and a local agent will be greeting them and preparing their hotels and itinerary.¡±

    They soon headed out of the building, the acrid smell wafting toward them.

    1. A st wave is followed by a st wind of negative pressure, which sucks items back in toward the center. ??

 Chapter 174.1: An Eye For an Eye (1)

    <h4>Chapter 174.1: An Eye For an Eye (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan called Kang Dae-Kyung as soon as the van started moving.

    The way the operation ended was bbergasting.

    Kang Chan looked out the window and recalled the situation during the explosion. Putting himself in the enemy¡¯s shoes, he guessed what happened.

    There were likely only two to three enemies in the building. If there were more than that, they would have waited longer and tried to take more of the special forces down with them instead of sacrificing themselves without gaining anything in return. They clearly prepared a timed bomb because of how wary they were of being ambushed.

    That meant Wui Min-Gook was still alive.

    Uneasiness and difort kept on poking at Kang Chan. It was as if he identally stepped in shit and the pungent smell kept wafting up to his nose.

    ***

    ¡°Director Wui, is Kang Chan really that strong?¡± a North Korean soldier asked.

    Wui Min-Gook twisted his upper lip in a snarl.

    ¡°South Korea is certainly a strange country. For every traitorous bastard like Huh Ha-Soo, there are warriors like the king of the DMZ, Jeon Dae-Geuk, and Kim Tae-Jin,¡± he responded.

    It was a strange answer to a question about Kang Chan.

    ¡°Kim Tae-Jin? Didn¡¯t that man surrender after losing to you?¡± the soldier questioned.

    ¡°Nonsense. Kim Tae-Jin was a real man. After I killed that bastard¡¯s subordinates, he destroyed seven of our guard posts, killing everyone stationed in them with a bullet straight through their heart. It¡¯s just not that well known because everything was kept under the table, but he even assassinated the head of security.¡±

    Wui Min-Gook sighed before continuing.

    ¡°I was rendered helpless when I was fighting Kang Chan. On the way back home, I also suddenly felt fear for the first time in my entire life. Never forget. Those two South Korean men have to be eliminated at all costs,¡± Wui Min-Gook dered with sharp, glinting eyes. It was as if Kang Chan was sitting right in front of him. ¡°Until now, every time South Korea gives birth to a warrior, we have always had someone who could stand against them on equal grounds. But this is a whole different story. That¡¯s why you have to make sure you shake them up no matter what happens. Get to the people they care about and shift their focus if you have to. Once you seed, we¡¯ll be able to get rid of them all at once. There are only a few of them, but you better keep your head in the game. We¡¯ll begin the operation tomorrow.¡±

    The soldier sitting next to Wui Min-Gook didn¡¯t seem to believe what he was saying.

    ***

    Having arrived at the hotel, Kang Chan parted ways with Seok Kang-Ho and headed up to his room. Although he had a key card, he still rang the doorbell.

    <i>Click.?</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung opened the door and raised his finger to his lips.

    ¡°Your mom is sleeping. She went to the sauna after working out at the fitness center, but she insisted on staying up after she was done. She fell asleep right away only after you called,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said. His eyes were also redshot.

    Kang Chan could hear the quiet murmur of the TV in the background.

    ¡°Are you hurt anywhere?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked out of concern.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung sat down on the sofa and examined Kang Chan.

    ¡°Have you made up your mind, then?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    Kang Chan just looked at him silently.

    ¡°About what you said when you came to my workcest time. You asked me what I think you should do. That matter was simr to this one, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°I actually still don¡¯t know what I¡¯m going to do. This morning, the ambassador suggested I go and observe in a few European countries, but I haven¡¯t reached a decision yet,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Is what you do the type of thing thates out in movies?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung looked so serious that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle in response.

    ¡°I know you have to go through intense training and more to do something like that, but I doubt someone as young as you would be asked to charge straight into danger just because you¡¯re friends with the ambassador. Based on what happened in Yongin and the incident in the underground parking lot yesterday, though, what you do doesn¡¯t seem like ordinary business even to a civilian¡¯s eyes like mine. You learned all this through the Inte, much like how you learned French, huh?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung wrylymented.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    Kang Dae-Kyung chuckled dismally. ¡°Every parent in the world wants their children to be incredible. When someone on TV gets a gold medal, they hope their children do as well, and when a ser yer scores a goal in the World Cup, they hope such arge audience apuds their children too. When you were at the conference, a lot of people told me I was lucky to have a son like you.¡±

    ¡°What about you, Father? What kind of person do you hope I turn out to be?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ".

    ¡°I want you to be ordinary,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung sorrowfully replied. He looked as if he pitied Kang Chan. ¡°I don¡¯t mind if you don¡¯t go to a good college or grow up smart. I just want you to live the life that you want and enjoy the things that kids your age do.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung seemed to feel apologetic about what he said, seeing as how he leaned forward to ruffle Kang Chan¡¯s hair.

    ¡°I assume your talent shines in something dangerous, but remember what I told you before? Even if that¡¯s the case, if that¡¯s what you want to do, I¡¯ll be supportive of you.¡±

    Did Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook figure out that his work involved killing people?

    ¡°Your mom and I decided to go to France,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung added.

    ¡°What? France?¡± Kang Chan echoed.

    ¡°We don¡¯t want you to be stressed about protecting us. Your mom made a big decision, but I¡¯m actually excited about going since I¡¯ll get to visit Gong Te automobile.¡±

    Kang Chan dropped his gaze to the table, not knowing what to say in reply. Just then, the bedroom door opened, and Yoo Hye-Sook walked out into the living room.

    ¡°You¡¯re up, Mother?¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    Yoo Hye-Sook rubbed her eyes tiredly, but she still smiled at Kang Chan.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve woken me up,¡± she scolded.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re tired. You should get more sleep,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°No. That short nap did the trick. I¡¯m feeling well-rested already,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook refuted.

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled in amusement, then turned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m starting to feel a little hungry. Can we go down to the first floor?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes, that should be fine,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    <i>As long as they stay inside the hotel.?</i>

    ¡°Honey, let¡¯s go buy some bread,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung dered.

    ¡°Dear! I can¡¯t go anywhere looking like this!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed, frantically stroking back her hair.

    ¡°We¡¯re just going to buy bread¡ªit¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said resolutely. He seemed so set on going downstairs that he would just go with Kang Chan if he had to.

    ¡°Youing, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Of course. We should all go together,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Hearing Kang Chan¡¯s response, Yoo Hye-Sook returned to the room, brushed her hair, and put on her cardigan. She only put on lipstick afterward, but it took a whopping ten minutes.

    Kang Chan only hoped Joo Chul-Bum wouldn¡¯t appear out of thin air and make a scene.

    ***

    Standing around, Jeon Dae-Geuk wearily rubbed his face with his palm as if he was washing his face.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you hoped for, sir?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Yes, but I feel like we¡¯re taking Kang Chan for granted too much. I should be the one to step up and protect him, but he¡¯s the one helping me instead,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk replied, his voice filled with regret.

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded in agreement.

    ¡°It¡¯s obviously hard to predict that a bomb is going to explode through gut feeling alone. The boy is tailor-made for special operations and bodyguard duties. Still, he is too good to be restricted to these kinds of things now. I even heard that the National Intelligence Service has recently received a lot of requests for information exchanges,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk remarked.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung confirmed.

    ¡°That¡¯s not all. Special forces teams from other countries keep sending us requests to conduct joint training. Some countries are even willing to payrge sums formissioned training. Kang Chan singlehandedly made all of that possible,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk added.

    ¡°I agree. We owe everything to Kang Chan.¡±

    The National Intelligence Service and the special forces existed way before Kang Chan came onto the scene. However, the difference between before and after he did was like night and day.

    ¡°We still haven¡¯t even properlypensated him. All we did was take care of his tax issues and have him stay at a hotel. In sports, what we¡¯re doing would be no different from providing a few free meals to a yer who has raised Korea''s status worldwide.¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk couldn¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°It would be shameless of me to ask him to handle security on top of that. If only it was just an event held by the Blue House. I would have been able to take care of it then¡­¡±

    ¡°Chairperson Huh was the one who suggested this event, so something about it seems fishy. In addition, the location he chose doesn¡¯t seem to fit the asion, considering the chief justice, the prime minister, and embassy officials will be attending the event,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, expressing his doubts.

    ¡°Well, since we already asked him, we might as well ept his help just this one time,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said in resignation.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s the best course of action as well.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung both looked slightly more relieved.

    ***

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know this was so expensive,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed, leaning down to look at a cake. After a while, she stood back up.

    It was Sunday. People dressed in nice clothes nced at Yoo Hye-Sook as they bought their own slice of cake.

    ¡°Would you like to try some?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed as if she wanted to eat it but couldn¡¯t because it was far more expensive than she expected. She looked like someone¡¯s daughter wanting to eat some chips but couldn¡¯t bring herself to ask her parents because she was aware of their household¡¯s financial situation.

    ¡°We came all the way here, so we might as well have a taste. I¡¯ll buy it for you, so don¡¯t worry and pick what you want to eat,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°I feel so sorry for the children, Honey. I didn¡¯t know it was so expensive¡­¡± Yoo Hye-Sook trailed off.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since we went on an outing with Channy, you know. I¡¯ll earn more money so the kids can try these too, so let¡¯s just enjoy this today. What do you say? I¡¯m hungry,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung reassured her.

    Just as Yoo Hye-Sook seemed to have reached a decision, however, the customer in front of them ordered thest three slices of the cake.

    Yoo Hye-Sook made an apologetic face.

    ¡°Mother, there are some in the other disy window too,¡± Kang Chan told her.

    Half of the items on disy were already gone.

    Kang Chan went with Yoo Hye-Sook to where the walnut pies were. However, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t seem too interested in pies.

    It was understandable. After choosing between the cakes topped with blueberries, Kang Chan also felt as if his throat was bing dry from looking at the walnut pies.

    ¡°How about some red bean paste bread?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suggested. He turned around to find an empty basket that wasbeled ¡°Red Bean.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, Honey,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook apologized.

    ¡°We just got herete, so it¡¯s not your fault. You don¡¯t have to apologize for anything. The bread here is really popr, huh?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    Kang Chan felt bad that Yoo Hye-Sook was sorry.

    <i>Is there nothing I can do?</i>

    Kang Chan nced around.

    ¡°Chan, do you want to buy a pie and take it back up?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked, turning around.

    It was already past four in the afternoon. They would have to have dinner soon, so Kang Chan agreed and ordered a walnut pie instead. They had the employee charge the room, so they only had to sign to pay.

 Chapter 174.2: An Eye For an Eye (1)

    <h4>Chapter 174.2: An Eye For an Eye (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan and his parents took the elevator up and returned to their room. Once they were inside, they sat on the sofa and ate the pie.

    ¡°This is good too!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    Warm tea, walnut pie, and family¡­

    That damn Shan ruined things in the past, and now Wui Min-Gook was the one screwing him over. If it wasn¡¯t for that bastard, their family would be at home right now, happily eating chicken while watching a movie.

    He couldn¡¯t imagine how Yoo Hye-Sook felt about having to suddenly go abroad.

    Kang Chan carefully chewed the pie and swallowed.

    ¡°What should we have for dinner?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re already thinking about dinner when we¡¯re still eating pie, dear?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook responded in disbelief.

    Kang Chan wondered what Yoo Hye-Sook would think about Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Right, Channy! Is it okay for your dad and I to visit France?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯repletely fine with that?¡± Kang Chan asked with concern.

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll enjoy the trip,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook really couldn¡¯t lie. ¡°I definitely don¡¯t want to go!¡± was clearly written in their eyes.

    ¡°Mother,¡± Kang Chan began.

    ¡°Yes? What is it?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t go,¡± Kang firmly Chan stated.

    Unable to say anything, Yoo Hye-Sook just swallowed.

    ¡°Stay with me. You don¡¯t make me ufortable. Aside from feeling bad that both of you have to stay in a ce like this, I¡¯m really okay. So if you don¡¯t want to go, just stay here with me. On another note, I¡¯ll buy chicken for dinner,¡± Kang Chan persuaded.

    Yoo Hye-Sook nced at Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Well, if that¡¯s what Channy wants. I don¡¯t want you to force yourself to go to France either, so let¡¯s just follow our hearts. Working out together today wasn¡¯t bad anyway, was it?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    Yoo Hye-Sook still couldn¡¯t bring herself to answer.

    ¡°Don¡¯t go. I¡¯ll be bored if I¡¯m all alone,¡± Kang Chan joked.

    When Kang Dae-Kyung smiled, Yoo Hye-Sook did as well.

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s stay here, Honey! Just like we enjoyed ourselves in Jeju thanks to our talented son, let¡¯s stay at this nice hotel, eat lots of tasty things, and work out for another week,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung chimed.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Honey.¡±

    ¡°Why do you keep saying that? I should be thanking you!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung eximed.

    <i>So this is what family is.?</i>

    The three eventually concluded to stay together at the hotel.

    Whenever Kang Chan was with his parents, he always felt as if he was being rewarded for everything he did.

    ***

    This remained peaceful until Monday morning. The most unusual thing that happened was Seok Kang-Ho going to the airport with a few agents to send his wife and daughter off.

    He still hadn¡¯t received word about what kind of event would be held this Wednesday or where it was going to be held.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung probably had something in mind, though, so Kang Chan patiently waited for them to contact him first.

    Around one in the afternoon, Michelle and Cecile visited him to get his signature for the withdrawal of funds application.

    If he told them Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were here, they would insist on going up to the room and probably loaf around at the hotel after that, so Kang Chan didn¡¯t mention anything.

    He was currently in the lobby lounge. Joo Chul-Bum still hadn¡¯t made an appearance.

    ¡®Is that punk injured or something?¡¯

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but feel worried, considering the man had never missed a chance to silently creep up on him.

    ¡°You can sign here,¡± Cecile said.

    Kang Chan signed the three documents that Cecile gave him and the eight documents handed over by thewyer Michelle brought.

    ¡°Mr. Choi, you can leave first.¡±

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll contact you once I¡¯m done organizing the documents,¡± attorney Choi Young, whom Kang Chan met back when he was still acquiring D.I.

    ¡°You¡¯re done with the building acquisition now. Congrattions, Channy,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°Congrattions. The branch manager told me to deliver his congrattions too,¡± Cecile added.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Observing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Michelle asked, ¡°Is there something bothering you?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine,¡± Kang Chan responded. In truth, he felt bad for how he was treating Michelle and Cecile today. With the building acquisition finalized, he should buy them some wine over dinner. Unfortunately, the ufortable gut feeling he had just worsened so much that he couldn¡¯t even stop his expression from stiffening.

    He could barely conceal his emotions in front of Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. Right now, his eyes and face wouldn¡¯t listen to him.

    Could Wui Min-Gook know about Michelle?

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Michelle¡¯s doe eyes mischievously widened.

    <i>Her eyes are really big.?</i>

    ¡°Do you have a cigarette?¡± Kang Chan asked to change the topic.

    ¡°Should we step out for a moment?¡± Michelle responded.

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s do that,¡± he replied.

    Cecile tactfully said that she would stay inside, so Kang Chan and Michelle headed to the front entrance.

    ¡°Here!¡± Michelle said.

    <i>Click. Click.?</i>

    He felt as if he could breathe again now that he was smoking.

    It would probably be morefortable if they went up to the empty room on the 19th floor, but it would be awkward if they ran into Kang Dae-Kyung or Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Michelle, you have an idea about the work I do, don¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Michelle''s eyes widened again. She waited for Kang Chan to continue.

    ¡°Things became a littleplicated, so be careful for a while. Don¡¯t go around by yourself, and don¡¯t stay out toote. Okay?¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You¡¯re worried about me?¡± Michelle asked with a grin.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll be careful. But once you¡¯re done with your business, make some time for me, Cecile, and Cindy, okay?¡± Michelle requested.

    ¡°I will. Sorry about today.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You looked a little ufortable, so I was just worried. What about you? Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Anyway, don¡¯t go around alone for a while, okay?¡±

    ¡°We have the road managers, and I¡¯ll stay where the actors are,¡± Michelle reassured him.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    They smoked another cigarette before returning to the lobby. Cecile observed their expressions first before greeting them in relief.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about today, Cecile. I have some things going on, which exins my mood and why I don¡¯t have time. I¡¯ll treat you to a meal once it¡¯s over,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Is it something difficult?¡± Cecile asked worriedly.

    ¡°Just a bit.¡±

    After a little while, the two tactfully stood up and left. Now alone, Kang Chan sat in the lobby¡¯s lounge and looked out the window.

    His heart wasn¡¯t beating fast or thumping¡ªit felt as if something was slowly squeezing it.

    Kang Chan spent about twenty minutes just staring out the window.

    He couldn¡¯t ask for all the people around him like Michelle to be assigned a guard.

    If he asked Kim Tae-Jin¡¯spany, he would essentially be making unarmed guards fight against enemies equipped with guns.

    What was Wui Min-Gook after? Kang Chan really hoped Kim Hyung-Jung could find him as soon as possible.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    After some time, his phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Where are you? I¡¯m arriving at the hotel right now.

    ¡°I¡¯m at the lobby, but you should head to the room.¡±

    - Got it.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan headed up to his room. He decided to focus on protecting those close to him until Kim Hyung-Jung found Wui Min-Gook.

    ***

    The day ended with Choi Seong-Geon being busy for the whole day. It was not easy dealing with phone calls and documents from the higher-ups while also taking care of the onught of joint training requests. Even the military had documents that needed to be handled. Moreover, since Choi Sung-Geon''s opinion was crucial in making decisions, his statement had to be attached to every application.

    He never imagined a day like this woulde. There was a massive explosion during their recent operation, but not a single soldier was injured. Moreover, Cha Dong-kyun survived. He had been dreaming of this day since he had taken charge of the special forces.

    ¡°Is that all?¡± Choi Seong-Geon asked his aide.

    ¡°Yes, General,¡± his aide replied.

    ¡°What about the soldiers?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re having dinner, sir.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be out for a while, then,¡± Choi Seong-Geon informed him.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± his aide replied and then radioedmands.

    A littleter, Choi Seong-Geon left the barracks and departed the base in a car with a concealed license te. He would reach a highway after driving around three hundred meters past the mountain road. From there, it would take about ten minutes to reach the military apartments in the direction of the terminal.

    Choi Seong-Geon was definitely in a good mood.

    Cha Dong-Gyun was alive. Although he ordered the punk to call home, Choi Seong-Geon knew that he would never do it. Hence, he nned to deliver the good news to them in person, then visit his wife for once¡­

    <i>Vroooom!</i>

    Choi Seong-Geon looked to his right, finding a giant trucking right at him.

    <i>Bam! Crash! Rumble!</i>

    He felt as if someone hurled him away.

    His surroundings blurred as if he was submerged in water. However, he could still see the bloodied head of the soldier driving for him. It was bent at an odd angle.

    <i>¡°Argh.¡±</i>

    He barely raised himself with his left arm when a man approached the shattered ss window with a glinting knife.

    Choi Seong-Geon instinctively turned his body to the side.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    <i>¡°Agh!¡±</i>

    The de that targeted his neck dug deep right next to his corbone instead.

    Choi Seong-Geon twisted the ankle of the enemy, but he did not have enough strength. The enemy¡¯s left thumb dug into his eye.

    <i>¡°Kegh!¡±</i>

    <i>Crash!</i>

    Just then, he heard the window on the opposite side crack.

    <i>Swish! Swish!</i>

    <i>¡°Krrrgh!¡±</i>

    Nevertheless, Choi Seong-Geon didn¡¯t let go.

    <i>Swish! Swish!</i>

    A knife pierced into him, but he didn¡¯t feel pain. The faces of the soldiers quickly shed through his mind. Kang Chan¡¯s was one of them.

    <i>¡®Mr. Kang Chan¡­¡¯</i>

    Everything turned white.

 Chapter 175: An Eye For an Eye (2)

    <h4>Chapter 175: An Eye For an Eye (2)</h4>

    Having finished his meal, Kang Chan sat in his hotel room. He felt as if he was imprisoned.

    ¡°We just have to stay inside and not go outside?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung quietly asked while he was watching TV. He seemed to be saying that staying at home would be morefortable if they were just going to stay in their hotel rooms anyway.

    Yoo Hye-Sook also looked as if she was secretly hoping that they could go home.

    Kang Dae-Kyung could only ask that question because he had no idea how fights like this worked, though. They weren¡¯t just using melee weapons in this battle. They were using guns.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid it if someone shot at them from the roof of the apartment across from theirs or the window near the stairs.

    However, the main reason they couldn¡¯t go home was because the bad feeling Kang Chan had wasn¡¯t going away.

    ¡°I guess going home would be difficult, huh?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked again.

    ¡°Yes. Just until the end of this week, though.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded as if it didn¡¯t matter to him.

    It was only natural that Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were having a hard time. After all, Kang Chan also missed their home.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard staying here at the hotel, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I just asked because I feel guilty for staying here and not doing anything while this expensive hotel is being paid for. Changing clothes can also be a bit ufortable. Anyway, don¡¯t worry too much about it,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    The three watched TV again. Today was Monday, so they were thinking of watching the drama that D.I. produced together.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.?</i>

    Now that Kang Chan thought about it, Seok Kang-Ho was alone.

    <i>That fucker is probably bored.</i>

    However, when Kang Chan looked at his phone, he learned that it was actually Kim Hyung-Jung calling him.

    ¡°Yes, Manager Kim?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, General Choi Seong-Geon was assassinated.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want Kang Dae-Kyung or Yoo Hye-Sook to see the look in his eyes so he slowly pressed the inner corner of his eyes with his left thumb and index finger.

    ¡°Where are you right now?¡±

    - I¡¯m at Samseong-dong.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head over.¡±

    - Understood. You can use the van in the basement.

    Kang Chan controlled his breathing, then forcibly suppressed his expression as he spoke to his parents. ¡°I have to go to an office in Samseong-dong. If Ie backte, I¡¯ll just sleep in the room next door and see you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung seemed worried about Kang Chan, but he didn¡¯t say anything about it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    ¡°Be careful, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°I will.¡± Kang Chan immediately left the room and went to the room next door.

    Kang Chan opened the door and went inside. Seok Kang-Ho¡ªwho was leaning back on the sofa¡ªlooked at him. Startled, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°General Choi got attacked. I¡¯m heading to Samseong-dong.¡±

    ¡°What? General Choi got attacked? How is he?¡±

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth instead of answering.

    ¡°Damn it! Those fuckers!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    By the time Seok Kang-Ho jumped up from the sofa and grabbed his jacket, Kang Chan was already out of the room.

    The agents in the hallway also had grim expressions.

    It felt as if security was tightened and even more agents were in the hallway and near the elevator.

    Kang Chan got in the van. He remained silent until they reached Samseong-dong.

    Kang Chan was so enraged that he was having difficulties suppressing his anger.

    This was no different than a war.

    Executives of the National Intelligence Service died two days ago, and today, themander of the special forces team was killed.

    Their enemies even opened fire in the underground parking lot of an apartment.

    Nonsensical things kept happening.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho got out of the van as soon as it parked in the basement and immediately went up to the fifth floor.

    Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door for them. Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Tae-Jin were already in the room.

    Kang Chan greeted them, then immediately sat at the table and asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Choi Seong-Geon was just out for a simple visit to Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s house, but before he could get there, someone hit his car with a truck and killed him with a bay. I heard they stabbed him more than ten times just around his neck,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk responded.

    ¡°Have they caught the culprit?¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk pursed his lips, then sighed softly.

    ¡°Who sent the North Korean special forces team here?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung only looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°They say that Wui Min-Gook works at China¡¯s intelligence bureau, but in reality, they would need someone to issue the order for the North Korean special forces team to be dispatched, wouldn¡¯t they? Who would that be?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not something you should get worked up about,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°Section chief, I¡¯ll pass off the fact that they tried to kill my parents as a terrorist attack. But killing executives of the National Intelligence and tantly attacking amander of the special forces team? I consider that a deration of war. When ites to warfare, we¡¯re done for the moment we¡¯re overpowered.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked worried upon seeing Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°If none of you can answer me, then I¡¯ll just have France¡¯s DGSE look into it,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°What are you going to do with that information?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything reckless,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk added.

    ¡°Our enemies are causing a ruckus in Seoul. Why can¡¯t we do the same?¡±

    ¡°Kang Chan! Are you really nning to start a war?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re already at war.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk inhaled loudly, then exhaled slowly. ¡°Our enemies have nothing to lose. It¡¯s currently difficult for us to stay in power, and we¡¯re in tough economic times. Our enemies will thank us if we start a regional conflict. This fight won¡¯t end with just us fighting between ourselves. The United States and China will interfere, and Russia and Japan will also use the battle as an excuse to meddle with the Korean Penins. If weunch missiles at each other, then we¡¯ll face even more losses!¡±

    Kang Chan looked straight at Jeon Dae-Geuk. ¡°I only know one thing: if I can¡¯t even protect my people, then I will never be able to protect anything bigger than that. I¡¯ll try to prevent Russia and China from interfering. Please have our government and the National Intelligence Service stop the United States or Japan.¡±

    ¡°You should calm down first,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Kang Chan, if I could, I would have immediately run over there as well.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to go anyway, will you?¡± Kang Chan brazenly asked Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk sat there with a numb expression. He seemed at a loss for words.

    ¡°You came all the way to Anseong to ask me for help in going out into the world and executing preemptive attacks. But now that we actually do need to go out and fight with our lives on the line, you want to mull over your thoughts first to calcte and see what would bring the best results?¡± Kang Chan pushed.

    ¡°That¡¯s not exactly true.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung, who had been silent all this time, finally butted into the conversation. ¡°Before we even start thinking of retaliating against what they did, we have to first consider the fact that this battle could kill or injure the civilians near the Military Demarcation Line.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head. ¡°If you have even the slightest intention to fight, then you should have already evacuated the civilians living in areas considered dangerous. Just this once, we should show our enemies that we¡¯re prepared to retaliate immediately if they keep acting like this. The enemy shot and stabbed National Intelligence Service executives and themander of the special forces team to death, so please don¡¯t use the civilians as an excuse! Just this once, let¡¯s take the fight to them!¡±

    No one responded to Kang Chan after that.

    Kang Chan¡¯s lips curved into a snarl. ¡°What happens now that General Choi Seong-Geon has been killed? Section Chief, who do you think will be next? I believe I told you some time ago that constantly getting beaten up will eventually turn into a habit. Now, let me tell you one more thing. We can fend off the enemies one, two, three, or even four times, but we can¡¯t keep doing this forever. The moment they breach our defenses even just once, someone will definitely die.¡±

    This wasn¡¯t right. Kang Chan stopped talking, having realized that he went overboard. The sudden silence felt very awkward.

    ¡°I apologize if I came across as too blunt and adamant,¡± Kang Chan finished, then red at the table. He dropped his gaze not because he felt apologetic but because he didn¡¯t want to see their faces anymore.

    Now that he thought about it, Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t bring them coffee yet.

    ¡°What has gotten you so worked up?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked. He then began to talk as if he was calming down Kang Chan. ¡°I¡¯m going to be honest, so hear me out first before you make up your mind. I¡¯m not a National Intelligence Service executive or even a member of the President¡¯s security service, but I think I roughly know what¡¯s on your mind. However, while it¡¯s possible for you to say that you¡¯ll fend off Russia and Russia, we require at least a little bit of time to prepare for the possibility of a war happening. We also have to calcte our gains and losses.¡±

    Once Kim Tae-Jin was done, a moment of silence passed.

    ¡°Mr. President, has the special forces team ever officially gone on an operation before?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s expression turned grim as he waited for Kang Chan to continue.

    ¡°They have never gone on an operation with the Korean g. Every time South Korea sent out the special forces team, they were told that if they ever died or were caught, they should use someone or some other country as an excuse. That¡¯s why I¡¯m not sure why you guys have to make calctions for this fight and why you¡¯re all using the United States and Japan as an excuse to not go out.¡±

    Kang Chan seemed to have rendered the three speechless.

    ¡°If this is because South Korea is weak, then use me at times like this. Even if I have to cling to Ambassador Lanok, Vasili, and Yang Bum, I¡¯ll fend off the neighboring countries. In return, please have the president, the section chief, and the director step up to the te and deal with the United States and Japan,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°And then? What are you going to do after that?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll infiltrate North Korea and stab a knife into the neck of whoever dispatched North Korea¡¯s special forces team in South Korea.¡±

    Unable to even make a sound, Kim Tae-Jin just took a deep breath.

    ¡°There is one thing that pisses me off, though,¡± Kang Chan said. He then looked at the three of them in order. ¡°The enemy just killed someone who sacrificed everything they had for their country, but our country just chooses to busy itself making excuses instead of doing anything.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s cheek twitched.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t say that in hopes of getting a response anyway.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the funeral home?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That hasn¡¯t been decided yet since he¡¯s at the field hospital at the moment,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now. Please let me know once they¡¯ve decided on a funeral home.¡± Kang Chan stood up.

    Instead of standing, Jeon Dae-Geuk just stared at the table that Kang Chan was ring at until Kang Chan opened the door and went out of the office.

    Kim Hyung-Jung pressed the elevator button for Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have a cup of coffee at the specialty coffee shop across from here before heading back to the hotel. If I return to the hotel like this, I¡¯ll be so frustrated that I doubt I¡¯ll be able to stay there,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t say anything else perhaps because he thought trying to stop Kang Chan would be useless.

 Chapter 175.2: An Eye For an Eye (2)

    <h4>Chapter 175.2: An Eye For an Eye (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho went down to the first floor and found more than five agents at the specialty coffee shop. Kim Hyung-Jung likely contacted them about Kang Chan¡¯s n.

    ¡°Go get a table. I¡¯ll order us some coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan sat on the terrace, then bit on a cigarette.

    What would have it been like if he didn¡¯t know Choi Seong-Geon or if he didn¡¯t know what kind of person he was?

    Kang Chan¡¯s rage grew further, making it even harder to hold back his anger.

    <i>If only he didn¡¯t die! Even if he was on death¡¯s door, for as long as he survived, I could¡¯ve tried everything! I wouldn¡¯t even care if I copsed from too much blood loss!</i>

    South Korea had to be wary of its neighboring countries'' moods?

    <i>If that¡¯s the case, then do I have to make South Korea powerful enough to eliminate any need for it to keep worrying about how other countries would treat it?</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have some coffee for now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    Seok Kang-Ho put the coffee down on the table when he saw the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. He then took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. He was trying to put Kang Chan at ease, but his eyes were glinting as well.

    If they did go to North Korea, they most likely would note back alive. Such an operation would be on another level than any of the other operations they participated in so far. Nevertheless, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to back off.

    Rather than seeing those precious to him die one by one, he thought that preventing his enemies from doing something like that ever again was the right thing to do.

    ¡°Do you think that traitorous fucker Huh Ha-Soo is also aware of this incident?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    <i>That¡¯s right¡ªI forgot about that son of a bitch.</i>

    Kang Chan smiled, his eyes burning.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to fuck that son of a bitch up.¡±

    As Seok Kang-Ho cocked his head, Kang Chan took out his phone and started to search through his call history.

    <i>I talked to him some time ago.</i>

    After scrolling for a while, Kang Chan found the number and dialed it.

    He didn¡¯t have high hopes. He could ask Lanok for this if he had to anyway.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.</i>

    It was almost nine in the evening.

    - Hello?

    Much to his surprise, Yang Bum answered the phone.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - I¡¯m aware of that.

    Yang Bum sounded confident.

    ¡°I have a favor to ask.¡±

    - Well, I certainly can¡¯t refuse a favor you¡¯re asking from me. What is it?

    Seok Kang-Ho, who was in front of him, looked at him with a face that asked, <i>¡®Who is he talking to?¡¯</i>

    ¡°You said that you arrested Huh Sang-Soo, right?¡±

    - I arrested him under the suspicion of being a spy. We have also secured evidence.

    ¡°Can you kill him for me?¡±

    Yang Bum remained silent for a moment.

    - Can you tell me why you want me to kill him?

    ¡°I¡¯m working on something right now, and I need him to die for it to work. It doesn¡¯t matter whether he dies from an ident or from a gunshot. I just need him dead,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Another moment of silence passed.

    Now that Kang Chan asked, he finally realized how difficult his request was to aplish. No matter how powerful China was, they couldn¡¯t just kill a member of South Korea¡¯s National Assembly.

    ¡°It seems I asked for something quite hard to execute. He has to die for what I¡¯m doing right now, but it¡¯s fine if you can¡¯t¡ª¡±

    - I¡¯ll have him taken care of tomorrow.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t believe his ears.

    - I¡¯ll also announce his death by then. In return, please just make sure that the South Korean government doesn¡¯t misunderstand.

    ¡°This is a personal favor for me, so the government would probably have different conclusions about it.

    Kang Chan heard Yang Bumughing.

    - You just need not interfere.

    <i>What does that mean?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand what he was saying.

    - The situation in China will be settled within a week. Please consider Huh Sang-Soo¡¯s death as me returning the favor to you for helping mest time. I¡¯ll officially invite you in a week. Is there anything else?

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    - I should be the one thanking you. I¡¯ll announce his death tomorrow, and I¡¯ll contact you in a week.

    When Kang Chan hung up, Seok Kang-Ho grinned and asked, ¡°Are you thinking of provoking Huh Ha-Soo?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just doing what I do best.¡±

    ¡°How about meeting up with Ambassador Lanok?¡± Seok Kang-Ho was trying to say that they should call the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team.

    Kang Chan smirked instead of answering his question. After a while, he said, ¡°I never thought about working for South Korea.¡±

    ¡°Then what have you been doing all this time?¡±

    ¡°I did all of that for the people that I like¡ªfor you, my parents, and the people who impressed me. But I changed my mind when I heard the news that General Choi Seong-Geon had been killed.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho had been understanding well until now, but then he cocked his head.

    ¡°Would we have acted like this if we were born in France or if we were American? Starting now, I¡¯ll try turning South Korea into a country powerful and tenacious enough to make others start preparing for war before they can even n to mess with a person like General Choi Seong-Geon.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s going to be so many things to do,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s take care of the son of a bitch in South Korea first.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned. His eyes glinted.

    ***

    It waste at night.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk was sitting in Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office, still ring at the desk.

    After they heard Kim Tae-Jin sighing softly¡­

    ¡°Manager Kim,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk called, then looked up from the desk. ¡°How would the United States react if we retaliated?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung quickly looked at Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t they pressure us as much as possible again like in the old days? There was the Korean ax murder incident[1] and the fact that when we were visiting foreign countries, North Korea bombed us and killed all of our talents who were supposed to showcase their abilities[2]. Even then, we didn¡¯t have a choice but to bow down to the United States¡¯ pressure, did we? What do you think would happen if we ignore the United States¡¯ opinion like what we did during thest operation, though?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s cheek twitched after he finished talking. He seemed to have gritted his teeth.

    ¡°An operation against North Korea is at apletely different level. The United States has wartime operational control, and in the worst-case scenario they also have the CIA, which would probably n an assassination,'''' Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    He didn¡¯t say who the CIA was going to assassinate, but it was so obvious that they could all guess who it was.

    ¡°Kim Tae-Jin, will you be able to go over to North Korea through the DMZ?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°If an active soldier helps out, then it¡¯ll be possible. We also have Sang-Hyun, after all.¡± Kim Tae-Jin unexpectedly didn¡¯t stop Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ¡°Kang Chan¡¯sment about our country not doing anything is really painful. I know that our country has been acting like that until now, though. Even though we have gone on an operation to France and attacked China, we have never retaliated against our enemies for directly attacking us,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk added.

    ¡°This matter is too big for the president to authorize,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. We can¡¯t ask him to handle all of this. We don¡¯t have enough power to do that yet anyway,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said. ¡°I still don¡¯t think it¡¯s right to just do nothing, though. Our enemy has just killed a general who devoted his entire life to our country, so I really don¡¯t feel right just worrying about how others would react.¡±

    ¡°Section Chief, please take a moment to think about this first,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°What made you think that I¡¯ll suddenly go to North Korea? I¡¯m already old, you know.¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk smirked. He then lifted his head and looked at Kim Hyung-Jung and Kim Tae-Jin, seemingly having just woken up from a spell. ¡°Even so, I can¡¯t just bury Choi Seong-Geon like this. If I do that, I will never be able to tell my juniors that bleeding for our country is something that we should be happy about.¡±

    Aplicated emotion circted around the office.

    ¡°I¡¯ll meet the president and tell him about our honest thoughts,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°Section chief, it would be best for us to meet the director first,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk shook his head. ¡°If I do that, then this will turn into a national affair.¡±

    ¡°How will you handle this, then? Mr. Kang Chan is probably just acting like that because he got angry at the spur of the moment,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, but he abruptly stopped when he saw the look in Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t get a good look at Kang Chan¡¯s eyes a moment ago, did you? He¡¯s never going to back down. If we old people hesitate and keep saying that we¡¯re calcting what to do as an excuse, then we¡¯re going to lose another extremely talented person. We don¡¯t know when we¡¯lle across someone as talented as him again,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°Section Chief, we can¡¯t expect our men toe back alive from an operation that requires infiltrating North Korea,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    ¡°Why not? The ordinary North Korean soldiers managed to return to North Korea after infiltrating our country using a submarine and crossing it. If they listened to me and did the operation as I instructed back then, that never would¡¯ve happened. I can still clearly remember Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s cry due to the indignation he felt at the end of the operation.¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said. He looked as if he had firmly made up his mind. ¡°I failed to protect my junior who once said that he would dly die for our country. I understand that our country can¡¯t interfere since we failed to make our country that powerful, but even then, I still refuse to let us plummet down again.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s determination filled the office.

    1. The Korean ax murder incident refers to an actual murder incident where two US Army officers were killed by North Korean soldiers in the Joint Security Area in the DMZ in 1976. Afterwards, South Korea and the United Statesunched Operation Paul Bunyan to intimidate North Korea into backing down ??

    2. this refers to the Rangoon bombing in 1983, which was an actual assassination attempt against the President of South Korea in Rangoon, Burma. It was orchestrated by North Korea, and as stated by Jeon Dae-Geuk, 21 people died ??

 Chapter 176.1: I feel better now (1)

    <h4>Chapter 176.1: I feel better now (1)</h4>

    It was already past ten that evening, yet Kang Chan still dialed Lanok¡¯s number. It wasn¡¯t that he wanted to request anything from Lanok¡ªhe figured a warning was the least he could do to show some respect to his intelligence agencies'' teacher.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, to what do I owe the pleasure at this hour?

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. I hope I didn¡¯t catch you toote,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    - Of course not. I was actually just talking about you with Anne.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    In other words, he disrupted some quality family time. Nevertheless, he still had to tell Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. I apologize for disturbing you. However, I had no choice but to call since I have something urgent to tell you. I just called Yang Bum a few moments ago to ask that he kill Huh Sang-Soo, whom they have arrested in China. He chose to ept the favor,¡± Kang Chan informed Lanok. He then tilted his head.

    Much to his surprise, it sounded as if Lanok was chuckling in amusement.

    - What do you have to gain by killing Huh Sang-Soo?

    ¡°We lost General Choi Seong-Geon. What I¡¯m about to do will serve as a warning to our enemies. I want to teach them a lesson and let them know that if they touch my people, no one will get away unscathed.

    - Are Anne and I also your people?

    <i>Does this man think I¡¯m joking right now?</i>

    This snake wasn¡¯t the type to take these things lightly, though.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I¡¯m obviously going to protect you and Anne as well. On another note, I also want to make South Korea powerful.¡±

    -I see Unicorn has finally found its rightful owner. You should contact Vasili and Ludwig as well, Mr. Kang Chan. What is your next objective?

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go to North Korea and stab a knife into the neck of the bastard who dispatched their special forces team here,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Lanok was silent for a moment, breaking his leisurely pace.

    - You never fail to surpass my imagination, Mr. Kang Chan. I do think that the owner of Unicorn should have that much pluck, but I also can¡¯t fathom the idea of so easily angering the beehive that is your surrounding countries and the United States.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand what the ¡°owner of Unicorn¡± meant, but at the very least, it Lanok didn¡¯t seem against it at all.

    - Are you confident you can return alive?

    ¡°I¡¯m not, but I¡¯m sure that if we just do nothing while everyone keeps beating us up, we¡¯re going to lose everyone someday,¡± Kang Chan replied with determination.

    Kang Chan felt as if air finally flowed into his lungs again.

    - I will call Vasili and Ludwig then, Mr. Kang Chan. There are also a few things I¡¯d like to get from the DGSE. At the very least, please don¡¯t leave tomorrow.

    <i>Hell yeah! This is the kind of reaction that we should be getting!</i>

    Kang Chan once again promised to make South Korea¡¯s intelligence bureau as strong as the French national intelligence bureau. He would make sure that the future directors of the National Intelligence Service could have a rxed disposition like Lanok.

    - Would you like toe for tea tomorrow?

    ¡°Yes. That sounds good,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    - Anne sends her greetings. Oh, let me take this time to inform you that Louis has been discharged from the hospital as well.

    Kang Chan was envious. He was extremely envious that Lanok could be so calm even though he just told him that he was going to North Korea.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said. After hanging up, he told Seok Kang-Ho, who didn¡¯t understand French, everything about their conversation.

    ¡°Fuck. Our enemies killed one of our country¡¯s generals, yet France seems to be more dedicated to taking care of this. It¡¯s strange how envious that makes me,¡± Seok Kang-Hoined.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to feel that way. All we have to do is be just as powerful,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    Seok Kang-Ho tilted his head upon seeing Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. He had never seen that look from him before.

    ***

    ¡°It seems like Unicorn has finally found its owner,¡± Lanok murmured.

    ¡°Are you talking about Channy?¡± Anne asked, to which Lanok nodded.

    ¡°Yang Bum is indeed worthy of taking over the Chinese intelligence bureau. He has probablye up with a n to use Huh Sang-Soo¡¯s death in that short phone conversation. If this is how things will y out, I suppose the time hase for me to punish China for kidnapping me too.¡±

    Lanok was on friendly terms with Yang Bum, but he still spoke harshly about taking revenge. Anne couldn¡¯t even dare attempt to guess how adept he was with politics.

    ¡°We also have to do everything in our power to make sure the owner of Unicorn returns safely,¡± Lanok continued.

    ¡°Papa, I know Channy is strong, but can he really be a hero who will have influence over the world¡¯s economy and intelligence? For that, the country he was born in isn¡¯t¡­¡± Anne trailed off when she saw Lanok¡¯s smile.

    ¡°Anne, Monsieur Kang¡¯s in-the-moment judgment, unwavering resilience in any situation, and superhuman abilities and determination that he demonstrates every time he goes on a mission are more than enough to go past what his environment can offer.¡±

    Sitting across from him on the other side of the table, Anne listened closely to Lanok as if she was a student in a lecture.

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that the ability to recognize such a person¡¯s potential is half the battle in information warfare. Why do you think Vasili yielded to Monsieur Kang? If you think it¡¯s just because the Spetsnatz lost, you¡¯ll never win against Vasili,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°But Papa, if Vasili really put his mind to it, South Korea won¡¯t be able to protect Monsieur Kang,¡± Anne argued.

    He smiled as if he was wearing a court jester¡¯s mask.

    ¡°If I were to set my mind to it, I could kill Monsieur Kang as well. However, the effort and resources I would have to pour into killing him would leave the French intelligence bureaus spending at least the next ten years trying to regain the power they lost.¡±

    ¡°Can one man really be so strong?¡± Anne questioned.

    ¡°That¡¯s simply the kind of person Monsieur Kang is. If Vasili and Monsieur Kang were to engage in a full-scale battle, I am confident that some countries would stand on Monsieur Kang¡¯s side. Even if South Korea can¡¯t protect him, Monsieur Kang has the capacity to draw people to his side. In the end, even if Vasili were to win, his glory would be riddled with wounds.¡±

    Anne still looked as if she couldn¡¯t believe what he was saying.

    Lanok raised his cigar.

    ¡°Call Yang Bum and find out when Huh Sang-Soo will be killed. We should have the Aigle dispatched to the waters near the Korean Penins around the same time,¡± Lanok ordered.

    ¡°Papa! The DGSE could refuse,¡± Anne protested.

    ¡°Anne.¡±

    Lanok¡¯s firm voice startled Anne. She cautiously raised her gaze and saw the cold and sharp look in his eyes.

    ¡°There is nothing more insulting than implying that the DGSE could refuse to follow my orders,¡± Lanok continued.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Anne replied.

    A short moment of silence enveloped the room as Lanok put his cigar in his mouth and puffed out the smoke.

    ¡°The intel that people create can determine whether someone lives or dies. Always keep in mind that those who make the judgment can dictate what happens to a person¡¯s life,¡± Lanok warned.

    When Anne nodded, Lanok held his ss out.

    ¡°If Monsieur Kang isn¡¯t the owner of Unicorn, then France will be able to maintain its power if I step down from this position. It¡¯s another stroke of luck for me that you¡¯re the one who will be taking over the role.¡±

    <i>Clink.?</i>

    Anne hesitantly clinked her ss with his.

    ***

    After finishing his meal with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan hurried to the other room, which was where Seok Kang-Ho was.

    Although he felt at ease now that he made up his mind, he still couldn¡¯t do anything about the glint that lingered in his eyes.

    It was around half past eight in the morning.

    He poured himself some coffee and lounged around with the news on the TV.

    <i>How should I take care of Yang Bum?</i>

    Deeply contemting, Kang Cha stared at his cup of coffee when a sound interrupted his train of thought.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Seok Kang-Ho seemed surprised by what he saw.

    <i>What is it??</i>

    Kang Chan quickly turned to the TV.

    ¡°Take a look at that,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told him.

    ¡°Breaking News¡± was shing inrge text on the screen that Seok Kang-Ho pointed at.

    [Chinese authorities have sentenced South Korean Congressman Heo Sang-soo to death in a trial held today at Nine AM in our local time. This is being evaluated as an unprecedented event not only diplomatically but also within China itself. I repeat, China has sentenced Congressman Heo Sang-soo to death. The government has not yet issued an official statement.]

    ¡°I bet that has made the son of a bitch furious,¡± Kang Chan said with a smirk.

    ¡°I feel a little better now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    They finally felt as if they were fighting back properly. Now that Kang Chan thought about it, he realized that he wanted to meet the bastard if opportunity allowed him. He turned to Seok Kang-Ho with a pleased expression.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>,¡± Seok Kang-Ho cruellyughed with a gleam in his eyes. Nervous tension was beginning to rise inside him.

 Chapter 176.2: I feel better now (1)

    <h4>Chapter 176.2: I feel better now (1)</h4>

    It was bright and sunny in Jeungpyeong that Tuesday morning. It was alreadyte autumn as evidenced by the red nket over the mountains that were waiting for winter to arrive.

    A sedan got off the highway and came to a stop halfway on the road leading to the mountains.

    <i>Click.?</i>

    As soon as Kim Tae-Jin stepped out from the passenger seat, Suh Sang-Hyun got out of the driver¡¯s seat.

    ¡°Is this the ce?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked out loud.

    The road that Kim Tae-Jin was looking at was clean of any trace of the ident¡ªthere wasn¡¯t even a single piece of debris. Kim Tae-Jin nced at the mountain. When he turned to the road again, he pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it up, cupping the fire from the wind with his hands.

    ¡°Whew!¡±

    The autumn wind carried away the smoke he exhaled toward the mountains. As he set down the cigarette to one side of the road, his face wrinkled so much that it seemed he was trying to bottle up his anger.

    He was in front of Suh Sang-Hyun right now. He had to behave as his higher-up should.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>!¡± Kim Tae-Jin let out a long sigh and pressed his fingers to his temples. ¡°I told Kang Chan that we should let Wui Min-Gook live. I relentlessly chased Wui Min-Gook around because I was furious that he killed my subordinates, but I did technically kill his subordinates as well. I wanted our generation to be thest to get that kind of blood on our hands.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin turned to look at the mountains and highway again, his eyes glinting with intense anger.

    ¡°I realized I have be overly weak-hearted ever since I retired from the military. I can¡¯t believe I said we should stop the killing there when I used to regrly stab necks and hearts¡­ I made an excuse that I didn¡¯t want to dirty Kang Chan¡¯s hands any further, and I foolishly thought that there would be nothing more cruel to Wui Min-Gook than having a disabled body anyway¡­ Those are nothing but pathetic notions. I¡¯m ashamed.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin turned to Suh Sang-Hyun.

    ¡°Starting tomorrow, you will be in charge of Yoo-Bi Corp,¡± Kim Tae-Jin ordered.

    Suh Sang-Hyun¡¯s expression showed mixed emotions.

    ¡°Just until we catch Wui Min-Gook, at least. I suddenly remembered the old days after listening to what Kang Chan said. Back when I lost my subordinates and I started to desperately search for the enemy¡¯s outposts, I couldn¡¯t have felt more disappointed in my country. I remembered how I felt when I had to forcibly take off my uniform,¡± Kim Tae-Jin murmured.

    ¡°So you n to search for Wui Min-Gook yourself? To protect a talented individual like Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Suh Sang-Hyung asked.

    Kim Tae-Jin gazed back at Suh Sang-Hyun¡¯s hurt expression.

    ¡°Have you forgotten, sir? Once upon a time, I followed in your footsteps, Director¡ªI mean Sunbae-nim. I liked you so much that I took off my uniform with my own hands. I might not be as good as Mr. Kang Chan, but I¡¯m not so bad either. And there are plenty of expert consultants who can run Yoo-Bi Corp anyway,¡± Suh Sang-Hyun confidently said.

    Seeing Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s grin, Suh Sang-Hyun reciprocated with a simr kind of smile.

    ***

    There were only two people in the conference room, but the atmosphere was heavier than ever.

    ¡°There hasn¡¯t been any response from the Chinese intelligence bureau. It seems like their power struggle is still ongoing.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun gulped down some water, parched from anxiety.

    ¡°There is no excuse for Congressman Huh¡¯s espionage charges. However, there¡¯s a prevailing opinion that there might be something else behind the decision to sentence him to death in this matter. This one-sided announcement from China is evidence of that,¡± Hwang Ki-Gyun stated.

    ¡°Something else?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun looked quite stumped.

    ¡°The most realistic analysis is that they are attempting to recover their pride, which they lost due to the recent Beijing airport terrorist incident,¡± he answered.

    ¡°I heard the faction responsible for internally eliminating Huh Geuk is in power now, though. Taking that into consideration, is all that still really necessary?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun questioned.

    ¡°The party in control right now probably finds it burdensome topletely suppress the opposition. Hence, they¡¯re choosing to execute Congressman Huh as a form of warning and a gesture of reconciliation to the opposition party,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun replied.

    Moon Jae-Hyun remained silent, listening thoughtfully.

    ¡°Even though we have strengthened security, the number and anger of the protestors gathered in front of the Chinese embassy is surpassing our expectations. We can¡¯t reach Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo either. And Mr. President¡­¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun trailed off after hesitantly addressing Moon Jae-Hyun. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan is adamant about getting revenge for General Choi Seong-Geon.¡±

    ¡°I heard about thatst night as well. His words are still ringing in my ears¡ªthat the country isn¡¯t doing anything for a general who gave everything he had for his mothend,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun grimly said.

    Seeing the look in Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s eyes, Hwang Ki-Hyun chose his next words carefully.

    ¡°Then what do you think, Mr. President?¡± he asked.

    ¡°The United States has never let any incident slide where their citizens were harmed. We have never done anything like that as well, but that doesn¡¯t mean we don¡¯t have the means to. Nevertheless, I¡¯m hesitant for the same reason as always. Will my decision result in the needless sacrifice of our precious young people?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun solemnly responded.

    ¡°Yang Bum, the man who holds real power in China right now, and French Ambassador Lanok are on close terms with Mr. Kang Chan. Moreover, in the midst of the current situation, China has unusually sentenced Congressman Huh Sang-Soo to death, and the French ambassador has requested to meet us. I¡¯d say Mr. Kang Chan was likely already aware of Congressman Huh Sang-Soo¡¯s death sentence before it was even announced,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun mused.

    ¡°Everything will depend on what we do now, then. I¡¯m sure that¡¯s why Ambassador Lanok requested a meeting with us,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun stated, then nodded. ¡°There¡¯s almost no chance of sess in this operation, but even if it does seed, there¡¯s no chance that they¡¯ll return alive, is there?¡±

    Even Hwang Ki-Hyun didn¡¯t have an answer to that question.

    ¡°And Mr. Kang Chancks the experience for these types of operations. He could potentially end up as a sacrificial pawn in information warfare,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said, making another astonished expression due to the absurdity of the situation. ¡°If he just continues to grow like this, he will certainly be a never-before-seen bundle of fortune for our mothend. We should be trying to keep him safe and protect him, but he now insists onunching an operation against North Korea¡ªto kill the leader of our enemy, no less¡­¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun burst outughing in disbelief. He shook his head from side to side.

    ¡°He¡¯s making us stake everything on this. Will we present Kang Chan as the face of our intelligence and properly support him or will we keep hiding and covering him up? Either way, the person in question wants to take revenge for Choi Seong-Geon. I suppose this must be how fathers with outstanding sons feel,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun added.

    ¡°Mr. President, we shouldn¡¯t provoke the United States any longer,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said out of worry.

    ¡°General Choi Seong-Geon called me not too long ago. I told him twice that no matter what happens, I will be responsible for him and his soldiers, but look at how things have turned out,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun muttered dejectedly.

    A sense of sadness flickered across Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s eyes as he listened to Moon Jae-Hyun.

    ***

    Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s mixed emotions were evident in his expression.

    ¡°The likelihood of canceling the event tomorrow has increased, hasn¡¯t it? Given the situation, even the ambassadors would understand,¡± Huh Ha-Soo said anxiously.

    ¡°The security detail is still guarding the event hall,¡± his assistant informed him.

    ¡°What¡¯s most important is knowing what China is nning and making sure I¡¯m not negatively impacted by it,¡± Huh Ha-Soo said with determination.

    ¡°I think it would be wise to issue a statement, at the very least.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Huh Ha-Soo agreed.

    ¡°The reasons aside, public emotions are running high. There is significant criticism of the president and the government¡¯s ipetence.¡±

    ¡°Have we gotten a response from the United States?¡± Huh Ha-Soo asked.

    ¡°They are adopting a wait-and-see approach.¡±

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service, and now China and the United States. All of mymunication channels have been severed. We need something to turn this situation around. A move that can help us ovee this crisis in one fell swoop,¡± Huh Ha-Soo muttered anxiously.

    Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s burly assistant, Kwak Do-Young, carefully observed Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s mood from across him.

    ¡°Is that young punk more capable than we expected or did we just miss something about Moon Jae-Hyun?¡± Huh Ha-Soo murmured to himself. ¡°The poor guy is probably terrified on foreign soil. These punks didn¡¯t have any power, ability, or even a proper diplomatic channel before, yet they have now sentenced to death a man who worked behind the curtains for the country.¡±

    Huh Ha-Soo stared daggers in an empty space.

    ¡°Contact the broadcasting stations and newspapers to request their cooperation in criticizing this situation. They should be well aware that if we continue at this rate, we¡¯ll only be gotten rid of one by one,¡± Huh Ha-Soo statedmandingly.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Kwak Do-Young replied.

    ¡°The citizens are the only ones we can trust now. There are still many wise citizens in this country who recognize our efforts and support us. The media has to do its job properly to ensure that the people can see the current situation as it is,¡± Huh Ha-Soo announced.

    ¡°I will make your intentions clear,¡± Kwak Do-Young obediently replied.

    ¡°What about Director Wui?¡±

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t contacted us yet,¡±

    Huh Ha-Soo nodded. After a while, he emphasized, ¡°Finding out what they¡¯re trying to do this time should be our priority.¡±

    ¡°I will do my best, sir,¡± Kwak Do-Young reassured him.

    ¡°That poor guy,¡± Huh Ha-Soo muttered under his breath once more.

    ***

    After listening to the news about Huh Sang-Soo, Kang Chan didn¡¯t move from his room. He needed some time to organize his thoughts.

    He had no doubt in his mind that Wui Min-Gook was the one who attacked Choi Seong-Geon and that Huh Sang-Soo was behind him as well.

    <i>But did Yang Bum really get rid of Huh Sang-Soo that way because he was grateful for the other incident in the past?</i>

    The execution day was still pending. There was something to this that Kang Chan was missing.

    He had to look beyond the surface of the ocean and check what could be hiding beneath the water. That was just the tip of the iceberg of what he had to ponder about.

    First and foremost, if permission for the execution wasn¡¯t granted, he would have to figure out a new n to carry out the revenge. Would Lanok send the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team all the way to North Korea? Kang Chan doubted it.

    He thought about it for quite some time.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.?</i>

    After a while, his phone began to ring. Upon picking it up, he said, ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador. This is Kang Chan.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, what does your schedule look like today?

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything scheduled at the moment,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - I was just requested for ast-minute appointment. There¡¯s somece I hope to go with you. I think I¡¯ll arrive at the hotel in about an hour, so do you think you cane down when I call you?

    ¡°Yes, sure. I¡¯ll see you then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about the conversation.

    ¡°Anyhow, we have to take care of this issue with Wui Min-Gook as fast as we can if we want to go back home. What the hell are we doing right now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho griped.

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly how I feel,¡± Kang Chan agreed bleakly.

    He wanted to speed things up, but there was nothing he could do right now.

 Chapter 177.1: I Feel Better Now (2)

    <h4>Chapter 177.1: I Feel Better Now (2)</h4>

    It was hard to predict what on earth this sly snake was up to.

    Informed of their destination upon getting in Lanok¡¯s car, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be dumbfounded. After going through a bunch ofplicated procedures, they headed into the Blue House.

    Moon Jae-Hyun entered the meeting room and held out his hand to Lanok.

    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    ¡°Thank you for agreeing to talk with me in private, Mr. President,¡± Lanok said.

    With a notepad in hand, the female interpreter ryed what Lanok was saying.

    ¡°Have a seat.¡± Moon Jae-Hyun gestured at the chairs, and they all sat down almost at the same time.

    ¡°I heard that you enjoy smoking cigars. It¡¯s been a while since Ist had time to smoke leisurely,¡± Moon Jae-Hyunmented.

    An employee approached them and put cigarettes, cigars, and an ashtray on the table.

    <i>Click.</i>

    They stopped talking for a moment to light up their respective cigarettes and cigars. Afterward, Lanok looked at Kang Chan, seemingly able to understand why Kang Chan couldn¡¯t smoke.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have tea.¡± Moon Jae-Hyun offered. He was the first to take a sip.

    ¡°Mr. President, this is an unofficial meeting, so with your permission, I¡¯d like everyone, including the interpreter, to leave this room,¡± Lanok said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked around them. He seemed to have expected Lanok to say that.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    The employees left the room, closing the two doors behind them.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, will you interpret what I say from here on out?¡± Lanok asked.

    Kang Chan passed on to Moon Jae-Hyun that Lanok had asked him to interpret.

    ¡°China will execute Assemblyman Huh Sang-Soo at four in the afternoon today in Korean time,¡± Lanok said.

    That was unexpected news.

    Kang Chan and Moon Jae-Hyun both looked dumbfounded.

    ¡°Even though he¡¯s a criminal now, Huh Sang-Soo is still a member of South Korea¡¯s National Assembly. If China executes him, Korea and China¡¯s rtionship will deteriorate,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    After Kang Chan passed on what Moon Jae-Hyun said, Lanok gave Kang Chan a meaningful look. He then said, ¡°Yang Bum hopes to get that exact result.¡±

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    As Kang Chan passed on what Lanok just said, he promised never to act as an interpreter again.

    ¡°Yang Bum is fighting from both within and outside China to seize the real power in their country. Within China, he ns to centralize his power using Huh Sang-Soo¡¯s death penalty. Unfortunately, he¡¯s having trouble with his schemes outside China because they¡¯re not proceeding as nned,¡± Lanok continued.

    Even after Kang Chan told him what Lanok said, Moon Jae-Hyun remained calm and collected. It seemed he was already well aware of what was going on outside China.

    ¡°North Korea is also suffering due to a simr problem. The forces that supported Huh Geuk, who¡¯s now deceased, are openly preparing for an armed provocation. Wui Min-Gook was one of the prominent figures who supported Huh Geuk,¡± Lanok added.

    <i>I didn¡¯t know there¡¯s this kind of inside story in executing Huh Sang-Soo.</i>

    Kang Chan drank all of the tea in his cup, taking his frustration out on it.

    ¡°North Korea is also nervous right now because they still haven¡¯t taken care of Jang Kwang-Taek, their current Minister of Defense and the figure of authority who sent North Korea¡¯s special forces team down to Wui Min-Gook,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Can¡¯t China help North Korea with that matter?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    Kang Chan passed on Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s question to Lanok.

    ¡°China is having difficulties meddling with the Korean Penins¡¯s political situation right now. Yang Bum will soon try to absorb the opposing parties by taking care of Huh Sang-Seo and dealing with the inevitable disgrace that will be caused by reversing their economic sanctions on South Korea and the consequential loss of prestige from what happened with the airport. They¡¯re in a rush to unify the forces inside China by arousing hostility with South Korea, so they won¡¯t be able to do anything about the power struggle inside North Korea,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, can you ask the ambassador what he wants?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    Kang Chan passed on Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s question to Lanok.

    ¡°Please dispatch South Korea¡¯s special forces team. South Korea will get three benefits from taking Jang Kwang-Taek out of the equation: the stabilization of North Korea, revenge for General Choi Seong-Geon, and an important North Korean military stronghold will be South Korea''s.¡±

    Unlike Kang Chan, Moon Jae-Hyun looked as if hepletely understood what Lanok was saying.

    ¡°Can¡¯t France provide direct help?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°If we do, then we¡¯ll be giving the United States a reason to interfere. Russia will also be put in an awkward position. South Korea will likely find all of that to be very ufortable.¡±

    ¡°Even if we only send our special forces team, there is still a chance that the United States will interfere.¡±

    It was Kang Chan¡¯s first time seeing this kind of look in Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s eyes¡ªit was soft but sharp at the same time. His gaze right now was simr to Lanok¡¯s, but it clearly harbored a different kind of danger.

    ¡°France has already sent over an aircraft carrier. With your permission, we can have it on standby in international waters. If we do, China and Russia will follow suit, ordering their respective aircraft carriers and warships to remain on standby in the international waters of the Korean Penins,¡± Lanok said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s expression hardened upon hearing what Lanok said from Kang Chan.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We have no intention of starting a war on the Korean Penins. On the contrary, this will suppress the military operations that Jang Kwang-Taek of North Korea may inadvertently cause. Moreover, it will also prevent the United States from interceding into this operation,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°How will France, China, and Russia benefit from doing all this?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    Lanok drank some tea before answering. ¡°This operation will allow China to disy its military might, ultimately helping them repair their damaged prestige and regain some of their lost honor. As a result, they will also achieve unity within their country. Russia is nning to move forward with giving South Korea oil field development rights, so they want to take this opportunity to earn the right to speak in the Korean Penins. As for my country¡­¡±

    Lanok looked at Kang Chan. The sly snake could still make other people curious about what he was going to say next despite requiring an interpreter for his remarks to be understood.

    Kang Chan met Lanok¡¯s gaze after passing on everything that Lanok said. When he did, Lanok continued, ¡°Economically speaking, my country wants North Korea¡¯s minerals. We also want to build a solid trust with the South Korean government.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Moon Jae-Hyun nodded. He then said, ¡°I doubt trading for North Korea¡¯s minerals will be easy, though, considering the economic sanctions.¡±

    ¡°Exceptions are made for simple trading.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded, then said, ¡°Mr. Ambassador, we have had close ties with the United States for a long time in terms of politics, economics, and security. We can¡¯t just destroy all of that just because we are going through a rough patch right now.¡±

    The difference between politics and information warfare was that in politics, politicians exchanged information to settle political issues behind closed doors.

    Kang Chan felt as if he was studying about the real reason why information warfare was needed. At that moment, he realized that Lanok asked toe with him today on purpose as well.

    ¡°The United States can¡¯t strain their rtionship with South Korea because of this matter. On the contrary, I¡¯m certain that they¡¯ll end up yielding more things. After all, if the United States severs its rtionship with South Korea right now, other countries will be able to exert their influence. My country will be the first to, followed by other countries, including China and Russia,¡± Lanok exined.

    Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s expression already showed his answer.

    Afterward, they talked about rted matters for about twenty minutes, but it didn¡¯t make that much of a difference.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I want to get some fresh air. If it¡¯s okay with you, I¡¯d like to go for a walk with Mr. Kang Chan for a moment,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    Lanok extended both of his hands as if he had been waiting for Moon Jae-Hyun to say that. He then expressed that he would follow Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s wishes.

    ¡°Kang Chan,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun called. When he stood up, Kang Chan followed after him.

    The two left the meeting room and went out to the back of the Blue House, arriving at a trail that led around the mountain.

    From far away, Kang Chan could see security guards in suits walking in pairs.

    ¡°Do you really have to go there yourself? I¡¯m not saying that our soldiers¡¯ lives are not important, but I¡¯m worried that you¡¯re interfering in something too dangerous while the Eurasian Rail, a national undertaking, is still iplete,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    Kang Chan understood what Moon Jae-Hyun meant. However, for them to go on an operation like this, they needed at least Cha Dong-Gyun or Choi Jong-Il.

    Kang Chan did cheer them up in the restaurant, but they didn¡¯t have amander that they could trust and follow yet. If they went on an operation in this state, then not only would they inevitably fail, but it would also be no different from sending them to their deaths.

    When Kang Chan didn¡¯t respond, Moon Jae-Hyun looked at the mountain at the back.

    ¡°The United States always dispatches their best agents, especially if they think the operation has a low chance of seeding. I know it¡¯s hard for you to reply to what I said. After all, it¡¯s our fault that we don¡¯t have anyone who can rece you. We¡¯re not that strong yet,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun added.

    <i>Is he giving me permission to go?</i>

    Moon Jae-Hyun bitterly smiled when he saw Kang Chan looking at him.

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service will erase the identities of all the soldiers who will be joining this operation. Even their resident registration will disappear. If the operation fails or if one of the soldiers dies, it will seem like they weren¡¯t born in South Korea.¡± Moon Jae-Hyun looked at the sky while inhaling loudly. ¡°I hope you work hard enough so South Korea¡¯s intelligence bureau can be stronger once you return. If the President takes charge of politics, as you¡¯ve seen a moment ago, then I hope you¡¯ll mediate for South Korea¡¯s opinions and benefits.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun lowered his gaze and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I want to witness South Korea be a strong country where everyone is well off so you can represent a country that can never be overpowered even by strong countries. I also wish we had someone simr to the figures that Russia, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Germany send on the frontlines. ¡±

    This gentleman was strangely adept at making everyone else feel his sincerity.

 Chapter 177.2: I Feel Better Now (2)

    <h4>Chapter 177.2: I Feel Better Now (2)</h4>

    ¡°Can you promise me that you¡¯ll be that person?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even know if he had that kind of power yet, but he was already being asked that question. He smiled instead of answering not only because it was awkward but also because it was embarrassing.

    ¡°I can¡¯t let you go if you don¡¯t make that promise.¡± Moon Jae-Hyun stopped walking and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I promise you that I¡¯ll be that person.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun smirked, then shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand. ¡°My stay in the office won¡¯tst forever. When my term ends, I¡¯m going to live afortable and peaceful life. Unlike me, things will just be more and more difficult for you as time goes by. Even so, please do your best for South Korea.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll be able to do as you said, but I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    <i>Will I really gain the capabilities to take responsibility for South Korea?</i>

    If Kang Chan had a wish, it was to never lose another person with a heart as great as Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s.

    Moon Jae-Hyun smiled pleasantly.

    ***

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I hope that once this operation ends, you¡¯ll go to the training that I rmended.¡± Lanok looked at Kang Chan as he calmly reiterated his suggestion. The car they were in was on the way to the hotel. ¡°You personally going on every operation that has to be done is truly dangerous. I understand that this operation is very important and that it¡¯s still difficult for you to trust the soldiers to carry their own weight without you around, but you have bigger things to tend to.¡±

    Kang Chan was thinking the same thing¡ªhe knew South Korea needed someone to not handle only Yang Bum from China and Vasili from Russia but also keep the United States and Japan contained and at bay.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll provide you with as much support as I can.¡±

    When ites to ability and trust, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t find a better ally than Lanok.

    Lanok smiled widely when Kang Chan thanked him.

    When they arrived at the hotel, Kang Chan parted ways with Lanok and headed to Samseong-dong with Seok Kang-Ho, who was waiting for him in the lobby.

    ¡°Manager Kim sounded quite different than usual. What¡¯s going on?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as soon as the car hit the road. Ever since he had finished talking to Kim Hyung-Jung, he had done nothing but wait for Kang Chan in the lobby.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk when we get there,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan had no reason to be suspicious of the agents, but he also had no reason to talk about sensitive matters inside the car. What he said was enough for Seok Kang-Ho to fully understand what he wanted to do anyway.

    By the time Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho arrived at Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office in Samseong-dong, Jeon Dae-Geuk and Hwang Ki-Hyun were already waiting for them.

    For some reason, Kang Chan kept meeting people today that he found difficult to smoke with.

    Kim Hyung-Jung brought over drinks for everyone.

    As soon as Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat down, Jeon Dae-Geuk gravely said, ¡°Have you heard what¡¯s going on from the President? How would you like to select the soldiers joining this operation?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to Jeungpyeong today.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk pursed his lips and nodded.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, this has always been the case with all of the operations that you¡¯ve participated in until now, but things are even worse this time. This operation is inside the Korean Penins, and you¡¯re up against North Korea. As you have probably already guessed, if this goes wrong, then South Korea and North Korea will both be in deep trouble,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said, his eyes looking unusually sharp. ¡°If there¡¯s a possibility of that happening, then we have no choice but to give up on the soldiers.¡±

    That was probably the reason why Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s eyes were so fierce. Kang Chan nodded as he replied, ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service will prepare the infiltration route. We¡¯ll contact you every hour through the satellite phone.¡± After Hwang Ki-Hyun finished saying everything that he wanted to say, he exhaled loudly. ¡°When I look at you, I can¡¯t help but feel old. It also makes me wonder what I¡¯ve done in the past two years as the Director of the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    ¡°<i>Haa</i>!¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk sighed loudly as if he understood how Hwang Ki-Hyun felt.

    ¡°They decided to cancel tomorrow¡¯s event,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t able to smoke, and in return, Kim Hyung-Jung and Seok Kang-Ho weren¡¯t able to say anything.

    ¡°All personal data of the soldiers who will go on the operation with you will be erased. As for you, on paper, we¡¯ll make it seem like you flew to Thand at nine this evening.¡±

    Kang Chan knew they had to take that precaution because people knew what he looked like.

    ¡°Have you had lunch yet?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Not yet.¡±

    ¡°Yeah? Let¡¯s get something to eat, then,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk suggested.

    Kim Hyung-Jung took the initiative to order jjampong and tangsuyuk for everyone.

    In the National Intelligence Service¡¯s lounge, the chief officer of the President¡¯s security service and the Director of the National Intelligence Service were having jjampong and tangsuyuk across from the manager of the National Intelligence Service, a high school teacher, and a high schooler. It was during moments like this that Kang Chan thought people weren¡¯t that different from each other.

    Perhaps it was because they ordered tangsuyuk, but the meal arrived ten minutester. Kang Chan had already eaten it a few times, but he still hadn¡¯t gotten tired of it.

    It took twenty minutes for them to finish eating, at which point Kim Hyung-Jung cleaned up the dishes and brought over coffee.

    ¡°On another note, has Wui Min-Gook been found yet?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked Kim Hyung-Jung after drinking coffee like sungnyung[1]. Let¡¯s be honest among ourselves¡ªdo we even have Huh Ha-Soo under constant watch? He¡¯s the only person who seems suspicious anyway, right? He also said that he wanted to meet Kang Chan in private.¡±

    When Kim Hyung-Jung nced at Hwang Ki-Hyung, thetter looked around the room and softly said, ¡°If Mr. Kang Chan seeds in this operation, then we¡¯ll be able to arrest not only Wui Min-Gook but everyone who cooperated with him as well. It¡¯ll be like the time we arrested the five people who were leaking information from the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    ¡°You are as cunning as I expected,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    Kim Hyung-Jung forcibly held back hisughter since it was unclear whether that was apliment or an insult.

    ¡°The fact China is nning on executing Huh Sang-Soo¡¯s death penalty this afternoon is probably done with the same intention,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun added.

    ¡°They¡¯re going to execute him?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m sure the information is trustworthy. After all, it came from France¡¯s DGSE. Once China gets its hands on its enemies, it will eliminate them one at a time. That¡¯s just how they handle things.¡±

    ¡°What? Are all their enemies stupid? If China ns to purge them one by one, then why would they surrender?¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun smiled. ¡°They should pledge their allegiance instead. China will only save those who can provide them with detailed intel on their opponents, though. China is essentially working on two things: rtionships and justification. By executing Huh Sang-Soo, Yang Bum will get the justification he needs.¡±

    ¡°Jeez! Those bastards are making my head hurt!¡±

    As Jeon Dae-Geuk shook his head, Hwang Ki-Hyun looked at Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®Did you understand all that?¡¯</i>

    That was important information.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s eyes clearly showed the reason he talked as if he was an olderdy who dropped by a sauna.

    <i>Was I seeing things?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun, who smiled softly in response. His eyes were still extremely sharp.

    ***

    At dinner time, Kang Chan went to Jeungpyeung. They went past the barricades and around the mountain path, finally arriving before a familiar barrack.

    ¡°The men are probably having dinner right now,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    As Seok Kang-Ho leaned forward and examined their surroundings, the adjutant came out and stood in front of the barracks. The white fabric wrapped around his arm was painful to see.

    ¡°Where are the soldiers?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re training.¡±

    ¡°Training? Isn¡¯t it time for dinner?¡±

    ¡°I heard that they¡¯re practicing mountain warfare and that they get to decide when it ends,¡± the adjutant said.

    The adjutant looked as if he was about to cry. It seemed seeing Kang Chan reminded him of Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°Would the two of you like a cup of coffee?¡± the adjutant asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan sat in front of the barrack. A momentter, the adjutant brought over two paper cups and handed them to Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    They took a sip of the coffee, then lit up a cigarette.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>,¡± Kang Chan exhaled. As the wind picked up the cigarette smoke and swept it toward the mountain, he heard footsteps approaching and guns clunking.

    When the soldiers saw Kang Chan, their expressions became veryplicated.

    One by one, they approached him. No one said anything, but they looked at him with eyes full of resentment and anger that they couldn¡¯t release.

    <i>Chkk.</i>

    Kang Chan put his cigarette into the paper cup. He then said, ¡°Your resident registration will be erased.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho cocked his head but soon tightly gritted his teeth.

    ¡°If you die, you won¡¯t even leave the tiniest trace of existence. Only your families will remember you. The same goes for when he fails the operation,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Please tell us our target,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said.

    ¡°He is a prominent figure.¡± Kang Chan stood up and dusted off his bum.

    The soldiers¡¯ eyes glinted. It was as if they would shoot Kang Chan if he kept stalling.

    ¡°It¡¯s Jang Kwang-Taek, the Minister of Defense[2] of the Democratic People¡¯s Republic of Korea,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho quickly took a step forward. Before he could even stop, everyone else had already gotten closer to Kang Chan as well.

    ¡°You all know exactly where our target is, don¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho grinned as if he was imitating Seok Kang-Ho.

    1. Sungnyung is a traditional Korean infusion made from boiled scorched rice ??

    2.<i> It was previously the ¡®Ministry of the People''s Armed Forces¡¯, but as per the raws, it¡¯s now?''Minister of Defense''.?</i>??

 Chapter 178.1: No different from back then (1)

    <h4>Chapter 178.1: No different from back then (1)</h4>

    ¡°This is pretty much no different from back in Africa,¡± Seok Kang-Ho murmured under his breath as he drove with one hand on the wheel. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were currently on their way back to Seoul.

    ¡°The men looked like they softened up a bit after seeing you earlier, Cap. I feel sorry for them, but I can¡¯t help but feel proud of them at the same time,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    ¡°Why would you be proud of them?¡± Kang Chan asked, unable to understand what Seok Kang-Ho meant.

    ¡°Well, why else would they be out training for mountain warfare? They were doing what they thought would help them avenge General Choi, weren¡¯t they?¡° Seok Kang-Ho reasoned.

    <i>That¡¯s a good point. It does make sense.?</i>

    Kang Chan put his cigarette in his mouth.

    ¡°There¡¯s a resting area for driversing just up ahead. Let¡¯s stop over and get some coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not.¡±

    At the very least, it would mean that he wouldn¡¯t have to smoke a cigarette inside the car. Just like Seok Kang-Ho said, they soon reached the resting area. Seok Kang-Ho parked the car in the parking lot.

    ¡°Do you want anything else besides coffee?¡± Seok Kang-Ho confirmed.

    Kang Chan shook his head in response. He then headed toward a bench that was in a secluded area.

    The season was transitioning to a new one, so it was already starting to feel cold in the evenings.

    Seok Kang-Ho came walking over a whileter. He took longer than Kang Chan expected.

    ¡°I brought some hodu-gwaja too. Here¡¯s the coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as if to exin why he took so long.

    ¡°You went to the bathroom, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked out of suspicion.

    ¡°Why do you think so, Cap?¡± Seok Kang-Ho sounded a little hesitant.

    ¡°Did you even wash your hands?¡±

    ¡°<i>Tsk, tsk</i>! How can you say that when you used to live in Africa?¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied defensively.

    <i>Ugh! This disgusting bastard!</i>

    Although he had someints, Kang Chan still took a piece of the hodu-gwaja from inside the paper bag that Seok Kang-Ho ripped open wide. It was already dark outside. Insects could be seen asionally flying under the lights illuminating the resting area.

    After eating some hodu-gwaja and drinking coffee, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho began smoking.

    ¡°Damn, I¡¯ve experienced so many events that keep me on my toes in this lifetime!¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled as he put his cigarette in his mouth. Despite what he said, though, he didn¡¯t seem to hate the life he had right now.

    From the seats next to them, people chattered about how South Korea should never forgive China for what it did. They probably heard the news about China¡¯s decision to proceed with Huh Sang-Soo¡¯s execution.

    Unaffected, Kang Chan flicked the ash from his cigarette and put it next to arge ashtray. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Whatever you say, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho agreed.

    <i>Could one of Wui Min-Gook¡¯s men be following me??</i>

    Kang Chan subtly scanned his surroundings on the way back to the car.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is there something here?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked out of curiosity as he adjusted his seatbelt in the driver¡¯s seat. He nced outside the window.

    ¡°I was just checking to see if anyone¡¯s tailing us,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Who? Wui Min-Gook? There¡¯s no way we would get that lucky,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded with a grin.

    ¡°Why would we be getting lucky if someone¡¯s following us?¡±

    ¡°If we can catch them, then we¡¯ll get the opportunity to capture everyone else!¡± Seok Kang-Ho mused.

    Seok Kang-Ho peered around their surroundings again as they hit the road.

    ¡°Hey! Just focus on the road ahead!¡± Kang Chan eximed in disbelief.

    ¡°I know there¡¯s no need to feel this way, but this seems like a wasted opportunity,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked disgruntledly.

    They didn¡¯t run into any issues even as they exited the highway and reached the hotel. They arrived at around ten in the evening.

    Kang Chan greeted Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook for a little while before returning to the room that Seok Kang-Ho was in. It didn¡¯t take long for him to fall asleep.

    ***

    Wednesday morning.

    Kang Chan ate breakfast with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook and spent some time with them for a while.

    ¡°Are you heading to the fitness center now?¡± Kang Chan asked the two.

    ¡°Yup. Want toe with us?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook seemed to have somewhat gotten used to the hotel life by now.

    ¡°Actually, starting today, I¡¯ll probably be staying in Jeungpyeong for a few days,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°In Jeungpyeong?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked, feeling quite surprised.

    ¡°Yes. There¡¯s something that I want to confirm first before we can return home.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung seemed to think that Kang Chan wasn¡¯t giving them the whole truth.

    ¡°Are you okay? Is something going on?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. Everything is fine,¡± Kang Chan replied, reassuring them.

    Just like that, in the span of a few seconds, assassinating North Korea¡¯s defense minister was reduced to an unimportant feat. Still, as Kang Chan replied to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s question, he couldn¡¯t help but think that what he was about to do was nothing short of pure madness.

    ¡°Will you be leaving soon?¡±

    ¡°Not really. I¡¯ll probably stay for a little while before I leave, so you don¡¯t have to wait up for me. Go ahead and work out, Father. That would help me leave with a lighter heart as well,¡± Kang Chan reassured him again.

    As he always did in these situations, Kang Dae-Kyung looked like he was struggling toe to terms with what his son did.

    ¡°Be careful with whatever you¡¯ll be up to,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said worriedly.

    ¡°Channy, we can take our time going back home, so don¡¯t overdo it, okay?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook urged.

    ¡°I won¡¯t, Mother,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    As Kang Chan¡¯s parents stepped out into the hallway, where the agents were standing, Yoo Hye-Sook kept looking back at her son.

    Kang Chan wished they could stop going on operations. In France too, he felt sick of having to constantly leave on missions. Unfortunately, he ended up having to go on another one anyway.

    These kinds of things would repeat endlessly if one never stood their ground against the bastards who punched them. Moreover, if it kept happening long enough, even if one did try to rebel, the bastards would just think it was abnormal for them to fight back.

    <i>I¡¯ll put an end to all of this now.</i>

    Through this opportunity, Kang Chan would brutally and surely show his enemies what would happen if anybody dared touch his people.

    When the doors of the elevator that Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were in finally closed, Kang Chan headed into the room where Seok Kang-Ho was.

    <i>Click.?</i>

    ¡°Come on in, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted.

    As soon as Kang Chan stepped inside, he found Kim Hyung-Jung standing up to greet him.

    ¡°Hi. When did you arrive, Manager Kim?¡± Kang Chan addressed with a friendly tone.

    ¡°About an hour ago,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve called when you got here. I would havee sooner,¡± Kang Chan said as he sat down on a chair near the sofa.

    ¡°Well, I was nning on waiting until it was time for lunch, at least.¡±

    A wide map had been spread out on the table in front of the sofa.

    ¡°Here. Have some coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho offered.

    Kang Chan took a sip from the cup that Seok Kang-Ho gave him. The trio also leisurely enjoyed some cigarettes. Kang Chan felt as if he could rx a little since Jeon Dae-Geuk and Hwang Ki-Hyun weren¡¯t with them.

    ¡°Take a look at this,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, broaching the subject. He pointed at a location that was on the eastern coast of the Korean penins. ¡°There are a total of three routes that we can take to infiltrate into enemy territory. To start with, there¡¯s this route through the ocean. It goes through Goseong in Gangwon Province and leads to Tongchon County. Next is a route that starts directly from here in Gyodong, the west coast, straight to Nampo. Lastly, we have a route through China. It crosses the Yalu River and enters Chosan County through here.¡±

    He moved his finger on the map ordingly as he borated on each route.

    ¡°The most viable n is this route that leads to Tongchon County over the sea from Goseong. Jang Gwang-Taek is known to stay mainly in Sinpyeong County, and Tongchon County is just a hundred kilometers in a straight line from Sinpyeong,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added as he drew a long line.

    ¡°These are all mountainous regions, aren¡¯t they?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    ¡°Well, in reality, you¡¯ll be going around when you¡¯re traveling there, so it¡¯ll be more like a hundred sixty to a hundred seventy kilometers. You won¡¯t be able to walk along the road anyway, so the hundred kilometer doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung mused.

    One hundred kilometers was typically about a day¡¯s walk for an adult¡ªbut that didn¡¯t take sleep, meals, or rest into calction. One could cover approximately a hundred km in twenty-four hours if they walked at a consistent pace. However, the mountainous area that was shown on the map would take even the best-trained soldiers at least two days to traverse.

    ¡°As we nned yesterday, we intend to infiltrate tonight at high tide. If the operation fails, we will regroup in Yangsan within two weeks. Those who manage to survive until then will decide whether the soldiers who failed to regroup with them are alive or dead based on their individual abilities,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    Kang Chan kept scanning the map even after Kim Hyung-Jung was done with his exnation.

    ¡°You will be provided with radios. We will make broadcasts twice a day, specifically at eight twenty-seven in the morning and evening. The codes will be tranted and ryed to you by our agents,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    ¡°What time do we leave?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re scheduled to depart from Goseong at twenty-three hundred thirty hours,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    ¡°What time should we leave Seoul, then?¡± Kang Chan asked this time.

    ¡°You should arrive on time if you depart from the hotel at three in the afternoon and join the agents in Chuncheon,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in response.

 Chapter 178.2: No different from back then (1)

    <h4>Chapter 178.2: No different from back then (1)</h4>

    A bit into the discussion, Kim Hyung-Jung called, ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Hearing his name, Kang Chan lifted his gaze from the map.

    ¡°Given the sudden nature of this operation, there¡¯s no guarantee that Jang Gwang-Taek will be at Sinpyeong County. Moreover, if this operation is exposed, our government intends to deny any involvement in the mission,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stated gravely.

    <i>Well, obviously. Why is he bringing this up when we all know about that already?</i>

    ¡°The moment our government denies this operation, China and Russia may dispatch their special forces teams,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    Kang Chan already expected that as well. Although he wasn¡¯t exactly sure what Yang Bum had in mind, he knew Vasili was more than capable of switching sides.

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service is keeping a close watch on Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo. Once you take care of Jang Gwang-Taek, the North Korean leadership has agreed to provide evidence rted to the coboration between Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo and Wui Min-Gook. It¡¯s suspected that Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo directly made some kind of arrangement with the North Korean regime,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    ¡°That bastard! How many people is that traitor involved with? He was ying on all sides of the fence for sure,¡± Seok Kang-Ho griped.

    ¡°We have leads that he was involved in the terrorist incident at the golf course and the press conference attack,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    ¡°And what if we fail?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung let out a deep sigh.

    ¡°To bepletely honest, the chances of sess for this operation are less than ten percent, which is why we are focusing on what will happen if we fail. To begin with, we n to arrest Chairperson Huh with the evidence we collected. Of course, we will have to bear with the allegations that it¡¯s political maneuvering,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said grimly.

    ¡°Well, none of the missions we¡¯ve been on so far had high sess rates anyway. Anyway, what you¡¯re saying is that things will beplicated if we fail, right?¡± Kang Chan confirmed.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded with a nod.

    Kang Chan¡¯s goal was to prevent anybody from messing with his people ever again, and the National Intelligence Service wanted to arrest Huh Ha-Soo and hold him responsible for his crimes. Although they had different objectives, both parties wanted the same man dead: Jang Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung began as he nced at Seok Kang-Ho and turned back to Kang Chan again. ¡°If the operation fails, head to Dokgeom-ri here.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s this now?</i>

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    ¡°Kim Tae-Jin, Suh Sang-Hyun, and I will be behind the iron fences of Dokgeom-ri. I¡¯m confident that you, Mr. Seok, and the rest of our soldiers are capable enough to break through to this location. If the operation fails, for seventy-two hours, I won¡¯t let anything stop me from waiting for you here. Just get to the unarmed zone of Dokgeom-ri and you will be set,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung ordered him.

    In other words, they were preparing for the worst: the deaths of the soldiers joining this operation.

    ¡°At least with these orders, our nation won¡¯t abandon our men until the very end. We devised this n in line with that directive. I hope you two can keep this to yourselves for the time being,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung emphasized.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    No one mentioned whose orders and n this was from.

    With their conversation done, Kim Hyung-Jung pulled out two small maps and handed them to Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s good to eat around here?¡± Kang Chan asked, changing subjects.

    ¡°Everything, to be honest. Nothing¡¯s spectacrly tasty, though,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    ¡°Oh, right! I got a menu here. Can you pick something out for us, Manager Kim?¡± Seok Kang-Ho requested as he extended his arm to pick up the menu and hand it to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Should we have a warm bowl of galbi tang, then?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested.

    ¡°Sure, sounds great,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho ordered. Afterward, an awkward silence filled the room.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for asking you to do something like this,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suddenly apologized.

    Kang Chan lifted his gaze to look back at Kim Hyung-Jung. For things like this, a smile was the best response.

    He was never the type to be stopped by fear. In the first ce, the mission wasn¡¯t scary to him in the slightest. However, he couldn¡¯t help but be worried about Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. He was concerned about how they would feel¡ªthe shock and pain they would struggle with¡ªwhen they learned he was dead or if he went missing in action.

    Their meal arrived after some time. They talked about various topics as they enjoyed the galbitang.

    The ribs wererge and meaty, but considering the price, Kang Chan still couldn¡¯t help but feel like it was a rip-off.

    ¡°Please take care of my parents while I¡¯m away,¡± Kang Chan abruptly said.

    ¡°I will,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied resolutely.

    They pushed the bowls to the side and shared the small remainder of their coffee. After brushing his teeth in the bathroom, Kang Chan was ready.

    ¡°Well then, shall we go?¡±

    In response to Kang Chan¡¯s suggestion, the two men with him stood up. They left the room and headed to the elevator. Before getting in it, Kang Chan turned around to look at the room where Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were staying.

    A once-ordinary couple living in peace suddenly found their lives turned upside down when their son survived a fall from a rooftop only to frequentlye home with injuries, participate in knife fights, and kill people in front of their eyes. They even almost got shot in an underground parking lot.

    Nevertheless, the two made every effort to understand and trust their son. In what felt like a prison of a hotel, they forced themselves to exercise and refrained from questioning what he was doing.

    Kang Chan sincerely wanted to put an end to this turmoil.

    He managed to stop the terrorist attacks on the golf course and press conference and even got revenge for those by destroying a section of the Chinese airport. He also stopped the Japanese agents who attacked Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s office by twisting their necks.

    Now, however, his enemies tried to shoot down Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook and even killed Choi Seong-Geon.

    Since they had a straightforward way to apprehend Huh Ha-Soo and Wui Min-Gook, who was the one giving orders, there was no need to take the long way.

    When the three reached the underground parking lot, they found a van waiting at the exit. They promptly hopped into it, and it immediately departed. It was already one in the afternoon, so the sunlight streaming through the window made the weather seem pleasant.

    <i>¡®How long do I have to live like this?¡¯</i>

    He felt as if a lightning bolt suddenly struck him after reincarnating and spending a busy life. From school bullies and gangsters to Shan and Lanok, time flew by so fast that everything seemed like a dream.

    He definitely wasn¡¯t living this kind of life because he wanted to. But at the same time, it wasn¡¯t in his nature to bow down to school bullies or gangsters.

    <i>¡®Is my temper the problem?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan chuckled to himself and looked outside the window.

    He used to see Kim Mi-Young before going on other operations, but this time, things took a strange turn.

    <i>Damn it! So annoying!</i>

    In the end, there seemed to be no other solution than to go and visit the foreign intelligence bureaus as Lanok suggested.

    He would be stronger. In the world of intelligence, he would be as powerful as Vasili or Lanok. He would make people think that it was better to request his help than provoke him into a fight.

    The van passed by Misari and entered the highway.

    ¡°I should go to Gapyeong and have some boiled chicken someday,¡± Seok Kang-Ho murmured to himself. His words broke Kang Chan away from his train of thought.

    When Kim Hyung-Jung asked what Seok Kang-Ho was talking about, Seok Kang-Ho began to tell the story about him eating some chicken a while back.

    .

    Bored and nervous, trivial things started to sound funny to Kang Chan. He chuckled as he looked at Seok Kang-Ho.

    Seok Kang-Ho, with his eyes glinting from nervousness, was talking about splitting the stomach and ripping the legs apart, making it sound a lot more gruesome than the topic should be. Around forty minutester, they found a resting area on the roadside.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a cup of coffee before we continue,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested. The car drove into the resting area, and sedans parked on either side of the van. An agent quickly stepped out before the others could.

    The three opened the doors of the van and smoked a cigarette each.

    They had to be careful about drawing the public¡¯s attention.

    <i>¡°Hoo.¡±</i>

    An agent brought over some coffee for them.

    ¡°Nice!¡± Seok Kang-Ho suddenly cheered. Kang Chan understood how he felt.

    The blue sky and white clouds looked beautiful.

    After about fifteen minutes of rest, they hit the road again. They drove for about thirty more minutes before getting off the highway, then kept going for a while longer. Eventually, they came to a stop on one side of the quiet road.

    Sedans parked some distance away ahead and behind them.

    ¡°We still have about thirty minutes left,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung remarked.

    ¡°Will the bus being here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes. We n to move together from this point,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    They were infiltrating through the ocean, so they likely already had an area designated as the starting point for this operation.

    Every time Kang Chan breathed in, he felt as if spite was slowly filling his lungs. He knew his eyes would be glinting soon.

    Heughed out loud, realizing that he was no different from Seok Kang-Ho, whose eyes started turning sharp whenever he became nervous.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat back and smoked. As time passed, Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s face stiffened.

    ¡°Are you nervous?¡± Kang Chan asked him.

    ¡°Huh? Oh. Yes. Strangely, this time I am,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung admitted.

    The man had been through many special forces operations, so his nervousness likely wasn¡¯t because he had a weak heart. Rather, it was probably the pressure of this mission that was making him feel that way.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you can rx a little. This isn¡¯t that different from when we went to Mongolia, France, or when we crossed into China,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung agreed.

    Contradicting his response, Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s expression remained hardened.

    It depended on the person, but nervousness could be contagious.

    ¡°Do you and Mr. Seok really not get nervous?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t tell the manager that they had tons of experience like this back in Africa, so he just smiled.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I wasn¡¯t going to ask, but¡­¡± Kim Hyung-Jung trailed off, pressing his lips together.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s smile, he already knew that Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t answer anyway. As he sighed heavily, a bus approached them and slowly parked behind the van. It was a bus with tanned windows, preventing people outside from seeing inside.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung dered, shutting the doors of the van.

    A sedan, a van, another sedan, and a bus¡ªthe entourage of vehicles drove down twisting roads for about ten minutes before speeding down different paths.

 Chapter 179.1: No different from back then (2)

    <h4>Chapter 179.1: No different from back then (2)</h4>

    The sea eventually came into view to their right as they made their way from Goseong to the Hwajinpo beach[1].

    The car went past a three-way intersection, a checkpoint, and drove a bit longer before reaching a second-story building that looked like a raw fish restaurant on an isted beach. Kang Chan¡¯s first impression of it was that it had gone out of business.

    Not only was it in a secluded area, but it was also fenced in with a lot of wire mesh. Even the god of the sea would find it hard to gain profit from a business started in this location.

    The bus blocked the parking lot,pletely removing the road at the back from view.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    They could hear the waves hitting the beach and retreating back into the sea.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head inside,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said as he pointed to the entrance. Kang Chan walked over to it.

    Much to their surprise, there were already two soldiers waiting for them inside. The two guided them to the stairs on the right side of the building.

    ¡°Damn, this view is amazing!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed upon reaching the second floor with Kang Chan and the others.

    It wasn¡¯t really good enough to be described as amazing. Even so, Kang Chan thought it wasn¡¯t that bad either.

    The soldiers briefly saluted Kang Chan as they wereing up to the second floor.

    Including Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho, they numbered twenty-four in total.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho, Yoon Sang-Ki, and almost all of the other soldiers who joined the operation in China alongside Kang Chan were present.

    Two of the men brought over military gear¡ªwhich was packed very simply¡ªafter they removed everything that could be heavy.

    ¡°The Navy¡¯s special forces team will arrive at twenty-three thirty this evening. They will be bringing three boats, so we will be splitting into three teams,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°You guys heard that, right? Split into three teams. I¡¯ll lead Team One, and Seok Kang-Ho will lead Team Two. Kwak Cheol-Ho, you¡¯ll takemand of Team Three,¡± Kang Chan told the members.

    While they were finalizing the teams, an agent distributed watches.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung called Kang Chan as heid out the map.

    ¡°This is where the Navy¡¯s special forces team will be dropping you off.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung pointed to the boundary of the beach, then drew a triangle with his finger. ¡°And this is where we think armed guards are stationed. Since North Korea is experiencing heavy power shortages, they normally don¡¯t use searchlights.¡±

    They didn¡¯t know how the situation would change if the guide didn''t show up, so Kang Chan carefully examined the map as he nodded.

    After their conversation, they had packed food for dinner. It tasted so good that Kang Chan even wondered if they came from Jeungpyeong.

    Kang Chan could still see spite in the members¡¯ eyes. Unless they had a deep resentment for the packed food, Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s death had to be the reason behind their spite.

    ].

    Sittingfortably, Kang Chan drank coffee and watched the dark sea. As he did, Kwak Cheol-Ho approached him with another soldier and said, ¡°This is our new member.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Master Sergeant Hong Ki-Yoon,¡± the new member said.

    They had never specifically introduced anyone before.

    ¡°He has experience infiltrating North Korea. He also has three operations under his belt,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho answered when he felt that Kang Chan was looking at him.

    <i>He¡¯s going to be helpful.</i>

    Their conversation ended with Kang Chan nodding.

    They put on a faded ck military uniform, then equipped themselves with an MP5SD silenced submachine gun, a Colt pistol, a bowie knife, a magazine, and a radio.

    It was a little past nine, and the only source of light they had was a smallmp. It barely let them see each others¡¯ faces.

    They were all in so much tension that it seemed as if they would snap and explode if anyone messed with them.

    As the fishy sea breeze rushed toward them through the open window, Kwak Cheol-Ho approached Kang Chan once again. ¡°I have something to say to everyone.¡±

    <i>I see no harm in letting him speak.</i>

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°Attention!¡±

    The soldiers, Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and even Kim Hyung-Jung now looked at Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    ¡°I have something that I want to say and a favor to ask all of you.¡±

    The light only let them see the contours of Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s face. Nevertheless, they could still see his eyes glinting like an animal¡¯s. ¡°If the general hadn¡¯t been there for me, then I would have ended up bing a gangster after going from military prison to military prison. I haven¡¯t told any of you about this, but my worthless father was conned and he almost went to jail, but the general got a loan to pay all of it for him. I heard he finished repaying the loan earlyst year.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho exhaled with a ¡°<i>whoo</i>!¡± and then turned his head toward the window. ¡°The general hit all of you as well, didn¡¯t he? He pped me in the face twice. But it wasn¡¯t because I didn¡¯t train properly or said that I was going to be discharged!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho gritted his teeth, then immediately continued. ¡°The first time he pped me was at a police station. It was for kicking up a fuss because of my fucked-up life. The second time was because I defied my father. I can¡¯t believe I fucking lost that kind of man while we were eating.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho stopped talking for a moment, seemingly trying to control his emotions. ¡°Lieutenant Cha Dong-Gyun called me yesterday. He was on the phone as he¡­ as he sobbed nonstop. As you all know, he¡¯s the mostmitted and steadfast man. Not only was that the first time I ever heard him cry, but I never even thought he would weep like that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m passing on Lieutenant Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s request.¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho stopped talking, then loudly inhaled. After swallowing dryly, he looked at all of his colleagues. ¡°We¡¯re with the strongestmander in the world now. If you¡¯re afraid, then I will not resent or condemn you if you back out right now. However, if you choose to join us, then don¡¯t ever think abouting back until we¡¯ve beheaded Jang Kwang-Taek.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at the seashore while gritting his teeth.

    Despite having a hard time talking, Kwak Cheol-Ho pushed through with what he had to say. ¡°I also have a favor to ask all of you. The general did everything to protect me even if that meant pping me. He protected all of us. Let¡¯s use this operation to show everyone that he taught us properly.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho seemed as if he was about to shout, but his voice calmed down at the end. However, that only tugged at their heartstrings even more.

    By the time Kwak Cheol-Ho had returned to his seat, the second floor had been rendered silent.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    Kang Chan bit on a cigarette.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡±

    The sea breeze roughly whirled around inside the building, then left with the cigarette smoke.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a cup of coffee,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Seok Kang-Ho was the one who answered, but someone else made coffee for them.

    After having a sip of the sweet instant coffee, Kang Chan looked behind him.

    The soldiers looked as if they were expecting something.

    ¡°What General Choi hoped for was for all of you to gain actualbat experience and be a special forces team that¡¯s recognized internationally, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Yoon Sang-Ki nodded without meaning to.

    ¡°So if any of you has the shitty thought that they¡¯ll be happy even if they die, then leave now. What I want is for all of you to do whatever it takes to return alive with Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s head. After all, General Choi asked me to turn you all into veterans so that you can pass on your experience to your juniors,¡± Kang Chan added.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho gritted his teeth.

    ¡°We have more than an hour left, so get some sleep or smoke as much as you guys want since we won¡¯t be able to smoke for a few days. You may drink coffee as well.¡± Kang Chan put the cigarette that he finished smoking in the paper cup. Afterward, he turned and looked at the sea.

    <i>Chk chk. Chk chk.</i>

    From behind him, he could hear the soldiers lighting up cigarettes and drinking coffee.

    <i>This is fine. Doing just this much is for the best.</i>

    If they were burning with too much sense of duty, they would inevitably find themselves in an ident.

    ¡°<i>Urgghhh</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho stretched and twisted his upper body.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to get some sleep,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The two got up from their chairs and positioned their military gear just right so they could rest on it.

    The soldiers¡¯ stiff expressions seemed to say, ¡®<i>They can sleep in this situation?¡¯</i>

    It seemed as if they didn¡¯t think of sleeping before leaving, even though they had been napping in France.

    If they were really sleep-deprived, then they would fall asleep even if all of the other members on the second floor were corpses.

    And if they kept facing that kind of situation, then they would develop the habit of eating when they could eat, and getting even a little bit of sleep when they could sleep.

    Kang Chan eventually fell asleep.

    ***

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung carefully called, waking up Kang Chan. The reason he woke him up was so obvious that he didn¡¯t even have to say it.

    Kang Chan examined his surroundings. Most of the soldiers seemed awake already, which wasmendable.

    It was already ten past eleven.

    They applied the camouge paint on their faces, then equipped their military gear and weapons.

    After about ten minutes, the dim light illuminating the building turned off.

    Frowning, Kang Chan looked at the sea. He could see a boat and silhouettes in the space between the rocks in front of the ceasefire line.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Much to their surprise, when the waves were at their loudest, the lower part of the steel-barred window opened.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung called Kang Chan once more. He then nodded.

    No word had to be said at that moment.

    Kang Chan looked straight into Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes for a moment, then turned his head away.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    1. The Hwajinpo beach is a beach surrounded by vis, one of which is the former summer home of a North Korean leader ??

 Chapter 179.2: No different from back then (2)

    <h4>Chapter 179.2: No different from back then (2)</h4>

    Everyone went down the stairs and into a parking lot that had a fence in front of it. Eventually, they met up with six soldiers in diving suits, guarding three rubber boats.

    After the three special forces teams got into their respective boats, the WARFLOT. The WARFLOT soldiers skillfully pushed the boats into the sea.

    <i>Woong.</i>

    <i>They n to use a motor?</i>

    Kang Chan was curious, but everyone had their respective area of expertise.

    Waves pped against the rubber boats as they drove through the waters.

    Seawater sshed on them while they were lying down t on the boats. In what seemed like an instant, they traveled enough distance for the two-story building to be shrouded by darkness.

    The boat changed directions and navigated through the sea like crazy.

    After about an hour at sea, the boats slowed down.

    Seeing a dim light, Kang Chan guessed that there was a port in the distance.

    The boats drove toward the strange-looking rocks for about five minutes before finally turning off the engine.

    The two WARFLOT soldiers aboard each boat picked up the oars next to them and began rowing.

    They were definitely professionals. Even though there only two of them rowing per boat, they moved at about the same speed as when they were using the motor.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    They docked the boats between the rocks, then jumped into the water and grabbed the boats.

    Kang Chan nodded to the WARFLOT soldiers.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Two soldiers jumped into the water, which rose from their knees to their waists with each sway, for every wave that hit the boats.

    Kang Chan was thest to get off the boat. He gave a thumbs up to WARFLOT soldiers who manned the boats.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    By the time Kang Chan heard the waves hit the shores again, the boat was already some distance away. They were so fast that they seemed like ghosts.

    Kang Chan and his team would move once the waves retreated back to the sea.

    Kang Chan crouched close to the rocks and examined the shore.

    As Kim Hyung-Jung said, North Korea didn¡¯t have searchlights on. Right now, they could only see theplicatedly installed wire mesh.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kwak Cheol-Ho went to Kang Chan¡¯s side.

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t gotten a bad feeling about this yet. He turned to the left and slowly examined the ce where he guessed the guard post would be. As he expected, he found a guard post, rocks, and a sand dune.

    <i>I can only see one guard post so far.</i>

    Kang Chan looked to their right. Due to the dark rocks around them, he could only guess where the guard post would be, not pinpoint it.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    The waves sshed against them, drenching their thighs and butt. Even so, they couldn¡¯t just recklessly rush into enemy territory.

    He had to decide whether to dash to the rock that was five meters in front of them or wait until the guards¡¯ shift was over so they could properly locate the guard post to their right.

    However, if they waited for so long that the sun started rising, they would be losing a golden opportunity.

    Kang Chan pointed to the guard post to their left with his index and middle fingers, which was a signal that told their snipers to aim for wherever theirmanding officer was pointing. In response, Kwak Cheol-Ho immediately issued an order to the snipers.

    Kang Chan then gestured at Seok Kang-Ho and pointed to the ground with both his index fingers. He was telling him that they were going to secure the target location that they would soon be heading to.

    They began to prepare for their next move.

    With Seok Kang-Ho now on standby, the snipers aimed their rifles at the guard post.

    It was only five meters away.

    Even if the enemies in the guard post found Kang Chan and his team running toward them, they were at a distance where as long as they didn¡¯t have their guns pointed at the South Korean special forces teams, they wouldn''t be able to immediately pull the trigger.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    As soon as the waves crashed on the shore and retreated back to the sea, Kang Chan began making his way toward the rock, which was his goal.

    <i>Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.</i>

    The rocks on the ground were seemingly crushed with each step they took.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t waste any time now¡ªstopping halfway through was no different from him dancing around in the open and asking their enemies to shoot him.

    As soon as he reached the rock, he pressed himself against it.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    The rock had tumbled over toward the sea.

    Their enemies didn¡¯t seem to have noticed them yet, considering they hadn¡¯t shown any response. Moreover, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t getting a bad feeling from this either.

    To the left of the rock was a path that they could use to go up the slope that was one meter tall.

    There was the ceasefire line to worry about, but if they could cut the chain at the very bottom, then it would be easy to climb onto the slope.

    Dayeru was the most reliable person in times like this.

    It was better not to use the radio, but they didn¡¯t have any other way tomunicate right now.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Daye, you¡¯re up,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Another wave violently crashed against the shores and headed back.

    <i>Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.</i>

    At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho quickly approached Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan gestured to the ceasefire line with his head, and Seok Kang-Ho answered with glinting eyes.

    As the sound of the waves rushed toward them¡­

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡­ Seok Kang-Ho cut the chain at the very bottom of the ceasefire line. Kang Chan then patted Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s shoulder and pointed to the top.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    With the noises from the sea covering their tracks, Kang Chan stepped on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s hands and pulled himself up.

    Despite the rocks and the pine trees in the distance, Kang Chan finally got a clear view of the guard post to their left.

    He then looked to their right. He could see their surroundings a bit better from where he was propped up, but he still couldn¡¯t find the other guard post. At the very least, he felt relieved because they had rock formations in front of them, which they could use for cover, and the ck sea behind them. Hence, their enemies also found it difficult to detect them.

    Their snipers still had their guns aimed at the guard post to their left. Since they couldn¡¯t find the one to their right, Kang Chan decided to guess where it would be based on the location he saw on the map earlier. He then pointed to where it could be.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Move to the rock in pairs,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    As ordered, the soldiers came over in pairs, moving along with each hit of the waves.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    Kang Chan could hear his own breathing. His heart wasn¡¯t pounding yet.

    <i>Swoosh. Crunch. Crunch.</i>

    The moment the waves grew unusually quiet, Kang Chan began to hear his subordinates stepping on the rocks.

    Kang Chan sharply red and aimed his gun to his right.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    After a while, he heard the waves again.

    Kang Chan had to trust Seok Kang-Ho and his subordinates¡¯ judgments while they were below the rock.

    Right now, it would be best to focus on taking out the enemies that they could see.

    They still hadn¡¯t discovered the damn guard post that was supposed to be to their right. If it was made by boring a hole through the rocks or by digging a trench and building a bunker, then Kang Chan and his team would certainly have trouble finding it from where they were. For all he knew, the enemies there could have already detected him and his team and were already aiming their guns at them.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even tell the soldiers to hurry since they couldn¡¯t move in crowds.

    After the waves hit the shores a few times more¡­

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    ¡­ Kwak Cheol-Ho came up from the left side of the rock.

    Kang Chan pointed to his eyes with his index and middle finger, then pointed to the guard post to their left. In response, Kwak Cheol-Ho began closely monitoring it, allowing Kang Chan to look for the guard post to their right.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    The soldiers climbed up the rock one at a time.

    Considering they cut the chains of the ceasefire line, their enemies would find out that someone infiltrated their territory by tomorrow anyway.

    Kang Chan and his team had to move as far as they could from this ce before that happened.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle. Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    After the soldiers went up to the rock, they got into position.

    <i>Swoosh. Click.</i>

    Finally, Seok Kang-Ho grabbed the hand of a soldier on top of the rock and climbed up.

    Kang Chan estimated the distance between them and the mountains on the horizon. From here, he concluded that it would take them two hours to reach the mountains. They had to get past the national road and rail as well.

    It was thirty minutes past one right now.

    ].

    Kang Chan crouched as low as he could while leading the way.

    They were twenty minutes away from their next stop. If nothing happened within that time, then they would be able to get out of the seashore guard posts¡¯ range of vision.

    When moving at night, making sure they didn¡¯t make any sounds was of the utmost importance. They also had to move slowly enough for anyone ncing over the area to not notice them.

    After about ten minutes, they came across a small pine grove.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t see anything inside it that bothered him. His guts didn¡¯t find anything wrong with it either.

    Things were going so well that Kang Chan was starting to wonder if things could be this easy.

    They walked very slowly. The best-case scenario that they could hope for right now was to remain undiscovered until the sun rose.

    Kang Chan slowly stood up upon entering the forest. The wind from the sea noisily went past him.

    Kang Chan looked back at Seok Kang-Ho, then nodded. In response, Seok Kang-Ho and the soldiers squatted down and got into position.

    An hour away from here, they would find a rice pady and a field. Another hour beyond that, they would rhea the national road, a railway, and a mountain.

    Dayeru and Kwak Cheol-Ho brought up the rear of their formation. Dayeru was on the left, and Kwak Cheol-Ho was on the right.

    As Kang Chan made his way through the dark forest, he gradually picked up the pace.

    During times like this, the only things he could trust were his eyes and his intuition.

    He couldn¡¯t let his guard down because his instincts weren''t warning him about anything, but even if it did, he still couldn¡¯t waste any time.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    The sounds of the waves no longer reached them, but it was reced by the wind noisily reverberating as it blew past the forest.

    If their senses became overly sensitive now, then there was a chance that one of them would mistake a branch for a gun or an enemy with a dagger. If they opened fire because of that, then everything would be over.

    On the other hand, if they stumbled upon an enemy but hesitated to take them down because they weren¡¯t sure if it was a branch, then they would be faced with an irrevocable consequence.

    <i>Swish. Whish.</i>

    The trees swayed as the wind blew violently.

    <i>I trust them. I have to trust them.</i>

    During times like this, Kang Chan had to trust his subordinates. They already had the skills to differentiate a branch from their enemy anyway.

 Chapter 180.1: So just keep running (1)

    <h4>Chapter 180.1: So just keep running (1)</h4>

    <i>Swoosh, whoosh, whoosh. </i>The men had finally stepped foot into North Korean territory. After about another hour of traveling, the dense forest finally gave way to andscape that was dotted with scattered trees between some rice paddies and fields.

    Kang Chan quickly scanned his surroundings. It would take another hour or so to reach the mountains in the far distance.

    There was no knowing when the North Korean enemies would discover the wire that they severed. The best case scenario would be if it was discovered during the morning check, but if they decided to perform an inspection in between the guard rotations, Kang Chan¡¯s breach would be noticed immediately.

    For now, he decided to set the giant propaganda sign with the words ¡°Great Leader¡± or something and a chubby man extending his hand to point at the air as his initial target. Once they reached it, he nned to make his team hide among the trees in the back for cover.

    Kang Chan raised his index finger to gesture directions for Team One, then pointed his index and middle fingers down at the ground, mimicking running motions with his hand. Afterward, he pointed at the ground with his left index finger and made a signal with his right index and middle fingers, ordering the second and third teams to provide cover for the first team.

    The members of Team One all looked Kang Chan in the eyes with understanding. They remained on standby around him, prepared to execute themand.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Teams Two and Three aimed their guns at their nks.

    <i>One, two.</i>

    The men crouched down and moved as silently as they could. The path¡ªa wet, damp road between rice paddies and fields¡ªwas slippery, and their boots would asionally get stuck to the ground.

    With their military gear and rifles in hand, they had to cover a distance of about three hundred meters. They also had to move at a fast pace with their backs hunched over, which only made things worse. If it wasn¡¯t for the arduous training they normally did and the tough determination that coursed them through, they would have found this situation difficult to ovee.

    The sticky ground felt as if it was tying down their feet.

    <i>¡°Haah, haah.¡±</i>

    As a result, rough panting sounds inevitably began to fill the silence.

    <i>Ssh. Ssh. Slop. Slop.</i>

    Upon crossing the hundred-meter mark, theirbat gear and weapons began to make nking noises as well. Faced with the decision to either slow down or ignore the sounds, Kang Chan continued to stride forward, ignoring the noise and quickly scanning both sides. They couldn¡¯t miss this opportune window of time when the night was heavy and everyone was in a deep sleep. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t be more grateful that there weren¡¯t any 24-hour convenience stores or any lodges around this area. Only a few old houses that looked like something he had only seen on TV were in the distance.

    <i>Tat, tat.</i>

    Hiding behind the political sign, Kang Chan assigned positions for the soldiers to stand in.

    <i>Click, click, click.</i>

    The men arranged themselves in a circle around him and pointed their rifles in the direction they were in charge of.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Team Three, go,¡± Kang Chanmanded over the radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho responded.

    Kang Chan strategically made Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s team leave first in case anything were to suddenly happen. The best and safest option was for Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho to cover the third team from behind.

    Kang Chan thought the soldiers were truly well-trained for operations. However, he couldn¡¯t help but be anxious as he watched them move.

    <i>Click, click, click, click.</i>

    <i>¡°Haah, haah.¡±</i>

    When Team Three finally reached their positions, Kang Chan ordered Kwak Cheol-Ho to cover them from behind this time.

    <i>Next up is Dayeru.</i>

    Kang Chan pressed the button on his radio to give orders.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    As he did, he noticed a light shing from far away. It was moving rapidly back and forth, which meant that it wasn¡¯t from a car or a bicycle¡ªit was the movement of a handheld shlight.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Dayeru, we¡¯ve been discovered. Just run!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Kang Chan straightened up and began to open fire.

    <i>Ssh. Ssh. Ssh. Ssh. Slop. Slop.</i>

    At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho and the members of his team quickly came dashing over.

    <i>¡°Haah, haah.¡±</i>

    They could hear people shouting in the distance. The moving lights began to converge around the propaganda sign.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    ¡°Daye! Run to the mountain up ahead! Kwak Cheol-Ho, you take the middle. Team One and I will cover the rear,¡± Kang Chan instructed them.

    <i>Rumble. Tat, tat.</i>

    As soon as Kang Chan gave orders, Seok Kang-Ho immediately began to rush forward. Kwak Cheol-Ho and the rest of Team Two slid past Kang Chan and also bolted out.

    The rays from the shlights were now about two hundred meters in front of them. Kang Chan estimated the enemy squad to have six or so soldiers.

    ¡°Follow them!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    At hismand, his team members all began to run.

    Leaning on the propaganda sign, Kang Chan aimed at the enemy figures faintly illuminated by the light.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    Sparks flew out as gunshots ripped through the quiet silence of the night.

    <i>Those motherfuckers!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Threenterns fell to the ground, illuminating the area.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Ping! Ping! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan pulled the trigger twice in the direction where more sparks flew about. As he did, he realized that he bastards couldn¡¯t shoot in the direction of the propaganda sign. Even if it was extremely dark, they had to have seen the sparksing from Kang Chan¡¯s gun, yet they still chose to aim for the advancing team in the distance.

    Their pursuit was blocked just enough. If they got any further away, there would be no way to catch them.

    Kang Chan quickly turned around and began to speed off.

    Ssh. Ssh. Click. Click.

    The dampness hidden in the darkness rushed over him, but Kang Chan just kept running with all his might.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kwak Cheol-Ho were also running with every ounce of strength they had, so if Kang Changged behind even slightly, he would be left behind.

    The soldiers up ahead appeared dimly ck in the distance. There was no sign of light from behind or from past the surrounding fields.

    <i>¡°Hah, hah.¡±</i>

    He didn¡¯t have time to control his pace or even show the slightest hesitation. He could only focus on running as fast as he possibly could.

    After sprinting for about two minutes, he finally caught up to the tail of Team One¡¯s members.

    <i>¡°Hah. Hah.¡±</i>

    He could hear loud and rough breathing as clear as he could hear their rifles and other weapons nking.

    <i>Click! Click! Click! Click!</i>

    Around five minutes had passed. In another five minutes, a strike team would mobilize to block the national highway.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart and body began to rebel against the pain all this running was causing him, but this was better than dying. It was a hundred times better to run nonstop than to be captured, tortured, and wait to be killed.

    Two minutester, the dark silhouettes of the team members running ahead of him suddenly rose up and sank back down again.

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    It was a lot easier to run now that they were on the drynd. Moreover, from where they were, they could see the other side of the national highway just a little further.

    The team members and Kang Chan dashed through the highway and continued straight toward the mountain.

    <i>Click, click, click, click.</i>

    ¡°<i>Hah</i>! <i>Hah</i>!¡±

    It had already been ten minutes since they started sprinting at full throttle. He was in so much pain that he felt as if his nose was blocked, his chest was frustratingly being crushed, and his waist was about to snap.

    <i>Keep running! I have to!</i>

    <i>Slump!</i>

    From ahead, someone fell to the ground.

    <i>Slump! Slump!</i>

    ].

    Two other team members tripped over the fallen soldier¡¯s leg, causing them to fall as well.

    ¡°Get up! Run!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    If they stopped here, they would all be dead. At the very least, someone had to reach the mountains first and get into a good enough position to provide cover.

    Kang Chan tightly grabbed the military gear of the two soldiers who tripped over the other¡¯s leg and pulled them up.

    ¡°Go! Hurry!¡± Kang Chan firmly ordered.

    The panting soldiers ran forward.

    Kang Chan gripped the strap of the first soldier to fall and brought him back to his feet as well.

    <i>Fuck!</i>

    The soldier was gritting his teeth. Kang Chan swallowed the curse at the tip of his tongue when he saw the soldier¡¯s arm. His middle and pinky fingers werepletely bent backward, likely caught in his rifle.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-underlineAlways ww-nw4feq" tabindex="0" type="button"><span ss="MuiBadge-badge h-16 text-[0.6rem] text-gray-100 MuiBadge-standard MuiBadge-anchorOriginTopR

    </button>

 Chapter 180.2: So just keep running (1)

    <h4>Chapter 180.2: So just keep running (1)</h4>

    The strength was being drained from the soldier¡¯s body as much as Kang Chan was supporting him. He was letting himself go. The pain from his fingers was likely rapidly rushing in on him, and his exhausted lungs were probably demanding he get some rest.

    ¡°You¡¯re not a member of the special forces if you stop here, got that? So keep running!¡± Kang Chan roared.

    ¡°<i>Arrgh</i>!¡± the soldier cried out as tears sprang to his eyes.

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    Still, he pushed himself to run.

    <i>¡°Argh! Arrrgh!¡±</i>

    Oveing his limits, the soldier moaned loudly.

    The two of them ran side by side. To catch up with the rest of the team who were up front, they had to be quicker.

    <i>ck. ck. ck. ck.</i>

    Kang Chan realized why the road suddenly became more challenging to tackle¡ªthey were on a railroad track covered in gravel.

    Kang Chan and the soldier sprinted over the tracks faster.

    On the uphill path, the soldier stumbled for the second time, but Kang Chan quickly grabbed onto his military gear.

    <i>Thud, thud!</i>

    However, Kang Chan failed to ovee the weight of the soldier this time. He fell along with him.

    <i>¡°Hah, hah.¡±</i>

    Kang Chan immediately stood up and removed the team member¡¯s gear from his body.

    ¡°Get up, motherfucker!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    The soldier¡¯s right hand was as swollen as a rubber glove filled with air.

    ck!

    Kang Chan slung the soldier¡¯s gear on his back and positioned it diagonally across his soldiers.

    ¡°<i>Hah, hah.</i> What do you think General Choi would say if he saw you?¡± Kang Chan asked rebukingly.

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>,¡± the soldier groaned.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right, punk!¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    The two resumed running. Maybe it was because he wasn¡¯t carrying his gear anymore or because mentioning Choi Seong-Geon got to him, but the soldier didn¡¯t slow down anymore.

    Kang Chan felt as if his neck and waist were going to be snapped in half.

    Despite all the problems they had, they finally crossed over the railroad tracks.

    They were now only five to ten minutes away from their destination. Kang Chan could even see the foot of the mountains now from where they were. It wasn¡¯t too far off.

    It was a damning incline, but seeing it motivated them more.

    <i>Weeoo. Weeoo. Weeoo. Weeoo.</i>

    The sound of old sirens echoed from the distance.

    <i>¡®You¡¯re toote, motherfuckers!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan and all of his team members would have the upper hand for as long as they could enter the mountains.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Why was it that all the operations he went on never went smoothly?

    <i>¡°Hah, hah!¡±</i>

    Kang Chan could feel his limits trying to stop him. With every step he took, it felt as if another person was climbing onto his back. In moments like this, Kang Chan could feel the weight of death approaching him. If he was toote or someone from behind started raining bullets on them, everything would be over.

    Kang Chan lived tenaciously. It was always those who were alone who became mercenaries, and he only ever felt joy in life when he opened his heart up to his men. Hence, he always found the pain of losing people like them horrifying and unbearable.

    <i>¡°Hah! Hah!¡±</i>

    Although taking another step was as tough as dying, he couldn¡¯t stop. If he stopped or slowed down, he would really die.

    <i>Thwack, thwack!</i>

    From up ahead, Kang Chan could hear the sound of someone tapping his rifle¡¯s buttstock with his hand.

    It was Dayeru. He was now in position and prepared to cover him while helping Kang Chan find where to go as well.

    ¡°<i>Argh! Arrgh</i>!¡± the soldier groaned again.

    <i>This son of a bitch! You got this! You should¡¯ve run like this earlier!</i>

    The dark mountain was right in front of them. He could see the trees and the steep ridge higher above as well as the silhouettes of their team members and the muzzles of their rifles pointed in their direction.

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly grabbed Kang Chan.

    ¡°<i>Hah</i>! Up! Go up!¡± Kang Chan ordered through his teeth.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t refuse Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s help, who was taking off his military gear.

    <i>ck!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho now carried the weight of the equipment.

    To be honest, carrying the gear all the way up the mountain would have been a burden, so Kang Chan left it to Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan also injected some morphine into the broken fingers of the soldier he was just running with. As soon as he was done, they began to climb up the steep ridge of the mountain.

    <i>Weeoo. Weeoo. Weeoo.</i>

    The siren sounds became clearer and clearer. Quite a few lights were nowing from the distance.

    <i>Are you really nning to cross the railroad tracks by car? Try all you want!</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth as he went up the path.

    There was nothing much to life. Was it so strange to eat jjamppong with the chief of the president¡¯s security and the director of the National Intelligence Service and then run across North Korean territory a few dayster?

    <i>ck! ck! Crack!</i>

    <i>¡°Hah! Hah!¡±</i>

    Pain throbbed all over him. It was as if his body was asking him if he had gone mad.

    <i>¡®Whatever! Come at me with everything!¡¯</i>

    Even if his waist snapped or his shoulder was dislocated, he would do whatever it took to live.

    He would fight for as long as he had to until all the men who were with him returned home alive.

    <i>tter! Swish!</i>

    Small pebbles rolled down the incline, causing some soldiers to slip.

    Maybe it was because they were in the mountains, but it was incredibly darker than usual. They had smeared camouge cream on their faces, so only the whites of the soldiers¡¯ eyes were visible. It was quite a scene watching all of them climb up the mountain.

    The light came closer to the entrance of the mountain.

    <i>Ha. Those motherfucks are in for a panting treat.</i>

    From this point forward, it would be a battle of who couldst longer. Kang Chan had experienced this kind of fight so many times that he was now sick of it, but that also served as evidence that he had never once lost in these battles.

    <i>¡°Hah! Hah!¡±</i>

    He knew the soldiers had already pushed themselves past their limits, but that didn¡¯t mean they could stop here.

    Everyone was well aware of that too.

    That was why they braced their trembling legs on the steep ground and clung to the vines and rocks with their scratched and injured hands as they climbed up.

    About twenty minutes further into their infiltration, Kang Chan could no longer see anything when he looked down at the mountain. He could only see the headlights of cars in the distance and stationary lights from ever further.

    ¡°Halt!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    At hismand, the team members let out the gasps for air that they had been holding in.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take a short break here,¡± Kang Chan announced.

    <i>Slump! Slump!</i>

    Kang Chan heard all the soldiers plopping down to the ground.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan hoisted his rifle onto his shoulder and raised his left leg onto a rock as he scanned the surroundings below.

    <i>ck!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho threw down the extra military gear he had to carry and walked over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Damn. We almost died back there,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    If someone heard their conversation, they would probably think that they were no longer in danger and had gone back to South Korea.

    Kang Chan was so thirsty that his throat felt as if it was on fire.

    ¡°Turn around,¡± Kang Chan ordered Seok Kang-Ho.

    When Seok Kang-Ho did as instructed, Kang Chan reached into his gear and dug through it until he found a water pouch that looked like an IV drip bag.

    <i>Glug. Glug.</i>

    He felt like he could drink all the water in the world. He couldn¡¯t drink too much, though, since doing that would make his body too weak.

 Chapter 181: So just keep running (2)

    <h4>Chapter 181: So just keep running (2)</h4>

    The fog settled as dawn broke and the sun rose.

    Having gone quite far up the mountain, the air around them was starting to be extremely cold. At five minutes past eight, they started going up the second peak.

    Even though they had been walking for over five hours and had only drunk water once, none of the soldiers had fallen behind.

    They had the patience and physical strength that Choi Seong-Geon would¡¯ve been proud of.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Squads up front, stop.¡±

    Upon hearing Kang Chan¡¯s orders on the radio, everyone felt a strange nervousness.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Daye, secure the area beyond the rock and have some of the men guard the perimeter,¡± Kang Chan said again.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan could see a boulder on the mountain¡¯s slope, which had a sunken area in front of it. What Kang Chan liked the most about it was the huge pile of leaves on it.

    Soek Kang-Ho and the rest of Team Two went around and stepped on the leaves. He then had three of his subordinates guard the area from three different positions.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s Team Three and Kang Chan¡¯s Team One, which brought up the rear, all gathered in one ce.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, station two soldiers up there. Everyone else, eat,¡± Kang Chan said.

    At Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s signal, two soldiers quickly went up the part of the mountain where Kang Chan was pointing. Since the area both in front and behind it went downhill, the soldiers could easily spot anyone who approached them.

    The soldiers sat back against boulders and drank some water.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho took off his military gear and sat near Kang Chan.

    This time, they shared the water that Kang Chan was carrying. Afterward, they had C-rationsposed of sandwiches, biscuits, chocte, and thinly sliced ham. They had to eat and sleep whenever they could.

    From guns to C-rations, the special forces team was equipped with everything they would need in this operation.

    Kang Chan looked at the soldier sitting next to him. He was eating a biscuit with his hand, which had gone from blue to ck due to his finger injury.

    ¡°How¡¯s your finger?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The soldier swallowed the remaining biscuit in his mouth, then said, ¡°It¡¯s bearable.¡±

    ¡°Put a twig next to it and tie your finger to it. Get a shot of morphine if the pain gets too much.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Finishing their meal in five minutes, some of the soldiers reced those on guard duty so thetter could eat and rest.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, split your team into pairs of two. They¡¯ll each rest for ten minutes,¡± Kang Chanmanded, and Kwak Cheol-Ho skillfully ryed his instructions to his men.

    At times like this, they felt much better even if they slept for just five minutes. The soldiersy down on the leaves and turned to the side.

    When the sun rose, they felt their damp body drying up.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to sleep?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sleep first¡ªlet¡¯s switch in ten minutes.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Seok Kang-Hoy on his side and curled up.

    Kang Chan leaned back against a rock.

    He already expected that they would be discovered the morning after they infiltrated North Korea, but he didn¡¯t expect they would face a battle so early into the operation as well.

    They reached this area exceptionally quicker than he nned since the soldiers were so well-trained. If they kept going at this rate, then they would likely reach Sinpyeong within a day, which was where Jang Kwang-Taek was.

    Even if their enemies sent their troops in the right direction to chase after them, Kang Chan and his team would still have at least two hours of extra time before their enemies could get to where they were.

    Moreover, since they were deep in the mountains, their enemies would find it difficult to guess Kang Chan and his team¡¯s next move. Could they even imagine that only twenty-four people came to North Korea to take down Jang Kwang-Taek?

    They woulde across two anti-aircraft forts before reaching Shinpyeong: One past two mountaintops and another past the third summit.

    The best they could do was to keep things simple, aplish their goals, and return alive as fast as they could.

    <i>Those sons of bitches have to be punished for messing with someone dear to us.</i>

    As Kang Chan took deep breaths, he heard a soldier say, ¡°Time to switch.¡±

    In response, another soldier woke up Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    The soldiers near him, including Seok Kang-Ho, also woke and sat up.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as he twisted his neck.

    <i>Crack. Crack.</i>

    <i>This fucker is surprisingly good at that.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up and examined their surroundings. He then told Kang Chan, ¡°Get some sleep.¡±

    ¡°Got it. Don¡¯tze around.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Kang Chany down on his side and fell asleep not long after.

    ***

    Kang Chan woke up from the feeling of someone tapping him.

    He felt much better than before.

    With his rifle hung on his side, Seok Kang-Ho handed Kang Chan a water pouch.

    <i>Howe those fuckers haven¡¯t used even just one helicopter to look for us?</i>

    Kang Chan thought hiding under all this cover seemed useless now.

    It was a quarter past eight in the morning.

    A soldier with a receiver in his ear held up a small radio in the air and red at the sky.

    Two minutes went by.

    The soldier looked from side to side for about another minute, turned off the radio, and took out the receiver in his ear.

    ¡°ording to the intel I received, military forces in downtown Pyeongyang seemed to have attempted to assassinate their supreme leader with a carst night. The military authorities apparently identified us as the disruptive forces sent here by the North Korean leader.¡±

    <i>What on earth is going on?</i>

    ¡°And because of that, Jang Kwang-Taek is now focusing the North Korean troops near Shinpyeong and the ceasefire line,¡± the soldier added.

    ¡°Then we¡¯re at least sure that son of a bitch is in Shinpyeong, right?¡± Seok Kang-Ho suddenly asked.

    ¡°They didn¡¯t specifically say anything about that,¡± the soldier replied.

    ¡°Gather around,¡± Kang Chan called everyone as he opened the map, put it in the middle, and pointed to a certain part of it.

    ¡°This is where we¡¯re at right now. At our current pace, we should reach Shinpyeong in twenty hours.¡± Kang Chan then slid his index finger across the map. ¡°This is Dokgeom-ri. If a problem urs, then we are to rendezvous here. You¡¯ll have to get here on your own.¡±

    The soldiers looked up from the map as Kang Chan continued, ¡°We have to be at Sinpyeong within fourteen hours. That means our estimated time of arrival is at ten this evening. We¡¯ll carry out the operation in the dead of the night and escape before dawn.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho inhaled loudly.

    ¡°Our enemies are two hours behind us, and that gap will only keep growing since they have to get here first during their search. Now, our battle will be all about how quickly we can get to Shinpyeong. Any questions?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Silence.

    Kang Chan picked up the map, folded it, and put it in his inner chest pocket.

    ¡°Team One and I will take the front. Kwak Cheol-Ho, have Team Three stay in the middle. Daye and Team Two will bring up the rear. We¡¯ll head out once everyone is ready,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The soldiers answered with their gazes.

    <i>We can do it. Let¡¯s go!</i>

    Starting with Kang Chan, the soldiers patted each others¡¯ helmets. Doing this made them strangely emotional.

    Kang Chan then walked to the front and chose which path they should take.

    The best option was to walk along the ridge, but that would make it easy for their enemies to see them. Fortunately, the mountain was tall and hadrge enough trees to negate that disadvantage for now.

    Those who had no experience in increasing their pace¡ªeven a little bit¡ªwhile walking or running didn¡¯t know what it felt like. They wouldn¡¯t notice anything at first, but as they picked up the pace, they would quickly tire out and their military gear would gradually feel heavier.

    Those in front of the formation had to maintain their speed, keep their guard up, and choose the best paths to take all at the same time.

    <i>Clunk. Clunk. Crunch. Crunch.</i>

    The sounds of their rifle and military gear rang out in beat with their footsteps.

    These soldiers had already gone on operations with Kang Chan before, so they already knew what to do during basic guard duty and were skilled enough to know how nervous they should be based on Kang Chan¡¯s reactions.

    They had been walking for about forty minutes when, for the first time, Kang Chan¡¯s nerves stood on edge.

    They were on a tall mountain, which made it difficult for their opponents to fend them off since they had no idea where Kang Chan and his team were. Nevertheless, he felt anxious.

    When Kang Chan¡¯s aura changed, the soldiers behind him started bing nervous, causing a chain reaction all the way to the back of their formation.

    Kang Chan slung his rifle off his right shoulder and put his index finger on the trigger.<button ss="MuiButtonBase-root MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-inherit MuiLink-root MuiLink-

    </button>

 Chapter 182.1: The worst of luck (1)

    <h4>Chapter 182.1: The worst of luck (1)</h4>

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>¡°Keegh!¡±</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho shot an enemy through the cheek, making thetter shout in pain.

    <i>Pew! Thud!</i>

    At the same time, Kang Chan put a hole through the same bastard¡¯s forehead.

    <i>That seems about all of them.</i>

    Kang Chan nodded at Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Patter. Crunch. Crunch.</i>

    People often had three kinds of reactions to the sudden emergence ofbat. Some soldiers stood their ground and remained unwavering instead of getting intimidated. During conflicts that involved multiple enemies, they were the ones who could be trusted never to back down from a fight.

    Naturally, Kang Chan shot all of those soldiers in the forehead. There were also soldiers who waited for the right opportunity or bid their time until their opponents finallyunched the first attack. However, Seok Kang-Ho eliminated all of them earlier when he took the lower ground.

    The most bothersome and annoying bastards during these cleanup operations were the ones who were neither¡ªthose who would make their bed and never move from that spot. They would do everything in their power to stay alive until the very end of the conflict even if that meant hiding throughout the entire battle. Once their opponent¡¯s guards were down, they would finally let bullets fly. The shots fired while everyone was smoking because they thought the battle was already over usually came from these punks.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Kang Chan had never failed tond a bullet in his opponent¡¯s forehead. Others could not help but be fascinated by the fact that he could perform such a feat, but the reason he could was simple: everything just moved more slowly for him. The split second that the branches of the trees and the waist-high grass tilted in the wind in slow motion was enough for Kang Chan to see the enemies¡¯ foreheads, eyes, or even throats.

    Today was no different.

    <i>Click! Pew! Pew! Thud! Thud!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho immediately bolted forward after Kang Chan pulled the trigger again. He raised his index and middle fingers twice at him.

    <i>¡®Twenty-two enemies? That means we¡¯re still missing one.¡¯</i>

    Realizing the meaning behind Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Seok Kang-Ho turned around and raised his gun.

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going, motherfucker?¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted.

    Theirst opponent seemed to have attempted to go back down the mountain alone. His death marked the end of the battle.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart rate slowed down, and he no longer heard anyone¡¯s breaths. Most importantly, his gut feeling didn¡¯t nag at him anymore. To him, that was enough evidence that they avoided imminent danger.

    <i>Crunch. Crunch.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho walked back over to Kang Chan with a look of disbelief on his face. He felt as if he was watching a monster that evolved with every operation.

    <i>I can¡¯t believe I picked a fight with someone like him!</i>

    The Algerian Dayeru was big and bulky, so it hurt his pride when he first met and was put on the same level as Kang Chan, a slim Asian male. He couldn¡¯t understand why people put him in the same league as that man. However, when they finally traded blows, Dayeru felt as if Kang Chan was beating him up with a steel hammer; Kang Chan had been so fast that he couldn¡¯t even see the punchesing.

    Seok Kang-Ho remembered the pain he felt when Kang Channded a jab to his side, throat, and sr plexus. When he curled up on the ground, spit drooling from his mouth, Kang Chan mercilessly stepped on him.

    <i>¡®I can¡¯t let some Asian punk keep beating me up! That¡¯s embarrassing as fuck!¡¯</i>

    When Dayeru woke back up, he found Kang Chan leisurely drinking some beer. The same thing happened two more times. After all, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t the type to back down from the fight either.

    On the third time, Dayeru couldn¡¯t even raise his fists when he saw the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. At that moment, he realized he would actually die if he pushed Kang Chan any further.

    That incident happened in a small bar in Paris.

    Seok Kang-Ho still didn¡¯t know why, but he felt terribly upset at the time. He even sobbed like a little baby. Kang Chan told him something as he handed him a beer back then, but he didn¡¯t understand what it was.

    Fuck. How was Dayeru supposed to know that Kang Chan would take him as a mercenary after beating him to a pulp?

    After that, they went to a ce where carrying guns around was legal and killing people didn¡¯t have repercussions. Kang Chan turned a blind eye when Dayeru beat up people who ordered him to make some coffee. After that, Dayeru went against Kang Chan¡¯smands two more times, one of which was during an operation called Mission Mang.

    Instead of listening to Kang Chan, who told him to stand down, Dayeru trusted his own gut and ended up taking a knife to his shoulder in a small room. A curved knife¡ªone reminiscent of a crescent moon¡ªthat was tied to a pir swung toward his throat.

    Dayeru would never forget what he witnessed that day. Kang Chan leaped into the room with a bay in hand and confronted the enemy with fierce determination. When their eyes met briefly, Dayeru saw it.

    <i>¡®Don¡¯t you dare die, motherfucker! Live!¡¯</i>

    Fuck. He didn¡¯t expect the same person who beat him up as if he nned to kill him would try so goddamn hard to save him.

    That was when Dayeru realized that Kang Chan was extremely lonely as well. From that moment on, he began to genuinely depend on him.

    ¡°You motherfucker!¡± Kang Chan, who was covered in blood, cursed in Korean as he shed the knife from the rope.

    After that day, Dayeru learned just how legendary of a figure Kang Chan was in Africa and in the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces. Kang Chan destroyed anyone who looked down on him because he was Asian.

    Compared to the others, Dayeru¡¯s encounter with him was one of the milder incidents.

    The bastards who mocked Kang Chan the day he failed to protect rookie chicks had to quite literally crawl away to escape from him.

    Some people would likely think Dayeru was exaggerating, but he wasn¡¯t. He learned that the hard way when he used his own arm to block the knife that Kang Chan was swinging at those punks. Kang Chan wasn¡¯t trying to scare them off¡ªhe was actually trying to kill them.

    Dayeru could not help but bow down to him in respect.

    On the battlefield that nobody wanted to remember, Kang Chan kept the rookie chicks and hisrades in his heart.

    Seok Kang-Ho was now much older than Kang Chan, yet he still felt the same way.

    Kang Chan would always be worthy of admiration. After all, he wasn¡¯t just the one who decided who lived or died on the battlefield. He would never abandon Seok Kang-Ho for as long as he lived either. Even if he died, Kang Chan still wouldn¡¯t brush him off or forget about him.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan suddenly asked.

    /p>

    Seok Kang-Ho jumped, having been brought back to reality.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are you okay?¡± Kang Chan continued. He even turned around to check if something was behind him.

    ***

    Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun sat on a wooden bench that didn¡¯t have a backrest in the middle of a path. Jeon Dae-Geuk was standing next to them, ncing at the security guards.

    ¡°We believe some forces in China are supporting Jang Kwang-Taek by providing him with information,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun stayed silent, his lips tightly pressed together in a stiff expression.

    ¡°We have noticed signs showing that Jang Kwang-Taek is preparing to take military action. His attempt to assassinate the Supreme Leader is likely also rted to his n. If a war breaks out on the Korean Penins, it will be difficult for Yang Bum to maintain his influence over the Chinese intelligence bureau,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyung added.

    ¡°Regardless, these issues could be resolved with Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s death,¡± Moon Jae-Jyun grimly stated.

    A short moment of silence followed right after.

    ¡°Considering Jang Kwang-Taek has control over the military, it is also highly possible that the North Korean leadership gave him the information,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun exined.

    ¡°What is the United States¡¯ reaction to all this?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun inquired.

    ¡°At present, the United States Forces in Korea are under a curfew and have strict restrictions on leaving the base. It appears that they consider it a priority for us to confess and offer our apologies to North Korea first.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun let out a quiet sigh before speaking up again.

    ¡°We have to avoid war at all costs. Failure to do that would not only result in too many sacrifices among our people. It could also lead to the Korean Penins bing a spoil divided among the powerful countries. Changes in culture,nguage, and customs would mean the end of our nation.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun paused for a moment to look around.

    ¡°Is there any way to bring our soldiers back through our line with North Korea?¡±

    ¡°Mr. President, at the moment, those men are our only hope,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun replied.

    ¡°They have already been exposed. Doesn¡¯t that mean the chances of their sess are almost non-existent?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk questioned.

    Hwang Ki-Hyung surveyed their surroundings as well before replying.

    ¡°We are nning to bring the second highest-ranking member of the North Korean leadership to South Korea from Europe.¡±

    Pretending not to hear anything, Jeon Dae-Geuk checked if the security guards were all in their correct positions.

    ¡°All of our agents in Europe have been mobilized. So far, we have found more than five high-ranking North Koreans who have expressed their intentions to seek asylum. Jang Kwang-Taek is also aware of that, which is why he can¡¯t proceed with a military confrontation immediately. However, your most important task seems to be smoothing our rtions with the United States soon, Mr. President.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun slowly stood up from the bench and began to walk back to his office. Hwang Ki-Hyun followed behind him.

    ¡°I will contact the agents again tonight. But even when I do, it will still be difficult for us to use our assets in North Korea since everyone has their eyes on each other right now,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow afternoon, the Aigle will be entering our waters. The United States, China, and Russia will all be on high alert. The best we can hope for right now is for you to improve our rtions with the United States by then.¡±

    ¡°Did France really dispatch the Aigle expecting this kind of situation? This incident really highlights the importance of information warfare. <i>Whew</i>! Look what we¡¯re doing, though. We forced the next leading figure of the information world into operations¡­¡± Moon Jae-Hyun trailed off.

    ¡°Mr. President, Russia¡¯s Vasili, Britain¡¯s Eaton, and France¡¯s Lanok are all former special forces with experience in the field and a couple of operations under their belt. In Europe, those who have gone through such difficult missions are often respected the most. The harder the operation, the more respect they are given. I¡¯m sorry to Mr. Kang Chan for saying this, but if he returns alive from this operation, the way intelligence bureaus around the world view him will definitely change.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why we have to do our best to save Mr. Kang Chan. He is our only hope.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked up at the blue autumn sky and then turned his gaze toward the horizon again.

    ¡°I became the president of South Korea to create a proud nation where everyone is happy, but all I¡¯m doing right now is putting all the burden on Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders. I feel bad, and this may sound foolish, but I miss him too. I feel energized when I see that trademark smile of his,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun mumbled under his breath, staring toward the north.

 Chapter 182.2: The worst of luck (1)

    <h4>Chapter 182.2: The worst of luck (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth. They lost four of their men.

    Theyid the fallen out straight and folded their arms across their chests. As they did, he noticed that the soldier with the broken fingers was one of the fallen.

    Even with an injured hand and only filling his stomach with just dry biscuits and chocte, the man still managed toe all the way. However, he did so only to die in vain. He could not even groan the pain away because he did not want to dampen the morale of his fellow soldiers.

    This was why Kang Chan tried not to let anybody get close to him. Westerners who were ustomed to operations were quite adept at letting go of deadrades, but for Kang Chan, it was incredibly hard to endure these moments.

    They charged right into enemy territory. He was already expecting that they would have to make sacrifices, but that didn¡¯t make it any less painful to witness.

    ¡°Our enemies somehow know the path that we¡¯re taking. It¡¯s either someone betrayed us or we have been spotted by satellites that we can¡¯t detect,¡± Kang Chan said, breaking the silence.

    Everyone¡¯s gazes instantly shot to him.

    ¡°Given the situation, we have two options: either escape toward Dokgeom-ri or give up on the route we intended to take and find another path,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Kang Chan chuckled wryly as he looked in the direction they were nning to go.

    ¡°Since the operation has beenpromised, it would certainly be best to withdraw. Unfortunately, you all have the worst of luck for ending up with amander like me,¡± Kang Chan said sarcastically.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho audibly gulped.

    ¡°Still, I¡¯ll give you a chance to go back. If any of you want to go to Dokgeom-ri, step forward,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    Not a single person looked around to observe what the others were doing.

    Smirking, Kang Chan continued, ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s split into two teams. First, Seok Kang-Ho, you¡¯ll be joining me in the team that will be taking the front.¡±

    Although Seok Kang-Ho had no idea what Kang Chan was asking him to do, he still grinned widely in response.

    ¡°Now, who¡¯s the soldier who had been in an operation here,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Hong Ki-Yoon replied.

    ¡°Me, you, Seok Kang-Ho¡­ We need one more person.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s hand immediately shot up.

    ¡°You have tomand the other team,¡± Kang Chan refused.

    Every single soldier was holding up their hands like they were madmen on a mission to die.

    ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki,¡± Kang Chan named.

    ¡°Thank you, sir!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki replied shortly and directly.

    Kang Chan then pulled out a map.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, I will be running to Sinpyong as quickly as I can. In the meantime, you and the rest of the soldiers are to avoidbat with the enemy for as long as possible and take care of the AA guns located here,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°What should we do after that, sir?¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho asked.

    ¡°Hide and confuse the enemy. If you don¡¯t receive any further orders by twenty twenty-seven, head to Dokgeom-ri immediately,¡± Kang Chan instructed him.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho remained silent.

    ¡°Think coldly and logically as you did in France, China, and North Korea,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>Pat.</i>

    Kang Chan thumped Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s helmet.

    <i>Pat. Pat. Pat. Pat.</i>

    The soldiers hesitated when they first did it, but they now tapped Kang Chan¡¯s helmet confidently. As they did, they looked into each other¡¯s eyes. They would have to part ways for now, but they nned to meet again and have a smoke together once all of this was over. However, they could also be reunited as corpses. A few soldiers¡¯ eyes turned red, overwhelmed by emotion.

    The soldiers ced their fallenrades'' military gear and rifles on the bodies of the deceased, then took all their C-rations. They also tore off their pants and sleeves to block the bodies¡¯ noses and ears.

    <i>I¡¯m sorry. If only I could make judgments a little faster! If only I was more capable! Don¡¯t worry. I will do whatever it takes to take Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s head.</i>

    Kang Chan lifted his gaze from the fallen soldiers.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± hemanded.

    Once he began to move, Seok Kang-Ho, Yoon Sang-Ki, and Hong Ki-Yoon followed after him.

    ***

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s thin body was covered in wrinkles. At first nce, he looked like a kind neighborhood uncle, but his sunken eyes told an entirely different story.

    He wore the North Korean military uniform over loose pants, and he had medals pinned all over his chest and sleeves.

    ¡°Say that one more time,¡± Jang Kwang-Taek ordered.

    ¡°Ourmunication has beenpletely cut off,¡± replied his subordinate.

    Jang Kwang-Taek looked surprised.

    ¡°With three toons of light infantry soldiers, we shouldn¡¯t facemunication issues even in the DMZ, but you¡¯re not telling me that as soon as they arrived, we instantly lost not justmunication with them but two helicopters as well?¡± Jang Kwang-Taek asked in disbelief. He lifted his menacing gaze toward his aide.

    ¡°Send two light infantrypanies!¡± he ordered furiously.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the deputy said before leaving the room.

    Now alone, Jang Kwang-Taek approached the window and looked out at the mountains. Even though he was in a building for the Ministry of the People¡¯s Armed Forces, it was really just an old thirty-year-old concrete four-story facility. The department had influence because they were the core of the North Korean military power, but their building wasn¡¯trge or perfect in any way.

    If they were in good rtions with the North Korean leadership, they would¡¯ve been on the emergency base in Pyongyang instead.

    Jang Kwang-Taek frowned. The North Korean leadership had no idea how dangerous the current situation was. Their young, naive leader had no idea how significant it was for South Korea to have a youngmander acknowledged by both Russia and China.

    The guy instantly subdued Wui Min-Gook, assassinated Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s source of pride, annihted the soldiers in Mongolia, and foiled various other ns.

    That wasn¡¯t the end of it.

    He also killed Huh Geuk, one of North Korea¡¯s most avid supporters, and even made the Beijing Capital International Airport go up in mes. What was more surprising was the fact that he lived through all of that.

    And the Eurasian Rail? The moment South Korea was connected to it, the political system in North Korea would be ruined. Their young Supreme Leader had no idea. If the dedicated people of North Korea learned all about the outside world and reality, everything could change.

    Jang Kwang-Taek lit up the cigarette on his desk.

    <i>¡°Whew.¡±</i>

    <i>Should I avoid him?</i>

    No. The attention of the military was focused on him right now. If the leader of the People¡¯s Armed Forces ran away from a South Korean special forces team of only twenty people, he would lose their trust.

    ¡°That damn bastard!¡± Jang Kwang-Taek cursed as he crushed the cigarette butt. ¡°Come at me if you dare.¡±

    He red at the mountains again.

    Once he captured the young punk, he would have South Korea in the palm of his hand.

    Why else would the People¡¯s Armed Forces be in Sinpyeong? They had the 820 tank regiment and three light infantry battalions nearby. They also had four mechanized infantry units surrounding them.

    ¡°I will control South Korea with your head and get revenge on our fallen children in Mongolia.¡±

    When Huh Geuk died, China was engulfed by a strange turmoil. However, Jang Kwang-Taek nned to return everything to their rightful ce.

    ***

    The sun was about as high in the sky as Kang Chan¡¯s forehead.

    <i>¡°Haah. Haah.¡±</i>

    Even amid the rough sounds of breathing, the clinking of rifles, and the crunching of gravel under their feet, Kang Chan never slowed down.

    Yoon Sang-Ki couldn¡¯t help but think that they could end up dead at this rate.

    As he ran, he thought of their fallen brothers, Choi Seong-Geon, and his wife. Even so, he still couldn¡¯t stop fatigue from gripping his legs.

    He ate a packed dinnerst night, slept an hour, and slept for ten more minutes this morning. They had undergone three days of non-stop training, marched a thousand li[1], and endured harsh winter training. However, none of their training prepared them for sprinting through mountainous terrain without even an hour of rest.

    <i>¡°Haah. Haah.¡±</i>

    He felt embarrassed and apologetic to his deadrades. Still, he could never run like Kang Chan.

    His lungs were on the verge of exploding, his waist felt like it was about to snap, and his shoulders, bearing the weight of his rifle and gear, hurt so much that he felt as if they were being torn apart.

    <i>¡®I¡¯ve reached my limit now.¡¯</i>

    They had been running for a little past an hour now.

    His mental and physical strength were gone, and his legs no longer listened to him.

    <i>Rumble! Crash!</i>

    Even so, he wouldn¡¯t give up. He would probably faint and copse, but he would never give up.

    Not long after, someone grabbed Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s chest and neck.

    <i>¡°Haah! Haah!¡±</i>

    It was Kang Chan. His shoulders were heaving, and he was takingrge,bored breaths just like Yoon Sang-Ki himself.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a short break,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Yoon Sang-Ki plopped down to the ground with a <i>thud</i>.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    Kang Chan pulled down his military gear, looked for his water pouch, and handed it to Yoon Sang-Ki.

    <i>Gulp. Gulp. Gulp. Gulp.</i>

    As Yoon Sang-Ki collected himself a little, Kang Chan drank water that Seok Kang-Ho gave him.

    ¡°Fuck! This is goddamn exhausting!¡± Seok Kang-Ho cursed loudly.

    Hong Ki-Yoon was lying down in the direction that Seok Kang-Ho spoke.

    1. Li is a unit of measurement and is a traditional Chinese unit of distance. It¡¯s about 500 meters or 1620feet or 0.311 miles ??

 Chapter 183: The worst of luck (2)

    <h4>Chapter 183: The worst of luck (2)</h4>

    After resting for about three more minutes, Kang Chan addressed his team. ¡°I heard a helicopter flying a moment ago. Our men have probably run into them by now.¡±

    <i>¡®There was a helicopter nearby?¡¯</i>

    Momentarily confused, Yoon Sang-Ki¡ªwho didn¡¯t even hear the helicopter¡ªfollowed Kang Chan¡¯s gaze and looked toward the direction where the soldiers could be.

    ¡°Remember how you felt while we were all waiting for our men to seed back in China?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    How could they forget about the time they kept an armored car and a helicopter at bay and sprayed jet fuel all over a part of the airport?

    ¡°Our fellow men who stayed behind have to be in the middle of a horrific battle to protect us by now. As they face the embrace of death over there, they are probably hoping in desperation that we¡¯ll kill Jang Kwang-Taek for them,¡± Kang Chan added.

    <i>¡®Fuck!¡¯ </i>Yoon Sang-Ki swore.

    Just like what they had done in China, his colleagues were desperately keeping the enemy upied, yet here he wasining that he was going to die because his feet felt heavy and his legs were no longer listening to him.

    Gritting his teeth, Yoon Sang-Ki stood up.

    <i>nk.</i>

    He straightened his back, fixed his military gear, and tightened his grip on his rifle.

    Smirking, Kang Chan looked ahead of them. ¡°Those fuckers are probably thinking that we¡¯ll take at least eight hours to get to them. We have to do better than that if we want to Kill Jang Kwang-Taek and save even just one more of our men.¡±

    With a sigh, Yoon Sang-Ki and Hong Ki-Yoon strengthened their resolve.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said. He was just walking at first, but he had already broken into a sprint before they knew it.

    <i>Did he even have anything in his bag?</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki couldn¡¯t help but have cheap thoughts about Kang Chan. From what he had heard, Kang Chan was just a high schooler, yet the young man spoke informally to Seok Kang-Ho, and Seok Kang-Ho respected Kang Chan enough to speak half formally and half informally to him.

    Honestly, Yoon Sang-Ki himself treated Kang Chan, hismander, with respect. Why did he do that?

    <i>Fuck, how can I not ept him as ourmander when I have seen the look in his eyes, the terrifying skills that he shows us when we run across our enemies, and his iron will to never give up?</i>

    Yoo Sang-Ki could not help but think of Kang Chan as one of those people who could make others naturally surrender to them.

    ¡°<i>Huff</i> <i>Huff</i>. <i>Huff Huff</i>.¡±

    The fatigue and breathlessness that Yoon Sang-Ki umted before this came back to him all at once. It hadn¡¯t even been five minutes since they started running.

    <i>¡®I should just die instead!¡¯</i>

    Despite his self-criticism, Yoon Sang-Ki hoped his body could endure this whole operation.

    <i>¡®If I can¡¯t even get through this, it¡¯s better for me to just faint and die!¡¯</i>

    He would never give up.

    Should he let Kwak Cheol-Ho die?

    Yoon Sang-Ki was aware of how desperate and valuable each second was to the soldiers they left behind. How could he even think that running was difficult when theirrades¡¯ blood was spilling because they were fighting to aplish the mission?

    ¡°<i>Huff</i> <i>Huff</i>. <i>Huff Huff</i>.¡±

    <i>I¡¯d rather die than give up! My heart should just explode if I can¡¯t endure this!</i>

    He would never stop unless his back snapped or the tendons on his legs snapped and broke.

    Yoon Sang-Ki only looked at Kang Chan¡¯s legs, following after his steps as closely as he could. He kept telling himself that he would not fall behind even if he died.

    ¡°<i>Cough</i>! <i>Cough</i>!¡±

    They heard Hong Ki-Yoon breathing so hard he seemed about to throw up. Nevertheless, none of them slowed down.

    Yoon Sang-Ki knew that he was crying. For some reason, that made him feel better.

    <i>¡®Fuck! Yeah¡ªit¡¯s fine even if I cry, throw up, or dieter! Right now, I just have to keep running! I don¡¯t care even if I can¡¯t ever walk again after this operation! I can¡¯t stop now!¡¯</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s eyes filled with so many tears that his vision became blurry. Missing that he would lose sight of Kang Chan, he blinked it all away.

    ***

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho positioned the soldiers far apart from each other.

    As they fought their enemies, he once again realized how terrifying Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were. How those two could kill more than twenty enemy soldiers ande back unscathed was beyond him.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Ping! Pow-pow! Pow-pow-pow!</i>

    As if they wereining about getting shot as well, the dirt and trees let out loud noises as they exploded.

    If the South Korean special forces team hadn¡¯t gone through the live ammo training or gone to the operations in France and China, Kwak Cheol-Ho would not have been able to survive this long in a battle like this.

    He aimed the barrel of his gun in between the branches and the grass that went up to his waist.

    <i>Whish!</i>

    Their enemy was moving in front of them.

    <i>Pew! Thud!</i>

    <i>Sons of bitches!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho immediately pointed his men to new positions.

    His enemies would be mistaken if they thought he would get excited just because he had killed one of them.

    He had to be level-headed if he wanted to keep his men alive¡ªNo, even after this battle, he should still remain calm and collected if he survived.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Pow-pow-pow! Pew! Thud!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho thought that he now knew why Kang Chan kept telling them to fire only one bullet at a time.

    The point was to focus.

    During practice shooting, Kwak Cheol-Ho would switch between single-fire, full-auto, and semi-auto, but in actualbat, he found it best to fire in bursts of three.

    However, Kang Chan told them to fire just one bullet at a time, which meant they had to kill their enemies with only one shot. As a result, they focused on making that one shot count¡ªbe it by shooting their target in the forehead or the neck.

    This wasn¡¯t live ammo training, so there was nothing stopping them from aiming for those parts.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Pew! Thud!</i>

    <i>You motherfuckers! I¡¯m Kwak Cheol-Ho, one of South Korea¡¯s special forces!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho crouched down and aimed, which was the position that Kang Chan showed them. He scanned the area from left to right.

    Kang Chan told them to hide in the mountain again after holding their ground. However, a little ways from here was their goal¡ªthe anti-aircraft fort.

    <i>Whish!</i>

    <i>Pew! Thud!</i>

    His men followed right beside him, all in simr stances.

    <i>Fuck! This is the actualbat experience that we have been so desperately hoping for! How nice would it have been if General Choi Seong-Geon and Chan Dong-Gyun were here to see us?</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Thud!</i>

    A soldier to his left fired first, but Kwak Cheol-Ho shot at the enemy as well anyway to make sure they were dead.

    <i>¡®Good job. Don¡¯t let your guard down, but don¡¯t get excited either.¡¯</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho passed that on to the soldier when their eyes met.

    <i>Ta-dang! Thud! Pew! Pew! Thud!</i>

    However, as he did, one of the soldiers to his right dropped to the ground.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho gritted his teeth, finding himself stillcking. Kang Chan never would have allowed his subordinate to get shot.

    ***

    The sun was high up in the sky.

    Yoon Sang-Ki was beginning to feel as if the pain had disappeared when it returned unimaginably worse. Right now, he was feeling of reaching his limit the same way he did at the training center, but it was far more intense this time.

    <i>nk! nk!</i>

    Fortunately, Kang Chan finally slowed down to a stop just a few moments after.

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!¡±

    They were all trying to catch their breath.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch and get some rest before we continue,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>We¡¯ve been running for quite some time now. Are we even going in the right direction?</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki couldn¡¯t even guess what direction they were running to since they were in a dark mountain.

    <i>nk! nk!</i>

    Kang Chan put his left foot on top of the rock on a downhill slope, then lowered his rifle in front of him.

    They took turns drinking water, then took out C-rations. Seok Kang-Ho ripped two open and handed one to Kang Chan.

    They were eating while standing guard.

    ¡°How long can we rest?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ten minutes.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho ate his meal so fast that it seemed as if he was stuffing everything in his mouth. He then drank water andy down on his side again.

    <i>¡®Can he really sleep in this situation?¡¯</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho snored, answering Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s question.

    Just as Yoon Sang-Ki looked up in surprise, Kang Chan said, ¡°Even if it¡¯s just ten minutes, you should still get some sleep.¡±

    It was as if Kang Chan read his mind.

    They kept eating.

    Yoon Sang-Ki also stuffed a biscuit, sandwich, and chocte into his mouth. He then pushed them down with water.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki thenid down with Hong Ki-Yoon.

    This wasn¡¯t sleeping¡ªthis was fainting.

    ***

    After having a sandwich for lunch, Lanok returned to his office.

    All he did was read and shred the DGSE¡¯s reports that Raphael handed to him every twenty minutes. Nevertheless, he stayed at his desk all day except for when he was sleeping for two hours every morning.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Raphael came in and put a new report on Lanok¡¯s desk.

    The report was just an article from the daily newspaper Lib¨¦ration[1]. The article contained codes that only the DGSE and Lanok knew. Hence, even if someone else saw it, they wouldn¡¯t understand what it was actually trying to convey.

    Lanok traced each line with his pen as he read through it, then immediately threw it into the shredder

    ¡°Order the DGSE to request cooperation from South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service. Where¡¯s Anne?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°She¡¯s downstairs.¡±

    ¡°As soon as the code is issued, take her to Osan and fly back to our country.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Raphael bowed, then left the office.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.</i>

    The phone on his desk rang.

    Lanok waited for it to ring five times before picking it up.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    - Lanok, it¡¯s Vasili.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been hearing your voice a lottely.¡±

    - Isn¡¯t that because you and your Korean colleague have been too activetely? Anyway, now that you have killed one of the United States¡¯ DIA agents in the Korean Penins, it would be a problem if you keep messing with them. Let¡¯s not push things too far, Lanok.¡±

    ¡°Vasili, now is the best time to reveal our true colors.¡±

    - I believe that our Russian troops rescuing you is enough to pay for my mistakes in France. Monsieur Kang Chan doesn¡¯t seem to be in a good situation. Have you heard that all of China¡¯s satellites are searching for him?

    ¡°The choice is yours. China¡¯s behavior will change based on the results Monsieur Kang will produce, which is why I doubt the United States can do anything in this situation either.¡±

    Lanok heard Vasili sighing deeply over the phone.

    - Do you really believe that Monsieur Kang can kill Jang Kwang-Taek and get away with it?

    ¡°That¡¯s for you and Russia to judge.¡±

    - If the Korean Penins gets engulfed by a battle for France, you, and even the grand Eurasian Rail, then it would be all over.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you to talk a lot.¡±

    This time, Lanok heard Vasili¡¯s ragged breathing.

    - We¡¯ll dispatch the Kusov[2]. However, we have no intention of actually interfering in the battle. We don¡¯t want to have a power struggle with the United States right now.

    ¡°That¡¯s sound judgment, Vasili.¡±

    - I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re betting on something so reckless when you¡¯re so cold-hearted. Good luck, Lanok.

    After Vasili expressed his displeasure, the call ended.

    Lanok¡¯s lips stretched into a mask-like smile as he put down the receiver. ¡°What you fail to see is that the ace up my sleeve can change the entire narrative, Vasili.¡±

    As Lanok muttered to himself, his pinky finger faintly trembled.

    ***

    ¡°France¡¯s DGSE has requested for us to deploy all of the airborne troops and for the Armored division and the fighter wing to be put on emergency standby,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun in surprise.

    ¡°Will the United States just stand around and let us do that?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°Everything until now has been the French President¡¯s instructions.¡±

    ¡°Did the report say anything else?¡±

    ¡°At the end, it said, ¡®France trusts South Korea¡¯s hidden power.¡¯¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡ªwho was in front of Moon Jae-Hyun¡ªquickly looked back at them.

    ¡°Do you know what they mean?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    <i>Could France be talking about that?</i>

    Jeon Dae-Geuk told Moon Jae-Hyun about the trust that Lanok put in Kang Chan at the presentation hall.

    ¡°They¡¯re talking about Kang Chan¡¯s capabilities that France recognized but South Korea wasn¡¯t aware of! Considering they also sent their aircraft carrier, we shouldn¡¯t hesitate,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun replied.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun and Jeon Dae-Geuk didn¡¯t know what to say. If they failed here, the consequences would be too much to bear.

    Moon Jae-Hyun held up the emergency phone.

    ***

    Kwak Cheol-Ho ordered the soldiers to move back again. The battle had been raging for close to two hours already. They had suffered one injury and two fatalities, but they had killed more than twenty of their enemies.

    If Kang Chan was here, then he probably would have cut through their enemies already.

    If this standoffsted any longer, North Korea¡¯s regr army would have enough time toe up the mountain and trap them like rats.

    <i>¡®Should we cut through them?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan told them to disturb their enemies and hide themselves as much as possible. Despite how determined Kwak Cheol-Ho was, however, he still could not eliminate all his enemies.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Pow-pow! Pow-pow-pow!</i>

    <i>We shouldn¡¯t let them take the upper part of the mountain from us!</i>

    It would be fatal if Kwak Cheol-Ho and the soldiers went down the ridge to hide.

    <i>Pew! Bam!</i>

    The only constion they had was that their enemies couldn¡¯t recklessly pounce on them during this standoff either.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho pointed to two locations with his index and middle fingers, repositioning two of his men.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Pow-pow-pow! Pew! Pew!</i>

    The others covered fire when the soldiers moved, and the enemies returned fire.

    Kang Chan told them to attack the anti-aircraft fort, but just handling the enemies blocking them was already proving difficult.

    <i>¡®They¡¯ve got to be halfway there, right?¡¯</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho quickly checked on his men. Their eyes were still full of life.

    There were only sixteen of them, yet they were fighting a hundred enemies for over two hours.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho nced at the sun in the sky, which was about to set to the other side.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Pow-pow-pow! Ta-dang! Pow-pow! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Those sons of bitches have to lean forward and show their foreheads before we can do something.</i>

    What would¡¯ve Kang Chan done in this situation?

    With the absence of the lion, the wolves were the only ones left to fight.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho hoped that the lion would return quickly.

    He felt lonely.

    ***

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki resented himself for not fainting yet.

    They only slept for ten minutes, so he didn¡¯t expect that they would run for two hours after that.

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!¡±

    He didn¡¯t even know if he was still breathing or if his lungs were alreadying out of his body.

    Like a rabid dog, saliva went down his chin and continuously dripped down. Even his groin area was wet. He had peed himself as he was running¡ªno, his urine came out because he couldn¡¯t control his dder anymore.

    If they kept going at this rate, he knew he would eventually die.

    He had done every preparation he could think of¡ªincluding running on a mountain. Still, sprinting like this didn¡¯t make any sense.

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki was about to cry.

    For some strange reason, he felt as afraid as he did when it was already the first day of school after a holiday and he still hadn¡¯t finished all of his holiday homework.

    However, his colleagues were fighting desperately. How could he be afraid of dying when all he had done was run?

    Was he afraid of dying helplessly?

    Kang Chan stood guard for ten minutes.

    He was the only one who didn¡¯t sleep among the four of them. Seok Kang-Ho grumbled about it when he woke up, but Kang Chan only smirked in response.

    Yoon Sang-Ki would even sell his soul to the devil if one existed. He would burn in hell forever in exchange for running over and killing Jang Kwang-Taek.

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!¡±

    It was unfair.

    Yoon Sang-Ki hadn¡¯t even fired a single bullet yet. He found it unfair that he would die after drooling and peeing himself while his colleagues were fighting for their lives.

    It was about two in the afternoon. The sun was behind their heads now.

    They probably still had to run for another three hours.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m sorry!¡¯</i>

    The faces of the soldiers shed across Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s mind.

    If General Choi Seong-Geon could see them, he would¡¯ve definitely looked at the faraway sky while pretending that he wasn¡¯t crying.

    All of the soldiers knew that when Choi Seong-Geon looked at the sky after he received the helmet from them, the tough gentleman tightly gritted his teeth and hid his tears.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m sorry!¡¯</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki found it a bit easier to breathe when he thought of Choi Seong-Geon. What was more fascinating was that his legs kept moving.

    <i>Is this what it would take to be a world-famous special forces team? Do soldiers of teams like that have to be as equally skilled as Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho, who keep running like machines?</i>

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!¡±

    <i>Bam!</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki struck his chest.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    His legs gave out, and he copsed to the ground.

    <i>Is this how everything ends?</i>

    When Yoon Sang-Ki shook his head, he saw Hong Ki-Yoon lying down in exhaustion on the ground, gasping like a dog.

    <i>What¡¯s going on? I¡¯m not the only one who copsed?</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki forced himself to look up even though he couldn¡¯t open his eyes properly anymore.

    Kang Chan had bent forward and put his hands on his knees. He was also gasping for breath.

    <i>¡®Is he resting? Are we finally going to rest?¡¯</i>

    What was the point of doing that now? Yoon Sang-Ki no longer had any strength to run.

    ¡°Let¡¯s rest for ten minutes before cutting Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s head off. You guys did well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki turned his head.

    ¡°<i>Cough</i>! <i>Cough</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho was retching. He only drooled, though, since there was nothing for him to vomit.

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki looked at Kang Chan again. He was still breathing heavily.

    Kang Chan grinned. When their eyes met, Yoon Sang-Ki got a feeling so ominous that it was as if he got covered in ice.

    ¡°It took us only four hours to get here. <i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!¡± Kang Chan exined.

    <i>Fuck!</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki couldn¡¯t believe it.

    Their enemies expected them to take eight hours. They would¡¯ve definitely considered their best speed when they calcted that.

    <i>But it only took us four hours. How is Kang Chan still alive even after running that fast?</i>

    Yoon Sang-Kiughed heartily. He felt bad for their enemies because they had to fight someone like Kang Chan.

    <i>Jang Kwang-Taek, you fucking dickhead! How did you end up getting targeted by such a man?</i>

    1. Lib¨¦ration is an actual daily newspaper in France. It was founded in 1973. ??

    2. The Kusov is a Russian aircraft carrier that serves as the gship of the Russian Navy ??

 Chapter 184.1: I Am Happy (1)

    <h4>Chapter 184.1: I Am Happy (1)</h4>

    ¡°Send the Songun-Ho[1]!¡± Jang Kwang-Taek angrily ordered.

    ¡°Commander! That could be seen as an act of provocation from our side!¡± his subordinate protested.

    ¡°But the South Korean bastards are all there! I¡¯m sure the Party leadership is also aware of that!¡± Jang Kwang-Taek shot back.

    ¡°South Korea has issued an emergency deployment decree for air support, armored units, andbat aviation brigades. Russia has sent over an aircraft carrier as well! If weunch helicopters now, South Korea will send their fighter jets over, and if we send tanks or mortars in the vicinity of those South Korean soldiers, the Party leadership will im that you incited the situation, Commander!¡±

    <i>¡°Argh!¡± </i>Jang Kwang-Taek moaned in frustration.

    ¡°No one came to the base today, sir! If you provoke South Korea any further, those traitorous bastards will run straight to the Party leadership.¡±

    Jang Kwang-Taek tightly gritted his teeth. He had just received a report that the two light infantrypanies that they had sent to fight off South Korea¡¯s invasion could barely hold their opponents at bay right now.

    South Korea only sent twenty or so special forces soldiers, yet the bastards were proving more than capable enough to hold their own against a hundred light infantry soldiers. It was a clear demonstration of how formidable the young punk was.

    The soldiers were still fighting as they spoke.

    ¡°That cowardly Ruske fucker!¡± Jang Kwang-Taek griped with fury.

    Russia didn¡¯t tell him anything before they sent their one and only Kusov aircraft carrier, which could only meant that if a war were to break out on the Korean Penins, they would support South Korea in the fight. Even if they chose to side with North Korea, they would not be supporting him specifically but the Party leadership.

    China, the primary support that North Korea relied on, still couldn¡¯t make a move, and their next biggest supporter, Russia, was openly endorsing either South Korea or the Party leadership.

    As the deputymander told Jang Kwang-Taek, sending tanks or artillery units to the battlefield would be interpreted as an act of war or even rebellion. The moment he mobilized the troops, the Party leadership would gain a justification to stop him. To make things worse, there was no knowing what South Korea would do. Moon Jae-Hyun was nothing like the South Korean presidents who preceded him.

    <i>This is why I supported Huh Ha-Soo!</i>

    ¡°That motherfucker!¡± Jang Kwang-Taek squawked.

    He was left with no other choice but to rely on the light infantry troops. If South Korea was putting their trust in their young punk, then the only thing he could do was believe in the light infantry soldiers whom he raised like his own children.

    Jang Kwang-Taek turned his head to look at the vast mountains spread outside the window.

    <i>There¡¯s no way that guy can break through the encirclement.</i>

    Even if the South Korean soldiers ran like hell to where he was, he would have had finished dinner before they could reach him. Otherwise, he would have already been out there himself, barkingmands at his subordinates.

    ¡°Our light infantry soldiers will take care of them all, sir,¡± his subordinate said in an attempt to reassure him.

    Jang Kwang-Taek red sharply at his deputymander. His subordinate¡¯s voice sounded a little weak. It was as if he didn¡¯t believe his own words.

    ¡°Get out of here!¡± Jang Kwang-Taek shouted at him.

    This wasn¡¯t it. This wasn¡¯t what he wanted and nned for. He hoped for the South Korean president to change, and he intended to borrow the powers of China and Russia after. He wanted the idiotic and corrupt Party leadership to regain their senses and refuse the Eurasian Rail or, at the very least, demand massivepensation for letting it be built.

    That would start the reconstruction of the great North Korea and their military¡¯s rise in power again. For a while, he actually felt that everything were going his way.

    <i>Where did things go wrong?</i>

    The Ministry of Defense building should be bustling with people at this time, but it was deserted instead. The so-called military officers were busy calcting what would be best for themselves and making all sorts of excuses so they didn¡¯t have to show up to work.

    Jang Kwang-Taek picked up a cigarette and put it in his mouth. He bit on it to keep it from falling before lighting it up.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>!¡±

    Blocked by the window, the smoke spread out to the side instead of escaping out into the open.

    ***

    <i>Bang bang bang bang bang! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho steeled his resolve. Facing over seventy soldiers with just thirteen men was too much, but it would bother him if he descended from the ridge and gave the enemies the advantage.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The enemies will end up surrounding us from down below at this rate, but if we surrender our position and retreat from here, they¡¯ll eventually learn about the assassination team. I can¡¯t let that happen,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said over the radio as he leaned his head against a tree.

    He didn¡¯t care if the enemy soldiers surrounded and killed him. He was determined to do whatever it took to buy time.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho apologized to his team.

    <i>Bang bang bang bang bang! Pow pow pow! Bang! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Having gained the upper hand, the enemies kept the South Korean soldiers under constant fire.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Enough talk! We should focus on taking down more of those bastards, sir!¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Who here said they wanted to retreat, sir?¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    .

    ¡°Are you saying low-ranking soldiers are only concerned with running away frombat, sir?¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°That¡¯s obviously not what he meant, man. He just feels sorry that we¡¯re here.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Still, he¡¯s the coolest when he¡¯s acting all serious and macho.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you just said that. You really don¡¯t think we¡¯re getting out of here alive, huh?¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s lips curved into a bitter smile. Amid the hail of bullets above their heads, his team was chattering aimlessly and lightheartedly. He understood why they were attempting to crack jokes now.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Bear with it. Let¡¯s get through this. The more we act up here, the more time the assassination team will have,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho encouraged through gritted teeth. Then, the radio began to crackle again.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°If I can¡­¡±

    <i>Bang bang bang! Pow pow! Pew. Pew.</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Protect the country with my blood¡­¡±

    <i>Bang! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I am happy.¡±

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    The soldiers took turns chanting the motto on the radio.

    The soldiers all knew only four people had gone to kill Jang Kwang-Taek. It was an outrageous operation. Nevertheless, Kwak Cheol-Ho was waiting for Kang Chan to hurry and return soon. It wasn¡¯t because he wanted to survive but because he wanted to save the lives of his fellow soldiers who were fighting alongside him.

    <i>Bang bang bang bang! Thud!</i>

    ¡°<i>Kegh! Agh</i>.¡±

    One of the soldiers jerked forward and fell to the ground. A bullet had hit him in the neck.

    <i>¡®Fuck!¡¯</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Bang!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho wanted to dash over to him. He wanted to run out like Kang Chan always did and kill all the enemies. If he wasn¡¯t themander in charge, he would have already bolted out there.

    <i>Pew! Thud! Bang bang! Pow! Bang Bang! Pow! Pow!</i>

    The special forces team took down the enemy soldier, exploting the mistake he made. The enemy seemed to be spreading out to surround the South Korean special forces team, but they weakened their formation because they left no support down below.

    The remaining South Korean soldiers formed a circle with each one guarding a certain direction.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho was ready to face death here if that was what it took to aplish their objective.

    Much to the enemy¡¯s confusion, they endured everything thrown at them, showing no signs that they wanted to retreat or surrender.

    <i>ck! Click!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho swiftly reloaded his gun. It was currently two in the afternoon, which meant there was more than six hours left before the radiomunication that Kang Chan had ordered him to wait for.

    He was thirty and hungry.

    <i>Pew! Thud! Bang bang! Bang!</i>

    <i>Why would you try and fucking surround us, you assholes?</i>

    Would they have been fighting like this if they didn¡¯t go through the live ammo training? He thought not.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s bitter smile remained as he sharply looked ahead.

    Only five of them had to make it out alive. Since Cha Dong-Gyun was still alive, for as long as five of them survived, they would be able to sessfully pass down the knowledge that they had gained from the live ammo training and their umted operations. They would still have have a team of soldiers¡ªwho had blown up a Chinese airport and infiltrated North Korea¡ªfor any mission.

    Their fellow soldiers were taken by surprise during the mountain warfare training that they had after Choi Seong-Geon died. After all, the gap between the troops who had already gone on missions and those who hadn¡¯t was clearly evident.

    However, if he was being honest, there wasn¡¯t much of a difference between their skills. At most, their concentration and perhaps the ability to adapt to the ever-changing situation was all that made the difference. Nevertheless, the results of the mock battles were still like night and day.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho wondered if Kang Chan would¡¯ve thought their mock battles were cute child¡¯s y.

    <i>¡®Hurry ande back, please.¡¯</i>

    This critical standoff was the only reason the North Korean soldiers couldn¡¯t advance any further either. The North Korean military had to have a reason why they they still hadn¡¯t climbed higher on the mountain. Maybe it was because of Kang Chan, but it could be something else entirely.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho wasn¡¯t hoping to get out of this alive. However, at the least, he wanted to send back his men, who were standing off against the enemies with their camouged faces and determined gazes. He hoped that they could go back home and teach the new recruits.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Pow! Pow!</i>

    <i>¡®Stop with the ridiculous bullshit!¡¯</i>

    The enemy''s bullets seemed to be screaming at him to get his head back in the game.

    1. A North Korean battle tank ??

 Chapter 184.2: I Am Happy (1)

    <h4>Chapter 184.2: I Am Happy (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan and his team headed downhill and stopped just before a barbed-wire fence. He immediately noticed four guard posts spaced a hundred meters apart.

    ¡°That¡¯s where Jang Kwang-Taek is? Really?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, looking at the building with a dubious expression. The whole establishment wasposed of two two-story buildings to the left and three one-story buildings to the right.

    Unfortunately for them, they happened to be at the front of the building. In this situation, they had to use the mountain to go toward the back of the building as much as they could, but there was a goddamn road behind thepound.

    If there was a silver lining, it was that the structure didn¡¯t seem to be big.

    ¡°Let¡¯s clear and upy that guard post first. I¡¯ll head straight into the building, so support me from that tower,¡± Kang Chan said, eyeing the guard post that resembled a two-story lookout tower. Among the guard posts, it was the only one equipped with a machine gun.

    ¡°That looks like a KPV heavy machine gun. Guess I¡¯m finally getting my hands on one,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    ¡°Can you do it with Hong Ki-Yoon?¡± Kang Chan confirmed.

    ¡°Without a doubt,¡± Seok Kang-Ho confidently replied. He then looked at Hong Ki-Yoon with a nod. ¡°Or we could leave the guard posts to them so I can apany you inside.¡±

    Kang Chan considered the idea but eventually shook his head.

    ¡°This operation won¡¯t work if the rear is unstable. We have to work perfectly in sync together if we want to quickly get back to the mountain.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s head in after having some C-rations,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Remaining in crouching positions, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho backed up and sat on the ground. The terrain allowed them to rx a little because it was sloped down on both sides.

    Yoon Sang-Ki and Hong Ki-Yoon had be so pale that they looked as if they had changed races.

    Kang Chan opened his military gear and tore open a C-ration.

    <i>Crunch, crunch. Munch, munch.</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki and Hong Ki-Yoon initially shoved the food into their mouths, but they slowed down when they saw Kang Chan. After drinking enough water, the time hade to get back to work.

    Kang Chan drew on the ground with his finger.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho and Hong Ki-Yoon, you guys take this area. Yoon Sang-Ki, take charge of the guard post here,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki responded and lifted his gaze to look at Kang Chan, silently questioning if it was okay for him to go in alone.

    ¡°If things get dicey, unleash hell,¡± Kang Chan instructed them.

    ¡°Will do,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    The enemies could fire six hundred rounds of ammo per minute. Anyone who carelessly rushed toward them would be torn apart before they could even pull the trigger. However, Kang Chan and his team were on the mission to kill the head of the North Korean Ministry of Defense. The assassination seemed unlikely to seed, and even if it did, surviving would still be nigh impossible.

    <i>ck. Click.</i>

    They cautiously checked their weapons and their spare magazines.

    ¡°Let¡¯s be quick about it. The faster we get this done, the more of ourrades survive,¡± Kang Chan said, looking at Seok Kang-Ho, Yoon Sang-Ki, then Hong Ki-Yoon.

    <i>Tap, tap.</i>

    Kang Chan extended his hand to pat Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s helmet. He then reached out for Hong Ki-Yoon¡¯s helmet.

    <i>Thud! Thud!</i>

    He beat Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s helmet a bit harder.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki felt shivers run down his entire body upon hearing Kang Chan¡¯smand. Kang Chan¡¯s eyes showed how certain he was about Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s death.

    They were back at the spot where they were looking down from earlier. The terrain made it so that if they carefully descended, the guard posts wouldn¡¯t notice them.

    Who could have imagined that someone would attack the Ministry of Defense? Especially now that the sun was still setting behind the mountain?

    Maybe it was because they had taken off their military gear, but they seemed so unnaturally light that they felt as if they could fly off into the sky.

    ¡°Be careful with the gravel,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    The descent was about forty meters in length. With every step, they risked sliding, rocks rolling, or branches breaking, Making any notable noise meant being shot at with six hundred bullets per minute.

    It wouldn¡¯t just end with their bodies being shredded apart¡ªthat wasn¡¯t the worst part. It was that they would fail the mission and get their fellow soldiers killed. The possibility of that oue weighed down on their minds.

    Because it was autumn, there were plenty of fallen leaves and the trees themselves were bare. Kang Chan chose to take the road that was deeply eroded by the water that used to stream through it.

    <i>Crunch, rustle.</i>

    They relied on the roots of the trees and the rocks to support their weight. They could grab onto them like hikers, but that could cause rocks to roll down because they put too much weight onto the spot. It could also lead to branches breaking, which meant immediate death.

    It took normal hikers any time between five to ten minutes to descend forty meters. However, considering Kang Chan¡¯s team had to infiltrate thepound without making any sound, they would likely take twenty to forty minutes at most. After all, they had to use their military boots¡¯ heels to create makeshift steps by digging into the ground and also find areas that could support their weight by pushing with their hands.

    About ten meters down, Kang Chan looked up. Seok Kang-Ho was up next.

    Naturally, they couldn¡¯t go down a path like this all at the same time. If someone were to slip halfway through, someone would have to be ready to provide cover. They also had to push aside dry branches hidden between the fallen leaves with their feet and grind the soil to create steps so they could move further down.

    On the bright side, they were deep in the fallen leaves, so their enemies wouldn¡¯t find them that easily unless they were searching closeby.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    As Seok Kang-Ho descended, soil broke off from underneath his foot and rolled down on Kang Chan¡¯s back.

    Kang Chan quickly nced at the guard posts. They were still quiet, but there was a chance that they heard themotion, so he observed them for about ten seconds. Fortunately, they showed no movement

    They resumed their slow descent.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Kang Chan swiftly looked below him. Snakes and other creatures like Asian badgers, roons, and other goddamn beasts that he¡¯d never even heard about before could be underneath the fallen leaves.

    Still, for as long as it wasn¡¯t a venomous snake, they should be fine.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    The sounds gradually faded away.

    It took them about twenty-five minutes to descend. With the sun behind their backs, the shadows cast by the mountain made it easier to conceal themselves.

    Kang Chan nced up at the guard posts. About twenty meters away from them was the watchtower-like structure. It was two meters high and two stories tall. It had no windows, which meant any screams would echo outside.

    It made sense there weren''t any windows, though. No fool would leave a KPV machine gun indoors.

    The machine gun was likely ced there as a means to intimidate.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth. His surroundings were so quiet that he could hear a pin drop.

    This was the Ministry of Defense building. Shouldn¡¯t there be trucks and jeepsing and going? Where were the small noises and people moring? Damn it.

    Maybe it was because they came from the mountains, but the guards didn¡¯t look their way. That just made things even more annoying, though. If they were regrly looking this way, Kang Chan could have pinpointed when there would be gaps. The guards at the left and rights posts were openly engaged in other activities.

    Kang Chan turned his gaze toward Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>¡®You ready?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Yep, ready.¡¯</i>

    Looks were enough for them to exchange words.

    Kang Chan gestured at the enemy who was on the two-story guard post.

    <i>Swish swish swish.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly made his way below the guard post. They would put the operation at risk if anyone saw him move no matter if they were inside the building or at the other watchtowers.

    The guard post was on arge tform constructed with big nks and rounded logs. Seok Kang-Ho tightly pressed his body against the structure. When he nced back, Kang Chan nodded at him.

    <i>Swish. Swish.</i>

    Using the nks and logs for support, Seok Kang-Ho began to climb. He was managing to carry himself up with just the strength in his arms.

    <i>Creak, creeeak.</i>

    However, the damn tree started to make noise.

    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± someone suddenly asked, the voiceing from above.

    Kang Chan silently aimed his gun at the guards.

    <i>Swish. Swish.</i>

    ¡°Whatever. Forget it. If we bring it up to the higher-ups, they¡¯ll ask us to fix it,¡± the other guardined.

    The conversation between the two sounded as if they were speaking right next to each other.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Not long after, a gust of wind swept through, seemingly taunting Kang Chan.

    The goddamn post was just two meters, and Seok Kang-Ho was just two arms away from the top. The wide nks concealed his body a little, providing him somefort.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The nks began to cry and shriek again when Seok Kang-Ho extended his arms to resume climbing.

    ¡°Is this thing falling apart?¡± another guard asked.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>, motherfucker! Go investigate after your shift is over. Stop looking around. The higher-ups could be looking in through the opening,¡± his fellow guard grumbled.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho hung his arms right below the tform¡¯s floorboards.

    The two guards grew silent again.

    <i>Swish. Swish.</i>

    Kang Chan waited for Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s next move. After a while, Seok Kang-Ho climbed a little bit higher.

    The two guards sat facing the front of the building. They turned their muzzles pointing diagonally upward toward the sky and shifted positions.

    The railing was waist-high.

    <i>Swish. Swish.</i>

    Everything felt as if it was moving in slow motion.

    <i>One, two.</i>

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho bent his arm, propelling his body upward. The moment he slid under the railing, the enemy turned their heads.

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    A faint spray of blood spurted from their foreheads.

    Seok Kang-Ho immediately lunged forward to grab the falling enemies.

    At the same time, Kang Chan gave Hong Ki-Yoon a signal.

    <i>What about our surroundings?</i>

    .

    As Kang Chan scanned the area, Hong Ki-Yoon quickly climbed up to the tform, took off the enemy¡¯s helmet, and wore it. The blood that collected in the helmet flowed down his back.

    Hong Ki-Yoon sat down first. Seok Kang-Ho took a seat after.

    All of this happened in less than thirty seconds. Half of the mission was a sess now.

    Kang Chan looked at Yoon Sang-Ki and pointed at the other guard post that they were targeting.

    After about five minutes¡­

    <i>Chk. Chk. Chk. Chk.</i>

    ¡­ Yoon Sang-Ki signaled that he had reached the guard post.

    It was time to begin.

    Kang Chan quickly dug under the guard post. There was an iron mesh surrounding the tower, but the gaps were wide enough for him to slip through with ease.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Daye, I¡¯m going in,¡± Kang Chan radioed in.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Got it, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan clenched his teeth as he red at the four-story building.

 Chapter 185.1: I Am Happy (2)

    <h4>Chapter 185.1: I Am Happy (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan focused on nothing but his target.

    What if he got shot? What if there were a lot of enemies waiting for him inside the building?

    Worrying his brains out wouldn¡¯t change anything anyway. Their enemies wouldn¡¯t withdraw either.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    The building was about sixty meters away from them.

    The moment Kang Chan started running, everything he experienced in every battle he fought began reying in his mind.

    <i>Jang Kwang-Taek, you son of a bitch.</i>

    <i>You killed Choi Seong-Geon and tried to kill Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. You¡¯ve bullshitted your way out far too many times now. It¡¯s time you face the consequences of your actions.</i>

    Kang Chan nced at the top of the watchtower.

    <i>One, two!</i>

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    <i>Damn it! This day just keeps making me run even when I don¡¯t want to!</i>

    Jang Kwang-Taek felt ufortable even though he was already sitting at his desk. It was as if uneasiness and anxiety were sitting on his shoulders and squeezing his head.

    <i>¡®Am I getting old? Am I really worried about one South Korean punk?¡¯ </i>Jang Kwang-Taek frowned and sighed. The ominous feeling he had refused to disappear. <i>¡®Is the Party leadershiping here to arrest me?¡¯</i>

    They didn¡¯t seem to have gone that far yet.

    If the Party leadership did something so reckless, they would start a fight to the death.

    He was told that the light infantry soldiers were slowly surrounding and sweeping their enemies.

    Jang Kwang-Taek never thought that South Korea could have such spiteful people.

    <i>They used to be as weak as could be because of American capitalism and dirty entertainment!</i>

    Right now, he was up against the special forces team from Jeungpyeong. When he heard that they were acting out, he killed Choi Seong-Geon to make an example out of him. However, that just made twenty members of that special forces team attack North Korea. Right now, they had already killed sixty of his light infantry soldiers, thirty of whom were massacred before they could even fight back.

    Jang Kwang-Taek gritted his teeth. He would take down the South Korean punk and his special forces team, dominate the Party, and support Huh Ha-Soo in bing the next president of South Korea. If he could aplish all those, China and Russia would certainly side with him again.

    ¡°Fuck!¡±

    However, despite how hard Jang Kwang-Taek reassured himself, his instincts kept clinging to his shoulders and warning him. Nevertheless, he was willing to put his life on the line on this gamble.

    If he issued an emergency draft to the executives sounding him out because of the South Korean special forces team¡ªwhich was only twenty strong¡ªthen his reputation as the Minister of Defense would plummet to the ground.

    Jang Kwang-Taek believed in the light infantry soldiers, the great warriors of the public. After all, he worked the hardest on them, and he didn¡¯t really have any other choice.

    The light infantry soldiers whom he meticulously looked after were the reason the Party leadership could only observe Jang Kwang-Taek. With them around, even military authorities couldn¡¯t rashly turn away from him.

    Jang Kwang-Taek believed in them. As great warriors of North Korea, they would cut the necks of that South Korean punk and his underlings and return alive.

    Seemingly out of habit, Jang Kwang-Taek held up a cigarette. He then picked up a lighter and turned to the window.

    <i>nk!</i>

    He opened the lid of the lighter but stopped himself from turning it on.

    <i>¡®Is that¡­?¡¯</i>

    Someone was running straight toward the building.

    Jang Kwang-Taek got a bad feeling about the person. He felt as if his blood was quickly freezing up.

    It was only one guy.

    <i>¡®Is that South Korea¡¯s bastard¡­? This doesn¡¯t make sense.¡¯</i>

    He would have had to push past the soldiers surrounding them first. Even if he managed to do that, reaching this ce would have taken eight more hours of running as fast as he could.

    <i>¡®Is he nning on raiding North Korea¡¯s Ministry of Defense building by himself?¡¯</i>

    Suddenlying to his senses, Jang Kwang-Taek turned and violently pushed the button under his desk.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    <i>Weeoo! Weeoo! Weeoo!</i>

    Kang Chan hung his rifle on his shoulder.

    The enemy had rung the emergency rm.

    The front doors opened, and guards ran out from inside the building.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Weeeeeoooo!</i>

    The heavy machine gun that Seok Kang-Ho was manning rang out loudly. Although they were in broad daylight, the fire that came out of the barrel with each bullet could still be seen.

    <i>Crumble</i>!

    <i>These motherfuckers chose to form a line toe out and meet me?!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan ran into the entrance.

    He jumped over the scattered corpses and immediately threw himself toward the stairs in the middle of the lobby.

    ¡°Call the light infantry soldiers!¡± Jang Kwang-Taek yelled on the security phone.

    As he did, the door swung open, and his deputymander ran inside.

    <i>Weeeeeoooo! Crumble! Weeeeeoooo!</i>

    Outside the window, a frightening group of lights was flying toward the building next to them.

    <i>Crumble!</i>

    <i>¡®We don¡¯t have that many troops in the main building!¡¯</i>

    ¡°Commander! Pleasee this way!¡± the deputymander yelled.

    Jang Kwang-Taek put the phone down, almost throwing it to the side, and followed his deputymander out of his office.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Blood sprayed in the air whenever the heads of Kang Chan¡¯s enemies snapped back.

    <i>nk! Click!</i>

    Kang Chan took out his magazine with his right hand and immediately loaded a new one into his gun with his left. Dayeru always pulled the trigger by ident whenever he imitated this move.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Did you sons of bitches have a good time killing our fellow men?!</i>

    <i>Bang! Pew! Pew! Thud! Thud!</i>

    Two of the enemies ran out as the door opened. He quickly shot them in the forehead.

    Kang Chan ran forward and went up the stairs. He didn¡¯t care what happened after this and didn¡¯t even bother to be quiet.

    <i>I¡¯m going to kill him. I¡¯m going to kill him no matter what.</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>I am the god of death! Everything you fuckers do looks slow to me!</i>

    <i>Click! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    He shot all of the enemies who ran out in the forehead.

    <i>Why did you kill Choi Seong-Geon?</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>The international situation? The dynamics of the Korean Penins? None of those matter! You fucking dickheads shouldn¡¯t have messed with someone I cared about!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Weeeeeoooo! Crumble!</i>

    <i>Ta-da-da-da-dang! Ta-da-da-da-dang! Ta-dang! Ta-ng!</i>

    There was a counterattack in earnest from outside the building. Enemies came here while watching for a chance to kill them.

    Kang Chan went around the stairs on the fourth floor and checked either side of the hallway.

    <i>Fuck!</i>

    There was a room on one end of the hallway. Its door was wide open.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan ran toward it as fast as he could.

    <i>Thump. Thump.</i>

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    The world moved so slowly that it was as if someone was tightly pulling his surroundings back.

    One of the doors that Kang Chan brushed past swung open, revealing a muzzle.

    Kang Chan fell backward as he turned.

    <i>Ta-da-da-da-dang! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Thud!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Many of these bastards are hiding.</i>

    He could feel immense pain in his back.

    Kang Chan stood up. He reloaded his gun as he resumed running toward the open door.

    When Kang Chan entered the room, a bright light struck his eyes. It was a parking lot filled with cars.

    Kang Chan immediately raised his gun. There were about ten enemies.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Ta-da-da-da-dang! Pow-pow-pow-pow!</i>

    Kang Chan crouched down and ran to the cement railing in the hallway that led outside.

    <i>Ta-da-da-da-da-dang! Pow-pow-pow-pow-pow!</i>

    The upper part of the wall exploded.

    <i>Whoosh! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan straightened his back and shot the enemy riflemen. He could still hear the KPV heavy machine gun unleashing hell.

    As soon as Kang Chan reached the ground floor, he pulled out his pistol.

    <i>Ta-ng! Ta-ng! Tang! Tang!</i>

    <i>One, two!</i>

    <i>Swoosh! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    He shot one in the forehead, and a car hit another.

    <i>Did this fucker just do that?</i>

    That enemy instinctively avoided the bullet by sinking to his knees when he saw the guard next to him get shot in the forehead.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow-pow!</i>

    Kang Chan pounced on the enemy and aimed his gun.

    ¡°Jang Kwang-Taek?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The old man seemed speechless and angry. He found Kang Chan so absurd that it outraged him. In an instant, Kang Chan saw all of those emotions in the old man¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Are you the South Korean bastard?¡± the old man asked.

    ¡°Tell General Choi Seong-Geon that I said hello,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan shot the old man in the forehead, neck, and chest.

    It was over.

    <i>Weeeeeoooo! Crumble! Crumble!</i>

    Kang Chan could no longer hear the gunshots from the enemies who were still fighting back.

    <i>Why does the Ministry of Defense only have a few troops? Did I kill the wrong person? He looked like the guy I saw in a photo, though. Son of a bitch¡ªJang Kwang-Taek caused so much trouble even though he wasn¡¯t even a big shot!</i>

    <i>Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan shot Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s forehead once more, then went around to the back of the building.

    <i>What¡¯s going on? How could the Ministry of Defense be this ck?</i>

    Kang Chan waved at the watchtower and the guard post.

    The two remaining guard posts had been damaged beyond recognition, and the buildings had been riddled with the horrors of war. Mutted corpses were all over the ce, some of which were even piled up on top of each other. It didn¡¯t make sense that the Ministry of Defense was this weak.

    Seok Kang-Ho, Yoon Sang-Ki, and Hong Ki-Yoon swiftly ran over.

    ¡°Hong Ki-Yoon, double-check if that¡¯s Jang Kwang-Taek,¡± Kang Chan ordered as he pointed behind him.

    Hong Ki-Yoon did as instructed, and Seok Kang-Ho and Yoon Sang-Ki guarded the perimeter.

    ¡°It¡¯s him¡ªthis is definitely Jang Kwang-Taek,¡± Hong Ki-Yoon reported.

    Now that they had eliminated their target, all that was left to do was to return to South Korea. However, if they went back on foot, there was no chance they would make it in time.

    As Kang Chan¡¯s gaze alternated between Jang Kwang-Taek and the mountain, he came up with a n. ¡°Should we take Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s car? Would the guard posts also inspect that fucker¡¯s car?¡±

    Hong Ki-Yoon pondered for a moment before his expression brightened in approval. ¡°Nobody will stop us if we drive with the emergency lights on.¡±

    ¡°Wear the shirt of that dead bastard next to you before we go.¡±

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    /p>

    As soon as Kang Chan said that, Seok Kang-Ho and Yoon Sang-Ki opened fire.

    ¡°There are still some bastards left,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    As Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted, Hong Ki-Yoon began changing into the blood-soaked clothes.

 Chapter 185.2: I Am Happy (2)

    <h4>Chapter 185.2: I Am Happy (2)</h4>

    <i>Click.</i>

    When the door opened, a man went inside, cut across the extremelyrge room, and approached the desk. He then bowed to the man behind the desk as he began his report. ¡°We have confirmed the deaths of Minister of Defense Jang Kwang-Taek and deputymander Ha Deuk-Suh.¡±

    The man behind the desk raised his head as his eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Were the South Korean bastards behind it?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Wow!¡± The supreme leader sighed softly as he shook his head. ¡°I heard that they were surrounded! The military heads would¡¯ve been keeping a wary eye on the situation while trusting the light infantry soldiers. It seems the South Koreans managed to get out of their encirclement and kill Jang Kwang-Taek even though he deployed his light infantry soldiers and a couple of helicopters. Jang Kwang-Taek is probably turning over in his grave right now. Alright¡ªwhere are those bastards?¡±

    ¡°ording to reports, they have taken the Minister of Defense¡¯s car to make their way back to their surrounded colleagues.¡±

    The supreme leader groaned, which sounded as if it was mixed with a sigh. ¡°Contact the guard posts and tell them to pretend not to notice them. If our soldiers can kill them, then we¡¯ll be hitting two birds with one stone. The chances of this happening are slim, but just in case they manage to wipe out our light infantry soldiers, we¡¯ll punish those who followed and sided with Jang Kwang-Taek.¡± The supreme leader cocked his head. ¡°Charge Jang Kwang-Taek and Ha Deuk-Suh with an appropriate crime, and make sure that the official reports state that they were shot to death.¡±

    "How should we proceed with the covert operation in South Korea?¡± the man asked.

    ¡°Just announce that they were shot to death for now. We¡¯ll see how things go from there. After all, the answer to your question will change based on who will win this battle between the South Korean bastards and the light infantry soldiers. That aside, how did those useless dogs reach Shinpyeong so quickly?¡±

    ¡°We also find that quite strange.¡±

    ¡°Look into it thoroughlyter. Prioritize sending the eight hundred twentieth tank regiment to the Ministry of Defense. They should be on standby right now. Use them to dominate over the military heads and punish everyone who dared followed Jang Kwang-Taek.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    When the man quickly left the room, the supreme leader looked up and stared nkly at the ceiling.

    ¡°I heard that China and Russia have been supporting South Koreately. I now understand why,¡± the supreme leader uttered to himself, his voice swiftly dispersing throughout the room.

    ***

    Yoon Sang-Ki held onto Jang Kwang-Taek with eyes burning from tears.

    They had sessfully eliminated their target, but to anyone looking at them from outside the car, Jang Kwang-Taek would look as if he was just sittingfortably in the backseat. They even put a fabric hat on him and lowered his head to hide the bullet holes that Kang Chan left on his forehead.

    <i>Did North Korea abandon Jang Kwang-Taek?</i>

    He found it suspicious that the Ministry of Defense¡¯s security was absurdly weak.

    Kang Chan ran out to the building by himself, and now Yoon Sang-Ki was holding Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s dead body.

    <i>Jang Kwang-Taek? Is this really him?</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki couldn¡¯t believe it.

    <i>¡®You guys just need to survive for a little longer now¡ªstay alive!¡¯ </i>Yoon Sang-Ki shouted in his mind over and over again.

    ***

    <i>Rustle. Pew! Ta-da-da-dang! Ta-dang! Ta-da-dang!</i>

    Their enemies were tantly closing in around them.

    South Korea¡¯s special forces team wasn¡¯t going to put their heads against the muzzles of their enemies just because they were closing in on their position. However, the chances of the North Korean soldiers finding an opening to shoot down those crowded in the middle of their encirclement increased the smaller the distance between them.

    To make matters worse, all of the South Korean soldiers¡¯ locations werepromised by now. After all, they had been firing back at their opponents nonstop.

    Only nine of them were left now, and Kwak Cheol-Ho was one of them.

    Of the twenty-four soldiers who joined this operation, four were killed when helicopters attacked them, and another four detached from the main force to kill Jang Kwang-Taek. Seven had been killed in this standoff so far.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Pow-pow-pow! Pow-pow!</i>

    Not wanting to see bulletsnd on the bodies of their fallenrades, they relentlessly dragged the dead soldiers and hid them inside their formation.

    The sun set behind the mountain, causing a shadow to engulf the battlefield.

    The battle had entered a lull.

    Their enemies had stopped approaching them. Since they were surrounded, it seemed the North Koreans nned to just wait them out. After all, they were bound to grow tired eventually.

    Even if their roles were reversed, the South Koreans would still find it difficult to overpower their enemies if they stubbornly resisted.

    <i>¡®They¡¯re hiding something.¡¯</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho sharply examined his surroundings.

    First, their opponents hadn¡¯t received any support from the regr army. They hadn¡¯t been bombarded by mortars or run over by tanks either. Their enemies also hadn¡¯t used explosive weapons like grenades yet.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho watched a soldier take out his water and drink from it.

    Their water pouch looked like an IV bag, so they could just put their mouth at the opening and suck out the water from there. It was best to drink this way during a standoff like this.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho also took out and drank his water, making him feel much better.

    <i>Are they taking a bit of a break because they want to have dinner?</i>

    Silent moments like this were the scariest because they didn¡¯t know what could happen while they had their guards down.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho rubbed his face with his left hand as if he was washing his face.

    They would soon be unable to endure the battle. After all, they were starting to run out of ammo. With about fifty to sixty enemies surrounding them, their nine-man squad was bound to reach its limit soon.

    <i>We did good. We held them off long enough.</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho didn''t know if they were going tost until eight this evening, but they deserved to be praised for their perseverance in this long battle.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle! Crunch!</i>

    At that moment, he heard their enemies moving simultaneously.

    <i>¡®They¡¯reing!¡¯</i>

    Their enemies seemed to have been nning on closing in on them from under the cover of darkness.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho raised his rifle and scanned their surroundings.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    It didn¡¯t take long for him to find one of the enemies¡¯ shadows, but he couldn¡¯t urately track him with his sights because the enemy was moving.

    <i>Howe I was still urate even in the dark during the operation in France?</i>

    <i>Ta-da-da-da-dang! Ta-da-da-da-dang! Ta-da-da-da-dang!</i>

    About three or four of their enemies shot the area next to Kwak Cheol-Ho all at the same time.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Right after they counter-fired¡­

    <i>Ta-da-da-da-dang! Pow-pow-pow-pow! Ta-da-da-dang! Pow-pow-pow-pow!</i>

    Chunks of the tree that Kwak Cheol-Ho was leaning on exploded. The North Korean soldiers seemed to have pinpointed his location using the sparks from his gun.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    <i>Pew! Thud! Ta-da-da-da-dang! Pow-pow-pow-pow-pow! Ta-da-dang! Whoosh!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho was sure that their opponents had closed the distance between them by more than just two steps. Right now, it would be best for them to assume that there was an enemy anywhere within fifteen meters of their location.

    <i>¡®Too bad we can¡¯t listen to the radio.¡¯</i>

    Before they all died, Kwak Cheol-Ho was at least hoping to know if Kang Chan managed to kill Jang Kwang-Taek. Unfortunately, everyone would hear any noise they made right now, even if they just took a step.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho knew that their enemies were approaching them. He couldn¡¯t see them, but he at least knew that they were close enough to make it difficult to use the radio. The mountain was quiet enough for the North Korean soldiers to hear them whisper from fifteen meters away.

    Once the enemies were about ten meters away them, the entire South Korean special forces team would certainly die if the North Koreans volley-fired.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle. Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Their enemies didn¡¯t even bother returning fire anymore.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle. Swoosh.</i>

    From the way the grass was moving, the North Korean soldiers seemed to be crawling toward them.

    <i>Pew! Thud Pew!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho couldn¡¯t just recklessly open fire either since he had to conserve his ammo.

    Their enemies had moved about twelve meters toward them.

    <i>These sons of bitches are using a textbook tactic.</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho looked back at his men.

    <i>¡®Thanks.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Thank you for leading us.¡¯</i>

    Now surrounded on all sides, the nine remaining South Korean soldiers fought against over fifty North Koreans. No matter what anyone said, expecting them to win was unreasonable.

    Everyone looked at each other for only a short moment, but that was enough.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho thought of the training they did together and all the intense operations that they had gone through until now.

    He didn¡¯t regret or feel disappointed that he became a special forces soldier. If anything, his only regret was that he couldn¡¯t pass all of his experiences to his juniors.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho switched his gun¡¯s fire mode to full-auto.

    <i>Pew! Thud Pew! Pew! Thud! Pew-pew! Thud! Thud!</i>

    As he did, he heard rifle gunshots from the lower part of the mountain. An enemy fell with each bullet fired.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Pew! Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!</i>

    Those who fired back fell to the ground lifelessly. Those near them met the same fate not long after.

    Kang Chan had arrived.

    <i>Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!</i>

    <i>How can he do that without hesitation? Why can¡¯t I move an inch?</i>

    Their enemies couldn¡¯t do anything but fall back.

    <i>Ta-da-da-da-dang!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho brought himself back to his senses. With the North Koreans turning toward Kang Chan in surprise, he now had plenty of time to return fire.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Thud! Ta-da-dang! Pew! Thud!</i>

    The tide of the battlepletely changed.

    Gunshots echoed nonstop across the mountain.

    <i>Click. nk!</i>

    Kang Chan changed magazines as he crouched down. He then fired at the enemy as he scaled the mountain. Seok Kang-Ho and Yoon Sang-Ki were beside him, bravely covering fire for him.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Thud!</i>

    The head of the enemy behind Kwak Cheol-Ho snapped back and smashed onto the ground.

    If the god of death truly did exist, then they would probably look like Kang Chan.

    <i>Rustle!</i>

    Finally, Kang Chan reached Kwak Cheol-Ho and the others.

    ¡°You guys have gone through a lot,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡±

    Kang Chan red at their front with spite-filled eyes.

    <i>Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!</i>

    Before they knew it, their enemies had retreated.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho looked at Kang Chan, then to the side. When their eyes met, Yoon Sang-Ki nodded.

    <i>¡®He killed Jang Kwang-Taek?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Yes!¡¯</i>

    Yoon Sang-Ki gave Kwak Cheol-Ho a look that seemed to say, ¡®Naturally!¡¯

 Chapter 186.1: Job Well Done (1)

    <h4>Chapter 186.1: Job Well Done (1)</h4>

    A lion had pounced into a battle between dholes and wolves.

    <i>Pew! Thud! Pew pew! Thud! Thud!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and Yoon Sang-Ki followed Kang Chan.

    <i>Were those bastards always that weak?</i>

    The North Korean soldiers managed to get within twelve meters of the South Korean special forces team. However, by the time they lifted their heads or even spun around to escape, Kang Chan had already taken the shots that killed them.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho suddenly realized the importance of having amander.

    <i>Ha, motherfuckers! To think you were trying to surround us just moments ago! Why don¡¯t youe at us now? Come and get some!</i>

    He felt as if he was witnessing an otherwise indestructible wall being toppled down.

    <i>Hah. Hah.</i>

    Kang Chan sharply scanned his surroundings.

    <i>Do these motherfuckers not have any ns on giving up at all?</i>

    These North Koreans mobilized soldiers and conducted acts of terrorism, killed Choi Seong-Geon, and attempted to assassinate Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. Now, they were trying to gain the upper hand and kill the South Korean soldiers using their superior numbers.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    Every now and then, one woulde across situations where crawling was the best way to approach their enemies. However, this moment wasn¡¯t one of those. With everyone standing so sharply at attention, they could all sense whenever the enemy moved their guns or lifted their hands.

    <i>Click! Swoosh! Thwack!</i>

    <i>How dare that son of a bitch aim that gun here?</i>

    Kang Chan turned his head and gestured at Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>¡®Go around to the left!¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Got it.¡¯</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho trod lightly.

    <i>ck! Pew! Pew! Pew! Thwack! Thwack!</i>

    After a short while, three bullets¡ªone from Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kwak Cheol-Ho each¡ªflew through the forehead of the enemy soldier who lifted his head.

    Kang Chan slowly moved the barrel of his gun from right to left. The tension inside him was easing up.

    The sharp de of his mind dulled down little by little, and the sound of the wind breezing through the branches and grass began to sound normal again.

    He apprehensively drew in a breath and quietly let it out.

    At the very least, it felt as if the fight was over for now.

    <i>nk.</i>

    Kang Chan removed the gun from his shoulder and scanned his surroundings onest time.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, have our men station here and there. Order one more to stand guard down there as well,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho responded. With a wave of his hand, three soldiers quickly headed to their positions.

    Of the twenty-four men who joined this mission, only thirteen were left. Five of them had their arms and legs tied up with their uniforms, which were stained with dark blood.

    The soldier tasked to stand guard also got into position.

    ¡°Bring the dead soldiers over here,¡± Kang Chanmanded again.

    It hadn¡¯t been too long since the battle ended. The soldiers, still nervous and alert, swiftly got to work.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    These fallen men were their fellowrades, people who fought alongside and ran with them just this morning. That only made it harder to drag their stiff and limp bodies on the ground.

    The soldiers had grave expressions on their faces, but they managed to gather the dead men in one ce.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    Heavy silence enveloped the area as they took out their knives and cut their sleeves and pants to block their fallen brothers¡¯ ears and noses.

    They had just about wrapped up everything now.

    ¡°Eat up for now,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The soldiers¡¯ eyes widened in surprise, but they still obediently pulled out their C-rations.

    Kang Chan knew that this was going to be tough for them. After all, their fellow soldiers just died right before their eyes. Even if they were hungry, eating now would still seem like a luxury that would make them feel guilty.

    However, nothing could be done about it. In order to survive, they had to eat and sleep whenever they got the chance.

    As Kang Chan ordered, the soldiers began to take out their C-rations from their bags.

    <i>Chk! Chk! Chk!</i>

    The sound of stic being torn could be heard among the soldiers.

    <i>Munch. Munch. Munch. Munch.</i>

    On top of being hungry, they were all making an effort to finish their meal as quickly as they could.

    These men, still wearing ck camouge cream on their faces, hurriedly shoved spoonfuls of food in their mouths. They ate in silence next to their fallenrades and the dead enemy soldiers with holes through their foreheads.

    If others saw them like this, some would probably ask why they chose this life. However, a philosophical mind wasn¡¯t needed for battles. They were only here as soldiers¡ªas members of a special forces team¡ªon an operation. Right now, all Kang Chan should do was focus on safely getting these surviving soldiers back home.

    After drinking some water, three soldiers stood up and switched with the ones standing guard.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take your post. Go get some food in you,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as he stood in Kang Chan¡¯s ce. Kang Chan and the three soldiers who took the first watch began to eat C-rations.

    By now, all the soldiers knew that Jang Kwang-Taek died. However, the way they looked at Kang Chan clearly showed that they had a hard time believing it.

    <i>These punks can¡¯t bring themselves to believe that we actually managed to kill Jang Kwang-Taek even though that¡¯s what we¡¯re here for.</i>

    Yoon Kang-Ki put his hand in his breast pocket.

    ¡°I want to put this next to the general,¡± he said.

    Kang Chan squinted to see what Yoon Sang-Ki had taken out.

    ¡°It¡¯s Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s hat, sir,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki informed him.

    Yoon Sang-Ki seemed to have picked up Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s hat before they abandoned the car on the way here.

    ¡°Here you go, sir,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki offered.

    ¡°You have it,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho refused. However, Yoon Sang-Ki continued to hold out his hand with the hat.

    When Kang Chan nced at them, he saw Kwak Cheol-Ho extend his hand and take the hat. At the same time, Kang Chan also finished his meal.

    All that was left now was to return alive.

    Kang Chan looked at his watch. Around two hourster, he would receive a broadcast on the radio. It was awkward timing to start walking, but he also felt ufortable just waiting around for the broadcast.

    Jang Kwang-Taek was dead now, but they were all cornered in one ce. Fortunately, the enemy hadn¡¯t sent additional soldiers yet. No tank or mortar were deployed to their location, and the North Korean army wasn¡¯ting.

    Still, this was North Koreannd.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head deeper inside first,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    The soldiers quickly finished getting ready.

    ¡°Daye, you and Kwak Cheol-Ho take the rear. Yoon Sang-Ki, guard our right nk,¡± Kang Chan ordered again.

    ¡°Got it, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki responded.

    After ordering the injured soldiers to stand in the middle of the formation, Kang Chan slowly led his men forward. It was a dark forest, and the paths were difficult to walk on. However, they had to take this road back.

    Thirty minutes into the march, Kang Chan stopped to carefully observe their surroundings. He could see everything in the area with just a nce.

    Although quite some time had passed since thest round of bullets were fired, nothing had happened yet. Taking that into consideration, he grew certain that the North Korean leadership somehow influenced this current situation.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, we¡¯ll be resting here. Divide the men into two groups. We¡¯ll take turns sleeping for an hour,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied.

    ¡°Daye, you sleep first,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Will do,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    Half of the soldiersy down behind the men who were awake.

    They would sleep when they were ordered to. Once they were back up, they would fight if that was required of them.

    A momentter, Kang Chan heard someone snoring.

    .

    <i>How can that bastard still snore even in the middle of enemy territory?</i>

    Darkness had settled upon the night.

    Kang Chan sat back against a tree with his rifle slung from his shoulder. He rested his arm on his raised left leg, then stretched out his right leg. It was the easiest position to immediately open fire if he had to.

    Kang Chan wondered how Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were doing. They were probably fine since they had the National Intelligence Service agents and Kim Hyung-Jung guarding them.

    It was the same for everyone else, too. If anyone dared touch his people, he would follow them to the ends of hell to exact vengeance.

    This was the reason tribal wars in Africa became so brutal. They clearly showed each other what would happen if someone messed with their people.

    <i>Pft.</i>

    However, even in Africa, no one attempted to take revenge against Kang Chan. That was how he gained the code name God of ckfield.

    <i>Are Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook really doing well, though?</i>

    His father and mother. Fuck, that was really good to hear. A father who tried to understand everything¡ªeven if it meant putting his worries and concerns behind him¡ªinstead of one who beat people up after getting drunk. A mother who embraced and was ready to die together with him.

    And these people weren¡¯t his real parents? Bullshit. They were his true parents. No calctions were needed before such a genuine love.

    <i>They¡¯re my real parents. The love they have given me for thest six months is enough for me to happily make sacrifices for them for the rest of my life.</i>

    <i>Rustle. Click!</i>

    The awake soldiers nervously exchanged nces.

    Kang Chan smirked and put down his gun, which he had aimed at Yoon Sang-Ki.

    It wasn¡¯t sleeping that the men were doing. They had essentially fainted.

    To be honest, Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect them to be able to catch up with him. However, Hong Ki-Yoon and the others were stubborn enough to force themselves past their limits so they could follow him.

 Chapter 186.2: Job Well Done (1)

    <h4>Chapter 186.2: Job Well Done (1)</h4>

    As stars popped up in the sky, the smaller-sized moon came into view.

    ¡°General Choi¡­!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho cried out in his sleep.

    <i>Geez, those punks!</i>

    How could men who were supposed to be on the special forces team fall asleep more easily than Seok Kang-Ho did? How could they trust Kang Chan so much to fall asleep like a baby?

    Kang Chan missed Choi Seong-Geon. He met good people like him far toote. Having to live again was more cruel than his life in Africa, but what kept him going was the fact that he had good people in this life.

    <i>¡®I guess I¡¯ll have to go on that damn tour of the other agencies, huh?¡¯</i>

    He would be as respected as Lanok and make it so nobody could touch his people.

    Kang Chan looked up to where the stars were.

    ¡°It¡¯s time, sir,¡± one soldier informed him.

    ¡°Wake them up,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The soldier proceeded to go around and wake up all the sleeping men.

    <i>¡°Ugh.¡±</i>

    <i>Crack. Crack.</i>

    ¡°Let me drink some water before we switch,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Take your time,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    His throat was so scratchy that Kang Chan wanted to have him drink oil, not water.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>! I feel alive again. Go get some sleep, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°Yeah, I will,¡± Kang Chan replied after taking a look around their surroundings and then getting on the ground.

    He fell asleep listening to the soldiers who finished their shifts lying down on the floor.

    ***

    Kang Chan woke up when someone touched him. When he got up, Seok Kang-Ho held out his hand and offered him some water.

    ¡°The situation seems about done now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told him.

    Kang Chan filled his mouth with water and slowly swallowed it.

    ¡°They left us untouched all this time,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°What time is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s eight,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan stretched his neck from side to side and leaned on the tree, getting in position. The ckness of the night had grown darker before he knew it.

    The enemies weren¡¯t giving them much of a fight, but it was night. They couldn¡¯t talk loudly right now.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m sure everyone is already thinking about it, but the fact that they left us here means that some kind of negotiation probably went down. Even so, don¡¯t let your guards down. I¡¯ll wait for the news toe in through the radio before making a decision. The path back could be dangerous, so be on the alert at all times,¡± Kang Chan instructed them.

    Once Kang Chan was finished speaking through the radio, the soldiers who just woke up from their sleep switched with the ones on guard duty.

    <i>Swish. Swish. Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    The insects and beasts continued to throw tantrums.

    Kang Chan missed cigarettes and instant coffee.

    After the soldiers spent some time waiting, one of them stuck a receiver in his ear and raised the radio high in the air. Nobody was talking, but everyone knew that their gazes were focused on that soldier.

    After two minutes, which felt like two hours, the soldier¡¯s expression passed through multiple phases of emotions until he finally put the radio down and took the receiver out of his ear.

    ¡°They¡¯re sending a helicopter to us at nine,¡± the soldier said.

    ¡°What?¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed in surprise.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure of it. The information was repeated to me three times. They will send a helicopter at nine, and we must be near the location where the first conflict was. We must not shoot either. We were asked to uphold these two conditions,¡± the soldier exined further.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    Commands like these likely weren¡¯t a trap.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get a move on,¡± Kang Chan said.

    If Kang Chan knew they were going to get these orders, he should¡¯ve just had them stay. However, even if he was put in the same situation a hundred times, he would¡¯ve moved first and asked questionster. Still, he found relief in the fact that they would be able to give their dead brothers a proper burial.

    This time, it took twenty minutes to get back to where they had their first conflict. It was a strange, ominous feeling.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho, go up with Kwak Cheol-Ho over there and secure our location,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kwak Cheol-Ho. They then swiftly carried out Kang Chan¡¯s orders.

    Kang Chan hung his rifle on his shoulder and stood up from his position.

    ¡°Move the soldiers,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    At hismand, the soldiers sprung into action. The more muscles someone had, the stiffer they became after dying.

    One man grabbed a fallen soldier by the shoulders, and another lifted him by the ankles. The special forces moved quickly in the dark.

    After about ten minutes, Kang Chan and his men stood where helicopters attacked them.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    The damned wind swept through Kang Chan and the other soldiers. After waiting for a bit longer, they began to hear sounds from afar, which were followed by shing red lights.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan put his finger on his trigger and waved his hand to assign the soldiers their positions. He didn¡¯t have a bad feeling in his gut this time.

    <i>Du du du du du du du.</i>

    Kang Chan looked sharply at the helicopter.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Stork. Delivery Team, state your location.¡±

    The soldiers had adjusted their radio frequencies before arriving.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re in the front. Delivery Team, over.¡±

    <i>Click! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roger, Delivery Team. Your location has been confirmed.¡±

    <i>Du du du du du du du.</i>

    A Chinook helicopter rushed toward Kang Chan with its light shing brightly.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    An intense gust swept over Kang Chan and his surroundings.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Delivery Team, hurry it up.¡±

    The chopper precariously bnced over a rock with its rear sticking out. The soldiers began to move following Kang Chan¡¯s hand signals.

    In teams of two, they carried the fallen soldiers and ran toward the chopper. Two of the soldiers who were already aboard the helicopter grabbed the shoulders of the fallen and pulled them inside.

    The whole process took about a total of three minutes. Kang Chan only jumped into the helicopter upon confirming that everyone else had gotten in.

    <i>Du du du du du du du.</i>

    The helicopter seemed to hang in the air for a moment before tilting away from the mountain. Kang Chan turned to a soldier who came with the helicopter.

    ¡°What¡¯s our destination?¡± Kang Chan asked him.

    ¡°Out to sea and then to Mount Hwangbyongsan in Gangwon Province!¡± the soldier replied over the noise.

    Mount Hwangbyongsan? Kang Chan didn¡¯t know where that was.

    ¡°It¡¯s the special warfare winter training center of the ROK Army!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho exined from next to him.

    South Korean soldiers had essentiallye into North Korea with a helicopter to carry out their own special forces team.

    ¡°Does anyone have any cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The soldier who came with the helicopter looked surprised, but no one appeared apologetic or scared.

    Two soldiers dug through their military gear and pulled out cigarettes and lighters. They then tore open the cigarettes and lit them.

    <i>Csh. Chk.</i>

    Four people used a Zippo lighter to light up their own cigarettes.

    <i>¡°Hoo!¡±</i>

    The ear-splitting noises and the rough winds couldn¡¯t stop them from smoking.

    <i>They should make cigarettes longer.</i>

    They reached the ocean after some time but re-entered the maind before long. The soldiers¡¯ eyes were filled with aplicated mix of being sessful with the operation, gratitude for being alive, and regret for their fallenrades.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho!¡± Kang Chan shouted with a wave of his hand.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho moved his ear closer to Kang Chan.

    ¡°When we get back, don¡¯t be discouraged likest time! Ovee it! Make the others proud of being veterans!¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho shouted in response with a nod.

    <i>Du du du du du du du du.</i>

    The helicopter descended toward the center of the mountain. The lights around the barracks were brightly lit, illuminating sedans, vans, buses, and trucks. The soldiers descended from the helicopter, feeling the wind from the propellers against their bodies.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung approached Kang Chan, extending their hands to embrace him. Jeon Dae-Geuk seemed to want to say something but couldn¡¯t find the words. He just patted Kang Chan on the back.

    ¡°Job well done, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung barely managed to utter with his eyes red.

    ¡°Mr. Seok!¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said as he greeted Seok Kang-Ho, gripping both his hands.

    In the meantime, the other soldiers stepped out, with their fallen descendingst. When the helicopter¡¯s engine turned off, the silence that was threatening to take over instantly rushed over them.

    ¡°Attention!¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s loud shout chased away the deafening silence.

    Kang Chan shook his head. Before Kwak Cheol-Ho could salute Kang Chan, Kang Chan approached him and patted his helmet.

    ¡°Good work,¡± Kang Chan told him.

    ¡°Good work, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho responded.

    In situations like this, what use was there for etiquette and formality?

    <i>Tap, tap, tap.</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho extended his hand and gave Kang Chan¡¯s helmet a pat.

    ¡°Good work,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You as well,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki said as he patted Kang Chan¡¯s helmet with red eyes.

    Seok Kang-Ho followed Kang Chan, and they went around patting each other¡¯s helmets.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to be all down in the dumps again, are you?¡± Kang Chan joked.

    The soldiers smiled wryly at Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Let¡¯s let General Choi Seong-Geon and the others leave with light hearts.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho saluted onest time, and the other soldiers followed suit.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho saluted back at them.

    Staying here any longer was counterproductive, especially since some of their fellow soldiers were injured. As the bus and the van drove away, Kang Chan took off his helmet. His hair was ttened and tangled, making him look somewhat stupid.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said, gesturing at a van.

    The four of them sat in the back, facing each other.

    <i>Vrooooom.</i>

    Perhaps it was because they had just been on a helicopter, but even though they were in a van, it seemed to slide on the road as easily as a sedan.

    ¡°How are my parents?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They¡¯ll likely be at the hotel at this time,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh of relief.

    ¡°We still have to capture Wui Min-Gook, right?¡± he asked.

    ¡°We have all the information now. Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo was arrested on charges of espionage, and all the North Korean agents who infiltrated the country have been killed. Unfortunately, we failed to catch Wui Min-Gook,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s questioning look, Kim Hyung-Jung continued his exnation.

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t at the scene. We split our agents between Namjangju and Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s vi in Gapyeong, but Wui Min-Gook wasn¡¯t at either location.¡±

    ¡°Then that means there could still be others out there,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    ¡°It seems only Wui Min-Gook left to take care of other business. Based on the information we received from the North, we suspect Wui Min-Gook and one more person are still out there.¡±

    That was good enough. What else could be done when the guy wasn¡¯t there when the agents surrounded the area?

    ¡°Get some sleep. You should rest too, Mr. Seok,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk urged.

    ¡°Yes. I think I¡¯ll actually get some sleep¡± Kang Chan said as he reclined his chair back and closed his eyes.

    His tension was slowly easing.

    <i>General Choi, I hope you feel less wronged after this.</i>

    Kang Chan fell asleep again.

 Chapter 187.1: Job Well Done (2)

    <h4>Chapter 187.1: Job Well Done (2)</h4>

    The men arrived at the safe house in Hannam-Dong a little over one in the morning.

    Having a good wink of sleep, Kang Chan felt a little less tired, but his arms and legs felt sore because of his position in the car when he fell asleep.

    <i>¡°Ahaaam!¡±</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed to be feeling the same because he kept yawning.

    Kang Chan took a shower first.

    He stood under the warm water and erased the camouge cream, shampooed his hair, and washed his body. Kang Chan then wiped the steamy mirror with his hand.

    Although he was given Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, his life turned into a series of relentless and neverending challenges in return. He couldn¡¯t stop thinking about their fallenrade who broke his finger during the operation.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>,¡± Kang Chan sighed loudly under the flowing water.

    <i>Click.</i>

    He covered himself with a towel and stepped out of the bathroom.

    ¡°Your turn to wash up,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°<i>Ahaaaan</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho stretched, then replied, ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a set of clothes for you in that room,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll go get changed,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Entering the room, Kang Chan found a neatly arranged shirt, suit, radio, and phone waiting for him. After changing into the clothes, Kang Chan returned to the living room and sat down in front of Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Feeling a bit better now?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s all eat together when Mr. Seok is done showering,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk suggested.

    ¡°If you¡¯re staying here because of us, we can just go and eat at the hotel,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Manager Kim and I haven¡¯t had dinner yet either,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk responded.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile at Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s mock-rebukingment.

    One good thing about being reincarnated was that he could meet people who genuinely conveyed good sincerity in their hearts.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>, that¡¯s a lot better,¡± Seok Kang-Ho loudly remarked as he walked out of the shower. He then changed into a new set of clothes as well.

    They had quite ate dinner at two in the morning.

    Kang Chan went to the dining table and sat down, gazing at the food that had been prepared for them.

    ¡°You¡¯re thinking about the soldiers, aren¡¯t you?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    Kang Chan just smiled dryly.

    ¡°I heard he was good at weing them back. General Choi¡­ He would always waitte into the night until the soldiers returned from an operation or training and eat with them. His deputy would prepare a fine banquet. Let¡¯s dig in too,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said as he lifted his own spoon.

    Kang Chan followed suit and started to eat. He once again felt that a meal wasn¡¯t truly a meal unless it included steaming rice, spicy side dishes, and meat.

    Naturally, Seok Kang-Ho had two servings and drank coffee.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk looked proud and apologetic at the same time.

    ¡°The North Korean leadership contacted us first. When we demanded your return from their country, they suggested we send a helicopter for your evac,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    ¡°I thought something like that might have been the case. When we barged into the Ministry of Defense, their security seemed extremelyx,¡± Kang Chan said.

    /p>

    ¡°It appears that Jang Kwang-Taek got politically secluded. Even so, that doesn¡¯t mean that it should¡¯ve been any easier,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung mused.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk, who was just silently listening to their conversation, looked curious about the situation. However, he couldn¡¯t pull rank on Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho to pressure them into telling him what happened, so he instead stopped himself from getting involved in the conversation at all.

    ¡°What are you thinking about doing for General Choi¡¯s funeral, Manager Kim?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We naturally n to hold a proper one for him,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied reassuringly.

    ¡°What about the soldiers who died on this mission?¡±

    ¡°We are fortunate enough to have brought them back home. We will honor them with everything they deserve,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°Please tell me when you¡¯ve decided on a date,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to keep you updated,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung agreed.

    Kang Chan turned toward Jeon Dae-Geuk this time.

    ¡°I¡¯lle back after having a smoke outside,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yeah? Sure, go ahead,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said with a somewhat upset face.

    He traveled hours to get here and saw Kang Chan sleeping. They had also eaten and had tea together. Nevertheless, he still seemed sad that he would have to be away from Kang Chan in the short moment that he would be gone to smoke.

    People like him never seemed to fail to get inside Kang Chan¡¯s walls.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung were no different from this grumpy Jeon Dae-Geuk. Even if these kinds of people weren¡¯t the most refined of men, Kang Chan always liked them since they were always honest about how they felt.

    Kang Chan walked out to the yard with Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung. They then pulled out their cigarettes and started smoking together.

    <i>Click.</i>

    <i>¡°Whew.¡±</i>

    The white smoke disappeared from the light of the yard into the darkness.

    ¡°You can return home in the morning,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said as he shook off the ash from the tip of his cigarette.

    ¡°We¡¯ve assigned agents across from your apartmentplex and on the rooftop opposite of where your parents currently are. At the very least, nothing dangerous will happen to them while they¡¯re at the hotel,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung reassured him.

    <i>Whew! That¡¯s one hell of a relief.</i>

    Kang Chan felt as if he could now breathe a little easier.

    ¡°Mr. Seok, your wife and daughter informed us they would like to return to the country tomorrow,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°Why?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, which led to Kim Hyung-Jung and Kang Chan bursting out inughter together.

    ¡°Would you like another one?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung offered.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho epted and lit up another cigarette from Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I mean, they¡¯re in a foreign country. They should be enjoying themselves out there, not insisting on heading back so early,¡± Seok Kang-Ho argued.

    ¡°They¡¯d be sad if they learned you said that. Your wife was so worried because she couldn¡¯t reach you since yesterday. I heard the agents on site had some difficultiesing up with stories to convince her that you were fine,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung remarked.

    ¡°<i>Sheesh</i>, she shouldn¡¯t be so worried. That wasn¡¯t necessary,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    Kim Hyung-Jung smiled in amusement.

    ¡°She says you regrly called her in the mornings and the evenings. She was worried that something might have happened because there was no reason a person as considerate as you wouldn¡¯t contact her for two days,¡± he said.

    ¡°<i>Hmph</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho coughed and then observed Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Well, I am a bit of a family man,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°I never said otherwise,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The threeughed. After some time, they returned to the living room.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny that made you three so happy without me?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk crabbily asked.

    ¡°We wereughing because Mr. Seok is surprisingly a family man,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied with a smile.

    ¡°Why is that a surprise?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk abruptly defended Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°It¡¯s only right that people who live the way we do are always apologetic to our families. We should call whenever we have time and always put in an effort to be kinder.¡±

    ¡°Completely correct. I¡¯m doing good, aren¡¯t I, sir?¡± Seok Kang-Ho jumped in.

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Seok. You¡¯re really doing a good job,¡± Jeon Dae-Geukplimented him.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked back at Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung with a renewed face of confidence.

    They all sat down and just chatted for the next twenty or so minutes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to invite me to General Choi¡¯s funeral ceremony,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Of course, we won¡¯t. Even if no one elsees, you and Mr. Seok definitely have to be there. Otherwise, he¡¯ll probably be upset,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said with a nod.

    ¡°Section Chief Jeon,¡± Kang Chan began.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gazes all turned to him at once.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to feel sorry for me, sir. I went on this operation of my own volition. I feel bad for our fallen soldiers for saying this, but I¡¯m actually grateful that you helped us go on this operation. In a way, it also feels like I repaid my debt to General Choi,¡± Kang Chan reassured him.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk took in a shallow breath and then nodded.

    ¡°Would you like to get some rest now?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested.

    ¡°Can I stay here a while longer?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk seemed pleased too, so Kang Chan decided to stay seated.

    In the meantime, Seok Kang-Ho retold what happened during the mission. Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s facial expressions were a sight to see.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying only the four of you went to the Ministry of Defense? And in just four hours of running at that?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked in disbelief.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Only the captain went inside the building, though,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan with astounded expressions.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t that big of a deal,¡± Kang Chan attempted to joke, but he failed to get anyughter.

    At around four in the morning, they all got up.

    ¡°Get some good rest. Contact Manager Kim immediately if there¡¯s anything you need,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk instructed Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head back after escorting them back to the hotel,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ¡°Alright. See you,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk replied.

    After Jeon Dae-Geuk left, the three took a car back to the hotel. It wasn¡¯t that far, so they reached their destination in less than ten minutes.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to see us off, sir,¡± Kang Chan insisted.

    Even so, Kim Hyung-Jung still got out of the sedan and extended his hand for a handshake.

    ¡°That was a remarkable job you all did,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said gratefully.

    The tight grip was more than enough to convey how Kim Hyung-Jung was feeling. After shaking hands with Seok Kang-Ho as well, he stayed a bit longer to watch Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho get in the elevator.

    They had probably contacted the agents in advance because two of them stepped into the elevator with Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho. They pressed a button and climbed up to the higher floors.

    Just at dawn yesterday, they were crawling up the mountains. Today, they were taking the elevator. There was really no way to predict where life would take them. Kang Chan never even expected something like yesterday to happen.

 Chapter 187.2: Job Well Done (2)

    <h4>Chapter 187.2: Job Well Done (2)</h4>

    When Kang Chan got off the elevator, he was greeted by bulky agents wearing dark suits with receivers in their ears standing from hall to hall.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Now that Kang Chan was finally in his room, he felt as if he could rx. He took off his jacket and sat down on the couch.

    <i>A cup of coffee would be nice.</i>

    Kang Chan came up with an idea.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Is there any coffee that¡¯s left?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The agents took about ten seconds to respond, making Kang Chan think that they weren¡¯t expecting him to talk to them right now.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes. Would you like some? You¡¯ll have to warm it up a bit, though,¡± one agent replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned as he headed toward the door.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°I hear there¡¯s coffee?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked in a mischievous tone.

    <i>Does this bastard think the hallway is some cafe?</i>

    After a while, Seok Kang-Ho returned with a coffee pitcher in his hand.

    ¡°Why did they give you so much?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho poured the coffee into an electronic pot.

    Kang Chan knew ordering in would probably have been easier, and the agents could have felt ufortable. However, he wanted to share at least one cup of coffee with them before parting ways with them.

    They wouldn¡¯t be able to drink it together, but the fact that they had the same coffee was more important. After all, rank didn¡¯t matter here.

    If he didn¡¯t have the agents standing outside to protect those he loved, how could he have left for the operation with peace of mind?

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We heated up some coffee. Who wants to drink some?¡± Kang Chan asked over the radio.

    This time, it took them twenty seconds to respond.

    ¡°We¡¯re working right now, sir. Please enjoy your coffee,¡± an agent said. He sounded as if he was holding back a smile.

    Seok Kang-Ho brought the coffee over and sat down at the table. Just then, someone spoke over the radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is senior agent Shin Geun-Ho. We were all trained under General Choi, sir. I¡¯m sure there isn¡¯t a single agent in South Korea who hasn¡¯t crossed paths with the general at least once.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    The agent continued, ¡°Thank you for your service, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan thought the agent would speak more, but that was the end of the conversation. The agent was probably worried about talking about the operation.

    As Seok Kang-Ho put back the cigarettes and ashtray, Kang Chan turned his phone on.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</i>

    He received so many missed calls and texts in just a single day.

    ¡°Should we get some sleep now?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not. Let¡¯s have some coffee first, though. You¡¯re having breakfast with your parents, right?¡± Seok Kang-Ho confirmed.

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t want you to eat by yourself. I¡¯m going home after having breakfast, so let¡¯s eat together.¡±

    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s see. It looks like we¡¯ll have about three hours of sleep if we sleep now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho noted.

    The two drank coffee together and then returned to their individual rooms to lie down in theirfortable beds.

    Sleeping for short amounts of time was a piece of cake to them. After all, they spent nearly ten years in a ce where that was the norm. Neither of them were displeased about theck of normal sleep. They were just grateful for getting any at all.

    ***

    Kang Chan woke up in the morning when the sunlighting in through the window hit him. He had slept about an hour past the time he would usually wake up, but the scenery outside wasn¡¯t much different from what he saw any other day.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho washed up lightly and ate a filling breakfast.

    It was around eight-thirty in the morning. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were probably already up.

    A smile stretched on Kang Chan¡¯s face just at the thought of seeing them. He changed into new clothes and attached a radio. Just to be safe, he holstered a pistol on his ankle too.

    ¡°My family¡¯sing home today, so I¡¯ll try to call in the evening if I can,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told him.

    ¡°Just focus on spending time with your family today if you can,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Right, I n to do that. You should hurry and get going too.¡±

    <i>What would I do without this punk?</i>

    Kang Chan nodded, stepped out the door, and headed to the room that was right next to his. He was walking an extremely short distance, but his heart was beating faster due to his excitement of getting to see them again.

    <i>Ding dong.</i>

    Kang Chan pressed the bell and took a deep breath.

    - Who is it?

    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung opened the door.

    ¡°I¡¯m back, Father,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    ¡°What happened? Have you taken care of everything already?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked in surprise.

    ¡°Yes. I got back early,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Kang Chan began to walk into the room with Kang Dae-Kyung when Yoo Hye-Sook, who forced down the rest of the food she was chewing, came dashing at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed, embracing her son tightly.

    ¡°What is it, Mother? Did something happen?¡± Kang Chan asked with concern.

    ¡°She had a nightmare. She didn¡¯t get any sleep and was worried sick about you.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked as if she finally got a sense of relief.

    <i>I have this kind of mom now.</i>

    A mom who could sense in her dreams when Kang Chan left on dangerous operations¡ªa mom who was always worried about her son.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°Are you okay? You¡¯re not hurt anywhere, are you?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked, carefully examining Kang Chan¡¯s face and body. She looked full of concern.

    ¡°I¡¯m not hurt at all. I¡¯mpletely fine,¡± Kang Chan assured her.

    ¡°You¡¯ve be so gaunt in the face,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook protested.

    ¡°It must be because I overworked myself a little to get back quickly. Well, you two were having breakfast, weren¡¯t you? You should hurry and eat the rest of your meal,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°What about you, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I already had breakfast. You two can eat,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°I feel full just seeing my son,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°My goodness,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said with a fake sigh that made Yoo Hye-Sook make an abashed expression.

    ¡°Hurry and eat, Mother. Otherwise, Father can¡¯t eat either,¡± Kang Chan urged her.

    Even as they walked over to the dining table, Yoo Hye-Sook continued to examine Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan¡¯s parents were having toast and eggs for breakfast.

    ¡°Why are you only eating these?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise.

    ¡°Your mom chose this meal,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    Yoo Hye-Sook just smiled awkwardly.

    It wasn¡¯t as if Kang Chan asked the question because he was dying to know the reason why, so he didn¡¯t push any further. Instead, he picked up a piece of the toast and spread some butter on it. He then smeared a little strawberry jam on top.

    ¡°Mother, please have this,¡± Kang Chan offered.

    It was just a piece of bread, but Yoo Hye-Sook looked like the happiest person in the world.

    ¡°It¡¯s so good! You should have some too, Channy,¡± she urged him.

    ¡°I ate with the employees that I work with before going here,¡± Kang Chan informed her.

    ¡°Remind me, who¡¯s the mom, and who¡¯s the son again?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked jokingly.

    ¡°Honey! You¡¯re always like this when you¡¯re jealous,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook pretended to scoff.

    ¡°Should I spread some jam on bread for you too, Father?¡± Kang Chan asked with a grin.

    ¡°No need. I feel like I¡¯ll make the same expression your mom is making if you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung refused.

    The three burst outughing at the same time.

    ¡°Right! They said we can go back home after breakfast,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Nervousness shed across Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s faces.

    ¡°Apparently, they have already caught almost all the culprits from the incidentst time. They¡¯ve also tightened security around the apartment, so I think our home should be safe.¡±

    They still looked quite concerned, but they seemed relieved to know they could leave finally the hotel.

    ¡°Can I go back to work?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t able to ask about that,¡± Kang Chan answered with regret.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded. Kang Chan understood his frustration.

    ¡°For now, how about we go home and go on a vacation?¡±

    ¡°A vacation?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung echoed.

    ¡°Yes. You probably can¡¯t go to work for the week, but I know it¡¯s ufortable to have to stay at home all day after being cooped up in the hotel. Since I couldn¡¯t go on the trip to Jeju with youst time, I thought it might be nice.¡±

    ¡°Will you be alright?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I think I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes moved between them expectantly as she listened to their conversation.

    ¡°Well, I guess we¡¯ll have to go,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied with augh after seeing Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s expression. ¡°Where should we go?¡±

    ¡°Well, do you have any ce you''d like to visit, Mother?¡±

    ¡°Since we went to the beachst time, how about a quiet mountain or valley this time? What do you think, dear?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°That sounds good. Isn¡¯t it around time to pick chestnuts now?¡±

    ¡°Chestnuts?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, there are vacation rentals in ces where lots of chestnut trees grow. We can pick and steam them. It might still be a bit early, though.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it.¡±

    They talked some more until Kang Chan¡¯s parents finished their meal. Now, all that was left to do was pack up and go back home.

    Kang Dae-Kyung was still worried, while Yoo Hye-Sook seemed relieved.

    After Yoo Hye-Sook went in to shower, Kang Chan spoke up.

    ¡°Did Mother worry about me a lot?¡±

    ¡°Your mom has been worrying about you a lot recently maybe because of the incident, but she said she also had a bad nightmarest night,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied as he nced in Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s direction.

    Kang Chan felt so sorry that he couldn¡¯t even say anything.

    ¡°She said a red monster kept trying to take you away. She was so worried. She got close to no sleep,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung added.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    <i>If I knew, I would¡¯ve called even if it was still early.</i>

    Parents were truly incredible.

    ¡°Goodness. My son¡¯s bing more mature while you¡¯re mom is bing more childish.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung chuckled and patted Kang Chan¡¯s head. It was the same feeling as when Kang Chan patted the soldiers¡¯ helmets.

    .

    ¡°You can¡¯t suddenly cancel at thest minute this time too, okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°And everything¡¯s okay?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung confirmed.

    ¡°Yep.¡±

    ¡°Channy,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suddenly called.

    ¡°Yes, Father,¡± Kang Chan replied as he lifted his gaze.

    ¡°All mothers do it with their children, but your mother really risked her life to give birth to you. She wasn¡¯t getting any better even when we practically poured blood into her. I gave you to her thinking that I should let her hold you onest time, but that made her recover instead.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart clenched at the story. Kang Dae-Kyung smiled bittersweetly as he continued, ¡°You mean everything to your mom. Nobody else in this world can rece that. Take care of your her, okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied. Something seemed caught in his throat.

    ¡°Ha, punk! I hope you have a son that¡¯s just like you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said as he stretched out his hand to wrap around Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders.

    It felt as if the whole world was embracing Kang Chan.

 Chapter 188.1: They Said Itéˆ¥æªš Okay (1)

    <h4>Chapter 188.1: They Said It¡¯s Okay (1)</h4>

    <i>Beep, beep, beep, beep. Click.</i>

    <i>Home! I¡¯m finally back home!</i>

    The house felt a tad stuffy when they opened the door and entered. However, the coziness that weed them inside was iparable to the hotel.

    ¡°Goodness! The smell!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed as she headed to the veranda. However, before she could reach it, she flinched and turned back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°They said it¡¯s okay,¡± Kang Chan assured her.

    <i>Swish.</i>

    Kang Chan opened the curtains and the balcony window. He knew there were agents on this apartment¡¯s rooftop and the rooftop of the opposite building.

    ¡°Oh, this is still here,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung remarked in surprise as he looked at the chicken on the table. It was the very same chicken that they had ordered to eat for their movie night but abandoned because they had to rush out of their home.

    ¡°Can we still eat that?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook wondered aloud.

    ¡°Of course not. Do you want to get sick?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Not really,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook furrowed her brows at her husband. She didn¡¯t actually seem mad, though. ¡°Can you get the vacuum cleaner, dear?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What about Channy?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung objected.

    ¡°Our son just got back this morning,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asserted.

    Kang Dae-Kyung burst out intoughter.

    ¡°Let me change into something morefortable, then I¡¯ll get the vacuum cleaner,¡± Kang Chan chimed in.

    ¡°Oh, right! Honey, we should change clothes first too,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    They cleaned their house as intensely and fiercely as the operation Kang Chan went to.

    With determination, Yoo Hye-Sook washed the bedding and clothes they brought from the hotel, and Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan were tasked with vacuuming and mopping. The whole cleaning process took about two hours.

    ¡°Done. Is this good enough?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked. He sounded tired.

    ¡°Yep. Thank you, Honey. You and Channy should go wash up now. Give me the clothes you were wearing while cleaning,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered as she dashed back into the kitchen again.

    How could they go take a shower while she was still so busy taking care of their home?

    Yoo Hye-Sook scolded and asked Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan why they followed her in, but the two just focused on helping her by washing the dishes and tidying up the kitchen.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>! I finally feel like I¡¯m back home,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed as she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    ¡°Father really is a lucky man,¡± Kang Chan said with a grin.

    ¡°Right?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook agreed pleasantly.

    ¡°Hey! Are you really trying to score brownie points for yourself right now?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung shot at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I was just being honest,¡± Kang Chan replied innocently. He was d that they could all smile.

    The three had a cold ss of juice and then showered, changing into lounge clothes.

    While Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked into vacation homes that they could go to, Kang Chan returned to his room. The soldier who broke his finger and the others who died in the recent operation randomly popped into his mind.

    Just like Kang Chan, those soldiers likely had their own families as well¡ªpeople who were waiting for them to return so they couldugh and chat together again.

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh.

    He would actually prefer it if someone sarcastically snarked at him right now like back in Africa. Although he talked all big to the soldiers about not feeling guilty, it wasn¡¯t easy to shake off feelings like this. Perhaps this was why he acted so impudently to those people when he first met them.

    Letting someone inside one¡¯s heart was always scary. Men who had faced life and death together could rte to his thoughts right now.

    Kang Chan let out a deep sigh and picked up his phone. The time hade to contact the people who had been waiting for his call.

    The call was answered as soon as he pressed the call button.

    - Monsieur Kang!

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I¡¯ve returned back home,¡± Kang Chan greeted him. He felt as if this sly snake probably already knew that, though.

    - This has got to be one of the most difficult operations I¡¯ve ever witnessed or learned of. You just made something impossible possible in the most wonderful way.

    Kang Chan justughed.

    - If you have time, would you like to have some tea with me?

    ¡°That goes without saying. I would be happy to see you again, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - You have no idea how much it pleases me to hear you say that, Mr. Kang Chan. I have too many appointments today, but how does tomorrow sound?

    ¡°Should I call you morning tomorrow then?¡±

    - Around then would be great, but if it¡¯s all right with you, let me be the one to initiate the call.

    ¡°Not a problem, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    Next up was Michelle. However, the call just kept ringing until it dropped on its own, connecting Kang Chan to the voicemail greeting in the end instead.

    <i>Is she busy?</i>

    Come to think of it, he hadn¡¯t given the drama any attention in quite a while now.

    Kang Chan also had two missed calls from phone numbers he didn¡¯t recognize and one from Director Yoo Hun-Woo. He could probably get to theseter.

    Kim Mi-Young hadn¡¯t contacted her yet since she was probably busy preparing for her exams.

    ¡°Channy! What are you up to?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook called for Kang Chan. She sounded brighter than usual, most likely because they were finally back home again. As he opened the door and stepped out, the scent of sesame oil greeted him.

    ¡°What are you cooking? It smells so good in here,¡± Kang Chan asked with amazement.

    ¡°The kimchi I left out got perfectly fermented, so I made some noodles with them. Come have some, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    She set down a bowl for Kang Dae-Kyung, then stretched more noodles high over her head and ted them in another bowl for Kang Chan.

    ¡°That looks really good,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    ¡°Your mother¡¯s bibim-guksu is famous,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung joked.

    ¡°You should eat with us, Mother,¡± Kang Chan urged her.

    Kang Chan only started eating his bibim-guksu when Yoo Hye-Sook sat down and picked up her chopsticks. The well-fermented kimchi,bined with spicy and slightly sweet seasoning, was so delicious that he couldn¡¯t hold back his smile.

    ¡°Slow down, no one¡¯s going to eat your food!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook rebuked him with a happy smile. Kang Chan could only imagine how ufortable someone as exuberant as her must have felt pent up in the hotel.

    ¡°Right, were you able to find a vacation home?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yup. There was a vacation home that seemed nice near the streams of Gapyeong. How does the day after tomorrow sound?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s all right with me,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Aside from his meeting with Lanok tomorrow, he had nothing in particr on his schedule.

    ¡°Honey, can you roast chicken for us during our vacation?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Chan turned to Kang Dae-Kyung with a curious expression.

    ¡°Your dad makes the best chicken to pair with beer,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook exined.

    ¡°Your wish is mymand,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied. He then ate arge mouthful of noodles. The food at the hotel didn¡¯t suit his tastes that well.

    ¡°Honey! Slow down,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said. She put more noodles in his bowl while stopping him from eating so fast.

    While they were talking, they decided that Kang Dae-Kyung would make the reservation. After finishing his meal, Kang Chan went to his room and flopped down on his bed.

    <i>After meeting Lanok, I¡¯ll talk about visiting the other agencies, and¡­</i>

    However, his eyes were heavy with sleep. The horrible sprinting, frequent catnaps, and intense fights¡ªall of that was over now.

    Kang Chan drifted off to sleep.

    ***

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes shot open. He nced around at his surroundings.

    It was still midday.

    He picked up his phone from the desk and saw Michelle¡¯s name on the screen when he turned it on.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Channy? Did I catch you when you were sleeping? Sorry.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It was about time for me to get up anyway,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - I couldn¡¯t pick up earlier because we were in the middle of filming. Are you okay?

    Michelle could be considerate sometimes.

    ¡°I saw you called?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - Yeah. I was hoping to give you the documents for the building registration and talk about giving the employees a reward since the drama will be done next week.

    Kang Chan pulled himself up. He could have Michelle take care of a bonus for the employees, but he should probably take the documents from her.

    ¡°Do you have timeter in the evening?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - I had dinner ns, but I can cancel them.

    Kang Chanughed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just have a drink together after your dinner appointment. Where¡¯s a good ce for us to meet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - <i>Hmmm</i>. Once I¡¯m free, I¡¯ll head over to your house and call you when I get there. I¡¯ll probably be there at around nine.

    ¡°Sure. Sounds good.¡± After making ns with Michelle, Kang Chan hung up and looked at his phone screen. It was a little over three in the afternoon.

    After what happened over thest few days, his stamina still didn¡¯t seem to have recovered. That was only natural, though, considering he would have to rest for an entire day to recuperate from the amount of running he did.

    <i>Anyway, I wonder what they¡¯re doing out there.</i>

    <i>Click.</i>

    When Kang Chan stepped out of his room, he smiled at what he discovered.

    Kang Dae-Kyung had fallen asleep with the TV still on, leaning his head on the backrest of the couch. Yoo Hye-Sook had dozed off with her hand gently resting on his leg in a fetal position.

    They were probably tired from not being able to get proper sleepst night. The hotel life was no doubt ufortable for them too. Considering even Kang Chan felt sofortable and cozy in their home, his parents probably felt that way even more.

    <i>I¡¯m so lucky to get to meet people like them.</i>

    Kang Chan quietly returned to his room and brought out a thin nket.

    <i>Creak. Creak.</i>

    Kang Chan put a lot more care into it than it looked. Nevertheless, just as he tried to cover Yoo Hye-Sook with the nket¡­

    ¡°Channy? Oh dear, I must have fallen asleep,¡± she said, suddenly waking up. Although her lips were moving, her eyes were still extremely zed with sleep.

    ¡°You should sleep a little more, Mother. It¡¯s just a bit past three now,¡± Kang Chan told her.

    Yoo Hye-Sook smiled drowsily.

    Kang Dae-Kyung did look a bit ufortable, but waking him up right now would probably only be a loss for him. He would likely want to be in that position longer.

 Chapter 188.2: They Said Itéˆ¥æªš Okay (1)

    <h4>Chapter 188.2: They Said It¡¯s Okay (1)</h4>

    The sunlight stretched across the room, reaching all the way into the living room.

    If he could live like this for the rest of his life, he would definitely consider getting married. It wasn¡¯t all that bad, after all.

    Kang Chan quietly came back to his room, shut his door, then turned hisputer on. There were a lot of things on the news that he wanted to check.

    <i>Well, it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve gotten on myputer.</i>

    So many reports were about Huh Ha-Soo that he could probably build a mountain with them. However, they all revolved around three main points: his espionage charges, the political maniption, and his past aplishments. Kang Chan supposed it all depended on how one looked at it.

    Next up was the evaluation of the drama produced by DI. This could be summarized into one sentence: the drama could have gone down in film history if it wasn¡¯t for all the incidents that took ce during its airing period.

    Eun So-Yeon and most of the other actors were all receiving favorable reviews. A few of the trainees were even having more than just fifteen minutes of fame. They were just eating tteokbokki and snacks inside the office not too long ago, but now they were on the screen, dressed up and smiling from ear to ear.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but grin.

    DI was apany that Kang Chan hastily set up to gather intelligence for information warfare at Lanok¡¯s request. It no longer served its initial purpose, so he felt relieved that it still managed to be sessful.

    Kang Chan also found news about North Korea executing Jang Kwang-Taek with a firing squad and reports about Russian and French aircraft carriers returning to their respective countries.

    The world was certainly aplex ce.

    Once people died and were killed in the shadows, the governments and agencies¡ªthe only ones that the public could actually see¡ªwould take care of the aftermath based on what each would gain or lose.

    Perhaps it was a necessary evil. If there wasn¡¯t any information warfare or covert operations, every minor conflict would carry the risk of turning into a full-scale war.

    Kang Chan turned off theputer after finishing his perusal of the reports. Not long after, he heard someone knock on the door three times.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Yoo Hye-Sook entered with a nket in her hands.

    ¡°How was your nap?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Refreshing. Are you hungry?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked, seemingly intent on preparing him some food.

    Kang Chan smiled.

    ¡°How do you feel? Less tired? I heard you didn¡¯t get any sleepst night,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Ever since we got back home, I¡¯ve been feeling sleepy nonstop. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be getting any sleepter tonight if I nap some more, though, so I¡¯m up now. What do you want for dinner?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any ns other than to meet Michelle at nine, so I¡¯m thinking of eating at home today. Do you want to eat outside?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat at home,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    The meals they had at the hotel were probably the reason Yoo Hye-Sook looked so earnest about finally having dinner at home.

    <i>But is there anything to eat?</i>

    ¡°What is it, Mother?¡± Kang Chan asked, seeing the look on her face.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to make side dishes with. And we have to pack food for the vacation home too, so can I go to the market out front real quick?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked hesitantly.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go together?¡± Kang Chan responded with a smile.

    ¡°Really?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied brightly.

    Kang Chan would be too anxious about letting her go alone anyway. They both walked out into the living room together. Yoo Hye-Sook had a beam on her face like a young student about to go on a field trip.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why do you look so happy, dear?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked curiously.

    ¡°We made ns to go to the market together,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied joyfully.

    ¡°What about me?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked with a mock-upset face.

    The mother and son naturally wouldn¡¯t leave without the man of the house.

    The three changed into clean clothes first.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re going to go to the market. We¡¯ll be taking the car in the underground parking lot. I know it¡¯ll be extra work for you, but I hope you understand,¡± Kang Chan told the agents.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Agents are waiting on standby in the underground parking lot, the roads, and the rooftop. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. We also have control of the management room¡¯s cameras.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan had heard that Wui Min-Gook and one other enemy were still out there.

    <i>Motherfucker.</i>

    Kang Chan hoped they would be taken care of before his family went to the vacation home, but at worst, it wouldn¡¯t take too long since Wui Min-Gook was now no more than a tiger without ws¡ªno, he didn¡¯t even have his paws anymore.

    After changing, Kang Chan opened the front door and examined the stairs. Just in case, he holstered a gun to his ankle and hung the radio behind his back with the receiver hanging out.

    ¡°Can we leave now?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked cautiously.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Yoo Hye-Sook walked out with an anxious expression, and Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan stood on both her sides as if they were protecting her, heading toward the underground parking lot.

    It didn¡¯t seem like Yoo Hye-Sook hadpletely shaken off the memories of the past yet, but even so, she was managing well.

    ***

    Their trip to the market wasn¡¯t asplicated as they thought.

    The three pulled a cart around and picked up various fruits, tried out foods, and brought bulgogi, dried squid snacks, milk, and more.

    It was fun, but it was also tiring. There were also so many people that it made it quite difficult to check everyone who approached them. They had only taken a rough walk around the market, but that alone already took two hours.

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemingly became increasingly lively while Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan just looked fatigued.

    ¡°Channy, what do you think about pork belly for a meal?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Yoo Hye-Sook wanted pork belly, so she would get pork belly. They finished the shopping trip after buying more meat and side dishes.

    In the car on the way back, Yoo Hye-Sook looked even more energized.

    ¡°I made a reservation for a vacation home in Gapyeong,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung informed Kang Chan.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    They returned home and organized the items that they purchased. They then had pork belly for dinner and drank tea together.

    There wasn¡¯t much to happiness. Being grateful to be able to sit and eat together¡ªthat was all it took.

    However, to keep this happiness, someone had to endure terrible training, go out and fight, and a few might note back. It wasn¡¯t like anyone recognized their efforts either.

    The pain of the families whom the fallen left behind was the price to pay for the happiness of the families who had no idea what was sacrificed.

    As Kang Chan ate the pork belly and watched Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, he found sce in the thought that what he had been doing all this time hadn¡¯t been in vain.

    He wanted to be stronger and had the determination to create a more powerful country probably because he wanted others to feel this kind of happiness.

    ¡°I¡¯m so happy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said as they sat down on the sofa. They had just finished doing the dishes together.

    As they watched the news, Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring.

    <i>It¡¯s only eight, though.</i>

    Kang Chan returned to his room to answer the phone.

    ¡°Hello?¡± he greeted.

    -Channy. I got off earlier than I thought. Can I go over right now? It¡¯ll only take me about fifteen minutes.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be waiting in front of the apartment by then,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    He could go out to see her in the clothes he was currently wearing right now anyway.

    ¡°Michelle said she¡¯sing a little earlier. I¡¯ll just have some tea with her ande back home,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°Would you tell her I said hello, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Of course. See youter,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said with concern.

    ¡°I will, Father. If you ever need to go out, please give me a call.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t have to go outside. Don¡¯t worry about us and go,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung assured him.

    Kang Chan soon left the apartment. When he reached the ground floor, he exined the situation to the agents over the radio and walked toward the entrance.

    <i>Beep, beep, beep. Beep, beep, beep.</i>

    He picked up his phone and saw a notification from an application on his screen.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - It¡¯s me, Woo Hee-Seung, sir. Lee Doo-Hee and I have just returned from our paid leave yesterday.

    Hearing Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s voice made Kang Chan suddenly miss Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°I¡¯m going out to drink some tea now. Let¡¯s meet once I¡¯m done,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - Copy. Team Leader Choi Jong-Il told me to deliver his regards.

    Kang Chan and Woo Hee-Seung said their goodbyes to each other with light tones.

    Wui Min-Gook was still out there somewhere.

    Before leaving the apartment, Kang Chan scanned the areas where he could be shot from.

    When he got out, the world seemed at peace.

    <i>Honk.</i>

    A car stopped in front of him, and Michelle waved her hand through the open window of the passenger seat. Caucasian people were really pretty.

    Kang Chan got into the passenger seat.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re still tired. I hope I¡¯m not bothering you,¡± Michelle said worriedly.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I wanted to have another cup of tea anyway,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Okay, Channy, if you say so.¡±

    Michelle started the car and drove to Apgujeong-Dong. Therge cafe was bustling with expensive foreign cars. When she parked, staff members came rushing over.

    Each table had candles lit, and the interior decorations were exquisite.

    In every corner, no matter who it was or where, all eyes were on Michelle. Flowing blonde hair, a sharp nose, big blue eyes, and a body that emphasized her chest and waist.

    Kang Chan and Michelle sat on the terrace and ordered coffee. The candles flickered, elegantly creating quite a decent atmosphere.

    ¡°Here.¡±

    When Michelle handed him a cigarette, envious nces from all around the room shot at Kang Chan.

 Chapter 189.1: They Said Itéˆ¥æªš Okay (2)

    <h4>Chapter 189.1: They Said It¡¯s Okay (2)</h4>

    ¡°You don¡¯t look good, Channy,¡± Michellemented.

    ¡°I had a lot of things to do.¡±

    For some reason, Michelle didn¡¯t ask him what he had been up to but instead immediately changed the subject. ¡°The school¡¯s anniversary is next Friday. They¡¯ll be holding the school festival then.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    He had just returned yesterday from a battle so brutal that a lot of his men died. However, the school festival was an important event as well.

    ¡°The kids worked hard to prepare for it,¡± Michelle continued. She talked carefully as if she was pacifying a younger brother who had a bad temper. Now that he thought about it, he did ask her to work on the school festival.

    ¡°Oh, and the building registration paperwork is in the car. Don¡¯t forget to take it with you. We¡¯ll be cleared to move into the building in two weeks. I know the first floor will be a shopping mall, but how should we divide the rest of the buildings?¡± Michelle asked as their tea was served.

    ¡°I was nning to move my father¡¯s automobilepany¡¯s office first floor of offices, but convincing him to do that would be tricky. It doesn¡¯t matter what you do with the rest of the building for as long as it doesn¡¯t ovep with the floors that I¡¯ll be using. Right, what about DI?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of giving thepany the seventh and eighth floors. Can we do that?¡±

    Kang Chan raised his coffee cup as heughed lightheartedly. ¡°I just told you that I¡¯m leaving the building management to you, didn¡¯t I? Stop worrying and use the floors as you see fit. I do hope that my mother¡¯s Foundation office will be on the first floor as well, but we can figure that outter.¡±

    ¡°Actually, a financepany contacted us about using the first, second, and third floors for a bank and a brokerage firm.¡±

    <i>Will it be okay for those to be in the same building as Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯spany and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s foundation? Wouldn¡¯t various factors ovep?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t immediately answer Michelle.

    ¡°Michelle, I¡¯ll be going to a vacation home with my parents in two days. Can I give you my decision when I get back? For as long as we decide where to put the exhibition hall in the first floor, the rest will be easy anyway, won¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°A vacation home?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    They could hear peopleughing out loud around them. Perhaps it was because the establishment they were in sold alcoholic drinks like beers and cocktails.

    ¡°Our drama ends next week. Since it received quite high TV ratings, I¡¯m thinking of going abroad with the DI employees and the other actors who starred in it,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave that up to you.¡±

    ¡°Will you be able to join us?¡±

    ¡°This might not be the case for our employees and in-house actors, but the outsourced actors will probably find it hard to ept that I¡¯m a high schooler,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Michelle obediently nodded as her round eyes remained closely locked on Kang Chan.

    <i>Something¡¯s wrong¡ªshe¡¯s acting somewhat submissive today. There¡¯s no way she¡¯s acting like this because of money.</i>

    ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re hiding something, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Michelle smiled mischievously. ¡°Our drama is a sess, and I¡¯ve done a good job taking over the building and overseeing its construction. So once I¡¯m back from my trip abroad with DI, let¡¯s go to Bali. Just the two of us.¡±

    <i>No wonder she¡¯s being so obedient.</i>

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°You already know my answer, right?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Michelle extended her arms as if she were falling onto the table, then grabbed onto Kang Chan¡¯s forearm and grumbled. From how the men around them reacted, it seemed even the server would raise his hand if Michelle asked if there was another guy who wanted to go with her instead.

    ¡°Get your act together,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Determined to go with him, Michelle clung to Kang Chan. She didn¡¯t let go even though she was fully aware that the people around them were staring.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just hang out for a day instead. I still have to take Cindy and Cecile to dinner,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Michelle sat up and pouted. After staring at Kang Chan for a while, she blinked. ¡°Fine, but I get to decide where we¡¯re going on that day.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Michelle was a cut above Kang Chan when it came to choosing restaurants anyway. In fact, he was already nning to ask her to choose where to go for him if she epted his offer.

    ¡°<i>Embrasse moi</i>[1],¡± Michelle said.

    <i>She¡¯s asking me to kiss her here?</i>

    The ears of the men around them pricked up when Michelle spoke in French.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that next time. Now! Let¡¯s have a smoke and go home,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You really make people anxious during moments like this,¡± Michelle replied but took the cigarette that Kang Chan offered her anyway.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    The two lit up cigarettes.

    ¡°We can probably pay our drama¡¯s financial investors by selling the publication rights in other countries,¡± Michelle said.

    Smoking seemed to have returned her to her senses.

    <i>How will she react if I tell her that I¡¯m going to France to receive training for about six months?</i>

    The two talked for about an hour more before leaving. Michelle dropped Kang Chan in front of his apartment building. Other than deciding that he was going to eat with the DI employees before they went on their trip abroad, they didn¡¯t talk about anything special.

    Kang Chan told Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee to meet him tomorrow before heading back home.

    ***

    The next morning, Kang Chan went for a leisurely jog. He still felt as if he hadn¡¯tpletely recovered from the fatigue he umted during the operation, so he couldn¡¯t overwork himself yet.

    After doing push-ups and a few other exercises, he headed back home.

    ¡°You should rest!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll feel better quicker if I exercise.¡±

    This conversation would¡¯ve annoyed him in the past, but Kang Chan now felt thankful for getting to have it this morning.

    After showering and changing, Kang Chan sat at the table with his parents. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked ten thousand times morefortable at home than at the hotel.

    ¡°Did you two get enough rest?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes. I slept soundly. Something about sleeping at the hotel made me feel uneasy. Fortunately, that feeling disappeared when we got back home,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    Yoo Hye-Sook nodded in agreement.

    Kang Chan enjoyed breakfast and returned to his room. After a while, his phone rang.

    <i>Did Lanok put a camera in my house after all?</i>

    Kang Chan held up his phone after looking around his room.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, it¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, Are you free at around ten-thirty today? I¡¯d like to see you at the embassy.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    The call ended there.

    When Kang Chan went out of his room, he found Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook doing the dishes together.

    ¡°Do you need my help?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Not at all¡ªit¡¯ll be disrespectful to disturb this moment of ours,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung joked.

    Due to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s rejection, Kang Chan made tea instead.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the French embassy,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Okay. Are you sure you¡¯re free to go to the vacation home tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    After having tea, Kang Chan changed and leisurely got out of the house. He took out his phone before he left the building and called Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be heading to the embassy, but let¡¯s have tea first. Are you two up for it?¡±

    - We¡¯re right in front of the apartment.

    As soon as Woo Hee-Seung replied, a car came out of the alley and stopped in front of Kang Chan.

    They drove off as soon as Kang Chan got in.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± Woo Hee-Seung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°We all did our part to aplish the mission. Some of our men even sacrificied their lives for it.¡±

    Kang Chan felt many emotions when he saw Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°We will be guarding you for the time being,¡± Woo Hee-Seung changed the subject.

    ¡°Got it. My only appointment today is a meeting at the embassy at ten-thirty. Let¡¯s go somewhere and have tea before then.¡±

    ¡°I know a good ce in front of the embassy.¡±

    Taking only a little while to reach their destination, Lee Doo-Hee parked the car in front of a cafe with a nicely decorated terrace.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never been to this cafe before,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Their coffee here is quite good as well,¡± Woo Hee-Seung said.

    The three at the terrace and ordered coffee. They then had a smoke.

    ¡°How¡¯s Jong-Il doing?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I heard that he¡¯s recovering quite well. He can¡¯te back right now because it¡¯s still dangerous for him to go on a ne, but he¡¯ll probably be able to fly home in about a month.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s his family doing? I heard he has a wife and a child.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re okay. Hyungsoo-nim[2] is very strong.¡±

    .

    Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s expression made Kang Chan smirk. They also told him about how Cha Dong-Gyun was doing.

    Feeling as if he reunited with hisrades after a long time, Kang Chan spent thirty minutes just talking to them. Afterward, he headed to the embassy.

    The agents who were now familiar with Kang Chan guided him in. Lanok then greeted him.

    After giving each other a French greeting and sitting down at their seats, Raphael brought over tea and cigars.

    ¡°Getting to see you again makes me happy. It was an excellent operation,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°It was only possible because you supported us. Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Lanok lightly nodded. ¡°Something happened behind the scenes.¡±

    That was yet another thing that Kang Chan was oblivious to. Lanok¡¯s expression seemed different from the time he rmended training, too.

    ¡°The UK contacted me. I don¡¯t know why yet, but they want to meet you as soon as possible. I¡¯m hoping to meet them with you if you¡¯re okay with that. What do you think?¡± Lanok asked.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t make sense of the situation. ¡°Well, what do you suggest?¡±

    ¡°Meeting them doesn¡¯t seem like a bad idea.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave the decision to you if you want. However, I¡¯m nning on spending the whole day tomorrow in a vacation home with my parents, so I request that our meeting with them be scheduled after that.¡± Kang Chan decided to inform Lanok of his schedule before the ambassador could respond since people like him tended to set appointments as early as possible once given the green light. They disappeared just as quickly, too.

    ¡°We have plenty of time anyway. I¡¯ll block off tomorrow.¡± Lanok readily epted Kang Chan¡¯s request.

    1. French for ¡®Kiss me¡¯ ??

    2. Hyungsoo-nim is what the younger brother would call his older brother¡¯s wife (basically a sister-inw). It can be used even when they¡¯re not actually brothers like the case with Woo Hee-Seung and Choi Jong-Il here ??

 Chapter 189.2: They Said Itéˆ¥æªš Okay (2)

    <h4>Chapter 189.2: They Said It¡¯s Okay (2)</h4>

    Lanok picked up a cigar. Kang Chan knew from that behavior alone that Lanok was about to open a slightly burdensome topic next, so he took a sip of his tea.

    ¡°Have you thought about the training that I rmended?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Yes. I was just about to ask you to send me there if I¡¯m still qualified for it.¡±

    ¡°Brilliant judgment, Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Lanok smiled brightly, seemingly satisfied. ¡°I¡¯ll schedule it after our meeting with Ethan. That way, I can act ordingly.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, if I were to receive training, when are we going to leave?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°In ten days, most likely.¡±

    <i>We¡¯re going to leave so soon? He¡¯s telling me to leave in ten days for something that will take six months to finish?</i>

    Kang Chan had to persuade and say goodbye to quite a lot of people before he could go.

    Nevertheless, Lanok looked at Kang Chan with eyes that asked, <i>¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯</i>

    <i>Fortunately, I¡¯ll still get to go to the festival next week before I go.</i>

    ¡°Will the training really take six months?¡±

    ¡°More or less, yes.¡±

    If he was going to go there anyway, it was best to go there as soon as possible¡ªeven if that meant just a day earlier. Scheduling it now was a lot better than just waiting around, too.

    ¡°Can I still contact people in South Korea while I¡¯m training?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course. Except when you¡¯re in certain facilities, there shouldn¡¯t be a problem contacting them during your break and dinner.¡±

    That was great¡ªhis schedule was a lot more rxed than he expected. It made him feel as if telling Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook about it tomorrow wouldn¡¯t be difficult.

    Kang Chan spent a while longer just talking to Lanok about various topics. At noon, he stood up and left so Lanok could go to his lunch appointment.

    Kang Chan took out his phone and called Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°Are you two free? Let¡¯s have lunch,¡± Kang Chan asked. After getting their confirmation, he gave Seok Kang-Ho a quick call.

    - It¡¯s me. Where are you?

    Seok Kang-Ho sounded as if he was going to run out at any moment.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have lunch with Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee since I¡¯m already with them. Want toe?¡±

    - <i>Phuhu</i>, where are you guys going?

    ¡°One second,¡± Kang Chan replied, held up his phone, and asked the two what and where they wanted to eat. Since Wui Min-Gook was still in Korea, he wanted to avoid open or crowded areas.

    Eventually, they decided to go to the restaurant that Kang Chan went to with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    By the time the three arrived at the restaurant, Seok Kang-Ho was already inside. That was to be expected, though, since it was close to his house.

    ¡°Did you get some rest?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I slept all day. What about you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all I¡¯ve been doingtely too.¡±

    Only a day had passed. Seeing Seok Kang-Ho allowed Kang Chan to roughly figure out how he was doing.

    They ordered sirloin for the table. Lee Doo-Hee grilled the meat.

    Since there were other people at the restaurant, they only caught up with each other and talked about how the meat tasted as they ate.

    Still, moments like this were precious to Kang Chan. He was grateful for it.

    Although he and these men overcame great danger together and survived in France and China, they never knew when they were going to die in this line of work, so times like this were irreceable to them.

    In Kang Chan¡¯s previous life, he only had Dayeru and Gerard to share these kinds of moments with. Fortunately, he had more people like them around him now.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to a vacation home in Gapyeong with my parents tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Tomorrow?¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied as he had trouble chewing the hot meat.

    ¡°Yeah. Telling him to just stay at home didn¡¯t sit right with me, considering they stayed at the hotel for quite a few days and I only spent half of the day with them during our trip to Jeju Ind.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡±

    After taking about various other topics and finishing their meal, they headed to the cafe at the intersection.

    Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee sat with them for a moment, then left after telling Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho that they were fine just staying in the car.

    ¡°Considering how they¡¯re behaving, there are probably more agents in our vicinity,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°I think so as well. They seem to have been tasked to guard us from a close distance, so other agents have probably formed another line of defense. Some are likely guarding you as well, which makes it difficult for them to use the radio in front of us.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re having quite a hard time.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. They had to twist that bitch Wui Min-Gook¡¯s neck quickly to make everyone¡¯s lives easier.

    When Kang Chan found the chance, he decided to bring up his training.

    ¡°Have I told you that Lanok told me to go to France to receive training?¡± Kang Chan asked. He then told Seok Kang-Ho about his conversation with Lanok earlier.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem like a bad idea,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said afterward, which Kang Chan found unexpected.

    Kang Chan thought that Seok Kang-Ho would be very angry and say things like, ¡®I¡¯m going to be bored all alone,¡¯ and ¡®How can you agree to that and leave me behind?¡¯ Unexpectedly, however, Seok Kang-Ho just calmly agreed to it.

    ¡°I also met Michelle yesterday. She said that we¡¯ll be able to move into the building in about two weeks. I want you to stay there while I¡¯m in France,¡± Kang Chan continued. ¡°She also told me that the school¡¯s anniversary is next Friday, which is when they¡¯ll hold the festival as well.¡±

    ¡°The school holds the festival every year on that date because that¡¯s when the senior students can¡¯t go to school due to their uing exams.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Kang Chan drank coffee while nodding.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you tell Section Chief Jeon and Manager Kim about your training in France as well?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I will. I just thought I¡¯d tell you first. I¡¯ll tell my parents next, then let the others know when I have time.¡±

    ¡°I hope nothing happens while you¡¯re in France.¡±

    ¡°I was told that I won¡¯t have trouble calling people, so there shouldn¡¯t be any problems since you all can just contact me immediately if somethinges up,¡± Kang Chan said as he picked up a cigarette. ¡°I doubt something as intense as what just happened woulde up again anyway while I¡¯m away. Honestly, I¡¯m sure the agents can find Wui Min-Gook and the other man who escaped with him without our help.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Seok Kang-Ho nodded as he picked up a cigarette as well.

    ***

    Kang Chan returned home at about four in the afternoon.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook cleaned the house and rested their fatigued minds and bodies yesterday. Today, they seemed to be leisurely enjoying their spare time.

    <i>Is this the right moment to tell them that I¡¯m going to be away in France for six months? If I don¡¯t, will I find the opportunity to tell them at the vacation home? Wouldn¡¯t it be too quiet there?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t make up his mind.

    ¡°Have you had lunch yet? Do you want to have some fruit?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook warmly asked Kang Chan, who had lightly washed up and changed.

    ¡°Do you guys want to have some?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    Yoo Hye-Sook took two apples and brought them to the living room.

    <i>When would I want Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook to tell me about a decision that they have made without informing me about it first?</i>

    If Kang Chan had to hear the news anyway, he would want them to tell him as early as possible, even if that meant only an hour earlier.

    Yoo Hye-Sook peeled and cut up the apples. She handed one slice to Kang Dae-Kyung first, then gave a slice to Kang Chan as well.

    ¡°I have something to tell you two,¡± Kang Chan started. He couldn¡¯t help but feel bad when he noticed the two immediately bing nervous. ¡°Ambassador Lanok rmended that I study abroad for a short period in France. He said that it¡¯s going tost about six months. I think it¡¯s going to be very helpful to me in the future, so I¡¯d like to ept the opportunity if the two of you are okay with it.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook quickly looked at Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Hmm, are you going to be attending a university there?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°No¡ªthe French government has apparently prepared a schstic course just for me.¡± While making up excuses, Kang Chan kept in mind not to tell them about intelligence bureaus, France¡¯s DGSE, or that their work could even include the assassination of global key figures.

    ¡°Are you thinking of learning about politics and government work, by any chance?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung vaguely asked.

    Kang Chan decided to take this opportunity to tell them what was on his mind. ¡°I recently realized that it would be difficult for me to pull out of work rted to the Eurasian Rail. Not only Ambassador Lanok but the people that he introduced me to are all key members of the project. I keep getting connected to them. I even received an offer to be the South Korean representative for the Eurasian Rail. However, if I¡¯m going to continue to work in this field, I want to properly study for it and meet more people.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung just held the half-bitten apple slice in silence. Yoo Hye-Sook hadn¡¯t even taken a bite yet.

    ¡°What about college?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of enrolling two years after finishing the schstic course.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed to have figured out from the sudden rise in Kang Chan¡¯s status that there was something suspicious about the situation. She looked as if she just wanted her son to have a normal life.

    ¡°When are you leaving?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    Kang Chan looked up toward Kang Dae-Kyung. ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving in ten days if you give me permission to go.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even say a word to his parents when he went to France to be a mercenary in his previous life, yet he just asked for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s permission.

    Kang Dae-Kyung inhaled loudly. Yoo Hye-Sook still looked puzzled.

 Chapter 190.1: You Want To Go, Donéˆ¥æª› You? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 190.1: You Want To Go, Don¡¯t You? (1)</h4>

    <i>Crunch.</i>

    Yoo Hye-Sook turned her gaze away upon hearing Kang Dae-Kyung bite into the apple he was holding.

    ¡°You want to go, don¡¯t you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes, Father,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung sounded as if he was asking to try to have Yoo Hye-Sook ept the reality rather than asking out of curiosity. Hence, Kang Chan answered resolutely.

    ¡°And your departure doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re not going to be able to go to college, does it?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked again.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t gotten a definite response yet, but I¡¯m nning on looking deeper into it after getting permission from both of you,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded, then prodded on, ¡°Are you allowed to stay in touch with us?¡±

    ¡°Yes. They said that except for certain asions, there won¡¯t be any issue with me contacting you,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    This was the first time Kang Chan ever asked for permission from his parents. In the past, he just obediently went to school when he was told to, and he could never ask his parents for things that required money. Why else would he have left for Africa and never looked back the moment he graduated from school?

    But this didn¡¯t feel restrictive at all. Rather, his heart felt warm with emotion.

    ¡°Is his college attendance the biggest issue for you, Honey?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s response was to just look between Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan with a sad expression.

    ¡°Channy, can I ask one thing of you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    Kang Chan patiently waited for his next words.

    ¡°Before you go, you have to get confirmation on your status with college, and you¡¯ll call your mother two times a week no matter what. Got it? Now that I said it, I guess those are more like two things,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said with a forced smile.

    ¡°Mother?¡±

    Kang Chan turned around and noticed Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes were redshot. He had grown ustomed to it due to how frequently it happened, but her tears never once failed to reach his heart.

    If he hadn¡¯t been able to lean against Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s shoulder and cry into her embrace at one point in time, Kang Chan would probably have been wandering around in Africa again, never to learn what familial or parental love felt like.

    ¡°Well, your dad gave his permission, so why not?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook finally replied.

    Kang Chan subconsciously took a step toward Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going to France, then,¡± Kang Chan affirmed.

    ¡°Of course. You should follow what your heart tells you to do,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said as she stroked Kang Chan¡¯s back. He felt as if he just received the greatest, kindest, and strongest love in the world.

    ¡°When did this boy grow up so much?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked after tousling Kang Chan¡¯s hair and patting his back.

    ¡°Finish your apple, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook insisted when she noticed the apple that Kang Chan was holding. She barely managed to reign back her emotions.

    How could Kang Chan refuse? He took a big bite of the fruit.

    ¡°If you¡¯re leaving in ten days, you¡¯ll be busy, won¡¯t you? Where will you be staying? You¡¯ll have to take some side dishes with you. Some gochujang, dried seaweed, and¡ªoh! Take some salted seafood too,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook brainstormed.

    ¡°Mother, I don¡¯t have to take anything. It will all be prepared for me. I probably can¡¯t take any food like that either way because I¡¯ll be staying in a dorm-style residence,¡± Kang Chan quickly butted in. Yoo Hye-Sook seemed about to start packing for him immediately.

    ¡°Still! What if you lose your appetite there?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked worriedly.

    How could Kang Chan not love his mother? He was most grateful for being born again as her son.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Once I¡¯m there, I¡¯ll check if you can send me some food. It wouldn¡¯t be toote to send some to me then,¡± Kang Chan convinced her.

    ¡°Really? Are you sure you¡¯ll be okay? Should we go shopping for some clothes?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked, still concerned.

    Kang Chan smiled. Kang Dae-Kyung did as well.

    ¡°After your training is done, it would be nice if your mother and I could follow you to France and do some sightseeing,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung mused.

    ¡°Sounds like a n!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°Goodness! I¡¯ll be able to visit France thanks to my son!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said with joy.

    ¡°Honey! You¡¯re going with me, not Channy!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung protested.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t go, I¡¯m going to have my son get me tickets and go by myself!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook jokingly shot back.

    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s not fair!¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook softened a bit thanks to the humorous atmosphere that Kang Dae-Kyung created.

    ¡°Channy, hurry and have more apples,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kang Chan nced at Kang Dae-Kyung.

    <i>¡®Thank you, Father.¡¯</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked as if he had a torrent of emotions inside him. A father¡¯s love was definitely different from a mother¡¯s. A single look from him was worth more than a thousand words and made Kang Chan¡¯s heart throb with even more emotion.

    Although Kang Chan just told them shocking news, the atmosphere became warmer. Perhaps his parents thought that it was better to have their son properly trained than to have him leave to who-knew-where and return home injured.

    Kang Chan and Kang Dae-Kyung then persuaded Yoo Hye-Sook not to cook more meat, albeit barely. Unfortunately, she insisted on making japchae instead. The two men busily tried to stop her, and, after some struggle, they finally had a cozy dinner together. Afterward, they watched TV to spend more time with each other.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</i>

    After a while, Kang Chan¡¯s phone on the table rang, getting his attention.

    ¡°Hello?¡± he answered.

    - Kim Hyung-Jung speaking. Do you have time to talk right now?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m at home,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - Can we meet in Samseong-Dong for a moment? If you cane, then I¡¯ll contact Mr. Seok next.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan came back out to the living room and informed his parents that he was heading out for a bit.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask them about college while I¡¯m there. I¡¯ll be able to leave for France with my mind at ease then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Okay, Channy. What if they say you can¡¯t, though?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked worriedly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure I get an answer from them today,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kang Chan naturally turned softer when he was talking to Yoo Hye-Sook. If they said no, he could just not go to the training in France.

    Soon after, Kang Chan changed out of his clothes and left his home. When he stepped out of the apartment, he found Seok Kang-Ho already waiting for him.

    ¡°Have you had dinner?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I had a bunch of pork belly slices with kimchi!¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied, clearly delighted.

    <i>I really need to have him get tested at the hospital someday.</i>

    It took them about fifteen minutes to get to Samseong-Dong. There was a bit of traffic because it was rush hour, but the ride wasn¡¯t boring.

    They drove directly down to the underground parking lot and went up the building by elevator. When they reached the right floor, they found Kim Hyung-Jung waiting for them.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung greeted.

    Kang Chan shook his head and walked in to find Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Tae-Jin inside.

    ¡°Mr. Seok!¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk warmly greeted. ¡°How¡¯s the fatigue? Feeling better?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk was looking at Seok Kang-Ho with adoration. He was acting as if Seok Kang-Ho was his nephew or a trusted soldier on his team.

    The five had some tea together and made some small talk about each other¡¯s well-being.

    ¡°We decided to hold the funeral on Monday next week,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung steadily said. ¡°We n to have it quietly, so we¡¯re blocking out any media coverage. General Choi Seong-Geon has been posthumously awarded the President¡¯s Order of Military Merit and promoted by one star. The men whoid down their lives for the country were awarded the Hwarang Order of Military Merit and promoted one rank.¡±

    ¡°What about thepensation for their families?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They will be designated as national meritorious citizens, and they will receive constion payments for the soldiers¡¯ sacrifices.¡±

    This oue felt slightly unsatisfying, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t push any further. He really couldn¡¯t do anything about the regtions that they were currently following.

    ¡°On another note, in about ten days, I¡¯m nning to go to France for a six-month training program,¡± Kang Chan opened. When he did, he realized that Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Hyung-Jung, and even Kim Tae-Jin already had somewhat of an idea of his departure.

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service received some reports regarding this. The agency is looking forward to the fact that your development will be of great assistance to South Korea, but they also find it regrettable that the special forces team will no longer have amander that can rally them,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk sighed quietly.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯d like Seok Kang-Ho to look over the special forces team for a while. What do you think?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    <i>This Seok Kang-Ho?</i>

    Kang Chan turned to look at Seok Kang-Ho, who also appeared to be quite flustered.

    ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be any issues with his qualifications. On paper, he is currently a special agent of the National Intelligence Service. He just has to check in on the team once or twice a week, at least until Cha Dong-Gyun returns¡­¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said as he turned his gaze toward Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°What do you say, Mr. Seok?¡±

    Kang Chan expected Seok Kang-Ho to readily ept the proposal, but he surprisingly had a solemn expression. It made him genuinely curious about what was going on in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mind.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Well, the thing is, without you, my presence there really won¡¯t change anything. Changing the person that rallies them can¡¯t be changed so easily.The soldiers already have experience under their belt as well, having gone on missions to France, China, and North Korea, so it¡¯s not like they stillck that either,¡± Seok Kang-Ko replied.

    ¡°Mr. Seok, that¡¯s exactly what we would like to request of you. I know it won¡¯t be easy, but please act as theirmander at least until the men¡¯s confidence in themselves bes more solid. Eyes from all around the world are suddenly focused on us, and that¡¯s making it the most difficult for the deputy general. We¡¯re asking this of you because we think that role should be held by someone who actually fought alongside the soldiers,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk insisted.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan. After a while, he sighed as his expression turned grim.

    ¡°I understand. I suppose I can visit once or twice a week until Cap returns,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Seok,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk sped his hands.

    Kang Chan realized that the current Seok Kang-Ho was definitely different from the Dayeru of Africa. The serious expression that he had earlier was something that Kang Chan could never imagine Dayeru making.

 Chapter 190.2: You Want To Go, Donéˆ¥æª› You? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 190.2: You Want To Go, Don¡¯t You? (1)</h4>

    ¡°Is there anything you need before you leave for France?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked Kang Chan out of concern, finishing his conversation with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°My mother is worried if it¡¯ll be okay to defer going to college for a year. Can you tell me how that will work?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Had the men been expecting something more serious? At Kang Chan¡¯s question, Jeon Dae-Geuk made a disbelieving smile. Kim Hyung-Jung and Kim Tae-Jin had simr expressions.

    ¡°I will ask the prime minister¡¯s office to take care of it,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    With that, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s concern was resolved.

    ¡°Anyhow, has there been any more information about Wui Min-Gook?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There are likely some organizations and individuals who are still helping him, but with the current situation, it appears they are staying hidden,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    <i>Tsk! I won¡¯t be able to leave for France with peace of mind unless I twist his neck first¡­</i>

    The others¡¯ expressions didn¡¯t differ that much from Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ¡°I¡¯m embarrassed to show my face in front of you and General Choi,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°None of this is your fault, Director,¡± Kang Chan assured him.

    ¡°This wouldn¡¯t have happened if I hadn¡¯t said that we should just let Wui Min-Gook go that time,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said with a genuinely apologetic face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that! Who could¡¯ve predicted something like this would happen?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said in an attempt to reassure him, but Kim Tae-Jin still looked remorseful.

    .

    ¡°We have received messages confirming the Russian President¡¯s visit to South Korea. The UK Prime Minister and the President of France will be visiting as well. All that¡¯s left now is the work to be done by the government, but they say we can still call them, so I will contact you to let you know every time progress is made,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Is that necessary?¡± Kang Chan asked dubiously.

    ¡°The Eurasian Rail still hasn¡¯t been connected yet. We should continue exchanging information with you as the situation develops,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    All Kang Chan would be doing was listening to how the situation worked out. The only danger that remained was Wui Min-Gook, which was something that Kim Hyung-Jung could take care of alone.

    ¡°Manager Kim, what are your ns for Huh Ha-Soo?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The evidence is so clear that he won¡¯t be able to make any excuses. We are also discovering more individuals from within the National Intelligence Service who provided internal information to Huh Ha-Soo. It will be dealt with properly.¡±

    Kang Chan found it a shame that he didn¡¯t get to twist that motherfucker¡¯s neck, but it wasn¡¯t as if he was still a baekjeong[1] from the old times to be butchering all the criminals. It did feel like things were moving quickly, but that wasn¡¯t a problem.

    ¡°Don¡¯t just go suddenly changing your nationality to French, okay?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk joked, instantly lightening up the atmosphere. ¡°If youe back as a Frenchman because you fell for their offer of pretty women and money, I¡¯m not going to stay still.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s eyes were so sharp that Kang Chan thought he might not be joking after all. However, when he grinned, the others also chuckled along.

    ¡°Promise me,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk continued through his smile.

    His serious expression andmand were even funnier, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯tugh to his face. Before Kang Chan could answer, though, Jeon Dae-Geuk continued, maintaining his grave expression.

    ¡°Before you leave for France, let me ask you this one thing. Just where did you and Mr. Seok obtain such experience? I also think it¡¯s better not to know the answer to this question, but I can¡¯t help being curious.¡±

    The atmosphere changed instantly again. Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung focused their entire attention on Kang Chan.

    However, this wasn¡¯t a question that Kang Chan could answer, no matter how much he trusted them. Even if they were to believe what he said, what woulde out of telling them? There was no knowing if his response could put him or Seok Kang-Ho in danger.

    ¡°Chief Jeon, I¡¯ll have to keep take that secret to the grave, but in return, I promise not to get a French nationality,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Seeing Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s stiff expression, Jeon Dae-Geuk let out a low sigh.

    ***

    The vacation house was located over an hour¡¯s drive further into Eupnae of Gapyeong.

    <i>¡®Looks like the agents are gonna have their work cut out for them.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan had informed the agents of the location beforehand, but the winding roads and the hilly terrain were a nightmare from a security perspective. The two sedans in front of them and the vans and sedans following them were probably all agents assigned to protect them.

    To be honest, Kang Chan also became alert every time a truck passed by them on the other side of the road. He had a gun holstered to his ankle and a radio behind his back, but the receiver wasn¡¯t in his ear.

    ¡°It really is autumn,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook remarked in wonder. The mountains nketed in red leaves were a vast change from the scenery that the hotel and their home offered. Fallen leaves were strewn along the roadside.

    They reached their reserved vacation home about two hours after they left home. The location was quiet, peaceful, and had a lovely view. They could certainly rx in this ce if it wasn¡¯t for the threat that Wui Min-Gook posed.

    As Kang Dae-Kyung confirmed their reservation, Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook unloaded their luggage from the car and moved them to the ce they rented.

    The vacation home was made up of five separate houses, and the owner directed them to the second one to the left.

    The house they reserved was a white wooden building with a spacious living room and bedrooms withrge ss windows. Above was a loft with a bed essible by stairs under a ss roof that revealed the sky. By the time they put the food in the fridge and tidied their belongings, it was already around two in the afternoon.

    <i>If it weren¡¯t for the damn ss windows in the living room, this ce would¡¯ve been really cozy.</i>

    It was the perfect structure to get sniped from the mountains.

    Kang Chan eventually put the receiver of his walkie-talkie into his ear.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°What should we do about the mountains from across the living room?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We have already deployed troops there yesterday. We conducted two searches, and they were ordered to surround the entire mountain and have ambush training until tomorrow,¡± Woo Hee-Seung immediately answered.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    The soldiers were suffering just because his family was staying at a vacation home for a day. Kang Chan wanted to invite all the soldiers here to have a barbecue with them if he could. However, he decided to keep the information to himself because he didn¡¯t want Yoo Hye-Sook to feel bad.

    ¡°Should we close the curtains in the living room?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked quietly, away from Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°It should be fine for now. They¡¯ll be able to see inside at night, though, so we should close them then,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    They would¡¯ve had to draw the curtains at night anyway to have privacy from their vacationing neighbors.

    ¡°Honey! What are you doing? Let¡¯s go outside!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook happily suggested.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°The bathroom and everything else is so clean,¡± she said.

    ¡°Were you hoping to clean the bathroom or something, honey?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung jokingly asked.

    ¡°I was just looking around,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook shot back.

    As they continued to exchange banter, the three walked outside together.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>! The air is so fresh!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed after taking in a deep breath. Except for the sound of two children from the home next to them running around, there wasn¡¯t any noise.

    ¡°Let¡¯s pick some chestnuts. They said we have to wear hats and sunsses and also asked that we only pick as many as we can eat,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung reminded.

    They leisurely walked into the mountain, following the path.

    Kang Chan quickly scanned their surroundings and stayed by Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s side. Fortunately, he wasn¡¯t getting any warnings from his gut.

    ¡°Should we not go?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook cautiously asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Mother. They said there are chestnuts in this ce, right? Let¡¯s go over there,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    It was unfortunate for the agents and soldiers, but Kang Chan and his family might as well enjoy themselves while they were here. He would regret going back home before he could do anything, so he continued to walk along, pretending everything was fine.

    They strolled through the forest along a narrow path and reached a slightlyrger clearing.

    ¡°Wow!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook and Kang Dae-Kyung eximed. Kang Chan also looked around, equally surprised.

    They hade across a grove of chestnut trees on a teau. It was on a mountain¡¯s incline, so it wasn¡¯t visible from below. Chestnuts covered the ground, having fallen from the roughly thirty or more chestnut trees on it.

    ¡°They prepared those for us,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung pointed at a fews and sticks.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°The head of the household should be the one to do something like this,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied with a grin.

    Kang Dae-Kyung hit the tree, and chestnuts came pouring down. They picked up the fallen chestnuts and opened them to reveal plump, juicy chestnut meats.

    The part that made Kang Chan the happiest was seeing Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s childlike delight as she enjoyed the chestnuts.

    What more could he wish for?

    Once they had collected a reasonable amount, the three looked around the area.

    ¡°It looks like there¡¯s a stream around here,¡± Kang Chan noted.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    They walked past the grove of chestnut trees and down the mountain to find a stream with stone basin ced here and there to collect water.

    ¡°Parents would enjoy visiting this ce with their children in the summer,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook remarked.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook exchanged smiles while washing their hands.

    They passed the stream and followed the hiking trail, reaching the parking area where they first parked their car. Although they had walked for about an hour and a half, the fresh air and pleasant conversation were so nice that time flew by unnoticed.

    ¡°Have you gone chestnut-picking yet? Huh? Why is this all you picked? I¡¯m sure there were plenty of chestnuts out there,¡± the friendly female owner said when she saw the pouch of chestnuts that Kang Chan was carrying. She sounded as if she found the amount quite a pity.

    ¡°We only have to pick as much as we can eat,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    ¡°What? You can grill some of them when you¡¯re eating meatter and save some on the way back too. Most people pick too many, but I guess there are folk like you too. Who¡¯s this, though? Your little brother?¡± the woman asked with a smile.

    <i>She¡¯s just saying nice things for business.</i>

    ¡°You two look so much alike. He has to be your little brother,¡± the woman added.

    ¡°He¡¯s my son,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied with a beam.

    ¡°What?! How can someone as young as you have a son?¡±

    The owner¡¯s cheeky, joking remarks took about ten minutes of their time. If she was an actress, she would have won the grand prize in a heartbeat.

    <i>Mother won¡¯t fall for that obvious lie, will she?</i>

    ¡°Dear! I must look really young!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    Kang Chan quietlyughed it off.

    It was good to see Yoo Hye-Sook happy.

    The three then spent a leisurely afternoon and had dinner with Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s homemade chicken as the main dish. They shared some beer as well.

    As time passed and darkness fell, Yoo Hye-Sook seemed to feel the reality of Kang Chan¡¯s uing departure.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to take care of yourself even in France, okay?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said out of genuine concern.

    ¡°I will, Mother. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kang Chan reassured her.

    When Kang Chan held her hand, Yoo Hye-Sook looked as if she was on the verge of tears, but she still smiled.

    1. A derogatory term for butchers and during the Joseon Dynasty, they belonged to the lower ss ofmoners. ??

 Chapter 191.1: You Want To Go, Donéˆ¥æª› You? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 191.1: You Want To Go, Don¡¯t You? (2)</h4>

    Not much happened on Sunday. Kang Chan simply had a cup of tea with Seok Kang-Ho and headed straight home.

    The next day, the funeral for Choi Seong-Geon and the soldiers who sacrified their lives in thest operation was held. After discussing it with Kim Hyung-Jung, they decided to hold it after Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook went to work.

    ¡°Drive safe,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°You stay safe as well,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be back,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung added.

    After seeing his parents off, Kang Chan put on a shirt and a suit and left the house.

    <i>How nice would it have been if all of us survived?</i>

    As soon as he walked out of his apartment building, he found Seok Kang-Ho and Woo Hee-Seung waiting for him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take that car to the funeral,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be right behind you,¡± Woo Hee-Seung replied.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho got in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car.

    ¡°Here, have some.¡± Seok Kang-Ho offered Kang Chan the coffee that he had bought earlier before hitting the road.

    ¡°Our lives here are definitely different than the ones we had in France,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, but wouldn¡¯t it be more urate to say that back then, we never met anyone we could grow attached to? We didn¡¯t get along with anyone¡ªnot even ourmanders.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong.¡±

    Still drinking coffee, they merged into the highway.

    ¡°Are you done preparing to leave for France?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°What¡¯s there for me to prepare? I n to go there with only the clothes on my back and return as soon as I can anyway.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho began to drive faster.

    ¡°Don¡¯t strain yourself to go on operations while I¡¯m away,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I know you well enough to know that you probably won¡¯t back out of operations, but being amander is different. I¡¯m trusting you with the men because you¡¯ve changed. Otherwise, I would have done everything I could to stop you from taking care of them as well,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°<i>Awh</i>, You¡¯re worried about me?¡±

    ¡°You want to get hit?¡±

    Snickering, the two took out cigarettes and put them in their mouths. They then lowered the window and lit their cigarettes up.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>. Only you, Smithen, G¨¦rard, Ambassador Lanok and I know about our reincarnation secret. Ambassador Lanok didn¡¯t fight alongside us in our previous lives, and that bastard Smithen has done nothing but stay on the sidelines. How disheartened do you think I¡¯d feel if I heard that you died while I was in France?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Will you only feel disheartened?¡±

    Kang Chan only smirked in response. He then drank the cold coffee.

    <i>Would I only feel disheartened?</i>

    Even he couldn¡¯t guess what he would do if he heard that Seok Kang-Ho died in an operation while he was in France.

    Kang Chan rested his arm on the window and looked outside.

    ¡°Are you thinking of working in the intelligence field?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yes. No matter how I look at it, getting out of this won¡¯t be easy because of how messed up the situation has be. If I¡¯m going to end up working in this field, then it¡¯s better to get in front of it and making it work for me rather than falling behind and chasing after it. General Choi and the others probably wouldn¡¯t have been killed if we were stronger. If I decided to work in this field earlier, we probably wouldn¡¯t have lost such good men.¡± Kang Chan had another sip of his coffee. ¡°We both know that one of us is going to die someday if we keep going on operations. That¡¯s why I n on making sure everyone knows that if they mess with us, nothing will be able to stop us from killing them.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded. ¡°I¡¯m going to make the team stronger while waiting for you, so don¡¯t worry and just focus on getting back home safely.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one I¡¯m most uncertain about!¡±

    ¡°Hey! Like you said, I¡¯m not the same Dayeru you knew in the past!¡±

    For some strange reason, Kang Chan snickered andughed about otherwise unimportant and useless things whenever he was with this fucker.

    ¡°I noticed something a while back, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan turned to look at him and immediately noticed that he was serious.

    ¡°Ever since we went on the operation in Mongolia, your capabilities have changed every time we went on an operation. I didn¡¯t think much of it at first, but then I noticed that the skills you showed in the operation in France and when we went to kill Jang Kwang-Taek werepletely different. There¡¯s a chance that the ckhead is behind all that too, so¡­¡±

    ¡°Are you worried about the ckhead¡¯s side effects or something?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°The change in my skills, your huge appetite, and the speedy recovery of the people I gave a blood transfusion to could all be its side effects. Even so, we can¡¯t really do anything about it, can we? It¡¯s not like we can just go around telling people that we reincarnated during an operation and then ask them to treat us because we are experiencing side effects,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    The two talked about a couple more topics as they drove. After a while, they finally reached Jeungpyeong.

    When they arrived, they found six military police lined up on each side of the barricade at the entrance. The cops briefly inspected their IDs before letting them pass. They had an extra barricade on the mountain path that led to the makeshift city, and in the parking lot, twelve hearses were parked and waiting.

    When Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho got out of the car, Kim Hyung-Jung, the adjutant, and Kwak Cheol-Ho came out of the barracks.

    Seeing the barracks again reminded Kang Chan of Choi Seong-Geon and their fallen brothers¡ªespecially the one who kept running even after he broke his finger.

    ¡°Thank you foring.¡± The adjutant stood in front of Kang Chan with bloodshot eyes, then continued, ¡°We n to hold the funeral in front of the barracks that the General usually stayed in.¡±

    The adjutant pursed his lips to hold back his tears.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Tae-Jin also came out after Kwak Cheol-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho silently bowed in greeting.

    ¡°I think we can start now that everyone¡¯s here,¡± the adjutant said.

    ¡°What about their families?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They arrived earlier. They¡¯re saying their final goodbyes now.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho arrived about thirty minutes earlier than they were supposed to.

    Starting with Jeon Dae-Geuk, all of them went around the barracks and walked to the yard that was across from Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s office.

    Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s portrait was on a tform that was covered in white chrysanthemums, and the fallen soldiers¡¯ lined both sides of Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s portrait.

    Kang Chan stopped in front of the portraits of the deceased.

    <i>Why are you smiling like that, General? Why do you all look so happy?</i>

    How could this man smile so brightly when he ran all night with a broken finger only to die after getting to eat nothing but a C-ration the next morning?

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>.¡± As Kang Chan exhaled softly to control his emotions, Jeon Dae-Geuk approached him and stroked his back.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We should let them go now,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    <i>I wouldn¡¯t havee here if I knew it would feel like this!</i>

    Kang Chan never got to say a proper goodbye like this to the chicks whom he had failed to save in Africa, so he didn¡¯t expect that this moment would make him choke up.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kang Chan walked to the front.

    The soldiers whom Kang Chan didn¡¯t see in front of the barracks were sitting with their families.

    When Kang Chan¡¯s party sat down with Jeon Dae-Geuk, the funeral ceremony started.

    People saluted, had a moment of silence, recited eulogies, and paid tribute to the memories of the deceased. Through it all, Kang Chan never looked away from the portraits.

    When the time came to offer flowers and burn incense, a young woman holding the hand of a childid white chrysanthemums and soon burst into tears. An old couple then burned some incense, wiping their tears on their wrinkled faces as they did.

    ¡°Oh god, you good-for-nothing child!¡± an elderly woman cried. She grasped tightly onto one of the tforms[1] and stroked the portrait on top of it.

    ¡°What about Eun-Mi, honey? Don¡¯t leave us, please!¡± another woman cried.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kang Chan¡¯s turn soon came. As they headed toward the tform, Kwak Cheol-Ho approached them.

    ¡°Please give this to the General.¡± He held out Jang Kwang-Taek¡¯s hat to Kang Chan. He looked as if his tears would fall from his red eyes at any moment, but he managed to endure it through gritted teeth.

    ¡°This is the General¡¯s final journey. I don¡¯t know about anything else, but I think it¡¯s only right for you to be the one to give this to the General,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho continued. Even though he didn¡¯t blink, a tear rolled down his cheek and fell.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, you should give that to the General yourself. That¡¯s what he would want,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho stopped breathing to not burst into tears. His lips curved to a deep frown as his face grew redder.

    Kang Chanid the white chrysanthemums on the tform and then burned out some incense.

    <i>I¡¯m sorry, General. ¡®I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t keep you all alive.</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    <i>I¡¯m going to France to do whatever it takes to be powerful enough to stop anyone from messing with my people again. I never want to have to seek revenge ever again because others hit us first.</i>

    After Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kang Chan stepped back, themander of the guards of honor¡ªwho had been standing in a line¡ªsolemnly walked over.

    ¡°Attention!¡± themander yelled.

    Asmanded, the guards seamlessly got into position.

    A trumpet yer yed the Taps[2].

    ¡°Present arms!¡± themander yelled.

    <i>nk!</i>

    ¡°Fire!¡±

    <i>Ta-ang!</i>

    ¡°Fire!¡±

    <i>Ta-ang!</i>

    ¡°Fire!¡±

    <i>Ta-ang!</i>

    Three volleys were fired for the dead.

    Disying utter discipline with their movements, eight ceremonial guards marched over with Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s coffin. They then slowly lowered it on a tform that was as high as their waists.

    The guards¡¯mander held up a badge version of the South Korean g and put it near the top of the coffin. He then struck it downward.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    The ceremonial guards opened the g and spread it over the coffin.

    This was it.

    From this moment forth, all of Choi Seong-Geon, including his memories of living for South Korea and the special forces, would no longer be found anywhere but in military records and the hearts of those who loved him.

    Afterward, they did the same for the soldiers¡¯ coffins.

    <i>Bang! Swoosh!</i>

    Whenever a coffin was brought out, the painful cries of the soldier¡¯s family would echo.

    Although these men chose to serve their country, their families wouldn¡¯t have wanted their son, husband, or father to be sacrificed.

    1. https://images.app.goo.gl/BArn3Fa4zA8tef6m8 ??

    2. Taps is a bugle call, or a short tune sounded at military funerals ??

 Chapter 191.2: You Want To Go, Donéˆ¥æª› You? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 191.2: You Want To Go, Don¡¯t You? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan sat by the ess road of the makeshift city.

    Seok Kang-Ho, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Kwak Cheol-Ho were next to him. Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Tae-Jin waited for them in the office.

    This was why it was scary to genuinely care about people.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how much time had passed.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, we should leave now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. If it wasn¡¯t for him, Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t have moved from his position at all until the sun went down.

    When they went down the mountain path, the soldiers sitting in front of the barracks stood up.

    Kang Chan looked at each of them. ¡°I¡¯ll be out of the country for a short while. While I¡¯m away, you better focus on bing the strongest special forces in the world.¡±

    With dark expressions, the soldiers focused on him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s make sure nobody will ever be able to mess with our people again. Be so strong that you can kill whoever or whatever organization dares hurt those we care about,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°When are youing back?¡± one of the men asked.

    ¡°In six months.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t stop training until deathes for us. We¡¯re going to make sure we share ourbat experiences with the others.¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho answered with determination.

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°I can trust you all, can¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°The results you¡¯ll return to in six months will answer that.¡±

    That marked the end of their conversation. He never had to say a lot whenever he was talking to them.

    ¡°Do any of you have cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho took out a cigarette, and Yoon Sang-Ki held up his lighter. All of them began to smoke as if something bad was going to happen if they didn¡¯t.

    Afterward, Kang Chan headed into the barracks. Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Tae-Jin greeted him.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± Kim Tae-Jin offered.

    ¡°Yes please, if there¡¯s instant coffee.¡±

    The adjutant made and served Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Hyung-Jung some coffee.

    ¡°Do you feel a bit better now?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk reached over and patted Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder.

    ***

    The moment Kang Chan got home, he tried his best to brush off his emotions.

    He wasn¡¯t trying to forget them, but he didn¡¯t want to go around with glinting eyes like when he failed to save one of the chicks back in Africa. Hence, he engraved his feelings in his heart instead, firmly solidifying his resolve to never let something like this happen again.

    He ran like crazy the next morning. Fortunately, that helped him relieve a bit of his frustrations.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>. <i>Haah</i>.¡±

    In the past, Kang Chan¡¯s capabilities dramatically increased whenever he lost a chick or crew member. He would always think, <i>¡®If only I focused a little bit more,¡¯</i> and, <i>¡®If only I fired first.¡¯</i>

    Those thoughts made him grit his teeth and pounce on his enemies.

    Kang Chan bent over and put his hands on his knees. As he gasped for breath, someone approached him and held out a bottle of water.

    Kang Chan nced up, finding Woo Hee-Seung standing in front of him. He wordlessly took the bottle of water and drank it.

    ¡°I heard that the soldiers have started to train,¡± Woo Hee-Seung said.

    ¡°You even report things like that?¡±

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho called me earlier. He was worried that you went home before you could process your emotions yesterday and told me to tell you that we¡¯re going toplete our training. We won¡¯t ever give up, so you shouldn¡¯t worry.¡±

    <i>Damn it! Why is this ce full of people who were hard toe by even once every two years back in Africa? They should just be selfish and cold so I wouldn¡¯t have to care about them.</i>

    ¡°Our team leader, Choi Jong-Il, called me as well. He told me to be prepared to die if even a small problem urs because we failed to guard you properly. It seems he called all of the agents assigned to you and told them the same thing,¡± Woo Hee-Seung added.

    ¡°He¡¯s worrying about the wrong people,¡± Kang Chanmented, thenughed heartily. People like them made him want to do his best to make South Korea a powerful country.

    ¡°Have you had breakfast yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Woo Hee-Seung smiled as if he just heard a funny joke.

    ¡°Find out if any of our fallen soldiers¡¯ families need any help,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The morning and evening winds were quite cold now, so he quickly cooled down.

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in response. He then headed up to his apartment.

    ***

    As part of his routine, Kang Chan showered and had breakfast with his parents.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had just recently gone back to work, so they still seemed worried and slightly excited about it.

    ¡°Is something wrong? You don¡¯t look so good,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I probably just over-exhausted myself earlier while I was working out.¡±

    ¡°Channy! You can get sick from over-exerting yourself! You have less than ten days before you go to France, you know!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook scolded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be more careful.¡±

    Being with people whom he loved made life quite nice.

    ¡°Right! Channy, before you go to France, why don¡¯t you invite Michelle over for lunch or dinner?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°You want me to invite Michelle over?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯d like to thank her and return the favor for buying us cake a while back.¡±

    ¡°She told me a few days ago that she¡¯s nning to have a vacation abroad with the DI employees and outsourced talents once the drama has ended. I doubt she¡¯ll find the time to eat with us,¡± Kang Chan replied, quickly nipping her suggestion in the bud.

    Yoo Hye-Sook seemed upset about it, but he had no choice but to do it since Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked as if they were starting to make their own conclusions about his rtionship with Michelle.

    ¡°You just got back to work after quite some time off. Aren¡¯t you two tired?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Not at all. I actually like being back in the office probably because I get to go outside again after being indoors for so long,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    After having breakfast, Kang Chan and Kang Dae-Kyung cleared the table and washed the dishes.

    ¡°Drive safe,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°We will, Channy!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be back.¡±

    Kang Chan only had a few days left to say goodbye to his parents and see them off to work. He would certainly see them again once his training in France was done. Nevertheless, ever since he reincarnated, he had only been with them for six months, yet he already had to be away from them for the next six months.

    <i>Will things be awkward if I leave home for that long?</i>

    Kang Chan was on his way to his room when his phone rang.

    Lanok really had a knack for calling him at the right time.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, Ethan has asked me to check your schedule. Do you have some time to spare tomorrow?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m free all day tomorrow, so please feel free to choose the best time for you.¡±

    - I¡¯ll schedule a meeting with him tomorrow, then. British people don¡¯t know the depth of food, so let¡¯s have tea at around four in the afternoon. Ethan is a wicked man, so it would do us good to just listen to what he had to say.

    Lanok sounded as if he was smiling as he spoke on the phone.

    ¡°Please let me know once you have agreed on a time.

    - You should stille to the embassy at four.

    ¡°Noted.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know why Ethan wanted to meet with him but thought that it probably wasn¡¯t to talk about a very heavy topic. He could just be nning to talk about what happened in France and then boast about how he helped Kang Chan rescue Lanok.

    <i>Why are Vasili and Ludwig being so cautious around Ethan, though?</i>

    Kang Chan decided to get an answer to that during his meeting with him tomorrow.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    <i>Who is it now?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at his phone.

    ¡°Michelle? What¡¯s up?¡±

    - Channy, the drama is ending today, so we n to watch the finale together and have dinner after. Are you free to join us?

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be ufortable for everyone, especially the outsourced talents, if I join you guys?¡±

    - Even if that were the case, the President should stille. We can just have a light meal with the outsourced talents, then head to another restaurant with our employees after. Our drama¡¯s ending today, so please spare us a bit of your time today. Our employees are looking forward to seeing you again, you know.

    <i>It¡¯s not even nine yet. Why is Michelle already confirming whether I¡¯ll be able to join them or not?</i>

    Either way, he felt as if he had to do this for them. After all, he would be going to France in a couple of days.

    ¡°Alright. Text me the time and location once everything has been finalized.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan sat on the living room sofa.

    Due to strange twists of events, thepany that he created to make it easier for French agents toe to South Korea turned into one that actually made dramas. He didn¡¯t really want to look after it, though. Considering how troublesome it was bing for him, he thought it wouldn¡¯t be bad to entrust the entirepany to Michelle instead.

    He found no need to rush doing that, though.

    Although he now had a dinner appointment, he still had all morning and afternoon to spare. During moments like this, his go-to activity was meeting up with Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan immediately picked up his phone and dialed a number.

    - Want to have some tea?

    Seok Kang-Ho answered the phone without even saying, ¡°hello,¡± now.

    ¡°When do you want to meet?¡±

    - I¡¯m putting on clothes right now.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been naked all this time?¡±

    Kang Chan heard Seok Kang-Houghing and then snorting from the other end of the line.

    <i>Jeez, this dirty bastard!</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at the entrance of the apartment.¡±

    Kang Chan quickly hung up.

    The training would only take six months, yet Kang Chan still found himself continuously examining his surroundings ever since this morning. It was as if he would be going away for far longer.

 Chapter 192.1: The Gentlemanéˆ¥æªš Suggestion (1)

    <h4>Chapter 192.1: The Gentleman¡¯s Suggestion (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan met Seok Kang-Ho around nine-ten in the morning.

    It was still too early for the cafe in Misari to be open, so the two headed to Yangpyeong instead. Kang Chan could feel his uneasiness alleviate a bit now that he was with Seok Kang-Ho.

    They soon arrived at a cafe on the mountain to the right of a river, allowing it to offer quite a stunning view. Seok Kang-Ho pushed the brakes and turned on the hazard lights, but Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee were nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°You gonna ask them to join us?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re assigned to outer perimeter security, so they probably can¡¯t join us either way. Let¡¯s call them over when we get to the duck restaurantter instead. Actually, let¡¯s invite everyone in the outer perimeter team to eat with us,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    .

    For some strange reason, insignificant matters kept bringing a smile to their faces. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat at the table near the front yard and turned their chairs toward the river. Now that Kang Chan had thought about it, he had lived such a busy and tumultuous life for the past six months that moments like these had felt like luxuries.

    Seok Kang-Ho ordered two cups of coffee from the waiter who came downstairs. He then pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered one to Kang Chan. After lighting them up, they began to smoke.

    ¡°You have that weird look in your eyes again. Are you feeling ufortable? Is your heart starting to race?¡± Seok Kang-Ho questioned as the waiter served them their order.

    The two took a sip of their coffee before continuing their conversation. Although the coffee scent they caught a whiff of was amazing, the taste was somewhat disappointing.

    ¡°Well, just the usual. We keep getting tangled up with difficult situationstely that it¡¯s surpassed my expectations. I¡¯m just worried that it won¡¯t be any different this time,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Something was certainly troubling Kang Chan. Much to his dismay, however, he didn¡¯t know if it was his gut or if he was just uneasy about leaving Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, and Seok Kang-Ho by themselves.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho discussed dinner ns and about meeting Ethan, the representative of the UK¡¯s intelligence bureau. They then got in the car and hit the road again.

    They decided to have lunch at a roasted duck restaurant near a beautiful stream. Kang Chan tried to convince all the agents to join them, but only Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee showed up. Nevertheless, the four of them still enjoyed a hearty meal together.

    Aside from Michelle sending him a text message that informed him of the name, phone number, and address of a restaurant in Gangnam, nobody else contacted Kang Chan that morning.

    After drinking some makgeolli, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Hoid out a nket by the stream and took a nap. When they woke up, they had some coffee and headed back up to Seoul.

    <i>Can I take Seok Kang-Ho with me?</i>

    Kang Chan felt a bit disappointed and bittersweet about having to spend six months away from Seok Kang-Ho. However, he felt too embarrassed to express how he truly felt.

    ¡°Catch you next time. What are you going to do in the evening?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to eat dinner,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied with a straight face.

    The two exchanged a briefugh and soon parted ways.

    Kang Chan went home, showered, and rested for a while. He then changed into fresh clothes to go to the restaurant that he promised Michelle he would go to.

    ***

    When Kang Chan entered the restaurant, the drama and broadcasting staff were already seated in one section of it.

    ¡°Boss!¡± Michelle eximed, noticing Kang Chan first.

    ¡°Mr. Kang!¡±

    The employees, actors, and staff approached and greeted him one by one. They were all weing him with expressions of joy and excitement. Kang Chan felt d that he came.

    Michelle stood by his side to introduce the directors, writers, and actors from otherpanies who had yed important roles in the drama. There were a lot more people than Kang Chan expected.

    ¡°Great job with the drama,¡± Kang Chan told them. Then, he sat down between Michelle and Lim Soo-Sung and watched them do their thing.

    The gathering consisted of people with strong personalities, but the atmosphere was still warm and easygoing. A part of it probably had to do with the good ratings for the drama, which created a sense of rxation and happiness among them.

    Kang Chan drank several shots of alcohol that the middle-aged actors offered him. As he did, Michelle stood up and clinked her beer bottle with a spoon.

    ¡°Attention, please!¡±

    <i>Clink! Clink! Clink! Clink!</i>

    She seemed a bit out of ce because her blonde hair and blue eyes didn¡¯t really match the Koreanpany dinner setting.

    ¡°I am proud to announce that our president has invited all the actors who appeared more than three times this season and the director of each department to Thand!¡± she eximed.

    <i>¡°Whoohoo!¡±</i>

    Apuse and cheers erupted.

    The restaurant continued to serve them meat and alcohol. After a while, Eun So-Yeon approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Would you like to have one more ss?¡± she asked.

    It was hard to say no.

    ¡°Good work,¡± Kang Chan told her.

    ¡°I should thank you and Director Michelle,¡± she replied.

    Eun So-Yeon seemed to have matured during the short time they worked on the drama. One probably couldn¡¯t ask for more than doing something they loved and achieving sess on top of that. Kang Chan was d. Even though the ultimate goal of apany would almost always be financial gain, creating a result that brought happiness to everyone was also quite important.

    A few trainees came running over when Eun So-Yeon left, having been waiting for their chance to talk to him.

    ¡°President Kang! Thank you so so much!¡±

    Afterward, the stylists, makeup artists, and road managers approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re happy with your work, I hope?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course!¡± they all replied.

    Even their female ountant came over to Kang Chan with a face flushed from beer.

    ¡°Are you sure you should be drinking?¡± Kang Chan asked jokingly.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a minor!¡± she said back.

    Kang Chan epted a ss from her with a smile and poured some for her in turn, which was a first tonight.

    They respected and admired him so much that the non-DI employees couldn¡¯t help but look at Kang Chan with intrigue.

    ¡°Channy, I¡¯m going to be leaving in a few moments,¡± Michelle whispered into Kang Chan¡¯s ear, reading his expression.

    <i>She seems really good at reading the room too.</i>

    After about twenty minutes, Michelle signaled at Kang Chan with her eyes. Everyone was already quite tipsy and buzzed by now.

    Lim Soo-Sung and Kim Jae-Tae followed them out of the restaurant.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave wrapping the night up to you, Mr. Kim,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°I understand. Please don¡¯t worry and have a good night,¡± Lim Soo-Sung reassured her. After exchanging goodbyes, she went back inside with Kim Jae-Tae.

    ¡°Can we have another bottle of beer?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s do that,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    It was still before ten, so Kang Chan nodded, wanting to do something for her for the hard work she did.

    Since they were both intoxicated, they took a taxi to Apgujeong-dong instead of driving. Michelle seemed to be a regr at the ce because the bartender greeted them with a smile and even took them to a table in the corner.

    Kang Chan liked the music and, above all, the fact that he could smoke freely.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kang Chan told Michelle.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Michelle grinned and clinked her beer bottle against his. Kang Chan once realized again that noisy environments weren¡¯t for him, but after taking a sip, he felt more at ease.

    Michelle, who was wearing a ck suit and white blouse, offered Kang Chan a cigarette.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan lit the cigarette for her with his lighter.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>. Michelle, there¡¯s something I have to tell you.¡±

    Michelle bit her lower lip as her eyes widened.

    Sensing that Michelle misunderstood what he meant and was probably thinking of something inappropriate, Kang Chan quickly added, ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going to France for about six months for training.¡±

    ¡°Training?¡± Michelle repeated.

    Kang Chan nodded in response. Michelle tilted her head.

    ¡°Can Ie with you?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°No, you can¡¯t,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan took a sip of his beer and put the bottle on the table when Michelle suddenly got up from her seat and shifted her body to sit on Kang Chan¡¯sp. She was positioned slightly higher than Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, given that she was sitting on his legs.

    <i>Peck.</i>

    Michelle lightly kissed him, then gazed into his eyes.

    ¡°Sounds like you found what you want to do?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    <i>Peck.</i>

    She kissed him for the second time.

    ¡°Hug me,¡± she ordered.

    Chuckling, Kang Chan embraced Michelle. Michelle hugged him back as tightly as she could with her arms around her neck.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to learn how to wait now, won¡¯t I?¡± Michelle mused.

    Was he supposed to tell her that she didn¡¯t have to wait for him?

    Michelle lifted her gaze and stared intently at him.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t forget about making time for me, did you?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I remember I agreed to make time to meet everyone. And it¡¯s about time you get off, no?¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Michelle smiled as if she found his response amusing. After a brief moment, she lowered her head toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡± the onlookers cheered loudly for the two.

    Michelle was probably somewhat upset. Kang Chan didn¡¯t refuse her, but he didn¡¯t ept her advances either. When she lifted her head, her expression swiftly told him that his guess was right.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop here,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°All right,¡± Michelle agreed.

    <i>Does she not have any pride?</i>

    She came off of him, acting like she was unaffected, and took a sip of her beer.

    ¡°Where will you be staying?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. Ambassador Lanok said he would take care of it, so I think I¡¯ll know once I get there,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Can you still call home?¡±

    ¡°They told me I¡¯m free to take and make calls except during special asions.¡±

    Michelle then took in a deep breath.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go straight into the production of the next drama. The public now knows and can easily recognize Eun So-Yeon and the other actors, so they have to take advantage of this opportunity. Oh, right! If So-Yeon epts all the advertisement offers she got, we¡¯ll get a profit of over two billion won.¡±

    Money was easy to earn in this industry. That was probably why so many children endured the harsh life of trainees.

    ¡°I¡¯ll look after thepany and watch over the building, so just focus on being safe, Channy. And I don¡¯t care about the girl you love since I know her, but don¡¯t bring back any other girls,¡± Michelle said firmly.

    <i>Jeez! Michelle looks like a Barbie doll, but she never stops talking like this.</i>

    ¡°You won¡¯t have time to meet with Cecile and Cindy, will you?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I can set tomorrow or the day after aside to meet with them,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Michelle nodded. Every time Michelle¡¯s blonde hair bounced around, the men who were staring at her gulped. Kang Chan found it funny.

 Chapter 192.2: The Gentlemanéˆ¥æªš Suggestion (1)

    <h4>Chapter 192.2: The Gentleman¡¯s Suggestion (1)</h4>

    Although Kang Chan came homete, that didn¡¯t mean that he would skip his workout. Thinking about leaving for France soon made him feel as if time was passing far more quickly.

    ¡°Channy! You received a call yesterday¡ªdid you hear?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°What was it about?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s face filled up with excitement as they sat at the table for breakfast.

    ¡°The college! They said that for as long as you decide on your major, they can immediately arrange a leave of absence for you. But if you can¡¯t, then you just have to enroll within five years,¡± she exined.

    Kang Chan noticed a subtle hint of hope in Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes. He needed help from Kang Dae-Kyung the most during moments like this.

    Kang Chan shifted his gaze to his father.

    ¡°Your mother wants you to pick your major before you head to France. That way, you¡¯ll already be enrolled in the university before going to training,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said, interpreting what Yoo Hye-Sook was trying to say.

    Kang Chan turned his gaze back to see Yoo Hye-Sook sheepishly smiling.

    ¡°I just thought it might be easier for you if you enrolled in college before you leave. It¡¯s the same as other people enrolling and then going to the military¡­¡± she trailed off.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll do that,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    He didn¡¯t have any reason not to anyway. It wasn¡¯t that difficult, and it would make her happy.

    ¡°Your mom was so worried yesterday about how we could convince you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I was not!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook protested.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been living together for almost twenty years. I know you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said with a grin.

    Even if he couldn¡¯t keep up with his sses or didn¡¯t end up going to ss because he didn¡¯t want to bother his ssmates, Kang Chan thought simply enrolling in the university wouldn¡¯t be that much of a problem.

    ¡°What about your major though, Channy? What do you want to take?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I was nning to major in physical education, but I¡¯ll think about it for a little longer. I¡¯ll tell you my decision in the evening,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Okay, sounds good,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    They finished breakfast about ten minutester than usual, so their morning became a bit busier. Kang Chan helped Yoo Hye-Sook put away the side dishes and then did the dishes himself.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see youter. Have a good day and be safe, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said as she reached out and hugged him.

    ¡°She¡¯s acting like a daughter, isn¡¯t she?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung joked as he met Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t mind. Yoo Hye-Sook holding him tightly felt like a reward from the world for all his hard times throughout his two lives.

    ¡°Take care of yourself, Father,¡± Kang Chan said.

    At some point, Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s patting touch on his head or shoulder had be more natural. Whenever Kang Dae-Kyung patted him, he would always look into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    The love of a father and that of a mother were definitely different.

    ***

    Kang Chan had nothing in particr to do during the day. Since he had gone all the way to Yangpyeong yesterday with Seok Kang-Ho, he didn¡¯t want to call him again.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    Kang Chan picked up the phone and answered the call with a smile.

    ¡°What?¡± he greeted.

    - What are you up to? Your appointment isn¡¯t until four this afternoon, right? Let¡¯s have lunch together, then.

    Although Dayeru acted tough, rugged, and aloof, he sounded just as upset about being apart from Kang Chan.

    ¡°When will youe out?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - I¡¯ll see you at the apartment entrance.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in a bit,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan saw the guy every day. They had meals, drank tea, and even went on operations together. Nevertheless, he was happy to see him again today.

    Kang Chan gathered the documents about the building and headed out.

    He and Seok Kang-Ho had some tea and stuffed themselves at a luxurious Japanese restaurant. By the time their waiter served dessert, Kang Chan was already so full that he couldn¡¯t move.

    ¡°Why do you look so serious today?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he ate a piece of fruit with a fork. Surprise was evident in his eyes.

    ¡°I was just curious about how much I have to eat if I want to eat like you,¡± Kang Chan jokingly snarked.

    ¡°<i>Pft</i>, that¡¯s such a waste of time!¡± Seok Kang-Ho chortled.

    ¡°You wanna die?¡± Kang Chan shot back.

    If it wasn¡¯t for this guy, the world probably would have been really dull. They stumbled out of the Japanese restaurant and headed to the embassy.

    ¡°Keep this for me,¡± Kang Chan ordered as he put the documents he was holding into the glovebox of the passenger seat.

    ¡°What are those?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Documents for the building. Hold onto them for me while I¡¯m gone,¡± Kang Chan told him.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied in a breezy tone.

    ¡°Just to be safe, I included my stamp, seal, and other rted documents. I also wrote down mywyer¡¯s contact information,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®just to be safe?¡¯¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked stiffly.

    ¡°Just keep the documents safe, okay?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s too bothersome. I¡¯ll leave them as they are, so you better return quickly and take them back,¡± Seok Kang-Ho firmly replied.

    At around two-thirty, they remembered the cafe in front of the embassy. They headed to it and stayed for over an hour to wait for Kang Chan¡¯s appointment.

    A few minutes before four, Kang Chan said, ¡°I¡¯ll see youter.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok has dinner ns anyway, doesn¡¯t he? So let¡¯s have dinner together.¡±

    ¡°Just go back home. I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯m done,¡± Kang Chan assured him.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Seok Kang-Ho obediently responded and then left.

    They had always acted brusquely with each other until now, Kang Chan probably wouldn¡¯t have felt upset even if he were in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s shoes.

    Kang Chan scanned his surroundings and entered the embassy. Once inside, an agent guided him to Lanok¡¯s office.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok greeted him. He then extended an arm to gesture to the man who was standing on the other side of the table¡°This is Ethan, from the United Kingdom. Ethan, this is Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to finally meet you. I¡¯m Ethan,¡± Ethan greeted as he extended his arm forward.

    ¡°Kang Chan,¡± Kang Chan briefly replied.

    The two shook hands.

    Ethan was short, stubby, and had a shining bald spot in the middle of his scalp. However, his eyes and lips conveyed a strong sense of stubbornness. Deep down, Kang Chan thought that the world of intelligence seemed filled with people who had tough eyes.

    ¡°Please have a seat,¡± Lanok suggested. Once they were all seated, he opened and showed Ethan a cigar case. Ethan took one of the cigars inside.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The end of a cigar had to be cut with a cigar cutter before lighting it up, which also took quite some time.

    As they lit their cigars, Kang Chan took a sip of his ck tea.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Ehtan addressed Kang Chan in his rough French. ¡°I¡¯d like to begin by apologizing for the events that transpired in France. As a gesture of goodwill, the Prime Minister will be visiting South Korea soon. We will also be making substantial concessions in the economic and cultural aspects of South Korea¡¯s rtionship with the United Kingdom.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for the help you provided with the incident involving Ambassador Lanok,¡± Kang Chan replied. The tone he used wasn¡¯t submissive but wasn¡¯t too overpowering either.

    With everything out of the way, it was time to get to the point. However, Ethan seemed to be having a hard time bringing it up.

    Lanok didn¡¯t rush him, and Kang Chan wasn¡¯t in a hurry either. They didn¡¯t have to wait that long anyway.

    After about a minute of assessing the atmosphere and rotating the cigar in his hand, Ethan tapped off the ash in his cigar.

    ¡°The United Kingdom haspleted the subterranean shock device,¡± he finally opened.

    His delivery was monotonous. Even so, Lanok still let out a sigh that sounded more like a groan.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re both already well aware of what it is, so I won¡¯t get into details. We reced the two missing energy sources from ckhead with cetinium and denadite. As a result, we were able to conduct two sessful experiments.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s he talking about? Did they really intentionally cause earthquakes?</i>

    Kang Chan recalled the news report about an earthquake urring in the sea some time ago and turned to Lanok for a moment before redirecting his gaze.

    ¡°Russia, the United States, and France are the only countries that are close to knowing about this, but one of the missing energy sources is inside you, Mr. Kang Chan. Other countries have probably caught wind of it, but they likely only have a faint inkling of what¡¯s happening,¡± Ethan continued.

    ¡°Then what is it that you want, sir?¡± Kang Chan tactfully asked.

    They had already switched out the energy sources from ckhead with something else, hadn¡¯t they?

    Kang Chan just wanted to be done with this boring conversation.

    ¡°We have lost control of the subterranean shock device,¡± Ethan informed him.

    Kang Chan tilted his head. Ethan proceeded to give them an intricate and twisted exnation, but in a nutshell, he was just saying the machine was broken.

    ¡°There is no way to stop it. At the rate it¡¯s going, the United Kingdom, the eastern United States, Russia, France, and Japan will all disappear from the map,¡± Ethan revealed.

    Kang Chan was so shocked that he subconsciously shook his head from side to side and let out a loud sigh.

    Thoughts shed through his mind. Kang Chan first felt relieved that South Korea wasn¡¯t among the affected countries but then wondered, ¡®<i>What will happen exactly?</i>¡¯

    It didn¡¯t take long for him to answer his own question.

    ¡®<i>A lot of people are going to die.</i>¡¯

    Kang Chan picked up a cigarette and raised his gaze. Lanok had a stiff look in his eyes.

 Chapter 193: The Gentlemanéˆ¥æªš Suggestion (2)

    <h4>Chapter 193: The Gentleman¡¯s Suggestion (2)</h4>

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    Ethan extinguished his cigar as Kang Chan lit up his cigarette.

    Ethan was essentially saying that the UK needed someone to turn off the switch, but he probably wasn¡¯t telling them this because they didn¡¯t have the hands to do that.

    Silence dominated the room again. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand what Ethan was trying to say. Unfortunately, Ethan didn¡¯t add anything else, and Lanok didn¡¯t even try to join the conversation.

    ¡°Ahem!¡± Ethan cleared his throat and looked at Lanok, seemingly asking for help.

    <i>Does this sly snake also know something about this? The grim look in his eyes a moment ago made it seem like this was his first time hearing about it as well.</i>

    ¡°Ethan, don¡¯t try to y tricks and just tell us what you want,¡± Lanok sharply replied as if he was reading Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    ¡°What we need right now is the ckhead¡¯s energy,¡± Ethan continued.

    Kang Chan looked straight at Ethan as he extinguished his cigarette.

    ¡°You definitely have one of the energies. The satellites can even detect it. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking for help.¡±

    ¡°What would you have me do?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The researchers have differing opinions about securing the energy,¡± Ethan answered, observing Kang Chan¡¯s reaction. ¡°However, having you stand near the cetinium, one of its current energy sources, is our best bet.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile, finding Ethan¡¯s request absurd.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, the UK is desperate,¡± Ethan added.

    ¡°So you¡¯re telling me to stand in the spot of the cetinium while you extract the energy out of it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re hoping to use a different method.¡±

    ¡°And what would that be?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s to leave the cetinium as it is andbine the energy inside you with the machine.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand what he meant.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, a horrible disaster will fall upon four countries if we don¡¯t stop this,¡± Ethan warned.

    ¡°You mean you didn¡¯t even bother making contingency ns if something goes wrong with your weird machine and little experiments? Even if I cooperate, we still can¡¯t guarantee good results, can we? What if this fails as well? Am I just going toe out as a burnt barbeque or charcoal?¡± Kang Chan asked, rendering Ethan speechless.

    Seemingly out of habit, Ethan turned to Lanok.

    ¡°Let¡¯s adjourn this meeting. I¡¯ll think about it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    If Ethan was telling the truth, then a catastrophe would sooner orter strike four different countries, killing quite a lot of people. He was essentially forcing Kang Chan to sacrifice himself for the greater good even though he had no part in making or coaxing them into creating such a horrible machine.

    <i>He¡¯s telling me to sacrifice myself to save a lot of people even though I only have one life?</i>

    This was somethingpletely different from him risking his life on operations.

    As Kang Chan shook his head, Lanok pressed his nose bridge with his thumb and index finger. ¡°Are you threatening us now that the situation has spiraled out of control, Ethan? The intelligence bureaus warned you against it multiple times, but you still created the subterranean shock device and even experimented with it. Now you¡¯re threatening us that you have Russia and France¡ªmy country¡ªin its target?¡±

    ¡°We wouldn¡¯t have had to do this if France didn¡¯t make a Hadron Collider, Lanok,¡± Ethan replied.

    ¡°Answer wisely¡ªif Russia and the United States agree, nuclear missiles can fall like rain on the United Kingdom.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s toote now, Lanok. If we blow up the subterranean shock device now, it will gopletely out of bnce. We have no idea how far the impact of the energy¡¯s explosion will reach.¡±

    Lanok looked at Ethan so expressionlessly that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t see any emotions in his eyes. Right now, Lanok was scarier than when he was angry.

    ¡°You should head back for now. Mr. Kang Chan and I will be heading to France in ten days, so we¡¯ll inspect the facility after that.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t be there while we¡¯re inspecting the facility, Lanok,¡± Ethan replied, but Lanok¡¯s silence seemed to have waned his confidence. ¡°Fine, but I hope you hurry. Every second counts.¡±

    ¡°Go back to the UK,¡± Lanok repeated.

    Ethan stood up from his seat like an obedient child and held out his hand to Kang Chan, who stood up after him. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I look forward to you making a wise decision.¡±

    He then left Lanok¡¯s office.

    <i>What? Is he telling me that I¡¯m not wise if I don¡¯t risk my life for this absurdity?</i>

    Kang Chan felt as if he just met someone who insisted that he pay for their debt instead.

    ¡°Can you sit down with me for a moment to discuss this matter?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    As the two sat down, Kang Chan noticed that Lanok was smirking in strange way, which made him also seem dumbfounded.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, is what Ethan told us actually credible?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lanok simply looked at Kang Chan while picking up a cigar.

    <i>Damn it! Ethan was being honest!</i>

    Kang Chan softly inhaled.

    <i>Chk chk!</i>

    After lighting up his cigar, Lanok did the same with the cigarette that Kang Chan held up.

    ¡°As the United States and Russiapeted with each other for developing aser that can beunched from satellites, my country and the UKpeted in creating a way to cause an impact underground,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that the Hadron Collider is going to y that role in the end?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Lanok straightforwardly answered Kang Chan¡¯s question. ¡°The Hadron Collider is only a research facility. My country just leaked information that it can also cause an earthquake to suppress the use of the subterranean shock device that the UK is developing.¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t sure if Lanok was telling the truth or not, but it didn¡¯t really matter, so he chose to believe him for now.

    ¡°Let¡¯s proceed with your training while I confirm with the DGSE if what we heard today was true or not. We can decide on what to do after that. Ethan is ckhearted, so the UK could be the only country that¡¯s going to copse,¡± Lanok continued.

    Everyone rted to intelligence bureaus seemed evil to Kang Chan. South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service could be slow to develop because people like Kim Hyung-Jung, who were too good-natured, were part of it.

    After taking another sip of his tea, Kang Chan stood up from his seat.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it too much, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok said.

    <i>He should¡¯ve lightened up first before telling me that.</i>

    Kang Chan left the embassy feeling very ufortable. That dickhead annoyed him so much.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    While walking, Kang Chan took out his phone and looked at it. Someone was calling him, but he wasn¡¯t familiar with the number.

    <i>Ethan isn¡¯t trying to y a trick behind my back, right?</i>

    Kang Chan answered the call for now.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Eun So-Yeon, Mr. President.

    ¡°Hey. What¡¯s up?¡±

    <i>We just saw each other yesterday, so why is she calling me? Did something happen?</i>

    - We¡¯re going to have dinner among ourselves tonight. We promise not to be loud, so I was hoping¡­ to invite you if you don¡¯t have other ns tonight.¡±

    She sounded nervous.

    From the other side of the phone, Kang Chan heard a trainee saying, ¡°Please tell him that we really want him toe.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at the time on his phone. It was about five-twenty in the afternoon.

    ¡°What about Michelle?¡±

    - The director and general manager already had prior appointments. The makeup artists, road managers, wardrobe stylists, and others are here with us. I know you¡¯re busy, Mr. President, but can¡¯t you spare us some of your time?

    How could he say no to Eun So-Yeon nervously asking him to join them for dinner? The trainees and other staff members would be with them anyway.

    ¡°Where should I go?¡±

    - We¡¯re going to go to Zelkova, the restaurant at the Yeoksam-dong intersection.

    Kang Chan could hear people cheering on the other end.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    He didn¡¯t see any reason to avoid them. He didn¡¯t have ns for dinner yet anyway, and she asked so nicely. The meeting earlier disoriented him, but it wasn¡¯t enough to stop him from having dinner.

    Kang Chan hailed a taxi and called Michelle.

    - Ello?

    ¡°Michelle?¡±

    - One moment, please. Don¡¯t hang up.

    <i>Why is she talking in French again?</i>

    It seemed Michelle was going somewhere.

    - Channy, I spoke in French because I was in a meeting. Anyway, how can I help you?

    ¡°So-Yeon called me about having dinner with the other actors and the staff. I¡¯m thinking of going.¡±

    - I was actually thinking of calling you. I was worried since General Manager Lim and I wouldn¡¯t be there. Make sure you make themfortable, okay?

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up, then nkly looked out the car window.

    <i>How could they cause an earthquake that could erase four countries from the face of the earth if things go wrong? Those bastards!</i>

    ***

    Kang Chan attended the dinner to feel better and because he hadn¡¯t gotten the chance to properly talk to the DI employees and actors yet. After all, other people could get the wrong idea if they saw a high schooler acting like these people¡¯s senior.

    Seeing the employees of the restaurant ncing at the trainees made Kang Chan smirk. To think they were just sweating in the hot practice room not too long ago.

    They ate the meat they ordered like kids.

    Kang Chan mostly asked the wardrobe stylists, makeup artists, and road managers questions, but he also listened to what the trainees had to say from time to time.

    ¡°Mr. President, we¡¯ll be starring in another drama soon!¡± one of the trainees told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Already? But Michelle just told me that she¡¯ll start preparing to produce another drama.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going to be in multiple dramas at the same time now!¡± The trainee pped out of happiness, reminding Kang Chan of when they jumped up and down at the practice room in excitement.

    ¡°Please eat this,¡± Eun So-Yeon picked up meat with her chopsticks and put it on Kang Chan¡¯s personal te.

    One¡¯s position certainly made them who they were.

    ying the lead role in a drama seemed to have softened Eun So-Yeon, but it also appeared to have boosted her confidence.

    Perhaps it was because Kang Chan was around, but Eun So-Yeon treated the trainees the same way as she did before, and the trainees also showed no reserve around her.

    ¡°Mr. President! We want to go to karaoke,¡± one of the trainees said.

    <i>Do they want to be singers now that they have be actors?</i>

    Smiling, Kang Chan looked at the female ountant. ¡°Do you want to go?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Pleasee with us!¡± Her face was so red that it seemed as if she drank all of the alcohol by herself.

    After some time, a road manager went out and booked arge room in a karaoke bar. The rest then headed over and ordered beers. Not even five minutester, the craziness began.

    They had a lot of fun, perhaps because they had a talent for singing as well.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Eun So-Yeon told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t hear what she said because of the loud music, so Eun So-Yeon carefully leaned closer and repeated, ¡°Thank you!¡±

    ¡°You already thanked me yesterday!¡±

    ¡°Can I still contact you whenever I¡¯m having a hard time?¡±

    Kang Chan just nodded. They all had their own trouble to deal with, but he didn¡¯t mind helping her out whenever she needed him.

    ***

    After sending home the delighted employees, Kang Chan returned to his apartment and sat at the bench, which he hadn''t done in a while.

    It was a few minutes past eleven already.

    Michelle called him about meeting up right before he reached his apartment, but since he already told her that he would be meeting her with her friends anyway, he decided to pass tonight.

    <i>An earthquake, they say?</i>

    Ever since Kang Chan parted ways with Lanok, he hadn¡¯t stopped thinking about the damn word ¡®earthquake.¡¯

    The satellites had detected Kang Chan, but they hadn¡¯t found Seok Kang-Ho yet. If so, then the energy inside him was probably weaker.

    The only people aware of it were Lanok, Smithen, Gerard, and Shan. Kang Chan didn¡¯t even know if Shan was still alive in Loriam¡¯s basement.

    <i>Cetinium? Is it rte to Uranium?</i>

    Kang Chan knew that there was a secret behind his reincarnation, and he had also heard that it was rted to the ckhead. Still, he didn¡¯t expect that he would have to stop a fucking earthquake.

    Kang Chan looked around him andughed. This bench had witnessed quite a lot of things.

    <i>Doesn¡¯t Kim Mi-Young miss me, though? What will she say if I tell her that I¡¯m going to France?</i>

    Kang Chan examined his surroundings, then stood up to go home. Sitting on the bench left himpletely open, making the agents¡¯ jobs harder.

    ***

    Kang Chan started the next day the same way. He worked out, had breakfast, and saw Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook off.

    ¡°Drive safe,¡± Kang Chan reminded.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Channy. We still have to go to work today. We¡¯ve taken time off from tomorrow onwards, though,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. I¡¯ll only be away for six months.¡±

    ¡°Will you be able to have dinner with us this weekend?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    After sending off Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan plopped onto the sofa.

    All that was left for him to do was eat with Michelle and her friends and attend the school festival. Afterward, he nned to just spend the weekend at home since his flight was on Monday.

    Kang Chan turned on the TV and watched the news.

    <i>I should meet up with Seok Kang-Ho for now and tell him about what I heard yesterday¡­</i>

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    He could already guess who was calling him.

    Kang Chan walked to his room and held up the phone on his desk. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s name was on the screen.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    - Got any ns today?

    ¡°No.¡±

    - Come out. Let¡¯s go to school.¡±

    ¡°Our school?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s suggestion flustered Kang Chan as much as his suggestion to go out for drinks in the morning.

    - They need me to check a document that a substitute teacher made. You don¡¯t have anything to do at home anyway, soe with me instead.

    <i>Should I see Mi-Young at school?</i>

    - Are you going to stay at home?

    ¡°I¡¯lle. I was actually nning on hanging out with you anyway since I¡¯ve got things to tell you. What time will we head over?

    - I¡¯m in front of your apartment building already.

    <i>Isn¡¯t it a bit early?</i>

    Still, if he was going anyway, it was better to go with Seok Kang-Ho now.

    After hanging up, he nkly stood in front of his closet.

    <i>Should I wear my school uniform or can I just wear a shirt and a suit?</i>

    Kang Chan spent some time thinking about it before finally going with thetter.

    He felt strangely excited. By the time he walked out of his apartment building, Seok Kang-Ho was already in front of it, standing beside his car in a shirt and a suit. If anyone who didn¡¯t know Seok Kang-Ho saw him, they would have likely thought of him as a gangster.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you dressed up,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said. Smiling, the two got in the car and drove off.

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling excited,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart fluttered as he remembered everything that had happened so far, starting from the day he first went to school.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a cup of coffee before going to school,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho parked the car in front of the cafe at the intersection.

    After ordering and getting their coffee, they sat on the terrace. It was so early that most of the tables weren¡¯t taken.

    Kang Chan first told Seok Kang-Ho about his meeting with Ethan yesterday, which made Seok Kang-Ho understandably look dazed.

    ¡°So the ckhead released an energy?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°From the sound of it, yeah.¡±

    ¡°And that energy was passed onto us?¡±

    ¡°The energy inside me also seems a bit stronger than the one in you, considering the Satellites only detected the energy I carry.¡±

    ¡°Did we absorb the energy based on our personalities?¡±

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee. That wasn¡¯t something he could respond to.

    ¡°What¡¯s your n, then?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°As Ambassador Lanok suggested, I¡¯m going to France for now and only act once I¡¯ve seen how things go. I¡¯m going to contact you immediately if I think we¡¯re going to have a problem, so you should give this some thought as well.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be dangerous?¡±

    Kang Chan answered with a sigh.

    ¡°This world is full of crazy fuckers, huh,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe what Ethan and Lanok said.¡±

    ¡°Damn it! I don¡¯t know about that man named Ethan, but Ambassador Lanok isn¡¯t the type to lie. Thinking about it now, we can¡¯t tell Manager Kim about this or that we reincarnated.¡±

    ¡°Either way, we have to think about this carefully before we do anything,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Their conversationsted roughly an hour.

    Kang Chan stood up and left with Seok Kang-Ho. They arrived at the school at around ten-thirty.

    Seok Kang-Ho drove along the school¡¯s wall and parked where he could. The two then walked toward the main gate.

    <i>Since I¡¯m already here, I should have pork cutlets for lunch¡­ No! I should have lunch with Kim Mi-Young!</i>

    When Kang Chan saw the main gate, the strange excitement he felt earlier surged through him again.

    He saw kids ying football, heard loud noises, and looked at the tall building that Kim Mi-Young would be inside of.

    However, when they entered the school gate, the first thing Kang Chan saw was the entrance of the athletics club room.

 Chapter 194.1: Things Never Go As Planned (1)

    <h4>Chapter 194.1: Things Never Go As nned (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan walked past the schoolyard and school gates to get to the top of the stands. The students kicking around a ball sneaked nces at him, but it didn¡¯t bother him all that much.

    ¡°Do you want to just stay in the athletics club room?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked in a whisper as he scanned their surroundings.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kang Chan briefly replied. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to let me know how long it¡¯s going to take once you¡¯re there.¡±

    ¡°Will do.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho headed to the teacher¡¯s lounge as Kang Chan turned to the athletics club room.

    <i>Click. Clunk.</i>

    <i>Why haven¡¯t these kids oiled the door hinges yet?</i>

    The club room waspletely empty aside from the files on the desk that Kang Chan hadn¡¯t seen before and the workout clothes, towels, bags, and more hanging on the wall hooks. However, it was at least quite clean.

    Kang Chan had gone absent more days than he actually attended school, yet the athletics club room made him feel strangely nostalgic.

    <i>Ha. Damn it, all the school memories I have revolve around fighting and beating kids up.</i>

    Suddenly getting the urge to drink some instant coffee, Kang Chan checked the hot water dispenser. When he did, he found himself grinning. Much to his dismay, the students seemed to have overlooked replenishing the coffee supply. Perhaps it was because he and Seok Kang-Ho no longer visited as much.

    Theck of coffee wasn¡¯t the issue, though. Pairing exercise with a healthy diet was essential, so Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the students were eating enough. If they couldn¡¯t eat meat at least once a day, he hoped that they could at least fill their stomachs. After all, proper nutrition intake was even more important to them now that they were at the age to have growth spurts.

    Kang Chan sat down and absentmindedly looked at the mirror. He was wearing a neat formal shirt and pants. He didn¡¯t know when it started, but he was acting the same way he did in his past life. In reality, however, he was still a student who hadn¡¯t graduated high school yet.

    <i>It doesn¡¯t really matter anymore, though. I can finally say goobbye to this school for good after I leave the country on Monday.</i>

    <i>Clunk.</i>

    After some time, the door opened, and Seok Kang-Ho entered, carrying paper cups in his hand and in between his lips.

    ¡°You¡¯re already done with your work?¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    ¡°No, far from it. I just came here because I thought you might be bored. Anyway, this one¡¯s for you¡ª<i>woah</i>, the kids are really taking care of this ce,¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°They certainly are. By the way, if you think you¡¯ll need a while, I can just spend some time here and see myself off. Just call me when you¡¯re done.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see. What are you going to do about lunch?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. He then took a sip of his coffee.

    The question made Kang Chan look around the room.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of asking Mi-Young to lunch.¡±

    ¡°Ah, good idea! I¡¯m sure she would love to eat lunch with you, especially since you¡¯re dressed so nicely. Anyway, go spend some time with the kids. The other teachers are making a fuss asking to have lunch with me. It has been a while since Ist visited this ce, after all,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    As the two chatted, the bell rang, indicating the end of the ss. Not long after, they heard noises of students bustling around outside.

    ¡°ss is over, huh? I have to go back now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After Seok Kang-Ho left, Kang Chan checked the time. There was about an hour left before lunch.

    As he waited for time to pass, Kang Chan thought that this could be one of those moments that seemed exciting but would turn out to be quite dull when put into action. As he let out a small sigh, the door opened with a <i>thud</i>, and Moon Ki-Jin walked in.

    ¡°Huh? Oh, hi!¡± Moon Ki-Jin quickly bowed in greeting, taken aback by Kang Chan¡¯s presence.

    <i>Did I scare him that much? Kids really do grow up so damn fast, though.</i>

    ¡°Have you been well?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yup! What brings you here?¡± Moon Ki-Jin asked out of curiosity.

    ¡°I stopped by with¡­ Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. What about you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have PE right now, so I decided to swing by on the way to the yard,¡± Moon Ki-Jin replied.

    Moon Ki-Jin had changed quite a bit since Kang Chanst saw him. His body had be sturdier and his face and eyes now brimmed with confidence.

    Kang Chan smiled, and Moon Ki-Jin grinned back sheepishly and looked down at the ground.

    ¡°You¡¯re not leaving for ss?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go when the bell rings,¡± Moon Ki-Jin responded.

    <i>Does he want to be with me but is too shy to express it?</i>

    ¡°Um, sunbae-nim,¡± Moon Ki-Jin hesitantly began.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    <i>What kind of out-of-the-blue statement is that?</i>

    ¡°You know¡­ing to school is so much more fun now. So-Yeon noona says she feels the same way. We talk about you a lot, and we¡¯ve been meaning to express our gratitude to you when we get a chance to meet you again.¡±

    Moon Ki-Jin¡¯s face turned beet red, probably embarrassed and shy about what he just said.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how to reply to that. To be honest, it wasn¡¯t as if he started fighting for these children in the first ce. Nevertheless, while a part of him did feel a bit embarrassed, he also felt proud at the same time.

    The bell signaling the start of ss soon rang.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going now. Will you be staying here?¡± Moon Ki-Jin asked.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Kang Chan grinned.

    Moon Ki-Jin was about to head to the door but quickly turned around and bowed in farewell, seemingly remembering to at the veryst moment.

    Kang Chan was in higher spirits now.

    <i>Now I¡¯m curious about how they¡¯re doing.</i>

    Kang Chan went to the window and looked down at the yard, finding the students in the middle of their warm-up exercises. He chuckled out loud when he saw Moon Ki-Jin. The kid had some moves.

    Moon Ki-Jin was athletic and had a good heart. Unfortunately, some damn bastards bullied him into bing a fool.

    When they were done with warm-ups, they began splitting into teams.

    <i>Clunk!</i>

    A few minutes after, the door opened again.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    The person¡¯s reaction was no different from Moon Ki-Jin¡¯s. When Kang Chan turned around to look, he was greeted by Heo Eun-Sil standing crookedly in front of the door.

    ¡°When did you get here?¡± Heo Eun-Sil asked.

    ¡°Just a little while ago. Are you skipping ss?¡± Kang Chan jokingly asked.

    ¡°I got permission,¡± Heo Eun-Sil replied.

    Heo Eun-Sil, who wasn¡¯t wearing any makeup, came to Kang Chan¡¯s side and briefly nced out of the window.

    <i>Something seems different. Or maybe not, I can¡¯t tell.</i>

    ¡°I quit smoking,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said, breaking the silence.

    <i>Did anyone ask?</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m going to sign up for the military. I¡¯ve received counseling for my career, which is how I got permission to work out during ss. My mom is really happy about it too,¡± Heo Eun-Sil continued.

    <i>Whoever has to train you is going to have one hell of a time.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m going to join the special forces.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    He bet three pork cutlets that this girl would stand as crookedly as she was now even after she reached her goal of bing a soldier.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t apologize to everyone, but whenever I meet someone I bullied, whoever it is, I always do my best to apologize,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said with determination.

    ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Because you were the only one to talk to me about that stuff.¡±

    This girl really wore him out. Hence, Kang Chan turned his gaze toward Moon Ki-Jin instead, who was jumping around in the yard. She seemed quite flexible.

    ¡°Su-Jin forgave me,¡± Heo Eun-Sil said.

    <i>What the hell is she doing? Why does she keep on babbling on about things that I¡¯m not even curious about?</i>

    When Kang Chan looked back at her, Heo Eun-Sil didn¡¯t avoid his gaze.

    <i>This girl should¡¯ve been born as a man.</i>

    Otherwise, he would have beaten her up so she couldn¡¯t give him this kind of look ever again.

    Thinking such a wish was futile, Kang Chan just chuckled.

    <i>I guess I can¡¯t curse her for doing her best to live life.</i>

    Kang Chan turned his attention back to the yard, and Heo Eun-Sil went to a desk, pulled out some files, and began to read them.

    He felt exhausted just staying with her in the same room.

    <i>Clunk!</i>

    Kang Chan left the athletics club room and went to the stand to watch the first years ying ser.

    <i>What am I even doing here? Am I really waiting through this just to eat lunch with Kim Mi-Young? Will she even be happy to see me?</i>

    That girl was still in the middle of her puberty. Perhaps she was gradually sorting out her feelings to distance herself from him. If so, then he could leave for France with more peace of mind.

    Kang Chan just kept watching the students y ser.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    After a few minutes, his phone suddenly rang.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. Kang Chan speaking.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan. Do you have time today?

    The way Lanok spoke made Kang Chan think he was definitely calling to discuss something about the subterranean shock device.

    Kang Chan nced at the school building as he began to speak.

    ¡°I have a lunch appointment, but I¡¯m free for the rest of the day. Where do you need me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - We can meet at the embassy.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    As Kang Chan hung up, he began to wonder what Lanok was going to say. Ethan said the situation right now was dangerous for France as well, so he hoped Lanok hade up with a good idea.

    <i>Ding dong.</i>

    The bell that signaled the end of sses was always music to anyone¡¯s ears.

    The students on the schoolyard began to rush to the ssroom. Naturally, Moon Ki-Jin came to a stop in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Do you want to eat lunch together?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Is that really alright with you?¡± Moon Ki-Jin asked in surprise.

    ¡°Of course. We ate lunch togetherst time too,¡± Kang Chan replied.

 Chapter 194.2: Things Never Go As Planned (1)

    <h4>Chapter 194.2: Things Never Go As nned (1)</h4>

    Moon Ki-Jin followed after Kang Chan with a happy face. They were currently standing in front of the athletics club room.

    Students who came out to eat lunch walked past Kang Chan as they stole nces at him as if he was some sort of a celebrity.

    Kang Chan kept his eye on the entrance where the third-years wereing out. After a while, he smiled widely. Neatly cut bangs, doe eyes, and slim cheeks that had lost baby fat. He could easily spot her even from afar.

    The other students just kept staring at him.

    Wondering what the fuss was all about, Kim Mi-Young turned her head, her eyes widening upon seeing Kang Chan. Although he was standing some distance away from her, he still saw her eyes bing bigger.

    ¡°Oh, Noona¡¯sing over,¡± Moon Ki-Jin remarked.

    But Kang Chan had already seen her approaching before Moon Ki-Jin informed him.

    Kim Mi-Young quickly walked over to Kang Chan and just stood there, shocked that he was really right in front of her. She couldn¡¯t even say a word.

    ¡°We should go and eat lunch,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Kim Mi-Young nkly replied.

    <i>She probably missed me.</i>

    Or at least that was what the emotions that Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes showed. Kang Chan now felt d that he hade here.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked, still looking flustered.

    ¡°I said I was going toe over and eat lunch with you, didn¡¯t I?¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The two¡ªno, the three of them, including Moon Ki-Jin, walked together. Students kept sneaking nces at them as they made their way to the school cafeteria, which Kang Chan found quite strange.

    ¡°Did youe because of me?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°<i>Hehehe</i>,¡± Kim Mi-Young let out her signatureughter when she saw Kang Chan¡¯s smile.

    ¡°How are your studies?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m enjoying myself,¡± Kim Mi-Young replied.

    They reached the end of the line for the school cafeteria.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim!¡± Cha So-Yeon eximed as she came running over. The other students in the athletics club walked over one by one to greet him. Ironically enough, the students who were in Kang Chan¡¯s ss weren¡¯t able to muster the courage to say hi to him.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, your outfit is really nice today,¡± Cha So-Yeon remarked.

    ¡°Really? I¡¯m wearing this because I have an appointment after lunch today,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Is that the same outfit you wore at the conference a while ago?¡±

    The hospital had already torn apart and thrown away the clothes he wore back then, but there was no need to tell them that. After waiting for quite some time, they finally got to enter and sit down at a table.

    Michelle was usually the one drawing the attention to them, but today, the cafeteria was quiet because everyone was staring at Kang Chan. Even the cafeteriadies were straining their necks to nce at him.

    ¡°Enjoy your lunch,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Yup! You too!¡± Kim Mi-Young replied brightly.

    .

    She was finally back to the Kim Mi-Young he knew.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but think thating to school today was the right move.

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s exams were right around the corner. Since Kang Chan would be able to make calls anyway, he probably didn¡¯t have to tell her that he was going to France, which would only make her worry.

    ¡°Have you decided on your major yet?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    Kang Chan looked up at Kim Mi-Young in confusion, wondering what she was talking about.

    ¡°For college. Are you going to choose international rtions?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    Kang Chan doubted he would be able to follow the pace of the sses if he chose that major.

    ¡°I was thinking of majoring in physical education,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I thought you said you wanted to be a diplomat.¡±

    It sounded as if Kim Mi-Young¡¯s goal was to major in international rtions.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Kang Chan asked anyway.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to take the same major you do,¡± Kim Mi-Young replied.

    They would have to enroll in different years by one year at the most. He didn¡¯t want to mention going to France because he really didn¡¯t want to stir up any trouble.

    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s do that,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    ¡°Really?¡± Kim Mi-Young brightened up.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    They chatted about various topics as they ate but soon left the cafeteria and sat at the stands.

    ¡°Can we use your car for a day after my exams are over?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jin were seated a reasonable distance apart from them, allowing Kim Mi-Young and Kang Chan to speak morefortably.

    ¡°I imagine myself going for a drive every day after my exams are finished. Christmas ising soon, too,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    Should Kang Chan tell her about going to France? If he burst her bubble and brought her unnecessary worries, would he mess up her exams?

    ¡°We only have a bit of time left, huh.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bring himself to tell her. Kim Mi-Young coulde and visit him in France once her exams were over anyway.

    <i>They grow up so fast.</i>

    When Kang Chan looked at her from the side, she looked as if school uniforms no longer suited her.

    ¡°Good luck on your exams,¡± Kang Chan encouraged her.

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Kim Mi-Young replied, turning to look at him. ¡°You¡¯lle see me the day before the exam, won¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°<i>Hm</i>?¡± The question took him by surprise.

    ¡°As per tradition, you have to buy rice cakes and tissues for me,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°I will,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Could he buy rice cakes in France?

    Their conversation hadn¡¯t evensted that long yet, but time passed by so quickly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go back in now,¡± Kim Mi-Young finally said.

    The look she had in her eyes as she hesitated was the same as when she asked him to hold her that one time.

    ¡°Study hard,¡± Kang Chan encouraged her.

    ¡°I will.¡±

    It was now time for her to go back and for Kang Chan to go to the French embassy to meet Lanok. Cha So-Yeon and Moon Ki-Jin left first, and Kim Mi-Young chased after them after turning back to look at Kang Chan a few times.

    <i>Why couldn¡¯t I tell her that I was going to France and that I missed her?</i>

    That wasn¡¯t like him at all.

    ***

    Kang Chan arrived at the French embassy feeling as if he was going straight into a serious operation after finishing a pleasant meal. At least he was refreshed.

    Following the agents, Kang Chan headed upstairs. Lanok weed him in.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we sit down first before we talk?¡± Lanok offered.

    Once Kang Chan took the seat that Lanok offered him, Raphael prepared the same tea, cigars, and cigarettes that they always provided.

    Glug.

    Lanok had a heavy expression as he poured Kang Chan a cup.

    ¡°We just received a report that Ethan is likely telling the truth,¡± Lanok began.

    To Kang Chan, that just sounded as if Lanok was telling him that the likelihood of him dying had just increased.

    ¡°The DGSE is currently investigating the potential consequences of destroying the subterranean shock device,¡± he continued.

    ¡°If Ethan really is telling the truth, then he probably wasn¡¯t lying when he said it would be difficult to predict the oue of this situation, was he?¡± Kang Chan grimly asked.

    ¡°That would be correct,¡± Lanok replied with a nod.

    <i>What in the world is Lanok thinking?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be most curious about it.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. What are your thoughts on this?¡±

    ¡®Hmm,¡± Lanok mused.

    It wasn¡¯t easy to give a straightforward answer. Kang Chan understood that. Nevertheless, he still had to give him one.

    ¡°For now, we will make a decision after inspecting the UK¡¯s facilities,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Do you think that will change anything?¡±

    Lanok lifted his cup of ck tea and looked at Kang Chan. ¡°The first case we have to consider is what happens if you die. In that situation, we won¡¯t be able to determine where the energy inside you would go.¡±

    <i>How would they even prevent the earthquakes if I died in one of the previous operations?</i>

    ¡°And what I¡¯m about to say next is probably something only you and I will understand. If we were to extract the energy from your body while you are still alive, we have no idea what kind of phenomenon that could cause in you. Even so, this isn¡¯t something we can tell the UK or the DGSE about.¡±

    Lanok picked up a cigarette and offered it to Kang Chan.

    <i>Click.</i>

    It wasmon courtesy to wait for the other to light up their cigarette first.

    ¡°That¡¯s why we should first conduct an inspection. We have to determine whether they are trying to kill you to acquire the energy or if they can extract the energy from you while you are still alive. Once we¡¯ve answered that, we also have to find out how much energy they can get from you,¡± Lanok continued.

    Would they have enough time to consider all of that?

    Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette and then sipped some of his tea.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, if it¡¯s alright with you, what do you think about leaving the country tomorrow?¡± Lanok asked as if he was reading Kang Chan¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Our highest priority is preventing the earthquakes if we can. However, I don¡¯t intend to force you into a one-sided sacrifice. Please trust me on this.¡±

    Lanok looked Kang Chan directly in the eyes as he spoke. Kang Chan would rather fall for Lanok¡¯s lie than suspect the sincerity in his gaze.

    ¡°If, as Ethan said, an earthquake urs, it will im the lives of at least a hundred million people. It¡¯s impossible to determine the other casualties and economic losses that everyone will suffer as a result. Unfortunately, the majority of the people who will die are innocent civilians,¡± Lanok added.

    Kang Chan let out a long sigh. Things never went as smoothly as he hoped. Why did life have to be soplicated and difficult? But there was onest question that Kang Chan wanted to hear the answer to.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan began. He had onest question in mind that he needed an answer to. ¡°If I have to die to save the lives of a hundred million people, what would you do?¡±

    Asking the question made Kang Chan realize that it wouldn¡¯t be farfetched for one to never have an answer to it. Surprisingly, however, Lanok spoke up without a moment¡¯s hesitation.

    ¡°If you have to kill a hundred million people to save me, what would you do, Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Lanok asked, his eyes glinting sharply.

    Although Kang Chan was the one to ask the question, Lanok put him in the position to answer it himself.

    ¡°That¡¯s the kind of person you are to me,¡± Lanok said firmly.

    <i>Well, guess I¡¯ll have to go. Looks like I¡¯m gonna be leaving the country tomorrow after all!</i>

    Seeing Kang Chan smirk, Lanok smiled in a way that reminded Kang Chan of a court jester¡¯s mask.

 Chapter 195.1: Things Never Go as Planned (2)

    <h4>Chapter 195.1: Things Never Go as nned (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Lanok decided to meet in front of the Nonhyeon Station at five tomorrow morning so they could leave together. They then agreed to call each other if there were any changes to their n.

    It was four in the afternoon right now.

    Kang Chan found it ridiculous, but he immediately thought of Seok Kang-Ho before Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, and Kim Hyung-Jung came across his mind.

    <i>Who should I call first?</i>

    Kang Chan took out his phone and called Kang Dae-Kyung first.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Father, it¡¯s me, Channy. Are you free to talk?¡±

    - Yeah. What¡¯s wrong?

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way out of the French embassy right now. I called because I¡¯m thinking of departing tomorrow if that¡¯s okay with you.¡±

    Kang Chan heard Kang Dae-Kyung sigh loudly.

    - Your mom is going to be very upset.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    - Is this already final?

    ¡°I can probably dy it for about a day, but if I can, I¡¯d like to ept their request and leave as soon as possible.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung stayed silent for a moment, seemingly reluctant to answer.

    - Will you be able to have dinner with us at least?

    Kang Chan felt quite conflicted as he listened to Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Yes. Should I head straight to your office before you two leave work?¡±

    - Let me get back to you on that. Is that alright with you?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Father.¡±

    - It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll call youter.

    Kang Chan hung up. He couldn¡¯t help but think that his parents were having a hard time handling him. However, he had to keep his emotions and work separate.

    Kang Chan called Kim Hyung-Jung and informed him about his situation¡ªthat he was going to depart tomorrow. They then decided to meet at Samseong-dong.

    At times like this, calling Woo Hee-Seung was the most convenient. Kang Chan used the radio to contact him, got in the car, and immediately headed to Samseong-dong.

    Seok Kang-Ho was the only person left whom he had to call.

    The call rang three or four times before Seok Kang-Ho finally picked up.

    - Hello?

    ¡°My meeting is done. I¡¯m on my way to the office in Samseong-dong now. I might have to leave for France tomorrow.¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung nced at Kang Chan.

    - You¡¯re leaving tomorrow?

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    - Alright. Should I head to Samseong-dong as well?

    ¡°Yep.¡±

    When Kang Chan hung up, he suddenly remembered a bunch of people¡ªJeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Tae-Jin, and even Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Are you really leaving tomorrow?¡± Woo Hee-Seung asked.

    ¡°Yes. I think so, at least.¡±

    <i>Has he been preparing something?</i>

    Kang Chan organized his thoughts as he stared out the window.

    By the time he reached Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office, Seok Kang-Ho was already inside waiting for him.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok requested that I leave with him tomorrow.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes widened but eventually grimly nodded.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t really give them any more details on the matter since he gave Seok Kang-Ho his word that he would keep the situation in the UK between them for now.

    ¡°The section chief is a bit too far to make it on time, but Kim Tae-Jin is already on his way here,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said as an employee brought over coffee.

    ¡°Manager Kim, about college ¡ª I was wondering if I can get admitted into the Department of Political Science and International Rtions and then get an official leave of absence from school.¡±

    ¡°You have nothing to worry about. The Department of Political Science and International Rtions, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Kang Chan answered as he thought of Yoo Hye-Sook and Kim Mi-Young at the same time.

    <i>Beep beep beep.</i>

    While they were talking, Kang Chan heard a signal.

    Kim Hyung-Jung immediately headed outside. After some time, he came back inside with Kim Tae-Jin right behind him.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chan after greeting Seok Kang-Ho with a brief nod. ¡°Everyone was looking forward to getting a chance to have dinner with you and the section chief.¡±

    He sounded quite upset, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t hate it.

    ¡°Is there anything we can help you with, at least?¡± Kim Tae-Jin wondered.

    ¡°Not really. I think I¡¯m all set now.¡±

    ¡°Either way, it¡¯s difficult to predict what¡¯s going to happen.¡± Kim Tae-Jin momentarily stopped to nce at Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°<i>Tsk</i>! What should Mr. Seok Kang-Ho do? He has to be upset.¡±

    ¡°What made you think so? On the contrary, I¡¯m going to take this opportunity to act like I¡¯m the king without having to worry about anyone¡¯s mood. It¡¯s going to be amazing, especially since we can still meet up and drink sometime,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°I¡¯d like that, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. We should take some time to visit tourist spots and famous ces too since things will probably quiet down once Kang Chan leaves.¡±

    This conversation was better than hearing them talk about how upset and disappointed they were.

    Kim Tae-Jin sat down and took out a thick envelope from the inner pocket of his jacket. He then handed it to Kang Chan. ¡°Here. Use it for your expenses in France.¡±

    ¡°I have plenty of money.¡±

    ¡°Just think of it as an act of sincerity. Take it already. I¡¯m starting to feel embarrassed.¡±

    Seeing Kim Tae-Jin look so troubled made it difficult for Kang Chan to refuse.

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll be sure to spend it wisely,¡± Kang Chan said, finally giving in.

    ¡°I heard that you can still contact us while you¡¯re in France. If you need anything, don¡¯t hesitate to let me know through Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    .

    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of trifling things that you can¡¯t ask your family or the people you¡¯re close with to do for you if you''re far away from them. When ites to those things, just ask me to do it,¡± Kim Tae-Jin added.

    Kang Chan really didn¡¯t expect that he was going to talk more than Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kim Tae-Jin only stopped giving reminders and pointers when Kang Chanughed, followed by Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Who are you going to have dinner with?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I have dinner ns with my parents.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung just nodded in response, but Kang Chan could clearly see the dismay in his expression.

    ¡°Why are you all acting like this? I already told you that I¡¯ll be back in six months, didn¡¯t I?¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You suddenly decided to leave tomorrow, so can you really me us? We would have been less upset if we could have dinner and drinks with you, but that¡¯s not an option anymore,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied. They then talked about various other topics.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    In the middle of their conversation, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡± he greeted as soon as he picked up.

    - Chan, can you talk right now?

    ¡°Yes, Father.¡±

    - Your mom will be joining us for dinner. Will you be able to get to my office in time for it?

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll be there at around six pm. Is that alright?¡±

    - That¡¯s perfect, actually.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll see you then.¡±

    The moment Kang Chan hung up, he realized his departure for France tomorrow suddenly felt more real.

    ¡°Right! Mr. Kang Chan, please take this to France.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung handed over a small document envelope while tousling his hair.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a passport with the same information as the ID that I made youst time. You probably won¡¯t have to go through customs and immigration once you get there, but if you ever need to pass the CIQ[1] by any chance, then you should use that passport.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    ¡°Do you not know when you¡¯re going to leave yet?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be meeting Ambassador Lanok at five in the morning tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied, then turned to Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°You should have dinner with us.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a n.¡±

    They all couldn¡¯t help but feel disappointed.

    ¡°I have to go now,¡± Kang Chan said. When he stood up, the others in the room followed suit.

    ¡°Please have a safe trip.¡± With a sorrowful expression, Kim Hyung-Jung shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to hunt you down if you don¡¯t contact me,¡± Kim Tae-Jin grumbled. He also shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    Afterward, Kang Chan turned to Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°I¡¯ll call you after I have dinner.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    After bidding them all goodbye, Kang Chan headed to the basement parking lot and looked for Woo Hee-Seung¡ªwho was waiting for him. Once in the car, they immediately headed to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s office.

    ¡°Please take this.¡± Woo Hee-Seung turned around in the passenger seat and handed an envelope to Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°Everyone pitched in a little bit of money. It isn¡¯t a lot, but I hope it can be of some use. It¡¯s the least we can do to pass on our sincerity to ourmander.¡±

    His subordinates and colleagues back in Africa had never made Kang Chan feel this way.

    Despite living a life that could lead to their deaths at any moment, these soldiers probably didn¡¯t earn that much. They couldn¡¯t even dream of living in arge apartment or driving a luxury car. Considering Choi Seong-Geon visited their houses to give thempensation whenever they got injured, they were likely struggling financially.

    Nevertheless, they still pitched in to support Kang Chan. How could he refuse such kindness?

    ¡°Tell them I said thanks,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Smirking, Woo Hee-Seung focused on the road again.

    It didn¡¯t matter how much money they managed to umte. After all, Kang Chan would never be able to bring himself to spend it since looking at the envelope in his hand reminded him of the soldiers.

    It didn¡¯t take that long to get to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s office from Samseong-dong.

    Kang Chan got out of the car in front of the showroom and noticed agents spread out nearby. They chose not to hide since showing their enemies that they were being extremely cautious was more effective when it came to security.

    Not wanting the Kang Yoo Motors employees to see him, Kang Chan took out his phone.

    - Are you downstairs already?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m in front of the showroom. Should I go up?¡±

    - No ¡ª I¡¯ll be there in a bit.

    Kang Chan¡¯s parents came out of the showroom less than five minutes after he hung up. Kang Dae-Kyung was smiling, but it looked forced, and Yoo Hye-Sook couldn¡¯t even hide the fact that she was doing everything she could to stop herself from crying.

    ¡°What happened, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°My schedule has been moved up. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°This is all way too sudden.¡±

    ¡°Channy is probably hungry, honey. Let¡¯s head to the restaurant for now,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    Yoo Hye-Sook nodded and hooked her arm to Kang Chan¡¯s.

    1. CIQ stands for customs, immigration, and quarantine ??

 Chapter 195.2: Things Never Go As Planned (2)

    <h4>Chapter 195.2: Things Never Go As nned (2)</h4>

    Kang Dae-Kyung drove Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook to the Korean beef restaurant that was right behind the showroom.

    Once seated, they ordered sirloin.

    .

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯ve requested to be admitted into the Department of Political Science and International Rtions for college. They¡¯ll be giving me an official leave of absence from school, so I¡¯ll get to study the basics a bit more once I¡¯m back before attending school next year,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan thought that Yoo Hye-Sook would be very happy to hear that, but she unexpectedly just nodded.

    ¡°Dig in,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, then busied herself by feeding Kang Chan with meat. She even wrapped some in lettuce before giving it to Kang Chan. It was as if she was feeding a child without arms.

    Kang Chan ate so much that he felt suffocated.

    He thought that Kang Dae-Kyung would stop Yoo Hye-Sook from making him eat too much, but Kang Dae-Kyung just kept grilling meat and putting it in front of Yoo Hye-Sook. Seeing them like this made it hard for Kang Chan to say that he couldn¡¯t eat anymore.

    They wanted Kang Chan to eat even just one piece of meat.

    Kang Dae-Kyung pretended to be broad-minded and understanding of everything that was happening, but it seemed he felt no different from Yoo Hye-Sook. He wanted his son¡ªwho was about to go somewhere far¡ªto have at least one more bite before leaving.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook only stopped when they thought Kang Chan had eaten a lot even by their parental standards.

    ¡°Mother, I can¡¯t eat anymore,¡± Kang Chan finally admitted. When he stepped back, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked somewhat satisfied.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you two going to eat?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m already full just watching you eat. Do you want to have rice?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°No, thanks. I¡¯ve eaten way too much already,¡± Kang Chan answered. He jutted his stomach forward and showed it to them.

    ¡°What time are you leaving tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Most likely around four in the morning. They told me that the embassy would send a car over to pick me up.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s no different than you leavingte tonight, is it? Are you sure you don¡¯t have to pack anything? Not taking anything with you might give you problemster.¡±

    ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t have to bring anything since they¡¯ll be training and taking care of me over there.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook tried her best to ept the situation. Kang Dae-Kyung had to haveforted her a lot before meeting with Kang Chan.

    ¡°Do you want to go home with us?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°I have a few more people to meet and say goodbye to, but I¡¯ll be home soon.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Don¡¯te home toote,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said, then gestured to Yoo Hye-Sook with a nce.

    Once Kang Chan¡¯s parents had driven away, he left the restaurant as well and headed to the coffee shop at the intersection.

    He first bought and took digestive medicine, then ordered coffee and sat on the terrace.

    Kang Chan was leaving at five am, but he still didn¡¯t feel like he was really going somewhere that far. He would only be gone for six months anyway, and he could also talk to everyone on the phone whenever he wanted. To top it all off, he was going to France, which he was already familiar with.

    Kang Chan waited for his dinner to be digested before calling Seok Kang-Ho.

    - Where are you?

    ¡°I¡¯ve just finished eating dinner with my parents. I¡¯m at the specialty coffee shop at the intersection.¡±

    - One moment.

    <i>Why did he say that?</i>

    Kang Chan cocked his head.

    - The section chief ising with me. We¡¯re on our way.

    Around twenty minutester, the three people whom Kang Chan said goodbye to earlier arrived at the coffee shop, this time with Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    ¡°How can you just up and leave on such short notice?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked. It was only natural that he would act this way. After all, he didn¡¯t have even the slightest idea of what was happening in the UK. Once everyone was seated, they ordered coffee and requested a couple of other things. After some time, Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Kim Tae-Jin stood up to leave.

    ¡°Be safe, okay?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk tightly shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand, then turned around.

    Kim Hyung-Jung and Kim Tae-Jin also shook hands with Kang Chan again and then followed Jeon Dae-Geuk out of the coffee shop, leaving Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho behind.

    ¡°Lanok told me that Ethan was telling the truth,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean things will get dangerous?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he looked around their surroundings. It was already quitete, so a lot of people were on the terrace.

    Kang Chan then told Seok Kang-Ho about what Lanok told him before ending their meeting.

    ¡°Damn! That gentleman is quite charming!¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    ¡°Charming?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he? He stood at a crossroads that was forcing him to choose between his country or a person he held dear. What would you have done if you were in his shoes?¡±

    Kang Chan found himself nodding in agreement now that he heard Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s reasoning.

    ¡°Anyway, keep your guard up while I¡¯m gone. You better keep an eye out for anything unusual.

    ¡°Call me if you have to. I¡¯ll be with the special forces as they train.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°What¡¯s your n tomorrow?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be meeting Lanok at the Nonhyeon Station at around five.¡±

    ¡°Come out an hour earlier, then. Let¡¯s get some coffee before you leave.¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan agreed. He didn¡¯t know if he could say the same to others, but he saw no reason to stop Seok Kang-Ho froming out to say goodbye to him.

    ¡°Go home early. Ah, right! Did you tell Mi-Young that you¡¯re leaving?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t. I was afraid it would cause her to fail her exams.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s certainly possible. <i>Phew</i>! Well, you can call people anyway, so just tell herter. For now, we should go home,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    The two stood up, left the coffee shop, and hailed a taxi. Upon reaching their apartmentplex, they parted ways near the entrance.

    Kang Chan opened the door and went inside his house, finding Yoo Hye-Sook right in front of the door.

    ¡°Channy! You¡¯re home already?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked. She looked very happy to see him, perhaps because she expected her toe homete.

    Kang Chan lightly washed up, then headed back out to the living room and had fruits with his parents.

    He hadn¡¯t fully digested his dinner yet, but he wasn¡¯t full enough to not get to eat a few slices of fruit either.

    ¡°If things get too difficult, remember that you can juste home, Channy. Don¡¯t overdo it like when you work out in the mornings,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    Kang Chan stayed with his parents for about three hours before going back to his room.

    He ran his hand across his desk andputer.

    <i>I¡¯ve had enough of this.</i>

    From tomorrow onwards, he decided to only think about bing powerful enough to protect those around him and about the ckhead¡¯s energy, which could soon make him pay the price for reincarnating.

    Kang Chany in his bed. He had to sleep whenever he got the chance.

    ***

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were still in the living room when Kang Chan woke up at three. He took a shower, put on a shirt and a suit, then left his room.

    Seeing him all dressed up and ready to go made Yoo Hye-Sook burst into tears.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you as soon as I get there, Mother,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Unable to respond, Yoo Hye-Sook just pursed her lips and hugged Kang Chan as she cried.

    Afterforting Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan turned to Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°I should give my son a proper hug.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung hugged him and patted his back. ¡°Be careful with whatever you¡¯ll be up to over there.¡±

    ¡°I will, father.¡±

    Kang Chan put on his shoes at the entrance and went out to the elevator. Yoo Hye-Sook followed him.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Afterforting her one more time, he finally got in the elevator and pressed the button for the ground floor.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be long,¡± Kang Chan added.

    As the elevator doors closed, Yoo Hye-Sook covered her mouth.

    Kang Chan softly inhaled as soon as he got out of the elevator, the cold air that filled his lungs seemingly calming him down. If he had those kinds of parents in his previous life, he probably never would have even considered bing a mercenary.

    As soon as he walked out of the apartment building, he found Woo Hee-Seung waiting for him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever sleep?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I can just sleep to my heart¡¯s content after you leave.¡±

    Kang Chan sat in the back seat, and Woo Hee-Seung sat in the passenger seat.

    Seok Kang-Ho, who was already sitting on the terrace of a specialty coffee shop in front of Nonhyeon Station, stood up when he saw Kang Chan.

    ¡°Do you want coffee?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee sat at the table across from them.

    ¡°Stay out of trouble,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Hey! Shouldn¡¯t you worry about yourself? Don¡¯t beat up them too much for no reason, and you should also give in and lose a bit.¡±

    The two lit up some cigarettes as they drank coffee.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt as if time was passing by way too fast.

    ¡°Did you know it makes everyone feel weird and shittier if something that was always there suddenly disappears?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    When Kang Chan just smirked in response, Seok Kang-Ho grinned, then sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t take too long.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. After a while, a ck van and a sedan stopped in front of the specialty coffee shop.

    ¡°I¡¯m going,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho gritted his teeth so tightly that he couldn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s cheek twitched. He looked straight at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan then turned and nodded toward Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    When he approached the vehicles, an agent exited the van and opened the door of the sedan for him.

    A new fight was beginning.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, how do you feel?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I feel good.¡±

    Lanok smiled, making him look like he was wearing a jester mask again. Soon after, the convoy drove off.

    Seok Kang-Ho just stood on the terrace, his eyes slowly following the sedan.

 Chapter 196.1: You Want to Give It a Go, Huh? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 196.1: You Want to Give It a Go, Huh? (1)</h4>

    The sedan Lanok and Kang Chan were in exited the highway and began heading straight to Osan.

    ¡°Diplomats can¡¯t really leave their host countries that easily unless they have a valid reason. That¡¯s why my uing departure will be kept under wraps. I n to get off near Niafles and return to South Korea as soon as I¡¯m done introducing you,¡± Lanok informed Kang Chan.

    .

    Even though it was still early in the morning, Lanok looked as presentable andposed as always.

    ¡°France¡¯s researchers are probably examining the issue in the UK as well, but my country will only help them under the condition that your safety is guaranteed under all circumstances,¡± Lanok firmly added.

    ¡°Will they ept that condition?¡± Kang Chan asked. He couldn¡¯t help but doubt that they would just readily agree.

    ¡°Well, it won¡¯t be easy,¡± Lanok replied. With a faint smile, he continued, ¡°This investigation will require them to essentially reveal all the secrets of their subterranean shock device, so we should expect them to nitpick every tiny detail.¡±

    However, if the UK didn¡¯t take the offer and Ethan turned out to be telling the truth, then France would suffer significant devastation as well.

    ¡°In situations like these, it¡¯s especially important to make it clear who¡¯s holding the de. You should never give the sword over to the other party when it¡¯s already in your hand,¡± Lanok exined. He sounded as if he was teaching a student.

    Kang Chan recalled that the lives of a hundred million people were at stake here. If their positions were switched and Lanok had to put his life on the line to prevent an earthquake from happening in Korea, what would Kang Chan have done?

    After some time, the two reached the Osan Airport and promptly boarded a private ne.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get some shut-eye first before having a meal together. You can use the room over there,¡± Lanok instructed him.

    Kang Chan readily epted the offer and entered the small room, finding a bed, a clothes rack, and a small light. He plopped down on the bed.

    ***

    They had already eaten twice during their thirteen-hour flight before arriving in Niafles, France, at around one in the afternoon local time. The private nended on an empty, deserted airport with sand breezing through the deste air.

    Having gotten a lot of sleep, Kang Chan felt d that he was starting this training in a good, healthy condition.

    The vehicle waiting for them at the airport took them to a small city about an hour away. The backdrop of the European town¡¯s ruralndscape bore an eerie, ominous silence and an inexplicably heavy atmosphere.

    The car parked at a building that was slightly removed from the center of the city. Kang Chan then stepped out of the car and immediately felt as if he had just entered a small town in Eupnae of Gapyeong back home. Agents dressed likeborers lined up in front of the building, all looking sharply at Kang Chan and Lanok as they passed by.

    The seven-story building was already quite old and was surrounded by street cafes, small bakeries, and shops that could bemonly found in France, making it quite hard to believe that it actually served as the headquarters of an information bureau.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan soon entered the establishment, the lobby reminding him of an old French apartment building.

    <i>Why do the French always put stairs right after the front door?</i>

    Ignoring the stairs, Lanok walked straight ahead and went further inside. They then took the elevator to the seventh floor, which made Kang Chan feel as if he just took a time machine from the past to the present. In a hallway lined with carpet and ss partitions on each side, he could seeputer facilities and other state-of-the-art technology.

    Kang Chan was taking a quick scan of the room when a chubby man in his forties walked over to Lanok.

    ¡°Entrez(Please,e in),¡± he told them.

    Lanok and Kang Chan followed the man past the ss walls and into an office decorated with elegant furniture.

    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you. I¡¯m Pierre Lomans, the supervisor of the Niafles department,¡± the chubby man greeted.

    ¡°My name is Lanok,¡± Lanok said as he shook Pierre Lomans¡¯s hand. He then turned and gestured to Kang Chan. ¡°This is Mr. Kang Chan,¡±

    ¡°Please have a seat,¡± Pierre offered.

    Lanok and Kang Chan sat down at the chairs that were facing the desk. Pierre took it upon himself to pour them some tea, a clear disy that he was treating Lanok with great respect yet also immense caution.

    ¡°We havepleted all the necessary preparations. To start, please take a look at this,¡± Pierre picked up and handed them the paper envelope that was on the desk. ¡°After a brief introduction and a short break, we will proceed with the training immediately.¡±

    Kang Chan took out the documents from the envelope, which included a passport and identification card.

    ¡°This is the identity you will be using during your stay in France. Unless there are any special circumstances, you will use this name while you¡¯re here¡ª¡±

    ¡°Pierre,¡± Lanok jumped in, cutting Pierre off. ¡°You must not have been fully informed about Monsieur Kang yet. This isn¡¯t the proper way to treat someone who has been acknowledged by all the European intelligence bureaus. Let¡¯s put these documents away.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Pierre obediently responded.

    Lanok¡¯s response was so cold that Kang Chan almost felt sorry as he gave back the documents. In situations like this, wasn¡¯t it only proper for the person asking for a favor to be more timid and for the person doing that favor to be more rxed?

    Yet on the contrary, every time Lanok¡¯s expression and tone changed, Kang Chan could see clear hints of Pierre working hard to get in Lanok¡¯s good graces.

    Their awkward conversationsted for about twenty minutes before Lanok finally stood up.

    ¡°Well, Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯ll return once the discussions with Britain have concluded,¡± Lanok said. He then nced at Pierre one final time before leaving the room.

    <i>What the hell? He came all the way to France and drove an hour here just to leave so quickly?</i>

    Kang Chan found it so unbelievable that he almostughed in disbelief, but Lanok was already out of the office.

    Afterward, Pierre took Kang Chan to see all the floors from the third to the seventh floor and assigned him a room on the fifth floor. His quarters had a living room, bed, shower, and even a simple kitchen. Not only were the facilities pretty good, but they were actually quite big and spacious as well. He felt as if he had just entered a nice room in the middle of a long, weary trip. On the other hand, Kang Chan supposed if the room was any smaller, he would probably feel trapped.

    ¡°You will be using room 503 from now on, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Pierre told him.

    There were six rooms on the fifth floor, rooms 501 to 506, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t know who was in the other rooms.

    ¡°We use the same system as a hotel. If you need anything, you can just dial zero on the phone here and tell us about it,¡± Pierre politely said, seemingly not wanting to offend Kang Chan.

    People always asked Kang Chan the same questions¡ªWho he really was, where he learned French and gained hisbat skills¡ªbut today, Kang Chan found himself bing curious about Lanok¡¯s identity again.

    <i>Will that guy ever tell me?</i>

    ¡°Do you have any questions?¡± Pierre asked, sensing Kang Chan¡¯s curiosity.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m good,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    <i>People who work for intelligence bureaus might not be good for other things, but they really know how to read the room.</i>

    ¡°I see. Then we will have a short briefing session in an hour and serve you dinner afterward,¡± Pierre respectfully continued.

    <i>Click.</i>

    <i>It¡¯s nice that these government punks are polite, but they¡¯re too stiff.</i>

    They reminded him of the agents he met in South Korea.

    After freshening up a bit, Kang Chan opened all the shelves in the room. The closets were filled to the brim with clothes. There was loungewear, workout clothes, five sets of suits, hats, shoes that fit the outfits, and even guns and magazines.

    <i>Well, guess I¡¯m really here now!</i>

    He then called back home to Seoul. After talking to Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Hyung-Jung, he no longer had any other urgent calls to make.

    ***

    In the morning, Kang Chan received education on decryption techniques, satellite information management, themand structures of various intelligence bureaus across the world, and insights into global economics. In the afternoon, he had courses in psychology, English, and social dancing.

    What truly surprised Kang Chan was the utilization of satellites and the extent of involvement of intelligence bureaus from France, the United States, and China. He never suspected that they could be so deeply involved in aspects rted to a country¡¯s political, economic, and societal activities.

    Kang Chan also learned about international power dynamics and the resulting economic trends that those dynamics created. In doing so, he finally began to realize just how powerless South Korea was.

    <i>¡®Was this why everyone in Korea was so desperate to connect the country to the Eurasian Rail?¡¯</i>

    In essence, if the United States and China really put their minds to it, they could destroy every inch of South Korea any day of the year.

    The more he learned, the more he grew curious. Fortunately, he could easily grasp and understand all the lessons because he had the current state of affairs topare it to. If it wasn¡¯t for the damned English and social dancing courses, he would have found his sses tolerable.

    Sinceing to France, Kang Chan spent eleven consecutive days inside the building. He only found joy during two parts of his daily routine. The first was waking up at dawn and going to the gym facility to use the treadmill and work out, and the second was calling the people back home in Korea. He even ate in his room by himself.

    <i>How is this different from being locked up in prison? Are they just going to keep me in this room for six months?</i>

    It had been eleven days, but Lanok still hadn¡¯t contacted him. Kang Chan had full trust that he would take care of things outside, though.

    It was strange how people¡¯s emotions worked.

    Kang Chan had made friends with the elderly staff member who prepared him food. They even exchanged greetings and small talk every now and then. After his meal, Kang Chan drank coffee and enjoyed about an hour of rest.

    Later that day, he received news that the school festival ended in a sess. Seok Kang-Ho called him every day, while Michelle and Kim Hyung-Jung took turns calling him every other day.

 Chapter 196.2: You Want to Give It a Go, Huh? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 196.2: You Want to Give It a Go, Huh? (1)</h4>

    <i>Click.</i>

    On the twelfth day, just as Kang Chan had finished his morning sses and lunch, the door to his room opened. Much to his surprise, Lanok soon came in.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan greeted, clearly taken aback. He was d to finally see him again after almost two weeks, though.

    After exchanging French-style greetings, Kang Chan and Lanok sat opposite each other.

    ¡°How¡¯s your stay here so far?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it was necessary for me toe to France for this,¡± Kang Chan replied, genuinely feeling that he could have just done all of this in South Korea.

    ¡°You¡¯ll understand once your basic education is over,¡± Lanok said with his signature smile, reassuring Kang Chan. ¡°Anyway, Ethan seems to be running out of time. He has just agreed to let France¡¯s DGSE and scientistse over for a visit.¡±

    Lanok looked quite rxed. It seemed he had managed to protect the sword he was holding.

    ¡°If it¡¯s alright with you, we will be leaving right away,¡± Lanok told him.

    ¡°Sure. I don¡¯t see why not,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    He had five suits and a bunch of shoes he could wear to match them in his wardrobe. Kang Chan got changed and holstered a gun to his ankle before leaving the room with Lanok.

    As soon as they got in a car inside the building, they swiftly hit the road. It took about an hour to reach the airport. The private jet they boarded naturally offered an unmatched level offort.

    The private jet took off as soon as they arrived at the airport. There was no need to go through security or even put on seat belts. Once the ne had finished its ascent, Lanok poured Kang Chan a cup of tea that his aide had prepared for them.

    ¡°Pierre was surprised by how quickly you pick up things. Agents who have worked at the French intelligence bureau for some time receive the same education you¡¯re getting before they can be transferred to the DGSE,¡± Lanok said.

    So in essence, it was basic training to be a higher-up? It didn¡¯t matter either way, though. If this was the process he had to go through to be even more powerful, then he would dly endure it regardless of how boring or exhausting it was.

    ¡°These sses willst about a month, after which you will be staying with agents who havee from various countries on the fifth floor. You¡¯ll then spend a month each in Israel, Germany, and, finally, Russia before returning to Niafles,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°Did you also go through this process?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I did. Vasili, Ludwig, and Vant were actually my batchmates. There were thirteen of us in total, but only five of us survived,¡± Lanok said.

    Considering the harsh nature of their line of work, that result was not entirely surprising.

    ¡°As I expected, you don¡¯t seem that surprised,¡± Lanok remarked.

    ¡°Should I have acted otherwise?¡± Kang Chan asked with a grin.

    ¡°<i>Hahahaha</i>,¡± Lanok chuckled loudly as he lifted his teacup and looked at Kang Chan. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, the reason why agents from intelligence bureaus around the world¡ªeven Russia¡¯s¡ªtrain together is so they can create a direct connection to exchange information if there¡¯s ever an emergency. Since you¡¯re Asian yet joined the training in France¡¯s ce, the trainees who will join you next month will probably act a bit rough around you.¡±

    Nothing was easy in this world.

    ¡°I expect that you¡¯ll lead them well, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok said.

    Kang Chan grinned faintly, to which Lanok smiled in response. After about three hours of flight, the nended on a strip.

    The skies by then had grown dark, the air a bit damp. Heavy rain was pouring.

    ¡°This weather reminds me of Ethan¡¯s dark mind,¡± Lanok joked before they got off the ne.

    Ethan was waiting for them with an umbre. He was in a coat that seemed to have been made by cutting up a British military uniform.

    ¡°Good to see you, Lanok. Wee, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Ethan greeted.

    After exchanging brief handshakes, they got into a sedan and left immediately. Their convoy had five vans and sedans clearly tasked to keep them safe.

    Ethan had a noticeably stiff face and was moving with so much urgency.

    ¡°What about our researchers and agents?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°They have finished preparations and are just waiting for you now,¡± Ethan replied, turning back from his position in the passenger seat.

    ¡°Dedham? Even the name of the city sounds unpleasant,¡± Lanok remarked.

    Ethan didn¡¯t even bother replying.

    Even though France and Ennd were both European countries, they had clear differences in multiple aspects, including their buildings¡¯ architecture, the people¡¯s gic features, and their territories¡¯ atmosphere.

    To survive in this country, people seemed to need to eat a lot and be strong. The sedan drove on for about 20 minutes before turning into a smaller road.

    <i>Thump, thump.</i>

    As soon as it did, Kang Chan¡¯s heart began to race.

    <i>Why is it doing this?</i>

    He sharply nced around his surroundings, but the cars that were around, behind, and in front of them were all ones that Ethan prepared. Kang Chan could only trust the gun that was holstered at his ankle.

    <i>Thump, thump.</i>

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Lanok¡¯s eyes glinted. They didn¡¯t have to talk to each other to know.

    <i>¡®I think we should be careful, sir.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®I see.¡¯</i>

    The two only had to exchange nces. Since then, they had not uttered another word.

    After about twenty minutes more on the road and driving past a few checkpoints, they finally arrived at their destination.

    <i>¡®Kingston Laboratories.¡¯</i>

    <i>What a cliche name.</i>

    They got a perfect view of the facilities stretched before them as soon as they got out of the car. Kang Chan and Lanok immediately but subtly examined their surroundings.

    The buildings, all made of cement, rose like rounded structures on a wide in, resembling something built by indigenous Inuits. Oddly enough, none of the buildings had visible windows.

    There was a massive, round cement structure right in front of where they got off too, which was about the size of a department store that Kang Chan had visited in Gangnam.

    <i>Thump, thump. Thump, thump.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart was still sending him a warning.

    <i>Should I enter or not?</i>

    Ignoring Kang Chan¡¯s questioning gaze, Ethan extended his hand toward the metal door of the cement building.

    ¡°This way, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Ethan said in a hasty tone.

    ¡°What about our agents?¡± Lanok asked briskly.

    ¡°They¡¯re waiting inside. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re well aware that it would be dangerous to be seen meeting here, considering the surveince of the other parties from the satellites,¡± Ethan replied just as stiffly.

    While they were talking, agents stepped out of the sedans and vans to surround the area. Kang Chan supposed it wouldn¡¯t make sense to stall going inside when he had alreadye all the way to the entrance of the very thing he came for anyway.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head in,¡± Ethan urged once more.

    As they began to walk, Lanok momentarily paused when he saw the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes but swiftly continued.

    Much to Kang Chan¡¯s surprise, the old-looking door opened without making any noise. The fluorescent lights and metal stairs with handrails that came up to one¡¯s waist greeted them straight from the entrance.

    Kang Chan had never seen such an incredible facility in all his life. Each of the rounded cement structures had towering facilities, and the expansive indoor space that could probably contain twenty ser fields was equipped with various machinery. People in hazmat suits were all over the ce, working with a sense of urgency.

    Upon entering, Kang Chan instantly felt a cold shiver run down his spine. However, he knew the enormity of the facility and the massive machinery weren¡¯t the ones that caused it.

    <i>Urrrrng.</i>

    The faint vibrations, dusty air, and lighting from the fluorescent bulbs¡­ only added to its intensity.

    For the first time, Kang Chan felt chills. An eerie and threatening sensation followed not long after. He felt as if he was confronting an enemy that he couldn¡¯t possibly defeat, something that Kang Chan had never felt before.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head downstairs,¡± Ethan quickly directed.

    <i>Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.</i>

    A metallic nk echoed with every step that the men took down into the depths of the facility. As they went round and round the building, descending about ten meters, a long connecting corridor came into view.

    Now Kang Chan also felt an impending sense of doom. Trying to endure the sensation, he gritted his teeth. He had never been seized by such a feeling of dread in his life before.

    If this kept up, he would likely stiffen up and be sluggish. He had faced countless enemies throughout both of his lives, but none of them managed to give him this sensation.

    Kang Chan took a deep breath, then smirked at himself.

    <i>A mere machine dares scare a human?</i>

    Kang Chan cracked his neck from side to side to loosen up.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    It was ridiculous, but as he walked, he could hear himself breathing. That only evidenced how nervous he was.

    They had probably walked about a hundred meters already. Kang Chan¡¯s nerves were standing sharp on edge, which made everything around him seem to slow down. Just then, Ethan stopped.

    The machine stretched deep down into the ground and reached high up into the top of a rounded cement building. The French agents already in the facility approached Lanok and greeted him. Men in suits and safety helmets followed suit not long after.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</i>

    The mechanical vibrations of the machine changed into something that sounded like a nervous enemy¡¯s breathing.

    Even Ethan was clearly taken aback. He began to bellow loudly at the researchers who were dressed in hygienic suits and standing near the French agents.

    .

    ¡°What the hell happened to the shockwaves?!¡± Ethan screamed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, sir! It just popped up!¡± one researcher frantically replied.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</i>

    It was ss.

    Therge contraptions of the machine, which looked like the head of a spaceship nted on the floor, had a ss front that allowed Kang Chan to peer inside.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Psh. Psh. Psh. Psh.</i>

    Nine devices long enough to connect to the bulging cement roof were attached to the core of the machine. As Kang Chan approached it, the vibrations grew increasingly intense.

    Kang Chan red back at the machine through the ss, unflinching.

    <i>¡®You want to give it a go, huh?¡¯</i>

    He didn¡¯t need an exnation to know. The ckhead, arge mineral of crimson-red color, was beginning to emit powerful, increasingly bright shes.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</i>

    <i>Hah. Hah.</i>

    Ethan, Lanok, and everyone in the area looked at Kang Chan in surprise.

 Chapter 197: You Want To Give It a Go, Huh? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 197: You Want To Give It a Go, Huh? (2)</h4>

    <i>Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!</i>

    Warning sounds abruptly filled the basement. The speakers also red an announcement done with a feminine voice that Kang Chan thought wasmonly heard in video games.

    ¡°Warning! Warning! The shockwave has gone out of control!¡±

    <i>Brr. Brr. Brr. Brr.</i>

    The machine shed bright lights through the ss. Its vibrations and noises were growing stronger and louder.

    <i>Huff. Huff. Huff.</i>

    Tilting his head, Kang Chan red at the ckhead. He felt as if he was looking at the heart or eyeball of a gigantic monster.

    <i>Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!</i>

    ¡°Warning! Warning! The shockwave has gone out of control! Please get out of its st radius immediately!¡±

    ¡°Lanok! We¡¯ve nevere across an issue like this! It might be toote now! Let¡¯s get out of here!¡± Ethan yelled.

    The researchers walking around and the employees operating heavy machinery below the core were now running for the door as fast as they could.

    However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t move an inch. He just red at the ckish-red surface of the ckhead, which was still shing.

    <i>I feel like I¡¯m connected to it.</i>

    He was certain that leaving now would cause catastrophic consequences.

    <i>Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!</i>

    ¡°Warning! Warning! The shockwave has gone out of control! Please get out of its st radius immediately!¡±

    The calmness in the announcer¡¯s voice only made them even more nervous.

    ¡°Sir?¡± one of the nearby researchers yelled at Ethan. Their faces were full of despair and fear. After all, there was nothing they could do.

    ¡°Get the fuck out of here!¡± Ethan swore.

    The researchers ran toward the iron stairs. Kang Chan could no longer see any of the employees below the core.

    With his hands in his pockets, Lanok turned to the French researchers. ¡°You all should head out as well.¡±

    <i>Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.</i>

    The researchers ran out, urgency echoing with each of their footsteps.

    As if having put on a mask, Lanok¡¯s expression showed no changes. However, he had to hide his hands in his pockets because his right pinky finger was trembling.

    ¡°Lanok!¡± Ethan yelled.

    ¡°Be quiet. I¡¯m going to stay here until Monsieur Kang leaves. It doesn¡¯t matter whether you stay or not, but I hope you¡¯ll at least be a little quiet.¡±

    <i>Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!</i>

    ¡°Warning! Warning! The shockwave has gone out of control! Please get out of its st radius!¡±

    ¡°Ah! And from now on, refrain from using vulgarnguage around me and Monsieur Kang,¡± Lanok added.

    Ethan¡¯s gaze alternated between Lanok and Kang Chan as he gritted his teeth.

    ¡°You guys should head outside,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°We¡¯ll stay with you, Mr. Ambassador.¡± The French agents were firm with their conviction.

    <i>Rumble!</i>

    A few secondster, the main machine shook, sending tremors to the floor. Lanok, Ethan, and the French and British agents swayed with it.

    <i>I¡¯ve established a proper connection with it!</i>

    The energy extended out of the ckhead like spiderwebs tightly wrapped around Kang Chan.

    This wasn¡¯t right.

    Kang Chan thought that the subterranean shock device would activate if he left. On the contrary, however, it now seemed to be sucking in his energy to start an earthquake.

    <i>So you¡¯re targeting my energy?</i>

    <i>Rumble!</i>

    It was as if an invisible rope was tightening around him. He could just be going crazy, but he felt as if he was in the presence of a gigantic living monster.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how to stop the energy, but he knew that he wouldn¡¯t just die if the machine took away all his energy. It would also bring forth a catastrophe.

    <i>What does it want me to do?</i>

    <i>Rumble!</i>

    Kang Chan trembled.

    <i>Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!</i>

    ¡°Warning! Warning! The shockwave has gone out of control! Please get out of its st range immediately!¡±

    <i>It¡¯s the spiderwebs¡ªI need a way to cut them off.</i>

    Kang Chan unholstered the pistol attached to his ankle.<i> </i>He then pulled the breechblock and released the safety switch.

    <i>nk!</i>

    Considering the energy keeping him bound wasing through the ss, all he could do right now was attack the ss.

    Surprised, Ethan¡¯s eyes widened. Lanok still had the same expression on his face.

    ¡°Ethan! Is the ss is bulletproof?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Bulletproof? Ah, yes, it is! You really shouldn¡¯t shoot¡ª¡±

    <i>Tang! Pew! Tang! Pew! Tang! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan fired a couple of bullets, causing sparks to fly from the ss.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Ethan yelled out of instinct.

    <i>Brr. Brr. Brr. Brrrr.</i>

    The machine began to quiet down.

    Kang Chan was still aiming his pistol at the ckhead. Feeling this way against a machine could be odd, but he was sure he was connected to the damn red jewel. Shooting at it a few times seemed to have severed that connection, however.

    <i>Brr. Brr. Brr. Brrrr. Brrrr.</i>

    When the machine¡¯s sounds changed, the alerts and beeping warning sounds stopped.

    ¡°What on earth just happened¡­¡±

    Ethan looked at Kang Chan in astonishment.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan put down his pistol and exhaled softly. Not even he understood or could exin what just happened.

    <i>Brrrr. Brrrr. Brrrr.</i>

    The ckhead wasn¡¯t shing anymore. However, it was now emitting a far dimmer red light.

    Finally looking away from the ckhead, Kang Chan turned to Lanok, who remained seemingly unbothered.

    ¡°What now?¡± Lanok asked.

    After a while, Ethan finally seemed as if he wasing to his senses. ¡°Well, the original n was to have a briefing after the inspection.¡±

    ¡°If so, then I trust you have prepared tea and cigars for us?¡± Lanok¡¯s aura and tenacitypletely overpowered Ethan. They even stunned the French agents and seemingly angered the British agents.

    ¡°This way please, Mr. Kang,¡± Ethan said.

    ¡°Ethan, refrain from speaking in English around me and Monsieur Kang. Vasili doesn¡¯t speak French because he wants to,¡± Lanok said.

    <i>Does Lanok have to embarrass Ethan in front of British agents?</i>

    Right now, Lanok was like an old captain who couldn¡¯t tolerate the defiance of a colleague whom they had already beaten once before.

    Ethan never protested whenever Lanok was like this.

    ¡°Je m''excuse, c¡¯est ma faute[1], monsieur Kang,¡± Ethan said.

    ¡°?a ne fait rien[2].¡±

    <i>nk. nk. nk. nk.</i>

    Kang Chan had a strange feeling as he walked out of the passage. It was as if he was giving up on his fight against the machine instead of seeing it through¡ªas if he just turned away from an enemy with a pistol in their hand.

    As soon as they went through the iron doors, the humid air that the rain had left behind greeted Kang Chan, making him feel refreshed. Aside from wanting to smoke a cigarette, he didn¡¯t seem to have undergone any changes.

    Ethan walked along a path that went around a convex cement building sorge that it took them over ten minutes to go around it. Behind it was another convex building, but it was at least more reasonably sized.

    The people here definitelycked creativity.

    Entering the smaller building, they found five wooden doors in arge hall.

    ¡°We have prepared the rightmost room for the researchers. Since only the three of us can join the meeting, our agents should wait outside,¡± Ethan said. He didn¡¯t seem skilled enough to match Lanok.

    Lanok nodded, finally taking his hands out of his pockets.

    Ethan led Kang Chan and Lanok to the room at the very left. In the middle of it was arge circr table that went up to their knees and plush armchairs around it.

    <i>Damn it.</i>

    Having to sit in this room that could amodate fifty people with ease made Kang Chan feel a little homesick.

    Kang Chan and Lanok sat close to each other, and Ethan sat about three spaces away with his chair toward Kang Chan.

    Soon after, an employee came over and put coffee, tea, cigars, cigarettes, and an ashtray on the table.

    Kang Chan chose coffee, and Lanok a cup of ck tea. They then took a moment to light up their cigars and cigarettes.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>.¡± The smoke that Kang Chan exhaled was quickly sucked up to the ceiling.

    ¡°I can¡¯t make sense of this situation, so please let me ask you this, Monsieur Kang. Why did you shoot the machine?¡± Ethan asked.

    Kang Chan smiled as he raised his coffee cup.

    <i>How should I exin it? Do I have to say that I felt the energy from the machine? Won¡¯t that make me sound crazy?</i>

    ¡°Mr. Ethan, I acted like that out of pure pride. We couldn¡¯t control the situation and didn¡¯t have any other option, so I thought I should at least try breaking the machine with my own hands if an earthquake was going to ur anyway,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°<i>Haaaa</i>!¡± Ethan sighed deeply. The room grew silent for a moment.

    ¡°As you saw, the ckhead is in the main machine. Nine supporting devices intensify the energy inside the ckhead, which then creates shockwaves underground,¡± Ethan exined.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even want to know aboutplicated things like this.

    ¡°I heard that one ckhead is discovered every few years. Why didn¡¯t you just try to get a new one?¡± he asked.

    ¡°ckheads normally don''t have energy. The one in the machine is simply special. Ever since a satellite discovered it, we have spent over two years working on it.¡±

    ¡°So you did all of that and also bought Shan¡¯s services?¡±

    ¡°Ahem.¡± Ethan quickly picked up his teacup in response. Lanok smirked.

    ¡°Are you asking me to go into one of the nine supporting devices?¡±

    ¡°No. It¡¯s a vacuum in there, so a person can¡¯t go in there. However, with your permission, we can connect you to them through energy-gathering equipment.¡±

    While listening, Kang Chan realized that his energy was draining out of him.

    It had been about twenty to thirty minutes since they left the machine room.

    Much like the time he ran like crazy in North Korea, he felt as if all his energy was escaping out of the soles of his feet. He started bing sleepy as well¡ªenough for him to fall asleep if he just leaned his head back right now.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, that situation earlier was the worst we¡¯ve experienced so far, and the interval between these incidents is quickly decreasing. If you¡¯re going to help us, I hope you¡¯ll hurry,¡± Ethan said.

    ¡°How long is it now?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°It urs around once every week now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have my country¡¯s researchers look into it first. We¡¯ll act based on their findings.¡±

    .

    No matter what Ethan said, Kang Chan or Lanok wouldn¡¯t justply with his wishes.

    ¡°Now that it hase to this, we¡¯re willing to provide full cooperating on anything. However, I hope you¡¯ll decide as quickly as possible.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll keep that in mind. We¡¯ll take our leave now. Let¡¯s go, Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Lanok said, seemingly having noticed Kang Chan¡¯s condition.

    Kang Chan found no reason to refuse, and Ethan couldn¡¯t do anything to stop them.

    ¡°To start with, give your full cooperation to the researchers France sent,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    As they left, Kang Chan nced at Ethan¡¯s side profile. He felt as if thetter was hiding something from them.

    Once outside, Lanok gave the researchers and agents their new orders.

    Ethan seemingly wanted them to stay in the research institute. Nevertheless, perhaps because he was tactless or because he was trying to show his sincerity, he got in the passenger seat and apanied them to the airport.

    Kang Chan felt very sleepy.

    The car¡¯s pleasant vibrations, the soft cushions, and the humid, after-rain weather¡­. he was in the optimal condition to fall asleep.

    Kang Chan sucked his left cheek toward his tongue.

    Showing his enemies weakness was the same thing as telling them to look for an opportunity to get the best of him whenever they wanted.

    <i>Crunch.</i>

    Kang Chan felt horrible pain as the metallic taste of blood filled his mouth. Fortunately, that was enough to wake him uppletely.

    They drove for an excruciatingly tiresome hour and a half before reaching the airport.

    If it wasn¡¯t for France, it would¡¯ve been difficult for Kang Chan toe to the UK often.

    ¡°Rentrez bien[3], Monsieur Kang,¡± Ethan said.

    ¡°? bient?t[4].¡±

    Kang Chan then got on the ne. He was so tired that he drooped like lettuce. His sleepiness had returned as well, perhaps because the tension had finally left him.

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    The warning went off, and the ne took off soon after. Kang Chan pressed on the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I suddenly feel very sleepy.¡±

    Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t have said that if he didn¡¯t trust Lanok.

    He suddenly started missing Seok Kang-Ho¡ªthe only colleague he could trust to protect him. With Seok Kang-Ho around, he could sleep whenever he was having a hard time. Unfortunately, he was thirteen hours away from him by ne.

    After some time, a flight attendant came in with tea, but Lanok held up his hand and sent them away.

    ¡°You should get some sleep.¡±

    ¡°I agree, Mr, Ambassador. I¡¯lly down for a bit.¡± Kang Chan replied, feeling relieved that Lanok was next to him. If it wasn¡¯t for Lanok, he wouldn¡¯t have done something this crazy.

    Kang Chan went into the room that he fell asleep in on his way to France. After taking his jacket off, he went straight to bed.

    <i>Even I can feel this tired, huh? Could this be the result of the machine taking my energy away?</i>

    When Kang Chan closed his eyes, he saw an image of Seok Kang-Ho grinning. He then thought of Yoo Hye-Sook opening her arms and hugging him and Kang Dae-Kyung reaching out to him with his long arms to tousle his hair.

    As Kang Chan fell asleep, he thought of one more person.

    <i>Is Mi-Young doing okay?</i>

    ¡°Yeah!¡±

    Kang Chan thought he could hear Kim Mi-Young.

    <i>Knock knock knock.</i>

    Kang Chan woke up to someone knocking on his door. He still felt heavy.

    Kang Chan felt pain simr to when he was stabbed and lost a lot of blood. He was cold and trembling. It was as if someone had just beaten the shit out of him.

    Kang Chan smirked. He thought of the ckhead and the machine as he forced himself to stand.

    When Kang Chan opened the door and went outside, Lanok¡ªwho was sitting on the sofa¡ªlooked at Kang Chan. Surprise could be seen in his eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re too pale¡ªyou should probably go to a hospital.¡±

    ¡°Ethan might find out that I¡¯m not feeling well, and I don¡¯t think that¡¯ll be too good.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll order Pierre to handle this. For now, let the medical team support you.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Kang Chan sat on the sofa. Not long after, he broke out in a cold sweat.

    <i>I can¡¯t believe my encounter with a machine is giving me body aches.</i>

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    The ne slowly tilted downward as the lights flickered and warnings went off.

    Kang Chan leaned back against the sofa but soon sat up.

    ¡°You¡¯re really pale,¡± Lanokmented.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Unfortunately, Kang Chan didn¡¯t get better even afternding at the airport and getting in a car. He was in an almost simr condition, if not worse, when he got stabbed at the hostess bar.

    Lanok was probably curious, but he just kept quiet instead of asking Kang Chan questions.

    The car began to speed up, which was unusual.

    As soon as they reached the building, they immediately went into a room. Kang Chany in bed, and a medical staff briefly examined him and attached an IV to him.

    ¡°He¡¯s showing symptoms of physical strength loss. Let¡¯s keep him under close observation for about another day so he can get some rest,¡± the medical staff said. They left soon after, leaving behind Kang Chan and Lanok in the room.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have to go now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Will you really be okay?¡±

    Kang Chan just smirked in response.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back. I just have to go over the researchers¡¯ report.¡±

    Although Ethan was the one who caused trouble, Kang Chan was the one who fell ill, and Lanok seemed even busier than Ethan.

    Lanok left without asking what he was curious about.

    Kang Chan fell asleep again.

    Sometimes, he couldn¡¯t help but miss Director Yoo Hun-Woo from the Bang Ji Hospital.

    1. French for ¡®Sorry, I made a mistake.¡¯ ??

    2. French for ¡®It¡¯s okay.¡¯ ??

    3. French for ¡®Have a safe trip.¡¯ ??

    4. French for ¡®See you soon.¡¯ ??

 Chapter 198.1: Is There Anything Else Youéˆ¥æª™e Hiding? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 198.1: Is There Anything Else You¡¯re Hiding? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan woke up as usual, removed the needle from his arm, and got out of bed. He slept for over twelve hours straight since yesterday.

    Although he felt somewhat drained of energy, he was not worse off than yesterday. He just felt way too stiff¡ªlike a block of wood. After doing some light stretching, Kang Chan changed into his workout clothes and headed to the gym.

    The gym on the sixth floor was always empty around this time. Kang Chan warmed up to loosen up a little bit more and then went over to one of the machines that were facing the window. He stepped onto it and pressed the start button.

    <i>Whir. Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.</i>

    Once the machine started, he gradually increased the speed until he reached the speed that he usually ran at. No matter what anyone said, he would still be convinced that the ckhead definitely drained him of his energy. He needed to find a solution for it.

    <i>¡°Hah. Hah.¡±</i>

    Even though his stamina wasn¡¯t as high as it used to be, it wasn¡¯t so bad that he had to stop running.

    <i>Will the French researchers find a way to solve it?</i>

    If they failed to find anything in particr, he would be willing to try Ethan¡¯s suggestion to him and Lanok, which was to get connected to one of the supporting devices that were installed to extract energy.

    It was absolutely ridiculous.

    The energy that left the ckhead stuffed Kang Chan¡¯s dead self into someone else¡¯s body, but it was now trying to steal it back.

    <i>Thud, thud, thud, thud.</i>

    <i>¡°Hah, hah.¡±</i>

    It was just a feeling¡ªjust out of instinct¡ªthat Kang Chan felt this way. Nevertheless, he was certain that if he let the machine take the energy away from him yesterday, they would have found themselves in the middle of a powerful earthquake.

    Perhaps there was a problem with the machine¡¯s design or thebination of energies failed. They had never built anything like it before, after all.

    For now, Kang Chan focused on building his stamina back up. After about an hour of running, he switched to his strength workout. By the time he returned to his room, he no longer wanted to lift even one more finger. If he could have Yoo Hye-Sook saying, ¡°Channy! You should have taken a rest day today!¡± during times like this, he would have likely felt going back up and running again.

    Kang Chan showered and changed into new clothes before stepping out of the bathroom.

    <i>Knock, knock, knock.</i>

    After some time, someone knocked a few times on the door. He was already expecting that, though, since they had always brought him his breakfast around this time.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan. How are you feeling?¡±

    Much to Kang Chan¡¯s surprise, however, it was Pierre, the executive of the Niafles branch, who greeted him, not food.

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling a lot better now. Pleasee in and have a seat,¡± Kang Chan politely offered.

    ¡°If it¡¯s all right with you, may I join you for your breakfast?¡± Pierre asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kang Chan answered in an easygoing tone.

    ¡°Bring in the meal!¡± Pierre shouted toward the doorway upon hearing Kang Chan¡¯s response.

    <i>This sneaky man! How could he brazenly ask me if he could join me for breakfast when he had already prepared food for two people?</i>

    An employee carried in a portable table and unfolded its sides to prepare it for dining.

    ¡°Next week, agents from five different countries will be arriving at this location,¡± Pierre began as he spread a generous amount of butter onto his toast. ¡°They will being from Russia, Israel, Germany, the United States, and China.¡±

    Kang Chan just listened to Pierre speak as he tore off pieces of his bread. Every time he moved his mouth, the inside of his cheek throbbed with pain.

    ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll be okay?¡± Pierre asked with concern.

    ¡°Is the agents¡¯ arrival something that my answer can change?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course. If you were to refuse, they would all be sent somece else,¡± Pierre responded respectfully.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter to me. I¡¯m here to be educated, so I¡¯m going to follow the n that¡¯s already been set up,¡± Kang Chan lightly replied.

    Pierre nodded as he picked up a thinly sliced baguette, making Kang Chan think that he was the type to eat hearty breakfasts.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, the purpose of this training is to facilitate an exchange of information between intelligence bureaus. Since you were rmended, France did not send any agents,¡± Pierre informed him.

    <i>If I¡¯m hearing things right, there¡¯s a slight edge to his words.</i>

    Kang Chan wiped his mouth with a napkin and straightened his back before looking at Pierre.

    ¡°I mean to say that after you agree to their arrival, it will be difficult for you to receive special treatment or leave the training. What¡¯s more, you cannot use the things you¡¯ll gain from this training to bring any harm to France,¡± Pierre exined.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Kang Chan obediently replied.

    Although Pierre bowed down before Lanok, he was still an executive who managed a territory for an intelligence bureau. Kang Chan could understand Pierre giving him these words of warning.

    After the meal and Pierre left the room, Kang Chan pulled out his phone.

    It was nine in the morning, which meant it was around five in the afternoon in South Korea. The dial tone crackled from the audio feedback and rang about three to four times before the call was picked up.

    - It¡¯s me, Cap!

    Seok Kang-Ho sounded as coarse as always. Kang Chan listened to this voice every day, but he was still d to hear it again today.

    Kang Chan began to exin to him in detail what happened yesterday.

    -Are you all right now, at least?

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s bearable. What¡¯s up with you, though? You sound a bit different,¡± Kang Chan asked out of curiosity.

    - Well, the thing is, Oh Gwang-Taek is behind bars.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan couldn¡¯t believe his ears.

    Maybe it was inevitable for a gangster to be imprisoned, but Kang Chan still found the news quite shocking. He couldn¡¯t believe the same man who told him a while back that he was going to quit being a gangster and be a proper businessman suddenly got arrested.

    - He was involved in a fight at the bar. He apparently thought that the civilians who fought him were gangsters who came to attack him, so he pulled out his de and struck back. I guess five against two isn¡¯t exactly a fair fight.

    <i>Tsk! To think he was just talking about how scared he was about getting attacked!</i>

    - I heard Joo Chul-Bum is also in prison. He wasn¡¯t at the site but was arrestedter. When I didn¡¯t hear from him, I began to wonder if he didn¡¯t call me because he was embarrassed. Unfortunately, they told me only hiswyer was allowed to see him when I tried visiting him, so I just headed back.

    <i>He should be able to meet him if he talks to Kim Hyung-Jung, no?</i>

    Kang Chan wondered if he should tell Seok Kang-Ho that or not.

    - I thought about asking Kim Hyung-Jung, but I don¡¯t really have any reason that I can give him if he asks why I have to meet Joo Chul-Bum. It made asking feel so awkward.

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed to have already thought of it.

    ¡°How did you find out they were arrested?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - I heard from Executive Suh.

    ¡°You met with Executive Suh?¡± he wasn¡¯t expecting that.

    - Last night, after dinner, I went out with Director Kim, Executive Suh, and the section chief for a couple of drinks.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>! So they already know what happened then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - That¡¯s why I can¡¯t ask them for that favor. If you were here, I would have tried toe up with an excuse to go.

    <i>That idiot! He swung his de at the wrong people!</i>

    ¡°Let¡¯s just keep our eye on it for now,¡± Kang Chan told him.

    - They did say something about the investigation probably being handled by Unit 4. Based on the limited visitation rights to go see him, they¡¯re most likely right.

    ¡°What¡¯s Unit 4?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - It¡¯s an organized crime unit that handles serious cases, including those eligible for capital punishment.

    ¡°Goddamn it!¡±

    - Anyway, don¡¯t lose sleep over it. I¡¯ll see what happens after the first trial.

    ¡°All right,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kang Chan hung up feeling quite uneasy and upset. There was no room for excuse for what Oh Gwang-Taek did, but that didn¡¯t mean he cared any less about it.

    He went to ss as soon as the call ended. He had to do a role-ying exercise involving eight people, nine including Kang Chan.

    Each participant had to perform their part wlessly nine times in English toplete the exercise. Kang Chan thought that they could probably make good money by introducing this kind of training program in South Korea.

    Afterward, he took courses in politics, economics, and psychology. While he spent the day studying, his stamina slowly began to return to normal.

    ***

    Kang Chan spent the next few days attending even more sses. After some time, he had grown to adapt well enough to his life at Niafles. Everything went ording to the schedule that the intelligence bureau had set.

    On Saturday morning, Lanok came to visit him. It had been about a week since theyst saw each other. Since Lanok arrived in time for breakfast, they brought each other up-to-date on recent happenings over a meal.

    ¡°The researchers have given me quite an intriguing report,¡± Lanok told Kang Chan, who had been dying to know more about this topic.

    Lanok picked up a slice of baguette as he continued, ¡°ording to the researchers¡¯ analysis, the ckhead is a type of energy aggregate. It requires a bnce of nine energies, but it is currently missing two of them.¡±

    <i>Wait, is that all? That can¡¯t be everything that the research team came up with.</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be reminded of the sly snake that Lanok was. He even doubted anyone could be more cunning than him in this world. His expression made it impossible to tell whether or not the researchers had actuallye up with a solution.

    ¡°There is apparently a significant reason why cetinium and denadite were used to rece the lost energies. Their findings suggest that the two energy sources were used to rece the missing energies so they could stop the earthquakes, not to actually trigger them from urring,¡± Lanok continued.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying this time?</i>

 Chapter 198.2: Is There Anything Else Youéˆ¥æª™e Hiding? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 198.2: Is There Anything Else You¡¯re Hiding? (1)</h4>

    Lanok took a few seconds to put the remainder of the baguette pieces into his mouth. If Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how French people ate, he would¡¯ve died from frustration.

    ¡°The subterranean shock device probably went out of control as soon as it was connected to the ckhead. If left alone, it would have caused intense earthquakes to ur all over the United Kingdom, so they tried to use the two energy sources to stabilize it,¡± Lanok continued.

    ¡°But that didn¡¯t help them regain control over it, so they turned to others for help?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lanok nodded. ¡°Introducing the two energies into the mix seemed to have magnified the ckhead¡¯s energy, which is the opposite of their goal to weaken it.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean Ethan was telling the truth when he said there¡¯s still a risk of an earthquake taking ce?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°ording to the researchers and the magnitude of the seismic waves that will forcefully create an earthquake, the probability of the disaster being confined to the UK is quite high. However, we still have to wait for the simtion results of its impact on the tectonic tes before we can be certain,¡± Lanok responded.

    Read the most updated version of this novel and other amazing tranted novels from the original source at [  ]

    <i>So that¡¯s the reason Ethan acted so submissively!</i>

    Lanok still hadn¡¯t given Kang Chan any solutions to the problem.

    ¡°After you visited the site, the device remained stable for quite some time before starting to vibrate again around morningst Thursday. Hence, our researchers think that stabilizing the device will provide us with enough time to remove the ckhead, which should wrap everything up and prevent any earthquakes from happening.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean I¡¯m going to have to face the machine like I didst time?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    ¡°Considering it appeared to pose a risk to you, we can¡¯t have you confront it unprepared. They have prepared an energy-blocking suit to sever the connection between you and the ckhead. To be safe, they also made goggles that can detect the energy waves,¡± Lanok answered.

    <i>I¡¯ll get to see the energy with my own eyes?</i>

    If so, then Kang Chan would soon get the opportunity to confirm if what he felt thest time he went was true or not.

    Kang Chan¡¯s expression made Lanok smile.

    ***

    Kang Chan still couldn¡¯t enjoy taking the ne once a week, which was nothingpared to what Lanok had to go through every day. To make things worse, each trip required nearly two hours of driving. His only sce was that the weather was clear and sunny. ¡®

    Once the ne had taken off, Kang Chan and Lanok talked about various topics.

    ¡°Have you heard the news that five agents from different countries will be joining you on Monday?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Pierre told me,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Lanok briefly nodded in response.

    ¡°Those agents are most likely already aware of your reputation. I doubt you¡¯ll run into any issues with them, but if you encounter any difficulties, you can request immediate assistance from Pierre.¡±

    Since they still had a long way to go before reaching their destination, Kang Chan decided to finally ask something that had been on his mind for quite some time now.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I heard France didn¡¯t send an agent for the training because I was rmended. Wouldn¡¯t that cause you any trouble?¡±

    ¡°Not at all. We don¡¯t do this training program often, but it typically urs once every five years, so France can just participate in the next one,¡± Lanok replied.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t France just send an agent this time too? I wouldn¡¯t have cared either way.¡±

    ¡°Only agents rmended by the five participating countries can attend. Under normal circumstances, each country typically rmends its own agents, but I rmended you instead for this batch. Naturally, that means France can¡¯t participate this time around,¡± Lanok replied.

    Kang Chan was lost for words for a moment.

    <i>An agent can only attend if they were rmended?</i>

    So under normal circumstances, it would¡¯ve been impossible for Kang Chan to receive this kind of training.

    Lanok smiled. It was rare for him to show emotion.

    ¡°A while back, I asked you if you could help me if a talented French individual came forward after you gained power. Do you remember?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°France does not have any suitable candidates to take part in this training right now. Considering weck talent at the moment, I decided to rmend you instead since I have no doubt that giving you this opportunity will greatly benefit France in the future. So you shouldn¡¯t feel overly burdened,¡± Lanok reassured him.

    <i>What is it that Lanok really wants?</i>

    Seeing Lanok¡¯s wide smile, which caused his eyes and the corners of his mouth to crinkle, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit apologetic.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang. Truth be told, Vasili, Ludwig, Vant, Yang Bum, and even I will have to step down from active duty in the intelligence bureaus in the next five to ten years. We couldn¡¯t create a leader among us. However, I firmly believe that you can be the sole leader of the uing world of intelligence. When that timees, I ask you to protect France and take care of the talents whoe from France.¡±

    Lanok had definitely taken off his mask now. Looking at him in the eyes, the only thing Kang Chan could do was nod.

    <i>Should I ask him or not?</i>

    Lanok smiled in amusement at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you hesitate, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± he said.

    This was also Kang Chan¡¯s first time seeing Lanok smile that way too.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, to be honest, I¡¯ve always wondered about your status in the intelligence bureaus,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Holding his teacup, Lanok chuckled out loud before replying, ¡°I¡¯ll answer that question for you once you¡¯re done with your training. Consider it a part of our celebration of you formally bing a part of the intelligence bureaus.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± Kang Chan epted with a grin. The twoughed together.

    Kang Chan liked the smile that Lanok had on his face right now.

    ***

    Ethan, who hade out to the airport to greet them, could not conceal the urgency in his expression. Lanok would never have let himself look so tense in front of others.

    The three exchanged greetings before getting into the car. They didn¡¯t really talk about anything important.

    Kang Chan focused on the scenery outside as he took deep, slow breaths. He felt as if he was going to be facing an extremely powerful foe all by himself again.

    <i>What¡¯s it gonna be like today?</i>

    Kang Chan waited for the moment they would be off the streets. After some time, the car exited onto the outer roads.

    <i>Thump. Thump.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart was sending him the same warning asst time. He wished he had the goggles that allowed him to see the energy waves right now. He couldn¡¯t be entirely sure, but from this distance, he already felt his connection to the ckhead.

    <i>Should I have brought a machine gun with me?</i>

    Kang Chan grinned. He took another deep breath.

    He had been told that he would be getting a suit that could sever the energy connection between them and goggles that could make the energy visible to the wearer. It should allow him to determine what exactly was the energy that wasing from the ckhead.

    The subterranean shock device was just a machine. It couldn¡¯t ask Kang Chan for the energy back after forcing him to live in someone else¡¯s life. Even if it was a god, it still wouldn¡¯t be right.

    This wasn¡¯t his first time doing this anymore, so he felt a bit more rxed. After about twenty minutes, the sedan finally reached its destination.

    <i>Click</i>.

    The moment the car doors opened, his heart began to beat even more loudly than before.

    He could only see the rounded buildings, but his surroundings felt thick with heavy silence and nervousness.

    ¡°This way, please,¡± a researcher immediately said, guiding Lanok and Kang Chan into thest room on the right.

    Once they were inside, a man with a white beard talked to them. His expression was quite grim.

    ¡°All the personnel inside the building have been evacuated. We also have people on standby in case of emergency,¡± he said.

    He then looked at Ethan, a slight hint of hesitation evident on his face.

    ¡°If you have something else to say, please be quick about it,¡± Ethan said.

    ¡°Based on our analysis, even in the worst-case scenario, it is unlikely that an earthquake will ur.¡±

    Lanok quickly turned to Ethan. He then frowned at the researcher.

    ¡°However, if our calctions are right, then failure to handle this properly will likely cause an explosion with enough power to rival the simultaneous detonation of twenty Tsar Bombas. An explosion that strong will render not only France but the entire Europe an uninhabitable environment,¡± the researcher continued.

    Ethan stood firm against Lanok¡¯s fierce re.

    ¡°Why is your conclusion different from the report?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ve received the duplicate blueprint of the primary machinery quitete, so we couldn''t calcte the explosion of ckhead itself,¡± the researcher answered.

    ¡°What can we do to stop it?¡±

    ¡°Other than attempting what I mentioned before, there is no other way,¡±

    Lanok sighed as silence filled the room.

    ¡°How much time do we have left?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Unfortunately, it is impossible to give an urate answer to that question.¡±

    ¡°This is outrageous.¡± Lanok seemingly couldn¡¯t bring himself to believe just how absurd their situation was.

    ¡°Fine, then,¡± Lanok said after a few moments. He then ordered, ¡± Hurry up and finish the preparations.¡±

    The researchers quickly got to work.

    Lanok turned to Kang Chan. ¡°Do you know anything about Tsar Bombas?¡±

    ¡°I know it¡¯s a nuclear weapon that Russia developed,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Ethan nced at Kang Chan but swiftly looked away.

    "It''s known as one of the most powerful nuclear weapons ever developed. It has terrifying destructive power, a mushroom cloud that can reach a height of sixty kilometers, and can cause an explosion that can be seen from even a thousand kilometers away.¡±

    This was the first time Kang Chan had heard of the weapon since his training in the Foreign Legion.

    ¡°I wish we were dealing with an earthquake now,¡± Kang Chan joked.

    Lanok¡¯s eyes were just as sharp as Kang Chan¡¯s.

    This doesn¡¯t change anything, Mr. Ambassador. If I can be of assistance in finally dealing with the ckhead, then I¡¯d be willing to cooperate. We should put an end to this while we still can.¡±

    ¡°I leave it in your capable hands,¡± Lanok said, sounding quite stressed. Turning to Ethan, he asked, ¡°Are you hiding anything else?¡±

    ¡°No, Lanok,¡± Ethan replied.

    Lanok sighed. After a while, researchers came in holding something that looked like a spacesuit.

    <i>Thump. Thump.</i>

    Kang Chan felt as if he now knew the reason his heart was beating so fast.

 Chapter 199.1: Is There Anything Else Youéˆ¥æª™e Hiding? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 199.1: Is There Anything Else You¡¯re Hiding? (2)</h4>

    A researcher brought over what looked exactly like a spacesuit.

    ¡°Please take off your jacket before wearing this,¡± the researcher told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan took off his jacket and handed it to one of the agents.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to have to put on the pants first,¡± the researcher instructed.

    Kang Chan put his legs one after another through the pants, which were connected to the boots. The researcher then draped suspenders over his shoulders.

    ¡°Please raise your arm.¡±

    Two people had to grab and lift the top part of the suit to put it on Kang Chan. They lowered it down on him, seemingly covering him with it like a lid. Afterward, another researcher brought over and attached a belt that seemed to have been made out of aluminum. It seamlessly sped onto the hook connecting the two parts of the suit.

    ¡°The moment you put on the helmet, you will no longer hear anything outside. Allmunications will be done through the headset built into the helmet,¡± the researcher exined.

    Kang Chan looked across him and saw Lanok putting on a headset with a mic.

    ¡°This suit contains ny minutes worth of oxygen. The screen near your left forearm will disy how much time you have left. It will give you audile updates every twenty minutes until you only have thirty minutes left, at which point it¡¯ll start updating you every ten minutes. The n is to save at least ten minutes of your oxygen for your trip back to us.¡±

    Kang Chan only nodded in response. Soon after, two researchers lifted a helmet high in the air and lowered it onto his head.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    <i>What¡¯s this?</i>

    When Kang Chan put on the helmet, he saw various lines in front of him. They were in different colors and showed irregr movements.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, can you hear me?¡± a researcher asked.

    ¡°I hear you loud and clear.¡±

    Kang Chan noticed a slight spicy taste in his mouth as he breathed.

    ¡°I see multiple lines of different colors. Are these the energy?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re seeing the wavelengths of the energy that the lens on the helmet has made visible. Anyway, let¡¯s begin.¡±

    Kang Chan walked ording to the researcher¡¯s instructions.

    <i>Clunk. Clunk.</i>

    A heavy, metallic sound rang out with each step he took. He felt as if he was in a crystal ball that had a white ray moving in various directions.

    When Kang Chan headed out, the colorful energy wavelengths also exited the convex cement building. They spread like a spiderweb, scanning the surroundings before disappearing.

    Perhaps it was because Kang Chan was wearing a spacesuit, but the energy that scanned his surroundings just kept repeating the same behavior, examining other ces before going further away. Seeing the wavelengths at work, he becamepletely certain that what he felt the first time he visited this ce was actually real.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    It was a striking sight.

    The researchers opened the door of the convex building, and Kang Chan immediately heard familiar warning sounds and a woman announcing that the situation had gone out of control.

    <i>Huff. Huff. Clunk. Clunk.</i>

    The suit was making it very difficult to walk, but he chose not to pay it any attention for now.

    The lens of the helmet made the interior of the convex building seem full of spiderwebs, all of which began from the ckhead in the main mechanical equipment.

    Some of the rays were as thin as a thread, while the others were as thick as a rope. Among them, the red one was especially fast. It also disyed rougher movements than the others when it passed through Kang Chan and the researchers.

    The rays twisted and turned like lightning as they extended, creating quite a terrifying sight whenever they approached and disappeared.

    .

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, are you okay?¡± Lanok asked as looked at Kang Chan and his surroundings. He also had goggles on now.

    Only Lanok knew that this ce drained Kang Chan of his energy. Now that he could see how it happened, he seemingly became worried.

    ¡°I¡¯m stillpletely unaffected,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Kang Chan took quite a while before he reached the bottom of the stairs.

    <i>These idiots! If they were going to build a facility this big, shouldn¡¯t they have at least made an elevator?</i>

    Now ten meters underground, Kang Chan began walking into the corridor again. He was apanied by Lanok, Ethan, five researchers, and five agents each from France and the UK.

    One of the researchers walked past the main engine and pointed to the middle of the corridor, which continued on to the left and right, looking like a T.

    <i>Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!</i>

    ¡°Warning! Warning! The shockwave has gone out of control!¡±

    If they used a walkie-talkie instead, they wouldn¡¯t have had to listen to the awful warning sounds.

    It took them around fifteen minutes to reach one of the nine auxiliary devices. A researcher reached out to it and pulled a cable about five centimeters thick. It looked like an electrical cord.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    ¡°This cable is connected to the cetinium, allowing it to transfer the energy¡¯s wavelength. If we connect this to the spacesuit, your energy will be transferred to the cetinium and then to the ckhead. In theory, that should be enough to stabilize the ckhead¡¯s energy,¡± he exined to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan slowly inhaled.

    ¡°To sever your connection to it, you just have to pull the cable toward you. Did you get all that?¡±

    Even at that moment, countless energy rays were passing through the researcher, Kang Chan, and the people nearby.

    ¡°Yeah, got it,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Looking quite nervous, the researchers finally pulled the cable, revealing an end that looked simr to the hose attached to LPGs[1] to refill them.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to connect the cable to the spacesuit now,¡± a researcher said.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Looking straight into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, he attached the cable to the right side of his waist.

    <i>Click!</i>

    <i>Brrr!</i>

    The cable began to vibrate lightly as soon as it was connected. All the red wavelengths around them then swiftly rushed to Kang Chan and the auxiliary device.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! Are you okay?¡± Lanok asked, worry clearly evident in his voice, as the surprised researchers instinctively took around three to four steps away from him.

    Without the goggles, Kang Chan never would have learned about this phenomenon.

    ¡°Still doing good, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan replied. He really did feel fine.

    Kang Chan turned toward the researchers. The helmet didn¡¯t turn with his head, so he had to twist his entire upper body to look at them.

    ¡°Did that do anything to the ckhead?¡± Kang Chan asked the researchers.

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t shown any changes yet.¡±

    The auxiliary device was now surrounded by a red glow.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    The sight made him feel quite terrified, but he found it more bearable than he initially expected.

    ¡°The wavelength of the cetinium is getting bigger,¡± a researcher said.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what that meant.

    When Kang Chan turned his upper body toward the researchers again, he noticed they were alternating between writing down something and looking at the control panel that was connected to the auxiliary device.

    <i>Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!</i>

    ¡°Warning! Warning! The shockwave has gone out of control!¡± the woman ceaselessly eximed.

    <i>Can¡¯t they turn that off?</i>

    Everyone in the room already knew that there was a problem, so the warnings weren¡¯t really doing anything but worsen their anxiety.

    <i>Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.</i>

    Just as Kang Chan began to feel as if everything was going smoothly, his heart started beating loudly. It was as if it was screaming at him that he was in grave danger.

    <i>Go! Get out of here!</i>

    <i>What¡¯s going on? What¡¯s making my heart react like this?</i>

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Kang Chan turned and looked both ways as he tried to control his breathing.

    At that moment¡­

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    The world before him waspletely engulfed in a ckish-red color.

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    Not long after, the energy inside Kang Chanpletely left him.

    <i>Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!</i>

    ¡°Warning! Warning! The shockwave has gone out of control! Please get out of its st radius immediately!¡± the woman continued to announce.

    ¡°Remove the cable!¡± Lanok ordered as soon as things went south.

    After a couple of futile attempts, one of the researchers answered, ¡°We can¡¯t get close to him!¡±

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Albeit with difficulty, Kang Chan sessfully turned to the side, finding researchers covering their faces with their hands.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! The red energy struck you. Can you remove the cable?¡± Lanok asked.

    <i>I have to answer, but¡­</i>

    His mouth wouldn¡¯t open.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    It didn¡¯t take long for him to fall to the floor on his butt.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Hearing his own breathing, he looked down. Unfortunately, the helmet didn¡¯t follow his head movements, preventing him from seeing the cable.

    <i>What did they tell me to do again? Pull the cable toward me?</i>

    He had to sever the connection, but he had not even a drop of energy left in him. He couldn¡¯t even lift a finger right now.

    Everything around him had been dyed in a ckish-red color. It was as if his surroundings had been covered in blood.

    Kang Chan was immediately connected with the ckhead.

    <i>Is it because of the cable?</i>

    They had basically opened the door for the ckhead, which had been doing everything in its power to reim the energy inside Kang Chan. He couldn¡¯t help but regret not bringing a machine gun with him or even just unholstering the pistol attached to his ankle.

    <i>Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!</i>

    ¡°Warning! Warning! The shockwave has gone out of control! Please get out of its st radius immediately!¡±

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even have the strength to raise his head up. All he could do now was stare at whatever was in front of him.

    1. LPG is Liquefied Petroleum Gas. It¡¯s used as a fuel gas in heating appliances, cooking equipment, and vehicles ??

 Chapter 199.2: Is There Anything Else Youéˆ¥æª™e Hiding? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 199.2: Is There Anything Else You¡¯re Hiding? (2)</h4>

    <i>Fuck!</i>

    Kang Chan was at a loss for words.

    After this rock shoved him into some random stranger¡¯s body, it was now trying to kill him because some people wanted to control the power it possessed.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡± Lanok called out. It sounded a lot more prolonged to Kang Chan, though. The way he heard it made him think of a stretched-out cassette tape being yed in slow motion.

    <i>Hufffff. Hufffff.</i>

    <i>Everything is moving so slowly!</i>

    Kang Chan looked as far above him as his eyes would let him. He then gazed past the helmet.

    Unfortunately, that didn¡¯t change anything. His surroundings were still wrapped in a ckish-red color, and the wavelengths, which were as thick as the cable that was connected to Kang Chan, were still coursing toward him.

    <i>So this was how the ckhead tried to connect to me! Good think I shot it with my pistol a couple of times back then! I can¡¯t do that right now, though. I have to pull the cable toward me. Since it¡¯s connected to the right side of my waist, I can just fall on it, can¡¯t I?</i>

    He could still hear the conversation between Lanok and the researchers, but their words sounded slurred to him.

    <i>What would Seok Kang-Ho say if I died sitting like this?</i>

    That fucker would definitely run over here and shoot everything that moves. If he couldn¡¯t get his hands on a gun, he would just bring a knife instead.

    <i>Well, an explosion will devour this area before he even gets the chance to do that.</i>

    Kang Chan tried to lean to the right but soon realized that he didn¡¯t even have the strength to do that.

    The ckish-red lines were bing thicker and thicker, and the speakers were still ring out the bullshit warning about everyone having to vacate the premises immediately. Kang Chan found it unfortunate that the recording of the female voice would never get tired.

    <i>If I die here, will I just reincarnate somewhere else again? Well, if I die now and get sent to hell, that ce will definitely be in chaos for a bit. The people I killed, including Jang Kwang-Taek, Yang Jin-woo, and everyone else in Africa, will definitely pounce on me.</i>

    Kang Chan smirked. He would have Choi Seong-Geon and a few other soldiers helping him, at least.

    With all his strength now gone, he felt as if his soul was the only thing left in his body.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m so happy today that I no longer envy anyone in this world.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Channy! Should we ask your father to buy us dinner?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Channy thanked me!¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®My son loves me so much!¡¯</i>

    The edges of Kang Chan¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile.

    <i>Hey, ckhead! You don¡¯t have a mom, do you?</i>

    <i>You know, just thinking about my mom is enough to make me tear up. Strangely, it¡¯s also giving me strength now.</i>

    Kang Chan tilted to the right and gradually fell down to his side.

    <i>Swish. Click! Bang!</i>

    The ckish-red rays scattered in all directions.

    ***

    The expressions of National Intelligence Service Director Hwang Ki-Hyun, Presidential Security Chief Officer Jeon Dae-Geuk, and NIS Special Support Division Manager Kim Hyung-Jung all darkened.

    ¡°Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong has assigned an additional prosecutor to investigate the case. He¡¯s under Huh Ha-Soo, so the moment he feels like foreign countries are putting external pressure on him, he will immediately manipte the media,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°What if we use Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s criminal immunity to prevent them from investigating it?¡±

    ¡°The dates won¡¯t match up if they tell us to release our records. More importantly¡­¡± Kim Hyung-Jung trailed off in the middle of his sentence.

    ¡°There¡¯s no way the President will tolerate that. In case you forgot, he was willing to hand over his position to our enemies despite knowing how important it is just to stay true to his principle of keeping his political career clean of corruption,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun continued on Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s behalf.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk groaned

    ¡°The hotel¡¯s CCTV footage captured Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s face quite clearly, and Park Ki-Bum of the parking lot gang has already finished giving his testimony. With how things are going right now, the best we can hope for would be for Mr. Kang Chan to receive a special pardon after being found guilty through a trial,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added. ¡°His fight in Yongin and meeting with the Oh Gwang-Taek and the big shots of Busan and Honam at the hotel have also been caught on record. There¡¯s so much evidence that proving his innocence is bing difficult.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t we use his distinguished services in the operations hepleted?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°I doubt they¡¯ll believe that a high schooler did all of that.¡±

    ¡°What about what he did in the presentation hall?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk tried another angle.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have proof that Mr. Kang Chan yed an active role in dealing with that incident either,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung countered.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk nced at Hwang Ki-Hyun, who just listened to them.

    ¡°We still have time until Kang Chan returns to South Korea. Fortunately, there are no records of him departing, so they can¡¯t request cooperation from France. For now, let¡¯s try our best to stop this case from being reported on the news. We cane up with a solution for this once we¡¯ve contained the situation,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said, finally joining the conversation again.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we at least arrange a meeting with Oh Gwang-Taek, Director?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°Doing that now would be dangerous. If we make even just one mistake, they could shift all the me to the President. Our safest option right now is to conduct a media ckout before looking for a way out of this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to stop this from reaching Mr. Kang Chan as well,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung wondered.

    ¡°You absolutely shouldn¡¯t tell him.¡±

    ¡°I know. That¡¯s why I¡¯m pretending as if I don¡¯t know anything about this when I¡¯m around Mr. Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a way out of this? I feel like we¡¯re overlooking a better way to handle this,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk stroked his chin as he tried to let go of his frustration.

    ***

    Opening his eyes, the first thing Kang Chan saw was Lanok, who was quite worried about him.

    ¡°You feeling better?¡± Lanok asked. It was almost admirable that he could look so calm during a moment like this.

    ¡°What about the explosion?¡± Kang Chan immediately asked.

    ¡°The machine has stabilized again. They said that they still can¡¯t guarantee how long it will stay this way, though.¡±

    Lanok followed Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, then lowered his head. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that red ray to be so strong.¡±

    He raised his right hand and showed it to Kang Chan. It was wrapped in bandages. ¡°The part of the floor that you were sitting on earlier almost melted. If we stalled any longer, you would have fallen all the way to the bottom.¡±

    ¡°The machine could generate heat?¡±

    Lanok nodded.

    ¡°We¡¯re heading back to France for now,¡± he said. ¡°They installed a temporary shield in this ce, but it¡¯s not enough to reassure us or make us feel relieved. After all, for as long as we¡¯re around, we won¡¯t know when the red rays are going to close in on us again.¡±

    After a short while, Lanok issued orders to the agents guarding the entrance of the room with their hands sped in front of them. In response, they immediately carried out his instructions.

    A stretcher was soon brought inside. Unlike ordinary stretchers, this one was covered with a clear film wrap simr to the ones used for cakes sold in individual pieces.

    ¡°I was told that putting you in there will prevent the energy from reaching you,¡± Lanok exined. He seemed just as speechless as Kang Chan.

    The agents lifted the mattress Kang Chan wasying on and moved him to the stretcher. They then covered him with the clear film wrap, which made him feel awful, and wheeled him out of the building.

    <i>Damn it! I can¡¯t believe this! I feel like I¡¯m running away from aplete defeat!</i>

    He couldn¡¯t even shoot the machine and fight back this time. To make matters worse, he was still wearing an ugly spacesuit.

    Kang Chan felt as if they were conducting the perfect medevac.

    The agents lifted Kang Chan¡¯s bed onto the back of an ambnce. Lanok and an agent then sat next to him.

    After some time, Ethan finally came over to see them.

    ¡°Lanok! Please do it for me!¡± Ethan yelled.

    Kang Chan thought that Ethan was asking Lanok to take good care of him, but Lanok¡¯s expression seemed to tell him that Ethan was talking about apletely different matter.

    <i>Click! Whoosh!</i>

    The ambnce drove off as soon as its doors closed.

    ¡°Ethan asked me to keep what happened here a secret,¡± Lanok exined.

    ¡°What time is it?¡± Kang Chan asked, having noticed that it was already dark outside when he was brought out of the building.

    ¡°It¡¯s already around seven in the evening. You were unconscious for about five hours.¡±

    ¡°We really lost, huh?¡± Kang Chan sighed. Lanok¡¯s face looked distorted to him since the film wasn¡¯t as clear as ss.

    ¡°The researchers are going to find a way to stop it from causing earthquakes.¡±

    After about twenty minutes on the road, the ambnce finally turned. When it did, the agent beside Kang Chan pulled the cover on top of him toward the wall of the vehicle.

    ¡°Are you heading back to South Korea after all of this?¡± Kang Chan asked Lanok.

    ¡°Resting during my travels is one of the joys in my life.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. The end of Lanok¡¯s eyes curved a little, disying a faint hint of happiness.

    They hopped on a ne as soon as they arrived at the airport. Kang Chan fell asleep not long after ascending to the skies, waking up only when they finallynded in France.

    ¡°I have an important appointment in South Korea, Mr. Kang Chan, so I¡¯m going to have to take my leave now. If you think you can¡¯t push through with this anymore, you can head back to South Korea with me right now,¡± Lanok offered. He had always been hard to read, but right now, he sounded as if every word he said came from the bottom of his heart. Lanok talked about the ckhead and the training that Kang Chan would be joining starting Monday the same way.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to back out of this fight, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan said as he looked straight into Lanok¡¯s eyes. ¡°I refuse to admit defeat.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t have to. I have your back.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately realized that Lanok repeated what he said at the presentation hall.

    Lanok then reached out and held Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    Kang Chan¡¯s pride was hurt.

    Although there had been instances in the past when he had been so injured that he couldn¡¯t move an inch, he had stille out of those situations victorious. His two encounters with the ckhead were the only times when he was beaten so one-sidedly that he couldn¡¯t even do anything.

    With a stretcher, Kang Chan was transferred to the ambnce waiting at the airport. He then headed back to amodation in Niafles.

    <i>¡®Wait for me,¡¯ </i>he mumbled in his head. For some reason, he thought that the red rock would understand what he was saying.

    <i>¡®You pitiful, motherless bastard!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan now felt a little relieved.

 Chapter 200: Is It Smithen or Sharlan, That Is The Question (1)

    Chapter 200: Is It Smithen or Shan, That Is The Question (1)

    On Sunday, Kang Chan took a day off from his workouts. To be honest, he felt so drained that he would¡¯ve taken the day off even if it was a weekday. In fact, when he woke up, he could barely sit up and eat breakfast.

    The human mind could be quite mysterious.

    He had lived ten years as a mercenary and only lived in South Korea for barely half a year, yet what he missed the most was Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s signature spicy bibim noodles and japchae. And ramyeon too, of course.

    ¡®Anyway, how am I supposed to fight against a rock?¡¯

    If he just kept having stand-offs against it, he would eventually die from constantly losing all his energy to it. It wasn¡¯t like provoking it by saying, ¡°You don¡¯t even have a mom, do you?¡± worked.

    Sitting on the bed, Kang Chan had coffee and toast while contemting how to deal with the ckhead.

    ¡°Argh!¡±

    Feeling a bit more recovered, Kang Chan forced himself to get down from the bed. Immense pain coursed through him.

    ¡®Wait.¡¯

    A thought suddenly urred to him as he stood straight.

    If the energy was inside him, he should¡¯ve seen it while he was wearing the goggles. He saw multiple wavelengthsing from external sources, but he didn¡¯t get the chance to look at the one he was exuding.

    He knew that Lanok and the researchers were wearing radios, but was anyone else wearing goggles?

    Kang Chan immediately picked up his phone and called Lanok.

    - Mr. Kang Chan! How are you feeling?

    ¡°I¡¯ve finally regained some of my strength,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    He heard a low sigh of reliefing from across the line. They exchanged a few pleasantries before Kang Chan told him about the idea that just popped into his head.

    - That¡¯s interesting. One of the researchers actually thought about that as well. He said he got to look at you with the goggles on before you wore the suit.

    Yes! That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about!

    ¡°What did he see?¡± Kang Chan curiously asked.

    - A dark and intense red, apparently.

    That wasn¡¯t what Kang Chan expected. Since the red light attacked him so violently, he thought that the energy that he possessed would be a different type and color.

    ¡°Red? That¡¯s surprising. I thought my energy would have a different color toplement the red wavelength.¡±

    - I will ry your message to the researcher and have him call you if necessary.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan responded. He heard Lanokugh over the phone.

    - If only Europe was aware of the present danger, all Europeans would have been grateful to you. Oh! Before that, you will likely have to endure quite amotion.

    Lanok lowered his voice as he continued.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, Ethan has a dark heart. It¡¯s hard to know what he¡¯ll do to hide the subterranean shock device and the fact that Ennd did something so foolish. There¡¯s only one way to perfectly keep secrets in the intelligencemunity.

    Lanok sounded so calm despite talking about such sinister topics. They spoke about a few more things before dropping the call.

    ¡®So the rock and I have the same type of energy, and it has to take all the energy I possess to refill its power?¡¯

    The ckhead lost two of its nine energies, and Kang Chan supposedly had one of them. However, if he and the ckhead actually shared the same energy¡­

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    Did it ressurect someone else aside from me and Seok Kang-Ho?

    His thoughts were just bing moreplicated.

    ¡®I have to think about this methodically.¡¯

    Right now, the most pressing issue was the ckhead overpowering him. The researchers weren¡¯t fools, so they were probably thinking the same thing and would likely put more effort into creating another solution like the energy-severing suit.

    After finishing his lunch, Kang Chan began to stretch.

    ¡°Whew!¡± He couldn¡¯t help but groan as he sweated. His pride would have been less hurt if he had been hit in the head with a rock.

    Around dinner time, Pierre came to see Kang Chan to check whether or not Kang Chan was going to participate in the training, which was starting tomorrow. Kang Chan answered without hesitation. If he said he wasn¡¯t going to participate, he would essentially be wasting the opportunity that Lanok made for him by giving him France¡¯s slot in the training.

    After dinner, Kang Chan stretched some more and walked in ce. Unable to bear the thought of losing to a stupid rock and dying from it, he grew determined to win.

    ***

    In the 506th criminal division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor''s Office, Deputy Prosecutor Lee Seung-Ryul sat behind his desk as he watched Oh Gwang-taek being brought in. Oh Gwang-Taek, who was in a yellow prison uniform and handcuffs, had chains wrapped around his wrists and two prison guards holding onto each of his arms.

    Thud.

    Oh Gwang-Taek plopped down on the metal chair in front of Lee Seung-Ryul¡¯s desk.

    ¡°Do you have anything to say?¡± Lee Seung-Ryul questioned.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop right there. Isn¡¯t it illegal to call suspects to the prosecutor¡¯s office and have them wait for hours?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek replied.

    Lee Seung-Ryul smirked, seemingly amused. His beard was untrimmed and messy, making him look quite disheveled.

    ¡°I¡¯m investigating you right now. I don¡¯t see the problem,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul said.

    ¡°We both know what¡¯s up. You¡¯re trying to prevent me from any visitations, so you¡¯re making me stay here the whole day by summoning me for record purposes. Enough is enough,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek leisurely countered.

    Lee Seung-Ryul smirked again as he quickly thumbed through a thick pile of documents.

    ¡°You¡¯re pretty well connected for a gangster. I might just get a nervous breakdown thinking about all theing days. So why don¡¯t we end all of this now? That way, I won¡¯t have to keep you trapped in a tiny waiting room for the whole day, and you get to y kingfortably within the confines of jail. It¡¯s a win for both of us, eh?¡± Lee Seung-Ryul said, pausing his perusal of the documents to look up. ¡°Park Ki-Bum from the parking lot gang has already confessed to everything. Everyone below him also came to confess, and we even have camera footage of you meeting the top dogs of Honam and Yeongnam in a hotel. It¡¯s about time for you to admit to what you have to and move on.¡±

    ¡°Ha! So you¡¯re saying that I, the great Oh Gwang-Taek, am best friends with a little high-schooler? Shit. I won¡¯t be able to say my name in public anymore with how embarrassing that is,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said, turning his head in the opposite direction as if he was ignoring Lee Seung-Ryul.

    ¡°I¡¯m also quite curious about that. Are you saying that you¡¯re not friends? If so, then let¡¯s clear things up. Is Kang Chan a part of your family?¡± Lee Seung-Ryul chided.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you get a copy of my family documents if you want to know so badly? I¡¯m Oh Gwang-Taek, and that high schooler¡¯s name is Kang Chan. how would we be a family?¡±

    Lee Seung-Ryul looked at Oh Gwang-Taek as if he were a fool. ¡°Kang Chan, this punk, killed a French citizen, took over Gong Te Automobile, and beat up former vice president Kim Seon-Il to steal DI. We even have camera footage of Joo Chul-Bum pping Kim Seon-Il.¡±

    ¡°You can talk to Joo Chul-Bum about that, then!¡±

    Lee Seung-Ryul nodded and standoffish replied, ¡°You know how this works. You¡¯re the top brass, Kang Chan is the brawn, and Joo Chul-Bum is a member of your crime ring. All that¡¯s missing is the punk funding you. I was going to do this nicely, but you¡¯re forcing me to dig through your bank ounts. Fine, let¡¯s do it,¡±

    ¡°You should write a book. I think it¡¯ll get pretty popr.¡± Oh Seung-Ryul didn¡¯t seem the slightest bit ruffled.

    ¡°You know we have all the camera footage, right? Come on, Oh Gwang-Taek! Don¡¯t make this harder than it has to be. Kang Chan acted alone to kill a French citizen, stole the business rights to operate in Korea from Suh Jeong Motors for Gong Te automobile, beat up a former executive to take DI, and messed up the parking lot gang and Park Ki-Bum¡¯s men. Let¡¯s wrap it up like that.¡± Lee Seung-Ryul didn¡¯t miss the moment Oh Gwang-Taek briefly nced at him. ¡°Don¡¯t you feel sorry for Suh Do-Seok? He can¡¯t even properly get around anymore. How¡¯s he gonna live in prison? If you just confess to what I mentioned, I¡¯ll cut down the sentence from ten years to five for you, Suh Do-Seok, and Joo Chul-Bum. Considering two of the men you stabbed died, that¡¯s a short sentence!¡±

    Lee Seung-Ryul lifted his chin when Oh Gwang-Taek just looked at him silently.

    ¡°Honestly, with your status, wouldn¡¯t you still live like an emperor even behind bars?¡± Lee Seung-Ryul asked.

    Oh Gwang-Taek tilted his head. ¡°Five years?¡±

    ¡°Five years,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul replied with certainty.

    Oh Gwang-Taek signed loudly and straightened his back.

    ¡°You fucker! You thought I would sell out a high schooler just for five years in prison? Motherfucker! Tell your wife to be careful from now on whenever she leaves the house,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek angrily warned.

    Lee Seung-Ryul gritted his teeth.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ever call me again just to tell me this kind of bullshit,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek sprang up from his chair and walked toward the door.

    The assistant prosecutor and prison guard looked at Lee Seung-Ryul with flustered expressions.

    ¡°Take him away!¡± Lee Seung-Ryul shouted.

    Oh Gwang-Taek was already waiting in front of the door.

    ***

    On Monday morning, Kang Chan got up and forced himself to head to the gym. As usual, he started with some cardio and then did his strength training routine. Afterward, he ate breakfast, drank coffee, and enjoyed a short break. Unfortunately, his condition still wasn¡¯t up to par.

    The fact that he and the ckhead shared the same energy still lingered in his mind. If Seok Kang-Ho had one of the missing energies, then who was the other one?

    A name shed across his mind.

    Smithen.

    That man should¡¯ve been dead, but Kang Chan eventually found out that he was still alive and well.

    Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho.

    - It¡¯s me.

    ¡°Can you talk right now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - I¡¯m at the newly set up office. They¡¯ve just delivered all the furniture, and the gym equipment has all been set up as well. Hurry ande back to Korea already. We now have the perfect ce to drink coffee and smoke together.

    After Seok Kang-Ho jokingly urged Kang Chan to go home, Kang Chan told him what happenedst Saturday.

    - It would make sense if it was Smithen. Considering his condition back in Africa, he was as good as dead.

    ¡°Daye, there¡¯s something I¡¯m curious about. Where was the ckhead at the time for us to have gotten its energy? I¡¯m sure the energy wouldn¡¯t have left the rock if it was just left alone, so something must have happened that caused it to release two of its energies. We¡¯re not the only ones who died back then either, you know,¡± Kang Chan pondered out loud.

    Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t reply immediately.

    ¡°I think figuring that out should be our priority. What made it release energy?¡± Kang Chan said.

    - Nobody knows except for Shan, right?

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Shan say he took money for it? The person trying to buy the diamond had to have given him the money¡­ Ethan. That¡¯s it! That punk must know something!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    Kang Chan felt as if the threads were being unraveled one by one.

    Learning what happened back then didn¡¯t guarantee that he would find a way to stabilize the ckhead. Nevertheless, it was still better than being oblivious to it.

    - Give it some more thought, Cap. If something dangerous happens again likest time, we have no idea what¡¯ll happen to you.

    ¡°I should meet Ethan first. Otherwise, I¡¯ll go meet Shan,¡± Kang Cha mused.

    - Didn¡¯t that son of a bitch say that he would give you something if you let him out?

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know about the energy I had back then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - Exactly! That bastard probably knew that there was some issue with the ckhead. Maybe he was trying to use that to negotiate with Ennd!

    Was that what happened?

    ¡°Daye!¡± Kang Chan suddenly shouted.

    - What is it?

    ¡°I¡¯m sure I cut that motherfucker all the way to his left ribs, yet he¡¯s still alive.¡±

    -Are you saying Shan has the energy?

    ¡°It¡¯s possible.¡±

    - Do you think that¡¯s why the fucker said he wanted to negotiate with you? He knew Ennd would need him.

    The situation became moreplicated as their questions were answered.

    ¡°There¡¯s still some time. I¡¯ll call again after I¡¯ve discussed this with Ambassador Lanok,¡±

    - Got it. Anyway, are you sure you¡¯re fine? I can go to France too if you want.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait things out a bit longer for now. If something goes wrong and you get hurt by the ckhead too, no one reliable enough will be around to take care of things,¡± Kang Chan said worriedly.

    - If something happens to you, even if it means all of Europe explodes, I¡¯ll go and crush that damn ckhead to pieces.

    ¡°Ha, sure. Just keep your phone next to you at all times,¡± Kang Chan urged.

    - Will do.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan looked outside with a nk expression. He was almost certain that he just got a new lead.

    After some time, Pierre knocked on the door and came in. As Kang Chan stood up, five men followed Pierre inside.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, allow me to introduce the men you¡¯ll be training with,¡± Pierre said.

    All five had chiseled jaws and sturdy bodies that reminded Kang Chan of Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Tae-Jin. They seemed to be in their thirties, which was around the same age as Kang Chan in his past life.

    ¡°This is Andrei, a Spetsnaz,¡± Pierre began.

    Andrei gave a curt nod.

    ¡°Leon from GSG-9.¡±

    Leon, from the German special forces team, held his hand out to shake Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ¡°From Israel¡¯s Sayeret Matkal, Grafelt.¡±

    Kang Chan shook hands with him as well.

    ¡°Frederic, a Green Beret.¡±

    This guy looked the friendliest out of all these people.

    ¡°Jiang Kanglin, from the SW.¡±

    Jiang Kanglin just nodded instead of offering his hand.

    Now that Kang Chan thought about it, the only men he didn¡¯t shake hands with were the ones from the Spetsnaz and the Snow Wolves. Well, it wasn¡¯t that important anyway. He really couldn¡¯t care less.

    ¡°Tomorrow morning, we will assign everyone to their rooms, and in the afternoon, we will begin sses on negotiation, information exchange, and use of satellites,¡± Pierre continued.

    When Pierre led the five men out of the room, Kang Chan immediately questioned what he was doing here.

    People who worked at intelligence bureaus probably already knew each other¡¯s faces. If a problem ever arose, he could have just asked someone to introduce him to these people. That made him wonder if spending five ufortable months with these guys and visiting each other¡¯s countries were really necessary.

    ¡®I¡¯ll see how things go a little longer.¡¯

    After steeling his resolve, Kang Chan called Lanok.

    - Raphael speaking, Monsieur Kang.

    Lanok¡¯s secretary, Raphael, was the one who answered.

    - The ambassador is in the middle of a meeting right now. If it¡¯s urgent, I can connect you to him.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Raphael. I have about four hours of free time left anyway, so just tell him that I asked to speak to him once he¡¯s done with his meeting.¡±

    - Will do, Monsieur Kang.

    Perhaps it was because Kang Chan was far away from home, but he felt d to hear Raphael¡¯s voice too.

    Is it Smithen or Shan? Damn it! Am I Hamlet or something?

    To answer that question, all he really had to do was wear the goggles that made energy wavelengths visible to him and look at Shan. If Shan shone, then that would mean he possessed the energy. If he didn¡¯t, Kang Chan could just take the goggles to Korea and look at Smithen. Shan was in France¡¯s Loriam base, so it would only take a few hours to get there by ne.

    Kang Chan smirked and looked outside the window.

    If Shan had the energy, killing him and determining where the energy would go would be a good experiment.

    Knock, knock.

    After some time, someone knocked on his door. It sounded different from what he was used to. As Kang Chan turned his attention to it, the door opened, and the five men earlier walked into the room.

    ¡°Can we have a cup of tea?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how to feel about the French he spoke.

    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The five men dragged over chairs from the table and desk and made themselvesfortable.

    Kang Chan remembered being told to press zero on the telephone like in hotels. When someone answered the call, he requested tea for six people.

    This was a kind of brazenness that only white people had. If they were Korean, they would¡¯ve prepared tea themselves and brought it over.

    ¡°Are you the God of ckfield?¡± Andrei gazed sharply at Kang Chan.

    Jiang Kanglin had a simr look in his eyes. The other three just seemed very curious.

    These bastards. I¡¯m already in a bad enough condition as it is¡­

    ¡°You look a bit different than from what I¡¯ve heard. You seem too young,¡± Andrei continued.

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Kang Chan asked, sounding quite irritated.

    ¡°I¡¯m just asking if you really are the God of ckfield.¡±

    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡±

    Andrei tilted his head.

    ¡°If you are the God of ckfield, then you should already know the reason.¡±

    Pft.

    The corner of Andrei¡¯s eye twitched, displeased by Kang Chan¡¯s smirk.

    ¡°Andrei, if you came here to train, then just stay quiet and learn.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me what to do, boy,¡± Andrei scoffed.

    Kang Chan just snickered in response. He kept receiving all kinds of nonsense just because he was reborn as a young person. Well, he did hear the same thing when he was first dispatched to Africa, and all those punks had been¡­

    ¡°Let me give you a warning. Don¡¯t you everugh at my face again,¡± Andrei growled.

    ¡°Phuhuhu.¡± For the first time sinceing to France, Kang Chanughed out loud that his chest heaved violently. He never expected it would be because of some Russian.

    Andrei slowly stood up and assumed a stance that showed how serious he was.

    Kang Chan stretched his neck from side to side.

    It didn¡¯t matter if he was in a bad condition or who he was up against. He wouldn¡¯t just let anyone who picked a fight with him get away with it.

 Chapter 201: Is It Smithen or Sharlan, That Is The Question (2)

    Chapter 201: Is It Smithen or Shan, That Is The Question (2)

    The edges of Andrei¡¯s lips slightly curved upward, making it seem as if he was aiming for this all along.

    This was no different from the first time Kang Chan went to Africa as a mercenary and someone tried walking over him just because he was Asian. Those jealous of him acted exactly like Andrei as well when he became the captain.

    Andrei¡¯s posture?

    Just tell me to go fuck myself instead.

    During times like this, the right type of look in one¡¯s eyes could give them a headstart. That was why Andrei couldn''t rashly reach out and attack Kang Chan even though he was already standing.

    Another simrity that this situation and his life back in Africa shared was that the people around them just watched instead of stopping them from fighting. They would wait for the results and act ordingly.

    If Kang Chan got beaten up and lost, his opponent would be even more arrogant. If he won, then they would start acting as if they were only following him because of his rank.

    Sons of bitches. I¡¯m busy feeling like shit over here!

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t lose another recruit, but he did lose to a rock.

    In the middle of their intense staredown, someone knocked on the door.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Kang Chan said, and an employee opened the door. He quickly scanned the room and put the tea they ordered on the table that they had dragged over to the middle of the room. They probably noticed the heavy atmosphere, but they remained calm.

    Jiang Kanglin quickly looked at Kang Chan and Andrei¡­

    ¡°Ugh,¡± Andrei groaned. Sitting down, he cracked his neck. Back in Africa, fights only ended once there was a clear winner.

    Kang Chan sat down as well.

    Pouring himself a cup of tea, Fredricmented, ¡°They told us to pick a leader.¡±

    This fucker¡¯s ent is shitty as well.

    ¡°Then give the position to whoever wants to be the leader.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be the leader,¡± Andrei interjected as soon as Kang Chan answered.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t interested in bing the leader, so instead of responding, he just poured tea into the cup in front of him.

    ¡°Does anyone object to me being the leader?¡± Andrei asked and looked every person around him in the eye. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand why he was so greedy for the position.

    Sure dude, you do it.

    Nobody said anything.

    I just met these fuckers, but they¡¯re already tiring to deal with.

    ¡°Hey, you brat!¡± Andrei called Kang Chan as thetter put down his cup.

    Whish! Bam!

    Kang Chan thrust his thumb, and Andrei punched it away.

    Pow! Pow-pow! Pow-pow-pow!

    Crunch!

    Before Andrei could block Kang Chan¡¯s hand, which wasing for his eyes and neck, he sprang to his feet, knocking over the table. Greifelt held onto it tightly.

    Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow-pow!

    How dare this son of a bitch bber off?

    Bam!

    Amid their rapid exchange of blows, Kang Chan jabbed Andrei¡¯s side with the middle knuckle of his middle finger.

    Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!

    He¡¯s not even as good as Dayeru, yet he¡¯s acting out in front of me!

    Andrei bent forward, having been punched in his neck, side, armpit, and stomach.

    Whish!

    Exploiting that momentary weakness, Kang Chan kneed Andrei¡¯s face, causing his head to jerk backward.

    Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!

    Without missing a beat, Kang Channded multiple blows on his opponent¡¯s face.

    Thud!

    With glinting eyes, Kang Chan red at Jiang Kanglin. Seemingly frozen in ce, the man could only flinch.

    ¡°You all better start showing me some respect. You are to refer to me only as Monsieur Kang from now on. Only those I consider a friend can call me by my name,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Leon and Graifelt looked at Kang Chan with intrigue.

    ¡°Then our leader¡­¡± Fredric stopped for a moment when he noticed Kang Chan¡¯s gaze. ¡°... should be Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°Oui,¡± Leon answered. Graifelt agreed as well.

    Kang Chan nced away from them and back at Jiang Kanglin, causing thetter¡¯s cheek to twitch. Not long after, he answered, ¡°oui.¡±

    For an Asian, Jiang Kanglin had an extremely firm build. It made Kang Chan wonder if he had caucasian ancestry.

    ¡°Argh,¡± Andrei groaned as he sat up and wiped the blood between his nose and mouth with the back of his hand. His nose and left cheekbone had been caved in, though, so the bleeding didn¡¯t stop.

    Kang Chan turned his attention to Andrei.

    For as long as Andrei hadn¡¯t dropped his eyes in submission, then he was still ready to go for another round. The same principle applied to lions, tigers, wolves, and even sons of bitches.

    Andrei stood up and looked at Kang Chan. Twisting his head, he said, ¡°I acknowledge you as our leader, br¡ª¡±

    Crunch!

    Fredric frowned as Kang Chan punched Andrei in the face again.

    Thud!

    Andrei fell on his butt wheezing.

    ¡°Andrei,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°What, you br¡ª¡±

    Bam!

    ¡°Ugh!¡± Andrei cried. Kang Chan¡¯s kick would have killed him if he hadn¡¯t twisted his upper body and let it hit the pit of his stomach.

    Truth be told, Kang Chan really considered killing him. If he turned rebellious fuckers like him into his subordinate. they couldter backstab him or shoot him in the head while he¡¯s not looking.

    For almost ten years, Kang Chan lived a life that made him ustomed to things like this. Considering they were all from different special forces, the best he could do right now was put a confident finish to this fight.

    ¡°Andrei,¡± Kang Chan called again. If the man continued to defy him, he would kill Andrei.

    Unfortunately for the poor Russian, Dayeru wasn¡¯t here to take a hit for him.

    As heavy silence filled the room, Kang Chan smirked.

    So you¡¯ve chosen death, huh?

    ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang,¡± Andrei answered just before Kang Chan could kick him.

    If Andrei died here, then only Russia would be left out of the training, right? All because he died in an unjustified fight.

    ¡°Sit down and have some tea,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Andrei stood up and sat at the table. Blood was still dripping down from his nose like a faucet left partly open.

    Andrei took a sip from his cup, then stood up and left.

    Kang Chan was now forced to have the carpet in his room changed.

    ¡°Any of you smoke?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Go inside and get some cigarettes and an ashtray,¡± one of the men said.

    Did these sons of bitches just tell me to bring over cigarettes? I didn¡¯t even let anyone order me to make them coffee when I was still a new recruit.

    Graifelt red at Kang Chan for a moment, but he soon sighed and walked inside.

    Kang Chan felt as if his life was bing increasingly difficult as time passed.

    He didn¡¯t expect this training to bepletely peaceful, but he didn¡¯t expect to be the ¡®captain¡¯ of a team of special forces soldiers just because he won a fight either.

    Click!

    Graifelt put an ashtray and cigarettes on the table. Seemingly dying for a smoke, everyone swiftly took a cigarette.

    ¡°What the hell? So everyone wanted to smoke?¡± Graifelt grumbled. He seemed at a loss for words, but it didn¡¯t really make anyone feel bad.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like long names. From now on, I¡¯m going to call you Felt, Deric, and Janga,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Except for Leon¡ªwhose name was already short¡ªthey all looked speechless.

    ¡°I heard the training starts after lunch. You¡¯re all from different special forces, so feel free to fight each other as much as you want if you have disagreements. But if we¡¯re together, none of you are allowed to stab the others in the back. Break this rule, and I¡¯m going to kill you all myself,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    After extinguishing their cigarettes, the four looked at Kang Chan seriously. He had already experienced this before as well.

    Kang Chan fully understood now why Pierre didn¡¯t show up at all.

    Andrei only returned to the room after Kang Chan had lunch with the others and was enjoying coffee and cigarettes with them. The white mask he was wearing only left his mouth, eyes, and area below his nose uncovered, making him look like a character from some horror movie.

    This son of a bitch still has no ns of backing down.

    Killing this fucker would certainly be for the best. No one was as reckless as someone who thought he was carrying the honor of his unit on his shoulders.

    When Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted, the atmosphere instantly changed.

    ***

    Raphael came into the office and approached Lanok¡¯s desk.

    ¡°I¡¯ve received word that Monsieur Kang has beaten up Andrei. He needed emergency surgery because the fight caved in his nasal bones and cheekbone, but he refused to be brought home,¡± Raphael said.

    ¡°He was a wolf pouncing on a lion, so they should consider themselves fortunate that he¡¯s still alive. Anyway, this doesn¡¯t seem like a good time to call him. What about Anne?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s been assigned to Unit 1 of the DGSE.¡±

    Lanok gave Raphael a cold look. ¡°Does that mean my expectations were right?¡±

    ¡°I only follow your judgments.¡±

    Lanok pressed his lips together and red at the clock. ¡°Securing talented individuals isn¡¯t easy¡ªit¡¯s not something that can be aplished with greed. They¡¯re making things needlesslyplicated. What about the researchers¡¯ report?¡±

    ¡°They haven¡¯t given us a new report yet.¡±

    Lanok nodded, then looked up.

    ¡°Raphael,¡± Lanok called.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador?¡±

    ¡°My decisions will certainly bring development to France. I don¡¯t know how it¡¯ll turn out, but I¡¯m at least sure Monsieur Kang will protect me and our homnd.¡±

    ¡°I see. Should I prepare tea and cigars?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡±

    Raphel bowed and left the room.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡± Lanok sat up from his desk, turned his chair around, and stared at the French g hanging behind him. ¡°Please look after France.¡±

    Lanok¡¯s desperate wish filled the room.

    ***

    Kim Seong-Woong red at the South Korean g and the Ministry of Justice¡¯s g.

    ¡°We have conclusive evidence. We don¡¯t even need testimonies to prove Kang Chan is guilty at the trial,¡± Lee Seung-Yeol reported. The prosecutors sitting with him seemed to agree.

    ¡°What about Oh Gwang-Taek?¡± Kim Seong-Woong asked.

    ¡°Identifying the person funding the crime rings is proving difficult.¡±

    ¡°Did his money trail not lead to a suspect?¡±

    ¡°For a gangster, his source of ie is clean.¡±

    ¡°Do we have evidence proving he instigated murder, at least?¡±

    ¡°If we can¡¯t tie Oh Gwang-Taek to a crime ring, then we can¡¯t prove his rtionship with Kang Chan either.¡±

    Kim Seong-Woong groaned as he lowered his greasy forehead.

    ¡°There¡¯s circumstantial evidence that the National Intelligence Service has interfered on multiple asions,¡± Lee Seung-Yeol said. ¡°Some also point to the special forces¡¯ involvement.¡±

    ¡°What the hell are you talking about right now?!¡± Kim Seong-Woong suddenly yelled, causing Lee Seung-Yeol¡¯s gaze to drop to the table.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cloud the issue! This case is an investigation about Kang Chan using the Eurasian Rail as an excuse to murder, intimidate, threaten, and steal for his personal gains!¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Kim Seong-Woong looked at the prosecutor across from Lee Seung-Yeol.

    ¡°We have finished preparations for a search and seizure operation on Kang Yoo Motors, Kang Yoo Foundation, and Kang Chan¡¯s building. However, the media will definitely catch wind of the case once we proceed with it,¡± the prosecutor said.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the National Intelligence Service stopping it from reaching the news?¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be enough to prevent all information about the operation from being leaked. They¡¯ll likely need at least a day to contain the situation.¡±

    ¡°If so, then proceeding with this means we¡¯re going to incite a full-scale war.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re thinking of taking Kang Dae-Kyung into custody for questioning.¡±

    ¡°What about Yoo Hye-Sook?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t imprison her right now since shecks criminal charges against her. Some people are also watching from outside the country, so it would be best for us to treat the investigation process for the two as separate matters.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe someone without any phone call records still exists in modern-day South Korea! It¡¯s appalling,¡± Kim Seong-Woong said, trying hard to ignore the fact that the National Intelligence Service cooperated with Kang Chan to make that happen. ¡°I¡¯ll let you know once I¡¯ve reached a decision. For now, just be prepared to issue a warrant and conduct a search and seizure on their properties at any moment.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The prosecutors¡¯ answer strangelycked energy.

    ***

    The training wasn¡¯t any different from what Kang Chan had been learning the past few days. If he was being honest, the training itself was boring, and the atmosphere was shit.

    He still had trouble figuring out why this training was even necessary. From his perspective, spending six months in the DGSE would have yielded far greater results.

    Kang Chan took a short break after learning the locations and functions of each country¡¯s satellites. Suddenly feeling frustrated, he looked out the window.

    ¡®Is someone in danger again?¡¯

    Looking out the window wouldn¡¯t give him an answer, but the scenery at least made him feel a bit better.

    Grafelt noisily poured himself a cup of coffee.

    This kid drinks a lot of coffee.

    Grafelt had a somewhat tenacious aura around him. It made him seem cruel.

    Andrei soon entered the room, but he didn¡¯t say anything.

    That fucker was partially responsible for this shitty atmosphere.

    Click.

    After a while, the door opened.

    Unlike in schools, they didn¡¯t have bells to signal the start of their training. Rather, it started as soon as an instructor came inside and only ended when they left.

    Two people came inside and put a globe on the table. It was bigger than any globes he had ever seen, allowing them to see all the continents at a nce.

    What¡¯s that?

    Kang Chan focused on the globe. The deep gold line painted on it had to be the Eurasian Rail.

    ¡°Today, we¡¯ll be going into detail about the economic effects, profits, and losses that we think each country will face when the Eurasian Rail is connected,¡± one of the instructors said.

    So this is why!

    Kang Chan finally understood.

    This was why they were taught international economy and the locations and functions of all the satellites in orbit.

    They were preparing them for the changes that the Eurasian Rail would bring to the world.

    If the first generation¡ªLanok, Vasili, Ludwig, and Ethan¡ªled this era, then the second generation would lead the world after the Eurasian Rail was connected.

    The people here right now would be responsible for the next generation of intelligence bureaus. It was highly likely that they would eventually be their countries¡¯ Eurasian Rail representative as well¡ªif they were still alive by then, that was.

    Why did Lanok yield this important position to Kang Chan?

    He did ask Kang Chan to protect France, but it wasn¡¯t as safe as choosing a French person instead.

    Kang Chan focused on the training as best as he could. It would¡¯ve been much better if he didn¡¯t feel frustrated.

    The others also put their entire attention on it. Through this lesson, the benefits their countries would enjoy in the future could be changed.

    Kang Chan now understood why Andrei acted out in an attempt to be in the frontline.

    Did Lanok already predict all this before sending me here? Rather than sending a weak French agent, did he choose to make me the leader instead so he could ask me to secure France¡¯s benefits and find and teach someone talented enough to rece me in the future?

    If it was Lanok, Kang Chan thought all of that was certainly possible.

    Perhaps because this was their first day, they all ate in Kang Chan¡¯s room after their training even though nobody ordered them to.

    Andrei used a straw to eat.

    He¡¯s bullshitting in so many ways. Isn¡¯t he embarrassed or ashamed? Maybe he¡¯s just anxious about us scheming behind his back.

    They were going to learn what kind of person Kang Chan was as time went by anyway.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you guys tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan bid them goodbye.

    The five left his room. Their eyes, expressions, actions, and manner of speaking clearly disyed their determination to never lose during this training.

    ¡°Phew!¡± Kang Chan sighed.

    Everything was always so tiring and bothersome in the beginning.

    Men were quite difficult to understand, but no matter how much they tried to bullshit their way, a month together would be enough to naturally create a hierarchy between them that was unlikely to change.

    Kang Chan took a chair at the table and sat beside the window.

    He still felt frustrated.

    Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, Seok Kang-Ho, and Lanok were all far away from him.

    Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s death was already hard enough for me to endure, but now I might face problems with Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung as well? Is that bastard Wui Min-Gook causing problems again?

    It was already dark outside, so the window in the living room slightly reflected Kang Chan like a mirror.

    His eyes were glinting.

    What¡¯s going on? What¡¯s happening?

    Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    It didn¡¯t take long before Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring.

 Chapter 202: I Have Bad News (1)

    Chapter 202: I Have Bad News (1)

    Kang Chan picked up his phone and saw Lanok¡¯s name in the caller ID.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    - Mr. Kang Chan. I heard you called earlier.

    Kang Chan had been waiting for Lanok¡¯s call for a while now. Finally getting the chance to talk to him, he told him everything on his mind for the past few days.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    Lanok sounded quite taken aback.

    - France was definitely managing therge Hadron collider back then. I remember seeing it when I was looking at your mercenary records.

    ¡°You said the Hadron collider was operated in French territory and that it¡¯s not connected to the earthquakes.¡±

    - It¡¯s also true that we released energy into the Earth¡¯s crust during that time. It was part of the research on the Hadron collider¡¯s transformation.

    ¡°Was it released near Africa, by any chance?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - That¡¯s right. Other continents had a higher chance of discovering the source of the energy, so we aimed it toward Africa.

    Kang Chan felt as if he caught a lead.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. Could you activate the Hadron collider one more time?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lanok sighed and groaned in frustration.

    - Are you nning to break the bnce of the ckhead once more with the Hadron collider?

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s the reason behind my reincarnation. Considering the energy of the ckhead is with me, I believe it¡¯s worth a try,¡± Kang Chan replied. When Lanok didn¡¯t say anything, he continued, ¡°If this doesn¡¯t work, Europe will be destroyed either way, Mr. Ambassador. I¡¯d rather try this than let the energy be forcefully taken from me.¡±

    - Let me discuss this with the researchers first. I¡¯ll give you my decision shortly.

    Kang Chan sighed in relief, thinking he was finally on the track to counterattack in his fight against a rock.

    - On another note, Mr. Kang Chan, I have bad news.

    Was this the reason he had been feeling so ufortable?

    Kang Chan felt his heart drop.

    - The South Korean prosecution is preparing to arrest you. Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s close associates have started to take action, and if they fail to find you within a few days, they may arrest your father first. I can¡¯t provide any assistance because it can potentially be seen as political interference.

    Kang Chan felt more worried about Yoo Hye-Sook than his father, the one who could actually be arrested.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make a call to Korea,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - I will confirm the activation of the Hadron collider and whether or not Shan has the remaining energy source. Don¡¯t lose your spirit.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡± Kang Chan bid him goodbye, then put his phone down on the table and looked at his reflection in the window. He had gotten so used to his face now that he could barely remember how he looked before his reincarnation.

    He could say the same for this life, which constantly brought and weaved new experiences into his past. Perhaps the ckhead would serve as the catalyst to wrap up his previous life.

    Kang Chan picked up the cigarette he had left on the table. He felt as if the living room window was keeping an eye on every little thing in his life.

    Click.

    ¡°Hoo,¡± Kang Chan exhaled. He stood up from his seat, picked up thendline phone on one side of his room, and dialed a number.

    - Oui, puis-je vous aider?

    ¡°Un caf¨¦ s`il vous ?t,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - Parfait.

    Kang Chan sat back down at the table. Not long after finishing his cigarette, an employee knocked on the door and brought him a pot of coffee. He poured himself a cup before picking up his phone and calling someone.

    - Kim Hyung-Jung speaking, Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Manager Kim, I heard the prosecution is trying to arrest my father. Are you aware of this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t answer immediately.

    ¡°They¡¯re probably trying to connect him to Oh Gwang-Taek and Joo Chul-Bum,¡± Kang Chan mused.

    - We could not tantly block the prosecution¡¯s execution of thew. I apologize for not informing you sooner. I was searching for a solution.

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee before setting the cup back down.

    ¡°Were you able to find one?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - We believe this is a retaliatory investigation following the arrest of Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo. The National Intelligence Service has gone into a fierce internal debate about whether to arrest Prosector-General Kim Seong-Woong based on evidence of his meeting with Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo. The opposing party argues that it could be seen as a political maneuver by the NIS.

    Kang Chan felt as if Kim Hyung-Jung was telling him the answer.

    ¡°How much time do we have?¡±

    - They don¡¯t know you¡¯ve left the country, so if our estimations are right, then they¡¯ll serve the arrest warrant in about three days.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded different.

    - The NIS is facing great obstacles right now. We don¡¯t have an organization like France¡¯s DGSE, so there are limits to our operations. I apologize.

    ¡°If so, then I won¡¯t speak of this issue any further. However, I just hope my innocent father and mother won¡¯t be unjustly wronged.¡±

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh. He wasn¡¯t doing this for any recognition or reward. He just liked the people enough to ept the favors they asked for. That was the reason he came here in the first ce.

    The innocent Kang Dae-Kyung being arrested would change that, however.

    ¡°Are you sure that we have about three days?¡± Kang Chan confirmed.

    - Yes.

    ¡°And the Prosecutor-General¡¯s name is Kim Seong-Woong?¡±

    - That is correct.

    ¡°Then please let me know of any developments,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - Understood.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan immediately looked for and called another number.

    - Mr. Kang Chan. To what do I owe this call?

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, it seems we have about three days until my father¡¯s arrest. There is evidence that Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong and Huh Ha-Soo met, but the NIS cannot take any action because it could be interpreted as political maneuvering.¡±

    - How can I help?

    ¡°I have to return to Korea,¡± Kang Chan firmly said.

    There was a moment of silence before Lanok spoke again.

    - This side of you is what moves people¡¯s emotions, strangely. It also relieves me because it feels like you will protect Anne this way as well. I will inform Pierre. It will take about¡­ an hour to prepare a ne.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    They weren¡¯t speaking face to face, so Kang Chan clearly noticed the slight change in Lanok¡¯s tone.

    - Let me share a rule of France¡¯s DGSE with you. If the goal is clear, the means and people¡¯s opinions do not matter. All the intelligence bureaus in the United States and Europe follow that rule as well. For South Korea to stand tall in the internationalmunity, it needs such an organization.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Kang Chan replied, keeping his answer short and brief since he nned on taking this road anyway.

    After hanging up, he took a shower and prepared some clothes and a gun.

    Knock, knock, knock.

    Soon after, Pierre entered Kang Chan¡¯s room.

    ¡°I just spoke to the ambassador. It will take some time to prepare the goggles you require. I apologize for the dy, but preparations for your departure will be done in approximately fifty minutes,¡± Pierre politely said.

    Goggles?

    Kang Chan suddenly recalled Seok Kang-Ho and Smithen. Since he was going to South Korea anyway, the DGSE probably thought this would be a good chance to confirm if either of the two possessed the ckhead¡¯s missing energy sources.

    ¡°I can wait,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    He didn¡¯t have toe all the way here himself to tell me that.

    When Pierre left, Kang Chan searched for Yang Bum¡¯s telephone number. It had been a while since they hadst spoken.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    Yang Bum easily andfortably spoke in Korean.

    ¡°Are you avable to speak right now?¡±

    - Of course.

    ¡°I need evidence rted to Huh Sang-Soo¡¯s defection and espionage. If it¡¯s rted to Huh Ha-Soo, then even better,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - That¡¯s unexpected. I thought you would ask me about the agent we sent to the training, Jiang Kanglin.

    ¡°He seemed to find me a bit ufortable,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    - I¡¯m sure it¡¯s because of his pride as a member of the special forces. If there¡¯s ever a moment when you sh, please go a little easy on him for me.

    It sounded as if Yang Bum was aware of what happened with Andrei.

    ¡°Will do,¡± Kang Chan replied without any hesitation. If the guy didn¡¯te at him, there would be no need to beat him to a pulp anyway.

    - Where should I send the documents? Ah! If it¡¯s alright with you, I can have Jiang Kanglin bring it to you.

    ¡°Is that possible?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - He has aptop and a portable printer with him. You¡¯ll get the documents in a few moments. You¡¯ll visit China soon, I hope?

    ¡°I will,¡± Kang Chan replied. He then hung up. He had drank half of his coffee when someone knocked on his door.

    Jiang Kanglin entered with a couple of files. ¡°The Director asked me to give you these documents.¡±

    Kang Chan took them and let out a quiet sigh. It was all written in Chinese, so he had no idea what any of it meant.

    ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Jiang Kanglin asked.

    Why is this guy still here? And why is he being so friendly?

    Jiang Kanglin even helped himself to some of the cooled coffee.

    Knock, knock, knock.

    Before Kang Chan could reply, Pierre came inside.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, you cane down in twenty minutes,¡± Pierre said.

    Jiang Kanglin looked at Pierre and Kang Chan as he took a sip of his coffee.

    ¡°You going somewhere?¡± Jiang Kanglin asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be away for about three days,¡± Kang Chan admitted. He found no reason to tell him he was heading back to Korea, so he just gave him a simple response as he scanned the documents.

    ¡°Can I go with you?¡±

    Kang Chan slowly turned his head to look at Jiang Kanglin.

    ¡°Based on the contents of the documents, it seems like you¡¯re going to Korea. I¡¯ve always wanted to visit their special forces¡¯ training grounds,¡± Jiang Kanglin added.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Jiang Kanglin shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand. The dissatisfaction I showed on the first day was the least I could do to show respect for my deadrades.¡±

    He swirled the coffee pot and poured himself a little more.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just make it clear that Director Yang Bum, who I admire and respect, acknowledges you. I¡¯ll call you Monsieur Kang if that¡¯s what you want even though I find it ufortable if it means we can get along on more informal terms. To be honest, I¡¯ve been wanting to meet the special forces team that went to the recent operation in North Korea.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think this is a good time for that, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get the chance to soon enough,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Jiang Kanglin shrugged and left the room with regret on his face. Kang Chan just had to wait for about fifteen minutes now. However, before he could depart for South Korea¡­

    Du du du du du.

    The table, cup, phone, coffee pot, and everything else in his room began to shake.

    Surprised and at a loss for what to do, Kang Chan froze in ce.

    He heard that an earthquake would soon render all of Europe uninhabitable, but this was the first time it urred to him that he would be so powerless once it actually happened. Perhaps he felt this way because he had never experienced an earthquake before.

    Du du du du du.

    He nced around him when everything began to shake once again.

    Thud! Crash!

    The cup fell to the carpet.

    Bam!

    He could hear heavy objects fall to the ground from the higher floors as well.

    Is this how I die?

    In that short moment, Kang Chan thought of Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Dae-Kyung, and Seok Kang-Ho. He felt relieved that they were all in South Korea.

    The tremorssted for about thirty seconds before finally stopping.

    Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    Kang Chan quickly picked up the phone.

    ¡°Hello?¡± he answered.

    - Mr. Kang Chan. Get to South Korea as quickly as you can!

    He had never heard Lanok sound so flustered.

    - They say the subterranean shock device has gonepletely out of control!

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador! What about the others? I heard Anne is in France.¡±

    - I¡¯ll have her out of there as quickly as possible, so just focus on getting yourself out of there.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, what about the activation of the Hadron Collider?¡± Kang Chan quickly asked.

    -It¡¯s toote, Mr. Kang Chan! Just leave!

    Damn it!

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    Lanok wanted him to escape even though he knew Anne would die?

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, please activate the Hadron Collider! I¡¯ll head straight to Ennd.¡±

    There was no response.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador!¡± Kang Chan urged.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, that isn¡¯t¡­

    Du du du du du du. Boom! Thud! Whack! Clunk!

    -Was that an earthquake?

    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s a bit worse this time!¡± Kang Chan shouted so he could be heard over the noise. ¡°Please let me use the Hadron Collider! I¡¯ll head straight to Ennd. Should I tell Pierre or will you give him themand?

    - Tell Pierre! I¡¯ll have it prepared so the Hadron Collider can be activated before you arrive.

    The tremors stopped almost at the same time Lanok finished his sentence. Kang Chan never thought thatnds and buildings could be so quiet and scary when they weren¡¯t shaking.

    Kang Chan immediately stood up and left his room, finding the five foreign agents standing in front of their rooms with surprised faces. Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t have time to give them an exnation.

    When he got to the elevator, he decided to use the stairs next to it instead.

    Tat tat tat tat. Tat tat tat tat.

    At this rate, there was a chance he would fail to prevent Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s arrest. Yoo Hye-Sook wouldn¡¯t be able to take it.

    Going down the stairs, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but think that what he was doing could be pointless.

    Even so, how would I be able to live with myself if I escaped to Korea alone?

    Anne¡¯s life felt equally as heavy as the great number of other people who would die.

    When he got to the ground floor, he bolted to the entrance. An employee greeted him outside and opened a car door for him.

    Oblivious to the severity of the situation, the people in the area just looked as if they weren¡¯t expecting to experience earthquakes in France.

    The car hit the road as soon as Kang Chan got into the backseat.

    Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, a powerful earthquake has apparently damaged the structure surrounding the subterranean shock device. The Hadron Collider will be ready by the time you arrive in Ennd. Once you¡¯re there, call us when you need us to activate it.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan ended the call and turned his gaze outside the window.

    Before his eyes was a peaceful vier. However, as they said, all of this could disappear in an instant.

    He couldn¡¯t estimate the extent of the damage, but if Europe sank into the ocean, he doubted Asia, Africa, or the Americas would emerge unscathed.

    This terrifying catastrophe was the result of a mere rock manifesting people¡¯s greed. It was not even the famine-stricken Africa but the prosperous Ennd that caused all this.

    When Kang Chan arrived at the airport and boarded the ne prepared for him, Lanok called him again.

    - Ennd has just been hit by the strongest earthquake they¡¯ve ever had. All of Europe is now somewhat aware of their n.

    ¡°What about Anne?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lanokughed wryly.

    - Having Anne leave right now would be no different from publicly announcing an emergency decree to all of Europe.

    It was scary how cold-blooded Lanok could be during times like these. Knowing how much to hide and how much to scrutinize others seemed like a lot of work.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we at least inform and save as many people as possible?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - Mr. Kang Chan. The leaders and influential figures of other countries have already left for the safe zones.

    ¡°What about their citizens?¡±

    - There is no way or ce for the entire Europe to escape, and revealing the danger to them could just lead to further panic and more difficulties securing any kind of buffer. In the worst-case scenario, we could even face a shortage of personnel to operate the Hadron Collider.

    Kang Chan had nothing to counterargue with.

    - On another note, we have started an investigation into Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong and his close associates.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - I should be the one thanking you. I¡¯m sure Ethan will be desperately waiting for you at the airport trying to spot the ne in the distance until his neck is as long as a giraffe''s.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan drank tea to pass the time. Korea was in thete hours of the night, so they would probably find out what was happening in Europe through the news in about five hours.

    Damn it!

    Kang Chan was certain that either Shan or Smithen had one of the missing ckhead energies, but he ended up having to fight alone anyway.

    Mulling over his thoughts, he began to wonder about what would happen if the particle elerator targeted not Africa but the ckhead¡¯s exact location. Would he lose the energy he possessed just like the energy left the ckhead? If he did, would he simply lose the ability to quickly recover from injuries or would he outright lose his life? There was no way to tell.

    Kang Chan clenched his teeth.

    He was worried about Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. All of this was happening because he failed to tie up loose ends before leaving South Korea. At that moment, he realized that he had recently left multiple other events in his life unfinished.

    Korea needed an organization simr to France¡¯s DGSE. Kang Chan decided to prioritize taking care of that after resolving this whole ckhead issue.

 Chapter 203: I Have Bad News (2)

    Chapter 203: I Have Bad News (2)

    Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.

    When the nended, Kang Chan went down the ramp and found Ethan looking like a roon, not a giraffe.

    ¡°Thank you foring. Let¡¯s head to the site,¡± Ethan greeted, the dark circles under his eyes bing even more noticeable. He pointed to the helicopter on one side of the runway.

    Whoosh. Du-du-du-du-du.

    The helicopter ascended into the dark skies of the night as soon as they got on it. After correcting its direction, it went full speed.

    ¡°The roads are in such a mess that we would¡¯ve had trouble if we took a car there,¡± Ethan exined through the headset.

    ¡°Ethan! If the ckhead instantly loses energy, how do we disable the machine?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Do you have a way to do that?¡± Ethan quickly turned toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find one. The question is can you disable the machine if I make it happen?¡±

    Amid the dark world below the helicopter, Kang Chan saw big, fallen trees every now and then.

    ¡°We should be able to aplish that if we remove the nine auxiliary cables connected to the main engine¡­¡± Ethan trailed off for a moment but continued when Kang Chan looked at him. ¡°They think the ckhead will explode if even one of the nine energies bes unstable. That¡¯s why we can¡¯t just recklessly turn it off! The earthquake earlier happened because we couldn¡¯t stabilize cetinium¡¯s energy!¡±

    ¡°Does that mean we can remove the cables if we can bnce out the energy?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I heard the ckhead will stop glowing if that happens!¡±

    Kang Chan cocked his head. ¡°The energies should¡¯ve destabilized when you connected the cables to the main engine!¡±

    ¡°Our studies showed that the cetinium and denadite could prevent that! On another note, can you exin how you got one of the ckhead¡¯s energies?¡± Ethan asked, his greed tantly showing in his eyes. Kang Chan was still in the middle of helping him out of this crisis, yet he was already targeting his possessions.

    I¡¯m going to kill this fucker!

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s re, Ethan quickly turned to the window.

    About fifteen minutes into their flight, Kang Chan felt the ckhead¡¯s energy connect to him. In the distance, he saw the lights from the research institute.

    Remembering that he brought the goggles with him, he put them on and examined the buildings below.

    ¡®What¡¯s that?¡¯

    Thin energies were spreading in all directions from the round cement structure.

    When the helicopternded, the researchers and the two agents waiting for them quickly walked over.

    ¡°The building has cracks all over it,¡± one of them warned.

    Kang Chan quickly went into the building with a meeting room.

    ¡°The Ambassador contacted us earlier.¡± The French researcher looked nervous. ¡°The energy is leaving the structure right now, and the main engine has gonepletely out of control.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t notice it before, but the floor was shaking a little.

    ¡°Timing is important! ording to our calctions, we might be able to buy some time, but we don¡¯t know exactly how long or if it¡¯ll even work!¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Are you going to wear the energy-blocking suit?¡± a researcher asked.

    Kang Chan shook his head. Even if the ckhead¡¯s energy could be temporarily suspended, he doubted he could move quickly while wearing such a cumbersome outfit.

    He took off his jacket.

    ¡°Please take a look at this!¡± One of the researchers took out arge floor n, pointed to where the main engine was, and then showed the location of the cables. ¡°Two researchers and five agents will go in there with you to help disconnect the auxiliary devices.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t there nine cables?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re short on manpower right now.¡±

    It seemed some of them had already run away in hopes of avoiding this disaster.

    ¡°At least order the English agents over there toe!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°We¡¯recking hands out here as well. We only have enough people to shut down the electricity and operate the equipment!¡±

    Five people wearing thick gloves put on their work uniforms and helmets. They then stood behind Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t like this situation one bit, but being hard-headed now wouldn¡¯t aplish anything.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, then!¡± Kang Chan said.

    The nervous researcher nodded.

    Ethan watched from outside the area where the French agents and the researchers were standing.

    Still wearing the goggles, Kang Chan looked at all the thin linesing into the building. He felt as if he was watching a monster struggling to enter.

    Huff. Huff.

    Kang Chan controlled his breathing as he looked at the entrance door to the main engine.

    A researcher took out a satellite phone and pressed a button. ¡°Starting the countdown!¡±

    They were louder than usual, perhaps because of the tension.

    ¡°One second! What are you guys doing right now?¡± Ethan walked toward Kang Chan and the researcher.

    Does he not know what the n is?

    Ethan¡¯s gaze alternated between Kang Chan and the researcher.

    ¡°Five minutes before we activate the machine!¡±

    Du-du-du-du-du.

    At that moment, the floor shook profusely, causing everyone inside the building to violently sway with it.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! What are you doing right now?¡± Ethan asked.

    ¡°Ask Ambassador Lanok for detailster! Go! Now!¡±

    ¡°I asked what you¡¯re doing!¡±

    The researchers and the agents who were supposed to go in with Kang Chan stiffened.

    ¡°Four minutes before we begin!¡± one of the researchers yelled.

    Kang Chan turned toward Ethan and brought his face right up against his. ¡°Ethan, if you want me to leave, then I¡¯ll go. Otherwise, be fucking quiet and stay the hell out of my way. You¡¯re making me feel so damn mad that I don¡¯t even want to do this anymore.¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t kidding. If Ethan tried to block his way again, Kang Chan would immediately go back to South Korea. After all, to him, Kang Dae-Kyung being arrested was as horrible as Europe being wiped out.

    Gritting his teeth, Ethan stepped back.

    Behind them, Kang Chan heard someone announce, ¡°Three minutes!¡±

    Bam! Pow!

    Two of the lights on the ceiling exploded.

    Kang Chan realized for the first time just how long five minutes were.

    Thin red lines stuck to Kang Chan and then went away, seemingly out of desperation. He didn¡¯t feel his energy draining out of him yet, though.

    ¡°One minute!¡± a researcher yelled.

    Du-du-du-du-du-du. Screech! Screech!

    The vibrations grew louder as they heard something being twisted.

    ¡°Thirty, twenty-nine, twenty-eight, twenty-seven¡­¡±

    Please hurry! Time is so fucking slow!

    ¡°Five, four, three, two, one¡ªactivating the machine!¡± a researcher eximed.

    Kang Chan and everyone around him quickly exchanged nces.

    BANG!

    A heavy sound echoed from the bowels of the earth.

    Did it work? Is it sessful?

    A horrifying silence filled the room.

    Du-du-du-du-du!

    The building shook once more.

    Bam! Pow! Whish! Whish!

    All of the lights exploded, allowing darkness to spread into Kang Chan¡¯s surroundings.

    Brr. Brr. Brr. Brr.

    An emergency light faintly illuminated Kang Chan.

    ¡°Is there an emergency light inside as well?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the building. The vibrations had subsided, and he no longer saw any red energy.

    ¡°We have to go right now!¡± Kang Chan shouted. He then ran out of the building, the agents and researchers following behind him.

    Kang Chan headed to the hazy outline of the enormous cement building.

    Screech!

    The engine didn¡¯t make that sound before.

    Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.

    Kang Chan quickly made his way to the location the researcher pointed to earlier.

    Huff. Huff. Huff.

    The energy is suspended right now! We just have to take out the cables!

    In this huge space, the hideous machine facility was standing while relying on the auxiliary light.

    Is it over? Did all of the energy spill out somewhere?

    The silence felt as scary as the earthquakes.

    Clunk. Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.

    The researchers and the agents stood close to the main engine. Simultaneously, Kang Chan stopped in front of a cable.

    ¡°Remove the cetinium first!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    nk! Chkk!

    ¡°The denadite as well!¡±

    nk! Chkk!

    It worked!

    ¡°What¡¯s next?!¡± Kang Chan asked.

    One of the researchers gestured to a cable, and an agent pulled it.

    nk! Chkk!

    nk! Chkk!

    Kang Chan removed the cable in front of him.

    nk! Chkk!

    Only four cables left to pull!

    Brrr!

    At that moment, the building began to shake once more as the main engine emitted a red light.

    They didn¡¯t need orders anymore.

    nk! Chkk!

    nk! Chkk!

    Just two more cables!

    Kang Chan reached out to one of thest cables.

    Whoosh!

    Before he could get to it, however, a red light strong enough to make his eyes hurt spewed out.

    Brrr! Du-du-du-du-du!

    At the same time, the vibrations grew stronger.

    Thud! Pow! Crash!

    Kang Chan tightly held onto a cable and clung onto it. The light was bright enough to prevent him from looking up, so he turned his head to the side instead and pulled the cable¡¯s connecting lever.

    nk! Chkk!

    Brrr! Du-du-du-du-du!

    The vibration was so strong that an agent holding onto the railing had to hold onto a researcher.

    Whoosh! Bang!

    The sounding from the main engine changed. The red light rushed toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°Urgh!¡± Kang Chan screamed. Pain coursed through him, making him feel as if his heart was being stabbed and something was burrowing into his side.

    BANG! Du-du-du-du-du!

    Kang Chan fell to the ground. The pain had reached his spine¡ªlike a long knife piercing through it.

    He didn¡¯t lose strength this time, but agony seemed to devour him.

    Son of a bitch! This was within my expectations, though!

    A portion of the seven energies that spewed out had gone into his body.

    The ckhead was red, and so was Kang Chan.

    Some went back into the ckhead, and the rest seeped into Kang Chan!

    They had to take from each other in this battle, but Kang Chan had no idea how to steal anything from the machine!

    Bam!

    Kang Chan grabbed onto a handrail and tried to stand up.

    Du-du-du-du-du!

    The researchers and the agents just held on for dear life.

    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan yelled as he turned to the side.

    BANG! Bang! Crack! Crack! Du-du-du-du-du!

    The earthquake worsened enough forrge cement pieces to start falling from the ceiling.

    Clunk! Clunk!

    ¡°If I fall here¡ª!¡± Kang Chan yelled when the rail he was depending on fell forward. Gritting his teeth, he used the momentum to tightly grab onto thest cable. The tips of his toes remained on the handrail, but the rest of his body dangled on the handrail. If he removed the valve, he would certainly fall to the bottom.

    An agent rushed and tightly grabbed onto Kang Chan¡¯s foot.

    nk! Chkk!

    Whoosh!

    An enormous group of lights surged toward Kang Chan.

    ¡®Father¡­!¡¯

    The world turned ck. Kang Chan lost consciousness.

    ***

    Kim Seong-Woong sat on the sofa of a safety house in Hannam-dong. His eyes and expression clearly showed his displeasure. He reluctantly stood up when Hwang Ki-Hyun came inside the room.

    ¡°I¡¯m Hwang Ki-Hyun, the Director of the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    For formality¡¯s sake, Kim Seong-Woong shook Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s hand

    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun offered.

    An awkward silence filled the room as tea was served.

    ¡°Would you like a cup?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Director, if we¡¯re here to talk about the investigation, then I¡¯m letting you know now that whatever you say could be used for itter,¡± Kim Seong-Woong said.

    ¡°I see. Please have some tea.¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun pointed to the teacup. ¡°I asked for a meeting with you in hopes that you¡¯ll stop investigating Mr. Kang Chan, Prosecutor-General.¡±

    Kim Seong-Woong tightly gritted his teeth as Hwang Ki-Hyun added, ¡°An average of fifteen remarkable agents lose their lives every year in just Europe alone, and all we can do for them is engrave a star on the wall at the headquarters for their deaths. Even so, to this day, the agents still run to certain death without hesitation if that was what they had to do.¡±

    ¡°Even if you say something like that right now¡­¡±

    ¡°I asked Kang Chan to do everything for the development of South Korea. It¡¯s true that I asked him to help us stand tall as a key member of the internationalmunity and as a truly powerful country now that the Eurasian Rail is connected.¡±

    ¡°Even if so, the crimes that hemitted don¡¯t just disappear,¡± Kim Seong-Woong argued.

    ¡°You have a fair point, but are you sure you¡¯re persecuting the right person for those crimes?¡±

    ¡°Are you saying that you don¡¯t trust South Korea¡¯s prosecution?¡± Kim Seong-Woong asked.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun exhaled softly. ¡°The National Intelligence Service has finished investigating you and the prosecutors assigned to this case.¡±

    His eyes became sharper, befitting a man of his title, as he continued, ¡°All this time, believed I had to walk on the right path. It¡¯s different now, though. No matter what the President says, I¡¯m willing to face all the repercussions of my actions. Now, what do you think I should do in this situation? We have a North Korean agent in downtown Seoul right now. Their agents murdered the bestmander of South Korea¡¯s special forces.¡±

    ¡°Something like that happened?¡±

    ¡°I would have believed that you didn¡¯t know about it if we didn¡¯t haveplete evidence that North Korean agents met with Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo, and that you met up with him twice as well. If I decided to, I could have the Prosecutor-General of South Korea arrested immediately for treason and harming South Korea¡¯s military personnel and interests.¡±

    Kim Seong-Woong tightly gritted his teeth.

    ¡°I know you find this unfair, but it doesn¡¯t matter. For the sake of South Korea¡¯s development, I¡¯d be willing to use the Prosecutor-General of South Korea ofmitting a crime he didn¡¯t even do,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun continued.

    ¡°The other prosecutors won¡¯t just take this lying down.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too conceited. It seems you truly have no idea what the National Intelligence Service is capable of. The moment I decide to fight dirty, I can have the prosecution, the police, the administration, the military, the media, and every other organization out therepletely under my control, all while pulling wool over the President¡¯s eyes.¡±

    Kim Seong-Woong gulped, his eyes showing his surprise. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Hwang Ki-Hyun was really this powerful.

    ¡°Why did you ask to see me instead of doing that, then?¡±

    ¡°To give you a chance to y nice.¡±

    ¡®So you¡¯re nning onforting me right after you pped me?¡¯

    Kim Seong-Woong looked as if his pride was hurt.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to stop Mr. Kang Chan if he gets angry. To make things worse, we¡¯ll have to hand over such a man of talent to France as well. After all, I doubt he¡¯d want to live in a country that gives his parents trouble. Unfortunately, that would also mean we¡¯ll have to give up on our dream of connecting South Korea to the Eurasian Rail, which is what Japan, China, and the United States want,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    ¡°If the National Intelligence Service can use me of treason, why not do that instead?¡±

    An ufortable moment of silence passed as Hwang Ki-Hyun sharply looked at Kim Seong-Woong. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan said that he¡¯ll turn himself in. Please don¡¯t mess with his parents until then. I¡¯m sure you know that they¡¯re innocent.¡±

    ¡°Is he really that important?¡± Kim Seong-Woong asked. The look that shed in Hwang Ky-Hyun¡¯s eyes surprised him.

    ¡°He connected South Korea to the Eurasian Rail and saved the President and Ambassador Lanok at the Presentation hall. I can¡¯t tell you about the rest of what he¡¯s done since then because it¡¯s ssified government information, but he has produced South Korea¡¯s most brilliant aplishments in the past fifty years,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun answered.

    Kim Seong-Woong grew curious.

    ¡°If Mr. Kang Chan is arrested, then a portion of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s elite agents and a candidate to be a special forcesmander will resign or apply to be transferred to the reserves. Lastly, the representatives of the Intelligence Bureaus of North Korea, Russia, Japan, and the United States will pray for your safety for the rest of their lives,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun added.

    He¡¯s telling the truth!

    Through clenched jaws, Kim Seong-Woong said, ¡°Please release Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo.¡±

    ¡°Prosecutor-General, we only announced a few of the criminal charges on the opposition party because the President had to take South Korea¡¯s dignity into consideration. If we publicize all of it, then the entire opposition party will be deemed amoral and dishonorable.¡±

    ¡°If so, then you leave me no choice but to handle Kang Chan and his father in ordance with thew.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun sighed. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan will prove too much for you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re looking down on the prosecution too much.¡± Kim Seong-Woon red at Hwang Ki-Hyun, showing no intention to back down.

    ¡°Prosecutor-General, I support the President¡¯s way of running the country. However, if you show keep pursuing your ulterior motives, then even the matters rting to Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo will disgrace even the Prosecution¡¯s chief executives.¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun warned, ending the one-sided conversation. ¡°I¡¯ll be taking my leave now. I look forward to your wise judgment.¡±

    Kim Seong-Woong red at the door the NIS director walked out of.

 Chapter 204.1: Do You Really Think He Would Just Sit Still? (1)

    Chapter 204.1: Do You Really Think He Would Just Sit Still? (1)

    Seemingly just waking up from a nap, Kang Chan found himself in a hospital room when he regained consciousness. An IV, a beeping machine, and a few electrodes and wires were connected to him.

    He was still alive, which meant they likely seeded in dealing with the ckhead. Nevertheless, his heart sank. Kang Dae-Kyung could be in prison by now.

    Kang Chan looked to the side, finding two French agents standing in front of the door with their feet apart and hands sped together in front of them. They approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°How long was I out?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You were unconscious for two days, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!

    As he sat up, he removed the breathing tube attached to his nose.

    ¡°Where¡¯s my phone?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Right here.¡± One of the agents took out Kang Chan¡¯s phone from the table drawer. Out of instinct, Kang Chan looked for Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s number first.

    - Hello? Where are you? Are you okay?

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s barrage of questions was filled with worry.

    ¡°Is my father alright? Did something happen to him?¡±

    - The National Intelligence Service and the Prosecution are holding their ground in a power struggle. What the Prosecution is trying to do has filled the agents with spite, so not even they can do anything rash right now.

    ¡°Will it resolve anything if I fly over right now? And can you hold on long enough for me to get there?¡±

    - Youing to South Korea right now will just throw everything in even more chaos. You should talk to the others first. Anyway, how do you feel?

    ¡°Right now, I just feel like I woke up from a good night''s sleep. I have to talk to manager Kim. I¡¯ll call you back after.¡±

    - Alright.

    Kang Chan hung up and immediately looked for and dialed Lanok¡¯s number.

    - Mr. Kang Chan! You¡¯re awake! How do you feel?

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel anything particrly wrong with me right now,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Amid their conversation, an agent headed outside and came back with a tray of soup, bread, and a few other foods that Kang Chan could eat.

    - That¡¯s a relief. The hospital said they couldn¡¯t find any special symptoms, and the researchers said that they couldn¡¯t see any energy waves from you. There are no energy wavelengths from the ckhead either.

    Did they turn the ckhead into nothing more than just a normal rock? He felt somewhat bittersweet about it.

    Ah, shoot! Now¡¯s not the time to be swayed by emotions.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I¡¯ll leave for South Korea.¡±

    - I have ordered a ne to be on standby. Just tell the agents when you¡¯re good to go.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up and ate the soup and bread that one of the agents brought for him. He wasn¡¯t just eating because he was hungry. To recover the energy he lost the past few days, he knew that he would have to eat his fill.

    A momentter, a member of the medical team came into the room and removed the IV on Kang Chan¡¯s arm, then wheeled the equipment out.

    ¡°Is there somewhere I can take a shower?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s a shower facility you can use at the end of the hall.¡±

    ¡°Do you happen to have anything I can wear as well?¡±

    ¡°We have prepared a pair for you.¡± An agent opened the closet, revealing a clearly new suit hanging on the rack inside it.

    Damn it! I didn¡¯t get stabbed this time, but that rock managed to ruin my clothes anyway.

    Thanks to the two agents blocking the entrance, Kang Chan got to use a small shower facility that had ten shower booths by himself.

    He knew that now was not the time to care about trifling things, though.

    Kang Chan flung off the hospital gown and lightly washed up. He then changed into the suit he had brought into the facility with him.

    ¡°Do you know where the ne is?¡± Kang Chan asked the agents after dressing up.

    ¡°A car is waiting for us in the underground parking lot of the hospital.¡±

    Kang Chan was just about to head toward the elevator when a British agent quickly ran over.

    ¡°Mr. Kang!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s he saying?¡± Kang Chan asked the French agents.

    ¡°He¡¯s saying that you can¡¯t leave the hospital without Ethan¡¯s permission.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted, causing the British agent to give an even longer exnation. Despite how many words he said, Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand him one bit.

    More importantly, Kang Chan neither had the time nor wanted to wait for something like this.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to Ethan, so tell them to back off,¡± Kang Chan said.

    As the French agent passed on Kang Chan¡¯s orders, the elevator opened. Kang Chan got in, and the two agents got in after him. The British agent just watched, unable to stop him from leaving.

    Kang Chan got in the car prepared for him and left the hospital. While on the road, he looked at his surroundings.

    ¡°This hospital belongs to the intelligence bureau,¡± an agent told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Did they suffer severe damages from the earthquake?¡±

    ¡°The earthquake didn¡¯t hit the entire country that hard, but it did heavily damage one residential area. It seems over a thousand people died.¡±

    Damn it! Why did they make a subterranean shock device in the first ce? To gain what?

    ¡°What about the other countries?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°The earthquake reached all across Europe, but it hit the UK the hardest.¡±

    Nothing to be done about it now, though, since it already happened.

    Kang Chan brought up his phone to his ear as he continued to listen to the agent.

    Ethan didn¡¯t answer, perhaps because he had something important going on. Kang Chan figured that since his number would be left in the call history, Ethan could now either decide to return the call or not. Either way, he had done his bit.

    The airport was thirty minutes away from the hospital.

    The two agents got on the ne with him to look after him. After a while, the ne took off.

    Whether it was from the United Kingdom or from France, there wasn¡¯t much of a difference in the time it took to get to South Korea.

    ¡°Is there coffee here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡®We¡¯ll prepare one for you,¡± an agent replied. He quickly brought over coffee and an ashtray.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t stupid. At this point, even Seok Kang-Ho would notice that the French agents were treating Kang Chan unusually politely.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The agents looked as if they couldn¡¯t understand what he was trying to say.

    ¡°Why are you guys treating me this way? I need to know the reason,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, those that join the training in France¡¯s Niafles are subject to being promoted to Conducteur by the DGSE. Now that the DGSE has promoted you to that rank, it is only natural that we treat you at the same level as the assistant director.¡±

    This is driving me nuts!

    Two days after losing consciousness, he woke up as an officer of France¡¯s DGSE. Kang Chan couldn¡¯tin about it right now, though, since he knew that Lanok wouldn¡¯t have done this without a reason.

    The agents went outside when Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything else and just picked up a cigarette.

    Click!

    ¡°Whoo!¡± When Kang Chan exhaled smoke. He finally felt alive again.

    Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    Kang Chan had just extinguished his cigarette and was drinking coffee when Kim Hyung-Kung called him.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung. I heard from Mr. Seok Kang-Ho that you¡¯ve woken up. Are you injured anywhere?

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± was all Kang Chan replied since he didn¡¯t know what Seok Kang-Ho said.

    - I heard you¡¯reing to South Korea.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m on my way right now. I think I¡¯ll be there in about twelve hours. Is my father okay?¡±

    - The prosecution won¡¯t be causing problems any time soon, so you can take your time to calm down a little bit beforeing over.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    It¡¯s not like I¡¯m going through my stormy period of adolescence. Would I really do something to the Prosecutor-General as soon as I get there?

    When Kang Chan hung up, an agent brought over a delicious-looking steak.

    He had always found it much better to have food served all at once. Having it divided by course out of formality was too slow for him.

    After his meal, Kang Chan went into the room in the back of the ne andid down. Although he heard that he had been unconscious for two days, he felt as if he woke up hours ago and it was already time for bed.

    ***

    Kim Seong-Woong opened the blinds and looked out the window, finding two agents in suits standing near two cars. They were so stone-faced that it seemed as if they were trying to tantly tell the world, ¡°We¡¯re agents of the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    Because of them, Kim Seong-Woong couldn¡¯t just rashly give orders to Deputy Prosecutor-General Lee Seung-Ryul, who was already waiting for orders in front of Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯spany.

    These two NIS agents stayed in front of his office to show that they would arrest Kim Seong-Woong for treason the moment he tried to have Kang Dae-Kyung arrested.

    ¡®Would they really push through with this?¡¯

    Kim Seong-Woong frowned when he remembered the look in Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s eyes during their meeting.

    Huh Ha-Soo sold off South Korea¡¯s ssified secrets?

    Kim Seong-Woong wasn¡¯t even sure if that was true.

    However, if they followed due process, then they should¡¯ve strongly protested against Huh Sang-Soo receiving the death penalty in China and asked for help from the United States and Japan. They wouldn¡¯t arrest the chairperson of the National Assembly just because he provided aid to the enemy.

    Even if he did act to benefit the enemy a little bit, Huh Ha-Soo put in so much to achieve many things before that! Are they just going to ignore all of that and just count his sins?

    How many people in this world do they think would bepletely innocent if they were investigated right now? They¡¯re disturbing the prosecution from fairly enforcing thew just so they can deploy a mere high schooler in the frontlines!

    Kim Seong-Woong was aware that Kang Chan was by no means ordinary and Kang Dae-Kyung was innocent.

    That was all the more reason for them to arrest Kang Dae-Kyung.

 Chapter 204.2: Do You Really Think He Would Just Sit Still? (1)

    Chapter 204.2: Do You Really Think He Would Just Sit Still? (1)

    The National Intelligence Service was in a simr position as Kim Seong-Woong. They, too, were burdened by this situation.

    Even if he gave in and epted that Huh Ha-Soo joined hands with the enemy, he really wouldn¡¯t know if something like that did happen.

    Pursing his lips, Kim Seong-Woong red at his phone.

    He was thest bastion in the majority-opposition party. If the National Intelligence Service arrested him for treason or for acting to harm the interests of South Korea¡¯s military, then he could just immediately cry injustice.

    In life, there were times when people had to take a chance, but they didn¡¯t have to rush to take it. Rather, it was imperative that they create a perfect n for it first and then put it into motion at the right moment.

    Kim Seong-Woong held up his phone and called a number. ¡°For now, we¡¯ll withdraw.¡±

    They had to prepare extensively.

    ***

    ¡°It seems like they¡¯re withdrawing. Let¡¯s go home,¡± someone said.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to wait right here until they havepletely left the premises,¡± Choi Jong-Il responded. He looked pale and was breaking out in cold sweat.

    ¡°They¡¯re already leaving. If you¡¯re really that worried, then at least wait in the car.¡±

    Still leaning on the car, Choi Jong-Il shook his head.

    ¡°Why are you like this? You¡¯re making us feel ufortable. If the manager finds out, we¡¯re all going to die.¡±

    ¡°Be quiet,¡± Choi Jong-Il frowned. ¡°You all should step out of this. Prosecutor or not, if anyone pulls any stunt right now, I¡¯m going to intervene.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not even supposed to be working.¡±

    ¡°Hmph! Knowing his personality, do you really think he would just sit still if his father gets arrested?¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung couldn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have had any regrets even if I died back in China. You should all leave now and focus on protecting him. Don¡¯t forget who made us strong enough to fight the Spetsnaz, SBS, and SW. I¡¯m not saying that we should return the favor, but we should at least protect the person who will save South Korea when it¡¯s in a really difficult situation. I would put my life on the line to do that,¡± Choi Jong-Il said.

    ¡°Our lives depend on hyungsoo-nim,[1] so please go home. The opposition has already withdrawn.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il soon gasped for breath and grabbed his side. He wouldn¡¯t have made it into the car if not for Lee Doo-Hee wrapping his arms around his upper body to help him.

    ¡°Hyungnim,¡± Woo Hee-Seung called.

    Choi Jong-Il lowered the window, revealing his pale face to Woo Hee-Seung.

    ¡°Please go home. Even the agents who were off duty all voluntarily came out today, so you can rest assured that nobody will be able to mess with his father even if the sky splits in half. Honestly, I have never found being an agent as worthwhile and proud as I do now. ¡±

    ¡°Are you absolutely sure about that?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a hundred times better to stop the prosecutors here than to face that gentleman when he¡¯s angry? Please go home and don¡¯t worry about this. Lieutenant Cha Dong-Gyun already talked about this. We barely managed to stop the off-duty special forces froming all the way here. Please don¡¯t be as hard-headed as they are.¡±

    With a nod from Woo Hee-Seung, Lee Doo-Hee quickly slid into the driver¡¯s seat.

    ¡°Do you really think that man won¡¯t do anything if he finds out that you came here in that state? Please just stay with hyungsoo-nim. We¡¯ll take care of things here. Why should we be scared when we¡¯ve received orders to be here?¡± Woo Hee-Seung added.

    When Choi Jong-Il nodded in resignation, the car finally hit the road.

    ***

    ¡°They had agents tantly standing around the building. They looked as if they were ready to arrest us if they had to. It was so suspicious,¡± someone said.

    With his head turned to the side, Kim Seong-Woong pursed his lips. ¡°So you¡¯re not going to mess with him first?¡±

    ¡°How about we tell them to make Kang Chan turn himself in instead, Mr. Prosecutor?¡±

    ¡°They did say that he would turn himself in, but the problem is that they didn¡¯t tell us a date and time. If things go wrong, then won¡¯t we just be stupidly waiting for him?¡±

    Kim Seong-Woong couldn¡¯t bring himself to say that they had to do something before Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s crimes were proven.

    Lee Seung-Ryul and the other prosecutors observed Kim Seong-Woong¡¯s mood. They couldn¡¯t understand why the National Intelligence Service would go this far and had so much spite against them when they were just trying to investigate Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯ll broadcast us arresting Kang Dae-Kyung,¡± Kim Seong-Woong said, startling Lee Seung-Ryul.

    ¡°If we rush into the building with reporters in tow, then even the National Intelligence Service won¡¯t be able to outright defy us.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Prosecutor-General! The National Intelligence Service can just conduct a media ckout.¡±

    ¡°The top three daily newspapers are on our side, so they won¡¯t be able to stop everything, especially not the inte news articles. The moment we get the public¡¯s opinion, the situation will bepletely favorable for us.¡± Kim Seong-Woong was almost absolutely certain about his n already, but he still had one question in mind. What on earth was President Moon Jae-Hyun thinking, pretending not to notice that his government institutions were at each other¡¯s throats?

    Kim Seong-Woong wanted to know the answer to that before he made a move.

    ***

    Early morning the next day, Lee Seung-Ryul arrived in front of Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s office building with a group of investigators, creating an undescribably vicious atmosphere.

    Kim Hyung-Jung himself was in the premises tomand the scene. The agents disguised as employees of Kang Yoo Motors were all on standby at the showroom.

    The moment they executed an arrest warrant for Kang Dae-Kyung, the NIS agents would arrest Lee Seung-Ryul and the investigators who apanied him.

    Kang Dae-Kyung had no idea that all of this was happening.

    He didn¡¯t even have time to care about what was going on outside because he was busy giving consultations topanies that approached him about the delivery of goods. The NIS agents and the prosecutors made sure not to draw his attention as well.

    Tension rose in front of the building when Lee Seung-Ry answered his phone. After the call, he said, ¡°Get ready.¡±

    Rattle! Rattle! Rattle!

    A prosecutor and a couple of investigators came out of the three vans.

    Kim Hyung-Jung walked over to Lee Seung-Ryul, who was taking a deep breath.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but we¡¯re performing official duties here. Any disturbance to that will be seen as an act against thew. We have the authority to arrest you on the spot,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. ¡°Prosecutor Lee Seung-Ryul, if you take so much as a step toward that building, then everyone with you will be arrested for espionage. It¡¯s best you think about this carefully before making a move.¡±

    Lee Seung-Ryul looked at the investigators standing on either side of him.

    ¡°It seems you believe that bringing reporters here will help you, but we have already removed all of them from the premises,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added. ¡°It¡¯s best you all just obediently get back into your vehicles and leave. You are aware that we will also arrest Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong for the same criminal charges the moment you cause a problem here, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Lee Seung-Ryul gulped dryly when he saw Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes. He had handled many cases, but he had never seen eyes as scary as the ones before him. Nevertheless, he didn¡¯t budge and instead red at him.

    Kim Seong-Woong told him to arrest Kang Dae-Kyung at all costs. He also told him not to worry since they would be taking clear countermeasures afterward.

    Lee Seung-Ryul examined the investigators that were on either side of him once more.

    At that moment, Kim Hyung-Jung nodded to his men. Five agents surrounded Lee Seung-Ryul and the investigators.

    Lee Seung-Ryul was dumbfounded. There were only five of them, yet he could feel intense pressure from them.

    ¡®Is it because they¡¯re NIS agents?¡¯

    Lee Seung-Ryul had a couple of sunbaes and hoobaes in the National Intelligence Service, but he had never gotten any details from them about their organization. The people he knew weren¡¯t agents, so they wouldn¡¯t really be able to answer even if he asked.

    Still, he didn¡¯t expect the agents to be this overwhelming.

    ¡°Prosecutor Lee Seung-Ryul.¡±

    Lee Seung-Ryul quickly looked at Kim Hyung-Jung, who now sounded different.

    ¡°I trust that we are both working with the country¡¯s best interests at heart, so I¡¯m going to give you onest chance. If you don¡¯t get in the car, you will be arrested for treason and espionage. Any resistance will be met with deadly force,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung warned.

    Lee Seung-Ryul tried to breathe in as subtly as he could. Being overpowered like this hurt his pride. If they fired Presecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong, then his career would also end anyway.

    They want me to go from being the deputy prosecutor of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor¡¯s Office¡¯s special investigation department to someone who draws up reports about a petty thief who stole red peppers or dogs in a deserted countryside?

    Even if things didn¡¯t work out, Lee Seung-Ryul would be quite well off for the rest of his life even if he was fired from being a prosecutor and became awyer. Moreover, if people from Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s side exerted their influence, then he could even be a member of the National Assembly, which would put him in a good position to order Kim Hyung-Jung around.

    To put it bluntly, if the administration changed, then who knew if this incident could be his hero story? If that happened, then he could investigate this idiot, who was fiercely ring at him right now, for abusing his authority.

    Gritting his teeth, Lee Seung-Ryul made up his mind. He looked at the five agents who had approached him and his group under Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s orders. However, while he was mulling over his thoughts, it seemed they had walked over to someone else and even briefly bowed to them in greeting.

    What¡¯s happening? Who just arrived that has enough influence and power to make them act like that?

    Lee Seung-Ryul quickly looked around his surroundings.

    Seriously, what is even going on? This man was just ring at me a couple of seconds ago. Why is he looking all surprised now?

    Lee Seung-Ryul followed Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s gaze. Turning around and looking behind him, he suddenly felt so surprised that it seemed as if he couldn¡¯t breathe.

    Having seen so many photos of the man and so frequently at that, Lee Seung-Ryul felt as if he had already known him for some time now.

    Either way, he didn¡¯t have much of a choice now¡ªno, he didn¡¯t really know what to do in this situation.

    Like a tiger slowly approaching its prey, Kang Chan headed straight toward Lee Seung-Ryul.

    1. Hyungsoo-nim is a form of address for hyung¡¯s wife. ?

 Chapter 205.1: Do You Really Think He Would Just Sit Still? (2)

    Chapter 205.1: Do You Really Think He Would Just Sit Still? (2)

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung eximed.

    Kang Chan nodded at him and then nced back at Lee Seung-Ryul.

    ¡°This will all be over if I go, won¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lee Seung-Ryul was momentarily speechless, unable to imagine in his wildest dreams that Kang Chan would be so confident. Kang Chan¡¯s gaze and attitude were such a force to be reckoned with that he regretted looking down on him for being a high school student.

    ¡°Leave us for now. I¡¯ll contact and meet with you in the evening,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°You have to go with us now, sir,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul replied.

    ¡®Damn it, damn it, damn it! I can¡¯t believe that I, the assistant prosecutor-general, spoke formally to a little high school student in front of all the investigators! And to think I did that when he was talking to me using informal speech!¡¯

    Kang Chan was turning to Kim Hyung-Jung when he paused and slowly spun back to Lee Seung-Ryul.

    ¡°Go while I¡¯m still being nice. I don¡¯t want Manager Kim or the others here to get hurt in the crossfire. Would you rather we take things further?¡± he threatened.

    The faces of the five men standing around Lee Seung-Ryul changed in an instant. They were already prepared to attack him just a moment ago, but Kang Chan¡¯s presence and words seemed to have made thempletely forget the concept of surrendering.

    Kang Chan looked around and grinned when he saw a familiar face. The pale-faced Choi Jong-Il bowed to him in greeting.

    ¡°Are you reallying to the prosecutor¡¯s office?¡± Lee Seung-Ryul asked.

    Kang Chan just gave him another sharp re instead of replying, preventing him from insisting any further.

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll believe you for now. Come to the 506th criminal division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor''s Office. I¡¯ll be waiting for you there,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul said.

    ¡°All right,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Lee Seung-Ryul nervously gulped as he returned to his van like a solicitor chased away for trespassing. The operation seemed somewhat doable without Kang Chan around, but the moment he met him, he had no doubt in his mind that he shouldn¡¯t mess with him¡­ at least not at that moment.

    After some time, the three vans finally left the area.

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung walked over to Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I flew over from China when I heard the news. First Lieutenant Cha Dong-Gyun is also nearby,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh.

    In all honesty, he was starting to be a little sick of working for South Korea, but seeing Kim Hyung-Jung protecting Kang Dae-Kyung and Choi Jong-Il rushing over from China in a nervous sweat softened his heart again.

    Maybe he would feel less wrong about all this if the ones who changed his mind were pretty women. What was so great about tall men with chiseled chins and bullet wounds on their chests and stomachs?

    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here for now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, his gaze directed at Kang Yoo Motors.

    Kang Chan agreed with a silent nod. He wanted to see them. He wanted to see Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s smile, but he had to take care of this whole mess with the prosecution first.

    ¡°You better go straight to the hospital. I¡¯ll stop by when I find the time,¡± Kang Chan instructed Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il insisted.

    Kang Chan got in the car that Kim Hyung-Jung pointed to. On the way to Samseong-Dong, he made a phone call. By the time he reached the fifth floor of the building from the underground parking lot, Seok Kang-Ho was already waiting for him. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but grin from ear to ear.

    ¡°Wee back. How are you feeling?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°See for yourself,¡± Kang Chan jokingly replied when Kim Hyung-Jung came back with cups of coffee in hand.

    ¡°Have you had breakfast yet?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°I ate on the ne,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The three drank a bit of their coffee.

    ¡°It¡¯s as you saw, Mr. Kang Chan. If they were to execute the warrant, we were nning to immediately arrest Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-woong and everyone he sent to the site,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    ¡°But those people are innocent, aren¡¯t they?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They are well aware that your father is innocent as well. This is a nned investigation aimed at saving Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo, not a legitimate one,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Kang Chan took another sip of his coffee, feeling a bit of momentary relief. Getting to prevent Kang Dae-Kyung from being arrested lifted some weight off his shoulders.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the prosecutor¡¯s office this afternoon,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked in surprise.

    ¡°If I¡¯m guilty, I should face the consequences. There are only two things I think I can be implicated with: Park Ki-Bum from the parking lot gang and Shan. Is there anything else I should be worried about?¡±

    ¡°Kim Seon-Il is iming that he was robbed of thepany during the DI takeover process. You are also being used of threatening Shan to take the Gong Te automobile sales rights contract, which should have allegedly gone to Suh Jeong Motors,¡±

    ¡°But Shan¡¯s alive, isn¡¯t he?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, confusion evident in his voice.

    Kang Chan nodded in response.

    ¡°They can¡¯t charge you for killing Shan if we bring that bastard with us. I¡¯ll meet with the parking lot gang¡¯s Park Ki-Bum or something to take care of that as well,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°Now that Mr. Kang Chan has returned, we can handle that matter ourselves. Most of these cases can be ruled as self-defense anyway, so we probably won¡¯t have any problems with the others,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said with confidence.

    ¡°Can I meet with Oh Gwang-Taek?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung made a thoughtful, concerned expression for a moment before finally agreeing to it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it. The prosecution seems to have given up on linking everyone together as members of a single criminal organization, so it shouldn¡¯t be too difficult to meet him now,¡± he replied. He then ran his finger down the list of phone numbers attached to his desk.

    ***

    Unlike often seen in movies or dramas, the desk in the ss booth, which would be used for Kang Chan and Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s meeting, was normally used forwyer consultations, so there was no ss separating the two sides.

    Click.

    The door opened, and Oh Gwang-Taek stepped in, followed by two prison guards.

    A wryugh escaped Kang Chan.

    Oh Gwang-Taek entered the booth and sat across from Kang Chan. The prison guards sat down next to him, ready to take visitation notes.

    Oh Gwang-Taek awkwardly smiled at Kang Chan.

    ¡°These guys are already using us of being in the same gang. Why did you bothering? Go and study, kiddo,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said. He behaved as if he wanted the records to show that they didn¡¯t know each other.

    ¡°Enough with the nonsense. What happened?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Oh Gwang-Taek nced at the prison guard. It was written in his visitation notes that he just asked Kang Chan how he was doing and if he had eaten lunch. The rest of the record was just small talk.

    ¡°We made some arrangements, so don¡¯t have to worry about what you say,¡± Kang Chan exined. Only then did Oh Gwang-Taek look relieved.

    ¡°I think I was set up. I knew something was off from the beginning. Have you ever seen normal civilians carrying weapons around? The prosecution said the weapons were already at the restaurant, but do you think it makes sense that that tiny restaurant had five sashimi knivesying around?¡±

    Kang Chan just listened silently.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, but Do-Seok isn¡¯t doing too well. It¡¯s fine if you can¡¯t help me, but at least have his trial held in the hospital,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek requested.

    ¡°What about you? Is there anything you need?¡±

    ¡°Other than women and fine delicacies, I can have anything I want in here, so don¡¯t worry about me and just focus on yourself. Be careful, alright? Considering you can visit me freely, I bet you¡¯re doing fine, at least.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told them that I would go to the prosecutor¡¯s office tonight.¡±

    ¡°What? You idiot! Why would you say that? You should at least wait until my sentence is confirmed before getting yourself locked up!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek eximed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Kang Chan reassured him.

    ¡°Are you really going to be alright?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked, concern written all over his face.

    ¡°Yeah. Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Kang Chan affirmed.

    Oh Gwang-Taek nodded.

    ¡°I realized a lot of things with this incident. No matter how gentlemanly and serious you act, they will always think of gangsters as gangsters. The government will always have a reason to put us behind bars. Can¡¯t me them, though, since that¡¯s how I¡¯ve lived until now. Whew! After this is over, let¡¯s just pretend like we don¡¯t know each other,¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan grin, Oh Gwang-Taek frowned. ¡°I¡¯m being serious, and you¡¯re just smiling like a fucking jerk?¡±

    ¡°When you get out this time, prepare to mend your ways and live a better life.¡±

    ¡°Why? Did you get a casino license or something?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek joked.

    ¡°You idiot.¡± Kang Chan shook his head.

    The two shared augh.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I don¡¯t care what happens to me. Just take care of Do-Seok and Chul-Bum,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek requested, his tone bing serious again.

    ¡°That¡¯s new. A gangster pretending to act honorable?¡± Kang Chan joked this time.

    As the two chuckled, the prison guard stood up and informed them their time was up. His notes were filled with a bunch more small talk.

    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t need anything?¡± Kang Chan asked onest time.

    ¡°Just go! If you want, you cane by my room and take some smoked chicken,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek offered.

    ¡°You have chicken?¡± Kang Chan asked in disbelief.

    ¡°I have fried sausages, peanuts, bread, chips¡ªeverything. So don¡¯t worry about me and take care of the men.¡±

    They spoke to each other across the table while standing up. The prison guard didn¡¯t rush them.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek tilted his head when he saw Kang Chan¡¯s serious expression. It had only been a couple of months at most since theyst met, but Kang Chan already seemed like an entirely different person.

    ¡°Give it some thought while you¡¯re in there. If you really want to stop being a gangster, I¡¯ll find an opportunity for you.¡±

    ¡°Are you being serious?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    Kang Chan just nodded, but for Oh Gwang-Taek, that was more believable than a verbal agreement.

 Chapter 205.2: Do You Really Think He Would Just Sit Still? (2)

    Chapter 205.2: Do You Really Think He Would Just Sit Still? (2)

    Kim Seong-Woong had a half-smile, half-worried expression on his face.

    ¡°How are we going to proceed with the investigation if he¡¯sing tonight? They won¡¯t just stay quiet if we arrest him,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul inquired. He looked a lot more timid than before he set out for Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s arrest.

    ¡°Even the reporters that you spoke about were gone, sir. I think maybe you should evaluate this case from the ground up¡­¡± Lee Seung-Ryul trailed off upon noticing Kim Seong-Woong¡¯s piercing gaze.

    ¡°What was Kang Chan like?¡± Kim Seong-Woong asked.

    ¡°He was no pushover,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul replied.

    ¡°He¡¯s still a high school student at best, though,¡± Kim Seong-Woong said.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t underestimate him just because he¡¯s a high schooler, sir. To be honest, I thought that the National Intelligence Service might have faked his age to give him a false identity,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul responded.

    ¡®It¡¯s that serious?¡¯

    Kim Seong-Woong looked at Lee Seung-Ryul with a much more surprised face than before.

    ¡°What was even more shocking was how the agents treated Kang Chan. They interacted with him without any pretense, acting like perfect subordinates to their superior. I couldn¡¯t make sense of it,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul said.

    ¡°Who on earth is that punk?¡± Kim Seong-Woong cursed, annoyance evident in his expression.

    He had been certain he had grabbed onto something good. Under normal circumstances, the government or ruling party would have already presented some sort of negotiation for cases like this. In return for him dropping the investigation, they would have proposed a deal to release Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo or offered some other suitablepensation. But there was nothing.

    ¡°What am I missing here?¡± Kim Seong-Woong murmured to himself.

    He thought of Huh Ha-Soo with a creased forehead. Was it possible Huh Ha-Soo really engaged in espionage? What could the powerful chairperson of an entire country¡¯s national assembly have to gain from that?

    It can¡¯t be true!

    Kim Seong-Woong firmly shouted the words in his mind.

    Huh Ha-Soo and Huh Sang-Soo had given him this position. If Kim Seong-Woong backed down now, he might never be able to y a role again.

    ¡®I¡¯m seeing this to the end!¡¯

    Kim Seong-Woong¡¯s ambition was to be the Minister of Justice. He couldn¡¯t stop here.

    ***

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan is the only one who can resolve this matter,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said in the firmest tone he had ever used.

    It was usually Jeon Dae-Geuk who mainly spoke while Hwang Ki-Hyun just listened silently, but Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s eyes were burning with intensity right now.

    ¡°The information is consistent with the demands that Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo made to North Korea. An attack on North Korea is undoubtedly an opportunity for the United States to unload its old weaponry and revitalize its domestic market through its military industries. It has also been almost twenty years since the Gulf War and the conflict in Afghanistan, so the US military-industrialplex has reached its limits. To top it all off, if a war breaks out in North Korea, the Eurasian Rail will naturally be put to a halt as well.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no end to the problems.¡± Moon Jae-Hyun sighed.

    ¡°It¡¯s because they know the South Korea being connected to the Eurasian rail will alter the future significantly,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun shook his head.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun continued, ¡°Russia, China, and South Korea need to unite and put pressure on the United States, but only Mr. Kang Chan can handle this matter.¡±

    The look on Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s face made Hwang Ki-Hyung quickly bow and apologize.

    ¡°No need for apologies. However, we¡¯re not internally unified right now. The National Intelligence Service and the prosecution are fighting over Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s case, and I have no idea where to begin to solve that. How is North Korea reacting?¡± Moon Jae-Hyung asked.

    ¡°It seems Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo has agreed to transfer about two trillion of our won to them. Because he made the promise as the Chairperson of the National Assembly, not as an individual, North Korea is refusing to speak with us unless the agreement is fulfilled,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun replied.

    ¡°Then North Korea has no way to survive. They don¡¯t have a way to defeat the United States either.¡±

    ¡°If the United States attacks North Korea, China will immediately intervene. North Korea¡¯s n, should they find themselves in the worst-case scenario, is to use their nuclear weapons. Of course, the US will be unharmed, but the Korean Penins will bepletely destroyed, making it nearly impossible to turn back. Plutonium has a shelf life of twenty-four thousand years and takes about a hundred thousand years topletely dissolve.¡±

    ¡°Another brinkmanship tactic. I wonder how long Earth willst at this rate,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun joked, but Hwang Ki-Hyun and Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s expressions didn¡¯t brighten up in the slightest.

    ¡°The United States will gain something either way, considering the worst-case scenario results in a significant portion of the Eurasian Rail copsing. This aligns perfectly with Japan¡¯s demands as well,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun added.

    Their list of problems was growing, but they still couldn¡¯t find any answer in sight.

    ¡°Mr. President, to make a flower bloom, you must first get your hands and feet dirty. The just, right path and fair attitude won¡¯t have anyone pointing fingers at you, but they should only be used when teaching students at school,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun reasoned.

    ¡°What about Mr. Kang Chan?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°He said he would go to the prosecutor¡¯s office tonight.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun let out a quiet sigh.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Kang Chan did run into conflicts with Shan and crime organizations. However, aside from Shan, everything else was an act of self-defense. While I¡¯m still in charge of the National Intelligence Service, I will do my best to defend him. Doing so is no different from protecting the whole of South Korea,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun firmly dered.

    Moon Jae-Hyun skimmed through the documents on his desk before looking back up.

    ¡°This may easily be a political conspiracy,¡± he warned.

    ¡°If it will help Mr. Kang Chan develop an affection for South Korea and save the Korean penins, I will willingly get my hands dirty.¡±

    ¡°The request from the United States¡¯ ambassador to see me isn¡¯t about discussing this issue, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve gathered, they will probably request the release of Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo. The United States needs the information Chairperson Huh Ha-Soo holds and his connections to North Korea. If any problems arise, they can use him as a scapegoat andy all the me on him as well.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded.

    ¡°Mr. President. You said we should nurture talented individuals. Then at the very least, please provide the space for the National Intelligence Service to operate with peace of mind,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun pleaded.

    ¡°Can you promise me that it won¡¯t be used as a tool for maintaining power?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun questioned. ¡°That is what I fear the most. Right now, it will be used to protect the nation, but I worry that it may be nothing more than a means for holding onto power in the future."

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan once said that if you make a habit of getting beat up, it will be an expected urrence. I firmly believe that even if it¡¯s thest thing we do, we have to prevent any actions that threaten national security for personal gain.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed quietly again. After a while, he finally dered, ¡°I understand. I will leave the National Intelligence Service to handle all subsequent matters. I will appease the ruling party and meet with the opposing party¡¯s representative.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. President,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun replied, expressing his gratitude.

    Turning to a different matter, Moon Jae-Hyun asked, ¡°Director, I trust there aren¡¯t any issues with the oil development rights with Russia?¡±

    ¡°Please just continue what you¡¯ve been doing, sir. We are coordinating the remaining follow-up actions with the Russian mafia.¡±

    ¡°Well, they¡¯re quite the astonishing country, aren¡¯t they? To think negotiating with the mafia requires approval from the government.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the way to live for KGB agents who have retired. These days, I heard that when you ask for a nuclear-powered submarine, the first thing they¡¯ll ask is if you want missiles aboard it or not.¡±

    ¡°That seems to be a funny joke that shows what happens if an agent¡¯s pride in their position wanes.¡± Moon Jae-Hyun grinned.

    ¡°Apparently, it wasn¡¯t a joke.¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun responded.

    Moon Jae-Hyunughed in disbelief.

    ***

    After having lunch, Kang Chan went to see Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡±

    It had only been a few days since theyst saw each other, so Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect Lanok to be so delighted to see him.

    ¡°On behalf of all of Europe, thank you.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to, sir,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Lanok showed Kang Chan his rare, real expression¡ªone that wasn¡¯t hidden behind any mask.

    ¡°How did things go with the prosecution?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I managed to prevent my father¡¯s arrest for now, and I n to visit them in the evening,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I see,¡± Lanok said with a nod as he poured them some tea. ¡°The National Intelligence Service is prepared to be criticized for political maniption to protect you. Its director seems bolder than I thought.¡±

    ¡°Political maniption?¡± Kang Chan repeated, setting his teacup down after just a sip. He had no idea what Lanok was talking about.

    ¡°The United States is calcting a war with North Korea, but the probability is less than twenty percent. The National Intelligence Service ns to use that situation to suppress the individuals rted to Huh Ha-Soo in one go,¡± Lanok replied.

    Can that really be done?

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Lanok nodded in confirmation.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure touching you was the pivotal reason.¡±

    What happened with Shan was a personal matter, and he had no excuse for his actions. It was ridiculous that the National Intelligence Service would have to suffer condemnation as a consequence.

    ¡°There are a few steps to state matters. You start off with not knowing any better. You¡¯ll then experience betrayal or disappointment, then learn not to be fooled again in the future. They say it¡¯s the three-stage process of agent growth,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Does that really exist?¡± Kang Chan asked out of doubt.

    ¡°You can ask the National Intelligence Service. They¡¯ll tell you the same thing.¡±

    Huh. Interesting. I wonder what step I¡¯m at.

    Kang Chan quietly sighed.

    ***

    Just as Kang Chan headed out of the embassy, Woo Hee-Seung called him.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Mr. Kang Chan. Hwang Ki-Hyun speaking.

    ¡°Yes, Director,¡± Kang Chan responded as the car he was in headed to Gangnam.

    - I heard you intend to go to the prosecutionter today. It would be best to go with Manager Kim.

    ¡°Can I do that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - Of course. I¡¯ve already prepared everything for you, so you just have to stop by Samseong-Dong and take him with you. I apologize for making things even more troublesome.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, sir. I know it wasn¡¯t intentional on your part,¡± Kang Chan reassured him.

    Kang Chan politely ended the call. When he arrived at Samseong-Dong, he found Kim Hyung-Jung waiting for him at the entrance.

    Kang Chan looked at his surroundings. There was an almost unbearable number of agents standing around them.

 Chapter 206.1: Iéˆ¥æª’l Go

    Chapter 206.1: I¡¯ll Go

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯d like to introduce you to someone. This is attorney Song Chang-Wook,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°I¡¯m Song Chang-Wook.¡±

    Song Chang-Wook gave Kang Chan a firm handshake. He was short, had a seemingly firm physique, and neatly trimmed but unstyled gray hair. For awyer, his eyes were quite fierce.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told the two. He got in the passenger seat, and Kang Chan and Song Chang-Wook got in the back.

    Kang Chan nced around him. More than thirty National Intelligence Service agents got into other cars and vans as well, seemingly intent on going with them.

    ¡°Manager Kim, I don¡¯t want the National Intelligence Service to be in trouble because of me,¡± Kang Chan said. He didn¡¯t want to make something this small bigger than it had to be. He had already prepared himself to face all the consequences of his actions when he faced Shan anyway.

    ¡°The prosecution can investigate you all they want, but if they decide to arrest you for a shallow or senseless reason, we won¡¯t just stand still and watch.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded so determined that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t argue anymore.

    Song Chang-Wook, who hadn¡¯t said anything since, turned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Tell me, how much do you love South Korea?¡± the old gentleman asked, his eyes bing even fiercer. ¡°I can¡¯t help but be curious.¡±

    The question made Kang Chan cringe.

    ¡°I¡¯m not too sure,¡± he replied, unfazed by the look in Song Chang-Wook¡¯s eyes. It didn¡¯t seem suppressive, boastful, or arrogant, so he found no reason not to answer politely.

    ¡°The people I care about asked me to do this type of work, so I gave them what they wanted. I came all the way here for the same reason. I honestly haven¡¯t thought about dedicating my life to South Korea as its soldiers or agents do, but I have decided to do whatever it takes to protect the people I hold dear,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Song Chang-Wook stared at Kang Chan as he listened, seemingly engraving every word thetter said in his mind. Afterward, he turned his attention to the road ahead.

    It took about fifteen minutes to go to the public prosecutor¡¯s office from Samseong-dong.

    As Kang Chan got out of the car, Kim Hyung-Jung took out his ID, clipped it on his suit, and wore sunsses.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    As the three of them headed inside, the cars that the agents were in all stopped in a line in front of the building.

    Kang Chan went past the metal detector and got on an elevator with Kim Hyung-Jung and Song Chang-Wook.

    Ding.

    Reaching the fifth floor, they stepped off the elevator and walked across the hallway, finding doors that looked alike on both sides of it. Perhaps it was because of the atmosphere, but it felt as if the hallway and the doors were trying to discourage people from proceeding.

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to find room 506.

    The moment they opened the door and headed inside, Lee Seung-Ryul raised his head and jumped up to his feet. ¡°W-what brings you here, Prosecutor-General?¡±

    ¡°I resigned a long time ago, so what are you calling me Prosecutor-General for? I¡¯m here today as Mr. Kang Chan¡¯swyer,¡± Song Chang-Wook answered.

    Was he the Prosecutor-General before Kim Seong-Woong?

    Lee Seung-Ryul exhaled softly as his gaze alternated between the three. He seemed to have found himself in a predicament. ¡°Please have a seat.¡±

    The only seat avable was the metal chair that was in front of the prosecutor¡¯s seat. The investigators had to move another chair next to it to amodate the extra guest.

    The room was quiterge.

    They sat facing Lee Seung-Ryul. To their left was a drink stand and a desk with a female employee sitting behind it, and to their right were two more desks with investigators on them, both patiently waiting.

    To Lee Seung-Ryul¡¯s left was a camcorder they had set up in advance.

    ¡°Thewyer is allowed to stay and observe with his client, but the other person must leave,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul told Kim Hyung-Jung. He sounded firm and determined.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be outside, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan in turn as if he was reporting to him. He then walked out the door. His actions and words made itpletely clear to both Lee Seung-Ryul and Song Chang-Wook that he would be standing guard right outside in case he was ever needed.

    ¡°Would you like some tea?¡± Lee Seung-Ryul asked.

    ¡°Yes please.¡±

    A female employee quickly stood up and brought over a paper cup with a green tea bag in it.

    ¡°Prosecutor Lee,¡± Song Chang-Wook called.

    ¡°Please go ahead.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s something that I want to talk to you about before we proceed with the investigation. Will you tell your employees to leave us for a moment?¡±

    ¡°As you wish.¡±

    Lee Seung-Ryul looked and nodded to both sides of the room. In response, the investigators and the female employee went outside.

    ¡°Please go ahead,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul said, now left alone with the defending party. He seemed to be having a hard time dealing with Song Chang-Wook.

    ¡°I find it impossible that you don¡¯t know Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s case is nothing but false usations and that you can be countersued for defamation for it. After all, what he did back then can be justified as acts of self-defense. Tell me the real reason you¡¯re acting this way,¡± Song Chang-Wook asked.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to have to investigate him first to determine whether that¡¯s really the case,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul answered.

    ¡°Are you really determined to see this to the end?¡± Song Chang-Wook questioned, standing his ground instead of backing down.

    ¡°For the prosecution¡¯s honor, I have to proceed with this investigation.¡±

    The corners of Song Chang-Wook¡¯s lips curved into a strange smile. Kang Chan looked at him from the side, which was more than enough for him to determine that the man¡¯s charisma was noughing matter.

    ¡°You do know that you and Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong could be throwing that very honor you speak of to the ground by doing this, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who taught us never to surrender to external pressure,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul argued.

    ¡°I also taught you all to execute a nned investigation.¡± Even though there wasn¡¯t any emotion in Song Chang-Wook¡¯s words, Kang Chan could clearly tell that he was angry. ¡°Huh Ha-Soo acted to benefit the enemy, and the National Intelligence Service has proof that Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong privately met him twice around the same time. I decided to represent Mr. Kang Chan as hiswyer in hopes of giving the prosecution, my old workce, onest chance to back down and make things right. I¡¯m not trying to sell my honor just for some money.¡±

    ¡°This will all end if the investigation we conduct on him proves that he¡¯s innocent.¡±

    Song Chang-Wook¡¯s cheek twitched for the first time. He seemed to be holding back his anger. ¡°If you really want to go through with this, then you leave me no other choice. The moment I get up and leave this room, the National Intelligence Service will arrest you and Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong for espionage. It will all be on the evening news.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never acted to benefit the enemy,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul countered.

    In response, Song Chang-Wook took out his phone and pressed a button three or four times.

    [We have to do whatever it takes to get that guy named Kang Chan involved in this and put Moon Jae-Hyun and the ruling party in a predicament.]

    That was Huh Ha-Soo¡¯s voice.

    How does this gentleman have that?

    Song Chang-Wook appeared to be just as surprised as Kang Chan.

    [Please don¡¯t worry. The moment Iy my hands on them, not only Kang Chan but even Moon Jae-Hyun won¡¯t be able to get out of it.]

    Lee Seung-Ryul didn¡¯t even seem to be aware that his mouth was hanging open.

    [We should hasten the process of making our own world. That would make you the next Minister of Justice of South Korea, wouldn¡¯t it?]

    [I¡¯m only doing everything that I have to do.]

    Afterward, Song Chang-Wook pressed another button and put his phone in his inner chest pocket. ¡°At the time of this recording, North Korean special forces infiltrated our country andunched multiple terrorist attacks. We also have evidence that Huh Ha-Soo met someone named Wui Min-Gook, who¡¯s basically those soldiers¡¯ leader, twice at his own vi. Now that you know all that, do you still intend to proceed with Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s investigation?¡±

    ¡°What on earth is this¡­?¡±

    ¡°Since the Chairman of the National Assembly has been arrested for acting out of the enemy¡¯s benefit, the National Intelligence Service hoped that the prosecution wouldn¡¯t cause problems as well and lose even more of the public¡¯s faith in them. If it would put you at ease, the NIS at least thinks that Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong didn¡¯t know anything about the terrorist attacks,¡± Song Chang-Wook added.

    Lee Seung-Ryul gulped dryly. He looked as if he hade to his senses now.

    ¡°If you still n to investigate Mr. Kang Chan after this, then proceed with the knowledge that the National Intelligence Service came here fully prepared to execute their operation as well. I just asked them to give the prosecution onest chance because I think you would understand the situation if I exined it to you well enough.¡±

    ¡°The Prosecutor-General has to give his permission first.¡±

    ¡°You can rest easy about that. This doesn¡¯t need his approval.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying that you¡¯ll handle getting the Prosecutor-General¡¯s approval?¡± Lee Seung-Ryul asked.

    ¡°No. Like I said, this doesn¡¯t need it.¡±

    Lee Seung-Ryul, who had only been looking at Song Chang-Wook all this time, turned to Kang Chan. However, he soon quickly dropped his head to the documents, finding Kang Chan¡¯s eyes just as fierce¡ªif not even fiercer¡ªthan Song Chang-Wook''s.

    ¡°I used to work for you in the past, so let me ask you this onest time. Are you absolutely certain that this does not need approval?¡± Lee Seung-Ryul asked.

    ¡°I trust the National Intelligence Service¡¯s capabilities.¡±

    Lee Seung-Ryul dropped his gaze to the documents again and tightly gritted his teeth. After a few moments, with his head still hung, he finally answered, ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Will Mr. Kang Chan be cleared of suspicion?¡± Song Chang-Wook asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see to it that this investigation gets closed.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean we can go now?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

 Chapter 206.2: Iéˆ¥æª’l Go

    Chapter 206.2: I¡¯ll Go

    What on earth is going on right now?

    Kang Chan¡ªthe person who was supposed to be investigated¡ªcouldn¡¯t even say anything.

    Is this why people try their best to get a goodwyer?

    Kang Chan could only smile bitterly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Song Chang-Wook said as he stood up. ¡°I don¡¯t see any reason to spend a second longer in a ce like this. Do you?¡±

    In response, Kang Chan immediately stood up and headed to the door. He heard Lee Seung-Ryul stand up behind him as well and say goodbye to Song Chang-Wook, but he didn¡¯t really want to see that.

    When Kang Chan opened the door and left the room, he found Kim Hyung-Jung standing adamantly in front of it. The two investigators and the female employee were also outside but a bit far away from them. They all looked flustered.

    ¡°Is it all over now?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes. I think everything worked out properly.¡±

    ¡°You went through a lot.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do much. How did you make this happen, though?¡±

    Song Chang-Wook came out of the room before Kang Chan could hear his answer. He didn¡¯t really have to know and wasn¡¯t in a hurry to either, so he just moved on.

    They took the elevator to the ground floor. As soon as they got out of the building, they got in the car and headed to Samseong-dong.

    Could it be?

    Kang Chan discreetly looked to the side, wondering if Song Chang-Wook was crying. He couldn¡¯t be too sure, though, since Song Chang-Wook wasn¡¯t saying anything. Still, as far as he could tell, the man¡¯s lips were trembling, and he had tears on the edges of his eyes. At the very least, he seemed to be holding back his tears.

    Quite a lot of people had gathered at Samseong-Dong.

    When they got out of the car, Kim Hyung-Jung immediately approached Song Chang-Wook.

    ¡°Thank you for all you¡¯ve done,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°No, I should be the one thanking you for epting my request even though it waspletely unreasonable.¡±

    Song Chang-Wook shook hands with Kim Hyung-Jung, then turned to Kang Chan and held his hand to him. ¡°If you love someone, you¡¯re bound to find yourself feeling upset every now and then because they can¡¯t understand how you feel.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know why, but he kept meeting people he had trouble predicting.

    ¡°Working for the country will be even more upsetting, considering, almost no one will acknowledge what you¡¯ve done for it. Still, talented people like you have to do your best for the sake of the country,¡± Song Chang-Wook continued.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t respond. He didn¡¯t really know why Song Chang-Wook was telling him all that or why he appeared to be choked with emotion. Moreover, he didn¡¯t really know what Song Chang-Wook meant.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going,¡± Song Chang-Wook said. He didn¡¯t seem to have any lingering regrets anymore when he turned around and got in the car that was waiting for him. The people Kang Chan had met so far were all extraordinary, but even so, few left an impression as intense as Song Chang-Wook did.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head up, shall we?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung offered after seeing Song Chang-Wook off.

    They still had to be wary of the dangers in their surroundings, so Kang Chan agreed and followed Kim Hyung-Jung up the building.

    ¡°Attorney Song Chang-Wook is the descendant of a Korean independence activist named Song Hee-Jaemonly referred to by his artist name Baekesan. He provided the funds to establish South Korea¡¯s government alone,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    Kang Chan felt even more touched upon learning about that. People¡¯s feelings truly did change easily.

    ¡°How did you get the recording that he presented earlier?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung just smiled in response.

    ***

    Even though Kang Chan and Song Chang-Wook had left, Lee Seung-Ryul still couldn¡¯t concentrate on his work.

    Overwhelmed by Song Chang-Wook, he let Kang Chan go. Now that he had to report to Kim Seong-Woong, he felt afraid and worried that he justmitted something outrageous.

    The office was filled with a heavy atmosphere. It was as if lead had just been poured into the room.

    ¡®I did something crazy.¡¯

    What kind of person was Kim Seong-Woong?

    If Kim Seong-Woong hadn¡¯t helped Lee Seung-Ryul, he wouldn¡¯t have had anyone to depend on.

    ¡®What should I say? Should I just arrest Kang Chan now even though I don¡¯t have a warrant?¡¯

    Whenever Lee Seung-Ryul thought of something like this, he vividly remembered the recording that Song Chang-Wook yed for him.

    Wiretapping was illegal.

    However, unlike the United States, South Koreans paid more attention to the conversation that was recorded than the man who actuallymitted such a crime.

    As Lee Seung-Ryul massaged both of his temples with his thumb and index fingers, the door opened, and his junior prosecutor came inside. They looked pale with fright. It would be wrong to scold them now just because he failed to hold back his anger.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim!¡± the junior prosecutor called.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on, but let¡¯s talkter,¡± Lee Seung-Ryul said. He frowned as he lowered the hand that he had put in front of his face.

    ¡°Unfortunately, this can¡¯t wait. The Prosecutor-General is¡­¡±

    Lee Seung-Ryul¡¯s ears perked up.

    The investigators and the female employee focused on their conversation, seemingly trying to figure out what all the fuss was about.

    ***

    Around dinner time, Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung went to the barbeque restaurant in front of the building with Seok Kang-Ho, who had been waiting for them.

    Perhaps because Wui Min-Gook hadn¡¯t been caught yet, the security remained fairly strict.

    ¡°Are you going back to France?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I have to. I¡¯ve already started training, so I n to push through with it.¡±

    After ordering some meat, they were brought charcoal for the grill and side dishes first.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I hope this matter doesn¡¯t anger you too much. We have our own rules, and it took some time for the President to make a decision,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Why did they need the President¡¯s permission to get me awyer?

    Chkk.

    Seok Kang-Ho began cooking some meat on the grill, making Kang Chan suddenly feel hungry. He hadn¡¯t smelled this in quite a while.

    ¡°Oh my!¡±

    Kang Chan turned to one side of the restaurant when he heard people talking. Themotion seemed to have been caused by the news shown on therge TV mounted to the wall.

    Kang Chan nked out when he began reading the captions.

    [Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong arrested for attempting to sexually assault a waitress.]

    The captions continued.

    [He¡¯s also suspected of drug addiction. The police have sent an analysis request to the National Forensic Service to analyze his hair and saliva.]

    On the screen was a video of a man trying to molest a woman several times. Their faces were blurred to make it difficult to identify them.

    ¡°Why would someone in such a position try to do something like that?¡± one of the people asked.

    [Prosecutor-General Kim Seong-Woong denies being involved in the incident, iming that he only drank two sses of beer.]

    ¡°At any rate, men have to be careful of how they act, regardless of their age!¡± someone eximed.

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung. Seok Kang-Ho also had a simr expression on his face.

    ¡°We decided to put all the me for this incident on him to prevent the entire prosecution from copsing. The Director worked hard to get this approved,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    Am I important and talented enough for them to do this?

    Kang Chan found it hard to ept this situation.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung called.

    Kang Chan frowned when the meat that Seok Kang-Ho had put on the grill began to smoke.

    Considering how this conversation is going, he should¡¯ve held off on cooking the meat until a littleter.

    ¡°I sincerely apologize for the hardships that this has put you through and for our inability to prevent them from involving your parents in this.¡±

    Kang Chan was basically attacked all throughout the evening without being able to do anything. He was probably feeling something simr to wondering what he needed to do to pay people back after receiving an enormous bribe.

    Chkk.

    Seok Kang-Ho silently put more meat on the grill.

    ¡°So that¡¯s why attorney Song looked very upset,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°He was the one who requested ending this as a personal matter. It¡¯s not an official duty of his, but attorney Song is in charge of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s legal matters,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    Chkk.

    Kim Hyung-Jung and Kang Chan picked up their chopsticks when Seok Kang-Ho started cooking even more meat.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat first,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Emotion and meat were two different matters that should be attended to separately.

    The three ate their fill.

    It didn¡¯t feel right to head back up to Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office, so they went to the cafe in front of it instead.

    Kang Chan felt bad for the agents assigned as their security detail, but since they only had to be wary of Wui Min-Gook, he doubted things could actually be that dangerous.

    As they were drinking coffee, Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung asked Kang Chan about what he had learned and who was part of the training. Kang Chan told them all about it.

    ¡°Phew! Finish your training already ande back for good,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said afterward.

    ¡°Believe me, I want this to be over as well.¡±

    ¡°How will you endure the training with that attitude?¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled andughed. The twoughed with him.

    ¡°Has Wui Min-Gook gonepletely into hiding?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We think so. I issued an order to secretly tighten the security of important government institutions and facilities because those are the ones he¡¯ll likely target, but contrary to our expectations, he still hasn¡¯t shown himself,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know someone could be this talented in keeping themselves off the grid.

    ¡°I have to ask, does your training include learning to control your attitude or your expressions?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Kang Chan asked as he picked up his cup of coffee, unable to understand what Kim Hyung-Jung meant.

    ¡°I feel like you¡¯ve changed. It¡¯s not only your expression, either. It¡¯s like you¡¯ve be somewhat more serious than before. Ah! It¡¯s times like this that make me really jealous of those who can properly express how they feel.¡±

    Is it because of the ckhead?

    That was something that Kang Chan should talk to Seok Kang-Ho about alone, though, not something to mention here.

    After spending some more time with Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed to the cafe at the intersection.

    It was about time they talked about that damn rock.

 Chapter 207.1: Whatéˆ¥æªš The Purpose? (1)

    Chapter 207.1: What¡¯s The Purpose? (1)

    ¡®This must be what happiness feels like,¡¯ Kang Chan thought. He was still in the coffee shop at the intersection with Seok Kang-Ho and had a cup of coffee in front of him.

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service is full of scary people,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suddenly remarked.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect them to take care of it that way either,¡± Kang Chan replied in agreement.

    After taking a sip of the hot coffee, Kang Chan began to exin the recent events, including what happened while he was dealing with the ckhead.

    ¡°What? Is everything over now, then?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked in surprise.

    ¡°For now, at least.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®for now?¡¯ We won¡¯t be seeing more earthquakes any time soon, will we?¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head in thought for a moment before giving a slight shake.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant. All I¡¯m saying is that you also have one of the missing energy sources, and either Shan or Smithen has the other one. That¡¯s why I doubt this will be the end of it. There could be aftereffects, too, which I¡¯m quite worried about.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s be optimistic. You stopped the earthquakes, and the issues with the prosecution have been taken care of, so you never know. This could really just be the end,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    It would¡¯ve been nice if Kang Chan brought the goggles, but he didn¡¯t see them among the clothes that he had changed into earlier in the hospital.

    ¡°Are you heading home for now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Don¡¯t you think it would be even more strange to my parents if I suddenly appeared and then left just as quickly the next day?¡±

    ¡°What time will you be heading back, then?¡±

    ¡°At dawn, probably.¡±

    ¡°If so, then I see your point. Even I would be worried if my son who was supposed to be in France suddenly came back home in the middle of the night just for him to tell me that he was leaving again at dawn,¡± Seok Kang-Ho mused.

    While they were on the subject, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho that the United States could be targeting North Korea. The chances of it happening were low, but Kang Chan still wanted Seok Kang-Ho to at least be aware of it.

    ¡°How are the men in Jeungpyeong doing, by the way?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve seen them, Cap. Cha Dong-Gyun came and cried so miserably that just watching him broke my heart. It was also one hell of a struggle trying to stop them from causing trouble because they said they wouldn¡¯t let you be taken by the prosecution,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan would always feel as if he was indebted to them whenever he heard about moments like this. He tried so hard not to open his heart, but the soldiers still managed to break through his walls. This sense of camaraderie was such a rare sight in Western cultures.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to a sauna and have a soak in warm water,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested. ¡°That should help you sleep soundly on theer.¡±

    ¡°We still have time. I was thinking of meeting up with Choi Jong-Il for a bit before leaving too,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Oh, right! Why don¡¯t we call Hee-Seung to take us to him, then?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    They still had around three hours before midnight, so they had plenty of time left.

    Kang Chan asked Woo Hee-Seung toe over, then asked him where Choi Jong-Il was.

    ¡°He¡¯s at the hospital, sir,¡± Woo Hee-Seung replied.

    ¡°Which one? The police hospital?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Woo Hee-Seung responded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head over there, then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan stood up and got in Lee Doo-Hee¡¯s car. They then went straight to the police hospital. It wasn¡¯t too far, taking only thirty minutes on the road before reaching it. Fortunately, it didn¡¯t have visiting hours restrictions or other rules that would prevent them from seeing a patient.

    The room that Choi Jong-Il was staying in was a four-person ward.

    When Kang Chan opened the door and entered, Choi Jong-Il, who was lying down on a bed, shot his head up to look. He then gritted his teeth through the pain and forced himself to sit up. Approaching the bed, Kang Chan saw a friendly and soft-looking woman in her early thirties standing next to Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°This is Mrs. Choi. Mrs. Choi, this is our captain. And this is Mr. Seok Kang-Ho,¡± Woo Hee-Seung introduced everyone to each other.

    The three awkwardly exchanged greetings.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Bearable if not for my wife,¡± Choi Jong-Il joked with a nce at the woman. He then quickly turned back to Kang Chan.

    What is it with men bing so powerless when they¡¯re around their wives?

    Kang Chan just grinned.

    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il¡¯s wife told Kang Chan with a solemn expression.

    What? Her husband returned home with a bullet in him, didn¡¯t he?

    Even, so, she didn¡¯t look like she was being sarcastic.

    ¡°This man has always been anxious whenever he¡¯s at home recently. I even thought he had a death wish and was cheating on me at first,¡± she said.

    Kang Chan initially thought she was soft-looking, but her eyes were anything but.

    ¡°When I learned that it was because he was obsessing over something for the country, I couldn¡¯t help but feel proud that I married him,¡± she added.

    First, it was Kim Hyung-Jung, then Song Chang-Wook. Now, even Choi Jong-Il¡¯s wife was moving Kang Chan¡¯s heart as if they had rehearsed it beforehand. The reason South Korea was still standing was these kinds of people silently fulfilling their roles.

    ¡°If there¡¯s ever a dangerous mission that has to be done in the future, please choose my husband first. I¡¯m not saying this just because he¡¯s my husband, but I wholeheartedly believe that he will do what¡¯s asked of him as a member of the special forces,¡± Choi Jong-Il¡¯s wife politely requested.

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung just silently listened, waiting for Kang Chan¡¯s response.

    ¡°Oh, right! Let me offer you some tea,¡± she said.

    ¡°No need. We already had some before going here. I¡¯m thinking of having a smoke outside together with your husband before I leave, though. Is that okay?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course!¡± Mrs. Choi replied goodnaturedly before quickly turning her head to Choi Jong-Il. ¡°What are you doing? Hurry up and escort him outside.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled at the humor of the scene. It was nice to see that Choi Jong-Il had a wife who understood his work and firmly stood by his side. Having such a woman in life didn¡¯t seem too bad.

    Lee Doo-Hee brought over a wheelchair, and the group went behind the hospital and settled themselves in a corner of the parking lot.

    ¡°When will you be leaving, sir?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going back in at dawn,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°You must be busy. You didn¡¯t have to stop by¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I just wanted to see you for a bit before I leave again.¡±

    Now that they were together, the memories they had of the operations they participated in andpleted seemed so vivid that it was as if they had just taken ce yesterday.

    ¡°Your wife¡¯s personality is no joke, huh?¡± Seok Kang-Ho mischievously said with a grin. Choi Jong-Il just smiled abashedly.

    ¡°Mrs. Choi was incredible in the 606,¡± Woo Hee-Seung chimed in.

    Kang Chan did remember hearing they used to be in the special forces together.

    Woo Hee-Seung was about to continue, but catching Choi Jong-Il¡¯s gaze, he decided to keep his mouth shut. Kang Chan didn¡¯t think it was right to keep asking about someone else¡¯s wife if the husband didn¡¯t want to speak of it any further, so he dropped it.

    The conversation naturally shifted. They discussed how grave Choi Jong-Il¡¯s injury from the operation was and how much support he was receiving from the hospital.

    Some time had passed when Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring.

    ¡°Hello?¡± he answered.

    - Where are you? Do you have time to talk right now?

    Kang Chan unknowingly smiled upon hearing Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s gruffughter.

    ¡°I¡¯m at the police hospital.¡±

    - Ah, so you went to see Jong-Il. When are you going back?

    ¡°Probably at daw.¡±

    - I get off duty around the same time tomorrow. Can¡¯t you stay just a day longer?

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back before you know it anyway,¡± Kang Chan reassured him. ¡°I¡¯ll see you then.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk sounded as if he regretted not getting to meet with him.

    ¡°Mr. Jeon, I¡¯m already grateful enough for what you¡¯ve done for me. There¡¯s absolutely nothing I¡¯m upset about, so you don¡¯t have to worry about anything.¡±

    - Fine. If you say so. Thank you, though, and have a good time at your training. Don¡¯t forget to use everything you learned for this country.

    ¡°I will, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    It seemed as if there were posters that read, ¡°Reassert Kang Chan¡¯s feelings of patriotism,¡± hanging on a wall somewhere today.

    After finishing his call with Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kang Chan went with Seok Kang-Ho to the sauna they usually went to. He soaked in warm water, got a sports massage, and had a facial because Seok Kang-Ho kept on insisting on it.

    ¡°The purchase of the building is going smoothly. I heard DI will be moving in next week,¡± Seok Kang-Ho informed.

    Time seemed to fly as they chatted about various topics while wearing the shirts and shorts that the sauna provided.

    ¡°It¡¯s already been a month,¡± Seok Kang-Ho murmured.

    He sounded as if he was saying, ¡°There are still five months left,¡± in the background.

    Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    Amid their conversation, Kang Chan received a call from Lanok. This man really never seemed to sleep.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Mr. Kang Chan. It seems the National Intelligence Service has properly wrapped things up with the prosecution. I trust there are no other issues.

    ¡°No, sir. I think everything¡¯s been taken care of.¡±

    - I see. Are you ready to depart?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve been waiting.¡±

    - Then I¡¯ll see you at Exit 3 of the Nonhyeon Station at around four in the morning.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - I should be the one thanking you. You saved Europe, after all. I feel bat that I do not have the capacity topensate you with something on the same level as that feat.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it because I was expecting anything in return,¡± Kang Chan reassured him.

    Lanok chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s like you to say that.¡±

    They were currently speaking in French, so Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t understand their conversation. Kang Chan even got a few curious looks from passersby.

 Chapter 207.2: Whatéˆ¥æªš The Purpose? (1)

    Chapter 207.2: What¡¯s The Purpose? (1)

    After having a simple home-cooked-style meal with white rice and some side dishes, they headed for Nonhyeon Station. Seok Kang-Ho wouldn¡¯t have gone home even if Kang Chan told him to, so he opted not to say anything instead.

    ¡°Here you go,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, offering something in his hand.

    ¡°What¡¯s the asion?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    About twenty minutes before Kang Chan was supposed to meet with Lanok, Seok Kang-Ho brought over two cups of hot cocoa and set them down in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to sleep as soon as you get on the airne, won¡¯t you? If you have a warm cup of this, they say you¡¯ll sleep better and recover from fatigue faster.¡±

    ¡°Are you the type that can¡¯t sleep if you have some coffee before going to sleep?¡± Kang Chan asked out of confusion.

    Profusely denying the notion, Seok Kang-Ho replied, ¡°Of course not. I have to have a cup of coffee before getting in bed if I want good sleep.¡±

    ¡°Why did you buy something like this, then?¡± Kang Chan now had a tinge of annoyance in his voice.

    ¡°Hey, hey! Noining. Just have some of this today. It¡¯s the thought that counts, isn¡¯t it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho grinned.

    The two chuckled amid their nonsensical small talk.

    ¡°Right! Next week is the students¡¯ College Schstic Ability Test.¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah?¡± Kang Chan recalled agreeing to buy Kim Mi-Young rice cakes for good luck.

    ¡°The school seems to be looking forward to it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho began. Kang Chan just looked back at him, waiting for him to continue.¡°From the looks of it, they¡¯re hoping that Mi-Young will get a perfect score on the exam.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho burst outughing.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t imagine how it would feel to get the highest score out of all the students on a mock exam¡ªand not just scoring at the top, but getting all the answers right and getting a perfect score. He shook his head from side to side. Such a notion seemed like something from apletely different universe from the one he was in.

    He still had about half of his hot coca left when a sedan stopped right in front of him.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m off now,¡± Kang Chan bid him goodbye.

    ¡°Have a safe trip. When you suddenly crave some meat,e by Korea for a bit, like what you just did,¡± Seok Kang-Ho joked.

    Kang Chan just grinned in response. Seok Kang-Ho grinned as well.

    Goodbyes were harder when they were dragged out. Kang Chan quickly stepped into the car, and they left right away.

    ***

    Arriving back in Niafles, France, Kang Chan began to focus on his training again. Two dayster, he was informed that he would be traveling to Israel. The issue was that he wouldn¡¯t be able to use his phone for the next two weeks.

    He wasn¡¯t worried about Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, Seok Kang-Ho, Kim Hyung-Jung, or even Michelle. He could just tell them about it, and everything would be fine with them. His main problem with it was that he didn¡¯t want to tell Kim Mi-Young something so sudden when the most important exam of her life was just around the corner. Nevertheless, Kang Chan still decided to text her.

    [I have to go to France because of some urgent business. Unfortunately, I¡¯ll probably be out of reach for about two weeks because of it. I hope you do well on the exam, and I¡¯ll call you once I¡¯m done.]

    It made Kang Chan¡¯s heart heavy, but he thought this was better than suddenly going off the grid and not contacting her.

    His training in Israel was mainly focused on retaliation. He was taught how to make his opponent abandon the will to fight back and the steps and methods to deal with oppression. The lessons didn¡¯t suit Kang Chan¡¯s personality, but that didn¡¯t mean Israel was going to abandon their ways of doing things. At the very least, he saw no downsides to know about their methods. Spending two weeks with the other trainees here made him feel as if he was on friendlier terms with them as well.

    After the two-week training, Kang Chan returned to France. It would be Monday tomorrow. Much to his surprise, the training program gave him Sundays off.

    Kang Chan checked the time zone differences. Afterward, he called Yoo Hye-Sook.

    - Channy!

    The phone only rang once before Yoo Hye-Sook answered the phone with a breathy voice.

    ¡°Mother, is something the matter?¡± Kang Chan asked worriedly.

    - I¡¯m just happy to hear my son¡¯s voice.

    This kind of love isn¡¯t something youe across every day.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart was once again filled with a warm sensation.

    Yoo Hye-Sook had to check several times if everything was okay and that he was perfectly fine and healthy before he got to speak with Kang Dae-Kyung.

    After his parents, he called Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung. They both assured him that there wasn¡¯t anything special going on in Korea right now that he had to be concerned about.

    Lastly, Kang Chan looked for Kim Mi-Young¡¯s number and gave her a call.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Hey, Mi-Young. How was the exam?¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    - You¡¯re so mean!

    Kang Chan had to stifle augh that threatened to escape.

    - When are youing back?

    ¡°I think it¡¯s going to take longer than I thought. I might have to stay for about five months,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - What about school?

    ¡°I was enrolled, but I might end up taking a leave of absence.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young remained silent for a moment. Kang Chan understood why she would feel upset.

    - Can I go to France during the vacation?

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t expecting such a question from her. Quicklying up with an answer, he said, ¡°My schedule here is so tight that I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ll have time. I¡¯ll have to check to see if I have any free days.¡±

    - What about calls? Can I call you anytime?

    ¡°I¡¯m avable after attending to all my appointments for the day in this timezone. If I don¡¯t answer, it¡¯s most likely because I have something going on. If I miss your call, I¡¯ll do my best to call you back as soon as I can.¡±

    How did she manage to endure not calling him until she was done with her exam? There was definitely a scary, stubborn side to students who excelled in their studies.

    After that, they spoke about various other topics for about thirty minutes. She told him about how she felt waiting to call him until the exam was over, acted sulky for not being able to see him, and asked him how he was doing.

    - Can I call you every day starting tomorrow?

    ¡°How about you text me when you can talk? Then I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯m free. Isn¡¯t that better?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - Okay, I¡¯ll do that.

    Strangely, listening to her reply in a cuter, high-pitched voice put Kang Chan in a better mood.

    ***

    Starting the next day, Kang Chan always spoke on the phone with Kim Mi-Young after his lessons were over from around thirty minutes to an hour. Honestly, it became a source offort and motivation for him.

    Casual chatter, what happened during her day, current hot issues in Korea, books she had read yesterday, and Eun So-Yeon bing a huge star in Korea were among some of the topics they talked about. Before dropping the call, she would always say in a hushed tone that she missed him. It made Kang Chan think that her way of liking someone was as straightforward and sincere as the way she focused on her studies.

    A weekter, Kang Chan was informed that he would have to stay in Germany for the next two weeks. Hence, he told Kim Mi-Young that he wouldn¡¯t be able to contact her for the next couple of weeks again. She was naturally upset, but she surprisingly didn¡¯t sulk too much about it.

    In Germany, Kang Chan was taught about the division and instigation of public opinion, and how important it was to have control over the media.

    Do they really believe that works?

    The strategies were so simple and crude that Kang Chan doubted their legitimacy, but after seeing examples in history, he couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge their effectiveness.

    After the two-week education period in Germany, Kang Chan returned to Niafles again. He finished up his calls with the people who had been waiting to hear from him, then put down the phone and gazed out the window, lost in thought.

    Why do these people do this training program?

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t immediately answer.

    He knew that information warfare was always happening in ces that most people couldn¡¯t even imagine, and numerous operations facing armed opposition were likely constantly being carried out behind the curtains. However, that didn¡¯t reveal what the ultimate purpose was behind gathering and training people from six countries together. To this day, he still had no idea why they would do such a thing.

    Is it just so we would get to know each other?

    The only people whom Kang Chan had met in Israel and Germany were a few instructors and the employees who served him food.

    What could people who would never act without multiple calctions running through their minds have to gain through this training?

    The other trainees didn¡¯t seem to be contemting this question at all.

    Knock, knock.

    While mulling over his thoughts, he heard a rapping at the door. Turning around, he saw Frederic stepping into his room.

    ¡°I hope I¡¯m not bothering you,¡± Frederic greeted.

    ¡°Take a seat,¡± Kang Chan briskly replied.

    Does this punk have something to say to me?

    Frederic sat opposite Kang Chan, then faced the living room window. ¡°I heard of your exemry performance in Ennd.¡±

    Kang Chan just nced at him in response. He didn¡¯t expect something like that to remain a secret forever anyway.

    ¡°The United States also has a faint idea about what you did. Ennd could have been targeting them with the device, after all. The results of the biopsy also brought the energy sources to their awareness.¡±

    This was a different side to Frederic¡¯s normally nonchnt and good-natured attitude, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t really care less.

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Kang Chan abruptly asked.

    Frederic looked at him in the eyes.

    ¡°Do you have a cigarette?¡±

    This son of a bitch!

    ¡°Should I get some from my room?¡± Frederic offered.

    When Kang Chan shook his head, Frederic brought over some cigarettes and an ashtray that Kang Chan kept in one corner of his room.

    Click.

    After lighting up his cigarette, Frederic exhaled a cloud of smoke. In a serious tone, he finally asked, ¡°Monsieur Kang. How much do you know about Lanok?¡±

 Chapter 208.1: Whats The Purpose? (2)

    Chapter 208.1: What''s The Purpose? (2)

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze grew sharper as Frederic leaned back in his chair, entuating his muscr Caucasian physique.

    ¡°France asionally holds this training with only one goal in mind: to introduce their new talent to the world. The other countries joined in simply so they can evaluate you,¡± Frederic exined.

    ¡°Is that why France is the training¡¯s host?¡±

    ¡°You really are unaware of its significance, huh? No wonder¡­ but I did expect you not to know.¡± Frederic gave Kang Chan a strange smile, seemingly finding the situation interesting. ¡°You should do whatever it takes to meet the standards of the other countries¡¯ intelligence bureaus participating in this training. After all, they know everything about you. They even know that you were part of the operations in Mongolia and France and that you shot Jang Kwang-Taek dead in North Korea.¡±

    ¡°Why are they still conducting this training when everyone already knows about me? On that note, you¡¯re all quite odd as well for joining even though you already know everything.¡±

    ¡°The training is Lanok¡¯s way of announcing that you¡¯re his sessor, and we should treat you as such from now on. You should consider it as the other countries¡¯ way of announcing that I and the other agents were all nominated as our respective homnds¡¯ sessors as well,¡± Frederic said.

    Kang Chan still couldn¡¯t really understand what the significance was of being the sessor in intelligence bureaus.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, as our governments proceed with negotiations, there will be times when they have to express their displeasure or demand unofficial conditions. They leave those matters for us to handle. You being here means that if France ever faces a problem in the future, we¡¯re supposed to first contact France through you.¡±

    Unless it was rted to the battles he fought in Africa, Kang Chan¡¯s knowledge about France was probably only around the same level as an ordinary citizen. Why would the DGSE want other countries to contact him about France-rted matters first?

    ¡°The position you¡¯re in gives you the authority to make decisions to some degree, so you being here also means that France is letting everyone know that it¡¯s prepared to spare no effort in retaliating should another country try to mess with you.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    This lousy training was quite strange.

    On one hand, Kang Chan finally understood why the French agents who guided him here told him that they were supposed to treat him with the same respect as they gave the DGSE¡¯s assistant director. On the other, however, he still had no idea what this fucker was trying to say because he kept beating around the bush.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been nning to attack North Korea. There¡¯s a low chance of us actually pushing through with it. However, if someone were to poke the ho¡¯s nest, then the United States and China will be forced to fight each other for nonsensical reasons,¡± Frederic added.

    ¡°All of this will end if the United States doesn¡¯t stir things up.¡±

    ¡°Maybe, but maybe not.¡±

    Kang Chan gave Frederic a sharp re, thinking that he was stalling for far too much. Honestly, he was beginning to wonder if he would ever get to learn about Lanok¡¯s actual position. From the looks of it, though, that didn¡¯t seem likely to happen.

    From what Kang Chan had gathered, Frederic seemed to be trying to warn him about the United States¡¯ stance on the recent global matters by cleverly adding him and Lanok into the mix.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know how I handle things by now, Frederic, so let me give you one final warning. Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want to say already,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Lanok dreams of dominating the world, and he will be sending you to the frontlines for his n, monsieur Kang.¡±

    Dumbfounded, Kang Chan burst out withughter.

    Lanok wanted to dominate the world?

    In this day and age, people no longer just yelled ¡®Yes, sir!¡¯ and knelt if someone told them to kneel. Countries with strong economies and military power exerting their powers on weak countries wasn¡¯t anything special either. That already happened numerous times in the modern world.

    Actually, no! In some sense, Kang Chan thought that it was only natural for strong countries to flex their power.

    Either way, the United States was making a big deal out of this the most.

    ¡°I suggest you don¡¯t take this lightly, monsieur Kang. After all, a world war is just right around the corner. We¡¯ll have it on our hands soon enough,¡± Frederic warned.

    ¡°Let''s make one thing clear, Frederic. I know that the countries that once had an advantage in the world could be alienated once the Eurasian Rail ispleted. Even so, threatening people with war isn¡¯t that wise. Threats like that can no longer overwhelm and make a country submit to your will. I don¡¯t know what the United States¡¯ true intention is behind their n to attack North Korea, but I hope you¡¯re well aware that I won¡¯t just sit back and watch it all unfold if you ever involve those I hold dear in this.¡±

    ¡°We have no hidden intentions. I just hope that you¡¯ll look at the reality a bit more level-headedly. After all, you¡¯ve gotten the most attention from the intelligence bureaus across the globe recently, and you¡¯re the only person to ever sessfully make everyone remember their codename.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re making me ufortable.¡±

    Frederic smiled as if he was dumbfounded. ¡°It seems people are right about you always going off the mark from everyone¡¯s expectations. To be fair, who could have expected that someone would kill Jang Kwang-Taek and charge straight into Chinese territory to wreak havoc in one of their airports?¡±

    If these fuckers knew that much, then they would also know about everyone in his life, including Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, and even Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Frederic, there¡¯s something that¡¯s caught my curiosity,¡± Kang Chan began.

    Frederic looked at Kang Chan with an expression that seemed to say, ¡®Oh?¡¯

    ¡°Do you know where Wui Min-Gook is?¡±

    ¡°Wui Min-Gook?¡± Frederic asked in response.

    Considering he had so much intel, It was very disappointing that he didn¡¯t know anything about Wui Min-Gook.

    ¡°You should get going. See you tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said. Fortunately, he didn¡¯t like anyone here, which was quite convenient for him. After all, that meant he wouldn¡¯t ever have to worry about them¡ªnot even after they parted ways.

    Sometimes, ignorance truly was bliss.

    The next day, Kang Chan was unusually bored. He felt as if he was wasting his time while he was attending his lessons. It made him focus a bit more on his morning workouts, which actually gave him some level offort.

    He definitely learned English and the international situation and economy. However, much to his disappointment, that didn¡¯t really change the purpose of the training.

    Talking to people in South Korea was his only sce.

    He had never done this while he was in Africa, but it had now be the most important part of his daily routine.

    After two weeks, he was sent to Russia.

    Kang Chan wondered if he would get to meet Vasili, but aside from their instructors and the employees who took care of their meals and amodation, he didn¡¯t really meet anyone else.

    While in Russia, they were taught about all kinds of weapons and their utilities, which only further bored Kang Chan. He was basically forced to sit through PowerPoint slides about things that he had seen and held so many times back in Africa that he had grown bored of them.

    After the two-week training, they headed straight to China, which was unexpected.

    They probably didn¡¯t n it this way so they could decrease how much they were spending on flights. Either way, this only gave Kang Chan enough time to send everyone a message informing them that he would be having a hard time contacting them for two more weeks.

    In China, they were taught about the systems of countries across the globe, which was quite preposterous. However, Kang Chan surprisingly liked the lessons. He learned about capitalism, socialism, democracy,munism, and countries¡¯ ideologies and responses to religion.

    Remembering how his enemies moved and acted back in Africa made him focus on his sses.

    By the time they had finally returned to France, Andrei had removed his mask and could eat soft food. He was likely still in pain and felt as if he was chewing on his own flesh when eating meat, though. Fortunately, he had amazing tenacity and durability.

    After dinner, Kang Chan thought of calling back home, which he hadn¡¯t done in a long time. However, before he could, someone knocked on his door three times. The door soon opened, and Pierre came in.

    ¡°Do you have a moment to talk?¡± Pierre asked.

    ¡°Yes. Please have a seat.¡±

    Kang Chan gestured to the table. Pierre sat across from him.

    ¡°Christmas is in three days,¡± Pierre began. He probably wasn¡¯t here to ask Kang Chan to help him prepare a Christmas party, so Kang Chan just silently waited for him to continue.

    ¡°The training ended early.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to the United States, then?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Something was clearly going on that Pierre couldn¡¯t talk about. Kang Chan thought that Pierre would tell him about it if he just asked, but he didn¡¯t really want to know.

    ¡°We¡¯re thinking of gathering everyone for a meal before dismissing them,¡± Pierre said.

    ¡°Pierre, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s something that I should decide.¡±

    ¡°I have already reported that the training has officially ended, which means you have officially be the DGSE¡¯s assistant director. You¡¯re two ranks higher than me. ording to DGSE¡¯s rules, while the assistant director is in Niafles, all employees of the Niafles branch will be under theirmand.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that the training isn¡¯t done yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The training is over, and I have already reported it to the Intelligence Bureau and the DGSE[1]. From this moment forward, we are to inform you of all ourmands and wait for your permission and approval before we can issue them. We obviously don¡¯t have to do that for general tasks, but since the DGSE is responsible for the training, only you can decide how it ends.¡±

    Pierre lived a tough life.

    Pierre was basically telling Kang Chan that they had to put someone¡ªwho didn¡¯t know any better¡ªin a high-ranking DGSE position and that he had to decide whether to have a meal with the others first before parting ways. At this rate, Kang Chan felt as if Pierre would soon ask him to pick the menu. Hence, he decided to quickly wrap up this matter.

    ¡°Pierre, as I¡¯m sure you¡¯re well aware of, I don¡¯t really know much about this line of work, which is why I think it would be best to leave this matter in your capable hands. Is there perhaps anything else I can help you with?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Pierre seemed to be hesitating.

    What could the person in charge of the Intelligence Bureau¡¯s Niafles be so hesitant about?

    Pierre probably wasn¡¯t worrying about how much they should cook the steak, or what kind of wine they should serve.

    1. There was a distinction between the Intelligence Bureau and the DGSE in this chapter, so we have reflected that in the trantion ?

 Chapter 208.2: Whats The Purpose? (2)

    Chapter 208.2: What''s The Purpose? (2)

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, throughout the DGSE¡¯s history, no foreigner has ever joined this training as France¡¯s representative or gone up thedder to be DGSE¡¯s assistant director,¡± Pierre began. Noticing that Kang Chan was looking at him, he continued, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be a stretch to say that High Commissioner Lanok risked his entire political career for this. After all, for as long as you¡¯re doing well, you will be responsible for all of France¡¯s important intelligence work.¡±

    Highmissioner?

    If Kang Chan heard Pierre right, then he just called Lanok ¡®High Commissioner.¡¯

    Kang Chan was more bothered about that title.

    ¡°We¡¯ve only known each other for a short while, but I think it was enough for me to learn about your character and personality. Unfortunately, a lot of people in the DGSE won¡¯t understand you. High Commissioner Lanok definitely sent Anne and Louis to the DGSE because he was worried about this,¡± Pierre added.

    Kang Chan had never even thought about it. Was the situation really dangerous enough for Lanok to send Anne to the DGSE to protect Kang Chan even though the DGSE¡¯s very first step in dealing with dangerous people was to remove them?

    ¡°The DGSE¡¯s current Director General is very ambitious, monsieur Kang. He still isn¡¯t powerful enough to fight the High Commissioner, but the moment he gets the chance to, he will definitely cause everyone trouble.¡±

    ¡°Why are you telling me all this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m certain that the High Commissioner chose you for the development of France. If it turns out I¡¯m right, then the best thing you can do is to establish yourself within the DGSE as soon as you can and bring stability to it. I was hoping to ask you to do this.¡±

    ¡°Pierre, can I refuse to be the DGSE¡¯s assistant director?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t. Not while you¡¯re alive, at least,¡± Pierre firmly answered.

    ¡°But I don¡¯t even know anything about France¡¯s internal situation.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The High Commissioner will continue to support you.¡±

    ¡°Can the DGSE remove me?¡± Kang Chan prodded on.

    Even though Kang Chan was askingpletely different questions in an informal waypared to before[1], Pierre looked morefortable with that.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, please get your hands on the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces.¡±

    Kang Chan cocked his head. To him¡ªsomeone who knew more about the Foreign Legion than anyone else¡ªPierre¡¯s statement meant the same thing as telling him topletely take over France.

    ¡°You have to establish your position while the High Commissioner and Anne can still protect you. If you seed, your position alone will serve as a shield that can protect the High Commissioner and Anne. It will also solidify France¡¯s foundations for development, which is in line with the High Commissioner¡¯s decision,¡± Pierre continued.

    ¡°How do you suggest I aplish that?¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, I cannot help you with that. You¡¯re going to have to do this on your own.¡±

    Kang Chan could see Pierre¡¯s strong will in his eyes. He wasn¡¯t determined just because of reasons as conventional as simply being devoted to France. Only people risking their lives could have this level of resolve.

    ¡°Pierre, it seems telling me all this puts your life at risk,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. The DGSE is that powerful.¡±

    ¡°Why still tell me all of this, then?¡±

    ¡°I believe that if the High Commissioner was in my position, he would¡¯ve made this kind of decision for France. I¡¯m also just following my sense of duty, which is pushing me to pass on necessary information to you for France¡¯s sake. However, I¡¯m also doing this because I want to trust you,¡± Pierre answered so quickly that it was as if he had already prepared those answers beforehand.

    ¡°How much authority do I have as the DGSE¡¯s assistant director?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Enough for you to even issue orders to kill the leaders of African countries.¡±

    Kang Chan took a deep breath. That kind of authority made it difficult to call his new position as just the assistant director.

    ¡°Do I actually have enough power to issue that kind of order?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°A new phone number will be saved to your phone. If you call it, you¡¯ll be immediately connected to the DGSE so you can issue all the orders you want.¡±

    ¡°How many people are above the assistant director?¡±

    ¡°Two Deputy Director-Generals and one Director-General.¡±

    Damn it! No wonder I didn¡¯t want to do the training!

    ¡°The United States and France have a military agreement that gives us the authority to use the US military¡¯s Osan air base at our discretion. Likewise, you¡¯ll have the authority to call your own private ne to Osan whenever you want. You¡¯ll also have the authority to issue an emergency decree on the Foreign Legion, mobilize them, and even issue orders to kill and assassinate anyone with level 2 ssification in the DGSE, which is everyone below the Deputy Director-Generals,¡± Pierre exined.

    This is bullshit!

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to have this much authority at all. He couldn¡¯t even understand why Lanok suddenly gave him this much power.

    Pierre looked even more puzzled than him, though.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem that surprised,¡± Pierremented.

    I am surprised! I¡¯m so surprised that my heart is pounding right now!

    However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t let his emotions show. He felt as if his ability to hide his emotions had be even more effective after absorbing the energy of ckhead, that damn rock.

    Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª

    Amid their conversation, Kang Chan¡¯s phone briefly rang.

    Could it be?

    Noticing that Pierre was looking at him, Kang Chan immediately held up his phone and checked the caller ID.

    000-001-0003.

    For the first time in his two lives, Kang Chan realized that people could pressure others with mere numbers.

    ¡°You should call back to confirm who called you,¡± Pierre said.

    After Kang Chan looked away from Pierre, he called the number that left him a missed call.

    - We await your orders, monsieur Kang.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    ¡°Anne, you don¡¯t have to act so stiffly.¡±

    - I will be your direct contact to the DGSE. I look forward to working with you.

    ¡°Is Louis doing well?¡±

    - He¡¯s in charge of executing yourmands. Louis and I have been assigned the confidential tasks that you¡¯ll order.

    What¡¯s going on?

    Kang Chan could only smile.

    - Monsieur Kang, this is the only phone call we¡¯ll have before we officially start our duties. After this, your calls will be automatically recorded. Before that, however, I have onest favor to ask you.

    Anne sounded different from what Kang Chan remembered. This difference would be very clear in Western cultures, but it seemed even more evident in Anne.

    - Please protect my father.

    However, she sounded as if she reverted to the Anne that Kang Chan knew when she said those words.

    The least he could do for someone asking him for such a sincere favor was to give some thought to his answer.

    ¡°Anne.¡±

    - Yes, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°When I told the ambassador that I was going to Mongolia, he asked me a question.¡±

    Kang Chan remembered the emotion that he felt at that time.

    ¡°He asked me if I would behave the same way for you as well¡ªif I would protect and rescue you as I did for the agents. I promise that I¡¯ll protect your father the same way I protect you.¡±

    - Thank you, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to feel happy about bing the DGSE¡¯s assistant director. I¡¯m d I get to work with you.

    - Louis always says that he¡¯s thankful that you helped me be who I am today.

    Kang Chan justughed in response.

    Now that things had turned out this way, he was given no choice but to join another fight that he couldn¡¯t back out of.

    He had a lot of work to do in this new life of his.

    ¡°Anne, I¡¯d like to make two requests.¡±

    - Go ahead, Monsieur Kang.

    Pierre quickly looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Look into Wui Min-Gook¡¯s location. He¡¯s a North Korean special forces soldier who sneaked into South Korea. I also want you to find and look into how I can meet G¨¦rard in the 13th regiment of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces. Keep it a secret from him.¡±

    - I¡¯ll have your orders executed immediately.

    Kang Chan hung up. Pierre finally looked relieved.

    ¡°Pierre,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t this put you in danger?¡±

    Pierre didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°People might try to remove me if they find out what kind of rtionship I have with Anne, which is why I can¡¯t help but wonder if this also puts you in a tough spot,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Establishing your position will also keep me safe.¡±

    Kang Chanughed, finding Pierre''s answer quite appalling. In the end, Pierre was ultimately telling him to quickly spread his influence over the DGSE.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like to drink, but for some reason, I feel like we should at least have wine together,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    For the first time since Pierre came into the room, he smiled like an ordinary person.

    ¡°It seems youpletely understand how French people feel now. For some reason, I sometimes find myself feeling as if you¡¯ve lived in France for quite some time already. I¡¯m actually feeling that way right now.¡±

    ¡°Then let''s have wine. Ah, but before we do, there¡¯s something that I¡¯m curious about.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll answer to the best of my ability.¡±

    ¡°Is there any other reason you only told me that I have be the DGSE¡¯s assistant director now?¡±

    Pierre immediately stiffened. ¡°Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know anything about that, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°Let me ask you just one more thing, then. Can I trust you?¡±

    Kang Chan knew that was a childish question. However, he still wanted to hear his answer¡ªeven if it was just a lie to evade this situation. Pierre¡¯s answer right now would be an important factor in deciding what to do if they faced an unexpected situation in the future.

    At the very least, that was what Kang Chan experienced during the battles he fought in Africa.

    ¡°I will let you decide on that, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. Pierre smiled as well, looking as if he was admitting his defeat.

    ¡°I think I need to drink wine now,¡± Kang Chan said afterward.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have it prepared,¡± Pierre answered and walked over to the phone.

    Kang Chan missed the somaek[2] that he drank with Seok Kang-Ho. These fuckers definitelycked such beverages. But more importantly, these fuckers didn¡¯t have Seok Kang-Ho, and South Korea did.

    1. KC had been speaking formally to Pierre, but then started to speak informally in a way that shows / hints that he''s in a high position ?

    2. Somaek is a cocktail of soju and beer ?

 Chapter 209.1: I Couldnéˆ¥æª› Leave Here (1)

    Chapter 209.1: I Couldn¡¯t Leave Here (1)

    Kang Dae-Kyung was still busy a day before Christmas since he had to wrap things up for the year during this season. The nature of the automotive sales industry required the disposal of excess inventory before the new year.

    Interestingly enough, even though some of his employees were actually National Intelligence Service agents equipped with firearms, they were quite enthusiastic about selling cars. He had lived an ordinary life all this time, so he never had the chance to run into people like them until recently. Hence, he couldn¡¯t help but find it quite fascinating watching them perform in the service industry and deal with customers.

    To top it all off, they not only got along extremely well with his already existing employees but also made efforts to guarantee their performance was top-notch. They would even bow their heads down to rude customers to appease them.

    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s time,¡± an employee said, interrupting his reverie.

    ¡°Oh, is it?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded in surprise.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced at the clock. He then finished up the documents he was checking on hisputer.

    ¡°Deputy Kim,¡± he hesitantly called.

    ¡°Yes, Director Kang?¡± the employee replied.

    ¡°¡­Nevermind.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung was about to ask the employee if he was tired of tending to these tasks but thought against it. Asking them such a question would do nothing but dampen their spirits.

    Kang Dae-Kyung stood up from his desk and turned off his screen. At the same time, Deputy Kim took Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s coat from the hanger for him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do these small tasks, Mr. Kim,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung insisted.

    Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t help but feel apologetic about the employee¡¯s situation. Agents like Deputy Section Chief Kim went through countless trials and rigorous training to be selected and employed by the government. Yet here he was, holding Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s old and simple top coat.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, sir,¡± Deputy Section Chief Kim politely replied.

    With huge incidents taking ce one after another, the agents decided to move with him. However, Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t expect them to escort him so closely that they seemed like his personal secretaries.

    Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t have any peace of mind as they made their way to the parking lot.

    It had already been a month since hest spoke to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan texted him a while ago to let him know that he wouldn¡¯t be able to call for two more weeks because of a sudden change in his schedule. Still, Kang Dae-Kyung was his father. He couldn¡¯t just think, ¡°I see,¡± and mindlessly ept it.

    Yoo Hye-Sook sighed all the time, even in front of the TV and while making hot soup for breakfast. In the middle of the night, she would quietly leave the bedroom and head to the living room to thump her chest out of sheer concern. During moments like those, Kang Dae-Kyung pretended not to notice and just cracked silly jokes.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s sighs were especially deeper on mornings after she had worrying dreams. Just like back at the hotel, she said she felt uneasy and that she kept having nightmares about a red monster rushing toward her son. However, whenever she was on a call with Kang Chan, she would try not to show any of her concerns.

    They were proud of their talented son. They were happy for him. However, they had never once let go of their worries. When they saw their son running beside the van during the shootout at the underground parking lot, Kang Dae-Kyung was so anxious that he felt as if his heart could melt away at any moment. While Yoo Hye-Sook shouted ¡°Channy!¡± at the top of her lungs, Kang Dae-Kyung clenched his teeth to hold himself back from doing the same. By the time they arrived at the hotel back then, the tension had already given him a stiff neck.

    It was embarrassing. As a father, he had to act firm and dependable, but he missed his son too much. He liked how his son¡¯s sharp gaze turned softer when looking at Yoo Hye-Sook, when he would randomlye to him with problems to discuss out of the blue, and when he would call to ask him for help so he wouldn¡¯t hurt Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s feelings. Kang Dae-Kyung truly missed his son.

    I miss him.

    When Kang Dae-Kyung extended his hand to stroke the head of his all-grown-up son and embrace his son¡¯s sturdy shoulders, despite the awkwardness, Kang Dae-Kyung felt a happiness that couldn¡¯t be found anywhere else.

    Kang Dae-Kyung was sure that Kang Chan was fine. His son would return safe and sound no matter what difficulties he was going through. Soon, their little family would once again get to sit together at breakfast and order chicken while watching a movie on Saturdays.

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s office was on the second floor, so they generally just used the stairs to get to the underground parking lot. He went back home with Yoo Hye-Sook, who came down a bitter. The agents were quite good at managing their schedules, so he never had to wait too long, and she was never particrlyte.

    As Deputy Section Chief Kim walked out of the office, he checked if the agents in the underground parking lot were in position. Only after getting confirmation from them did he and Kang Dae-Kyung go down the stairs.

    ¡°You should be home with your family on days like this too, Mr. Kim. I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said apologetically.

    Deputy Section Chief Kim gave him a good-natured smile.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re aware of this, sir¡­¡± Deputy Section Chief Kim trailed off and checked if there were any other people below or above them before continuing. ¡°... but the agents who guard you and Mrs. Yoo can take time off or apply to change positions at any time. However, once I make such a request, about twenty people will rush to take my ce.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung gazed back at Deputy Section Chief Kim, unable to understand what he meant.

    ¡°We are all prepared to give everything we have if it means being able to help your son even just a tiny bit,¡± he added.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded and quickly looked back at the stairs in front of him. As a father, hearing statements like that made him feel eternally grateful. However, it also made him miss his son even more.

    He felt the yearning even more on days when Christmas carols were ying in the streets everywhere.

    Creak.

    Deputy Section Chief Kim opened the door to the underground parking lot, checked the security outside, and escorted Kang Dae-Kyung out.

    Kang Dae-Kyung thought about having dinner out with Yoo Hye-Sook. As he approached the car, he quickly nced at Deputy Section Chief Kim. All three agents assigned to the area were standing around it, which was quite unusual. Moreover, Deputy Section Chief Kim looked as if he was masking a smile.

    ¡®What is it?¡¯

    Kang Dae-Kyung tried to read his expression as he walked closer to the car. However, before he could decipher it, augh escaped his lips.

    Kang Chan was right in front of him. Kang Chan smiled brightly as soon as he saw him.

    The moment Kang Dae-Kyung saw his son between the agents, he felt as if the rest of the world disappeared. Kang Dae-Kyung could only see his son.

    ¡°Father,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    ¡°You punk¡­¡± Kang Dae-Kyung trailed off.

    He was all grown up. His son grew up before he knew it and was now hugging him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve told me you wereing!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung fussed. He was happy. More than anything in the world, he was ted to be embracing his son right now.

    ¡®I have to check his face. Is he hurt anywhere?¡¯

    How did his son grow up so much in that short amount of time?

    ¡°You didn¡¯t call your mom either?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Nope,¡± Kang Chan replied with a grin.

    Kang Dae-Kyung chuckled in disbelief. He was smug for not being the only one who would be taken by surprise and pleased at how thrilled Yoo Hye-Sook would be.

    Creak.

    Just then, the door to the parking lot opened again. A female agent entered first, followed by Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Come here,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung mischievously said, standing in front of Kang Chan. Quickly catching onto what he was doing, Deputy Section Chief Kim stood next to Kang Dae-Kyung to help hide Kang Chan. Kang Chan bent over and hid behind Kang Dae-Kyung, then carefully peaked over his shoulder to look at Yoo Hye-Sook.

    It looked as if the agents were all gathered around Kang Dae-Kyung, so Yoo Hye-Sook seemed taken aback.

    ¡°Honey?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked worriedly.

    ¡°Are you done with work today?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied with confusion. She looked to his sides with a scared expression. As she did, Kang Chan¡¯s face popped up from behind her husband¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Huh?¡± she eximed in shock, frozen as if under the effect of a spell.

    Kang Dae-Kyung moved aside, and Kang Chan took Yoo Hye-Sook into his arms.

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t able to call you,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    Yoo Hye-Sook could only sob.

    ¡°I missed you,¡± Kang Chan said with a soft smile.

    ¡°Mmmm.¡±

    She was trying not to cry, which made her sound strange. However, no one found it hideous.

    Her son had been running beside the van with a hobbling leg during the shootout. One day, he suddenly changed and began living an entirely different life. As his mother, she had to watch him through it all.

    Yoo Hye-Sook clutched onto Kang Chan¡¯s back and cried her heart out. Everyone present understood how she felt. The female agents sniffed with red eyes. The male agents¡¯ eyes were tearing up as well, but they nced around their surroundings to hide them.

    ¡°Are you feeling better now?¡± Kang Chan asked with a smile.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook responded after wiping her tears and then ring at Kang Dae-Kyung. She clearly looked upset.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°You knew, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±

    The atmosphere calmed down a bit.

    ¡°Father, if it¡¯s all right with you, I was thinking of taking all the employees to dinner with us,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. What about you, dear?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Of course. I was hoping for that too,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook agreed.

    Kang Chan turned around.

    ¡°Who¡¯s in charge here?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I am today, sir,¡± Deputy Section Chief Kim swiftly replied.

    ¡°Woo Hee-Seung is outside too. Come to dinner with us,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°The three of you should take this time to have a cozy family dinner today. We will apany you next time,¡± Deputy Section Chief Kim politely declined.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Let¡¯s go together,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook insisted.

    ¡°If you¡¯re alright with it, I¡¯d like to have you all join us,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung added.

    After receiving a nod from Kang Chan, Deputy Section Chief Kim lifted his left hand to his ear with a pleased face and spoke over the radio.

    ¡°Do you think we should make a reservation for a restaurant?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already prepared everything. I¡¯ll be your escort today, Mother,¡± Kang Chan determinedly said.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Woo Hee-Sung knows where it is. Just tell all the employees to follow him,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Deputy Section Chief Kim replied.

    When the agent who would lead their convoy finished preparing the car, Kang Chan got into it with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I made a reservation at the International Hotel out front,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Did you ask for time off?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t have to. I¡¯m already done with my training,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Really?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked, suddenly filled with hope.

    ¡°Yes. I couldn¡¯t call you because my schedule was pulled forward, but at least I finished my appointments early,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced back at Kang Chan and then turned forward again.

    ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

 Chapter 209.2: I Couldnéˆ¥æª› Leave Here (1)

    Chapter 209.2: I Couldn¡¯t Leave Here (1)

    Upon reaching the entrance of the International Hotel, agents rushed toward them from behind and in front. But that wasn¡¯t the end of it.

    The hotel valet immediately took Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s car, and two managers stood at the entrance to greet Kang Chan.

    ¡°This way, please.¡±

    People created an encirclement around Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook to escort them to the elevator and up to the highest floor. One side of the floor waspletely blocked and had a long, connected table with chairs arranged at exact distances from each other.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook seemed quite surprised. There were more chairs than expected.

    ¡°I was thinking of calling the employees assigned to the apartment as well as the ones who are off today, so I asked them to prepare a lot of seats,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Good job. You should never forget to be grateful to people working hard to help us and keep us safe,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung praised.

    ¡°I won¡¯t, Father,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook sat down where an employee directed them, and Kang Chan sat across from them.

    A momentter, Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee entered, followed by Deputy Section Chief Kim and the other employees of Kang Yoo Motors, the employees from the foundation, and the ones who were off.

    Although there were a few people he had never met before among them, most of them were familiar faces by now, and they had grown on each other. Hence, Kang Chan sat down with a weing smile.

    ¡°Thank you for all your hard work,¡± Kang Chan said gratefully, standing up. The agents all looked proud.

    They were currently being served a course meal. The wine came out first, and everyone enjoyed their food in afortable atmosphere.

    Kang Dae-Kyung thanked everyone with a toast, and Kang Chan followed with the second toast, thanking the agents for protecting his parents.

    They exchanged various jokes and enjoyed themselves with a Christmas carol being yed by a quartet in the background.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked happy throughout the entire evening.

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯m going to drop by Jeungpyeong for a bit in the morning,¡± Kang Chan said in the middle of the meal.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked up at him with a suddenly frightened expression. Kang Chan smiled at her softly.

    ¡°I¡¯m just going to visit one of the agents I worked with. He got injured. I¡¯ll be back right after,¡± Kang Chan assured her.

    With a sad expression, Yoo Hye-Sook nodded. She had seen agents getting shot up close during the underground parking lot shootout, so she understood.

    ¡°All right, good idea. You should definitely visit. Since there might be traffic during the night, you cane back tomorrow,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you after I check how things go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    After the two-hour meal and about twenty minutes of teatime, the gathering came to an end. Everyone stood up to say goodbye, and Kang Chan shook hands with each agent.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done, sir,¡± the agents replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t understand why the agents were thanking Kang Chan for his efforts, but they could tell that the agents were being sincere.

    Afterward, Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook one more time.

    ¡°Thank you foring back safely, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, bing emotional again.

    ¡°I¡¯m so happy to see you again, Mother,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kang Dae-Kyung happily stroked Kang Chan¡¯s hair. He missed doing this.

    After saying goodbye to his parents at the hotel, Kang Chan went to the office in Samseong-Dong as promised.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Tae-Jin, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Seok Kang-Ho were already waiting for him. Jeon Dae-Geuk, who was upset because he missed seeing Kang Chan thest time, was especially weing. He greeted Kang Chan like an uncle who hadn¡¯t seen his nephew in a long time.

    ¡°How was dinner?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°Good,¡± Kang Chan replied with a grin.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk couldn¡¯t take his eyes off of Kang Chan. It was as if just looking at him gave him joy.

    ¡°We should leave now, sir. We don¡¯t want to bete,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung urged.

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk replied.

    The group came down from the office. Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Jeon Dae-Geuk got into the same car while Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung took another.

    ¡°Mr. Seok, thank you foring with us,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°After hearing about it, I naturally had to go. I¡¯m d the captain is here toe with us too,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°I¡¯vee to realize a lot of things after hearing the news from Manager Kim. It also brought to my attention that we still don¡¯t properly honor those who sacrificed for our country.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it will slowly improve.¡±

    It took a while for them to exit the highways, which was unexpected.

    ¡°We¡¯ll bete at this rate,¡± Seok Kang-Homented, sounding quite worried.

    ¡°Just step on the pedal. Worst-case scenario, we¡¯ll get ticketed,¡± Kang Chan ordered him.

    ¡°Hang on. Keep going at this speed,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said as he pulled out his phone. He called a number and began to exin where their car was and where they were headed.

    Five minutester¡­

    Weeoo. Weeoo. Weeoo.

    ¡­ two police cars quickly sped toward them and drove next to the car that Kang Chan was in.

    I didn¡¯t know we could do this.

    Thankfully, instead of beingte, they were thirty minutes early. As they entered the Jeungpyeong base, thete Choi Seong-Gon¡¯s barracks opened, and his former deputy and a pale-faced Cha Dong-Gyun trudged out.

    When Kang Chan approached them, Cha Dong-Gyun saluted him.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kang Chan asked. Noticing the bed and an IV drip through the open door, he red at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°I can¡¯t just stay here, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said emotionally. He seemed to be holding back his tears after seeing Kang Chan.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Tae-Jin, and Kim Hyung-Jung all stayed silent.

    ¡°Let him go,¡± Kang Chan told the deputy, then turned back to Cha Dong-Gyun. ¡°Be firm. Show him your resolve.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied. Everyone who heard his response became sure that seeing Kang Chan gave him the courage to stand back up.

    ¡°Are you going toe with us?¡± Kang Chan asked, noticing Cha Dong-Gyun wearing a first lieutenant¡¯s memorial uniform.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Not long after, The soldiers¡¯ barracks opened and soldiers neatly dressed in uniforms came out to greet Kang Chan¡¯s group.

    ¡°Ha. It¡¯s like watching younger siblings reunite with their eldest brother after losing their father,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said with a sigh.

    Kim Tae-Jin smiled wryly.

    The joy on the soldiers¡¯ faces and the regained energy in their eyes was a sight that was hard to put into words.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to bete. Let¡¯s get going,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The soldiers boarded the prepared bus, and Kang Chan¡¯s group got back into the sedans.

    The sedan Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s former deputy and Cha Dong-Gyun were in led the convoy, followed by Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee, Kang Chan, Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung, then the bus.

    After leaving the base and about twenty minutes on the highway, they came across an apartment for military personnel. It was a worn-down 4-story apartment without an elevator.

    Passing by it and going on for about five minutes on a winding road, they finally reached a church. Kang Chan and the rest stopped in front of it.

    The deputy entered first. A woman dressed in a choir director uniform came out, nodded, and went back in.

    It was a cold day.

    Kang Chan could see his breath in front of him, but no one cared about the cold.

    They all waited for about ten minutes. The woman earlier then opened the door and told them they could enter now.

    With Kang Chan at the front, they all trailed inside, and the gazes of the people in the church naturally turned to them.

    The few soldiers among them jumped up from their seats upon seeing Cha Dong-Gyun and the deputy.

    ¡°They are colleagues of Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s father. She will be singing a solo today. Everyone, please wee Lee Yoo-Seul with apuse,¡± the woman announced.

    Apuse rang out loud amid the surprise.

    Kang Chan and his group stood at the central staircase while the other soldiers stood at attention in the back. Apanied by music, Lee Yoo-Seul appeared and began to sing a song titled ¡°You Were Born to Be Loved.¡±

    Lee Yoo-Seul was the daughter of the fallen soldier who had broken his finger. Unable to ept her father¡¯s death, the second-grader in elementary school suffered from severe depression, which had caused her to lose her ability to speak.

    The soldiers prepared this ceremony for his daughter. They all came together with Kang Chan when Seok Kang-Ho informed them about it.

    A woman in the front row trembled and began to weep in sorrow. Lee Yoo-Seul, who was singing, began to sob as well. She choked up and began to cry.

    ¡°Daddy!¡±

    As if pulled by something, Kang Chan instinctively moved forward. The stage was at chest height for him.

    ¡°C¡¯mere, kiddo,¡± he said.

    ¡°Waah! Waaaahhh!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll all be okay,¡± he soothed her.

    Lee Yoo-Seul bent down to Kang Chan and got in his arms, gripping his neck tightly and crying.

    Kang Chan walked down the central aisle and took Lee Yoo-Seul to the other soldiers.

    ¡°We won¡¯t ever forget your dad either,¡± he told her.

    ¡°Wah! Waahh!¡±

    ¡°Your dad was a truly great man. You don¡¯t have to force yourself to forget him,¡± Kang Chan said softly.

    Lee Soo-Yeul cried her heart out in his arms. Cha Dong-Gyun approached them.

    ¡°Yoo-Seul, Uncle will be like your dad, okay?¡± he said.

    After that, the soldiers began toe over one by one and pat her back.

    ¡°Your dad probably wants to listen to you sing, but we can stop here if you want,¡± Kang Chan told her.

    ¡°Will Daddy really listen to my song?¡± Lee Yoo-Seul asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kang Chan reassured her.

    Amid thunderous apuse, Kang Chan brought Lee Yoo-Seul back onto the stage. Lee Yoo-Seul seemed to have regained herposure after seeing the soldiers in their military uniforms.

    ¡°Daddy! Make sure you listen!¡± she shouted.

    The young girl¡¯s heartfelt wish filled the church before traveling up toward her father.

 Chapter 210: I Couldnéˆ¥æª› Leave Here (2)

    Chapter 210: I Couldn¡¯t Leave Here (2)

    The sadness in Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s eyes prevented Kang Chan from leaving the church even afterforting her. Hence, he picked her up isntead and watched the rest of the ceremony with her. Surrounded by soldiers in formal attires, Lee Yoo-Seul remained in Kang Chan¡¯s arms for quite some time after she stopped crying.

    ¡°Come here,¡± Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s mom said with puffy eyes when the ceremony finally ended, but Lee Yoo-Seul shook her head.

    ¡°Please let her be. If it¡¯s okay with you, I would like to hold her for a little longer,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s mom pursed her lips, struggling to hold back her tears. ¡°Did anyone see my husband¡¯s final moments? Was he lonely or afraid?¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk looked out the window, and Kim Tae-Jin wiped his eyes as if he were wiping away his sweat.

    ¡°I was with him,¡± Kang Chan answered. The entire special forces team with him listened to what he was about to say.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t save him. None of us here could¡¯ve survived in that dire situation if it wasn¡¯t for Yoo-Seul¡¯s father,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s mom covered her mouth.

    ¡°He was braver than anyone. He never even showed anyone that he was struggling. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be. I was frustrated because no one ever told me what happened in his final moments, but you alling here today shows that he wasn¡¯t lonely and that he died honorably, which puts me at ease.¡±

    Tears fell from Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s eyes again, perhaps because her mom was crying.

    ¡°Yoo-Seul, your dad saved me and everyone here. I¡¯ve never met anyone as brave as him,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Lee Yoo-Seul burrowed into Kang Chan¡¯s arms. She was still a child, after all. She cried for about ten minutes, then fell asleep in his arms.

    Kang Chan took her to her family¡¯s oldpact car andid her down.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going through a hard time, please contact us anytime,¡± Kang Chan told Yoo-Seul¡¯s mom.

    ¡°I¡¯m already grateful enough to have you all here remembering my husband. It gives me the courage to continue living.¡±

    Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s mom bowed to Kang Chan and the soldiers several times, then left the church. As she did, Jeon Dae-Geuk approached Kang Chan and patted his back.

    Kang Chan¡¯s party headed back to the military camp after. As soon as they arrived, the soldiers took off their formal attire and put on clothes for cold weather. They then lit a bonfire in the yard.

    Swoosh!

    The mes soared up. As they listened to the sound of the wood burning, Yoon Sang-Ki and the general¡¯s former aide handed paper cups to everyone.

    ¡°What¡¯s your n now?¡± the sharp-eyed Cha Dong-Gyun looked at Kang Chan as he broke out in a cold sweat.

    Smirking, Kang Chan looked at the soldiers. These fuckers had already found a deep ce in his heart.

    No matter their age or rank, they could trust each other with their lives.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes, sir?¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Tae-Jin, and Kim Hyung-Jung focused on what Kang Chan was about to say.

    ¡°I need the strongest special forces team in the world¡ªsoldiers that are full of so much pride that they can suppress the pain that you all saw today. If you are all okay with it, then I want to turn South Korea into the center of the Eurasian Rail.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s expression hardened as he looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Living up to our name? We have already defeated the Spetsnaz and SBS, blew up China¡¯s airport, and even infiltrated North Korea to kille Jang Kwang-Taek. As you all can guess by now, the intelligence bureaus across the globe are already aware that we did all that. Still, I need a special forces team that¡¯s even stronger than that,¡± Kang Chan added.

    The soldiers¡¯ faces reddened, perhaps because the wind was blowing the firelight from the bonfire toward them.

    ¡°With your confidence and help, I can make South Korea the center of the Eurasian Rail. However, nobody will ever know your names and your families will likely go through the same pain that we just witnessed and felt today.¡±

    Unable to suppress his excitement, Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s hand trembled. He had dreamed of this moment his entire life.

    He had always hoped that someone would stand on the frontlines and lead them.

    Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t fail to take responsibility for such a goal because he didn¡¯t just say them due to a fleeting feeling. He had the capabilities and qualifications to actually make it happen.

    Still smirking, Kang Chan looked at the soldiers. ¡°Do you want to try bing that team?¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun smiled at him, then slowly looked around their surroundings. ¡°The God of ckfield just gave us a chance. If any of you don¡¯t want to be a part of this, feel free to back out now.¡±

    No one answered or moved.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho answered energetically when Cha Dong-Gyun called him.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to be in charge of the men¡¯s training until I recover.¡±

    ¡°Please leave it to me!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho answered firmly.

    ¡°Fuck! We¡¯re really dead meat now!¡± one of the soldiers eximed.

    ¡°It would¡¯ve been great if we could have soju on this kind of day!¡± another responded.

    ¡°Hey! Would our enemies rest just because it¡¯s Christmas?¡±

    ¡°I know they won¡¯t! I¡¯m just saying that it¡¯s a pity.¡±

    They exchanged absurd jokes despite theck of alcohol. The heartwarming atmosphere showed how close they were.

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk patted Kang Chan¡¯s back even though he knew it would take more than that to aplish Kang Chan¡¯s goal.

    Kang Chan¡¯s party spent thirty more minutes with the soldiers before leaving the military camp. The soldiers saw Kang Chan off with extremely encouraged looks.

    ***

    Kang Chan and his party arrived in Seoul around an hour past midnight.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho sat at the specialty coffee shop at the intersection, which was full of people.

    ¡°You were cool today,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°How can I leave those kinds of men alone? I¡¯ve been put in charge of something else as well, so we¡¯ll go at it together.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re in charge of something?¡±

    Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho that he had be the assistant director of France¡¯s DGSE and told him all the authorities that he now had. He told him everything, even the advice that Pierre told him.

    ¡°Ha! I expected nothing less from you,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°You attracted attention even back in Africa. It seems you do that wherever you go.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m tired of it, to be honest.¡±

    No matter the situation, Kang Chan always felt reassured for as long as he was with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you tell Manager Kim about your position in the DGSE?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to discuss that with the Ambassador first. I feel like I can¡¯t just rashly talk about it.¡±

    ¡°Good point.¡±

    It took them thirty minutes to finish their coffee.

    ¡°Are we going to get a bit busier from now on?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked himself.

    ¡°Yes, and it¡¯s all because of you!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°Huh? What did I do?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t things end up like this because you said that you lose your will to live if you don¡¯t go to operations?¡±

    ¡°Phuhuhu.¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded with a strangeugh. He then suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    The two got in a taxi and returned to their apartmentplex. They parted ways in front of their apartments.

    Kang Chan opened the front door and went inside, unexpectedly finding Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook sitting in the living room and watching TV.

    ¡°Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    ¡°Huh? You haven¡¯t gone to sleep yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Chan lightly washed up, changed into something morefortable, and then went back out to the living room.

    ¡°You must be tired. You should get some sleep. We¡¯re going to bed as well anyway,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, looking quite upset that she had to sleep now. It seemed she stayed up just for Kang Chan.

    ¡°We should watch that movie together if the two of you are okay with that. What movie is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    With Kang Dae-Kyung being reliable and being there for Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook hugging him attentively, Kang Chan really felt like he had finallye home.

    ¡°Should we order chicken, then?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°That sounds good.¡±

    The three ordered chicken and watched a movie together, which they hadn¡¯t done in a long time.

    After asking Kang Chan if he properlyforted his injured colleague, the three talked about various other topics. Yoo Hye-Sook ended up making Kang Dae-Kyungugh because she looked at Kang Chan more often than the movie.

    The movie ended at about three in the morning.

    ¡°Goodnight,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You too,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    ¡°Goodnight, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook added.

    Kang Chan went into his room after Yoo Hye-Sook happily went inside their bedroom.

    ¡°Phew!¡±

    The moment he sat on his bed, he felt as if everything returned was back to normal. Thinking too much would do him no good, though, so hey down.

    ***

    Still feeling very sleepy, Kang Chan forced himself to stand up as soon as he woke up. He then wore workout clothes and left the apartment.

    After warming up and stretching from side to side, he took a deep breath.

    The atmosphere was definitely different.

    I¡¯ll get some restter!

    He found it strenuous to exercise, and his body seemed to be screaming at him. However, he didn¡¯t let those stop him.

    Kang Chan had to do what he could.

    If he rested right now because he found working out difficult, then that would mean he would let himself stop during a crucial moment for the same reason. If he wanted to ovee the difficulties thate with saving someone and running over for the precious people in his life, he shouldn¡¯t stop now.

    ¡°Huff huff. Huff huff.¡±

    Kang Chan gasped for breath as soon as he returned to the yard of his apartment building.

    Barely standing back up, he saw Woo Hee-Seung smiling at him and holding a bottle of water.

    Kang Chan had no reason to refuse.

    After drinking some of it, he looked back at Woo Hee-Seung. ¡°Did something good happen?¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    Woo Hee-Seung was clearly smiling about something, but Kang Chan wasn¡¯t the type to pry further once a person said it was nothing. Woo Hee-Seung probably wasn¡¯t smiling for a special reason anyway.

    After working out, Kang Chan went up to his apartment.

    ¡°Channy! Go take a bath before you get sick,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kang Chan smelled delicious food. He then saw Yoo Hye-Sook smiling. Nothing could make Kang Chan want to return home more than these things.

    After washing up and changing, he sat at the table and ate with his parents.

    ¡°What are your ns today?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of dropping by the embassy. Do you two have any appointments?¡±

    ¡°Yes. We have to go to the orphanage, so we¡¯ll probably return around the evening.¡±

    The little things made Kang Chan happy.

    After washing the dishes, they drank tea together and finished their breakfast.

    Kang Chan then went into his room and talked to Lanok. They decided to meet up immediately.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were in the living room.

    ¡°It¡¯s cold outside, Channy. You should wear something on top of your suit,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook suggested.

    ¡°Is it that cold already?¡±

    Now that Kang Chan thought about it, it would be too cold to go out in his suit alone.

    Yoo Hye-Sook went into their bedroom and brought over a thick coat that Kang Dae-Kyung normally wore.

    ¡°Wear this for today. I¡¯ll buy a coat for you,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°When did he grow up enough to wear my clothes?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung wondered.

    The way she offered it to him made it impossible for Kang Chan to refuse.

    Kang Chan said goodbye to his parents, then headed to the embassy.

    ***

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok said as he gave Kang Chan a French greeting. He then led him to a table.

    ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I rested the way you do, so I don¡¯t feel that tired anymore.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha. Are you talking about resting while traveling?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Lanokughed loudly as he poured Kang Chan some tea. They then took a sip from their respective cups.

    Kang Chan first told Lanok about his conversation with Fredric, Pierre, and then his phone call with Anne. He then said, ¡°Honestly, I want to know exactly why you put me in such an important position, Mr. Ambassador. That way, I would know how to act going forward.¡±

    Click.

    Lanok looked straight at Kang Chan as he put down his teacup. ¡°It¡¯s been quite a long time since I started to dream of connecting the Eurasian Rail to the world, Mr. Kang Chan. My wife died and Anne got injured when I started dreaming about it.¡±

    Lanok was talking about the time he was shot in his car. It seemed he had already started nning to build the Eurasian Rail back then.

    ¡°The time hase for us to officially prepare to establish the Eurasian Rail. This will result in intensepetition, and I don¡¯t exactly suit the role of directly participating in such matters,¡± Lanok exined. ¡°No one is suitable for that role in all of France either. If we miss even a moment in this intense fight, then we will inevitably be ousted. To that end, I think you¡¯re the perfect fit for this role. I also believe that if ever someone of talent emerges in France someday, you¡¯ll protect them.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed softly. He didn¡¯t want to say anything else since the situation had already progressed this much anyway. Right now, Lanok was like a true mentor to him.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, can I tell South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service about my position in the DGSE?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You should go with what you want to do for that,¡± Lanok said as he picked up his teacup. ¡°You¡¯re going to get much busier next year. Consider this a friendly reminder, but if you ever need to issue something to the DGSE, you don¡¯t have to call me or let me know about it unless you don¡¯t need my opinion for it.¡±

    That sounded extremely burdensome to Kang Chan, but he didn¡¯t really say anything else about this either since he had already decided to do this anyway. He believed that Lanok wouldn¡¯t just sit by and watch him make the wrong decision in dire situations.

    ¡°Do you have any other appointments today?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Would you like to have lunch with me, then?¡±

    Kang Chan smiled as he agreed.

    With Anne now in France, he didn¡¯t have anyone to eat with during Christmas anymore.

    Spending some time with Lanok, Kang Chan told him about his experience in Russia, Germany, and Israel. He also told him what happened when he removed the ckhead¡¯s energy. Afterward, they had a two-hour lunch.

    Lanok burst out with cheerfulughter from time to time as he listened to Kang Chan. Amid it all, he happily held up his wine ss and suggested a toast. He seemed to really enjoy eating with Kang Chan, which they hadn¡¯t done in a long time.

    Was Lanok feeling lonely?

    Without his mask, Lanok seemed to be revealing his loneliness.

    After eating dessert, Kang Chan had coffee, and Lanok some ck tea.

    ¡°Thank you. I enjoyed this meal,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°I really missed spending time with you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Smiling strangely, Lanok held up a cigar. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯ll end up doing from now on, but that just makes me feel excited. I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡±

    After lighting up and puffing on his cigar, he exhaled smoke into the air.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of working for South Korea for the time being,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That¡¯s a great choice.¡± Lanok nodded without even a hint of hesitation. ¡±Show them what you¡¯re capable of. Eventually, the time wille when what you have to do bes clear.¡±

    ¡°Will you help me?¡±

    ¡°My goodness! You¡¯re being all political with me now. It seems your training worked.¡±

    The twoughed.

    Today, Lanok was weing Kang Chan like Jeon Dae-Geuk. Although Kang Chan had spent the most time with himtely, they didn¡¯t really get to spend those times bonding.

    Kang Chan thought that he should go to a maeuntang restaurant in Anseong or to a vi in Gapyeong¡ªwhere he spent a lot of nights¡ªwith Lanok someday.

    Kang Chan left the embassy at around half past three in the afternoon.

    The roads were quiet because of the holidays. At times like this, Kang Chan always thought of Seok Kang-Ho before anyone else.

    Seok Kang-Ho swiftly answered when Kang Chan called him.

    - It¡¯s me. Where are you?

    ¡°I just left the embassy. You?¡±

    - Come to the office. You should see how it looks.

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll meet you there.¡±

    - Take Hee-Seung with you. He knows how to reach the office directly from the basement.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    After ending the call, Kang Chan called Woo Hee-Seung and headed to the building that he bought.

    ¡°The basement parking lot has been nicely renovated. It¡¯s even a lot more convenient than the one in Samseong-dong now,¡± Woo Hee-Seung said.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    While on the road, Woo Hee-Seung exined what changed with the building. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t really understand things like this by just hearing it, though, so he only got what Woo Hee-Seung meant when they arrived.

    An automatic door had been installed at one side of the second floor of the basement parking lot to create an area that ordinary cars couldn¡¯t go into. Inside it was a set of double doors.

    Kang Chan admired Michelle¡¯s refreshing way of dealing with matters.

    As Kang Chan expected, there was a private elevator past the double doors.

    ¡°Since a separate door was installed outside the area of where people use this elevator, normal people don¡¯t even know that there¡¯s an elevator in here,¡± Woo Hee-Seung continued.

    ¡°Can we use the other elevators as well?¡±

    ¡°Yes. They are also connected to the top floor, but they require people to input a card first.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at what floor the elevator was at right now. It seemed to be working properly.

 Chapter 211.1: My Kind of Country (1)

    Chapter 211.1: My Kind of Country (1)

    The entrance to the office was, as expected, secured with a system that required either a card or a fingerprint. There were two CCTV cameras at the entrance to the basement and the office as well, making it seem as if the Samseong-Dong office¡¯s security system had been directly transferred to the building.

    Click.

    The door opened when Woo Hee-Seung pressed the card against the reader. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle in disbelief at what greeted him. The middle of the grey-carpeted office waspletely empty. Through the window on the left side were meeting rooms, reception areas, and a home bar with a coffee machine and various beverages. To the right were three lonely desks.

    ¡°Come this way,¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted Kang Chan and guided him to the right side. Compared to what was visible from the outside, its interior was much more spacious.

    The two stopped in front of another door that had to be opened by a card. Beyond it was anotherpletely isted area with a personal office and exercise room. On the opposite side of it were bathrooms and resting lounges.

    ¡°This is your room, Captain. I¡¯ll be using the one right next to it, and Hee-Seung and the others will be using this room and the desks outside. I think we need a female employee, but I haven¡¯t hired one yet because I thought I should discuss it with you first,¡± Seok Kang-Ho exined, describing theyout like a skilled real estate agent.

    ¡°There¡¯s also a way to get to your room from the entrance, so you don¡¯t have to go through the central area if you don¡¯t want to. If we have to, we can prepare partitions so we can divide it into separate spaces. Now, why don¡¯t we go have some coffee?¡±

    They headed back to the open space.

    ¡°What would you like to drink?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Do you have instant coffee?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Phuhuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed as he brought out the coffee. Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee made themselvesfortable at the desks. With cups of coffee ready in his hands, he carefully pointed at the ceiling with his finger. ¡°Look over there.¡±

    It looked as if they had fitted this office with the device that sucked in air like a tornado in the Samseong-Dong office too.

    ¡°I¡¯m just d we don¡¯t have to worry about the people around us when we have things to talk about now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    Kang Chan stood next to the sofa and looked outside the window, finding buildings densely packed in the distance and the wide road filled with cars.

    ¡°What about the security?¡± he asked.

    ¡°That window¡¯s made of bulletproof ss that also prevents anyone outside from seeing through it. Manager Kim provided us with it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    Kang Chan slowly looked around again. From what he could see, there weren¡¯t any suitable locations within their vicinity for snipers to attack them from.

    ¡°Manager Kim said we need at least five guards if we want to bepletely safe. If it¡¯s all right, I was thinking of discussing this with Director Kim Tae-Jin. I would like to hire their employees and have their security system implemented in the building. I haven¡¯t done it yet since I was hoping to discuss it with you first,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan nced over at him.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°You suddenly got smarter,¡± Kang Chan replied out of curiosity.

    ¡°Phuhuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Ho chuckled as he stood next to Kang Chan. He sounded proud of himself.

    ¡°I gave it a lot of thought while you were in France, Cap. I want to be helpful not just in operations. This is my way of fighting our opponents outside actualbat, so just ept it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho jokingly said as he looked outside the window. However, Kang Chan could tell that he was telling the truth.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan began.

    Seok Kang-Ho grew noticeably nervous as he looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Since we¡¯re already doing this, we might as well do it properly. That¡¯s why for every n I make now¡­¡±

    Kang Chan turned away from the window to look him directly in the eye.

    ¡°... You will be at the forefront,¡± Kang Chan firmly stated.

    Pft.

    They both grinned.

    ¡°The coffee is going to get cold,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said. The two smiled and sat down at the table that was near the window.

    ¡°Man! This room is going to make me anxious. Put a few nts here or something,¡± Kang Chan scolded.

    As they drank coffee and talked about random topics, something suddenly urred to Kang Chan. He called Woo Hee-Seung over.

    Woo Hee-Seung sat at the table with them, curiosity evident on his face as he waited for Kang Chan to speak.

    ¡°Do you remember Lee Yoo-Seul from Jeungpyeong? When I brought her to their car so they could head back home, I noticed they had an oldpact car. She lives in the military apartment, right? What¡¯ll happen to her now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Unable to understand what Kang Chan was trying to say, Woo Hee-Seung nced at Seok Kang-Ho for a clue.

    ¡°The same goes for Choi Jong-Il when I saw him at the hospital. I¡¯m not saying we should indulge in luxury and enjoy countless privileges, but the clothes Choi Jong-Il¡¯s wife was wearing¡­ Her shirt was all worn at the elbows. What exactly is thepensation and sry for the soldiers?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Woo Hee-Seung let out a quiet sigh. Perhaps the question wasn¡¯t what he was expecting.

    ¡°Tell me everything you know. I know it¡¯s not something that can be changed overnight, but at the very least, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s right for the families of soldiers who have sacrificed themselves for their countries to have a hard time getting by.¡±

    ¡°The sries¡­¡± Woo Hee-Seung began. He sounded as if he was having a hard time exining it. ¡°The special forces¡¯ sry is rtively high. Taking everything they¡¯re provided with into the calction, including hazard pay, then the total will be around a little less than thirty million won every year.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he had been struck in the head.

    ¡°And for the fallen soldiers?¡± he asked.

    ¡°It depends on what the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs decides, but the families are given around one million two hundred thousand won every month,¡± Woo Hee-Seung answered.

    ¡°Haah,¡± Kang Chan sighed as he turned his head to the side. ¡°Then that¡¯s what¡¯s going to happen to the soldiers whoy down their lives during the recent operation?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Thanks to Manager Kim and the section chief, we were able to give them the best for funeral expenses and condolence money.¡±

    ¡°What about Yoo-Seul? Since she lives in a military apartment, she¡¯ll have to leave, won¡¯t she?¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung hesitated for a moment before speaking up again.

    ¡°My fellow soldiers and I actually pooled some money in together for that.¡±

    It was absurd. It wasn¡¯t like they were living in a period where they had to fight for independence.

    If one didn¡¯t have it in them to sacrifice themselves or an intense sense of duty,ying down their lives for their country would have been near impossible to do.

    ¡°What will happen to her family, then?¡±

    ¡°They decided to move to a ce nearby that¡¯s up for rent,¡± Woo Hee-Seung replied.

    Sighing, Kang Chan looked outside the window. He soothed her by telling him that her father was the bravest person in the world, but the reality was that she had to move to a rented apartment now. Even though he told her everyone was alive thanks to her father, she had to leave the military apartment anyway despite being able to barely afford another ce with the money that the soldiers pooled together.

    One million two hundred thousand won every month¡­ Depending on one¡¯s perspective, that much money could either be a lot or too little. However, to a little girl who would have to live the rest of her life without her father, it was too cruel.

    ¡°Is it the same for the other soldiers as well?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There are some soldiers who are better off,¡± Woo Hee-Seung responded.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying the soldiers who aren¡¯t better off are in a simr situation, then? What about General Choi¡¯s bereaved?¡±

    ¡°His wife runs a restaurant. I heard she gives thepensation bonuses and the pensions she receives to the soldiers¡¯ families,¡± Woo Hee-Seung replied.

    That wasn¡¯t right.

    The people giving their lives for the country were struggling to get by while bastards like Huh Ha-Soo lived in luxury.

    Kang Chan nodded, making up his mind.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make arrangements for you to get money today. Use it to buy medium-sized apartments for the families of all the soldiers who fell during the recent operation. Give each of them two hundred million won as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    Woo Hee-Seung looked at Kang Chan with a dazed expression.

    ¡°I want you to talk about the profit we make from the rent here with Michelle as well. Give an excess to the bereaved family members every month,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Seok Kang-Ho pressed his lips together and nodded with determination. Kang Chan then picked up his phone and called Cecile.

    - Hello? Channy! What¡¯s up?

    ¡°Hey, Cecile. I¡¯ll be sending someone named Seok Kang-Ho to you right now. Can you prepare twenty billion in hundred million bills and give them to him?¡± Kang Chan asked. ¡°I don¡¯t have much time to talk, so I¡¯m going to have to call you some other time to speak about other things.¡±

    - That¡¯s a bit of a tall order, Channy! No matter the transaction, the owner of the ount has to sign for it.

    ¡°Then can you expedite getting me the documents?¡± Kang Chan requested.

    - Is it urgent? If so, then I¡¯ll get started on it right away. I¡¯ll just take the money with me so you can get it as soon as you sign the documents for me. Otherwise, our branch is going to be deep in hot water.

    ¡°I¡¯m in the newly acquired building. Call me when you get here.¡±

    - Got it! I¡¯ll be there in fifteen minutes¡ªno, twenty, just to be safe.

 Chapter 211.2: My Kind of Country (1)

    Chapter 211.2: My Kind of Country (1)

    After Kang Chan hung up after speaking to Cecile, he looked at Woo Hee-Seung.

    ¡°Woo Hee-Seung,¡± he said.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Woo Hee-Seung responded.

    ¡°Give Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun three hundred million each, and one hundred million to each of the soldiers in Jeungpyeong and agents who guard my parents. Lastly¡­¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung gasped in surprise.

    ¡°... Give two billion won to General Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s family. That man was the general of South Korea¡¯s special forces. Let¡¯s make sure his descendants at the very least won¡¯t have to be running a restaurant because they¡¯re short on money,¡± Kang Chan firmly ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir¡­¡± Woo Hee-Seung barely managed to reply.

    Kang Chan sipped his lukewarm coffee and looked outside the window. Just then, Woo Hee-Seung asked, ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, but what do you think about withholding the money that you want to give to the agents who are currently assigned to your parents?¡±

    Under Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Woo Hee-Seung remained firm.

    ¡°The other agents don¡¯t get paid that much, so if they learn that only the agents who work here arepensated, it may lead to misunderstandings. They could feel rtively deprived.¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung paused for a moment, then steadfastly continued, ¡°Unlike General Choi Seong-Gon, the injured Captain Choi, and the special forces, the agents of the National Intelligence Service are paid well. So please take my suggestion into consideration, sir,¡±

    There was pride in Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s eyes. Perhaps it was pride in the fact that someone recognized the work he was doing.

    People working in the field understood this emotion the best.

    ¡°Got it. I guess I let my emotions take over,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°No, sir. I just¡­¡± Woo Hee-Seung trailed off. Seeing Kang Chan smirk, he smiled subtly in return.

    ¡°Can you stop by the home of General Choi¡¯s family?¡± Kang Chan confirmed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to do that, sir,¡± Woo Hee-Seung replied.

    Kang Chan felt a bit relieved now.

    Fifteen minutester, the phone rang, and Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Woo Hee-Seung headed to the first floor so Kang Chan could sign the papers. The money was handed over to him afterward.

    ¡°All right. You can head out now,¡± Kang Chan told Woo Hee-Seung. He understood why the man was hesitating, though.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about things you don¡¯t have to. You have Doo Hee with you too, don¡¯t you? I¡¯ll go around with you if it¡¯s necessary, so hurry up and go already,¡± Kang Chan urged.

    Only after Kang Chan said that did Woo Hee-Seung finally say goodbye and head down to the building¡¯s underground parking lot.

    ¡°Channy! I heard you were overseas!¡± Cecile eximed now that Kang Chan was free, surprise evident in her expression. She looked happy to see him.

    The branch manager, who was by her side, gave Kang Chan his business card and bowed politely.

    ¡°Thank you foring all the way here, and I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t offer you anything. I¡¯m going through something at the moment,¡± Kang Chan apologetically said.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be! Feel free to contact me whenever you need me in the future,¡± the branch manager replied.

    They parted ways not too long after exchanging farewells. After saying goodbye to Cecile, Kang Chan immediately went up to the office on the seventeenth floor.

    He and Lee Doo-Hee were the only ones left in the office. Kang Chan made himself a cup of americano and sat down facing the window.

    They had to establish an organization as soon as possible. Things like this shouldn¡¯t be taken care of with emotions. There had to be an organization with a structure that could systematically sort this out.

    Looking out the window, Kang Chan thought of Lee Yoo-Seul. Despite having broken fingers, her father ran without end only to die after having ast meal of a C-ration. Amid all of that, he didn¡¯t even groan out loud once so the other soldiers wouldn¡¯t feel burdened. Kang Chan hoped the soldier could live proudly in his daughter¡¯s memory forever.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± he cursed.

    If only I was a little stronger! Maybe I could¡¯ve saved him if my judgment was a little faster.

    The child he left behind needed her dad far more than the money that she would receive.

    Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t even calmed down yet when his phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Channy! Are you in the building?

    It was Michelle. Considering the way she asked the question, she had clearly spoken to Cecile on the phone.

    ¡°Where are you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - The seventh floor! We¡¯re all on the seventh floor. Are you really in the building?

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll go down there now,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    He could hear her let out a loud sigh over the line. After hanging up, Kang Chan told Lee Doo-Hee that he was going down to where Michelle and the others were. He didn¡¯t have his own keycard yet, and even if he did, he still didn¡¯t know how to use it. There shouldn¡¯t be any problems going down, but he didn¡¯t want to run into any troubles on the way back up.

    They stepped into the elevator and got off on the seventh floor. Only after using the keycard to open the door was the normal part of the building revealed.

    Standing in front of a giant sign that read ¡°DI,¡± he pressed the bell at the entrance. The doors automatically opened.

    The office was sophisticated and neat, just like Michelle¡¯s personality.

    ¡°Hello!¡± everyone greeted.

    The moment Kang Chan stepped inside, the actors¡¯ eyes widened. They covered their mouths with their hands. Lim Soo-Sung and Kim Ji-Tae rushed over to greet him.

    It was nice to see them, but it wasn¡¯t enough to alleviate his dampened spirits.

    ¡°Boss!¡±

    Michelle dashed toward him and jumped into his arms like he was some long-lost family. Kang Chan embraced her and patted her back.

    ¡°When did you get here?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Just now,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The two were in front of all the employees.

    Michelle straightened up and led Kang Chan inside. On the walls were posters and pictures of the trainees posing elegantly, which Kang Chan had never seen before, and the drama title inrge letters.

    Michelle¡¯s office was next to a window on the seventh floor, giving it a spectacr view.

    The bookkeeper, Choi Yu-Jin, left after serving them coffee. Michelle sat down across from Kang Chan, her expression a mixture of happiness and concern.

    ¡°What happened, Channy?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Nothing in particr. I guess the training was just a little tough,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Michelle peered at him and tilted her head.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked out of curiosity.

    ¡°You¡¯ve changed. Something about your aura has changed, but I don¡¯t know how to exin it. It¡¯s like you¡¯ve tucked in rough edges but at the cost of the bitter feelings inside you growing even bigger,¡± Michelle replied after giving it some thought.

    Kang Chan took a sip of his tea, grinned, and then put his cup back down. Since she produced a drama, her ways of expressing herself improved.

    ¡°Michelle, there¡¯s something I want to talk to you about,¡± Kang Chan opened. He then repeated what he told Seok Kang-Ho to Michelle.

    ¡°That¡¯s actually even better than what I had in mind. We have already set up the corporationst time, so I can just redirect your dividends there,¡± Michelle replied. ¡°I think that¡¯s the best way to help you execute your n as properly as possible. Oh, right! What should we do about the first floor?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll discuss that with my father today, so let¡¯s decide on that some other time.¡±

    ¡°All right, Channy,¡± Michelle replied. Carefully observing him, she asked, ¡°Are you really okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I really am. It¡¯s just that my emotions are a bit jumbled up right now because of my colleagues,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Is there anyone who canfort you during times like these?¡± Michelle sounded worried.

    Kang Chan just gazed at Michelle in silence.

    ¡°Channy, nothing good wille out of bottling up your emotions like that for a long time. While I was designing the interior of this building, I could somewhat understand how difficult things must have been for you. If there¡¯s someone who can offer youfort, then you should meet up with them as soon as you can. It¡¯s a bit unfortunate that that person isn¡¯t me, though.¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan grin, Michelle scrunched her nose and yfullyughed.

    ¡°It¡¯s that girl named Mi-Young, isn¡¯t it?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kang Chan replied. He didn¡¯t want to deny something like this.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go meet her, then?¡±

    Kang Chan nced outside the window. After a moment, he quietly replied, ¡°Some of the soldiers I was working with died.¡±

    Michelle looked at Kang Chan in surprise.

    ¡°They won¡¯t leave my heart. For the first time, I had to meet the family members that the soldiers left behind. This may be hard for you to believe, but I¡¯ve never had to see anyone¡¯s family when something like this happened before. This is why I tried not to let my colleagues get into my heart. It¡¯s not easy to shake this feeling off, and I don¡¯t know how to handle this either.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know why he was telling Michelle all of this. To be honest, he didn¡¯t even know that this was what was on his mind. However, the moment he opened his mouth, everything that was weighing down on him just poured out.

    ¡°How was it before?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°In the past? Well, I guess my eyes started to glint whenever something like this happened. I ended anyone who touched me while I was feeling this way, too,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Did meeting Mi-Young make you feel a bit better?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Tsk! You really don¡¯t know anything about love, Channy,¡± Michelle yfully replied.

    Kang Chan just chuckled in response.

    ¡°Love is also just staying next to someone when they¡¯re tired and hurt. If I were Mi-Young, I would be grateful and d that youe to me during times like these,¡± Michelle continued.

    That would probably be the case if they were the same age and lived simr lifestyles. But they didn¡¯t.

    He missed Mi-Young when they were apart. But if they truly wanted to understand each other, he would have to tell her everything from the very beginning¡ªbeing reincarnated.

    The human heart was hard to understand. He was d to see her whenever they were together, but when they were apart, those questions always lingered in his mind.

    This is a different matter from epting Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Michelle made a sad, pitying smile.

    ¡°I can¡¯t even hug you since you haven¡¯t seen Mi-Young yet,¡± she said.

    Fortunately, opening up about what happened with the soldiers made his heart feel a little less heavy. It also made him realize that this had been weighing in the corner of his mind for a while now.

    Kang Chan turned to look back outside the window.

    A South Korea that the fallen soldiers wouldn¡¯t be ashamed of¡­ And that Lee Yoo-Seul could be proud to live in¡­ Kang Chan wanted to make that kind of country.

 Chapter 212: My Kind of Country (2)

    Chapter 212: My Kind of Country (2)

    Kang Chan and Michelle talked for about thirty minutes before he stood up and went up to the seventeenth floor. He then sat by the window, took out his phone, and looked for Kim Mi-Young¡¯s number. However, he suddenly had second thoughts about calling her.

    Why am I hesitating? I¡¯m just going to ask to meet her.

    Kang Chan called Kim Mi-Young.

    - Hello?

    He heard Kim Mi-Young¡¯s clear voice over the call.

    ¡°Can you talk right now?¡±

    - Of course. Did your training go well?

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned when he heard her voice, suddenly remembering her smile.

    ¡°What are you doing right now?¡±

    - Me? I was just reading a book.

    ¡°You¡¯re just reading even though it¡¯s Christmas?¡±

    - I see nothing wrong with it. I wrote down a lot of ces that I want to visit and things to do with you when you return. Let¡¯s check them out when you get back to South Korea.

    ¡°Where would you want to go first?¡±

    - Hmm¡­

    Kang Chan then heard Kim Mi-Young rummaging through her notes.

    - I heard there¡¯s an elegant coffee shop just a few minutes walk from Seongbuk-dong. I was hoping we could go there and have coffee, then stroll along the trail behind it.

    Kang Chan nced at his watch. It was three in the afternoon.

    ¡°Are you free right now?¡±

    - Huh?

    Kim Mi-Young grew silent after she unconsciously answered. It was as if she had be mute.

    ¡°You¡¯re not, then?¡±

    - Where are you right now?

    Kim Mi-Young sounded surprised.

    ¡°I¡¯m probably just around thirty minutes away from your house.¡±

    - Really? Are you back in South Korea already? Will you really be in front of my house in thirty minutes?

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan quickly answered. She sounded as if she was going to cry.

    - Should I head out in thirty minutes, then?

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told Lee Doo-Hee to give him a ride to his apartment. After being dropped off, he immediately made his way to Kim Mi-Young¡¯s apartment.

    He arrived ten minutes earlier than the time they agreed upon, yet he found Kim Mi-Young already sitting on a bench, wearing a thick coat.

    ¡°Mi-Young!¡± Kang Chan called and held up his hand. Kim Mi-Young quickly stood up and ran over to him. Her hair had grown quite a bit.

    Whoosh!

    Even though a lot of people were watching them and they were still in front of her apartment, Kim Mi-Young still jumped into Kang Chan¡¯s arms. The smell of the body wash and shampoo that she used made him emotional.

    ¡°Have you been well?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yeah!¡±

    Kang Chan stroked Kim Mi-Young¡¯s head while she was in his arms.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. You want to go to a cafe to have coffee with me, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes. There¡¯s a cafe I want to visit with you now that you¡¯re back,¡± Kim Mi-Young still looked excited.

    The two walked out of the apartmentplex and got in a taxi. Kim Mi-Young then told the driver where they were going.

    ¡°When did you return?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Yesterday,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Why did you only call me now?¡±

    ¡°I had a lot of things to take care of.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Would Kim Mi-Young understand that he missed her while he was nervous because he felt as if he was going to die?

    They didn¡¯t talk when they were in the taxi. Kim Mi-Young just tightly held Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Was it really difficult?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Your training. I mean, you just got off a very long flight. If you¡¯re too tired or going to the cafe is too hard for you right now, we can just visit it next time and just have tea in front of our house today.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s visit it.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    After going past Jongno, the taxi headed to Seongbook-dong and stopped on an empty road. The two got out and walked to the cafe that Kim Mi-Young found.

    Kang Chan felt awkward but happy at the same time. He could finally breathe easily again.

    ¡°It¡¯s that ce!¡± Kim Mi-Young eximed, pointing to a circr sign, after over fifteen minutes of walking. They were in an alleyway now.

    How does she find cafes in ces like this?

    The two headed inside the cafe. It was quieter than Kang Chan expected.

    A man with gray hair greeted them. He was wearing an apron.

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young ordered an americano, caffette, and two slices of cake. Kim Mi-Young then smiled at him, her eyes still full of excitement.

    When their orders were served, Kang Chan had a sip of the americano.

    ¡°Is it good?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s delicious.¡±

    Before they met up, Kang Chan wanted to tell her what happened in the Intelligence Bureau and, if he could, about his reincarnation. However, seeing her big and clear eyespletely erased those thoughts.

    Chatter chatter.

    While listening to Kim Mi-Young talk about their exams and the festival, he thought that she would be too flustered if he talked about those things.

    ¡°I was actually about to get a part-time job because I wanted to go to France,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°What were you thinking of doing?¡±

    ¡°Tutoring.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in response. He didn¡¯t know much about it, but if Kim Mi-Young became a tutor, a truckful of parents would want to entrust their children to her.

    Fascinatingly enough, while listening to Kim Mi-Young, he felt the emotions weighing down on him dissipating.

    Is it because she held my hand inside the taxi on our way here?

    Now that she had lost her baby fats, Kim Mi-Young was so pretty that he wondered if she had always been this beautiful. He would have trouble breathing whenever he saw her smile or she looked at him.

    Is it because I¡¯m taking a breather?

    ¡°I think I perfected the exam,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    Kang Chan was surprised. He was more confident that he could hit the bullseye of three hundred targets than get perfect marks on an exam.

    ¡°I double-checked my answers when I got back home. It looks like I got all of them right,¡± Kim Mi-Young continued. She seemed happy to see Kang Chan so amazed.

    While they were talking, two more groups of customers entered the cafe. Its food and drinks were a little expensive, but it did seem like a good ce to talk since it was quiet.

    ¡°Where did you hear about this ce?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It was featured in a magazine that was published about a year ago. I wrote down the address when I saw pictures of it. I did good, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    This kind of small talk was natural as well.

    Their conversationsted for about an hour. They never went into deep topics like about their love or desperate ones like missing each other.

    In the middle of their conversation, Kim Mi-Young looked straight at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Do you want to go for a walk?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    They stood up, left the cafe, and walked along the alley again.

    Kim Mi-Young slightly swung Kang Chan¡¯s hand while holding it. The way she acted made it clear that seeing him made her happy.

    How can I pull her into the pit that I¡¯m living in?

    It was cowardly, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t stop thinking of the wife and young daughter that his fallenrade had left behind. Introducing Kim Mi-Young to a life of guns, knives, and death felt like a crime.

    She might change her mind once she¡¯s in college anyway, so I should just watch how things turn out for now. I should asionally meet with her, though, especially when I¡¯m having trouble enduring the weight or when I want someone to console me.

    Slowly walking, Kang Chan remembered what he thought when he saw Kim Mi-Young for the first time.

    While walking along the alley for quite some time, they came across arge restaurant and a nicely decorated trail.

    ¡°Do you want to have dinner?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That restaurant looks expensive.¡±

    Unless she asks me to buy a restaurant, it¡¯s really not going to be a problem.

    ¡°Can we walk a bit more before we eat?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    While strolling, Kim Mi-Young talked about how happy she was to go to school with him and about getting to travel all around the world with Kang Chan if she became a diplomat.

    At the end of the trail were a few pieces of workout equipment and a good view of Seoul. Kim Mi-Young sat on the bench near the hill and leaned her head against Kang Chan.

    Since it was winter, the sun was quick to set. It seemed farther away from them than any other time of the year, too.

    ¡°Did you want to do this as well?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Kim Mi-Young sounded delighted.

    ¡°You know¡­¡± she started, suddenly sitting up and looking straight at him. ¡°... I really missed you.¡±

    Her big and clear eyes made Kang Chan stop breathing for a moment.

    ¡°I missed you too,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. Huhuhu.¡±

    Kang Chan remembered wanting to hear herugh when he was deep in the mountains of France and when he was in a valley in North Korea.

    Kang Chan raised his hand and tousled Kim Mi-Young¡¯s hair.

    Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    As he did, the phone in his pocket rang. Nothing was better than this at ruining the mood.

    Kim Mi-Young looked at him with curiosity as he took out his phone.

    Anne was calling him.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    - Mr. Assistant Director, sixteen South Korean citizens have been kidnapped near Sangar, Afghanistan.

    Kang Chan cocked his head.

    Shouldn¡¯t she inform South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service first about things like this?

    - We inform you and the Ambassador first when ites to international disputes in that area.

    Anne seemed to have guessed what was on Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Does South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service know about this already?¡±

    Ah, shoot! What if Kim Mi-Young understood what I just said?

    Fortunately, Kim Mi-Young looked like she didn¡¯t really understand what he said since he spoke very quickly and used a special word.

    - The Shiite militia were the kidnappers, so I doubt it. They will probably release a video within the next twelve hours about their demands. As far as we know, only the Algerian media has this information right now.

    Kang Chan frowned. He saw that organization very often in Africa. If it was the Shiites¡­

    - On another note, we should be able to find Wui Min-Gook¡¯s location in two days. We have also made preparations to have Gerard be appointed to South Korea. Your orders, sir?

    ¡°I¡¯ll contact you after I see how things go here. Have you reported this to the Ambassador?¡±

    - Since he has a different hotline, I¡¯m sure he has already received the report.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t aware that France¡¯s DGSE conducted such a wide range of activities.

    After hanging up, he looked at Kim Mi-Young while pretending to be calm.

    ¡°We should go. Aren¡¯t you busy?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked. She was the first to stand up.

    What should I do? I should have enough time to have dinner with her, at least.

    ¡°In return, treat me to delicious food next time,¡± she added.

    ¡°I will. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Kang Chan followed Kim Mi-Young and walked back down the trail.

    ¡°My dad said that you¡¯re one of the few people who can decide South Korea¡¯s future,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°Am I?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! So he kept telling me not to bother you when you¡¯re busy or having a difficult time.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t even met since I saw him at the hospital, though.¡±

    ¡°My dad just nodded when he heard that you¡¯re going to France to receive training.¡±

    Does her father know what I do?

    They walked a bit past where they had coffee before they found a taxi. On the way home, Kim Mi-Young held Kang Chan¡¯s hand, their fingers intertwined with each other.

    They reached the apartmentplex at around six in the evening.

    ¡°Can I start calling you again?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going. Take care of yourself.¡±

    Kang Chan cocked his head at what she said, but before he could say anything, Kim Mi-Young waved and was already running toward her house.

    Does she know something about what I do too?

    Kang Chan found it possible, but he didn¡¯t have time to think about it right now. He immediately called Lee Doo-Hee and headed to Samseong-dong.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, it¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kim Hyung-Jung answered as soon as Kang Chan called him.

    ¡°Manager Kim, I heard that sixteen South Korean citizens have been taken hostage in Afghanistan. They¡¯re going to make their demands in twelve hours.¡±

    Lee Doo-Hee¡¯s head snapped toward Kang Chan.

    - Mr. Kang Chan! Where did you get that information?

    ¡°Where are you right now?¡±

    - I¡¯ll go to you. Where are you?

    After exchanging questions and deciding to meet up at Samseong-dong, Kang Chan dropped the call and dialed Seok Kang-Ho.

    - It¡¯s me.

    ¡°Is Cha Dong-Gyun or Kwak Cheol-Ho with you?¡±

    - I¡¯m going around with Cheol-Ho. What¡¯s wrong?

    ¡°Tell him to have the entire special forces team on emergency standby and that this isn¡¯t an officialmand.¡±

    - Phuhuhu. Alright.

    How can this fuckerugh after hearing what I just said?

    After hanging up, Kang Chan called Anne.

    - Please go ahead.

    ¡°How long will it take to have a ne be ready in Osan?¡±

    - If it departs from the Subic army base in the Philippines, it''ll arrive in¡­ approximately six hours.¡±

    ¡°Mobilize it.¡±

    - I¡¯ll have it done. Do you have any other orders?

    ¡°Can we have the ne on standby all day?¡±

    - You¡¯re the assistant director. You don¡¯t have to worry about running out of time.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    After finishing all the necessary phone calls, Kang Chan red ahead.

    The Shiite having sixteen hostages was bad. That organization would decapitate a few of them to make an example out of them.

    Damn it! Life just won¡¯t give me a break.

    Kang Chan nned to check out what he should do for the Eurasian Rail after knocking down Wui Min-Gook, too.

    When they arrived at Samseong-dong, Kim Hyung-Jung weed Kang Chan in. He looked like he just arrived as well.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! We have secured the list of people who entered Afghanistan. Unlike what you said, there are seventeen names on it.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung handed over the list to Kang Chan.

    ¡°They¡¯re young,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°They seem to be volunteers.¡±

    Damn it! There are too many women.

    ¡°I have directly reported this matter to the Director and the President. We¡¯re thinking of discussing the countermeasures. Can you attend that discussion with me?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked. When Kang Chan just looked at him, he immediately continued, ¡°We still haven¡¯t confirmed that they¡¯ve been kidnapped, but we doubt you would be misinformed about something this grave. Either way, your cooperation right now is essential to whatever decision we¡¯ll reach.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t ask how Kang Chan got that information. It seemed he had already assumed that it came from the DGSE.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung immediately went down to the basement, got in the car, and headed to Naegok-dong. When they arrived, they went around the building and entered through the back entrance of the parking lot.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, please wear this.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung clipped an ID on Kang Chan¡¯s chest.

    They got out of the car in front of two elevators facing each other. However, Kim Hyung-Jung just walked past them and entered the hallway on the right.

    Going through the iron door, they came across an agent guarding another elevator.

    Seeing them approach, the agent briefly bowed and pressed the button for the elevator.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head in,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. The interior of the elevator didn¡¯t really have anything to indicate what floor it was heading to.

    Ding.

    When the elevator door opened, they walked down the dark hallway. There were doors on both the right and left, and also at the innermost part of the hallway. Agents who were wearing helmets and bulletproof vests were watching Kim Hyung-Jung and Kang Chan in front of the doors and in front of the elevator.

    Click.

    An agent opened the door for them.

    Kang Chan sighed softly as he went inside.

    Moon Jae-Hyun, Hwang Ki-Hyun, Jeon Dae-Geuk, and three other people whom Kang Chan hadn¡¯t seen before were sitting on a round table. Arge screen was on one of the walls of the room.

    Kim Hyung-Jung and Kang Chan bowed and greeted them.

    Following Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s lead, everyone stood up.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun greeted Kang Chan. Kim Hyung-Jung then introduced the three people Kang Chan didn¡¯t know as the first, second, and third deputy directors.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit down.¡± Moon Jae-Hyun sat down as the screen changed.

    ¡°On the screen is Sangar, Afghanistan. We confirmed that seventeen South Korean citizens have entered Afghanistan through a South Korean volunteer group on the twenty-first. However, we haven¡¯t confirmed the kidnapping that Mr. Kang Chan told us about yet. We haven¡¯t been able to talk to them either due to bad connections,¡± the first deputy director coldly reported. ¡°To start off, we have to determine whether they¡¯ve been really kidnapped.¡±

    Everyone sitting at the table simultaneously looked at Kang Chan.

    The fact that Moon Jae-Hyun came here himself and even called the NIS director, even though Kang Chan only told them one thing, showed how much they trusted him.

    Now that they had done all of this for him, Kang Chan thought it would only be proper for him to show them what he was capable of in return. For the sake of Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung, who tirelessly looked after him, and Moon Jae-Hyun, who trusted him, it was the least he could do.¡°I recently went to France to receive training from their Intelligence Bureau,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    The three deputy directors looking at the documents turned their attention to him.

    ¡°After the training, I was appointed as the DGSE¡¯s assistant director,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun, the three deputy directors, and Kim Hyung-Jung simultaneously stiffened as if they rehearsed to do so.

 Chapter 213.1: Something Iéˆ¥æªe Always Dreamed About (1)

    Chapter 213.1: Something I¡¯ve Always Dreamed About (1)

    Even a ten-year-old child would recognize that their reactions didn¡¯t mean anything good.

    When Kang Chan turned his head, he found Moon Jae-Hyun looking at him head-on with an expression that was hard to read.

    What¡¯s making everyone react like this?

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung with curiosity.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, there is a provision in each country¡¯s intelligence bureau that prohibits double agents. ording to the regtions, you should not have even been allowed to enter this room,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    A double agent?

    ¡°Essentially, a spy,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    What if someone overseeing a country¡¯s intelligence actually belonged to a different country¡¯s bureau? When Kang Chan put himself in their shoes, he could see why that would be problematic.

    Kang Chanpletely understood their situation, but he couldn¡¯t help himself from smiling bitterly. He had been skillfully outyed by France.

    And there¡¯s no way that snake didn¡¯t know how things would turn out if he told me about this.

    In that brief moment, many thoughts passed through Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Did you obtain your information in this incident in Afghanistan from the French intelligence bureau?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan immediately responded.

    ¡°And it didn¡¯t ur to you at all that you could be a double agent?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun prodded on.

    ¡°I thought I would be of assistance to South Korea.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun chimed in. He didn¡¯t seem to be rebuking Kang Chan. Rather, he looked as if he was genuinely curious.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for being so direct, but I heard the level of our country¡¯s intelligence bureau is ranked around 40th in the entire world. I believe information warfare will be critical to our goal to be a part of the Eurasian Rail. To that end, I think receiving the help of the DGSE would serve us well for now,¡± Kang Chan told him.

    The ends of Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s eyes curved up in delight.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, have you alreadye up with countermeasures to resolve this situation?¡± he asked.

    Considering Kang Chan had already decided to give this a try anyway, he thought he might as well go for it. After taking a deep breath, he began, ¡°I contacted France¡¯s DGSE to send a ne from the Subic Base in the Philippines to Osan. Since the demand video is expected to be released within the next 12 hours, I n to rescue our citizens before then.¡±

    ¡°For nes to fly directly from Osan to Afghanistan, they have to go through China first. We can¡¯t expect China to give permission for a military ne to fly through their airspace. However, if you go around their territory, you won¡¯t make it in time,¡± the first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service said in disbelief. He sounded quite bbergasted.

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned back to look at Kang Chan again.

    ¡®What¡¯s the solution?¡¯

    The president¡¯s eyes seemed to be asking him that question.

    ¡°I will ask for help from Yang Bum, the Chinese intelligence bureau,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°This is a matter of life and death for our citizens, Mr. Kang Chan. Can you call China¡¯s intelligence bureau now?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°I will try, sir,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    When he pulled out his phone, Moon Jae-Hyun added, ¡°May we all listen to your conversation?¡±

    It sounded as if the president had ulterior motives for his request. However, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t get a grasp on it.

    Seeing him about to make the call, Kim Hyung-Jung quickly gave him a small, thumb-sizedpressor that had a cable connected to it.

    ¡°Stick this device to the back of your phone,¡± he exined.

    All these theatrics were cumbersome, but Kang Chan decided to do his best¡ªat least for the sakes of Jeon Dae-Geuk, who looked very anxious, and Kim Hyung-Jung, who was doing everything in his power to help him.

    When he pressed the call button, the dial tone began to ring.

    Ring. Ring. Ring.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    Yang Bum answering the call in Korean sounded as if it wasing from the desk because his voice resonated throughout the room.

    Now that it¡¯se to this, I might as well do it!

    ¡°Mr. Yang Bum, this is Kang Chan speaking. Do you have time to talk for a bit right now?¡± Kang Chan politely asked.

    - Nothing could be more important than your calls, Mr. Kang Chan.

    At Yang Bum¡¯s humorous response, the second and third deputy directors exchanged gazes of surprise.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get straight to the point because of the urgency of the situation. In the next twelve hours, a military aircraft that I will be on has to pass through China. Do you think you can give us permission to fly through your airspace?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Yang Bum briefly paused before answering.

    - If you are the only passenger on the ne, we can provide a flight for you.

    ¡°A fully armed special forces team will be on board with me,¡± Kang Chan added.

    Awkward emotions of doubt and concern flickered across Hwang Ki-Hyun and Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s faces.

    Should I not have mentioned that much to Yang Bum?

    This was Kang Chan¡¯s way of doing things, though.

    There was an even longer moment of silence than before until Yang Bum spoke again.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, may I know where you will be headed?

    When Kang Chan lifted his gaze in question, Hwang Ki-Hyun swiftly nodded at him.

    ¡°I will be going to Afghanistan,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - Well¡­ hmm¡­

    Yang Bum sighed, clearly deep in thought.

    - The aircraft will be cutting straight through China. During that time, we will have to temporarily lift our air defense system. That¡¯s not something we can easily do.

    The first deputy director made an ¡°I told you¡± expression upon hearing Yang Bum¡¯s response. However, Yang Bum soon continued.

    - Is there any other assistance you require from me?

    ¡°That should be enough, sir. Oh! Of course, I¡¯ll also need your cooperation when we¡¯re returning to South Korea,¡± Kang Chan added.

    Yang Bum¡¯s astoundedughter echoed from the other end of the phone.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, in return for doing this favor for you, I would like to request your mediation for our negotiations with Russia¡¯s Vasili. Would you be able to do that?

    This was the condition that Yang Bum was offering. The three deputy directors looked beyond stunned at how things were turning out.

    - Vasili has always had a close friendship with Suo Ke. You and Ambassador Lanok are the only people who can connect me to him. I thought I should ask since we have a matter to discuss that involves the borders of Mongolia, Russia, and China.

    When Kang Chan lifted his gaze again, Hwang Ki-Hyun didn¡¯t seem to have an answer for him.

    ¡°Mr. Yang Bum, I don¡¯t know exactly what you require from me, but I promise you that I will do my best with whatever you need my help with,¡± Kang Chan firmly replied.

    - Thank you. I know your promises can be trusted. If you let me know when you will be going through China, I will make the arrangements. I wish you the best of luck with your business.

    ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±

    Once the phone conversation ended, a heavy silence fell upon the conference room.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun spoke up, breaking the ice.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Do you love South Korea?¡±

    Song Chang-Wook, awyer and descendant of an independence activist, had asked him the same cringeworthy, embarrassing question just a few days ago,

    ¡°I actually don¡¯t quite know the answer to that question, Mr. President,¡± Kang Chan truthfully answered.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk dropped his gaze to the table. However, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t finished.

    ¡°But when I saw the men who were killed in the recent operation and the bereaved daughter of one of them, I became determined to aplish something.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun gazed intently at Kang Chan while he waited for him to continue.

    ¡°I want to create a South Korea that our fallen and the families they left behind can be proud of. I want to make their sacrifice worth it, to show them that theyy down their lives not in vain but for the development of this country, sir.¡±

    ¡°Is that why you sent money to the families of the fallen?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    He knows about this too?

    Kang Chan looked at him with curiosity.

    ¡°Director Hwang, what is the current position that Mr. Kang Chan has?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked before Kang Chan could answer his first question.

    ¡°He is a special-grade agent of the special forces, and he holds no official position,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun answered.

    ¡°Then what of the position of assistant director in France¡¯s DGSE? What kind of rank is that?¡±

    ¡°It would be right below the Deputy Director-General position. They have the authority to issue assassination orders for up to second-grade personnel as ssified by the DGSE.¡±

    ¡°What rank would you fall under the France DGSE¡¯s ssification, Director?¡±

    ¡°Second grade, sir,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun responded, causing the atmosphere in the conference room to tense up.

    ¡°It would seem France has preemptively called dibs on Mr. Kang Chan by giving him extremely high authority and rank. If we are sharing a double agent with them, which country would be at a greater disadvantage?¡±

    ¡°Mr. President, this kind of situation cannot be assessed simply in terms of each side¡¯s advantages and disadvantages,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun cautiously replied.

    ¡°Is that so? Well, I think France has done something that is disadvantageous to them. Am I wrong?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked, but he sounded as if he didn¡¯t really want an answer, so everyone just remained quiet and waited for him to continue.

    ¡°France, who recognized Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s talents and gave him a position of authority, versus South Korea, who is contemting whether he is a double agent or not. Which side is at the disadvantage here? What do you think, Director Hwang?¡±

    ¡°As the Director of the National Intelligence Service, I have no choice but to follow the protocol, sir. Making decisions is a unique power of the highest-ranking individual in charge.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned to Kang Chan and looked directly into his eyes. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, there are currently two years left in my term. Until then, I will do my best to protect you. I have just one request,¡±

    This man didn¡¯t have a sharp gaze, but his eyes were definitely filled with enough conviction to make up for that.

    Even Jeon Dae-Geuk and Hwang Ki-Hyun were looking at Kang Chan with nervous expressions.

 Chapter 213.2: Something Iéˆ¥æªe Always Dreamed About (1)

    Chapter 213.2: Something I¡¯ve Always Dreamed About (1)

    ¡°Can you make a promise to the sitting president that you will do your best to strengthen South Korea so the Eurasian Rail will be connected before I die and so the citizens of our country will never be in danger like this again? I want South Korea to be a nation that no one will ever dare to touch, one that the citizens of other countries across the world will be envious of. Would you promise me that you will do your best to make South Korea powerful?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun solemnly requested. People with convictions were truly scary. Even Kang Chan found his eyes intimidating.

    Damn it!

    Since he was reborn, too many people had been making a space for themselves in his heart.

    There was no way Kang Chan could refuse a request as genuine as this.

    ¡°I will do my best, sir,¡± he responded equally gravely.

    Moon Jae-Hyun smiled from ear to ear.

    ¡°Director Hwang, I have a favor to ask,¡±

    ¡°Of course, sir,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun replied.

    ¡°We can¡¯t fall behind France. I want Kang Chan to be the head of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism special forces. I also want him to be appointed as the assistant deputy director. His status as a special-grade agent of the special forces will be maintained as it is.¡±

    ¡°I will process the paperwork right away.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s cheek twitched due to the force he was clenching his teeth with.

    ¡°I will also grant him the ability to mobilize the special forces in Jeungpyeong,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun added.

    ¡°But Mr. President¡ª!¡±

    ¡°I grant Mr. Kang Chan the ability to proceed with operations without needing approval. He will give a report to the Director of the National Intelligence Service within twenty-four hours of his return.¡±

    ¡°For that, the Jeungpyeong special forces have to be put under the National Intelligence Service. As its assistant deputy director and the head of its counter-terrorism special forces team, he will naturally have the authority to mobilize our agents. It is also advisory for him to only proceed with operations after receiving approval,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun worriedlymented.

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned to look at Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    ¡°The Jeungpyeong special forces is the core of our military, so there will be strong opposition from them. If we have to exin each of these situations to them, Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s identity will inevitably be revealed to the public,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun continued.

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed quietly and nced at Kang Chan with a small smile. ¡°Being the president doesn¡¯t mean I can do everything I want.¡±

    Why were there so many of these kinds of men in South Korea?

    ¡°All right, then! I would like the head of the counter-terrorism team tomand the hostage rescue operation in Afghanistan. I pray for the safe return of our citizens,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    ¡°I will do my best,¡± Kang Chan assured him.

    Moon Jae-Hyun stood up and held out his hand toward Kang Chan.

    Things are gettingplicated.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk proudly watched on like an uncle watching his nephew being promoted.

    ***

    Ring. Ring. Ring.

    ¡°Allo?¡± Lanok answered the phone on his desk.

    - Monsieur Kang has procured his path through China.

    Lanol had a smile in his eyes. He looked quite amused.

    - As you expected, South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service has given Monsieur Kang the position of assistant deputy director as well as leader of the counter-terrorism team.

    ¡°It was expected, but at the same time, it¡¯s a bit unexpected. I see South Korea is steadily bing stronger. A country that recognizes talent and knows how to use it will be proportionally as powerful as that talent.¡±

    - You knew the National Intelligence Service would react sharply because of the double agent protocol, no?

    ¡°Yes, I was expecting it. But for the great France to prosper, Monsieur Kang needs to have some power.¡±

    - I know this is all ording to n, but I can¡¯t help but be worried.

    ¡°Anne,¡± Lanok said her name softer than usual. ¡°Maintain yourposure at all times. If you show any weakness, people will inevitably want to exploit them. Focus on helping Monsieur Kang so he can grow as quickly as possible. That is our best course of action.¡±

    - Yes, Father.

    ¡°What about the approval from the Afghan government?¡±

    - South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service has contacted them, but if the DGSE hadn¡¯t pressured them, it would¡¯ve fallen through.

    ¡°I see they stillck experience in that aspect. And the forces surrounding the hostages?¡±

    - There are approximately two hundred fifty armed Shia forces waiting within a ten-kilometer radius.

    ¡°Knowing Monsieur Kang, he won¡¯t ever resort to bombing, so this will be quite a challenge. This incident will be a good opportunity for you to learn as well. I believe you can handle it,¡± Lanok said with conviction.

    - Papa?

    Lanok just silently listened.

    - Everything really will be okay, right?

    ¡°Be stronger, Anne. Now is the time for resolute action, not weak sentiments,¡± Lanok firmly warned her. He then hung up the phone.

    ¡°Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-hyun. They¡¯re definitely not easy,¡± Lanok muttered to himself before taking a deep breath. ¡°Monsieur Kang, this is where everything starts.¡±

    Lanok red sharply at the clock.

    ***

    Kang Chan only went to the meeting to create a n for the emergency situation, but he ended uping out of it as the assistant deputy director of the National Intelligence Service and head of its counter-terrorism team. Returning to Samseong-Dong, he felt as if he had just been hit by a truck.

    It was already ridiculous enough that Kim Hyung-Jung had a map of Afghanistan spread out in front of him with an expression that seemed to say that he was awaiting Kang Chan¡¯s instructions. However, Jeon Dae-Geuk also looked like he was so proud of Kang Chan that he wanted to give him a kiss.

    ¡°What are you doing, sir?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°We need a n on how to rescue the hostages. If you want to rescue them before the hostage video is made, please issue an order to mobilize the special forces team first, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Chan felt genuine irritation bubbling up inside of him.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand. Right now, we need instructions from you, Mr. Kang Chan¡ªI mean, Commander Kang. We have to request assistance from France and China for this affair, and your rank is necessary for that,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    ¡°Then for the time being, let¡¯s go on like we¡¯ve been doing until now. We¡¯ve already got our hands full, and we do not have the time to be concerned about other matters at the moment,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°Chan is right,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk agreed.

    ¡°Shall we begin by requesting the mobilization of the special forces team?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°That sounds good,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Finally! Things are finally moving along.

    ¡°How many personnel would you like to deploy?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go with twenty-four. Have gas masks prepared as well. I also want Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee to join the team, so you only have to select twenty from the Jeungpyeong special forces.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung picked up the phone on the desk to proceed with Kang Chan¡¯smands.

    ¡°Are you nning onmanding them yourself?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you should leave the special forces team to handle this one?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯re ready for me to leave them to their own devices just yet, especially since Cha Dong-Gyun and Choi Jong-Il won¡¯t be there either.¡±

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s face was back to how it normally was.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho, Cha Dong-Gyun, and Kwak Cheol-Ho looked on with nervous expressions as the deputy hung up the phone.

    ¡°We¡¯ve received orders to send twenty armed soldiers to Osan,¡± the deputy said.

    Cha Dong-Gyun stood up from the chair next to the bed.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho,pose a list and arm the team,¡± he ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied before rushing out.

    ¡°Please do my part for me, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said as he looked at Seok Kang-Ho. He still appeared to be quite pale.

    ¡°Do you know what someone with subparbat skills has to do to be the boss of the ss?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Cha Dong-Gyun didn¡¯t seem to understand what he meant.

    ¡°He has to fight like his life is on the line. There will be an endless number of these kinds of operations in the future. The captain I know doesn¡¯t start things without properly seeing them to the end,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    He dug through his pocket and pulled out a cigarette and a lighter, offering them to Cha Dong-Gyun.

    Click.

    ¡°Right now, the best you can do is recover quickly. Come with us on the next operation.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied. He puffed on the cigarette once before immediately putting it out.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, puzzled.

    ¡°I was told to keep away from alcohol and cigarettes if I want to recover quickly,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun exined, looking quite determined.

    Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    ***

    The preparations proceeded swiftly.

    With a single phone call, they obtained approval for the operation, and through a satellite operated by France¡¯s DGSE, they received detailed photos of the hostages¡¯ approximate location.

    That wasn¡¯t all the DGSE was capable of. They sent over detailed information on the enemy¡¯s armed personnel, their types of weapons, the mastermind behind the kidnapping, individuals involved in it, and even nearby armed forces likely to support the kidnappers. All of this was provided in so much detail that Kim Hyung-Jung shook his head in admiration.

    ¡°I¡¯m honestly envious,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung remarked.

    ¡°Hopefully we¡¯ll reach this level soon,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    ¡°These kinds of abilities provide better safety for the agents going on the operations,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said approvingly, a bit of jealousy in his eyes.

    ¡°Since they left Jeungpyeong, they should arrive in about two hours and thirty minutes,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung informed them.

    ¡°Fatigue is likely going to be a problem. If the enemies have nuclear weapons like Mystras or Is, taking a helicopter is going to be dangerous. Whatever the case, I will receive as much help as I can from the French DGSE. Please prepare satellite phones and codes in case we decide to travel bynd,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said as he noted each of Kang Chan¡¯s requests.

    Is this everything?

    A map, team, weapons, satellite phones, and paths with escape routes. Kang Chan slowly reviewed the map from the beginning.

    Sometimes, one could feel a gaze on them without seeing it. Kang Chan turned his head to see Jeon Dae-Geuk looking at him with a heavy expression.

    ¡°I must be getting old,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°How so?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m anxious about you going on this operation.¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, Jeon Dae-Geuk nodded. ¡°This is something I¡¯ve always dreamed about. But now that it¡¯s actually happening, I finally understand a bit of how Choi Seong-Geon felt.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll return home with everyone rescued safely,¡± Kang Chan assured him with a smile.

    ¡°Of course you will. Good luck,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but grin. It was strange, but South Korea had many incredible people like Jeon Dae-Geuk.

 Chapter 214: Something Iéˆ¥æªe Always Dreamed About (2)

    Chapter 214: Something I¡¯ve Always Dreamed About (2)

    It didn¡¯t take long for the military aircraft that departed from Osan to enter Chinese airspace.

    In the ne, Kang Chan put on the military uniform, military boots, bandana, and helmet that Yoon Sang-Ki handed him. The military uniform was in a faded light gray color, and for the first time since he began joining South Korean operations, the national g was sewn near the top of his left upper arm.

    After wearing the appropriate gear, the soldiers split roles and started arming themselves to the teeth. As usual, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho each took an MP5SD submachine gun, a rifle, abat knife, and extra magazines. This time, they also put two grenades in the pockets of their vests.

    Click. Click.

    As Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho checked the breechblock on their rifles, the ne filled up with a new kind of tension.

    ¡°Gather ¡®round,¡± Kang Chan ordered. In response, the soldiers rallied up at the center of the ne.

    Kang Chan subtly smiled. Judging from the soldiers¡¯ behavior and the look in their eyes, they seemed to be calm and rxed. It was a stark difference from when they participated in their first operation, which was in France.

    ¡°This is a full picture of the town of Sangar, our target location, and this photo shows where we think the hostages are being held,¡± Kang Chan began. The soldiers concentrated on the map and photos that he was showing them.

    Kang Chan then took out another map and pointed to one area on it with his index finger. ¡°The ne will be dropping us off here at Kabul[1] Airport. From there, we¡¯ll be taking a helicopter to Ghazni[2], where a local guide will help us get a truck to Sangar. This ce will be our Point Alpha, and this will be Point Beta.¡±

    The soldiers nodded. Kang Chan no longer had to exin things in detail for them to understand what he meant.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be leading Team One. Woo Hee-Seung, you will be my second,¡± Kang Chan continued. Making eye contact with him, Woo Hee-Seung nodded.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho, you¡¯re in charge of Team Two. Kwak Cheol-Ho, you will be his second,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    Kang Chan slowly looked at each of the soldiers. ¡°The Palestinian Imic Jihad is the Shiite militia¡¯s biggest characteristic. Since they believe that they¡¯re fighting a holy war, they will be stopping at nothing. We have to be especially cautious of suicide bombing and hostages rigged with booby traps.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho softly exhaled.

    ¡°Even if you find the hostages, make sure you don¡¯t just recklessly approach them. Daye!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°If you find the hostages, make sure you guide the men through the procedure properly.¡±

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze on the soldiers sharpened. They now worked well enough with each other that they started bing more or less nervous depending on how he moved and behaved.

    ¡°You guys aren¡¯t little chicks anymore. Honestly, you all look older than half-grown chicks to me now,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    Tightly gritting their teeth, Kwak Cheol-Ho and the others put all their focus on Kang Chan.

    ¡°If I had to form a team to fight fifty of who you used to be when we had our live ammo training, I would only need to take five of you who are on this ne right now.¡±

    As the soldiers¡¯ eyes filled with pride, Kang Chan added, ¡°However, let this serve as a warning to all of you. Do not recklessly run into battle. If any of you loses control of your emotions, overdo it, and run out, know that you¡¯re going to get your fellow men shot in the forehead.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho watched Kang Chan and the soldiers with a grin. It was his first time seeing Kang Chan rambling like this, and he found it fascinating how the eyes and expressions of the soldiers changed every minute in response to what Kang Chan was saying.

    ¡°Our goal for this operation is to rescue all of the hostages. Any questions?¡± Kang Chan asked. Starting with Kwak Cheol-Ho, he slowly made eye contact with all of the soldiers. No one raised any concerns.

    ¡°Then getfortable and some rest until we arrive,¡± Kang Chan said. The soldiers sat against the wall of the ne again.

    ¡°Want to have a cup of coffee?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    As Seok Kang-Ho stood up, a soldier quickly stood up as well and said, ¡°Please stay seated. I¡¯ll make the coffee.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied and sat beside Kang Chan again. It was as if he had been waiting for someone to say that.

    ¡°Judging from the look in their eyes, the men seem to be in great condition,¡± Seok Kang-Homented afterward, his own eyes glinting from excitement. When Kang Chan nced at the soldiers, he continued, ¡°It seems they have really be half-grown chicks.¡±

    Before Seok Kang-Ho was done with what he was saying, the soldier from earlier brought over and handed them two paper cups of instant coffee.

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette and put it in between his lips. He then held out a cigarette to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, offering his lighter.

    Click.

    When Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho started smoking, the soldiers who were drinking coffee all began smoking as well.

    ¡°Phuhuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed.

    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The look in your eyes changed again.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, and Seok Kang-Ho grinned. They had done things like this countless times already.

    ***

    After flying for seven hours straight, they finallynded at Kabul Airport, which looked deserted.

    After the military aircraft stopped at one side of the airport, Kang Chan and his men immediately boarded the helicopter that was waiting for them.

    Du-du-du-du-du-du-.

    As they felt the winter air dig into their skin, they noticed clouds of dust and damaged buildings all over the area, which were things that informed them about where they were.

    After getting about three hours of sleep and eating cup ramen and C-rations back in the ne, they were now going to spend another hour in the air on a helicopter to get to Ghaznir. Upon reaching their destination, they would secretly meet their guide and finally head to where the hostages were.

    Kang Chan raised his left leg and sat back against the helicopter.

    He was painfully aware of the difference between the soldiers, who now looked like mid-sized chickens, in front of him and the soldiers of France¡¯s Foreign Legion, which was that he genuinely cared for all of these mid-sized chickens. The bizarre fact that they were willing to risk their lives for their country only made his heart swell even more.

    After some time, even Kang Chan began to feel the spite in his eyes, which was his body¡¯s way of informing him that they were getting closer to the operation site and that he was about to enter a new battle.

    All operations were awful no matter the type.

    They were hell¡ªjust pure living hell. Be it in the picturesque forest in France, an airport with the most modern facilities, or a deserted rocky mountain in North Korea, if they made even just one mistake, they could find themselves dying with a bullet in their foreheads, necks, or chests.

    If we want to survive, we have to be relentless in neutralizing our enemies.

    They had to see blood spray from their enemy¡¯s forehead. Failure to aplish that could lead to their colleagues near them dying. Even he wasn¡¯t an exemption to death.

    Like Lee Yoo-Seul, the soldiers in front of Kang Chan also had families that wouldn¡¯t be able ept it if they died. Now, he also had Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, who would be in more pain than having their flesh ripped apart if he died.

    ¡°I bought sushi¡­¡± Kang Dae-Kyung had said on Christmas when Kang Chan, who left early in the morning, called and told him that he wouldn¡¯t be able to go home for a couple of days.

    He knew that Kang Dae-Kyung was trying his best to smile and joke around, but he could still feel the worry and uneasiness in his words.

    Still, he couldn¡¯t stop.

    What if I only sent these men in front of me to this operation? What if I only sent Seok Kang-Ho?

    Kang Chan smirked as he shook his head. He was going to save all of the hostages. He would stop at nothing to rescue them and return with them.

    When Kang Chan nced at the soldiers, he noticed they now looked as if they already had a lot of experience.

    About three hours before midnight local time, as the helicopter flew over a rough hill and a deserted field, Kang Chan began to feel on edge.

    He fought the Shiite militia and the Sunni Muslims so many times back in Africa that he grew bored of them. However, he and his men were now in a ce where they had no idea when or where a mistral or an i woulde flying toward them.

    Among everyone here, only Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were aware of how cruel they were.

    That wasn¡¯t all. In the past, he had even seen a nine-year-old child with big eyes firing an i and a six-year-old girl with several dynamites wrapped around her chest.

    Will the soldiers still be able to pull the trigger if they see the look in those children¡¯s eyes?

    That was how hell often unfolded.

    After some time¡­

    Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart suddenly began beating loudly.

    Damn it!

    He gritted his teeth.

    Why do I always suddenly feel uneasy whenever we¡¯re getting close to our target location on a helicopter?

    As Kang Chan¡¯s senses grew on edge, Seok Kang-Ho quickly looked at him.

    ¡®Are we in danger?¡¯

    Kang Chan briefly shook his head.

    ¡®I¡¯m not sure yet.¡¯

    One i was all it would take to end this entire operation.

    What¡¯s going on? What on earth is happening?

    Kang Chan quickly scanned the area around the helicopter.

    Ten minutes? No¡ªthey just had to fly for five more minutes.

    In ces like this, getting to where the hostages were was almost impossible if they failed to meet their guide.

    Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth as he continued to scan their surroundings.

    Let¡¯s go! We¡¯re going to stay in the skies for five more minutes!

    ***

    When Vasili entered the concrete barrack with cold, snake-like eyes, Ethan stood up and held out his hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always known you were sly, but I didn¡¯t expect that you would visit me like this,¡± Vasili said.

    ¡°Vasili, there¡¯s a misunderstanding. At that time¡­¡±

    ¡°Ethan, stop talking shit and just tell me what you¡¯re here to say.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not even giving me tea?¡±

    After side-eyeing Ethan, Vasili slowly turned around and filled a small ss with vodka. He then offered it to Ethan.

    ¡°Are you aware that Monsieur Kang is on his way to Afghanistan right now?¡± Ethan asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re trying to do this time, but you shouldn¡¯t forget that the three Spetsnaz teams that we lost to him a while back were our best units.¡±

    Moving the vodka ss with his finger, Ethan looked up. ¡°Do you know that France¡¯s DGSE is very unhappy about Monsieur Kang and Lanok? If you give me your support on this, I¡¯ll have the subterranean shock device installed in Russia.¡±

    Ethan remained firm even as Vasili looked at him suspiciously.

    ¡°If you help us, then France¡¯s DGSE will also remove Anne,¡± Ethan added, making Vasili smirk. ¡°After her, their next target will be Lanok. With his removal, you¡¯ll be the chairperson of the European Union¡¯s Intelligence Committee.¡±

    ¡°Continue.¡±

    ¡°The Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces in Africa will leave for South Korea. Their target will obviously be Lanok. As soon as they arrive, they will head to the embassy and remove Lanok, which will only take more or less five minutes.¡±

    When Vasili narrowed his eyes, Ethan immediately continued, ¡°It¡¯s impossible for Lanok to not know about an assassin from the DGSE taking action. That¡¯s why as an alternative, we thought of using the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces instead.¡±

    ¡°How are you nning to get rid of Monsieur Kang?¡± Vasili asked.

    ¡°The United States will deploy three MQ-1 predators[3] and three satellites to live broadcast Monsieur Kang¡¯s activities. Not only will CNN be putting it in the air, but the Taliban is bound to see it as well.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to put Monsieur Kang right before the whole world?¡±

    ¡°Monsieur Kang¡¯s location will be shown on TV in real time. That will prevent him from ever leaving Afghanistan.¡±

    Vasili pursed his lips and smiled, then frowned at Ethan. ¡°You know what I think? I think you¡¯ll find yourself in a very difficult situation if I tell Lanok what I just heard.¡±

    Vasili¡¯s blue eyes became as sharp as a snake¡¯s, rendering Ethan speechless.

    ¡°A word of advice: if I were you, I would never mess with Monsieur Kang that way. Ethan, youck experience in working with special forces teams, and that exposes your weakness too often,¡± Vasili said. He downed the vodka, then frowned again. ¡°Even if you broadcast their location for all the world to see, three Spetsnaz units will still be able to get out of Afghanistan alive. Yet you expect Monsieur Kang, who basically wiped out those soldiers by himself, to die in the hands of mere irregrs? Haha.¡±

    ¡°Vasili¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re toote, Ethan. Lanok already called me before you arrived. You want to use the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces? Hahaha. Are you not aware that the person that they respect the most is the God of ckfield?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ve only worked with him in one operation,¡± Ethan argued.

    ¡°You idiot!¡± Vasili eximed, which seemed to stun Ethan.

    ¡°The Foreign Legion only cares about two things¡ªmoney and honor! And their idea of honor is different from the Spetsnaz or the SBS. It¡¯s based on their endless respect for their remarkablemander. Do you really think they¡¯ll betray themander who gave them the best oue since the establishment of the Foreign Legion?¡± Vasili asked, then sighed. ¡°Do you know who the current chiefmander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th special forcest regiment is?¡±

    When Ethan didn¡¯t answer, Vasili shook his head and frowned. ¡°My god, you poor man! This is why they say you need lots of experience in the special forces to properly work as the Director of an intelligence bureau. Just so you¡¯re aware, G¨¦rard de Mermier is their chiefmander. Do you understand now?¡±

    Ethan looked as if he couldn¡¯t understand what Vasili meant.

    ¡°Haha. This is appalling. That person is of French aristocratic lineage. Nevertheless, he applied to be transferred because the God of ckfield is the French Foreign Legion¡¯s most remarkable and respected special forcesmander right now. That means the DGSE has been reporting your stupid n to Lanok all along! Do you get it now?¡±

    Click.

    Vasili looked at the ss of vodka that Ethan dropped. Forcing a smile, he added, ¡°If I were you, I would be running over right now to try to stop the United States from deploying their reconnaissance nes and satellites.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s toote. The United States has made and is already executing their own n for this.¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk. In that case, you should be writing a proper will by now. If by any chance you¡¯re lucky enough to survive, then you better start keeping one thing in mind.¡±

    Ethan lookedpletely astounded.

    ¡°You should never mess with Lanok for as long as Monsieur Kang is behind him. Do you understand? Monsieur Kang is the assistant director of France¡¯s DGSE and the assistant deputy director of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service. Do you know what makes him even scarier?¡± Vasili asked as he looked at Ethan as if he felt pity for him. All Ethan could do was shake his head like an idiot.

    ¡°One word from the God of ckfield is all it would take for South Korea¡¯s terrifying special forces and France¡¯s 13th special forces regiment to put their lives on the line and pounce on anyone. What will Monsieur Kang do if a soldier dies because of your stupid n?¡±

    ¡°No matter how strong he is, he won¡¯t be able toe into the UK!¡± Ethan eximed.

    ¡°I remember North Korea¡¯s Jang Kwang-Taek saying something like that not long ago. He was shot right here.¡± Vasili pointed to Ethan¡¯s forehead with his index finger.

    ¡°And here, and here.¡± He then pointed to his neck and heart in order. ¡°Then he was shot here again.¡±

    Vasili turned around and filled up his ss with vodka. ¡°In Asia, I heard that they call people like Monsieur Kang the drakon. They advise people to never mess with a drakon¡¯s Achilles heel[4]. Unfortunately, you really grabbed onto Monsieur Kang¡¯s Achilles heel.¡±

    Vasili leaned his head back and downed the vodka, his contempt-filled eyes remaining on Ethan.

    ***

    ¡°Anne! Call the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces immediately!¡± Lanok eximed.

    - Yes, sir.

    Lanok¡¯s voice was unusually sharp. ¡°Have you figured out themander of this operation yet?¡±

    - The DIA is the most likely tomand it. ording to our analysis, this could be their way of getting revenge for killing their spy Xavier. I¡¯ve also received reports that state we can¡¯t rule out the CIA either.

    ¡°Have you been able to contact Monsieur Kang?¡±

    - He secretly met with our spy and left. I was told that the DGSE requires twenty hours to get into the DIA¡¯s confidential information.

    Lanok cocked his head. ¡°Where¡¯s Ethan?¡±

    Anne didn¡¯t answer. While looking at his watch, Lanok smiled, making it seem as if he just put on a mask.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect another spy to dare two-time me. Anne.¡±

    - Yes?

    ¡°Go to Niafles with Louis right now and stay with Pierre.¡±

    - Alright.

    ¡°I love you,¡± Lanok said with a genuine smile under his ¡®mask.¡¯ He then hung up and pressed the button on his desk.

    - Yes, Mr. Ambassador?

    ¡°Strengthen the embassy¡¯s security to level 1.¡±

    - Understood.

    As soon as he got an answer, he removed his hand from the button and sat up.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be quite a long night,¡± Lanok told himself. He then held up the remote control on the desk and turned on the TV.

    The wall in front of him went up, revealing a TV behind it. It was showing news from CNN.

    ***

    nk. Clunk.

    The soldiers swayed along with the truck. Fortunately, even without headlights, the driver was still driving quite well.

    Kang Chan had his upper body out of the car window and his rifle resting on the roof of the driver''s seat. He put Kwak Cheol-Ho in charge of monitoring their left and assigned Seok Kang-Ho to their right.

    The soldiers had also split into two groups and were pointing their guns in both directions, but they couldn¡¯t really see anything since it was so dark outside.

    They had to drive like this for two hours.

    Even though it was alreadyte in the evening, Kang Chan at least saw the dust that rose up behind the truck.

    Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.

    His heart continued to warn him of danger.

    1. Kabul is the capital andrgest city of Afghanistan. ?

    2. Ghazni is a city in Southeastern Afghanistan. ?

    3. An American remotely piloted aircraft. ?

    4. The raws were, ¡®Never mess with a drakon¡¯s reverse scale.¡¯ The drakon is used to describe a powerful person, and the ¡®reverse scale¡¯ refers to their Achilles heel or weakness. Messing with their weakness will anger them so much that they would chase the person to the end of the earth to kill them. ?

 Chapter 215: I Was With Him (1)

    Chapter 215: I Was With Him (1)

    The guide parked the car behind a precarious hill with tumbling rocks. Fluent in Arabic, not French, he understood Dayeru¡¯s Arabic chatter perfectly. Before the soldiers¡¯ surprised expressions, Dayeru pointed to two locations on the map, spoke in fluent Arabic, and then turned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°He says we¡¯ll reach the target location once we cross over the hill out front, so we should stay hidden from here on out.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded, recalling the details from the map and the photos he had memorized.

    France¡¯s DGSE introduced this guide to them. Anne also made sure that this guide could be trusted, given the intelligence agency¡¯s mistake in China.

    ¡°As-smu ykum,¡± the guide said.

    ¡°That means, ¡®I wish you peace under Ah¡¯s protection,¡¯¡± Seok Kang-Ho interpreted in a hushed voice as the guide hastily climbed back into the truck.

    Vroom.

    As the truck left the area, moving along the path up the hill, a storm of dust, silence, and cold rushed toward Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan took the map that Seok Kang-Ho handed him and spread it out in the middle of the circle that the soldiers had formed.

    ¡°We are approximately a kilometer away from our target point. Woo Hee-Seung, split Team One into two groups. As soon as we reach our destination, secure this area,¡± Kang Chan ordered, pointing to the ruins of a building shown in a photo. ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, take care of this side.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied with a nod, seeing that he would be taking the area opposite of Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s.

    ¡°Once all the snipers are in position, Seok Kang-Ho and I will go in. Any questions?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    There were times in the past when soldiers still messed up their assignments even though Kang Chan had repeated his orders multiple times, leading to their entire team standing in one area with one side uncovered.

    Starting with Kang Chan, the men all lowered their masks to cover their faces. Kang Chan naturally stood at the forefront. Kwak Cheol-Ho was to his left and Seok Kang-Ho to his right.

    Tat, tat, tat, tat.

    The small pebbles seemed to shout, ¡°People are passing by!¡± as they loudly crunched under the men¡¯s feet.

    Kang Chan exchanged a nce with Seok Kang-Ho, then lifted his index and middle fingers to point at the hill on the right.

    Tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat.

    It was human nature for people to move faster once their destination was in sight.

    A full ten hours had already passed since the Korean citizens were kidnapped.

    This destend¡¯sck of civilization and the pitch-ck evening seemed to amplify the men¡¯s footsteps and other small movements.

    Seok Kang-Ho raised his index finger and rotated it three times. Kang Chan pointed Kwak Cheol-Ho to the hill on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s upper left.

    Tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho and the remaining members of Team Two moved in sync with him.

    Haah, haah.

    Kang Chan felt the air enter his lungs as he quickly scanned their surroundings.

    Thump, thump, thump, thump.

    His heart was beating heavily, but no sense of danger was pricking his skin yet.

    After securing his position, Kwak Cheol-Ho lifted his index finger and rotated it three times.

    One rotation meant that the team couldn¡¯t get a view of the surroundings, an X sign indicated that they found unexpected enemies or potential shelter for them, and three rotations meant that everything proceeded as nned.

    Seeing Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s signal, Kang Chan began to head out with his own team.

    Kang Chan traveled past the point that Seok Kang-Ho had secured and reached where Kwak Cheol-Ho was. There, he swiftly examined the view the position offered.

    Thendscape had a t horizon and long hills on the left side. In the worst case scenario, there would be trenches between the hills, each one manned by someone aiming a gun at them.

    Thump, thump, thump, thump.

    Kang Chan moved forward, and Kwak Cheol-Ho and Seok Kang-Ho immediately followed him, the members of their respective teams moving after they did.

    Tat, tat. Rustle. Rattle.

    Kang Chan felt as if the pulsations of his heart were circting through his blood, sending his heartbeats to the rest of his body. Each nerve connected to his eyes, ears, and brain was drawn taut as he trodded onward.

    Haah, haah.

    Every oddly shaped rock and meteor streaking across the sky caused every fiber of his hair to stand on end. With every step he took, he had to decide whether to pull the trigger or not.

    Crunch.

    When someone stepped on a pebble, several nces would shoot toward them, and the whistles of the wind led to sharp gazes searching for the source.

    Haah, haah.

    Kang Chan examined their surroundings more carefully than usual as they made their way to their destination. After about an hour on foot, they finally found the target location they saw in the photos. Amid the rubble and remaining walls of ruined structures, they asionally sawpletely intact buildings.

    Climbing up and around the hills visible through the ruins would reveal arge cave, where the hostages were most likely kept.

    Kang Chan pointed to the locations he assigned to Woo Hee-Seung and Kwak Cheol-Ho earlier.

    The enemy¡¯s base was a single-story building. There was a wall that was made by pressing earth together, which had to be where the guards were staying. They were no doubt sleeping behind it.

    At Kang Chan¡¯s signal, Lee Doo-Hee and another sniper went to their positions.

    Not too long after, Kang Chan¡¯s radio started to crackle.

    Chk, chk, chk. Chk, ch, chk.

    He just received a message in Morse code by using the buttons on the radio.

    ¡®Got it!¡¯

    A few momentster, the same Morse code was transmitted by the other team. The two locations where the guards were asleep had now been secured.

    Kang Chan gestured to Seok Kang-Ho, pointed to his eyes with his index and middle fingers, then to Yoon Sang-Ki and one other soldier.

    Any enemy emerging from the secured buildings would be eliminated without hesitation. Kang Chan cautiously made his way to the cave, where the only remaining threats should be.

    Haah, haah.

    It was currently a little past five in the morning, which was when the enemies would be most exhausted and in their deepest sleep.

    After going around the hills, Kang Chan hurriedly raised his left hand. Two guards wearing turbans were standing at the entrance of the cave. One of them was behind an M240 machine gun that had its bipod spread apart, and the other guard was holding an L85A2 against his chest.

    The motherfuckers were standing on either side of the wooden door that led into the cave. They would likely shoot the hostages if they heard any noise.

    Kang Chan crouched down lower and pulled out the Bowie knife that he had holstered to his ankle.

    Haah, haah.

    Catching onto what Kang Chan was trying to do, Seok Kang-Ho pulled out his own knife. Yoon Sang-Ki, who was following him, covered them from the back.

    If they continued to creep along the wall, they could easily and smoothly take out the guard in front of the M240 machine gun. The issue was the one on the other side of the entrance.

    Pressing themselves against the wall, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho cautiously approached their enemies as closely as possible.

    Kang Chan held his Bowie knife in a reverse grip as he turned back to Seok Kang-Ho.

    One, two¡­!

    Swish! Whoosh! Dash!

    The moment Kang Chan threw his knife, Seok Kang-Ho dashed toward the enemy at lightning speed.

    sh!

    Seok Kang-Ho deeply slit the enemy¡¯s neck. Kang Chan then grabbed the enemy¡¯s neck and covered his mouth as he struggled.

    Crack!

    Kang Chan forcibly twisted the enemy¡¯s neck, causing the man to slump over in his arms. The enemy¡¯s blood squelched, but it wasn¡¯t loud enough to be heard from inside the cave.

    Kang Chan carefully set the enemy down on the ground and then withdrew his knife, wiping it on the corpse¡¯s clothes.

    The wooden door was the only thing keeping him from entering the cave now.

    Carefully peeking inside, he saw the hostages sitting in a corner with devastated, jaded expressions.

    Kang Chan gestured at Yoon Sang-Ki, then pointed at the entrance of the cave with his index and middle fingers.

    He only had one shot. The best he could hope for was to kill all the enemies in one go as soon as he charged in.

    The cave was illuminated by lights that seemed to be fueled by burning petroleum, not electricity.

    As long as Seok Kang-Ho was with him, the n would turn out fine. They could eliminate the enemies directly in front of where they would run in from. Kang Chan put his rifle in front of him and got into position with Seok Kang-Ho. He then pressed the buttons on his helmet¡¯s radio a couple of times.

    Ch, ch, ch, chk, chk. Ch, ch, chk, chk, chk.

    ¡®Two, three¡­¡¯

    As Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gazes met, Seok Kang-Ho mmed his right foot on the door and kicked it open.

    Bam! Swoosh!

    The enemy in a wooden chair sprang up.

    Pew! Pew! Pew!

    They took out three enemies in total.

    ¡°Aaahh!¡±

    The women covered their eyes and screamed upon seeing the enemies grotesquely writhing and falling.

    ¡°Pull yourselves together! Does anyone have a bomb attached to them?¡± Kang Chan hastily asked.

    Several hostages suddenly raised their heads.

    ¡°Korean! Are you Korean?¡± one of them asked.

    Continuous gunshots could be heard outside.

    ¡°We¡¯re South Korean special forces soldiers. Does anyone have a bomb on their body or anything like that?¡±

    ¡°No, we don¡¯t!¡± a hostage quickly replied.

    Kang Chan quickly scanned the hostages¡¯ surroundings.

    ¡°These people didn¡¯t treat us too badly!¡± one of the four male hostages said as he looked at the dead enemies with a pitiful look.

    Should I just shoot him too?

    Kang Chan felt an unknown anger surging inside him. However, now was not the time to dwell on it.

    The gunshots outside suddenly ceased.

    Chk.

    ¡°This is Team One. We have secured the first target point!¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°This is Team Two. The area is currently clear!¡±

    ¡°We have to get moving,¡± Kang Chan frantically shouted, and the hostages stood up with confused faces. ¡°Let¡¯s go! Daye, cover our six!¡±

    ¡°Roger, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    When they got out, they found the rest of the men standing guard in a circle in front of the cave.

    ¡°Follow us! Quickly!¡± Kang Chan urged.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t there any vehicles?¡± the same hostage asked.

    This motherfucker has so many questions!

    ¡°We have to walk for at least one kilometer!¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan stood at the forefront, Kwak Cheol-Ho took the left, and Seok Kang-Ho took the right.

    Tat, tat. Tat, tat. Tat, tat. Tat, tat.

    ¡°Oh my gosh!¡±

    ¡°Careful! Take my hand!¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he was going to die from frustration. It was a good thing they were young women.

    ¡°Which organization are you associated with?¡± the male hostage asked.

    This son of a bitch!

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t bother to respond. The women were running as fast as they could, but from his point of view, they only seemed to be speed walking at best.

    Tat, tat. Tat, tat. Tat, tat. Tat, tat.

    ¡°Huff! Huff!¡±

    ¡°Ow!¡±

    On top of that, their rough breathing and yelps of ¡°Be careful!¡± and ¡°Hold onto my hand!¡± every time they took a misstep were basically like an advertisement telling the enemies where they were. This was undoubtedly the worst escape they could do.

    ¡°Ouch!¡±

    Plop!

    While running, one of the women fell over and clutched her ankle.

    ¡°Oww!¡±

    Kang Chan ran over to help her up. ¡°Get on my back!¡±

    At hismand, two of his men rushed over and lifted the woman onto his back.

    ¡°You said it was one kilometer. How much further do we have to go?¡± the male hostage asked.

    The motherfucker was no doubt the guide. Despite the urgency of the situation, he wanted to show off that he still was in charge. It was disgusting.

    Kang Chan continued to run without any response.

    Just then, they saw car headlights violently shaking on the horizon, closing in on them. They still had about five hundred meters left to go.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    To their credit, the hostages did begin to run faster when they saw the lights.

    ***

    Sunday, the day after Christmas.

    All the regr programs were suspended due to a broadcast of a surprising and shocking scene, causing almost everyone in South Korea to be glued to their TVs.

    [Let me repeat myself. The scene you are currently watching is being broadcast with a one-minute dy because you are watching it through CNN, which is receiving the transmission from Al Jazeera,] The anchor said in a quick, high-pitched voice, unable to contain his excitement.

    [Even so, we are still broadcasting to you a live situation. It has also been confirmed that the team isted on the hill with the hostages is indeed the South Korean special forces. Now, allow me to provide an overview of the incident.]

    Just like every other morning, Kang Dae-Kyung was watching the morning news with Yoo Hye-Sook when this broadcast came on. Seeing Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s trembling hand, he cautiously and nervously exhaled.

    ¡®No way. It can¡¯t be. I¡¯m sure it isn¡¯t.¡¯

    It was the South Korean special forces team, after all.

    No matter how exceptionally talented Kang Chan was, there was no way the government would send him all the way to a ce like that. Still, Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t help but grit his teeth and remember Kang Chan running alongside the van during the underground parking lot shootout.

    His heart quivered anxiously.

    [First, at ten in the morning in our timezone, a video presumed to be of hostages abducted by armed Taliban militants in Afghanistan was released.]

    On the TV screen, a tense young woman, unable to calm her nerves, delivered a clearly enunciated message in English saying, ¡°Please save us,¡± and ¡°Please listen to their demands.¡± Next, a man in a simr state pleaded for cooperation and begged to be rescued.

    [And now, the video you are watching has begun to be broadcast around the world. We still do not have answers about how the South Korean special forces managed to enter Afghanistan to rescue the hostages, who are filming this live scene from the sky, and why this video is being broadcast.]

    Before the anchor finished speaking, Yoo Hye-Sook covered her mouth with two hands as she gasped. The broadcast had just shown the South Korean soldiers crouching down to avoid the enemy¡¯s bullets, which shot up dust as they hit the ground. The broadcast¡¯sck of sounds intensified the fear and tension of the situation. Soon after¡­

    ¡°Woohoo!¡±

    A deafening cheer erupted as South Korea scored a goal in the World Cup.

    In between the barrage of bullets, one soldier stood up and dropped the enemies in every direction his gun aimed at like dominoes. Those who dared close in on him plunged to the ground while a few others scurried quickly back to where their truck was. Another loud cheer resounded through the entire apartmentplex.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s hand continued to tremble.

    ***

    The screen now showed the soldier who eliminated some of the enemies giving orders to the other soldiers. Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s mom, who was standing in front of the TV, covered her mouth.

    That was probably how her husband fought.

    ¡®I was with him.¡¯

    ¡®I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t save him. None of us here could¡¯ve survived in that dire situation if it wasn¡¯t for Yoo-Seul¡¯s father.¡¯

    ¡®He was braver than anyone. He never even showed anyone that he was struggling. I¡¯m sorry.¡¯

    It was probably that person.

    He had a deep gaze that didn¡¯t suit his age, and the other soldiers followed him without any hesitation. It was the man who told her about her husband¡¯sst moments with Lee Yoo Seul in his arms.

    ¡°Pleasee back alive! You have toe back safely!¡±

    Tears streaked down the face of Lee Yoo Seul¡¯s mother.

    ***

    Gerard, who was on emergency standby, clenched his jaws while watching the TV.

    The man had to be the God of ckfield. The distinctive gestures that the God of ckfield disyed when issuing orders to his team were exactly the same as themander giving instructions on the screen.

    The barracks were so silent that not even the sound of anyone breathing could be heard. Every time the deeply embedded scar on Gerard¡¯s cheek twitched, the youngest of their team anxiously observed his mood before returning his gaze back to the screen.

    He considered asking if that man was truly the God of ckfield, but Gerard¡¯s glinting eyes and wriggling scar were enough of an answer.

    At that moment, the men¡¯s expressions filled with surprise, then nodded in understanding.

    The South Korean special forcesmander burst up amid the rain of bullets and took down the enemies in quick session, and another soldier followed and covered him with incredible precision and timing.

    Some people would probably think that the other soldier was just firing at random, but if it wasn¡¯t for his cover fire, themander couldn¡¯t have eliminated the enemies with ease.

    ¡°Daye¡­¡± Gerard said under his breath, making the soldiers clench their teeth.

    This was essentially the same as insulting the special forces across the globe. They were turning a hero into a mere spectacle.

    Combat and death was inevitable for the special forces. Even so, their fate should never be portrayed as a circus.

    ***

    ¡°These motherfuckers. Why are there so many?¡± Seok Kang-Ho gruffly grumbled with his head hidden behind a small boulder.

    They were standing on an extremely low hill.

    The team surrounded the rescued hostages to protect them. Right now, this was all they could do.

    Kang Chan heavily panted as he peeked outside. For some reason, he felt as if the enemies could keenly observe their movements.

    ¡°Daye,¡± he called.

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly nced back at him.

    Du du du! Du du du du!

    The sound of the machine gun fire thunderously echoed from ahead of them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take the truck!¡± Kang Chan shouted over the noise.

    Seok Kang-Ho briefly looked downward and then nced back at the hostages. He was silently asking if the hostages could reach the truck quickly enough even if they did manage to hijack it.

    ¡°Put the hostages on your backs. Have the men run on their own,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    ¡°You don¡¯t even have a proper n?¡± the male hostage loudlyined.

    ¡°Shut up, you fucking asshole!¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore, causing the man to quickly lower his head.

 Chapter 216: I Was With Him (2)

    Chapter 216: I Was With Him (2)

    ¡°Daye, take charge here for a bit,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Copy.¡±

    Kang Chan quickly went to the other side of the hill.

    Bam-bam-bam. Bam-bam-bam-bam. Pew! Pew!

    The volley of bullets made the boulder he had his head against explode.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho!¡± Kang Chan called.

    While prone, Kwak Cheol-Ho turned his head to Kang Chan, who was behind him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hijack the truck up front,¡± he continued.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho briefly nodded.

    ¡°Have the men carry the thirteen women on their backs. Seok Kang-Ho and I will run out first. You and Woo Hee-Seung will cover our six and take the truck! At my signal, the rest of the team will then head down with the hostages!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    Bam-bam-bam! Bam-bam-bam! Pow-pow-pow! Pow!

    ¡°Prepare the grenadeuncher! Our enemies might have something simr as well, so as soon as you get on the truck, have our snipers positioned at the front and back of it!¡±

    After issuing orders, Kang Chan crawled over to the hostages in the middle of their formation.

    ¡°Please listen carefully!¡± he eximed.

    Pow-pow-pow! Pew! Pew!

    Gunshots and the sounds of rocks breaking apart continued to echo around them.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to steal the truck up front! My men will be carrying the women on their backs because they¡¯re slow, and the men have to run with us. Any questions?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that too dangerous?!¡± the same man as before yelled. He had a point, but Kang Chan still couldn¡¯t help but hate him.

    ¡°It¡¯s the only way!¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Bam-bam-bam-bam! Pew! Pew!

    ¡°Look at this!¡± the man yelled and quickly stopped Kang Chan from turning around. ¡°What¡¯s your religion?¡±

    What insanity s this fucker saying?

    ¡°A god is protecting us! The fact that we escaped from our kidnappers proves that, doesn¡¯t it?¡± the man continued. Kang Chan¡¯s silence seemed to give him confidence. ¡°If we¡¯re really going to get the truck, then let¡¯s all pray together first! He will definitely answer our prayers!¡±

    Kang Chan was relieved that he was wearing a mask and a helmet. Instead of responding, he immediately went back to Seok Kang-Ho. At the same time, Kwak Cheol-Ho exined the n to the soldiers through the radio and assigned them the people they would be carrying on their backs.

    ¡°We¡¯re heading down the hill once they¡¯ve provided us cover with the grenadeunchers,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°We are all in position,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho reported at the same time as Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s response.

    Chk.

    ¡°Prepare the grenadeunchers,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Chk.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    A momentter, Kwak Cheol-Ho, Woo Hee-Seung, Lee Doo-Hee, and two soldiers carrying M203s approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°See that rock in front of the truck?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Bam-bam-bam! Bam-bam-bam-bam! Pow-pow-pow! Pow-pow-pow-pow!

    When Kwak Cheol-Ho raised his upper body a little, the enemy immediately tried to shoot him down.

    ¡°We have to secure that area so the others will have a safe location toe down to!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°What about the rest of our team?¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho asked.

    ¡°Staying here is too dangerous, so have them target the first one among the three trucks! Make sure they take down any tango carrying an I or RPG!¡±

    Their opponents were in what essentially was a nd that didn¡¯t provide any cover that would allow them to use shoulderunched missiles in hiding. However, if they managed to fire even just one rocket toward the truck, then everything would be over.

    Kang Chan immediately told the soldiers what to target with the grenadeunchers. If they could just eliminate the enemies hiding behind the rocks, then they would gain approximately three to five minutes of time.

    ***

    Lanok stayed up all night.

    In his room were three agents standing with their feet apart and hands sped together in front. Raphael was also waiting next to his desk.

    ring at the TV hanging on the wall, Lanok took a sip of his tea. Not long after, the phone on his desk rang.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    - High Commissioner, this is the Director-General.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    - I called to clear up a misunderstanding

    Lanok had a simr smile to Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ¡°I believe you¡¯re working with France in mind, Director-General, but you¡¯ll only cause problems if you go cross the line of the role you¡¯re given. Nothing is more important than France¡¯s glory for me as well, but even I have trouble forgiving anyone who would dare point a gun behind my back and Anne¡¯s.¡±

    - I have never thought of doing that, High Commissioner.

    Lanok firmly pressed on the inner corners of his eyes with his left thumb and index finger.

    ¡°Romain de Begeade,¡± Lanok called.

    - Please go ahead, High Commissioner.

    ¡°Be thankful that Monsieur Kang is on close terms with France. If he worked with the UK, France would have already disappeared from the map.¡±

    - I¡¯m aware of that.

    Lanok nced at the TV. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll give you a chance to make an excuse about this ¡®misunderstanding.¡¯¡±

    - We have removed Deputy Director-General Theo from his position. On the aristocrats¡¯ honor, I, DGSE Director-General Romain de Begeade, swear my allegiance to you, High Commissioner Lanok Belmonde Perdieu.

    ¡°Who ordered that stupid broadcast to be aired?¡±

    - ording to our investigation, the DIA and Ethan have made a secret agreement.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Ethan right now?¡±

    - He immediately went from Russia to the United States.

    ¡°Protect him.¡±

    - You must be concerned about Josh.

    ¡°UK¡¯s intelligence bureau will keep making trouble with that kind of idiot as their leader. However, if Ethan is removed, then Josh will be their head. And if that happens, then France will be faced with a really tough battle.¡±

    - Understood.

    ¡°Promote Monsieur Kang to the empty Deputy Director-General position.¡±

    Raphael gulped while quickly looking at Lanok.

    After a brief moment of silence¡­

    - High Commissioner, I have a personal question to ask you.

    Still watching the TV, Lanok began to look as if he had put on a mask.

    - Do you believe that Monsieur Kang will genuinely work for France?

    The Director-General seemed to have taken Lanok¡¯s silence as permission.

    ¡°Romain.¡±

    - Yes, sir?

    ¡°No one can predict the future, so wouldn¡¯t looking back at the past at times like this be the best answer to that? Have I ever made a decision that harmed France¡¯s glory?¡±

    Raphael quietly put cigars and an ashtray on Lanok¡¯s desk.

    - Understood. I¡¯ll appoint Monsieur Kang as Deputy Director-General. What measures should I take afterward?

    ¡°Mobilize the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces. Save France¡¯s Deputy Director-General.¡±

    - I¡¯ll have all those done immediately.

    Lanok ended the call and held up a cigar, which Raphael then lit up for him.

    ¡°Contact Vasili and Ludwig. Tell them to cancel theirmand to assassinate Romain and that I¡¯ll contact them once Monsieur Kang has returned to stop them from saying anything else,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Raphael answered, looking full of pride.

    ¡°Will you tell Anne and Louis to return to the DGSE as well?¡±

    ¡°Will do.¡± Raphael quickly left the room.

    Lanok looked back at the TV.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang improves one step at a time whenever he¡¯s in a difficult situation. Should I call the DIA and thank them for turning Monsieur Kang into the hero of all the special forces around the world through this broadcast?¡± Lanok asked himself, then deeply exhaled the smoke from the cigar.

    ***

    Thunk! Thunk!

    Kang Chan red at their target. He imagined firing the grenadeunchers would make cool and heavy sounds, but in reality, they just sounded as if someone fiercely struck a can.

    Bang. Bang!

    Whoosh!

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho stood up at the same time.

    Pew! Pew! Pew! Bam-bam-bam! Bam-bam-bam-bam! Pew!

    ¡°Daye!¡± Kang Chan called, then quickly went down the hill.

    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!

    Kang Chan shot back at their opponents as he ran.

    Seok Kang-Ho immediately ran over from behind Kang Chan. Kwak Cheol-Ho, Woo Hee-Seung, and the two soldiers armed with grenadeunchers provided cover fire.

    ***

    [Two soldiers are quickly going down the hill. As a citizen of South Korea, while I¡¯m proud of the soldiers for oveing that kind of desperate fight¡­] The news anchor trailed off, unable to hold back her emotions.

    The broadcast from CNNcked sounds and sometimes shook as well, which perhaps made the scene seem all the more desperate.

    [Ah¡­!] The news anchor sighed. The screen now showed the soldiers quickly running out with the women on their backs.

    [Please¡­ I and all of our fellow South Koreans hope that the soldiers and the hostages can escape safely¡ªah!] the news anchor, who could barely deliver her lines, screamed, and all of South Korea fell silent. The screen showed the soldier running at the very back of their formation falling to the ground.

    Dirt sttered as the enemy riddled the truck with holes.

    While the soldiers helped the rescued hostages onto the truck, two more copsed.

    The female news anchor at the bottom right corner of the screen turned her head to the side, unable to hold back her tears anymore. Yoo Hye-Sook began to cry as well, feeling the same way.

    The soldiers¡¯ situation seemed to be bing direr every second.

    ***

    ¡°Cover me! Daye!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Bam-bam-bam-bam! Bam-bam! Pew! Pew! Pew!

    Kang Chan ran to the back as he called Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Please go!¡± a soldier yelled. A bullet wound was on his thigh.

    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan swore as he and Seok Kang-Ho tightly grabbed the soldier¡¯s shoulders at the same time.

    Pew! Pew! Pow-pow! Bam-bam-bam!

    The others provided cover fire for Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho, who were dragging the wounded soldier with them, so relentlessly that it was as if they had gone crazy.

    Pow!

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore as he staggered. A bullet had found its way into his left shoulder.

    Swoosh! Pew! Pew! Pew! Bam-bam-bam! Bam-bam-bam-bam! Bam-bam!

    ¡°Grab onto him!¡± Kang Chan yelled. As soon as they reached the truck, he managed to lift the soldier onto it.

    He and his men formed a circle around the hostages.

    ¡°Daye! Get in the truck!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°Ugh!¡± Seok Kang-Ho¡ªwhose eyes were glinting full of spite¡ªgrabbed the hand a soldier offered and climbed onto the back of the truck.

    ¡°Go!¡± Kang Chan yelled as he struck the door of the driver''s seat. He ran as quickly as he could next to it.

    Vroom!

    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!

    As the truck began to move, Kang Chan returned fire.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho! Get in!¡± he yelled.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho and Woo Hee-Seung¡ªwho were protecting the hood of the truck¡ªclimbed onto its back.

    Pew! Pew! Pew! Bam-bam-bam! Bam-bam!

    This had turned into a battle to the death.

    Dirt sttered around Kang Chan with each gunshot from their enemies.

    Pow!

    Kang Chan staggered back.

    ***

    Yoo Hye-Sook covered her mouth with her hand.

    Even though she didn¡¯t know anything about warfare, she still noticed the special forcesmander falter. He continued running next to the truck not long after, but he was limping now. He seemed to have been shot in the leg.

    Imagining the family and the parents of that soldier watching the broadcast made Yoo Hye-Sook cry even harder. Remembering Kang Chan doing the same thing some time ago didn¡¯t help at all either.

    Wiping her tears, she unintentionally nced at Kang Dae-Kyung, who was ring at the TV and tightly gritting his teeth.

    ¡°Honey¡­¡± Yoo Hye-Sook muttered, then held his hand. Kang Dae-Kyung¡ªwho never failed to console andfort her during moments like this¡ªwas crying.

    ***

    Inside a ne, G¨¦rard loaded the magazine into his gun and looked at all the soldiers before him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you all think about him, but to me, the God of ckfield is a hero I¡¯d be willing to put my life on the line for.¡±

    Right now, G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes were glinting as much as Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s. The scar on his cheek seemed to express his emotions. ¡°Our target location might change on our way there, but our goal will remain the same. Secure the route the God of ckfield will be taking. We don¡¯t have enough time tond, so we¡¯re going to have to drop down.¡±

    Smirking, G¨¦rard continued, ¡°As yourmander, I have to admit that this operation is dangerous. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re also all well aware of how high-risk parachuting down into the middle of enemy territory is. As mandated by the rules of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th regiment, I will ask you all once more. Does anyone want to back out of this operation?¡±

    No one raised their hands. On the contrary, one of the soldiers even looked as if his pride was hurt.

    G¨¦rard nodded. ¡°Then let¡¯s go save our hero.¡±

    nk!

    The youngest soldier roughly pulled a breechblock and released it. He was wearing the bandana that Kang Chan gave him.

    ***

    ¡°Woah!¡± A thunderous roar came from an apartment when the TV showed the limpingmander getting on the truck.

    The men watching the scene got goosebumps, and the women pped while wiping their tears.

    As soon as he got in, themander put his right foot at the edge of the truck and continued returning fire.

    ***

    Brandon¡ªthe Director of DIA¡ªspoke to Ethan with cold eyes.

    ¡°Discontinue the broadcast for me,¡± Ethan said.

    ¡°I feel like I¡¯m watching the future of the British Empire. I can¡¯t believe the leader of an intelligence bureau can¡¯t keep the promises he so confidently made. I even feel like I got teased because I can¡¯t believe it,¡± Brandon responded.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the Director-General to turn his back on me. They¡¯re cunning.¡±

    Brandon sneered at Ethan. ¡°You took Lanok too lightly, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°If the DGSE kept their word, then Lanok would have already been killedst night¡ª¡±

    ¡°Ethan,¡± Brandon called lowly, breaking off what Ethan was about to say.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯re in this situation, the DIA has to make the childish and nauseating excuse that we prepared this broadcast for South Korea¡¯s special forces team. We also have to join this operation now. SOCOM [1] has already mobilized the Green Berets[2],¡± Brandon looked at Ethan emotionlessly. ¡°You¡¯ve done something truly ridiculous this time, but at least it made me realize that Lanok has a power that we aren¡¯t aware of.¡±

    Just as Ethan was about to respond in delight, he added, ¡°However, something horrible happened as well. Watching the broadcast has made the US military¡¯s special forces think of South Korea¡¯s special forces and the God of ckfield as a hero.¡±

    Brandon¡¯s coldment shut Ethan up.

    ¡°Go back. France¡¯s DGSE pressured us into letting you live in exchange for quietly letting us go off the hook for that damn broadcast, so I suggest you head to South Korea and beg Lanok for your life,¡± Brandon continued.

    ¡°Brandon¡ª¡±

    ¡°Ah! If I were you, I¡¯d be on a ne already. If the God of ckfield manages to get to South Korea before you do, you¡¯d probably end up with a bullet in your head like that North Korean.¡±

    Ethan gulped as he nodded.

    ***

    Kang Chan quickly scanned their surroundings. A soldier had bandaged his right foot, which was on the edge of the truck.

    Damn it!

    My leg keeps getting shot every time I pick up a gun. I should put a fulu[3] or something on my right foot.

    When they left the standoff, their enemies stopped shooting at them.

    Fortunately, their surroundings didn¡¯t offer anything the enemies could use to hide.

    Clunk! Clunk! Click!

    With the truck rocking, Kang Chan held up his rifle and aimed at a small boulder. Everything would end if someone popped out from behind it andunched a missile at them.

    The two snipers continued to monitor their surroundings on top of the truck, while the soldiers sharply red ahead of the truck.

    Two of his men were short in the thigh, one in the waist, and Seok Kang-ho in the left shoulder.

    One of them forced a smile as he looked at Kang Chan, blood seeping out of his military uniform. He was wearing a mask, but Kang Chan could immediately tell who it was just by looking at his eyes.

    Kang Chan brightly smirked back, then examined their surroundings again.

    That¡¯s it! Don¡¯t die! Let¡¯s get back home alive!

    Click! Pew! Pew!

    Kang Chan suddenly pulled the trigger twice.

    1. SOCOM is a Unified Combatant Command that oversees Special Operations Forces ?

    2. a special operations force of the United States Army that¡¯s known as the "Green Berets" due to their distinctive service headgear ?

    3. Fulus are Taoist magic symbols and incantations that are written or painted on talismans. They are used for various purposes, one of which is preventing misfortune from happening. ?

 Chapter 217: You Guys Fought Well (1)

    Chapter 217: You Guys Fought Well (1)

    Bam! Bam!

    Pulling the trigger inside the rattling truck, Kang Chan blew the heads of the two enemies armed with guided missileunchers. He wasn¡¯t aware of it, but at that moment, thunderous cheers erupted from all of South Korea, causing the entire country to rumble.

    A few of the other countries¡¯ special forces soldiers who were watching the broadcast sprang up from their seats, unable to contain their emotions.

    Clunk! Clunk!

    Every time the bumpy road rocked the truck up and down, the soldiers and hostages sitting inside wildly swayed back and forth. In that suffocating tension, they kept driving for seven more minutes.

    Thump, thump, thump, thump.

    Soon, Kang Chan¡¯s heart sent him even stronger warnings. He looked sharply ahead of them.

    Wham. Wham. Wham. Wham.

    His heart beat more powerfully than ever, making him feel like nothing he had ever felt before. It was as if his heart was shouting at him to immediately get out of the truck.

    They hadn¡¯t even been able to get too far. The shallow hills on the right were just beginning toe into view. To their left were just a few houses with their roofspletely blown off.

    Kang Chan quickly turned around to check on the people in the truck. One of the women had sprained her leg, preventing her from running, and three of his men were injured.

    Thump, thump, thump, thump.

    His heart beat so furiously that it was as if it had reached its limit.

    No gunfire hade from the abandoned houses yet.

    Kang Chan quickly scanned the hills ahead of them and raised his hand to his helmet.

    Chk.

    ¡°Lee Doo-Hee! Head to the abandoned houses up front!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Chk.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Lee Doo-Hee replied a momentter. The others heard the exchange through their own radios as well.

    Feeling their gazes on him, Kang Chan pressed the button for the radio on his helmet again.

    Chk.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho! Woo Hee-Seung! Lee Doo-Hee! Take over those ruined buildings as soon as we reach them! The rest of you are in charge of the injured!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    The truck went off the road and beelined toward the abandoned houses. As soon as it screeched to a stop, Kang Chan shouted, ¡°Go, go, go! Hurry up!¡±

    Already familiar with his personality, they realized his shout was far sharper than before. Hence, they began moving faster.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± the man who appeared to be the hostages¡¯ leaderined through gritted teeth.

    However, no one paid him attention.

    ¡°I said make it quick!¡± Kang Chan rushed the men even more.

    As if there was no tomorrow, the soldiers rapidly lugged the injured people onto their backs while Kwak Cheol-Ho, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee bolted to the abandoned houses.

    ¡°Get off!¡± Kang Chan shouted, getting rid of the formal speech he had been using all this time. With widened eyes, the hostages hurried out of the truck.

    ¡°Why are you making us get off of the truck? It¡¯s not like there are any enemies here either!¡± the man sitting in the innermost seat of the truck¡ªthe same man who had done nothing butin¡ªgruffly protested. ¡°Our god is looking after and protecting us! For as long as we have faith in him, we will definitely be rewarded for our trust!¡±

    ¡°Shut up, you fucking son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan finally roared. ¡°Don¡¯t you see the soldiers who took bullets just to save a fucking whiny little bitch like you? Don¡¯t you think they have families back home desperately waiting for them to return safely? If you want to die here, then be my motherfucking guest!¡±

    The male hostage noticeably gulped, his throat bobbing up and down. He had just seen the glint in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes between his helmet and mask.

    ¡°We will give up on the hostages who refuse to follow orders,¡± Kang Chan warned before turning away to get off the truck.

    The soldiers carried the injured and the weaker women on their backs while they stood on standby behind the truck.

    Chk.

    ¡°We have secured the abandoned houses, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho informed him through the radio.

    At the same time, the male hostage inside the truck quietly crept out and stood between the soldiers.

    ¡°Get going! Daye, lead them to the target point!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Whoosh!

    Asmanded, the soldiers dashed forward. If it turned out that nothing was wrong with their situation, this would just be an act of insanity. They had abandoned their perfectly fine means of transportation just to be trapped in an old building.

    However, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t just ignore his gut feeling.

    An enemy had to be nearby somewhere.

    Chk.

    ¡°Lee Doo-Hee! Prepare to shoot!¡± Kang Chan ordered. His heart was beating so fast that it made him dizzy.

    Swish!

    With the sound of fireworks popping, white smoke soared from the hill to their right to their truck. Limping, Kang Chan hurriedly followed behind the soldiers.

    ¡°Run! Run!¡± Kang Chan rushed them along.

    Drawing a line in the air, the white smoke reached the truck. Amid a heavy moment of silence, the truck exploded with a deafening boom.

    Thud!

    In this terrain, one grenade would be enough to make the ground within a hundred-meter radius violently quake. Hence, the moment the truck exploded, almost all of the special forces team members staggered. A few of them even fell to the ground.

    Du du du du du! Du du du du du! Du! Du!

    An incredible rain of bullets followed after the explosion. The only silver lining they could find in this situation was the fact that the hill and the truck had quite a huge distance in between, lowering the uracy of the gunshots.

    However, getting hit by a stray bullet could still mean certain death.

    Someone had to stay behind and cover their rear at least until the soldiers and the hostages had reached the abandoned houses.

    ¡°Daye!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Seok Kang-Ho, whose left shoulder was a bloody mess, stayed behind Kang Chan, eyes determinedly glinting.

    They were currently down on the ground while the enemies were running over to a dark blob that was quite far away from the hill.

    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!

    Kang Chan opened fire, and Seok Kang-Ho followed suit. Kang Chan saw the enemies flinch before lurching down to the ground.

    Chk.

    ¡°Everyone has been brought to safety!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho announced over the radio sometimeter, apanied by gunshotsing from the abandoned buildings. Kang Chan felt relieved until he saw a truck approaching from the hill.

    ¡°Get inside! Hurry!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    Seok Kang-Ho stayed silent.

    ¡°You can¡¯t shoot while running with that shoulder! Get in, find a position, and provide cover for me from there!¡±

    Dying any longer in a ce like this would just put them both in danger.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan with red, bloodshot eyes onest time before quickly turning around and running toward the buildings.

    Swish! Swish! Pew! Du du du du! Du du! Du du du!

    The enemies relentlessly targeted Seok Kang-Ho. Even without being ordered to, the team immediately provided cover for him.

    The dirt below Kang Chan rose up and violently whipped around him.

    ***

    The female anchor remained speechless, still choking back her tears, and the male anchor covered his mouth with a clenched fist, barely managing to keep his expression under control.

    [There is no way of knowing¡­ Ahem! There is no way of knowing¡­ how themander detected the ambush of the enemies¡­] The anchor¡¯s voice trembled as he spoke. [One thing is for certain, however. That desperate battle¡­ clearly demonstrates the determination and spirit of South Korea¡¯s special forces.]

    The female anchor¡¯s sniffles could be heard through the TV.

    [We eagerly anticipate the safe return of the special forces soldiers and the hostages. Thank you¡­ on behalf of our country, thank you so much.]

    The male anchor barely managed to finish his lines before he turned to the side and closed his eyes. Unable to suppress his overwhelming emotions, his silent cries vividly represented the sentiments of the South Korean people watching from home.

    [Please¡­ may themander be safe¡­ we hope he can enter the building. Whatever¡­ whatever is making him fight so fiercely like that¡­ Thank you.]

    After endless expressions of gratitude, the male anchor could no longer speak either. Seeing the spray of dirt around themander, who was now left alone, the male anchor eventually burst into loud sobs.

    ***

    Du du du du! Du du du!

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even stand up.

    The enemies took cover and started shooting at him from behind the truck. Kang Chan had to find a way to avoid their gunfire.

    Chk.

    ¡°Snipers! Keep an eye out for any missileunchers!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Chk.

    ¡°Understood, sir!¡± Lee Doo-Hee said, his firm resolve made clear through the radio.

    Du du du! Pew! Pew! Du du du du! Pew pew pew!

    A nce was enough for Kang Chan to determine that they were up against roughly over a hundred people.

    Chk.

    ¡°Captain! Come inside as soon as I hit them with the grenadeuncher!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted.

    Chk.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    He knew he could count on Seok Kang-Ho. In seconds, the guy had assessed the situation ande up with a n.

    Chk.

    ¡°Get ready!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted. Right after he sent an order through the radio, two dull thuds echoed in session.

    Clunk! Clunk!

    A momentter, one of the enemy¡¯s trucks exploded.

    Swoosh!

    Pew pew! Pew! Pew! Du du du du! Du du du!

    Kang Chan ran toward the abandoned buildings as fast as he could. Despite the pain making him feel as if his right leg would be torn apart, he forced himself to take awkward steps.

    Pew! Pow! Peeew! Thud! Pew! Pow!

    Amid the sounds of bullets hitting the ground, Kang Chan leaped toward the ruined building.

    Thud! Whoosh!

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kwak Cheol-Ho ran forward to grab him.

    ***

    South Korea was experiencing a rollercoaster of cheers and grief.

    The broadcast had just shown themander leaping toward the building and the two soldiers quickly dragging him to safety.

    ¡°Ah!¡± the anchor eximed, his sigh seemingly drowned out by the simultaneous moans of people all across the nation.

    The live was being recorded from the sky. While there were times when the enemy¡¯s presence could be seen in the distance, it focused mainly on the situation inside the abandoned building.

    The two soldiers propped theirmander against a broken wall. Everyone held their breath, watching him, until hemander tapped one of the soldier¡¯s helmets and stood up.

    ¡°Woohoo!¡±

    Another wild cheer erupted throughout the country.

    ***

    Kang Dae-Kyung burst into sorrowful tears.

    ¡°Honey!¡±

    He was sobbing so heartbreakingly that Yoo Hye-Sook embraced him around his shoulders tofort him. She soothingly rubbed Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s neck and shoulders, which were as stiff as a tree.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Honey. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked through sobs.

    Hearing her tearful question, Kang Dae-Kyung took in a deep breath and wiped his tears.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Honey. They will being back home safely. Don¡¯t worry, okay?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, attempting to calm him down.

    ¡°Yeah. They¡¯re going toe back home safely. I know it¡­ They¡¯reing back,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung repeated what Yoo Hye-Sook said as he choked back his tears.

    ***

    ¡°We¡¯re quite far from them, so they should have trouble firing a missile at us!¡± Kang Chan dered.

    There were a total of four old buildings.

    The hostages and the injured soldiers were gathered inside one building, and the snipers were positioned at their forefront. The others entered the adjacent building to split it up effectively.

    Shhk!

    Yoon Sang-Ki brought over some bandages and tore some off to tightly bind Kang Chan¡¯s leg.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and the rest of the team members knew it now¡ªthe South Korean special forces now had the skills and experience topete with any team around the world.

    They could easily read the situation based on Kang Chan¡¯s gazes, and no crisis flustered them now.

    The look in Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s gaze, while he tied Kang Chan¡¯s leg, was clear proof of that. Anyone who acted tough and picked a fight with Yoon Sang-Ki because they thought South Korea was weak would only get beaten up to a pulp.

    Kang Chan lifted his hand to his helmet.

    Chk.

    ¡°The truck is the boundary. Unless they go anywhere near it, don¡¯t shoot,¡± he directed.

    The enemies weren¡¯t shooting right now either.

    Chk.

    ¡°Snipers. Our lives are in your hands. A single I would decimate us right now. Protect us.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Leave it to us, sir!¡± Lee Doo-Hee replied so firmly that it felt as if pebbles were digging into his ears through the radio.

    Chk.

    ¡°The enemies will begin to form ranks. We can rest until then,¡± Kang Chan told all the soldiers. He then headed to where the injured soldiers were. The three all turned to Kang Chan with such perfect synchronization that it seemed as if they rehearsed it beforehand.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but this is the best we can do. I¡¯ll look for a way to get us back. Until then, stay tough,¡± Kang Chan said. He then looked into the eyes of each soldier before hunching over and extending a hand.

    Thud. Thud.

    He patted the soldiers¡¯ helmets. In response, the injured soldiers took turns raising their hands to tap his helmet.

    Meeting people like these is a first for me.

    They had all found a ce in his heart.

    Kang Chan grinned at them and began to move forward again.

    ***

    A tiny portion of the tubing connected to the IV needle inserted into Choi Jong-Il¡¯s arm turned red, having clenched his fist so tightly with every scene that blood flowed back into the needle.

    ¡°Dear,¡± his wife suddenly said.

    The broadcast just showed Kang Chan taking care of the injured soldiers before walking forward again. Choi Jong-Il¡¯s wife quietly called to him so the other people in the four-person ward wouldn¡¯t hear them.

    ¡°That¡¯s the person from back then, isn¡¯t it?¡± she asked.

    Choi Jong-Il simply nodded with dark, bloodshot eyes.

    ¡°When you go back to work and happen to sacrifice your life for him, I¡¯ll consider you a hero for the rest of my life,¡± she said.

    ¡°I know,¡± Choi Jong-Il agreed.

    ¡°I¡¯m jealous that you get to fight side by side with someone like him. Once you get better, forget about your duties in the household. Just give your life to the Republic of Korea. We once lived as thest bastion of thisnd. In the first ce, I chose you because I fell in love with the way you protect our country,¡± she added.

    Choi Jong-Il nodded again, choking back the emotions that threatened to spill out.

    ¡°It¡¯s frustrating! I can¡¯t believe that I¡¯m not in that kind of battle!¡± his wife furiously eximed. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand and then red at Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°Stop acting like a dramatic baby and get back up! Fight for that man already!¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Choi Jong-Il firmly replied.

    ***

    About an hour had passed since then.

    Kang Chan headed from the front building to the one on the left.

    ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki attentively replied.

    ¡°Who has the satellite phone?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Chan had been wondering for a while why they hadn¡¯t used the phone yet.

    ¡°I have it,¡± the soldier next to Yoon Sang-Ki immediately replied and lifted the phone that was hanging from his waist.

    ¡°Get me on a call,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    They had turned the satellite phone off in case it made any noise during the operation. The soldier pressed the switches 9 times in order to unlock it, then pressed the phone to his ear before handing it to Kang Chan.

    Beep. Beep. Beep.

    The distinctive signal of the satellite phone echoed. Not long after, they got a response.

    - This is Terminal.

    ¡°This is Delivery. We are currently isted,¡± Kang Chan informed them.

    -We are aware, Delivery. The whole situation is presently being broadcast on TV.

    Kang Chan quickly looked up at the sky. He had no idea what was going on. All he could see was that the damn sky was blindingly blue and tall.

    - Delivery, we can also see the enemy¡¯s current situation. They have gathered arge number. This isn¡¯t an urate count, but there seems to be at least two hundred.

    Damn it!

    They would have to deal with that many with just seventeen men.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and glowered at the hill on the horizon.

    - France and the United States have sent their special forces teams over. The United States¡¯ Apache helicopter is flying toward you as fast as it can, so you should only have to hold on for a little longer.

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded as if he was trying to maintain hisposure, but his voice was filled with pity. He and the other men were probably all listening to this conversation in the strange conference room Kang Chan was invited into earlier.

    ¡°Anything else I should know?¡±

    - That is it.

    Not stating one¡¯s name, nationality, and purpose was the most fundamental principle ofmunication. The people in the know were probably already aware of everything, but even so, it wasn¡¯t as if they could say ¡°Manager Kim¡± or ¡°Mr. Kang Chan¡± over a satellite phone.

    ¡°I will contact you when we¡¯ve made the delivery,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - Understood.

    The call ended with lingering regret from the other side.

    Kang Chan handed the satellite phone to the soldier and immediately informed everyone about the information he got from the conversation.

    Chk.

    ¡°It appears the enemies are nning arge-scale assault. No matter what they do, though, we¡¯re going to return with all the hostages at the end of all this. Since this is being broadcast on TV, Lee Yoo-Seul must be watching as well. Let¡¯s show how bravely her father fought.¡±

    Kang Chan paused for a moment before raising his hand to his helmet again.

    Chk.

    ¡°It feels strange that I¡¯m saying this, but¡­¡±

    The sound of Kang Chan chuckling could be heard over the radio.

    ¡°... You guys fought well.¡±

    Chuckles and snorts could be heard throughout the room.

    Chk.

    ¡°What are youughing about?¡± Kang Chan asked mock-sternly.

    Chk.

    ¡°It¡¯s cringey, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled. Through Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s line, Kang Chan could hear the hostages singing hymns in the background.

    Soon after¡­

    Chk.

    ¡°Cap, the bastards seem to be getting back to it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho radioed in, urgency in his voice.

 Chapter 218.1: You Guys Fought Well (2)

    Chapter 218.1: You Guys Fought Well (2)

    Kang Chan ran to the front and looked past the broken truck, which was still letting out dark smoke.

    This is weird.

    He suddenly grew suspicious as he watched how their enemies were behaving.

    Something¡¯s not right.

    He couldn¡¯t put it into words, but his gut feeling seemed to be trying to tell him something.

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly looked at Kang Chan and cocked his head.

    ¡®Something¡¯s weird!¡¯

    ¡®So you can feel it too, huh?¡¯

    Behind their position was nothing but a nd. That was why only one of his men was protecting it.

    Kim Hyung-Jung said that everyone is watching all of this unfold from the sky and that we have two hundred enemiesing from our twelve. He didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Kang Chan red at their enemies as he gritted his teeth. He could see the truck that had left from the hill making a wide turn to the left side of the abandoned houses.

    Kang Chan quickly raised his hand to his helmet.

    Chk.

    ¡°The enemies are trying to surround us! I¡¯ll take charge of our six! Snipers, don¡¯t ever take your eyes off that ridge!¡± Kang Chanmanded. ¡°Seok Kang-Ho, takemand of the men assigned to our front, and Woo Hee-Seung, take three of our men with you and support our rear!¡±

    Du-du-du-du! Du-du-du-du! Du-du! Pow pow pow! Pow pow! Pow pow pow pow!

    Their enemies started to shoot at them nearly at the same time as Kang Chan finished radioing in his orders.

    Swoosh!

    Kang Chan headed to his position, and Woo Hee-Seung and three other soldiers followed him.

    ¡°Take the wounded and hostages inside!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    nk!

    Kang Chan put his rifle on top of a ruined wall and began firing at a truck.

    Du-du-du-du! Pew! Pew! Pew!

    Damn it!

    More than twenty trucks spread out and rushed toward them, leaving clouds of dust in their trail.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect that many.

    Pew! Pew!

    With a pull of his trigger, he killed one of the drivers, causing a truck to swerve to the side. One missile from any of those trucks would end everything they were fighting so hard for, so he kept them all under close observation as he shot them.

    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!

    After moving the wounded inside, Woo Hee-Seung and the other soldiers headed to the back, making the pressure a little lighter.

    Du-du-du! Pew! Pew! Du-du-du-du! Pow pow pow! Pow pow!

    Their rear wasn¡¯t their only problem, however.

    They kept hearing gunshots and walls exploding from the left¡ªwhich Kwak Cheol-Ho was in charge of¡ªand the front, which Seok Kang-Ho was protecting.

    Ta-dang! Ta-dang! Du-du-du! Du-du-! Du-du-du-du! Pew!

    While the bullets caused sparks to stter from the trucks¡¯ hoods, their enemies ferociously fired back at them.

    Chk.

    ¡°Another truck ising toward us from the right side of our front!¡± someone radioed in.

    Those fuckers!

    Their enemies could attack them this coordinatedly probably because they were watching the broadcast, which put Kang Chan and his team¡¯s situation in full disy.

    Pew! Pew! Du-du-du! Pow! Ta-dang! Pew! Pew!

    Kang Chan fired two bullets, causing another truck to swerve away.

    The trucks were only fifty meters away now.

    Kang Chan quickly headed to where the new truck wasing from.

    Chk.

    ¡°Daye! Support our right!¡± Kang Chan yelled and aimed his rifle above the wall that was near the building that the wounded and the rescued hostages were in.

    Damn it! There are so many of them! Are they nning to bring all the trucks in this country?!

    Du-du-du-du! Pew! Pew! Pow pow pow! Pow pow! Pow pow pow!

    So many bullets were whizzed toward them that it became difficult to even just raise their heads. Still, Kang Chan found gaps to shoot back in turns with Seok Kang-Ho, who had run over.

    We¡¯re going to prevent any missile from hitting us no matter what!

    Pew! Pow pow pow pow! Pow pow! Pow pow pow pow!

    For each bullet they fired, ten more hit the walls they used as cover.

    Pew! Pew!

    Kang Chan shot and stopped a truck again. The rest were only thirty meters away now.

    At this rate, they would soon be engaged in the most awful close-quartersbat.

    The wounded soldiers took out their pistols and bays.

    Pew! Pew! Du-du-du! Du-du-du-du! Pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow!

    Right after Kang Chan stopped another truck¡­

    Pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow!

    From the left side¡ªwhich Kwak Cheol-Ho was in charge of¡ªthey heard the rapid fire of an M60 machine gun.

    ¡°Daye!¡± Kang Chan shouted, and Seok Kang-Ho quickly nodded in response. Seok Kang-Ho would have to protect this area by himself.

    To make matters worse, their snipers couldn¡¯t do anything to help because they had to keep an eye out for any missileunchers.

    Swoosh!

    Kang Chan ran past the rescued hostages, who had their heads down to the ground, and ran to the left, which was where Kwak Cheol-Ho was.

    Pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow!

    Behind the wall, which scattered cement dust with each hit it sustained, the soldiers had their heads down to the ground. Two of them seemed to have fallen.

    Pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow pow!

    Kang Chan made his way along the wall and quickly pounced on their enemies.

    Pew! Pew!

    As he killed the person manning the M60, their enemies took advantage of that time and covered more than twenty meters. They then got out of the truck and ran toward the abandoned building.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even have time to press the button on his radio. ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho! Have all the soldiers gather where the civilians are!¡±

    Pew! Pew! Pew!

    With Kang Chan providing cover fire, two of his men supported the wounded by putting their arms below the wounded¡¯s armpits, then carried them to safety. Those at the front covered them as well, then immediately stepped away.

    Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud! Pew! Pow pow! Thud! Pew!

    ¡°Surround the civilians! Do whatever it takes to protect them!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Following his orders, the soldiers stepped back and formed an encirclement around the hostages.

    Swoosh! Pew! Thud! Swoosh! Pew! Thud!

    The enemies that wereing up the walls were wearing Im clothes and carryingrge knives that were used to slit necks.

    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m in the same situation as the battles I fought back in Africa again!

    Click! Ta-ang! Du-du! Ta-ang! Tang! Du-du-du!

    With their rifles out of ammo, the soldiers took out their pistols and quickly rejoined the fight.

    Du-du! Thud! Du-du-du! Thud!

    However, due to their inferior numbers, more of their brothers copsed to the ground, falling one after another.

    Kang Chan was definitely their enemies¡¯ target. Hence, he chose not to withdraw yet. His men needed more time to move the wounded soldiers to the back. After all, if they just left their wounded behind, the enemies would carve through them until nobody could recognize their faces.

    Tang! Pow! Tang! Pow! Tang! Pow! Tang! Pow!

    Kang Chan took out a pistol and shot another enemy in the forehead.

    The enemies climbing up and stepping over the curved wall fell backward, leaving behind a spray of blood. However, more opponents just rushed over and swiftly took their ce.

    Tang! Thud! Tang! Thud! Tang! Thud!

    By the time Kang Chan took out a second pistol and began killing people with it, the enemies were already starting toe up the walls from four different directions.

    Their enemies were probably acting like this because this was being broadcast on TV. With so many people watching their battle, they were likely refusing to let their pride be tarnished. tantly carrying kukris, the Shiite militia continued climbing up.

    Tang! Pow! Du-du-du-du-du!

    With a pistol in hand, Seok Kang Ho shot one of their opponents in the forehead. Their corpse fell back behind the wall before they could even fire back.

    ¡°Inshah[1]!¡± one of their enemies yelled.

    Not long after, the first of their enemies finally jumped down on the other side of the wall, closely followed by even more of his peers.

    Kang Chan and his men would be shot to death if they hesitated at a time like this.

    Swish!

    Hence, he immediately took out his bay and ran to the front.

    Slice!

    Kang Chan swung his knife in a wide arc, then squeezed into the space it cleared, allowing him to grasp onto his target¡¯s neck and quickly slit their Adam¡¯s apple.

    Slice! Slice! Slice! Ta-ng!

    The hostages huddled against the wall like pheasants huddled in tall grass to hide as a mere group of ten fought with guns and knives, stopping hostiles from reaching them.

    In this situation, nobody could carelessly fire a bullet.

    Bam! Slice! Slice! Slice!

    Kang Chan seized another enemy by the cor and stabbed their side and their neck in one quick motion. He then slit the nape of the hostile beside him.

    ¡°Glurp!¡±

    Swish!

    Blood spurted out from the enemy¡¯s neck like a hose that was releasing arge build-up of water.

    Bam!

    You son of a bitch! No rule is stopping me from using other weapons aside from my knife just because I¡¯m holding it!

    Slice! Slice!

    Kang Chan quickly struck someone¡¯s forehead, then slit their neck twice.

    Right now, neither he nor their opponents had the time to remember why they were even fighting in the first ce. All they knew was that they had to kill every enemy in sight to survive.

    Stab stab! Slice! Slice!

    Kang Chan stabbed another opponent in the neck and stomach with his bay, then immediately sliced into the armpit and neck of the enemy next to him. At the same time, he grabbed a grenade with his left hand.

    Kang Chan took out the pin with his thumb, then slightly rxed his hand.

    Ting! Slice! Slice! Slice! Swish!

    While swinging his knife nonstop, he threw the grenade into the room next door.

    Whoosh! Slice!

    At the same time, someone thrust a knife toward him, slicing his side. However, he couldn¡¯t care about it right now.

    BANG!

    Dayeru knows what has to be done next!

    Despite the vibrations from the ear-piercing explosion shaking the ground, Kang Chan pounced on their enemies without dy.

    Slice! Slice! Slice! Slice! Slice!

    As he mercilessly slit the necks of the remaining enemies, he heard metal hitting the ground twice.

    Seok Kang-Ho had thrown two grenades.

    1. This was written as ???! (?? ??? ????), which is a transliteration of ¡®God willing¡¯ in Arabic ?

 Chapter 218.2: You Guys Fought Well (2)

    Chapter 218.2: You Guys Fought Well (2)

    ¡°Surround the hostages!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Just like how the first shot and second shot were different, the first and second times they threw the grenades were different as well!

    Bang! Grumble!

    Parts of the wall broke off as if it was going to crumble down, and the enemies¡¯ feet, which were blown off, fell in between the civilians with a thud.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho picked up their enemies¡¯ guns.

    Du-du-du-du! Du-du-du-du! Du-du-du-du!

    Would people believe Kang Chan if he said that there was a rhythm inbat?

    Unexpectedly, people were easily broken by the cancetion of operations they looked forward to or the leader of their team dying.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho pounced on and fired at the enemies with the M85A2 machine guns that they had picked up. In response, the enemies started to retreat.

    Du-du-du-du! BANG! Du-du-du-du! BANG!

    Soon, Kang Chan also noticed the enemies hiding behind the trucks, their heads nted on the ground.

    You motherfuckers! I¡¯m not called the ¡®god that brings death¡¯ for no reason!

    ¡°Huff Huff. Huff Huff.¡±

    His helmet, top, and hands were covered in blood. Even his mask was drenched in it, making him constantly smell the strange scent of blood.

    ¡°Aaack!¡±

    After some time, they heard an ear-piercing scream from behind them. It sounded as if it could rip the world apart.

    ¡°Ah! Argh!¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho ran over, finding the guide of the civilians on the floor, screaming and struggling to move away.

    It did not take long for Kang Chan to identify the reason the guide was screaming¡ªhe had just seen the enemy¡¯s feet thatnded near them after the grenades blew them off.

    The ground that the hostages were sitting on waspletely soaked by now.

    Still, he was at least proud of them for not puking¡ª

    ¡°Hurgh! Blurgh!¡± the hostages started to vomit.

    Damn it!

    The screaming stopped only after a soldier bent down, picked up the feet, and quickly threw them to the side.

    ¡°Lee Doo-Hee!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes sir?¡±

    ¡°Stop any iing missile at all costs!¡±

    ¡°Yes sir.¡±

    All of them had been wounded in some way. Lee Doo-Hee was covered in blood, and even Kang Chan had an open cut on his side.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho! Assign two of our men to help Lee Doo-Hee!¡± Kang Chan continued.

    With a nce from Kwak Cheol-Ho, two soldiers ran to provide aid. Their masks werepletely drenched in blood.

    Right now, they at least had some time to breathe and recollect themselves before their enemies reengaged them inbat.

    ¡°Those four are in very dangerous conditions,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho quietly told Kang Chan.

    Behind the hostages were four soldiers, all of whom had lost consciousness. One of the soldiers who had been shot in the thigh earlier seemed to have been shot again during the battle. That was made evident by Yoon Sang-Ki, who was wrapping the soldier¡¯s chest with bandages as fast and tightly as he could.

    ¡°Hurgh!¡±

    The hostages still hadn¡¯t stopped vomiting. Unfortunately, the soldiers could not really do anything for them. After all, they were reacting this way because this was their first time witnessing so much blood.

    ¡°Hurgh! Blurgh!¡±

    Like an infectious disease circting among the hostages, when one person vomited, the others started puking well. Watching the Shiite member with a slit throat twitching in front of them only made the situation worse.

    G¨¦rard, since you¡¯re already on your way here, hurry up!

    Kang Chan looked at the distant sky.

    ***

    It would be an understatement to describe the South Korean special forces team¡¯s situation as just desperate.

    The female news anchor cried and gasped while the soldiers were fighting. Now pale with fright, she had begun to tremble as well. Meanwhile, the male news anchor continued to hold back his tears. Nobody could have ever expected that they would witness such a battle today.

    [Please, everyone! Please pray for our soldiers¡¯ safe return and for the wounded to arrive back home alive!] one of the news anchors said, still on the verge of tears even though the battle had died down for now.

    However, that was all they could really say. Whenever the screen showed the wounded soldiers next to the hostages and the ten to twenty remaining soldiers who were using all of their strength to protect them, they failed to stop their tears from falling.

    [Right now, we have no choice but to rely on the capabilities of the South Korean special forcesmander. As a citizen of South Korea, I cannot help but be ashamed that I have beenpletely oblivious to the fact that our soldiers have been fighting desperate and noble battles all this time to protect our country and its citizens! Thank you, our beloved special forces!]

    Every time a soldier fell or an enemy came over the walls, the news anchors¡¯ hearts ached, thinking it was all over for the soldiers now. Fortunately, themander tirelessly pounced on the hostiles climbing over the wall, defeating each and every one of them.

    When the battle stopped, themander began to check their defenses in four different areas. At the same time, the soldiers started dragging their enemies¡¯ corpses out of the building.

    What would it have been like if they could hear the battle?

    At that moment, one of the news anchors quickly turned their heads, seeminglying to their senses.

    [It has been an hour now since our soldiers upied the abandoned house, and a little over thirty minutes since that desperate battle for survival started. Unfortunately, our soldiers don¡¯t seem to have any food or water. Just thinking about how parched they probably are in that cold and tense situation makes me feel guilty to even just have a sip of water.]

    The news anchors looked as if they had calmed down to some extent.

    [The citizens are raising our g.]

    However, when the broadcast began to show national gs hanging at every house, the news anchor burst into tears again.

    ***

    The soldiers had survived another crisis.

    Pressing his lips tightly together, Kang Dae-Kyung cried like a child. He unknowingly clenched his fist so tight that Yoo Hye-Sook, who had been holding his hand, frowned.

    ¡°Honey, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked. She had also begun to cry after seeing his husband crying helplessly. Even as tears fell down her face, she couldn¡¯t help but grow suspicious, thinking, ¡®Is he crying because of Kang Chan?¡¯

    ¡°Nothing!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung wiped his tears with the back of his hand. ¡°I just can¡¯t help but remember my time back in the military! Ugh!¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s tears continued to drop.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry! Seeing you like this breaks my heart.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stop¡ªurgh! Argh!¡± Like a child who could not get what he wanted, Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t stop himself from crying..

    ***

    After disposing of their enemies¡¯ corpses, the soldiers guided the South Korean civilians and moved their woundedrades somewhere a bit cleaner. Kang Chan then took his weapons and checked how much ammo he had left. Suddenly feeling hungry, he couldn¡¯t help but smile when he remembered the sushi that Kang Dae-Kyung bought some time ago.

    Kang Chan looked up at the sky.

    Are Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook watching us fight through the broadcast as well?

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan as he walked over to him.

    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m just staring at the sky out of hunger.¡±

    ¡°Phuhuhu.¡± Seok Kang-Ho was the only person who could still bring themselves tough during difficult times like this. Despite hisughter, however, his eyes never once stopped glinting. He never forgot about the dire situation they were in either.

    ¡°If those bastards attack us again, we are going to have a lot of trouble just keeping everyone alive,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Those fuckers are also going to need some time to regroup before they can execute another offensive.¡±

    ¡°What do you think? Those bastards are going to result in that tactic now, aren¡¯t they?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°You already know the answer to that, so why even bother asking me about it?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho only nodded in response. Now that theirrge-scale attack had fallen through, the Shiite militia was bound to resort to suicidal strategies. The next wave of enemies that would charging toward them would likely have bombs strapped to their chests. If even just one of them managed to get inside the building, then all of their efforts and sacrifices would be rendered meaningless.

    If they were up against even more cruel bastards, then they would be seeing women and kids at the frontlines soon.

    In such a situation, Kang Chan and his men would be forced to shoot people down even if they hadn¡¯t checked who was carrying bombs yet. Unfortunately, among those that their enemies would send at them, only a few would actually be strapped with explosives.

    However, determining if a woman or a child was equipped with bombs was actually quite easy. If they were crying, then they would most likely have bombs strapped to their chests. If they were just breaking out in cold sweat, then they were most likely unarmed and just sent out to confuse their targets.

    That was the case with almost all women and children, at least.

    ¡°Ah, fuck! I¡¯m hungry!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled.

    Why does this fucker curse when he¡¯s hungry?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho let out a groan as he turned around.

    The bandages wrapped around Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s shoulder, forearm, and waist were red with blood. Meanwhile, those around Kang Chan¡¯s side and right leg were also drenched in dark blood.

    Kang Chan walked toward the wounded soldiers¡ªwhich was every member of their team right now. The ten who could no longer move properly were lying down right next to the hostages. Among them, four were in such bad conditions that with each passing second, the situation they faced grew even direr.

    Soldiers prepared and brought different supplies to different operations. In missions like this, bringing C-rations would be found quite funny. Much to their relief, they did bring morphine and several other essential medical supplies.

    These bastards have really be a team worthy of global recognition.

    Although they made it seem as if it was easy to pull out their pistols and unsheathe their bays while wounded, that could not be any farther from the truth. However, seeing them do that provided a huge morale boost to the other soldiers who relentlessly fought alongside them.

    Kang Chan had to find a way to save these men and the hostages who were now looking at him with frightened eyes. Fortunately, they had at least stopped vomiting all over the floor.

    ¡°The enemies areing!¡± Kang Cheol-Ho yelled after a bit more time passed, informing the rest of their team.

    As the terrified hostages watched him closely, Kang Chan quickly headed to the frontline. Gritting his teeth, he red at the hostiles making their way to their position.

    They¡¯re wearing shas[1]!

    Women wearing maghnaehs[2] were moving alongside them.

    Their enemies were definitely going to be walking right behind these civilians.

    Curious about what was happening, Kwak Cheol-Ho examined their situation.

    Chk.

    At the same time, they heard their radio crackle, followed by someone saying, ¡°God of ckfield, this is G¨¦rard.¡±

    1. This was written as ??? (¡®Lusari¡¯), but it¡¯s actually a Sha, an Imic headgear worn by some Muslim women in the presence of any male outside of their immediate family. ?

    2. An Iranian type of hijab ?

 Chapter 219.1: Letéˆ¥æªš Send Them Off First (1)

    Chapter 219.1: Let¡¯s Send Them Off First (1)

    All of the members of the special forces team also heard G¨¦rard¡¯s message over the radio. Kang Chan quickly raised his hand to his helmet and pressed hisms switch on.

    Chk.

    ¡°Well, G¨¦rard! Wee to hell!¡± Kang Chan jokingly announced in French.

    Chk.

    ¡°Dang, you must have been in quite the crunch to be weing me so eagerly, Cap,¡± G¨¦rard joked back.

    ¡°Ha, shut up, you son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan retorted in Korean.

    When Kang Chan suddenly swore in Korean in the middle of his French conversation, his team members incredulously chuckled at him. Theirck of surprise was evidence that they had be perfectly used to Kang Chan and his quirks by now.

    Chk.

    ¡°The DGSE has informed me about the situation. We will be jumping in T minus three minutes. Our team isposed of twenty-four members and led by G¨¦rard de Mermier,¡± G¨¦rard officially dered the team¡¯s details to the South Korean special forces.

    Kang Chan looked up at the sky.

    Chk.

    ¡°The enemies are preparing for a suicide attack out there. It¡¯s dangerous if youe down right in the middle of it!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    Chk.

    ¡°We will try tond as far back as possible,¡± G¨¦rard replied with determination, refusing to take no for an answer.

    Around the time G¨¦rard finished his sentence, Kang Chan started to hear the whirrings of an airne. He looked over the wall of the house to see.

    Since he couldn¡¯t stop G¨¦rard from jumping off the ne, the least he could do was prevent him and his team from hanging from a parachute like sitting ducks waiting to get shot.

    ¡°France¡¯s Foreign Legion has sent over twenty-four men as reinforcements, but since they will be parachuting down to us, half of them will probably die before they even reach the ground if we don¡¯t do something,¡± Kang Chan informed his men.

    Reading Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Seok Kang-Ho chuckled out loud with anticipation, eyes glinting.

    ¡°I need three soldiers who are willing toe outside with me,¡± Kang Chan dered grimly. Almost immediately, with the exception of Lee Doo-Hee and the other sniper, every single one of his men took a step forward.

    These damn motherfuckers!

    It was a touching moment. Seok Kang-Ho must have been rubbing off on him because he couldn¡¯t help but internally swear.

    ¡°You already have me, though, so you only have to choose two more,¡± Seok Kang-Ho quickly said, staking a im before anyone else could.

    ¡°Well, all right. Then first off, Yoon Sang-Ki, you¡¯reing with us,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes, sir! Thank you!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki thunderously boomed.

    Have all these punks lost a few marbles? How can they be so grateful when I¡¯m pretty much taking them on a suicide mission?

    Kang Chan looked at each of the soldiers in turn until he made eye contact with Woo Hee-Seung.

    ¡°Woo Hee-Seung, let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan announced

    ¡°Heh heh heh heh,¡± Woo Hee-Seungughed like a maniac.

    There isn¡¯t a single sane person here.

    Meanwhile, a woman with bombs attached to her chest and the children walking with her had already reached the totaled truck.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, protect the hostages no matter what happens!¡± Kang Chan loudly ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir! You can leave them to me!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied, reassuring Kang Chan and the rest of the team.

    The airne¡¯s noises had be louder.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take the M60 on the left and run straight into enemy lines. We have to prevent them from shooting down the paratroopers. Daye! You let the M60 rip. Yoon Sang-Ki, you¡¯re going to be our driver. Hee-Seung and I will cover you,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    The soldiers who would be staying behind walked over to the four while Kang Chan was speaking. They held out their hands to pat Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, Woo Hee-Seung, and Yoon Sang-Ki on their helmets.

    ¡°Now, let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan firmly roared.

    The three men slung their rifles over their backs and followed Kang Chan over the fence.

    ***

    [Themander has just climbed over the fence and headed outside. It appears he is severely injured¡­ but since thismander has ovee situations in ways that we couldn¡¯t have imagined, we can be sure that he will prevail this time as well.]

    The anchor sounded coarse. The fatigue on his face was so evident that it seemed as if all of his strength had been drained away.

    On the screen, themander and three of his men ceaselessly rained bullets on their opponents as they ran for the truck.

    [It seems they are attempting to escape!]

    The enemy fired back, causing the dirt around them to toss up into the air. Soon, one of the soldiers lurched forward and fell over on the ground.

    The male and female anchors both covered their mouths at the same time before breaking into tears once again.

    ***

    ¡°Hold on to me!¡± Kang Chan shouted over themotion.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho grabbed Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s shoulders to pull him out of danger as Woo Hee-Seung hurriedly climbed into the driver¡¯s seat.

    Du du du du du! Pow pow pow pow! Pew! Peew!

    Unfortunately, the cover that the soldiers from the abandoned buildings provided wasn''t too helpful. They were too far away, and the woman and the children with her were standing between them and their opponents.

    Kang Chan got in the truck, held Yoon Sang-Ki by his shoulder, and forcibly pulled him in.

    ¡°Aargh!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki moaned.

    Blood was oozing through his hand as he tightly clenched his stomach.

    ¡°Go!¡± Kang Chan ordered as soon as Seok Kang-Ho got in. In response to his boomingmand, the car started with a vroom.

    Clunk!

    Seok Kang-Ho grabbed onto the M60 and opened the chamber to load more rounds into it. Meanwhile, Kang Chan raised his hand to his helmet.

    Chk.

    ¡°Woo Hee-Seung, don¡¯t mind the direction too much. Just avoid hitting the kids and keep yourself as close to the floor as possible!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Vroooom!

    The engine roared loudly in response. However, their speed didn¡¯t change much from before.

    Tu ta ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta ta!

    The M60 began to fire rough, powerful bullets in rapid session.

    The smell of gunpowder instantly filled the air. Kang Chan¡¯s ears were ringing so much that it made him dizzy, but he pushed through it and aimed his rifle in front of the truck. He had to protect Woo Hee-Seung at any cost.

    Tu du du du! Bam bam bam bam! Tu ta ta ta ta! Pew! Pew!

    Thebat had turned into a cacophony of gunfire and bullets bouncing off the truck¡¯s hood.

    Chk.

    ¡°Jump.¡±

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t even heard the airne yet when G¨¦rard¡¯s voice came through the radio.

    Come down, punk! I¡¯m going to protect you no matter what it takes!

    Sparks flew relentlessly from the steel te in front of Kang Chan.

    Tu ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta ta!

    The M60 certainly packed formidable power.

    Unfortunately, the woman and children started to run toward the truck.

    We still have to buy at least one more minute!

    Kang Chan changed his position.

    Pew! Pew! Pew!

    The woman and children naturally weren¡¯t familiar withbat. They halted and hesitated when the dirt in front of them sttered at their feet from the bullets. The woman holding the hands of the children was standing at the very front, her extremely tear-streaked faceing into clear view.

    Tu ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta!

    Tu du du du! Pew! Pew! Pow! Crash!

    ¡°Send the children over!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Pew! Pew! Pew!

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and pulled the trigger. Dirt sttered again in front of the woman¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Send the children!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted at the top of his lungs in Arabic, momentarily pausing the trigger to speak.

    Tu ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta!

    Tu du du du du! Tu du du! Tu du du du!

    Vrooom!

    The truck swerved in a different direction once again. At that moment, the woman shouted something through clenched teeth and pushed the children forward.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Kang Chan shouted through gritted teeth as he pulled the trigger of his rifle.

    The children hesitantly stopped as they scurried over.

    ¡°For god¡¯s sake, please hurry up!¡± Kang Chan shouted again.

    Tu du du du du! Tu du du du du! Pow, pow, pow, pow! Pow!

    Tu ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta!

    The children started to move closer toward the truck.

    Craaaash!

    However, before they could reach it, an explosion erupted. It was so destructive and loud that Kang Chan felt as if it made his eardrums bleed.

    Creak.

    Woo Hee-Seung frantically swerved the truck away. When Kang Chan turned around to look, they found two young girls sprawled on the ground.

    ¡°Daye!¡± Kang Chan shouted urgently.

    Tu ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta ta!

    Kang Chan quickly ran toward the children.

    Vrooom!

    Realizing the situation, Woo Hee-Seung blocked Kang Chan from the enemy¡¯s line of sight with the truck, and Seok Kang-Ho continued to unleash hell with the M60, providing cover.

    Kang Chan carried the bloodied girls in his arms. If they left these abandoned girls out here, they would inevitably suffer the cruelest death imaginable.

    Tu du du du! Crash, crash, crash, crash! Tu du du! Pow pow!

    Kang Chan pushed the girls into the truck, and Yoon Sang-Ki, who was still gripping his own stomach, pulled the girls toward him with all his might.

    Vrooom!

    Tu ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta!

    Seok Kang-Ho began to open fire again. As he did, they heard a different type of gunfire.

    Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang!

    It was all too familiar and too pleasant to hear.

    Vrooom!

    The truck screeched as it turned and started for the abandoned buildings with Kang Chan tightly hanging off of it.

    ***

    ¡°Woohoo!¡±

    Loud cheers erupted, shaking the apartmentplex by its foundation. Yoo Hye-Sook pped with tears streaming down her face.

    Her tears were partly because of the news of the arrival of the French special forces and partly because she was moved by themander rescuing the two fallen girls even in the middle of all the chaos.

    Kang Dae-Kyung was breathing heavily, still in tears.

    Concerned, Yoo Hye-Sook brought him some water, but Kang Dae-Kyung refused it. Yoo Hye-Sook set down the ss in the middle of the living room floor.

    On the screen, the entire French special forces team was seen saluting the Koreanmander.

    [It appears the French special forces are expressing their respect to themander.]

    The anchor, who didn¡¯t know any better, uttered some irrelevantmentary.

 Chapter 219.2: Letéˆ¥æªš Send Them Off First (1)

    Chapter 219.2: Let¡¯s Send Them Off First (1)

    ¡°You definitely are the best in the world at raising a storm,¡± G¨¦rard joked in greeting.

    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan swore with a grin.

    ¡°Stop cursing in Korean, sir,¡± G¨¦rard shot back.

    ¡°What¡¯s the punk going on about?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    By the time G¨¦rard arrived, the scene was beyond chaotic. What made Kang Chan the most d was that their wounded now received the treatment that they needed. Moreover, they finally had food and water.

    Click! Click!

    The sniper of the French special forces team set down an M200 Cheytac next to Lee Doo-Hee, making Kang Chan¡¯s heart feel a lot lighter.

    One of the soldiers distributed water and C-rations to the hostages. At the same time, another gentlyid the two girls next to them.

    ¡°Oh my goodness! L!¡± a female hostage shrieked in surprise upon seeing one of the children.

    A member of the French special forces team examined the girl, then shook his head at Kang Chan with a grim expression. He then began to work on the other child.

    The back of the girl¡¯s head was a bloodied mess, and her back had visibly caved in. It was hard to imagine her surviving given her poor state. Even the female hostage who screamed her name earlier seemed too shocked by her gruesome condition to approach her.

    ¡°Did you give these children food or something to wear?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The female hostage nodded with a bewildered expression, not knowing why he was asking. However, it now made sense to Kang Chan why the bomb-strapped woman had walked over with the children earlier.

    In the midst of the situation, a few hostages dry-heaved upon seeing the young girl. The smell of blood would probably be staying with them for a while.

    ¡°Something went wrong, didn¡¯t it?¡± the tearful female hostage asked Kang Chan after seemingly mustering the courage to speak up.

    How could he exin everything behind what had happened? He and the hostages had different ways and outlooks of living life¡ªwould it even make sense to them?

    Kang Chan lifted the dead child and set her down away from where the enemy¡¯s bodies were. He thought this poor little girl wouldn¡¯t be able to rest in peace given how bad her wounds were.

    Not long after, a soldier walked out carrying the other girl. In the end, both of the girls he put his life on the line for to rescue died.

    The girl¡¯s face under her long eyshes was already pale, and she had blood sttered all over her. However, her limp arms hanging lifelessly what was wrenched Kang Chan¡¯s heart the most. When she should¡¯ve been holding snacks and dolls at her age, her tiny hands were a mess instead, covered in blood and dirt.

    An innocent child sumbed to hunger and was forced to walk alongside her bomb-strapped mom all because she epted a stranger¡¯s food.

    Kang Chan approached the little girl that the soldier had set down and took her hand, brushing off the dirt. Although it didn¡¯t fullye off, he also wiped off the blood with his sleeve.

    From inside, he could hear the hostages saying grace for the food they were given.

    Pft.

    He supposed they were also prepared to risk their lives when they came here as well. It was just a difference of what they risked their lives for.

    When Kang Chan stood up and walked back inside, a masked member of the French special forces team approached him.

    ¡°Do you remember this mask, sir?¡± the soldier asked.

    Kang Chan grinned and tapped the soldier¡¯s helmet. However, they were interrupted before they could continue their conversation.

    ¡°Captain, the injured are in critical condition. They require blood transfusions stat. For now, we will all contribute a little bit of our own blood.¡±

    The soldiers all knew each other¡¯s blood types. It was likemon knowledge to them. It did not matter if they didn¡¯t record anything else for as long as they recorded their blood types.

    ¡°G¨¦rard,¡± Kang Chan said, gesturing to G¨¦rard to go to the side so they could speak in private. He felt a bit lighter knowing that the French special forces team was guarding the perimeter.

    ¡°Take some of my blood and distribute it to the severely injured team members,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to go that far,¡± G¨¦rard refused.

    ¡°Just to be safe, do it discreetly so that the others don¡¯t notice,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    G¨¦rard met Kang Chan¡¯s eyes and tilted his head. There was a brief moment of silence before he replied.

    ¡°There¡¯s really no stopping you,¡± G¨¦rard said so low that it was almost like a growl. He then headed back inside.

    As instructed, G¨¦rard took some of Kang Chan¡¯s blood first.

    ¡°Excuse me!¡± the same female hostage talking to Kang Chan earlier eximed. ¡°Please allow us to help the injured soldiers.¡±

    She was quite observant.

    Meanwhile, the soldier who had drawn a pack of blood nced at Kang Chan and then approached the wounded.

    ¡°Here. Let¡¯s get some food in us first before handling the rest,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, noticing the soldier¡¯s hesitation. He brought over a C-ration and tore it open.

    Kang Chan gulped some water down, making him feel as if he could finally breathe again. The two then plopped down on the floor and ate.

    ¡°We want to give our blood too!¡± the woman said in a raised voice. Perhaps she thought she was being ignored, or maybe she had lost all sense of fear given the situation.

    Crunch. Crunch.

    Instead of responding, Kang Chan just took a bite of his biscuit.

    I really do need to do something about my stubborn personality. I can¡¯t hate people just based on my first impression of them¡­

    While they ate, the French special forces team took turns drawing blood to give to the soldiers in critical condition. After giving them orders, G¨¦rard came over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous to stay here any longer than this. We should take three of the trucks over there.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up and looked at the trucks that G¨¦rard was pointing at. There were five of them in total, each one driven around the back and abandoned by their enemies earlier.

    ¡°Those bastards seem to have have Is,¡± Kang Chan mused.

    ¡°How about loading the hostages and injured soldiers into one truck and making the other two trucks provide cover? If we use the M60 again, this n will most likely work,¡± G¨¦rard suggested.

    ¡°We¡¯re running low on ammo.¡±

    ¡°Well, considering the ignorant Daye was the one who had his finger on the trigger, that does make sense.¡±

    When Kang Chan grinned, G¨¦rard shrugged.

    ¡°This punk just said my name, didn¡¯t he?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Sheesh!

    It wasn¡¯t like Kang Chan could beat these two up either. He shook his head and scanned their surroundings again.

    ¡°G¨¦rard. I was informed earlier that the United States is supposedly sending Apache helicopters. Have you heard anything about that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should look forward to it. If those bastards were going toe, they would have already been here long ago. And that over there?¡± G¨¦rard pointed up at the sky with his index finger. ¡°I don¡¯t think they had good intentions when they started broadcasting your battle.¡±

    ¡°Probably not. Let me talk this over with Daye a bit,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Got it,¡± G¨¦rard replied. He then moved further inside the room, the rifle in his hand rattling.

    ¡°G¨¦rard says he doesn¡¯t think the United States will be sending help. He suggested putting the hostages and our wounded in one truck and using two other trucks to provide cover,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°If our enemies pull out an I, at least one of those trucks will explode if the enemies use an I,¡± Seok Kang-Ho warned.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    The blood on his mask had dried, making the cloth feel quite rigid.

    ¡°Wait! Doesn¡¯t that mean the enemies can see us talking while looking at the trucks?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    That sounded about right.

    Is this punk really getting smarter?

    ¡°The problem is the I. Maybe the n would work if a sniper stays behind to cover us since it¡¯s hard to shoot urately in a moving car. If we travel by truck, we¡¯ll also get closer to the enemies,¡± Kang Chan thought out loud.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we drive on that open field instead? I don¡¯t see any reason why we should stick to the roads. It looks like those bastards are thinking the same thing, considering they have been staying near that ridge for an opportunity to attack.¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s with that shocked look?¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    The two chortled together over Seok Kang-Ho¡¯sint.

    This was the same in Africa too.

    However, when Kang Chan pulled out a map and looked at the area, he shook his head.

    ¡°The road will eventually loop around the ridge. If we go that way, we¡¯ll end up getting blocked and forced to turn back.¡±

    ¡°So if we want to get out, we really do have to be prepared for one of the trucks to explode,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said disappointedly.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Cap.¡±

    The change in Kang Chan¡¯s tone made Seok Kang-Ho respond with a sharp gaze.

    ¡°Let¡¯s send them off first.¡±

    ¡°So the two of us will be staying behind, huh?¡±

    ¡°I doubt a certain someone is going to listen to me, though.¡±

    ¡°Phuhuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed.

    ¡°We only need to stop the I. Since the other group will have Kwak Cheol-Ho, he can take charge and issue the orders. We need to find their location with a satellite phone and send the injured soldiers back quickly,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in agreement.

    ¡°It took us about ten minutes to get here, so if we drive for about an hour, we should get somewhere close to Sanggar. As long as we get out of this area, I think the rest should be manageable.¡±

    ¡°Got it, Cap.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s n it out and bring the trucks here, then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°What would we have done if those bastards hadn¡¯t abandoned their trucks?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked with a grin.

    ¡°You and I would¡¯ve gone to steal them, obviously.¡±

    ¡°Phuhuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Ho chuckled.

    The hostages exchanged wary nces when Seok Kang-Ho turned around with a smile.

    ¡°Urrm! Urrrrm!¡±

    One of the female hostages vomited what she had eaten just moments ago.

 Chapter 220.1: Letéˆ¥æªš Send Them Off First (2)

    Chapter 220.1: Let¡¯s Send Them Off First (2)

    ¡°G¨¦rard,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui!¡± G¨¦rard swiftly replied and walked over to him.

    G¨¦rard was behaving as if he were just another subordinate of Kang Chan. Moreover, instead of finding it odd, the French special forces team seemed rather proud of it.

    Kang Chan spread out the map in front of G¨¦rard.

    ¡°If we take this road, we will have no choice but to follow the edge of that ridge. We can¡¯t stop an I from a moving truck, after all,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    G¨¦rard lifted his gaze from the map to Kang Chan and waited for him to continue.

    ¡°We will be taking three trucks. Three people will stay here to keep them safe from the I. They will be making a break for it only after making sure the people in the truck are safe.¡±

    ¡°Perfect. Daye and I can stay behind with you,¡± G¨¦rard stated matter-of-factly, which was exactly what Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho predicted earlier.

    ¡°Monsieur Crack can takemand of the trucks, no?¡± G¨¦rard confirmed.

    ¡°Monsieur Crack?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    He followed G¨¦rard¡¯s gaze to see who he was talking about, finding Kwak Cheol-Ho looking back at them, wondering what they were discussing in French.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard suddenly called.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we take two of our snipers and five other soldiers as well? Once the others leave, we can have the snipers hold this area off, which would give us the chance to ambush the enemies,¡± G¨¦rard suggested.

    Why is this punk suddenly acting so cocky?

    ¡°If we¡¯re going to protect the hostages, we might as well make sure we eliminate all the risks and get the job done properly. Escapingter with just the three of us will be difficult if we leave the enemies in good condition anyway,¡± G¨¦rard politely exined his idea.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted sharply.

    ¡°You little son of a bitch,¡± Kang Chan abruptly cursed.

    In the face of the sudden Korean expletive, G¨¦rard remained steadfast. Amid the tension, Seok Kang-Ho, who didn¡¯t even know what the two were talking about, carefully looked between Kang Chan and G¨¦rard, concern evident in his gaze.

    ¡°G¨¦rard,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Oui,¡± G¨¦rard politely replied when he noticed the change in Kang Chan¡¯s tone.

    ¡°Don¡¯t try to act smart in front of me,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    ¡°Captain, you¡¯ve done more than enough. You can leave this ce to us and get out first.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, but G¨¦rard didn¡¯t step down.

    Kang Chan had his suspicions about why G¨¦rard was suggesting an increase in the number of men who would be staying behind. As it turned out, he was right. G¨¦rard was trying to send him away while the French special forces kept the enemies from attacking them.

    ¡°As mandated by the rules of the 13th Regiment, I have already checked if anyone wanted to opt out of the operation. Not a single one of the men here will be able to run away with peace of mind if they have to leave you behind, Captain. The group that will be escaping must have amander to lead them anyway, so¡­¡± G¨¦rard trailed off, having noticed the look that Kang Chan was giving him.

    ¡°What the hell is he saying?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.

    Since the French soldiers all heard and understood what G¨¦rard suggested, Kang Chan decided to ry it all to Seok Kang-Ho and the South Korean team.

    ¡°Looks like bing a pullet has taught the chick how to use his brain,¡± Seok Kang-Ho joked.

    What does this punk think he¡¯s doing? Why is he agreeing with G¨¦rard?

    ¡°Well, he¡¯s right, you know. If you leave the group that¡¯s escaping to Kwak Cheol-Ho, who¡¯s going to be interpreting for the French soldiers?¡± Seok Kang-Ho reasoned.

    Kang Chan found the situation so absurd that he couldn¡¯t help butugh in disbelief.

    ¡°Fine, all right then!¡± Kang Chan eventually agreed.

    G¨¦rard, Seok Kang-Ho, and nearly all the other soldiers looked at Kang Chan at the same time.

    Kang Chan began to speak in French first.

    ¡°We¡¯ll divide the French team into two. Seok Kang-Ho, you, me, and half of the French team will go into enemy territory while the rest escape,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go make the preparations,¡± G¨¦rard replied with satisfaction before turning around with his team members.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho!¡± Kang Chan called, having him walk over to the map. ¡°Half of the French team will take one truck, and the civilians and the injured soldiers will take another. Keep going down this path for about an hour and you should reach Sanggar, which is where the helicopter dropped us off earlier. I¡¯ll be staying behind, so I¡¯ll call the base using the satellite phone from here. All you have to do is get there.¡±

    ¡°Permission to stay behind with you as well, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied with great resolve.

    ¡°Denied,¡± Kang Chan refused.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho didn¡¯t seem to want to back down, however.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, this isn¡¯t the time to act based on emotions. Those soldiers, our men, need a leader. Who else can act as theirmander if not you?¡± Kang Chan continued, attempting to convince him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t even speak French,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said in regret.

    ¡°They¡¯ll understand you if you speak simple English.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho met Kang Chan¡¯s gaze and never looked away.

    He knew how Kwak Cheol-Ho was feeling right now better than anyone. This was why all of these punks had found a way to his heart in the first ce.

    ¡°This is a direct order from yourmander. Take the hostages and our wounded men to Sanggar,¡± Kang Chan.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho made puppy eyes at him. He looked as if he was extremely wronged.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho,¡± Kang Chan urged.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho finally answered. He stood up, his rifle clunking.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned while he looked at the map.

    ¡°We can use the two trucks in the back and the truck with the M60 on it,¡± Kang Chan mused.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have the men bring over the truck to the front. The M60 doesn¡¯t have much ammo left, though.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded and folded the map back up. ¡°Who has the satellite phone?¡±

    One of the soldiers quickly came over, pressed the call button, then handed it to Kang Chan.

    The dial tone rang just once before the phone was answered.

    - Base speaking.

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s voice came through the line.

    ¡°Base, Delivery and the cargo will be moving together. Prepare the helicopter for evac,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    - Understood.

    ¡°Is the broadcast being televised in real time?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - ording to our estimations, it has a one-minute dy.

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh.

    If they could get onto the truck in a minute, they could probably make a move before the enemies could catch onto their n, but just getting the hostages and the injured in the trucks would already take too much time. Even if it didn¡¯t, the enemies would see them as soon as they left the abandoned building anyway.

    ¡°Four of the injured are in critical condition. Requesting medical personnel. Over.¡±

    - We will make the arrangements.

    Now that Kim Hyung-Jung had given his word that they could provide Kang Chan with everything he requested, Kang Chan did not have anything else to say. He hung up the call and handed the phone back to the soldier just as two trucks came toward him from behind.

    ¡°Get the injured inside the trucks first!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The palpable tension filled the abandoned houses.

    The South Korean soldiers left their surroundings to the French team and focused on getting their injuredrades into the truck.

    Kang Chan walked over to the hostages.

    ¡°Once all the soldiers have been carried over, you can get into that truck,¡± Kang Chan instructed, using formal speech again.

    They did not respond, but they didn¡¯t argue against his orders either. The battle had left them extremely pale, especially after the knife fight.

    ***

    [Ah! A few soldiers who appear to be injured and the hostages are boarding a truck. It seems they are nning to escape with the assistance of the French special forces team. I sincerely hope they can escape safely.]

    This was the most hopeful scene they had witnessed so far, allowing strength to return to the anchor¡¯s voice. Loud apuse echoed from all over the apartmentplex.

    Kang Dae-Kyung had stopped crying.

    He cried like a young child during thest horrific fight, but he had gone numb now. However, he still forced himself to keep watching the broadcast.

    If he could save his son by sacrificing his own life, he would have already jumped off the apartment railing without even thinking twice about it. That was just how much he loved his son. As a father, he could not help but feel ashamed that he was crying like a baby while his son was enduring such a terrifying battle so valiantly.

    They would endure it together.

    Amid the gruesome situation he could only watch, his son continued to hold on, even going as far as using his knife and throwing grenades.

    I have to watch everything. I have to watch him until the very end.

    Once everything was said and done, he believed he would watch his beloved soning out of that hell.

    Hence, Kang Dae-Kyung stopped himself from crying.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked with concern.

    Her question made him feel a lump in his chest, but he gritted his teeth and pushed back the tears.

    ¡°Have some water. You¡¯ll get a headacheter,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook suggested.

    ¡°All right,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied, taking the water that Yoo Hye-Sook handed him. He carefully took two sips.

    Son, I¡¯ll endure watching you go through hell, so you better persevere and get out of there.

    ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯m not aware of, isn¡¯t there?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked suspiciously.

    Seeing Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s swollen red eyes, Kang Dae-Kyung shook his head.

    ¡°As I said earlier, the broadcast just made me remember my time in the military,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    However, Yoo Hye-Sok continued to express her doubt. ¡°You said all you did during your enlistment was sweep snow.¡±

    ¡°I only told you that so I wouldn¡¯t worry you. We went through that kind of training too.¡±

    ¡°Does everyone really go through that kind of training when they join the military? Will our Channy have to go through that when he enlists in the future too?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled.

    Their son wouldn¡¯t go through that training. At most, he would likely be the drill sergeant¡ªnever the one being trained.

    [Themander and about ten of his men have not gotten in any of the trucks yet.]

    When the anchor¡¯smentary reached Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s ears, he quickly turned his head to the screen.

 Chapter 220.2: Letéˆ¥æªš Send Them Off First (2)

    Chapter 220.2: Let¡¯s Send Them Off First (2)

    DIA Director Brandon, looked at the screen in front of him as he pressed the button for the inte.

    ¡°What is the current sess rate of the operation disyed on the screen?¡± he asked a subordinate.

    - Taking the leadership of the God of ckfield and thebat capabilities of the French special forces team into consideration, they have a 75% chance of bringing the hostages back to their country. The God of ckfield has a 55% chance of escaping, sir.

    ¡°Goddamnit! Shit!¡± Brandon swore, his finger still on the button for the inte. Breathing out roughly, he wiped his lips with his free hand.

    ¡°What¡¯s the Apache¡¯s estimated time of arrival?¡±

    - Within ten minutes after the order is given, sir.

    ring sharply at the screen in front of him, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s Ethan doing?¡±

    -He is on his way to South Korea.

    ¡°That idiot!¡± Brandon eximed in disgust.

    - Pardon?

    With a dark scowl, he lifted his finger from the inte.

    ¡°If the bastard was just South Korea¡¯s assistant director, we could have used this opportunity to kill him with the Apache. I suppose I shouldn¡¯t have expected any less from Lanok.¡±

    Brandon tapped the desk slowly with his index finger as his habit of speaking to himself when in a dilemma surfaced.

    ¡°This is ridiculous. He¡¯s France¡¯s deputy director-general and Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service assistant director. The man who dealt with the ckhead¡¯s energy just had to be Korean. Fucking God of ckfield!¡±

    ***

    As Kang Chan ordered, the soldiers got into the two trucks as fast as they could. Kang Chan then headed over to the truck that the French special forces team had taken.

    ¡°Any questions?¡± he asked them.

    ¡°No, sir!¡± the soldiers replied.

    Kang Chan¡¯s proficient French always drew attention wherever he went. The hostages peeked at him nervously from inside their vehicle as he made his way over to the South Korean special forces team¡¯s truck.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho! Any questions?¡± he asked.

    ¡°No, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan nodded, then then looked inside the back of the truck.

    ¡°The enemies know that we havemandeered their vehicles. Be prepared for what¡¯sing, and start as soon as you hear the gunfire from the M60!¡± he reiterated.

    Kang Chan grinned and tapped Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s helmet.

    ¡°I will respond when you get back, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said. His firm voice and sharp, glinting eyes had returned.

    This is incredible. I didn¡¯t expect the world to have special forces bustling with people like him.

    Kang Chan turned around and went back to the abandoned building.

    ¡°Snipers! Focus on the I!¡± he instructed.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Lee Doo-Hee replied.

    Now, all the preparations wereplete.

    Kang Chan looked back at the French special forces team and let out a low sigh. He had just seen a chick wearing the reddish-brown bandana that he gave standing with a confident look and waiting for the battle to start.

    ¡°This is thest time you¡¯re going to get asked this. Does any of you want to back out of this operation?¡±

    Click!

    As if asking what nonsense Kang Chan was talking about, the chick roughly pulled and then let go of his breechblock.

    ¡°Get ready!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Click! Click! Click! Click!

    The sounds the soldiers made as they checked their weapons echoed loudly. They were all equipped with rifles, knives, pistols, and grenades.

    With Kang Chan in the lead, his group pressed against the left wall of the building.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Whoosh!

    Kang Chan jumped over the half-copsed wall, and Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard followed suit.

    Du du du du! Du du du! Pew! Du du du du! Pew! Pew!

    Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang!

    They fired at their enemies as they ran.

    Those who had not experienced the fear that came from bullets sttering the dirt right in front of their feet would never know how it felt. Few people would know what it felt like to run between a barrage of bullets.

    Thud!

    With a loud crash, one of the French soldiers copsed to the ground.

    nk, nk! ng! Pew! Bang, bang, bang, bang!

    The enemies¡¯ bullets loudly nked against the hood of the truck that Kang Chan finally reached.

    Vrooom!

    One of the soldiers started the engine and hurriedly got in through the back.

    nk! Click! Click! Pew! Pew! Bang, bang, bang, bang!

    Seok Kang-Ho loaded the M60, and Kang Chan and G¨¦rard stuck out their guns in front of them. The rest of the soldiers opened fire with their rifles without any hesitation.

    Vrooom!

    Not long after, the truck began to move forward.

    Tu ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta!

    The M60 that Seok Kang-Ho was manning roared awake, unleashing hell over their opponents. There was no turning back now.

    The truck kept moving forward as Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, and the other soldiers fired at the hill.

    Bam! Bam!

    Along with two ominous noises, the truck swerved.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and looked at G¨¦rard. He then hung by the door of the truck to move into the driver¡¯s seat.

    Tu ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta!

    Nearly at the same time, Seok Kang-Ho ran out of M60 ammo.

    Kang Chan held onto the door of the driver¡¯s seat as he climbed inside. As he expected, the soldier was already leaning against the wheel, unconscious.

    Fuck!

    nk! nk! nk!

    As the front windshield shattered helplessly, Kang Chan pushed the wounded soldier into the passenger¡¯s seat and forcibly stepped on the elerator with his head as close to the floor as possible.

    Vrooom!

    Changing gears and all that crap wasn¡¯t what was important right now.

    nk! ng! Bam! Bam!

    Sparks flew from the hood of the truck. Some of the bullets pierced through the ss and into the track.

    Vroom!

    Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bam! Du du du du! Du du! Bang, bang, bang, bang!

    The gunfight became somewhat more manageable when the French soldiers who were with the hostages began to cover fire for them as well. However, they were still about a hundred meters away from their target location.

    Vroooom!

    The engine screamed for mercy, but it wasn¡¯t like they could or even nned to use this truck again anyway.

    Whoosh! Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! Du du du! Du du! Pew! Pew!

    The sound of the engine, gunshots, and the smell of diesel and gunpowder overwhelmed Kang Chan¡¯s senses. He leaned over to the passenger¡¯s seat, giving him a good view of the blue and vast sky above them.

    Bam! Pow! Pow!

    As he stared at it, a bullet pierced into the driver¡¯s seat as if telling him to wake up and return to reality.

    Haah. Haah.

    Kang Chan started to hear his own breathing.

    Vroooom!

    The vibrations of the engine dug into his senses, as did the noise from the guns. He could even feel where the bulletsnded on the truck.

    Kang Chan peeked for a brief moment to see where they were, realizing that they were only thirty meters away from the hill now.

    Vrooom!

    Du du du! Boom! nk, nk, nk, nk! Pow! Pow! Pow!

    Their opponents put up quite a tough resistance. They were proving to be quite a force to be reckoned with.

    If they didn¡¯t have any snipers, the enemy¡¯s I would¡¯ve ended them all in one go already.

    Creaaak!

    Kang Chan stepped on the brakes and immediately rolled out of the driver¡¯s seat.

    Pew! Pew! Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Pew!

    There wasn¡¯t anywhere to hide in front of the hill. Even if they wanted to fire an I, they would have to climb it first.

    He could see the truck with the hostages going down the path that went around to the other side of the hill.

    It worked!

    Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!

    Kang Chan could see it¡ªthe foreheads of the enemies that he was shooting at.

    He quickly got up and ran to the top of the hill. His rib and right foot hurt so much it was as if they were being ripped apart.

    Haah. Haah.

    If I stop here, my people will die.

    Pew! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Pew! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang!

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard provided cover for him from his nks.

    There was a critical difference between regr soldiers and special forces soldiers.

    Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!

    It was a matter of learning how to kill your enemies efficiently versus learning how to kill them gruesomely.

    Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!

    Du du du! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Pew! Du du! Bang, bang, bang, bang!

    You motherfuckers!

    You sent her just because she took something to eat with those tiny, fragile hands? She epted it without knowing who was giving it to her!

    What does it matter what kind of bastard lives in the sky and which punk made this Earth?

    Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!

    I¡¯ll put holes through your foreheads¡­

    Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!

    So go and tell him that I am the one who killed you!

    Kang Chan immediately climbed from the top of the hill and broke into a dash.

    Haah. Haah.

    You stupid idiots! You call this a base? You don¡¯t even have a lot of fuckers left!

    Pew! Pew! Thud! Thud!

    Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang bang!

    With their morale now shattered, the hostels powerlessly plunged to the ground in the face of Kang Chan and his men¡¯s bullets. Perhaps because they had rushed in to try and kill them earlier, they really didn¡¯t have too many men left waiting for the special forces units.

    Kang Chan quickly moved behind a toppling shack.

    Click!

    However, he couldn¡¯t pull the trigger. Right in front of him was a young girl.

    Kang Chan quickly scanned his surroundings.

    Tat, tat, tat! Tat, tat, tat, tat!

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the remaining soldiers stood around Kang Chan, their guns aimed outward.

    Haah. Haah.

    Why are you crying?

    Haah. Haah.

    Why are you crying right now?

    Haah. Haah.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Scan the perimeter! Take two of our men with you!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Tat, tat, tat!

    ¡°Daye, tell the kid to never press the button!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Kang Chan looked sharply at the girl¡¯s thin hands. A single press of her thumb would cause the bomb to explode.

    Haah. Haah.

    Things like this were nothing. He had done them sickeningly in Africa.

    So don¡¯t cry.

    Haah. Haah.

    Dayeru rapidly fired out a sentence in Arabic. Nevertheless, as if to defy him,rge tears continued to flow from the girl¡¯srge eyes.

 Chapter 221.1: Which Bastard Gave the Order? (1)

    Chapter 221.1: Which Bastard Gave the Order? (1)

    Seok Kang-Ho had just as much experience as Kang Chan in this field. Albeit not as much as the other two, G¨¦rard was also familiar with scenes and situations like this.

    As Kang Chan looked straight into the child¡¯s eyes, G¨¦rard and Seok Kang-Ho cautiously searched her for the bomb.

    Meanwhile, a deafening silence fell over the deste winternd. It was as if the gunfight they just had earlier never even urred.

    Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.

    They could hear the sound of a clock ticking from her.

    Kang Chan stared directly into the child¡¯s eyes as he began to speak in a low, soft voice.

    ¡°Step back,¡± he quietly ordered all of his men.

    The child¡¯s thin, boney thumb was resting on a button that wasrger than Kang Chan¡¯s thumbnail. She wouldn¡¯t even have to exert arge amount of force to press it. The device to set off the bomb was so sensitive that even the slightest movement could trigger it to detonate and explode.

    ¡°Three meters to our three o¡¯clock,¡± G¨¦rard calmly and quietly mentioned, pointing out the safest area to retreat should they find themselves in the worst-case scenario. With the rest of the soldiers, he carefully stepped back, making an effort not to scare the child.

    Haah. Haah.

    ¡®Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll get you out of this.¡¯

    This was the first time he had seen this child, and they spoke differentnguages. But in moments like this, Conveying their intentions through the looks in their eyes was enough for people to understand each other.

    Kang Chan just had to be extremely careful not to provoke or scare her.

    There was no way of knowing how much time was left, but in these cases, the gaze Kang Chan had on them and the way the soldiers carefully retreated stopped most children from being tempted to press the button.

    ¡®It¡¯ll be all right.¡¯

    As Kang Chan conveyed his intentions through his eyes, his heart suddenly began to beat louder.

    Thump, thump, thump, thump.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how much time was left on the clock, but he had never abandoned children who were crying and frozen in fear. He wasn¡¯t about to start now.

    He had no idea if this girl would be a kind mother like Yoo Hye-Sook, a charming youngdy like Michelle, or a smart student like Kim Mi-Young, but he thought of that mystery as all the more reason to save her. She should at least have the chance to live a kind future.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan prompted.

    Seok Kang-Ho began to tell the girl in a quiet and soothing voice that they were going to remove the bomb and that she should stay calm.

    ¡®Really?¡¯

    The child¡¯s expression seemed to tell them she did not believe what he was saying.

    They just had to make sure not to aggravate her. Children her age often identally pressed the button despite knowing it would trigger the bomb whenever they were surprised or roused.

    ¡®I¡¯ve done a lot of things like this in Africa, so let mee closer, okay?¡¯

    Thump, thump, thump, thump.

    His heart wildly beat against his chest, warning him to give up on the child and get out of the area.

    ¡°Step back a little more,¡± Kang Chan ordered his men. Asmanded, the soldiers retreated further even away from him and the girl.

    Tick, tick, tick, tick.

    Even though they were short on time, rushing toward the girl or doing anything to surprise her into pressing the button was still out of the question. No matter how painfully frustrating the situation was, he had to be patient and make his way to her as slowly as possible so she would understand that he meant her no harm.

    Thump, thump, thump, thump.

    No one can convince me to give up on this girl. How am I supposed to when she¡¯s giving me that look?

    Kang Chan slowly bent down to his knees, lowering his stance.

    nk.

    He set his rifle down on the ground. Now, all he had to do was pull out the dagger strapped to his ankle and¡­

    Du du du du du du.

    An Apache helicopter came flying over from the opposite side of the hill, apanied by the booming noises of its des.

    God damn it!

    The child looked away from Kang Chan to nce at the Apache helicopter before turning back to him again. The child¡¯s attention had been stolen from him.

    It¡¯s fine! It¡¯s all going to be okay!

    You motherfuckers! Hurry up and get the fuck away from here!

    The thunderous whirring of the helicopter¡¯s des whipping through the air caused the child to burst into tears again.

    Shut up and go back!

    Peeeeew!

    However, instead of leaving, the Apache helicopter fired a missile instead.

    There isn¡¯t a single enemy alive to fight back, you idiots! What¡¯s the fucking point of the missile?

    Baaaam!

    An enormous explosion and mes immediately erupted on the other side of the hill.

    ¡°Aaaah!¡± the child screamed.

    ¡°No!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Click. Swish! Boom!

    Kang Chan mmed his body onto the sunken ground and covered his head with both hands.

    Swoosh!

    Tall columns of dust and debris fell on top of Kang Chan.

    It was a relief that the child was small and their enemies only strapped a small bomb to her so it wouldn¡¯t be as noticeable. Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to imagine what would¡¯ve happened otherwise.

    Damn it! Damn it!

    G¨¦rard pulled himself up from the ground and angrily shouted into the radio to cease fire.

    Even though the pilots of the helicopter were aware of the frequency of friendly forces, they still fired a missile without even saying a word to the ground troops first¡ªand they only fired it at nothing but the enemy corpses, no less.

    Kang Chan stood up and red at the Apache.

    Du du du du du du du!

    With a swoosh of air, the Apache helicopter stood imposingly in front of Kang Chan with a sharp and threatening presence.

    Do you think you can avoid an I too just because bullets won¡¯t be able to get inside?

    ¡°Captain!¡± G¨¦rard shouted through gritted teeth. At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho rapidly dashed over to grab Kang Chan.

    ¡°Keep a hold of your temper! We have to consider the French special forces, and we have to take care of our injured too! We should let them go for now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho dissuaded him.

    Du du du du du du du!

    Those motherfuckers. I¡¯vee across my fair share of bastards acting all high and mighty even though they werete, but those people are the first ones I¡¯ve ever seen fire a missile at corpses.

    They probably did it on purpose, too. If they were watching the broadcast, then there was no doubt that they had seen everything that Kang Chan had been up to.

    The Apache helicopter continued to hover in the air, seemingly refusing to back down as it red directly at Kang Chan.

    You assholes! You¡¯re going to painfully regret this someday.

    ¡°Captain! The injured are waiting in front of the abandoned houses with the trucks!¡± G¨¦rard added.

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Please! Let¡¯s just go for now. We can just create an opportunity to get revenge next time. We can find out which son of a bitch gave the order and make them pay with their life,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued to dissuade him.

    When Kang Chan looked back at the helicopter, it was already turning away, the rumbling of its engines sounding different from before.

    Seok Kang-Ho was right.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said darkly. Gritting his teeth, he finally turned around. As he did, his gazended on the spot where the girl was standing just a while ago. It had turned into a sunken pit.

    G¨¦rard, the French soldiers, Dayeru, and the bomb attack¡­ everything made him feel as if he was back in Africa.

    After descending from the hill, Kang Chan immediately headed to the truck. Three of the men with him rushed to theirrade, who had been the first to be taken out.

    The one Kang Chan pushed to the passenger¡¯s seat was still unconscious, and the first to be injured had his left knee blown off.

    One of the soldiers drove the truck over, and they all proceeded to get in.

    It was over. The gruesome and horrifying battle they were in had ended.

    Vrooom. Rattle! Clunnk!

    Standing on the back of the truck, Kang Chan turned to look at the hill onest time.

    ***

    Upon arriving in Sanggar, the soldiers who had escaped earlier rushed to gather around them. The hostages were seated in a circle, heads put together.

    ¡°Did anyone else get injured or killed?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We did not get into any further engagement with the enemy after we left the abandoned houses,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied.

    As Kang Chan spoke to Kwak Cheol-Ho, the medical team hurried over to treat the two injured French soldiers.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Got any cigarettes with you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    In response, G¨¦rard took out cigarettes and a familiar Zippo lighter from his pocket.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go find somewhere to sit down,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    They all headed to one of the three trucks in the open field, which were parked close to each other, forming an arc. Kang Chan leaned against its side, and the rest did the same.

    Clunk. Swoosh!

    ¡°Hoo!¡± he exhaled, finally feeling as if he could breathe again.

    Kang Chan had pulled his mask up from his neck just enough to reveal his mouth so he could smoke. He probably looked extremely strange, but it didn¡¯t matter to him. It didn¡¯t change the taste of the cigarette itself.

    G¨¦rard sat down very closely to him as he puffed on his cigarette. It was as if he didn¡¯t want to part ways with him.

    ¡°Hoo. Right! The way you acted all fancy earlier was funny. I didn¡¯t know you were from nobility,¡± Kang Chan said with a grin.

    ¡°You should have suspected it at least once with how cool I look,¡± G¨¦rard smugly replied.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but find it unpleasant to see just the mouth moving on a half-masked face.

    ¡°Want another?¡±

    Kang Chan epted the cigarette and lit it up.

 Chapter 221.2: Which Bastard Gave the Order? (1)

    Chapter 221.2: Which Bastard Gave the Order? (1)

    ¡°Fallen noble families usually use different names because their family name often causes them inconveniences since some people contempt us for it. We do use it when we¡¯re putting our life on the line or making a promise we intend to never break, though. It makes us seem pretty cool too,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    Kang Chan chuckled, making G¨¦rard grin andugh as well.

    ¡°Are you the top dog of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°As of the moment, yes.¡±

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s curious gaze, he rubbed the end of his cigarette on the truck¡¯s wheel to put it out. ¡°I submitted my request to be discharged.¡±

    ¡°You better cancel that,¡± Kang Chan authoritatively replied.

    G¨¦rard just turned and looked at him in response.

    ¡°Stay there a little longer. I¡¯ll have put you in charge of the entire special forces, not just the thirteenth regiment.¡± When G¨¦rard tilted his head. He continued, ¡°I¡¯ll join you soon, I promise. There¡¯s something I want to do.¡±

    ¡°Will I be doing whatever that is with you?¡±

    Kang Chan nced around their surroundings before nodding a little.

    ¡°Does it require the entire special forces?¡±

    ¡°Maybe.¡±

    ¡°Then I suppose I¡¯m the only person who can do it,¡± G¨¦rard confidently replied. He sounded a lot moreposed and confident than a certain someone saying, ¡°Fuck! I¡¯m the only one for that role!¡±

    ¡°Africa suddenly seems like a fantastic ce,¡± G¨¦rard joked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t act out too much and keep a low profile.¡±

    ¡°I will, Cap. You can leave it to me.¡±

    Kang Chan crushed the tip of his cigarette on the ground and put the butt down next to the truck.

    Du du du du du du.

    Not long after, more damningly loud helicopter noises echoed in the air.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± G¨¦rard stood up. The rest of the soldiers followed suit.

    Under normal circumstances, they would have prioritized treating the wounded first if they had a decent medical team and proper medical equipment. However, in this situation, making their way to Kabul as fast as they could seemed to be the better option.

    Du du du du du du.

    Three Chinook helicoptersnded on the ground, theirrge frames looming over the soldiers.

    Under Kang Chan¡¯smand, they carried the critically wounded aboard the aircraft first, followed by the hostages, and then a mix of Korean and French soldiers.

    As a precaution, they remained prepared for any potential fight breaking out during their flight.

    Du du du du du du.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and the French soldiers stepped into the helicopter carrying the hostages they rescued.

    The dried blood had hardened his mask so much that it was practically cracking. He was covered with soil, dust, and blood as well.

    Turning around, Kang Chan unknowingly grinned at what he found. Not only did he not realize that the youngest member of the French special forces team had already gotten on board, but the man already had one foot on the helicopter door and his rifled aimed outside too. A safety harness was attached to his back, of course.

    This was how a special forces team waspleted. Once the lessons from hellish operations like this started to umte, a soldier¡¯s attitude toward something less significant such as training would begin to change as well.

    The sun still hadn¡¯t set yet.

    The deste field could be seen through the helicopter door. The eerie winter wind rapidly rushed inside and left just as quickly.

    The hostages had crouched down, huddled together.

    They were probably having the worst experience of their lives. They had to sit down in the middle of a battlefield, so their legs were probably damp with blood, the metallic smell of which likely still lingered under their noses. To make matters worse, images of the hostiles the soldiers killed and the girls¡¯ corpses would be stuck in their minds for a while.

    Du du du du du du.

    One of the female hostages peeked at Kang Chan.

    ***

    When they arrived at the airport in Kabul, they found an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs waiting for them.

    ¡°The hostages will be taking a civilian aircraft from here. Thank you for your hard work,¡± the official said.

    Kang Chan walked with the hostages to the bus they would take. There were swarms of reporters at the building of the airport, but military personnel were preventing them from getting closer to the runway.

    ¡°Hurry on inside the bus please,¡± the official instructed the hostages politely but with urgency.

    The hostages seemed relieved but anxious about parting ways with the soldiers who kept them safe all this time. There was a mix of emotions in their expressions.

    Even as they stepped onto the bus, no one managed to express their gratitude toward the soldiers. It wasn¡¯t that they didn¡¯t want to. They were just so genuinely shocked by what happened that it was difficult for them to say anything. They were essentially still in a daze. Fully aware of that, the soldiers found no reason to feel hurt for not being thanked or appreciated.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get going now. On behalf of all the citizens of South Korea, thank you so much. You made me proud to be Korean,¡± the official said as he firmly shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand. When the official got into the bus, the doors closed behind him.

    Kang Chan walked back to the airne.

    The French soldiers were standing with G¨¦rard, and the Korean soldiers were standing around Seok Kang-Ho and Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    ¡°Have a safe trip back,¡± G¨¦rard told him.

    Kang Chan grinned as G¨¦rard saluted him, the rest of the French special forces team following suit. He and the Korean soldiers returned the gesture.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan announced.

    Nothing good woulde from staying too long in front of shing cameras and broadcasting channels.

    Seok Kang-Ho walked to Kang Chan¡¯s left, and Kwak Cheol-Ho followed him from the right.

    Clunk, clunk.

    When they entered the aircraft, they found cots with blood bags and IV lines waiting for the injured soldiers. Three individuals in white gowns were standing next to them.

    Beep.

    The doors of the aircraft closed.

    Ding, ding, ding, ding.

    Before Kang Chan could even properly sit down, the transport ne¡¯s red lights blinked. It had begun to take off.

    Click.

    Kang Chan and all the team members took off their helmets and then their bandanas. It felt like a breath of fresh air after taking off the masks that had been wrapped around their faces the entire time, but everyone had pieces of dark, stiff blood stuck to their faces.

    Eeeerng!

    The transport ne briskly raced down the runway and soon ascended.

    This was not their first rodeo, so Seok Kang-Ho naturally stood up and wobbled over to bring a bottle of water and poured it over Kang Chan. It looked like the other guys would have to stack more experience based on how they were still in their seats just because the ne was on takeoff.

    Kang Chan washed his face, then poured some water on Seok Kang-Ho in return. After washing his face and drinking enough water, he finally felt as if the world was back to normal.

    ¡°Do we have any coffee?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The soldier washing his face quickly headed to the back and shouted, ¡°There is, sir!¡±

    They all drank coffee together.

    Looking around the ne, Kang Chan met Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s gaze, who was lying on a cot.

    ¡°Want some?¡± Kang Chan offered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki mouthed.

    Hisrades all sniggered at him. Not long after, someone went over to pour him a bit of coffee. The medical officer expressed his dissatisfaction, but he didn¡¯t dare try to stop him from drinking it.

    They stacked up a mountain of C-rations in the middle and dug into it together. As they did, the medical officer checked each of the soldiers¡¯ injuries starting with Kang Chan. Still, even as the officer stitched up their wounds, no one stopped eating.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho, who was looking over the soldiers,ughed in disbelief. Noticing his teeth were covered with the chocte he was chewing, everyoneughed back at him.

    Just moments ago, the soldiers were depressed because they felt sorry for their injuredrades, but they were now chuckling next to those same people as they ate.

    They had nothing to feel guilty about, having realized that even if they were the ones lying on those beds, they would not feel resentment toward the others just because they were filling their stomachs after such a long and tiring battle.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied, changing his expression to one that Seok Kang-Ho or G¨¦rard would wear.

    ¡°If you can, you should all take turns going on three-day leaves. If you overwork yourselves while you¡¯re all in that condition, you will inevitably cause issues in the next operation.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho obediently replied.

    Kang Chan nced at each of the soldiers.

    ¡°With the ability that you¡¯ve shown me in this operation¡­¡± Kang Chan trailed off.

    The soldiers seemed to be dying to know what he was about to say.

    ¡°You will be at the top of the game wherever you go. Good work, all of you,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°You too, sir,¡± the soldiers replied.

    After eating to their heart¡¯s content, they drank more cups of coffee. The soldiers then began to lie down one after another to get some rest.

    Kang Chan leaned against the wall of the ne.

    He could not save any of the girls. Even though he wasughing, eating, and drinking coffee with the others, the girls¡¯ faces continued to linger in a part of his mind.

    I should¡¯ve been able to save at least one of them like I did in Africa. If only I was more powerful¡­ If only I had enough power to make the Americans think twice aboutunching that missile¡­

    It was currently evening in Seoul.

    No, with a time difference of about four hours and thirty minutes, Korea was probably under the dead of the night already. Kang Chan pulled out the phone that he kept in one of his pockets.

    Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Soo, Lanok, Jeon Dae-Geuk, and Kim Hyung-Jung were probably all waiting for his call.

    Kang Chan called Kim Hyung-Jung first.

    - Mr. Kang Chan! This is Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

    Kang Chanughed at the loud voice. He sounded as if he was shouting.

    - Good work, Mr. Kang Chan. You¡¯ve done a truly remarkable job.

    Kim Hyung-Jung was speaking so fast that Kang Chan didn¡¯t even have the opportunity to reply to anything.

    - Wait just a moment, please.

    Kang Chan still hadn¡¯t been able to get a word in.

    - Chan.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s gruff voice came from over the line.

    - Well done. You¡¯ve gone through a lot. Thank you.

    Each of his words ryed the mixed emotions he felt through the call.

    - We have never been prouder.

    Kang Chan could onlyugh.

    - Get some rest for now. We can talk about the rest in person.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Kang Chan responded. That was the only sentence he managed to get into the call before it ended, but it was more than enough.

    Whoosh.

    The ne steadily headed for Korea. They could finally go home.

 Chapter 222.1: Which Bastard Gave the Order? (2)

    Chapter 222.1: Which Bastard Gave the Order? (2)

    The ne Kang Chan and his men were in arrived at the Osan airfield two hours past midnight.

    As soon as theynded, they prioritized carrying the injured soldiers to the ambnces first. Kang Chan walked next to Yoon Sang-Ki, who was thest to be transferred.

    Yoon Sang-Ki forced a smile right before he got into the ambnce. ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡±

    Bam! Vroom!

    When he got in and the doors were closed, the ambnces immediately hit the road.

    Afraid that they would attract attention, they had turned off all lights around them even though they had ambnces in the area. This was the fate of the special forces. Those who would be upset by treatments like this would never find themselves risking their lives in the middle of military operations.

    Kang Chan smirked as he walked over to the bus that would serve as the soldiers¡¯ transport. Right beside its door, he could see Cha Dong-Gyun saluting him. He couldn''t tell him to stop. How could he? He didn¡¯t even have any idea how Cha Dong-Gyun felt about being unable to do anything but watch the entire operation on TV

    Kang Chan felt as if he just saw Choi Seong-Geon in Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun told him and Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have the men rest for a few days. You better do whatever it takes to get better ande with us on the next operation during that time.¡±

    ¡°Roger that,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered.

    The soldiers headed to the bus with their helmets held against their left side and their rifles over their right shoulder. Right now, the look in these fuckers¡¯ eyes, the way they walked, and how they behaved were second to none. They had really be a world-famous special forces team.

    The soldiers briefly saluted Kang Chan, then got on the bus one by one.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said. He was thest to salute Kang Chan and get on.

    Chk.

    The bus left as soon as its door closed, its engine running quietly.

    Once they had driven away, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho walked over to the van waiting behind where the bus was.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± the agent in the driver¡¯s seat softly said. ¡°We have a change of clothes for you both in the bag.¡±

    When Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho had gotten in, the agent stepped on the pedal and left the Osan airfield. Not long after, it stopped at the roadside where Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung were waiting for them. A car was right behind them

    Jeon Dae-Geuk approached them as if he was going to pounce on them. He held onto Kang Chan¡¯s arms, then looked straight at Kang Chan with an expression that made it hard to tell if he was crying or smiling.

    ¡°You¡¯ve done well, Kang Chan. You too, Mr. Seok. You two have been through quite a lot,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go somewhere more private first, sir?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested after looking around their surroundings. Agreeing with him, they all got in the van.

    ¡°We have contacted the Bang Ji Hospital ahead of time. We¡¯ll go there first,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°I think we have to wash up a bit before that. Wouldn¡¯t it be a problem if other people see us still wearing these clothes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We have taken all the necessary measures to prevent that from happening,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk responded.

    They didn¡¯t pressure Yoo Hun-Woo, did they?

    As Kang Chan smirked, Kim Hyung-Jung asked, ¡°Was it you that was walking on Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s left before everyone boarded the ne at the airport, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho looked at him, unsure why he suddenly brought it up.

    ¡°There was a moment when the broadcast focused on the bloody national g patch on your left forearm. It is making headlines right now and receiving an overwhelming response. The people think the scene fully epasses the South Korean special forces¡¯ sacrifices and determination,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined. As Seok Kang-Ho nced down at his shoulder, he continued, ¡°The people have amassed quite a huge amount of donations for the wounded soldiers and the development of the special forces. The Military Manpower Administration is also having a really tough time dealing with all the phone calls inquiring about the qualifications of the special forces.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed.

    The people¡¯s sense of duty seemed to be burning so strongly that they applied to join the special forces. However, Kang Chan was certain that would all end up taking a step back as soon as they saw the look in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes.

    Two police cars drove ahead and behind the van as their escort.

    ¡°Which bastard authorized broadcasting the operation?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t identified them yet,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t ask any further questions. He was nning on making France¡¯s DGSE look into it anyway.

    The van was already going quite fast, but he still hoped it would speed up a bit more due to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s shoulder.

    As they got closer to the Bang Ji Hospital, Kang Chan began to find traffic enforcers all over the area.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we attracting too much attention?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°As far as the public knows, these are all being done in preparation for apletely unrted event. A movie will be filmed over there, just a couple of blocks past the hospital,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    God damn!

    Agents rushed toward them as soon as they reached the entrance of the hospital. When they opened the door and stepped out of the van, the agents covered Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho with nkets and guided them to the Director¡¯s office.

    ¡°Long time no see, Mr. Kang Chan and Mr. Seok Kang-Ho,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo greeted.

    Kang Chan thought the doctor would be caught slightly off guard, but he still looked as sly as ever. On the other hand, the nurse standing beside him¡ªthe same one who always assisted¡ªlooked extremely nervous.

    ¡°Please prioritize treating Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s shoulder,¡± Kang Chan said.

    As requested, Yoo Hun-Woo and the nurse cut off the bandages wrapped around Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s shoulder and top first, revealing a bullet wound.

    ¡°Oh my!¡± Yoo Hun-Woo frowned. He disinfected the wound before examining the others. They inserted an IV line connected to a blood bag into Seok Kang-Ho and immediately began to transfuse blood into him. Afterward, apanied by an agent, the nurse left the room for a moment and came back wheeling in an X-ray machine.

    ¡°I think the bullet in his shoulder has broken into pieces. We should take an X-ray before we try to remove it,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo exined.

    ¡°Is there coffee here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The question seemed to have caught Yoo Hun-Woo and the nurse off guard. It was nothing out of the ordinary for Kang Chan, though. Having gone through moments like this multiple times already, this was just another day for him.

    One of the agents left the room and came back with coffee.

    ¡°What about me?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. The agent made him coffee as well.

    They operated on Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan for over three hours in total. By the time they were done, it was already six in the morning. The two headed up to a room.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed up to one of the rooms to rest. Inside, Jeon Da-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung were already waiting, looking more tired than those who had to undergo treatment.

    ¡°Are you two going to have breakfast?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°We are,¡± Kang Chan answered. ¡°Want to eat with us?¡±

    The four eventually decided to have galbi-tang. They talked about the South Koreans¡¯ response to the broadcast while eating, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t really care less about it. ¡°We¡¯ve assigned some agents to stand guard outside. We¡¯lle backter,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°Get some sleep, Kang Chan. You too, Mr. Seok,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk added.

    The two looked disappointed for having to leave.

    It¡¯s been a long time since I came to the Bang Ji Hospital.

    ¡°Phew! I¡¯m going to hit the hay. You should rest too,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°You go on ahead. I¡¯m going to wash up first.¡±

    Although they disinfected him with soap during the operation, he didn¡¯t feel as refreshed as actually taking a bath.

    Kang Chan wrapped his wounds with a cling film and washed up. By the time he got out of the bathroom, Seok Kang-Ho was already snoring.

    ***

    Click.

    Kang Chan jerked awake and sat up as fast as a sea creature jumping up from the depths of the sea. He red at the door, finding a surprised and flustered nurse examining his mood.

    Do I look too murderous right now?

    He looked to the side and saw Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes had be cruel and cold. He looked as if he was about to break someone¡¯s neck.

    It seemed they were still on edge.

    ¡°What time is it?¡± Kang Chan asked the nurse.

    ¡°It¡¯s eleven am.¡± The nurse hesitantly approached Kang Chan and added medication to his IV. She then did the same for Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Ugh! Ugh!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho made weird noises to warm up his coarse throat as the nurse added medication to his IV, making her leave so quickly that she looked as if she was running away.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch. How does bossam and mak-guksu sound?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    This fucking guy hasn¡¯t even properly warmed up his throat yet but he¡¯s already dragging his IV pole around to order from a restaurant.

    ¡°Order whatever you want. I¡¯m going to make a few phone calls,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook was the first one he called.

    - Channy! What happened?

    Hearing her voice made a part of his heart warm up.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t been able to call you.¡±

    - When are youing home?

    ¡°I will probably have to stay here for two to three more days. How have you two been?¡±

    - We¡¯re fine. We just miss you.

    ¡°I''m sorry. I¡¯ll go home as soon as I can.¡±

    - Okay, Channy. For some strange reason, your dad has been having a hard time since he watched the broadcast on the TV yesterday, soe home quickly and console him. Make sure to call him as well.

    ¡°I will.¡±

    - I love you, Channy.

    ¡°I love you too.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan, a genuine smile on his face. ¡°Woah! Seeing you act like that makes me happy. Are you going to call your father?¡±

    ¡°I was just about to.¡±

    ¡°Give me a moment. Let me order food for us first.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho ordered bossam and mak-guksu with a rough voice.

 Chapter 222.2: Which Bastard Gave the Order? (2)

    Chapter 222.2: Which Bastard Gave the Order? (2)

    After calling Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan looked for Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s number and called him.

    The call rang just once before it was picked up.

    - Hello?

    Kang Dae-Kyung sounded as if he was in a rush.

    ¡°Father, is everything alright?¡±

    - Huh? Yes! Nothing¡¯s wrong! Where are you?

    Why is he acting like this?

    ¡°I called to let you know that I¡¯m doing well. I should be home in two to three days. I¡¯ve already called Mother and told her about it.¡±

    - Really¡­? Will you really be home by then?

    He¡¯s aware that I was part of the operation!

    Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t have to say anything for Kang Chan to know.

    ¡°Father.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung just stayed silent.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    - Ugh! Don¡¯t be. I¡¯m¡­ proud of you.

    Kang Dae-Kyung exhaled deeply.

    ¡°Father, I want to eat sushi.¡±

    - You¡­

    Kang Dae-Kyung stopped. He sounded as if he was going to burst into tears at any moment.

    - Should I buy some on my way to see you?

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m at the Bang Ji Hospital.¡±

    - Okay! I¡¯ll get you some, then! Should I head over there right now?

    Kang Chan awkwardly looked at Seok Kang-Ho, who was sitting near him.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you drop by around dinner time instead? You¡¯re going to have to bring a lot of sushi, though, since a pig lives here.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho blinked. He looked as if he found it unfair.

    - Sure. I¡¯ll buy a lot of sushi. I¡¯ll be there tonight at around seven.

    This was the first time Kang Chan heard Kang Dae-Kyung sound so happy.

    ¡°Okay. I''ll see youter.¡±

    - Alright!

    Kang Dae-Kyung sounded like he was on top of the world.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked when the call ended.

    ¡°It seems my father has caught on to the fact that I was part of the operation in Afghanistan,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Pressing his lips together, Seok Kang-Ho nodded as if he had figured something out.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Your mother aside, I knew your father would quickly catch on about what you do.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung probably figured it all out by himself, considering no one would have ever told him.

    While Kang Chan was mulling over his thoughts, an agent opened the door and brought bossam and mak-guksu inside.

    ¡°Oh shoot! We forgot to order for you guys as well. How many of you are outside?¡± Kang Chan asked the agent.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us. Please enjoy the food.¡±

    ¡°Answer the question.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Deputy Director,¡± the agent called.

    Kang Chan raised his head, the title catching him by surprise.

    ¡°Our morale has never been higher, so even if we don¡¯t eat anything for the next hundred days, we¡¯ll still be full. We have also decided not to have alcohol even during private asions for the next fifty days or so to avoid causing you any trouble. For as long as you enjoy yourselves, we¡¯re satisfied.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he had suddenly been hit.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡± After the agent put the food and water down, he respectfully bowed and went outside.

    ¡°Why did he call you ¡®deputy director¡¯?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Oh, have I not told you about that yet?¡±

    Kang Chan walked over and sat across from Seok Kang-Ho, who split the wooden chopsticks in half and handed them to Kang Chan. Now that he thought about it, Seok Kang-Ho only joined up with them after he was appointed to the position.

    After they ate bossam and mak-guksu, Kang Chan exined everything that had happened with President Moon Jae-Hyun.

    ¡°You can¡¯t refuse to work in this field anymore, then?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t talk when your mouth is full!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho forcibly swallowed the mak-guksu he had shoved into his mouth while staring at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ugh!¡± he groaned.

    Jeesh, what a dirty fucker!

    After chugging some water, he picked up his chopsticks again with a satisfied look on his face.

    The two ate to their heart¡¯s content.

    The agents would probably run over and help them if they didn¡¯t clean up properly. Hence, even though they had a wounded arm and leg, they cleaned up after themselves and tied the stic bags tightly to prevent them from smelling.

    After having a cup of coffee, Kang Chan sat by his bed and held up his phone.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I apologize for only contacting you now.¡±

    - Don¡¯t worry. Ipletely understand. How are your wounds?

    ¡°The doctor has told me that I have to stay in the hospital for three more days because of the wound on my leg.¡±

    - Didn¡¯t you also get stabbed around your chest?

    ¡°It isn¡¯t that deep.¡±

    Kang Chan heard Lanokughing.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, is there something I should know about that broadcast?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, we should meet and talk about that after you get discharged from the hospital. If there is anything else you¡¯re curious about, then Anne will know more about it than I do.

    For some reason, Lanok sounded as if he was advising him to take action himself.

    ¡°I¡¯ll visit you as soon as I get discharged.¡±

    - I¡¯ll be waiting for you with delight.

    Lanok hung up.

    Kang Chan felt as if the ambassador was hiding something. Just like Yoo Hun-Woo, Lanok was one sly fox as well.

    Rattle.

    Not long after, Yoo Hun-Woo entered the room with a nurse behind him.

    ¡°Woah! Where is that delicious smelling from?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked as he approached their beds. He checked on Kang Chan¡¯s wounds first. The one on his side wasn¡¯t that bad, but the one on his right leg was quite severe.

    Throbbing pain coursed through Kang Chan as Yoo Hun-Woo disinfected his wounds and wrapped them with new bandages.

    Afterward, Yoo Hun-Woo went over to Seok Kang-Ho. He cut the old bandages with a pair of scissors, then examined his wounds. With a serious expression, he said, ¡°You¡¯re healing even faster than before.¡±

    He then turned to Kang Chan.

    How am I supposed to answer something that even a doctor can¡¯t?

    ¡°Refrain from moving for about a day,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo advised.

    ¡°Will do.¡±

    After disinfecting Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wounds, he wrapped his shoulder in bandages and left the room.

    ¡°Am I healing faster because of the blood transfusion I receivedst time?¡± Seok Kang-Ho wondered.

    ¡°Do you really think it¡¯s because of that? Considering Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun didn¡¯t heal this fast, maybe it¡¯s not the blood transfusion but because you have one of the ckhead¡¯s energies inside you?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t those fuckers manage to recover from certain death? My wounds are lightpared to theirs.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but think that someone who had a bullet embedded in his shoulder shouldn¡¯t be saying something like that.

    ¡°Let¡¯s watch TV,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested. He then held up the remote and turned on the TV. The screen disyed a scene from their operation filmed from high in the sky.

    ¡°So this how the viewers saw the battle when it was being broadcasted,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    How could those fuckers broadcast people putting their lives on the line?

    Kang Chan suddenly remembered the Apache helicopter.

    Those sons of bitches!

    Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone soon began to ring. Seok Kang-Ho quickly turned down the volume of the TV.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    - Mr. Deputy Director-General, it¡¯s Anne.

    ¡°What?¡±

    - You¡¯ve been promoted.

    France¡¯s DGSE had promoted him to Deputy Director-General so quickly that it seemed as if they were just choosing a part-timer for a local convenience store.

    - The United States¡¯ DIA and Ethan from the UK were the ones behind the broadcast. Ethan has just arrived in South Korea. We expect him to meet with the Ambassador.

    ¡°What was the purpose of the broadcast?¡±

    - Ethan¡¯s goal was to take you and the Ambassador out. Theo, the previous Deputy Director-General, has been removed because he was a part of that n.

    Anne sounded a bit more polite and business-like than before.

    ¡°And the United States? Why did they agree to it?¡±

    - We haven¡¯t figured out the DIA¡¯s motives yet.

    As Kang Chan nodded to himself, he suddenly thought of something.

    ¡°Anne. I want to entrust the Foreign Legion¡¯s entire special forces to G¨¦rard. Is there a way to make that happen?¡±

    - Yes, there is. All you have to do is issue the order, and we¡¯ll have it done, Deputy Director-General.

    ¡°Great. Have G¨¦rard take the lead of the entire special forces, then.¡±

    - Understood.

    ¡°Onest thing, Anne. Call me like you¡¯ve done in the past. All these honorifics are making me ufortable.¡±

    - Alright, Monsieur Kang.

    Now he finally felt as if Anne was back to how he knew her before.

    - On another note, we have figured out Wui Min-Gook¡¯s location.

    Kang Chan sat up straight.

    Damn it. Why is the wound on my side suddenly throbbing? It hasn¡¯t caused me any pain until now.

    - He¡¯s with Kwak Do-Young, the secretary of ex-assemblyman Huh Sang-Soo.

    Disgusting fuckers. They¡¯re like cockroaches endlessly connected to each other.

    ¡°Where are they?¡±

    - I have texted you their location.

    ¡°How does the DGSE find these things?¡± Kang Chan asked, suddenly growing curious.

    - We searched through everything, from the food that Wui Min-Gook liked to eat when he was in China to the items that he usually bought. We also checked his phone call records and traced every number, even those he just called once. That¡¯s how we found out that he contacted Kwak Do-Young.

    Now that Kang Chan knew the lengths they had to go to for their jobs, he realized that their role was not for everyone.

    Unaware of what they were talking about, Seok Kang-Ho just observed Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°Are there any other matters that I have to be aware of?¡±

    - That¡¯s all I have right now.

    ¡°Thank you, Anne.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho every information that he received through the phone call.

    ¡°Wui Min-Gook, that son of a bitch! We can finally get proper revenge for General Choi,¡± Seok Kang-Homented and immediately turned off the TV. His eyes were already glinting.

    ¡°I have fully recovered already, Cap, so don¡¯t you dare leave me behind when you¡¯re going to kill that motherfucking bastard,¡± he continued.

    Does he have to act like this?

    Seok Kang-Ho looked more worked up than usual.

    ¡°When I went to Jeungpyeong, I realized that if the general wasn¡¯t around, the special forces that we know now wouldn¡¯t exist either. Seeing Cha Dong-Gyun cry broke my heart,¡± he added.

    Kang Chan smirked as he turned to him.

    Dayeru, who had lived a very lonely life, had turned into someone who finally had people he genuinely cared for.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled when Kang Chan didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°Son of a bitch! Fine! Let¡¯s make sure to give his neck a proper fucking twist!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned like a hungry tiger that had found a dog to eat.

 Chapter 223.1: Am I Upset? (1)

    Chapter 223.1: Am I Upset? (1)

    Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    Seok Kang-Ho was still smirking when Kang Chan received the text message that contained an address somewhere in Itaewon.

    The first time they got a chance like this, Kang Chan wasted no time initiating the operation to kill Jang Kwang-Taek and avenge Choi Seong-Geon. It was no different now.

    ¡°That son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan gleefully eximed.

    ¡°Phuhuhu,¡± Seok Kang-Ho sniggered.

    They looked at each other as their eyes glinted.

    Soon, the door slid open with a creak.

    ¡°I heard you two already ate lunch, but I thought I should ask if you want to eat lunch with us anyway¡­?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung paused midway into entering the room and quickly scanned their expressions. ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    He sat down at the table, his gaze alternating between Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°We¡¯ve found Wui Min-Gook,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°What?! Where? Where is he right now?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked furiously. The way he behaved made it seem like he was about to run over to wherever Wui Min-Gook was and shoot him in the forehead.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! Where is Wui Min-Gook right now?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung frantically repeated.

    Although Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t say or show it, he appeared to have been deeply troubled by this issue as well. Kang Chan thought they had to have someone keeping an eye on the whole situation, so he decided to tell Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Do you know a man named Kwak Do-Young?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You mean Chairperson Huh Sang-Soo¡¯s assistant?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    When Kang Chan nodded, Kim Hyung-Jung looked as if he suddenly understood everything.

    ¡°That man used to work with Cho Il-Kwon, the chief secretary of Yang Jin-Woo. The records showed that he hadn¡¯t returned to the country yet, but we appear to have been mistaken,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung mused.

    ¡°This intel is from the DGSE, so it can be trusted,¡± Kang Chan said with assurance.

    ¡°In that case, he must have used a fake identity.¡±

    ¡°This is where he is. For now, let¡¯s just keep an eye on him. Please make sure Wui Min-Gook doesn¡¯t catch you,¡± Kang Chan said, showing Kim Hyung-Jung the address. ¡°If possible, please only assign agents who have experience in the special forces to this task. Wui Min-Gook aside, this mission is going to be dangerous if some members of the North Korean special forces team are still alive and apanying him.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied with a nod.

    ¡°Can you report this directly to the Director and only assign agents that you can trust to it?¡±

    ¡°As the head of the counter-terrorism special forces, all of those should be within your authority.¡±

    Kang Chan felt pleased. With Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s assistance, everything was neatly falling into ce.

    ¡°Great! Now, let¡¯s all drink a cup of coffee to celebrate,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested with a satisfied smile as he stood up from his seat.

    ¡°Stay right there, Mr. Seok. I¡¯ll go and make some coffee,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung offered. He then quickly headed to the table. A momentter, he carried over two paper cups filled with coffee.

    ¡°Hm? You¡¯re not having any, Manager Kim?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have to prioritize getting some of the agents to keep an eye over Wui Min-Gook,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied insistently.

    Kang Chan supposed that was more important.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in an hour.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung immediately left the room.

    They talked about the task of killing someone as if it was nothing. They were even looking forward to it and were so excited about it that Kang Chan found it a bit ridiculous, but he concluded that it was okay to act like this since their target was Wui Min-Gook.

    ¡°If the men in Jeungpyeong find out about this, they¡¯re all going toe running,¡± Seok Kang-Ho joked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that out loud. You¡¯re going to jinx it,¡± Kang Chan mischievously warned.

    This was the first time in a long while that they got good news. As they rxed and drank coffee, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang again.

    ¡°Hello?¡± he answered.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, this is Yang Bum. Are you avable to talk right now?

    ¡°I am. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t give you a call first. Thank you so much for helping us during our most recent operation.¡±

    - How are you doing?

    ¡°They say I can be discharged in three days.¡±

    I¡¯m getting a bad feeling about this.

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho as Yang Bum continued.

    - If so, can I go to Korea and meet up with you around that time?

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t expecting that question. However, since he had received something from him, it would only be proper to repay him, and while he was at it, he might as well do a good job.

    ¡°Sounds like a n. Please inform me about the time once I¡¯m out of the hospital,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    - Thank you. I will contact you again once I have finalized my schedule.

    ¡°Geez, that guy! He seems to be in one hell of a rush,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled. Their conversation was spoken in Korean, allowing him to get a grasp of what was going on.

    ¡°He said something about the borders and whatnot. I didn¡¯t expect it to be something that he has to be so frantic about,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I hope we¡¯re not getting pulled into some regional war.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯re not. I doubt Russia and China will start shooting at each other. And even if they do, why would we get involved in their fight?¡± Kang Chan said with a reassuring grin.

    ¡°You do have a point.¡±

    This was no different in Africa, After every battle or operation, they would sit around and chat about everything and anything.

    ***

    ¡°We have assigned agents from the counter-terrorism team to surround the house and ordered them to shadow anyone who enters and leaves,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung informed Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kim Hyung-Jung had returned exactly fifty-five minutes since he left. His eyes were glinting as sharply as Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s now. When he arrived, Kang Chan told him about his conversation with Yang Bum.

    ¡°Have you heard any news about the soldiers?¡± Kang Chan asked next.

    ¡°One of the critically wounded has regained consciousness. The other three still have to be monitored. From what I heard, even the medical staff are surprised by how well they are holding up.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan. Kim Hyung-Jung wasn¡¯t aware of the effects of the blood transfusion, so he just seemed to be thinking of it as a miracle.

    After that, they all sat down and enjoyed their rest, listening to Kim Hyung-Jung talk about the response to this recent incident.

    Creak.

    The door soon opened again. Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Tae-Jin walked in.

    Seeing these people is always a pleasure.

    They exchanged greetings and sat down to chat about various things. Other than a nurseing into the room in the middle of their conversation to administer another injection, nothing else happened.

    ¡°All right! We should go get something to eat. Dinner¡¯s on me today,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk announced.

    It¡¯s only five right now, though.

    ¡°I missed my lunch today. What¡¯s the harm in eating a little earlier?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk added.

    ¡°Section Chief, my father is supposed toe this evening. I¡¯m just going to wait and have dinner with him, sir,¡± Kang Chan politely refused.

    ¡°I see,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said, turning to Seok Kang-Ho with regret.

    ¡°Well, since you¡¯re paying, let¡¯s go have some meat. We can eat in the room next door,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°Meat? Should I bring some grilled beef over, Mr. Seok?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk offered.

    ¡°That sounds fantastic!¡±

    ¡°Manager Kim, will you go outside and ask the staff if we can use the room next door?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk requested.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Do these people think we¡¯re here on a pic or something?

    Kim Hyung-Jung returned shortly after he left the room. ¡°I¡¯ve talked to them and made all the arrangements.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Let¡¯s head over to the other room when Kang Chan¡¯s father arrives,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    Kang Chan chuckled. ¡°You can go on ahead, sir. After all, you said you didn¡¯t get to have lunch. My father isn¡¯t expecting other people to be here anyway, so seeing you will just make him ufortable.¡±

    He had to convince them two to three more times before they all stood up and followed Jeon Dae-Geuk to the room next door. If others saw them, some would probably think that Kang Chan was upset that they actually left, but he didn¡¯t feel that way at all.

    The National Intelligence Service, the DGSE, Ennd, the United States of America, and China¡­ Kang Chang felt as if everything around him was getting tangled up and turning into aplicated mess. He needed some time to organize his thoughts.

    A rush of silence swept in and filled the room, seemingly finally being let out after being bottled up somewhere for quite some time.

    The things Kang Chan had to attend to next didn¡¯t require joining operations, which meant he wouldn¡¯t be fighting with guns or swinging daggers anymore. Instead, he was faced with the issue of having to meet the leaders of every country¡¯s intelligence bureau. He also had to prioritize expanding and improving the capabilities of the South Korean National Intelligence Service. This matter wasn¡¯t simr to training a special forces team, though. He was not familiar with this field.

    At the very least, they should reach the same level as France¡¯s DGSE. That¡¯s the only way for them to be of any help in the future if Lanok or Anne is in danger.

    Kang Chan looked outside the window.

    I should do things one at a time.

    He smirked to himself when he suddenly recalled the crying young girl they found near the end of their operation in Afghanistan.

    It was regrettable and pitiable. Even right now, countless kids like her were probably being killed or getting their noses and ears cut off just because they were girls or because they vited some religious beliefs.

    Kang Chan wished for greater strength. At the very least, he wanted to be powerful enough to save those children.

    Pft!

    Human greed knew no bounds.

 Chapter 223.2: Am I Upset? (1)

    Chapter 223.2: Am I Upset? (1)

    Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    Kang Chan wondered why he kept getting calls.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - This is Assistant Manager Kim speaking. Your father is waiting for the sushi. He will be arriving at the hospital in about thirty minutes.

    ¡°Got it. Take into ount that we have agents stationed over here too,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - I¡¯ve already contacted them.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kang Chan responded. After the call, he went to the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. His eyes were still dangerously glinting. The spite that had simmered up inside him during his most recent battle still hadn¡¯t left his eyes.

    I wonder how he learned about it.

    Did Kang Dae-Kyung really recognize him from the broadcast? Kang Chan probably wouldn¡¯t have even recognized himself on the screen.

    Kang Chan walked back out of the bathroom, sat beside the bed, and looked outside the window again. Time continued to pass by as if nothing was happening.

    Creak.

    The door then slid open, and Kang Dae-Kyung entered with Assistant Manager Kim.

    ¡°Hi, Father,¡± Kang Chan greeted him with a smile as he stood up.

    ¡°How are you?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked as soon as he saw his son¡¯s legs. Meanwhile, Assistant Manager Kim set down the carryout bags on the table.

    ¡°They say I¡¯ll make a full recovery in three days,¡± Kang Chan answered assuringly.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Father.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced up and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized, causing his father¡¯s gaze to reflect theplex mix of emotions that he was feeling deep down.

    Kang Dae-Kyung stared at him for a bit longer before nodding. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s have some sushi.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Kang Chan grinned.

    Assistant Manager Kim poured them some water and set it on the table.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say there was someone with you who eats a lot?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked out of curiosity.

    ¡°He left to go eat dinner first.¡±

    ¡°Ah, darn.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung walked over to the chair that Assistant Manager Kim had prepared for him.

    ¡°You should sit down and eat with us, Mr. Kim,¡± he urged.

    ¡°I¡¯ll eat with my colleagues outside,¡± Assistant Manager Kim refused with a smile.

    ¡°You probably won¡¯t have enough, then. Take this with you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung insisted.

    ¡°No, thank you, it¡¯s fine. Please don¡¯t worry about us and just enjoy your meal. We¡¯ll just order more if we need more,¡± Assistant Manager Kim politely declined, then hurried out of the room. Only then did Kang Dae-Kyung finally sit down and pull out the sushi takeout containers from the paper bag.

    ¡°What about mother?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I told her I had an important dinner appointment. I keep lying to her these days,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung jokinglyined.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized again.

    ¡°You punk!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung joked. He extended his arm to stroke Kang Chan¡¯s hair. The corners of his eyes turned red again.

    ¡°Ahem! Let¡¯s dig in,¡± he said, quickly suppressing his emotions. He opened the lid of the takeout box.

    ¡°You have some too, Father,¡± Kang Chan said, opening the bowl of doenjang soup and setting it in front of his father.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see. Do you want to try this one?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung picked up a thick piece of sushi and offered it to Kang Chan.

    This was a first. In the past, whenever Yoo Hye-Sook gave Kang Chan some fruit on a fork or cut a slice of cake for him, Kang Dae-Kyung would only ever watch on with a smile. Now, however, he was holding a piece of sushi with his chopsticks and moved it closer to Kang Chan¡¯s mouth.

    Kang Chan opened his mouth and epted the sushi.

    ¡°Is it good?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked, sounding quite hopeful.

    ¡°Yup! Hurry and have some too, Father!¡± Kang Chan insisted.

    ¡°Yeah? Let me try a piece, then. ¡± Kang Dae-Kyung picked up the piece of sushi in the corner of the box and ate it. Afterward, hemented, ¡°The ce I bought this from has really delicious sushis.¡±

    Kang Chan picked up his chopsticks and put another piece into his mouth.

    ¡°I feel sorry for your mom now.¡±

    ¡°Me too. Why don¡¯t we save a box? You can give it to herter,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just get some for her tomorrow. She¡¯s probably already had dinner, so if I bring some home for her tonight, we will probably just end up throwing them away,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered.

    Kang Chan continued to eat sushi to show his appreciation.

    ¡°Take your time to chew.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it. This is so tasty,¡± he replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t seem to stop either. He wasn¡¯t hungry, and although the sushi did taste great, he was more worried that Kang Chan would also stop eating if he did.

    ¡°Father?¡± Kang Chan called after they had eaten to their heart¡¯s content.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered. He took a sip from the bowl of doenjang soup and then looked at him.

    ¡°How did you figure out that it was me?¡± Kang Chan asked abruptly.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked extremely flustered, seemingly not expecting to hear such a question. A brief moment of silence enveloped the room.

    ¡°Did you really think your own father wouldn¡¯t recognize you?¡± he finally answered.

    ¡°So you really caught on just by watching me on TV?¡±

    The edges of Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s eyes reddened again. ¡°I caught on when you ran next to the truck. It was the same way you ran next to the van a while ago.¡±

    Kang Chan was quite surprised. He didn¡¯t expect Kang Dae-Kyung to recognize him through that dizzying camera footage.

    ¡°Chan,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung called, his voice low and solemn.

    ¡°Yes, Father.¡±

    ¡°I want to take your ce for you.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bring himself to look his father in the eye, so he looked down at the sushi instead.

    ¡°It was horribly painful to watch,¡± he continued.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized again.

    Kang Dae-Kyung forced down the emotions that were threatening toe out.

    ¡°I realized I need to be stronger.¡±

    Kang Chan slowly lifted his gaze. His father was staring right at him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how or when you became such a capable young man, but seeing the soldiers and hostages following you obediently, I realized that I can¡¯t take your ce or stop you from going. It also got me thinking about what else I can do for you, though. That¡¯s when I realized that I just have to be stronger,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung dered, stealing his resolve.

    I¡¯m unbelievably lucky to have him as my father.

    Kang Chan was moved beyond words.

    ¡°Are all the soldiers okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung softly replied. He stretched out his arm to stroke Kang Chan¡¯s head.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe my son was the fiercemander who annihted the enemies!¡± he suddenly startedughing. Kang Chanughed along with him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Your mother still doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Hurry and have some more.¡±

    Kang Chan was already full, but he brought himself to eat more anyway. He ate another piece of sushi.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to force yourself to eat if you¡¯re already full,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung reassured him.

    ¡°Phew, I¡¯m d. I already ate quite a lot,¡± Kang Chan said with a grin. His father returned the gesture with a smile of his own.

    ¡°Do you smell cooked meat or is it just me?¡±

    ¡°The pig that I told you about is probably eating meat next door right now.¡±

    ¡°If he¡¯s one of the soldiers who were with you in Afghanistan, you should bring him some of this,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suggested, nodding at the two untouched takeout containers.

    ¡°He¡¯ll probably finish it all if you just leave it there,¡± Kang Chan replied, amused by the thought.

    ¡°Whew! Anyway, I feel a lot better knowing that everyone is fine.¡±

    Kang Chan tidied the table a little and stood up to make two cups of green tea. He then sat down across from his father.

    ¡°How and when did you be so skilled inbat?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked, his expression filled with genuine curiosity. Before Kang Chan could even answer, he had already asked a follow-up question. ¡°You are actually my son, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Kang Chan had no way of answering those questions.

    ¡°Chan,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I hope someday you¡¯ll be able to give me the answer to questions you can¡¯t answer right now,¡± he affectionately continued.

    Unable to say anything, Kang Chan just looked at him. What would happen if he told him the truth?

    ¡°Goodness, you punk,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung quipped. He seemed a bit more relieved now.

    They spoke for about an hour longer before his father stood up, regret evident in his expression. ¡°Get some sleep. I¡¯lle tomorrow again if I can.¡±

    ¡°Okay. You don¡¯t have to worry about me,¡± Kang Chan reassured him.

    ¡°All right.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung awkwardly hugged Kang Chan. He then left the room.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan sat back down. His father¡¯s final words before he left echoed in his ears still.

    Creak.

    The door opened, and the four men in the room next door came in one by one. Afterward, an agent entered with a te full of beef ribs in hand.

    ¡°Come. Dig in,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°Hey, there¡¯s some sushi left. Can I have some?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he opened the takeout containers. The four men picked up a pair of chopsticks each.

    Kang Chan ate a few pieces of meat as well to express his gratitude toward Jeon Dae-Geuk for not forgetting to buy him some.

    ¡°What about the agents?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about them and just eat up. I ordered more than enough for everybody,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk insisted.

    Kang Chan ate with the others until they had finished all the sushi.

    Once the long dinner was finally over, they spent some more time together before the three finally left the hospital.

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up and opened the window. Handing Kang Chan a cigarette, he then asked, ¡°What is it?¡±

    Click.

    ¡°Hoo. Father knew. He said he realized I was the special forces team¡¯smander while he was watching the broadcast¡­¡±

    Kang Chan told him about Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s two questions and his final words before saying goodbye.

    ¡°You must have been upset,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°You think he¡¯ll stop seeing you as his actual son if you tell him the truth, don¡¯t you?¡±

    How dare this bastard stab me where it hurts?

    ¡°Give him a call right now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho firmly said.

    Kang Chan just looked at him, wanting to know why he would want him to do that.

    ¡°Do you really think someone who can recognize you through the broadcast alone won¡¯t notice the upset look in your eyes? Your father is probably worried sick, thinking that he said something wrong that made you upset.¡±

    That couldn¡¯t be the case.

    ¡°Give him a call. Since you¡¯re receiving this kind of love, you should at least act like a filial son to some extent.¡±

    This punk really has evolved.

    ¡°That¡¯s one of the duties of a good child. If you really believe you¡¯re your father¡¯s son, I think you should uphold those duties as well,¡± Seok Kang-Ho finished.

    Kang Chan felt as if he had just taken a blow to the head. Dayeru was helping him¡­ and with this kind of subject, no less.

 Chapter 224.1: Where Someone They Missed Used To Be (1)

    Chapter 224.1: Where Someone They Missed Used To Be (1)

    After asking for the agents¡¯ understanding, Yoo Hye-Sook left work earlier than usual and dropped by the supermarket.

    Ever since they got hit on the nose while protecting her with their lives, she started feeling bad and sorry for them every now and then.

    The female agents usually wore a ck suit with a white blouse or a cotton t-shirt. Unlike other women their age, the female agents'' forearms were so thick that their sleeves looked too small. They also sometimes walked with their backs straight and shoulders thrown back, which made Yoo Hye-Sook think they looked as if they weren''t just walking but also swaggering.

    What surprised Yoo Hye-Sook the most when she started a charity was that far more people than she imagined started forcing her to donate. They weren¡¯t just asking her to help, either; they were almost threatening her.

    She used to be so surprised that seeing their horrible tattoos or scars made it hard for her to breathe. Now, however, they just looked cute inparison to everything else.

    People would sometimes even bring nail bats, filet knives, and even hooks attached to their wrists to their meetings. They would then smack her desk, making Yoo Hye-Sook think that she was going out of her mind.

    ¡°Hey, you! Come out here for a second,¡± one of the female agents had said.

    ¡°Are you bitches really that eager to die?¡± one man replied.

    ¡°Did you not hear me? I saide out here for a second!¡±

    ¡°Fine, bitch! I¡¯ll rip your fucking mouth off!¡±

    None of those who had left with the female agents ever came back inside. Rather, it was the agents who would return, still dusting their sleeves and smiling. Sometimes they would even look as if all their stress had disappeared.

    Whenever Yoo Hye-Sook asked if they were okay out of sheer surprise, the female agents would simply reply that the rude people were lucky.

    ¡°We couldn¡¯t have done anything if your son suddenly came in while they were kicking up a fuss in front of you,¡± they would often say with a smirk.

    Since then, Yoo Hye-Sook had fallen into the habit of looking at the door whenever someone was being rude toward her.

    It was impossible for her not to notice her son¡¯s eyes glinting every now and then, which she guessed stemmed from him doing too much work for someone his age. Trying to aplish tasks that were beyond his capabilities was likely making him furious.

    Yoo Hye-Sook would always feel ufortable whenever he came home from his morning jog. To her, he seemed to be trying to endure everything one way or another but was struggling to.

    She didn¡¯t exactly know what he did. Her son just suddenly changed one day and, in one swift motion, broke the necks of people whom not even the strong agents assigned to her could do anything to. He also became a figure so important that the President, Prime Minister, and Director of the National Intelligence Service often asked him to have dinner with them.

    Yoo Hye-Sook was curious. She wanted to know what Kang Chan was doing. However, her fear of putting him in even more danger by getting answers to her questions made her just leave the topic alone.

    Every now and then, she would suddenly feel anxious while going about her day or after she had a bad dream. Eating made her chest feel constricted on those days. She would also have trouble breathing.

    On the day she had been suddenly attacked in the office, on the day all of them ran away to the basement parking lot at their apartment, and after she saw Kang Chan running alongside the van immediately, she fell into the habit of always examining the door if a dangerous person visited her.

    No matter what anyone said, Kang Chan deeply loved his parents.

    Imagine if that son saw a rough man swearing by saying ¡®fuck!¡¯ in front of Yoo Hye-Sook and then saw him stabbing a knife into her desk.

    Yoo Hye-Sook was horrified by just thinking about it.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± one of the female agents asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Ah! It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook quickly turned her attention to the wood ear[1] when one of the female agents apanying her began scanning their surroundings, surprise evident in her eyes.

    Kang Chan would be going home today.

    Yoo Hye-Sook remembered Kang Chan¡¯s expression and the emotions that filled his big eyes when she fed him japchae.

    ¡°Are you going to make japchae?¡± one of the agents asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    The agent smiled in response as she examined their surroundings again.

    Yoo Hye-Sook knew that the agents had a harder time doing their jobs in crowded areas, so she couldn¡¯t take her time choosing what to buy. It was ufortable.

    Honestly, there were a lot of times when she wanted to take her time looking around ces by herself. However, that didn¡¯t make her any less grateful that the government agents were protecting her, someone who could be considered nothing more than a normal citizen, so she couldn¡¯t reallyin.

    ¡°Madam, the ones over there look better,¡± one of the female agents rmended.

    ¡°You think so too?¡±

    ¡°Why are you buying that instead, then? Why don¡¯t we just go over there?¡±

    ¡°Staying in ces like this for too long will give you and the other agents a hard time,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered.

    Cha Min-Jeong smiled as if she found her reply funny. ¡°You¡¯re nning to make japchae for your son, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°How did you know?¡±

    ¡°Well, we do have to n ording to his schedule. Please take your time choosing.¡±

    Even with her insistence, Yoo Hye-Sook still couldn¡¯t stop feeling bad.

    ¡°Madam.¡± Cha Min-Jeong turned to Yoo Hye-Sook again after looking around once more. ¡°If you hesitate to go to ces that you want to go to or do what you want to do because you feel bad for us, then that means we¡¯re not doing our jobs properly.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡±

    Cha Min-Jeong bowed as a way of saying thanks. She then continued, ¡°We¡¯ll let you know if things are really dangerous or if we¡¯re having a hard time protecting you. Until then, please rx and do what you want to do.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Feeling a little more rxed now, Yoo Hye-Sook got to properly choose what to buy as quickly as possible. She was so grateful for their consideration that she wanted to decrease the amount of time they had to guard her if possible.

    After a while, she got some spinach, wood ears, and meat. Only after a while did she remember to buy ss noodles,[2] which was the most important ingredient when making japchae.

    When Yoo Hye-Sook lifted her head and tried to find where the noodles were, Cha Min-Jeon quickly shifted. She radioed in orders from time to time, which meant a lot more agents were in the area. Yoo Hye-Sook simply couldn¡¯t see them.

    ¡°Move to area B-3,¡± Cha Min-Jeong quickly told the other agents as Yoo Hye-Sook began to walk toward the noodles section.

    Thinking they weremunicating more frequently today, Yoo Hye-Sook found herself checking other people¡¯s moods. As she walked past the coffee and oil aisle and turned to the ramen and ss noodles section, someone approached her.

    ¡°Channy!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed. Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°They told me you were out here shopping, so I thought about surprising you,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Cha Min-Jeong greeted Kang Chan with a bow, then discretely stepped away.

    ¡°Let me take those. What are you nning to buy?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m buying ingredients for japchae.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook let go of Kang Chan¡ªwhom she hugged tightly¡ªand took one of the ss noodles that were on the shelf.

    ¡°Do you need anything else?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ve got everything else I need.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook honestly felt somewhat upset that her surprise was ruined when Kang Chan came here.

    ¡°How about we look around to see if we need anything else?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired, Channy?¡±

    ¡°Not at all!¡±

    Smiling, Kang Chan pushed the cart past the shelves.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go over there?¡± he then offered, leading her mother further inside the supermarket.

    Yoo Hye-Sook felt as if she wouldn¡¯t be afraid even if the entire world pounced on them right now.

    While browsing, they tried bulgogi, dumplings, milk, buchimgae[3], naengmyeon, and even broth.

    They carefully chose each orange and took their time finding the right melon, sweet potatoes, and carrots.

    Wouldn¡¯t Channy find this boring?

    Yoo Hye-Sook turned her head, finding Kang Chan smiling.

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯m sorry to ask this of you, but can you make a lot of japchae?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Why? How much more should I make?¡±

    ¡°About six agents are working hard to keep us safe right now. I want to show off your japchae to them.¡±

    ¡°What if it doesn¡¯t taste good?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook was happy. Her son had be cheekiertely as well.

    ¡°Oh my! Hye-Sook!¡± someone eximed to Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Ah! Hello,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook greeted.

    ¡°Wow! You seem to be on a date with your son! I heard that he¡¯s going to Seoul National University.¡±

    As Kang Chan bowed and greeted them, the people nearby nced at them.

    ¡°I¡¯m jealous. Anyway, I¡¯ll see youter.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s one of the olderdies that live at the apartmentplex next to ours¡ªthe one that Mi-Young lives at,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook exined.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Kang Chan just nodded in response.

    1. Wood ear is the colloquial English name for Auricria auric-judae, a species of fungus ?

    2. The type of transparent noodle that''s used in japchae is made from sweet potato starch ?

    3. Buchimgae, or Korean pancake, refers broadly to any type of pan-fried ingredients soaked in egg or a batter mixed with other ingredients. ?

 Chapter 224.2: Where Someone They Missed Used To Be (1)

    Chapter 224.2: Where Someone They Missed Used To Be (1)

    After returning home, Yoo Hye-Sook made japchae with Cha Min-Jeong.

    Numerous agents had been meticulously surveilling the area around Wui Min-Gook¡¯s hideout for three days already, yet they still hadn¡¯t seen anyone go in or out of it.

    The lights turned on at night, though.

    Kang Chan was dying to raid it, but they had to create a contingency n about what to do if Wui Min-Gook wasn¡¯t there first. Hence, all they could do right now was wait. Kim Hyung-Jung had been eating and sleeping in his car for three days straight now because of that.

    ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook delightedly eximed after a moment. Kang Chan immediately headed to the kitchen.

    They had to make japchae for several people, including six agents.

    There were fewer agents in the house because Kang Dae-Kyung¡ªwho dropped by the hospital earlier¡ªhad dinner ns. Otherwise, they would¡¯ve had enough guests for a party.

    They ate japchae at the table and in the living room.

    Wouldn¡¯t this be what heaven tasted like?

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect to understand whatfort food made with a mother¡¯s love would mean.

    Slurp. Slurp.

    He couldn¡¯t believe that putting kimchi on top of his japchae and filling his mouth with food could make him happy.

    ¡°Would you like to mix rice into your japchae, Channy?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook served rice on arge te and topped it with japchae.

    The agents didn¡¯t refuse anything as they ate either. In fact, Yoo Hye-Sook had already taken out three servings of kimchi. She looked very happy, and the agents looked proud.

    They got to eat with Kang Chan, the man who swiftly elevated the South Korean special forces¡¯ status to world-ss and quickly rose to the rank of NIS assistant deputy director and head of its counter-terrorism department. They also ate with his mother, whom they felt honored to protect and serve.

    If the agents could sell this moment to others, thirty people would immediately jump at the offer.

    ¡°You guys should eat more,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°We have already eaten quite a lot,¡± Cha Min-Jeong answered, already feeling full.

    ¡°Does anyone want more?¡± Kang Chan asked. However, everyone seemed to agree with Cha Min-Jeong.

    The female agents rushed over and helped do the dishes, after which they all sat down together and had tea.

    The agents didn¡¯t say anything, but their pride could be felt all over the apartment.

    Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    After some time, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Woo Hee-Seung. Do you have a moment to talk?

    ¡°Yeah. What¡¯s up?¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Yoo Hye-Sook, who was in the kitchen.

    - I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m allowed to tell you about this, but I¡¯m calling because of Lee Yoo-Seul.

    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    - We thought she was sleeping while the operation in Afghanistan was being broadcast, but she seemed to have watched it somehow. Ever since then, she hasn¡¯t stopped crying and asking if the man who hugged her during the funeral has died. Lieutenant Cha Dong-Gyun called and asked if there was a way to calm her down.

    ¡°Is she in Jeungpyeong right now?¡±

    The agents¡¯ attention quickly turned to Kang Chan.

    - Yes. Her family has moved to an apartment in downtown Jeungpyeong.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right over.¡±

    - I¡¯m sorry.

    ¡°What are you even sorry about? I already had dinner anyway, so I don¡¯t mind leaving now. Contact Daye about this for me.¡±

    - Alright.

    After Kang Chan hung up, he went to the kitchen.

    ¡°Mother,¡± he called.

    ¡°Yes? Do you want some fruit?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have to pass on that. Do you remember the time I went to Jeungpyeongst time to visit someone in the hospital?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of visiting him today as well.¡±

    ¡°Why? Is he not doing well?¡±

    Kang Chan smiled. Yoo Hye-Sook looked as if she felt bad.

    ¡°I heard that he has recovered, but I¡¯m thinking of going anyway since I promised to visit him again and I have the time to right now,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°What should we do? You¡¯ll be tired. You should rest for at least a day first.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll have plenty of time to rest from today onwards anyway. I¡¯ll make sure toe home even if it¡¯ste.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Channy.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook was about to hug Kang Chan but stopped. She nced and checked the agents¡¯ moods.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but find her cute whenever she acted like this. He hugged her, then went into his room and changed.

    By the time he had gone back out to the living room, the agents already seemed aware of what was going on.

    ¡°Please be careful,¡± one of the agents said. The look in their eyes, their attitude, and their tone were all Kang Chan needed to learn that they had already been informed of the situation.

    ***

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho rode in the same car. Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee followed behind them in another.

    Kang Chan¡¯s leg hadn¡¯t fully healed yet, and he still had bandages wrapped around his side as well. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wounds were more severe. He even looked as if he found it ufortable to even drive.

    They bought some coffee and drank it on the way to visit Lee Yoo-Seul.

    ¡°Poor Lee Yoo-Seul. What should we do?¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°This is one of the difficulties that the special forces have to face. We should at least give her a sense of pride, even if we have to make her dad a hero¡­¡± Kang Chan said.

    Since it was a weekday afternoon, there wasn¡¯t much traffic on the highway.

    Upon reaching the military camp, Cha Dong-Gyun and the adjutant headed out of the barracks. The other soldiers followed soon after, weing Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Have you had dinner yet?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    ¡°We have. What about you guys?¡±

    ¡°We always eat on time.¡±

    Few organizations can im their people eat on time every day like the military.

    ¡°Then are we good to go now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho got in the same car as Kang Chan. The other soldiers stayed at the military camp.

    ¡°Have they appointed amander for the team yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°From what I heard, not yet. There are rumors that our special forces team is tough and wild and is always given difficult missions. People are apparently opting not to apply to work here because of that.¡±

    Damn it! I can¡¯t believe soldiers, of all people, refuse toe here because they find what we do difficult!

    The men over at Jeungpyeong would willingly risk their lives and die happy even if they were being paid less than thirty million won per year, yet those with stars for ranks refused to take charge of them just because they found it difficult.

    ¡°Is Yoo-Seul going to the hospital?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I heard she is,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered.

    As Cha Dong-Gyun guided them to downtown Jeungpyeong, tall apartments soon nked them.

    ¡°They have moved into one of the apartments here. She was doing well until the Afghanistan broadcast startled her,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun exined.

    Kang Chan nodded in response, then said, ¡°Park the car at the bakery over there for a moment.¡±

    ¡°Looks like Yoo-Seul is outside right now. She¡¯s right over there.¡± Cha Dong-Gyun extended his hand from the backseat and pointed to one side of a yground.

    When the car stopped, Kang Chan, Cha Dong-Gyun, and Kwak Cheol-Ho got out of the car. However, when they approached Lee Yoo-Seoul, she quickly held onto her mother¡¯s waist and hid behind her back.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Didn¡¯t you say that you missed me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lee Yoo-Seul peeked out from behind her mom, only showing her eyes, and looked at Kang Chan, who was crouching.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go get some cake inside?¡± Kang Chan continued. Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s mom forced back her tears and covered her mouth. ¡°Huh? If you don¡¯te here, then I¡¯ll just go.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hurt?¡± Lee Yoo-Seul asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already fully recovered.¡±

    ¡°Then are you okay now?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! That¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you that we should go inside and buy cake!¡± Kang Chan eximed with joy. As Lee Yoo-Seul stared at him, he continued, ¡°Your dad watched us from heaven and saved all of us this time as well. He also told us to do our best for you.¡±

    ¡°Did he really say that?¡±

    ¡°Yup. He also said that he enjoyed your singing.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t my dad say that he misses me?¡± Lee Yoo-Seul closed her eyes. Her lips thinned.

    ¡°He said that he¡¯s watching you every day and told me to hug you in his stead because he wants to hug you so much.¡±

    Lee Yoo-Seul hesitated but soon walked over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Come here,¡± Kang Chan said. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°Waaah!¡± Lee Yoo-Seul burst into tears. Kang Chan hugged her and stood up.

    ¡°Dad! I miss you so much!¡± Lee Yoo-Seul eximed. Wounds like hers didn¡¯t heal overnight.

    How could she easily brush aside the fact that her dad¡ªwho protected her from the entire world¡ªcould no longer be there for her?

    Kang Chan just stood with Lee Yoo-Seul in his arms. After ten minutes, she finally stopped crying.

    ¡°Have you eaten?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Lee Yoo-Seul shook her head.

    ¡°What do you want to eat, then?¡±

    This time, Lee Yoo-Seul looked at her mom.

    ¡°Why are you looking at her? What do you want to eat?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yoo-Seul said that she wants to have the chicken that she used to eat with her dad,¡± Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s mom answered.

    ¡°I see! Let¡¯s go, then!¡±

    Lee Yoo-Seul tightly wrapped her arms around Kang Chan¡¯s neck and burst into tears again.

    The people near the apartment nced at them but started walking on eggshells when they saw Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    As Kang Chan turned around, Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s mom¡ªwho had wiped her tears away¡ªwalked beside him.

    ¡°Thank you for helping us,¡± she quietly said.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Your husband saved our lives, but all I could do was send money.¡±

    ¡°Not at all!¡± Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s mom vigorously shook her head. ¡°Money is important, but I gained courage when I found out that he didn¡¯t die in vain. I¡¯ll do my best to raise Yoo-Seul properly. For some reason, I feel like her dad really will be watching us.¡±

    Lee Yoo-Seul stopped crying when her mom started talking to Kang Chan.

    When they entered a chicken restaurant, Kang Chan sat down and ordered all the different kinds of chicken.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat!¡± Kang Chan said. Everyone energetically ate on purpose.

    ¡°Cheers!¡±

    They also clinked sses with Lee Yoo-Seul and her mother, who were drinking c.

    ¡°Your dad wants you to be strong,¡± Kang Chan said while pretending that nothing was wrong.

    ¡°Really?¡± Lee Yoo-Seul asked. Tears welled up in her eyes soon after, but she didn¡¯t cry.

    Kang Chan took a big bite out of a chicken leg and then stared into Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s eyes. ¡°Your dad is going to have a hard time in heaven if you keep crying. The other men are going to tease him as well. Yoo-Seul, what do you think of bing an awesome soldier like your dad?¡±

    As Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho looked at Kang Chan with startled expressions, Lee Yoo-Seul nodded as she answered, ¡°I¡¯ll be a soldier!¡±

    ¡°Okay! Then be strong, eat lots of food, and get proper sleep. Don¡¯t cry, and make sure you call me immediately if something unfair happens. Can you do that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If I do that, will I be a soldier?¡±

    ¡°Yes. You remember your dad, right? Have you ever seen him crying?¡±

    Lee Yoo-Seul shook her head.

    ¡°Have you ever heard him say that he didn¡¯t want to eat?¡±

    When she shook her head again, he stroked her head.

    Recruits who had just lost their colleagues behaved exactly like her.

    ¡°You should join the special forces,¡± Kang Chan said. Words like those always helped anyone recover from their wounds and feel better. The idea that they could be in the same spot as someone they missed seemed to console them quite effectively.

    With the hope that they could reach where someone they missed used to be, they would be able to stand on their own.

 Chapter 225.1: Where Someone They Missed Used To Be (2)

    Chapter 225.1: Where Someone They Missed Used To Be (2)

    Kang Chan noticed that Lee Yoo-Seul was feeling a lot better now. The time they had spent together was brief since it was just the duration that they ate chicken together, but it was effective. Lee Yoo-Seul headed back inside her house as she eagerly waved Kang Chan goodbye.

    When Lee Yoo-Seul said she was going to be a soldier, Seok Kang-Ho acted gruffly on purpose to hide his shyness, while Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho looked noticeably moved. Kang Chan thought that the whole interaction went pretty well.

    Instead of leaving immediately, the four watched and waited until Lee Yoo-Seul had fully gone past the entrance of the apartmentplex.

    ¡°Do you have some time, sir?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked Kang Chan as they walked back to the car.

    Kang Chan wondered what it could be. After all, aside from the matter involving Wui Min-Gook, nothing urgent was going on at the moment.

    ¡°There¡¯s something I would like to discuss with you,¡± he added.

    ¡°We¡¯re driving you back to the base anyway, right? We can talk about it there,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    The four all got in one car and headed back to base. Seok Kang-Ho drove for them. Upon reaching their destination, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed inside the barracks. Kwak Cheol-Ho prepared some instant coffee for them as Cha Dong-Gyun sat down next to them with Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s former aide.

    ¡°We¡¯re having trouble finding someone to take over this ce,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun began. ¡°General Choi was well-known for the way he led this base, but that¡¯s also why the othermanders seem to be ufortable with the fact that they could bepared to him. There¡¯s a chance that they¡¯ll also have trouble epting our ways of doing things,¡±

    Kang Chan lifted the paper coffee cup and took a sip as he waited for Cha Dong-Gyun to continue.

    ¡°Please allow me to takemand of this ce,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said firmly but with much difficulty.

    ¡°Can you do that with your rank? You¡¯re a lieutenant,¡± Kang Chan asked out of curiosity.

    The aide quickly nodded in response. ¡°If we can entrust the management of the unit to the National Intelligence Service, then it can be done. We will still be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of National Defense, but the National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team can manage the base.¡±

    ¡°Why are you suddenly asking for this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If we start following all the regtions of the military, we won¡¯t be able to train as we¡¯ve been doing anymore. General Choi used to prevent any issues from arising with the higher-ups, but if we get someone who does things strictly ording to the manual, it¡¯ll be suffocating for both the newmander and us,¡± the aide replied.

    Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh.

    If he did as Cha Dong-Gyun asked, it would likely seem as if he was attempting to take control of the special forces team. Considering the structure of military systems and the significance of the special forces, this wasn¡¯t an easy demand to meet, especially given the recent rapid growth of the special forces.

    ¡°So the special forces team will be under the National Intelligence Service on paper, but in reality, you¡¯ll be the one managing it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered.

    ¡°Will they easily grant me approval if I make this request?¡± Kang Chan wondered.

    ¡°There¡¯s about a fifty percent chance that it will be allowed,¡± the aide quickly answered. ¡°The military won¡¯t want to let go of the special forces team so easily, sir. Moreover¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be getting too much power, won¡¯t I?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan trusted Cha Dong-Gyun and the deputy officer. He knew they weren¡¯t asking this of him out of personal greed. However, he couldn¡¯t expect others to think the same.

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll talk to Manager Kim about it when I get back to Seoul,¡± Kang Chan informed them.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun responded with gratitude.

    At the same time, something urred to Kang Chan. ¡°That aside, you seem to be in much better shape thanst time.¡±

    ¡°My recovery speed is getting faster and faster. The same goes for Jong-Il sunbae. Even the hospital staff was surprised. I wonder if it¡¯s because I quit smoking,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun mused.

    The corners of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s lips curved into a smile.

    Is it really because my blood was used for the transfusion?

    At the very least, Seok Kang-Ho looked as if he thought that had to be the case.

    ¡°I see. Well, I¡¯ll head back to Seoul and think about it. For now, take care of the men,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you, sir. I will,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun responded.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed back to Seoul.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think Wui Min-Gook is being too quiet?¡± Seok Kang-Ho wondered out loud.

    ¡°We should watch the situation for another week or so. If someone told us to hide andy low, wouldn¡¯t you stay off the grid for at least two weeks?¡± Kang Chan contemted.

    ¡°I suppose,¡± Seok Kang-Ho agreed. He began to speed up when they entered the highway.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of meeting the ambassador tomorrow, by the way. I might also take my father to see the first floor of the building too,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    ¡°Phuhu. If the foundation moves in as well, the building willl be swarming with agents,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said with a grin.

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    They chatted about various other topics as they headed back. At around ten in the evening, they finally reached Seoul.

    ¡°Thanks for driving,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you in the morning tomorrow. I¡¯m going to head straight to the office,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    After parting ways with Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan went to his family¡¯s apartment. When he pressed the buttons of the keypad and walked inside, he was greeted by Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, who were sitting in the living room.

    ¡°How was your hospital visit?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked warmly.

    ¡°He¡¯s doing a lot better, so I¡¯m feeling lighter now,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After greeting his parents, Kang Chan changed into morefortable clothes and walked out into the living room.

    ¡°Father, are you busy tomorrow?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Me? Well, I am a bit busy since it¡¯s the end of the season, but I might be able to make time. Is it going to take a while?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied

    ¡°No, I think an hour should be enough.¡±

    ¡°What is it about?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the building that Michelle moved DI into. She said the first and second floors are empty, so I was wondering if you would like to move the showroom there,¡± Kang Chan exined. ¡°Mother can move there too. Wouldn¡¯t it be nice if you two could stay together in the same building?¡±

    ¡°Where is it?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    Kang Chan told him the approximate location of the building.

    ¡°I know that building. I heard its owner isn¡¯t letting anyone take the first and second floors because some people are supposed to be moving in.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung tilted his head in contemtion.

    ¡°Would you be interested in it if you can?¡±

    ¡°It would be a lot better for business than where I am now since it¡¯s located in a corner. Wouldn¡¯t the rent be quite high, though? I¡¯m sure a lot of other people are interested in the spot too since it¡¯s a new building.¡±

    ¡°From what I heard, you should be able to secure it with the same amount of rent as you do now,¡± Kang Chan replied assuringly.

    Kang Dae-Kyung was a smart businessman. He looked at Kang Chan in doubt and concern. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re handling things properly, but I hope you¡¯re not using your influence to get us a spot in that building. You don¡¯t have to do that.¡±

    ¡°I promise you it¡¯s nothing like that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk it over with the management of our current building first before making a decision. Would that be okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that should be fine. Please let me know once you¡¯ve made a decision.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to.¡±

    ¡°Honey! It really would be nice if we could work in the same building. All the agents will be staying in the same ce too instead of being separated,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed, her voice filled with hope.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded in agreement.

    ***

    Waking up at dawn, Kang Chan decided to skip today¡¯s morning workout after some contemtion. His leg wasn¡¯tpletely healed yet, so he didn¡¯t want to put too much pressure on his muscles.

    ¡°Channy! You¡¯re not going to exercise today?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked when she saw him.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m feeling a bitzy today,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°You¡¯re not hurt anywhere, are you?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked. She seemed d to hear that Kang Chan was skipping his workout but also seemed concerned.

    How could Kang Chan ever dislike her mother?

    ¡°What are we having for breakfast?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to make some kimchi stew with bean sprouts.¡±

    ¡°It is alright if I help you?¡±

    While Yoo Hye-Sook was preparing the stew and the rice, Kang Chan pulled out the side dishes from the refrigerator and set the utensils on the table.

    ¡°Hm? You didn¡¯t work out today?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked in surprise.

    ¡°Nope. I decided to just rest for today,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung quickly examined Kang Chan¡¯s leg, then made subtle eye contact.

    ¡®You¡¯re okay, right?¡¯

    ¡®Of course I am.¡¯

    Only after seeing Kang Chan¡¯s smile did Kang Dae-Kyung finally look somewhat relieved.

    Their family of three enjoyed a peaceful breakfast together for the first time in a long while. Afterward, Kang Chan saw his parents off and leisurely sat down at his desk. He then called Lanok.

    - Mr. Kang Chan! How are you feeling?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I¡¯m only reaching out to you now, Mr. Ambassador. If you have time, I¡¯d like toe see you when you¡¯re avable,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    It took a few moments for Lanok to check the appointments in his schedule.

    - Would you like to have lunch together tomorrow, then? Twelve is the best time for me.

    ¡°All right. I will see you then, sir,¡± Kang Chan epted.

    Fwoosh.

    Kang Chan stretched himself out on the sofa and nkly gazed up at the ceiling. His ns for today were to see the building with Kang Dae-Kyung and meet Lanok, but he ended up having nothing to do all day.

 Chapter 225.2: Where Someone They Missed Used To Be (2)

    Chapter 225.2: Where Someone They Missed Used To Be (2)

    ¡®Should I go see Mi-Young?¡¯

    Since it was vacation now, he could call her and¡­

    Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    Before he could finish his thought, his phone began to ring, seemingly reminding him that he didn¡¯t have any time to fool around.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - This is Yang Bum speaking, Mr. Kang Chan. I heard you made ns to meet with Ambassador Lanok tomorrow. Would it be fine for me to join you?

    These men moved around to different countries as casually as Kang Chan stopping by to visit Jeungpyeong.

    ¡°Sure, I don¡¯t mind,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    - Then I¡¯ll drop by the embassy at twelve as well. See you then.

    ¡°Yes, see you,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Even though Kang Chan didn¡¯t have any ns for today, the fact that Yang Bum wasing to South Korea made him feel as if his schedule had suddenly be too tight to make time for Mi-Young.

    Nevertheless, that appointment wouldn¡¯t be until tomorrow. He could meet up with Mi-Young now and have lunch before¡­

    Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    His phone began to vibrate furiously again. It seemed to be telling him that he would never see Mi-Young today.

    It was Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kang Chan quickly answered the call.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Kwak Do-Young has made an appearance.

    Kang Chan suddenly shot to attention.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way,¡± he said solemnly.

    - Understood.

    Lunch wasn¡¯t the issue right now. Kang Chan hurriedly changed clothes and left the apartment.

    He called Woo Hee-Seung first. As he came down to theplex, he then dialed Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s number.

    ¡°Kwak Do-Young has apparently shown up. I¡¯m going to head over in Hee-Seung¡¯s car,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    - I¡¯m at the office, but I¡¯ll make my way there as soon as I can.

    ¡°Get off somewhere far away so he doesn¡¯t notice you,¡± Kang Chan advised.

    - Got it.

    It took exactly fifteen minutes for Kang Chan to reach Itaewon from his home. As soon as they arrived, he got in the van where Kim Hyung-Jung was waiting. He had heard Kim Hyung-Jung had stayed inside the van for three days straight, which was made evident by how scratchy his face was.

    ¡°Is he still in his home?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes. He hasn¡¯t shown any significant movement ever since he entered,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    There were a total of five monitors inside the van, each one showing various angles of Kwak Do-young¡¯s house shot from above.

    ¡°What about the agents?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The armed counter-terrorism team is waiting on standby. We have also deployed twenty additional undercover agents in the area,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Kang Chan put on the radio that Kim Hyung-Jung handed him and holstered a gun to his waist.

    While Kim Hyung-Jung was keeping a sharp eye on the monitors, the doors opened and Seok Kang-Ho popped inside.

    Without even having to be given instructions, Seok Kang-Ho also put on the radio and attached a holster to his waist.

    ¡°Are you heading in?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung with a questioning gaze.

    ¡°It¡¯s not necessary to enter at the moment. If Kwak Do-Younges out alone, we can tail him and check where he¡¯s going before arresting him. That way, we¡¯ll have the opportunity to also arrest anyone who is helping him,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Thinking about it makes me wonder where that bastard has been before suddenly appearing here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho pondered.

    ¡°He may have been staying at a hotel,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung guessed.

    While listening to the conversation between the two, Kang Chan nced at the clock. It was thirty minutes past ten.

    Should I just kick the doors down and go in?

    The problem was that they had no idea if Wui Min-Gook was also in the house.

    If they went in without a n and only found Kwak Do-Young inside, they would essentially be sending a loud message to Wui Min-Gook to escape.

    Under Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s instructions, the agent behind him brewed some instant coffee for them. The three took their time to drink it.

    Damn it!

    Kang Chan had rushed over after hearing that Kwak Do-Young had shown himself, but the fucking bastard now stayed holed up inside his home. For the next two hours, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho could do nothing but sit in the van with their radios and guns.

    ¡°What do those punks have so much to talk about?¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan slowly scanned the monitors. Kwak Do-Young¡¯s house was a two-story Western-style house with a spacious yard. It seemed quite expensive.

    ¡°Manager Kim, whose name is that house under?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It was rented six months ago on a one-year lease by someone named Kim Cheol-Ung. All of its rent was prepaid,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    ¡°Who¡¯s Kim Cheol-Ung?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a pseudonym. The Kim Cheol-ung specified in the contract lives in Gayang-Dong, and he has absolutely nothing to do with this case,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Chan nodded. After some time, he saw arge, bulky man walk out of the front door.

    ¡°That is Kwak Do-Young,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung informed Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    The moment Kim Hyung-Jung spoke, Kwak Do-Young nced back inside the house and then turned to the door again.

    There was definitely someone else inside.

    Chk.

    ¡°Surveince team, stand by.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Team Two, move out.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Team Three, move out.¡±

    Immediately after, they radioed in two more orders from inside the van.

    ¡°We have two teams riding motorcycles, two more in sedans, and two other vehicles disguised as taxis. They are all on standby right now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung dered.

    Kang Chan kept his re on the monitors as he listened to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Wui Min-Gook, that son of a bitch!

    If that bastard didn¡¯t cause trouble, Choi Seong-Geon would still be alive, which meant Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s father wouldn¡¯t have died either.

    Chk.

    ¡°This is Team One. He¡¯s heading over Hannam Bridge.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Team Three, take over. Team One, move ahead.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Roger that. Team Three, moving out.¡±

    The bottom-right monitor changed to a map of the area around Hannam Bridge. The call of the team tailing Kwak Do-Young was marked with arrows. This was a state-of-the-art method of following someone, but the graphics and the arrows seemed a bit primitive and old-fashioned.

    Where the hell is this punk going?

    Chk.

    ¡°He¡¯s heading toward Nonhyeon-Dong. Team Two, take over.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Copy. Team Two, moving out.¡±

    Kang Chan felt frustrated for not being able to do anything but listen in. At the same time, he also felt even more nervous.

    Chk.

    ¡°He¡¯s dropped down at a hotel. Teams Five and Six, take over.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°This is Team Two. We copy.¡±

    A short moment of silence fell and enveloped the van.

    Chk.

    ¡°He¡¯s checked into the hotel. Team One, attach tracking devices to his vehicle. Teams Five and Six, determine the route of his cargo.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Copy.¡±

    What? Is he really just checking into the hotel?

    Kang Chan lifted his gaze to look at Kim Hyung-Jung when the radio crackled again.

    Chk.

    ¡°Checked into Room 511. No unusual items other than the cargo.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. They already had enough information. There was no need to drag it out any longer.

    ¡°Manager Kim, can you block cell phone signals again like we did around Smithen¡¯s house?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, that is possible,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung confirmed.

    ¡°Please activate the device for me,¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Are you nning on heading inside?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think confirming whether or not Wui Min-Gook is actually inside the house is our best course of action right now?¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied as he consecutively pressed three switches in session. ¡°The moment I press thisst button, all cell phone signals will be blocked within a three-kilometer radius. The counter-terrorism team and agents are on standby.¡±

    Click.

    Kang Chan then took out his gun, checked the safety, and pulled back the breechblock.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay behind,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. Someone had to be inmand of the entire operation, after all.

    Kang Chan nodded. He then stepped out of the van with Seok Kang-Ho.

    The two agents waiting in front immediately headed to a nearby alley.

    Chk.

    ¡°Block off traffic from the outside.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Copy.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯smand was immediately answered.

    ¡°Electricity interception, stand by.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Copy.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Snipers, stand by.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Copy.¡±

    As they walked down the empty alley, they continued to hear Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s orders on the radio followed by prompt responses.

    ¡°It¡¯s that house,¡± one of the agents said, pointing at a house next to two buildings.

    The wall was quite high, contrary to what Kang Chan had seen on the monitor.

    ¡°The counter-terrorism team is waiting on standby over there,¡± the agent added.

    There were two ck vans parked inside. Walking toward them, Kang Chan scrutinized the house. The alley had a curve, so the building wasn¡¯t visible from the vehicles.

    ¡°Has the outer perimeter been blocked off?¡± Kang Chan confirmed.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the agent replied.

    ¡°What about the houses next door?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°All four nearby houses are empty,¡± the agent responded.

    How?

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s curious gaze, the agent quickly added, ¡°The family in one of the houses won a free trip, and another had issues with their green card, so they left for the US. We received assistance from KOTRA for the other two houses.¡±

    The details of the assistance they received weren¡¯t important. All that mattered was whether Wui Min-Gook was truly in that damn house and what he was armed with.

    Kang Chan nced to the side. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes were glinting as much as his.

    He wasn¡¯t getting any bad feelings from his gut yet, but if Wui Min-Gook had nted a bomb like in the factory and detonated it, it would be difficult to hope for the safety of the soldiers and the agents here. Considering Wui Min-Gook was hiding at a house of this level, it wouldn¡¯t be unreasonable to assume that the bastard had installed a few surveince cameras too.

    ¡°What¡¯s the entry n?¡±

    ¡°We n to rappel down from the two houses next to it and simultaneously have another team climb over the wall,¡± the agent answered.

    ¡°What if he has a bomb installed in there?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    ¡°We have no option but to suppress it as quickly as possible, but we do have another n that involves a female agent,¡± the agent said.

    A female agent?

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s expression again, the agent promptly added, ¡°The house¡¯s safety inspection for the city gas is already overdue. We can use the valve inspection as an excuse to infiltrate.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    Underestimating Wui Min-Gook or the North Korean special forces would only cost them many lives. Kang Chan let out a low sigh and red at the building.

    Son of a bitch!

    The bastard was still making it hard for them to take him down.

 Chapter 226.1: The Guys That Are In My Heart (1)

    Chapter 226.1: The Guys That Are In My Heart (1)

    The best way to enter the house was for the counter-terrorists to break the ss front door. However, no matter how they entered, it wouldn¡¯t matter if Wui Min-Gook was prepared to take them down with him.

    If he were to detonate C-4 like what happened in Ansan, then it would be safe to assume that the people inside the building at the time of the explosion would all be as good as dead. It would also destroy the center of this residential area.

    Wui Min-Gook not only killed Choi Seong-Geon but could even kill the agents here as well. Considering the damage he could do, the oue of this battle would be in his favor either way.

    If Kang Chan was in Wui Min-Gook¡¯s shoes, he would¡¯ve done the same.

    Son of a bitch!

    Kang Chan was certain that the bastard was prepared to blow himself up and spiral the situation out of control. Now that Jang Kwang-Taek was dead, Wui Min-Gook wanted to shake South Korea as much as Kang Chan did to China.

    ¡°That fucker¡¯s nning on blowing himself up, isn¡¯t he?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, making Kang Chan look at him. ¡°There¡¯s no way he doesn¡¯t know that we¡¯ve got him surrounded. If we were in his shoes, wouldn¡¯t we have done the same?¡±

    ¡°You think so too, huh?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. He held up the sleeve on his left hand and pressed the button on his radio.

    Chk.

    ¡°Manager Kim, how far will a C-4¡¯s st radius be?¡±

    The agents could hear everything that was said through the radio.

    Chk.

    ¡°Please wait for a moment,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Chk.

    After about a minute, Kim Hyung-Jung continued, ¡°Assuming the enemy will be using three pounds of C-4 just like in Ansan, then its explosion will put everything within thirty meters of it in danger. It¡¯ll also affect everything within three hundred meters.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Evacuate everyone inside the danger zone. Make sure there are no civilians left in the area.¡±

    The agents turned to Kang Chan, surprise evident in their eyes. Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t immediately respond either.

    Chk.

    ¡°Mr. Assistant Deputy Director, we will have to request cooperation with the Capital Defense Command and the National Police Agency to make that happen,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung finally exined, having recollected himself.

    Chk.

    ¡°Wui Min-Gook will do whatever it takes to blow us up with him. He¡¯s just waiting for us to go inside the house. To avoid unnecessary casualties, we have to lure him out by pretending that we¡¯re going to start the raid. That should buy us enough time to evacuate everyone within the st radius.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°As the head of the counter-terrorism division, you can use your authority to aplish that. However, let me at least inform you that doing so will most likely cause problemster on.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°The agents¡¯ lives are more valuable than my obligation. I believe you feel the same way,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Chk.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    After talking to Kim Hyung-Jung on the radio, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed to the van that the counter-terrorism team was in.

    ¡°Did everyone hear what we talked about on the radio?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± a soldier wearing a mask quickly answered.

    ¡°Good. Like I said, we¡¯re going to stall for time. Did you bring Barretts with you?¡±

    ¡°We have M82A3s[1].¡±

    ¡°¡®Prepare two for us,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    Chk.

    As he was issuing orders, Kim Hyung-Jung addressed him on the radio again. ¡°Themander of the Capital Defense Command would like to talk to you.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right over,¡± Kang Chan answered. Not long after, he headed back to Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s van with Seok Kang-Ho.

    Rattle.

    When the two entered, they found Kim Hyung-Jung looking as if he was in a serious predicament. Thetter passed over the receiver to Kang Chan, then put his hand on the button.

    ¡°Please connect me to him,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    Kim Hyung-Jung was about to say something but chose to press the button right away instead.

    - This is the Capital Defense Command.

    ¡°National Intelligence Service.¡±

    Since the person on the other end of the call didn¡¯t state their name, Kang Chan matched their attitude.

    - I heard that you¡¯re the new assistant deputy director. Since you¡¯ve only just assumed your position, I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t know how things work around here yet. When the military and the National Intelligence Service need to coborate, they have to get Assistant Deputy Director Jung Tae-Seup¡¯s approval first.

    ¡°We don''t have time for that.¡±

    - If so, then we, the Capital Defense Command, will be taking charge of this case.

    Kang Chan softly inhaled.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do this properly. No matter what we do in this situation, the explosives inside the house will still inevitably blow up. If the Capital Defense Command was in charge, how would they respond to such a threat?¡±

    - We can stop Wui Min-Gook before he blows up the C-4!

    Suppressing his anger, Kang Chan answered, ¡°Commander, we are also more than capable of taking him down, but we will have to sacrifice agents and innocent lives in the process, which is exactly what our enemy wants. That¡¯s why we¡¯re trying not to rush into the scene blindly. Even if this is thest operation we do, we want to make sure those sons of bitches die discouraged and afraid! We want to aplish our mission here in a way that would make our soldiers and agents proud! Only the civilians have to evacuate! Can you tell my men, all of whom are willing toy down their lives for their country, that you can¡¯t even make something so simple happen?¡±

    Themander didn¡¯t answer. Kang Chan could only hear his ragged breathing.

    ¡°If you still want to stop him, then I¡¯ll hand over the operation to the Capital Defense Command.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung quickly looked at Kang Chan. Seok Kang-Ho gazed out the window with a grin.

    - Will the National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team take responsibility for all the problems this operation could cause?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    - Alright. The 35th brigade has already arrived.

    ¡°They will be under themand of manager Kim Hyung-Jung.¡±

    Click.

    The call ended.

    Kang Chan handed the receiver back to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°What about the police?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re already forcing everyone in the outskirts of the danger zone to evacuate. I heard a lot of powerful people are arguing about this, which is only making things harder than they need to be.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    One¡¯s power didn¡¯t matter here. During both his lifetimes, he had never seen anyone rival the power of a C-4 yet.

    Kim Hyung-Jungmanded the 35th brigade to evacuate the surroundings as well.

    Chk.

    ¡°Our target is at the window at three o¡¯clock on the second floor. We have a clear shot,¡± someone radioed in, much to Kang Chan¡¯s surprise.

    Chk.

    ¡°I repeat. Our target is at three o''clock on the second floor. Awaiting orders to shoot,¡± the same man repeated.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going. Let me know once everyone in the area has been evacuated,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho immediately headed to where the counter-terrorism team was.

    ¡°Is Wui Min-Gook behind bullet-proof windows?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    There was no way for them to know that. However, Kang Chan thought that, at the very least, Wui Min-Gook wouldn¡¯t have stood behind a window without a n or simply because he didn¡¯t know that they could shoot him.

    Chk.

    ¡°He¡¯s holding a switch in his right hand,¡± someone said.

    Motherfucker!

    Wui Min-Gook had caught onto the situation. He was trying to drag them into the explosion.

    How can he act like this just so he wouldn¡¯t die alone?

    Admitting that their enemy right now at least had guts, Kang Chan quickly pressed the button for his radio that was hanging on the sleeve of his left hand.

    Chk.

    ¡°Snipers¡ªremain on standby,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Chk.

    ¡°Standing by,¡± someone responded.

    Afterward, Kang Chan carefully climbed the wall. Seok Kang-Ho closely followed behind him on his right. The agent who guided them here also apanied them on his left.

    Kang Chan slowly walked away from the wall. The roof of the house soon came to view, followed by the windows on the second floor, which were protruding outward like the canopy of a ne.

    The window was about twenty meters away from them.

    ¡®Wui Min-Gook?¡¯

    Tilting his head back, Kang Chan looked up.

    Wui Min-Gook was holding a square box in his right hand. It was clearly a detonator. He also had his left hand held up, his index and middle fingers straightened out.

    That son of a bitch can¡¯t be making a peace sign at a moment like this, can he?

    Was he trying to say two guys? Was he telling Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho toe into the house?

    The moment their eyes met¡­

    ¡®I know you want toe in, but can you bring yourself to?¡¯

    Wui Min-Gook confidently smiled at Kang Chan. He looked as if he was asking him, ¡®Now then, what are you going to do?¡¯

    He was provoking Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan smirked. Everything was fine now that he knew Wui Min-Gook was right where they wanted him to be.

    I¡¯ll blow up that entire building even if I have to bring over not just an I but something that doesn¡¯t exist.

    Kang Chan momentarily worried about causing an explosion in the middle of Seoul earlier, but he took that back now.

    I¡¯ll wreak havoc in the middle of North Korea the same way you¡¯re doing here now! What makes you think we can¡¯t do this much in retaliation? Do you think South Korea¡¯s special forces don¡¯t have the guts or the capabilities to do that? Why don¡¯t you die already and ask Jang Kwang-Taek about it.

    Kang Chan held up his sleeve while looking straight at Wui Min-Gook.

    Chk.

    ¡°Are the Barretts ready yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Chk.

    ¡°They are, sir,¡± someone responded.

    Kang Chan cocked his head out of sheer curiosity.

    He wanted to talk to Wui Min-Gook to determine what was making him believe that they couldn¡¯t take revenge for this.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tear down a building in Pyongyang even if it¡¯s thest thing I do. Tell Jang Kwang-Taek I said hi,¡± Kang Chan slowly said while staring daggers at Wui Min-Gook.

    With his gaze alternating between Kang Chan¡¯s mouth and eyes, Wui Min-Gook looked as if he couldn¡¯t believe what was happening.

    1. Barrett M82s are recoil-operated, semi-automatic anti-materiel rifles developed by the Americanpany Barrett Firearms Manufacturing ?

 Chapter 226.2: The Guys That Are In My Heart (1)

    Chapter 226.2: The Guys That Are In My Heart (1)

    Vroom! Screech!

    A ck van soon stopped near Kang Chan, and the four agents inside propped two Barrett M82A3s on the van¡¯s window.

    The Barrett was about a hundred and fifty centimeters long. Its magazine had bullets that looked like cute little cannon balls. Bulletproof ss? Its bullets could go through bulletproof vests and even concrete walls.

    Wui Min-Gook took a step back as he frantically held up the switch.

    You didn¡¯t expect us to do this, did you, Wui Min-Gook? You probably thought that our chivalrous spirit would force us to charge right in and get ourselves killed if you pretended to negotiate. You son of a bitch! I say this all the time, but I¡¯ve handled things like this so many times back in Africa that I¡¯ve grown bored of it.

    There was a chance that Wui Min-Gook sincerely wanted to talk because he had other things nned. However, if they negotiated with that son of a bitch, they would be betraying Choi Seong-Geon, who was unjustly killed, and Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s father, who died holding back his screams and pain.

    Wui Min-Gook slowly mouthed, ¡°If. You. Let. Me. Go.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°We have Wui Min-Gook in our sights. We have a clear shot,¡± one of the agents inside the van reported.

    ¡°I¡¯ll. Tell. You. Who. South. Korea¡¯s. Spy. is,¡± Wui Min-Gook continued.

    All of the soldiers who were watching the surveince camera and those who came out of the van could clearly tell what Wui Min-Gook was saying.

    Kang Chan slowly held up his left hand and brought it up to his lips.

    Chk.

    ¡°I trust that you all know who General Choi Seong-Geon and Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s father is. As the head of the counter-terrorism team and the one in charge of this operation, I¡¯m going to make sure Wui Min-Gook is killed no matter the sacrifices we have to maketer,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The soldiers quickly looked at Kang Chan. Wui Min-Gook looked as if he was thinking, ¡®What is that crazy bastard saying?¡¯

    Chk.

    ¡°From this day forward, no matter how our enemy provokes us, the South Korean National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team and our military¡¯s special forces will always regard retaliation and revenge as our core policy,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned as he looked at the Barretts¡¯rge muzzle.

    Chk.

    ¡°We have finished evacuating everyone within a thirty-meter radius around the house,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung radioed in. He sounded as if he was in a hurry.

    When Wui Min-Gook saw the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, he quickly mouthed, ¡°I¡¯ll. Call. One. Of. The. Spies. Here!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re toote, you son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan yelled so loud that all of the agents nearby heard him.

    Chk.

    ¡°All agents, prepare for an explosion. On mymand, the Barretts are to destroy any possible entrances. Snipers, you are to open fire right after. Our goal is the death of the armed spy Wui Min-Gook,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Whoosh!

    As Wui Min-Gook ran away from the window¡­

    Chk.

    ¡°Fire!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Bam! Pow! Bam! Pow!

    Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!

    The counter-terrorism team, which was on standby, simultaneously fired¡­

    Bam! Pow! Bam! Pow! Bam! Pow! Bam! Pow!

    The Barretts mercilessly broke the windows, the front door, and the door of the veranda on the second floor.

    The walls around the perimeters of the house were sorge and thick that the explosion from the C-4 would find it difficult to get past them. That was why explosions often sttered upward with these kinds of houses.

    Bam! Pow! Bam! Pow!

    Perhaps it was because they were in a quiet residential area, but the gunshots from the Barretts sounded like cannons being fired from far away.

    Bam! Bam!

    The moment the window frame on the second floor shattered¡­

    GRUMBLE! Pow! Shatter!

    ¡­ with a deafening roar, the house exploded, its fragments and wreckage shooting out in every direction.

    Flop! Plop!

    As if someone threw them backward, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were mmed to the ground.

    Swoosh!

    The cement powder, dirt, and various fragments struck them.

    You son of a bitch! Make sure to send Jang Kwang-Taek my regards!

    Kang Chan smirked as he tousled his hair.

    ***

    ¡°You have to cancel it!¡± Jung Tae-Seup¡ªone of the assistant deputy directors of the National Intelligence Service¡ªeximed. His eyes and cheeks were red. ¡°He¡¯s a high schooler. You said that¡¯s okay, but he just turned the middle of Seoul into a battlefield against one of this case¡¯s central figures even though the man intended to surrender. Even if this doesn¡¯t stir up the foreign press, the world will still probably think South Korea is at war right now.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun just listened.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t take this lightly. He had already done things like this many times. At the rate we¡¯re going, we will soon have a war in our hands, Mr. Director! I¡¯ve endured everything until now, even the fact that you ssified a high schooler as a special agent, but this isn¡¯t right. The military and the Capital Defense Command have also said that they can¡¯t just stand back and watch anymore,¡± Jung Tae-Seup continued. He then sighed instead of adding more to hisints because Hwang Ki-Hyun just continued to listen.

    A moment of silence passed.

    They had only installed three signal detectors and two low-frequency dispensers inside Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s first meeting room to stop others from wiretapping. They didn¡¯t have anything else.

    ¡°If you keep Assistant Deputy Director Kang Chan, then I¡¯ll step down from my position. This is thest warning that the military will send to the National Intelligence Service,¡± Jung Tae-Seup said with spiteful eyes.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun still didn¡¯t say anything.

    ***

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Lanok¡¯sughter filled his office. ¡°The DIA¡¯s second n has failed!¡±

    Anne couldn¡¯t determine if he was shouting in delight ormentation.

    - The Deputy Director-General probably didn¡¯t even know the DIA¡¯s plot at all.

    ¡°That¡¯s probably true! Still, I sincerely apud his courage and determination. Anyway, we can use this as an opportunity for our country. Stop providing South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service with top secret information.¡±

    - Alright. What should we do to the Deputy Director-General?

    ¡°We¡¯ll still provide all the information Monsieur Kang requires. Even if South Korea disregards him, the decision is his to make in the end. He simply is that kind of man.¡± Despite having just used a serious tone, he burst outughing again. ¡°Brandon must be having a torturous time.¡±

    - We have obtained intel that the DIA, CIA, and even the FBI are gathering information about the Deputy Director-General again.

    ¡°Mobilize all lines of the Intelligence Bureau. Ensure the information that those organizations will gather will only further confuse them.¡±

    - Alright.

    Lanok put down the phone and smiled again. He seemed amused. ¡°Vasili is probably in an ufortable position right now. I won¡¯t wish for more if Monsieur Kang is able to work for France¡¯s glory like this.¡±

    Raphael carefully filled up Lanok¡¯s cup with ck tea.

    ***

    ¡°Things have taken an unusual turn,¡± Woo Hee-Seung quietly told Choi Jong-Il, who was sitting on a bench in the hospital¡¯s park.

    ¡°The agents and soldiers in Jeungpyeong¡¯s fully supporting the assistant deputy director seem to be factoring in on the other executives¡¯ uneasiness,¡± Woo Hee-Seung continued.

    ¡°Got any cigarettes?¡± Choi Jong-Il held out his hand.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Woo Hee-Seung held out his cigarette case and then took out his lighter.

    Chk chk.

    ¡°Whoo!¡± The smoke that Choi Jong-Il exhaled was picked up by the winter wind and instantly disappeared.

    ¡°We just have to follow orders. We shouldn¡¯t worry about what¡¯s going on around us or who¡¯s supporting whom,¡± Choi Jong-Il. After another puff, he threw it in the ashtray.

    Woo Hee-Seung was about to say something but chose to stay quiet instead.

    ¡°Remember when the prosecution kicked up a fuss?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s our duty?¡±

    ¡°To protect the assistant deputy director.¡±

    ¡°So do you really have time to focus on other things?¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s expression seemed to say, ¡®Oh shoot!¡¯

    ¡°I¡¯m getting discharged next week. Until then, take responsibility and protect the assistant deputy director. We just have to focus on our duty and on themands that we are given,¡± Choi Jong-Il added. When Woo Hee-Seung smirked seemingly in satisfaction, he asked, ¡°Got anything else for me?¡±

    ¡°Not really. I should go now. I left behind quite an important task.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you were off duty?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t been paying attention to things like thattely. This is a matter of life or death, after all. Anyway, I¡¯ll get going.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il smirked as watched Woo Hee-Seung stand up.

    ***

    Pew! Pew! Pew!

    The gunshots from the special forces team¡¯s rifles consecutively rang out in the makeshift city.

    Chk.

    ¡°Building One has been destroyed!¡± someone eximed.

    Chk.

    ¡°Building Two has been destroyed as well!¡± another eximed.

    Cha Dong-Gyun, who was sitting inside a jeep parked at the ramp, pressed the button on the stopwatch.

    The adjutant tilted his head and checked the time. He then quickly wrote the time on the training log.

    Chk.

    ¡°We¡¯ll end the morning training here. Gather at the entrance,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun ordered.

    The soldierspleted hismand quite quickly.

    ¡°It took us sixteen minutes. Since he said that we¡¯re world-ss, our capabilities should be around that level. That means sixteen minutes is already on par with the other special forces. However, we need to be even better,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    The fire in the soldiers¡¯ eyes was zing as strong as Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s.

    ¡°We should never forget what he said while he fought Wui Min-Gook in our stead. From now on, we will consider retaliation as our main objective. Anyone can back out of this if they¡¯re tired and having a difficult time. No one, not even me, will sneer at or mock you. I understand why anyone would make that choice. After all, our goal now is much more strenuous and difficult!¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun gritted his teeth as he slowly looked at all the soldiers before him.

    ¡°That being said,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun eximed. ¡°I¡¯m going to risk my life for the day South Korea¡¯s special forces be the world¡¯s most powerful. That¡¯s what General Choi Seong-Geon wanted, and it¡¯s the best I can do to honor our fallenrades!¡±

    When Cha Dong-Gyun gritted his teeth again and took a deep breath, the adjutant nced at his wounds to examine them. Cha Dong-Gyun hadn¡¯t healed enough yet for him to be yelling.

    ¡°If anyone wants to back out, now¡¯s the time!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun yelled.

    ¡°None of us do, sir!¡±

    The low and husky reply echoed all over the makeshift city.

    ¡°Then from now on,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun yelled again. Blood started to seep out of the bandages wrapped around him. ¡°We¡¯re going to show General Choi Seong-Geon how determined we are!¡±

    The adjutant turned his head away to hide the emotions suddenly overwhelming him.

    With red eyes, the soldiers waited for Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s nextmand.

    ¡°What¡¯s our motto?!¡±

    ¡°If I can protect the country with my blood, I am happy!¡±

    The soldiers¡¯ pained shouts filled the area.

 Chapter 227.1: The Guys That Are In My Heart (2)

    Chapter 227.1: The Guys That Are In My Heart (2)

    Kang Chan reached the French embassy and entered the ambassador¡¯s office around twenty minutes past eleven. He had told Lanok that he wanted to arrive a bit earlier than the time of their appointment so he could have a moment to collect himself. Lanok had willingly epted.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡± Lanok greeted as he scanned Kang Chan¡¯s face with interest. Kang Chan had two big bandages on his forehead and one on his cheek right now, so he most likely wasn¡¯t the best sight to look at.

    ¡°Do you regret it?¡± Lanok thoughtfully asked.

    The incredible operation resulted in all the windows within a hundred-meter radius and a whole house right in the middle of Seoul being blown away.

    Kang Chan just smiled awkwardly in response.

    ¡°Take a seat,¡± Lanok offered as he poured him some ck tea. He then handed over a cigarette.

    ¡°The DIA was nning to use Kwak Do-Young to sacrifice several American intelligence agents in South Korea,¡± Lanok began.

    Click.

    After lighting up the cigarette for Kang Chan, Lanok paused and lit a cigar. He then took a long drag on it.

    ¡°They wanted to restrain you through Wui Min-Gook and hoped to use a list of spies to sow chaos in Korea. If North Korea and Japan had joined forces with them, they would have had achieved quite a lot of their goals.¡±

    It was Kang Chan¡¯s first time hearing of this, but it didn¡¯t evene as a surprise to him anymore. He had been encountering things like this quite oftentely.

    ¡°The United States was nning to announce you as the South Korean special forces¡¯mander in Afghanistan. That would have kept your hands tied,¡± Lanok added.

    ¡°Can¡¯t they just announce something like that whenever they want?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If they did without having any justifiable reason to, the masses would just criticize them and call it a political move. That¡¯s why they wanted to mark you as dangerous through North Korea and Wui Min-Gook. Announcing this themselves would also expose their true intentions, causing them more harm than it would to you.¡±

    ¡°Do you know the United States¡¯ motives?¡±

    ¡°They want to get rid of your power and influence in Korea.¡±

    ¡°Do I really have enough influence for them to target me?¡± Kang Chan questioned with a joking smirk.

    Contrary to his expectations, Lanok¡¯s gaze became serious.

    ¡°Intelligence bureaus all around the world consider you the most dangerous individual. The United States will likely target you again or make you an offer that you can never refuse.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t the DGSE be able to uncover what it is?¡±

    ¡°It will be difficult,¡± Lanok responded, much to Kang Chan¡¯s surprise. ¡°You should not take the United States lightly, Mr. Kang Chan. Although it may seem as if their power has waned right now, they don¡¯t simply keep an eye on individuals or countries that go against their national interests. Taking their influence and vast economic and informational power into consideration, the DGSE and National Intelligence Service would¡¯ve had to make every effort in such a battle.¡±

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh. He wanted to be stronger, but enemies even more powerful than him kepting up.

    ¡°If you weren¡¯t the Deputy Director-General of the DGSE, the United States would surely have eliminated you in Afghanistan. We have evidence to back this information.¡±

    Damn it!

    Kang Chan cursed internally. As he did, he remembered a certain bastard¡¯s name and face.

    ¡°What happened to Ethan?¡±

    ¡°He has returned to Ennd,¡± Lanok replied, his eyes glinting mysteriously. Kang Chan didn¡¯t pry any further. With the gaze that Lanok had, Kang Chan trusted Lanok had taken care of it properly. If Lanok had left Ethan alive, there had to have been a good reason for doing so.

    As if reading Kang Chan¡¯s mind, Lanok smiled. ¡°Ethan can still be of great use. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t even have been able to leave the United States ande to Korea.¡±

    ¡°I trust your decision,¡± Kang Chan responded with certainty.

    Lanok¡¯s smile widened into a grin. Not long after, their meeting was interrupted.

    ¡°Mr. Yang Bum has arrived,¡± Raphael announced as he quietly entered the room.

    Yang Bum walked in as Lanok and Kang Chan stood up.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, Mr. Kang Chan. It¡¯s been a while,¡± Yang Bum greeted.

    ¡°Should I call you Director now?¡± Lanok joked.

    ¡°Not you too, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Yang Bum said with a mock groan.

    It hadn¡¯t been that long since Kang Chanst saw Yang Bum, but in that short period, it seemed the man had taken on the solemn weight that came with the Director of Intelligence position. His gaze, expression, and even movements had changed so much that he seemed to be apletely different person.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡± Yang Bum offered a handshake to Kang Chan with a firm gaze. ¡°Your performance was quite remarkable.¡±

    Kang Chan just smiled at what Yang Bum said. What else could he do?

    ¡°If it¡¯s alright with you, would you like to head to the dining area? How about we have lunch together, then enjoy some tea and cigarettes after?¡± Lanok suggested.

    ¡°That sounds great,¡± Yang Bum responded.

    Lanok¡¯s perfect mask was back on his face as he spoke to Yang Bum. Kang Chan thought that he should learn that trick someday.

    Lanok guided them to the dining area. When they arrived, the staff waiting inside quickly brought out some wine.

    One of the asional mistakes Asians made during French meals was to take the bottle from the host and fill the host¡¯s ss after the host poured the guests their wine. It was an act of courtesy in Asian culture, especially if it was a bottle of wine that the guest had brought as a gift. However, in French dining etiquette, only the host or guest of honor could pour others wine.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle to himself during situations like this because it reminded him of the first time he went to France.

    ¡°Is there something amusing?¡± Lanok asked.

    Kang Chan told them about what happened when he was invited to his first meal in France.

    ¡°When was this?¡± Yang Bum asked, leaving Kang Chan speechless.

    The timing wouldn¡¯t be right, and Yang Bum¡¯s eyes were glinting. He looked as if he was trying to uncover something.

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been that long,¡± Kang Chan replied with his best straight face. If he had to, he would wear a mask too. He would wear countless masks if that was what it would take for him to be strong enough to protect his people.

    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s have a toast to celebrate this meeting,¡± Lanok suggested.

    Clink!

    The three sipped their wine, all with their masks on.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what happened with Wui Min-Gook. It seems I unwillingly put the burden on you,¡± Yang Bum apologized.

    ¡°It went well. I did get these battle scars, though,¡± Kang Chan said lightly as he pointed to the bandages on his face. The three burst outughing.

    They were soon served appetizers, marking the start of their course. Kang Chan was cutting into hismb steak when he remembered something. He turned to Yang Bum and cautiously asked, ¡°I heard you met with Vasili. May I ask what you spoke about?¡±

    Yang Bum had a piece of meat in his mouth, so he lifted his napkin and dabbed his lips first. ¡°China, Russia, and Mongolia all share borders in the Mongolian region called Chuluunkhoroot District. Russia calls it Zabaykalsky,¡±

    Yang Bum lifted his wine ss and took a sip before turning to Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s a key strategic point. Neither Russia nor we can afford to give it up. Russia has recently changed their methods to sending the Mafia there under the pretext of denadite mining.¡±

    Denadite?

    That was the name of the mineral that was used to fill in for the ckhead¡¯s energy shortage.

    Kang Chan shot Yang Bum a suspicious gaze, but there was no knowing if thetter intentionally brought it up or if it was a coincidence.

    ¡°Have you heard of opencast mining?¡± Yang Bum asked.

    ¡°This is my first time hearing of it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Yang Bum nodded understandingly.

    ¡°In that region, the ore isid out just a meter below the surface within a radius of fifty kilometers, so there¡¯s no need to dig underground tunnels.¡±

    ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be an issue about who owns the mineral thates from a mine in Mongolian territory, should there?¡±

    ¡°The head of Mongolia¡¯s border defense cannot handle the Russian mafia,¡± Yang Bum exined.

    Kang Chan set down his fork and knife and dabbed his mouth, focusing on what Yang Bum was telling him.

    ¡°Our involvement could lead to a regional war between us and Russia, so we n to sell the development rights of denadite in that region to a third-party country instead. The condition is simple¡ªthe organization to be stationed in the area have to take down the Russian mafia.¡±

    Vasili is going to go batshit crazy, isn¡¯t he?

    Thinking of Vasili¡¯s cold gaze made Kang Chan smirk. However, there was something he had to confirm first. ¡°What will the denadite be used for?¡±

    ¡°A variety of things. bonite, mbonite, and denadite are mostmonly used for dyeing, bleaching, and washing. China, Europe, and the United States can no longer use the sulfuricpounds derived from petrochemicals, so there is a tremendous demand for denadite.¡±

    Was Yang Bum giving him vague responses on purpose? Kang Chan was starting to doubt that the denadite would really be used as Yang Bum imed.

    ¡°Denadite is a soft mineral, but when put into alcohol, it transforms into a substance as hard as a diamond. It also emits an energy that we are not familiar with yet.¡±

    Kang Chan just nodded in response and took a sip of his wine.

    ¡°Combining it with cetinium in that state gives it an immense explosive power. Since Russia already has ess to cetinium, we cannot just sit still and let them take the denadite as well.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t Russia just buy the mine?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Mongolia doesn¡¯t have a strong enough economy to ignore our influence,¡± Yang Bum replied.

    Kang Chan had a rough grasp of what was happening. If this was what was revealed on the surface, there had to be something rted to the ckhead hidden within.

 Chapter 227.2: The Guys That Are In My Heart (2)

    Chapter 227.2: The Guys That Are In My Heart (2)

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Vasili won¡¯t be able to openly stop you. Since the denadite has to be transported by railway, you can visit the site under the pretext of expanding the Unicorn. You can then change the denadite mined there into sulfuricpounds and export it. There will be initial costs for establishing a factory, but it will likely yield yearly profits upward of three hundred billion Korean won,¡± Yang Bum said.

    ¡°Under the condition that I eliminate the Russian mafia,¡± Kang Chan interjected.

    ¡°That is the very reason miningpanies from the United States and Canada haven¡¯t been able to rush in.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure the United States isn¡¯t too afraid of Vasili.¡±

    ¡°The United States and China are coborating to stop Russia frombining the cetinium with denadite. However, if the military or intelligence bureaus interfere for any reason, Vasili will use that as justification to exert his authority.¡±

    ¡°What about former special forces? The Russian mafia isposed of former military or intelligence agents anyway, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°That should be fine.¡±

    ¡°How much will it cost to set up the factory?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    ¡°About sixty billion Korean won,¡± Yang Bum answered.

    ¡°Is this an urgent matter?¡±

    ¡°The Russian mafia is openly taking the denadite as we speak.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded, then asked, ¡°What makes you think I won¡¯tbine denadite with cetinium once I get my hands on it?¡±

    Lanok turned to Yang Bum with a masked expression.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be able to. No one knows what the resulting energy it emitted could do. Moreover, Russia and China can determine if you¡¯vebined them based on the energy waves the reaction produces,¡± Yang Bum replied.

    These people know everything!

    Kang Chan was once again impressed by the people in intelligence bureaus and disappointed of the National Intelligence Service, which couldn¡¯t even decide about what to do with Wui Min-Gook without their opinions shing.

    He steeled his resolve again, having already thought of the perfect person to take care of this matter¡ªa gangster punk who was just right for something like this.

    ¡°How will you proceed with the contract?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We will have the Mongolian Ministry of Resources contact thepany of your choosing. However, before you sign the contract, you should negotiate the basics with Vasili first,¡± Yang Bum advised, looking directly into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. ¡°That is the best way to reduce sacrifices, even if that means saving just one person. Would you help us?¡±

    Yang Chan raised his wine ss to Kang Chan.

    At times like these, Kang Chan wanted to put Lanok forward, especially since this was China they were talking about, the very country that had kidnapped him. Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Lanok smiled as if to say that he should do what he wanted.

    Hence, Kang Chan lifted his wine ss. ¡°Thank you for rmending this great business to me.¡±

    Lanok smiled in amusement and lifted his ss as well.

    Clink!

    The meal, which they hadn¡¯t even finished halfway, ended on that note.

    They decided to stay at the table since they were already there anyway. The staff cleared the table and prepared some coffee, tea, and ashtrays for them.

    ¡°I wonder why this doesn¡¯t taste the same when I drink it in China,¡± Yang Bum remarked.

    ¡°I noticed that with pu erh tea as well. I remembered how marvelous it tasted and brought some back, but it didn¡¯t have the same taste as the ones I had here,¡± Lanok agreed.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know any teas he could speak of, and the instant coffee that he drank tasted the same anywhere he went¡ªDelicious and sweet.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I believe the United States will move the UN soon,¡± Yang Bum suddenly opened. ¡°There will be arge-scale civil war in the Horn of Africa.¡±

    Lanok looked at Yang Bum with interest. Kang Chan knew that meant the sly snake wasn¡¯t aware of this yet.

    ¡°You must be talking about Somalia,¡± Lanok responded.

    Yang Bum nodded in affirmation.

    ¡°I assume they n to gather special forces from various countries, starting with the French Foreign Legion, in the Horn of Africa to have them confront the civil war. As you all have probably guessed by now, their target is¡­¡± Yang Bum trailed off, turning to Kang Chan. ¡°It seems they dislike having a new hero.¡±

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t even gotten started with the Mongolian business yet. Why would he bother himself by going to Africa because of those damn Americans?

    Reading into the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, Yang Bum continued, ¡°People who also find you burdensome within the Korean government and military will likely agree to your deployment. If they do, it¡¯s safe to say that many of the agents and special forces who follow you will also be deployed.¡±

    Pft.

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    South Korea dispatching soldiers to Africa? And abat unit, at that? That would be a sight to see.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan thought he still had to be careful.

    The National Intelligence Service and the military really had to step up their game to deal with these kinds of people.

    The look on Yang Bum¡¯s face seemed to say that he had told them everything he wanted to say. Perhaps that was why he offered Kang Chan a cigarette with a rxed expression.

    ¡°Would you like to smoke together?¡± he asked.

    Click.

    Kang Chan felt as if there was more room to breathe after they took turns lighting up their cigarettes.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, the world of intelligence has many ups and downs. It might be inappropriate to say this while the ambassador is present, but in this world, no one can guarantee their survival. That holds even truer for those in leadership positions,¡± Yang Bum said.

    Lanok exhaled the smoke from his cigar as he listened to Yang Bum.

    ¡°The same goes for me as well. I got this role with your help, but I have no idea when I will get shot in the back. Moreover, many within my country¡¯s intelligence bureau have developed a level of resentment toward you with the recent incident with Wui Min-Gook,¡± Yang Bum added.

    Kang Chan exhaled a cloud of smoke as he nodded. It was only natural that the Chinese found it difficult to like him. After all, he blew up their airport and killed Wui Min-Gook, one of their agents.

    ¡°I support Mr. Ambassador. That¡¯s why you have to grow stronger faster, Mr. Kang Chan. Our immediatemon enemy is the United States, but in our current state, if the enemy hiding behind them starts to make their move, we won¡¯t be able to handle them.¡±

    ¡°Is it because of the Unicorn?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes. That issue involves the economy of the entire world, after all.¡±

    ¡°I find it hard to believe that there¡¯s a more powerful enemy than the US.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll easily figure it out if you know who controls their money.¡±

    Kang Chan justughed. Formidable enemies were lying in wait all around him. He thought it might be a good idea to convince Ethan to give him a subterranean shock device and install it in South Korea.

    I¡¯m going to let earthquakes rip where all those annoying punks are! Well, that would hurt innocent civilians too, though. They don¡¯t know anything and didn¡¯t do anything wrong.

    Lanok and Yang Bum burst outughing at the same time as if they had read what was on Kang Chan¡¯s mind. Kang Chan took it as a sign that he still wasn¡¯t adept at wearing a proper mask.

    ¡°On another note, your performance in Afghanistan has created quite amotion among our White Wolves. Jiang Kanglin seems to have be a fervent fan of yours, which is making me a bit anxious. Hearing about what you did to one of our airports did not really help me understand the extent of your operations, but when I saw it for myself, I must admit I felt a little scared,¡± Yang Bum added in a lighter tone. He didn¡¯t look scared in the slightest, though, so Kang Chan just chuckled.

    ¡°Ah, I¡¯m afraid I have to get going now,¡± Yang Bum said regretfully.

    ¡°So soon?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise.

    ¡°Now that I¡¯ve had a delicious lunch and an informative conversation, I should return to my house. If I leave my seat empty for too long, my desk will be taken and reced with a casket.¡±

    Yang Bum didn¡¯t sound as if he was joking, making his words all the more frightening.

    Kang Chan and Lanok stood up to see Yang Bum off. Considering how he was behaving, he seemed to just be heading over to the Chinese embassy in the next neighborhood.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, thank you for lunch today,¡± Yang Bum said as he gave Lanok a French farewell. He then turned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, know that I, the Director of the Chinese intelligence bureau, support you. Please don¡¯t forget that. During my most difficult times, when I¡¯m at my lowest, I¡¯ll think of you.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s smile disappeared as he stared straight into Yang Bum¡¯s eyes. Yang Bum just chuckled good-naturedly.

    ¡°I feel strangely reassured when I look into your eyes. I will stop by to see those eyes asionally,¡± Yang Bum said.

    Kang Chan thought Yang Bum was going to shake his hand, but Yang Bum gave him a French embrace instead.

    After seeing him off, Lanok took Kang Chan back up to his office.

    ¡°It seems you have a lot on your te now.¡±

    ¡°Looks like it,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    ¡°It makes me quite envious,¡± Lanok joked.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll have to think of a way to take you around with me,¡± Kang Chan grinned.

    Lanok smiled in return. He had removed his mask now.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, is it really okay to leave Anne and Louis at the DGSE?¡±

    ¡°It should be okay. At least for now, I¡¯m holding my position safe.¡±

    Kang Chan saw no reason to doubt Lanok.

    Kang Chan only had lunch, yet he felt as if he was given a mountain-load of assignments in return.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok called, making Kang Chan raise his gaze.

    ¡°If you want, you can use your authority as the Deputy Director-General. It¡¯s hard to endure when you have too many enemies. You may even end up giving up important people around you as payment.¡±

    ¡°Are you telling me to order an assassination?¡±

    ¡°You have to figure out the best way to handle this yourself.¡±

    It had been a while since Kang Chan saw Lanok look so serious. Hence, he decided to ask what he was truly curious about now. If he left this question unanswered any longer, he would end up making his own conclusions and imagining things.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, can you tell me your exact position?¡±

    Lanok looked at Kang Chan without any surprise on his face.

    ¡°Not yet,¡± he replied leisurely. ¡°When I feel that you have truly be powerful, I will let you know then.¡±

    Kang Chan foundfort in that answer. This man had also found his way to his heart. He trusted him.

    Seeing the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, Lanok gave him a smile that was quite difficult to read.

 Chapter 228.1: The Start of a Legend (1)

    Chapter 228.1: The Start of a Legend (1)

    Oh Gwang-Taek sat underneath the window in the door that was separating the prison cell from the hallway. He was wearing winter clothes for prisoners under trial. Its sky-blue top had an ID tag that stated prisoner number 1768 and prison cell number B3U7, which meant that he was assigned to the seventh cell on the second floor of the third building.

    As there was a toilet in the cell, the ¡®seat of honor¡¯ in a detention house and a prison was naturally against the door, right under the window. With Oh Gwang-Taek upying the seat of honor, the people sitting across from him were all holding their breaths and trying to read his mood.

    ¡°Hyung-nim,¡± someone called from the hallway.

    Oh Gwang-Taek raised his head in response, finding a huge gangster in his early thirties in front of him.

    ¡°Have you eaten yet, hyung-nim?¡± Unable to greet him directly, the gangster bowed at him in a direction slightly away from him.

    Unlike Oh Gwang-Taek, who did nothing more than just look up a little and give the man a short nce, the two young gangsters inside the room with him quickly stood up and greeted the man with respect.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now, hyung-nim. I have a visitor to meet,¡± the gangster bid farewell. He turned in the same off-angled direction as before, bowed, and headed toward the stairs.

    The so-called ¡®active gangsters¡¯ were all on the upper floors of the third building. They always paid their respects to Oh Gwang-Taek before going their way to exercise, meet a visitor, or even go to the infirmary.

    Hence, those in the same room as Oh Gwang-Taek couldn¡¯t loosen up even for a moment. They felt as if they would be called during exercise hours and get beaten to death if a passing gangster saw them rxing around him.

    They could certainly defy the gangsters or simply yell to save their necks. However, few people could even hope to be safe after being involved in a matter that Oh Gwang-Taek, the very person who owned Gangnam, was involved in. If they were violent criminals whose lives revolved around their connections to gangsters all over the country, then their chances of survival would be even slimmer.

    The detention house ssified the room that Oh Gwang-Taek was in as the ¡®violence room.¡¯ After all, it was where they gathered the strong and spiteful¡ªthe people who were most definitely aware of who he was. Nevertheless, they thought of Oh Gwang-Taek as someone far scarier than the Grim Reaper.

    The two gangsters whom Oh Gwang-Taek shared the room with served as his lookouts. More often than not, the atmosphere wasn¡¯t so bad. They just regrly swept the dust and dirt on the floor toward the door to help Oh Gwang-Taek get a good result during his trial, which in turn would help him get out of prison quicker. For as long as they didn¡¯t suddenly mix rice into their soup or water and eat it on the morning of the trial[1], then there wasn¡¯t much they could do that could negatively affect or outright ruin his chances.

    Although it could be seen as being overly critical, they also made sure not to step on the threshold of the door whenever they were entering or exiting the room[2]. In fact, no one dared step on it. Even the prison guards who came over to their cell and conducted thorough inspections did their best to avoid stepping on it while walking inside and heading back out.

    Naturally, staying in the same room as Oh Gwang-Taek also came with a lot of benefits. For one, the kitchen sent them beef bulgogi and red pork bulgogi every morning and evening in secret. They were also often served jjampong broth, whole chicken soup, tangsuyuk, and even boiled pork belly.

    Moreover, people were so afraid of him losing his appetite that they would even send strawberries, jokbal, and bossam to the room during holidays. To top it all off, the other prisoners also sent over other delicacies like stew, jajangmyeon, bibimmyun, and parboiled squid created out of otoogi[3] products.

    With the food nearly good enough to make the prisoners say that it was better than the ones served outside prison, the cheeks of the gangsters Oh Gwang-Taek shared the room with naturally became chubbier.

    Nevertheless, Oh Gwang-Taek just stayed in his cell without saying anything, making those with him feel quite ufortable. He didn¡¯t frown at all. However, his eyes hadn¡¯t stopped zing ferociously sincest night.

    The prison officer who came inside the room to do his morning routine brought over coffee and tried to console him, but his gaze didn¡¯t rx even a bit.

    ¡°Hyung-nim,¡± someone called.

    Oh Gwang-Taek raised his sharp gaze to the source of the voice. As expected of the two young gangsters, they stood up and greeted the towering gangster standing in front of their cell.

    ¡°Do-Seok hyung-nim has been sent to a hospital,¡± the gangster quietly said.

    Whoosh!

    Oh Gwang-Taek swiftly jumped to his feet and grabbed onto the iron bars. ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    ¡°A hospital has agreed to admit Do-Seok hyung-nim. I made sure that he¡¯s already been transferred beforeing over,¡± the gangster quickly added when he noticed that Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s eyes were turning red. ¡°From what I heard, Kang Chan hyung-nim exerted his influence. The prisoners working at the clinic told me that they heard his name being mentioned.¡±

    ¡°That son of a bitch!¡±

    ¡°Please rest easy now, hyung-nim.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s Do-Seok doing?¡±

    ¡°As he was going out, I was told that he was so apologetic that he asked about what he should do to make it up to you.¡±

    ¡°Fuck! What a fucking idiot! If he was just going to feel sorry, then he shouldn¡¯t have gotten fucking wounded!¡±

    The gangster outside the room only bowed perhaps because he didn¡¯t have anything to say in response. On his left arm, he was wearing an armband that said ¡®prison boss.¡¯

    ¡°Anything else I can do for you, hyung-nim?¡±

    ¡°No. You worked hard.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Please get some rest, hyung-nim.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek didn¡¯t sit down even though the prisoners¡¯ boss already bowed deeply and disappeared.

    After some time passed, he shouted, ¡°Hey! Is anyone out there?¡±

    The two assistant prisoners in the waiting room appeared before Oh Gwang-Taek so quickly that it seemed as if they teleported right in front of him.

    ¡°I want to have a cup of coffee. Bring me some water.¡±

    ¡°Understood, hyung-nim!¡±

    He sat back down as the two young gangsters he shared the cell with epted the hot water in his stead. Not long after, the smell of ck coffee filled the room.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek, you have a visitor,¡± the prison officer responsible for the upper floors of building 3 called out from the other side of the bars. ¡°It¡¯s some guy named Kang Chan. We¡¯re going to bring you to him now, so get ready.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s eyes rxed for the first time in two days. The two young gangsters quickly cleaned up the coffee.

    ***

    Upon entering the counsel¡¯s meeting room, Oh Gwang-Taek approached Kang Chan and sat across from him.

    ¡°Was it you who took Do-Seok to the hospital?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°What? Of course not. The prison guards did.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t joke with me!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek frowned. Kang Chan only smirked. ¡°Was it you or not?¡±

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek,¡± Kang Chan quietly called, stopping Oh Gwang-Taek from prodding further. He sounded a little different than usual.

    ¡°We had toe to an agreement with the victims, which is why it took us quite some time to actually make it happen. I tried my best to give Do-Seok the medical attention he needed as quickly as possible, but I had to negotiate with the victims first. Otherwise, people would have created issues about you and your men receiving special treatment as soon as they found out that a criminal was sent to a hospital. In that scenario, Do-Seok would have likely been sent back to prison.¡±

    ¡°You fucker¡­¡± Oh Gwang-Taek trailed off.

    ¡°Chul-Bum and Do-Seok will be granted bail today as well.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek gritted his teeth as his eyes became red.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°And as for you¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good. I¡¯m already grateful that you sent Do-Seok to the hospital, but you¡¯re even getting Chul-Bum bailed. I can¡¯t ask for more. Thank you. I will remember this for the rest of my life.¡±

    ¡°Phew!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek sighed in relief and calmed himself down. As he did, he noticed Kang Chan smirking.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek,¡± Kang Chan called again.

    ¡°Why do you keep calling me, you fucker? I already said thanks, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to be granted bail tomorrow.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek nked out.

    ¡°If you choose to keep getting yourself involved in gang-rted matters, then this is where I sever our connection. However, if you¡¯re going to stay true to your word and start leading your life in a different direction, then I¡¯ve got something prepared for you. It will require you to head to Mongolia and fight far more desperately than you¡¯ve ever fought here. At least until you¡¯ve eliminated all our enemies there.¡±

    ¡°What about you, though? What are you nning to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of staying with you for a bit.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re epting it that quickly? Did you even understand a word of what I just said?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°What¡¯s there to understand? I just have to go to Mongolia and fight, don¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°At least give it some more thought before you decide. This isn¡¯t something you can just recklessly jump on.¡±

    ¡°Be quiet, you bastard. Do you think there¡¯s some other fucker out there that¡¯s better at things like this than me?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. Oh Gwang-Taek smiled in return, his eyes still red.

    ***

    Perhaps it was because the year was ending, but Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had quite busy schedules.

    Tomorrow would be thest day of 2010.

    They couldn¡¯t help but feel as if they were running out of time. After all, Kang Dae-Kyung also decided to move the exhibition hall when he saw the new building.

    Bang!

    Yoo Hye-Sook froze up as the door was violently opened again before she could even digest her lunch. Just this morning alone, she had already dealt with two Karens.

    ¡°Who¡¯s the chief director of this foundation?¡± A man barged in and spoke in the same manner as the others. It was as if they were reading the same script when they entered her office.

    However, he wasn¡¯t alone. The man came inside with two other men. One of them was covered in long scars while the other had a tattoo of a devil with ring eyes. It covered the back of his hand.

    ¡°The chief director¡­ Ah, you must be the person we¡¯re looking for.¡±

    The man sat down on the sofa with a flop and stared at Yoo Hye-Sook. The two with him stood behind him.

    ¡°I¡¯m So Jin-Cheol from Yeongdong. I¡¯m doing my best to pull my life together with my guys. You should help us.¡±

    Cha Min-Jeong, who was next to Yoo Hye-Sook, stood up from her spot and approached the man on the sofa. She was wearing a ck suit and a white cotton shirt.

    ¡°Hey. Why don¡¯t we talk about this outside?¡± she firmly said.

    So Jin-Cheol tilted his head and simply leaned to the side in a cocky manner.

    1. The word ???? usually means to put rice into liquid (such as water or soup) and eat them together, but it is also an idiom for ¡®throwing away all of one¡¯s property due to gambling.¡¯ In this context, it means that as long as they don''t put rice into water or soup and eat it (which would refer to the second meaning and jinx them), nothing bad will happen and they will be released from prison ?

    2. This refers to a Korean superstition where there¡¯s the belief that people should not set foot / step on a threshold, as that would bring misfortune ?

    3. Otoogi is an actual food processingpany in South Korea ?

 Chapter 228.2: The Start of a Legend (1)

    Chapter 228.2: The Start of a Legend (1)

    So Jin-Cheol took out a filet knife in response to Cha Min-Jeong¡¯s request to talk it out outside. They seemed to have already nned to resort to this before they even came inside, seeing as how the two others also brought out simr weapons.

    The two female agents behind Cha Min-Jeong stood up from their seats and red at the three men in front of them.

    ¡°Fuck! I heard this ce is swarming with shitty bitches, but I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re actually treating me, So Jin-Cheol, of all people like this as well.¡± So Jin-Cheol looked at Yoo Hye-Sook as he continued, ¡°Well, I already expected this much. That¡¯s why I brought all of my men with me. They¡¯re right outside. Now then, Mrs. Chief Director! What are you going to do now? Give us exactly one hundred million won and we¡¯ll leave quietly. Otherwise, we will just have to fight for it!¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I just tell you that we should talk outside?!¡± Cha Min-Jeong eximed with a frown.

    Bang!

    The door loudly burst open again.

    The two agents behind Cha Min-Jeong quickly stood in front of Yoo Hye-Sook, blocking anyone from reaching her. Cha Min-Jeong looked at the men who wereing in with threatening res.

    ¡°You said that you¡¯re So Jin-Cheol, right?¡± Cha Min-Jeong asked.

    So Jin-Cheol scowled. ¡°That¡¯s right, you bitch¡ª¡±

    Bam! Flop!

    Cha Min-Jeong struck So Jin-Cheol¡¯s left cheek so hard that he fell over to the right side of the sofa.

    ¡°You bitch!¡± the man behind So Jin-Cheol yelled,

    Swoosh!

    Bam! Bam! Crash! CRASH!

    As he did, Cha Min-Jeong kicked the two on their chins, mming them to the floor. Afterward, she jumped over to the sofa and tightly grabbed a handful of So Jin-Cheol¡¯s hair.

    Bam! Bam! Bam!

    She struck him at the back of his neck with the edge of her right hand.

    People could sense the atmosphere.

    Having witnessed what Cha Min-Jeong was capable of, the men who shoved the door open were overwhelmed. The expressions of the agents standing in front of Yoo Hye-Sook and blocking any iing threats from ever reaching her only made them feel even worse.

    Was Cha Min-Jeong acting like this because she couldn¡¯t suppress her anger even though she was an agent? She wasn¡¯t nning on acting like this when she first started beating them up. Rather, she interfered simply because Yoo Hye-Sook could get injured if she gave thesewless men the confidence to randomly or recklessly swing their knives and bats around. Not to mention she would have to draw her gun if she let them carelessly attack them with the weapons in their hands.

    Bam. Bam. Bam. Bam.

    Cha Min-Jeong showed them no mercy as she beat them up.

    She knew that Kang Chan was backed into a corner right now. The agents and the soldiers in Jeungpyeong were all well aware of just how much determination Kang Chan put into his decision. Witnessing someone threaten and insult the mother of the very man who kept protecting South Korea¡¯s future made it hard for her to control her anger, causing her to explode into a fit of range all at once.

    Thud!

    When Cha Min-Jeong loosened her grip, So Jin-Cheol mmed down onto the sofa.

    ¡°Yoon Yeong-Hee! Contact the police and put all of these fuckers in jail for the threats they made,¡± Cha Min-Jeong ordered.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±

    Only when Yoon Yeong-Hee¡ªwho was standing in front of Yoo Hye-Sook¡ªheld up her hand and pressed a button could everyone move again.

    Worried about Yoo Hye-Sook being startled, Cha Min-Jeong turned her head and looked at her. Much to her confusion, however, both Yoo Hye-Sook and Yoon Yeong-Hee were giving her a very shocked look.

    Oh fuck!

    A shiver went down Cha Min-Jeong¡¯s spine, having let her guard down just because she flew into a rage. The men she kicked were so insignificant that she unknowingly went easy on them. She only remembered now that they were carrying filet knives!

    Feeling someone approach her from behind, Cha Min-Jeong quickly threw the person to the sofa.

    Bang! Bang!

    She then walked over the coffee table and stood in front of Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s desk.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± the person she threw asked.

    Cha Min-Jeong couldn¡¯t answer.

    She didn¡¯t know when Kang Chan entered the room, but he was right in front of her right now, looking at So Jin-Cheol¡ªwhom she had beaten unconscious¡ªand the pile of other thugs with a mysterious expression.

    ¡°Chan!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook hastily stood up.

    Kang Chan walked over to her. ¡°You okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes! This is nothing. You shouldn¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Are you sure you¡¯re fine, though?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered. Contrary to her reassurance, she looked pale with fright.

    Kang Chan nodded, then quickly turned to Cha Min-Jeong and the other agents in the room with him.

    ¡°We have contacted the police. Since the year is almost over, quite a lot of people like these men have been trying to force us to donate to their cause,¡± Cha Min-Jeong exined.

    ¡°Is that so? Are you hurt anywhere?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No, sir.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Thank you for protecting my mother. Make sure situations like this don¡¯t end with any of you getting injured. Otherwise, my mother and I would feel bad.¡±

    Cha Min-Jeong just answered with an awkward smile.

    Not long after, the police rushed in. Yoon Yeong-Hee stepped up and assisted them, handing over So Jin-Cheol and the men who barged into the room with him. After a few moments, peace finally filled the office again.

    Yoo Hye-Sook felt frustrated, but she couldn¡¯t even bring herself to tap her chest. She was far too concerned that doing so would make Kang Chan worry about things like this.

    ¡°Mother, you¡¯re having trouble digesting your food again, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Kang Chan sat across from the sofa. He then reached out, held Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s cold hand, and pressed the area between her thumb and index finger[1].

    ¡°Ow! That hurts!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook winced in pain.

    Kang Chan smiled. He didn¡¯t let go of her hand, though.

    ¡°Ow! Ow!¡±

    Cha Min-Jeong and Yoon Yeong-Hee turned their heads to the side to hide the smiles on their faces.

    ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯m okay now,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kang Chan made sure that she actually was back to normal before letting go of her hand.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I was in the area, so I thought I should go see you. If I remember correctly, you have a gathering tonight, right?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°I was told that you might be the secretary as well.¡±

    ¡°Your dad also mentioned that to you?¡±

    ¡°He told me all about it while we were taking a look around the new building.¡±

    While they were talking, an agent brought them coffee.

    ¡°What should we do? I don¡¯t want you to eat dinner by yourself,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m also going to go to the gathering, you know. Didn¡¯t you say that it¡¯s going to be held at the hotel?¡± kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It is, but do you really have time to go?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook felt as if she just received arge gift. When Kang Chan smiled at her, she smiled back. She looked genuinely happy.

    ***

    Kim Tae-Jin looked as if he got pped. ¡°So you¡¯re saying that you want Yoo Bi-Corp to be in charge of that now?¡±

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek will be released on bail tomorrow, so we¡¯re nning on appointing him as the field manager. We need employees with military experience, though, which is why we¡¯re asking for your help,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    Kim Tae-Jin still looked as if he didn¡¯t understand a word he just said.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you already expect to some extent that the Russian mafia was going to get involved? Even if we don¡¯t face an all-out war, we will most likely frequently find ourselves in small gunfights or close-quartersbat situations,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added. His expression gradually darkened as he detailed their predicament. ¡°There¡¯s a limit to how much the National Intelligence Service can support this. Moreover, too many people are wary of Mr. Kang Chan right now to just jump into starting anything reckless. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking for your help. You get to choose who to send to this mission, but I do hope you prioritize deploying the soldiers who were discharged from the DMZ.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be easy to do.¡±

    ¡°I see. Well, even if it means a few of the soldiers in our special forces would have to write and submit letters of resignation, we are still nning on pushing through with this and seeing it to the end. We also n to have a few people under the section chief submit resignation letters as well.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin knew that Kim Hyung-Jung was leaving something out that was important.

    ¡°Will some of the soldiers in Jeungpyeong get discharged as well?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°This is a huge opportunity for us, considering one end of the Eurasian Rail will be connected to the borders of Mongolia, Russia, and China. South Korea has a chance to secure the minerals in that area right now. We refuse to throw this opportunity away just because people are being wary of Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Phew!¡± Kim Tae-Jin sighed as he looked at the map that Kim Hyung-Jung spread out. ¡°Sang-hyun and I will go. This is not negotiable. If we want to have a fighting chance against the Russian mafia, then we are going to need to send a lot more employees with professional capabilities as well. We will have to train Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s men too¡­¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin raised his head. ¡°Gangsters have more guts than ordinary people, but they¡¯ll probably have trouble fighting the Russian mafia since they don¡¯t have experience with firearms and haven¡¯t learned proper close-quartersbat techniques.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung just nodded, his expression still grim.

    ¡°As expected, it¡¯ll be quicker and easier to just deploy those who can go among our sunbaes or hoobaes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s our most realistic option,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    Kim Tae-Jin stared out the window with a look of disappointment. ¡°If only he was here¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re talking about the DMZ King, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin solemnly nodded.

    1. It¡¯s said that this is an acupressure point to help with indigestion. ?

 Chapter 229.1: The Start of a Legend (2)

    Chapter 229.1: The Start of a Legend (2)

    ¡°We could probably find him if we wanted to,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung murmured.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯ll be shameless of us to go looking for him?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked grimly.

    Kim Hyung-Jung could only respond with a quiet sigh.

    ¡°I still remember the look in his eyes like it was yesterday. He was the only person who brought back soldiers who were dragged to the DMZ¡­¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    ¡°Our country was too weak to stand against the pressure of the United States back then.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s far too cruel to use the trend of the times as an excuse for our ipetence. No matter how you put it, abandoning someone who is at a crossroads of life or death is ruthless. If it weren¡¯t for hisst words, something bad would have happened. The reason Section Chief Jeon and the rest of us are all so hung up on keeping talented individuals is because we are reminded of his glory days, is it not?¡± Kim Tae-Jin questioned. He smiled bittersweetly as he continued, ¡°He always referred to me as a baby chick.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t just you, was it? Even Section Chief Jeon was summoned alone and reprimanded for acting up,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung reminisced.

    ¡°Right, I remember,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied. He then took in a deep breath. His expression changed as he put his hands on his knees and straightened his back.

    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying. But it will take at least three to four days for me to talk over this with Sang-Hyun and select the right people for the task,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said, lifting his gaze to look directly at Kim Hyung-Jung. ¡°I may have taken off my military uniform, but I¡¯ve never for a second thought that I¡¯m no longer a soldier of South Korea. Our friendship aside, I want to make one thing clear. This job will be putting the lives of my employees on the line. Can you guarantee that our republic will be reaping benefits worthy of the risks they¡¯ll be taking?¡±

    ¡°I guarantee it. I¡¯m more than sure enough of it that I¡¯m willing to bet my life on it.¡±

    ¡°All right, then.¡± Reassured, Kim Tae-Jin stood up, marking the end of their conversation.

    ***

    It had been a while since thest time Kang Chan had visited Namsan Hotel. He used to hang in here so often that he started bing sick of seeing its lobby, but he couldn¡¯t help but feel d to be basking in its elegance now. The thought made him smirk.

    Kang Chan stuck close to Yoo Hye-Sook and walked with her to the conference hall on the third floor, which was where the event was being held.

    Chk.

    ¡°Situation report on the third floor.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°No sign of anything unusual.¡±

    The receiver in his ear ryed the agents¡¯ms to him.

    Employees of the hotel and executives of the alumni association stood at the entrance, greeting those who wereing in.

    ¡°Wee!¡±

    When Yoo Hye-Sook arrived, one of her old friends, wearing traditional Hanbok attire, extended her hand in a weing manner and clutched both of Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again!¡±

    ¡°Likewise. I hope you¡¯ve been well,¡± Kang Chan replied politely.

    ¡°Oh, right! I heard you were admitted to Seoul National University! Congrattions!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±

    Kang Chan then headed inside with Yoo Hye-Sook. A lot of people acted as if they were close friends with her, and most of them insisted on saying hello to him once they were near. Although he was aware of how superficial this meeting was, he didn¡¯t know when he would have to leave for Mongolia again, so he wanted to make Yoo Hye-Sook happy while he still could.

    Once everyone had finished exchanging greetings with Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook, a female manager quickly came over to Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook with a polite smile.

    ¡°Mr. Kang! It¡¯s been too long. And have you been well, Mrs. Yoo?¡± she asked.

    A few people around them stole nces at the female manager¡¯s attitude and way of addressing them, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t pay any mind to things like that anymore.

    He slowly scanned his surroundings. Seeing agents dressed as hotel staff standing guard at the entrance and all four corners made him feel very assured. With security this tight, he didn¡¯t feel too ufortable about stepping out for a minute.

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯m going to get some fresh air,¡± he informed Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Okay, go ahead,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    Yoo Hye-Sook probably wanted some time to speak to her old friends in private anyway. Kang Chan quietly stood up and headed to the lower floors.

    Now he just had to find a ce to smoke a cigarette¡­

    But Kang Dae-Kyung hadn¡¯t arrived yet. What if he ran into his father while he was smoking at the entrance of the hotel?

    Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    Just then, his phone began to ring.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, this is Kim Hyung-Jung. Can you spare me a bit of your time?

    ¡°I¡¯m at the Namsan Hotel right now. I was thinking of staying with my parents until their event today is over,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - Then I¡¯ll head over to you instead. Is that all right with you?

    ¡°I see nothing wrong with it. I was actually just about to have a smoke, so that works out great.¡±

    - Understood.

    The phone call ended with a farewell mixed withughter from the other end. Kang Chan headed to the lounge for the time being.

    ¡°Wee, sir,¡± elegantly greeted another manager Kang Chan hadn¡¯t seen in a while. After taking his order, he turned around to prepare it.

    Kang Chan passed the time drinking coffee.

    Darkness had fallen far beyond the horizon. The car lights now stretched into elongated streaks along the road.

    Although he was drinking coffee in a luxurious outfit and sitting in an extravagant hotel, he would much rather run over to Jeungpyeong and share pieces of thickly sliced pork with the other special forces soldiers.

    Pft.

    Kang Chan chuckled to himself. His heart kept on being taken from him. The image of the stocky and simple soldiers entered his mind and would not leave.

    Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    Is he already here?

    Kang Chan picked up his phone. ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Chul-Bum, hyung-nim.

    This gangster punk!

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t have been dder to hear the title ¡°hyung-nim,¡± though. It had been far too long since hest heard from him.

    - I won¡¯t ever forget how you took care of Do-Seok hyung-nim and Gwang-Taek hyung-nim, sir.

    His voice sounded as genuine as could be. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know when that would change, but for now, at the very least, he knew that Joo Chul-Bum was being honest with his feelings.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you were having a hard time as well. Good work.¡±

    - I will thank you in person sometimeter. Please have a nice evening, hyung-nim.

    Kang Chan hung up and took another sip of his coffee.

    Chk.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, this is Kim Hyung-Jung. I¡¯m waiting by the entrance,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung informed over the radio.

    Chk.

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way out now,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan stood up and walked out of the lounge. He wanted to pay for his coffee first, but the manager stopped him with an earnest plea. It wasn¡¯t because Kang Chan looked as if he was broke, though. Probably.

    Kang Chan strode out of the hotel¡¯s main entrance. Not long after, he noticed a ck van parked on one side.

    Creak.

    The doors opened as he approached it.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung greeted him from inside the vehicle. They left as soon as Kang Chan got in.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Just out front. I know a good ce to have a smoke there.¡±

    It didn¡¯t take long for the van to leave the premises of the hotel. Cars filled the roads and the front of the hotel. It was probably because it was the holiday season, but the area looked so picturesque that it seemed peaceful and prosperous.

    The van drove for about five minutes around the hotel and came to a stop in the middle of the road that led to Itaewon.

    ¡°This cafe is good for smoking,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Chan followed him out of the car and entered the establishment.

    What kind of fucking cafe is this?

    The first thing he noticed inside was therge traffic light, its green and red lights shing in sync. It also had a doll the size of a person on disy, holding up its thumb.

    The two headed to the second floor and stepped onto the terrace, where tables with open overhead gas heaters that opened like umbres were waiting for them. They upied one of the tables and ordered some coffee.

    Click.

    Afterward, they lit up their cigarettes.

    ¡°Kim Tae-Jin and I have finished discussing the terms. Yoo Bi-Corp will handle the security at the beginning of the operation. After some time, they n to transfer the security duties to thepany Oh Gwang-Taek created,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung began. Their coffee arrived as he finished his sentence, temporarily interrupting their conversation.

    ¡°Our main problem is that the Russian mafia iming that area as their territory is made of former special forces soldiers with tactical military training. To counter that, we decided to reach out to retired soldiers who have experience serving at the DMZ. We n to have them hired as staff of Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯spany.¡±

    Kang Chan just nodded silently. Matters like this were Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s expertise. There was no doubt about it.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung quietly uttered as he put his cigarette out. ¡°I have three things to tell you.¡±

    Well, that¡¯s three too many.

    Kang Chan also put out his cigarette and turned to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°To start with, a lot of agents have submitted their resignation letters to join this uing mission, and more are trying to resign as we speak. There¡¯s also a lot of talk about it.¡±

    That can¡¯t be because they suddenly received a hefty amount of severance pay, can it?

    Kang Chan set his cup down and waited for Kim Hyung-Jung to continue.

    ¡°They decided to move to Yoo Bi-Corp when they heard that it¡¯ll be handling this operation.¡±

    ¡°That isn¡¯t right, though,¡± Kang Chan countered.

    Kim Hyung-Jung hadn¡¯t even taken a sip of his coffee yet. Kang Chan felt as if the man had something to say but was hesitating to get it out.

    ¡°What is it? You¡¯ve already started talking anyway, so I see no reason to hold anything back now,¡± Kang Chan reassured him.

    ¡°Until recently, the counter-terrorism team and the military¡¯s special forces have always been stopped from going on operations just before they began. However, when the news of the suppression in Itaewon spread, there has been a rapid increase in agents who support you,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    Kang Chan nodded. Something like this definitely wasn¡¯t good news to people in power. The same thing happened in Africa.

 Chapter 229.2: The Start of a Legend (2)

    Chapter 229.2: The Start of a Legend (2)

    Whenever Kang Chan became popr, there always emerged some leader who was envious of him. They would dispatch him on operations that seemed impossible or were just ghastly¡ªthe kind of operations where his team¡¯s death was inevitable no matter what he did.

    ¡°But I¡¯m not going to stay at Yoo Bi-Corp,¡± Kang Chan interjected.

    ¡°From the looks of it, they will probably try to work for you as independent agents after we¡¯re done with this matter.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned, but Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s expression stayed grim. Kang Chan already expected that the atmosphere over there wouldn¡¯t be too sunny, but he didn¡¯t expect it would be this bad.

    If he was being honest, he didn¡¯t give a fuck what happened. However, in an instant, the lives of the agents and special forces soldiers who had spent years following their mission of offering their all for their country could be changed. It wasn¡¯t like Kang Chan could take all of them to the French DGSE either.

    Chk.

    ¡°The director has arrived.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Nothing unusual in the lobby.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Nothing unusual in the conference hall.¡±

    Based on the incessant radiomunication about the current security situation, it sounded as if Kang Dae-Kyung had arrived at the hotel.

    ¡°What about the rest of the things that you wanted to tell me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We are thinking of recruiting an individual over to Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯spany. He¡¯s known as the DMZ King,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung with a curious face. He had heard of how legendary the DMZ King was, but he had to have aged a bit by now. Old age was a significant handicap inbat and operations. That was why older soldiers were reassigned tomand divisions.

    ¡°I believe it would be of great assistance to our objective in Mongolia if we have someone as skilled and experienced as he is leading our men.¡±

    ¡°Well, if you say so. I¡¯ll let you be the judge on that, but Oh Gwang-Taek has to agree with it as well,¡± Kang Chan mused.

    ¡°The employees of hispany will undergo training regarding this, so you don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡±

    Rather than being bothered by it, Kang Chan actually thought it was a solid n. Now, he only had to listen to thest thing that Kim Hyung-Jung wanted to tell him. However, instead of immediately continuing, Kim Hyung-Jung picked up a cigarette. It seemed what he was about to tell him was far more pressing than the first two.

    Kang Chan epted and lit up the cigarette that Kim Hyung-Jung offered.

    ¡°Special forces are scheduled to be dispatched to Africa¡ªSomalia, to be precise. The National Assembly will likely approve of this n in a few days.¡±

    Kang Chan jumped to attention and put down the cigarette he had already raised halfway to his mouth. His eyes focused on Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°The UN and the United States have requested for assistance. All five countries will be joining this operation. We initially nned on turning down the deployment request, but the opposing political party hase together to make the National Assembly ept it. It will most likely be granted approval.¡±

    ¡°What about themander? Cha Dong-Gyun hasn¡¯t recovered enough to be deployed yet.¡±

    ¡°We are looking into selecting one of the lieutenant colonels with a long field career right now.¡±

    ¡°Is there any way to prevent this from happening?¡± Kang Chan asked with frustration.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s extreme reaction, Kim Hyung-Jung tilted his head in confusion.

    ¡°Manager Kim, you can¡¯t underestimate Africa. Without any experience, even the most capable teams wouldn¡¯t be able toe back alive from that ce.¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t our men already gained quite a considerable amount of experience?¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    ¡°We still haven¡¯t faced a proper Imic enemy yet. Compared to the SSIS that they will be encountering in Africa, the enemies that we fought in Afghanistan are¡­¡± he trailed off, realizing that his voice had be too loud. He pressed his lips together and looked around him before continuing. ¡°... nothing but little children. Among the Imic forces, the SSIS is a particrly brutal faction. Even the Shiites gave up against them.¡±

    ¡°Did you just say the SSIS?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked in surprise.

    Kim Hyung-Jung hadn¡¯t fully grasped the severity of Kang Chan¡¯s words. Regardless, Kang Chan had to say what had to be said.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho were up against the SSIS in the operation that got them killed.

    ¡°You probably won¡¯t understand this until you¡¯ve seen the brutality of their ways, but they are the most extreme terrorist faction among the Imic forces. The soldiers in our special forces team can¡¯t pull the trigger on a 5-year-old kid¡¯s forehead yet. Against the SSIS, that moment of hesitation is all it would take for everything to end. There wouldn¡¯t even be a body left intact.¡±

    ¡°France, Russia, the United States, and Ennd will be joining this mission,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung rebuffed.

    Kang Chan smirked and chuckled out loud.

    ¡°France¡¯s Foreign Legion special forces created a unit specifically to fight the SSIS. The United States¡¯s special forces primarily use Apache helicopters or bombers rather than infantry, and the Russian Spetsnaz have already had multiple experiences against them. Compared to them, there is no doubt in my mind that the Korean special forces will face huge casualties at the very forefront.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked back at Kang Chan with a dazed expression that seemed to ask him, ¡°How do you know that? Is that really true?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that the least experienced team in joint special forces operations is always positioned at the forefront?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That can¡¯t be true,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung interjected.

    ¡°Manager Kim, if you were in charge, would you deliberately send our special forces team out to die? It could be different if our team is the one in charge of the entire operation, but with several countries simultaneously joining the fray, the inexperienced team will inevitably find itself standing at the very front.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°Because they don¡¯t know the situation! Since the newer teamsck the experience, the more battle-hardened ones will ask them to handle reconnaissance. However, going to battlefields like that without any experience is no different from walking into death¡¯s embrace itself,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked as if he still couldn¡¯t fullyprehend the situation yet. However, Kang Chan¡¯s expression, which waspletely different than usual, seemed to be enough for him to catch on that this matter was more serious than he thought.

    ¡°Can we still stop their deployment?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It would be difficult to do that now. The proposal will be submitted within two days, and they will approve of it not long after,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered gravely.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Kang Chan eximed, then sighed. ¡°Can Seok Kang-Ho and I join the operation?¡±

    ¡°We can definitely make that happen, but if you do join this mission, then we will have to postpone our business in Mongolia. To bepletely honest with you, you are the only person who can handle the Russian intelligence bureau.¡±

    Damn it!

    Kang Chan swallowed the curses threatening to spill out from the tip of his tongue. It wasn¡¯t as if he could opt not to go to Mongolia now. After all, he did give his word to Yang Bum.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, this is my first time hearing of a group called SSIS,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung questioningly opened.

    ¡°It¡¯s an Imic State formed by the union of the extremists from the Shia and Sunni factions. It was initially formed in Africa but has since be a powerful organization that has members across the globe,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Our intelligencework has nevere across something like this yet.¡±

    Kang Chan contemted for a brief moment before finally replying, ¡°The French Foreign Legion fights that group quite often in Africa. The United States and Russia also know about them. So does Ennd,¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t even bring himself to ask another question.

    ¡°This is simply where the limits of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service show,¡± Kang Chan said matter-of-factly.

    Hearing that made Kim Hyung-Jung tightly press his lips together and sigh quietly.

    ¡°Once the National Assembly grants approval for this mission, how long will we have left before the men are deployed to Somalia?¡±

    ¡°About two weeks.¡±

    ¡°Haah!¡± Kang Chan sighed loudly again.

    They wouldn¡¯t even have time to properly train for the dangers that they would be going up against.

    Damn it!

    The South Korean special forces team had just managed to umte more experience, yet it already looked as if they were about to sprint headfirst into a battle they weren¡¯t familiar with in the slightest.

    It went without saying that their deaths weren¡¯t certain, but they would only have a twenty percent chance of survival in this operation. With odds that low, Kang Chan could bet everything he had that they would be annihted. They would be in such a dire situation that if thirty of them were sent into this battle and only ten managed toe out alive, they could still consider that a sess.

    ¡°Did the United Statese up with this n?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°If the n¡¯s so off that it made you think of that, then you¡¯re likely not too far off,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    ¡°Those damn motherfuckers!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    Kang Chan recalled the Apache helicopters that they hade across in Afghanistan. He also remembered what Lanok told him. If it wasn¡¯t for his position as Deputy Director-General in France¡¯s DGSE, those helicopters would have killed him.

    The South Korean soldiers put their lives on the line to fight for their country, yet they were now being pushed into hell.

    The foolishly sincere special forces soldiers were definitely going to fight to the bitter end and give it all they had even in that hellish ce. They wouldn¡¯t be as wise as the Caucasian soldiers, and they wouldn¡¯t run away to survive either.

    Kang Chan was sure they were going to be relentless. They would do whatever it would take to save theirrades and defend the honor of the Korean special forces until they all fell and took theirst breaths.

    You motherfuckers better watch your backs. I don¡¯t know who¡¯s behind this, but I guarantee that the son of a bitch who sent the Apache helicopters and the jerkass who came up with this n is going to die by my hand.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth in fierce determination.

 Chapter 230.1: Something That I Wanted To Tell You (1)

    Chapter 230.1: Something That I Wanted To Tell You (1)

    After dropping Kang Chan off at the hotel, Kim Hyung-Jung headed back.

    Kang Chan originally nned to have dinner with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, but he hadpletely lost his appetite due to the conversation earlier. He couldn¡¯t get rid of the spite in his eyes either, making it hard for him to go up to the third floor.

    Kang Chan would never allow anyone to send the special forces team to Africa alone. Moreover, as soon as the National Intelligence Service ran over and began investigating the SSIS, Kim Hyung-Jung wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep a wink again.

    They had to take care of their business in Mongolia as soon as they could. However, there was only one man who could stop the Russian Mafia¡ªVasili.

    If I knew we were going to end up in this mess, I would have beaten up Andrei a little lighter during our training in France!

    Kang Chan was sitting on a sofa in the lobby when he got a call from Kang Dae-Kyung.

    - Aren¡¯t you going to have dinner?

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of eating with the agents here.¡±

    - Are you sure?

    ¡°Ah! Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be heading back up there in about ten minutes,¡± Kang Chan replied, having changed his mind. Kang Dae-Kyung would be upset otherwise. It was only proper for him to be considerate of Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook right now since he chose to apany them to the hotel.

    - Don¡¯t overwork yourself.

    ¡°I won¡¯t. I¡¯ll be there in a bit.¡±

    Kang Chan rubbed his eyes with his hands, then went up to the third floor.

    ¡°Father?¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Hey! Wee.¡±

    Now that he thought about it, they came here for Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s reunion. After Kang Dae-Kyung delightedly weed Kang Chan, the three ate together.

    Mothers were quite strange. Kang Chan always felt as if he was the one taking care of her during asions like this, but in emergencies and urgent situations, she wouldn¡¯t think twice about sacrificing everything to protect Kang Chan.

    How could he disappoint Yoo Hye-Sook after all that she had done for him?

    ¡°Mother, say ah!¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    ¡°Quickly!¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook side-eyed Kang Chan but eventually gave in and ate the food he was trying to feed her anyway. She even pretended that she couldn¡¯t win against him.

    A few of Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s previous ssmates also brought over their sons and daughters, yet everyone¡¯s eyes were on Kang Chan. They probably saw him being treated with respect during the previous gathering in this hotel and were aware that President Moon Jae-Hyun visited his parents. These people likely also knew that Kang Chan attended the announcement for the Eurasian Rail at the presentation hall and that he was epted to Seoul National University.

    Kang Chan had to go to Mongolia. However, he was also nning to go to Africa using any means necessary.

    He wanted to gift his parents with at least one good memory while he still could.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I just like getting to see you,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°You¡¯re getting more and more cheeky!¡±

    ¡°Right, honey? Our Channy has be so mischievous,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said. He seemed quite satisfied to see Yoo Hye-Sook so happy.

    Nothing worthy of note happened after dinner. They simply headed home and spent a bit more time together in the living room.

    ***

    Today was thest day of 2010.

    After his morning workout, Kang Chan took a bath. Feeling refreshed, he then had breakfast.

    ¡°Are you busy today?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I have some ns today, so I¡¯ll probably be homete. What about you and mother?¡±

    ¡°We just have the year-end celebration to attend, but other than that, we don¡¯t have anything special nned. We¡¯re thinking of just staying at home, which we haven¡¯t done in a long time,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered. He then scooped up and ate the bean sprouts soup.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have any appointments that morning, so he did the dishes and had a cup of tea with his parents.

    Afterward, he headed to his room and got changed. He was thinking of dropping by the office first.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Bye, Channy!¡±

    Since Kang Chan was told that the year-end celebration of Kang Yoo Motors and Kang Yoo Foundation was at half past ten that morning, he left earlier than his parents today. He headed out of his apartment and the building.

    Kang Chan had told Seok Kang-Ho to meet up with him and apany him to the office. Much to his surprise, however, he found Choi Jong-Il standing with Woo Hee-Seung at the entrance.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you overworking yourself?¡± Kang Chan asked Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°My wife told me not to be a crybaby and that I won¡¯t die with this many wounds.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile when he remembered the look Choi Jong-Il¡¯s wife had in her eyes.

    Nothing good coulde out of spending too much time in open areas like this. Hence, they immediately got into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car and left.

    As they drove off, Kang Chan unintentionally looked to the side and saw the apartment that Kim Mi-Young lived in. He had a lot of things that he wanted to do now that he had finished his training. He wanted to watch a movie with her, hear her uniqueugh, and treat her to expensive raw fish.

    Unfortunately, he kept getting dragged into the matters of dark-skinned men with angr chins.

    Kang Chan smirked as he stared at the passing scenery.

    How can I pretend not to notice that the men I¡¯ve grown attached to are about to die?

    As soon as they reached the building, they immediately took the private elevator to go up to their office. Kang Chan then sat across from Seok Kang-Ho with cigarettes and coffee in front of them.

    Kang Chan began by telling Seok Kang-Ho that the special forces team was going to be dispatched to Africa.

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. His response wasn¡¯t off the mark from what Kang Chan was expecting.

    ¡°They¡¯re all going to die if they¡¯re deployed to that ce,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I told them.¡±

    ¡°Who are the fuckers that decided to do this? They support the soldiers so poorly yet have the gall to force the soldiers to march to their deaths so easily! I can¡¯t believe bastards who have never even fired a gun before are given the authority to make decisions like this. Being deployed to Africa is nothing like simply going to the house next door!¡± Seok Kang-Ho flew into a fit of rage as he picked up a cigarette. ¡°What do you n to do about this?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t stop it now, can we? This has already been decided, after all.¡±

    ¡°But we can¡¯t just let them all charge head-on to their deaths either, can we?¡±

    ¡°We have to take care of our business in Mongolia as fast as we can. After that, we¡¯re running straight over to Africa.¡±

    Chk chk.

    Seok Kang-Ho lit up a cigarette. With glinting eyes, he said, ¡°Captain, let me join our men in Africa.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°At this rate, half of them are going to die within a few days ofnding in that fucking hell. Let me go with them. We¡¯ll do everything in our power to hold off whatever enemy we¡¯ll face until you arrive,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    The office had an open spaceyout.

    Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee were drinking coffee at a table a short distance away from them. However, they were now looking in their direction and listening attentively.

    ¡°Our men don¡¯t know the first thing about the SSIS. They don¡¯t even know that those bastards put boobytraps in the diapers of newborns and that they would stop at nothing to kidnap people and hold them captive. Our men are going to die as soon as they try to save someone¡­¡± Seok Kang-Ho trailed off.

    ¡°Let¡¯s think about our options for now.¡±

    ¡°Captain!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted but quickly shut his mouth when Kang Chan looked up with glinting eyes.

    ¡°Calm down. Why are you getting so worked up? Don¡¯t you know how our soldiers will react if they see you behaving like this?¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Seok Kang-Ho put his cigarette into the ashtray and dropped his gaze.

    ¡°The people under Oh Gwang-Taek are fighting against the Russian mafia. That¡¯s as difficult an operation as our team fighting against the SSIS. Even though they¡¯re gangsters, we can¡¯t just tell them to die out there, can we?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    Kang Chan held up his coffee. Seok Kang-Ho did the same.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s sentencing has been pushed back a week. Since that¡¯s already going to take up much of our time, I¡¯ll meet with Vasili first and try to stop the Russian mafia as fast as we can. After that, we¡¯ll have to ask President Kim Tae-Jin to take care of the aftermath so we can fly over to Africa. That¡¯s the wisest course of action we can take right now,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°For some reason, I feel like we¡¯ve been pushed into a trap.¡±

    ¡°I feel that way as well,¡± Kang Chan agreed. ¡°A few people have probably teamed up so they can bullshit their way into killing us off.¡±

    Kang Chan picked up a cigarette. Seok Kang-Ho quickly lit it for him.

    ¡°Phew. Alright. I¡¯ll talk to Vasili now.¡± Kang Chan took out his phone.

    ***

    Kim Tae-Jin, who was staring at the paper that he was holding, looked up, his gazending past the gate of a detached house on the outskirts of Bupyeong.

    The yard was tiny and had an old living room ss door inside the house.

    ¡°Is anyone home?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    No answer.

    ¡°Anyone in there?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked again.

    Bang. Bang. Bang.

    Kim Tae-Jin carefully knocked on the gate, making sure not to use too much force since it was old and rusty. Nevertheless, the loud noise it let out made him think it was going to break at any moment.

    When Kim Tae-Jin tilted his head, he noticed a silhouette past the closed living room ss door move.

    Rattle.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± someone asked back.

    ¡°My name is Kim Tae-Jin. I¡¯m here to see Kang Chul-Gyu sunbae-nim.¡±

    The man walking to the door raised his head. He had unkempt short hair, no fat on his cheeks, and an angr chin.

    ¡°Who did you say you were?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked again. He approached the gate as he tilted his head.

    Clunk. Screech.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim¡­¡± Kim Tae-Jin trailed off.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at Kim Tae-Jin¡ªwho was standing in front of the gate¡ªfor a moment, then smiled painfully. ¡°Are you perhaps¡­?¡±

 Chapter 230.2: Something I Wanted To Tell You (1)

    Chapter 230.2: Something I Wanted To Tell You (1)

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, I¡¯m Kim Tae-Jin. Do you remember me?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°I do. What brings you here? Ah, why don¡¯t youe in first?¡±

    Unlike Kim Tae-Jin, who suddenly filled up with emotions, Kang Chul-Gyu remained calm. He stepped aside to make room for him.

    Kim Tae-Jin handed over the box of juice that he brought to Kang Chul-Gyu. When entered the living room, Kang Chul-Gyu closed the ss door behind them. It had damage all over it and was already quite worn down.

    ¡°I only have green tea. Would you like a cup?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°No, thank you. I had tea beforeing here.¡±

    ¡°You think I¡¯d just let you go without even a drink after you¡¯vee all the way here? At least have a cup of green tea.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯d like some, then,¡± Kim Tae-Jin gave in.

    ¡°Great. Have a seat. I¡¯ll go prepare it.¡±

    As Kang Chul-Gyu walked over to the gas stove, which was across the living room door, Kim Tae-Jin took a slow look around the house.

    The entire living room had an old and moldy smell. The door of the bedroom was also quite worn out, and the floor was so cold that he couldn¡¯t feel even the slightest warmth from it. A very small table, the kettle in the tiny and old sink, and a few tes seemed to be all of Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s kitchenware.

    ¡°The floor is cold. Sit on this,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said as he unfolded the table and then pushed the nket that was hidden behind it toward Kim Tae-Jin. The old nket was clean and neatly folded, which seemed to be a testament to his character.

    ¡°Do you live alone?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked as he sat, taking Kang Chul-Gyu up on his offer.

    Kang Chul-Gyu brought over two differently shaped teacups and sat in front of him. ¡°Yes. Anyway, how can I help you?¡±

    As Kim Tae-Jin epted the teacup that Kang Chul-Gyu handed over, he realized that Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s hand was trembling a little.

    ¡°Actually¡­¡± he began. It took him about ten minutes to exin the situation.

    ¡°Many people out there are better suited than me to handle something this important. Coming all the way here is nothing more than a fool¡¯s errand.¡±

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, as I¡¯ve told you, only a few employees havepleted their training. I was wondering if you could take charge of them so they can receive proper training.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin noticed the smirk on Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s face.

    ¡°I was dead drunk and high on drugs, all to ovee the pain, when I got the news that my son died in vain. The next morning, I came out of the bedroom still feeling dazed and out of it. That was when I found my wife hanging from the very same ceiling we¡¯re under right now,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    Kim Tae-Jin swallowed dryly as he nced up.

    ¡°I''ve been going to a hospital since then. Now, I¡¯m like this,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu continued. He held up his hand and showed it to Kim Tae-Jin. It was faint, but it was trembling.

    ¡°To this day, I have to fight against the pain every night. I still crave drugs and alcohol so much that it¡¯s driving me insane. Even if I want to go with you, I can¡¯t. My body won¡¯t listen to me anymore. And even if I do go anyway, I won¡¯t be of any help. More importantly¡­¡± Kang Chul-Gyu smirked again. ¡°I have been thinking of looking for my son, so I don¡¯t have time to focus on other things.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin cocked his head as he looked at Kang Chul-Gyu. He couldn¡¯t fully understand what he meant.

    ¡°I was told that he died in Africa,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu exined.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin sighed. After a short while, an idea popped into his mind. ¡°How about we help you find your son?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes glinted, making it hard for Kim Tae-Jin to meet his gaze. The look he had in his eyes hadn¡¯t changed in the slightest.

    Where have I seen those eyes before?

    ¡°Please don¡¯t get me wrong. You don¡¯t have to help us with the situation we¡¯re facing in exchange for our help. I¡¯m simply suggesting this because I would like to lend a hand if you really think that you have to find your son,¡± Kim Tae-Jin added.

    Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t say anything.

    ***

    - How can I help our new hero?

    ¡°Vasili, I have something I¡¯d like to discuss with you. Are you avable to talk?¡±

    - I should be free right now, yes.

    Did this fucker really just say that to me?

    Vasili somewhat seemed as if he was being sarcastic. It annoyed Kang Chan quite a lot. Nevertheless, he chose to let his cocky behavior pass for now and keep the conversation going.

    ¡°Yang Bum just presented a good proposal to me. I¡¯m reviewing it right now¡ª¡±

    - Kang Chan.

    Vasili immediately cut Kang Chan off. He had a strong Russian ent¡ªsomething Kang Chan only noticed now. For some reason, he felt as if he was talking to an entirely different person.

    - We¡¯re going to have problems if you think of me as a pushover and treat me as if I¡¯m insignificant just because I¡¯ve been considerate since we met each other. I truly hope you¡¯re not nning on asking me to take care of the aftermath of your battle against the mafia. Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be able to stop myself from being really upset.

    Kang Chan looked out the window.

    Vasili was essentially telling him that they should fight. He seemed intent on figuring out who would win between them.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°I was at least going to ask for your understanding, Vasili. After all, you¡¯re still a representative of Russia. Thank you for telling me all that, though. If that¡¯s how you truly feel, then I¡¯ll take care of the mafia myself. You better not spoutintster.¡±

    Vasili didn¡¯t respond right away.

    You son of a bitch! Did you really think I would cling to you just so I could ask you to stop the Russian mafia or something?

    - Huhuhu.

    Much to his surprise, however, Kang Chan heard Vasiliughing from the other end of the line.

    - You¡¯re catching too much attention, you know. There are moments and situations when you have to stay out of the spotlight and take action in the shadows. You should learn how and when to tter others and to surrender when you need help. This whole ordeal should be a good learning experience for you.

    ¡°Thank you for your advice.¡±

    When Kang Chan put his phone down, he noticed Seok Kang-Ho looking at him. He had quite the curious expression.

    ¡°It seems like Vasili doesn¡¯t want to help us. Considering he¡¯s essentially suggesting that we fight each other, we¡¯re likely going to have a hard time bringing down the Russian mafia,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Hmm!¡± Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s sigh perfectly summed up how they felt right now.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Starting tomorrow, I want you to stay at Jeungpyeong. Tell the men everything you can about the SISS¡ªthe same enemies we fought against when we were in Africa. If you can, I also want you to train them how to respond to whatever situation they might find themselves in during their battle against those bastards.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Seok Kang-Ho nodded as soon as he saw the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. ¡°Can¡¯t we put off attending to the matters in Mongolia?¡±

    ¡°Yang Bum lent us a helping hand when we were in dire need of one. It would be hard to turn a blind eye to him now, especially since he told me that this is an urgent matter. We also have no idea how Russia is going to use the denadite, which is only making it even more difficult for us to put this whole ordeal on the back burner.¡±

    ¡°Phew!¡±

    ¡°Anyway, starting tomorrow, you are to take charge of the special forces team¡¯s training,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up and called Cha Dong-Gyun. At the same time, Kang Chan called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    - It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Manager Kim, Oh Gwang-Taek will be free to go today, won¡¯t he?¡±

    - Yes. He will be walking out of prison in about an hour. While I have you, I¡¯d like to inform you that the DMZ King has decided to join the Mongolian team.

    ¡°Is that so? Good to hear, then.¡±

    - Kim Tae-Jin decided toe here. I was hoping you could meet up with us. Do you have the time for it?

    ¡°If it¡¯s not too much of a bother, I would like you two toe here. We should have lunch together.¡±

    - Sounds good. I¡¯ll tell Kim Tae-Jin about it before I head to your office, then.

    Kang Chan hung up soon after. He felt greatly disappointed that they didn¡¯t have enough time. He hoped that they could go to Mongolia earlier or to Africa a bitter. Unfortunately, neither matter was making it easy for him to make decisions.

    The DMZ King?

    How much aid can an old person give us in this situation? He wasn¡¯t even part of the military.

    Tsk! Well, he¡¯ll probably be somewhat helpful. Kim Hyung-Jung and Kim Tae-Jin were willing to do whatever it took to get him to join, after all.

    After his call with Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan received two more phone calls.

    One of them was from Michelle. She asked if he could attend the year-end ceremony that was being done at DI, and the other call was from Kim Mi-Young, who asked if he was busy today.

    The two were clearly doing their best not to bother him.

    Kang Chan could understand Michelle going through all that trouble. After all, she was well aware of how he was doingtely. However, he wasn¡¯t expecting Kim Mi-Young to behave the same way as well.

    Nevertheless, even though he wanted to see her, he simply told her that he would have to call her backter and then hung up.

    ¡®Why am I like this?¡¯

    Still looking at the scene outside, Kang Chan walked over and stood in front of the window.

    He was frustrated. However, it wasn¡¯t because something was filling him up with anxiety. He just felt as if he had something heavy weighing down on his chest.

    Am I feeling this way because I¡¯m worried about the men?

    Kang Chan looked into the distance.

    Since things are like this!

    In any case, the lives of the members of the special forces team, Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s men, and Yoo Bi-Corp employees¡ªKim Tae-Jin included¡ªwere all on the line right now.

    However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t have to rack his brains out trying to correctly judge the situation and make the right decisions. After all, Seok Kang-Ho, who could understand what he was trying to say with just a look, would be heading to Africa first.

 Chapter 231.1: Something I Wanted To Tell You (2)

    Chapter 231.1: Something I Wanted To Tell You (2)

    Kang Chan pulled out his phone as he looked out the window. As soon as he pressed the call button, the call was picked up.

    ¡°Anne, do I have the authority to order the assassination of the United States¡¯ DIA director?¡± Kang Chan asked, getting straight to the point.

    - You do, Monsieur Kang.

    Mulling over his thoughts, Kang Chan looked up at the sky as he pressed his lips together.

    - However, the moment you issue that order, it will be difficult for us to guarantee your safety. The same goes for the ambassador and the director and deputy directors of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service.

    ¡°You mean they will be retaliating?¡±

    - Every assassination team the DIA and CIA have will immediately make their way to South Korea. The United States is also connected to arge number of organizations in South Korea, making this battle even more difficult for us to win.

    Kang Chan smirked. His opponent was proving difficult to deal with, but he expected as much.

    ¡°One more thing. If I ordered it, can the DGSE broadcast the battle in Africa the same way our operation in Afghanistan was shot?¡±

    - A 360-degree revolving camera was used at the time. The DGSE has far more advanced satellite cameras. Since two of them are used only for Africa, we would have the option to record the operation at a much higher quality.

    ¡°I see. What is France¡¯s stance on this deployment request?¡±

    - Somalia used to be under Italian colonial rule, Monsieur Kang. It¡¯s safe to say that at least ny percent of the wars fought within Africa are European countries fighting to gain more control.

    ¡°Why is the United States involving themselves in this matter, then?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - The United States hopes to eliminate you and the South Korean special forces team so they can exert a greater influence over South Korea again. Ever since South Korea became a part of the Eurasian Rail, the United States has been rapidly changing its policy on the Korean penins.

    While this had been happening, Kang Chan had been far too busy fighting other enemies to get the chance to observe what the United States was doing.

    ¡°What about Gerard?¡±

    - He and his men are on emergency standby right now as themander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces. They are in the middle of an internal power struggle right now, but we have concluded that Commander Gerard has to handle this matter on his own.

    Kang Chan found no fault in their decision. He and Seok Kang-Ho also went through a simr fight, which was why he wasn¡¯t worried about him. Gerard would probably take care of the opposition from the other special units with style.

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll contact you again soon,¡± Kang Chan said. Around the same time he hung up, Woo Hee-Seung went outside.

    ¡°Director Kim Tae-Jin and Manager Kim Hyung-Jung have arrived. He¡¯s heading down to guide them,¡± Seok Kang-Ho informed him.

    Kang Chan sat down at the table with Seok Kang-Ho and told him everything he talked about with Anne on the phone.

    ¡°Everything just has to be so difficult,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    ¡°I know, right?¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    A momentter, Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung entered the office.

    ¡°Wee to our ce,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    ¡°Why is it so dull here? Should I buy some flowers to liven up the ce?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked as he looked around the office.

    ¡°It¡¯s because someone with no artistic sense at all decorated this ce. What kind of tea would you like to drink?¡± Kang Chan offered.

    ¡°It¡¯s tradition to always have coffee with you, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kim Tae-Jin joked.

    ¡°I would also like some coffee,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung added.

    ¡°Alright. Please have a seat,¡± Kang Chan insisted, gesturing toward the same table he and Seok Kang-Ho were upying.

    This ce had a spectacr view, offered more than enough privacy for them to no longer worry about other people, and had an air vent that sucked in all cigarette smoke. Why should they relocate to an ufortable reception room or a stuffy office?

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, we have finished a general investigation of the SSIS,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung began as Lee Doo-Hee served them four cups of coffee. ¡°Moreover, the six agents who will being with you to Mongolia are nning to submit their resignation letters today.¡±

    There was no time to waste making small talk and greeting each other.

    ¡°What about thepany that Oh Gwang-Taek will enter a contract with?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We intend to make apany that manages hotels and other establishments enter the mining industry. I¡¯ve mentioned this before, but the DMZ King has also agreed to join us, which is somewhat of a constion.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nced at Kim Tae-Jin, who then nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Are you sure someone who¡¯s been away from the military for so long can y the part? He must be quite old by now too,¡± Kang Chan wondered out of concern.

    ¡°While that may be true, you should still think of that man as a living weapon. Many of us have made a name for ourselves in the DMZ and North Korea, but he is the only person to ever been called a king,¡± Kim Tae-Jin stated.

    Ha, what a nickname!

    Kang Chan smirked to himself because of how immature the title was.

    ¡°It was during his time that North Korea¡¯s DMZ team took five of our men captive. Even though our superiors didn¡¯t order us to bring them back, that man ran over to them alone. His bravery caused quite the problem, though, eventually forcing him to take off his uniform.¡±

    ¡°But you said he managed to rescue them, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    ¡°Yes, but it led to an intense shootout all over the DMZ and ultimately put us on the verge of war. That was the problem. It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say that he was thrown away to appease the protests from North Korea and the USmand,¡± Kim Tae-Jin exined.

    ¡°And how old is he?¡±

    ¡°Kang Chan, can you just trust him if I vouch for him? He has a painful background, and while I want to ept his help with this matter, I also want to help him make aeback. I hope you understand.¡±

    Kang Chan just nodded in response. He had no reason to refuse the addition of another team member anyway. He was just uneasy about them having such high expectations for an old, retired soldier.

    ¡°Oh, right! Seok Kang-Ho will be going to Jeungpyeong tomorrow. He¡¯ll be taking charge of the soldiers¡¯ training and preparation for the uing operation in Africa,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That would be nice. How in the world do you know about the SSIS and how to train against them, though?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked, voicing out his suspicions.

    Seeing Seok Kang-Ho smirk in reply, Kim Tae-Jin just shook his head from side to side.

    ¡°So it¡¯s something I have to pretend not to notice again, huh?¡± he sighed as he picked up his cup of coffee.

    ¡°I n to meet Colonel Park Chul-Su this afternoon. Would you like to apany me?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked next, turning to Kang Chan. ¡°He has only ever been in the special forces and has a strong personality that tends to make everyone a bit ufortable.¡±

    ¡°Dissonance between themander and the soldiers isn¡¯t really ideal, especially during a time like this,¡± Kang Chan said with concern.

    ¡°I will make my decision after meeting him tomorrow. He will probably visit Jeungpyeong tomorrow. If he does, he¡¯ll being across Mr. Seok,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung informed him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see how my schedule turns out first. I mighte with you,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°That sounds great,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    The men then spent some time talking about the current situation at Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯spany and discussed the personnel and supplies that had to be sent to Mongolia immediately. They ordered lunch from a nearby ce, but someone had to go downstairs to receive it, which was incredibly inconvenient. Unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t like they could hire someone just for tea or lunch errands.

    After their meal, Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung left the office. Meanwhile, Kang Chan called Yang Bum to give a summary of what happened during his call with Vasili.

    - Russia will not easily give up on this matter. It likely only ended at that level of esction because of you. Anyway, please send me the documents about thepany that will take over the mine. I will make sure to send a draft of the contract from the Mongolian Ministry of Resources within two days.

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll do that,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°No, I should be the one saying that. Thank you for your help.¡±

    After the call, Kang Chan immediately informed Kim Hyung-Jung about the details. It was now a little past one in the afternoon.

    Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    After a while, Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring again.

    ¡°Hello?¡± he answered.

    - Where are you?

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s voice was the same as ever.

    - Let¡¯s meet at the hotel for a bit. Just let me know when you¡¯re avable so I can move my ns around to fit yours. If you¡¯re busy, I¡¯ll head over to where you are. Just send me a location.

    ¡°Where are you right now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - On the way to the hotel. I¡¯ll be there in about twenty minutes.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there around that time as well,¡± Kang Chan said, then hung up. He stood up and got ready.

 Chapter 231.2: Something I Wanted To Tell You (2)

    Chapter 231.2: Something I Wanted To Tell You (2)

    Joo Chul-Bum ran over to greet Kang Chan as soon as he arrived at Namsan Hotel. Together with Seok Kang-Ho, they went up to the room to meet Oh Gwang-Taek, who looked as if he had just gotten out of the shower.

    ¡°Hey, kiddo. Hello, Mr. Seok. Please, have a seat,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said. There was coffee that was prepared for them on the table that he gestured to.

    ¡°Director Kim Tae-Jin already gave me a quick rundown. He told me I have to leave as soon as my sentence is given, is that right?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s probably what¡¯s going to happen. You¡¯re going to be apanied by a few special forces soldiers, retired soldiers with skills that are on par with them, and some Yoo-Bi Corp employees. We need people like them at least until everything has settled a little,¡± Kang Chan informed.

    ¡°Are we going to be armed with guns and shit?¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan nod, Oh Gwang-Taek wrinkled his nose.

    ¡°I heard it¡¯s fucking cold over there.¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Kang Chanzily responded.

    ¡°Hey! Were you going to send me there without even knowing that? I heard you can freeze to death over there if your car happens to break down in the middle of the road,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek furiously protested.

    ¡°Then just don¡¯t get in a car!¡± Kang Chan mockingly eximed.

    ¡°Ah, shit!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek groaned, lifting his mug of coffee. ¡°I¡¯m going through my men right now. Only the ones who want to join will being with me.¡±

    ¡°You should think about this carefully as well. This isn¡¯t something that you should decide on a whim,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    ¡°All I did while I was locked behind bars was think. For now, Chul-Bum and a few other punks are going to be joining me. I told the rest toe if they wanted. Are you going to be there with us?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the n.¡±

    ¡°What about you, Kang-Ho Hyung-nim?¡±

    ¡°I have other things to take care of, so I won¡¯t be participating this time,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    ¡°Hm? Why aren¡¯t you going to be with this kiddo for this business?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just how it ended up,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied, dodging a direct answer.

    ¡°That¡¯s a shame,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said with genuine regret in his expression. ¡°Anyway, I made ns to meet with Director Kim Tae-Jin this evening. He told me he wanted to introduce me to someone. Are youing too?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. I¡¯ll have to see how my schedule ys out first,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°All right. Sounds good.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek picked up a cigarette and offered it to them. They then lit up their smokes, putting a brief pause to their conversation.

    ¡°Hoo!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek exhaled a long breath of smoke and then looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I nned to move out of the country after getting out of jail,¡± he quietly began. ¡°I wanted to start a new life, but I felt as if it was going to be impossible here in Korea. I was even ready to go to some random jungle. In that sense, Mongolia is like an opportunity for me. The fact that I don¡¯t have to deal with paperwork and all that other crap makes it even better.¡±

    ¡°Just don¡¯t forget that this going to be a dangerous job,¡± Kang Chan warned him again.

    Oh Gwang-Taek nodded as he put his cigarette into the ashtray.

    ¡°It¡¯s a hell of a lot better than going mad because I forced myself to do something I¡¯m not even slightly familiar with,¡± he replied, still looking straight into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. ¡°I¡¯m going to think that I was born into a new life, so just protect me until I can walk again. I don¡¯t know what kind of bastards the Russian mafia have, but I¡¯m Oh Gwang-Taek. I won''t fall behind in a battle of determination.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever tell me that you¡¯ve changed your mind once we¡¯re over there,¡± Kang Chan half-joked.

    Oh Gwang-Taek simply grinned.

    ***

    ¡°What do you n on doing now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go to Misari and have a cup of tea?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°On this freezing day?¡± Seok Kang-Ho questioned, turning toward Kang Chan in surprise. ¡°We have to sit outside if we want to smoke, which will likely freeze our mouths shut.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to go back home, then?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still too early to part ways,¡± Seok Kang-Ho refused.

    Kang Chan walked out of the lobby and stood at the hotel entrance. Just then, he recalled the ce that he went to with Kim Hyung-Jungst time.

    ¡°I just remembered a nice ce. Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    It wasn¡¯t too far from the hotel either.

    Kang Chan went with Seok Kang-Ho to the cafe where therge doll was holding up its thumbs and sat down at a table that had gas heaters turned on. Even though it was still quite early, the establishment already had quite a lot of customers likely due to the holidays.

    He had already drunk a lot of coffee today, so he did what Seok Kang-Ho did and ordered some lemon tea instead. The sourness from the first sip he took made him tremble.

    ¡°Blegh!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°Why would you order something like that?¡± Kang Chan scolded.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t ordering things like this make me look like a proper gentleman?¡± Seok Kang-Ho joked.

    ¡°You little shit!¡± Kang Chan jokingly eximed.

    Whenever Kang Chan was with this bastard, he could chuckle about anything.

    ¡°Ick!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed again after another sip. After letting it pass, he then offered Kang Chan a cigarette. ¡°Here, take this.¡±

    They smoked a cigarette each.

    ¡°Are the preparations about done now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°We have only put out the urgent fires. I¡¯ll have about a week in Mongolia before you and the men are deployed to Africa. I¡¯m nning to figure things out with the Russian mafia during that time so I can fly over in time. Until then, keepmunicating with Gerard. Make sure you protect the men,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that those bastards are trying to get rid of our special forces team. Participating in an operation we had no information on was how we found ourselves in a trap that put bullets in our foreheads. Unlike back then, we have intel on this mission, but they might still have ulterior motives hidden behind this deployment. Make sound judgments and hang on until I get there.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    ¡°Now that Gerard has be themander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces, make sure you discuss everything with him and ask for his thoughts.¡±

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Seok Kang-Hoined.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Kang Chan reprimanded him.

    ¡°All right, fine! We only act that way because we can anyway. Did you really think I would fight him?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. However, it sounded as if he was saying, ¡°I¡¯m definitely going to fight with him!¡±

    Kang Chan red at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Okay, okay!¡± Seok Kang-Ho surrendered.

    ¡°Keeping our men safees before anything else.¡±

    ¡°Tsk, I know! Don¡¯t worry!¡±

    Kang Chan signed deeply, his eyes still on Seok Kang-Ho. He felt as if he was giving too much responsibility to a baby.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that? Well, anyway¡­¡± Seok Kang-Ho quickly changed the subject. ¡°Why are you here with me instead of with Mi-Young on a day like this?¡±

    ¡°Just because. My heart¡¯s been feeling strangely ufortabletely. It¡¯s like something¡¯s got a tight grip on it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Is something bad going to happen?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. You know the feeling when both your arms are tightly held and you can¡¯t move? I don¡¯t want to meet with anyone and just want to be alone,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho tilted his head in confusion, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t exin it either since he didn¡¯t even know why he felt this way.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go get some drinks?¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°Sure, why not?¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s have a few bomb shots of soju and let off steam from the past year,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho stood up and left the cafe.

    ***

    Oh Gwang-Taek greeted Kim Tae-Jin and Kang Chul-Gyu when they entered his room. He then guided them to a sofa.

    ¡°This way,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    ¡°Did someone stop by?¡± Kim Tae-Jin inquired.

    ¡°Kang Chan and Kang-Ho Hyung-nim just left.¡±

    ¡°I should¡¯ve called him in advance to see you together then. Anyway, let¡¯s start with the introductions. This is Mr. Kang Chul-Gyu, the senior of mine whom I told you about. Kang Chul-Gyu Sunbae-nim, this is Oh Gwang-Taek, the owner of thepany that will be taking over the mine.¡±

    ¡°Kang Chul-Gyu,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu greeted with a nod.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek reciprocated.

    The two stood across from each other as they exchanged a handshake.

    ¡°Please, sit down,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek urged.

    ¡°Sir, take a seat at the head,¡± Kim Tae-Jin suggested.

    Kang Chal-Gyu took him up on his offer.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chul-Gyu. Thetter nodded in reply.

    Brief silence permeated the room as Oh Gwang-Taek brought new cups and poured them coffee.

    ¡°He will be taking charge of the training for the employees you¡¯re taking, Mr. Oh. He will also oversee the entire security operation for the time being. I hope you understand and cooperate,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Instead of replying, Oh Gwang-Taek just nced at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°As far as we know, the Russian mafia is armed with new firearms. We have to exercise extreme caution,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek responded.

    ¡°Do you know how to handle firearms?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked Oh Gwang-Taek, lifting his gaze from the coffee cups.

    ¡°I was just a gangster. I¡¯ve been in and out of jail since I was young, so I didn¡¯t even get to go to my mandatory military service. The only guns I¡¯ve ever touched were a few stolen pistols from Japan and recently one that I took from some guy after a fight,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek replied without any hesitation. ¡°How should I address you? I don¡¯t think Sunbae-nim works, and Hyung-nim doesn¡¯t seem right either¡­¡±

    ¡°Something that fits,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu interrupted him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go with Executive Kang for now. He will be a temporary executive at Yoo-Bi Corp anyway,¡± Kim Tae-Jin chimed in.

    ¡°All right,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek replied before looking at the clock. ¡°Director Kim, it¡¯s a bit early, but there¡¯s a decent Korean baekban restaurant nearby. Would you like to have a stew with a ss of soju? It¡¯s the end of the year too, so it would be nice to celebrate. I can call Kang Chan and invite him too.¡±

    ¡°Will he have time?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked in doubt.

    ¡°It¡¯s the holiday season. If he¡¯s busy, we can just go without him,¡± Oh Gwang-taek said.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine with that.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯m not going to drink. You and President Oh can drink together. I¡¯ll head on home now,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu told him.

    ¡°Why not? You can¡¯t drink, sir?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    Kang Chul-Gyu just responded with a smile.

    ¡°I see. All right. Let me give Kang Chan a call now,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said instead of extending the invitation to Kang Chul-Gyu again. He picked up his phone and pressed the call button.

    ¡°It¡¯s me! I¡¯m going to have some soju with Director Kim Tae-Jin at the baekban ce out front. Want toe?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked. Immediately after, he grinned at Kim Tae-Jin. ¡°You punk! You should¡¯ve called me if you were going there. I¡¯ll head over there with the Director, so order a spicy fish roe soup for us.¡±

    The way Oh Gwang-Taek set his phone back down and chuckled was enough for everyone in the room to know what Kang Chan had said over the phone.

    ¡°He says he¡¯s already there with Kang-Ho Hyung-nim. Let¡¯s head over,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said, turning around to pick up his coat.

    Looking between the two, Kang Chul-Gyu interjected, ¡°How old is this Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

 Chapter 232.1: Iéˆ¥æª“ Sorry, Channy (1)

    Chapter 232.1: I¡¯m Sorry, Channy (1)

    The week flew by.

    Through it all, Seok Kang-Ho remained at Jeungpyeong, and Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek were busier than ever. Since Oh Gwang-Taek was bringing fewer men to Mongolia than they expected, the two had to find more employees to send over. They also had to attend to other matters, which included issuing Visas and procuring a variety of equipment.

    Kang Chan only had to look at them to know that they had a lot of things left to do.

    Every day, Kang Chan would head to the office in the morning, spending his time searching online and talking to others on the phone, then head home in the afternoon.

    He thought that they had to grow stronger so they could stop the United States from recklessly messing with them. However, considering everything that he heard from Kim Hyung-Jung and Anne, he couldn¡¯t help but feel as if his goal was unachievable.

    South Korea had too many people who enjoyed wealth and power by ttering powerful people and mooching off their authority.

    What was so bad about working hard for the wealth they¡¯d use for themselves and their family? Why did only a few go down that path?

    Kang Chan smacked his lips.

    They had to leave for Mongolia in two days, yet they still hadn¡¯t finished preparing everything.

    Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Seok Kang-Ho. What are you up to?

    For some strange reason, whenever he heard this fucker¡¯s voice, Kang Chan would feel as reinvigorated as whenever he filled up with spite.

    - I heard you¡¯re leaving in two days. I was thinking about going down from Jeungpyeong to see you tomorrow, but if you don¡¯t have anything special going on, how about you visit us for a moment instead?

    ¡°Why are you suddenly acting like this? I¡¯m only going to Mongolia.¡±

    - But the men and I are going to Africa, aren¡¯t we? The men look like they want to see you before we leave. You should drop by.

    Hearing Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s cheeky suggestion made Kang Chan want to see the soldiers again.

    - What do you want to do?

    ¡°I¡¯lle over. Since it¡¯s a little past four right now, we should have dinner together.

    - Phuhuhu. Don¡¯t take too long.

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up and told Choi Jong-Il that he was going to go to Jeungpyeong.

    ¡°Have you heard about Yoo-Seul?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    ¡°Not really. Why? Is everything okay?¡±

    ¡°We heard that she¡¯s been eating a lot,¡± Choi Jong-Il continued as he stood up. ¡°Yoo-Seul said that she¡¯s going to be a soldier, but her mom said that at this rate, she might be a pig first.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but burst outughing. It was even funnier because Choi Jong-Il¡ªwho was always serious¡ªwas the one telling him about it.

    ***

    ¡°Is this really true?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°You can¡¯t believe it either, can you? It¡¯s probably just a coincidence, but you visited me after I decided to look for my son, and then you mentioned the name Kang Chan. That¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t help but be that interested.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s gaze alternated between the three pictures that Kang Chul-Gyu took out. ¡°Your son looks just like you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really remember his face that well.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin cautiously looked up, unable to understand what Kang Chul-Gyu meant.

    ¡°I was in so much pain back then. It sometimes got so severe that I felt as if skewers were being stabbed into my head. Getting drunk and high on drugs was enough to forget about all of it, but it also made me feel as if everything that approached me was trying to kill me,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu exined. He looked down at the photos, perhaps to look at Kang Chan at least one more time while he still could. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if you understand what I mean, but even though I knew he was my son, I also felt as if he was an enemy trying to put an end to my misery. Even though I felt bad and even pitied him, I couldn¡¯t do anything about my thoughts and how I reacted.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu smiled bitterly as he nced at Kim Tae-Jin. ¡°It¡¯s probably hard to understand. Even as we speak, my body is badly craving drugs and alcohol. When I was dishonorably discharged from the army, my wife told me to live even if it meant I had to rely on drugs and alcohol. She told me to work tirelessly for our family the same way I never got tired of serving our country. Unfortunately, resorting to drugs and alcohol to keep me sane turned me into a demon.¡±

    While talking, Kang Chul-Gyu took out a passbook from an old box for his thermal underwear. ¡°This is the passbook for the savings ount that my deceased wife opened under my son¡¯s name. She was nning to get him to move out after he graduated from high school, but my son acted first. The day after we were informed that he died inbat¡­¡±

    ¡°Did you go to the hospital?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°They said that I should take out the fragment that¡¯s embedded in this side of my head, but the procedure poses too much risk. It¡¯s making it difficult for me to proceed with it.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin sighed softly in response.

    ¡°My son¡¯s name is also Kang Chan. He went abroad to work as a mercenary perhaps because he had my dirty blood coursing through his veins. He probably never knew that I used to be a soldier, though.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at the photos as he continued, ¡°I don¡¯t know how much help I can provide now that I¡¯m over sixty years old, but I¡¯m still going to try my best. Just help me find my son¡¯s remains¡ªno, I¡¯ll be okay with even just one of my son¡¯s mementos. Let me put my son to rest next to his mother.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked up at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡®This man is probably nning to die once he finds his son,¡¯ Kim Tae-Jin thought, but he had no means to confirm if the gut feeling he had was right.

    ¡°Sometimes, I find myself wondering what was going on in my son¡¯s mind during his final moments.¡±

    Hearing Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s soft voice made Kim Tae-Jin quickly look up.

    ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯ve always wanted to tell him¡­¡± Kang Chul-Gyu trailed off, holding back what he was about to say with a pained smile.

    ***

    When Kang Chan arrived in Jeungpyeong, he found Seok Kang-Ho and the soldiers grilling meat on the makeshift fire pit that they made by cutting a barrel open.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted Kang Chan. His mouth was greasy with oil, having just eaten a piece of meat using tongs. The soldiers also approached and greeted him.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Lieutenant Colonel Park?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t shown up even once since the first day he came here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan looked up out of curiosity as he epted a pair of wooden chopsticks.

    ¡°I heard that he told Dong-Gyun to take care of everything and ns to just sit by and watch even when we¡¯re deployed to Africa. I¡¯m not sure if he¡¯s doing that because he knows something about the situation or because he¡¯s justzy,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued.

    ¡°Lieutenant Colonel Park wouldn¡¯t do that out of sheerziness,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun responded. He then took a piece of meat and ate it, making sure to position his left hand below his chin to prevent the food from falling on the ground. ¡°He¡¯s been in a lot of conflicts in the field. He got his reputation because hepletely ignores the officers joining the operation when we should be greeting and taking care of them.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun said everything that he wanted to say even though he was eating meat that was still hot.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just observe how things go for now. Once you¡¯re all in Africa, you should rely on Gerard whenever you have to at least until you¡¯ve gotten the hang of the situation. Have you found an interpreter?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to be bringing two with us,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    After their meal, they joked around over coffee.

    Kang Chan was nning on dropping by and finishing his business in Mongolia as quickly as possible so he could meet up with Seok Kang-Ho and the men in Africa in time, but there was no guarantee that everyone here right now would still be alive by then.

    They ate to their heart¡¯s content. Amid their meal, they also talked to Yoon Sang-Ki, who had a hole in his stomach.

    As Kang Chan prepared to return to Seoul, the soldiers all came out and stood in front of the barracks.

    ¡°I¡¯m going,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Take care of yourself. I¡¯ll see youter in Africa,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan smirked in response. He then got in the car and drove away from the military camp not long after.

    As they merged into the national road, Choi Jong-Il, who was in the driver¡¯s seat, told Kang Chan, ¡°Once you¡¯ve left for Mongolia, the three of us decided to join the special forces team at Jeungpyeong. We¡¯re nning on going to Africa with them.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t the military¡¯s special forces the only ones allowed to participate in this operation?¡±

    ¡°We can use the same reason that Mr. Seok Kang-Ho is using to join¡ªwe¡¯ll be dispatched as members of the counter-terrorism special forces.¡±

    Kang Chan simply smirked and nodded in response. However, deep down, Choi Jong-Il¡¯s words reassured him.

    He wouldn¡¯t be able to find someone as strong and skilled as Choi Jong-Il anywhere. The man had a lot of experience as well, having umted them from the multiple operations they had gone on together.

    ***

    Upon waking up in the morning, Kang Chan went out for a run. When he got back, he took a shower and had breakfast with his parents.

    ¡°You¡¯re leaving tomorrow, right?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Will you be in dangerous situations this time as well?¡±

    ¡°Honey? Has something dangerous happened to our Channy before?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    As Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s mistake filled up his expression with shock, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s gaze alternated between him and Kang Chan.

    ¡°Work rted to the Eurasian Rail is always dangerous. Father probably only worded it that way because of what happened at the presentation hall, which was certainly quite dangerous,¡± Kang Chan answered instead.

    ¡°Y-yeah, that¡¯s right! I just suddenly remembered how dangerous that situation was while I was talking. Channy told me that he¡¯s just going to Mongolia to execute the contract for the Eurasian Rail¡¯s establishment. He¡¯ll return home as soon as he¡¯s done with it.¡±

    Kang Chanughed because of Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s somewhat sloppy response. However, what surprised him even more was that the excuse was enough to convince Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°I saw in the newspaper that this will have an enormous economic effect. Won¡¯t a lot of people be apanying you on this trip?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung wondered.

    Kang Chan answered him to the best of his ability.

    Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, and most people close to Kang Chan all thought that he was departing to Mongolia to acquire a small and average mine. What they didn¡¯t know was that this started from and was linked to the operation he led in Afghanistan and that Russia and China were also involved in this matter.

    ¡°I saw the weather over there. You should probably take warm and thick clothes with you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suggested.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    Kang Chan ate kimchi soup, which was one of the things that he would miss the most.

 Chapter 232.2: Iéˆ¥æª“ Sorry, Channy (1)

    Chapter 232.2: I¡¯m Sorry, Channy (1)

    ¡°Huff! Huff!¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu sat on the floor with his back against the wall as horrible pain coursed through him. He bent his knees to his chest and pressed his temples with the palms of his hands. It hadn¡¯t even been a day since Kim Tae-Jin visited him, but he was already in so much agony.

    The sensation made him feverish, which in turn made him feel so cold that he began to tremble. He was in so much pain that he felt as if someone was stabbing his head with a skewer until morning came.

    Interestingly, the pain subsided to some degree when the sun rose. The doctor told him that it was the effect of ¡®psychologicalfort,¡¯ but he couldn¡¯t really care less about what it was called. All that mattered to him was that it made the pain he was in wane even just a little bit.

    ¡°Phew!¡± Kang Chul-Gyu exhaled softly as he lifted his head. He smirked.

    ¡°We have to fight the Russian Mafia in Mongolia, huh?¡± he told himself, then breathed in deeply.

    He probably wouldn''t die without suffering first. After all, he had killed too many people at the DMZ. That could even be the reason why his wife and son were taken from him in the first ce.

    ¡°It seems like a fitting ce to meet my death.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu opened the box for his thermal underwear, which he had put on his right.

    ¡°Chan¡­¡± He couldn¡¯t even recognize Kang Chan¡¯s face.

    I can¡¯t believe I beat him up¡­ He had that look in his eyes, so why didn¡¯t he defy me once?

    Kang Chul-Gyu picked up Kang Chan¡¯s photo and put it in front of him.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be able to go where you are.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked.

    ¡°I heard you also found yourself fighting for your life on battlefield after battlefield, so I can¡¯t say for sure that you won¡¯t be in hell. At the very least, though, you won¡¯t be in there as deep as I am since I¡¯ll probably be dropped to the deepest part of it.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu frowned as he twisted his head, suddenly feeling a sharp pain piercing his temples.

    ¡°Phew.¡±

    A momentter, sunlight entered the room, brightening it up.

    ¡°If you¡¯re alive¡­ If I could meet you, even if it¡¯s only while I take my final breath, I would like to tell you something¡­¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said, then looked around the empty room.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Channy,¡± he continued through gritted teeth. ¡°You probably won¡¯t be able to ever forgive me, but I hope that you¡¯ll at least hear me out and that you won¡¯t misunderstand what I¡¯ll tell you. I¡¯ll be apologizing with a clear mind.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu took a few moments to bring his emotions under control. He then picked up the box for his thermal underwear and slowly stood up.

    ¡°I decided to donate the money that your mom saved up for you to a Foundation for orphaned children. It¡¯s a far better use for it than letting some useless person waste it all on alcohol.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu was talking as if Kang Chan was actually beside him. It had only been a few days since he had started feeling this way, but he had suddenly felt as if his son was actually listening from somewhere in the room. Rambling on like this seemed to decrease the pain he was in a little.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim!¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu heard Kim Tae-Jin calling him from outside the room.

    ***

    When Kang Chul-Gyu arrived at the Kang Yoo Foundation, he looked at the building with suspicion. It looked too new, making him suspect that this charity was a scam.

    ¡°Kang Chan said that he lowered the tenants¡¯ rent. He¡¯s the owner of this building, after all. Even if he didn¡¯t, his parents aren¡¯t the type of people who would trick others for money,¡± Kim Tae-Jin exined.

    Rather than replying to him, Kang Chul-Gyu slowly tilted his head back to get a better view of the building. Changing the topic, hemented, ¡°This is quite the tall building.¡±

    With Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s help, Kang Chul-Gyu had withdrawn all the money in the ount that his wife had made for Kang Chan. Once he donated it all to this foundation, which would use it to help kids in need, he wouldn¡¯t have any more to wish for. He wouldn¡¯t have any regrets either.

    ***

    Kang Chan stood in front of the window as he looked around the building.

    What is this feeling? What¡¯s making me feel this strange?

    After the new year, he started getting this feeling more and more often. However, it had never been this intense.

    Are people trying to hide something from me?

    Although he was set to leave for Mongolia tomorrow, he was having trouble telling anyone about this new emotion welling up inside him. After all, in his entire life, this was the first time he had ever felt this way.

    His guts could just be warning him that someone was about to snipe him down from a nearby building. However, if that was the case, then his heart should be pounding. He wouldn¡¯t be feeling so down.

    Even after letting some time pass, the feeling still didn¡¯t go away. Hence, he decided to leave the building for now.

    Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    Before he could, however, his phone began to ring.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy! We have just finished moving your father¡¯s business and your mother¡¯s foundation into the building. I¡¯ll be starting my normal duties now. Aren¡¯t you going to treat me to a meal?

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but admit that Michelle had certainly gone through a lot for his sake.

    Since he was already nning on leaving the building anyway, he thought it wouldn¡¯t be bad to use this timely opportunity to treat Michelle out. He wouldn¡¯t get another chance to repay her in a long while. After all, he would be flying over to Mongolia tomorrow and heading straight to Africa as soon as he was done taking care of business there.

    ¡°Sure. Would you prefer I treat you to lunch or dinner?¡±

    - Let¡¯s have lunch. Come down to the basement parking lot right now. I¡¯ll meet you there.

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up and took his time heading to the elevator. Strangely enough, his head was also starting to hurt.

    He went down to the first floor using the private elevator, then took the normal elevator to the basement.

    Ding.

    By the time Kang Chan arrived at the second floor of the basement parking lot, Michelle was already waiting for him, her car parked right by the entrance.

    ¡°Hi! Howe it¡¯s even harder to see you now even though we¡¯re finally working in the same building?¡± Michelle asked.

    Vroom.

    Kang Chan felt a little better when they drove away from the hotel and saw Michelle smiling as if to show him how happy she was.

    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Galbi-tang! It¡¯s really good.¡±

    This French girl with blonde hair and blue eyes licked her lips as she talked about galbi-tang.

    Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°Hello, Mr. President?¡±

    - Hey. Where are you right now?

    ¡°I¡¯m out right now to have lunch. Why do you ask?¡±

    - Haha! I¡¯m at your building right now. I was hoping to have lunch with you.

    Michelle examined Kang Chan¡¯s mood. She then gave him a nce that let him know that she wouldn¡¯t mind heading back if they had to.

    ¡°Would like me to head back? I can go now if you need me to.¡±

    - No need. My sunbae-nim is here as well, so we¡¯re heading out soon to meet Oh Gwang-Taek. Do take your time. We¡¯re going to Mongolia tomorrow anyway, so I see no reason to rush.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    - Of course! Let¡¯s talkter.

    After Kang Chan hung up, he nodded to Michelle.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go back?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°Someone dropped by our building with an acquaintance, but they don¡¯t have enough time to wait for me to get back.¡±

    Michelle examined Kang Chan¡¯s mood again but didn¡¯t say anything else on the matter.

    The galbi-tang restaurant was quite crowded, and there was a good reason for it¡ªtheir food was quite delicious.

    After finishing their meal, Michelle drove around to the back of Namsan and parked at arge cafe. It had a terrace and a gas heater with a wide top that looked like an umbre.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have to go back to the office?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything special nned today. My schedule will probably remain this way for the next two weeks.¡±

    Kang Chan just nodded. He wondered if there was any other profession out there that could tell the difference between when they were busy and when they were free this clearly.

    They ordered coffee and made themselvesfortable.

    ¡°You¡¯re leaving for Mongolia tomorrow, right? Have you packed your clothes? Should I buy you some?¡± Michelle asked. Upon seeing Kang Chan smirking, she became more aggressive with her approach. ¡°Why are you smiling? I was hoping I could make you feel better while we¡¯re out shopping for clothes, you know.¡±

    ¡°If my guess is right and we buy the clothes that you have in mind, I doubt I¡¯d be able to wear any of them in Mongolia. We¡¯re flying over to that ce to build a military base, so what I need are sturdy and thick clothes that I can trust to withstand andst in rough situations and tedious environments. Like military uniforms, for example.¡±

    ¡°We can buy clothes like that, then.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop this conversation here,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Michelle nodded upon seeing him smile once more.

    Every time they met, Kang Chan felt more and morefortable being around her.

 Chapter 233.1: Iéˆ¥æª“ Sorry, Channy (1)

    Chapter 233.1: I¡¯m Sorry, Channy (1)

    ¡°What is it that you really do, Channy?¡± Michelle asked mischievously.

    ¡°You¡¯ll get hurt if I tell you,¡± Kang Chan replied with a grin.

    Michelleughed, her blue doe eyes sparkling. ¡°You just changed out of nowhere. It¡¯s as if you instantly matured in a single day. Although you¡¯re younger than me, I couldn¡¯t help but think of you as being the same age as me in the past. Now, you seem a lot older than me.¡±

    She picked up a cigarette and put it in between her lips.

    Click.

    Kang Chan flicked a lighter on for her, and she leaned her head down a bit to catch the me. Her long eyshes seemed to charm everyone around them every time she blinked.

    ¡°Mysterious men are so attractive, especially when they make me feel like I can¡¯t make them mine. Maybe the reason I find you even more alluring is because ever since we met, all your focus has been on that girl named Mi-Young,¡± Michelle said.

    Kang Chan brought his cup of coffee up to his lips.

    ¡°Thank you for ying along whenever I vie for your attention like this. I only have one wish to ask from you,¡± she said.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked, his curiosity getting the best of him.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Kang Chan replied. He truly had no idea.

    ¡°I wish you¡¯d let yourself get a bit steamy sometimes. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s with me or Mi-Young.¡±

    ¡°Why was I expecting you to say something else?¡± Kang Chan mock-groaned.

    Michelle grinned, her amusement evident in her expression.

    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong with my wish?¡± she asked, feigning innocence.

    ¡°You are.¡±

    Michelle burst outughing. The men around them peeked over and sneaked nces at her face and chest.

    ¡°Why do you run away at the most decisive moments?¡± Michelle wondered.

    ¡°Who do you think you¡¯re using of running away?¡± Kang Chan asked defensively.

    ¡°But I¡¯m right, aren¡¯t I? From what I¡¯ve seen so far, you use Mi-Young as an excuse to keep your distance from me, but you stille up with excuses when you¡¯re around her, including that she¡¯s still too young. like she¡¯s too young and you don¡¯t know exactly how you feel about her. Tell me I¡¯m wrong.¡±

    ¡°Hey, What are you suggesting I do with a high-schooler?¡±

    ¡°If someone heard you, they¡¯d think you¡¯re already in your thirties.¡±

    Unable to swiftlye up with a retort, Kang Chan instead just gazed back at her.

    ¡°You do know that Mi-Young is waiting for you, right?¡± Michelle asked.

    Is she telling the truth right now?

    Kang Chan was speechless.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you already well aware of that too? As you say, a girl who¡¯s still in high school is waiting for you to call all day. She has never told you that she doesn¡¯t like you, and there is no doubt in your mind that she always greets you happily whenever you do call. Why can¡¯t you just be honest about your feelings for her in return?¡± Michelle questioned.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s because¡­¡± Kang Chan trailed off. He was certain that he had his reasons, but he felt as if he wouldn¡¯t be able to exin himself properly right now.

    ¡°Channy, I¡¯ll always be ready. This is the first time I¡¯ve ever loved anyone, so I¡¯m genuinely happy and grateful for moments like these. But Mi-Young is different. It¡¯s her first time with everything, right? From what I¡¯ve seen so far, your parents are genuinely and madly in love with each other. That leaves me wondering what kind of traumatic experience has left you so scared.¡±

    ¡°You think I¡¯m scared?¡± Kang Chan asked in disbelief.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you agree? You always back down during crucial moments out of sheer fear. It¡¯s like you¡¯re scared to let someone in your heart.¡±

    Kang Chan stared straight into Michelle¡¯s big, blue eyes.

    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s say your feelings are stopping you from sleeping with me. That¡¯s the reason I fell for you so deeply anyway. What about Mi-Young, though? You don¡¯t have to sleep with her. Her emotions and the way she behaves around you should be more than enough to let you know that she loves you. What are you so afraid of? Because she¡¯s a high schooler? That¡¯s a pathetic excuse. If Mi-Young sincerely loves you and is waiting for you, you¡¯re being too cruel to her right now. You¡¯re making her wait without even letting her know how long she has to.¡±

    Why is she going to such lengths about this topic today?

    Michelle was making such solid points from Kang Chan¡¯s perspective that he didn¡¯t even know what to say to her.

    ¡°If you can¡¯te up with an answer yourself, then just do as I say,¡± Michelle urged.

    ¡°What would you have me do?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Stop thinking about all of this for a day and sleep with me!¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    Michelle giggled loudly at his reaction.

    ¡°Before you leave the country tomorrow, at least meet up with Mi-Young and try to tell her a bit of how you feel. I don¡¯t want you to be a coward in front of anyone. The Channy I love isn¡¯t that kind of man,¡± she said.

    Kang Chan quietly took a deep breath, then let out a long sigh. How could he have her understand all the emotions he was feeling right now?

    ¡°My birthday is next month, by the way,¡± Michelle said out of nowhere, changing the topic.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t forget my birthday present, did you?¡± Her words were coated with mischief.

    When Kang Chan grinned, Michelle smiled from ear to ear, her eyes crinkling.

    ¡°All I¡¯m saying is that you should give the French girl the French treatment and the Korean girl the Korean treatment,¡± Michelle continued.

    ¡°You know it doesn¡¯t work that way, don''t you?¡± Kang Chan responded lightheartedly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be happy for as long as you give me my birthday present.¡±

    Kang Chanughed. Michelleughed along with him.

    ***

    By the time Kang Chan left and returned to the office, it was already two in the afternoon. Not too long after he arrived, an agent from the French embassy arrived at his floor with Woo Hee-Seung.

    ¡°I¡¯ve brought with me a package from the DGSE,¡± the agent said. He pulled out a box that was forty-five centimeters in length and width and about twenty centimeters thick.

    After getting Kang Chan¡¯s signature as proof of delivery, the agent immediately left.

    The box was made of yellowish paper. Woo Hee-Seung brought a stationery knife and cut through the tape, revealing a t, twenty-centimeter square monitor.

    The electrical cord was a three-conductor type, so they couldn¡¯t use it immediately. After looking through the contents of the box, Kang Chan called Anne.

    - Anne speaking, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°I just got the monitor you sent over. What is this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - It¡¯s a receiver that will allow you to simultaneously view screens captured by our satellites. Once you power it up, you¡¯ll see three satellites marked on the right side of the screen. You can select one by clicking on it, providing you with real-time footage of whatever it¡¯s capturing at that moment.

    ¡°The prongs don¡¯t match our outlets.¡±

    - Since you¡¯re in South Korea, you should be able to use it without any problem if you cut off the ground wire in the center. While you¡¯re in Mongolia, you can just use the UPS system for it.

    ¡°Is it functioning now as well?¡±

    - One local satellite in Mongolia and two African satellites are automatically connected to it. If it is lost or stolen, the DGSE can destroy it remotely.

    ¡°This is amazing. Thank you, Anne.¡±

    - One more thing, Monsieur Kang. Never forget that you¡¯re the Deputy Director-General of the DGSE.

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll call you againter,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan had Woo Hee-Seung cut off the ground wire and connected it to an outlet. After about two minutes, the screen showed the building he was in right now and three small icons on the right.

    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s this? This is going to let everyone know what I ate today,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    ¡°This is incredible,¡± Choi Jong-Il said. He, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee all looked at the device in amazement.

    The monitor had a touchscreen feature, allowing them to move the camera around by dragging their fingers across it. They could even zoom in and zoom out.

    ¡°Damn it,¡± Kang Chan swore lowly.

    They had to fight a country that was most definitely using equipment as advanced as this. Kang Chan wasn¡¯tpletely certain, but he assumed that Ennd, the United States, Russia, and Germany were all on this level as well. He could make a phone call and those countries would likely only take minutes to figure out what he was talking about.

    As he realized the huge gap in capabilities between South Korea and the other countries¡¯ intelligence bureaus, he selected a different satellite on the monitor. Much to his fascination, the screen immediately showed ins of either Africa or Mongolia.

    ¡°Give this to Manager Kim,¡± Kang Chan instructed Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°Are you sure, sir?¡± Choi Jong-Il questioned.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he can use it a lot more effectively than if I just carry it around.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied. He pulled the plug and set it back inside the box.

    Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

    After some time, Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring.

    ¡®Who could this be?¡¯

    The call was from an unknown number, which was quite rare for him to get these days. Random advertisement calls asionally came through, but they never disyed personal numbers on his phone screen like this call.

    Kang Chan decided to pick it up.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - Hello. This is Colonel Park Chul-Su. Is this assistant director Kang Chan?

    ¡°Yes, this is Kang Chan speaking.¡±

    - I apologize for the sudden call. If it¡¯s all right with you, I would like to see you. When do you have time?

    A person whom Kang Chan had never met before suddenly called him. The man sounded quite firm about his request, making it sound as if there would be consequences if he refused it.

    ¡°Where are you right now?¡± Kang Chan asked politely.

    - I¡¯m in Samseong-Dong.

    ¡°Are you with Manager Kim Hyung-Jung?¡±

    - Yes, I am. He wanted to call you, but I insisted on calling you myself.

    From the way the man talked to him, Kang Chan thought that he probably lived his life ording to his temper.

    ¡°Can you and manager Kime over to where I am right now, then? I have something I¡¯d like to discuss with him anyway.¡±

    - Give me a moment.

    A brief moment of silence enveloped their call after the man¡¯s short and sharp response. Park Chul-Su was probably asking if Kim Hyung-Jung was avable to go to Kang Chan¡¯s office.

    - Can we head over now?

    ¡°Sure,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - We¡¯ll be leaving soon, then.

    After hanging up, a chuckle escaped Kang Chan.

    ¡°Colonel Park Chul-Su said he¡¯sing over. Manager Kim will being with him, so we can just give this device to him then too,¡± Kang Chan informed the people in the room with him.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Woo Hee-Seung replied. He brought over a small bag from inside the office and put the monitor¡¯s box inside of it.

 Chapter 233.2: Iéˆ¥æª“ Sorry, Channy (1)

    Chapter 233.2: I¡¯m Sorry, Channy (1)

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s office.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just call you Hyung-nim, all right?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked politely.

    Kang Chul-Gyu simply nced over at him in reply.

    ¡°I apologize if you don¡¯t think it¡¯s respectful enough given your age, but I¡¯ve lived this way my entire life. The title ¡®Director¡¯ just won¡¯t stick to my mouth, and I can¡¯t do anything about it. You have that look in your eyes anyway, so just let me call you Hyung-nim,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek added in an attempt to persuade him.

    Pft.

    Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t stop himself from chuckling.

    ¡°Even though your faces arepletely different, your expression, gaze, and even yourugh are exactly like Kang Chan¡¯s. It¡¯s strange. We should seriously look into this when we can. Do you think he¡¯s a distant rtive?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never even met him,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu answered.

    ¡°So strange. Even your tone of speaking is the same.¡±

    ¡°Tae-Jin also said the same thing. Do I really resemble that guy? I heard he isn¡¯t even 20 yet.¡±

    ¡°I am a hundred percent sure that he¡¯spletely like you. That man is a total monster. If he had decided to be a gangster, I would have retired a lot earlier. Best to just quickly leave than embarrass myself by getting my ass kicked by him. I was surprised when he managed to take down the parking lot gang¡¯s Park Ki-Bum all by himself, but I still didn¡¯t expect him to be this much of a beast back then.¡±

    Seeing the doubt in Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes, Oh Gwang-Taek chuckled as he continued, ¡°Hyung-nim, I¡¯m feeling parched. Why don¡¯t we¡ªOh, right! You don¡¯t drink alcohol, do you? Why don¡¯t I tell you a bit more about this story over something nice and refreshing instead,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek suggested.

    Kang Chul-Gyu only chuckled again in response. Hence, Oh Gwang-Taek nodded and pressed the button for the inte.

    ¡°Hey! Get me a pint of beer and a pint of juice,¡± he ordered.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at Oh Gwang-Taek in disbelief.

    ***

    ¡°Colonel Park Chul-Su,¡± Park Chul-Su greeted.

    ¡°Kang Chan,¡± Kang Chan said in response.

    Park Chul-Su had the physique of a wrestling athlete. He was very well-built and was around one hundred seventy-five centimeters tall. What remained of his nearly-gone left ear made Kang Chan sure that he was a wrestler at some point.

    Park Chul-Su saluted Kang Chan first, then held out his hand before Kang Chan could salute back. He gripped his hand tightly. When Kang Chan returned the favor, surprise shed in his eyes.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go somewhere we can sit down for now?¡± Park Chul-Su suggested.

    ¡°The office is better for meetings like this,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    This open space only had one table and two desks, one of which was in the corner of the room.

    Park Chul-Su was wearing ck jeans, a cored shirt, and a bomber jacket. His posture remained straight as he sat down at the desk. When Lee Doo-Hee brought them some tea, Park Chul-Su nced at him and nodded in a short greeting.

    ¡°I understand you¡¯re busy, but I wanted to meet with you before you left for Mongolia, so I begged Manager Kim to give me the opportunity,¡± Park Chul-Su began.

    ¡°I wanted to go to Jeungpyeong as well, but my schedule is so hectic right now that I can¡¯t find the time to,¡± Kang Chan responded, his voice filled with regret.

    ¡°No, I understand.¡±

    Park Chul-Su¡¯s tone and actions were stiff and curt, just like a soldier who had just entered the military.

    ¡°Do you smoke?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Can I smoke in an office like this?¡± Park Chul-Su sounded surprised.

    ¡°You look like you would like nothing better than to smoke here,¡± Kang Chan replied with a grin.

    Park Chul-Su smiled from ear to ear as he pulled out a cigarette and lighter from his bomber jacket¡¯s pocket. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but think that even the man¡¯s smile had a stiff angle to it.

    ¡°Here,¡± Park Chul-Su said. He offered him a Korean cigarette¡ªthe priciest one on the market.

    Kang Chan took no time to ept it. He then lit up Park Chul-Su¡¯s and Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s cigarettes for them.

    ¡°We came here because Colonel Park said he has something important that he wants to tell you,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve been meaning to meet him as well,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    After some tea and puffs on the cigarette, the awkwardness died down a bit.

    ¡°I have a favor to ask,¡± Park Chul-Su said after folding and extinguishing the cigarette firmly in the ashtray. ¡°The only reason why I decided to take the special forces in Jeungpyeong is because I know what General Choi Seong-Geon would have wanted.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what Park Chul-Su was trying to say. Since Park Chul-Su hadn¡¯t made his point yet, he didn¡¯t really know how to reply.

    ¡°I will stop any unjust ordersing from the higher-ups in the military. In return, I hope you keep managing the special forces team the same way as before, Assistant Director,¡± Park Chul-Su added.

    What is he talking about?

    Seeing Kang Chan look so confused, Park Chul-Su continued, ¡°While I was part of the Third Airborne Forces, there was a time when I wanted to be discharged. General Choi stopped me back then. He said that a time woulde when soldiers like me would be needed, and if thest fortress of our country couldn¡¯t be protected because it had no soldiers like me in that crucial moment, General Choi, the special forces in Jeungpyeong, and I would all be sinning against our country. Now, I¡¯ve found what it is that I have to do. That¡¯s why I have takenmand of Jeungpyeong¡¯s special forces team.¡±

    Kang Chan felt chills running down the back of his head, behind his ears, and on his neck¡ªa testament to how powerful Park Chul-Su¡¯s expression, voice, and eyes were.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to find anyone to seed General Choi Seong-Geon who knows his intentions as well as I do. He attempted to bring me over to Jeungpyeong about three times, but there was strong opposition from the higher-ups. They probably thought that if I was with General Choi, they would lose what little control they had left of his special forces team. They simply had no choice this time because no one else would take the position. Hence, as General Choi has done until he passed, I will be your shield. In return, please continue to lead the special forces team, Assistant Director Kang. That is all.¡±

    As Park Chul-Su picked up another cigarette, Kang Chan felt as if he had woken up from a spell.

    A chuckle escaped from him.

    Why are there so many incredible men in this damn country?

    Maybe it was because he now felt differently about this country than in the past, but he couldn¡¯t help but be amazed.

    ¡°Colonel Park,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Assistant Director,¡± Park Chul-Su replied, quickly putting his cigarette on the table.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know if it was because of his position as assistant director or if it stemmed from the respect the man had for his aplishments, but Park Chul-Su treated him as if he was his superior.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for General Choi, none of the operations that we¡¯ve gone on would have been possible,¡± Kang Chan said.

    This time, Park Chul-Su was the one who looked confused.

    ¡°If there wasn¡¯t anyone to link the special forces soldiers so tightly together, they wouldn¡¯t have gotten any golden opportunity that would have allowed them to join missions,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    The smoke from the lit cigarette rose, and the ceiling sucked it all up.

    ¡°There wille a time when the special forces team has to takemand of themselves. I would likely not be able to join them during their uing mission in Africa. If you speak as if you¡¯re leaving the soldiers to fend for themselves, the soldiers won¡¯t have anyone to rely on. If you¡¯re in it, you¡¯re in it, and if you¡¯re not, then you¡¯re not. That¡¯s the kind of person General Choi was,¡± Kang Chan asserted.

    Park Chul-Su grinned and put out his cigarette.

    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying,¡± Park Chul-Su stated.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave the soldiers in your hands,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Leave it to me,¡± Park Chul-Su replied.

    Kim Hyung-Jung, who was just quietly listening to the conversation, made the most satisfied smile that Kang Chan had ever seen him make.

    ***

    ¡°You really didn¡¯t watch this?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked Kang Chul-Gyu in disbelief.

    ¡°I told you. I was intentionally avoiding anything rted to the military. I don¡¯t even have a TV at home,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied.

    They were now at Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s office. Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t take his eyes off therge TV that took up one side of the wall. Its screen was showing the battle that the South Korean special forces had in Afghanistan.

    ¡°That man is the one called Kang Chan, isn¡¯t he?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°I do not have the authority to confirm that,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked in response. His eyes remained glued on the screen, refusing to look away for even just a moment.

    He flinched as he watched Kang Chan put up quite a fierce fight. It was as if he would spring forward at any moment.

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s glinting eyes, the loose smirk on one corner of his mouth, and his tightly clenched fists. He had heard Kang Chul-Gyu had devoted three full years to rehab. Even now, Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes shed with the struggle to ovee his pain, but his well-built physique could convince people that he was still on active duty.

    ¡°That guy has quite the gut instincts,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu suddenly remarked.

    Kim Tae-Jin nced up.

    ¡°It¡¯s the kind of thing that you just know. Your heart tells you. The moment you fall into a state where you can start to count your breaths, you be the perfect killing machine,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said firmly.

    Kang Chul-Gyu gritted his teeth as he continued to watch the fight on the screen.

 Chapter 234.1: And... (1)

    Chapter 234.1: And... (1)

    After their meeting, Kang Chan went to his office and gave the satellite video receiver to Kim Hyung-Jung. He also instructed him to tell the team that was leaving tomorrow to pack it for Africa. Afterward, Kim Hyung-Jung left with Park Chul-Su.

    They had done all preparations now.

    Kang Chan could go home early to eat with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. He had enough time to meet up with Kim Mi-Young as well. Hence, he decided to give her a call before doing anything else.

    - Hello?

    Her voice was as clear as always. It made him question if being with her and talking to her was enough for him to corrupt her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t contact you earlier.¡±

    - I understand. You were busy, weren¡¯t you?

    Is she really not upset or angry?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for calling you out of the blue, but would you like to have dinner with me?¡±

    - I would love to! Are we going to go out today?

    Kang Chan smirked. He wondered why she bothered asking if they were going to meet today when she had already essentially told him that she was avable.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be at the apartment entrance in about twenty minutes. It¡¯s cold outside, so only head out once I¡¯ve arrived. I don¡¯t want you waiting too long in the cold.¡±

    - Alright.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt apologetic toward her as he was hanging up.

    As he was leaving the office, he called Kang Dae-Kyung and told him that he was going to have dinner before going home. He then called the Japanese restaurant at Namsan Hotel and asked them to reserve a table for two people.

    It took exactly twenty minutes for him to reach Kim Mi-Young¡¯s apartment. Upon seeing him, Kim Mi-Young, who was sitting on the bench, stood up and ran over.

    Whoosh!

    Nothing changed since thest time they saw each other.

    ¡°You went out early, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    The faint smell of the soap and shampoo that she used was the same as well.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go get something to eat,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    They got in the taxi in front of the apartment and headed to Namsan Hotel.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to eat at the hotel?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it expensive there?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m paid a monthly sry, so it¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°Still. Isn¡¯t it expensive?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect that seeing her ck eyes staring at him would make him feel this breathless.

    ¡°Are you thinking of growing out your hair?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yup! I¡¯ll graduate soon, so I thought it would be fitting. Why? Should I cut my hair instead?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡±

    In truth, Kang Chan wondered if it would be better for her to trim it a little. More specifically, he wanted her to style her straight bangs a bit. However, it would be rude to just outright tell her that.

    When they arrived at the hotel, Kang Chan led Kim Mi-Young to the Japanese restaurant that he made a reservation in.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner here today. It reminds me of when we ate sashimi,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Is this ce good?¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡±

    The manager weed them when they reached the entrance of the restaurant.

    ¡°Pleasee this way,¡± the manager requested and guided them to the table they had prepared for them, which was near the window to the right. She then handed them hot wet towels.

    ¡°We want to eat sashimi. Choose a menu for us,¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do that. Would you like to be served some alcohol along with your food?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure... Actually, I¡¯ll have a beer.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s surprised gaze alternated between the two. The manager smiled throughout their conversation.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have it all prepared,¡± the manager said.

    Kim Mi-Young leaned closer to Kang Chan when the manager left. ¡°Do youe here often?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ve only ever been here twice before today. Thest time I came here, I was with DI¡ªthepany that produces dramas. I came here for simr reasons the other time.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young nodded. She then looked around the restaurant and out the window.

    Isn¡¯t it normal for people who live in Gangnam to eat at this hotel at least once or twice? Her father Kim Kwang-Sik is a judge, no less.

    Nevertheless, Kim Mi-Young looked flustered. It was as if she found the situation awkward.

    For some reason, Kang Chan thought that she would have the same expression and reaction to getting closer to his true nature.

    Yeah. I might have been making excuses because I was afraid that she wouldn¡¯t ept my real self.

    While they were gazing out the window, they were served beer. They were served appetizers not long after.

    ¡°Quick, try it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    Kang Chan filled a ss a little more than halfway with beer and put it in front of Kim Mi-Young. He then filled his own ss with beer.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a toast,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Okay!¡± Smiling awkwardly, Kim Mi-Young held up her ss.

    ¡°Sorry I wasn¡¯t there for you when you had your exams,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes curved a little as she smiled.

    Kang Chan drank about half of the beer in his ss and put it down. After taking a sip, Kim Mi-Young put hers down with a frown.

    She was like a child that lived in apletely different world.

    It wasn¡¯t something to be proud of, but when he was her age, he was already downing soju right from the bottle. He already smoked then, too.

    ¡°This is delicious!¡± Kim Mi-Young eximed.

    It tastes different from the sahimi that we had at the beach, doesn¡¯t it?

    Seeing her so happy made Kang Chan smile.

    ¡°Take your time. Eat to your heart¡¯s content,¡± he said.

    ¡°I will! You should also have some too.¡±

    Kang Chan was certain that their waiter and the manager were suppressing their curiosity about who Kim Mi-Young was.

    ***

    ¡°Can I take a look at it again?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°We have it recorded, so you can check it out as much as you want. How about we have dinner first before you y it again¡­ Why are you sweating so much?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked back.

    Ignoring the question, Kang Chul-Gyu took out two tissues from the box and wiped his forehead. ¡°What military unit is Kang Chan from?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have the faintest idea.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu stared at Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°What would I gain from lying to you? I¡¯ve already tried to find out where he¡¯s from and how he was trained among a lot of other details. Unfortunately, despite asking him about it two or so times, I still haven¡¯t gotten an answer from him. All I know is that he has those skills and that he speaks French like a native.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu sighed softly, seemingly able to tell that Kim Tae-Jin was telling the truth.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be this interested,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented.

    ¡°Look at this,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu responded as he showed the tissue that he was holding. It was damp. ¡°I felt suffocated when I tried to imagine what it would be like to face someone like him as an opponent. I have never met anyone whose senses are as heightened as his. It also makes me angry, though. If only I could fight and represent South Korea like he did, I wouldn¡¯t have felt as if I was treated unjustly.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin pursed his lips and nodded.

    ¡°I won¡¯t have to go if he¡¯s going with you guys.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s going to Africa in a few days.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, that doesn¡¯t make sense. Is he really still just in high school? Onlymanders who have at least over ten years ofbat experience can show that level of skill. I doubt he¡¯s been going out to battlefields shooting people down since he was eight or nine years old. This is so confusing!¡±

    ¡°Section chief Jeon, General Choi, Kim Hyung-Jung and I used to feel the same way. Now, we¡¯ve just learned to ept the situation and assume that he is more capable than we¡¯ll ever know.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see how he fought with bays?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°I watched that part a few times as well, so yes.¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chul-Gyu looked at Kim Tae-Jin. ¡°The special forces of France¡¯s Foreign Legion use the same close-quartersbat techniques. How can someone so young be so familiar with such a martial art?¡±

    ¡°He gave amissioned education session to five of our employees, so I¡¯ve seen him perform those techniques firsthand. Even so, I still couldn¡¯t figure out how he learned them. Moreover, the special forces of France¡¯s Foreign Legion wholeheartedly epted him as theirmander. That¡¯s why the National Intelligence Service has a rough suspicion that he¡¯s an agent that France trained in secret.¡±

    ¡°Haha, this is making my brain hurt.¡±

    ¡°The majority of the people who got to know Kang Chan showed that kind of response.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu shook his head and sharply looked at the TV. The video was paused on Kang Chan walking on the runway. Seok Kang-Ho was on his left and Kwak Cheol-Ho his right.

    ***

    The sky was already dark when Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young¡¯s dinner finished. After leaving the restaurant, they headed to the lobby, where they found an oilmp lit up on every table. A woman wearing a flowy dress was ying the piano on one side of it.

    ¡°Wee,¡± the manager greeted. She guided them to a table near the window that was furthest away from the entrance and put a menu on the table.

    Lights filled the front garden, beyond which were city lights shing brightly.

    ¡°What are you going to drink?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Coffee. What about you?¡±

    ¡°Hmm. I¡¯ll also drink coffee, then.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure? What if you have a hard time sleepingter?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Should I have hot chocte instead, then?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head. The manager quickly approached them and took their order.

    ¡°Mi-Young,¡± he called after.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    How can her smile be so bright?

    Kang Chan wanted to hold his tongue, but he decided to proceed with what he had in mind anyway.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got something I want to tell you¡­¡±

    Their coffee and hot chocte were served in the middle of his sentence, stopping their conversation for a moment. Noticing the mood, the manager quickly put their drinks on the table and walked away.

 Chapter 234.2: And... (1)

    <h4>Chapter 234.2: And... (1)</h4>

    ¡°I work at a government agency now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I know,¡± Kim Mi-Young replied. He had already told her about it before. ¡°My dad even told me to never bother you when you¡¯re working and that I should stop having feelings for you if I don¡¯t like waiting. I told him that I understood,¡± Kim Mi-Young added.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh. He was disappointed that her father had already talked to her about this.

    <i>What on earth is this?</i>

    ¡°What else did you hear from him?¡± Kang Chan asked. He initially nned to open his heart to her, but he was curious now about how much she knew.

    ¡°He told me that you¡¯re South Korea¡¯s chief manager for the Eurasian Rail.¡±

    Her answer made Kang Chan lean forward in surprise. He had already heard something like that before, but he never thought that he would hear it again from Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Did your father really tell you that?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Where did he even hear that from?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young discretely examined Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m just asking out of sheer curiosity. That hasn¡¯t been set in stone yet so that information is really hard toe by for most people,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°You know that a department in South Korea has been formed to take charge of the Eurasian Rail, right?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young looked at Kang Chan with surprise in her eyes. She looked as if she couldn¡¯t believe it at first, but her gaze soon changed to one that seemed to ask, ¡®Really?¡¯

    ¡°I really didn¡¯t know until now. I¡¯ve heard they¡¯re nning to create one, but I wasn¡¯t aware that they have already pushed through with it,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°If my memory serves me right, it was made around Octoberst year. My dad said that he made a bid to be the head of that department¡¯s legal division.¡±

    ¡°He did?¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡±

    <i>Damn it! How much does that man know?</i>

    He suddenly felt as if his thoughts were getting all jumbled up.

    Her girlfriend¡¯s father being a judge was already burdensome as it was, but he was in charge of the legal duties of Eurasian Rail¡¯s South Korean branch now?

    <i>Damn it.</i>

    Kang Chan suddenly thought that sleeping with her¡ªno, even kissing her just went out of the window. The damn Eurasian Rail project never seemed to stop messing up his life. It was even stopping him from moving forward with his romantic rtionship now.

    ¡°Is that why you¡¯ve been so understanding despite my inability to call you regrly?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°My dad pays attention to what you do more than me. He said so many times that we should never do something that¡¯ll harm our country since our family has made a living out of its money. He was also especially stern when he told my mom not to talk about you. She can¡¯t even talk to her friends on the phone in peacetely.¡±

    <i>I lost! I havepletely lost.</i>

    He hadpletely forgotten what he was nning to tell Kim Mi-Young today.

    <i>Considering everything that¡¯s happened, how could she still tell me all of this?</i>

    Kim Kwan-Sik would have likely told Kim Mi-Young not to tell him anything.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I told him that I¡¯ll wait for you for as long as you need me to. I n to stay true to those words,¡± Kim Mi-Young continued.

    She was certainly an honor student. Having memorized the answer, her eyes were now full of the desire to reach it.

    Kang Chan decided to stop here for today. Talking about deeper subjects in this state would overdo it. They talked about something else for a moment, then went outside and strolled in the front garden of the hotel.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to Mongolia tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan opened.

    ¡°I see. Will it take a long time for you toe back?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but it shouldn¡¯t take that long.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young held Kang Chan¡¯s hand. The noises she made sounded as if she was both crying and grumbling. She already knew what his answer would be, but she still looked as if she found it hard to wait for him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll be back as soon as I can,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Are we still going on the trip you promised after I graduate?¡±

    ¡°Are you really sure that you won¡¯t regret choosing me?¡±

    ¡°Of course I am,¡± Kim Mi-Young answered.

    The subject suddenlypletely changed.

    Kang Chan looked directly into her eyes.

    ¡°Do you know what I mean when I say that you should go on a trip with me?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    Kim Mi-Young nodded. She was clearly feeling shy, but she didn¡¯t look away.

    ¡°What are you going to do if you regret thister on?¡±

    ¡°Like if we break up?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked back.

    ¡°Yeah. What if that happens?¡±

    ¡°Do I have to regret it after that?¡±

    <i>Is she a bit stupid or has she always been like this and I just forgot about it because I haven¡¯t been seeing her oftentely?</i>

    ¡°For as long as I think I made the right decision, I will never regret it. If I end up being wrong, I just have to figure out why and then avoid making the same mistake again. If you no longer like me by the time wee back from our trip, just let me know so I can figure out what I did wrong. Even in that scenario, I still won¡¯t regret going on that trip with you,¡± Kim Mi-Young exined.

    <i>I lost on this one as well.</i>

    Her answer was so perfect that it left him speechless.

    Kim Mi-Young stepped closer to Kang Chan and hugged him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you. My dad is probably right. Still, I can¡¯t help but hope that we¡¯ll be able to create memories together. Do you remember when you appeared on TV? All the girls at our school started liking you because of it. <i>Hmm</i>, maybe not all of them, but most of them do. That¡¯s why I was hoping you would tell me that you like and miss me from time to time instead of just eating out like this.¡± Kim Mi-Young raised her head and looked at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan smirked, making herugh.

    ¡°Jeez!¡±

    ¡°<i>Huhuhu</i>.¡±

    Kang Chan gave Kim Mi-Young a big hug. ¡°I missed you so much.¡±

    ¡°I missed you too!¡±

    He found Kim Mi-Young¡¯s sparkling eyes quite beautiful.

    <i>Damn it! Choi Jong-Il is probably watching us from somewhere.</i>

    ***

    After parting ways with Kim Mi-Young in front of her apartment building, he headed home and spent time with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    They knew that he was leaving tomorrow, which made things a lot morefortable for him. It was much easier to talk to them because he was taking amercial ne to Mongolia, which meant his departure time and even flight number were public information.

    Yoo Hye-Sook hinted that she wanted to give him a ride to the airport, but she decided not to when Kang Chan told her that the employees of Yoo Bi-Corp would be apanying him.

    ¡°We can at least have breakfast together before you leave, right?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked afterward.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I have to leave at ten in the morning, so you two will probably be at work by then.¡±

    ¡°About that. We¡¯ve decided that your dad will go to work first, and I¡¯ll leave after lunch. I get to see you off before I head out.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked as if she felt much less upset this timepared to before since Kang Chan came home early and spent time with her for the past few days.

    ***

    When Kang Chan woke up the next morning, he went out on a jog and lightly worked out.

    He wasn¡¯t in a bad mood. However, the ufortable feeling on one side of his chest was still there even though it had already been a few days. Hence, he was worried that something would happen to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    After seeing Kang Dae-Kyung off, Kang Chan began packing his bag. He decided to travel light.

    ording to the n, they would be going to anbaatar on amercial flight and take a helicopter to the site from there.

    He packed thick thermal and normal underwear and one pair of winter shoes. Kim Tae-Jin was supposed to be providing him with all this, but Kang Chan decided to take them from Yoo Hye-Sook and bring them with him because she was so worried.

    Soon, Kang Chan picked up his bag and headed to the entrance. It was time for him to go.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook got teary as she said goodbye to Kang Chan, who went out of the house often.

    ¡°Why are you crying? I won¡¯t be long,¡± Kang Chan consoled her.

    ¡°Take care of yourself out there, Channy. I love you.¡±

    ¡°I love you too.¡± He would never get tired of being in his mother¡¯s arms.

    After saying goodbye to Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan got on the elevator and went out of the main entrance of his apartment building.

    Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee were already waiting for him, ready to head to the airport.

    ¡°I was told that the other team has left. Section Chief Jeon and Manager Kim told me to tell you that they want you to call them,¡± one of them told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    They put Kang Chan¡¯s bag in the trunk and left soon after.

    On the way to the airport, Kang Chan talked to Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung. He then called Seok Kang-Ho.

    - Wrap up things in Mongolia as soon as you can, then meet up with us in Africa.

    ¡°I was just about to say that. Don¡¯t overdo it and look after the soldiers properly.¡±

    - Don¡¯t worry.

    By the time Kang Chan hung up, they were already on the road exclusively for those heading to the airport. Soon, they entered an employees-only parking lot.

    Noticing the sticker on the car that verified their identity, the guard quickly opened the barricade for them.

    Kang Chan said that they didn¡¯t have to go inside with him, but the three went into the government office building and followed him to the front of the airline¡¯s lounge anyway.

    ¡°You just have to go inside the lounge,¡± one of them told Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you in Africa.¡±

    ¡°Please be careful.¡±

    Kang Chan shook hands with them before following the airport personnel waiting for him to the airline¡¯s lounge.

    ¡°They¡¯re over here,¡± the airport personnel said.

    Kang Chan walked into the hallway, finding a blocked-off lobby with a huge arched entrance to his left. The people sitting inside had their chairs in a circle.

    When they saw Kang Chan, they stood up and greeted him. Behind the Yoo Bi-Corp employees were Oh Gwang-Taek, Kim Tae-Jin, and...

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    1. anbaatar is the capital of Mongolia.

 Chapter 235.1: And... (2)

    <h4>Chapter 235.1: And... (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan had never been this dumbfounded¡ªnot even when he ran into Shan and Smithen at the Namsan Hotel some time ago.

    Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t just look the same as thest time Kang Chan saw him. The son of a bitch standing in front of him looked even healthier.

    This man used to drink alcohol bought with the money that his wife earned and used his intoxication as an excuse to beat up his wife and son. Now, he was standing in front of Kang Chan looking perfectly sane, saying that he was going to Mongolia.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth as he held back the urge to punch Kang Chul-Gyu in the neck and at the pit of his stomach. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that it was the least he could do as a human, he would¡¯ve already attacked him.

    ¡°Kang Chan...?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek called. Kang Chan¡¯s eyes were glinting so much that even Oh Gwang-Taek was surprised.

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned to stare intently at Kang Chan. Everyone, including Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek, looked taken aback.

    ¡°How¡¯s the preparations going?¡± Kang Chan asked through gritted teeth.

    ¡°We¡¯vepleted it all,¡± the flustered Oh Gwang-Taek responded.

    ¡°Do you know me?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu interjected, slightly cocking his head.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted even more fiercely. When their eyes met, murderous intent instantly filled the airport¡¯s lounge.

    ¡°Why would I know you, old man?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me with those eyes, then?¡±

    ¡°Why are you picking a fight with someone you¡¯ve just met for the first time, old man? Do you want to die?¡±

    The two had a simr smirk on their faces as they conversed.

    ¡°Kang Chan!¡± Kim Tae-Jin eximed, having lost his patience. Nevertheless, the two refused to look away from each other. ¡°This man is the sunbae-nim that I told you about before. Kang Chul-Gyu sunbae-nim is that famous¡ª¡±

    ¡°Stop!¡± Kang Chul-Gyu shouted, not wanting Kim Tae-Jin to continue.

    <i>That troublesome drunkard is the DMZ King?</i>

    <i>Fuck! I can¡¯t believe they kicked up a fuss and told me that he¡¯s a legend and whatnot when in truth it was all just nonsense that they made among themselves!</i>

    ¡°I heard that you¡¯re the chief manager of this operation. If you don¡¯t want me to join, then I can just step away from this operation,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Are you saying that I have to spend effort to decide whether an old man like you should be part of the team or not?¡±

    ¡°Kang Chan! What¡¯s wrong with you today?!¡± Kim Tae-Jin yelled.

    ¡°Kim Tae-Jin, I¡¯ll be backing out of this operation. It¡¯s for the best.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu picked up the bag next to him, caving in and raising a white g.

    At the same time, Kim Tae-Jin, who was standing beside him, said, ¡°Even I can¡¯t understand you today, Kang Chan. If you¡¯re going to act like this, then I¡¯ll also back out. I doubt I¡¯ll be helpful to you if you can¡¯t believe in someone I specifically chose.¡±

    Clenching his jaws, Kim Tae-Jin picked up his bag.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    <i>I didn¡¯t want the situation to turn out like this. I know that I should give in right now... but how can I surrender to that man? He¡¯s standing there looking like a normal person who¡¯s never done anything wrong! There is no way that I can say that he should go with us.</i>

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s cancel our departure today, then,¡± Kang Chan said, havingpletely lost his cool. With only anger left in him, he exploded with rage. He didn¡¯t want to go to Mongolia in this state of mind.

    Kang Chan immediately turned around and walked away.

    <i>Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!</i>

    No matter how many times he swore to himself, the wrath within him refused to subside.

    ¡°Hey! Kang Chan!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek tightly grabbed onto Kang Chan¡¯s arm but immediately flinched. Kang Chan had whirled around in anger and had barely stopped himself from hitting him.

    Noticing that Kang Chan was in a fit of anger, Oh Gwang-Taek became enraged as well.

    ¡°You son of a bitch! Did you think I¡¯m your subordinate just because you got me out of prison? You motherfucker!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek yelled.

    ¡°Let go,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°Fine. There, you motherfucker!¡±

    ¡°Hyung-nim! I¡¯m sure that Kang Chan hyung-nim has his reasons!¡± one of the gangsters yelled as he grabbed onto Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Let go! Let go of me, you sons of bitches!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek shouted.

    Joo Chul-Bum and a few others ran toward them and held Oh Gwang-Taek as if they were clinging onto him. They then dragged him away from Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let me go! <i>Argh</i>! Let go! I said to let go of me, you fucking assholes!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek yelled again.

    ¡°You should go outside for now.¡± Three employees who looked like agents blocked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let go of me, you fucking bastards! Hey! Kang Chan, you motherfucker! Where do you think you¡¯re going?!¡±

    Kang Chan could still hear Oh Gwang-Taek yelling.

    The employees of the airport ran over, but they didn¡¯t dare to approach them. All they could do was watch the situation with frightened expressions.

    ¡°Mr. Assistant Deputy Director, you should probably leave this ce for a bit,¡± one of the agents urged.

    The situation had be a total mess.

    ¡°<i>Huuu</i>!¡± Kang Chan shook his head and then went outside.

    When Kang Chan and the three agents headed outside, the employee who was standing at the entrance stepped back. He looked quite surprised. The passengers ncing at them because of all the shouting quickly looked away.

    ¡°<i>Tsk</i>!¡±

    Kang Chan knew that people oftenughed when they were dumbfounded, but he had no idea whether he should beughing or crying in this situation.

    This wasn¡¯t right.

    It would be ridiculous to go to Mongolia in this state, but it felt even more ridiculous to go back inside still feeling this way and reconcile with Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Pleasee this way,¡± an agent said as he cut across the main lobby and led them to the other side of the hallway. They were going to the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Airport Office, which Kang Chan had once dropped by.

    When the agent pressed the button at the entrance, the door opened. The ones inside didn¡¯t even check who it was.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to use the meeting room,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>Click.</i>

    An agent opened the ss door closest to the entrance and stepped aside so that Kang Chan could enter.

    It was a normal room with a big circr table and a portable board in the inner part of the room. Kang Chan simply sat on a chair.

    A momentter, two agents came inside with an ashtray and a paper cup filled with instant coffee.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything. He just epted the cigarette that an agent handed him and lit it up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll escort President Kim Tae-Jin in,¡± the agent said.

    Kang Chan nodded. He had no hard feelings toward the president.

    Finally calming down a bit while smoking, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh.

    <i>How am I going to exin this situation?</i>

    <i>Fuck! Should I confess that the man they just recruited was my father in my previous life and that he treated us like trash whenever he was drunk?</i>

    He had never been this worked up in his entire life. For a moment there, he truly lost his cool.

    Although he had felt this worked up on the battlefield and during operations before, he could always easily calm down by killing those whom he considered his opponents¡ªeven if it meant refusing to listen to anyone trying to stop him. Unlike back then, he couldn¡¯t even punch Kang Chul-Gyu, which only made him even angrier.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand how Kang Chul-Gyu could have the same look in his eyes as he was fucking pissing him off.

    <i>He asked if I knew him? Damn it! If there¡¯s any other fucker out there that knows him as well as I do, tell him toe out!</i>

    Even when he got shot in the neck in Africa, leading him to his death, the only memory Kang Chan had of his father was him drinking alcohol, beating up his wife, and beating up his child for trying to stop him.

    That kind of trash was the DMZ King?

    <i>Did he earn that title back in the days people fought about which fucker drank more alcohol and bullshitted more?</i>

    Kang Chan took out another cigarette and lit it up again.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin entered the room while Kang Chan was still enraged. His eyes were full of anger as well, but he also looked just as curious about what was going on.

    Kang Chan had to give him an answer¡ªan honest one¡ªbut he really didn¡¯t have anything to say.

    Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette as he stood up from his spot. ¡°Can you guys give us a minute?¡±

    ¡°Of course, sir.¡± The agents exchanged nces, then walked out and closed the ss door behind them.

    ¡°Please take a seat,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>. You should sit as well.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin clearly had more maturity and experience. He was still clearly furious, yet he managed to suppress it all just so he could calmly talk to Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? I have to know why you¡¯re suddenly acting like this if you want me to properly coordinate with you, don¡¯t I? As far as I know, there¡¯s no reason for you to behave this way,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Just as Kim Tae-Jin finished asking questions as if he was confessing his frustrations, they heard someone knocking. One of the agents put coffee on the table and then left.

    ¡°Go ahead and smoke. It should help you calm down. Even if you¡¯re holding back for my sake, it doesn¡¯t look too good to see you holding back your urge to smoke right now,¡± Kim Tae-Jin offered.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I just finished smoking.¡±

    ¡°Alright, then tell me why on earth you acted like that.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help the corner of his lips from quirking up at the absurdity of this situation.

    <i>How am I supposed to exin this?</i>

    ¡°Did you know Kang sunbae before today?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked. He now sounded as if his anger had melted a little bit.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to disappoint him either.

    ¡°Will you keep everything that I tell you right now a secret?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

 Chapter 235.2: And... (2)

    <h4>Chapter 235.2: And... (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan inhaled, then softly said, ¡°That man had a son that had the same name as me.¡±

    ¡°How do you know that?¡± Kim Tae-Jin looked as if he couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing. ¡°So? What about it?¡±

    ¡°Did you know that his son went to Africa because he couldn¡¯t stand how that man acted when he was drunk? That eventually got him killed.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nked out and froze up for a moment. With a dumbfounded expression, he managed to reply with a nod.

    ¡°I personally knew his dead son. Perhaps that was why I suddenly got very emotional. My anger got the best of me, which led to me acting that way. After all, I was staring at a man who was standing there, looking all sane, and saying that he wanted to go to Mongolia when I knew that he had caused his son to die like that,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°My goodness...¡± After a moment of silence had passed, Kim Tae-Jin asked, ¡°But is it possible for you to know his son?¡±

    ¡°I just know him enough to know about his life.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin held up his paper cup and drank about half of the coffee. ¡°There isn¡¯t a lot of time left until the ne departs. Let¡¯s leave for now, then I¡¯ll tell you all about my sunbae-nim on our way there. This is going to be very helpful to our country, so please just follow my instructions for now. Can you do that for me?¡±

    Noticing Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s firm expression, Kang Chan found it hard to refuse or argue.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get my sunbae and Oh Gwang-Taek on the ne first, so keep that in mind. You and I should move to the first-ss seats for now but don¡¯t feel bad about it. The ne ride isn¡¯t that long anyway. It would just be for the best if you don¡¯t run into them at least until we arrive, so just listen to me this time, alright?¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to take one agent with me and contact you through him. When I do, get on the ne immediately.¡±

    ¡°Will do.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>!¡± Kim Tae-Jin sighed as he stood up from his seat. He then shook his head as he was looking at Kang Chan, then left through the ss door.

    <i>No wonder I have been in a foul mood for the past few days!</i>

    Kang Chan took another cigarette as he red at the table...

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>. <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª</i>.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk was calling.

    Kang Chan sighed and smiled at the same time.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Are you okay?

    The old man had a sly side to him.

    ¡°I decided to board the ne after all.¡±

    - It¡¯s good that you¡¯re a hot-blooded youth, but don¡¯t overdo it. How would it look if the assistant deputy director of the National Intelligence Service fought with a gangster at the airport?

    Kang Chan¡¯s lips twitched. It was more painful to hear this than to be called names.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    - Alright. Work hard.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk was probably curious. Considering the gentleman¡¯s personality, he had to be dying to ask what was going on but probably hung up anyway because he thought that Kang Chan had to get on the ne soon. Perhaps Kim Tae-Jin was going to answer every single one of Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s questions on the pher.

    As soon as Kang Chan hung up, his phone rang again. This time, it showed Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s number on the screen.

    ¡°I decided to get on the ne.¡±

    - Are you okay?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m sorry for everything.¡±

    - Don¡¯t worry about it. I take it that you¡¯re going to Mongolia, then? Do you need help with anything else?¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯ll contact you when I return.¡±

    - Thank you for all your efforts.

    When Kang Chan hung up, an agent came into the room and told him that it was time for him to board the ne.

    <i>Damn it! I should¡¯ve held back my anger a little bit.</i>

    As he was walking toward the lounge again, he felt so embarrassed that his face seemed to be on fire.

    <i>If only it wasn¡¯t for that fucking bastard, I would be on the ne andughing with Oh Gwang-Taek already.</i>

    When Kang Chan walked past the airport¡¯s lounge, he gritted his teeth. The very subject of his anger right now was right in front of him again.

    <i>That motherfucking son of a bitch!</i>

    How could he go around looking all normal and sane? When he was told that his son had died, he didn¡¯t even ept his son¡¯s mementos. Instead, he made G¨¦rard carry them around.

    He wished he was allowed to kick him out of the ne.

    Kang Chan walked down the hallway and turned to go inside, finding an informal CIQ checkpoint. After passing through it, he finally reached the boarding gate.

    ¡°Come on,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    The boarding time was almost over. Three or four passengers were busily heading into the boarding gate, and Kim Tae-Jin was waiting for him right behind them.

    Kang Chan got on the ne with Kim Tae-Jin.

    The first-ss seats were on the left side of the entrance.

    He was always apanied by darkly tanned men whenever he boarded a ne before, so it felt nice to have sophisticated flight attendants guiding them for a change. It was a bit ufortable to be told to sit down, fasten his seat belt, and watch the safety video, though.

    After some time, the ne had a smooth takeoff.

    Slippers, nkets, and an eye mask had been prepared for them. He was also served wine and peanuts.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to exin the situation as best as I can, so listen carefully,¡± Kim Tae-Jin began. For approximately thirty minutes, he told Kang Chan everything, starting from why he looked for Kang Chul-Gyu to everything that had happened until this morning. Every now and then, he would take a sip of his wine. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you this, but he also donated all that money to the Kang Yoo Foundation, which your mother runs. Doesn¡¯t all that make it worth at least trusting his sincerity?¡±

    Kang Chan just listened in silence.

    <i>Should I trust Kang Chul-Gyu?</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin trusting Kang Chul-Gyu meant that Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung also trusted him.

    However, Kang Chul-Gyu wasn¡¯t someone Kang Chan could bring himself to trust.

    Bluntly put, even if he did all of that to forget about the pain, the fact remained that he beat up his wife and child. His son, who died with a bullet in his neck, and his wife, who hung herself to death, would nevere back to life.

    ¡°He joined this operation under the condition that we¡¯ll help him find the remains or mementos of his son who died in Africa in return. Please be a little more understanding of him,¡± Kim Tae-Jin continued.

    At times like this, Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Tae-Jin, and Kim Hyung-Jung always seemed as if they were born with the innate ability to persuade Kang Chan.

    ¡°Kang Chan!¡± Kim Tae-Jin called him softly, but Kang Chan still couldn¡¯t bring himself to answer. No matter how much he gritted his teeth, his heart wouldn¡¯t allow it to happen.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want Kang Chul-Gyu to go to Mongolia.

    Kang Chan would rather live with a snake. How could he endure the anger that he welled up inside him when he looked at Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s damn face¡ªno, how could he even endure the anger that he felt just from thinking about him?

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>.¡± Those damn cargo nes suited Kang Chan better. It would be much easier to endure this if he could at least have some instant coffee and a cigarette without worries.

    ¡°Mr. President,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pretend not to notice him for now, so please make arrangements to prevent us from running into each other if possible. I also won¡¯t go out of my way to mess with him. This is the best I can do right now.¡±

    He suddenly felt sorry when he saw Kim Tae-Jin looking upset, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t do anything about it.

    ¡°I also need time to ept what you told me,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>, okay.¡±

    As Kim Tae-Jin nodded, a flight attendant approached them. When they were given the lunch menu, Kang Chan asked for ramen.

    ***

    Oh Gwang-Taek and Kang Chul-Gyu, who were sitting next to each other, chose beef for lunch.

    ¡°Hyung-nim, do you want beer? Ah, right! You don¡¯t drink. I¡¯m going to have to drink by myself, then,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said as he epted the can of beer that he asked a flight attendant for.

    <i>Chkk!</i>

    After opening it, he took three or four sips.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too displeased about Kang Chan. That fucker isn¡¯t usually like that. He probably just got pped after asking out a girl that he likes beforeing here or just came here because she¡¯s on her period. If he keeps up with this bullshit, I¡¯ll also quit and leave. Let¡¯s just live the rest of our lives managing a business together if that happens,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    ¡°Why did he act like that when he has never seen me before?¡±

    ¡°<i>Ha</i>! Even if this is his first time meeting you, just seeing the look in your eyes is all he needs to determine whether he likes you or not. Let¡¯s manage a business¡ªwe¡¯re both lonely anyway. Believe me, though, when I say that that bastard really isn¡¯t that kind of man. I give you my word on that. You saw how embarrassed President Kim Tae-Jin was a moment ago, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Only time will tell,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu responded.

    ¡°<i>Jeez</i>, hyung-nim, why do you have to be so narrow-minded? What do you mean only ¡®time will tell?¡¯Anyway, he will probably apologize after we get off the ne. Just ept his apology.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu simply looked out the window with a smirk.

    Perhaps it was because he was on a ne, but his head hurt so much it seemed to be breaking into pieces. He felt so upset that his heart actually started to hurt.

    Kang Chul-Gyu used to live as a king at the DMZ. He used to be determined toy down his life at any moment for the country. He also lived an honest life, never taking home even just one hardtack from work.

    <i>What did I do wrong to be treated like this?</i>

    He wouldn¡¯t have felt this upset if it was his dead son despising him this much.

    Kang Chul-Gyu never imaged that one day, he would be despised by someone who wasn¡¯t even twenty years old in front of Kim Tae-Jin¡ªwho looked after him and treated him with respect now that he was old just because he was his sunbae¡ªand a famous gangster in Gangnam.

    This entire situation made him realize how he looked right now once more. With each breath he took, he felt sorrow well up inside him.

    He was old; he had gotten old.

    If his younger self¨Cthe one known as the DMZ King¡ªwas the one in that situation, someone would¡¯ve already died. He would have taken down the young punk.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m going to find my son¡¯s remains and mementos no matter what humiliation I have to suffer.¡¯</i>

    Staring out the window,<i> </i>Kang Chul-Gyu repeated that promise in his mind over and over again.

 Chapter 236.1: Says Who? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 236.1: Says Who? (1)</h4>

    It took them a little less than four hours to reach anbaatar. Since Kang Chan and Kim Tae-Jin had first-ss seats, they were the first to disembark.

    ¡°Will you wait here for a moment?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Kang Chan responded. He felt bad for Oh Gwang-Taek and the rest of the agents.

    Kang Chan obediently sat down in the lounge of the arrivals area. A momentter, Oh Gwang-Taek and Joo Chul-Bum walked over to him.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek grumbled as he sat down next to Kang Chan. ¡°Why did you act like that? You weren¡¯t yourself.¡±

    ¡°Sorry about earlier,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°All good. I wasn¡¯t exactly in the right either, and it¡¯s only natural for real men to get angry when someone gets on their nerves. Why did you suddenly throw a hissy fit, though?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked out of curiosity.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just let this one go,¡± Kang Chan replied, beating around the bush.

    ¡°All right.¡± Oh Gwang-Taek pped Kang Chan on the back before drinking from the water bottle that he was holding. Even though they were in the arrivals terminal, they were still quite cold.

    Not too long after, an agent approached and informed them that the helicopter they were going to take was already waiting for them.

    ¡°Please follow me,¡± the agent said. ¡°This way.¡±

    Kang Chan, Oh Gwang-Taek, and Joo Chul-Bum did as instructed. They were given entry stamps in a small corridor before walking out to where the runway was.

    ¡°Fuck! My nose is going to freeze off!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek gruffly cursed. Although it was the middle of the day, the weather in Mongolia was still extremely harsh.

    They hurried onto a civilian transport helicopter. It seemed Kim Tae-Jin and Kang Chul-Gyu were going to take a different helicopter since the one they were in had two agents and two of Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s subordinates.

    Their entire group upied a total of six helicopters, two of which hadrges filled with cargo dangling underneath them.

    <i>Du du du du du du.</i>

    The helicopter wasted no time leaving the airport. It would take them approximately three more hours to reach Chuluunkhoroot District, their destination.

    Everyone fell silent as they changed into the thicker clothes and insted boots in their bags. Wearing warmer outfits made them feel a lot better.

    - Kang Chan.

    Oh Gwang-Taek was speaking into the microphone attached to their headsets.

    - I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening between you two, but go easy on the old man, will you?

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s words displeased Kang Chan, but he just scowled instead of saying anything. He had already treated him rudely enough earlier.

    - I know someone like you wouldn¡¯t react the way you did a while back for no reason, but still.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek,¡± Kang Chan began.

    - What?

    Oh Gwang-Taek seemed d that Kang Chan actually spoke up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll only be here for a few days before having to leave for Africa, so it doesn¡¯t really matter. You¡¯re the top brass of this ce. You get to decide who to use and who not to use, not me, so feel free to do what you want. Whatever the case, I¡¯m sorry about today,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - <i>Hmph</i>! You motherfucker! You¡¯re finally starting to act more like yourself.

    When Kang Chan smirked, Oh Gwang-Taek patted him on the back again.

    <i>Yeah. At most, I¡¯ll only be here for a week.</i>

    Until then, Kang Chan could just pretend as if that man didn¡¯t exist. Once he left for Africa, it was highly unlikely that their paths would cross again. He couldn¡¯t care less whether or not that guy enjoyed his life, ate good food, slept well, or got married to a Mongolian woman. All that mattered was that he would never have to see him again.

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh as he made a promise to himself.

    <i>Let¡¯s not act immature.</i>

    That man didn¡¯t know that his son was right by his side.

    Kang Chan¡¯s horribly pitiful mother had already lived the end of her poor life, and this man would be seeking a new life here.

    <i>That¡¯s it. It¡¯s over.</i>

    Kang Chan would simply think of the father he had in his old life dead. With his ex-father already in the afterlife, he should have nothing to be mad or resentful about anymore. Letting his anger for the deceased linger was pointless.

    Kang Chan nned on calling Vasili the moment theynded at their destination. If he wanted to wrap up his business here as fast as he could and head to Africa as soon as possible, he would have toe up with a solution with Vasili. Kang Chan felt more at ease now that he hade to a decision.

    <i>Not being able to drink coffee or smoke inmercial nes or civilian helicopters fucking sucks.</i>

    He pulled out another piece of thick clothing from his bag, spread it across the ground, and leaned against his bag. Oh Gwang-Taek and Joo Chul-Bum looked at him with respect, which was nothing new to Kang Chan. He fell asleep not too long after.

    <i>Du du du du du du.</i>

    Kang Chan woke up to the feeling of someone shaking him. By the time he opened his eyes, the helicopter was already descending to the ground.

    - We¡¯re now preparing fornding.

    One of the agents spoke into the headset, updating him about the situation.

    Getting some shuteye made Kang Chan feel a little better. On the ground below them, he could see container-shaped barracks covered in instion and a long line of sr panels. There were also soldiers wearing Chinese military uniforms gathered on one side of the exterior fence.

    ¡°Apparently, that is the Mongolian border patrol, sir,¡± the agent said.

    Kang Chan nodded in response. Aside from a few valleys that varied in size, he didn¡¯t see anything surrounding the barracks.

    <i>Du du du du du du du.</i>

    The helicopter soonnded on the ground.

    As people stepped off the aircrafts, the border patrol approached them and unloaded the cargo that was attached to the helicopters. An agent strode and spoke to the border patrol soldiers, then returned to Kang Chan, who guessed that the agent¡¯s specialty was speaking Mongolian.

    ¡°The leader of the border patrol defense troops wishes to speak with you,¡± the agent informed him.

    ¡°Then it would be better to introduce him to Director Kim Tae-Jin or President Oh Gwang-Taek,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± the agent replied.

    In agreement with what Kang Chan said, Kim Tae-Jin, Oh Gwang-Taek, and Joo Chul-Bum left to greet the leader of the border patrol troops.

    ¡°What¡¯s the status of the weapons?¡± Kang Chan asked, approaching a nearby agent.

    ¡°We have M16 rifles, ammo, and bays among the cargo that we loaded onto the helicopters,¡± the agent replied.

    Kang Chan nodded. He wanted to wrap everything he had to do outside as soon as possible so he could finally get warmed up. The cold weather here was no joke.

    After a quick introduction, the border patrol troops helped the South Koreans move their cargo. Meanwhile, Kim Tae-Jin walked over to Kang Chan.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    A strong gust of wind flew by and pped Kang Chan and Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s faces. Kang Chan felt as if his nose and mouth were going to be sliced off.

    ¡°The border patrol will be apanying us until tomorrow. How should we assign the rooms in the barracks?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°We agreed that you would take care of things like this, remember? Go do whatever you see fit,¡± Kang Chan answered in a friendly manner.

    <i>Whooosh! Whoooosh!</i>

    The wind blowing here was like a mad banshee. Its sound and direction were impossible to predict.

    ¡°All right! Let¡¯s divide the rooms based on the groups assigned to each helicopter, then. You and President Oh can use Building A, which is the one over there. I¡¯ll handle assigning everyone else their rooms,¡± Kim Tae-jin stated.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    <i>Swiiiish! Whoooosh! Whooosh!</i>

    ¡°So this is what below thirty degrees feels like! Get some rest for about an hour! I¡¯ll head over around that time.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    There were about ten barracks. As instructed, he went to the barracks of Block A.

    <i>Click!</i>

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>! Finally, some warmth,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek eximed as he tossed himself on the sofa.

    The barracks were made of six twenty-foot containersbined together, making its interior far more spaciouspared to how it appeared from the outside. It had a kitchen attached to the living room, a bathroom, and three rooms with two beds each.

    The winds hitting the containers sounded faint, almost as if it wasing from far away.

    ¡°Hey! Make some coffee,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek ordered.

    ¡°Yes, Hyung-nim.¡±

    One of Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s subordinates quickly dug through the bags and took some bottled water into the kitchen. Meanwhile, an agent carried Kang Chan¡¯s luggage inside a room, and Joo Chul-Bum took Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s to a different one.

    Most of those who came with them had also been assigned to their own rooms as well. Kang Chan didn¡¯t even have to do anything.

    When Kang Chan sat down on the sofa, Oh Gwang-Taek offered him a cigarette.

    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll have enough beds?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen, we have about ten barracks avable. If any of our men don¡¯t have beds, we can probably just send them over to other barracks. If that¡¯s not an option, then they can just sleep on the sofa here. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll find a way to amodate themter if ites to it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>, I suppose you¡¯re right.¡±

    As they were smoking, they were served coffee in paper cups.

    ¡°Shit! The second act of Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s life begins in the fucking cold!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek shouted. When Kang Chan smirked, he did as well.

    They didn¡¯t have to tidy anything up right now, so they all just poured some coffee into paper cups and smoked.

    <i>Fuck!</i>

    With the windows bolted shut, they had no choice but to leave the door open so the smoke wouldn¡¯t be stuck in the room.

 Chapter 236.2: Says Who? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 236.2: Says Who? (1)</h4>

    Moon Jae-Hyun, Hwang Ki-Hyun, Jeon Dae-Geuk, and Kim Hyung-Jung gathered in the emergency conference room.

    ¡°The National Assembly ns to approve the proposal to deploy our soldiers,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun began.

    ¡°We already knew that, though, didn¡¯t we?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun replied.

    ¡°The opposition party is requesting the position of South Korea¡¯s Eurasian Rail manager.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed loudly.

    ¡°Those who are wary of Assistant Director Kang Chan gaining power are starting to form a group. I¡¯ll be honest, they have an overwhelming number and influence,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun added.

    ¡°Now, now! I trust everyone here can be discreet and keep quiet. How overwhelming are we talking about?¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun nced at Jeon Dae-Geuk and Kim Hyung-Jung. With a determined expression, he answered, ¡°We have discovered that even military officials are joining hands with them.¡±

    ¡°Does that include the field army as well?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°When those in our military get promotions, they are often elevated to strategy-specific officers. That¡¯s why they consider the Jeungpyeong Special Forces team to be too powerful. They believe that power is...¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun trailed off.

    ¡°They think that power is under Assistant Director Kang¡¯s control,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun finished for him.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed quietly.

    ¡°We have to acknowledge the uniqueness of our special forces. The most outstanding soldiers from each Airborne Force are assigned to the 606, UDT, or one of the thirty-five Brigades. The best among them are then reassigned to Jeungpyong. Moreover, the Third Airborne Forces are also under the umbre of the Jeungpyeong team. In this system where all the soldiers are closely connected as seniors and juniors, the Jeungpyeong team is at the top of all special forces. The biggest problem would be if they openly show that they want to follow the lead of Assistant Director Kang.¡±

    ¡°Is it a threat to the military officials if the Airborne Forces and the special forces teams are attracted to Assistant Director Kang?¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk questioned.

    ¡°The strategy and operations officers have always been wary of the field army,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun immediately answered. ¡°Since the United States isn¡¯t too pleased about the President¡¯s policy toward certain rules or Assistant Director Kang Chan right now, the demands of both sides are starting to align perfectly. The bottom line is that the United States does not want our country to be a part of the Eurasian Rail.¡±

    ¡°Director Hwang, if the opposing party gains takes over our political scene, will the Eurasian Rail agreements still push through?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°They will absolutely not.¡±

    Another low, frustrated sigh filled the conference room, followed by a short moment of silence.

    ¡°Anyhow, this deployment to Africa involves four other countries besides us. I believe it would be best for Manager Kim Hyung-Jung to give you a direct briefing regarding this matter,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun continued.

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned his gaze to Kim Hyung-Jung, who immediately began to speak.

    ¡°ording to Assistant Director Kang, there is a high probability that the South Korean team will take on the most dangerous role in this operation. He said that although this deployment is done under the pretext of providing reinforcements for the Somalian civil war, in reality, the adversary the soldiers will be facing is an armed Imic force called the SSIS,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stated.

    ¡°I don¡¯t quite understand what you mean. Can you exin it to me in more simple terms?¡±

    ¡°It means that our country has a higher chance of losing our entire special forces team in Somalia. We are also expecting the United States and Ennd to coborate and orchestrate such a situation. If our predictions are correct, then our men will have even lower chances of surviving.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun just listened quietly.

    ¡°ording to our investigation, what Assistant Director Kang said was true. The SSIS is indeed active in Somalia. As for the other part he mentioned, we can only specte because this is our special forces team¡¯s first time joining a joint operation. He also told us that the US soldiers will mainly provide support such as bombing, and we believe he¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°To summarize everything you just said, we¡¯re basically sending our precious special forces team to their deaths,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun mused grimly.

    ¡°Unfortunately, yes we are,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

    Moon Jae-Hyun pressed his lips together. Mulling over his thoughts, he stared into the empty space in front of him.

    ¡°Even if the United States does end up proving your predictions right, I find it inconceivable to think that our military leadership is willing to send out the best special forces to die just because of a power struggle and that our National Assembly agrees with them...¡± he trailed off.

    After some time, he shook his head. ¡°All right. I understand the problem at hand now. Have wee up with a solution? No, let¡¯s hear any alternatives if there are any.¡±

    The three people with him remained silent, unable to say anything.

    ¡°As I said earlier, I¡¯m sure everyone in this room can keep a secret. What is it? What conclusion did you all reach that it¡¯s making you hesitate so much to speak up?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked, breaking the silence.

    ¡°Mr. President,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun began.

    ¡°Go ahead. Tell me,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun replied.

    ¡°Our only other option now is war.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun lifted his gaze and thenughed in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re not suggesting weunch a preemptive attack on North Korea, are you?¡±

    ¡°We have to punish the pro-Japanese coborators,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun replied firmly.

    Moon Jae-Hyunughed out loud again.

    ¡°As the Director of the National Intelligence Service, you know better than anyone that we cannot do that. More than half of the congressmen in the National Assembly are descendants of pro-Japanese coborators. The same goes for major media outlets and the wealthiest businessmen in the financial sector. I¡¯m sure your n isn¡¯t simply to incite a civil war or assassinate those individuals, so is there another method?¡±

    He leaned back in his chair and slowly looked at each of the three men.

    ¡°Do you think our citizens are unaware of that fact? The people of South Korea are not fools. They have higher educational enthusiasm than any other country in the world, and they have immense academic achievements. The citizens know why the pro-Japanese coborators and their descendants live the affluent way they do, as do the three of you,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said. He then nced at Hwang Ki-Hyun and smiled bitterly.

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why we wish to be a part of the Eurasian Rail. It will make our economy strong enough to support the livelihoods of our people even without the assistance of the pro-Japanese coborators¡¯ descendants. Only then can the pro-Japanese coborators be punished,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun continued. ¡°I¡¯m sure you all know this already, but that¡¯s the reason they¡¯re putting up such a strong opposition against the Eurasian Rail and precisely why they are attempting to reduce the ie of our citizens and make their livelihoods difficult. If we try to punish the pro-Japanese coborators now, our people¡¯s suffering will intensify tenfold. Moreover, if the opposition party ever manages to grab hold of the administration, they will put an end to the Eurasian Rail,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun continued.

    ¡°Mr. President, at this rate, we will have to hand over the responsibility of the Eurasian Rail to them again,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    ¡°I will appoint the new overseer of the railway. We can establish it as a presidential agency just like the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    ¡°If we don¡¯t hand over the responsibility to them, we might suffer a second IMF crisis,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun rebutted.

    Moon Jae-Hyun tilted his head in confusion.

    ¡°Apparently, if we don¡¯t give them what they want, foreign investment firms from the US and the Jewishmunity will sell all the stocks they hold. They will essentially be ¡®selling Korea.¡¯ We¡¯ve received a deadline of two weeks.¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun sounded as if he had finally made up his mind to speak now. ¡°Foreignpanies aren¡¯t subjected to margin requirements for derivative products, so if they actually do sell all of their stocks, 95% of the foreign exchange reserves that our country holds will disappear in the blink of an eye.¡±

    ¡°Did the opposition party really say all those things?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked in disbelief.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun couldn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Did the leading opposition party of the Republic of Korea really convey such intentions?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun repeated in shock.

    His question circled the conference room in silence.

    ***

    After taking about an hour of rest, everyone gathered in the auditorium to listen to the orientation about the rules and regtions for living in this environment.

    The first and foremost instruction they received was to never go past the fence alone after sunset because it was dangerous out there. They could freeze to death in thirty minutes or get mauled by wolves¡ªor both. Hence, if one strayed too far and got lost, they would be as good as dead.

    The next was about water. They were advised to use toilets that flushed with air instead of water, and each person had to take care of all their washing and drinking needs with only a 1.5-liter bottle of water per day.

    They also received a short lesson about the use of firearms and identification of the border patrol units and instructions about meal times, theyout of the barracks and the mess hall, and when the lights off and on were.

    ¡°It is currently thirty minutes past four in the afternoon. Dinner is scheduled at five-thirty, so please get your weapons before then. That will be all,¡± the agent exined, closing off his speech. He then looked at Kang Chan and Kim Tae-Jin.

    The two decided that this was enough for the first day. Kang Chan was satisfied, and Kim Tae-Jin didn¡¯t seem to have any objections either.

    ¡°President Oh Gwang-Taek and his employees will stay behind for an additional orientation about handling weapons. Everyone else may take a rest as they see fit,¡± the agent said.

    Kang Chan nodded and walked over to get his weapons.

    <i>Clink! nk!</i>

    Kang Chan pulled the breechblock to look inside the gun and immediately loaded it with the magazine he was given. These weapons, which were Mongolia supplied, were a bitckingpared to the weapons that the Russian mafia procured from the Russian military in terms of recoil, noise, and the number of rounds they could shoot.

    <i>Well, having the better weapons doesn¡¯t really guarantee you¡¯ll win anyway.</i>

    Kang Chan frowned when he was given his bay. It was in such a bad condition that he thought he would have to pull an all-nighter just to sharpen its goddamn de.

    <i>Swiiiish!</i>

    He left the auditorium not long after he got all his weapons, cutting through the mad banshee wind and entering Building A. The moment he stepped through the door, his nose started running.

    It only took a second for him to get dirty.

    ¡°Would you like a cup of coffee?¡±

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯d like that,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The time zone difference was only about an hour with South Korea. Kang Chan leisurely enjoyed a cup of coffee and decided to make some phone calls afterward.

    <i>Glug, glug.</i>

    Hot steam began to rise from the kettle.

    <i>I¡¯ll put the instant coffee inside this paper cup now, so while I wait for it to mix, I can have a nice smoke...</i>

    Kang Chan was picking up the cigarette on the table when he suddenly nced up at the space in front of him.

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    His heart began to race.

 Chapter 237: Says Who? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 237: Says Who? (2)</h4>

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan stood up from his seat, M16 gripped tightly in his hands.

    ¡°Do you have a radio with you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, I do, sir,¡± replied the agent who was about to pick up a kettle. Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, he quickly picked up his radio and gun instead.

    ¡°Radio the agents over. Have them all wear masks and gloves since I don¡¯t know how long it will take.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Well aware of Kang Chan¡¯s capabilities, the agent¡¯s sharp eyes glinted as he put on a mask. At the same time, Kang Chan covered his nose and mouth with a mask that looked like it would be worn by motorcyclists.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Kang Chan opened the door and headed out.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°All agents, arm yourselves and assemble at Building A,¡± the agent radioed in as he followed behind Kang Chan.

    <i>Swiiiish!</i>

    Violent winds swept past Kang Chan.

    With thick pants, arge winter bomber jacket that made him look more than half his actual size, a mask, and winter boots that resembled the boots that street merchants would wear in the cold, Kang Chan thought he probably looked as if he was dressed for a gueri war.

    The wind shot at him from every direction, blowing as wild as an angered banshee.

    <i>¡®Where is it?¡¯</i>

    Although they were on a vast in with nothing on the horizon, the few scattered barracks prevented him from having a clear view of his surroundings. It was likely structured this way to block off some wind, but from a security standpoint, whoever set it up this way more than deserved to be chewed out and heavily berated.

    <i>Swoosh! nk! nk! nk!</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin and the other agents dashed over, dressed simrly to Kang Chan. Their guns ttered behind them.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked with urgency.

    ¡°My gut¡¯s telling me that enemies are approaching us. Is there an observation tower we can use to look outside?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    After quickly talking to the Mongolian border patrol, one of the agents replied, ¡°They say adder is installed at the outermost barracks that will take us up to a vantage point.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    The look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes made the agents break into a sprint.

    As the border patrol soldier said, they found a small staircase behind the outermost barracks.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    The clothes they were wearing were too thick to move freely.

    Kang Chan did his best to climb up.

    <i>Swish! Whooosh! Swoooosh!</i>

    The wind blew at them like a mad bansheeshing her arms out at them.

    The sun was still up in the sky.

    With his gun slung around his right arm, Kang Chan scanned their surroundings. Meanwhile, Kim Tae-Jin, the agents, and a Mongolian border patrol soldier followed him up.

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    Kang Chan slowly looked around him.

    It was January.

    The setting sun obviously fell from the east to the west at a twelve-degree angle¡ªthis was something that all special forces soldiers learned along with how to find water in deste environments like this, estimate cardinal directions, and even how to dig trenches or secret hideouts.

    Kang Chan sharply scanned his surroundings one more time. With this visibility, he could only see about two kilometers ahead of him.

    <i>Thump, thump. Haah, haah.</i>

    His heart was still beating rapidly, and he could still clearly hear his own breathing.

    Kim Tae-Jin turned to Kang Chan, his curiosity evident in his expression.

    Just then, Kang Chan saw a cloud of dust rising in the distance. It was a little over five kilometers away.

    ¡°Ask if the border patrol knows about that!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    An agent quickly did as instructed. ¡°He says it¡¯s the Russian mafia. They will being in three vehicles.¡±

    Did the soldier just count the number of vehicles? That was impossible unless he had the eyesight of an eagle.

    When Kang Chan turned around, he saw the border patrol soldier heading back down the barracks. Meanwhile, the cloud of dust was still zooming straight toward them.

    <i>What is that?</i>

    Kang Chan looked sharply ahead of him when his heart suddenly dropped to the ground.

    ¡°Ask the Mongolian border patrol soldiers if they have any sniper rifles. One that has a range of over one kilometer! Hurry!¡±

    In Mongolian, one of the agents radioed in what he said.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked, his expression stiff.

    ¡°If our enemies fire a Mistral or an I from that distance, we¡¯ll have no way of stopping them! The guns we have right now only have a kilometer in range!¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Not long after, the agent speaking in Mongolian earlier reported back. ¡°They do not have any sniper rifles.¡±

    <i>So this is why my heart is beating so fast!</i>

    Kang Chan looked at the truck and the jeeps that were parked at the entrance of the barracks.

    ¡°Bring me the car keys to those vehicles! I need someone to drive and someone to cover me!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the agent replied.

    ¡°If there¡¯s anyone in front of the barracks, have them all take cover behind it! Director Kim, please provide me some cover from here!¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    The agents on top of the barracks knelt down and got into position while their interpreter headed down the stairs. The agent apanying Kang Chan and one other went back down as well.

    ¡°Where are the car keys?¡± Kang Chan asked, rushing the people around him.

    ¡°We are paying for it right now,¡± an agent replied.

    <i>What kind of bullshit is that?</i>

    ¡°They¡¯re asking for a thousand USD,¡± the agent exined.

    ¡°What? These fucking¡ª!¡± Kang Chan cursed in frustration. He clenched his teeth as he waited in front of the jeep, finding no other options right now. A momentter, the agent interpreting for them hurried over with the keys.

    <i>Vroooom! Vroom! Vrooom!</i>

    An agent slid into the driver¡¯s seat and another into the passenger¡¯s seat. Kang Chan stood at the back, hanging the rifles on the racks of the car. The fuckers didn¡¯t even include an M60 with the jeep.

    ¡°Did you bring your radios?¡± Kang Chan confirmed.

    ¡°I have one here, sir.¡± The agent who would be covering him raised his radio to show him.

    ¡°Then get driving already!¡±

    <i>Vroooom!</i>

    The jeep quickly drove away from the barracks.

    <i>Fuck!</i>

    It was so cold that Kang Chan felt as if his eyes were going to freeze and crack off.

    <i>Vrooom! Swiiish! Swiiish!</i>

    ¡°Swerve as much as you can! They mightunch missiles at us!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    The jeep¡¯s engine, the wind, and the mask made it difficult for Kang Chan to deliver his instructions properly. He waved his left hand like a snake at the agent. Since this wasn¡¯t an official hand signal, the agent had to observe and understand the situation to do what he wanted.

    ¡°We need to get closer! Anywhere between six to seven hundred meters!¡± Kang Chan shouted at the top of his lungs, hunching over to yell louder. The agent in the driver¡¯s seat nodded.

    <i>Clunk! Clunk! Swiiiish!</i>

    They were about one kilometer away from the iing vehicles.

    <i>nk!</i>

    Kang Chan leaned against the safety rack and raised his rifle with his left arm.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    He could see it. The wind digging into his eyes was making him tear up, but he could clearly see the enemy¡¯s movements.

    <i>I knew it!</i>

    As the Mongolian border patrol soldier said, there were three vehicles in total¡ªtwo jeeps and a one-ton military truck.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan was sure of it now. A Mistral was mounted on the back of the truck.

    They were still too far.

    The only silver lining they had right now was that their enemies would require some time to park the car and set the target for the Mistral.

    However, if the missilended right in the middle of all the barracks...

    <i>Bang! Baaaang!</i>

    Loud gunfire echoed. Suddenly, the jeep driving at the forefront lost control and swerved dramatically.

    <i>Which punk was it?</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even have the chance to look back.

    <i>Baang! Baaaang! Baang! Baaaang!</i>

    Gunshots sounded different in fields as vast and open as this. The moment Kang Chan pulled the trigger twice, more gunfire reverberated, ovepping with the previous ones.

    The remaining jeep swerved, and the truck carrying the Mistral drastically slowed down.

    ¡°Floor it! Keep it straight!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    They would be fools if they missed this opportunity.

    Kang Chan roared at the agent to continue driving. They were now about five hundred meters away from the enemies.

    <i>Baang! Baang!</i>

    Kang Chan fired consecutive shots.

    <i>Baaaang! Baaaang!</i>

    As he did, two gunshots echoed from far away again.

    <i>Just who in the world...?</i>

    How could they hit an enemy a whole kilometer away with a mere M16?

    <i>Vrooooom!</i>

    Thinking that this was their time, the agent in the driver¡¯s seat began to speed up.

    <i>Baang! Baang!</i>

    Kang Chan pulled the trigger and let loose toward the truck that was carrying the Mistral.

    <i>Shatter! Shatter!</i>

    Kang Chan saw the ss of the passenger¡¯s seat crack. The enemy sitting in it slumped over.

    <i>Vroooom! Creeeak!</i>

    Kang Chan and the two agents quickly dashed out of the vehicle.

    With his rifle aimed, Kang Chan raced toward the jeep at the very front.

    <i>Click! Thud! Thud!</i>

    Both of the enemies inside it had slumped over, their heads a bloody mess.

    <i>Haah, haah!</i>

    The agent who was checking the jeep to its right nodded. He, too, had his rifle aimed in front of him. Hence, Kang Chan swiftly rushed toward the truck.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    The agent who had run on ahead had opened the door of the passenger seat and was pulling the dead enemy out. The enemy had been shot in the forehead, white steam stilling out of his head.

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    Although it already seemed safe, they knew better than to let their guard down. They thoroughly checked the back of the truck before they finally rxed a bit.

    ¡°Get a few more agents over here and take this to the barracks,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the agent replied.

    Kang Chan turned to the barracks.

    Who in the world could hit a target from such a distance? The soldier earlier had really good eyesight, which was perhaps how he could see the enemy from afar.

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    <i>Having good eyesight and being an urate shot arepletely different, though.</i>

    Was it Kim Tae-Jin? Kang Chan shook his head. Based on what he saw from Kim Tae-Jin when during the live ammo training in Jeungpyeong, he shouldn¡¯t expect that much from him.

    While he was mulling over his thoughts, the agents dragged out the enemy¡¯s bodies and dropped them outside. It was important to confirm that they truly were dead.

    The additional vehicles left the barracks five minutester, likely because they had to pay a fee again.

    <i>Swiiiish! Swish!</i>

    The blood on the enemy¡¯s head waspletely frozen over and reflecting the sunlight. They were probably as hard as frozen fish now.

    Four agents and border patrol soldiers came rushing to the truck.

    The moment the agents were about to load the enemy¡¯s corpses on the truck, the border patrol soldiers stopped them and said something that Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°They say the wolves will take care of the bodies if we leave them here. We have no way to get rid of them even if we take them anyway, so they¡¯re saying we leave them,¡± the agent said.

    Kang Chan intended to ask the soldiers to handle the corpses after taking them back anyway. Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, the border patrol soldiers grinned darkly.

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s do that, then,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    Kang Chan hopped onto the back of a jeep. Agents were still on top of the barracks in the distance.

    <i>Vrooom. Clunk! Clunk! Swiiish! Swiish!</i>

    Kang Chan swallowed the expletives about to escape his mouth as he turned back and saw the corpses.

    They were Russian.

    However, Kang Chan and his men could have been the ones in those people¡¯s positions. There was no way of knowing which of their own soldiers could be left behind as wolf food in the same scenario.

    The men traversed through the horrid wind to return to the barracks. Kim Tae-Jin and the agents with him weed them back.

    ¡°Unload the Mistral and set it on top of the barracks,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the agents replied. Three of the agents immediately got to work behind the truck.

    ¡°Who was providing cover fire for us?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Kang Sunbae,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    <i>That old man did all of that?</i>

    Kang Chan turned to the Mistral, not wanting anyone to see him look so surprised.

    <i>That damn old geezer!</i>

    At the very least, he would be pulling his weight here.

    ¡°Dang! This is a pretty brutal neighborhood!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek grumbled as he observed the vehicles with cracked ss windows.

    ¡°The Mongolian border patrol soldiers say they need to take back the cars and the weapons,¡± the interpreter told Kang Chan with an awkward and ufortable expression.

    ¡°Who¡¯s the punk inmand here?¡± Kang Chan asked curtly.

    ¡°It¡¯s Bhat, the chief of the border patrol.¡±

    ¡°Tell him toe over here.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The agent disappeared and returned a minuteter with a middle-aged man. The man was short and wearing a bulky Communist Party executive uniform.

    ¡°Interpret my words exactly as I say,¡± Kang Chan directed the agent.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the agent replied.

    Bhat looked at Kang Chan with a disgruntled expression.

    ¡°I can tolerate having to pay for using the vehicles,¡± Kang Chan began.

    The agent quickly fired some Mongolian.

    ¡°If you spout any more bullshit, I will either leave this ce or call the Chinese special forces team here myself,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    Bhat looked sharply at Kang Chan and then muttered something to the interpreter.

    ¡°He says this is all a misunderstanding and that he doesn¡¯t care if he has to return the money. The ownership of the weapons obtained at the border should rightfully belong to the border patrol troops,¡± the agent interpreted.

    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan swore. Bhat seemed to have understood his outburst. ¡°Tell him I¡¯m going to call China now and that I¡¯m going to protest to the head of the Chinese intelligence bureau.¡±

    The agent rapidly began to utter words in fluent Mongolian.

    ¡°And tell him we¡¯ll request the weapons and soldiers we need, so they¡¯ll be on their own,¡± Kang Chan added.

    At the end of his words, Kang Chan looked Bhat directly in the eye.

    Just then, Bhat grinned from ear to ear, revealing his yellowed teeth. He spoke briefly in Mongolian.

    ¡°He says there¡¯s no need for that and that you can do as you wish,¡± the agent tranted.

    Kang Chan nodded shortly twice, then turned to the agent.

    ¡°What time is it right now?¡± he asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s five-twenty in the afternoon,¡± the agent answered.

    ¡°Do you think you can have the Mistral set up?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We need equipment to secure it. It¡¯s hard to work at night as well.¡±

    Bhat interrupted their conversation.

    ¡°He said he can have it installed if you give him a thousand dors,¡± the agent said.

    Kang Chan almost smashed all of Bhat¡¯s teeth with a butt te. The son of a bitch would probably ask for money even if they were just hoping to borrow a few tools.

    ¡°Have him set it up right away. I¡¯ll pay him once I¡¯ve checked that the missile was properly installed,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    After listening to the agent¡¯s interpretation, Bhat grinned in satisfaction and held out his hand.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle in disbelief.

    <i>Fine! I guess this is just how you live here!</i>

    Having the Mistral installed would make a huge difference, so the payment was a reasonable amount to bear.

    Kang Chan briefly shook hands with Bhat, then directed his gaze toward Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°I think we¡¯re going to have to have some security,¡± he said.

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded in agreement. Just then, Bhat spoke up again.

    <i>Does this motherfucker actually know how to speak Korean or something?</i>

    Even the agent in charge of interpretation seemed bbergasted now.

    ¡°What did he say? Did he say he¡¯ll have his men stand guard for us for a thousand dors too?¡± Kang Chan mocked.

    ¡°He¡¯s requesting two thousand dors per night,¡± the agent replied with a hint of disbelief.

    The request was so absurd that Kang Chan, the agents, Kim Tae-Jin, and even Oh Gwang-Taekughed out loud. Nevertheless, Bhat looked as shameless as shameless could be.

    ¡°I can¡¯t trust these guys to stand guard for us. Let¡¯s have an hourly rotation of guards up the barracks instead. Just to be safe, gather all the hand warmers you brought if you have any,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    For now, Kang Chan decided to set up their own security. He remembered the monitor that Anne gave him, but the one-minuteg on the screen bothered him. One minute was more than enough time for enemies to approach them,fortablyunch missiles at them, and even have a smoke.

    Kang Chan headed back inside the barracks first. Once he stepped through the door, a gust of warm air came rushing at him.

    <i>Click!</i>

    He set his rifle down in one corner and removed his mask.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± an agent asked him.

    ¡°Yes. That sounds great,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    This neighborhood was horrible for drinking coffee. Why was it so hard to just have a cup?

    Taking the paper cup that the agent handed him, Kang Chan lit up his cigarette. At that moment, Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek entered the room.

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that! It only makes me ufortable if you do that!¡± Kim Tae-Jin eximed with a wave of his hand when Kang Chan tried to extinguish his cigarette.

    ¡°Can you get us a cup of coffee as well?¡± he then asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the agent replied politely and headed to the kitchen. All the agents who came here were well aware of Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s honorable reputation.

    ¡°Starting tomorrow, the guys and I are going to have some firearm training,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said as he watched Kang Chan snuff out his cigarette a bit. ¡°Anyway, from what I saw today, the old man¡¯s skills were pretty damn incredible!¡±

    <i>What¡¯s this bastard trying to get at?</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek avoided Kang Chan¡¯s gaze as he quickly took the paper cup the agent offered him.

 Chapter 238.1: Yes, Itéˆ¥æªš My Decision (1)

    <h4>Chapter 238.1: Yes, It¡¯s My Decision (1)</h4>

    After finishing his coffee, Kang Chan asked an agent to bring him the satellite video receiver. The agent returned with the device in hand a momentter.

    ¡°Director Kim, if you turn this monitor on, it¡¯ll give you a view of everything around the area,¡± Kang Chan exined as he connected the monitor to a portable battery. He then showed the men how to use it.

    ¡°This is incredible,¡± Kim Tae-Jin murmured in awe.

    ¡°<i>Whoa</i>! That shit¡¯s so fucking cool!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek eximed.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek had their own unique ways of expressing their amazement.

    ¡°But please keep in mind that the footage disyed on the screen is from one minute ago. A single minute in the same situation as the one we were in today would be enough to blow up this entire ce,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t zooming out enough to see anyone approaching from another minute away resolve that issue?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°That increases the chance of us missing anyone trying to approach us in disguise. Anyway, all I¡¯m saying is that we should use it to our advantage, but it¡¯s dangerous to just let our guard down and rely too much on this device,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°I suppose that¡¯s true.¡± Kim Tae-Jin nodded in agreement.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    An announcement was made on the radio shortly after.

    ¡°Dinner is ready! Please proceed to the mess hall for your meals!¡±

    Kang Chan, Kim Tae-Jin, Oh Gwang-Taek, and the agent with them left the barracks together. Night had not fallen yet, but it was already freezing. If it wasn¡¯t so windy, they probably wouldn¡¯t feel this cold.

    The moment they walked into the dining hall, a wave of heat and the smell of delicious food rushed at them. The tables were upied by just as many Mongolian border patrol soldiers as people from the South Korean team. They were taking up the seats, eating ravenously.

    The table was already set with a few basic side dishes, and each person could go fill their trays with however much rice and soup they wanted.

    Kang Chan filled his te with rice and soup and then took a seat in an open area. The trays were covered in stic, probably to conserve water instead of washing dishes every time. Kang Chan thought to himself that they went the whole nine yards to save as much water as they could.

    Kang Chan honestly felt apprehensive about going to the dining hall because he could run into Kang Chul-Gyu, but he didn¡¯t see him. But it wasn¡¯t like he was going to ask where he was either.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek sat down opposite where Kang Chan was sitting, and the agent sat next to them.

    ¡°Enjoy your meal, Hyung-nim.¡±

    ¡°You too.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s subordinates came over and made a fuss of greeting him, but Oh Gwang-Taek was the only one who could tell them to stop doing that, so Kang Chan left it alone. He pretended not to notice and just focused on eating his dinner.

    Maybe part of it was because he was starving since he had only eaten a single bowl of ramyeon for lunch, but the food was quite delicious. In fact, even if he wasn¡¯t so hungry, it probably wouldn¡¯t have been too bad.

    ¡°They¡¯ll probablye at least one more time, don¡¯t you think?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure either. I¡¯m thinking of giving Russia a call in a bit, though,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Do you know someone in the mafia?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked curiously.

    ¡°I¡¯m nning on asking the Russian intelligence bureau, but I¡¯m not expecting them to give me a positive response.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Kim Tae-Jin mused.

    Their conversation ended there, allowing them to focus on their food. It took them about fifteen minutes to finish their dinner. They gathered the leftovers from the side dishes and unwrapped the stic from the trays to throw them out before leaving the dining hall.

    The cold weather and the fierce wind made it difficult to even dream about having a smoke in front of the dining hall.

    <i>Will I ever get used to this?</i>

    Kang Chan shivered in dread on his way back to the barracks. Even in that short moment, he made sure to give his surroundings a quick scan. At this point, it had be something like a habit of his.

    When he turned his head, he saw Kang Chul-Gyu standing on top of the barracks with his gun slung around his right arm. It was no wonder Kang Chan hadn¡¯t seen him around. Kang Chul-Gyu had taken the first shift on guard duty.

    ¡°He stepped up and volunteered to do the first shift,¡± Kim Tae-Jin quickly exined, noticing where Kang Chan was looking.

    From far away, darkness was beginning to fall.

    ¡°President Oh and his men aren¡¯t used to standing guard yet, so we agreed to have the agents take turns for security for now,¡± Kim Tae-Jin informed Kang Chan.

    ¡°You can add me in too,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That¡¯s not really necessary,¡± Kim Tae-Jin refused worriedly.

    ¡°Even if we start the guard duty now, we¡¯re going to need twelve people for twelve hours. Considering we¡¯re up against people who are already so violent with their attacks even though this is just our first day, I don¡¯t mind standing guard until everyone gets used to it,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°All right, then. I¡¯ll take you up on that offer,¡± Kim Tae-Jin epted.

    While Kang Chan and Kim Tae-Jin spoke, they all entered the barracks. Carrying his gun, Joo Chul-Bum followed them inside. Five men were sitting on the sofa in total.

    Kang Chan thought he should get his next business over with since he had already brought it up. It was a bit awkward, but he decided to call Vasili anyway.

    He brought over his phone, looked for Vasili¡¯s number in his contacts, then pressed the call button. The dial tone rang two times before he heard Vasili¡¯s voice over the line.

    - I heard you just wrapped up a noisy wee greeting.

    ¡°You just know everything, don¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan shot back.

    - I¡¯m sure you didn¡¯t make this call to crack jokes like that. I¡¯m busy with my next appointment, so get to what you want to say already.

    <i>This little motherfucker.</i>

    Kang Chan thought of the prospect of having to stick close to Kang Chul-Gyu and forced himself to keep his head.

    ¡°Vasili, I don¡¯t want to be ufortable staying here or be on awkward terms with you. I hope you can keep the mafia away from us,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - There seems to be a misunderstanding.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek just watched Kang Chan as he spoke on the phone. Meanwhile, Vasili continued to talk to him in a rude tone.

    - The mafia over there is different from the ones in Moscow. While it is true that we coveted the denadite, we don¡¯t want it so bad that we are willing to fight a newly emerging hero.

    At the very least, he didn¡¯t sound as if he was lying.

    - All the men that wemissioned to handle our business over there have already withdrawn. The mafia who visited you today is the local mafia in that region. If you want to have them taken care of, I would have to send troops for it. If that¡¯s what you wish, we can have a separate discussion about that.

    Was Vasili really speaking the truth? Kang Chan turned to Oh Gwang-Taek for a moment.

    <i>Nah.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek was the gangster who had taken over all of Gangnam in Korea, but it was unlikely for even him to know how the Russian mafia system worked.

    ¡°Then that means I don¡¯t have to worry about doing something wrong to you if I clean this area up,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    - <i>Huhuhu</i>.

    There was nothing special about their conversation, yet Vasili stillughed as if his pride was hurt.

    - You¡¯ll be going up against the most brutal of the Russian mafia. Because of the environment over there, the only thing they have to rely on is the minerals. Let me give you one piece of advice. I do acknowledge your capabilities, but you should not expect the rest of your men to fare as well as you did today once you leave for Africa. We received intelligence that former Spetsnaz mafia members are heading over there.

    Kang Chan sighed quietly, making sure that it wouldn¡¯t be heard over the phone.

    If the mafia was truly sending in former Spetsnaz members, then the agents with him would inevitably find themselves in the face of challenging opponents.

    - I can lend you a hand if you wish, but for me to do that, our military will have to be stationed there.

    ¡°I see. Thanks for the help, Vasili,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    <i>- Whew!</i>

    Vasili sighed for reasons that were beyond Kang Chan¡¯s understanding.

    - Fight back enough to show your strength, but negotiate if possible. Themander of the border patrol troops, Bhat, can most certainly mediate for you. Offering him a certain amount per year will be mutually beneficial.

    ¡°Vasili,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Vasili stayed silent even though Kang Chan called his name.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    - <i>Hmph</i>!

    The call was disconnected after a loud snort. Kang Chan thought that the punk had to learn some things about manners on the phone.

    Kang Chan put his phone down and informed Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek about his conversation with Vasili.

    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea,¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded first.

    ¡°You¡¯re saying I, Oh Gwang-Taek, have to pay other people off?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek grumbled.

    A moment of silence dawned upon them as they had difficulties making a decision.

 Chapter 238.2: Yes, Itéˆ¥æªš My Decision (1)

    <h4>Chapter 238.2: Yes, It¡¯s My Decision (1)</h4>

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The door opened, and one of the agents peeked inside. ¡°They say they have finished setting up the Mistral and would like for you to take a look at it, sir.¡±

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll be on my way soon,¡± Kang Chan replied, immediately getting up.

    The sun was already setting on the horizon the ground, casting a hue that was as red as blood over the destend.

    When Kang Chan climbed up the barracks, he was greeted by two agents, three of the border patrol soldiers, and Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <i>Is it okay for an old geezer to stay outside for so long?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but wonder.

    While trying to avoid looking at him, Kang Chan examined the Mistral and then turned back toward the agents.

    ¡°After checking it twice, I can confirm that it has been installed properly. However, I don¡¯t know if we can still operate it if the temperature drops further,¡± an agent said.

    Kang Chan nodded, then took the metal stairs back down the barracks.

    ¡°Pay him the amount,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    ¡°Er, Bhat says he has something to tell you,¡± the interpreter said. Bhat then stepped forward.

    <i>Do these bastards not get cold?</i>

    Bhat had a strange mustache that didn¡¯t suit his shabby face. He spoke in some Mongolian that Kang Chan naturally didn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°He says he has a son and a daughter, and he would like for them to study abroad in South Korea,¡± the agent said.

    It was such a ludicrous request that Kang Chan was about tough when the agent spoke again.

    ¡°He also says that he will stop the Russian mafia from approaching our location for about a month if you can make it happen,¡± the agent added.

    ¡°Tell him I¡¯ll discuss it with Director Kim and President Oh first and give him a decision tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    The agent quickly ryed Kang Chan¡¯s words. Bhat nodded, then turned around to leave.

    Kang Chan wanted to know which bastard had given the important role ofmander of the border patrol troops to that corrupted punk. He couldn¡¯t help but think that this was probably how people from the intelligence bureaus of the United States or China felt whenever they met greedy Korean politicians or businessmen who were looking for any opportunity to sell off their country.

    <i>Clunk.</i>

    Kang Chan, Kim Tae-Jin, Oh Gwang-Taek, the agent, and Joo Chul-Bum returned to Kang Chan¡¯s barracks.

    ¡°They say in 2009, the Democratic Party, which is the minority party, will produce a president for the first time. All the ministers and key positions in the government will likely be reced. There are a lot of people who are eager to get their share before stepping down,¡± Kim Tae-Jin exined, likely having read Kang Chan¡¯s expression. ¡°In my opinion, it¡¯s not a bad idea to grease Bhat¡¯s palm a bit and coborate with the Russian mafia.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the one leaving this ce soon. If that¡¯s what you decide after talking it over with Gwang-Taek, I won¡¯t oppose it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°So it¡¯s not something you¡¯re inclined to do, huh?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    Kang Chan nodded in response.

    ¡°Whether it¡¯s bribing someone or giving someone some money so they wouldn¡¯t attack us, once you start giving, it will never end. And when we start profiting from this business, don¡¯t you think their demands will only keep getting bigger?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    ¡°If we grow bigger, won¡¯t they be more careful about rushing in to raid us?¡± Kim Tae-Jin countered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Kang Chan answered, ncing at Oh Gwang-Taek. ¡°Their demands will most definitely grow in the future. They already have a habit of taking money, and we¡¯ll likely have to get their permission to build a factory on top of that. The moment they consider us an endless source of money, they¡¯ll starting at us with everything they¡¯ve got. They don¡¯t have any other choice either if they want to keep what they¡¯ve been enjoying with that money.¡±

    ¡°Good point.¡± Oh Gwang-Taek nodded in agreement. ¡°Once you start paying bribes, you won¡¯t be able to stop. Channy¡¯s correct about that.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>, It will be tough to fight them once you¡¯ve gone off to Africa, though,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented, concern evident in his voice.

    ¡°When will the second team being in?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°At the very least, it¡¯ll take them at least three weeks.¡±

    ¡°How manybat personnel are among them?¡±

    ¡°Some of them would be those who served at the DMZ with me, one of which would be Sang-Hyun. It took a bit longer because a few of them were restricted from leaving the country,¡± Kim Tae-Jin exined. Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s curious gaze, he continued, ¡°Well, there were a few guys whomitted some crimes outside of the military after they were discharged.¡±

    <i>I suppose that makes sense.</i>

    Kang Chan just moved on instead of dwelling on it too much.

    ***

    Feeling the coldness of the gun in his hands, Kang Chul-Gyu observed the darkness falling on the deste horizon. He didn¡¯t expect he would ever pull another trigger again in his life.

    As he watched the blood-red setting sun, he thought that his wish might juste true.

    <i>I could die here.</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin said he would help him find his son¡¯s belongings, and more importantly, he heard that the young man named Kang Chan knew his son.

    The moment Kang Chul-Gyu heard that, he almost grabbed Kang Chan and begged him to talk about his son. What were hisst moments like? What was he like in everyday life? What was he like on the battlefield?

    His father? Bullshit. Kang Chul-Gyu was no father.

    Even if he put himself in Kang Chan¡¯s shoes, he probably would have jumped on him, grabbed him by the throat, and beaten him to the ground. In fact, Kang Chul-Gyu was grateful to Kang Chan for caring about his son so much.

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t even turned twenty yet¡ªno, he was now twenty. Seeing the twenty-year-old¡¯s eyes, Kang Chul-Gyu was reminded of his younger self. Would Kang Chan believe that?

    Kang Chul-Gyu would bark like a dog if Kang Chan ordered him to, and he would stand guard every night if that was what Kang Chan wanted.

    As for his son... Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t even remember what he looked like even if he looked at a picture of him.

    <i>My son probably resented me so much.</i>

    That was the only thing Kang Chul-Gyu could think of.

    His son was already dead, so he wouldn¡¯t know about Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s feelings, apologies, or regrets. His son was dead.

    Kang Chul-Gyu had grown older. Now, when he thought about his son, there were times when tears welled up in his eyes.

    <i>I¡¯m sorry, my son!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu wanted to scream those words at the top of his lungs. He wanted to cry out loud and voice out that he regretted his actions. However, doing those things felt as if he would be dishonoring his son. He knew better than anyone what it was like to die on the battlefield.

    How could Kang Chul-Gyu scream and wail just to have some peace when he was the one who had set him up to die like that? Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t deserve to cry. Even dogs would know better than to cry in his position.

    <i>In this ce, in my current state, I should be there soon. When I get there, you can swear, spit, and punch me as much as you want. If that¡¯s what it takes to make you feel better, do it all. If I fall too far to the bottom of hell for you to reach me, I¡¯ll grit my teeth and climb higher for you.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at the edge of the ground, which looked as if the darkness had almostpletely devoured it.

    Suddenly, a terrible pain shot up from the back of his head. Kang Chul-Gyu grimaced and then smiled, thinking of it as his punishment for leading his son to his death. He could only hope that death was waiting for him at the end of this pain.

    <i>If I die at the hands of the enemy... I want it to be in the most cruel way possible.</i>

    He wanted to pay for his sins by having to struggle through pain.

    He had lived for his mothend.

    He had lived as if his team members were the most important thing in the world.

    Yes, Kang Chul-Gyu had made a decision. It was only right for him to pay the price for it.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu saw something move in the dark, so he quickly slung his rifle over his shoulder.

    He wouldn¡¯t let anyone touch the people here, especially Kang Chan. He wouldn¡¯t let anyone get to a man who got angry in his son¡¯s stead.

    <i>The King of the DMZ. None of you knows the weight of that name. I will protect Kang Chan with my own hands so he can get out of this ce safely.</i>

    Was it because of Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s sharp gaze? A few wolves lifted their heads in his direction, but they didn¡¯t budge after that.

    <i>nk.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu slung his rifle around his right arm again.

    ***

    ¡°All right. We¡¯ll leave in four days,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    - That soon?

    ¡°We were informed that if the National Assembly passes the motion tomorrow, we will be leaving the country immediately,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered. He turned around to nce at Cha Dong-Gyun before asking, ¡°Anyway, how was it during the night? Since all the people who came in the morning ended up dead, didn¡¯t the reste to take revenge or something?¡±

    - I don¡¯t know, to be honest. I think we managed to get by with the help of the border patrol soldiers for now. Tomorrow¡¯s the real problem, though.

    ¡°What about electricity? Will you be able to charge your phone?¡±

    - We have a generator that runs on gasoline here.

    ¡°So you have pretty much everything you need, then!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed half-sarcastically.

    - Wow, shocker!

    Seok Kang-Houghed, then continued, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about us over here and take care of yourself while you¡¯re over there. I¡¯m more worried about the people you¡¯ll be leaving behind when you fly over to Africa.¡±

    - Yeah, me too. But it¡¯s not like I can just sit around waiting for the second team toe over. They¡¯re going to be here in three weeks. It¡¯s a mess.

    ¡°You should see how things turn out first before leaving.¡±

    - I will. Anyway, be careful.

    ¡°Got it, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied light-heartedly.

    After hanging up, he picked up a cigarette.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°Apparently... <i>whew</i>, it sounds like things aren¡¯t looking too good over there. I heard they already fought the mafia today, killing six of them. They also took their Mistral,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°I was only told that they fought the Russian mafia. I didn¡¯t know they showed up with such advanced weaponry,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied, surprise clear in his expression.

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>! Now isn¡¯t the time to worry about others, though. Here, have a smoke,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, offering him a cigarette, which Cha Dong-Gyun readily epted. ¡°How¡¯s the interpreter doing?¡±

    ¡°I saw him going in earlier. He looks like he¡¯s about to pass out any minute because this is their first time working together.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>,¡± Seok Kang-Houghed cruelly. ¡°We took a guy who has only ever interpreted in an office setting and had him fire a shit ton of live ammo. Honestly, I¡¯m amazed he didn¡¯t piss himself.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun tried to muffle hisughter as he chuckled, making him sound as if he was sobbing.

    ¡°What if those assholes run away and hide so they don¡¯t have toe tomorrow?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked jokingly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they won¡¯t do that. They¡¯re technically still soldiers, after all,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied, still forcing hisughter back.

 Chapter 239.1: Yes, Itéˆ¥æªš My Decision (2)

    <h4>Chapter 239.1: Yes, It¡¯s My Decision (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan¡¯s shift for guard duty was from ten to eleven in the evening.

    They initially nned to exclude Oh Gwang-Taek and his men from that task, but on Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s insistence to learn as much and as fast as he could, they integrated them into the rotation. Hence, the agents and Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s men now stood guard in teams of two.

    Oh Gwang-Taek went outside with Kang Chan.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Whenever the wind swept past them, they felt as if the skin around their eyes, which their masks didn¡¯t cover, were being stabbed with a knife.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek swore.

    With the temperature close to -40¡ãC, the wind almost seemed to be biting them.

    Oh Gwang-Taek kept bouncing on his feet. He felt as if he would freeze up if he stopped moving.

    ¡°Do you regreting here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I don''t! Fucking bastard!¡±

    The moisture from Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s breath rose, coating his eyebrows with frozen white droplets.

    ¡°Start by looking into the distance. No matter how dark it is, the horizon will always be visible. Slowly examine the area around it, then slowly shift your gaze to areas closer to you. While you¡¯re examining your surroundings, look to the horizon again as you¡¯re examining from left to right in a zigzag pattern,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Where did you learn this?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°The inte.¡±

    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk despite being criticized.

    Oh Gwang-Taek was furious and understandably so, considering this was his first time feeling his body freeze up on a cold day like this.

    ¡°Move and wiggle your muscles around slowly, one part at a time. We actually have it easy. On days like this, someone among the people waiting in the tank usually freeze to death,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°I doubt that... Do you really think someone could freeze to death just because they sat still?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek looked as if he couldn¡¯t believe what Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You¡¯ll feel toozy to do anything once you start freezing up. This will lead to you stiffening up and your blood gradually freezing. If you don¡¯t do something about it, this cold can kill you in an hour.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked at Kang Chan with surprise in his eyes.

    ¡°Soldiers in tanks can die not just from the heat. Days as cold as this can freeze them to death as well. People might run away if they find themselves in ces like this, but they won¡¯t feel any pain as they slowly freeze up. If you start feeling sleepy while you''re out here in the cold, then it could be a sign that your body is freezing up. If you ever find yourself in that situation, you better drop what you¡¯re doing and head inside.¡±

    ¡°I would rather just fucking freeze to death! Why would I go inside? That¡¯s fucking embarrassing!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek eximed.

    Kang Chan, who was looking at the horizon, slowly drew his gaze closer to them.

    ¡°You probably don''t believe me now, but in the next fifteen days, you¡¯re going to see it happen so often that you¡¯ll get used to it. That¡¯s more than enough time for your men to freeze to death. You¡¯re the eldest here, so you tell me. Are you more afraid of being embarrassed or of your people dying to the cold?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Unable to respond, Oh Gwang-Taek red at Kang Chan from the side.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to connect the Eurasian Rail. This ce is where all of that starts. I wouldn¡¯t have asked you to do this with me if this wasn¡¯t important. I actually feel bad because of it, but you¡¯re the only one I knew I could count on to handle this.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! You should entrust something like this to me, the great Oh Gwang-Taek!¡±

    ¡°Then for the next fifteen days, forget about being embarrassed while you¡¯re still getting used to this. Let¡¯s connect the Eurasian Rail to South Korea. After we get rid of the distractions from Russia, China, and Mongolia, we will be the heart of Asia,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Those sons of bitches! My blood is boiling.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked at Oh Gwang-Taek. He then stared into the distance again.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Not long after, he put the stock of his rifle against his shoulder, then sharply aimed its barrel somewhere.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    Suffocating silence dawned upon them.

    <i>nk.</i>

    Kang Chan lowered his rifle. ¡°I think it¡¯s a wolf¡ªas far as I can tell, it¡¯s dragging what remains of the body that it was eating just a moment ago.¡±

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡±

    ¡°Train yourself to see wolves first. As you slowly draw your gaze closer to you from the distance, you¡¯ll start to notice and see the wolves faster. You won¡¯t get a better chance to train than now,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Where is it?¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek shifted his gaze ording to Kang Chan¡¯s instructions for about five minutes before finally eximing, ¡°Hey! I see it!¡±

    ¡°Be quiet. If you talk this loudly at night, they¡¯ll be able to hear you from more than a kilometer away.¡±

    In response, Oh Gwang-Taek just stopped speaking and looked at the horizon again.

    After an hour, which felt more like half a day, Joo Chul-Bum climbed up to the top of the barracks with an agent.

    ¡°Where are the night vision goggles?¡± Kang Chan asked the two.

    ¡°We brought them with us.¡±

    ¡°Good luck.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± the agent and Joo Chul-Bum said in unison.

    Oh Gwang-Taek went down the narrow iron stairs with Kang Chan.

    Leaning toward Kang Chan, Oh Gwang-Taek immediately asked, ¡°Hey! We had night vision goggles all this time? Why didn¡¯t we wear them?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to be the leader of this ce, then it¡¯s only proper that you¡¯re not wearing one. You should be able to examine your surroundings without something like that, shouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek nodded. His eyes started glinting.

    <i>nk</i>.

    Hot air rushed toward them as they entered the barracks.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>! God damn it!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek sank down into the sofa.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek, check the safety catch of your rifle first when you enter the barracks. If you put it up against a wall like that and it falls over, then it¡¯s definitely going to go off,¡± Kang Chan said as he removed his mask and gave him a look.

    Rather than grumbling or arguing against him, Oh Gwang-Taek slipped the safety catch on the M16 in ce and propped it on one side. It seemed like Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s determination to take responsibility for his men was making him obediently ept Kang Chan¡¯s orders.

    ¡°Fuck, I like that I feel like I¡¯m getting a little closer to you,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    ¡°Oh shut up, you fucker. Let¡¯s go have a smoke.¡±

    ¡°Give me a minute. I¡¯ll make coffee.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked as he took off the winter pants that he hadyered on top of his regr pants. The mighty Oh Gwang-Taek was standing in the kitchen to make instant coffee while wearing clothes for North Korean soldiers.

    It was during times like this that Kang Chan felt genuinely emotional for his men.

    They had two cigarettes and two paper cups of coffee.

    Kang Chan took out a lighter and lit up Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s cigarette.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek exhaled the cigarette smoke, then burst intoughter, perhaps finding the situation absurd.

    ¡°I don¡¯t regret doing this, so don¡¯t spout bullshit!¡± he grumbled as he nced at Kang Chan.

    Humans were difficult to predict. Who would¡¯ve guessed that the gangster who dominated Gangam would be making coffee while wearing clothes for North Korean soldiers in the wilderness of Mongolia?

    ¡°I chose to do this, so I won¡¯t ever regret it,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek repeated.

    ¡°I never said otherwise.¡±

    The two joked around as they drank coffee and smoked. Afterward, they headed to bed.

    They had to sleep and eat whenever they could.

    They had to keep doing those two things no matter what¡ªeven if they were inbat or on operations. After all, if they wanted to survive, it would be best to keep doing what they had to do.

    Kang Chany in his bed and stared at the ceiling.

    Unlike when he was in Africa, he now missed people¡ªKang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Mi-Young.

    <i>Good night, everyone.</i>

    Not long after, Kang Chan unknowingly fell asleep.

    ***

    <i>Vroom! Vroom! Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan jolted awake and immediately stood up from his bed.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    He then hurried out to the living room and picked up his rifle. As he did, he saw a radio on the table. During times like this,munication via the radio was the best.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Guards! What was that noise?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The Mongolian border patrol is returning to their military base,¡± someone responded.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°What time is it right now?¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s four in the morning.¡±

    <i>Those fuckers are always so full of shit!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Is the car that we hijacked still there as we left it?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°President Kim Tae-Jin has the keys.¡±

    Considering the situation, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t too disappointed that they were leaving.

    Kang Chan wondered if the Mongolian border patrol was plotting with the Russian mafia, but even if so, the agents guarding their base were from the special forces. Hence, he believed that they at least wouldn¡¯t be caught t-footed.

    He put his rifle down and went back into his room.

    Kang Chan felt slightly perturbed, but they had no right to stop the Mongolian border patrol from leaving, so he just went back to sleep.

    ***

    Kang Chan got another hour of sleep. When he woke up, he lightly warmed up inside the barracks. Afterward, he picked up and took a sip from a 1.5-liter bottle of water, then went into the bathroom.

    People adapted to the situation.

    He wet andthered his face and head just enough to slightly create bubbles. He then poured the remaining water straight down to the top of his head, cleaning himself using the soap and water that flowed down his body.

    Although it seemed horrible, the difference between lightly washing up and skipping it entirely was like heaven and hell.

    Kang Chan had gotten so used to showering with just one bottle of water that if he took a shower with two or three bottles, he would have water left over. It made him feel odd.

    As he came out of the bathroom, Oh Gwang-Taek looked at him with respect.

    ¡°Come inside the bathroom,¡± Kang Chan said. Since Oh Gwang-Taek was going to be leading this ce, it was best to show him how to shower here.

    After Oh Gwang-Taek took off his clothes, Kang Chan made him crouch down and finish showering with only one bottle of water.

    ¡°Damn! This feels amazing,¡± Oh Gwang-Taekmented afterward, drying himself off with a towel, then came out of the bathroom with apletely different expression from when he entered. He looked as if he could feel the difference between showering like this and not showering at all.

    ¡°How much more do I have to learn?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked. He looked worried.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t worry about that. Just do what you have to do with the mindset that you¡¯ll adapt and get used to things. It¡¯s still important for you to learn everything about weapons andbat, though.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek nodded in response.

 Chapter 239.2: Yes, Itéˆ¥æªš My Decision (2)

    <h4>Chapter 239.2: Yes, It¡¯s My Decision (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan held up his phone and checked the time but soon cocked his head. His phone wasn¡¯t working. Although he just spoke to Seok Kang-Ho on the phone yesterday, he wasn¡¯t picking up any signals anymore today.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek, check your phone,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°My phone? Why?¡±

    ¡°My phone isn¡¯t working.¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek, who was putting on thick clothes, stopped halfway and waddled to his room.

    ¡°Hey! Mine isn¡¯t working either,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek responded.

    In the middle of their conversation, an agent entered the barracks, and Joo Chul-Bum¡ªwho just woke up¡ªwent out to the living room.

    ¡°Did you get a good night''s sleep, hyung-nim?¡± Joo Chul-Bum asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah. Wash up quickly so you can eat.¡±

    Joo Chul-Bum nodded in response and then went into the bathroom.

    ¡°Our phones aren¡¯t working,¡± Kang Chan said, turning to the agent who just entered. ¡°Do you know anything about it?¡±

    ¡°I was actually just about to tell you about it. The Mongolian border patrol seems to have left with the Mobile Base Station.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately realized that he was right¡ªsomething was amiss.

    <i>No wonder those sons of bitches left first thing in the morning.</i>

    It wouldn¡¯t have been easy for them to move the Mobile Base Station. After all, even though it wasbeled as ¡®portable,¡¯ it was still quiterge. That was why he didn¡¯t expect that anyone would steal it in the first ce.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go get something to eat first,¡± Kang Chan said as Joo Chul-Bum came out of the bathroom looking like he only washed his face.

    Kang Chan examined their surroundings as he made his way to the mess hall.

    Kang Chul-Gyu was on top of the barracks again. The weather and the wind weren¡¯t any different from yesterday.

    <i>Won¡¯t that old man lose focus if he keeps standing guard on an empty stomach?</i>

    Kang Chan immediately shook his head.

    Would Kang Chul-Gyu really miss any enemies approaching them on a bright morning like this when he could put a bullet through the throat of a target more than a kilometer away from him?

    Not liking that he cared about Kang Chul-Gyu, Kang Chan picked up the pace and entered the mess hall. He then picked up a stic-wrapped food tray, put rice and soup on it, and sat down at a table. Not long after, Kim Tae-Jin approached him.

    They briefly greeted each other before eating.

    ¡°Our phones aren¡¯t working. Do we have any other way to contact others?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already talked to manager Kim Hyung-Jung using the satellite phone that we brought with us. If you need to use it, just tell an agent. They¡¯ll bring it to you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know if I need it, then.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin didn¡¯t say anything else. He looked nonplussed, though.

    After finishing their breakfast at around forty minutes past seven, they returned to the barracks with Kim Tae-Jin and drank coffee together.

    ¡°What time does the training start?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°We¡¯re nning to start in an hour and twenty minutes. Will that be okay?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why it wouldn¡¯t be. Is there a problem?¡±

    ¡°Not really. I just asked because the Mongolian border patrol leaving so early in the morning and even taking the Mobile Base Station with them is making me feel uneasy.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chan as he drank his coffee.

    Since they had arrived in Mongolia, Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s eyes had been bing fiercer as time went on. Being in such a nerve-wracking situation seemed to be making the senses and instincts he had in the past quicklye back to him.

    ¡°Is that... old man over there going to train Oh Gwang-Taek and his men?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Kim Tae-Jin nodded. He was putting in a lot of effort to disregard the way Kang Chan referred to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Proceed with the training, then. I can stand guard when it starts. It¡¯s a lot better than just wasting time doing nothing.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°Of course. I don¡¯t have anything to do right now anyway.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin left the barracks when their conversation ended, having to issue orders. He also seemed to have left in consideration of Kang Chan and Oh Gwang-Taek, wanting to give them the space to smoke infort.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    Kang Chan, Oh Gwang-Taek, the agent, and Joo Chul-Bum put a cigarette in between their lips.

    ¡°Do you have enough cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We filled one bag with it. We might run out of food, but we will never run out of cigarettes,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek answered, making Kang Chan suddenly miss Seok Kang-Ho.

    That fucker really knew what to do to console Kang Chan during times like this. How many people out there in the world couldugh as groups of their enemies were rushing toward them?

    Just before the clock struck eight, Kang Chan put on winter pants, a hat, and a mask.

    ¡°Why are you already ready to go out? Didn¡¯t you say that you¡¯ll stand guard when the training starts? There¡¯s still about an hour left,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it about time to change shifts anyway? We have to give the agents a little more rest at moments like this if we want them to endure this situation in the night as well.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek exhaled softly, seemingly finding it unfair that he couldn¡¯t imitate Kang Chan. His exhale also seemed to convey his desire to be able to act like him as fast as possible.

    <i>Click! nk!</i>

    Kang Chan reced his magazine with a new one, then pulled the breechblock.

    The agent who stayed in the same barracks as Kang Chan put on the same outfit as him. He then picked up his radio and rifle before following Kang Chan outside.

    Kang Chan had no reason to tell the agent not to follow him, especially since the agent¡¯s duty appeared to be to apany him anyway.

    <i>Swoosh! Swoosh!</i>

    As the two left the barracks, the mad banshee wind rushed toward them from all four directions again. It was as if it was waiting for them to go out.

    It could have been a little easier to endure if the wind consistently blew toward them. Even if that was the case, though, this wilderness would still be horrible.

    The two went around the barracks and went up the narrow iron stairs. Kang Chul-Gyu, who was standing guard on top, gave Kang Chan an awkward stare.

    ¡°You should head down,¡± Kang Chan said.

    As instructed, Kang Chul-Gyu headed down the stairs without saying anything unnecessary.

    <i>Why is the damned old man pretending to be obedient!</i>

    Kang Chan pressed the stock of the rifle against his right shoulder and put his left hand on its barrel. He then slowly examined their surroundings.

    The agent positioned himself near Kang Chan and held his rifle in the same way. He then examined the area opposite from the one Kang Chan was checking.

    <i>Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!</i>

    ¡°Do you want a hard-warmer?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m good, thanks.¡±

    The agent didn¡¯t take his eyes off the distance even as he spoke to Kang Chan, a behavior that showed that he used to be in the special forces.

    The sun shone so intensely that they felt as if it was right in front of them.

    Getting exposed to this much sunlight for even just a week would be enough to tan anyone¡¯s face. Unlike applying tanning oil and getting tanned at the beach, though, the tan they got here didn¡¯t look nice. Unlike the rest of their face, the inneryers of their wrinkles would still be pale, making them look like beggars.

    Slowly shifting his gaze, Kang Chan smirked. They would look like beggars wearing clothes for North Korean soldiers. Fortunately, he was wearing a mask. He also lowered the visor on his forehead to further avoid that oue.

    Although it likely seemed odd, people often got motion sickness when experiencing endless nds for the first time, especially if they were used to living in ces surrounded by mountains like South Korea. That was why the agent apanying Kang Chan kept shaking his head.

    Not even marine training could help avoid the sensation. After all, it was different from seasickness. It was somewhat bearable at night because they could only see a bit of the nds, but there was no way to avoid it during mornings with the sun brightly lighting up their surroundings.

    ¡°Head back into the barracks. Leave the radio,¡± Kang Chan told the agent.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to lose consciousness if you stay here. It takes at least three days to get used to this view, and those who are slow to adapt even take as much as ten days. We don¡¯t know when our enemies are going to attack, so don¡¯t be stubborn just for the sake of it. Go back down and don¡¯t look outside unless absolutely necessary.¡±

    The look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes and the way he spoke made the agent apologize and hand his radio over. Before climbing down, he looked straight at Kang Chan with eyes that seemed to be asking, <i>¡®Who are you? How do you know things like this?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile. If he could tell others all about it, then Kang Chul-Gyu would already be dead.

    Now that he thought about it, Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t get motion sickness. He didn¡¯t like anything about that old man because he didn¡¯t seem human at all. That was probably why his wife hung herself and his son died, too.

    About fifteen more minutes had passed since the agent with him climbed down.

    At the very least, they had to stay here in the morning. Someone would have toe up and eat lunch here, but the only ones whom he thought could do that were Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin.

    <i>How good would Suh Sang-Hyun be?</i>

    <i>Badum badum.</i> <i>Badum badum.</i>

    As Kang Chan slowly shifted his gaze, his heart began to beat faster.

    The Mongolian border patrol left with the Mobile Base Station first thing in the morning.

    His heart beating faster could be a natural reaction to this situation.

    Sharply scanning his surroundings, Kang Chan noticed a cloud of dust rising in the distance.

    It was still quite far away.

    Kang Chan held up his radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°An unconfirmed vehicle is approaching. All agents¡ªprepare forbat. I repeat. An unconfirmed vehicle is approaching. All agents¡ªprepare forbat,¡± Kang Chan said.

    He put his radio down and red at the iing cloud of dust.

    <i>Pow-pow-pow! Click! Click! Pow-pow! Click!</i>

    The sound of rifles and footsteps noisily rang out from inside the military base.

    If the enemies were from the Spetsnaz, then Kang Chan¡¯s team was in for one difficult battle today. During moments like this, the only people he expected to be helpful were Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin.

    <i>Badum badum.</i> <i>Huff huff.</i>

    Just as Kang Chan turned to look inside the barracks, Kang Chul-Gyu walked up the iron stairs.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    The wind roughly swept past between the two as their gazes met.

    <i>Huff huff.</i> <i>Huff huff.</i>

    ¡°The enemies might be from the Spetsnaz,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Got it.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu obediently answered Kang Chan.

 Chapter 240.1: Even If My Life Is Filled With Tears (1)

    <h4>Chapter 240.1: Even If My Life Is Filled With Tears (1)</h4>

    <i>Swiiish! Swiish!</i>

    The air mercilessly blew against Kang Chan¡¯s fur-brimmed hat, but he just kept ring at Kang Chul-Gyu, never budging an inch.

    <i>What¡¯s wrong with you? Why are you suddenly acting so obedient?</i>

    At that moment, Kim Tae-Jin and the agents rushed up the metal stairs, leaving Kang Chan no choice but to look away.

    ¡°I need someone to man the Mistral!¡± Kim Tae-Jin shouted.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± an agent said as he retrieved theser guidance device and got into position.

    Kang Chan looked around their surroundings.

    The base they were in was right smack in the middle of an empty field, and to make things worse, they only had a mere total of ten agents.

    ¡°We won¡¯t have any way out if we get surrounded here. Have Oh Gwang-Taek and his subordinates stand by in the dining hall,¡± Kang Chan ordered the agents.

    ¡°You expect us to be surrounded?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked with sharp, glinting eyes.

    ¡°Considering the number of iing cars, it is definitely a possibility. We¡¯re the only base here, and there has to be a reason the border patrol took our Mobile Base Station,¡± Kang Chan quickly replied, then looked at the agents. ¡°ording to our intel, there are former Spetsnaz members among that group. Go up in pairs to the top of each barracks, but keep your heads down. In the worst-case scenario, don¡¯t ever daree down from the barracks without mymand even if we engage in hand-to-handbat. Go!¡±

    Kang Chan pointed his men to four different locations on top of the barracks, assigning them to their positions. The cloud of dust had gotten closer, now only two kilometers away.

    ¡°Old man! Can I trust you with Director Kim?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied.

    ¡°Then I need you and the Director to take charge of the barracks that we¡¯re in.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded without hesitation.

    ¡°Director, if we lose control of this base, we¡¯re definitely all going to die,¡± Kang Chan grimly said.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kim Tae-Jin solemnly replied.

    Kang Chan turned his gaze to the center of the base. On the small empty field in the middle of all the barracks, two agents were trying to have Oh Gwang-Taek retreat to safety, but he kept refusing to head inside the mess hall.

    Kang Chan quickly climbed down the barracks. He then firmly ordered, ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek! Wait at the mess hall with your subordinates!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek gave Kang Chan a defiant gaze, still refusing to leave.

    <i>Swiish! Whoosh! Swish!</i>

    ¡°Our enemies right now are the Russian Spetsnaz, one of the top special forces teams in the entire fucking world. They¡¯re almost here, so I need you to hold back your temper for now, all right? If you let your pride get the best of you, your men are going to get shot through the head before you can even get the chance to pull the trigger,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    Oh Gwang-Taek gritted his teeth so hard that Kang Chan thought they would crack. He knew that Oh Gwang-Taek fully understood his orders but was having a hard time epting them.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek! We don¡¯t have time for this!¡±

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek bellowed in frustration. His eyes dropped to the ground as he shook his head. He then looked back up at Kang Chan with red, bloodshot eyes. ¡°Hurry up and teach me already! I don¡¯t care if I die, but at the very least, give me the skills I need to fight back against those bastards!¡±

    ¡°I will, but you have to survive first,¡± Kang Chan assured him.

    Oh Gwang-Taek nodded and turned toward the mess hall.

    Two of the agents assigned to the barracks climbed to the top. After ensuring that his orders were properly followed, Kang Chan began striding toward the barracks that Kim Tae-Jin was standing in front of.

    <i>Clink!</i>

    He then swung his rifle around his right shoulder. The enemies were already less than a kilometer away from their base.

    <i>Swiiish! Swiiiish!</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin, who was watching Kang Chan from the top of the building, turned around and met Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s gaze.

    <i>¡®Are you all right, Sunbae-nim?¡¯</i>

    He couldn¡¯t help but be concerned about Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s health and the fact that Kang Chul-Gyu was speaking formally to Kang Chan. Much to his surprise, however, Kang Chul-Gyu had a bitter smile on his face. It was as if he was remembering something.

    ¡°Themander is truly impressive,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu praised.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Kim Tae-Jin questioned.

    With his rifle still slung around his arm, Kang Chul-Gyu looked around him. ¡°He¡¯s all alone down there. He¡¯s sure that we¡¯re going to be engaging in hand-to-handbat, which means that he¡¯s essentially going to try to fight all the enemies by himself while we cover him from above.¡±

    <i>Is Kang Chan really thinking of doing something so unbelievable? Wait, did Kang Chul-Gyu just catch on to Kang Chan¡¯s ns?</i>

    As Kim Tae-Jin began to look down in shock, Kang Chul-Gyu continued, ¡°They don¡¯t have any heavy weapons on the approaching vehicles. That means they already know everything about us, including our numbers and what we¡¯re capable of. That also means they intend to be brutal with their retaliation for yesterday¡¯s incident.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin had also inferred that this was what their enemies¡¯ck of heavy weapons had meant.

    ¡°We seem to have about five minutes left. Would you watch over here for a moment?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied with glinting eyes, feeling as if the clock had turned back by thirty years.

    The DMZ King was back.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s violently sharp eyes, tone, attitude, facial expression, and the arrogant way he looked around him were now no different from the past. When he casually gave Kim Tae-Jin the order to stand guard as if it was nothing, the baby chick, Kim Tae-Jin, became certain that the DMZ King had finally woken back up.

    Kang Chul-Gyu descended the metal stairs with heavy steps. Kang Chan could clearly hear the loud noise.

    Now that the enemies were only a kilometer away, they had slowed down their advance to almost walking speed.

    They had three trucks, three jeeps, and two sedans.

    Enemies making their advances in this way emphasized the overwhelming advantage they had in terms of manpower. Hence, it would¡¯ve been understandable for fear to steadily creep into their targets¡¯ minds.

    <i>Pft. That technique only works against ordinary soldiers.</i>

    Feeling someone behind him, Kang Chan turned around. Kang Chul-Gyu was approaching him with his rifle slung across his right shoulder, his arm pressing against its handguard.

    Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s gazes met once more.

    ¡°I have a favor to ask,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu began.

    Instead of answering, Kang Chan simply waited in silence.

    The man had changed. This wasn¡¯t the Kang Chul-Gyu whom Kang Chan knew in the past. His eyes had changed just as much, now exuding a powerful charisma.

    <i>So this was the man they called the DMZ King?</i>

    ¡°If you¡¯re staying down here to intercept any hand-to-hand battles alone, allow me to stay here as well. An agent is with Kim Tae-Jin at the top of the building anyway. They should be enough to cover that position,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said, bending over to pull up the bottoms of his thick winter pants.

    <i>Shing.</i>

    He then unsheathed a bay and held it out to Kang Chan by the de.

    ¡°I sharpened it,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu informed him.

    <i>Why? Why would this man do that? Why would a soldier with such an impressive gaze do that?</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu lifted his gaze over Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders, then held out the bay in his hand again. He seemed adamant about making Kang Chan take it.

    ¡°I sharpened two bays, so you can take this one,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu insisted.

    The enemies were almost upon them.

    Kang Chan was worried about the dullness of his de anyway, so he epted the bay without hesitation. He took it by the handle and hung it backward around his left sleeve.

    Taking his silence as permission, Kang Chul-Gyu stood next to Kang Chan. He tilted his head as he looked at their iing opponents.

    They were only about nine hundred meters away from the base now.

    <i>Swiiiish! Swish! Swiish!</i>

    It was awfully awkward. Maybe that was why the wind asionally rushed past them. It was as if it was clicking its tongue at them in annoyance.

    How would Kang Chan have treated this old man if he wasn¡¯t his father?

    Kang Chan peeked over at him. Just then, Kang Chul-Gyu, who was scowling and had his teeth clenched together, slightly lifted the corner of his mouth into a faint smile. He then nced over at Kang Chan, causing them to make eye contact again.

    ¡°There¡¯s some shrapnel stuck in the back of my head, so I feel random bursts of pain every now and then,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu opened out of nowhere.

    <i>Did anyone ask?</i>

    Kang Chan thought that the old man was getting terribly chatty now that he was given the opportunity.

    <i>Pft.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked as if he read Kang Chan¡¯s mind. They certainly had different facial features, but the way Kang Chul-Gyu smiled was so simr to Kang Chan that he felt as if he was looking in the mirror.

    The distance between them and their opponents was now down to eight hundred meters. Kang Chan nned to open fire as soon as they were within five hundred meters of them, which meant they still had about three hundred meters of leeway.

    ¡°Is there anything you want to say to your son?¡± Kang Chan asked out of the blue.

    <i>Why did I ask something so stupid?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk as well.

    Since he was wearing a mask, Kang Chul-Gyu could probably only see his eyes, but that was enough for what he meant to be properly conveyed.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be so shameless that I would try to tell him anything. Still...¡± Kang Chul-Gyu trailed off, ncing at the enemies and then back at Kang Chan again. ¡°If I could say just one thing...¡±

    <i>Why¡¯s he dragging this out for so long?</i>

    Kang Chan felt irritation rush up inside of him.

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got nothing to say, don¡¯t try toe up with something just so you would,¡± he said with annoyance.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded and shut his mouth.

    <i>Godammit! You¡¯re actually going to stop talking because I told you to?</i>

    Kang Chan reigned in his exasperation and turned back to the enemies.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to tell him that I¡¯m sorry, that I¡¯m truly sorry,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu finally answered.

    <i>Swiiish! Swiish!</i>

    The weird answer to Kang Chan¡¯s random question only made the awkwardness between them worse.

 Chapter 240.2: Even If My Life Is Filled With Tears (1)

    <h4>Chapter 240.2: Even If My Life Is Filled With Tears (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan red at the enemies as he reproached Kang Chul-Gyu in his mind.

    <i>You shouldn¡¯t have done anything to be sorry for in the first ce! You chose your country and soldiers over everything else, but that is not an excuse to treat your fucking family like shit!</i>

    Their enemies were now only six hundred meters away.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu suddenly added.

    ¡°For what?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°For giving me the chance to die in a ce like this.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t the one who made that decision. It was Director Kim.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. ¡°Thank you for remembering my son as well.¡±

    Their opponents would only have to cover fifty more meters now before Kang Chan would have to pull his trigger. As soon as he began firing, the gates to the hell that he was too familiar with would open wide. Nevertheless, he still found the time to re sharply at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Do you really regret what you¡¯ve done to your son?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s smile at that moment seemed to be the perfect example of a pained smile.

    ¡°Make up an excuse for why you beat him up so much, then,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    They only had thirty meters left.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything to say?¡± he questioned, spite coating every word he uttered.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied.

    ¡°Enough. Just exin why you did something so despicable.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu quieted down, pressing his lips shut.

    ¡°What did he do that was so fucking wrong that you had to beat him up?! Why did you treat your son that way when all he was doing was trying his best?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m¡ª¡± Kang Chul-Gyu began.

    ¡°You want to die? Do you even understand how your son felt when he left for France to die? You lived your life as you saw fit, so I doubt you have any regrets! What about your son, though? Your innocent wife?! What did they do to you that was so wrong they had to be treated like shit?!¡± Kang Chan roared.

    The enemies had narrowed down the distance to five hundred meters.

    Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu gritted their teeth as they glowered at each other, but they had to put an end to their conversation now. After all, the gates of hell were about to open.

    <i>Swiiiish! Swish!</i>

    The iing opponents kicked up a heavy storm of dust into the wind.

    ¡°Son, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu muttered as if he was talking to himself just before Kang Chan could pull the trigger.

    Kang Chan just brushed it off, though. Anyone could say something sentimental to themselves when they were in the face of death.

    <i>Pft.</i>

    How could the DMZ King say something so pathetic, though? It was a waste of such a good title.

    For now, Kang Chan decided to focus on the driver¡¯s seat of one of the trucks that was driving straight toward them.

    <i>Baaang!</i>

    As the truck slowly came to a halt, all hell broke loose.

    <i>Baaang! Baaang! Baang! Baaaaang!</i>

    Within the same second, both sides began to trade shots.

    <i>Baaang! Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! ng! Bang, bang! ng!</i>

    Sparks flew and metallic sounds echoed as the enemies¡¯ bullets hit the buildings.

    The effective weapon range of a rifle was fifty meters. Shooting at targets further than that or anywhere close to a hundred meters had little to no meaning unless it was to provide cover or prevent the enemy froming closer. There would always be a risk of a stray bullet killing someone, but it was a rare urrence.

    Killing someone in the middle of a battle would prove difficult for anyone except snipers. Even if the enemy was already close enough for their faces to be identifiable, failing to shoot them down was still quitemon inbat.

    Anyone who heard that would probably think it was an exaggeration, but it was true. People weren¡¯t target practice dummies that would just stand still with their hands over their heads. They, too, would try to cover their heads as best as they could and open fire as soon as they saw a window of opportunity. In this dance, the two factions would repeatedly peek out of their cover to shoot, exposing themselves, then hide again in the blink of an eye.

    Those who didn¡¯t have enoughbat experience wouldn¡¯t be able to see anything in that short period. It was like sportsmen who had never joined an actual match before making mistakes or missing a goal during a penalty kick. However, the stakes inbat were iparable to the stakes in sports. After all, making a mistake in this situation meant death.

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang! ng! Baang! Pew! Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!</i>

    The enemies¡¯ bullets hit the barracks all over.

    If Oh Gwang-Taek and his subordinates had joined this fight, they would have been nothing but sitting ducks waiting to be shot at. For every ten men he had, nine would have been killed.

    <i>Baaang!</i>

    Kang Chan pulled his trigger, and the enemy right next to the truck fell back like a log.

    <i>Baaaang!</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s gun spewed sparks as he shot down another enemy. The man standing next to the other truck staggered and plunged to the ground.

    When their opponents stopped approaching them, Kang Chan quickly picked up his radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Hold your fire. I repeat. Hold your fire,¡± Kang Chan immediately ordered.

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang!</i>

    A few more rounds of bullets rang out before heavy silence enveloped the barracks. Kang Chan pressed his lips together and kept his eyes on their foes, observing how they would react.

    The border patrol soldiers were the ones who supplied his team with weapons and ammunition, so their enemy most likely already had a rough grasp of how many bullets they had. Even if Kang Chan requested help now, only the border patrol would being to their aid. They could call China, but it would defeat the purpose of himing all the way here. Moreover, reaching out to Russia entailed Vasili¡¯s conditions with countless strings attached.

    Kang Chan could see the enemies nonchntly smoking in the trucks they brought.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Should we use the Mistral?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked over the radio.

    Kang Chan picked up his radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°They¡¯re probably hoping that we use it first. Once we expend it, we¡¯ll have no way to defend against whatever firepower they bring,¡± Kang Chan replied, rendering Kim Tae-Jin speechless.

    <i>What the hell do those bastards want?</i>

    The easiest way out of this would be to attack during the night. Their second best option was to wait until their backup arrived.

    <i>Let¡¯s go over this one at a time.</i>

    They still had some food left. In the worst-case scenario, Kang Chan would have to request help from China, which would mean that the enemies didn¡¯t exactly have time on their side either.

    <i>What is it?</i>

    Kang Chan sharply scanned where their opponents were and the surrounding areas.

    ¡°Old man,¡± Kang Chan called, making Kang Chul-Gyu quickly nce at him. ¡°Can you head up the barracks and stop our enemies from shooting at us?¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied.

    It wasn¡¯t going to be easy for someone so old tost a long time in the cold. However, Kang Chul-Gyu was the most reliable soldier Kang Chan had at the moment. They were the only ones who had managed to kill hostiles since theynded in Mongolia.

    Kang Chan held his radio up.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Director Kim, can youe down to the barracks and keep an eye on the satellite video receiver?¡± Kang Chan requested. ¡°We¡¯re going to have to keep the situation around us under constant surveince.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied. At the same time, Kang Chul-Gyu took a step back and left, making no sounds as he did.

    Kang Chan noticed Kang Chul-Gyu was moving differently from before. It seemed as if the skills he had during his glory days were naturallying back to him the longer he stayed here.

    Kang Chan looked sharply at where Kang Chul-Gyu disappeared.

    <i>If I faced an enemy who could move so quietly that they practically made no noise...</i>

    Kang Chan felt shivers run down his spine.

    <i>Pew! ng!</i>

    A momentter, the sound of a sniper rifle echoed. A bullet then hit the barracks, letting out a noise that sounded as if the building wasining in agony. Kang Chan deduced that the enemy sniper tried to shoot Kim Tae-Jin as soon as they saw him move.

    <i>Baaaang!</i>

    And that just now was Kang Chul-Gyu responding with gunfire.

    Kang Chan sighed quietly. He had no choice but to give credit where it was due. In his mind, Kang Chan cursed at Kang Chul-Guy and told him to eat shit, but the marksmanship the old man disyed, the way he drew his bay from his ankle, and the movements he took that allowed him to reposition without making a sound all evidenced that he was at least as skilled as Seok Kang-Ho, perhaps even better. Kang Chan had to admit that much.

    That was why Kang Chul-Gyu was the first person Kang Chan sought during urgent situations and why he felt relieved whenever Kang Chul-Gyu shot their opponents. The feeling was hard to exin.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin approached Kang Chan in a way that paled to how Kang Chul-Gyu did.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head inside,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t we just look at it here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have any power outlet to connect it to.¡±

    <i>Damn it! They should¡¯ve given us one that has a rechargeable battery! How could they invent something so incredible but fail to think of adding a battery to it?!</i>

    Kang Chan picked up his radio and pressed a button.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m going to leave for a moment,¡± he informed the agents, then looked at Kim Tae-Jin and the enemies. He had to prioritize keeping the agents safe above all else.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Until I get back, the old man is in charge,¡± he dered.

    Kang Chan began to make his way inside the barracks, leaving Kim Tae-Jin, who looked surprised, behind. He felt as if he could hear Kang Chul-Gyu say, ¡°Got it,¡± from somewhere.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said, rushing Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°<i>Hm</i>? Oh! Yeah!¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded, finally brought back to his senses. He hurriedly followed after Kang Chan.

    <i>Baaaang!</i>

    Another loud M16 rifle gunshot echoed.

    Kim Tae-Jin looked back in surprise, but Kang Chan just continued to walk. He was sure that it was just Kang Chul-Gyu firing another bullet.

    Kang Chul-Gyu could probably differentiate the gunshots Kang Chan made from the others, too. Understanding the breathing and rhythm it took to pull the trigger made that possible.

    Kang Chan felt so reassured that he felt as if Seok Kang-Ho was the one standing guard on top of the barracks.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± he cursed as a burst of annoyance strangely red inside him.

 Chapter 241.1: Even If My life Is Filled With Tears (2)

    <h4>Chapter 241.1: Even If My life Is Filled With Tears (2)</h4>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    The enemies were still five hundred meters away from them.

    Clouds of dust rose and disappeared all over the wilderness between the base and the enemies.

    ¡°Hold your fire!¡± Kang Chul-Gyu shouted loud enough for even those who were inside the barracks next door to hear. ¡°Get some cover!¡±

    Even as hostiles walked to the front of the truck, Kang Chul-Gyu stayed as much as he could at the back of the barracks and kept ordering the soldiers not to shoot. He smirked as he stared at his enemies, who were taunting them.

    The moment his men raised their heads to take aim, enemy snipers would immediately shoot them down. Nevertheless, Kang Chul-Gyu stood tall, seemingly telling their enemies toe and get him. He stood at the very back of the barracks on purpose.

    The enemy snipers were most likely going out of their minds right now. Considering the distance between them and the South Korean team, they could shoot Kang Chul-Gyu in the head with ease if they just peeked out and brought their sniper rifles up to shoot. However, no sniper would do something so reckless, especially not those from the Spetsnaz, now that they knew how good of a shot Kang Chul-Gyu was.

    It was difficult to determine where the snipers were since they were covered with ocher-colored fabrics that were ripped into pieces to form a Ghillie suit[1], which also served as proof that they used to be members of the Spetsnaz.

    However, Kang Chul-Gyu was the DMZ King.

    Creating that kind of legend in this day and age was difficult now since close-quartersbat at the DMZ no longer existed. Attacking guard posts was also considered taboo now.

    Kang Chul-Gyu quickly scanned their surroundings.

    In his prime, Russia¡¯s Spetsnaz and China¡¯s White Wolves were deployed at the DMZ multiple times. Part of their special training involved slitting the necks of their enemies.

    Kang Chul-Gyu let out a huff ofughter.

    He remembered his superior asking him not to kill people like them.

    <i>¡®What about the men on our side? Are you telling me to just watch those pitiful people over there get their necks cut off?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Do I really have to spell out why I¡¯m telling you this? They have ordered us to just leave them be! As yourmanding officer, I order you never to leave the barracks today. You are not allowed to go there, do you hear me?! You¡¯re going to get yourself either injured or killed at this rate! If you disobey this order and cause Russia and China to kick up a fuss, I won¡¯t be able to protect you!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu could still remember the look on his superior¡¯s face when he yelled and pounded his desk so clearly that it was as if it just happened yesterday.

    Back then, he smiled the same way as he did now.

    ***

    ¡°It must be nice to work furthest from the frontlines! It¡¯s the safest over there!¡± The rescue officers in the DMZ yelled to the soldiers protecting the cease-fire line.

    The men at the DMZ and the North Korean soldiers had secured a path that they could all use to get through the area that was filled withndmines. However, the shitty North Korean soldiers secretly buriedndmines in that path at night.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s heart pounded whenever their enemies did something like that. Without fail, he would find thendmines.

    However, people were sometimes sent on mine detection missions without him, resulting in some of them returning with their ankles or knees blown off. That was why he didn¡¯t have time to rest.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s heart furiously pounded whenever the Spetsnaz and the White Wolves infiltrated their territory. If he couldn¡¯t go on operations on those days, then two or three of his men would have their necks slit or their heads blown off, leaving only their bodies behind.

    His superior was telling Kang Chul-Gyu to stay at the barracks even though he knew what was going to happen.

    The Spetsnaz would stab the ears of Kang Chul-Gyu with an awl as proof that they hadpleted their training. The White Wolves would behead his men with ease and give their heads to the North Korean soldiers before leaving.

    Hence, seeing his men¡¯s corpses was enough for Kang Chul-Gyu to know exactly who killed them.

    That wasn¡¯t all.

    North Korean special military officers and the Airborne Corps of the People''s Liberation Army Air Force would stab his men¡¯s hearts and slice through their Adam¡¯s apples, stopping only when their heads were finally dangling lifelessly.

    Resting for a day would mean allowing their enemies to slit the necks of his men with a knife, stab their hearts, pierce through their ears with an awl, or behead their corpses. It was such amon urrence that they could almost say with certainty that it was inevitable.

    Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t pretend that he didn¡¯t notice that his men, who had just turned twenty, looked happy whenever they saw him even though they were very nervous.

    Their search party consisted of career soldiers and ordinary soldiers.

    ¡°Inspect your firearms!¡± Kang Chul-Gyu ordered.

    <i>nk!</i>

    His men pulled the breechblock of their weapons, then returned their gaze to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°What¡¯s the password!¡± Kang Chul-Gyu eximed.

    ¡°¨C ¨C that¡¯s all!¡±

    Although Kang Chul-Gyu wanted to make sure they knew the password, they uttered it so quietly that he couldn¡¯t even hear it.

    They passed three cease-fire lines without a single word. When they finally got out, he had a smoke with his squad.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± they told Kang Chul-Gyu.

    How could hefortably stay in the barracks and leave people who approached him so weingly to fend for themselves?

    At the time, Kim Tae-Jin was one of the second lieutenant greenhorns who brought over cigarettes for Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Not long after, the nightmare began. Now that Kang Chul-Gyu thought about it, his superior seemed to have had a rough idea about what was going to happen that day.

    ¡°Please, Chul-Gyu! You¡¯re really going to die if you go out now!¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu could also remember how his superior sounded as he clung to him and called out his name. His memory of it was still so clear that it was as if it just happened yesterday.

    Back then, despite being ordered to stand down, he still followed the warning that his heart was sending him. He dashed out of the barracks and slit the Spetsnaz and White Wolves¡¯ necks.

    When he returned to the barracks, all covered in blood, he found his superior crying in silence.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± his superior said. It wasn¡¯t enough, though.

    That night, they were put on emergency standby. Kang Chul-Gyu ran to the situation room only to discover that a guard post was attacked and five of his men were taken captive.

    ***

    Kang Chul-Gyu frowned, suddenly feeling stinging pain at the back of his head.

    Even though some of their brothers were taken away and they were now on emergency standby, they didn¡¯t get any orders to mobilize and rescue them.

    ¡°What are we doing?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°They only ordered us to be on emergency standby! Kang Chul-Gyu,e here.¡±

    His superior dragged Kang Chul-Gyu by the arm, bringing him out of the situation room. He then handed him a cigarette.

    <i>Chk chk. Chkk!</i>

    They lit up their cigarettes with a zippo lighter.

    ¡°They¡¯ve probably created this entire situation to catch you. Russia and China pressured South Korea to stop our men from taking action, and now they¡¯re provoking you, so don¡¯t go out there today. My ass will be on the line if they discover that I told you this, but I can¡¯t just abandon you,¡± his superior said.

    He clung onto Kang Chul-Gyu, seemingly having forgotten that he was smoking. ¡°They put out this bait to get you. Have those fuckers ever taken captives before? I have no doubt in my mind that a lot of our enemies are targeting you right now. Look, we didn¡¯t get orders to mobilize because those fuckers know you. Just endure it only for today! Please!¡±

    That day, at that moment, Kang Chul-Gyu smiled at his superior like always.

    ¡°Fucking bastard!¡± his superior yelled.

    How many people could say that they saw a soldier looking angry and as if he found the situation unfair?

    His superior had that exact look on his face.

    ¡°The people who were in that guard post all came here to fulfill their duties to their country. You¡¯re telling me not to save them even though they are about to die just because they¡¯re powerless and aren¡¯t well-connected when they joined the military?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°What about you? Your newborn son? Your wife?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re the family of a soldier.¡±

    Thest thing Kang Chul-Gyu did to his superior before leaving was smile at him.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    The wind violently pped his cheek as it blew past him, leaving behind three to four dust devils in its path.

    It was hell.

    Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t even count the number of enemies that he had stabbed in the neck that night. He killed Spetsnaz, White Wolves, North Korea¡¯s special forces officers, and the Airborne Corps of the People''s Liberation Army Air Force.

    Bullets from rifles rained down on him. They even threw grenades at him and nted ymores all over.

    Covered in blood, Kang Chul-Gyu dragged out five of his men. When a grenade was thrown at them, he wrapped his arms around his men, covering them.

    <i>BANG!</i>

    The back of his head, his neck, and his back hurt so much that he felt as if he was being ripped apart.

    ¡°Run, you fuckers!¡± Kang Chul-Gyu yelled.

    Kang Chul-Gyu swung his bay like a demon, drenching him in even more blood. He then returned to their base with the people he rescued.

    After getting past the iron fence and handing his men over to fully armed soldiers, Kang Chul-Gyu copsed to the ground.

    However, the soldiers weren¡¯t the only ones waiting for him.

    The military police held out handcuffs.

    <i>nk!</i>

    His superior took out his pistol, and the soldiers aimed their rifles at the police.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you leave for today? If you move even an inch closer to him, I¡¯ll put a bullet in everyst one of you. I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re from the military police or some other bullshit. Go back. I¡¯ll hand him over to you myself tomorrow,¡± his superior said.

    After the ruckus, Kang Chul-Gyuy down inside the barracks.

    His superior smiled as he handed him a cigarette.

    ¡°You¡¯re giving a cigarette to a severely injured patient?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu joked.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to die anyway.¡±

    <i>Chk chk. Chkk!</i>

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>! I¡¯m going to be fired,¡± his superior said after exhaling cigarette smoke.

    Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t even ask why. It was already too obvious, after all. He ignored orders, went out to save his men, and pped the fuck out of Russia and China before going back to base.

    ¡°The men you saved signed an absurd statement. Don¡¯t be upset by it,¡± his superior continued.

    Kang Chul-Gyu smiled painfully.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to be fired, and you¡¯re going to be discharged as a Private.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at the cigarette in between his superior¡¯s fingers. The way it was burning in vain reminded him of himself.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay your hospital bills,¡± his superior offered.

    ¡°I have money.¡±

    ¡°Not another fucking word, you fucking idiot! If you were going to pretend to be considerate, then you shouldn¡¯t have done what you didst night.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve gone through a lot,¡± his superior continued with a pained smile on his face.

    Kang Chul-Gyu gradually fell unconscious as he listened to him talk.

    1. A Ghillie suit is a type of camouge clothing designed to resemble the background environment. Typically, it is a or cloth garment covered in loose strips of bup (hessian), cloth, or twine, sometimes made to look like leaves and twigs, and optionally augmented with scraps of foliage from the area ?

 Chapter 241.2: Even If My Life Is Filled With Tears (2)

    <h4>Chapter 241.2: Even If My Life Is Filled With Tears (2)</h4>

    When he regained consciousness, he found himself at the National Medical Center. His superior¡ªwho told him that he was going to be fired¡ªhad been imprisoned.

    Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t even get surgery. It put him in a new hell.

    He was in nonstop pain and had horrible hallucinations.

    Kang Chul-Gyu knew that he was finally home, but that didn¡¯t stop him from seeing the Spetsnaz, the White Wolves, and the North Korean military officers rushing toward him.

    He had to survive the fight.

    By the time he was done fighting for his life, his wife and young son were already on the ground, covered in blood and crying. His child didn¡¯t even know that his father used to be a soldier, yet Kang Chul-Gyu still couldn¡¯t find the time to feel even a hint of guilt.

    All he could do was hope that the pain would stop and that he would be able to escape from this hell.

    <i>I¡¯m sorry, honey. I¡¯m sorry, Channy.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu sighed softly.

    While his wife wasn¡¯t around, Kang Chul-Gyu went to the kitchen and took a knife. He was in his right mind at the time, but he still couldn¡¯t stop thinking that he didn¡¯t want to be a burden anymore.

    <i>Screech.</i>

    His wife remained calm even when she opened the door and saw the knife in his hand.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t do this,¡± his wife softly said. She quietly reached over and took the knife. Her hands were covered in callouses due to her work.

    ¡°Please keep living even if you have to rely on alcohol and drugs. I¡¯ll endure this for as long as I can. I was proud of you.¡±

    Of all things, why did he remember how his wife looked when she visited him in the middle of his difficult training sessions and her eyes and white teeth when she smiled brightly at him?

    Even though she told him to live, thest memory he had of her was her hanging on the ceiling.

    His wife fell into a trap where she couldn¡¯t do anything. She probably wanted to tell Kang Chul-Gyu toe to his senses and that their son became a soldier and died in some foreign country.

    That day, Kang Chul-Gyu stopped drinking and getting high on drugs. He offered his neck to the hallucination that rushed toward him every night.

    <i>¡®Kill me! Please kill me!¡¯</i>

    However, after some time, the hallucinations would disappear, leaving him alone with pain even more horrible than before.

    ¡°There¡¯s lead inside the back of your head, and it has probably started to rust. You¡¯re lucky you¡¯re still alive,¡± a doctor said, then shook his head. ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s embedded in an area that¡¯s too dangerous to operate in.¡±

    ***

    Kang Chul-Gyu sharply scanned their enemies.

    Kang Chan had entrusted him with this task.

    For some reason, Kang Chan¡¯s smile and eyes made Kang Chul-Gyu wonder if his son would look like Kang Chan if he was still alive. Kang Chul-Gyu even felt as if he was talking to his kid as he apologized and as Kang Chan told him to make an excuse for his actions.

    The Spetsnaz? The Russian Mafia?

    <i>Sons of bitches. You dare target Kang Chan in my presence? You little chicks wouldn¡¯t know about me, but your superiors probably remember the Korean words ¡®DMZ King.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked as he sharply looked ahead.

    Kang Chan was so skilled that Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t do anything for him.

    Hence, even if their enemies had the capability to kill Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu decided that he would not back down. Kang Chan was the most reliable person he knew when it came to finding his son¡¯s remains and mementos.

    ***

    Kim Tae-Jin sat on the sofa in the barracks and raised his head to look at Kang Chan, who was sitting across from him. The satellite video receiver wasn¡¯t picking up anything in their surroundings.

    ¡°It¡¯s not showing anything. Shouldn¡¯t we assume that our enemies don¡¯t have any supporting units that would follow up their initial attack?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°This means they¡¯re going to attack us at night.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked unconvinced.

    ¡°They¡¯re just stalling long enough to tire us out. Once we¡¯re ovee with fatigue, some other group willunch a night raid,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to get your answer at night.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, we should ask for help!¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head. ¡°If we contact anyone right now, the Mongolian border control will definitelye here. If they cooperate with the mafia, we¡¯ll be wiped out.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked surprised. He seemed to be demanding further exnations, but he chose not to say anything.

    ¡°Everything will make sense when you factor in the reason they ran away this morning and why Vasili used those fuckers to try forming an agreement with us. If the Mongolian border control approaches us, we won¡¯t be able to shoot them on sight. If they unleash chaos once they¡¯re inside the base, we won¡¯t have any chance against them,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°They would do that even though China and Russia are watching?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll just me everything on the mafia. The Mongolian border control will be satisfied with taking everything worth any money here.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>! I was too naive,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    ¡°No matter the ce, this happens often inbat.¡±

    ¡°Does it happen in Africa too?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to die from hwabyeong[1] someday because of how curious I am about your identity,¡± Kim Tae-Jinined.

    ¡°We have to get through today first for that to happen.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jinughed, finding Kang Chan¡¯s answer absurd. Looking at him, he asked, ¡°Is there a way to defeat them?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t reply, but Kim Tae-Jin believed his fiercely glinting eyes were more than enough to answer his question.

    ***

    <i>¡®I¡¯ll spare no effort in finding you and having you rest next to your mom,¡¯ </i>Kang Chul-Gyu thought, making a promise to his son as he red at their enemies.

    He couldn¡¯t help but want to apologize to his son for liking Kang Chan, whom he felt as was walking over him in his son¡¯s stead. He was d that his son met someone who would get angry about his death as if it were his business.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s gaze on their enemies sharpened further as he got rid of all useless thoughts and feelings.

    This was one of the Spetsnaz¡¯s old-fashioned tactics. They would send an advance party to engulf their opponents in chaos and put them on edge for an entire day. At night, reinforcements would go around the back and invade their opponents¡¯ positions.

    <i>So much time has passed. Why are they still using this old-fashioned?</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu discretely looked behind him.

    Their base was in the middle of nowhere. It looked so out of ce that it seemed as if someone just randomly dropped it here.

    <i>¡®It¡¯s happening tonight.¡¯</i>

    Their enemies would definitely raid them once darkness had fallen.

    No matter how much he exined it to others, they wouldn¡¯t understand how it felt to have a heart that pounded to warn him of danger.

    Kang Chan also appeared to have instinctively realized that their enemies would be raiding them soon, which was probably why he was trying to check the satellite video.

    They were going to put an end to this whole situation tonight.

    If so, then Kang Chul-Gyu had to do whatever it took to get rid of the Spetsnaz as cruelly as possible. That would demoralize their enemies enough to make them give up or open up negotiations.

    He would fight relentlessly until Kang Chan and Kim Tae-Jin found his son¡¯s remains or mementos. It didn¡¯t matter if he died. Kim Tae-Jin would bury his son near his wife anyway.

    Kang Chul-Gyu never got to see his superior again after he was imprisoned.

    <i>I hope he¡¯s not upset. Is he still even alive?</i>

    The man was probably dead already. He smoked too much.

    After tonight¡¯s battle, Kang Chul-Gyu hoped that Kang Chan would finally agree to help him find his son.

    This was his first time seeing a real soldier since he was given a dishonorable discharge.

    <i>If someone like him was around back then...</i>

    He shook his head.

    Considering his superior couldn¡¯t protect him at the time, Kang Chan probably would¡¯ve just been kicked out from the military in a simr manner as well.

    Kang Chul-Gyu suddenly wanted to see his son. He didn¡¯t care if his son swore at him or pped him in front of a crowd if it meant he would get to see him just one more time.

    <i>nk! Taang!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu held up his rifle as fast as lightning and pulled the trigger.

    The enemy sniper who was lifting his gun to shoot hurriedly lowered his head. The South Korean team looked at Kang Chul-Gyu with surprise.

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked.

    <i>Now that you¡¯ve lowered your head, stay like that at least until this evening... at least until Kang Chan finishes nning out the operation.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu nced behind him, feeling as if Kang Chan would know the meaning behind the shot he just made.

    <i>Did you bastards want to get on our nerves?</i>

    <i>nk! Taang!</i>

    The enemy in front of one of the vehicles taunted them but soon wobbled and fell to the ground. From the way he behaved, he was likely hoping to provoke them, which proved to be a fatal mistake. .

    <i>How can Kang Chan shoot them in the forehead from this distance, though?</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu thought it was just a coincidence at first, but the fight this morning made him realize that it was all intentional.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    The final battle would be tonight.

    <i>Badum badum. Badum badum.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked around him. His heart was beating like crazy, sending him multiple warnings that he had to get out of this ce.

    However, he paid it no heed.

    Kang Chul-Gyu would protect at least Kang Chan and Kim Tae-Jin tonight even if it cost him his life. He would make sure that they could bury his son¡¯s mementos near his wife in his stead.

    He could end up meeting his son tonight, but it would be meaningless. After all, he lived a life of blood and tears just to die on a battlefield in Mongolia¡¯s wilderness, surrounded by rough winds.

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked.

    1. Korean somatization disorder, a mental illness which arises when people are unable to confront their anger as a result of conditions which they perceive to be unfair. Hwabyeong is known as a Korean culture-bound syndrome ?

 Chapter 242.1: It Takes More Than Just a Glance (1)

    <h4>Chapter 242.1: It Takes More Than Just a nce (1)</h4>

    A gust of windshed out at the two men as they stepped out of the barracks, blowing dust and soil at them.

    Kim Tae-Jin turned his head away to avoid being peppered. He then looked at Kang Chan, who was walking next to him. Kang Chan¡¯s menacing gaze, shocking but brilliant judgment of situations, and outstandingbat skills... the first thing Kim Tae-Jin felt from those traits of his was a sense of security, assuring him that he could rely on Kang Chan. However, it was followed by a tense urgency telling him that a devastating battle was waiting for them up ahead, and it was evidenced by the glint in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go deliver this,¡± Kim Tae-Jin informed Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please do.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin picked up the satellite video receiver and headed to the mess hall., where he would pass it on to Oh Gwang-Taek and ask him to keep an eye out for anyone approaching the barracks.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan headed straight to the barracks where Kang Chul-Gyu was holding the base down, hearing two gunshots on the way to it. Based on the long echoes of the gunshots, he deduced that Kang Chul-Gyu was the one who fired them.

    <i>Swiiiiish! Swiiish!</i>

    As Kang Chan ran up the iron stairs, Kang Chul-Gyu and the agents turned toward him. Kang Chan looked at Kang Chul-Gyu first, who had kept the enemy snipers and the other hostiles from making any moves. Kang Chul-Gyu had protected their men as well as Kang Chan had expected.

    However, due to how Kang Chul-Gyu looked, Kang Chan¡¯s eyebrows furrowed as he turned his attention to their enemies. The wrinkles at the corners of the old man¡¯s eyes, his haggard, hollow cheeks, and the traces of his painful life along the corners of his mouth and jawline kept shing through Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    <i>This fucking idiot! You should¡¯ve at least lived a good life after you pushed your son to death and made your wifemit suicide, you fucking asshole! Stupid shit!</i>

    Kang Chan was looking ahead when Kang Chul-Gyu suddenly dropped to his knees. He seemed to have been waiting for this moment.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>!¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu hunched over and leaned his head forward. The back of his head and his right arm, which was gripping his rifle, trembled violently. The agents quickly looked back and forth between Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu, but they didn¡¯t dare stand up first.

    The enemies likely had a clear view of this scene as well. Hence, Kang Chan just gave Kang Chul-Gyu a brief nce before turning back around.

    <i>What the hell has he been doing all these years that deteriorated his health to this point?</i>

    Irritation surged through him before pity.

    ¡°Please...!¡±

    Kang Chan groaned with frustration. He had no idea what the old man wanted.

    Kang Chan just kept ncing at Kang Chul-Gyu. He felt sorry for him and was also annoyed with him, but he had to prioritize keeping an eye on the enemy.

    ¡°Just one day! Just one day...!¡± Kang Chul-Gyu cried desperately. Immediately after, blood began to drip from his nose.

    <i>Click! Baaang!</i>

    <i>How dare that bastard raise his head?</i>

    The enemy sniper who tried to straighten up quickly ducked behind cover again, startled by Kang Chan¡¯s shot.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t recall ever seeing Kang Chul-Gyu in such a state in the past. He did remember the old man suffering in pain, but he never trembled like this back then. He never had a nosebleed either.

    It was the first time Kang Chan felt sorry for Kang Chul-Gyu and felt a sense of pity for him.

    ¡°Do you want some morphine?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°<i>Kegh</i>!¡± Kang Chul-Gyu groaned as he quickly shook his head.

    <i>Fuck it! Fine, then! Keep suffering!</i>

    In the middle of it all, Kang Chan heard someoneing up the stairs, and Kim Tae-Jin soon appeared. His eyes widened in surprise as he looked at Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°The enemy¡¯s sniper has us in their sights. You should get down and move behind me, sir,¡± Kang Chan advised.

    There was only a small space behind Kang Chan. It was right between the ledge, and it was just big enough for him to drop down in the blink of an eye. Nevertheless, Kim Tae-Jin quickly acted, grabbing Kang Chul-Gyu by the shoulders to look into his face.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim!¡± Kim Tae-Jin eximed.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine! I¡¯m fine...¡± Kang Chul-Gyu protested, raising his gaze as if he were waiting for this exact moment. His eyes were bloodshot, and blood was trickling down to his lips.

    ¡°<i>Hup</i>!¡± he sniffed as he wiped his nose with his sleeve, smearing blood across his cheek.

    ¡°You should head back down. Let¡¯s get you some painkillers and morphine,¡± Kim Tae-Jin suggested.

    ¡°No, I can¡¯t,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu refused, shaking his head.

    ¡°How about we go back inside just to get a bit of rest, then?¡±

    As Kang Chul-Gyu lifted his gaze again, Kang Chan coldly issued an order. ¡°Don¡¯t distract the agents. Go down with the Director.¡±

    In response, Kang Chul-Gyu stood up without any argument. He was well aware that in situations like this, contradicting Kang Chan and insisting on staying would bring them no good. Kang Chan was more capable than Kang Chul-Gyu anyway, which meant his presence here wasn¡¯t needed.

    <i>Clunk, clunk.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu descended the stairs, albeit with a lot of difficulty. Kim Tae-Jin followed after him. They then headed to Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s barracks.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    They entered as soon as the door opened. Kang Chul-Gyu sat down on the sofa, and Kim Tae-Jin put water from the kettle on the stove.

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need to take any medication?¡± Kim Tae-Jin offered again.

    ¡°Taking pills makes me hallucinate. What would you do if I pulled the trigger in the wrong direction at this ce?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu grimly asked.

    ¡°Have you always been like this?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked, concern evident in his voice.

    ¡°No,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied as he grabbed a tissue and covered his nose with it. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it was the ne ride or the weather, but it suddenly got worse. I¡¯m having bouts of pain more frequently and started getting a bad case of nosebleeds.¡±

    When the water began to boil, Kim Tae-Jin prepared two cups of instant coffee. He poured the remaining water into a paper cup before heading over to the table.

    ¡°Here, drink this for now,¡± he said as he held out a cup. He then tore off a handful of toilet paper from a roll and soaked it with water. ¡°Let¡¯s wipe all that blood off you.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t turn down the help. On the contrary, he slightly leaned over like a little child so Kim Tae-Jin could wipe his face more easily.

    ¡°Do you have any cigarettes?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°There are probably some around here,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    ¡°Would you mind getting me one?¡±

    ¡°Will do, sir.¡±

    As Kim Tae-Jin headed further inside to get some of the cigarettes that the agents had left, Kang Chul-Gyu took a sip of his coffee.

    ¡°Here you go,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said as he held out a cigarette and flicked the lighter on.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo,</i>¡± Kang Chul-Gyu stared at the cigarette in his hand as he exhaled the smoke. ¡°They¡¯re most likely going to raid us tonight.¡±

    ¡°Kang Chan said the same thing,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    ¡°I knew he would make the same prediction.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu raised his cigarette to his mouth again. ¡°<i>Hoo,</i> I have a favor to ask.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead, sir,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    ¡°No matter the oue of our battle today, if you¡¯re still alive, I want you to find my son¡¯s remains and bury them beside my wife.¡±

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s lips curved into a smile. ¡°No reason in particr. I just want to have a little peace of mind when I¡¯m facing the enemy. And as you can see, I¡¯m not in the best health either.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin let out a low sigh. ¡°If I¡¯m still alive by then, I¡¯ll make sure to get it done. Since Kang Chan knows your son too, I doubt your request is impossible to do.¡±

    ¡°All right. Thank you,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said, expressing his gratitude. He put his cigarette in his paper cup and then stood up.

    ¡°You should rest a bit more.¡±

    ¡°No, this is more than enough.¡±

    Looking as if he had no other choice, Kim Tae-Jin followed after Kang Chul-Gyu. Considering the situation they were in, it was difficult to argue against him. Moreover, he still found it difficult to talk back to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    They cut through the rough winds and dust. When they made it back to the barracks, they climbed up and found Kang Chan still in the same position where they left him.

    Kang Chul-Gyu slung his rifle over his right arm and stood beside him.

    ¡°Director, we have to cut down the agents¡¯ rotation to half-hour shifts. We should take turns eating as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°We only have two agents per barrack. We don¡¯t have enough manpower to do that,¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded.

    ¡°Well, we can start by letting the two agents here rest,¡± Kang Chan countered.

    Kim Tae-Jin nced at Kang Chul-Gyu, then nodded. ¡°All right.¡±

    <i>Swish! Swiiiish!</i>

    As Kim Tae-Jin ordered, the agent who had his rifle at the ready and the agent manning the Mistral retreated. They had been out here in the freezing cold since after breakfast. Hence, they were grateful to get even just a thirty minutes¡¯ worth of rest.

    ¡°You should rest with the agents too, Director Kim. The old man as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied. He knew that this wasn¡¯t the time or ce to refuse out of courtesy.

    More importantly, their two monsters, Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu, both predicted that they would have a raid on their handster tonight. It would be wiser to give at least one of them the time to rest rather than to stall for time.

 Chapter 242.2: It Takes More Than Just a Glance (1)

    <h4>Chapter 242.2: It Takes More Than Just a nce (1)</h4>

    The sun was now right on top of the barracks. The clouds of dust, intense sunlight, mad banshee wind, and the bone-chilling temperature felt as if they were starting to loom over Kang Chan¡¯s head.

    ¡°There¡¯s going to be an ambush from the enemies at night,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said quietly, his gravelly voiceing through with only the two of them left in the barracks. ¡°I heard you¡¯re also expecting an attack.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Kang Chul-Gyu and saw he was ring sharply at the enemies with a firm expression.

    ¡°I want nothing more than to find my son¡¯s remains and have him rest beside my wife,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu continued.

    ¡°What is it you¡¯re trying to say?¡± Kang Chan asked in annoyance.

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned around to face Kang Chan.

    ¡°I know you don¡¯t like me, so let me ask you this with peace of mind. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s because of the ne ride or because of the cold weather, but my health has suddenly taken a turn for the worse. I¡¯ve been told that if I get a nosebleed, I should consider it an emergency since I have a shrapnel in the back of my head,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    Even as Kang Chan conversed and looked at Kang Chul-Gyu, he didn¡¯t forget to monitor their enemies.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go out during the night,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze sharpened, but Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t break eye contact. Without missing a beat, he continued, ¡°I¡¯ll deal with whoeveres. If I can stop the raid tonight from happening, will you find my son¡¯s remains or at least belongings and give them to Kim Tae-Jin?¡±

    ¡°Are you offering to take down the iing enemy forces by yourself?¡± Kang Chan asked in disbelief.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied. Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s wry smile, he self-depreciatingly added, ¡°Even if I fail, you¡¯re just down one old man who¡¯s about to die anyway. It¡¯s not that big of a loss, is it?¡±

    ¡°Does Director Kim know about this?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll do anything to stop me if he learns about this n, so let¡¯s keep this between us, Captain,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu responded as blood began to leak from his nose again. He wiped it with his left hand, then looked at the stain it left on his hand with a grin.

    ¡°As you can see, I don¡¯t have much time left. Please give this to me. It¡¯s myst chance to atone,¡± he pleaded. His eyes glinted as fiercely as Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ¡°I just need you to help me find my son¡¯s remains. In the name of the DMZ King, I promise I¡¯ll deal with whoever tries to attack us at night. Even if I can¡¯t stop them all, I¡¯ll at least make sure to demoralize them,¡± he continued.

    ¡°Go back down,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Kang Chul-Gyu gave Kang Chan a questioning look.

    ¡°Rest until the evening. Then you can go out or do whatever.¡±

    ¡°Will you do me the favor?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked in surprise.

    ¡°Do you think I like you enough to tell you to get some rest otherwise?¡± Kang Chan shot back.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu locked gazes with Kang Chan before climbing down the stairs.

    <i>Swiiish! Swiiiish!</i>

    The wind whipped up dirt and dust with ease, scattering it all over the ce.

    Kang Chan looked ahead of him as he rested his index finger on the trigger of his rifle.

    <i>Was that old man ever happy? I heard he ended up like this because he took care of his men as if they were his life. Was he happy back then?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t stop thinking about Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s wrinkled face and the blood dripping from his nose.

    <i>He wants me to send him alone tonight? Damn it! How low does he think of me?</i>

    Kang Chan suddenly terribly missed Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>That motherfucker!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho was always so helpful to him in situations like this.

    Kang Chan leisurely scanned his surroundings. As he did, he heard footstepsing up the stairs. Kim Tae-Jin soon came into view head first.

    ¡°Why are you running all over the base so busily, sir?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I just came here because I was worried about you being alone,¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry about me,¡± Kang Chan said. ¡°Just take care of the old man instead. He¡¯s the only person we can trust to stand guard this evening. He should have lunch and get some rest until nightfall.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin gave Kang Chan a look of suspicion. ¡°You said there¡¯s going to be an ambush during the night, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°We will be splitting up the team. Our defensive forces will take care of the enemies while the other half goes out to greet whoever elsees our way. We¡¯ll be using the satellite video receiver to determine where they¡¯reing from.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to call for help?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve caught the end of the Eurasian Rail here. If we start to ept help now, they will have a hold on us forever. We should at least take care of the mafia on our own.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded. He then headed down the barracks.

    ***

    - They¡¯repletely isted out there. Even the soldiers from the Mongolian border patrol have deserted them.

    Lanok pressed the receiver to his ear as his gaze alternated between the satellite imagery and their maps. The TV on the wall in front of him disyed footage of the Mongolian base.

    ¡°What about Monsieur Kang?¡± he asked.

    - From the looks of it, he seems to be nning to handle it all by himself. He hasn¡¯t asked even South Korea for help yet.

    Lanok nced at the footage.

    - The positions of China and Russia will heavily change depending on which of those two countries the railroad from South Korea will go through. Right now, both nations are desperately waiting for Monsieur Kang¡¯s request for backup, but the situation is taking quite a strange and unexpected turn.

    ¡°Vasili must be frustrated to death right now,¡± Lanok mused. ¡°He likely nned to extend an offer to help after turning down Kang Chan¡¯s request, but the Mongolian border patrol has gone and stolen the Mobile Base Station.¡±

    - We failed to take that possibility into consideration as well. However, there is still a chance that Vasili would use a satellite phone to contact him.

    Lanok grinned. He picked up the teacup from his desk. ¡°If does that, then he will essentially be admitting that he was the mastermind behind this entire situation.¡±

    His lips curved to an odd smile before taking a sip of his tea. He then continued, ¡°What is South Korea¡¯s response to all of this?¡±

    - They are preupied with the deployment of their special forces.

    Lanok nodded, finding their prioritiespletely understandable.

    - On another note, the team in Mongolia is apanied by a man named Kang Chul-Gyu, whom the United States hasbeled a target for elimination. We found an interesting bit in his record when we looked into him.

    This report was news even to him.

    - The name of Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s son is Kang Chan. He was a soldier of our Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Regiment Special Unit when he died.

    Lanok stiffened but recovered just as quickly. ¡°Who else is aware of this?¡±

    - All information regarding Deputy Director-General Kang has to go through me first.

    ¡°Then destroy those records.¡±

    - Understood, sir. We¡¯ve also received intel that Russia and China have special forces teams waiting on standby.

    ¡°I see. Be ready to contact me as soon as you receive any updates. Stay on your toes. The pace has picked up too much. If both Vasili and I are caught off guard, then any number of unexpected variables could ur,¡± Lanok ordered.

    He put down the receiver and nced at the TV in front of him. A momentter, he pressed the inte button on his desk.

    ¡°Raphael, I¡¯m going to Russia. Arrange a flight for me.¡±

    - Understood, Mr. Ambassador.

    After hearing Raphael¡¯s confirmation, Lanok leaned against the backrest of his chair and turned his attention back to the TV.

    ***

    Two hours had passed. During that time, the agents got to rest in 30-minute intervals. Kang Chan and the others ate rice balls instead of having lunch.

    ¡°Are you not going to rest?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m young,¡± Kang Chan nonchntly replied as he took a sip of his hot coffee, which he got from the kitchen. It was probably scalding hot when it was made, but by the time it reached him at the top of the barracks, it was already only lukewarm.

    ¡°Come on. Why don¡¯t you switch ces with Sunbae-nim for a while so you can get some rest?¡± Kim Tae-Jin suggested.

    ¡°The moment I leave this role to an old man with a nosebleed, someone who falls to his knees like he did earlier, will be the moment we meet our end.¡±

    ¡°What about the other agents?¡±

    ¡°None of our agents can shoot that far. They¡¯ll be shot in the head by the enemy sniper before they know it.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin groaned softly. He then took the cup that Kang Chan was holding out for him.

    ¡°Is the old man doing any better?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s gone off to sleep saying he has to if he wants to be able to moveter tonight. He asked me to wake him up when it¡¯s time for his rotation,¡± Kim Tae-Jin answered. ncing over at Kang Chan, he added, ¡°Can I ask you a favor?¡±

    <i>Are these men taking turns to ask me for favors?</i>

    Instead of giving a verbal answer, Kang Chan just silently looked back at Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°You have no idea how many people he saved. Even right before his career ended, he ran out of the base knowing he was charging right into death¡¯s embrace,¡± Kim Tae-Jin began. He had a smile on his lips, but sadness was written all over his face. His heart went out to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°He¡¯s probably nning on spending hisst days here, especially with what he asked me to do during the day. Given his personality, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll leave the base alone tonight tounch a preemptive attack. Can I ask you to put us on the strike team tonight?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin stared right into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°He saved my life so many times but I¡¯ve only remembered all about it now. That man ran out to save his men despite knowing he wouldn¡¯te back alive. I can¡¯t let him charge into battle alone again knowing it¡¯ll be hisst, can I?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s eyes were glinting.

    ¡°When the DMZ King disappeared, Section Chief Jeon and I took after his lead. Maybe it¡¯s because the times are different, but I knew I couldn¡¯t have done what he did back when the Spetsnaz and the White Wolves were still training at the DMZ.¡±

    ¡°You could die. What about the family and employees you¡¯ll leave behind?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He ran out to save five soldiers in the same situation. We¡¯ll handle the night raid. I just want you to find his son¡¯s belongings and bury them beside his wife. If you do that for me, will follow him into battle with a grateful heart,¡± Kim Tae-Jin finished solemnly.

    <i>Swiiiish! Swiiiiiish!</i>

    The wind swept past Kim Tae-Jin and Kang Chan, rushing toward the enemy.

 Chapter 243: It Takes More Than Just a Glance (2)

    <h4>Chapter 243: It Takes More Than Just a nce (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan found the situation somewhat unfair.

    Kang Chul-Gyu made his life difficult, and his mother in his previous life died as miserably as she lived. Even so, he felt as if everyone around him only supported Kang Chul-Gyu.

    At the rate things were going, it would be better to forget about their n to ambush their enemies at night. The consequences that woulde from one soldier failing to control his emotions would be difficult to handle. To make matters worse, the two people who heightened their mission¡¯s chance of sess the most were trapped in aplicated rtionship. Moreover, they were burning with so much sense of duty that they could end up doing something reckless.

    Amander getting worked up in this situation would be no different from asking all of them to die. Hence, while ring at their enemies, Kang Chan caught his breath and calmed down.

    ¡°Mr. President, do you recognize me as themander of this base?¡± he asked.

    ¡°No matter what happens, we will never go against your orders.¡± Kim Tae-Jin answered, looking upset and embarrassed.

    ¡°When you wake up the old man, please bring him here with you,¡± Kang Chan replied as he looked at Kim Tae-Jin coldly.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Perhaps it was because of the question that Kang Chan asked, but Kim Tae-Jin climbed down the stairs in silence.

    That afternoon, Kang Chan stood alone on top of the barracks. The wind blew violently against him.

    He would always take the worst-case scenario into consideration when nning an operation.

    That could consist of choosing the locations of points alpha and beta orparing two ns and choosing to execute the one with the higher chance of sess.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Taking into ount how the two key members of the night operation were doing, Kang Chan decided to proceed with his backup operation instead.

    <i>Should I just do as they wish and only send Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin?</i>

    Kang Chan scanned his surroundings as he smirked. As amander, he would never issue such an order.

    If Seok Kang-Ho was here, Kang Chan would¡¯ve entrusted the security of the base to Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin, then preemptively strike their enemies with Seok Kang-Ho. Unfortunately, the bastard wasn¡¯t around.

    <i>Whish!</i>

    The wind rushed toward Kang Chan, bringing clouds of dust with it.

    <i>Fine! Now that things have led to this...</i>

    Kang Chan held up his radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Every agent on break¡ªget into position,¡± he ordered.

    Not even a minute after he put down his radio, Kang Chan heard footsteps and rifles nking behind him.

    The soldiers at the top of the barracks looked nervous.

    Kang Chan heard peopleing up the stairs. Two agents crouched down as they approached him.

    ¡°As soon as I start shooting, fire the Mistral at the vehicles,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    One of the agents went prone near the edge of the barracks¡¯ rooftop and pulled out a thermal scope. At the same time, Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin climbed up and joined them.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked much more at ease.

    <i>When did he get this old? Why didn¡¯t he age well?</i>

    Kang Chan looked away from Kang Chul-Gyu and focused on the enemy ahead of them.

    ¡°We¡¯re changing our n. As soon as we¡¯re ready, we¡¯re taking out the hostiles out front."

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chan with surprise.

    ¡°Consider the mementos taken care of. I¡¯ll see to it myself,¡± he added.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s cheek twitched. He seemed to be gritting his teeth.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take down the snipers. Old man, your targets are the tangos in the vehicles, which the agents will blow up using the Mistral. Once we¡¯ve eliminated them, I will run out to that side with the old man and President Kim. I¡¯ll be leading the charge, so I need you to cover my left, old man. I¡¯ll leave my right nk to you, President Kim.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°Mr. President, I want you on standby downstairs. As soon as you hear gunshots, start the jeep that we hijacked yesterday and put all of our AK-47s[1] in its back. Radio in when you¡¯re done.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡± Kim Tae-Jin immediately answered when Kang Chan sharply red at him. Kang Chan was acting so perfectly as theirmander that Kim Tae-Jin was rendered speechless.

    Kim Tae-Jin quickly climbed down the stairs.

    ¡°Old man, when we go down, climb into the left side of the jeep and cover President Kim,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Copy,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu answered. He looked as if he had something he wanted to confirm.

    ¡°I already told you I¡¯ll find your son¡¯s belongings, didn¡¯t I?¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Take charge of the base for a moment.¡±

    "Got it."

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned his attention to their enemies. Kang Chan took off his thick winter clothes and took out the bay in his sleeve. He then slid it in his right boot just enough to leave its handle and handguard peeking out.

    ¡°If any of you have extra magazines, pass them to the back one at a time,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The agent manning the Mistral and the one next to him did as instructed.

    Kang Chan put a magazine into his coat pocket. He then red at the wilderness out front.

    ¡°Get your magazines,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Withoutint, Kang Chul-Gyu took off hisyers of thick clothes like Kang Chan and packed enough bays and magazines.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Kang Chan looked to the side as he became conscious of the sound of breathing.

    ¡°Old man, I¡¯m takingmand. Don¡¯t do anything that would upset our rhythm and make sure you properly cover us,¡± Kang Chan said.

    "Got it."

    <i>Shouldn¡¯t he be saying ¡®Leave it to me¡¯ or ¡®Don¡¯t worry¡¯ at times like this?</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head, ridding himself of useless thoughts.

    He interfered to protect the agents and Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s men. Now that his mind had cooled down, he realized creating meaningless tension with Kang Chul-Gyu would cause problems to the operation they were trying to wlessly execute.

    Even though Kang Chan had no medical knowledge, Kang Chul-Gyu was in critical condition.

    However, no one in this ce was as skilled as Kang Chul-Gyu. If Kang Chan had to force himself to think of one more reason to rely on him, it was that he wanted to give Kang Chul-Gyu onest chance to fight properly while he still wasn¡¯t suffering from healthplications.

    Kang Chul-Gyu soon finished preparations. He slung the straps of his rifle over his right arm.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re ready,¡± Kim Tae-Jin radioed in not long after.

    The hostels on the other side of the trucks seemed busy. They were likely discussing countermeasures to Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu, Kim Tae-Jin, and the agents taking action.

    Kang Chan held up his radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We willmence our operation to take down the enemies in front of us. The old man and I are going to shoot first. As we do, fire the Mistral at their vehicles,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The agents turned toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°The moment we leave the base, I need everyone to provide us with cover until we return. While we¡¯re out there, fire another Mistral. Your target will be the trucks atthe front,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the agent in front of Kang Chan firmly answered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°If by any chance all three of us are killed, then everyone is to use all our other cars to attack. Until then, you are to never abandon your positions. Any questions?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    As Kang Chan was looking at the barracks that were on the side...

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°What should we do if only the agents remain standing because the three of us and the enemies all died?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked. It was as if he was asking in ce of the agents.

    Kang Chan held up his radio as he was smirking.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°After the agents get rid of the enemies, they are to take the car that we hijacked and leave the base no matter what. If they bargain with the Mongolian government on the satellite phone, they¡¯ll be able to leave Mongolia.¡±

    Nobody said anything after Kang Chan answered on the radio.

    Perhaps it was because Kang Chan took off his outerwear, but it felt like the cold wind was digging into his skin.

    Kang Chan looked at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <i>¡®Are you ready?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu briefly nodded instead of answering.

    <i>But at that moment...</i>

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu looked at each other, and both of them looked perplexed. They felt each other counting the number of breaths they were each taking.

    Kang Chan never felt something like this before. Both of their eyes were glinting, they looked slightly arrogant, and their breathing allowed them to feel everything¡ªincluding their enemies¡ªperfectly.

    <i>Why did I feel something like this right now out of all asions!</i>

    Even after Kang Chan gritted his teeth and looked towards their enemies, Kang Chul-Gyu still looked perplexed.

    <i>Click!</i>

    But after Kang Chul-Gyu saw Kang Chan lifting his rifle, Kang Chul-Gyu controlled his expression soon after.

    ¡°Get ready!¡± When Kang Chan yelled loudly, the agent that was in charge of firing the mistral nced behind him.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu raised his rifle.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Soon, Kang Chan opened fire, and Kang Chul-Gyu followed suit. The enemy sniper ducked, and the windows of the vehicles exploded.

    <i>Whoosh! Pew!</i>

    At the same time, a Mistral rose into the air, leaving behind a trail of white smoke in its smoke. A ball of fire engulfed the car it hit, sending it soaring up as the ground shook.

    Gunshots echoed all over the battlefield as Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu went down the stairs so fast they were almost sliding. They then jumped into the jeep, which immediately drove off.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    Right before they left the base, Kang Chan picked up an AK-47 and slung its strap over his shoulder, leaving it dangling diagonally across his body.

    <i>Bang! Ta-da-dang! Ta-da-dang! Bang! Bang! Ta-da-dang!</i>

    Kang Chan started shooting at the enemy sniper. He couldn¡¯t give him even just a bit of time to fire back. After all, if the bastard managed to get just one clear shot, then Kim Tae-Jin was dead meat.

    <i>Du-du-du-du! Pew! Du-du-du! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Their enemy¡¯s fierce retaliation made sparks fly from the hood of the jeep.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s suppressive fire was perfect. He fired in bursts of three so that their enemies couldn¡¯t properly target Kim Tae-Jin. It also allowed Kang Chan to focus on the sniper.

    <i>Bang! Ta-da-dang! Bang! Ta-da-dang!</i>

    <i>We¡¯re still five hundred meters away from our enemies!</i>

    The jeep sped toward their enemies, leaving a foggy cloud of dust behind. However, they were so far away that they had trouble getting closer.

    <i>Whoosh! BANG!</i>

    At just the right moment, another Mistral flew toward the enemy line, the explosion sending a truck upward. It fell back down shortly after.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    <i>Bang! Bang-bang! bang-bang!</i>

    Losing sight of their enemies because of the rising me, Kang Chan was forced to rely on his intuition.

    Kang Chul-Gyu threw his M16 to the side and picked up an AK-47.

    <i>Du-du-du! Du-du-du-du! Du-du-du!</i>

    <i>How is my teamwork with Kang Chul-Gyu this good?</i>

    Keeping in mind when Kang Chan would shoot, Kang Chul-Gyu would only open fire in between Kang Chan¡¯s shots. Kang Chan did the same. They were so in sync that Kang Chan felt as if he was with Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    However, Kang Chan found it strangely ufortable.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    They were only about a hundred meters away now.

    <i>Du-du-du! Du-du-du! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Kang Chan fired thirty more bullets. While he still had enough ammo left, Kang Chul-Gyu picked up another AK-47.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Now that they were closer, their opponents kept hitting the front end of the jeep.

    To avoid the bullets, Kim Tae-Jin drove while almost lying down.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Click!</i>

    Kang Chan took out a magazine from his pocket and switched it with the one in his gun.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    Snipers required some time to aim and reload. If they could just stop those bastards during that brief time, they would be safe.

    With only thirty meters left to cover, Kang Chan shouted, ¡°Step on it!¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nced at him. They were all going to die if they stopped here.

    They were so close to their enemies now that the agents had even more trouble covering fire.

    Considering how the hostiles shot back, Kang Chan estimated less than three Spetsnaz among them, snipers included.

    <i>Du-du-du! Du-du-du-du-du! Du-du-du-du! Click!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu emptied his magazine on their opponents.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    The jeep, still going at high speed, drove into enemy territory and crashed into another car.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Kang Chan shot every living soul that came into view as Kim Tae-Jin sat up and Kang Chul-Gyu picked up a new rifle.

    <i>Du-du-du! Du-du-du-du! Du-du-du!</i>

    When Kang Chul-Gyu started firing back again, Kang Chan threw his M16 as he jumped out of the jeep. He then pushed the AK-47 he was carrying over his shoulder to his front.

    <i>Du-du-du-du! Pow-pow-pow! Du-du-du! Pow! Du-du-du-du!</i>

    <i>Fucking mafia my ass! None of you are worth shit!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin ran behind Kang Chan, covering his left and right nks respectively.

    <i>Du-du-du! Bang! Du-du-du-du! Du-du-du! Bang!</i>

    Smoke rose from the burning car and truck, engulfing the area with an acrid smell.

    The three quickly dominated their enemies so quickly that they grew suspicious.

    <i>Click! nk!</i>

    Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu, and Kim Tae-Jin aimed at the directions they were in charge of as they prepared for hostile reinforcements rushing toward them.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    They were in the most danger during moments like this.

    Kang Chan had told the soldiers not to run over earlier just in case their enemies had nted explosives in the area.

    Battles were quite strange. Whenever their nerves were on edge, how coldly and quickly they reacted decided their survival.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    The moment Kang Chul-Gyu pulled the trigger, one of the enemies on the ground moved. He likely either did it to make sure the man was dead or because he saw him flinch.

    Kang Chan aimed to his left, finding Kang Chul-Gyu gritting his teeth and blood oozing down his nose. Considering he saw him trembling at the top of the barracks, he was probably experiencing a lot of pain right now. However, he seemed to be trying to ovee it.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan turned his muzzle to the side a little faster.

    They just had to search two cars to put an end to all of this.

    <i>Du-du-du-du! Pow-pow-pow-pow! Du-du-du! Pow-pow-pow! Du-du-du-du!</i>

    Kang Chan shot the car door, then took two steps toward it.

    <i>Ting.</i>

    They heard a metallic sound.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank, and he got goosebumps all over his body.

    It was a grenade.

    <i>Where is it? Why didn¡¯t my gut warn me?</i>

    In Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, everything appeared to slow down. He could see the car they shot, the smoke that wasing out from its side, the back of the truck, and... an old-model lemon grenade[2] rolling toward them.

    They all saw it at the same time. As soon as they did, Kang Chul-Gyu pounced on Kang Chan as if he was attacking him, and Kang Chan reflexively held onto his chest and twisted to the side.

    Their eyes met in the short moment that he was turned and pinned underneath Kang Chan, allowing Kang Chan to see his surprised and dejected expression.

    <i>Whish!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu fell to the ground.

    <i>¡®Why did you do that? All I wanted was to find my son¡¯s mementos!¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Stop talking nonsense!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu was mmed into the ground. Kang Chan then covered him.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin jumped away from the grenade. While prone, he began opening fire.

    <i>Du-du-du! Du-du-du-du!</i>

    Kang Chan nked out. He felt as if someone hit him on the back of his head with a baseball bat. Burning pain then coursed through him.

    Kang Chan could feel Kang Chul-Gyu trying his best to sit up, but he couldn¡¯t do anything right now.

    <i>Damn it, old man! You¡¯re alive, aren¡¯t you?</i>

    Kang Chan saw the blood under Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s nose.

    <i>How dare you try to cover me and die on my watch! Are you trying to make me feel sorry for the rest of my life?</i>

    ¡°Why...?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu forcibly sat up and wrapped his arms around Kang Chan. Blood trickled down his chin and fell onto Kang Chan¡¯s face and neck.

    ¡°Old man...¡±

    ¡°Why did you do this?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m... themander. Move... your face... away from me,¡± Kang Chan replied, but Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t listen.

    <i>nk!</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin stood near the two as they talked, keeping a cautious eye on their surroundings.

    Kang Chan kept blinking to focus on Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s face.

    ¡°Old man,¡± Kang Chan called again.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s blood dripped onto Kang Chan¡¯s face and neck.

    ¡°Live... don¡¯t hide like a coward. Keep living...¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t say anything.

    How was he supposed to express his emotions and ept that he was genuinely starting to care for the young man in his arms as if he were his son?

    He felt apologetic for his dead son and their young, dyingmander.

    ¡°Damn it... your blood is getting all over me!¡± Kang Chan eximed, albeit with difficulty.

    Kang Chul-Gyu wiped his nose with the back of his hand.

    1. The AK-47, officially known as the Avtomat Kshnikova, is a gas-operated assault rifle ?

    2. The lemon grenade, also known as the M26, is a fragmentation hand grenade developed by the United States military. Its distinct lemon shape led to its nickname. ?

 Chapter 244.1: Letéˆ¥æªš Fight Together (1)

    <h4>Chapter 244.1: Let¡¯s Fight Together (1)</h4>

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡± Kang Chan groaned. A momentter, he pushed himself up, causing Kim Tae-Jin to shoot him a worried gaze.

    ¡°Are you sure you can get up?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>! I¡¯m not new to this line of work, you know,¡± Kang Chan jokingly replied. Despite Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s concern, Kang Chan just focused on getting up.

    Kang Chul-Gyu grabbed Kang Chan¡¯s arm to help him.

    ¡°Old man, search the area for any weapon that we can use,¡± Kang Chan instructed Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Kang Chul-Gyu examined Kang Chan, concern evident on his face.

    ¡°What? Are you sad that I¡¯m not dead?¡± Kang Chan snarked.

    ¡°Of course not. Never,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied. He then went to work.

    <i>Damn it! I shouldn¡¯t have looked him in the eyes.</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t stop thinking about the emotions that filled Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes in that moment of crisis. It kept tugging at his heart.

    Those eyes were the eyes of a soldier who acted out of instinct, not logic¡ªthe eyes of a soldier who couldn¡¯t let himself see hisrades die even if the alternative was losing his life.

    It was because of these selfless actions that Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s wife and son died grim deaths, yet he still didn¡¯t change.

    <i>It was only to find his son¡¯s belongings? Bullshit.</i>

    It was a ridiculous excuse. Kang Chul-Gyu probably would have covered Kang Chan even without that condition.

    Kang Chan staggered toward the jeep.

    <i>If I was in the same situation, what would have I done?</i>

    In truth, he would also have taken the soldier in his arms to protect him.

    <i>Click, clunk, clunk.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu soon returned to them with a rifle and an almost ludicrous number of other weapons slung over him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get going,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    Kim Tae-Jin stepped into the driver¡¯s seat. Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu stood in the back.

    <i>Vroom! Vroom. Clunk! Vroooom!</i>

    Their battle had ended.

    As the jeep turned back, the agents standing on top of the barracks gradually came into view.

    <i>Thud, thud, thud!</i>

    Maybe it was out of concern for Kang Chan¡¯s injury, but Kim Tae-Jin kept a moderate speed. Even so, Kang Chan still felt as if his back was killing him, but he didn¡¯t bother telling the others about it. Fortunately, he wouldn¡¯t have to fight anytime soon since no enemy was close enough to attack them right now.

    ¡°Old man,¡± he called.

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned to him. The Blood under his nose had frozen.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going out again tonight, the three of us.¡±

    ¡°With those injuries? Are you sure you can?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked, worry evident in his voice.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re doing any better than me in that condition.¡±

    <i>Vroom! Clunk! Rattle!</i>

    When the jeep lurched forward, Kang Chan grimaced in pain. As he recovered, he asked, ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll survive the raid tonight?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked confused. He couldn¡¯t even answer.

    ¡°If you want to atone for the sins youmitted against your family, do your best to live and survive. Unless you can promise me that much, I¡¯m not letting you join us in the ambush,¡± Kang Chan continued.

    The engine was so loud that it didn¡¯t seem as if Kim Tae-Jin could hear them.

    ¡°I...¡± Kang Chul-Gyu trailed off.

    This was the first time Kang Chan saw Kang Chul-Gyu hesitate to speak. He never hesitated when they first met at the airport. He didn¡¯t either whenever he used honorifics to talk to him now that they were in Mongolia.

    ¡°How am I supposed to be shameless enough to try moving forward when I failed to make up for the sins Imitted against my wife and son? No, even if I wanted to, I wouldn¡¯t be able to live such a life anyway due to my condition. Please just give me a spot in our operation tonight,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu pleaded.

    <i>This damn old man.</i>

    Kang Chan noticed a change in Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes. If Kang Chul-Gyu looked at him with these eyes in the past, he might not have gone to France.

    ¡°Give me your word as a man, and I¡¯ll look for a way to get you the surgery you need. Otherwise, you¡¯re not joining the ambush,¡± Kang Chan replied with conviction.

    The jeep slowed down a bit now that they were close to the base.

    ¡°Why are you suddenly acting like this?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    As they drove past the gates, Kang Chan looked straight at him. ¡°I believe that¡¯s what your son would have wanted.¡±

    The jeep came to a stop in front of the barracks.

    ¡°Are you okay? Shit! What the fuck happened to your back?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek shouted as he rushed forward. He held Kang Chan¡¯s arm and helped him out of the vehicle.

    Kang Chan stepped out of the jeep. Kang Chul-Gyu remained dazed as the agents and Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s subordinates unloaded the rifles.

    Meanwhile, Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s gaze alternated between Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu. He had no clue about what just happened.

    ¡°Extend the range of the satellite video receiver as much as you can and reduce the number of agents on guard duty to two so they can get enough rest,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± an agent responded before heading to the mess hall.

    Kang Chan started for the barracks.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The moment he opened the door and stepped in, a wave of warmth and pain rushed at him at the same time.

    Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek helped Kang Chan take off his upper garments. One of the agents then wiped his back with disinfectant.

    ¡°What if some shrapnel managed to get in there?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked worriedly.

    ¡°I¡¯m probably fine. I didn¡¯t feel anything when I moved around,¡± Kang Chan nonchntly replied.

    Kang Chan¡¯s attitude bewildered Kim Tae-Jin. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to trust him right now. After having the area disinfected and getting it wrapped with a bandage, he changed into new clothes and sat down on the sofa.

    ¡°You should get some rest too, Director Kim. We¡¯re going to head out again tonight,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You¡¯re going out in that condition?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked in disbelief.

    Kang Chan simply responded with a smirk. No one could stop him anyway.

    Kim Tae-Jin shook his head and stepped out of the barracks.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°Yes, please. Some cigarettes too,¡± Kang Chan replied. Hearing that, an agent immediately went to the kitchen.

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it, so just focus on resting up. From what I heard, you¡¯ll have to fight again tonight, won¡¯t¡ªhey! Just fucking go already and get some rest!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek scolded the agent, quickly chasing after him and preventing him from entering the kitchen. He practically kicked the agent out of the barracks. When he got back, he put the kettle on the stove. He then walked over to Kang Chan and offered him some cigarettes.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan and Oh Gwang-Taek lit up their cigarettes together.

    ¡°It¡¯s pretty tough, huh?¡± Kang Chan asked sympathetically.

    ¡°Are you going to keep me holed up in the mess hall at night too? I don¡¯t mind dying. Just give me a chance to fight,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek grumbled. Aplex mix of emotions was in his eyes. ¡°Hey! Are you even listening to me?¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± Kang Chan replied. His eyes glinted so much that they seemed to be exuding a bright light. ¡°Join us in the battle tonight.¡±

    ¡°You son of a bitch! I¡¯ll make you the tastiest coffee in the whole fucking world.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just instant coffee, though,¡± Kang Chan scoffed.

    Oh Gwang-Taek grinned at him.

    ***

    After washing his face, Kang Chul-Gyu returned to his barracks with Kim Tae-Jin. He then changed into morefortable clothes.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, here¡¯s your coffee.¡± Kim Tae-Jin handed Kang Chul-Gyu a paper cup. He also set down a cigarette next to it and pulled out a lighter.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to smoke,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said as he picked up the cup.

    ¡°Understood.¡± Kim Tae-Jin set down the lighter and cautiously examined Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s expression. Out of worry, he asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Of course. You should start drinking yours, too. It¡¯s going to get cold.¡±

    ¡°Will do.¡± Kim Tae-Jin took a sip of his coffee.

    After some time, Kang Chul-Gyu began, ¡°You know, it might be cowardly of me to say this, but...¡±

    ¡°Yes, sunbae-nim?¡±

    <i>What is he trying to tell me that¡¯s making him so hesitant?</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin stayed alert and put all his focus on Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°If I manage to survive the battle tonight, can you look into a hospital that can perform the surgery I need?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu carefully asked.

    Kim Tae-Jin never thought he would ever hear those words from him.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s too difficult?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked glumly.

    ¡°No! I¡¯ll do whatever I can to find a hospital!¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied, feeling something hot ze and rise inside him.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu nodded as he expressed his gratitude. ¡°I feel very sorry and guilty for what happened to my wife and son, but if I¡¯m still allowed to live on, then I would like to try my best at it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, sunbae-nim,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said as emotions welled up inside him.

    Kang Chul-Gyu simply gave him a pained smile in response.

 Chapter 244.2: Letéˆ¥æªš Fight Together (1)

    <h4>Chapter 244.2: Let¡¯s Fight Together (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan picked up the satellite phone and dialed a phone number that consisted of mostly zeroes.

    - Anne speaking, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°Are you aware of the situation here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - Russia, China, the United States, and Ennd also know about the ongoing fight.

    <i>Those motherfuckers!</i>

    Kang Chan downed all of the coffee left in his cup. He then continued, ¡°We have a man here who has a shrapnel stuck in the back of his head, and he needs urgent surgery for it. It¡¯s been in there for quite some time now, and it¡¯s lodged somewhere near a sensitive area, which means the procedure will most likely be dangerous. His doctor said it¡¯s going to be difficult, but I don¡¯t care. I want to save him.¡±

    - I will have it prepared, sir.

    Anne agreed to his request far more swiftly than Kang Chan expected.

    ¡°Anne.¡±

    - Yes, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°Is there anything that I don¡¯t know about this base?¡±

    This time, however, Anne failed to give an immediate response.

    ¡°When you go out into battle, you start sensing some things with your gut. Is this really the operation I was told about during the first briefing or is there something more to this? Today¡¯s fight made something clear to me. There¡¯s something under all of this that I¡¯m not aware of,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    There was still no response from the other side of the line.

    ¡°When we went out looking for a fight today, we eliminated the enemies I ran into too easily. That¡¯s enough for me to know that those people were abandoned and left behind for something else. Even if the mafia isprised of ex-Spetsnaz soldiers, their hostility still won¡¯t be enough to exin that. That leads me back to my question: is there something going on that I don¡¯t know about? Or is this a difficult topic for you to talk about?¡±

    - Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°Anne, before you say anything, let me tell you one more thing.¡±

    Kang Chan was already nearly certain that the gut feeling he had earlier was right. Anne¡¯s response¡ªorck thereof¡ªdid nothing but help him confirm it.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t give me an honest answer, just tell me you don¡¯t know. I would understand. At the very least, I would rather not be disappointed in you or the ambassador.¡±

    - ording to the reports that I¡¯ve been given, Vasili is somehow rted to the mafia¡¯s aggression toward you. Moreover, both Russia and China are waiting for you to reach out to them.

    ¡°What? Why?¡± Kang Chan asked, suddenly confused.

    - They are hoping that you would ask for their help.

    ¡°Are you saying they want me to be indebted to them?¡±

    - Yes. I believe that¡¯s their goal.

    Kang Chan finally understood the situation. He had to trust what Anne was telling him out of respect for her and her father. It was the least he could do.

    ¡°Thank you, Anne,¡± he replied, then paused for a moment. ¡°I need a way to transport a patient out of here and get him surgery. Use my authority if you have to. Please lend me your and the Ambassador¡¯s influence as well.¡±

    - An order from you is much more effective for matters like this.

    ¡°Then, could you do that for me?¡± Kang Chan requested.

    - I¡¯ll be in touch again in five minutes.

    ¡°Thanks, Anne.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan red sharply at the empty paper cup left on the table and the satellite phone.

    <i>These assholes are treating me like aplete idiot! They sent me here giving me all that bullshit about denadite and the borders, but they were just actually doing all these bullshit calctions behind my back?</i>

    Since Kang Chan got help from China when he went on the recent operation to Afghanistan, it was only proper that he returned the favor. However, that didn¡¯t make it eptable to hide things like this from him.

    Now that he was aware of the situation, it would only be fair for him to handle this as he saw fit.

    Yang Bum and Vasili were the leaders of China and Russia¡¯s intelligence bureaus. Taking South Korea¡¯s national power into consideration, it would be difficult to go against them. That didn¡¯t mean that they could just y him like a fool, however. He had no intention of letting them have their way.

    There was something else to all of this¡ªsomething that probably made Russia and China resort to these cowardly tactics. Something disadvantageous to South Korea, which always had to powerlessly stand down even at the simplest frown from the two countries, or something that put Kang Chan in danger.

    He had to know what it was to avoid being yed like this again in the future.

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep.</i>

    After some time, the satellite phone began to ring. Kang Chan picked up the receiver and pressed the answer button.

    ¡°Allo?¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    - It¡¯s Anne again. A helicopter from France¡¯s DGSE will reach the base within an hour.

    ¡°Thank you, Anne.¡±

    - On another note, the ambassador hasnded in Russia. I believe it¡¯s now safe to say that the mafia will not beunching a night raid today.

    ¡°Is his presence over there rted to the matter that I don¡¯t know about?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - Monsieur Kang, answering that is beyond my capabilities.

    He could at least understand that much.

    - The patient will be transported to Seoul. Dr. Kim Wan-Gyu of the Seoul National University Hospital is one of the world¡¯s top surgeons in brain surgery. I suggest arranging a schedule with him through South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service if you want to proceed with this.

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll figure that part out myself. Thanks, Anne,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan hung up the phone and picked up his cigarette. Once suspicious, always suspicious. Now that he started to doubt the intelligence bureaus, he was starting to feel suspicious about the French DGSE¡¯s helicoptering to the base as well.

    For now, however, he had to get his priorities straight. After all, he had far more urgent matters to attend to.

    Kang Chan picked up his radio and called for an agent. A momentter, the agent who was staying in the same barracks as Kang Chan entered his quarters.

    ¡°Do you have Manager Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s number? Kang Chan asked, to which the agent answered with a nod. He then followed up, ¡°Can you put me through?¡±

    The agent pressed a few buttons on the satellite phone. Afterward, he handed the phone back to him.

    - Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

    ¡°Manager Kim, it¡¯s Kang Chan,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    - Mr. Kang Chan!

    ¡°We¡¯re doing well. I believe we¡¯re mostly in the clear here. Anyway, I have a favor to ask.¡±

    - Go ahead.

    ¡°We would like to transport a man named Kang Chul-Gyu back to South Korea. A helicopter will arrive at our location in about an hour. I will get all the details about it and ry them to you at ater time, but he is in a bad condition. Please make the necessary arrangements to get him surgery from Dr. Kim Wan-Gyu of the Seoul National University Hospital as soon as possible,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    - Wait! Just to rify, you said Dr. Kim Wan-Gyu of the Seoul National University Hospital, correct?

    Kim Hyung-Jung seemed to be writing memos.

    - Please rest assured that we¡¯re already on top of it.

    ¡°We will have the situation over herepletely cleared out by tonight. I¡¯ll contact you again once we¡¯re done.¡±

    - The second team is set to leave in two days. They¡¯ll be taking more cell stations and other necessary supplies with them.

    It was a much earlier departure date than what Kang Chan heard. However, he supposed it would be stranger if the date was anyter now that Kim Hyung-Jung had gotten involved.

    ¡°What about the deployment of the special forces team?¡±

    - They are also leaving in two days as well.

    It was just obstacle after obstacle for them.

    Just like how he felt about the whole Mongolian base operation, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but sense that there was something else going on with this matter as well.

    ¡°We¡¯ll go through the night first. I¡¯ll call you again once we¡¯re out of the woods,¡± he said.

    - Understood.

    Kang Chan stood up after hanging up. He then got out of the barracks and headed to the one Kim Tae-Jin was assigned. The trucks and the jeeps that they had stolen were parked in the spaces between the buildings, making their base look more like a camp in the middle of a warzone.

    <i>Creaaak.</i>

    When he opened the door and stepped inside, he saw Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin sitting on the sofa.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got something to tell you,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Kim Tae-Jin thought it was probably something urgent. Nevertheless, he kept a rxed expression.

    ¡°Come sit down. Would you like a cup of coffee?¡±

    ¡°I already had some.¡± Kang Chan sat on the single couch next to Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°A helicopter will arrive in approximately an hour.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked in confusion.

    ¡°Old man. There will be an appointment ready for you at Seoul National University Hospital. Go back to South Korea and get the surgery you need.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s expression seemed to be asking him what in the world he was saying.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the ambush or the raid tonight. We will still have to wait for further updates about it, but they¡¯re negotiating with the Russian Intelligence Bureau right now. At the very least, they have informed me that we shouldn¡¯t worry for now. Anyway, get ready to go to Seoul.¡±

    The two were understandably shocked. However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t really expect that Kang Chul-Gyu would show such a surprised yet stupid expression.

    ¡°On another note, the second team will be departing from South Korea in two days. I¡¯ll leave all the preparations for their arrival to you, Director,¡± Kang Chan said. After informing them of all the intel he got earlier, he immediately stood up from his seat. Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s surprised and flustered face was starting to make him ufortable.

    However, Kang Chul-Gyu immediately followed him out.

    ¡°There¡¯s something that I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu began.

    Kang Chan turned around. Kang Chul-Gyu was staring right at him, now wearing a far moreplex expression.

    ¡°Please answer me as a man. Are you absolutely sure that the mafia won¡¯t be raiding us tonight?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked dubiously.

    <i>Why did he be so pitiful when he got older?</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu was supposed to look like a devil. However, he just looked like an old soldier now. He still had hisbat abilities, but his eyes and face did nothing to hide the hard life he lived all this time.

    ¡°I don¡¯t y games or joke about the safety of my men, old man,¡± Kang Chan solemnly replied.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s mouth opened in an attempt to speak but his hesitation made it close again not long after. Nevertheless, Kang Chan already felt as if he knew what the man was going to ask.

    ¡°I think your dead son would have also wanted you to get the surgery. Be strong and make sure youe back alive from all this,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Survive the procedure, thene back to protect this ce, got that? That¡¯s what your son wants. I doubt you want someone to call you father now. Am I wrong, old man?¡±

    As Kang Chul-Gyu gritted his teeth, blood started oozing out of his nose again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t ever want to see some damn fucking blooding out of you either! And I¡¯m sick of seeing your weak eyes and expression! The next time we meet, you better be a bit more dignified and a little cooler. That¡¯s what your dead son wants! Also¡ª!¡± Kang Chan took a moment to breathe to catch his rushing emotions. ¡°If you die in the hospital, I¡¯m never going to forgive you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu responded.

    ¡°And drop those fucking honorifics!¡± Kang Chan barked.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied.

    The two of them red at each other like they were arguing.

 Chapter 245.1: Letéˆ¥æªš Fight Together (2)

    <h4>Chapter 245.1: Let¡¯s Fight Together (2)</h4>

    Lanok entered the barracks looking indifferent to everything, a trait peculiar to French people.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Vasili greeted and gestured to the sofa. He poured him a cup of ck tea, the smell wafting out and spreading all over the room. Afterward, he filled a small ss with vodka and walked over to the sofa as well.

    <i>Click.</i>

    As Vasili put the ss down on the table, Lanok took out a cigar case from his inner chest pocket. It was just big enough to have space for two cigars.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    The ember at the end of the cigar grew stronger with each puff from Lanok. However, it disappeared just as quickly.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>,¡± Lanok exhaled, making sure to turn his head to the side beforehand out of courtesy.

    Vasili watched the smoke rise as he downed the vodka.

    ¡°The vodka tastes strangely sweet today,¡± hemented before standing up and walking to one side of the room. A momentter, he returned with a bottle of vodka.

    ¡°Vasili,¡± Lanok called.

    Refilling his ss, Vasili replied, ¡°I know. I¡¯ve already called it off. The mafia won¡¯t go after our hero¡¯s head anymore.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always despised the ¡®Just trust them and let them do whatever they want¡¯ phrase the most. I don¡¯t even believe signatures on documents. Documents are useless,¡± he added, then downed his second ss of vodka. ¡°I¡¯m not doing this because I¡¯m afraid of dying.¡±

    Lanok smirked, seemingly finding Vasili funny. ¡°The thought never even crossed my mind. I doubt the legend of the Spetsnaz would fear death. All I¡¯m saying is that we should ept the fact that we¡¯re old now.¡±

    ¡°Kang Chan is still too young.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still saying that even though you¡¯ve watched him all this time?¡±

    Vasili looked as if he was challenging Lanok.

    ¡°Do you really think the Spetsnaz can kill Monsieur Kang if you send them over as members of the mafia?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a possibility.¡±

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>.¡± Lanok exhaled more smoke. ¡°Are you aware that Monsieur Kang has the DMZ King on his side?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    In an instant, one question from Lanok made the confidence in Vasili¡¯s eyes wane.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang is that kind of man. The only person the Spetsnaz failed to destroy¡ªthe very same who gave your special forces the worst humiliation they¡¯ve ever suffered¡ªis working under him. What do you think of that? Personally, I believe Russia should just ept by now that Monsieur Kang will never fail.¡±

    ¡°Fucking South Koreans!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pretend I didn¡¯t hear that.¡±

    Unlike Lanok, who still seemed rxed, Vasili looked as if he found everything unfair.

    ¡°People who are about to seed always disy two signs before they do. Good people flock to them, and...¡± Lanok trailed off.

    ¡°Opportunities are given to them on a silver tter,¡± Vasili finished.

    ¡°At this point, you should just admit that Monsieur Kang is going to seed.¡±

    Vasili swiftly filled up his ss again and drank it.

    ¡°Do you wholeheartedly trust Monsieur Kang?¡± Vasili asked.

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡± Lanok exhaled the smoke again. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t I have gotten rid of him already if I didn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°Who would know what a wicked French like you thinks?¡±

    ¡°Our wickedness is more effective than the recklessness of a Russian.¡±

    Vasili sighed as he shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve dreamed of moments like this. Each time, I was always the protagonist. The one in the spotlight. I didn¡¯t expect to just be one of the supporting characters constantly keeping an eye out for the protagonist¡¯s mood.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the second most important supporting character. Be proud of that.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m still being overshadowed even among the supporting characters, and by some wicked Frenchman no less.¡±

    ¡°Would you like to join the fight now?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°I should.¡±

    Lanok held up the cup of ck tea, his cigar in between his long fingers. ¡°Once this whole situation is over, the door to hell in the world of intelligence is going to swing wide open, Vasili.¡±

    ¡°I hope you¡¯ll still be alive the next time we meet.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to live longer than a reckless Russian. I¡¯ll make sure to live until it¡¯s time for me to put flowers on your coffin.¡±

    Vasili smirked as he prepared another ss of vodka. ¡°The battle will start in Africa, won¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no better ce for our hero¡¯s legend to begin. After all, that¡¯s where his codename was made.¡±

    ¡°God of ckfield? No wonder I hated it as soon as I heard it!¡±

    Vasili downed the vodka once more.

    ***

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t expect he would find helicopter noisesforting.

    On this battlefield, he was fighting alongside National Intelligence Service agents who used to be part of the special forces. He also had Oh Gwang-Taek and his people, who dominated Gangnam.

    None of them would be afraid of being attacked at night.

    Nevertheless, the noisesing from the helicopter made them feel relieved and even slightly excited.

    They had grown tired of the endless wilderness, the horizon that made them feel as if they were going to get motion sickness, the wind that made their teeth chatter, the bone-chilling cold, the horrible clouds of dust, and the wolves that ate human corpses.

    Perhaps that was why Kang Chul-Gyu missed mountains, trees, and nts. He missed kimchi, soju, and crowds of people. Fortunately, he would soon hop aboard the helicopter. Even if they were nning to take the shortest route to Seoul, they would still have to stop by anbaatar, which would be filled with people.

    Men with dirty faces turned their heads to Kang Chul-Gyu, mixed emotions evident in their expressions.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, pleasee back quickly,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu picked up his bag, which felt light, and looked around him.

    The sunset would always dye the ruggednd blood-red during hours like this.

    Kang Chan was on top of the barracks, standing before the wilderness with his rifle slung over his right shoulder.

    <i>I was hoping Kang Chan would look me in the eye.</i>

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Director! Please bring back a few bottles of soju when youe back!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek approached Kang Chul-Gyu. He was covered in a lot of dust.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    Not long after, the wind from the helicopter des swept through the base.

    They heard Kang Chan speaking French with the pilot through the radio, but no one understood what they were saying.

    The helicopternded right in front of the base.

    Kang Chul-Gyu held out his hand, and Kim Tae-Jin shook it with all his might.

    <i>¡®Pleasee back.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Thank you. Thank you so much.¡¯</i>

    Through the look in their eyes, they conveyed emotions not even a hundred words could.

    Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t want to leave a terrible impression, so he tried his best to ignore Kang Chan as he headed to the helicopter. Perhaps it was because he was in a dested in, or because he had just fought inbat after so long of being inactive, but he felt confused.

    However, it didn¡¯t matter. No matter the reason, he decided to ept what he was feeling.

    When Kang Chan told him toe back alive, he felt as if Kang Chan truly was his son.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    The helicopter soon took off, giving Kang Chul-Gyu a view of the red sunset. Despite his resolve to ignore Kang Chan, he ended up scanning the area and looking for him. When he looked down, he saw Kang Chan standing on top of a barracks with an agent.

    He shouldn¡¯t hope for more. Getting to see Kang Chan already made him thankful beyond words. He shouldn¡¯t hope for Kang Chan to look back at him.

    <i>What right do I have to hope for things?</i>

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chul-Gyu was about to look away when Kang Chan turned toward him.

    He didn¡¯t know that their eyes could still meet from this distance.

    <i>¡®Come back alive!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze was engraved into Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s heart. Now, he didn¡¯t have anything else to wish for.

    <i>I¡¯m so sorry! And thank you! Thank you so much for looking at me!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked away and took a deep breath.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du.</i>

    The helicopter flew toward the sunset.

    ***

    ¡°Honey, why can¡¯t we call him?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°They probably have a valid reason for it. They said that Mongolia is vastly different from South Korea, which probably means he won¡¯t get any cell service the moment he goes even just a bit away from the city.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung calmed Yoo Hye-Sook¡ªwho was staring at her phone¡ªin a rxed manner.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t we promise not to worry about him?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I miss him so much that it¡¯s making me worry about him anyway. Don¡¯t you miss Channy?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked so surprised. Kang Dae-Kyung never answered honestly whenever she asked him that question in the past.

    ¡°If I could, I would tightly tie him up and lock him in my office,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung added, the absurdity of his response making Yoo Hye-Sook burst intoughter. He then asked, ¡°Do you remember when Channy came back home and surprised usst Christmas?¡±

    ¡°Yes. What about it?¡±

    ¡°I burst into tears when Channy smiled at me.¡±

    ¡°Honey!¡± Tears welled up in Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes, seemingly remembering how Kang Chan acted back then.

    ¡°Even since Christmas, he¡¯s been looking like he¡¯s having a hard time. He still had the same look on his face when he left for Mongolia, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! That¡¯s one of the reasons why I¡¯m even more worried right now.¡±

    ¡°You know, even though he seemed to be going through difficulties, Channy still worried about you more than me.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s lips trembled.

    ¡°He would even visit and call me several times because of that. Channy also told me about moving the offices of my business and your Foundation first. No matter the news, he would always discuss things with me first because he was afraid that you would get surprised or worried,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung continued.

    ¡°<i>Agh</i>!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook burst into tears like a child.

    ¡°That son of ours cares about you so much that he won¡¯t be able to work in peace if he ever learns that we¡¯re worrying ourselves to death because of him, so whenever we can¡¯t contact him, why don¡¯t we just assume that he¡¯s gone off to somewhere that has no cell service?¡±

    ¡°Do you have to say it like that?¡±

    ¡°My god, madam!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung reached over and wrapped his arms around Yoo Hye-Sook. ¡°Should we tie him up and lock him in a room when hees back after all?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook giggled, her tears finally stopping. ¡°Wherever he is, I¡¯m sure he¡¯s doing well,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung added.

    ¡°All right.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook nodded. She sniffled.

 Chapter 245.2: Letéˆ¥æªš Fight Together (2)

    <h4>Chapter 245.2: Let¡¯s Fight Together (2)</h4>

    In two days, the South Korean special forces team would depart to carry out a joint operation with world-famous special forces. More importantly, they would be dropping right into the heat ofbat.

    The adjutant who was put in charge of logistics checked if they werecking or missing anything so fervently that he looked as if he had gone crazy.

    The sun was starting to set behind the mountains. Darkness was slowly engulfing the vicinity of the barracks.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes had been glinting since yesterday. However, talking to Kim Hyung-Jung made him calm down and rx.

    They cut barrels in half, put them all over the field, and lit fires in them. The air around the barracks alternated between hot and cold as a result, making it seem as if they were having a power struggle.

    Seok Kang-Ho was nkly standing in front of one of the barrels when Cha Dong-Gyun approached him.

    ¡°Here you go,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said, offering a paper cup which Seok Kang-Ho dly took. ¡°We¡¯re going to grill a pigter.¡±

    ¡°Nice!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed. He then carefully took a sip of the coffee and watched the me in the barrel rise.

    ¡°Are you thinking of the captain?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Seok Kang-Ho swiftly answered. ¡°I should¡¯ve pestered him harder so I could go to Mongolia with him. He must be so fucking lonely out there.¡±

    He sounded quite disappointed.

    ¡°The captain is... lonely?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned. He tried to down the rest of the coffee but grimaced instead. ¡°<i>Ugh</i>! That¡¯s fucking hot!¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked as if he was deceived.

    ¡°Got any cigarettes with you?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t been smokingtely.¡±

    ¡°Jeez!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯sint made Cha Dong-Gyun call over one of the soldiers in front of the barracks and bum a cigarette from him.

    Seok Kang-Ho lit it up as soon as he received it.

    ¡°Does the captain feel lonely too?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    ¡°Why are you asking me that? Did you really think that man never gets lonely?¡±

    ¡°For some reason, I just can¡¯t imagine it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in understanding. ¡°Once you get to know him a little bit more, you¡¯ll start to notice when he¡¯s lonely. That¡¯s the reason he started hating genuinely caring for people.¡±

    Noticing Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s perplexed expression, he grinned. ¡°You know, I am always a bit surprised whenever he¡¯s around you guys. He talks a lot and does whatever he can to make sure you¡¯re all properly taken care of.¡±

    ¡°To this day, whenever I think about the operations we¡¯ve executed, I still can¡¯t help but feel as if it¡¯s all just a dream even though we¡¯ve already done a handful of them.¡±

    ¡°I feel the same way.¡± Seok Kang-Ho finished his smoke and threw the cigarette butt into the barrel. ¡°Do your best over in Africa.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°Nobody will be able to stop that man if you all die at some random ce. We don¡¯t have any countermeasures for when he loses someone he genuinely cares about.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sighed. After a brief pause, heined, ¡°This is fucking boring! I¡¯d rather be back in North Korea again, running as fast as we did back then.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to meet the captain soon anyway?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to grill the pig?¡±

    Smiling, Cha Dong-Gyun stood up.

    ***

    After having dinner, the South Korean team in Mongolia nned the order of the agents¡¯ shifts for guard duty. They then collectively agreed to put Kim Tae-Jin in charge of the training until Suh Sang-Hyun arrived, which would be in two days.

    ¡°You should get some rest,¡± Kim Tae-Jin suggested.

    ¡°No, let the agents rest instead,¡± Kang Chan replied. ¡°Just in case our enemy changes their mind, I¡¯m taking guard duty for the next two hours.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re staying outside to stand guard with me?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked Kang Chan. He then stood up and picked up a thick coat.

    ¡°Hey! There¡¯s still a few minutes before you have to put that on.¡±

    ¡°Are we going outside together or not?¡±

    ¡°We are.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek only returned to the sofa when he heard Kang Chan¡¯s answer.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to need some weapons,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°You mean heavy weaponry?¡±

    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll find ourselves in trouble if we keep fighting armed with nothing but rifles.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Manager Kimter and look for a way to get some, then.¡±

    ¡°The Mongolian border patrol will probably return tomorrow. It¡¯s going to be hard for them to turn a blind eye and pretend they don¡¯t know us once they realize that the Russian mafia has given up.¡±

    ¡°Those sons of bitches!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek swore.

    ¡°You should go easy on them. No matter how we feel about it, we¡¯re in the middle of Mongolian territory. We should y nice until we be so powerful that we no longer have to,¡± Kang Chan advised.

    ¡°Jeez. Fuck!¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter when you¡¯re only with us, but you¡¯re the one inmand of this base. Shouldn¡¯t you hold back your anger when you¡¯re in front of the Mongolian border patrol?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>! Fine!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek obediently answered, perhaps because he felt bad for swearing in front of Kim Tae-Jin. He then turned to Kang Chan. ¡°When will you be departing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to wait for our reinforcements before I leave.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m jealous.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be. I¡¯m going to go to Africa. It¡¯s going to be far more gruesome over there.¡±

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>? Aren¡¯t you going to Seoul?¡±

    ¡°If that was my only other option, then I would¡¯ve just stayed here.¡± Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that quite the pity?¡± Oh Gwang-Taekined as if he felt bad for Kang Chan. He then gave him a suspecting look.

    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±

    ¡°What are you really going to Africa for? Do you like ck women?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°Jeez. Do you want to get hit?¡± Kang Chan finally managed tough after so long. ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s go outside.¡±

    Kang Chan and Oh Gwang-Taek stood up and wore anotheryer of thick coat and pants.

    A momentter, they headed to the barracks, and Kim Tae-Jin returned to the one he was assigned to.

    <i>Whish!</i>

    The wind rushed toward Kang Chan and Oh Gwang-Taek as if it was happy to see them. Contrary to how it greeted them, though, Kang Chan was quite sick and tired of it.

    They told Joo Chul-Bum and the agent with him that their shift was done and to head back into their barracks. They then stood facing the wilderness.

    Was it because they were in the middle of nowhere? Even the moon in front of them looked red.

    ¡°If you put your mind to it, I bet you can just live a nice, quiet, andfortable life. Unlike me, you don¡¯t have the cops constantly chasing after your ass. You won¡¯t get arrestest as soon as you make one slipup, so why are you going through this much trouble?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked as he scanned their surroundings the way Kang Chan taught him.

    <i>Why am I doing all of this?</i>

    ¡°I simply like fighting with others, I guess,¡± Kang Chan answered. If he was beingpletely honest, he would have said it was because he couldn¡¯t just ignore the people that he genuinely cared about, but he thought saying all that would give Oh Gwang-Taek goosebumps.

    Back in Africa, he only really cared about one or two people. However, when he reincarnated in South Korea, he found himself quickly getting attached to far more individuals.

    Kang Chan thought that Oh Gwang-Taek was going to mock andugh at him, but for a moment, he just stayed silent.

    ¡°Fuck! This is a gathering of people who like to fight, then,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek finallymented. He grumbingly continued, ¡°You know, I used to live like an asshole. I was never any good at studying, but due to my personality, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to work for anyone. It didn¡¯t even matter if the alternative was death.¡±

    After a brief pause, he added, ¡°After some time, I started gathering subordinates, and I actually liked it. People only work for money nowadays. When I was young, the world was a far better ce.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek nced at Kang Chan. ¡°Don¡¯t you even dare say anything that¡¯s not rted to the topic, you fucking bastard! I¡¯m here because I want to quit being a gangster!¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan simply smirk in response, he tilted his head up and stared at the blood-colored moon. ¡°When I was still an underling in Gangnam, I used to live in a one-bedroom apartment. Back then, I would do nothing but eat until my hyung-nims called me, at which point I would spend the entire day working.¡±

    ¡°There was this one day... I remember being in so much pain that I was trembling and aching all over. At the time, my hyung-nim who lived in Hannam-dong called me, and I used all the money that I had on a taxi just so I could run over to him.¡± Oh Gwang-Taek looked as if he was talking to the moon. ¡°You know what he did? He ordered me to do hisundry. His tub was full of clothes, and he wanted me to wash all of them by hand.¡±

    <i>Is this bastard drunk?</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked as if he was being moved by the moonlight.

    ¡°I gritted my teeth and washed all of it even though some of them had to be washed with cold water. It took me four fucking hours. I thought I was going to die! When I told my hyung-nim that I was done, all he did was tell me that I did good and that I should go home and rest. Fuck!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek added. He then turned to Kang Chan, ice all over his face from the cold. ¡°He didn¡¯t even give me a penny for my fare home, so I was forced to walk across the Hannam bridge. It was snowing hard back then, and the wind felt exactly the same as the wind right now.¡±

    ¡°I did all of that just so I could be a gangster. But now? Now I¡¯m doing this to get a chance to live like a decent fucking human being with you, so don¡¯t go around being careless! You better not fucking die when you go to Africa. Just finish what you have to do ande back quickly.¡±

    <i>Whish!</i>

    The wind rushed in and carried his words away from them.

    ¡°I deserve to get at least one chance to fight alongside you in a gunfight, don¡¯t I?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile. He couldn¡¯t believe he was starting to genuinely care for a fucking gangster now as well.

 Chapter 246.1: From the Horn of Africa (1)

    <h4>Chapter 246.1: From the Horn of Africa (1)</h4>

    Two days went by in a sh. They were a peaceful two days, if one could even call it peaceful.

    They received news of Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s hospitalization, the departure of the second team, and the deployment of the special forces team. However, much like the vehicles that the Mistral had destroyed and turned upside down in the distance, nothing affected the life at the Mongolian base.

    However, on the morning of the third day, a loud car engine disrupted their silence.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s the Mongolian border patrol,¡± the agent on guard duty radioed in.

    <i>Those fucking bastards.</i>

    They wereing on the day of the second team¡¯s arrival¡ªand before breakfast, too.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Click.</i>

    With rifles in their hands, Kang Chan and Oh Gwang-Taek left the barracks and headed toward the base¡¯s entrance. The agents keeping watch above the barracks and those who came out with Kim Tae-Jin were all armed with rifles as well.

    <i>Clunk! Clunk, clunk! Creak!</i>

    Bhat stepped out of a jeep that was covered in a thick ovey and immediately walked over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Ask him what¡¯s going on,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    The agent spoke in Mongolian, and Bhat answered the question with a brazen smile.

    ¡°He says he came to see if there are any problems,¡± the agent tranted.

    ¡°What about the Mobile Base Station?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    As the agent interpreted the question, Bhat¡¯s expression made Kang Chan feel as if he already knew what he was going to say.

    ¡°He says he has no idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± the agent said.

    Seeing Kang Chan smirk, Bhat made a face that seemed to say he was being used of something he didn¡¯t do. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know if it was because his acting was horrible or if he just didn¡¯t have the desire to hide it, but he was certainly indicating that they should move on from this subject.

    <i>Well, we don¡¯t have any evidence, and we can¡¯t really do anything about it.</i>

    Bhat said something again, With a look of disbelief, the agent ryed, ¡°He¡¯s asking if we¡¯re going to have breakfast soon.¡±

    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek mumbled under his breath.

    Pretending as if he didn¡¯t hear anything, Bhat turned his head toward the mess hall.

    ¡°Ask him if he wants to join us for breakfast,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the agent responded.

    Kang Chan then turned around to leave, and Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek followed after him. They quickly finished their breakfast and had a break until nine, which was when the morning training session started.

    The Mongolian border patrol spent their time scouring the site of the fight against the Russian mafia. Meanwhile, Kang Chan climbed up the barracks with an agent and stood on guard.

    The training sessions that were underway were no different from military training, putting extra emphasis and focus on firearms, security, formations, and signals. Fortunately, ording to the reports Kang Chan received, the learning atmosphere wasn¡¯t too bad because Oh Gwang-Taek dove into the material with determination, which served as a good example for the others.

    It was almost noon.

    In the distance, Kang Chan could hear helicopters approaching¡ªand there wasn¡¯t just one or two of them. The morning training session seemed to have just finished in time, considering Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek hade out to the front of the barracks. The Mongolian border patrol mored over as well.

    Kang Chan immediately came down from the barracks.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let the Mongolian border patrol touch the cargo!¡± he ordered, making sure the interpreter knew that he was to trante his every word.

    Having received Kang Chan¡¯smand in hisnguage, Bhat¡¯s eyes shed with anger, and began to spit words at the agent.

    ¡°He says this isn¡¯t polite,¡± the agent told Kang Chan.

    <i>This motherfucker!</i>

    There was only so much one could take.

    The helicopters had alreadye into view. As far as the people on the ground could tell, there were at least ten of them. Taking the amount of cargo and number of people that Kang Chan was expecting into consideration, this was way more than he thought.

    ¡°The Mongolian border patrol are all to leave the base,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Surprise engulfed Bhat as soon as he heard the interpretation.

    ¡°If you do this, then we¡¯ll coborate with the Russian mafia. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re well aware why they¡¯ve been so quiet until now,¡± the agent ryed.

    Bhat now looked at the cargo hanging from the helicopters with a wronged and regretful expression.

    It had only been two days since Kang Chan had advised Oh Gwang-Taek to remain on good terms with the border patrol. However, being on good terms with them and being a pushover were twopletely different things.

    Maybe things could have been different if the bastard returned the Mobile Base Station to them and apologized. Otherwise, this wasn¡¯t going to work. He couldn¡¯t just burst over unannounced asking them to serve the border patrol soldiers food or believe that he could take whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted.

    Kang Chan honestly didn¡¯t expect this punk to be so fucking shameless. At this rate, some kind of trouble would eventually break out, and he wouldn¡¯t be around by then.

    ¡°This is your final warning. Get out of the base,¡± hemanded.

    Seeing the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, Bhat hesitantly deliberated.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan put his finger on his rifle¡¯s trigger, instantly filling the agents and border patrol soldiers with tension. Regret flickered in Bhat¡¯s eyes, but he hesitated onest time, casting a long nce at Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek.

    <i>Click!</i>

    This time, Kang Chan raised his rifle.

    Bhat raised both hands in the air and began to walk out of the barracks, his face full of regret.

    <i>I¡¯m so sick of these assholes.</i>

    Despite being heavily humiliated, they left their vehicles where they were and just stood waiting outside the barracks.

    <i>Du, du, du, du, du, du, du.</i>

    Only three days had passed since Kang Chanst saw a helicopter, but he still couldn¡¯t help but feel beyond happy and d to see them again, and when he saw the heavy loads of cargo hanging from the aircraft, he felt as if he was the richest person on Earth. However, the Mobile Base Station excited him the most.

    More than thirty men stepped off the helicopters, one of whom was Suh Sang-Hyun. They all looked pretty imposing with their sharp eyes, chiseled chins, and strong appearances.

    Those with military backgrounds noticeably stood out from the rest. Their demeanor made it clear whether they were one of Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s seniors or juniors. However, they were all polite, calling Oh Gwang-Taek, ¡°President Oh.¡±

    There was so much liveliness in the air as they unloaded the cargo one by one that no one could hide their smiles. There were mountains of kimchi, the soju that Oh Gwang-Taek wasmenting about, and more than fiverge boxes of pork belly.

    ¡°There¡¯s not much to life! Fuck, who would¡¯ve known that seeing pork belly would bring tears to my eyes? This is like a tank full of treasure driving into a junk shop,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek eximed, the emotions in his expression clearly showing how moved he was.

    Bhat watched them with greed in his eyes, but the look on his face darkened a bit when the heavy wooden boxes were opened, revealing weapons, ammo, and the magazines that Kang Chan waited so long for. They were filled to the brim with K2 rifles, modified K3 machine guns, HK PSG sniper rifles, and grenades. One of the long boxes even had an I.

    Kang Chan felt as if his indigestion just cleared out.

    <i>Click! Clunk! Click!</i>

    What satisfied him the most was the natural and skillful way the men picked up, carried, and set up the weapons above the barracks. They did everything exactly as Kang Chan ordered, pleasing him with everything they did.

    The agents who arrived here with Kang Chan were tasked with moving the rifles, sniper rifles, and I.

    Kang Chan had a new spring in his steps. He was so at ease that it seemed as if a protective barrier just enveloped their base.

    Lastly, crates of oil came in on a series of handcarts.

    ¡°What do you think, sir?¡± Suh Sang-Hyun asked, his voice filled with pride. The mafia couldn¡¯t evene close to something like this.

    ¡°It¡¯s leagues beyond what I was expecting,¡± Kang Chan replied. ¡°I have to ask, though. Why did professionals like those men take off their uniforms?¡±

    ¡°As the number of battlefields decreased, the soldiers were mostly promoted to operational officers. Since there are limits to how high field andbat officers can climb the ranks, they had no choice but to retire early,¡± Kim Tae-Jin responded.

    Kang Chan could only nod.

    ¡°We have finished unloading and setting everything up,¡± one of the new men said.

    ¡°Great. Let¡¯s all go introduce ourselves, then. Since this is a special asion, why don¡¯t we have a big feast for lunch?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± the man replied.

    The attitude and the tone the man used when speaking made Kang Chan feel as if the Mongolian basepletely transformed into a military base.

    Kang Chan, Kim Tae-Jin, and Oh Gwang-Taek were about to move out when their interpreter quickly rushed over.

    ¡°Bhat says he suddenly remembered he has our Mobile Base Station. He says he took it because he thought it was theirs,¡± the agent said.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you forgive him now?¡± Kim Tae-Jin suggested.

    ¡°This is as far as I go. From here on out, Gwang-Taek will be making all the decisions,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Hey! What¡¯s up with you?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked with a flustered expression.

    It was certainly ast-minute decision. However, at the rate things were progressing, Kang Chan would likely have to fly to Africa tomorrow. Hence, it would be best to have Oh Gwang-Taek take charge now.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek, from here on out, all of this is your responsibility. I can leave for Africa with peace of mind knowing Director Kim, Director Suh, and the rest of the men who arrived here today are with you. Director Kim will take care of the security issues for now, but you¡¯ll be making all the decisions otherwise. That isn¡¯t to say that you shouldn¡¯t discuss and decide other matters with him anymore, though,¡± Kang Chan said.

    They were walking to the mess hall right now. The agents who got here first and the new arrivals were all listening to Kang Chan as he spoke.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to leave right away?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re in a pretty tight position too,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    They entered the mess hall together. After talking about it with Kim Tae-Jin, Oh Gwang-Taek decided to light a fire outside to cook meat for the border patrol soldiers under the condition that they would return the Mobile Base Station by tomorrow.

 Chapter 246.2: From the Horn of Africa (1)

    <h4>Chapter 246.2: From the Horn of Africa (1)</h4>

    The dining hall was at max capacity.

    The new men¡¯s eyes shone with a sense of duty and determination, making them look no different from the special forces team in Jeungpyeong, who spent a long time looking forward to going into action before they finally got to join an operation. They seemed to be grateful and happy for being given the chance to do what they always wanted to do here in Mongolia.

    Why was South Korea letting these kinds of people rot?

    In society, the pride of soldiers in what they did and their skills in firearms were even more useless than delivering packages. That was why those who spent their entire lives in the military, those who were more knowledgeable in weapons andbat than anyone else, were looked down upon by the masses. Even though everyone would rely on them the most when the time came, it remained true.

    The new men all took turns stating their names, ages, specialties, and,stly, their goals here in Mongolia. The first group to arrive here did the same.

    When Kim Tae-Jin stood up and weed them, a wave of excitement and heat coursed through the room. Oh Gwang-Taek stood up to introduce himself as well, followed by his subordinates and the rest of the agents. A few of them were already acquainted with the new agents, which made it easy to create a friendly atmosphere.

    Kang Chan¡¯s turn came next, but most people seemed to already know who he was.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kang Chan began as he slowly met the gazes of the determined men before him. ¡°The special forces shed a lot of blood for us to get here.¡±

    Everyone around him was a soldier, and each one used to be active at the DMZ. Every word he uttered made their blood rush.

    ¡°This mission pits us against Russia and China, which means we may have to pay with our lives and blood,¡± Kang Chan dered. ¡°I will do whatever it takes to bring the railroad here, but even if I seed, I ask you to continue protecting this base¡ªto remain here in the heart of Northeast Asia.¡±

    <i>p, p, p, p.</i>

    The p started with just one person, but it soon erupted into a thunderous round of apuse. When Kang Chan turned his gaze, he saw Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s eyes glinting brightly.

    ***

    <i>Rumble, rumble, rumble, rumble, rumble!</i>

    The ne lurched and tilted to change direction. Including the brief stop in Dubai, the flight was thirteen hours long.

    <i>Ding, ding, ding.</i>

    When the transponder signaled that they were only an hour away from their destination, a small buzz of excitement ran through the soldiers. This was their second official deployment that was given by South Korea.

    Even Colonel Park Chul-Su, who was leaning off to one side, had a look of excitement on his face even though he had put Seok Kang-Ho inmand.

    It was forty minutes past twenty hundred in local military time.

    Waking up from a long nap, Seok Kang-Ho washed his face with bottled water that Kwak Cheol-Ho poured for him. He then began to gulp some down.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed, shaking the drowsiness off in his characteristic gruff voice. Someone then handed him a paper cup filled with coffee.

    They were now in Africa¡ªthend where his life ended and everything began again.

    Seok Kang-Ho could feel Kang Chan¡¯s absence now more than ever.

    ¡°Would you like a cigarette?¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho offered.

    ¡°Yeah, that sounds like a good idea,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho handed him a cigarette and flicked a lighter on for him.

    ¡°You have a different look in your eyes,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho remarked.

    ¡°Do I?¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded with a wide grin. Taking a sip of his coffee, he coughed and twisted away due to its taste.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho chuckled.

    ¡°Listen up!¡± Seok Kang-Ho began, his expression far more solemn than ever before, as he looked at each of the soldiers with him. ¡°If you get into a fight with another team, don¡¯t let them push you around. Trade blows with them, show them how much you want to win! Once you¡¯re done, you let me or Colonel Park know. You can also use your bays but don¡¯t kill or use any firearm. Not even handguns.¡±

    Although they had trained with foreign teams before, this was their first time hearing this advice. Park Chul-Su also gave Seok Kang-Ho a questioning gaze.

    <i>Thuuuud</i>.

    As if something touched the floor of the ne, they felt a mild vibration, followed by the roar and rumbling of the engines.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you all saw what happened during our operation in Afghanistan. There are always people out there who would want nothing more than to break your spirits. Even the captain was worried about that when we spoke yesterday,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    ¡°Will we really find ourselves in battles that would require us to use bays?¡± a soldier asked.

    ¡°Yes! And if we lose that fight, then we¡¯re going to be left with the most dangerous part of the operation,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t we have amand center? Won¡¯t they stop it from happening?¡± Park Chul-Su asked in a formal tone.

    ¡°The UNmand center only provides administrative support. All the tactical decisions will be made by the teams that are deployed on these missions. That¡¯s why it¡¯s a shame that we don¡¯t have the captain here. If we had him, it would all be over in a single blow.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you experienced enough to do that as well, Mr. Seok?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned. ¡°In missions like this, no one can match the way he takes care of his team. It¡¯s hard to exin, but you¡¯ll know what I mean once you see it for yourselfter.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyu nodded in understanding, recalling the way Kang Chan poured jet fuel all over the Chinese airport. There was no way Kang Chan would let another team push them to take on the riskiest mission. It was absolute dog shit.

    ¡°As soon as you arrive, you better keep your guard up. The captain isn¡¯t here to warn us this time around, which means you can die before you even know it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho continued. ¡°It can happen when we¡¯re changing locations or even on your way to the bathroom. Somalia is a Sunni world, but the SSIS and SISS are both operating in it as well. It will only take a split second to kill you.¡±

    After drinking the rest of his coffee, Seok Kang-Ho put down his paper cup and looked at Kwak Cheol-Ho. The time hade to arm themselves.

    <i>Creaaaak!</i>

    When the weapons trailer pulled up, everyone stood up and grabbed everything they needed. They no longer had to be instructed. Seok Kang-Ho strapped his bay to his shoulder and looked at the military uniforms that were hung inside.

    He didn¡¯t feel the same excitement he felt when he and Kang Chan collected their weapons together. His eyes, which should have been glinting in eagerness after swallowing his nervousness like it was a piece of cake, were now only glistening with nervousness.

    Seok Kang-Ho sighed quietly. He couldn¡¯t even imagine the pressure that was weighing down on Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders.

    When they flew to France, Kang Chan ordered everyone to get out of the helicopter, and in Afghanistan, he changed the direction of the truck to some abandoned buildings instead of their original destination.

    If he had missed either of the two, half of the men in front of Seok Kang-Ho right now would have been dead by now.

    <i>Pft.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho shook off the thought and holstered handguns to his waist and ankle. He then put on his vest and put ammunition in each of its pockets.

    <i>¡®Hurry up ande over already!¡¯</i>

    If it wasn¡¯t for the special forces team, nothing could have stopped Seok Kang-Ho from following Kang Chan to Mongolia. But since he was here, he would protect the men before him until Kang Chan arrived.

    By the time they armed themselves to the teeth, the soldiers¡¯ eyes were already shing with eagerness.

    Even Cha Dong-Gyun, who was lying down due to his injury, looked as if his eyes emitting light.

    <i>Ding, ding, ding, ding. Rumble, rumble, rumble, rumble!</i>

    The airne descended as if it was plummeting precariously.

    <i>Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. Du, du, du, du, du, du!</i>

    A momentter, it started tumultuously driving down the runway.

    <i>Fwoosh!</i>

    The ne then finally came to a stop, and the doors opened.

    <i>Creaaaak!</i>

    A gust of hot wind and acrid odors rush toward the soldiers.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Seok Kang-Homanded.

    A red-backed Chinook, a helicopter provided by the UN, was waiting on one side of the airport for them. They would be taking it to transfer to another location. When an interpreter confirmed that they were free to board over the radio, they immediately stepped in.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho!¡± Seok Kang-Ho called, leaving him in charge of guarding the front of the helicopter. While the rest of the soldiers were climbing on, he quickly scanned the area with his rifle pointed forward.

    They were at an airport, which normally meant he could rx to some extent, but this damn continent didn¡¯t allow even a moment of ck.

    ¡°Hurry up!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted. As instructed, the soldiers picked up the pace.

    It would have been easy and simple if they just had to hop on and be done with it, but they had extra weapons and equipment that had to be loaded onto the aircraft as well.

    When all the soldiers were aboard the helicopter, Cha Dong-Gyu aimed his rifle outward from the door before jerking his thumb back toward the entrance. Kwak Cheol-Ho and Seok Kang-Ho jumped in, and Cha Dong-Gyun got onst.

    <i>Du, du, du, du, du, du, du.</i>

    The bulky helicopter began to take off.

    Twenty minutes after they took off from the Mogadishu airport, they found themselves in pitch-ck darkness. It would¡¯ve been simr to Afghanistan if not for the hot wind.

    Two members of the crew clung to the entrance and pointed their rifles downward. Seok Kang-Ho then peered out, his eyes glinting.

    He felt frustrated. It was as if he was jumping into enemy territory with his eyes shut.

    The deafening sound of the helicopters, the hot wind rushing at him, the smell of wet animals in the rain¡ªthey were all bearable enough. However, he wasn¡¯t sure he could fill the void that Kang Chan left.

    As he mulled over his thoughts, an image of Kang Chan smirking at him suddenly shed in his mind.

    <i>Du, du, du, du, du, du, du.</i>

    ¡°Fuck! We just have to hold on until the captain arrives!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted to himself.

    <i>Pft.</i>

    His lips curved into his signature smile as he red at the view outside. Like a tasty meal, he had finally swallowed his nervousness.

 Chapter 247.1: From the Horn of Africa (2)

    <h4>Chapter 247.1: From the Horn of Africa (2)</h4>

    Their reinforcements brought thirty-three more people into their group. The two groups ate together for lunch, consuming a lot of pork belly and kimchi. However, they didn¡¯t touch the soju.

    What surprised Kang Chan the most was the behavior and attitudes of Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s sunbaes. He was expecting them to stand up against authority or act cocky, but they all actually patiently waited and followed orders. Their attitude toward Oh Gwang-Taek was no different.

    Even if they were behaving this way out of their sense of duty or because they wanted to express their gratitude for being given this opportunity, it was still difficult to understand.

    After the first hearty lunch they¡¯d had in quite a long time, they all left the mess hall. Even the Mongolian border patrol looked satisfied, their mouths glistening with oil from the pork belly.

    With a lot of new faces joining their base, Kim Tae-Jin and Suh Sang-Hyun decided to move to the barracks where Kang Chan was staying. Afterward, they assigned everyone to their respective quarters.

    ¡°Can we hang the national g here?¡± a man with deep eyes asked.

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    The man nodded. They seemed to have already talked about doing this before they even got here.

    Three men quickly went up the barracks that they were using to keep watch and straightened the pole. They then waved their arms to those below them.

    ¡°A-tteeen-tion!¡± someone yelled, causing everyone to face the barracks.

    ¡°Salute the national g!¡±

    In unison, the agents clicked the heels of their military boots together as they snapped to attention.

    Oh Gwang-Taek, who was about to put his hand against his chest, copied the agents instead, awkwardly saluting the g.

    It was already past lunchtime. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know if this followed the regtions, but nobody would me them for saluting the g either way.

    The national g fluttered in the wind as it was slowly raised up the pole.

    The new agents used to be soldiers until they were kicked out of the military even though they were still young enough for active duty. Kang Chul-Gyu was one of the people who were given that treatment, forcing him to live one of the most miserable lives of them all.

    Nevertheless, these men still put the national g above everything else.

    Their determination and passion enveloped the base as they saluted, reaching even Kang Chan.

    ¡°At ease!¡± someone ordered.

    Still staring at the fluttering national g, they put their hands down. At the same time, the man with deep eyes approached Kang Chan¡¯s group again.

    ¡°I heard you took care of Kang Chul-Gyu sunbae. On behalf of everyone, I would like to express my deepest gratitude. From now on, you no longer have to worry about this base,¡± the man said. He then nodded and turned away.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t expecting to meet passionate people in a base built in the middle of nowhere even though he was the one who made all this possible.

    <i>Whish!</i>

    The wind blew roughly, seemingly jealous of their rtionship. For reasons Kang Chan couldn¡¯t quite understand, he felt emotional. Choosing not to pay any attention to it, he went into the barracks with Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°An hour from now, those men will take over our security. The workers who will be building the factory will arrive tomorrow,¡± Kim Tae-Jin exined as if he was reporting to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Now! Let¡¯s talk while drinking this!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said as he put cups down on the table, having made the most delicious coffee in the world. Like a child who had juste home from ying with marbles out in the winter cold, his hand was covered in windburns.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave with the helicopter that¡¯s bringing the workers here tomorrow, then,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Tae-Jin.

    ¡°Are you nning on heading straight to Africa?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m thinking of talking to Manager Kim first before flying over. I don¡¯t even know which flight I should take.¡±

    ¡°Fair point. Oh, right! I was told that Kang sunbae will be undergoing his surgery tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°Good to hear.¡±

    They drank coffee as they discussed every pressing matter at hand.

    ¡°Get some rest before you leave. President Oh¡¯s new and old employees will be spearheading the training and the security in pairs, so you can definitely rx a bit now,¡± Kim Tae-Jin told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Since Kang Chan was going to be leaving soon anyway, he thought he should no longer interfere unless absolutely necessary. Hence, he just obediently agreed.

    ¡°I heard that people be patriotic when they leave their country. I didn¡¯t expect my fucking heart to beat faster while looking at the national g, though,¡± Oh Gwang-Taekmented.

    <i>I wonder who¡¯s better at swearing, Seok Kang-Ho or this fucker?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Oh Gwang-Taek as absurd thoughts filled his mind.

    ¡°My blood boiled while I was listening to you at the mess hall earlier. I¡¯ll do my best with my training. I¡¯m not going to let anyone stop me from building a factory here, so you bettere here with the rail soon,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek told Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going back to South Korea until then?¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>. That doesn¡¯t sound good, does it?¡±

    Kang Chan and Kim Tae-Jin let out a huff ofughter when Oh Gwang-Taek took a step back.

    After a while, Kang Chan went into his room and rested, which he hadn¡¯t done in a long time, so he could stop himself from interfering with all the matters rted to this base.

    Using this peaceful time to call back home, Kang Chan gave Kang Dae-Kyung a call before anyone else.

    The dial tone rang twice before it was answered.

    - Hello? Is that you, Channy?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    - How are you?

    Kang Dae-Kyung immediately bombarded him with questions.

    ¡°I¡¯m doing well. What about you and Mother? What have you two been up totely?¡±

    - We¡¯re doing well. Your mom got very worried when we couldn¡¯t call you. Can you give her a call?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll call her right after this.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung was Kang Chan¡¯s father. Meeting Kang Chul-Gyu again didn¡¯t change the way he felt toward Kang Dae-Kyung even in the slightest.

    Kang Chan¡¯s conversation with Kang Dae-Kyungsted for about five minutes. When they were done, he immediately gave Yoo Hye-Sook a call.

    - Channy!

    ¡°Mother! Is something wrong? Why do you sound like that?

    - It¡¯s nothing! I¡¯m just happy to hear your voice again.

    ¡°You¡¯re not lying to me, are you? Did peoplee to your office again and harass you?¡±

    - No! People like that don¡¯t evene to my office nowadays.

    Kang Chan had such an amazing mother. Just hearing her voice through the phone was enough to warm his heart.

    After reassuring Yoo Hye-Sook, he talked to her for about ten more minutes.

    - When are youing home?

    ¡°I have to see how things go first, so I might have to stay here a little longer.¡±

    Now that Kang Chan was done with his business in Mongolia, he would soon be heading to Africa. Considering he didn¡¯t know how long he would be staying there, he just made it seem as if he would be in Mongolia for the entire duration he was away from home.

    He couldn¡¯t tell his parents that he would be going to Africa now that South Korea had officially announced that it had sent soldiers over there. He wasn¡¯t sure about Yoo Hye-Sook, but he knew Kang Dae-Kyung would have a hard time if he learned that his son was in such a dangerous ce.

    After talking to Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan plopped down on his bed and stared at his phone.

    <i>Should I call Kim Mi-Young? Won¡¯t that just make things difficult for her?</i>

    It was strange, but he was making her wait even though he didn¡¯t intend to.

    He was hoping to see her smile before going to Africa.

    ***

    The South Korean special forces team arrived at the Berkad base at around eleven in the evening local time. When they disembarked from the helicopters, they were greeted by a local and a staff member sent to the base by the United Nations. They seemed to have been waiting for their arrival.

    The base had nine barracks built around an open area. The UN g and the national gs of France, Russia, the United States, the UK, and South Korea hung above each front door.

    ¡°You can use this barracks. We¡¯ll be eating at the mess hall over there. You just have to follow the basic rules that are written here,¡± the staff member said as he handed them a document. He then guided the soldiers to the building with South Korea¡¯s national g. ¡°You should rest for today. We¡¯ll officially introduce you to the other teams tomorrow.¡±

    The soldiers walking to the barracks brushed off the heavy atmosphere and the body odor irritating their noses.

    ¡°Daye!¡± G¨¦rard walked over to them, apanied by a chick from his team.

    While Seok Kang-Ho was looking for the soldier who was assigned to interpret, G¨¦rard held out his hand and shook hands with Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho. He then hugged them as he pounded them on their backs.

    Soon, the army interpreter quickly approached them.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the captain?¡± G¨¦rard asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°He¡¯ll be here in a few days.¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded. ¡°The Spetsnaz and the SBS are acting unusual. They seem to be waiting for an opportunity to pick a fight. You and your men should keep your guard up for now.¡±

    ¡°Those motherfuckers!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°Tell the Korean soldiers about it too.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll head back out after dropping our bags inside.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho went inside the barracks after closing off their conversation only to be met with a strange atmosphere. Everyone was standing in ce and staring in the same direction.

    Quickly following their gazes, he soon realized that Park Chul-Su was behind the quietmotion.

    Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t know when Park Chul-Su prepared it, but he had put a framed photo of Choi Seong-Geon on the table at one side of the barracks.

    ¡°General, these men are being acknowledged as a world-famous team,¡± Park Chul-Su said. ¡°I¡¯ll watch over them myself, but I hope you can see them as well.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t know that Park Chul-Su, who was usually cold and looked as if he was a bad person, had such a side to him.

    ¡°A-tteeen-tion!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun ordered softly.

    ¡°Salute!¡±

    Their military boots clicked as they brought their heels together.

    Seok Kang-Ho suddenly really missed Kang Chan.

    ¡°At ease!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned as he headed back out.

 Chapter 247.2: From the Horn of Africa (2)

    <h4>Chapter 247.2: From the Horn of Africa (2)</h4>

    ¡°Do you guys need anything? Since you¡¯ve just arrived, I can bring over things like coffee if you need them,¡± G¨¦rard offered Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to get some smoke.¡±

    The army interpreter quickly passed on what Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard said to each other.

    The two sat at a bench in front of the barracks as they lit up a cigarette.

    ¡°Some fucker named Andrei is leading the Spetsnaz. It seems like he knows the captain, though,¡± G¨¦rard said. ¡°I was also told that the bastard who had his helmet taken away from him, the one who looks like a gori, is themander of the SBS! He¡¯s called Tyler or some shit. I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re stuck here with people we already have bad blood with.¡±

    ¡°<i>Whoo</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho exhaled cigarette smoke. ¡°Well, that¡¯s to be expected. Men of this caliber, especially the ones part of world-famous special forces that would be joining operations like this, all know each other.¡±

    ¡°Right. Either way, be careful. This whole ce is giving me a bad feeling.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he stepped on his cigarette, having finished smoking.

    ¡°I¡¯m not exactly sure, but something is definitely up. We should be able to figure it out when the captain arrives.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s talk about the rest tomorrow,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, then stood up from the bench.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re already well aware of the unwritten rules between the special forces teams, but I should warn you anyway. You and your men will probably be assaulted since this is the first time the South Korean special forces are participating in a joint operation,¡± G¨¦rard quickly said as he stood up. The army interpreter nervously waited for Seok Kang-Ho''s answer after interpreting G¨¦rad¡¯s words.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± was all Seok Kang-Ho replied, however.

    ¡°Yeah, see you.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho went back into the barracks and assigned two men to night duty. The day ended soon after. Tired from the long flight, everyone slept soundly despite the six-hour time difference.

    They woke up at six in the morning.

    Soldiers from different countries came out to the open area in the middle of the barracks and either lightly warmed up or smoked and drank coffee. However, when Seok Kang-Ho and the South Korean soldiers walked out of their barracks, the atmosphere instantly grew heavier.

    Although their eyes showed caution, they were also looking down on them. The Spetsnaz and the SBS¡¯ were even glinting, making them look as if they would be picking a fight at any moment.

    Seok Kang-Ho sat on the bench with Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    ¡°<i>Hnggh</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho stretched. As he did, a soldier came over with a mug of instant coffee. Its smell was distinctly different from brewed ones.

    ¡°Daye! Get me coffee as well,¡± G¨¦rard said as he walked over to them. The scar on his cheek had been twitching all morning.

    A soldier poured coffee into another mug and handed it over to G¨¦rard.

    ¡°What an amazing atmosphere!¡± Seok Kang-Ho sarcastically remarked. He then took a sip of his coffee.

    ¡°There¡¯s a team briefing after breakfast. Who will be representing the South Korean team?¡±

    ¡°We have an officer in the barracks.¡±

    ¡°Just to be safe, send two dependable soldiers with him.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at G¨¦rard, stopping halfway through lifting his mug. ¡°Are things that bad?¡±

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, that bastard Andrei is strong. It would be a disgrace if you guys get sent home after getting beaten up in a scuffle. That would also make it hard to get revenge. Don¡¯t forget that South Korea¡¯s national power is still a bit too weak for you guys to exert your influence in a ce like this.¡±

    The army interpreter looked nervous even as he interpreted. Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    With food distributed buffet-style, they were able to eat as much as they wanted.

    Both rice and bread were avable to suit the tastes of soldiers from the five countries. They were served arge variety of dishes as well. Unfortunately, they didn¡¯t have kimchi.

    The South Koreans naturally felt awkward since it was their first time here. Even so, it was impossible to ignore the soldiers who were looking at them with disdain and thinking of picking a fight with them.

    They ate in silence, the nks from their utensils the only thing they could hear. Fortunately, breakfast ended with no incidents.

    Park Chul-Su soon left to join the briefing. Cha Dong-Gyun and another soldier apanied him. The three came back two hourster, still safe from any trouble.

    The briefing was quite formal. It gave them the rundown of the operation that they would soonunch and informed them about a discussion that would be held in a few days. The agenda would mainly revolve around whether they would execute the operation in teams or as a joint force. Either way, they would have to establish a chain ofmand first.

    The South Korean team would need someone to speak for them during that discussion.

    Their first day ended on that note. The next morning, things proceeded as expected. South Korea and France teamed up, Russia and the UK waited for a chance to fight South Korea, and the United States just observed the situation.

    Nothing special happened that day either. They were just briefed about the current state of Somalia, the movements of the Sunni Muslims, and the SISS and SSIS¡¯ responses.

    On the third day, they finally had formal introductions and learned more about the functions of the base.

    After breakfast, they had their first joint training.

    The soldiers put on proper uniforms,plete with a helmet, vest, and even a radio. They then gathered in the open area, finding strange tension in the air.

    ¡°They said that we will be conducting the firearms and tactical training in the area at the back,¡± the army interpreter said, quickly passing on the UN agent¡¯s words to his fellow South Koreans. ¡°The staff member is telling us to go now.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Park Chul-Su.

    ¡°Mr. Seok, we¡¯re stillcking experience. As I¡¯ve told you before, please feel free to takemand. If we ever find ourselves needing to take responsibility for something, I¡¯ll dly do it myself,¡± Park Chul-Su said. He looked exactly like a young Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Seok Kang-Ho ordered the soldiers after nodding in response.

    <i>nk. nk.</i>

    Metallic sounds rang out from their weapons and equipment with each step.

    As they headed to the entrance, the Spetsnaz and SBS rushed over and cut them off. They bumped shoulders with the South Koreans just to get in front of the line.

    They didn¡¯t get pushed away since the Spetsnaz and SBS didn¡¯t push them with a lot of force, but they did get caught off guard.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned as he turned his head. The bastards didn¡¯t mess with him.

    He was sure of two things now: Russia and the UK were relieved that Kang Chan wasn¡¯t here, and they were starting to look for opportunities to attack the South Korean team because of it.

    A Humvee and a truck were allocated to each team.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun!¡± Seok Kang-Ho called from the front of the Humvee. With hand gestures, he made three soldiers surround the vehicles and cautiously watch over their surroundings.

    Park Chul-Su and Cha Dong-Gyun got on the Humvee.

    Each team had their guard up in almost the same way.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho got on. The car in front of their formation soon drove off, and the other vehicles followed.

    It was still quite early in the morning, but the air rushing into the car was already quite hot.

    They drove for about thirty minutes before stopping in the middle of a ck and auburn dried-up field with patches of frail grass.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    <i>nk. nk.</i>

    After the soldiers got out of the vehicles, the UN agent informed them of their goal.

    ¡°Rather than seeing it as training, it would be best for you to consider this as an opportunity to warm up and get to know each other a bit more.¡±

    Soon, they began to take turns firing at their targets. Every soldier who joined this training had great aim.

    In the middle of the training, Seok Kang-Ho frowned at a Spetsnaz soldier. Although their muzzles should always be pointed at either the sky or the ground during asions like this, the soldier¡¯s muzzle was pointed slightly to the front.

    <i>¡®What are you going to do about it?¡¯</i>

    The man cocked his head at Seok Kang-Ho, and the people next to him chuckled.

    Seok Kang-Ho just grinned in response. He had no intention of getting involved in such a childish fight. He could just kill one of them if they ever tried to engage him in a brawl anyway.

    After their firearms and tactical training, they headed back for lunch.

    ¡°Considering how they acted on our way out of the base and at the training ground, they will most likely try to pick a fight with us during lunchtime. Those fuckers have no reason to hesitate now that they know that the captain isn¡¯t here. Be prepared and don¡¯t ever let them dominate you,¡± Seok Kang-Ho quietly told his men after putting his equipment down.

    The soldiers nodded in response, determination evident in their expressions.

    Upon entering the mess hall, they each took a food tray and put food on it.

    Soon, the Spetsnaz rushed into the mess hall, and the SBS followed behind. G¨¦rard and the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team were thest to enter the building.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    One of the Spetsnaz soldiers bumped into Park Chul-Su¡¯s shoulder, who was putting sd on his food tray, then mumbled something. The people next to him burst intoughter after hearing what he said.

    ¡°What are these sons of bitches saying?¡± Park Chul-Su asked.

    As he turned around, another Spetsnaz soldier dumped an entire tray of food on his head.

    <i>Pow! Bam! Bam! Crash! ng!</i>

    Park Chul-Su and the Spetsnaz soldier immediately engaged inbat.

    Everyone just stood in a circle around them. Nobody said anything.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho were about to pounce in as well, but Seok Kang-Ho gestured at them to stop, preventing them from doing anything but grit their teeth.

    Thebatants¡¯ hands and feet moved quickly, utilizing every hand-to-handbat technique they knew.

    The fight was gruesome. Unfortunately, Park Chul-Su was being pushed back little by little. The skin on his nose and his lips soon burst open, causing blood to seep out.

    The Spetsnaz soldier specifically targeted Park Chul-Su,pletely ignoring the implied rule that they shouldn¡¯t target themander of the other teams.

    <i>Bam! Pow!</i>

    Park Chul-Su got hit on the cheek, then on the pit of his stomach, causing him to bend forward.The Spetsnaz soldier then kneed his chin.

    <i>Crack!Crash!</i>

    Pushed back by the force, Park Chul-Su mmed toward the dessert table near the entrance.

    Suffocating silence filled the mess hall.

    G¨¦rard, who was looking at the entrance, felt his cheek twitch.

    <i>nk!</i>

    Kang Chan had thrown the te on Park Chul-Su¡¯s chest to the side and wrapped his arms around him.

    Nobody could say anything.

 Chapter 248: The Operation Begins Tomorrow (1)

    <h4>Chapter 248: The Operation Begins Tomorrow (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan turned around to nce behind him, making Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung immediately dash forward to help Park Chul-Su back to his feet.

    Kang Chan slowly stood up and looked around the mess hall. He was wearing a gray military uniform with the Korean g on its left sleeve. His hat rested on his shoulder epaulets.

    He red at one part of the mess hall. Everyone followed his gaze, finding one person at the end of it.

    ¡°Andrei,¡± he called.

    Andrei tightly pressed his lips together and red at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan smirked as he slowly made his way toward him.

    <i>ck! Crack!</i>

    A tray crunched under his feet, the te with food on it shattering. However, Kang Chan just kept walking straight toward Andrei.

    The Spetsnaz soldier who fought Park Chul-Su muttered something. Soon after, a powerful punch rang out.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    ¡°<i>Kegh</i>!¡± the soldier groaned.

    The people only saw him flinch, yet the next thing they knew, he was already gasping for air. No one could properly spot Kang Chan¡¯s right arm move and hit the soldier in the neck.

    <i>Crash! Crash! Bam!</i>

    The Spetsnaz soldiers quickly stood up. The French special forces team burst to their feet as well.

    Kang Chan grabbed the cor of his prey.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</i>

    He then repeatedly pped the soldier with his right hand. Blood sttered on his pants and the floor around him.

    <i>Crack! Crash! Crash! ng!</i>

    Kang Chan kneed him in the face as soon as he let him go, mming him into the table against the wall. The table surprisingly managed to remain standing.

    Twisting his neck from side to side, he turned to the side and repeated, ¡°Andrei.¡±

    One of the unwritten rules in joint special forces operations was that themanders weren¡¯t to be touched. After all, most of them tended to be older, and they were no longer as sharp inbat as they used to be. It was also a sign of respect to one¡¯s seniors in the special forces.

    Moreover, beating up amander meant that one of the teams would lose its center, which was a loss for everyone else. After all, at the end of the day, they were supposed to be fighting alongside each other.

    Nevertheless, the Spetsnaz still targeted Park Chul-Su because they believed that theirmander, Andrei, would have their back. Now, however, Kang Chan was openly going after that very person. The Spetsnaz soldiers couldn¡¯t even protest against it because of what they had done.

    Kang Chan stopped in front of Andrei¡¯s table.

    ¡°Andrei,¡± Kang Chan called again.

    ¡°Oui,¡± Andrei responded, his tone filled with displeasure.

    The Spetsnaz soldiers all looked at each other with flustered faces. At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho grinned and G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek twitched.

    <i>Squeak!</i>

    Kang Chan slowly pushed the table in front of Andrei away. He then took two steps forward, stopping right in front of Andrei. Now standing, Andrei gave Kang Chan a look of dissatisfaction.

    ¡°It seems you have forgotten how to address me. I¡¯ll have to teach you again,¡± Kang Chan said in French. ¡°I¡¯ll be so thorough this time that you won¡¯t ever forget again.¡±

    The Spetsnaz soldiers anxiously nced at each other, unable to understand what Kang Chan was saying. No one on the South Korean special forces team understood either. Unlike them, G¨¦rard and the French special forces team were looking at Kang Chan with faces bright with pride.

    ¡°Andrei,¡± Kang Chan called once more, emphasizing and rolling every syble of his name.

    A brief moment of silence dawned upon them. When Kang Chan smirked, Andrei finally responded.

    ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang!¡± Andrei eximed, dropping his gaze to Kang Chan¡¯s waist.

    Cha Dong-Gyun now understood why Seok Kang-Ho said that everything would be taken care of in one go as soon as Kang Chan arrived. Those words didn¡¯te as a surprise anymore, but this was still on an entirely different level.

    A lion had appeared in the middle of a fight between wolves. If the wolves didn¡¯t put their tails between their legs in front of him, they would die.

    Cha Dong-Gyun felt a rush in his heart as he looked at the South Korean g on Kang Chan¡¯s arm, Andrei looking down in defeat in front of him, and the Spetsnaz soldiers reading the room with awkward expressions.

    Kang Chan slowly looked around the mess hall. ¡°G¨¦rard!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡± G¨¦rard immediately replied.

    ¡°Request another lunch for us from themand center. We¡¯ll eat in an hour.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    Even though G¨¦rard was the one who replied, it was a chick from the French special forces who walked out of the building with haste.

    Kang Chan exited the hall, the Korean and French teams following right behind him.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be right here,¡± G¨¦rard said when they reached the benches at the open field.

    Kang Chan nodded, then went inside the barracks that was marked with the South Korean g.

    Park Chul-Su sat down on a sofa and tilted his head back.

    ¡°I¡¯m sowrry,¡± he said, his voice seemingly muffled. Blood kept flowing out of his broken nose, worsening his pronunciation.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t say that. The bastards had you in their sights from the very beginning, yet you still properly stood your ground, sir,¡± Kang Chan gratefully replied. ¡°You¡¯ve already done your duty as ourmander by not cowering or backing down,¡±

    Kang Chan nced at the picture of Choi Seong-Geon on the table. ¡°I¡¯m sure the general would¡¯ve been proud as well.¡±

    Park Chul-Su snorted in amusement, causing some blood to spurt out of his nose.

    ¡°I trwust I can leave themwand to you?¡± he asked as he looked at Kang Chan. Not even swollen eyes and a broken nose could weaken the mes in his gaze. ¡°I want to make the genweral and my cwountry proud.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. Only then did Park Chul-Su lean his head back again.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to step out for a moment,¡± Kang Chan informed the others.

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Not long after, the two walked out of the barracks together.

    ¡°Damn!¡± G¨¦rard eximed as he stood up from a bench, greeting Kang Chan with a satisfied expression. He then stepped in front of him, a curiosity he was dying to quench all over his face. ¡°Did something happen between you and that Andrei guy?¡±

    Only a few members of the United States¡¯ special forces team were on the field. Not a single Russian or English soldier was in sight.

    ¡°What happened, Cap? You seem a lot sharper than before,¡± G¨¦rard continued.

    ¡°And you¡¯ve be quite the chatterbox,¡± Kang Chan sarcastically replied.

    G¨¦rard grinned. ¡°I¡¯m just happy to see you.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t mind this French¡¯s ass-kissing.

    They sat down on the benches and had a smoke each. An army interpreter stuck close to Seok Kang-Ho, quickly rying G¨¦rard¡¯s words for him.

    ¡°Captain, I sense something fishy about this operation,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°Why?¡± Kang Chan asked. He exhaled some smoke, then turned back to G¨¦rard. From an ice-cold wilderness, he was now in such a dry and hot ce that it was hard to breathe.

    The blood on his pants had hardened into a ck pattern that looked as if it was an intentional design.

    ¡°The SISS and SSIS have merged into the IS[1] and started massacring tribes, but their methods and ways of carrying out their schemes are strangely different from before. The UNmand center seems to be hiding something too.¡±

    Kang Chan thought about it for a second. This was a hunch that G¨¦rard, the topmander of the Foreign Legion, had. It was reasonable to assume that the UN was indeed hiding something from them.

    ¡°Tell me about the joint forces¡¯ uing ns.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll probably start rescuing the tribes in a few days. We¡¯ve been having some trouble with themand structure, but now that you¡¯re here, all that has been cleared up.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. G¨¦rard made it sound as if they were out on a pic, not a battle.

    ¡°Captain! We¡¯re in Africa again,¡± G¨¦rard mischievously added.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you sick of this ce?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not alone here, so why would I be? All the men who joined us in Afghanistan said they would throw a fuss if they weren¡¯t chosen for this operation, so they¡¯re all here too. Our youngest even turned down a captain position toe, so he has the least seniority here again.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard,¡± Kang Chan began.

    Seeing his expression, G¨¦rard responded with a solemn ¡°Oui?¡±

    ¡°Nothing changes, got that? Our highest priority is still the safe return of every soldier here. Don¡¯t let your guard down, and now that you¡¯re amander, you better take care of your men.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Cap,¡± G¨¦rard replied. As he spoke, a chick who gave off the aura of a teenage chicken approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Lunch is ready,¡± the soldier informed him.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go eat.¡± Kang Chan grinned as he stood up.

    The soldiers walked out of their barracks and headed to the mess hall.

    Park Chul-Su apanied them even though he could just rest, probably refusing to let the others think that the fight earlier made him cower. The gauze on his face was already soaked with blood.

    <i>Creak. nk. Creak.</i>

    The mess hall was as silent as a monastery. Only the chairs being pulled could be heard.

    ¡°<i>Jeez</i>, these punks! The atmosphere here is so tense I won¡¯t even be able to swallow my food!¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled as he scooped up some fried rice.

    A member of the SBS nced back at the noise. When he saw Seok Kang-Ho grinning at him, he immediately let go of the tongs and moved forward.

    Cha Dong-Gyu, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and the other soldiers were feeling stiff when they entered the building. Without any apology or reconciliation, they had to eat with the very people they had just exchanged blows with moments ago. However, when they saw Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, Seok Kang-Ho, and the proud-looking French special forces team putting food on their trays, they finally realized the significance of Kang Chan¡¯s actions.

    This was the power of one man. Because of Kang Chan, the Spetsnaz and the SBS now ate their meals politely like model students in a school cafeteria while the French special forces, who had gone on the operation in Afghanistan with Kang Chan, sat down at a table with pride.

    More importantly, themander of the French special forces, G¨¦rard, clearly followed Kang Chan.

    Perhaps G¨¦rard did seem like an easy opponent whenever he looked at Kang Chan with puppy-dog eyes or grinned mischievously at the South Korean soldiers.

    However, his sharp eyes, the scar that clearly showed his temperament, and the experience that was noticeably ingrained in his body made it clear that he was at least on the same level as Andrei.

    It all came down to experience. They needed to experience this as much as they neededbat experience.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho had never shown weakness since they arrived because of that. Having been in this situation countless times, he found himself at ease. Cha Dong-Gyun and the rest of the Koreans were starting to adjust to this situation as well.

    ¡°Did youe here straight from Mongolia?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°No, I met up with Jong-Il in China first, then came with him,¡± Kang Chan exined. ¡°When I arrived and went to turn in my roster at themand center, I was told you left for some target training. Wepletely missed each other.¡±

    Kang Chan scooped up some fried rice as he briefly exined what happened when he arrived and informed them of the situation in Mongolia.

    The army interpreter wasn¡¯t able to eat properly because he was busy interpreting for G¨¦rard. Rather than being ordered to do it, he seemed to be doing it because he was intimidated by the aura that Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard were giving off. Frankly, it was pitiful.

    They discussed various topics. Before they knew it, they had finished their meals. They poured themselves some mugs of the coffee that was on one side of the mess hall before walking out to the field.

    It felt as if the fight earlier had perfectly established theirmand structure.

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>, hot! Fuck!¡± Seok Kang-Ho cursed as he red at his mug.

    Choi Jong-Il, who came with Kang Chan, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee all shook their heads, trying to hide their smiles.

    With each blow, the wind carried over a foul smell¡ªthe smell of Africa.

    Kang Chan was back on the verynd he died on. This time, however, he didn¡¯t want to have his neck slit or lose any of his soldiers.

    He looked at the soldiers sitting around him, sipping coffee from their mugs. Having gone through hellish training to ovee their limits and improve their skills, they were now ready to sacrifice their lives for theirrades. He wasn¡¯t going to let these men die in vain.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho exhaled cigarette smoke.

    The men had been resting for an hour when themand center contacted them for a briefing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you,¡± Park Chul-Su requested, now able to speak properly again.

    Kang Chan headed to themand center with Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, and the army interpreter.

    <i>Click.</i>

    A cool breeze greeted them as soon as they entered. It seemed the air-conditioning units were on.

    <i>Damn it! I can¡¯t believe I battled all that cold just toe to this heat!</i>

    Following Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, Andrei, themander of the SBS, and themander of the United States¡¯ special forces entered the conference room with a couple of their soldiers.

    Kang Chan recognized the gori from Ennd from the time he took their helmets from them. G¨¦rard informed him that his name was Tyler.

    The only one he didn¡¯t know was the United States¡¯ special forcesmander. He had the typical Caucasian build and deep, double-lidded eyes.

    ¡°Has themander of the South Korean team changed?¡± the UN agent asked in English.

    After listening to the interpreter, Kang Chan looked directly at him. ¡°Why are you speaking in English now? Weren¡¯t you speaking in French this morning?¡±

    ¡°Our officialnguage is English.¡±

    ¡°Four of the five teams here know French. Why don¡¯t we speak French?¡±

    The UN agent looked around with a flustered expression. No one rejected Kang Chan¡¯s proposal.

    ¡°Understood. We¡¯ll proceed with French for now,¡± the agent said as he nced at the United States¡¯ team, who stayed silent.

    ¡°Starting tomorrow, we will be deploying soldiers to emergencies. We will first respond to the SSIS¡¯ tribal wars, thenunch an operation to support the government forces.¡±

    He then handed each team a document that wasposed of four A4 sheets. ¡°We will leave themand to you all, but we cannot permit you to retreat until the operation isplete. The designated area of operation and roles are up to themanders to discuss and decide.¡±

    The UNmand seemed to be acknowledging the division among the teams. It was between South Korea and France, Russia and Ennd, and the independent United States.

    ¡°The areas of the operation have been marked on the materials I¡¯ve given out.¡±

    Kang Chan quickly flipped through the materials. The zone was divided into four with the base at the center. From the top left, they werebeled Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta.

    ¡°We will be sending out a mobile task force starting tomorrow,¡± the agent said.

    The briefingsted for an hour. When it was over, the men started to leave the conference room. A gust of hot wind rushed at them, seemingly mocking them for not being used to the heat.

    ¡°How¡¯s the security on the perimeter of the base?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have people standing guard outside,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    The Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team was second to none when it came to experience in Africa.

    ¡°Anyway, fuck those assholes!¡± G¨¦rard cursed as he scowled at the barracks of the United States¡¯ special forces.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They have apparently attached three additional shipping containers, a workout room, a small movie room, and a kitchen,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    Kang Chan nced at the United States¡¯ barracks and looked back ahead of him. There was nothing he could do about it, and he saw no reason to be jealous of them for being rich and being treated well.

    They spent their afternoon rxing, then had a leisurely dinner.

    Since the operation would be starting tomorrow, the men naturally gathered in the living room of the barracks.

    ¡°The United States will be in charge tomorrow. Even so, due to the nature of this operation, we have to participate in the mission,¡± Kang Chan said.

    His men¡¯s eyes glinted as they focused on his words.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to see worse than what happened to the little girl in Afghanistan. We might evene across newborn babies strapped with bombs,¡± Kang Chan continued. ¡°The moment you let your guard down, you¡¯ll find your brothers-in-arms torn apart.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at the soldiers with a grin.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t lost any of your touch, have you?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Park Chul-Su grinned back. His expression then turned serious. ¡°Our objective is to safely fulfill our mission here and return together.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun responded for everyone.

    1. Imic State ?

 Chapter 249: The Operation Begins Tomorrow (2)

    <h4>Chapter 249: The Operation Begins Tomorrow (2)</h4>

    Morning in Africa began with blinding sunlight and a heat that was out to get everyone.

    Waking up at dawn, Kang Chan left the barracks in shorts and a simple tee. He wanted to go for a run before the zing sun came up.

    The member of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces standing guard saluted Kang Chan with just his index and middle fingers because Kang Chan wasn¡¯t in formal uniform. It was also an indication of how much friendlier they had be.

    The track seemed to be approximately six hundred meters. Running any further than that would make them a target, getting themselves killed.

    ¡°<i>Haah, haah</i>,¡± Kang Chan panted.

    He had only taken a break in Mongolia for a few days, but he was already having trouble running. Kang Chan refused to rest.

    No matter the job, one was bound to reach their limit if they didn¡¯t train for it enough. There would be times when he would need to be smart and take a break, but he had no reason to stop running. This was something he had always done.

    Kang Chan would continue to push through. Perhaps this could be the saving grace of his men at thest minute.

    Kang Chan steadily picked up the pace.

    He kicked up a cloud of dust with each step on dry ground. By the time he covered ten kilometers, he was already drenched in sweat. This was enough for today.

    Kang Chan panted and huffed. He then stretched again.

    <i>Crunch, crunch.</i>

    Upon returning to the base, Kang Chan immediately went inside the barracks to take a shower. He was more than grateful for getting to use as much water as he wanted.

    He dried his hair off with a towel as he left the bathroom. At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho came up to him.

    ¡°Just finished working out?¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho held out a mug to him.

    Kang Chan grinned. He was returning to the ways of his past life in Africa.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head out. A cigarette tastes the best after a sweaty workout, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked with a grin.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t work out, though?¡± Kang Chan retorted.

    ¡°I sweated while I was making coffee.¡±

    It was strange. Whenever he was with Seok Kang-Ho, he always found himselfughing.

    ¡°All right, fine. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan changed into a new pair of military pants and a light cotton shirt before heading to the benches. The soldiers were all standing in front of their barracks, having just woken up.

    ¡°Is anything bothering you?¡± Seok Kang-Ho suddenly asked.

    ¡°Me?¡± Kang Chan asked as he lowered his head to the lighter that Seok Kang-Ho held out for him, aligning his cigarette to the me.

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>. When I went to Mongolia, I met my father from my past life.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stopped halfway through lighting his cigarette. He quickly whipped to Kang Chan.

    ¡°<i>Ow</i>! That¡¯s hot!¡± he yelped.

    Kang Chan found it impossible to have a serious conversation with this asshole.

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    ¡°So? What happened?¡±

    Kang Chan gave a summary of his encounter with Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°<i>Whoa</i>! So you were born with that kind of blood in you!¡± Seok Kang-Ho excitedly eximed.

    ¡°Fuck that! Damn the blood!¡± Kang Chan swore in annoyance.

    ¡°Well, you made the right choice, at least. How did the surgery go?¡±

    ¡°All I¡¯ve been told is that he hasn¡¯t woken up yet.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned. ¡°So that¡¯s the reason behind the gloomy face, huh?¡±

    Kang Chan wordlessly sipped his coffee. Seok Kang-Ho was probably the only one who could notice these things.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be fine,¡± Seok Kang-Ho reassured him as he flicked the end of his cigarette with his index finger.

    Amid their conversation, G¨¦rard leisurely walked over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Captain!¡± he greeted.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the army interpreter?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, scanning his surroundings. Not long after, the soldier rushed over to his side.

    ¡°What are you doing? We¡¯re only going to be saying good morning,¡± Kang Chan chided.

    ¡°Oh, really?¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied, then turned to the soldier. ¡°Sorry. Get some rest.¡±

    The agent read the mood before cautiously returning to where he came from.

    ¡°The atmosphere¡¯s a lot warmer now that you¡¯re here, Captain,¡± G¨¦rard said. He then turned toward the Korean team and made a drinking gesture. Caucasian people didn¡¯t find it awkward at all to express their friendliness this way.

    ¡°Did you get some rest?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°I slept like a rock,¡± Kang Chan joked.

    A soldier brought them coffee, momentarily interrupting their conversation.

    ¡°Thank you so much,¡± G¨¦rard said in awkward Korean, making Kang Chan and the soldierugh.

    Spending time together like this wasforting for their nerves, especially since they didn¡¯t know who could return to the base dead this evening.

    Kang Chan interpreted for G¨¦rard and Seok Kang-Ho as they joked around with each other. Not long after, breakfast was served.

    The US special forces team came in with pistols, bays, and vests. Everyone else was dressed infortable clothes.

    Special forces soldiers felt a strange bond during moments like this. The fact that they would all soon go from eating together in this mess hall to being under fire on a battlefield overflowing with blood and death connected them.

    When the US special forces team walked inside, the soldiers standing in line all took a step back so they could eat first.

    <i>Clunk, clunk.</i>

    The US soldiers loaded their tes, their weapons and equipment ttering. They then nodded at the soldiers who yielded their spots in line, expressing their appreciation.

    Cha Dong-Gyun quietly exhaled to suppress how touched he felt.

    He could never experience something like this in joint training exercises. After all, such a scene was only possible when out in the field. This couldn¡¯t have happened if Kang Chan didn¡¯t clear up the hierarchy.

    Now, no one in the mess hall was being snarky or confrontational.

    The US special forces team nodded at the South Koreans as they passed by, thanking them for taking a step back.

    Cha Dong-Gyu genuinely and desperately hoped that Choi Seong-Geon was watching them right now.

    <i>Tap, tap!</i>

    At that moment, he felt aforting pat on his back. When he turned around, he found Park Chul-Su smiling. His eyes were still swollen, and his nose was stered with gauze.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure the General is watching. That¡¯s the kind of man he is. I bet he would get angry if his sessor gets emotional over something like this, though¡± Park Chul-Su joked.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We should eat as well.¡±

    Park Chul-Su stood in front of Cha Dong-Gyun.

    One of the Spetsnaz soldiers holding a te in line also had a gauze taped to his just-as-bruised face.

    Park Chul-Su put arge piece of meat onto his te. ¡°If that man didn¡¯te, we would still be having a battle of nerves, wouldn¡¯t we? We wouldn¡¯t even be able to eat properly.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun turned to Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard, who were eating together.

    If it wasn¡¯t for Kang Chan, the Spetsnaz and the SBS, which had it out for the South Korean special forces team, wouldn¡¯t be so well-behaved right now. Without him, Seok Kang-Ho would have likely ended up fighting the Spetsnaz, and Cha Dong-Gyun would have been the one to deal with the SBS after that.

    ¡°Learn, grow, lead the team, and teach your juniors. I will take responsibility for whatever happens afterward if that¡¯s what has to be done for us to join another joint training operation,¡± Park Chul-Su quietly told him while he put some sd on his tray.

    <i>tter.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun firmly replied as he took the tongs that Park Chul-Su handed him.

    It was strange.

    Lunch yesterday had been rough, and dinner had been horrible. However, today¡¯s breakfast was proceeding a lot smoother. Having met the same soldiers thrice now, they were starting to recognize a few of them as well.

    Today, the mess hall was filled with random chatter and asionalughter.

    Park Chul-Su and Cha Dong-Gyun sat down next to Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Soon, a member of the French special forces team put down his te next to Kwak Cheol-Ho and looked at the two of them. Cha Dong-Gyun pointed at the chair opposite of them, and the man grinned and sat on the opposite side.

    ¡°Kwak!¡± the man said with strange pronunciation. ¡°Afghanistan!¡±

    He then pointed at himself with his right index finger. He was probably trying to say that he was in the operation in Afghanistan.

    ¡°Afghanistan!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied as held out his hand. The man took it and pound-hugged him.

    <i>Tap!</i>

    With happiness evident in his expression, the man ate some mashed potatoes.

    ¡°Kwak!¡± Park Chul-Su called this time, imitating the man. ¡°It¡¯s a nice name to use.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyuughed so hard that he almost cried. This was the first time heughed sinceing to the mess hall.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it seem like the others are also adjusting well?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he stuffed arge piece of meat into his mouth. He looked at Kang Chan, a bit of sauce dribbling down his chip.

    Unlike the first day, the soldiers seemed to have shaken off all the tension.

    ¡°They definitely don¡¯tg behind the other teams when ites to skills. With one or two more experiences like this, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be a truly fearsome special forces team,¡± Kang Chan said with certainty.

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in agreement as he chewed some meat.

    After breakfast, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho took a break on the benches. Kang Chan was telling Seok Kang-Ho about Kang Chul-Gyu and Mongolia when they were suddenly interrupted by a cacophonous sound.

    <i>Weeoo! Weeoo! Weeoo!</i>

    A shrill siren red throughout the base.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Nearly all the men inside the barracks ran out and gathered at the front of the base. Although a bit confused, the South Korean special forces team followed suit.

    <i>Clunk! nk! nk!</i>

    The American special forces teams came out with weapons in hand.

    ¡°Good luck!¡±

    Some soldiers wished them luck, and others gave them a thumbs up.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Andrei, and even Tyler were all outside as well.

    The distinctive sound engine of the Humvee roared, and the American special forces team drove off, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho didn¡¯t expect soldiers to have send-offs like this. They learned something new again.

    ¡°Captain! I¡¯m going to go to themand center for a bit,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°All right, do what you need to do,¡± Kang Chan replied, parting ways with G¨¦rard at the entrance of the base. He returned to their barracks.

    ¡°We will also be arming ourselves with basic weapons before resting,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    At hismand, everyone put on their full military uniforms and equipped themselves with two pistols and a bay. With this much preparation, they would be ready to go at any time since they would only have to pick up their rifles and wear their vests and helmets.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take Team One with me. Choi Jong-Il, you will be my second. Seok Kang-Ho, you¡¯re leading Team Two with Kwak Cheol-Ho as your second,¡± Kang Chan instructed. ¡°The same goes for you with Team Three, Cha Dong-Gyun. Your second will be Woo Hee-Seung.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the men replied.

    Kang Chan slowly looked at them.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if we¡¯ll be called out or not, but if another team is ordered to mobilize or until the clock reaches zero-nine-hundred, we will remain on standby.¡±

    Since this was their first time out in the field like this, it was more important for them to learn the unspoken rules and traditions than the actualbat.

    When the South Korean special forces team came outside, they saw soldiers from the other special forces team all standing by in their uniforms as well.

    ¡°Is this customary?¡± Choi Jong-Il cautiously asked Kang Chan from the side.

    ¡°If it was a normal operation, the sirens wouldn¡¯t have gone off in such a hurry. We don¡¯t gather at the entrance to see teams off when they leave for normal search operations either. That¡¯s why we have to be prepared to leave at any time.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun nodded, finally making sense of the situation.

    They had something simr in the DMZ. All the men in their unit woulde out to cheer them on and apud them when they returned.

    ¡°Even if they run out there, it¡¯s moremon for them to return without aplishing anything. You mighte across an enemy, but unlike what you¡¯ve experienced before, there¡¯s a chance you¡¯ll just find yourself returning to base from a boring standoff.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Cha Dong-Gyun, then turned toward the entrance again.

    ¡°There are also times when the distinction between government and rebel forces blurs. They wear simr clothes and carry simr weapons, so it¡¯s hard to tell them apart at a nce. That¡¯s when it¡¯s especially dangerous.¡±

    In the middle of his exnation, he smirked at Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°Teaching these to you won¡¯t do you any good, though. You have to encounter these situations to learn about them, so keep your guard up,¡± Kang Chan ordered. ¡°You have to be prepared to respond to the situation as ites.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the men replied, then finally rxed.

    ¡°It¡¯s about time for that punk to show up,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked, craning his neck around. As if on cue, G¨¦rard walked over.

    ¡°Nobility, my ass,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled as G¨¦rard quickly approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Captain, it seems like we¡¯re going to be called out,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    The army interpreter quickly ryed it to Seok Kang-Ho, allowing the soldiers nearby to understand what G¨¦rard said as well.

    ¡°The SSIS is sieging the Somalis, and things aren¡¯t looking too great,¡± G¨¦rard added. His eyes were uncharacteristically sharp. ¡°They are unexpectedly well armed, and to make things worse, there are a lot of them.¡±

    ¡°They got little kids involved again, didn¡¯t they?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    G¨¦rard nced at the interpreter at the question before nodding.

    ¡°They say an Imic insurgent group of teenagers started an ambush, and several Somalis are among them. That¡¯s the strange part,¡± G¨¦rard said. He then turned toward Kang Chan, seemingly asking for his opinion.

    Such arge-scale tribal war was unusual.

    ¡°Somalia is already under UN and US military control. Since it was colonized by the British and Italians, it¡¯s strange that there are so many Imist insurgents. The majority of the people are Somalis and speak Somali, which should mean they¡¯re very tight-knit. I don¡¯t understand why they would attack the Somalis.¡±

    ¡°What about the US special forces?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯ve arrived yet. The situation is adjacent to Mount Surdkad in the Alpha region.¡±

    ¡°So there hasn¡¯t even been an engagement yet?¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    The men looked back and forth between G¨¦rard and the army interpreter.

    ¡°ording to themand center, there are too many rebels for the US military to control alone,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    ¡°Yet they still only deployed the US team?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes. Many things about this operation are puzzling.¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t just go out there on our own without a call for backup from themand, can we?¡± Seok Kang-Ho abruptly asked.

    G¨¦rard smiled mysteriously. Only Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho, who were familiar with the battlefields of Africa, could recognize the meaning behind it.

    The power of Imist teenage rebels shouldn¡¯t be underestimated. Moreover, considering their numbers, the US special forces wouldn¡¯t be able to handle them. Not with just twenty-four men.

    ¡°How well-armed are the Somalis?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    ¡°How many are there?¡±

    ¡°Six hundred.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed heavily.

    It was difficult for men over the age of twenty to get by here, so the poption was mostly women, children, and the elderly. To conserve ammunition and instill fear, tribal warfare was always brutal. The soldiers could end up with six hundred brutally murdered Somalis if things were to go south.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see for now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll be with my men,¡± G¨¦rard responded. He returned to his barracks with a grim expression.

    It was hard to understand why they only sent the American special forces to a tribal war. Every hour that passed by without sess meant more gruesome corpses.

    A rifle shot to the face would usually blow off a cheekbone and turn the entire face in that direction. In the worst cases, Kang Chan had seen bodies with their mouths where their ears should be. There were also times when they threw gasoline on their victims and lit them on fire or impaled children together on a long wooden spear.

    They would even spear a live child strapped with a bomb through the shoulder. The moment they tried to save the child or the child squirmed to be rescued, the bomb would explode.

    Their deployment itself was strange, too. The UN had never directly requested a special forces team before and never on such short notice. The request for a special forces team from South Korea was also suspiciously rushed through, as was the motion to deploy.

    And now the Imist insurgent forces had started a tribal war? Not just against a few dozen people but against six hundred?

    <i>What are these bastards thinking?</i>

    Kang Chan slowly turned to look at the Russian and the English special forces soldiers sitting on the benches. Were they also aware of it? Or did they just follow the decisions of their higher-ups because they were supposed to?

    Thinking about it wouldn¡¯t get him answers. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but admit that this operation was different from what he had seen and experienced in Africa before.

    Kang Chan turned back to his men.

    He had no idea what the hell was going on, but it didn¡¯t change the fact that they were all going to return together.

    ¡°Fuck! Why does everything always have to be so hard?¡± Seok Kang-Hoined, his eyes glinting. He pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. He then turned to Kang Chan. ¡°Want one?¡±

    <i>Weeoo! Weeoo! Weeoo!</i>

    Before Kang Chan could answer, sirens tore through their break.

 Chapter 250: Itéˆ¥æªš difficult to understand (1)

    <h4>Chapter 250: It¡¯s difficult to understand (1)</h4>

    As soon as the siren red, everyone made a run for their respective barracks.

    <i>Zip! Clunk! Click!</i>

    The soldiers put on their vests and picked up their weapons. They then sprinted out of the building, grabbing their helmets on the way.

    <i>Click! Click! Click! Click!</i>

    The rifles, magazines, and equipment on the soldiers nked and ttered as they ran. Kang Chan hopped into a Humvee with Park Chul-Su, and Seok Kang-Ho took charge of the truck.

    <i>Vroom! Rrrrr!</i>

    They left immediately.

    The French were the first to go, followed by the Russians and then the English. It was such a close race that it was hard to tell how skilled they were based on speed.

    The wheels of their vehicles left trails of dust clouds as they drove.

    <i>Clunk! Clunk, clunk!</i>

    <i>Chk!</i>

    ¡°This is to inform you that American troops are surrounded. Our objectives for this operation are to rescue them and then protect the Somalis,¡± the UN agent in themand vehicle, which was leading their formation, said in French over the radio. The army interpreter immediately ryed it in Korean.

    At the same time, they heard the jumbled babble of interpreters exining the situation in English and Russian. The teams could set up their frequencies for privatemunications and messages, but their radio was set on themon frequency of the joint forces right now.

    As they left the base, they were met with a ridge that blocked their way and view. To their right was a mountain.

    <i>Vroooom! Clunk! Clunk!</i>

    Lee Doo-Hee swerved to one side to avoid the storm of dust up ahead.

    ¡°Colonel, I¡¯ve divided our team into three squads. Please bring up our rear!¡± Kang Chan requested.

    ¡°Understood! I will join the third squad and support you from there. Please lead our men with confidence!¡± Park Chul-Su responded. Ayer of dust had settled on the gauze on his nose.

    There was a hint of nervousness in his eye¡ªthe kind that came with being on a mission like this for the first time.

    <i>¡®The men will be all right, won¡¯t they?¡¯ </i>Park Chul-Su¡¯s eyes seemed to ask.

    <i>Pft.</i>

    Kang Chan made his signature smirk as he turned to Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°These soldiers have been through North Korea, China, and Afghanistan! Most special forces teams won¡¯t even be able to step up to the te against these men. You can be confident in them, sir!¡±

    The corners of Lee Doo-Hee¡¯s lips curved into a smile. At the same time, the Humvee roughly bobbed up into the air.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Kang Chan protested.

    Lee Doo-Hee grinned as he swerved back. His rxed demeanor showed that something like this no longer fazed him as much as it used to.

    Park Chul-Su looked at Lee Doo-Hee, surprised that he was disying the same ease that he had during their coborative joint training with the special forces from other countries.

    In the past, the South Korean special forces had to practically beg to be a part of joint training. In emergencies or mock operations, the other special forces always had a leisurely attitude to them. They also seemed to constantly look down on and disregard the South Korean team, which always moved with stiff determination and nervousness.

    Unlike the South Koreans, they were noticeably more rxed even during actual performances. It made Park Chul-Su feel the painstaking difference in their experience.

    <i>¡®I bet those bastards are just as nervous out in the field!¡¯</i> Park Chul-Su reassured himself at the time.

    Now, Lee Doo-Hee was showing that same rxed demeanor in this field operation. Kang Chan, who was in the vehicle in front of them, felt tense as well, but he was driving with a grin on his face.

    <i>¡®When did these punks get so good?¡¯</i>

    The Korean soldiers drove alongside the French Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team, Russia¡¯s Spetsnaz, and the English SBS, which wasposed of the SAS¡¯ best elites.

    Lee Doo-Hee deftly drove through an opening between the clouds of dust and dirt.

    <i>Vrooom! Clunk! Clunk, clunk!</i>

    While the Humvee vehemently tossed up and down, Park Chul-Su sneaked a nce inside the truck.

    To be quite frank, he was bewildered and taken aback when he saw the glint in his men¡¯s eyes while they were putting on their vests and picking up their rifles.

    He knew that the soldiers¡¯ eyes and attitudes changed when Kang Chan arrived. However, he didn¡¯t imagine the team would perform at the same level as the foreign special teams that he envied so much.

    Park Chul-Su nced at Kang Chan again.

    <i>Thank you.</i>

    His vision blurred, thinking that Choi Song-Geon could be watching this scene with him.

    <i>General! Do you see this? The South Korean special forces team is just right behind the UNmand vehicle and in the very center of our formation. To our left is the Spetsnaz, and to our right is the French special forces team.</i>

    <i>We always had to chase after the other teams during our past joint training missions. Look at where we are now! Can you see Lee Doo-Hee and the others keeping an eye out on our vicinity from the trucks? Do you see their attitudes and the looks in their eyes?</i>

    <i>Get yourself together!</i>

    <i>Yes, sir!</i>

    Park Chul-Su quietly exhaled to calm his emotions down. When he turned around, his eyes met Kang Chan¡¯s.

    <i>Pft.</i>

    Park Chul-Su smiled through his nervousness. Others would probably find Kang Chan¡¯s smirk extremely, but it was very encouraging to those on his side.

    <i>You¡¯ve got nothing to worry about. You have me!</i>

    That was kind of how it made them feel.

    <i>Clunk! Vroooom!</i>

    Lee Doo-Hee suddenly swerved away, bringing Park Chul-Su back to his senses.

    He could hear gunfire and see small sparksing from inside the mountain.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Go around the outside from the right! We¡¯ll take the front!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Got it, Cap!¡± G¨¦rard responded. On the radio, Kang Chan heard him instruct his men to immediately turn right.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Andrei, I¡¯ll take the center! I want you to take the ridge on the left and join the American team there!¡± Kang Chan suddenly added.

    Before he knew it, their interpreter had delivered his order in Korean, allowing the entire South Korean team to understand hismand.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang!¡± Andrei responded. His answer required no interpretation.

    Park Chul-Su burst outughing, bbergasted by howfortable Kang Chan seemed in issuing orders.

    Just then, an unfamiliar voice came over the radio.

    <i>Chk!</i>

    ¡°What do you want us to do?¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Gentlemen, I need you to provide rear support and handle the enemy¡¯s heavy weaponry. Don¡¯t let the RPGs get to us,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Copy that,¡± the man responded.

    Having given the British team an order as well, Kang Chan immediately pressed the radio button on his helmet again.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°As soon as we get off the vehicles, we¡¯re going to rush straight to the US team¡¯s position. I¡¯ll be in the front with Cha Dong-Gyun on my left and Seok Kang-Ho on my right,¡± Kang Chan informed his team.

    <i>Vroooom!</i>

    As if in response to the order, Lee Doo-Hee revved the engine.

    <i>Bang, bang, bang! Du du du du! Du du du!</i>

    The gunshots were now getting closer, the bullets causing the dirt around the vehicles to stter.

    <i>Peww! Ping, ping, ping! Pew! Bang, bang, bang, bang!</i>

    The soldiers fired back from the moving trucks.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is the Green Berets! We heard yourms on the radio! Five of our men are critically wounded! I repeat! We have five critically wounded!¡±

    It was in French again.

    The army interpreter delivered it in Korean for the South Korean team perhaps because Seok Kang-Ho was staring at him silently.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood, Green Berets. We¡¯ll do our best to clear the way and get to you,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    <i>Creak!</i>

    The Humvees and trucks screeched to a halt in an area hidden by the ridge of the mountain.

    <i>Swoosh! Click! nk!</i>

    The soldiers dashed forward and hid themselves behind the vehicles.

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Peew! Pew! Bang, bang, bang! Baang!</i>

    At the same time, the vehicles of the Russian and French teams swerved to the left and right respectively, and the SBS positioned themselves behind the South Korean team.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Prepare to cover us, SBS!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roger.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°As soon as the SBS starts covering fire, we¡¯re going to run straight to the bottom of the mountain,¡± Kang Chan radioed for everyone.

    The gruff men who behaved so harshly in the mess hall were all moving as one team now.

    <i>Isn¡¯t it too far?</i>

    Park Chul-Su quickly scanned their surroundings, estimating the distance from the vehicle to the ridge to be at least seventy meters. They wouldn¡¯t have anything that could hide them from the people aiming at them from the top of the mountain either.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Now!¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Covering fire!¡± the SBS team member responded.

    <i>Peeew! Clunk! Clunk! Peeeeew!</i>

    White smoke began to rise and fly toward the mountain, leaving a trail of white line behind.

    <i>Du du du du du du du du du du! Du du du du du!</i>

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan ordered. Leading his men, he charged onward.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    <i>Clunk! Clunk! Clunk! Clunk!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and Cha Dong-Gyun sprinted beside Kang Chan. Park Chul-Su began to run as well.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    In the meantime, Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Cha Dong-Gyun shot in the direction of the enemy.

    <i>Peeeew! Peeeew! Clunk! Clunk!</i>

    <i>Du du du du du du! Du du du du du du!</i>

    This was how they were being supported from the rear? The tremendous show of power felt more like an annihtion to Park Chul-Su.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>!¡± Park Chul-Su gasped for air. He was in disbelief.

    Did Kang Chan know that the SBS possessed heavy weaponry? Was that why the SBS obediently agreed to follow hismand? If so, then did the Spetsnaz and French special forces team also follow his orders because he was asking them to do what they were best at?

    Seeing the faces of the soldiers running with him, Park Chul-Su felt a bit embarrassed. Not a single one of them looked like they were even the tiniest bit panicking or scared. He gritted his teeth when he saw the determination and glint in their eyes.

    <i>¡°Haah! Haah!¡±</i>

    He was desperately out of breath, but an unknown strength began to run through his veins.

    <i>Peeeew! Pew! Thud! Thud!</i>

    <i>Swoosh! Whoosh! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Finally reaching their target location, the soldiers took cover behind boulders and returned fire.

    <i>Haah, haah.</i>

    Kang Chan looked at the top of the mountain from where he was. He then pointed his index and middle finger at Cha Dong-Gyun and Seok Kang-Ho. The two nodded in response.

    Kang Chan then pointed three fingers at Choi Jong-Il, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and Woo Hee-Seung. The three nodded as well.

    ¡°Now!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Peew! Pew!</i>

    Gunfire immediately followed his order, providing them with suppressive fire. At the same time, Kang Chan dashed up the mountain.

    <i>Thud thud thud! Pow pow pow! Du du! Pew! Thud!</i>

    He could hear the distinctive sound of AK rifles, but he didn¡¯t hesitate to shoot back.

    The enemies were wearing ck clothes and dark bandanas over their heads, a typical attire of Africa¡¯s Imic rebels.

    They were lean and almost as tall as Kang Chan, but behind their bandanas, they looked like teenagers.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Du du du! Du du du du du!</i>

    Shot in the forehead, one of their enemies fell over, managing to fire onest time into the air. No matter their age, it wouldn¡¯t be unreasonable to say those who had joined the Imic rebels had lost their humanity¡ªeven more so the ones who fought in tribal wars.

    These people had developed a taste for killing. Having no room for even a bit of sympathy, they found killing people in non-brutal ways a shame.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Every time Kang Chan pulled his trigger, a ck-d man fell to the ground.

    These bastards had no professional military training. They were just kids who jumped right into the line of fire after getting to fire a few AK rounds. They weren¡¯t even aware of how dangerous it was to peek out of cover to aim or that it made their foreheads stick out in the open. They had probably never even worn a helmet in their entire lives. All they knew was how to kill those who were too weak to fight back.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth as he shot at the hostiles. Unless they killed all the bastards who demonized these kids and gave them rifles, wars like this would never end.

    Every now and then, someone would stand up to try to gun them down. If it was just Kang Chan who was running up the mountain, they would have likely gotten lucky enough to at least get a chance to shoot. However, Seok Kang-Ho and Cha Dong-Gyun, who werepletely in sync with him, supported him from the back. He also had Woo Hee-Seung, Lee Doo-Hee, and the other soldiers shooting toward them like snipers from below.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    As Kang Chan ran and returned fire, enemies wearing ck bandanas flinched and fell down.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    He soon threw himself behind a boulder in the middle of the mountain. Seok Kang-Ho and Cha Dong-Gyu followed after him.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Green Berets! Do you see us?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We do. We¡¯re located thirty meters above you. The enemy is hiding and waiting for you in between us.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Copy that, Green Berets.¡±

    <i>nk!</i>

    Kang Chan reloaded his rifle.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°SBS! Do you see us?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We have eyes on you.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Unleash hell over the area twenty meters above me.¡±

    <i>Chk,</i>

    ¡°That could result in friendly fire.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The wounded are running out of time! Hurry!¡± Kang Chan insisted.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    When Kang Chan was done givingmands on the radio, someone else spoke up.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Andrei. We have joined the US team.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Andrei! As soon as an I is shot at you, make a push for the bottom of the mountain! We¡¯re on our way up to you!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Copy!¡±

    Kang Chan looked back at Seok Kang-Ho and Cha Dong-Gyun.

    <i>Peeeew! Peeeew!</i>

    White smoke began to rise from the bottom.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan pressed against the boulder and wrapped his hands around his head. A momentter, the ground rumbled.

    <i>Crash! Boooom!</i>

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Without missing a beat, Kang Chan continued his run up the mountain.

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!</i>

    The US special forces team and the Spetsnaz fired in rapid session.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho opened fire as well, and Cha Dong-Gyun followed right after.

    They found no reason to be cautious when providing cover. The two just had to aim for anything that looked suspicious. If there was a target, Kang Chan would take care of it. It wasn¡¯t easy to find a team that worked such perfect coordination.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    An enemy holding an RPG-7 fell over. Had he been waiting here all this time just tounch a missile at them?

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Pew! Pew! Peeeew!</i>

    At that moment, a series of gunshots came from the right, where G¨¦rard was.

    <i>Haah, haah. nk! Click!</i>

    Kang Chan quickly scanned his vicinity with his gun to check for any hiding enemies.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Green Berets! Come down now!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Got it!¡±

    A fight had broken out on their right nk. To keep the team at least somewhat safer, Kang Chan headed further to the right.

    <i>Rustle! Clunk! Clunk!</i>

    The US team and the Spetsnaz, who were covering them, soon came into view. Kang Chan gestured to the bottom of the mountain with his head.

    The American team had their wounded on their backs. They had ruptured knees and thighs, and one of them had blood all over his chest. None of their injuries were from bullets. They either got caught off guard on the way up by the RPG-7 or hit with a bomb.

    <i>Du du du du! Du du! Peeeew! Pew!</i>

    Gunshots were still echoing from their right. Why did so many of the rebel forcese over?

    Thanks to Kang Chan and the Spetsnaz¡¯s suppressive fire, the US team managed to safely reach the bottom of the mountain.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Captain! There are too many civilians over here!¡± G¨¦rard shouted into the radio, urgency in his voice.

    <i>Chk!</i>

    ¡°The US team is almost at the bottom. Hang on a little longer!¡± Kang Chan responded.

    <i>Chk!</i>

    ¡°Understood!¡± G¨¦rard grimly replied.

    Kang Chan looked below him, finding the Americans now loading their wounded into a Humvee. He raised his index finger in the air, spun it in a big circle, and pointed ahead.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    The soldiers waiting on standby sprinted up the mountain.

    <i>Chk!</i>

    SBS, escort the wounded back to the base. Andrei, head to our right nk and support the French team!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Copy!¡± Andrei responded gruffly but firmly.

    <i>Clunk! Clunk! Clunk, clunk!</i>

    A few more gunshots echoed from their right as the soldiers ran over to Kang Chan.

    <i>Du du du! Peeeew! Pew! Pow! Peeew!</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re going to move forward in groups, taking the enemies out as we go!¡± Kang Chan shouted. ¡°Make sure you have good cover at all times!¡±

    The soldiers nodded.

    ¡°If you see any kids or suspicious people, leave them to me or Seok Kang-Ho!¡± Kang Chan added. The soldiers who had already experienced something simr in Afghanistan looked back at him in understanding.

    Soon, Kang Chan and his team moved out.

    <i>Haah, haah.</i>

    Hisck of information about the kind of danger G¨¦rard could be in worsened his sense of urgency. However, he didn¡¯t let it rush him. After all, one could never be too sure in a situation like this.

    The mountain had a shape that rounded off on the left.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle! Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun, who was ahead of them, spun his index finger once in a circle before pointing ahead.

    Kang Chan immediately began to head forward.

    Choi Jong-Il swiveled the muzzle of his gun to the right, and Seok Kang-Ho moved past him.

    <i>nk! Clunk!</i>

    <i>Haah, haah.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s senses were on edge.

    <i>Du du du! Du du du du! Boom!</i>

    They heard a couple of gunshots followed by an explosion, the tremors it created reaching their location.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    <i>Boom!</i>

    They felt another vibration.

    Kang Chan quickly raised his left hand to his helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Talk to me!¡± he ordered.

    There was no response.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Status report!¡± Kang Chan frantically repeated.

    <i>Chhk.</i>

    ¡°Captain! It looks like the Somalis are trapped!¡± G¨¦rard finally replied.

 Chapter 251: Itéˆ¥æªš Difficult To Understand (2)

    <h4>Chapter 251: It¡¯s Difficult To Understand (2)</h4>

    <i>Du-du-du! Du-du! Du-du-du-du!</i>

    AK-47 gunshots echoed as G¨¦rard reported their situation.

    ¡°Daye! Cha Dong-Gyun!¡± Kang Chan called, then swiftly charged ahead.

    <i>Swoosh! Swish!</i>

    The ground was slippery. Rocks and the ground itself kept crumbling under their feet.

    They stumbled every time they lost their footing, but they didn¡¯t slow down.

    Kang Chan turned left and immediately crouched, Seok Kang-Ho and Cha Dong-Gyun stopped behind him.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    The enemies were in arge cave about twenty meters below them.Sparks flew from inside it with every rifle shot.

    Still crouching, Kang Chan turned to Seok Kang-Ho. In response, Seok Kang-Ho raised his hand, sending a signal to their men. Kang Chan soon heard the soldiersing to a stop.

    The French team and the Spetsnaz were waiting at simr spots across the mountain.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Those fuckers pulled an RPG on us out of nowhere.¡±

    Evidencing what G¨¦rard said, they could see two ck craters in front of the French team where the grenade had hit.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Any casualties?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯ve got two lightly injured men,¡± someone answered.

    Kang Chan took a slow look at their surroundings. They were about ten meters away from the roof of the cave.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°They don¡¯t seem to have seen us yet. We¡¯ll go around the mountain and get to where the cave is. Keep drawing their attention until we¡¯re in position,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes sir,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Andrei, I need you and your team in front of the cave. It would be best if you don¡¯t get spotted, but station somewhere you can avoid an RPG just in case.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Copy,¡± Andrei responded with determination.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bring himself to trust that kid, but doubting the Spetsnaz''s abilities would be nonsensical.

    He slowly moved to the back.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Du-du-du! Du-du-! Du-du-du-du!</i>

    When the French team tried to shoot down their enemies, thetter immediately retaliated.

    ¡°We¡¯re climbing to the top and head down to the left side of the cave,¡± Kang Chan ordered his men. ¡°Stalling will put us in more danger, so we¡¯re cornering them instead. Make sure you don¡¯t make any noise.¡±

    After looking at his men, Kang Chan led them up the mountain.

    They had all gotten used to their formation by now. Kang Chan was naturally at the very front, and Seok Kang-Ho and Cha Dong-Gyun followed behind him. Choi Jong-Il, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and Woo Hee-Seung supported the two from the back.

    <i>Rustle. Swoosh!</i>

    The falling dirt and pebbles put them on edge. Fortunately, the gunshots drowned out the noises they made.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    Kang Chan remained alert as he headed forward.

    Even though they were walking on rough and dried terrain, the mountain had quite a lot of low trees and nts.

    They were now only fifty meters away from the cave.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    <i>tter! nk!</i>

    They heard rocks rolling down the mountain with each step they took.

    The moths that were difficult to differentiate from tree branches, the vividly colorful frogs, therge mosquitoes, and other insects of this mountain were just as scary as their enemies. After all, touching or getting bit by some of them could result in surprised reactions, sudden loss of consciousness, and even death.

    Among them, the ants had to be the scariest. The soldiers never knew when the ants would crawl into their military boots and bite their feet. By the time they had looked down to check the stinging pain, they would already be feeling sick and dizzy.

    Hence, the one leading their formation always had to examine the ground and make sure they avoided the nests of such ferocious creatures.

    <i>Du-du-du-du! Du-du!</i>

    <i>Pew! BAM!</i>

    After a couple of gunshots, another explosion resounded, sending tremors through the ground.

    Soil fell from the sky.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan kept moving. Soon, they found a winding path to their right.

    <i>Rustle. Swoosh. Rustle. Swish.</i>

    If soldiers who had served in locations with paths like these were tossed into makeshift cities with asphalt roads for training, they would never make a noise no matter how much they ran.

    <i>Du-du-du! Pew! Pew! Du-du-du-du!</i>

    France¡¯s special forces team kept drawing the enemies¡¯ fire toward themselves.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Spetsnaz on standby,¡± Andrei radioed in.

    After another five minutes of walking, Kang Chan and the South Korean team finally reached their destination.

    Kang Chan gestured to his eyes with his index and middle finger, then pointed to areas left, right, and opposite of the cave. Cha Dong-Gyun assigned two people to stand guard at each area.

    There was about ten meters in between the top of the mountain and the cave.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re going down to the cave. Spetznas, France, cover us. Make sure tangos can¡¯t fire at us,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roger,¡± Andrei replied.

    After getting their confirmation, Kang Chan pointed to Seok Kang-Ho, Cha Dong-Gyun, Choi Jong-Il, and Kwak Cheol-Ho. He then carefullyid down in the direction of the hill.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    The slope was so steep that they would slide down if they rxed let gravity do its work.

    Following Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho went prone and crawled down.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Dirt fell from under their heads and shoulders, but Kang Chan¡¯s position stopped them from rolling past him.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Ta-da-da-da-dang! Ta-da-da-da-dang!</i>

    When the Spetsnaz opened fire at the entrance of the cave, the enemies inside stayed behind cover instead of immediately returning fire. They seemed to have been caught by surprise.

    Kang Chan let himself slide down, using the gunshots to cover any noise he could make.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Ta-dang! Ta-da-dang! Ta-da-da-da-dang!</i>

    Having caught onto Kang Chan¡¯s n, the Spetsnaz tantly fired at their enemies, denting and chipping away at the wall at the entrance of the cave.

    <i>Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!</i>

    Under the cover of the rapid gunshots, the four quickly made their way down the hill and stood behind Kang Chan.

    All preparations wereplete.

    <i>Ta-da-da-dang! Ta-da-dang! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan held up his right hand and straightened his index finger. He then raised his middle finger.

    <i>One! Two!</i>

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    When the firefight stopped, Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and three of his men ran into the cave.

    Unless they were stupid, they wouldn¡¯t just stand at the entrance of the cave.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho killed three hostiles as their men took cover behind the walls of the cave and provided cover fire.

    Like lightning striking through the night sky, sparks shed inside the dark cave, briefly illuminating rebels with rifles at the ready.

    <i>Click! Pew! Bam! Pow-pow-pow!</i>

    <i>Where do you think you¡¯re aiming?!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Special forces found fights like this easy.

    If it wasn¡¯t for the damn suicide bombers and the RPGs that the enemy fired at random, this would have been almost no different from shooting at training dummies.

    ¡°Sit down!¡± Kang Chan yelled in Korean.

    He then gestured at the hostages to sit back down. Since the hostages were standing up, it seemed safe to assume that all of the rebels had died.

    The lighting from outside lit up the cave a little.

    <i>This is the scariest part!</i>

    A rebel hiding among the hostages could end them all with a press of a button.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    ¡°Sit down!¡± Kang Chan yelled in Korean again after sending two bullets to the cave¡¯s ceiling.

    When the cave finally quieted down, he raised his hand to his helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Spetsnaz, meet the hostages in front of the cave! G¨¦rard, keep an eye on our surroundings and cover us if necessary!¡± he ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Kang Chan. Team One, Head down to the entrance of the cave. Teams Two and Three, guard our perimeter and provide suppressive fire if needed.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood,¡± Lee Doo-Hee answered.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il stood at the left wall of the cave, and on the right Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho were aiming at the hostages with their rifles on their shoulders.

    ¡°I¡¯ll start sending the hostages out of the cave. You have the permission to shoot as soon as you notice something odd,¡± Kang Chan said. He then approached the hostage at the very front.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    Kang Chan sharply examined the hostage, then looked straight into his eyes. The hostage nced back at him, fear evident in their gaze.

    Kang Chan nodded toward the entrance of the cave, signaling that they could leave. When the hostage hesitated, he repeated the gesture, finally making them inch their way toward the entrance. They moved so slowly that it seemed as if they were crawling.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan pointed his gun at the woman sitting behind the hostage. If they let their guard down in situations like this, the hostages would all run outside. Worse, a bomb could explode right in their faces.

    Even though there were approximately two hundred hostages, they decided to inspect them one by one anyway. Even if they spoke the samenguage, this would have still been their best and only option.

    One by one, the hostages were sent out.

    Kang Chan¡¯s procedure was so slow that it could be mistaken as him stalling for time. However, the hostages seemed to have understood his intentions. They were now silently waiting for instructions instead of rashly standing up and running out.

    ¡°Daye! Check the first row of hostages. Make sure you thoroughly examine them!¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan walked to the right, and Seok Kang-Ho scanned the hostages at the front before letting them go outside.

    Looking at them was enough to tell who had a bomb attached to them. After all, those who did would already be crying during times like this.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    Upon receiving Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s orders, the thin, dirt-covered hostages with big eyes and rough, chapped lips ran outside so fast they quickly ran out of breath.

    Among the hostages were women with children in their arms. Kang Chan nodded at one of them.

    Would people believe that these women were just fourteen or fifteen years old?

    These young girls gave birth despite suffering from aids and malnutrition. They didn¡¯t wear a hijab, but since they were influenced by Im, they couldn¡¯t eat at restaurants or eat with men.

    Even if they had food, the men and children would eat first. Since they were also still breastfeeding, they often lost weight until they eventually copsed and died.

    Kang Chan quickly sorted through the hostages and then sent them outside.

    <i>Click!</i>

    They had sent about a hundred and thirty hostages outside when Kang Chan pointed his rifle at another woman carrying a child.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    She was crying, the tears from her round eyes rolling down her cheek and chin.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan looked at the child in her arms. The child looked so exhausted that they were barely conscious. Flies buzzed around their eyes, nose, and ears. Moreover, their stomach was so bloated that they looked as if they had just eaten their full.

    It seemed the child had already died of starvation.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan quietly called. Seok Kang-Ho already understood the situation.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun. Make your way to where I am slowly,¡± Seok Kang-Ho softly said. He then walked over to Kang Chan, who was still looking right into the woman¡¯s eyes.

    Kang Chan nodded at the woman.

    <i>¡®I¡¯m going to remove the bomb.¡¯</i>

    She was still crying.

    <i>¡®It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m going to save you and your child. Don¡¯t worry.¡¯</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho carefully stood beside Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan slowly crouched and put his rifle on the ground.

    <i>nk!</i>

    He then held up his hands.

    ¡°Four o¡¯clock, two meters away from us,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, informing Kang Chan where they should go if worse came to worst and the bomb exploded.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t look away from the woman, not even for a second.

    <i>¡®Let me rescue you both.¡¯</i>

    The woman looked at Kang Chan with suspicion.

    ¡°Dhibaatohayn,¡± he said ever so softly, telling the woman that everything would be okay in Somali.[1]

    Having worked in Africa for ten years before, it would have been rather strange if he didn¡¯t pick up at least this much.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    <i>Don¡¯t cry. We¡¯ll survive this.</i>

    The woman flinched when Kang Chan approached her, but she didn¡¯t protest or twist away from him.

    Kang Chan slowly reached out and put his hands under the child.

    <i>It¡¯s okay! I¡¯ll rescue your child no matter what.</i>

    They would all die if he lost eye contact with the woman now.

    It would also be over if someone beside her suddenly stood up or yelled that an outsider had touched a woman.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    The woman looked at her child. He and his men would always be in the most danger whenever hostages looked away from them.

    ¡°Dhibaatohayn,¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    The woman immediately looked up at him.

    <i>Can I trust you?</i>

    Kang Chan softly nodded when he saw the suspicion in her eyes. Soon, she passed her child to his arms.

    He slowly pulled the child toward him. Nothing happened.

    Keeping his eyes on the woman, Kang Chan moved his arms to the left. Seok Kang-Ho then took the child from his arms.

    <i>I¡¯m going to rescue you as well.</i>

    Kang Chan lowered his arms, then carefully took out the bay that he had on his ankle.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    <i>¡®Don¡¯t be anxious. You¡¯ll be all right.¡¯</i>

    The woman looked anxious, but they couldn¡¯t stall forever. Kang Chan carefully walked behind her. Under the blood-stained clothes, he found dynamites wrapped around the woman like a belt.

    <i>This bomb¡¯s got to have a cable connecting it to a switch somewhere.</i>

    It could be tied to the ground so the bomb would explode if she stood up. It could be wrapped around her hands or ankles as well. It could even be tied to a child.

    Seok Kang-Ho just watched Kang Chan in silence. Although he had the child in his arms, he would shoot immediately if the woman moved even just a tiny bit suspiciously.

    Kang Chan slid his bay under the leather strap attaching the dynamite to the woman, then pulled the bay toward him.

    <i>Snip!</i>

    He still couldn¡¯t see any cable.

    Their enemies often hid the cables in areas that were difficult for others to touch. The mostmon ones were the groin and thighs since they could position the cables to trigger the explosion if the hostages stood up.

    <i>Snip!</i>

    The woman¡¯s chest heaved as she breathed deeply.

    <i>Snip!</i>

    There was only one leather strap left.

    <i>Snip!</i>

    When Kang Chan cut it, the dynamites fell forward. He slowly made his way to the front of the woman, and then looked into her eyes.

    <i>¡®Where is it?¡¯</i>

    The woman dropped her gaze. She wasn¡¯t telling Kang Chan where it was. Rather, she was instinctively looking at the most dangerous thing around them with the hope that she would live through this.

    When she looked up again, Kang Chan met her gaze and nodded.

    Her dark hand lifted her clothes, revealing a cable wrapped around her knee.

    Things like this were nothing.

    With his left hand, Kang Chan grabbed the cable and bent it. He then slid his bay through the loop.

    <i>Snip!</i>

    Grabbing onto one side of the dynamites, he carefully pulled them away from the woman.

    <i>Swish.</i>

    Along with what seemed like a snake brushing against clothes, the explosives were finally pulled out from under the woman¡¯s clothes, putting them in full view. Attached to them was the device that would trigger the explosion.

    <i>¡®Phew!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan softly sighed after pulling thest cable. He then nodded at the woman.

    The woman hesitated but soon wobbled to her feet. She walked over to Seok Kang-Ho and took her child. Together, they headed out of the cave.

    Kang Chan sheathed his bay at his ankle and picked up his rifle. Afterward, he continued examining the hostages with Seok Kang-Ho.

    They checked them all in a span of thirty minutes. It seemed the enemies only attached a bomb to one person.

    When they went outside, they found the Spetsnaz and South Korea¡¯s Team One guarding the hostages, who were now sitting in a group in front of the cave.

    Kang Chan felt drained. Perhaps it was because he hadn¡¯t done this in a long time.

    There were a few things he wanted toin about, but that was a problem for another time. Right now, taking care of the hostages took priority.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Command, we have rescued two hundred hostages. Requesting evac, over,¡± Kang Chan radioed in.

    No one answered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I repeat. We have two hundred hostages with us. We need evac stat. Do you copy?¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Command. You can¡¯t take the hostages back to base,¡± the headquarters finally answered.

    Kang Chan was surprised.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°If we leave them here, they¡¯ll either be killed or taken hostage again. If we can¡¯t bring them back with us, we should at least set up a temporary barracks in front of the base.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I repeat. Do not take the hostages to the base.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s going on? They¡¯re telling us to let the hostages die after rescuing them?</i>

    Kang Chan turned his head to Andrei, his eyes filled with suspicion.

    <i>Does this fucker know something?</i>

    However, looking at Andrei made him conclude otherwise. The man had always looked simple-minded, but he looked as if he really didn¡¯t know what was happening right now.

    ¡°Andrei!¡±

    ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang,¡± Andrei answered, hiding his dissatisfaction.

    ¡°I will no longer follow Command¡¯s orders. The Spetsnaz can do what they want.¡±

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan held up his rifle as Andrei gave him a serious look.

    1. This is what the author put but we weren''t able to confirm if it''s correct. ?

 Chapter 252.1: Letéˆ¥æªš Not Overdo It (1)

    <h4>Chapter 252.1: Let¡¯s Not Overdo It (1)</h4>

    The zing sun was slowly making its way above their heads. Hot winds blew past them, causing heat to rise from the ground and the hostages¡¯ repulsive smell to rush to the soldiers.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! Have our snipers and men stand guard at the top of the cave and the path down! Assign five soldiers here as well!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Cha Dong-Gyun answered affirmatively, then radioed in his orders. Meanwhile, the hostages anxious examined their surroundings.

    Kan Chan raised his hand to his helmet again.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Position your men at the back, then head down here.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Everyone, including the ones waiting for them in the UNmand vehicle at the foot of the mountain, could hear what was being said on the radio. Hence, Kang Chan decided not to say anything else through the radio for now.

    ¡°What are you nning to do ?¡± Andrei asked as he approached Kang Chan. He had his gun pointed to the ground.

    ¡°They¡¯re ordering us to leave them here to die even though we just rescued them. Don¡¯t you find this weird?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be in deep trouble if we don¡¯t follow the orders of themand center¡ª¡±

    ¡°Andrei,¡± Kang Chan interrupted. He looked him in the eye. ¡°I won¡¯t stop you from following your orders as a soldier. But look over there.¡±

    Andrei looked to where Kang Chan was staring, finding the Somalis who were sitting on the ground.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°If we leave them behind, they will either die or get taken hostage again. However, we¡¯ve made their deaths inevitable by rescuing them. If we¡¯re just going to abandon them, it would¡¯ve been much better if we didn¡¯t rescue them in the first ce. I won¡¯t abandon these people unless we¡¯vee up with a countermeasure against the two fates waiting for them right now.¡±

    Andrei looked at Kang Chan as if he couldn¡¯t understand what Kang Chan was saying.

    However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t tell him all of this with the hope that a dumbass like Andrei would be able to do something about it.

    Soon, G¨¦rard and another soldier stopped in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Did you hear what I said on the radio?¡± Kang Chan asked G¨¦rard.

    ¡°I did. By the way, this guy knows how to speak Somali, Captain.¡±

    The soldier with him briefly saluted Kang Chan. ¡°Roberre, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in acknowledgment, then turned to G¨¦rard. ¡°Have the men secure the perimeter. We¡¯ll hold this ce and protect the hostages here for now.¡±

    ¡°They need some food and supplies.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s have six of your men and six of mine bring over our rations, nkets, and other necessary supplies from the base.¡±

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard called.

    Kang Chan already knew what he was about to say but chose not to because Andrei was around.

    The army interpreter next to Seok Kang-Ho quickly delivered what they were talking about in Korean.

    ¡°If this bes a problemter on, just say I used my rank as the DGSE¡¯s Deputy Director-General to make you obey my orders.¡±

    G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes showed mixed emotions. However, Kang Chan being the Deputy Director-General seemed to have surprised him the most.

    ¡°I can just retire if things go south. Will you really be okay, though?¡± G¨¦rard asked. He felt conflicted, but he didn¡¯t easily back down.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! If I had looked the other way during moments like this in the past, I would be a General by now.¡±

    Rendered speechless, G¨¦rard could only softly exhale.

    ¡°All right. Please designate which soldiers from the South Korean team will be going to the base with us,¡± G¨¦rard said afterward.

    Kang Chan looked around him for Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°Team Three, I need you to head back to base with the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team and bring us our worth of lunch, dinner, rations, and basic bedding,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Copy, sir.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡ªwho had been listening to the conversation through the army interpreter until now¡ªgathered the soldiers to the front.

    ¡°What was your name again?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Roberre, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan turned to the Somalis.

    ¡°Roberre, tell these people that we¡¯re going to keep them safe in this ce for now. Make them go back into the cave and mention that we¡¯re going to hand them food and nkets as soon as the soldiers get back with supplies.¡±

    As ordered, Roberre loudly spoke in Somali.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you really went back to Africa,¡± G¨¦rardmented. Finally giving in, he shook his head as he smiled. ¡°Should we prepare a campfire?¡±

    ¡°Yes. We have to keep our guests warm.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned after the army interpreter finished interpreting their conversation.

    When Roberre stopped talking, they heard the hostages¡¯ immediate replies.

    ¡°They said they need medical supplies for their children and first aid for festering wounds,¡± Roberre said.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, you know what to do,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Of course! I¡¯m not a newbie at this anymore,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    As G¨¦rard walked off with Cha Dong-Gyun, Roberre quickly told the hostages what was happening.

    ¡°Should I tell them to go into the cave now?¡± he asked Kang Chan afterward.

    ¡°Yes. That would be for the best.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Roberre answered as he looked at the sun. It had already reached its peak.

    He spoke in Somali again, the hostages rushed inside the cave.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho, assign two soldiers to the entrance of the cave,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho called over two of their men and gave them a briefing about the things they would have to watch out for.

    The hostages were obeying them right now, but they had been in situations where hostages protested, argued, and even used violence against other hostages. In such situations, the soldiers would have to scare them by firing into the air and separating and isting them if needed.

    Kang Chan approached Park Chul-Su, who was looking at their surroundings.

    ¡°Colonel, This is a direct vition of the UNmand center¡¯s orders. If this bes a problem, just say that you couldn¡¯t defy the orders of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Assistant Director.¡±

    Park Chul-Su looked at Kang Chan the same way G¨¦rard did earlier. The gauze on his nose was so dirty that it could infect his wound.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll take responsibility for this. I definitely wouldn¡¯t have been able to do this if I was inmand, but I don¡¯t see anything wrong with what we¡¯re doing right now. Please proceed with whatever you¡¯re nning,¡± Park Chul-Su responded.

    Hearing that made Kang Chan feel much more at ease.

    ¡°We¡¯ll withdraw for now,¡± Andrei grimly said.

    Kang Chan just nodded in response.

    <i>Clunk. Clunk.</i>

    The Spetsnaz headed down the mountain, their rifles and equipment nking against each other.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have some smoke over there,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    He slung his rifle over his back and searched through his pockets.

    Now that Kang Chan thought about it, they didn¡¯t have any reason to stay under Africa¡¯s intense sun anymore. Hence, he led his men to sit in the shade created by some boulders.

    ¡°Here you go,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, offering a cigarette to Kang Chan.

    <i>Chk chk! Swoosh!</i>

    ¡°Hey!¡± Kang Chan eximed in rm.

    The lighter spewed out mes like a me thrower when Seok Kang-Ho flicked it on. This was why they had to mix oil into gasoline in Africa.

    ¡°<i>Phuhu</i>. Ipletely forgot!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed. Heughed cheekily. He then weakened the lighter¡¯s fire.

    <i>Chk chk! Chk chk!</i>

    ¡°<i>Huu</i>!¡± Kang Chan exhaled the cigarette smoke. Smoking made him thirsty and crave for sweet instant coffee.

    After a while, G¨¦rard walked over to them. ¡°Daye! Give me a cigarette as well.¡±

    ¡°For some strange reason, this fucker has changed so much!¡± Seok Kang-Hoined.

    Every now and then, they would understand each other without needing anyone to interpret for them.

    Seok Kang-Ho handed G¨¦rard a cigarette. He then lit it up for him.

    This scene was so familiar to Kang Chan that he mistakenly wondered if he actually just went on a short trip to South Korea before ultimately returning to Africa.

    ¡°<i>Huu</i>!¡±

    Kang Chan blew out the cigarette smoke. He felt as if the nauseating smell had disappeared.

    The smell of Africa depended on the time of the day. It was different in the morning, the afternoon, when the sun was high in the air, and right after sunset. That was why they never had time to get used to the unpleasant scent irritating their nose. Fortunately, a week was enough for people to get used to it enough for it to no longer bother them as much.

    They spent about an hourzing around in the shade.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The soldiers who were sent to the base areing back,¡± someone radioed.

    Kang Chan walked over to an area that gave him a clear view of the bottom of the mountain. He then leaned forward. Although it looked as if it would be amazing to climb up the boulder next to him and look down and at the distance from there, he chose to just lean forward a little instead since he could end up getting himself killed otherwise.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know when and where hostiles would try to shoot him. It would be nonsensical to risk his life by going up the boulder and leaning down just to get a better view.

    In the distance, he could see three Humvees and three trucks speeding toward them.

    ¡°Send some people down. Have them help the others bring the supplies over,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Got it.¡± Seok Kang-Ho, who was sitting on a rock, stood up and went down the mountain.

    A momentter, Cha Dong-Gyun, the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team, and the soldiers who had gone down to help them reached their camp. They were carrying a mountain of goods.

    G¨¦rard and Seok Kang-Ho took out the supplies and food that the soldiers were going to use first, then sorted through the ones they would give to the hostages.

    ¡°How do you have so much supplies?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°About half of these are from the United States¡¯ Green Berets. We epted them just in case.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in understanding. It would have been weirder not to take the help that the Green Berets offered them.

    G¨¦rard, Seok Kang-Ho, and a couple of other soldiers carried the supplies into the cave.

    The hostages murmured as the soldiers entered. Soon, they started yelling at each other.

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    When Gunshots rang out and sparks flew from the cave, the noise immediately died down.

    The hostages would get used to this soon. They would learn to wait for their turn once they realized that they would all receive food at every meal.

 Chapter 252.2: Letéˆ¥æªš Not Overdo It (1)

    <h4>Chapter 252.2: Let¡¯s Not Overdo It (1)</h4>

    ¡°<i>Ahhhhh</i>!¡± a woman screamed as the soldiers were handing out food.

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette and lightly bit on it. His eyes were on Park Chul-Su, who was so startled that his eyes swiftly darted toward the cave entrance.

    ¡°A child probably died,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°A child?¡±

    ¡°This will happen again, so you¡¯ll probably hear another person screaming.¡±

    Park Chul-Su stared at Kang Chan, pity and sorrow evident in his eyes.

    Couldn''t they save the children?

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    Even if the medical team rushed over right now, they still wouldn¡¯t be able to save the child that had just died or the child that Kang Chan was assuming would dieter. Giving food to the children who were going to die was the best gift they could give them right now.

    A momentter, a skinny woman with a dark-skinned child in her arms weakly walked out of the cave. The child still had food smeared all over its skin, having failed to eat them.

    The cries of African women made them sound as if they were screaming.

    These people would dance if they got just a bit excited, but the opposite held true as well. They weren¡¯t the type to hide their sorrows.

    Two soldiers from France¡¯s special forces team guided the woman deeper into the mountain. They then used a long stick to help her dig a grave and bury her child in it. Just like that, another African who had lived a life full of nothing but hardships passed away.

    The woman¡¯s wails mixed with the sound of people talking noisily inside the cave.

    On one side of the mountain, they were burying a child, and on the other side, they were eating to survive.

    Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette and nkly stared at the cave. Soon, the woman from earlier staggered into view from deep into the mountain. She wobbled back into the cave, her hands and knees still covered in dirt.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯ve rescued them, I¡¯m sure that woman will die today as well if we don¡¯t keep her and the other hostages safe,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°If so, then why would...¡± Park Chul-Su trailed off. He turned his head away, seemingly finding it difficult to understand what was happening.

    ¡°I¡¯m just as confused as you are. The Green Berets put their lives on the line to rescue these people. Some of them even got injured in the process. Unfortunately, rescuing them has guaranteed the SSIS¡¯ retaliation. If we don¡¯t do anything, they will get killed. Despite knowing that, the UN still told us to leave the hostages behind.¡±

    ¡°What if themand center doesn''t know what¡¯s going to happen?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked as he nced at the cave.

    ¡°They know about what¡¯s going on here more than anyone else. That¡¯s why G¨¦rard believes that they¡¯re hiding something. I also feel uneasy about this whole situation.¡±

    Park Chul-Su just nodded in response. While they were talking, Seok Kang-Ho and a couple of other soldiers walked over to them with a small box.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    Inside the box were c-rations that the American soldiers normally ate.

    ¡°Where¡¯s G¨¦rard?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I think he went over to check on the men.¡±

    It felt ufortable to split the South Korean and French teams now.

    The soldiers that were nearby all sat and ate together. They also drank as much water as they wanted.

    Seok Kang-Ho smacked his lips. He then looked around him, seemingly feeling as if something was missing.

    Noticing his behavior, Kwak Cheol-Ho leaned forward, a mischievous expression on his face. ¡°Do you guys want a cup of coffee?¡±

    ¡°What? We have coffee?¡±

    ¡°I brought instant coffee with me. I should have enough for all of us to have a cup. We can just light up a fire in front of the cave.¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan smile, Kwak Cheol-Ho walked over to just beside the cave with another soldier. They had enough water that it wouldn¡¯t cause any problems if they boiled and made coffee with a portion of it. Moreover, they could easily make a fire since they had straws and dried-up trees and nts all around them.

    A momentter, the distinct scent of instant coffee wafted out in all four directions. Smelling it made them feel so happy and fascinated.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho picked up cups of coffee and handed them out to everyone. ¡°Deliverying through!¡±

    ¡°Kwak!¡± G¨¦rard shouted. He quickly walked down from the right side of the mountain and epted a cup.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t sure if G¨¦rard smelled the coffee or was simply destined to show up right at this moment.

    ¡°This is nice!¡± Park Chul-Su eximed after taking a sip of his coffee, expressing his amazement.

    He likely never imagined that he would enjoy drinking hot coffee while sitting around in Africa, which was fucking hot.

    Seok Kang-Ho blew on his drink to cool it down. After taking a sip from it, he turned his head to Kang Chan. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here forever, can we?¡±

    The army interpreter was passing on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s question to G¨¦rard in French.

    Kang Chan turned his head toward G¨¦rard.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, didn¡¯t you say that there are six hundred Somalis here?¡±

    This time, the army interpreter passed on what Kang Chan said to Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>What did this army interpreter do to get chosen for this kind of joint force?</i>

    ¡°I was thinking of double-checking with the hostages once they have settled down in the evening,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stay here for now. We have to prioritize keeping them safe. Knowing full well that they¡¯re going to die the moment we drop out, we can¡¯t just abandon them now, can we?¡±

    ¡°Will you be okay?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ve already had my fair share of situations like this in the past.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in agreement. G¨¦rard looked away from them after the army interpreter passed on what they said. He seemed to be asking, <i>¡®Well, who can stop him anyway?¡¯</i>

    They took turns resting and keeping watch.

    The soldiers mostly sat together facing the cave or in areas that gave them a clear view of the foot of the mountain. Fortunately, they could afford to rx a little since they had snipers assigned to keep an eye on the bottom of the mountain.

    Honestly, this battle was a breezepared to any of the other operations that Kang Chan had been in in the past. Perhaps that was why the soldiers seemed much more rxed.

    Kang Chan sat on a rock with his rifle slung over his back. He then looked down the mountain.

    <i>What on earth are those sons of bitches hiding? If I could freely make a call right now, I would¡¯ve already asked Anne about it...</i>

    South Korea would have trouble exerting its influence in this kind of situation, but the same couldn¡¯t be said for France. France¡¯s right to speak to the international society and their experience in colonizing various parts of Africa and keeping them under theirmand were enough to eliminate any need to exin the difference between the two countries.

    Kang Chan sighed softly.

    He had promised himself numerous times already that he would turn South Korea into a strong country. However, after a ridiculous turn of events, he was now sitting near a cave on a mountain in Africa instead, deliberating whether he should borrow France¡¯s power or not. He couldn¡¯t help but feel quite pathetic.

    It was almost five in the afternoon now.

    The soldiers would be bringing over their dinner in a bit since they had to be considerate of those who would be standing guard at night. They would have to give them enough time to sleep before their shift.

    At night, the temperature would drop to less than twenty degrees Celsius. Although the South Korean soldiers thought it was still somewhat liveable, it was already enough for the hostages to feel cold.

    <i>I wonder how my mother is doing. When I get back home, will she be so surprised that she will burst into tears again? Well, I¡¯ve been surprising them too oftentely. She might actually wee me with smiles this time instead.</i>

    Kang Chan smiled as he thought of Yoo Hye-Sook. Soon, G¨¦rard approached him.

    ¡°Captain, from what I¡¯ve gathered, there are four hundred Somalis beyond the mountain. The hostages were asking if those people were attacked as well because some of them have albinism,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    Kang Chan shook his head. ¡°The Imic insurgent group doesn¡¯t believe that, do they?¡±

    ¡°Well, the hostages also mentioned that they don¡¯t know why they were ambushed. Two hundred of the hostages here were just trying to evacuate the women and children toward our base when the circumstances became so dangerous that they were forced to hide in that cave.¡±

    G¨¦rard sat down near Kang Chan with a <i>plop. </i>He had long eyshes, arms, and legs, and a strong upper body¡ªwhich wasmon among Caucasian people. He also had a scar on his cheek.

    His appearance alone could make people think of him as a respectable veteran.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t overdo things, Captain,¡± G¨¦rard said. He turned his gaze to the horizon when Kang Chan smirked. ¡°An arm and a leg of someone with Albinism is worth over a thousand US dors right now. I also heard their heads go for over ten thousand dors, so what they do is they cut their heads and submerge them in alcohol.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard, the Imic insurgent group doesn''t believe in sorcery.¡±

    ¡°Let''s just focus on taking care of the hostages already in our responsibility. Have you forgotten that a lot of people became wary of you in the past because of what you did in moments like this? We¡¯re already going against the UN¡¯s orders right now. Are you nning to defy the entire international society as well?¡±

    G¨¦rard seemed to have recalled the moment Kang Chan was killed by a bullet to the neck. That could be why he was softly consoling him in French, something unbefitting of him.

    <i>Unfortunately, people don¡¯t change that easily.</i>

    ¡°If I didn¡¯t genuinely care for you or Daye, what do you think would we be doing right now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it gross that you genuinely care for us?¡± G¨¦rard asked, turning his gaze from the sky to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Do you want to get hit?¡±

    The two chuckled.

    ¡°<i>Hahaha</i>! All right! We¡¯ll probably someday get through all of this for as long as we follow you anyway. I feel like I¡¯m getting the short end of the stick, though, since I¡¯m with someone who¡¯ll just reincarnate again if he dies.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked and then burst intoughter.

    ¡°If you reincarnate again, you should return somewhere close to me,¡± G¨¦rard smiled as he was saying nonsense.

 Chapter 253.1: Letéˆ¥æªš Not Overdo It (2)

    <h4>Chapter 253.1: Let¡¯s Not Overdo It (2)</h4>

    The Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team and Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s Team Three brought dinner over. They then lit a small fire inside the cave and handed out nkets to everyone. Emotionally, the Somalis didn¡¯t seem to be doing too badly. However, after dinner, another child died.

    Park Chul-Su failed to mask his sadness when pitiful shrieks erupted. He still wasn¡¯t used to this kind of situation¡ªanyone would need quite some time to get adjusted to and understand that moments like this were simply a part of life in Africa.

    After dinner, Kang Chan sat back down on the rocks that overlooked the river. He leaned back, staring off into the distance.

    Compared to the blood-red sunsets in Mongolia, Africa had quite normal ones. However, they carried with them a certain sadness that was difficult to hide, making the hearts of anyone watching them mourn.

    The cries of a deer whose throat was mped on by a beast, the moans of a lion dying from the horns of a water buffalo, and the sight of predators in every direction¡ªthe sunsets of Africa always gave off a mood that spoke of death.

    Kang Chan made his trademark smirk as he watched the sun sink below the horizon. He had been in Africa for quite a long time, but he had never seen a giraffe, a rhinoceros, or a lion even though they were frequently shown on TV.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    The aroma of delicious coffee tickled the bottom of his nose as he heard someone walking over.

    ¡°What are you up to?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Kang Chan jokingly shot back.

    Seok Kang-Houghed as he handed Kang Chan a mug. ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s worth two packages of instant coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho exined.

    <i>Yeah, this is what I like about this guy.</i>

    ¡°I brought some water too so you can brush your teeth when you¡¯re done with your coffee.¡±

    Lifting the mug to his mouth, Kang Chan smiled against its rim. Seok Kang-Ho was the only one who took care of him like this.

    ¡°G¨¦rard¡¯s quite worried about you. He thinks you¡¯re going to be in a lot of trouble tomorrow when the UNmand center issues new orders for the operation.¡±

    ¡°These people are more important than that.¡±

    ¡°Is that what¡¯s making you worry?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he used his free hand to take a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. He then offered it to Kang Chan. ¡°Are you going to go rescue the other hostages tomorrow?¡±

    Kang Chan gazed at him as he epted the pack and pulled a cigarette out of it. To them, instant coffee should always be apanied by a smoke or two.

    <i>Click!</i>

    The flickering red glow on the tip of the cigarette was more noticeable now that it was starting to get dark.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>! I hate how much fun it is to live!¡± Seok Kang-Ho randomly eximed. The stream of smoke from his cigarette rose and eventually disappeared into the darkness. ¡°We¡¯re probably going to die early from smoking cigarettes, though.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t stop himself from chuckling.

    ¡°So you should just fuck all and do whatever the hell you want before you die! What¡¯s the point of letting anything hold you back? Life¡¯s too short for that!¡± Seok Kang-Ho dered.

    ¡°Are you worried about me?¡± Kang Chan mischievously asked.

    ¡°Who? Me?¡±

    ¡°Is there anyone else here that I¡¯m talking to?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho rubbed the tip of his cigarette on the ground.

    ¡°To be honest, I am a bit concerned about you, Cap. What are you going to do about the bacsh? I doubt you even have a n for the consequences that would soon follow.¡±

    <i>Pft. Phuhu.</i>

    The two made their trademark smiles and looked off into the horizon.

    Kang Chan inhaled thest of his cigarette and rubbed it on the ground the same way Seok Kang-Ho did. He then flicked it away.

    ¡°My dream was never to be a soldier,¡± Kang Chan began. ¡°As I said before, I came all the way to Africa back then because I didn¡¯t want to live like trash after being fucking born into this world. If I hadn¡¯t met you or G¨¦rard back then, I have no idea what would have be of me.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho made himselffortable and rested his hands on his knees. He then watched the darkness settling on the earth.

    ¡°Failing to protect the people I need to protect horrifies me the most in this world,¡± Kang Chan continued, then let out a long sigh.

    ¡°I can¡¯t let these people die just because the color of our skin is different or simply because they¡¯re not a part of our everyday lives. I¡¯m sorry for making you, G¨¦rard, and the rest of the men stay here, but if I return to the base now, I know I¡¯m going to live the rest of my life haunted by the fact that I left them alone to fend for themselves.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded, empathizing with him. ¡°Is it just me or are you also craving some ramyeon right now?¡±

    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m trying to talk about serious matters here!¡± Kang Chanined.

    ¡°Don¡¯t me me! Topics like this always make me crave ramyeon!¡±

    The two ended up chuckling together, bringing their discussion to an end.

    ¡°I¡¯m already happy and satisfied for getting to reunite and return to Africa with you. If anything, all I hope for right now is that Africa didn¡¯t call you back here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, concern evident in his voice.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Kang Chan asked with a baffled expression.

    ¡°It just seems that way. It¡¯s almost like Africa summoned you here again because it couldn¡¯t stand watching you be happy.¡±

    <i>Why is this punk saying something so deep?</i>

    Kang Chan smirked. ¡°Did saying that make you crave ramyeon again?¡±

    ¡°Hey! Did you really have to interrupt me while I¡¯m talking about a serious topic?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, pretending to be angry.

    ¡°You little bastard!¡± Kang Chan eximed in mock shock.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>!¡±

    The two chuckled again as the sun finally disappearedpletely from view.

    ¡°The moon looks so fucking beautiful!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    Having been apart for a while, they were d they got to sit together like this.

    ¡°Geez! It would¡¯ve been perfect if it weren¡¯t for these damn mosquitoes!¡±

    Seok Kang and Kang Chan quickly gulped down the rest of their coffee in an attempt to get rid of its sweet smell. If they kept the coffee in their hands any longer, the mosquitoes woulde swarming over for it, eventually turning it into a half-coffee and half-bugs mixture.

    ¡°Are you going to stay here? Why don¡¯t you have some of the other guys switch out with you?¡±

    ¡°They probably haven¡¯t gotten used to this ce yet. It would be for the best if either you or I take the responsibility of watching overrge areas like this. That aside, you should teach them how to watch out for bugs or bats,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned. ¡°I already told them about it,¡±

    He stood up and took Kang Chan¡¯s mug from him. The moonlight made the outlines of the gun at his waist, the one at his ankle, and his bay clearly visible.

    ¡°Are you still nning to use your mug as an ashtray?¡±

    Kang Chan snorted. ¡°Considering how much ashes we¡¯ve scattered on the ground already, I should still have plenty of room here.¡±

    ¡°All right. I¡¯m going to go put this away. Let¡¯s switch after I¡¯m back.¡±

    ¡°Take your time.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho headed toward the cave. Pebbles crunched under his boots with each step he took.

    There would always be mysterious and unrecognizable noisesing from the darkness of the night. One would die from anxiety if they paid attention to every little thing like that. However, they would also die if they missed a sound the enemy made.

    An exnation wouldn¡¯t be enough to understand something like this. Experience was the only one that could truly prepare them for such situations.

    <i>Krrk! Krrk! Kerk! Keerk!</i>

    The cries of birds and animals were also quite hard to get used to. They were totally out of sight during the day, but they cried so fucking loud at night.

    A momentter, Kang Chan heard footsteps closing in again.

    ¡°What are you doing here, Cap?¡±

    <i>Why are these punks all asking the same question?</i>

    ¡°Can¡¯t you tell just by looking?¡± Kang Chan asked with feigned annoyance.

    G¨¦rard and Kang Chan grinned in a simr fashion before G¨¦rard sat down next to Kang Chan.

    <i>Click!</i>

    The punk rested the rifle he had brought with him against his shoulder.

    ¡°How many guys will you take tomorrow?¡± he asked.

    When Kang Chan turned to him, he saw G¨¦rard waiting for a response with thoughtful, deep eyes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet,¡± Kang Chan responded. ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with the geography of this area, and the UNmand center could order a rescue as well.¡±

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, it¡¯s a pretty long way around the mountains because we¡¯ll have to take some detours. If we¡¯re going to do something, we better get going as soon as we¡¯re done with breakfast. The UN won¡¯t issue any rescue operation for anyone for as long as the rebel forces haven¡¯tunched any offensive yet anyway.¡±

    ¡°What about the terrain?¡±

    ¡°Apparently simr to where we are now. I¡¯ll grab a map when we go on a food run tomorrow.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. If the area on the other side of the mountain was simr to where they were now, they could end up taking a nice RPG hit like the American Green Berets.

    G¨¦rard continued, ¡°Even if we do get them out, their numbers will be an entirely different problem in itself. No matter how hard you squeeze them in, the trucks can only hold a hundred people at most. We need a way to bring back the other three hundred people.¡±

    ¡°What about our heavy weaponry?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Aside from the ones that we brought with us, we also have Is and machine guns. We¡¯ll bring them tomorrow morning if you think you¡¯ll need them.¡±

    ¡°Go for it. It¡¯s better to be safe than sorry.¡±

    ¡°Got it, Cap,¡± G¨¦rard responded, looking far more at ease than before. ¡°Do you remember when I said I felt uneasy in the past?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the reason I told you toe to Korea in the first ce,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Keeping his gaze on the horizon, G¨¦rard replied, ¡°If you go to Korea, I¡¯ll take my uniform off. I no longer have the confidence to stay alive in a ce like this alone.¡±

 Chapter 253.2: Letéˆ¥æªš Not Overdo It (2)

    <h4>Chapter 253.2: Let¡¯s Not Overdo It (2)</h4>

    G¨¦rard¡¯s appearance was a perfect fit for Africa. He had deep eyes, thick eyebrows, a scar on his cheek, and a nose that was refined and pointy for a French person.

    Kang Chan suddenly found himself craving some hot, spicy ramyeon.

    ¡°Why are youughing?¡±

    ¡°I just suddenly thought about ramyeon,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    G¨¦rard looked as if he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he heard wrong.

    ¡°Anyway... you really are the best in the world when ites to making noise,¡± hemented.

    ¡°What now?¡±

    ¡°I just never imagined I¡¯d live to see the day someone stand up and go against the UN.¡±

    ¡°Who cares about them anyway?¡± Kang Chan nonchntly replied.

    G¨¦rard grinned. ¡°This is fucking crazy!¡±

    Even though their conversation wasn¡¯t funny in the slightest, the two still snickered. However, G¨¦rard¡¯s reaction was probably how any normal person would react upon hearing Kang Chan¡¯s insane remarks.

    ¡°That aside, you¡¯re the Deputy Director-General of France now?¡± G¨¦rard asked in disbelief. ¡°How did that even happen?

    ¡°It just sort of happened. One thing led to another, and here I am. Think of it as an honorary position,¡± Kang Chan casually answered.

    Astonished, G¨¦rard could only sigh. ¡°<i>Haah</i>!¡±

    ¡°Well, I did find it was unusual when they made you captain of a special forces team too. Looks like you¡¯ve gotten quite the fine promotion, Cap.¡±

    ¡°You punk!¡±

    They shared another heartyughter.

    ¡°Are you nning to stay here for the entire evening?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°My men don¡¯t have enoughbat experience here in Africa to do guard duty at night yet,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I see. Well, I¡¯ll be sure toe overter when I want to kill some time.¡±

    ¡°Go get some sleep instead. Daye and I will take shifts.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on the situation first. I¡¯lle by again.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    G¨¦rard strode off, the clunking of his rifle echoing out.

    ***

    Moon Jae-Hyun raised his gaze from the documents on the desk to Hwang Ki-Hyun and Kim Hyung-Jung, who were sitting across from him.

    ¡°We have just received an unofficialint that the Assistant Director ignored UN orders and took military actions on his own, Mr. President. They told us that if this issue isn¡¯t resolved within the next few days, they will be filing a formal protest,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    ¡°You mean him protecting the hostages?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun, confusion evident both in his voice and expression.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun answered.

    ¡°How is protecting hostages a vition of the UN¡¯smands? Are you saying that they gave orders to abandon the very hostages they just rescued?¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°From their perspective, although the UN decided to prevent the assassination of the Somalis, protecting them despite not being ordered to is a form of internal affairs interference.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed as he flipped the page at the top of the pile of documents he was looking at. He then looked back up. ¡°Where did you find these documents?¡±

    ¡°I attached information gathered by a National Intelligence Service agent to the materials that the UN sent us.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded. He spent a bit more time skimming through the documents before returning his gaze to the two in front of him.

    ¡°Is there any countermeasures we can take?¡±

    ¡°The quickest way to deal with this is to tell the Assistant Director to follow the UN¡¯smands from the UN.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think the Assistant Director will adhere to such an instruction?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked with a genuinely curious face.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe so,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun presumed.

    ¡°Exactly. Considering everything that he¡¯s shown us so far, he probably has a reason for going so far as to defy UN orders to protect the hostages. What are the possible oues from telling him to abandon the people they saved?¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun turned his gaze to Kim Hyung-Jung, who immediately answered the question.

    ¡°As we¡¯ve already reported before, this deployment has too many unanswered questions. The Assistant Director¡¯s actions are likely rted to those issues in some way.¡±

    ¡°How did the French intelligence respond to this situation?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°We believe they are choosing not to exchange any key information with us,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    ¡°Then there really must be something that we don¡¯t know about,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun mused.

    He nced at the documents in front of him again.

    ¡°For now, let¡¯s show them that we¡¯re siding with our Assistant Director. If the UN files an officialint, then issue an announcement that it was the best course of action our men could take since they had precious lives to protect. Thest thing we need right now are the UN¡¯s words demoralizing our own special forces team, especially since we deployed them to Africa at our own expense. We¡¯re going to stay by letting everyone know that our government has the utmost respect for our men for how they are handling the situation,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun stated.

    ¡°That maye across as an insult to the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom, Mr. President. After all, they did refuse to join Assistant Director Kang¡¯s initiatives,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun countered out of concern.

    Moon Jae-Hyun leaned back on his chair and sped his hands together on the desk.

    ¡°Then we can just announce that we respect their decisions as well, can¡¯t we? For as long as I am president, our government will not criticize any of our troops that are deployed overseas. I made a promise in this very room that I would protect Assistant Director Kang to the best of my ability, and I believe this exact moment requires me to uphold that promise.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun let out a quiet sigh.

    ***

    - South Korea has issued an official announcement. They are choosing to respect the judgment of their special forces team.

    Lanok looked at the document on his desk with a masked expression.

    ¡°I want us to monitor every move¡ªeven the ones that seem insignificant¡ªmade by Saudi Arabia, SSIS, SISS, and the United States,¡± Lanok said.

    - Everyone in our bureau is already working away to uncover anything we can. However, at this rate, they will most likely notice our actions too.

    Lanok¡¯s lips curved into a smirk.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang¡¯s judgment is out of this world. He¡¯s approaching the center of the mystery as if he knows our ns. Have the French intelligence bureau and the DGSE defer to his decisions even if it risks putting everything else at stake.¡±

    - Understood, sir.

    ¡°Moon Jae-Hyun and Monsieur Kang¡¯s chemistry and teamwork are truly fantastic. Considering how things are progressing, we could end up with a world dominated by South Korea.¡±

    - The United States¡¯ DIA and CIA are working on an operation that involves Moon Jae-Hyun. The South Korean National Intelligence Service doesn¡¯t have the power to take them on yet. If they proceed with the operation, South Korea could lose Moon Jae-Hyun soon.

    Lanok stared into space as he took a moment to contemte.

    ¡°For the honor of France, I think we should keep quiet and pretend not to know, but considering Monsieur Kang¡¯s disposition, we should still help them. What does the bureau have to say about this?¡±

    - They think Monsieur Kang will be left with no other choice but to fall into the arms of France if the United States seeds in taking Moon Jae-Hyun out of the picture.

    Lanok tilted his head in thought.

    ¡°We still have some time left to decide. Let¡¯s wait and see for things to unfold first before making a decision on this matter. Report back in twelve hours with any changes to the situation.¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Putting down the receiver, Lanok sharply flipped through the papers on his desk.

    ***

    The sun rose in the distance like azy wolf pup. Although France and South Korea¡¯s special forces teams had just woken up, they immediately prepared to go back to base to get some food. They had a long day ahead of them, after all. Once they were done with breakfast, they would have to secure the safety of the hostages and head out to save the four hundred Somalis who were still being held captive by the rebel forces.

    There was a chance that the UN would step up and help rescue the Somalis, but that only made it more difficult to predict how the situation would develop.

    ¡°Captain, we¡¯re going to pay the base a visit now,¡± G¨¦rard said as he strode over.

    When he stopped right in front of Kang Chan, his expression stiffened due to the look his captain had on his face.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do well on your own, but be extra careful today,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    ¡°Are you getting a bad feeling about this?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°If we didn¡¯t have to keep the hostages safe, I would¡¯ve gone myself.¡±

    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± G¨¦rard replied with confidence before turning around.

    Cha Dong-Gyun would be apanying them too. With their numbers and capabilitiesbined, a bunch of good-for-nothing rebels shouldn¡¯t be able to kill them at the very least.

    The vehicles drove off not long after.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t shake off the uneasiness he had been feeling since dawn broke. If only he could figure out what was going wrong...

    He soon found the thought ridiculous, though. If he had all that information, they wouldn¡¯t have ended up getting stuck here in the first ce.

    <i>Click, click.</i>

    Turning around when he heard a rifle clunking, he found Seok Kang-Ho walking over with a mug in each hand.

    ¡°Here you go. Coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted. His voice was horribly scratchy probably because it hadn¡¯t been too long since he woke up. ¡°<i>Hoo</i>! After you¡¯re done with that, you should go get some rest.¡±

    His mouth opened wide when he yawned, making him look like one of the hippopotamuses that roamed thends of Africa.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to observe the situation first. You can go and get some more rest yourself if you¡¯re tired, though,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m good, Anyway, what are you talking about? What¡¯s your gut telling you?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Nothing good.¡±

    ¡°I thought that might be the case.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Meeting Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Seok Kang-Ho nonchntly shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯ve ever gotten an easy break. I just thought it¡¯s about time you start getting a bad feeling about all this.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stared into the distance as Kang Chanughed, finding it funny how correct his prediction was.

    When they finally finished their coffee, Kang Chan chose not to head back to the cave to rest. He leaned back on a boulder and closed his eyes instead.

    He could sleep for at least thirty minutes, maybe an hour at the longest.

    Feeling the heat slowly rise, Kang Chan fell into a slumber.

    Africa? The Somalis? The UN¡¯s ridiculousmands?

    <i>Fuck that! Why am I even here?</i>

    People didn¡¯t change easily.

 Chapter 254.1: Surdkad (1)

    <h4>Chapter 254.1: Surdkad (1)</h4>

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    Kang Chan shot awake from his power nap at Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s sudden call. Instead of verballymunicating, Seok Kang-Ho gestured with his chin to his left, where a cloud of dust was rising in the distance.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯ve got an unidentified vehicle approaching from our left,¡± an agent radioed in at the same time as Kang Chan looked over.

    As Kang Chan stood up, the army interpreter ryed the agent¡¯s words in Korean. Kang Chan raised his hand to his helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I want all snipers on standby. Those who are currently on break, head to our left,¡± Kang Chanmanded in French. The army interpreter immediately interpreted his orders in Korean.

    ¡°Guard this ce,¡± Kang Chan ordered. ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Since predicting what would happen was impossible in situations like this, it wasn¡¯t ideal to assign inexperienced men to important positions. Hence, he left Seok Kang-Ho in charge.

    Kang Chan made his way to the area that the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team was watching over.

    <i>nk! Click! nk!</i>

    The other soldiers were already on their way up the mountain.

    <i>Who the hell are those bastards?</i>

    The cloud of dust was about five kilometers away from the mountain. They were already so close that they should have already radioed in their affiliation and purpose. However, the special forces¡¯ frequency remained dead silent.

    Kang Chan quickly dashed up to a good vantage point and then looked back down.

    Seeing three trails of dust, he assumed that the unidentified guests brought three vehicles with them. Considering there were two special forces holed up in this mountain, they were practically begging to be killed.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    Kang Chan strode next to Choi Jong-Il and checked how many bullets were left in his gun¡¯s magazine. He wouldn¡¯t refuse the opportunity to eliminate idiots who were so desperate to die.

    Those who would attempt to take the life of another should be prepared to put their own lives on the line in the process. In such battles, those who were stronger usually won. It was simply the natural order of things.

    As Kang Chan checked his magazine, he heard clicking from all around him as the others examined their weapons as well.

    <i>Chk</i>.

    ¡°The vehicles have the Somalian g and the Red Cross sign on them.¡±

    The army interpreter quickly interpreted the French agent¡¯s words into Korean.

    <i>What the hell do these bastards think they¡¯re doing?</i>

    Somalia was the most prominent anarchic country in Africa, yet the Somalian government was trying to make them believe that they had the power to protect these people? Even a passing hyena would burst outughing if it heard about this bullshit.

    Moreover, it was far too random for the Red Cross to appear out of nowhere and head to the special forces¡¯ location. Although international organizations had a presence in this area, Kang Chan had never seen the Red Cross foolishly go out in the open with their g waving behind them.

    Kang Chan raised his hand to his helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roberre, head to the top and remain on standby when those people get close,¡± Kang Chan briskly ordered the army interpreter who could speak Somali. He had to be prepared for the off-chance that the approaching group only spoke thatnguage.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Roberre replied.

    The vehicles had narrowed the distance between them and the mountain by two more kilometers. He still couldn¡¯t do anything, though. He could protect hostages from insurgents all he wanted, but shooting government and Red Cross vehicles would be going too far.

    ¡®No wonder I¡¯ve been getting a bad feeling since this morning. Even though it¡¯s still so early that I haven¡¯t even had my first meal yet, I already have a pain in the ass to deal with.¡¯

    Kang Chan kept his eyes on the approaching group, which had reached the one-kilometer mark. They soon narrowed their distance from the mountain to less than a hundred meters.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan raised his gun and aimed at the ground just a few feet ahead of the group. He had been in many situations where vehicles loaded with unimaginable amounts of explosives had rushed toward them the same way. Carrying the g of a government alone didn¡¯t make anyone trustworthy. If he or any of his men let their guard down and walked right up to those people, they would end up as proof of the mighty power of a suicide bomber.

    This was Africa, where fake IDs that were incredibly hard to distinguish were produced right inside a literal dump. In this goddamnnd, trusting any proof of identity was impossible.

    If someone¡¯s uniform fooled them enough to let the bastards get close, they would be ripped to shreds before they could even check if it was real or not.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    He kept the muzzle of his gun pointed in front of the cars, firing a couple of warning shots only when they reached the bottom of the mountain.

    <i>Creeeak!</i>

    The vehicles swiftly skidded to a halt when the bullets made the dirt around them spatter. The doors opened to reveal three white people and about a dozen ck people in military uniforms. The ck soldier from the car at the very front of their convoy raised his arms high and waved them in an intercrossed motion. He was telling them not to shoot.

    Eight of the group started to walk toward where Kang Chan was. At this distance, even if the vehicles were loaded with explosives, it wouldn¡¯t be all that dangerous if they were to explode.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roberre,e to the front. I want all snipers aiming at the vehicles. You have my permission to shoot as soon as you deem them a threat,¡± Kang Chan swiftly ordered.

    Kang Chan stood up and walked over toward the strangers as his men radioed in affirmative responses. Roberre caught up to him on his way down.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle. Swish!</i>

    The two trudged down the crumbling dirt of the mountain. When they reached the bottom, one of the ck men began to address them with an awkward smile.

    ¡°He says they¡¯re from their people¡¯s leadership,¡± Roberre ryed, interpreting the man¡¯s words into French.

    Afterward, one of the white people asked Kang Chan a question in perfect French.

    ¡°Are you themander of the South Korean special forces team?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°My name is Mike. I work for the Red Cross. We came here at the request of the UN to return the hostages you rescued to where they used to live,¡± Mike diplomatically said.

    He smiled awkwardly when Kang Chan red at him.

    ¡°Got any IDs with you?¡± Kang Chan asked, tantly disying his suspicions.

    In response, the white man took out an ID that resembled a driver¡¯s license from his pocket. On the front was his picture and name, and on the back was a bunch of English sentences.

    ¡°Mike?¡± Kang Chan questioned, reading the name on the card.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Mike replied.

    When Kang Chan returned the ID, one of the ck government officials handed over an ID card next. Asrge as the palm of Kang Chan¡¯s hand, it had a photo and arge seal stamped at the bottom-right side.

    Kang Chanpared the man¡¯s face with the one in the ID before returning it to him.

    ¡°How will you get them there?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Our only option is by feet. Fortunately, all the insurgents who attacked yesterday have retreated from the area,¡± Mike answered.

    Kang Chan was staring at Mike when the radio crackled again.

    ¡°The vehicles that left for the base are returning,¡± a soldier radioed in.

    ¡°Well, our breakfast just arrived. I¡¯m going to eat before I decide,¡± Kang Chan then said.

    ¡°But we¡¯re here on the request of the government and the Red Cross,¡± Mike protested.

    ¡°Mike. I make the decisions here,¡± Kang Chan firmly warned.

    The white man tilted his head, his expression bing disgruntled. The government official behind him said something, to which he replied with a stiff and curt tone. It sounded as if he was informing the official of what Kang Chan just said.

    ¡°Wait here,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    ¡°All right,¡± Mike replied, not having much of a choice.

    Mike nced at Kang Chan¡¯s gun once before turning to the official and talking to him.

    Kang Chan turned around and headed back up the mountain with Roberre. It was only a short climb, so it didn¡¯t take him too long to reach Choi Jong-Il, who was waiting for them.

    ¡°Keep an eye on those people down there. If they try toe up without permission, fire a warning shot at them and let me know immediately,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    After getting an affirmation from Choi Jong-Il, he made his way to Seok Kang-Ho, who was still standing guard at the top.

    ¡°What did he say?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, curiosity in his voice.

    ¡°They im that they¡¯re government officials and Red Cross employees. They want to take the hostages back to where they used to live,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked suspiciously at where the French team was keeping watch. As he did, G¨¦rard and Cha Dong-Gyun walked up to them.

    ¡°Command has just informed me that they requested assistance. They want us to hand over the hostages to them,¡± G¨¦rard said, speaking up first.

    ¡°Is that so? Well, the people they sent over are already right over there. I guess there¡¯s no reason to keep doubting their identity, then,¡± Kang Chan mused.

    ¡°It seems the UN has chosen to put a nice end to things rather than lose face,¡± G¨¦rard remarked.

    While they were talking, the soldiers carrying food in their hands finally reached the top.

    ¡°Focus on distributing the food for now,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    ¡°Got it,¡± G¨¦rard replied. He made a gesture with his head and went inside the cave with Roberre.

    As they left, Kang Chan interpreted what G¨¦rard had just told him in Korean, getting Seok Kang-Ho up to date with what was going on.

    ¡°What¡¯s the n, then?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Well, with all the evidence we just got, it just seems logical to trust them now, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

 Chapter 254.2: Surdkad (1)

    <h4>Chapter 254.2: Surdkad (1)</h4>

    Kim Hyung-Jung had been so busy since the crack of dawn that his soul probably couldn¡¯t catch up with him. He had a presidential briefing yesterday, and he immediately had to take care of the requests from the Mongolian base today as soon as he woke up. To top it all off, he also had to handle the reports that wereing in from the National Intelligence Service agents all over Europe.

    He received important reports every day, so this should¡¯ve been nothing new, but today, all the intelligence from the agents came in as coded messages with red ¡°Top Secret¡± markings. It was as if they had collectively decided to pull a prank on him. He was already overwhelmed just sorting out and processing the information.

    <i>¡®Is there some kind of war going on?¡¯</i>

    There was so much urgent and important information rushing in all at once that he couldn¡¯t even think straight. To make things worse, the agency picked up strange movements from the Arabs as well.

    <i>Ring, ring, ring. Ring, ring, ring. Ring, ring, ring.</i>

    The phone on his desk rang a couple of times before he picked up its receiver.

    ¡°Kim Hyung-Jung speaking,¡± he greeted.

    - I¡¯m at the hospital, sir. The patient has just woken up.

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯m on my way. Make sure you keep security tight,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung ordered the agent.

    - Yes, sir.

    Kin Hyung-Jung set down the receiver and sent all the information he had gone through to the analysis room via the agency¡¯s internalmunicationwork.

    Within the next three hours, he would be getting reports updating him about the situation.

    Heading underground, he pulled out his phone and pressed the call button.

    - What is it?

    Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s gruff voice immediately came through the call.

    ¡°Kang Sunbae has regained consciousness,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung informed him.

    - Really?

    Jeon Dae-Geuk sounded extremely pleased. He had been waiting to hear this news since the surgery.

    - I should be able to visit him tomorrow morning at the earliest. What about you?

    ¡°I¡¯m already on my way to the hospital,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    - I see. While I have you, any updates on the support for Africa?

    ¡°We sent a shipment yesterday. It should arriveter today.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung stepped into a car as soon as he reached the underground parking lot.

    ¡°Section Chief,¡± he then called.

    - Why don¡¯t you call me backter if it isn¡¯t anything urgent?

    ¡°It¡¯s something rted to the two-zero-zero,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stated.

    Two-zero-zero was code for the presidential guard.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk remained silent, choosing to wait for Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s next words.

    Kim Hyung-Jung continued, ¡°All the rice fields and mountains are moving quite fast. I¡¯ve never seen anything like this before.¡±

    - I thought you said it was something rted to the two-zero-zero¡¯s tasks?

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re caught in the middle of that movement. There are only two reasons why all the rice fields and mountains would be targeting us.¡±

    - I see.

    ¡°We¡¯ll know for sure after the analysis reportse out in the afternoon, but until this incident is settled, I think you should focus on Code One,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stated.

    The call abruptly ended as soon as he was done talking. Considering the nature of Jeon Dae-Geuk¡¯s job, strengthening security was far more urgent and important to him than making small talk just so they could put a smooth end to their conversation.

    They had to quickly figure out why the intelligence bureaus from the United States and all the European countries were moving so fast. More importantly, they had to analyze the reason those intelligence bureaus were willing to incur heavy expenses and use every satellite at their disposal just to collect information on South Korea.

    They had given the United States the codename of rice fields. The mountains were Europe.

    South Korea was struggling just to match the pace of these powerful countries¡¯ agencies. Why would they be so intent on gathering information on a country they always deemed boring?

    Kim Hyung-Jung frowned as he got lost in his thoughts.

    The car soon pulled up in front of a hospital. An agent waiting for him immediately guided him to the elevator.

    After putting on a sterilized suitplete with a cap, shoes, and gloves, Kim Hyung-Jung went through a disinfection process once more before getting to walk over to Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s bedside.

    The skinny Kang Chul-Gyu slowly raised his gaze to him.

    ¡°Sunbae, it¡¯s me, Kim Hyung-Jung,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung greeted.

    Kang Chul-Gyu still didn¡¯t seem to have gotten his bearings yet. His lips moved, seemingly to say something, but it was too faint to hear.

    ¡°Sorry?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    When Kang Chul-Gyu forced his lips to move again, Kim Hyung-Jung bent over and lowered his ear to Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°What about... Kang Chan?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu managed to rasp out.

    Kim Hyung-Jung masked his expression before raising his head again. With a smile, he answered, ¡°He¡¯s doing fine.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s lips moved again.

    ¡°Thirty men flew to Mongolia when they heard that you were there. Everyone¡¯s waiting for you, so hurry and recover,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said with a grin.

    Kang Chul-Gyu blinked as if to thank him.

    ***

    The Somalis seemed somewhat rejuvenated and well-rested now that they had eaten breakfast. However, that all changed when Roberre, who made sure they were fully fed before breaking the news, told them that government officials and Red Cross workers would be guiding them back to their homes.

    Hushed murmurs erupted inside the cave. The people exchanged nces. Eventually, their chatter started growing louder and louder.

    ¡°Aamusay! Aamusay!¡± Roberre shouted, barely managing to contain themotion.

    Before silence could settle back in, a ck woman started to wave her hand in the air. She seemed to be expressing her displeasure with the option presented to them.

    Roberre looked at Kang Chan with a troubled expression.

    ¡°She says she would rather stay here because she can¡¯t trust them. She hopes you would instead save the other Somali hostages and bring them here,¡± Roberre interpreted.

    ¡°Did you tell them that the people we¡¯re handing them over to are government officials and Red Cross workers?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They can¡¯t trust them because they¡¯ve never met them before.¡±

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh. It wasn¡¯t as if they had met him before this operation either.

    ¡°Tell them to meet the government officials and the Red Cross workers first. We can make a decision after.¡±

    Roberre turned around to the hostages and spoke in Somali again. The woman from earlier replied immediately after, and several others followed her lead, nodding in agreement and backing her words up.

    Kang Chan finally understood Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s frustration for not being able to understand French.

    He watched as the woman spoke rapidly and suddenly pointed a finger at him. The other Somalis in the cave nodded or pped, expressing their agreement.

    Roberre quickly turned his head back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°They say they will follow them if you go with them, Captain,¡± Roberre said.

    <i>Is it because the trip going back to their home would be dangerous?</i>

    Kang Chan looked back at Roberre, wondering what he should do, when the Somali woman began to speak again. Apuse rang out in the cave once more.

    ¡°They say that you¡¯re the guardian of Mount Surdkad. It¡¯s a legend that is passed down among their tribe. ording to the story, the mountain supposedly glows red when the guardian of Mount Surdkad returns to protect the people. It¡¯s something along those lines, at least. The bottom line is they really want to take you with them,¡± Roberre said.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡¯re so popr with the Somalis,¡± G¨¦rard joked, amusement clear on his face.

    Unable to bring himself to believe what was happening, Kang Chan threateningly scowled at G¨¦rard before returning his attention to the hostages. He didn¡¯t know what he should do next.

    ¡°Do we really have to think about this so hard? If we offer to escort them, it¡¯ll be hard for the government officials and the Red Cross workers to say no. We can then use them as an excuse to shoot any insurgents that would block our way,¡± G¨¦rard said with a grin.

    Kang Chan nodded in agreement. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to the officials so we can start nning. While I¡¯m gone, get everyone ready to move out.¡±

    As soon as he got out of the cave, he informed Seok Kang-Ho, Park Chul-Su, and Cha Dong-Gyu that they would likely be escorting the Somalis. He then headed down the mountain. Upon reaching the bottom of it, he found the government official and the Red Cross worker he had talked to earlier waiting in the shade. They stood up with relieved and curious faces.

    ¡°We will apany you to the destination point,¡± Kang Chan said, getting straight to the point.

    A hint of difort shed across the Red Cross worker¡¯s face. However, he quicklyposed himself and feigned indifference before turning to the government official.

    The two had a short discussion for a bit before Mike turned back around and replied to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Understood. If you can, please hurry things up. We should avoid leaving in the afternoon.¡±

    ¡°How much time do we have before then?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°About an hour.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯lle down with the hostages as soon we¡¯re ready to go.¡±

    Kang Chan climbed up the mountain again.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Looks like we¡¯re going to be escorting them. Have the women, children, wounded, and ill hop on the trucks!¡± he ordered as soon as he reached their camp.

    ¡°Got it, Captain!¡± G¨¦rard shouted in response.

    Kang Chan repeated the same information to Park Chul-Su and Seok Kang-Ho before telling the soldiers to prepare to head out.

    Noisy rumbles echoed from inside the cave. A few momentster, Somalis emerged into the clearing. Their thin legs wobbled as they walked.

    As Roberre shouted over the noise, G¨¦rard gestured with his chin to give priority to those who were going to board the trucks.

    Footsteps and clunking noises from the soldiers¡¯ equipment filled the area in front of the cave.

    It took them about twenty minutes to get the wounded into the trucks. Because there was an ample amount of space left, they picked a few more people to board the vehicles.

    The soldiers divided themselves into three. As soon as they boarded the vehicles, they positioned themselves in a way that would let them keep an eye out from within the trucks.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    When the engines of the Humvees and trucks roared awake, the palpable tension and anxiety crashed on them. The government officials and Red Cross workers¡¯ vehicles lead the convoy, followed by a Humvee, the people on foot, the three trucks with soldiers, andstly, another Humvee.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard would be traveling by foot tomand the front, left, and right sides of their formation. The soldiers apanying them surrounded the Somalis who would also be walking.

    Not long after they started their journey, a woman began to sing a song that was characteristic of African tribes.

    ¡°Uiwa-ya!¡±

    The rest of the Somalis soon joined her.

    ¡°Uiwa-ya!¡±

    The dust, the song, and the hot sun once again reminded Kang Chan that he was back in Africa.

 Chapter 255: Surdkad (2)

    <h4>Chapter 255: Surdkad (2)</h4>

    Intense heat gradually rose up from the ground.

    <i>Click, click.</i>

    With every step, the sounds of their guns, the magazines in their vests, and the pistols in their holsters announced their presence.

    Kang Chan took off his helmet and hung it on his left shoulder. He then pulled out his bandana, wrapping it around his forehead before tying it back. The others, including Seok Kang-Ho and Gerard, followed suit. Gerard and a few other French soldiers also put on sunsses. However, it was not to look coo;. White people simply tended to struggle against the rays of the sun.

    They had walked for about an hour. The Somali were still singing their songs, not looking particrly tired. The soldiers were also doing well, which was to be expected. If walking this much was enough to tire them out, Kang Chan would have questioned whether or not they were qualified to be in the special forces.

    He probably should check if anyone was hurt, though.

    <i>Should we take a short break?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at their surroundings. He had intentionally chosen a route that was a good distance away from the mountain. This way, if someone was lying in ambush for them, they at least wouldn¡¯t be gunned down in one fell swoop. It would also give them some more time to dodge if an RPG was fired at them.

    He still felt a bit uneasy, but his heart wasn¡¯t racing to warn him.

    They marched on for about ten more minutes. When Kang Chan heard a slight change in the enthusiasm of the Somali songs, he raised his hand, signaling the procession to stop.

    ¡°Give the Somalis some water! We¡¯ll be taking five!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    The army interpreter quickly ryed Kang Chan¡¯s orders to the Korean soldiers. At the same time, the vehicles ahead of them came to an immediate halt.

    Kang Chan considered giving the people in the vehicles some water but decided against it. He knew they woulde ask for some themselves if they were really thirsty.

    The soldiers carried the water over from the vehicles and poured it for the Somalis.

    <i>Glug.</i>

    The women cupped the water in their dusty palms and drank a few sips before stepping back to make way for others. Over the course of three meal distributions from the soldiers, they had learned that there was no need to be greedy.

    ¡°Madad!¡±

    In their mother tongue, the women who drank water collectively expressed their gratitude toward Kang Chan and the soldiers.

    The smell of fishy odors, acrid smells, and spoiled food wafted over from the Somalis. A few of them probably had rationed food hidden somewhere in their garments.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to take it away or criticize them for it, however. He knew it wasn¡¯t their fault that they were forced to live so desperate for even just a morsel of food.

    If he fed them a bit more, taught them a bit more, and protected them a bit more, perhaps one of these people with those pure, innocent eyes would manage to fulfill their dreams and build up this country.

    However, such a feat would be difficult to aplish for as long as all the bastards who stole their food, supplies, and dreams were still alive.

    ¡°Here you go,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, holding out a pouch of water to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan popped open the cap and took a small sip with his mouth away from the cap. He then waited for a few moments as the Somali people all quenched their thirst.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get going,¡± Kang Chan dered afterward.

    ¡°Got it, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied, taking the water pouch back before returning to his original position.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Under Kang Chan¡¯smand, they slowly began to make progress again.

    ¡°Uiwa-ya!¡±

    ¡°Uiwai-ya!¡±

    <i>Don¡¯t their throats hurt?</i>

    Despite Kang Chan¡¯s concerns, the Somalis continued to sing loudly and shrilly at the top of their lungs.

    In about twenty minutes, Kang Chan would have to hand the hostages over. If another emergency situation required him toe running again, the majority of them would probably be dead by the time he reached them, but that was life in Africa. There was nothing he could do about it.

    After approximately fifteen more minutes of marching, the vehicle at the front began the ascent toward the mountain. When they were about a hundred meters away, Kang Chan raised his hand and made everyone stop.

    ¡°Gerard!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡± Gerard replied, swiftly approaching Kang Chan.

    ¡°Order the people who can walk to get out of the vehicles. Position the heavy weapons inside the vehicles on the truck and assign ten people to man them. We¡¯ll be securing our position at the front of the mountain!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    Gerard quickly headed to the rear.

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho, I want a Humvee stationed here! Order someone to bring the other one to the front!¡±

    ¡°Got it, Cap!¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded, turning to move.

    Kang Chan wore the helmet that he had hung on his shoulder again.

    He didn¡¯t have a bad feeling in his gut yet. However, despite the risks it posed, they always had to secure a position whenever they entered new terrain.

    <i>Vrooom!</i>

    One of the Humvees blocked off the front of their formation, serving as protection and cover.

    <i>Click, click!</i>

    As the soldiers propped up their guns from behind the vehicle, Gerard and ten others approached Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan looked at the back of the truck, finding a heavy machine gun sitting on top of its cab and a soldier aiming an I toward the mountain.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    The Humvee that Lee Doo-Hee was driving drove up ahead. Kang Chan, Gerard, and the rest of the soldiers spread out as they followed.

    Seemingly displeased, the Somali government officials and the Red Cross vehicles in front of them sped up to get to the front of the mountain. It didn¡¯t matter, though. There was no guarantee that these bastards weren¡¯t in cahoots with the rebel forces.

    <i>Vroom. ck, ck.</i>

    They covered about fifty more meters.

    ¡°You two! Secure that position!¡± Kang Chan ordered, pointing at the closest boulder to the group.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    As the two dashed forward, the rest of the soldiers walked with their rifles at the ready so they could shoot at any time.

    One of the two hid behind the boulder and raised and spun his index finger in a circle. He then pointed at the top of the mountain.

    Kang Chan could finally have some peace of mind.

    They were only thirty meters away from the mountain now. The government officials and the Red Cross workers looked on with exhausted expressions. Kang Chan sent two more soldiers to secure the middle of the mountain.

    They had ten meters left to go.

    Kang Chan nodded at Gerard. He then started to head up the mountain.

    <i>Rustle! Swish!</i>

    The dirt crumbled beneath him, preventing him from getting a stable footing. Fortunately, the terrain wasn¡¯t as delicate as soft sand.

    Gerard deliberately walked about three or four paces diagonally behind Kang Chan.

    Ten minutester, they reached a spot that gave them a clear view of their surroundings. Kang Chan climbed up higher and surveyed the horizon. Except for the mountain behind them, all he could see was thin, withered vegetation. They wouldn¡¯t have anywhere to hide.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho, get going,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Chk.

    ¡°Copy,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    The vehicles roared onward. They only had to travel a hundred meters more before they had to climb up the mountain and pass through the path under Kang Chan.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>!¡± Gerard eximed, hanging his index finger on the trigger of his rifle as he stood next to Kang Chan. ¡°Captain, how about I order our men take off their uniforms and leave the military so we cane here and make our own country?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked but kept his eyes on the clearing up ahead.

    ¡°If you say you¡¯re down for it, I¡¯m sure a bunch of soldiers will retire from the South Korean team as well. You¡¯re pretty popr with the Somalis too, so why don¡¯t you give it some thought?¡± Gerard joked.

    ¡°Do you want to go against a multinational force?¡± Kang Chan scolded.

    ¡°<i>Hmph</i>! They¡¯re the kind to charge right in but run away as soon as they realize they won¡¯t gain anything. If we stand united, they¡¯ll probably lurked around and try to y nice with you.¡±

    By the time Gerard was done, the Somalis had started climbing up the mountain. They looked quite hot because they were wearing the nkets distributed to them yesterday on their heads.

    Leading them were the government officials and Red Cross workers, and all around them were soldiers keeping them in a protective encirclement.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Gerard answered.

    The two began to climb up a path that was already on the mountain.

    Ten of the vanguard apanying them took turns guarding the position that Kang Chan and Gerard had secured earlier. The procession was so smooth that Kang Chan felt stupid for being so nervous.

    After climbing the mountain and walking for another thirty minutes, they found themselves on a t area with houses made of mud. This was likely what people pictured whenever they thought of Africa.

    The vigers came out, having noticed a group of people approaching their home. At the same time, the Somalis under the special forces¡¯ care ran over to them.

    It was quite morous.

    ¡°Are you satisfied now?¡± Mike, the Red Cross Worker, asked with a bit of spite.

    Kang Chan just grinned back at him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back down,¡± he told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    As Kang Chan turned the way they came, he heard one of the Somali women shouting at the top of her lungs.

    ¡°Surdkad!¡±

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    Kang Chan turned back around.

    ¡°Surdkad! Mung Iniba! Iniba!¡±

    The woman was most definitely shouting at Kang Chan.

    <i>Where is that punk when you need him?</i>

    Before Kang Chan could even turn his head to search for him, Roberre quickly came over.

    ¡°She is saying you are the Surdkad. She wants you toe inside the vige,¡± Roberre exined.

    The code name ¡°God of ckfield¡± was already good enough for Kang Chan.

    Gerard and Seok Kang-Ho watched Kang Chan, who seemed to be in disbelief, with amused expressions. The woman said unintelligible words in quick sessions.

    ¡°She says you have to see the shaman before you leave,¡± Roberre interpreted.

    Kang Chan sighed in exasperation. ¡°<i>Haah!</i>¡±

    The government officials and the Red Cross workers were standing off to the side, looking as if they hoped Kang Chan would return soon. Was he expected to go visit the shaman in this atmosphere? He had already gone against the UN¡¯s instructions just to get to this point.

    ¡°Come up with a nice excuse to say no,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    While Roberre responded to the woman, Kang Chan turned toward the path they hade from. He heard the noisy sound of horses neighing from behind and the woman repeatedly calling him the ¡°Surdkad,¡± but he genuinely did not want to meet the shaman.

    The trip down the mountain was definitely faster than going up. When they got out of it and reached a ce with a clear view of their surroundings in no time, he decided to have his men take a short break.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    Aside from the six soldiers standing guard, everyone else sank to the ground.

    ¡°Is it okay if we smoke?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Give me one too,¡± Gerard insisted.

    Seok Kang-Ho handed him a cigarette. Gerard then lit it up with a lighter.

    <i>Click. Swish!</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡± Kang Chan exhaled.

    ¡°This is a bit strange,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°I think so too,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After exhaling a puff of smoke, Seok Kang-Ho nced suspiciously back and forth between the Somalis and the government officials.

    Receiving a look from Gerard, the army interpreter came over and tranted their discussion from Korean to French.

    Kang Chan bet this soldier would never join a deployment ever again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you find what the UN is doing strange? They ordered us to ignore the hostages that we saved and sent government officials and Red Cross workers only after you stepped up to rescue them?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah, definitely, but let¡¯s head back and shower first before thinking about this,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Gerard nodded in agreement after the army interpreter told him what was being discussed.

    ¡°Look at those punks,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as he nodded upward toward the government officials and Red Cross workers, who were lingering near the vehicles. ¡°It looks like they¡¯re trying to make sure that we¡¯re going back. It¡¯s not like we¡¯re going to steal anything from this ce or something...¡±

    Noticing Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gazes, one of the government officials quickly turned away and spoke to a Red Cross worker. It looked more like he was trying to avoid eye contact than actually having something to say.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just head down for now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°All right,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    After a few more cigarettes and taking care of their business, they all stood up and started to descend the mountain.

    ¡°Mike! We¡¯re going to head back,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    ¡°I see! You did great!¡±

    <i>Little fucker, putting on a strong facade now that we¡¯re done!</i>

    Kang Chan stepped into a Humvee with Park Chul-Su and Seok Kang-Ho. The French team filled one Humvee, and the rest climbed onto the trucks.

    <i>Vrooom!</i>

    The engines of their vehicles roared as they began to make their way back to base. After about forty minutes on the road, the base finally came into view. The men radioed their arrival before going in.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Rambunctious apuse greeted them as they stepped out of the vehicles.

    <i>p, p, p, p! Fheew!</i>

    ¡°Good job!¡±

    The Green Berets standing at the entrance even whistled as they weed Kang Chan and the others back. The Spetsnaz and the SNS, who were sitting on the bench, looked a bit awkward, but they didn¡¯t show any hostility toward them.

    ¡°Gerard, report our return,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Got it.¡±¡¯

    The two teams split up and went back to their respective barracks. The French special forces and the South Korean soldiers cast wistful nces at each other, already missing each other. They had gotten quite close during the single day they had been together.

    <i>Ha!</i>

    Kang Chan took a shower as soon as he got back.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    When the water washed over him, He finally felt as if he could breathe again.

    However, this was Africa. He couldn¡¯t use as much water as he wanted, and he felt bad about taking one of the only two shower stalls that were avable to them. Hence, he quickly finished up and got out of. However, the soldiers, who should have been desperately waiting for their turn, were distracted by something else.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Kang Chan asked curiously.

    ¡°They told us there was a shipment from Korea. I went over and got them while you were in the shower,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    There were two boxes about the size of a desk and ten boxes the size of apple cartons.

    ¡°What¡¯s in them?¡±

    ¡°Can I open them?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Why are you asking me that? Hurry up already.¡±

    The soldiers all rushed forward and opened the packages.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>?¡± eximed one of the soldiers opening arge box. There was another aluminum box inside. When he opened it, he found another styrofoam box.

    ¡°Are we just going to get smaller boxes as we open them?¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    When the soldier opened the styrofoam box, he finally cheered.

    ¡°It¡¯s kimchi!¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was about to peer inside when the soldier raised a pack of kimchi with his two hands to show him.

    It was quite the sight to behold.

    Like children, the soldiers grew excited every time they opened a box. There were cup noodles, chocte sweets, instant rice, instant bibimbap, instant ck bean noodles, and even the ramyeon that Seok Kang-Ho had been craving so much.

    They felt as if they were in a school field trip. One box waspletely filled to the brim with nothing but instant coffee.

    A soldier opened the box in the middle. He then pulled out a bunch of letters from inside it.

    <i>We¡¯re already getting letters? We haven¡¯t even been here that long.</i>

    The boxes kept revealing things that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even imagine they would get.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t have anyone to send them letters anyway, so they started to leave.

    ¡°You¡¯re not washing up?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I am. Let¡¯s have some kimchi and hot ramyeon once I¡¯m done.¡±

    As Seok Kang-Ho and Park Chul-Su headed inside the bathrooms with towels in hand, Kang Chan pulled out a clean pair of army pants and put them on.

    Not long after, one of his men handed him three letters. ¡°They¡¯re letters for you.¡±

    <i>No one knows I¡¯m here, though.</i>

    Kang Chan was dumbfounded. In a daze, he took the letters and looked at the envelopes.

    The first one was quite colorful. It had ¡°Lee Yoo-Seul¡± written on it with pencil.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    Even in his previous life, he had never received a personalized letter like this. He could imagine getting a written death threat but never this kind of letter.

    Kang Chan walked out of the barracks with the letters in his hand. He wanted to read them in private.

    As he headed over to a bench, he looked at the yellow envelope of the second letter.

    <i>¡®To my dear son.¡¯</i>

    It was from Yoo Hye-Sook.

    How was that possible? Not even Yoo Hye-Sook suddenly appearing right in front of him would surprise him as much as this letter did.

    There was still one letter left. He moved the second letter to the back to reveal a pink one. The name written on it made him freeze up.

    <i>¡®Kim Mi-Young.¡¯</i>

    It was written in a pretty, girly handwriting.

 Chapter 256: Certainty Set In (1)

    <h4>Chapter 256: Certainty Set In (1)</h4>

    Lost in thought, Kang Chan stared at the name "Kim Mi-Young" on the envelope.

    G¨¦rard, who looked so refreshed that he seemed to have just finished showering, approached Kang Chan.

    "What are you doing?"

    "Letters have arrived for me..." Kang Chan answered.

    "<i>Huh</i>? You get letters, Captain?"

    Kang Chan smirked at G¨¦rard, realizing that neither he, Daye, nor G¨¦rard had ever received a letter. If they had loved ones who would write letters to them, they would not have chosen to be mercenaries.

    "Are they death threats? Are people saying they¡¯ll kill you?" G¨¦rard asked.

    Kang Chan¡¯s thoughts about receiving letters didn¡¯t differ much from G¨¦rard''s.

    <i>Damn it! How is anyone supposed to expect any kind of affection from these people? They have about as much vibe as a brick wall!</i>

    "What''s up?" Seok Kang-Ho asked as he walked over. "Huh? You got letters?"

    Seok Kang-Ho''s reaction was no different from G¨¦rard''s.

    "Who are they from?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    "Yoo-Seul, Mother, and Mi-Young," Kang Chan answered.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at the envelopes and then at Kang Chan with surprise. "They know you¡¯re here?"

    "I''m not sure."

    "Did Manager Kim have a hand in this? Open them up."

    "I can read themter. Go make some coffee."

    "What''s the big deal? Just read them."

    As Seok Kang-Ho peered suspiciously at the letters, G¨¦rard nced around, probably looking for the army interpreter.

    Finding it best to divert their attention in this situation, Kang Chan called out to G¨¦rard, "G¨¦rard! Have you reported back to Command yet? Any issues?"

    "I already handled it. They looked rather relieved, which made it seem like a routine procedure to them. This is just a hunch, but I think they already knew we were on our way back."

    As Kang Chan and G¨¦rard conversed in French, Seok Kang-Ho looked toward the barracks.

    "Captain, Someone is probably using the UN as an excuse to gather us here," G¨¦rard said.

    "Why do you think so?" asked Kang Chan as he pocketed the letter.

    "Thanks to you, I''ve be themander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces. Anyway, I contacted the 11th Regiment in Congo via satellite phone earlier. Their situation is dire, yet here we are, calm as can be. It doesn''t make sense."

    "Trouble in Congo?"

    At the mention of Congo, Seok Kang-Ho looked back and forth between Kang Chan and G¨¦rard.

    Congo, a prominent French colony in Africa, was stained with blood and ruthless battles that had imed dozens of lives. Most African countries starting with the letter "C" had once been French colonies, and among them, Congo was a notable nation gued by civil war.

    To break their enemy''s will, tribes engaged in brutal conflicts hadmitted various atrocities just to kill their enemies in horrific ways. They had beheaded, poured boiling oil over, and burned people alive. They had even cut open pregnant women to remove their unborn children.

    Half of the civil wars in Africa were due to policies implemented by former colonial powers, and the other half were caused by the borders that the upying nations had arbitrarily drawn. Even now, France held the right to station its military in its former colonies whenever conflicts arose. Hence, whenever a local leader instigated a civil war, France invariably dispatched its Foreign Legion.

    Kang Chan had rushed into these tribal wars but often saved the wrong tribe. Hence, despite having umted remarkable achievements, he often found himself with reduced allowances or his medals stripped.

    "The Congo rebels are attacking Butuba, which we are supporting,¡± G¨¦rard exined, ¡°yet, the 13th Regiment is here, wasting time."

    "Butuba? Did you just say ''Butuba''?" asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    His eyes glinted upon hearing the name, clearly well aware of Butuba¡¯s notoriety for incredibly brutal battles.

    "<i>Ah</i>! I can''t stand this! How long is he going to shower?" Seok Kang-Ho grumbled and headed toward the barracks.

    "Hey, interpreter! Shouldn''t you be done by now?" he shouted.

    With a gruff bellow, a soldier rushed out with his hair still dripping water. He was probably growing tired of speaking French.

    "Look. you subdued the Spetsnaz, and I''m sure Andrei is at the top of their chain ofmand," G¨¦rard said.

    Looking at the Spetsnaz soldiers, who were resting, Kang Chan inwardly agreed.

    G¨¦rard continued, "We also have the SBS, not the SAS, sprawled out in the blistering sun. Do you really think the situation here is bad enough to warrant the strongest units of four countries?"

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in agreement after the interpreter conveyed G¨¦rard''s words.

    G¨¦rard added, "Honestly, with the military power present here, we could achievendslide victories against the nearby rebels. I heard the Green Berets were just unlucky to be hit by a suicide bomber and then an RPG right after, but the skirmish wasn¡¯t that fierce."

    "You mean, except for the United States, the other countries have their strongest teams tied up here?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Yes!" G¨¦rard eximed.

    "Now that I think about it, that''s true!" Seok Kang-Ho chimed in.

    "Moi aussi," the interpreter tranted. After oddly tranting Seok Kang-Ho''s words as "me too," he nervously nced over at Kang Chan to see his reaction.

    <i>''It would be best to pretend not to notice such oddities.''</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s brows furrowed as he gazed into space.

    It could be argued that South Korea was here because it was weaker than the others, but if that were the case, why were France, Russia, Ennd, and the United States also here? Something was amiss.

    Every soldier was fated to put their lives on the line rushing into battle like a pawn in a chess game. However, Kang Chan had already endured such absurdities in his previous life. Letting the South Korean special forces die in vain like dogs in this ce was uneptable. They weren¡¯t just some random mercenaries.

    Who else could provide the most urate answer to G¨¦rard¡¯s doubts but Lanok? It would be impossible for him not to know the answer.

    <i>''What could it be?''</i>

    What was going on that made even the UN orchestrate this stupid act?

    Kang Chan gazed at the Spetsnaz and SBS soldiers seated on a bench. Talking to Andrei or that gori would probably just feel awkward and raise unnecessary suspicions.

    "Let''s just observe for now. I''ll make a few calls tomorrow so we can at least get a rough idea of what¡¯s happening," he said.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard nodded in response.

    ***

    Brandon, the Director of the DIA, set down a pure gold teacup, his lips twitching subtly as he did. His mind was upied by the thought of the countless people, including agents and soldiers he cherished, dying for such frivolous luxury. However, he wasn''t foolish or dense enough to express such emotions. Such behavior was more expected of Ethan of Ennd.

    A cool breeze swept through the interior, perhaps from the air conditioning, but Brandon couldn''t really tell where it wasing from. The distinctive Imic arches and opulence adorning the room held Brandon''s attention until Abdul Abib, dressed in a <i>thobe</i>, entered from an adjoining door.

    Abdul Abib was the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. He possessed wealth so vast that not even the CIA could urately track its total amount daily.

    "My apologies for keeping you waiting," Abdul Abib greeted Brandon in fluent English, ostentatiously kissing his cheeks. "Please have a seat.¡±

    He gestured to a chair and sat down. Grapes and a cup of tea were then promptly brought to his side table.

    "There seems to have been a minormotion in Africa,¡± he remarked.

    "It''s already been dealt with," responded Brandon.

    "What about Lanok¡¯s and Vasili''s movements?" Abdul Abib asked as his fingers, each adorned with arge ring, plucked a grape and brought it to his mouth.

    "They¡¯re proving difficult to deal with," Brandon replied.

    "Same with Moon Jae-Hyun, I suppose?"

    "Despite how he is, he''s still the President of South Korea. It will require some time."

    As Abib plucked another grape, he raised his gaze to meet Brandon''s.

    Brandon continued, "We''re doing our best.¡±

    "I know, but what we need right now is results. If their ns are what we suspect, then we can¡¯t afford to take things slow, and neither can America, especially since the Eurasian Rail is about to choke off our breathing room," Abdul Abib replied. He straightened up, seemingly losing interest in the grapes. "After tomorrow, the special forces in Africa will no longer be a concern for you, Director."

    Brandon''s eyes widened. Abdul Abib remained calm, seemingly unaffected by his reaction.

    "Don''t worry about the UN or the internationalmunity."

    "We still need confirmation," Brandon urged.

    "Hesitating may mean missing an irreceable opportunity. That¡¯s why, when the strongest forces of France, Russia, and that detestable Korea are eliminated, I expect you to show results."

    Brandon felt as if Abdul Abib''s words were choking him. Even he, the DIA Director, couldn''t unterally decide on such a matter.

    "I haven¡¯t gotten approval from the homnd yet, and our men are still there. Besides, if we use force against globally recognized special forces and fail, it''ll only heighten their vignce," he countered.

    Abdul Abib smirked, raising only one corner of his lips. "Director, you''ve always underestimated the might of our Imic soldiers. It would be a problem if you mistook our patience for weakness.¡±

    Seeing the determination in Abdul Abib''s eyes, Brandon knew there was no reversing this decision.

    Abdul Abib added, "We will no longer just watch the base in Mongolia."

    <i>''Have things developed to that extent?''</i>

    Brandon, who controlled a worldwide intelligencework, found himself involuntarily shaking his head.

    "Now is the time for action, not just opinions, Director. People are starting to learn about ckhead, denadite, and cetinium. If we can''t possess them all, then we have to utterly destroy them. That will cause the Eurasian Rail to copse.¡±

    Brandon pursed his lips and sighed softly. Andul Abib was right. After all, Lanok, Vasili, and the damn God of ckfield were involved.

    "Eliminating the heads of intelligence who are aware of ckhead''s potential will make Germany and Switzend naturally bow down."

    "Isn''t it still too early to tell? Can''t we proceed a bit more slowly?" Brandon asked.

    Abdul Abib shook his head. "If ckhead and the two other minerals be an alternative to oil as we fear, my country won¡¯t be the only one affected; all of the United States'' oil engines, theirponents, and the intellectual property rights to their designs will be obsolete. I''m quite disappointed with what you''ve said today, Director."

    <i>''Why the hurry?''</i> Brandon thought. His expression hardened.

    "Our soldiers are already on their way to Africa. If you''re still not ready, we will deal with Lanok and Vasili ourselves," Abdul Abib dered.

    "Lanok is in South Korea, and Vasili is in the heart of Russia," Brandon pointed out.

    Abdul Abib gave Brandon a faint smile, the corners of his eyes curving. "The biggest issue with you, Director, is your tendency to prioritize assassination. You¡¯re always so concerned with covering your tracks. Our soldiers, however, are different. Moreover, as I¡¯m sure you¡¯re well aware of, South Korea is particrly vulnerable to bombings due to its weak defenses andck of experience."

    "Have you considered the consequences?"

    "Do you really think America can hold its position if we dy things and let the next generation of energy technologye to fruition? If we let that happen, the revenue flow we''re currently enjoying will shift toward South Korea, France, and Russia."

    Abdul Abib made a gesture with his hand that looked like a fish changing direction. He then shook his head.

    "Can America handle such a massive loss in revenue and drop in the value of the dor? The moment South Korea establishes its next-generation energy operations at the Mongolian base, their won will be the leading currency in international transactions. If Ethan of Ennd hadn''t foolishly caused a mishap by mistaking this next-generation energy source for a weapon, we would have been duped as well. Now is not the time to worry about consequences."

    "You''re nning a Jihad?"

    "Well, South Korea did humiliate our warriors in Afghanistan with France¡¯s support."

    Brandon''s expression hardened further.

    Abdul Abib gazed at the grapes as he asked, "Did you know Germany is secretly developing electric cars?"

    "Don¡¯t you hold a substantial stake in thepany that¡¯s making them?"

    Abdul Abib smiled out of formality. "It''s a new type of car that¡¯s powered by electricity that isn¡¯t derived from oil or uranium. It¡¯s a revolutionary technology that reduces the number of engine parts to just 45% of the current number."

    Brandon gasped. This was news even to the DIA.

    "Moreover, under the guise of waste recycling, the German intelligence agency secretly secured funding for this project from apletely unexpected source¡ªJapan."

    Startled, Brandon felt as if he''d been struck on both cheeks.

    "The countries that feel my country and the US can''te up with a strategy tobat the new energy source are independently seeking survival. Do you still think my n is wrong?"

    "We should at least warn Japan," replied Brandon.

    "We can''t make them give up on the undersea tunnel. Even if a new source of energy is being utilized, the shares for that must belong to my country and the US."

    "Understood," Brandon said, firming his resolve.

    "Tonight, we start in Africa," Abdul Abib stated calmly. "But before we do, we would like to extend our goodwill to you."

    Brandon had no choice but to agree.

    ***

    Kang Chan spent a satisfying afternoon enjoying a meal of ramyeon, instant ck bean noodles, and kimchi. Although he wanted to read the letters, he hadn''t found the time to yet. That was just an excuse he was telling himself, though. He could easily make time for it if he just set his mind to it.

    However, he didn''t want to rush reading his first-ever letters, especially since they were marked with the names "Lee Yoo-Seul," "Yoo Hye-Sook," and "Kim Mi-Young." It wasparable to a man not wanting to hastily consume a feast that he was seeing for the first time in his life.

    Hence, when Kang Chan finally had some time to kill, he chose not to read the letters. Instead, he picked up the satellite phone and went to his room. He had to know why he had been dumped in this damn ce. He''d probably be in a better state of mind to read the letters once he had gotten answers to that.

    Kang Chan considered prodding Anne for information first but decided against it since it would be impolite. Rather, it would just make it seem as if he were doubting Lanok. If he truly trusted Lanok and considered him an ally, then it would only be proper to call him directly. This was how Kang-Chan normally handled things.

    The call was answered as soon as he pressed the call button.

    - Mr. Kang Chan!

    <i>Does Lanok know my number?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn''t help but admire Lanok''s intelligence-gathering capabilities.

    "It¡¯s been a while, Mr. Ambassador," Kang Chan greeted.

    - How are you finding Africa?

    Both Lanok and Kang Chan burst intoughter at the question. Hearing the voice of a dear ally filled them with joy and a sense offort even though they likely had feelings of disappointment and regret.

    "Mr. Ambassador, I''ll get straight to the point since you¡¯re probably busy. I want to know the real reason I''m here."

    Kang Chan wasted no time. After all, this was an important matter that concerned the lives of his men. Moreover, he didn''t want to chat andugh around questions were weighing on his heart.

    - Monsieur Kang.

    Lanok''s tone changed, making Kang Chan listen more intently.

    - It''s hard to discuss even just the dinner menu through this line. For now, trust me and your instincts, Monsieur Kang.

    "You mean I should stake my life on it."

    After a brief silence, Lanok burst intoughter.

    - <i>Hahaha</i>! Those listening to this call would be surprised. I''ll contact you soon.

    "Understood, Mr. Ambassador."

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    "Yes?"

    Lanok¡¯s tone and the way he addressed Kang Chan changed again. Kang Chan felt as if he was beginning to understand the emotions that Lanok wanted to convey.

    - We will win this war.

    <i>''What is that supposed to mean¡ªah!''</i>

    Kang Chan suddenly recalled the scene at the press conference that Lanok had mentioned. Back then, Kang Chan had spoken about the God of ckfield, the name his enemies had given him, and exined that it meant "a god who brings death."

    He''d said, <i>"We will win this war."</i>

    Kang Chan also remembered hisst words at the press conference.

    "Because I''ve got your back."

    Lanok''s gentleughter rang out.

    - You might want to prepare a fiery gift over there.

    "I will."

    After hanging up, Kang Chan got lost in his thoughts. If he was right, then he had to prepare to deliver death to the enemy. Anyone eavesdropping surely wouldn''t miss the underlying meaning of such a conversation. In fact, it proved more effective than tantly telling him that the enemy could strike at any moment.

    Kang Chan''s suspicion turned into certainty. Now, the only task left was to uncover what was happening beyond the prying eyes of other intelligence agencies.

    As the sun neared the horizon, Kang Chan contemted reading the letters he had tucked into his pants.

    He nced at the door.

    <i>''Should I lock it?''</i>

    The thought struck him as amusing. Why was he checking the door just to read three letters?

    As he finally decided to push through with it, the door burst open and Seok Kang-Ho barged into the room, urgency written all over his expression.

    "Captain! We need you outside!"

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even have time to ask questions. He hastily followed Seok Kang-Ho outside and to the barracks that he had pointed at.

    <i>¡®What now?¡® </i>Kang Chan thought.

    A Somali woman was rushing toward him. Her head, forearms, hands, and shins were drenched in blood,

    "Suurudkaad! I caawiya! I caawiya!" she eximed.

    Kang Chan examined the woman''s face as she clutched his sleeve and wailed. He then turned his head toward the men.

    One of them exined, "She¡¯s saying that the rebels are here! I didn''t catch all the details because she kept frantically running around to find you, but she keeps repeating that people are dying! She''s begging for help!"

    "Suurudkaad!" The woman''srge eyes filled with tears as she looked at Kang Chan. "I caawiya! I caawiya!"

    She gazed in the direction of her tribe, wailing incessantly despite her parched mouth. Her lips were extremely dry, which made sense considering she had just run a distance that would take forty minutes to cover by car.

    "Someone bring us some water!" Kang Chan shouted.

    A soldier quickly brought over some water in a mug.

    Not even ncing at the water, the woman prostrated in front of Kang Chan. "Suurudkaad!"

    She had run here, with her arms and legs soaked in blood, to plead for them to rescue her people, who were being brutally murdered at this very moment. These were the pitiable people of Africa¡ªpeople who had songs as their only sce from the harsh lives they endured.

    UN? International politics? Red Cross? No matter which organization Kang Chan was attached to, he couldn''t ignore someone begging to be saved.

    "Suurudkaad! I caawiya!"

    The tear-drenched woman looked up at him.

    Kang Chan called out, "G¨¦rard!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    "Tell everyone to grab their weapons and move out!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    As ordered, the French special forces sprinted to the barracks.

    Realizing what was happening, the woman burst into tears again, her mouth wide open. "<i>Whaaa</i>!"

    "Daye! Cha Dong-Kyun! Everyone, arm yourselves!"

    "Roger that!"

    "Understood!"

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    The South Korean special forces rushed into their barracks as well. A few momentster, a soldier brought Kang Chan his rifle, vest, and helmet.

    "Mahad! Mahad! Suurudkaad!" the woman cried out, barely managing to express her gratitude.

 Chapter 257: Certainty Set In (2)

    <h4>Chapter 257: Certainty Set In (2)</h4>

    Just as Kang Chan was putting on his helmet, the Green Berets ran out of their barracks fully armed.

    ¡°We¡¯ll go with you!¡± themander of the Green Berets shouted.

    <i>Vroom! nk! nk!</i>

    Noises from the soldiers running out of their respective barracks and the engines of vehicles starting filled the base.

    Themander continued, ¡°Consider this as thanks for saving us! It¡¯s our fault for getting ourselves in a situation where we¡¯d need saving in the first ce, but it¡¯s still about time we get our revenge on the insurgents for attacking us!¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± With a determined expression, themander turned around to send his men outside. ¡°Go! Go! Go! Move! Move!¡±

    The woman who had fallen on the ground pushed herself up and ran out of the base. They couldn¡¯t possibly stop her from going with them.

    Kang Chan turned around as another group of soldiers stood in attention in front of him. It was the Spetsnaz blocking his way this time, also armed to the teeth.

    ¡°We¡¯ll go with you,¡± Andrei said.

    <i>Did all these sons of bitches take drugs?</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re under Director Vasili¡¯s orders,¡± he continued.

    ¡°Why should I follow his orders?¡± Kang Chan shot back.

    ¡°Please, monsieur Kang.¡±

    Kang Chan looked into Andrei¡¯s eyes. Despite being themander of the Spetsnaz, Andrei still bowed down to him in front of his men. He didn¡¯t know why the fucker was acting this way, but ignoring him would be as insulting as spitting on someone bowing their head to him.

    ¡°Then get moving!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    ¡°Thanks!¡±

    Andrei turned around and headed out of the base. The Spetsnaz followed behind him.

    <i>Damn it! Why does everything keep getting out of hand?</i>

    He and his men were only going over to knock down an insurgent group, but South Korea¡¯s special forces team, France¡¯s Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team, the Spetsnaz, and even the Green Berets were all going with him.

    Forget the insurgents. They had enough military might to overthrow most regimes.

    <i>Vrrooom! Vroom!</i>

    As soon as Kang Chan got in one of the vehicles, they all simultaneously started moving.

    He red at the UNmand center as they drove off. The UN had mobilized government forces and even the Red Cross to address the African tribes¡¯ problems, yet not even one of them hade out to see what was going on despite all themotion.

    <i>Rattle! Rattle!</i>

    The Humvee made its way through the unpaved ground.

    Kang Chan found something weird about this situation, but it wasn¡¯t important right now. He raised his hand on his helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s the God of ckfield. I¡¯m assigning codename Bravo to the Foreign Legion, Charlie to the Green Berets, and Delta to the Spetsnaz.¡±

    The army interpreters for South Korea, the United States, and Russia quickly passed on what Kang Chan said in French into their respective nativenguages.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°This is a tribal war. We do not have permission to engage, but we have to prioritize the tribe¡¯s safety anyway.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il nced at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    Unlike yesterday, the world-famous special forces teams chose to fall under South Korea¡¯smand themselves today. Hence, it was only natural that South Korea¡¯s special forces team was Team Alpha, which symbolizedmand.

    <i>Rattle! Rattle!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! Secure the ess road as soon as we get there,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun firmly responded from one of the speeding trucks that were leaving clouds of dust in their trail. He didn¡¯t want to ruin things by dawdling in situations like this.

    The sun had almost set. If one were to look at it from the side, it would seem as if it was flying alongside the vehicles.

    The French team was to the left of the South Korean team, the American team to their right, and the Spetsnaz behind them. They looked as if they were escorting the South Korean team.

    At their current speed, it would take them twenty minutes to reach their destination.

    Kang Chan red ahead of him, his eyes as intense as the zing sun.

    He had a lot of questions. He could understand the American team¡¯s reason for going with them. But why did Vasili order Andrei to obey him? Moreover, not one person from the UN''smand center showed up even though their troops were rushing out of the base without permission.

    <i>Rattle! Rattle! Rattle!</i>

    The Humvee roughly shook, seemingly telling Kang Chan to focus on the task at hand for now.

    <i>Fine! I¡¯ll rescue the tribe first!</i>

    Having made up his mind, he scanned their surroundings.

    The woman sitting at the back was suffering from motion sickness, which was quite understandable since the vehicle kept swerving, rattling and vibrating like crazy.

    The blood that had dripped from her curly hair and the dried-up tears on her face made her look like a mess, but she still seemed full of hope.

    <i>I don¡¯t know how many people we can rescue, but I¡¯ll try my best.</i>

    After a while, a ridge blocking their way came into view. The Humvee stopped and Kang Chan got out.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I want all snipers to keep an eye out for anyone with rocketunchers.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Team Bravo. We¡¯re good to go. Over.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Team Charlie. Ready when you are.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Team Delta. Awaiting further instructions.¡±

    Having gotten confirmation from every team, Kang Chan held up his right hand in the air and spun it in a circle twice. He then pointed ahead of him.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    The truck that Cha Dong-Gyun was in rushed to the front.

    ¡°Colonel!¡± Kang Chan yelled. ¡°Please secure the entrance with Cha Dong-Gyun!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Park Chul-Su answered.

    Kang Chan got on the back of the Humvee and slung his rifle over his shoulder.

    <i>Rattle! Rattle!</i>

    Even though the vehicle was shaking, they still had to provide the soldiers who had gone ahead with cover.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    If their enemies were hiding up in the mountains, then the truck that Cha Dong-Gyun was in could explode into a ball of fire before they could even think, <i>¡®Oops!¡¯</i>

    To Kang Chan, everything seemed to be moving in slow motion¡ªeven Lee Doo-Hee turning the wheel, the front part of the Humvee bouncing, and the swaying trees and nts at the ridge.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    ¡°Daye! I¡¯m going to run out with G¨¦rard once Cha Dong-Gyun secures the ess road!¡±

    ¡°Copy!¡±

    They only had a bit of time left before they reached the ridge.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Form an advance party with ten people!¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°You too, Choi Jong-Il!¡± Kang Chan ordered again.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun and the soldiers got out of the truck and ran to secure the strategic position uphill.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Team Delta, I want you up the mountain covering us,¡± Kang Chanmanded. ¡°Team Charlie, cover us from the back.¡±

    As the two teams radioed in determined replies, the Humvee stopped in front of the ridge.

    <i>Whoosh! nk! nk!</i>

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho got out and charged onward. G¨¦rard and Choi Jong-Il followed behind them with the other soldiers.

    <i>Crunch! Crunch! Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    The path felt slippery, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t stumble.

    They were running with their rifles at the ready. Since anyone in hiding could shoot them while they were running, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho, the ones with the fastest reaction time, brought up the vanguard of their formation.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    Kang Chan was breathing so heavily that it would be difficult for him to count his breath. With their surroundings starting to get dark, they would be in real trouble if the rebels had installed boobytraps.

    When Kang Chan got to the top of the ridge, he took a couple of steps closer to the downhill slope of the mountain. Dirt rolled down the mountain when he stopped.

    <i>Crunch! Crunch!</i>

    Dirt scattered as Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, G¨¦rard, and the soldiers following right behind them stopped. They couldn''t hear anything.

    Kang Chan gestured to his nks with his left hand, and the soldiers quickly hid in either side of him.

    <i>Ba-dum. Ba-dum.</i>

    Kang Chan suddenly got goosebumps all over his body and found it difficult to breathe. He had only ever experienced something like this once.

    He had to be conscious of his breathing, but still be silent. But in this state, the soldiers that were near him would be hearing how quickly and how hard he was breathing.

    <i>What¡¯s going on? Why am I like this?</i>

    All Kang Chan could hear was his heart beating, but it sounded as if it wasing from his head.

    <i>Ba-dum. Ba-dum.</i>

    The soldiers nervously examined their surroundings. They were running out of time, but since Kang Chan wasn¡¯t moving, all they could do was wait for orders.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan with glinting eyes. He had never seen him acting like this.

    Kang Chan was the type to charge in and quickly work through the situation if he found it dangerous. Now, however, it looked like he couldn¡¯t even move an inch.

    <i>Ba-dum. Ba-dum.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart was beating so fast that he felt like blood was rushing to his cheeks.

    <i>They¡¯re about to shoot me in the neck likest time! Is this what people call fear?</i>

    ¡°Captain!¡± Seok Kang-Ho called, making Kang Chan turn his head toward him.

    <i>¡®Daye?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®What are you so scared of?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Scared? I¡¯m scared?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®You are, aren¡¯t you?¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®You fucker, what did you just say...?¡¯</i>

    Just as Kang Chan was about to give Seok Kang-Ho a mouthful...

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    Kang Chan could finally hear himself breathing again.

    <i>I¡¯m scared? Me? I¡¯m scared of being shot in the neck again?</i>

    <i>Pft.</i>

    Kang Chan smirked, and Seok Kang-Ho grinned in response.

    The path in front of them led down the mountain. If Kang Chan¡¯s instinct was right that snipers were all around them, then they would likely be aiming at Kang Chan and his men from Mount Surdkad.

    ¡°Move back! That mountain is suspicious!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Kang Chan then quickly assigned the soldiers to their positions.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I want all teams prepared toe across armed hostiles up ahead. Be on the lookout for RPGs or tangos lying in wait on Mount Surdkad .¡±

    He had some of the best teams in the world under hismand right now. As soon as he was done issuing orders, he heard the soldiers in the mountain and at the back withdrawing.

    They moved behind the tallest point of the ridge.

    ¡°Daye! This is probably a trap simr to the one we experienced before! Act ordingly!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho red at Mount Surdkad. ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Consider this whole situation a trap. Be especially careful of our enemies attacking us from the mountain.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Du-du-du! Ta-dang! Ta-da-da-dang! Du-du-du!</i>

    At the same time, they heard loud gunshotsing from the mountain to their left.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Team Delta! We¡¯re being ambushed! The tangos are wearing a ck military uniform with a ck bandana!¡±

    <i>Du-du-du! Du-du-du-du! Ta-da-dang! Ta-dang!</i>

    Multiple gunshots echoed in quick session.

    <i>Pew! Bam! Pew! Bam!</i>

    At the same time, the dirt in front of Kang Chan sttered into the air.

    <i>Ta-dang! Ta-da-dang! Ta-da-dang! Ta-dang!</i>

    The French soldiers immediately returned fire, roughly guessing where their enemies were.

    <i>Those sons of bitches!</i>

    Overexerting themselves, the enemy snipers shot at them even though it would have been better to wait. The distance between them was so huge that just hiding behind the ridge should be enough to keep them safe.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Du-du-du! Du-du-du! Ta-da-dang!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The enemy¡¯s overwhelming us with their numbers! We need backup!¡± someone from Team Delta radioed in.

    Bright shes could be seen from the left ridge.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Charlie! Support Delta!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Copy that!¡±

    After getting an affirmative, Kang Chan approached G¨¦rard.

    <i>Pew! Bam!</i>

    More bullets hit the ground as he did, sending dirt flying again.

    <i>Ta-da-da-dang! Ta-da-da-dang! Ta-da-da-dang!</i>

    Gunfire could be heard from all over the mountain. The gunshots that rang out from the ridge that the Spetsnaz was at mixed with the sounds of the French soldiers returning fire.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, do you have heavy weaponry?¡± Kang Chan asked. The enemy fire forced himself to duck right after.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    ¡°We have an I and a machine gun mounted on the truck.¡±

    ¡°Bring them over.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± G¨¦rard answered. He immediately contacted his men through the radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun!¡± Kang Chan called. ¡°Our enemies might ambush us from the other side of the battle. I want heavy weaponry ready at that side! Don¡¯t let your guard down, you hear me?!¡±

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Du-du-du! Du-du! Ta-da-dang!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    <i>nk! nk!</i>

    Four French soldiers soon reached them with an M240 and an I.

    <i>Pew! Bam! Pew! Bam.</i>

    With the area now pitch ck, Kang Chan could finally see the sparks flying from the bottom half of the mountain more clearly.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to advance. If any of you see the snipers, shoot them down!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be hard to do that with a machine gun,¡± Someone responded.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter! Just stall for a bit and then fire the I!¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    This should be enough.

    ¡°We¡¯re heading down the mountain and hit our enemies from behind!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Although there weren¡¯t any bushes around, they at least had the cover of darkness at their disposal. Their enemies would easily spot them if they had binocrs, but for as long as they didn¡¯t walk in such a stupid way that the snipers could shoot them, their objective was doable.

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Du-du-du! Ta-dang! Ta-da-da-dang! Du-du-du!</i>

    Lights were still shing from the left ridge.

    How many people did their enemies send here for them to put up such a fierce fight against the Spetsnaz and the Green Berets?

    Kang Chan and his men showed up to this tribal war assuming that they were going to fight insurgents only to be stabbed in the back.

    <i>¡®You bastards dare try to kill me?¡¯</i>

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    Kang Chan first made sure that the machine gun and the I at the back were ready to go.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Team Alpha. We¡¯re going to hit our enemies from behind with Team Bravo.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Copy that, Team Alpha! We still got a lot of tangos on us.¡±

    After informing his men of his n, Kang Chan slightly raised his head and immediately ducked down.

    <i>PEW! Bam!</i>

    Almost at the same time, the enemy snipers immediately shot at him.

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du! PEW!</i>

    The machine gun zed up not long after, sending a flurry of bullets toward the mountain, followed by the I being fired.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du!</i>

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the other soldiers ran down the ridge while the other teams were providing suppressive fire.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    If they went all the way down, they would find themselves exactly where the tribes were. Kang Chan and his men were currently in the part of the mountain that was covered by arge hill, preventing anyone from shooting them.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Team Alpha! The tangos probably belong to the Quds!¡±[1] a Green Beret radioed in.

    <i>The Quds? The mercenary-like special forces that got themselves involved in wars and terrorism with the Arabs after being established in Iraq?</i>

    There was no way the Green Berets would mistake the Quds for some other force.

    <i>¡®Why are those fuckers kicking up a fuss here?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan felt much more rxed now that he knew who their enemies were.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    Kang Chan turned to the opposite direction of where the tribespeople were and headed to where the Spetsnaz¡¯s location. They would soon be in a position to pincer their enemies.

    Even though Kang Chan didn¡¯t order them to, Seok Kang-Ho went to his right and G¨¦rard to his left. South Korea and France¡¯s special forces teams spread out as they followed behind them.

    The mountain barely had any trees, but it did have good indents that made for good cover for both them and their enemies.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    <i>Du-du-du-du-du-du!</i>

    Hearing the machine gun¡¯s rapid fire, Kang Chan assumed that snipers tried to shoot down the squad they left behind again.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    Kang Chan carefully moved forward.

    <i>Click! Pew!</i>

    Upon closing the distance by fifty more meters, he shot an enemy who was about to take aim.

    <i>Du-du-du! Pow-pow-pow! Du-du! Pow!</i>

    <i>Bam! Bam!</i>

    The hostiles quickly jumped down, getting themselves out of the line of fire. Their quick reflexes and urate aim were enough to know that they had trained hard for situations like this.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Ta-da-dang! Ta-dang! Ta-da-dang!</i>

    In the blink of an eye, as the night fell, another battle erupted.

    <i>Du-du-du! Du-du-du-du! Du-du-du!</i>

    Every gunshot that echoed helped them pinpoint their enemies¡¯ location. However, their enemies were so skilled that they were quick to hide after returning fire.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>Still, we¡¯re leagues above you bastards!</i>

    <i>Du-du-du!</i>

    <i>Pew! Bam!</i>

    Kang Chan quickly shot one of the hostiles¡¯ forehead.

    <i>Du-du-du-du! Pew! Bam!</i>

    After getting behind cover, he pointed his index and middle fingers to the ground and then to his right.

    Seok Kang-Ho tapped his chest twice in response, then headed to the right nk with Choi Jong-Il.

    <i>Du-du-du-du! Pew! Pew! Ta-da-da-dang! Ta-da-dang!</i>

    Catching on to Kang Chan¡¯s n, the French soldiers immediately provided cover fire.

    <i>Click! Pew! Bam! Pew! Bam!</i>

    At the same time, Kang Chan shot two more hostiles in the head.

    <i>How dare these fucking bastards show up out of nowhere and trick us!</i>

    <i>Pew! Bam!</i>

    <i>Ta-da-dang! Pow-pow-pow!</i>

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard each took down an enemy with a bullet to the head.

    1. The Quds Force is one of five branches of Iran''s Imic Revolutionary Guard Corps specializing in unconventional warfare and military intelligence operations ?

 Chapter 258: You Should Get Used To It (1)

    <h4>Chapter 258: You Should Get Used To It (1)</h4>

    Inbat, one could read the flow to determine who had the upper hand.

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang! Du du du! Pew! Pew! Du du! Du du du!</i>

    Kang Chan put bullets into more of their enemies'' heads. With G¨¦rard stepping up to help him and Seok Kang-Ho assisting them from below, the enemy¡¯s ferocity began to weaken.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>

    Even if the Quds could be considered as one of the best special forces among the Arabs, the teams they were up against were some of the best in the world.

    The fight quickly tilted in the South Korean team¡¯s favor when they gained momentum.

    <i>Du du du du! Pew! Du du! Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang!</i>

    Judging by the shes of gunfire, the enemy numbered about two hundred. In African tribal wars, the insurgent rebel forces easily added up to at least a thousand men. Even so, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand why so many Quds had shown up here today.

    Fortunately, in addition to the forty-five Spetsnaz and Green Berets, they also had twenty South Korean special forces. They weren¡¯t at too much of a disadvantage.

    <i>Peeew! Pew! Du du du! Peew! Pow pow pow! Pow!</i>

    Shooting an enemy right in the forehead from only thirty meters away could seem easy, but in truth, it was impossible. In actualbat, even hitting an enemy running just twenty meters ahead would already be difficult. After all, behind such a target, someone would always be providing suppressive fire to cover them. Moreover, one had to get up and back down to hide in a split second in this situation, making it hard to properly aim at the enemy.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow! Pow! Thud! Peew! Pew!</i>

    The dirt and dust right next to the shooter would stter up, and the boulders they were hiding behind could break into pieces, overwhelming them far too much to do anything.

    <i>Du du du! Pow! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Pew! Pew! Pew! Bang, bang!</i>

    Before Kang Chan got back up, G¨¦rard covered fire for him. In situations like this, Kang Chan was always more than grateful to have someone he could trust his life with.

    Likewise, G¨¦rard and his men shot back believing that Kang Chan would eliminate all their enemies.

    <i>Du du du! Bang, bang, bang! Pew! Pow! Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang!</i>

    When the Spetsnaz and Green Berets started their triumphant descent, the tide of the battle began to turnpletely in their favor.

    In just fifteen minutes, they had killed over fifty enemies. At this rate, they would clear out this side in an hour.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Du du du du! Peeeew! Pew! Pow pow pow!</i>

    <i>Haah, haah.</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Click!</i>

    Kang Chan fired four consecutive bullets before crouching over and releasing the empty magazine in his gun.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pow pow pow!</i>

    More rocks shattered and dirt sttered.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan was inserting a new magazine when the radio crackled.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°There are trucks in pursuit of our vehicles, and they¡¯re shooting at us from the back! I repeat! We¡¯ve got trucks on our asses, and they¡¯re shooting at us!¡±

    <i>Could they be the SBS?</i>

    <i>Du du du du! Pow pow pow! Du du! Peeew! Pow!</i>

    Still crouched over and keeping his head down, Kang Chan raised his hand to his helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°They might be the SBS! sh your lights to send them a signal!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The army interpreters ryed Kang Chan¡¯smand in their respectivenguages.

    <i>Chhhhk!</i>

    ¡°This is the vehicle at the entrance! Check the lights! We need backup! I repeat! We need backup!¡±

    Rough engines, gunfire, and shouts mixed in with the crackles of radios.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! Fire the Is at the approaching vehicles! They¡¯ll have us surrounded if they get around us! I¡¯m putting all Bravo members in your location under yourmand!¡± Kang Chan shouted in Korean, then repeated it in French.

    <i>Ta ta ta ta ta ta ta! Weeew! Boooom!</i>

    Along with shes of light, they heard a cacophony of gunshots, sttering dirt, screams, and shouts from the entrance. It was pandemonium.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Daye! Head back! There¡¯s been a new development!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Chk.

    ¡°Got it!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s response was mixed with the sound of gunshots. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even hear it properly.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Du du du!</i>

    <i>Chhk.</i>

    ¡°Captain! We need cover!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°On three, start running!¡± Kang Chan responded.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°One! Two...!¡±

    ¡°Cover them!¡± Kang Chan ordered the others.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang! Peew!</i>

    Asmanded, the soldiers began to send bullets flying in the direction that Seok Kang-Ho would be returning from.

    <i>Pow! Pow! Peeeew! Pew! Pow pow pow pow!</i>

    A momentter, Seok Kang-Ho reached Kang Chan¡¯s position.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Charlie! Delta! Come back this way! The enemy is at the entrance trying to overwhelm us with numbers! Keeping our forces split will be dangerous! Withdraw and provide support to the soldiers at the entrance!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Chhhk!</i>

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang! Tu ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Charlie! We got wounded over here! Provide cover!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is the entrance! We¡¯ve got three SBS soldiers in critical condition!¡±

    <i>Du du du du! Du du du! Du du du! Weeooo! Boom!</i>

    Another bright sh lit up their dark surroundings.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯ve got more injured! The enemy¡¯s too many!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun shouted, his words buried under the gunshots.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Retreat up the ridge!¡± Kang Chanmanded. The situation had taken a bad turn. ¡°G¨¦rard! Take charge of this ce!¡±

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang!</i>

    ¡°Daye!¡± Kang Chan shouted as he climbed up.

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang! Peew! Pew! Du du du! Pow pow pow! Du du du du!</i>

    While G¨¦rard and the soldiers were providing suppressive fire, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho climbed up the ridge.

    <i>Du du du du! Du du du! Tu ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta!</i>

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Trucks were all around them in front of the mountain, and the unmistakable M60 gunfire and a mass of white flew up from them.

    <i>Pow pow pow pow pow pow pow pow!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Drag the injured to the back!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun shouted over the radio.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    Kang Chan went down the ridge so fast that he almost slid down. ¡°Retreat! Go back up!¡±

    As he issuedmands, Spetsnaz and Green Beret soldiers appeared next to him.

    ¡°Defend that side! Don¡¯t let the enemies get up there no matter what!¡±

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang! Du du du! Tu ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta!</i>

    <i>Pow pow pow pow pow pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow pow pow!</i>

    Several of the men were sent flying backward, and a big part of the ground in front of Kang Chan sunk in.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho rushed forward to take a look at the wounded soldier. Half of his chest was missing.

    ¡°Daye! Hold this position!¡±

    <i>Hisssss</i>!

    Kang Chan sprinted and pulled the dead soldier up the ridge when he heard the loud <i>boom </i>of mortars ringing out in the distance.

    <i>Bam! Bam! Bam!</i>

    ¡°Get down! Get down!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>

    Clumps of dirt flew into the air and rained back down toward them.

    ¡°Lee Doo-Hee! Focus on getting those bastards!¡±

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    ¡°Snipers! Eliminate the enemies manning the mortars and RPGs first!¡± Kang Chan ordered both in Korean and French.

    <i>Tu ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta ta!</i>

    As a French soldier let his M240 loose, the snipers eliminated the men near the mortars, forcing the enemy¡¯s offensive to enter a brief lull.

    ¡°Move the wounded over here!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Hissss!</i>

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Du du du! Du du! Tu ta ta ta ta ta!</i>

    Sparks shed all over the area as different kinds of gunshots mixed.

    After putting the dead and the wounded to one side, Kang Chan immediately turned to Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°Daye! Let¡¯s retreat to where the tribe is! G¨¦rard is blocking the bottom of the mountain, so you lead the way! I¡¯ll cover for you from behind!¡±

    ¡°Copy that!¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    <i>Pew! Peew! Du du! Du du du du!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Charlie! Delta! We¡¯re moving to where the tribe is! Keep your guard up as you follow our lead! I¡¯ll be taking the rear!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    After getting the other teams¡¯ confirmation, Kang Chan headed down the ridge.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! We¡¯re heading to where the tribe is! Retreat!¡±

    <i>Pow pow pow! Peeew! Pew! Pew! Pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow!</i>

    The dirt around them sttered.

    ¡°Go up!¡±

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    The enemies hiding behind the trucks were no more than thirty meters away.

    <i>Du du du! Pow! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Du du du!</i>

    When another soldier fell, Kang Chan immediately dashed toward him and pulled him by the arm.

    ¡°<i>Ahh! Argh</i>!¡±

    The bullet likely hit the soldier in a vital spot. As Kang Chan tugged him to safety, the soldier shook his head from side to side, screaming over and over again.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    ¡°<i>Kegh</i>!¡± Kang Chan groaned, suddenly feeling searing pain in his right thigh.

    ¡°Take him! Go!¡±

    <i>Pew! Pow pow pow! Pow! Pew! Du du du! Du du!</i>

    It was too much for them to handle a hail of bullets from over four hundred enemy soldiers. They could¡¯ve taken this in stride if they were up against rebel forces, but their opponent right now was four hundred Quds.

    <i>Pow! Thud! Pow pow pow pow! Peeew! Pew!</i>

    Another soldier fell backward, hitting the ground hard.

    Kang Chan extended his thumb, index, and middle fingers. He then pointed upward, signaling the others to form a three-point perimeter and cover their allies who were climbing up.

    ¡°Carry the wounded on your back! Daye! Go!¡±

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Peeew! Pew! Peeew!</i>

    ¡°Andrei!¡± Kang Chan called just as Andrei let a round of bullets loose from behind the Spetsnaz. ¡°I want you to take four soldiers and hold the rear with me!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Andrei replied.

    <i>Du du du! Tu ta ta ta ta ta ta! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Another soldier fell to the ground. Their men who were at the front of the mountain had almost all gotten up to the ridge.

    <i>Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang!</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re low on ammo!¡± Andrei shouted out through gritted teeth.

    <i>You motherfucker! Considering how much you were firing, I¡¯m honestly not surprised!</i>

    It wasn¡¯t his fault either, though. The sparks from guns were getting closer to them from G¨¦rard¡¯s side as well.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Take your soldiers and fall back! Daye will open up a path for you!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, Cap!¡±

    <i>Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang! Du du du! Du du! Du du du du!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun and his men ran along the ridge, carrying the wounded on their backs.

    ¡°Snipers! Fall back!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    While Lee Doo-Hee and the French sniper got up, Kang Chan swiftly got a hold of the M240.

    <i>Tu ta ta ta ta ta ta! Tu ta ta ta ta ta! Boom! Boooom!</i>

    Two of the trucks soon exploded. Kang Chan saw bodies fly up and crash back down to the ground.

    ¡°Andrei!¡±

    <i>Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Du du du! Pow pow pow!</i>

    Andrei and his soldiers dashed past Kang Chan.

    <i>Tu ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta!</i>

    Kang Chan fired the M240 at the enemiesing up from below.

    <i>Click! Click! Click!</i>

    When he ran out of bullets, the enemies began to scramble up to the ridge in a flutter of movements that resembled cockroaches streaming out of the trucks.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan backed away as he shot at the enemies.

    ¡°G¨¦rard!¡±

    <i>Bang, bang, bang! Du du du! Du du! Du du du du!</i>

    With the wounded on their backs, the French soldiers ran up the mountain. G¨¦rard and Choi Jong-Il were thest to reach the ridge.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan rained more bullets down on the iing hostiles, protecting Choi Jong-Il until he got to safety. G¨¦rard and Choi Jong-Il then fended off the enemies climbing up from the sides as he blocked off the front, but it was hard to beat their overwhelming numbers.

    <i>Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang! Du du du! Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>

    Mortar strikes followed right after the gunshots.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud! Hissss!</i>

    This time, the bombardment fell on the enemy on the other side.

    As they ran along the ridge to go around the mountain, Kang Chan finally got some breathing room. If they hadn¡¯t taken out the sniper on the opposite mountain, this fight would have ended then and there.

    <i>Du du du du! Pew! Pew! Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang!</i>

    The narrow path made it impossible for the enemies toe up all at once.

    ¡°Run!¡±

    <i>Rustle! Rustle! ck!</i>

    A French soldier carrying a wounded soldier on his back tripped and fell forward.

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard sprinted toward him, grabbed him by the shoulders, and lifted him to his feet. At the same time, Choi Jong-Il carried the wounded on his back.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Click! Click! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan kept their enemies under constant fire as he retreated. Whenever he had to swap magazines, G¨¦rard covered for him.

    The ridge was quite narrow. The enemy¡¯s offense momentarily paused as a series of bullets pierced their men¡¯s foreheads on their way up.

    Running through a slippery path in the middle of the night, the soldiers with the wounded on their backs kept sliding, preventing them from going any faster.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Du du du! Bang, bang, bang! Pew! Pow pow pow! Pow!</i>

    Every time sparks shed, another person went down.

    Kang Chan was almost grateful that the road to the tribe had a lot of twists and turns.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Where do you want to go?¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Go up to where the enemy¡¯s snipers were!¡± Kang Chan replied.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Got it!¡±

    Five minutes after Kang Chan responded to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s question on the radio, they finally reached the tribe.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth. On one side of it was arge pile of the corpses.

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Turning around, he fired at the enemies chasing after them,nding headshot after headshot.

    <i>Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!</i>

    Soon, he heard sniper rifles firing from the mountains overlooking the tribe''s homes.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>

    When the enemies started falling, Kang Chan ran up the mountain.

    <i>Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!</i>

    The gunshots were like music to his ears.

    <i>Du du du! Du du du du! Swoosh! Swoosh!</i>

    Going deeper into the mountain made him feel a bit more at ease.

    ¡°Move the injured to that side! I want all snipers prioritizing the enemies manning machine guns, mortars, and missiles! G¨¦rard! Have ten men hold this position!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    G¨¦rard assigned six soldiers from the French team and four from the South Korean team to guard the path into the vige, giving them a bit more breathing room. It would be difficult to enter the vige from the mountains behind them.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! I want three soldiers guarding that area and these two others!¡± Kang Chan pointed to three different locations. ¡°Get the snipers up there when you¡¯re done!¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied.

    The enemies were likely regrouping as well, considering they weren¡¯t rushing in yet.

    Now that time was no longer against him, Kang Chan started to feel a sharp paining up from the gunshot wound on his right thigh. Choosing to ignore it, he looked at the tribesmen¡¯s houses when someone came up to him.

    ¡°I¡¯m Tyler. I have eight dead and five wounded,¡± said themander of the SBS. He was as burly as a gori, and dust and blood were all over his face. ¡°It bothered me that no one was at the UNmand center after everyone left.¡±

    Exhausted, he took off his helmet and met Kang Chan¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°We were armed, yet they still suddenly attacked us.¡±

    ¡°You did well,¡± Kang Chanmended.

    He raised his hand to remove his helmet, releasing the heat that had been trapped inside.

    ¡°I won¡¯t forget your help today,¡± Tyler said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk again after we get out of here alive,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Tyler red at the entrance of the vige, turned around, and walked away.

    After a while, G¨¦rard walked over to Kang Chan. He took off his cap and slung it over his left shoulder.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got four dead, four wounded,¡± he said. ¡°Our chick is in critical condition, Cap. Can youe over and take a look?¡±

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    The two walked over to the wounded.

    The chick, lying on the rightmost of the four French soldiers, smiled weakly at Kang Chan. Shot in the left side of his forehead, he likely wouldn¡¯t be able to survive.

    ¡°It was... a glorious battle,¡± the soldier managed to utter.

    Kang Chan sat down next to him in silence.

    ¡°I was lucky... to have met you.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. Lucky? How was he lucky to meet on the battlefield and part ways like this?

    ¡°Captain... that smirk... I can¡¯t do it...¡±

    ¡°Hurry and get up. I¡¯ll teach you how to do it.¡±

    ¡°Can I... smoke a cigarette?¡±

    ¡°The enemies can¡¯t see us from here. You don¡¯t have to worry about them shooting at us, so it¡¯s fine. Do you want one?¡±

    The chick thanked him in response.

    Kang Chan turned back to look at G¨¦rard, and G¨¦rard handed him a cigarette and a Zippo lighter.

    Kang Chan took out two cigarettes and lit them up, putting one in the chick¡¯s mouth. As the soldier struggled to draw on it, the me on the end of the cigarette flickered and died.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>...¡±

    <i>Swish.</i>

    The soldier¡¯s head dropped to the side as he exhaled the smoke, a corner of his mouth curved into a smirk.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡± Kang Chan blew out a long puff of smoke.

    ¡°G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Since we just took a hard blow, isn¡¯t it only proper that we punch them back twice as hard?¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded, his eyes glinting.

 Chapter 259: You Should Get Used To It (2)

    <h4>Chapter 259: You Should Get Used To It (2)</h4>

    The two soldiers next to the French soldier unbuttoned his uniform and used it to cover his face. They then rested his hands on top of his chest.

    If they had a stretcher right now, they would have tied the rookie French soldier¡¯s hands with a belt and the shoces of his military boots together, which was a tradition in the Foreign Legion.

    Kang Chan rubbed his cigarette on the ground and stood up. He then went around the mountain, finding soldiers from different teams carefullyying down their dead brothers.

    ¡°We suffered three casualties, three wounded, Captain,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said. ¡°And...¡±

    As Cha Dong-Gyun provided his report, they reached their fallenrades. The soldiers¡¯ noses and ears were covered with cloth cut from their sleeves, and their arms were crossed on their chests.

    Cha Dong-Gyun continued, ¡°... the woman who came to our base was also killed. She was shot while she was retreating to this ce.¡±

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    They could only do so much to prepare against ambushes, considering they were meant to take their targets by surprise, but Kang Chan never imagined that they would have this many casualties.

    ¡°You¡¯ve all gone through a lot already, but don¡¯t lower your guards yet. Take turns resting.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    When Cha Dong-Gyun turned away, Andrei¡ªwho was nearby¡ªapproached Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got four dead, one wounded.¡±

    ¡°How much ammo do you have left?¡± Kang Chan asked Andrei.

    ¡°Only about two magazines per person.¡±

    ¡°I see... Get some rest for now.¡±

    ¡°If the South Korean team is going out for a night operation, we¡¯d like toe with you,¡± Andrei gruffly requested. He then turned around.

    The Green Berets were hit the roughest. The chances of survival of the five wounded soldiers they left behind at the base were looking slim.

    ¡°I¡¯m Robert[1],mander of the Green Berets. Three of my men were killed. Including the five we left at the base, we also have a total of nine wounded,¡± Robert reported.

    Robert had sharp eyes and an angr face with high eyebrows¡ªa distinct feature of Caucasian men.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You all only came here to help us.¡±

    ¡°You are the God of ckfield,¡± Robert began as he looked Kang Chan straight in the eye. ¡°Getting to witness the operation you conducted in Afghanistan made us all want to fight alongside you. Going out on an operation without receiving orders from Command will likely cause problemster, but none of the wounded or deceased soldiers will resent you for this.¡±

    He then turned around and walked away.

    The moon peeked out from between wispy clouds.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    Kang Chan went back around the mountain and walked to the front. He then stood next to Seok Kang-Ho, who was standing guard.

    ¡°The Quds seem to be praying,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°The question is, why did those sons of bitches suddenlye here and attack us?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan because of his response, which didn¡¯t seem relevant to the topic. He then turned his head toward the tribespeople¡¯s vige in front of them.

    ¡°Combining the ones who attacked us from the front and the back, they sent more than six hundred people against us. Isn¡¯t deploying that many Quds enough evidence of how badly they want to kill us? That¡¯s the only logical exnation here.¡±

    ¡°You think so too?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho responded with a brief grin.

    ¡°Why would they kick up this much of a fuss, though? They even used the UN. The United States, France, the UK, and Russia¡¯s special forces are here as well. Among these people, we¡¯re the only one that isn¡¯t from a powerful country. What can those fuckers gain from killing all of us here?¡±

    ¡°What would overthinking this give us?¡± Seok-Kang Ho asked with a wry grin.

    Kang Chan nodded in response, then red at where their enemies could be.

    ¡°You¡¯re right! Let¡¯s Focus on taking down those bastards for now. We¡¯ll naturally figure out their motives once we¡¯re done with them anyway.¡± Kang Chan turned his head to Cha Dong-Gyun. ¡°Does anyone have a satellite phone?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve got one in the back,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered.

    He then trotted to the back of the mountain. A momentter, he returned with the phone.

    Even though they were on a mountain, the trees and nts around them only went up to their waists. The wave-like ridges were connected to each other, forming a lot of deep craters they could use like trenches to hide in. It would be easy for them to defend this position as well, considering their enemies would have nowhere to hide if they attacked head-on.

    If their snipers could neutralize the enemy mortars, missiles, and machine guns, then they would have a shot at survival.

    Kang Chan turned on the satellite phone.

    <i>Triiing!</i>

    Along with an electronic trill, the blue backlight of the keypad lit up.

    Kang Chan dialed a number. The call rang twice before it was answered.

    - Anne speaking.

    ¡°You already know what¡¯s going on here, don¡¯t you?¡±

    - Yes, we¡¯re monitoring the situation through a satellite.

    Kang Chan looked at the tribal vige right in front of the mountain and the ridge that was connected to it through a path.

    ¡°Can I request support from France¡¯s Foreign Legion?¡±

    - The Director-General¡¯s approval is required when the enemy isn''t African insurgents.

    ¡°Anne, I believe the DGSE is also aware that our enemy is the Quds. Saying that I need the Director-General¡¯s approval in this situation is more insulting than just saying you can¡¯t help.¡±

    - I simply informed you of the procedure. Even if they were given orders, it¡¯ll take approximately four hours for them to reach your location.

    Now that he thought about it, Anne did only tell him about the official procedure.

    ¡°Send enough men to surround the Quds. I want them here as soon as possible.¡±

    - Understood.

    ¡°Thanks, Anne.¡±

    Kang Chan handed Cha Dong-Gyun the satellite phone, then called over all themanders through the radio.

    When everyone arrived, he immediately started their meeting. ¡°As everyone probably already knows, we¡¯re surrounded by well over five hundred Quds.¡±

    He had roughly figured out how many Quds were left by subtracting the dead from the previous fight and the ones from this fight from the estimate he had of those who had arrived on the trucks.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°The Quds willunch another offensive once they¡¯re done praying. They probably calcted how much ammunition we have. And since so many of them rushed over here, it¡¯s obvious that they want to kill all of us before reinforcement arrives.¡±

    Themanders nodded.

    ¡°I heard it¡¯ll take more than four hours for the closest Foreign Legion team to reach us, so we better start conserving ammo as much as we can. I need three people from each team.¡±

    ¡°What for?¡± one of themanders asked,

    ¡°They¡¯re going to stand at the forefront when we engage in closebat.¡±

    Tyler exhaled a groan, then nodded.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°They¡¯re probably almost done praying. Do your best to survive.¡±

    ¡°So we just have to survive until the Foreign Legion gets here?¡± Robert asked.

    Themanders looked at Kang Chan for an answer.

    ¡°No.¡± Kang Chan looked at all of themanders. ¡°I¡¯m telling you to survive until we¡¯ve killed all of our enemies.¡±

    Robert looked at Kang Chan nkly, seemingly unable to understand what he just said.

    ***

    Kang Dae-Kyung put down the economics magazine that he had been reading on the sofa. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook smiled. ¡°You mean this?¡±

    ¡°Are you... writing a letter to Channy again?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®again¡¯? This is only the second letter.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung stood up and walked to the table. ¡°What are you writing about? Should I also write him one?¡±

    ¡°You want to write him a letter?¡± she asked.

    Kang Dae-Kyung tried to look at what she was writing, but she quickly covered it with her hand.

    ¡°What? Why are you covering it? Are you bad-mouthing me?¡±

    ¡°Honey! Go away! Go!¡±

    ¡°Why? What did you write?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung forcibly leaned forward to look, but all he could read was ¡®to my dearly missed son,¡¯ which was written at the very top.

    ¡°All right, all right! I won¡¯t look! <i>Tsk</i>, how petty!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung joked.

    He then sat across from Yoo Hye-Sook and started to read the magazine again.

    ¡°I heard that it¡¯s really cold over there. I wonder if he¡¯s doing well,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, concern evident in her voice.

    ¡°He¡¯s at a facility provided by South Korea, so it likely has great heating to keep him warm.¡±

    ¡°I hope so... I hope he can read my letters somewhere warm,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook mumbled, her wish disappearing into the air.

    ***

    As the Qud¡¯s prayers came to an end, tension rose among the special forces teams standing by on the mountain.

    <i>Click! nk!</i>

    As the sounds of soldiers inspecting their weapons rang throughout the area, Kang Chan¡¯s wound started to throb. He looked down and frowned.

    Seok Kang-Ho asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°This...!¡±

    Kang Chan carefully slid his hand out of his pants pocket, revealing a letter covered in dried blood.

    He wouldn¡¯t be able to read it if he forcibly pulled it apart. He could soak it in water to get rid of the blood, but that would also smudge the ink. He had no choice but to give up on reading it.

    Seok Kang-Ho seemed surprised. ¡°You haven''t read it yet?¡±

    Kang Chan stared at the first hand-written letter he had ever received in silence. He couldn¡¯t even read the name written on the envelope now. He felt as if the world was telling him not to wish for too many things.

    Kang Chan let out a deep sigh.

    Right now, he had to fight the enemies in front of him.

    Kang Chan returned the now-rigid letter in his pants pocket, then slowly looked around them.

    The worst-case scenario would be their enemies attacking them all at once. Unfortunately, the bastards would be well aware of it too, which meant that was exactly what they would do and why Kang Chan had told themanders to choose and prepare soldiers for closebat.

    If their enemies rushed at them all at once, some would likely assume that they would just go shooting and killing Kang Chan and his men, but it was much moreplicated than that.

    A battalion of five hundred soldiers would be simultaneously attacking less than sixty people. They could certainly somehow gun down the five special forces teams if they were about two hundred meters away. However, there were only a little more than thirty meters between the tribe¡¯s mud houses and where Kang Chan was hiding.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan and his men would have to fight ordingly if even just ten of their enemies managed to get over the ridge. Otherwise, they would eventually have hundreds of Quds bearing down on them.

    Being surrounded by this many hostels would make those whocked experience freeze. The moment they started fearing guns, glinting des, shouting, and the bloodshot eyes behind the ck masks, then they would no longer be able to do anything but die.

    <i>Crunch! Crunch!</i>

    Kang Chan heard dirt being crushed under heavy footsteps. The Quds had finished praying.

    In this hot and humid environment, an unpleasant odor wafted toward the five special forces teams from the tribe¡¯s houses. It smelled as if they had a wet goat nearby.

    As the sound of crunching dirt became increasingly louder, Kang Chan raised his hand to his helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Our enemies are on the move. Snipers, on my signal, neutralize all mortar and RPGs.¡±

    The army interpreters passed on what Kang Chan said through the radio in their respective nativenguages.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°My enemies gave me the codename ¡®God of ckfield,¡¯ the god who brings death to his enemies.¡±

    <i>tter! tter!</i>

    ck shadows soon came into view, quickly going up the ridge and moving toward them.

    <i>Chkk.</i>

    ¡°Our enemies will meet the god of death today. Hold your ground. Show them the might of world-famous special forces. The God of ckfield will be at the very front.¡±

    The scar on Gerard¡¯s cheek twitched when Kang Chan looked at him. With glinting eyes, Seok Kang-Ho grinned even though all he understood was Kang Chan¡¯s codename.

    Kang Chan raised his hand to his helmet again.

    ¡°This is for South Korea¡¯s special forces team! Just like every other battle we fought before, we¡¯re going to return alive from this fight as well. We¡¯re going to pass on the experiences we gained here to our juniors so that they too can one day go out on operations and be the object of envy. We will not stop until then!¡±

    Kang Chan slowly twisted his upper body and looked at Cha Dong-Gyun, who was behind him. He nodded at him to take over.

    Cha Dong-Gyun turned around, facing the soldiers hiding on the ridge.

    ¡°Make sure General Choi, the other special forces teams, and our enemies get a clear view of your determination!¡± he yelled furiously. The soldiers¡¯ blood started to boil. ¡°Brothers, let everyone hear our conviction!¡±

    ¡°If I can!¡±

    The chant echoed across the mountain and toward the rest of Africa.

    ¡°Protect the country with my blood!¡±

    The foreign special forces teams stared at Cha Dong-Gyun with glinting eyes.

    ¡°I am happy!¡± the South Korean soldiers finished.

    ¡°<i>Hooah</i>!¡± the Green Berets shouted, their unique warcry reverberating through thends.

    The Russian team followed, ¡°<i>Arrai</i>!¡±

    ¡°<i>Oorah</i>!¡± The SBS yelled.

    Gerard looked around them with an amused expression.

    ¡°How nice would it have been if this happened in the past?¡± he asked Kang Chan.

    Just as Seok Kang-Ho nced at the two out of curiosity, the dark shadows simultaneously charged toward them.

    <i>Click! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan pulled the trigger of his rifle. The battle had begun.

    <i>Du du du! Bang! Du du du! Pew! Pow!</i>

    ¡°<i>Whoo-ah</i>!¡± their enemies roared.

    Dirt sttered as the enemies rushing toward them fell backward one after the other. However, in that short moment, they had already reached the tribespeople¡¯s houses.

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Pew! Du du du! Bang! Bang! Du-du!</i>

    ¡°<i>Whoo-ah</i>!¡± they repeated.

    The gunshots and the Quds¡¯ roars made it almost impossible for Kang Chan to think.

    The Quds were attacking them with the determination to die.

    <i>Du du du! Du du du! Du du du! Du du du du! Thud! Du du du!</i>

    <i>Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!</i>

    One of Kang Chan¡¯s men fell to the side as more enemies copsed, now only ten meters away from them.

    More people ran past those who fell with bullets in their heads, taking over their position.

    <i>Du du du du! Du du du du du du!</i>

    <i>Du du du!</i>

    The dirt in front of the five special forces teams exploded every time their enemies¡¯ guns zed.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Click!</i>

    Kang Chan shot at the hostiles in rapid session, stopping only to change magazines.

    <i>Pew! Bang! Du du du du! Thud! Du du! Thud! Du du du du!</i>

    More and more of his men fell as sparks flew right before their eyes.

    This fight would be determined by who could shoot faster and more urately, not by whether they could avoid getting hit or not. Another deciding factor was whether they could maintain the ten meters between them or not.

    After about ten minutes of a gruesome battle, their enemies stopped attacking and instead hid in the tribe¡¯s houses.

    <i>Click! nk! Click! Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan could hear the soldiers inspecting their weapons, checking their magazines, and dragging the wounded to safety.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>. <i>Haah</i>.¡±

    The soldier right next to Kang Chan was breathing heavily, but that didn¡¯t sound awkward during their break.

    <i>tter! tter!</i>

    They heard the dirt crumbling again. Their enemies could be on the move again.

    <i>Those sharp motherfuckers!</i>

    Their enemies knew that it would be much easier to attack them while their formation hadn¡¯t recovered yet, especially since it would take a while before they could regroup. They were better than Kang Chan expected.

    <i>Since you bastards seem to know us so well, I¡¯ll have to work that much harder to kill you all!</i>

    <i>Click! nk! Click!</i>

    When Kang Chan held up his rifle and aimed at their enemies, he heard the soldiers all around him lifting their guns as well.

    The stink of blood and the disgusting odor from the dead brushed past them with the heat.

    <i>Du du du du! Du du du du! Du du du du du!</i>

    AK-47 muzzles shed as bullets flew toward Kang Chan, seemingly letting everyone know that their battle had resumed.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Du du du! Du du du du! Du du! Du du du du!</i>

    Another soldier fell backward.

    <i>Du du du du du!</i>

    <i>¡®Damn it!¡¯ </i>Kang Chan thought.

    In Somalia, AK-47s and RPGs were disyed and sold like fish in markets.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>Du du du du! Du du! Du du du du du!</i>

    As Kang Chan shot at the Quds, he suddenly felt as if something was amiss¡ªas if he was missing what their enemies were telling them through the damn gunshots.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    When Gerard stumbled, Kang Chan provided cover fire and blocked him from the hostiles'' line of sight. For now, he had to focus on the fight in front of him.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay!¡± Gerard yelled.

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Du du! Du du!</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have time to check if people were okay in situations like this. They had to prioritize protecting the ten-meter distance between them and their enemies above all else.

    Under the moonlight, their enemies'' blood and clumps of dirt sttered all over the battlefield. The smell of gunpowder, blood, and death lingered in their surroundings.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    A Green Beret fell back. Kang Chan heard the soldier next to the fallen Green Beret yelling something through the gunshots and pulling the wounded away, but he couldn¡¯t take his attention away from the hostiles in front of them right now.

    <i>Bam! Thud!</i>

    Another soldier copsed not long after.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know where and how Gerard got shot, but thetter swore loudly as he changed magazines.

    <i>Pew! Bam! Pew! Bam! Pew! Bam! Pew! Bam!</i>

    Kang Chan relentlessly put bullets right into the hostiles¡¯ foreheads. He would emerge victorious in this battle.

    His goal now waspletely different from his mercenary days, but just like back then, he still needed to win.

    <i>Whoosh! Thwack!</i>

    Under the moonlight, Kang Chan took down another, their blood fountaining out as they fell.

    <i>Pew! Bang! Bang! Bang! Du du du du! Du du! Twack! Pow!</i>

    The Quds were just right around the corner now.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan shot another enemy on the forehead and pulled him by the cor.

    <i>Pew! Bam! Pew!</i>

    He then shot two more in the chest. The other Qud members ran toward him from behind the person he was holding, but they too fell forward as if they tripped on something.

    1. Previously we''ve had Robert from the Foreign Legion, but that has been changed to Roberre because there are now 2 Roberts. We''re going with 1770 Roberre ?? ?

 Chapter 260: I Can, But Not You (1)

    <h4>Chapter 260: I Can, But Not You (1)</h4>

    <i>Whoosh! Puk!</i>

    The blood from the chest, whom Kang Chan was holding by the cor, sttered all over Kang Chan''s face. The muzzle of the rifle next to him sparked red, likely because blood had covered his eyes.

    <i>Whoosh! Thwack! Whoosh! Thwack! Whoosh! Thwack!</i>

    Despite his bullets piercing through the foreheads of charging enemies, the area in front of him was still full of enemies in ck bandanas and military uniforms.

    <i>Ratatatatat!</i>

    One of their enemies perched on the defensive barrier and pulled the trigger of his AK-47, causing the allied troops beneath it to convulse.

    <i>Whoosh! Thwack!</i>

    Kang Chan fired back, his bullet piercing the enemy''s forehead. At the same time, loud rifle fire erupted in front of him.

    <i>Ratatatatat! Ratatat!</i>

    The hail of bullets violently tore apart the enemies lying in front of him as he ducked down.

    <i>Bastards! We¡¯re just making piles of corpses at this point!</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho shot an enemy in the neck.

    <i>Swoosh! Whiz! Whiz!</i>

    Kang Chan grabbed the arm of the Qud who had just fired at them. He then unsheathed his bay and shed with enough force to nearly sever the enemy''s limb.

    <i>Bang! ng! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan had fought so many battles alongside Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard that they already knew why he decided to pull out his bay and how to cover him in such moments. They were well aware that when they were forced into a meleebat, someone had to clear the way.

    <i>Puuk! Puk! Whiz! Pwook!</i>

    With more than ten enemies charging at them, aiming a rifle from the vanguard became impossible. In such cases, they had no other option but to resort to fighting with bays.

    <i>Puk! Crk! Psssh!</i>

    As if a rubber hose had been punctured, blood spurted into the air the moment Kang Chan pulled the bay from his target¡¯s neck.

    <i>Puk! Puuk! Puk! Puk!</i>

    Blood sttered all over Kang Chan¡¯s face. It was as if someone was spraying water into his nose and mouth using a garden hose during the summer.

    <i>Gulp!</i>

    <i>¡®I¡¯ll get killed if I let the blood in my mouth distract me! If I fall now, it won¡¯t take long for the Quds to kill the people I¡¯m protecting as well!¡¯.¡¯</i>

    <i>Whiz! Pwook! Puk! Puk!</i>

    With his left arm, Kang Chan grabbed another enemy by the nape and plunged the bay into their neck multiple times. As he did, he stared into the eyes of the terrified, the resentful, and even those in tears.

    <i>Pssh! Psssssh!</i>

    The blood from his prey spewed over his face, flowing down to his nose, mouth, and throat. It didn¡¯t matter how they looked at him. He had no other option but to keep thrusting his de into their necks.

    <i>Tatatang! Thud! Tatang! Thud! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Crack! Crack!</i>

    His bay would snag on the bones in his enemies¡¯ throats whenever they twisted in agony.

    "<i>Aaaargh</i>!"

    <i>Crunch!</i>

    Kang Chan tightened his grip on his weapon.

    <i>¡®Hell? We can discuss me going to hell after I¡¯ve ensured the men''s safety!</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    The sound of a sniper firing from atop the mountain reached Kang Chan''s ears.

    <i>¡®I doubt even hell can be worse than this!¡¯</i>

    <i>Crack! Puk! Ratatatatat! Ratatat!</i>

    Bullets tore into their ranks as Kang Chan pulled an enemy by the cor and forced his bay, the de of which had dulled after cutting through so many bones and muscles, into their neck. He then retreated and unholstered his pistol.

    <i>Click!</i>

    <i>¡®Damn it!¡¯</i>

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Thwack! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho was changing magazines when Kang Chan felt a sharp pain on the right side of his stomach. If he had been hit a bit closer to the middle, it would have grazed his spine and made him copse screaming.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    As he heard Seok Kang-Ho returning fire again, he unsheathed his bay again. Not long after, he heard Andrei shout through the radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "We¡¯re out of ammo!"

    <i>Puk!</i>

    Kang Chan thrust his bay into a charging enemy''s sr plexus. He then crouched down and hit them with his shoulder, driving him up into the air.

    "<i>Aaargh</i>! <i>Aaaaargh</i>!"

    <i>sh!</i>

    With a twist of his de, the enemy finally slumped lifelessly.

    <i>Tch.</i>

    "Meleebatants! Hold on just a bit more!"

    He had no time for lengthy speeches.

    "<i>Eeek</i>!"

    After pushing off the foe he had slung over his shoulder, Kang Chan charged toward the enemies up the ridge.

    "Captaaain!!!" G¨¦rard shouted after him.

    "Shit!" Seok Kang-Ho cursed, unable to suppress his concern for theirmander. Unfortunately, retreating was not an option.

    A misstep here could mean the annihtion of the Spetsnaz.

    <i>Tch!</i>

    "Snipers! Cover the captain!" shouted Seok Kang-Ho.

    Countless enemy bodies were strewn in front of the chest-high dirt wall that was providing the men with cover.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Bang! Whoosh! Bang! Whoosh!</i>

    Cover fire poured in during the brief opening.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan picked up an AK-47 and shot the enemies fighting the Spetsnaz.

    <i>Ratatatat! Brrrrrt! Ratatatatat! Brrrrrt!</i>

    With each bullet that hit, bodies jerked and blood sttered.

    "Andrei!"

    <i>Ratatatat! Ratatat! Ratatatatat!</i>

    He managed to buy the Spetsnaz time to retreat, but he was hit in the legs, side, and shoulder as a consequence.

    <i>Thwack! Thump! Thump! Thump!</i>

    Kang Chan staggered, but he didn¡¯t let his wounds stop him. With a smirk, he threw himself forward.

    <i>Squelch!</i>

    Amid the dead, he reloaded his rifle.

    <i>Ratatatat! Ratatat! Ratatatatat!</i>

    "Daye!"

    <i>Ting! Ting!</i>

    The sound of safety pins being pulled from grenades echoed grimly all around him.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    For snipers to fire as rapidly as they were now, their hands would have to move so fast to reload that they wouldn¡¯t be visible anymore.

    "Captain!"

    <i>Ratatat! Ratatat! Wheeek!</i>

    Kang Chan stopped reloading and dove into a gap between bodies.

    <i>Kuuuuuung! Kuuuuuung!</i>

    <i>Thud! Thump! Rustle!</i>

    More arms, legs, and other body parts flew over the wall than clods of dirt.

    <i>Ratatatat! Ratatatatat! Ratatatatat!</i>

    The Spetsnaz changed the magazines of their AK-47s. The close-quartersbat and the explosions from the grenades seemed to have given them some respite.

    <i>Ratatat! Ratatat! Ratatat!</i>

    The sound of gunfire finally faded. With the Spetsnaz securing their position, the enemy was forced to retreat and regroup.

    "<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!"

    G¨¦rard and Seok Kang-Ho rushed to Kang Chan, whoy next to a corpse.

    "Fuck!"

    <i>I¡¯m already feeling bitter about being shot, but now I have to listen to this bastard cursing at me too? It¡¯s not like his shoulder wasn¡¯t shot either.</i>

    "Alright, let¡¯s get you up!"

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard grabbed Kang Chan under the armpits and helped him up.

    "<i>Krrrgh</i>!"

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and climbed over the defensive wall. He felt as if his body was being torn apart.

    <i>Thud! Thud!</i>

    What remained of their forces were busy throwing enemy corpses over the wall and moving their dead or wounded to the rear.

    <i>Click-ck! Click-ck!</i>

    Others checked the enemies¡¯ rifles and stacked magazines to one side.

    "Seven dead. No injured," said Andrei, covered in blood. He lurched over to Kang Chan.

    In close-quartersbat like this, hardly any men coulde out with mere injuries. More often than not, they would be shot in the forehead or heart, and if they managed to somehow survive, the enemy would simply shoot them again before they could resist.

    "Six of our men are dead," Robert spoke as he walked over to them, a grim expression on his face.

    When Kang Chan looked up, Tyler, who was standing beside him, added, "Seven, sir."

    "Position the remaining personnel in front. In such battles, the enemy never pauses for more than five minutes."

    "Understood."

    With that one word, themanders quickly acted. Kang Chan turned to Cha Dong-Gyun.

    "Five dead," Cha Dong-Gyun reported, making Kang Chan involuntarily take a deep breath.

    "I need a new bay," Kang Chanmanded.

    Cha Dong-Gyun nodded and left.

    "What about the French team?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Three casualties, two in critical condition." Seok Kang-Ho responded

    Being near Kang Chan resulted in casualties.

    "Let''s hurry," said Seok Kang-Ho.

    He moved closer to Kang Chan as he cut a bandage with a bay. He then rolled it tightly and pushed it into the wound on Kang Chan''s shoulder. Injuries like this had to be covered immediately.

    "<i>Krrrgh</i>!" Kang Chan groaned.

    Like this, Seok Kang-Ho pushed the fabric of the bandages into each of Kang Chan¡¯s four wounds and tied them all up afterward. Rather than wrapping them thoroughly, he just looped the bandages twice and tied them tightly enough to avoidpletely cutting off the blood flow.

    The procedure brought Kang Chan excruciating pain, but it would make his wounds feel like nothing more than a minor ones once he returned to battle. It would seem as if he didn¡¯t even get injured in the first ce.

    G¨¦rard wrapped a bandage over Kang Chan¡¯s left shoulder and armpit while Seok Kang-Ho wrapped his right shoulder. As they did, blood soaked the bandages until not even a hint of its white color was left.

    Afterward, Kang Chan sheathed the bay he received from Cha Dong-Gyun into the sheath tied around his leg.

    <i>Click! Click-ck! Clicker-de-ck!</i>

    He piled up AK-47s beside him, picked one up, and checked its magazine.

    "Looks like we killed around a hundred fifty to two hundred of the bastards.¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan looked ahead of him. They still had four hundred to four hundred fifty enemies to deal with.

    "Damn it! We only got to eat ramyeon once!"

    Seok Kang-Ho red at their enemy¡¯s position, his face smeared with blood and his eyes glinting more fiercely than ever. G¨¦rard and the others were no different.

    The moon shone on the crown of their heads as it hung high in the night sky. The soft light it cast illuminated their movements.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Damn it! This isn''t amercial for bugs, yet here we are, watching these bastards dressed in ck approaching from the darkness like they¡¯re cockroaches!</i>

    <i>Click-ck!</i>

    As Kang Chan picked up his rifle, the others also lifted their rifles and took aim.

    As the enemy finally came into view, weaving through the partially copsed huts of the tribe, Kang Chan heard a determined shout from beside him.

    "Green Berets!"

    "<i>Hooah</i>!"

    They didn''t want to lose. They didn''t want to be scared.

    "Spetsnaz!"

    "<i>Arrai</i>!"

    "SBS!"

    "Oorah!"

    G¨¦rard grinned. The scar on his cheek twitched.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    "Captain!" G¨¦rard called out to Kang Chan as he took aim. The enemies were clustering around the native huts now.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t risk looking away from their enemies now. If they were to erupt into a charge, all hell would break loose once more.

    <i>This bastard! Why call me when you¡¯re not going to say anything?</i>

    "Legion Etrangere!" G¨¦rard ferociously yelled.

    "Legio Patria Nostra!" the Foreign Legion special forces team roared in response.

    "<i>Pfffft</i>!"

    Seok Kang-Ho''s viciousughter echoed right after.

    "<i>Aaaaaaaaaarrrggh</i>!"

    The enemies broke into a charge.

    <i>Yes! That''s how we met!</i> <i>Shouting "The legion is my homnd" every morning!</i>

    In his miserably lonely life, finding meaning in the daily entanglements with Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard had be Kang Chan;s sce. Perhaps he was fighting so desperately because he was afraid of losing them.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan was the first to shoot. Seemingly taking it as the signal for the continuation of their battle, gunfire and sparks erupted from both sides once more.

    <i>Let¡¯s survive! Even though we¡¯re fighting so desperately, we should still try to live on!</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Ratatat! Ratatat!</i>

    The Quds were still ten meters away from them.

    <i>Ratatat! Brrrrt! Wheeeng! Brrrrt!</i>

    Their bullets destroyed the defensive wall in front and broke the mound behind Kang Chan into smithereens. At the same time, they halved the distance between them.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Ratatat! Ratatatatat!</i>

    An enemy leaped over the wall only to copse in front of Kang Chan with a hole in his forehead.

    Kang Chan grabbed a Qud by the cor.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Kuuuuung!</i>

    Thanks to a sniper taking out the hostile who had pulled out a grenade, a massive explosion urred in the middle of the enemy ranks.

    <i>Thud! Rustle! Ratatat! Ratatat!</i>

    Severed wrists and piles of dirt flying all over. Amid the gruesome scene, Kang Chan unsheathed his bay and stabbed his opponent¡¯s hand.

    <i>Wheeeng! Puk! Puk!</i>

    <i>Don''t take it too hard, rookie.</i>

    <i>Ratatat! Thud! Bang! Thwack!</i>

    When the South Korean soldier next to Kang Chan copsed against the wall behind them, Kang Chan bore a bullet into the forehead of the enemy who shot him.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Puk! Puk! Wheeeng! Wheeet!</i>

    Wasting not even a single second, Kang Chan swung his bay again.

    <i>You were quite cool in Afghanistan! I¡¯ll remember you for as long as I live!</i>

    <i>Pwook! Krrk!</i>

    "<i>Aaargh</i>! <i>Aaaagh</i>!"

    <i>Crack! Crunch!</i>

    <i>¡®I¡¯ll only leave this ce once I''ve killed all these bastards. You know that, right?¡¯</i>

    <i>Thwack!</i>

    A sharp pain surged from Kang Chan¡¯s left shoulder shortly after he heard Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gun click empty. As Kang Chan returned fire with his pistol and took a few steps back, Seok Kang-Ho was knocked back while he was reloading.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Tatatat! Tatatatat! Tatang!</i>

    G¨¦rard stepped forward and guarded Seok Kang-Ho from the front, and Kang Chan stood by his side with a pistol.

    <i>Tatang! Bang! Tatang! Bang! Bang! Tatang!</i>

    At this rate, they would only keep being pushed back.

    "G¨¦rard!"

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan charged at the enemy.

    <i>Pwook! Puk! Puk! Pwook!</i>

    With the enemies charging at them and preventing them from taking aim, they were left with no other option but to switch to their bays and engage in meleebat.

    <i>Wheeet! Pweet! Wheeeet! Wheeeng!</i>

    "Damn it!"

    Much to their surprise, despite all the gunfire, shouts, and screams, they still heard Seok Kang-Ho''s curse quite clearly.

    Seeing Kang Chan change fighting styles, themander and selected members of each team charged at the enemy. At times like this, the members at the back of their formation had to cover fire for those at the front.<i> </i>However, doing so came with the risk of friendly fire.

    The moon reached its zenith as they stormed toward the iing hostiles.

    <i>Hurry up!</i>

    <i>Pwook!</i>

    Kang Chan thrust his bay into an enemy''s neck. He then pushed forward.

    "<i>Grrrk</i>! <i>Grrrrk</i>!"

    <i>Pshhhhhh!</i>

    Blood sprayed onto his face as he pulled out his bay, but he couldn''t afford to avoid it or close his eyes. He had to create space so those at the back could start providing cover fire.

    <i>Ratatatat!</i>

    Sparks from a rifle shed right before his eyes, instantly turning everything dark. Nevertheless, he showed not an even ounce of hesitation. The enemy was all around him. He just had to thrust toward wherever he heard breathing.

    <i>Pwook!</i>

    "<i>Ugh</i>!"

    His vision returned as he heard a scream, returning him to a world dyed in red once more.

    Kang Chan pulled out the bay stuck in the enemy''s nape.

    <i>Puk!</i>

    "<i>Aaaargh</i>!"

    <i>Thwack!</i>

    Missing not even a single beat, he shoved the enemy by the chest with his shoulder and pushed forward. In this situation, advancing more than a meter risked being surrounded and killed. Hence, the best he could do was create enough space for their fellow soldiers at the back to open fire.

    <i>Ratatatat! Ratatatatat! Tat! Ratatat! Thud!</i>

    Sparks erupted all around. One of their allies fell to the ground in front of the defensive barrier.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    A steady stream of sniper shots echoed all around them, targeting those attempting to pull out grenades.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Tatang! Whoosh! Whoosh! Tatang! Tatang!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard¡¯s gunshots mixed, knocking down the enemies around Kang Chan.

    <i>Pwook! Puk! Puk! Thwack!</i>

    Kang Chan managed to swing his bay three more times before finally taking a hit to his right shoulder.

    "<i>Urgh</i>!"

    He gritted his teeth. When he tried tounch another attack, immense pain coursed throughout his body. It made him feel as if his shoulder was being torn off.

    <i>I can''t stop now! The bastards behind me will die if I do! Do you know why I became the God of ckfield?</i>

    <i>Pwook! Puk! Puk!</i>

    The pain was so intense that his consciousness blurred with each swing he made.

    <i>Ratatat! Tatang! Tat! Whoosh! Ratatat! Whoosh! Tat! Ting! Ting!</i>

    Amid the crossfire, Kang Chan heard safety pins being pulled from grenades. Explosives were certainly more effective when enemies were crammed together.

    <i>Wheeeek!</i>

    Seeing a grenade in the air, Kang Chan pulled the enemy''s cor with his left hand. He stabbed them in the neck and pushed them toward the grenade.

    "Fucking hell!" G¨¦rard shouted.

    <i>Kuuuuung! Kwaaang! Thud!</i>

    Kang Chan felt as if he was flying. Soon, he crashed in front of the defensive barrier.

    <i>Ratatatat! Ratatat! Ratatat!</i>

    Like madmen, his subordinates stood up and engulfed the battlefield with a rain of bullets using the AK-47s that they had gathered earlier.

    <i>Brrrrt! Brrrt! Brrrrt!</i>

    Wherever bodies exploded, flesh and blood sttered.

    <i>Ting! Wheeeek! Kuuuuung!</i>

    <i>Ssh! Thud!</i>

    One of the corpses flew over Kang Chan.

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!¡±

    Lying among the corpses, he looked at the moon, now appearing red in the sky, as if watching over him.

    <i>Having fun?</i>

    Kang Chan thought the moon was talking to him. In his haze, he had forgotten that it couldn''t speak.

    Right now, if someone carelessly opened their mouth¡ªif they asked why he lived like this or if he really wanted to live through all of this¡ªhe would probably immediately stab them with his bay.

    "<i>Ugh</i>!"

    Kang Chan involuntarily groaned as he got up. His right shoulder was in visibly bad condition. The paining from it traveled down his arm to the joint, making him feel as if it was being torn apart.

    "Daye!" Kang Chan called. Seok Kang-Ho suddenly came to mind as he was about to climb over the defensive wall.

    A momentter, a pair of arms reached over and pulled him by the shoulder.

    <i>¡®It already feels like my shoulder is being torn apart,¡¯ </i>Kang Chan thought. ¡®<i>Who the hell is¡ª¡¯</i>

    "I''ll do whatever you ask!" Andrei bluntly eximed.

    He stood right in front of Kang Chan, snarling and covered in blood.

    "So keepmanding us until we''ve killed all these motherfuckers!"

    <i>This fucking bastard! I already have Daye to take care of! Having to look after two idiots would be too much!</i>

    "Monsieur Kang!"

    "Call me captain!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    "Understood, Captain!"

    Andrei stared at Kang Chan for a moment before turning around and heading back to his position.

    Kang Chan leaned against the defensive wall as he walked, using it to keep himself upright. After a while, he found G¨¦rard binding Seok Kang-Ho''s upper body.

    "Daye!"

    "I''m fine! Fuck!"

    <i>Of course he is! That bastard wouldn''t die that easily.</i>

    Ignoring the pain, Kang Chan approached Seok Kang-Ho.

    "You better fucking hold on, got that?¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    "What made you think I¡¯d die here? I¡¯m not leaving ramyeon and kimchi behind" Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    They didn¡¯t have much time left. The enemies would resume their offensive in five minutes. They had to prepare as much as they could before then.

    Just as Kang Chan was about to turn away from Seok Kang-Ho, he heard a sound from the distance.

    <i>Du dudududududd!</i>

    A helicopter was cutting through the clouds.

 Chapter 261: I Can, But Not You (2)

    <h4>Chapter 261: I Can, But Not You (2)</h4>

    If the approaching helicopter was an ally, then Kang Chan and his men would be able to turn things around. However, if it was an enemy, then everything would be over.

    The battlefield grewpletely silent. Everyone nced at each other in an attempt to figure out what was going on.

    ¡°Bring the weapons to the front! Go!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Since Kang Chan himself couldn¡¯t move, his men gathered all the rifles and magazines they could find even faster than before.

    Cha Dong-Gyun, Choi Jong-Il, and Kwak Cheol-Ho pressed the wounds on Park Chul-Su¡¯s chest, stomach, and thigh as he sat against a boulder. No matter how much pressure they applied, blood just kept spurting out between their fingers.

    Breathing heavily, Park Chul-Su smiled at Kang Chan, fighting through the pain. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan... <i>Haah, haah</i>.¡±

    Kang Chan crouched in front of Park Chul-Su so that Park Chul-Su could face him.

    Park Chul-Su continued, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    <i>Damn it! Why is everyone thanking me? I¡¯m the reason people are dying!</i>

    ¡°General Choi was the one who paid for my tuition,¡± Park Chul-Su barely managed to say. ¡°I was scolded a lot and pped several times.¡±

    Park Chul-Su looked at Cha Dong-Gyun, who was beside him, with an apologetic gaze. ¡°Please take care of these men.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re ourmander, Colonel! You have to survive so we can have someone to depend on!¡± Kang Chan replied.

    He gestured at Cha Dong-Gyun, Choi Jong-Il, and Kwak Cheol-Ho to move Park Chul-Su to the back.

    <i>Thwup thwup thwup thwup thwup.</i>

    The helicopter noises were getting louder.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Have the snipers watch out for mortars and RPGs!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°Copy that!¡± G¨¦rard answered, then addressed the snipers through the radio.

    ¡°Ahu akbar![1]¡±

    The enemies¡¯ shouts echoed past the tribespeople¡¯s hut and into the mountain, reaching Kang Chan and his men. They often used that Arabic phrase before attacking or slitting their enemy¡¯s throats.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chan quickly positioned himself in front of Seok Kang-Ho to cover him.

    ¡°Head back to your positions!¡± he then yelled.

    <i>Clink! nk!</i>

    G¨¦rard ran over and stood next to Kang Chan.

    <i>tter! tter!</i>

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il! Cover Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s nks!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    Kang Chan expected Seok Kang-Ho to kick up a fuss, but the man simply frowned as he red at where their enemies would being from.

    The soldiers would have to be urate enough to gun down their enemies from this distance. Otherwise, Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t be able to properly fight in close quarters.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! On my right!¡±

    <i>Whoosh! nk!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun did asmanded.

    <i>Come at me!</i>

    The dirt crumbled as loudly as the helicopter rotor des¡¯ whirring.

    ¡°Ahu akbar!¡± their enemies yelled again. ¡°<i>Waaaaaaaah</i>!¡±

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Without hesitation, the Qudsunched another attack on Kang Chan and his allies. They didn¡¯t even bother taking cover behind the huts.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Du du du! Pow pow pow! Pew! Bang!</i>

    Kang Chan shot at them as soon as they came into view. Infernal gunshots and sparks erupted from both sides immediately after.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    From Kang Chan¡¯s perspective, everything seemed to be moving in slow motion.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    One of the enemies running toward them stumbled and copsed.

    <i>PEW! BAM!</i>

    At the same time, blood spurted out from Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s left shoulder.

    <i>Bam! Pow pow pow! Pow pow pow! Du du du! Du du du du du!</i>

    Dirt sttered into the air. A momentter, the defensive barrier in front of Kang Chan exploded, revealing the enemies¡¯ guns sparking as they traded fire.

    Before Kang Chan and his allies knew it, their enemies had reached their defensive barrier.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Kang Chan immediately unsheathed his bay.

    <i>Stab! Stab! Stab!</i>

    He used his left hand to push away the rifles of the enemiesing at him from his nks and up front, then stabbed them with his right.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pow pow pow! Pow pow! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    The snipers took down as many as they could, wasting not even a second.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Du du du du! Pow pow pow pow!</i>

    Hit by a bullet, one of Kang Chan¡¯s men fell down. He trembled so hard that he almost seemed to be convulsing. By the time another soldier had shot his assant, he had already gone off to the afterlife.

    Kang Chan shoulder-tackled the enemy that had climbed over their defensive barrier. After stabbing them in the side, he slit the armpit and neck of the other enemy that was in front of him.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il!¡± Kang Chan yelled as he pushed his new target into the defensive barrier. Not long after, he heard grenade pins being pulled.

    <i>Puk! Puk!</i>

    Kang Chan had just stabbed two more Quds when he felt a sharp pain in his thigh. It seemed as if someone had lit it on fire.

    <i>Swish! Whish!</i>

    <i>It¡¯s now or never!</i>

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chan pushed an enemy with his shoulder.

    <i>Bam! Bam!</i>

    If they hadn¡¯t thrown a grenade at their enemies, he would¡¯ve been shot to death by their enemies.

    <i>Puk!</i>

    ¡°<i>Kegh</i>!¡±

    Stabbed by Kang Chan, the enemy coughed up blood.

    <i>You should be prepared to die if you¡¯re trying to kill me, you fucking son of a bitch!</i>

    <i>Puk! Puk! Puk!</i>

    Kang Chan swung his bay like crazy, creating more space around him.

    <i>Swoosh! Thwup thwup thwup thwup thwup!</i>

    At the same time, from behind Kang Chan, the helicopter finally reached the airspace above them. The winds from its rotor des scattered clouds of dust all over the battlefield as its blinding light gave him and his men a clear view of their enemies.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart began to sink.

    <i>Du du du du du du! Du du du du du du!</i>

    <i>Pow pow pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow pow pow!</i>

    Contrary to his expectations, however, the soldiers in the helicopter fired the heavy machine gun at their enemies, brutally tearing them apart.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Bam! Bam!</i>

    Kang Chan hurriedly ducked to avoid the body parts hurtling through the air.

    <i>Thud! Bam! Bam! tter!</i>

    Relief washed over him as he and his men watched the Quds being obliterated. The machine gun had covered the area with mutted bodies.

    However, the battle wasn¡¯t over yet.

    <i>Du du du du du du! Du du du du du du! Du du du du du du!</i>

    As the Spetsnaz fired at their enemies with their AK-47s, two more helicopters came into view.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    The snipers took down every enemy that tried tounch RPGs at the aircraft. Meanwhile, the soldiers on the ground focused on sending hails upon hails of bullets toward the hostiles in front of them.

    <i>Pew! Bam! Pew! Bam!</i>

    The Gazelles[2] flying above them looked beautiful and noble.

    With the soldiers on the ground protecting them, the helicopter pilots could act without worry.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Cha Dong-Gyun!¡± Kang Chan called as he picked up a rifle. ¡°Rally the others and follow me!¡±

    As he jumped over the defensive barrier, Andrei ran after him with four other soldiers. They were covered in so much blood that their eyes and mouths looked terrifyingly disgusting.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan roared.

    <i>Du du du du! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan and his men fought the enemies that were left behind in their hasty retreat. With Kang Chan in the center, they charged down the curve of the mountain, using the huts as cover whenever necessary.

    Most of their enemies were below the ridge now.

    The soldiers breathed heavily. ¡°<i>Haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>!¡±

    <i>Thwup thwup thwup thwup thwup!</i>

    Unable to chase after the Quds anymore, the helicopters hovered above the ridge.

    The enemy still had close to two hundred troops. They seemed to be acting with extra caution because they didn¡¯t know what weapons were in the helicopters.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Change your channel to UHF[3]!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    G¨¦rard pressed a couple of buttons on his radio. After talking to the person in the channel, he turned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°They¡¯re asking us to position our snipers in the area so they can guard our perimeter until medevac arrives!¡± he yelled above the rotor des¡¯ loud whirring.

    As requested, Kang Chan assigned the snipers to three locations in front of the ridge.

    <i>nk! Clink! nk!</i>

    The snipers ran toward their new positions as soon as they received the order through the radio. They looked a lot cleaner than the other soldiers.

    As Lee Doo-Hee ran past them, Kang Chan patted his helmet.

    Kang Chan wanted to rest.

    Fuming, Andrei insisted on pursuing the enemies when he ought to be resting. As much as Kang Chan wanted to do just that, he needed to rest as well. Everyone did.

    ¡°They said that the rescue helicopter and the ground forces will be here in twenty minutes!¡± G¨¦rard told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Tell them that we¡¯ll rest until then!¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded, then proceeded to yell into the radio.

    Each team had a different UHF channel assigned to them. That was why Kang Chan, who only had ess to the South Korean special forces team¡¯s frequencies, couldn''t talk to the people on the helicopter. He wasn¡¯t sure why they insisted on using only the UHF channel, though.

    Now that they had gone past the defensive barrier and all the enemy corpses, Kang Chan finally felt asfortable as being at home.

    ¡°Any of you got a smoke?¡± he asked.

    Choi Jong-Il handed him a pack of cigarettes. Kang Chan took two out from it and lit them with a lighter.

    Kang Chan exhaled cigarette smoke. ¡°Good work. Get some rest.¡±

    Keeping the cigarette in between his lips, he pressed a button on his radio.

    ¡°Our medevac and reinforcements are expected to arrive in twenty minutes. Use this time to check on the wounded and catch a break!¡±

    As if throwing themselves against the defensive barrier, the soldiers around him plopped down on the ground.

    Kang Chan walked over to Seok Kang-Ho and put a cigarette in his mouth. He then sat against the wall next to him.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle! Thud!</i>

    As Seok Kang-Ho joyously exhaled cigarette smoke, G¨¦rard walked toward him and sat across from Kang Chan.

    The three were covered in so much blood that only their eyes were visible. It made them look as if they used it as camo face paint.

    G¨¦rard took out a cigarette, put it between his lips, then lit it up.

    He exhaled. ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡±

    Finally getting to rx a little, Kang Chan began to feel throbbing pain coursing through his entire body.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Give me another cigarette!¡±

    Even though Seok Kang-Ho was speaking in Korean, G¨¦rard still handed him a cigarette and a lighter.

    <i>Chk chk! Chkk! Chkk!</i>

    The gunshot wound on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s right shoulder forced him to light up his cigarette with his left hand. Kang Chan and G¨¦rard didn¡¯t bother helping him. In battles like this, his injuries weren¡¯t even considered wounds.

    ¡°Give me one as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    After getting another cigarette from G¨¦rard, Kang Chan lit it up with the lighter that Seok Kang-Ho had handed over.

    A few momentster, Andrei trudged toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°What are you nning to do with those bastards?¡± Andrei asked Kang Chan.

    He kept his entire focus on Kang Chan,pletely ignoring G¨¦rard and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gazes.

    ¡°Wait until reinforcement arrives. We¡¯re going to act after seeing how everything goes,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Our enemies could retreat while we¡¯re sitting around doing nothing.¡±

    Kang Chan let out a short, coldugh as he looked up at Andrei. The effects of the battle lingering in his mind made his eyes glint more than necessary.

    ¡°Andrei! You are to rest, eat, and sleep when I tell you to! If you have truly epted me as yourmander, then act like it!¡±

    Infuriated, Andrei thinned his lips.

    ¡°Andrei?¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Understood, Captain.¡±

    G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek twitched right after Andrei answered and turned around.

    ¡°You¡¯ve be nicer, Captain,¡± G¨¦rardmented.

    ¡°Shut it!¡±

    ¡°What is that fucker saying?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan had always had a hard time getting some peace and quiet whenever he was with these two.

    ¡°Seriously, though. What¡¯s the n?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    Kang Chan exhaled softly. ¡°We¡¯ll prioritize getting our wounded medevacked. The Quds can¡¯t leave this ce anyway.¡±

    G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes glinted as he looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Those fuckers attacked the UN¡¯s peacekeeping forces, which is probably why they used AK-47s against us. No ce is safe for those sons of bitches anymore.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then...¡± G¨¦rard trailed off.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to surround and hunt the Quds with our reinforcements. Did you really think I¡¯d let you guys go home without getting revenge for the French rookie first?¡±

    As G¨¦rard grinned, Kang Chan interpreted what he said in Korean for Seok Kang-Ho, who had grown curious.

    Kang Chan was parched. Unfortunately, since none of them had water, all they could do was keep smoking.

    After getting about ten minutes of rest, Kang Chan stood up. The soldiers behind the defensive barrier simultaneously looked at him.

    He raised his hand to his helmet and pressed a button on his radio.

    ¡°We¡¯ll wipe out the rest of the Quds once our backup arrives. I want each team to choose who will be joining this operation. Report back to me once you¡¯ve decided!¡± Kang Chan ordered in French.

    The army interpreters passed on hismands in their respective nativenguages.

    Andrei was the first to run over.

    ¡°I and seven others will be joining!¡± Andrei dered.

    ¡°Six will be participating from our team,¡± Tyler yelled afterward. He looked like a gori covered in blood now.

    ¡°Four of the Green Berets will be joining as well!¡± someone shouted.

    It was tragic that only so few of the Green Berets could participate, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t really me them.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got thirteen men ready to go, sir,¡± one of them reported.

    Seeing the look in the South Korean soldiers¡¯ eyes, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. These men no longer required any training. Considering their performance in thest six months, this team could probably execute even the most difficult operations better than any of the other special forces teams here.

    ¡°It¡¯s about time we make them suffer for what they¡¯ve done,¡± Kang Chan coldly said.

    Cha Dong-Gyun smiled, his eyes glinting. Kang Chan made a mental note not to let him hang around Seok Kang-Ho anymore.

    G¨¦rard was thest to report. ¡°Captain! Nine of us are going to participate,¡±

    Kang Chan raised his hand to his helmet again.

    <i>Chkk!</i>

    ¡°I want everyone who will be joining armed and ready! We¡¯ll leave in five minutes!¡±

    Strange excitement enveloped the area behind the defensive barrier as the army interpreters passed on Kang Chan¡¯s order to the other soldiers.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡±

    Gritting his teeth, Seok Kang-Ho leaned against the wall and used it to help him stand up.

    ¡°You should just stay here and get some rest,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    <i>nk!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho frowned and red at Kang Chan as he pulled the breechblock of his gun. ¡°I can eat five ramyeon right now!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not thinking of our enemies as ramyeon or eggs, are you?¡±

    Choi Jong-Il burst intoughter.

    <i>Fine! Where would I be without this fucker anyway?</i>

    ¡°Make sure you double-check your magazines.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    After issuing a reminder, Kang Chan inserted new magazines in his rifle and pistol. He then took a bay and an extra magazine.

    <i>nk! nk! nk!</i>

    Smelling the sweat in his helmet with each breath, Kang Chan decided to take off his helmet. The unpleasant and putrid scent wafting toward them from the corpses and the tribespeople¡¯s huts alone was already too much to handle as it was.

    He removed the radio secured inside it and put it in his chest pocket. He then hung the earpiece around his ear and wrapped a bandana around his head, tying it at the back.

    Copying Kang Chan, G¨¦rard and Seok Kang-Ho also took off their helmets and put on bandanas. It made Seok Kang-Ho look like a leader of an insurgent group.

    <i>Clink! nk!</i>

    One after another, the soldiers gathered in front of Kang Chan. Everyone had a sharp glint in their eyes.

    Even if Kang Chan had disliked someone enough to feel annoyed just by seeing them sitting in silence or hearing them breathe, his blood would¡¯ve still boiled if his enemies killed them in battle.

    These special forces soldiers, who had gone through every avable training and joined all sorts of operations in various locations, had just been attacked one-sidedly and overwhelmed with numbers. They had just watched their colleagues¡ªtheir brothers-in-arms¡ªget killed right before their very eyes.

    <i>I doubt any of these men aren¡¯t crying injustice right now.</i>

    Through the radio, G¨¦rard exined their n to the soldiers in the helicopters.

    They attempted to dissuade him against it but no longer said anything when G¨¦rard fiercely stood his ground.

    <i>nk!</i>

    <i>I¡¯ll make sure none of you sons of bitches will get out of here alive!</i>

    <i>tter! tter! tter!</i>

    Kang Chan was pulling the breechblock of his gun when they suddenly heard the dirt crumbling.

    <i>What¡¯s going on? Did the Quds manage to get close to us without being spotted by those in the helicopters?</i>

    <i>Clink! nk! Click! Click!</i>

    When he aimed his rifle past the defensive barrier, everyone pointed their guns in the same direction.

    <i>tter! tter! tter!</i>

    <i>¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan was still trying to figure out what was happening when he got goosebumps all over his body.

    ¡°Fall back! Run up the mountain! Go!¡± he immediately yelled in French and Korean.

    <i>tter! tter! tter!</i>

    As if a clogged drain had just been cleared, dirt and the enemies¡¯ corpses were sucked into the ground in between the huts and the defensive barrier.

    <i>tter! tter! tter!</i>

    It looked like arge monster had just opened its mouth to devour the deceased.

    While the soldiers quickly retreated, Kang Chan went as close as he could to the back of the defensive barrier and then looked down.

    The hole thankfully didn¡¯t get any bigger, but the nearby enemy corpses were still falling into it.

    <i>Ba-dum ba-dum.</i>

    Kang Chan froze as he looked down the hole.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    A monster was clearly ring at Kang Chan.

    <i>Ba-dum ba-dum.</i>

    The red light seemed to be yelling at Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®You can¡¯t leave this ce! I won¡¯t let you slip through this time!¡¯</i>

    1. This is an Arabic phrase called Takbir. It trantes to "God is great" or "God is [the] greatest ?

    2. Refers to the A¨¦rospatiale Gazelle, a five-seat attack helicopter ?

    3. Ultra High Frequency ?

 Chapter 262.1: Just You Wait! (1)

    <h4>Chapter 262.1: Just You Wait! (1)</h4>

    <i>Swish!</i>

    The monster¡¯s eye between the rain of crumbling dirt and the pile of corpses disappeared. With seemingly no more dirt to suck in, the corpses also stopped plunging into the pit.

    <i>Thump, Thump. Thump. Thump.</i>

    The same bone-chilling sensation Kang Chan had gotten at that weird base in Ennd suddenly surged up inside him again.

    <i>The ckhead!</i>

    It felt as if the monster had been revived and growled at Kang Chan again, promising to rip his throat apart to finally put a proper end to him.

    <i>Du du du du du du du du!</i>

    Now, the only audible sound was the noisy thumping of the helicopters in the distance. No one moved or dared to speak.

    <i>Ha! Bullshit! You¡¯re just a fucking rock!</i>

    Everyone turned around to look at Kang Chan, awaiting his nextmand.

    <i>Did none of them see the red light just now?</i>

    Based on how they waited for his orders with expectant eyes, it didn¡¯t look like anyone saw the bright red light that was staring right at him earlier.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle! Swish!</i>

    Kang Chan climbed over the barrier toward the left side of the pit that had just been created.

    <i>You fucking rock! This isn¡¯t thest time I¡¯ll see you!</i>

    Afterward, he took a few steps forward and nced back at G¨¦rard, his gaze telling him to follow.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle! Swish!</i>

    Asmanded, G¨¦rard climbed over the barrier after him. Dirt crumbled away little by little with every step he took, causing the corpses to slide closer toward the pit.

    ¡°Catch!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    He grabbed the arm of the corpse right in front of him as G¨¦rard lifted its leg.

    <i>One! Two!</i>

    Just looking at each other was enough for Kang Chan and G¨¦rard to easily tell the timing for things like this. They swayed the corpse back and forth to gain momentum, then finally tossed it toward the pit.

    <i>Thud! Rustle, rustle! Swish!</i>

    As the corpsended, the dirt and other bodies around the pit started to slide down.

    <i>Eat your fucking fill, you motherfucking son of a bitch!</i>

    They had done it. Now that they knew the circumference of the pit and how close they could get without falling into it, they had found their way out.

    Kang Chan nodded to the men standing by on the other side of the barrier. As he did, gunshots from their snipers rang out in rapid session.

    <i>Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!</i>

    A frantic radio call followed right after.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°RPGs! There are too many of them!¡±

    At the same time, the sounds of RPGs beingunched one after another echoed.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    If their snipers weren¡¯t enough to take care of it, then they would need everyone to run over and provide the choppers as much support as they could.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Kang Chan stuck as close to the left side as possible as he dashed forward.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    Running a few steps ahead, Kang Chan vaulted over the barrier in front of him. Seok Kang-Ho and a few other soldiers followed right behind him.

    <i>Boom! Boom!</i>

    Like thest firecrackers of a fireworks show, white beams of light began to rain down from the two helicopters.

    <i>Baaaam! Du du du du du!</i>

    One of the helicopters tilted sideways and began to plummet straight down toward the huts.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Run!¡± Kang Chan shouted, sprinting as fast as his legs would allow him.

    <i>Tu ta ta ta ta ta ta ta! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!</i>

    The helicopter was right on top of the huts when Kang Chan heard machine guns and sniper fireing from it.

    <i>Booom! Du du du du du du du du!</i>

    The helicopter fell on its side and skidded into the pit before finally crashnding at the bottom.

    <i>Crack, crack, crack, crack! Swish!</i>

    As a horrendous ear-splitting crash reverberated throughout the mountain, the ground began to give way.

    ¡°Haul your asses up! This way!¡±

    <i>Crash! Crash!</i>

    Kang Chan stuck to the corner as much as possible while getting a tight hold and pulling over Seok Kang-Ho and the other soldiers who were running over one after another. He didn¡¯t even have time to think about the pain in his shoulder making him feel as if it was being ripped apart.

    <i>Rustle, rustle, rustle, rustle! ck! Rustle! ck!</i>

    G¨¦rard positioned himself next to Kang Chan and helped pull the soldiers over to safety.

    ¡°Move fucking faster!¡± Kang Chan shouted through gritted teeth.

    These were special forces soldiers. Even though they were dashing over at a lightning-fast speed, something normal people couldn¡¯t hope to achieve, the ground sank in at an even faster pace.

    The South Korean special forces team was at the very back of the group.

    <i>One, two, three, four, five!</i>

    <i>Swish! Crash! nk! Rustle! Swoosh! ck!</i>

    Kang Chan fought through the dizzying pain throbbing from his shoulder and right arm as he pulled the soldiers to safety.

    The pit was opening its gluttonous jaws wider and wider until there was nearly no room left for the soldiers to secure their footing.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho, who were at the very back of the sprinting soldiers, already had their feet buried in the crumbling soil.

    ¡°Run!¡± Kang Chan shouted at the two as loud as he could.

    They jumped forward, and Kang Chan gave their forearms a death grip.

    <i>¡°Argh!¡±</i>

    Choi Jong-Il and Cha Dong-Gyun dangled from Kang Chan¡¯s arms. Kang Chan held on tighter as the dirt gave way below them.

    Seok Kang-Ho grabbed Kang Chan¡¯s legs, and a row of men behind him held on to them with all their strength.

    ¡°Kwack! Kwack!¡± G¨¦rard shouted for Kwak Cheol-ho as he stuck his upper body in the pit and held out a hand.

    ¡°Fucking hell!¡± Seok Kang-Ho cursed through gritted teeth while grabbing onto G¨¦rard¡¯s waist.

    <i>Swish! Whoosh!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho managed to catch G¨¦rard¡¯s waiting hand.

    <i>Rustle! Swish!</i>

    <i>¡°Argh!¡±</i>

    Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, and Seok Kang-Ho groaned in pain and frustration at the same time.

    ¡°God fucking damn it! Pull!¡± Seok Kang-Ho vehemently growled.

    Even without him swearing, however, everyone was already doing everything in their power to pull the men up.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    However, that wasn¡¯t enough to prevent all the soldiers who were holding on from being dragged into the pit little by little.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle, rustle!</i>

    Kang Chan was now waist-deep inside the pit. With furious, glinting eyes, he red at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°You little motherfucker!¡± he shouted, anger apanying every word.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re all going to die at this rate!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun, who was hanging from Kang Chan¡¯s left arm, shouted back at him through gritted teeth. ¡°Let go, sir!¡±

    <i>This motherfucker doesn¡¯t actually think I¡¯m going to let go of him, does he?!</i>

    ¡°Cut the bullshit and hold on tighter!¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun attempted to shake Kang Chan¡¯s grip off, but instead of letting him fall, Kang Chan clenched his jaws even harder as he pulled Cha Dong-Gyun up.

    <i>¡°Aaaaagggh!¡± </i>Kang Chan shouted as he pulled.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    Finally, he grabbed Cha Dong-Gyun by both of his wrists.

    ¡°Grab onto my shoulders, you fucking son of a bitch! You¡¯re dead when I get you out of there!¡±

    Kang Chan groaned in pain as he pulled his subordinate up. He felt like his shoulder des and muscles were being torn away little by little.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s ferociously glinting eyes, Cha Dong-Gyun determinedly extended his left hand and grabbed onto Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°<i>Arrrgh</i>!¡± G¨¦rard cried out as he pulled Kwak Cheol-Ho up.

    <i>Swoosh! Swoosh!</i>

    Slowly getting pulled into the pit, Kang Chan was already into his thighs.

    <i>sh!</i>

    A red light shone from inside the pitch-ck hole.

    <i>You son of a bitch! You fucking little rock! Just you wait! I¡¯lle after you real fucking soon!</i>

    As Cha Dong-Gyun grabbed onto Kang Chan¡¯s waist to climb up, Kwak Cheol-Ho escaped the pit by grabbing G¨¦rard¡¯s shoulders for support.

    ¡°Pull! Pull!¡±

    <i>Swish! Swish!</i>

    Once the two were out, the soldiers pulled Kang Chan and G¨¦rard out of the pit like they were ying tug of war.

    The moment Kang Chan secured his footing and stood up, he strode up to Cha Dong-Gyun.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    He mmed his fist into Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s face. Everyone, not just the South Korean team, held their breaths as they quietly watched on.

    ¡°You son of a bitch! How dare you think about dying here?! You¡¯re a senior member of the South Korean special forces team! Did you even think about the men who are relying on you?!¡± Kang Chan shouted, his fury getting the best of him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied as he grinned, his eyes glinting.

    He wiped the bridge of his nose with the back of his arm.

    <i>I have to stop this guy from spending more time with Seok Kang-Ho.</i>

    G¨¦rard and Kwak Cheol-Ho brought their hands up in a grip and bumped shoulders.

    <i>Fuck this! These motherfuckers keep getting better and better at putting on a show!</i>

    <i>Pat, pat!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho patted Cha Dong-Gyun on the back, finally bringing an end to the tense atmosphere.

    Considering the pit had grown sorge that even the barrier had been sucked into it, the men could no longer just recklessly head back. Only the wounded soldiers who had been at the back during the wholemotion could move right now. They should be able to pull everyone out once the rescue helicopters had arrived, but they would have to eliminate the remaining enemies to protect the aircraft beforehand.

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    Smoke was rising from the helicopter that had fallen into the pit earlier. Unfortunately, they had no means of getting down there right now.

    ¡°Everyone, check your weapons!¡± Kang Chan ordered and then turned his gaze. ¡°G¨¦rard! Ask that helicopter if they need support in rescuing the people in the chopper that crashed on the other side!¡±

    <i>nk! Click!</i>

    While the soldiers were examining their weapons, Kang Chan lowered his stance and walked over to where the snipers were hiding.

    <i>Du du du du du du du du du.</i>

    The roars of the helicopter¡¯s rotor des and the fierce wind hit Kang Chan.

    <i>Rustle!</i>

    The army interpreter looked at Kang Chan, fear evident in his eyes.

    Although the snipers required someone to keep an eye on the perimeter while they were fulfilling their duties, they didn¡¯t have enough hands at the moment. Moreover, their position was probably the safest ce to be in right now. Perhaps that was why the interpreter was with them.

    Kang Chan hoped that the shock hadn¡¯t made the army interpreter forget how to speak French.

 Chapter 262.2: Just You Wait! (1)

    <h4>Chapter 262.2: Just You Wait! (1)</h4>

    Past the helicopter in the sky, he could see smoke billowing from the helicopter that had crashed on the other side.

    Kang Chan walked over to Lee Doo-Hee. He then crouched down even lower.

    ¡°How is it looking?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I believe the enemies still have a couple of RPGs left,¡± Lee Doo-Hee replied. He kept his gaze on the area ahead of him.

    ¡°The ground has fallen in. Whatever the case, we still have to get rid of all the enemies. That¡¯s the only way we can guarantee the rescue helicopters¡¯ safety. We¡¯ll initiate our attack once we¡¯ve got an update on the rescue team¡¯s situation.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir!¡±

    <i>Pat, pat!</i>

    Kang Chan grinned as he patted Lee Doo-Hee¡¯s helmet. His hand was covered in cuts, scratches, and a mix of blood and dirt. Hence, he left a handprint behind where he touched the helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Captain, the people in the chopper on the other side seem to have sessfully been evacuated. Moreover, our backup should be arriving in about ten minutes,¡± G¨¦rard said over the radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°What about the helicopter that fell in the pit?¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We haven¡¯t gotten any response from them yet. We¡¯ll probably only get to start helping them once backup arrives,¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    Kang Chan stepped away from Lee Doo-Hee and headed to a spot that overlooked the lower part of the ridge.

    About fifty meters from where the special forces teams were located, the enemies had parked their trucks in front of each other, forming a barrier that they used as cover while lying in wait.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°As soon as our reinforcements arrive, we¡¯re going to advance and push back the enemies. Tell the chopper to back us up once we start firing. Make sure you inform our reinforcements about our n as well,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Got it, Cap.¡±

    Kang Chan turned around and then sat down, leaning against a rock.

    The waning moon in the sky was now behind him.

    <i>Du du du du du du du du.</i>

    Below its watchful gaze, the two opposing factions red at each other. The helicopter slowly flew back and forth, keeping watch.

    <i>Those motherfuckers! They were really stupid enough to think six hundred of their special forces would be more than enough, huh?</i>

    In spec-ops andbat in general, having more numbers would always be seen as an advantage, but they also had to keep in mind that numbers alone didn¡¯t always decide the oue of a situation.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    G¨¦rard, Seok Kang-Ho, and Cha Dong-Gyun walked over to Kang Chan with their backs hunched over.

    Grinning, Seok Kang-Ho peered over the ledge as he sat next to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Those punks must be feeling frustrated!¡± he shouted over the noisy chopping noises.

    ¡°They have nowhere else to go, so they¡¯re going to being at us with all their might! Brace yourselves!¡± Kang Chan shouted back equally loudly.

    Just then, G¨¦rard turned around with his hand on his earset.

    ¡°Captain! The reinforcements are arriving now! They say we should be seeing a light!¡±

    ¡°All right! Tell all the men on standby toe over here! I want the rescue helicopter to take the wounded at the back and transport them stat!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    ¡°Copy!¡± replied G¨¦rard as he moved to a quieter ce for radiomunication. He then began to ry Kang Chan¡¯s instructions at the top of his lungs.

    <i>Click!</i>

    This was probably the hundredth time that Kang Chan had checked his ammo, but before going intobat, he had to make sure his weapons were in order. He would check a hundred or even a thousand times if that was what it would take.

    Kang Chan turned around and gazed down at the enemies below the ridge as his men approached from behind. He could see the unmistakable glow of heampsing from behind enemy lines.

    He liked the numbers that he was seeing.

    ¡°G¨¦rard!¡± Kang Chan called. ¡°Tell them to get out of their vehicles and proceed on foot! Otherwise, the RPGs will take them out before they can even drive all the way here! Ask them if they brought over any heavy weaponry as well!¡±

    After issuingmands at the top of his lungs, Kang Chan looked at the men behind him, all of whom were now waiting for new orders.

    ¡°On my mark, we¡¯re going to bear down on the bastards waiting for us at the bottom! Protect the choppers until our reinforcements arrive!

    The soldiers looked on with sharp gazes, awaiting Kang Chan¡¯s signal.

    Before they could head out, however, G¨¦rard rushed over. ¡°Captain! The reinforcements are telling us to wait for a moment!¡±

    It would probably take a while for them to get out of the vehicles and get their heavy weapons ready. Nevertheless, they would soon be on their way to avenge their one-sided beating.

    <i>You dare try to outnumber us, you less-than-cockroach motherfuckers?! Have a taste of your own fucking medicine!</i>

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Cha Dong-Gyun, Andrei, and everyone else stood waiting, their eyes glinting in anticipation.

    G¨¦rard tilted his head a few times as he pressed his headset against his ears and shouted into the radio multiple times. After a while, he turned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°They¡¯re all ready now!¡±

    The corners of Kang Chan¡¯s lips twitched. He felt as if intense heat was rising from all over him.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Snipers! Target the RPGs!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    The helicopters were quite loud, but they could still readily understand each other.

    <i>Click! ck! ck!</i>

    Kang Chan lifted his rifle to signal the beginning of the attack. Following his lead, everyone took aim.

    <i>Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan pulled the trigger twice, the two bullets he let loose knocking down two enemies hiding behind a truck.

    <i>Peeeeew! Peeeeew!</i>

    As if they had been waiting for it, the helicopterunched its missiles at the Quds¡¯ position.

    <i>Boooom! Thud!</i>

    The hot mes that erupted instantly lit up the area.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    When Kang Chan began to run down the hill, the machine gun on the helicopter unleashed a barrage of bullets.

    <i>Tu ta ta ta ta ta ta ta ta!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Du du du du! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang!</i>

    Kang Chan ran down as he shot their opponents.

    <i>Baaam!</i>

    From the opposite side, he heard the roars of a 20mm Vulcan rotary cannon, which could fire a thousand bullets per minute. A streak of white lines flew toward the enemy.

    This was probably why their reinforcements asked for more time earlier. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t feel more satisfied.

    <i>Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!</i>

    Kang Chan could also see trucks zooming over from the opposite direction. He aimed at their opponents as soon as he reached them.

    <i>Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!</i>

    <i>You motherfuckers! It¡¯s time to pay the price of killing the chick in cold blood and using your numbers to overwhelm my men!</i>

    <i>Du du du du du! Du du du du du du! Du du du du du!</i>

    Like a madman, Andrei swung his AK-47 from side to side.

    <i>Bang, bang, bang! Bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!</i>

    G¨¦rard and the other Foreign Legion soldiers fired hails upon hails of bullets.

    <i>Ding! Ding! Swish!</i>

    <i>Crash! Boom!</i>

    Having managed to pincer two hundred hostiles, their allies on the other end of the battlefield acted quite trigger-happy as well. They unleashed all hell using missiles, grenades, and the Vulcan cannon. The helicopter also strafed them with its machine gun.

    If they hadn¡¯t been so mad, they would¡¯ve suggested the enemy surrender instead of annihting them like this. However, the special forces had also lost people whom they treated like family, and the Air Force had lost some of their men as well.

    At that moment, nobody was willing to stop them¡ªand nobody would have been able to.

    The enemies fired back a few times before falling to the ground.

    Blood spurted from their necks and foreheads among other parts of their bodies. No one felt even the slightest sorry for them. Combat in Africa had always ended in such brutal ways.

    Tribes and armies often fought unseen and unrecognized battles like this, ones where no one would be able to point fingers at them.

    Considering this had been the kind of life that Kang Chan had used to live in the past, it was only natural for him to be shocked when bullies attacked him back in high school. Although he deemed that breaking their arms was an appropriate punishment, even that was nothing but child¡¯s ypared to sticking a knife in someone¡¯s throat and yanking it out to let blood spurt out of them.

    <i>Du du du du! Du du! Du du! Du du! Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang!</i>

    The gunfight soon began to die down.

    Kang Chan stepped on the driver¡¯s side step of the truck in front of him and climbed onto its roof.

    <i>Click! Click, click! Click!</i>

    The soldiers cautiously swiveled their guns back and forth, scanning the area as they pushed onward. They could no longer see any movement.

    ck smoke rose from the burning trucks and scattered into the African sky.

    <i>Du du du du!</i>

    Andrei aimed the barrel of his gun down at the head of an enemy writhing on the ground. He then squeezed the trigger.

    <i>Cruel bastard!</i>

    The soldiers all stood at their posts, rifles aimed at the Quds¡¯ corpses.

    <i>Du du du du du du du du du!</i>

    In the distance, they saw the bright lights of a Chinook shing. The wounded were soon loaded into it.

    Their long day had finallye to an end.

    <i>Clunk! Hiss!</i>

    G¨¦rard lit a cigarette and handed it over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡±

    As Kang Chan blew out the smoke, he saw tiny sparks shing all around him. The other soldiers were lighting up cigarettes of their own.

    The reinforcements checked the corpses again as they closed in on the special forces teams.

    <i>Bang, bang, bang! Bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang, bang!</i>

    They were certainly meticulous.

    It was normal for a few bastards to writhe even in death. It wasn¡¯t that they were alive. Their muscles were just spasming. Nevertheless, the reinforcements still put bullets into them just to be sure.

    ¡°Voici!¡±

    G¨¦rard waved his hand. The leader of the reinforcements soon walked over to him, his HK417 clunking.

    They exchanged salutes.

    ¡°I¡¯m Major nchet of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Regiment!¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard!¡±

    nchet raised his gaze and looked at Kang Chan, who was still on the roof of the truck.

    ¡°He¡¯s ourmander,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°Is that the Deputy Director-General, by any chance?¡± nchet asked.

    When the scar on G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek twitched, nchet immediately turned around.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m Major nchet of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Regiment!¡±

    Kang Chan lightly raised his right hand in response.

    ¡°nchet!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Can I leave the rest to you?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡±

    The confident reply made Kang Chan grin in satisfaction. He moved his cigarette to his mouth.

    <i>¡°Hoo.¡±</i>

    Africa was still swathed in darkness.

 Chapter 263.2: Just You Wait! (2)

    <h4>Chapter 263.2: Just You Wait! (2)</h4>

    After finishing his cigarette, Kang Chan climbed down from the truck¡¯s roof.

    Gerard, who had just finished his conversation on the radio, walked over to him. ¡°Captain! The soldiers in the helicopters said they¡¯re bringing the wounded and the deceased to Mogadishu!¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in response. He saw no problem in moving the critically wounded to the American and French military bases near Mogadishu.

    G¨¦rard immediately ryed his approval to those in the helicopter.

    ¡°We have neutralized all hostiles, sir!¡± nchet reported afterward.

    ¡°nchet! Help move our wounded and fallen to the vehicles. It¡¯s time to wrap things up,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Unaware of the inside story that had given Kang Chan such authority, the Russian, British, and American special forces stared at him with puzzled expressions as he issuedmands.

    Ignoring their confused gazes, Kang Chan just kept barking orders. ¡°Everyone, return to base!¡±

    <i>Click! nk! nk!</i>

    The soldiers, covered in blood, split into groups and got in the two Humvees and the truck.

    <i>Vroom! Vroom! Vrrooom!</i>

    Smoke was still rising into the sky from the battlefield, seemingly watching over Kang Chan as he walked away.

    They had won.

    Not only had they imed victory, but they had taken down everyst one of their six hundred enemies despite being only sixty soldiers strong.

    Nevertheless, the vehicles were enveloped by an atmosphere so heavy that it seemed as though they were covered in lead. They couldn¡¯t forget about their fallen or wounded brothers who were on their way to other bases.

    <i>Rattle! Vroom!</i>

    Kang Chan stared at the horizon in the distance. He felt no different from his men. Only now did he finally get the time to vividly remember the South Korean special forces soldiers the French rookie who were killed during their hard-fought battle.

    Despite everything that happened, the rookie never once removed the bandana that Kang Chan had given him during the operation in Mongolia. In Afghanistan and even here in Africa, he always smiled sheepishly after running over to Kang Chan as soon as he saw him.

    How nice would it have been if they could all return together and snicker as they smoked?

    Even though G¨¦rard was trying hard to not make it obvious, he also seemed to be starting to feel a sense of loss for losing his men.

    They were only on the road for forty minutes, but it felt like four hours. When they finally reached the base, the soldiers waited for Kang Chan¡¯s orders. They were visibly tired, but he couldn¡¯t tell them to get some rest yet.

    ¡°I want each team to assign three people to inspect their respective barracks first. Be especially careful of boobytraps!¡± Kang Chan ordered. ¡°I¡¯m leaving this to you, Seok Kang-Ho. Take Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho with you.¡±

    ¡°All right!¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    The soldiers¡¯ rifles clunked as they followed Kang Chan¡¯smand.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°nchet! Assign people to guard our perimeter, then send some to investigate the UNmand center! Once we¡¯ve determined it¡¯s safe, let¡¯s use it as a temporary infirmary!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡± nchet answered fiercely, then walked toward the Foreign Legion soldiers.

    Kang Chan stood at the center of the base, looking at each of the buildings.

    Five minutes had passed when Andrei walked back to him. ¡°Our barracks is clear!¡±

    ¡°Spetsnaz¡ªgo to your barracks,¡± Kang Chan ordered in Korean.

    <i>Click! nk! nk!</i>

    The Spetsnaz couldn¡¯t understand what Kang Chan said, but they did get the meaning behind Kang Chan¡¯s nod toward their barracks.

    Following hismand, the Russian soldiers walked toward the building assigned to them.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with ours either!¡± Tyler reported.

    Not long after, the SBS soldiers also headed toward their barracks.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s in order, Cap!¡± Seok Kang-Ho reported as he exited one of the buildings.

    Not long after, G¨¦rard and Robert¡ªthemander of the Green Berets¡ªwalked out at almost the same time and approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Our barracks is safe,¡± G¨¦rard reported.

    Unlike the others, Robert looked devastated as he reported the situation in the Green Berets¡¯ barracks.

    ¡°They decapitated all five of our wounded that stayed behind.¡±

    ¡°Do you need help?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Please.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. He then called nchet again.

    ¡°There are five decapitated men in the Green Berets¡¯ barracks. Move them to the UNmand center and make ns to transfer them.¡±

    ¡°The medical team¡¯s rescue helicopter is on its way. I¡¯ll have them transport the dead.¡±

    Perhaps nchet found all of this to be bothersome, but he never once stopped looking dependable.

    ¡°Any of you got any smoke?¡± Robert asked.

    G¨¦rard took out cigarettes and a lighter. Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, and Seok Kang-Ho¡ªwho just stayed silent since he couldn¡¯t understand what they were saying¡ªall smoked with him.

    <i>Chk chk! Chk!</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡± Robert let out a long exhale, blowing out cigarette smoke.

    The five wounded soldiers likely couldn¡¯t even fight back as they were decapitated. This could be the worst moment for Robert since bing themander of the Green Berets.

    ¡°Do you know why the Quds attacked us?¡± he asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I wish I did, but I¡¯m just as clueless and curious as you are.¡±

    Robert nodded. He then dropped his cigarette and stepped on it.

    ¡°Thank you formanding and helping us today,¡± Robert said. He then turned around and headed to their barracks.

    Traces of a gunfight were all over their barracks, but they weren¡¯t damaged enough for the soldiers to have trouble using them.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take care of my kids as well,¡± G¨¦rard told Kang Chan. He stood up and walked away.

    Not long after, Kang Chan made his way to the South Korean team¡¯s barracks.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il! Bring me the satellite phone!¡± he ordered as soon as he arrived.

    A momentter, Choi Jong-Il handed him the phone. Kang Chan immediately called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    The dial tone rang twice before the call was answered.

    - Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

    ¡°This is Africa. I can¡¯t go into details due to security reasons, but we have just returned from a battle that started yesterday and ended two hours ago in local time. We don¡¯t know who¡¯s behind the ambush, but eleven of my men are dead. Six are in critical condition, and one of them is Colonel Park Chul-Su.¡±

    Silence dawned over their conversation. A momentter, Kim Hyung-Jung finally broke it.

    - Please repeat that one more time.

    Kang Chan did as requested.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have the UN tomand us over here anymore, so we¡¯re having trouble taking any action or returning him. If the UNmand center still doesn¡¯t return to normal by tomorrow, then I¡¯ll have a discussion with the other teams about what to do. I¡¯ll inform you about our decision if we evere to that.¡±

    - Thank you for your service. Things must have been hard for you. Um... Please contact me again if anything elsees up.

    Kim Hyung-Jung was about to say something but decided against it, having remembered Kang Chan¡¯sment earlier about not being able to say much due to reasons involving security.

    ¡°Will do. I¡¯ll talk to youter.¡±

    Kang Chan dropped the call.

    <i>Thwup thwup thwup thwup thwup.</i>

    As dawn broke, they began to hear fast-approaching helicopter noises.

    The loud rotor des blew rough winds all around them. When the helicopter finallynded, the medical team got out and began moving the corpses of the Green Berets.

    Before meeting up with them, Kang Chan headed further into their barracks and washed up. Murky water and blood flowed down onto the floor. As the water ran past his wounds, he burned up so much he felt as if oil had been poured over him and he had been set on fire.

    Kang Chan put on shorts and a cotton t-shirt, left the bathroom, and headed to the temporary infirmary.

    The medical team removed the bandages that Seok Kang-Ho had wrapped around Kang Chan during the fight. They then disinfected his wounds as if they were bathing him in antiseptic.

    The members of the medical team frowned even deeper than Kang Chan did. Kang Chan could bear the pain right now, but he knew that the moment he rxed and fell asleep, he would feel like hell as soon as he woke up.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡±

    Despite enduring the pain, he still couldn¡¯t help but groan. To disinfect his wounds, one of the medical team dug into his skin with an antiseptic-soaked cotton boll held between a pair of tweezers.

    He felt as if he was being tortured. If they had continued for a little longer, he believed he would have at least confessed that his father was Kang Dae-Kyung, and his mother was Yoo Hye-Sook.

    After pushing through the horrible disinfecting process, the open wounds all over his body were stitched up. They then wrapped so many bandages around him that barely any of his bare skin was left visible.

    The awful and tedious treatment was finally done.

    Kang Chan left the temporary infirmary and walked over to the bench in front of the barracks, finding G¨¦rard sitting on it and smoking a cigarette. He was wearing the same clothes as Kang Chan and also had bandages wrapped around him.

    The anguish and pain thatmanders had to cope with were visibly evident in his eyes and the scar on his cheek.

    ¡°Go get some sleep,¡± Kang Chan told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Are you going to contact the UN?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s best to keep information from the UN for now. Just report to the higher-ups.¡±

    ¡°nchet already did. What about you? Have you contacted the South Korean government yet?¡±

    ¡°I have. I gave them a call a while ago,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Kang Chan thought about calling Lanok as well since he had already given Kim Hyung-Jung a call anyway. However, he decided to postpone it when he remembered Lanok saying that he couldn¡¯t even freely talk about what he would have for dinner.

    He would wait for how the UN would react before making a decision, believing that, of all people, they would know what was going on here best.

    <i>¡®What are you all going to do now?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be curious about how the UN would respond.

    No matter what anyone said, it would never make any sense for a war to break out here before anyone had even shown their faces. Hence, Kang Chan was at least willing to wait for about a day to listen to what they had to say.

    If the UN didn¡¯t show up, then they would essentially be confessing that they were on the same side as those who sent six hundred Quds to ambush them. In that situation, Kang Chan would simply have them over their bill and make sure they paid for every single atrocity they had done to him and his men.

 Chapter 264: Looking For a Weakness (1)

    <h4>Chapter 264: Looking For a Weakness (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan woke up with the sunlight piercing his eyes.

    His entire body was throbbing, and his eyes stung. The moment he tried to sit up, indescribable pain washed over him.

    <i>¡®Argh!¡¯</i>

    He could barely even hold onto the side of the bed. Every time he moved his arms, it felt as if he was ripping the bones out of both his shoulders.

    <i>¡°Haaa!¡±</i>

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh, then forced himself out of bed. Being shot again would probably hurt less than how he was feeling right now. A sharp pain coursed through him as he moved, his body seemingly protesting and begging for him to stay in bed.

    <i>You want me to take the day off? Too bad, then. You¡¯re unlucky to have an owner like me.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan left the bedroom.

    It was already an hour past noon, but the soldiers were still fast asleep, sprawled out on the couches and the floor of the barracks¡¯ air-conditioned living room. Kang Chan considered making himself a cup of coffee but just headed for the exit instead, not wanting to wake his men.

    A wave of heat rushed at him when he opened the door.

    He had to walk and stretch his muscles. Otherwise, he would have trouble going aroundter on.

    After walking across the clearing in front of the benches, Kang Chan raised his arms to his eyes. Clenching his teeth, he fought through the paining from his shoulders as he brushed off the hardened dirt and blood fromst night around his eyes. They clicked against the ground as they fell.

    Feeling a bit better after about ten minutes of walking, he started to twist his arms behind him. If he stopped now, he would never be able to move properly until he was fully healed.

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>!¡±

    As he bent over and interlocked his arms behind his back, the doors of their barracks burst open. Seok Kang-Ho, who was now towering over Kang Chan, stuck out his head.

    ¡°Want some coffee?¡± Seok Kang-Ho offered.

    ¡°Only if the others are up as well,¡± Kang Chan eagerly replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho shouted something inside the barracks and popped back out again.

    ¡°I thought you were offering to make one for me,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°They¡¯re all already up. Anyway, let¡¯s have coffee and then grab lunch,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested. ¡°You want to go back to the mountain, right?¡±

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    They sat down on a bench. Seok Kang-Ho stretched his arms, ferociously scowling and frowning as he did.

    A few momentster, a soldier brought over two cups of coffee for them.

    ¡°Why do you want to go back there, though?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    In response, Kang Chan told him what he had seen and felt at the location yesterday.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked around them to make sure nobody could hear them. He then quietly asked, ¡°So you think that¡¯s where the ckhead is?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure I saw a red light, and I felt the energy too. I thought about the ckhead when they asked my permission to blow up the helicopter in the pit yesterday. I decided to proceed with it anyway because the others might find it weird if I took too much time.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded toward the Spetsnaz¡¯s barracks.

    ¡°That¡¯s strange. I thought the ckhead was just an expensive jewel. That aside, since that happened in the dead of the night, the sh of light from the stone must have been quite visible to you,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m saying we should head over,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ll probably get some answers once we get there.¡±

    The two talked a bit more over their coffee when Choi Jong-Il stuck his head out of the barracks.

    ¡°Lunch is ready, sirs,¡± he said.

    Lunch was bibimbap made from instant rice, kimchi, and eggs.

    ¡°As I mentioned before, I¡¯ll be going back to yesterday¡¯sbat zone after lunch,¡± Kang Chan announced. ¡°As for the rest of you, just rest up and focus on recovery unless otherwise ordered.¡±

    ¡°How should we go about security?¡±

    ¡°The Foreign Legion is guarding the perimeter, so just having a gun with you at all times should suffice.¡±

    They finished their bibimbap faster than they had eaten the ramyeon noodles yesterday.

    After brushing his teeth, Kang Chan headed straight to the makeshift infirmary with his men to have their wounds disinfected and their bandages changed.

    With his injuries taken care of, he returned to their barracks to prepare for the journey ahead. He changed to a new uniform, then tied a bandana around his head. Afterward, he hung a military bonnie hat around his neck.

    He couldn¡¯t exin why, but having his radio, weapons, and magazines on him made him feel as if he could move more fluidly.

    ¡°Grab some ropes and shlights,¡± Kang Chan ordered, and Kwak Cheol-Ho and Woo Hee-Seung immediately grabbed a few of each, respectively.

    Upon leaving the barracks, Kang Chan was greeted by G¨¦rard, who was sitting on the benches fully armed. There was no need for any words between them.

    The Spetsnaz and SBS soldiers who were also sitting on the benches looked at them curiously. Paying them no attention, Kang Chan headed toward the entrance.

    ¡°nchet!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go examine yesterday¡¯s battlefield. If you see any vehicle or personnel that looks even remotely suspicious or isn¡¯t under our control, shoot them down.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    <i>Vroom! Vroom!</i>

    Lee Doo-Hee and Kwak Cheol-Ho each drove a Humvee. Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard got into Lee Doo-Hee¡¯s.

    They were off.

    Since it would take some time to get to their destination, Kang Chan took this opportunity to give G¨¦rard a quick exnation about his resurrection, what happened in Ennd, and what he feltst night. They were speaking in French, and the engine of the Humvee was roaring so loudly that he didn¡¯t have to worry about Lee Doo-Hee hearing what he said.

    When he was done, G¨¦rard gave him a look of disbelief. Kang Chan supposed no one would just nod in understanding and go ¡°I see¡± after hearing a story like his.

    ¡°Is that son of a bitch Shan still alive, Cap?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s probably still in the underground site at Loriam,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°And that man¡¯s really Dayeru?¡±

    <i>This motherfucker! I just told you everything!</i>

    ¡°Why is that punk saying my name?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked with a frown.

    ¡°I told him about everything that happened,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Poor guy. He probably feels like his world has been turned upside down.¡±

    G¨¦rard did lookpletely stunned. He had been calling Kang Chan ¡°Captain¡± and Seok Kang-Ho ¡°Daye¡± all this time, but it seemed he still had trouble epting or even just wrapping his head around it.

    ¡°Ennd and France have developed a weapon that can cause earthquakes, and it gets its energy from the ckhead. It¡¯s the reason Daye and I ended up being reincarnated. We thought that energy was gone for good, but I saw it again during the battlest night,¡± Kang Chan summarized.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to keep this a secret,¡± G¨¦rard mused.

    ¡°The energy aside, the discovery of a ckhead always causes trouble, so it would be best to keep this on the down low,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    ¡°You should have dyed blowing up the helicopter a bit.¡±

    ¡°Somebody would have likely found it strange if I did. Also, to be honest, I was hoping the explosion wouldpletely bury the ckhead.¡±

    ¡°I see. Oh, right! Can you trust the soldiers who are here with you?¡± G¨¦rard asked in doubt as he nodded at Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°If they betray me, I¡¯ll just let them do it.¡±

    G¨¦rard grinned.

    ¡°Even though you¡¯re right here with me, I still find it hard to ept all of this.¡±

    ¡°How do you think Daye and I feel?¡±

    After putting himself in their shoes, G¨¦rard nodded in response.

    Not long after, they saw African eagles leisurely gliding in the sky above the ce where they had fought against more than two hundred men. Some were also busily bobbing their heads where the burnt cars were.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    A few minutester, they reached the foot of the mountain.

    <i>Clunk. Clunk.</i>

    They climbed out of the Humvee and made their way up the ridge, finding gruesome signs ofbat along the path. Following the ridge and the main road, they eventually found the tribal vige again.

    <i>Fuck!</i>

    The area from the vigers'' homes to the bottom of the opposite side of the mountain had all crumbled down. In the middle of it all was a huge pit.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be hard to stay here long,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    There were at least a thousand decaying corpses here. The stench of rotting flesh lingering in the air wafted over to them.

    ¡°Hang a rope over there,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    While Woo Hee-Seung and Kwak Cheol-Ho chose one of the vigers¡¯ houses to tie one end of a rope to, Kang Chan looked for an appropriately sized rock and threw it down the hole.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Judging from the noise, it seemed to be around twenty meters deep.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a look around first before deciding what to do.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the others stepped forward and held onto the middle of the rope. The hut was unstable and just made of dirt, so they wanted to make sure it was sturdy enough to hold their weight.

    Kang Chan loosened the bandana from his head and wrapped it around his nose. Afterward, he grabbed a shlight and tied the rope around his waist.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Seok Kang-Ho reminded.

    Kang Chan nodded before slowly descending the hole.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    About ten meters down, Kang Chan aimed his shlight downward to illuminate the area below him. He could only the wreckage of the helicopter, which had been reduced to scrap metal. He didn¡¯t see anything suspicious.

    Kang Chan had been expecting two things: the red light and a warning from his heart. However, all his senses delivered to him was gas and a stench so acrid it made his eyes water.

    This was the furthest he could go.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Pull!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Swish! Swish!</i>

    Asmanded, the people above pulled him up meter by meter.

    ¡°Here!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted as he offered his hand. Kang Chan grabbed it and lifted himself out of the pit.

    ¡°<i>Ph-yew</i>!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s face wrinkled in disgust as he fanned the air away from his nose. G¨¦rard and the other soldiers frowned as well.

    ¡°Shit! This is as far as we can go without proper equipment. There¡¯s nothing special about the pit either,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°It looks like the tribesmen¡¯s corpses also fell in it. At least a thousand bodies must be inside that hole,¡± Seok Kang-Ho deduced.

    Kang Chan nodded. He didn¡¯t want to sift through a thousand bodies that were already starting to dpose just to look for the ckhead. It wasn¡¯t like he was dying to see it again anyway.

    ¡°Shit. Looks like you overdid yourself, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, nodding at the growing bloodstain on the sleeve around Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders.

    Kang Chan thought it was likely because he overexerted himself while hanging from the rope.

    ¡°We should head back for now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    Kang Chan agreed. ¡°All right.¡±

    They turned around to head back down to their vehicles. As they walked along the ridge, G¨¦rard suddenly spoke up.

    ¡°They still haven¡¯t asked why we¡¯re here, have they? They¡¯re good.¡±

    Only then did Kang Chan realize that Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun, and the other three hade all the way here and pulled the rope up for him without even asking why they were here. G¨¦rard didn¡¯t speak any Korean, but carefully observing them was enough for him to learn that much.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what to say, so he just strode over to the Humvee without bothering to reply.

    Vroom! Vroom!

    Six hundred vigers and six hundred Quds. Not taking into ount their fallenrades, that battlefield now served as the grave of one thousand two hundred people.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we have a smoke here before leaving?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    In response, G¨¦rard handed him some cigarettes.

    <i>Flick! Hiss!</i>

    Kang Chan lit up two cigarettes and walked up to the front of the ridge. Something would always bother him whenever he left battlefields like this.

    It might sound childish and ridiculous, but he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if his fewer-numbered allies would suffer in this ce because they had six hundred enemies with them here. Perhaps that was why religion existed¡ªso he could hope that his deadrades wouldn¡¯t have to stay here.

    Kang Chan gathered up dirt from the ground in front of him, creating a small mound. Afterward, he stuck a cigarette in the center of it.

    <i>I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t protect you properly. I¡¯m sorry I got you killed in Africa.</i>

    Kang Chan stood back up and walked to the Humvee.

    ¡°If the witch doctor was still alive, they would¡¯ve insisted even more that you¡¯re the Surdkad,¡± G¨¦rard joked as he tossed the cigarette that he was smoking.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    They took off once Kang Chan had climbed in.

    ***

    Upon arriving back at the base, Kang Chan realized that the UNmand had returned before nchet could even report it to him. He didn¡¯t need any special powers to know. The three cars with the letters ¡°UN¡± written on them in white were simply quite obvious clues. Anyone who knew the alphabet could easily put two and two together.

    When Kang Chan stepped out of the vehicle, two men from themand barracks quickly rushed toward him.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    <i>Motherfuckers. Of course, you¡¯re surprised. You¡¯re seeing a man who should be dead by now walking around.</i>

    ¡°We wish to meet with the leadership of each team.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not something you need to ask my permission for,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°The Green Berets and the SBS said they would meet with us when you¡¯re avable.¡±

    The UN employee nced at the soldiers and then quickly looked back at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Can I have the wound on my shoulder looked at first?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Your injuries take priority,¡± the UN employee said.

    Soldiers from different nations were scowling at the UNmand, their gruesome wounds out on disy. It was probably making the UN employees quite anxious.

    When the two returned to their barracks, Andrei immediately approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯lle listen to whatever they have to say with you,¡± Andrei said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get my wound checked out first. You can just wait here or go in first.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here,¡± Andrei replied. He then examined Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Where did you go off to anyway?¡±

    This guy was dependable most of the time, but his tone and expression made him seem as if he was always relentlessly looking for a weakness.

    ¡°I looked around the battlefield yesterday.¡±

    Andrei tilted his head and looked back at Kang Chan. He looked as if he wanted to know why.

    <i>Pft</i>.

    He was understandably frustrated. After all, he couldn¡¯t use a gun or violence to threaten Kang Chan into giving what he wanted.

    ¡°Andrei.¡±

    Kang Chan suddenly felt like picking on this asshole, so he nudged his head to Andrei¡¯s ear.

    ¡°I thought I saw something sparkle in the pit before the chopper went down yesterday, so I went back to look. Unfortunately, we had no way of getting to the bottom of the pit.¡±

    Andrei turned to Kang Chan, his expression a mixture of doubt and surprise.

    ¡°What did you think it was?¡± he asked eagerly.

    At this point, Kang Chan was sure that Andrei had received orders to uncover something about him.

    ¡°What else would sparkle in Africa?¡±

    Andrei¡¯s eyes narrowed in suspicion. He seemed to be asking why Kang Chan was telling him something so important.

    <i>This punk is always so fucking doubtful.</i>

    Instead of replying, Kang Chan just turned around and headed to the makeshift infirmary.

    ¡°If you keep this up, your wounds will be inmed. Stop pushing yourself so much,¡± the medical staff warned.

    After having his injury disinfected, Kang Chan headed straight to the barracks and changed.

    ¡°Interpreter! Cha Dong-Gyun, Daye! Come with me!¡± Kang Chan said.

    After ordering the other soldiers to take a break, he headed to the UNmand center.

    Without being called, G¨¦rard, Andrei, Tyler, and Robert were already waiting for him on the benches. Their eyes were all zing, making it seem as if someone had started a fire right in front of them.

    <i>Click!</i>

    The conference room was a standard briefing room with a small portable screen in the center. When Kang Chan sat down, the others settled into their own seats and looked across the table, where the two UNmand staff were sitting.

    ¡°To start with, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of you for oveing the difficulties yesterday despite the absence of Command.¡±

    <i>Pft.</i>

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, the employee quickly continued, ¡°I also heard that many of your men were killed in the battle yesterday. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and¡ª¡±

    <i>Clunk!</i>

    The UN employee looked up. Kang Chan had pulled out a pistol.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan set the pistol down on the writing board mounted on the chair.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not make things ufortable,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Nervous, the UN employee gulped. Meanwhile, the othermanders simply gazed at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep this short and simple, so listen up,¡± Kang Chan coldly ordered.

    The two UN staff quickly nodded.

    ¡°Yesterday, we found ourselves in the middle of an enemy ambush. Meanwhile, you disappeared during that operation so fast it was like you were never here in the first ce.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡ª¡±

    ¡°Too many of our men died to gloss over this, so I have to start asking questions. If you¡¯re slow to answer or you say something stupid, things won¡¯t end well for you.¡±

    Themanders'' and other soldiers¡¯ res were already enough to intimidate the two UN staff. Faced with Kang Chan¡¯s demeanor and scowl, they grew as white as a sheet of paper.

    ¡°First, when did you learn that the enemy would beunching an attack?¡±

    <i>Pft.</i>

    Kang Chan moved to lift his pistol.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t know. We were just following orders. They told us to return to the UN headquarters in Mogadishu as soon as possible.¡±

    <i>Baang! Thwack! Baang! Thwack!</i>

    Kang Chan pulled the trigger twice. Trembling, the UN employees squeezed their eyes shut.

    <i>Tat tat! Click! ck!</i>

    Soldiers from the Foreign Legion rushed in when they heard gunfire. When G¨¦rard waved them off, they saluted and left immediately.

    ¡°I aimed for the screen this time, but I¡¯ll make sure the next bullet goes through your foreheads. Now, then! Let¡¯s go with something a little easier. What¡¯s the UN¡¯s official position on this incident?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re ming this on the rebels! We will be announcing that despite a massive ambush by six hundred rebels, the UN troops were able to emerge victorious,¡± the UN employee quickly and confidently replied.

    ¡°Who was themander who sent the rebels, then?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The two quieted down once more, unable to answer his question.

 Chapter 265.1: Looking For a Weakness (2)

    <h4>Chapter 265.1: Looking For a Weakness (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°We really don¡¯t know!¡± the UN employee immediately eximed. He then held up the document on the table. ¡°They just gave us this guideline for reporting the incident on the news, then ordered us to return to this base and send everyone back to their home country!¡±

    Kang Chan gave the UN employee a serious look.

    They seemed to have been on multiple battlefields in Africa but only took care of the paperwork rather than joining the battle itself.

    <i>How much would they know about things like this?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at the other teams¡¯manders, who were on either side of him. ¡°Does anyone have any questions?¡±

    When nobody said anything, he continued, ¡°When is our flight home?¡±

    ¡°We''ll have a transport aircraft prepared for you a few days after the announcement has been made.¡±

    ¡°From now on, you are to ask for my permission before leaving the base.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan slowly slid his pistol back into its holster.

    They had probably never expected Kang Chan to behave this way or believed that someone would stop him because they were UN employees. However, if someone had interfered and stopped Kang Chan...

    It was better for everyone not to imagine the horrible events that would have transpired in that situation.

    Kang Chan left themand center and went into their barracks. He then changed into shorts and a cotton t-shirt.

    ¡°You look awful. Maybe it¡¯s because you lost a lot of blood? You should get hooked to an IV,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    Kang Chan did feel quite heavy and sluggish. This was his first time experiencing something like this.

    ¡°All right. Keep me updated,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    A few soldiers were already on IV in the living room. Seok Kang-Ho peeked outside and yelled, and the army interpreter loudly answered back.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to get some rest,¡± Kang Chan said. ¡°Call me if something urgentes up.¡±

    ¡°Everything has already been taken care of. What could even happen now?¡±

    A soldier brought over an IV and hung it on the clothes hanger on the wall. They then connected it to Kang Chan¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Get some sleep,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan just nodded in response.

    Once Seok Kang-Ho and the soldier had gone outside and closed the door behind them, Kang Chan turned his head to the table next to the bed. The now-unreadable letters that he had received from Lee Yoo-Seul, Yoo Hye-Sook, and Kim Mi-Young were inside its drawer.

    Kang Chan finally started easing up and rxing.

    ***

    After his meeting with the President, CIA Director Sherman left the White House and got in the car that was waiting for him. They drove off not long after, passing the barricades behind the White House.

    On the road, Sheman took out an old model phone from his chest pocket and dialed a number. The call was immediately answered.

    - We¡¯re standing by.

    ¡°Take care of him,¡± he ordered.

    - Yes, sir.

    As soon as he got their affirmative, Sherman ended the call, finding no reason to prolong it.

    Sherman thought of Brandon as he looked out the window. <i>¡®What an idiot.¡¯</i>

    Brandon could¡¯ve worked with the Arabs or sent an operation that would specifically target the other countries¡¯ special forces teams. Either way, he should¡¯ve done whatever was necessary to stop the Green Berets from siding with the other special forces teams.

    To make things worse, Brandon had also been caught epting bribes from Abib. As the DIA director, he probably needed secret money for himself.

    <i>¡®You should¡¯ve been more meticulous at hiding your tracks¡ªno, you should¡¯ve done things the right way to begin with.¡¯</i>

    Brandon made two crucial mistakes¡ªhe broadcasted the situation in Afghanistan via satellite and then ordered the Quds to ambush the soldiers in Africa. If even just one of them had been sessful, he wouldn¡¯t be in such a bad spot today.

    Because of his failures, the United States was left with no other choice but to release a statement that they had absolutely no involvement with the ambush and that it was all a personal action of his. They also had to be subservient to France and South Korea for a short while.

    <i>Ring. Ring.</i>

    Sherman opened the flip phone and brought it up to his ear.

    - The target has been eliminated.

    That was the answer that he wanted to hear. Nevertheless, he just closed the phone again, not even bothering to respond.

    The God of ckfield.

    The CIA tried their best to investigate everything about him, but they had never encountered anyone as veiled as that man. Despite being a high schooler who hadn¡¯t even graduated yet, he suddenly appeared in the world of Intelligence and became amander of an exceptionally talented, world-famous special forces team.

    The analysis of the CIA regarding South Korea¡¯s most recent Afghanistan operation only dumbfounded Sherman further.

    ording to their reports, Kang Chan¡¯s French was almost perfect, had the same codename as a Foreign Legion special forces soldier who had been killed in battle in Africa, and had all of the distinct characteristics of Foreign Legion soldiers, including their shooting and close-quartersbat skills.

    The US believed that Brandon should¡¯ve used this opportunity to do everything in his power to kill Kang Chan.

    <i>Ring. Ring.</i>

    Sherman¡¯s phone rang again, interrupting his train of thought. He answered it.

    - The twenty Imic warriors who were headed to South Korea have all been eliminated in China. ording to our intel, the DGSE and Russia¡¯s intelligence bureau coborated with China to take them out.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Sherman didn¡¯t say anything this time either before he hung up.

    Not only was this hard-to-investigate South Korean high schooler working closely with the Eurasian Rail, but he was also working closely with the next-gen energy source. Moreover, Lanok and Vasili were backing him up.

    What was even more absurd was that even Ethan¡ªwho stood right beside Kang Chan, bearing witness to everything that had transpired in the secret facility for the subterranean shock device¡ªimed that he had no idea how Kang Chan controlled the subterranean shock device.

    Sherman pursed his lips.

    Kang Chan was the Deputy Director-General of the DGSE, the Assistant Director of the National Intelligence Service, and someone whom Vasili directly supported and sided with. He also yed a crucial role in Yang Bum¡¯s journey to bing the Intelligence Bureau Director of China¡ªthe tiger that had woken up from its slumber.

    Hence, Sherman concluded that attempting to get rid of Kang Chan right now wouldn¡¯t be wise. On the contrary, he had to find ways to get on his good side.

    <i>¡®Do I have to visit him myself, like Lanok or Vasili?¡¯</i>

    ¡°This is driving me nuts,¡± Sherman muttered to himself as he rubbed his forehead.

    He couldn¡¯t believe that the CIA director would have to go out of his way just to meet a South Korean high schooler!

    <i>Do I have to bring an expensive toy with me and dance for him too?</i>

    Sherman shook his head, realizing that Lanok or Vasili¡¯s worth didn¡¯t fall behind his at all.

    For the first time in his entire career, Sherman found himself curious about someone¡¯s identity. However, he believed this was only natural. After all, Kang Chan was the only person that the CIA had failed to find useful information about.

    ***

    ¡°Sunbae-nim!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung eximed a little louder than he intended.

    It had only been three days since Kang Chul-Gyu regained consciousness, and they had just moved him to a regr room today, yet he was already walking around right next to his bed.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu responded as he pushed through the pain to turn toward his bed.

    ¡°Why are you moving around so much already? Shouldn¡¯t you still be in bed, resting as much as you can?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung worriedlyined.

    ¡°I needed a bit of exercise.¡± Frowning, Kang Chul-Gyu sat on the bed. ¡°If let myself rest for too long, it¡¯s going to be a habit.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s your head?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still a little hazy, but I feel much better now,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said. He then looked at Kim Hyung-Jung. ¡°How¡¯s the men over in Mongolia?¡±

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, everyone seems to be doing well. They want you to bring them a lot of pork belly and kimchi when you return.¡±

    ¡°I will probably have recovered enough to return to Mongolia in ten days.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t even be able to finish the basic examinations in ten days,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung argued.

    Kang Chul-Gyu managed to smile in response despite having trouble too. ¡°I have a good reason to go there.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to overdo it. The base in Mongolia isn¡¯t in any danger or trouble right now¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s something I haven¡¯t told you yet,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied, making Kim Hyung-Jung look at him. ¡°This could be my chance to be forgiven, so I want to go back there as soon as I can. Knowing that there are things I can do for him has made every second I spend here feel like a year.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked as he looked at Kim Hyung-Jung, who couldn¡¯t understand what he was saying.

    ***

    Kang Chan waspletely drenched in sweat because of his fever, but he still had a nket covering him because he felt so cold that he was trembling.

    The army interpreter went to the infirmary and told the medical team about his condition. One of their staff injected a few IV medications into Kang Chan, but he didn¡¯t get any better.

    ¡°You should get more sleep. We¡¯ll make you some porridge for dinnerter,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan nodded weakly.

    He had been wounded many times both in his previous and current lives. He had also lost consciousness a few times, but he had never experienced body aches this painful before.

    <i>Did I abuse my body too much?</i>

    As a consequence of his refusal to let anything stop him, his body seemed to be doing everything it could to make him suffer now.

    Drowsy because of the IV medications, Kang Chan soon fell asleep. Seok Kang-Ho went outside soon after.

    The other soldiers also looked as if they were having a hard time. The longer they rested and rxed, the more pain they seemed to be in. Seok Kang-Ho wasn¡¯t any different either. The wound on his shoulder certainly felt more painful than this morning.

 Chapter 265.2: Looking For a Weakness (2)

    <h4>Chapter 265.2: Looking For a Weakness (2)</h4>

    After eating dinner, Seok Kang-Ho headed outside. G¨¦rard approached him.

    ¡°Interpreter!¡± Seok Kang-Ho gruffly called.

    The army interpreter brought over two cups of coffee and handed them to Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard.

    ¡°How¡¯s the captain doing?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t been doing well since he left themand center.¡±

    ¡°He lost too much blood and has severe wounds. If I were in his shoes, I would¡¯ve already copsed,¡± G¨¦rard replied, then offered him a cigarette. ¡±Want one?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho took the cigarette and lit it up. Afterward, he looked at the Spetsnaz¡¯s barracks.

    ¡°Why are those fuckers so quiet?¡±

    ¡°They left shortly after the meeting with the UN employees. They haven¡¯t returned since.¡±

    ¡°Where did they go?¡±

    ¡°Considering they know we went back to the pit, wouldn¡¯t they check it out as well? That¡¯s the only ce I can think of that can attract their attention right now,¡± G¨¦rard answered with a smirk.

    After a while, they heard vehicle engines turning off from the entrance.

    ¡°Seems like they¡¯re back,¡± G¨¦rardmented. He then turned his head toward the entrance, finding Andrei and four other soldiers entering the base.

    Seok Kang-Ho cocked his head, a look of surprise on his face. ¡°<i>Huh</i>?¡±

    An elder and a child with albinism were with the Spetsnaz soldiers.

    <i>Click. nk.</i>

    Andrei walked over to Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard. ¡°Call the captain.¡±

    The army interpreter immediately ryed what he said.

    In response, Seok Kang-Ho told him that they couldn¡¯t and exined why.

    ¡°I¡¯m not weak enough to require your permission,¡± Andrei replied.

    For some reason, he looked furious.

    G¨¦rard understood what Andrei said without needing the army interpreter to ry it in French. However, he couldn¡¯t say anything because Seok Kang-Ho¡ªthe person that Andrei was talking to¡ªchose to remain silent.

    ¡°Can you bring over the soldier who can speak Somali?¡± Andrei asked G¨¦rard.

    After contemting what to do, G¨¦rard answered, ¡°The captain is severely wounded. If it¡¯s not urgent, we should take the day off. We can just listen to what the tribespeople have to say when the captaines out tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Can you bring over the soldier who can speak Somali?¡± Andrei repeated.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call him when the captaines out tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard?¡±

    G¨¦rard stood up from the bench, the scar on his cheek twitching. Silence immediately enveloped their surroundings.

    ¡°Don¡¯t test me. You¡¯re not the onlymander who lost their men,,¡± G¨¦rard warned.

    Unlike Andrei, who was stupid and simple-minded, G¨¦rard gained integrity from his wealth of experience.

    <i>¡®Between these two, who would win in a fight?¡¯ </i>Seok Kang-Ho wondered. He took a sip of his coffee with a look of excitement.

    The two refused to look away from each other.

    ¡°I¡¯ll return after dinner,¡± Andrei said, finally breaking the silence. ¡°You better be here with the interpreter by then.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave that decision to the captain,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    Andrei¡¯s cheek twitched. Turning away, he walked back to their barracks, his rifle clicking with each step.

    ¡°Where did they find those tribespeople?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m more curious about why that fucker went back to the pit in the first ce,¡± G¨¦rard replied as he sat back down.

    ¡°I wonder how only those two survived.¡±

    ¡°We can look into that with everyone once our captain wakes up.¡±

    Changing the topic, Seok Kang-Ho asked, ¡°What are we having for dinner?¡±

    ¡°The UN seems to be preparing a meal for us.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just going to have ramyeon in our barracks.¡±

    G¨¦rard just shrugged in response, seemingly telling Seok Kang-Ho to feel free to do what he wanted.

    ¡°Do you think that fucker will cause anothermotion once he¡¯s had dinner?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°<i>Hmph</i>! It¡¯s not like this is our first time meeting someone like him here in Africa. If I can¡¯t tolerate him anymore, I can just beat him up.¡±

    ¡°Good luck with that,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said with a shortugh. He then stood up.

    G¨¦rard looked at him. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have dinner. I also have to check how our captain is doing.¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded. He then stood up as well.

    When Seok Kang-Ho entered the infirmary, he found Kang Chan sitting on the bed.

    ¡°<i>Whoa</i>! Why are you sweating so much!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    Under the sunlight seeping in through the window, Kang Chan waspletely covered in sweat.

    ¡°You should get some more sleep,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already had enough sleep. I¡¯m already feeling better anyway.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at the IV that was connected to his arm.

    ¡°We should remove that,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho walked over to Kang Chan, removed the bandages and gauze, then pulled out the needle. He then sat to help put the bandages and gauze back over the area of the injection.

    ¡°We think Andrei went back to the pit,¡± hemented afterward.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°You know why he went there, don¡¯t you?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I was the one who goaded him into it. I told him I think I saw the ckhead inside the pit.¡±

    ¡°Did that bastard search the entire fucking pit? Is that why he was so full of spite when he got back?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but he would have definitely gone through a lot of trouble if he searched through the piles of corpses in that ce.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s grin disappeared, his expression turning serious. ¡°Oh, right! That fucker Andrei brought back an elder and a child with albinism! They probably hid in the area and waited until the entire battle was over. Andrei told me to call you. When I said I couldn¡¯t, he started throwing a fit. He even told G¨¦rard to call the guy who could speak Somali before returning to their barracks.¡±

    ¡°Did they fight?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Almost, but Andrei walked away before anything could happen. We should teach that bastard a lesson so he can start getting his shit together.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry. Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    Grinning, Seok Kang-Ho stood up.

    After grabbing a pair of shorts and a cotton t-shirt, Kang Chan walked into the bathroom and took a shower. He didn¡¯t worry about the water soaking the bandages since he had to have them reced anyway.

    By the time he was done, the soldiers were already preparing dinner.

    ¡°I¡¯ll eat after getting my bandages changed,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to make ramyeon, so don¡¯t take too long.¡±

    <i>Does this fucker never get tired of ramyeon?</i>

    Kang Chan left the barracks and headed to themand center.

    He didn¡¯t need to say anything. The medic immediately went to work, meticulously disinfecting his wounds and carefully changing his bandages.

    ¡°Did you use other medications on your wounds?¡± the medic asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    The medic treating Kang Chan cocked their head. At times like this, pretending not to know anything was the best thing to do.

    Upon leaving the infirmary, Kang Chan had ramen, instant rice, and kimchi, all of which Seok Kang-Ho had prepared for dinner.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan afterward.

    ¡°Yes. Sweating a lot has made me feel better.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll make delicious coffee.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not just going to order someone else to do it for you likest time?¡±

    ¡°Hey! I swear I¡¯m making it this time!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°Make one for G¨¦rard too, then.¡±

    ¡°I was already nning to.¡±

    After their conversation, Kang Chan slowly made his way out of their barracks.

    All the special forces soldiers were now sitting on the benches in the middle of the base, seemingly having already finished their dinner at the mess hall. They were all smoking and drinking coffee.

    G¨¦rard was the first to approach Kang Chan. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°It seems I was just sleep-deprived. I feel a lot better now that I¡¯ve got plenty of rest.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±

    ¡°I heard Andrei kicked up a fuss.¡±

    G¨¦rard just smiled in response, the scar on his cheek twitching.

    <i>Where is that fucker, though?</i>

    As Kang Chan nced at the Spetsnaz¡¯s barracks, Seok Kang-Ho walked out carrying three mugs.

    ¡°You brought Korean coffee!¡± G¨¦rard eximed.

    G¨¦rard walked over to Seok Kang-Ho and took one of the mugs. Seok Kang-Ho handed one over to Kang Chan as well. The three took a sip.

    Just as they were about to light their cigarettes, Andrei walked out of the Spetsnaz¡¯s barracks and made his way to Kang Chan.

    ¡°I went back to the pit earlier today,¡± he began.

    With the sky already getting darker, the moths were starting to buzz around. They had to finish their coffee as quickly as they could even though it was still hot. Otherwise, the insects might fall into their mugs first.

    <i>Slurp!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho audibly drank his coffee.

    After briefly ring at him, Andrei continued, ¡°We didn¡¯t find anything in there.¡±

    He then looked at Kang Chan, annoyance evident on his face. It seemed as if he found this situation unfair.

    Kang Chan lit up his cigarette before looking Andrei in the eye.

    ¡°On our way back, we found two tribespeople at the ridge below the huts. You should meet with them with the army interpreter who speaks Somali,¡± Andrei said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll finish my coffee before we go. Are they in your barracks?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Have they had dinner yet?¡±

    ¡°I already handled it.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked at Andrei.

    People could pass on emotions through the look in their eyes, their expressions, and their bodynguage. Kang Chan thought that this fucker had the potential to be dependable, but he was also the type to make a rod for his own back and ask people to beat him up.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s smirk, Andrei turned around and walked back to their barracks. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t believe he dared cross the line even though he was definitely being careful.

    With most of the sun already below the horizon, their surroundings were almostpletely dark now.

    Kang Chan quickly finished his coffee and called Roberre¡ªthe French soldier who interpreted Somali for them. They then headed to the Spetsnaz¡¯s barracks with Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard.

    Opening the door and entering the building, they found the elder and the child with albinism sitting on the sofa. The two turned their heads toward them in surprise.

    ¡°Surkard!¡± the elder yelled at Kang Chan. With only two teeth at the top and one tooth at the bottom, he couldn¡¯t quite pronounce the word properly.

    <i>I¡¯m so sick and tired of this! Why do they have to keep making things awkward?!</i>

    The elder was saying something when Kang Chan heard amotion outside. A few momentster, the door of the barracks swung open.

    ¡°We need you outside!¡± a soldier said.

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Andrei, and the Spetsnaz soldiers quickly ran out.

    Most of the soldiers were already outside and staring in the same direction. A few of them even stood on the bench as they watched the sky.

    ¡°It¡¯s over there!¡±

    Kang Chan looked at where the French soldier was pointing.

    ¡°What the hell is that?¡± he asked.

    A part of the dark sky was tinged with red light, making it look as if it was soaked in blood.

 Chapter 266.1: What Comes First? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 266.1: What Comes First? (1)</h4>

    <i>God damn it!</i>

    Seeing the red light soar into the dark sky above had Kang Chan at a loss for words. If he were being honest, he couldn¡¯t really care less about the stupid legend or myth or whatever the hell it was, but something about this situation did bother him.

    The ckhead had been so quiet and meek when he visited the pit to search for it. Tonight, however¡ªlong after he had gone back to base¡ªit suddenly decided to cause amotion. He racked his brain trying to figure out what to do now that everyone had seen the red light as well.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard quietly called Kang Chan, his gaze remaining on the red light. ¡°Act normal. Keep watching the light, but don¡¯t let yourself get flustered in front of everyone.¡±

    <i>When did this bastard start using his brain?</i>

    Well, Kang Chan supposed he was living in a new world now. Even Daye had been thinking before actingtely, putting his head to good use. It couldn¡¯t get any stranger than that.

    ¡°Before we left the Spetsnaz¡¯s barracks, Roberre told me that the old man said the red light is calling you. He also told me to pretend not to know anything because the situation could turn tricky if that bastard Andrei finds out.¡±

    As if aware that they were talking about him, Andrei walked over and stood beside Kang Chan almost immediately after G¨¦rard was done.

    ¡°Do you know anything about this?¡± Andrei pointedly asked.

    ¡°Just the bull crap about the guardian of Mount Surdkad turning the mountain turn red by doing something, which you¡¯ve also already heard before,¡± Kang Chan nonchntly replied.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Andrei asked, his tone coated with doubt.

    <i>Have I been treating this son of a bitch too softly?</i>

    Seeing the threatening look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, Andrei quickly looked away and raised his gaze toward the light. Kang Chan had started heading to the benches when Andrei spoke to him again.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to see what that¡¯s about?¡± he asked.

    Andrei nced at the light with suspicion, then turned back toward the barracks again. He looked like he wanted to go but couldn¡¯t bring himself to leave the old man and child by themselves.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Bring a squad and check that light out!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Daye! Go with them. Take a few of our men with you as well.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Andrei watched Kang Chan giving orders in French and Seok Kang-Ho immediately preparing to live.

    ¡°I¡¯lle with them,¡± Andrei said.

    <i>Of course, you will, you simple-minded bastard!</i>

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want, then go ahead,¡± Kang Chan casually replied.

    As G¨¦rard chose a few soldiers to bring with him, Seok Kang-Ho ordered the army interpreter and a few other South Korean soldiers to join them as well. Meanwhile, Andrei looked back at their barracks with a doubtful expression.

    Much to everyone¡¯s surprise, Tyler also walked over to the benches with two SBS soldiers, all armed and ready to move out.

    ¡°We¡¯re tagging along too,¡± he said.

    ¡°Join them at your own discretion! Roberre! Escort the old man and the child over here,¡± Kang Chan boldly gavemands right in front of Andrei for Robere to bring the two people over.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we speak to the two of them together after Ie back...¡± Noticing the look on Kang Chan¡¯s face, Andrei trailed off.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see you soon,¡± G¨¦rard told Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be back,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    The two walked to the entrance of the barracks. Tyler followed right behind them.

    Andrei¡¯s face filled with anguish as he rushed off and chased after them. Kang Chan had only ever seen such an expression in works of art before. He looked as if he had just decided to check the situation himself over listening to a potentially deceitful interpreter conveying the conversation between him and the old man.

    Robert was the only othermander left in the base, but he didn¡¯t seem interested in this kind of talk.

    When the old man saw Kang Chan again, he no longer called him ¡°Surdkad.¡± Roberre must have said something to him.

    ¡°Ask him if he¡¯s had dinner yet,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    The old man quickly replied to Roberre¡¯s question. He then turned his wrinkled face toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°He says the child needs medicine,¡± Roberre interpreted.

    ¡°Then take the child to the infirmary first. Go with them and assist with the conversation.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Under Kang Chan¡¯s instructions, Roberre took the old man and the child to themand center, where the infirmary was.

    This wasn¡¯t part of Kang Chan¡¯s original n, but it at least probably made all the people sneaking around to eavesdrop on their conversation feel pretty dumb.

    Robert walked up to Kang Chan, who had been staring at the red light in the distance. ¡°Want a cigarette?¡±

    Kang Chan readily epted the cigarette and lit it.

    ¡°Did you have another mission on this deployment?¡± Robert questioned.

    Kang Chan smirked. He huffed out a long stream of smoke.

    ¡°You also asked me that questionst time. If you want to know so badly, feel free to join the men heading back to the mountains or listen in on the conversation I¡¯m about to have with the tribesman. I¡¯m more interested in knowing why the UN decided to send us on this bullshit deployment and who the fuck ordered the ambush yesterday.¡±

    Robert tossed his cigarette onto the ground in front of the benches, then crushed it with his foot.

    <i>¡®None of the people here knows how to properly dispose of cigarette butts,¡¯ </i>Kang Chan thought.

    ¡°This ce feels like hell, God of ckfield. keep thinking of my wounded men being decapitated. If you ever get the chance to avenge what happened here, I hope you reach out to me. I¡¯ll even take off my uniform if that¡¯s what I have to do to join you.¡±

    Robert looked at Kang Chan, his eyes dead serious. ¡°Everyone on our team knows each other¡¯s families. That¡¯s how close we are. If I return home now, I won¡¯t ever be able to live another normal day. Please contact me.¡±

    ¡°If I get the chance, I will,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t give him a definite answer, yet he was already genuinely thanking him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to listen to the conversation I¡¯m going to have with the old man and the childter?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less about that light. All I want to know is who was behind the horrid ambush.¡±

    Afterward, even though Kang Chan tried to convince him against it, Robert left for his barracks.

    Overwhelmed with so much anger and frustration, Robert was ready to explode. Kang Chan knew all too well how he felt.

    Ten minutes after Kang Chan had finished his cigarette, Roberre returned with the old man and the albino child, who was clutching bottles full of pills in his arms.

    ¡°What medicine did they give him?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They said he¡¯s suffering from malnutrition. They injected him with something and gave him some supplements as well,¡± Roberre replied.

    Kang Chan nced at the medicine bottles in the child¡¯s arms. Seemingly embarrassed, the child looked away and examined Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±

    Roberre asked for the child¡¯s name, and the child replied ¡°Akrion¡± with a hint of shyness.

    Kang Chan smiled. ¡°That¡¯s a cool name.¡±

    Akiron looked down at the ground, smiling ever so timidly.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Roberre began. He positioned himself across from Kang Chan so the men who were on the other side of the field couldn¡¯t see his face. ¡°He says there¡¯s a cave here that emits red light, but only the Surdkad can go inside. He wants to go in with you. I¡¯ve already told him never to speak a word of this in the presence of others because it could put you in danger.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    ¡°There¡¯s no proof that I¡¯m the Surdkad,¡± Kang Chan argued.

    ¡°He says the proof is the mountain turning red. Such an event will apparently only ever happen when the Surdkad, the one who will rescue the African tribes, appears.¡±

    ¡°God damn it! Everyst member of their tribe is dead except for these two. Tell them that even if I do visit the cave, that doesn¡¯t mean that I¡¯m the Surdkad.¡±

    When Roberre ryed Kang Chan¡¯s words to the old man, the man swiftly responded with a long stream of words.

    ¡°He says that it is their tribe¡¯s duty to guide the Surdkad to the cave. Only after they have aplished that can their fellow tribespeople go to heaven,¡± Robere interpreted.

    <i>Bullshit!</i>

    If people had to die en masse and fall into a pit with the Quds before they could go to heaven, how high up were those who died peacefully and had a nice funeral supposed to go?

    Reading Kang Chan¡¯s expression, the old man began to speak again.

    ¡°ording to him, you¡¯ve already done your part by saving the tribe and bringing them back to the mountain. He says that he thought someone was after his grandson, so he avoided the turmoil, which was how he managed to survive the battle,¡±

    After a brief pause, Roberre continued, ¡°He also has a request.¡±

    When Kang Chan looked at him, the old man spewed out a slew of words through his neglected, toothless mouth.

    ¡°He hopes you can protect the child. He wants your help in getting him to a ce where he won¡¯t be killed or troubled because of his albinism,¡± Roberre added.

    Kang Chan looked down, finding Akiron shaking his head at the old man.

    ¡°Tell them that if they wish, we can try to make arrangements for them both to leave Africa,¡± he ordered.

    After Roberre interpreted the offer, the old man raised his rake-like hand to his mouth.

    Kang Chan would never have been able to say something like this back when he was the leader of the Foreign Legion unit. Evacuating six hundred tribespeople would have been difficult as well. However, since it was just the two of them, Kang Chan thought that there had to be a way to get them out of here. He would even be willing to pay with his title as Deputy Director-General of the DGSE or Assistant Director of the National Intelligence Service.

    How could those titles be more important than the future of a child who would smile shyly over receiving a few bottles of supplements and cry upon hearing what his grandfather said?

    The child¡¯s eyes were brimming with tears. However, after Kang Chan¡¯s words were ryed in their nativenguage, he looked up at his grandfather with a bright smile.

    ¡°Anyway, we¡¯ve just sent soldiers out to investigate the area where that light¡¯sing from. Won¡¯t they find the cave he¡¯s talking about sooner orter?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The old man answered with an expression that made him look as if he had just remembered his original intent foring over to speak.

    ¡°He says the lightes from a tree, so it¡¯ll be impossible for them to find the cave,¡± Roberre said.

    ¡°A tree?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    ¡°He¡¯s certain it¡¯s a tree.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in understanding.

    ¡°For their own safety, at least, tell them to keep this a secret. Inform them as well that even if I can¡¯t get to the cave, I¡¯ll be there to apany them when they leave this ce,¡± Kang Chan instructed. ¡°They seemfortable talking to you, so have them sleep in your barracks for tonight.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Roberre took the two tribespeople to the Foreign Legion¡¯s barracks. As the old man and Akrion followed him, a Spetsnaz soldier flinched and nced at Kang Chan before sitting down on the bench nearest to him.

 Chapter 266.2: What Comes First? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 266.2: What Comes First? (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan¡¯s mind was overflowing with questions and information.

    The light was definitely from the ckhead, but if it was, then how could it suddenly light up in the middle of the night when it had been inactive earlier? It seemed to be fucking imitating the light from a butcher¡¯s shop.

    <i>Is it the energy?</i>

    Considering it was simr to the rays of red light that enveloped the basement of the cement building in Ennd a while ago, then he might just be right.

    <i>Give me a fucking break!</i>

    Their situation was already tough enough as it was, yet the damn rock had just forced them to send a group of special forces soldiers over to its location and look for it in the middle of the fucking night.

    That wasn¡¯t the only thing that had been bothering Kang Chan either. He was certain Andrei had caught onto something, so he was wondering how he would protect those two tribespeople from his prying eyes. He had toe up with a lie for that as well.

    While Kang Chan was busy thinking about different matters, Woo Hee-Seung walked out from inside the South Koreans¡¯ barracks.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>? Didn¡¯t youe with them?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°No, sir. Too many people wanted to go. Would you like a cup of coffee?¡± Woo Hee-Seung offered.

    ¡°I¡¯m good. If I stand out here with coffee right now, it¡¯s going to be bug soup in less than a minute.¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s lips curved into a wide smile.

    ¡°About our fellow South Korean soldiers...¡± Woo Hee-Seung began steadfastly as he met Kang Chan¡¯s gaze. ¡°We have really be a world-ss team now, haven¡¯t we?¡±

    Kang Chan thought Woo Hee-Seung was going to say something important with the way he paused. He smirked and turned his gaze toward the entrance.

    Woo Hee-Seung continued, ¡°We¡¯repletely different nowpared to when we were still in training. Captain Choi Jong-Il also said yesterday that it was an honor to be able toe on an operation with a team like this.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother with bullshit like that and just focus on getting to see another day. In this line of work, surviving is the greatest honor anyone could have,¡± Kang Chan said gruffly.

    He spent a bit more time talking to Woo Hee-Seung. After a while, amotion rose by the entrance. The soldiers who had left wereing back.

    Once inside the base, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Andrei walked over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s a glowing from some trees. It was so strange. When we blew some of them up, they stopped emitting any light. Moreover, we did no damage to the ground,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    After listening to the interpreter, Seok Kang-Ho nodded in agreement.

    Andrei took advantage of the pause to jump into the conversation.

    ¡°Where are the old man and the child?¡± he asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re in the Foreign Legion¡¯s barracks. The child is malnourished and frightened. It¡¯s best to just let them rest for the night. You can talk to them tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Just because you¡¯re the captain doesn¡¯t mean you get to break your word when you want to.¡±

    ¡°Andrei, I told you. Once you call me captain, you jump when I tell you to jump, and you bark¡ª¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that only apply to the South Korean team?¡± Andrei argued.

    Kang Chan shook his head and stood up, putting his face right in front of Andrei¡¯s.

    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve ever been this patient after losing men,¡± he warned.

    Andrei¡¯s cheek twitched as he gritted his teeth.

    ¡°I don¡¯t give a flying fuck about that stupid fucking light. All I care about is why six hundred natives and the men who trusted and followed me had to die here and who¡¯s the son of a bitch thatid a fucking ambush for us. This is yourst and final warning. Don¡¯t ever interrupt me again when I¡¯m speaking.¡±

    Andrei stubbornly held his ground against Kang Chan¡¯s murderous gaze.

    ¡°I¡¯m only holding myself back because I know the othermanders and soldiers all feel the same way I do. We all lost someone here. If you keep pushing me, you better not let me get my hands on you or I¡¯m not going to stop until I¡¯ve fucking killed you. Do you understand?¡± Kang Chan threatened.

    Andrei swallowed dryly.

    ¡°Andrei.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Andrei replied with formality.

    G¨¦rard noticed Andrei¡¯s eyes wavering.

    Kang Chan slowly calmed his breathing. If Andrei had said another word, made even the slightest provocative expression, or done anything to tick him off, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even predict what would¡¯ve happened next.

    <i>This motherfucker thinks I¡¯m a pushover just because I let him go once! If you¡¯re going to act up like this, you shouldn¡¯t have called me captain in the first ce, bastard.¡±</i>

    Although he called Kang Chan captain, he kept treating him as if he were some neighborhood fool.

    In a sudden surge of anger, the corners of Kang Chan¡¯s lips twitched, causing Andrei to immediately drop his gaze down to the ground.

    ¡°Go. You can ask me whatever you have in mind tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan gritted out.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Andrei replied meekly before turning around.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>! That punk has a talent for dodging beatings,¡± Seok Kang-Ho joked as he watched Andrei walk away.

    <i>Click! Hiss!</i>

    G¨¦rard lit three cigarettes at the same time and handed one to Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho each.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you bing more and more impatient? I thought it was strange that you weren¡¯t showing it, but you¡¯ve just been holding it back all this time, huh?¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked, unable to understand what he meant.

    ¡°What do you mean, ¡®What?¡¯ Aren¡¯t you feeling this way because of the rookie and our French and South Korean men dying? I¡¯m not really surprised, though. I already found it odd that you were taking the deaths of our men so well!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not really in the mood to talk about this.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho exhaled a long puff of smoke instead of answering. ¡°That asshole was like that the whole time we were in the mountains. He was acting like he was on a deadline or something.¡±

    ¡°I think the Russian intelligence bureau told him something about the energy of the ckhead. That¡¯s probably why he¡¯s been acting out so much. Anyway, I heard there¡¯s a cave where the ckhead is supposed to be. The old man wants me toe with him there, but I doubt it¡¯ll be that easy,¡± Kang Chan said.

    G¨¦rard nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call the DGSE when I get the chance, probably tonight or tomorrow. For now, protect those two. If there¡¯s any trouble, feel free to use my name and title. Tell them you¡¯re just following my orders,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood,¡± G¨¦rard confidently replied.

    Having issued orders and made all the necessary preparations, Kang Chan parted ways with G¨¦rard and went back to the barracks. Once inside, he sat down with Seok Kang-Ho and told him everything that Roberre had interpreted for him earlier.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying he knew the light would being from trees?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s what he said!¡± Kang Chan replied in disbelief.

    ¡°I wonder if something like this has happened in the past too.¡±

    Kang Chan gave Seok Kang-Ho a look of confusion.

    <i>I can¡¯t believe he came to such a conclusion all on his own!</i>

    ¡°Hey! You¡¯re looking at me like that again! Anyway, does that mean an energy-filled ckhead is somewhere in some cave in that mountain?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Kang Chan answered, feeling as if their roles had been reversed.

    ¡°And the mountain lit up because you¡¯re the Surdkad?¡±

    ¡°ording to the old man, yes.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho hummed with his lips pursed in thought. He looked dead serious.

    <i>Did this punke up with something again?</i>

    ¡°We should visit the cave as soon as possible,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Think about it. If the ckhead really is in the cave, then we can just take it and put an end to all this bullshit.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your whole n?¡±

    ¡°Is there any way to take it without going there?¡± Seok Kang-Ho confidently asked.

    <i>Yeah, that one¡¯s on me. It was such a stupid question to ask. I shouldn¡¯t hope for things that will nevere to be...</i>

    ¡°That bastard Andrei probably smelled something suspicious, so let¡¯s part ways with him before going. It doesn¡¯t matter if we have to do it at ater time,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Won¡¯t the others catch on before then?¡±

    ¡°If they do, then that only means they already know. We can¡¯t handle that situation with just our men, so it doesn¡¯t really matter.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Tell the men to keep their guards up. More importantly, don¡¯t forget that the ckhead doesn¡¯t mean anythingpared to the old man and the child¡¯s safety,¡± Kang Chan emphasized.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t have cared less about it if it didn¡¯t have anything to do with you, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    After their conversation, the two walked out into the living room together. Kang Chan picked up a satellite phone and contacted South Korea.

    - Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

    ¡°People from the UN have just arrived,¡± Kang Chan immediately reported.

    - The UN has already released an official announcement about that. They have also given our government a list of the dead and wounded, so we are making ns to evacuate them right now.

    Considering there wasn¡¯t anything else that they had to take care of, that would pretty much tie up all loose ends.

    After a few more formalities, Kang Chan ended the conversation with Kim Hyung-Jung. He then called Lanok.

 Chapter 267: What Comes First (2)

    <h4>Chapter 267: What Comes First (2)</h4>

    - Monsieur Kang.

    Hearing Lanok¡¯s voice brought joy to Kang Chan as if this was the first time he had heard it in years.

    "Mr. Ambassador, have you heard the UN¡¯s excuses?" Kang Chan inquired. He presented the question as though he intended all eavesdroppers to hear.

    Kang Chan heardughter almost instantly after. Sure enough, the ever so observant and intelligent Lanok had immediately picked up what he was trying to say.

    - If anyone¡¯s listening to us, their hearts would have surely dropped in surprise.

    ¡°The UN''s excuses are nonsensical, but we still n to withdraw from this area for now," Kang Chan said.

    -You may proceed as you see fit, Mr. Kang Chan.

    "Understood. It''s truly a pleasure to hear your voice, Mr. Ambassador."

    Lanok warmly epted Kang Chan''spliment.

    - It would be even better to meet in person.

    "I will visit you as soon as I get back."

    - I''ll prepare some fine wine and a meal for the asion, then.

    "I look forward to it."

    - I believe you will conclude this as elegantly as the wine.

    Lanok''s words made Kang Chan''s eyes sh, reflecting a peculiar feeling.

    It was different! Though subtle, Lanok¡¯s ent, tone, and timbre had changed.

    <i>Does he know about the ckhead? Or am I just being too sensitive?</i>

    - I didn''t expect you to be nervous just because I said you would wrap things up nicely.

    "That''s not it. I was just worried that you would be expecting a gift from me," Kang Chan answered.

    Lanok burst into loudughter.

    - <i>Hahaha</i>!

    Unable to determine if it was genuine or if there was a meaning behind it, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bring himself tough along.

    - You are leaving a mystery for the ones still listening in with us. As always, the greatest gift for me is your safe return, Mr. Kang Chan.

    "Understood, Mr. Ambassador. I''ll contact you as soon as I¡¯m back."

    After hanging up, Kang Chan lost himself in thought.

    Lanok repeatedly hinted at the presence of others listening in. Considering how concerned he was, wouldn''t talking to Anne about the issue with Akrion and the elder also pose a problem?

    Andrei, Tyle, and the UN staff had likely already reported the whole red glow event. Moreover, those who were targeting Kang Chan and his people would have likely already surmised it as well.

    Even if the elder responded to Andrei''s questions with awkward answers tomorrow, Roberre would be able to manage to steer the conversation elsewhere. However, that wouldn¡¯t make it any easier for Kang Chan to go to the mountain with just the elder.

    Kang Chan also wondered how they would take it if he insisted on taking the sole survivors. Would they simply stand by and watch when they had enough power to orchestrate an ambush? There was no guarantee that the Korean and French teams wouldn''t find themselves facing six hundred hostiles.

    <i>That damn rock!</i>

    Although his true intention was to avoid greediness, Kang Chan realized that he underestimated the stakes. His oversight could potentially even endanger the lives of his team in their mission to protect the elder and Akrion. After all, in a way, it could be seen as Kang Chan monopolizing the ckhead.

    Why didn¡¯t he act more cautiously instead of idling away the afternoon and ultimately drawing Andrei''s attention? Lost in thought, he was suddenly struck by a sudden vagary thought. Since everyone in their base was using satellite phones, it wasn''t just hisms that were vulnerable to wiretapping.

    Why should he bear the burden alone? Andrei, Tyler, and the UN staff''s conversations were likely also being monitored. If he was right, then the orchestrator behind the ambush would undoubtedly already be aware of the elder and the child''s existence.

    With a solidified resolve, Kang Chan dialed a number without hesitation.

    The call rang twice before it was picked up.

    - This is Anne.

    "Don''t you ever take a break?"

    Like Lanok had done earlier, Anne responded withughter to Kang Chan''sment.

    - If you''re tired of my voice, I can connect you with a colleague.

    "How am I supposed to handle the ambassador if you do that?" Kang Chan said, eliciting an even heartierugh.

    - I didn''t realize you could be afraid of anyone, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°I''ll have you know, the ambassador can be pretty intimidating at times even for me," he responded, though Anne offered no reply.

    Kang Chan continued, "The ambassador''s gaze, especially in the face of an enemy, can be quite daunting."

    - I find both of you equally formidable.

    "That''s a misunderstanding. I''m nowhere near the ambassador''s level," Kang Chan rified, chuckling briefly.

    - What are your instructions, Deputy Director-General?

    Anne''s tone changed, now ready for business.

    "Anne, I n to have an elderly Somali and a child with albinism transferred through the French Foreign Legion. I believe you know the precarious fate of albinos in Africa. I ask you to take steps to ensure their well-being in France,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - I''ll coordinate with the Ministry of Justice''s Immigration Bureau to find a solution.

    "Thank you, Anne."

    - Any other directives?

    "Please send my regards to Louis."

    - Consider it done.

    Their conversation concluded with Anne''s witty response.

    Kang Chan knew that whatever challenges awaited, they could be addressed with the new day. Fretting now wouldn''t change the oue. He had to take every chance to rest that he could get.

    Following his own rules, Kang Chan settled into bed.

    ***

    A shocking report emerged overnight. Using the situation in Afghanistan as a pretext, the United Imic State released a video on the inte dering a holy war against South Korea. It was a clear deration about the merciless retribution that wasing for Korea and its people.

    The next morning, news broke that eleven members of a special forces team deployed in Africa were killed, while another six, including their leader, were critically injured. The public was rendered speechless upon learning that this team of fewer than a hundred had engaged six hundred insurgents inbat.

    The identities of those killed were not disclosed, but it was revealed that this special forces team consisted of members who had previously served in Afghanistan, linking this incident to the retaliatory holy war reported the day before. However.

    ***

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook talked about the morning news on their way to work.

    "At times like these, I''m actually relieved our son is in Mongolia," Yoo Hye-Sook remarked.

    "Right?" Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    "Does anything about this worry you?¡± asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    "Worry? All I¡¯m worried about is you regrly getting indigestion and having a hard time sleeping. Let''s get you checked upter in the afternoon."

    "We don¡¯t have to go that far. I just miss our son. I know all this uneasiness will disappear with just one phone call from him.¡±

    Entering the building''s underground parking lot, Kang Dae-Kyung headed straight for the elevator, nked by agents moving with them and those awaiting their arrival.

    "Don''t worry about me, honey. Cheer up and have a good day!" Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    "You too!" answered Kang Dae-Kyung.

    He got off on the second floor, and the agents inside the elevator followed him. He walked down the corridor to the CEO''s office at the innermost part of the floor.

    Both his Executive and Managing Directors had expressed that they wanted to have private offices. They also expressed that the size didn''t matter. Since their new building was muchrger than the old one, offering them plenty of space, Kang Dae-Kyung decided to give in and amodate their requests.

    "Assistant Manager Kim,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung called upon entering the room.

    "Yes, sir,¡± Assistant Manager Kim answered. As always, he was maintaining close security.

    "Do you have a moment?"

    ¡°Of course, sir. What do you need?¡±

    "Have a seat."

    "Thank you, sir."

    Kang Dae-Kyung sat opposite the assistant manager. "I''d like you to be honest with me.¡±

    "I will. Is there a problem?"

    They had be quite friendly, often exchanging light jokes.

    Noting Assistant Manager Kim¡¯s curious expression, Kang Dae-Kyung forced himself to open, "Is my son, Channy, in Africa?"

    The question was unexpected and baffling, yet Kang Dae-Kyung felt that the assistant manager''s reaction was enough of an answer.

    "Is he part of the eleven or six mentioned in today''s report?" Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    Seeing Kang Dae-Kyung''s rmed expression, Assistant Manager Kim took a deep breath before asking, "How do you know about this?"

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s face darkened. "It¡¯s strange, but I can tell when Channy is in trouble. For the past two days, my wife has been having indigestion and waking up in the middle of the night, so I was focusing on the news from Mongolia wondering if something was happening there."

    He tilted his head, waiting for the assistant manager''s response. Though he felt that he already knew the answer, he wanted confirmation.

    "Assistant Manager Kim?¡±

    "He is in Africa."

    Kang Dae-Kyung covered his face with his left hand.

    Assistant Manager Kim continued, "There''s no need to worry. As far as we know, he''s safe."

    After a moment of silence, Kang Dae-Kyung apologized, ¡°I''m sorry... I''m feeling conflicted over those who sacrificed themselves for our country. Wondering whether my son was among them and feeling relieved that he wasn''t... seem wrong. Perhaps Channy is alive today because of their sacrifice.¡±

    "Sir," Assistant Manager Kim said, wanting to help Kang Dae-Kyung gather himself, "thanks to the Assistant Director, our special forces team had the highest survival rate. As you might have already heard, the US only had nine survivors, wounded included."

    Speechless, Kang Dae-Kyung simply nodded.

    Softly yet firmly, Assistant Manager Kim continued, "Two of my colleagues volunteered for that operation. Everyone wanted to lead the way for our country, believing in the motto we always shout¡ªthat it would be an honor to protect our nation with our blood."

    Having finally calmed his heart, Kang Dae-Kyung listened intently.

    "Your son protected twenty-one of those soldiers."

    Kang Dae-Kyung choked up. The survival of twenty-one soldiers was significant, yet the deaths of eleven remained foremost in his mind and heart.

    Why must people like Assistant Manager Kim keep dying in unseen ces? It was heart-wrenching and tragic that fathers, husbands, and sons suffered such noble and grievous deaths in Afghanistan and Africa.

    "I''ll bring you some tea, sir," Assistant Manager Kim said.

    Kang Dae-Kyung was still at a loss for words. He felt a mix of gratitude and apology. The realization that his opportunity to sell cars and earn profits was founded on the sacrifices of thoseying down their lives for the country weighed heavily on him.

    ***

    Oh Gwang-Taek stepped outside. He looked almost indistinguishable from the local Mongolians. Not only had he grown a beard but his face had been weathered by the exposure to the harsh sun and winds as well.

    <i>Click! ck!</i>

    With adept movements, he checked the magazine and bolt of his rifle before climbing into a jeep waiting for him.

    "Let''s go!"

    <i>Vroom! Vrooo-m!</i>

    The engines of two jeeps roared to life. They exited the base in a convoy.

    "Director Oh, I''vepletely mastered this rifle!"

    Oh Gwang-Taek grinned as he surveyed his surroundings. He had never imagined that some people could wield knives and firearms with unparalleled skill, but what he found most surprising was that those same people instantly respected and lowered their heads to the mere mention of Kang Chul-Gyu''s name. Despite being around him, Oh Gwang-Taek had been so ignorant of how significant of a figure the man was.

    <i>Vroom! Rattle. Rattle.</i>

    By the following day, their thirty-three new members had divided the territory into four sectors.

    "What are you doing?" Oh Gwang-Taek inquired out of curiosity.

    "We need to fully secure this area before the older Kang, our sunbae, arrives," said one of them.

    <i>¡®What does that even mean?¡¯ </i>Oh Gwang-Taek thought.

    Puzzled, he nced at the others.

    "You don¡¯t know Kang sunabe that well yet, but you¡¯ll understand once you see him in action. It''s in our best interest to im this entire location before he arrives. We¡¯ve divided this area into four sectors, establishing these points as our base," exined the agent.

    They spoke in a casual tone, seemingly just discussing the location of a newly opened bar.

    The agent continued, "Tomorrow, we''ll start patrolling and controlling all traffic passing through here. The scope will likely expand when Kang sunbae returns, but this should be enough for now."

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked at Kim Tae-Jin with a bewildered expression.

    "How far do you intend to take control?" Oh Gwang-Taek carefully asked, making sure to be respectful toward Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s sunbae.

    "We n to stop anyone from passing through here without our permission. We''ve already received authorization from the Mongolian border guards, but the final decision naturally rests in your hands, Director Oh.¡±

    When attention turned his way, Oh Gwang-Taek nked out.

    "This base was built on our juniors'' blood. We n to enforce strict control and make it impossible for anyone to pass through this area without your signature."

    It was said that extreme astonishment could bringughter. That was precisely what happened to Oh Gwang-Taek at that moment.

    "We also n to attack these locations before Kang sunbae arrives," Kim Tae-Jin said.

    "Wait, what?" Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    "ording to the satellite images, there seems to be two temporary Russian mafia bases. We n on initiating a preemptive strike on them. We¡¯ll seek your approval once we have ironed out all the details, Director Oh."

    Where in South Korea had these monsters been hiding before emerging in Mongolia? Oh Gwang-Taek felt embarrassed by his unruly behavior in the past, swinging around a cleaver and leading a gang.

    <i>''So this was why Kang Chan faced the thugs fearlessly!''</i>

    Fear? Would someone who could discuss taking the fight to the Russian mafia with such gleaming eyes be afraid of a cleaver?

    Suddenly growing curious, Oh Gwang-Taek asked, "Will this satisfy Director Kang when he arrives?"

    The agent who had spoken up earlier shrugged. "Maybe? With Kang sunbae''s arrival, our current scope could expand all the way here."

    He pointed out locations of the map that included both Russia and China.

    "W-What?"

    "We''re not facing military forces, so it¡¯s definitely possible. Anyway, we n to eradicate all bandits and mafias within this ce first."

    "<i>Hmm</i>! We''ll need to coordinate with the foreign corporations over here beforehand," Kim Tae-Jin stated, pointing at a spot on the map.

    The agent nodded. "We expect to take over all security operations in this vicinity soon. It''s entirely possible now that Kang sunabe ising. Of course..."

    The agent looked straight at Oh Gwang-Taek. "This is contingent on your approval, Director."

    <i>''Fuck!'' </i>Oh Gwang-Taek inwardly cursed.

    <i>Vroom! Rattle. Rattle.</i>

    Afterward, they swiftly proceeded with the ns.

    <i>These people are fucking scary as shit!</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek had participated in both raids on the temporary mafia bases. By the second battle, he had realized something. Their feelings when charging forward were no different from his own when he would rush ahead to shield his juniors from being stabbed!

    Before each battle, the leader always asked, "Who had a restless dream today?"

    The leader would then give them a minute, waiting for those who were scared or in bad condition to step back.

    Every time, the people that Oh Gwang-Taek had brought with him were excluded from the selection. They didn¡¯t raise their hands, but hesitation did flicker across their faces during those moments.

    They were likely embarrassed, their faces burning with shame. After all, they always vehemently denied it!

    Now? Without second thoughts, they would volunteer to join the patrols heading toward the Chinese side or the Russian border.

    <i>Screech!</i>

    The car suddenly stopped in front of a hill. Oh Gwang-Taek immediately leaped out and ran toward the nearest boulder ahead of them.

    <i>Click!</i>

    He then lifted his rifle and took aim. Turning his head, he saw a member of their team signaling three times with his index and middle fingers, indicating that an unknown vehicle was approaching.

    <i>Damn it! Kang Chan! I''m really thankful!</i>

    <i>Click.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek disengaged the safety on his rifle. Life might be a mess, but at the very least, he felt like he was bing somewhat of a respectable father. He returned his focus to checking out the approaching group. The Mongolian border guards had delegated him this task!

    Waiting behind cover, he suddenly found himself desperately wanting to see Kang Chan.

 Chapter 268.1: Its an Opportunity (1)

    <h4>Chapter 268.1: It''s an Opportunity (1)</h4>

    For breakfast, Kang Chan decided to have whatever the UN had prepared. Seok Kang-Ho red at the ramyeon and the instant rice as they left the barracks.

    Akrion and his grandfather, who were already in the mess hall, nervously looked around, seemingly anxious despite having G¨¦rard and Roberre taking care of them. Only when Kang Chan came into the establishment did they finally look relieved and at ease.

    Akrion kept stealing nces at Kang Chan instead of looking at him directly, making Akrion look like a shy little girl. Kang Chan found it a little odd.

    ¡°Subax wanaagsan!¡±[1] Kang Chan greeted in Somali. He had picked up thenguage during his ten years of mercenary work in Africa.

    In response, Akrion timidly smiled and fluently greeted back in the samenguage.

    ¡°Is that all you¡¯re going to eat? Why not take more food?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Roberre quickly passed on his question to the two tribespeople.

    Their expressions were enough to answer him.

    Kang Chan stood next to Akrion and picked up a pair of tongs. He then put a ridiculous amount of food on the child¡¯s te.

    ¡°You¡¯re malnourished, aren¡¯t you? You have to eat a lot so you can recover. Don¡¯t worry about anything and just eat as much as you want.¡±

    Akrion nced at the elder, then looked back at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Your grandfather can eat as much as he wants too,¡± Kang Chan said, answering Akrion¡¯s silent concern.

    Using the tongs, he picked up meat simr in size to the one he had given Akrion and put it on the elder¡¯s te.

    The elder only had two teeth at the top and one tooth at the bottom. He looked like he would have trouble eating noodles, let alone any meat.

    The elder and the albino boy put a lot of other delicacies on their te, including mashed potatoes, sd, bread, stew, and some more meat. Sitting across from Kang Chan afterward, they set their giant te of food on the table.

    ¡°Get this kid some milk,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Smiling, Kwak Cheol-Ho put a ss of milk in front of Akrion.

    ¡°Mahadsanid,¡±[2] the elder said, thanking Kwak Cheol-Ho, before they started eating.

    ¡°Are these seats taken?¡±

    Kang Chan turned toward the voice. Much to his surprise, Andrei, Tyler, and even Robert were right beside their table, hoping to join them for breakfast.

    <i>Why are these bastards here?</i>

    Kang Chan smirked at the trio.

    ¡°Got some time to spare after breakfast?¡± Robert quietly asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why? What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°From the looks of it, we¡¯ll probably withdraw and return home today. We were hoping to share a drink with you before we go our separate ways.¡±

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s leaving today?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about the other teams, but we are.¡±

    Tyler immediately added, ¡°We¡¯re also nning to withdraw today.¡±

    Since G¨¦rard would follow Kang Chan¡¯s orders, the only one left who hadn¡¯t decided yet was Andrei.

    ¡°Andrei,¡± Kang Chan called.

    He was doing everything he could to stop himself from hitting Andrei¡¯s very punchable face.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    Andrei¡¯s response was strangely filled with defiance.

    <i>This son of a bitch is really getting on my nerves!</i>

    Kang Chan smiled as he turned to Akrion. He had to hold back his anger at all costs.

    ¡°Well? What is it?¡± Andrei urged.

    Seeing the red light had clearly driven this fucker crazy. It would be quite a feat to find someone as consistently detestable as him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be having a meeting with Robert and Tyler after breakfast. You can eithere with us or ask the two tribespeople questions. You may talk to them only when G¨¦rard and Daye are with them, though,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°All right,¡± Andrei forced himself to answer, then put down his fork.

    G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek twitched in annoyance, but when Kang Chan nced at him, he swiftly returned his attention to his food.

    If they argued or fought now, they could unintentionally scare Akrion and the elder.

    Pretending that nothing was wrong, Kang Chan cut up big pieces of themb meat with his fork and ate it.

    It was strange, but a lot of African kids would turn their heads like deer and smile whenever they saw something funny.

    Akrion did just that.

    Perhaps it was because Kang Chan was with him, but he ate quite a lot. He didn¡¯t even seem to mind the fact that he was sitting at a table that was a little too high for him.

    How could Kang Chan put his fork down when a kid was eating so heartily right in front of him?

    He remained seated at the table and kept eating, stopping only when the Akrion had finished his food.

    <i>Won¡¯t he eating that much make him sick?</i>

    Akrion¡¯s condition had given him white hair, eyebrows, and skin.

    His people had a superstition that cutting and putting the limbs of kids like him in their homes would make them rich. They also believed that beheading albino children and keeping their heads would make their household prosper. Hence, Akrion had lived the majority of his life in fear.

    That same boy had just finished all of the food on his te and was now sitting back with a satisfied look on his face.

    Deciding to digest their breakfast first, Kang Chan led the elder and the child to the benches, ignoring Andrei¡¯s gaze. He then spent a bit of time ying and having childish conversations with the boy.

    ¡°I have to go to the barracks over there for a bit. See that person? Yes, him. While I¡¯m gone, I want you to sit here and watch him and your grandfather talk,¡± Kang Chan told Akrion.

    After listening to Roberre¡¯s interpretation, the elder gave a short answer. Akrion nodded then, disappointment written all over his face.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see youter.¡±

    Kang Chan waved at them as he headed to the Green Berets¡¯ barrack.

    ¡°Come on in,¡± Robert said.

    He and the other Green Berets were in the middle of packing.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already said everything that needed to be said yesterday. I just called you today to give you these.¡± Robert held out five Green Beret helmets. ¡°These belonged to the soldiers we left behind at this base to go on the recent operation. I believe you, of all people, would know the value of these helmets.¡±

    ¡°My men and I thank you formanding us, God of ckfield,¡± he said as he looked straight at Kang Chan. Deep eyes like his were quitemon among Caucasian men. ¡° We also thank the South Korean special forces team for their dedication. We¡¯re giving these helmets in hopes that you wouldn¡¯t leave us out if you ever find an opportunity to take revenge on those bastards.¡±

    Kang Chan silently stared at Robert. epting these helmets made him feel like he was epting an award despite having recently gotten a lot of his allies killed inbat.

    The Green Berets giving these helmets to him meant that they hadpletely lost to Kang Chan and the South Korean team. It also symbolized their alliance and their promise to work together in taking revenge on their enemies.

    Smirking, Kang Chan reached out and epted the helmets.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    Tightly gritting his teeth, Robert saluted Kang Chan. He probably felt as if he was giving away his fallen brothers.

    After Kang Chan returned the salute, the two put their hands down.

    ¡°Good luck out there.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t ever forget this operation,¡± Kang Chan said in English.

    ¡°You can speak in English?¡± Robert asked, surprise evident in his expression.

    ¡°Nah. That¡¯s all I know how to say.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t just y around during his training in France.

    After shaking hands with Robert, Kang Chan brought the five helmets to the South Korean team¡¯s barracks.

    ¡°Bring these inside the barracks. Consider them as the Green Berets¡¯ respect for our team¡¯s determination,¡± Kang Chan told his men.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho walked over to Kang Chan, respectfully took the helmets, and headed inside.

    Kang Chan had to meet with the SBS next.

    On his way to the SBS¡¯ barracks, he found Tyler sitting on a bench.

    ¡°Want some coffee?¡± Tyler asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Now that he had thought about it, he hadn¡¯t had a cup of coffee today yet.

    Once Kang Chan had sat down on the bench, Tyler offered him a cigarette.

    <i>Chk chk!</i>

    ¡°<i>Huu</i>!¡± Tyler exhaled the cigarette smoke. ¡°Considering you already have some of our helmets, I doubt you need more.¡±

    The gori¡¯s serious expression made it hard for Kang Chan to tell if he was joking or picking a fight. Hence, he simply smirked. This was the best response he could give in moments like this.

    Kang Chan nced at Tyler, who threw his cigarette on the ground and stepped on it.

    <i>What¡¯s he doing? Is this his way of saying that he wants to step on us like that?</i>

    ¡°As much as I hate to admit this, I¡¯m thankful that you tookmand of us during the operation,¡± Tyler said. He then stood up and straightened his firm shoulders. ¡°I hope that we never have to meet as enemies.¡±

    ¡°Likewise.¡±

    After they shook hands, Tyler headed to their barracks. He still had a bitter expression even though their joint operation was about toe to an end.

    Extinguishing his cigarette, Kang Chan looked around him. He couldn¡¯t see Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard.

    <i>Did they go back to the mess hall? Should I spend some time here while I¡¯m waiting for my coffee? No, I should let that one go. If Tyler forgets about his offer because he¡¯s busy packing, that cup of coffee is going to make me look ridiculous.</i>

    Kang Chan stood up and headed to the mess hall.

    1. Good morning in Somali ?

    2. Thank you in Somali ?

 Chapter 268.2: Its an Opportunity (1)

    <h4>Chapter 268.2: It''s an Opportunity (1)</h4>

    <i>Bam! Pow!</i>

    As soon as he pulled the door of the mess hall open, he immediately heard people fighting.

    G¨¦rard elbowed Andrei in the cheek. Meanwhile, Andrei was punching G¨¦rard¡¯s side with his left fist.

    <i>Bam! Pow! Bam! Crash! Bam! Bam!</i>

    The two traded swift and powerful blows, pushing the table away.

    Kang Chan rushed to Akrion¡ªwho was frightened by themotion¡ªand picked him up.

    The fight was gruesome.

    Full of spite, Andrei looked as if he nned to release all of the anger that had been building up inside him. Meanwhile, G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes glinted with the rage from losing his rookie and his loathing for Andrei¡¯s attitude.

    <i>Bam! Pow! Pow!</i>

    Akrion flinched every time he heard them exchanging frightening blows.

    G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek and the area above his left eye were cut open, and blood burst from Andrei¡¯s mouth and nose.

    <i>Pow pow pow! Pow pow! Bam! Bam bam bam!</i>

    Roberre gritted his teeth as he stood in front of the elder to protect him.

    There was no room for Kang Chan to butt into this. After all, this battle was between two special forces teams, between twomanders. Only when one of them had been knocked out cold or rendered unable to fight would all of this end.

    <i>Bam! Crack!</i>

    Andrei hit G¨¦rard on the side again, making thetter twist in pain. In retaliation, he elbowed the area between Andrei¡¯s nose and cheek.

    <i>Crash!</i>

    Andrei fell backward. Using a table as leverage, he pushed himself back up.

    Gritting his teeth, G¨¦rard reached out toward him.

    <i>Bam! Pow! Pow! Bam! Bam! Bam!</i>

    They would put an end to this whole affair with this final sh.

    As Andrei punched him in the side and armpit, G¨¦rardnded consecutive elbows on Andrei¡¯s cheek.

    <i>Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Crash!</i>

    After sustaining a couple more hits, Andrei finally took a couple of steps back and leaned against a table.

    <i>Bam! Bam! Bam! Crack!</i>

    <i>¡®That should do it,¡¯</i> Kang Chan thought.

    He nced at Seok Kang-Ho, who in turn rushed toward the two.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted.

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho put his arms around G¨¦rard and pulled him away from Andrei.

    <i>Crash! Thud.</i>

    The table slid back a little bit more, sending Andrei falling to the ground.

    ¡°Get him out of here,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    When he looked at the Spetsnaz soldiers, they immediately helped Andrei walk away. They seemed to have understood him even though he spoke in Korean.

    ¡°Roberre,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Prepare two cups of warm tea.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    As Roberre headed to their barracks, G¨¦rard approached Kang Chan, blood flowing from the cut on his cheek and above his left eye.

    ¡°Go get treated. Make sure to have your ribs checked as well,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± G¨¦rard answered. He left the barracks with a frown.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Well, I need to know what they said first before I can answer that.¡±

    <i>Oh right! Seok Kang-Ho doesn¡¯t can¡¯t speak French.</i>

    As Kang Chan smirked, Akrion carefully looked up.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go outside. Tell the men to clean up this mess,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    With Akrion still in his arms, Kang Chan walked out of the mess hall.

    Even though this was theirst day here, their situation still refused to get any easier for them.

    Kang Chan headed to the bench near their barracks and seated Akrion next to him.

    The elder carefully sat next to the child.

    Soon, Roberre brought over two mugs and a few biscuits from the Foreign Legion¡¯s barracks. He handed them to the elder and the child.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Kang Chan asked Roberre.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t get to ask. The fight started as soon as ourmander said that he wouldn¡¯t let it go if anyone other than me butted into the fight¡ª¡±

    <i>Crunch. Crunch.</i>

    The sound of him eating biscuits startled Akrion. Kang Chan smiled pleasantly at him.

    <i>Why is he so shy?</i>

    Finding Akrion¡¯s response funny, Kang Chan burst intoughter.

    ¡°I¡¯ve sent some people to the mess hall to clean up the mess. Seok Kang-Ho, who had dropped by their barracks, eximed. He then handed one of the cups of coffee that he prepared to Kang Chan. ¡°Anyway, that bastard G¨¦rard¡¯s improved a lot since thest time we saw him!¡±

    ¡°What did he improve on?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see the way he fought? I heard that a position changes people¡¯s manners, but damn! I shouldn¡¯t fight him unless absolutely necessary!¡± Seok Kang-Homented. ¡°Well, look at that fucker suddenly appearing the moment we started talking about him! Nobility my ass.¡±

    G¨¦rard made his way to Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho as they spoke. He had folded gauze and bandages over the two cuts on his face.

    ¡°How¡¯s the wound on your shoulder? It got ripped open again, didn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I already got it stitched back up.¡±

    <i>Is it even possible to stitch him up and send him on his way so quickly? It¡¯s not like they can use a sewing machine on him.</i>

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let us finish the fight?¡± G¨¦rard wondered.

    ¡°Were you nning on killing Andrei?¡±

    ¡°No. I was just nning to beat him up until he can never be a part of the special forces ever again.¡±

    Kang Chan just smiled in response.

    G¨¦rard took out a pack of cigarettes but quickly put it away again, realizing Akrion was with them.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    G¨¦rard often looked mischievous when he smiled. However, his face was so swollen right now that he looked like a monster when he did.

    ¡°Things would get out of hand at this rate, G¨¦rard. Let¡¯s just observe how things go for a bit and then withdraw. Otherwise, the Spetsnaz might suspect that we¡¯re going after the red light,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°What about that, then?¡± G¨¦rard asked, looking toward the mountain.

    ¡°If what the elder said is true, then we can just let those who want to check for themselves search through the mountain as much as they want. They¡¯re never going to find it anyway. I¡¯m sure as hell they¡¯re going after these two if they don¡¯t find anything, though, so we¡¯ll leave this ce while they¡¯re wasting their time. If we get into another fight here, we probably won¡¯t survive.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Having sorted everything out, Kang Chan consoled Akrion and went back to their barracks.

    ¡°Has South Korea contacted us yet?¡± he asked as soon as he was inside.

    ¡°Yes, sir. They said our transport is expected to arrive tomorrow,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun firmly answered.

    ¡°What about our wounded at Mogadishu?¡±

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, they¡¯re still there.¡±

    ¡°I know everyone is having a rough time right now, but once the US and UK special forces have left, I want everyone armed and ready forbat.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    By the time Kang Chan had gone back outside, the Green Berets were already out of their barracks with their luggage. A UN employee stood next to them.

    ¡°The Green Berets are leaving! Let¡¯s see them off!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    As he walked over, his men walked out of the barracks and crowded at the entrance.

    They respectfully shook hands with each other, their free hand positioned under the elbow of the extended arm.

    They nodded at each other every time their eyes met, exchanging respect onest time as their joint operation came to an end.

    Not long after the French and South Korean teams sent the Green Berets off, the SBS departed as well.

    The base suddenly felt empty.

    After sending off the two teams, Kang Chan turned his head to the nearby South Korean and French soldiers.

    ¡°From now on, I want everyone armed at all times,¡± Kang Chan ordered in South Korean, then in French.

    Starting with G¨¦rard, the soldiers went back into their respective barracks.

    As soon as Kang Chan entered their barracks, he strapped a pistol to his waist and left leg and a bay to his right leg. Afterward, he put magazines in the pouches of a vest, then put the vest somewhere he could easily grab at any given moment.

    Heading back out, he found Akrion giggling.

    <i>This is fucking absurd! G¨¦rard had been fighting with glinting eyes just a moment ago, but he¡¯s now spouting bullshit just to make a childugh even though he¡¯s armed!</i>

    Kang Chan was watching the two when Seok Kang-Ho approached him.

    ¡°What have you decided to do with the child?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m sending him to France with G¨¦rard for now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s probably better than staying here.¡± Seok Kang-Ho looked at the barracks that were near the entrance. ¡°Even though there were only a few of us left to begin with since many of us died in the ambush, the two teams leaving still makes this ce feel quite empty.¡±

    ¡°Why are you acting like you¡¯re new to this?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t smoke as much because of the kid!¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled while looking up at the sky.

    They were in Africa.

    Under its scorching sun, standing on dry and rough ground and basking in the rising heat only made them want to drink more coffee and smoke more cigarettes.

    ¡°South Korea is stillcking in a lot of aspects,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°What makes you say that?¡±

    ¡°Our transport should be at our location on the same day we decide to withdraw. Does it make sense to you that we have to stay here for another day or two because they still have to figure out how to get the aircraft here? If you weren¡¯t here, the UN would have seen this as a perfect opportunity to treat us as a nuisance.¡±

    The Spetsnaz¡¯s barrack opened amid their conversation. Andrei¡ªwho looked like a mess¡ªand his men came out with their luggage.

    Kang Chan cocked his head. ¡°Has that bastard decided not to stay here anymore?¡±

    <i>Did Andrei really decide to leave, even though he had stayed at the table with the other guys until the end when he could only eat soup because he couldn¡¯t chew properly during our training in France?</i>

    Andrei definitely wasn¡¯t the type to leave first just because he was ashamed of losing to G¨¦rard.

    Looking embarrassed, Andrei walked past G¨¦rard and approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get going,¡± Andrei said. His eyes were so swollen that not even Kang Chan could see them.

    ¡°Did Russia contact you guys?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°See youter, then,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Andrei was so simple-minded that he could even be mistaken as stupid.

    ¡°Andrei,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Andrei, who was about to walk away, looked over his shoulder and toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°As an ally in joint special forces operations, you¡¯re really reliable. However, you¡¯recking as amander. Keep in mind that the more you fight those on your side, the more you discourage your men.¡±

    <i>Why is this simple-minded fucker smirking?</i>

    Even though Andrei¡¯s eyes were swollen, Kang Chan could tell Andrei was looking straight at him.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Andrei answered, then walked toward the entrance of the base.

    This was Kang Chan''s first time encountering someone who would choose to be detestable until the very end.

    The Spetsnaz followed behind theirmander. A momentter, Kang Chan and the others heard the Russians¡¯ cars leaving.

    <i>Should I have taught Andrei a lesson before sending him home so that he can get his shit together?</i>

    As Kang Chan pursed his lips, Seok Kang-Ho leaned closer to him.

    ¡°This is an opportunity,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°With the US, the UK, and Russia now out of the picture, only us, France, and the two tribespeople are left in this base.¡±

    Following Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gaze, Kang Chan looked at Akrion and his grandfather.

    G¨¦rard, who was entertaining the child, seemed to be feeling his best.

 Chapter 269: Itéˆ¥æªš An Opportunity (2)

    <h4>Chapter 269: It¡¯s An Opportunity (2)</h4>

    ¡°What time is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°<i>Uh</i>, it¡¯s ten o¡¯clock,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go talk to the old man first.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed to the benches together.

    ¡°<i>Hahahaha</i>!¡±

    Akrion¡¯sughter was so rambunctious that Kang Chan immediately knew that G¨¦rard¡¯s show had reached its climax.

    ¡°Fucking idiot,¡± Seok Kang-Ho criticized. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t have said it better himself.

    If anyone saw G¨¦rard now, they wouldn¡¯t be able to tell that he was themander of the Foreign Legion and the same man who had beaten Andrei to a pulp earlier. While Andrei had gone mad over the red light, it looked as if the scorching heat of Africa had done it for G¨¦rard.

    When G¨¦rard¡¯s great performance ended, Akrion passionately apuded him with enthusiasm. Perhaps this memory would stay with the child for the rest of his life.

    ¡°Roberre. Ask the old man if we can go to the cave right now,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Asmanded, Roberre talked to the elder in Somali. The elder nced at Kang Chan before replying.

    ¡°He says we can,¡± Roberre said.

    Kang Chan steeled his resolve.

    ¡°G¨¦rard. I want you, Roberre, and two more of your men armed and ready to move out. I¡¯ll meet you back here in a bit.¡±

    ¡°Roger that, Cap.¡±

    G¨¦rard and Roberre dashed over to the barracks.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho also went back to their barracks to get ready.

    ¡°Who are you bringing with us?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Jong-Il and Dong-Gyun,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Doo-Hee¡¯s better if we want to ridefortably, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s bring him too.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Upon reaching their barracks, Kang Chan immediately started barking orders.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun, Lee Doo-Hee. We¡¯re heading out. Get ready.¡±

    The three sprang to their feet.

    ¡°You won¡¯t need helmets, but bring handheld radios and plenty of C-rations and water,¡± Kang Chan instructed. ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got nchet in charge of the outer perimeter. If there¡¯s a problem, talk it over with him and deal with it together. If you get raided, inform me over the radio ASAP and retreat to the vige in the mountains. You don¡¯t have to defend this base,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Yes, sir. We¡¯ll keep ourselves armed until you get back.¡±

    Kang Chan simply nodded in response.

    <i>Click!</i>

    He zipped up and buckled his vest and wore the radio earsets into his ears. Afterward, he wrapped a bandana around his head and slung a military boonie hat around his neck.

    <i>Clunk!</i>

    Before leaving the barracks, Kang Chan examined his rifle.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how long we¡¯ll be away,¡± he said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    With their current capabilities, the South Korean team could calmly and wisely handle any situation that coulde their way.

    By the time Kang Chan had walked out of the barracks, G¨¦rard, Roberre, and two French soldiers were already waiting for them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan went to the entrance with the rest of the men. While they prepared two Humvees, nchet walked over.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to take another look at the tribe¡¯s vige. Continue guarding the perimeter,¡± Kang Chan told him.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    <i>Vroom. Vroom.</i>

    Roberre helped the old man into the French team¡¯s vehicle. With the size of their group, it would be best to keep him around someone who could understand what he was saying, especially since they might have to change directions somewhere down the line.

    Akrion nced over at Kang Chan and nervously shifted on his feet.

    ¡°Do you want toe with us?¡± Kang Chan asked in Korean as he nodded toward the Humvee. When Akrion walked over to him, he added, ¡°Let¡¯s get you in, then.¡±

    Kang Chan lifted the child into the vehicle. The expression on G¨¦rard¡¯s face was almost as good as the show of a lifetime that he had put on earlier.

    <i>Vroom. Vroom!</i>

    The two Humvees soon drove off.

    Noticing the sun ring down right above them, Kang Chan removed the boonie hat from around his neck and put it on Akrion¡¯s head. He then secured it by tightening the chin strings, preventing it from falling due to the car bumping up and down.

    Akrion tightly held onto the hat with his white arms.

    <i>Clunk! Clunk!</i>

    <i>Is this really that fun?</i>

    G¨¦rard¡¯s show seemed to have put Akrion at ease, considering heughed every time the car shook. It was a shame that the first Western culture that he had encountered were weapons and military vehicles, but one wouldn¡¯t be able to survive even just a day in Africa if they let such things bother them.

    ¡°Captain, if there really is a ckhead there, won¡¯t it put you in danger?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I¡¯ll only know when I get there,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s withdraw the moment you feel something is even just a bit off.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    Akrion¡¯sughter died down as they got closer to the mountain, the eagles hovering above iting into view. When they finally reached the foot of it, they found human bones scattered among the trucks that had been turned into scrap metal.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t really do anything about this sight.

    <i>Creak!</i>

    The car screeched to a halt, and everyone stepped out.

    ¡°Where do we need to go?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Roberre spoke to the old man, then turned back to Kang Chan. ¡°He says we have to go straight over the ridge.¡±

    ¡°Daye, scout ahead with Choi Jong-Il,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    As the two climbed over the ridge, Cha Dong-Gyun and the French soldiers swiftly moved into positions they could provide cover fire from.

    Upon reaching the top, Seok Kang-Ho climbed over the ridge. He came back up a few momentster.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°All clear,¡± he said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan crouched down with his back to Akrion. If the enemyunched a surprise attack on them now, Akrion would be like a wildebeest calf surrounded by a pride of lions.

    Kang Chan inevitably felt a rush of heat run down his back when the child got on his back.

    <i>Tat. Tat.</i>

    He slung his rifle over his shoulder and put his index finger on the trigger guard. Afterward, he began climbing up the ridge.

    ¡°Lead the way, Roberre. G¨¦rard! Form an advance party with your men and recon ahead,¡± Kang Chan ordered in French.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    Kang Chan then turned to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Daye, bring up the rear with Cha Dong-Gyun. Choi Jong-Il, protect our left nk. Lee Doo-Hee, our right. Eliminate any threat you see.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    They were off.

    As the old man guided them, Roberre pointed G¨¦rard and his men to their next positions. The tactic they employed was stupid and ufortable, but to survive in Africa, one always had to proceed with as much caution as they could muster and then more.

    With the sun right at the zenith, the heat grew quite intense. The tribe¡¯s vige was up the ridge to their right, and to their left was where the Green Berets had fought.

    The old man led them straight over the ridge and down, stopping at the foot of another mountain. When the old man pointed to the waist-high bushes in the middle of it, the group resumed walking.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    The dirt being swept away sounded different than before.

    After about half an hour of walking straight back up the mountain, the old man turned right, leading them to a big loop around the lower half of the mountain. Since there was no path, they had to go around the mountain on the crumbling dirt.

    ¡°Would you like me to carry him?¡± Choi Jong-Il quietly asked.

    Kang Chan shook his head. If his stamina was that low, he wouldn¡¯t have been nicknamed ¡°God of ckfield.¡±

    They walked for another half hour.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roberre, ask how much further we have to go,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Until the sun tilts about one more palm,¡± Roberre replied.

    <i>Damn it! Is that an hour? Two?</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard. Find a ce to rest but keep your guard up.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    After about ten more minutes, they saw G¨¦rard waiting up ahead in an area recessed into the cliff face, giving them a clear view of everything below. It wasn¡¯t a bad spot to rest in.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a short break,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    He set Akrion down in the recession. The part of his back that had been in contact with the child was soaked with sweat.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Lee Doo-Hee pulled out water and C-rations from their packs. The water was lukewarm, but it was still refreshing.

    ¡°Daye, you and G¨¦rard eat first,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan and Cha Dong-Gyun stood near the cliff to get a better view of the area below.

    They heard rustlesing from the men eating biscuits, choctes, and the other food in the C-rations, the contents of which differed for every country.

    The food wasid out in groups, sorted by type and Akrion ate it steadily, going through the groups one by one.

    After about five minutes or so, Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard got up and switched with Kang Chan and Cha Dong-Gyun.

    In this kind of terrain and during missions like these, nothing was more important than vignce. Hence, regardless of their rank, their more outstanding soldiers would always have to stand guard unless they had a good reason not to.

    Kang Chan tore open a C-ration and ate some choctes and biscuits. After finishing it all in about five minutes, he drank some water and stood up.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡±

    They didn¡¯t have much time to spare.

    Only the South Korean and French teams were left at the base. There was no knowing what might happen, so he wanted to return as soon as possible.

    Kang Chan carried Akrion on his back again, then ordered his men to set out in the same formation as before.

    <i>I wonder what¡¯s waiting for us in the cave that the old man¡¯s talking about.</i>

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    The longer they walked, the more Kang Chan¡¯s chest tightened in frustration. He felt as if he was doing something wrong.

    It would be bad if there was nothing there, but it would also be a problem if they found a ckhead. If it tried to suck the energy out of him, he wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything about it.

    Thirty minutes into their walk, Kang Chan¡¯s heart began pounding against his chest.

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan immediately realized that things were finally starting, putting him on edge.

    It seemed today wouldn¡¯t be any easier than the days before.

    <i>Fuck these warnings.</i>

    He had no idea if it was telling him that the base was under attack, he was about to face impending danger, or someone he cared about was in danger.

    <i>Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.</i>

    When his heartbeat grew even stronger and faster, he immediately pressed a button on his radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard, stay on your toes,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Daye, keep your guard as high up as you can. Shoot anything suspicious on sight.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted.

    <i>Fine. Let¡¯s do this, you fucking rock! I¡¯m fuckinging for you.</i>

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    Ignoring the warnings that his heart was giving him, Kang Chan pressed on. However, due to his orders, their progress slowed down. If they let down their guard during moments like this, they could regret it for the rest of their lives.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    As they proceeded, they scanned the area as if they were in enemy territory, making sure not to miss anything.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s senses sharpened so much that he could now see the tips of the bushes¡¯s dry branches and hear even the dirt crunching under Roberre¡¯s boots.

    They¡¯d gone on for about twenty minutes when Roberre raised his fist.

    Kang Chan immediately raised his left fist as well, causing the entire group to stop and lower their stances. They seemed to have spotted something suspicious up ahead.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    It was G¨¦rard¡¯s call¡ªa pullet that had been through all kinds of wars in Africa and just recently beaten up a Spetsnazmander. Kang Chan waited for the next signal, ready to run forward at any moment.

    <i>What is it, G¨¦rard?</i>

    After about a minute of stifling silence, Roberre gestured ahead of him with his index and middle finger.

    <i>Forward.</i>

    The vanguard had likely just found a animal in hiding.

    <i>Rustle! Rustle!</i>

    Amid their torturously slow and frustratingly intense march, Choi Jong-Il swerved his rifle toward every crunch of the dirt under their feet.

    It was aborious and tiring advance for the man in the lead, a position Kang Chan never had entrusted to anyone but G¨¦rard.

    After about forty minutes, they had finally gone around the bottom of the mountain.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°He says we have to go down,¡± Roberre radioed.

    After a moment of collecting their bearings and getting a rough direction, they pushed onward again.

    Akrion, who was still clinging to Kang Chan¡¯s back with his hands and feet, did his best not to make even the faintest sound. He acted as if he had experienced hiding this way before.

    They walked for about twenty more minutes. They were only twenty meters away now from getting out of the mountain and meeting up with G¨¦rard.

    From there, they would either have to climb up the mountain in front of them or walk between the mountain they had just descended and the mountain in front of them

    Roberre spoke over the radio again.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°He says we have to walk up the mountain in front of us and go right.¡±

    Before heading down thest few meters of the mountain they were on, Kang Chan stopped for a moment and quickly scanned their surroundings. If hostiles were lying in wait for them on top of the mountain, they would be sitting ducks out there.

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    His heartbeat had be even heavier.

    G¨¦rard had been at the front for over an hour now. Making him stay in the same position any longer than that would put him in danger. However, it would also be quite dangerous for everyone to descend the mountain all at once.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°He wants you to stop there,¡± Roberre radioed first.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Check the area above us,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    As G¨¦rard responded affirmatively, Kang Chan waved to get Lee Doo-Hee¡¯s attention.

    ¡°I want you on a nearby vantage point.¡±

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, cover Lee Doo-Hee.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il and Lee Doo-Hee headed back up the mountain.

    Kang Chan still hadn¡¯t given any signal to the rear yet. The old man and Roberre were already quite near G¨¦rard.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The old man says this is the ce. This cave apparently ends at the pit in front of the vige,¡± Roberre said on the radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°What about the cave?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I don¡¯t see it from here.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll hold this position. G¨¦rard, check the cave. Secure it as well while you¡¯re at it.¡±

    <i>Chk</i>.

    ¡°Copy that, Cap,¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    Once Kang Chan was done issuing orders, Lee Doo-Hee informed him on the radio that he had found a good vantage point.

    Kang Chan was currently looking down from twenty meters up the mountain. However, no matter how closely he looked, he couldn¡¯t see the entrance to the cave near G¨¦rard.

    He wondered if the old man was starting to go blind, but the description about the pit in front of the vige was too convincing.

    The old man pointed to the mountain several times. He then took Roberre¡¯s hand and walked headfirst into its side.

    <i>Huh?</i>

    Frowning, Kang Chan narrowed his eyes at where the old man had just disappeared.

    <i>Did he just walk into the mountain?</i>

    G¨¦rard briefly looked up at Kang Chan and then turned back toward the mountain.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roberre!¡± G¨¦rard shouted into the radio.

    No response.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard, what happened?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, sir... It¡¯s like the mountain swallowed them.¡±

    G¨¦rard sounded quite shocked.

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    <i>Go back! Let¡¯s go back!</i>

    As Kang Chan¡¯s heart pounded even harder, Roberre and the old man walked out of the mountainside. They then spoke to G¨¦rard.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°That was amazing! It looks like it¡¯s just another part of the mountain, but when we pushed through like the old man said, we found ourselves in a cave.¡±

    ¡°What the fuck?¡± Kang Chan swore.

    <i>What in the world is happening?</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Captain, what should we do?¡± G¨¦rard asked on the radio.

    Kang Chan red sharply at their surroundings.

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    <i>Shit!</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart was beating so hard that it was almost unbearable.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°G¨¦rard, head inside with the others and make sure the cave is clear. If you don¡¯t find anything suspicious,e back outside and give me a signal,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    After asking Roberre a few questions, G¨¦rard walked toward the mountainside with the two French soldiers.

    His face crumpled right before impact. However, like before, he and the two soldiers just mysteriously disappeared.

    <i>Huh?</i>

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    The heavy pounding of Kang Chan¡¯s heart had caused his chest to tighten. After a few torturous moments, G¨¦rard walked back out of the mountain.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°All clear,¡± G¨¦rard radioed.

    <i>Fine! Since you insist on calling me out, I¡¯ll fucking go! I¡¯m the one who told you to wait in the first ce anyway!</i>

    Kang Chan looked back for a moment.

    Leaving only the sniper team out here would be no different from telling them to die.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Sniper team, regroup with G¨¦rard. You too, Daye, but keep covering our rear as you do,¡± he instructed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Roger that,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    Given the situation, their best option was to go in together.

    Kang Chan started his descent, keeping a wary eye on his surroundings. A momentter, Seok Kang-Ho and the sniper team also reached G¨¦rard.

    ¡°This is the ce,¡± G¨¦rard said as he nodded toward the mountainside. The old man nodded in agreement.

    ¡°What¡¯s all the fuss about?¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be getting in through here,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°How long do you think it¡¯ll take us to dig through this? We didn¡¯t bring any equipment,¡± Seok Kang-Hoined.

    Having to drill a hole to get inside would have made Kang Chan feel a lot more at ease than just running headfirst into it.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, go in,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    G¨¦rard rushed in toward the mountain.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>?¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed the same way Kang Chan did earlier. ¡°What in the fucking voodoo shit just happened?¡±

    ¡°Roberre! Go inside with the old man!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Roberre ryed Kang Chan¡¯s words to the old man. Soon, they disappeared into the mountain as well.

    It was truly an absurd and incredulous sight.

    ¡°Daye!¡±

    Receiving a look from Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho red at where Roberre disappeared with glinting eyes.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Seok Kang-Ho cursed as he dashed forward.

    All Kang Chan could do wasugh in disbelief now.

    Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun, and Lee Doo-Hee went inside right after.

    <i>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</i>

    <i>What do you want me to do? Want me to go back now even though I¡¯ve already gone this far?</i>

    Kang Chan looked over his shoulder to check on Akrion, who just looked exhausted.

    <i>How can he make that kind of expression after seeing something like this?</i>

    <i>Fine!</i>

    Kang Chan charged toward the mountain.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

 Chapter 270: I Cant Just Go Back (1)

    <h4>Chapter 270: I Can''t Just Go Back (1)</h4>

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan noticed a sudden change in the air as soon as they entered the cave. Their surroundings had be dark as well.

    He checked his surroundings with spiteful eyes, finding the French and South Korean soldiers looking quite flustered. They, too, were scanning their vicinity while awaiting new orders.

    The cave didn¡¯t seem man-made, but it looked as if it could copse at any moment. Perhaps it was because arge part of the mountain had been destroyed by their battle a few days ago.

    The cave was twenty-five meters tall and about six meters wide. Since light didn¡¯t get into the cave from the entrance, it felt like they were standing under the moonlight at night.

    ¡°Turn on the shlights,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun, and the two French soldiers turned on their tactical shlights and attached them to their rifles.

    <i>Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.</i>

    Receiving yet another warning from his heart, Kang Chan became certain that a ckhead was inside this cave. He was feeling the same shitty electrifying buzz that he had felt in the basement in the U.K.

    G¨¦rard looked at Kang Chan with surprise.

    <i>What¡¯s wrong?</i>

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s confusion, G¨¦rard walked over to him while keeping an eye on the other soldiers.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard called, his voice echoing despite speaking softly.

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho and the others as well, finding them with simr expressions. ¡°What? Why does everyone look so surprised?¡±

    ¡°Surkard!¡± the elder shouted, surprise evident in his eyes.

    ¡°Your eyes are... glowing red,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Your eyes are glowing red, Captain.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head toward Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what G¨¦rard said, but you¡¯ve got redsersing out of your eyes right now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    <i>Are they pulling a prank on me or something? Do they think I¡¯m stupid?</i>

    G¨¦rard added, ¡°I remember Andrei looking flustered as you were saying something at the mess hall yesterday. That fucker¡¯s a bastard, but he¡¯s no coward, so seeing him behave like that surprised me a bit. I think I understand now why he reacted that way, though. Your eyes might¡¯ve been glowing red back then as well.¡±

    While listening to G¨¦rard, Kang Chan suddenly felt a tingling sensation. The ckhead¡¯s energy was enveloping him.

    ¡°The glow¡¯s a bit brighter now,¡± G¨¦rard said, looking into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t seem afraid, but he did look worried.

    ¡°This is getting weirder and weirder, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said. ¡°We should head to the base at the first sign of danger.¡±

    <i>Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.</i>

    As if agreeing with Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan¡¯s heart pounded against his chest harder.

    ¡°You might have the energy in you as well, Daye,¡± Kang Chan said, ¡°so I want you to bring up our rear again.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan straight in the eye. After a moment, he firmly answered, ¡°All right.¡±

    He called Cha Dong-Gyun over and positioned themselves at the back of the formation.

    ¡°Roberre! Ask if the path splits somewhere in the cave and how much further we have to go until we reach our target location,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    As Roberre spoke to the elder, G¨¦rard remained by Kang Chan¡¯s side.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    <i>Let¡¯s end this today, then, you fucking rock!</i>

    Kang Chan steeled his resolve. Even if he avoided the ckhead now, he would inevitably run into it someday anyway. Ending things now was far better than letting it drag him all over the ce.

    A few momentster, Roberre walked back to him. ¡°He says there¡¯s only one path in the cave and that we have to walk as much time as... it takes a snake to digest a rat?¡±

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    <i>At least tell us the sizes of the snake and the rat it swallowed!</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll take point. G¨¦rard, I want you to follow with a bit of distance between us. Prioritize the child and our men¡¯s safety,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek twitched. He considered disputing the order but ultimately decided not to. Kang Chan had never been the type to tolerate soldiers disobeying his orders or arguing with him.

    ¡°Oui,¡± he obediently answered.

    ¡°Roberre, follow me with the old man,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il. Lee Doo-Hee. Watch our nks.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Lee Doo-Hee handed a shlight to Kang Chan, who then attached it to his rifle.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said afterward.

    They kept the barrels of their guns pointed at the ceiling as they moved.

    The floor sank a little with every step they took, making it seem as if they were walking on hardened sand.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Having walked for quite some time now, Kang Chan began to wonder how big of a rat the snake had eaten.

    <i>Will the snake digest the rat quicker if we pick up the pace?</i>

    <i>Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.</i>

    <i>¡®I warned you multiple times, but you kept ignoring me,¡¯ </i>Kang Chan¡¯s heart told him. It was still racing, seemingly making an excuse for what was about to happen.

    Kang Chan soon felt the unpleasant tingling sensation coursing through him again like electricity.

    However, despite how amazing the ckhead was, it was still just a rock in the end. It didn''t have hands or feet!

    Kang Chan swept his rifle from side to side, illuminating the cave.

    Insects with disgusting numbers of legs moved quickly to avoid the light from the shlight. One of them strode to hide in a corner with its long, curved legs.

    After a while, they started smelling an unpleasant odor. The deeper they went into the cave, the stronger it became.

    <i>How long does it take for a snake to eat a rat anyway?</i>

    Kang Chan just kept walking, taking not even a single break. He felt more alert than he had ever been.

    They kept finding more and more insects wherever they pointed their shlights.

    <i>¡®Ugh!¡¯</i>

    As if someone had put a power cord in him, Kang Chan felt the tingling sensation return. His momentary pause made everyone behind him stop in their tracks and examine him.

    The shock soon intensified, bing iparably stronger than the ones before. He couldn¡¯t even take another step forward.

    <i>¡®Ugh!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and pushed through the pain. Not long after, he saw a red light ring from deeper into the cave.

    ¡°Surkard! Surkard!¡± the old man called, his tone making it hard to determine if he was surprised or touched.

    Kang Chan was sick and tired of that nickname.

    <i>¡®Goddamn it!¡¯ </i>he cursed as another electrifying wave coursed through him, causing his body to burn up.

    <i>This isn¡¯t right! I can¡¯t just stand here and let that damn rock kill me!</i>

    Kang Chan tried to move away, but his feet refused to listen to him.

    <i>Fucking shit! The son of a bitch got me right where it wanted me!</i>

    This was exactly what happened in the basement in the UK. Right now, the ckhead was likely taking his energy away while it had him restricted.

    ¡°G¨¦rard!¡±

    Choi Jong-Il and Lee Doo-Hee were right behind him, but Kang Chan¡¯s instincts made him call G¨¦rard instead.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Pull me away!¡±

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    G¨¦rard ran toward Kang Chan and pulled him by the cor.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    The scene startled everyone in the cave. They didn¡¯t expect Kang Chan to copse so powerlessly like this.

    <i>Hisssss</i>!

    When G¨¦rard started dragging Kang Chan away, Choi Jong-Il and Lee Doo-Hee ran over to help. They grabbed onto Kang Chan¡¯s arms and pulled with all their might.

    <i>Hisssss</i>!

    The red light only disappeared when Kang Chan had been moved ten meters away from it. However, the tingling sensation remained.

    ¡°I¡¯m good now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    G¨¦rard and the others leaned him against the cave wall and then surrounded him. They all looked flustered and worried.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    A rock had just humiliated Kang Chan.

    An insect brushed against his nape, making him step away from the wall.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    <i>What do I tell them? Who can I trust with this information?</i>

    Kang Chan not only felt like shit but also had so many things to think about right now.

    ¡°Roberre! Ask the old man why he brought me here. If I¡¯m really the Surkard, then what do I have to do?¡±

    After rying his questions, Roberre turned back to Kang Chan. ¡°He says he doesn¡¯t know why he brought you here. All he knows is that when the Surkard returns, it''s their tribe¡¯s duty to guide them to the guardian that resides in the deepest part of this cave. A shaman would normally be here to help us, but they died in the recent massacre.¡±

    If that were the case, then what the elder said wouldn¡¯t work.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, remember what I told you a few days ago?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already experienced this same phenomenon in the UK. Back then, as if I was electrocuted, I found myself unable to move an inch. I then felt my energy gradually draining out of me.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>.¡± G¨¦rard nced at the front of the cave, then looked back at Kang Chan. Worry was written all over his face. ¡°Why don¡¯t we just withdraw and return to base for now?¡±

    ¡°Give me a sec,¡± Kang Chan said.

    He called Seok Kang-Ho and told him what he had just told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    Since the others weren¡¯t a part of the conversation, Kang Chan had no choice but to interpret for them.

    ¡°Daye, for the captain¡¯s sake, don¡¯t you think it would be better to return to base?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I told him earlier, but if that would mean he¡¯d keep finding himself in situations like this even when we¡¯re not around, it wouldn¡¯t be such a bad idea to slug it out with the rock now.¡±

    ¡°Seriously? Have you found a way to end this?¡±

    <i>These absurd fuckers are only talking among themselves because I¡¯m interpreting!</i>

    ¡°Roberre!¡± Kang Chan called, suddenly growing curious. ¡°Ask the old man how much farther we have to walk.¡±

    The elder would likely just answer that they still had the length of the snake to go, but it wouldn¡¯t hurt to ask anyway.

    ¡°He says we have to get close enough to hear the guardian talk,¡± Roberre said.

    <i>Damn it! That depends on how loud their voice is!</i>

    Keeping himself from shouting, he instead told Seok Kang-Ho what Roberre said.

    ¡°Captain, how about sending me and G¨¦rard to scout ahead before we proceed?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan felt as if he had just been stabbed in the back. Seok Kang-Ho had clearly finished evolving.

    ¡°What did Daye say?¡± G¨¦rard asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°He wants you two to scout ahead.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s actually a great idea. We can just decide once we¡¯ve determined how much longer we have to walk and what¡¯s waiting for us deeper into this cave.¡±

    Hearing G¨¦rard¡¯s response made Kang Chan feel much better. He wanted to smoke, but Akrion was with them. Hence, he stood up and walked over to the old man instead.

    ¡°Roberre, ask him to take G¨¦rard and Daye to the guardian,¡± he ordered.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Roberre quickly did as instructed. The old man answered with an unwilling expression.

    ¡°He says that they can¡¯t find the guardian without the Surkard himself. The shaman has to be present as well.¡±

    <i>Goddamn it. That means all of the ns we¡¯ve put so much effort to make are now useless.</i>

    Since they were talking in French, Kang Chan walked over to Seok Kang-Ho and exined what was going on.

    The other soldiers still had their guards up.

    ¡°So the old man knows he needs to bring you here but doesn¡¯t know what we need to do?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°What do you think about this, cap?¡±

    Kang Chan cocked his head.

    ¡°If the situation here is anything like what happened in the UK, then that rock will definitely stop me and try to take my energy again. I had to rush toward it and connect a cable to it to stop it.¡±

    Kang Chan also told G¨¦rard the same thing.

    ¡°What if you touch or grab the ckhead? Would you end up taking its energy instead?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to need a way to touch it, then. We don¡¯t have the spacesuit that I wore in the UK.¡±

    Kang Chan examined the cave. For some reason, it felt like the damn rock was licking its lips while looking at him.

    <i>How do I kill that son of that bitch?</i>

    Kang Chan red at the deeper part of the cave as he filled up with spite.

    ¡°Daye, what if you and G¨¦rard grab onto me and run toward it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    ¡°The ckhead will probably keep being a threat if I just leave it be. I have to put an end to all of this while I still have this opportunity. You can just bring me back here if charging toward it doesn¡¯t work anyway.¡±

    ¡°What?! It can already paralyze you from this distance! What if getting closer to it does something even worse to you? We should find a safer way to do this than that stupid idea. It doesn¡¯t matter if it takes some time.¡±

    <i>This is fucking unbelievable!</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect that Daye of all people would tell him that his idea was stupid.

    ¡°This n has worked before! If I grab or touch it, I might be able to turn it into a useless rock just like what I did to the one in the UK!¡± Kang Chan argued.

    ¡°But wasn¡¯t the ckhead¡¯s energy in the UK unstable because of us?¡±

    ¡°Well, yes. Fair point.¡±

    Kang Chan interpreted their conversation for G¨¦rard, who looked quite curious about it.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that too dangerous?¡± G¨¦rard asked afterward.

    ¡°I¡¯ll yell like I did earlier if I can¡¯t handle it. You and Daye can pull me away then.¡±

    Seeing the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, G¨¦rard smirked. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve already decided to push through with this no matter what we say.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t just go back now.¡±

    ¡°All right, fine.¡±

    This time, Seok Kang-Ho was the one who looked curious. Kang Chan ryed their conversation to him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take Choi Jong-Il and Lee Doo-Hee with us,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested afterward.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Now that they had a n, they no longer had any reason to hesitate.

    If Akrion wasn¡¯t with them, Kang Chan would¡¯ve smoked with Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard before pushing through with this.

    Kang Chan walked further into the cave, causing the tingling sensation to grow even stronger.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, Lee Doo-Hee,¡± Kang Chan called.

    He briefed the two about their n, making sure to leave out confidential information. Nevertheless, they didn¡¯t bother asking him about the ckhead or why they were doing this. They simply asked a few questions about how they should move.

    ¡°Get ready,¡± Kang Chan said.

    He took a deep breath.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    This was no different from how he felt right before the thick high-tension cable was ced on his body.

    <i>About time I make you pay, you worthless fucking rock! I¡¯ll make sure to kill you here like how I killed you in the UK!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard put their arms under Kang Chan¡¯s armpits, then lifted him.

    ¡°Ready?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, his worried tone making him sound as if he was asking Kang Chan if he was done getting ready to die.

    <i>Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart raced even faster, seemingly shouting at him about how crazy this n was.

    As Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard got into position, Choi Jong-Il and Lee Doo-Hee took aim and supported them from behind.

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Looking ahead of him, Kang Chan¡¯s eyes filled up with resentment.

    If he hadn¡¯t dealt with the ckhead in the UK, he might¡¯ve told his men to run more easily.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it, Captain,¡± G¨¦rard said softly.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t respond.

    <i>You must be scared shitless about me getting to approach you. That¡¯s the only reason I can think of about why you¡¯re trying to stop me in my tracks. You did the same thing in the UK. Are you really that afraid of my glowing red eyes?</i>

    <i>Huff. Huff.</i>

    Kang Chan red inside the cave.

    ¡°Go!¡± he shouted.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard easily lifted Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go! G¨¦rard!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled.

    Running as fast as they could, the trio soon reached the same area they had retreated from earlier.

    Blood-red light shed from deeper into the cave once more.

 Chapter 271: I Canéˆ¥æª› Just Go Back (2)

    <h4>Chapter 271: I Can¡¯t Just Go Back (2)</h4>

    <i>¡®Argh!¡¯</i>

    Even Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard could feel power surging inside Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®Daye?¡¯</i>

    G¨¦rard quickly turned, finding Seok Kang-Ho ring straight ahead. His glinting eyes were filled with the determination to defeat the ckhead while they could still protect Kang Chan.

    ¡°<i>Haah! Haah</i>!¡±

    Ragged breaths burst from Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard. They could now see an area illuminated with red light.

    Seok Kang-Ho gritted his teeth.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    ¡°Go! Go!¡± Kang Chan loudly groaned through gritted teeth. With every single nerve in his body seemingly burning up, he began to wonder if this was what electric shock torture felt like. It was as if every strand of hair on his head and body had be a conductor of electricity.

    <i>You son of a bitch! Did you think I was going to lose? Feel free to call your friends too if you haverades like Daye and G¨¦rard!</i>

    Kang Chan forced himself to keep his glowing eyes wide open. The dust falling from the cave made the light look grainy.

    ¡°<i>Arghh</i>!¡± Kang Chan groaned.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    ¡°Keep going!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, and Lee Doo-Hee witnessed theser-like beam focusing on Kang Chan.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Not long after, they finally reached the wall that was exuding the red light.

    ¡°Let go!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <i>Whoooosh.</i>

    ¡°<i>Kegh</i>!¡±

    The light mysteriously concentrated on Kang Chan, instantly engulfing the entire cave in darkness. Even his body was glowing blood-red now.

    <i>I¡¯m connected!</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s gut immediately told him so. As he felt the ckhead extending its energy toward him, he reached his hand out toward the wall.

    <i>You fucking ckhead. You want to take back the energy that you gave me? Did I ever ask for it? Did I ever ask to be reincarnated?</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how he would steal the ckhead¡¯s energy. He was just trying to do what he did in Ennd.

    ¡°<i>Agghhh</i>!¡±

    The fist-sized stone kept sending blood-red beams toward Kang Chan, seemingly trying to burn him to death.

    Kang Chan forcibly stretched out his hand. The ckhead was slightly above his head.

    <i>Thrum, thrum, thrum, thrum, thrum.</i>

    ¡®<i>Keeeegh</i>!¡¯

    The closer his hand was to the ckhead, the faster he felt the water in his body drying up. With all his energy being sucked out of him, his mind began to nk out, and his body began to wither. At this rate, he would likely crumble away soon like the dirt that they had stepped on on the way here.

    <i>Pft.</i>

    With all his might, Kang Chan forced his hand to move. The closer he got to the ckhead, the more his hand was repelled. It was like watching the same ma poles attempting to touch.

    He had forgotten.

    Even if he died here, he had Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard with him. They would take the damn ckhead and avenge him one way or another.

    <i>Really think you¡¯re tough? Bullshit! You don¡¯t know what these two are made of!</i>

    Kang Chan finally gripped the ckhead.

    <i>Thrum, thrum, thrum, thrum, thrum, thrum.</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    As the vibration intensified, the ceiling of the cave started to copse.

    <i>¡®This fucker!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan knew that his and the ckhead¡¯s energies were merging.

    This was simply energy but it felt like it was pulling at Kang Chan instinctively. It was as if there was abination of the desire to release itstent energy and the feeling of rushing in like crazy after realizing that Kang Chan was the channel to let it out.

    <i>You should¡¯ve asked me!</i>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    It was strange, but the pain disappeared the moment he grabbed hold of the ckhead, allowing him to feel his heart pounding again.

    <i>Thrum, thrum, thrum.</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    As the light and vibrations subsided, the amount of dirt raining down from the ceiling increased.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard looked at the ceiling and then back at each other. If the situation became too dangerous, they were ready to grab Kang Chan and run.

    <i>Thrum, thrum, thrum. Thrum, thrum. Thrum.</i>

    Finally, the light and vibrationspletely disappeared.

    The ckhead fell from the cave wall with a <i>click</i>.

    ¡°Captain?¡± Seok Kang-Ho worriedly called when dirt came pouring down from the broken ceiling. It looked as if the bottom of a sack of soil had been punctured.

    Whoosh! Whoosh!

    ¡°Daye! Start running!¡±

    Kang Chan gave themand in French, yet Seok Kang-Ho still dashed toward him as if he understood.

    Just like when they hade, Seok Kang-Ho wrapped his arm around Kang Chan¡¯s left armpit, and G¨¦rard stuck his arm under Kang Chan¡¯s right.

    <i>Whoosh! Whooosh! Whooosh! Whoooosh!</i>

    The streams of dirt pouring down were bingrger.

    Seok Kang-Ho shouted at Choi Jong-Il and Lee Doo-Hee through clenched teeth. ¡°Get out! Hurry and run outside!¡±

    The dirt from the copsed ceiling rained down on their heads like waves of water, making it difficult for them to keep their eyes open.

    ¡°Run! Get out!¡± G¨¦rard shouted with all his might. ¡°Roberre! Out! Run outside!¡±

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whooosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    At the rate they were going, they would never make it out of the cave. The dirt was already clumping together and starting to fall like a waterfall.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! Out! Now!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled.

    ¡°Let go!¡± Kang Chan suddenly shouted.

    <i>Whoosh! Whooosh! Whoosh! Whooooosh!</i>

    ¡°Captain!¡± Seok Kang-Ho protested.

    ¡°I said let go!¡±

    These two had to be aware that his strength was already returning. By the time he pulled out the arms supporting him, he was already running on his own.

    <i>¡°Haah! Haah!¡±</i>

    <i>Swoooooooooosh!</i>

    He felt as if he was running through a waterfall. Ahead of him, he saw the French soldiers running with the old man on one of their backs. Cha Dong-Gyun was carrying the child.

    <i>Swooooooosh!</i>

    However, the visibility eventually dropped so low that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even see what was ahead of him.

    The dirt copsing onto his head and shoulders was beyond heavy. His feet were sinking into the crushed earth. His nose was already full of dirt, and he couldn¡¯t open his mouth even though he was out of breath. He was pretty much sprinting while holding his breath.

    <i>Swooooosh! Du du du du du du!</i>

    The ground shook.

    ¡°Faster!¡±

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Choi Jong-Il and Lee Doo-Hee lunged for the entrance. Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard leaped at the same time.

    <i>Crack! Thud! Thud!</i>

    Pain coursed through him as he hit the ground. Blinding light then greeted them, piercing their eyes. It had been so long since he had found the African sun so weing.

    ¡°<i>Kegh! Blegh!</i>¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and the others leaned over with their heads to the ground, throwing up dirt.

    ¡°<i>Kegh</i>! <i>Kegh</i>!¡±

    Kang Chan was no different. Hunched over, he vomited dirt.

    Only then did he realize that his right hand, which was on his right leg, was gripping the ckhead.

    <i>Son of a bitch! You should¡¯ve been this quiet from the beginning!</i>

    Tucking the ckhead into his thigh pocket, Kang Chan looked up and burst outughing. The soldiers stared at him with reddened eyes, their hair, cheeks, and eyebrows still covered in dirt.

    The old man was touching the now-blocked entrance of the cave in surprise.

    ¡°Fuck it! Let¡¯s go over there and have a smoke before leaving,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho shook off the dust in his hair. ¡°Alrighty!¡±

    ¡°Hey! Get some distance first before you dust yourself!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied with a grin.

    Roberre reassured the old man before setting off after Kang Chan.

    Choi Jong-Il pulled out a pack of cigarettes. G¨¦rard then flicked on a lighter.

    <i>Clink! Hiss!</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡±

    ¡°<i>Ptooey</i>! Is it over now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°This one is. I don¡¯t know about the ones we might face in the future,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°No way. The other one was super rare too. They¡¯re only found once in a century or something, right? Let¡¯s just nevere to Africa anymore. Talk about bad luck! <i>Ptooey</i>! <i>Ptooey</i>!¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t like we¡¯re here because we want to.¡±

    They quickly smoked a cigarette each.

    ¡°Give me another one,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    As if Choi Jong-Il had been waiting for it, he immediately handed him a cigarette. Everyone started smoking another cigarette as well.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, let¡¯s keep today¡¯s events a secret,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Copy.¡±

    G¨¦rard held the cigarette between his lips and pulled out the bay on his leg with a grin.

    <i>This fucking punk! It¡¯s not like this secret is that important!</i>

    Kang Chan was about to tell him to stop, but it was toote because G¨¦rard had already pulled out his bay.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned as he looked on. Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun, and Lee Doo-Hee watched G¨¦rard in confusion.

    <i>Shing!</i>

    G¨¦rard tightly gripped the de of the bay with his left hand. He then handed it to Roberre.

    Noticing Choi Jong-Il¡¯s curious gaze, Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Grabbing the bay like that will leave you with two cuts, which will serve as proof that you¡¯ve chosen to keep a secret. Having those kinds of scars means you¡¯re trusted by yourrades. By the time you be a captain, you¡¯ll probably have a few pairs like that,¡± he exined.

    After the French soldiers had gripped and released their bays, G¨¦rard mischievously looked at Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea to share our trust with the French team,¡± Choi Jong-Il dered as he extended his hand.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    It looked like Kang Chan would have to cut his left hand as well.

    Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun, Lee Doo-Hee, and even Seok Kang-Ho, who muttered under his breath about how crazy they all were, left cuts on their palms.

    Kang Chan had no way out now.

    <i>I already have too many scars to count.</i>

    The old man and Akrion were watching them with expressions that asked what the hell they were doing this time.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Seok Kang-Ho agreed.

    ¡°Daye, secure the front with Choi Jong-Il.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard, take the rear.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    After brushing himself off, Kang Chan approached Akrion, but G¨¦rard stopped him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll carry him.¡±

    ¡°You have to watch our backs. I feel a lot stronger now anyway,¡± Kang Chan said, then nodded at Akrion.

    Despite dusting himself off, he was still covered in dirt. Nevertheless, Akrion lunged at him, his smile a lot more rxed than before.

    ***

    Lanok held the phone to his ear, a look of amusement on his face.

    - You¡¯ve made a fool of our men.

    Vasili paused for a moment and took a deep breath to suppress his anger.

    - You didn¡¯t have to kick them out. We were already nning to withdraw.

    ¡°I heard thest fight was with themander of the Foreign Legion special forces team, though,¡± Lanok said.

    - You know what I¡¯m talking about. The Spetsnaz were still bullied in Africa even though I went all the way to South Korea. The same thing happened during the training in France!

    ¡°When Monsieur Kang returns to South Korea, I¡¯ll arrange a meeting for the three of us,¡± Lanok assured him.

    A moment of silence enveloped the call.

    - Surely Monsieur Kang had gotten a hold of a ckhead''s energy this time?

    ¡°He isn¡¯t someone to lie. We can ask him when he returns.¡±

    - I know Monsieur Kang won¡¯t lie. I just can¡¯t say the same about his sly French sidekick.

    Lanok¡¯s lips curved into a smile.

    ¡°How long do you think I can live without Russia¡¯s help? Even if I do trick you, it wouldn¡¯t take you more than fifteen days to find out about it. ¡±

    - Lanok.

    Vasili¡¯s tone changed, making Lanok focus on the conversation with a serious expression.

    - Abibu has put a huge price on our heads for what happened in China. Don¡¯t take that lightly. Unlike us, South Korea is still weak against terrorist attacks.

    ¡°Thank you, Vasili.¡±

    - Nobody will be able to stand the moment either of you falls. When Monsieur Kang returns, ask him for help. He has that kind of strength now.

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Lanok put his receiver down and smiled with satisfaction.

    ***

    The first thing Kang Chan did as soon as they arrived at the base was smoke another cigarette. He then took a shower, changed, and visited the infirmary.

    It was already five in the afternoon.

    One more night of sleep and he would be out of Africa and back in Korea.

    Kang Chan sat on the benches in front of the barracks and drank a cup of instant coffee. Nothing could ever rece this sweetness.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard said as he approached Kang Chan, his face full of mischief.

    He looked like he was about to put on a show even though his left hand was bandaged.

    ¡°Why would you pull out your bay?¡± Kang Chan grumbled.

    ¡°I wanted the boys to share a memory with you, and since we were at it, I thought I might as well make it a good one.¡±

    G¨¦rard leaned against the barracks and pretended to drink something, shouting in glee.

    ¡°Instant coffee!¡± he said in horrible Korean.

    <i>Ha! If someone heard that, they wouldn¡¯t be able to tell if he was speaking French or Korean.</i>

    ¡°What about Akrion?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s fast asleep. He took a shower and drank a ss of milk before going to bed.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. A few momentster, Kwak Cheol-Ho brought G¨¦rard a cup of coffee.

    ¡°Take a seat,¡± Kang Chan offered.

    Sitting down, G¨¦rard asked, ¡°Are you going back to Korea?¡±

    ¡°I think so.¡±

    G¨¦rard lifted the coffee to his mouth and grinned.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just that we¡¯ve traveled so much in such a short time. It seems like just yesterday that we were sad about leaving Mongolia. I find it funny that we were both in the operation in Afghanistan and are now in Africa.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    ¡°Where are you going after this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Probably Congo. I heard it¡¯s pretty serious there.¡±

    Turning his head to the side, Kang Chan saw G¨¦rard looking forward with impassive eyes.

    Kang Chan wanted to go with G¨¦rard to Congo. There was nothing like having someone they could count on on the battlefield, a ce where life and death frequently crossed roads.

    ¡°So this is why I was sent somewhere else that time,¡± G¨¦rard remarked.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Kang Chan asked in confusion.

    Both Daye and G¨¦rard were starting to say things that were hard to understand now that they had grown brains.

    ¡°Nevermind,¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    ¡°Motherfucker.¡±

    G¨¦rard grinned and turned to Kang Chan. The asshole no longer even batted an eye at this kind of insult.

    ¡°G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    G¨¦rard turned around again to look at him.

    ¡°If I ever need help again, you¡¯ll be the first person I look for.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that only natural?¡± G¨¦rard replied as he lifted the cup to his mouth, an arrogant air around him.

    ¡°So whether it¡¯s Congo or Mang, just stay alive.¡±

    G¨¦rard sipped his coffee with a wide smile.

 Chapter 272: What I Want to Do (1)

    <h4>Chapter 272: What I Want to Do (1)</h4>

    The next day.

    After having breakfast, Kang Chan led the South Korean and French teams out of the UN¡¯s base.

    ¡°nchet! Deploy troops at the front and the back,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    The two employees from the UNmand center watched with smiles on their faces.

    Smirking, Kang Chan looked back at them. The two employees sloppily saluted him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    Akrion and his grandfather headed to the French military base in Mogadishu with nchet. They seemed disappointed throughout the entire car ride. Meanwhile, G¨¦rard and his men apanied the South Korean soldiers all the way to the Mogadishu airport.

    When they arrived, the French special forces team stood in one line before the aircraft and sent off the South Korean team.

    Cha Dong-Gyun sped hands with G¨¦rard and bumped chests with him. He then did the same with the other soldiers before him. The other South Koreans followed suit, going through the line until they had reached the aircraft.

    ¡°Can¡¯t believe I have to part ways with this fucker again,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled as he shook hands with G¨¦rard. He then hopped into the aircraft.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting, Cap,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll see youter.¡±

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    When G¨¦rard saluted Kang Chan, the other French soldiers did as well. He saluted back, then got on the ne. This sendoff was more than enough for them.

    <i>Creaaaak.</i>

    Before the door could even fully close, Kang Chan sat on a bed connected to the wall.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    The door soon shut tight,pletely removing Mogadishu from view.

    The aircraft went down the runway and flew toward South Korea.

    Since six of their twenty-one survivors were wounded, only fifteen people were on the ne.

    Duringbat, wounds often looked like they weren¡¯t all that serious. However, taking a step back and looking at them again sometimes made people think, ¡®They were this bad?¡¯

    That was exactly what was happening right now.

    Except for one, all of the soldiers had blood-soaked bandages all over their bodies. A nce was enough to tell their wounds were serious. What else could they do aside from endure, though?

    ¡°Check if they brought coffee,¡± Kang Chan said.

    When Seok Kang-Ho looked behind him, their army interpreter¡ªtheir only unscathed member¡ªquickly went to look. He would have to do errands for them until they arrived in South Korea.

    ¡°There¡¯s coffee!¡± the interpreter yelled.

    ¡°And what do we do when there¡¯s coffee?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    ¡°We drink!¡±

    Hearing the army interpreter¡¯s answer made Cha Dong-Gyunugh so hard that it sounded as if he was sobbing.

    Their army interpreter was so smart that he could¡¯ve just worked as a non-military French interpreter. The horrors ofbat were clearly taking a toll on him.

    Leaning against the aircraft¡¯s wall, Kang Chan drank coffee, Only then did the fact that they were going home finally sink in.

    He gazed at his men. Their tired faces seemed to say, <i>¡®Feeling touched for being recognized? Bullshit.¡¯</i> It was the best evidence that they had actually be a special forces team.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch,¡± Seok Kang-Ho gruffly said. He then turned to the army interpreter.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung opened the hospital room door. Fatigue was evident in his expression.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim.¡±

    He bowed, greeting Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    ¡°Do you really have to do this?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t we already talked about this?¡±

    He checked the few pieces of luggage that he had, then zipped up his bag.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan said that he¡¯s arriving tonight. Why don¡¯t you move your flight to Mongolia by a day? You should meet up with him before you go,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked around the room as if he couldn¡¯t care less.

    ¡°We don¡¯t even have the results from the tests yet. In your current condition, it might still be too dangerous for you to hop on a ne.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu finally looked back at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I know I¡¯m being stubborn, but I¡¯ve been assigned a duty that I thought I would never get again. I want to do my part. I also can¡¯t rx knowing I¡¯ve left my juniors at the base by themselves, can I?¡±

    ¡°Even so, at least meet up with Mr. Kang Chan before you go. Please.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have the right to ask him for his time.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chul-Gyu, confusion evident in his expression. He couldn¡¯t seem to understand what Kang Chul-Gyu meant.

    ¡°There¡¯s something between the two of us,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu exined with a calm smile.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung sent Kang Chul-Gyu off to the airport, then proceeded with his busy day. Afterward, he headed to the Osan airport with Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    ¡°Great work today. Must be tough having to do so much work,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyunmented.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°What are the Arabs doing?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re focused on identifying all the people that entered the country.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun nodded, his eyes bing sharper. ¡°Saudi Arabia is clearly hiding something from us. They wouldn¡¯t have offered us joint rights to the development of their crude oil and the next-gen energy source otherwise.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung just stayed silent. There was still a huge difference in ability between the National Intelligence Service and the intelligence bureaus of France, Russia, the US, and other countries.

    ¡°Are we manipting the media for this?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered. ¡°We¡¯re giving them some footage to use on the news.¡±

    The people would naturally be interested in the special forces team returning from their deployment in Africa, but it wouldn¡¯t be right to show the soldiers¡¯ faces on TV.

    They entered the Osan airport mid-conversation.

    There wasn¡¯t a weing ceremony¡ªonly a few military generals, the military band, the guards of honor, and Hwang Ki-Hyun and Kim Hyung-Jung from the National Intelligence Service attended.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun briefly greeted the military officials, then sat in the waiting room and drank tea.

    An executive Air Force officer soon entered and approached him. ¡°They¡¯re about tond.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun entered the runway through the first floor of the control tower¡¯s three-story building, then stood in front of the building.

    It was the end of January, which was still cold.

    The military band and the guards of honor waited for the aircraft to arrive. Bitter winds cold enough to make their cheeks sting blew past them.

    A ne soon descended,nding at the end of the dark runway. The military officials only came outside once it had slowed down and turned toward the control tower.

    The aircraft marshaller weed the soldiers by waving his arms toward the back. When he crossed his arms, the aircraft stopped.

    <i>Creeeak.</i>

    As the aircraft¡¯s door opened, Hwang Ki-Hyun and Kim Hyung-Jung walked toward it.

    <i>nk!</i>

    When the aircraft¡¯s door touched the ground, Kang Chan led the entire special forces team out.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan!¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun eximed.

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Good work, Assistant Director. Mr. Seok! Well done.¡±

    Kang Chan then briefly greeted Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°You all have outdone yourselves,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun nodded at Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee. The three were behind Seok Kang-Ho, saluting.

    ¡°Where are our wounded and fallen?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    ¡°Our fallen are expected to arrive around this time tomorrow. The wounded will have to wait until the medical team gives them the green light to travel,¡± Kang Chan said.

    At one side of the runway, Cha Dong-Gyun greeted a military officer.

    ¡°It¡¯s cold. Why don¡¯t we head inside?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun suggested.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Their party immediately went past the first floor of the control tower.

    When they arrived at the back of the building, Choi Jong-Il approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to the police hospital now,¡± Choi Jong-Il said.

    ¡°Alright. You guys did great. Keep me posted.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡±

    After parting ways with Choi Jong-Il, Kang Chan got in the car with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°We¡¯ll stop by Bang Ji Hospital first,¡± Kim Hyung-Jun said.

    ¡°Did you discuss this with the hospital?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes. The agents are waiting at the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Assistant Director, I¡¯ll be leaving as soon as we arrive at the hospital,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said. ¡°We should meet again once you¡¯ve been treated and gotten enough rest.¡±

    ¡°Youing to see us at the airport is more than enough.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun and Kang Chan conversed until they arrived at the hospital, but apart from the situation in Africa, they didn¡¯t really talk about anything important.

    The car stopped at the entrance of the hospital. As it did, National Intelligence Service agents came out and surrounded Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho. They then guided the two inside the establishment.

    Yoo Hun-Woo greeted Kang Chan. Seeing his wounds, he frowned and sighed.

    ¡°None of them seem to be infected, but we should do an MRI on your shoulder. Where did you get this stitched up?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    Kang Chan just answered with a smile.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this dirt?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo prodded.

    Using a pair of tweezers, he cleaned the wound with an antiseptic-soaked cotton ball. Soon after, his frown deepened.

    They had just ran out of a copsing cave. Hence, Kang Chan didn¡¯t find it odd that Yoo Hun-Woo wiped off dirt every time he rubbed the cotton ball on the wound.

    ¡°Does Mr. Seok also have dirt in his wounds like this?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked afterward.

    ¡°Yes¡ªhis wounds are probably in a simr state to mine.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s disinfect yours first. Head over there.¡±

    As Kang Chan changed into hospital pants, Yoo Hun-Woo called another doctor over. The two spent the next forty minutes wiping him down and disinfecting his wounds until the cotton balls no longer got any dirt.

    ¡°You must be tired, Manager Kim. You should head home. Feel free to visit us tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Oh, right! Section chief Jeon said he¡¯sing over.¡±

    They spent another forty minutes on the MRI, then thirty to restitch his wounds up. Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho also got five injections each.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kang Chan said after the treatment.

    ¡°No, Thank <i>you,</i>¡± Yoo Hun-Woo answered with a sly expression.

    <i>Seriously, what¡¯s wrong with this man? Did he get a lot of money for treating us?</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Yoo Hun-Woo intently out of curiosity. However, apart from their room number, Yoo Hun-Woo didn¡¯t tell them anything else.

    Their room was on the fifth floor.

    Kang Chan soon got out of the elevator, finding the floor crowded with agents.

    ¡°Do we really need all these agents stationed here?¡± Kang Chan asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Yes, we do.¡±

    Kang Chan went into the room with Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°What would you like to have for dinner?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    He immediately put cigarettes on the table and made coffee, making it seem as if he had been waiting for this moment.

    ¡°The section chief ising, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s already nine, so he¡¯s probably already had dinner.¡±

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    As Kim Hyung-Jung put down his paper cup on the table, Jeon Dae-Geuk opened the door and came inside.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk walked over to Kang Chan and patted his shoulder. He then shook Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s hand. Despite his sharp eyes and angled chin, he still looked like he had a lump on his chest.

    ¡°You did great, Kang Chan, Mr. Seok,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    After exchanging greetings, the four sat at the table.

    ¡°Have you had dinner yet, sir?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Not yet. You guys haven¡¯t eaten yet either, have you?¡±

    ¡°I was actually just about to order. What would you like to eat, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know what kind of person Mr. Seok is? Send someone to a nearby restaurant and order a lot of meat as takeout,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk suggested. ¡°How does that sound, Mr. Seok?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good!¡±

    They had galbi for dinner. By the time they were done eating and cleaning up, it was already eleven in the evening.

    ¡°Get some rest. I¡¯ll stop by again tomorrow,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk said.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll also get going, then,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    The two soon stood up and left.

    Honestly, Kang Chan was feeling disoriented and a little nk, probably because of the aftereffects of the long flight and the shots that he received.

    ¡°Go get some sleep,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just sleep here. There¡¯s an extra bed anyway.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you if you snore.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hnngghh</i>! I¡¯m tired!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho shamelesslyid down on one of the beds, pretending not to hear what Kang Chan said.

    <i>What do I do with this bastard?</i>

    Shaking his head, Kang Chanid down as well.

    The city lightsing through the window, the clean building, the bright fluorescent lights, the cold weather... everything seemed to be telling him that he was back in South Korea, yet it still didn¡¯t feel real.

    ***

    The next morning, Kang Chan woke up from his deep sleep at five.

    It wouldn¡¯t have been odd for him to wake up at a slightly different time since Africa and South Korea were in different time zones. Strangely, however, he always woke up at this hour.

    Perhaps it was because he had just flown from Africa, but he remembered how he felt when he reincarnated.

    Kang Chan shook his head. He stood up and looked outside the window. He was back in South Korea¡ªwhere Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were.

    He wasn¡¯t sure if it was because he had finally rxed or because of the treatment yesterday, but his shoulder and thigh were throbbing.

    ¡°<i>Hngghh</i>!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho woke up with a big stretch.

    ¡°What time is it?¡± he asked, his voice cracking.

    ¡°Five.¡±

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡±

    Sniffling, Seok Kang-Ho sat up. He was about to get out of the bed but frowned instead.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>? Why am I in so much pain?¡±

    ¡°Probably because of yesterday¡¯s treatment. My wounds are throbbing as well.¡±

    Forcing himself to move, Seok Kang-Ho drank water, then went to the bathroom.

    ¡°Want some coffee?¡± he asked afterward.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    As Seok Kang-Ho made coffee, dragging his IV pole around, Kang Chan walked to the table.

    ¡°I feel nk.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Kang chan replied.

    Kang Chan epted the paper cup Seok Kang-Ho offered him, then took a sip from it.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    A momentter, a nurse came in and added another medication into their IVs.

    ¡°What are you nning to do now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I have to meet a couple of people. I¡¯ll start with Ambassador Lanok. For some reason, I also feel like Section Chief Jeon and Manager Kim have something to tell us.¡±

    ¡°You also noticed, huh?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you find our deployment in Africa weird, Cap?¡±

    ¡°I do. Nothing about it made sense. My meeting with the ambassador should at least give us an overview of the current situation. I couldn¡¯t talk to him properly back in Africa due to security risks.¡±

    ¡°Please look into the fucker that sent the Quds after us.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    As the two talked about random topics, the door opened. Yoo Hun-Woo came inside.

    ¡°You¡¯re here early,¡± Kang Chan told Yoo Hun-Woo.

    ¡°I should be. You two are VIP patients.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo approached them with a rxed look on his face.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± he asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°My wounds are throbbing a bit more than yesterday.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s to be expected since they just got disinfected and restitched. What about you, Mr. Seok Kang-Ho?¡±

    ¡°Not much different from him, really.¡±

    ¡°The MRI scans didn¡¯t show anything concerning, so you two should be okay for as long as you let your wounds heal properly. Mr. Seok Kang-Ho, your injuries also seem to be healing a bit faster than before, but I wouldn¡¯t worry about it. I attribute it to your idiosyncrasy.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo seemed to be hinting at the time Kang Chan gave Seok Kang-Ho a blood transfusion in the past. Kang Chan didn¡¯t really have anything to say about it, though.

    ¡°Let¡¯s dress the wounds after breakfast. We should be able to get a better idea about how you¡¯re doing then,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    While talking to Yoo Hun-Woo, Kang Chan suddenly felt as if the fact that he had returned to South Korea felt more real. Perhaps it was because of the peace and modern lifestyle, which was different from Africa.

    ¡°Right, Director¡ªyou thanked me yesterday. What was that about?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°When I thanked you after our treatment, you thanked me back. You made it sound like you should be the one grateful.¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo looked at Kang Chan as if he had just understood what he was talking about.

    ¡°Someone called Manager Kim Hyung-Jung promised the hospital medical supplies and to take care of ufortable matters on the condition that we¡¯re entirely responsible for treating you. I was thanking you for that,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    <i>I feel like that¡¯s not the reason...</i>

    Kang Chan looked at Yoo Hun-Woo suspiciously, but Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s sly expression didn¡¯t change at all.

    ¡°I¡¯ll drop by again at around nine,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said. He then left the room.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt hungry.

    ¡°What do you want for breakfast?¡± he asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Let¡¯s order the galbi-tang that we hadst time.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up. While he was ordering breakfast, Kang Chan went into the bathroom and washed his face.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>!¡±

    Without wiping the water on his face, Kang Chan looked into the mirror and exhaled deeply.

    <i>What had I been doing beforeing here? Is this really the life that I wanted to live?</i>

    After reincarnating, he started all this to protect those precious to him. Everything seemed to have gradually spiraled out of control, though.

 Chapter 273: What I Want To Do (2)

    <h4>Chapter 273: What I Want To Do (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan had just finished having breakfast with Seok Kang-Ho when Yoo Hun-Woo entered the room to sterilize their wounds and change their bandages.

    ¡°When do you think I can be discharged?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to stay in the hospital even if I tell you to,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo replied with a scoff as he bandaged Kang Chan¡¯s wounds. ¡°This is a gunshot wound.¡±

    Looking up from the wound, he continued, ¡°The wound on your shoulder is bad enough to consider surgery. If I wasn¡¯t aware of your unique physical abilities, I would have put you on the operating table.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo reced his surgical gloves with a new pair. ¡°Mr. Seok¡¯s wounds are simr to yours, but the way it¡¯s healing up is a bit different.¡±

    <i>Snip. Snip.</i>

    While talking, he skillfully cut off Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s bandages with scissors.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve already gotten the gist of what you do, Mr. Kang Chan, but if you push yourself any harder than this, you might never get to use your shoulder properly again. Not even surgery would be able to help you.¡±

    Based on this sly snake¡¯s facial expression and tone, Kang Chan would likely have to say goodbye to being discharged immediately.

    ¡°What about me?¡± Seok Kang-Ho questioned.

    ¡°You¡¯re a perfect candidate for surgery,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo replied so firmly that Seok Kang-Ho immediately shut up. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I know what a gunshot wound means. I also understand that there were probably unavoidable circumstances,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said as he changed the bandages on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Still, next time something like this happens, at least try to protect your body.¡±

    He meticulously taped the bandages, then nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m saying you shouldn¡¯t leave a wound full of dirt. That goes for you too, Mr. Seok.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho could only meekly reply, ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°You can be discharged in three days,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo directed.

    ¡°Three days?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    ¡°At the very least, you can¡¯t leave until I¡¯m sure your wounds have closed. You have to be considerate of the hospital¡¯s ie too. This is the first time you¡¯vee here in a while, you know.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled at the snarkyment.

    Yoo Hun-Woo stood up. He then took off his gloves and tossed them into the bin.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare lift anything heavy."

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    When Yoo Hun-Woo left the room, Seok Kang-Ho turned to Kang Chan.¡°Your condition¡¯s pretty serious, huh?¡±

    ¡°He said all those apply to you too,¡± Kang Chan countered.

    ¡°Well, you just got me caught in the crossfire. I bet your wounds worsened while you were holding onto Dong-Gyun in that pit.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up and started making coffee. At the same time, Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door and walked in.

    ¡°Right on time. Coffee?¡± Seok Kang-Ho offered.

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll make it,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stated.

    ¡°Just take a seat. I can do this much. I¡¯ve already got it started, see?¡±

    ¡°Well, it certainly has been a while since Ist had coffee that you¡¯ve made. I¡¯ll take you up on that offer, then.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung sat down at the table and pulled out two phones, setting one of them in front of Kang Chan.

    Seok Kang-Ho brought four paper cups to the table on a small tray. One, of course, was a substitute ashtray, half full of water.

    ¡°You brought the phones! Nice!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed in excitement.

    Kim Hyung-Jung peered into the paper cups and chuckled in disbelief.

    They didn¡¯t care what anyone said. To them, instant coffee should always be apanied by cigarettes.

    Kim Hyung-Jung quickly opened the window. The three then lit a cigarette each.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Kang Sunbae left Korea yesterday,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung began.

    Seok Kang-Ho briefly peeked over at Kang Chan before nonchntly taking another sip of his coffee.

    ¡°One of our agents has also reported that your father knows that you¡¯ve been deployed to Africa. He has been informed of your return. At the very least, I believe you should tell your father that you¡¯re in the hospital.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give him a call,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°On another note, we have finished organizing the team that¡¯ll be taking charge of the Eurasian Rail. Why don¡¯t you meet them? I¡¯ll set up the meeting.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a n.¡±

    After replying to Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan finally decided to ask what he had been curious about.

    ¡°Manager Kim.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a hidden story behind this deployment, isn¡¯t there? Do you know anything about it?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t pose the question as suspicion or usation. He genuinely just wanted to know what happened.

    ¡°Before and after the deployment, the National Intelligence Service was flooded with information,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung immediately replied. He sounded as if it was only proper that he answered the question. ¡°We concluded that there had to be more to it, but we couldn¡¯t figure out what it was. That aside...¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung proceeded to tell them about Vasili¡¯s visit and the offer from Saudi Arabia.

    ¡°To be honest, the Director feels very apologetic toward you, Mr. Kang Chan. As Director Vasili said, you¡¯re at the very center of the world of intelligence right now, struggling to bear its entire weight, and the current National Intelligence Service can¡¯t even support you.¡±

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t known Vasili hade by.

    Russia helping South Korea with no strings attached? Bullshit. A passing pr bear would scoff as he drank his Pepsi if he heard that.

    ¡°What did you decide to do?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ve informed both Russia and Saudi Arabia that we¡¯re going to dy our decision,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    It was the only sensible option they had.

    He continued, ¡°Even if you didn¡¯t ask, I was already nning to tell you all about this today. You¡¯re the only one who can get to the bottom of this deployment and why the joint oil venture was proposed.¡±

    ¡°So we¡¯re in a race against time?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Unfortunately, yes,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied, his tone heavy.

    He seemed to be feeling down because of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s inadequacies, which he had just acknowledged, and for putting such a heavy burden on Kang Chan even though he had just returned from Africa.

    ¡°What about Mongolia?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    ¡°Things are going pretty well there. The Mongolian border patrol has taken over the security. Everyone requires President Oh¡¯s permission to pass through the area now.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho chuckled, lightening the mood.

    ¡°Manager Kim, I would like to start attending to business this afternoon. Can you provide me a vehicle?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course. There¡¯s already one waiting outside.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. He nned to call Lanok before getting to work.

    ¡°I also need some clothes,¡± he added.

    ¡°We already have some prepared for you and Mr. Seok,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung stated.

    He was definitely meticulous about whatever he did.

    A few momentster, a thought crossed Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Oh, right! We received letters while we were in Africa. How was that possible?¡±

    ¡°Ah, that.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung smiled at Kang Chan.

    ¡°While your mother was talking to the Prime Minister¡¯s office about the foundation, she asked if we could deliver a letter to you. Kim Mi-Young sent hers through her father, and Lee Yoo-Seul through the unit in Jeungpyeong.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung with a dazed expression. He understood how Yoo Hye-Sook and Lee Yoo-Seul had done it, but the way Kim Mi-Young did it made no sense to him.

    ¡°Is this about Kim Mi-Young¡¯s letter?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung knowingly asked.

    ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t understand how she managed to send me one.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kim Hyung-Jung, suddenly growing curious as well.

    ¡°The legal overseer of the Eurasian Rail is Judge Kim Kwan-Sik, Kim Mi-Young¡¯s father,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    Kang Chan had heard about this from Kim Mi-Young. If he were being honest, he had a lot of uncertainties about it. It wasn¡¯t like her father was the only judge in all of Korea, after all.

    This wasn¡¯t right. If he had known about this before her father was appointed, he would have done whatever it took to prevent it from happening.

    ¡°What a small world...¡± Seok Kang-Ho mused in amazement, speaking for Kang Chan¡¯s feelings too.

    ¡°Mi-Young¡¯s father will being to the meeting as well, then?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That is correct,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Kang Chanughed in disbelief.

    ¡°And he knows what my current line of work is?¡±

    ¡°He probably already has a gist of everything up to Mongolia.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but scoff in disbelief again.

    ¡°Does it make you ufortable? We had a meeting about it, but he¡¯s a very reputable judge, and he volunteered for the job, so we saw no problem in approving him.¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t know that I was in charge of the Eurasian Rail when he signed up, did he?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He had his suspicions.¡±

    That meant Kim Mi-Young¡¯s father volunteered despite knowing that Kang Chan was the Eurasian Rail¡¯s primary coordinator.

    <i>What in the fucking world is going on?</i>

    Kang Chan tried to raise his arm to scratch his head, but when the pain from his shoulders stopped him, he scowled instead.

    ¡°Let¡¯s think about it over some cigarettes,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    Kim Hyung-Jung lit another cigarette using Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s.

    ¡°I heard you were ambushed in Africa,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, finally delving into his curiosity.

    ¡°It was the Quds,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Very.¡±

    Although Kim Hyung-Jung would probably get a report from the Jeungpyeong agents anyway, Kang Chan still told him about what happened in Africa and what the atmosphere had been like. Of course, he left out the part about the ckhead, which everyone involved agreed to keep a secret.

    ¡°It did seem like the UN was working with someone,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung agreed.

    By the time he had finished asking questions, it was already around lunchtime.

    The three ordered some stir-fried octopus. After lunch and some tea, Kim Hyung-Jung left the room.

    ¡°I wonder why Mi-Young¡¯s father did that. Got any guesses, Cap? Maybe...¡± Seok Kang-Ho trailed off.

    ¡°Maybe what?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    ¡°Do you think he has his eye on you as his son-inw?¡±

    ¡°Shut up. Would you give me your daughter if you were him?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho tilted his head and looked back at Kang Chan, clearly deep in thought.

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to call me father-inw if you marry my daughter, won''t you? <i>Phuhuhu</i>. That¡¯s a tempting idea.¡±

    <i>I shouldn¡¯t have asked.</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head and brushed aside thoughts about Kim Mi-Young¡¯s father. It wasn¡¯t important right now.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go make some calls,¡± Kang Chan said.

    He dialed Lanok¡¯s number first.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, it¡¯s me. I arrived at the hospital yesterday, but I just got my phone back today, which is why I haven¡¯t been able to call you.¡±

    - Don¡¯t worry about it. How are your injuries?

    Now that Kang Chan could talk to Lanok with such crystal-clear sound quality, he felt more like he was finally back in Korea.

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling good enough to go see you in the afternoon or the evening if you¡¯re avable.¡±

    - Why don¡¯t we have dinner together, then?

    ¡°Sounds like a n. Where should we meet?¡±

    - Six at the embassy would be nice.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Ambassador. I¡¯ll see you then.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about their conversation.

    ¡°About the ckhead. I¡¯m thinking of giving it to the ambassador,¡± Kang Chan hesitantly said.

    ¡°Do what you want,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded so quickly it seemed as though he didn¡¯t even want to think about it. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±

    ¡°We worked hard together to get it. Don¡¯t you want it for your efforts?¡±

    ¡°Nobody who was there that day would covet something like that. Having an office with you is good enough for me. You also took care of themst time. To be honest, we have Ambassador Lanok to thank for all the freedom we¡¯re enjoying. Nobody would be upset if you gave the ckhead to him.¡±

    ¡°All right. Since it¡¯s a gift, we should at least wrap it up a bit.¡±

    ¡°Good idea.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up and told an agent outside to bring them a gift box, some wrapping paper, and a paper bag.

    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± Seok Kang-Ho mused when he returned.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho closed the door and walked over to the table. He then tilted his head.

    ¡°There are too many of them outside. This level of security is the same as when we had to stay in a hotel before.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Kang Chan nced at the door. It wasn¡¯t like he could see anything, though.

    ¡°Stay here for a bit. I¡¯ll get some fresh air outside and call my Father too,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°It¡¯s cold out there,¡± Seok Kang-Ho warned him.

    Kang Chan nodded. He then left.

    Seok Kang-Ho was right. Agents were standing with sharp gazes in the hallways, elevators, and even the stairwells. Something was definitely up with the security.

    ¡°Do you have any orders for us, sir?¡± an agent asked.

    ¡°No. Is the room next to ours empty?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan slid open the door that wasbeled ¡°Seok Kang-Ho¡± and walked inside.

    He spent a moment thinking about where to sit. Liking the sunlighting in through the window, he sat on the bed by the window and looked at his phone.

    He knew he should just say he was fine and honestly answer the questions he would be asked, but he kept thinking about how Kang Dae-Kyung learned about his deployment to Africa.

    Kang Chan finally pressed the call button. The dial tone rang twice before the call was picked up.

    - Hello? Is this Channy?

    ¡°Yes, Father.¡±

    - Where are you?

    ¡°I¡¯m at a hospital. I returned yesterday, but I just got my phone back today, so I only got to call you now.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung sounded unexpectedly casual.

    - Did you call Mom too?

    ¡°I called you first.¡±

    - Good. Your mom still thinks you''re in Mongolia, so tell her that. When are you getting discharged?¡±

    ¡°They said I can leave in three days.¡±

    - How¡¯s your condition?

    Kang Dae-Kyung was feigning nonchnce, but the worry and concern in his voice were delivered as warmly as the sunlight sipping in through the window.

    ¡°I¡¯ve healed up enough to have dinner with Ambassador Lanokter. The doctor just wants me to stay until the results are in, so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    - Are youing home once you¡¯re out of the hospital?

    ¡°That¡¯s the n.¡±

    - Do you want me to get you some sushi?

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t realize sushi could be such a heartwarming food.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    - Why are you being so quiet today? Are you sure you¡¯re okay?

    ¡°I really am, Father,¡± Kang Chan reassured him. He then heard a low sigh from across the line.

    - Can I visit during lunch tomorrow?

    ¡°Father, there are a lot of people here,¡± Kang Chan said worriedly.

    - I said the same thingst time, but if my son wants to eat, who cares about the number of people present? How many are there anyway?

    ¡°About twenty people, I think.¡±

    - That <i>is </i>quite a lot.

    Kang Dae-Kyung pleasantly chuckled into the phone.

    - I¡¯lle by during lunch tomorrow, so don¡¯t eat and just wait for me.

    ¡°Will do.¡±

    - Chan.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Kang Chan nervously answered, not knowing what Kang Dae-Kyung was going to say.

    - Thanks for giving me a call. Now hurry and call your mom too, okay? I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.

    ¡°Yes, Father. See you tomorrow.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan looked outside the window for a moment.

    Even though he had to fight battles he didn¡¯t necessarily want to fight, it still wasn¡¯t so bad. After all, he had such amazing parents now.

    Kang Chan called another number.

    This time, the phone didn¡¯t even ring twice.

    - Channy!

    Yoo Hye-Sook already sounded both delighted and teary.

    ¡°Mother! It¡¯s me!¡±

    - Channy! Are you okay? Are you doing well? Are you eating well?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m doing well. What about you, Mother?¡±

    - I am too. Except for missing you so much, I¡¯m doing just fine. You¡¯re not hurt or sick, are you?

    ¡°Nope. I really am doing well.¡±

    They didn¡¯t have much to talk about. Even so, their conversation stillsted almost twenty minutes.

    - I finally feel like I can breathe now. I was worried, you know. You looked unwell in my dreams the past few days. Anyway, keep safe until youe home, okay? Should I go to the airport?

    ¡°I heard other people will being to get me. I¡¯ll say hello to them and go straight home.¡±

    - All right. Be careful, okay?

    Kang Chan hung up with a warm feeling in his heart.

    Now, all he had to do was return to his room, wrap the ckhead, then idle around with Seok Kang-Ho until he had to go see Lanok.

    Kang Chan looked down at his phone and flipped through his contacts list in search of Kim Mi-Young¡¯s number.

    <i>Why do you keep hesitating? You know you miss her.</i>

    Kang Chan fiddled with the call button.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    His phone began to ring, receiving an unexpected call.

 Chapter 274: Is This Really a Gift For Me? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 274: Is This Really a Gift For Me? (1)</h4>

    As sunlight poured in through the window, Kang Chan pressed the call button.

    "Hello?"

    - It''s Vasili.

    <i>Why is this bastard calling me?</i>

    Growing suspicious, he lowered the phone and checked the caller ID.

    - Have you heard that I went to Korea recently?

    "Cut to the chase, Vasili."

    Vasili''s distinctiveugh came from the other side of the phone.

    - Have you made arrangements with Lanok?

    "I¡¯m about to have dinner with him tonight. Why?¡± Kang Chan admitted, knowing he couldn''t deceive Vasili. There was no need to hide it anyway.

    - The UIS is targeting you and Lanok, Monsieur Kang. Since South Koreacks the experience to keep itself safe from terrorism, I thought I should let you know. I don¡¯t know why Lanok hasn''t sought your help yet.

    "Why would they have us in their sights? And why did Russia propose to share the development rights over its oil fields?"

    - It would be best to let Lanok answer that, so ask all the questions you have over dinner. I just wanted to give you a hint. One more thing, Monsieur Kang.

    Kang Chan silently waited for Vasili to continue.

    - I know Koreacks talented people and national capability, but running around Mongolia and Africa isn''t wise. Such a strategy can inadvertently signal your enemies that if they wish to bring you down, they can strike in Mongolia, Africa, or even just about anywhere.

    <i>Is that how they see it? It¡¯s amazing how people¡¯s perspectives differ.</i>

    - Information warfare acknowledges revenge taken to ensure simr incidents don¡¯t affect those close to us again, but intervening in every situation might cause confusion. It could make enemies feel safe to mess with anything they want.

    Kang Chan had digested most of the information quite well, but he couldn''t quite understand Vasili''sst remark.

    "Doesn¡¯t revenge imply that you¡¯ve lost someone dear to you? Are you telling me not to protect my people even if I have to?¡±

    - That¡¯s right. You¡¯re quick on the uptake. If everyone you care about found themselves in danger at the same time, who would you save first?

    Kang Chan had never thought about that before.

    - A person you cherish? Or someone who ys a pivotal role? Who would it be, Monsieur Kang? It would be wise to consider this now that you''ve entered the world of information. It¡¯s only a matter of time before you find yourself in such a situation.

    Unable toe up with a reply, Kang Chan remained silent.

    - Protecting everyone yourself might seem like the most effective method right now, but don''t forget that the more you do it, the more frequently you put them in danger. The deeper the danger itself, too.

    <i>Really?</i>

    Kang Chan got lost in thought.

    - Why not spare some time to consider the supporting characters?

    <i>Supporting character? What does he mean by that?</i>

    As Kang Chan pondered about it, the call abruptly ended.

    <i>¡®It would be hard to find someone as confusing as him,¡¯ </i>he thought.

    Just like with that damn bastard Andrei, it was hard to tell whether Vasili was a friend or foe.

    The once-warm sunlight feltpletely different now. Craving coffee and a cigarette, he sighed and got up. He then went back to his room.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Kang Chan found Seok Kang-Ho seemingly on the verge of cutting the table in half with scissors. He had a weird expression on his face.

    "What are you doing?"

    "<i>Agh</i>! This is hard!"

    After making coffee, Kang Chan walked over to the table. Seok Kang-Ho showed him a box and wrapping paper.

    "Shouldn''t I cut it to fit this?"

    "Where?"

    Kang Chan went to the closet and pulled out the ckhead from the side pocket of his military pants. Its unique, dark-red gleam made it look valuable enough to fetch a decent amount of money.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Hoid out the cut paper inside the box, then put the fist-sized ckhead inside.

    Everything had gone smoothly so far. However, cutting the wrapping paper and wrapping the box with it proved no easy task. The process took a full thirty minutes, yet it still felt as if it wascking something.

    <i>Damn it! You know what? It''s the thought that counts, not the wrapping!</i>

    "Done! This is the best we can do," remarked Kang Chan.

    He then lit a cigarette and told Seok Kang-Ho about his conversation with Vasili.

    "Is that why our room¡¯s so heavily guarded?" Seok Kang-Ho wondered.

    "I have a meeting with the ambassadorter. I¡¯ll ask him why the UIS is targeting us and why Russia and Saudi Arabia are offering such unrealistic deals," Kang Chan said.

    "Alright. Guess I¡¯ll be eating dinner on my own then," Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    "Yeah."

    After their conversation, Kang Chan asked the agents outside to prepare him some clothes and a sedan for his trip to the embassy.

    "Damn! Look at this!" Seok Kang-Ho eximed as he picked up the paper bag, seemingly astonished.

    He then set it back down on the table. It was just an ordinary gift paper bag. Who would guess it contained a ckhead?

    The two were stillughing when an agent brought in formal, casual, and sports clothes.

    Kang Chan put onfortable cotton pants, a shirt, and a suit jacket.

    "Aren''t you cold?" asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    "I''ll be going straight into the embassy from the car and back, so I should be fine.¡±

    "That''s true."

    Kang Chan picked up the paper bag and left the room.

    The security for their room was so tight that he could feel sharp tensioning from the agents. When the elevator reached the ground floor, agents quickly surrounded him and escorted him to the car, making sure that no one coulde within ten meters of him. The driver stepped on the gas as soon as Kang Chan got in and another agent hopped into the front passenger seat. Cars with agents in them drove in front of and behind them.

    Kang Chan looked out the windshield, staring at the view between the square jaws and sturdy shoulders of the agents. Vasili underestimated South Korea. These agents were not only talented but would also put their lives on the line for their mission and country.

    ¡°Hold off on lunch tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The agent in the passenger seat turned to him.

    "My father is bringing sushi. Eat with us.¡±

    "During security details, we can only eat food we''ve gotten ourselves," the agent exined, smiling briefly before looking back at the road.

    "There¡¯s a regtion like that?"

    "It''s a rule that all protective services personnel follow, including the Presidential Security Service, as a countermeasure against the possibility of food contamination.¡±

    "Isn''t that a bit too strict?"

    "It¡¯s simply part of our duty as the deputy director''s security detail."

    The agent¡¯s response was firm yet not irritating. Kang Chan could only smile.

    The streets of Seoul were peaceful, evidenced by the warm sunlight that was unusual for winter, the various vehicles filling the roads, and the expressions of the people walking on the streets.

    Kang Chan suddenly thought of G¨¦rard, his men, Akrion, and the old man, all of whom they had left in Africa. Every now and then, he would catch himself wishing G¨¦rard was with them. Despite all the events happening here, he still daydreamed about how nice it would be to sit in a quiet corner of the street, drinking coffee and smoking together with G¨¦rard.

    <i>¡®Wait, why hasn¡¯t Smithen contacted me?¡¯ </i>Kang Chan wondered, realizing that he had forgotten about Smithen.

    He was still deep in thought when the French embassy came into view. Their convoy soon entered the parking lot.

    As South Korean agents surrounded the car Kang Chan was in, French agents also stepped out of the building and further tightened the security, dominating the parking lot with a swarm of people in ck suits.

    Having fought a desperate battle to protect his team in Africa just two days ago, Kang Chan found this treatment awkward and ufortable. However, the agents'' dedicated expressions made it hard for him to say anything.

    As they entered the embassy, Kang Chan found Raphael waiting for them.

    "It¡¯s been a while, Monsieur Kang,¡± he greeted. "The ambassador is waiting for you in his office."

    Kang Chan, carrying a paper bag, followed Raphael to Lanok''s office. The corridor was still adorned with antique-style walls and doors,plemented by a carpetid along its length. The French embassy hadn''t changed one bit.

    "Monsieur Kang!" Lanok eximed.

    "Mr. Ambassador!" Kang Chan replied.

    Kang Chan was pleased to see him again. He didn¡¯t expect he would be this d to see him and his cold eyes and sharp nose, though.

    They gave each other a warm hug, then a French greeting,plete with exaggerated cheek-kissing sounds. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t be happier right now.

    "Please have a seat," Lanok said, gesturing with his long arm toward the sofa.

    Raphael prepared tea and cigarettes. His routine hadn¡¯t changed at all either.

    "How are you feeling?" asked Lanok.

    "The doctor told me not to lift anything heavy. Oh, right, Mr. Ambassador!" Kang Chan eximed. He handed over the paper bag he was carrying to Lanok.

    Subconsciously epting it, Lanok looked at Kang Chan with curiosity.

    "Consider it a gift tomemorate my trip to Africa.¡±

    "May I open it?"

    "Of course," Kang Chan answered, then sipped his tea.

    Lanok tore through the gift wrap, his expression seemingly asking,<i> ''What is this?''</i>

    <i>Crink. Crink.</i>

    <i>¡®Westerners really do tear open packaging roughly,¡¯ </i>Kang Chan thought.

    Lanok nced at Kang Chan. Upon opening the box, he suddenly froze.

    "Monsieur Kang...?" He looked so bewildered that Kang Chan began to worry if the ckhead had been swapped with dynamite or C4. "This is...?"

    This was the first time that Kang Chan had heard Lanok''s voice tremble and seen him so flustered that his face turned red.

    "Monsieur Kang...?"

    "Mr. Ambassador, your reaction is making me nervous. Is it not to your liking?"

    "Could it be... do you not know what it is that you¡¯ve just given me?"

    Lanok still hadn¡¯t taken the rock out of the box.

    ¡°It¡¯s a ckhead, isn¡¯t it?" Kang Chan questioned.

    Lanok wheezed, his breath escaping him in a strange, windy sound. "Are you sure you still want me to have this despite knowing that?"

    "Yes.¡±

    Lanok burst intoughter. Kang Chan could see his eyes glistening.

    "For you to give me a ckhead..."

    Lanok carefully took it out of the box and looked down at it.

    <i>Not even hundreds of billions can make Lanok blink. He wouldn''t fuss over the cost of a mere ckhead.</i>

    "Is this really a gift for me?"

    "It is, Mr. Ambassador," Kang Chan replied.

    As if trying to suppress his emotions, Lanok swallowed dryly and then took a deep breath.

    "Could you tell me how you obtained this?"

    "Of course," Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan smoked a cigarette¡ªand Lanok a cigar¡ªas he told the events that had transpired in Africa. He did his best to summarize it. However, since it would be difficult for him to tell thetter half without starting from the beginning, it still took him forty minutes to cover everything important.

    "The cavepletely copsed afterward," Kang Chan said, finally reaching the end of his story.

    As Kang Chan took a sip of his tea, Lanok stood up and walked to a corner behind his desk. He pressed his palm against the wall.

    <i>Beep-beep. Click.</i>

    A door the size of a picture frame popped out from the wall. Lanok opened it and deposited the ckhead into the safe. After closing it, he returned to his seat in front of Kang Chan with aposed expression.

    "I''d like to discuss something over a meal. If you still feel inclined to give it to me afterward, Mr. Kang Chan, I''ll ept it," he said.

    Lanok was exhibiting behaviors Kang Chan had never imagined before, an indication that there were things about the ckhead that Kang Chan was unaware of. Lanok walked over to his desk and pressed the inte button.

    - Yes, Mr. Ambassador?

    ¡°We will eat in my office,¡± Lanok dered.

    - We will prepare ordingly, sir.

    Shortly after, Raphael pushed arge table into the room. He covered it with a white tablecloth and set dishes, forks, and knives on it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move this to the table, shall we?¡±

    Once seated, Lanok poured Kang Chan some wine, then himself. French meals were known for being lengthy.

    ¡°I am most pleased to see you again, Monsieur Kang,¡± Lanok said.

    Kang Chan raised his ss in response, then took a sip. Not long after, Raphael brought in hors d¡¯oeuvres consisting of salmon, caviar, and escargot dishes.

    Using a small fork, Lanok took a bite. He then looked at Kang Chan as if he had steeled his resolve.

    ¡°The greatest utility of the ckhead lies in the energy it contains,¡± he began.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but agree, having been forced to face deadly situations in Ennd and Africa due to the ckhead¡¯s energy. Lanok knew about the events that had taken ce in Ennd better than anyone else.

    Opting to just listen for now, Kang Chan focused on Lanok¡¯s words, timing his eating to match the pace of the conversation.

    ¡°That was also the main reason our country developed the Large Hadron Collider,¡± Lanok said.

    He took a sip of his wine before continuing.

    "The ckhead is a gem that condenses energy. In an attempt to utilize the energy, France developed the Large Hadron Collider. However, to extract it, we had to destabilize it first.¡±

    "Is that why there were ns to create earthquakes?" Kang Chan asked, then put a piece of snail into his mouth.

    Lanok shook his head. "Our intention was to project the energy outward, not start earthquakes. It only turned into a big issue when Britain misjudged it as a weapon.¡±

    <i>So that¡¯s why.</i>

    Kang Chan nodded and took a sip of water.

    Lanok continued, "I won¡¯t delve into details, but the main problem is that artificial ckheads are too unstable to be used as an energy source. Ethan¡¯s subterranean shock device project quite perfectly demonstrated that.¡±

    Catching Kang Chan''s gaze, he immediately added, "However, your visit stabilized the energy release of the ckhead in Britain.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if a new pit was opening up before him.

    "But the energy from Britain''s ckheadcks three wavelengths. Without the specific wavelength you possess,pensating for the other two is impossible. However, ording to your story, the ckhead you''ve given me might just be the stable energy source that Vasili and I have been risking our lives to find."

    Lanok''s grave demeanor prompted Kang Chan to set down his fork and take a sip of wine.

    "Mr. Ambassador, I''m not quite sure how potent the energy inside the ckhead is for you to have such a reaction,¡± remarked Kang Chan.

    ¡°ording to research-backed predictions, for as long as we can keep providing denadite and cetinium, that ckhead could supply South Korea with an endless amount of electricity for approximately five hundred years.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn''t help but smirk. This was certainly unbelievable enough to at least warrant surprise or curiosity.

    "Assuming ckheads appear in Africa every few decades and taking previously traded ckheads into the calction, the supply could somewhat be met. If that happens, the demand for oil will gradually diminish," Lanok noted.

    <i>This one I can somewhat understand.</i>

    "This n puts a target on me, Vasili and Loriam. As for South Korea, it would be you, the President, and the NIS director," Lanok rified.

    Anyone hearing this for the first time would feel overwhelmed. Kang Chan was no exception.

    "South Korea could utilize that energy for the next five hundred years. Knowing that, would you still offer it to me as a gift?" Lanok asked, his expression inscrutable.

    Kang Chan and Lanok locked eyes.

 Chapter 275: Is This Really a Gift For Me? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 275: Is This Really a Gift For Me? (2)</h4>

    As Kang Chan smirked, Raphael walked in with their steaks. Lanok¡¯s gaze on Kang Chan didn¡¯t budge at all while Raphael set down the tes.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan began.

    As if sensing something was up, Raphael hurried up.

    ¡°Do you remember when I asked you to let me go to Mongolia?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lanok replied.

    ¡°Since then, you¡¯ve helped me protect those important to me and shaped me into the person I am today. I don¡¯t know how much energy this ckhead contains or how much it¡¯s worth, but...¡±

    While Lanok briefly nodded, Raphael quickly exited the room.

    ¡°... the moment I got my hands on it, I immediately thought of you. I don¡¯t know anything about its worth, but it doesn¡¯t really matter. It¡¯s my gift to you. I hope you can take it as a token of my gratitude for all you¡¯ve taught me.¡±

    Lanok¡¯s lips curved into a smile.

    ¡°You have a way of making people feel touched sometimes, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± he said.

    ¡°I do?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    The mask waspletely off of Lanok¡¯s face now.

    ¡°To properly utilize the ckhead as an energy source, I would need the red wavelengths that you give off along with denadite and cetinium,¡± Lanok stated.

    Lanok picked up the wine ss in front of him.

    ¡°You¡¯ve given me a great gift. It¡¯s only proper that I return the favor, yes?¡±

    Kang Chan also raised his ss. It wasn¡¯t polite to refuse a toast from the host.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to build a power nt in South Korea to generate electricity from ckheads. Naturally, it requires your active cooperation and a supply of denadite and cetinium.¡±

    <i>He¡¯s going to make what that needs what?</i>

    ¡°Once this n seeds, South Korea will be an undisputed superpower in the world.¡±

    Lanok took a sip of his wine.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you could be surprised, too, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. Your n would require concentrating France¡¯s technology and intelligence in South Korea. Is that even possible?¡± Kang Chan asked in disbelief.

    Lanok burst intoughter. Soon after, he replied, ¡°France, Russia, and my other friends¡¯ countries would prepare the facilities. If this pushes through, I would like to ask for your cooperation.¡±

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°One more thing. Please look after the future of France.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already promised you that,¡± Kang Chan said, reassuring him.

    Lanok set his ss down. The steak was growing cold, having failed to stimte their appetites.

    ¡°The Eurasian Rail will only truly be a sess once we¡¯re free from the oil of the Arabs. After all, new logistics centers can only be made once we¡¯ve rid ourselves of their influence. That¡¯s precisely why Vasili agreed to this n.¡±

    Matters like this were still tooplicated for Kang Chan. He wished they could have some coffee instead of steak right now.

    ¡°An infinite supply of electrical energy will change the engines of lotives and other vehicles. The future is going to be the age of electric engines, and South Korea will be at the center of it all.¡±

    Lanok couldn¡¯t just be making things up, but Kang Chan thought his exnation seemed too good to be true.

    ¡°There will be a revolution, just like when humans invented the oil engine. A huge battle will ensue to prevent this from happening and to take over Korea¡¯s vested interests.¡±

    So this was why the UIS was throwing a fuss.

    Kang Chan finally felt like he understood a bit of what was going on.

    ¡°I rmend immediately starting an energy project that would connect France and Russia to South Korea. The denadite and cetinium being supplied from Mongolia and the ckhead in my safe... I can¡¯t wait to see you use those materials to open the doors to a new world,¡± Lanok said, his expression tinged with a hint of regret.

    <i>What¡¯s wrong with him? Aren¡¯t we doing this together?</i>

    ¡°It seems we¡¯ve passed the timing for a meal. Why don¡¯t we enjoy some tea and cigars instead?¡± Lanok suggested.

    Kang Chan brightly agreed. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    Lanok smiled at him as he pressed the inte button. A momentter, Raphael cleared away the food and set down hot tea, cigars, and cigarettes on the table.

    ¡°Raphael, could I have some coffee instead?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course, Monsieur Kang,¡± Raphael replied.

    After taking the tes away, he brought a small porcin teapot and cups. He then poured Kang Chan a cup of coffee.

    ¡°You have no idea how much I¡¯ve been looking forward to this day,¡± Lanok said, seemingly reminiscing, as he exhaled the smoke from his cigar. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to defeat the power of the Arab oil and Jewish money¡ªto create a new order through the Eurasian Rail.¡±

    Kang Chan wordlessly sipped his coffee, staring at Lanok.

    ¡°It is my greatest fortune to have met you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    <i>Is he trying to make me fucking blush or something?</i>

    ¡°On another note, Mr. Ambassador, I would like to strengthen the security of the embassy,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Vasili called you, hasn¡¯t he?¡± Lanok mused.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan had forgotten that he was dealing with a bunch of sly snakes here.

    ¡°I see. Our security will follow your instructions, then,¡± Lanok stated.

    ¡°Instructions? I just want to be of help.¡±

    ¡°There will be a lot to do. You¡¯ll have to negotiate with the Korean government about what you just discussed with me, and then there¡¯s the arrangement between France, Russia, and Korea. It would be difficult to deal with the resistance from the Arabs and the Jews while doing all of that.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t I avoid all of that in exchange for giving you the ckhead?¡± Kang Chan joked.

    ¡°<i>Hahaha</i>!¡±

    The two spent about two hours talking about different topics, including what happened in Africa, what Kang Chan was thinking about, and what they had to do moving forward.

    Kang Chan found it nice to be able to catch up with Lanok after such a long time. Heedless of the time passing, the clock soon went past nine o¡¯clock.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte,¡± Lanok said as if breaking a magical spell. The mask returned to his face.

    ¡°We can¡¯t finish this overnight, but I¡¯d still like to ask you a favor now. Use the ckheads¡¯ energy properly, and no matter what obstacles lie ahead, make sure the Eurasian Rail gets connected.¡±

    <i>There must be something I don¡¯t know about.</i>

    Kang Chan could see in Lanok¡¯s expression that something was troubling him¡ªsomething he couldn¡¯t talk about. However, Lanok wouldn¡¯t reveal what it was even if he were to ask now that the mask was back on.

    ¡°I¡¯lle back soon to finish the steak I didn¡¯t get to eat today,¡± Kang Chan said with a grin.

    ¡°Perhaps Vasili will join us next time,¡± Lanok replied.

    After exchanging a French greeting, Kang Chan left the office. Now that he thought about it, Raphael, who was waiting outside, and the French agents standing in the middle and at the end of the hallway had tension in their eyes. Was this simply because of the threat from the UIS?

    Stepping into the embassy¡¯s parking lot, the darkness and cold rushed at him.

    ¡°Raphael,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes, Monsieur Kang?¡±

    The streetlight illuminated Raphael¡¯s nose swiftly turning red.

    ¡°Is the ambassador under some threat that I am not aware of?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I am not aware of any such thing.¡±

    Raphael sounded as if he had memorized that answer.

    ¡°You got my number, right?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°Let me just say one thing. The ambassador is like a teacher to me. If anyone, for any reason, threatens him, I want to be the first to know.¡±

    Raphael¡¯s eyes glistened as he looked at Kang Chan. Perhaps it was the Frenchman¡¯s weakness for the cold, or maybe he was moved by his words. Maybe it was both.

    ¡°Merci beaucoup, Monsieur Kang,¡± Raphael said.

    Kang Chan climbed into the car surrounded by agents.

    On his way back to the hospital, bright lights that he didn¡¯t see yesterday caught his attention. He was doing something that the peopleughing and chatting behind those ss windows had no idea about.

    Just a few days ago, soldiers were killed in Africa, and Park Chul-Su and other members of his team stood right in front of death¡¯s door.

    Five hundred years of electricity from the energy of the ckhead? A huge economic impact from the Eurasian Rail?

    Would that mean anything to their fallen brothers?

    Should they simply ept their death because, as special forces soldiers, they were supposed to put their lives on the line for their country in the first ce? What about the families they left behind, then?

    Shouldn¡¯t the families of those killed in Africa not be thrown into a challenging environment like Lee Yoo-Seul? Shouldn¡¯t the value of the ckhead, which was paid for through the soldiers¡¯ blood and flesh, be returned in part to the families?

    Kang Chan looked out the window. Thought after thought crossed his mind. He even wondered if what he was about to do would inadvertently fill the stomachs of bastards like Yang Jin-Woo.

    He mindlessly turned his head, finding the agent in the passenger seat busily bobbing his head up and down.

    What was the best course of action he could take right now?

    He was still lost in thought when the car arrived at the hospital.

    He was hungry.

    Kang Chan entered the building with a crowd of agents around him. As he got on the elevator, he turned to an agent.

    ¡°What are you having for dinner?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°There are packed meals upstairs,¡± the agent replied.

    ¡°Got any extra?¡±

    ¡°We do, sir. Did you not have dinner?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Two agents quickly exchanged nces.

    ¡°If you need something, we can quickly prepare it for you,¡± one of the agents said.

    ¡°No need. Let¡¯s just eat together,¡± Kang Chan insisted.

    The agent awkwardly stared at Kang Chan. The elevator soon reached their floor, letting out a <i>ding</i>. The agents standing in the hallway greeted Kang Chan.

    ¡°Where are the packed meals?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll bring one to you, sir,¡± an agent replied.

    ¡°There¡¯s no fun in eating by myself. Where are they?¡±

    The agent pointed to the room at the end of the hallway.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan walked down the hallway. On the way there, he opened the door of the room that Seok Kang-Ho was in.

    <i>Creak</i>.

    Seok Kang-Ho turned from the TV and got up. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re back!¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t eaten yet, so I¡¯m going to grab some food with the agents,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>? Why? The ambassador didn¡¯t prepare a meal for you?¡±

    ¡°He did. We just didn¡¯t get the time to eat. Have you eaten?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you anyway. You mentioning food got me feeling hungry again.¡±

    When Kang Chan turned around, the agent told him they had enough for Seok Kang-Ho as well.

    Dressed in shabby patient clothes and dragging an IV behind him, Seok Kang-Ho followed Kang Chan and the agents who went to the embassy with him into the room at the far end of the hall.

    The agents resting inside jumped up and greeted Kang Chan.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the food?¡± Seok Kang-Ho immediately asked.

    <i>Didn¡¯t this bastard have dinner already?</i>

    The room seemed to have been repurposed, considering it had a tablerge enough to be used in a cafeteria.

    The agents quickly put meals, soup, and water on the table.

    ¡°Come, take a seat,¡± Kang Chan said, a pack in front of him. The agents all sat down.

    The atmosphere filled up with nervousness. No one dared pick up their spoons first.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to pray, are you?¡± Kang Chan joked.

    ¡°What are you talking about? Hey! Let¡¯s eat already!¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

    Everyone finally opened their packs, revealing white rice with separately packed side dishes. It wasn¡¯t bad, but it wasn¡¯t great either.

    Kang Chan felt a bit sad. It was rice, side dishes, and soup. However, unless it was an urgent situation such as war, the food felt insignificant to feel the pride of risking one¡¯s life.

    ¡°About my visit to the embassy...¡± Kang Chan began as he scooped up some rice with wooden chopsticks and popped it into his mouth.

    Everyone''s eyes immediately darted to him. He could even feel the gazes of the agents sitting near the table.

    ¡°I was told we have a chance to make South Korea the strongest country in the world.¡±

    The statement probably sounded random and ridiculous. He could see the confusion in the agents¡¯ faces.

    ¡°Just like how some of our men sacrificed themselves in Mongolia and Africa, trying to im that chance will likely require the NIS agents toy down their lives.¡±

    A few of the agents stopped eating.

    ¡°I debated about this on my trip back from the embassy. It¡¯s funny, but seeing this meal box helped me decide. I want to take this opportunity to turn our country into the strongest in the world and allow the future generation of agents to work for an intelligence bureau that can rival even the intelligence bureaus of France, the United States, and Russia.¡±

    The agent sitting across from him gulped.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got just one question...¡± Kang Chan trailed off, looking at the agents. ¡°Considering the severity of the situation, even I can¡¯t say how many agents will have to be sacrificed in the future. Are you sure you won¡¯t regret bing just another nameless star on the NIS wall?¡±

    Kang Chan made eye contact with the agent who had been in the passenger seat during his trip to the embassy. He saw the same determination that he had seen in the eyes of the soldier who died with a broken finger, Yoon Sang-Ki, who held on despite being shot in the stomach, and Cha Dong-Gyun, who would much rather let go than let his brothers-in-arms die.

    The room had be so quiet that Kang Chan could even hear something being dragged outside rather clearly. Everyone seemed to be holding their breaths.

    ¡°You¡¯re not sure?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We...¡±

    The answer came from his left.

    ¡°Every day, we go out there with only one mission in mind¡ªto serve our country. If our sacrifice would allow South Korea to shine, everyone here would dly be a star.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned.

    ¡°<i>Geez</i>! This atmosphere is affecting my appetite. <i>Oh</i>, I know! Why don¡¯t we mix this all up?¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    He pushed his half-eaten meal to the middle of the table. They all stood up at the same time. Unfortunately, there wasn¡¯t any big bowl they could use.

    ¡°Look in the bathroom! There should be arge basin in there,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    An agent went inside and brought out a stic basin.

    <i>This motherfucker! We could¡¯ve just asked the nurses!</i>

    In the end, they mixed all their food in the basin.

    Men were strange. The awkward atmosphere they had while eating clean lunch boxes disappeared as soon as they mixed all their food in the basin.

    ¡°This is what we¡¯re made for,¡± Seok Kang-Ho uttered, his mouth filled to the brim with rice. He dunked his spoon back into the basin.

    Combining all their meals resulted in an enormous amount of food. Although the agents had put a good portion into their containers, there was still more than half left.

    Kang Chan ate a spoonful.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The doors opened, and Hwang Ki-Hyun and Kim Hyung-Jung walked inside, instantly dampening the atmosphere. The agents greeted them, then anxiously looked at each other.

    Much to their surprise, Hwang Ki-Hyung approached the table with a nonchnt expression.

    ¡°Got any extra spoons?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Here, sir,¡± an agent said, quickly ripping off the stic wrap of a disposable spoon.

    ¡°Can I also have some?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked with a smile, walking over.

    When one of the agents tried to scoop a portion into a meal pack container, Hwang Ki-Hyun shook his head. ¡°Stop that! Bibimbap doesn¡¯t taste good when you put it in a separate container,¡±

    He then dug his spoon into the basin.

    <i>Nom, nom.</i>

    This old, refined gentleman filled his mouth with rice. Right after, he reached for the basin with the spoon again.

    ¡°Who mixed it?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I did, sir,¡± an agent quickly responded.

    ¡°Manager Kim, why don¡¯t we assign him to the kitchen?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun joked.

    ¡°We should definitely consider it,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung joked back as he ate a spoonful of rice, his left hand right below the spoon to catch any food that might fall.

    The awkwardness was short-lived.

    The spoons ttered back and forth until the basin was finally empty. After a moment, they each took a paper cup of instant coffee.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun sat down at the table and nced at the agents sitting across from him and standing around him.

    ¡°That was a good meal.¡±

    The scene looked more like apany executivefortably gathering his employees rather than the director of the National Intelligence addressing his field agents.

    ¡°I cannot risk my life in the field like all of you do, but...¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun sharply gazed at the men.

    ¡°I love and I am proud of South Korea just as much as all you do. I will do my best to make sure all of your hard work and suffering will not be in vain.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned, impressed by Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s speech.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a toast! Bottoms up!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted as he raised his cup high.

    <i>You fucking crazy son of a bitch! Our coffee is still scalding hot!</i>

 Chapter 276.1: I Should Trust Them (1)

    <h4>Chapter 276.1: I Should Trust Them (1)</h4>

    After their coffee break, Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, Hwang Ki-Hyun, and Kim Hyung-Jung went to a different room. Kang Chan then told the three about his conversation with Lanok.

    He couldn¡¯t disclose everything about the ckhead. Hence, he beat around the bush instead, telling them that France wanted to build a power nt for the next-gen energy source in South Korea and that it would be the foundation for the Eurasian Rail¡¯s sess.

    ¡°Assistant Director, do you know anything about the energy source the ambassador was talking about?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    ¡°From what I heard, the facility will be able to supply about five hundred years'' worth of electricity, and South Korea will get unlimited use of it.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun looked at Kang Chan in surprise. His expression seemed to say, <i>¡®What does that even mean?</i>¡¯ and <i>¡®Has he gone crazy?¡¯</i>

    Awkward silence engulfed the room for a brief moment.

    ¡°Is the energy source a nuclear weapon?¡±

    ¡°France and the UK apparently already have the technology needed to produce that much energy, but I heard they will need to use ckheads and the supply of denadite and cetinium from Mongolia as raw materials.¡±

    ¡°ckhead?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a type of gem. One ckhead is discovered in Africa once every several decades, maybe once every ten years at most.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t me him for being confused.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun sighed and groaned. He then nced at Kim Hyung-Jung as Kang Chan continued with his report.

    ¡°The ambassador also mentioned that if we push through with this n, the engines of lotives and vehicles would inevitably change from oil to electrical ones. The Arabs, who export crude oil, and the Jews, their investors and traders, will do everything they can to stop that from happening. Their resistance will likely prove difficult to deal with.¡±

    ¡°This has at least given me a rough guess about why Russia and Saudi Arabia both offered us joint oil development rights.¡±

    ¡°If what you said is true, does that mean the Eurasian Rail will be using electric trains?¡± Seok Kang-Ho wondered.

    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve mentioned it, that would likely be the case, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    Kang Chan, Hwang Ki-Hyun, and Kim Hyung-Jung turned toward Seok Kang-Ho in surprise, the possibility onlying to them now.

    Seok Kang-Ho continued, ¡°Won¡¯t that force the trains to go to South Korea to recharge?¡±

    <i>That¡¯s right!</i>

    The three stared at Seok Kang-Ho in awe. If what he said was right, then South Korea would be the starting point for all of the Eurasian Rail¡¯s operations.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve already heard about this, Assistant Director, but Russia and Saudi Arabia have given us proposals that are quite simr. Which one do you think we should ept?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    ¡°I heard that Russia and France have the same goal. The Ambassador told me that I¡¯ll have to negotiate with our government, but if I could choose, I¡¯d say the right choice would be to work with Russia.¡±

    ¡°Would the facility we¡¯re talking about here be exclusive to South Korea?¡±

    ¡°No. The ambassador said that France, Russia, Germany, and even Switzend would like to have their own down the line as well. He would ask for my help when we get to that point.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun briefly stared into nothingness, seemingly pondering about what to do.

    ¡°On one hand, this will give us all the vested interests, but on the other, this will turn South Korea into a testing ground,¡± hemented afterward.

    Kang Chan silently listened.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to report this to the President first. Do you have any solid evidence we can use to back this up?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    ¡°I unfortunately don¡¯t.¡±

    It was too preposterous for them to believe what Kang Chan had just said, but they couldn¡¯t just ignore it either due to the proposals they had received from Russia and Saudi Arabia.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s expression seemed to be telling them as much.

    ¡°On another note, Director, I would like the French embassy¡¯s security to be strengthened,¡± Kang Chan said. ¡°Is there any way we can make that happen?¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem. You¡¯re the head of the counter-terrorism team, after all. I¡¯ll discuss this with manager Kim,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun answered, then looked at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Afterward, he turned back to Kang Chan. ¡°Assistant Director.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Being called his position felt awkward, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bring himself to tell Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    ¡°Do you think all those special forces were dispatched to Africa as part of some powerful country¡¯s scheme to take you down?¡±

    ¡°What a coincidence. I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you that exact question.¡±

    When it came to the reason they were sent to Africa, Kang Chan was just as cautious as they were.

    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll arrange a meeting with you and the President soon. I know how bothersome this can be, but I hope you lend us a hand anyway,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said, then nced at his watch.

    They only had an hour left before midnight.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s already thiste. I¡¯ve taken too much of your time. You two should get some rest. I¡¯ll be sure to update you if anythinges up,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun told Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho.

    He then stood up and walked out of the room with Kim Hyung-Jung, leaving Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho behind.

    ¡°For some reason, I just can¡¯t bring myself to smoke when the Director is around. Anyway, have you given the ckhead to the ambassador?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I have. He told me they¡¯ll need the red wavelengths that I possess to generate energy, but since neither of us has any idea what they¡¯re talking about, let¡¯s just assume that what everyone is saying is true for now.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho poured water into a paper cup. As he set it down on the table, Kang Chan changed into a hospital gown.

    ¡°Won¡¯t this project cause earthquakes in South Korea? Isn¡¯t that what happened in the UK?¡±

    ¡°We have to believe that the ambassador has all of this under control,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Even so, things can still get dangerous.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded as he sat at the table. Seok Kang-Ho had certainly be smarter. Unfortunately, the more he talked now, the more issues Kang Chan had to think about.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>.¡± Kang Chan exhaled the cigarette smoke, feeling as if this long, tiring day was finally ending.

    ¡°Well, anyway, you must be destined for this!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°What the hell are you saying?¡±

    ¡°Why else would you never get time to rest? You can¡¯t even get a moment to catch your breath. <i>Haaa</i>! Compared to you, I¡¯m living a far easier life.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho spoke, shook his head, and blew out smoke all at the same time. The sight made Kang Chan acknowledge that he was very talented.

    ¡°Oh, right! My father is going to buy sushi for lunch tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Did you tell him to buy enough for all of us?¡±

    ¡°I did.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>! I¡¯m so looking forward to tomorrow''s lunch.¡±

    Kang Chan rxed as he and Seok Kang-Ho conversed. After a while, hey down in his bed.

    It was wise to sleep whenever he had the chance to.

    ***

    Although it was still quite early in the morning, loud noises from military trucks were already echoing all over Jeungpyeong.

    On the day of their return to South Korea from Africa, one of the generals who had been waiting for them at the airport had told Cha Dong-Gyun to let them know if they needed anything, and he immediately used that opportunity to request his unit be reinforced as soon as possible.

    <i>Screech!</i>

    When the trucks stopped, ten soldiers from the First Airborne Forces jumped out of them and walked toward the barracks. They all had fierce eyes, tanned skin, and broad shoulders.

    ¡°First Airborne Forces reporting for duty, sir!¡± one of the soldiers eximed.

    ¡°At ease. We¡¯re going to have a mock battle in an hour. Rest until then. The Third Airborne Forces and the soldiers from the 606 are at the barracks next door. Be sure to greet them,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    The Second Lieutenant talking to Cha Dong-Gyun and the other First Airborne Forces soldiers stared at Cha Dong-Gyun. His face was covered in cuts and scars, and his military uniform was puffed up, a clear indication that he hadn¡¯t had his wounds properly treated yet and instead had just wrapped more bandages around them.

    <i>¡®Why is he in such a hurry?¡¯ </i>the soldiers wondered, quite perplexed by his appearance.

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked back at the soldiers, then took out cigarettes and a lighter from his pants pocket.

    Since it was still January, mornings deep in the mountains were cold and chilly enough to remind people that they were still in the middle of winter.

    ¡°Anyone want a smoke?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    ¡°No, thank you, sir.¡±

    Despite the soldiers¡¯ refusal, Cha Dong-Gyun started handing out cigarettes to all of them anyway, starting with the Second Lieutenant. He then flicked the lighter on for them.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡± they exhaled, steam and smoke mixing as they came out of their mouths.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you just returned from Africa, sir?¡± the same soldier asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s already been two days.¡±

    ¡°If I may ask, why did this unit need reinforcements so urgently?¡± he prodded on, wondering if there were ns to dispatch them again somewhere else.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    ¡°Second Lieutenant Han Jae-Guk, sir.¡±

    Looking straight at Han Jae-Guk, Cha Dong-Gyun put a cigarette in between his lips. ¡°As a member of the Airborne Forces, what do you want to do the most?¡±

    ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you.¡±

    Han Jae-Guk looked at the soldiers who were with him. ¡°I want to fight in the frontlines, sir.¡±

    ¡°In the frontlines, huh? How would you prefer to die, then?¡±

    Han Jae-Guk hesitated for a moment. Steeling his resolve, he answered, ¡°I believe soldiers,bat, and deathe hand in hand.¡±

    Having finished his cigarette, Cha Dong-Gyun extinguished its embers. He then threw it into the old paint can next to him.

    ¡°We lost eleven men in Africa,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    The atmosphere around them suddenly grew as cold as the weather.

    Cha Dong-Gyun continued, ¡°My brothers fought relentlessly. They left me with experience. I¡¯m thinking of passing on that experience to you all before I forget even a little bit. That¡¯s why I¡¯m in a rush. See that bell?¡±

    The soldiers looked at the bell behind Cha Dong-Gyun. They initially thought it was used to wake the soldiers up or gather them for a meal. However, it now seemed like it had a different purpose.

    ¡°If any of you find the training too difficult to endure and wants to quit, you may ring that bell,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun exined.

    Han Jae-Guk smiled defiantly.

    <i>¡®How dare you imitate the Americans? Let¡¯s see how hard this training really is,¡¯</i> Han Jae-Guk thought.

    Cha Dong-Gyun locked eyes with him, looking quite amused.

 Chapter 276.2: I Should Trust Them (1)

    <h4>Chapter 276.2: I Should Trust Them (1)</h4>

    After about thirty minutes since assistant manager Kim called him, Kang Dae-Kyung entered Kang Chan¡¯s room.

    Happy to finally see each other again, the awkwardness between them quickly disappeared like the wind. Being in each other¡¯s presence made them feel strangely reassured.

    ¡°Father,¡± Kang Chan greeted with a bow.

    Kang Dae-Kyung found it hard to look at him properly.

    ¡°Have a seat. I bought sushi,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    He put the paper bag on the table and quickly took out their takeout.

    ¡°Father,¡± Kang Chan called again.

    ¡°You must be hungry. Let¡¯s eat,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung barely managed to utter. He turned his head away from Kang Chan.

    <i>Is he crying because it¡¯s been a while since west saw each other?</i>

    After a moment of silence, Kang Dae-Kyung reached out for their takeout sushi again.

    ¡°Father?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine now that I¡¯m sure you¡¯re okay,¡± he said.

    Sniffling, he rubbed his face with the palms of his hands.

    ¡°I keep catching myself acting like your mom. I heard that the amount of female sex hormones increases with age for men. That¡¯s probably why I¡¯m crying.¡±

    Kang Chan leaned forward and looked up at Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t been looking at me.¡±

    Only then did Kang Dae-Kyung look at Kang Chan, his eyes still red from crying.

    ¡°I can¡¯t get used to this no matter how hard I try. My heart breaks whenever I hear on the news that someone died. Even just knowing that people have been wounded makes it hard for me to breathe.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°What are you apologizing for? I¡¯m just thankful that you came back alive. I can¡¯t help but get emotional too when I think about the families of the fallen soldiers coping with all of this, though.¡±

    <i>Click.</i>

    When Kang Dae-Kyung started taking off the lid of the container with the doenjang broth, Kang Chan quickly opened another container.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced at Kang Chan¡¯s hand. A momentter, Kang Chan heard him sniffling again.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t expecting this to happen. Throughout his entire two-day stay in the hospital with Seok Kang-Ho, never once did he imagine that seeing his wounds would make Kang Dae-Kyung sad.

    His hands had cuts and scars all over.

    Kang Chan sincerely felt bad for having thick scabs on his hands.

    ¡°We should eat,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung pulled his wooden chopsticks apart, then picked up a delicious-looking sushi made with m meat. He dipped it in soy sauce before eating it.

    ¡°Try this first,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan felt embarrassed. He could never get used to things like this.

    Still, how could he refuse?

    Kang Chan opened his mouth and ate the piece of sushi that Kang Dae-Kyung had picked up for him.

    ¡°Assistant manager Kim has given sushi to the people outside,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°You should eat as well.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Looking like Kang Dae-Kyung had finally calmed down, he picked up a piece of sushi and ate it.

    ¡°What¡¯s mother doing?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I heard that she¡¯s having lunch with the employees of the foundation, but she¡¯s really looking forward to your return home. She even said that she¡¯s going to the supermarket on the day you arrive, so you better be ready for all that before you go home.¡±

    <i>Have I ever seen a middle-aged man eating sushi with eyes red from crying? What does a child mean to their parents anyway?</i>

    Kang Chan was thankful for being reincarnated.

    He shoved a piece of sushi into his mouth the same way Seok Kang-Ho would.

    ¡°You¡¯ll upset your stomach if you eat like that. Slow down,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suggested.

    ¡°It just tastes so good.¡±

    Kang Chan noticed two more takeout boxes in the paper bag. Their food right now was not just some delicious sushi. It was Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s love and affection for him as a father.

    Kang Chan continued to eat the sushi because he was thankful, and because he didn¡¯t have anything else to do in return right now, other than eating.

    ¡°<i>Cough</i>!¡± Kang Chan choked.

    ¡°Jeez! Here, have some of this.¡±

    Smiling, Kang Dae-Kyung offered the doenjang-guk.

    Kang Chan got a lump in his throat for experiencing a father¡¯s affection. He couldn¡¯t help but find it funny.

    He drank some of the doenjang broth, pushing down the sushi in his throat and the emotions he felt.

    ***

    The First and Third Airborne Forces and the soldiers from the 606 stood at attention, clearly at a loss for words.

    They all had ten soldiers each, reaching a total of thirty. Cha Dong-Gyun led only ten men against them, yet they werepletely decimated in the mock battle. They couldn¡¯t even take one enemy down. However, what they found most humiliating was that Cha Dong-Gyun and his men needed less than an hour to do it.

    ¡°Do you know how incapable you are now?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    <i>Fuck! How can he ask that when we conducted the mock battle in a base that they¡¯re familiar with?</i>

    None of the thirty soldiers answered.

    Cha Dong-Gyun turned his head to Kwak Cheol-Ho. ¡°Bring the bulletproof vests, helmets, and live ammo!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    <i>Bring what and what now?</i>

    ¡°Where are the medics?¡± Cha Dong-Gyu asked.

    ¡°They should be here in ten minutes.¡±

    <i>He¡¯s doing an amazing job at setting a scary atmosphere!</i>

    The neers looked at Cha Dong-Gyun and his men with an expression that seemed to say, <i>¡®Let¡¯s see what you guys can do!¡¯</i>

    <i>nk! nk!</i>

    The soldiers first brought over a box of live ammo, then the helmets and bulletproof vests.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to use live ammo for the next session! Remember, you are only allowed to aim for the vests and helmets! Hitting others anywhere else will result in immediate disqualification! The same goes for failing to take out even just one enemy!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun exined with a low and husky voice.

    The soldiers behind him skillfully held up the bulletproof vests, then the helmets.

    ¡°If someone is wounded, the one who shot them will take the responsibility of getting them out of the battlefield! Any questions?!¡±

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    None of the thirty soldiers moved. They just kept watching the special forces soldiers putting on helmets and buckling them up, then putting live ammunition into their magazines.

    Cha Dong-Gyun smirked in response.

    ¡°Are you seriously going to train us with live ammo?¡± themander of the 606 gruffly asked.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to participate, you are more than wee to back out! Just ring the bell over there, head into the barracks, and have a nice cup of coffee! No one is forcing any of you to join this training!¡±

    ¡°Have you ever done this kind of training before?¡± Han Jae-Guk, the second lieutenant from the First Airborne Forces, asked.

    Cha Dong-Gyun turned toward him. The thirty soldiers tantly showed their defiance. They even seemed to be working together as one.

    ¡°I understand how you all feel. We also felt that way at first. By the time we were done, we already had quite a lot of wounded in our hands. However, let me make one thing clear! The bullets you¡¯ll be shooting can kill or wound anyone, even myself and every single man in my team!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun exined.

    <i>That¡¯s true.</i>

    A moment of silence passed.

    ¡°Why would I or my do something like this?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked. ¡°Han Jae-Guk!¡±

    ¡°Second Lieutenant Han Jae-Guk!¡±

    Han Jae-Guk didn¡¯t mean to yell out his official rank and name, but seeing the look in Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s eyes made him instinctively feel like he had to.

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s expression right now was so terrifying that it made the soldiers wonder if he was still the same person they had been looking at all this time.

    Cha Dong-Gyun continued, ¡°Earlier, I told you all that we lost eleven of our men in Africa. Since then, I always see their faces whenever I lie down to sleep. I keep telling myself that if I had been just a <i>little </i>stronger¡ªjust a <i>little </i>sharper¡ªthey would still be here with me!¡±

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho and the other soldiers behind Cha Dong-Gyun now had the same re as Cha Dong-Gyun. Their eyes were glinting, seemingly telling all of the neers that they would shoot them down if they ever tried to do or say anything funny.

    ¡°If any of you are satisfied with the training you¡¯ve already done beforeing here, then you may return to your respective bases right now! I need soldiers who will return alive no matter the situation we dive into! I need soldiers who can pass on all the pitiful and unfortunate experiences that I¡¯ve umted to our juniors!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun added.

    Silence enveloped the area as the atmosphere turned even colder, seemingly freezing everyone in ce.

    Cha Dong-Gyun paused for a moment. He then turned his head toward Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    ¡°We¡¯ll do the training between ourselves! Kwak Cheol-Ho! You¡¯re deploying first! Take five men with you!¡±

    ¡°Underst¡ª¡±

    Someone walked forward, interrupting Kwak Cheol-Ho. Han Jae-Guk looked straight at Cha Dong-Gyun as he picked up a bulletproof vest and helmet.

    ¡°First Lieutenant Han Jae-Guk, volunteering for live ammo training!¡±

    The white steaming from his mouth seemed to be conveying how touched he felt.

    Soon after, a soldier from the First Airborne Forces walked forward.

    ¡°Sergeant Lee Jae-Ho, volunteering for live ammo training!¡±

    ¡°The entire 606 volunteers for live ammo training, sir!¡±

    As if signaled to finally move, the soldiers stepped forward one after another, picking up their own set of helmets and bulletproof vests.

    Cha Dong-Gyun wanted to show this to Choi Seong-Geon, Park Chul-Su, and Kang Chan.

    ¡°First Lieutenant! May we yell our chant, sir?!¡± Han Jae-Guk requested after picking up live ammo.

    They always yelled their chant during their training.

    When Cha Dong-Gyun nodded, Han Jae-Guk turned toward the thirty soldiers.

    ¡°I am Second Lieutenant Han Jae-Guk of the First Airborne Forces! Do whatever it takes to win! We¡¯re the First and Third Airborne Forces and the 606! We might becking in skills, but we won¡¯t lose in spirit! Everyone! What¡¯s our chant?!¡±

    ¡°If I can!¡± the soldiers yelled deep inside the quiet mountain. The barracks¡¯ windows shook as the seemingly startled mountain echoed their chant.

    <i>Rumble!</i>

    ¡°Protect the country with my blood!¡±

    <i>Rumble!</i>

    ¡°I am!¡±

    <i>¡®General! Do you see this?!¡¯ </i>Cha Dong-Gyun wondered.

    ¡°Happy!¡±

    <i>Rumble!</i>

    The echo rang out in the distance, bringing their lingering emotions with it.

    Tightly gritting his teeth, Cha Dong-Gyun looked at the soldiers.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    At that moment, the medical team¡¯s vehicle urgently rushed toward them.

 Chapter 277: Day by Day (1)

    <h4>Chapter 277: Day by Day (1)</h4>

    Men certainly had their oddities. Reflecting on that thought, Kang Chan found himself dumbfounded and profusely shaking his head.

    Seok Kang-Ho burst intoughter again with a distinctive <i>''Pffffft</i>!''

    His unique chuckle echoed in the hallway. The agents tried hard to stifle theirughter but eventually gave in andughed heartily as well.

    <i>Madmen! How could they be so close simply by sharing food in a washbasin?</i>[1]

    Kang Chan would be discharged tomorrow.

    Earlier today, he had reached out to the National Intelligence Service, requesting to strengthen the security of the French Embassy. He also rmended elevating Hwang Ki-Hyun''s security detail to VIP status.

    Wanting to take care of a certain matter before being discharged, Kang Chan picked up the phone. The call was picked up almost as soon as he pressed the dial button.

    [Anne speaking.]

    "This is the Deputy Director-General," Kang Chan responded in an uncharacteristically formal manner.

    Perhaps because of that, Anne hesitated for a moment before answering.

    [Awaiting your orders, Deputy Director-General.]

    "Anne, I want you and Louis to work in South Korea. Your mission is to protect and assist Ambassador Lanok. Make arrangements to transfer as soon as possible.¡±

    [Monsieur Kang¡ªDeputy Director-General.]

    "If you don''t hurry, Anne, I might have to find someone else. I have the authority to do that, don¡¯t I?"

    [You certainly do, but is the ambassador aware of this?]

    "Anne," Kang Chan called.

    [Sir,] Anne responded, trying her best not to lose her formality.

    "Do you know what the ambassador means to me?"

    [Yes, sir.]

    "Then it¡¯s settled. I''d feel more at ease with you and Louis by the ambassador''s side. The situation will likely be difficult as we move forward, so hurry over and give us a hand," Kang Chan said.

    [Understood, sir.]

    "Louis <i>is </iing with you, right? If things have soured between you two, should I mark you down asing alone?"

    [We will go together.]

    Kang Chan chuckled. Anne surely would have heard it.

    ¡°Good to know, Anne. I feel a bit relieved now.¡±

    [Thank you, Deputy Director-General.]

    Voices easily conveyed emotions. Kang Chan could tell that Anne had been wanting to return to South Korea. If he was wrong, though.... then there really wasn''t much that he could do about it.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    Soon after, Seok Kang-Ho opened the door and entered the room.

    "<i>Pfff</i>, what are you doing?" he asked.

    "What''s so funny?¡± Kang Chan asked back. ¡°You¡¯ve been out in the hallway all day.¡±

    "The kids are hrious. The National Intelligence Service apparently has quite the tough training program.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sat at the table, pulled out a cigarette, and put it in his mouth. Seeing him smoking made Kang Chan suddenly crave one too. When he walked over, Seok Kang-Ho instinctively pushed a cigarette toward him.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Kang Chan blew out the smoke. "<i>Hoo</i>!"

    This time, it was the instant coffee that tempted Kang Chan. Life truly was a series about fulfilling desires. Before he could even say anything, Seok Kang-Ho was already by the water dispenser, the sweet smell of coffee filling the room shortly after. He set down a paper cup in front of Kang Chan.

    "Keep a gun and a radio with you at all times. Even after you¡¯ve been discharged.¡±

    "Got it," Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    "You may not know about the UIS, but I¡¯m sure you know how they operate. Don''t let them catch you off guard.¡±

    After taking a sip, Seok Kang-Ho tilted his head. "Things are about to get real fucking difficult around here, huh?"

    "This issue is apparentlyrger than we thought. If what the ambassador said about the Eurasian Rail and electric energy is true, then we might just be moving toward a world that doesn¡¯t heavily rely on oil.¡±

    "We will still need oil until then, right? Well, if the Arabs stop importing theirs to us, we can always just buy some from Russia, so no worries there.¡±

    Kang Chan stared at Seok Kang-Ho in astonishment. This guy seemed to be evolving day by day. Kang Chan recalled a term for this in Chinese idiom[2], something Kim Mi-Young, who had extensively studied the subject, would likely know more about.

    "Anyway, I¡¯m thinking of visiting Jeungpyeong after being discharged tomorrow," Seok Kang-Ho stated.

    "Why not just stay here?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Visiting it at least once should make me feel more at ease.¡±

    "Do as you please.¡±

    "Those bastards! Have I grown fond of them? It hasn''t been that long, but I already miss them," Seok Kang-Ho mumbled.

    Kang Chan couldn''t help but chuckle. If he had looked after hisrades like this before, he would have had many followers.

    ***

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>, <i>huff</i>!"

    Han Jae-Guk gasped for breath, his mind teetering on the edge of sanity. No, that wasn''t quite right. To be honest, he was terrified. He kept wondering if Cha Dong-Gyun had actually gone insane.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    <i>He''s a madman! How could he pull the trigger toward our alley like that, especially after nearly getting four of us killed?</i>

    The aggressor seemed to fly backward and fall to the ground. A barrage of enemy fire followed.

    <i>Zing! Thud! Zing! Thud!</i>

    Four had already been carried away from the battlefield. Seeing blood pooling on the ground from the severe-looking bullet wound on a soldier¡¯s thigh, Han Jae-Guk felt unbearably shocked. Drenched in his subordinate¡¯s blood, his sense of duty, which had surged within him when they shouted their chant, had all but dissolved.

    <i>Bang! Bang!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun suddenly stood up and sent a barrage of bullets their way.

    <i>That man is fucking insane! He should be reported to the higher-ups for a mental evaluation or even involuntary discharge!</i>

    <i>Zing! Thud! Zing! Thud!</i>

    As Han Jae-Guk''s head crashed against the cement wall of the rooftop, Cha Dong-Gyun quickly changed magazines.

    <i>Click! ck!</i>

    Han Jae-Guk lifted his head, catching a glimpse of the deep scars on Cha Dong-Gyun''s face and the intense gleam in his eyes. Cha Dong-Gyun simultaneously turned toward him, causing their eyes to meet.

    "First Airborne Forces, Han Jae-Guk!" Cha Dong-Gyun called.

    "Yes, sir!" Han Jae-Guk responded somewhat bluntly.

    <i>Zing! Thud!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun slightly raised his head, and more parts of the cement wall were open again. Only the soldiers of Jeungpyeong''s special forces team hadunched an offensive so far. After four of their men had been carried out, the First Airborne, Third Airborne, and 606 members became too terrified to shoot back.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    <i>¡®Hey! At least tell me why you fucking called me before trying to gun us down!¡¯ </i>Han Jae-Guk thought.

    <i>Zing! Zing! Thud!</i>

    It wasn¡¯t just Cha Dong-Gyun. Kwak Cheol-Ho and the men he led on the opposite side were also clearly out of their minds.

    "Why did you call me, sir?!"

    Han Jae-Guk raised his head and looked at Cha Dong-Gyun. Concealed on the rooftop, they were in a standoff against enemies attempting to take over their building.

    "Later!" Cha Dong-Gyun shouted.

    <i>Zing! Thud! Zing! Thud!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun lowered his head below the railing. Getting shot in the face with live ammunition would kill anyone.

    <i>¡®Is he not scared at all?¡¯</i> Han Jae-Guk wondered.

    "If we all die, don¡¯t bother remembering me, but please remember my men!"

    <i>What the hell is that madman ranting about? Is he mocking me for acting like a coward?</i>

    "Thank you for supporting us, and thank you for watching over us!"

    <i>What the heck was he talking about?</i>

    "We honed our skills by shooting at each other like madmen! That''s how we got to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world''s strongest teams!"

    <i>Zing! Thud! Zing! Thud!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun was looking straight at Han Jae-Guk.

    "Learn from this experience! Be a special forces team that surpasses any other in this goddamn world!"

    <i>Zing! Thud!</i>

    Cement dust flew before his face, but Cha Dong-Gyun didn''t even blink.

    <i>What''s with this desperation? Why the need for such tenacity?</i>

    "Lieutenant!" Cha Dong-Gyun called out again as their eyes met.

    "Why are you going to such lengths?!" Han Jae-Guk asked.

    Cha Dong-Gyun turned his gleaming eyes away. For the first time, Han Jae-Guk saw the <i>¡®determination¡¯</i> in them.

    "We are thest bastion of South Korea. Our homnd has promised to retaliate against any future provocations. Who do you think will carry out that oath? You have to be prepared toy down your life for our country! As you shouted earlier, if you get to protect our mothend with your blood, you should be happy!"

    When Cha Dong-Gyun stopped shooting, the rest of his men held their fire as well.

    <i>¡®Is this what it means to protect the nation with blood?¡¯ </i>Han Jae-Guk pondered, overwhelmed by Cha Dong-Gyun''s determination.

    It was as if all his strength had been sapped away. He had never before seen a soldier embody their motto with so much passion and intensity that it could be seen in their gaze.

    <i>Could this be South Korea''sst line of defense?</i>

    Han Jae-Guk had heard rumors that Cha Dong-Gyun served in China, North Korea, France, Afghanistan, and Africa. He thought those who sought out such assignments were merely chasing promotions. He had never met soldiers who carried the weight of their fallenrades in their hearts, bearing a sense of mission unknown to others.

    <i>What have I been doing all this time? How could I be so arrogant that I considered myself the top second lieutenant of South Korea''s Airborne Forces?</i>

    ***

    "Remember to visit as soon as anything feels off. For the love of God, please don''t overdo it.¡±

    After nagging Kang Chan, Yoo Hun-Woo downed thest of his coffee in one gulp.

    <i>Isn¡¯t he the director of this hospital? Shouldn¡¯t he eat with a bit more decorum?</i>

    "One more thing, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    "Yes?"

    "Let''s not be petty, shall we?"

    "About what?"

    "The sushi. How could you give sushi to all the nurses but leave me out? You know I love sushi too."

    <i>That¡¯s what this is about? Dealing with him is like grasping a slippery snake. It¡¯s so fucking tricky.</i>

    "I was so busy taking care of the agents outside that it slipped my mind. I''ll treat you next time," Kang Chan responded.

    "Next time, make sure toe with sushi, not injuries. While I take pride in treating you and Mr. Seok, I''d rather not see any more injuries," Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    <i>Does he know?</i>

    Feeling Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gazes, Yoo Hun-Woo gestured toward the TV on the wall.

    "We also see and hear everything. I was proud and grateful,¡± the sly doctor said, conveying his sincerity while looking directly at Kang Chan.

    "Thanks for paying the hospital bills in cash.¡±

    The sentiment didn''tst long.

    "I''ll be going now," Kang Chan said.

    "If anything feels even just a <i>teeny-tiny </i>off¡ª"

    "I''lle running. I''m off.¡±

    Kang Chan exited the room, leaving Yoo Hun-Wooughing. The agents surrounded him and guided him to the parking lot. Climbing into the car waiting for him, the agent in the passenger seat handed him a gun and a radio. It was a sunny winter day.

    "Where are you off to now?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    "Home. You?" Kang Chan inquired.

    "I''ll head home first, then maybe go to Jeungpyeong tomorrow.¡±

    The hospital wasn''t that far from their apartment.

    ¡°Keep in touch,¡± Kang Chan said.

    "Take care," Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan got out in front of his apartment. Agents in thick jackets were scattered throughout theplex.

    <i>How long has it been?</i>

    Though not much time had passed, he felt like it had been an eternity since he''d been home. Kang Chan walked into the building and took the elevator to the seventh floor. He then entered their apartment. The curtains hanging on the living room window, the sofa, TV, cabs, the kitchen... he found everything about it immacte¡ªa testament to Yoo Hye-Sook''s character.

    Kang Chan went into his room and changed into morefortable clothing. He then sat down on the bed. His shoulder injury was now bearable, and the scab on his hand had gotten smaller.

    He hadn''t called Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook yet, but it wasn¡¯t to surprise them. He simply wasn''t sure about their schedule for today. Now that he was home, he picked up his phone and scrolled through his contacts to find Kim Mi-Young''s number.

    The apartment was quiet, and no one would likely barge in. After making sure of that, he pressed the dial button. The call rang about a dozen times before Kim Mi-Young finally answered.

    [Hello?]

    A light chuckle escaped him. How could she answer the phone with such a clear, unaffected voice? She was certainly untouched by blood, death, orbat.

    "Mi-Young."

    [Yep! That¡¯s me!]

    Kang Chanughed again only to stop when he heard sniffling through the phone.

    "Are you crying?"

    [No! I¡¯m not!]

    She definitely sounded otherwise, however. Hadn''t he told her that he wouldn''t be going to Africa?

    [Where are you?]

    "At home. Just got in. You?"

    [I''m at home too.]

    Kang Chan missed her.

    "Want to meet up for a bit?"

    [Sure! Where should we meet?]

    Kang Chan paused to think about a location. The ce wasn''t the issue, though¡ªit was the agents who would inevitably surround them that were the problem.

    "Mi-Young, it''s a bit tricky for me to go outside right now. How about we meet at my ce instead?"

    [Your ce?]

    "Yeah."

    [Okay. I¡¯m on my way.]

    Kang Chan gave her his apartment number and then hung up. He wondered how much Kim Mi-Young had grown since hest saw her. Shaking off the thought, he immediately called another number.

    [Hello? Channy?]

    "Yes, Mother. I''m home now."

    [You are? You should have told me! Have you had lunch yet? No, wait. I''lle home right now!]

    "Sure. Oh, right. Mi-Young ising over to visit."

    [She is?]

    <i>Why does she sound so surprised?</i>

    [Should Ie a bitter then?]

    Kang Chanughed heartily, a deviation from his usual demeanor.

    [What¡¯s so funny?]

    "Why take your time? I¡¯m hungry. I hurried home looking forward to your cooking."

    [Channy! I''ll be there soon!]

    Kang Chan was still smiling when he ended the call.

    <i>Ding-dong!</i>

    <i>She¡¯s here already?</i>

    He walked out of his room and pushed open the front door only to be stunned as soon as he saw Kim Mi-Young and her long hair,rge eyes, and fair skin.

    "What is it?" Kim Mi-Young asked.

    "<i>Ah</i>, nothing! Come in.¡±

    Although hesitant, Kim Mi-Young entered.

    "Have a seat. Want some tea?"

    "Yes!"

    Kim Mi-Young looked around as she walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. Kang Chan filled the kettle with water and put it on the stove.

    "Did you see my letter?" Kim Mi-Young asked.

    "Yes," Kang Chan responded.

    He didn¡¯t get to read it, but he definitely saw it.

    Kim Mi-Young responded with a shy smile. Not long after, the water began to boil.

    <i>Sniffle!</i>

    "Do you have a cold?" asked Kang Chan.

    "Yes! It''s been going on for a few days. Do you have tissues?"

    "Yeah. They¡¯re over there."

    Kang Chan gestured toward the living room with his chin before moving back to the kettle. Seeing Kim Mi-Young made his heart flutter. Something had changed, but he couldn''t quite pinpoint what it was. Why was he feeling this way?

    Steadying his breathing, he prepared both green tea and instant coffee. He then put a cup of green tea in front of Kim Mi-Young.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s hand, Kim Mi-Young¡¯s expression darkened. "Why are your hands like that? You must be in so much pain.¡±

    "It¡¯s not a big deal. It''s all healed now." Kang Chan sat at the table with his cup of coffee. "What have you been up totely?"

    "I''ve been studying French. I''m getting really good at it.¡±

    "<i>Vraiment</i>[3]?" Kang Chan asked in French.

    "<i>Bien s?r</i>[4]," Kim Mi-Young responded,plete with the beautiful nasal intonation of French.

    Laughter broke out between them, causing the awkwardness to fade.

    "When did you get back home?" asked Kim Mi-Young.

    "Earlier today," Kang Chan replied.

    "From Mongolia?"

    "Yes."

    "You''re not going back?"

    "It looks like I''ll be staying here for a while, but we''ll see."

    As Kang Chan lifted his cup, Kim Mi-Young picked up hers as well.

    "My mom will be home soon. Is it okay if we have lunch together?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Wouldn¡¯t she be ufortable with that?"

    <i>In moments like these, she does sound like a little girl.</i>

    1. Eating from washbasin ? </a>

    2. Perhaps ÈÕßMÔÂ²½, meaning advancing day by day and month by month. This phrase implies gradual improvement and development. ? </a>

    3. Really ? </a>

    4. Of course ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 278: Day by Day (2)

    <h4>Chapter 278: Day by Day (2)</h4>

    <i>Has it really only been a month since thest time I saw her?</i>

    Kang Chan felt a sense of bewilderment as he looked at Kim Mi-Young. She appeared to have matured, aging as if years had passed rather than just a month.

    "Why?" Kim Mi-Young asked.

    "It¡¯s nothing," Kang Chan replied.

    He took a sip of coffee as he watched Kim Mi-Young smile. Even her bangs, previously trimmed to align with her eyebrows¡ªreminding him of Snow White¡ªhad changed.

    "Did you cut your bangs?" he asked.

    "Yes! Does it look good? Should I change it back?" Kim Mi-Young inquired.

    "Don¡¯t. It looks good, that''s all," Kang Chan responded.

    Kim Mi-Young touched her forehead, prompting Kang Chan to firmly shake his head. Her current style was definitely a hundred times better than her previous Snow White hairstyle.

    "Will you be able to attend the graduation ceremony?" Kim Mi-Young asked.

    "Graduation ceremony?" Kang Chan repeated, puzzled.

    "It''s next week.¡±

    "I''ll go if I can.¡±

    "Are you too busy?"

    This was a challenging question for Kang Chan. He felt as if he should attend for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. However, the immediate deployment of agents and the threat from the UIS made it difficult to decide. He also had to take Anne and Louis into consideration, furtherplicating the whole process of finalizing any ns.

    "Are we going on a trip after graduation?" Kim Mi-Young inquired.

    "What?" Kang Chan asked.

    "You promised, remember? To travel together after graduation. You did see the letter, didn¡¯t you?"

    "<i>Ah</i>!"

    <i>Did I?</i>

    Kim Mi-Young''s question nearly flustered Kang Chan. Why was she staring at him so intently anyway? Gazing into herrge eyes, he felt as if he could genuinely get lost in them. Remembering that she was still a high school student, he briefly shook his head and downed the rest of his coffee in one gulp.

    "So, are we going?" Kim Mi-Young prodded.

    "I''ll have to check my schedule," Kang Chan answered.

    Kim Mi-Young pouted. "<i>Tsk</i>. Meanie."

    In moments like these, she truly seemed like a high school student.

    <i>Beep beep beep beep, trrrrr.</i>

    Kang Chan sighed softly. After a while, the doorbell rang.

    "Channy!" called out Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young stood up as Yoo Hye-Sook entered the apartment.

    "Mother!" Kang Chan greeted back.

    "Channy!" Yoo Hye-Sook said again.

    "Hello?" Kim Mi-Young interjected.

    Yoo Hye-Sook cast a cautious nce their way. "Oh, Mi-Young! You''re here.¡±

    Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook. She wrapped her hands around him and gently patted his back in return, making him feel warm andforted.

    "<i>Ah</i>, my sweet Channy.¡± She smiled. "Are you hungry?"

    "Yes, I am," Kang Chan answered.

    "Give me a moment. I''ll whip something up.¡±

    "I''ll help.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook vehemently refused his offer. As she entered the kitchen, Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young sat back down in the living room.

    "Mi-Young, how are your parents doing?" Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    "They¡¯re doing great!" Kim Mi-Young answered.

    "What about you? What have you been up to recently?¡±

    "Just studying French and reading some books.¡±

    "I see," Yoo Hey-Sook responded.

    The awkward atmosphere gradually eased up.

    "Don''t just stand around until the meal is ready, you two. It makes me ufortable. How about some fruits?" asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    "We¡¯re good. We''re about to eat anyway, and I have my tea," Kang Chan replied, holding a cup of green tea. He then gestured toward his room. "We''ll be in my room.¡±

    "Okay," Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young went into his room. Out of curiosity, Kim Mi-Young explored every corner as if on an adventure.

    "Have a seat," Kang Chan offered.

    Kim Mi-Young settled into the desk chair while Kang Chan sat on the bed opposite her. Despite the slim chance, he couldn''t shake off the worry that she might open the desk drawer. Exining the walkie-talkie would be manageable, but there was no way to exin the gun and magazines.

    Kim Mi-Young smiled. "So this is your room, huh?"

    "What is it?" asked Kang Chan.

    "I¡¯ve just been curious for so long about what your room would look like.¡±

    <i>¡®I''m more curious about how you''ve changed so much,¡¯</i> Kang Chan thought.

    Kang Chan gazed at Kim Mi-Young.

    "What?¡± Kim Mi-Young wondered.

    "Just because.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young giggled in reply. "<i>Hehehe</i>.¡±

    <i>There! That¡¯s more like the Kim Mi-Young I know.</i>

    It was certainly important for people to meet and talk often. As they conversed, Kang Chan noticed the awkwardness quickly fade away.

    "What exactly do you do?" Kim Mi-Young suddenly questioned.

    "Me?"

    "Yeah! Dad always says not to bother you, but he never tells me what you do.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young looked at him as if asking a question during ss.

    "I basically mediate due to my connection with the ambassador," Kang Chan replied.

    "That''s amazing," Kim Mi-Young said, looking at him as if she was dreaming.

    Perhaps because she was still a high school student, she seemed to be idealizing his words. If she knew about the countless shootings and stabbings in France, Afghanistan, and Africa that he had been a part of, she would never look at him the same way.

    "What¡¯s with the long face?" she asked.

    "It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just wondering if I¡¯m really doing the right thing," Kang Chan said.

    "What you do is noble. I wish I could be a diplomat soon and work alongside you.¡±

    "Sure.¡±

    Suddenly, Kang Chan felt as if a huge barrier had formed between them¡ªa barrier of blood, death, and brutal killings.

    "Channy! It''s time to eat!" called Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young headed to the dining room to have dinner. During the meal, Yoo Hye-Sook expressed her surprise about what happened to Kang Chan''s hand, to which Kim Mi-Young noted that it surprised her too. When asked about the environment in Mongolia, Kang Chan vaguely mentioned that it was fine before going on to describe the surface mines and telling them about the ores denadite and cetinium.

    After enjoying a good meal, Kim Mi-Young began to put the bowls and spoons in the sink, intending to wash them.

    "What are you doing? Just have fun with Channy," Yoo Hye-Sook intervened, stopping her.

    "Let¡¯s do it together," Kim Mi-Young said.

    "How sweet! It¡¯s okay, though. This is your first visit, so just leave this one to me. You can lend a hand next time. Actually, Mi-Young, would you mind grabbing some fruits from the fridge?¡±

    "Not at all," Kim Mi-Young answered.

    Feeling somewhat awkward to intrude, Kang Chan simply moved the side dishes from the table. Frankly, the vibe was awkward but in a different way from when Michelle had visited.

    Kim Mi-Young took out a melon from the fridge. Since cutting one could be a tricky task for a high school girl, Kang Chan swiftly sliced it for her and arranged it on a te.

    "You''re good at this," Kim Mi-Young said.

    "He makes omelets like no other!" Yoo Hye-Sook boasted.

    <i>¡®The cooking I learned during my ten-year mercenary life isn¡¯t limited to just that,¡¯ </i>Kang Chan yfully thought. However, looking at the knife in his scarred hand made the thought bear down on him.

    After washing the dishes, Yoo Hye-Sook told the two to eat the fruits in his room without her. However, with Kang Chan¡¯s insistence that she join them, they all eventually sat down to eat the melon together.

    "Channy! You and Mi-Young should get some fresh air," Yoo Hye-Sook suggested.

    Kim Mi-Young looked at Kang Chan.

    <i>¡®Could this potentially escte into a significant misunderstanding?¡¯ </i>Kang Chan wondered.

    He did think it would be impolite to just send her away after being apart for so long, though.

    "Shall we?" said Kim Mi-Young.

    She sniffed and chuckled, reading the room.

    "Then we''ll just have a cup of tea nearby, Mother," Kang Chan said. He then turned to Kim Mi-Young, "Let me just change, then we¡¯ll head out."

    Kang Chan went to his room and changed intofortable pants, a thick tee, and a winter jacket.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    He also took out his pistol, strapped it to his ankle, and attached the wireless radio to his waist.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "I won¡¯t be needing proximity security detail. I¡¯m just going to the coffee shop out front,¡± Kang Chan whispered, making sure no one would overhear.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± an agent replied.

    Kang Chan put his earset in his jacket pocket before leaving the room.

    "I''ll be back," he said.

    "Alright, Channy," Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    "Take care," Kim Mi-Young told Yoo Hye-Sook.

    "Thank you! Do drop by again," Yoo Hye-Sook responded.

    After bidding each other farewell, Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young left the apartment.

    "I ate a lot," Kim Mi-Young said.

    "Did you?" said Kang Chan.

    <i>Didn¡¯t she eat just one bowl of rice?</i>

    During the elevator ride, Kang Chan observed Kim Mi-Young''s expressions and listened to herughter, which vividly reminded him of something that Kang Dae-Kyung had once said about him,

    <i>¡®When did this kid grow up so much?¡¯</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook likely felt the same way after seeing Kang Chan after a month.

    <i>Ting¡ª!</i>

    Upon reaching the ground floor and exiting the apartment building, they were met with sharp nces from all directions.

    "Those types of people have been flocking around the apartmenttely," Kim Mi-Young whispered into Kang Chan''s ear.

    She walked with her gaze fixed on the ground, avoiding any direct eye contact with the people she was talking about¡ªnot knowing she was walking right beside their organization¡¯s Assistant Director, Kang Chan.

    The two crossed the street and entered the coffee shop. They then ordered a mochatte and an Americano before sitting down.

    "This is nice," Kim Mi-Young said.

    "What is?" asked Kang Chan.

    "Spending time together and getting to see each other''s faces.¡±

    After a short giggle, she took a sip of hertte.

    She continued, "I wish you wouldn''t go abroad anymore."

    "I won''t be going for a while," Kang Chan said.

    "It would be even better if we could go on that trip.¡±

    "I''ll check my schedule.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young pouted again. ¡°That¡¯s unfair.¡±

    "What is?"

    "You always act like you''re older, which makes me feel like I''m pestering you like a child. Normally, it¡¯s the guy who suggests we go on a trip..."

    Kang Chan just smirked and listened. Her words made it abundantly clear to him that although his body might be that of a high schooler, his mind had surely gone past thirty. It plunged him into turmoil about how he should act. It was as if he had to decide whether to live as Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s son or not.

    "What is it that keeps making you think during moments like this?" asked Kim Mi-Young.

    "What?" Kang Chan asked back.

    "Sometimes, like now, you make that face when you look at me. It makes me curious about what¡¯s on your mind.¡±

    "I don''t know, really."

    Kim Mi-Young pouted again.

    "Mi-Young," Kang Chan called.

    "Yes?"

    "Do you really want to be a diplomat?"

    "That''s the n.¡±

    "But what is it that you really want to do?"

    Kim Mi-Young stretched her lips into a thin smile.

    "What is it?" Kang Chan prodded.

    "A diplomat. So I can give fancy interviews," Kim Mi-Young answered.

    Kang Chan felt as if their conversation was just skimming the surface. It made him realize that Kim Mi-Young hadn''t changed at all. All that mattered was his mindset. He liked her, but he still didn¡¯t know how to bridge the generation gap he felt and confront the harsh reality that they would face together. He felt like a coward. Despite wanting to see her and missing her, he couldn''t show her how he truly felt.

    <i>Damn it! What should I say? How much of myself should I show her?</i>

    Kang Chan suddenly thought of Kang Chul-Gyu. Kang Chul-Gyu wouldn¡¯t have gotten married expecting his wife to hang herself and his young son to wish for a life as a mercenary.

    <i>Is it right to stain Kim Mi-Young¡ªthis pure, smart, and increasingly beautiful girl¡ªwith the dark and bloody reality of my life?</i>

    As Kang Chan pondered, over five agents entered the cafe and started to secure the perimeter. Kim Mi-Young nervously nced around and looked at Kang Chan with a frightened expression.

    People had a hard time changing. Some, like Kang Chan, were born never to back down, while others could never adapt to situations like this even if they spent their entire lives trying to.

    Lanok was no different. His beloved wife was shot dead in a car, and his daughter could no longer use one of her legs properly. Would he have married if he had known about this future?

    "This is bad," Kang Chan mumbled.

    "What?" asked Kim Mi-Young, "What are you thinking about all by yourself?"

    Kang Chan smiled at Kim Mi-Young.

    "Let''s go on that trip¡ª<i>ah</i>!" he said.

    He wanted to go.

    He continued, "Let¡¯s go after theing-of-age ceremony."

    Kim Min-Young frowned. "<i>Tsk</i>."

    "Let''s travel as much as we want once we''re adults," Kang Chan said.

    "You''ll break that promise again, won¡¯t you?" Kim Min-Young said.

    "Not this time."

    "Really?"

    "Yes."

    Kim Mi-Young extended her pinky finger. In front of the agents'' sharp gazes, Kang Chan reached his finger out and hooked it with hers. It made her chuckle.

    Before that time came, Kang Chan intended to decide whether to let go or to allow himself to keep listening to herughter.

    After talking for about an hour, the two headed back to the apartment. It was the time when the sun was out the longest.

    "I¡¯ll talk to youter," Kim Min-Young said.

    "Okay," answered Kang Chan.

    "See you!"

    As Kang Chan nodded, Kim Mi-Young waved her hand and walked toward her house. Looking at the agents surrounding them, Kang Chan suddenly thought of Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee.

    <i>Wasn''t Lee Doo-Hee''s injury not that serious?</i>

    Kang Chan wanted to visit the police hospital or at least sit on a bench for a while, but he decided to just go back home instead. It didn''t seem right to make Yoo Hye-Sook wait for him on such a day.

    He took the elevator to their floor. Entering their apartment, he found Yoo Hye-Sook still in the kitchen.

    "I''m back. What are you doing?" he asked.

    "Ah, Channy! You''re home early,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook greeted. ¡°I''m making pork bulgogi."

    "It smells really good.¡±

    A spicy and savory aroma filled the living room.

    "Where''s Mi-Young?" Yoo Hye-Sook asked as she looked over her shoulder, still kneading meat with her gloved hands.

    "She¡¯s gone home," Kang Chan answered as he sat down at the table.

    "Do you like Mi-Young?" Yoo Hye-Sook suddenly asked.

    "We''re still high school students, aren''t we?"

    "That doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t have a girlfriend, does it?"

    <i>I don¡¯t see any problems with just staying as friends.</i>

    "Did you fall in love with Father at first sight, Mother?" asked Kang Chan.

    "Yes," Yoo Hye-Sook confidently replied, making Kang Chan turn his head.

    She smiled at Kang Chan as she skillfully packed the marinated meat into a rectangr tupperware.

    "I fell in love with your father the moment I saw him. I found his big eyes and masculine lips attractive.¡±

    "Dad''s eyes aren''t that big, are they?"

    "What? They are.¡±

    When Kang Chanughed, Yoo Hye-Sook washed her hands, looking as if she had been wronged.

    "Your dad was popr in school. The only issue was that his family was poor. If he hade from a wealthy family, I would have only suffered from heartburn. You can''t imagine how considerate he was toward me.¡±

    "Father did say that he can never forget the help you gave him. You even gave up your schrship abroad and visited him on a snowy day," Kang Chan said.

    "Your dad told you all that?"

    "<i>Huh</i>? Weren¡¯t you with us?¡±

    <i>Wasn''t it?</i>

    Yoo Hye-Sook took off her gloves and sat next to Kang Chan. "You have something on your mind, don''t you, Channy? From what I¡¯ve seen, Mi-Young seems to like you.¡±

    <i>What do I say to that?</i>

    Even though they were close, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t tell her about his fear of what could happen if Kim Mi-Young were by his side during incidents like the one in the underground parking lot. It would surely bring up painful memories for Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Seeing Kang Chan''s expression, Yoo Hye-Sook smiled tenderly. "Seems like our Channy has grown up so much already. Are you worried that Mi-Young, or anyone else, might get hurt because of your job?"

    <i>What? How can she see right through me?</i>

    Kang Chan''s face lit up with surprise.

    "I''m always on edge, bleeding without a way to stop it, just like when I gave birth to you. That''s why I''m always getting checked. Your father never onceined about it.¡± Her gentle smile seemed to herald her heartfelt words.

    "I''ll always be grateful to your father. He never fails to reassure me even when I''m being difficult or sick. <i>Oh</i>, here''s a secret: when I can''t sleep and your father is still awake, he pretends to be asleep. I believe he does it to spare me the worry. I can see his eyes twitch when I enter the room."

    "Dad is pretty bad at pretending," Kang Chan remarked. The two shared augh.

    "Isn''t being together and stayingmitted to each other the most important thing?" Yoo Hye-Sook posed, challenging Kang Chan with a profound question.

 Chapter 279: This Isnéˆ¥æª› Easy (1)

    <h4>Chapter 279: This Isn¡¯t Easy (1)</h4>

    When Kang Dae-Kyung got home from work, the three had dinner together for the first time in a long while. It made them feel genuinely happy. After washing the dishes together, they sat down at the table and chatted about various topics over tea, not wanting to waste time watching TV.

    ¡°Honey, Mi-Young came over today. She joined us for lunch,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, bringing up what happened during the day.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Channy seems worried that his job will make things difficult for her.¡±

    Surprised, Kang Dae-Kyung turned to Kang Chan. His expression seemed to be saying, ¡°You¡¯re always thinking ahead for everyone¡¯s sake.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still young. Why don¡¯t you just maintain a good rtionship with her for now and then give it some serious thought after you graduate college?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suggested.

    It was a textbook answer, but he would have been right if Kang Chan hadn¡¯t promised to go on a trip with Kim Mi-Young. Kang Chan supposed that for as long as they stayed within the boundaries of their friendship, there wouldn¡¯t really be any issue with it.

    <i>I¡¯m only worried because I feel like that¡¯s not how it¡¯s going to be.</i>

    A luminous dining table, a warm living room,ughter, and tea... It felt like a whole world away from Africa, which Kang Chan had been in just days ago.

    After spending plenty of time with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan returned to his room.

    He had to get some sleep whenever he could.

    ***

    For the first time in a long while, Kang Chan slept deeply and soundly. It was so refreshing that when he opened his eyes in the morning, his mind and body felt light.

    He took a short walk around the neighborhood and returned to eat breakfast with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Have a good day at work.¡±

    After seeing Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook off, he decided to have a cup of coffee¡ª

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    It seemed he would have to postpone his coffee break. He went to his room to answer the phone. The caller ID read ¡®Lanok.¡¯

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    - Mr. Kang Chan. Were you trying to surprise me?

    Lanok¡¯s voice had a hint ofughter in it.

    ¡°You said you would leave the security to me, so I requested help from the two most trustworthy people I know for the job.¡±

    - I take it I have nothing to suspect about these people, then?

    ¡°To me, your safety is more important than the sess of the Eurasian Rail and the development of the power nt.¡±

    - Do you really think so?

    It was a childish question, but it was also one that Kang Chan had to answer.

    ¡°Of course. I also care about Anne¡¯s safety. I thought it would be safer for her to be here in South Korea.¡±

    - You continue to give me wonderful gifts.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think of it as a gift,¡± Kang Chan said, expressing his genuine feelings.

    Lanokughed in response, surprising Kang Chan.

    - If so, I suppose the most important supporting character should put in some work.

    <i>Huh? Vasili said the same thingst time too.</i>

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, what do you mean by ¡®supporting character¡¯?¡±

    - You¡¯ll find out soon enough. That aside, thanks to you, I¡¯ll be having dinner with Anne for the first time in quite a while. I will call you again soon.

    ***

    Days had passed since Kang Chan¡¯s conversation on the phone with Lanok. Aside from hearing that the wounded and the dead had been brought back to South Korea, nothing worthy of note happened.

    During that time, he had met with Seok Kang-Ho, Jeon Dae-Geuk, and Kim Hyung-Jung once each and also called Oh Gwang-Taek and Kim Tae-Jin. Although it seemed like he had been busy the past few days,pared to what he had been doing in the past, his lifetely had been carefree and peaceful. He even got to chat with Kim Mi-Young on the phone every day.

    Since the power nts would take more than a day or two to build, he found no reason to feel rushed by it. Even so, time passing without any incident made Kang Chan wonder if it was too quiet.

    While mulling over his thoughts, he removed the bandages on his shoulder. He then examined his hands, finding the scabs on them almost gone.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    Kang Chan recognized who was calling just by looking at the number. Since his parents had already left for work, he picked up his phone and answered it.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    - What are you up to today? Are you going to the office?

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to do even if I go, is there?¡±

    - You¡¯re going to get fungus from staying inside all day. Let¡¯s go to Misari or something.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard on the agents if we move around.¡±

    - No! No excuses. Let¡¯s go get some fresh air. We can just take over the cafe and have coffee all together. What do you say?

    ¡°Fine,¡± Kang Chan hesitantly replied.

    -Hurry ande on out. I¡¯m on my way out too.

    Kang Chan hung up the phone and looked at the sunlight that wasing in through the living room. Misari on a day like this? It wasn¡¯t such a bad idea.

    He worefortable pants, a thick shirt, and a jacket, then took his gun and radio from his desk drawer. Afterward, he walked out of the apartment, took the elevator down, and walked out of the building. The crisp winter air and the agents¡¯ stares greeted him.

    ncing around him, he grinned at the people he saw. Choi Jong-Il wasing over to him from the benches. It was always nice to see someone they had fought alongside with inbat.

    ¡°When did you get here?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m part of your security detail starting today. Hee-Seung and Doo-Bum are also on standby,¡± Choi Jong-Il answered.

    ¡°That works out well. I¡¯m heading over to Misari. Join us for some coffee.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    As Kang Chan walked ahead, Choi Jong-Il radioed instructions to the agents.

    Seok Kang-Ho had parked to the right of the entrance.

    The moment Kang Chan opened the doors, three sedans pulled up in line, one of which was driven by Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°Nice weather we¡¯ve got today,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked. He started the car as soon as Kang chan hopped into the passenger seat. ¡°How about we head to Gapyeong instead?¡±

    ¡°Gapyeong?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    ¡°We¡¯d be wasting this weather otherwise. Let¡¯s go to Jeungpyeong or Gapyeong and have some chicken or some other meat with everybody else.¡±

    They were smoothly cruising down a quiet highway. Long stretches of sunlight shone through the bare trees, making the car¡¯s interior look like a preview of the spring toe.

    ¡°Are the men done with training?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>! They¡¯ve got ten new recruits. Based on their eyes¡¯ crazed glinting, it looked like Cha Dong-Gyun made them go through hell,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it seem like he¡¯s bing more and more like G¨¦rard?¡±

    ¡°You think so too? <i>Phuhuhuhu</i>!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho draped his left arm over the steering wheel and let out another amazed exmation about the fine weather.

    ¡°What do you want to do? Gapyeong or Jeungpyeong?¡±

    Kang Chan nced back. ¡°Gapyeong, then.¡±

    ¡°All right! Good fucking choice,¡± Seok Kang-Ho eagerly replied. After radioing orders to the rest of the men, he asked, ¡°Is it because of the new recruits?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°If we disrupt them during times like this, the chicks are going to feel overwhelmed. We should contact them in advance first.¡±

    ¡°Good point. Oh, right! The soldiers¡¯ funeral will be held next week. I heard they¡¯re going to hold a proper one since they were killed in an official deployment, which means it¡¯s going to be broadcast too. That could make it a bit difficult for us to attend.¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, we can¡¯t really do anything about that,¡± Kang Chan mused.

    Upon entering the national highway toward Gapyeong, the roads grew even quieter. It took them only a little over an hour to reach the chicken soup ce that Seok Kang-Ho rmended.

    ¡°Block the entrance with the car so we can see the people who areing in. Everyone can go inside afterward,¡± Seok Kang-Ho instructed, loudly using his brain.

    As ordered, the agents blocked the entrance of the restaurant to their left with their three cars.

    It was winter and a weekday, so there were no customers. Because they were such arge group, the owner took the initiative to help stop any other cars froming in.

    Seok Kang-Ho ordered chicken soup, acorn jelly, and makgeolli.

    The agents didn¡¯t feelfortable drinking since they were on duty. Nevertheless, Seok Kang-Ho still mixed three bottles of makgeolli with three bottles of soda and yogurt drinks in arge pitcher for them. They each had a cup of it.

    ¡°Cheers!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted all of a sudden. They all raised their sses in response.

    ¡°<i>Mm</i>!¡± Kang Chan eximed in shock. He turned to Seok Kang-Ho again, amazed by the taste.

    ***

    Hwang Ki-Hyun sat to Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s left, and Sherman to his right. When the White House requested an informal meeting through the US ambassador, this unusual meeting had been hastily organized.

    They were sitting around a round table that had side tables between the chairs. Therge round table had an ashtray and cigarettes on it, while the side table between Moon Jae-Hyun and Sherman had teacups on it. An interpreter with a small notebook and ballpoint pen was sitting politely between them, creating a triangle.

    ¡°Mr. President, I would like to begin by sincerely apologizing for any inconvenience that the Korean team might have experienced during the operation in Afghanistan.¡±

    After ncing at Sherman, the interpreter quickly ryed his words.

    Even though it was just an unofficial meeting, expressing one¡¯s condolences in meetings like this was customary. Hence, Sherman delivered a heartfelt apology.

    ¡°I would also like to express my regret for the loss of your soldiers who were killed while serving as UN peacekeepers,¡± the interpreter said with a morefortable expression than before. ¡°To express our sincerity, we have reced the director of the DIA and to prevent a repetition of this incident.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun just listened in silence.

    Sherman might only be the director of the CIA, but if he was willing to put his life on the line, he had the power to threaten Hwang Ki-Hyung¡¯s and Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s safety.

    It would require a need and a purpose to make such a person fly in out of the blue to announce the recement of the DIA director, who stood at the peak of the intelligence world, and make them apologize.

    ¡°Mr. President, my country hopes to have a closer rtionship with South Korea, with which we have had a friendly and progressive alliance until now,¡± Sherman finished, then lifted his teacup to his mouth. His eyes looked quiterge behind his thick sses.

    ¡°Director Sherman, thank you foring the long way and offering a frank apology,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Sherman set down his teacup as if to focus on Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s words.

    Moon Jae-Hyun continued, ¡°South Korea and I also hope to continue our friendly and progressive rtionship with the United States.¡±

    Sherman nodded.

    ¡°Mr. President, I¡¯vee to you today to offer you a very special request and suggestion. Allow me to be upfront. Why don¡¯t you develop the next generation of energy with us?¡± Sherman asked. He quickly scanned Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s face, but he couldn¡¯t see any difference in his expression.

    ¡°Saudi Arabia wants an energy and currency agreement linking the United States, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. If you approve this proposal, South Korea will gain an unlimited supply of crude oil. You will also be able to issue bonds to Saudi Arabia, which would allow you to buy the product in unlimited quantities. This will have the same effect as entering a currency swap with the United States and stockpiling a trillion dors.¡±

    Sherman¡¯s lips curved a little. Despite their nonchnce, he could see the corners of Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s and Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s eyes twitching.

    ¡°The United States has also prepared its own proposal as well.¡±

    Like a merchant in subway stations, Sherman pulled Moon Jae Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s attention with a buy-one-take-one promo.

    ¡°If South Korea epts this offer, we will authorize its development of long-range missiles and the purchase of F22 Raptors.¡±

    <i>¡®These sly creatures.¡¯</i>

    Sherman¡¯s gaze filled with difort. He expected Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun to be jumping for joy by now.

    Moon Jae-Hyun leaned over and picked up a cigarette from the round table, causing Hwang Ki-Hyun to turn to him, giving him an excuse to hide his expression.

    <i>¡®I see why Washington said they aren¡¯t easy folks.¡¯</i>

    After picking up a cigarette and a lighter, Moon Jae-Hyun met Sherman¡¯s gaze with a rxed expression.

    ¡°Do you smoke, Director?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun offered.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Sherman replied.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>.¡±

    The conversation ended on an odd topic. Sherman had been advised to heed caution when treading around South Korea¡¯s president because his synergy with the God of ckfield was one to be reckoned with. However, he still hadn¡¯t expected Moon Jae-Hyun to be this bold.

    ¡°Director,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun began, shaking the ashes off his cigarette into the ashtray. ¡°Russia has offered to provide us with nuclear missiles.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s unlikely to happen,¡± Sherman stated.

    ¡°I think so, too,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun readily replied, then put the cigarette back in his mouth.

    The cigarette kept interrupting the conversation that Sherman wanted to snatch the damn cigarette from him and shove it in the ashtray.

    ¡°However, if South Korea starts developing long-range missiles and buying F22s, we¡¯ll have to deal with a huge bacsh from our neighbors,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    ¡°Well, the United States will¡ª¡±

    ¡°In the worst-case scenario, a trteral agreement between Russia, China, and Japan could be formed. Besides, we stillck the technology needed to develop the missiles. Do we really need to create tension in the Korean Penins in this state?¡±

    ¡°Mr. President, Japan has already applied for the purchase.¡±

    ¡°There are more important things than Japan buying F22s, Director.¡±

    When Sherman didn¡¯t say anything, Moon Jae-Hyun continued, ¡°The US must first stop sympathizing with Japan. I believe that your government¡¯s attitude toward them isrgely responsible for their unteral actions on all of the current issues, including Dokdo, the shrine visits, the defense forces, the territorial disputes in the Sea of Japan, and the apologies and reparations for past wrongs. Isn¡¯t this F22 purchase rted to those things as well?¡±

    Sherman quickly raised his teacup. In discussions like this, swallowing dryly due to the opposing party¡¯s rebuttal was tantamount to showing weakness.

    ¡°Is it really an effective offer to Japan and South Korea to sell the F22s that the United States has stopped producing?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun questioned. ¡°In the end, stockpiling more weapons will only increase tensions between us. We¡¯ll also have to deal with hostility from the Chinese and Russians.¡±

    <i>¡®He truly is difficult to deal with! It¡¯s all thanks to him that a young punk like the God of ckfield managed to prosper!¡¯ </i>Sherman thought, looking into the reflection of his own eyes in his teacup.

    ¡°As for the energy agreement issue...¡± Moon Jae-Hyun extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray, then grabbed a wet wipe from the side table to wipe his hands. He then tossed it in the nearby trashcan. ¡°I will give it a positive consideration, but since it¡¯s something that will determine the future of our country, we need some time to build a national consensus first and foremost.¡±

    Sherman ended up swallowing dryly.

    <i>Should I keep pushing or stop here?</i>

    ¡°Mr. President, we also need to consider North Korea¡¯s reaction,¡± Sherman said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun agreed. ¡°That¡¯s true. I¡¯m sure their pride is very bruised right now.¡±

    Deciding to y the game as far as he could in this meeting, Sherman brought up the Korean penins¡¯s greatest weakness¡ªNorth Korea.

    ¡°You know full well, sir, that it is a terrible humiliation to them that Kaesong was provided to them as an industrial base,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun countered.

    <i>What?</i>

    Sherman blinked, using it as an excuse to raise his gaze.

    ¡°North Korea¡¯s greatest military base was given away because they were short on dors. Their people will know all about our economic power, and worst of all, if it¡¯s destroyed, it will cut off the most important route for their armored divisions to reach us for a while.¡±

    Sherman sighed quietly. It was clear from what Moon Jae-Hyun said just now that he was talking out of his ass.

    <i>Economic power? Armored divisions?</i>

    There was no way Moon Jae-Hyun was really worried about North Korea¡¯s reaction for those reasons. However, in a spot like this, talking about North Korea¡¯s military power and whether or not Kaesong¡¯s industrial base was actually a military base was pointless. The conversation would just run off into the distance.

    ¡°Do you have any demands for the United States regarding the energy agreement?¡± Sherman asked directly, pulling out hisst card.

    <i>Fine! What is it that you really want, huh? If you¡¯re going to act like you¡¯re holding three aces thanks to the God of ckfield, I¡¯ll hold out a nk check!</i>

    ¡°Mr. President, the presidential term in South Korea is five years. Even if you sign this agreement, you wouldn¡¯t know what your sessor would do. Isn¡¯t it about time to start nning beyond your term?¡±Sherman added, poking one of Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s sore spots.

    As if on cue, Moon Jae-Hyun let out his first open sigh.

    In times like this, the brutality of twisting an already-jabbed knife could be necessary.

    ¡°Right now, South Korea has no more than forty-five days of oil reserves. It¡¯s important to look at the distant future, but as they say, you can¡¯t get a harvest in the fall by starving in the spring.¡±

    ¡°Considering South Korea¡¯s current status, we will be forced to dere bankruptcy if the US central bank raises interest rates.¡±

    <i>So you¡¯re well aware of that!</i>

    The corners of Sherman¡¯s eyes sharply curved upward.

    <i>South Korea isn¡¯t strong enough yet topletely rule out the US, so why don¡¯t we jump into the same boat? Don¡¯t just try to fill your own stomachs with the Eurasian Rail, Russian oil, and the next-gen energy. Let¡¯s do this together.</i>

    He hid his satisfied smile, having held out out the stick after the carrot.

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned toward him with an impassive expression. ¡°Director, out of consideration for our closest ally, the United States, I decided to meet with you first.¡±

    <i>¡®Wait, what? Is he talking about Vasili and Yang Bum?¡¯</i>

    Sherman felt as if he had just been pped defenselessly.

 Chapter 280: This Isnéˆ¥æª› Easy (2)

    <h4>Chapter 280: This Isn¡¯t Easy (2)</h4>

    Sherman tried to suppress the anger rumbling deep in his chest.

    South Korea had always managed to walk a fine line between great powers. With a sudden burst of luck and the emergence of the monster known as the God of ckfield, it started attracting the attention of France, Russia, and China. However, it could not and should not attempt to stand without the United States.

    ¡°Mr. President, do you realize how much your words are jeopardizing South Korea?¡± Sherman asked.

    Ignoring Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s piercing gaze, he looked Moon Jae-Hyun directly in the eye. ¡°South Korea and its president will be abandoning the hand of an old ally because you were tempted by short-term interests. I believe you need to make a sound judgment about whether your country can achieve national unity without the United States and whether abandoning Arabl oil and Jewish money will help you develop the next generation of energy.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded in agreement. ¡°Director Sherman, it sounds like you are well aware of next-generation energy.¡±

    <i>What is this man trying to say?</i>

    ¡°It will be a whole new world when oil engines are reced by electric engines.¡±

    <i>Well, of course!</i>

    Sherman nodded.

    ¡°If the United States truly has such a vested interest in this opportunity, would you sign a joint development proposal if my country offered you some terms?¡±

    Sherman looked at Moon Jae-Hyun as if he¡¯d been pped in the face.

    ¡°The foundations of entire industries would change. Every technology and product that South Korea makes, right down to the engine and the littlest parts of it, could be the standard. Why don¡¯t we take a look at the conditions you offered in exchange for the benefits of the electric energy industry and the Eurasian Rail? The development of crude oil, unlimited bond issuance by South Korea, and a trillion-dor currency swap... all of which we¡¯ll have to pay back in the end even if we ept the terms of joint development.¡±

    Sherman couldn¡¯t help but gulp.

    ¡°Long-range missiles? That¡¯s meaningless. F22? If we ask for them right now, the Japanese will probably buy fifty or a hundred and immediately deliver them to us. Allow me to ask you a question. I¡¯ll privatize the next generation of energy development and sell you a stake in it. Since the United States is our closest ally, even if people end up using me of selling my own country, I¡¯ll still offer you a thirty percent stake. What will you offer in return?¡±

    Sherman was dazed.

    <i>I have to get a grip, but is he serious? Thirty percent of the shares? How much should we pay for that?</i>

    He had no idea where to even begin.

    ¡°How about I suggest some terms for you?¡±

    <i>Damn it! He beat me to it again!</i>

    ¡°Joint development of oil fields and supply of crude oil, issuance of bonds, a currency swap of one trillion won, and development of long-range missiles and purchase of F22s.¡±

    Seeing Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s smile, Sherman realized how absurd his offer had been.

    ¡°Director, if you truly are our most trustworthy ally, you would be honest and upfront with your demands and offer us terms of equal value. You should consider our stance, offer conditions that don¡¯t exclude Russia and France, and firmly clear up your rtions with Japan to appeal to the hearts of our people. I believe it is also only fair for you to offer amplepensation for the shares you covet.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun picked up his cooled teacup and took a sip.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The moment Sherman heard the teacup being set back down, he focused his gaze on Moon Jae-Hyun like a maning out of a hypnotic trance.

    ¡°This morning, thirteen of our National Intelligence Service agents in Libya and Egypt were killed. I assume you¡¯re aware of this as well, Director.¡±

    Sherman didn¡¯t just know what happened. He even had a rough idea of who was behind it.

    ¡°At the cost of their lives, they sent us two pieces of information.¡±

    <i>Is he really going to say it out loud?</i>

    ¡°One is an assassination n against me, and the other is the bombing of the International Building in Samseong-dong.¡±

    Sherman sensed Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s eyes beginning to glint intensely.

    ¡°This morning alone, thirteen agents of the Republic of Korea turned into nameless stars. As president, I will not bow down to any threats, and I will not stand idly by while our agents die.¡±

    <i>I messed with the wrong person!</i>

    Before Sherman could even finish formting his thoughts, Moon Jae-Hyun continued, ¡°I will make sure the organization that murdered our National Intelligence Service operatives, who were only doing their job, will be brought to justice. How the United States deals with this matter and what kind of conclusion it will draw will determine whether or not we¡¯ll have another meeting regarding this.¡±

    Even long after he was done, he kept his eyes on Sherman.

    A moment of silence enveloped the room.

    ¡®I¡¯ll discuss this information with the others before giving you an answer,¡± Sherman replied awkwardly. He then left the reception room.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun saw him out. When he returned, he found Moon Jae-Hyun leaning back in his chair.

    ¡°Why are you standing like that? Take a seat,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun sat back on the sofa that he had been sitting on.

    ¡°Director, I achieved today what I¡¯ve been imagining since I decided to be president, but I don¡¯t feel at ease.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun, hisplicated emotions written all over his expression.

    ¡°My heart breaks for the agents who sacrificed themselves for our nation, but I¡¯m proud that South Korea now has the power to talk back to the United States. I can¡¯t help but miss Mr. Kang Chan. He¡¯s the one who made all of this possible, after all.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun stayed silent, listening intently. Moon Jae-Hyun stretched out his hand to pick up a cigarette.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>. Where is Mr. Kang Chan¡ªI mean the assistant director right now?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°I heard he¡¯s with his security detail in Gapyeong,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun replied.

    ¡°Gapyeong? Does he have business there?¡±

    ¡°He had Korean chicken soup for lunch with the agents. ording to the reports, they are all enjoying a sport called Jokgu[1]

    Moon Jae-Hyun smiled. Hwang Ki-Hyun did as well.

    ¡°I suppose the losing side will pay for the meal,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun used.

    ¡°Considering the assistant director¡¯s personality, I doubt the agents will ever get to pay,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun replied with a grin.

    Moon Jae-Hyun stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. He then pulled out a wet wipe and wiped his hands with it.

    ¡°Mr. President,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun suddenly called. ¡°Do you really n to avenge our fallen agents?¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun briefly nodded.

    ¡°This willpletely change the future. They have likely calcted the risks, which is why they¡¯re telling us to build the electricity generation facility first, but we can¡¯t just throw away this opportunity. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll have a terrorist attack on our hands in the near future. If we still haven¡¯t gotten our act together by then, our nation will sumb to terrorism. As the saying goes, we should strike while the iron is hot. We must not lower our heads while the United States is being submissive and France, Russia, and China are backing us up. Otherwise, we will never have this kind of opportunity ever again.¡±

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang Chan is currently in charge of the counterterrorism team. ording to the norms, he should be the one organizing the team for the operation,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun let out a quiet sigh.

    ¡°I¡¯m already beyond grateful that he came back from Africa in one piece. If we send him to missions like this, our enemies might just start assassinating our agents just to get to him.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun replied heavily.

    ***

    <i>Thud!</i>

    The dirt was hard and stiff, and the ground was uneven. Hence, the ball sometimes bounced in directions no one could predict.

    <i>Pow!</i>

    The agent standing in the middle kicked the ball in a motion that made him seem like he was lying down in the air.

    <i>Thump!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho mmed the ball down after it bounced near the.

    ¡°<i>Wooo</i>!¡±

    With the ball falling into the, the game ended.

    Kang Chan, who was sitting on a low wooden tform seat, smirked at the attempt.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do another round!¡± Seok Kang-Hoined as he fiddled with the.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we wrap this up and have coffee instead?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>!¡± Grumbling, Seok Kang-Ho obediently headed to the t bench. ¡°Go and make me some coffee.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the agent who saved the ball earlier with an impressive move eagerly responded. He immediately walked into the restaurant.

    ¡°That guy¡¯s moves are almost like an animal¡¯s,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan nodded in agreement. ¡°Yeah, I saw.¡±

    The past three games, the agent looked like the kind of soldier whose body would move before thinking. Agents like him were the scariest in knife fights.

    ¡°What a shame,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    ¡°What is?¡±

    ¡°We should have an environment where people like them can use their full potential.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho raised his hands above his head, stretching.

    At the same time, the agent returned with two paper cups on a round aluminum tray.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Um Ji-Hwan, sir,¡± the agent replied.

    Even though Seok Kang-Ho was the one who asked, Um Ji-Hwan was timidly looking at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Um Ji-Hwan replied, making Kang Chanugh.

    ¡°What are you thanking him for?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Everything that the assistant director has done. As an NIS agent, thank you.¡±

    ¡°What about me?¡±

    ¡°You too, sir.¡±

    Once Seok Kang-Ho had taken the paper cup, Um Ji-Hwan walked over to the other agents, the tray still in hand.

    ¡°Today¡¯s weather is incredible! It feels like the beginning of spring,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Right?¡± Kang Chan replied, taking a sip of the coffee in the paper cup.

    ¡°That reminds me, what will you do about your graduation ceremony?¡±

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t go, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, probably not.¡±

    ¡°The UIS will probably target me if they learn I¡¯m in an asion like that. I don¡¯t want to endanger everyone at the ceremony just so I can go.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    Attacking arge gathering of people was one of the basics of terrorism. Even if they couldn¡¯t eliminate the target, they could create fear by causing a lot of casualties.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone started ringing.

    ¡°Manager Kim,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    - When will you be back?

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t sound too delighted.

    ¡°I was just about to get going. Did something happen?¡±

    - Do you think you cane to Samseong-dong?

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll be right over.¡±

    - See you soon.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about the call.

    ¡°It¡¯s about time we catch up with him,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°He sounded like something¡¯s up,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Yeah? We should get going, then.¡±

    ¡°Have you paid yet?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go do that right now. You can just wait here.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up, then shouted, ¡°Prepare to move out!¡±

    He walked into the restaurant. They had spent quite a bit of time here, but since they arrived early, the clock hadn¡¯t struck three yet.

    They drove down the quiet roads and arrived at Samseong-dong around four. After parking the car in the underground parking garage, they took the elevator up, where Kim Hyung-Jung was waiting for them.

    ¡°How was lunch?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked in greeting.

    ¡°It was good. I¡¯m sorry we couldn¡¯t extend an invitation,¡± Kang Chan joked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head in,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, his tone just as heavy as it was on the phone. It made Kang Chan¡¯s joke sound as if it wasn¡¯t one.

    Once inside, Kim Hyung-Jung set some beverages on the table for them. As soon as he sat down, he picked up some cigarettes.

    ¡°This morning, we simultaneously received intel from two sources that the UIS is preparing to assassinate the president and bomb the Samseong-dong International Building. Shortly afterward, thirteen of our agents in Libya and Egypt were killed.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung offered Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho a cigarette and took one for himself as well.

    ¡°We hastily rescheduled and canceled the president¡¯s affairs, and we have tightened the security at the International Building,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued, lighting up his cigarette.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°Thirty minutes before noon, CIA Director Sherman had an informal meeting with the president. He extended a next-generation joint agreement proposal between Saudi Arabia, the United States, and South Korea. The bottom line was that we will discuss it a bit further.¡±

    ¡°Who was behind the agents¡¯ deaths?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We still haven¡¯t figured that out yet.¡±

    ¡°What do you n on doing?¡±

    ¡°The President ordered retribution. Under the director¡¯s discretion, we are currently selecting agent to rece the fallen thirteen and agents who will bring the perpetrators to justice.¡±

    Kang Chan snuffed out his cigarette in the ashtray.

    ¡°All of this happened earlier today. Is there any reason you¡¯re only telling me about this now that you¡¯ve already decided what your n of action is?¡±

    ¡°We wanted you to know of this as you spoke to the ambassador, and also felt that this is something that must be reported to the head of counterterrorism.¡±

    Kang Chan wordlessly sipped his drink.

    Thirteen agents had died. That meant that the enemy likely also numbered at least thirteen, maybe more.

    ¡°Manager Kim, what is our rtionship with Libya and Egypt?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    ¡°Both countries established diplomatic rtions with North Korea first. We¡¯ve been in talks with Libya since 2006, and this year marks the 15th anniversary of our diplomatic rtions with Egypt,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    ¡°Libya is Shiite, and Egypt is mainly Sunni. Considering both were attacked at the same time, this is probably an Imic organization¡¯s doing.¡±

    ¡°The NIS thinks so too.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan with a hint of surprise on his face. It might not sound like much, but having a clear grasp on the ruling Imist forces in Libya and Egypt was impressive.

    ¡°Manager Kim, I¡¯m sure the National Intelligence Service knows better, but the Shiites and Sunnis have trouble coborating. If they¡¯ve united to aplish one goal, it means one of the two parties must have made a move.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes shed as he focused on Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Please determine if a Sunni tycoon had be Shiite or an influential Shiite had be a Sunni,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    Kim Hyung-Jung felt even more surprised now. He froze in ce to listen, not wanting to miss a single detail.

    ¡°One more thing. Since it hasn¡¯t been that long since the UIS has been established, the number of their key executives is still small. Someone among them might have made a move. Regardless of whether it was the Shiites or the Sunnis, the Imic Union wouldn¡¯t be able to use the next-gen energy as an excuse tomit terrorism in our country. They need a valid reason for this.¡±

    ¡°ording to one of our intels, it was in retaliation for insulting Imic fighters in Afghanistan,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung quickly replied.

    ¡°Then please find out who gave us that intel as soon as possible. One of the characteristics of Im is that no jihad is ever without a cause. Another is that before any jihad, they always announce that we have insulted them first. It¡¯s almost like a deration of war. We have to prioritize figuring out who¡¯s going to make the announcement and where.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung wrote down the keywords on his keypad. ¡°What should we do once we¡¯ve identified the announcer?¡±

    ¡°We need to trace their hierarchy and figure out the authorities above and below them.¡±

    Based on what Kim Hyung-Jung said, he seemed aware of that information as well. However, it he clearly wasn¡¯t as familiar with the Imic forces as Kang Chan was.

    ¡°Assistant Director¡ª¡± Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Kim Hyung-Jung quickly corrected himself. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, to my understanding, the Imic lineage is supposedly endless. If we identify the culprit, should we punish the culprit alone or the person who gave the order as well?¡±

    He would likely have to report this conversation to Hwang Ki-Hyung anyway, so he wanted to know and hear Kang Chan¡¯s decision firsthand.

    ¡°You have to choose,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Between the culprit and themander?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Either we kill the culprit so brutally and horribly that they never ever look our way again or we kill the highestmand before anyone realizes it.¡±

    ¡°What if themander happens to be the head of the organization and his subordinates all retaliate?¡±

    Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh. ¡°They killed thirteen of our agents unjustly, didn¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    There was no doubt about that.

    ¡°So you¡¯re nning on assassinating the culprit or the one inmand?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung questioned.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Retribution was a nice way of putting it. In reality, they were simply nning to kill.

    He continued, ¡°If you¡¯re so worried about the bacsh, I don¡¯t see how you¡¯re going to bring them to justice. I believe retribution is a way to retaliate against those who have wronged us. We will never be able to do that if we¡¯re too concerned about what to do if our enemies fight back louder.¡±

    Dazed, all Kim Hyung-Jung could do was stare.

    Sharply, Kang Chan added, ¡°If we were so worried about the aftermath, Jang Kwang-Taek would still be alive and would have likely killed someone special to us.¡±

    1. Korean-style footvolley. ?

 Chapter 281.1: Lets Wait and See (1)

    <h4>Chapter 281.1: Let''s Wait and See (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t ask Kim Hyung-Jung to have dinner with them since Kim Hyung-Jung looked very busy. Hence, he and Seok Kang-Ho instead left Samseong-dong early and sat down at the specialty coffee shop by the intersection.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t hard to attend your graduation ceremony before, it definitely is now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled as he set down the coffee they ordered. He then sat down on a chair with a <i>plop.</i>

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe thirteen of our agents have been killed! Those fucking sons of bitches! I should just go there myself!¡± Seok Kang-Ho growled.

    ¡°Go where?¡±

    ¡°Algeria is right beside Libya, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be helpful to the agents if I go to Libya with them.¡±

    Kang Chan carefully sipped his hot coffee and then ced the cup down.

    ¡°We¡¯ll both have targets on our backs, so don¡¯t be reckless,¡± he responded.

    ¡°If we fight them this way, more of our people will die in vain. I¡¯m sure you know that as well as I do.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked out the window, his eyes filled with spite. He seemed to be remembering that there were agents on standby somewhere.

    ¡°The agents assigned to us have the same look as the Jeungpyeong special forces team had before. They¡¯re hungry for experience. I bet they¡¯re so worried about what everyone thinks that they can¡¯t even shoot anyone without worrying about it first. Shouldn¡¯t we teach the agents not only how to fight but to have confidence in themselves as well?¡±

    ¡°Calm down. Now that you¡¯ve mentioned it, we¡¯re only skilled inbat. We don¡¯t know much about the information warfare that the agents go through every day.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho frowned. ¡°I doubt it¡¯s any different from actualbat.¡±

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan quietly called. ¡°It¡¯s good that you care about the soldiers in Jeungpyeong and the agents, but you¡¯ll just cause problems if you lose your cool or try to interfere in every matter. Don¡¯t you know how the soldiers who look up to you and respect you will react if you get worked up?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho quietly sighed. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just observe for now. We can¡¯t take care of everything, can we?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nkly stared at his cup.

    ¡°Did you know any of the fallen agents?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it.

    ¡°Why are you acting this way, then?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan. ¡°I just feel bad that they died. I¡¯ve grown close with the agents. We¡¯ve eaten and even yed jokgu together.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, remembering Dayeru sobbing after being beaten up multiple times. In his previous life, Dayeru had been very lonely.

    ¡°Both the soldiers in Jeungpyeong and the agents around us are putting their lives on the line to do their duty. Don¡¯t you think the least we can do is make sure that no one dies unjustly?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. He still looked quite upset.

    ¡°Got any cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and handed one to Kang Chan. When Kang Chan took it, Seok Kang-Ho put a cigarette in his mouth and flicked his lighter.

    ¡°Right now, we have to prioritize constructing the power nt and connecting the Eurasian Rail. We also need to identify the son of a bitch who sent us to Africa,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered. He picked up his coffee as he exhaled cigarette smoke.

    Kang Chan stared at him.

    In the past, Dayeru couldn¡¯tpletely understand how soldiers could genuinely care for theirrades. Hence, it used to always confuse him whenever Kang Chan¡¯s lid flipped for losing men he genuinely cared about.

    That same person had epted the soldiers in Jeungpyeong. Now, he was starting to genuinely care about all of the agents as well.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>.¡±

    After blowing out the smoke, Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee.

    <i>How painful would it be for Seok Kang-Ho if we were to lose someone he truly cares about?</i>

    It could drive Seok Kang-Ho insane. He might even fly to Algeria and take revenge by himself.

    Dayeru was starting to go through the same things that Kang Chan and G¨¦rard had experienced.

    They sat in silence for a moment, drinking about half of their coffee.

    ¡°What are you going to have for dinner?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, breaking the silence.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to eat at home. The graduation ceremony is in two days. I have to go home early and tell my parents that I won¡¯t be able to attend.¡±

    ¡°Good thinking. They¡¯d probably be very upset.¡±

    ¡°What else can I do? I¡¯ll at least do my best to exin.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up with Seok Kang-Ho.

    It was just a little past six.

    Kang Chan parted ways with Seok Kang-Ho in front of his apartment building. When he opened the front door to his apartment, Yoo Hye-Sook weed him in.

    ¡°Good timing! I was just about to call you to ask if you¡¯d be eating out for dinner,¡± Yoo Hye-Sookmented.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡ªI should¡¯ve called you beforeing home.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay! You came home right on time. Would you like to eat now?¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s Father?¡±

    ¡°It seems like he has ns today.¡±

    ¡°I see. Let me go get changed and wash my hands first.¡±

    Kang Chan went into his room and put his pistol and radio back into his desk drawer. He then changed to morefortable clothing and washed his hands.

    Heading to the kitchen, he found Yoo Hye-Sook scooping rice into bowls.

    ¡°Why are there so many side dishes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Those are the japchae and the pork bulgogi we had yesterday.¡±

    Lettuce, which they could use to make a wrap, crown daisies, peri leaves, and nched squid were also on the table.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°Alright, Channy.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook served Kang Chan some kimchi, then sat across from him.

    Kang Chan had missed the taste of Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s cooking so much. He couldn¡¯t say that it was more delicious than food from restaurants, yet for some reason, he seemed to always crave it. Eating her food made him happy.

    ¡°Did Father say he¡¯ll be homete?¡± Kang Chan asked as he was scooping up some soup.

    <i>Beep beep beep beep.</i>

    As if on cue, the front door opened, and Kang Dae-Kyung walked in.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>? Is that you, honey?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Wee home, Father. Didn¡¯t you have ns?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We finished early. Honey, is there food for me?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Go wash your hands before you eat.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung went into their bedroom and took off his jacket. He then walked over to the table.

    ¡°Here you go!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    She served Kang Dae-Kyung rice and soup while Kang Chan prepared his utensils and water.

    ¡°This makes me happy. Time to eat!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    With a joy-filled expression, he picked up his spoon. The three ate together.

    <i>Should I tell them while we¡¯re eating or would it be better to tell them after?</i>

    Kang Chan decided to finish dinner.

    After cleaning up after themselves and doing the dishes, Yoo Hye-Sook brought over half of a melon that she had wrapped in stic wrap. It probably wasn¡¯t the other half of the melon that they had eaten with Kim Mi-Young.

    The three sat at the table and ate the fruit together.

    ¡°My graduation ceremony is in two days,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook already seemed aware of it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to go,¡± Kang Chan said, choosing not to beat around the bush. ¡°They¡¯re nning to construct a power nt in South Korea, which would be connected to the Eurasian Rail. The countries that supply crude oil are very opposed to this new technology, so the government thinks it would be dangerous for us to be in crowded areas for the time being.¡±

    Once done with his exnation, he looked at his parents.

    Kang Dae-Kyung was staring back at him, his eyes seemingly saying that he felt bad for Kang Chan. Yoo Hye-Sook was trying her best to hide that she was upset.

    ¡°Won¡¯t you be upset for not getting to attend your graduation?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter to me. I feel guilty for you two, though.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded. ¡°Are you involved with this power nt you speak of?¡±

    ¡°A little. Since it¡¯ll be using France¡¯s technology, it¡¯s hard for me to just back out of it.¡±

    ¡°Is that why assistant manager Kim seems a bit more sensitive than usualtely?¡±

    ¡°Is he?¡±

    ncing at Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Dae-Kyung responded, ¡°I just felt like he was. Honey, I know you¡¯re upset about not getting to attend Channy¡¯s graduation. What should we do?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. If Channy is going to be in danger, then it would be best not to go. We shouldn¡¯t force our son to attend just for our sakes.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook appeared to have an easier time epting the news than Kang Chan had expected. Perhaps it was because of the gunfight at the basement parking lot, which forced them to stay in a hotel for a few days, and because they had been around agents for a while now.

    ¡°Will the school send your diploma over at least?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I think so.¡±

    ¡°We should take a picture with it once it arrives, then.¡±

    Perplexed, Kang Chan looked up.

    ¡°We can take a picture somewhere like the bench in front of our apartment building. That way, after you get married, your mom and I can look at it and reminisce about it,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung exined.

    <i>Wouldn¡¯t that just make them feel more miserable and heartbroken?</i>

    Contrary to his thoughts, however, Yoo Hye-Sook looked dead serious.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to dress up for that day,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You should wear your school uniform,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    ¡°Will do, Father. Mother, will you be giving me a bouquet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°A bouquet?¡±

    ¡°Yes. In every graduation photo I¡¯ve seen, the graduates were holding a bouquet.¡±

    ¡°If you want a bouquet, then I¡¯ll be sure to pick a nice one,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner together as well,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    Kang Dae-Kyung chimed in, ¡°It¡¯ll be my treat.¡±

    Despite their eptance, Kang Chan still felt bad for his parents.

    ¡°This must be hard to take in. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Seeing assistant manager Kim and the agents always makes me feel bad. They probably have their own families and important asions, yet I¡¯ve never seen them take a day off,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, honey. Miss Min-Jeong has never taken a day off either.¡±

    ¡°Right? That¡¯s why we should be thankful we even get to take a picture together in front of our apartment, especially since Channy came back home safely from Af¡ª!¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung immediately stopped himself and nced at Yoo Hye-Sook, observing her mood. Had he been even just a secondte, he would have said ¡®Africa.¡¯

    ¡°Honey, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Just felt a sharp pain in my stomach. I¡¯m okay now, though.¡±

    ¡°Is it serious? When did it start hurting?¡±

    Fortunately, Yoo Hye-Sook was naive enough to believe Kang Dae-Kyung and his acting skills.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, really. I just need to go to the bathroom.¡±

    ¡°Why are you like this? You¡¯re not a child anymore!¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Kang Chan before responding to Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s grumbling. ¡°Going back, we should be d that Channy is back home, not out in Mongolia. Let¡¯s take a picture and have dinner after we get your diploma.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to give you a pretty bouquet, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan felt much better now.

 Chapter 281.2: Lets Wait and See (1)

    <h4>Chapter 281.2: Let''s Wait and See (1)</h4>

    The meeting had been going on for well over an hour already.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun was sitting in the middle of the table. On his left, the assistant director and the first to fourth division heads sat in order. Meanwhile, Kim Hyung-Jung was sitting to his right.

    ¡°Japan¡¯s intelligence bureau has informed us that their prime minister intends to make an unofficial visit to South Korea without their Minister of Foreign Affairs,¡± the second division head reported. ¡°If their prime minister¡¯s private meeting with our President gets approved, they would likely send in a formal request to make their visit official.¡±

    The first to fourth NIS divisions were in charge of the United States, Asia, Europe, and North Korea, respectively., and Kim Hyung-Jung was the head of the Samseong-dong branch office, which was tasked with other special duties. The fifth division was responsible for Africa and the countries with no diplomatic rtions with South Korea.

    The second division head continued, ¡°In exchange for an official one-on-one meeting, Japan said that they¡¯ll acknowledge Dokdo as part of South Korean territory, officially apologize for their past crimes, and do their best to reach an agreement aboutpensation with us.¡±

    Surprised, the fatigue from the division heads¡¯ faces all disappeared. They looked as if they found the second division head¡¯s words outrageous.

    ¡°Director Sherman also requested that the president have a one-on-one talk with the President of the United States before he leaves the country. He said they want to strengthen the significance of the alliance between South Korea and the United States and that he wants to conclude the Korean-American currency swap.¡±

    ¡°We still haven¡¯t answered Russia¡¯s request to allow their president to visit South Korea either.¡±

    ¡°The same goes for France and the UK¡¯s requests.¡±

    The department heads¡¯ reports sounded as if they were urging the government to give them answers. Providing quick responses to requests like these normally was the wisest option.

    ¡°Do the agents we¡¯ve sent to other countries have enough protection, considering the current situation?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ve given them the order to return fire as soon as they deem the situation dangerous,¡± the assistant director answered. ¡°Mr. Director, I believe you already know what it would mean if they were to shoot back, so I won¡¯t say anything else on the matter. However, let me just remind you that it will be difficult for us to handle the consequences that would follow if things go south and conflicts form between us and the intelligence bureau of the country the agents are currently in.¡±

    ¡°On average, we lose ten to twenty agents every year because of simr reasons. We have to make sure that our agents can pull out their weapons and fight back whenever necessary instead of just dying helplessly,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun responded.

    The assistant director and the division heads looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun grimly, remembering the time seventeen National Intelligence Service agents had to sacrifice themselves protecting a top North Korean official ten or so years ago.

    The North Korean official first sought asylum in China. Six agents died protecting him there. They then went to the Philippines, where five more fell in a gunfight against the North Korean agents. Six more died in Hong Kong, theirst stop.

    The National Intelligence Service agents¡¯ duty was to protect the second most powerful person in North Korea. However, except for when they were in the Philippines, they died before they could even shoot back at their enemies.

    After that incident, the agents that they had sent to Europe ran across agents from enemy countries. Because of the unfair agreement between the intelligence bureaus, they died before they could even return fire.

    If a countrycked national strength and diplomacy, the agents of its intelligence bureaus would always be med for everything even if the agents from the other countries also messed up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The president is already nning to extend official invitations to the presidents and the prime ministers from the countries that officially requested to visit South Korea. It won¡¯t take long,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun added.

    Knowing that his answer would be no different from Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s, the division heads didn¡¯t say anything else.

    ¡°This matter aside, we think there¡¯s a chance that South Korea would be under terrorist attack. I want everyone to give extra attention to any intel rted to this¡ªeven the ones that seem trivial in hindsight. I don¡¯t want to miss even the tiniest detail,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said. After a brief pause, he looked at them one by one as he asked, ¡°Do any of you have anything else to report or questions to ask?¡±

    Having ensured that no one had any more concerns, he ordered, ¡°We¡¯ll adjourn the meeting here, then. Manager Kim Hyung-Jung, I need to talk to you in private.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    After saying goodbye, the assistant director and the division heads walked out of the meeting room.

    ¡°Are you done choosing agents yet?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun asked Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ve selected thirteen agents to reside and work in Libya and Egypt. We¡¯ve also handpicked an additional twenty agents to apany them.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun sighed loudly. ¡°<i>Hmm.¡±</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung continued, ¡°We chose mainly from the applicants. More than half of them used to be part of the special forces.¡±

    ¡°Have you considered increasing the number of people who would be going to Libya and Egypt?¡±

    ¡°I have, but we haven¡¯t figured out our target yet, and we won¡¯t be going there to engage in anyrge-scalebat. Moreover, dispatching too many people might cause adverse effects in Libya. Sending too many agents also risks losing contact with our local informants.¡±

    ¡°Assigning our men to missions like this always makes me feel ufortable,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyunmented.

    ¡°The agents are doing this because of their sense of duty,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung firmly answered. His eyes weren¡¯t any different from Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s, though.

    ¡°That only makes it even more heartbreaking.¡±

    ***

    ¡°Lastly, South Korean President Moon Jae-Hyun clearly knows about the future that the development of this new energy will bring,¡± Sherman reported.

    Currently, he was in a meeting with the White House¡¯s Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs, Senior Presidential Secretary for Security Affairs, the top aide for Asian affairs, and Laude, the President of the United States.

    Even though Sherman was done presenting his report, nobody said anything. A moment of silence dawned on the meeting.

    ¡°We have to decide right now if we¡¯re going to get involved in that n, even if it¡¯s just as an observer, by clinging onto France, Russia, and South Korea or if we¡¯re going to side with Saudi Arabia,¡± Laude finally said.

    ¡°Even for us and Saudi Arabia, it would still be difficult to put pressure on France¡¯s DGSE and Russia¡¯s KGB,¡± the Senior Presidential Secretary for Security Affairsmented. He then turned to Sherman. ¡°I¡¯ve got just one question. I fully agree with constructing the first power nt in South Korea. After all, this would allow us to monitor the response of the Arabs and Jews in advance. However, why are prominent figures like Lanok and Vasili showing South Korea so much favor?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know what happened in the UK?¡±

    ¡°Of course I do. I heard that a young student took care of their ckhead. Even so, that isn¡¯t enough to exin why they¡¯re so favorable to South Korea.¡±

    Sherman blinked, seemingly tired of all this. ¡°Let me break it down for you, then. That student is fluent in French, close with Lanok and Vasili, and led an operation so perfect in Mongolia that it¡¯s being hailed as the best in the history of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces.¡±

    Sherman took a moment to catch his breath as if he had grown tired of listing them all as well. Afterward, he continued, ¡°He also made a significant contribution to the operations in France, Afghanistan, and Africa. That¡¯s not all. He¡¯s the Deputy Director-General of France¡¯s DGSE, the assistant director of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service, and the head of its counter-terrorism unit. Do you really think we should treat that person as nothing but a young student?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the CIA supposed to be using its massive budget¡ªwhich isn¡¯t even properly documented, might I remind you¡ªto find out how that monster could just suddenly appear in South Korea, Sherman?¡± the Senior Presidential Secretary for Security Affairs asked.

    ¡°Are you saying I¡¯mcking because the situation turned into a mess while you and Brandon were investigating things behind my back? Would you like me to go into further details about the connection between you and Saudi Arabia?¡± Sherman answered, his smiling seemingly mocking them.

    ¡°Director Sherman, let¡¯s not go too far,¡± Laude said as his blue eyes slowly scanned everyone attending the meeting. Despite his thin physique, he carried himself with authority. ¡°How is North Korea reacting to all of this?¡±

    ¡°They seem to be looking for measures to start economic cooperation with South Korea.¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t easy. What do we have to do if we side with South Korea?¡±

    ¡°To start with, we have to provide South Korea economic benefits and attend to the emotional aspects of this coboration, which is especially important for South Koreans,¡± Sherman said.

    ¡°Are you talking about their history with Japan?¡±

    ¡°Right now, that seems to be the most effective way to do it.¡±

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª.</i>

    The phone in front of Sherman rang briefly.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Sherman flipped open the phone and read the message he received.

    ¡°<i>Haa</i>,¡± he briefly exhaled, seemingly at a loss for words.

    ¡°It seems like Japan has taken the initiative. They have acknowledged that the East Sea, including Dokdo, is part of South Korea. They have also requested permission for their Prime Minister to visit South Korea under the condition that they¡¯ll apologize and providepensation for their past crimes,¡± he reported.

    Laude rubbed his face with his left hand a couple of times.

 Chapter 282: Lets Wait and See (2)

    <h4>Chapter 282: Let''s Wait and See (2)</h4>

    The morning of Kang Chan¡¯s high school graduation day, Yoo Hye-Sook gave him a hug before going to work, tears welling up in her eyes.

    He would be officially recognized as a high school graduate today, so seeing him infortable workout clothes made Yoo Hye-Sook feel sorry for her son.

    Kang Dae-Kyung knew about everything that happened in Afghanistan and Africa, and Yoo Hye-Sook couldn¡¯t forget about the gunfight that had urred in the basement parking lot.

    Even though she couldn¡¯t understand why her son had to go through such a traumatic experience, she did her best to ept it. However, her reddening eyes still carried hope that he would never have to go through simr situations again.

    Seeing her like that was heartbreaking, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t attend his graduation ceremony due to the Imic organizations¡¯ holy war against South Korea.

    Much like yesterday, Kang Chan had a lot of time to spare. He considered surfing the inte for a moment but sat on the living room sofa and watched TV instead.

    As soon as the TV turned on, it showed the news channel that Kang Dae-Kyung always watched.

    <i>¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯</i>

    It hadn¡¯t even been a minute when the news began to take an absurd turn.

    [The Federation of Korean Industries and the opposition party are demanding the government to disclose whether the proposals from Saudi Arabia and the United States are true or not. If the proposals are true, they asserted that the Blue House and the ruling party shouldn¡¯t use the proposals for political gain and that they have to reveal everything to the public for the development of South Korea.]

    The news then yed interviews with citizens, most of whom said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense for the government and the ruling party to keep their mouths sealed about something this significant.¡±

    [The Federation of Korean Industries is hoping thatrge and mid-sized businesses will be able to buy shares of the next-generation energy source.]

    The news also briefly showed an interview with the chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries.

    Kang Chan turned off the TV.

    He couldn¡¯t me people for being tempted, they shouldn¡¯t get so ahead of themselves over this.

    <i>If this keeps up, all of the profits from the electrical energy business and the Eurasian Rail might end up in the pockets of sons of bitches like Yang Jin-Woo.</i>

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª.</i>

    Only Seok Kang-Ho would call him this early in the morning.

    Kang Chan walked to his room and answered the phone.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    - Let¡¯s go to the office.

    <i>Well, I¡¯ve got nothing to do at home anyway.</i>

    Moreover, if he went to the office, the agents would be able to stay indoors. He would be able to enjoy coffee and cigarettes without worries as well.

    - I¡¯m already outside.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right over.¡±

    After hanging up, he put on a shirt and a suit and then took his radio and pistol from his desk drawer.

    As soon as he got to the entrance of his apartment building, Choi Jong-Il approached him.

    ¡°I was told that you¡¯re going to the office,¡± he said.

    ¡°Have you had breakfast?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I haven¡¯t had any coffee yet.¡±

    When Kang Chan smirked, Choi Jong-Il smiled back.

    Because the wounds on Choi Jong-Il¡¯s face hadn''tpletely healed yet, everyone who saw him likely thought of him as a bad person¡ªa murderer, even.

    Kang Chan walked toward Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car, which was parked near the entrance of the building. At the same time, three agents quickly exited the apartment.

    They were likely the ones assigned to guard the staircases above and below Kang Chan¡¯s floor.

    Ordered by South Korea to protect Kang Chan, these people patrolled the staircases around the clock in the middle of this cold winter. If they ever found themselves in a gunfight, they would block the bullets with their cars and throw themselves at Kang Chan to keep him safe.

    They weren¡¯t doing all that simply because Kang Chan was extraordinary. Rather, it was because their nation had ordered them to.

    Kang Chan¡¯s reasons were a bit different from theirs. Although he started all of this because he couldn¡¯t refuse Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s passion, he genuinely cared about the soldiers in Jeungpyeong now. Unable to ignore what he had witnessed, he just kept pushing forward until he eventually found himself in this situation.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il. Once we arrive, tell all of the agents toe up to the office,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°We would need to shut down the elevators for that.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Kang Chan got into the passenger seat of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s car.

    ¡°Slept soundly?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan looked at him in surprise as he closed the car door. ¡°The fuck? What¡¯s with you today?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho wasn¡¯t just wearing a suit. He also had a tie on, which wasn¡¯t like him.

    ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    As they hit the road, an NIS-issued car merged into thene and led their convoy.

    ¡°I always look good in a suit, don¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Not really, no.¡±

    Seok Kang-Houghed. ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>.¡±

    <i>Why is he changing the subject?</i>

    Kang Chan nced at him once more, but Seok Kang-Ho just focused on the road, pretending not to notice.

    It only took them fifteen minutes to reach their office building¡¯s basement parking lot. As soon as they arrived, they rushed to the elevator.

    ¡°You three, guard the entrance. Once the coast is clear, get in the elevator and join us in the office.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the three agents quickly responded.

    No one else could use this elevator anyway, so Kang Chan wondered if they needed to do all of this. However, it wasn¡¯t right to question the field manager¡¯smands.

    They reached the office not long after, the open view of which made him feel a little relieved. It had been quite some time since hest visited this ce.

    Would you like to have instant coffee or an americano?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    <i>It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve had an americano¡ª</i>

    ¡°What are you saying? Drinking instant coffee first thing in the morning is a must!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed with a grin. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to use two packets per cup!¡±

    For some reason, Kang Chan felt convinced.

    The smell of coffee filled therge office, likely because they made a lot of it. After some time, the three agents guarding the elevator entered the office.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>? Where¡¯s Um Ji-Hwan?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, looking around with a cup in hand.

    As Kang Chan was handed a cup of coffee, Seok Kang-Ho continued, ¡°I¡¯m talking about the beast yesterday! The one who made us coffee for us in Gapyeong!¡±

    ¡°<i>Ah</i>!¡± Kang Chan eximed, finally remembering the man.

    Seok Kang-Ho turned to Choi Jong-Il. ¡°Where is he?¡±

    <i>Why is Choi Jong-Il hesitating to answer?</i>

    The uplifting atmosphere instantly grew colder. The agents appeared to be in a predicament.

    ¡°He left for Libya yesterday evening,¡± Choi Jong-Il answered grimly.

    Seok Kang-Ho quietly swore across from Kang Chan. ¡°Fuck.¡±

    ¡°He joined that mission even though he¡¯s got an elderly woman to take care of...¡± Seok Kang-Ho trailed off.

    ¡°An elderly woman?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He lives with his mother.¡±

    ¡°How do you know that?¡±

    Without looking away from his cup, Seok Kang-Ho answered, ¡°Two days ago, after you left, Ji-Hwan decided to go home as well, so we had dinner together.¡±

    Kang Chan turned toward him.

    ¡°He applied to go to Libya a few days ago. He knew two of the thirteen agents who were killed there,¡± Choi Jong-Il exined.

    ¡°How old is he?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s twenty-nine.¡±

    Kang Chan finally understood why Ji-Hwan wanted to go to where two of hisrades were killed. He was at the age where his blood just kept boiling, especially since he had the skills to back him up.

    The atmosphere became even heavier.

    Seok Kang-Ho frowned. Kang Chan had another sip of his coffee.

    <i>Seok Kang-Ho is already this attached to Um Ji-Hwan? All they¡¯ve done is y three rounds of jokgu.</i>

    Kang Chan clicked his tongue as he looked outside the window.

    In his previous life, he supposed he did genuinely care about some new recruit just because he handed him a bottle of water after his jogging session. Was that how Seok Kang-Ho felt when he ate with Um Ji-Hwan and heard about his personal life?

    Honestly, the bottle of water and the meal weren¡¯t that important.

    No matter what their people did, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t help but want to protect them and wish that they would do well enough to be captains and veterans themselves in the future.

    They seemed drawn to individuals who looked lonely.

    Seok Kang-Ho pursed his lips as he looked at Choi Jong-Il. ¡°Bring over the things that we prepared.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s going on? What¡¯s wrong with the atmosphere today?</i>

    Watching Woo Hee-Seung approach the table, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    He was holding a bouquet, an album, and a blue folder that contained his diploma.

    Woo Hee-Seung handed the items to Seok Kang-Ho, who in turn stood up and offered them to Kang Chan.

    <i>It wouldn¡¯t be proper for me to ept those sitting down, would it?</i>

    Kang Chan awkwardly stood up and held out his hands. At the same time, everyone in the office pped for him.

    <i>This is crazy!</i>

    Kang Chan wondered if they were nning to kill him with awkwardness.

    ¡°Congrattions on your graduation,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    <i>So this is why he put on a suit.</i>

    ¡°Your diploma and two certificates are in the folder. I bought the bouquet, and the men prepared this,¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    Seok Kang-Ho took out a small box from the inner chest pocket of his suit. When Kang Chan opened it, he found an expensive-looking, luxurious fountain pen inside.

    As if he had just won apetition, he looked at everyone present while holding the bouquet in one hand and the fountain pen in the other.¡°Thank you.¡±

    They gave him another round of apuse, slightly improving the atmosphere.

    Using his phone, Kang Chan took a photo with Seok Kang-Ho using his phone, Choi Jong-Il, then Woo Hee-Seung. Afterward, they took a group photo.

    <i>This isn¡¯t so bad.</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t get to attend his graduation in his previous life as well, but it was nothing like his life now. After all, no one felt disappointed that he didn¡¯t get to attend his graduation back then.

    ¡°Dinner¡¯s on me,¡± Kang Chan offered.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just eat here. We¡¯ll be giving the agents a hard time if we go outside now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    Since there was still some time left before lunch, they sat down at the table again. Some of the agents made themselvesfortable on the sofa.

    Seok Kang-Ho turned his chair toward the window, then held up his cup. From the side, Kang Chan looked at him from the side. His eyes had crinkled up, but he still had his angr jaw and thick neck.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed. After pursing his lips, he took out a cigarette and offered it to Kang Chan.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°The first time I woke up in this body, what flustered me the most was the fact that I was a teacher,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled, smoke escaping his mouth.

    ¡°I had a hard time getting used to seeing the kids¡¯ sparkling eyes.¡± Seok Kang-Ho grinned at Kang Chan. ¡°Still, when I saw the bullies, I found myself unable to hold in my anger. That¡¯s why I prepared the mask.¡±

    ¡°What mask?¡±

    ¡°The one I put on before fighting Park Ki-Bum.¡±

    ¡°<i>Ah</i>! The monkey mask!¡±

    <i>This crazy motherfucker! He should¡¯ve at least worn a fierce-looking gori mask instead of a monkey mask with a cute smile!</i>

    ¡°Um, Ji-Hwan told me while we were eating that he liked being an agent because he thinks of me as his hyung-nim. He grew up without any siblings, so when he was younger, he kept hoping that he would have a hyung-nim like me,¡± Seok Kang-Ho turned to the side and extinguished his cigarette on the ashtray. ¡°That son of a bitch should¡¯ve told me he¡¯s being sent to Libya!¡±

    After voicing out his thoughts, he downed the rest of his coffee.

    <i>Seok Kang-Ho has every right to be upset¡ªwait, isn¡¯t that...?</i>

    ¡°<i>Argh</i>, that¡¯s hot! Holy fuck!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shrieked, shaking off the coffee that spilled on his pants.

    Kang Chan held up his cup and took a sip of his coffee.

    ¡°I now slightly understand how you felt back then,¡± Seok Kang-Homented. He was staring out the window, making it seem as if he was talking to himself.

    The two took sips of their coffee in turns while enjoying the view. Afterward, they put their cups down on the table.

    The Eurasian Rail and the construction of the power nt¡ªwhat would those mean to Choi Jong-Il, the agents in this office, and the fallen and the dying agents?

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª.</i>

    As soon as his phone rang, Kang Chan took it out and answered the call.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, congrattions on your graduation.

    Smiling, Kang Chan replied, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    - Do you have time to meet tomorrow?

    ¡°Of course, sir. When and where should we meet?¡±

    Perhaps it was because they were used to it now, but much like Seok Kang-Ho, the agents weren¡¯t surprised to hear Kang Chan speaking French anymore.

    - How about lunch at the embassy? I hope you will be able to spare me a bit of your time after lunch as well. I¡¯d like to have a meeting with you regarding the construction of the power nt. It¡¯s important.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be there by eleven-thirty.¡±

    - It¡¯s perfect.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told everyone about his phone call with Lanok only to cock his head in the middle of his exnation. This was the first time Lanok had ever emphasized the importance of a meeting.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    Kang Chan held up his phone and checked the time. There was still an hour left before noon.

    He wondered if it was too early for them to have lunch. However, considering the time needed for the trip to and from the restaurant, he concluded otherwise.

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up and told the agents to order thrice as many galbi and sirloin as the number of people. He also told them to order enough rice for everyone.

    That amount of food would require three people to carry.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ª.</i>

    Soon after, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang again.

    Michelle was calling him.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy! Where are you right now?

    <i>¡®Did she install a CCTV in my office without me knowing?¡¯ </i>Kang Chan wondered, looking around the room.

    - I had tea with your mother this morning. She told me that you¡¯re back in South Korea! Where are you right now?

    <i>Well, that doesn¡¯t seem too much of a coincidence, considering all of us are in the same building.</i>

    Smirking, Kang Chan looked around him.

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - I¡¯m at our office taking care of two big projects. Are you avable?

    ¡°I¡¯ll drop by after lunch.¡±

    - You¡¯re not going to stand me up, are you? Does two work for you?

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anything scheduled today anyway.

    ¡°My parents don¡¯t know that I¡¯m in the building.¡±

    - I know that! If theye into our office, I¡¯ll be sure to call you immediately.

    Kang Chan hung up not long after.

    ¡°Was that Michelle?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m thinking of having a cup of tea with her after lunch.¡±

    ¡°Go for it.¡±

    Three of the agents had already left the office to buy their lunch.

    ¡°They should¡¯ve just ordered on the phone,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That would risk having our food poisoned,¡± Choi Jong-Il responded.

    <i>Damn. Even food isn¡¯t safe now?</i>

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho. This was his first time seeing him with such a grim expression after ordering meat.

    ***

    ¡°Run! Run!¡± the agent in charge of their rear yelled.

    Um Ji-Hwan, wearing a shirt and a suit, had already been running for fifteen minutes in alleyways with gray walls, which weremon in Im.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>!¡±

    <i>Du du du! Thud!</i>

    Hearing the agent behind them fall to the ground, he gritted his teeth. He could feel his blood boiling. He wanted to vent out his anger, but he couldn¡¯t do anything about it right now.

    Their local informant had lied to them and lured them into a trap.

    Afternding at the airport in Tripoli[1], they immediately headed to Al-Aziziyah[2]. However, they were ambushed as soon as they arrived. Eight of their men had already been killed.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>! <i>Haha</i>! <i>Haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>!¡±

    Going down the alley, Um Ji-Hwan took a sharp turn.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Du du du! Du du du!</i>

    Gunshots rang out. He heard another agent copse.

    ¡°Run!¡± the agent at the back yelled, reminding them not to deviate from the n.

    Beforeing here, they were given ns for certain situations. If they were ambushed, they were told to head to the next secret meeting ce. They were also ordered to decide in advance who should serve as the vanguard and who should bring up the rear in such an event.

    They had the permission to shoot and return fire, but their current situation prevented them from fighting back.

    They were in a narrow alley. If they stood their ground here, a barrage of bullets from a machine gun in one of the buildings¡¯ second floors would be enough to decimate them. Hence, all they could do right now was run and use whatever means necessary to get out of this ce. Only then could they retaliate.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Du du du du! Du du du!</i>

    Two more agents dropped to the ground.

    Using their rifles, they provided cover fire to buy the other agents some time. But it wasn¡¯t enough to stop the AK-47s¡¯ firepower.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Um Ji-Hwan swore as the alley forced him to take another sharp turn.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>! Ma!¡± he yelled in between his ragged breaths, suddenly seeing his mother¡¯s face. He felt as if he had just brushed past her.

    Not long after, he saw Seok Kang-Ho smiling at him. It was thest image he saw before everything turned ck.

    1. the capital city of Libya ?

    2. a town in Iraq ?

 Chapter 283: The Nation Calls (1)

    <h4>Chapter 283: The Nation Calls (1)</h4>

    Three agents walked into the office, their hands full with numerous stic bags. The scent of meat filled the office as the others pushed tables together.

    ¡°That seriously is a lot,¡± Seok Kang-Ho whispered.

    ¡°Weren''t you the one who ordered three servings per person?¡± asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about this anymore.¡±

    <i>Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª. Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª. Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone started ringing. The agents had already set chopsticks on the tables and poured drinks in mugs, but he decided to answer the call anyway.

    <i>Where¡¯s this from?</i>

    The number was the same as the one that Anne always used when calling him from the DGSE. Perhaps it was a new employee trying to introduce themselves.

    "Hello?" Kang Chan answered as Seok Kang-Ho handed him a pair of chopsticks.

    - Hello, sir. I¡¯m Hugo. I¡¯m the new person assigned to help you.

    It seemed his prediction was right.

    ¡°I look forward to working with you,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    - It''s an honor to work with you, Deputy Director-Generals. I called to submit an urgent report.

    Hugo sounded like he was in a rush.

    - The Korean agents in Libya are being pursued by the UIS. We have confirmed at least three casualties.

    ¡°Say that again,¡± Kang Chan ordered, his voice suddenly filled with shock.

    Noticing Kang Chan''s cold tone and serious expression, Seok Kang-Ho and the agents stopped what they were doing and focused their attention on him.

    - A local informant has betrayed the agents, leading them into an ambush. They are being chased in Al-Aziziyah as we speak. We believe their next move has also beenpromised.

    Kang Chan walked over to the window. "What about the National Intelligence Service?"

    - They seem to trust the report from the local informant that everyone arrived safely.

    Kang Chan nced behind him, finding Seok Kang-Ho staring at him with a serious expression.

    "Hugo, does the Intelligence Bureau have agents on the scene?"

    - Our closest operatives are twenty minutes away, sir.

    "Is there any way to assist the agents?" Kang Chan inquired.

    - We will have to send reinforcements first and then observe how things go. There are only a few UIS personnel.

    Sending the French agents over could be no different from telling them to jump into a possibly fatal situation to save the Korean agents. Kang Chan lowered his gaze to the road below them, envisioning helpless agents dying. Sending the French agents into danger was not ideal, but he was certain that he would have made the same decision if the roles were reversed.

    "Is there a procedure needed to dispatch the Intelligence Bureau agents?" asked Kang Chan.

    - The Director-General¡¯s approval is needed.

    "How long will that take?" asked Kang Chan.

    - You just need to send a text with the approval code.

    "Get on it. Get back to me afterward."

    - Understood.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan slowly turned around.

    "I just received a report that the agents we sent to Libya have been deceived by a local informant. Three of them have been killed.¡±

    As if molten iron had just poured from the ceiling, heavy silence weighed down on the office.

    He continued, "We''re now trying to determine if we can send the French Intelligence Bureau¡¯s agents over.¡±

    "Captain!" called Seok Kang-Ho, his eyes glinting.

    <i>Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª. Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª. Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª.</i>

    The phone rang again. Kang Chan immediately answered it.

    "Hello?"

    - The Director-General has approved. Awaiting your orders, sir.

    "Dispatch the agents. The mission is to rescue and protect the Korean National Intelligence Service agents in Libya for forty-eight hours. We will send support within that time. Inform us immediately once the code and rendezvous point have been determined."

    - We will proceed and report back, sir.

    "Will this be reported to the ambassador?"

    - Yes, sir.

    "Understood."

    After hanging up, Kang Chan turned to the agents. "The French Intelligence Bureau agents will be dispatched.¡±

    "Captain," called Seok Kang-Ho, his tone more somber than before. Kang Chan recalled the time he had asked Lanok to send him to Mongolia. Throughout their interaction, neither Kang Chan nor Seok Kang-Ho shied away from meeting each other''s gaze.

    <i>Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª. Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª. Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª.</i>

    "Yes?" Kang Chan greeted.

    - The nearby Intelligence Bureau agents have been dispatched, sir.

    "Thank you, Hugo. I want to find the person who issued the order for this operation, the one who¡¯smanding it, and those taking part in it Do we also need the Director-General''s approval for this?"

    - No, sir.

    "Then let me know as soon as you receive any intel.¡±

    - Understood, sir.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan scrolled through his phone to make another call. Seok Kang-Ho just kept watching him, chopsticks in hand.

    - Yes, Mr. Kang Chan.

    "Manager, it''s Kang Chan. Our agents in Libya have been deceived by a local informant. Three have already been killed, and the rest are being chased as we speak," Kang Chan exined.

    - ...Excuse me? Please repeat what you just said.

    Kang Chan repeated his report about the situation to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "Before I called, I dispatched French Intelligence Bureau agents in the area and requested them to protect our men for forty-eight hours until we can provide support," he finished.

    - I''ll report this to the Director immediately!

    "Manager."

    - Yes, Mr. Kang Chan!

    Due to the situation, Kim Hyung-Jung responded quite quickly.

    "Have twenty soldiers from Jeungpyeong and ten agents from the National Intelligence Service prepare for deployment. They will be under themand of..." Kang Chan paused for a moment as he turned his attention to his most trusted ally. "... Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    - Will they be deployed to Libya?

    "Yes. The French Intelligence Bureau agents have already departed. We can''t leave the Korean agents in their hands forever. I''ll call Jeungpyeong now. Please focus on getting the Director''s approval," Kang Chan said.

    - I''ll contact you as soon as I¡¯m done.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan turned to Seok Kang-Ho.

    "You heard me. I need you to call Jeungpyeong and choose twenty soldiers."

    "Thank you, Captain," said Seok Kang-Ho. He moved to the corner and took out his phone.

    "Is it really okay for us to send agents over as well?" Choi Jong-Il asked.

    "Our mission is to rescue agents currently being pursued. We might have to engage in urbanbat to bring them back," Kang Chan answered.

    Choi Jong-Il looked at Kang Chan in disbelief.

    "Those agents put their trust in South Korea when they left. If we abandon them because we''re afraid of war and the consequences that will follow, then eventually, no one will step forward.¡±

    "There has never been a situation like this before," Choi Jong-Il said.

    Kang Chan looked around. With a smirk, he dered, ¡°As long as I am here, this will keep happening. We base our actions on thorough retribution. It does not matter how many times we fail. We will not stop until we get revenge. Just like we did in China, we will dramatically turn things around.¡±

    A fiery passion had been ignited within him. Some agents clenched their jaws, while others'' eyes zed as if they had been set on fire.

    "I''ve spoken with Dong-Gyun," Seok Kang-Ho said as he approached Kang Chan.

    "Let''s get lunch over with quickly. We have to leave," Kang Chan said.

    "Understood.¡±

    <i>Damn it. I was hoping to enjoy this celebratory meal infort.</i>

    Given the atmosphere, their post-graduation lunch felt almost like ast supper.

    <i>Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª. Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª. Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan immediately picked up his phone.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, the Director has given us his approval. Departure is at 5 PM from Seongnam.

    "Thank you. I''ll discuss the rest with you this evening.¡±

    - Understood.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan informed Seok Kang-Ho of the details.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan called.

    "Yes, sir!¡± Seok Kang-Ho quickly responded.

    "This is a rescue mission, so don''t push yourselves too hard. Focus on making it back alive. We¡¯ll probably get a list of the main culprits behind this and the agents involved in this operation. We can use that to n a proper retributionter.¡±

    "Understood.¡±

    After they were done eating, some of the agents cleared the tables. They had eaten more than expected.

    "You go ahead. You¡¯ll need to stop by home first," Kang Chan said.

    "I¡¯ll be back," Seok Kang-Ho replied. He left the office with six agents.

    <i>Is this the unease Lanok felt, watching them go but not feeling at peace with it? What would I have done if I hadn''t heard about the important meeting about the power nt construction?</i>

    It was certainly impossible to do everything. No matter how much effort he put into the Eurasian Rail, power nt construction, the Mongolian base, African deployment, retribution, and this rescue mission, Kang Chan could still feel the reality kicking in. He could not handle everything by himself.

    "Would you like some coffee?" Choi Jong-Il offered.

    "Sure," Kang Chan answered.

    Perhaps it was because of the good venttion or because the agents did a great job cleaning up, but the office no longer smelled of meat. Kang Chan turned to face the window from the left side of the table.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ncing back, Kang Chan saw Choi Jong-Il cautiously putting a cup on the table, his expression apprehensive. Seeing him send Seok Kang-Ho off seemed to have made Choi Jong-Il feel sorry for him.

    "Have a seat," Kang Chan ordered.

    "Thank you, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il said as he sat down. "I thought you would be going yourself.¡±

    "I have an appointment about the power nt construction at the French embassy tomorrow. Considering they specifically mentioned that it¡¯s important, canceling it wouldn''t be right.¡±

    "I see."

    "The agents in Libya are being taken out one by one to obstruct the construction of the power nt. If I put crucial matters on hold and rush to Libya, wouldn''t I be doing exactly what they want?"

    "Yes, sir."

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee.

    "Does Mr. Seok speak Arabic well?" Choi Jong-Il asked.

    "He''s very proficient in it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was from Algeria. He was not just fluent in Arabic¡ªit was his mother tongue.

    Kang Chan knew he should be bursting with energy right now. However, the interviews with greedy individuals on the news, the National Intelligence Service''s inadequate capabilities, and the constant need to liaise with the French Intelligence Bureau whenever an incident urred were draining him. Perhaps this was the price he had to pay for having a huge ambition but not the ability to back it up.

    He would rather stop getting involved in everything, even the next-gen energy, than let more innocent agents and soldiers die. Would their casualties decrease if he said he couldn''t do it?

    Smirking, he looked out the window andughed. Stopping now would mean wondering what to say to those who had already fallen for their cause.

    Being forced to send Seok Kang-Ho to Libya alone only further exhausted him.

    ***

    Every time Han Jae-Guk moved, the magazines, bay, and pistol on him clicked and nked. With a fiery gaze, he stopped in front of Cha Dong-Gyun, who was handing over documents to his deputy.

    "What can I do for you, Lieutenant?" Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    "Why was I not selected for this operation, sir?" Han Jae-Guk argued.

    "What?"

    Ignoring Cha Dong-Gyun''s gaze, Han Jae-Guk pressed on, "I admit I wascking at first, but didn''t you say I was ready now? Why am I still being left out?"

    "This bastard!" Cha Dong-Gyun eximed.

    "You can curse at me, sir, but please give me a clear reason why Lee Jae-Ho, my subordinate, has been chosen, yet I¡¯m not," inquired Han Jae-Guk.

    Cha Dong-Gyun shook his head as he sighed. "How can you be so much like Kwak Cheol-Ho in his early days?"

    As he turned his head, Kwak Cheol-Ho quickly entered the barracks.

    "Kwak Cheol-Ho!" Cha Dong-Gyun called.

    ¡°Sir!"

    "Why is this bastard spouting nonsense?"

    "Likely because this is his first time receiving a dispatch order, sir.¡±

    With an incredulous expression, Cha Dong-Gyun leaned closer to Han Jae-Guk, who had been listening to their conversation.

    "You didn¡¯t look at the list of soldiers joining the operation beforeing here, did you?¡±

    "No, sir!" answered Han Jae-Guk.

    Laughing, Cha Dong-Gyun raised his head. "Hey! Take this bastard away and get him ready!"

    "Understood, sir!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho turned to Han Jae-Guk. ¡°Let''s go.¡±

    Being two years older, their rtionship allowed them to have such casual conversations without feeling out of ce.

    ¡°Lieutenants or higher are only notified separately when they are not deployed,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho exined. Han Jae-Guk nced back briefly before quickly turning his head.

    <i>p, p.</i>

    His magazine, bay, and pistol seemed to be making sounds of joy now.

    "<i>Phew</i>!"

    The preparations were allplete. They would hold the briefing on the ne with Seok Kang-Ho, their leader.

    "The men havepletely changed, sir," Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s deputy said, a file in his hand. "I didn¡¯t expect them to be so rxed an hour before departure."

    "What about the French interpreter?" inquired Cha Dong-Gyun.

    "He''s been chain-smoking for a while now.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyunughed in response. The deputy couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as well.

    "Are you sure your body can handle it?" the deputy asked.

    "The country needs us. What would General Choi say if he heard usining about these wounds?" Cha Dong-Gyun responded.

    His words reminded the deputy of Choi Seong-Geon''s younger days.

    ***

    Just like before, Kang Chan found himself meeting Michelle again in a state of unease.

    "Your mood seems off again!" Michelleined.

    The staff greeted Kang Chan warmly as he entered Michelle''s office and sat down.

    "I''m sorry for always being like this when we meet," Kang Chan replied.

    Michelle smiled. "Isn''t that because you don''t see the need to hide your feelings from me? I actually appreciate that about you, Channy.¡±

    Her hair cascaded in waves over her shoulders. Herrge blue eyes, unnaturally long eyshes, and pronounced nose bridge caught his attention.

    Most French women tended to grow heavier and adopt what was colloquially known as the ''witch''s style,''posed of a hooked nose and sagging cheeks, as they aged. However, Michelle, perhaps due to her Asian heritage, had a slightly different facial structure. It made her shine even more.

    "Here!" she eximed as she put cigarettes and a lighter on the table. She then walked over to her desk and pressed a button.

    <i>Whoooosh.</i>

    A cool breeze wafted in, making the air seem refreshingly clear.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan lit his cigarette and the one that Michelle had put between her lips.

    "Congrattions on your graduation," she said.

    "My mother told you?"

    "Of course. I even prepared a gift.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked awkwardly as Michelle pointed at her forehead with her right index finger.

    <i>This girl never changes.</i>

    "Is It even really that important?" Kang Chan inquired.

    "Even if it isn¡¯t, is there a reason to avoid it?" Michelle responded.

    <i>Ha! Why would she even bring it up?</i>

    Amused, Michelle tilted her head and gazed at Kang Chan again. "Why are you in such a mood today?"

    "Just feeling a bit overwhelmed with work.¡±

    Michelle nodded and leaned back. She was dressed in a white shirt and dark suit. The top three buttons were left undone, revealing almost half of her chest.

    "When I saw you at the Eurasian conference, you looked like you would never back down from anything.¡±

    Kang Chan took a sip of his drink, not knowing how to reply.

    "It¡¯s the people, not the work, that are troubling you, isn''t it?" Michelle asked, seemingly gazing right into his heart.

    "Maybe?" he replied, sounding almost like a sigh, as he set down his ss.

    The wind from outside and the way Michelle understood him made breathing a little easier. It was already past two in the afternoon. In three hours, Seok Kang-Ho, the agents, and the Jeungpyeong special forces team would depart.

    <i>Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª. Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª. Buzz Buzz Buzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring. Although Michelle understood French, he had no time to dy.

    "Hello?"

    - It''s Hugo. We''ve secured neen Korean agents and are waiting at the rendezvous point. The situation is dire.

    "Understood. What about the French agents¡¯ casualties?"

    Michelle looked shocked hearing him, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t avoid asking that question.

    - Seven have been killed.

    Kang Chan gazed out the window.

    Surviving a confrontation against the UIS was unlikely. Those bastards would use a khanjar to slit their enemies¡¯ throats at the first opportunity.

    "Would it be safe to send me a text?"

    - We have secured this line from eavesdropping or wiretapping.

    "Then send me the location through this line. No matter the time, make sure you contact me if there''s any development.¡±

    - Understood.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan let out a soft sigh. His eyes were glinting, making it difficult for him to look at Michelle.

 Chapter 284: The Nation Calls (2)

    <h4>Chapter 284: The Nation Calls (2)</h4>

    ¡°Are you sure you should be wasting any more time here?" Michelle asked as she got up. She walked over to her desk and opened a drawer.

    ¡°Here.¡± She ced a gift box in front of Kang Chan. "I got you a gift.¡±

    The French agents in Libya had not yet found a ce to hide, and the reinforcements from South Korea had not yet departed. Suppressing his impatience, Kang Chan unwrapped the gift.

    Nestled inside was a watch with a leather strap.

    "Thank you," Kang Chan replied.

    Following proper etiquette, he strapped the watch onto his left wrist.

    "It looks great," he said.

    "It suits you. Now, hurry along," Michelle urged.

    When Kang Chan got up, she approached and gave him a warm embrace. They then exchanged French greetings.

    "Thank you," Kang Chan said.

    <i>Thank you for the gift and for understanding why I¡¯m in such a serious mood even though it¡¯s been so long since west saw each other.</i>

    Feeling Michelle¡¯s body getting warmer, Kang Chan kept the hug brief.

    "You¡¯re even more fit now," shemented.

    Kang Chan could onlyugh in response.

    She continued, "Do you remember the birthday promise you made me?"

    "I remember it as a one-sided request," Kang Chan said.

    "Let¡¯s have dinner next time."

    "Sure."

    Kang Chan lightly patted Michelle''s back and left the office. The newly hired staff tried to read the room, but he couldn¡¯t really afford to care right now. Outside, he found Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung guarding the entrance.

    As soon as he walked into the office on the 17th floor, he checked the message he had received from Hugo earlier. It pinpointed the agents¡¯ rendezvous location. He then calling Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "I just received the meeting location. Is it alright if Ie over?"

    [I was just about to ask you to.]

    "Understood. I''ll be there soon."

    Kang Chan left the office and headed straight for Samseong-dong. Since it wasn¡¯t that far, it only took him ten minutes to reach his destination. Kim Hyung-Jung was already waiting in the underground parking lot by the time he arrived.

    "Mr. Kang Chan, if it''s okay with you, I¡¯d like you toe with me to Naegok-dong," Kim Hyung-Jung offered.

    "Alright."

    Kang Chan transferred to the car that Kim Hyung-Jung had pointed him to. Due to the situation, a significantlyrge number of agents apanied them.

    "In Naegok-dong, you''ll be referred to as Deputy Director," Kim Hyung-Jung exined. Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s somber expression, he didn''t say anything else.

    Taking arge roundabout, they eventually turned into the National Intelligence Service building in Naegok-dong. Just before reaching the entrance, Kim Hyung-Jung took out an ID card and attached it to Kang Chan''s chest.

    They got out of the car and passed by four elevators in the lobby. After taking a corner, they stopped in front of an elevator guarded by agents.

    Once Kang Chan was inside, Kim Hyung-Jung pressed a button that had no floor number, sending the elevator down. Its doors soon opened, revealing agents wearing helmets and bulletproof vests in front of it. They were armed with assault rifles.

    Kang Chan walked through the inner door of the corridor and bowed. In response, Moon Jae-Hyun rose from his seat and extended his hand to Kang Chan.

    "Deputy Director, congrattions on your graduation," Moon Jae-Hyun greeted.

    "Thank you, sir," Kang Chan replied.

    "Please have a seat."

    Hwang Ki-Hyun pointed to the table. Bottles of water, juice, and cups were on it.

    "We''ve confirmed that one of our local informants in Libya has betrayed us. If it weren''t for your, Deputy Director, we would have had more casualties. Thank you, and I¡¯m sorry,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    After a brief pause, he continued, "The United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom have expressed their willingness to assist with this operation. Saudi Arabia has also proposed mediation with the UIS. Of course, we interpret this as their way of asking to be prioritized in the next-gen energy agreement.¡±

    Silence followed. Moon Jae-Hyun, Hwang Ki-Hyun, and Kim Hyung-Jung all looked at Kang Chan. Thinking about the situation and Kang Chan, who held all the keys, keeping his mouth shut likely frustrated them.

    "I¡¯m not familiar with the proper reporting procedures, so I¡¯ll just start by sharing what I know," Kang Chan said, breaking the silence.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun nodded, signaling him to speak without inhibitions.

    "I have an appointment at the French Embassy tomorrow. It''s been hinted that it''s far more important than any other meetings I¡¯ve had and that it concerns the power nt construction.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun listened intently.

    Kang Chan continued, "Seven agents of the French Intelligence Directoratey down their lives in Libya today to rescue our men. I don''t know what will be discussed tomorrow, but I honestly feel like we¡¯re holding onto something much bigger than what we¡¯re currently capable of.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s expression hardened, and Kim Hyung-Jung lowered his gaze, perhaps out of embarrassment.

    "Maybe not the Eurasian Rail, but it''s worth reconsidering our stance regarding the energy facilities. I appreciate your desire for retribution, but this is the second time we¡¯ve been in this situation already.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun quickly gave Hwang Ki-Hyun a questioning look before focusing back on Kang Chan.

    "Our informant in Mongolia also deceived us, causing the deaths of our agents. Now, for the same reason, our men died not long after they arrived in Libya. We¡¯ll keep finding ourselves in the middle of incidents like this," Kang Chan finished, holding himself back from suggesting that they give up on the power nt.

    Contrary to his expectations, Moon Jae-Hyun was gently smiling at him.

    "Deputy Director," he called.

    ¡°Sir," Kang Chan responded softly, his eyes on Moon Jae-Hyun.

    "If we were to name what we desire the most, it would be you, Deputy Director.¡±

    <i>What is he trying to say?</i>

    "You¡¯re the reason we effortlessly got the rights to the Eurasian Rail and, unexpectedly, the next-gen energy," Moon Jae-Hyun praised.

    "Mr. President¡ª"

    "There''s more," Moon Jae-Hyun interrupted. "You single-handedly brought our special forces team to the highest global standard. I''ll always remember how you performed in China and Afghanistan. As embarrassing as it is to admit, you and your team''s bravery in Afghanistan moved me, Deputy Director.¡±

    Kang Chan remained silent, unable to predict where the conversation was heading.

    "What should I do? My nation¡ªour country¡ªhas seized this opportunity to stand tall. If you decide to go to France, I will cling to your ankles to persuade you to stay. I don¡¯t care if it brings me shame.¡±

    Surprised, Kang Chan muttered, "Mr. President...?"

    "I have to cling to you, Deputy Director. It''s in the best interest of our people and our country," Moon Jae-Hyun dered, his eyes shining with determination.

    "I cannot bear sacrificing our agents and soldiers either, yet time and time again, we have endured. With limitednd and resources, we have only people to rely on," Moon Jae-Hyun exined, disying hispelling persuasion skill with his calm voice.

    "I am aware that we have sent many sons and fathers to their deaths, but I cannot give up. Our inability to properly nurture talent has already cost us many lives. Failing to seize this opportunity now cost us even more. Moreover, it would take years before we get a chance like this again.¡±

    <i>Is he done?</i>

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    "Deputy Director, if the President is clinging to one of your ankles, then I''ll cling to the other," Hwang Ki-Hyun said with utmost seriousness.

    Kang Chan sighed internally.

    The President and the Director of the National Intelligence Service were clinging to the pants of a mere high school student¡ªwho was actually already thirty years old¡ªall in the name of serving the country.

    Was it because of his time in the Foreign Legion? The unit and camaraderie always seemed to take precedence over the state for him.

    The three people surrounding Kang Chan looked at him with eyes full of passion, the same kind that the fallen soldiers and agents had in their eyes before they died.

    "We''ve also been informed of the rendezvous location. Deputy Director, if you were to lead the next operation as the head of anti-terrorism, how would you proceed?"

    Hwang Ki-Hyun''s question snapped Kang Chan out of his thoughts.

    "Rescuing our men and ensuring everyone¡¯s safe return is crucial. We can get revenge once the Intelligence Directorate has given me a list of the people behind this," Kang Chan stated.

    Many likely shared the same thoughts.

    Raising his gaze, he continued, "I have a few questions.¡±

    "Go ahead," responded Moon Jae-Hyun.

    "If I go to the embassy tomorrow, there''s bound to be a discussion regarding the development of next-generation energy. I would like to know how much authority you¡¯re giving me over this matter.¡±

    While Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun silently contemted, Kang Chan voiced his requests.

    "I also have a favor to ask. Regardless of the cost, for the sake of the projects we are pushing forward, we have to secure a satellite exclusively for the National Intelligence Service. I would also like you to consider rewarding the people who joined the operations in China, North Korea, Afghanistan, and Africa, andpensating the families of those whoy down their lives for South Korea.¡±

    ¡°The President and I are already discussing providing rewards, butpensating our fallen exceeds our regtions. Making exceptions would differentiate them from other meritorious individuals,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun answered. ¡°As for the satellite, our technology is far too outdated for one.¡±

    "If I were to purchase it, could you manage the transaction?"

    Hwang Ki-Hyun nced at Moon Jae-Hyun for his reaction, then answered, "That would require employing some expedient measures. We''ll look into it."

    Their willingness was strong, but reality had its limits.

    "On another note, do we really have to rely entirely on French technology for the energy facilities?" asked Moon Jae-Hyun.

    "As far as I know, yes," Kang Chan replied.

    "Then I¡¯ll give you the authority to handle this matter, Deputy Director. However, I do hope to get some leeway in negotiations with other countries, including the United States."

    "Understood," Kang Chan responded.

    "The Eurasian Rail used to be our main objective, but we have stumbled upon something even greater. This might sound too ambitious, but I want you to understand this one thing."

    Drawn in by Moon Jae-Hyun''s manner of speaking, Kang Chan eagerly waited for him to continue.

    "I doubt the Eurasian Rail and the next-gen energy will see results within my term. I am satisfied with havingid the foundation. Thepletion of these projects will ultimately be up to you.¡±

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    They presented it as if they were offering something nice, but all they were really saying was that Kang Chan had to see things through to the end.

    Swallowing a sigh, Kang Chan bid them farewell and left the room with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    After sending Kang Chan off, Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun sat back down.

    "The deaths of our agents seem to have broken his spirits," said Moon Jae-Hyun.

    "That does appear to be his greatest weakness," Hwang Ki-Hyunmented.

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded. He then asked, "How are we doing with the special forces team''s rewards?"

    "We''re pushing for a one-rank promotion."

    Considering their contributions, not even a three-rank promotion would be too much. However, not even Moon Jae-Hyun could order a promotion of more than one rank.

    "Find a way to offer the families of our fallen some actual help, not just some way to improve the Deputy Director''s mood,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun ordered. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to consider the fairness with previous honorees, though. Due to budget allocations, it will be difficult to increase theirpensation.¡±

    With a soft sigh, he changed the subject. "What about our n to invite other presidents and prime ministers over?"

    "After listening to the deputy director''s story tomorrow, we¡¯re thinking of inviting them over under the pretext of a conference on the development of next-gen energy."

    "Are you suggesting we expand our scope?"

    "Wouldn¡¯t getting them all in one ce lead to bigger oues?" Hwang Ki-Hyun confidently replied.

    ***

    Kang Chan left the National Intelligence Service''s main building and hopped in the car. He then checked the time. It was already five in the afternoon. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s team was likely on their way to Libya now.

    <i>The bastard didn¡¯t even call me before he left!</i>

    "Have they been informed of the rendezvous location?" asked Kang Chan.

    "It was sent to the ne in code," Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    "What about their local guide?"

    "The National Intelligence Service has already received a response from the Intelligence Directorate regarding our request for a liaison,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung paused for a moment. He then hesitantly continued, "The fallen French agents will bepensated ording to the standards of the French Intelligence Directorate."

    At Kang Chan¡¯sck of response, Kim Hyung-Jung continued, "I''m sorry."

    "No need to apologize, Manager. We do still have to follow regtions."

    Kang Chan knew that being hardheaded right now wouldn''t change anything.

    When asked about dinner ns, he told Kim Hyung-Jung that he nned to go home early. When they arrived at Samseong-dong, he had Choi Jong-Il drive him home.

    His chest felt tight. For the Eurasian Rail and the new energy to seed, they would need a power stronger than the National Intelligence Service, just like France had both an intelligence bureau and an intelligence directorate.

    "Let''s stop by a coffee shop for a bit before I head home."

    They parked parked in front of the coffee shop at the intersection. Kang Chan went inside and took a seat on the terrace with Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee. Although they had left three other agents outside, he still wanted to spend some time with these three.

    He could feel the wind growing colder, signaling nightfall.

    "I''ve had enough coffee. Something mild would be nice," Kang Chan ordered.

    Lee Doo-Hee soon brought back four cups of yuja tea[1].

    "Is Mr. Seok¡¯s departure bothering you?" Choi Jong-Il asked.

    "Not really," Kang Chan replied. He took a sip of the hot yuja tea before setting the cup down. "We''re just too inexperienced to take on projects as massive as the Eurasian Rail and the next-gen energy. Everything feels clumsy. Filling in the gaps with the deaths of our brothers doesn¡¯t sit right with me."

    Choi Jong-Il awkwardly held his disposable cup.

    "Don''t be too hard on yourself, sir," he quietly said. "Think of this as the process of the agents who survive turning into veterans so they can pass down their experience to others."

    "Are you sure?" Kang Chan asked.

    "We''ve never even used the term <i>''retaliation'' </i>before. We lose more than ten agents every year in Europe alone, yet we¡¯ve never received a direct order to fight back."

    One could only sigh at such a statement.

    "Honestly, no one expected that we would ever get to solve issues this way."

    "That¡¯s kind of naive," Kang Chan said.

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung burst intoughter. Lee Doo-Hee turned his head away, hiding his smile.

    "It might be tough, but please keep leading the National Intelligence Service, sir. Instill pride in our agents and give them the chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with the agents all around the world."

    As Choi Jong-Il spoke, Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee surveyed the surroundings. Perhaps because of their intimidating looks and scars, the tables nearby were empty.

    "I don''t know much about the world of intelligence," Kang Chan admitted.

    "I think you''ll manage," Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Kang Chan felt as if Choi Jong-Il was grabbing him by the ankles.

    "Don''t you think our fallen agents in Libya died regretting their decision to join?"

    "The special forces soldiers didn¡¯t,¡± Choi Jong-Il answered.

    "Those men at least managed to aplish their objectives, though. The agents died nearly as soon as they arrived, didn''t they?"

    "They were the first to volunteer when the National Intelligence Service announced its intention to retaliate."

    "So, you''re saying their deaths weren''t in vain?"

    "It was an order from the state. When the nation calls, we dly answer it. We have lived and will continue to live this way." Looking straight at Kang Chan, Choil Jong-Il added, "We agents exist for the moments our country needs us. I believe now is precisely one of those times."

    Listening to Choi Jong-Il''s words, filled with unprecedented passion, Kang Chan felt as if an unshakable grip had irrevocably caught him by the ankles.

    1. Yuja tea is a traditional Korean beverage made from yuja (citron) fruit, honey or sugar, and hot water ?

 Chapter 285: The Star of David (1)

    <h4>Chapter 285: The Star of David (1)</h4>

    <i>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep. Click, click, click.</i>

    Kang Chan opened the front door and entered their apartment. He couldn¡¯t help but smile when he saw Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook inside.

    Yoo Hye-Sook walked over to him and gave him the bouquet that she was carrying.

    ¡°Congrattions on your graduation, Channy.¡±

    Kang Chan hugged Yoo Hye-Sook, his diploma and the bouquet that he had received at the office still in his hands. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    It was strange, but embracing his mother sank the chaos of emotions inside him to the bottom.

    ¡°Congrattions,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung praised,ing from behind Yoo Hye-Sook to pat Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders.

    From nearly falling to his death, their son was now living a life that was difficult for them to understand. Even so, they still tried their best to ept him. They had shown Kang Chan what a true family and parental love looked like.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe our son¡¯s really moving up.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said, her voice quivering with emotions, as she stroked the diploma that Kang Chan had handed her.

    After quietly watching them for a moment, Kang Dae-Kyung finally spoke up. ¡°Let¡¯s go have dinner.¡±

    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, right! Dear me!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed.

    Yoo Hye-Sook put the diploma in the living room cab and walked into the kitchen.

    ¡°I¡¯ll follow. I want to change first,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t take too long,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    Kang Chan went to his room and changed into something morefortable, then put his pistol and walkie-talkie in the desk drawer. After leaving the fountain pen and watch on his desk, he walked out of his room with his phone, which he always kept with him, in his pants pocket.

    He washed his hands in the bathroom and then finally headed to the kitchen.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Your dad bought it. It¡¯s a special asion, after all,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook responded.

    ¡°It looks delicious. Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan could easily tell the difference between beef and pork, especially since he¡¯d had beef for lunch.

    <i>Hiss.</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung put meat on the grill, and Yoo Hye-Sook carried the vegetables for wrapping the meat in, gochujang, and garlic to the table.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Kang Chan insisted.

    ¡°No, let me. Beef doesn¡¯t taste good if it¡¯s overcooked, so move aside already,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung joked.

    <i>Hiss. Hiss.</i>

    Kang Chan thought he was flipping the meat too quickly, but it would be hard to convince his father otherwise, considering he had such a confident expression.

    ¡°Have a seat, Channy,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook urged him.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The distinctive aroma of beef filled the kitchen.

    Kang Dae-Kyung cut the beef and held out a piece in front of Kang Chan. ¡°Here!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You can serve Mother first,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Today¡¯s your graduation day. You should get the first bite,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung argued.

    Since Yoo Hye-Sook also watched him with expectant eyes, Kang Chan quickly ate the beef hanging on the edge of the tongs.

    ¡°<i>Whoa</i>! This is really good,¡± he remarked.

    ¡°Your turn, Honey.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung picked up another piece and put it inside Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°<i>Mm</i>! You cooked the meat just right, Honey,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook praised.

    ¡°You think so? Let me try one...¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung ate a piece of the beef. He then exaggerated his delight.

    ¡°You should take a seat too, Honey,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook urged.

    ¡°All right,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    Kang Chan put some white rice, pepper, garlic, mixed seasoned scallions, and gochujang on a lettuce leaf and ate it. It was delicious.

    The atmosphere right now couldn¡¯t even bepared to the ambiance of their lunch, which had felt more like thest supper. Kang Chan was happy.

    <i>That punk!</i>

    If Seok Kang-Ho had bothered to give him a call before leaving, he would probably feel a lot happier right now.

    After eating to their hearts¡¯ content, they helped each other clean up. They then sat back down at the table and had some yuzu tea instead of fruit.

    After taking a sip of his tea, Kang Dae-Kyung cautiously asked, ¡°Do you have any ns for the future?¡±

    As Kang Chan¡¯s father, he had every right to ask him about his ns for the future or how he wanted to live his life.

    Wanting to tell him the truth and discuss some of the things that were on his mind with him, Kang Chan replied with a question of his own. ¡°Have you seen the news?¡±

    ¡°News? Which one?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung responded.

    ¡°The development of next-generation energy.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced at Yoo Hye-Sook and then brought his gaze back to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan added, ¡°It¡¯s probably going to be French technology backed by Russian oil.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying... You¡¯re involved in that too?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked in disbelief.

    ¡°Yes. The denadite and cetinium from Mongolia will serve as its core materials.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked bbergasted, while Yoo Hye-Sook seemed more worried than anything.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°I had a brief meeting with the President today. Because it¡¯s rted to the ambassador, I will probably be working on this project for the time being.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t it be dangerous?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked. She turned to Kang Dae-Kyung to see if he agreed.

    ¡°Well, what do you think?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Father.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Feel free to say what you think,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied. His gaze on Kang Chan was filled with trust and assurance.

    <i>I trust you. I just hope you don¡¯t say anything that would surprise your mother.</i>

    Was this what a father-son rtionship should be?

    Kang Chan replied to Kang Dae-Kyung with a look that said ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    Now that Kang Chan had thought about it, he realized that people¡¯s eyes could convey so many words.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s been hard for the two of you, especially with what happened in the underground parking lot, you being forced to stay at a hotel, and having to see me return home with injuries,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Yoo Hye-Sook fiddled with her teacup, seemingly remembering every moment he mentioned.

    ¡°They say this is a huge opportunity for our country. To be honest, I don¡¯t know about any of that. I want to work on the next-generation energy for other reasons.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook slightly raised her gaze. She looked a bit afraid of what Kang Chan would say, but at the same time, she looked curious about it too.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°Even if I quit, its development will likely push forward in some way. Either way, until it¡¯spleted, we may still have to cooperate with the French.¡±

    ¡°Will this project be handed over to the French if you give it up?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung inquired.

    ¡°I think so.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded in understanding.

    ¡°It¡¯s not something I¡¯m dying to do, but I also don¡¯t want to disappoint the people who¡¯ve worked hard to get us this far.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying you want to try your hand at this project?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Because you don¡¯t want to turn a blind eye to the people you¡¯ve worked with?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked straight at Kang Chan. His eyes seemed to be asking him, <i>¡®Do you have to keep doing dangerous things?¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s momentary hesitation was answer enough. Although it might seem insignificant, it was enough for a father to understand his son.

    As Kang Dae-Kyung let out a quiet sigh, Yoo Hye-Sook suddenly spoke up.

    ¡°Honey? Is this energy thing dangerous for Channy?¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that...¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan quickly shut their mouths, realizing they were about to say the same thing. Yoo Hye-Sook looked at them.

    ¡°Well, Channy¡¯s education is a bit of a concern for me,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    ¡°Education?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook echoed.

    Was Kang Dae-Kyung sly or was Yoo Hye-Sook a bit slow? Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what to think. Either way, Kang Dae-Kyung''s remark seemed to have somewhat diverted Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s attention away from her question.

    ¡°Won¡¯t our son be in even more danger than before?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook still asked with concern.

    ¡°You know how strong the people who protect us are. There¡¯s no need to worry,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered, reassuring her.

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief, Honey.¡±

    Unable to look Yoo Hye-Sook in the eye, Kang Chan dropped his gaze to the floor. He felt like he was tricking her even though she wholeheartedly believed her husband and son.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Well, I...¡± Yoo Hye-Sook trailed off when she saw Kang Chan. Her suddenly eyes turned red, and she began to sniff.

    Kang Chan raised his gaze, finding Yoo Hye-Sook already dabbing her eyes with her palms.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I felt safer after Min-Jeong protected me that time too. Don¡¯t hang your head low for school, Channy. I¡¯m okay. I really am.¡±

    ¡°Goodness, you crybaby,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung joked.

    ¡°You always have to say that, don¡¯t you? How can I not cry when our son is acting so timid on his graduation day?¡± Yoo Hye-Sookined, frustration in her voice.

    ¡°Does that mean you also support Channy doing what he wants?¡±

    ¡°<i>Sniff</i>!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook inhaled, seeming unable to let go of her wishes about Kang Chan¡¯s education yet.

    ¡°Honey.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Do you trust Channy?¡±

    ¡°How can you ask me that?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied with a tinge of sadness.

    ¡°Then let him do what he wants until he¡¯s thirty. After that, if he wants, I can teach him the trade, I suppose.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan, regret filling her eyes. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung turned his attention to Kang Chan. ¡°I need you to promise me something?¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°If you still don¡¯t have a proper job by the time you¡¯re thirty, I want you to take over the family business.¡±

    ¡°I promise,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Kang Dae-Kyung chuckled, pride written all over his expression, while Yoo Hye-Sook looked upset for Kang Chan¡¯s sake.

    They spent a bit more time reminiscing about Kang Chan¡¯s high school days. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know anything about the things that happened before his ident, so he just went along with the flow.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    Amid their conversation, his phone vibrated.

    Was that Seok Kang-Ho? Or was it from the DGSE?

    Kang Chan quickly picked up the phone.

    [Can you call right now?]

    ¡°It¡¯s Mi-Young,¡± Kang Chan told his parents.

    ¡°What is it? <i>Oh</i>! She must have texted to congratte you. You can go into your room and call her,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°I can just do itter.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Go to your room. I want to get some rest after cleaning this up anyway.¡±

    Kang Chan supposed they had been sitting at the table for a while now. He got up and went to his room, then called Kim Mi-Young.

    - Hello? It¡¯s me.

    ¡°Hey. Congrattions on your graduation.¡±

    - You too. It sucks I couldn¡¯t see you today. It would¡¯ve been nice to get a picture together.

    ¡°Yeah, too bad.¡±

    Time always seemed to fly whenever he talked to her, even if it was just about random things. The call also always ended with her distinctiveugh, which he found strangely addictive.

    ¡°Good night. <i>Hehehe</i>.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how he felt about other people hearing thisughter.

    ***

    Waking up at six in the morning, Kang Chan headed outside for a workout.

    Seok Kang-Ho had likely already arrived at Tripoli Airport in Libya. All Kang Chan could do now was wait for Hugo to contact him from the French DGSE. Still, just to be safe, Kang Chan had taken his phone with him.

    After warming up, he began to run around the apartmentplex.

    His enemy right now was the UIS. No one could say for sure that he wouldn¡¯t be approached by some random person with a bomb strapped to their body. Hence, whenever he went outside,

    he always had to be wary of anyone who came close to him. That extra work only further exhausted Kang Chan and the agents protecting him.

    For that reason, Kang Chan just ran around the perimeter of the garden that was along theplex.

    ¡°<i>Haah</i>. <i>Haah</i>.¡±

    He slowly picked up the pace, eventually getting to the point where he was running at his top speed.

    This was Seok Kang-Ho they were talking about. He was a step above G¨¦rard and just as good at fighting as Kang Chan. Lately, he had also been using his brain so well that it sometimes surprised Kang Chan.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>!¡±

    Kang Chan propped his hands on his knees and spat out the sweat dripping into his mouth. As he did, Choi Jong-Il came over and handed him a bottle of water.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t received any word yet,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Choi Jong-Il didn¡¯t ask, but he was probably curious. Kang Chan felt inclined to tell him any updates first.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the French Embassy an hour before noon.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Kang Chan sipped some water, then walked to the stairs to head back up to the apartment. He always felt bad whenever the agents greeted him with a smile on the asional flight of stairs.

    ¡°Oh? Did you work out?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°Yes. How was sleep?¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°It was great.¡±

    Kang Chan took a shower, put on fresh clothes, and ate breakfast with his parents.

    Since Yoo Hye-Sook needed some more time to understand, Kang Dae-Kyung and Kang Chan sat together in the living room and turned on the newscast.

    [It remains to be seen if Japan has consulted with our government on this recent announcement, but it is so shocking that it wille as a surprise to our people, as well as the people of China and Japan.]

    ¡°What could be so surprising that they had to say that?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung mused.

    ¡°I wonder,¡± Kang Chan agreed.

    Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s question was soon answered.

    [It has been an unusual morning. Earlier today, Japan announced at seven o¡¯clock that it acknowledges Dokdo as a territory of the Republic of Korea and that the country sincerely apologizes to South Korea for the war of aggression. Japan will resolve all issues regarding reparations andpensations with the South Korean government. Again, here is the announcement made by Japan Prime Minister Ida.]

    The screen switched to a shot of Japan¡¯s prime minister standing in front of his cab. Subtitles yed as he made his announcement, followed by a series of shes too numerous to count.

    Yoo Hye-Sook came over while a reporter stated that there was no mention of an apology to China and the rest of Asia in the announcement.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Japan has acknowledged Dokdo as our territory and is apologizing for the war of aggression,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung answered.

    ¡°What?¡±

    It was such a random announcement that it was understandable why Yoo Hye-Sook couldn¡¯t immediatelyprehend it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head out. We can take our time watching what¡¯s happening in the office,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suggested.

    ¡°All right, Honey,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    Kang Chan saw both of them off and told them that he would be visiting the embassy today.

    ¡°See youter,¡± he said.

    Once back inside, Kang Chan sat down at his desk and searched for more articles rted to the news on hisputer.

    There had to be more to it. He didn¡¯t know what it was, but this couldn¡¯t be happening just because someone suddenly grew a conscience. Unfortunately, the articles online only focused on the apology as well. They didn¡¯t mention anything about the reason Japan suddenly apologized.

    Soon, it was time for Kang Chan to go. He got dressed and strapped his gun and walkie-talkie in their rightful positions before picking up his phone.

    As always, he was fitted in a dress shirt and a suit.

    He had just graduated yesterday. In a way, he felt unshackled. It wasn¡¯t like school had gotten in his way of doing anything in the first ce, yet he still felt more freedom for some reason.

    Kang Chan debated on making a phone call but decided to just leave straight away. As he expected, Choi Jong-Il came over as soon as he exited the apartmentplex.

    ¡°You¡¯re not cold?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The weather¡¯s warmed up quite a bit,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Kang Chan realized he had just asked a stupid question. Choi Jong-Il couldn¡¯t really say, ¡°It¡¯s so cold that it¡¯s unbearable.¡±

    They all left as soon as Kang Chan stepped into the car that Lee Doo-Hee was driving.

    The topic of conversation on the way there was, of course, the announcement from Japan.

    ¡°Manager Kim is going to be worked to death at this rate,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    ¡°He does seem a bit tired recently,¡± Choi Jong-Il joked back with a smile.

    As they pulled into the parking lot of the embassy, French agents came rushing out. Kang Chan got out of the car and abruptly paused when he saw a familiar face.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang. It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    ¡°Louis! How are you?¡± Kang Chan greeted warmly.

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Louis replied with a grin.

    Kang Chan was happy to see him. Now, they had more people to protect Lanok. Maybe it was because it had been a while since hest saw Louis, but Louis¡¯ legs seemed longer than ever.

    They entered the embassy, went up to the second floor, then walked straight into the office.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang!¡±

    ¡°Anne!¡±

    Seeing her again made Kang Chan ten times happier than when he saw Louis.

    Anne walked over with a slight gait and embraced Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re here, Anne. Your presence makes me feel a lot more relieved,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Thank you, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Kang Chan was genuinely d to see Anne. He felt much more at ease having her and Louis around than if they had added ten more agents to the security detail.

    After exchanging greetings with Anne, Kang Chan shook Lanok¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit down and have some tea,¡± Lanok offered.

    The three sat down at the table that Lanok always gestured at. Louis stood guard at the entrance with his hands sped in front of him.

    Kang Chan felt as if it took quite a while, but little by little, things were finallying back to where they should.

    Raphael brought them tea, and Anne poured it into the cups.

    Lanok took a cigar, and Kang Chan and Anne took cigarettes. The father and daughter didn¡¯t seem ufortable at all to be smoking around each other.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go golfing now?¡± Lanok joked.

    Kang Chan started to chuckle.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    However, he was stopped short by the loud beating of his heart.

 Chapter 286: The Star of David (2)

    <h4>Chapter 286: The Star of David (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan had never experienced anything like this before. His heart sank to the ground, making him feel as if a knife was about to be stabbed into his throat. However, only a momentter, he calmed down like nothing happened.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Lanok seemed to have seen the momentary sh of anxiety on Kang Chan¡¯s face. He had never been the type to miss anything.

    ¡°I¡¯m just worried about the rescue team we sent to Libya,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t heard from them yet?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    Anne¡¯s expression darkened with worry as she listened in.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Before they could continue, Raphael walked in wearing a solemn expression. ¡°The guests have arrived.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to move this to the dining room. Is that fine with you?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    He and Lanok stood up.

    ¡°We¡¯ll do our own thing,¡± Anne said, perhaps finding it difficult to join the meeting.

    Since Kang Chan didn¡¯t really have any say in things like that, he simply cast a nce at Louise before heading to the dining room.

    Raphael opened the door for them. Lanok walked in first, and Kang Chan followed after him.

    <i>Pft.</i>

    The first person Kang Chan saw was Vasili. The Russian greeted Kang Chan with cold eyes and a narrow smile that seemed more like a smirk.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while,¡± Vasili said.

    ¡°Nice to see you,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I trust you¡¯ve been well,¡± Yang Bum greeted.

    ¡°You too,¡± Kang Chan said as he shook the hand that Yang Bum offered him.

    The eyes, facial expressions, and gestures of a man in power were certainly a cut above the rest. Yang Bum was no exception.

    Next was Ethan. Receiving Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Ethan awkwardly held out his hand.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t find any reason he should be d to see this man again. Hence, he just looked him in the eye and shook his hand.

    The only one left now was the middle-aged man with a build that was halfway between Ethan and Lanok. He had narrow eyes that seemingly evidenced his stubbornness and brown hair that hollowed out in the center like a monk¡¯s.

    As if on cue, Lanok introduced him to the man. ¡°Monsieur Kang, this is Romain de Begeade, the Director-General of the DGSE.¡±

    Just as Kang Chan was about to greet him, Romain approached him with open arms.

    ¡°We finally meet. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you,¡± Romain said as he took Kang Chan in his arms and gave him loud smacks on the cheeks.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a seat,¡± Lanok offered, and they all sat down.

    Kang Chan was a bit upset. He also felt some disbelief at the situation.

    They were in South Korean territory, yet he could guarantee none of the men here had been given an entry stamp by the Ministry of Justice. Moreover, he thought that at least Hwang Ki-Hyun should be here at this meeting.

    ¡°Shall we make a toast to this gathering?¡± Lanok suggested. After pouring himself some wine, he raised his ss.

    What was the toast for?

    ¡°To the beginning of the new energy source.¡±

    The others raised their own sses and took a sip.

    Raphael and three other employees smoothly served the food.

    After putting some food in his mouth with the fork, Ethan began, ¡°Monsieur Kang, your contributions in Africa were incredible.¡±

    ¡°Can we talk about lighter subjects during meals?¡± Vasili asked with annoyance.

    ¡°That¡¯s a n,¡± Ethan replied.

    <i>What a dumb coward.</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t believe that the leader of an intelligence bureau would make such an expression and say something like that from a mere word from Vasili.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, about the Mongolian base...¡± Vasili began. Despite embarrassing Ethan for starting a heavy conversation, the subject he opened wasn¡¯t light at all. ¡°Don¡¯t you think they¡¯ve done more than enough?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    He ate a snail covered in sauce before turning to Vasili.

    ¡°Do you n on making a new country?¡± Vasili sarcastically asked.

    He ripped his bread apart as he met Kang Chan¡¯s gaze. ¡°You¡¯re controlling the area around the base too much. Managing normal traffic for foreignpanies goes beyond your jurisdiction. Why you needplete control within a fifteen-kilometer radius is beyond myprehension.¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t aware of this either.

    ¡°The DMZ King,¡± Vasili said the Korean nickname in a horrid and sickening ent. ¡°Why don¡¯t you give him a call? Either shrink down the radius or allow normal traffic to get through.¡±

    <i>The old man caused a pretty big fuss, huh?</i>

    While Kang Chan nodded, steaks were brought out.

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it and make reasonable adjustments,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Vasili nodded and then dug into his steak using his fork. The sight was simr to when he had torn into the bread earlier. Kang Chan strangely felt like he had be the bread or the steak.

    ¡°I saw Japan¡¯s big announcement,¡± Yang Bum suddenly broke in with a new topic. ¡°Considering they only mentioned one country, they seem intent on making it clear that they are only making concessions for South Korea.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kang Chan responded.

    He found this dull meal a bit ufortable. He would rather everyone just directly said what they wanted to say, but they kept on dragging things along. To make matters worse, the pounding of his heart kept bothering him too.

    After about forty minutes of small talk, they finally finished the meal. The only person who didn¡¯t say a word was Romain, the Director-General. He was also the only one who looked like he had eaten properly.

    Following the meeting participants¡¯ preferences, Raphael cleared the table and brought out ck tea and coffee. After setting ashtrays on the table, he left with the rest of the staff.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    Tangible tension drifted across the table as cups of coffee were lifted and lighters were flicked on.

    As Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee, someone finally broke the silence.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get things out of the way one at a time,¡± Lanok said, drawing everyone¡¯s attention to him. He exhaled cigar smoke before continuing. ¡°I¡¯m sure everyone knows that South Korea will be building the power nt for the new energy¡ª¡±

    ¡°What about the ckhead?¡± Vasili interjected.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang has retrieved one from Africa.¡±

    Everyone¡¯s gazes shot to Kang Chan, seemingly asking for confirmation. Looks couldn¡¯t kill, however, so he just nonchntly took out a cigarette and lit it up.

    ¡°So the red light was the ckhead after all?¡± Vasili asked, to no one¡¯s surprise.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Abibu must have a death wish. He even used the UN to set us all up only for you to bring back a ckhead amid it all,¡± Vasili remarked.

    This was Kang Chan¡¯s first time hearing that name.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know Abibu?¡± Vasili asked.

    <i>Vasili really has to stop using that cocky tone and expression.</i>

    ¡°Abibu is one of the princes of Saudi Arabia. He coveted the new energy more than anyone. He¡¯s been working with Brandon from the DIA, but the United States is now trying to get rid of Brandon and work directly with South Korea,¡± Vasili exined.

    If it wasn¡¯t for his arrogant expression, his exnation would have been neat.

    He continued, ¡°However, we should keep an eye out for the Jewish intelligence organization that controls Saudi Arabia¡¯s oil money. They are our real enemy.¡±

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh. He had gained yet another enemy before he even got to see what this Abibu guy looked like.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t identified this intelligence organization. All we have is their name, ¡®Star of David.¡¯¡± Vasili stated.

    <i>What¡¯s he saying?</i>

    ¡°For now, we¡¯ll focus on dealing with Abibu and the construction of the next-gen energy facilities in South Korea. They will likelye out of the shadows before the nt is built.¡±

    Stifling tension loomed over the table once more.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, remember today¡¯s meeting. Ludwig, Vant, and all of us here are at risk of disappearing into Death¡¯s embrace at any moment. There are only two ways out of this. We either politely hand over the project to Abibu or seed in building the power nt in South Korea.¡±

    ¡°Why does it have to be South Korea?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    Vasili looked at Lanok as if asking why Kang Chan was asking such a stupid question.

    ¡°It¡¯s because the Star of David can most easily exert its influence here in South Korea, but it¡¯s also this country that they find the hardest to control, Monsieur Kang,¡± Lanok quickly exined.

    ¡°The Star of David¡¯s best weapon is money. South Korea is dependent on foreign capital due to how its economy is structured right now, making it vulnerable to attacks from the dor. However, if Germany, Switzend, and the four countries sitting heree together to help, they won¡¯t be able to destroy the South Korean economy. The change in the US¡¯ attitude is also ying in our favor.¡±

    <i>What scary people.</i>

    This had to be why more than half of Kang Chan¡¯s training in France was about economics.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t we yield the same oue no matter where we do it for as long as all the nations involved work together?¡±

    If France, Russia, Ennd, China, Germany, and Switzend were toe together, any nation would be able to endure the worst of attacks.

    ¡°Russia wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand cheap Arab oil, and China would have no choice but to surrender if the yuan was attacked. The other countries all have their weaknesses due to their scale. South Korea, on the other hand, can be protected from foreign capital attacks by having Russia supply it with oil and getting the other nations to help.¡±

    <i>This is hard! So fucking hard!</i>

    Kang Chan inwardly shook his head.

    Lanok added, ¡°I¡¯m sure CIA Director Sherman offered you Arab oil and money, but we still haven¡¯t learned the exact details.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t heard anything like that yet, but the South Korean government has informed me that it expects at least the barest amount of leeway for negotiations with the United States or other countries,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    Amid everyone listening to their conversation with serious expressions, Kang Chan¡¯s heart pounded loudly again.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Considering he had heard that there was no issue in Mongolia, could he take this as a warning that Seok Kang-Ho was in danger?

    Kang Chan nced at his phone just to be sure, but it couldn¡¯t get any reception.

    ¡°Electronic devices cannot be used in this room right now. Are you worried about Libya?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang,¡± Vasili called before Kang Chan could answer.

    Kang Chan really couldn¡¯t get a moment of peace in here.

    ¡°I won¡¯t get into the vast sums of money needed to build the power nt, but if we fail, all the countries involved will be irreparably and irreversibly financially ruined,¡± Vasili darkly dered.

    He kept his eyes on Kang Chan as he leaned back in his chair.

    ¡°A few more or a few less deaths now won¡¯t matter. While we¡¯re at it, let me make one more thing clear.¡± Vasili spoke so confidently that it seemed as though he were speaking for the rest of the room. ¡°Until we actually extract electricity from the ckhead, I¡¯d like you to recuse yourself from future operations. I¡¯m sure you can guess why.¡±

    Vasili clearly had no idea how much Seok Kang-Ho, the special forces soldiers, and the agents meant to Kang Chan. However, Kang Chan still understood why he was making such a request.

    ¡°Can you develop the new energy source without me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Vasili nced at Lanok before answering.

    ¡°You¡¯re currently our only means to stabilize the ckhead. Even if we have a stable ckhead, this is our first energy nt, so we may need your abilities from time to time.¡±

    ¡°Then what if the Star of David, which we know nothing about, kills me?¡±

    Vasili let out an exaggerated sigh, seemingly exasperated by the questions.

    ¡°The agents of our intelligence bureau and the French DGSE took out twenty UIS operatives in China. I hope you know that the intelligence services of all the countries that are a part of this are willing to go the distance for your safety and that this puts our lives in that much more jeopardy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got one more question. Which can we aplish earlier? Killing Abibu or finishing the energy nt?¡±

    Vasili red at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Abibu? The Star of David? How about we act while we create the energy nt even if doing so means setting off an earthquake in the Arab oil fields?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    Ethan swallowed and nced around the room.

    ¡°Get to the point, Monsieur Kang,¡± Vasili replied.

    ¡°Let me make one thing clear,¡± Kang Chan immediately shot back. ¡°Don¡¯t expect me to hide ande out only when necessary throughout the entire construction of the power nt. I refuse to just stand by and watch as the people I care about get hurt.¡±

    ¡°<i>Ha</i>!¡±

    ¡°Vasili.¡±

    ¡°I hear you. So does China, Ennd, the DGSE Director-General, and even Lanok, who you hold so dear,¡± Vasili snarked, no longer bothering to hide his dissatisfaction.

    ¡°I¡¯m saying that rather than waiting for their attacks, we should show them what we got,¡± Kang Chan firmly stated.

    Vasili chuckled, then sighed in disbelief. ¡°<i>Ha</i>! <i>Hahaha</i>! <i>Ha</i>! Our main character is so ready to act despite being so unprepared! What do you n to do next? <i>Hm</i>, Monsieur Kang?¡±

    ¡°I will strike Libya.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>! It sounds like you want to use our power to avenge South Korea and rescue your agents. Might I remind you, Monsieur Kang, that we¡¯re only interested in the energy that the ckhead can provide, not in the development of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service or their agents,¡± Vasili bluntly concluded.

    With a nod, Lanok suddenly chimed in. ¡°It isn¡¯t such a bad idea, though.¡±

    Vasili scoffed. ¡°It¡¯s not like you to be so emotional, Lanok.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we offer the US a stake? The condition will be the rescue of the South Korean agents from Libya. Meanwhile, we keep an eye on Abibu¡¯s movements. If we¡¯re lucky, the Star of David might reveal itself to us.¡±

    ¡°You think the Star of David will go out of the shadows just to take out the South Korean agents in Libya?¡± Vasili sarcastically questioned.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t they make a move if the ckhead possessed by Enndes into y?¡± Ethan asked.

    Everyone¡¯s eyes shot to him, including Vasili¡¯s.

    ¡°You¡¯re willing to give it to the US?¡± Vasili asked.

    ¡°It may have lost its energy, but it¡¯s still unstable. If we offer it as coteral for giving the US a stake, the Star of David will be forced to take action,¡± Ethan replied.

    ¡°If they¡¯re wary of the US acting independently, they may make a move. The US will definitely have other ideas, though.¡±

    ¡°Then their stake will vanish into thin air.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hm</i>! Your ns are indeed different from a certain sly Frenchman I know.¡±

    Ethan¡¯s expression turned sour, but Vasili seemed to be interested in the idea.

    ***

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Bang, bang! Bang, bang!</i>

    The rooftop wall in front of Cha Dong-Gyun exploded, apanied by the sound of gunfire. They immediately returned fire.

    Although they had a sniper and four soldiers in positions Seok Kang-Ho had pointed them to, they still felt a little tense. After all, they didn¡¯t know when an RPG coulde flying at them.

    They didn¡¯t expect anything like this. The moment they arrived, they were met with an endless barrage of attacks. It almost looked like the UIS had taken over the entire Al-Aziziyah.

    <i>Du du du! Pow, pow, pow!</i>

    Every time Cha Dong-Gyun looked up, bullets came flying at him.

    If it wasn¡¯t for the one-story-high entrance in the middle of the roof, not even snipers would be able to get a good shot.

    <i>Du du du! Bang! Du du du! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Alternating pistol and AK rifle gunshots came from the building across the alley. Afterward, they received a frantic radio call.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re all down to one mag.¡±

    The South Korean and French agents were in the building right across the street. The sly UIS had been watching them the whole time and attacked just before the agents could reach the rendezvous point.

    ¡°Damn it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho spat out.

    Cha Dong-Gyun didn¡¯t expect Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s cursing to sound soforting.

    ¡°They¡¯re all going to die when they run out of bullets. Let¡¯s rescue them before then, shall we?¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°How many of us will be going?¡±

    ¡°Ten.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go, so you select the ten.¡±

    <i>Du du du du! Pow, pow, pow, pow!</i>

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted.

    A standard pistol magazine could onlyst them so long.

    Cha Dong-Gyun quickly raised his hand to his radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Team One and I will be going in for the rescue. We will be under Mr. Seok¡¯smand. Kwak Cheol-Ho, take charge of this location,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun ordered.

    Seok Kang-Ho just nced at Cha Dong-Gyun as he listened to thems.

    The sun was already setting below the horizon.

    From afar, they could hear the sound of the Quran being read from a loudspeaker.

    The grayish-white buildings and walls, the promation of the Quran, and the setting sun...

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore as he looked at the sky.

    Returning to Africa brought him back to andscape that he found all too familiar. However, only Algeria reminded him so perfectly of home.

    ¡°We¡¯re ready.¡±

    When he looked back down, he found Cha Dong-Gyun and Han Jae-Guk standing in formation with the other soldiers.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up, on his face a smirk that was just like Kang Chan¡¯s.

 Chapter 287: The Do your best to survive (1)

    <h4>Chapter 287: The Do your best to survive (1)</h4>

    <i>Crackle. Crackle.</i>

    Debris from the damaged wall rang out as they walked on the stairs.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The rescue team is on their way. Agents, prepare to join them,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho radioed in.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Copy!¡± an agent answered from the building across the street.

    The rescue team soon reached the entrance on the first floor. Seok Kang-Ho exhaled cigarette smoke as he peeked through a crack in the door.

    They were being shot at from every building but the one in front.

    Seok Kang-Ho pointed downward with his index finger, then held up four fingers, gesturing at Cha Dong-Gyun to take four men and secure the area below them.

    As ordered, Cha Dong-Gyun quickly chose four agents.

    Seok Kang-Ho exhaled cigarette smoke again. ¡°<i>Hoo</i>.¡±

    He could feel Kang Chan¡¯s absence now more than ever. He really missed the man.

    Seok Kang-Ho already expected that they would have trouble maximizing their potential without Kang Chan. Nevertheless, he still felt as if this was his first time realizing that with Kang Chan, he, G¨¦rard, and even Cha Dong-Gyun always disyed 120% of their capabilities.

    <i>Du du du du du! Pew! Pew! Bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    They heard AK-47s, sniper rifles, pistols, and M16s go off at the same time, a clear sign that the UIS had made another push toward the trapped agents. In retaliation, the rescue team¡¯s snipers began opening fire, preventing their enemies fromunching RPGs at them and marking the beginning of their operation.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled. Gritting his teeth, he pulled the door open.

    <i>Screech! Whoosh! Clunk! Clunk! Clunk!</i>

    <i>Bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    There was only a five-meter distance between the two buildings.

    Seok Kang-Ho shot at the hostiles as he ran out. Cha Dong-Gyun and the other soldiers supported him from the back.

    <i>Du du du du! Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Prepared toy down their lives for the mission, Kwak Cheol-Ho and his team covered fire as well.

    <i>Bam!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho jumped into the building across from them.

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Pew! Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bam!</i>

    ¡°Hurry!¡± he yelled.

    <i>Hisss!</i>

    Two agents in suits and shirts rushed out of the building with a French agent, whose arms they had draped around their shoulders.

    ¡°Go! Make it quick!¡± Seok Kang-Ho urged.

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Bang bang bang! Bang! Pow pow pow!</i>

    More agents carrying or helping the wounded quickly followed the two into the rescue team¡¯s building.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Once the entrance was clear, Cha Dong-Gyun rushed into the building that the agents hade from.

    ¡°We¡¯re going up!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    As they had nned earlier, he led four soldiers up the stairs.

    <i>Crackle! Crunch! Clunk! Clunk!</i>

    <i>Bang!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho kicked open the door to the rooftop. His gaze immediatelynded on Um Ji-Hwan, whose face was covered in dust.

    ¡°Get out of here!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Pew! Pew! Bang bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho bent down and crouched against the rooftop wall that Um Ji-Hwan had been using as cover.

    ¡°Hyung-nim!¡± Um Ji-Hwan shouted.

    ¡°You motherfucker! Get your ass downstairs! Now!¡±

    They didn¡¯t even have time to say hello.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    As Seok Kang-Ho fired back at their enemies, Um Ji-Hwan crawled to the door.

    <i>If only this building was as tall as the building across from us, then I would have led all my men to this building instead!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pow pow pow! Du du du du! Du du!</i>

    All of the agents gathered behind Cha Dong-Gyun, who was guarding the entrance.

    Having caught on to their n, their enemies were now firing at random. Even though the alley was only five meters wide, the unpredictable gunshots made it hard for them to run across.

    Amid their hesitation, someone shouted in Arabic from a building nearby. Not even a momentter, their foes began riddling their building with bullets, chipping away at the walls and dirt.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Pow pow! Du du du du! Pow pow pow pow!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho and his team shot at their enemies in an attempt to suppress them.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    <i>Bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun, Han Jae-Gook, and the other soldiers also returned fire.

    Their enemies were attacking from both sides of the alley, hoping to kill as many of them as possible here.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Du du du du! Du du du du!</i>

    <i>Chk!</i>

    ¡°On the count of three, I want all soldiers to volley fire!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun, use that opening to rush over to the other building!¡± Seok Kang-Ho ordered through the radio, shouting over the loud gunshots.

    The concentrated enemy fire broke more parts of the walls and sent more dirt flying, but they didn¡¯t let it faze them. After all, this was the only option they had left.

    Cha Dong-Gyun gritted his teeth as he looked at Han Jae-Guk and the other soldiers, finding their expressions filled with determination.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°One! Two!¡±

    Frightening nervousness swept over everyone tuned in to their frequency.

    ¡°Three!¡±

    <i>Bang bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang bang!</i>

    Their rifles roared awake.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Han Jae-Guk focused on their left nk, while the other three soldiers covered their right.

    <i>Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang!</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    As the soldiers traded blows with their foes, the agents ran toward the building on the other side of the alley.

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Pew pew pew! Du du du du! Du du du!</i>

    <i>Pow pow pow! Thud! Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    Han Jae-Guk flew back and mmed to the ground just as thest agent entered the building across from them.

    <i>Du du du du! Du du du! Pow pow pow! Thud!</i>

    Behind them, they heard another soldier fall.

    <i>Du du du du! Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Du du du! Du du! Bam!</i>

    <i>¡®Urgh!¡¯</i>

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang bang!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun suddenly felt as if a knife had just been jammed into the right side of his stomach. Pushing through the pain, he fired back at their enemies.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Not long after, Seok Kang-Ho rushed out the door with four soldiers.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun!¡± he yelled, grabbing Han Jae-Guk by the cor. ¡°Pull!¡±

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang Bang bang! Du du du! Du du du du du!</i>

    However, before they could get far...

    <i>Du du du du! Du du du! Pow pow pow pow!</i>

    ... blood sttered out from all over Seok Kang-Ho.

    ***

    <i>BANG!</i>

    Kang Chan felt his heart crash to the ground. He then filled up with so much spite that, if anyone messed with him right now, he instinctively knew that he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to draw the pistol strapped to his ankle.

    ring at the center of the table, Kang Chan¡¯s eyes overflowed with murderous intent, making even Vasili nervously look at Lanok.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± he called. He then raised his head. ¡°Vasili.¡±

    He also called Yang Bum, Romain, and Ethan in order.

    ¡°Call me thoughtless and tell me I don¡¯t have my priorities in order all you want, but I need to go to Libya right now. Eithere up with the fastest way to get me there or I¡¯ll figure it out myself.¡±

    ¡°Can you exin what¡¯s going on?¡± Vasili asked, which Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect from him.

    ¡°Vasili,¡± Kang Chan called once more.

    As if having a staring contest with him, Vasili refused to look away from Kang Chan.

    ¡°After requesting to make South Korea a part of the Unicorn project, I meddled in the next-gen energy affairs even though I wasn¡¯t interested in it¡ªall for the ambassador. If it wasn¡¯t for him, I wouldn¡¯t have cared whether or not France or the UK disappeared from the map,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Romain gasped at his words.

    ¡°Someone as important to me as the ambassador is in danger right now. If you¡¯re wondering how I know, let¡¯s just say it¡¯s a side effect of my ability to destabilize the ckhead¡¯s energy.¡±

    ¡°France, Russia, China, Germany, Switzend, and the UK are fully prepared to go bankrupt for this,¡± Vasili argued.

    ¡°Then don¡¯t start.¡±

    Kang Chan responded so sternly and coldly that Vasili was rendered speechless.

    ¡°So what if this changes the dynamics of the world a hundred, maybe even a thousand years from now?! Will any of us even still be alive then?!¡± Kang Chan eximed. ¡°Why would I pick this over someone precious to me? For the future generation? How can you be so confident that, thousands of years into the future, our people will be living in prosperity when I can¡¯t even protect my people right now?!¡±

    Strange emotions permeated the room.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t hesitate to do this again if the one in danger is the ambassador. You¡¯d probably act the same way if your people¡¯s lives are at risk, Vasili. Either way, I can¡¯t build a future while there are bastards out there messing with my people and my colleagues! That¡¯s who I am, and that¡¯s how I¡¯ve lived all this time!¡±

    ¡°You talk as if you¡¯ve lived a long time,¡± Vasilimented.

    Deciding not to participate in this discussion any longer, Kang Chan coldly said, ¡°I¡¯m out.¡±

    He was sure that his heart sank because of Seok Kang-Ho. Something terrible must have happened to him.

    It didn¡¯t matter what fate the world would suffer. For as long as his closest friend was in danger, he would never be able to do anything else.

    Kang Chan stood up, his chair screeching as he pushed it back.

    ¡°I fucking hate being a supporting character!¡± Vasili swore as he red at Kang Chan, who couldn¡¯t quite understand what he meant.

    ¡°I¡¯ll drop you off in Libya in six hours,¡± Vasili said.

    Lanok smirked. Even Yang Bum looked amused. Unlike them, however, Romain simply observed Lanok.

    ***

    <i>Hisss!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho, Han Jae-Guk, and a soldier left three long trails of blood in the alley.

    The agents they had saved armed themselves with rifles, then went up to the rooftop. Thanks to them, the soldiers had a moment to spare.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    The soldiers propped Seok Kang-Ho against the wall on the first floor of the building.

    ¡°Hyung-nim!¡± Um Ji-Hwan yelled.

    As he examined Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wounds, the othersy Han Jae-Guk on the floor next to them.

    ¡°<i>Huff</i>. <i>Huff</i>. First Lieutenant,¡± Han Jae-Guk called between heavy breaths. With difficulty, he turned his head toward Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°Stay with me! You better fucking survive, you bastard!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun responded. One of his men wrapped bandages around his waist as they spoke.

    ¡°Please pass on this experience to our juniors as well,¡± Han Jae-Guk paused for a moment, then continued, ¡°Our special forces team is really amazing.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t just say that right to my face, motherfucker! Hey! Pull yourself together!¡±

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Bang bang bang! Bang! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Loud gunshots rang out again.

    With the sun now setting, darkness had embraced about half of the first floor.

    Once the night had fallen, they would have a hard time spotting the RPGs. Hence, the snipers were working extra hard to take out as many as they could.

    ¡°You should be the one passing on our experiences to our juniors, not me¡ªhey! Han Jae-Guk! Fuck!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun yelled. He shook Han Jae-Guk¡¯s face, but the man was already turning white.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun groaned. The soldier tending to him had just pulled on the bandages and tied them tightly.

    Cha Dong-Gyun wanted to yell. He wanted to take his rifle, run out, and gun down their enemies. However, before he could do anything reckless, a tired, gruff voice snapped him back to his senses.

    ¡°Calm down.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was covered in wounds as well. He seemed to have been shot above his right knee, his stomach, the right side of his chest, and his right shoulder.

    ¡°If themander gets worked up, all of their soldiers will die.¡±

    Gritting his teeth, Cha Dong-Gyun looked into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Head upstairs. Console the men. Think about what the captain would¡¯ve done if he was here. If you can¡¯t do that, then at least imitate him.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered with determination.

    Cha Dong-Gyun groaned as he stood up. Horrible pain washed over him, forcing him to hunch over, but he forced himself to move anyway.

    If Kang Chan was in his shoes, this was definitely what he would¡¯ve done.

    Cha Dong-Gyun saw it with his own eyes in Africa. Despite copsing from his bullet wounds, Kang Chan still relentlessly gunned down their enemies. He even pulled Cha Dong-Gyun up even though a bullet had fucked his shoulder up.

    Cha Dong-Gyun gained strength Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s determination to protect his men always fired Cha Dong-Gyun up.

    <i>nk!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun took his rifle and went up the stairs.

    ¡°You go up there too,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Um Ji-Hwan. ¡°Fight with the others.¡±

    Um Ji-Hwan swallowed dryly, refusing to budge.

    ¡°Are you really not going?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. The disappointed look on his face finally made Um Ji-Hwan nod and stand up.

    <i>tter. tter.</i>

    Once Um Ji-Hwan had gone up the stairs, Seok Kang-Ho looked at the soldiers guarding the entrance.

    ¡°Any of you got a cigarette?¡± he asked.

    One of them quickly went over and put a cigarette in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mouth. He then flicked the lighter on.

    <i>Chk. Chk.</i>

    The me of the lighter looked beautiful in the dark.

    As Seok Kang-Ho smoked, embers and ashes fell from the other end of the cigarette.

    Seok Kang-Ho puffed out smoke. ¡°<i>Huu</i>.¡±

    He then locked eyes with the soldier, who had gone back to the entrance.

    ¡°You should also smoke if you want to,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    The soldier simply smiled in response

    <i>Why is he smiling? I didn¡¯t say anything funny.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s lips were so dry that the cigarette remained stuck to them even when he spoke.

    He exhaled more cigarette smoke.

    He understood not being able to move his right arm, but why couldn¡¯t he move his left either? Moreover, the darkness settling in the building was making him sleepy.

    Seok Kang-Ho found himself grinning, not because he was afraid of dying but because he was afraid of what Kang Chan would do if he did.

    <i>He¡¯s going to be so fucking lonely by himself... He might even blow up Libya...</i>

    ***

    ¡°It seems like our main character ns to keep acting like this, Lanok. Shouldn¡¯t us side characters at least prepare countermeasures?¡± Vasili asked as he looked at Kang Chan¡¯s now-empty seat. His voice and the look in his eyes were full of dissatisfaction.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we give him power?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°Power?¡±

    ¡°As you¡¯ve all just witnessed, Monsieur Kang isn¡¯t the type to be swayed by things like the benefits that the next-gen energy will bring. The South Korean government might be able to influence him, though, but I¡¯ll reach apromise for that.¡±

    Looking at everyone seated at the table, he continued, ¡°Consider not only the benefits that we¡¯ll earn but also South Korea¡¯s position. They¡¯ll be the first to construct the power nt for this project, after all.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you make it easier to understand what you¡¯re saying?¡± Vasili asked.

    ¡°No matter how much we interfere, it won¡¯t be as effective as Monsieur Kang bing powerful. Hence, we should encourage him to create his own intelligence bureau instead. That would give us a bit more bandwidth when dealing with any matter.¡±

    ¡°<i>Haha</i>!¡± Vasiliughed, seemingly seeing right through Lanok. ¡°Are you nning on dragging the US into this too?¡±

    ¡°Well, they <i>have </i>already put a foot into this matter. On that note, I believe it¡¯s now your turn to work hard for us, Ethan.¡±

    Everyone turned to Ethan, who carefully examined their moods.

    ¡°You should do things properly this time. If you try another one of your stupid ideas, the Star of David might just target you first,¡± Vasili said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Vasili.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t hold a gun against my head like how you targeted Lanok after all the promises you made.¡±

    ¡°Handing over the ckhead is my sincerity towards this matter,¡± Ethan said.

    ¡°The problem is that your damn sincerity change way too frequently,¡± Vasili sharply responded.

    When Ethan fell silent, Yang Bum asked, ¡°What are we going to do about Japan?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t their promises fall exactly into the leeway that the South Korean government is requesting? For as long as it doesn¡¯t disrupt the international situation as a whole, there shouldn¡¯t be a problem giving them the ability to negotiate with other countries,¡± Lanok answered.

    ¡°We also need to keep an eye on the politicians in South Korea. They¡¯ve been disying unusual behaviors too.¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± Lanok said with a nod. ¡°Even if it means having to employ certain political moves, creating a faction in South Korea would still yield the best results. Considering the Star of David might also choose to do that, you should examine South Korea¡¯s regime, more than anyone else here.¡±

    ¡°Alright. One more thing...¡± Yang Bum trailed off. With a determined look, he asked, ¡°Was my obtaining authority over China¡¯s Intelligence Bureau part of the n for the next-gen energy?¡±

    ¡°As I¡¯m sure you already know, we had to kill Suo Ke because he kept targeting me no matter what it would cost him. However, it was Monsieur Kang who decided to put you in power, not any of us here. We epted you as a part of this business venture because you have an effective and clean way of dealing with situations. We need people who, at the very least, won¡¯t hold a gun to our heads when we¡¯re not looking.¡±

    Even though Lanok was talking to Yang Bum, Ethan still dropped his gaze.

    ***

    <i>¡®Ugh!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan was losing consciousness, but he forced himself to stay awake.

    He didn¡¯t expect to feel the difference in ability this badly. The strength of France, Russia, China, and the UK was really amazing.

    The moment they regained ess to their electronic devices, they made a mere total of six phone calls. Nevertheless, that was enough to put Kang Chan in one of the US¡¯ F16s[1]

    <i>Daye! You son of a bitch!</i>

    Kang Chan was about to swear even more, but he held it down.

    <i>I don¡¯t care what they make me do! Just stay alive. Don¡¯t turn me into the man who murdered all of Libya.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s head pressed right against the chair, which was slightly shaking.

    1. The F16, or the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, is an American single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft. ?

 Chapter 288.1: Do Your Best To Survive (2)

    <h4>Chapter 288.1: Do Your Best To Survive (2)</h4>

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Pew! PEW!</i>

    With the night deepening, the snipers failed to spot another RPG. As the rocket whistled closer, they saw a faint trace of white smoke.

    Ordinary people often imagined that if they were to ever find themselves in a situation like this, they would easily and quickly avoid the iing rocket. However, in reality, all they would be able to do was freeze.

    The special forces soldiers were different, however. Swiftly, they ducked and jumped away from the point of impact.

    <i>BAM!</i>

    One of the walls of the rooftop exploded, causing what remained of it to crumble. Dust from the chaos cascaded like a stream of water.

    <i>Crackle. </i>

    <i>Bang bang bang!</i>

    <i>Du du du!</i>

    Sparks burst from the muzzles of the AK-47s, sending bullets toward the roof.

    Cha Dong-Gyun quickly took one of the grenades hanging on his vest.

    <i>Ting!</i>

    The hostiles had started rushing toward them from both sides of the alley again.

    <i>Swish! Du du du! Du du du du! Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    The heavy fire remained relentless even as Cha Dong-Gyun threw the grenade.

    <i>BOOM!</i>

    The explosion sent the enemies reeling backward almost as if they were flying.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang! Du du du! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Wearing turbans and loose clothes, their enemies instilled immense fear in them as they resumed charging. Before they knew it, the bastards were already quite close to the entrance on the first floor.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Du du du! Bang bang! Du du! Du du!</i>

    Everything would be over if their enemies managed to get through the first floor. Fortunately, thanks to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s quick thinking and judgment, the building they had upied was on top of an incline.

    ¡°<i>Huff huff</i>. <i>Huff huff</i>.¡±

    Breathing heavily, Cha Dong-Gyun leaned against one of the intact walls. Much to his amusement, the stars above them right now were still the same ones that he had seen in Africa.

    He had always desperately hoped that their special forces team, like those of the United States and France, would be able to go on operations anywhere in the world with just onemand from South Korea.

    If he were to die now, he knew he would die happy. For him, special forces soldiers should feel that way about getting toy their lives down for their nation. However, not long after, he remembered what Kang Chan had yelled at them during their first live ammo training.

    <i>¡°I need soldiers who will do whatever it takes to return from operations alive. I need soldiers who can survive even if information about them is leaked or they arepletely surrounded! None of you understand how it feels to watch yourrades get covered in their own blood and fall dead to the ground! So if you¡¯re just going to spout bullshit, leave!¡±</i>

    Was this what Kang Chan had meant? Was that how Cha Dong-Gyun felt when he saw Han Jae-Guk die drenched in his own blood?

    Remembering that some of their men also died during their operation in Africa only made him more acutely feel the difference of having Kang Chan around.

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked at the bodies of the soldiers and agents lying on one side of the rooftop.

    He felt sorry. If only he had been just a bit more capable¡ªif only he had predicted their enemies¡¯ actions a little quicker...

    Cha Dong-Gyun always felt relieved whenever their enemies quieted down. However, at the same time, not knowing why their enemies weren¡¯t attacking them or how they should act during moments like this made him feel suffocated. He couldn¡¯t bring himself tomand the soldiers¡ªhe didn¡¯t even know what order to issue.

    He looked at Um Ji-Hwan, whose face was all dirty. Leaning against the diagonal wall, he kept gasping for breath. Cha Dong-Gyun felt sorry for him.

    Cha Dong-Gyun wanted to be one of the soldiers who would survive no matter what¡ªeven if information about them was leaked and enemiespletely surrounded them.

    He hoped that he would be thest to die, not Han Jae-Guk.

    He remembered the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes back in the pit in Africa, right before he attempted to shake Kang Chan¡¯s grip off.

    <i>¡°Grab onto my shoulders, you fucking son of a bitch! You¡¯re dead when I get you out of there!¡±</i>

    How would he describe Kang Chan¡¯s gaze as he pulled him up with his wounded shoulder?

    Would determination be the right word?

    People shouldn¡¯t make it sound so easy.

    How could anyone do what Kang Chan had done out of pure determination?

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked nkly at the sky.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    After some time, Kwak Cheol-Ho crawled toward him and held out a water pouch. His face was so dark he looked like he had applied camo paint.

    <i>Gulp. Gulp.</i>

    Feeling as if he had returned to his senses a little, Cha Dong-Gyun sighed. ¡°<i>Phew</i>.¡±

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho sat next to Cha Dong-Gyun and reached into his chest pocket.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a smoke,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said.

    ¡°Right now?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked. He then looked around their surroundings.

    ¡°We¡¯repletely out of sight here, so we don¡¯t have to worry about our enemies shooting at us. We can even eat something light. Anyway, once we¡¯re done smoking, we can probably start a rotation with the other soldiers.¡±

    Seeing Cha Dong-Gyun smirking in response, Kwak Cheol-Ho held out a cigarette and flicked his lighter on.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    The me of the lighter illuminated the blood covering Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s hand.

    After puffing out smoke, Cha Dong-Gyun addressed it. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your hand?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. I just almost lost a finger,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho shamelessly answered as he, too, exhaled the cigarette smoke.

    ¡°Anyway, look over there.¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho nodded to the wall across from them, where the army interpreter was.

    The army interpreter was holding his rifle close to him. He was staring right back at them, looking like he was about to cry. The sight almost made Cha Dong-Gyun burst outughing.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho added, ¡°He returned fire a moment ago while looking like that.¡±

    ¡°You should¡¯ve sent him down to the first floor.¡±

    ¡°I was going to, but he told me he wanted to fight. His blood seemed to be boiling as well when he came up to the roof, but getting a glimpse of the enemies frightened the fight out of him. Even so, he still has to ry orders to the two French agents whenever necessary. He can¡¯t really opt out of that one.¡±

    ¡°What time would it be in South Korea?¡±

    ¡°Libya is exactly seven hours behind South Korea,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho answered.

    <i>That doesn¡¯t really answer my question, though...</i>

    As Cha Dong-Gyun turned his gaze away, Kwak Cheol-Ho suddenly called him.

    ¡°First Lieutenant,¡± he said, softly, as he rubbed his cigarette on the ground. ¡°You were the coolest today¡ªcooler than anything I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±

    ¡°You fucker!¡±

    The two suddenly snickered, making them look as if they had gone insane.

    ¡°Well, that was fun, but ytime¡¯s over. Let¡¯s go rotate in for guard duty.¡±

    They heard a gruff response from the wall across from them.

    ¡°Okay, okay.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho stood up and took the post of two soldiers.

    ¡°I just realized now how busy we are,¡± one of the soldiersmented.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, then you definitely shouldn¡¯t join the next operation.¡±

    ¡°What made you think I said that because I don¡¯t like being here? I look cool fighting in battles like this, you know!¡±

    ¡°Shut up and finish your cigarette already. We have to rotate in with the others too.¡±

    Despite the atmosphere enveloping the building, the two soldiers still continued their conversation in whispers.

    They naturally knew how each other felt. How could they not when the corpses of theirrades were right beside them?

    ***

    Kang Chan had lost track of how many times the jet refueled mid-flight.

    Every time the pilot said, ¡°Ready to jump,¡± on the radio...

    <i>Pow!</i>

    <i>¡®Urgh!¡¯</i>

    ... the aircraft would make it impossible for him to think.

    Fortunately, after three hours and twenty minutes in the air, the fighter jet finally began its descent.

    The F16 vibrated roughly as Kang Chan heard its tires skid against the ground. After a while, it finally stopped at one side of the runway.

    When the canopy of the jet opened, the pilot looked behind him and gave Kang Chan a thumbs up.

    <i>Why is he giving me a thumbs-up when all I did was sit behind him? </i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel like doing it, but to say that he would never forget about his hard work, he gave the pilot a thumbs up as well anyway.

    Two people in suits and soldiers in military uniforms quickly gathered near the fighter jet.

    Kang Chan almost stumbled as he stepped out of the fighter jet. The bumpy ground below his feet felt as if they were made of sponges, sinking and heaving with each step he took. To make things worse, he felt as if he was sinking with it.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kevin, the person the CIA has put in charge of the Middle East.¡±

    The night seemed especially dark this evening.

    Kang Chan was still feeling dizzy when someone approached him and spoke to him in English. The man next to him ryed his words in French.

    <i>If they were going to use an interpreter, why didn¡¯t they just send over someone who speaks Korean instead? </i>

    ¡°The US Army currently has control over Tripoli airport under the condition that we support the anti-Gaddafi regime[1]. Unfortunately, we can only guard this ce for twenty-four hours.¡±

    Instead of responding, Kang Chan opted to just listen to what Kevin was saying in silence.

    He had to meet up with the Foreign Legion and save Seok Kang-Ho as soon as possible. It was upsetting that G¨¦rard couldn¡¯te, but that only showed how bad the rebellion in Congo had be.

    Kevin continued, ¡°CIA Director Sherman also has a message for you.¡±

    <i>This bastard¡¯s still talking? I¡¯m in a hurry, for fuck¡¯s sake!</i>

    The look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes changed.

    ¡°We have five Hellfire[2]-armed Apache helicopters[3], five ck Hawk helicopters[4], and fifty Delta Force[5] soldiers standing by. The ck Hawks, in particr, have been fitted for rescue missions. In return, Director Sherman only requests that you have a private meeting with him as soon as the rescue operation is over,¡± Kevin said.

    Kang Chan noticed that the interpreter wasn¡¯t that good at his job. However, at the very least, he was doing well enough for him to understand what Kevin was trying to say.

    <i>A private conversation with Sherman? </i>

    Kang Chan would even talk to the god of death if it meant saving Seok Kang-Ho.

    1. The anti-Gaddafi regime wasposed of Libyan groups that opposed and militarily defeated the government of Muammar Gaddafi during the First Libyan Civil War in 2011, killing him in the process ?

    2. The AGM-114 Hellfire is an American air-to-surface missile. ?

    3. The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-typending gear and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two ?

    4. The Sikorsky UH-60 ck Hawk is a four-de, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter ?

    5. is a special operations force of the United States Army, under operational control of JSOC(Joint Special Operations Command) ?

 Chapter 288.2: Do Your Best To Survive (2)

    <h4>Chapter 288.2: Do Your Best To Survive (2)</h4>

    ¡°Where¡¯s the Foreign Legion?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re on standby outside the airport,¡± Kevin quickly answered.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have the meeting with Sherman. Where¡¯s the helicopter?¡±

    ¡°Pleasee this way.¡±

    Kang Chan tried his best to regain his senses as he followed Kevin down the bumpy runway.

    <i>Wooong.</i>

    As they turned to the freight warehouse in the airport, Kang Chan heard the roar of an engine. It was quickly followed by helicopter de noises.

    <i>Thwup thwup thwup. Thwup thwup thwup thwup. Thwup thwup thwup thwup thwup thwup.</i>

    ¡°Pleasee this way,¡± Kevin said as he guided Kang Chan to the ck Hawk right in front of them. ¡°This is Mark, themander of the Delta Force. You can discuss the rescue operation with him. Our ground forces will be joining you as well.¡±

    Kang Chan greeted Mark with a brief nod, then got on the chopper. Mark soon followed him.

    <i>Thwup thwup thwup. Thwup thwup thwup thwup thwup.</i>

    As the helicopter rose into the sky, Kang Chan wiped his nose with the back of his hand and found blood smeared on it. He had never had a nosebleed before¡ªnot even inbat.

    ***

    In the middle of their fierce battle, the South Koreans and Frenchmen were gifted a sweet break by their enemies.

    They only managed to rest for twenty minutes, however. They wanted to rest a little longer, but it would be unwise to assume their enemies would willingly grant them their wishes, especially ones that would give them a fighting chance in this battle.

    Shortly after hearing people shout in Arabic, they heard their enemies rustle in the darkness.

    <i>Clink! nk!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun picked up his rifle and propped himself against the walls. Following his lead, the surviving soldiers and agents also readied their guns and manned four different spots.

    <i>Du du du. Pow pow pow! Du du du du. Pow pow pow!</i>

    Their enemies started with a simple attack, firing at everyone on the roof of the building. However, they soon started dashing toward the building from the alley.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    Their urban warfare maneuvers were perfect.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and his men swiftly retaliated, sending the iing hostiles to their deaths. However, the sparks from the muzzles of their rifles gave away their position.

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Du du du du du!</i>

    Targeting where the shes came from, the hostiles swiftly assailed them with bullets.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    <i>PEW!</i>

    As the snipers took down as many as they could, an RPG sharply flew toward the building.

    <i>BOOM!</i>

    The powerful impact shook the building. Another wall had been blown up, its pieces pouring down to the ground.

    <i>Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    The French army interpreter lowered his head behind the wall but continued firing back. Empty shells piled up on the floor until he finally managed to hit one of their foes. However, he soon fell backward as well.

    ¡°<i>Arghhh</i>!¡±

    The army interpreter rolled on the floor, clutching one of his hands.

    People would never understand how much just one scream weakened their allies and destroyed their morale.

    ¡°<i>Urgghh</i>! <i>Argh</i>!¡±

    The soldier next to the army interpreter pulled him by the shoulder and propped him against the wall. The army interpreter groaned and cried as he looked at his right hand, which he was holding up with his left.

    His index and middle fingers had beenpletely blown off, leaving him with nothing but two unsightly gaping wounds.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    However, right now, nobody could afford to stop defending to examine the army interpreter. The enemies in the alley had already reached the entrance of the first floor.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Du du du! Du du! Bang bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    The two soldiers assigned to defend the door on the first floor frantically fired at the hostiles closing in on their position. If the bastards managed to get past them, they would be as good as dead.

    Seok Kang-Ho, who looked as though he was high, tirelessly used his left hand to take out the pistol that he had strapped to his pants. Just looking at the way the soldiers next to the windows were aiming was enough for him to urately guess how close their enemies were right now.

    <i>They¡¯re already right by the door, huh?</i>

    <i>Bam! Pow pow pow!</i>

    As if to prove him right, parts of the wooden door were chipped away by the bulletsing from their enemies¡¯ rifles.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Du du du du! Pow pow pow pow!</i>

    <i>Pow!</i>

    The door shook twice as more bullets hit it. Not long after, the head of the soldier next to the window on the right snapped back.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    The soldier lifelessly fell to the ground.

    Cha Dong-Gyun was not stupid. The fact that he only stationed two soldiers by the entrance meant that they didn¡¯t have a lot of people to begin with. They likely only had a few on the rooftop as well.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°There aren''t enough people at the entrance!¡± the remaining soldier yelled into the radio.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho grunted as he fell to his side. He then tried his best to move, using his left arm to pull himself forward.

    <i>Hisss! Hisss!</i>

    He was bleeding so much that he left a long and thick trail of blood wherever he went.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    <i>Hisss! Hiss!</i>

    The soldier on the left was almost out of bullets now.

    ¡°<i>Ahh</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled. He grabbed the rifle of the fallen soldier and then clung to the window.

    <i>Bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    <i>nk!</i>

    ¡°Change your mag! I¡¯ll cover you!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled to the soldier.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    Their enemies broke into a charge, stopping only once they had reached the square window. rushed toward them and arrived right in front of the square window, and the enemies copsed if they shot them.

    <i>nk! nk! nk! nk! nk!</i>

    One of the soldiers upstairs quickly ran down to the first floor. At the same time, the soldier at the left side of the building took aim and opened fire once more.

    <i>Bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    <i>nk!</i>

    <i>Click! Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang bang!</i>

    With Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s magazine now empty, their enemies would have managed to break into the building if the soldier who had just run down from the rooftop hadn¡¯t immediately started returning fire.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho threw himself to the ground and searched through the corpses of their fellow soldiers. After a while, he finally found a loaded magazine.

    <i>Clink! nk!</i>

    He couldn¡¯t even remember regaining the feeling in his right arm.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho screamed as he stood up, but he couldn¡¯t let the pain stop him now.

    <i>Bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    <i>What would Kang Chan do if he was here?</i>

    Considering Kang Chan¡¯s personality, he would¡¯ve already run out to the alley and gun down every enemy he could find. Once he had pushed the enemies away from their position, he would likely curse, finally realizing that he had been shot.

    <i>Bang bang! Bang bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    Now that three men were protecting the entrance, they finally got a bit of a break. However, this wouldn¡¯t have been possible without the soldiers stationed on the rooftop. The moment they heard the soldier¡¯s cry for help on the radio, they likely fought even harder to defend the building.

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Pow pow pow! Pow pow! Bang bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    Unfortunately, although they were already fighting with everything they had, the battle was still far from over.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s lips curved into his signature smile, thinking that they would soon meet their end. After all, it was only a matter of time before he and everyone else in their team ran out of ammo.

    Once they did, a genuine Imic battle would ensue.

    As soon as their foes right now found out that they no longer had any bullets left, they would do whatever it took to end their targets¡¯ lives by slitting their necks.

    Their opponent¡¯s numbers didn¡¯t matter to them. They would charge in relentlessly and grab onto their limbs. Afterward, they would unsheathe theirrge, curved des and slowly bury them into their victims¡¯ necks.

    Some of the rookie soldiers who had been in simr situations had even shot themselves in the head upon hearing theirrades choking on their own blood as their necks were being cut open.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang!</i>

    Kang Chan was the first person to emerge victorious in such a battle.

    During a battle in Mang, Kang Chan rushed into the battlefield to rescue Seok Kang-Ho, whom their enemies had tied up. His eyes back then were burning with ferocity, seemingly informing everyone around him that his lid had been flipped. Outnumbered, he stood in the middle of his enemies¡¯ formation, tirelessly swinging his bay at them.

    <i>He had yelled at me to stay alive, but...</i>

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore.

    He was thankful, but he was also sorry.

    <i>Thwup thwup thwup. Thwup thwup thwup thwup thwup.</i>

    Soon, however, they heard the familiar chopping of helicopter des drowning out the gunshots.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho noticed their enemies rushing away from the building and ducking into cover.

    <i>What¡¯s going on? Did they send us reinforcements?</i>

    The soldiers on the rooftop could likely see what was going on. Unfortunately, those on the first floor couldn¡¯t really see anything.

    <i>Pssshhh! Psssssssssh!</i>

    <i>What¡¯s going on?</i>

    As he tried to make sense of the sudden turn of events, he heard a whistle so sharp it reminded him of air escaping from an enormous balloon.

    <i>BAM! BANG!</i>

    A momentter, a powerful explosion shook the ground. The tremors made Seok Kang-Ho wonder if the building would copse.

    <i>Du du du du du du du du du!</i>

    Seemingly refusing to give their enemies a break, a white ray of death then filled the alley.

    <i>Ratatatatatat! Ratatatatat! Ratatatatatat!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho knew that rapid gunfire. It had to be from a 30mm machine gun.

    The machine gun¡¯s bullets blew off entire heads and tore apart their enemies so quickly that they almost looked like they were exploding.

    <i>Did we survive?</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at the soldier right next to him.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Daye! You son of a bitch!¡±

    <i>Does he really have to swear on the radio?!</i>

 Chapter 289.1: Did You Think It Would End Like This? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 289.1: Did You Think It Would End Like This? (1)</h4>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    The Hellfire missiles disappeared into the building upied by the enemies. A momentter, mes burst out from all of its windows.

    <i>Boom! Boom!</i>

    <i>Ratatatat! Ratatat!</i>

    The enemies made intermittent attempts at resistance, but the machine gun tore through them until there were no traces left.

    The Five Apache helicopters circling the building in the alley bombarded the area with missiles and machine-gun fire. Massive mes erupted with each explosion.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>

    The wind from the helicopter des swept the rooftop debris into the corners.

    <i>Tch.</i>

    [Everyone, move to the rooftop!]

    Seok Kang-Ho let out a robust curse.

    The Apache helicopters expanded the range of their destruction, demolishing the nearby infrastructures. At the same time, a ck Hawk hovered above the building and dropped a rope to its rooftop.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>

    Braving the fierce wind of the helicopter des, Kang Chan, dressed in a suit, descended onto the rooftop. Six Delta Force soldiers followed him, securing the corners of the rooftop as soon as theynded.

    "Are you okay?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Yes, sir," responded Cha Dong-Gyun.

    A momentter, one of the soldiers on the first floor burst into the rooftop, carrying Seok Kang-Ho over his shoulder. Kwak Cheol-Ho and another soldier rushed to help, gentlyying Seok Kang-Ho on the ground.

    "Captain," Seok Kang-Ho called.

    "You idiot¡ª!"

    Noticing Seok Kang-Ho''s struggle to smile, Kang Chan abruptly stopped.

    After ordering some of his men to head to the lower floors and bring their fallen to the rooftop, Cha Dong-Gyun turned to the ones still on the rooftop.

    "Evacuate the injured! Hurry!"

    Kang Chan approached the interpreter, who was holding up his right hand to show his injuries, and patted him on the head. Although he was crying and screaming over the loss of two of his fingers, he brimmed with pride as he looked at Kang Chan, seemingly having just received an award.

    Kang Chan silently picked up the rifle beside the interpreter.

    <i>Click!</i>

    It was an odd sensation. Amid the deafening helicopter engines, the distinct sound of Kang Chan pulling the rifle''s bolt was unmissable.

    <i>''Now, we''re truly saved!'' </i>Kwak Cheol-Ho thought.

    At Kang Chan''s signal, a Delta Force soldier tied himself to a rope and fastened an injured person to him.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>

    As if being sucked up, he was then hoisted into the helicopter. When he descended again, he did the same thing to Seok Kang-Ho. Before they descended, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gazes met.

    "Captain," said Seok Kang-Ho.

    "Survive," Kang Chan ordered.

    "Understood."

    The mere movement of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s lips was enough to convey his intention.

    <i>Ratatatatatatata!</i>

    A distant Apache helicopter fired a white beam of light, preventing the enemies from shooting at them with their rifles and RPGs. It took a considerable amount of time to hoist the injured aboard. Ideally, the helicopter would lower its altitude a little further to make the process easier, but the current situation seemed to be making that difficult.

    Once the interpreter, thest injured man on the battlefield, was hoisted up, the helicopter carrying all the wounded left with two Apaches. Another swiftly took its ce to load up the deceased. It was a grim task, but there was a limit to how many could be carried, so the bodies had to be packed tightly.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>

    Afterward, thebat-ready soldiers and agents quickly boarded the remaining two ck Hawks. Being able to climb aboard by themselves saved them a lot of time.

    "Go! Go!" Mark, the Delta Forcemander, shouted.

    In response, the helicopters turned and left, the fierce wind from their des tousling hair and clothes.

    This operation resulted in a devastating oue. More than half of their men had been killed, and not a single one was unscathed. The blood-soaked bandages around Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s waist served as proof of that. Despite symbolizing their determination to punish their assants and rescue their fellowbatants using any means necessary, the operation yielded nothing.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>

    The Apache helicopter adjusted its altitude to take the lead, leaving the ck Hawks trailing behind.

    The capacity to dive into a hail of bullets and return fire was the result of repetitive training. After all, only those who had the skills and senses for it, in addition to the ability to effectively adapt, could do it. Without sufficient training, one would not survive in situations where they risked having their heads and bodies blown or torn apart.

    Even if trained rookies, in their final moments ofbat, pointed their guns at their own heads, the battles would still be referred to as operations. Hence, regardless of the oue,manders and subordinates alike always felt empty at the end ofbat.

    However, results like this didn¡¯t just make them feel empty. It broke their morale. Witnessing a country like the United States effortlessly rescue them and achieve what they could not only made their disappointment more profound.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</i>

    Cutting through the darkness, the helicopternded at Tripoli Airport. By the time Kang Chan and the other able-bodiedbatants arrived, the injured had already been moved to the US military''s emergency center, and the Delta Force soldiers were already bringing out the deceased agents and soldiers.

    As Kang Chan hopped off the helicopter, Kevin quickly approached him.

    "We should hurry! Your men will be moved to the emergency center! Mr. Kang, please follow Kevin!" shouted the interpreter over the helicopter noise.

    Amid the chaotic runway, Kang Chan locked eyes with Cha Dong-Gyun.

    "Go to the emergency center! Stay with our men!" he ordered.

    Cha Dong-Gyun saluted him in response.

    Kevin led Kang Chan and the interpreter to a private ne. As if in an emergency, the ne took off as soon as they boarded and the door closed.

    The ne had tables with grandiose chairs in sets of four. Kevin and the interpreter sat opposite Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan felt troubled for not being able to stay with his men until they were out of harm¡¯s reach. He also regretted not being able to transfuse blood to Seok Kang-Ho. However, due to the United States'' questionable intentions, he couldn¡¯t just recklessly let the medics get a supply of his blood.

    "Where are we headed?" asked Kang Chan.

    "Athens Airport, Greece," answered the interpreter.

    <i>These tedious bastards. Does the concept of national borders and immigration offices even exist to them?</i>

    It wasn''t like he was one to talk, though, since he was traveling with them too.

    "Would you like some tea? Or wine?" offered the interpreter.

    "If it''s alright, I''d like to take a nap instead. Wake me up when we arrive," answered Kang Chan.

    "Understood."

    Kang Chan reclined his seat and closed his eyes. He fell asleep not long after.

    He woke up from his deep sleep when the airne jolted.

    <i>Drrrrrrrrrr!</i>

    After a roughnding, the ne slowed down. He couldn¡¯t determine whether the sunlight entering through the window was from daybreak or sunset, but if he had to bet, he¡¯d say it was the former.

    When the ne stopped, the door opened almost immediately. They descended the stairs, finding agents in ck suits and sunsses guarding a ck limousine.

    <i>Click.</i>

    One of the agents opened the door, revealing seats arranged to face each other. Kevin and the interpreter, wearing clothes and sunsses that matched the car, sat opposite Kang Chan again.

    <i>What ack of creativity.</i>

    The car¡¯s engine gently started.

    On their way to their destination, Kang Chan turned his gaze to the roadside, finding energetic tourists and those waiting for them. The sight made him realize that he was right¡ªit was early in the morning.

    After about twenty minutes on the road, the car entered the underground parking of a building with arge signage that said ''Central Hotel.¡¯ Together with the agents, they took the elevator to the 7th floor.

    <i>Click.</i>

    <i>''That must be Sherman,'' </i>thought Kang Chan.

    As the agent opened the door, a Western man in a tieless gray suit walked over from between the men in ck suits.

    "Mr. Kang? I''m Sherman," he greeted.

    "Kang Chan."

    Although Kang Chan was fluent in French, he introduced himself simply as <i>''Kang Chan,</i>'' not <i>''Monsieur Kang''.</i>

    "Let¡¯s have a seat, shall we? Would you like to have some breakfast?¡± asked Sherman.

    "Sure."

    The hotel room offered a spectacr view of Athens.

    Two agents putrge tes, juice, milk, and coffee in front of Kang Chan and Sherman.

    "Please, help yourself."

    They set bacon, fried eggs, toast, butter, and jam on the table.

    "Thank you for your help," answered Kang Chan.

    "It was better than dancing the buttocks dance," Sherman said, thenughed at his own joke.

    Kang Chan was reminded of a supporting character blurting out unintelligible lines. However, Sherman took it a step further, uttering even more bewildering statements andughing about them.

    "<i>Hmm</i>, I sincerely apologize for the slight mishap Brandon had caused," said Sherman.

    "Mishap?" Kang Chan asked. With his fork, he put a piece of fried egg into his mouth.

    "The broadcast in Afghanistan. Just as you forgave Ethan yesterday, we hope you will forgive us as well."

    <i>Ethan, that sly fox!</i>

    "Brandon is no longer of this world," Sherman said out of nowhere. Catching Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, he then quickly added, "We want to maintain good rtions with Korea and, through this opportunity, express our desire to coborate on the development of the next generation of energy."

    "I don''t have the authority to decide on this matter for the government," Kang Chan answered.

    Sherman¡¯s lips downturned.

    "However, as a gesture of appreciation, I will do my best to cooperate with you on issues where I can.¡±

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan put down his fork and knife, having already finished his meal.

    "That would suffice for now. All I want is to forget the Afghanistan incident and create a friendly rtionship between our countries," Sherman said.

    Kang Chan sipped on his coffee as he listened.

    <i>A friendly rtionship? What harm could there be in that? If rtionships arecking, we can simply make more, can¡¯t we?</i>

    "Sherman, I have a favor to ask."

    "It doesn¡¯t involve attacking another country, does it?" Sherman joked.

    "I believe this whole energy issue should be decided by our government, Ambassador Lanok, and the heads of intelligence bureaus," Kang Chan said.

    With a stiff expression, Sherman focused on Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    Kang Chan continued. "If there''s something you want regarding this matter, it would be better to discuss it with our government than with me. I intend to focus on finding those who ordered andmanded the attack on our men yesterday,"

    "What do you n to do once you find out?" Sherman asked.

    "What else is there for me to do but kill them all?" Kang Chan replied.

    "<i>Hmm</i>."

    A soft sigh escaped Sherman. At that moment, Kang Chan realized that while Lanok hid his thoughts behind an unchanging face, making it seem as if he was wearing a mask, Sherman hid his thoughts by frequently changing expressions.

    "The DGSE should be able to get you that information, shouldn''t they?"

    "That they should," answered Kang Chan.

    Even now, he had trouble determining whether Sherman was genuinely curious or just pretending to be.

    "However, if you happen to figure it out first, I would like you to inform me, director."

    "Why would you want that?" asked Sherman.

    "As you know, many agents from the DGSE were also sacrificed in this incident. Hence, we hope to find a solution elsewhere," Kang Chan said.

    Sherman chuckled, seemingly amused. "Are you asking me that with full awareness of the symbolic authority you hold, Mr. Kang?"

    "Not really."

    "I see. May I ask you for a favor in return, then?"

    "If it is within my ability, then I¡¯ll ept it.¡±

    "What would you do if I asked for exclusive rights to distribute the denaditeing from Mongolia? Of course, Korea would retain its production rights," Sherman posed.

    Kang Chan looked straight at Sherman. After a moment of silence, he said, "As I¡¯m sure you¡¯re already aware, epting that request would put our government, Ambassador Lanok, and the heads of intelligence in a difficult position. However, I¡¯d consider it under one condition."

    Sherman''s eyes slightly wavered.

    ¡°I want all of the United States¡¯ demands regarding the next-generation energy project to stop."

    Sherman exhaled softly. "<i>Hmm</i>."

    ***

    Hwang Ki-Hyun tried his best to suppress his thoughts as he listened to the interpreter. It was well past midnight, yet the urgency of the situation gave him no choice but to rush over. Fortunately, it proved to be worth the effort.

    Lanok staying in Korea made sense, but the same couldn¡¯t be said for Vasili, Yang Bum, Ethan, and Romain. World-renowned intelligence bureau directors, whom people desperately begged for a meeting with despite not having any guarantee of sess, had just summoned him for a sit. The National Intelligence Service unfortunately waspletely unaware of such a gathering, but it seemed wise to put that regret aside for now.

    "The South Korean agents and soldiers are currently in Greece. The United States will be handling their transportation, so you should rest easy," Lanok exined with a gentle expression.

    Even though they were just sitting together, witnessing him scrutinize every move of the United States still instilled fear and envy.

    Lanok continued, "We would like your government to appoint a leader for the Eurasian Rail and next-gen energy development. Of course, Mr. Kang will be those projects¡¯ actual leader, but we believe a nominal head is necessary. We hope you will give serious consideration to this matter.¡±

    "Our government has limited information regarding the next-generation energy n. Although we have received various proposals, we know nothing beyond the production of electrical energy using ckheads and two other minerals. Is there a way to get detailed information about this?" Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    Apart from exchanging greetings, he had mostly just been listening. This was essentially his first time speaking up.

    "We will begin by sending you the guidelines that the Korean government needs to follow. Once they have been implemented, France and the UK will send over a research team, and South Korea can insert its own researchers to transfer almost all of the technology over," Lanok responded.

    "Are you referring to experts in electrical energy?" Hwang Ki-Hyun inquired.

    Lanok turned his head with a dreadful expression. Ethan looked like he was scoffing.

    "The Korean government is currently unaware of denadite as well. Regrettably, the previous administrations have been cautious of the eyes of major corporations producing petroleumpounds, making this an unavoidable situation," Lanok exined.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun let out a soft sigh.

    "Denadite, after the extraction of sulfurous soda, bes mbanite. Another extraction results in banite," Lanok said.

    Surely, they didn¡¯t convene this meeting just to give a chemistry lesson.

    "As a simple courtesy, if South Korea could prepare about thirty STEM researchers, our French and British researchers will proceed with the study with them. Once their training isplete, we will introduce a second wave of researchers," Lanok borated.

    "How many researchers will be needed in total?" Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    "Let''s see," Lanok nced at Ethan before gazing back to Hwang Ki-Hyun. "Perhaps a hundred or so?"

    "Understood," replied Hwang Ki-Hyun, concern evident in his tone.

    "No need to rush. As I mentioned earlier, once you have appointed a leader, we will provide the rted materials and guidelines. Following them should ensure a smooth process," Lanok reassured.

    Unlike Yang Bum and Romain, who were just silently listening to the conversation, Lanok kept talking to Hwang Ki-Hyun with a friendly tone.

    "In addition, if you ever need special assistance from the four countries present here, as well as Germany and Switzend, feel free to send in a request through Mr. Kang," Lanok concluded. He then lifted his teacup, signaling that he had said everything he needed to convey.

    DGSE Director-General Romain, who had not spoken a word, carefully observed Lanok''s action. After all, a meremand from him could mean that Hwang Ki-Hyun would be found dead the next day.

    <i>''Should I take my leave now or should I stay a bit longer even if it risked being asked to leave?'' </i>Hwang Ki-Hyun wondered.

    Being in such a gathering for the first time, Hwang Ki-Hyun could only try to gauge what to do next.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Lanok put down his teacup, turning with a cold, sharp, and unreadable gaze.

    "Director Hwang," called Vasili. The interpreter quickly ryed his French words in Korean. "Mr. Kang won''t have much time to spend in Korea for a while."

    "However, our protagonist is quite worried..."

    <i>''Protagonist?''</i>

    Hwang Ki-Hyun''s questioning gaze prompted the interpreter to nod affirmatively.

    "We n to dispatch two agents from each of our four countries, totaling eight people. For them, we will need office space and amodations. We will also need an equal number of reliable Korean agents," Vasili borated.

    "Can you tell me exactly what they will be doing?" Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    Vasili grimaced as he replied, "We intend to teach them how to use the satellite that we will be transferring to Korea and how to utilize the information that our intelligence bureaus will share."

    As Hwang Ki-Hyun looked at him with a nk expression, he added, "We are certain that the UIS will target Korea. If things go south, and Mr. Kang decides to kill them all, it would be difficult for us to handle the aftermath."

    <i>They¡¯re transferring a satellite... Wait! Did he just say ¡®satellite¡¯?!</i>

    "Rather than bolstering the National Intelligence Service, think of it as empowering Mr. Kang," Vasili exined.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun couldn¡¯t quite understand. However, he deeply felt the immense power that Kang Chan, whom Moon Jae-Hyun had so passionately vouched for, wielded.

 Chapter 290: Did You Think It Would End Like This? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 290: Did You Think It Would End Like This? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan spent a night in the room that Sherman provided. He then enjoyed a light lunch the next day before making his way to the Athens Central Medical Center. Despite feeling ufortable about wearing the same clothes he had worn yesterday, he hesitated to ask the American agents for any favors or errands.

    <i>''How long will I spend wandering around today?''</i> he wondered, smirking as he gazed out the window.

    Reflecting on the power he had gained, he once again realized that there were limits to what one could achieve alone. This notion had always been on his mind. After all, despite all his preparations, he kept being overwhelmed by his responsibilities. Maybe that was also the reason behind the regrettable oues he encountered yesterday.

    Now, he found himself in Athens. People from different lives passed by the cafes, restaurants, and bright shops that were hoping to entice tourists. He had never yearned for such a life. Rather, he was already thankful enough to have Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, and the other amazing individuals in his life. He had never had such connections before.

    <i>ckhead? Next-gen energy? Maybe these are merely byproducts of the things I¡¯m grateful for.</i>

    Either way, Seok Kang-Ho, the agents, and the soldiers saw him as their linchpin and supported him ordingly. Aware of this, Kang Chan realized that he hadn''t fully embraced that role yet. Rather, he had preupied himself with minor adversaries and shuttling between intelligence bureau offices.

    The car soon stopped in front of the hospital, annoyingly interrupting Kang Chan and his thoughts right before he could reach enlightenment.

    Exiting the car, a French agent greeted him with a slight bow.

    "This way, Deputy Director-General," the agent said.

    Kang Chan watched the sedan he had ridden drive away from the hospital. It seemed the DGSE was taking over from here.

    <i>Those kids, always so busy! Couldn''t they have at least said hello before leaving?</i>

    He followed the French agent inside and took the elevator to the fifth floor. When the elevator doors opened, he was greeted by two agents standing with their hands sped in front of them.

    "The entire fifth floor has been reserved for the DGSE," one of them said.

    Kang Chan around the hall and then entered the first door on the left. It was a small room that contained a bed withplex machinery, a table and a chair

    <i>Hu-wook. Hu-wook.</i>

    An agentid on the bed, unconscious and connected to a life-support machine. With eachbored breath he took, the pouch attached to the device rhythmically inted and deted. The dark scabs covering his face, hands, and neck bore testament to the severe struggles he and his colleagues had to endure in theirst mission. This warrior had, without a doubt, dedicated himself to liberation, retribution, and his nation.

    <i>¡®Well done. And I''m sorry.¡¯ </i>

    Kang Chan observed the agent''s battered features in silence before heading to the next room.

    <i>Drrrk</i>.

    The door creaked open, revealing Seok Kang-Ho in a condition mirroring that of the agent in the previous room.

    <i>Bubble bubble. Hu-wook. Hu-wook. </i>

    Kang Chan approached the bed and examined Seok Kang-Ho''s swollen figure. His eyes remained shut, and his face, hands, and ears were so bloated that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t see a single line or crease.

    Seok Kang-Ho must have been filled with a sense of injustice and anger. Daye, as Kang Chan knew him, would have been seething, insisting on remaining in the fray until he had drawn hisst breath. After all, to him, disying such vulnerability was a fate worse than death itself.

    The thought made Kang Chan clench his teeth.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan uttered. After a brief pause, he softly added, ¡°Just rest for a bit.¡±

    Leaving the room, Kang Chan proceeded to the adjacent one.

    <i>Drrrk.</i>

    Cha Dong-Kyun, lying on the bed, struggled to turn his head. As soon as he saw Kang Chan, his face filled up with surprise, which was quickly reced with annoyance as he attempted to sit up.

    ¡°Just stay put. This isn¡¯t the first time, is it?¡± Kang Chan chided gently as he walked over to him.

    He pressed Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s shoulder, then sat down on the chair beside the bed.

    ¡°But I feel sorry...¡± Cha Dong-Gyun bit down on his lip as he fixed his gaze on Kang Chan. His cheeks were hollow, his jaw sharp, and his eyes intense.

    ¡°I have no intention of giving in. If I step down just because they got a hit on us, they¡¯ll only grow bolder,¡± Kang Chan dered, locking eyes with Cha Dong-Gyun. ¡°It¡¯s okay to rest if things get too hard, but not for you and Daye.¡±

    ¡°Chul-Ho would be disappointed.¡±

    ¡°He would have said the same thing, just the names would have been different.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyunughed, making him wince in pain.

    ¡°There¡¯s no other way right now except for the special forces team in Jeungpyeong,¡± Kang Chan pointed out.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun agreed, his eyes conveying the deep sorrow of a leader who had lost arade. Due to Kang Chan¡¯s absence, the heavy toll of death was now his to bear.

    ¡°Being inmand isn¡¯t easy, is it?¡± Kang Chan mused.

    Cha Dong-Gyun was about to reply but decided to remain silent instead.

    "It''s only natural for you to feel the loss of a colleague more deeply," Kang Chan advised, "but don¡¯t see it as the betrayal of those who have gone before.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked at Kang Chan as if he was conflicted. His curiosity about Kang Chan¡¯s true nature seemed especially piqued during moments like these. Unfortunately, it was left unanswered.

    After leaving Cha Dong-Gyun''s room, Kang Chan visited also Kwak Cheol-Ho, Um Ji-Hwan, and the interpreter before making his way back to Seok Kang-Ho.

    Seok Kang-Ho urgently needed a blood transfusion. Unfortunately, requesting one in a hospital under the vignt eyes of the Americans proved challenging.

    Kang Chan still couldn¡¯t fully grasp the intricacies of the organization, but he at least knew that every person had their own unique approach and style. After gazing at Seok Kang-Ho''s swollen face, he took out his phone and dialed a number.

    <i>Tirururuk. Tirururuk. Tirururuk.</i>

    The dial tone let out several old-fashioned beeps before it was answered.

    - Hello?

    The voice that Kang Chan heard was not the one that he was expecting.

    - Kim Tae-Jin speaking. Hello? Hello? The phone''s acting up again! Hello?

    "It''s Kang Chan."

    A brief pause ensued.

    - Kang Chan?

    "Yes."

    - Kang Chan! Hey! You¡¯re alive! You son of a¡ªhow can you be so heartless?!

    Oh Gwang-Taek was louder than ever. The Mongolian wilderness only seemed to further amplify his voice.

    "Where''s the director?" Kang Chan inquired.

    - He''s out on patrol. Why? What''s going on?

    "What do you mean?"

    At that moment, Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    - You sound different! Hey, Kang Chan! What''s happening?

    "Mr. Seok is injured," Kang Chan revealed.

    - What? Is it serious?

    "It doesn''t look like he''s going to die, at least.¡±

    A deep sigh of relief came from the other end.

    - Is there anything I can do?

    "Oh Gwang-Taek."

    - Tell me. Anything you need.

    Oh Gwang-Taek patiently waited.

    "Don¡¯t you resent me for onlying to you when I need something and for putting you in this situation?"

    - What the fuck are you talking about? You''re talking to <i>the </i>Oh Gwang-Taek, you bastard! I don¡¯t mind helping out a good person! The only ones I can¡¯t stand are bad people!

    His passionate response was followed by a burst ofughter.

    - You''re nning to avenge Mr. Seok, aren''t you?

    "Yes.¡±

    - Damn it! I''ll discuss it with the people here and then head straight to you.

    "And how will things be managed there?"

    - Why don¡¯t you visit for once, you idiot?! Without our permission, nobody gets anywhere near this ce. We''ve got everything under tight control.

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s bragging was so oundish that it would make Vasili shake his head in disbelief.

    "Is the old man around?"

    - <i>Huh</i>?

    Oh Gwang-Taek sounded as if he turned his head as he spoke.

    - You mean Director Kang?

    "Yes."

    - Hold on.

    From the other end, Kang Chan could hear Oh Gwang-Taek announce, ¡°Kang Chan is on the line!¡±

    - Hello?

    Kang Chul-Gyu sounded different¡ªlike he was a lot better and stronger now.

    - I happened to be nearby and overheard.

    His tone was calm but had a distinct charisma to it.

    ¡°I¡¯m up against an enemy too strong for me to fight alone,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    The old man chuckled. It sounded almost like a sigh.

    - I''ll consult with President Oh and decide on our next steps. Do you need more people?

    "Following a request from Russia, we have to halve the base''s radius and reorganize the personnel. How many fighters will we have left?"

    - Well... about two squads.

    "We''re looking at a situation where more than half of the Jeungpyeong special forces team was wiped out."

    Laughter, echoing resignation yet again, filled the line.

    - The men with me have been eagerly waiting for such an opportunity. Since they got here, they have shed all their societal excess, ready to y their part.

    "Understood. I''ll discuss this with Manager Kim. I¡¯ll have transportation arranged for everyone.¡±

    A moment of awkward silence followed the end of their conversation. Just before Kang Chan was about to end the call, he heard an incredibly awkward<i> </i>¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up, marking one taskplete. He then called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    <i>Those fucking UIS bastards! </i>

    After what they did to Daye and how they left the special forces team in such a state, did they really think he would just let it go?

    ***

    Moon Jae-Hyun, always the picture of stoicism, now showed signs of weariness. They had gathered in the reception room of an art gallery tucked away behind the Namsan Hotel. On the sofas arranged around Moon Jae-Hyun were Go Gun-Woo, Hwang Ki-Hyun, and Jeon Dae-Geuk. Kim Hyung-Jung, the junior among them, took up thest seat.

    "Former Prosecutor General Song Chang-Wook has agreed to serve as the inauguralmissioner of the newly founded Energy Resource Administration," Go Gun-Woo reported.

    Moon Jae-Hyun simply nodded.

    "Discussions with them were manageable since they know Assistant Director Kang Chan. Unfortunately, finding the right head for the Eurasian Rail is proving difficult."

    "Is it because of the North Korean issue that you mentioned before?"

    "Yes, sir."

    "<i>Ha</i>! Is there not a single candidate out there who addresses even those minor shorings?"

    "Their issues range from fraudulent residence changes and spection to the sexual assault of female employees..."

    Moon Jae-Hyun massaged his face in frustration. "If the Eurasian Rail connects to North Korea, do we necessarily need an expert on them? Perhaps we should consider other candidates."

    "Understood," Go Gun-Woo responded.

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked away.

    "Is there really no way to dissuade the assistant director?"

    "No, sir."

    The categorical reply made Moon Jae-Hyun sit up with renewed attention.

    "From what I¡¯ve seen, once the assistant director sets his mind on rectifying something, he remains relentless until he aplishes it. Considering he¡¯s already initiated his n, there''s no turning back now." Go Gun-Woo continued.

    "<i>Hmm</i>! We can''t just sit by and watch him lead such dangerous missions." Moon Jae-Hyun said sternly.

    "I¡¯m sorry," Hwang Ki-Hyun interjected.

    Moon Jae-Hyun lit up a cigarette, his demeanor softening a little.

    "Has he set an objective yet?"

    "It doesn''t seem like it. Despite having the help of France, Russia, the UK, and China¡¯s intelligence bureaus, the assistant director appears undecided about his target."

    "This is just amazing!"

    Moon Jae-Hyunughed incredulously.

    He was aware that Kang Chan was not one to act without a definitive goal. Given his request for a team from Mongolia, agents from the National Intelligence Service including Choi Jong-Il, and the special forces team from Jeungpyeong, he had made his intentions more than clear enough for everyone. Nevertheless, he remained reserved about specific details, seeking only potential coboration.

    The time to respond hade.

    "What would be the consequences of stopping this operation?" Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    "It would mean breaking themitment we made to the assistant director."

    "The vow to retaliate against any aggression? Why did they ever appoint him as the head of the counter-terrorism division?"

    Moon Jae-Hyun pensively mulled over his cigarette.

    "The assistant director can mobilize agents from the French DGSE and the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces. Even the leaders of the four major intelligence bureaus I met yesterday seemed powerless when it came to diverting the assistant director from his course."

    "His request for our agents and special forces implies that he ns to retaliate on behalf of the Republic of Korea, no?"

    "That¡¯s right."

    "<i>Ha</i>! Never before have I simultaneously felt gratitude, regret, concern, and embarrassment."

    Moon Jae-Hyun toyed with the lighter.

    "Mr. President," Hwang Ki-Hyun called. "I know Mr. Kang is a talent we must safeguard at all costs, but we cannot dampen his spirit."

    "What do you suggest we do, then?"

    "The assistant director is on his way to bing a figure of global significance. For the time being, quietly observing and trusting him might be our best option."

    "The assistant director isn''t some teenage boy dealing with adolescence," Moon Jae-Hyun quipped, half in jest. Chuckling, he set the cigarette and lighter back on the table. "At this rate, will anyone be left by the time he truly bes a global figure?"

    After a brief pause, he asked, "How''s his personnel recruitmenting along?"

    "Aside from those arriving from Mongolia, everyone else is ready,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    "And the transportation arrangements?"

    "They¡¯re on standby at the base in Seongnam.¡±

    "A talent who never backs down, appearing out of thin air.... There''s simply no stopping him. Anyway, when did he depart for Libya?"

    "He took off yesterday aboard an F-16 provided by the US military.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun couldn''t help but burst intoughter.

    "I''ve always seen you and your predecessor as formidable, Director Hwang, butpared to the assistant director, I¡¯m starting to feel like we¡¯re all somewhatcking.¡±

    "It might be somewhat embarrassing to say this, but he has certainly be an important figure in the international scene,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun admitted. ¡°He¡¯s even battling adversaries the National Intelligence Service is yet to fully understand."

    "All in the name of the Republic of Korea?"

    "Even if that wasn''t his intention before, that much is undeniable now."

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded. "Let''s proceed ording to the assistant director''s directives.¡±

    "Understood," Hwang Ki-Hyun immediately replied.

    "I wonder if I¡¯d get to see powerful nations bow their heads to the Republic of Korea or, at the very least, to the assistant director before my timees,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun pondered aloud, leaving Hwang Ki-Hyun unable to answer.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho tried his best to open his swollen eyes.

    "Captain..."

    Despite the swelling, he seemed to recognize Kang Chan.

    "Are you awake?"

    "Some water, please..."

    Kang Chan moistened gauze in water and carefully patted Seok Kang-Ho''s lips with it. After sipping water from it three times, he stopped asking for more.

    "You''re in a hospital in Athens, Greece. Heading back to Korea right now isn''t practical, so it''s best you just rest here for now."

    "Damn..."

    <i>What a resilient bastard!</i>

    The evening ambiance was hinted at by the aroma of greasy food and the sounds of the hospital room door being operated.

    "Got a cigarette?" Seok Kang-Ho feebly inquired, to which Kang Chan responded with a smile and a denial.

    He truly had none. Having abruptly left the embassy, he couldn¡¯t just say, ¡°I forgot my cigarettes!¡± ande back for them.

    "Won''t you have some dinner?"

    Kang Chan gave Seok Kang-Ho a sideways nce. Could the effects of the transfusion reallyst this long? He couldn¡¯te up with any other reason someone so swollen would even think of eating, though.

    <i>Buzzzzz. Buzzzzz.</i>

    Kang Chan answered promptly. "Hello?"

    - This is Kim Hyung-Jung. We''ll depart from the Seongnam Airport as soon as the team from Mongolia arrives. We should arrive at the Athens Airport in about twenty-four hours.]

    "Thank you."

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded calm.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    - Can you share the target with us now?

    This call was supposed to be secure, having minimal risk of interception.

    <i>Should I tell him?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung silently awaited Kang Chan''s decision.

    "Let''s discuss this when you arrive, Manager.¡±

    - Understood.

    Despite the somewhat unsatisfactory response, Kim Hyung-Jung offered no furtherment. Kang Chan hung up and nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    How could he ever say that he nned to destroy Al-Aziziyah with Seok Kang-Ho listening?

 Chapter 291: Wouldnéˆ¥æª› It Be Cool? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 291: Wouldn¡¯t It Be Cool? (1)</h4>

    Even though the French agents had left an entire hospital room empty for him, Kang Chan still spent the night in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room.

    It was strange. Due to the difference in time zones, it would have made sense for him to experience jetg, but no matter where he was in the world, he would always wake up at the crack of dawn. Today was no different.

    Maybe it was because of the good sleep he got during the trip, but he didn¡¯t feel sleepy anymore. Hence, he stood up, went to the bathroom in the hallway, and washed his face.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    By the time he returned to the room, Seok Kang-Ho was already up too. Kang Chan could see his eyes now.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Hungry,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    ¡°Fucking idiot.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stretched his lips to what resembled a smile. As he did, Kang Chan realized that Seok Kang-Ho was starting to get wrinkles around his eyes and mouth.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any cigarettes?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I already said I don¡¯t!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°You¡¯re making me sad.¡±

    ¡°Just drink water instead.¡±

    Kang Chan dipped three pieces of gauze in water and squeezed them over Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mouth. Until Seok Kang-Ho could raise his upper body, it would be best to use gauze to drink water. Otherwise, they would risk choking him.

    ¡°Can you raise the bed for me?¡± Seok Kang-Ho requested.

    ¡°Hang on.¡±

    Kang Chan moved to where Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s feet were and pressed a button.

    <i>Whirr.</i>

    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    <i>Click.</i>

    With his upper body raised, Seok Kang-Ho turned to Kang Chan in a morefortable position.

    ¡°How many are dead?¡± he asked.

    ¡°A little over half the men. Um Ji-Hwan is alive,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked apologetic and angry.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Just then, the medical staff, an interpreter, and a French agent entered the room. The interpreter would ry Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s condition to the French agent, and the French agent would then deliver that to the medical staff.

    After checking up on Seok Kang-Ho through thatplicated process, the medical staff changed his IV drips and blood packs. They then added some injections to the medication before leaving with the interpreter.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyelids grew heavier due to the new medication.

    After a while, Kang Chan headed over to Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s room.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    When he opened the door, Kwak Cheol-Ho stood up from the chair next to Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s bed, then greeted him.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Sit down.¡±

    Kang Chan dragged over a chair to sit with them. As he did, they smelled greasy food and heard wheels rolling along. Breakfast was probably being distributed.

    ¡°Reinforcements will being from Seoul tonight,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho nced at Cha Dong-Gyun, then looked back at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, gather the men who can fight. Let me know who¡¯sing by lunchtime. Don¡¯t let Daye find out about this,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied.

    ¡°I¡¯ming too,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said with a frown as he forced himself up. His eyes zed so fiercely that they looked as if they had been set on fire.

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze shifted to the bandages on Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s stomach. If they were inbat, Kang Chan would definitely have handed him a gun, but now that Cha Dong-Gyun had received treatment, that would just make the pain even worse.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Kang Chan confirmed.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    However, Cha Dong-Gyun would just suffer from an entirely different kind of injury if Kang Chan ordered him to stay behind while the thoughts of his dead subordinates weighed down his heart.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    After a while, the interpreter opened the door.

    ¡°Here you are. What would you like to do about breakfast?¡± he asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll eat here,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    While Kwak Cheol-Ho moved the table to the middle of the room, a French agent brought their food over.

    Cha Dong-Gyun pulled up the bedside table and put what looked like baby food on it. Meanwhile, Kang Chan and Kwak Cheol-Ho were served tes of meat and bread.

    ¡°When will we execute the operation?¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho asked as he dipped his bread in the steak sauce.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for our reinforcements before we decide. If they arrive tonight, they¡¯d probably suffer from jetg, so tomorrow night would probably be best,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°What¡¯s our target?¡±

    Chatting about this over bread and meat made it feel like they were on a pic.

    ¡°While we¡¯re at it, I¡¯m sure a little noise is fine,¡± Kang Chan said with a grin.

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked up from his soup.

    ¡°I heard there¡¯s an oil rig on the outskirts of Al-Aziziyah. Wouldn¡¯t it be cool if it exploded?¡±

    Hearing that made Cha Dong-Gyun look satisfied.

    ***

    The aircraft from South Koreanded at the Athens Airport ten minutes past seven local time.

    Kang Chan and two French agents walked onto the tarmac and waited for the soldiers. It took another fifteen minutes for the ne to stop and the trap to be attached. During that time, two buses and an employee from Greece came to Kang Chan¡¯s side.

    They flew over in a small civilian aircraft and disguised themselves as tourists. However, when the doors opened and Oh Gwang-Taek stepped out, he still looked like a thief who hade to steal Greek artifacts despite the suit he was wearing.

    Oh Gwang-Taek pursed his lips and walked down the stairs. He then showed his passport, which had apletely wrong name, to the Greek employee. Since the name wasn¡¯t on records, this procedure was just for formalities. The National Intelligence Service could handle tasks like these.

    Oh Gwang-Taek had lost a lot of weight even though he was already pretty lean. His eyes and bodynguage reeked of the military.

    <i>Clunk. Clunk.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek and all the agents with him were each carrying a bag as big as they were. If anyone learned about what was in there, all the tourists in the airport would probably run away.

    After getting his passport stamped, Oh Gwang-Taek headed over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°You son of a bitch,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek greeted with a big smile. When Kang Chan smirked back, he pulled him into a hug.

    Kang Chan and Oh Gwang-Taek then watched the agents disembark. They nodded at Kang Chan in greeting before boarding the waiting bus straight away.

    Seeing Choi Jong-Il get off the ne made Kang Chan smile. When Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee walked out after him, he couldn¡¯t have felt more relieved.

    <i>Clunk, clunk.</i>

    Choi Jong-Il walked straight to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Thank you for calling me over,¡± Choi Jong-Il said.

    Behind him, Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee bowed their heads slightly in greeting.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talkter,¡± Kang Chan told him.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The three went onto the bus.

    Yoon Sang-Ki¡ªyet another face that he was d to see¡ªalso greeted him. His eyes glinting in anticipation, he gave Kang Chan a slight bow before hopping onto the bus.

    Strangely, Kang Chan kept smiling uncontrobly.

    Thest person to get off the ne was Kang Chul-Gyu. He looked so healthy that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even remember how weak he used to be.

    ¡°You already knew Director Kang before all this, didn¡¯t you?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    Kang Chan nced at him only to find a nauseated Oh Gwang-Taek looking back at him.

    ¡°Why?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You know why.¡±

    Having never received military training before, Oh Gwang-Taek seemed quite impressed by the man. Kang Chan supposed not just anybody could go on a mission and get a nickname like that.

    <i>Clunk, clunk.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu merely nced at Kang Chan before stepping on the bus. He didn¡¯t seem to want to put any pressure on him. However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t miss the happiness and gratitude that briefly shed across his eyes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Once Kang Chan and Oh Gwang-Taek also hopped on, the bus hit the road.

    The National Intelligence Service provided them with rooms at the Central Hotel.

    Kang Chan had to admit it. This was the National Intelligence Service¡¯s capacity right now.

    Ten agents from the National Intelligence Service including Choi Jong-Il, ten soldiers from Jeungpyeong including Yoon Sang-Ki, and sixteen men from Mongolia including Kang Chul-Gyu and Oh Gwang-Taek.

    The National Intelligence Service couldn''t possibly keep the movements of a group thisrge a secret.

    ¡°It¡¯s up the seventh floor,¡± a French agent said. Once everyone had stepped off the bus, he guided them to a freight elevator, which was located outside the emergency exit at the back.

    <i>Clunk, clunk, clunk.</i>

    Angr jaws, piercing eyes, muscr figures, and powerful gaits.

    No matter how one looked at them, they didn¡¯t look like tourists one bit. Hence, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be grateful for having ess to another entrance.

    When they reached the seventh floor, they found a French agent waiting for them. The doors at the sides of the hallway were open.

    ¡°Each room can amodate two people. Dinner will be served in the conference room at the far end of the hallway in half an hour,¡± Kang Chan said, rying the French agent¡¯s exnation to Oh Gwang-Taek and Choi Jong-Il.

    They spoke as little as possible and moved quietly. All that could be heard in the hallway were creaks and doors mming shut.

    ¡°Deputy Director-General, the Director-General is waiting for you,¡± the French agent quietly informed Kang Chan while watching the men go into their rooms.

    Kang Chan knew that the director would be paying attention, but he didn¡¯t expect him toe here himself.

    The agent led him into the innermost room. As he entered, Romain stood up from the table set beside the bed. Kang Chan noticed two disposable cups filled with coffee on the table.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang,¡± Romain greeted as he held his hand out. Contrary to how quiet he had been in front of Lanok, he now exuded an air of authority.

    After a brief handshake, Kang Chan sat down opposite Romain.

    ¡°Strong coffee energizes you,¡± Romain said as he gestured to the coffee. ¡°I used to be able to fly for twenty hours a day for a whole week, but now I need to rely on caffeine.¡±

    When Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee, Romain did as well.

    After wiping the drink¡¯s residue off his lips, Romain called Kang Chan again. ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°Are you thinking of attacking the oil rig in Al-Aziziyah?¡± he asked.

    <i>Is there anything that these people don¡¯t know?</i>

    Since Kang Chan had only said his ns out loud to Cha Dong-Gyun today, Romain was likely only specting on the situation.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct,¡± Kang Chan admitted.

    ¡°There¡¯s one thing I¡¯d like to ask you.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead, sir.¡±

    ¡°Does it not ur to you at all that you can die in this operation?¡± Romain asked.

    Unable to tell the intentions hidden behind the question, Kang Chan did not respond.

    Romain continued, ¡°Let¡¯s take the other countries out of the equation for a moment. Have you thought about how this might change the situation for France and South Korea?¡±

    He showed no hesitation in voicing his concerns.

    ¡°If you die in this operation, Russia would not think twice about turning its head on the other countries, and South Korea will have to pay the price for standing up to Saudi Arabia and the United States.¡±

    It was difficult to read Romain¡¯s expression. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even tell if he was asking him all this out of concern or as a threat.

    ¡°It won¡¯t end there. If you die after the construction of the power nt begins, South Korea will be forced to go to war.¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head, unable to understand what he meant.

    ¡°Let¡¯s keep it simple. What would be the best way to get rid of a power nt and its researchers? The only thing the United States, Russia, and Saudi Arabia can agree on is war.¡±

    At that moment, Kang Chan came to a realization. ¡°Is that the reason the first facility is being built in South Korea? Because it will be easy to destroy if it fails? Because it¡¯s adequate for war?¡±

    Romain¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but the awkward silence that followed was answer enough.

    Kang Chan pressed on. ¡°Will you look for another country if I refuse now?¡±

    ¡°Your involvement has sped up the development of this new energy source by thirty years,¡± Romain answered.

    ¡°So you mean there won¡¯t be any issues with the development even without me.¡±

    ¡°Even so, with you at the center, South Korea is apt for establishing the facility. If France were to announce the construction of our own nt, Russia would be the first toin.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°The decision is entirely up to you, but if you¡¯re nning to create an organization, at least make one that can keep you alive until the power nt is built and even long after that. Without you, South Korea will crash back to the 1950s.¡±

    Kang Chan now knew that it was a threat, but it was hard to refute his words.

    Romain looked down and pulled out some papers, which had been folded twice, from the pocket of his jacket. He then put them on the table.

    ¡°Consider this my way of expressing my gratitude for saving France from the earthquake. Moving forward, I may have to refuse your demands. After all, I have to devote all the power of the DGSE to protecting you and the High Commissioner.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at the document on the table. He didn¡¯t expect the DGSE Director-General to give him papers folded so poorly.

    ¡°Those documents contain information and the location of the Sunni leader in Al-Aziziyah. There are approximately one hundred fifty people if you count his bodyguards,¡± Romain exined.

    When Kang Chan raised his gaze, he found Romain looking as if he had decided on something.

    ¡°You have all the makings of a hero, especially your refusal to hide behind anyone¡¯s back.¡±

    Kang Chan met his words with a wry smile. Romain stood up, having already said everything he needed to.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Kang Chan also stood up and took the hand that Romain held out.

    ¡°I will support you as much as I can, but if France¡¯s honor is harmed...¡±

    Facing each other head-on, Romain smiled faintly, and Kang Chan smirked. Finding no need to finish his sentence, Romain instead told Kang Chan to take his time and left the room first.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t get to figure out if Lanok ordered Romain to visit him today, but it was clear that the situation around him was bing increasinglyplex and tense.

    He picked up the document on the table and checked its contents. The first page was nk, and the next was a schematic map of Al-Aziziyah marked with numbers all over. It was clear enough to him what the marks meant. When he flipped to the next page, he found names next to numbers in the upper left corner.

    <i>I knew it!</i>

    Mohammad Zrif

    Under the name was a big picture of a bushy-bearded man. Below it was a description of his bodyguards and their equipment.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t move his eyes from the bottom section.

    Kang Chan wished for an organization like this¡ªone that could gather information about a target with such uracy.

    He needed stable power and a proper organization before the construction of the power nt began. Otherwise, South Korea would have no choice but to act meek before France, Russia, China, and the UK. Having to walk on eggshells around those four nations would defeat South Korea¡¯s feat of escaping from the tight grip of the United States and Japan.

    Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh and left the room.

    The Korean team, dressed in ck suits, walked down the hall to eat dinner. He recognized the agents, soldiers, and members of the Mongolian team.

    Walking inside the conference room, they saw chairs around arge round table and about two dozen dishes set out buffet-style.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    The men must have talked about the two failed operations on the ne. Even if they didn¡¯t, they were bound to at least have a gist about what happened. With the added tension of knowing they would leave for an operation soon, the room¡¯s atmosphere was naturally heavy.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go over there,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek¡ªthe only one wearing a happy face in the room¡ªsaid with a bright smile. He looked like he could be from one of those PSAs on the back of the Seoul City buses about always being happy.

    <i>Click, click</i>.

    ¡°Is it okay to talk here?¡± he asked, seemingly worried about someone eavesdropping on them.

    Oh Gwang-Taek was the only one who had received military training from a cultist¡ªno¡ªas private lessons.

    Kang Chan thought if someone was tapping into their conversation, their ears would hurt first, then they would get dizzy.

    ¡°Yes. This ce should be safe,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The DGSE wasn¡¯t so easy to get around.

    Everyone nearby heard him.

    ¡°Hyung-nim, I never thought we¡¯d get another chance to work for South Korea again,¡± someone said from the Mongolian team¡¯s table, which was on the other side.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already done as much as I can for the country,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu quietly stated. His resolve seemed different from the rest of the men¡¯s. As all eyes turned to him, he continued, ¡°I only fight for my dead son now. It doesn¡¯t matter whether it¡¯s Mongolia or Libya. If it¡¯s what my dead son wants...¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek shuddered as he looked at Kang Chan. What the hell happened in Mongolia for this stubborn bastard to be so scared?

    Kang Chul-Gyu had a talent for making people curious about him.

 Chapter 292.1: Wouldnéˆ¥æª› It Be cool? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 292.1: Wouldn¡¯t It Be cool? (2)</h4>

    Before Kang Chan¡¯s watching gaze, Kang Chul-Gyu calmly ate his food.

    Dinner was just about over now.

    Soldiers and agents alike chose their favorites from the selection of refreshments on one side of the room and then sat back down at their respective tables. The majority of the men seemed to have chosen coffee.

    With the day slowly progressing to its end, outside the window, the lights of the shops, cars, and streetmps began to light up the road.

    After a while, Kang Chan asked a French agent if there was still a room avable.

    ¡°You can use the room you were using and the three other rooms around it, sir,¡± the French agent replied.

    ¡°Should I be worried about eavesdroppers?¡±

    ¡°For as long as you¡¯re on the seventh floor, you can rest easy, sir.¡±

    That was enough for Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have a quick word with a few people,¡± he said.

    ¡°Sure,¡± replied Oh Gwang-Taek.

    Kang Chan stood up and headed over to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Come with me for a minute,¡± he requested.

    Without a word, Kang Chul-Gyu stood up and followed suit.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il. Yoon Sang-Ki.¡±

    Kang Chan brought the three over to the room across the hall, which was where he met Romain earlier. They moved the tables next to the bed and grabbed some chairs from the other rooms so they could all sit down.

    ¡°Have you met the old man?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We did in the ne. I¡¯m sure everyone from our brigade knows the name ¡®DMZ King,¡¯¡± Choi Jong-Il responded. Yoon Sang-Ki nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Good. Then take a look at this,¡± Kang Chan said, pulling out from his breast pocket the map and documents that Romain had given him. For Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s sake, he told him a summary of what happened.

    ¡°This is Tripoli Airport.¡± From there, he moved his index finger along the roads and drew a circle around another area. ¡°This is Al-Aziziyah, our target. My initial n was to destroy the oil rig here in Tarabulus, but...¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked up from the map in surprise.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t the Libyan government be forced to react against us if we do that? We don¡¯t have enough people to take on the entire Libyan army, do we?¡±

    ¡°Libya will condone this operation in exchange for the US¡¯ support of the anti-Gaddafi regime.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked as if Kang Chan had just pped him right in the face. A short moment of silence fell upon them.

    Kang Chul-Gyu prodded on, breaking the lull. ¡°I don¡¯t know too much about foreignnguages, but wasn¡¯t that French you were using to speak to the agents outside?¡±

    ¡°The DGSE is the one handling our security in this hotel and the support from Greece.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu chuckled in disbelief. ¡°Sorry about that. I didn¡¯t mean anything by it. I¡¯m just shocked that the United States and France are cooperating with us even though South Korea still has to act so timidly around China and Russia.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu dropped his gaze to the map again. He then let out a sigh, expressing a lot of his emotions.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have time to worry about him right now. He simply returned his attention to the map as well.

    ¡°The DGSE gave me these documents. You can take a closer look at itter. For now, just take a look at this guy,¡± Kang Chan unfolded the documents and put them on the table, making sure Mohammad Zrif¡¯s face was at the front and center. ¡°This is Mohammad Zrif, the head of UIS Libya. This asshole and six others ordered and led the massacre of our agents.¡±

    ¡°Each of the locations that were marked on the map on the other page corresponds to these numbers. These are the estimated number of hostiles per area, and these are their equipment.¡±

    ¡°How many tangos are there in total?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°About one hundred fifty.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu red at Mohammad Zrif¡¯s picture.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°We¡¯ll split our forces into three teams. Old man, you will lead the DMZ team. Choi Jong-Il, I¡¯m putting you in charge of the National Intelligence Service agents, and you, Cha Dong-Gyun, will bemanding the Jeungpyeong special forces team.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ve recovered enough to join this operation, Lieutenant Cha?¡± Yoon Sang-Ki asked worriedly.

    ¡°If we don¡¯t let him, he will probably break out of the hospital and follow us,¡± Kang Chan answered before looking back at the map. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of sending over the Jeungpyeong special forces team to destroy the facilities in Tarabulus and having the DMZ and the National Intelligence Service teams focus on eliminating the enemies.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu, Choi Jong-Il, and Yoon Sang-Ki all nodded at the same time.

    Kang Chan added, ¡°Mohammad Zrif has about fifty men whose only order is to protect him at all costs. Choi Jong-Il and I will move in on the target. Old man, I want you and your team to neutralize these six remaining areas.¡±

    ¡°How much time do we have?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°No more than five hours at most. We have to include the time it takes for us to get there, so we¡¯ll have about three hours to actually eliminate the target. Any more than that and the Sunnis and other UIS forces in Libya could reach the scene.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded in understanding, lips pressed together.

    ¡°Old man, you¡¯ll start taking them out from number eight here. I¡¯ll start with this asshole and make my way down the other numbers,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°Who will show us the way?¡±

    ¡°The DGSE will provide us with guides and camouged trucks.¡±

    ¡°Copy. When will you give everyone the full briefing?¡±

    ¡°The operation is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, so we¡¯ll do it after lunch. The special forces will have arrived from the hospital by then,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. He looked like he didn¡¯t have any other questions.

    ¡°Determine how many and what weapons your team needs and n the logistics beforehand. Considering we¡¯ll have different travel times to each of our target areas from the airport, the resistance will probably be strongest in the area you¡¯re assigned.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see the need for an all-out attack.¡±

    ¡°I agree. The quieter we can do it, the better.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu carefully peered at the numbered map, seemingly working something out.

    ***

    After exiting the conference room with Moon Jae-Hyun, Go Gun-Woo gestured over to a secretary staff member.

    ¡°What¡¯s next on the president¡¯s agenda?¡± he asked.

    ¡°The President of Peru is waiting in the second reception room,¡± the staff member replied.

    The two spoke to each other while walking to their next destination.

    ¡°What about the announcement about the talks?¡±

    ¡°We will make an official announcement as soon as we hear of the oue.¡±

    In the meantime, Moon Jae-Hyun had entered his office and sat down at his desk. He quickly scanned the stack of documents in front of him.

    Go Gun-Woo and the secretary staff member waited for him at the side. After barely reading therge headings on the front pages and three or four lines of outlines at the top, Moon Jae-Hyun looked up.

    ¡°Is this really how we should move forward?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun questioned.

    ¡°It will all be over as soon as you give your signature,¡± Go Gun-Woo replied.

    ¡°But we don¡¯t know the results yet,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun countered with concern.

    ¡°The assistant director will take care of it and return with victory in his hands. The director reported that France, Russia, and China have more faith in him than we do,¡± Go Gun-Woo stated firmly.

    Soon after, he spoke up again to urge Moon Jae-Hyun to make haste. ¡°The president of Peru is waiting for you, sir.¡±

    ***

    Back at the hospital, Kang Chan gave the interpreter cup noodles and instant coffee, which Choi Jong-Il had given to him a while ago. The interpreter held the instant noodles with tears in his eyes.

    Since there was no hot water inside the hospital rooms, Kang Chan made two cups of instant coffee outside before heading into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at him. With the swelling finally halfway gone, he looked human again.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Seok Kang-Ho eagerly asked.

    Kang Chan set the cup down on the table and raised Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s bed up a bit.

    ¡°Where did you get this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked again.

    ¡°You¡¯re not feeling well, so I went to great lengths to get it for you,¡± Kang Chan replied with a grin.

    He then pulled up the bedside table and put the cup on it. While watching Seok Kang-Ho take it with his left hand, Kang Chan sat down beside the table.

    ¡°When is it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho abruptly asked.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°With that temper of yours, there¡¯s absolutely no way in hell are you heading back to South Korea without doing anything about this,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    He had unshakable conviction in his words.

    Kang Chan had nned on keeping this entire operation a secret, but now that it hade to this, he decided that it would be better to just be honest with him.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been gone all evening and suddenly brought me instant coffee. I can smell the ramyeon outside too. The men are already here, aren¡¯t they?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kang Chan admitted.

    ¡°When will the operation start?¡±

    ¡°Around tomorrow evening.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho drank his coffee with his head bowed deeper than his cup was raised.

    ¡°Holy fuck! This is delicious!¡± he eximed.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but grin.

    Turning to Kang Chan, he said, ¡°Once all of this is over, let¡¯s have cup noodles together.¡±

    ***

    After having breakfast, Kang Chan left the hospital with Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, Um Ji-Hwan, and six other soldiers.

    They took a van that the DGSE had provided for them.

    Kang Chan grinned as he looked at Cha Dong-Gyun. The man looked like he was trying his best not to show that he was injured, but he was already breaking out in cold sweat.

    The hotel was half an hour away. When the van finally pulled up behind the building, Cha Dong-Gyun gritted his teeth and got out of the car. Kwak Cheol-Ho and Um Ji-Hwan peeked nces at Kang Chan, but Kang Chan just kept an impassive expression as if to show that there was nothing to worry about.

    As soon as they reached the seventh floor, they were greeted by the National Intelligence Service and DGSE agents waiting for them by the emergency exits and in the hallways.

    ¡°Take these men to Choi Jong-Il and Yoon Sang-Ki,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

 Chapter 292.2: Wouldnéˆ¥æª› It Be Cool? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 292.2: Wouldn¡¯t It Be Cool? (2)</h4>

    After leaving the seven soldiers to the agents, Kang Chan went to the empty room further down the hallway with Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    ¡°Take a seat,¡± he offered.

    Cha Dong-Gyun sat down next to the table with a stiff expression.

    Just like his meeting yesterday, Kang Chan pulled out the map and documents that the DGSE had given him to brief them about what he had already told the others.

    ¡°I want the special forces team to destroy the oil rig here in Tarabulus. It¡¯s an hour¡¯s drive away from the airport, and then we¡¯ll have to go through mountains and ins. Themander will be¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay behind,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said grimly before Kang Chan could finish. ¡°If it was just urban warfare, I would have insisted on joining, but I doubt I can handle the transportation and having to move around rough terrains like those.¡±

    With a devastated expression, he stared at Kang Chan. ¡°You already knew that I wouldn¡¯t be able to make it all the way there when you were nning this operation, didn¡¯t you? Why did you say I could go with you, sir?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re themander.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun couldn¡¯t seem to understand what Kang Chan meant.

    ¡°This will happen over and over again to whoever¡¯s in charge of Jeungpyeong¡¯s special forces team. Every time you lose your men¡ªevery time you fail an operation¡ªthere will be moments when your will overpowers your reason. When it does, remember this day. Be amander who¡¯s just as capable of making logical judgments as he is winning wars.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun didn¡¯t respond. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t me him, though.

    ¡°The skills of amander inbat aren¡¯t the only ones that will be passed down to his men. His experience in things like these will be as well. This will make sure that, even if you divide your men into groups of two or three, they would still be able to rationally operate among themselves.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun finally replied.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho, who was next to him, also seemed to have steeled his resolve.

    Afterward, Kang Chan gave Kwak Cheol-Ho a detailed exnation of the n and answered several questions.

    ¡°I know what to do now,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho finally said, looking up from the map.

    ¡°There will be a full briefing with everyone after lunch. I need you to talk to Yoon Sang-Ki and divide up the teams and the weapons you¡¯ll need before then.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°Since it¡¯s already lunchtime anyway, why don¡¯t we just head over to the conference room now and wait for the others?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    There was no need for the three of them to be alone in the room, twiddling their thumbs. Hence, they soon walked out. When they stepped into the hallway, they found the soldiers already standing in front of the entrance of the conference room.

    Yoon Sang-Ki was the first to run up to him. He faltered as he attempted to salute Kang Chan, causing him to lower his head at Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho instead. Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung then came over to greet them. Thest to approach him was Oh Gwang-Taek, who was watching the men.

    ¡°Seriously, what the hell are you?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Oh Gwang-Taek seemed to be one of those people who sobbed their hearts out first before asking who died. This punk hadn¡¯t said anything in the past, yet he suddenly asked him such a question right before the operation began.

    ¡°I mean, the more I learn about you, the more I don¡¯t understand,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek argued.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek.¡±

    ¡°What? Why the fuck are you calling me by name?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be facing a lot of more fights like this, so watch and learn closely. I want you to be the first one I can ask for help in the future.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek nodded, his eyes full of confidence. ¡°<i>Ha</i>, you punk! Leave it to me!¡±

    Kang Chan was grateful. However, he also made a mental note never to send this guy to negotiate with anyone.

    Over lunch, Kang Chan told all of them to gather at the conference room by three. The lunch favorite was the cup noodles that Choi Jong-Il had stacked to the side. They ate greasy Greek-style fried rice with the cup noodles and washed it down with instant coffee.

    Once done with his meal, Kang Chan spent about an hour talking to Hugo of the DGSE and Sherman of the CIA. He also gave Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook a call.

    Outside the windows was the mythical world of Athens. If Kang Chan wanted to, he could easily go to the airport and head straight back to Seoul. However, a world that wasn¡¯t as visible was holding him back. He told himself that he was only going to be doing this for a little longer¡ªthat he was just doing this to protect his people¡ªbut when he looked around him, he found himself right in the middle of a vortex.

    Something like this happened inbat too. One could be standing in the middle of a hail of enemy fire with all of their exit routes blocked, leaving them no means of escape.

    In such a situation, they were left with only one option¡ªkilling all the enemies in sight.

    ***

    ¡°The DMZ team will be led by Director Kang Chul-Gyu, the Jeungpyeong special forces by Kwak Cheol-Ho, and the National Intelligence Service agents by me,¡± Kang Chan directed.

    With solemn expressions, the men seated facing him remained focused on his exnation.

    ¡°The UIS drew first blood when they killed our agents. In this operation, it does not matter whates our way. We will respond to any enemy we encounter. Any questions?¡±

    Kang Chan spoke with formality, something he normally didn¡¯t do, out of respect for the people on the DMZ team.

    One of the members of the DMZ team raised his hands from the middle of the tables. When Kang Chan looked at him, he began to speak.

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service and Jeungpyeong¡¯s special forces team are national organizations, so there¡¯s no question about their presence here. However, under what pretext are we, the DMZ team, participating in this operation?¡±

    It was an unexpected question. As all eyes turned to him, the man, with a determined expression, continued, ¡°I came all the way here to be loyal to my country, but what Kang sunbae said yesterday got me thinking. If we die in this operation, what kind of treatment will we receive?¡±

    To be honest, Kang Chan hadn¡¯t thought about that.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure there will bepensation from thepany. Even if there isn¡¯t, I¡¯d still be honored to have served with Kang sunbae,¡± the man quickly added, seemingly sorry to have asked such a question.

    Unfortunately, those words didn¡¯t make it any easier to answer.

    Kang Chan could easilye up with a response regarding marypensation. However, when it came to the recognition they would receive, he couldn¡¯te up with anything.

    There was still a lot he had to learn. If he wanted to build an organization, he would have to pay attention to things like this.

    For the first time in so long, Kang Chan was rendered speechless.

    At that moment, Kang Chul-Gyu raised his hand, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. His gaze met Kang Chan¡¯s. Soon after, he stood up with a firm expression.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chul-Gyu,mander of the DMZ team.¡±

    Everyone participating in this operation already knew who he was, but Kang Chul-Gyu still took the time to introduce himself.

    ¡°I know this is a matter that I should be talking to my team about, but I¡¯d like to give everyone an exnation for yesterday¡¯s incident anyway.¡±

    <i>What are you trying to say now, old man?¡±</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu slowly looked at each of the members of his team.

    ¡°All of you, including me, have had unhappy times. I¡¯m sure you all remember what I said at dinnerst night. I did not decide to join this operation with the intention of serving my country. Even now, I still stand by those words.¡±

    While Kang Chul-Gyu spoke, the members of the DMZ team, followed by the Jeungpyeong special forces team and the National Intelligence Service agents, all straightened their backs. Their respect for the DMZ legend and their special forces senior seemed toe naturally to them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not forget themitment we made before heading over from Mongolia. When we decided to go on this mission, we said that we wouldn¡¯t be doing it for the country. We said we¡¯re doing it out of the satisfaction of helping our proud juniors, who are now doing what we couldn¡¯t do.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes, words, and expressions dominated everyone in the room.

    ¡°We¡¯re not stepping up for South Korea. Therefore, I believe it¡¯s shameless of us to hope for the nation to give us something in return. Kwon Yong-Hee!¡±

    ¡°Sir!¡± Kwon Yong-Hee, who had asked the question earlier, answered loudly, straining his upper body.

    Even though he was probably already in his forties, he still replied like an obedient soldier talking to hismander.

    ¡°As emphasized earlier, this is a dangerous operation. We don¡¯t know how many of us will return with our lives or as corpses. I heard that more than half of our juniors who went there before us were killed in action.¡±

    With a fierce re of determination, Kang Chul-Gyu continued, ¡°Even if we die over there, we still likely won¡¯t be buried in the national cemetery. Does that make you want to abandon this mission and head back home?¡±

    ¡°No, sir!¡± Kwon Yong-Hee replied so loudly that the Jeungpyeong soldiers¡¯ eyes widened.

    ¡°My dead son... I will be fighting for my son whom I failed to take care of. He would want me to help and protect our juniors. The unfortunate times are ours to bear. My goal is to make sure our juniors will not be treated the same way they treated us and to help them seed in operations like this.¡±

    Everyone focused on him with nervous expressions.

    After a brief pause, Kang Chul-Gyu smirked and turned toward the members of his team.

    ¡°Who protects the DMZ?¡± he asked.

    ¡°We do!¡±

    Their powerful answer thundered across the room.

    ¡°What do we fight for?¡±

    ¡°Our country and our fellow men!¡±

    There was no mistaking it. These chants had to be the ones that they used to shout while they were still serving at the DMZ. It was a bit tacky, and the cries of the older men were heartwrenching, but there was something poignant about it.

    ¡°What¡¯s our motto?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my dearest family! I gave my life for my country and myrades!¡±

    At the end of the chant, Kang Chul-Gyu sat back down. An inexplicable somberness filled the room. The special forces team of Jeungpyeong all gritted their teeth with renewed resolve.

 Chapter 293: On a Different Level (1)

    <h4>Chapter 293: On a Different Level (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan arrived at Athens Airport an hour before evening. Once he had settled into his seat in the civilian ne from South Korea, they began to prepare for takeoff. They drove down the runaway and ascended to a cruising altitude before the seatbelt sign was turned off, signaled by three beeps.

    Following Kang Chan''s lead, all the agents stood up and began unpacking theirrge bags, which contained everything they needed¡ªmilitary uniforms, helmets, radios, night vision goggles, vests, and essential weaponry like rifles, pistols, magazines, grenades, and knives.

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    Dressed in his usual light-gray military uniform, Kang Chan, as always, strapped a pistol to his right waist and left ankle, then his knife to his right ankle. He put two rifle magazines at the back of his waist and four in his vest along with grenades. Afterward, he put pistol magazines on the sides of his waist and vest.

    Kang Chan then looked around, finding Kang Chul-Gyu already done preparing, his rifle casually slung by his side. He was armed with a K7 submachine gun fitted with a silencer and a 30-round magazine.

    Both Lee Doo-Hee and the Jeungpyeong special forces armed themselves with sniper rifles, but the Jeungpyeong special forces team also brought C4s, grenadeunchers, and specialized equipment with them. This was Kang Chan¡¯s first operation alongside the DMZ team. Unlike the others, they had fastened leather straps around their left shoulders so they could arrange their knives for quick draw, evoking the image of warriors from Chinese films.

    Kwon Yong-Hee, the one who had asked the question earlier, pursed his lips tightly, his gaze intently fixed on the South Korean g attached to the lower part of the leather strap on his left forearm. It wasn¡¯t just him either. Their entire team regarded the South Korean g in their arms. Some were even gently caressing it gently.

    "While the search and rescue teams wore red unit markings and the South Korean g, we have never gotten the opportunity to wear anything like that until now," Kang Chul-Gyu quietly exined, locking eyes with Kang Chan.

    Fully armed and wearing military uniforms, the DMZ team now emitted a sharp, domineering aura. However, they still had one reason for concern among their ranks¡ªOh Gwang-Taek.

    "<i>Woah</i>! To think I would finally get to wear a South Korean g... Damn!" Oh Gwang-Taekmented.

    Although it was only a murmur, everyone still heard him.

    Fortunately, Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s gaze was telling Kang Chan not to worry. They seemed to have suddenly gotten unexpectedly close, but under the circumstances, this level of camaraderie was eptable.

    <i>Drrrrruk.</i>

    Lee Doo-Hee and Um Ji-Hwan wheeled two carts of food to the front. Their dinner,posed of white rice, mildly vored kimchi, and bulgogi, could be considered luxurious. The portions were generous enough for many to have seconds.

    After the meal, most of them enjoyed canned coffee except for Kang Chan and Choi Jong-Il, who opted for instant coffee they prepared themselves. Darkness had enveloped everything outside the ne. Considering they''d be heading out into operations as soon as theynded, the atmosphere of the cabin was naturally heavy.

    "Can I smoke?" Choi Jong-Il asked.

    "Anyone wanna stop him?" Kang Chan replied, giving his tacit approval.

    Receiving a nod from Kang Chan, everyonefortably lit up their own cigarettes. Kang Chan then gestured at Choi Jong-Il toe with him. Together, they headed to the galley at the front.

    ¡°Draw the curtains," Kang Chan instructed.

    <i>Whoosh. Swish.</i>

    He then added, "Give me a cigarette."

    Having been in a hospital, it had been a while since hest fully enjoyed the pleasure of smoking.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Oddly enough, Kang Chan foundfort in drinking instant coffee and smoking with Choi Jong-Il.

    "Is it because of Kang sunbae?" asked Choi Jong-Il. When Kang Chan gazed at him, he nodded in understanding. "Given the age difference, we do feel a bit hesitant to smoke around him.¡±

    <i>Damn!</i>

    They were on their way to an operation right now. They didn¡¯t even know who would make it back alive. Fussing over age differences when it came to smoking now of all times seemed pointless to Kang Chan.

    <i>If it was an issue, it would have been better not to join the same operation in the first ce.</i>

    Unfortunately, Kang Chul-Gyu was his father. How could hefortably smoke in his presence? The French, at least, understood how to enjoy a cigarette without concern.

    <i>Whoosh.</i>

    The curtain was suddenly pulled open, and Oh Gwang-Taek walked in.

    "What are you doing here?" Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    "Just smoking," Kang Chan casually replied.

    Oh Gwang-Taek nced back and then moved closer to Kang Chan.

    "I came for some coffee. Got any instant ones?" Oh Gwang-Taek sheepishly asked as he peered at the table. He still seemed to feel a bit awkward around Choi Jong-Il.

    Choi Jong-Il swiftly prepared a cup of instant coffee for him. "Here you go.¡±

    "I''ll be outside, sir," he then added before exiting into the cabin and drawing the curtain behind him.

    Kang Chan fetched some hot water and made himself a cup of instant coffee as well. Afterward, he and Oh Gwang-Taek each took a cigarette.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The me of a lighter always brought Kang Chanfort.

    "<i>Hoo</i>. I''ve got a favor to ask," Oh Gwang-Taek began. When Kang Chan looked at him, he exhaled another long stream of smoke. "Even if I die, my wife and daughter will have enough to live on."

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee as he listened intently.

    "Still, if you can, please check in on them from time to time. Make sure they aren''t bullied for not having a dad."

    Kang Chan smiled faintly, causing Oh Gwang-Taek to frown. Thetter rubbed his cigarette in a paper cup.

    "I know, I know. A thug taking care of his kid? Crazy! Even so, my daughter''s innocent. I left that life behind for her."

    "Oh Gwang-Taek," Kang Chan called.

    "What?"

    <i>Sizzle.</i>

    After extinguishing his cigarette in the paper cup, Kang Chan looked up.

    "Don¡¯t stray too far from Director Kang."

    "Who do you think I am¡ª"

    "It¡¯s not about being cowardly. You have to watch how he moves ording to the situation and how he leads the team. Learn everything you can from him," Kang Chan said.

    A sense of duty showed in Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s expression.

    "There¡¯s only a few like him in South Korea. Director Kim Tae-Jin and even the Presidential Security Service acknowledge him, so do your best to learn. Survive no matter what happens so that next time, you can lead the younger ones."

    "<i>Hoo</i>... got it," Oh Gwang-Taek replied with a nod. He then looked beyond the curtain.

    He clearly was not the kind of man they should send to a negotiation table.

    Although Oh Gwang-Taek had returned to his seat, Kang Chan remained leaning against the serving table. He had handed maps with the target locations marked to Kang Chul-Gyu and Kwak Cheol-Ho and ensured that they knew how to get there. They would also be assigned a guide who could speak Korean upon arrival at the airport.

    Moreover, he had also advised them to either turn back or hold their ground if they ever felt as if something was off about the operation. Was there anything else he had missed?

    Kang Chan slowly went over everything once more.

    ***

    Abibu hung up the phone with a troubled expression. The United States hadpletely turned its back on them, citing the transfer of funds to Brandon''s ount as the reason.

    The Quds, Iran''s special forces team, had virtually dried up in Africa, not because they needed help but rather because they needed to provide it. Abibu was annoyed by South Korea, a small country which was an unexpected obstacle as they willingly bowed deeply and tried to lure in oil supply and construction contracts.

    They needed a solution¡ªa way to maintain at least a shred of dignity...

    <i>Vrrrrr. Vrrrrr. Vrrrrr.</i>

    The phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

    "Hello?" Abibu answered.

    - It might be best to turn a blind eye this time.

    The voice, seemingly trying to soothe him, forced a difficult choice upon Abibu.

    - The Tyrrhenian Sea is under France''s watch, and the Mediterranean is under the US¡¯. Moreover, as I¡¯m sure you already know, Algeria is France''s domain.

    "What about Egypt?"

    - The UK and Israel are pressuring them due to the Suez Canal situation.

    "Chad? Sudan?"

    - The Foreign Legion''s special forces team has assembled right next to Congo. Pretending to help Libya alone could change the regimes in those two countries. Remember, theirmander is G¨¦rard.

    Abibu sighed softly. This was the first time the golden decor and goblets on his table felt so powerless.

    "What if I offer more money?"

    The person on the other end of the call paused for a moment before responding.

    - Lanok and Sherman are practically holding hands. Sometimes conceding is not a bad option. Russia, the UK, and Germany also have special forces teams on standby, ready to go to war if anyone intervenes.

    "We only killed a few intelligence agents," Abibu stated, clearly infuriated.

    - The problem isn¡¯t the death of the South Korean agents. It¡¯s the fact that you attacked the rescue team that the God of ckfield sent.

    "Is there no other way out of this than letting our warriors get killed?"

    - It could have ended with just a few casualties back then. Now? We''d be lucky if this ends with only the death of the key UIS personnel in Libya.

    "They have less than fifty Korean soldiers! I heard twenty of them have already retired!" Abibu yelled in frustration.

    When the person he was talking to didn¡¯t reply, he quickly added, "<i>Hmm</i>, I apologize for raising my voice.¡±

    - I understand.

    The voice over the phone was still soft.

    - The God of ckfield, theirmander, is what makes those less than fifty Koreans frightening. Should he decide to see this all the way through, the US would bomb Libya, and France would swiftly take over.

    "Kill him. I will pay whatever it costs."

    - Do you think you can buy us with money?

    Abibu was rendered speechless.

    - In the not-so-distant future, Korea will be a battlefield. It would be best to conserve your resources and forces for now.

    "We¡¯ve already lost Quds in Africa. If I don''t help our warriors either, how would I be able to justify it?"

    - Sometimes, gold offers morefort than words.

    The call ended in a soft but final tone, informing Abibu that this matter had already been concluded.

    - We will bear good news soon.

    Before Abibu could even respond, the caller hung up. Abibu¡¯s pride, which he had tried so hard to protect, had been shattered.

    ***

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    The seatbelt sign shed on with four beeps. The ne banked left, giving the people on that side a good view of the sparsely lit city.

    It was almost time to disperse.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    Kang Chan walked toward the middle seats where Kwak Cheol-Ho and the agents were sitting.

    "Let''s end this with a bang," he said, yfully patting Kwak Cheol-Ho''s helmet.

    <i>Tap. Tap.</i>

    Following their ritual, Kwak Cheol-Ho reached out and tapped Kang Chan''s helmet in return. Despite the low morale, Kang Chan went around doing the same thing to the entire Jeungpyeong special forces team, encouraging them to return it.

    Thest he patted was Yoon Sang-Ki.

    "Make sure you walk back this time."

    "I''ll wipe them all out, sir.¡±

    These battle-hardened warriors had been together in France, China, North Korea, and Afghanistan. The trust between them would be a source of great strength for them during critical moments.

    Behind Yoon Sang-Ki was the DMZ team.

    Kang Chan looked up and locked eyes with Kwon Yong-Hee.

    "It''s a good sight," Kwon Yong-Hee murmured, a mix of envy and regret in his voice.

    Smirking, Kang Chan sidestepped to stand next to him.

    "Please avenge our people who suffered unjust deaths,¡± he said.

    At the same time, he extended his arm to tap Kwon Yong-Hee''s helmet. Kwon Yong-Hee, in his mid-forties, cautiously responded. He looked a little awkward doing it.

    The soldier sitting next to him was the one who had asked in Mongolia if it was okay to raise the South Korean g.

    "Show the UIS the terror of the DMZ team," Kang Chan said.

    He then reached out to the soldier¡¯s helmet. The soldier returned the gesture more naturally than Kwon Yong-Hee did.

    Starting with Kwak Cheol-Ho, the Jeungpyeong special forces team stood up and began to follow Kang Chan. The National Intelligence Service agents lined up behind them.

    "Sunbae-nim! After this is all over, we''ll treat you to something nice.¡±

    "You people are our hope. You all better be alive when we get back.¡±

    Kwon Yong-Hee, with reddening eyes, tapped Kwak Cheol-Ho''s helmet.

    <i>Tap. Tap. Tap.</i>

    While smiling and tapping each other¡¯s helmets, they exchanged a variety of encouragements and engaged in banter typical among close acquaintances.

    "You bastard! How do youe up with this stuff?" Oh Gwang-Taek joked as he, too, joined in on their ritual.

    Amid the emotional stir, Kang Chan''s gaze met with Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s, who was sitting at the back.

    Kang Chan took a step to the side, then another. He could feel awkwardness spreading through him, almost as if ants were crawling up his back. He didn''t know how the mission would turn out¡ªwho would die and who would return alive. For all he knew, this might even be thest time he and Kang Chul-Gyu would exchange words.

    "Old man," Kang Chan called.

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked softly, his expression showing gratitude for the mere attempt at conversation. Seeing his face, which seemed to refuse to ask for more, Kang Chan suddenly remembered Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Perhaps Kang Chul-Gyuughed, considering the hope for a safe return as perhaps too optimistic. What he truly aimed to express was a simple wish¡ªto live and remain cautious.

    With Kwak Cheol-Ho tapping helmets with Oh Gwang-Taek, Kang Chan''s time to step aside drew nearer. Until the veryst moment, Kang Chul-Gyu refused to avert his gaze.

    In the end, Kang Chan reached out and tapped Kang Chul-Gyu''s helmet.

    <i>Tap. Tap.</i>

    <i>¡®Come back alive.¡¯</i>

    Instead of returning the favor, Kang Chul-Gyu just smirked again.

    <i>This old man! I went through all that awkwardness and embarrassment from extending my hand just to receive a smirk in return? So damn stubborn!</i>

    Kang Chan turned away and moved aside, letting Kwak Cheol-Ho follow him to the front. The rm rang four times as the ne began its descent. At the same time, the lights dimmed, prompting everyone to finish their greetings and take their seats.

    <i>Grrrrrrr.</i>

    The ps of the wings began to fold, decelerating the ne as it prepared fornding.

    <i>Vrrrrr. Vrrrrrrrrrr!</i>

    <i>Whoooo-ang!</i>

    Amid the vibration of the runway and the engine roars, the ne finally began to slow to a stop. Soon, the lights turned back on.

    <i>Click. Click. Click.</i>

    Immense tension filled the ne as everyone conducted a final check of their weapons. As soon as they disembarked, they would be splitting into the teams they were assigned to. In order, the Jeungpyeong special forces team, DMZ team, and National Intelligence Service team would descend the stairs, board the vehicles waiting for them, and depart immediately.

    <i>Whoooo-ang!</i>

    As the ne slowly turned at the end of the runway, Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s voice, filled with metallic vigor, rang out.

    "Sunbae-nim! We will see you all again for sure! Your juniors are proud of you!"

    The older members of the DMZ team turned to Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    "Show our sunbaes our resolve!"

    Kwak Cheol-Ho rallied the soldiers and agents behind him.

    ¡°What¡¯s our motto?!"

    "If I can!"

    <i>Whoooo-ang!</i>

    The ne had almost stopped now.

    "Protect my country with my blood!"

    Kwon Yong-Hee, with tearful eyes, stared at everyone before him.

    "I am happy!"

    Although it might have seemed somewhat childish, a warm and fervent spirit was shared among them, eliciting a curse from Oh Gwang-Taek.

    "Damn it!"

    <i>Whoooo-ang!</i>

    The ne finally jerked to a stop.

 Chapter 294: On a Different Level (2)

    <h4>Chapter 294: On a Different Level (2)</h4>

    The solemn resolve that filled the airne spilled out through the open door. The darkness, tepid wind, and distinct earthy smell of Libya greeted the soldiers and agents.

    Kang Chan was the first to descend the ramp to the ground. CIA agent Kevin was waiting for him below.

    "Hello, sir," greeted a Libyan man in his thirties as several trucks carrying huge piles of logs drove over to the ne. His Korean ent was tinged with Arabic.

    He continued, "The logs are hollow inside. Your men can hide in them while I guide you to Tripoli."

    When Kang Chan sharply looked at Kevin, thetter quickly identified the man. "He¡¯s a CIA special agent.¡±

    "Hurry up. We only have five hours,¡± Kang Chan urged.

    Kevin nced at the rifle slung over Kang Chan''s right shoulder as he handed over threepact radios. The message behind the gesture was so clear that no words had to be said.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "Kwak Cheol-Ho."

    Kang Chan summoned Kwak Cheol-Ho through the radio attached to his helmet.

    <i>Click. Click. Click.</i>

    The soldiers descended the ramp.

    "There''s space hidden behind the trucks. Get in there,¡± hemanded, then turned to Kwak Cheol-Ho. ¡°We canmunicate using these radios but don¡¯t forget that the CIA can intercept its frequency. Use it only when you really have to.¡±

    As Kwak Cheol-Ho epted the radio, the soldiers disappeared into the hollow logs.

    <i>Brrrrrrrrung!</i>

    As the engines roared to life, Kwak Cheol-Ho briefly nodded at Kang Chan before climbing into the back of the truck.

    The trucks soon departed.

    <i>Brrrrrrung! Brrrrrrrrrung! Click! Brrrrrrung!</i>

    "DMZ team, move out," Kang Chan radioed.

    Led by Kang Chul-Gyu, the DMZ team headed down to the ground. At the same time, two more trucks and a new guide approached Kang Chan.

    "There''s space for everyone behind the trucks,¡± Kang Chan quickly exined as he handed over a radio to Kang Chul-Gyu. "Keep in mind that the CIA can intercept this device. Use it only when necessary."

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded and took the radio as Oh Gwang-Taek and the DMZ team jumped into the two trucks. Next were the National Intelligence Service agents.

    Much to his surprise, before Kang Chan could press the radio button, he heard Kang Chul-Gyu say, ¡°Take care of yourself.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head toward Kang Chul-Gyu, but thetter had already walked away, blending into the darkness.

    As Kang Chul-Gyu stealthily put his hands on the back of the truck, he turned back onest time. With a swift motion, he then vanished into the cargo bed.

    <i>That old man! Can¡¯t he at least give me a chance to respond?</i>

    <i>Brrrrrrung! Brrrrrrrrrung! Click! Brrrrrrung!</i>

    As the two trucks drove off, thest truck and guide took their ce.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "Choi Jong-Il, you¡¯re up."

    On Kang Chan¡¯smand, the National Intelligence Service agents quickly made their way down the ramp.

    "There''s space at the back of the trucks. Climb up there."

    The agents did as instructed.

    The Arab guide, appearing to be in his thirties, introduced himself to Kang Chan.

    "I''m Abdul."

    "You are aware of the destination, right?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Yes, I do,"Abdul affirmed.

    "Good luck," Kevin said to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan gave Kevin onest nce. He then shook Kevin''s hand before moving to the back of the truck.

    <i>Climbing into a truck isn¡¯t something to fuss over!</i>

    Once Kang Chan had gotten in, Um Ji-Hwan pulled down the tarp above to hide them.

    <i>Brrrrrrung! Brrrrrrrrrung! Click! Brrrrrrung!</i>

    Facing each other on the cargo bed were long seats simr to the ones in military trucks. Unlike actual military trucks, however, the vehicle they were in had logs stacked around the exterior, forcing them to sit directly facing each other.

    <i>Brrrrrrung. Thud. Thud.</i>

    From the airport, the truck didn¡¯t stop once. With an hour¡¯s drive ahead of them, Kang Chan pulled out a map and photos from his pocket, deciding to scrutinize their final destination and target one more time.

    <i>Clunk!</i>

    The truck suddenly jolted, making all the agents inside sway.

    ***

    <i>Clunk! Thud!</i>

    "Hyung-nim,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki called Kwak Cheol-Ho, who was sitting across from him, as he steadied himself from all the shaking. "Did you see the seniors'' eyes when they chanted our motto?"

    Kwak Cheol-Ho nodded in reply.

    "<i>Whew</i>! Why did I get so choked up back then..." Yoon Sang-Ki wondered.

    "I never imagined we''d be working with the legend of the DMZ," the agent sitting next to Kwak Cheol-Ho chimed in.

    "Some say that back in our seniors¡¯ day, North Koreans would desert their outposts whenever the King of the DMZ headed out into battle. Those days were apparently their golden era."

    Yoon Sang-Ki nodded. As if recalling what happened in the airne, he replied, "<i>Ah</i>, to think such a person is prepared to die just to support us. I was seriously touched.¡±

    ***

    <i>Clunk!</i>

    The truck jerked violently, making the agents inside sway.

    "This ispletely different from our era," Kwon Yong-Hee muttered, regaining his bnce.

    <i>Vrooom! Thud. Thud.</i>

    "That young man is remarkable. He has probably surpassed what our sunbae-nim has achieved at his peak, perhaps even more.¡±Casting a puzzled nce at Kang Chul-Gyu, he added, "I¡¯ve never seen you smile like that before, sunbae-nim.¡±

    "Perhaps he''s happy to be on a mission with us," suggested the soldier next to Kwon Yong-Hee.

    The others began to join the conversation as well.

    "That man? In Mongolia and again recently, he stopped an American stop dead in his tracks.¡±

    "Right? Back in our day, American scoldings intimidated us more than our ancestors'' curses.¡±

    "Our juniors chanting their motto stirred my heart. Knowing there are people out there who want to harm our juniors makes me want to take the fight to them."

    "Wasn''t protecting them our duty in the DMZ? I was so mad when I heard that we lost half of such promising juniors. It was so painful to see them fight so bravely.¡±

    ***

    Entering his office, Moon Jae-Hyun sat down at his desk. Go Gun-Woo followed closely behind him.

    "I''ve finalized the agreement."

    "Is that so? Shall we take a short break and discuss this further, then?"

    With Go Gun-Woo in tow, Moon Jae-Hyun shrugged off his weariness and led the way. They proceeded to a small meeting room connected to the office.

    Once they were seated, a secretary served them two elegant cups of omija tea[1].

    "With this, we''vepleted all the necessary agreements, haven¡¯t we?"

    "Yes, sir," Moon Jae-Hyun affirmed, smiling.

    "I¡¯m honestly impressed that Japan will sign the agreement before it''s even finalized."

    "It shows their trust in the assistant director''s capabilities and perhaps also means that they''vee across some crucial information."

    "What about Russia?"

    "After your announcement, Russia decided to issue an official government statement. As for France and China, we''ve already secured the basic agreements with them through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning."

    Reaching for his teacup, Moon Jae-hyun said, "<i>Haa</i>! This makes me feel like a heartless father, trading away his child for my own benefit.¡±

    "Are you worried about the assistant director?" Go Gun-Woo asked.

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed sharply, letting the sigh speak for him.

    After a brief silence, he softly added, "South Korea has gained a lot in return for Mr. Kang¡¯s sacrifices. Today''s agreement is for our country, for our people. I get that. Still, thinking of him, our agents, and our soldiers out there in the field makes it feel almost sinful to even drink water."

    He sighed deeply once more. Go Gun-Woo just remained silent.

    "What about the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, and the Prosecutor''s Office?" Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    "The opposition is formidable," Go Gun-Woo replied.

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded in understanding.

    "If the assistant director doesn''t return safely, it''ll be challenging for me, the Prime Minister, and the director to hold our positions."

    "Why do you exclude Section Chief Jeon?"

    "<i>Ah</i>! Of course," Moon Jae-Hyun chuckled softly. "I have no regrets, but for South Korea''s future, I hope Mr. Kanges back safely."

    "He will return," Go Gun-Woo stated firmly. ¡°I have no doubt about it.¡±

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung took onest look around the six-story luxury vi in Hannam-dong. Designed as a duplex, it could amodate three households and came equipped with an underground parking lot and a 70-pyeong[2] garden. From the living room, one could enjoy an excellent view of the Han River.

    However, the vi''s prime advantage was that it was located on the foot of a high hill, shielding itpletely from view. Beyond the hill, it stood as the tallest structure. The rooftop was not only cleverly camouged but also housed two 30mm machine guns and two I missiles, ready to defend against most helicopter attacks.

    Twenty agents upied the first and third floors. Needless to say, it was also outfitted with state-of-the-art CCTV and security systems.

    "<i>Hoo</i>."

    Kim Hyung-Jung, standing in the living room on the third floor, gazed down at the Han River in contemtion.

    They had a sniper positioned on the rooftop, looking out for any missileunchers in apartments or buildings across the Han River, and binocrs on the third-floor living room, subjecting the opposite shore under constant surveince. If, for some reason, hostiles decided to ignore all these precautionary measures and still rain down bullets on them from across the Han River, the bulletproof ss in the living room would act as theirst line of defense.

    Now, there was only one thing left to do.

    ***

    <i>Screech!</i>

    After more than forty minutes on the road, the truck abruptly stopped. Kang Chan gestured toward the rear curtain of the truck with his index and middle fingers.

    Um Ji-Hwan and Lee Doo-Hee quickly aimed their rifles at the entrance. The other agents prepared to spring into action as well.

    They were navigating through the night, with some distance left to cover and no immediate threat of an enemy attack. Nevertheless, Kang Chan remained vignt.

    <i>Tap, tap.</i>

    At that moment, someone tapped the truck twice from the driver''s seat, putting them onbat alert.

    <i>Whoosh. Whoosh.</i>

    Kang Chan''s gaze sharpened as he slowly made his way to the entrance of the cargo bed.

    <i>Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.</i>

    Despite the noisesing from the truck¡¯s engine, they could still hear the distinct footsteps on the earth.

    "Noider[3]?" one man, armed with an AK-47, shouted toward the driver''s seat while another advanced toward the rear. <i>nk! Thud. Thud.</i>

    Choi Jong-Il quickly nced at Kang Chan for instructions.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Kang Chan deftly drew the knife strapped to his right ankle, strategically positioning himself at the right rear of the truck.

    <i>Thud. Thud.</i>

    Through a narrow gap in the logs, they saw the distinctive Imic attire of an enemy,plete with a bandolier across their chest, a turban, and an AK-47 in hand.

    Kang Chan gave Choi Jong-Il aposed thumbs-up, then swiftly flipped his hand, pointing his thumb downward in a silentmand.

    <i>Whoosh. Whoosh.</i>

    He then raised both hands to shoulder height.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    As the curtain was swiftly drawn back, Kang Chan decisively stretched out his left arm.

    <i>Clutch! Swoosh!</i>

    Covering the enemy''s mouth and nose with his hand, Kang Chan immediately thrust his knife into the nape.

    <i>Gurgle.</i>

    Meanwhile, Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung descended and kept watch by the truck''s rear.

    <i>Fizz! Fizz!</i>

    Right after two sparks flew, they heard an enemy hit the ground. Led by Kang Chan, the agents disembarked as Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung vigntly secured the front of the truck.

    Experience was certainly invaluable. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee, with their rich history of operations across Switzend, China, and Africa, exchanged meaningful nces, seamlessly coordinating their moves without verbalmunication.

    Caught off-guard, the guide looked noticeably flustered.

    "There used to be no guards here."

    "Pull out a map."

    The guide took a map from his pocket and pointed to their current location.

    "We''re around this area. It¡¯s all downhill from here. Follow this road for about twenty minutes and we should reach a building with a broadcasting tower.''"

    They had been racing along a mountain road on the outskirts of Al-Azizia.

    Setting up a perimeter here meant that the enemy had prepared for them. They might have even seen the shes from the rifle earlier.

    "Head back, Abdul. We''ll take it from here,¡± Kang Chan stated firmly.

    "Contact us on channel 2 of the radio Kevin gave you. I''ll stay as close as possible."

    As Kang Chan nodded, Lee Doo-Hee and another agent dragged their enemies¡¯ corpses off the road.

    Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee certainly worked seamlessly together.

    <i>Vrooom! Vrooom!</i>

    Skillfully maneuvering, the truck rocked back and forth a few times as it changed direction, then made its way back along the path it hade.

    "Our enemies seem to have prepared for our arrival." Kang Chan gathered the agents and spread out a map. "Drill that hill in the back into your minds. That''s point Alpha. The hill on the right here on the map will be Beta. Regroup at these two points if we ever have to retreat from the engagement. "

    Kang Chan then turned his head toward the right side of the road.

    "From here on out, we''ll be racing along this ridge," he ordered.

    In the distance, the lights of a truck flickered as it approached.

    "The sight of light from a rifle means we''re under surveince. Stay vignt. Woo Hee-Seung, I want you in the center. Choi Jong-Il, cover our six. We should reach our destination in twenty minutes,¡± Kang Chan finished.

    "Let''s make our seniors proud," Choi Jong-Il dered to the agents, his gaze intense and unwavering.

    ***

    <i>Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Thud! Thud!</i>

    With each pull of the trigger, Kang Chul-Gyu sent an enemy to the ground, their head snapped back. As if a barricade at the entrance of Al-Azizia had burst open, enemies poured out in unimaginable numbers.

    "Take three and go around to that building!"

    "Yes, sir!" Kwon Yong-Hee responded through gritted teeth.

    <i>Swoosh. Swoosh. Swoosh. Swoosh.</i>

    As if on cue, Kwon Yong-Hee and three others unsheathed the knives on their shoulders.

    <i>Fwoosh! Crack! Fwoosh! Crack! Fwoosh! Crack!</i>

    As if engaging in mere target practice, Kang Chul-Gyu easily shot enemy after enemy in the head. In response, enemy fire concentrated on him.

    "Now!"

    Along with thatmand, he raised his upper body and sent out a hail of bullets.

    <i>Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Tuduk! Tuduk! Tuduk!</i>

    Following his lead, the agents also rose and opened fire. The scene mirrored how they fought in the DMZ. Under theirrades¡¯ cover fire, an agent, wielding a knife, would plunge into enemy lines, decapitating foes in his path.

    <i>Tududuuk! Crack!</i>

    Soon, one of the DMZ members fell backward.

    <i>Tuduk! Pffft! Tuduk! Crack! Tuduk! Pffft!</i>

    The enemy''s counterfire came all at once.

    Crouched behind a low wall, Kang Chul-Gyu cradled his subordinate, finding a bullet wound on his chest. Blood spurted from his nose and mouth.

    "Sunbae-nim..." the soldier, with blood-soaked teeth, called. His condition suggested he wouldn''t return home. "Our precious juniors... What if... they''re under attack..."

    "We¡¯ll go to their aid as soon as we''ve cleared this area, so fight hard,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu urged.

    The soldier painfully smiled as his head slowly fell limp. ¡°Thank you for always saving me... Please look after... the juniors...¡±

    <i>Crunch</i>.

    With the soldier¡¯s head now resting on his right arm, Kang Chul-Gyu looked up into the dark Libyan sky.

    1. Omija tea is a traditional Korean herbal tea made from the dried berries of the Schisandra chinensis nt ?

    2. A pyeong is a traditional Korean unit of area and floorspace, equivalent to 36 square Korean feet ?

    3. ?? ????, What is this ?

 Chapter 295.1: The National Flag Theyéˆ¥æª™e Proud Of (1)

    <h4>Chapter 295.1: The National g They¡¯re Proud Of (1)</h4>

    <i>Click! Click! Click! Click!</i>

    Kang Chan and his team climbed and ran across a ridge that only offered a few trees as cover.

    <i>Huff huff</i>. <i>Huff huff</i>.

    Um Ji-Hwan breathed heavily, his mouth hanging open like a carp out of the water.

    He was a gym rat and a great runner. Moreover, as a former member of the 606, he had experience running in the mountains. Hence, no matter how big of a distance they¡¯d have to cover, he was confident that he could easily keep up with the others. However, when they started sprinting like madmen, his confidence was soon shattered.

    Kang Chan, the one controlling their pace, ran like a track and field athletepeting in a hundred-meter race. They were moving even faster than the truck that was quickly approaching them. They were going so fast that the enemies¡¯ truck that they had passed a while ago still hadn¡¯t caught up with them yet.

    At the rate they were going, Um Ji-Hwan couldn¡¯t help but fear that he would fall behind the others and hold them back.

    The smell of dirt from the darkness and the ridge filled his lungs, making it impossible for him to take deep breaths no matter how hard he tried to inhale.

    <i>Huff huff</i>. <i>Huff huff</i>.

    He didn¡¯t want tog behind his colleagues and burden them just because he wascking. For the sake of the agents who had been killed in an alley and the soldiers who had died in battle a few days ago, he had to do whatever it took to endure this and avoid disgracing Han Jae-Guk, who, together with his seniors, protected him using mere pistols against people who were shooting at them with AK-47s. He would never forget how they yelled at him to go ahead as they stayed behind to fight off the enemies.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>! <i>Urgh</i>!¡±

    It was unclear if the sound that came from Um Ji-Hwan was a cry or a scream.

    ¡°They already know we¡¯reing!¡± Kang Chan yelled from the front of their formation.

    Completely focused on getting air into his lungs, Um Ji-Hwan couldn¡¯t spare a moment to worry about what they should do if their enemies heard them.

    ¡°<i>Haah haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>! <i>Haah</i>!¡±

    ¡°Jeungpyeong special forces team!¡± Kang Chan shouted into the radio. He sounded as if he was also running out of breath. ¡°The DMZ team is in danger!¡±

    <i>Click. Click. Click. Click.</i>

    Without slowing down even a bit, he continued, ¡°The faster we run, the more lives we¡¯ll be able to save!¡±

    Um Ji-Hwan kept dashing forward even though he couldn¡¯t breathe anymore. At some point, Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s confidence, sharp gaze, resolute way of speaking briefly shed in his mind. The chant that the DMZ team had yelled also yed in his mind.

    Not long after, he remembered what his senior had yelled at him. The memory was still so vivid that he felt as if he could hear him shouting right beside him.

    <i>¡®Go! Run! Run!¡¯</i>

    It hadn¡¯t been that long since Um Ji-Hwan had be an agent. Considering his experience and capabilities, that alley should have been his grave.

    <i>Why did he do that? Why did he take up the rear and cover me when he knew it would kill him?</i>

    ¡°<i>Urgh</i>! <i>Ugh</i>! <i>Urgh</i>!¡±

    He refused to slow down even though he had tears running down his face and couldn¡¯t breathe properly¡ªno, he was at least starting to feel as if he could breathe properly again.

    ***

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Pew! Pew!</i>

    ¡°It¡¯s the regr army!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki yelled as he ducked behind a boulder.

    <i>Ratatatata! Pow pow pow pow! Ratatata! Pow pow pow pow!</i>

    The 20mm machine gun sent a beam of death toward the South Koreans. Beside it were countless rifles riddling their position with bullets.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Du du! Pew! Du du du du! Pew! Pow pow pow!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho stood up and pulled the trigger twice. However, their enemies immediately returned fire, forcing him to crouch back down. Taking advantage of their inability to respond properly, their opponents began inching toward their location.

    ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki! Take Team Two and secure that hill!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho yelled. ¡°Take their machine gun out with our snipers, then provide us with some suppressive fire!¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki thought Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s decision was cold. That n would require having some of them stay behind and draw their enemies¡¯ attention. However, if they decreased the number of soldiers here, one mistake was all it would take for Kwak Cheol-Ho and his team to get killed.

    ¡°Fuck! When have we ever had it easy inbat?!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho eximed. It wasn¡¯t like him to curse.

    <i>Du du du du! Du du du! Pew! Pew Pow pow pow!</i>

    ¡°I¡¯d like to see our seniors again, but even if it means our death, we have to blow up that factory and the sons of bitches in it! Isn¡¯t that right, Yoon Sang-Ki?!¡±

    Seeing Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s bloodshot eyes and clenched jaws, Yoon sang-Ki¡¯s face crumpled like an angry cat.

    ¡°Team Two! Get your ass on that hill!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho ordered.

    Yoon Sang-Ki, who was still crouching, moved so quickly that it looked as if someone was dragging him across an icy field with a string.

    ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki! Do whatever it takes to kill all those motherfuckers, you hear me?!¡±

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho raised his body to shoot.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Following his lead, the members of Team One all simultaneously stood up and opened fire, sending the enemies running toward them to the ground. However, not long after, those still in the enormous factory behind them began suppressing the South Korean special forces team.

    <i>Ratatatata! Ratatatata!</i>

    The enemy machine gun sent another heap of red light toward them. The onught of bullets soon hit their cover.

    ***

    <i>nk!</i>

    Kang Chan raised his rifle above his shoulder.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow pow!</i>

    Woo Hee-Seung and Choi Jong-Il were with Kang Chan during the battle in China and Africa. However, this was still Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s first time witnessing him miss.

    They immediately threw themselves to either side of Kang Chan and opened fire.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Du du du! Du du! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    How could Kang Chan see their enemies? How could he figure out where they were while running at full speed? How could he secure and attack from an advantageous position in such a short period?

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    While trading blows with the enemy, Um Ji-Hwan spat out the saliva lodged in his throat.

    Kang Chan aside, the postures and attitudes of Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Bum surprised him. Much like him, they, too, choked and gasped for breath. However, their eyes still glinted.

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Du du! Pew! Du du du! Pow pow pow!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    They were still dazed when Kang Chan began barking orders through the radio.

    ¡°It¡¯s the regr army. Lee Doo-Bum! Get into position at the hill to our left! Um Ji-Hwan! Cover him!¡±

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan stood up and let a couple of bullets loose.

    <i>PEW! Pew! Pew! PEW!</i>

    The agents beside him followed suit.

    Right after, Lee Doo-Bum nudged Um Ji-Hwan¡¯s shoulder. He then quickly headed to his newly designated position.

    If Um Ji-Hwan hadn¡¯t trained for scenarios like this numerous times, he never would¡¯ve been able to follow Lee Doo-Bum. Urgently trailing behind him, he finally realized that Kang Chan and the others were buying time for Lee Doo-Bum.

    <i>¡®But they didn¡¯t even say anything,¡¯ </i>Um Ji-Hwan thought.

    <i>Thud! nk!</i>

    Lee Doo-Bum threw himself to where Kang Chan had ordered him to go, then immediately went prone and began shooting every enemy he could see.

    <i>Is this what experience does to a person? Is this how a veteran is supposed to act? Is this why they can be so damn calm all the time?</i>

    Following Lee Doo-Bum¡¯s lead, Um Ji-Hwan also dove to the ground and went prone. He then gritted his teeth, realizing that he had not yet learned how to fight as mechanically as the others.

    <i>I¡¯m going to learn! Just like how I was saved by one of my seniors, I¡¯ll be the one rescuing the agent next to me in a dangerous situation someday!</i>

    <i>Pew! nk! Pew! nk! Pew! nk!</i>

    Lee Doo-Bum shot down their enemies like a machine.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re going to push toward our enemies! Woo Hee-Seung, take charge of our left nk! Choi Jong-Il, our right! I want everyone else covering us!¡±

    Despite the loud gunshots, they still clearly heard Kang Chan¡¯s orders through the radio.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung charged onward almost the same time.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Lee Doo-Bum and the five agents whom they had left behind immediately shot at the enemies that were hiding.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Even though he could only see their turbans, Kang Chan, while running, embedded bullets into the foreheads of their enemies.

    Amid the darkness of the night, with each pull of the trigger, the sparks from his rifle¡¯s muzzle momentarily illuminated his glinting eyes.

    After some time, they finally reached the small hill where their enemies were hiding.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan fired three more shots, clearing out any hostile that could still hold a gun.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>.¡±

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    <i>nk!</i>

    Grasping their shoulder, the enemy in front of Choi Jong-Il staggered back. Sparks soon shed from his rifle as he buried three bullets in their forehead.

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to realize that half of their opponents¡¯ corpses were wearing military uniforms. The other half were wearing Imic clothing.

 Chapter 295.2: The National Flag Theyéˆ¥æª™e Proud Of (1)

    <h4>Chapter 295.2: The National g They¡¯re Proud Of (1)</h4>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Gather ¡®round,¡± Kang Chan radioed in.

    As ordered, the agents quickly made their way to him.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Holding his rifle in his right hand, he fiercely turned to the area ahead of them.

    This was the border on the outskirts.

    <i>Sherman, you son of a bitch!</i>

    CIA Director Sherman had told him that the United States was working with the anti-Gaddafi regime. However, in reality, they seemed to have failed to stop the Gadaffi regime¡¯s military.

    Since there was no way the CIA would¡¯ve been unaware of this, it was likely that while the CIA was going to help Kang Chan and his team, it would still be better for them if all of the South Korean soldiers died here.

    The agents stood behind Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s the steel tower,¡± he said.

    Light-gray buildings nked the road at the foot of the hill. The steel tower he mentioned was on the rooftop of a building that was behind three or four other establishments.

    As Kang Chan unmovingly red at the steel tower, his subordinates silently examined their surroundings, cautiously ensuring that there were no other threats around them.

    <i>The DGSE doesn¡¯t know about this?</i>

    Could Romaine, the Director-General of the DGSE, really be unaware that the soldiers of the Gaddafi regime would be waiting for them even though he had photos of Mohammad Zrif and had even figured out how many would be guarding him?

    <i>Romaine likely wants us to die here too, just like Sherman does. They probably find it distasteful that South Korea, which hadn¡¯t really done much until now, is suddenly acting cocky just because it found a treasure.</i>

    Keeping his re fixed on the darkness, Kang Chan called, ¡°Um Ji-Hwan.¡±

    Only when Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung looked at him did Um Ji-Hwan barely managed to respond with a ¡°Sir?¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head toward him. ¡°Do you think you can move here the same way you did when we yed jokgu?¡±

    <i>That¡¯s not fair!</i>

    In this situation, no one would be able to immediately get what Kang Chan was getting at and answer such a question ordingly. Hence, Um Ji-Hwan only blinked in response.

    ¡°You and I are going to go into that steel tower. The border on the outskirts is broken, but those fuckers are choosing to hold their position anyway because they¡¯re waiting for us to go inside. We¡¯ll circle around the back while Choi Jong-Il and the agents draw their attention,¡± Kang Chan exined, pointing to the right side of the downhill road with his right index finger.

    <i>¡®Does that mean I have to run again?¡¯ </i>Um Ji-Hwan thought.

    ¡°The problem is that we have to go up to the rooftop of that building at the back before we can reach it. You¡¯re the only person I know who can do that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Um Ji-Hwan immediately answered. He then gritted his teeth, preparing himself for the arduous challenges ahead of him.

    ¡°Alright. Choi Jong-Il, I need you to stall and draw as much of the enemy¡¯s attention as possible. At least for now, it would be safer to assume that we¡¯re up against the regr army. You are to prepare and fight ordingly. The UIS doesn¡¯t know how to wait. If we were up against those fuckers, they would have already run over here in groups, and they wouldn¡¯t have even bothered being quiet about it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il firmly answered.

    ¡°I¡¯ll radio you when we reach our destination. While waiting, I want you to keep pushing forward until you get close enough for our enemies to respond.¡±

    ¡°Please leave it to me.¡±

    <i>nk. Click.</i>

    Kang Chan changed the magazine loaded in his rifle.

    <i>Clunk. Click.</i>

    Realizing why Kang Chan was reloading his gun a littleter, Um Ji-Hwan swiftly copied him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said afterward.

    He began making his way to their target location. Um Ji-Hwan followed right behind him.

    ***

    The sniper in Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s team made quick work of the enemies near them. Right after, he took out the person manning the 20mm machine gun, allowing them to breathe much more easily.

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Pew! Pew! Du du du! Pow pow pow!</i>

    However, they were still yet to make any significant dent on the number of their enemies.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho looked down at the sunken wound on his left shoulder. Due to the skin around it falling off, its size had grown to that of a fist.

    Even in the darkness, he could see blood rushing out of his shoulder seemingly in clumps. He could also see the blood seeping into the national g on his forearm, staining it red.

    <i>Those motherfuckers! They think the South Korean Special Forces team is not even worth the dick of some dog, huh?</i>

    He couldn¡¯t be any dder for having sent Yoon Sang-Ki away from their position.

    ¡°Lee Seok-Jae,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho called.

    Lee Seok-Jae, who was shooting at the enemies from right beside him, quickly looked at him.

    ¡°Give me a C-4.¡±

    That was an order from his superior officer. Hence, it didn¡¯t even ur to him to ask Kwak Cheol-Ho what he needed it for or tell him that it would be dangerous to use it now.

    Lee Seok-Jae quickly held out the bag, which he had ced beside him earlier, to Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Pew! Pew! Du du du! Pew!</i>

    Another gunfight soon broke out. Their enemies were beginning to resort to desperate measures to take their 20mm machine gun back, which certainly gave whoever had it a huge edge over the battle.

    ¡°<i>Ugh</i>.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho opened the bag, took out a C-4, and secured it into his vest and around his waist. He then inserted electric wires into the explosive and connected them all together. Now, all that was left for him to do was connect the wires to an ignition device.

    Lee Seok-Jae nced at Kwak Cheol-Ho. In what almost seemed like a snarl, he hastily asked, ¡°What are you doing?!¡±

    However, Kwak Cheol-Ho justughed. ¡°<i>Phuhu</i>.¡±

    Ever since he had be a part of the special forces team, he had done nothing but fight to his heart¡¯s content. During his service to his country, they had blown up one of China¡¯s airports and fought against the seemingly endless waves of Quds that had ambushed them in Africa. In both of those missions, they had found themselves in a situation so horrible he thought they would never get out of alive.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho carefully inserted the ends of the electrical wires into an ignition device.

    He could set a timer for the C-4¡¯s explosion or simply press the red button strong enough to damage the stic cover at the bottom. Either way, he would be putting on a fiery show that would start with a <i>BANG.</i>

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Du du du!</i>

    Lee Seok-Jae furiously red at Kwak Cheol-Ho. However, he soon returned his attention to their enemies, who were still raining down bullets upon them.

    Meanwhile, Kwak Cheol-Ho looked to his left, finding the corpse of one of his men. He then turned his gaze to the dark skies above him.

    For his n to seed, he would have to crawl.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho and his subordinates were in an area that Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s team could easily envelop in cover fire. With their help, Kwak Cheol-Ho should be able to crawl all the way to the front of the enemy lines without being shot down.

    After setting the timer, he would hold the button and get as close to their enemies as possible. If he could get inside their ranks, he would be able to deal a heavy blow on them.

    He just had to make his way through the defenses right up front. Although their opponents still had a lot of men, Kwak Cheol-Ho realized that all of them were positioned right in front of them. After all, if there had been more, they wouldn¡¯t have taken such a passive approach to this fight. Rather, they would have already surrounded him and his team and unleashed a hail of bullets on them.

    With that thought in mind, he decided to proceed with his n.

    Kwak Cheol-Houghed again. ¡°<i>Phuhuhuhu</i>!¡±

    He wanted to see Cha Dong-Gyun onest time. He also missed Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Chan.

    Although only a part of his shoulder had been blown off, he still found himself in unbelievably horrible pain. It made him wonder how Kang Chan managed to hold onto him and Cha Dong-Gyun and rescue them from falling into the pit in Africa.

    ***

    <i>Whoosh! Slit! Whoosh! Stab!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu and four of his men unsheathed their knives and ran until they finally got past the enemy lines.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Pew! Thud! Du du! Pew!</i>

    While Kang Chul-Gyu prevented their enemies from shooting them, Kwon Yong-Hee immediately rushed toward his next target. He then stabbed their neck, used his strength to pull the knife out, and then slit the necks of anyone else who were standing in their way.

    <i>You motherfuckers! You killed half of our juniors! They were just starting to shine brightly like the stars above! Those amazing people even called me and my fellow has-been DMZ soldiers their sunbaes and yelled that they were proud of us at the aisle of the ne!</i>

    Their enemies seemed to have caught wind of their operation, considering they had been waiting for them. That was precisely why Kwon Yong-Hee was doing his best to clear the area as fast as he could. A situation like this wasn¡¯t a problem for the DMZ team. After all, they would never back down from such a predicament. However, considering the hostiles in front of them seemed to have been anticipating their sudden attack, Kwon Yong-Hee concluded that their juniors were in danger.

    It made him impatient.

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Pow! Pew!</i>

    <i>¡®Why are you working so hard to take us down, you sons of bitches?!¡¯ </i>Kwon Yong-Hee thought.

    <i>Whoosh! Slit!</i>

    Kwon Yong-Hee slit another neck open, causing his target¡¯s blood to spill all over the ground. Afterward, with his eyes still glinting, he took a few moments to examine their surroundings and keep track of their situation. However, as he did, he spotted an enemy to his left, their rifle aimed at one of the people who were following him.

    <i>Swoosh! Bam!</i>

    Out of sheer reflex, Kwon Yong-Hee ran over and tackled his colleague away from the line of fire.

    <i>Du du! Pow!</i>

    Feeling a stiff and burning pain course through him, he looked down at his chest, finding blood gushing out of a gunshot wound.

    <i>Whoosh! Stab!</i>

    Kwon Yong-Hee heard one of his colleagues stabbing the enemy who had just shot him. At the same time, the man he had just saved rushed toward another opponent.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Kwon Yong-Hee fell forward. However, before he could hit the ground, he bent down and knelt instead, pushing past the pain through sheer force of will.

    <i>¡®He said his name was Kwak Cheol-Ho, right?¡¯</i>

    He was a really amazing junior. Kwon Yong-Hee found it unfortunate that such a man had to call him ¡®sunbae.¡¯ On the other hand, he couldn¡¯t help but be grateful that his junior was proud of him.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Kwon Yong-Hee could hear Kang Chul-Gyu unloading his magazine at their enemies as he made his way toward him. Despite all the years that had gone by, his shooting skills had not changed at all.

    Using everyst bit of strength left in him, Kwon Yong-Hee turned his head to the left. He gazed at the national g that they were so proud of¡ªthe g of the nation they would sin against their family to protect¡ªonest time before his head lifelessly drooped down.

 Chapter 296.1: The National Flag Theyéˆ¥æª™e Proud Of (2)

    <h4>Chapter 296.1: The National g They¡¯re Proud Of (2)</h4>

    <i>Swoosh! Crack!</i>

    With a swift jerk, Kang Chul-Gyu twisted his target¡¯s head to the side, breaking their neck. When they fell low enough for him to see the top of their head, he slit their neck with his bay.

    <i>Slice!</i>

    He then grabbed onto his enemy¡¯s lifeless body and silentlyid them on the floor.

    Executing the same tactics that they used at the DMZ, Chang Chul-Gyu and his men scattered after relentlesslyunching attacks on their opponents. Once they went past their defenses, they snuck around like cats in the night, cutting open their enemies¡¯ throats.

    Chang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t know how many enemies they had collectively killed. If they were in a forest like the battlefields back at the DMZ, they would have had far fewer casualties. Unfortunately, despite how weak their enemies were, the light-gray buildings around them made it hard to conduct gueri warfare, which would have allowed them to take out their targets undetected.

    Kang Chul-Gyu lowered his rifle. Using his gaze, he gestured to the window on the other side.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek''s movements made a lot of noises, but Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t seem to mind.

    During his days as a gangster, Oh Gwang-Taek used to live in dorms with his colleagues. He had also experienced being the youngest member of a gang and participating in small andrge armed fights. Later on, he took over and ruled over half of Gangnam, the most important part of Seoul.

    In other words, he had livedpletely prepared to die at any moment. However, that mindset began to crack in Mongolia, then finally broke into pieces here in Al-Aziziyah, Libya.

    Every time Oh Gwang-Taek looked at Kang Chul-Gyu and the others, he always got a feeling of what life was like for those who were truly prepared to die. He was not merely among such courageous people. They also respected him and called him ¡®President Oh¡¯ even though Kang Chul-Gyu could easily twist and break Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s neck if he really wanted to.

    If these people suddenly decided to turn into gangsters, it wouldn¡¯t take long for them to secure a territory and live in luxury for the rest of their lives. Instead, they were out here feeling moved by the national g on their forearms and spending their final breaths asking others to look after their juniors.

    Based on distance alone, Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s DMZ team should reach their target location before Kang Chan¡¯s National Intelligence Team would since thetter was headed to the other end of Al-Aziziyah. The special forces team that was running to the Tripoli district would be thest to arrive.

    That was why the DMZ team fought with no regard for their lives. They didn¡¯t even have to exin themselves. Their eyes and actions were all that were needed to show their determination to eliminate their opponents and help their juniors.

    They were fighting against an army that numbered around a hundred and fifty. Nevertheless, only four of the DMZ team had been attacking them and paving the way for the others. When everyone else joined in, their enemies¡¯ counterfire dramatically weakened.

    Kang Chul-Gyu flinched.

    Like a stray cat caught trying to steal a fish, Oh Gwang-Taek stopped moving when he noticed Kang Chul-Gyu had crouched down a little.

    They didn¡¯t even hear or see anything, yet Kang Chul-Gyu stopped walking right in front of the back door, preventing them from going outside. He then reached his left arm forward.

    As Oh Gwang-Taek briefly exhaled, seemingly trying to be quiet, a man wearing Imic clothes suddenly walked through the door.

    <i>Swish! Crack!</i>

    The enemy had their gun at the ready, its muzzle pointed in the direction of Kang Chul-Gyu and the others. Nevertheless, although they certainly had their guard up when they entered, Kang Chul-Gyu still managed to break their neck before they could react. Oh Gwang-Taek didn¡¯t even notice him move his left hand.

    The enemy did see Kang Chul-Gyu, but he didn¡¯t give them the chance to pull the trigger.

    After pulling their corpse toward him andying them down against the wall, he slit their neck deep enough for about half of it to open. Dark-red blood gushed out from the long cut.

    Kang Chul-Gyu stood up and headed toward the door once more. However, before he could enter, another person walked out. When he instinctively unsheathed his bay and swung it toward their neck, his target also drew the weapon attached to their shoulder.

    The de of Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s bay was already pressing against the man¡¯s neck by the time they both stopped. Fortunately, they didn¡¯t hurt each other.

    Right in front of him was the soldier who had said it was painful to watch their juniors chanting their motto. With a look from Kang Chul-Gyu, he quickly came inside.

    ¡°We¡¯re almost done clearing the area,¡± the man exined.

    Oh Gwang-Taek was stunned. Their team of only fifteen men had already killed most of their enemies.

    The soldier continued, ¡°Dong-Sik¡¯s team has already surrounded our target building, sir.¡±

    <i>¡®Considering Kang Chul-Gyu alone has killed more than forty soldiers, I shouldn¡¯t be so surprised that we¡¯re almost done here,¡¯</i> Oh Gwang-Taek thought.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded at his subordinate, then turned to Oh Gwang-Taek. ¡°Let¡¯s remove the safety pins on the grenades and then toss them over.¡±

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    Even though they were all walking to the same destination and in the same manner, only Oh Gwang-Taek was making noises.

    Once they had gone past the back door of the building, the soldiers hiding behind the light-gray walls greeted Kang Chul-Gyu with respect.

    ¡°Our enemies seem to have assigned all of their men to defense. Since they don¡¯t appear to be here anymore, why don¡¯t we just head straight in?¡± one of the soldiers asked.

    ¡°I want you and Il-Gyu to head inside with me. We¡¯ll st our way through with grenades.¡± How are things upstairs?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked Dong-Sik.

    ¡°We have already sent two men over. They are standing by right now,¡± Nam Il-Gyu quickly answered.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu held up his rifle.

    The two other soldiers with him removed the pins on their grenades and then quickly approached the building.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu swiftly shot down the two enemies who had stuck their heads out of the windows on the second floor. They then threw their grenades into the windows and crouched behind a wall.

    <i>BANG!</i>

    Along with a powerful explosion, intense vibrations coursed through the building. Debris were sted out the windows.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    Before the debris even hit the ground, the two held onto the window frame and jumped inside. Kang Chul-Gyu then kicked open the door and ran inside the building.

    Terrifying gunshots from their rifles rang out. After a while, silence fell on the area.

    <i>Pew! Du du! Pew! Pew! Du du! Pew!</i>

    The sparks from their rifles shed through the windows.

    Holding his breath, Oh Gwang-Taek wondered, <i>¡®What happened?¡¯</i>

    <i>Screech.</i>

    The door soon opened, and Kang Chul-Gyu walked out. Four soldiers followed right behind him, holding a man in Imic clothes.

    They hade in with only three people but somehow came out with five. It took Oh Gwang-Taek a moment to finally realize that the two soldiers that they had said were standing by upstairs had actually been on the roof of the building.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    The four soldiers made their captive kneel on the ground. Kang Chul-Gyu then took out some documents and quickly flipped through them, searching for a picture of the man.

    The man, sporting a curly beard and a turban, red at Kang Chul-Gyu as if to say that he would never surrender to them or divulge any crucial information that could lead to the downfall of their organization.

    ¡°He¡¯s one of the targets. Get rid of him,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu ordered.

    Following his order, Nam Il-Gyu obediently unsheathed his bay.

    <i>Stab!</i>

    ¡°<i>Urgh</i>!¡±

    <i>Slice! Thud!</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek tried hard not to frown.

    Nam Il-Gyu stabbed the man in the neck. With the de still inside, he swung his bay around thrice before finally cutting through to the side. By the time he was done, more than half of the man¡¯s neck had been split open, and the muscles inside it had been brutally ripped apart.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu folded the photo of the dead man in half, then slipped the documents back into his chest pocket.

    ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°The men are already standing by inside the building,¡± one of the soldiers responded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The soldiers did as instructed.

    Oh Gwang-Taek watched them climb up the roof. He wondered if they should be moving so carelessly. However, he soon shook his head, dismissing the thought.

    With their rifles at the ready, the soldiers on the roof constantly changed positions, watching out for potential danger. Standing guard below them was Kang Chul-Gyu, who boasted superhuman shooting skills.

    Oh Gwang-Taek was scared. Never in his life did he expect to meet individuals whose skills revolved around killing people who were trained to fight.

    ***

    ¡°Hey! Yoon Sang-Ki!¡± someone yelled.

    ¡°Fuck!¡±

    <i>Du du! Du du du!</i>

    After Lee Seok-Jae radioed in what was happening, Yoon Sang-Ki quickly ran over and pulled away the electrical wires wrapped around Kwak Cheol-Ho, tearing them off the explosives.

    <i>Pew! Du du du! Pew! Du du du! Pew!</i>

    Despite the gunshots that were endlessly ringing around them, Yoon Sang-Ki just kept ring at Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you shoot me in the head for not following your orders or send me before a court-martial after this! I need you to remember that we¡¯re South Korea¡¯s best special forces team!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki yelled. ¡°We are more than skilled enough to kill all of those sons of bitches and blow up the factory without having to resort to something like this!¡±

    ¡°Did you really just say that to my face, motherfucker?¡±

    ¡°What do you think the captain and the lieutenant would say if they saw you acting like this? What would you do if I was the one nning to sacrifice myself? What about our sunbaes, huh? Have you already forgotten what they said back on the ne? They said they¡¯re proud of us, man! Do you really think this stunt of yours would do their feelings justice?! You¡¯re themander of this team, for fuck¡¯s sake! How are we supposed to act when our leader is acting like this?! You didn¡¯t fight so hard for your life in Africa just to do this!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki eximed.

 Chapter 296.2: The National Flag Theyéˆ¥æª™e Proud Of (2)

    <h4>Chapter 296.2: The National g They¡¯re Proud Of (2)</h4>

    <i>PEW! PEW! Du du du! Du du! PEW! Du du!</i>

    While Yoon Sang-Ki convinced Choi Jong-Il to abandon his self-sacrificial n, their sniper swiftly eliminated the enemies rushing toward the 20mm machine gun.

    ¡°We have to do whatever it takes to survive and aplish this mission! If we get backed into a corner and find ourselves with nothing left to lose, then I would be more than willing to charge out into the enemy¡¯s line of fire with you! But right now, hyung, you better look around you! None of these bastards would think you¡¯re cool for sacrificing yourself!¡±

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Pew! Pew! PEW!</i>

    Gunshots continued to echo

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Things are starting to get busy! Bring over the C-4 already! I¡¯ll bring it right in the middle of enemy lines!¡± someone said.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Fuck! I¡¯ve already been shot anyway, so send me instead!¡± another responded.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°You crazy fuckers! You¡¯re giving the second lieutenant a hard time!¡±

    The soldiers kept talking on the radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my family!¡± one of them shouted. Although it was out of the blue, the rest of the special forces team continued the motto anyway.

    ¡°I gave my life for my country and myrades!¡±

    ¡°Heard that?! Let¡¯s keep fighting until we draw ourst breath! That¡¯s what the special forces are made of!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki yelled like crazy.

    Perhaps surprised by the shouts, their enemies suddenly stopped attacking. Heavy silence filled their surroundings.

    Kwak Cheol-Houghed. ¡°<i>Huhu</i>. <i>Huhuhu!</i>¡±

    ¡°<i>Hehehe</i>!¡±

    ¡°<i>Hahaha</i>.¡±

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>!¡±

    Laughter burst from all around them.

    ¡°Alright! Fuck it! Let¡¯s fight until the end!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho yelled.

    ¡°Fucking hell! You¡¯re finally acting like the hyung I respect,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki responded.

    ¡°Shut it, you bastard!¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki smirked, then went back to his position.

    ¡°Let¡¯s clear this ce up already and help our sunbaes! This ce is such a mess that I can only imagine how hard they have it on their end!¡± he shouted.

    Considering the situation and their enemies¡¯ numbers, Yoon Sang-Ki sounded quite absurd. However, no one argued against him.

    ***

    After running for ten minutes, Kang Chan finally reached the back of the building. He then aimed his rifle behind him.

    ¡°<i>Haa</i>. <i>Haaa</i>.¡±

    Um Ji-Hwan sounded as if he was trying to be quiet, making his breathing all weird.

    ¡°See that building? We¡¯ll go up to its roof and jump toward the building with the steel tower,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Perplexed, Um Ji-Hwan turned to Kang Chan. ¡°Pardon?¡±

    <i>We¡¯re going up together? I thought that I was going up to the roof alone. </i>

    ¡°Ready?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Um Ji-Hwan replied.

    Seemingly unaware that Um Ji-Hwan was looking at him in confusion, Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted.

    <i>¡®Who was the insolent little fucker that got on the truck like that and drove off before we could get this far?¡¯ </i>Kang Chan wondered.

    He remembered a truck driving past them after his team had killed the guards at the border. Considering it still hadn¡¯t returned yet, their enemies had likely sent it out to transport someone or something out of the area.

    Kang Chan was at least sure that Mohammad Zif didn¡¯t escape. That man would rather strap bombs to him than leave. Even if they were driven to a corner, a UIS executive would never run away. After all, ording to one of theirmandments, disgracing a holy war meant not going to heaven. Their organization wouldn¡¯t ever forgive them either.

    The building that they targeted had the frames that divided its floors going around its exterior.

    To climb the building, they would have to jump and grab onto the frames first. They would then grab onto the window frame on the second floor and continue to go up from there.

    Once Um Ji-Hwan was ready, Kang Chan pressed a button on his radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re going up the building from this side. Lee Doo-Bum¡ªkeep an eye out for potential enemies on the roof. Shoot on sight.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, act ording to the situation. If you and your team make your way through the siege ahead of us, you are to enter the building with the steel tower immediately.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan crouched down and looked at Um Ji-Hwan. He then led the way to their target location.

    After two minutes of nothing but darkness and the smell of dirt, they finally reached a wall. They pushed through the nervousness that made their hair stand on end.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew!</i>

    Soon, muzzle shes lit up Choi Jong-Il¡¯s position.

    <i>Du du du! Du du du du! Pew! Pew! Du du du! Pew!</i>

    Kang Chan jumped toward the frame in the middle of the building.

    <i>Swish! Bam! Swish! Bam! </i>

    Like a cat, Um Ji-Hwan followed Kang Chan and dangled on the frame. Now filled with spite and a sense of duty toplete this operation, he no longer hesitated.

    The two pulled themselves up the frame and secured their footing on it. They then jumped toward a window and dangled just below it. After making sure the coast was clear, they climbed onto it.

    <i>Pew. Pew. Du du du! Du du! Pew! Pew! Du du du!</i>

    <i>¡®Ugh.¡¯</i>

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    As they propped their arms on the protruding frame of the window, they heard Lee Doo-Bum opening fire. Not long after, an enemy copsed on the roof with a resounding <i>thud</i>.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°The roof is clear,¡± a soldier reported.

    Kang Chan quickly held onto the bars of the window and went up the building.

    Um Ji-Hwan moved like some kind of wild animal. Quick and flexible, he took different approaches to their climb. Soon, he had grabbed onto another window frame and started his ascent to the roof.

    <i>Bam! Bam!</i>

    They held onto the edges of the roof, their bodies swaying in the air.

    <i>¡®Hnghh.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan pressed his elbows against the railing of the roof, then pushed against it to raise himself up. Afterward, he stepped down from the railing andnded next to the corpse of an enemy that had a hole in his head.

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Pew! Pew! Du du du!</i>

    Sparks lit up the area below them with every gunshot they heard. Kang Chan could even see the red and white traces of the bullets both sides were sending toward each other.

    <i>nk!</i>

    Kang Chan aimed his rifle ahead of him, then used his index finger to point Um Ji-Hwan to his position.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    After confirming that Um Ji-Hwan had hidden himself at the end of the rooftop, he immediately jumped to the building next door.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Once he had regained his bnce, he swiftly made his way to the edge of the building that was across from where he had just jumped from. He then bobbed his index and middle fingers forward twice.

    <i>tter!</i>

    Using his agility to his advantage, Um Ji-Hwan easily moved to his new position, which was a little further from Kang Chan.

    Despite having already jumped from building to building thrice, they still hadn¡¯te across any enemies.

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Pew! Du du! Pew! Pew!</i>

    The loud gunshots from the rifles below concealed any noise they made. However, it couldn¡¯t be used as an excuse for their enemies¡¯ extremely weak defense, especially when taking into consideration the fact that they were assigned to guard arge perimeter.

    On the other hand, this could simply be proof that they were not expecting Kang Chan and his men to go up to the roof or that they didn¡¯t have enough troops to split into groups to begin with.

    <i>Those sons of bitches!</i>

    Either way, this showed that they treated the South Korean soldiers as rebels that they could easily throw into disarray by simply defending the frontlines.

    Contrary to their beliefs, however, Kang Chan and Um Ji-Hwan was already on top of the building right next to the one with the steel tower.

    <i>Swoosh.</i>

    Quietly, Kang Chan pushed forward and leaned against the wall of the rooftop. He then raised his head and took a peek at the roof of the next building.

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Pew! Du du du du!</i>

    The area was guarded by two people. However, they seemed distracted by the battle that was currently underway just below them.

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    After taking them out, Kang Chan jumped over the one-meter distance in between his building and the next.

    <i>Haah. Haah.</i>

    His nerves werepletely on edge now.

    Kang Chan ordered Um Ji-Hwan to guard the entrance of the rooftop he was on, then headed to the wooden door on the rooftop.

    Kang Chan riddled the door with bullets, then shot the door handle as well.

    <i>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Crash!</i>

    As he did, they heard someone tumbling and crashing down the stairs.

    <i>Bam! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Kang Chan fiercely kicked the door open and sent a bullet flying into the forehead of the person running down the stairs. Afterward, he quickly took cover.

    <i>Ting.</i>

    If Seok Kang-Ho was with them right now, Kang Chan would¡¯ve already thrown a grenade. Unfortunately, Um Ji-Hwan stillcked experience.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    <i>Ting. Ting.</i>

    As Kang Chan took out his second grenade, Um Ji-Hwan held his first grenade.

    <i>BOOM!!</i>

    The powerful st flung debris out to the door.

    <i>Swish! Swish!</i>

    Kang Chan and Um Ji-Hwan threw another grenade each.

    The explosives rolled toward their enemies before blowing parts of the interior off the building.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    With their opponents still disoriented, Kang Chan and Um Ji-Hwan ran inside, finding its interior a mess. The furniture were scattered all over the ce, including a broken wooden table. They also found five unconscious peoplepletely covered in blood.

    <i>Du du du! Du du!</i>

    Soon, they heard people running up the stairs from the floor below them.

    <i>I can¡¯t believe these bastards managed to do this to us! If they didn¡¯t overwhelm us with their numbers, they would¡¯ve been no match against us!</i>

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    <i>Ting!</i>

    Kang Chan shot three more people in the forehead. At the same time, Um Ji-Hwan removed the safety pin of a grenade and threw it.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    Having developed a bit of chemistry, they now worked well with each other.

    They heard someone yelling in Arabic, followed by a deafening st and powerful vibrations. It would be stupid to stall during moments like this. Hence,<i> </i>Kang Chan immediately ran down the stairs.

    <i>Whoosh! </i>

    <i>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</i>

    Bursting into the floor below, he found a man writhing in pain, his hands gripping his stomach, and another leaning against the wall with his rifle propped up against his leg. There was also another person who seemed to have fallen unconscious. Kang Chan shot all of them in the forehead.

    <i>tter. tter.</i>

    Going up to the floor above them again, he found Um Ji-Hwan waiting for him. He seemed to have flipped over all their foes with his foot.

    <i>Son of a bitch!</i>

    Kang Chan red at the man closest to the wall.

    <i>It¡¯s Mohammad Zrif!</i>

    Covered in blood, Mohammad Zrif spoke to them in Arabic. His eyes were filled with intense fury.

    Kang Chan smirked in response.

    <i>Click!</i>

    The muzzle of his gun shed five times, lighting up the dark room. Three more followed.

 Chapter 297: End like this? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 297: End like this? (1)</h4>

    <i>Whoomp! Boom!</i>

    As the grenade blew up and sent debris flying in every direction, the DMZ team members dove through the window.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu burst through the door and charged ahead.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Rifle gunfire erupted, soon followed by even more shots and the echoes of grenade explosions. Amid their climactic situation, the soldiers stayed true to their custom, apprehending the UIS officer, their target, and forcing him to kneel on the street.

    From the shadows, the enemy observed Kang Chul-Gyu and his men with aplex gaze.

    "Is that the bastard?"

    In truth, their captive¡¯s actual role mattered little. Guilty or not, he had been marked for death. Nam Il-Gyu was simply verifying if the man was indeed an officer. At the very least, he strongly resembled one. He also had a defiant air about him, but Nam Il-Gyu''s fierce expression and tone involuntarily made him cautious.

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu took out and looked through some documents. ncing at the man, he then tilted his head.

    "Yes. Get rid of him."

    Nam Il-Gyu unsheathed his bay and slit the enemy¡¯s throat, nearly decapitating him with one swift motion.

    <i>Thwack!</i>

    "<i>Gurgle</i>. <i>Grrk</i>."

    <i>Swoosh. Slice! Snap!</i>

    <i>Thump!</i>

    The enemy drooped lifelessly, his head hanging at an unnatural angle. The sight left a chilling finality to the scene.

    <i>Whoosh! Thump! Whoosh! Thump!</i>

    As they slit their target''s throat on one side of the road, gunshots and people dropping to the ground echoed from the rooftops around them. Nevertheless, no one showed any sign of tension or bothered to turn their heads. If an enemy found them, Kang Chul-Gyu would simply aim and shoot before they could react, ensuring a clean end.

    "Let¡¯s hurry. We¡¯ve got two more to go," Kang Chul-Gyumanded.

    "Yes, sir," Oh Gwang-Taek responded.

    Following Kang Chul-Gyu had taught him the reason they sent four men ahead during their first encounter with the enemy. The moment they prated the enemy¡¯s vanguard, the DMZ team demonstrated force so tremendous that it left him wondering if anyone could even stand against them.

    <i>Is this what they call goris? Gestapo? Gaira...?</i>

    The exact terminology wasn¡¯t important. All that mattered was that they only had two targets left. The team picked up the pace.

    <i>Tap-tap! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Both friendly and enemy gunshots, apanied by shes of light, continued reverberating from the rooftops.

    <i>Whizz!</i>

    A momentter, a white figure crashed on the ground from the building ahead.

    <i>Thump!</i>

    The person¡¯s fall was followed by a chilling silence that raised the hair on the back of everyone¡¯s necks.<i> </i>An enemy dressed in Imic attire had just hit the opposite wall of the alley, his neck and arms twisted grotesquely.

    <i>Did he fall from being shot?</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek nced up.

    "<i>Aaagh</i>!"

    A desperate scream tore through the night as another man in Imic clothes plummeted from the rooftop.

    "<i>Aah</i>! <i>Aaagggh</i>!"

    The victim this time was alive.

    <i>Thud! Whoosh! Bang! Whoosh! Bang!</i>

    Nam Il-Gyu fired two dispassionate shots into the body that had mmed into the ground. They walked for about a minute more. This time, they came across one of their men. He was squatting in front of a window, waiting for Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <i>Click-ck! Click!</i>

    As Nam Il-Gyu approached the window, Kang Chul-Gyu, who had just reloaded, nodded.

    <i>Whisk. Whisk. Boom! Boom!</i>

    After two explosions, three men charged in and riddled anyone they saw with bullets.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Tap-tap! Whoosh! Snap! Whoosh!</i>

    <i>Clunk.</i>

    Momentster, the door was forcibly swung open. Kang Chul-Gyu, holding a rifle in his right hand, and Nam Il-Gyu, bleeding from his forehead, were the first to exit.

    <i>Screech.</i>

    Two soldiers followed behind them, dragging a man covered in blood across the floor. Kang Chul-Gyu looked away from the documents, finding the enemy''s head, although only by chance, facing away from him.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    "<i>Ugh</i>!"

    Nam Il-Gyu kicked the enemy''s cheekbone, breaking it and turning the head around. The pain caused the seemingly dead man to regain consciousness. Although covered in blood, his face was still at least half-recognizable.

    "Get rid of him," ordered Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <i>Swoosh! Thwack! Thwack!</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek turned his gaze away this time.

    "Fucking bastards! I will chase anyone who dares touch South Korea and challenge this Taegeuk g to the ends of hell and kill them on sight!"

    Nam Il-Gyu wiped his blood-stained knife on the corpse and stood up. As if on cue, Kang Chul-Gyu then headed to thest building.

    <i>¡®Why were the enemies just waiting for grenades? Shouldn''t they at least try to return fire?¡¯</i>

    However, Oh Gwang-Taek''s thoughts were short-lived. The team had surrounded the building, and the soldier who had just been under a window was missing.

    <i>Is this the wrong ce?</i>

    As Oh Gwang-Taek turned his gaze, Yang Dong-Sik quickly walked over to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "Sunbae-nim, since this is thest one, please let us handle this our way," Yang Dong-Sik requested.

    When Kang Chul-Gyu nodded, Yang Dong-Sik gestured toward the rooftop. He then looked down and turned to Nam Il-Gyu.

    "Let''s go."

    The two men ran toward the wall.

    <i>Step. Step.</i>

    Meanwhile, despite not having thrown any grenades, Kang Chul-Gyu casually walked toward the entrance.

    Staring at Kang Chul-Gyu and the two other men¡¯s backs, Oh Gwang-Taek wondered, <i>¡®Isn''t that dangerous?¡¯</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Tap-tap! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    As he did, gunshots echoed from the second floor.

    <i>Whizz! Whizz! Crash!</i>

    Seemingly signaled by the noise, Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik immediately leaped through the window. At the same time, Kang Chul-Gyu kicked the door open and rushed inside.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Rat-a-tat-tat! Whoosh!</i>

    Muzzle shes and gunfire erupted from all over the building. Momentary but inevitable stifling silence then followed.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The door opened once more. Kang Chul-Gyu emerged first, followed by five soldiers, each one dragging an enemy whom they had incapacitated with gunshot or knife wounds.

    <i>Did they intentionally capture them alive?</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek now genuinely considered Kang Chul-Gyu and the soldiers as beings from another world.

    Kang Chul-Gyu walked over to Oh Gwang-Taek. "We are about to demonstrate what happens to those who mess with our soldiers or agents. It would be better for you not to watch this, President Oh.¡±

    "<i>Aaaagggh</i>!"

    Before he could finish, Nam Il-Gyu had already thrust his knife into the ear of an enemy he was holding by the head.

    "Did you have to mess with our juniors, you fucking bastards?!" Nam Il-Gyu shouted.

    "<i>Aaaaaaah</i>! <i>Aaaah</i>! <i>Aaaah</i>!"

    <i>Swoosh. Slice!</i>

    "Does this... actually help?"

    As far as Oh Gwang-Taek knew, cruel retribution often led to far more brutal retaliation.

    "This warns our enemies not to start at all unless they¡¯re prepared to be subjected to at least this much torture.¡±

    "<i>Aaaah</i>! <i>Aaaah</i>! <i>Aaaagggh</i>!"

    Amid the horrific screams, Kang Chul-Gyu continued, "All nearby enemies and sympathizers will hear this scream. From here on out, they¡¯ll always remember it whenever they think of harming someone from South Korea."

    "<i>Aaaah</i>! <i>Aaaah</i>!"

    "This gruesome corpse, too."

    Oh Gwang-Taek inadvertently looked at Nam Il-Gyu, then quickly shifted his gaze back to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "This is retribution,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu finished.

    ***

    After eliminating the enemies beside Mohammad Zrif, Um Ji-Hwan came down.

    <i>Tap-tap! Stter! Tap! Stter!</i>

    Now, the enemies were facing Choi Jong-Il and Kang Chan from the front and the back.

    <i>Whoosh! Bang! Whoosh! Bang! Rat-a-tat-tat! Whoosh! Bang!</i>

    The tide of the battle hadpletely turned. Neither the Libyan military forces nor the UIS remnants stood a chance against the agents from South Korea''s National Intelligence Service, especially since they only outnumbered them two to one.

    Ten minutester, the battle ended.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Following Choi Jong-Il''s orders, the agents ensured that they had killed all of their enemies, a tactic he learned while facing Quds in Africa.

    Kang Chan took out the radio he had received from the CIA and changed its frequency to channel 2.

    <i>Rrrrrrr.</i>

    The radio¡¯s buzz sounded different from what he was used to.

    "Abdul. It''s the God of ckfield. What''s your current location?"

    <i>Rrrrrrr.</i>

    - We''re five minutes away from your drop-off point.

    <i>Rrrrrrr.</i>

    "Head straight to the target location."

    <i>Rrrrrrr.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il remained on guard while the agents confirmed that their enemies were dead. In the meantime, Kang Chan switched the channel to 1.

    <i>Rrrrrrr.</i>

    "Mission aplished here. What¡¯s the situation?"

    <i>Rrrrrrr.</i>

    ¡°<i>Aaaaggh</i>!¡±

    The scream made Kang Chan look at the radio. He immediately put it back to his ear.

    "The situation just ended,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu''s firmly answered.

    <i>Rrrrrrr.</i>

    "Damage report."

    <i>Rrrrrrr.</i>

    - Two dead. Requesting permission to head straight to Tripoli.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn''t help but smirk.

    <i>Rrrrrrr.</i>

    "Granted. We''ll reconvene in Tripoli," he responded confidently.

    <i>Rrrrrrr.</i>

    ¡°We''re on our way.¡±

    After their conversation, Kang Chan immediately contacted Choi Jong-Il.

    ***

    The drilling rigs were enclosed by a three-meter fence crowned with barbed wire, which were coiled in a spring-like fashion. Nearly a hundred people and a 20mm machine gun were blocking the entrance.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho believed sending Yoon Sang-Ki and Team Two to the hill was a brilliant move. After all, it led to them securing an M20, giving them a bit of a breather. As a result, although one of them had been killed and three were injured, their nine-man team had eliminated the nearly forty hostiles concentrated around the M20.

    Nevertheless, they were still anxious. Time was their greatest adversary. Subtracting two hours of travel from the five total hours they had to aplish their mission, they only had three hours to clear the area and blow up the facilities.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Looks like we have to make ourselves more enticing to lure our guests,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki radioed in.

    Ever since the team had shouted their motto, their enemies had concealed themselves, their determination palpable.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "You want to draw them out?"

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Dragging this out can only put us in a worse position, can¡¯t it? Their silence is unsettling.¡±

    While Kwak Cheol-Ho was scanning the enemy''s location, lights pierced the darkness from behind them.

    <i>sh. sh.</i>

    ying to Yoon Sang-Ki''s worries, vehicles were advancing toward them, their headlights cutting through the night. The team''s expressions hardened, and a heavy silence fell among them.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho, unable to use his left hand, awkwardly reached for the radio on his helmet with his right.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "Sniper, maintain surveince on the M20. If that truck has also been fitted with a machine gun, it could present us with an opportunity. Let''s seize it."

    The weapons of his men clicked and rattled as they checked on their magazines. Not long after, they heard a crackle on the radio, notifying them of an iing transmission.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Kang Chul-Gyu from the DMZ team. We''re in the two trucks approaching your location. I repeat. This is Kang Chul-Gyu from the DMZ team. We are in the trucks heading toward you.¡±

    <i>¡®The seniors are already here?¡¯ </i>Kwak Cheol-Ho thought.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "Sunbae-nim, this is Kwak Cheol-Ho. We believe we have already cleared the area behind us, but we''ll cover you anyway just to be sure."

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    The trucks were only fifty meters away now. Every sh of the headlights illuminated the facilities hidden in the darkness.

    <i>Tap-tap! Whizz! Tap-tap! Stter!</i>

    Finally making sense of the situation, the hostiles desperately charged toward the M20.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Gunshots from their sniper immediately followed.

    <i>Whoosh! Tap! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Tap-tap! Whoosh!</i>

    Would they really let the M20 be taken now? Especially with the legendary DMZ King and his men charging in?

    Having parked the trucks at a distance, Kang Chul-Gyu and the DMZ team lowered their stances and rushed forward.

    <i>Click! Click! Thud! Thud!</i>

    A few momentster, Kang Chul-Gyu reached Kwak Cheol-Ho. Perhaps because the special forces team had been reinforced, the enemies quieted down and buried their heads behind walls again.

    "d to have you here, sir," Kwak Cheol-Ho greeted.

    "Considering how heavily outnumbered you were, you¡¯ve held up extremely well,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied.

    After looking at their fallen brother, he refocused on Kwak Cheol-Ho''s shoulder. Nam Il-Gyu took out a bandage from his pocket and wrapped it around the wound.

    "You¡¯ve alreadypleted your objectives?"

    "Our target location was so poorly guarded that we didn¡¯t have much of a problem," Nam Il-Gyu replied.

    Oh Gwang-Taek, who was nearby, turned his head toward the two, surprised that they would describe battles like this as smooth.

    "This way!"

    Yang Dong-Sik and about half of the DMZ team positioned themselves beside Yoon Sang-Ki.

    "Great work. You¡¯ve got quite the beautiful view here.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik quickly surveyed the area ahead of them.

    "That¡¯s quite a lot of enemies you¡¯ve been handling.¡±

    "No, sir."

    "To be able to hold your ground in this situation despite your limited manpower..."

    Yang Dong-Sik and the other DMZ team members couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge and respect Yoon Sang-Ki and the special forces team¡¯s efforts. From their position, they could see the entire facility, including the fence surrounding it and the enemies blocking its entrance. The enemies didn''t move, stuck on either side of the 20mm machine gun.

    Silence descended upon them once more as Kang Chul-Gyu surveyed the area.

    Although they now had enough men to conquer the oil rig, some sacrifices still seemed inevitable no matter how carefully they approached, whether by low crawl or high crawl.

    "Nam Il-Gyu,¡± he called.

    "Yes, sir,¡± Nam Il-Gyu promptly responded.

    "Do you think a grenadeuncher, a couple of grenades, and four men will suffice?¡±

    "That would make it worth a try.¡±

    ¡°Here we go again,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek mumbled to himself.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho looked at them with a puzzled expression.

    "Get ready."

    "Yes, sir," Nam Il-Gyu answered. He then stepped back.

    Kang Chul-Gyu then turned to Kwak Cheol-Ho. ¡°With your permission, I¡¯d like to send five of my men to breach and cross the oil rig¡¯s fence. We would have to provide them with cover.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho didn''t respond immediately.

    While the others had adopted an informal tone, the DMZ King maintained a respectful demeanor toward him. It would be quite strange if he merely said,<i> ¡®Please do!¡¯</i> and then passively allowed their seniors to undertake such a dangerous mission.

    Kang Chul-Gyu softly added, "This is how we usually do things in the DMZ. Let us handle this. It¡¯s the only way for us to maintain our dignity aftering all this way.¡±

    Considering he had gone so far as to ask politely, Kwak Cheol-Ho, the one in charge of this location, couldn''t bring himself to refuse.

    "I''d appreciate it, sunbae-nim," he answered.

    Kang Chul-Gyu gave him a brief smile, then reached for the button on his radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "This is Kang Chul-Gyu. Il-Gyu and four others are crossing. Get ready."

    Following Kang Chul-Gyu, Kwak Cheol-Ho also issued amand to his team.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "The seniors will breach the fence. Make sure not even one enemy can aim at them."

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Momentster, Nam Il-Gyu and four other men walked toward them and requested C-4s.

    "Thank you for taking on this difficult task, sunbae-nim."

    "You all were the ones who handled the hard work. Honestly, this is nothing. I bet you guys can do this better."

    Nam Il-Gyu gently tapped Kwak Cheol-Ho''s forearm before heading back to his position.

    Everything was ready. At the signal, they would unleash hell on their enemies, who had hunkered down in the oil rig like startled pheasants.

 Chapter 298: End Like This? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 298: End Like This? (2)</h4>

    Close-quartersbat often took ce at distances closer than many imagine. An example of it being closer than imagined would be when you¡¯re on the rooftop of a two-story structure, shooting at an enemy running in front of the neighboring building¡¯s entrance. In simpler terms, one would likely assume that if the enemy was right below, a few pulls of the trigger would be enough. However, the reality was starkly different.

    The presence of another enemy aiming at one¡¯s head dramatically altered the situation. How could one describe the chilling sensation of bullets destroying the wall they were hiding behind shattering? Had it been just slightly higher, a bullet could have gone straight through their forehead. Survival hinged on quickly aiming, firing, and ducking before an enemy had the chance to respond.

    This marked the distinction between special forces teams and regr troops. Special forces teams underwent grueling training that pushed them to their limits, including exercises designed to severely humble them. However, that intense preparation was what instilled a deep sense of pride within them.

    Special forces soldiers were often presented with the option to quit.

    "If anyone feels unsure, raise your hand now!" they would be told.

    That question was the ultimate test for those selected for special forces training. Opting out at this stage meant being relegated to the status of ''<i>il-bbang-bbang</i>¡¯[1] despite the apparent shorings of the regr troops'' training.

    The Jeungpyeong special forces team,posed of soldiers who had excelled in the Airborne division and the 606, stood as South Korea''s finest. Hence, witnessing their seniors charge into enemy lines with C-4s made them feel a mix of gratitude, pride, immense regret, and profound frustration.

    The DMZ team members, seasoned by their years of experience, resonated deeply with the feelings of the Jeungpyeong team. A unique excitement, better suited for a charge than a firing order, filled the ranks.

    Amidst the darkness and silence, everyone awaited their next order. However, Kang Chul-Gyu remained silent for unknown reasons, his gaze intently scanning the enemy¡¯s location.

    <i>What''s happening? Why is he quiet?</i>

    Both the Jeungpyeong and DMZ teams looked at Kang Chul-Gyu with concern.

    "Do we have a sniper?" questioned Kang Chul-Gyu amid the silence.

    "There''s one above," Kwak Cheol-Ho quickly responded.

    <i>What''s going on?</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho''s confusion lingered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "The trees in front of the building," Kang Chul-Gyu directed, prompting everyone to hastily examine the indicated trees.

    He continued, "There¡¯s no wind, yet they showed movement. Our enemies seem to have camouged themselves, waiting for the perfect moment to attack."

    Considering they were quite deep into the night already, Kwak Cheol-Ho couldn¡¯t help but ponder, <i>¡®What do you mean they ''moved'' without any wind?¡¯</i>

    Wearing night-vision goggles, he scanned the trees but didn¡¯t spot anything unusual. Meanwhile, Kang Chul-Gyu imed to have noticed movement without the assistance of the goggles. As the DMZ King, his observations couldn¡¯t be taken lightly. Their entire team could have been wiped out the moment they breached with C-4.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "Yang Dong-Sik, I want you and ten others to enter the oil rig separately. Let me know when you''re ready," ordered Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chul-Gyu looked at the structure in front of him.

    Smirking, he continued, "We often had to deal with this back at the DMZ. Unfortunately, unlike back then, the camouge they¡¯re using right now doesn¡¯t seem to be the ordinary ones.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho scrutinized the trees in front of the oil rig once more. "What if our sniper targets them?"

    Kang Chul-Gyu sighed softly. "<i>Hmm</i>. We will probably need at least two more snipers, and who knows how many more enemies are hidden in those buildings. We could end up wasting time on them."

    "But what about the sunbaes you¡¯re sending to the oil rig?"

    "They have undertaken missions like this in the DMZ before. You can trust them."

    "Yes, sir," answered Kwak Cheol-Ho. He then inadvertently shifted his gaze up toward the area where Yang Dong-Sik was.

    <i>Why did South Korea discard and waste these experienced and skilled people?</i>

    "<i>Tsk</i>... we need at least two more snipers..."

    Hearing regret in Kang Chul-Gyu''s voice, Kwak Cheol-Ho swiftly understood the situation. Snipers were needed to support the teams of Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯ve got a vehicle approaching us from our six,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki radioed in.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kwak Cheol-Ho turned around, finding the lights of a truck swaying as it approached.

    "Ah, so then the sniper issue is dealt with," Kang Chul-Gyu murmured.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°This is Kang Chan. We¡¯re in the truck approaching your location,¡± Kang Chan said, identifying himself.

    Hearing his name was like a breath of fresh air. Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and the rest of the DMZ team gazed at the Jeungpyeong special forces team with awe. Hearing Kang Chan¡¯s voicepletely changed the aura around them.

    "Seems like we can proceed now," Kang Chul-Gyu murmured to himself again as the truck stopped.

    Kang Chan and his team then walked over to their position. Kang Chul-Gyu genuinely smiled at him as he approached.

    <i>Click-ck! Click-ck! Thump! Thump!</i>

    Kang Chan nced around the area and then directed Lee Doo-Bum and three of his men to go up the hill. Moving to the spot that Kang Chul-Gyu had moved away from, he examined the oil rig that their enemies had upied.

    "Do you see those trees in front of the buildings?"

    "They''re camouged, aren''t they?"

    "We think so, yes.¡±

    Like Kwak Cheol-Ho, Nam Il-Gyu was astounded.

    <i>How did he notice that with just a nce? He''s still so young! The blood on his head hasn''t even dried yet! </i>[2] Nam Il-Gyu thought to himself.

    Oh Gwang-Taek, who hadn¡¯t properly greeted them yet, sighed deeply.

    "Do you have a sniper in your team?"

    "I¡¯ve sent him up," Kang Chan replied.

    "We have two snipers now, then. If you and I take those guys down, we can send our boys in."

    Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu smirked at the same time.

    Feeling as if something was off, their enemies found themselves in so much of a panic that they couldn¡¯t bring themselves to move.

    Kang Chan pressed the button on his helmet''s radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "This is Kang Chan. Snipers, focus on taking down the enemies near the right of the oil rig first. Once the battle resumes, I want those who will be infiltrating the enemy lines to use their best judgment to move and act. Everyone else, provide cover and make sure the enemy can¡¯t retake the 20mm machine gun.¡±

    The mood in the area changed with a single transmission.

    Choi Jong-Il exchanged nces with Kwak Cheol-Ho and Oh Gwang-Taek. He then prepared with the others.

    <i>Click-ck! Click-thud!</i>

    After checking the magazine loaded in his gun, Kang Chan firmly pulled back the firing pin, sending a definitive order to attack.

    <i>Click-ck! Click-ck! Click-thud! Click-ck!</i>

    When Kang Chan took aim, Kang Chul-Gyu and everyone else did as well. At the same time, Kwak Cheol-Ho finally noticed the branches of the trees shaking despite theck of wind.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    A soon spark burst from Kang Chan''s rifle, sending a long white streak of light through the pitch-ck night.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    The tree struck by the light fell sideways and sprawled on the ground.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Woosh! Whoosh! Woosh! Woosh!</i>

    Without hesitation, the rest unleashed a volley of fire. One of the camouged enemies attempted to retaliate, but they were already toote. Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu, and their two snipers had brought down all the trees they could see.

    Their toon, consisting of the Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers, National Intelligence Service agents, twenty battle-hardened DMZ veterans, and a former gangster, proved to be quite formidable.

    <i>Whoosh! Bang! Whoosh! Bang! Whoosh! Bang!</i>

    Another enemy tried to retaliate against them, but just like those who had gone before him, they swiftly put a bullet in the middle of his eyes, knocking back his head.

    "<i>Aaargh</i>!"

    Another enemy, grasping their cracked skull, twisted in agony.

    <i>Boom! Crash!</i>

    All of a sudden, an explosion erupted from one corner of the fence.

    <i>Boom! Boom!</i>

    A simr explosion then echoed from the opposite side.

    <i>Crack! Crack! Whoosh! Bang! Whoosh! Bang!</i>

    Their opponents¡¯ counterattack had been disrupted and thrown into disorganization. Momentster, bright muzzle shes lit up the oil rig. Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s and Yang Dong-Sik''s teams had begun eliminating the enemies who were in hiding.

    About five minutes of this one-sided engagement had passed.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    After about five minutes of their one-sided massacre, the teams inside the oil rig finally radioed in a report.

    ¡°This is Nam Il-Gyu. We have cleared the buildings. Should we blow up the ce or hit the tangos at the main gate from behind?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at Kang Chan, signaling him to make the decision.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "We¡¯re getting our revenge. I want one team setting up the C-4s. The rest are to attack the main gate.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Although it seemed like a daunting task, they at least weren¡¯t outnumbered, which made it worth the effort.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Crack! Whoosh! Crack! Whoosh!</i>

    The dynamics of the battle dramatically shifted. Kang Chan¡¯s toon took cover near the structure and opened fire, prompting a desperate retaliation from the enemies.

    <i>Crack! Whoosh! Bang! Crack! Whoosh! Bang!</i>

    The more their opponents resisted, the faster they were taken down.

    In a sh, several shadows darted into the oil rig.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    Even the snipers couldn¡¯t help but stop to observe Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu, who were seamlessly taking down foe after foe.

    "Cease fire!" Nam Il-Gyu shouted behind the enemy lines.

    <i>Click-ck! Click-thud!</i>

    Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu rushed forward, followed by their team members. Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s left arm was bleeding heavily, a bullet having pierced into it.

    <i>Bang!</i>

    As Kang Chan walked over, Nam Il-Gyu forcefully kicked the person in Imic attire lying in front of him.

    "<i>Ugh</i>!"

    "The nerve of this bastard!"

    <i>Crash! Crash! Crash! Crash!</i>

    "<i>Ah</i>, you fucking bitch! You shot my fucking arm!"

    <i>Crunch! Bang!</i>

    Despite having already subdued the enemy, Nam Il-Gyu kept kicking their chest in frustration, preventing his colleagues from approaching him and treating his wound.

    "<i>Huh</i>? Why are you holding that? Why not ask us?"

    Nam Il-Gyu fixed his expression and extended his left arm to his colleague. Oh Gwang-Taek didn¡¯t find this scene strange at all anymore.

    A few momentster, Yang Dong-Sik walked over to them, coiling spare wires around his arm and casually holding the detonator. "The C-4s have been set up. We''ve also taken eleven prisoners."

    Kang Chan turned to Kang Chul-Gyu, questioning what they should do with the prisoners.

    "We¡¯re here to take revenge, aren¡¯t we?"

    Kang Chul-Gyu''s soft voice reached everyone, including their enemies, who didn''t speak Korean.

    He added, "Can we do it our way?"

    Seeing Kang Chan nod, Oh Gwang-Taek wondered, <i>''Could it be...?''</i>

    "Tie them up,¡± Kang Chul-Gyumanded.

    The group immediately sprang into action. The DMZ team, except for Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik, suddenly charged in.

    The sight was so chilling that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    <i>Crunch! Bang!</i>

    There was no room for resistance. The DMZ team members started hanging the enemies they had dragged, suspending them upside down from the structure.

    "Do we really need to do this? Won¡¯t they die anyway when the C-4s explode?" Kang Chan asked.

    "The guides who led us here will spread the word. From now on, anyone who wants to cross South Korea will think twice, knowing they will have to confront us first."

    Kang Chan sighed softly. He hadn''t thought as far as Kang Chul-Gyu had.

    "Everyone involved in this will surely be shocked. Despite suspecting an ambush, we pushed through with our operation and eliminated all targets, including this oil rig. More importantly..."

    Kang Chul-Gyu paused and quickly scanned the surroundings.

    "... we did it with almost no casualties.¡±

    At that moment, their enemies realized this was where they¡¯d die. One of them resisted being hanged, but the DMZ team¡¯s powerful punches quickly put a stop to it.

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned to his juniors. "Once we¡¯re done here, people will fear your strength. They¡¯ll pause and think twice before confronting you all."

    <i>Bang! Thud! Thud!</i>

    The brutal scene added weight to his words.

    "For as long as you all live, nobody will dare take anyone from South Korea lightly."

    Their captives, now hanging upside down, struggled as everyone turned to them.

    "The real fight starts now."

    The DMZ team lined up behind Kang Chul-Gyu, and the Jeungpyeong special forces team and the National Intelligence Service agents did the same behind Kang Chan. Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu smirked.

    Yang Dong-Sik walked around the perimeter, extending the wire wrapped around his arm, and then walked toward the back from Kang Chan¡¯s position. With their mouths left ungagged, their enemies, suspended in the air, predictably cried out in agony.

    "This is it," Yang Dong-Sik said, inserting the end of the wire that he had unwrapped from his arm into the detonator.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    "Technology has certainly improved."

    Although unnecessary, the situation seemed to be demanding a more dramatic approach. Yang Dong-Sik, holding the detonator, looked back and forth between Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "Shall we start the timer and retreat?" Kang Chan suggested.

    Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s eyes widened as if asking, <i>¡®How long?¡¯</i>

    "Five minutes should be enough."

    "Got it."

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep. Squeak.</i>

    After pressing the button, Yang Dong-Sik looked up.

    "Hey! Why did you start the timer?" Nam Il-Gyu shouted.

    "<i>Huh</i>?" Yang Dong-Sik nced at the timer in surprise, finding it already counting down. Quickly looking back up, he asked Kwak Cheol-Ho, "Can''t we reset this?"

    "I switched it to Type A earlier. Pulling out the wire now would spark an immediate explosion."

    Kang Chan quickly nced back. As a safety precaution, they had parked the trucks a good distance away.

    "To the trucks! Go!"

    The mood suddenly shifted. Four team members carried the injured, swiftly aiding the wounded as they all ran.

    The C-4 explosion would send gusts of wind rushing past the nearby empty fields, followed by air being sucked back into the vacuum it would create. It was the reason signs or metal structures sometimes bent toward the explosion instead of away from it.

    However, they were in an oil rig. The real danger was not knowing how far the mes rising into the sky would spread.

    <i>Rrring.</i>

    ¡°Start the engines! Now!¡±

    The sudden intensity of the situation might have seemedughable under different circumstances, but right now, it nearly drove the soldiers and agents to madness.

    <i>Vroom. Vroom.</i>

    Kang Chan reached the truck first.

    "Get on! Faster!" Kang Chan urged. His subordinates quickly boarded the trucks.

    <i>Vroom! Vroom! nk! Vroom!</i>

    They drove off roughly. This likely sucked for the wounded, but they had no other option.

    <i>Thud! Thump!</i>

    Speeding away, the trucks jolted so hard with each bump that their buttocks were lifted off the seats.

    "You should have been a bit more careful!" Nam Il-Gyu scolded.

    Yang Dong-Sik nervously scanned his surroundings. "There used to be a red button and another one below it!"

    Kang Chul-Gyu remained silent, showing only his signature smile.

    <i>Vroooom!</i>

    Roaring, the truck exerted more power, causing its speed to surge.

    <i>This should be safe enough...</i>

    <i>Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!</i>

    A series of daunting explosions soon erupted, illuminating the area so brightly that it looked as if the night had turned into day.

    <i>Crack!</i>

    The vehicle''s windows cracked and shattered into pieces. Their ears rang from the st. It felt as if the space around them was shaking.

    <i>Whoosh! Crash!</i>

    The vehicle was thrust high into the air before crashing back down.

    <i>Whish!</i>

    A blindingly fierce wind then swept past Kang Chan.

    <i>Boom! Crash! Boom!</i>

    Only then did their hearing return and the world felt real again.

    <i>Whish! Boom! Whish! Boom!</i>

    Fiery debris cascaded from the sky, resembling meteors.

    <i>Screech.</i>

    Kang Chan brought the truck to a stop. Exiting from the passenger side, he was joined by the agents in the cargo bed and those in the other trucks. They all turned their gaze toward the facility, the mes belching ck smoke catching their attention.

    In the distance, the wild mes and smoke from the oil rig nketed the sky. The flickering mes illuminated Kang Chan and those around him as if to say that they would not forget.

    1. ???(100) is the colloquial term for the South Korean Army''s specialty number 111101. It is the default assignment for the majority of conscripts who do not have specific branch preferences or skills, making them riflemen by default. ?

    2. The phrase metaphorically signifies extreme youth, akin to a newborn. It implies that the person is so young that the metaphorical blood from their birth hasn''t dried yet. ?

 Chapter 299: Hold Onto The Head (1)

    <h4>Chapter 299: Hold Onto The Head (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu unintentionally stood front and foremost of their formation. Choi Jong-Il, Kwak Cheol-Ho, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik lined up behind them as if to support them.

    <i>Boom!</i>

    Another explosion erupted from the oil rig, followed by a hot, fiery burst of me and a belch of smoke.

    ¡°Are you nning to step up if something like this happens again?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu quietly asked.

    Kang Chan nced over, finding him looking ahead.

    ¡°The men¡¯s eyespletely changed when they heard you wereing. To them, you¡¯ve already be a line they can¡¯t cross and a wall they can always rely on.¡±

    <i>What¡¯s this old man suddenly talking about?</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu gave Kang Chan an indecipherable smile.

    ¡°It was nice to see you treat the agent from the US like he was your subordinate and how you entered an enemy country and carried out their punishment with dignity. You¡¯re the kind of leader I¡¯ve always wanted to be.¡±

    Kang Chan looked back ahead. Things were still a bit awkward between them.

    ¡°Take on bigger enemies. Don¡¯t grow old like me, trapped in the forests of the DMZ all your life.¡±

    ¡°What if I lose the men I care about?¡±

    Kang Chan had never even thought about that question, yet he blurted it out for some reason.

    ¡°I¡¯ll fight the battles. At the very least, I¡¯ll keep fighting at the level I did today for as long as I¡¯m alive. Only if you¡¯re okay with it, of course...¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but look back at Kang Chul-Gyu. Kang Chul-Gyu locked eyes with him this time.

    ¡°I¡¯m curious. I don¡¯t know what kind of person you are and why you treat me like this. Sometimes I think I understand, but sometimes I feel like I still don¡¯t,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    <i>Pft.</i>

    Kang Chan chuckled. What could he even say to that?

    <i>Boom! Boom!</i>

    Two more hot, deafening explosions, likely thest ones, burst from the oil rig.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing better than watching fireworks!¡± Yang Dong-Sik eximed from the back.

    Thinking of the wounded, they decided that it was time to head back. Kang Chan turned around, and Kang Chul-Gyu and the rest of the men followed suit.

    ***

    <i>Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap! Click! Click! Snap, snap, snap! Snap, snap, snap, snap!</i>

    In a stark departure from the usual press conference, reporters, especially foreign ones, swarmed the podium, much to the Korean reporters¡¯ surprise. As innumerable shes continued to go off, Moon Jae-Hyun walked up to the podium, looked at the reporters, and turned to the teleprompter.

    ¡°Respectable citizens, I am President Moon Jae-Hyun.¡±

    <i>Snap, snap, snap, snap! Snap, snap, snap! Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap!</i>

    ¡°Before I begin my statement, I would like to make a few important announcements.¡±

    The reporters quickly tapped away on the keyboards of theirptops, their recorders right next to them.

    Usually, the full text of the speech was given to the reporters in advance. This time, however, for some reason, they were given not even an inkling of what the announcement could be about.

    ¡°First, I would like to inform you of our agreement with Japan. Following their demand, our government has approved the construction of the undersea tunnel. In return¡ª¡±

    <i>Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap! Snap, snap, snap, snap! Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap!</i>

    Moon Jae-Hyun paused, letting the noises from the shes die down.

    ¡°In return, the Japanese government has promised to recognize Dokdo as part of our territory, mark the borders of the East Sea, acknowledge and apologize for the war of aggression, and make reparations ordingly. They will also purchase three hundred seventy-six trillion won of our national debt in the form of bonds andpletely retire these shares.¡±

    <i>Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap! Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap! Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap!</i>

    The murmurs of the reporters began to mix in with the shes.

    ¡°We will also be collecting cargo fees from the aforementioned undersea tunnel, securing huge revenues for our nation. For that reason, South Korea will make education up to the collegiate levelpulsory. Our government will pay for all expenses, including tuition, food, and uniforms. We will also pay for students who choose to pursue vocational courses instead of academic ones.¡±

    The noises from the reporters were loud enough to be heard on TV.

    ¡°The government is also nning to pay for medical care for the four major serious diseases in the future.¡±

    Reporters from other countries clung to their trantors, checking the information again and again.

    ***

    Standing at a bus terminal, a man in a business suit muttered, ¡°Is that even possible?¡±

    [Next is our agreement with Russia.]

    ¡°Russia?¡± the man repeated, staring at the TV in utter disbelief.

    [South Korea has signed a joint development agreement for crude oil with Russia. This puts our nation on equal footing with other oil-producing nations and ensures a steady supply of cheap crude oil.]

    ¡°I should¡¯ve bought stocks back then!¡± regretfully eximed the middle-aged man next to the man in a business suit.

    [I would also like to announce our agreement with China.]

    ¡°Another one?!¡± both men eximed at the same time.

    [China and South Korea have signed a trillion-dor currency swap and agreed to closely cooperate in terms of economy and security. As a start, we¡¯ve agreed that illegally fishing in our waters will be considered a grave crime of border vition. Our military has the right to immediately destroy any Chinese fishing boatsmitting that crime until illegal fishing has been eradicated.]

    ¡°No way!¡± the business suit-wearing man nkly stared at Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s face, which the camera shes had renderedpletely white.

    Afterward, Moon Jae-Hyun announced that South Korea would be cooperating with France and Ennd to establish a power nt for next-gen energy. France would also permanently return the cultural Korean properties currently in their possession.

    This was followed by a statement that was characteristically different from the previous ones.

    [We will strictly apply the Nationality Act to ensure that dual citizens do not receive unfair benefits. Moreover, individuals and legal entities that siphon off funds to foreign countries will be strictly tracked down. Economic crimes such as embezzlement and professional negligence, as well as the wealthy¡¯s crimes that harm society, will also be punished ording to thew.]

    Although many of the reporters and viewers had already been rendered speechless, Moon Jae-Hyun still wasn¡¯t done.

    [to prevent honest citizens from suffering losses, we will also punish those who shirk their national defense and taxation duties.]

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked up from the teleprompter and stared straight into the camera.

    [I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to our unsung heroes. Silently, in ces beyond the public¡¯s awareness, they performed their duties so that we can make all these announcements today. I would like to thank our honorable citizens as well for always striving to do the best they can.]

    <i>Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap! Snap, snap, snap, snap! Snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap!</i>

    Shouts from reporters eager to ask questions filled the room.

    ***

    Contrary to the moring and noisy atmosphere that South Korea was experiencing due to the sudden onught of announcements, the seventh floor of the Central Hotel was quiet.

    From the Athens Airport, the wounded were taken to the hospital. The others headed back to the hotel and immediately went to sleep.

    Kang Chan was no exception, falling asleep not long after quickly briefing Kim Hyung-Jung on the situation. Knowing that the South Korean and French agents were taking turns guarding the hotel made him feel so relieved that he slept soundly.

    He couldn¡¯t remember thest time he hade back from an operation unscathed.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    However, the phone wasn¡¯t of any assistance to Kang Chan at all. He shook off his drowsiness and nced at the screen.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    The drawers under the table were acting like a speaker, amplifying the sound.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Hey, Cap. It¡¯s G¨¦rard.

    The sleep lurking in the corners of Kang Chan¡¯s eyes and head disappeared with a <i>whoosh</i>.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Where are you?¡±

    Kang Chan sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

    - I was given paid leave.

    ¡°What?¡±

    - I¡¯m on vacation! I¡¯m going to South Korea!

    Kang Chan nced at his phone and raised it back to his ear.

    ¡°What about Congo?¡±

    - We¡¯ve wrapped everything up nicely yesterday.

    ¡°Where are you now, then?¡±

    - France, of course.

    Kang Chan chuckled at the irony.

    ¡°I¡¯m in Athens.¡±

    - What?

    G¨¦rard couldn¡¯t understand what Kang Chan was saying.

    ¡°I said I¡¯m in Athens!¡±

    - What? Why are you there? If I didn¡¯t call you, I would have ended up alone in Korea.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Well, if you cane here, fly on over.¡±

    - Alright. I¡¯ll change my flight and let you know. This is going to be expensive.

    The unexpected call had jolted Kang Chan awake, but he wasn¡¯t mad at all. Having to wait for G¨¦rard to get back to him if he coulde, he ran his hands through his hair, opened the door, and headed outside.

    He was wearingfortable sweatpants and a cotton tee. The French and Korean agents in the hallway looked at him at the same time when he came out.

    This was a rxing hour.

    Kang Chan dragged his indoor slides on the ground as he headed for the conference room. He then poured two packets of instant coffee into a mug and started to walk back to his room.

    ¡°You could¡¯ve just asked me to bring you coffee,¡± a Korean agent told him with a smile.

    ¡°You want a cup too?¡± Kang Chan offered goodnaturedly.

    The agent chuckled. ¡°No, sir.¡±

    After mischievously grinning at each other, Kang Chan returned to his room. He closed the door behind him and opened the curtains.

    <i>Swish! Whoosh!</i>

    The intense sunlight blinded his eyes and chased away the darkness in the room.

    Sitting at the table, Kang Chan took a sip of coffee and picked up a cigarette.

    <i>Click</i>.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡±

    <i>That punk ising here for his vacation?</i>

    The mere thought of his arrival made Kang Chan smile.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    The call he had been waiting for had finally arrived.

    After checking the number, Kang Chan pressed the answer button.

    ¡°Allo?¡±

    - It¡¯s G¨¦rard. I¡¯ll be leaving in an hour.

    ¡°I¡¯m at the Central Hotel in Athens.¡±

    - <i>Huh</i>? You¡¯re not picking me up from the airport?

    G¨¦rard chuckled with amusement at his own joke. His excitement radiated over the phone.

    - I¡¯ll be arriving in about six hours.

    ¡°All right. See you.¡±

    Kang Chan hung up the phone and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray.

    <i>White people really take every vacation they can get.</i>

    They could learn a thing or two from them about not giving up their vacations unless it was for special operations, though.

    Anyway, he had heard good news, drank good coffee, and smoked a cigarette. He could now fall back to sleep again¡ª

    <i>Knock, knock, knock.</i>

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    As Kang Chan stood up, the door opened.

    ¡°I stopped by the conference room and heard you were just there too,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek remarked. His face was red, and his hair was sticking out in all directions and pushed down at the sides.

    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Kang Chan offered.

    Oh Gwang-Taek sat down across from him.

    ¡°<i>Ah</i>, damn it! I left my coffee behind!¡±

    ¡°Give me that cup over there. I¡¯ll give you a bit of mine. We can just make moreter if we need to.¡±

    Kang Chan poured some coffee into the cup that Oh Gwang-Taek held up. He then opened the windows halfway, allowing a refreshing breeze to rush in and cool them down.

    ¡°Want a cigarette?¡± Kang Chan offered despite already knowing what the answer would be.

    Oh Gwang-Taek epted the cigarette and put it in his mouth. He then picked up the lighter.

    <i>Click</i>.

    The two took turns lighting their cigarettes.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t sleep?¡± Kang Chan asked afterward.

    ¡°No,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek replied, brushing his hair back. ¡°Honestly, I thought I led a pretty tough lifestyle, but I¡¯m gonna need some time to ept everything that happened yesterday.¡±

    ncing at Kang Chan, he let out a weary chuckle.

    ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake! This world is too scary to live in!¡± he eximed.

    ¡°Yeah, I know you¡¯re <i>so </i>afraid,¡± Kang Chan sarcastically responded, shocking Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°You¡¯re a scary motherfucker! Where did you get all these monsters from? And you put me right in the middle of them?¡±

    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± Kang Chan apologized half-sincerely.

    ¡°Stop with the bullshit, punk!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek seemed to be feeling a little more at ease, evidenced by his expression and voice bing more rxed.

    ¡°Staying in Mongolia for a bit made me think I had already seen everything, but the battle yesterday proved me otherwise. I could never have imagined such a fight. I feel a bit better now that I¡¯m here with you, though.¡±

    Kang Chan just silently listened. If Oh Gwang-Taek was in Mongolia, he probably would¡¯ve confided in his close subordinates about this instead. In this ce, however, Kang Chan was likely the only one he felt close enough to speak about his feelings.

    ¡°Hey! Does that mean this is how you''ve been living all your life? Your life¡¯s fucking sad too, huh.¡±

    The more Oh Gwang-Taek cursed, the more his expression returned to normal, which was great and all, but he was also bing equally louder. Kang Chan was beginning to worry that the people sleeping next door would hear him.

    The two¡ªno, Oh Gwang-Taek talked loudly for an hour or so.

    <i>Knock, knock, knock.</i>

    Choi Jong-Il walked in.

    ¡°You¡¯re not eating, sir?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    ¡°<i>Hm</i>? Weren¡¯t you all going to sleep?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Most people are already up.¡±

    ¡°Yeah? Let¡¯s go eat, then.¡±

    Kang Chan and Oh Gwang-Taek walked to the conference room. So many people were already eating inside that nobody was probably asleep at this point. Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s loud voice earlier most likely woke up half of them.

    After a moderate lunch, Oh Gwang-Taek headed back to his room with a much more rxed expression. He looked like he would fall asleep as soon as hey down on his bed.

    Having returned to his room as well, Kang Chan sat down at the table. Choi Jong-Il and Kwak Cheol-Ho then came inside with cups of coffee in their hands.

    Since G¨¦rard would be arriving in a few hours, Kang Chan probably wouldn¡¯t be able to get any more sleep.

    His conversation with the two was worthwhile, at least. They told him about Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s announcements and the general response in detail. They had apparently heard all about it from the National Intelligence Service when Choi Jong-Il submitted a report regarding their situation.

    ¡°He announced all that at the same time?¡± Kang Chan asked in disbelief.

    ¡°Yes. We¡¯re expecting a major audit and inspection of chaebols, high-ranking government officials, and the National Assembly soon.¡±

    Kang Chan simply nodded. Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun would undoubtedly go through with that.

    <i>Keep growing stronger!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan felt a bit d.

    South Korea bing stronger would soon present ways for him to quietly remove himself from the equation. Once they had established the next-generation energy facility and the Eurasian Rail broke ground, he wouldn¡¯t have to run around like this anymore. He might even be able to go on vacations with Seok Kang-Ho then.

    ¡°I heard Colonel Park has regained consciousness,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said, breaking Kang Chan out of his thoughts. ¡°Colonel Park Chul-Su, I mean.¡±

    That was truly good news. He still had some crazy things to think about, like how Sherman attempted to pull a fast one on him and who drove away in the truck during yesterday¡¯s operation. However, he at least felt as if weights were slowly being lifted off his shoulders and back.

    They continued to speak more until a brief pause in the conversation.

    ¡°Oh! G¨¦rard will be here soon,¡± Kang Chan informed them.

    The camaraderie between people was a powerful emotion. Even though Choi Jong-Il and Kwak Cheol-Ho seemed a bit awkward around each other, their faces lit up upon hearing the unexpected news.

    The three men in sweatpants and cotton shirts chatted together for about three hours, during which they made coffee two more times and smoked a whole pack of cigarettes. While discussing the issue of recruiting more people into the Jeungpyeong special forces team, Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - I¡¯m in the hotel lobby. Where should I go?

    ¡°Stay there. I¡¯m on my way.¡±

    Kang Chan put on a sweatshirt and some sneakers. Before he left the room, Choi Jong-Il and Kwak Cheol-Ho told him that they would be waiting in front of the emergency exits.

    In the hallway, Kang Chan told a French agent that he needed to bring someone over from the lobby. The agent politely responded that it would be better for him to go instead to avoid the CCTVs catching Kang Chan¡¯s face.

    Kang Chan agreed. He then called G¨¦rard to update him.

    ¡°Stay at the front.¡±

    - Got it, Cap.

    Not long after their phone call, Oh Gwang-Taek walked out of his, rubbing the drowsiness off his eyes. He must have been a tad noisy because they were speaking in front of the elevator.

    ¡°Hey. Did I wake you up?¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Someone from France just arrived. I¡¯m waiting for him.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek yawned so widely it was a wonder his mouth didn¡¯t rip apart. As if insisting on seeing what kind of monster wasing this time, he remained standing next to Kang Chan.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The emergency exit doors soon opened. G¨¦rard, wearing sunsses, walked into the hallway.

    ¡°Captain!¡± G¨¦rard greeted.

    ¡°Took you long enough to get here!¡± Kang Chan joked.

    He was d to see him again. It was a little strange to see him wearing in clothes and walking around in a ce like this, though.

    G¨¦rard grabbed Kang Chan¡¯s hand and mischievously bumped shoulders with him.

    Afterward, he greeted Kwak Cheol-Ho and Choi Jong-Il. ¡°Krak! Choy!¡±

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>...?¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked at G¨¦rard, surprise written all over his face.

 Chapter 300: Hold Onto The Head (2)

    <h4>Chapter 300: Hold Onto The Head (2)</h4>

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s reaction instantly drew everyone¡¯s attention. Choi Jong-Il and Kwak Cheol-Ho, who were exchanging greetings with G¨¦rard, also nced at him.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Well, the thing is...¡± Oh Gwang-Taek trailed off as he gazed at Kang Chan. He then looked back at G¨¦rard with an uncharacteristically flustered expression. ¡°You remember that camera footage that Do-Seok got? I think I remember seeing him there.¡±

    When Kang Chan turned to G¨¦rard, thetter gestured at Oh Gwang-Taek with his chin. ¡°What¡¯s up with him?¡±

    Kang Chan first used a mix of Korean and French to introduce the two to each other.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek, G¨¦rard. G¨¦rard, Oh Gwang-Taek.¡±

    The two awkwardly shook hands.

    ¡°If he¡¯s not him, it might make him feel offended, so we¡¯ll go and talk about it. I¡¯m going to be with him for the time being, so don¡¯t worry,¡± Kang Chan told Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°All right,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek replied. He red sharply at G¨¦rard with certainty that this was the person in the video.

    ¡°What is it?¡± G¨¦rard asked, following Kang Chan to his room, turning his nose up in the air.

    Then, Oh Gwang-Taek and G¨¦rard met each other¡¯s eyes. It was between one who held a heavy grudge and one who found the other¡¯s attitude extremely offensive. It sounded like the ¡°du du du du du, waah, waah, wah¡± sound from some Wild West cowboy movie was ying somewhere in the hallway.

    ¡°G¨¦rard,e on,¡± Kang Chan urged him.

    G¨¦rard shook his head from side to side in disgust and walked after Kang Chan.

    <i>Click</i>.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with that gangster-looking punk?¡± G¨¦rard growled the moment they stepped inside the room.

    ¡°Coffee?¡± Kang Chan offered.

    ¡°Got Korean ones?¡±

    As if to shake off his displeasure, G¨¦rard took off the bag hanging on his shoulders and tossed it at the wall behind the chairs.

    ¡°Have a smoke while you wait,¡± Kang Chan told him.

    ¡°I¡¯lle with you,¡± G¨¦rard offered.

    ¡°Not a fucking chance. It¡¯ll be so damn ufortable.¡±

    Kang Chan would feel a hundred times more at ease bringing back coffee himself than watching G¨¦rard and Oh Gwang-Taek re at each other in a face-off.

    However, just as he was about to leave, Kwak Cheol-Ho suddenly pushed the door open with his foot and came in with a mug in each hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got coffee,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said.

    ¡°Krak!¡± G¨¦rard eximed.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho, who had gone through hellish battles with G¨¦rard in Afghanistan and Africa, seemed worried that G¨¦rard would be upset over what happened with Oh Gwang-Taek. Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s eyes, smile, and even the bandage that extended from his shoulders to his left hand carrying the coffee showed how sorry he was.

    ¡°Thank you, Krak!¡± G¨¦rard said in awkward Korean. The two chuckled over it.

    <i>These crazy assholes.</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head. Their eyes still showed hints of ferocity from the heat of the operation. They should be grateful that he was the one with them. Any normal person witnessing Kwak Cheol-Ho, who normally had a scary countenance, and G¨¦rard, who had a knife scar on his cheek, smiling at each other evilly would probably shiver every time they saw instant coffee.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be outside,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho told him.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t stop him from leaving. They were going to be speaking in French anyway.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    G¨¦rard made himselffortable on the other side of the table, then casually offered Kang Chan a smoke. They both lit their cigarette.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Daye?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>. He¡¯s in the Athens Hospital. You can go see himter,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Was he badly hurt?¡±

    ¡°He barely got out alive.¡±

    G¨¦rard smirked.

    ¡°Being alive is good enough.¡±

    Only those who had survived the thick of battle would give such a response.

    While stubbing his cigarette out in the ashtray, he gestured in the direction he met Oh Gwang-Taek. ¡°Anyway, what was wrong with that guy?¡±

    <i>Damn it.</i>

    It was a shitty story to tell, but if he didn¡¯t, G¨¦rard would feel unsettled and offended.

    Kang Chan put out his cigarette.

    ¡°Remember when I told you I woke up and found myself in this body?¡± he began.

    ¡°How could I ever forget?¡±

    ¡°Well, back then, I met Shan and Smithen.¡±

    Kang Chan gave a summary of what had happened since then. Making sure not to omit any details, he even covered how he met Lanok and all the incidents involving the ckhead.

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me all this on purpose,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Since that thug can check the camera footage, you¡¯re doing this to let me know you trust me, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Stop with the crazy talk, punk,¡± Kang Chan scoffed. Putting down his mug, he smirked at G¨¦rard. ¡°I don¡¯t have the brain to do something soplicated. I believe in the people I¡¯ve learned to trust. That¡¯s all there is to it. I only told you all this so you won¡¯t feel ufortable when you run into Oh Gwang-Taekter. There¡¯s no other motive.¡±

    G¨¦rard grinned. ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about that.¡±

    ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯t. Even if you do, it¡¯s fine. All that matters is whether or not you can be honest with me right now.¡±

    It felt good to get that off his chest.

    ¡°A lot of things happened behind the curtains, huh,¡± G¨¦rard mused.

    ¡°The enemy in front of us is still the biggest problem,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    G¨¦rard lifted his right hand and rubbed his cheek with his fingers, cupping his chin. ¡°<i>Hmm</i>.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to check the camera footage now too. I want to know what it recorded that¡¯s making that thug act up.¡±

    ¡°How long is your leave?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m taking the full twenty days.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    <i>He¡¯s taking a proper vacation, all right.</i>

    ***

    Before dinner, Kang Chan met with Oh Gwang-Taek in private and exined G¨¦rard¡¯s position.

    ¡°I heard what kind of person he is from Choi Jong-Il. Since you¡¯re vouching for him this hard too, I¡¯m sure he¡¯s not that person now,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek remarked. He didn¡¯t seem fully convinced, but his suspicion had at least been weakened a bit.

    He added, ¡°You know how white people all look a bit simr? The moment he walked in with the sunsses, I thought it had to be him.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll being with us to Seoul. We can go and see the camera footage and talk about what happened then,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Got it. Oh, man! What am I going to do if I¡¯m wrong?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek groaned.

    ¡°Motherfucker. That¡¯s why you should think before you speak,¡± Kang Chan rebuked.

    ¡°I just blurted that out because it was what ruined Do-Seok. Shit! This won¡¯t do. If a man says it¡¯s not him, it¡¯s not him. Where is he? I need to go apologize to him myself or I won¡¯t be able to rest. This isn¡¯t how a man should act.¡±

    When Oh Gwang-Taek started talking louder again, Kang Chan immediately guided him to the room where G¨¦rard was waiting. Oh Gwang-Taek apologized, and G¨¦rard willingly forgave him.

    <i>That puts an end to this Wild West movie!</i>

    After introducing G¨¦rard to the others in the conference room, they all had dinner together. Kang Chan left ahead of them to give Kim Hyung-Jung a call. He needed to discuss the recent events in Seoul and wanted to make a few requests.

    - I will inform the Director about this right after this call. Are you okay with departing in twelve hours?

    ¡°Yes. Please let me know when it¡¯s ready. What about our wounded?¡±

    - We¡¯ll send a special flight for them.

    ¡°G¨¦rard will being with us on the way back.¡±

    - Got it. I will make arrangements.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan felt as if he had justpleted a huge school project. He left the room and met up with G¨¦rard, who was waiting for him, to go to the hospital together.

    Kang Chan changed into cotton pants, sneakers, a cotton shirt, and afortable outeryer. His outfit made him feel as if he was on vacation with G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Can he talk?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s probably eating ramyeon as we speak,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    G¨¦rard grinned and was about to say something. However, when he nced at the driver¡¯s seat, he decided against it. He seemed bothered by the DGSE agents¡¯ presence.

    ¡°People probably have no idea about the world we live in,¡± G¨¦rard muttered as he looked out the window.

    Unlike Kang Chan, who hade out to the real world a few times, G¨¦rard had never stopped wandering the battlefields. If it wasn¡¯t for Kang Chan, he probably couldn¡¯t have cared less about getting paid leave.

    Kang Chan just grinned, finding it difficult to ept his sudden shabbiness in the light of the world. Every time he sat in a bar, feeling down in the dumps, someone had always tried to mess with him to impress his friends or show off to a girl he liked.

    Those idiots lunging at him with such pathetic eyes always made himugh. A broken arm was all it would take to make them cry and drool all over themselves.

    The car slowed down to a stop in front of the hospital.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The two got out of the vehicle, headed into the building, and took the elevator to the fifth floor.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    Stepping into the hallway, they were immediately greeted by the smell of cigarettes. Kang Chan walked straight to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room and opened the door.

    <i>Creak</i>.

    Inside, they found the upper part of the bed raised. Leisurely leaning against it, Seok Kang-Ho exhaled two wisps of smoke through his nose.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kang Chan asked, bbergasted.

    ¡°Hey! Have you had dinner¡ª<i>huh</i>? G¨¦rard!¡± Seok Kang-Ho greeted G¨¦rard with his most weing expression. ¡°What¡¯s this punk doing here?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s apparently on vacation,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Vacation?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    It already felt noisy the moment the three of them sat down.

    Seok Kang-Ho definitely looked like he was healing up quickly.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you, G¨¦rard,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°He says it¡¯s good to see you,¡± Kang Chan interpreted.

    ¡°How are you doing?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s asking how you¡¯re doing,¡± Kang Chan interpreted again.

    <i>These little motherfuckers!</i>

    The two of them snickered together seeing Kang Chan furrow his eyebrows.

    This was new. The three of them were always in Africa or were holding guns when they sat together like this.

    ¡°We¡¯re leaving for Seoul tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yeah? I¡¯ming with you,¡± Seok Kang-Ho insisted.

    ¡°They¡¯re sending a special ne for the wounded,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Well, well, I¡¯m not a part of the wounded anymore. Look.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s Daye saying?¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    ¡°I heard about the results of the operation. Dong-Gyun was acting all ominous and grave until the call came. You couldn¡¯t imagine¡ª¡±

    ¡°Oh, right!¡± Kang Chan quickly interjected to exin what happened between G¨¦rard and Oh Gwang-Taek. He also informed him that he had told G¨¦rard nearly everything.

    ¡°There¡¯s no way this bastard would do that. He would hold a knife right to your face, not stab you in the back,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    ¡°Yeah, and G¨¦rard said he doesn¡¯t know anything about it either.¡±

    ¡°Sounds about right. Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s eyes can¡¯t be that dull, though. Dang. I really want to see that camera footage now.¡±

    ¡°We can just go take a look at it together.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I need toe with you!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho was definitely different from Oh Gwang-Taek. Even if Kang Chan changed the subject, he¡¯d always get what he wanted.

    The three spent about two hours chatting.

    ¡°So the only thing this guy has done on vacation is go to the hotel and this hospital?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan nced at G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Have a drink with him. You¡¯re not injured, which is perfect.¡±

    ¡°I guess.¡±

    Kang Chan interpreted Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s suggestion for G¨¦rard and asked G¨¦rard what he wanted to do.

    ¡°You said we¡¯re leaving tomorrow, right? Let¡¯s just get some rest today. When we get to Korea, let¡¯s have some of that good food you always talk about,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°All right.¡±

    A bunch of DGSE agents would have to follow them if they were to stroll around Athens anyway.

    After about thirty more minutes, Kang Chan stood up. Before he could leave, Seok Kang-Ho grabbed onto him and gave him a serious look.

    ¡°I want toe with you tomorrow, Cap.¡±

    Although he could already sit up, eat ramyeon, and smoke, he still couldn¡¯t even properly stand. If he got on the ne in his current condition, there would definitely be issues with his wounds.

    ¡°This won¡¯t be my first time getting on a ne with severe injuries. Let mee with you,¡± Seok Kang-Ho pleaded.

    <i>Did this punk just read my thoughts through my eyes?</i>

    Assuming what was going on, G¨¦rard pressed his lips together and simply watched Kang Chan.

    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan swore.

    Realizing why Seok Kang-Ho was smiling, G¨¦rard smiled as well.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>! See you tomorrow. G¨¦rard! See you tomorrow!¡±

    Kang Chan left the hospital room.

    ¡°Sir? When did you get here?¡± asked Cha Dong-Gyun. He had just walked out of his room with the army interpreter.

    G¨¦rard couldn¡¯t be happier to see them. The interpreter greeted him as if he were meeting his older brother from back home. Kang Chan could guarantee that it wasn¡¯t because he wanted to be promoted and head back to Africa, though.

    Kang Chan headed toward the front of the hospital. First, he needed to learn more about what was going on in Korea. As soon as he pressed the call button, Kim Hyung-Jung immediately answered.

    - Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

    It would¡¯ve made sense if he sounded tired, but he sounded quite strong and energetic.

    ¡°Manager Kim, I¡¯d like the patients who can already move toe with me tomorrow,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - You¡¯ll be returning on a civilian flight. For as long as they can get to the airport, it wouldn¡¯t be impossible. We will need to bring a medical team and some simple treatment supplies, though, so I¡¯ll have to get back to you.

    <i>Ah, right. A medical team.</i>

    Since he was already taking Seok Kang-Ho with him, he was hoping to do the same for Cha Dong-Gyun and the other soldiers.

    He let out a low sigh.

    - The director approved what you mentioned to me earlier. We¡¯ll take care of it as soon as you provide us with the list.

    ¡°Great. Thank you.¡±

    All Kang Chan had to do now was figure out the transportation.

    It would be easy if it was just Seok Kang-Ho since Kang Chan could just take care of him himself, but that would make him feel bad for the soldiers they would leave behind.

    - I¡¯ll find a medical team and call you back.

    ¡°Please do.¡±

    One call to the DGSE would allow the staff of this hospital toe with them, but this wasn¡¯t for an operation. Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to ask for help just to move the wounded, especially since he was only taking the soldiers who wanted toe in the first ce.

    Still, he couldn¡¯t just bring them all onto the ne without a n like Seok Kang-Ho wanted. There was no guarantee their condition would remain stable.

    A few minutester, G¨¦rard, Cha Dong-Gyun, and the army interpreter walked out together.

    Like Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan suddenly felt bad for G¨¦rard, who had done nothing so far in his vacation but visit their hotel and this hospital and snicker with scary-looking men.

    G¨¦rard nced at Kang Chan as if to ask when they were leaving.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun, Those who can already move maye with us to South Korea tomorrow. We still have to find a medical team, though, so I¡¯ll let you know if this pushes through,¡± Kang Chan informed him.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun responded.

    While Cha Dong-Gyun saw them off, Kang Chan got into the elevator with G¨¦rard.

    ¡°We¡¯re going straight to the hotel,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯d prefer that. We could always have a ss of wine with Krak and Choy at the hotel. If they¡¯re not up for it, the two of us can just go to the hotel bar,¡± G¨¦rard replied goodnaturedly.

    ¡°All right. Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    The elevator reached the first floor with a <i>ding. </i>One of the agents with them got off first.

    As Kang Chan and G¨¦rard walked out of the main entrance, the agent standing by its doors greeted them. Soon after, they got into a sedan.

    ***

    The men felt as if they had just had the best naps of their lives.

    Upon reaching the seventh floor, Kang Chan heard Oh Gwang-Taek talking loudly in the hallway. He passed by the conference room, finding Kang Chul-Gyu and nearly all of the men inside.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of stopping by. What about you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a shower in the room across the hall,¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    ¡°All right.¡±

    After seeing him off, Kang Chan entered the conference room. He had something he needed to tell the men about.

    ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek greeted with a smile and a wave of his hand.

    Kang Chan walked to one side of the room, poured himself some coffee in a mug, and then took a seat.

    ¡°I have an announcement to make,¡± he began.

    The quiet conversations in the background instantly disappeared.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be returning to Korea sometime tomorrow. Our departure has been finalized, but we don¡¯t know yet if those in the hospital will get toe with us or take a special flight.¡±

    <i>Crunch.</i>

    Yang Dong-Sik, who had just bitten into a snack, carefully looked around him to see if anyone heard.

    ¡°One more thing.¡±

    Kang Chan turned to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°If any member of the DMZ team wishes, you can join the National Intelligence Service¡¯s counterterrorism team as special agents.¡±

    Staring at Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu tilted his head. A heavy silence filled the room.

    ¡°D-does that mean the country will be able to call upon our service again?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked in disbelief.

    Kang Chan smirked. He wasn¡¯t aware Kang Chul-Gyu could stutter.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied.

    ¡°We get to bear the g again?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything that would ruin your family this time,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chul-Gyu red at him.

 Chapter 301: We Will Have To Live Here (1)

    <h4>Chapter 301: We Will Have To Live Here (1)</h4>

    Upon entering the vi that Kim Hyung-Jung had rmended, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s jaws dropped to the floor.

    The multi-story building had a living room with a ceiling so high that Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t help but wonder how they¡¯d change burned-out lightbulbs. To its left were three flights of stairs and a kitchen directly overlooking the Han River.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes widened as she looked around the kitchen.

    ¡°My gosh...!¡± she eximed.

    The kitchen had a refrigerator and oven that were perfectly fitted into the wall, a marble dining table set that seemed to wrap around the entire room, and a secondary dining table that could be taken out by pulling a hook on the wall. It also had an induction cooktop and a four-burner gas stove.

    Since Kim Hyung-Jung was waiting for them, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sookposed themselves and quickly turned back around.

    ¡°There are two rooms downstairs and two upstairs,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    He walked across the living room and opened the door to a room overlooking the Han River as well.

    <i>Click.</i>

    When the two just stuck their heads in to look around, Kim Hyung-Jung kindly offered, ¡°Please feel free to go in and take a look.¡±

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Its closet was also built into the wall.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The bathroom had a shower and bathtub, which they could use for bubble baths.

    <i>Click.</i>

    It even had a separate bathroom next to it.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked up at the ceiling. Like in the kitchen and living room, air-conditioning units were built into the master bedroom¡¯s ceiling.

    ¡°Would you like to see thevatory?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung swiftly replied.

    The three walked back into the living room.

    Still shocked by what Kang Dae-Kyung had seen, he asked, ¡°Are you telling us to live here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m kindly requesting that you do,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    Yoo Hye-Sook nervously nced at her husband.

    ¡°Can I be honest?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung hesitantly queried.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we talk about it over some tea?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested, gesturing at the sofa.

    Every simple necessity imaginable was already here. TVs, speakers, beds, and most appliances and furniture.

    Unable to refuse Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s invitation, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook sat at the end of the couch, albeit ufortably.

    Kim Hyung-Jung raised his left arm to his mouth.

    ¡°Can you bring some tea?¡± he requested.

    Already used to being around special agents, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook nonchntly watched on as Kim Hyung-Jung spoke into the microphone on his wrist.

    Turning back to them, Kim Hyung-Jung inquired, ¡°Have you heard about the announcements that the president recently made?¡±

    ¡°Well... yes,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung awkwardly replied.

    Kim Hyung-Jung continued, ¡°When the Eurasian Rail is built, our country will have to deal with such an astronomical amount of cargo that our ports won¡¯t be able to handle it. We will have to use the undersea tunnel and borrow Japan¡¯s ports.¡±

    Being a businessman, that kind of information was like basic knowledge to Kang Dae-Kyung. News broadcasts also constantly talked about the ports of Busan and Pyeongtaek needing anywhere from fifty to a hundred more ports.

    ¡°The railroad construction will begin this year.¡±

    ¡°So soon?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    ¡°Well, except for making sure that it meets the railway standards of each country, the construction itself shouldn¡¯t be too difficult since we¡¯ll be able to use the already existing railroads. And we also n on using semi-trucks for ovend transportation. Of course, establishing dedicated roads in Korea alone requires a budget of about nine trillion won.¡±

    <i>Beep, beep</i>.

    Once Kim Hyung-Jung was done speaking, Cha Min-Jeong walked in carrying cups of tea.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s expression rxed a little. She was relieved to see Cha Min-Jeong, who was now like family.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you sit with us, Min-Jeong?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested.

    Cha Min-Jeong set the tea on the table and quietly sat down on one side of the sofa.

    ¡°Have some tea, please,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook sipped their tea. Their expressions made it evident that they hadn¡¯tpletely shaken off their nervousness.

    After wiping the tea from his lips, Kim Hyung-Jung resumed, ¡°We¡¯re about to create a next-generation energy business. We cannot even dare predict the expected profits of this business.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook turned to Cha Min-Jeong. Whenever she was too nervous, she tended to disassociate from its cause.

    ¡°However, we¡¯re certain that it is the future. Even Russia and Saudi Arabia think so as well, evidenced by their simultaneous joint oil development rights offers.¡±

    ¡°Manager Kim,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied, ¡°are you telling us because you hope my family will live here?¡±

    ¡°That is correct,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    ¡°This ce is too much for us. Besides, our ie is nowhere near enough to maintain a house like this.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung grinned.

    ¡°If I were to give you the rights to develop Russian oil, Mr. Kang Dae-Kyung, what kind of gift would you give me in return?¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied, his voice tinged with confusion.

    It could have been perceived as an offensive question. However, Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s friendly expression and demeanor made it hard to feel upset.

    ¡°It¡¯s just as I said. If I had brought the Russian oil development rights to our country, I would have asked for all of Hannam-Dong, with the condition that the government would pay for its maintenance,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung continued.

    Cha Min-Jeong nced at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest with you. The first floor will be used by Cha Min-Jeong and the other agents guarding you, Director Yoo, while the third floor will be used by those assigned to you, President Kang.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook turned to Cha Min-Jeong with dazed expressions.

    ¡°Your son brought the Russian oil development rights to our country. He also brought us the source of next-gen energy.¡±

    Their gazes immediately returned to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°If your son were to reach out to France, Ennd, Russia, the United States, China, Germany, Switzend, or Japan, their presidents would probably fly out to meet him in person. Hannam-Dong doesn¡¯t evene close to the reward he deserves.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook pressed her lips together in thought. She was grateful to hear such high praise about her son, but thepliments also made her miss him.

    ¡°Even though all we can offer right now is this house and these bodyguards, we still ask your son to do more for the country. If you refuse this house, the president and the prime minister wille running and begging themselves.¡±

    Well aware that Yoo Hye-Sook was very emotional, Cha Min-Jeong carefully observed her, worried that she would cry.

    ¡°I know that if you two had the money to pay for this house, you would rather spend it to help children in need. However, our government badly and desperately needs your son.¡±

    With a serious expression, Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s gaze alternated between Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°What do you think your son would do if something happened to you two?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s lips twitched again.

    ¡°There would be no stopping him. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking you, on behalf of the South Korean government, to stay here. The Republic of Korea desperately needs the Eurasian Rail and the next-gen energy business.¡±

    The sunlight streaming in brightened the morning of the living room.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked out the window, taking in the view of the riverside road under the Dongho Bridge, the cars traveling on the Olympic Expressway across the street, and the Han River in between, which seemed to catch the sun and reflect it across thendscape.

    His son had always been like this. He would suddenly disappear, and after a while, they would be told that he had done something incredible.

    Their son was still young, yet he would always return to them with a smile and shoulders broader than before.

    As a father, Kang Dae-Kyung felt endless gratitude in moments like this. More importantly, it made him miss his son. He wondered if he was eating properly and if he was in some hospital alone because he was injured again...

    He recalled the way Kang Chan looked at Yoo Hye-Sook and the way he doggedly ran alongside the van during the underground parking lot shootout. What would have happened if Yoo Hye-Sook got hurt right in front of him?

    ¡°Honey,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s eyes filled with tears as she turned to him. ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Your eyes... they¡¯re like that again,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook answered, her voice quivering.

    Kang Dae-Kyung chuckled adoringly. ¡°Goodness!¡±

    The sight made Kim Hyung-Jung and Cha Min-Jeong smile gently.

    ¡°It looks like we will have to live here, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    Sniffling, Yoo Hye-Sook nodded.

    ***

    As the airne gained altitude, the seatbelt sign shed a few times, letting them know that they could now unfasten their seatbelts.

    Yang Dong-Sik grinned. ¡°Can we really officially work with the Taegukgi on our fucking chests again?¡±

    ¡°God damn it! Stop asking me that stupid fucking question!¡± Nam Il-Gyu responded with irritation. It had been touching the first few times, but now that it was happening once every ten minutes, he was starting to feel like he was talking to an idiot.

    ¡°It was Kang Chan, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Yang Dong-Sik pressed on.

    ¡°Yes, you dolt! Kang Chan, the head of the counterterrorism team that we¡¯re joining! The deputy director of the National Intelligence Service!¡± Nam Il-Gyu shouted in frustration.

    Yang Dong-Sik looked Nam Il-Gyu up and down.

    ¡°Did you age for nothing? <i>Jeez</i>! Answering my questions won¡¯t wear your mouth down, you know!¡±

    Um Ji-Hwan, who was sitting behind them, cautiously jumped into the conversation. ¡°Sirs, would you like something to eat?¡±

    ¡°<i>Hm</i>? Something to eat? Sure! Why?¡± Yang Dong-Sik answered.

    ¡°They said you can have an in-flight meal anytime. I thought I¡¯d remind you just in case you were hungry,¡± Um Ji-Hwan replied.

    ¡°Is that so? Should we eat, then?¡± Yang Dong-Sik contemted, turning to Nam Il-Gyu.

    Um Ji-Hwan stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll go and prepare it for you.¡±

    ¡°Sunbae-nim,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun, who was sitting two seats over, quietly called.

    Kang Chul-Gyu went around as if to ask what it was about.

    ¡°Would you like a cup of coffee?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m good. I don¡¯t drink coffee that much, so don¡¯t mind me and just enjoy your coffee.¡±

    Peeking up to look toward the cockpit, Cha Dong-Gyun said, ¡°<i>Oh</i>! They must be about to hand out the meals. I¡¯ll just have my coffee after.¡±

    He then looked back at Kang Chul-Gyu. ¡°Are you joining the counterterrorism team, sir?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not sure yet,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu admitted.

    He didn¡¯t mind working for Kang Chan, but he wasn¡¯t sure about bing a National Intelligence Service agent.

    ¡°A lot of agents would be ufortable to be around me because of my age. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s really okay for me to join...¡±

    ¡°Sunbae-nim,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun broke in.

    The sound of Um Ji-Hwan pushing the meal cart and securing the wheels ttered.

    ¡°Captain has a rough way with words, but he¡¯s not the type to feel ufortable because of someone¡¯s age.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have gotten on this ne if that kind of difort was a problem,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied with a pleasant smile. ¡°Why did you join the special forces?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I used to ask those who applied to join the DMZ team that question. Why the DMZ team? The training is brutal, promotion is hard toe by, and you don¡¯t know when you¡¯ll die, so why would you sign up for the DMZ team?¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked behind him. The DMZ team members, National Intelligence Service agents, and Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers were mingling and chatting with each other.

    ¡°Here¡¯s your meal. Enjoy,¡± Um Ji-Hwan suddenly interjected, handing themrge in-flight meals.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu lifted the lid of the meal, revealing rice, bulgogi, and other neatly arranged side dishes.

    ¡°For a while, I actually wanted to run away, sir.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked up from his meal to Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s stiff expression.

    ¡°The pay was horrible, and my death would mean nothing. It would just make my poor family suffer. If it wasn¡¯t for ourte general, I probably would have already retired.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu just looked back at him and listened.

    ¡°The general held onto me like a vice. Whenever I got into trouble, he woulde running for me and attempt to make settlements or make the case go away. I suppose he got tired of it, though, since he eventually told me to let him know which unit I wanted to be transferred to. He also said that only those who want something in return could be a true member of the special forces team.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu now had a wistful smile.

    ¡°I shouted at him and asked him what would happen to my family. They wouldn¡¯t have anyone to take care of them after I¡¯m gone.¡±

    ¡°What did the general say to that?¡±

    ¡°The general told me to put my trust in him if I was really acting up because of my family. He said that he would protect me as if I were his nephew and make up for what the government couldn¡¯t. I shouted at him again about why he would go to such lengths to hold onto me.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun shakily exhaled. Remembering Choi Seong-Geon seemed to have overwhelmed him with emotions.

    ¡°He said it was because the nation and the team needed someone like me as their general....¡± Cha Dong-Gyun trailed off. After a deep sigh, he continued, ¡°Our special forces team needed someone like me to be world-ss. He wasn¡¯t holding onto me because he liked me, but because the nation needed me...¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s eyes reddened. Unable to finish his sentence, he focused on calming his emotions before turning to Kang Chul-Gyu again.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim. Please join the counterterrorism team. Come to Jeungpyeong and show us what weck.¡±

    ¡°Are you doing this for the general?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°No, sir. The country needs a truly powerful special forces team right now,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered, determination evident in his eyes. ¡°To reach that level, we need the guidance of someone like you.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu grinned.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to make one more request,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Please use informal speech when talking to our men too.¡±

    Feeling genuinely happy, Kang Chul-Gyu smiled from ear to ear.

    Before they could continue their conversation, they heard Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s trademarkughter from the front.

    ¡°<i>Phuhuhu</i>!¡±

    The first-ss seats had been stretched out to amodate the heavily injured soldiers. The medical team was also in the same section.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the army interpreter were in the front row of the first-ss seats.

    ¡°You''re not eating?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°You just ate two uncooked packs of ramyeon,¡± Kang Chan said in disbelief.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>? Why do you make it sound like I¡¯m the only one who did? We all ate the same thing, didn¡¯t we?¡± Seok Kang-Ho countered.

    The army interpreter right next to G¨¦rard ryed their conversation to him in French, making it seem like a multilingual broadcast.

    ¡°If we¡¯re going to eat anyway, let¡¯s eat with some ramyeon, <i>hm</i>?¡±

    Despite Kang Chan¡¯s disturbed gaze, Seok Kang-Ho stood his ground.

    ¡°Dont look at me like that! Uncooked ramyeon and cooked ramyeon are twopletely different foods,¡± Seok Kang-Ho defended.

    ¡°Everything is just new and unique food to you, isn¡¯t it?¡± Kang Chan sarcastically asked.

    As he shook his head from side to side, the army interpreter quickly headed to the kitchen in the back.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got more people now, so I¡¯ll have to step up to the te,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, his tone serious.

    ¡°Motherfucker!¡± Kang Chan jokingly swore at him.

    Seok Kang-Houghed. Afterward, he said, ¡°Captain.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked at Seok Kang-Ho. ¡°Get back on your feet already so we can destroy their leaders. Only then can we get some rest. We can¡¯t live on the edge like this forever.¡±

    ¡°Sounds thrilling!¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied, his expression revitalized despite the bandages all over his body.

    Turning around, Kang Chan saw G¨¦rard flipping through the magazines.

    This was nice. With these two by his side, he had nothing to be envious of right now.

    Just then, the interpreter walked back carrying a cup of ramyeon with hot water and in-flight meals. He had a bandage around his right hand, so Kang Chan had no idea why he looked so bright.

    The interpreter pushed down the tables attached to the seats and set down the in-flight meals and ramyeon.

    ¡°Enjoy your meal.¡±

    One of the agents and the medical team worked together to bring porridge and other easily digestible food to the wounded, creating the perfect mealtime atmosphere.

    After inhaling the noodles, Seok Kang-Ho looked up at the interpreter. ¡°What are you going to do now?¡±

    Now that Kang Chan thought about it, he still didn¡¯t know his name.

    Flustered, the army interpreter looked back at Seok Kang-Ho. Since his index and middle fingers had been blown away, he was having a hard eating the noodles with a fork.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to be discharged anyway, aren¡¯t you? What¡¯s your n now?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to look into somepanies,¡± the interpreter replied.

    ¡°What about your family?¡±

    <i>What is this punk doing, suddenly starting an interview in the middle of a meal?</i>

    ¡°I have a six-month-old daughter.¡±

    ¡°What? You were married?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Why do you find that surprising?¡±

    To be honest, that waspletely unexpected. He already had a child despite looking almost as young as Kang Chan, he had a daughter.

    Kang Chan supposed one didn¡¯t have to be old to have a child.

    After their meal and a couple of random conversations, Um Ji-Hwan brought some coffee over.

    ¡°Have you eaten?¡± Kang Chan asked Um Ji-Hwan.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled at the absurdity.

    Um Ji-Hwan looked the same way Daye did during his first few days as his subordinate.

    Things didn¡¯t always work out the way one wanted them to.

    It would be nice if just theirbat abilities and experience were passed down, but they were following him and relying on him the same way too.

    Kang Chan lifted his cup of coffee to his mouth.

    His mind shed back to the man who would always wait for him with a water bottle, then thest time he saw the man who had died in Africa before he could even finish his cigarette.

 Chapter 302: We Will Have To Live Here (2)

    <h4>Chapter 302: We Will Have To Live Here (2)</h4>

    They arrived at the Seongnam Airfield around five in the afternoon. At the end of the runway, arge airne slowly turned its head and moved toward the airport terminal.

    Outside the window, they could see many ambnces, buses, vans, and cars.

    <i>Hiss</i>.

    Upon confirming that the hatch had been released, an agent opened the door.

    Kang Chan was the first to disembark. Much to his surprise, someone was waiting for him outside.

    ¡°Deputy Director Kang, thank you for your service,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun greeted.

    Behind him were Go Gun-Woo, Hwang Ki-Hyun, Jeon Dae-Geuk, and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    While Kang Chan and Go Gun-Woo were exchanging greetings, Moon Jae-Hyun shook the hands of each of the men as they gave their names, thanking them for their hard work.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Lieutenant Cha Dong-Gyun, sir!¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Second Lieutenant Kwak Cheol-Ho, sir!¡±

    Afterward, Cha Dong-Gyun introduced himself again while shaking Go Gun-Woo¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Agent Choi Jong-Il!¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun then shook the hands of the National Intelligence Service agents. Afterward, Kang Chul-Gyu stood in front of him.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work. From now on, South Korea will no longer turn its back on those who have served it,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said, holding out his hand.

    Kang Chul-Gyu shook the president¡¯s hand and then made his way to their designated bus.

    The members of the DMZ team all looked overwhelmed with emotion.

    ¡°Let me go check on the special forces team real quick,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Please do,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung amiably replied.

    Kang Chan headed to the bus of the Jeungpyeong special forces team.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be training with the DMZ team soon, so get some rest. Don¡¯t strain yourselves.¡±

    On Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯smand, the soldiers saluted him. Kang Chan returned the gesture.

    It was crazy. Every single one of them had made their way to his heart.

    When Kang Chan stepped off the bus, he saw Oh Gwang-Taek shaking hands with Moon Jae-Hyun. For some reason, he looked like a thug. He also shook hands with Go Gun-Woo and Hwang Ki-Hyun before everyone was introduced to one another.

    ¡°What do you n to do next, Deputy Director Kang?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°I heard the DMZ team decided to stay at the Namsan Hotel. I¡¯d like to apany them for now,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I see. Once again, thank you for carrying out the South Korean agents¡¯ age-old desire.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand one more time before turning back.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk briefly nodded at him before walking toward the cars with Moon Jae-Hyun and Go Gun-Woo.

    The severely injured were now being brought out of the airne.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun watched them for a moment before turning away and looking at Kang Chan. ¡°The Jeungpyeong special forces team has been granted special first-ss promotions. The order will be given out tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I have a lot of things I¡¯d like to discuss with you. I would be grateful if you let Manager Kim Hyung-Jung know when you are avable,¡± Kang Chan politely requested.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    After Hwang Ki-Hyun walked away, Kim Hyung-Jung came closer to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Your parents have agreed to move. I will text you their new home address.¡±

    Kang Chan just blinked. He did hear that they would be moving while their hopeless son was away, but he didn¡¯t expect them to actually push through with it.

    Kim Hyung-Jung continued, ¡°One more thing. Please give me the passport of the man named G¨¦rard. It would be best to process his entry to the country.¡±

    ¡°<i>Ah</i>. Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan turned to G¨¦rard, who was watching from a few steps away, and asked him for his passport.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be at the hotel,¡± Kang Chan informed Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Parting ways with Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan hopped onto the bus with G¨¦rard. Maybe it was because they were all wearing in clothes, but he felt as if he just boarded a service that was taking workers home from a construction site.

    ¡°<i>Ah</i>, fuck! My life is blossoming. Blossoming, I tell you! I can¡¯t believe I just shook the president¡¯s hand!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek eximed. ¡°President is a nice way of putting it, but he¡¯s basically the big boss of South Korea, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    The bus abruptly started, seemingly surprised by Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s words.

    ¡°Where are we going to stay anyway?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°Namsan Hotel,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°We have reservations there. We shouldn¡¯t part ways just yet, and after we get some rest today, I¡¯ve got a couple of things I¡¯d like to discuss. That¡¯s why I want us to stay there for a few days.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taekughed in disbelief. He probably thought it was funny and strange that he was staying at a hotel he had a stake in.

    ¡°Can we go home in the evening?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked.

    ¡°You can do whatever. Just remember to keep your mouth sealed about this,¡± Kang Chan reminded.

    ¡°Will do. I have to check in on Do-Seok regarding the camera footage anyway, so I might head out for a bit in the evening.¡±

    A thrum of excitement filled the bus.

    Moon Jae-Hyun personallying out to greet them and having hotel reservations seemed to have spurred the DMZ team on.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, you tired?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± G¨¦rard said with a grin.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s buy some clothes. We can have dinner afterward.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to introduce G¨¦rard to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. Hence, he had to make sure G¨¦rard looked neat and presentable first. He didn¡¯t want his first impression to be bad just because of his piercing eyes, sturdy figure, and sharp aura. Moreover, he wanted to do something for him since this was the first time in a while that he had returned to the outside world.

    Kang Chan nced behind him, finding Kang Chul-Gyu looking out the window.

    <i>He should dress more cleanly now that he¡¯s older. He looks like an elderly grandpa from the countryside on his first train ride!</i>

    Fortunately, they left right before rush hour, so traffic wasn¡¯t too bad.

    Kang Chan pulled out his phone and called Michelle.

    - Hello? Channy?

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me. Do you have time this evening?¡±

    - What¡¯s the sudden asion? Gonna me a present or something?

    ¡°What?¡±

    - My birthday present. I want to prepare myself beforehand if so.

    Kang Chan slightly regretted making this call now, but he didn¡¯t know anyone else he couldfortably ask for a request like this.

    ¡°Not exactly. There¡¯s this guy who¡¯s...¡± Kang Chan trailed off and nced at G¨¦rard. ¡°He¡¯s one of my favorite juniors from France. I was hoping you could buy him a suit, a dress shirt, oxfords, and somefortable clothes. I was hoping you could clean up his hairstyle a bit too. We can have dinner together afterward.¡±

    - That¡¯s right up my alley. All right. For you, I would turn even the Hunchback of Notre Dame into a gentleman. Are we really going to have dinner together today, though?

    ¡°That¡¯s the n. Can youe to the Namsan Hotel in about an hour?¡±

    - Sure, Channy. I¡¯ll see you soon.

    Michelle then excitedly hung up the phone.

    ¡°G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan briefly exined who Michelle was to G¨¦rard and told him not to talk about his past life and the Foreign Legion.

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± G¨¦rard responded with a grin.

    They arrived an hourter, finding Michelle already waiting in the lobby.

    While National Intelligence Service agents assigned the DMZ team members to their rooms, Kang Chan introduced G¨¦rard to Michelle. Since it was just the three of them, he naturally spoke in French.

    ¡°Could you give him a haircut then buy him a suit andfortable clothes? I want to introduce him to my parents. He might stay at my house for a while, so prepare some extra clothes for him too,¡± he requested.

    ¡°Should I just call you when we¡¯re done? It might take a while, though,¡± Michelle mused.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. When you¡¯re done, we¡¯ll go somewhere nice and have some fun tonight.¡±

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll call you when we¡¯re about to finish.¡±

    Michelle told G¨¦rard that they should get going in rapid French. G¨¦rard naturally understood what she was saying.

    ¡°See youter,¡± G¨¦rard told Kang Chan, following Michelle out the front entrance.

    Kang Chan went to his room and rested for a bit before having dinner at the buffet-style restaurant. He then summoned an agent and asked where Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s room was.

    <i>Ding dong. Ding dong.</i>

    When he rang the bell, he heard someone inside ask, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    The door opened soon after.

    <i>Click</i>.

    A look of surprise shed across Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s face.

    ¡°Can youe out with me for a minute?¡±

    ¡°Right now?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu skeptically asked.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t answer, thinking the old man could be in the middle of something stupid.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at himself. ¡°Can I go out like this?¡±

    ¡°Come on.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned to his room for a moment, wanting to bring something, but immediately followed Kang Chan out instead since he looked as if he would leave without him if Kang Chul-Gyu took any more time.

    The cotton pants he was wearing were so old that the knees stuck out. Because its overall length was shortened, its leg openings ended above his ankles. His shirt was worn and frayed, and his ¡°World Cup¡± sneakers had to be at least ten years old.

    Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t even ask where they were going. He just quietly stood by Kang Chan as thetter pressed the elevator button.

    This man¡¯s fighting skills were among the top in the entire world. If he had been born in the United States or Russia, he would have been praised as a hero and gained wealth and honor. Unfortunately, he was standing beside Kang Chan in shabby clothes instead.

    The elevator doors soon opened, revealing its empty, mirror-like interior. Its walls reflected them as they entered.

    They were dressedfortably. Since the clothes that Kang Chan was wearing were also wrinkled from the long flight, they looked equally shabby.

    <i>Ding</i>.

    When they reached the ground floor, two agents quickly approached them.

    ¡°We¡¯re heading out for a bit, so you can cross us off the dinner list. Let the agents upstairs know too.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    Not wanting to say where they were going right now, Kang Chan went straight to the front door while the agent was quickly radioing others. He felt as if he would lose the courage to get there if he said their destination out loud.

    The moment he stepped out of the front entrance, a ck sedan stopped in front of him. An agent opened the rear doors for them.

    ¡°Get in,¡± Kang Chan told Kang Chul-Gyu with a nod. He then sat behind the passenger seat.

    Kang Chul-Gyu walked around the trunk of the car and got in beside Kang Chan. The agent who opened the doors for them sat in the passenger seat.

    ¡°Take us to the most expensive department store in Gangnam.¡±

    The agent in the driver¡¯s seat tilted his head in confusion but still immediately drove off, crossing the Hannam Bridge to Apgujeong-Dong. The atmosphere in the car seemed to be abination of awkwardness and difort. Unfortunately, since it was rush hour and traffic was heavy, it took them nearly an hour to travel that short distance.

    It wasn¡¯t evenpletely dark yet, yet the department store building they had gone to was already illuminated by shining lights, making its vicinity as bright as daylight.

    Kang Chan got out in front of the entrance, while Kang Chul-Gyu got out on the side of the walkway. The agent in the passenger seat quickly exited the car and stood beside Kang Chan.

    When Kang Chan entered the department store, Kang Chul-Gyu paused for a moment. He then silently followed suit.

    What greeted them was apletely different scene from the ones they were familiar with. The two lookedpletely out of ce.

    Unsure about where to go, Kang Chan took the esctor up from the first floor. Fortunately, there was a store on the second floor that sold menswear. Its brand was considered a luxury.

    Kang Chan entered.

    The agent stood at the entrance, while Kang Chul-Gyu awkwardly followed Kang Chan.

    He had done nothing wrong. Fighting for South Korea was the reason he ended up like this. Although he should be guilty of what he did to his wife and son, he shouldn¡¯t be ashamed of standing in this damn store.

    A clerk cautiously walked over to them, trying to understand the mood.

    Kang Chan nced at Kang Chul-Gyu and then at the agent at the entrance.

    ¡°We¡¯d like to buy clothes for this man. Please pick a fewfortable outfits for him,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. Sir? Would you pleasee this way?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Just do it. Consider this my thanks for your help or simply my way of saying I don¡¯t want to see you in those clothes anymore.¡±

    The clerk awkwardly stood nearby with clothes in hand, trying to read the room.

    Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu red at each other, neither of them backing down.

    ¡°Is this what you want?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t respond.

    <i>Damn it! I shouldn¡¯t havee here.</i>

    Perhaps leaving this old man alone would have been for the best. He could have just pretended not to notice him, called him up when things got tough, and used him from time to time.

    ¡°I want to know if this is what my dead son would want,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu suddenly said as he walked into the changing room.

    Kang Chan was dumbfounded.

    ¡°Please try these on,¡± the clerk told him, handing him a pair of beige pants and a sky-blue shirt. He then closed the ss door and carefully read the atmosphere again.

    A momentter, the door opened, and Kang Chul-Gyu walked out, his movements awkward and unnatural.

    ¡°That¡¯s nice. Do you have anything else?¡± Kang Chan asked the clerk.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°Do you anything else?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    ¡°<i>Oh</i>, yes. Then...¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu, wearing new clothes, gazed at Kang Chan, his eyes clearly conveying his thoughts.

    <i>What about you? Why don¡¯t we get something for you?</i>

    His eyes were filled with the yearning of an old father who couldn¡¯t ask the clerk to pick out Kang Chan¡¯s clothes because he didn¡¯t have any way of paying for them.

    <i>What¡¯s wrong with you? Why do you have such a fatherly look in your eyes? Shouldn¡¯t you be greedy and shameless for new clothes just like in the past?</i>

    ¡°Try this on, sir,¡± the clerk said.

    Kang Chan exhaled quietly, calming his emotions.

    ¡°Go for it. I¡¯ll get some for myself too,¡± he told Kang Chul-Gyu even though it was unbing of him.

    Kang Chul-Gyu awkwardly went back inside.

    After a while, the door opened again. He came out looking a little more used to it, albeit still awkward.

    ¡°He¡¯s going to leave wearing this, so please pack the clothes he tried on with the ones he was wearing when we got here instead,¡± Kang Chan told the clerk.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    Rather than responding, Kang Chan simply turned to them.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± they quickly responded and got to work.

    ¡°I already have clothes like those at home. I¡¯ll stop by another store and get a suit instead,¡± Kang Chan said, giving ame excuse.

    ¡°<i>Um</i>...¡± the clerk awkwardly walked over to them, a shopping bag in hand. After taking the card that Kang Chan held out, they made their way back to the counter.

    ¡°Please sign here, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan did as instructed. A momentter, the machine beeped and printed out the receipt.

    For two pants, a dress shirt, and a cotton shirt, 2.17 million won was a lot.

    Kang Chan went into the suit store that Oh Gwang-Taek liked so much and bought suits and two dress shirts for Kang Chul-Gyu and himself.

    Next were shoes and belts.

    Kang Chul-Gyu must have realized the price, but he didn¡¯t say anything about it. Rather, he said he wanted to try on the suits and the shirts. Kang Chan didn¡¯t stop him.

    The two left the department store about an hourter, both wearing the same brand of suit, shirt, shoes, and belt.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± Kang Chan said, almost to himself.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied as if speaking to the air.

    Kang Chan asked the agent to take them to a nearby barbeque restaurant.

    Impably dressed, they walked into a ptial restaurant and ordered some bulgogi. The waitress set juicy meat on a round grill and served it with side dishes and rice.

    Kang Chan stared ahead, waiting, so Kang Chul-Gyu lifted his spoon first.

    <i>Click, tter.</i>

    This was their first meal together, just the two of them. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t remember ever sitting down and eating with him in the past either.

    After a few spoonfuls of rice, Kang Chul-Gyu stopped eating and just stared at his food.

    Kang Chan used his chopsticks to pick up a handful of meat and put it on top of Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s rice.

    Kang Chul-Gyu froze with his chopsticks in the air. Slowly, he looked back up.

    Maybe it was because of the charcoal fire or because he was tired, but his eyes were red.

    ¡°I can¡¯t call you father yet,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

    It was a ridiculous response to a random statement.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try to speak to you formally.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu just smiled.

    ¡°Thank you for what you did in Libya.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at him as if to say, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I thought of you when I really needed help.¡±

    <i>Pft.</i>

    Kang Chan thought Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t really look happy even though he smiled.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°For buying me clothes and food.¡±

    <i>Pft.</i>

    When Kang Chan grinned, Kang Chul-Gyu used his spoon to scoop up all the meat that Kang Chan had put on his te. He then ate all of it.

 Chapter 303.1: With Everyone

    <h4>Chapter 303.1: With Everyone</h4>

    Due to her six-year-old and four-year-old sons, Han Kyung-Mi¡¯s morning was quite busy.

    Before marriage, she had been quiet and timid, but because of her two mischievous children, she now often found herself shouting, ¡°You little punk!¡±

    It hadn¡¯t always been like this. Seeing them sleeping soundly had made her promise to herself that she would raise them with love probably more than a hundred times. However, as the years passed and the boys got older, things changed.

    One day, while wiping up a spill in the living room, she heard her eldest son, Cha Seung-Ho, shouting, ¡°Fly, Pororo!¡±

    Soon after, she heard the dining table go <i>crack!</i>

    Han Kyung-Mi felt her heart drop to the floor with a <i>thud</i>. Cha Seung-Ho had managed to climb up to the sink and jumped onto the table, causing it to tilt to the side. He then nonchntly slid down to the ground.

    ¡°Seung-Ho!¡±

    What kind of mom wouldn¡¯t be surprised by that situation? What if he got hurt?

    Cha Seung-Ho shamelessly stood up and brushed off his head and butt a few times. Afterward, he started walking back to his room.

    <i>Argh!</i>

    Han Kyung-Mi couldn¡¯t help but be angry at herself for being so worried and upset that their dining table, which she had carefully polished to a shine to prolong its use, had been destroyed.

    <i>Thwack</i>!

    Han Kyung-Mi swung her arm as hard as she could. A startlingly loud crack came from Cha Seung-Ho¡¯s back.

    She didn¡¯t mean to do that. She didn¡¯t mean to hit him so hard. A cry threatened to escape her.

    Children his age naturally overflowed with energy. She had kept him pent up in the room for so long that she couldn¡¯t even imagine how frustrated he must have felt. She looked at Cha Seung-Ho with pitying, sorry, and regretful eyes.

    ¡°<i>Haha</i>, that didn¡¯t hurt! You didn¡¯t hurt me at all! <i>Bleeegh</i>!¡±

    Cha Seung-Ho mockingly shook his legs and hands.

    <i>This little son of a bitch! No, wait!</i>

    That would make her husband a dog. It would also mean she lived with a dog and gave birth to a dog.

    Such shenanigans had be amon urrence since.

    When Cha Seong-Ho, who was two years younger than Cha Seung-Ho, started to copy his older brother, Han Kyung-Mi¡¯s mouth grew even fouler.

    She thought raising ten beagles would be much quieter than this.

    It was already dinner time, but she was still shrieking at the top of her lungs.

    ¡°Cha Seung-Ho! Do you really want to die?!¡±

    Despite already being used to her loud voice, Cha Seung-Ho still flinched. He obediently changed into new clothes, shaking his dirty ones off like a snake shedding its skin and then kicking them away.

    Cha Seong-Ho copied what his brother did. However, since he was a bit younger, he cautiously observed how his mother would react.

    After the warlike preparation, Han Kyung-Mi left the military residences holding her sons¡¯ hands. She took the car that her father had passed down to her twelve years ago. She had been driving it since.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The sedan¡¯s doors begged to be put to rest along with the rest of the car, but she wouldn¡¯t be able to save a dime if she cared about all the little things.

    ¡°<i>Whoa</i>!¡±

    On the way, Cha Seung-Ho and Cha Seong-Ho kept jumping around in the back, prompting her to shout at them a few times. Just as darkness began to loom over the city, they reached a coffee shop in downtown Jeungpyeong.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Pulling into the parking lot and opening the door, Han Kyung-Mi¡¯s eyes began to water. Her husband was standing right outside.

    His face was gaunt and pale. She had no doubt he hurt himself again.

    It had been ten days since theyst saw each other. He normally spent more than half of the year sleeping in some barracks.

    ¡°Dad! Daaad!¡±

    Cha Seung-Ho and Cha Seong-Ho dashed over to him.

    With a smile, Cha Dong-Gyu took both of his sons into his arms. A frown briefly shed across his face as he tried to fight off the pain.

    ¡°When did you get here?¡± Han Kyung-Mi asked.

    ¡°Just now. Cheol-Ho is here too,¡± Cha Dong-Gyu responded.

    Han Kyung-Mi tried hard not to cry.

    Wives of soldiers, especially those in the special forces, had to be strong.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho soon exited the coffee shop.

    ¡°Hyungsu-nim[1].¡±

    His left shoulder was bulging. It was probably bandaged underneath his clothes, stained dark with blood.

    Han Kyung-Mi covered her mouth with her hand, unable to stop herself from crying. Although she was grateful for what they did, she couldn¡¯t help but think about how much their wounds probably hurt and what horrible things they¡¯d had to live through.

    Witnessing the grueling battle in Afghanistan on TV made these emotions of hers even more intense.

    Even before that incident, the wives of the Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers already couldn¡¯t bring themselves to watch war movies. Seeing soldiers shooting and being shot suffocated them.

    ¡°Unnie!¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s wife came running out as well. Her eyes were also red.

    Having read their mother¡¯s mood, the two mischievous children nervously nced at her.

    ¡°Get down, you two.¡±

    Receiving Han Kyung-Mi¡¯s fierce re, Cha Dong-Gyun carefully set his two children down. There had been a time when he refused to put his sons down despite being injured. The merciless scolding he got back then had since erased all stubbornness in him.

    Just then, a mid-sized car pulled into the parking lot. It was also an old car, well over eight years old.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    The doors opened, and Choi Chang-Hoon and Park Yang-Ja got out.

    Han Kyung-Mi and Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s wife quickly greeted them.

    ¡°How have you been?¡±

    ¡°Good to see you again.¡±

    Politely bowing, Chio Chang-Hoon answered, ¡°I¡¯m doing well. It¡¯s great to see you too.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re already here? Wait, why is the first lieutenant and second lieutenant here as well?¡± Park Yang-Ja rebukingly asked as she turned toward Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho, wondering why they were pushing themselves even though they were injured.

    Cha Seung-Ho and Cha Seong-Ho swiftly remembered that one of the only times their father, Cha Dong-Gyun, got mad at them was when they behaved badly toward Park Yang-Ja. Hence, they immediately sped their hands in front of them and did a ny-degree bow.

    ¡°Hello, Mrs. Park,¡± they politely greeted.

    Park Yang-Ja bent over toward them and asked them how they were doing. She then stood back up and hurried inside.

    The wives didn¡¯t take offense, however. They all knew she was just trying hard not to show weakness or her tears. Park Yang-Ja knew better than anyone that the ¡°Seong¡± in Cha Seeng-Ho, the name of Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s second son, came from Choi Seong-Geon.

    The coffee shop only had one table avable. On this day of the month, its owner didn¡¯t take any other customers.

    Park Yang-Ja sat down, and Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and the wives followed. Choi Chang-Hoon took their orders and went to the counter.

    In their world, the husband¡¯s rank determined the wife¡¯s rank. However, to act like that in front of Park Yang-Ja was horrifying to even just think about. Once, during the holidays at Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s house, she had scolded a sergeant¡¯s wife for trying to wash the teacups for her.

    Choi Chang-Hoon was Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s second son. He always came to these gatherings to run tea errands and y with the children.

    ¡°We have all been promoted by one rank,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun informed Park Yang-Ja.

    This was Han Kyung-Mi and Kwak Cheol¡¯s wife¡¯s first time hearing about it as well.

    Cha Dong-Gyun added, ¡°We heard on the way here.¡±

    ¡°Congrattions,¡± Park Yang-Ja said, masking her sadness, as Choi Chang-Hoon brought over coffee and tea. He set them down and took Cha Seung-Ho and Cha Seong-Ho outside. The children loved ying with him.

    ¡°First Lieutenant Cha¡ªI mean, Captain Cha.¡±

    Park Yang-Ja looked at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°You know I hate my husband, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°That wretched man never wrote me a letter, but before he died, he wrote me one.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun gulped. Witnessing his attempts to hide his emotions, Han Kyung-Mi and Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s wife wiped away their tears.

    ¡°That mean man...¡±

    Park Yang-Ja briefly exhaled to maintain her stoic expression.

    ¡°He must have known it would happen. He said it was our duty to repay our country for living off of it, but he also said that unless one¡¯s a general, it would be hard for their family to get by.¡±

    Even though it wasn¡¯t his fault, Cha Dong-Gyun still apologized. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Park Yang-Ja smiled.

    ¡°For the first time in so long, I feel proud of him. Seeing the people who remember him shows me that he didn¡¯t die in vain.¡±

    Outside the window, they could see Choi Chang-Hoon running around with the two children.

    Park Yang-Ja added, ¡°I¡¯m done raising my children now. I¡¯d be satisfied with my life for as long as I can fulfill his foolish wishes.¡±

    ¡°Captain,¡± she then called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯te to these gatherings anymore.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s eyes reddened.

    ¡°We need to be alone so we can talk bad about you and First Lieutenant Kwak.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun still couldn¡¯t speak.

    At that moment, the door opened, and the wives of the other special forces soldiers filed in. Lee Yoo-Seul¡¯s widowed mom was one of them.

    They each had a meal worth 5,000 won and reminded one another not to forget that they were families of soldiers living off of the country¡¯s support.

    With her restaurant¡¯s ie, Park Yang-Ja continued to help the families of the fallen soldiers.

    ***

    ¡°My goodness! My son!¡±

    An old woman ran out the front door and greeted Um Ji-Hwan. Despite having no idea about what happened or that he had left for an operation, she still rushed toward him and carefully looked him up and down.

    Um Ji-Hwan grinned. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Are you okay? You¡¯re not hurt anywhere, are you?¡± she worriedly asked.

    ¡°Look. I¡¯mpletely fine. What is it?¡±

    The old woman¡¯s legs shook, the strength leaving her.

    ¡°My dreams were so horrible that I couldn¡¯t even eat properly.¡±

    Um Ji-Hwan felt guilty for a moment. However, he still gave her an innocent look.

    ¡°You must really be getting old now.¡±

    ¡°I guess so. Have you eaten?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    ¡°Alrighty, I¡¯ll fix something up for you.¡±

    His mother hurried to the kitchen.

    They lived in an eighteen-pyeong residence¨Ca home that his mother had ved over to obtain after losing her husband early. Since Um Ji-Hwan now made money, she had been able to little by little put some money in a savings ount.

    Um Ji-Hwan went into his room and changed intofortable clothes. He then walked back out into their tiny living room. His mother had cut a sweet potato and put it on a te for him.

    ¡°Here. Snack on this. It¡¯ll fill your stomach a bit.¡±

    His mother was the type to always make a fuss, which annoyed him. However, he was her only hope and family. How could he turn a blind eye to her sincerity?

    ¡°I brought back a lot ofundry. I¡¯m sorry,¡± Um Ji-Hwan said.

    ¡°I do nothing but lounge around all day at home. What makes you think I can¡¯t handle a couple of dirty clothes?¡± his mother rebuked.

    ¡°You don¡¯t just lounge around all day. You do all the housework.¡±

    ¡°Everyone in the world knows all I do is eat andze about with your hard-earned money. They¡¯re all jealous of me,¡± she swiftly replied without pausing from cooking.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to cook me anything,¡± Um Ji-Hwan said.

    ¡°I have to. People who work need to have hot soup to warm them.¡±

    His mother pulled out all the side dishes and hurried to her room, fetching a rice container that was stored under the futon.

    No matter how hard Um Ji-Hwan tried, he couldn¡¯t change that habit of hers. She would always carefully scoop out the rice in the morning and store it under the futon to keep it warm.

    Kimchi stew withrge pieces of pork, a piece of hastily grilled mackerel, radish sd, and two kinds of kimchi were set on the table.

    ¡°Come, sit down,¡± Um Ji-Hwan urged.

    ¡°You go on ahead. You must be hungry,¡± his mother refused, busily moving around the house.

    ¡°It tastes better when we eat together.¡±

    His old mother brought him some water and sat in front of Um Ji-Hwan.

    ¡°We have a really cool new hyung-nim at thepany,¡± Um Ji-Hwan began.

    ¡°A hyung-nim?¡±

    The longer they lived in Seoul, the harder it was to pin down his mother¡¯s dialect. It came out more whenever she was panicking or in a hurry.

    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s a lot older than me, but he treats me well.¡¯

    ¡°That¡¯s so nice of him. Don¡¯t growcent and start taking advantage of him just because he¡¯s nice.¡±

    ¡°That goes without saying.¡±

    Um Ji-Hwan scooped up lumps of his food, quickly making his way to the bottom of the bowl.

    ¡°Want some more?¡± his mother asked.

    ¡°Do you have any?¡±

    His mother probably couldn¡¯t have made a happier face even if he had given her a check with her name on it.

    She pulled out a clear container from the fridge, put it in the microwave, and pressed a button.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask that hyung-nim to introduce you to a nice girl?¡± she asked.

    ¡°There you go again.¡±

    <i>Beep, beep, beep, beep. Click.</i>

    She pulled out the container from the microwave and picked up the steaming bowl with her bare hands. She then set it down in front of Um Ji-Hwan.

    ¡°This house might be small, but it¡¯s enough for two people, isn¡¯t it?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Geez!¡±

    ¡°Oh stop it. If you get married, I¡¯ll move to your uncle¡¯s ce.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. How would I be able to live with myself if I sent you away?¡±

    ¡°Do you want to live with me forever, then?¡± she scoffed.

    Instead of answering, Um Ji-Hwan scooped up some of the meat and kimchi from the stew and dumped them into his rice bowl.

    ¡°Son,¡± his mother called.

    <i>Click</i>.

    Um Ji-Hwan set his spoon on the table.

    ¡°Mother.¡±

    She nced at him.

    ¡°What are you doing? When Father died, you started raising me alone in the market. Now that I¡¯m making my own money, you want me to send you back to the countryside so I can live here with a girl?¡±

    During the short silence, his old mother blinked a few times.

    ¡°All right, all right. I was wrong. Hurry up and eat again.¡±

    ¡°You gotta stop doing that!¡±

    ¡°I will, I will.¡±

    As Um Ji-Hwan picked up his spoon again, his mother quickly wiped her tears.

    After scooping up a spoonful of rice, he nced at her. ¡°Enough with that nonsense, okay? I¡¯ll find a girl who¡¯ll have fun living with the two of us.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay.¡±

    His mother kept pushing the side dishes and stew closer to him while he stuffed his mouth full.

    ¡°How was the site this time?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Pretty good,¡± he quickly responded while shoveling rice in his mouth.

    His mother believed that he was working for a constructionpany. If it weren¡¯t for Seok Kang-Ho, she would have received notification of his death in this small apartment.

    <i>Gulp, gulp.</i>

    Chewing the rice in his mouth, he suddenly remembered his fallen seniors and their families, making him choke up with emotion.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did it get stuck in your throat? Drink some water.¡±

    <i>¡°Hegh, hegh, hegh.¡±</i>

    ¡°What is it? I told you, I¡¯ll stop.¡±

    <i>¡°Heg. Heghh. Heghh.¡±</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to the country, so hurry up and eat.¡±

    His mother, in the dark, wiped his tears and tried to calm him down. Strangely, that just caused more tears to roll down his cheeks.

    ***

    Lee Hui-Sook sank to the floor, seemingly about to copse. They were supposed to be moving in two days. She was going to go with her husband, Han Jae-Guk, to a military apartment in Jeungpyeong.

    <i>¡°I¡¯m so happy.¡±</i>

    She couldn¡¯t believe thest memory she had of her husband was him being excited to be a member of South Korea¡¯s top special forces team. It was only then that she remembered Han Jae-Guk¡¯s phone call.

    <i>¡°Is the training hard?¡±</i>

    <i>- There¡¯s no such thing as hard training for me. I just can¡¯t get out of it because they desperately need me. Your husband is always in demand wherever he goes, you know.</i>

    <i>¡°Take care of yourself.¡±</i>

    <i>- I will. You take of yourself too. Also...</i>

    <i>¡°What?¡±</i>

    Why had she picked up his call like that? It wasn¡¯t like folding theundry was so important.

    <i>- I know it¡¯s not easy being married to a soldier. Thanks.</i>

    <i>¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. If I catch you meeting up with other girls at the coffee shop in front of your unit, you know I¡¯ll kill you, right?</i>

    <i>- I already have my hands full with you.</i>

    <i>¡°Hang up. I have to fold theundry.¡±</i>

    <i>- Okay. I¡¯ll call you once our training is over.</i>

    Why did she talk to him like that? Even if theundry was torn or blown away, it still wouldn¡¯t have mattered as much as him....

    ¡°Thete Second Lieutenant Han Jae-Guk was awarded the Eulji Order of Military Merit. He was also promoted to First Lieutenant. The funeral will be in three days, after which he will beid to rest at the National Cemetery.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t even understand what he was saying. It seemed like she should, though, so she slowly raised her head. Although dazed, her gaze slowly rose past the soldier''s shiny shoes, perfectly pleated pants, white gloves, neat uniform, and white hat.

    When her eyes reached his face, Lee Hui-Sook burst out sobbing. The soldier, his eyes bloodshot, had mped his mouth shut to hold back his tears.

    1. A form of address used by men to address the wife of an older brother or a close senior. ?

 Chapter 303.2: With everyone

    <h4>Chapter 303.2: With everyone</h4>

    The feeling of being alone with someone in a sauna¡ªthat was how Kang Chan felt in the car on the way back to the hotel. Fortunately, It didn¡¯t take long for them to reach their destination.

    After epting the suit cover and shopping bag that an agent handed to him, Kang Chul-Gyu awkwardly stood in the lobby.

    ¡°Take the rest of the day off. I¡¯lle by tomorrow afternoon to discuss the uing schedule,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Clothes definitely made the man.

    Kang Chan wanted to drag him back out and do something about his unsophisticated haircut, but they had more days left together anyway.

    ¡°Go on up.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu smiled awkwardly and headed up to his hotel room.

    Afterward, a low sigh escaped Kang Chan. He turned around and saw agents standing in front of the car.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have some coffee in the lobby. Do you want a cup too?¡± Kang asked them.

    ¡°We¡¯d feel morefortable just waiting for you,¡± an agent replied with a grin. He then hopped back into the passenger¡¯s seat.

    There were only two hours left before midnight.

    Craving for some hot, strong coffee, Kang Chan walked into the lobby.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    Just then, his phone began to ring.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Channy, we¡¯re done.

    This was the first time he had ever heard Michelle sound so exhausted.

    ¡°Where are you?¡±

    - Apgujeong-Dong. What about you?

    ¡°I just arrived at the hotel. Where do you want to have dinner?

    - Let¡¯s go somewhere we can smoke. What about that restaurant in Bangbae-Dong? The one visitedst time?

    ¡°Sure. Don¡¯t we have to make a reservation, though?¡±

    - I¡¯ll call them and let you know.

    Kang Chan was about to ask her what happened but decided against it. They were going to meet soon anyway. He could just hear all about it then.

    He didn¡¯t have enough time to drink coffee, but it was awkward to just sit around and wait.

    It was strange how people¡¯s emotions worked.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect that he would miss Joo Chul-Beom, who was in Mongolia. If he was here, Kang Chan could just sit around in the staff office and smoke a cigarette. However, he supposed no matter how much he missed him, he would still be annoyed at how the punk always greeted him with a ny-degree bow.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    With nothing to do, he just stood in the lobby until his phone rang again.

    - Channy, I¡¯ve made the reservation. Can you find your way here?

    ¡°Sorry, I forgot. Can you send me the address?¡±

    - Sure. We¡¯re on our way.

    His phone vibrated soon after he hung up. When he went out of the entrance, the agent waiting for him immediately walked over.

    The entrance of a lobby was usually bustling with people waiting for their cars.

    At first nce, Kang Chan probably looked to be in his mid-twenties at most. Hence, his expensive luxury suit and shoes stood out even more than usual. To top it all off, a ck sedan pulled up in front of him, and a muscr man opened its rear door for him.

    He climbed into the car as the people around him quickly gazed at him. He then showed the agent in the driver¡¯s seat Michelle¡¯s text. ¡°Can you drive me to this address?¡±

    Not long after, they arrived at Bangbae-Dong.

    ¡°This might take a while. Why don¡¯t you go inside and get some rest?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°We have twenty agents stationed at this ce,¡± the agent replied.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Your security clearance has been upgraded, so we¡¯ve increased the number of guards around you. Starting tomorrow, you¡¯ll also have a secondary line of security from Yoo Bi-Corp.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he was being jolted out of a deep slumber.

    ¡°Who issued that order?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise.

    ¡°The Director did. The National Intelligence Agency has taken over your security.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed, thinking they had gone too far. He decided to discuss this with Kim Hyung-Jung tomorrow.

    Nodding, he simply replied, ¡°Got it.¡±

    Just as he was about to enter the restaurant, Michelle¡¯s car pulled in behind Kang Chan¡¯s.

    G¨¦rard got out of the passenger¡¯s seat with a dark scowl on his face, and Michelle stepped out of the driver¡¯s seat looking like it had been days since shest had some sleep.

    As the agent drove away, G¨¦rard walked up to Kang Chan.

    G¨¦rard¡¯s brown hair had been handsomely cut into what Kang Chan believed was called a semi-Mohican style. He was also wearing a neat suit, a dress shirt, a narrow tie, and maroon leather shoes.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    He looked jaw-droppingly handsome, at least. All the women walking by turned to stare at him.

    His thick eyebrows, longshes, and eyes, which had a hint of green, made him look like a lonely, mysterious man. Even the scar on his cheek added to his charm now that he was dressed to the nines.

    ¡°What is wrong with that woman?¡± G¨¦rard growled as he looked at Michelle, who was parking the car. To her credit, he looked more handsome than the famous ser yers of Ennd.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You look nice,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°It took me twenty outfit changes just to find this one outfit,¡± G¨¦rard snarled.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s¡ª¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t just one store. We went to at least six different stores. First for the shirt, then the shoes!¡±

    G¨¦rard red at Michelle again, seemingly having almost lost his temper in the middle of hisint.

    If he was telling the truth, that would mean they had gone off to eighteen different stores and changed suits, shirts, and shoes twenty times.

    <i>Whew!</i>

    Just the thought of it sent a shiver down Kang Chan¡¯s spine. He thought it was a relief that G¨¦rard didn¡¯t have a gun on him.

    Just then, Michelle came over and approached Kang Chan,pletely ignoring G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Channy,¡± she called.

    ¡°You¡¯ve both had a long day. Let¡¯s head inside and get something to eat,¡± Kang Chan said.

    All the women and even the men passing by turned their heads to look at G¨¦rard¡ªalthough the men¡¯s eyes swiftly turned toward Michelle next.

    It was worth the effort. However, if Michelle asked the same thing to Kang Chan, he would definitely say no. They weren¡¯t nning to be models or anything. What point was there in visiting six different stores and changing outfits twenty times?

    As they walked into the restaurant, a waiter froze in his tracks upon seeing G¨¦rard. All the customers inside also stared at their party. With Michelle standing alongside them as well, both the men and women had a reason to look at their group.

    Michelle turned to G¨¦rard with a gaze that seemed to ask, ¡°You still don¡¯t think I¡¯m right?¡±

    From what Kang Chan could tell, G¨¦rard was desperately trying to contain his anger.

    After Michelle gave the name their reservation was registered under, one of the employees led them to a small courtyard at the back of the restaurant.

    The night air was still chilly. The employee lit up an umbre-shaped gas heater and then took their order.

    ¡°Do you still serve food at this hour?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We take orders until eleven, but you can stay until one.¡±

    That was more than enough time.

    Kang Chan had already eaten, and the two of them didn¡¯t look like they had an appetite, so he just ordered a three-course French meal and some wine for the table.

    Michelle pulled out a few cigarettes. They then all dly lit them.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>.¡±

    Exhaling the smoke, they felt as if the fatigue they had umted throughout the day was melting away.

    Their server brought them a bottle of wine, biscuits, and cheese first.

    <i>Glug.</i>

    Kang Chan took the bottle and filled their sses.

    At the same time, G¨¦rard red at the tables inside through the ss. ¡°Why do those annoying bastards keep stealing nces at us?¡±

    ¡°Do you have to say it like that?¡± Michelle snapped back.

    Kang Chan had never seen her act this way.

    G¨¦rard turned to Michelle, irritation evident on his face.

    Michelle continued, ¡°Why do you keep talking like that? It¡¯s a relief the department store employees couldn¡¯t understand you. How would you feel if you were in their shoes and they talked the way you did?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with what I said?¡± G¨¦rard questioned.

    ¡°You asked if we thought you were an idiot! How do you think that made me feel? What did the employees even do that was so wrong?¡±

    ¡°While we¡¯re on the subject, let me just ask one thing. Why did you make me put on clothes that I wasn¡¯t even going to buy?¡±

    ¡°You have topare the clothes to know which ones to buy. Were you nning to just buy clothes you hadn¡¯t even tried on? What if there were better clothes at other stores?¡±

    ¡°I ended up buying the first outfit I tried on!¡± G¨¦rard eximed.

    ¡°Because after trying everything on, we realized it was what suited you best!¡± Michelle cried out.

    It sounded like an argument between a frustrated man and a wrongly used woman.

    <i>Clink, clink, clink.</i>

    Kang Chan lifted his spoon and tapped his wine ss with it.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±

    This wasn¡¯t an issue of who was right or wrong. They simply belonged to different species. If Michelle were to go on an operation and make a mistake, the tables would have been turned.

    ¡°I asked her to do it. Let¡¯s stop here,¡± Kang Chan told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Understood,¡± G¨¦rard obediently replied.

    Michelle nced at G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Thanks, Michelle,¡± Kang Chan said. ¡°G¨¦rard isn¡¯t a model or an aspiring actor. He doesn¡¯t know much about things like this. I hope you understand.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± Michelle replied.

    G¨¦rard looked at her this time, the scar on his cheek twitching.

    ¡°This is a special meeting. I wanted two of my favorite people to be acquainted. Here, let¡¯s forget what happened during shopping,¡± Kang Chan said, raising his ss.

    G¨¦rard and Michelle raised theirs as well.

    <i>Clink!</i>

    After touching sses, they all took a sip before setting their drinks down.

    ¡°Cap, I bought two suits, plus other clothes, sneakers, and shoes. It cost quite a bit. I insisted on paying with my card, but...¡± G¨¦rard began, putting another cigarette in his mouth.

    ¡°Channy, I paid for it with the rent we received recently. That reminds me, for God¡¯s sake, please take care of your ounts,¡± Michelle pleaded.

    ¡°Why? Can¡¯t I just leave them alone?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I guess, but there¡¯s quite a bit of money in there.¡±

    ¡°Just leave it. I can just use my card if I have to, and I¡¯m good. <i>Oh</i>, right! I spent a lot of money today. I also got this suit and some other clothes,¡± Kang Chan loudly boasted.

    ¡°You spent a lot? How much?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think I spent more than ten million won.¡±

    Michelle narrowed her eyes at him.

    ¡°Did I spend too much?¡± Kang Chan worriedly asked. ¡°I¡¯ll have Cecile put some more money in the bank ount.¡±

    She took out another cigarette and lit it up.

    ¡°What are you talking about? You earned over seven hundred million just from the drama rights, then you have your monthly sry from DI and the building managementpany.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean I don¡¯t have to put in more money?¡±

    Michelleughed in disbelief. Meanwhile, G¨¦rard just stubbed his cigarette out in the ashtray like he wasn¡¯t interested at all.

    Their food was soon served.

    The three shared the meal over wine. Although they were already full, they at least sampled the food. Kang Chan spoke up often to control the pace of the conversation.

    Michelle was wise. She didn''t ask about Kang Chan and G¨¦rard¡¯s rtionship. Instead, she naturally steered the conversation to the production of dramas.

    Fortunately, Kang Chan didn¡¯t have to interpret their French for anyone.

    While they filled their stomachs and drank wine, their resentment from shopping melted away.

    ¡°When are you leaving the country?¡± Michelle asked G¨¦rard.

    ¡°I have neen days of vacation left,¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    ¡°Vacation?¡±

    ¡°Vacation from work. Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°It would be nice if we could get together again with my friend Cecile.¡±

    G¨¦rard smiled in response, causing the scar on his cheek to twitch.

    ¡°Why are you smiling like that?¡± Michelle asked with a frown.

    ¡°I always smile like this. Do I also have to worry about what others think of it?¡±

    Kang Chan just grinned as he watched them.

    Michelle wouldn¡¯t be able to understand that smile of his¡ªwhich stemmed from the difort of being paired up with someone¡ªeven if he tried his best to exin.

    Smiles like that could only be made by those who wanted to be an emotionless nobody during missions.

    That was the same reason Kang Chan just stayed with Daye during vacations until they had to return to duty.

    Michelle sighed quietly and looked away.

    By the time they had finished two bottles of wine, it was already almost one in the morning.

    The employee walked over to their table and informed them that they were going to close soon. Hence, Kang Chan immediately paid with his card.

    ¡°Channy, why don¡¯t we go to a nearby gopchang restaurant and have some soju?¡± Michelle suggested.

    <i>More alcohol with these two?</i>

    Kang Chan nced at G¨¦rard.

    ¡°I¡¯m not tired,¡± G¨¦rard reassured him.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know if he and G¨¦rard would ever get the chance to drink together like this again, so he just nodded and stood up.

    Since the gopchang restaurant was just out front, they informed the restaurant they were currently in that Michelle would leave her car in the parking lot for a bit longer before walking over.

    It was still cold at night, and even though it was past one in the morning, the streets of Bangbae-Dong were still busy. If only it weren¡¯t for the French man and woman attracting everyone¡¯s attention, Kang Chan would have walked morefortably.

    Stealthily ncing around, he asionally saw the agents assigned to him. It would¡¯ve been nice if he could invite them all over for gopchang and soju.

    ¡°Wee¡ª¡±

    A woman who seemed to be an employee of the restaurant began to greet them but froze upon seeing Michelle and G¨¦rard. Seeing Kang Chan seemed to have made her feel relieved.

    ¡°Hello ma¡¯am, we¡¯ll have a tter for three, a bottle of soju, and two beers,¡± Michelle ordered in fluent Korean.

    Curious nces were thrown at them from the other tables in the half-full restaurant.

    <i>Hiss.</i>

    While the gopchang cooked, Michelle whipped up bomb shots made with beer and soju.

    ¡°Here we go! Cheers!¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what it was for.

    G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek twitched in amusement as he raised his ss.

    <i>Clink!</i>

    Unlike wines, this kind of alcohol was fun to down quickly.

    G¨¦rard drank half of his ss. After ncing at Kang Chan and Michelle, he then downed the rest of his cup. He covered his mouth with his fist from the carbonation, and this time, Michelle grinned like she was imitating G¨¦rard from earlier.

    ¡°This is fun,¡± G¨¦rard said, ncing outside.

    This wasn¡¯t the Africa he was familiar with, but it wasn¡¯t France either. They were drinking alcohol together in South Korea, where Kang Chan lived.

    Kang Chan could see theplex emotions in his eyes.

    ¡°If it¡¯s so fun, why don¡¯t we have another round of shots?¡± Michelle suggested.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    <i>What the hell?</i>

    Kang Chan had no choice but to down another bomb shot.

    When he set down his empty ss, the woman came back over.

    ¡°You can eat it now.¡±

    She pushed the cooked gopchang to one side and turned to G¨¦rard and Michelle with curious eyes.

    ¡°Try it,¡± Kang Chan told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    G¨¦rard awkwardly picked up the gopchang with his chopsticks.

    ¡°Should I ask for a fork?¡± Michelle asked him.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    G¨¦rard held his chopsticks in a death grip and managed to get the food in his mouth, albeit barely.

    ¡°It¡¯s not bad,¡± he said.

    Kang Chan grinned. ¡°Eat up.¡±

    They got to eat good food and have fun drinking alcohol on this joyous asion. However, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t feel at ease knowing that, after his vacation, G¨¦rard would have to fly back to the battlefields in Africa.

    The reality of Africa kept nagging at the back of his mind. One could die at any time and anywhere on that continent, and no one would find it strange.

    Noticing the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, G¨¦rard held out the bomb shot that Michelle had made for him.

    ¡°Merci, Capitaine,¡± he said.

    G¨¦rard seemed to have read the emotions in Kang Chan¡¯s gaze. He, too, had been keeping the recruit whom he had lost in Africa in the back of his heart.

    Kang Chan wordlessly touched sses with him.

    <i>Clink.</i>

    After downing their shots, Kang Chan raised another. ¡°Merci, G¨¦rard.¡±

    He was grateful for everything¡ªthat G¨¦rard made his and Daye¡¯s lives in Africa meaningful, that he recognized him even though he looked different now, and for staying alive to this day.

    <i>Clink.</i>

    G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek twitched as they both took another shot.

    Michelle ordered more beer and soju.

    ¡°South Korea is truly fun,¡± G¨¦rard remarked.

    ¡°Drink up,¡± Kang Chan said, raising another ss with a smile. The three downed their drinks once more.

    It was a pleasant and fun asion.

    ¡°Is this the Korean food that you were talking about?¡± G¨¦rard suddenly asked.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°What were you talking about, then, Channy?¡± Michelle asked.

    ¡°I told him about the pork cutlets and bulgogi that they sell at local restaurants.¡±

    The three chatted about light topics as they kept drinking the night away.

    ¡°If we have time, I¡¯ll buy some bulgogi,¡± Michelle offered.

    G¨¦rard blinked, his eyes heavy with alcohol, as hecently turned toward her.

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    By around four in the morning, they had finished around eight beers and three bottles of soju. They were feeling pretty good.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    Kang Chan quickly pulled out his phone. A call at this time of night was either really urgent or a misdial.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Hey! Kang Chan! Where are you?!

    Oh Gwang-Taek sounded furious.

    <i>What the fuck is this asshole doing at this hour?</i>

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan calmly asked.

    - Hey! I¡¯m watching the camera footage right now! It <i>is </i>him! I¡¯m fucking sure of it! Where are you?!

    Kang Chan reflexively looked at G¨¦rard.

    - Hey! I¡¯m going to the hotel right now! I¡¯ll be there in thirty minutes! That son of a bitch! I¡¯m going to fucking murder him!

    Oh Gwang-Taek enraged curses pierced his ears.

 Chapter 304: How Much Do They Look Alike? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 304: How Much Do They Look Alike? (1)</h4>

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Noticing that the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes had changed, G¨¦rard stood up straight, looking as if he had instantly sobered up.

    ¡°What would you do if I was the one in the camera footage?¡±

    - What? Motherfucker! I said it was G¨¦rard in the CCTV footage!

    ¡°If I saw you in that camera footage, I would¡¯ve asked you about it first. If you said that it wasn¡¯t you, I would¡¯ve looked into the reason the culprit looks like you before getting angry.¡±

    Although still panting in anger, Oh Gwang-Taek had at least stopped yelling.

    ¡°What would you want me to do if Chul-Bum, the guy you told me you trust, was the one caught by the CCTV? What if he told you that it wasn¡¯t him?¡±

    Kang Chan heard Oh Gwang-Taek sigh and groan at the same time.

    ¡°I told you that I trust G¨¦rard, didn¡¯t I? We¡¯ve also agreed to watch the camera footage together because the fucker said it wasn¡¯t him. Why do you choose not to trust us?¡±

    The silence continued.

    With his mood soiled, Kang Chanpletely sobered up. Considering G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes were glinting and Michelle, who was beside him, was now walking on eggshells, the change in his behavior was likely apparent.

    ¡°Where are you? I¡¯m out with G¨¦rard right now, but I can get to the hotel in thirty minutes.¡±

    - I¡¯m sorry.

    Kang Chan thought it would take more than an apology for him to forgive Oh Gwang-Taek.

    - Watching the footage made me angrier. It made me think he was making a fool out of me. I now realize that if G¨¦rard were the culprit, he wouldn¡¯t have insisted on staying with you. He wouldn¡¯t have promised to watch the footage with us either. If I upset you, I¡¯m sorry. Please forgive me.

    ¡°You son of a bitch.¡±

    There was no way Oh Gwang-Taek wouldn¡¯t know why Kang Chan swore at him.

    - Ah fuck! Hey! Juste here quickly!

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s shameless response showed that he was getting over his embarrassment.

    ¡°You bastard! Think before you speak!¡±

    - I already said I¡¯m sorry!

    ¡°Alright, alright. Let me just say goodbye to everyone here before I leave.¡±

    - Do you want to meet tomorrow?

    Kang Chan burst intoughter.

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and just head to the hotel. I can¡¯t stand this anymore. I have to see the footage myself.¡±

    - I¡¯m on my way.

    Kang Chan hung up. Smirking, he turned to G¨¦rard.

    ¡°That was Oh Gwang-Taek. He called to tell me that he had checked the CCTV footage and that it was definitely you in it.¡±

    G¨¦rard grinned. ¡°That¡¯s interesting.¡±

    ¡°Michelle, I¡¯m sorry, but we¡¯ll have to call it a night,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve had enough drinks anyway. I have work in the morning.¡±

    The three stood up from the table.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for this,¡± Michelle said.

    She quickly went to the counter to pay. Meanwhile, Kang Chan and G¨¦rard went outside and lit up a cigarette each.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    They exhaled air and cigarette smoke at the same time.

    ¡°Capitaine,[1]¡± G¨¦rard called.

    ¡°Quoi[2]?¡±

    ¡°Croyez-vous vraiment moi[3]?¡±

    G¨¦rard nced at Kang Chan, meeting his gaze.

    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡± Kang Chan swore in Korean.

    G¨¦rard burst intoughter. Kang Chan joined him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go check the CCTV footage ourselves. I¡¯m also curious how much you and the culprit look alike or Oh Gwang-Taek to kick up so much of a fuss,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯m also curious.¡±

    Michelle, who had just finished paying their bill, suddenly leaned forward. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    They found it strangely funny.

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard started to snicker like madmen. Michelle alsoughed with them, perhaps because she was intoxicated.

    It was fascinating. Kang Chan found G¨¦rard and Michelle so funny when they wereughing.

    For quite some time, the threeughed in the middle of the street outside the restaurant, the cold weather making their breaths visible.

    Soon, Kang Chan exhaled to stop himself fromughing. He then looked at Michelle. ¡°We should go now. What about your car, though?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve called someone to drive it,¡± Michelle answered.

    ¡°Keep safe.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Michelle¡¯s phone rang soon after Kang Chan stopped talking. The driver she had called approached them.

    ¡°Sir, will you bring my car here? It¡¯s in the parking lot of that restaurant. I need a moment to talk to them,¡± Michelle told the driver.

    ¡°Of course. Where¡¯s the key?¡±

    The old man epted the car key from Michelle and quickly walked to her car.

    ¡°We should wrap this up with a cigarette,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    In response, Michelle took out a cigarette and put it in Kang Chan¡¯s mouth. She then did the same for G¨¦rard.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    ¡°I had fun today. We should do this again. I¡¯ll buy bulgogi next time,¡± Michelle told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to visit several restaurants before choosing one, are you?¡±

    ¡°Of course not! We¡¯ll just enter some random restaurant. We won¡¯t even think about it.¡±

    <i>What are they even saying?</i>

    As the two joked about nonsense, the driver pulled up in front of them.

    ¡°See youter. Thanks for today,¡± Kang Chan told Michelle.

    Michelle gave Kang Chan a big hug and then kissed both of his cheeks.

    ¡°It was nice meeting you,¡± Michelle told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Thanks for today. Let¡¯s be morefortable around each other next time.¡±

    They hugged lightly and said goodbye with cheek kisses. Michelle then got in her car.

    Kang Chan looked behind him and found a ck car pulling up.

    Once he had gotten in the back seat with G¨¦rard, they immediately made their way to the hotel.

    ¡°Let¡¯s judge this with a cool head,¡± Kang Chan told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Their joyous asion ended with theughter they shared with Michelle a moment ago.

    Being slightly tipsy andpletely drunk were twopletely different things. This much alcohol intoxication was nowhere near enough to faze them.

    Gerard was all too familiar with the tension that stemmed from situations where they could die at any moment, and Kang Chan knew everything that was rted to the CCTV footage.

    They arrived at the hotel at around thirty minutes past four in the morning.

    As soon as they walked into the hotel, Oh Gwang-Taek, who had been sitting in the lobby that was closed for business, approached them with aptop bag slung on his right shoulder. He seemed to be having mixed emotions.

    Nevertheless, being who he was, he still held out his hand first, which G¨¦rard shook.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go up to the room,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek suggested.

    The three got in the elevator and then went into the room.

    <i>Click.</i>

    They took off their jackets as soon as they entered. Now wearing just shirts and pants, they then sat around the table.

    Oh Gwang-Taek opened hisptop, and the screen woke up at the same time. It seemed he didn¡¯t even bother turning the system off before closing it. Kang Chan could feel how impatient Oh Gwang-Taek was.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek used his wireless mouse to open the CCTV footage. After putting it on full screen, he swiftly clicked y.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°This is the hallway,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek started to exin.

    The recording showed Chinese men walking out of a room, dragging aundry cart with them. They were heading to the elevator.

    Oh Gwang-Taek continued, ¡°You had just split open Shan¡¯s side in the room, and those Chinese men had put him inside thatundry cart before going down to the parking lot.¡±

    Kang Chan quickly interpreted what Oh Gwang-Taek was saying in French for G¨¦rard. As he remembered what happened back then, his eyes started to glint.

    The video was now showing the Chinese men pushing theundry cart into the elevator.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek opened another CCTV footage. This time, it was from the camera inside the freight elevator.

    ¡°The problem starts here,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked for and opened one more video. The screen showed the basement parking lot.

    Kang Chan expected the video quality to be awful, but it was better than he thought. They could see everything, even the Chinese men¡¯s expressions.

    When the freight elevator opened, the Chinese men walked into the parking lot.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek quickly yed another footage. This time, it showed the view from in front of the elevator. He soon paused the video, stopping it just as G¨¦rard¡¯s face came into view. He was wearing sunsses.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    The man on the CCTV footage looked so much like G¨¦rard that even Kang Chan had to acknowledge the resemnce.

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>.¡±

    If Kang Chan hadn¡¯t heard G¨¦rard¡¯s flustered groan, and if he hadn¡¯t watched the CCTV footage with him, he would¡¯ve also grown suspicious of him. The two looked that much alike.

    ¡°He does look like me,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    Oh Gwang-Taek quickly turned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°G¨¦rard acknowledges that the guy looks exactly like him,¡± Kang Chan ryed.

    ¡°See? How can I not be confused when the resemnce is so uncanny?¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked at G¨¦rard with glinting eyes, then looked back at Kang Chan again.

    G¨¦rard looked extremely flustered not because he had been found out but because he had no idea how to ept that someone who looked exactly like him was in the CCTV footage.

    Noticing what G¨¦rard was thinking as well, Oh Gwang-Taek silently asked Kang Chan what they should do.

    ¡°Let¡¯s review the rest of the footage for now,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek unpaused the video. Soon, it showed the white headlights of a car reversing out of its parking spot. Afterward, its brake lights shed red.

    The two Chinese men opened one of its rear doors and lifted theundry cart into the back of the car.

    The man who looked like G¨¦rard held up his hand to say thanks and then left.

    Sighing, Kang Chan leaned back in his chair. ¡°<i>Haaa</i>!¡±

    ¡°Got any cigarettes?¡± he asked.

    Oh Gwang-Taek rummaged through his pockets. He then took out cigarettes and a lighter.

    Based on the CCTV footage alone, there was no excuse. The man clearly looked like G¨¦rard. Nevertheless, after giving Kang Chan a cigarette, he still offered one to G¨¦rard.

    His glinting eyes and dry gulps still showed his hostility toward the man. However, Kang Chan thought it was only natural for him to behave this way.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    Kang Chan exhaled cigarette smoke. ¡°<i>Hoo</i>!¡±

    Their priority right now was to look into how this happened.

    ¡°Did you make a copy of this CCTV footage?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Oh Gwang-Taek hesitated for a moment, seemingly contemting how he should answer.

    Exhaling more smoke, Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°I get that Do-Seok was attacked because of this incident and that guy looks like G¨¦rard, but it¡¯s definitely not him,¡± Kang Chan said in Korean.

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked back at G¨¦rard, then nodded.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°If so, then that means that bastard in the video is part of a foreign intelligence bureau. You''d also be in danger if others discover you have this footage. After all, we¡¯re up against people who¡¯d be willing to shoot anyone to hide this incident. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve also noticed that there¡¯s not even just one news article about what happened in Libya.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek likely wouldn¡¯t have believed him if he wasn¡¯t part of the operation in Libya.

    ¡°Make me a copy of the CCTV footage. Hide another copy somewhere that only you know and tell someone you really trust where you hid it. From now on, you¡¯re going to have to live knowing that we can die at any moment.¡±

    ¡°Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the only one I can trust for something like this.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Oh Gwang-Taek with a dazed expression.

    He probably wasn¡¯t saying that because he couldn¡¯t trust his subordinates but because this matter was rted to a battle to the death, like what happened in Libya. Still, Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s words tugged at Kang Chan¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Fucking it. Let¡¯s go get some coffee before we continue this,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek suggested.

    Kang Chan was starting to feel moved and touched, but the son of a bitch just had to ruin it.

    ¡°Sure,¡± he answered. He then used the phone in the room to order coffee.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    While Oh Gwang-Taek was copying the CCTV footage into a USB, Kang Chan told G¨¦rard what he had talked about with Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Got any ideas?¡± Kang Chan asked afterward.

    ¡°About that...¡±

    <i>Knock knock knock.</i>

    They kept being disrupted today.

    G¨¦rard stood up and opened the door. He then received their coffee from a hotel employee.

    As G¨¦rard poured the coffee into separate cups, Oh Gwang-Taek handed Kang Chan the USB.

    ¡°You keep this. I¡¯ll hide another copy somewhere tomorrow and tell you where it is,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    Once G¨¦rard had brought over their coffee, they all smoked again.

    ¡°I used to be part of the Mermier family. However, once noble families are abolished, we tend to hide our family name. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been called G¨¦rard Gee since I was young even though I grew up in that household,¡± G¨¦rard started.

    ¡°That makes it highly possible that the man in the video is your cousin, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a little farfetched, but that¡¯s the best answer I got right now. Honestly, I can¡¯t think of any other way to exin this.¡±

    After nodding, Kang Chan told Oh Gwang-Taek what G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek swore as he groaned. ¡°Either way, that at least means we have a chance of catching the guy, right?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in response. He felt as if the hot coffee was waking him up.

    ¡°Oh Gwang-Taek,¡± he called.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek stubbed out his cigarette. He looked at Kang Chan as he blew on his sleeve.

    ¡°Don¡¯t take this lightly. Anyone can target you now, so never go out alone. Honestly, I can¡¯t just tell the National Intelligence Service about this either. Right now, the only people I can trust to keep this a secret are you, Mr. Seok, G¨¦rard, and Director Kang.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked like he was having mixed feelings.

    ¡°Don¡¯t leave the hotel unarmed. I¡¯ll get you a pistol tomorrow morning. Is there anyone who can apany you for the time being? A subordinate you trust, maybe?¡±

    ¡°Chul-Bum and the others are all in Mongolia, and I¡¯m sure you already know this, but Do-Seok is in the hospital.¡± Afterward, Oh Gwang-Taek hesitated for a moment but soon asked, ¡°They wouldn¡¯t mess with my wife and kid, would they?¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is this that dangerous?¡±

    ¡°If the ones behind this find out that there''s CCTV footage of the incident, it would be best to assume the worst. I¡¯ll ask the DMZ team to guard your family. We should have them apany you as well.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek nodded in agreement. They then drank coffee, causing silence to embrace the room.

    ¡°Capitaine,¡± G¨¦rard called. In French, he asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that Shan is imprisoned in Loriam¡¯s basement?¡±

    Knowing Oh Gwang-Taek couldn¡¯t speak theirnguage made him feel relieved enough to say what he wanted to say.

    ¡°Where did you find Shan again?¡±

    Kang Chan quickly told him about how they found Shan in an industrial area in Incheon.

    The sun was starting to rise, evidenced by the quickly brightening world out the window.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean there¡¯s a chance Shan knows the guy?¡±

    <i>Is that how it works?</i>

    When Kang Chan turned to him, G¨¦rard continued, ¡°I¡¯ll meet Shan. Maybe we can trick him if I behave like the man in the footage.¡±

    Considering even Kang Chan had trouble telling them apart, it could certainly confuse Shan.

    ¡°Shan doesn¡¯t know me that well. I¡¯ve never even met the bastard since you sent me somewhere else. If I act as if you¡¯re working with me, we should be able to learn about who the fucker is, where he is right now, and which organization he¡¯s a part of.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze on G¨¦rard sharpened.

    <i>He wants to meet Shan?</i>

    Kang Chan felt bad, but for the first time since this incident started, he became skeptical of his intentions. <i>¡®Is G¨¦rard really the one behind this? He could be suggesting this n so he can scheme with Shan.¡¯</i>

    <i>No. That can¡¯t be right.</i>

    G¨¦rard smiled. The scar on his cheek twitched.

    <i>Damn it! I¡¯m doubting him like an idiot even though I said I trusted him when he asked me if I did earlier!</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan apologized.

    ¡°For what?¡±

    G¨¦rard feigned obliviousness even though he had clearly guessed what Kang Chan had been thinking.

    <i>I trust G¨¦rard. I have to trust him even if I find outter that he¡¯s been manipting me.</i>

    Being suspicious of G¨¦rard for the rest of his life was too cruel for Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do as you said. I¡¯ll meet Ambassador Lanok first thing in the morning and tell him about our n to visit Loriam,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan felt relieved now that they had finalized their n.

    ¡°You going to bed?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked Kang Chan. ¡°Why don¡¯t we have breakfast before you do?¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t hungry, but he likely wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep now anyway.

    ¡°Alright. I could go for a light meal.¡±

    Kang Chan asked G¨¦rard to join them. He then ordered two servings of an American-style breakfast and one baekban.

    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll be able to track down the culprit?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll probably find a way once I¡¯ve looked deeper into this issue tomorrow. I¡¯m just worried that people would find out about this, so just stay here until I¡¯ve discussed this with Director Kang.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    While Kang Chan was talking to Oh Gwang-Taek, a hotel employee brought over their food.

    They had to eat and sleep whenever they could. Only then could they bring their best to every fight.

    1. Captain in French ?

    2. What in French ?

    3. Do you really trust me? in French ?

 Chapter 305: How Much Do They Look Alike (2)

    <h4>Chapter 305: How Much Do They Look Alike (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan shared his room with G¨¦rard, the same man with whom he had shared a makeshift bed in a dusty barracks tent and slept beside a pile of corpses in Africa. Having been in situations with no room to be choosy in the past, they nowfortably sprawled out in their underwear, each upying a twin bed.

    Realizing that he had much to do, he soon shook his head to get rid of his sleepiness. Turning his bleary gaze to the side, he saw G¨¦rard with one leg off the bed. He wondered just how deeply the guy could be sleeping.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    As Kang Chan opened the curtain, dazzling sunlight instantly filled the room. G¨¦rard raised his head and blinked, seemingly in pain.

    <i>This kid has a remarkably long leg.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll shower first. Go order some coffee,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    Kang Chan entered the bathroom right after.

    <i>Ssshhh.</i>

    He turned on the tap and brushed his teeth. He didn¡¯t know who was responsible for Suh Do-Seok¡¯s injuries, but the act of smuggling Shan and harming Suh Do-Seok infuriated him as much as the suspicion he harbored toward G¨¦rard. When he came out with arge towel wrapped around his waist, he found G¨¦rard sitting at the table, wearing nothing but pants.

    "Here''s your coffee, sir," said G¨¦rard.

    As Kang Chan settled at the table, the events leading up to dawn flooded his mind.

    ¡°What time is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a little past ten,¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee.

    "I''ll arrange a meeting with Ambassador Lanok while you''re in the shower. I¡¯ll also talk to Director Kang about Oh Gwang-Taek and his family¡¯s safety before we leave.¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded as he set down his cup. ¡°Let¡¯s discuss the rest of the schedule after the call.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    Noticing Kang Chan''s smirk, G¨¦rard grinned in return. He then stood up and removed his suit trousers as if they were military pants before heading into the bathroom in his underwear. Simr to Kang Chan, each scar marking his body served as evidence of a narrow escape from death.

    <i>Buzz buzz buzz. Buzz buzz buzz.</i>

    Kang Chan extended his hand to pick up the phone on the table. It was Seok Kang-Ho.

    <i>Did something happen to this bastard too?</i>

    "Hello?"

    - It''s me.

    "Yeah, what''s up?"

    - You busy? If you''re free, let''s have bossam[1] for lunch.

    A carefreeugh burst out from Kang Chan.

    <i>Ha! Exining the situation over the phone would take too long!</i>

    However, extending this courtesy to Seok Kang-Ho was only fitting. Kang Chan shared only the essential details with him.

    - What kind of situation is that? G¨¦rard must be really upset, huh?

    Seok Kang-Ho also had unwavering faith in G¨¦rard.

    "I''ll swing by in the evening after I¡¯m done working for today," said Kang Chan.

    - Cap.

    "What is it?"

    - I''m healing so much faster than before that even the doctor is surprised, so don''t worry about me and take care of G¨¦rard.

    Kang Chan smirked. ¡°Got it.¡±

    After ending the call, he quickly called Lanok''s number.

    - Monsieur Kang.

    "Ambassador, I apologize for taking so long to contact you."

    - I distinctly recall telling you not to worry about mest time.

    Lanok''s rxed voice brought Kang Chan a sense of relief.

    "I have something to discuss. Do you have some time to spare?"

    People¡¯s minds would sometimes synchronize enough to let them sense each other''s emotions even over a phone call. This was one of those times. Kang Chan could almost visualize Lanok scrutinizing his watch intently through the phone.

    - I have a bit of free time an hour after my lunch appointment.

    "That should be enough. I''lle by at two this afternoon."

    - See you soon.

    Right after hanging up, Kang Chan sipped his cold coffee. At the same time, G¨¦rard got out of the shower.

    "I¡¯ve got a meeting with the ambassador at two," said Kang Chan.

    "Good to know."

    Kang Chan nodded, giving G¨¦rard a thoughtful look. It seemed somewhat improper to leave someone, who barely knew the localnguage, alone in a hotel.

    <i>''Should I call an interpreter?'' </i>he wondered.

    Kang Chan tilted his head and then immediately reached for the phone once more. As soon as he pressed the call button, Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    - Assistant director.

    "We agreed to be informal among ourselves, didn¡¯t we?" Kang Chan responded.

    - Keeping up with the frequent location changes isn''t easy.

    His words were followed by a soft chuckle.

    "Do you know where our interpreter is?"

    - You mean the one who was with us recently?

    "Yes, the one who injured his finger."

    - His name is Shin Min-Cheol. He''s in the hospital right now. If you need a French interpreter, we have others avable.

    "I¡¯m only looking for him since he¡¯s the only one I know. Anyway, I''ve got a meeting at the French Embassy at two. I''ll reach out to you once that¡¯s done.¡±

    - Got it.

    <i>Should I assign an agent to G¨¦rard? That doesn¡¯t seem like the right move, though. The kid¡¯s already uneasy.</i>

    With no other choice, Kang Chan pressed the call button again.

    - Channy!

    Michelle sounded like she had just broken free from a constricted throat.

    "Are you tired?"

    - No, just looking over some documents. I¡¯m almost done with work, though, so I was thinking of sneaking away to rest. Anyway, what''s up? Bringing me a present?

    <i>She never changes.</i>

    "I''ve got some business to attend to today and was hoping you could look after G¨¦rard. How about you two grab bulgogi for lunch?"

    - Really? Where are you right now?

    "I¡¯m at the Namsan Hotel."

    - Perfect. I''ll be right there.

    "Call me when you get to the lobby."

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told G¨¦rard that Michelle would being.

    "Captain, can''t I just stay here?" asked G¨¦rard.

    "Why?"

    G¨¦rard shook his head at the thought of meeting Michelle.

    "You¡¯ll be having bulgogi for lunch. You were nning on doing that anyway," Kang Chan said.

    "<i>Hmm</i>."

    <i>Why does he look so troubled about lunch? It¡¯s like he saw something unsettling.</i>

    "Understood."

    G¨¦rard hurriedly got dressed.

    "Wait here. I''ll just talk to Director Kang."

    "Copy."

    Suddenly thinking of getting G¨¦rard a phone, he called Michelle again as he left the room.

    - We have an office phone he can use. How about I give that to him and take it back when he leaves?

    Michelle was certainly the best choice for tasks like this. The pile of work that had built up from yesterday to sunrise seemed to be gradually getting sorted out. Kang Chan went to Kang Chul-Gyu''s room and rang the bell.

    "Who is it?"

    A voice from inside asked. Not long after, the door opened.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan pondered why Kang Chul-Gyu bothered to ask who it was if he nned to open the door without waiting for an answer.

    "Can Ie in?" Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Chul-Gyu moved aside, feeling a bit more rxed than before. "Of course."

    Upon entering, Kang Chan saw Nam Il-Gyu standing by the table.

    "You don¡¯t have to leave. It might be better for you to be here, actually."

    Kang Chan assessed the situation and sat down only after receiving a nod from Kang Chul-Gyu. Except for the slightly disheveled bedspread, the room was neat and tidy. Everything was arranged as meticulously as the hotel initially set.

    ncing around, he noticed a half-empty bottle of water beside the TV stand. A sigh involuntarily escaped him.

    "Have you had breakfast?"

    "Yes. I ate with the others,¡± answered Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "Why not order some coffee?"

    "I¡¯m not that fond of it."

    Kang Chul-Gyu gave Kang Chan a questioning look.

    "Oh Gwang-Taek is in danger," Kang Chan finally opened.

    That one sentence made Kang Chul-Gyu''s gaze sharper.

    "I would like the DMZ team to handle his and his family¡¯s security.¡±

    "How skilled do you think the enemy is?"

    "They¡¯re from an intelligence bureau, so they would likely go to any lengths."

    Kang Chul-Gyu gave Nam Il-Gyu a quick look before turning back.

    "What about weapons?"

    "We can prepare handguns and knives. Since Oh Gwang-Taek is already in the hotel, I''d like you to start as early as today."

    "Understood," Kang Chul-Gyu firmly replied.

    "Can we integrate everyone who¡¯s back from the operation into the National Intelligence Service''s counter-terrorism team?"

    Nam Il-Gyu quickly looked at Kang Chan for cues.

    "Do you know Kim Hyung-Jung? He¡¯s in the counter-terrorism team."

    "Yes, I do."

    <i>Ah, it all clicks, then! He¡¯s probably also connected to President Kim Tae-Jin!</i>

    If so, then there was no need to drag this out.

    "Just a moment."

    Kang Chan immediately picked up the phone and dialed Kim Hyung-Jung''s number.

    - Kang Chan?

    Being called by name, not his position, felt much more pleasant.

    "Manager, what else do we have to do for the whole DMZ team at the Namsan Hotel to officially join the National Intelligence Service?"

    - The director has already approved of it. Just send over the list, and we will process it immediately.

    "Can you issue them handguns, knives, and ammo today?"

    - For the entire DMZ team?

    "I have a protection task for them. It would be best to discuss the needed weaponry with Director Kang himself, but at least prepare a handgun and magazines for Oh Gwang-Taek. One moment."

    Kang Chan handed the phone over to Kang Chul-Gyu. "We only need to submit a list now for to make your agent status official. Anyway, they''re asking what and how many weapons you need. It¡¯s best you talk to him yourself.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu took the phone and brought it to his ear.

    "Hello? <i>Hmm</i>, that''s right. We''d appreciate it if you could arm our entire team. The weaponry... as the assistant director has ordered, it¡¯s necessary."

    <i>This old man is actually pretty considerate.</i>

    "We''ll need eight handguns and knives each. We¡¯re also going to need extra ammo, two vehicles, and radios. I apologize for the inconvenience."

    A brief silence enveloped the call. Kim Hyung-Jung seemed to be noting their requests down.

    "I believe it would be better for the assistant director to tell you about the mission himself. That''s how we operate."

    <i>Why does he keep calling me ''assistant director¡¯?</i>

    Kang Chan got chills being addressed that way, yet Kang Chul-Gyu kept confidently repeating the title.

    "Thank you. See youter."

    Kang Chul-Gyu briefly nodded as if acknowledging someone in person. He then returned the phone. The previously absent spark of life was now clearly visible in Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s eyes.

    "This is Kang Chan."

    - The tasks you''ve assigned will be processed today. I was thinking ofing to the hotel in the afternoon. Would that be a suitable time for you?

    "We''ll have to see. I''ll try to be here by then."

    - Understood.

    Kang Chan hung up the phone and gazed at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "I''ll bring Oh Gwang-Taekter after lunch. Please discuss his security detail with him."

    "Got it."

    Only now did Kang Chan appreciate the reassuring effect of Kang Chul-Gyu''s simple acknowledgment.

    ¡°Assistant Director,¡± Nam Il-Gyu called. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Before Kang Chan could ask what that was for, Nam Il-Gyu continued, ¡°For giving us the opportunity to serve the nation again."

    Kang Chan was rendered speechless.

    <i>What did their pasts mean to these people? Were they not idiots to chant ''country, country'' with such blind loyalty?</i>

    <i>Buzz Buzz Buzz. Buzz Buzz Buzz.</i>

    His phone¡¯s ringtone snapped him back to reality.

    "Hello?"

    - Channy, I''m in the lobby.

    "Got it. I''ll be right there."

    Kang Chan stood up. Turning his head, he saw Kang Chul-Gyu also rising.

    <i>''Don''t worry. I''ve got your back.''</i>

    Despite the cheesiness of the moment, Kang Chan felt as if they had secured an ally they could trust to handle any potential threats.

    Kang Chan nodded at Nam Il-Gyu and left the room. He had a busy day ahead. He went to his room, fetched G¨¦rard, and headed down to the lobby.

    "Channy!"

    Michelle stood up and waved her hand. Those initially looking at G¨¦rard, who was wearing a suit, sharply turned to Michelle.

    "What''s with your hair?" Michelle asked.

    "My hair? What about it?" G¨¦rard replied.

    "You should have styled it!"

    G¨¦rard ran his fingers through his hair, wiggled his cheeks yfully, and then sat down.

    "Got any gel?" Michelle wondered.

    "This is my first day, so no. I don''t really use products like that."

    "Why style your hair like that, then?"

    "Who said I was the one who did this? Who do you think sat me down and styled it like this?"

    <i>Ah, these two!</i>

    Fortunately, they were speaking in French, sparing others from their otherwise embarrassing conversation.

    <i>Tap, tap, tap.</i>

    Kang Chan tapped the table with his index and middle fingers.

    "Keep it down. Go have bulgogi for lunch."

    "What about you, Channy?"

    "I¡¯ve got a lunch appointment of my own."

    While he yearned for a hot cup of coffee, the idea of having it in thepany of their awkward exchanges was less appealing.

    "Wait! Let me put the office phone number in your contacts."

    Michelle grabbed Kang Chan''s phone and swiftly added the number.

    "And the phone?"

    "Here."

    Following Kang Chan''s quick rundown, G¨¦rard took the phone, no questions asked.

    "Let''s go."

    "Channy, make sure to eat lunch. Let''s go."

    "I''ll be back, Captain."

    Kang Chan briefly waved at them. He felt like he had just aplished a major task.

    Now, he had to go back up, wake Oh Gwang-Taek, have lunch with him, and hand him over to Kang Chul-Gyu. He originally nned to meet Kim Hyung-Jung and go to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook today, but that seemed unlikely now.

    <i>¡®I should hurry.¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan''s muddled thoughts seemed to serve as a reflection of howplicated things had be.

    <i>Ding-dong. Ding-dong.</i>

    Expecting to find Oh Gwang-Taek asleep, Kang Chan was surprised to see him already neatly dressed.

    "Come in."

    Oh Gwang-Taek stepped aside, allowing Kang Chan to enter and take a seat at the table.

    "I''ve gotten you a meeting with Director Kang after lunch to discuss your security. Manager Kim Hyung-Jung will bring the weapons in the afternoon."

    "Thank you."

    "I should be the one thanking you instead," Kang Chan corrected.

    Oh Gwang-Taek wryly smiled at him.

    "And G¨¦rard?"

    "I asked someone who speaks French to take him out for lunch."

    While Kang Chan''s assurances and observations about G¨¦rard were credible, the image that Oh Gwang-Taek had seen the day before continued to trouble him. A nce was enough to tell that he found it hard toe to terms with G¨¦rard.

    "I see. Let¡¯s go get something to eat,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek suggested.

    "Sure. Where do you want to go?"

    "How about the baekban restaurant[2] across the street?"

    Kang Chan hesitated for a moment. Even though the National Intelligence Service agents would be moving as a unit, he questioned if they really needed to make a special trip just for lunch. Maybe he was overanalyzing the situation, taking it too seriously when the other party might not have even given it a second thought.

    "Alright. Let¡¯s go."

    Oh Gwang-Taek briskly stood up. They left the room, walked down the corridor, and took the elevator to the ground floor.

    "We used to have many gang fights back in my day.¡± Oh Gwang-Taek stared straight ahead as he spoke, making it look as if he was talking to the elevator door. "Reflecting on it, the only real change has been the weapons, shifting from sashimi knives to handguns."

    With a smirk, he added, ¡°Back then, we didn¡¯t have anyone like you. Honestly, Do-Seok, Chul-Bum, and I had to go through hell to get to where we are now.¡±

    He turned to Kang Chan.

    "I''ve survived countless brushes with death."

    <i>Ding.</i>

    The elevator announced its arrival.

    "If I ever die..."

    The doors slid open.

    "... please, make sure to bastard in the video is taken care of."

    Oh Gwang-Taek walked into the lobby.

    1. Bossam is a Korean dish consisting of thinly sliced boiled pork served with cabbage wraps and often apanied by side dishes like kimchi and garlic. ?

    2. A Baekban restaurant is a Korean eatery that serves baekban, a traditional mealprising a main dish, rice, and an array of side dishes, all served at once. ?

 Chapter 306: Because I Believed (1)

    <h4>Chapter 306: Because I Believed (1)</h4>

    Oh Gwang-Taek and Kang Chan had lunch at Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s favorite baekban restaurant, which was quite shabby. As if he was her prodigal son returning home, the elderly owner kept serving them various side dishes.

    "Try some of this too," she said, patting Oh Gwang-Taek on the back.

    "Stop. I''m already full," Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    "Is that really enough? Have another bowl.¡±

    "I''ve already had two.¡±

    <i>Is he trying to y cute?</i>

    Kang Chan held back augh while drinking water. He missed Yoo Hye-Sook. Maybe that was why he could somewhat understand Oh Gwang-Taek''s unusual sulkiness. For him, the elderly owner probably felt like a mother.

    However, Kang Chan didn''t want to watch any more of it.

    "We should go," Kang Chan said.

    "Alright."

    Just as they were getting up, the elderlydy stuck her head out from the kitchen and tried to stop them.

    "Where do you think you''re going? Have a cup of coffee before you leave,¡± she said.

    "We need to go. We''re busy."

    "Don''t be so cold-hearted. You''re upsetting me.¡±

    "We really need to leave now."

    Following Oh Gwang-Taek, the owner came out to the door.

    "Come back inside. Why rush off today of all days? ¡°You''lle back, won¡¯t you? Make sure you eat on time."

    Oh Gwang-Taek smiled, making him look like a son who often caused trouble.

    "See you," he said.

    Leaving the disappointed elderlydy behind, Oh Gwang-Taek headed back to the hotel. It was the time of day when the high sun shortened shadows.

    "I¡¯ll head to the hotel. You go tend to your business," said Oh Gwang-Taek.

    "I won''t feel at ease until I''ve seen you with Director Kang," Kang Chan replied.

    "Hey! Have you forgotten who I am? I¡¯m <i>the </i>Oh Gwang-Taek!"

    "Alright, alright, I get it, you rascal. <i>The </i>Oh Gwang-Taek from Sinsa-dong! How about a coffee and a cigarette before we part ways, then? Also, don''t forget to brush your teeth. "

    Oh Gwang-Taek justughed off the jab from Kang Chan. After having coffee in Oh Gwang-Taek''s room, Kang Chan headed to Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s.

    <i>Ding-dong. Ding-dong.</i>

    "Who is it?"

    Perhaps Kang Chul-Gyu only kept asking that to show that someone was inside.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The door opened, revealing Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and several other DMZ team members.

    "I¡¯m going. I have an appointment,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu briefly nodded. That was all the acknowledgment that Oh Gwang-Taek received, too.

    Kang Chan headed straight to the elevator and went downstairs. After walking through the lobby and out the entrance, a sedan pulled up in front of him without him having to call for it. He got into the back seat.

    "Take me to the French Embassy,¡± he ordered, then asked, ¡°Do you have a radio and an extra handgun?"

    "Yes, sir. Would you like them now?"

    "No. Give them to me when Ie out of the Embassy."

    Sleep-deprived, he found himself constantly yawning.

    The world outside appeared as peaceful as always. Naturally, not all those in the passing cars and those walking by were happy. Some were surely struggling enough to wish for death. Nevertheless, Kang Chan still felt a sense of peace in the world that was distinctly at odds with his personal experiences.

    It was as if he was holding onto the tail of a lion. He wished he could just say,<i> ¡®Just live well,¡¯</i> and leave it at that. Unfortunately, his troubling sense of duty had linked him to the next-gen energy and Eurasian Rail projects, ensnaring him as tightly as the menacing re from a predator in an African pit.

    He arried at the French Embassy. Upon entering the parking lot, Louis, who looked hale and hearty, greeted Kang Chan. They nodded at each other and then went straight up to the second floor.

    "Monsieur Kang."

    "Ambassador."

    Lanok, wearing a neat suit, weed Kang Chan with a pleased expression.

    "Please have a seat."

    Seemingly anticipating Kang Chan¡¯s arrival, they had already prepared a teapot of ck tea, two empty cups, cigars, cigarettes, and an ashtray on the table.

    <i>Clink.</i>

    The distinctive, bitter aroma of the ck tea filled the air as Lanok poured them tea. He then met Kang Chan''s eyes.

    "What brings you here? You handled the operation in Libya quite impably, so it couldn¡¯t be that."

    Keeping his gaze fixed on Kang Chan, Lanok brought the teacup to his lips.

    "Ambassador, the truth is..."

    Kang Chan calmly recounted the attack on Suh Do-Seok, Oh Gwang-Taek''s idental encounter with G¨¦rard, and the events that followed after they checked the CCTV footage yesterday.

    "<i>Hmm</i>."

    Lanok lit a cigar.

    "Do you have any urgent appointments after this?"

    "I¡¯m free."

    Lanok, cigar in hand, walked to the desk and pressed the inte button.

    - Yes, Ambassador.

    That was definitely Anne¡¯s voice.

    "I need another hour. Please reschedule my appointments."

    - Yes, sir.

    Lanok stated his order inly, not bothering to mask it as a favor. Kang Chan felt he was getting a glimpse into Lanok''s task management methods.

    "Do you have that video?"

    "Yes."

    Kang Chan set down his teacup and handed over a USB to Lanok.

    Lanok pressed a few buttons on the remote. Soon, the video started ying on the wall-mounted TV. He intently watched as the screen filled with the image of a man in sunsses, head slightly tilted.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Lanok hit a button, pulled out a yellow folder and a USB from a drawer, and passed them to Kang Chan.

    "The DGSE has already investigated that case,¡± he said as his cigar emitted a thick smoke. "While you were fighting the Spetsnaz in France, we fired the two deputy directors who came up as suspects in the case."

    "Did you find any evidence?"

    "If we did, we would have dealt with them differently. The situation was too urgent to leave them be just to investigate their backers."

    Lanok tapped off the ash from his cigar and gestured with his eyes toward the file he had handed over.

    "You''ll find that quite interesting to read," he said, maintaining a perfectly impassive expression.

    Honestly, Kang Chan didn''t want to read it. He didn''t know what was inside, but he didn''t want to get even more entangled in this. However, he couldn¡¯t just avoid this situation either. Taking a deep breath, he silently flipped the yellow folder open.

    <i>''G¨¦rard...''</i>

    On the first page, in the top left corner, was a palm-sized photo of G¨¦rard.

    Lanok continued, "That is a detailed report of the investigation we conducted on him when you issued an order to make him themander of the Foreign Legion special forces."

    Before turning to the next page, Kang Chan looked at Lanok.

    "Gerard de Mermier, from a fallen noble family, grew up adopted under the name G¨¦rard Gee."

    Everything Lanok mentioned was exactly as written on the front page.

    "His adoptive father, Sergey Gee, a former Spetsnaz operative before the Soviet Union fell, gave him the name G¨¦rard Gee."

    <i>Of all the families out there, why did he have to get adopted into that one?</i>

    Kang Chan''s mouth filled with saliva. He couldn''t swallow it, though, since he didn''t want to appear weak in front of Lanok.

    "Vasili knew him. Don¡¯t misunderstand, though. Any capable head of intelligence would know about him."

    Kang Chan took a sip of his ck tea.

    "You''ll find an interesting photo on the next page,¡± Lanok said.

    Honestly, Kang Chan had no desire to turn the page. He felt like prying into G¨¦rard''s past was something he shouldn''t do.

    <i>What should I do?</i>

    Avoiding it now would mean he would keep thinking about whaty beyond.

    <i>Flick.</i>

    Turning the page, on the top left corner, he found a close-up photo of an older man. Below it was a photo of a man lying on the sidewalk in front of a store.

    A sigh involuntarily escaped from Kang Chan.

    "Sergey Gee was stabbed to death while walking on the street. The next page shows G¨¦rard¡¯s adoptive mother and sister, each dying in separate traffic idents."

    <i>Flick. Flick.</i>

    As Lanok had said, the photos on the next page showed the corpse of an unremarkable French woman beside a totaledpact car. The other was of a younger woman, likely her daughter, lying lifelessly on the road.

    The summary of the case and the police officer in charge were also written on it. ording to the report, the adoptive mother¡¯spact car collided with a truck, and the daughter was instantly killed by a motorcycle. It was all too strange. There had to be a reason for the deaths of these three people.

    <i>Flick.</i>

    Since he had already looked anyway, he decided to see this through. However, when he turned to the next page, he found himself unable to proceed. Right before his eyes was a photo of a young G¨¦rard in embarrassingly red pants, pitifully looking back at Kang Chan.

    His academic record, grades, and personality were all noted as poor.

    <i>Flick.</i>

    The photos that followed seemingly documented G¨¦rard¡¯s growth. They showed him growing taller and, more importantly, his gaze changing to what it was now.

    <i>Flick.</i>

    Next was his application to join the Foreign Legion and records of his deployments, aplishments, evaluations, and awards.

    "He went missing for an entire year before he joined the Foreign Legion,¡± Lanok said as Kang Chan put the yellow folder back on the table. "He vanished so thoroughly that not even the DGSE could trace him before he abruptly surfaced to join the Foreign Legion."

    Kang Chan picked up a cigarette from the table.

    "Mr. Ambassador, I¡¯d like to check if G¨¦rard was in Africa when the CCTV caught the man with the sunsses,¡± Kang Chan stated. "I also request the DGSE to investigate if the suspect really is his cousin¡ªa person of pure Lemier lineage."

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan lit a cigarette. The sorrowful look in young G¨¦rard''s eyes from the photos lingered in his mind.

    "<i>Hoo</i>!"

    Tapping the ash into the ashtray, he looked at Lanok. He had to steel his resolve.

    "I have a question, sir."

    "Go for it. I¡¯ll answer to the best of my abilities," Lanok answered.

    "Why have you been keeping Shan in Loriam?"

    "Although circumstantial, we have evidence that points to his coboration with Ethan in smuggling out ckhead."

    Kang Chan already knew all of that.

    "The pressing question is why Shan went to South Korea, especially with drugs in a Gong Te automobile. It could just be Ethan targeting me, but I believe Shan¡¯s operations were linked to the Star of David."

    Lanok extinguished his cigar in the ashtray. He then continued, ¡°More importantly, Ethan couldn''t have deceived me with such actions. That leaves us with Josh, the deputy director of the British intelligence bureau."

    "Does that justify keeping Shan alive?" asked Kang Chan.

    Lanok''s eyes glinted with light amusement.

    "Eliminating Shan would mean one less concern for the Star of David. By keeping him alive, he continues to be a potential wildcard, unpredictable in whether he would spill secrets."

    Kang Chan exhaled softly.

    <i>They lead suchplex lives.</i>

    Unfortunately, whether he liked it or not, these sticky situations clung to him like tape.

    "First off, it would be wise to identify the man in the footage," Lanok suggested.

    "Has the DGSE thoroughly investigated how Shan ended up in Incheon and whose help he had, sir?"

    "Inplex situations, it''s often smart to return to the basics. The nations connected to your question include China, North Korea, the UK, France, and Korea. That¡¯s why we have to prioritize identifying the man in the video."

    <i>What else is there? This is like peeling an onion,yer byyer, with the fear that there may be nothing at the core. No, if this was an onion, I would have just cut it in half.</i>

    Lanok refilled Kang Chan''s cup.

    "Where¡¯s G¨¦rard?"

    "He went out for lunch."

    "The only reason I appointed G¨¦rard as themander of the special forces team despite his year-long gap..." Lanok looked at Kang Chan, showing a hint of emotion for the first time today. ¡°... was because I trust you and your judgment.¡±

    Could there be any words moreforting in a moment like this?

    The turmoil andplexity within Kang Chan instantly calmed down.

    "Now, Mr. Kang Chan, you have another urgent matter to attend to."

    Lanok gave Kang Chan a reassuring smile.

    ***

    After enjoying bulgogi at a spacious Korean restaurant in Apgujeong-dong, G¨¦rard and Michelle headed to a quaint caf¨¦ next to the adjacent park. Located on the basement level, they had to descend a staircase to reach it. Since its entrance was below the building, patrons were allowed to smoke at the tables near the staircase.

    "What would you like to drink?" asked Michelle.

    " Do they sell instant coffee here?"

    "No, they don¡¯t.¡±

    "I see. Regr coffee it is."

    G¨¦rard wearily leaned back in his chair and pulled a cigarette from his pocket. A waiter soon approached them and put an ashtray and water on their table. They then took their order before disappearing into the kitchen.

    "Did you like the food?"

    "It was fine."

    As G¨¦rard put the cigarette to his lips, Michelle also pulled out her own from her bag.

    <i>Click. Flick. Flick.</i>

    G¨¦rard tried to light his cigarette with his Zippo lighter, but it wouldn''t catch.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Michelle sparked her lighter and extended it toward G¨¦rard.

    "<i>Hoo</i>."

    They were exhaling smoke when the waiter brought their coffee.

    "I¡¯m not one to judge, but it¡¯s not right to outright dismiss the kindness of others," said Michelle.

    G¨¦rard nced at her sideways.

    She continued, "And stop giving people that look! That smirk of yours needs to go too.¡±

    G¨¦rard chuckled, wiggling the scar on his cheek.

    "If you don¡¯t like something, just say so. Don¡¯t go making faces. It puts the person who treated you in an awkward position."

    "The food was fine. Tasty, even."

    <i>Click.</i>

    G¨¦rard took a sip of his coffee, then set the cup down.

    "If the captain entrusted you to look after me, that means he has some level of trust in you..."

    Michelle firmly fixed her gaze on G¨¦rard when Kang Chan was mentioned.

    "I didn''te to Korea for these clothes or fancy food. I wanted to be with the captain, to experience his world, which was free of guns and death¡ª" G¨¦rard abruptly stopped, realizing what he was about to say.

    "I''ve seen Channy troubled because he couldn''t protect someone. I don''t know the details, but is that what he does?" Michelle said.

    G¨¦rard sighed. "He shows his distress over things like that in front of you?"

    "He had such a sorrowful expression back then. When I asked, that¡¯s what he told me."

    G¨¦rardughed, seemingly deted. "Let''s drop this depressing topic."

    Instead of responding, Michelle just quietly sipped her coffee.

    After a while, she asked, "Anything else you''d like to see or eat?"

    "Bulgogi was enough. Let¡¯s head back to the hotel after this,¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    Michelle finished the rest of her coffee in silence.

    "I''ll go pay."

    "I''ll pay for it."

    "No, let me cover this,¡± Michelle insisted. She then went inside to settle the bill.

    When she returned, they climbed up the stairs and entered the narrow alley that led to their parking spot.

    <i>Vroom.</i>

    As they were walking, a loud engine sound broke the silence.

    <i>Swish!</i>

    G¨¦rard yanked Michelle back, immediately positioning himself in front of her.

    <i>Crash! Bang! Wham!</i>

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    A scooter toppled to one side of the road, its engine ring, with noodles and soups from its delivery scattered all over. People gathered around. The scooter drivery face down, bloodied, seemingly dead.

    "What was that...?" Michelle trailed off, taken aback by the intensity of G¨¦rard''s re.

    Hoping to calm G¨¦rard, Michelle forced herself to speak. "Are you okay?"

    G¨¦rard turned to her, his expression one of someone struggling to make sense of the situation. Suddenly, his eyes became so pitiful that he looked as if he was about to cry.

 Chapter 307: Because I Believed (2)

    <h4>Chapter 307: Because I Believed (2)</h4>

    Michelle and G¨¦rard were at a cafe in front of the park in Apgujeong-dong. They were on a busy road, and to make matters worse, they were also eye-catching foreigners.

    The delivery driver had copsed on the road, covered in blood.

    People continued to crowd around them.

    Michelle used to be the editor-in-chief of a magazine-publishingpany and was now running a drama productionpany. Because of her career, she had developed the ability to make sound judgments.

    She immediately concluded that taking care of this herself would just make things further spiral out of hand.

    <i>Weeeooo. Weeeooo.</i>

    ¡°Move out of the way!¡± police officers yelled.

    A police car was swiftly approaching them.

    Michelle quickly took out her phone and called Kang Chan.

    The dial tone rang twice.

    - Hello?

    Hearing Kang Chan¡¯s voice made her feel bad for putting him in a difficult position. However, it also made her feel strangely reassured.

    ¡°Channy, Gerry suddenly attacked a delivery person. Things have gotten out of control. A police car is here, and I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    Rather than being afraid of going to the police station, she was more afraid of things getting out of hand.

    - Are you and G¨¦rard injured anywhere?

    Michelle didn¡¯t expect that to be Kang Chan¡¯s first question. The gratitude she felt made her emotional.

    ¡°Gerry and I are okay. We¡¯ve got a big crowd around us now, though.¡±

    - Where are you guys?

    ¡°We¡¯re at the cafe in front of the park in Apgujeong-dong.¡±

    Michelle heard Kang Chanughing.

    - After you hang up, you¡¯ll get a call from an unknown number. Make sure you answer it, okay?

    ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡±

    Michelle heard Kang Chanughing again.

    After she hung up, two police officers approached them. Around the same time, the man G¨¦rard had attacked began to stand up. He had one of his hands around his nose.

    One of the police officers went to Michelle. The other went to the injured man.

    With his gaze alternating between Michelle and G¨¦rard, the cop asked, ¡°Do you know how to speak Korean?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Michelle answered.

    The police officer, who was ncing at G¨¦rard, suddenly looked very relieved.

    ¡°We received a report. Did you guys assault that man?¡±

    Michelle looked behind her to check on the police officer who went to the injured man. Just as she was about to answer, her phone rang.

    ¡°One moment, please,¡± Michelle requested, then answered her phone. ¡°Hello?¡±

    The cop interrogating her looked displeased but allowed her to take the call anyway. His buddy was still helping the man who had copsed.

    ¡°Yes. That¡¯s right. Yes, he¡¯s with me. One moment,¡± Michelle told the person on the call. She then held out her phone. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but could you talk to the person on the phone for me? I don¡¯t know much about these things.¡±

    The police officer sneered at Michelle and her phone. If she wasn¡¯t strikingly beautiful and if they weren¡¯t foreigners, he probably wouldn¡¯t have done what she asked.

    Taking the phone from her, he greeted, ¡°Hello? Yes. That¡¯s right. Pardon?¡±

    He quickly looked away from Michelle and examined the man who had copsed. He then looked at her suspiciously again.

    ¡°Understood. Yes, I¡¯ll figure out what¡¯s going on first,¡± he said, then handed the phone back to her, a strange expression on his face. ¡°Here you go. They asked me to put you on the phone again.¡±

    Michelle quickly epted it and brought it to her ear.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll do that. Thank you.¡±

    The brief phone call ended.

    ¡°Go in the car for now,¡± the cop ordered.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Michelle obediently went into the backseat of the police car with G¨¦rard. The man on the call had also asked her to do the same to prevent people from taking pictures of them.

    The rear doors of police cars couldn¡¯t be opened from the inside.

    After getting G¨¦rard and Michelle into the vehicle, the police officer shook his head. He then walked to the injured man.

    The area around his nose was swollen, and sticky blood was still seeping out of his lips, which had burst open.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.</i>

    The phone in the cop¡¯s pants pocket began to ring. After checking the caller ID, he quickly answered it.

    ¡°Hello? Yes, this is Sergeant Lee Yang-Ho. That¡¯s right. Pardon?¡±

    Lee Yang-Ho discretely walked away and focused on what the person on the other end was saying.

    ¡°Yes. I already did that. No, it¡¯s nothing. I just did what I was supposed to do. Alright. I¡¯ll head to the police station immediately.¡±

    Lee Yang-Ho hung up and then approached his fellow police officer.

    ¡°I was told that another police car is on its way. I¡¯ll drop those two off at the police station,¡± Lee Yang-Ho said.

    His partner looked confused. Nevertheless, he simply continued, ¡°Take this man to the hospital, then call me.¡±

    Before he even finished his sentence, three police cars consecutively arrived at the scene.

    Lee Yang-Ho quickly made his way to his vehicle.

    ***

    After hanging up, Kang Chan said, ¡°I apologize for taking that call.¡±

    Lanok simply smiled in response. Before Michelle called, they were in the middle of a conversation regarding Abibu¡¯s visit to South Korea.

    ¡°Abibu is flying over to meet Song Chang-Wook, themissioner of the newly founded Energy Resource Administration. He¡¯s probably going to request that you attend the meeting,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Is this the Abibu that Vasili mentionedst time?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. He¡¯s also rted to what happened in Libya.¡±

    Smiling, Lanok added, ¡°He most likely holds immense fury for you deep down. The crushing defeat he suffered in Libya cost him a lot of influence in the Imicmunity. You then further humiliated him and made him incur even more losses by signing the joint oil development rights between South Korea and Russia, pushing through with the next-gen power nt construction, and more.¡±

    As Kang Chan smirked, Lanok continued, ¡°The stature of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service has increased enough to surprise even the DGSE. Right now, we¡¯re receiving information rted to South Korea from all over the globe. That serves as evidence that the informants stationed in other countries want to look good to South Korea by doing work rted to it.¡±

    Kang Chan knew that Lanok was saying good things, but he still found it difficult to determine which ones exactly he should be happy about.

    ¡°Abibu seems to be nning to make up for all that in one go. However, since he can¡¯tunch a terrorist attack in South Korea right now, he would aim for the next best target¡ªMongolia.¡±

    <i>Oh fuck!</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin was responsible for the area that Kang Chul-Gyu and their core military unit had left.

    ¡°We learned about this all thanks to you. After you took care of the issues in Libya, our informants became much more enthusiastic about duties rted to South Korea. As a result, we can now predict Abibu¡¯s next move in Mongolia. You achieved in just one retaliation what would¡¯ve taken regr intelligence bureaus about ten years of hard work to aplish.¡±

    Lanok took a sip of his ck tea. He then stared at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, I don¡¯t know much about things like this, but I do hope we can stop sacrificing soldiers for such matters.¡±

    ¡°Bing a powerful nation isn¡¯t easy,¡± Lanok responded. He looked like an uncle with a lot of experience talking to his nephew. ¡°Even France has to sacrifice innumerable men in Africa. There was also an instance when we lost half of our intelligence bureau personnel at the same time. The DGSE was formed in the process of retaliating against all of that.¡±

    <i>That¡¯s true. Right now, the Foreign Legion is probably still engaged in a violent battle somewhere in Africa.</i>

    Lanok continued. ¡°This is just the beginning for South Korea. Other powerful nations near this nation and the forces that want to steal its vested interests will keep it in check. South Korea has to ovee all of them. It¡¯s cruel, but no country has ever earned honor without spilling the blood of its intelligence agents.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed softly. Now that things hade to this, he was determined to quickly and properly take care of this matter.

    ¡°Ethan gave the ckhead that activated the subterranean shock device to the United States,¡± Lanok said. As if remembering something amusing, he added, ¡°The United States is going to have a lot in their minds.¡±

    Suddenly thinking of Sherman, Kang Chan nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok called.

    <i>Must be time for me to leave.</i>

    Now, Kang Chan could guess what Lanok¡¯s intentions were just by hearing Lanok calling him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wrap this matter up quickly. Let¡¯s go golfing and go on a trip together after. What do you say we go to Russia? We have a friend that¡¯ll treat us to a meal there.¡±

    Although Kang Chan was right that Lanok did want to part ways, he was still caught a bit off guard by his words.

    <i>Does that mean he thinks Vasili owes us a meal?</i>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud. Vasili would surelyin with glinting eyes.

    <i>I¡¯m d I came here.</i>

    Meeting his mentor allowed him to somewhat organize theplicated matters that he had to do. It also made him feel as though all theplicated thoughts guing his mind had disappeared.

    ¡°I¡¯ll contact you as soon as we have more information on G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    ¡°If he turns out to be rted to the Star of David, the DGSE might take this matter into their own hands.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank.

    As far as he knew, the DGSE had never acted without Lanok¡¯s orders. Considering Lanok also knew all about his tendencies, those words likely served as a warning.

    ¡°If G¨¦rard is rted to the Star of David, then we will have no other option. We can¡¯t allow such a dangerous person to be near us. That¡¯s why we removed two Deputy Director-Generals from the DGSE in the first ce.¡±

    ¡°Will the DGSE still eliminate him even if I ask you to spare him?¡±

    ¡°Letting a Star of David member stay by our side could cost you everyone else you treasure. That includes me and Anne. Everything that we¡¯ve done and the countless sacrifices we¡¯ve had to make would be all for naught.¡±

    Lanok was clearly telling Kang Chan that he wasn¡¯t going to back down.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Everything would be fine for as long as G¨¦rard wasn¡¯t a part of the Star of David.

    Kang Chan stopped being stubborn. He stood up from his spot.

    Lanok¡¯s words and the look in his eyes made it clear that he wanted him to be stronger.

    Kang Chan smirked as he hugged Lanok.

    <i>I¡¯m no longer inbat, yet life is still so fucking difficult.</i>

    ***

    Upon leaving the embassy, Kang Chan received a pistol and a radio from the agent sitting in the passenger seat. He then gave Kim Hyung-Jung a call.

    G¨¦rard was already at the hotel.

    Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan that G¨¦rard had seriously injured the delivery person. He crushed his nasal bones.

    <i>That crazy motherfucker! He¡¯s themander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team! Why would he break the nasal bones of someone who just wanted to deliver jajangmyeon and jjampong?</i>

    It was fortunate that G¨¦rard¡¯s victim didn¡¯t die.

    ¡°What about the injured man?¡±

    - We made a deal with him. We¡¯repensating him for his motorcycle, food, and medical expenses. We¡¯re also paying him thirty million won to cover the time that he won¡¯t be able to work. Miss Michelle paid for all of that from yourpany.

    ¡°Thank you, Manager Kim. I¡¯m on my way to the hotel. Are you free today?¡±

    - I actually have a lot to report to you. Should we meet up?

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you in thirty minutes.¡±

    - Alright. I¡¯ll wait for you at the hotel, so give me a call when you have time.

    Kang Chan hung up and then looked outside the window.

    <i>G¨¦rard, you son of a bitch! You¡¯re making things so fucking hard for me. It won¡¯t be true, but what should I do if G¨¦rard had been a part of the Star of David, even for a moment? What if the DGSE tries to kill him?</i>

    Kang Chan saw the hotel in the distance. He had to decide what to do right now.

    Exhaling softly, he made up his mind.

    When he walked into the hotel, G¨¦rard and Michelle¡ªwho were waiting for him in the lobby¡ªstood up from their seats.

    Kang Chan nodded toward the elevator. After they were done paying for their orders, the three got in the elevator and went into Kang Chan¡¯s room.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Kang Chan offered.

    As G¨¦rard and Michelle sat across from him, he red at G¨¦rard, who was clearly deep in thought.

    ¡°You son of a bitch! You wasted thirty million won just to have bulgogi for lunch?!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    ¡°Channy, about that...¡± Michelle trailed off and dropped her gaze to the table as soon as she noticed Kang Chan¡¯s eyes on her.

    The afternoon sunlight seeped into the room through the window, elongating their shadows.

    ¡°G¨¦rard,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    G¨¦rard seemed prepared for the consequences.

    Although he looked good in a suit and shirt, he also looked tired and appeared to be having a hard time, which was unlike him.

    ¡°Pack your bags,¡± Kang Chan said.

    G¨¦rard nced up at him, then dropped his gaze again. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Michelle tried her best to read Kang Chan¡¯s mood. She then looked at G¨¦rard, her eyes showing how sorry she felt for him.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go fucking bankrupt trying to pay for your meals if I leave you fucking bastard be. Starting today, you¡¯re staying at my house,¡± Kang Chan said.

    G¨¦rard and Michelle nkly stared at Kang Chan.

    ¡°What? Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Channy?¡± Michelle asked back.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked, then turned to G¨¦rard. ¡°Do you want to stay here instead?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it...¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard,¡± Kang Chan called again.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Smirking, he asked, ¡°Are you pretending to be disheartened?¡±

    G¨¦rard couldn¡¯t help but smile, the scar on his cheek curving.

    ¡°You shameless bastard! Why don¡¯t you pretend even harder? Do you want to get hit? If the guys that know you could see the look on your face right now, all of them would¡ª!¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t bring himself to say <i>¡®They would¡¯ve shot you!¡¯ </i>because of Michelle.

    G¨¦rard smiled. He seemed a bit morefortable now.

    ¡°Anyway, from now on, you are never to leave my side. It doesn¡¯t matter how hard Michelle coaxes you. If you have to go out, then you¡¯re going to have toe with me¡ªwhy do you keep looking at me like that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan turned to Michelle. She had to go through so much trouble today because he asked her to buy G¨¦rard bulgogi. He would feel bad if he just told her to go now.

    ¡°I have a brief meeting with someone today. Would you like to have dinner with us afterward?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    The offer appeared to have made Michelle happy.

    With their conversation over, Kang Chan took out his phone and called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Manager Kim, where should we meet?¡±

    - I¡¯m in the room used by the agents. It¡¯s room 1552 on the fifteenth floor.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be there soon.¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head toward Michelle as he was putting his phone into his pocket.

    ¡°Wait for me here. I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Michelle nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard,e with me.¡±

    G¨¦rard immediately stood up.

    The two went out of the room and headed to the elevator. After tapping the key card on the scanner, Kang Chan pressed the button for the fifteenth floor.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    They stayed quiet inside the elevator.

    <i>Slide.</i>

    When the doors opened, two agents guarding the elevator greeted Kang Chan with their eyes.

    ¡°Can you guys open the emergency stairs?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Pleasee this way.¡±

    An agent opened the emergency exit door to the left of the hallway.

    ¡°Are there CCTV cameras in there?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°Not in this one.¡±

    ¡°What about the guards?¡±

    Kang Chan looked down the staircase, clearly examining the general security of the fifteenth floor.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got two agents guarding the floor below and above ours,¡± the agent answered.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m going to have a smoke before going to the room.¡±

    The agent bowed, then went back to the hallway.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The door closed.

    Kang Chan then walked toward the window in front of the emergency exit.

    G¨¦rard, who couldn¡¯t speak Korean, just silently watched Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan put his right foot three or four steps above the stairs.

    <i>Click. Click. Chkk.</i>

    He took out the pistol from the holster that he had strapped around his ankle, then offered it to G¨¦rard, much to thetter¡¯s surprise.

    ¡°Take it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Confused, G¨¦rard epted it. Kang Chan then handed him the two extra magazines behind his ankle.

    ¡°I went to the French embassy today and told Ambassador Lanok about the person who looks exactly like you in the CCTV footage,¡± Kang Chan said. He then locked eyes with G¨¦rard. ¡°If you turn out to be the person in the CCTV footage, the DGSE will target you. If you aren¡¯t, the Star of David will.¡±

    G¨¦rard just stared at him.

    After a moment of silence, he added, ¡°Hide the pistol around your ankle already. I have to meet someone.¡±

    G¨¦rard raised his long leg on the stairs and skillfully did as instructed.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need a key card to go down the floors. Go back to my room and wait for me there. The agents are guarding it, so you should be safe there,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Kang Chan waited for G¨¦rard to stand up, then turned toward the emergency exit.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard softly called as Kang Chan was reaching for the doorknob.

    Kang Chan slowly turned back.

 Chapter 308: Dont Go Alone (1)

    <h4>Chapter 308: Don''t Go Alone (1)</h4>

    "The person in the video isn''t me," G¨¦rard stated.

    Kang Chan locked eyes with him. G¨¦rard''s eyes often glinted like Daye¡¯s. However, there were moments when they seemed sorrowful, mirroring the young G¨¦rard''s eyes in the photograph.

    <i>Thank you. I truly appreciate it.</i>

    When Kang Chan chuckled, G¨¦rard swiftly joined him, his scarred cheek twitching.

    "G¨¦rard," Kang Chan called.

    "Oui."

    "When I got Michelle''s call, I realized that even if you were the person in the video, abandoning you wasn¡¯t an option for me."

    G¨¦rard couldn¡¯t help but smile. "You truly are undeterred."

    Smirking, Kang Chan proceeded to open the emergency exit door.

    <i>I¡¯ve seriously done it now, but I¡¯m not going back on my decision.</i>

    It didn¡¯t matter if he was being misled. Until he was sure of it, G¨¦rard would always be the G¨¦rard he knew.

    Kang Chan resolutely reflected on his debts to G¨¦rard from their times in Mongolia, Afghanistan, and Africa. He headed back to the hallway and went to Room 1522. As he did, he caught a glimpse of G¨¦rard turning the corner toward the elevator.

    <i>Ding dong. Ding dong.</i>

    Kang Chan rang the doorbell. Soon after, Kim Hyung-Jung greeted him.

    "Wee."

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smile when he saw him.

    "You look like you¡¯ve been having a good day," observed Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "I¡¯m just d to see you, manager," Kang Chan responded.

    Kim Hyung-Jung guided him inside with a warm smile. They then sat down across each other at the table that had simple pastries and beverages on it.

    "Is there any chance of our conversation here being overheard outside?" Kang Chan inquired.

    "No. The agents¡¯ rooms are equipped with surveince countermeasures."

    With his eyes, Kim Hyung-Jung gestured to a device that was shing red and blue. It was about the size of aputer tower.

    "How''s the DMZ team doing?"

    "They¡¯re already going through the approval process. The weapons, vehicles, and radios Kang Chul-Gyu sunbae requested have already been distributed, and their IDs will be issued by lunch tomorrow,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. He then handed over G¨¦rard''s passport. ¡°On another note, G¨¦rard''s entry has been processed."

    "Thank you."

    Kim Hyung-Jung opened a bottle of water and put it in front of Kang Chan.

    "I heard a Saudi Arabian named Abibu is nning to visit in about ten days. Is that true?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Yes, he will being under the pretense of an invitation from the opposition.¡±

    "He intends to meet with Energy Resources Commission Director Song Chang-Wook and has also requested that I join them,¡± Kang Chan quickly replied, his tone suggesting curiosity and concern about why and how.

    Unfortunately, Kim Hyung-Jung looked like this was news to him as well.

    Kang Chan said, "Abibu was one of the people behind the incident in Libya. I¡¯ve received intel that he wants to meet me to keep me in Korea and target our base in Mongolia."

    Kim Hyung-Jung regarded Kang Chan with a look of obvious astonishment.

    Kang Chan added, "We have to keep this matter confidential. If Abibu learns we''re on to him, he may adopt a different strategy."

    "What''s your n?" inquired Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "I want to send the DMZ team to Mongolia."

    "What about you, Mr. Kang Chan?"

    "I will stay and meet with Abibu."

    Kim Hyung-Jung took a deep breath.

    "Then will the DMZ team be the counter-terrorism team under my charge?" Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    "That''s correct," Kang Chan confirmed. "I¡¯ll head to Jeungpyeong tomorrow to coordinate with the special forces team there. In two or three days, we''ll dispatch them to Mongolia. We have to remain the only ones who know about this operation."

    "It''s one thing to dispatch the counter-terrorism team and another to deploy the Jeungpyeong special forces team, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    "We''ll send them on vacation."

    "Vacation?"

    Surprise enveloped Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s expression.

    "All the standard weapons are already at the base in Mongolia. We don''t know how many our opponent will send, but I doubt the DMZ team alone will be enough. I''d like about ten people to enter Mongolia individually under the guise of a vacation," Kang Chan said.

    Kim Hyung-Jung was momentarily rendered speechless.

    After a short while, he asked, "Are you telling me not to report this to the director?"

    "I''ll leave that to your judgment. All I¡¯m saying is that if word about this gets out, it will inevitably lead to the death of our people."

    A brief silence followed.

    "Please set my schedule ordingly. I don¡¯t want media exposure, but I want it to be public enough to let everyone know I haven¡¯t left Korea,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    "A meeting with Director Song Chang-Wook or an interview with Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik of the preparationmittee should be enough to aplish that."

    Kang Chan was puzzled. He knew Song Chang-Wook, the descendant of an independence activist, but wasn¡¯t Kim Gwan-Sik Kim Mi-Young¡¯s...?

    He sighed softly.

    "How about you meet the director in person, Mr. Kang Chan?"

    "If that''s our best option, I don¡¯t see why not,¡± Kang Chan answered. ¡°Please make sure that the counter-terrorism team can go to Jeungpyeong tomorrow to coordinate."

    "Got it."

    "Director Kang Chul-Gyu will spearhead the Mongolian operation."

    "Does he know?"

    "I''ll talk to him myself."

    "Please do."

    Afterward, Kim Hyung-Jung proceeded to tell him about the recent events in great detail. Listening to him, Kang Chan realized that he had to meet with Hwang Ki-Hyun at least once.

    "We''re nning to the next-generation energy facility in Goseong of Gangwon-do. Since it will also serve as the starting point for the Eurasian Rail, we''ve started building a new highway that would go through Mishi-ryeong."

    While lives were being taken and risked overseas, such projects were advancing. Preparing for these matters and dealing with the aftermath of Kang Chan and the special forces team''s actions was certainly no small feat.

    "Why are you looking at me like that?"

    "I was just thinking about all the hard work you''ve been doing behind the scenes while I was out there causing trouble."

    Kim Hyung-Jung shook his head. "Every time I remember our fallen agents and soldiers, I always feel as if I haven¡¯t done enough. I¡¯d be too ashamed to face them right now."

    He let out a short sigh, seemingly trying to shake off his emotions.

    "I''ll organize your schedule and send it to you by tomorrow. Choi Jong-Il¡¯s team will also be deployed by then. Oh, have you gone home yet?"

    "My parents don''t even know I''m here. I n to visit them tonight, if possible," Kang Chan said.

    "You should get some rest, even if just a little," Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    "I''m fine."

    They both smiled bitterly. If there was ever a time to push themselves to the brink of exhaustion, it would be now. As Lanok had said, they could lose everything they had worked so hard for if they weren''t careful.

    After their meeting, Kang Chan headed to Kang Chul-Gyu''s room.

    <i>Ding dong. Ding dong.</i>

    "Who is it?"

    <i>If there''s no answer, he''s not in.</i>

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu opened the door.

    "Got a moment?"

    Kang Chul-Gyu nced around Kang Chan and then stepped aside to let him in. They sat down together at a table. Aside from the trash bin filled with paper cups and bottles, the room was still tidy.

    Kang Chan began by telling him about Abibu''s visit and the situation in Mongolia.

    "I''m heading to Jeungpyeong tomorrow to coordinate with the special forces team. I''d like you to go to Mongolia in a day or two."

    "Got it," Kang Chul-Gyu responded without hesitation.

    "Sorry.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu cocked his head as if to say,<i> ''For what?''</i>

    "For always relying on you when I''m in a pinch. I know none of this is easy."

    Kang Chul-Gyu smiled in a way that was different from the way he had before.

    "Assistant director."

    Kang Chan quizzically looked at Kang Chul-Gyu. Following Kang Chul-Gyu''s gaze and nod, he saw the clothes and sneakers that he had given him.

    Kang Chul-Gyu slowly raised his head. "Don''t worry. Not a single enemy who''s set foot inside the Mongolian base hase out alive."

    <i>This old man...!</i>

    Kang Chan briefly nodded. Their message of trust couldn¡¯t be conveyed any clearer than this.

    "I''ll get going," he said, standing up.

    <i>What more could be said in this situation?</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu apanied him to the door.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The sound of the door closing echoed. Kang Chan let out a short sigh, releasing his emotions, then headed to the room where G¨¦rard and Michelle were waiting.

    <i>Click</i>.

    As he opened the door, both G¨¦rard and Michelle stood up from the table.

    "Are you done packing?" Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± G¨¦rard answered. It seemed his luggage only consisted of a shopping bag full of newly bought clothes and the bag that he had brought with him.

    "Let''s go."

    Kang Chan took G¨¦rard''s shopping bag and left the room with him and Michelle, heading toward the elevator through the corridor. G¨¦rard seemed pleased about leaving the hotel and getting to go to Kang Chan''s ce.

    They informed the agents at the entrance that they were going to a barbecue restaurant in Samseong-dong, then went to Michelle''s car. Kang Chan sat in the back.

    <i>''Damn it!¡¯ </i>he thought.

    The car was so cramped that the backseat was incredibly ufortable.

    They visited the restaurant that Kang Chan had been to with Seok Kang-Ho and enjoyed sirloin with a fair amount of soju and beer. Grilling sirloin was no different from a barbecue.

    G¨¦rard couldn¡¯t help but be impressed by the side dishes. He hadn''t adapted to kimchi yet, but he enjoyed everything else quite a lot.

    <i>I¡¯m with G¨¦rard on this. I trust him.</i>

    Kang Chan felt as if he had thrown off a heavy yoke from his shoulders. Toward the end of the meal, he asked for three portions of sirloin and three portions of ribs for takeout.

    "Should we have a cup of coffee?"

    After getting their packed order, they went to the coffee shop next door.

    Although the sun had already set, it wasn''t too cold.

    They found a table on the veranda and had hot Americanos.

    "Are you going straight home?" Michelle asked.

    "No. I need to stop by the hospital to see someone,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    "Is the takeout for your parents?"

    "No, it¡¯s for the one I¡¯m visiting at the hospital."

    The conversation made G¨¦rard grin.

    "What¡¯s your n tomorrow?"

    "I might have to go to the provinces."

    "With Gerry?"

    <i>When did they start calling each other their nicknames?</i>

    "Yes. It would be boring for him to stay alone in Seoul, wouldn¡¯t it?"

    "It¡¯s settled, then. I was worried you might have something for me to do today, so I brought it up."

    "If I end up not being able to take him, I''ll let you know."

    Michelle nodded. "Alright, Channy.¡±

    "Get a driver. We''ll go after."

    Michelle took out her phone and called her designated driver.

    "Thanks and sorry for today. The incident earlier must have been quite shocking," G¨¦rard said.

    "No, it¡¯s okay. I was partly at fault for not properly keeping an eye on you," Michelle said.

    While drinking the rest of their coffee, the driver arrived at the coffee shop. After a French-style farewell, Michelle departed.

    Kang Chan told the agents to pick them up through the radio.

    "Are you visiting Daye?"

    "Yeah. He''s alone at the hospital."

    A car soon pulled up. He quickly got into the back seat and headed to the hospital.

    Thinking about the possibility that Seok Kang-Ho had called his family over, Kang Chan decided to call him.

    - Yes, it''s me.

    "Have you eaten?"

    - Yeah, just did. Where are you?

    "I''m heading to the hospital. Is your family there?"

    - How would I exin these injuries? <i>Puhahaha</i>, hurry up already. I¡¯m starting to get bored, so this is perfect.

    "Got it. I¡¯ll be there soon."

    Hearing Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s cheerful voice made Kang Chanugh for no reason.

    Fortunately, Bang Ji Hospital wasn''t that far. When they arrived, Kang Chan immediately headed to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room and slid the door open. Inside, he found Seok Kang-Ho sitting on the bed, the upper part of which had been raised as high as possible.

    "Come in! Hey, G¨¦rard!" Seok Kang-Ho greeted.

    He could move a lot more now. Moreover, with all the swelling gone, he finally looked human again.

    "<i>Huh</i>? What''s that?" asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    "Takeout. It¡¯s the same menu I had with G¨¦rard. Seems like we¡¯re a bitte, though."

    Seok Kang-Ho frowned. "What do you mean?"

    "Didn¡¯t you already eat dinner?"

    "Well, hospital food is hardly satisfying, you know? I was actually considering ordering some pig''s feet before bedtime."

    Dragging his patient slippers, Seok Kang-Ho walked to the table. "You two should eat some more too.¡±

    "I''m full."

    Seok Kang-Ho set the meat and side dishes on the table. The aroma of fragrant coffee filled the air. Turning his head, he saw G¨¦rard making instant coffee.

    "What did you have for dinner anyway?"

    Kang Chan ryed Seok Kang-Ho''s questions and G¨¦rard''s answers. The initially busy atmosphere soon lightened, and the three started chuckling together. Kang Chan never imagined a day like this woulde.

    To think that after escaping the terrible battles in Africa, they would beughing together so joyously in the heart of Seoul. Seok Kang-Ho, disying a voracious appetite, ended up consuming all six portions of meat.

    "G¨¦rard!" He called, then mimed bringing a drink to his mouth.

    <i>He''s definitely a patient.</i>

    Withoutint, G¨¦rard prepared another cup of instant coffee and brought it to Seok Kang-Ho.

    "Got a cigarette?" asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    "You''re recovering, don''t smoke."

    "Don''t make me feel left out!"

    Seok Kang-Ho genuinely looked upset. Kang Chan got up and opened a window. The three then lit cigarettes.

    "The DMZ team will get their IDs tomorrow, and...." Kang Chan informed Seok Kang-Ho about Abibu''s visit and the danger that the Mongolian base was in.

    "Those bastards! What sin have wemitted to deserve their endless madness?"

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <i>Sin? If there is one, it¡¯s being a weak country that suddenly came into possession of ckhead''s energy. Refusing to obediently hand it over and bow our heads is another.</i>

    "Are you going, Cap?"

    "I''ve asked Director Kang Chul-Gyu to handle it."

    Noticing Seok Kang-Ho''s expression, G¨¦rard turned his attention to Kang Chan. Hence, Kang Chan exined the situation to G¨¦rard as well. G¨¦rard had hung his jacket over the back of a chair. Dressed in a white shirt, his brown hair and deep-set eyes looked especially striking today.

    "<i>Ha</i>! Dude, you lookpletely different dressed like this! Maybe I should start wearing suits too."

    Kang Chan just stayed silent. There was no need to tell him that he looked like a gangster.

    Since they were already here, Kang Chan also informed Seok Kang-Ho about everything else, including the updates on the CCTV footage and today''s events. However, he left out the information about G¨¦rard¡¯s family matters.

    G¨¦rard seemed to be attempting to guess what was being discussed.

    "Do you trust this guy?"

    "I told him that even if he was a member of the Star of David, I wouldn''t abandon him."

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    "G¨¦rard," he called.

    "I understand if there¡¯s something you can¡¯t tell me. We gathered in Africa with that in mind in the first ce."

    G¨¦rard nced at Kang Chan, who was interpreting for them, then turned back to Seok Kang-Ho.

    "Still, don''t go dying in some random ce alone."

    <i>Why is he saying this?</i>

    Kang Chan ryed Seok Kang-Ho''s words in French.

    "If you do, the captain will definitely do something terrible.¡±

    Kang Chan nkly stared at Seok Kang-Ho. There was no reason to say such a thing. It was also too embarrassing to interpret.

    G¨¦rard gave Kang Chan a serious look. "What did Daye say, Cap?"

    "If you die alone somewhere, he says I''ll do something terrible."

    G¨¦rard smiled, causing his scarred cheek to stretch. "Daye."

    <i>Seriously, these guys!</i>

    "Mind your own business."

    Kang Chan ended upughing so hard he was on the verge of tears.

    "What did he say?"

    "He said mind your own business."

    After a brief silence, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s uniqueughter filled the room.

    "<i>Puhahaha</i>!"

 Chapter 309: Donéˆ¥æª› Go Alone (2)

    <h4>Chapter 309: Don¡¯t Go Alone (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan had nned to go back home after visiting Seok Kang-Ho, but time flew by while they were chatting.

    ¡°You can just sleep here,¡± Seok Kang-Ho offered.

    Moreover, Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard¡¯s regretful expressions made Kang Chan feel as if he had no choice but to change ns.

    ¡°When he beat me up the third time, I finally started crying pitifully!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    He was telling the familiar story of Kang Chan¡¯s first encounter with him, his subsequent entry into the Foreign Legion, and the reasons he and G¨¦rard started shing with each other the moment they met. Although he had told the same story so many times already, it still strangely made them all chortle and chuckle.

    Around midnight, a nurse put two injections in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s IV drip, taking cautious nces at G¨¦rard as she did.

    They also recalled stories of their difficult battles. However, they didn¡¯t say a word about the men they had lost. There was no need to open past wounds.

    Almost an hour past midnight, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyelids began to falter. The effects of the injection were hard to beat.

    ¡°You should sleep. We¡¯ll get some shuteye too,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°All right,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard were sleep-deprived. They had to sleep whenever they could.

    After lightly washing up, Kang Chan took the empty bed in the room, and G¨¦rard stretched out on the cot intended for the patients¡¯ guardians.

    Theck of sleep washed over Kang Chan like water pouring down from the ceiling. He felt himself falling deeper into the bed.

    The sound of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s snoring lulled him into a deep sleep.

    ***

    After eating the breakfast provided by the hotel, Kang Chul-Gyu left his room three hours before noon with his team. Two NIS agents helped him with all his tasks, checking out for him.

    Kang Chul-Gyu climbed aboard the bus that was parked at the hotel entrance and stood in the aisle.

    Nam Il-Gyu then briefly reported, ¡°All aboard.¡±

    Although the bus had started, Kang Chul-Gyu remained standing in the aisle.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be going to Jeungpyeong today,¡± he announced.

    Yesterday, all he had told them was to gather at this time. He only informed them of where they were going now.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have a joint training exercise with our juniors there. I¡¯ll tell you our next ns after the training is over. Make sure you use this opportunity to teach them everything you can.¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chul-Gyu looked around the bus and sat down next to Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°I¡¯m training too,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t feel like you have to, President Oh,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu gently replied.

    ¡°Why do you say that? No one can stop me from joining.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu responded with his trademark smile.

    The bus sped along the highway.

    All the soldiers saw the ck car in front of them and the ck van that was following behind.

    ¡°Those must be our security escorts, huh?¡± Yang Dong-Sik asked.

    ¡°I think so,¡± Nam Il-Gyu replied.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Yang Dong-Sik suddenly swore.

    Nam Il-Gyu turned to him, finding him looking outside the window.

    ¡°I find it weird to receive this kind of treatment since we were never treated this way while we were on active duty. I just wish my dead wife could have seen this. When I die, I can probably face her with dignity now.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you also have a daughter? What¡¯s she up to?¡± Nam Il-Gyu asked.

    ¡°So-mi? Don¡¯t even mention her. I heard she¡¯s running a Chinese restaurant on Sewol-Dong Street or whatever. She doesn¡¯t even pick up my calls.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu turned back ahead, pretending as if he didn¡¯t hear anything.

    Most of the soldiers on this bus had a bad rtionship with their families since they couldn¡¯t find the time to properly care for their children when they were still young. To make matters worse, by the time they had grown older, their fathers had already turned into good-for-nothing bastards who had been kicked out of society. All they had left were paltry pensions and trauma from grueling battles in the DMZ, and the only jobs they could find in society were usually menialbor.

    If only there had been some securitypanies back then like there were now...

    Some of theirrades had even turned to a life of crime.

    They all tried their hardest to live, but what they learned in the military waspletely useless in society. Moreover, they couldn¡¯t stand people who would try to use their power to beat them into submission.

    Gangsters? Bullshit. They could kill any one of them with a flick of the wrist if they wanted to. Breaking an arm or two was nothing.

    Having gone through hell and back, they found it disrespectful to be asked to bow down in front of young gangsters or the son of andlord who drove a luxury car. It was thanks to soldiers like them thatndlords had buildings and their sons had cars in the first ce.

    Considering they had lived lives that made sushi knives look like children¡¯s toys, it was only natural that gangsters didn¡¯t scare them. To top it all off, they also had resentment against the world.

    Their frustration and anger even sometimes escaped them. On asion, when Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik had a few too many drinks, they would shout too loudly and beat up a few gangsters.

    Nevertheless, they still couldn¡¯t stop themselves from tearing up when they saw the Taegukgi.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Yang Dong-Sik suddenly shouted, interrupting Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s thoughts. ¡°We¡¯re getting paid for this, right?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been getting paid since Mongolia. Why?¡± Nam Il-Gyu responded.

    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll get state pensions when we die?¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik looked dead serious.

    ¡°The thing is, Somi seems to be struggling a bit these days. I can send her my sry, but I¡¯ve done some thinking. If I die and receive a meritorious pension¡ª¡±

    ¡°You fucker,¡± Nam Il-Gyu cut him off.

    Yang Dong-Sik turned to Nam Il-Gyu, surprise evident in his expression.

    ¡°Hey, you stupidass motherfucker! Instead of spending the rest of your life protecting Kang Sunbae, you¡¯re thinking of a meritorious pension? You fucking bastard! What do you think is worth more, you idiot? A sry or a pension?¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Yang Dong-Sik shushed him, signaling him to lower his voice. He then nced at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Not wanting to make a fuss since Kang Chul-Gyu was on the bus, Nam Il-Gyu chose to drop the subject. However, everyone had already heard. Even Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ***

    There had to be something to it.

    Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and the others who received blood transfusions from him in Afghanistan recovered much faster than the others.

    Was this the reason Kang Chan insisted on giving blood even when he himself was injured? Was something like this possible?

    It was hard to say, though. Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho could only specte.

    The soldiers, wearing their full uniforms, stood facing the entrance to Jeungpyeong and waited for the bus.

    They had all been promoted by one rank.

    Cha Dong-Gyun was now captain, and Kwak Cheol-Ho a lieutenant. Park Chul-Su, who was in charge of the special forces team, now had a star on his shoulders.

    They soon heard carsing through the entrance. A sedan came to view first, then a bus. The vehicles turned toward the barracks.

    ¡°Eyes front!¡± Yoon Sang-Kimanded, his voice drowning out the sound of the engines.

    When the bus stopped in front of the barracks, its doors creaked open.

    ¡°Salute!¡¯

    <i>Thud.</i>

    As ordered, the Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers saluted.

    Kang Chul-Gyu hopped off the bus and stood facing the soldiers. The rest of the team lined up behind him, looking moved.

    Kang Chul-Gyu saluted them on behalf of the team.

    ¡°At ease!¡±

    <i>Thud.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re honored to have you, sir.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun took a step forward, signaling the rest of the team to approach the DMZ team.

    ¡°Sunbae!¡±

    ¡°Your shoulder has got to be aching. What are you doing here?¡± Nam Il-Gyu greeted as he shook Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s hand. The other soldiers exchanged greetings as well.

    ¡°Sunbae.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung, who hade out of the sedan, approached Kang Chul-Gyu with another agent.

    ¡°I have something I wish to inform you all.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu had no idea what it was, but if Kim Hyung-Jung said he had something to say, it was to everyone¡¯s benefit to listen. Hence, he gestured for everyone to gather with a nod. The members of the DMZ team stood behind him.

    ¡°The Republic of Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service hereby appoints you as special agents of the National Intelligence Service Counter-Terrorism Team.¡±

    The DMZ team was already aware of that. A few of them had already even been issued weapons. Even so, they still looked overwhelmed with emotion.

    The agent standing behind Kim Hyung-Jung handed him the files that he had been holding.

    Kim Hyung-Jung walked up to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°We are living shadows and nameless stars in death. Will you bury your soul in the Taegukgi and offer your fiery blood to your country?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    When Kang Chul-Gyu nodded, he was given his documentation.

    Next was Nam Il-Gyu.

    ¡°We are living shadows and nameless stars in death. Will you bury your soul in the Taegukgi and offer your fiery blood to your country?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Nam Il-Gyu replied firmly.

    Hearing the word ¡°Taegukgi¡± brought tears to his eyes again.

    ***

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard took turns showering in the cramped hospital bathroom.

    Thanks to the extra shirts and underwear that G¨¦rard had bought, Kang Chan was able to change into clean clothes too.

    For breakfast, they had the galbi stew that Seok Kang-Ho had been singing about the day before.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>! This is more like it!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed, practically flipping the bowl over his head to drink the soup.

    G¨¦rard seemed to enjoy the food as well, eating a good portion of it.

    Well, they had endured some disgusting food in Africa. Kang Chan supposed this was just in good food.

    ¡°What are you gonna do today?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to meet my parents,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho was nodding when the door opened.

    <i>Creak.</i>

    Yoo Hun-Woo walked in.

    ¡°How have you been?¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    ¡°<i>Hm</i>? When did you get here?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked in surprise.

    ¡°Last night. I slept here.¡±

    After exchanging pleasantries, Yoo Hun-Woo examined Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s wound.

    ¡°Can that person understand what we¡¯re saying?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    ¡°No, he can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Then I can tell you, his wounds are healing very quickly. It¡¯s even faster than yours now.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho before speaking again.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing?¡±

    ¡°Too fast can also be dangerous. As I said before, that means you might age faster too. Keep in mind that the opposite is also possible.¡±

    ¡°The opposite?¡±

    ¡°Well, inyman¡¯s terms, it means you¡¯re getting younger, which is actually a very dangerous phenomenon. If you happen to develop cells with mutations, they¡¯ll grow too fast to be stopped.¡±

    Kang Chan gave Seok Kang-Ho a serious look. He wasn¡¯t bleeding, and his flesh wasn¡¯t split, so Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s warning didn¡¯t seem real. Kang Chan had taken the biopsy for the same reason, but he was still fine.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see for now. Be sure to immediately let me know if you notice anything out of the ordinary, got it?¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Afterward, Yoo Hun-Woo said his farewells and left the room.

    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m recovering faster because I¡¯m eating a lot?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that, but it¡¯s worth askingter in the evening, I guess,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, we¡¯ll be off now.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t really do anything about it right now anyway, so he opted to leave for now.

    When they reached the hospital parking lot, G¨¦rard greeted Choi Jong-Il with a bright face.

    ¡°Choy!¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you get some more rest?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You know how my wife is. She was ring at me, asking how I¡¯m going to take responsibility if anything happens to you while I¡¯m resting...¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Bum turned around to hide their smiles.

    The parking lot was no ce for conversation.

    Kang Chan stepped into the car he¡¯d taken to get to the hospital, and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s group followed behind him.

    It took about twenty minutes to get to Kang Chan¡¯s office.

    ¡°Amazing view you got here,¡± G¨¦rard remarked as he sat at the table. While fiddling with his mug, he looked around.

    ¡°Can you call the agents and confirm if my father and mother are in the building?¡±

    Choi Jong-Il replied affirmatively and radioed the agents.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°My parents are probably on the lower floors. Once we¡¯re done with our drinks, let¡¯s go say hi. I n to stay at home for the time being.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Perhaps staying at the hotel would be easier, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to leave G¨¦rard there when he hade all the way here from Africa.

    More importantly, since G¨¦rard had to be with Kang Chan, even if there was anguage barrier and it was ufortable for Kang Chan¡¯s parents, it was only right that they stuck together.

    Besides, G¨¦rard could be in danger until the secrets of the camera footage were unveiled.

    Kang Chan leisurely drank his coffee.

    He had questions, too¡ªespecially the story about the entire year that G¨¦rard was missing. However, he had no intention of asking him until G¨¦rard had opened it up first. It was no doubt a wound that he didn¡¯t want to speak about.

    Kang Chan still had to deal with Abibu¡¯s visit and the Mongolian base. Nevertheless, he felt lighthearted right now.

    ¡°They¡¯re both in the office,¡± Choi Jong-Il reported.

    They didn¡¯t have to rush to greet them.

    Enjoying this leisurely pace with G¨¦rard, they rxed and took their time drinking their coffee.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go. I¡¯m going to tell them you¡¯re a friend from France. Neither of them can speak French, so we can talk to each otherfortably,¡± Kang Chan said.

    They left the office together.

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung followed. Kang Chan knew he couldn¡¯t convince them to stay behind, so he just left them alone.

    An hour before noon, Kang Chan took the elevator down and went to the office of Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s foundation first.

    Since Choi Jong-Il had already radioed them, Cha Min-Jeong greeted them from the hallway with an expectant smile.

    Kang Chan nodded toward the office, asking if he could go inside, and Cha Min-Jeong responded with a nod. She looked like she was having fun surprising Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Chan knocked and immediately opened the door.

    ¡°Mother.¡±

    The agents stood up from their positions, and Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan with a shocked expression.

    ¡°Channy!¡±

    She walked toward Kang Chan like a person waking up from a hypnotic trance.

    ¡°When did you get here?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Just now.¡±

    Because of G¨¦rard, who was standing beside him, Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t hug Kang Chan. Instead, she held Kang Chan¡¯s hand and arm tightly.

    ¡°Mother, this is my friend from France. His name is G¨¦rard. G¨¦rard, this is my mother,¡± Kang Chan introduced them to each other.

    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± G¨¦rard said in awkward Korean.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook flusteredly responded.

    Kang Chan sat down on the sofa with Yoo Hye-Sook and G¨¦rard. He told her he was fine when she asked him how he was, and she informed him that they had moved.

    ¡°Manager Kim told me. I thought you moved without telling me because I¡¯ve been such a bad son,¡± Kang Chan joked.

    ¡°How could you say that?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook rebuked.

    With Kang Chan¡¯s frequent appearances and disappearances, Yoo Hye-Sook didn¡¯t cry as before, but her eyes never left Kang Chan.

    G¨¦rard looked at her in amusement.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go see Father. Would you like toe with us? Let¡¯s have lunch together,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Sounds good!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied.

    ¡°Great. I want my friend to stay with us until his vacation is over. Could you help me to get Father¡¯s permission?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Goodness. Your Father would love that.¡±

    ¡°Are you okay with it?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Kang Chan, Yoo Hye-Sook, and G¨¦rard went to Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s office together.

    ¡°You punk!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung greeted. His wee was a little more vigorous than Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s. He looked Kang Chan up and down.

    ¡°Father, this is my friend G¨¦rard from France,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Pleased to meet you,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung weed.

    ¡°You as well,¡± G¨¦rard said in awkward Korean again.

    ¡°Do you have time to sit down and have a cup of tea?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°I was actually going to ask you to buy us lunch. Are you busy?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah? That¡¯s even better. What do you want to eat?¡±

    ¡°My friend¡¯s a big fan of Korean food, so anything tasty is fine.¡±

    ¡°Really? Then let¡¯s go get some bulgogi.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Strangely, bulgogi was the first thing that came to mind when thinking of feeding a foreigner. Still, since it was Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s suggestion, Kang Chan didn¡¯t mention anything and just followed him out.

    The restaurant was right in the alley behind the office.

    Ignoring the stares of the women they passed on the street, they entered the restaurant together.

    They ordered and were served bulgogi.

    Kang Chan interpreted Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s words to eat up, and G¨¦rard thanked him in awkward Korean.

    G¨¦rard tightly gripped the chopsticks as he ate the meat. He even scooped up some of the broth and mixed it with his rice.

    G¨¦rard could tell by their eyes, facial expressions, and the emotions they shared that Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook cared about Kang Chan. With a contemting expression, he looked between the three of them. He then smiled when he saw Yoo Hye-Sook take care of Kang Chan.

    Once the meal was over, Kang Chan asked, ¡°How was the food?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never had a meal that felt so happy,¡± G¨¦rard quietly replied.

 Chapter 310: Taught Very Well (1)

    <h4>Chapter 310: Taught Very Well (1)</h4>

    There was a limit to how much people could be pushed. If asked to name someone who had cruelly gone past that limit, Cha Dong-Gyun would undoubtedly think of Kang Chan. The members of the Jeungpyeong special forces team would likely agree as well. This time, however, they felt as if they were encountering monsters charging in packs.

    "Is your stomach okay?"

    "What about your shoulder?"

    The seniors, looking as if they might cry at any moment, inspected the injuries of their juniors. The deep sympathy and regret in their expressions made them look as if they would tear their own flesh and blood if it meant they could take their juniors'' ces.

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh!</i>

    They soon conducted a mountain warfare drill, which the soldiers ustomed to live ammunition training had adapted. The DMZ team¡¯s objective was to defend a location from the Jeungpyeong special forces team¡¯s invasion. Capturing the g in the middle of the mountain would end the exercise.

    Cha Dong-Gyun busily opened fire alongside two team members.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    Much to their surprise, someone popped out of the ground and attempted to slit their throats with a training knife.

    They were fortunate that the knives weren''t sharp. After all, even if they were, their reckless seniors would still have aimed for their throats. The skin around the area that their seniors had hit turning red and peeling off served as proof of that.

    <i>Whoosh! Thwack!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun managed to take out one of the DMZ team members. The impact was strong enough to knock his target¡¯s helmet off.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    Shot in the forehead, the man fell backward like a ghost descending back into the earth.

    Cha Dong-Gyun learned about thisbat tactic from Kang Chan. However, although he had heard about the DMZ team before, he only understood now how fearsome they truly were.

    Kang Chan had told them to listen to their breathing whenever they were nervous. Following that advice and drawing on the harshbat experiences that they had umted helped Cha Dong-Gyun survive battles like this.

    <i>Crunch. Click!</i>

    Sensing something nearby, Cha Dong-Gyun reflexively turned his rifle.

    <i>The breathing! </i>

    In such times, Kang Chan had told them to always listen for the enemy¡¯s breathing.

    <i>Swoosh! Click!</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whoosh! </i>

    He felt as if he was diving into a field haunted by ghosts, not humans. He heard someone rising from the ground, but when he fired, there was nothing.

    One was bound to leave traces behind when hiding in the dirt, yet their seniors emerged from the pitch-ck soil without leaving even just one footprint.

    <i>These people haven¡¯t even fired a single shot yet...</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Thwack! Whoosh! Thwack!</i>

    As two gunshots echoed, the two soldiers following Cha Dong-Gyun were knocked back.

    <i>It¡¯s Kang Chul-Gyu sunbae!</i>

    <i>Click!</i>

    Guessing the direction the bullets hade from, Cha Dong-Gyun turned toward it and slowly scanned his surroundings. Again, he saw nothing. It was the end of winter. The trees were bare, and the ground was hard. With those meant to cover his back now ¡®dead,¡¯ he was leftpletely alone.

    Kang Chul-Gyu had to be somewhere around here, but Cha Dong-Gyun couldn¡¯t find any traces of him.

    Hiding behind ovepping trees, Kang Chul-Gyu smirked. He didn¡¯t expect one of his juniors to watch out for his breaths. To suddenly confront him with a knife would mean a good chance of dying together.

    Kang Chul-Gyu remembered him¡ªCha Dong-Gyun, the de facto leader of the Jeungpyeong special forces team.

    He lowered his stance. This training was disadvantageous for the DMZ team since wearing helmets and body armor made it harder to hide on the ground. Even so, the skills that Cha Dong-Gyun had shown deserved recognition.

    Right in front of the g, Oh Gwang-Taek was hidden. Despite having two DMZ team members helping him, he still left traces of his movements all over. He might feel slighted, but he truly wasn''t much help.

    In the distance, Kang Chul-Gyu could see Cha Dong-Gyun taking a few steps. He soundlessly aimed his rifle at him.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    A member of the DMZ team emerged behind him.

    <i>Click! Whoosh! Thwack!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun hit him with his gun, causing his head to tilt away and tumble backward.

    <i>He¡¯s that skilled?</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu tilted his head. The way he held his rifle and reacted was at an elite level, and that was further evidenced by the fact that he had just taken out a DMZ soldier attacking from behind. He had to be as skilled as the Spetsnaz or the Baekrang team, perhaps even more. Kang CHul-Gyu was surprised to see that their juniors had advanced this much. The skills they had shown in Libya weren''t just a fluke. They were truly good with rifles.

    Kang Chul-Gyu stared at Cha Dong-Gyun within his sights. Pulling the trigger now would end him. Unless one had a natural sense for it, it would be hard to detect an enemy aiming for them.

    Grinning a little, Kang Chul-Gyu silently lowered his rifle.

    <i>¡®Why crush his spirit? Whoever taught him did a really good job,¡¯</i> he thought.

    <i>Swoosh!</i>

    The sound of dirt stirring came from afar.

    "<i>Ugh</i>!"

    A startled scream rang out, signaling that the DMZ team had taken down another Jeungpyeong special forces soldier. That was enough. Should Kang Chul-Gyu actively participate, the oue would be as clear as a closed case. However, given that this was a non-lethal training exercise, stepping out now would be best.

    Kang Chul-Gyu put his hand on the radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "This is Kang Chul-Gyu. The training is over."

    Cha Dong-Gyun could be seen exhaling a long breath and straightening up.

    <i>Swoosh! Rustle!</i>

    Near Cha Dong-Gyun, Yang Dong-Sik emerged through the soil.

    <i>Click!</i>

    "Junior! It''s me! Me! The training''s over!" Yang Dong-Sik shouted as he raised his dirt-covered hands. The training knife in his right hand seemed menacing.

    "You okay?" asked Yang Dong-Sik.

    "I knew the training was over, and yet.... I''m sorry, sunbae-nim. I was too tense," Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    "What are you talking about? You were really great! To think you haven''t even fully recovered from your injuries yet!"

    As Yang Dong-Sik was noisily moving around, Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu walked over together.

    "Great work," Cha Dong-Gyun greeted.

    Kang Chul-Gyu smiled.

    "You were amazing!" Nam Il-Gyu said. showing a proud expression.

    "Let''s head down. One more round this afternoon should be enough for training,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu instructed.

    Everyone lowered their rifles and followed him.

    "By any chance, do you listen to the sound of breathing duringbat?" asked Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Cha Dong-Gyun countered Kang Chul-Gyu''s question with two of his own. "How did you know? Is there a way to recognize that?"

    "Those who do move differently. In crucial situations, listening to your opponent¡¯s breathing would allow you to shoot faster than your opponent."

    Cha Dong-Gyun focused on Kang Chul-Gyu, seemingly learning something important.

    "When you''re tense, your body naturally stiffens. That goes for even the most well-trained soldiers. By keeping an ear out for breathing, you be more rxed. That difference manifests in the timing and uracy of your shot."

    "Was Captain Cha listening to our breathing?" asked Nam Il-Gyu.

    His question was met with a nod from Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "I almost put a hole in Dong-Sik''s helmet."

    "Why does he always have to mess around like this..."

    Yang Dong-Sik, who was charging in, stopped talking when he saw Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Those who hade down first were waiting for them in front of the barracks.

    "Good work, everyone. Eat lunch and rest up. We''ll have close-quartersbat trainingter. Prepare ordingly.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu then dispersed the crowd. It was better to wash off the dirt before eating.

    "Sunbae-nim, how will the close-quartersbat training be conducted?" Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    "The men here are faultless in most aspects, but they dock experience in close-quartersbat,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu exined. ¡°Since we have experience facing the Spetsnaz and Baekrang teams in knife fights, I thought it would be a good learning opportunity."

    "Yes, sir," Cha Dong-Gyun immediately responded, but inwardly he was puzzled.

    Could he tell that close-quartersbat wascking just by watching movements without even drawing a knife?

    "Captain Cha."

    "Yes, sunbae-nim."

    "I would like you to prepare sharp knives for the training this afternoon."

    "<i>Huh</i>?" Cha Dong-Gyun asked, surprised.

    "Why would someone used to training with live ammo be surprised by knives?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked, looking genuinely curious.

    ***

    After a hearty meal, Kang Chan, his parents, and G¨¦rard left the restaurant. Kang Chan ryed G¨¦rard''s gratitude for the meal.

    "Are you busy?" Kang Dae-Kyung asked on the way back to the office. He looked like he had something to say.

    "I''m free today. Why do you ask?"

    "I was thinking we should have tea."

    "Sure. I have a request too, Father," Kang Chan said.

    "What is it?"

    "Oh, right! Honey, Channy said he''d like his foreign friend to stay with us at our ce," said Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced at G¨¦rard.

    "I''m fine with it as long as you are. It''s nice to have a friend stay over. Won¡¯t he be ufortable, though?"

    "I''ve already discussed it with him,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded.

    "What does this friend do?" Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    "<i>Huh</i>?"

    Baffled, Kang Chan looked at G¨¦rard. He hadn''t anticipated this question.

    What would be a good answer? Student? Employee? Soldier?

    Noticing Kang Chan''sck of response, Kang Dae-Kyung generously added, "Maybe he doesn''t have a job right now? That¡¯s not such a bad thing. He could gain much more through this trip."

    The Foreign Legion''s special forcesmander had suddenly beenbeled as jobless, yet that person just kept looking around.

    Instead of the office, Kang Dae-Kyung led them to a nearby coffee shop.

    "What do you want? Ask your friend too."

    "Why are we having it here?" asked Kang Chan.

    "We might not have the tea your friend likes in the office. Now, go ask."

    After a brief discussion, Kang Chan and G¨¦rard decided to have coffee. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook chose green tea. Their orders were served soon after they sat down.

    "Son," Kang Dae-Kyung called.

    "Yes?"

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced at Yoo Hye-Sook before speaking.

    "I n to sell thepany. Your mother intends to transfer her foundation to an institution designated by the government too."

    "<i>Huh</i>?"

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be confused.

    "We are thinking of taking a break."

    <i>A break? They¡¯re the type to get sick from resting too much!</i>

    How could they give up the Gong Te automobile dealership that they had fought so hard to obtain and the foundation they had been so eager to establish?

    "We¡¯ve discussed this in passing after the Eurasian Rail presentation, but after the president''sst announcement, it¡¯s be too much to handle. That¡¯s why, after talking about it with your mother, we¡¯ve decided."

    "What happened?"

    It didn¡¯t make sense. Why would the announcements about the Eurasian Rail and the next-generation energy project necessitate the disposal of Kang Yoo Motors and the Kang Yoo Foundation?

    "The car orders are overwhelming, and the foundation just received a donation offer of over 10 billion," said Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Chan softly inhaled.

    "The same group and its affiliates expressed interest in both the car orders and the foundation donations. For now, they''re biding their time, but if it bes known that you''re deeply involved in the next-gen energy project, it might truly be unmanageable."

    Kang Dae-Kyung maintained an eerily calm facade.

    "It''s just buying cars, right? And donating money to a foundation that helps needy children. What''s the problem with that?"

    "Thepanies asking for corporate vehicles also suggested making donations to your mother''s foundation. It seems they''re trying to find a way to connect with you. I don''t want to sell cars to those with such motives."

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan with sympathy.

    "Kang Yoo Motors is practically your achievement, and the foundation was established with your money. That''s why we wanted your consent. In exchange, about half of the money you put into the foundation will be replenished with the proceeds from selling Kang Yoo Motors."

    "Father, it''s not about the money right now, is it? Mother, I know you didn¡¯t start this to make money," Kang Chan said.

    "It''s okay, Channy. Don¡¯t worry too much about it," Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    "How can I be okay with this?"

    Anger surged within Kang Chan.

    Those with greedy intentions were desecrating Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s hard work for their own benefit. Given that they were part of a conglomerate, they were hardly in need. They were the type to purchase corporate cars.

    <i>Did they have to go this far just to make a bit more money? Couldn''t they think of making an honest living with the time and effort they spent on schemes like this?</i>

    "You know the executive vice president of thepany, right? He has agreed to take over thepany. We''ll receive half when we hand it over, and the rest a yearter."

    <i>How do I even respond to this?</i>

    Kang Dae-Kyung continued, "This opportunity will allow me and your mother to travel and study things we missed out on before. I was hoping you would understand."

    "Do you really have to do this?" Kang Chan inquired.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nodded and smiled, not wanting to hurt his son''s feelings in any way.

    "Father, let''s think about this a little more. I''ll look into an alternative. Those people buying cars or making donations doesn''t necessarily mean that they can gain anything from me."

    "People''s affairs aren''t always straightforward, Kang Chan. It might be fine now, but if anything goes wrong, it can be a noose around your neck."

    Kang Dae-Kyung was surprisingly firm in his decision. In front of a wary G¨¦rard, Kang Chan lowered his gaze.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    He never imagined that the result of his hard work would blow away his mother''s dreams and force his father to sell thepany that he had devoted years to. He almost wished Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were somewhat greedy, people who knew when to turn a blind eye...

    "Captain," G¨¦rard suddenly called Kang Chan. "I''ll step out for a bit."

    It must have been awkward or ufortable for him to stay seated with them.

    As Kang Chan nodded, G¨¦rard smiled at Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook before getting up.

    "He said he''ll be back in a bit," Kang Chan passed on.

    G¨¦rard gathered the nces of the women in the coffee shop as he stepped out onto the terrace.

    <i>That guy...?</i>

    G¨¦rard then sat down in an empty spot across the ss, casually lighting a cigarette. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook quickly turned back their gaze toward Kang Chan.

    "In France, smoking isn''t much of an issue, but I forgot to mention it. I''m sorry."

    "As long as he doesn''t smoke in the house, it''s fine. Since he¡¯s in Korea, it would be best to teach him some of our etiquette, but don''t be too hard on him," Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    "Understood," Kang Chan answered.

    As G¨¦rard exhaled smoke, a sound of admiration came from a table of three women.

    "Look at those eyes. Makes me want to hug him," said one of the women.

    "Doesn''t he have the vibe of a fallen aristocrat?" said another.

    <i>What kind of person is she to notice that in one nce?</i>

    "Chan," called Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Chan snapped back. Now wasn''t the time to have such useless thoughts.

    "Let us proceed with our decision," his father said.

    <i>Why is he so kind-hearted? How can one ask such a thing from their child?</i>

    What worried Kang Chan the most was that the more he resisted, the more it might hurt his parents.

    "Father, do you really want to do this?" he asked.

    "Let us push through with this," answered Kang Dae-Kyung.

    "Have you discussed this with Manager Kim?"

    Kang Dae-Kyung shook his head.

    "There¡¯s nothing we can do about those wanting to buy cars. There''s no way to stop those who want to help the needy either," Kang Dae-Kyung said.

    Looking at Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan sighed softly.

    G¨¦rard''s exhaled smoke hit the ss window before disappearing into the air.

    "Channy..." Yoo Hye-Sook trailed off.

    Kang Chan could sense her empathy and guilt for his situation. It pained her to see her son so concerned.

    "I''m sorry. I know how much you both wanted this. I feel like this is all my fault.¡±

    "No, Channy..."

    Noticing G¨¦rard lighting his second cigarette, Yoo Hye-Sook''s tears dried up. Kang Chan couldn''t suppress a smirk¡ªa gesture not lost on Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Dae-Kyung chuckled, hisughter mixed with tears. Yoo Hye-Sook awkwardly joined in.

    "Don''t worry about me," Kang Chan reassured them.

    "Thank you, Chan," Kang Dae-Kyung said. The mood was now noticeably lighter thanks to G¨¦rard''s nonchnt behavior. "We shouldn¡¯t keep your friend waiting too long. Shall we? Could you apologize to him for the dy?"

    "Of course.¡±

    The three got up almost simultaneously.

    "What now, Channy?" Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    "I¡¯d like to show G¨¦rard around. We¡¯ll head home around the time you return from work," Kang Chan proposed.

    "Let''s have dinner at home, then. I''ll cook something," Yoo Hye-Sook warmly offered.

    "Sure. I wanted to show off a bit anyway."

    As the three left the coffee shop, G¨¦rard stood up and walked over to them.

    "See you at dinner," Kang Chan said.

    "Okay."

    "See you at home, Channy.¡± Yoo Hye-Sook smiled. She then awkwardly bid G¨¦rard farewell. "See you at dinner."

    G¨¦rard, ever so quick to adapt, found his own way to say goodbye. His somewhat hunched and awkward stance almost made him look like he was inviting Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook to a taekwondo sparring match, though.

 Chapter 311: Taught Very Well (2)

    <h4>Chapter 311: Taught Very Well (2)</h4>

    Although Kang Chan and G¨¦rard were heading to the same building as Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, they moved separately from them and entered the office from a different entrance.

    <i>Sightseeing in Seoul?</i>

    Unless it was to cheer him up, Kang Chan had no intention of dragging the poor guy to pces and other famous tourist spots. The nces of the women gathering around G¨¦rard also bothered him.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    Kang Chan gave him a rough idea of the situation.

    ¡°They really want to do that?¡± G¨¦rard asked in surprise.

    ¡°Right?!¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re simply selling cars and epting donations, aren''t they?¡±

    ¡°It could turn into a battle for rightster on.¡±

    G¨¦rard looked confused.

    No matter if they were Korean or Western, one used to armedbat would have trouble grasping such subtle nuances.

    ¡°Anyway, do people really feed each other food like that in Korea?¡± asked G¨¦rard.

    Kang Chan smirked. Yoo Hye-Sook had fed him bulgogi wrapped in lettuce, which he epted since he felt bad for being away for so long. G¨¦rard likely found that scene quite strange.

    ¡°In Korea, we ask someone to eat with us as a way to express our gratitude. If you¡¯re close enough with the person to feel like they¡¯re family, that¡¯s what you do,¡± answered Kang Chan.

    G¨¦rard nodded in understanding. ¡°I see.¡±

    His exnation was easy enough to understand.

    ¡°Captain, what do you call the parents of someone close to you in Korean?¡±

    Now that he was living with him, he questioned everything.

    ¡°Abeoji,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°Appeoji,¡± G¨¦rard followed.

    ¡°Abeoji,¡± Kang Chan rified.

    ¡°Abuji?¡±

    ¡°Just go with the first one.¡±

    ¡°Abvji?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! That¡¯s good!¡±

    ¡°Abvji? Abvji? Then what about m¨¨re[1]?¡±

    ¡°Eomeoni.¡±

    ¡°Eomeuni.¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡±

    As Kang Chan lit a cigarette, G¨¦rard repeatedly uttered ¡®<i>Abvji¡¯ </i>and <i>¡®Eomeuni</i>.¡¯ Eventually, even Kang Chan felt as if his pronunciations were right.

    <i>Buzz buzz.</i>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone vibrated, notifying him that he had received a text.

    Pulling out his phone, Kang Chan squinted at the sender''s number.

    It was from the DGSE.

    The message contained three thumbnail-sized photos of a man in a suit, and below them was the name ¡®<i>Berlin International Airport</i>.¡¯

    Kang Chan doubted that the DGSE was just informing him that they had suddenly started selling suits. Pressing on thest photo with his thumb, it expanded and filled the screen.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s surprised exmation made G¨¦rard lean over. Staring at the phone, his expression hardened. The man in the photo was G¨¦rard¡ªor someone who resembled him. The date yesterday was printed in small numbers next to the text <i>¡®Berlin International Airport</i>.<i>¡¯</i>

    Swiping left, Kang Chan viewed the next photo. The man, wearing sunsses, now had his head bowed slightly. Finally, thest photo showed him turning his face away from the CCTV. Unlike G¨¦rard''s cheeks, his face was clean and unblemished.

    "What are those?" asked G¨¦rard.

    "The DGSE sent these. Below each photo is yesterday''s date with ''<i>Berlin International Airport''</i> written on it."

    With this evidenceing to light, Kang Chan¡¯s heart became so weightless that he felt like he could fly. The DGSE¡¯s capabilities were certainlymendable.

    G¨¦rard, getting a glimpse of the DGSE¡¯s skills as well, looked as relieved as Kang Chan. These photos were proof that they were already on the tail of the damn guy. They just had to wait for more secrets to be unraveled now.

    <i>Buzz buzz buzz. Buzz buzz buzz. Buzz buzz buzz.</i>

    While Kang Chan was staring at the photo with a cryptic smile, a call came in from Lanok. He was just about to make a grateful call anyway.

    "Mr. Ambassador."

    - Have you seen the photos?

    "Yes, I was just looking at them. He was at the Berlin International Airport yesterday?"

    - I hope they have somewhat eased your mind, Monsieur Kang.

    "Thank you, Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan said from the bottom of his heart.

    - <i>Hahaha</i>! You have a way of touching hearts in unexpected situations.

    That didn¡¯t really matter. Kang Chan was simply d that G¨¦rard wasn''t the guy in the damn CCTV footage.

    - Mr. Kang Chan, the man in the photos is named Gabriel.

    "Gabriel?"

    G¨¦rard looked at Kang Chan with a startled expression.

    - Vasili was the one who found him. Gabriel was the son of G¨¦rard''s father¡¯s younger brother, so a cousin.

    Kang Chan turned to G¨¦rard. G¨¦rard wouldn¡¯t be stupid enough not to recognize his cousin.

    - Sergey Gee seems to have smuggled something out of Russia. The Russian intelligence bureau caught wind of it, Mr. Kang Chan.

    Lanok said Kang Chan¡¯s name with a peculiar tone.

    "What do you mean?"

    - Gabriel is likely an agent of the Star of David.

    <i>Pfft.</i>

    Somehow, it had never seemed like it would be easy from the start.

    - I was hoping you could unravel the secret behind the year G¨¦rard disappeared before the DGSE interrogated him.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes met G¨¦rard''s. He was more than relieved to know that the DGSE wouldn¡¯t shoot this man.

    "Mr. Ambassador, do you trust me?"

    - If I didn¡¯t, I wouldn''t have sent you the photos, Mr. Kang Chan.

    Lanok''s words left a strange emotion in Kang Chan''s heart.

    "Thank you."

    - Let''s have dinner together with G¨¦rard soon. I would like to meet him as well.

    "Yes, sir."

    After ending the call, Kang Chan put his phone on the table.

    "Is Gabriel your cousin?" he asked.

    "Captain! That guy definitely didn''t look like me."

    "The Russian intelligence bureau has found him. They think he¡¯s an agent of the Star of David."

    "<i>Hmm</i>."

    G¨¦rard softly exhaled.

    "Let¡¯s take our time processing this. For now, all that matters is that the false usation has been cleared. I''ll find time to show this photo to Oh Gwang-Taek."

    If Kang Chan had been suffering internally, now it was G¨¦rard with a troubled face.

    "We have to figure out why this Gabriel guy looks like you and how he became an agent of the Star of David. Since it hase to this, we might as well use this chance to catch the tails of those Star of David bastards too."

    "Yes, sir," G¨¦rard answered with a nod.

    ***

    Samseong-dong branch office of the National Intelligence Service.

    Sitting behind his desk, Hwang Ki-Hyun looked through the documents that Kim Hyung-Jung had brought. He sighed deeply.

    "We really don¡¯t deserve to be called an intelligence bureau," he muttered to himself.

    Kim Hyung-Jung, sitting across from him, remained silent.

    "ording to the satellite data and the basic information their country''s intelligence bureau possess, they¡¯ve always had ess to detailed personal information about renowned special forces team members..."

    Hwang Ki-Hyun slowly flipped through the documents.

    Following Lanok and Vasili''s suggestion, spaces had been provided at the Samseong-dong branch for French and Russian agents, who in turn taught the NIS how to use the satellite that Russia and China had provided and analyze the information it gathered. They also transferred data to South Korea, the content of which was beyond the NIS¡¯ imagination.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun looked through the documents with a devastated expression. The foreign intelligence bureaus only gave them basic information. It was foolish of them to assume that they would hand over top-tier information just because Kang Chan was involved.

    Nevertheless, these basic pieces of information were still tiers above the National Intelligence Service¡¯s data.

    "<i>Wheew</i>. If they wanted to, they could easily figure out what the supreme leader of North Korea snacked on."

    "We should improve the security around the information our intelligence bureau handles."

    Hwang Ki-Hyun nodded. "Learn, Manager Kim. Learn despite the insults they throw and the humiliation they force upon us. We have to make sure that our sessors won¡¯t have to feel this miserable."

    "Yes, sir," answered Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun raised his gaze from the documents. "How¡¯s the situation in Jeungpyeong?"

    "They have finished their training today."

    "When are they leaving?"

    "If we grant their request, tomorrow."

    Kim Hyung-Jung took out some documents from under the pile and neatly put them on top for Hwang Ki-Hyun to see.

    "They want to take ten soldiers from Jeungpyeong?"

    "The assistant director has requested to treat it as a vacation leave."

    Hwang Ki-Hyun stared at the documents with a heavy expression.

    "You do understand that if this operation fails, not even resignation will solve anything?"

    "I am aware."

    "We deployed troops to Libya without the consent of the parliament. The opposition members of the National Assembly Defense Committee have already been keeping a fierce eye on us. If this operation were to be exposed, we wouldn¡¯t be able to handle the bacsh."

    "The opposition party is already visiting the families of the agents and soldiers who fell in Libya. They seem to have noticed that they didn¡¯t die during training.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun focused on the documents again, seemingly having made up his mind.

    "Remove his name from this report," he ordered.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun with surprise.

    "Give the agents fake passports. I''ll manage this operation myself and personally handle all decisions."

    "Director, the Samseong-dong branch will be conducting this operation independently. If a problem urs, we¡¯ll just have to relocate."

    Hwang Ki-Hyun smiled.

    "We can¡¯t afford to expose our branch, then. Honestly, not even a hundred directors like mebined will be as valuable as the assistant director. That¡¯s why we have to protect the Samseong-dong branch at all costs."

    Kim Hyung-Jung''s cheeks twitched as he clenched his teeth.

    "Since other intelligence bureaus already have all the information about our special forces soldiers, I want to issue our men fake passports. Make sure the reports state that I¡¯m the one who made that decision.¡±

    "Director, if you disappear, then the Samseong-dong branch will eventually be exposed."

    "The newly formed counter-terrorism team will be under the deputy director and if I think there¡¯s going to be a problem, I¡¯ll remove the Samseong-dong branch from the National Intelligence Service altogether."

    Finally looking rxed, Kim Hyung-Jung turned to Hwang Ki-Hyun. "Director?"

    "Do you remember what I told the soldiers in the hospital?" Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.

    "Yes, I do."

    "I can''t fight beside them on the field. That¡¯s why I promised them that I would never back down from fights like this."

    Noticing that Kim Hyung-Jung was speechless, Hwang Ki-Hyun smiled.

    "We might never get another opportunity like this again. Although this can prevent us from leaving our names behind, we should still act in a way that won''t embarrass the agents who have be nameless stars."

    Kim Hyung-Jung lowered his gaze to the table.

    ***

    Anyone who had used a knife or practiced close-quartersbat would know that while a gun could end battles in one shot, knife fights were apletely different story.

    Such battles would have thebatants covered in blood by the time it ended, making itmon for both to die. After all, one severed artery in the thigh was all it would take for them to bleed excessively while fighting.

    That was why the soldiers wore protective gear and coated their wooden knives with lime powder duringbat training. The lime powder would stick to their body during sparring matches, marking where they¡¯d have been cut open if they were in actualbat.

    Unless their body was a wooden training dummy, no one wielded a knife to their own neck. Hence, by the time their training was done, they would usually be covered in lime powder.

    All the soldiers present were part of the South Korean special forces team that had fought fierce battles in China, North Korea, Afghanistan, France, Africa, and Libya. Nevertheless, they still wore protective gear for this training session.

    Their eyes glinted with the resolve not to disappoint their seniors.

    "Yang Dong-Sik,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called.

    "Yes, sir!" Yang Dong-Sik vigorously responded.

    "Nam Il-Gyu."

    "Sir!" Nam Il-Gyu replied.

    "You two will demonstrate," ordered Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "Yes, sir!" they answered.

    The two stepped forward and stood in front of the others, sharp knives in hand.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho felt a chill crawl down his spine. Before training, they had been such affectionate seniors. Now, their eyes glinted so violently that they looked as if they had juste across the murderer of their father.

    The stance of the Jeungpyeong special forces soldier in closebat was different. Like Kang Chan, they held their knives in a reverse grip.

    <i>Zip! Zip! Thud! Zip! Zip! Thwack! Zip! Zip!</i>

    The battle ended in the blink of an eye.

    Yoon Sang-Ki unknowingly gulped.

    Blocking each other¡¯s right hand, Yang Dong-Sik and Nam Il-Gyu swung their knives at each other, fraying their sleeves.

    <i>Zip! Zip! Zip! Thud! Thud! Zip! Zip!</i>

    There was not even time to swallow. The second collision caused blood to stream down Yang Dong-Sik''s neck.

    "<i>Yikes</i>!"

    Yang Dong-Sik charged toward Nam Il-Gyu.

    <i>Zip! Zip! Zip! Zip!</i>

    Nam Il-Gyu, who maintained a cruelly calm demeanor, shed Yang Dong-Sik''s armpit, shoulder, and nape.

    "Stop."

    Kang Chul-Gyu''s soft voice had an indisputable authority.

    Nam Il-Gyu stepped away. Meanwhile, Yang Dong-Sik just stood in ce, seemingly frozen.

    "Yang Dong-Sik," called Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "Sir."

    "Come here."

    Yang Dong-Sik was bleeding so much that the neck opening of his protective gear was soaked. Heavy silence pressed down on the training ground.

    "The juniors are not here to watch you lose your senses and il around with a knife."

    "Yes, sir!" Yang Dong-Sik, who was already over forty years old, shouted at the top of his lungs.

    "Are you some drunk trying to pick a fight at a bar?"

    "No, sir!"

    "What happens when you get all excited while facing an enemy?"

    "Ourrades die!"

    "Look behind you."

    Yang Dong-Sik turned his gaze toward the Jeungpyeong special forces team.

    "If you lose your senses during an operation, it won¡¯t be the enemy who will die. It¡¯s those people.¡±

    "I was wrong, sir!"

    Yang Dong-Sik''s shout echoed across the training ground. Blood continued to flow from his neck, making the others wonder, <i>''Should we really leave that be?''</i>

    "Go get treated."

    "Thank you, sir!"

    Yang Dong-Sik turned around. He then walked a few steps, stopping in front of the Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers.

    <i>Wasn''t he told to get treated?</i>

    Yang Dong-Sik looked like he urgently needed treatment. Hence, everyone focused on him, wondering what was happening.

    "I''m sorry, Juniors," Yang Dong-Sik apologized.

    Watching him made Yoon Sang-Ki feel as if something hot was rising in his chest.

    He continued, "I will never let our juniors die on my watch."

    After a brief silence, he resolutely walked toward the barracks.

    1. Mother ?

 Chapter 312: I Can Understand (1)

    <h4>Chapter 312: I Can Understand (1)</h4>

    The soldiers¡¯ stab-proof vests were in tatters, and blood was seeping through them.

    ¡°Captain Cha,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called.

    ¡°Yes, sunbae-nim!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s end our training here.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered.

    Following Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s orders, the soldiers stepped back.

    Kang Chul-Gyu sheathed his knife and then started taking off his protective gear.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Nam Il-Gyu asked Yoon Sang-Ki.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, sunbae-nim.¡±

    Feeling bad for Yoon Sang-Ki, Nam Il-Gyu examined him. Just a moment ago, he had been swinging his knife at him with the intent to kill.

    If Yoon Sang-Ki had met Nam Il-Gyu for the first time today, he definitely would¡¯ve thought that Nam Il-Gyu was insane or a pervert.

    ¡°Dong-Sik went off the hook because you guys are here,¡± Nam Il-Gyu exined.

    Suddenly curious, Yoon Sang-Ki, who was in the middle of taking off his gear, turned his head toward him. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I thought Kang sunbae was going to beat Dong-Sik to death earlier.¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki discretely nced at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <i>A person like that hits people?</i>

    Reading Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s mind, Nam Il-Gyu chuckled.

    ¡°Dong-Sik used to act out a lot. During his prime, he even once let his anger get the best of him. He ended up falling for a trap at the DMZ.¡±

    Everyone had taken off their stab-proof vests.

    ¡°Please let me carry that for you, sir,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki offered.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s not heavy anyway,¡± Nam Il-Gyu said.

    The two walked to the barracks.

    ¡°What happened to him afterward?¡± Yoon Sang-Ki asked.

    ¡°To Dong-Sik?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu was the one who looked at Kang Chul-Gyu this time.

    ¡°Kang sunbae ran to Dong-Sik¡¯s aid with four other soldiers and rescued him.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Yoon Sang-Ki nonchntly responded, realizing that there was nothing special about the story.

    However, he was proven wrong when Nam Il-Gyu added, ¡°That got two of our brothers killed.¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki quickly checked Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s mood. He wasn¡¯t aware that they had gone through something so heartbreaking.

    ¡°All that happened simply because Dong-Sik lost his temper and went after China¡¯s baekrang team. He was already covered in blood by the time Kang sunbae dragged him back into a warehouse. We were so outnumbered that day that we thought that ce would be our grave.¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki didn¡¯t know how to respond. All he could do was wonder if Kang Chul-Gyu had to beat up an injured soldier that badly.

    ¡°I still vividly remember the two men who died that day.¡±

    Looking at Nam Il-Gyu, Yoon Sang-Ki found him staring at the sky.

    ¡°One of them had a pregnant wife at the time. The other had juste back from his father¡¯s funeral...¡± Nam Il-Gyu trailed off.

    Not long after, they arrived at the barracks.

    Yoon Sang-Ki took Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s stab-proof vest as if he was snatching it away from him, then went to the warehouse.

    At the same time, Yang Dong-Sik opened the barracks and walked outside. The wound on his neck was covered with bandages.

    ¡°You good?¡± Nam Il-Gyu asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Yang Dong-Sik replied.

    ¡°Then don¡¯t fucking overdo it, asshole!¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik just scratched his head.

    One after another, the soldiers stopped in front of the barracks. Kang Chul-Gyu was thest to arrive.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked Yang Dong-Sik.

    Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s head dropped in shame. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Dong-Sik,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    They were talking in front of all of the soldiers.

    ¡°I forgot you¡¯re also old now. I was too harsh on you in front of our juniors.¡±

    ¡°No...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s eyes glistened.

    Kang Chul-Gyu continued, ¡°I¡¯d understand if you¡¯re upset, but...¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik covered his eyes with the back of his arm as he burst into tears. ¡°<i>Ugh</i>. I¡¯m so sorry. I was wrong.¡±

    Saliva dripped out from Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s open mouth.

    Kang Chul-Gyu approached him and stroked his shoulder. ¡°... I can still count on you in this operation, right?¡±

    ¡°<i>Urgh</i>! <i>Ugh</i>.¡±

    <i>Why is he so sad?</i>

    Among the soldiers from Jeungpyeong, only Yoon Sang-Ki had an idea why Yang Dong-Sik was crying.

    ***

    While spending time with G¨¦rard and talking about random topics, Kang Chan considered going home with his parents.

    Amid their conversation, his phone suddenly rang. When he picked up the call, Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s excitement came through.

    - Channy! Be home by seven tonight.

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard could just have the agents drive them to their new house. However, Kang Chan thought they should go home with his parents since they had just moved and this was his first time going there.

    Yoo Hye-Sook had clearly told them toe home at a specific time because she wanted to make food for them.

    Smiling, Kang Chan told G¨¦rard about his conversation with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Captain, I want to buy wine and flowers. Is there a ce nearby that sells them?¡± G¨¦rard asked afterward.

    ¡°Are you thinking of giving them to my parents as gifts?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Fortunately, some shops on the way to their new home had those items for sale. Since spending that much wouldn¡¯t be a burden for G¨¦rard and he would be giving them to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan thought it wasn¡¯t such a bad idea.

    Kang Chan got in the car that Lee Doo-Bum brought over with G¨¦rard. They then headed to the big shopping center nearby.

    The wine store was located on the first floor of the underground level.

    It was rush hour, so many homemakers were at the shopping centers to prepare dinner. Women who dropped by on their way home from work stopped and turned around to stare at G¨¦rard. They looked like hungry fish.

    This was fascinating. In Africa and Afghanistan, G¨¦rard was just an okay guy. Now, almost every woman they had walked past had turned, their gazes following him.

    As Kang Chan entered the wine store with G¨¦rard, a tall and slender female employee approached them.

    ¡°Hello. Do you guys need help with anything?¡±

    G¨¦rard looked at Kang Chan, seemingly asking him to exin in his stead.

    <i>I wonder how frustrating it is for G¨¦rard to be in South Korea when he can¡¯t speak Korean.</i>

    Kang Chan decided not to go out with G¨¦rard to buy things ever again.

    Thankfully, there was a flower shop next to the shopping center.

    After buying a bouquet, the two got back into the car and headed to Kang Chan¡¯s new home.

    They crossed the Hannam Bridge and went up to the right side of the hill. After taking another turn, they finally reached their destination.

    After getting out of the car, Kang Chan softly gasped while looking at the vi before him. He felt as if Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook would find this house ufortable.

    They walked to the entrance of the vi with a shopping bag filled with new clothes, G¨¦rard¡¯s old bag, a bouquet, and wine. Once they were close enough, the door automatically opened. Someone seemed to have been watching them through the CCTV.

    They went up to the second floor and rang the doorbell.

    <i>Beep beep beep.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re home,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Wee home, Channy! G¨¦rard!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook responded.

    ¡°Hello, Mother,¡± G¨¦rard greeted in awkward Korean.

    ¡°Pardon? <i>Ah</i>, hello. Wee.¡±

    Smiling, G¨¦rard handed the bouquet and wine to Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°My goodness! Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± G¨¦rard responded, unaware that it wasn¡¯t the right reply.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said as he walked toward the front door.

    ¡°Hello, Father,¡± G¨¦rard greeted.

    ¡°<i>Ah</i>, hello! Come inside quickly.¡±

    This was Kang Chan¡¯s first time going inside this house as well. That was why when he was walking to the sofa in the living room with G¨¦rard, the two looked around the house.

    ¡°You two haven¡¯t had dinner yet, have you?¡±

    ¡°Of course not, Mother,¡± Kang Chan answered. ¡°Where¡¯s my room? I¡¯d like to change before we eat.¡±

    ¡°<i>Ah</i>, right! Show Channy his room,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook told Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Alright. This way.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung turned around and went upstairs.

    There were two rooms.

    ¡°We have already designated the room further down the hall as yours and decorated it ordingly. Your friend should use the one closer to the stairs,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suggested.

    ¡°You two must have had to go through a lot to move here.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. We didn¡¯t even have to lift a finger; they did everything for us. Anyway, dinner¡¯s almost done, so be quick. We¡¯ll wait for you two downstairs.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard first went into the room that G¨¦rard was going to use.

    ¡°<i>Woah</i>!¡± G¨¦rard eximed in amazement as he looked around the room. Not only did it offer a luxurious view of the river, but it also had quite a grandiose bathroom, walk-in closet, and bed.

    ¡°This is amazing,¡± G¨¦rardmented.

    ¡°Use this room for now. After we change, we¡¯re going to have dinner.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Leaving G¨¦rard behind, Kang Chan headed to the room further down the hall.

    <i>Click.</i>

    His room was the same as G¨¦rard¡¯s room, but it was flipped.

    The only furniture they moved from his previous house was his desk. Everything else, including the bed, was new.

    On the bookshelf were books that were in his previous room. He was happy to see them, even though he had only read them a few times.

    Kang Chan opened his closet and changed intofortable workout clothes.

    The house felt strange. He missed the apartment that they used to live in. This seemed more like a luxury hotel, not a home.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>,¡± Kang Chan sighed.

    For Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s sake, he decided to do his best to grow attached to this house too.

    After washing his hands, he headed to the kitchen with G¨¦rard.

    Since this was a split-level vi, they had to go down the stairs and walk past the living room to get to the kitchen.

    If they weren¡¯t initially hungry, after walking around this much, they would be.

    The japchae, stir-fried pork, kimchi, and soup on the table made Kang Chan feel a bit better. Getting to see Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook did, too.

    Considering his parents likely found this house even more unfamiliar and ufortable than Kang Chan, he did his best to hide his dissatisfaction.

    ¡°<i>Wow</i>!¡± Kang Chan exaggeratedly eximed on purpose.

    ¡°Channy! Go have a seat,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook said.

    ¡°Do you need help with anything?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m already done, so just wait at the table.¡±

    As Yoo Hye-Sook filled separate bowls with soup, Kang Chan filled a cup with water.

    ¡°Time to eat! Dig in, G¨¦rard,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung invited.

    When he started eating, everyone else did.

    Even though a fork had been prepared for him, G¨¦rard insisted on using chopsticks.

    People were certainly quick to adapt to the situation. Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect G¨¦rard would be able to use chopsticks by clenching and unclenching his fist.

    Although G¨¦rard was somewhat used to spicy food, he still seemed to be having trouble eating kimchi.

    He also had a unique way of eating Korean food. Although he used chopsticks to make lettuce wraps, he grabbed it with his fingertips to eat it.

    ¡°Have you shown him around the city?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes. I first showed him the area around Gangnam.¡±

    He technically wasn¡¯t lying. They did look down at the city from a high building.

    After answering, he gave G¨¦rard a nk look.

    <i>He¡¯s not some squirrel gathering acorns during autumn. Is he treating the wrap like a sandwich?</i>

    After putting two slices of lettuce next to each other on the extra te in front of him, G¨¦rard put rice and stir-fried pork on top of the lettuce.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook also stopped eating to watch him.

    He looked like he was clenching his fist every time he moved his chopsticks. With a serious expression, he added more stir-fried pork to the lettuce.

    Finally running out of patience, Kang Chan asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Instead of answering, G¨¦rard carefully held up the lettuce wrap on the left with the tips of his fingers.

    ¡°Father,¡± G¨¦rard called in awkward Korean, then held out the wrap to Kang Dae-Kyung.

    <i>Oh, fuck!</i>

    ¡°He asked why Mother fed me a wrap earlier today, and I told him that we do this with people we consider family. That¡¯s probably why he¡¯s offering you the lettuce wrap,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Like a proper businessman, Kang Dae-Kyung controlled his expression. He then opened his mouth to eat the lettuce wrap that G¨¦rard was offering him.

    ¡°<i>Mmm</i>! It¡¯s good! Thank you!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung eximed.

    Seemingly satisfied with Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s reaction, G¨¦rard held up the next lettuce wrap.

    ¡°Mother,¡± he called, again in awkward Korean.

    Yoo Hye-Sook nced at Kang Chan.

    Unfortunately, perhaps because Kang Chan knew about G¨¦rard¡¯s family matters, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to stop him.

    ¡°Try it. It¡¯s good,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung suggested.

    ¡°Please, Mother. Just this once,¡± Kang Chan insisted.

    Yoo Hye-Sook raised her hand and ate the wrap that G¨¦rard was holding out.

    ¡°It¡¯s good, thank you,¡± she said.

    G¨¦rard smiled, causing the scar on his cheek to curve.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, you only have to do that once,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed deeply.

    ***

    The next day, Jeungpyeong had a cold morning.

    The DMZ soldiers, already done with breakfast even though the sun was yet to rise, gathered in front of the bus.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim,¡± someone called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu shook Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s hand.

    Since the joint training onlysted for a day, they had only spent one night together. Nevertheless, the special forces soldiers looked very disappointed that the DMZ team was already leaving, making them seem as if they had been living together for a few years.

    The Jeungpyeong special forces team felt bad because their sunbaes¡¯ faces showed all the hardships that they had endured. On the other hand, the DMZ team couldn¡¯t help but be worried about their juniors, who were so lively.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu just nodded and smiled in response.

    Looking away from their juniors, hemanded, ¡°Get on the bus.¡±

    ¡°Sunbae-nim!¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho yelled so loudly that he sounded as if he would injure his throat.

    The DMZ team turned around.

    As if on cue, the soldiers from Jeungpyeong simultaneously yelled, ¡°We¡¯re proud of you all!¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu looked away, seemingly checking if they were yelling at someone else behind the DMZ team.

    ¡°Jeungpyeong¡¯s special forces team! Atteeention!¡±

    Military boots clicked against each other.

    ¡°Salute our sunbaes!¡±

    The soldiers moved as one.

    The Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers firmly saluted the DMZ team.

    ***

    G¨¦rard, Kang Chan, and his parents sat around the table and had cereal, toast, and fried eggs for breakfast. They likely prepared these for G¨¦rard, but it wasn¡¯t a bad idea to have a light breakfast.

    ¡°What did you two think of the rooms?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°It was sorge that I found it a little ufortable,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Right?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung seemed happy to hear that since he felt the same way.

    ¡°What about you, Mother?¡± Kang Chan asked Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°It makes me ufortable too. I¡¯m not sure about the rest of this house, but I at least really like the kitchen.¡±

    ¡°Good to know. We¡¯d probably find this house cozy once we¡¯ve grown attached to it. We just have to give it a chance, right, Father?¡±

    ¡°Keep in mind that who you¡¯re with is far more important than where you are. The first house that your mom and I lived in was as big as this kitchen, but I was still happy.¡±

    Kang Chanughed, amused by Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s cheekiness. G¨¦rard just stared nkly at them.

    ¡°Dig in,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung told G¨¦rard while pointing to the bread.

    Smiling, G¨¦rard thanked him in awkward Korean. He was quite tactful.

    ¡°Channy, what are your ns for today?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going out with G¨¦rard and touring him around the city a bit more.¡±

    ¡°Sounds fun.¡±

    After breakfast, Kang Chan returned to his room and changed. He decided to go to the office with G¨¦rard for now.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Picking up the call, Kang Chan greeted, ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung. The agents from the counterterrorism team have left for Mongolia.

    Kang Chan gazed toward the window.

    He already expected Kang Chul-Gyu not to call him before their departure. He had always been that kind of person.

    - Hello?

    ¡°<i>Ah</i>! Sorry, I heard you. What about Oh Gwang-Taek?¡±

    - He¡¯s with them. Anyway, how flexible is your schedule today?

    ¡°Can I get back to you in two hours?¡±

    - Sure.

    Kang Chan quickly called Michelle.

    Now that they had cleared up the misunderstanding with the DGSE, it wouldn¡¯t be that much of a problem to ask Michelle to stay with G¨¦rard.

    <i>It would be better for them to bicker around instead of forcing </i>G¨¦rard to <i>stay inside an office.</i>

    Fortunately, Michelle happily epted Kang Chan¡¯s request. She seemed to have been worried about the recent incident.

    After seeing Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan stayed at home for a bit longer before leaving with G¨¦rard.

    They got into the car that Lee Doo-Bum had prepared for them and headed straight to the office.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, I have to go to the National Intelligence Service today. I want you to stay with Michelle until I return,¡± Kang Chan said in French.

    Smiling, G¨¦rard met Kang Chan¡¯s gaze.

    Kang Chan added, ¡°You¡¯d prefer that anyway, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re relieved that the DGSE no longer has a reason to kill me since they have found Gabriel, aren¡¯t you?¡± G¨¦rard cheekily asked.

    <i>Did this fucker really just ask me that?</i>

    ¡°What¡¯s with that expression, Cap? Did you really think I was as stupid as Daye?¡±

    ¡°Hey! Daye has been using his brain a lottely.¡±

    ¡°Even if that fucker uses his brain, it¡¯ll be like beating his head against a wall.¡±

    The two snickered as they crossed the Hannam Bridge.

 Chapter 313: I Can Understand (2)

    <h4>Chapter 313: I Can Understand (2)</h4>

    Upon arriving at the office, Kang Chan and G¨¦rardfortably enjoyed some coffee together. Kang Chan then headed to the DI office with G¨¦rard.

    It would feel awkward to greet Michelle inside the office. Hence, Kang Chan asked her toe out for a moment.

    ¡°How have you been?¡±

    Michelle awkwardly greeted G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere without motorcycles today,¡± G¨¦rard brazenly responded.

    ¡°Thanks, Michelle,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    After uttering a short phrase in Korean, Kang Chan turned around.

    ¡°See you in the evening, Cap.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t cause any trouble today,¡± Kang Chan replied without turning his head.

    A chuckle soon escaped him. He felt like he was dropping off a kid at an international kindergarten and telling him to listen to his teacher.

    Having gone up to the office, Kang Chan called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Manager, I¡¯m at the office. When would be a good time for you to meet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    - Can youe to Samseong-dong now?

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll leave right away.¡±

    <i>Who''s with him?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded different than usual.

    <i>I don¡¯t have to worry about this right now. I¡¯ll find out once I get there anyway.</i>

    Kang Chan and Choi Jong-Il headed to the Samseong-dong office.

    ¡°Did you spend the night at home?¡±

    ¡°I was at the vi on the third floor yesterday.¡±

    In terms of security alone, a vi was certainly significantly better than an apartment.

    The two exchanged various stories until they arrived at Samseong-dong. Once out of the car, Kang Chan immediately headed to the fifth floor.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door before Kang Chan could even ring the bell, which was really convenient.

    ¡°Pleasee in. The director is inside.¡±

    Following Kim Hyung-Jung into the office, Kang Chan saw Hwang Ki-Hyun standing in front of a table.

    ¡°Hello, sir,¡± Kang Chan greeted. ¡°Seeing you here makes me feel strangely weed.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun reached out and shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Drinks, bottled water, and cups were set in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Have you gotten some rest?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun nodded. He then said, ¡°We n to issue fake passports to ten members of the special forces team. Captain Cha Dong-Gyun will be the one selecting andmanding them. They¡¯re scheduled to depart tomorrow morning.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung slid a list toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho are still heavily injured, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Captain Cha Dong-Gyun is currently their highest-ranking member, so we chose to trust his judgment. Would you like to call him?¡±

    Considering Cha Dong-Gyun had be pragmatically cold enough to give up on the Libya operation, his judgment could certainly be trusted now.

    Kang Chan shook his head. ¡°No. We can trust him.¡±

    ¡°Assistant director,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun called.

    ¡°Yes, sir?¡±

    ¡°As you predicted, Abibu has requested a meeting with you under the pretext of meeting the key figures behind the Eurasian Rail project,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun said with a stern expression. ¡°If you¡¯re okay with it, it would be best to meet with Director Song Chang-Wook and Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik in advance, maybe even tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll be sure to do that¡±

    It was only natural for him to meet the two people he had specifically arranged appointments with anyway.

    Everyone in the room had a heavy expression. Just as Lanok had mentioned, Abibu''s request to meet with Kang Chan served as proof that the Mongolian base was at a high risk of being attacked.

    "We also have several other issues we¡¯d like to discuss," Hwang Ki-Hyun confessed.

    "Thest operation in Afghanistan had solid national support, so the parliament approved it afterward. However, not only the opposition but also some members of the ruling party have concerns regarding the operation in Libya."

    Kang Chan was not well-versed in this area. Hence, he knew it would be wise for him to listen intently.

    "Members of the National Defense Committee are talking to the families of those who fell in Libya to verify our men¡¯s deployment. Although nothing has surfaced yet, these matters will inevitablye to light."

    "That does seem likely."

    Hwang Ki-Hyun looked directly into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. "We n to negotiate with the National Defense Committee if necessary, but in the worst-case scenario, I might have to step down.¡±

    "The Korean Penins is the most strategically important location in Asia. The reason China, Japan, and the United States have been rejecting our unification is because of their desire to control the strategic pivot of Asia."

    Kang Chan squinted.

    <i>He¡¯s not about to give me a lesson on geopolitics, is he? That would just be going too far.</i>

    Seemingly reading Kang Chan¡¯s mind, Hwang Ki-Hyun continued, "Significant funds are flowing into North Korea."

    "The United States is leading economic sanctions against North Korea. Even though it''s through unofficial channels, the fact that funds are flowing in means the US has either consented to or at least turned a blind eye to this."

    "What does the US have to gain from this?"

    "The creation of tension in the Korean Penins, or even war."

    Kang Chan snorted. "I''m sorry. I mean no offense, but this is insane. Do you know who sent the funds?"

    "On paper, the sender is apany that uses a Swiss bank ount."

    Could this be the work of the Star of David?

    Recalling the stories that he had heard at the French embassy, Kang Chan wondered if they were supporting North Korea because they couldn''t bankrupt South Korea itself.

    A heavy silence filled the office.

    "Eight agents dispatched by the four country have started their activities on the floor below. If not for them, we wouldn''t have acquired this information. I am ashamed to say this, but I have a request for you," Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

    After ncing at Kim Hyung-Jung, he continued, "We urgently need to cooperate with the intelligence bureaus of China, Japan, and the United States. The moment North Koreaunches a missile toward Seoul, this situation will spiral out of control."

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but sigh. Curious, he asked, "Can North Korea even do that?"

    "The regime is weakening. If North Korea was alone, it would have been impossible. However, the external support they¡¯re receiving changes things. Right now, there is a good chance they would provoke us. After all, increasing their supplies and solidifying their hostility toward ''South Korea and the Yankees'' would help maintain the regime."

    "What if we retaliate?"

    "War would break out. All oil-producing countries that didn¡¯t get development rights to the next-generation energy would dly support North Korea."

    "The US would be thrilled."

    "Japan wouldn''t dislike it either."

    It was an utterlyughable statement.

    They felt as if Mount Everest had just started to show itself even though they had already been climbing strenuously for quite some time now.

    "Director, Is the NIS capable enough to resolve this? If the actual backers are in Saudi Arabia, then we won¡¯t be able to go to war with them. Moreover, the US¡¯ involvement will only make this even more problematic.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun shook his head. "Unfortunately, our agents aren¡¯t skilled enough to deal with this yet. That''s why we''re seeking advice and help from neighboring intelligence bureaus before this situation esctes."

    Kim Hyung-Jung lowered his gaze, his expression heavy.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun added, "The president¡¯s rushed announcements about our negotiations with Japan for the undersea tunnel were also part of the efforts to deter war. Therger their investment, the less likely they are to stand on the side of conflict.¡±

    Kang Chan let out a soft sigh.

    Politics had intriguing aspects. Who would have thought that behind such a sudden announcementy deep calctions?

    "Moreover, false information is also slowly spreading. They seem to be trying to sow fear among the people by making them believe that the next-gen energy project will lead to war."

    "Is that why Abibu is visiting South Korea?"

    "We believe he will disseminate information while contacting thewmakers. It¡¯s a leap, but he might be prepared to offerpensation as well. If so, then thewmakers would be able to prevent war and get paid for it, which would be a win-win for them. If North Korea ends up firing a missile at an uninhabited ind, it could provoke public opposition."

    <i>That bastard¡¯s trying to inte the economy while we¡¯re still busy with the Libya case!</i>

    "Assistant director."

    Suppressing his anger, Kang Chan looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    "North Korea just has to fire a missile to reap substantial rewards. Even if war were to break out because of their actions, they would have strong nations to back them up. Our country can¡¯t withstand the influence of the United States and other oil-producing countries. I humbly request that you ask for help from our allies.¡±

    Even though Kim Hyung-Jun, who had averted his gaze, was in the room with them, the director of the National Intelligence Service still asked Kang Chan a favor.

    "We''ve already had this conversation before. I will meet and discuss this with Ambassador Lanok."

    "Thank you."

    Hwang Ki-Hyun let out a soft sigh and looked at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "Manager Kim, you have to work as hard as you feel ashamed right now, if not more. Don¡¯t forget that the benefits from the Eurasian Rail and next-gen energy facility include the development of our National Intelligence Service."

    His words sounded more like a retirement speech from someone about to step down.

    "Assistant Director, I will be taking my leave now.¡±

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung stood up, following Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    "Okay."

    Kang Chan shook Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s hand.

    No words were exchanged. With a regretful smile, Hwang Ki-Hyun simply held Kang Chan''s hand tightly.

    ***

    When meeting the heads of intelligence bureaus, Vasili had always used the special forces¡¯ barracks due to the strict security it offered. If someone attempted an assassination here, they could immediately retaliate. Lanok, Yang Beom, Sherman, and Ludwig wouldn¡¯t dare kill him here unless they were prepared to get shot to death on the spot.

    For that reason, he had never had to worry about his safety when meeting leaders in this ce.

    Ethan had visited too. However, Vasili didn¡¯t consider him a threat. Ethan was nowhere near his level.

    Vasili opened the door to the barracks.

    "It¡¯s been a while," a young Englishman greeted in fluent Russian. He had his curly hair cut short, causing him to closely resemble the ruthless Vasili.

    He stood up from the sofa. "Has the real deal finally shown up?"

    Vasili squinted at the man, then silently walked to the wall-mounted bar.

    "If you have vodka, that would be great.¡±

    "Why not sit over here instead?"

    "Sure."

    As the Englishman moved over, Vasili put a bottle of vodka and two sses on the table.

    <i>Clink. Clink.</i>

    After filling the sses, he sat down across the bar from the Englishman.

    "What about Ethan?"

    "He''s always liked doing nonsensical things that are unnecessary."

    When Vasili smiled, the man raised his ss. Both men simultaneously finished their drinks.

    "Josh, since you started to move, Lanok and Romain must be losing some sleep, huh?"

    <i>Clink. Clink.</i>

    "I''vee for a different matter today," Josh said.

    Vasili, pouring them more alcohol, raised his eyebrow at Josh. Before Kang Chan appeared, Josh had been set to be the next head of the information world. In the same way France gained strength from Lanok, the next generation spected that Josh would be the reason behind the increase in British influence.

    The reason Lanok entrusted France to Kang Chan and even Vasili paid attention to stop him from bing the head of the British intelligence bureau was because of his recognized abilities.

    Under Vasili''s gaze, Josh remained steadfast.

    "I don''t like wordy,¡± Vasili said.

    "I''m aware."

    Vasili set down the vodka bottle and straightened up. "What are you really here for?"

    "It''s about Korea."

    Vasili brieflyughed, but it was cut short by Josh¡¯s unexpected proposal.

    "I will give you half of the shares of the next-generation power facility,¡± the Englishman said. ¡°As you know, a ckhead only appears maybe once every few decades. The nutrient-depleted rock we had went over to America."

    Fiddling with his ss, Josh continued, "The God of ckfield gave the one he found in Africa to Lanok. And then there''s another treasure that Abibu has."

    "So you¡¯re aware that there''s one more?" Vasili asked.

    Instead of denying it, Josh justughed in amusement. "Russia''s intelligence bureau is certainly frightening."

    "So, where did this amazing offere from?"

    "From our n to start a war on Korea."

    Vasili nkly stared at Josh.

    "That should eradicate all their ns to build the Eurasian Rail and the next-generation energy facility."

    "North Korea isn''t stupid enough to fall for that. South Korea won''t easily fall for such provocation either."

    "There certainly won¡¯t be any war if South Korea can turn a blind eye to three missiles exploding in the middle of Seoul."

    Just as Vasili shook his head, John continued, "One of them will be equipped with a nuclear warhead."

    Vasili''s eyes suddenly glinted.

    "You know about the nuclear warhead that Sergey Karakayev, also known as Sergey Gee, smuggled out, don¡¯t you?"

    "Was it the British intelligence bureau that killed him?"

    Vasili looked as if he was about to draw his weapon.

    "How could Ethan, that bungler, kill someone under the surveince of Russian intelligence? He probably still doesn''t even know about it."

    "Josh, I acknowledge your ability, but you should know better than to behave insolently in front of me."

    "I know, I know. Finding out about Sergey Karakayev was also a coincidence for me."

    Vasili let out a soft hum. "<i>Hmm</i>."

    "The world really is small, isn''t it? Or is it the circle that''s small?"

    "Is this connected to Gerard de Mermier?"

    "Honestly?"

    "Josh,¡± Vasili called, causing Josh''s expression to turn serious.

    "Believe it or not, this part is also difficult for me to understand. He should have died in the n to smuggle out the ckhead. Just another name on the list of casualties. However, right before the operation, he was sent somewhere else."

    Vasili just listened.

    "After that, I got preupied with resolving the nuclear warhead issue. Since he was part of the Foreign Legion''s special forces team, I assumed he''d die sooner orter."

    Joshughed, seemingly astonished. He then added, "Although the n was to kill him before he¡¯s discharged, he has stubbornly survived every danger thrown against him.¡±

    "The Foreign Legion''s special forcesmander?"

    "Yes. He''s gained quite a reputation, hasn¡¯t he?"

    "The fact that he holds that position means his efforts are being acknowledged."

    Josh nodded in agreement.

    "I was wondering if it was coincidence or if Lanok was trying to keep us in check through the God of ckfield."

    Puzzled, Vasili frowned.

    "Contrary to the ns made, he was unexpectedly sent to Mongolia. He was then targeted by snipers during a civil war but ended up in Afghanistan. Now, just as we were starting to think that he would finally be eliminated in Africa, he fought his way through six hundred Quds. Thatst one is the most surprising feat he has done so far."

    Vasili shook his head in disbelief.

    "As you know, we also nned to use the Congo civil war, but he suddenly requested leave."

    "That would be for his recent trip to Korea."

    "Exactly."

    Josh couldn¡¯t help butugh due to how ridiculous the situation was.

    "I thought he¡¯d just keep embarrassing us if we kept using the same tactic, so we nned to give him a heart attack on the ne instead. Guess what? The man switched flights, again on the God of ckfield''s orders."

    Vasili¡¯sughter sounded quite eerie.

    "Josh,¡± he called, abruptly cutting his ownughter. His expression sharpened. "Is the Star of David finally making its move?"

    "It''s not unrted."

    Josh held a steady gaze on him.

    "You know what result my words can bring about here?"

    "Are you considering forsaking Russia''s significant interests for the sake of your loyalty to Lanok?"

    "If you think a few words will shake me, you better prepare yourst words here."

    Vasili downed the vodka in one gulp. He then leaned over the bar and reached out his hand.

    <i>Click.</i>

    In Vasili''s hand was a Gsh-18 pistol.

    "You can use the nuclear warhead Sergey smuggled as you like. However, we have already put too much investment in the construction of the next-generation power facilities and the Eurasian Rail to back out now."

    "If Russia joins us, the Middle Eastern oil-producing countries will reduce their oil production."

    "Do you n to keep ying games until the end?"

    <i>Clink.</i>

    Vasili refilled his ss with his left hand. His posture remained perfect, leaving no room for Josh to act carelessly.

    "Do you know that famous Russian song that goes, ¡®Before the cold vodka burns the throat...¡¯"

    Vasili nodded, gripping the ss with his left hand, his gaze as cold as a serpent''s. "... red blood will soak the floor."

    "If Lanok dies, would you consider joining hands with us?"

    Vasili''s serpentine gaze intensely lit up.

    "Is Gabriel also involved with the Star of David?"

    "He died a moment ago."

    Vasili''s eyes narrowed.

    "He suffered a heart attack in the bathroom. He has always had a weak heart."

    "How do you n to eliminate Lanok?"

    Josh¡¯s lips curved into a sardonic smile.

    "I trust you''re familiar with the nature of intelligence bureaus. You may question the oue, but it''s impolite to inquire about the process."

    "Are the funds sent to North Korea also from the Star of David?"

    "From what I¡¯ve heard, Sherman had a part in it."

    Incredibly, Josh answered and raised his ss.

    "If a nuclear bomb goes off in Seoul, North Korea won''t be safe either."

    "They won''t know that the missile will have a nuclear warhead. It will beunched from a submarine we provided."

    "What about the sacrifices of the US forces?"

    "They have a rock that has been depleted of all its energy, yet they still dream of bing the main yers in this vie for the ownership over the next-gen energy. A suitable sacrifice seems required to secure shares of the Korean Peninster on. They have already secretly joined hands with Japan anyway."

    ¡°If I kill you, will the war still happen?"

    Josh downed the vodka and spoke.

    "It has already begun."

    A moment of silence passed.

    "Arge force is moving toward the Mongolian base as we speak."

    Vasili frowned.

    Josh continued, "Just when Russia is distracted by a nearby local conflict."

    "Are you nning to destroy the base?"

    "We n to kill all personnel left in it. There will be no survivors."

    Vasili sighed. He then downed his vodka.

    "<i>Hmm</i>."

 Chapter 314: It Has Already Begun! (1)

    <h4>Chapter 314: It Has Already Begun! (1)</h4>

    <i>Dududududu.</i>

    Helicopter des chopped through the air, sending out fierce winds and loud noises, as the DMZ team¡¯s aircraft descended onto the field in front of the Mongolian base.

    The Taegeukgi[1] fluttered above the container-made barracks. It had machine guns, portable missiles, and guards next to it.

    Kang Chul-Gyu, lowering his posture, moved toward the base.

    "d to have you back!" Kim Tae-Jin greeted over the noise.

    "Did anything happen while we were gone?"

    "Just a couple of minor protests, but we¡¯ve already dealt with them."

    As they talked, various supplies were being unloaded. Oh Gwang-Taek, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik also greeted Kim Tae-Jin. The two headed into the barracks.

    <i>Creak. </i>

    Now that the harsh winter had passed, the barracks¡¯ interior finally felt somewhat warm.

    "Would you like some coffee?"

    "Sure.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu lightly smiled as he watched Kim Tae-Jin make coffee.

    "Why are you smiling?"

    "I¡¯m just relieved. I feel like we¡¯re finally getting back on track."

    "It does seem so," Kim Tae-Jin agreed. He brought over two paper cups to the sofa. "Losing that extra weight really makes a difference in how you move."

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. "Thank you, Tae-Jin. You¡¯re the reason I get to serve our country again."

    "You must have gotten older. Back then, even if I brought you water, you''d barely look."

    Kang Chul-Gyuughed out loud.

    "You''reughing now. Did something good happen?"

    "It¡¯s a bitte, but I did get my health back. You¡¯re all also still with me, which makes me happy."

    After taking a sip of his coffee, Kang Chul-Gyu''s expression became serious.

    "We''re expecting a surprise attack from the enemy within a week."

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s gaze tensed up as he focused.

    "About ten juniors from Jeungpyeong will join us tomorrow under the guise of vacation leave."

    "Do you know who the enemy is?"

    Kang Chul-Gyu briefly shook his head. "The assistant director already had to go through so much just to get intel about this attack."

    "The assistant director? You mean...?"

    "Assistant Director Kang Chan."

    "<i>Ah</i>!"

    Kim Tae-Jin felt that Kang Chul-Gyu had changed.

    "We''ll thoroughly respond to their offensive in our own way. They''ll likely use the night, so let''s start preparing tomorrow. When the juniors from Jeungpyeong arrive, we''ll assign them to the same positions."

    "I''ll prepare as youmand, sunbae-nim. Is there really no way for us to know how many enemies we¡¯ll be up against?"

    "Well, it''s a surprise attack, and this ce is on the border of Russia, Mongolia, and China, so I doubt they¡¯ll be sending arge force.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin nodded. "Good point."

    Soon, they heardughter from outside.

    "I''ll be back in a moment."

    "No rush."

    After Kim Tae-Jin left the barracks, Kang Chul-Gyu entered a room with a shopping bag and a suit cover. He then walked over to the closet on the left, which was for his use.

    After opening it, he took off the suit cover and hung the suit on the door. This way, he could see the suit whenever he opened the closet.

    Kang Chul-Gyu then ced the shoes from the shopping bag inside the closet. These were the pair that he had worn once when dining with Kang Chan. After looking back and forth between the suit and the shoes, he hung the rest of the clothes on hangers in the closet.

    All that was left was to close the door. However, before he could, his gaze fiercely sharpened.

    ***

    <i>Thud, thud, thud, thud.</i>

    Right after leaving the Samseong-dong office, Kang Chan''s heart began pounding heavily, sending him a suffocating warning.

    ¡°Are you okay?" Choi Jong-Il asked.

    "Have you assigned security personnel to Mr. Seok''s hospital?"

    "Yes. Would you like me to double-check?"

    Kang Chan nodded.

    Choi Jong-Il made a quick call. After a brief conversation, he hung up.

    "He''s asleep now, probably because of the medication. They say his condition has improved significantly and that he might be discharged soon."

    Kang Chan deeply exhaled.

    As if nothing happened, his heart was now beating normally.

    <i>Was it the mention of war that made me sensitive? Damn!</i>

    It was as absurd as throwing away gum and then putting the wrapper in one¡¯s mouth. Just a few days ago, he had fought a battle; was it likely his heart would pound from the sound of war?

    For now, he was just d that his heart had calmed down.

    From Lanok Kang Dae-Kyung, and Yoo Hye-Sook to the base in Mongolia, too many people shed in his mind, albeit briefly. It wasn''t just one or two people or one or two ces.

    He continued his way to the office.

    <i>Buzzzzz, buzzzzz, buzzzz.</i>

    The phone rang.

    Recognizing the number, Kang Chan immediately answered.

    "Mr. Ambassador? Is everything okay?"

    - Mr. Kang Chan! Where are you right now?

    "I''m on my way to the office right now."

    Having just gotten a warning from his heart, Kang Chan focused on the call.

    - Can I stop by for a bit?

    Kang Chan smiled faintly. The rxed reply was reassuring.

    "Please do, sir. Do you know where it is?"

    - Of course.

    "Come in from the barricaded side in the underground parking lot. How long before you arrive?"

    - I''m leaving the Samseong-dong Hotel now.

    "Got it."

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told Choi Jong-Il about their conversation.

    "Shouldn''t we buy lunch, then?"

    <i>Is that how this goes?</i>

    Noticing Kang Chan''s gaze on him, Choi Jong-Il tilted his head. "What tea does the ambassador usually drink?"

    "ck tea. He also fancies a cigar during long conversations.¡±

    "We have tea bags, but no cigars. We should buy quality ones from a hotel. I''ll ask the guys to bring some."

    "Do we really have to?"

    Although they didn¡¯t have any cigars, Kang Chan saw no reason to procure some immediately. They could just take their time.

    "We can ask the Security Team Two."

    "Let''s not make too much of a big deal out of this. It''s only touching if a gift¡¯s prepared in advance, not hurriedly."

    "Yes, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il responded as he drove into the building''s underground parking lot.

    <i>What to do?</i>

    Since Lanok mentioned the Samseong-dong Hotel, he would probablye the same way as Kang Chan. If so, then he¡¯d be arriving soon.

    As Kang Chan stepped out of the car, a sedan drove into the underground parking lot. It then turned toward the barrier and stopped in front of it. The familiar license te and the model caught his attention.

    Louis got out from the passenger side and briefly greeted Kang Chan.

    The barrier immediately went up. Louis walked alongside the car until it stopped in front of the exclusive elevator.

    "Kang Chan!"

    "Wee, Mr. Ambassador."

    After exchanging French-style greetings, Kang Chan and Lanok walked into the elevator with Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, Louis, and another French agent.

    Lanok seemed pleased with Kang Chan''s demeanor.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    Choi Jong-Il scanned his fingerprint on the security device and opened the door.

    "This way, please."

    Kang Chan led Lanok to a table in front of a window.

    "I wish for your further sess, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok said.

    At the same time, Louis handed Kang Chan a shopping bag containing Lanok¡¯s gifts.

    "Thank you. May I open it?"

    "Of course."

    As Kang Chan opened the two wrapped gifts, Woo Hee-Seung brought over coffee, ck tea, an ashtray, and cigarettes.

    "<i>Woah</i>!"

    Upon opening the box, Kang Chan¡¯s excitement burst. Inside was an antique porcin teapot and teacup set, cigars, a cigar cutter, and premium ck tea.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to like it this much.¡±

    ¡°I really do. Thank you, Ambassador.¡±

    Lanok still had a rxed, unmasked expression. Kang Chan signaled Woo Hee-Seung to prepare them some tea using the tea set, then offered Lanok a cigar.

    ¡°Thanks to your gift, I¡¯m able to offer you a cigar, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    After epting the cigar, Lanok trimmed the end of it and lit it.

    Kang Chan had tried cigars in Africa a few times but never sought them out again due to their distinctive smell and the harsh sensation that he had felt as the smoke went down his throat.

    Although the one Lanok was having now was certainly more expensive and refined than the ones Kang Chan had smoked before, his opinion of it still hadn¡¯t changed.

    Kang Chan lit a cigarette as Woo Hee-Seung brought over tea. He then poured Lanok a cup.

    ¡°Louis, there¡¯s a lounge inside. You can rest there. Choi Jong-Il, please apany him.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Louis followed Choi Jong-Il out of the room, leaving only Kang Chan and Lanok in the spacious area.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got a really nice view here.¡±

    Kang Chan followed Lanok¡¯s gaze to the sprawling road in the distance.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    After a moment, Lanok turned back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Gabriel was found dead in a hotel bathroom. He died of a heart attack, but ording to the autopsy, it¡¯s caused by a poison that intelligence bureaus use.¡±

    Kang Chan suddenly felt as if things were moving faster than expected.

    ¡°G¨¦rard''s adoptive father was Sergey Karakayev, the man who managed Russian nuclear missiles. He smuggled a small nuclear warhead into France.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect a nuclear warhead toe into y, but he did predict that the situation would quickly escte to this point.

    Calmly, Lanok continued, ¡°I came across two more crucial pieces of information while investigating this matter. The first one is that Josh, the second-inmand of the British intelligence bureau, is connected to the Star of David.¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t really surprised since he didn¡¯t know the man. Moreover, it was only natural for such capable individuals to nt someone of that caliber among them.

    ¡°The other is that Romain is also allegedly connected to the Star of David.¡±

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    The news was so startling that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but frown deeply.

    ¡°The Star of David, which has been moving under our radar, has decided to show itself because of you, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t you rece Romain, Mr. Ambassador?¡±

    ¡°It was possible until the Afghan operation. I no longer have control over the DGSE,¡± Lanok answered as if it no longer concerned him¡ªas if it was someone else¡¯s problem now.

    ¡°This is the true nature of intelligence bureaus. I could have ordered Romain''s assassination back then, but I have lost that authority now. More importantly, Josh is offering tantalizing proposals to various intelligence bureaus under the name of the Star of David.¡±

    Lanok smirked as he added, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to say that the agreements between intelligence bureaus have been broken. From now on, assassination and conspiracy will dominate the chaos until someone takes control of this world.¡±

    Kang Chan took a deep breath. The possibility of war, as mentioned by Hwang Ki-Hyun, felt chillingly real now.

    ¡°We all have vested interests in the construction of the next-generation power facility in our country. There are also a lot of agreements already in ce,¡± Kang Chan countered. He then asked, ¡°Can everyone just suddenly switch sides even though we¡¯ve already concluded so many meetings?"

    Lanok smiled.

    ¡°The Star of David probably offered conditions as attractive as the construction of that facility in South Korea, and the DGSE has likely already agreed to cooperate with them.¡±

    Lanok ashed his cigar and turned toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°The fact that the Russian intelligence bureau found Gabriel, that the DGSE failed to uncover G¨¦rard''s past year, and that Gabriel was eventually found dead all clearly show the DGSE¡¯s current stance.¡±

    What would it feel like if the National Intelligence Service turned its back on Kang Chan?

    Even after his wife died and his daughter became permanently disabled, Lanok continued working for France. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine how Lanok was feeling now that the DGSE had turned its back on him.

    ¡°Ambassador, is it possible for you to return to France?¡±

    Lanok looked at Kang Chan as if asking why he would ask such a thing.

    ¡°I was just wondering if the DGSE can make that happen.¡±

    As if Kang Chan had just told a really funny joke, Lanokughed heartily.

    ¡°Getting to witness your progress, Mr. Kang Chan, has truly been a joy for me.¡±

    Once hisughter had died down, Lanok picked up his teacup. ¡°Not right now, but once they¡¯vepleted their preparation, it is possible.¡±

    Kang Chan lit another cigarette.

    ¡°Does the chaos you mentioned include your and Anne''s safety?¡±

    Lanok smirked. ¡°Well, you haven¡¯t forgotten my request, have you, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    ¡°Your and Anne¡¯s safety¡ª¡±

    With a firm look in his eyes, Lanok interrupted, ¡°I entrust France to you. If there¡¯s anyone in France who can develop like you have, I¡¯d like you to help them.¡±

    He sounded prepared.

    Kang Chan silently watched Lanok. Like Oh Gwang-Taek and Kang Chul-Gyu, Lanok had prepared himself for the worst. As hisst request, he entrusted France to Kang Chan.

    ¡°I heard that there¡¯s a possibility of a war on the Korean Penins,¡± Kang Chan said. ¡°Without the next-gen facility, I won¡¯t have the means to aplish that.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we protect the next-generation power facility, then?¡± Lanok countered, indirectly acknowledging the possibility of war.

    Lanok, whom Kang Chan had always sought for advice and assistance, was now the one looking for his help.

    ¡°Do you really believe I can do this?¡±

    ¡°I am confident in my choice.¡±

    The smoke from Lanok¡¯s cigar and the cigarette in Kang Chan''s fingers curled up to the ceiling. For some time, the two sat motionless. If not for the smoke, one would have likely thought that time had stopped.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan called as the smoke turbulently billowed out. ¡°I believe you¡¯ll know when I be a monster.¡±

    ¡°I do not like being threatened.¡±

    Kang Chan made his signature smirk, and Lanok responded with a smile of his own.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    Lanok pressed his cigar into the ashtray.

    ¡°Be cold-hearted. Utilize everything at your disposal, including me. Be prepared to strike anywhere in the world if necessary.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately realized that Lanok was teaching him how to confront the Star of David.

    ¡°Move as you see fit. There¡¯s no need to consult me anymore. Until the next-generation power facility has been constructed, whether you need help, cooperation, or evenmands, just let me know.¡±

    <i>Is that all? Was Lanok trusting no one to that extent, not even Anne, Raphael, or Louis?</i>

    ¡°I believe you will do well in navigating through this crisis.¡±

    Kang Chan silently listened.

    ¡°From now on, can no longer trust the DGSE,¡± Lanok advised.

    Lanok stood up and looked out the window. After calling Choi Jong-Il and Louis back, he turned around.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan felt a chill run down his spine. Lanok extended his hand in the same manner and expression as Hwang Ki-Hyun. After firmly shaking Kang Chan¡¯s hand, Lanok headed toward the exit with a smile.

    <i>The war has already begun!</i>

    The look and expression Lanok gave him until the elevator door closed was all the answer that Kang Chan needed.

    Kang Chan slowly walked to the office¡¯srge ss front, bringing into view the sunlight, the car-filled roads, and the people in white shirts across the building.

    After a brief moment, he red at the door that Lanok had exited through.

    <i>Those bastards! They dare</i> reduce <i>my mentor to such a pitiful state? You fucking want war? Fine! I¡¯ll make sure not even an inch of yournd remains unbroken!</i>

    1. The Taegeukgi is the national g of South Korea ?

 Chapter 315: It Had Already Begun! (2)

    <h4>Chapter 315: It Had Already Begun! (2)</h4>

    Choi Jong-Il, who was about to enter the room, stopped by the door, noticing Kang Chan¡¯s eyes were fiercely glinting.

    Kang Chan had heard what he needed to hear. He now knew what was going on.

    Other countries seemed to think that South Korea had too much now. Hence, they wanted to take everything away from them even if it meant they¡¯d have to beat them up and kill them.

    <i>Should we just give in and back off? Would that really be better than starting a war?</i>

    <i>This fucking hurts. So many of our soldiers and agents sacrificed themselves to get to where we are now! How dare they demand South Korea to just bow down and let them beat us up and steal what we have? </i>

    <i>If we listen to them, what will happen to us after? Do they expect us to just move on?</i>

    Kang Chan had repeated this multiple times already, but if they bowed to the bastards once, they would be forced to keep obeying them from that moment on.

    Choi Jong-Il approached Kang Chan and stood next to him, wondering what was going on.

    ¡°Do we have coffee?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°What kind are you craving for?¡±

    ¡°Instant.¡±

    Looking like he expected him to say that, Choi Jong-Il immediately made two cups of coffee. When he got back, Kang Chan was still looking out the window.

    The two went to the table and sat down.

    Choi Jong-Il examined Kang Chan¡¯s expression and the look in his eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t tell him about the war yet. He first had to determine whether the soldiers and agents under hismand could carry the weight of a war in South Korea.

    Turning to Choi Jong-Il, he said, ¡°I¡¯m just angry that people are kicking up a fuss just because we¡¯re trying to build a power nt for the new energy.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s probably exactly what they hate.¡± Choi Jong-Il smiled bitterly. ¡°Before you came along, South Korea survived by maintaining good rtions with China, Russia, Japan, and the United States. Now that we¡¯re standing at the center stage, they feel the need to take things away from us and detest us for no reason.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il seemed to be having simr thoughts as Kang Chan.

    ¡°We used to have one or two remarkable people in the past. As far as I know, they now live in the United States. I heard our government¡¯s the one that rmended they move there.¡±

    Looking at his paper cup, he continued, ¡°Nearby powerful nations would pressure us if we have world-famous people, so our government probably wasn¡¯t sure if they could properly take care of those talents. I believe that¡¯s the reason our government gave them to the United States in exchange for smallpensations.¡±

    Kang Chan held up his paper cup and drank his coffee.

    Choi Jong-Il added, ¡°Unlike our government, you never back down or surrender. That¡¯s why the soldiers and agents are drawn to you even though we know sacrifices would follow.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, to which Choi Jong-Il responded with an awkward smile.

    Choi Jong-Il¡¯s message was clear¡ªhe was asking Kang Chan not to step down.

    The time hade for him to prepare everything he would need.

    What he was about to do was selfish, so he didn¡¯t tell G¨¦rard anything.

    Right now, he needed people he could trust¡ªpeople who wouldn¡¯t betray him the way Romain betrayed Lanok.

    Kang Chan held up his phone and called the DGSE.

    - It¡¯s Hugo.

    ¡°I want G¨¦rard de Mermier¡ªthe soldier currently in South Korea¡ªto be discharged. How long will that take to be approved?¡±

    Hugo briefly hesitated.

    - He¡¯s amander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces. It may be possible to give him a promotion, but it¡¯ll be difficult for him to leave the Foreign Legion right now.

    Hugo sounded confused, but Kang Chan thought it didn¡¯t matter.

    ¡°Hugo, I¡¯m not asking for your opinion right now. I want to know how long it¡¯ll take for it to be approved. Who¡¯s got the final say on this matter anyway?¡±

    - For the DGSE to issue this order, the Director-General will have to give his approval first.

    ¡°If I apply for approval right now, how long will it take to get the results?¡±

    - Twenty-four hours, sir.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan looked outside the window again. He then called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    - Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

    ¡°Manager Kim, I¡¯d like to see you as soon as you¡¯re avable.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung paused for a moment, likely checking his schedule and his watch.

    - If it¡¯s important, then I can go see you now.

    ¡°That would be great. Please meet me at my office.¡±

    - I¡¯m on my way.

    Kang Chan hung up, then scrolled through his contact list. He still had to make one more phone call.

    ***

    Another helicopternded at the base in Mongolia. Soon, ten soldiers in in clothing then hopped out of it. Cha Dong-Gyun and Yoon Sang-Ki were among them.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kim Tae-Jin and Oh Gwang-Taek greeted.

    At the same time, Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik came out of the barracks.

    Both groups were happy to see each other again. They patted each other¡¯s shoulders, then told each other that they went through a lot toe all the way to Mongolia.

    <i>Ring. Ring. Ring.</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s phone rang. He walked away from the crowd before answering the call.

    ¡°Hello? <i>Ah</i>! How are you? That¡¯s right! Everyone here is doing well. We were just weing our juniors. They¡¯ve just arrived for their vacation.¡±

    He nced at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°One moment.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin walked toward him.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said. He then gestured to his phone with a nce, indirectly telling him that he couldn¡¯t say who was on the call.

    Kang Chul-Gyu epted the phone and then walked to one side of the barracks.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - We¡¯re both busy, so I¡¯ll get straight to the point.

    Kang Chan sounded graver than usual.

    - This might sound absurd, but I have a bad feeling about all this.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I feel the same way. It¡¯s like we¡¯re missing something about all this.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu nced toward where the soldiers had gathered. ¡°There¡¯s probably a variable we haven¡¯t factored into consideration.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Assistant Director.¡±

    - I¡¯m listening.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to stop at nothing to protect this ce. Please focus on reinforcing the security around you.¡±

    An awkward silence followed.

    - Think about what you want to eat next time.

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked andughed. Kang Chan did as well.

    Their call soon ended.

    Kang Chul-Gyu walked toward the soldiers and handed the phone back to Kim Tae-Jin.

    When the soldiers from Jeungpyeong went to the barracks, their surroundings quieted down again.

    ¡°It seems defending against the iing attack will be a lot harder than we think,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    Kim Tae-Jin simply listened.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head out with Il-Gyu and Dong-Sik, but we¡¯ll be back before dinner. I want you to strengthen our security while we¡¯re gone.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kim Tae-Jin answered.

    The conversation that they used to have before entering the DMZ seemed to have transcended time and happened again.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung reached the office so quickly that it made Kang Chan wonder if he had flown over.

    ¡°I apologize for making youe all the way here,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I should leave my office from time to time anyway.¡±

    Kang Chan led Kim Hyung-Jung to the table.

    Noticing the paper cups, Kim Hyung-Jung said that he wanted instant coffee as well. Hence, Choi Jong-Il made one for him.

    After taking a sip of it, Kim Hyung-Jung gauged Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    ¡°Did something happen?¡± he asked.

    Kang Chan began by telling him about the Star of David and that it had been actively trying to stop South Korea from building a power nt for next-gen energy. He then revealed that their enemies were willing, capable, and powerful enough to go to war just to aplish their goals.

    ¡°Do you think the Star of David is also behind North Korea¡¯s recent actions?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m notpletely sure about that, but they¡¯re definitely rted.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung sighed as if he was in pain.

    They were talking about war¡ªsomething that could turn everything into ashes in an instant. He felt as if the Star of David was approaching them and revealing their true colors one step at a time.

    ¡°Manager Kim,¡± Kang Chan softly called. ¡°I need my own organization.¡±

    Perplexed, Kim Hyung-Jung raised his gaze to Kang Chan.

    ¡°My organization must not be reported on or need approvals. It will also need heavy support from the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung sighed heavily. ¡°<i>Haaa</i>.¡±

    His reaction evidenced how burdensome Kang Chan¡¯s conditions were.

    Kang Chan himself was aware of how unreasonable his request was and that it had a high chance of being rejected. However, right now, it was exactly what they needed.

    ¡°Can¡¯t you at least tell me what kind of work will your organization be doing?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked. He would need to at least give some kind of a report to his higher-ups before he could establish an organization.

    ¡°Manager Kim, we¡¯re facing a group that¡¯s trying to start a war in South Korea. That same group is also about tounch an attack on our base in Mongolia,¡± Kang Chan responded with a determined expression. ¡°Our first task will be assassination.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked as if a member of his family had just lost all of their money because they had underwritten somebody¡¯s debt.

    ¡°The second will be no different.¡±

    After swallowing dryly, Kim Hyung-Jung took a sip of his coffee.

    ¡°This is...¡± he trailed off, then shook his head.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°My organization will be like France¡¯s DGSE. Instead of constantly waiting around for our enemies to hit us so we can finally respond, I¡¯m nning to eliminate the person behind all of the attacks instead.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung downed the rest of his coffee and held out a pack of cigarettes. After Kang Chan epted the offer, the two lit up a cigarette each.

    ¡°Moving forward, I¡¯m also going to need more special forces soldiers. Do we have any other team that¡¯s as skilled as the Jeungpyeong special forces team?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°The 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit would be your best bet. Most of the soldiers in Jeungpyeong were chosen from that battalion. Their training and skills aren¡¯t that different, and the only problem with them is theirck of actualbat experience,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    Soon after, he shook his head, seemingly remembering something.

    ¡°The National Defense Committee is investigating us as we speak for sending our troops overseas without the National Assembly¡¯s approval. If we do the same with the Special Operations Unit, we¡¯ll be faced with grave consequences.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. ¡°Where do you think the members of the National Assembly and the National Defense Committee will be when a war breaks out, Manager Kim? Will they protect our citizens? Will they charge toward our enemies with a gun in hand?¡±

    ¡°<i>Haa</i>. I get what you mean, but if I say something like that, I would be fired on the spot.¡±

    Even though Kim Hyung-Jung was likely serious, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh feebly, finding the way he spoke funny.

    ¡°I¡¯ll report what you told me to the Director. Since we¡¯re going to have to earn the President¡¯s approval for this, I¡¯ll leave out your n to assassinate our enemies,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°Feel free to do whatever you think is best. However, please make it clear to them that we¡¯re running out of time.¡±

    After extinguishing his cigarette, Kim Hyung-Jung nced at the window. He seemed to be wondering if he could report to Hwang Ki-Hyun right now.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going. I¡¯ll contact you as soon as I get results,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°Please do.¡±

    Kang Chan walked Kim Hyung-Jung to the elevator and saw him off.

    ***

    Early that morning, an ambnce and five ck vans drove off from the base in Loriam.

    Sitting in the ambnce, Romain looked at the man lying on the bed with a terribly subdued look in his eyes.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Shan asked, his voice weak.

    He was so skinny that his skin seemed to be wrapping around his bones, making him look like a talking skeleton.

    Instead of answering, Romain asked, ¡°Can you exin what happened in South Korea?¡±

    Shan gazed at Romain. His gaze was poisonous.

    Romain added, ¡°I want to know why the God of ckfield injured you and how Lanok found out about the perfect n that Josh and I made.¡±

    Shan¡¯s lips twisted into a smile. ¡°You¡¯re not going to believe me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be the judge of that, Shan.¡±

    Romain¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°Shan, this is yourst chance. I apud you for keeping your silence while Lanok had you locked up, but you¡¯re already useless. Don¡¯t act like you¡¯re all that.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmm.</i>¡±

    As the ambnce exited Loriam and merged into the national road, Shan began to confess everything that had happened in South Korea.

    Romaine sighed deeply. ¡°I¡¯m going to go crazy.¡±

    Sharply ring at Shan, he tried to make sense of the situation. ¡°The God of ckfield speaks fluent French even though he has never studied it, and he¡¯s absurdlypetent in executing operations andmanding soldiers. Even G¨¦rard respects him. All things considered, your story makes sense, but...¡±

    ¡°Kang Chan executed an operation?¡± Shan asked.

    ¡°He has done feats that can¡¯t be described in words.¡±

    Spite emanated from Shan¡¯s eyes. ¡°Can¡¯t the DGSE kill Kang Chan?¡±

    When Romain didn¡¯t answer, he continued, ¡°I know his Achilles heel. Please let me kill him.¡±

    Instead of replying, Romain simply sneered at him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care if you give me 99% pure cocaine,¡± Shan pleaded. ¡°I¡¯ll do anything for as long as I get to decapitate that bastard with my own hands.¡±

    ¡°What makes you think the DGSE can¡¯t do that themselves?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill him in a way that¡¯s far too dirty for the DGSE. I¡¯ll even destroy everyone around him. Just give me a chance, and I promise you¡¯ll see Kang Chan go berserk.¡±

    For the first time throughout their entire conversation, Romain showed interest.

    ***

    Late in the afternoon, Lanok greeted his two visitors.

    ¡°How about we have tea before dinner?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°<i>Hmph</i>. You¡¯ve been serving us that bitter ck tea for over than ten years,¡± Vasili grumbled.

    Yang Bum, looking at Vasili, burst intoughter.

    ¡°How¡¯s our main character doing?¡± Vasili asked.

    While pouring ck tea, Lanok answered, ¡°He¡¯s probably thinking about what he should do right now.¡±

    Vasili clearly didn¡¯t like that.

    ¡°We can¡¯t afford to wait for him until he¡¯s done thinking, Lanok. I didn¡¯t kill Josh because the nuclear warhead is on the line. Otherwise, I would have already shot him in the head.¡±

    Lanok lit up a cigar. He then looked at the Russian. ¡°We have to figure out how the Star of David got their hands on the nuclear warhead first, Vasili.¡±

    <i>Click.</i>

    Vasili roughly put down his tea cup. ¡°Sergey knew that we were watching him. That was why we couldn¡¯t get rid of the nuclear warhead.¡±

    Yang Bum just listened to the conversation with unusually sharp eyes.

    ¡°Based on everything we¡¯ve learned so far, the Star of David probably went to Gabriel and ordered him to smuggle the nuclear warhead from us under the condition that they¡¯ll bring the Mermier family to prosperity again.¡±

    ¡°That must be why Gabriel got surgery to look like G¨¦rard, came to South Korea, and smuggled Shan in,¡± Lanokmented.

    ¡°You can say that.¡±

    Vasili looked at Yang Bum.

    As if on cue, Yang Bum began, ¡°We have thoroughly investigated the organization that was rted to Shan when he was in South Korea. Everyone involved in that incident had already died.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe they chose to die just to run away from the consequences,¡± Vasili said. He then smirked and burst intoughter.

    Unbothered by his reaction, Yang Bum continued, ¡°We have also discovered a huge army heading to Mongolia. They¡¯re scattered, so it¡¯ll be hard to catch all of them. However, if need be, we can at least kill some of them.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll leave that for Monsieur Kang to handle. Let¡¯s focus on finding the nuclear warhead. Use any means necessary,¡± Vasili suggested, then immediately shook his head. ¡°<i>Huhuhu</i>! Those idiots! I can¡¯t believe they¡¯re actually heading to the DMZ King¡¯s doorstep. Worse, they want tounch a surprise attack on him! <i>Hmph</i>! If they tried tounch a night raid, there¡¯d be nothing more I could wish for!¡±

    ¡°Is the DMZ King really that skilled?¡± Yang Bum asked.

    ¡°The Spetsnaz used to tell our recruits two things,¡± Vasili answered. He then sighed loudly, seemingly remembering all the humiliation he had endured. ¡°The first was that if they were at the DMZ, once night fell, the god of death woulde for them.¡±

    Vasili looked displeased by his own words. Yang Bum just stared at him, silently asking him to continue.

    ¡°The second was that if they ran into him alone, they should try their best to shoot him,¡± Vasili said.

    Yang Bum cocked his head.

    <i>Isn¡¯t that the natural course of action for the Spetsnaz if they run into any enemy?</i>

    ¡°The problem is that none of the soldiers who had run into him alone managed to pull the trigger.¡±

    <i>What?</i>

    Surprised, Yang Bum turned his head toward Vasili again.

    ¡°If you¡¯re so curious, you should visit the DMZ King at night,¡± Vasili grumbled.

    ***

    <i>Vroom! Rattle! Rattle!</i>

    As the jeep drove across the rough terrain, the winds picked up the clouds of dust its wheels were creating. They then sent them back into the wilderness, making it look as if a y-colored fog was forming.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu raised his hand and pointed to the low hill ahead of them.

    <i>Screech!</i>

    The jeep roughly pulled to a stop, causing everyone to lurch forward. Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik followed Kang Chul-Gyu out of the jeep.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>? What?¡±

    Once they were out, the jeep started to reverse on its own.

    ¡°Hey, you fu¡ª!¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik quickly ran to the jeep. Yang Dong-Sik, who was on the side of the driver''s seat, was a little bit quicker.

    <i>Screech</i>.

    Yang Dong-Sik got in and stepped on the brakes. He pressed down on the parking brake, which was next to the clutch, as hard as he could.

    Nam Il-Gyu nced at Kang Chul-Gyu, then growled at Yang Dong-Sik. ¡°Get your act together!¡±

    ¡°You fu¡ª! You think I did that on purpose? I mentioned this before, but the car that we usedst time automatically engaged the parking brake whenever we parked!¡±

    While arguing Yang Dong-Sik also kept ncing at Kang Chul-Gyu, who just kept sharply examining the wilderness that led to the low hill and the base.

    Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik walked over to Kang Chul-Gyu. For a while, the three remained silent.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, do you have a bad feeling about this?¡± Nam-Il-Gyu asked.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nced at him, then silently nodded.

    ¡°Do you really think the fight this time is going to be tough?¡± Yang Dong-Sik asked.

    Smirking, Kang Chul-Gyu nodded again.

    ¡°About what happened in the past...¡±

    At that moment, Kang Chul-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik turned to Nam Il-Gyu.

    ¡°I mean the time you rescued Dong-Sik.¡±

    ¡°Why are you bringing that up?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked. ¡°That¡¯s already water under the bridge.¡±

    ¡°After leaving the military, I thought about it a lot. It made me realize that I didn''t thank you for it.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik shifted his gaze between Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu, examining the two.

    ¡°Thank you, sunbae-nim,¡± Nam Il-Gyu said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu simply smiled in response.

    ¡°I won¡¯t ever forget that you¡¯re the reason I get to wear the Taegeukgi on my left arm again and join battles like this under our nation¡¯s orders.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked away from Nam Il-Gyu. Yang Dong-Sik, who was next to him, looked touched.

 Chapter 316: Burden of Determination (1)

    <h4>Chapter 316: Burden of Determination (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan had dinner with Seok Kang-Ho in the hospital. G¨¦rard had also headed over in Michelle''s car.

    After Kang Chan told them about the situation, G¨¦rard asked, "So I don''t have to return to Africa?"

    "Hey! Were you even listening? I said we might be in even more danger here than in the middle ofbat in Africa."

    "So I don''t need to go anymore?"

    <i>Does this guy seriouslyckprehension?</i>

    Dumbfounded, Kang Chan stared at G¨¦rard.

    "Aren''t you upset about decisions being made without your input?" Kang Chan asked.

    "You''re one to talk! You sent me away without even asking," G¨¦rard replied, a satisfied look on his face.

    "That guy¡¯s happy about this, isn¡¯t he?" Seok Kang-Ho interjected.

    <i>Here they go again.</i>

    Kang Chan confirmed it for them.

    "Are you nning to properly step up now?"

    "Well, even after the power nts have been built, some fool might still think of waging war. We can''t just keep taking hits forever."

    "That''s true," Seok Kang-Ho agreed, yawning widely and then wiping his eyes. "What good is this bastard if he can''t evenmunicate?"

    "I''m thinking about having him guard the ambassador for now. I''ve filled out all the Foreign Legion''s regtions, so even if Romain objects, it shouldn''t be a big issue."

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded silently.

    "You should go to sleep."

    "Sure. The meds I''ve taken are so strong I feel dizzy anyway. <i>Oh</i>! I''m being discharged next week."

    "Got it."

    Kang Chan left the room with G¨¦rard.

    "Captain, let''s go have a cup of tea before we head home. It''s frustrating how difficult it is to smoke at home."

    "Shall we?"

    They headed to a caf¨¦ in Misari as darkness settled around them.

    ***

    They ordered coffee and settled outside, warmed by a heater shaped like an umbre.

    Perhaps avoiding alcohol whenever he felt even slightly in danger had be a habit ingrained in his body.

    Once the staff had served them their order, G¨¦rard took out a cigarette.

    "Can I meet Michelle every day starting tomorrow?"

    G¨¦rard offered Kang Chan a cigarette and picked up a lighter.

    <i>Click.</i>

    "<i>Hoo</i>. I''m thinking of learning some Korean."

    "That¡¯s up to you, but I''d like you to start by guarding the ambassador."

    "Yes, sir."

    Visibly pleased by not having to return to Africa, G¨¦rard took a deep drag of his cigarette and exhaled the smoke.

    "G¨¦rard," Kang Chan called.

    G¨¦rard turned his head toward him, pausing just before he could take a sip of his coffee.

    "We¡¯re up against the DGSE and the British intelligence bureau. Stay sharp. Just like how they eliminated Gabriel, they can target you, Date, or even me anytime, anywhere."

    "Yes, sir," G¨¦rard responded softly.

    Taking a deep breath, the cool evening air seemed to calm both his body and mind. Addressing the Star of David¡¯s threat might provide some answers. It could serve as a warning to some extent. However, it was still daunting.

    Kang Chan had said that he would eliminate Romain, but it was hard to say how. Moreover, although he had seen Romain before, he had only ever heard of Josh.

    <i>Click.</i>

    The me of the lighter illuminated G¨¦rard''s face. He clearly couldn''t hide his joy.

    ***

    The next day, early in the morning, Kim Hyung-Jung called Kang Chan to inform him of his scheduled meeting time with Director Song Chang-Wook and Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik. They had decided to meet before meeting Abibu.

    Upon reaching the office, G¨¦rard went straight to Michelle. Meanwhile, as if having switched ces with Kang Chan, Kim Hyung-Jung arrived and sat down at a table with Kang Chan. Choi Jong-Il served them tea.

    "After your meeting with Director Song Chang-Wook and Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik at ten o''clock, you are scheduled to see the President and the Director immediately afterward," Kim Hyung-Jung stated.

    He looked around once before continuing, "After receiving the report yesterday, they told me they wanted to meet you in person, Assistant Director."

    Kang Chan nodded in agreement. "Sure.¡±

    This request would be difficult to amodate under normal circumstances. Hence, he even considered creating an organization himself if things didn''t work out as nned. For now, at the very least, he had received a direct invite to his answer.

    ***

    Nam Soon-Pyo entered with an agent, displeasure evident in his expression. He seemed irked that he was summoned to a hotel room rather than a lounge.

    ¡°So you move in very secretive ways given your high status, huh?¡± he remarked.

    ¡°Please have a seat. Would you like some tea?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun coolly responded despite Nam Soon-Pyo''s sharp greeting.

    Nam Soon-Pyo directed his question at the agent instead. ¡°Got any water?¡±

    After the agent brought water and a cup, he left the room on his own.

    ¡°Now, what¡¯s this about? Summoning the head of the National Defense Committee to such an ufortable meeting could easily be seen as a political maneuver.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much of it. I just wanted to discuss something in private. Listen to what I have to say first, then judge for yourself.¡±

    Instead of responding, Nam Soon-Pyo looked at his watch.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun continued, ¡°I trust you''re aware of the President''s recent announcement.¡±

    He spoke as if he were talking to the wall.

    ¡°Following that announcement, we conducted an investigation into dual citizenships due to the medical benefits and educational support the president mentioned. It turns out both of your sons avoided military service by getting American citizenship.¡±

    Nam Soon-Pyo red at Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    ¡°Are you suggesting that my sonsmitted a crime by acquiring American citizenship? Are you threatening me?¡±

    ¡°I apologize if it sounded that way. I am merely discussing how to handle the fact that an American citizen owns buildings here and operates three upscale restaurants under someone else¡¯s name.¡±

    ¡°I am a member of the parliament, elected by the people. Do you really think I will bow to threats from the National Intelligence Service? I am not ashamed of my children''s actions. If you have evidence, then go ahead and release it!¡± Nam Soon-Pyo eximed. He then breathed heavily.

    ¡°Three members of the National Defense Committee, including their children, have been exempted from military service. Moreover, except for one person performing public service, everyone else has avoided it.¡±

    Hwang Ki-Hyun remained calm.

    ¡°I am simply informing you of what will be reported in tomorrow''s newspapers and broadcasts. Unfortunately, we have to do this even though we have concluded that the members being needlessly talked about would not be of any help to the country.¡±

    Nam Soon-Pyo¡¯s heavy breathing filled the room.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun continued, ¡°If you can cover this up through your contacts, then go ahead. Either way, I would also like to point out that we have found evidence of said issues. There might also be reports about illegal sex work being conducted at a massage parlor in a building owned by your wife and that spective buying and false registrations have urred twice in redevelopment areas.¡±

    His breathing got rougher.

    ¡°That being said, the media have yet to pick up on the fact that your father-inw has shares of the massage parlor and that the two houses in the US under your son''s name were bought with illegal money transfers. Perhaps you can consider those as good news, at least.¡±

    Nam Soon-Pyo clenched his teeth.

    ¡°I have said all I needed to say. I expect you to make a wise decision and contribute to the nation''s development.¡±

    ¡°<i>Haa</i>.¡±

    A long sigh reced Nam Soon-Pyo¡¯s rough breathing.

    ¡°Are you suggesting we cover up the overseas deployment?¡±

    ¡°Why would you think that?¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun questioned.

    He stared right into Nam Soon-Pyo¡¯s eyes. ¡°The National Defense Committee should rightfully uncover illegal overseas deployments¡ªif there is one. I hope you don''t connect that with today''s matter.¡±

    Nam Soon-Pyo exhaled harshly.

    ¡°Do you really believe the National Intelligence Service would intervene just because your aides have begun investigating us?¡±

    ¡°You seem worried about recordings, so let me speak first. Please cover up this incident. The investigation by the Defense Committee hasn''t been proposed yet. I''ll handle the opposition myself. Can your side appease the ruling party?¡±

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service just hopes that the chairman of the Defense Committee doesn¡¯t end up in a scandal.¡±

    Nam Soon-Pyo''s cheeks twitched as he gritted his teeth.

    ***

    "<i>Huff! Huff</i>!"

    Oh Gwang-Taek had never regretted smoking as much as he did now. He felt like his lungs refused to ept air¡ªas if someone had plugged his nostrils with their index and middle fingers.

    <i>Clunk! Clunk! Click!</i>

    The rifle he was carrying, along with magazines strapped to his vest and thighs, ttered loudly.

    "<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!"

    However, Oh Gwang-Taek couldn''t stop running. If he hadn''t experienced this in Libya, if he hadn''t seen people dying, he might have already given up and copsed.

    It was a straight kilometer, but the path kept undting like waves. The uphill parts made him feel like his thighs and knees were being ripped apart, while the downhill ones were perfect for a nasty fall if he wasn''t careful.

    Only fifty meters to go.

    "<i>Huff, huff</i>!"

    Kang Chul-Gyu had gathered everyone early in the morning and ordered training. This drill was part of it.

    "President Oh," Kang Chul-Gyu called out to Oh Gwang-Taek as thetter entered the final stretch.

    The gathering included the DMZ team, the Jeungpyeong special forces team, and Joo Chul-Bum, among his other younger colleagues.

    "You''re a decent special forces soldier now. I was hoping you could carry out the mission in this operation. Is that alright?"

    <i>Shit!</i>

    He wished he could have shown his daughter¡ªwho whined over the phone asking when daddy woulde home¡ªthe looks he received from the DMZ and Jeungpyeong special forces teams, even if it meant he would have to record them.

    Their expressions showed clear acknowledgment of his capabilities, not as the gangster Oh Gwang-Taek, but as a fellow special forces member.

    "<i>Huff, huff</i>!"

    Only thirty meters were left. His daughter''s father was no longer a gangster. He was a man who fought for his country, bearing the Taegeukgi on his left arm.

    Twenty meters.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Yoon Sang-Ki, camouged, watched the scene through their scopes.

    "<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!"

    "Daddy? Banana!"

    <i>Okay! I''ll buy bananas! A mountain of them!</i>

    The ground suddenly sank beneath him, nearly making him fall on the downhill slope.

    Oh Gwang-Taek gritted his teeth and took a step forward.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Yoon Sang-Ki were right in front of him.

    <i>Thud!</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek crashed into the ground next to the two men.

    "<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!"

    <i>Chk.</i>

    - Group Two, start moving.

    At the crackle of the radio, the earth in front of them burst upward, revealing DMZ team soldiers. These were no ordinary men. If not for the asphalt, paving stones, and concrete, Seoul would have been theirs.

    ***

    Kang Chan entered a building located a little past Yeoksam-dong toward Daechi-dong. The signposts indicated that floors ten and eleven housed the ''<i>Fuel Resources Authority,</i>'' while floor nine had a grand sign for the ''Eurasia Rail Preparation Committee.''

    Kim Hyung-Jung pressed the elevator button for the eleventh floor. People who appeared to be office workers joined him.

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t thought about it usually, probably because he saw him often, but he thought Kim Hyung-Jung''s demeanor seemed incredibly formidable when he was outside. Especially when mixed among ordinary people, and now with Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung silently standing by his side, the three undeniably had the air of fixers.

    <i>What would these people think of him?</i>

    In the silence-swathed elevator, Kang Chan nced at the mirror. He couldn''t tell.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    As if escaping, people quickly exited the elevator on every odd-numbered floor. By the time they had reached the eleventh floor, only Kang Chan''s group remained. A female employee was waiting outside the office.

    "This way, please."

    Kang Chan wordlessly followed her lead. Passing desks separated by partitions, they went further inside until they came across another female employee, who was behind a long desk.

    Their guide opened the door to the Director''s office.

    "Your guests have arrived," she announced, then stepped aside.

    Only Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung entered.

    "Hello?"

    Kang Chan already knew Director Song Chang-Wook and Kim Gwan-Sik, Kim Mi-Young''s father. He greeted them politely, but his greeting felt so stiff it was as if he were in a chalk factory.

    "Wee."

    Song Chang-Wook shook hands with Kang Chan and then extended his hand to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "Hello." Kim Gwan-Sik, surprisingly using honorifics, offered a handshake to Kang Chan.

    "Please have a seat."

    As they sat down, a female employee promptly served them tea that looked immensely healthful.

    "It seems unnecessary to brief you on our work, Mr. Kang Chan. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re more knowledgeable than we are. However, Mr. Kim Gwan-Sik and I want to make one thing very clear,¡± Song Chang-Wook began. He then nced at Kim Gwan-Sik before continuing, "There will absolutely be no obligations tied to personal rtionships."

    He had the same upright attitude that he had shown the first time Kang Chan had met him.

    "<i>Oh</i>! I should have given you time to enjoy your tea, shouldn''t I?"

    Prompted by Song Chang-Wook''s gesture, Kang Chan took a sip of his tea.

    It smelled and tasted almost like it was distilled from herbal medicine.

    "Mr. Kang Chan."

    "Yes?"

    "Do you truly love your country?"

    Caught off-guard, Kang Chan felt as though he had been pierced through. He stared nkly at Song Chang-Wook.

    "I started this because it was a request from those I care about. I mentioned before that I am not yet prepared to sacrifice my life for my country."

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Educated people were clearly different. Song Chang-Wook remembered something that Kang Chan could barely recall himself.

    "What is the situation now?" Kim Gwan-Sik asked with a serious expression.

    <i>I haven''t even seen Kim Mi-Young yet...</i>

    "Director,¡± Kang Chan began, making Song Chang-Wook fiercely gaze at him.

    "I feel moved by the Republic of Korea whenever..." Kang Chan trailed off. It would be foolish to blurt out something inappropriate in front of Kim Gwan-Sik, who might not be aware of everything.

    "Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik knows that you were themander for the operations in Afghanistan and Africa," Song Chang-Wook revealed.

    Kang Chan reflexively turned his head.

    He was equally surprised by Song Chang-Wook''s quick perception and Kim Gwan-Sik¡¯s decision to allow Kim Mi-Young to meet him despite knowing all his secrets.

    Kang Chan felt like a fool.

    "I apologize if that came across as disrespectful. However, when we epted this task, Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik and I were warned of the risks. Currently, even our families are under protection."

    Song Chang-Wook maintained hisposed posture as he met Kang Chan''s gaze.

    "I asked Manager Kim Hyung-Jung to inform the chairman as well because I believe he has the right to know. This may sound harsh to you, Mr. Kang Chan, since you have faced life-threatening situations, but Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik and I have epted this assignment fully prepared for the possibility of our families¡¯ deaths."

    Compelling intensity enveloped the old man¡¯s eyes.

    "Ordinary people like us hope to safely go to work each morning. We hope that neither we nor our families would die from traffic idents or by means we''ve only heard of through hearsay."

    Song Chang-Wook quickly nced at Kim Gwan-Sik. He then returned his attention to Kang Chan.

    "You¡¯re the person who will be ultimately leading this project, Mr. Kang Chan. Until then, Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik and I will risk our lives to hold the fort. That''s why I want to know if you truly want the Republic of Korea to progress as much as we do."

    Although Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand everything Song Chang-Wook said, he certainly felt a profound impact. He could now finally express the thought that he had been holding back.

    "The Republic of Korea moves me whenever our agents and troops fall bleeding. So far, not one of my men harbors resentment. At the very least, I refuse to let their sacrifices be in vain."

    Song Chang-Wook smiled faintly.

    "Mr. Kang Chan."

    "Yes?"

    "There''s an uing international conference on the new energy."

    Kang Chan had heard of it, but he still hadn¡¯t fully understood.

    "Presidents and department heads from various countries will be visiting our country. Like the Eurasian Rail conference, there could be terrorist threats."

    It wasn¡¯t something to discuss in front of Kang Chan, the head of the counter-terrorism team, and Kim Hyung-Jung, the head of the Samseong-dong branch.

    "Could you make me one promise?"

    The old man spoke with genuine earnestness.

    "If either Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik or I were to sacrifice our lives, we would hold no grudges. However, I hope you will add the burden of our dedication to yourmitment to the Republic of Korea."

    Kang Chan quietly took a deep breath.

 Chapter 317: Burden of Determination (2)

    <h4>Chapter 317: Burden of Determination (2)</h4>

    Chapter 317 - Book 19 Chapter 6: Burden of Determination (2)

    After his meeting with Song Chang-Wook, Kang Chan headed to the National Intelligence Service in Naegok-dong. As usual, he bypassed the elevator in front of the entrance and went down to the basement.

    Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun were waiting in the conference room. The two rose from their seats to greet Kang Chan.

    "Hello, sir."

    "Wee, Assistant Director."

    "Let''s sit down," Moon Jae-Hyun offered.

    <i>¡®Is he unwell?¡¯ </i>Kang Chan wondered.

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked as if he had just been soaked in a jar full of fatigue.

    Once everyone was seated, Moon Jae-Hyun began, "Assistant Director, I believe you are already aware of the situation. I have also heard about your request from Manager Kim. The reason I wanted to see you in person is to discuss one thing I''m curious about and another that concerns me."

    He briefly paused to take a sip of the water in front of him.

    "I''ve noticed the flow of the war. We are holding a next-generation energy conference next week and have joined hands with Japan to try to prevent the worst-case scenario. Unfortunately, the director and I arecking in capability."

    Kang Chan was surprised by how feeble the president sounded.

    After ncing at Hwang Ki-Hyun, Moon Jae-Hyun continued, "It may seem irresponsible to say this since it would sound as if we''ve guaranteed the safety of the nation and its people, but I can''t let go of this opportunity now that we¡¯ve seized it."

    Moon Jae-Hyun seemed to be granting Kang Chan the authority to dere war.

    "Assistant Director," he called.

    "Sir."

    "What do you n to do?"

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t even caught his breath when the question came flying at him.

    "Mr. President, I..."

    "Please feel free to speak your mind."

    Hwang Ki-Hyun and Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan with tense expressions.

    "I met Ambassador Lanok yesterday. After careful consideration, I n to gather the people I consider allies. To that end, I¡¯ll be setting up a meeting with Vasili, Yang Bum, Ludwig, and Vant to check if we¡¯re missing anything and to request their cooperation."

    Hwang Ki-Hyun''s eyes twitched. Kang Chan listed incredibly powerful figures as if they were friendly neighbors.

    "There are currently two figures in the intelligence world who are definitely hostile to this matter. One is DGSE Director-General Romain. The other is Josh, the Deputy Director-Generals of the British intelligence bureau."

    <i>So the bigwigs are the ones trying to start a war, after all! DGSE Director-General? Deputy Director-General of the British Intelligence Bureau?</i>

    Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun turned pale.

    "I intend to eliminate them," Kang Chan firmly dered.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun''s face stiffened. As Moon Jae-Hyun leaned over, Kim Hyung-Jung turned to Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    "I don''t always have the time to report and get approvals. Security is also an issue. If you are not going to abandon the next-generation energy project, please grant me the authority I requested."

    Moon Jae-Hyun exhaled a sigh-like breath. He then asked, "Have you received any hints or heard anything more?"

    "I''ve heard that assassinations will soon be rampant in the world of intelligence."

    Moon Jae-Hyun twiddled his fingers before taking another sip of water.

    "Assistant Director, could you ask Director Yang Bum to arrange a meeting with North Korea''s supreme leader? If that isn¡¯t possible, Director Hwang would just have to make a secret visit to North Korea."

    <i>Right! That''s definitely an option!</i>

    "North Korea has been cutting off all its unofficial channels. We will try to adjust our differences with them ourselves."

    Kang Chan nodded. There was nothing wrong with the parties meeting directly.

    "Can I check now?" he asked.

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun with a startled expression.

    "Of course. Please do,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun responded.

    Kang Chan took out his phone and then looked at Kim Hyung-Jung. He had done this before. Kim Hyung-Jung pulled out a cable from the table and handed it over.

    <i>Tring, tring, tring.</i>

    After a brief silence, a skilled Korean greeting echoed from the conference room speaker.

    - It''s been a while, Mr. Kang Chan.

    "How have you been?" Kang Chan replied.

    - It seems neither of us are in the best circumstances.

    Augh tinged the reply.

    - To what do I owe the pleasure? Is there something I can help you with?

    Kim Hyung-Jung gulped dryly as Kang Chan said, ¡°I apologize for the inconvenience, but could you arrange a meeting between our president and North Korea''s supreme leader? If not, getting permission for NIS Director Hwang to secretly visit North Korea would suffice."

    Sharp tension pressed down the conference room.

    <i>What will it be?</i>

    Hwang Ki-Hyun and Kim Hyung-Jung exchanged nces.

    <i>Knowing that he would try his best would be enough...</i>

    - When would be a good time?

    Hwang Ki-Hyun tightly pressed his lips together. Arranging a flight to Mongolia was one thing and another for the head of China¡¯s intelligence bureau to promise to facilitate this mission.

    <i>How much had South Korea wished for a person with such influence? How much had the National Intelligence Service hoped to be able to negotiate directly with major global powers?</i>

    Every time they saw the nameless stars at the entrance of the National Intelligence Service, their determination rose again and again. Kim Hyung-Jung spread both his hands wide.

    "Would ten days be possible?" Kang Chan asked.

    - <i>Hmmm</i>...

    Hwang Ki-Hyun and Kim Hyung-Jung looked stunned. Could they really get a leeway of ten days?

    - Mr. Kang Chan, I will call you back immediately.

    "Thank you. I''ll wait."

    As Kang Chan ended the call, quiet excitement swirled around the conference room.

    After a moment, Moon Jae-Hyun brought up the concern that he had mentioned earlier.

    "I¡¯ll be honest and straightforward, Assistant Director. The biggest concern with giving you an independent organization is that an innocent person could be sacrificed due to a wrong judgment. Moreover, if decisions were made based on personal intentions, the situation could spiral out of control."

    <i>This man, Kang Chan, also wavers. I can see his nervousness and desperation.</i>

    However, he certainly had to be credited for his ability to quickly regainposure and make unemotional judgments. He also had the passion and the poise to not be intimidated by major powers.

    "Mr. President, I will provide interim reports as you wish. However, I will do so verbally to you, the director, and Manager Kim. More importantly, if you ever tell me to dismantle the organization, I willply."

    Moon Jae-Hyun was intensely looking at Kang Chan.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    All four eyes darted to the phone.

    <i>¡®This is unexpected,¡¯ </i>Kang Chan thought.

    Just as Kang Chan, heart pounding with a warning, was about to hang up, he decided to answer.

    "Hello?" Kang Chan said.

    - Where are you?

    There was no time to protest or respond.

    - Let''s have bossam for lunch.

    <i>This guy is such a glutton!</i>

    Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun tried to hold back theirughter. Kim Hyung-Jung hung his head.

    "I''lle by in the evening."

    Kang Chan quickly hung up.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    However, before he could put the phone down, it rang again. The three men looked at Kang Chan with curiosity and anticipation.

    "Hello?"

    - It''s Yang Bum.

    "Yes, sir."

    - We have secured you an unofficial meeting with North Korea¡¯s supreme leader. In five days, the Director of the National Intelligence Service will travel through China by train, apanied by no more than two attach¨¦s. In return, please transfer ten billion won to a secret ount.

    <i>This guy wants mary payment? It¡¯s like we¡¯re going to a celebrity fan meeting or something.</i>

    Hwang Ki-Hyun mouthed his reply to Kang Chan.

    "Would you ept the payment in dors?" Kang Chan asked.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun then nodded as if to confirm that his message had been properly conveyed.

    - Of course.

    "Thank you for your help."

    A lightugh came from the other end of the phone.

    - What do you n to do next?

    "Pardon?"

    - Your next n, Mr. Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan stared at the phone for a moment.

    <i>Can I trust this person?</i>

    "I''m nning to meet Vasili."

    He didn''t want to doubt someone Lanok had introduced.

    - Excellent choice. Perhaps you could also stop by to see me on your way back from Russia?

    "I¡¯ll do my best."

    - I look forward to it. See youter, Mr. Kang Chan.

    The call ended.

    In a short period, the discussion about the organization, the call with Yang Bum, and the trip to North Korea were intertwined, creating a disorderly feeling.

    "Assistant Director,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun softly called.

    "Sir,¡± Kang Chan firmly responded.

    "You gave us the opportunity, and you are the only person we can ask to help resolve this matter."

    Moon Jae-Hyun''s determination shone through his fatigue.

    "I will put the National Intelligence Service''s counter-terrorism team directly under my office. As the President of South Korea, I grant you the authority to conduct operations without prior reports."

    "Thank you."

    Kang Chan felt as though Moon Jae-Hyun had just given him everything he needed.

    "For the sake of our nation, please do your best,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said as if to formally start the operation.

    ***

    After three rounds of training, everyone returned to base. Except for Kang Chul-Gyu, they all looked like they had been rolling in mud.

    <i>Click-ck, click-ck.</i>

    The fatigued soldiers sat down, their rifles and weapons ttering as they did. Every day, they conducted their deadly exhausting training twice in the morning and then once more right after lunch.

    "Good work," Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    Completely drained, he sat down on the ground and stretched out his legs. In total, they had sprinted three kilometers while carrying rifles, magazines, handguns, and knives.

    "Yang Dong-Sik,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called.

    Yang Dong-Sik stood up and loudly replied, "Sir!"

    "We''reying an ambush tonight. Form a toon, takemand, and submit a list of the men you¡¯d choose."

    "Yes, sir!"

    Kang Chul-Gyu had captivating charisma. His singlemand brought a sharp tension among the soldiers who were resting.

    "Nam Il-Gyu."

    "Sir!"<i> </i>Nam Il-Gyu firmly responded.

    "Form a squad to support Dong-Sik. Prepare a list and pass it to Tae-Jin."

    "Yes, sir."

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned his head.

    "Snipers! I want you to pair up. Change shifts every six hours."

    "Yes, sir!" the four shouted in unison.

    "Captain Cha."

    "Sir!"

    "Divide the rest of our men into three groups for support."

    "Yes, sir!"

    The dust made the soldiers¡¯ eyes look even more intense.

    "President Oh."

    "Sir."

    <i>nk.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek stood up, leaving everyone wondering where he got such energy.

    "I''d like you to join Captain Cha''s team. Is that okay?"

    "Yes, sir!"

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked at him as if he were seeing a steadfast ally.

    <i>¡®Daddy? Banana!¡¯</i>

    <i>Yes! I¡¯ll buy a bunch. A mountain of them.</i>

    For some reason, thest thing his daughter had said kept echoing in Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s ears.

    <i>¡®We have two bunches of bananas at home, but she says the ones you buy taste better.¡¯</i>

    He didn¡¯t even know how to describe the emotion he felt whenever he was hugged tightly around the neck by those little fennel-like hands, so how could he possibly exin the exhration of seeing his daughter, perhaps initially shy after a long absence, racing toward him and diving into his arms while shouting,<i> ¡®Daddy! Daddy!¡¯</i>

    The surge of strength he felt as he sprinted with the national g, giving it his all, stemmed from his desire and pride to be a father his daughter could look up to.

    "We''ll take a break to form the squads. Afterward, before dinner, we¡¯re running one more adaptation training."

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s emotions and gratitude shattered and scattered with the wind.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho shoved a fist-sized piece of meat topped with kimchi into his mouth.

    "Hey! Slow down! It''s just the two of us," Kang Chan said.

    "I <i>am </i>eating slowly."

    "Filthy bastard!"

    As Kang Chan pulled out tissue paper from a box, Seok Kang-Ho wiped his mouth with his palm. After leaving the National Intelligence Service, Kang Chan had called Seok Kang-Ho only for thetter to continue ranting about bossam.

    With the sick guy shouting about the same food over and over, what else could he do except go get it for him? In thirty minutes, they cleanly finished three servings of bossam, leaving not even a trace.

    "<i>Aaahh, </i>I feel alive again!"

    As Kang Chan was making coffee, Seok Kang-Ho swept the wrappers into a paper bag.

    "Here! Careful; it''s hot."

    "Ah! Nice! A sugary or twisted donut would be perfect for dessert right about now."

    Kang Chan exhaled softly as he drank his coffee. It was getting dark outside.

    "Has Gerard eaten dinner yet?"

    "He''s with Michelle, no need to worry about him."

    "Why is that kid fussing so much about learning Korean? It¡¯s not like he could learn it in a day."

    <i>That¡¯s funny.</i>

    Listening to Seok Kang-Ho grumbling, Kang Chan felt the day peacefully settling down. He told Seok Kang-Ho about his meeting with Song Chang-Wook and Kim Gwan-Sik and what transpired at the National Intelligence Service.

    "What? So Mi-Young¡¯s father already knows about everything?"

    "That''s right."

    "Wow! That man¡¯s got a scary side. Does that mean he approves of you bing his son-inw?"

    With just one sentence, Seok Kang-Ho quickly undermined Kim Gwan-Sik¡¯s patriotism.

    Darkness had fully enveloped the streets. The lights of cars, buildings, shops, and signs tried to resist, but it still perfectly coiled itself around them.

    "What¡¯s wrong? Got a bad feeling or something?"

    Seok Kang-Ho gave Kang Chan a serious look before turning his gaze back outside.

    ***

    The settling dusk had cast a solemn darkness over all of Mongolia. The stars in the sky zed awake, and the moonlight faintly illuminated the ridges and the horizons. Dust whirled in the racing wind.

    Atop the barracks stood Kang Chul-Gyu. Below him, Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik led their men out to prepare an ambush along with Oh Gwang-Taek and the special forces team from Jeungpyeong. This strategy was all too familiar, reminiscent of their operations in the DMZ.

    There was still some time before the day Kang Chan was anticipating. Under normal circumstances, they would have focused on tightening their security and rotating their men for rest. However, Kang Chul-Gyu''s instincts cautioned him against letting their guard down.

    Surprisingly, Kang Chan also felt uneasy about the situation. Although Kang Chul-Gyu had casually responded back then, he had actually been taken aback.

    He had been thinking of treating Kang Chan to some meat the next time they met. While it might not be as fancy as what Kang Chan had bought him, he was also considering buying him a cozy sweater or something simr.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. Was this what happiness felt like?

    <i>Chk.</i>

    A radio transmission cut through the silence.

    ¡°Armed hostiles on sight.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned to the side.

    ¡°There are... too many of them.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s voice, tinged with panic, crackled over the radio.

 Chapter 318: Come At Us! (1)

    <h4>Chapter 318: Come At Us! (1)</h4>

    Stars filled the night sky like lights decorating a Christmas tree.

    With the darkness in the background, their enemies approached their location. Their silhouettes lined up on the horizon.

    ¡°Ooohhh boooyyy...¡± Yoon Sang-Ki remarked, stretching out his amazement like a piece of taffy. ¡°There¡¯s a lot of them.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked behind him and stared at Yoon Sang-Ki, seemingly finding Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s reaction absurd. The others¡¯ expressions were no different.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Il-Gyu, Dong-Sik. Take your team to the second line of defense.¡±

    They heard Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s orders on the radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Nam Il-Gyu answered.

    <i>¡®Fuck!¡¯</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek was so nervous that he almost swore out loud.

    Trying his best to pretend that nothing was wrong, Oh Gang-Taek looked away. However, he still couldn¡¯t stop himself from feeling nervous.

    <i>What¡¯s wrong with me? I¡¯m not some gang underling doing my first task!</i>

    He had participated in knife fights between gangster organizations dozens of times, and he could no longer count with his fingers and toes the number of times that he had been taken to the hospital due to weapon-rted injuries.

    Hence, Oh Gwang-Taek didn¡¯t know why he was so fucking nervous. He really hoped that it would go away soon.

    The soldiers from Jeungpyeong looked rxed even as they watched their enemies filling the fields.

    <i>How would they react if it was the opposite? What if those soldiers were watching gangsters rushing toward them with filet knives, iron pipes, and baseball bats?</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek shook his head.

    He knew that it was shameful topare gangsters to the enemies currently approaching them.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Captain Cha,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu radioed in. ¡°Can you count how many enemies are approaching us?¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun quickly raised his hand to his helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m trying, sir, but it¡¯s proving difficult. I can¡¯t tell which organization they belong to either since they¡¯re still about two kilometers away from us. However, I estimate their numbers to be over two hundred.¡±

    To Oh Gwang-Taek, Cha Dong-Gyun looked calm and collected. He just sounded as if he was ordering jjajangmyeon, jjampong, and tangsuyuk.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Takemand until I get there.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°At their current speed, they¡¯ll be upon us in about thirty minutes. I¡¯ll try my best tomand the soldiers.¡±

    Their conversation sounded so mellow that they just seemed to be asking for free fried dumplings. Their radio frequency quieted down after.

    Oh Gwang-Taek inhaled loudly.

    <i>Click. nk. nk. Click. Click.</i>

    Even though Cha Dong-Gyun or Yoon Sang-Ki hadn¡¯t ordered it yet, he heard the soldiers carefully inspecting their magazines and pulling their guns¡¯ breechblocks.

    Once they were done, Cha Dong-Gyun began to speak so quietly that he sounded as if he was whispering.

    ¡°Our sunbaes have entrusted us to kill all hostiles invading our territory. Their survival depends on how many we can eliminate.¡±

    With the darkness making it hard to focus, some found it difficult to understand what he was saying unless they listened more intently than others.

    He continued, ¡°Kill with precision and speed. Keep fighting until the enemy reaches the sunbaes who have retreated to our second line of defense.¡±

    The soldiers¡¯ eyes fiercely glinted as they looked at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°Put everything you¡¯ve got into this battle. Show our sunbaes that they have juniors they can rely on¡ªjuniors capable of supporting the assistant director, who entrusted this mission to us.¡±

    When it suddenly became quiet, Oh Gwang-Taek wondered, <i>¡®Oh, is Cha Dong-Gyun done?¡¯</i>

    ¡°President Oh,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun called. ¡°Can you say our motto for us? Quietly, please.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun and everyone else turned to Oh Gwang-Taek. Their eyes showed that they were looking forward to hearing him saying their motto.

    <i>Why is he asking me to do this? I¡¯m not a member of the special forces team. Is this their way of saying that I¡¯m one of them? Is that why they¡¯re looking at me like that?</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek felt warmth surging in his chest.

    ¡°If I can...¡±

    <i>Why do I feel so suffocated?</i>

    ¡°Protect the country with my blood...¡±

    <i>Your father¡¯s the kind of man who can yell this cool motto in front of such amazing special forces soldiers!</i>

    ¡°I am...¡±

    <i>¡®Dad! You¡¯re the best!¡¯</i>

    <i>That¡¯s right! Once we¡¯re done here, I¡¯ll buy bananas on the way home.</i>

    ¡°... happy.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun smirked. The other soldiers smiled at him.

    <i>Am I afraid?</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek red at their enemies.

    <i>What do you think you motherfuckers are doing?¡¯</i>

    ***

    Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s units retreated to the second line of defense.

    In the DMZ, only a few special forces teams fought each other, and it was often to rob the other of their guard posts.

    Hence, the DMZ team didn¡¯t have experience facingrge armies. If they had fought against a unit thisrge in the DMZ, everything would have been destroyed, leaving nothing in the aftermath of war.

    ¡°Dong-Sik,¡± Nam Il-Gyu called.

    Yang Dong-Sik looked away from the enemies.

    ¡°Look after Kang sunbae.¡±

    Only his eyes were visible because of the dirt and the camo paint. Nevertheless, his gaze and voice were enough to make it clear that he was full of spite, perhaps because of the enemies¡¯ numbers.

    Nam Il-Gyu continued, ¡°I¡¯ll bring up the front and do whatever it takes to stop the enemies, so take care of Kang sunbae and our juniors.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik nced at the enemies approaching them. ¡°Hey! Let me take charge of the vanguard.¡±

    He sounded soft, which was unlike him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know that I have trouble understanding the situation. I¡¯m a bit better at offense, so you stay next to Kang sunbae and see how things y out. Don¡¯t forget to help our juniors out as well.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu red at Yang Dong-Sik. ¡°Hey, motherfucker.¡±

    In every battle they had been in, Yang Dong-Sik had always followed Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s orders since he trusted his capabilities to calmly judge the situation. He even treated him like a sunbae because Nam Il-Gyu joined the team two months earlier than he did.

    ¡°Il-Gyu,¡± Yang Dong-Sik responded.

    Today, however, he refused to abide by Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s orders because this was their first time fighting against so many troops.

    ¡°Please. Let¡¯s do as I say this time,¡± he pleaded.

    Yang Dong-Sik had never asked Nam Il-Gyu for something so desperately before. Despite knowing those at the front would be in grave danger, he insisted on bringing up the vanguard.

    ***

    After issuing a couple ofmands from above the barracks, Kang Chul-Gyu quickly climbed down.

    <i>Clunk.</i>

    He pushed his rifle, which he had slung around his shoulder to suspend it diagonally across his body, to his back.

    He had a total of five bays¡ªone on each thigh and ankle, and another on his left upper arm¡ªa pistol strapped to the right side of his waist, a magazine at his back, and several grenades hanging on both sides of his chest.

    Kim Tae-Jin, armed with the same loadout, approached Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Four snipers, the soldier in charge of the Mistral, Joo Chul-Bum, and Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s other subordinates were tasked to protect the base.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    The two walked.

    Considering the distance, their enemies would¡¯ve already been at the base if they were in vehicles and were recklessly charging head-on. Since they were still over two kilometers away, they probably wanted to remain undetected for as long as possible.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin quickly headed to their positions.

    The stars illuminating the night sky looked as if they would fall in clumps if the soldiers could lift their rifles high into the air and poke the sky.

    Kim Tae-Jin nced down at his feet.

    Kang Chul-Gyu made no noise as he walked. No matter how hard they tried, none of the soldiers could imitate him.

    ¡°Tae-Jin,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called. They were only about three hundred meters away from the Jeungpyeong special forces team.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°If you meet the assistant directorter...¡±

    <i>He¡¯s being strange.</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin discretely turned his head to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Tell him that I was very happy to get to meet my son again.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked in surprise.

    Staring ahead, Kang Chul-Gyu answered, ¡°My son. The one who died in Africa, remember?¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin knew that Kang Chul-Gyu was saying something like this because he was prepared to die. However, he couldn¡¯t dare argue against him.

    ¡°You got what I said, right?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°<i>Huh</i>? <i>Ah</i>, yes, I did.¡±

    Their allies and the displeasing silhouettes moving on the horizon were now within sight.

    <i>Could it be?</i>

    Crouching, Kim Tae-Jin looked at Kang Chul-Gyu again.

    <i>Does he want me to tell Kang Chan all that to stop him from being heartbroken if he dies? Is that why he wants me to tell Kang Chan that he was happy about getting to meet his dead son?</i>

    Kim Tae-Jin quietly sighed.

    He had never thought of Kang Chul-Gyu as someone so considerate.

    ***

    Kang Chan stood in front of and red out the window of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room.

    His eyes were glinting with so much intensity that even Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t help but quietly examine his mood.

    ¡°Got any cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho lit up two cigarettes, then handed one to Kang Chan.

    <i>Badum. Badum. Badum. Badum.</i>

    Due to the darkness of the night outside, the window acted like a mirror, reflecting Kang Chan. It was also reflecting Seok Kang-Ho, who was sitting behind him.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan took out his phone from his pants pocket and answered the call.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung. We have received intel that a huge group is approaching the base in Mongolia. We haven¡¯t figured out their size and affiliation yet, but we believe they are hostile.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chan answered calmly.

    He had already expected this much. After all, this was why his heart was pounding and kicking up such a fuss.

    - I¡¯ll update you as soon as we get more info.

    ¡°Please do.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung hung up.

    After returning his phone to his pocket, Kang Chan deeply exhaled the cigarette smoke. ¡°<i>Hoo</i>.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve just been informed that our enemies are already on their way to our base in Mongolia. However, we still haven¡¯t figured out who they are or how many bastards they¡¯ll send,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Seok Kang-Ho sighed, blowing out smoke in the process.

    Considering Kang Chan¡¯s eyes had been glinting long before Kim Hyung-Jung had called them, the battle in Mongolia likely wouldn¡¯t be easy.

    <i>Well, have battles ever been easy?</i>

    <i>Chkk.</i>

    Kang Chan dropped his half-finished cigarette into a paper cup and then slowly returned to the table.

    Although it wasn¡¯t like him, Seok Kang-Ho tried to console Kang Chan. ¡°They¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Kang Chan simply nodded.

    ***

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s footsteps finally made noises only when he reached Cha Dong-Gyun.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and the soldiers briefly greeted him with their gazes.

    Kang Chul-Gyu quickly examined the horizon. Its line, which should¡¯ve been straight, was being disrupted by multiple silhouettes.

    Their enemies were stupid for being so reckless in the presence of the DMZ team and Jeungpyeong special forces team, which were South Korea¡¯s best.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned to Cha Dong-Gyun.

    Their enemies were still about a kilometer away from them.

    ¡°What Nam Il-Gyu sunbae-nim said on the radio a moment ago got me thinking,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said. He looked genuinely curious. ¡°Have you and the DMZ team ever fought against an army thisrge?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. ¡°Our enemies back then were small special forces teams that had been sent to the DMZ. The unit we fought when I fell for the trap that ended my career was thergest we have ever faced. Even they were onlyposed of about a hundred soldiers.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun and the other special forces soldiers looked like they finally understood why Nam Il-Gyu sounded so surprised on the radio.

    ¡°We¡¯d still be confident fighting that many tangos if we were the ones on the offensive. Unfortunately, we simply do not specialize in defense. What about you, Captain Cha?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m already used to their numbers. In every battle we had been in with the assistant director, we were extremely outnumbered.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun wasn¡¯t bragging. He was just calmly voicing out what he was feeling.

    ¡°Thergest we have ever fought was the one in Africa. There were only seventy of us against the Quds¡¯ six hundred. I still vividly remember the assistant director takingmand. Even the Foreign Legion, Spetsnaz, Green Berets, and SBS listened to him back then...¡± Cha Dong-Gyun trailed off.

    Kang Chul-Gyu strangely looked even more touched and full of pride than Cha Dong-Gyun, who actually fought in that battle.

    After a brief and quiet exhale, Kang Chul-Gyu examined their enemies and looked at Cha Dong-Gyun again.

    ¡°Captain Cha, I¡¯m sure the joint training was enough for you to learn how we fight, so let me ask you this. What would you do in this situation?¡±

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, that¡¯s...¡±

    ¡°What would the assistant director do if he was here? I initially nned on hiding Il-Gyu and Dong-Sik in the middle of the battlefield and attacking them both head-on and from within their ranks. However, there are so many of them that we¡¯d likely be discovered before we can evenunch an attack. That¡¯s why I ordered them to move back instead.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu nced at Kim Tae-Jin. ¡°Since you have experience fightingrge units, I¡¯d like to hear your opinion.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun was so surprised that he got a lump in his throat. The DMZ King, of all people, was asking him for his opinion.

    Kang Chul-Gyu was a legend in South Korea¡¯s special forces team. In terms of achievements alone, he should¡¯ve been a full general by now.

    That same man had chosen to abandon his pride and ask his very young junior how he thought they should handle this battle, evidencing how badly he wanted to protect the base.

    Could anyone show their determination as clearly as he did? Was there any othermander out there who could ry their desire to save people so openly?

    Their enemies were now only about six hundred meters away. Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik, who had retreated to the second line of defense, were about four hundred meters away from the vanguard.

    ¡°We estimate the enemies to number around three hundred, sunbae-nim. Assuming they¡¯re all special forces soldiers on par with the Spetsnaz, how many do you think you and the DMZ team can take down?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    With glinting eyes, Kang Chul-Gyu examined their opponents.

    ¡°Il-Gyu and Dong-Sik¡¯s units should be able to take down at least a hundred before they¡¯re wiped out.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu then turned his head to Kim Tae-Jin. ¡°You and I should be able to eliminate another hundred, shouldn¡¯t we, Tae-Jin?¡±

    <i>Wait, is the DMZ King bluffing right now?</i>

    Startled, Cha Dong-Gyun turned to Kim Tae-Jin, only for his surprise to deepen. Kim Tae-Jin, who was looking at Kang Chul-Gyu, had a prideful expression.

    If Cha Dong-Gyun hadn¡¯t learned how prudent Kim Tae-Jin was from everything he had heard about him and during the live ammo training, he would¡¯ve wondered if Kang Chul-Gyu bluffed a lot.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, if we don¡¯t send the two units to their deaths, are you still confident that you can eliminate at least half of our enemies?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    It was an absurd question. Combat-rted questions couldn¡¯t just be answered as easily as using a calctor for a mathematical problem.

    Perhaps that was why Kang Chul-Gyu failed to give an immediate answer.

    Amid the silence, Cha Dong-Gyun began toy out his n. ¡°Sunbae-nim, if it¡¯s okay with you, I would like to...¡±

    With his eyes staring at their opponents, he told his two seniors every detail of the operation that he had in mind. The stars in the sky tried their best to eavesdrop, but their efforts ended in futility.

    Kang Chul-Gyu silently listened. Meanwhile, Kim Tae-Jin kept shifting his gaze between the two.

    ¡°I believe this n has the highest chance of sess,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun concluded.

    Kang Chul-Gyu smiled in approval. He then slowly looked away from Cha Dong-Gyun and turned to Kim Tae-Jin.

    Acting as if he were Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s aide, Kim Tae-Jin said, ¡°I agree with Captain Cha¡¯s n as well.¡±

    ¡°I see. That concludes this meeting, then. I entrust themand to you, Captain,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied.

    Kang Chul-Gyu raised his hand to his helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°DMZ team,¡± he radioed in. Everyone at the base in Mongolia could hear him right now.

    ¡°I am transferringmand to Captain Cha Dong-Gyun. Il-Gyu and Dong-Sik, I want your units on standby. On the captain¡¯s order, you are to infiltrate enemy ranks.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    After a brief pause, Nam Il-Gyu answered, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The DMZ team and the Jeungpyeong special forces team quickly executed Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s orders, finishing their preparations in no time at all.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin had also headed to their designated positions. The other soldiers, with their rifles pointed to the front, remained silent.

    Their enemies moved so slowly that from far away, they just looked like rock formations that had always been there.

    The wind swept past Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s glinting eyes amid the suffocating silence and nervousness. It thenforted Cha Dong-Gyun, who was gritting his teeth due to the weight of the responsibilities on his shoulders. Finally, it brushed past Oh Gwang-Taek, whose blood was boiling, as if it felt bad for him.

    Yang Dong-Sik and Nam Il-Gyu red at their enemies so fiercely that their eyes seemed to scream that they were going to skin them alive.

    <i>Come at us! I don¡¯t care who you motherfuckers are! I¡¯ll fucking kill anyone who targets South Korea and its bases!</i>

    The soldiers, including Kim Tae-Jin, had been rational all this time. Now, however, instead of looking like they were prepared to die, they looked as if they had abandoned all intentions to live.

 Chapter 319: Come At Us! (2)

    <h4>Chapter 319: Come At Us! (2)</h4>

    The enemies¡¯ ck silhouettes slowly closed in on their location, eventually covering enough distance for the South Koreans to check their clothes.

    The South Korean team had Oh Gwang-Taek, ten soldiers from the Jeungpyeong special forces team, and twenty-six soldiers from the DMZ team. Meanwhile, their opponents numbered three hundred, just like Cha Dong-Gyun had estimated.

    When their enemies went past him, Yang Dong-Sik began to salivate. Anyone who had reached this level of nervousness would make a noise loud enough to startle those around them if they swallowed their saliva. That was why they¡¯d much rather keep it in their mouth for now.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    Amid the darkness of this Mongolian wilderness, their opponents carefully walked along the low and high ridges.

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s n was simple.

    Once the fight started, like slicing a cake into threerge pieces, Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik would split the enemies into groups and cut into their ranks. They would then lure them into the sunken area in the middle of where they had initially set up their ambush and attack them head-on and from within, killing them one at a time.

    The Jeungpyeong special forces team and the DMZ team had paired their members together.

    Oh Gwang-Taek and a soldier from the special forces team were behind Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin, and Yoon Sang-Ki and another soldier were behind Nam Il-Gyu. Two other members of the Jeungpyeong special forces team were with Yang Dong-Sik.

    Cha Dong-Gyun had been clenching his jaws ever since he was givenmand.

    They were executing an operation that required his sunbaes¡ªincluding Kang Chul-Gyu¡ªto infiltrate their opponents¡¯ ranks even though hadn¡¯t even identified them yet.

    Kang Chul-Gyu soon informed Cha Dong-Gyun, who was feeling very anxious because he made the n, how many enemies they would be able to handle.

    <i>Rustle. tter.</i>

    With each step their opponents took, Cha Dong-Gyun could feel the hair on his entire body standing on end.

    Soon, however, he began to feel as if he was watching a neverending advertisement at a movie theater. After a terribly boring period, their enemies finally arrived at the spot they had hoped for.

    If he hadn¡¯t fought with Kang Chan before, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to stay calm right now.

    Cha Dong-Gyun took a deep breath. He then slowly moved his index finger. Once he pulled the trigger, the door to hell would burst open.

    Everyone assumed a simr stance, waiting for Cha Dong-Gyun to open fire.

    <i>BANG!</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun pulled the trigger, sending a bullet flying through the air.

    <i>Bang! Bang bang bang! BANG! Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    The terrifying gunshot reverberated throughout their surroundings, the echosting for a few moments. Unfortunately, the wilderness prevented them from seeing who or what the bullet hit.

    One after another, their opponents fell backward like a stack of straws. However, they soon retaliated.

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Du du du du! Du du!</i>

    The hostiles quickly got into position and started to return fire. Among them, their experiencedmander stood out.

    If they decided to hold out here, then this battle would be determined by numbers alone.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Cut through their ranks!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun ordered through the radio.

    <i>Whoosh! Whish! Whoosh!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin ran toward the enemy forces. Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik led their teams out as well.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang! BANG! Bang bang bang!</i>

    The rest provided those charging in with cover fire from behind, taking down one opponent after another.

    The muzzles of their M16s and the K2s[1] kept spouting out mes.

    Loud gunshots rang out from the opposing forces¡¯ AK-47s as well.

    <i>BANG! Pew! Bang bang bang! PEW!</i>

    <i>Du du du! Pew! Du du! Du du du du! Pew!</i>

    Gunshots ceaselessly pierced through the winds and echoed throughout the wilderness, the trees unable topletely silence them. Oh Gwang-Taek just kept firing.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    The recoil of his K2 assault rifle made his shoulders shake. The unpleasant smell of gunpowder rushed up his nostrils.

    <i>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Du du! Pow pow! Du du du! Pow pow pow!</i>

    Although bullets kept whizzing past them and piercing into their surroundings, Oh Gwang-Taek remained unfazed. He just kept gunning down those who were aiming at Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin, riddling them with bullets.

    He had to stop their enemies from attacking the DMZ team members no matter what. That was the only way he could protect his brothers-in-arms.

    Oh Gwang-Taek didn¡¯t even have time to observe them or feel sympathy for them.

    <i>Crunch!</i>

    Meanwhile, Kang Chul-Gyu grotesquely twisted their opponents¡¯ necks. They couldn¡¯t even resist.

    <i>Stab! Stter!</i>

    Every time his right hand moved, blood gushed out from their necks.

    Kang Chul-Gyu ran even deeper into their ranks.

    In response, the enemies swiftly aimed at Kang Chul-Gyu. However, witnessing one of their own being killed made them hesitate, giving him enough time to either break their necks or slit their throats.

    Kim Tae-Jin had never fought so closely with Kang Chul-Gyu before. Running and covering him made him feel as if he would soon go insane.

    Their enemies were all around them now. If just one of them managed to hit him and Kang Chul-Gyu, they would definitely die.

    <i>Du du du! Du du! Du du du!</i>

    Intuitively feeling the same way, their enemies blindly shot at them. Nevertheless, Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t stop. Once he had sent his target sinking to the ground, he immediately rushed past them.

    He was moving so fast that Kim Tae-Jin was eventually forced to stop covering him just to keep up with him, but even that alone proved too difficult to aplish.

    Both sides continued to shoot at each other.

    Along with another soldier, Oh Gwang-Taek covered Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin. He looked willing toy down his life toplete his duty.

    They were still twenty meters away from their target location.

    <i>Thump! Thud!</i>

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin reached the middle of their enemies¡¯ position in no time at all. As they did, Kang Chul-Gyu brought the rifle on his back to his front.

    In the meantime, Kim Tae-Jin dragged and built a wall using corpses.

    <i>Bang! Pow! Bang! Pow! Bang! Pow! Bang! Pow!</i>

    With every pull of the trigger, Kang Chul-Gyu took down an enemy.

    In the past, the Spetsnaz, the Baekrang team, and North Korea¡¯s Airborne Corps of the People''s Liberation Army Air Force shuddered whenever they saw the DMZ King in battle. That same beast wasing back to life right now.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Du du du! Du du! Bang! Bang bang bang! Du du du!</i>

    <i>Pow pow pow! Pow pow!</i>

    Soon, however, a soldier who respected Nam Il-Gyu sank to the ground, shaking as if he was having a seizure. Even though Kang Chul-Gyu was covering fire with his superhuman shooting skills, he was still shot.

    <i>Bam! Crack! Pew! Pew! Stter!</i>

    Nam Il-Gyu relentlessly twisted their enemies¡¯ necks and swung his bay. Not long after, they finally seeded in splitting them into three groups.

    From deep in the sunken area, they gunned down their opponents. However, since Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin were crouching close to each other like a coiled snake, their shots were ineffective.

    As Yang Dong-Sik had his team cover for him, he made his way through their enemies like a madman.

    They were tackling this battle in apletely different way from how they normally fought at the DMZ. Nevertheless, they had no intentions to withdraw. They had to win this fight.

    <i>Stab! Stter!</i>

    Yang Dong-Sik stabbed an enemy in the neck, then roughly pulled the bay out of them.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    At the same time, Kang Chul-Gyu embedded bullets right between his targets¡¯ eyes. The scene made Kim Tae-Jin conclude that the first phase of Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s n was a sess.

    He couldn¡¯t believe that Cha Dong-Gyun thought that they should upy the middle of the battlefield despite facing three hundred hostiles. Still, his clever strategy proved effective.

    <i>Bang! Pow! Bang! Pow! Bang! Pow!</i>

    Positioning Kang Chul-Gyu in the middle of the warzone only made this operation even more perfect. Every time he opened fire, anyone who had raised their heads or targeted his allies helplessly copsed.

    They had killed close to half of their enemies. It seemed theirbat capabilities weren''t as strong as they had feared.

    The pace of the battle momentarily slowed down as the enemies adjusted the formation of their three groups, which were in different locations.

    Both sides dragged and piled corpses in front of them.

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik, who had been put in charge of different areas, crawled their way to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Their foreheads, arms, and at least two other areas of their upper bodies were soaked in blood.

    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked Kim Tae-Jin, his rifle still pointed toward their enemies.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, sunbae-nim,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied. He then looked down at Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s waist. Much to his surprise, blood was seeping out of it. ¡°Let me patch you up.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. The bullet only grazed it,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied, acting as if it wasn''t a big deal.

    Kim Tae-Jin couldn¡¯t raise his head. He felt bad¡ªnot only did he stop covering Kang Chul-Gyu, but he didn¡¯t even notice that the man was injured.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun radioed in, ¡°Since our base is directly behind us, we¡¯ll take down the group to our twelve first. Kang sunbae-nim, please let me know once everyone in your area has finished preparations.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Copy that. I¡¯ll let you know as soon as we¡¯re ready,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu answered.

    ¡°Looks like our opponents right now don¡¯t even belong to a regr army,¡± Yang Dong-Sikmented as he finished bandaging himself.

    He then examined Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s mood with perplexity.

    ¡°Choose six soldiers who¡¯ll being with us,¡± Kang Chul-Gyumanded.

    ¡°Yes sir,¡± Nam Il-Gyu answered. He had also been watching Kang Chul-Gyu, who exuded charisma that was difficult for anyone to disobey. He was known to do this every now and then.

    ***

    After his call with Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan put his phone down.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just been informed that the one invading our base in Mongolia is the UIS militia of Libya. Their military might has apparently increased a lot recently because retired special forces soldiers have joined them asmanders.¡±

    ¡°How many of them are attacking the base?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°They still haven¡¯t figured that out.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho softly exhaled. ¡°Considering they¡¯re only a militia, they¡¯re better than expected. Few retired soldiers would¡¯ve joined them even if they were a special forces team.¡±

    Kang Chan looked outside the window.

    There was only a week left until Abibu arrived in South Korea. He wanted to finish everything he could before meeting that fucker.

    He picked up his phone and called someone. The call rang three times before it was answered.

    - How can I help our main character?

    Sarcasm was evident in Vasili¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t I just kill Romain and Josh?¡±

    - <i>Hmph</i>!

    The way Vasili responded made Kang Chan feel as if Vasili was looking down on him.

    - I¡¯ll kill as many bastards like Josh as you want me to for as long as you can figure out where the nuclear warhead is.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    The UIS militia¡¯s invasion of the South Korean base in Mongolia was already making things crazy for Kang Chan. Now, Vasili also wanted him to find the nuclear warhead.

    - You won¡¯t gain anything in North Korea no matter how many times you go there. For someone in the world of intelligence, your way of thinking is too nd.

    Kang Chan sighed. Vasili seemed to think that Moon Jae-Hyun and Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s desperate wish was too simple.

    - The Star of David is just using North Korea as an excuse. They¡¯re nning tounch a nuclear missile from somewhere. They mayunch it from North Korea, but if they do, that would mean North Korea epted the payment and lent their country to them without even knowing that the missiles would fall in Seoul and that one of the missiles would be fitted with the nuclear warhead.

    Kang Chanughed, finding the situation absurd.

    - If North Korea really wants to discuss the war with South Korea, they¡¯ll probably request about five hundred billion won. To themander of North Korea, this matter is more or less just a way to hit an unexpected jackpot without even having to do anything.

    ¡°Why is the United States pretending to be oblivious about South Korea sending money to North Korea, then?¡±

    Kang Chan heard Vasili sighing, seemingly to get rid of his frustration.

    - Because they will definitely profit if a war breaks out in the Korean Penins. Not only will it allow them to steal conventional weapons by using the money that South Korea will send to North Korea, but it will also give them a chance to get a stake in the next-generation energy facility again. They just won¡¯t be able to actively go for it because of Russia and China.

    ¡°This is so fuckingplicated.¡±

    - South Korea has always been this way. If your president and government had been a little foolish, we would be discussing what to do about South Korea without you right about now.

    ¡°Let me ask an honest question¡ªwhat should I do?¡±

    A moment of silence passed before Vasili answered.

    - Come up with a condition that would make Josh hand over the nuclear warhead. Lanok, Yang Bum, and I will eventually find it, but he mightunch it before we do. Presenting an offer that he would be tempted by is the fastest way to stop this.

    ¡°What¡¯s Josh¡¯s number?¡±

    - I¡¯m not a telephone operator.

    Finding Vasili¡¯s response funny, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk andugh.

    - The great DGSE will tell you right away if you contact them.

    Vasili sounded a lot sterner now, perhaps offended by Kang Chan¡¯sughter.

    ¡°Thanks, Vasili.¡±

    - Stay on your toes when you¡¯re dealing with Josh. He¡¯s not the type to miss an opportunity.

    <i>Beep.</i>

    Vasil was still the same as how Kang Chan remembered him.

    Kang Chan put his phone down on the table, then told Seok Kang-Ho, who looked curious, about the call.

    ¡°Are you thinking of meeting this Josh guy?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to meet someone I know first?¡±

    ¡°Someone you know?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ***

    There were about forty hostiles positioned in front of them.

    Their enemies had poor military strength that did not do their superior numbers justice.

    Theirmanders and a few others had remarkable skills, but unfortunately for them, South Korea had Kang Chul-Gyu. Those who acted out when the fight started quickly turned into corpses, mostly because of his rifle.

    Gunshots still rang out from time to time.

    ¡°We¡¯ve finished all preparations,¡± Nam Il-Gyu reported.

    Kang Chul-Gyu raised his hand to his helmet.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Captain Cha, we¡¯re ready.¡±

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Understood,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    Cha Dong-Gyun continued, ¡°On mymand, President Oh and Yoon Sang-Ki, cover Kang sunbae-nim¡¯s team. Kim Tae-Jin sunbae-nim, please support the soldiers at the center.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and three other soldiers unsheathed the bays attached to their upper left arms.

    <i>Click! nk! Click! Click!</i>

    As Kang Chul-Gyu checked how many bullets he had left in his magazine, Kim Tae-Jin and the others inspected their rifles.

    Oh Gwang-Taek, who was quite far away from them, swallowed dryly. His boiling blood was urging him to charge toward their opponents with Kang Chul-Gyu.

    He didn¡¯t expect that this was how soldiers felt in moments like this. The battle he experienced in Libya was just outright horrible. However, watching Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin running into their enemies¡¯ ranks a moment ago made him feel emotions that he couldn¡¯t put into words.

    <i>These people are just... Fuck! This is why everyone should experience the hardships they go through! </i>Oh Gwang-Taek wanted to fight and even die in their stead.

    <i>Is this why these soldiers argue against each other about who gets to join a mission even though they know they could be heading to their deaths?</i>

    Now, a new battle was about to start.

    Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and three others would run toward their enemies again. They would have to make their way through a rain of bullets, then position themselves in the middle of enemy ranks.

    Oh Gwang-Taek pulled his rifle very close to him, then pressed its stock against his shoulder.

    <i>I¡¯m going to protect them.</i>

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s eyes glinted.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°We¡¯re executing the next phase of our operation now,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun ordered.

    Yang Dong-Sik was about to run out when Nam Il-Gyu grabbed him by the nape.

    ¡°Hey! Focus, you fucking idiot!¡± Nam Il-Gyu eximed.

    <i>¡®Why did he stop me? What¡¯s going on?¡¯</i>

    Confused, Yang Dong-Sik nced at the others.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Three, two...¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun started to count down.

    ¡°Go go go!¡±

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    <i>Du du! Du du du! Du du du! Du du! Du du du!</i>

    The South Korean team simultaneously began opening fire, and their enemies immediately retaliated.

    With Kang Chul-Gyu in the lead, Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and the others sprinted into their enemies¡¯ position.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    Amid the firefight, everyone watched Kang Chul-Gyu running and shooting at the same time. He was truly worthy of being called the DMZ King, a legend feared and respected by military figures.

    The Jeungpyeong special forces team had assumed that he was simply better than others. In Libya, they thought he was just good at being inmand. However, those who could see him fight right now felt as if they finally understood why he was known as the DMZ King.

    Watching him made them feel so reassured it was almost as if Kang Chan¡ªwhom not even six hundred Quds could overpower¡ªwas the one charging ahead.

    <i>Bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</i>

    Watching Kang Chul-Gyu fight made the soldiers¡¯ blood boil.

    Even though he was running, he immobilized one enemy after another, requiring only one bullet for each target.

    So much adrenaline surged within his men that it seemed as if they had taken drugs. Their enemies were so afraid that they couldn¡¯t even aim at him anymore.

    <i>Whoosh! Whish! Whoosh!</i>

    As loud gunshots rang, Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik ran even deeper into their enemies¡¯ position.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    As they did, Kang Chul-Gyu knelt down and provided them with cover fire. The others did the same for him.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek suddenly swore, feeling a strange rush in his heart.

    1. A standard service rifle of the South Korean military. It was developed by the South Korean Agency for Defense Development ?

 Chapter 320: Im Sorry (1)

    <h4>Chapter 320: I''m Sorry (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan picked up his phone and dialed a number.

    - It¡¯s Hugo.

    ¡°Hugo, it¡¯s been over twenty-four hours. Why didn¡¯t I get an answer to my request?¡±

    - The approval has been deferred.

    Kang Chan smirked. ¡°Can you tell Director-General Romain that I request a private meeting with him?¡±

    After a brief pause, Hugo finally gave him an answer.

    - Yes, sir.

    ¡°Hugo.¡±

    - Yes, Deputy Director-General?

    ¡°I apologize if I¡¯m putting you in a predicament.¡±

    - Not at all. Thank you for looking out for me.

    Kang Chan hung up.

    <i>Rattle.</i>

    Not long after, G¨¦rard entered the room with a yellow shopping bag.

    ¡°How did you get here by yourself? You can¡¯t speak Korean,¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± G¨¦rard responded. After sitting at the table, he prodded, ¡°What¡¯s with that expression?¡±

    <i>Rustle.</i>

    Waiting for Kang Chan to answer, G¨¦rard took out three small paper packages from the shopping bag.

    ¡°I bought somete-night snacks for Daye,¡± G¨¦rard exined.

    Kang Chan ryed what G¨¦rard said to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°This fucker doesn¡¯t look like it, but he actually cares about other people,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    G¨¦rard then walked to one side of the room to make coffee.

    Making coffee, he called Kang Chan and pressed him for the third time. ¡°Captain?¡±

    Kang Chan told G¨¦rard what was happening in Mongolia and what he had talked about with Vasili and Hugo in order.

    ¡°We should hurry, then,¡± G¨¦rard suggested. He put three paper cups on the table. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this food quickly and go.¡±

    ¡°Go where?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we here because of some bastard named Abibu? Considering the UIS militia ambushed the base so early, they¡¯re likely not limited by time, which means they might start doing some other shit. Let¡¯s finish this quickly and go to Mongolia already.¡±

    <i>Huh? No, wait, he¡¯s got a point! Is this fucker even smarter than Daye?</i>

    <i>Rustle. Rustle.</i>

    G¨¦rard removed the paper packaging, took out a hamburger that was as big as Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s face, and put it on the table.

    ¡°Come, eat,¡± G¨¦rard told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Is this bastard boasting that the hamburger is expensive?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, attempting to interpret G¨¦rard¡¯s suggestion.

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone, which was between the hamburgers on the table, began to ring.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    He quickly answered it, since his phone showed that Kim Tae-Jin was calling him.

    ¡°Mr. President! It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Assistant Director.

    It was Kang Chul-Gyu who answered.

    - Two hundred sixty of our enemies were Arabic, and forty-one were European. We¡¯ve got one dead, twenty-two slightly injured, and four critically wounded. President Oh is one of them.

    Unable to answer, Kang Chan just listened instead.

    - We killed two hundred forty-nine and caught the other fifty-two. Six of the captives are in critical condition.

    ¡°Who died from our side?¡±

    - He was from Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s unit. Could you have the National Intelligence Service take care of him as a soldier who died in service?

    ¡°Sure. Are you hurt anywhere?¡±

    - I¡¯m okay.

    ¡°Are you hurt anywhere?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    Kang Chul-Gyuughed a little, seemingly feeling awkward.

    - I got a scratch on my waist, but you shouldn¡¯t worry about it. Anyway, Tae-Jin has talked to Kim Hyung-Jung. We¡¯ll be sending our critically wounded back to South Korea.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    <i>Was this how it felt?</i>

    Whenever Kang Chan returned from an operation, Hwang Ki-Hyun, Jeon Dae-Geuk, and Kim Hyung-Jung always had the same expressions on their faces. Did they look like that because talking to soldiers who risked their lives for the country made them feel the same way?

    - Can we handle the captives our way?

    Kang Chan felt that saying yes would mean allowing them to hang the enemies upside down in the base until they died.

    ¡°You should discuss that with manager Kim Hyung-Jung.¡±

    - Alright. We¡¯ll keep them until he answers, then.

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Seok Kang-Ho nced at G¨¦rard. Their eyes met.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Their call ended with Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯sughter.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just been informed that we have won the battle in Mongolia. One of our men died, and Oh Gwang-Taek and three others were severely injured. Of the three hundred enemies they faced, they captured around fifty alive.¡±

    ¡°<i>Woah</i>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed in amazement. He then looked at Kang Chan, surprise evident in his eyes. ¡°Did you just say that Oh Gwang-Taek is severely injured?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s wait and see. They¡¯ll be sending them back to Seoul soon.¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chan told G¨¦rard the same thing.

    ¡°Has South Korea¡¯s special forces team always been this strong?¡± G¨¦rard asked afterward.

    Unable to answer, Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee instead. Aplex mix of emotions whirled inside him.

    ¡°Eating a hamburger doesn¡¯t feel right with Gwang-Taek injured,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said while ring at the hamburger. He didn¡¯t seem to mean it.

    ¡°Why should we feel that way? Just eat already. G¨¦rard bought that for you. We¡¯ve always lived like this in Africa anyway.¡±

    ¡°Eating while he¡¯s injured just feels so wrong.¡±

    Contradicting his words, Seok Kang-Ho held up a hamburger and offered it to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll eatter,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°What are you saying?! G¨¦rard might get upset because we refuse to eat what he bought! That¡¯s the only reason I¡¯m eating!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed, then took a big bite of his hamburger. The taste of lettuce and meat greeted him.

    While chewing, he asked, ¡°Why did they take captives, though? That must¡¯ve been a hassle. Those fuckers¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t talk while your mouth is full!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright! Anyway, those fuckers¡ªthe captives, I mean.¡±

    ¡°What about them?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°How about we use them to build a factory in Mongolia? We don¡¯t need to pay them, and we can drag the ones who refuse to listen somewhere nearby, and...¡± Seok Kang-Ho trailed off and examined Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    Pretending as if nothing was wrong, he took another bite of the hamburger.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t me Seok Kang-Ho for making that suggestion. However, this wasn¡¯t a war between African tribes.

    <i>I still think we¡¯ll be able to use them somewhere.</i>

    He felt as if something was tickling him.

    ***

    After making what looked like arge boxing ring with ropes, the South Korean team led all of their captives inside it. In truth, they had just made them kneel outside the base but right in front of the barracks overlooking their perimeter.

    ¡°You motherfuckers!¡± Yang Dong-Sik yelled.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    If Nam Il-Gyu hadn¡¯t called him, Yang Dong-Sik would¡¯ve unsheathed the bay attached to his upper arm again.

    Yang Dong-Sik had already beaten up two of the captives and hung them upside down.

    Nam Il-Gyu didn¡¯t stop him back then since the captives kept tantly defying them. Now, however, the captives only seemed to be insulting them.

    One of the captives whispering something got so startled by their shouts that he lowered his head. They all looked pale with fright.

    Who could me them? Near their location was a machine gun, a Mistral, and sentries standing guard on top of the barracks with a fierce look in their eyes. Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and four other soldiers from the DMZ team also had them surrounded, their rifles pointed upward.

    The South Korean team had tied their captives¡¯ wrists behind them with cable ties. Although the captives looked like they were in pain, they didn¡¯t say anything, perhaps because they had just witnessed one of theirrades almost being dragged away by Yong Dong-Sik simply because he asked in Arabic if they should request their captors to untie their wrists.

    Even if they hadn¡¯t experienced it, some things only had to be seen for them topletely understand. That was how they knew that sore arms were much less painful than getting beaten up to the brink of death and then being hung upside down.

    Soon, they heard someone walking toward them.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin had left the base to check on the captives.

    The captives urgently lowered their heads to the ground. They moved so quickly that the others wondered if their necks were going to break.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at the two people hanging upside down in the barracks.

    ¡°They kept resisting, so we hung them upside down to teach them a lesson. We¡¯ll untie them,¡± Yang Dong-Sik exined.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded.

    Two soldiers headed toward the people they had suspended in the air.

    Kang Chul-Gyu had a bay attached to his upper left arm, thighs, and ankles. He also had a rifle hanging behind him, a pistol on the right side of his waist, and several magazines on his back.

    Due to his appearance, whenever he looked at the captives, they shuddered and lowered their heads.

    If he extended his left hand, they knew their necks would end up broken. If he extended his right, then their throats would be slit.

    Kang Chul-Gyu did things that were difficult to even imagine, all while running at full speed.

    Moreover, with his rifle, he could easily send a bullet right into their foreheads, possibly even making their heads explode.

    He already had a notorious reputation among their prisoners. Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik¡ªwho were no different from monsters¡ªtreating him with respect only made it worse.

    <i>Vroom. Vroom.</i>

    In the distance, they could see two trucks driving over to them.

    ¡°Looks like they¡¯re already done,¡± Kim Tae-Jinmented.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded.

    The ones in the trucks had been tasked to collect their enemies¡¯ weapons and equipment.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked into the distance, then back at Kim Tae-JIn.

    ¡°We have six of our sunbaes guarding the perimeter. Since they¡¯re a kilometer away from each other, the area within a six-kilometer radius around us should be safe,¡± Kim Tae-Jin said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu just nodded in response.

    It was a dark night.

    The only sources of light they had were the surveince lights that were looming over their captives.

    Kim Tae-Jin felt as if he had gone back in time and was in the DMZ again. This was exactly what it was like back there.

    Whenever Kang Chul-Gyu looked around, the rookies, Kim Tae-Jin included, instinctively froze up.

    ¡°How long have these people been kneeling?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°About two hours,¡± Nam Il-Gyu answered.

    ¡°Untie their wrists and let them straighten their legs as well.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at Yang Dong-Sik next. Even though he was clearly walking over to him, the captives still looked terrified.

    Kang Chul-Gyu patted Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s forearm two or so times, then headed back into the base.

    Only then did the captives finally look relieved. However, upon noticing the look in Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s eyes, they lowered their heads again.

    Yang Dong-Sik looked deeply touched that Kang Chul-Gyu did that. To the captives, however, he just looked like a murderer exploding with joy.

    He unsheathed the bay strapped to his left upper arm. One after another, the other soldiers did as well. ¡°A-ah!¡± one of the captives wailed towards the sky, looking terrified.

    ¡°What are you saying, you motherfucker!¡± Yang Dong-Sik yelled.

    <i>Snip!</i>

    Looking very displeased, he cut the cable ties binding captives¡¯ hands.

    ***

    Every day, Hwang Ki-Hyun tirelessly worked without ever showing his emotions.

    He couldn¡¯t do anything about ipetence right now, but he could at least prevent others from reading the emotions of the person inmand of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service.

    His meeting with the other leaders had taught him that. Lanok, Vasili, and Yang Bum never showed what they were thinking except on purpose.

    Hwang Ki-Hyun tried his best to hide his emotions even as he left the National Intelligence Service¡¯s building in Naegok-dongte at night.

    The news about their victory in Mongolia made him so happy that he wanted to scream. He even had this absurd idea to go into a secret empty room and pump his fists into the air.

    They were going to start building a factory in Mongolia soon, which was why they had to do whatever it took to protect the base in the first ce. Nevertheless, despite only having fifty men, they had achieved an almost perfect victory.

    It was a shame that one of them died, but Hwang Ki-Hyun was still happy about the result.

    The nameless heroes who had been ousted from South Korea in the past had just aplished this splendid feat as a part of the National Intelligence Service.

    An agent opened the van door for him. Hwang Ki-Hyun then got in the backseat and headed toward the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Samseong-dong branch.

    <i>Vroom.</i>

    The car his security detail took followed the roundabout that went around the garden in front of the main entrance. It took a wide turn, and the van that Hwang Ki-Hyun was in followed closely behind.

    They soon entered the road.

    It was already one in the morning, yet there was still traffic on the firstne because of the people walking onto the road to hail a taxi.

    Loud car horns echoed around them.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Grab that drunk person! Run, run!¡± someone urgently radioed in.

    Looking out the window, Hwang Ki-Hyun found two drunk people approaching him. The sight gave him an ominous feeling.

    They were drunk but were wearing thick jackets that were zipped up to their necks. Moreover, they were looking straight at the van.

    Two agents got out of the car in front of the van and quickly rushed toward the drunk people.

    <i>Vroom!</i>

    The van that Hwang Ki-Hyun was in crossed the centerline.

    The cars across from them honked and shed high beams at them.

    <i>Whoosh! Swish!</i>

    Soon, the two drunk people broke into a run, charging toward the van. Soon after, the agents grabbed onto them.

    Along with a sh, a ring beam of light quickly approached Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    ***

    Song Chang-Wook usually left workte in the day. He was doing everything for South Korea.

    His grandfather dedicated his entire fortune to the independence of South Korea, then died in prison because he couldn¡¯t endure the atrocious torture of the Japanese soldiers. Because of that, his father lived a poor life in hister years[1].

    Even though his father was born with a golden spoon in his mouth thanks to his grandfather, he refused to study abroad in Japan¡ªwhich wasmon for the wealthy at the time. Instead, he ran errands for the Korean Independence Corps, which left him severely disabled.

    <i>¡®You shouldn¡¯t resent your grandfather.¡¯</i>

    Those were hisst words to Song Chang-Wook, who was still just in middle school back then. Histe father looked as if he felt so bad for him that he didn¡¯t know what to do.

    Despite being severely disabled, he had used his money to maintain histe grandfather¡¯s birth home.

    Eventually, the government designated it as the birth home of Baekesan, a person of distinguished service to independence[2], and set the cost of its maintenance absurdly low, allowing his father to protect it when he normally wouldn¡¯t have been physically fit enough to.

    Song Chang-Wook inherited the old Taegukgi hanging in the middle of the wall of his office from histe grandfather.

    He had already chosen and purchased a site in Goseong for the next-generation energy facility. He even nned to build a road there that would connect it to the Eurasian Rail.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>.¡±

    Almost an hour past midnight, he finally put his documents away and stood up.

    He had to prepare for the next day, but more importantly, he had to go home. He felt bad for the agents standing guard and waiting for him outside.

    Song Chan-Wook firmly pressed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index fingers, then put on his jacket.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Upon opening the door and walking out of his office, he saw two agents standing in front of the door with their feet wide apart and hands sped together in front of them.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaving toote, aren¡¯t I?¡± Song Chang-Wook asked.

    ¡°Not at all, sir,¡± one of the agents responded.

    This was refreshing.

    Seeing the smiles of the young people working for South Korea always energized him.

    The three got in the elevator. While waiting, he watched one of the agents order the others on the radio to prepare the car.

    Those in their early thirties were going to be hungry at this hour.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we have Janchi-guksu[3] before we head home?¡± Song Chang-Wook asked.

    ¡°Are you hungry, sir?¡±

    Song Chang-Wook couldn¡¯t answer right away. He thought he would have a stomachache all night if he had Janchi-guksu right now.

    At his age, his digestive system no longer worked as well as it used to.

    ¡°Mr. Director, we eat snacks when we¡¯re hungry,¡± the agent reassured.

    <i>Could there be an answer that¡¯s more praiseworthy than this?</i>

    If his youngest daughter was a little younger, Song Chang-Wook would¡¯ve introduced her to him so that he could be his son-inw.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    When the elevator opened, an agent quickly went to the hallway.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Hallway is clear.¡±

    The agent who stayed behind stood closer to Song Chang-Wook. They then walked out of the elevator together.

    The agents had a pistol strapped to their waists. Rather than pulling the gun up, they took it out by pulling the gun downward.

    Song Chang-Wook had just recently heard that a few days ago, they¡¯d had to fight off some drunk person who tried to get into the building.

    Song Chang-Wook got in the backseat of the car that was parked as close as possible to the entrance. The agent apanying him then hopped in the passenger seat.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Go,¡± the same agent said.

    The car in front, which had two agents inside, left first. Song Chang-Wook¡¯s vehicle followed closely behind.

    Song Chang-Wook felt bad for making four precious young people work sote into the night just because of one old person.

    Looking outside the window, he saw drunk people walking onto the road to hail a taxi. They were starting to make a scene.

    Cha Dong-Wook was grateful even for these alcohol-intoxicated people¡ªeven they were doing their best to live with what they had been dealt with.

    The young agents working hard to protect South Korea and those working hard in their own ways were the reasons their nation could prosper.

    <i>How happy would myte grandfather and father have been if they had seen this?</i>

    Song Chang-Wook smiled to himself.

    <i>Screech!</i>

    The car urgently crossed the centerline.

    Song Chang-Wook swayed and lost his bnce, causing him to crash into the car door to his right.

    Flinching, he looked up. A man was reaching for the back door handle on the right side of the car.

    <i>Why is he doing that? Does he think this car is a taxi?</i>

    Soon after, a ring light shed across Song Chang-Wook¡¯s surprised expression.

    1. Please refer to chapter 206.2 for more information about Song Chang-Wook¡¯s grandfather ?

    2. <u>This is for Koreans who have made a contribution to achieve independence from Japanese imperialism</u> ? </a>

    3. </a><u>Janchi-guksu or banquet noodles is a Korean noodle dish consisting of wheat flour noodles in a light broth</u> ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 321: Im Sorry (2)

    <h4>Chapter 321: I''m Sorry (2)</h4>

    Seok Kang-Ho had just finished his hamburger and coffee when Kim Hyung-Jung called Kang Chan, rying unexpected news about a bomb threat.

    - I''ve contacted the Presidential Security Service, the Defense Security Support Command, and the Military Counterintelligence Command. We''ve also deployed the Jeungpyeong special forces team and the 606''s Special Operations Unit. Additional agents have also been sent to the hospital and Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik''s residence, sir.

    While Kim Hyung-Jung was talking, Choi Jong-Il entered the room with a serious expression.

    "I¡¯m heading over, Manager."

    - Understood.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan quickly got up from his seat.

    "How''s the hospital security?" he asked.

    "We''vepletely blocked the entrance." Choi Jong-Il replied.

    Unaware of the situation, Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard simply blinked.

    "Bombs have been detonated to take out Directors Hwang and Song. We need to head to Samseong-dong to assess the situation. If you have extra handguns, give Mr. Seok one."

    Choi Jong-Il upholstered his handgun and handed it to Seok Kang-Ho along with a magazine. Meanwhile, G¨¦rard was still confused about what was happening. However, he could tell from their actions and Kang Chan''s expression that the situation was serious.

    Kang Chan briefly exined the situation to G¨¦rard. Afterward, he ordered, "Stay here for now. We''ll decide what to do next based on how things unfold.¡±

    G¨¦rard simply nodded.

    Kang Chan hurried out of the room and got into the car driven by Lee Doo-Bum. They headed straight to Samseong-dong.

    <i>Damn it! No wonder my heart was racing like that!</i>

    "Do you have a handgun and a radio?"

    Woo Hee-Seung handed him a pistol, a magazine, and a radio from the glovepartment. Kang Chan clipped the radio to his waist and wore the earpiece.

    <i>Click! ck!</i>

    The pistol was already loaded and ready to fire.

    It waste, but Kang Chan knew Lanok would never miss out on such an event. He immediately gave him a call.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    His voice was as clear as it had been that day.

    "Mr. Ambassador, we¡¯re under a bomb threat. We''ll send military forces to secure and control the embassy entrance as quickly as possible."

    - I see. The embassy has already been closed, so we should be safe until morning. Please stay calm and rational.

    Lanok sounded reassuring. He seemed to be trying tofort Kang Chan.

    "Understood. I''ll call you again," Kang Chan replied.

    Nearly two hours had passed since midnight.

    Thanks to Lee Doo-Bum driving at an extremely high speed on the empty roads, they were already entering the NIS¡¯ Samseong-dong branch by the time the call ended.

    As they went up the elevator, Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door.

    "Wee."

    Kang Chan knew they were under a bomb threat, but he still found Kim Hyung-Jung''s gloomy expression concerning.

    He silently followed him into the office and sat down across the table.

    "Directors Hwang and Song have..."

    Kim Hyung-Jung struggled to continue.

    "I''ve just received reports that they have died in the explosions."

    It was devastating news, but they felt surprisingly and eerily calm.

    "Was it just two bomb threats?"

    "Yes."

    That was probably the end of the threat for now.

    "I understand our enemy being able to figure out Director Hwang¡¯s routine, but I find it hard to believe that they could do the same to Director Song."

    "We''ll look into it once the situation stabilizes, but it won''t be easy to uncover."

    Kang Chan nodded in agreement.

    The deep night was slowly turning into dawn. As they handled the aftermath, including minor things like traffic control, the sun began to rise and loom over them.

    ***

    It was nothing short of chaos. Domestic broadcasts and even international media were intensively covering the terrorist attacks on Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook.

    Before dawn, Kim Hyung-Jung deployed the 606''s Special Operations Unit to the French embassy and took other contingency measures. He then made two cups of strong coffee, cing one in front of Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan was furious, but there was nothing he could do at the moment. Retaliation and all that crap could only be done when they knew who they were dealing with. Unfortunately, all they were aware of was that the UIS militia had attacked and there were rumors that Abibu was involved.

    After taking a sip of his coffee, Kang Chan set the mug down.

    "Apart from essential operations, I¡¯ll close down the Samseong-dong branch," Kim Hyung-Jung said with resolve. "That¡¯s what the director instructed me to do in situations like this.¡±

    Kang Chan just listened silently. Normally, he would be moring for retribution, but he was just quietly sipping his coffee now.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at him worriedly.

    "Manager.¡±

    "Yes?¡±

    "Can you move the personnel from the four countries that are helping us to my office?"

    Kim Hyung-Jung failed to immediately answer. Kang Chan''s overly calm reaction seemed almost frightening.

    "Who appoints the Director of the National Intelligence Service?"

    "The president does."

    Kang Chan stared at Kim Hyung-Jung intently, clearly expecting an answer to his previous request.

    "That¡¯s also part of the director¡¯s instructions. I''ll have them in your office within two days," said Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Daylight had fully broken. Kang Chan''s mind was clear, but his eyes stung so much he felt as if he had rubbed lemon juice on them.

    "I''ll go now."

    Kang Chan stood up.

    "Mr. Kang Chan."

    Kim Hyung-Jung caught his gaze amid the odd silence. He normally would¡¯ve had to plead with him to calm down and be rational. However, right now, he felt that perhaps Kang Chan should blow off some steam instead.

    "You should get some rest, Manager," Kang Chan said in his usual tone. He left the office with a smirk.

    As he reached the underground parking lot, Choi Jong-Il immediately walked over to him. It was rush hour. Carelessly heading out now would mean spending all his time stuck in traffic.

    <i>What to do?</i>

    Ever since he heard about the deaths of Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook, he had been feeling lost. It was as if he had driven like mad believing he was heading to Seoul only to unexpectedly arrive in Daecheon and find himself facing the sea in the morning.

    Choi Jong-Il stood right beside him as he looked at the parking lot exit.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz¡ª.</i>

    Kang Chan pulled out his phone and checked the caller ID.

    "Hello?"

    - We agreed to meet, didn¡¯t we?

    Romain soundedid-back, which annoyed Kang Chan.

    "Speak if you¡¯ve got something to say. Otherwise, just hang up."

    Romain lightly chuckled.

    - I¡¯ll update you about the ce. I just want you to remember one thing.

    Kang Chan remained silent.

    - It would be wise to be more polite to me. Otherwise, you might regret it.

    Smirking, he hung up.

    <i>Where should I go? The hospital? The house in Hannam-dong? The office?</i>

    As Kang Chan sighed, Choi Jong-Il handed him a cigarette.

    <i>Click.</i>

    "<i>Hoo</i>."

    This damn next-generation energy project had already cost him so many people. Strangely, however, this incident felt particrly draining.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    This morning was dreadfully busy. Kang Chan nced at his phone again. The caller ID showed Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he answered.

    - Captain, where are you?

    "I''m just about to leave Samseong-dong. Why?"

    Seok Kang-Ho''s voice sounded unusually urgent.

    - Hurry to the office and watch the television.

    "What''s going on?"

    <i>Another bomb threat?</i>

    Kang Chan was about to crush his cigarette underfoot when Seok Kang-Ho continued his report.

    - One of the news ims that Ambassador Lanok has engaged in illegal and shady activities. The news came out first in France, but it¡¯s now being linked to the current terrorist events.

    Since it wasn''t about someone dying this time, Kang Chan leisurely just replied, "Got it.¡±

    - Captain, are you okay?

    "I¡¯ll head to the office for now."

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    Right after Kang Chan hung up, his phone buzzed again. All these calls were starting to get on his nerves. He was so annoyed that he felt like throwing the phone on the ground.

    "Hello?"

    - Mr. Kang Chan, we¡¯ve been getting unusual reports. I¡¯ll be at your office in about an hour. Please stay there for now.

    "Do that. I¡¯ll be at the office."

    After ending the call, Kang Chan turned to Choi Jong-Il.

    "Seems like we have to go to the office."

    "Understood."

    As they drove out of the Samseong-dong branch into rush-hour traffic, Kang Chan suddenly felt as if all his energy had been drained.

    He was genuinely exhausted.

    Why did he have to keep up with this farce? Why had he struggled so hard until now? He couldn''t even remember his reasons anymore. He wasn''t particrly close to Hwang Ki-Hyun or Song Chang-Wook, yet the sense of loss he felt now was iparable to when hisrades were killed.

    <i>Why is this happening?</i>

    Every time they stopped at a signal, Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung vigntly looked around.

    <i>What nonsense is this?</i>

    Kang Chan smirked. Despite how important they thought he was, perhaps his expertise was limited to setting up special operations after all. Maybe he really wasn''t equipped to handle something of this scale.

    Sinking back into the car seat, he looked out the window.

    Upon reaching the office, he turned on the TV in the conference room. The news broadcast showed the site of the terrorist attack and the hospital where Hwang Ki-Hyun had died, along with a couple of images. Kang Chan flipped through the channels looking for the news about Lanok.

    [Today, the leading French newspaper Lib¨¦ration reported that Ambassador Lanok has been engaging in illegal activities rted to the entry of Gont automobiles into Korea. He has also allegedly been interfering in South Korea''s domestic affairs.]

    The familiar sight of the French embassy appeared on the screen.

    "Particrly, Ambassador Lanok is reported to have given preferential treatment to a Korean high school student and exerted pressure on the Korean government. Evidence will be presented in sequence," the report continued.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan turned off the TV.

    "Choi Jong-Il," he called.

    "Sir."

    "I''m going to take a nap on the sofa. Don¡¯t wake me up unless it¡¯s something important."

    "Yes, sir."

    Kang Chan handed his phone to Choi Jong-Il and took off his jacket.

    As if by magic, he immediately fell asleep on the sofa. He slept so deeply that when he suddenly woke up, his body still felt trapped in slumber¡ªalmost as if he had suffered a huge injury.

    He felt a bit better after waking up. After leaving the conference room, Kang Chan looked at the people in the office and smirked.

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Kim Hyung-Jung, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung were present.

    "I¡¯ll go wash my face," Kang Chan said.

    Washing his face with cold water in the bathroom made him feel much better than when he had woken up. Upon returning to his office, he sat at the table.

    "Why are you here?" he asked.

    "I¡¯ve been discharged,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    "Stop messing around and go back to the hospital."

    Choi Jong-Il brought a cup of coffee to Kang Chan.

    As Kang Chan grabbed the mug, Kim Hyung-Jung began, "We¡¯re in a really grave situation."

    After a brief hesitation, he continued, "French newspapers are putting pressure on Ambassador Lanok, and several TV stations and newspapers are mentioning you, Mr. Kang Chan."

    Kang Chan briefly nced at him.

    "Although they''ve only mentioned you as the student connected to Ambassador Lanok so far, because of the incident at the press conference, those rted are already aware."

    <i>Is this the work of the DGSE? Having my name in the newspapers isn''t exactly deadly, though.</i>

    "By tomorrow, I would already have the agents from the other countries moved to the inner office. I will also keep monitoring and responding to the situation."

    "Got it,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    "I''ll take a look around ande back," Kim Hyung-Jung said, then moved to the room inside.

    "G¨¦rard," called Kang Chan.

    "Oui."

    Kang Chan gazed out the window, then turned to G¨¦rard again.

    "Can we win this intelligence war?"

    G¨¦rard looked puzzled.

    "We can handle any spec-op situation, but we¡¯re all chicks in this type of battle. We can snipe, but we can''t bomb."

    G¨¦rard¡¯s lips stretched into a long smile.

    "What?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Captain, it''s not the intelligence bureaus that do bombings. It''s terrorist groups."

    <i>Is that how it works?</i>

    Chuckling, Kang Chan picked up a cigarette from the table.

    "Are you seriously considering this?" G¨¦rard asked.

    "Well, this feels a bit chaotic, but that doesn''t mean we can just sit back," Kang Chan answered.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan blew out a puff of smoke. "<i>Hoo</i>."

    "I''ll call three men from the Foreign Legion," G¨¦rard offered.

    As Kang Chan turned to him, he added, "They''re snipers, so they¡¯re quite capable."

    "You''re already conspicuous enough as it is, yet you¡¯re still nning to add three more Frenchmen to the mix? They know everything, even when you go to the bathroom."

    "Michelle can handle it."

    Kang Chan tilted his head. "Michelle?"

    "Didn''t you say she¡¯s producing a drama? It''s hard to distinguish special makeup nowadays. If the National Intelligence Service just makes the right ID for that face, we should be able to avoid any major problems."

    <i>Is this guy smart or is he just babbling nonsense?</i>

    As silence fell, Seok Kang-Ho, sensing the mood, picked up a cigarette with a resigned look.

    <i>If G¨¦rard is right, does that mean they can make Daye look like an Algerian?</i>

    Kang Chan smirked as G¨¦rard reached for a cigarette as well. He and Seok Kang-Ho lit their sticks up.

    "Your men aside, we have quite capable people on this side too if ites to sniping."

    "Can Korean soldiers do that kind of work?"

    That was a hard question to answer.

    <i>Is this guy smarter than Daye after all?</i>

    Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette and ryed his conversation with G¨¦rard to the others.

    "<i>Hehehe</i>."

    "Why are youughing?"

    "I prefer a mask of my old face."

    Kang Chan realized that expecting a proper answer from Seok Kang-Ho was a mistake.

    He took a sip of his coffee. As he set his mug down, Kim Hyung-Jung came back in with Choi Jong-Il.

    "There''s enough space. We''ll move the facilities and agents here tomorrow."

    "Okay, thank you for your efforts."

    "I''m going back to Samseong-dong. The injured from Mongolia will arrive this afternoon. I''ll keep you updated on other situations as they arise."

    Seeing Kang Chan''s expression, Kim Hyung-Jung seemed somewhat relieved as he left the office. Something was being done, but the feeling of helplessness persisted. It wasn''t possible to just give up the power nt, but couldn¡¯t just march out and attack Saudi Arabia or Libya either.

    "Why aren''t you thinking of hitting back twice as much this time?" Seok Kang-Ho asked, throwing Kang Chan''s thoughts out the window.

    "In situations like this, you normally would have already listed the people to kill and told Cha Dong-Gyun to assemble the men."

    Kang Chan smirked.

    "What? Why are you smirking?"

    "It¡¯s because I don''t know who to kill."

    "You said it¡¯s the director of the DGSE and a guy named Josh."

    "Would killing them solve anything?"

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned, his face still pale. He clearly hadn¡¯tpletely recovered from his injuries yet.

    "You¡¯re the one who said that if we bow our heads when we¡¯re hit, we¡¯ll live the rest of our lives bowing to our oppressors. We can''t just let the ones who killed Director Hwang and Director Song go, can we?"

    His eyes glinted as he locked gazes with Kang Chan

 Chapter 322: Dont Make Him Your Enemy (1)

    <h4>Chapter 322: Don''t Make Him Your Enemy (1)</h4>

    Kang Chan felt as if he was sitting in the middle of a typhoon. The media relentlessly reported on the bombings, and the political sphere was abuzz.

    In the meantime, four severely injured people from Mongolia had been admitted to the Bangji Hospital, and the agents from the four countries had settled into Kang Chan''s office. Time passed as he silently handled what needed to be done. It was only after two days that Kang Chan could visit the hospital.

    "You bastard," Oh Gwang-Taek said. He sounded like he had a hole in his throat, not his lungs.

    How could his first word be a curse?

    "They¡¯re trying to crucify you on TV...." After grimacing and gasping, he added, "Go and beat them all up."

    Kang Chan smirked. Oh Gwang-Taek did as well.

    "Back in the days...."

    "Don¡¯t overdo it," Kang Chan reminded, noticing that he seemed to be struggling to speak for long periods.

    Nevertheless, Oh Gwang-Taek just looked sharply at him and continued, "I¡¯ve always hated people like you."

    Kang Chan chuckled, causing him to smile slightly.

    "Stubborn, tenacious, and impossible to shake off."

    Oh Gwang-Taek kept his gaze fixed on him.

    "I don¡¯t know who the bastards on the other side are," Oh Gwang-Taek seemed to strain himself as he spoke, "but they probably feel exactly the same way. You have Director Kang, President Kim Tae-Jin, Dong-Sik, and Kang-Ho on your side."

    Unfortunately, Kang Chan knew that the bastard wouldn¡¯t shut up just because he was told to.

    Still seemingly having a difficult time, Oh Gwang-Taek swallowed his dry saliva.

    "Next time, show up with some real fucking fire in your eyes. The Kang Chan who took care of Park Gi-Beom by himself in the parking lot and then casually asked for a cigarette? That''s the Kang Chan I know,¡± he finished with a venomous look in his eyes.

    A brief silence followed.

    "I¡¯m going. Take care of yourself," Kang Chan said.

    Oh Gwang-Taek nodded. Kang Chan left the room and headed toward the elevator.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    These past few days, his phone had been ringing non-stop. It was an unknown number.

    "Hello?"

    - This is Kim Gwan-Sik.

    "How can I help you, sir?"

    Although he had already noticed that he had been getting quite a lot of unexpected callstely, he still never would have expected to get this one.

    - I know you¡¯re busy, but could you spare some time?

    "Where are you right now?"

    - I¡¯m at the Fuel Resources Office. It doesn¡¯t have to be right now, just sometime today would be fine.

    "No, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯lle over right now."

    After Kang Chan hung up, Choi Jong-Il immediately drove to the Fuel Resources Office. Given the recent bombing, he and the other agents had grim expressions. After about twenty minutes on the road, they entered the underground parking lot of the Fuel Resources Office building. They then took the elevator up.

    Much to their surprise, an employee with a somber expression guided them to Director Song Chang-Wook¡¯s office. As Kang Chan entered, Kim Gwan-Sik, leaning over the desk and looking at documents, quickly motioned to the sofa.

    "Sit down."

    After gesturing Kang Chan to a seat, Kim Gwan-Sik moved to the opposite side, leaving the main seat empty. Once had both sat down, a female employee brought in tea that smelled of herbal medicine.

    Without even offering Kang Chan to have a drink, Kim Gwan-Sik opened the drawer of the side table and took out a square paper box. The box was thin, wide, and had the usual brownish-yellow of an ordinary paper bag. It appeared to contain documents.

    "Director Song had asked me to handle this.¡± Kim Gwan-Sik pushed the box toward Kang Chan. His expression seemed to suggest that he should open it.

    Kang Chan silently lifted the lid of the box. Inside was a Taegukgi. Its red and blue yin-yang emblem had lost its original vivid colors and faded to a yellowed hue over the years.

    He slowly looked up at Kim Gwan-Sik.

    "I stepped down as Chairman of the Eurasian Rail Committee today, so let me talk to you as Kim Mi-Young''s father, who knows you quite well."

    With a solemn expression, Kim Gwan-Sik continued, "I trembled while I was watching our soldiers¡¯ operation in Afghanistan on TV. I also felt my heart race. Even though I was watching the battle from afar, I still found it terrifying.¡±

    Kang Chan listened intently.

    "If I were put in such a situation, I probably couldn''t have taken a single step."

    Perhaps it was because he was a former judge, but he never once took his eyes off Kang Chan.

    "However, that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m afraid of dying because of what I do. Director Song shared the same sentiments."

    Kim Gwan-Sik momentarily nced at the box in front of Kang Chan before adding, "I n to take over the Fuel Resources Office starting tomorrow."

    <i>So that''s how it is.</i>

    Kang Chan mentally nodded.

    "Seeing that Taegukgi flying at the next-generation energy facility was Director Song''s fervent wish."

    Kang Chan looked at the Taegukgi.

    <i>What exactly is the significance of this faded g?</i>

    "If something were to happen to him, he wanted me to make sure this Taegukgi was passed on to you. He wanted you to wave it once the next-generation power facility ispleted." Kim Gwan-Sik''s voice had softened, perhaps due to emotions rising. "He said it half-jokingly....¡±

    Struggling, he tightly pursed his lips and looked at Kang Chan.

    After a deep breath, he continued, "I won¡¯t ce the burden of Director Song¡¯s wishes solely on you. I¡¯m alsomitted to this task enough to put my life on the line for it. Please make sure toplete the next-generation power facility."

    Kang Chan looked at the Taegukgi.

    <i>Why are they all behaving this way?</i>

    People like Moon Jae-Hyun, Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Hyung-Jung, the soldiers from Jeungpyeong, the DMZ team, and many others he knew kept staking their lives on this g. Meanwhile, right next door, some were too busy filling their own bellies.

    Running down this road, determined to protect those precious to him, had ced a tremendous burden on Kang Chan. There was just one reason behind it all¡ªto honor this Taegukgi.

    Kang Chan raised his head and looked back at Kim Gwan-Sik. "It would be easier if you asked me to avenge Director Song. I don¡¯t quite understand the value this Taegukgi holds."

    It seemed so wrong to just go along with it. He would feel as if he was deceiving thete Song Chang-Wook and Kim Gwan-Sik, who created this moment.

    "While some are thriving with money and power, those who are willing to die fighting for this Taegukgi get a meager pension. Even Director Song will likely be forgotten. I¡¯ll fight, but I can¡¯t say it¡¯s for the Taegukgi."

    For the first time since they met, Kim Gwan-Sik smiled.

    <i>Isn¡¯t this supposed to be an unpleasant topic?</i>

    Kim Gwan-Sik seemed to have read Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    "It¡¯s not about unting faded patriotism in times like these,¡± Kim Gwan-Sik replied, his tone and expression that of a father addressing his son.

    "The ground your beloved ones walk on... that¡¯s what the Taegukgi represents. If you lose it, you lose words, soul, and everything else. Let''s not ignore the truly precious ones just because of the few who are drowning in wealth."

    His words sounded as if it was taken straight out of a textbook, so it wasn''t particrly moving.

    "Shall we have some tea?"

    Feeling perhaps that the tea had gotten cold, Kim Gwan-Sik finally offered it. Reluctantly, Kang Chan picked up his cup and took a sip.

    "Why haven¡¯t you been in touch with Mi-Youngtely? Have you decided not to see her?"

    Choking on the tea, Kang Chan spat it out in a nasty cough. "<i>Keugh</i>!"

    Kim Gwan-Sik pulled a tissue from the side table.

    "Did you two fight?"

    "No, sir."

    "Why then are you turning someone''s precious daughter into a giraffe[1]?"

    With a mischievous smirk, he added, "I told her not to bother you because you''re busy, but that doesn¡¯t mean you should just throw her to the side."

    "Yes, sir."

    "You haven¡¯t done anything terrible, have you?"

    Kang Chan almost coughed again.

    "Didn¡¯t you two promise each other a future?"

    "<i>Huh</i>?" Kang Chan responded as if dazed.

    "I heard that once she has be a diplomat, she would im she got ahead because of her husband."

    "<i>Ah</i>, yes, sir!"

    "<i>Hmm</i>! The world has changed, so I can forgive kissing before marriage, but nothing beyond that!"

    His warning left no room for response.

    "Take a break sometimes. It¡¯s not good for anyone to keep running endlessly."

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan promptly replied. The awkward silence that followed was soon broken by his phone¡¯s ringtone.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz¡ª.</i>

    "It''s okay. Go ahead," Kim Gwan-Sik offered.

    Given the circumstances, Kang Chan pressed the answer button.

    "Hello?"

    - Are you free this evening?

    <i>Huh? What¡¯s this about?</i>

    Kang Chan checked the caller ID again. It was definitely a Korean mobile number.

    - I¡¯d like to meet with you and the ambassador at the embassy.

    It was Romain. Romain was in Korea.

    "What time should Ie?"

    Kim Gwan-Sik curiously watched Kang Chan speaking French.

    - Six? Seven? Whenever is convenient for you.

    "I¡¯ll be there by seven."

    Romain immediately hung up.

    That crafty bastard!

    He was probably suggesting a meeting at the embassy to avoid assassination.

    "You seem busy. You may go now."

    "Thank you, sir."

    After closing the paper box, Kang Chan picked it up and stood up.

    "Starting tomorrow, I''ll start treating you as the assistant director again."

    "I''d rather you didn''t. It makes me ufortable."

    "Maybe when we¡¯re alone, but it¡¯s better that way when others are around."

    Kim Gwan-Sik extended his hand, and Kang Chan shook it before leaving the office.

    ***

    Ambassador Lanok¡¯s office, French Embassy.

    Romain rxedly set the phone down on the table. "He said he¡¯ll be here by seven."

    Lanok¡¯s lips curved into a sly smile.

    "You¡¯ll be recalled to France next week,¡± Romain said. He seemed to hate the smile on Lanok''s face. "We¡¯re renovating the basement of Loriam. If there¡¯s anything you need, think about it now and let me know."

    "Will there be cigars, at least?"

    "Of course. "I¡¯ve already heard all about Monsieur Kang¡¯s secrets from Shan, yet you still n to enter Loriam for Monsieur Kang?"

    Lanok seemed to have no intention to answer.

    "Didn¡¯t you say it was for the glory of France?"

    "That hasn¡¯t changed."

    "Then shouldn¡¯t you focus on positioning France at the center of your ns?"

    With a mask-like expression, Lanok raised his teacup. As he sipped his tea, Romain waited, refusing to take his eyes off him.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Lanok set down the teacup, his eyes void of emotion as he met Romain¡¯s gaze. "Do you really think following Josh¡¯s n serves the glory of France?"

    "Josh is not yet a match for the DGSE."

    <i>Click</i>.

    While lighting a cigar, Lanok advised, "I don¡¯t know how the Star of David is structured, but don¡¯t take your eyes off him. If a nuclear warhead falls on Paris, you and your family will live in disgrace for as long as the world exists."

    "The DGSE knows the position of the fl¨¨che[2] better than anyone."

    "I trust you, then.¡±

    Romain¡¯s expression filled with displeasure.

    "I¡¯m willing to enter Loriam on the condition that you stop all the operations against Monsieur Kang. You are never to provoke him again either."

    "Don¡¯t you think that warning puts him in even greater danger?"

    "Romain," Lanok called as he extended his arm to shake off the ash from his cigar. "You¡¯d be wrong to assume I¡¯m entering Loriam quietly because I¡¯m afraid of you and the DGSE."

    As they locked gazes, Lanok smirked. "My greatest fear is not you or Monsieur Kang. It¡¯s that he starts seeing France as an enemy. If I start a fight with the DGSE, I¡¯ll be doing just that.¡±

    You¡¯re well aware of the power of the DGSE, aren¡¯t you? Even now, if you side with France and give just onemand, Monsieur Kang would be as good as dead, Mr. Ambassador."

    Despite Romain''s temptations, Lanok kept his expressions masked.

    "Didn''t Vasili, Yang Bum, and Ludwig already think of that?"

    "That''s because you, Mr. Ambassador, have kept them centered."

    Lanok softly exhaled.

    "They move for their own country''s interest, not as an organization that has sworn loyalty to me. What they feared the most when nning to eliminate Monsieur Kang was not me, but the possibility of their n failing."

    "But he''s still Korean."

    "You''re saying the exact same thing that someone once told me."

    As if suddenly thirsty, Romain sipped his tea.

    "Since you''re now aware of Monsieur Kang''s secrets, then I¡¯m sure you already know this. Then tell me, what''s the secret to his survival in Afghanistan and Africa?"

    "That¡¯s...." Romain trailed off. Hesitant to answer, he quieted down.

    "What about when he wiped out the British and Russian special forces teams trying to destroy our particle elerator?"

    Romain still didn''t answer even though he did not seem to agree with him.

    "Did you properly examine the abilities he disyed in the Foreign Legion''s special forces team?"

    "I did."

    "It was a coincidence of three things."

    Romain slightly tilted his head.

    "Shan nned to divert the ckhead, weunched the particle elerator to Africa, andstly, Shan himself took the shot at him."

    "Look at that. He dies just like anyone else when shot."

    Lanok shook his head. "What if we hadn¡¯t activated the particle elerator? Are you so sure he would have died then?"

    Romain clearly struggled to ept his reasoning.

    "Don''t rashly provoke him into seeing France as an enemy. By the time I have to step in to clean up your mess, you''ll be already dead."

    Romain clenched his jaw as he red at Lanok.

    ***

    Every time the guards changed, the prisoners'' expressions visibly shifted... all because of Yang Dong-Sik.

    Apart from hanging two guys upside down on the first day, he didn¡¯t do much else. However, specifically, whenever he rotated in for guard duty, the prisoners'' faces changed color. Now that the special forces soldiers and the injured had left the base, a deste feeling settled with the dust every time the wind blew.

    Yang Dong-Sik, on guard duty, looked down at his rifle and stared at the materialsid out in front of the base. They were to be used to construct a factory.

    He had also received news that construction workers would be arriving in two days.

    <i>We did it.</i>

    He had protected the base in the y-colored ins of Mongolia, and now, the materials for the factory had been delivered.

    Overwhelmed, Yang Dong-Sik eximed, ¡°Let¡¯s fucking go!¡±

    Scabs had formed where his face was scratched. He had also already had his forearm bandaged.

    "Hey!" Nam Il-Gyu called as he walked over, arge cup in hand.

    "Why did you make coffee and just leave? Don¡¯t you know how precious instant coffee is here?"

    Yang Dong-Sik sheepishly smiled as he took the mug.

    "Do you like the prisoners that much?"

    "Damn it...." Yang Dong-Sik roughly retorted. He then drank his coffee.

    He didn¡¯t like the damn parasites one bit. However, they needed to keep them in tight lockdown.

    After drinking, he eximed, "<i>Caha</i>!"

    The prisoners flinched and looked over at him to read his mood.

    "Where''s Kang sunbae-nim?"

    "He seemed to be on a call from Seoul,¡± Nam Il-Gyu answered as he nced back inside the barracks.

    "We have to clear them out before construction starts. That¡¯s what worries me."

    "That''s true."

    Yang Dong-Sik red at the prisoners with a profound expression.

    "It seems like Seoul is in chaos."

    "Seoul? Why?"

    "I heard there was a bombing, and it seems the assistant director got into quite a bit of trouble because of it. The news broadcasts have been attacking him on TV. Because of that, Kang sunbae-nim¡ª"

    "What the fuck?!" Yang Dong-Sik cursed, cutting off Nam Il-Gyu.

    "Those motherfuckers! What the hell are they saying about the assistant director? Even in Libya, he kept running around on the field for the nation! Who else fucking does that but him?!"

    Despite having already cursed vehemently, Yang Dong-Sik still looked furious.

    "Don''t make it impossible for Kang sunbae-nim to talk. Just because you¡¯ve been informed about the situation doesn''t mean you should fuss about it in front of him. He seems to be stressed enough about it already."

    "Really?"

    "Yeah, dude. Now, finish your coffee already."

    "Alright."

    Yang Dong-Sik gulped down his coffee as if it were cold water.

    1. Kim Gwan-Sik might be calling Kim Mi-Young a giraffe because she¡¯s waiting so desperately for Kang Chan that it seems like her neck has stretched out like a giraffe''s. ?

    2. fl¨¨che means arrow in French ?

 Chapter 323: Dont Make Him Your Enemy (2)

    <h4>Chapter 323: Don''t Make Him Your Enemy (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard, both wearing a suit and a shirt, arrived at the embassy. Choi Jong-Il apanied them to the entrance.

    <i>Clunk. Clunk.</i>

    Themander of the 606''s Special Operations Unit, who had been put in charge of the embassy¡¯s security, approached them. He was wearing a beret with a ck uniform and had a rifle slung around his right shoulder.

    Choi Jong-Il showed his ID and then introduced Kang Chan to themander. ¡°This is Assistant Director Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you. It¡¯s an honor to meet you,¡± themander said after a brief salute.

    <i>He knows me?</i>

    ¡°Some of my colleagues are in Jeungpyeong,¡± themander answered as if reading Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    Kang Chan suddenly remembered his men. He also concluded that he¡¯d find it a hundred times morefortable to be in a military uniform with a rifle in hand than be in a suit.

    ¡°Please spare no efforts in keeping the embassy safe,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got nothing to worry about.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. South Korea had a lot of soldiers like this.

    While they were talking, Raphael walked out of the embassy.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Louis?¡± Kang Chan asked Raphael.

    ¡°He¡¯s with the ambassador.¡±

    Raphael had looked nervous, but seeing Kang Chan seemed to have made him feel a bit relieved.

    He continued, ¡°Please follow me. They¡¯re waiting for you in the dining room.¡±

    Raphael guided them to the dining room beside the office on the second floor. He then opened the door for them.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Lanok and Romain, who were sitting at a table, stood up.

    ¡°Wee, Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok said.

    Kang Chan gave Lanok a French greeting, then shook hands with Romain.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, this is G¨¦rard de Mermier, themander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team that I¡¯ve told you about. G¨¦rard, this is Ambassador Lanok,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Smiling, Lanok gave G¨¦rard a French greeting.

    He acted so warmly that Kang Chan wondered if Lanok had ever given such a friendly smile to others he had been introduced to.

    G¨¦rard also shook hands with Romain, which even Kang Chan found extremely fucking ufortable.

    Lanok gestured at the table. ¡°Please, have a seat.¡±

    Taking him up on his offer, they all sat down.

    Louis stood beside Lanok with his feet apart and hands sped together in front of him. Raphael was right next to him.

    The atmosphere was somewhat strange.

    After looking around him, Kang Chan discretely examined Louis and Raphael.

    There had to be a reason behind their nervousness and the mournful gaze they kept giving him.

    <i>Is Romain threatening Lanok?</i>

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, is Anne doing well?¡± Kang Chan asked, believing that this signal would make Lanok answer his real question.

    Lanok¡¯s answer didn¡¯t have to be verbal. Kang Chan would be able to recognize what he meant from the look in his eyes or even a small movement.

    ¡°She¡¯s doing well. I¡¯ll make sure to tell her that you said hello,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    That was weird. Lanok wasn¡¯t asking for help, but he was behaving differently than usual.

    <i>What¡¯s going on? What am I missing?</i>

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we eat for now? It¡¯s already quitete,¡± Lanok said. He seemed to trying to change the atmosphere.

    Raphael poured wine into everyone¡¯s sses. Two employees then served them escargot dishes.

    ¡°I approved your application to have G¨¦rard discharged,¡± Romain said as if he was doing something kind for Kang Chan. At the same time, he was served his te of escargot.

    Smirking, Kang Chan nodded. Right now, G¨¦rard¡¯s resignation wasn¡¯t important.

    <i>What if Romain has something absurd nned and is just pretending to be nonchnt?</i>

    Kang Chan decided to save Lanok even if it meant making Romain¡¯s head explode.

    ¡°I requested to see you because I wanted to have my application for G¨¦rard approved. Since that¡¯s already been done, I take it you¡¯re the one have something to say to me?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re still as impolite as can be, I see.¡±

    Romain held up his fork as he looked at Kang Chan, his expression showing that he had expected him to act like this.

    ¡°We¡¯re just about to eat. Although there¡¯s no need to act formal, at least have the manners to wait until we¡¯ve finished our food and had tea before talking about business,¡± Romain said.

    Except for Romain, no one picked up their fork.

    Even Lanok was only watching them. It was hard to tell what he was thinking.

    ¡°I know about the secret of the God of ckfield now. I found it hard to believe, but I¡¯ve received information that¡¯s even more absurd, so I¡¯ve learned to ept it,¡± Romain added.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Romain finally put down his fork. He then looked away from Kang Chan to Raphael.

    When Lanok nodded, Louis, Raphael, and the servers quietly went outside the dining room.

    Romain stopped their dinner himself even though Lanok was with them at the French embassy. It was displeasing... and suspicious.

    Kang Chan decided to trust the look that Raphael had given him before leaving.

    <i>¡®This son of a bitch dared threaten the ambassador right in front of me?¡¯</i>

    Their meeting briefly paused as Lanok turned to bring over the tray behind him to the table.

    Kang Chan looked at G¨¦rard.

    <i>¡®Shoot him if things go south.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Yes, sir.¡¯</i>

    That should be enough for now.

    Making his signature smirk, Kang Chan reached toward the tray Lanok had set on the table. It had cigars, cigarettes, and an ashtray.

    Lanok picked up a cigar, and Kang Chan and G¨¦rard took a cigarette each.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    A strange silence passed as they lit up their smokes.

    Although Romain looked like he was willing to wait for them to smoke, Kang Chan and G¨¦rard acted as if they would smoke no matter what anyone said.

    Kang Chan still couldn¡¯t figure out what Lanok was thinking.

    ¡°You seem to have misunderstood something, so let me make something clear before I begin,¡± Romain told Kang Chan.

    They were speaking in French, so G¨¦rard naturally understood them.

    The structure of the dining room, its tables, and the people present made Kang Chan feel as if he was in the DGSE, not South Korea.

    Romain continued, ¡°Do you honestly think you could¡¯ve been as sessful without the ambassador? If you didn¡¯t have the support of the DGSE, you and South Korea¡¯s special forces team would still be at a level where the United States¡¯ helicopters would¡¯ve killed you all in the operation in Afghanistan.¡±

    He didn¡¯t even hide his arrogance.

    <i>You son of a bitch! Go on, keep spouting your bullshit!</i>

    ¡°South Korea is no different. It normally would have been like a steak served to powerful nations, cut all over with their forks and knives as much as they pleased,¡± Romain added.

    <i>Was this what it was like? Did Moon Jae-Hyun, Go Gun-Woo, Jeon Dae-Geuk, and Hwang Ki-Hyun say that South Korea needed to be a powerful nation so many times because they kept being treated like this?</i>

    Kang Chan looked straight at Romain.

    ¡°South Korea doesn¡¯t even have the capacity to build a next-generation energy facility, much less the power to protect it. Look back at what you¡¯ve done. Your military might? South Korea¡¯s administration keeps putting the safety of your nation on the line because of you! To make things worse, they¡¯re making such sacrifice without even being aware of your real capabilities¡ª¡±

    ¡°I doubt you¡¯re here to deliver a speech in front of me. Get to the point,¡± Kang Chan said, cutting Romain off.

    Dumbfounded, Romain red at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Cooperate in moving the energy facility,¡± he answered.

    ¡°What will I get for doing that?¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t have a war in your hands.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me to hand the next-gen energy over just for that? Aren¡¯t you being too greedy?¡±

    ¡°You want a bigger reward than the war not happening? Fine. If you want, I¡¯ll put enough money into your bank ount tost you the rest of your life.¡± Romain nced at Lanok, then added, ¡°I¡¯ll also make sure the news stops mentioning you.¡±

    <i>This fucker must think we¡¯re stupid.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re well aware that Abibu ising to South Korea in two days. In exchange for my cooperation, I¡¯m sure the conditions that he¡¯ll offer me will be simr to yours,¡± Kang Chan coldly replied.

    Romain narrowed his eyes. One end of Lanok¡¯s lips curved to a smile. Unfortunately, it was difficult to determine what his smile meant.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°I¡¯ll get the same results by yielding the energy facility to Vasili right now. No, for something so important, won¡¯t I be able to demand the assassination of the DGSE¡¯s Director-General as well?¡±

    He didn¡¯t n to say that¡ªit was nothing more than ast-minute thought that he blurted out. However, much to his surprise, that seemed to have silenced Romain.

    ¡°Let¡¯s say you¡¯re right about us being a steak. We won¡¯t be able to do anything about being cut to pieces, but who do you think gets to decide who¡¯ll be eating us?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Nothing good wille out from you acting cute in front of me.¡±

    ¡°Romain,¡± Kang Chan called. He tilted his head from side to side. Right now, he just wanted to see what Lanok had in mind. ¡°I don¡¯t care how the media talks about me, so you should be the one treating me with respect. More importantly, you better be even more polite when you¡¯re in the presence of the ambassador.¡±

    G¨¦rard smiled, the scar on his cheek curving.

    ¡°I have a pistol strapped to my ankle. G¨¦rard does as well. It¡¯s childish, but if you keep getting on my nerves, I can just shoot you, and you won¡¯t even be able to do anything about it.¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chan picked up a cigarette.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    G¨¦rard held up a lighter and lit up the cigarette for Kang Chan.

    They didn¡¯t n on doing this¡ªthey just synced perfectly.

    A newfound silence dawned upon them.

    Even if they didn¡¯t exchange words, people could still tell things based on the feelings they were getting, the expressions of those around them, and the way everyone behaved.

    Likewise, when G¨¦rard flicked open the lighter and lit up Kang Chan¡¯s cigarette, he clearly told everyone that he would immediately kill Romain if Kang Chan ordered him to.

    Kang Chan exhaled the cigarette smoke to the side. He then looked at Romain. ¡°There¡¯s been a lot on my mind these past few days.¡±

    Wisps of smoke rose from the cigar that Lanok was holding and the cigarette between Kang Chan¡¯s fingers.

    With the smoke swaying, Kang Chan continued, ¡°I wanted to stop a war from happening even if it meant having to over the next-gen energy facility but only under the condition that it would not damage South Korea¡¯s honor and that I¡¯d be able to find whoever ordered the recent terrorist attack. I genuinely hoped France would help me with all of those.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, causing Romain to turn to Lanok. He looked as if he was hoping for something, but Lanok just kept silently listening.

    ¡°Since we¡¯re not on good terms, I¡¯ll also step down as the Deputy Director-General of the DGSE. I¡¯ve also reached a decision.¡±

    <i>¡®What¡¯s it going to be?¡¯ </i>Romain wondered as he sharply red at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan pressed a button on his radio.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il. I¡¯ll be sending G¨¦rard down to you. Come up to the dining room that I¡¯m in with themander of the 606''s Special Operations Unit.¡±

    Kang Chan spoke in Korean, preventing the others in the room from catching a word he said. All they could do was stare at him with different expressions.

    Lanok looked like he found the situation interesting, Romain looked frustrated, and G¨¦rard looked like he was looking forward to what Kang Chan was going to do.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, head down and bring Choi Jong-Il and themander of the 606''s Special Operations Unit over,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°<i>Oui</i>.¡±

    G¨¦rard stood up and exited the dining room.

    ¡°As the Assistant Director of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service, I hereby detain you here in the embassy for the next three days until I meet Abibu. The moment the 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit sees you outside, they¡¯ll shoot you to death. You make the call.¡±

    Romain seemed so dumbfounded that he couldn¡¯t even respond.

    The table grew silent, causing them to feel strange emotions.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Soon, the door opened.

    <i>Clunk. Clunk.</i>

    As G¨¦rard sat down again, Choi Jong-Il and themander of the 606''s Special Operations Unit entered. Themander had his rifle around his shoulder.

    Respectfully gesturing at Romain, he introduced him in Korean. ¡°This is Romain, the Director-General of France¡¯s DGSE.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il was already aware of the DGSE¡¯s status, while themander of the 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit looked like he would just take Kang Chan¡¯s word for it.

    ¡°There has been a major problem rted to South Korea¡¯s safety. Hence, I¡¯m keeping him detained here for three days. If he leaves the embassy, you have my permission to shoot on sight,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Themander of the 606''s Special Operations Unit sharply red at Romain. He looked and sounded firm, enough to make the others believe that he would still act the same way even if if he was aware of the DGSE¡¯s capabilities.

    With a nod from Kang Chan, Choi Jong-Il and themander of the 606''s Special Operations Unit headed back out of the dining room.

    Although they spoke in Korean, the others would have to be idiots to not understand what Kang Chan and themander just talked about.

    ¡°What you¡¯re doing now is breaking an unwritten rule between intelligence bureaus. Don¡¯t forget that what happens after this ispletely your responsibility,¡± Romain warned through gritted teeth.

    Kang Chan understood why Romain was furious. After all, the Director-General of France¡¯s DGSE had just been caught off guard by the Assistant Director of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service.

    Kang Chan turned to Romain. ¡°This is your final warning. Show some respect when you¡¯re around me and the ambassador.¡±

    He was dead serious. He gave the DGSE three days not because he was scared of this motherfucker but because he was worried about Anne¡¯s safety.

    Kang Chan would check on Anne and ask about Lanok¡¯s intentions in three days.

    ¡°You want me to bow down even though we¡¯re in South Korea just because the DGSE is powerful? I¡¯ll spare your life but only because the ambassador is here. Behave yourself until I¡¯m done negotiating with Abibu. If you keep messing with me, I¡¯ll just hand over the next-gen energy facility to Abibu under the condition that he destroys France.¡±

    <i>Did this crazy bastard really just say that? Can he not see what¡¯s going to happen in the future if he does that?</i>

    Kang Chan could clearly see how Romain felt through the look in his eyes.

    ¡°If you were telling the truth when you said you already know all of my secrets, then that means you also know what I did in the UK. Don¡¯t forget that I can start an earthquake in any country if I use the next-gen energy facility. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll work with Abibu or Josh, but I know for a fact that it won¡¯t be with you.¡±

    ¡°Did you talk to Josh?¡± Romain asked, finally managing to say something.

    ¡°Vasili advised me to work with the DGSE and to be wary of Josh, but this meeting has taught me that I should be doing the opposite.¡±

    Romain¡¯s sighs and groans seemed to be saying that he didn¡¯t expect the conversation to turn out like this.

    He looked away from Romain and turned to Lanok, who was still just silently watching them, something he couldn¡¯t decide how to take.

    However, it was clear to him that Romain was oppressing Lanok with something.

    Kang Chan felt as if he was looking at amander who had themand over his unit taken away from him.

    Perhaps that was why Romain¡¯s arrogant behavior angered him even more. If Romain wanted to say something to Kang Chan in a situation like this, Lanok normally would¡¯ve been the one to say it in his stead.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    Lanok met Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of meeting Abibu, Josh, Vasili, and Mr. Yang Bum in order. I¡¯ll visit you once we¡¯ve finalized things.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to seeing how things turn out.¡±

    Romain looked at Lanok, his expression saying, ¡°This isn¡¯t what we discussed!¡±

    He definitely had something up his sleeve.

    Although their dinner had ended, the dining room was filled with only the smell of escargot.

    Kang Chan was just about to stand up.

    ¡°Even if you lock me up here, I can issue any kind ofmand to the DGSE,¡± Romain said as if he was ying hisst card.

    ¡°Do what you want.¡±

    Romain should¡¯ve considered who his opponent was a bit more. Kang Chan wasn¡¯t even fazed by his threat.

    Smiling ambiguously, Lanok stood up with Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t feelfortable.

    <i>What if Lanok wants me to kill Romain for him? Did Romain lock up Anne and is ckmailing him with her life? Should I just kill Romain right now?</i>

    Kang Chan red at Romain, who had also stood up.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok calmly called. As if reading his mind, he added, ¡°If things go wrong, no one will want to meet you in the future.¡±

    ¡°I look forward to the results that you¡¯ll bring.¡± He held out his hand. ¡°Please don¡¯t worry about Anne. Let¡¯s have a meal with her the next time youe here.¡±

    The look in his eyes clearly told Kang Chan that deep down, he was smiling.

 Chapter 324: Do You Think Ill Lose? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 324: Do You Think I''ll Lose? (1)</h4>

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked haggard.

    ¡°At the very least, we need to protect the National Intelligence Service. If we can¡¯t control the news reports right now, then everything will go down the drain,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    Go Gun-Woo, who was sitting across from Moon Jae-Hyun, looked grim.

    Go Gun-Woo was currently filling the seat of the Director of the National Intelligence Service. However, the position was too much for him to take on since he didn¡¯t have expertise in the military and Intelligence fields.

    Moon Jae-Hyun continued, ¡°We need someone who can protect the Samseong-dong branch and Assistant Director Kang Chan. Take charge of the National Intelligence Service until the factory in Mongolia is built and the construction of the energy facility starts in Goseong.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo couldn¡¯t think of anyone to rmend for the role either.

    If people found out that they had sent their troops overseas¡ªno, if they were to learn that special forces soldiers had been sent to Mongolia on vacation leave, the political situation would be difficult to handle.

    People were going to find out about it someday, but they couldn¡¯t afford to let that happen now.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Go Gun-Woo said with difficulty. He looked at Moon Jae-Hyun, who was smiling intively. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have quit smoking.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re thinking of going with Manager Kim¡¯s n and bringing over the captives from Mongolia tomorrow. Let¡¯s use this opportunity to make an official announcement as well. I don¡¯t know about anything else, but please do your best to catch the culprit behind the recent terrorist attack.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Go Gun-Woo answered.

    ***

    <i>Thwup thwup thwup thwup thwup.</i>

    One after another, helicoptersnded in front of the base. Four men then hopped off of one of them and walked over to Joo Chul-Bum and the DMZ team standing guard.

    ¡°We¡¯re the Foreign Affairs division of the National Intelligence Service,¡± one of them greeted.

    Kim Tae-Jin checked their ID, then nodded at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Kang sunbae-nim,¡± the agent, who looked to be in his mid-forties, called as he took off his sunsses.

    Kang Chul-Gyu cocked his head. ¡°Hwang Ha-Ryeong?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, sunbae-nim! I¡¯m d you remember me.¡±

    Hwang Ha-Ryeong delightedly held out his hand, and Kang Chul-Gyu politely shook it.

    ¡°Ha-Ryeong, Kim Tae-Jin. Tae-Jin joined us right after you moved divisions,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    The two greeted each other.

    Kang Chul-Gyu then held up his hand and called Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik.

    <i>Clunk. Clunk.</i>

    The two hurriedly walked over to them. Upon seeing Hwang Ha-Ryeong, their eyes filled up with surprise.

    ¡°Hey! Are you...? Ha-Ryeong, is that you? Hwang Ha-Ryeong?¡± Yang Dong-Sik asked.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim! I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡±

    ¡°Hey, you fu¡ª¡±

    Examining Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s mood, Yang Dong-Sik cut himself off.

    ¡°What brings you here, though?¡± he asked instead.

    ¡°I was sent to pick up the captives. I¡¯m with the NIS Foreign Affairs division.¡±

    ¡°<i>Woah</i>! d we¡¯re all alive and well enough to meet again!¡±

    ¡°On my way here, I was told that you were the ones stationed in this base. Even though we¡¯re part of the samepany, we don¡¯t really get told about who¡¯s in which team of other divisions. The list of names for the person in charge and the administrator had a familiar name, so I started to wonder if it really was you guys¡ª¡±

    ¡°Wait! Are you leaving immediately?¡± Yang Dong-Sik asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    It seemed difficult to drag out their meeting, considering the captives tied up in ropes and handcuffs were already being brought to the helicopters.

    ¡°Why not have coffee with us before you go, at least? I¡¯ll bring you one. It won¡¯t take long,¡± Yang Dong-Sik said, then ran toward the barrack without giving anyone time to stop him.

    Hwang Ha-Ryeong smiled. ¡°Yang sunbae hasn¡¯t changed one bit.¡±

    Watching Yang Dong-Sik run off, Nam Il-Gyu smiled.

    ¡°The equipment and the construction workers will arrive tomorrow. They¡¯ll have Chinese and Mongolian technicians and probably foreign intelligence bureau agents among them. Anyway, things have taken an unusual turn. People are even saying that Japan is getting ready to change their stance even if it means their entire cab has to resign,¡± Hwang Ha-Ryeong said.

    One after another, the captives got on the aircraft.

    Kim Tae-Jin was the only person who fully understood why Japan would go so far just to change its stance. However, even Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu could tell that trouble was brewing.

    ***

    Kang Chan called over and had dinner with Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Bum.

    Their dinner required a lot of patience because G¨¦rard wanted to order their food by himself. He even asked Kang Chan to not step in.

    Even Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand what he was saying in Korean, but at the very least, he tried his best.

    <i>Damn it. Even if we had to catch the pig ourselves, we could¡¯ve still grilled the pork belly quicker than this.</i>

    Because G¨¦rard had ordered food with difficulty, they needed to eat quickly.

    Even if the others wanted to eat more, they likely would¡¯ve just ignored their hunger so that G¨¦rard wouldn¡¯t have to keep ordering. It was quite frustrating for everyone to watch even the restaurant owner ask, ¡°You don¡¯t speak English?¡± several times.

    Kang Chan felt frustrated and sorry for the ones with them since all they could really do was watch.

    Afterward, G¨¦rard suggested that they should go to a specialty coffee shop. However, Kang Chan rejected the idea with the excuse that they didn¡¯t have instant coffee there.

    Just imagining G¨¦rard repeatedly saying, ¡°You don¡¯t have this here? What about this?¡± in awkward Korean made Kang Chan shudder.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il realized once more how rxing it was to be able to have a cup of coffee in the office. They were genuinely grateful.

    The door to the office soon opened, and Kim Hyung-Jung entered.

    ¡°Have you had dinner?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I had a simple meal.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked so exhausted that people were beginning to wonder if they should just hit him on the back of his head to make him faint just so he¡¯d be able to get some sleep.

    ¡°Did you order the 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit to shoot someone to death?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Yes. I decided to detain Romain at the embassy for three days. I ordered them to shoot him on sight if he went outside.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Romain?¡±

    ¡°The DGSE Director-General.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked so surprised that Kang Chan thought that if the news had been a little more shocking, Kim Hyung-Jung would¡¯ve fainted.

    Seok Kang-Ho, who was next to them, let out his signatureughter. Only then did Kim Hyung-Jung manage to pull himself together.

    ¡°Can you detain him? Are you sure this is alright?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°It should be. I issued the order with the ambassador present. I also did it to confirm something. <i>Oh</i>, right! Have you found the organization or themander behind the terrorist attack yet?¡±

    ¡°The NIS Foreign Affairs division is currently reinvestigating the list of people who entered South Korea. There are a hundred and ten thousand people. We believe that the terrorists used fake IDs, but we haven¡¯t even found any evidence that would help further the investigation¡ªnot even passports, hotel check-ins, or credit cards,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered with an angry expression. ¡°The entire National Intelligence Service is on this matter. Since we lost both Director Hwang Ki-Hyun and Director Song Chang-Wook, they¡¯re working with the determination to catch the culprit and take revenge. That¡¯s why I believe we¡¯ll get results soon.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked terrifying. It was as if the anger that he had been suppressing until now had finally exploded amid his report.

    ¡°Manager Kim, after meeting Abibu, I¡¯m thinking of looking around China and Russia. If needed, I¡¯ll do the same in Germany and the UK. There might be a way to find the culprit if I discuss it with the representatives of those countries¡¯ intelligence bureaus,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright. Anything I can do to help?¡±

    ¡°Can you get me a flight to those countries?¡±

    ¡°We can borrow a private ne.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll let you know when I¡¯ll need the ne once I¡¯ve nned out my schedule. You can stop people from wiretapping us on that ne, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes. You just have to bring the equipment that you¡¯ve seen at the hotel.¡±

    <i>That should be enough.</i>

    After a brief silence, Kim Hyung-Jung said, ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, Prime Minister Go Gun-Woo is filling in the role of the NIS Director. He¡¯s wondering if you can go with him when he visits North Korea.¡±

    ¡°Why would he want that?¡±

    ¡°He believes you¡¯ll be able to determine the exact situation if you go with him. We also can¡¯t ignore the risk of war even though we can¡¯t see it happening.¡±

    Kang Chan thought of Go Gun-Woo for a moment. If Go Gun-Woo believed this to be a wise decision, then Kang Chan had to respect his wishes.

    ¡°I¡¯ll n my schedule ordingly. Have we decided on a date for our visit to North Korea?¡± he asked.

    ¡°It has been indefinitely postponed because of the recent terrorist attacks, so please feel free to choose a date that works for you.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯d like to do it after I¡¯ve gone to the countries I mentioned earlier. We should determine what exactly is going on with the other nations before we go to North Korea.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    They were pressed for time.

    They had to catch the culprit behind the terrorist attacks and eliminate the risk of war. To make matters worse, day after day, France mentioned Kang Chan by raising questions about Lanok¡¯s past actions.

    ¡°When the captives from Mongolia arrive tomorrow, we n to announce them as aplices to the terrorists in South Korea. We¡¯ll have a bit more leeway if we turn the media¡¯s attention to that matter,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    To Kang Chan, it only sounded as if Kim Hyung-Jung was saying that they would cover up the articles about Kang Chan using this matter.

    Kim Hyung-Jung added, ¡°Abibu could think of the announcement as a diplomatic discourtesy, but they won¡¯t be able to tantly protest about it since it¡¯s going to be attributed to the terrorist attacks.¡±

    <i>A diplomatic discourtesy?</i>

    Kang Chan just remained quiet.

    There was supposedly no connection between the terrorist attacks in South Korea and the captivesing in from Mongolia. However, based on what he had heard, Abibu clearly had a hand in both matters.

    <i>How can this be a diplomatic discourtesy to that son of a bitch!</i>

    After discussing a few more things with Kang Chan, Kim Hyung-Jung left the office. He didn¡¯t even have the time to take a breather.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he working too hard? He¡¯ll faint at this rate,¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    He worriedly looked at the entrance, then at the room inside the office.

    ¡°Anyway, what is that fucker even doing inside that room?¡± Grumbling, Seok Kang-Ho turned to Kang Chan again and took a sip of his coffee. ¡°Well, having him deal with those guys is actually making things much morefortable for us.¡±

    Kang Chan just nodded in response.

    The foreign intelligence bureau agents, who were all now working in the room further into the office, knew how to speak French. Hence, when G¨¦rard joined them, he began acting like he was in his element.

    Even Kang Chan found it fascinating.

    <i>I can¡¯t believe they can look into an area they want to see in real-time without leaving their office tables!</i>

    G¨¦rard examined the areas in Africa where the Foreign Legion was stationed. Afterward, he widened his scope and gathered information rted to the terrorist attacks, making him look as if he had been working as an intelligence bureau agent for quite some time now.

    For as long as he wasn¡¯t practicing his Korean, he was quite a decent guy.

    ***

    The president himself made the government¡¯s first official announcement since the terrorist attacks.

    Since all of the TV channels were broadcasting live at the site, filling it with reporters waiting for the announcement to begin, people couldn¡¯t watch anything else.

    [Today, the government will officially announce its position regarding the first terrorist attack in South Korea ever since the Gimpo International Airport Bombing incident in 1986<u>[1]</u> and the attack in the Presentation Hall during the presentation for the Eurasian Rail.] a reporter exined to their viewers while the screen was showing the presentation hall.

    [The world¡¯s most prominent press and news broadcasts have sent their reporters over to broadcast this event back to their respective countries. We expect today¡¯s announcement to be a warning about the organization that led the terrorist attacks and a deration of the government¡¯s determination to take them down. <i>Ah</i>! President Moon Jae-Hyun is entering the hall right now.]

    Camera shes filled the room until Moon Jae-Hyun reached the podium and looked up.

    He began, [To our honorable citizens of South Korea and the domestic and foreign journalists present today...]

    Loud camera shutters continued.

    The screens now showed a TV camera that had the logo of a foreign broadcastingpany.

    [It is to my greatest sorrow that I announce the tragedy that has befallen us. The Director of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service and the Director of the Energy Resource Department[2] have unfortunately lost their lives to suicide bombings. Those two great men sacrificed themselves for our country. May they rest in peace along with the agents who died protecting them.]

    The loud camera shes momentarily stopped Moon Jae-Hyun.

    [Moreover, at the same time as the terrorist attacks, our enemies also tried to raid our resource base in Mongolia, an act of aggression that could be seen as a deration of war.]

    The murmurs grew as loud as the camera shes.

    [They sent a total of three hundred one men to our base in Mongolia. Two hundred forty-nine were killed inbat, while six sumbed to their wounds while they were being transported to our nation. Finally, the remaining forty-six were taken in as captives. We moved them to South Korea in secretst night.]

    Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s announcement was so shocking that even the number of camera shes decreased. The people watching the announcement on TV looked at each other, wondering if what they had just heard was correct.

    [President Oh Gwang-Taek, whomanded the base in Mongolia as its field manager, and three other wounded agents have been brought back to South Korea and are currently being treated in a hospital. On behalf of all of South Korea, I would like to express my endless gratitude toward him.]

    Camera shes brightened up the room again.

    The masses didn¡¯t expect that there would be so many surprising announcements.

    [For invading our sovereignty and territory, the South Korean government considers the recent terrorist attacks in South Korea and Mongolia as an act of war.]

    Even the viewers could feel the suffocating nervousness permeating the presentation hall now.

    [From this day forth, South Korea considers the organization or country behind the terrorist attacks as an enemy. If they do not take actions that South Korea and our citizens can ept, we will retaliate against them ourselves,] Moon Jae-Hyun concluded while ring straight at the camera.

    Right after, the reporters held up their hands and requested permission to ask questions like crazy.

    ***

    Although war hadn¡¯t broken out yet, South Korea had already taken more than forty captives from the raid on South Korea¡¯s base in Mongolia.

    The newscasters looked as if they had lost their minds due to the president¡¯s announcement.

    As Kim Hyung-Jung had nned, the news brought everyone¡¯s focus to Mongolia. However, as a result, people also ended up focusing on Oh Gwang-Taek, who used to be a gang leader but was now the hero who protected one of South Korea¡¯s bases.

    Anyone with their TVs on would see Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s face or hear his name at least once every ten minutes.

    The photo that the National Intelligence Service had given the press yed a part in drawing people¡¯s attention. It showed him in a light gray military uniform and a Taegukgi on his left forearm. His rifle was pointed downward.

    After talking to Ludwig on the phone, Kang Chan decided to meet Vasili and Yang Bum.

    ***

    Due to the suicide bombing in Seoul and France¡¯s reports about Lanok, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had been living as if they were locked up in their house. Even though the news hadn¡¯t mentioned a name, suspicions that hinted toward Kang Chan¡¯s involvement also kept being released.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had handed over theirpany and foundation to other people and asked their employees toplete their remaining tasks. They had also turned their phones off.

    - My goodness, Hye-Sook! This must be upsetting you. Is there anything we can do?

    Some of the calls that they had received were from people who were genuinely worried about them. However, a lot were from people who only wanted to sneer at them. They said things like, ¡°Serves you right for acting out so much! You did this to yourselves!¡±

    Although they finally had some spare time for the first time in a while, they were afraid of turning on the TV.

    The two couldn¡¯t even bring themselves to search anything on the inte. If they had to contact someone urgently, they made Assistant Manager Kim and Cha Min-Jeong, who stayed a floor above and below them, do it for them.

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t been able toe home for the past few days.

    As usual, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had breakfast and headed to the circr table in their yard with their tea. Whenever they were bored, they¡¯d often stare at the river until lunch. They also read books.

    After lunch, Assistant Manager Kim and Cha Min-Jeong suggested ying badminton. Hence, the four yed together. Honestly, having them around made the married couple¡¯s daily lives much more fun.

    In truth, the two wanted to go out to supermarkets, department stores, and cinemas. Every now and then, they¡¯d also find themselves hoping they could walk out of their house and go to a small curry restaurant to have cheap food.

    The agents weren¡¯t going to stop them from doing all of that if they insisted on going.

    However, considering South Korea had just suffered a terrorist attack not too long ago, they couldn¡¯t just drag multiple agents out of the house with them to have jjajangmyeon or curry with rice.

    ¡°Should we go abroad?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    Yoo Hye-Sook nkly blinked. ¡°Abroad?¡±

    ¡°Now that we¡¯re not managing anypanies, we¡¯ve got a lot of spare time. You wanted to go on a trip to Europe anyway, didn¡¯t you? Going abroad should make it much easier for the agents to do their jobs as well.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook turned to the river. ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that.¡±

    ***

    Therge office seemed to be getting smaller and smaller.

    As if it was a dorm, the foreign agents supporting South Korea had taken up three rooms. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Bum stayed in the office as well.

    Moreover, temporary beds had also been set up for Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard. Even Kim Hyung-Jung slept on the sofa in the meeting room every now and then.

    They had cereal and toast for breakfast.

    Wearingfortable clothing, Kang Chan sat down at the round table next to the window, which was where he always sat.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go home?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he put a mug of coffee in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°I want to,¡± Kang Chan genuinely answered.

    Although they were staying in an office, he had been living like a soldier in the field army. He even received a lot of phone calls every day.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Like I¡¯m at the Foreign Legion. We¡¯ve got you, G¨¦rard, and the eight guys from abroad in the adjacent rooms. Jong-Il¡¯s subordinates are also here.¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan drank his coffee. He felt the same way as Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°You should get changed soon,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Already?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have to go to the Park Hotel in Samseong-dong at ten today?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°It¡¯s already nine.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Stay here. I¡¯ll bring your clothes out,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    As he went into a room, G¨¦rard came out and walked over to Kang Chan. It was as if they were on shifts.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard called Kang Chan in Korean.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Dou want to smoke a cigarette?¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know who was teaching G¨¦rard Korean, but he was definitely going to die from lung disease before G¨¦rard became fluent in it.

    ¡°Sit over here,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    However, he was at least learning quite fast.

    Perhaps it was because foreigners shamelessly continued to speak othernguages even if they made a mistake, but they were quick to pick othernguages up.

    <i>Chk chk.</i>

    The two smoked a cigarette each.

    ¡°Found anything? No, what are you even looking for?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m looking into the materials we were given. I didn¡¯t discover much since the materials are pretty limited, but I was hoping to discuss them with youter,¡± G¨¦rard responded in French. ¡°I feel like things are somehow rted to each other. Sergey Gee stole the nuclear warhead from Russia, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    He moved the cigarette that was on the table to the middle as if it were the nuclear warhead.

    ¡°Russia had been watching this situation y out, but then...¡± G¨¦rard trailed off. He put the lighter next to the cigarette. ¡°Gabriel looked like me after the three of them died.¡±

    <i>Slide.</i>

    G¨¦rard put the mug next to the cigarette.

    ¡°The problem is that the nuclear warhead couldnd in South Korea, which is already upied with the risk of war breaking out in the Korean Penins.¡±

    ¡°So?¡±

    <i>Did G¨¦rard figure something out? Is he finally getting something done?</i>

    ¡°Won¡¯t Gabriel and the Star of David be the bridge between everything?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°Everyone already knows that.¡±

    ¡°They do?¡±

    Shaking his head, Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette. He knew better than to expect a lot from G¨¦rard and Seok Kang-Ho, but they kept fooling him.

    Just as Kang Chan finished his coffee, Kim Hyung-Jung entered the office. For the first time in so long, he looked tidy.

    ¡°Good morning. Want some tea?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°What time is it...?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung trailed off and checked his watch. He then sat down. ¡°I should have time for a quick drink. I¡¯ll have to leave right after, though.¡±

    As Seok Kang-Ho walked out with Kang Chan¡¯s clothes, G¨¦rard headed to the data analysis room.

    ¡°Abibu had a breakfast meeting with the opposition party¡¯s members who are part of the assembly. They¡¯re having tea as we speak. Chairman Kim Kwan-Sik decided to join us at the hotel lobby,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung reported.

    ¡°How¡¯s the hotel¡¯s security?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    ¡°Please rest easy. We even mobilized patrol cars for this.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il filled a mug with tea and then gave it to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    1. This a real life incident ? </a>

    2. Energy Resource Commission and Fuel Resource Office will now be unified as Energy Resource Department. Apologies for the confusion ?</a> </a>

 Chapter 325: Do You Think Ill Lose (2)

    <h4>Chapter 325: Do You Think I''ll Lose (2)</h4>

    That morning, Kang Chan arrived at the Park Hotel in Samseong-dong around ten minutes before ten, apanied by Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung. Upon entering the lobby, agents quickly surrounded them and led them straight to the elevator.

    "Director Kim Gwan-Sik is waiting on the seventh floor in the lounge. We''ll meet him there first and then head up to the ninth floor at ten sharp," Kim Hyung-Jung said, his tense and uneasy expression directed toward Seok Kang-Ho.

    It certainly surprised him when he discovered that Seok Kang-Ho would be their Arabic interpreter.

    <i>Di-Ding.</i>

    As the elevator doors opened, three agents blocked their way, only stepping aside after verifying their identities. The security staff was on high alert following the recent bomb attacks. Kim Gwan-Sik was sitting alone on a sofa inside.

    "Wee," greeted Kim Gwan-Sik.

    "Sorry to keep you waiting, sir," Kang Chan said.

    "I haven''t been here long," Kim Gwan-Sik responded, politely using honorifics.

    "Director, this is Mr. Seok Kang-Ho. He will be our Arabic interpreter today."

    "It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. I''m Seok Kang-Ho," Seok Kang-Ho respectfully greeted.

    <i>He would probably be more surprised than Kim Hyung-Jung to know that he used to be Kim Mi-Young¡¯s gym teacher.</i>

    "Shall we go up now?" Kim Gwan-Sik suggested. They then headed back to the elevator.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, Kim Gwan-Sik, Kim Hyung-Jung, and two agents headed back and rode the elevator up to the ninth floor.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    Upon arrival, agents once again blocked their way but moved aside after checking their IDs. Kang Chan walked alongside Kim Gwan-Sik, followed by Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    An Arab middle-aged man, who appeared to be Abibu¡¯s secretary, exchanged nods with them and gestured toward the conference room connected to a VIP suite.

    Kim Gwan-Sik and Kang Chan sat down on one side of the long table. Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung were behind them on auxiliary chairs.

    Since there was a chance that Abibu was the one who ordered the terrorist attacks, Kang Chan was not in a good mood. In fact, there was no doubt that the bastard had directed the assassination of the South Korean agents in Libya and had almost gotten Seok Kang-Ho killed in the process.

    Earlier, on his way to this hotel, a sudden thought had consumed him.

    <i>Why would they order the killing of our agents operating in Libya?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung, whom he had asked the question to at the time, still couldn¡¯t figure out the answer.

    The National Intelligence Service was the one who dispatched the agents. Still, they couldn¡¯t have just been killed just because they bumped shoulders with someone or failed to avert their gaze. There had to be a substantial reason.

    A man, likely Abibu''s attendant, served Kim Gwan-Sik and Kang Chan tea and dates. Starting a conversation felt awkward, and the silence only added to the difort of the setting.

    <i>That bastard! If he knows that people are here, he should show up already!</i>

    As Kang Chan shook his head, a man dressed in a white kandura entered the conference room.

    Kang Chan, Kim Gwan-Sik, Seok Kang-Ho, and Kim Hyung-Jung stood up.

    "Sorry to keep you waiting," said Abibu.

    His English was fluent.

    "We haven''t been waiting long, and you may speak in Arabic. We have an interpreter with us,¡± Kim Gwan-Sik replied in fluent English as well. Kim Mi-Young seemed to have gotten her smarts from her father.

    "I am Kim Gwan-Sik of the Fuel Resources Department, and this is Assistant Director Kang Chan of the National Intelligence Service."

    Kim Gwan-Sik introduced them in Korean, and Seok Kang-Ho fluently interpreted their words into Arabic.

    "Nice to meet you. I am Abibu. Please take a seat."

    Perhaps it was because this was Seok Kang-Ho''s first time interpreting, but his Korean sounded as if he was reading from a book. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand Arabic, but maybe it was just as awkwardly interpreted.

    Once Abibu sat across the table, the attendant put tea in front of him.

    "Please allow me to express my deepest sorrow regarding the unfortunate events that South Korea has suffered."

    Abibu had the distinctiverge eyes and thick eyebrows typical of Arab men. He also had a slightly crooked nose.

    "Thank you for your concern," Kim Gwan-Sik briefly replied.

    The conversation didn''t continue, leading to an awkward silence enveloping the room. Abibu turned his gaze to Kang Chan.

    It had been said countless times, but people could understand some things without speaking. The moment Kang Chan saw Abibu''s eyes, he knew that this man had orchestrated the recent terrorist attacks as well.

    Abibu''s eyes seemed to say, ¡°You can''t do anything about me. The same goes for the next-gen power facilities.¡±

    Kang Chan just smiled, feeling relieved.

    <i>This bastard¡¯s the culprit.</i>

    He was the one who ordered the assassination of the South Korean agents in Libya and the killing of the director of the National Intelligence Service and the first director of the Fuel Resources Department.

    Kang Chan remembered the always upright Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook. Hwang Ki-Hyun was now a nameless star, and Song Chang-Wook didn¡¯t even leave behind an intact body.

    Kim Gwan-Sik just silently watched Kang Chan. Kim Hyung-Jung swallowed dryly as Kang Chan and Abibu locked eyes with each other.

    "Your eyes are quite impressive,¡± Abibu said, finally breaking the silence.

    If Kim Gwan-Sik hadn¡¯t been around, Kang Chan would have bluntly retorted, ¡°Cut the crap and take good care of your head.¡±

    However, a proper response was necessary now.

    "I heard you wanted to see me," Kang Chan responded.

    Abibu nodded.

    "I wanted to meet you because of your remarkable achievements."

    "I see," Kang Chan replied, then tantly chuckled.

    <i>Bastard! Take good care of your head!</i>

    Abibu was not to be outdone. He gave Kang Chan a sneering smile.

    <i>Don''t get too carried away, young man!</i>

    Kim Gwan-Sik, Seok Kang-Ho, and even Kim Hyung-Jung all knew it. Kang Chan and Abibu were openly challenging each other. It was hard to specify how much time had passed exactly, but it was long enough for them to be in difort. Once again, Abibu was the first to break the silence.

    "Our country is very interested in the next-generation energy facilities that South Korea has nned."

    He then turned his gaze toward Kim Gwan-Sik. About ten minutes of predictable conversation ensued. After exchanging formalities like, ¡°It was nice meeting you,¡± and, ¡°We will consider your points carefully,¡± they rose from their seats.

    After shaking hands with Kim Gwan-Sik, Abibu extended his hand toward Kang Chan. Kang Chan epted it.

    <i>Thud.</i>

    It would be more urate to say their hands briefly touched than to describe it as a handshake.

    <i>Does this bastard treat people like they''re untouchables?</i>

    Feeling ufortable, Kang Chan and his party immediately headed for the elevator.

    "Have you met Abibu before?" asked Kim Gwan-Sik.

    "This is the first time," answered Kang Chan.

    Kim Gwan-Sik seemed to struggle to understand.

    "I¡¯ve got a busy schedule today, so I will be leaving now. Where will you be going, Assistant Director?"

    "I n to go to the office, sir."

    They were inside an elevator, making it hard to talk about anything else.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    Soon enough, they arrived at the lobby.

    "Good work today."

    Kim Gwan-Sik shook hands with Kang Chan, Kim Hyung-Jung, and Seok Kang-Ho in turn, then headed toward the entrance with the agents.

    "Manager, do you have a moment?"

    "Can you go to the Samseong-dong branch?"

    "Sure."

    It was only a ten-minute walk from the Park Hotel anyway. Kang Chan, along with Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung, headed to Kim Hyung-Jung''s office. Once inside, they all had coffee and cigarettes.

    "Manager, please look into whether there''s a connection between the assassination of our agents in Libya and the recent terrorist attacks on the directors."

    "Did you notice something odd earlier? Maybe a clue?"

    "Vasili once said that Abibu was the mastermind behind the Libya incident. I wasn¡¯t sure before, but after finally meeting Abibu, he definitely seems suspicious. Please check if he¡¯s connected to all these or if we''re missing anything."

    "Understood," Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    He then quickly took notes on the memo pad beside him.

    To catch the murderer who killed Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook, they would even be willing to grasp for straws. Hence, there was no reason not to try.

    "That damn bastard, looking at the boss like that!"

    "Why?"

    "Those dates looked really delicious."

    "<i>Hooo</i>.¡±[1]

    Kang Chan exhaled a long stream of cigarette smoke. He knew better than to expect much from this guy and G¨¦rard. After leaving the Samseong-dong office, Kang Chan called Lanok and immediately headed to the French embassy.

    There was definitely something hidden behind all these. If he could find it, he¡¯d be able to kill Abibu. Ever since he had seen the man, anger had been simmering inside Kang Chan. It was unclear why. Despite hearing about the terrorist attack and the deaths of Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook, Kang Chan had been strangely calm. Was it because he thought too much had been lost?

    From Lee Yoo-Seul''s father to the Foreign Legion rookie, the Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers, the National Intelligence Service agents, Hwang Ki-Hyun, and Song Chang-Wook¡ªperhaps the downfall of all these people, who had dedicated themselves to the country, had been triggered by Abibu¡¯s own actions.

    <i>Bastard!</i>

    A deadly look gradually filled Kang Chan''s eyes. How could Abibu ruthlessly kill a powerless country¡¯s dedicated individuals just to satisfy his own greed?

    As they arrived at the embassy, a member of the 606''s Special Operations Unit stopped the car. Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il got out.

    <i>Click, click.</i>

    "Wee back, sir," said themander as he approached Kang Chan from behind and saluted him. "As you¡¯ve ordered, we haven¡¯t let Mr. Romain leave the building at all."

    Kang Chan nodded and entered the embassy. As he opened the door and stepped inside, he came across Raphael, who was just about to head out and greet him.

    "Monsieur Kang, Mr. Ambassador is in his office."

    Raphael looked tense today as well.

    "How¡¯s Anne?"

    Walking half a step ahead, he looked over his shoulder and answered, "She¡¯s doing well, sir,"

    "I would like to speak to the ambassador. Please give me Anne¡¯s phone number. Louis¡¯ too."

    "Yes, sir."

    Honestly, Kang Chan wanted to ask if Lanok had any other matters, but if Raphael could answer such a question, he would have already asked for help while they were walking.

    Upon entering the office, Kang Chan found Lanok at his desk, and Romain sitting at the table, reading a thin current affairs magazine.

    "Wee back, Mr. Kang Chan," Lanok greeted Kang Chan as if nothing was wrong.

    Since Kang Chan and Romain had already met, it was difficult to pretend not to know each other now. The two shook hands. Lanok walked over to the table, and the three sat together.

    "I¡¯ve just met with Abibu," said Kang Chan.

    Brightening up, Romain focused.

    "All we did was exchange pleasantries about wanting to see each other due to our impressive feats."

    The corner of Lanok¡¯s eyes curved into a subtle smile. His expression suggested that he could already guess what the meeting with Abibu had been like.

    "Mr. Ambassador, I n to meet with Vasili next, but before I do, I would like to hear your opinion on one matter."

    At that moment, the door opened, and Raphael came in with ck tea. They had so much to talk about that they hadn''t even gotten a chance to have tea. Lanok personally poured the beverage for them. He kept his eyes on Kang Chan, seemingly asking what he wanted to know.

    "I would like to know if I can propose the construction of a next-generation power facility in Russia or China on my own."

    "Why did you think of that?" asked Lanok.

    Romain looked at Lanok with eyes as hot as the tea.

    Lanok continued, "It would be difficult for you to decide on such a matter alone, wouldn''t it? Shouldn''t you also consider the image of the President of South Korea, Mr. Kang Chan?"

    "I n to keep the construction in South Korea as is. However, I''m thinking of proposing to build another one in Russia or the UK."

    "Are you thinking of diverting the attention focused on this nation?"

    Like a teacher watching a student who had passed a difficult exam, the emotion in Lanok''s eyes was clearly conveyed to Kang Chan.

    "There''s that, but," Kang Chan looked at Romain, "if necessary..."

    "Are you thinking of creating a subterranean shock device?"

    "Yes."

    "Mr. Kang Chan, the next-gen facility will need technicians from France, the UK, and Russia. If that''s your intention, then your best option would be the UK."

    "Mr. Ambassador!" Romain urgently called.

    However, Lanok did not even turn his gaze away from Kang Chan.

    "Josh is a dangerous man. Giving him such a weapon will surely lead to problems that are difficult to manage."

    "What if we build the subterranean shock device here and construct the next-generation energy facility in the UK?"

    Lanok shook his head. "If it bes known that South Korea is building such a weapon, it will be the public enemy of every country in the world."

    Kang Chan smirked. It was a foolish question that would have had the same answer even if he just thought about it a little.

    "Then I will discuss the possibility of setting up an additional next-generation power facility with Vasili."

    Romain watched Kang Chan with a persistent gaze.

    "I also n to retaliate against those who ordered the terrorist attacks."

    Although Kang Chan could clearly read Lanok''s thoughts from his previous expression, Lanok just silently watched him this time, making it impossible to discern what he was thinking. Lanok¡¯s agreement to his decision to build another facility meant that it was a good n. If so, then his unreadable expression now could mean that he disapproved of the retaliation.

    <i>Knock, knock, knock.</i>

    The three turned their gazes to the door as Raphael carefully entered, walked over to Kang Chan, and offered a tray with a half-folded piece of paper the size of a palm on it.

    "<i>Ah</i>! I asked for this. Thank you, Raphael," said Lanok.

    Raphael gracefully bowed his head and then left the room.

    Kang Chan put the notepad into his jacket pocket.

    "Let''s have some ck tea first," Lanok offered, gesturing toward the tea cups.

    Kang Chan obediently picked up a cup and took a sip of the tea.

    "Mr. Kang Chan, the retaliation you speak of isn¡¯t that simple. It could used as a pretext for war," Lanok softly advised as he set down his cup. You should proceed with your n to meet with Vasili and Yang Bum first. Meeting Ludwig wouldn''t be a bad idea either."

    "I see. I¡¯ll do just that, Mr. Ambassador," answered Kang Chan.

    Those matters had already been arranged. Hence, he readily epted Lanok''s advice.

    "I will be returning to France in a few days,¡± Lanok suddenly revealed.

    Kang Chan looked up in surprise. Lanok smiled as he met his gaze.

    Lanok continued, "I have already conveyed all I wanted to say during myst office visit."

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what to say. He had never considered the chance that Lanok could be deported out of Korea.

    <i>At a time like this? Now that it''s been revealed that Romain and Josh are part of the Star of David?</i>

    Kang Chan red at Romain venomously.

    <i>Did this bastard y some game?</i>

    "Mr. Kang Chan."

    Lanok caught Kang Chan''s gaze.

    "There might be an answer to what you told me. Meet with Vasili first. Listen to what he says and hear Yang Bum''s opinion before you make a decision.¡±

    Kang Chan felt like he had just received a severe blow to the back of his head, leaving him dazed and unsure about what to do.

    "I have a request."

    "Yes?"

    "Will you release Romain?" Lanok requested.

    He was politely asking to let Kang Chan go despite how angry and flustered it made him, perhaps so Kang Chan would be able to proceed with his n.

    Kang Chan slowly turned his head to Romain. He had stopped himself from killing Romain even though he already knew that Romain was part of the Star of David. He even tolerated his arrogance when they met three days ago. However, this bastard had crossed a line that should not have been crossed.

    "Romain," Kang Chan called.

    Romain did not respond, but he did not avert his gaze either.

    "I will release you from detainment."

    At that moment, a smile formed on Romain''s lips.

    "However, if I find out that the you or the DGSE is involved in the ambassador¡¯s departure from South Korea..." Kang Chan¡¯s eyes zed as fiercely as if he were in the middle ofbat. "France will surely regret it."

    A heavy silence descended in Lanok''s office.

    1. This dialogue was tranted as per the raws... ?

 Chapter 326: Keep Mum? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 326: Keep Mum? (1)</h4>

    Kim Hyung-Jung was well aware of Kang Chan''s animal-like sense of danger. It was risky, and he knew that wrong judgments could lead to confusion. However, on the flip side, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to heed warnings and be cautious in advance.

    The same principle applied now. Right after meeting Abibu, Kang Chan suggested looking for connections between the murders of Hwang Ki-Hyun and the agents sent to Libya, broadening Kim Hyung-Jung''s perspective on the case anew. Kim Hyung-Jung naturally already had an inkling of these connections. He had even already thoroughly investigated Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s surroundings, which naturally included examining the connections to the agents.

    Moreover, the agents¡¯ deaths and the sudden strike in Mongolia were carried out by Arab enemies, with unofficial information linking the Libyan militia and UIS to the incidents. Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s death was also tied to their preferred method of suicide bombing, so efforts to find connections were already underway. Even today, their agents were carrying out over seven operations in Libya, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, and Chad.

    Kim Hyung-Jung meticulously reviewed the data that appeared on the monitor. After a while, he frowned as he looked at the data on the screen. He couldn¡¯t elucidate why the agents were killed in Libya or why Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook were targeted.

    <i>What exactly do I know?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung, the branch manager of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Samseong-dong branch, felt drained of energy.

    <i>How many people in the world would be in a position to detain and order the execution of the director of the DGSE?</i>

    Yet, there Kang Chan was, running a lonely race ahead while the entire National Intelligence Service had yet to obtain any evidence. The bombings were certainly brutal. Hwang Ki-Hyun, Song Chang-Wook, and their security detail all perished in the massive explosion, leaving them no way to properly obtain information about the incidents.

    ¡°<i>Phew</i>.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung picked up a cigarette from the table and flicked his lighter on.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan was nning to fly to Russia to meet Vasili, then stop in China to meet Yang Bum before returning. He had to find evidence within that time.

    The only clue was that the timing of the terrorist attacks involving Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook ovepped, both urring an hour past midnight.

    <i>Was it truly just a coincidence that both were leaving work at that hour on the same day?</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung blew out a long puff of smoke and examined the call records of Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook. Neither had called each other on the day of the incident nor had they evermunicated by phone before that day. There were no text messages between them either.

    <i>Click. Click.</i>

    While reviewing the call records on theputer, Kim Hyung-Jung suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

    <i>¡®Why is this...?¡¯</i>

    It was the day Song Chang-Wook had been asked to be the director of the Energy Resource Administration. That evening, Hwang Ki-Hyun, Song Chang-Wook, and Kim Hyung-Jung had dinner together.

    Neither Hwang Ki-Hyun nor Song Chang-Wook had their mobile numbers on their business cards, so Song Chang-Wook entered Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s number into his phone, which was actually done by Kim Hyung-Jung himself. He clearly remembered pressing the call button to enter both numbers, yet that record was missing too.

    <i>I knew it!</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung felt as if he finally found a single piece of fluff at the scene of the terror.

    ***

    Kang Chan and the others boarded the private ne, which, although smaller than the one Lanok had used, offeredfort of movement iparable to using amercial aircraft.

    "<i>Phew</i>!" Seok Kang-Ho eximed as he recalled the trip back from the department store in front of the office. He had returned with a load of dates, which he, G¨¦rard, and Choi Jong-Il had now devoured together.

    "Isn''t it too sweet? Jong-Il, want some instant noodles?"

    Kang Chan shook his head. Using the excuse of security, Seok Kang-Ho insistently followed them, turning this urgent moment into aplete ¡°gourmet trip.¡±

    Kang Chan sat alone, meticulously examining what was disyed on theptop provided by the National Intelligence Service. There had to be something¡ªa reason for the calm expression and look in Abibu''s eyes.

    <i>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</i>

    Just then, a call came in from Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "Hello?"

    - It''s Kim Hyung-Jung. Are you on theptop right now?

    "Yes."

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded slightly excited.

    - I once called the director and the chairman to save their phone numbers, but those records have disappeared.

    <i>What¡¯s that supposed to mean?</i>

    - The call records of the director and the chairman have been intentionally deleted. Both were attacked an hour past midnight, and the deletion of the call records seems connected. Do you have any idea what this might imply?

    Kang Chan neatly noted down on a memo pad next to theptop what Kim Hyung-Jung had spilled.

    - Hello? Mr. Kang Chan?

    "I''m listening. So you''re saying there''s a possibility that they contacted each other using different numbers, unknown to anyone else?"

    - Yes! It was confirmed that the chairman himself deleted the director¡¯s record three days before the ident. As a precaution, only a special forces team was allowed to check his call records. The chairman had to know about that, yet he intentionally deleted them.

    "Are there other deleted records?"

    - Since he deleted them himself, unless I remember them, there''s no way to confirm.

    <i>Would you look at that?</i>

    It felt as if a beam of light was shing through a dark cave.

    - I''ve dispatched agents to the homes of the chairman and the director. I''ll report back if anything turns up.

    "Yes. Thank you for your efforts."

    Kang Chan hung up the phone and reviewed the records on theptop. However, he could only confirm what Kim Hyung-Jung had said. He didn¡¯t really discover anything else.

    He picked up a cigarette.

    <i>Click.</i>

    "<i>Hoo</i>."

    There had been as much progress as the size of a thumb. However, by approaching bit by bit, he would eventually be able to grab Abibu by the head. Kang Chan moved the mouse and brought up Abibu¡¯s photo on the screen.

    <i>This bastard. Should I have gouged out his eyes back then?</i>

    Bitter thoughts kept creeping in.

    ***

    Abibu focused his gaze on the VIP room''s window on the ninth floor. The tall International Building across the diagonal intersection sparkled in the sunlight.

    "Is everything ready?"

    - Just give the order, sir. We will proceed immediately.

    "What about Korea''s response?"

    - They haven''t detected anything yet.

    Abibu sneered as he stared down the International Building. Despite losing two men to the recent bomb attacks, South Korea remained vulnerable to other terrorist threats.

    "Console the warriors and keep reporting on the youngster''s movements. This holy war will teach that youngster and Korea a lesson about our greatness."

    - Yes, sir.

    Abibu hung up. With a satisfied expression, he looked at the International Building.

    ***

    Agents dispatched by the National Intelligence Service to the Middle East put their lives on the line for their mission. What they needed now was information.

    They had scoured every direction to uncover clues rted to the terrorist attacks on Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook, the sudden strike in Mongolia, and other war-rted evidence. Unfortunately, although they had acknowledged the big picture and also received information about the UIS and the Libyan militia, neither solved anything.

    The National Intelligence Service agents had done their best through local informants and contacts to identify the leaders and participants in the terrorist attacks. The more they did, the more death clung to them in a more definite form. However, no agent feared it.

    Um Ji-Hwan was no different.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Um Ji-Hwan, can you hear me? Is the sound okay?¡±

    Um Ji-Hwan checked the radio hidden in his ear and grabbed his weapons and bag of money. It was noon.

    ¡°Since your face isn¡¯t known here and you¡¯re a rookie, don¡¯t be stubborn or get greedy.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Um Ji-Hwan firmly answered.

    ¡°Once we get the satellite coordinates, don''t worry even if the contact is broken. Just memorize them as instructed, and if anything seems off, immediately run to the rendezvous point. Got it?¡±

    "Yes, sir."

    "It doesn''t matter if you can''t get the satellite coordinates since you haven''t reported back to South Korea yet. You are an active intelligence officer. If anything even slightly suspicious happens, get out of there immediately."

    As if feeling slightly pitiful toward Um Ji-Hwan, the senior agent reiterated the precautions two or three more times.

    "I''ll go now," said Um Ji-Hwan.

    He emerged from the second floor, which offered a distant view of the target location, and walked to the agreed spot.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°All clear for now. You may sit down.¡±

    The radio could only be heard through the earset. Um Ji-Hwan sat at a caf¨¦ on the outskirts of Al Fayoum in Egypt. He then put a cigarette between his lips.

    <i>Click.</i>

    While he was lighting his cigarette, arge employee approached him.

    "Turid ''an tamura?"[1]

    "Alshaya albard." [2]

    There weren''t many things he could spout off in Arabic. After cing his order, Um Ji-Hwan flicked the ashes of his cigarette while still holding the lighter in his right hand. He nced at his right hand. The direction of the lighter¡¯s me was clearly pointing downward. He wasn''t particrly nervous, but his throat was strangely dry.

    As Um Ji-Hwan quietly exhaled, the server brought him arge ss filled with dark, iced tea. Drinking a served beverage was foolish. To put it harshly, it was akin tomitting suicide.

    Intelligence agents never knew when, where, or by whom they could be killed. Hence, if one did not want to clutch their throat and shiver to death on the street, they should not carelessly drink any beverage. Um Ji-Hwan set the cup back down, seemingly remembering something. He then took out his phone but not because he had someone he had to call urgently. Rather, it was to inconspicuously avoid drinking the tea. He checked the phone number and smiled upon seeing Seok Kang-Ho''s name.

    "Four two point six two, One three six point nine three[3],¡± someone suddenly said in English.

    He didn¡¯t expect to hear those, but he couldn¡¯t turn around either. Hence, he quickly stubbed out his cigarette with his foot and took out a new one instead.

    <i>Click.</i>

    It was a signal for the numbers to be repeated.

    "Four two point six two, One three six point nine three,¡± the person repeated as requested.

    Um Ji-Hwan repeatedly verified the numbers, confirming that each one was the same as before. He made an effort to remember the dispersing numbers desperately. Leaving his bag behind and getting up would close off their deal.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Thud-!</i>

    However, the moment Um Ji-Hwan stood up, sudden gunfire simultaneously erupted from all directions. he ducked and quickly ran forward.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Crack!</i>

    Um Ji-Hwan¡¯s table exploded, and the cup on it shattered loudly. An Egyptian man in his middle years behind him fell.

    <i>Bang! Bang! Thud! Thud!</i>

    There was no radio contact.

    <i>Did a firefight break out with the sunbae-nims?</i>

    <i>Thud! Ping! Thud! Ping!</i>

    The dirt around Um Ji-Hwan burst roughly.

    <i>Squeeze.</i>

    While running breathlessly, Um Ji-Hwan pressed the call button. It was Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s number, which he had been looking at just before.

    <i>Thud! Thud! Bang! Bang! Bang!</i>

    The numbers kept getting jumbled in his head.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Run! Forget the rendezvous point and just run!¡± his senior shouted.

    <i>Please! The numbers are confusing!</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    ¡°Find a way to transmit those coordinates!¡± his senior agent ordered.

    At the same time, Um Ji-Hwan heard Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gruff voice. ¡°Hello?¡±

    "Forty-two point six two, one thirty-six point nine three!"

    ¡°Hello? Hey? What are you saying?¡±

    "Please memorize it! Forty-two point six two, one thirty-six point nine three!"

    <i>Thud! Thud! Crack! Crack! Ping!</i>

    ¡°What?¡±

    "They¡¯re coordinates! Forty-two point six two, one thirty-six point nine three!"

    Seok Kang-Ho didn''t respond, clearly trying to memorize the numbers called out. Um Ji-Hwan turned into an alley.

    "<i>Huff</i>! <i>Huff</i>!"

    He had to escape this ce as fast as possible. There was a hiding ce up ahead, near a secluded building.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho hastily scribbled down the numbers Um Ji-Hwan had ryed on a notepad in front of Kang Chan.

    "What''s this?" asked Kang Chan, looking at the numbers.

    "Ji-Hwan called and blurted out these numbers, telling me to memorize them. There was gunfire in the background."

    Kang Chan looked at the numbers.

    Seok Kang-Ho added, "Coordinates! He said they¡¯re coordinates!"

    Having been in the Foreign Legion, he knew how to readtitude and longitude on a map.

    "You know Ji-Hwan, right? Um Ji-Hwan."

    "I know. Did you say there was gunfire?" asked Kang Chan.

    "Yes. He seemed under fire when he asked me to memorize the numbers three times."

    Seeing Seok Kang-Ho''s expression, G¨¦rard and Choi Jong-Il walked over to them.

    "Let''s ask Manager Kim about this for now."

    Just as Kang Chan was about to pick up the phone, G¨¦rard tilted his head. Looking at the numbers, he asked, "Aren''t those satellite coordinates?"

    The three looked at G¨¦rard, but only Kang Chan understood what he meant.

    "Satellite coordinates?"

    "I''ve been looking at satellite imagestely. There might be more numbers, but generally, this is how they are disyed."

    "Where is this pointing to, then?"

    "I''m not sure."

    <i>Of course. I shouldn''t expect anything from this guy.</i>

    "Captain, what¡¯s G¨¦rard saying?" asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    "He thinks they might be satellite coordinates."

    "Satellite coordinates?" Seok Kang-Ho blinked. He then asked where the ce was.

    "I don¡¯t know. Let''s call Manager Kim."

    Kang Chan picked up the phone and dialed a number.

    - This is Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "Manager Kim, I just received a call from Um Ji-Hwan."

    - Um Ji-Hwan? Our agent?

    "Yes. Um Ji-Hwan, the one who went to Libya with us. He called out some numbers as coordinates amid gunfire."

    ¡°Hold on a moment,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. They then heard him tapping away on hisputer keyboard.

    - He is currently in Egypt. Thest report we received from him stated that he would gather information today, but it didn¡¯t say anything more specific than that. Did you say he called out coordinates?

    <i>What the hell happened over in Egypt?</i>

    Kang Chan exined what had just happened and read the numbers from the notepad.

    "It seems there was a gunfire exchange. Do you have any updates on the situation?"

    Seok Kang-Ho, still holding the phone to his ear, shook his head. Hence, Kang Chan added, "We can''t get in touch with Um Ji-Hwan anymore."

    - The local manager isn¡¯t answering either. Please hold on.

    They heard him typing again.

    - The satellite coordinates you sent are over international waters between Japan and Russia. It connects to the Sea of Japan.

    "International waters? It¡¯s in the middle of the sea?"

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il looked at each other. Meanwhile, G¨¦rard stared at Kang Chan in frustration.

    - Yes. The coordinates point to that area. I''ll check for other possibilities.

    "Thank you. Please let us know as soon as you get any information about Um Ji-Hwan or the situation in Egypt."

    After hanging up, Kang Chan briefed the three on the conversation.

    "Considering those coordinates were sent over in such an urgent situation, could there be a ship or submarine nearby?"

    <i>A ship or submarine?</i>

    Kang Chan looked nkly at G¨¦rard.

    "Coordinates at sea are usually checked for designated ships or submarines."

    Kang Chan picked up the phone again and called Kim Hyung-Jung to check if there were any ships or submarines in the area.

    - We already checked; no ships are passing through that area. We will request cooperation from the foreign agents in the office to check for submarines.

    "What about the agents in Egypt?"

    - We still can''t contact them.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan clenched his teeth.

    "G¨¦rard, if there''s a submarine here, is there a way to verify it?"

    "The guys at the office based their checks on information from our country. If the location is around there, it¡¯s likely a Russian, Chinese, or Japanese submarine, right? <i>Ah</i>! Why don¡¯t we ask the agents who came from Russia and China?"

    "Would they know about it?" asked Kang Chan.

    "Those people always keep track of their submarines," G¨¦rard answered.

    "Do we have agents stationed at the office?"

    "Yes."

    Kang Chan hurriedly picked up the phone.

    In the corner, Seok Kang-Ho grumbled, ¡°Hey! Call back as soon as you get this message.¡±

    "Captain! They will give the location of their ships but will probably keep mum about the submarines," G¨¦rard said.

    While listening to them, Kang Chan searched for a certain number and pressed the call button.

    <i>Keep mum? We''ll just have to tear it out of them, then.</i>

    The dial tone leisurely rang.

    1. ¡±Do you want to order?¡± in Arabic. ???? ?? ????? ?

    2. ¡°Cold tea¡± in Arabic. ????? ?????? ?

    3. (42.62, 136.93) ?

 Chapter 327: Keep Mum? (2)

    <h4>Chapter 327: Keep Mum? (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan had Woo Hee-Seung, who was in the office, hand the phone to the agent Russia had sent to South Korea.

    ¡°This is Kang Chan. I need you to check a satellite coordinate and see if Russian and Chinese submarines are passing through the area.¡±

    Because he was speaking in French, naturally, only G¨¦rard understood. However, Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il could tell what was going on by the atmosphere.

    ¡°If you need me to, I can call Vasili and let him know.¡±

    - That won¡¯t be necessary, sir. We recently received an order toply with your instructions to the best of our abilities.

    Kang Chan expected more resistance from the agent, but the agent was surprisingly cooperative.

    - Please state the coordinates.

    Fortunately, he wouldn¡¯t have to waste time getting other people¡¯s approvals.

    ¡°Forty-two point sixty-two, one thirty-six point ny-three,¡± Kang Chan said, repeating the numbers that Seok Kang-Ho had written down.

    Since the call was still connected, Kang Chan could hear the Russian agent asking the Chinese agent in French if a Chinese submarine was nearby. He then heard tapping noises from theputer keyboard.

    - No ships or submarines have passed by in the past twenty-four hours.

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho and ??G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Can you check for aircraft too?¡±

    - I¡¯ll have to get back to you.

    ¡°What about before twenty-four hours?¡±

    - I¡¯ll set the time to forty-eight hours prior and call you back.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Kang Chan felt disappointed. He expected this to be the answer.

    ¡°What did they say?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°It was a bust,¡± Kang Chan responded, disheartened.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°No ships or submarines have gone through the area in thest twenty-four hours.¡±

    ¡°Those bastards wouldn¡¯t lie to us, would they?¡± Seok Kang-Ho muttered to himself while Kang Chan told G¨¦rard about the conversation.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, is it possible these guys were lying?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s possible,¡± G¨¦rard replied. ¡°They¡¯d certainly try to hide the location of their submarines as much as they could.¡±

    This was frustrating. If Kang Chan had been next to the agent, he would have immediately known if he was lying or not.

    While Kang Chan was deep in thought, looking at the numbers on the notepad, his phone began to ring.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz¡ª. Buzz, buzz, buzz¡ª. Buzz, buzz, buzz¡ª.</i>

    ¡°Allo?¡±

    - ording to our data, no ships or submarines have sailed nearby in the past seventy-two hours. Two civilian aircraft did pass by, but they were following regr routes, so I believe there is no need to investigate them.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    It didn¡¯t seem like the agent was lying. Even the National Intelligence Service could check which vessels had passed by that location during that time anyway.

    ¡°Just to be safe, I want you to run a satellite scan over it on an hourly basis. Let me know if you find a ship, a submarine, or any vehicle passing nearby.¡±

    - Understood, sir.

    Kang Chan put the phone down and turned back to Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard to tell them what he¡¯d been talking about.

    ¡°Ji-Hwan put his life on the line to give me those coordinates. I highly doubt it doesn¡¯t mean anything,¡± Seok Kang-Ho mumbled, looking at the phone in his hand.

    What was it? What did all this mystery mean?

    They could easily find the answers if they called any one of the agents in Egypt, be it Um Ji-Hwan or someone else. However, right now, one mistake could cost all the agents their lives.

    Kang Chan felt sorry for failing to make sense of the information that the agents had risked their lives for.

    <i>Ding, ding, ding, ding.</i>

    Just then, the airne¡¯s seatbelt sign shed four times.

    This wasn¡¯t Kang Chan¡¯s group¡¯s first rodeo. They all immediately sat down but didn¡¯t buckle in.

    Kang Chan closed hisptop and stared out the window.

    All of this had to mean something.

    ***

    Dmitri reoriented the coordinates of Alexandra the nuclear submarine¡ªor Alex for short¡ªand red at the instrument panel.

    Aside from Dmitri, only the second-inmand and the helmsman knew that Alex was carrying nuclear warheads.

    It was an amazing n.

    Russia had scattered all of the submarines it could gather around the Korean penins to keep an eye out for unidentified submarines. As if that weren¡¯t enough, the country was also conducting joint operations with Chinese submarines.

    Themander in charge of it all was Dmitri, who was aboard Alex.

    The submarine¡¯s ballistic missiles could only be fired by entering a code sent by themand center on the maind.

    Dmitri would get that number on this trip, which would allow him tounch Bva, the ballistic missile aboard Alex, without permission from the maindmand center.

    His gray eyes flicked to the nap.

    If a nuclear missile wasunched on the Korean Penins, the world would enter a new era.

    He took a deep breath, his chest heaving in anticipation. <i>¡®I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m in charge of such a historic mission!¡¯</i>

    ***

    Choi Jong-Il opened the door to the airne.

    The first thing they saw was a few sparsely scattered barracks, then Vasili, who was standing by the side of a jeep with a sharp expression.

    ¡°Wee to Russia,¡± Vasili said as he stuck out his hand for a shake before looking behind Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let me introduce you all. This is Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard de Mermier, the formermander of the French Foreign Legion, and Choi Jong-Il.¡±

    As he shook hands with the three, Vasili nodded once, as if stamping their entries into the country.

    ¡°This is arge group for a car. Shall we walk for a bit?¡± Vasili suggested.

    <i>That¡¯s fine.</i>

    Kang Chan had been feeling weary from sitting on the ne for so long anyway. He walked down the tarmac with Vasili.

    ¡°Vasili, did you know Ambassador Lanok would return to his home country?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Vasili smiled widely. ¡°Romain has cleverly exploited his weakness.¡±

    ¡°The ambassador had a weakness?¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmph</i>.¡±

    Kang Chan thought the bastard needed to learn to speak more politely somehow. Whoever would teach him would probably explode from frustration, though.

    Kang Chan and Vasili walked ahead. Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Choi Jong-Il followed closely behind.

    ¡°Have them rest in the barracks, thene with me, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Kang Chan turned toward the three men and then nodded at the barracks.

    Seok Kang-Ho worriedly nced at him. However, he knew that if they doubted every single thing, Kang Chan would never be able to have a meeting with Vasili.

    Inside the barracks was a bar set up against one wall and a couch in the center.

    ¡°This ce is morefortable,¡± Vasili said, pointing at the front of the bar and heading inside. It felt like Kang Chan was at a run-down bar in some Russian back alley.

    ¡°Vodka? ck tea?¡±

    ¡°Coffee.¡±

    ¡°Coffee!¡± Vasili shouted as if to confirm Kang Chan¡¯s order, then pressed a button on the electric pot.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Afterward, he set down a small ss on the bar and poured vodka into it.

    <i>Glug.</i>

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any ashtray?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a demanding guest.¡±

    Vasili grabbed an ashtray from the bottom of the bar.

    <i>Son of a bitch! Acting like it¡¯s a chore even though it was right there.</i>

    While Kang Chan pulled out a cigarette and lit it, Vasili poured water that hadn¡¯t even boiled yet and made coffee.

    ¡°Here! Coffee!¡±

    Kang Chan lifted the coffee cup, and Vasili lifted his ss as if to toast, then downed it in one gulp.

    <i>Click. Sip.</i>

    ¡°So, what business does the main character have with me?¡±

    Kang Chan repeated the conversation he¡¯d had with Lanok.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just kill Romain?¡± Vasili asked.

    ¡°If the ambassador hadn¡¯t stopped me, I would¡¯ve put a hole in his forehead already.¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmph</i>! Romain got lucky.¡±

    Vasili made the same sharp expression he had when Kang Chan first saw him earlier.

    ¡°We can¡¯t afford to build a next-generation energy facility elsewhere right now. Yang Bum, Ludwig, Vant, and I don¡¯t have the time to spare. We¡¯re already working our heads off as it is.¡±

    Vasili looked at Kang Chan¡¯s cigarette, then continued, ¡°If a war breaks out in Korea, we¡¯ll lose everything we¡¯ve bet on in one fell swoop. We have to prioritize figuring out what the Star of David is up to.¡±

    ¡°Is there something I don¡¯t know?¡±

    Vasili took a long swig of his vodka.

    <i>Is he some vodka-drinking machine or something?</i>

    Kang Chan smirked as he brought his cigarette to his mouth. If that was true, then a cigarette-smoking machine was sitting across from Vasili.

    <i>Click. Glug.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised Romain is a member of the Star of David. However, Josh is different, which is why Lanok and I have been keeping an eye on him and pretending we didn¡¯t see Ethan¡¯s shenanigans.¡±

    ¡°You think he¡¯s going to build a new subterranean shock device?¡±

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>.¡±

    Vasili let out a long sigh.

    ¡°I think Josh wants a third world war.¡±

    When Kang Chan tilted his head, he continued, ¡°He¡¯s nning an epic war that involves nuking the Korean penins and then connecting all the neighboring countries to the United States and Europe.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. Meeting his gaze, he replied, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, a hole through his forehead should put an end to everything.¡±

    Vasiliughed. ¡°<i>Hmph</i>. Monsieur Kang, look farther into the future. We barely managed to catch Romain and Josh¡¯s tails after revealing our extraordinary n for the next-generation power nt. If we kill Josh now, where else will we find a tail?¡±

    ¡°Why does everything have to be soplicated?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just the way it is. You¡¯re upsetting the order that has been in ce since World War II.¡±

    With a serious expression, Vasili reached for one of Kang Chan¡¯s cigarettes.

    <i>Click.</i>

    Kang Chan lit the lighter up for him.

    Vasili looked at him for a moment before holding the tip of his cigarette to the lighter.

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>. Let me get this straight. You¡¯re about to take away the source of ie of some very wealthy people. To them, it¡¯s no different than a well-behaved minion trying to sit on top of their heads.¡±

    ¡°Is that what Josh thinks?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what the Star of David thinks, and that¡¯s why they¡¯ve put him in the forefront. Don¡¯t confuse the two. Sergei stole the warheads long before you made a name for yourself.¡±

    Kang Chan blew out his frustration in a puff of cigarette smoke. He then tapped the ashes off into the ashtray.

    ¡°Let¡¯s look at it two ways. The Star of David has always wanted war. They have made several attempts, most recently using Imic forces, but the United States hasn¡¯t been willing to get involved. Moreover, they found it difficult to influence Africa because the French had such a strong grip on it.¡±

    <i>Is he talking about Abibu?</i>

    ¡°However, South Korea has given them a great excuse,¡± Vasili added pointedly.

    Kang Chan looked at him sharply. ¡°Is that why you¡¯re building the next-gen energy facility in South Korea first? Because you know it will provoke the Star of David?¡±

    Vasili red at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I advise you not to look at me like that. Don¡¯t treat me like Romain or Ethan, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    They both stared each other down for a moment.

    ¡°<i>Hmph</i>.¡±

    Vasili lifted his ss and sipped some vodka, shifting his gaze away.

    <i>Click. Glug, glug.</i>

    ¡°If the next-generation power nt was built in Russia, France, or China, the United States would have joined hands with the Star of David to start a war, and all of us would¡¯ve had to be involved. We wouldn¡¯t have been able to help you from the sidelines as we are doing right now. Do you understand now, main character?¡± Vasili asked mockingly.

    After a brief pause, he continued, ¡°We created the Eurasian Intelligence Council to counter the Star of David. Its firstmissioner was Lanok, but he¡¯s now going to the basements of Loriam. The very person who created the French DGSE, the High Commissioner of the Eurasian Intelligence Council! Why do you think so?¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Vasili nkly.

    ¡°One word from him, and Romain or Josh would have a hole in their foreheads. He called me before you arrived and told me to protect you no matter what. Do you understand, main character? Ourmissioner has named the God of ckfield as the only hero who can stand against the Star of David.¡±

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan felt a strange tug on one side of his chest even though this wasn¡¯t the moment for that.

    ¡°At your word, I, Yang Bum, Ludwig, and Vant will move unconditionally, because that¡¯s what the Commissioner told us to do. It¡¯s offensive, of course, but we all have no choice but to nod in agreement, especially now that the special forces teams wemand have bowed to you.¡±

    Keeping his eyes on Kang Chan, Vasili downed his vodka.

    ¡°Do you want Josh dead? If so, just give the order in the name of the God of ckfield. The same goes for Romain. However, God of ckfield,¡± Vasili growled his name as his eyes filled with venom, ¡°you have to stop the war. You need toplete the next-gen energy facility and bring down the Star of David.¡±

    <i>Glug.</i>

    Vasili sank the vodka like he was drinking cold water, yet he didn¡¯t seem drunk at all.

    <i>Click.</i>

    When he was done, he grabbed another ss and put it on the bar.

    <i>Glug</i>.

    Two shots of vodka were filled to the brim.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, why do you think we gave you satellites and dispatched agents to help you?¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan grin, Vasili shook his head.

    ¡°Commissioner Lanok was gambling with his life. The man the Star of David was most wary of has entered Loriam on the condition that what happened with you was forgotten. Now, what will you do? If you say no, Yang Bum, Ludwig, and I will rush in to get Lanok out. And a world war will begin.¡±

    ¡°Why does the Star of David want a war?¡±

    ¡°They don¡¯t want their dominance weakened.¡±

    ¡°I thought you said you don¡¯t know exactly who they are.¡±

    ¡°We have a general idea. That¡¯s why we¡¯re trying to pull their tail as hard as we can to drag the body out. Understand, main character?¡±

    Watching Kang Chan smirk, Vasili pushed a vodka ss forward.

    ¡°It¡¯s an order from the chairman, so how can we not obey? Russian intelligence will unequivocally carry out the orders of the God of ckfield.¡±

    Vasili raised his ss to Kang Chan.

    <i>Damn it!</i>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect that what he started with the Eurasian Rail would be so big.

    <i>Where did it all go wrong?</i>

    Kang Chan wordlessly stared at Vasili.

    <i>That sly roon!</i>

    This was how Lanok was expressing his intent toward Kang Chan.

    It couldn¡¯t be avoided. There was no way out.

    Kang Chan had nned on putting a hole through Abibu, Romain, and Josh¡¯s foreheads anyway. When he lifted his ss in return, Vasili smiled darkly.

    The two then downed their vodka at the same time.

    <i>Motherfucker!</i>

    It felt like a war had broken out in his throat.

    After talking for another half hour, Vasili apanied Kang Chan back to the ne.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes shed as he walked out of the barracks not because he was displeased by the way they were treated in Russia but because he was worried about Um Ji-Hwan.

    Vasili shook hands with Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Choi Jong-Il.

    The three stepped onto the ne.

    ¡°Take it easy, main character.¡±

    Even Vasili¡¯s smile seemed sharp.

    ¡°Wreck whatever havoc you want. If you can¡¯t, tell me anytime,¡± Vasili said with a ferocious expression. He looked as if he would push Kang Chan at any moment.

    Kang Chan just listened. Even though Vasili was talking nonsense, Kang Chan could see the concern for Lanok in his eyes.

    Kang Chan thought Vasili should stop making things unnecessarily hard for himself. He could juste clean and say that he was worried about Lanok.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the ambassador, Vasili.¡±

    Vasiliughed sharply again.

    ¡°§³§á§Ñ§ã§Ú§Ò§à[1], Monsieur Kang.¡±

    <i>This motherfucker.</i>

    Even the way Vasili thanked him sounded like he was cursing at him.

    Kang Chan shook Vasili¡¯s hand and looked him straight in the eye.

    There were too many people prepared for death around him.

    1. Thank you in Russian ?

 Chapter 328: Would You Like To Eliminate Them? (1)

    <h4>Chapter 328: Would You Like To Eliminate Them? (1)</h4>

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    As the airne took off and gained altitude, Kang Chan received a call from Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Manager Kim.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯ve finally gotten in touch with our agents in Egypt. ording to their report, all of them have been shot and injured, and are currently in apound near Al Fayoum.

    ¡°How hurt are they?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes glinted as he whipped around to Kang Chan. He had called Kim Hyung-Jung twice from the barracks earlier.

    - They say one is heavily wounded, but I think he¡¯ll be okay. I¡¯ve sent the agents in Sudan to reinforce them, so you can rest assured for now.

    Out of respect, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t ask if it was Um Ji-Hwan. All the agents who were shot were special and noble, so how could he ask about a specific person?

    - Agent Um Ji-Hwan was wounded in the back and leg, but I heard it wasn¡¯t serious.

    Fortunately, Kim Hyung-Jung was considerate and seemingly understood Kang Chan¡¯s feelings.

    Kang Chan covered the receiver with his hand and quietly told Seok Kang-Ho, ¡°He¡¯s all right.¡±

    He then asked, ¡°Have you heard anything about the coordinates?¡±

    - The coordinates came from an Egyptian intelligence officer who died in the field. He said he didn¡¯t know the exact details and was trying to verify the information before reporting back, but all we know is that it was important information for Korea.

    ¡°Can we trust the officer?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung paused for a moment. He seemed to be flipping through a monitor or a report.

    - Normally, we would only ept information from verified personnel. Even then, we would check the intel¡¯s authenticity first. An agent in Egypt connected us to him, and we were about to hand over three hundred thousand US dors in exchange for it. His schooling, military experiences, and everything else about him were solid, but strangely, he was from Greece.

    ¡°Greece?¡±

    Why did everything have to beplicated in some way?

    - He¡¯s a senior intelligence officer in the Navy, so it must be something rted to ships or submarines.

    ¡°I checked the satellites earlier. There were no Russian or Chinese ships or submarines that passed by the area.¡±

    - I see. We¡¯ll try to look into it as well.

    ¡°Manager Kim.¡±

    - Yes?

    ¡°Have you found out who attacked our agents in Egypt?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung told him in a low, dark voice that they hadn¡¯t.

    ¡°I see. Take care.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan ryed the message to Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Howe he¡¯s not picking up his phone?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as he red at the phone in his hand.

    ¡°Captain, Sergei is a Greek name,¡± G¨¦rard suddenly said. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure my adoptive father told me that. He said that although they¡¯re often used in Russia, the names Sergey and Dmitri originated from Greece.¡±

    ¡°Sergei? You mean Sergey Gee?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    What was this now? It sounded like a bit of a stretch.

    ¡°There are family names in Korea that came from China too. That¡¯s probably just a coincidence.¡±

    ¡°Even so, it¡¯s worth checking, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Well, they didn¡¯t have any better option. Kang Chan immediately picked up the phone and called Woo Hee-Seung.

    ¡°Put me the Russian agent on the phone.¡±

    He heard Woo Hee-Seung hurrying around. After a few moments, a familiar voice came from the other end of the call.

    - Allo?

    ¡°This is Kang Chan. Have you ever heard of the Russian names Sergey and Dmitriing from Greece?¡±

    - I believe I have. Would you like me to confirm?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan looked at G¨¦rard.

    <i>¡®Don¡¯t get your hopes up too much.¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®I know, sir.¡¯</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho was looking at Kang Chan in confusion again as if to ask what was going on. Before thetter could answer, the phone rang.

    <i>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</i>

    ¡°Allo?¡±

    - You were right, sir. Sergei and Dmitri are of Greek origin, but some people with those names were born in Russia. Hence, it¡¯s hard to say that they have a connection.

    <i>See?</i>

    It was a stretch to find a connection just because one¡¯s ancestors came to Russia from Greece.

    Kang Chan decided to stick to the facts for now¡ªthe coordinates the Egyptian intelligence officer gave him. Their agents had risked their lives to deliver this information.

    ¡°Lock the satellite to the coordinates I had given you earlier. Watch for any ships within a hundred nautical miles of the area or any submarines that have set a course in that direction. Call me immediately if you see anything unusual.¡±

    - Oui, Monsieur Kang.

    Kang Chan could be sure that the dispatched agent wouldn¡¯t falsely report to him after what Vasili told him earlier.

    ¡°What is it? What¡¯s happening?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan exined everything to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Oh. You had me thinking it was something bigger! Anyway, are we not going to eat?¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho in disbelief.

    ¡°What? If you don¡¯t want rice, we have cup noodles too,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Chuckling, he moved to where the in-flight meals were. It seemed like his appetite had been revived after finally hearing news about Um Ji-Hwan.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung rubbed his temples with his fingers.

    The ashtray in front of him was full of cigarette butts, and he had drunk more than ten mugs of coffee already.

    The entire team of agents in Egypt had been shot and were scrambling to ry information back tomand.

    It wasn¡¯t just them.

    The entire agency was chaotically running around trying to find the organization or country that ordered the terrorist attack on Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook.

    <i>Ring, ring.</i>

    ¡°Hello? Yeah.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s ears perked and looked forward to the response on the phone.

    ¡°Yeah? I see. Good work.¡±

    However, the agents who visited Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook¡¯s homes couldn¡¯t find anything either.

    This left them with only one clue.

    ¡°Why did he erase it?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked through the phone numbers again. There had to be a reason.

    The National Intelligence Service¡¯s contacts would never be released to the public no matter the reason¡ªnot even if it was to carry out thew or to investigate him.

    None of this made sense. After all, they had a whole team in Samseong-Dong with the ability to delete the entire record if they wanted to. Hwang Ki-Hyun didn¡¯t have to delete a single call himself.

    ¡°Director, please tell me,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung muttered as if the monitor was Hwang Ki-Hyun. ¡°Why did you erase it?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung had run out of ideas. Although he wanted to figure it out, he didn¡¯t know how.

    He reached into his crushed cigarette pack and looked inside. It was already empty.

    He normally only smoked about a pack per week, so he didn¡¯t even have any extras.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung stared at the phone numbers again.

    As expected of the NIS director, Hwang Ki-Hyung didn¡¯t have a significant call history. That was why Kim Hyung-Jung immediately noticed any missing information.

    He slowly scrolled through the numbers again. By now, he had practically memorized all of them.

    He started at the beginning and slowly worked his way down to thest call. Then, he red at the number that was in the middle of thest page.

    010-3751-1270.

    It was a random number.

    It didn¡¯t show up on the former pages, and since it was thest page, this was thest record of it.

    <i>¡®Who is it?¡±</i>

    Kim Hyung-Jung picked up his phone, punched the numbers in, then pressed the call button.

    - Hello?

    It was an older woman¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Hello. I¡¯m calling because the director has informed me that he has something to give you.¡±

    - Director? What do you mean?

    ¡°You don¡¯t know Director Hwang?¡±

    - Director Hwang? I don¡¯t know who you¡¯re talking about. I¡¯m sorry, but who is this?

    ¡°Oh my, I must have called the wrong number.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung quickly hung up and picked up the extension.

    ¡°Yeah. Write down the number.¡±

    He repeated the phone number that he thought was suspicious.

    ¡°Log a month¡¯s worth of calls from this number and identify the caller. As soon as possible.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung red at the number and reached his hand down.

    <i>Oh.</i>

    He had run out of cigarettes earlier.

    ***

    It was quitete at night when theynded at the airport in China.

    Like Vasili, Yang Bum himself came out to the tarmac to greet Kang Chan.

    ¡°How are you?¡±

    After exchanging pleasantries with Kang Chan, Yang Bum heartily greeted Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, and then G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Please, get in.¡±

    Darkness still permeated the military airport.

    Kang Chan could see two sedans and three military trucks in the distance, presumably for Yang Bum¡¯s security.

    Kang Chan stepped into the sedan that Yang Bum had pointed to.

    ¡°You must be tired.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s bearable.¡±

    Amid their small talk, they reached a single-story cement building attached to the outside of the airport.

    The word ¡°wee center¡± was carved into the old wood in Chinese characters.

    ¡°That building used to be for Communist Party directors. Outsiders aren¡¯t allowed inside now, so it¡¯s perfect for meetings like this.¡±

    Once inside, the first thing Kang Chan noticed was the intense red color. The floor, walls, and every inch of the room were painted red.

    ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a table for the three of you.¡±

    Yang Bum pointed to his right.

    A long round table was set deeper in the room, which was sectioned off by a curtain. A steaming, hearty meal was waiting for them on top of it.

    ¡°Would you mind stepping outside with me for a bit, Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t here to eat sweet and sour pork or seafood and vegetables anyway. He willingly followed Yang Bum out the back door of the wee center.

    ¡°This is nice.¡±

    A table and chairs had been set up in a gazebo facing the runway.

    ¡°Come on!¡±

    Yang Bum gestured toward the seats in an exaggerated manner that was straight out of a Chinese movie.

    When they sat down facing each other, a staff member quickly served them tea, ashtrays, cigarettes, and lighters before heading back inside.

    ¡°I received a call from Monsieur Vasili,¡± Yang Bum said as he gestured at the tea. He seemed to enjoy motioning with his hands.

    Kang Chan opened the lid of the teapot and had some tea. Yang Bum also offered him a cigarette. Moments like this were business as usual to Kang Chan now.

    <i>Click.</i>

    After the two lit their cigarettes, they began their conversation.

    ¡°To be honest, I initially didn¡¯t like this n,¡± Yang Bum admitted, then turned away to exhale the smoke. ¡°I only learned about the Eurasian Intelligence Council after taking over the intelligence bureau. Part of me thought that Ambassador Lanok, Vasili, and you intentionally put me in this position after eliminating Huh Geuk.¡±

    ¡°That never urred to me.¡±

    ¡°I assumed as much.¡±

    Yang Bum chuckled goodnaturedly.

    ¡°If such an operation was nned, I would probably still be wondering if my hunches were true even now. Besides, someone as straightforward as you would never take part in such a scheme.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned. It sounded like Yang Bum was calling him simple.

    ¡°Some of the reason behind my cooperation with you was influenced by Ambassador Lanok.¡±

    <i>So that was why he did everything for me so easily.</i>

    Kang Chan inwardly nodded in agreement.

    ¡°When I found out that the Ambassador would be heading to the basements of Loriam, I decided to just go with the flow. I didn¡¯t think I could ever match up to him, and I wanted to stop the war,¡± Yang Bum added with a firm expression. ¡°However, from now on, I¡¯ll actively cooperate with you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m already very grateful for your help so far.¡±

    Yang Bum grinned in response. He then added, ¡°We¡¯ve been thoroughly searching for Josh and Romain on the European side. However, Monsieur Vasili and I are searching for the Fleche.¡±

    ¡°The Fleche?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ng for a lost warhead.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°We think the Fleche is inside a submarine. However, we don¡¯t know which submarine it is or where it might be moving.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying there¡¯s a chance it could actually be fired?¡±

    Yang Bum nodded with a heavy expression.

    ¡°Our intelligence bureau has been running hypothetical scenarios, and we¡¯ve concluded that there is no other reason the Star of David would want to start a war on the Korean penins. If so, then what do you think would be the worst-case scenario?¡±

    Meeting Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Yang Bum immediately continued, ¡°The world will be plunged into war.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed quietly as he took out another cigarette.

    He was exhausted from the long flight and had spent the whole day focusing on coordinates. Moreover, he kept finding surprise after surprise that he couldn¡¯t help but constantly reach for cigarettes.

    <i>Click</i>.

    At least it was already evening. The breeze was cool enough to keep him awake.

    ¡°If a nuke falls on Seoul, the entire Korean penins will turn into a hellhole. You¡¯ve got Japan, Russia, and China fighting over vested interests. If the US and the UK join in as well, it will definitely turn into a world war.¡±

    ¡°Would they be interested in a country that had already been nuked? Moreover, since everyone would already know the situation by then, wouldn¡¯t they think twice about taking action?¡±

    Yang Bum shook his head. ¡°If we don¡¯t intervene, North Korea will either go after Japan or move to Manchuria. At the very least, they¡¯ll need a ce to avoid the nukes. One more thing.¡±

    Kang Chan was sick of it.

    <i>Damn it! There¡¯s always one more thing!</i>

    ¡°If a nuke is dropped on Seoul, Mount Paektu¡¯s eruption bes a hundred and seventy times more likely than they are now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s quite high.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. It wouldn¡¯t be wrong to assume that it would definitely erupt.¡±

    Yang Bum looked sharply at Kang Chan, who was putting out his cigarette.

    Kang Chan met his gaze. He didn¡¯t know why the previously friendly was suddenly looking at him with these eyes, but he had never avoided such a challenging gaze before.

    ¡°Will you prevent war on the Korean penins and eliminate the Star of David, an organization that isn¡¯t afraid of the consequences of their actions?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    How many times did that devious Lanok have to hear the same answer before he was relieved?

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Yang Bum grinned slyly. Kang Chan smirked again.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung tilted his head as he looked at the records.

    The call from Hwang Ki-Hyun¡¯s phone to the strange number was only a second long. That meant that he hung up as soon as the call connected.

    Furthermore, the owner of the number was an ordinary woman in her sixties, living in an apartment in Bucheon with her retired husband.

    ¡°<i>Whew</i>!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung stood up from his seat, wetting his lips.

    He needed a cigarette.

    A quick trip outside for some fresh air while he was getting a cigarette and a strong cup of coffee to start from the beginning again would make him feel much better.

    Kim Hyung-Jung left the office and pressed the elevator button.

    <i>Ding.</i>

    However, Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t get on the elevator. He just stared at the number ¡°5¡± above the elevator entrance.

    <i>Woosh!</i>

    He hurriedly spun around and quickly pped his ID card against the panel.

    <i>Clunk! Thud!</i>

    He opened the door so frantically that two employees came running out with wide eyes.

    Kim Hyung-Jung gripped the extension phone.

    - Yes, Manager Kim.

    ¡°Write this number down! 0-1-0, 3-7-5-1, 1-2-7-0!¡±

    - Please confirm. 010-3751-1270.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Think of the number as a password and try to match it with satellite coordinates, a location on a map, an address, a specific zip code, anything to find an important building or something special!¡±

    - Do we have any other clues?

    ¡°No. Do me a favor. Find it at all costs. This may be a code from the director.¡±

    - I understand.

    After his firm reply, the employee hung up the phone. Kim Hyung-Jung put the phone down, stared at the monitor again, and then turned his head away.

    The two employees who had rushed out were carefully walking back.

    ¡°Got some cigarettes?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°If you do, let me bum one. I¡¯ll buy you some in a minute.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked like he was going to pull the trigger on them if they said they didn¡¯t have any.

    The employee quickly approached him and held out a pack of cigarettes.

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°<i>Hoo</i>. You can take back the rest,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°I have extras.¡±

    ¡°You do? Then I¡¯ll get back to you in a minute and¡ª¡±

    <i>Ring, ring.</i>

    <i>Click.</i>

    ¡°Hello? <i>Ow</i>!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung had picked up the extension in such a hurry that he identally burned himself with the cigarette.

    - What¡¯s going on?

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Did you find anything?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung brushed the back of his hand off with his other hand, and the employee quickly extinguished the fallen cigarette.

    - As a satellite coordinate, it points to the International Building, thergest building in Korea. Moreover...

    ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    - We checked starting from the closest ce. Thirty-seven point fifty-one, twelve point seventy is the coordinates of Samseong-Dong¡¯s International Building. And...

    ¡°Wait! That¡¯s fine. Can you print out all the ces in the country with those coordinates?¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    After hanging up, Kim Hyung-Jung looked nkly at the monitor.

    ¡°Oh! The assistant director! I have to tell him!¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    The employee next to him looked at him in surprise, but Kim Hyung-Jung was already dialing Kang Chan¡¯s number.

 Chapter 329: Would You Like To Eliminate Them (2)

    <h4>Chapter 329: Would You Like To Eliminate Them (2)</h4>

    Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang right after he left China. Upon answering it, he sharply looked outside the window.

    - ... When we looked into that number as satellite coordinates, it pointed to the International Building at Samseong-Dong.

    Kang Chan lost himself in his thoughts for a moment.

    - Assistant Director? Are you there?

    ¡°Yes. When is Abibu leaving South Korea?¡±

    Kang Chan heard Kim Hyung-Jung typing on aputer.

    - He¡¯s leaving in three days.

    ¡°Can the International Building be seen from the Park Hotel?¡±

    - Yes. People can see the building with ease. There¡¯s nothing tall enough in between them to block the view.

    Kang Chan cocked his head.

    <i>Two coordinates were discovered in a day? This is suspicious. That motherfucking Abibu must be trying to set off explosives before our very eyes.</i>

    For some reason, Kang Chan could see Abibu doing just that.

    He flew into a rage as he remembered the look in the bastard¡¯s eyes, which drove him crazy.

    ¡°Manager Kim, I should be back in South Korea in about two hours.¡±

    - I¡¯ll go out to the airport.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. Instead, issue an emergency decree on Jeungpyeong¡¯s special forces team, the 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit, and the 35th Brigade. I want the entire National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team fully armed, too.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il looked at him in surprise. Meanwhile, G¨¦rard examined the three of them, perplexed.

    - We need the Director¡¯s approval to issue an emergency decree on the 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit and the 35th Brigade. I¡¯ll report this to the Director and take action immediately.

    ¡°Please do.¡±

    Kang Chan put down his phone and then exined the situation twice. At the same time, he wondered how many times he had had to do this per day. He had done it so many times already that he even considered teaching G¨¦rard Korean

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked afterward.

    ¡°We should inspect the International Building first. I wouldn¡¯t have even thought of doing that if we didn¡¯t know about the coordinates,¡± Kang Chan answered. ¡°Anyway, now that we¡¯re in this situation, we might as well check it out even if we have to do it in the dead of the night.¡±

    ¡°Then get some sleep while you still can. If you sleep now, you¡¯ll be able to get two hours of rest.¡±

    ¡°I will, but you go on ahead. I¡¯ll talk to Manager Kim first,¡± Kang Chan said.

    After telling G¨¦rard what they had just agreed on, thetter also bent his chair as far back as possible.

    They had to eat and sleep whenever they could.

    Choi Jong-Il was also adapting quite well to situations like this.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung went to the National Intelligence Service''s main building in Naegok-dong.

    Like someone destined to work as an administrator, Go Gun-Woo lived in the office while working to understand the tasks that he needed to do as the Director of the National Intelligence Service.

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>. Assistant Director Kang Chan requested all these?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo had never experienced a situation like this. He sharply examined the two-page document again.

    ¡°Manager Kim, we used a total of 2.3 billion won to cover our special operation expenses in the Middle Eastst week. We used so much of our citizens¡¯ precious tax money to gather information, but we only got two unconfirmed coordinates in return,¡± Go Gun-Woomented.

    His eyes glinted, but he couldn¡¯t hide the fact that he was tired.

    ¡°People are barely starting to rx. Are you aware that we can incite unnecessary fear if things go wrong, especially with unconfirmed information?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked again.

    Kim Hyung-Jung could clearly feel that Go Gun-Woo wasn¡¯t berating him. He was just coldly examining the situation.

    ¡°Director, these measures could be excessive, but we¡¯re doing this to stop terrorist attacks against the International Building and war from breaking out. Instead of wasting time calcting the potential of the information, we believe that looking into it ourselves through our agents and soldiers is the right thing to do.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked straight at Kim Hyung-Jung. ¡°Did Assistant Director Kang Chan think that or is that your opinion?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m following the Assistant Director¡¯s wishes, sir,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    Go Gun-Woo¡¯s lips strangely curled, making it seem as if he was holding in hisughter.

    A moment of silence passed.

    Go Gun-Woo sighed, then looked down at the documents. ¡°Where do I sign?¡±

    ¡°Here, please,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, then quickly moved the documents so that the area Go Gun-Woo needed to sign was right in front of him.

    Go Gun-Woo signed without hesitation.

    ¡°Thank you, Director,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°Manager Kim,¡± Go Gun-Woo called.

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for teaching me and working so hard for South Korea. Please guide the soldiers and the agents well.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered, feeling deeply touched. However, he forcibly suppressed his emotions.

    ¡°Now, go! Our men need you out there,¡± Go Gun-Woo urged, extending his hand to the door.

    Kim Hyung-Jung bowed and then left the office.

    ***

    <i>Ring. Ring.</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho answered the interphone. ¡°Jeungpyeong training center.¡±

    The training center didn¡¯t follow the rules ofmunications security or thanked others for calling them. They also didn¡¯t state their name or rank.

    ¡°Yes. I see. Understood!¡±

    After hanging up, he immediately pressed the button next to the desk.

    <i>Weeeoo! Weeeoo! Weeeoo!</i>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho kicked open the door to the barracks and ran outside.

    Cha Dong-Gyun, in his military uniform and military boots, also ran out from the barracks next door.

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service has issued a counter-terrorism emergency decree. We¡¯re supposed to leave fully armed in twenty minutes,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho exined.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho briefly smirked at the same time.

    The head of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team was Kang Chan himself.

    <i>Whoosh!</i>

    The two then immediately ran and entered another barracks.

    The counter-terrorism team had to wear a ck military uniform, helmet, and bandana. They also had to pack a harness and many other things.

    ***

    <i>Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.</i>

    The emergency waiting room of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team.

    A red light circled as the ufortably loud siren red.

    <i>Whoosh! Whish! Swoosh!</i>

    <i>Click! Click! nk! nk!</i>

    The twelve people prepared to leave inplete silence.

    There were two rooms inside, the counter-terrorism team had a total of thirty-six members. Nevertheless, as they ran through the hallway, none stopped to ask, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    The agents¡¯ eyes glinted because they were full of spite.

    They had lost their Director and some of their precious colleagues to the recent terrorist attacks, yet after so much time had passed, they still hadn¡¯t obtained the faintest idea of who the culprit was.

    This was an emergency.

    Others would have no idea how much they looked forward to going into action for an emergency. Even the off-duty agents relentlessly insisted on not going home because they wanted to join the action so badly.

    The National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team only went into action for terrorist attacks.

    <i>nk! Click! Click!</i>

    <i>Whoosh! Whish! Swoosh!</i>

    The agents pulled their rifles¡¯ breechblock, then ran outside.

    ***

    <i>Weeeoo! Weeeoo!</i>

    - 606! We¡¯ve received a counter-terrorism emergency decree!

    The officer on duty¡¯s order rang out through the speakers in the hallway.

    <i>Swoosh! Whish! Bang!</i>

    The soldiers in the bathroom and those resting against the railing kicked open the door and got ready.

    <i>Click! Click! nk! Click!</i>

    They had to take different weapons depending on the role they were in charge of. Much like the Jeungpyeong special forces team, they also packed a harness and a couple of other things.

    <i>Click! Click!</i>

    Arming himself with his rifle and pistol, Jeong Won-Min¡ªthemander of the 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit¡ªthought of Kang Chan.

    Although Kang Chan looked young, he was the one who had predicted that a missile would beunched at the presentation hall for the Eurasian Rail and even saved the President and all of the other key figures.

    Jeong Won-Minter found out how terrifying the Director-General of France¡¯s DGSE was.

    He almost became known as the 606 soldier who had killed one of the top five most important people in the intelligence world.

    <i>Click! Click! Click!</i>

    After sping a bay on him and inserting magazines into some of his pockets, Jeong Won-Min ran out to the entrance. He was the first to finish.

    The average person wouldn¡¯t know how it felt to go on an operationmanded by someone they looked up to and against the enemies who invaded their home country.

    <i>Whoosh! Swish! Whoosh!</i>

    Jeong Won-Min proudly examined the soldiers running out of the building.

    <i>We¡¯re going toplete tonight¡¯s operation and return in one piece. We¡¯re the 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit, after all.</i>

    ***

    After checking Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s report, Kang Chan slept for about an hour.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    His phone, which he had ced on top of his stomach before falling asleep, was now ringing.

    Tousling his hair, Kang Chan answered the call.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - This is the satellite surveince team.

    The moment Kang Chan heard the nervousness in their voice, every bit of drowsiness left him.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    - A ship we think is formercial use is heading toward the satellite coordinate.

    The news was more in than Kang Chan had anticipated.

    - They have turned off their Automatic Identification System and their GPS. We wouldn¡¯t have discovered them if it wasn¡¯t for the satellite pictures.

    Kang Chan suddenly sprang to his feet.

    ¡°How long do you think it¡¯ll take for that boat to reach the location?¡±

    - It can¡¯t move very quickly since it¡¯s nighttime, so around an hour and a half, maybe two hours.

    ¡°What¡¯s the nearest Russian airport to the coordinates?¡±

    - One moment please... It¡¯s the divostok International Airport.

    ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t lose sight of that ship.¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    As soon as the call ended, Kang Chan called Vasili.

    - Monsieur Kang. You don¡¯t have to inform me that you¡¯ve arrived.

    ¡°Vasili, I¡¯m turning the ne around right now to head to the divostok International Airport. I need a helicopter and enough weapons for four people.¡±

    - Who will you be fighting against?

    Vasili sounded serious.

    ¡°It¡¯s an unidentifiedmercial ship, so we don¡¯t know yet. However, a gunfight is highly likely.¡±

    - What¡¯s your ETA?

    ¡°About an hour.¡±

    - I¡¯ll have everything prepared by the time you arrive.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan stood up and headed to the cockpit. When he opened the door, the two pilots looked at Kang Chan, clearly tired.

    ¡°I need to go to the divostok International Airport,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The captain looked nkly at Kang Chan.

    <i>I can see why he¡¯d be caught off guard¡ªI did just tell them to turn the ne around like we¡¯re in a taxi.</i>

    ¡°Can we go there or not?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Looking into the flight instrument panel, the captain cocked his head before saying, ¡°We¡¯ll barely make it.¡±

    ¡°Make sure we get there in an hour.¡±

    The pilot stared back at Kang Chan. He, too, was a member of the National Intelligence Service.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°I¡¯m acting based on the information the agents have risked their lives to give us. If I miss this chance, I¡¯d be too ashamed of myself to face them.¡±

    The captain sighed softly, then nodded.

    ¡°There will be severe turbulence. Please secure any items that can move and make sure to put on your seatbelt,¡± the captain replied with a determined expression.

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    He then returned to his seat.

    Having just woken up, everyone¡¯s eyes were bloodshot.

    ¡°Stow everything that can move or fall during the flight. Secure those that we can¡¯t stow away somehow. Tie them up if you have to,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    The seatbelt sign turned on, seemingly telling them to hurry.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il ced things such as their food and bags at the back, and Kang Chan ced hisptop in his seat pocket.

    <i>Brrrrr.</i>

    The small ne swerved as if it was being twisted to the side. It gained altitude, making it seem like it was exerting itself.

    ¡°The captain also said to put on our seatbelts.¡±

    The three sat down and followed Kang Chan¡¯s instructions.

    Once roughly done with the preparations, he told the others what had just happened a moment ago twice.

    ¡°He said that the trip will take about an hour, so get some more sleep,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°What about you? Aren¡¯t you going to sleep?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    <i>Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª. Buzz¡ª Buzz¡ªBuzz¡ª.</i>

    ¡°I¡¯ll sleep after going through some calls.¡±

    Kang Chan held up his phone and showed Seok Kang-Ho that someone was calling him.

    ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll sleep first, then,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.¡±

    Even though his eyes were glinting, the fucker sleptfortably. After all, he knew how much even just an hour of sleep benefited them in a crucial moment.

    Kang Chan answered the phone.

    - It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Manager Kim.¡±

    - The 35th brigade has been sent to the outskirts of the International Building. We had the 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit position themselves by the entrance and sent the National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team and the Jeungpyeong special forces team inside the international building.

    ¡°Have them check the entire building for bombs. ce a sign on every area they¡¯ve searched through.¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    Kang Chan also told him that they were heading to the divostok International Airport and exined why they were going there.

    - Unfortunately, sending our troops over right now would prove difficult. We would also need Russia and China¡¯s permission before we could mobilize our fighter jets. I¡¯m sorry we can¡¯t help you.

    ¡°Discovering that the International Building is being targeted is more than enough. I¡¯ll let you know if I need anything.¡±

    - Understood.

    ¡°Please do your best to secure the building.¡±

    - We¡¯ll be thorough with our inspection.

    Kang Chan hung up and then looked outside the ne. He suddenly remembered the first time he got on a private ne with Lanok and traveled abroad with him.

    <i>I think I met G¨¦rard around that time as well.</i>

    He also remembered NIS Director Hwang Ki-Hyun eating the rice that Seok Kang-Ho had mixed in a washbowl and Song Chang-Wook, who had asked him if he loved South Korea.

    He smirked as his memories of them yed in his mind.

    ***

    Abibu red at the International Building. The lights in his room were turned off.

    ¡°Does it make sense to you that the youngster managed to figure out that we¡¯re targeting that building?¡± he asked the person he was on a call with.

    He was losing his temper, but he was trying his best to stop it from showing in his deep voice.

    ¡°They¡¯ve stationed so many armed soldiers at the building. Doesn¡¯t that show that he¡¯s caught on to our n?¡±

    While listening to the other person answer, he gritted his teeth.

    ¡°Where are our warriors?¡±

    He then looked up and red at the International Building.

    ¡°<i>Hmm</i>. What about the youngster?¡±

    Abibu turned his gaze to an empty space, seemingly calcting what he should do.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see how things y out before deciding.¡±

    He then put down his phone and rubbed his thumb, index, and middle fingers together out of habit. He¡¯d always done this whenever he was thinking about something.

    ***

    <i>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.</i>

    <i>Brrrr!</i>

    Kang Chan woke up and tousled his hair. At the same time, the others also sat up. They all had simr expressions.

    Seok Kang-Ho groaned. It sounded ufortable. ¡°<i>Ugh</i>!¡±

    His voice seemed to be cracking because they had slept in snatches and the ne had a dry atmosphere.

    After they straightened their seats, G¨¦rard brought over two bottles of water.

    His eyes were glinting.

    ¡°I feel like we¡¯re back in our military camp,¡± G¨¦rardmented.

    <i>Crackle.</i>

    G¨¦rard removed the cap of a water bottle for Kang Chan, then handed it to him.

    The two sat across from each other and drank water.

    <i>Brrrrrr!</i>

    The ne started to descend at a frightening rate¡ªalmost as if it had run out of fuel and was dropping from midair.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard called afterward.

    Kang Chan looked up.

    G¨¦rard continued. ¡°I¡¯m happy.¡±

    ¡°Shut up, you son of a bitch.¡±

    G¨¦rard smiled, the scar on his cheek curving. Kang Chan also smirked, then burst intoughter.

    <i>That¡¯s right! I should be happy too. I¡¯m apanied by three people I cherish, and more are waiting for us back in South Korea. If they were all with us, this ne would¡¯ve been filled to the brim.</i>

    <i>What more can I wish for now? I had always dreamed of living like this in my previous life. I was so lonely back then.</i>

    Kang Chan smirked when he remembered Lanok and Song Chang-Wook¡¯s wishes.

    <i>Wooong!</i>

    He wondered if the descending ne also slightly rose upward.

    <i>Du du du! Du du du du du du du du!</i>

    The nended on the runway soon after. They felt intense vibrationsing from it.

    <i>Brrrrrr!</i>

    As the engine let out loud noises, Kang Chan craned his neck from side to side.

    <i>You idiots made a big fucking mistake. I¡¯m fucking destroying you Star of David bitches and turning South Korea into a very powerful country.</i>

 Chapter 330: Things Had Escalated (1)

    <h4>Chapter 330: Things Had Escted (1)</h4>

    It was already quitete in the evening. Hence, as soon as he got off the ne, a chill enveloped him.

    <i>Thud, thud, thud, thud.</i>

    While he was distracted by the sound of a distant helicopter, two armed soldiers rushed over. Their surroundings were bustling with activity and flickering lights.

    "Monsieur Kang?" one of the soldiers asked.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    "Come this way," the soldier said in fluent French.

    He then led Kang Chan and his group toward the helicopters. There were four Mi-28 helicopters, which rivaled the Apache, and one KA-60 Kasatka transport helicopter.

    Considering the firepower they had prepared against a meremercial ship, Vasili had definitely taken this seriously.

    "Where are we going?!"

    "Satellite coordinates! Forty-two point sixty-two, one thirty-six point ny-three!"

    "Understood!"

    The man gestured toward the helicopter. As soon as they boarded, it took off. Inside the transport, armed agents watched Kang Chan intently.

    <i>Thud thud thud thud!</i>

    The helicopter des were deafening.

    "Here!"

    The soldier handed over a rifle, bulletproof vest, and helmet all at once.

    <i>Why is he giving me all these all at once?!</i>

    Kang Chan wore the bulletproof vest and then the helmet.

    <i>Click. ck.</i>

    The rifle was a modified AK.

    "How long will this take?!" Kang Chan yelled, his frustration evident, despite the radio being attached right inside the helmet.

    Their guide pointed to the radio button on the helmet and pressed it.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "About an hour, sir!" the soldier answered afterward.

    <i>This fucking idiot</i> <i>yelled anyway!</i>

    <i>Thud thud thud thud!</i>

    Kang Chan looked at the dark sky outside the helicopter. He then gazed at the sporadic lights below, the dark sea in the distance, and the attack helicopters flying slightly apart.

    He smirked toward the sea.

    Um Ji-Hwan and the agents had risked their lives to get this information. Hence, Kang Chan felt that he had to be equally prepared.

    This night was unpredictable in every sense.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard exchanged nces, while Choi Jong-Il looked down with a stern expression.

    ***

    Inside the lobby on the first floor of the International Building, a temporary table had been set up. Five fully armed counter-terrorism agents were standing guard.

    Kim Hyung-Jung was honestly scared, but it was not because of the possibility of a bomb exploding or an enemy suddenly rushing out and shooting at them. If those were the reasons, he would already have run to the front to get it over with.

    Things had escted. Only now did the reality sink in.

    An armed special forces team currently surrounded the building with fifty-two floors and five basement levels in the center of Samseong-dong.

    The 35th Brigade assigned to the perimeter had even mounted machine guns on their jeeps. Surprised, the citizens gathered, and the lights of the neighboring buildings turned on.

    <i>How could they be in the mood to watch this after the recent bombings?</i>

    As if mocking Kim Hyung-Jung, cars began to crowd around the International Building as if it were rush hour.

    <i>Whir, whir!</i>

    Despite the continuous gestures by police officers, the number of cars only increased.

    <i>What would Kang Chan have done in this situation? What would he look like during such a desperate time?</i>

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "The control room has been secured,¡± one of the agents radioed in.

    Kim Hyung-Jung hurriedly pressed the radio button.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "Block off every light you can. Evacuate everyone in the building and lower the fire barriers in areas that have already been emptied! Deactivate security systems as you search, too."

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "There are about three hundred people in the main building and about two hundred in the cinema. Announcements are being made, but controlling them is proving difficult."

    Kim Hyung-Jung frowned as he looked deeper inside the building. The esctor in the distance would lead to the cinema.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "I''ll take responsibility. If cooperation doesn''t work, force them out. Hurry!"

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "Yes, sir."

    After finishing the transmission, Kim Hyung-Jung spread out the floor nsid on the temporary table. The International Building was connected to a hotel, a city airport terminal, the ASEM Center, a theater, and a shopping center. Moreover, the underground parking lot had space for five thousand cars. Agents were searching with bomb-sniffing dogs and equipment, but there were currently over seven hundred parked cars.

    <i>Ring, ring, ring.</i>

    He was insanely busy. His phone had been ringing nonstop all night.

    "Kim Hyung-Jung speaking."

    - This is the security office. Any progress?

    Jeon Dae-Geuk sounded quite gruff. When heavily armed troops were mobilized within a fifty-kilometer radius of the presidential residence area and when the 35th Brigade, the Special Warfare Command, or other special forces teams were called, the security office immediately received reports about it.

    "We''ve just started," answered Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk remained silent. He knew Kim Hyung-Jung was investigating a massive building amid uncontrolled external conditions and the stress of live broadcasts.

    They hoped that they wouldn¡¯t meet any incidents, but if they did, someone had to take responsibility. This event could potentially lead to significant political bacsh, sparking arguments that appointing Go Gun-Woo¡ªa director with limited experience¡ªwas the cause of this absurdmotion.

    - Manager Kim.

    "Sir."

    - Since you''ve started, think about the consequencester and thoroughly investigate. If something happens after we withdraw from doing all this...

    Jeon Dae-Geuk trailed off, implying the aftermath could be difficult to manage.

    "Understood, sir,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded. At the same time, he heard a soft sigh from the other side of the call.

    - Anything you need?

    "For now, we''re okay."

    Kim Hyung-Jung turned his gaze outside. Beyond the ss, broadcasting lights intensely surged toward the building.

    ***

    <i>Thud thud thud thud thud thud!</i>

    They had been flying for about an hour.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "We¡¯re here. This is the location indicated by the coordinates."

    Kang Chan leaned out and looked down. Apart from the white clouds around the helicopter, he couldn¡¯t really see anything else. Taking out his phone, he immediately realized that there was no signal. Moreover, it was too noisy to make a call.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "We need to find the ship! Connect me to the Russian intelligence bureau via radio!" Kang Chan was shouted in frustration.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    Right after, he heard a quick Russian conversation on the radio.

    <i>Thud thud thud thud!</i>

    The helicopter quickly changed direction.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "We have eyes from the satellite! They¡¯ve pointed us in the right direction, but our target is about five minutes away! Heading there now!" the guide exined in French.

    <i>Five minutes? I¡¯ll wait, then!</i>

    Kang Chan used this time to brief Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il on the situation.

    ***

    Abibu answered the phone just after midnight. Sitting in the dark, his silhouette was faintly reflected on the window.

    "The youngster to Russia? Why?" He asked.

    It seemed to be unexpected news to him. He looked up into the void as if pondering. Outside the window, the streets of India were crowded with people and vehicles. After listening to the other party for a moment, Abibu spoke again.

    "Korea is certainly an interesting country. Its people gather to spectate despite the threat of a terrorist attack. Isn¡¯t this the perfect opportunity to demonstrate our warrior''s capabilities?" He said.

    A brief silence followed.

    "If it even makes it to the broadcast, that would be ideal. Spreading fear will change public opinion. It will teach the youngster what excessive ambition brings."

    Abibu leaned forward and surveyed the area beyond the International Building.

    "Ensure you have urate reports on the youngster''s movements."

    After listening for a bit, he said, "Not yet. Wait.¡±

    He put down the phone.

    The scene outside the International Building unfolded as if it was from a movie, Watching through the window, it oveyed Abibu''s figure.

    "You little child."

    The reflection of Abibu''s eyes on the ss strangely glinted.

    "Don¡¯t rush. Otherwise, you might miss a splendid scene."

    His expression filled with anticipation.

    ***

    <i>Thud thud thud thud thud thud.</i>

    About four minutester, the five helicopters finally spotted a ship.

    <i>Groooong!</i>

    A strange engine noise followed as they sharply descended.

    <i>Thud thud thud thud</i> <i>thud thud.</i>

    Just then, sparks flew from the Mi-28 helicopter leading their formation

    <i>Tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat, tat!</i>

    <i>These bastards!</i>

    "Cease fire! Cease fire!" Kang Chan yelled.

    The attack helicopters¡ªwhich were made to counter Apache helicopters¡ªhad opened fire! In seconds, their 30mm machine guns shredded the ship¡¯s exterior. The guide hastily sent a radio transmission, and the firing stopped.

    <i>These untrained idiots! I didn¡¯t fucking order them to fire!</i>

    It was a close call; the ship nearly exploded.

    <i>Thud thud thud thud</i> <i>thud thud.</i>

    Four lights encircled the ship as Russian radio transmissions hurriedly continued.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "The satellite has confirmed that this is the correct ship."

    <i>How quick.</i>

    Kang Chan held onto the door of the helicopter and looked down. It was around a twenty-meter drop. Aside from the waves being pushed out by the propeller, there was no movement from the ship.

    "I''m going down! Lower the helicopter and throw down the ropes!" Kang Chan barked at the soldier he had been guiding.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "Send the agents down first, sir!"

    Kang Chan thought about it for a moment and then shook his head.

    <i>You never know what these bastards might do.</i>

    "We''ll go down first! You guys follow!" Kang Chan firmly ordered.

    An agent pulled out the ropes near the entrance.

    "Daye! You go down first! G¨¦rard! You follow behind him from this side! Choi Jong-Il will be thest to descend!" Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Choi Jong-Il nodded in turn.

    <i>Thud thud thud thud</i> <i>thud thud!</i>

    It was a noisy night over the quiet sea. Only the rough winds and the loud noises of therge helicopter des could be heard.

    "Throw it!"

    <i>Whoosh! Swoosh!</i>

    The two ropes, lit by the light, writhed like snakes.

    <i>Click!</i>

    Seok Kang-Ho went down ten meters without any regard for his life. Kang Chan leaned on the doorframe and aimed his rifle downward, unwilling to entrust Seok Kang-Ho''s life to someone whose skills he had yet to verify.

    <i>Thud thud thud thud</i> <i>thud thud!</i>

    Dressed in a suit, Seok Kang-Ho was slower than usual but not enough to be boring. Soon enough, he dropped down onto the ship.

    Seok Kang-Ho swung his arms wide.

    "G¨¦rard!" Kang Chan called.

    Asmanded, G¨¦rard hung onto the other rope.

    <i>¡®That bastard!¡¯</i>

    Kang Chan swallowed the curse on the tip of his tongue. G¨¦rard descended so quickly that he was at risk of tearing off his palms and ankles.

    "Here we go!" Kang Chan yelled at Choi Jong-Il as he slid down the rope.

    The cold wind hidden in the darkness and the salty scent unique to the sea rushed at him. Water sshed the moment hended.

    <i>Click! ck!</i>

    The ship was tilting heavily. Seok Kang-Ho swung his arms, and Choi Jong-Il came down.

    <i>Thud thud thud thud thud thud thud thud!</i>

    The ce lit by the light was as bright as day. The cabin and its surroundings were riddled with huge holes, leaving the ship a total mess.

    Kang Chan gesturedrgely with his index and middle fingers to G¨¦rard. G¨¦rard nodded and quickly turned to the opposite side of the cabin. While the Russian agents were descending in session, Kang Chan slowly moved forward.

    <i>Step. Step.</i>

    He was heading toward the cabin. Seok Kang-Ho supported him from behind, and Choi Jong-Il guarded the rear.

    <i>Sigh. Sigh.</i>

    G¨¦rard turned back from the other side, and their eyes met.

    <i>¡®Stay calm!¡¯</i>

    <i>¡®Understood!¡¯</i>

    In this situation, carelessness could mean death.

    <i>¡®One, two!¡¯</i>

    G¨¦rard kicked the door open.

    <i>Crash! Bang!</i>

    <i>Click!</i>

    Kang Chan aimed his rifle inside the cabin. The ship was rocking, but it wasn''t enough to throw him off bnce.

    <i>Sigh. Sigh.</i>

    Kang Chan stepped inside. The room was as big as the master bedroom of the apartment he used to live in.

    <i>Click!</i>

    After checking behind the door, Kang Chan looked left and right, then slowly straightened up. Three corpses and rifles were haphazardly scattered on the floor.

    "What a mess," G¨¦rard said while kicking one of the bodies.

    Even if he hadn¡¯t said anything, looking at the corpses riddled with machine gun bullets would have made anyone have the same thought.

    "Check if there''s anything worth salvaging!" Kang Chan ordered in both Korean and French as he left the cabin.

    <i>Damn! Did wee too noisily?</i>

    As Kang Chan surveyed the front and back of the rocking ship, G¨¦rard emerged from the cabin.

    "They''re built and trained like soldiers. They all seem to be Greek."

    "Greek?"

    "Yes."

    Kang Chan nodded. Strangely, they kept getting tangled up with the Greeks. Inside, he heard someone rummaging and knocking on walls to find hiddenpartments.

    "Let''s leave this to the Russians and head back," said Kang Chan.

    "Sounds good."

    Just as Kang Chan started heading to the cabin to call Seok Kang-Ho, Seok Kang-Ho''s head popped out.

    "Take a look at this," said Seok Kang-Ho.

    He then ducked back in. Kang Chan hurried inside, following him.

    "Over here!"

    Seok Kang-Ho pointed forward. The space under the ship''s steering key was wide open. Kang Chan leaned over to look inside and found a metal case.

    <i>Better safe than sorry.</i>

    Kang Chan closely inspected the space for any sloppy connection linked to a dynamite or grenade.

    <i>Creeeak! Creek!</i>

    With each sway of the ship, an unsettling noise reverberated. At the same time, the suitcase slightly shifted.

    <i>I can¡¯t find any explosive devices.</i>

    Kang Chan reached out and pulled the suitcase toward him.

    "Check these bastards for something like a key," ordered Kang Chan.

    Choi Jong-il and Seok Kang-Ho searched the dead, but they didn¡¯t find anything.

    <i>''Is this a nuclear warhead?''</i>

    It was too light, though.

    Kang Chan eyed the suitcase in front of him with a mysterious gaze.

    <i>If it contains dynamites or a C-4 attached to a timer, bringing this back to the helicopter could end our life spectacrly.</i>

    Kang Chan looked around. A case this small couldn¡¯t possibly have hiddenpartments.

    <i>C-4s are easy to get in the Middle East or Africa, so would they really put one in a metal suitcase straight out of a 007 movie just to deliver it to this ce?</i>

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    Unless it was to catch fish in the sea, there was no reason they¡¯d secretly deliver C-4 to this ce. Moreover, if C-4 was their product, this ship should be half-filled with it. Otherwise, this delivery wouldn¡¯t be profitable.

    "Let''s head up,¡± Kang Chan said. ¡°G¨¦rard, take this.¡±

    After entrusting the suitcase to G¨¦rard, he left the cabin.

    <i>Chk.</i>

    "We¡¯re going up. Pull the rope!"

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho braced the ropes, and they quickly ascended.

    "We''re heading back! Take care of the ship!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    G¨¦rard and Choi Jong-il then ascended using the thrown ropes. It was after the guide had rattled off something.

    <i>Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud, thud!</i>

    As the helicopters began to move away, Kang Chan peered back. The ship rocked on the pitch-ck sea, with the agents visible on it.

    "Why don¡¯t we take them with us?!"

    "The navy will arrive soon!" the guide shouted.

    <i>Cruel bastards. They could have at least left one helicopter.</i>

    <i>Thud thud thud thud thud thud thud thud!</i>

    Kang Chan shifted his gaze back.

    The metal suitcase was in front of G¨¦rard.

    <i>Is that really as valuable as the agents¡¯ lives?</i>

    Kang Chan pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

 Chapter 331: Things Had Escalated (2)

    Chapter 331: Things Had Escted (2)

    The situation was bing increasingly difficult.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "Fourth-floor basement cleared!"

    It had been over an hour, but they had only just cleared down to the fifth basement floor. The team assigned to the floors aboveground was currently on the fiftieth floor, having started from the top of the building. The people holding out in the building were also a problem.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "We¡¯re in one of the offices on the fiftieth floor. There are about seventy people in here."

    Kim Hyung-Jung let out a long sigh.

    Overtime was understandable. He could fully empathize with the mindset of employees assigned to night duty. However, the soldiers and agents risking their lives for this search didn¡¯t have the time to y hide and seek in different offices.

    <em>What if someone suddenly pops out and our men shoot out of instinct?</em>Kim Hyung-Jung shook his head at the chilling thought. Right after, his phone rang.

    <em>Rrrring. Rrrring. Rrrring.</em>

    "Kim Hyung-Jung speaking."

    - Manager Kim, this is Jeon Sang-Woo.

    "How may I help you, Director?"

    Jeon Sang-Woo was the director of the National Intelligence Service''s Foreign Affairs division.

    - Let¡¯s send the employees of the International Building back to the offices we¡¯ve already cleared.

    Feeling as if his chest would ignite at the slightest spark, Kim Hyung-Jung silently exhaled hot steam to the side.

    - We''ve already inspected them, so it shouldn''t be a problem, right? Although it''s been dyed, we still have to prepare for the International Energy Conference and finalize the trade symposium, which we¡¯ll need in two days. We have to be reasonable.

    "Director, it''s dangerous to be in the International Building right now. You know how risky it is to send people into ces we''ve only just inspected," Kim Hyung-Jung responded as calmly as possible.

    - Manager Kim, we''re all one family here! I know it''s tough, but we all work for the nation''s progress! I''m dying here with callsing in from all sides.

    "Our agents are literally risking their lives in these searches."

    - Manager Kim!

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn''t respond. If he did, he felt as if he would shout in anger.

    - Hello? Manager Kim!

    "Yes, Director," Kim Hyung-Jung forced himself to reply.

    Jeon Sang-Woo''s heated breath crossed through the call.

    - I''m dealing with ministers, deputy ministers, and members of parliament calling at this hour. I know the counter-terrorism team is on edge, but you can''t vent your frustrations like this! Do you understand how much damage it would do to the nation if our preparations fail?

    "I''m sorry, Director. If it''s necessary, please speak with the director and issue an order."

    - Manager Kim!

    "Yes! Director!"

    Enough was enough. Kim Hyung-Jung growled back his reply and looked away, wishing he could curse out loud at the end of the dark lobby.

    - Hey! Kim Hyung-Jung! You...! Don¡¯t you recognize the seniority here even though you''re on the counter-terrorism team? Are you so blind that you always need the assistant director to speak for you, you greenhorn?

    "Director! Our agents and officers are risking their lives right now. I wish you would show the assistant director some respect, too!"

    <em>Why am I acting like this? Why am I so angry?</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung immediately regretted his response.

    Such reactions could negatively influence Go Gun-Woo and Kang Chan. He knew that better than anyone else.

    "I''m sorry. I''m just a bit tense..."

    - You! I''ll be watching you! Counter-terrorism team? You¡¯ve already lost a director and a chairman, so what exactly have you aplished? If today''s event causes any disruption, it won''t just be overlooked.

    "I''ll take responsibility, sir."

    - You better.

    The call abruptly ended. Kim Hyung-Jung rubbed his face with one hand and looked at the armed agents.

    <em>Rrrring. Rrrring. Rrrring.</em>

    <em>This son of a bitch...!</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung barely managed to swallow the curse that was about to explode.

    <em>This day is just too much! We¡¯re just trying tobat terrorism! The agents and soldiers are out here risking their lives to protect the safety and lives of the citizens!</em>

    Even if it was unavoidable to spectate and broadcast, it was still wrong for others to incessantly call them and tell them what not to do.

    Out of consideration for the morale of the counter-terrorism team agents around him, Kim Hyung-Jung swallowed the rising curses and irritation.

    <em>Rrrring. Rrrring. Rrrring.</em>

    Surprised, Kim Hyung-Jung picked up the phone and pressed the answer button.

    "This is Kim Hyung-Jung!"

    - Why do you sound like that? Did something happen?

    "It¡¯s nothing¡ªno, I mean, how did your trip go?"

    - We grabbed a bag from the ship, but we haven¡¯t gotten any results yet. I¡¯ll open it when wend. Can you send a helicopter to the Seongnam Air Base?

    "Weren¡¯t you just at divostok? Have you already returned to South Korea?"

    The nearby agents were clearly trying to listen in on their conversation. He was certain enough to bet his entire fortune on it.

    - I couldn¡¯t contact you immediately because I was coordinating with the satellite surveince team, the Russian intelligence bureau, and the Chinese intelligence bureau. ording to the pilot, we should arrive in about thirty minutes.

    ¡°Got it. I''ll arrange for a helicopter right away.¡±

    - Please send military uniforms and weapons for four people as well. Note that one of us has really long legs.

    "Will do, sir."

    Kim Hyung-Jung momentarily thought of G¨¦rard, whom Kang Chan had departed with.

    <em>Is it really alright for someone not affiliated with the National Intelligence Service to be involved in matters like this?</em>

    - Manager Kim.

    "Yes, Assistant Director.¡±

    The way Kim Hyung-Jung responded made him feel an unusual emotion. He turned his gaze out the window.

    - Are you really okay?

    "I might just be tired. Perhaps I should prepare some coffee before you arrive."

    Kang Chan chuckled in response.

    - I¡¯ll see you in a bit.

    "Yes, sir."

    After hanging up the phone, Kim Hyung-Jung turned away and held back a smile.

    "The assistant director is on his way here," he said.

    A nearby agent¡¯s eyes, which were the only part that wasn¡¯t covered by his helmet and mask, briefly flickered. He seemed to be holding back a smile too.

    <em>Oh, I almost forgot!</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung picked up the phone to arrange for a helicopter.

    <em>What about G¨¦rard?</em>

    The dial tone began to ring.

    <em>For now, just think of it as a joint operation with the French Foreign Legion. I¡¯ll worry about the restter!</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung suddenly felt so at ease that he chuckled.

    ***

    <em>Click.</em>

    With an impassive expression, Abibu picked up a neatly folded handkerchief and dabbed it against his mouth.

    It was truly splendid. The International Building looked as though it stood at the center of a festival, illuminated by the lights from news broadcast crews and the neighboring buildings. It seemed to vividly showcase the growth of Korea.

    From the brightly lit upper floors, he could see a considerablyrge group of men in white shirts and women in uniforms and suits.

    Despite the traffic police''s constant directions, people and vehicles continued to crowd the roads. Spectators from nearby buildings also gazed out from their illuminated windows with curious eyes. Abibu still had not turned on his lights.

    As his eyes glistened in the window reflection, he ordered, ¡°Get ready.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± his attendant responded.

    The attendant ced two ck electronic devices the size of lunch boxes next to Abibu. He then moved what looked like a music stand next to him and set three tablets on it. Afterward, he turned on the devices.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Basement level three cleared.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Got it. Keep up the good work.¡±

    The reports from 606''s Special Operations Unit and Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s responses came through clearly from the first device.

    ¡°Search of basement level three isplete,¡± the attendant exined in Arabic, and Abibu nodded.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ve moved the staff down to the forty-ninth floor.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The attendant ryed themunications between the Jeongpyeong special forces team and Kim Hyung-Jung in Arabic.

    The far left tablet was tuned in to a Korean news broadcast. Surprisingly, the middle and rightmost tablets disyed CCTV footage of the International Building and the surrounding roads, with the tablet in the middle showing a split-screen view and the rightmost tablet zoomed in on the selected footage.

    Abibu reached for thest electronic device and pressed a button.

    <em>Rring.</em>

    ¡°Warriors, prepare for the holy battle.¡±

    <em>Rring.</em>

    ¡°We await yourmand, sir!¡±

    As the soft Arabic conversation continued, Abibu began to look satisfied.

    <em>Rring.</em>

    He pressed a button on the device again.

    ¡°Today, Korea will feel great terror through our holy battle. Warriors, proceed with honor! Show our greatness to all nations of the world. Let the building before us symbolize Korea¡¯s downfall.¡±

    Abibu, as if delivering a speech, raised his left hand and thrust it forward twice.

    <em>Rring.</em>

    ¡°Ahu Akbar!¡±

    <em>Rring.</em>

    ¡°Takb¨©r[1].¡±

    After removing his hand from the device, Abibu picked up the neatly folded handkerchief and wiped his hands.

    ¡°We shall broadcast the humiliation we endured in Afghanistan on their own channels.¡±

    With a flick, the used handkerchief joined the others in a wooden box beneath his feet.

    ***

    <em>Click.</em>

    Shan put the blood-streaked knife on the dining table and turned off the stove.

    ¡°<em>Mmmph</em>! <em>Mmmph</em>!¡±

    He had set two dining chairs facing each other between the living room and the kitchen, and Smithen was tied to one of them, shaking his head as if to say something. His shirt was in tatters, revealing knife wounds, and clumps of blood were oozing from his thighs.

    <em>Screech.</em>

    Shan ced a boiling kettle on the table.

    ¡°You know how this goes. It¡¯s now time to stop the bleeding, right?¡±

    ¡°<em>Mmmph</em>! <em>Mmmph</em>!¡±

    ¡°What''s that?¡±

    ¡°<em>Mmmph</em>! <em>Mmmmmph</em>! <em>Mmmph</em>!¡±

    Shan¡¯s lips curved into a long smile.

    ¡°Smithen, I already know everything about where Kang Chan¡¯s parents are, their security systems, and personnel. Troops are boringly waiting for me outside, too. If you thought that kind of information would entice me, I''m profoundly disappointed.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hnngh</em>! <em>Mmmph</em>!¡±

    Shan lifted the kettle''s handle with the tips of his fingers.

    <em>Drip, drip.</em>

    Due to his awkward grip, the kettle tilted, and boiling water spilled onto the floor.

    ¡°<em>Oh</em>! Should I clean this up?¡±

    ¡°<em>Mmmph</em>! <em>Hnnnngh</em>!¡±

    Smithen quickly nodded, then violently shook his head with a shocked expression when Shan''s expression suddenly changed.

    "I¡¯ve taken drugs to keep me awake just so I can kill Kang Chan, the man who ruined my life, yet after barely returning from hell, a crazed womanizer is already telling me to clean the floor?"

    "<em>Hnngh</em>! <em>Mmppphh</em>!"

    <em>Drip, drip!</em>

    Shan poured water from the kettle toward Smithen''s thighs.

    "<em>Grrrr¡ªmmmph</em>! <em>Grrr</em>!"

    <em>Drip, drip, drip.</em>

    Smithen, burying his head and crying out, prompted Shan to slowly tilt the kettle even further.

    "Think, Smithen. You need to think of a way to bring his parents out tomorrow morning. I need to be able to sh that bastard''s heart and ribs, so you better figure out a way for us to meet!"

    <em>Drip, drip, drip.</em>

    "<em>Grrr</em>! <em>Grrrrr</em>! <em>Grrrrr</em>¡ªHnnngh!"

    "Don''t miss this golden opportunity when his attention is elsewhere, Smithen. Think. Think of a way to call out those two moles, who have turned off their phones."

    Shan gradually moved the kettle toward Smithen¡¯s groin.

    ***

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "Forty-eighth floor cleared. Should we continue to send civilians down?"

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "Proceed as we are for now. Control room, block the lights and fire barrier on the forty-eighth floor."

    An agent ryed the situation over the radio to Abibu.

    "This is taking so long," Abibu said.

    Even he could clearly see what was happening. Descending the stairs of the towering International Building, which was illuminated only by the lights, were people casually chatting with their hands in their pockets.

    "Move out."

    Abibu rubbed his thumb, index, and middle finger together as he eyed the International Building.

    The moment the civilians reached the forty-fifth floor, the bravery of the Imic warriors would be broadcast from South Korea''s International Building to the world.

    ***

    By the time Kang Chan arrived in South Korea, he was already feeling both physically and mentally numb. Fortunately, the night airing in through the open door instantly cleared his senses.

    After opening the cockpit door, he said, "Thank you for your hard work."

    The pilot and co-pilot now looked so haggard that Kang Chan wondered if they were the same people he saw in the morning.

    Both men stood up and saluted him.

    "I used to be abat pilot, yet I''ve never freely flown over Russia and China like this before and treated as well as they did at both airports,¡± the pilot said. ¡°As a National Intelligence Service pilot, I greatly appreciate how you have elevated our country''s status, assistant director!"

    Kang Chan chuckled. "See you around."

    "I''ll be eagerly stocking up on stamina until then," the pilot replied.

    They shared augh. With a nod of gratitude, Kang Chan then disembarked from the ne.

    <em>Thud thud thud thud.</em>

    <em>Flying is exhausting.</em>

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Choi Jong-Il quickly headed toward the helicopter. A counter-terrorism team member stood in front of it, holding a rifle with its muzzle pointed to the ground. After receiving a salute, they boarded immediately.

    <em>Thud thud thud thud.</em>

    "What''s the situation!" asked Kang Chan.

    "Still searching!" the agent answered.

    Kang Chan nodded. The agent then brought two bags from the back.

    <em>No words need to be said in this situation.</em>

    Opening the bags revealed ck military uniforms, masks, helmets, and other equipment, including K7 submachine guns with a thirty-round magazine, two Colt pistols,rge knives, radios, and spare magazines.

    Upon getting dressed, he felt as if he had finally returned home after a long and distant journey. As G¨¦rard curiously looked at the Taegukgi patch on his left forearm, the city lights below shone along the road.

    <em>Thud thud thud thud.</em>

    Kang Chan''s eyes, reflected in the helicopter window, glinted sharply.

    <em>Why do I feel this way? Is it because I''m dressed and armed?</em>

    His heart, which had been unfazed until now, was heavily pounding against his chest.

    <em>Thump, thump. Thump, thump.</em>

    Kang Chan turned to Seok Kang-Ho. The three men knew what his gaze implied.

    Seok Kang-Ho smiled, his eyes glinting.<em></em>The scar on G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek stretched as he smiled.

    <em>Click-ck!</em>

    Choi Jong-Il, with a determined expression, pulled the bolt of his gun.

    1. Tranted into English as "God is greater" ?

 Chapter 332: No Escaping The Attacks (1)

    Chapter 332: No Escaping The Attacks (1)

    ¡°Please go down to the forty-sixth floor,¡± Cha Dong-Gyunmanded.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± one of the men yelled as he stomped on the ground.

    These civilians were initially surprised to see the ck military uniforms and rifles. However, the further they descended, the more they rxed. By the forty-seventy floor, they were already defiant.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t everything okay up there? Why aren¡¯t you letting us go back?¡±

    The man looked around for support. He was in his mid-thirties and had arge physique.

    ¡°No one is allowed to enter the existing checkpoints until the entire building has been inspected, so please either leave or go back downstairs.¡±

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>, damn it! You¡­¡± the man trailed off, but he definitely nned to say, ¡°You motherfucker.¡±

    The mood instantly turned stiff.

    He seemed flustered by what he said yet also looked like he didn¡¯t want to back down because of the people looking at him.The man frowned and red at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    At that moment, an unexpected voice reached the ears of Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and the rest of the men.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°This is Kang Chan. Arriving at the rooftop.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Understood. Command, raise the fire barrier to the forty-eighth floor.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Raising the fire barrierl.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Captain, why haven¡¯t the people upstairs been evacuated? Turn off the lights up there first.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°There are still people from Kotra and other affiliated organizations. We still can¡¯t get them out because the Foreign Affairs divisionDirectorate of Public Affairs of the National Intelligence Service insists that they¡¯re preparing for an event in two days.¡±

    After a brief pause, they saw shing lights and heard a helicopter¡¯s des rotating outside.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to their director directorate. You¡¯re in a dangerous situation, so please turn down the lights first.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Understood. Command, turn the lights of the forty-seventh floor off.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°We¡¯ll turn the lights off once the firewall has been activated.¡±

    Sensing that something was amiss, the men followed Cha Dong-Gyun and his crew to the window and looked at the helicopter.

    With the rhythmic sound of the machine, the firewall began to go up.

    ***

    Abibu looked at the helicopter wistfully.

    ¡°That little punk¡­!¡±

    Abibu had been waiting for Kang Chan all this time, but he had not expected him to arrive now of all times.

    He only had to wait for the soldiers to go down two more floors.

    It would have been nice if Kang Chan arrived after Abibu finished the big picture.

    Abibu red at the International Building with a dark expression. The helicopter had circled around and was nownding on the roof.

    <em>What would that little punk do?</em>

    He had ess to the operation¡¯s radio frequencies, but it was still hard to expect what Kang Chan would do.

    After all, terrorism was only as sessful as the number of civilian casualties it took. Hence, they would definitely try toIt was better to try to rescue even one person before the power went out.

    Abibu reached out and pressed a button on the device.

    <em>Beep.</em>

    ¡°Soldiers, begin.¡±

    <em>Beep.</em>

    ¡°Allhu Hu Akbar!¡±

    Beep.

    ¡°Tagbir.¡±

    They exchanged words with a sense of finality.

    The International Building would soon fall under Abibu¡¯s control. The longer it stayed his, the more the country¡¯s credibility would sink to the bottom.

    ***

    Everyone¡¯s eyes, including the man who had been cursing, all turned to the rising firewall.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been contacted, right? Can we go up now?¡± the man asked Cha Dong-Gyuun.

    At that moment, they heard a circuit breaker fall. At the same time, all the lights on the forty-seventh floor went out.

    The men nced around, and some women screamed. It was dark enough on the stairs that they had to rely on the emergency exit lights at the bottom of the stairs and lights from the neighboring buildings.

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± the man yelled.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just go down,¡± one of the men¡¯s colleagues urged.

    ¡°Let go of me! What the hell? Are we criminals? Terrorists? Fuck, you weren¡¯t doing anything when a bomb went off in the middle of Seoul and killed the head of the National Intelligence Service!¡± the man shouted so loudly that the building rang. ¡°I¡¯m not going down! Call the head of the search!¡±

    The man flung off his colleague¡¯s arm and stepped in front of Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°What are you ring at me for? I didn¡¯t say anything wrong!¡±

    The man¡¯s face was red.

    ¡°Please cooperate,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun quietly repeated.

    ¡°I told you to call your boss!¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun sighed quietly. If he got mad here, it would be funny. He wished he could spend even just twenty seconds alone with this guy somece else.

    ¡°Stop it! What are you doing?¡±

    His colleagues tried to stop him.

    ¡°Let go! I said let go! We haven¡¯t done anything wrong!¡±

    Amotion erupted for a while.

    <em>Click. Click. Click. Click.</em>

    Just then, they heard someone moving above them.

    Everyone¡¯s gazes turned, and Cha Dong-Gyun stepped back to look up.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    It was Kang Chan.

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, and Kang Chan wereing down the stairs together.

    <em>Click, click.</em>

    As Kang Chan walked over, the shouting man gulped.

    It was understandable. Even Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard would feel nervous whenever Kang Chan was flushed because it always made their gut warn them of danger.

    Kang Chan sharply looked at the people.

    ¡°Is there a problem?¡±

    The man quickly looked away. ¡°N-No, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan was one thing, but when he saw Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s and G¨¦rard¡¯s terrifying res, he finally feltpletely intimidated.

    ¡°Hurry and send those people out.¡±

    Kang Chan turned toward Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ***

    In a room at the International Hotel.

    AK rifles, pistols, magazines, grenades, and even an RPG had been stacked on the bed.

    People wearing baggy yellow military uniforms wrapped cloth around their forearms and shins and covered their faces with ck bandanas.

    <em>nk. nk. nk.</em>

    The man with a crescent-shaped magazine looked around the room, his rifle at his right. He then pressed the button on his radio.

    <em>Beep</em>.

    ¡°We are out to right a wrong, to proim our great freedom and peace. With the blood shed in the temple today, we will be forgiven of all our sins, spared from hell, dwell in heaven, wear carnelian crowns on our heads, and marry seventy-two virgins!¡±

    The eyes of the men listening shed through their bandana.

    ¡°Dahana ruchibu [1]!¡±

    The moment the masked men ran out, simrly dressed people came running from a room on the same floor.

    ¡°<em>Aaaaah</em>!¡± a female guest screamed. It almost sounded like a signal.

    ***

    <em>Beep.</em>

    ¡°The warriors have left.¡±

    <em>Beep.</em>

    ¡°We must take over the first floor to win. While the hostages are being brought out, protect them.¡±

    <em>Beep.</em>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The moment Abibu straightened, a loud explosion burst out, followed by a dazzling light emanating from the lobby and the forty-fifth floor of the International Building.

    ***

    <em>Boom! Boooom! Boom! Booom!</em>

    A huge amount of debris flew from the esctors and emergency stairs leading to the basement.

    The ear-splitting explosion threw Kim Hyung-Jung into the air.

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    All three armed agents with him were also thrown back as if they had been hurled toward the entrance.

    ***

    <em>Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!</em>

    The onlookers covered their heads and ran toward the road.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Return fire!¡±

    It was hard to tell who gave the order, but they had definitely just been given permission to shoot.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Hold the perimeter. Don¡¯t let them get out!¡±

    They understood now.

    It was themand of the head of the NIS counter-terrorism team.

    <em>Bang bang bang! Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang! Bang bang bang!</em>

    The enemies came right up through the connecting shaft into the lobby of the International Building. They were about to leave through the front entrance but went right back in.

    <em>Du du du! Thud! Du du du du! Thud!</em>

    <em>Bang bang bang! Thud! Du du du du! Thud!</em>

    Soldiers fell to the ground.

    The engagement kept the enemy from exiting the front door.

    If it hadn¡¯t been for the men of the 35th Brigade, if they hadn¡¯t held the perimeter as they were trained to do with their lives, none of the bystanders and the people on the ground now would have survived.

    ***

    The people lookedpletely stunned.

    ¡°Get inside!¡±

    Kang Chan cursed and Seok Kang-Ho red. Only then did they move the shaking civilians inside the office on the forty-seventh floor.

    ¡°I need one man to stay here. Everyone else, secure a way to the floors below,¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and the soldiers rushed down.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Command, give me a report!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°There¡¯s been an explosion in the basement and on the forty-fifth floor!¡±

    It was a frantic radio call.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Masked gunmen have taken over the ground floor lobby. There are approximately fifty of them!¡±

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    He had wasted too much time getting a status report from above.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°They¡¯ve taken the International Hotel staff and guests as hostages. We¡¯re getting a number!¡±

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°The passage to the forty-fifth floor has been secured,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun radioed in.

    Kang Chan dashed forward, and Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Choi Jong-Il followed after him.

    ***

    <em>Du du du du! Du du! Du du du du! Du du du!</em>

    <em>Pew! Peew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    The agents of the counter-terrorism team moved the fallen Kim Hyung-Jung and three others to a more secure location. They then held the stairs of the second floor.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Peew!</em>

    Seeing a shadow moving, two of the agents pulled the trigger.

    <em>Peeeeew!</em>

    White smoke billowed up the stairs.

    ¡°Missile iing! Take cover!¡±

    <em>Craaash!</em>

    The two agents who had been shooting at them were sted into the air and tumbled down the stairs.

    AK rifles were then aimed at them.

    <em>Du du du! Du du! Du du du! Du du du du! Du du du du!</em>

    ***

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°The enemy has shoulder-fired missiles! I repeat! The enemy has shoulder-fired missiles!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung reported. A series of rifle shots echoed behind him.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°606! Situation report!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯re at the entrance to the first basement floor! There appears to be an explosion from four vans!¡± Jeong Won-Min quickly reported.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Two of the agents standing guard are down. Three are wounded.¡±

    Five meny covered in blood against the wall inside the underground parking garage.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°The enemy has taken the first floor.¡±

    Even if Kang Chan didn¡¯t tell him about the situation, Jeong Won-Min had heard everything that had happened over the radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Secure the underground passage and stand by!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    Jeong Won-Min straightened his index and middle fingers and pointed ahead. He and four others then dashed up the stairs.

    ***

    The attendant ryed the instructions and responses to Abibu.

    Abibu extended his hand.

    <em>Beep.</em>

    ¡°Looks like they¡¯re trying to secure the stairs to the basement. Strike at the first opportunity you see.¡±

    <em>Beep.</em>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Abibu looked ahead with a satisfied expression.

    ***

    Kang Chan headed down so quickly he looked as if he was flying.

    To make up for the time it took to climb down broken stairs using ropes, he and the other soldiers ran down three or four flights of stairs at a time.

    Even so, they still had about fifteen floors to go.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°This is Kim Hyung-Jung. I¡¯m on the second floor with the agents,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung reported. He sounded like he was talking through pain.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ll be there in a minute.¡±

    They ran down the stairs using the emergency lights.

    The footsteps, the nking rifles, and the sound of heavy breathing were all they could hear.

    <em>Dash! Dash! Dash!</em>

    <em>Booom! Boom!</em>

    As they descended from the seventh floor to the sixth floor, Kang Chan was mmed hard into the wall, and a terrible pain shot straight through him. It was as if his ears had been ripped out.

    Soon after, they received a radio transmission from the situation room.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°This is the first basement floor! The enemy threw a bag, and it exploded! The cameras are out, so we can¡¯t check the basement!¡±

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and ran down.

    Chk.

    ¡°This is 606! We saw an explosion on the stairs!¡± Jeong Won-Min radioed in.

    <em>Du du du! Du du! Du du du!</em>

    <em>Pew! Pew! Peeew! Pew!</em>

    Over the radio and down the stairs, they could hear alternating gunfires.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°606! Prepare for small missiles and secure the basement!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    They spoke as they ran.

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>! <em>Haah</em>!¡±

    After two more flights, they finally saw the counter-terrorism team below.

    ***

    <em>Du du du du du du du du!</em>

    A military helicopter hovered over the International Building.

    They didn¡¯t know when they appeared, but there were reporters from different countries reporting on the situation with the International Building in the background.

    Kim Gwan-Sik was sitting on the sofa watching TV. Next to him, Kim Mi-Young and his wife were also watching.

    [The explosion urred shortly after a helicopternded on the roof of the International Building. I repeat. The first floor of the International Building has been upied by masked forces.]

    The news reporter quickly gave the viewers a timeline of what happened at the building today.

    [Currently, about ten hostages are being held in the lobby on the ground floor, and we know that there are about seventy employees of Kotra and rted organizations on the forty-fifth floor, where the explosion is believed to have urred. ording to those who have contacted family members by phone, they appear to have suffered no casualties.]

    At that moment, an explosion burst out, causing the camera to shake. The reporter bent over.

    [Oh!]

    The reporter¡¯s startled yelp and all the screams that erupted around him echoed through the TV.

    [It¡¯s an explosion! There¡¯s just been another huge explosion!]

    The camera panned to the building, zooming in as much as it could to show the lobby.

    [Gunfire seems to have been exchanged.]

    The scene changed dramatically as the camera turned to a group of soldiers aiming their guns at the building.

    [The soldiers you¡¯re looking at are from the 35th Brigade. The 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit and the NIS counter-terrorism team appear to be inside. There are reports that the man who went down in the helicopter is the head of the team, but we don¡¯t know for sure yet.]

    Kim Gwan-Sik pursed his lips. <em>¡®Kang Chan!¡¯</em>

    He looked at Kim Mi-Young as the feed transitioned to the newscaster who was in the studio.

    [We¡¯ve panned the camera to the studio for a moment. Al Zazirah is now reporting an announcement from UIS, who says they im responsibility for the attack. Let¡¯s watch the live broadcast.]

    A grainy screen popped up, showing a man wearing a ck mask sitting at a desk and ring at the camera.

    When the man began speaking, a Korean interpreter ryed his words in a dry tone.

    [We warn South Korea for insulting us.]

    The top and bottom corners of the screen were filled with indecipherable Arabic.

    [South Korea has insulted us in Afghanistan, Africa, and Libya. Until the country admits its sins and apologizes, South Korea will not be able to escape our attacks.]

    The man nodded, and the screen cut off.

    1. Let¡¯s go ?

 Chapter 333: No Escaping The Attacks (2)

    Chapter 333: No Escaping The Attacks (2)

    <em>Click, click!</em>

    Kang Chan ran to Kim Hyung-Jung, who was leaning against the middle of the stairs.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Just shocked by the explosion, but it¡¯s bearable.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s clothes were a mess, but he didn¡¯t seem to be seriously injured.

    ¡°What floor is the situation room on?¡±

    ¡°Fourth floor.¡±

    ¡°You should head there. I¡¯ll takemand from here.¡±

    Their eyes met.Kim Hyung-Jung gritted his teeth and stood up.

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho, Take one of your men and head to the situation room. Get the floor ns of the second and third floors if you can.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho left with one of the agents.

    There was a hole from the lobby to the ceiling of the third floor, giving the second and third floors an overlooking view of the lobby like the VIP seats of an opera.

    ***

    The screen moved back to the studio.

    [We have footage of the masked gunmening out of their hotel rooms. These fifty people had been staying at the International Hotel as tourists.]

    The camera footage showed the perpetrators running out of the rooms and toward the stairs.

    [They kidnapped the female staff and guests on the first floor and ran toward a walkway that connects to the International Building. We understand that the guests were staying individually, not as part of a tour group, and are of various nationalities, including Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, and Egyptian.]

    The screen showed the gunmen heading toward the International Building.

    [The explosion urred at this time, resulting in multiple casualties in the hotel. Judging from their attacks, it seems their n from the beginning was to take over the first floor of the International Building.]

    A part of the screen now showed the newscaster.

    [The military has announced that armored vehicles have been deployed and that an emergency order has been issued to the airborne forces. The head of the NIS¡¯s counter-terrorism team is now in charge of suppressing the terrorist attack on the International Building, and it has been confirmed that he has already entered the building through a helicopter.]

    Kim Gwan-Sik watched the TV nervously. Two hours had already passed since midnight.

    ***

    The gunfight had momentarily stopped.

    Kang Chan looked at the floor n that Kwak Cheol-Ho had brought with him.

    It showed the items installed in the lobby and the tenants on the second and third floors, making it easier to understand the situation.

    ording to it, there was an entrance to the staircase that led to the third floor.

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and the a leader of the counter-terrorism team, were with Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan checked theyout and the actual situation three or four times.

    ¡°Can you see the enemies from the railings of the second or third floor?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered.

    The enemies hadn¡¯t moved one bit. They were glued to the entrance of the building like honey.

    ¡°I want snipers here, then.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Upon receiving Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s gaze, Kwak Cheol-Ho quickly took action.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ll have a helicopter evacuate the officer workers on the forty-seventh floor,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung radioed in.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Got it. The UIS has announced on the air that it was them. They want us to apologize for what happened in Afghanistan, Africa, and Libya.¡±

    That was ridiculous. Kang Chan counterpunched because they had provoked them first, and now they wanted an apology for it?

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Is that it?¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Yes. It was a very short announcement.¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    They hadn¡¯t demanded the release of the prisoners held in Mongolia?

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Manager Kim, what about the CCTV on the first floor?¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°The only ones that show any enemies are two that are far away. The ones that work are at a bad angle, so they don¡¯t show the situation properly.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°I see. Please proceed with the helicopter extraction as you see fit.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the map again. He was missing something.

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Cha Dong-Gyun, counter-terrorism teammander Kang Myung-Gu, and even Kwak Cheol-Ho, who had assigned the snipers and returned, looked at Kang Chan curiously. They had never seen him so long in thought in the middle of an operation.

    ¡°There has to be an answer,¡± Kang Chan mumbled as he pointed at the map. ¡°They should have attacked this hotel, but they came all the way to the lobby with the hostages instead, where it would be hard to hide.¡±

    With his index finger, Kang Chan pointed to the front of the lobby, where he assumed the enemies would be.

    ¡°A building this big wouldn¡¯t copse even if the bastards were wrapped in C-4s. What the hell do they want? They didn¡¯t ask to release the prisoners. This can¡¯t just be a show of force by the UIS.¡±

    Kang Chan spoke as if he was talking to himself rather than giving an exnation.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, shooting someone in the hotel and throwing a bomb would have been far more devastating and effective, so why did those bastards take over the first floor of the International Hotel?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just worry about this after dealing with those idiots?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan turned to him.

    It sounded simple, but that was true. This asshole and G¨¦rard were definitely starting to use their heads.

    After a moment of studying theyout, Kang Chan asked, ¡°Daye, do you remember Operation Mang?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho smirked.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, we¡¯ll do the same thing we did in that operation.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re one hell of a captain,¡± G¨¦rard said in French.

    ¡°Look here.¡±

    Kang Chan stamped his index finger on the map and exined the n.

    ***

    Abibu rubbed his fingers together and red at the International Building.

    <em>¡®Why is there no radio?¡¯</em>

    He expected it to be buzzing with radio activity right now, but the International Building was strangely silent.

    <em>¡®Are they aware that we¡¯ve been eavesdropping¡­?¡¯</em>

    Abibu red at the device. The power and status lights were back on.

    <em>¡®What are you scheming?¡¯</em>

    He sharply red at the building.

    ***

    The hostages, who were mostly women in their twenties and a few in their thirties, had been herded against the wall at the far end of the lobby.

    ¡°<em>Aaah</em>!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡±

    Three of the enemies moved and strapped bombs on the women¡¯s backs. They then tied their arms and both shoulders with industrial ties.

    ¡°<em>Aaah</em>! <em>Aaah</em>!¡±

    Although they were angered by the screams, the men seemed to be taking pleasure in strapping the bombs to the hostages.

    As they strapped each of the five hostages in turn, a cacophony of screams echoed through the dark lobby.

    ***

    Jeong Won-Min surrounded the entrance to the basement with his men and waited for the situation to develop.

    Kang Chan was here, and he had radioed them. Within moments, the International Building fell had fallen silent. Only the asional horrific scream from the hostages echoed down the downstairs.

    He had never expected something like this to happen in Seoul, especially not in the middle of Samseong-Dong.

    What in the world was Kang Chan doing?

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t said anything in nearly twenty minutes already.

    ¡°Are we still waiting?¡± one of the soldiers asked.

    ¡°Ten more minutes!¡± Jeong Won-Min briefly replied.

    In an operation like this, silence meant a counterattack.

    <em>¡®What are you doing?¡¯</em>

    Calcting the condition of the wounded, Won-Min pursed his lips and looked up. He remembered Kang Chan¡¯s face at the embassy when he had mercilessly given him the order to kill.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°606! All units, stand by!¡±

    Jeong Won-Min couldn¡¯t be happier to hear Kang Chan¡¯s voice through the radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°606, stand by!¡±

    There was no order on what to do or how to do it.

    However, the 606 would stand by. Even if the nextmand would make them put their lives on the line, they would wait and carry out the order.

    That was the 606 Special Operations Unit.

    ***

    Abibu jerked up.

    However, only a few words for the 606 were transmitted through the radio.

    <em>¡®This crazy bastard!¡¯</em>

    He couldn¡¯t get a grasp of Kang Chan. The stupid guy didn¡¯t know the basics of counter-terrorism!

    Now that the UIS had shown their face on the air to take revenge, Kang Chan should have at least had the decency to ask for their demands.

    <em>Beep.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ve set all the bombs on the hostages.¡±

    Right after, the radio crackled.

    Abibu was still sharply ring at the International Building.

    Did Kang Chan need an example?

    <em>Click</em>.

    Abibu pressed a button on the device.

    <em>Beep.</em>

    ¡°Pick a hostage.¡±

    <em>Beep.</em>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ***

    Right after the enemy spat Arabic over the hostages¡¯ choked cries, Seok Kang-Ho moved like a cat on the railing of the second floor and gently tapped Kang Chan on the shoulder.

    Kang Chan quickly turned to him.

    <em>¡®What?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®The radio. It¡¯s a radio,¡¯ </em>Seok Kang-Ho mouthed.

    <em>¡®Those bastards! They¡¯re contacting someone using a radio.¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted. There was no reason for him not to believe Seok Kang-Ho, especially since the man understood Arabic.

    Kang Chan pointed his index and middle fingers at G¨¦rard, Seok Kang-Ho, and Cha Dong-Gyun, then to three different spots.

    They had all improved. At the very least, Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho were now good enough to lead any special forces team in the world. That much was evident in how they moved right now.

    While the enemy¡¯s nerves were on edge, the two were moving close against the second-floor railing without making a sound. Such a feat requiredplete control of their boots, strapped-on gear, magazines, and rifles.

    If they improved any further, they wouldn¡¯t make noise even if they moved at an even faster pace. At that point, they would have already reached Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard¡¯s level.

    Kang Chan stepped back in the hallway and entered the stairs.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Manager Kim, the enemies are contacting someone. Can you pick up their frequency?¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ll check it out. However, the PRC-110 we¡¯re using is almost impossible to eavesdrop on. With the police, helicopters, and the airborne units¡¯ radios ovepping each other, it won¡¯t be easy to find our frequencies.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°I understand, but please check anyway, sir.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°I will.¡±

    ***

    Abibu quickly stood up as his attendant interpreted the conversation for him.

    How? All Kang Chan had done after such a long time of dead silence was order the 606. How did he find out Abibu¡¯s men weremunicating with him?

    That meant Kang Chan was near the soldiers, watching them. However, that was all Abibu could figure out.

    Abibu was reaching for the device when he paused. The NIS was obviously searching for a radio frequency. It would be unwise to tip them off now.

    On top of that, there was no need to give a hint to his enemies when they already believed that they couldn¡¯t be eavesdropped on.

    There was no way they could get caught, but it was better to be careful.

    Abibu gazed at his attendant, finding him also looking quite puzzled.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung trusted Kang Chanpletely.

    Calls poured into the situation room and his phone, but carrying out Kang Chan¡¯s orders was more important than those.

    Kim Hyung-Jung held the phone to his ear and turned around in panic.

    ¡°The PRC-110 is being bugged?¡±

    - We¡¯ve picked up the signal of a bug nearby from the kind of equipment that only the top five countries¡¯ intelligence bureaus would have.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung had given orders to find the radio frequencies of the enemy but learned of something more shocking.

    - It¡¯s a method of scanning all the surrounding frequencies to chase down a targeted frequency. It first came to lighttest year, and all we know is that it¡¯s been used by the DIA and the DGSE. The downside is that it creates a peculiar signal that chases the frequency.

    ¡°How do we stop that?¡±

    - You can simultaneously change all of the radio frequencies being used to the UHF channel. They¡¯ll be less urate then.

    ¡°They won¡¯t be able to eavesdrop on that?¡±

    - If we follow their signal, we¡¯ll be able to locate them. These kinds of bugs have to be within a three-kilometer radius. Beyond that, the signal bes so loud that it would immediately give away their location.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Kim Hyung-Jung quickly rushed outside.

    <em>Oh, right!</em>

    If he just ran down the stairs like this, he could be shot by friendly fire. However, sneaking up on them would be even more dangerous.

    He had no other choice.

    Kim Hyung-Jung pressed the button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°This is Command. Coming down.¡±

    The reply came a momentter.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Please move along the staircase.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung quickly scrambled down against the wall of stairs.

    <em>Tap, tap, tap. Tap, tap, tap.</em>

    The soldiers heard his footstepsing down the stairs.

    <em>Click, click!</em>

    Kang Chan and Choi Jong-Il immediately pointed their rifles at Kim Hyung-Jung but rxed upon realizing who was approaching them.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re most likely eavesdropping on our radios. We¡¯ve detected a bug.¡±

    A special forces team¡¯smunication devices were being tapped?

    A thought suddenly urred to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Can we locate where it¡¯sing from?¡±

    ¡°It should be within a three-kilometer radius. They said we should change the channel to UHF even if it¡¯s less urate. If we track them on that channel, we¡¯ll be able to figure out where they are.¡±

    Kang Chan nced down and then back up.

    Was this what was bothering him? That motherfucker was pulling this stunt?

    ¡°This ce goes live in five minutes. Manager Kim, please send the agents to Park Hotel and break into the room Abibu is in. I¡¯ll stall him so he can¡¯t get rid of the equipment.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan in surprise.

    ¡°Maybe someone still at the hotel can help, no? Abibu has a press conference scheduled for tomorrow. If nothinges out from him, we¡¯ll be used of treating an important Saudi official like a terrorist because of the UIS.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    They were speaking in whispers halfway up the stairs.

    ¡°This attack is certainly not the Sunni or Shia way. The fact that they didn¡¯t take any victims from the hote and that they didn¡¯t demand the release of the prisoners we caught in Mongolia means they¡¯re clearly targeting something. They know the International Building inside and out, and they¡¯re moving ording to n.¡±

    A terrorist attack like this had never happened in South Korea. Hence, Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t make this kind of judgment.

    Without Kang Chan, he would have just kept following the standard counter-terrorism protocol, which would have put him a step behind the enemies.

    ¡°We¡¯ve lost nearly a dozen soldiers. We can¡¯t be passive about this attack just because we¡¯re afraid of criticism. If you¡¯re worried about taking responsibility, I¡¯ll take all the me.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes ryed more determination than his words.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head up and give themand by phone,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Kang Chan was leading this operation with the information that Hwang Ki-Hyun had left behind. If there was anyone who had to take responsibility, Kim Hyung-Jung was set on being the one.

    ¡°Make sure the agents don¡¯t see you, and break in if you have to. Until the situation there is taken care of, I¡¯ll stall for time over the radio.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded and ran up.

    <em>Tap, tap, tap, tap. Tap, tap, tap, tap.</em>

    Once the footsteps had be distant, Kang Chan pressed the radio button.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Initiate the counter-terrorism operation.¡±

    ***

    Receiving Abibu¡¯s gaze, his attendant interpreted Kang Chan¡¯s orders into Arabic.

    - 606, once shots have been fired from the lobby, prevent the enemies from going into the basement.

    They would be firing even though there were hostages.

    Abibu nced at the International Hotel.

    - We¡¯ll begin the operation in three minutes.

    Kang Chan continued issuing orders over the radio.

    Abibu¡¯s lips curved into a victorious smile.

    Although they seemed to have realized that the masked gunmen were talking to someone through the radio, they wouldn¡¯t be able to find this ce. Even if they had a hunch, that wouldn¡¯t be enough to make them rush into his room.

    Abibu felt like he could finally grasp what he wanted.

    The moment the operation began, the explosion would go off.

    All the hostages would die, and the more South Korean special forces soldiers died, the more his big picture would beplete.

    Then at the press conference tomorrow morning, Abibu would step up and say that he would mediate between the UIS and South Korea. He was certain that South Korea would not be able to disclose its activities in Africa and Libya now.

    After a moment of lull, he heard someone radioing in from the situation room.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Everything is ready.¡±

    Stupid kid! The moment Kang Chan ordered the operation to begin, he would lose everything.

    Abibu reached out for the device to give his warriors a finalmand. However, before he could, the radio crackled again.

    ¡°Abibu,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Abibu was so surprised that he felt as if his heart dropped to his feet.

    ¡°You think you¡¯re all that, don¡¯t you?¡±

    The attendant cautiously nced at Abibu and then ryed Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    ¡°You motherfucker.¡±

    The attendant hesitated to interpret that transmission.

    ¡°Take good care of your neck.¡±

    Kang Chan then said something Abibu couldn¡¯t understand. What happened next unfolded in the blink of an eye.

    <em>Boom! Boom!</em>

    <em>Dash! Dash! Dash!</em>

    <em>Click! Click! Click!</em>

    The doors burst open, almost causing it to crash onto the floor, and fully armed agents burst in.

    Abibu couldn¡¯t even do anything.

 Chapter 334: Iéˆ¥æª’l Kill All of You Guys! (1)

    Chapter 334: I¡¯ll Kill All of You Guys! (1)

    Chapter 334 - Book 20 Chapter 5: I¡¯ll Kill All of You Guys! (1)

    Everyone heard what Kang Chan said on the radio.

    Jeong Won-Min and the other soldiers found it very absurd, but they didn¡¯t have the time to argue against it right now.

    Right after, they heard Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s long-awaited answer.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We have arrested Abibu and found a wireless wiretapping device and amunication device, which he was using to talk to the terrorists. It seems they also have ess to the CCTVs of that room, the area around it, the lobby, and even the roads around the International Building.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately pressed the button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>¡°Just like everyone heard, we have caught the bastard that had bugged our radios in the Park Hotel. We will now begin suppressing the rest of our enemies.¡±

    The emergency lights barely gave them enough visibility in thepletely dark International Building.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°I want the Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers standing by on the third floor to take charge of rescuing the hostages.¡±

    Standing near the railings of the third floor, Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s eyes met in the darkness. They then braced themselves for the fight.

    ¡°In the best-case scenario, we¡¯ll only have to deal with thirty enemies. 606, status,¡± Kang Chan called.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°606 is on standby.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°As I and the counter-terrorism team make our way down from the second floor, I need you toe up from the basement. Together, we¡¯ll make our way through our enemies. We have to eliminate all hostiles in a short period so that the Jeungpyeong special forces team can rescue the hostages.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    Kang Chan added, ¡°There¡¯s only one reason the UIS would like this when they have hostages¡ªthey¡¯re waiting for us to attack them. The moment we do, they¡¯ll most likely detonate the bombs strapped to the hostages in hopes of killing everyone.¡±

    After Kang Chan delivered his orders, a few seconds of silence passed. Since he was still holding the button on his radio, everyone just nervously looked around their surroundings as they waited.

    ¡°Our enemies will shoot at us the moment we rush toward the lobby. That¡¯s why we have to deal with the twenty tangos in the staircase. However, killing them when they have RPGs will be extremely difficult.¡±

    <em>So that''s why he was silent!</em>

    ¡°Our operation can¡¯t exceed two minutes. If we can¡¯t clear them out within that time, all teams¡ªincluding the Jeungpyeong special forces team¡ªare to simultaneously attack our enemies. This contingency n requires sacrifices on our part, but it¡¯s the only way to rescue our hostages. I apologize for assigning you to the most dangerous role, 606.¡±

    Once Kang Chan was done issuing orders, the eyes of every Jeungpyeong special forces soldier glinted. They looked like they would rather change roles with the 606¡¯s Special Operations Unit.

    C<em>hk.</em>

    ¡°This is the 606,¡± Jeong Won-Min radioed in.

    ¡°We have been taught that when our country assigns us a mission, our military uniform could very well be thest thing we¡¯d wear. Thank you for assigning us a duty befitting the 606. We¡¯ll make sure to eliminate all tangos on sight.¡±

    There were times when men¡¯s passionate determination could make people¡¯s blood boil.

    As soon as Jeong Won-Min delivered his resolve through the radio, the agents and soldiers who were about to charge toward their enemies gritted their teeth. Kim Hyung-Jung, the agents in the situation room, and even the 35th brigade, which was protecting the perimeter of the building, all did as well.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Situation room, prepare to turn on the lights in the lobby right before we rescue the hostages,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°35th brigade. Prepare for bomb explosions once we¡¯ve rescued the hostages.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Leave it to us,¡± themander of the 35th brigade determinedly answered, his blood boiling.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°All teams, stand by,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    They were now going to begin their operation to rescue ten hostages from fifty terrorists.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Jeungpyeong special forces team is on standby,¡± a soldier reported. The other teams followed his lead.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°The 606 is on standby.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°The situation room is on standby.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°The 35th brigade is on standby.¡±

    Instead of reporting on the radio, Kang Myung-Gu of the counter-terrorism team tapped Kang Chan¡¯s shoulder twice from behind him.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Move out,¡± Kang Chan ordered, then took his hand off the radio button and grabbed his rifle.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s senses sharpened.

    As if time was moving slowly, he saw Kang Myung-Gu from the counter-terrorism team checking on the agents to his left and right, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes glinting, and G¨¦rard ncing behind him.

    Their n was simple. They would kill the twenty enemies on the staircase, leaving them with only the thirty tangos left to deal with. That would match the number of Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers, who would rush into the lobby from the second and third floors.

    They would be rappelling upside down, so they would have to hold their weapon in their right hand.

    Those on the second floor would have to rappel seven meters down to the lobby, and those on the third floor would have to go down eleven meters. Even though they had to descend almost instantaneously, they had to stop right before their heads touched the ground. They would also have to use the momentum they had built to stand upright while shooting at their enemies.

    If the Jeungpyeong special forces team hesitated during their descent, they would most certainly get shot at, and if they failed to get back to their feet immediately, a bomb would likely be thrown at them.

    There were thirty-three men in the Jeungpyeong special forces team. Hence, for this operation to seed, they each had a second to kill one enemy.

    They also had to hit their targets right in their foreheads to guarantee that they wouldn¡¯t be able to move. Shooting them in the chest could give them a chance to press the detonation switch of the bombs.

    <em>We don¡¯t even have the option of increasing the number of soldiers on the second and third floors.</em>

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Kang Chan slowly went down the stairs.

    Thirty-three soldiers were already a lot of people rappelling downward. Any more than that and they would risk their lines getting tangled and their movements hindered.

    They trusted each other because they were all in the Jeungpyeong special forces team, which was now one of the most famous special forces in the world. If they had to execute this operation in the past, they would¡¯ve already shaken their heads in refusal.

    Kang Chan went down the stairs from the second floor and headed toward the lobby. He could see the soldiers from the 606 climbing up the stairwell from below.

    He pressed the stock of his rifle against his shoulder.

    The n they were using right now was the same as the one that they had used in Mang. Back then, they had picked a fight to rescue their allies, who had been captured by the enemy. Soldiers then rappelled downward and eliminated their opponents on sight.

    Kang Chan could remember Daye almost dying then because he had foolishly run toward their enemies all by himself.

    Just like that time, to ensure that this n would work, they had to drag their enemies as close to the stairs as possible.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho, who was positioned to his right.

    <em>¡®I¡¯ll make the first move.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Alright.¡¯</em>

    The moment Kang Chan pulled the trigger, they would no longer have the option to go back on this decision.

    People who hadn¡¯t experienced a terrorist attack would never be able to objectively ept that ten female hostages disappeared without a trace because the bombs strapped to them exploded in the process of suppressing the terrorists.

    Hence, if they failed to rescue the hostages, all of the hard work that they had done in this operation would bepletely erased, leaving them with nothing but a horrible aftermath.

    Their enemies had to run up the stairs for their n to work. However, if they pressed the bomb switch just as Kang Chan and his team were shooting at them, that would spell the end of this operation.

    Abibu would¡¯ve ordered his warriors to attack them. That was probably why they obediently ran here from the hotel.

    Kang Chan solidified his resolve.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    He aimed at the silhouette of an enemy¡¯s head.

    Their opponents were wearing ck bandanas at night, and there weren¡¯t any lights. Hence, it was difficult to see the outline of their heads. Special forces soldiers wore jungle hats for the same reason. The circr brim, which would be as close to their face as possible, would hide the outline of their heads when hiding in the overgrowth of jungles.

    The moment Kang Chan pulled the trigger¡­

    <em>Pew! Pow!</em>

    Although he could barely see the enemy¡¯s head, he clearly saw it explode into pieces like a watermelon.

    The hostages shrieked. ¡°<em>Kyaaa</em>!¡±

    At the same time, they heard their enemies yelling and moving.

    <em>Whoosh! Whish!</em>

    AK-47s sparked awake, sending bullets flying toward the stairs.

    <em>Du du du! Du du! Du du du du du!</em>

    The sparks lingered in the air for a moment before disappearing. The bullets that hit the marble floor ricocheted elsewhere.

    <em>Du du! Ping! Pow pow! Du du du! Pow pow pow! Ping! Pow pow!</em>

    <em>Pow! Pow!</em>

    Shot in the leg, two of the counter-terrorism team¡¯s agents copsed. Meanwhile, members of the 606 dragged their fallenrades away from their enemies.

    The enemies hadn''t entered the staircase yet. They only fired indiscriminately toward the floors above and below them from the lobby.

    Amid the gunfire, one of their opponents stood right in front of the entrance to the staircase, an RPG on their shoulder.

    <em>Pew! Pow!</em>

    However, Kang Chan¡¯s bullet quickly made their head explode, causing them to fall backward.

    ***

    [It looks like a battle has started!]

    The cameras zoomed in toward the lobby of the International Building, which was being enveloped by shes.

    At the same time, the newscaster stopped speaking. Instead, a banner appeared at the bottom of the screen. It said ¡°Lobby of the International Building¡± and ¡°The South Korean soldiers have engaged the terrorists. ording to spections, this is a part of a suppression tactic.¡±

    ***

    <em>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</em>

    The counter-terrorism team followed right behind Kang Chan, who was going down the stairs. Meanwhile, the 606 were making their way up from the basement and were now almost at the entrance.

    In this situation, Kang Chan knew that they¡¯d suffer more than ten casualties if they were hit by an RPG or even just a grenade.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Shatter! PEW! PEW! Shatter!</em>

    One of the soldiers fired from the staircase and shattered the ss on the entrance of the International Building. Meanwhile, a bullet from their enemies hit the marble floor and ricocheted toward the Korean soldiers.

    <em>Du du du! Pew! Pew! Du du du! Pew! PEW!</em>

    They could hear their enemies shouting above the gunshots.

    Gritting his teeth, Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan what one of the opponents had said. ¡°The enemies are telling their men to hold their ground!¡±

    <em>Pew! Pow! PEW! Pow! Du du du! Du du!</em>

    Their enemies were clearly looking for an opportunity to blow up the bombs.

    However, since Kang Chan and the Korean soldiers had been stalling for so long already, their enemies had resorted to shouting to suppress the urge to detonate the bombs.

    <em>How long will theyst without Abibu¡¯s orders?</em>

    The longer they had to wait, the more likely they were to press the switch to blow up the bombs.

    <em>Du du du! Du du! Ping! Pow! Du du du! Pew! Pow!</em>

    Two more soldiers fell. Their enemies were purposely shooting at the marble floor now.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Jeungpyeong special forces team! Situation room! Stand by!¡± Kang Chan radioed.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Seok Kang-Ho swore. He already knew what Kang Chan would say next.

    ¡°On my signal, we will all advance toward our enemies!¡± Kang Chanmanded. They couldn¡¯t stall any longer. ¡°Make sure you¡¯re positioned lower than the hostages!¡±

    <em>Du du du! Du du du! Du du! PEW! Pew! Pew!</em>

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Go go go!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    As ordered, Cha Dong-Gyun and the other Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers jumped down from the railings of the second and third floors and freefell toward the dark floor of the lobby.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    They had to descend eleven meters and depend on their senses to know when to slow down. After all, they couldn¡¯t take their time rappelling. If they pulled the rope right now out of fear, they, the hostages, and theirrades would die.

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    Just before his head touched the floor of the lobby, Cha Dong-Gyun pulled on the rope and stopped his descent.

    <em>Bang! Swoosh!</em>

    At the same time, the lights were turned on, brightly illuminating the lobby.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun held up his rifle and pressed its stock against his shoulder.

    <em>Swoosh! Whish! Swoosh!</em>

    The moment the Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers pulled the rope and stopped descending, the soldiers from the 606, who were in ck military uniforms, charged into the lobby. They then dropped down onto the floor with a <em>plop</em>, took aim, and sent bullets flying toward the enemies on the staircase.

    They couldn''t stand up and position themselves higher than the hostages, who were crouching on the floor. If they did, they would be blocking the Jeungpyeong special forces team¡¯s line of fire.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! PEW! Pew! PEW!</em>

    <em>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Du du! Pow pow! Du du du! Pow pow pow!</em>

    Only those who had experienced something like this knew that they would nk out if their surroundings suddenly brightened.

    Terrible things also transpired.

    Some threw themselves right in front of the enemies¡¯ muzzles. Some also felt as if they would go crazy when they saw their enemies aim at theirrades instead of themselves.

    <em>¡®Did that exchangest about two seconds or was it quicker?¡¯ </em>Kang Chan wondered.

    Their enemies were now grotesquely crumpled on the floor, and the counter-terrorism team agents and the 606 soldiers, who had rushed toward their enemies, had been shot were now covered in blood.

    <em>Whish! Swoosh!</em>

    The hostages were shrieking again. ¡°<em>Kyaaaa</em>!¡±

    The soldiers from Jeungpyeong¡¯s special forces team rushed toward them. They lifted the hostages who weren¡¯t strapped with bombs onto their shoulders, then ran outside.

    ¡°Daye! G¨¦rard!¡± Kang Chan called.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Kang Chan unsheathed his bay. His shin stung, but it wasn¡¯t painful enough to immobilize him.

    <em>Pew! PEW! Pew! Pew! PEW!</em>

    Everything would end if their enemies managed to discretely press the detonation button right now. Hence, the Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers shot their enemies in the forehead even though they had already copsed.

    The hostages continued to scream. ¡°<em>Aaah</em>! <em>Arrrgh</em>!¡±

    After examining the bombs, he yelled, ¡°It¡¯s safe to cut the straps! Free the hostages!¡±

    He then immediately used his bay to cut the straps keeping the bombs attached to the hostages.

    <em>Snip! Snip! Snip! Snip!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard swiftly did as instructed.

    Meanwhile, the other soldiers carried the wounded out of the building.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    <em>Whish! Swoosh!</em>

    The Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers rushed toward them and carried the remaining hostages over their shoulders.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Permission to have the 35th brigade enter the building, sir!¡± a soldier yelled, his blood boiling. He was so loud and desperate that he sounded as if his voice would pierce their eardrums.

    However, it wasn''t time yet.

    ¡°Run!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun yelled. Carrying a hostage on his shoulder, he rushed out of the entrance.

    <em>Whoosh! Swish!</em>

    Right after, they heard a loud shout. They wondered what it was about since it sounded as if it could sweep the International Building away, but they didn¡¯t have the time to care about it.

    Kang Chan raised his hand to his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°35th brigade, enter the building! Take care of the bombs in the lobby and rescue the wounded in the basement!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Copy! 35th brigade, entering now!¡± one of the soldiers responded to Kang Chan.

    <em>Crash! Crash! </em>

    Soldiers with bloodshot eyes rushed into the lobby of the International Building. They were dragging a deep blue explosion-proof mat with them. It was made out of iron tes and hadyers of sand in between.

    <em>Hissss!</em>

    The soldiers put the mat inyers on top of the bombs.

    <em>Click. nk. Click.</em>

    The soldiers of the 35th brigade upied the lobby, and some ran down to the lobby.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Kang Chan looked at where the 606 and the counter-terrorism team had been. Pools of blood were all over the area. He was frustrated, but he still had things to do.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Situation room,¡± he radioed. ¡°we have suppressed the terrorists and rescued the hostages. The operation is now over. Please collect the bombs and take care of the wounded and the deceased.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung responded, then sighed heavily.

    <em>I should¡¯ve told him about the satellite coordinates a bit earlier.</em>

    <em>Click. Click. Click. Click.</em>

    The wounded 606 soldiers in the basement were carried up on stretchers. At the same time, the explosives disposal unit, wearing bomb suits, walked in through the front door.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan looked for themander of the 35th brigade. He then asked, ¡°Can I leave the clean-up to you?¡±

    ¡°Leave it to us. I¡¯ll contact the situation room and wrap up ordingly,¡± themander answered.

    Kang Chan then raised his hand to his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Manager Kim, I¡¯m leaving the 35th brigade in charge of the post-op process. I¡¯m heading outside now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Copy. Be aware that there are cars on the road in front of the International Building.¡±

    That was inevitable. After all, they had restricted ess to all the roads in the area.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll head to Samseong-dong for now. Oh, right! Don¡¯t announce that we arrested Abibu.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    After talking to Kim Hyung-Jung through the radio, Kang Chan looked back at Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard.

    Their eyes were still glinting with ferocity, but they didn¡¯t appear to be heavily wounded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    Past the entrance, Kang Chan saw ambnces, armored vehicles, and soldiers from the 35th brigade, who had mounted guard. He also saw soldiers from the Airborne Forces.

    Kang Chan went outside the International Building with Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard.

    ¡°<em>Woohoo</em>!¡±

    A roar erupted from the onlookers, much to Kang Chan¡¯s confusion.

    When Kang Chan stopped walking, an agent from the counter-terrorism team quickly approached him.

    ¡°The news has identified you as the person responsible for suppressing the terrorist attack and themander of the rescue operation in Afghanistan,¡± the agent exined.

    <em>How do they know about that?</em>

    That wasn¡¯t important right now, though.

    People beyond the roadblocks, inside buildings, and even on top of the roadside trees apuded and shouted at Kang Chan.

    <em>Damn it! I can¡¯t turn around and go back into the building now.</em>

    Kang Chan followed the agent¡¯s directions and walked toward the main road.

    The onlookers began shouting at him.

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re amazing!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re proud of you!¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work!¡±

    ¡°Long live the Republic of Korea!¡±

    ***

    [The person you¡¯re watching withdraw right now is the head of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team and the one whomanded the most recent rescue operation in Afghanistan. He is also the one responsible for eliminating the over fifty armed terrorists that had upied the International Building, rescuing all ten hostages unscathed, and suppressing this terrorist attack in a minute and twenty seconds!]

    With the newscasters¡¯ excited voice in the background, Kang Chan¡¯s face, which he had covered with his bandana, filled the TV screens.

    Startled, Kim Mi-Young slowly turned toward Kim Kwan-Sik.

 Chapter 335: Iéˆ¥æª’l Kill All of You Guys! (2)

    Chapter 335: I¡¯ll Kill All of You Guys! (2)

    The road was quite far away from the International Building.

    Fortunately, they at least had police lines.

    After making their way through the photographers¡¯s camera shes, the bright lights from the broadcast cameras, and the cheers of the onlookers, Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard finally got into the van of the special forces team.

    <em>Weeeooo. Weeeooo. Weeeooo. Weeeooo.</em>

    Only when the van had left, its sirens wailing, did they take off their helmets.

    ¡°Where are the soldiers?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They¡¯re at the special forces training center in Hanam,¡± the agent in the passenger seat answered.

    They couldn¡¯t take off their bandanas yet since a lot of people were at the roadside.

    <em>Rattle. Rattle.</em>The van drove into a back alley and then followed the one-way street, which barely had enough room for even one car to pass through. Once the van was out of it, another car immediately followed it and blocked the alley, preventing other vehicles from using it. Its objective was to ensure that other people wouldn¡¯t be able to see the van go into the basement parking lot of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Samseong-Dong branch.

    The ess road to the parking lot was in between two buildings and couldn¡¯t even be seen from the buildings next to those two.

    When the van entered the basement parking lot, Kang Chan finally took off his bandana. He then got into the elevator and went up to Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s office on the fifth floor.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± an employee asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯d like a cold drink as well.¡±

    ¡°Noted, sir.¡±

    A momentter, the employee served him a cup filled with ice, a big bottle of a sports drink, and coffee.

    <em>Gulp. Gulp. Gulp.</em>

    Kang Chan felt a bit refreshed now.

    Seok Kang-Ho dragged the cigarettes, lighter, and ashtray on one side of the table toward them.

    <em>Chk chk.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Exhaling the cigarette smoke made Kang Chan feel even better.

    ¡°Where did Jong-Il go? He wasn¡¯t wounded during the operation,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. He ran out from the International Building earlier, carrying a hostage on his shoulder. Maybe he¡¯s in Hanam?¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered while chewing ice.

    ¡°What time is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s already two hours and thirty minutes past midnight.¡±

    Both Seok Kang-Ho¡ªwho was talking to Kang Chan¡ªand G¨¦rard¡ªwho was only staring at them¡ªlooked tired. The entire journey of boarding a ne and a couple of helicopters to go to different ces in such a short period would¡¯ve already been enough to make some people copse due to fatigue.

    ¡°Captain, instead of staying here, let¡¯s go to the office instead,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested. When Kang Chan looked at him, he added, ¡°Wrapping up the operation will probably take a while, so why don¡¯t we go to the office and get some sleep instead of waiting here? You look like a mess too, you know.¡±

    While Kang Chan thought about it, an agent brought over his phone and the clothes that he had taken off in the helicopter.

    ¡°We¡¯re going down to the lobby. Prepare a car for us,¡± he told the agent.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan then began changing into his clothes.

    ***

    Sitting on her bed, Kim Mi-Young lowered her head. Her hands were hanging limply between her legs.

    Kim Kwan-Sik found it abnormally painful to see his daughter acting like this.

    ¡°Dad. That was Channy, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    The moment she looked up at him with her big eyes, Kim Kwan-Sik inhaled softly.

    Kim Mi-Young added, ¡°Those were Channy¡¯s eyes. I know his eyes.¡±

    Her eyes were turning red.

    Kim Kwan-Sik couldn¡¯t understand why his daughter was crying.

    ¡°I tried my best to avoid contacting Channy because you told me that he¡¯s busy serving the country so I shouldn¡¯t bother him. Is that what he has been doing?¡± Kim Mi-Young prodded as she wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. ¡°He almost died, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    Like Kang Chan, Kim Kwan-Sik also had a dangerous role. After momentarily feeling upset, he smiled bitterly.

    His naive daughter wouldn¡¯t be able to handle Kang Chan¡¯s life.

    ***

    It took more time for them to reach the office than they had expected.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go sleep now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Taking off his jacket and throwing it somewhere, Seok Kang-Hoy down on a temporary bed.

    Kang Chan went into the shower room, brushed his teeth, and washed his face before going outside.

    ¡°Why are you still awake?¡± Kang Chan asked G¨¦rard.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to check on the agents monitoring the satellites before I do.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve gone through a lot today.¡±

    G¨¦rard smirked.

    ¡°Why are you smirking?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always felt this way, but you¡¯re at your coolest when you¡¯re out theremanding soldiers.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to get hit or are you going to stop spouting bullshit?¡±

    Amid their nonsensical conversation, they suddenly heard Seok Kang-Ho snoring.

    G¨¦rard took out cigarettes and offered one to Kang Chan.

    <em>Chk chk.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>. Shouldn¡¯t you go home?¡± G¨¦rard asked. After exhaling the cigarette smoke, he continued, ¡°You¡¯ve been staying here for the past few days already.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    Since they had dimmed the lights, the office was fairly dark. In the distance, past the window, he could see sparkling lights.

    ¡°With so many things happening and the situation bing so hectic, I couldn¡¯t risk not being around. I¡¯d just worry them even more if I went home and suddenly rushed outside.¡±

    Sitting, G¨¦rard turned toward the window. He then blew out cigarette smoke. His side profile made his eyes, nose, and the curve of his forehead look really cool.

    ¡°We won¡¯t ever be able to have a normal family, will we?¡± G¨¦rard wondered.

    Kang Chan nced at G¨¦rard, who was looking into the distance.

    <em>A normal family?</em>

    Kang Chan smirked. They didn¡¯t have to look that far. Wasn¡¯t Kang Chul-Gyu the perfect answer to G¨¦rard¡¯s question?

    ¡°I¡¯ll go check on the agents,¡± G¨¦rard said afterward.

    He extinguished his cigarette and then headed to the room the foreign agents were in.

    <em>There¡¯s no way that fucker is dating a woman. Did he fall in love with someone in Africa?</em>

    While Kang Chan was nkly staring outside the window, the door opened, and Choi Jong-Il entered the office.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± Choi Jong-Il told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Where have you been?¡±

    ¡°After helping the hostages outside the International Building, I helped the counter-terrorism team secure the perimeter.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il approached the table. He looked as tired as Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Manager Kim?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll probably have to work untilter this morning,¡± Choi Jong-Il answered.

    ¡°I see. Well, go get some sleep. We probably have a busy day ahead of us.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Choi Jong-Il stood up from the table. ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get some shuteye too.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up and headed to the sofa in the meeting room.

    <em>Plop.</em>

    The moment hey down, he immediately fell asleep. It was as if his body had been waiting for him to sleep.

    ***

    The office looked just like a military camp.

    They woke up in the morning, washed up, and then ate the food that they had ordered with the others. Since they had foreign agents with them, they ordered a variety of dishes so they¡¯d have options.

    Turning on the TV, they discovered that the news channels were still covering the terrorist attacks. To close it off, they showed three people who clearly looked like Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard.

    After eating breakfast, they had coffee.

    Around that time, Kim Hyung-Jung entered the office, holding a metal briefcase.

    Seok Kang-Ho signed. ¡°You definitely haven¡¯t gotten any sleep yet!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung just smiled bitterly.

    ¡°You should eat first,¡± Kang Chan offered.

    ¡°I already had breakfast.¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung brought over coffee.

    ¡°Anyway, the explosives disposal unit has opened the metal briefcase that you brought from the ship,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung told Kang Chan. He ced the metal briefcase he was carrying on the table.

    <em>Click. Click.</em>

    After pressing the buttons on both sides of it, he lifted its top half.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked, suddenly leaning toward it.

    There was a big red button on the right and a long screen on the left.

    ¡°It requires a One-Time Password, like the ones used in banks. It¡¯s even more secure, though, since it uses not only numbers but letters as well,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    Kang Chan raised his gaze from the metal briefcase to look at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kim Hyung-Jung continued, ¡°The explosives disposal unit believes the OTP this requires is a missileunch code.¡±

    When he pressed the red button, the screen showedplicated numbers and letters all over it.

    ¡°The missileuncher will only be operable if the OTP is entered. Considering the password is thisplex, it likely corresponds to a long-range missile or even a nuclear missile.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t they change the system of the password if they lost something like this?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Of course, they would. However, there¡¯s a high possibility of this metal briefcase being a replica. Someone likely tried to activate the missileuncher at their own discretion.¡±

    <em>Would you look at that?</em>

    Kang Chan felt as if he had found a clue. What they had to do now was to find the guy who was supposed to receive this metal briefcase.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Abibu?¡± he asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s in Naegok-dong,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    ¡°Can I go there and see him right now?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung. He looked very tired, his face drooping like lettuce.

    Seemingly reading his mind, Kim Hyung-Jung said, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Go sleep for an hour, at least. We¡¯ll leave once you wake up,¡± Kang Chan suggested. ¡°I¡¯ve got a favor to ask of you after meeting Abibu anyway.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s get some more sleep before we leave!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    Nobody in the office would have faulted Kim Hyung-Jung if he had said that he would just stay here. Due to Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s insistence, Kim Hyung-Jung finally went into the meeting room.

    ***

    Inside the National Intelligence Service¡¯s main building in Naegok-dong.

    Go Gun-Woo felt as if he was lost.

    They had arrested Abibu and locked him up in this building.

    Go Gun-Woo didn¡¯t know how they found out, but since then, they had received a surge of enormous pressure from every direction.

    The intel that they had received was unusual as well. Some of the various information they got included ns to blow up the South Korean diplomatic offices located overseas and the people¡¯s resolve tounch terrorist attacks against Koreans.

    That wasn¡¯t all.

    All of the oil-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia, were tantly requesting them to release Abibu as well.

    <em>Knock knock.</em>

    His secretary approached Go Gun-Woo, who was exhausted.

    ¡°The Assistant Director and Manager Kim Hyung-Jung are here,¡± his secretary said.

    ¡°Tell them toe in.¡±

    As Go Gun-Woo stood up, Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung entered.

    ¡°Long time no see,¡± Go Gun-Woo greeted.

    After shaking hands with Kang Chan, Go Gun-Woo pointed at the sofa.

    ¡°Good work out there, Assistant Director,¡± he said.

    ¡°We couldn¡¯t have seeded in this operation without the agents and soldiers¡¯ sacrifices.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo nodded as he discretely examined Kang Chan.

    Even though it hadn¡¯t even been a year since thest time he had seen him, Kang Chan seemed to have suddenly grown older by about ten years.

    ¡°Director, I want to meet Abibu,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Go Gun-Woo exhaled softly. Abibu had restricted people from meeting him, so no one could meet with him unless they had Go Gun-Woo¡¯s approval.

    ¡°Can you tell me why you want to meet him?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked.

    ¡°I want to ask him about the terrorist attacks that he had executed against Director Hwang Ki-Hyun, Director Song Chang-Wook, and the International Building. I also want to ask him about the reason he killed our agents in Libya. ¡±

    ¡°Abibu is obstinately denying those suspicions.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to meet and ask him about all of those myself.¡±

    Looking at Kang Chan, Go Gun-Woo thought, <em>¡®Could it be?¡¯</em>

    Even though Kang Chan never hesitated, he wouldn¡¯t just beat up Abibu out of nowhere.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been receiving intel about plots to blow up the South Korean diplomatic offices in other countries and executing terrorist attacks against Koreans. Oil-producingpanies are also pressuring us to release Abibu¡­¡± Go Gun-Woo trailed off, then sighed softly. ¡°It¡¯s not easy. I¡¯ll give you my permission since you want to meet Abibu, but I trust that you¡¯ll make wise decisions.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kang Chan firmly answered.

    A momentter, the three left the office and went to the basement.

    Kang Chan silently followed Kim Hyung-Jung, who was guiding them.

    They walked across the hallway and past the armed agents guarding the area.

    Kim Hyung-Jung opened the door for them. Kang Chan went inside, finding that half of the wall facing the door was made out of ss. He could only see a table and four chairs.

    Two agents in suits stood up.

    ¡°Everything that happens here will be recorded. These agents are in charge of interpreting Arabic for us,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    The two agents bowed and greeted Kang Chan.

    The door beyond the ss opened, and two armed agents and two agents in suits brought Abibu and his attendant over.

    Abibu arrogantly walked in, his expression showing that he wasn¡¯t dispirited at all. He then smiled at the ss. Although he couldn¡¯t see Kang Chan and the others on the other side of the ss wall, he just kept acting rxed, making it seem as if he could see everything that was happening.

    ¡°Why did the agents bring the attendant?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Abibu requested that he go with his interpreter,¡± Go Gun-Woo answered.

    ¡°How do we go into that room?¡±

    ¡°That way,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung pointed at the entrance on the left wall.

    ¡°Assistant Director,¡± Go Gun-Woo called. However, when their eyes met, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say anything.

    Kang Chan had risked his life to stop the terrorist attack. How could he tell him not to treat Abibu rashly just because of what other people would think?

    People¡¯s eyes could portray emotions and thoughts instead of talking. That was evident in Kang Chan¡¯s slight bow, which seemed to signify that he understood Go Gun-Woo¡¯s concerns.

    Kang Chan walked past the door on the left and went out to the hallway again. He then turned to the right two times. They were clearly turning toward the room Abibu was in, waiting for him.

    Two agents were guarding the door to the room Abibu was in. Once they opened the door and went inside, Abibu¡ªwho was sitting at the table¡ªlooked toward them.

    The attendant looked somewhat intimidated. However, Abibu remained arrogant.

    ¡°Abibu,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Frowning, Abibu looked back at Kang Chan.

    ¡°You should obediently answer what I ask you.¡±

    Abibu looked at his attendant, then slowly looked back at Kang Chan.

    Their eyes met.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call this whole incident off if you release me in the next six hours. If you don¡¯t, then¡­¡±

    While the attendant was speaking in Korean with a strange ent, Kang Chan kept his gaze on Abibu.

    Abibu¡¯s attendant continued, ¡°South Korea will be the target of our warriors.¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan nodded.

    Abibu was still acting like a fucking son of a bitch. If he didn¡¯t like how things were going, he would still satisfy his greed even if it meant having to order his men to execute a terrorist attack. He couldn¡¯t even give a damn about other people dying.

    When Kang Chan tilted his head from side to side, Kim Hyung-Jung examined his mood.

    Kang Chan walked toward Abibu.

    The attendant flinched and turned their upper body to the side.

    <em>Pow! Crash!</em>

    Kang Chan suddenly pushed Abibu, who was sitting on a chair, by the chest.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    When Abibu fell to the floor, Kang Chan kicked him as hard as he could.

    There were four armed agents and four agents in suits inside the room. Kim Hyung-Jung was also next to them. Nevertheless, none of them could stop Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why are you crying, you motherfucker?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    He then grabbed Abibu¡¯s head with his left hand.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>.¡±

    Everyone grabbed and lifted by their head would be in incredible pain. Abibu¡ªthe same person behind all of the recent terrorist attacks that South Korea had just suffered¡ªand the men who had joined the terrorist attacks should all feel this much pain.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    With the de of his right hand, Kang Chan struck Abibu¡¯s face upward.

    Blood sttered on his white one-piece outfit, Kang Chan¡¯s suit, the floor, and the wall.

    <em>You son of a bitch! The blood spilled by Hwang Ki-Hyun, Song Chang-Wook, and the agents and soldiers in Libya and South Korea is much more valuable than the blood that you¡¯re spilling right now!</em>

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    Abibu had never been beaten up in his life. In this situation, his kind would resort to one of two things. They would either keep their pride even if it meant death or simply panic.

    <em>Bam!</em>

    Kang Chan violently kneed Abibu¡¯s head.

    <em>Crash! Thud!</em>

    Abibu crashed into the corner, covered in blood. Kang Chan then sharply red at his attendant.

    <em>Why is this fucker so afraid when I haven¡¯t even beaten him up yet?</em>

    ¡°I¡¯lle back in twenty minutes,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Huh? Oh, yes, sir!¡± the attendant quickly answered.

    Once Kang Chan left the room, Kim Hyung-Jung wordlessly followed him.

    In the hallway, they turned left twice and opened the door to Go Gun-Woo¡¯s office. He wasn¡¯t inside.

    ¡°The director said that Abibu has suffered severe wounds,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Chan cocked his head.

    He continued, ¡°Apparently, during the operation, the agents had a hard time arresting him because he kept resisting. He sustained a couple of injuries as a result.¡±

    Kang Chan wiped his hands with the tissue that Kim Hyung-Jung had handed to him.

    ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked afterward.

    Even the two agents were examining Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    ¡°I¡¯ll beat Abibu up again in twenty minutes,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°After I ask a question, I¡¯m going to beat him up until he finally looks like he¡¯s going to answer. Got any cigarettes?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung took out a cigarette from his pocket and handed it over. ¡°Here you go.¡±

    It was hard to tell whether he was smiling or crying.

 Chapter 336: Messing With Me? (1)

    Chapter 336: Messing With Me? (1)

    One should always keep their promises. However, life wasn''t always so straightforward. Sometimes, promises inevitably had to be broken, just like when Kang Chan saw Abibu looking his way as he extinguished his cigarette.

    ¡°That son of a bitch!¡± shouted Abibu.

    Even with tears streaming down his face, Abibu clearly harbored resentment.

    <em>Twenty minutes? Just forget it ever happened!</em>

    Kang Chan immediately left the room. Kim Hyung-Jung hurriedly followed but didn''t dare speak. He judged that he couldn¡¯t interfere with Kang Chan''s actions here.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Kang Chan opened the door and entered. He then immediately approached Abibu, who, along with his attendant, was already startled and chilled by their previous encounter.

    <em>Thump! Crash!</em>

    <em>Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!</em><em>Where does this bastard get off looking so dissatisfied? Did you just block that? How dare you!</em>

    Abibu rolled on the floor and curled up with all his might, clutching his head and chest.

    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>

    Kang Chan fiercely stomped on Abibu¡¯s head, chest, and thighs.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>! <em>Ughh</em>! <em>Ughhh</em>!¡±

    Tears ran down Abibu¡¯s bloodied face. He could vividly feel pain and humiliation.

    <em>Crash. Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan grabbed his neck, lifted him, and mmed him against the wall.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>! <em>Ugh</em>! <em>Ugh</em>!¡±

    Sometimes in life, one could simply have bad luck.

    Blood sttered from Abibu¡¯s nose as he gasped for air. Since his head was tilted backward, it unfortunately sshed onto Kang Chan¡¯s cheek.

    ¡°Son of a bitch!¡± shouted Kang Chan.

    As Kang Chan wiped the blood off with the back of his right hand, Abibu desperately shook his head.

    His eyes seemed to be saying, ¡°It¡¯s not my fault!¡±

    <em>If only he hadn''t killed Hwang Ki-Hyun or Song Chang-Wook! No, he shouldn¡¯t have messed with our agents in Libya in the first ce!</em>

    <em>Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!</em>

    Kang Chan mercilessly gouged the corners of Abibu¡¯s eyes with the heel of his right hand.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>! <em>Ugh</em>! <em>Ugh</em>! <em>Ugh</em>...!¡±

    Abibu slumped, his head drooping powerlessly to one side.

    <em>Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!</em>

    ¡°Assistant Director!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung rushed in. The two agents in suits clung to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Fucking bastard!¡± Kang Chan growled.

    Only then did he stop the beating. Both his hands and the chest area of his shirt had been smeared with the blood from Abibu¡¯s face.

    ¡°See you in twenty minutes! You have better pulled yourself together by then!¡± he warned the unconscious man.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Upon being released from his grasp, Abibu copsed onto the floor.

    Kang Chan turned to the attendant, startling him and making him straighten up.

    ¡°Have them sit quietly in ce until I return,¡± he ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the man answered with a nod.

    Always the one giving orders, and always the one who lived off the sweet fruits under the one giving the orders¡ªbut now both just looked frightened.

    <em>These bastards born with silver spoons in their mouths lower the value of others even though they¡¯ve never done anything substantial themselves!</em>

    Kang Chan left the room and returned to his original position. He wondered why he hade and gone like this.

    The interpreter quickly stood up, offering tissues and wet wipes to Kang Chan. ¡°Want me to wipe those for you?¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head firmly. ¡°Leave it.¡±

    After a brief pause, he said, ¡°That bastard definitely has information. It might even be about the nuclear warhead or those nning a war.¡±

    Another agent walked over from the corner, a paper cup of instant coffee.

    Kang Chan continued, "If I could have prevented the directors¡¯ deaths by killing that bastard, I would have done it. Now, we¡¯re in this fight that would determine whether a war breaks out or a nuclear bomb drops on South Korea.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung clenched his teeth, causing his cheeks to twitch slightly.

    "Sir, the war has already started. We can''t shrink back just because we fear terrorist attacks, the eyes of those around us, or not knowing how many might die as a result."

    The two agents swallowed dryly as they looked at Kang Chan.

    An agent solemnly added, "We don''t know how many of our agents will have toy down their lives to stop this. I can''t forget the blood that soaked the lobby floorst night.¡±

    "Understood."

    The atmosphere had be heavy.

    <em>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</em>

    As if finding the ambiance too burdensome, Kang Chan''s phone rang. Kim Tae-Jin was calling.

    "Hello?"

    - It''s Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Kang Chan nced past the ss. He didn¡¯t expect to hear from him.

    - I just saw the broadcast. Is it okay to talk?

    "Yes."

    This was the first time Kang Chul-Gyu had initiated a call.

    - If we have to retaliate or perform a dangerous operation because of this incident, I want you to send me and my people. I know you''ll be able to handle it well yourself, but¡­

    "Understood."

    - Just to be clear, I¡¯m not saying your agents are ipetent.

    <em>Is this man seriously concerned about others'' feelings right now?</em>

    It seemed Kang Chul-Gyu was trying to ovee his own awkwardness to maintain good rtionships.

    "I¡¯ll call if needed," Kang Chan said. After a beat, he added, ¡°Thanks."

    He heard a chuckle from the other end.

    - Got it. I¡¯ll hang up now.

    The call was dropped shortly after.

    <em>What? Why did heugh?</em>

    ***

    After the call, Kang Chul-Gyu handed the phone back to Kim Tae-Jin.

    "How is he, sir?"

    "He seems to be handling the situation well," said Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "Is that what he said?"

    Kang Chul-Gyu chuckled again, which seemed to exin everything. In the background, they could hear, equipment moving and a couple of curses.

    "Let¡¯s go,¡± he said.

    "Would you like to take a look around?" Kim Tae-Jin asked.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded.

    Kim Tae-Jin left the barracks first. Kang Chul-Gyu sneaked into his room and opened the door of his wardrobe. A suit hung on the door, and shoes were ced inside.

    <em>tter. tter.</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik looked like a bandit roaming the wilderness.

    Bypassing the foreman of the construction site, he had climbed to the very top without any safety gear. He then swung around, attaching ''asiba''[1] to ''dabble,''[2] using ¡®Tarraegi¡¯[3].

    The foreman was horrified, but how could he stop Yang Dong-Sik?

    ¡°You fucking idiot! The assistant director is watching this construction with interest! If it gets dyed for even a day, I¡¯ll kill all of you and throw you to the wolves!¡± Yang Dong-Sik shouted at the foreman.

    Was it on the third day of construction? After dinner, the foreman, havingined about the working conditions and treatment, had the gall to dere a day off.

    He had expected that construction work in this deste ce would be filled with the thrill of making some money on the side. After all, it should have been easy to overlook some materials not meeting regtions.

    However, Kim Tae-Jin and Nam Il-gyu were so strict that the construction manager couldn¡¯t dare act tough.

    ¡°Were you not aware of the weather out here, huh? Didn¡¯t you take that into consideration when calcting your payment?! How can you call yourself a foreman when you can¡¯t even handle construction?!¡± Yang Dong-Sik shouted.

    His eyes gleaming, he drew the knife that he had slung over his shoulder.

    Surprisingly, Kang Chul-Gyu simply crossed his arms and watched. If one couldn¡¯t recognize what that meant, he wouldn¡¯t be part of the DMZ team.

    <em>Creak. Creak. Creak.</em>

    One after another, members of the DMZ team began to rise from their seats.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got a staff shortage! Our most crucial member, who¡¯d be climbing to high ces, is missing!¡± the foreman said, unaware that he had just made the most regrettable excuse he would ever make in his entire career in construction.

    ¡°Is that so? I¡¯ll take care of it myself, then! How about that?¡±

    The foreman hadn¡¯t expected to be rushed like that.

    The next day, the construction site turned into hell.

    Through a process known as <em>''asiba,¡¯ </em>pipes up to ten meters long were connected to create stairs along the exterior walls of the factory building. Two lines of pipes were intertwined, and steel tes perforated with holes were used as steps, known as <em>''dabble.¡¯</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik was like a monkey that had found water or, more urately, scaffolding. He ran around the scaffolding, making the eleven-meter-high tform sway from a height feared by most people. If anyone grabbed the scaffolding to steady themselves, they immediately received a harsh scolding.

    ¡°You stupid motherfucking imbecile! Do you only have one arm, huh? If you use one arm like that, how are you supposed to work with the other?!¡± yelled Yang Dong-Sik.

    Uniquely, Yang Dong-Sik had set up a ten-meter pipe on the outside of the scaffolding. The employees wondered what he was doing until they saw him sliding down its length like a firefighter during a rescue operation.

    <em>Who would dare ck off in this situation?</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu stood beside Kim Tae-Jin, who was waiting at the site.

    "You¡¯re finally here."

    The foreman approached Kang Chul-Gyu, whom he felt mostfortable around. After all, Kang Chul-Gyu had never raised his voice, and his eyes had never glinted around him.

    <em>¡®Perhaps he¡¯s also oppressed by these barbaric men.¡¯</em>

    Unbeknownst to him, he had simply misunderstood Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s silent observation.

    ¡°Managing them must be tough.¡±

    Once the foreman¡¯s words had been interpreted in Korean, Kang Chul-Gyu responded with a wry smile.

    ¡°Be careful when hiring people. You have no idea when men like them will cause you trouble.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu only nodded this time.

    Nam Il-Gyu was far away, and Kim Tae-Jin had always been a gentle person, so the foreman gradually felt more at ease. Hence, while looking at Yang Dong-Sik, who was hanging from a dangerous height, he chattered away.

    ¡°He might even talk back to you someday, Director Kang.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked. ¡°If that ever happens, I can just cut off his head.¡±

    The foreman coughed. He had never seen eyes as menacing as Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s.

    ***

    If one had broken their promise once, they should at least have the will to keep the next one. Hence, Kang Chan now patiently observed through the ss.

    Abibu¡¯s attendant helped him to his seat and wiped his face with his sleeve. Even from across the ss, he looked pitiful.

    His face was covered in small cuts that looked as if they had been done with a razor, and blood kept flowing from them. Moreover, his left eye was now swollen like a boiled egg. Tears, blood, and thick pus from it ran down his swollen cheek, making it hard to look at him.

    His stylishly grown beard and hair yed a significant role in making his appearance even more miserable. The wheezing and grimacing that apanied his every breath suggested that his ribs might be cracked or broken. He also had swollen lips and a bent and broken nose.

    The door soon opened, and Kang Chan entered. As if on cue, surprise enveloped the faces of the two people inside at the same time.

    The moment Abibu was about to say something¡­

    <em>Thump! Crash!</em>

    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>

    All his attendant could do was burst into pitiful cries.

    ***

    Assistant Manager Kim brought the phone.

    ¡°The head of Gong Te¡¯s South Korean branch is calling. He called the office, and they gave him my number. Would you like to speak with him?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Yoo Hye-Sook before saying, ¡°Sure. Thank you.¡±

    He then took the phone and brought it to his ears.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Director! It¡¯s Smithen.

    ¡°Mr. Branch Manager. My phone is off right now. Sorry for the inconvenience.¡±

    - Where are you now? I was hoping we could have a brief meeting.

    ¡°Right now?¡±

    - Yes, I really hope to see you soon.

    His Korean was now quite fluent, but he was still pronouncing the words a bit too fast.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? I¡¯ve already informed you about thepany handover. I¡¯ve notified the headquarters too¡­¡±

    - I was just feeling a bit upset and thought we should have dinner.

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced at Yoo Hye-Sook.

    It was toote for breakfast and too early for lunch.

    "Branch Manager, my wife and I are departing for Europe today. We''ve just arrived at the airport and finished ticketing, so let''s have dinner when I return."

    - W-what?

    "Sorry, it''s just that we''ve been so busy with life that we''ve never had the chance to go abroad together before..."

    - Where to? Where are you headed?

    Kang Dae-Kyung tilted his head.

    This was a bit excessive. Normally, Kang Dae-Kyung would have mentioned the destination. However, after seeing Assistant Manager Kim and Cha Min-Jeong, the warning that they had given him came clearly to mind.

    <em>¡®Never reveal your destination to anyone other than your son.¡¯</em>

    "We n to tour various ces in Europe, so we haven''t set a specific destination. I''ll call you as soon as I get back."

    Kang Dae-Kyung ended the call.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "Well, he said he was upset and suggested having dinner, but he sounded like he was in a rush."

    After getting his phone back from Kang Dae-Kyung, Assistant Manager Kim nced at Cha Min-Jeong.

    "Did he ask about your destination?"

    "Yes, he did."

    Assistant Manager Kim looked over at Yoo Hye-Sook and then forced a smile. Knowing full well that she was easily frightened, he didn¡¯t want to cause her any unnecessary anxiety.

    "To think he wants to meet you even though you¡¯ve already left thepany. He really admires you, doesn¡¯t he, director?¡± Cha Min-Jyeongmented.

    "It would be strange if I said yes,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied, making everyone burst intoughter.

    "Shouldn¡¯t we contact Channy before we go?" Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

    "It''s fine." Kang Dae-Kyung stretched out his arm and gently patted Yoo Hye-Sook''s back. "I always told you not to worry about home affairs when I was busy with national duties, didn¡¯t I? Let¡¯s just have Assistant Manager Kim contact us as we nned. You understand, right?"

    "Of course," Yoo Hye-Sook responded energetically.

    ***

    <em>Click.</em>

    When Kang Chan entered the room again, Abibu and his attendants¡¯ reactions showed subtle differences. Abibu now looked as if he had lost his soul.

    "He¡¯s got something to say!" his attendant quickly said.

    "What?" Kang Chan replied.

    "W-what?"

    "Are you bastards messing with me?"

    The attendant turned his head toward Abibu.

    <em>Thump! Crash!</em>

    "<em>Ugh</em>! <em>Ughh</em>! <em>Ughhh</em>!"

    <em>Crack! Thump! Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>

    When Kang Chan started beating Abibu up again, the attendant burst into pitiful cries.

    Kim Hyung-Jung and the agents just watched in silence.

    Kang Chan was the assistant director of the National Intelligence Service. Despite his young age, a word from him could motivate agents to risk their lives. The same applied to the Jeungpyeong special forces team, the 606''s Special Operations Unit, and the 35th Brigade.

    Moreover, the moment he called, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and even Kang Chul-Gyu and the rest of the DMZ team woulde to his aid.

    That same man now relentlessly beat up Abibu, who was already covered in blood.

    This wasn''t just about avenging Hwang Ki-Hyun, Song Chang-Wook, the agents, and his team members anymore. Kim Hyung-Jung and the agents vividly felt that Kang Chan was doing his best to prevent a war from happening and a nuclear missile from dropping right on top of their nation.

    With a simple motion, Kang Chan could easily snap Abibu''s neck. His skills in close-quartersbat meant he could easily kill his target with a flick of his wrist or a kick.

    Why would he bother doing this with twenty-minute intervals? He could have just ordered Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, the agents, or the special forces soldiers to do it for him. If he had done that, all he would have had to do was sit back and enjoy the spectacle with a cup of coffee and a cigarette.

    <em>Thump! Thump! Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>

    <em>Isn''t this wrong?</em>

    "Assistant director!"

    Kim Hyung-Jung and the agents clung to Kang Chan again.

    <em>Is he trying to kill him in the most painful and cruel way possible?</em>

    For now, Kim Hyung-Jung focused on pulling Kang Chan away.

    1. Often referred to as scaffolding in English ?

    2. This term doesn''t have a direct trantion but generally refers to a type of fastening or binding used in construction ?

    3. A colloquial term for a pulley or a simr mechanism used to lift or move construction materials. ?<blockquote>

    MatchaMaker''s Thoughts

    <strong>Yojj:</strong><strong><em>As a reminder, GOB''s release schedule has changed~</em></strong></blockquote>

 God of Blackfield

    <span ss="glyphicon glyphicon-tasks" title="Alternative names">

    <span ss="s1">? ?? ????

    <span ss="glyphicon glyphicon-user" title="Author">

    Mujang</a>, ??</a>

    <span ss="glyphicon glyphicon-th-list" title="Genre">

    Action</a>, Drama</a>, Fantasy</a>, Romance</a>, School Life</a>, Seinen</a>, Supernatural</a>

    <span ss="glyphicon glyphicon-copy" title="Source">

    <span ss="s1">Maya&Maru

    <span ss="glyphicon glyphicon-globe" title="Original Language">

    <span ss="s1">Korean Novel

    <span ss="glyphicon glyphicon-time" title="Status">

    <span ss="s1 s2">OnGoing</a>

 Chapter 337: Messing With Me? (2)

    Chapter 337: Messing With Me? (2)

    Kang Chan crossed the room and wiped his hands. He then lit a cigarette.

    Meanwhile, Kim Hyung-Jung answered his phone.

    "What? Why are you only reporting this now?" he cried. He then checked on Kang Chan''s reaction.

    Lowering his voice, he said, "Yesterday? Didn''t you know it would be hard to contact us yesterday? Okay. Keep this number reachable. What? How long?"

    Kim Hyung-Jung swallowed a groan.

    "Contact me as soon as you arrive. Make sure to thoroughly coordinate with the agents in the area!"

    Abibu, who was on the other side of the ss, was now leaning against the wall. He looked too weary to even sit on a chair.

    "Sir, your parents have just left for Europe," reported Kim Hyung-Jung.

    <em>Did he seriously just tell me that in this tense situation?</em>Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung, unable toprehend what he just said.

    Kim Hyung-Jung added, "They have decided to take the trip all over Europe that they''ve been nning. Their phones are off, but you can contact them through Assistant Manager Kim''s number.¡±

    Kang Chan found it hard to say anything. He could have made a quick call to them but he hadn¡¯t. He really couldn¡¯t me anyone for this but himself.

    <em>This is definitely my fault.</em>

    Kang Dae-Kyung had likely been harboring deep pain, and Yoo Hye-Sook had undoubtedly been holding back her tears...

    Kang Chan was sorry. His heart ached. He could make the excuse that he hadn¡¯t wanted to worry them or even the excuse that he had been too busy, but the fact he felt guilty and apologetic remained the same.

    <em>Waiting for me toe home without knowing exactly when that would be must have been so tough and painful. No wonder they suddenly went to Europe.</em>

    Kang Chan med himself for being negligent andcent. He had almost lost the two of the people he cherished the most because of Abibu.

    His eyes filled with murderous intent as he gazed at the bastard.

    "I''m sorry. It seems they tried to call me yesterday, but I was so busy that I couldn''t answer."

    "Can we call them right now?" asked Kang Chan.

    "Unfortunately, they''re already boarding their flight. They¡¯ll be reachable again in approximately two hours.¡±

    "What about their security?"

    "I heard Assistant Manager Kim and Agent Cha Min-Jeong left with them. They''re supposed to get support from the agents in Europe, but I¡¯ll be sure to double-check.¡±

    Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray.

    Seeing his intense re, Kim Hyung-Jung apologized again. "I''m sorry.¡±

    "It''s not your fault,¡± Kang Chan replied, ¡°I was the one who was negligent. Please make sure to double-check their itinerary and security."

    "I will," Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    Kang Chan then looked past the ss. Just two more hits and Abibu would surely die.

    Kim Hyung-Jung watched him with concern.

    "Manager Kim," Kang Chan softly called. "There''s something you need to know."

    Kim Hyung-Jung and the agents with them focused on what he was about to say.

    "I thought you knew, but from what I¡¯ve seen, it seems I was wrong.¡±

    "What is it?"

    "Abibu is a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family."

    "We already knew that.¡±

    It had also been reported in the newspapers and broadcasts before they arrived.

    "The Imic society is unimaginably loyal to the royal family. Although Saudi Arabia will respect our announcement on the surface because we have solid evidence, if they learn that we''ve beaten Abibu up, not only the UIS but the entire Imic extremistmunity would take it as an insult. If we''re not careful, they might throw caution to the wind."

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at the interpreter. His flustered face seemed to be asking him, ¡°Why didn''t you tell me that?¡±

    "He probably didn''t think of that because he hasn''t fought them himself,¡± Kang Chan answered in the interpreter¡¯s stead. ¡°Abibu¡¯s initial warning wasn¡¯t just talk. The UIS and the Imic extremists now see South Korea and the counter-terrorism team as amon enemy to unite against."

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan. His expression was grim, but it harbored a faint hope.

    ''<em>You didn¡¯t beat him up without a n, did you?''</em>

    However, based on how Kang Chan had been behaving so far, Kim Hyung-Jung realized that Kang Chan could have attacked Abibu out of impulse.

    "Please make sure that what happened here doesn''t leak out. Otherwise, our citizens abroad and embassies could be targets of terrorism."

    Suddenly stricken with realization, Kim Hyung-Jung replied, "Yes, sir.¡±

    Fortunately, in this critical moment, when the UIS and Imic extremists could target South Korea and its people, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had left for Europe.

    Kim Hyung-Jung now fully understood why Abibu had been so confident and why Kang Chan''s eyes had been so fierce. He also realized just how serious the events today and yesterday were.

    <em>Click.</em>

    As Kang Chan opened the door and stepped out, Kim Hyung-Jung quickly stood up.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Kang Chan entered the room where Abibu was. However, before he could beat him up again, the attendant clung to Kang Chan.

    "I will answer whatever you ask to the best of my abilities."

    Kang Chan silently observed Abibu, who was leaning against the wall, half unconscious and gasping for breath. Abibu couldn¡¯t even consider resisting anymore. Once someone''s will had beenpletely broken by violence, all they¡¯d ever feel was fear.

    The problem was Abibu''s position.

    If the attendant were in his position, terror would have filled him every time he saw Kang Chan. However, it was different for Abibu. If his mind cleared, the eyes watching him couldpel him to stand up and fight even if it meant death.

    <em>Should I just kill him?</em>

    While Kang Chan was pondering what to do with Abibu, the attendant eximed, "<em>Huuuuh</em>! I''ll tell you everything! Please! The prince has said that he would confess! He¡¯ll answer anything you ask, so please...!"

    <em>Why is he crying? I haven¡¯t even hit him once.</em>

    "Are you sure?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Huh?"

    "Bastard!"

    "Y-yes! Yes! I¡¯m sure!"

    With the attendant startled, Kang Chan saw fear rise in the eyes of the flinching Abibu.

    "Pass on exactly what I say," Kang Chan ordered.

    "Yes, sir."

    Kang Chan looked beyond the ss, telling their interpreter to make sure that the attendant was interpreting correctly.

    "There¡¯s something you two misunderstood," Kang Chan said.

    The attendant poured out clear Arabic into Abibu''s ear.

    "I¡¯m not doing this to get something out of you."

    The attendant turned his head toward him in shock. Nevertheless, he still frantically spewed Arabic.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan, who had kept his gaze on Abibu¡¯s eyes, noticed the outer edges of Abibu''s eyes subtly twitch. A person who wholeheartedly believed that they had been defeated wouldn¡¯t have reacted like that.<nf906c style="height:1px;width:0;overflow:hidden;disy:inline-block"> </nf906c>

    Kang Chan smirked, now determined to put a proper end to all this.

    "Abibu, you bastard," he growled.

    Fear immediately enveloped the attendant¡¯s expression.

    "You just wasted yourst chance."

    <em>Whack! Thud!</em>

    Before Abibu¡¯s attendant could evene up with an excuse, Kang Chan ferociously kicked his head.

    <em>Whack!</em>

    He then mmed Abibu¡¯s head against the wall, causing him to fall sideways to the floor like a scarecrow.

    <em>Crack.</em>

    "<em>Ugh</em>..."

    Right after, Kang Chan stepped on Abibu¡¯s neck.

    The bastard had calcted it all in the brief moment his attendant clung to him. Feeling his subordinate watching him, he remembered his invible pride, the authority and wealth that had protected him so far, and the force of UIS.

    It was better to just kill him now that it hade to this.

    Abibu iled and struggled. Weakly, he held onto Kang Chan''s ankle.

    "<em>Aaaah</em>!"

    At that moment, the previously foolish-looking attendant red and charged toward Kang Chan.

    <em>What do you think you''re doing, you fucking bastard?!</em>

    <em>Whack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>

    However, Kang Chan just relentlessly stomped on him.

    <em>This baster, what a faithful servant of a treacherous country.</em>

    <em>You¡¯re just a ruthless loyalist who yed his part well in eliminating key South Korean agents and personnel, Abibu! That doesn¡¯t make you important and all of our people worthless!</em>

    <em>The scent of the 606''s blood is still fresh in my nose, and you fucking bastard was right there, issuing the orders! You even almost fooled me!</em>

    While Abibu was gasping for breath, Kang Chan mercilessly trampled the attendant, who was beside him.

    <em>If you''re so envious of what we have, why don¡¯t you offer a fair price for it instead of begging, bombing, and killing people just to force us to give it up?</em>

    <em>Are South Korea and its agents, who carry out their missions wearing their uniform like they¡¯re shrouds, that trivial to you?!</em>

    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>

    "Assistant Director!"

    Kim Hyung-Jung and the agents clung to Kang Chan desperately again. In response, Kang Chan took a step back. His two victims nowy sprawled in simr poses, barely breathing.

    He was aware that if they just left them like this, the entire Republic of Korea could be put in danger. Hence, he took out his phone.

    <em>If it''s a fight they want, I''ll give them one, but I¡¯ll do it my way.</em>

    As Kang Chan searched for a number, thebored breathing of the two men filled the room. Eventually, he pressed the call button.

    - Hello?

    "Director, this is Kang Chan. Is Director Kang with you?"

    - Just a moment.

    Sensing something odd in Kang Chan''s voice, Kim Tae-Jin skipped the usual pleasantries and handed over the phone to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Meanwhile, Kim Hyung-Jung nced around, and the corners of Abibu''s eyes twitched again.

    <em>You bastard! Just you fucking wait!</em>

    - It''s me.

    "We might have to face the entire UIS soon. If we do, I n to bring the fight to Mongolia," Kang Chan said.

    - <em>Hahaha</em>!

    In both his past and current lives, this was the first time he had heard Kang Chul-Gyuugh out loud.

    - We¡¯ll prepare ordingly and wait for you!

    Kang Chan exhaled softly, unable to make sense of his reaction.

    Did Kang Chul-Gyu not fully understand because ¡°UIS¡± was said in English? Did the idea of a full-scale war with the United Imic State not spark any fear in him?

    <em>How strange¡ªit seems there are no normal humans around me...</em>

    Suddenly, the call was cut off.

    <em>¡®Who would hang up first if he and Vasili were on the phone?¡¯ </em>Kang Chan wondered.

    Anyway, he felt at ease now.

    Now, he only needed the intelligence bureaus of China, Russia, and Germany to spread rumors about him using his position against the Korean government¡¯s opposition to kill the two bastards and then flee to Mongolia. The UIS would certainly prefer to rush to the scene in Mongolia than face a full-scale war with South Korea.

    <em>Alright! Now that it hase to this, I''ll get a satisfying revenge for Director Hwang Ki-Hyun, Director Song Chang-Wook, and our fallen agents and soldiers.</em>

    Kang Chan shifted his gaze.

    "Pistol."

    The agent swallowed dryly and pulled the handgun from his waistband. The counter-terrorism team agents seemed to have been trained to follow orders without questions.

    "Assistant Director!" Kim Hyung-Jung yelled. However, one look from Kang Chan was all it took to silence him.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan cocked the gun.

    Bewilderment shed in Abibu''s swollen eyes, making them look as if they had been shed with a knife. He appeared to have finally grasped Kang Chan''s character. Moreover, his instincts seemed to be telling him that the atmosphere right now was anything but ordinary.

    He struggled to spit out Arabic.

    <em>It''s toote, you bastard! And I don''t know Arabic!</em>

    However, Abibu managed to utter a word that Kang Chan could understand.

    "Afghanistan..."

    Kang Chan¡¯s ears deviously perked up.

    <em>Ha! This bastard!</em>

    He was really making him feel simple and childish.

    The attendant groaned as he began to ry Abibu¡¯s words. "The original n started in Afghanistan. We were going to hold Koreans there and kill them one by one, but the hostages were rescued. It was absurd.¡±

    "What does that have to do with this situation?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Your agents in Libya found out about this."

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung were dumbfounded.

    It was so astounding that they didn''t even know what to ask or press into.

    "It was Josh''s operation. He informed us of every detail about the Koreans in Afghanistan while Ethan was unknowingly drawing attention by trying to kill Ambassador Lanok and the God of ckfield."

    <em>These fuckers! Who do they think are they trying to kill?</em>

    This was ridiculous.

    "We were nning to put a stop to the situation through the assassination of the agents in Libya, but it instead further escted when you and your men came to Libya and retaliated. We had Romain''s help then."

    Kang Chan just openlyughed in response. Romain was also the one who had given him the intel about the UIS in Libya.

    "I''m telling the truth,¡± Abibu said, seemingly thinking that Kang Chan didn''t believe him.

    Honestly, at this point, trust had gone out of the window.

    He continued, "This terrorist attack was no different.¡±

    "You must have received something in exchange for all this!¡± Kang Chan shouted. ¡°I doubt you¡¯re short on money, so what did they give you that was so valuable they got you making such a mess?"

    Abibu shuddered.

    <em>Is this bastard still messing with me?</em>

    Kang Chan aimed the gun at Abibu''s head.

    In response, Abibu uttered another word that Kang Chan could understand, expanding his hope for a life extension.

    "ckhead!"

    <em>What timing.</em>

    "They promised to build a next-generation power nt in Saudi Arabia using ckhead. Construction has already begun."

    "What about the attack in Mongolia?"

    "We needed samples of denadite and cetinium. Given how tightly they control things over there, we expected that with such a huge force, we would at least obtain few."

    Kang Chan sighed. ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    He suddenly desperately wanted a cigarette.

    "Got a cigarette?"

    Kim Hyung-Jung searched his pockets and then looked at the ss. It seemed he had left them inside.

    "Please¡­ If word gets out that I caved in and gave you all that information, neither the DGSE nor the British intelligence bureau will let us live,¡± Abibu uttered in Arabic, his voice fading. ¡°If the public learns that I was involved in a terrorist attack, I''ll also lose my ce in the line of session to the throne. I¡¯ll keep quiet about this and even announce that your government has moved to a safe location for my protection. That should leave the UIS with no justification to attack South Korea.¡±

    <em>This dying man sure is talkative!</em>

    <em>Click.</em>

    The door opened, and the interpreter came in with cigarettes and a lighter.

    Kang Chan looked at him, his gaze seemingly asking ¡°Did the bastard interpret everything correctly?¡±

    The interpreter nodded briefly.

    <em>Click.</em>

    "<em>Hoo</em>."

    <em>Thud.</em>

    Kang Chan pulled a chair over and sat down.

    "You haven¡¯t told me why you had to kill two of our directors yet.¡±

    The agents'' reactions were so sharp that they could almost be felt on the skin.

    "I don''t know. Romain just requested to have it done," Abibu replied.

    "Ah, it''s troublesome to end up like this at thest moment."

    "Can''t¡­ breathe¡­"

    Abibu did look like he couldn''t hold on much longer.

    <em>Should I just kill him?</em>

    Kang Chan pondered for a moment. He had heard far more than he wanted to, and the deal Abibu had offered was tempting. However, he still had to avenge those that this bastard had killed.

    While smoking, he red at the two men.

    It wasn''t his decision to make.

    Considering this could potentially affect all of South Korea, its government naturally should be the one to decide Abibu¡¯s fate.

    "Get the medical team to treat him," Kang Chan said.

    "Call the medical team!" Kim Hyung-Jung shouted toward the ss.

    It was like some kind of magic ss. Asked for cigarettes, and cigarettes came; called for a medical team, and they appeared.

    Kang Chan exhaled a long puff of smoke. ¡°<em>Hooo</em>.¡±

    <em>Romain, that motherfucker. All this mess was just to build another next-generation energy facility, huh? They even sent the ambassador back to France for this.</em>

    The medical team briefly hesitated when they saw the scene. After greeting the people inside with a nod, they rushed to Abibu and his attendant¡¯s aid.

    <em>Thud.</em>

    Kang Chan slowly stood up and left the room. As he did, the armed agent standing by the door caught his attention.

    Curious about what the agent, whom he had never spoken to before, was thinking, he stopped and fixed his gaze on him. The agent now looked startled.

    "Are your parents still alive?"

    "Yes, sir."

    "Is your rtionship with them okay?"

    Although the agent seemed puzzled, he still firmly answered, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    "If you knew you were going to die in the next operation, would you still volunteer?"

    "My answer would never change, sir. I would go," replied the agent.

    Kang Chan smirked. "Don''t give me a textbook answer. What about your parents, who are waiting for you at home? Have you never thought about how sad and troubled they would be?"

    "Assistant Director,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung called.

    Kang Chan nced at Kim Hyung-Jung and then looked back at the agent. In that short period, the agent¡¯s eyes had reddened.

    "The day the director¡¯s security was breached, I was supposed to be the one on duty. Instead, I lost a senior who had agreed to swap shifts with me because it was my mother''s sixtieth birthday. The Taegeukgi on my left arm has felt too heavy ever since. I¡¯ve never missed a single standby since that day! Please let me join the counter-terrorism team¡¯s operations.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed softly as he left the room. Of all the people to ask, he just had to choose an agent with such a heavy story!

 Chapter 338: Because Its Urgent (1)

    While watching Abibu get carried away on a stretcher through the ss, Kang Chan pulled out his phone. Although the sudden terrorist attack had caused a dy, he still intended to stop Lanok from having to go into the basement of Loriam. He also wanted to ensure Anne''s safety. After a few rings, a familiar female voice answered the phone.

    - Hello?

    "Anne?"

    - Yes, Deputy Director-General.

    "Why are you speaking so formally? I already told you that I¡¯ve quit."

    - It hasn''t been processed yet.

    "Let''s not be so formal with each other. I told you thatst time as well."

    Anne suddenly quieted down. If she were busy or in another meeting, she would not have answered the call in the first ce. Kang Chan tensed up.

    "What''s going on? Did something happen to the ambassador?"- Channy, I''m sorry, but could youe to the embassy now?

    "Sure. I''m on my way."

    After hanging up, Kang Chan immediately looked for Choi Jong-Il. He then changed into the shirt that he had left in the car and drove to the embassy with Lee Doo-Hee.

    <em>What could it be? Has Romain done something reckless?</em>

    He felt uneasy during the entire trip.

    The embassy was still guarded by the 606''s Special Operations Unit. Upon seeing Kang Chan, they bowed as a gesture of respect and familiarity.

    "Monsieur Kang, this way please,¡± Raphael, who had been waiting, greeted.

    Kang Chan could tell at a nce that something was amiss. Inplete silence, he walked into the building and went to the office on the second floor. When he opened the door and entered, he immediately saw Anne rising from the table.

    Right after, a man stood up from Lanok¡¯s desk.

    "It''s been a long time, Assistant Director," Pierre, the head of the intelligence bureau in Niafle, greeted.

    <em>What? Why...?</em>

    "Pierre, why are you sitting there?"

    "I am the new French ambassador to South Korea," Pierre replied.

    Kang Chan motionlessly stared at him.

    <em>Knock, knock, knock.</em>

    If Raphael hadn''t brought in some tea, he might have stood there for much longer.

    "Why don''t we sit down and talk?"

    Kang Chan first gave Anne a look, then turned to Louis standing by the door to determine if Anne was under threat.

    "Assistant Director."

    Kang Chan turned his gaze back to Pierre.

    "Just call me by my name," said Kang Chan.

    "Understood, Monsieur Kang."

    At the very least, Pierre was clearly being cautious around him. After Raphael left the room, Kang Chan finally moved to the table and sat down.

    "What''s going on?" he asked.

    "The director put me in this position."

    "How¡¯s the ambassador?"

    "He is in Loriam."

    Kang Chan reached for a cigarette and then slowly raised his gaze.

    "Say that again, Pierre."

    "He is in the basements of Loriam."

    Hearing the same thing twice and seeing Anne cover her mouth with her hand confirmed that the ambassador was now trapped in the sinister underground prison of Loriam, the same ce where they had locked Shan.

    "Did Romain order this?"

    "The DGSE hasplete management rights over Loriam."

    "Pierre, I''m warning you. Don''t y word games with me about the ambassador''s situation. Did Romain order this?"

    "Yes, Monsieur Kang."

    Kang Chan sighed softly.

    He had thought that he would have at least three days of leeway. Hence, after listening to Abibu¡¯s confession, he rushed over to discuss what to do with Romain.

    He had heard about this from Vasili. However, he hadn''t expected things to escte so quickly and without any warning. Now that they were in this situation, he was seething.

    "Pierre, I¡¯m taking Anne, Louis, and Raphael with me."

    "That will be difficult."

    Kang Chan smirked.

    Meeting his demanding gaze, Pierre exined, "Please don''t misunderstand. If Anne, Louis, and Raphael leave the embassy, the ambassador will truly be in danger. Moreover, since the director wants to negotiate with you through me, their absence would only make him tighten his guard."

    Anne nodded from across the table.

    "Why did the ambassador ept being locked up in Loriam earlier than scheduled?" Kang Chan asked.

    "The main reason was to prevent the DGSE from publicly exposing you, Monsieur Kang," Pierre quickly responded."The threat video that the UIS had broadcast during the terrorist attack on the International Building was supposed to be around five minutes long."

    "That video from yesterday?"

    "Yes. It included footage of your activities in Afghanistan, your stay in a UN base in Africa, your battle with the Quds, and pictures of your operations in Libya."

    <em>Abibu! That bastard!</em>

    There was yet another unspoken crime.

    "Intelligence bureaus should nevermit such actions among themselves. Nevertheless, the UIS had intended to go to such lengths to target you, but the ambassador stopped them."

    "Ah!"

    Kang Chan was tired of only being able to retaliate. He had also been ranting about building a stronger South Korea and improving its intelligence bureau.

    <em>How long does this have to go on?</em>

    "How long do we have to endure watching people we care about sacrifice themselves?" he muttered to himself.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had gone abroad, and Lanok was trapped in Loriam.

    They had also lost Choi Seong-Geon, Hwang Ki-Hyun, and Song Chang-Wook.

    He had been running around so much that despite Kim Gwan-Sik''s joking suggestion, he hadn''t even called Kim Mi-Young. What had he been doing all this time?

    "Channy," Anne called.

    Kang Chan calmly looked at her.

    "My father¡­ asked you not to hate France and to protect and take care of his sessor."

    <em>Damn it. What is the ambassador thinking?</em>

    Vasili was saying that he had chosen Loriam in order to capture the Star of David, and Pierre was saying that it was to protect Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan turned back to Pierre. "Are you confident that you can protect Anne?"

    "I will do my best, Monsieur Kang."

    Kang Chan turned to Louis.

    "Louis, have there been any changes in the embassy staff?"

    "No, Monsieur Kang."

    "Please take care of Anne."

    "I will," Louis responded with a nod.

    ***

    Moon Jae-Hyun, who had been walking along the Blue House pathway, stopped.

    "How should we handle Abibu?" he asked.

    "The situation requires further consideration. We¡¯ve got solid evidence that ties him to the terrorist attack on the International Building, so there''s no problem there. However, the cases involving former directors Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook are based solely on statements, so we need objective evidence."

    Moon Jae-Hyun grimaced.

    It wasn¡¯t just any statement. Go Gun-Woo had rushed over in shock because Kang Chan had beaten up Abibu so severely that the medical team almost failed to save him.

    "Given the public sentiment, we can¡¯t just decide on Abibu¡¯s verdict based on the International Building incident alone. Let¡¯s give this issue some more thought."

    ¡°Yes, sir," Go Gun-Woo responded with a heavy face.

    "How about other matters?"

    "We¡¯ve received a report stating that we have obtained the OTP device for a missileuncher. While this is a significant achievement, the pieces we¡¯ve gathered do not connect into a single picture."

    "<em>Hmm</em>."

    The two continued walking toward the Blue House, which looked like broad shoulders that stretched to both ends of thendscape.

    "We¡¯re putting too much burden on the assistant director, yet we can¡¯t even give him full authority over the National Intelligence Service¡­¡±

    "Considering his career, age, factional support, and the views of the opposition and the public, it''s impossible to entrust the National Intelligence Service to him.¡±

    "His aggressive nature could also be a problem,¡± Go Gun-Woo remarked.

    The two chuckled.

    "There¡¯s no other option for now. We¡¯ll have to rely on your protection, Director,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    "I understand. Are you looking for a sessor, though?" Go Gun-Woo asked.

    Moon Jae-Hyun gave Go Gun-Woo a questioning gaze.

    Go Gun-Woo inadvertently shook his head. "Mr. President, while watching the assistant director handle Abibu, I realized I am not fit to be the head of the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    He continued, "I have never felt the meaning of risking one''s life as clearly as I do now. You must have seen the CCTV footage, too. My heart raced when the agents threw themselves into the lobby of the International Building."

    As if recalling that scene, Go Gun-woo¡¯s expression understandably tensed up. After all, he had lived his entire life as a bureaucrat before finding himself amid such an operation.

    "With your permission, Mr. President, I would like to consider myself a stand-in director for the assistant director. Until we can give this position to him. I¡¯ll follow his intentions whenever possible."

    "What about his aggressive nature?"

    "I suppose managing that is part of my job. I also have administrative issues and factional matters to coordinate."

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded. "We have already bought thend in Goseong, and road construction has started. If we can just endure for another year, we¡¯d be able to somewhatplete the picture we so desire to see."

    "Do you believe the next administration will push this agenda as firmly as you do, Mr. President?"

    "I don''t know." Moon Jae-Hyun looked at the Blue House. "However, I trust our people. Against all the hardships and adversities they will face, they have the capability and resilience that have built South Korea into what it is today."

    With a determined expression, he added, "Our people can turn South Korea into a leading global power. They deserve to live in such a country."

    Realizing that he had no choice but to continue filling the role of the NIS director, Go Gun-Woo exhaled softly as he looked at Blue House.

    ***

    The Jeungpyeong special forces team¡¯s bus stopped in front of their barracks. Afterward, starting with Cha Dong-Gyun, the soldiers began to disembark. The door of the barracks opened at the same time.

    "Attention!" ordered Cha Dong-Gyun.

    Asmanded, the soldiers immediately stood at attention.

    Park Chul-Su scowled at Cha Dong-Gyun. "What are you doing? Hurry up and help me out!"

    Although the aide was holding him up by his left arm, Park Chul-Su was still moving so slowly that he seemed stuck in the door of the barracks. Cha Dong-Gyun quickly saluted and then ran to assist. As soon as he held Park Chul-Su¡¯s right arm, his expression darkened.

    "Did getting promoted to Captain get to your head? How could you scowl when a general has asked for your help?" Park Chul-Su questioned.

    "With all due respect, sir, why are you moving around in your current condition?"

    "How could you ask me that when you¡¯ve gone out to an operation with a hole in your stomach?¡±

    Still pale and heavily bandaged around the chest, Park Chul-Su was clearly in no condition to be outside.

    The other soldiers quickly ran over, lifted Park Chul-Su, and helped him down the barracks. At the same time, the aide brought over a wheelchair. Once the soldiers had sat him on it, the aide draped a nket over him.

    "Cha Dong-Gyun," called Park Chul-Su. ¡°No, you¡¯re Captain Cha Dong-Gyun now."

    He managed a weak smile. "Being a general is great."

    "Congrattions on your promotion, sir."

    "Yeah. Thanks to that, I can now sneak out like this and even buy gifts for you bastards.¡± Despite the pain, Park Chul-Su grinned mischievously. "I bought Korean beef. Consider it my treat to celebrate my promotion, so eat as much as you want."

    "Did you really sneak out?"

    "Why? Want to try it?"

    Cha Dong-Gyun nced at the side. Park Chul-Su wouldn¡¯t lie to them, but this kind of joke was certainly different from his usual demeanor.

    "I might not be back for another two months," Park Chul-Su said, his tone now more serious. "Although I''ll still support administrative aspects and asionally buy you all some beef, I''m nning to start taking it easy."

    With the soldiers done unloading the equipment, the bus slowly began to drive away.

    With a stern and resolute expression, he continued, "So, from now on, you lead this unit.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun didn¡¯t know what to say.

    "Give my aide a list of all the personnel and equipment you need. I''ll secure everything using any means necessary. In return, create a force that can survive Africa and even yesterday¡¯s terrorist attack. I want this team to be so strong that just the mention of its name makes terrorists tremble."

    Park Chul-Su slowly turned his gaze toward the makeshift city. "Now that I have the stars, I finally understand why General Choi Seong-Geon couldn''t leave this barracks."

    Cha Dong-Gyun stared at Park Chul-Su in confusion. Maybe he would never understand what he meant. After all, ording to him, one would need the stars toprehend it.

    ***

    After leaving the embassy, Kang Chan headed back to his office. On the way, he called Assistant Manager Kim.

    - Hello?

    "It¡¯s me. My parents¡¯ phones are off."

    - Assistant Director.

    Assistant Manager Kim spoke gently.

    "How¡¯s the situation over there?"

    - They actually came up with the n for this trip a few days ago. However, they only decided to push through with it and began making reservations when they learned about the terrorist attacks that took the lives of two of our directors. We were already at the airport when they learned about the incident over at the International Building.

    "It took them that long to learn about the attack on the International Building?"

    - They had turned off their phones, TVs, and inte, so they¡¯repletely unaware of any recent affairs.

    Kang Chan cocked his head.

    - After the news from France began circting, they started getting flooded with calls...

    "Ah."

    Kang Chan now understood why the two decided to travel abroad. Having topletely cut off contact and stay at home likely made them feel more like they were being confined than being protected. It was not strange at all for them to want to escape and rest somewhere no one recognized them for a day or two.

    "Are they with you right now?"

    - I upgraded them to first ss. Should I switch you over?

    "If you can."

    - Please hold.

    After a moment of background noises and Assistant Manager Kim exining things to a flight attendant, Kang Chan heard another voice.

    - Hello?

    It was Kang Dae-Kyung.

    "Father, this does not seem fair."

    Choi Jong-Il, who was in the driver¡¯s seat, nced around and then quickly looked out the window.

    - Your mom and I are finally having a proper honeymoon.

    In the background, Kang Chan heard Yoo Hye-Sook ask, ¡°Is that Channy?¡±

    Kang Chan had spoken in a somewhat whiny tone, but he still felt a twinge of remorse.

    "I¡¯m sorry, Father."

    - What are you talking about? We¡¯re out on a trip, so stop worrying about us already. As it turns out, going abroad with your mom feels better than I thought.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    - I¡¯ll hand you over to your mother. One moment.

    Kang Chan was just thinking of Yoo Hye-Sook when her cheerful voice burst through.

    - Channy!

    "Mother."

    - Where are you? Have you eaten? Are you hurt anywhere?

    His smile was tinged with sadness and apology.

    "I¡¯m doing fine. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t keep in touch properly."

    - It¡¯s okay. I know you¡¯re busy. Your father has told you not to worry about anything else while you''re working, hasn¡¯t he?

    Kang Chan cocked his head, surprised by the brightness in Yoo Hye-Sook''s voice.

    "Is there anything you need?"

    - Just don¡¯t skip your meals.

    "I won¡¯t."

    - Channy.

    "Yes?¡±

    - This is a trip your dad and I have always wanted to take since we got married, so don¡¯t feel bad or uneasy that we¡¯re doing this now, okay?

    <em>She definitely practiced speaking like this!</em>

    Kang Chan finally realized why Yoo Hye-Sook sounded so cheerful. Although she wasn¡¯t fond of the trip, she had probably practiced responding this way just in case he called. The way she answered and talked to him made her seem as if she was reading a book.

    "Should I be expecting a sibling soon?"

    - You! Don¡¯t be disgusting!

    Choi Jong-Il nced at him, but it didn¡¯t matter to Kang Chan. He could simplyugh with Yoo Hye-Sook. They talked for about thirty minutes, hanging up only when Kang Chan was almost at his destination.

 Chapter 339: Because Its Urgent (2)

    Upon entering the office, Kang Chan sat at the table by the window.

    "Coffee?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    "Yeah. Instant, please," Kang Chan requested.

    "Got it."

    Shortly after, Seok Kang-Ho came back with tworge mugs of instant coffee.

    "Where''s G¨¦rard?" Kang Chan asked.

    "He''s with the agents manning the satellites."

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee. As he set down the mug, Seok Kang-Ho offered him a cigarette.

    <em>This guy really knows what I want in situations like this.</em>They both lit up cigarettes.

    "Call G¨¦rard over," Kang Chan said.

    "Alright.¡±

    However, before Seok Kang-Ho could leave, they heard someone shout.

    "Captain!"

    As if overhearing their conversation, G¨¦rard appeared from the room further inside the office even though no one had called for him yet.

    "I''ll be back with some coffee."

    "Sure."

    They weren¡¯t in a rush anyway.

    Long legs, a body that looked good in a shirt, brown hair, and blue eyes with hints of green¡ªit was somewhat absurd seeing such a man dumping two packs of instant coffee into a mug and stirring it with the wrapper.

    G¨¦rard soon walked to the table and took a seat, a cigarette already in his mouth.

    Kang Chan had initially nned to exin what he had heard from Abibu to these two. They could then put their heads together to figure out what to do next. However, although they were reliable in a fight, Kang Chan had always had doubts about their intellectual abilities. Hence, he decided to call Kim Hyung-Jung first instead.

    - Assistant Director.

    "Can I see you for a moment? I¡¯m at the office."

    - I''ll being from Samseong-dong, so I''ll be there in ten minutes.

    "Okay. I¡¯ll wait."

    After ending the call, Kang Chan leisurely told Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard that he had roughed up Abibu. Telling the whole story took quite a while since he had to do it in both Korean and French.

    "Ah! Damn it! I should have been there."

    As Seok Kang-Ho was expressing his regrets, Kim Hyung-Jung entered the office. After exchanging pleasantries, he took a seat at the table. A mug of instant coffee was already in front of him.

    "I asked you toe over because there''s something we all need to discuss,¡± Kang Chan said. ¡°Doo-Hee! Bring over that whiteboard please!"

    As instructed, Lee Doo-Hee dragged over the whiteboard in the corner.

    Afterward, Kang Chan ordered, "Jong-Il and Hee-Seung,e over here! Bring chairs!"

    The two soon brought over three chairs to the table.

    Kang Chan walked to the whiteboard and picked up a pen.

    "My thoughts are all jumbled up right now, so I need your help organizing everything and figuring out if I missed anything."

    He then quickly ryed the same information to G¨¦rard in fluent French. Ironically, even though he was in Korea, he felt as if his French was improving. Kang Chan first wrote ¡°Abibu¡± at the top left of the whiteboard.

    "This bastard''s deeds..."

    Afterward, in order, he wrote ¡°Hostage kidnapping in Afghanistan - Josh,¡± ¡°Assassination of South Korean agents in Libya - to cover up the incident in Afghanistan,¡± and the rest of Abibu¡¯s confession.

    "Look. This is the sequence. When the agents we had sent to Libya realized that the kidnapping in Afghanistan was orchestrated, our enemies decided to kill them.¡±

    Kang Chan then moved on to the revenge operations.

    "They likely attacked our base in Mongolia not only to destroy it but also to obtain denadite and cetinium samples for their new next-generation power facilities."

    By the time he was done recounting and documenting everything that Abibu had revealed, including what the UIS had intended to broadcast, he had alreadypletely filled the left side of the board.

    "That fucking bastard!" Seok Kang-Ho cursed on Kang Chan¡¯s behalf.

    "We¡¯re not done yet. Next is Director Hwang''s death. ording to Manager Kim, he left coordinates using a phone number, and that¡¯s likely the reason DGSE Director Romain decided to kill him with a terrorist attack.¡±

    Kang Chan first wrote ¡°Hwang Ki-Hyun¡± and then ¡°Romain¡± below it. He then connected the International Building terrorist attack, Hwang Ki-Hyun, Romain, and Abibu with lines.

    "After that, one of our agents obtained coordinates from a Greek-Egyptian naval intelligence officer, which led us to a ship transporting the OTP device of a nuclear warhead. The crew aboard the ship were presumed to be of Greek military origin."

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in response. After Kang Chan said the same thing in French, G¨¦rard nodded as well.

    "Lastly, Ambassador Lanok got locked up in Loriam''s underground prison. Pierre, the head of the Nifles branch of France¡¯s intelligence bureau, has reced him."

    After his monologue, everyone stared at the whiteboard with serious expressions.

    "Think about the connections. There has to be something here. Even if there isn''t, we need to find one. How and where Director Hwang obtained the coordinates, where the Egyptian naval officer got the coordinates to the ship carrying the OTP device¡­ there¡¯s got to be something we can work on."

    Looking at the people seated before him, Kang Chan added, ¡°Considering there were no other ships near that area, those who were supposed to receive the OTP device were likely in a submarine. If so, then the missing nuclear warhead was likely aboard it."

    Silence enveloped the spacious office.

    "Can I smoke?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    "Go for it," Kang Chan replied.

    Using their brains definitely intensified their craving for cigarettes.

    However, that was simply how it was when it came to smoking. Once someone had reached out to bum a cigarette, the other people in the group strangely extended their hands out too. Eventually, Kim Hyung-Jung nodded, permitting Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee to smoke as well.

    The smoke from their cigarettes swirled toward the ceiling vent.

    "Captain," G¨¦rard called. "How about we try getting an informant in Egypt? They might have some other information routes connected to the senior officers."

    Kang Chan wrote ¡°Egyptian informant¡±<em></em>on the whiteboard, then ryed G¨¦rard''s suggestion in Korean.

    "Wow!"

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at G¨¦rard in surprise. His expression then filled with the determination toe up with an even more amazing suggestion.

    "Assistant Director," Kim Hyung-Jung called, causing everyone to turn to him.

    "There are only a few countries that could have sent a submarine there. As Mr. G¨¦rard suggested, we should start by looking for an informant in Egypt and trying to find a submarine equipped with missiles that requireunch codes."

    As Kang Chan interpreted Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s suggestion to French for G¨¦rard and wrote ''<em>Submarine-owning countries'' </em>on the whiteboard, Seok Kang-Ho''s face grew increasingly anxious.

    <em>Why is this bastard so enthusiastic about using his brain?</em>

    Kang Chan felt a bit sorry for Seok Kang-Ho, but there was no other choice at the moment.

    ***

    Jo Seok-Do sat facing the road on the terrace of a coffee shop. After some time, someone walked over to him.

    "Sorry, I¡¯mte. Have you been waiting long?"

    Jo Seok-Do stood up and greeted the person. "Not at all."

    "It''s been a while."

    "It has, hasn¡¯t it? Please, have a seat."

    Once hispanion had sat down, he took his seat again.

    "How have you been?"

    "Terrible. You know how it is, don¡¯t you, sunbae-nim?"

    "Yeah. We¡¯re on the same boat, then."

    A moment of frivolous conversation passed.

    "I¡¯ve got a scoop for you, but can you handle it?"

    "What is it?"

    "The main culprit behind the recent International Building incident is a Saudi Arabian prince."

    Jo Seok-Do quickly looked around.

    "Seriously?"

    "I wouldn¡¯t spout nonsense."

    Jo Seok-Do opened his notebook and swiftly began to take notes.

    "The prince was arrested at the Park Hotel in Samseong-dong during the incident. Cross-referencing the hotel records should reveal everything to you.¡±

    As hispanion spoke, Jo Seok-Do just kept taking notes.

    "I¡¯ve got something even more shocking for you. The assistant director of the National Intelligence Service has tortured the prince and his attendant. They are now in critical condition."

    Jo Seok-Do stopped writing and sharply looked up. "W-what?"

    "Even though the prince was behind the terrorist attack, it¡¯s still hard to forgive the emergency arrest of a foreign dignitary, especially since they were tortured almost to death to force them to confess."

    "Do you have evidence?"

    Hispanion shook his head.

    "The moment I bring out evidence, everyone will know who did it, and I''ll immediately be..." he made a slitting gesture across his throat.

    "<em>Hmm</em>."

    "No need to ponder. Just announce the arrest first. That alone would be a scoop, wouldn¡¯t it? Just say that the person identified as the perpetrator is now in critical condition due to torture. If he''s alright, he''ll appear on TV soon, and if the official announcement is dyed, your article will validate itself."

    Jo Seok-Do pressed his lips together and stared at his notes.

    "Are you sure it was the assistant director of the National Intelligence Service who tortured him?"

    "Yes, the very person who led the counter-terrorism team."

    Jo Seok-Do tilted his head in disbelief. "<em>Haaa</em>."

    "What is it?"

    "He''s currently a national hero. Writing that he tortured someone without evidence won''t get past the desk."

    "Is that so? Forget I said anything, then,¡± hispanion nonchntly replied.

    "Sunbae-nim, why are you giving me this information? To the National Intelligence Service..." Jo Seok-Do looked around before continuing, "You''re not exactly low-ranked."

    Hispanion scoffed. "<em>Hmph</em>. I can¡¯t tell you everything, but because of the assistant director, our country might go to war."

    Jo Seok-Do didn¡¯t seem all that surprised. Perhaps it was because he found the im absurd.

    "I know. Hard to believe, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯m the one who handles the information, yet I¡¯m just as baffled. Try to connect the dots, though. The Eurasian Rail conference terrorist attack, past military deployments, the recent assassination of two of our directors, and now the International Building incident. It¡¯s not impossible. We are in a dire situation."

    "So you''re doing this to prevent a war? No other intentions?"

    Hispanion scoffed again. "I¡¯ll let you be the judge of that, but get back to me within two hours. You¡¯re the first person I gave this info to since you''re my junior. There wouldn¡¯t be any hard feelings if you were to refuse."

    The person stood up and left the coffee shop without looking back.

    "<em>Hmm</em>."

    Jo Seok-Do silently stared at his notebook.

    ***

    "Captain," G¨¦rard called once more.

    "How did the agents in Libya find out that Josh ordered the kidnapping of hostages in Afghanistan? If they were killed to cover it up, does that mean Josh and Romain were aware of the entire operation?"

    "We still don''t know. They¡¯ve killed all agents who knew the details."

    Kang Chan wrote G¨¦rard''s question on the whiteboard again and ryed the gist of his idea in Korean. Once written, it felt more objective to look at it one by one. While lost in thought, Kim Hyung-Jung took notes about everything written on the board.

    Choi Jong-Il raised his hand. "What about our fight with the Quds in Africa? Is that unrted to this situation?"

    Kang Chan and the others nkly looked at him.

    "The Quds seemed to be trying to annihte all of the special forces teams, including us. There has to be a reason for that too, especially since they¡¯re of Arab descent..."

    <em>That''s it!</em>

    Kang Chan snapped to attention.

    <em>How could I have missed that?</em>

    While telling G¨¦rard what Choi Jong-Il had just said, Kang Chan turned to Choi Jong-Il. He looked as if he had just realized something.

    Only Seok Kang-Ho''s gaze, filled with a strong determination to blow something up, was different from the others

    Staring intently at the whiteboard, he called, "Captain.¡±

    Kang Chan wanted to stop him, concerned that what he was about to say would be so farfetched that it would only upset him¡­ He honestly hoped Seok Kang-Ho would just suggest grabbing a snack instead.

    Instead, with a grave expression, Seok Kang-Ho asked, "You said the hostages in Afghanistan weren''t just kidnapped for ransom, right?"

    "That''s right."

    Kang Chan was so nervous he almost couldn¡¯t hear what Seok Kang-Ho was saying.

    <em>This bastard makes me tense up over nothing.</em>

    "You also said that our agents in Libya were killed because they have discovered the true objective of the kidnappings in Afghanistan.¡±

    "Yes."

    <em>Is he actually onto something...? Maybe he found a clue?</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho met Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, then turned around with a somewhat arrogant expression. Meanwhile, Kang Chan ryed his ideas to G¨¦rard.

    "Oh!" G¨¦rard eximed.

    That was the exact reaction Seok Kang-Ho had been hoping for.

    "Think about what happened in Africa. The non-existent Somali government and the UN tried to annihte the tribe. Even the Quds showed up with around six hundred men."

    <em>This guy?</em>

    Kang Chan felt a chill run down his spine due to Seok Kang-Ho''s development. At the same time, he felt something tickling him.

    <em>What? What is it? Hurry up and get to the point already!</em>

    Choi Jong-Il swallowed dry saliva while intently listening to Seok Kang-Ho.

    "Everything I''ve mentioned so far involves Muslims."

    "So?"

    Seok Kang-Ho looked over at G¨¦rard as if to say, ¡°Bet you didn¡¯t think of this.¡±

    Afterward, he finally concluded, "Let''s beat up Abibu one more time."

    "What?"

    Everyone¡¯s reactions were no different from Kang Chan¡¯s.

    "That bastard knows something, doesn''t he? We should beat him up and get more information out of him."

    Although he made it sound like a great suggestion, it was actually nonsensical. He should have kept it moderate instead of going overboard.

    <em>I shouldn''t have expected anything from this bastard!</em>

    Seeminglypletely misunderstanding Kang Chan''s profound gaze, Seok Kang-Ho said, "<em>Phew</em>. Let''s go. I¡¯ll beat him up myself this time. I don''t need an interpreter.¡±

    Kang Chan quickly turned his gaze toward the whiteboard in an attempt to stop himself from cursing in front of everyone.

    ***

    Smithen followed Shan''s movements with his head like a sunflower would keep looking at the sun. His restraints were undone, and he had been moved to a sofa. Although his thighs were now covered with burn dressings, his face still showed a bit of pain.

    "Think, Smithen. Even if you find your parents, meeting them will be difficult if you keep behaving like this."

    Shan crossed his legs and took the chair that Smithen had just vacated. Men with stern expressions surrounded them.

    "Can you find them?" Smithen asked.

    "Stop worrying about that and focus on how you''ll meet them once we do find them. In your current condition, you can''t even make a direct phone call!"

    While Smithen kept sneaking nces at Shan, a brief silence fell.

    "Give me the injection first," he asked.

    "No."

    "If the pain goes away, I might be able to think of a way. Please."

    Shanughed cruelly. He then nodded at one of the men. With a pleased expression, the man inserted a thin syringe into Smithen''s outstretched arm.

    Smithen sighed in relief. ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    He then leaned back on the sofa, his lips curving into a smirk.

    After throwing away the empty syringe in a trash can, the man asked, ¡°Can we really use this guy?¡±

    "We''ll have to observe the situation until tomorrow morning. The International Building incident has quieted down, so we might meet that kid as he said."

    After seeing the man¡¯s meaningful look, Shan continued, "Give this guy a strong shot and send him out with a bomb, and that kid is done."

    Shan nced back at Smithen with a viinous smile.

    "It doesn¡¯t even have to be him. There are plenty of other people around him whose deaths could break his heart just as much as his parents. That¡¯s why, for now, keep giving him the drugs regrly until tomorrow."

    When the man nodded, Shan stood up.

    <em>Click.</em>

    He opened his briefcase, took out a different syringe, and injected it into his own arm.

    "God of ckfield!"

    Shan smiled at the ceiling, a satisfied expression on his face.

 Chapter 340: Very Tired (1)

    After the meeting, they had food delivered. They then ate dinner right where they were sitting, finishing everyst piece of it.

    After having coffee, one by one, those in attendance began to leave.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be at the office in Samseong-Dong,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung, who was sitting with Kang Chan, said as he put down his mug.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever get off work? You should go home at least once.¡±

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee haven¡¯t gone home in days either. I believe this is something people in our line of work need to be willing to do.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the agents¡¯ manager, and you¡¯ve got a sense of duty, so I understand, but won¡¯t your family be lonely? They would naturally feel that way if the head of the household doesn¡¯te home in days, wouldn¡¯t they?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at the mug and grinned. This was Kang Chan¡¯s first time seeing him smile like that.

    ¡°I do feel more than sorry for my wife and children, especially whenever I can¡¯te home on anniversaries and holidays, but¡­.¡±

    Kim Hyung-jung gazed out the window.¡°Someone in South Korea has to do it. I¡¯m eternally grateful that I¡¯m able to.¡±

    ¡°What if your children end up resenting you?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung neither beat up his children nor had a raging alcohol addiction like Kang Chul-Gyu had. Still, what affection would children have for a father who worked so hard that he was neglecting his family?

    ¡°This reminds me of something myte father told me.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung bitterly smiled at Kang Chan.

    ¡°We were watching TV at the time, and one of the scenes was showing people unloading relief goods after the Korean War. Whenever the cloth bags of cornmeal woulde off the ships, a bunch of skinny men would rush in and fight over them, hugging them tightly. They got paid a mere penny to carry them.¡±

    It was already getting dark outside.

    ¡°My father said, ¡®That¡¯s what it¡¯s like to be the head of a household. They¡¯re holding on as if their lives depended on it just so they can put cornmeal porridge on the table for their family.¡¯¡±

    What did that have to do with family members being upset that the head of the household wasn¡¯t at home?

    Kang Chan tilted his head in confusion.

    ¡°As I watched that scene, I had a different thought. If someone had just organized the whole unloading process and lined the men up so everyone could have their turn, even the helpless ones would have been able to go home to their families with a handful of cornmeal for dinner.¡±

    Kang Chan found Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s statement so unexpected that he didn¡¯t know what to say. Hence, he just kept listening.

    ¡°If that war hadn¡¯t happened, and if we were a more prosperous country, wouldn¡¯t the families of all those men on TV have had full stomachs? That''s what I thought, at least. It¡¯s what made me want to be a soldier and the reason I ended up working at the NIS.¡±

    ¡°Does your family understand those ideals?¡±

    ¡°They have always understood. When I was in the army, I lived about half of every month in the barracks. Now, since there are so many emergencies, they think it¡¯s only natural that I don¡¯te home.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned.

    He supposed even Seok Kang-Ho had been staying at the office for days, eating and sleeping here even though his home was right around the corner.

    ¡°I should go.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Take care.¡±

    After seeing Kim Hyung-Jung off, Kang Chan returned to the table and sat facing the window.

    Kang Chul-Gyu, Kim Hyung-Jung, his parents¡ªwho had shut off all their electronic devices and stayed at home because of Kang Chan¡ªand the agents of the counter-terrorism team who couldn¡¯t go home because they were on emergency standby¡­

    His family and those he cared about also suffered because of his service.

    Kang Chan looked at his phone. He had to decide what kind of answer he would give Kim Mi-Young now.

    She might answer coldly because she was tired from waiting. However, if she had been waiting, then all the more reason for him to tell her now.

    Would he be able to have a family? Was it okay to keep Kim Mi-Young in his life when he didn¡¯t even know when or where he would die?

    ¡°What are you thinking about so deeply?¡± Seok Kang-Ho gruffly asked.

    ¡°Where have you been?¡±

    ¡°I went to buy cigarettes.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho showed him the stic bag.

    ¡°Did Manager Kim leave already?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°That man is something.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho plopped down on the chair opposite Kang Chan.

    ¡°You¡¯re not heading home?¡±

    ¡°Nah. I¡¯m right where I belong.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Why do you have to stay by my side?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned mischievously.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Think about it. If you don¡¯t have me, how are you going to have tasty coffee and these cigarettes?¡±

    ¡°Ha. You just make instant coffee.¡±

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t fret over the tiny details.¡±

    It was strange, but whenever Kang Chan was with this bastard, he was quite quick to burst outughing.

    ¡°<em>Phuhuhu</em>. Want a cup of coffee?¡±

    ¡°I just had some.¡±

    The two chuckled over nonsensical topics. Afterward, Kang Chan picked up the phone.

    The call rang thrice before it was answered.

    - Aren¡¯t you busy? How do you have the time to call me?

    As cold as ever, Vasili didn¡¯t even say hello.

    Kang Chan told him about the information that he had received from Abibu, the OTP device they had found in the briefcase, and his meeting with Pierre at the French embassy.

    - It¡¯s hard to believe that they¡¯re building a next-generation energy facility in Saudi Arabia right under our noses.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I heard.¡±

    - <em>Hmm</em>. Send me a picture of the OTP device after this call.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    - I¡¯ll discuss it with Yang Bum and see what we can find.

    As soon as Vasili was done talking, he ended the call.

    <em>That rude fucking punk!</em>

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan still took a photo of the OTP device and sent it to Vasili. He then looked through his contacts and pressed the call button.

    - Hello?

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan, sir.¡±

    - Oh! Should I connect you to Kang Sunbae?

    ¡°It can wait. How have you been?¡±

    - I should be the one asking you that. The situation over there sounds a lot tougher than our lives here. How are you holding up?

    ¡°I¡¯m doing well. Unfortunately, considering Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s condition, it seems you¡¯ll be stuck there for a while.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jinughed.

    - I get to work with Kang sunbae, and I¡¯m satisfied with what I¡¯m doing these days. It¡¯s quite rewarding.

    Kim Tae-Jin truly sounded happy.

    - Wait, he¡¯sing. I¡¯ll hand the phone over to him.

    After a brief pause, another voice came from the other end of the line.

    - Hello?

    It was Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°We should be able to wrap the situation up soon. If nothing else happens, things should end quietly.¡±

    - I see.

    Kang Chul-Gyu seemed to be asking why he had called. Kang Chan felt like he should say something, but he didn¡¯t know what. While he was thinking¡­

    <em>Beep.</em>

    The call was disconnected.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    ***

    Upon arriving at the Charles de Gaulle International Airport in France, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook looked around in fascination.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired?¡± Cha Min-Jeong asked politely.

    ¡°Not at all since the seats were so nice. I¡¯m sorry for putting you through this, though.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be. Thanks to you, we¡¯re able to go on a nice trip.¡±

    Their group headed down the elevator. Instinctively on guard, Cha Min-Jeong quickly scanned her surroundings as she spoke.

    Three men in suits were waiting in the lobby. Upon seeing them, they surrounded Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. They then waited for a moment until Assistant Manager Kim came with their luggage and gestured at the doors.

    ¡°We¡¯re good to go now.¡±

    Right after their ne hadnded, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook canceled their original schedule and followed the discretion of the local agents instead. This was something that Assistant Manager Kim had told them in advance.

    After exiting the airport building, which looked like something out of a sci-fi movie, they walked out onto a wide sidewalk, where another group of men in suits were waiting along with vans and sedans.

    Assistant Manager Kim guided Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook to the vans. He and Cha Min-Jeong then got in with them.

    As the car started, Assistant Manager Kim, who was in the passenger seat, handed Cha Min-Jeong a radio and a holstered pistol. ¡°I got those from the local agents in the car in front of us. You¡¯ll have to return them when you leave the country.¡±

    Afterward, he turned around and talked to the couple, seemingly apologetic for having to show the pistol to them. ¡°Are you sure you just want to stay at the hotel this afternoon?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Have you confirmed the flights?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°Yes. There¡¯s a flight that leaves tomorrow. It¡¯s going to take a while to get there because there¡¯s ayover in China, but it¡¯s the fastest.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung smiled and then looked at Yoo Hye-Sook. She seemed more rxed now that she had had a chat with their son for twenty minutes on the ne.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not upset?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We¡¯re already here, so let¡¯s just enjoy the trip. Once everything has settled down and Channy has gotten married, the four of us can juste back.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that make him and his wife ufortable?¡±

    ¡°Not our son.¡±

    Assistant Manager Kim and Cha Min-Jeongughed along at their conversation.

    ¡°President Kang, Manager Kim from the Samseong-Dong branch has requested cooperation with the local agents, so you can freely travel around Europe if you want.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung kindly denied Assistant Manager Kim¡¯s offer. ¡°It¡¯s alright. We shouldn¡¯t have even left in the first ce. If we had learned earlier about the terrorist attack, we would have canceled our ns the day before and just stayed at home.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook reached out and carefully squeezed Cha Min-Jeong¡¯s hand, which was next to her. She then said, ¡°My husband made this request just because I didn¡¯t feel at home in our new house. Our shortsightedness made us think we might as well go abroad since we were going to be protected by agents overseas anyway.¡±

    ¡°Why would you say that, ma¡¯am? If we¡¯re the reason you feel that way, then please stop worrying about us. You can explore Europe as much as you want.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook smiled and shook her head.

    ¡°I already miss our home. I want to y badminton too. I¡¯m sorry for being so fickle.¡±

    Cha Min-Jeong looked at Yoo Hye-Soo sympathetically.

    This life must have been so hard and exhausting for Yoo Hye-Sook, an emotional person who had been living as an ordinary housewife until recently.

    Considering her son¡¯s high position, she could have easily looked down at the agents and unted her authority in front of others. However, Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook instead continued to speak formally to Assistant Manager Kim and Cha Min-Jeong.

    ¡°Ms. Min-Jeong, is there anything that our son might receive criticism for?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook suddenly asked.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Assistant Manager Kim nced at her. Cha Min-Jeong seemed confused too.

    ¡°People always talk about Channy, but I still can¡¯t help but wonder how he¡¯s doing and if he¡¯s getting bad reviews from people who work for him¡­¡±

    When Cha Min-Jeong smiled, Yoo Hye-Sook swiftly added, ¡°Don¡¯t just tell me things that are nice to hear. Please let me know if he¡¯s making mistakes without realizing it. He¡¯s still young, so he might not know some things.¡±

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know a lot about what¡¯s going on, but there is one thing I¡¯m disappointed about,¡± Cha Min-Jeong replied, earning a puzzled look from Assistant Manager Kim. ¡°He should be resting, but he never does. His work has gotten to the point where he can¡¯t even call you, which is making us all worried.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook squeezed Cha Min-Jeong¡¯s hand. She was grateful they were all so considerate of her son.

    ***

    <em>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</em>

    Dawn had just broken when Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring, making him sit up on the sofa.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Vasili.

    For some reason, whenever Kang Chan was speaking to Vasili, he always felt like he should respond with ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - I just got the results of the examination on the OTP device. The password is simr to the ones we use tounch ballistic or nuclear missiles from our submarines.

    Kang Chan was so shocked that his sleepiness swiftly disappeared.

    - We are now covertly checking the course of our submarines, and we should have the results soon. If any of them were near the ce where you found the device, I¡¯ll let you know right away.

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    <em>He¡¯s going to do it now.</em>

    As Kang Chan had expected, Vasili immediately ended the call.

    He now knew the timing when Vasili would hang up.

    He stood up from his seat and went to the office. Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee were still sleeping in the cots that they had set up against the wall. G¨¦rard was at the far end.

    Kang Chan picked up a bottle of water in the corner and went to the table. The ss reflected his shabby sweatpants and t-shirt.

    After sitting down, he drank a bit of water and looked around.

    In that briefest of moments, life seemed so unremarkable. National Intelligence Service agents and a foreigner who was once themander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces were just sleeping soundly on cots infortable clothes.

    <em>¡®That punk!¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan grinned when he looked at G¨¦rard. He always slept with one foot out of the bed.

    He was sipping more water when G¨¦rard suddenly sat up.

    ¡°You¡¯re up already?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°Yeah. Someone called.¡±

    While running a hand through his matted hair, G¨¦rard went to the corner and started a pot of coffee.

    ¡°Smells good,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make you some too.¡±

    <em>That bastard!</em>

    Kang Chan realized G¨¦rard probably hadn¡¯t even washed his hands.

    G¨¦rard took a cup and turned around. At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho suddenly woke up with a groan.

    As if taking that as a signal to wake up, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee also got up, drank water, and gathered at the table with some coffee.

    ¡°The format of the OTP password is the same as the one Russia uses,¡± Kang Chan suddenly revealed.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Surprised, Seok Kang-Ho turned to Kang Chan mid-yawn.

    ¡°They¡¯re looking into the courses of their submarines secretly right now, so don¡¯t tell the agents manning the satellites about it yet.¡±

    Kang Chan exined everything to G¨¦rard as well.

    Afterward, Seok Kang-Ho asked, ¡°What are you doing today?¡±

    ¡°Not sure,¡± Kang Chan replied. ¡°We don¡¯t have any pressing matters to handle right now. Why?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to stop by hometer then.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± he answered, finding no reason to stop him. He then downed the rest of his coffee.

    <em>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</em>

    It was a busy morning. They hadn¡¯t even had breakfast yet.

    Kang Chan looked at his phone and pressed the answer button.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - Captain, it¡¯s me.

    ¡°Smithen? Long time no chat.¡±

    - Yeah.

    The name made Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard look at Kang Chan.

    - Are you busy today?

    ¡°No. I don¡¯t have any ns yet. Why?¡±

    - I was wondering if we could meet today.

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Did you drink yesterday?¡±

    - No.

    ¡°Why do you sound like that?¡±

    - I¡¯m just happy at the thought of seeing you.

    Kang Chan unknowingly chuckled.

    ¡°When do you want to meet?¡±

    - Can we have lunch together?

    ¡°Sure. G¨¦rard¡¯s with me, so we can meet together. Where are we meeting?¡±

    - At the coffee shop fromst time is fine.

    ¡°I can¡¯t remember where west met. Give me an exact location.¡±

    - The coffee shop at the intersection. I¡¯ll see you there.

    ¡°Alright. If you¡¯re going to bring girls with you, you can forget about it.¡±

    - It¡¯s not like that this time. I¡¯ll be there at eleven-thirty.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told G¨¦rard about the call.

    ¡°How¡¯s that punk so good at Korean?¡± G¨¦rard griped.

    ¡°Are you having lunch with him?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yeah. Why?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of joining you.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned. ¡°Just go home. How long has it been since youst went? It¡¯s just right around the corner anyway.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see. Let me just wash up for now.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho left.

    ¡°How¡¯s Smithen these days? Is that bastard a decent human being now?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°Why? Did something happen?¡±

    ¡°I remember him being a total dick the few times we were in operations together. He was a total simp for girls too.¡± G¨¦rard scoffed as he picked up a cigarette. ¡°I even almost killed him once. I only stopped because of you.¡±

    ¡°Go easy on him. Ever since his body changed, he strangely became weak. It¡¯s a bit pitiful,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    G¨¦rard lit up his cigarette. ¡°I¡¯m just saying. He might have changed, but considering how sly and snarky he used to be, I¡¯m not buying his bullshit.¡±

    ¡°Are youing to lunch with us or not?¡±

    ¡°Of course I am, but I¡¯m ordering the food.¡±

    <em>Shit!</em>

    Kang Chan suddenly felt like going alone.

 Chapter 341: Very Tired (2)

    After breakfast, Kang Chan was able to enjoy a moment of peace for the first time in a long while.

    Still sitting at the table, he looked at the whiteboard.

    Where did Hwang Ki-Hyun get the coordinates?

    How did the Libyan agents learn that the incident in Afghanistan wasn¡¯t just a mere kidnapping?

    Why did the Quds show up in Africa? What about the attack on Song Chang-Wook?

    While Kang Chan pondered these questions, Seok Kang-Ho walked toward him.

    <em>¡®Should I just beat up Abibu again like this bastard suggested?¡¯</em>

    Abibu wouldn¡¯t survive another beating, though. He was nothing more than a chess piece that had been taken advantage of anyway. If anything, Kang Chan had to investigate where they were nning to build the next-generation energy facilities.

    The NIS also had to get in touch with the agents in Egypt again to figure out how they discovered the coordinates. The submarines that Vasili mentioned had to be checked too. Kang Chan red at the whiteboard as if expecting it to answer.

    ¡°Coffee shop at the intersection, thirty minutes before lunch, right?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked, confirming the time.

    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯re all going together anyway, so why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°We need to n out the perimeter security.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve met Smithen before, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il hadn¡¯t just met Smithen. Smithen was the main culprit behind a hostage situation in the past, so Choi Jong-Il likely knew him better than most people.

    ¡°Let¡¯s leave around eleven, then.¡±

    While Choi Jong-Il set a timer, Woo Hee-Seung approached them with a heavy expression.

    <em>¡®What is it?¡¯</em>

    Woo Hee-Seung nced at Choi Jong-Il as he reported, ¡°An article on the Inte is iming that the National Intelligence Service has arrested Abibu as the mastermind of the recent terrorist attack.¡±

    While observing Kang Chan¡¯s reaction, he continued, ¡°It also says that you¡¯re currently torturing him and that he¡¯s at death¡¯s door now, Assistant Director.¡±

    <em>What kind of bullshit is this?</em>

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung looked more surprised than Kang Chan. Even though only a few people were aware of what Kang Chan had done to Abibu, an article about it somehow got published anyway.

    ¡°Can I see the article?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s on theputer over there.¡±

    Kang Chan went to the desk that Woo Hee-Seung pointed to.

    Go Gun-Woo, Kim Hyung-Jung, the interpreter, the recorder, the two armed agents in the interrogation room, the two suited agents, the medical team, and¡­ who else?

    His mind raced as he walked.

    While Lee Doo-Hee moved out of the way, Kang Chan leaned his arms on the desk and tilted his upper body to look at the monitor.

    The first thing he saw was a photo of him. He then saw a picture of Abibu smiling and shaking hands at the bottom.

    Since the story was in breaking news form, Woo Hee-Seung had already told him most of what it contained.

    <em>Tsk!</em>

    Kang Chan red at the monitor and stood back up.

    This would officially turn the UIS, extremists, and all of Saudi Arabia against South Korea.

    <em>¡®Who is it? Who would do this?¡¯</em>

    As Kang Chan stood up and moved to the table, Seok Kang-Ho walked over and looked at the article.

    ¡°Huh? How did this get published?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s words echoed Kang Chan¡¯s feelings.

    Kang Chan put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it. He was relieved that Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were in Europe right now.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    While blowing out smoke, he immediately thought that the NIS could no longer be trusted. If he were to create his own organization, he would require apletely different source of information than theirs.

    Grumbling, Seok Kang-Ho sat across from him. He then put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it.

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll wait and see.¡±

    ¡°Now that the article¡¯s out, there will be a hellish storm soon, won¡¯t there?¡±

    ¡°Probably. Anyway, I¡¯m going to make a call.¡±

    Putting out his cigarette, Kang Chan picked up his phone and called Assistant Manager Kim.

    - Hello?

    ¡°It¡¯s me. Where are you?¡±

    - The ne¡¯s just left the Charles de Gaulle International Airport. We¡¯re on our way back to South Korea.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart sank.

    He was just about to tell Assistant Manager Kim to make sure his parents wouldn¡¯t see the news and to focus on their security.

    ¡°What? Why?¡±

    - They feel bad for the agents for flying over to Europe while our nation was being hit with terrorist attacks. They insisted on it, so we had no choice¡­

    Kang Chan looked outside the window.

    The article seemed to serve as the nail in the coffin, proving that he was the one whomitted the crime. Apart from being a target of terrorism, it would be hard for him to deal with the negative attention within Korea. It was impossible to stay away from TV, the inte, and phone calls forever.

    ¡°Is your flight heading straight to Seoul?¡±

    - We have ayover in China.

    ¡°Then head to the base in Mongolia from China,¡± Kang Chan immediately decided. ¡°You know President Kim Tae-Jin of Yoo Bi-Corp, right?¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    ¡°He¡¯ll be there to help you when you arrive. Heading back to South Korea right now isn¡¯t a good idea. Can you prepare the flights and the helicopters?¡±

    - I will ask for cooperation. Your parents will be quite surprised, though. I believe it would be best for you to break the news to them yourself.

    ¡°Connect me to them. Thank you.¡±

    - Of course.

    While listening to Assistant Manager Kim walking, Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh.

    What would he even say?

    - Hello?

    Kang Dae-Kyung was the one on the line now.

    Kang Chan felt bad. His parents had gone to Europe and now had to go to Mongolia when they were already on their way back home. He felt like he had be a troublemaker.

    ¡°Father, the situation isn¡¯t too good in Korea right now. You should head straight to the South Korean base in Mongolia from China. I know Mother will be surprised, but I don¡¯t know how to tell her about this.¡±

    -<em>Hmm</em>.

    Kang Dae-Kyung sounded as if he was contemting.

    - If that¡¯s what you want, I¡¯ll talk to your mother about it. We¡¯re on the way to China right now. Should I discuss this with Assistant Manager Kim?

    ¡°Yes. Thank you, Father.¡±

    - Everything else is fine, right?

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    - I know you¡¯re busy, but make sure you call your motherter, if not now.

    ¡°I will,¡± Kang Chan answered. He then called, ¡°Father?¡±

    - Yes?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    - What for? Your mother will be happy.

    Kang Dae-Kyung did his best to respond cheerfully.

    The call ended afterward.

    Under Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s stare, Kang Chan looked up a new number and pressed the call button again.

    - Hello?

    ¡°President Kim, this is Kang Chan.¡±

    - You¡¯ve been calling often these days. Do you want me to connect you to Kang sunbae? He¡¯s not around right now, though¡­

    ¡°Not at the moment. My parents will probably be there in about twelve hours. They¡¯re on their way back from Europe, but I told them to go there because I don¡¯t think Korea is safe for them to be in right now.¡±

    - What happened? Is there anything we can do from here?

    ¡°I¡¯ll exin the details to you next time. Please tell Director Kang about this as well, and prepare a tent for them. Two agents will be apanying them.

    - Got it.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    - I¡¯ll do my best, so don¡¯t worry too much.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan put another cigarette in his mouth and lit it up.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you might end up taking the fight to Mongolia? Wouldn¡¯t sending your parents over there put them in even more danger?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better than staying here or in Europe right now. If we end up bringing the fight to Mongolia, we can just move them to China or Russia. As I¡¯ve seen with Director Hwang and Director Song, South Korea isn¡¯t really the most proactive country when ites to fighting terrorism.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded. ¡°True. The agents here probably wouldn¡¯t be able to pull the trigger even if they suspected someone is a suicide bomber.¡±

    Kang Chan blew out a puff of smoke, seemingly letting out some of his frustrations. ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think we can take the fight to Mongolia?,¡± Seok Kang-Ho wondered. ¡°Our enemies aren¡¯t stupid. They won¡¯t walk across a deste field just to blow themselves up.¡±

    Even with the severity of the situation, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be surprised.

    ¡°What?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°How did you think of that?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s expression filled up with arrogance. ¡°Hey! There you go again. Like I said, I¡¯m better than G¨¦rard.¡±

    Suddenly walking over, G¨¦rard asked, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    Kang Chan told him about the article and what happened with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°If you go to Mongolia, the UIS and extremists will definitely target South Korea. It¡¯ll be difficult to send arge force over,¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    It was simr to what Seok Kang-Ho said.

    <em>When did these assholes be so smart?</em>

    ¡°Let¡¯s just keep an eye on it for now,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood,¡± G¨¦rard answered. He then smiled, the scar on his cheek stretching.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You really are amazing. Even the UIS is after you now. I like that you always see things to the end.¡±

    ¡°Things are already hectic enough, you fucking bastard. I don¡¯t need your snarky remarks right now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go pack. If we¡¯re going, then let¡¯s hurry up and leave already.¡±

    G¨¦rard looked rather excited.

    ¡°I thought you said you¡¯re noting to Mongolia,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to make mee anyway, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that fucker so excited about?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°He says he¡¯s going to go pack his things and that we should hurry up and go if we¡¯re leaving anyway,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Fucking idiot! It¡¯s not that easy!¡±

    ¡°He also said I¡¯ll make hime.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hm</em>? Well, he¡¯s not wrong. I¡¯ll be back after I drop by at home. <em>Phuhuhu</em>!I suddenly feel hungry.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    <em>Crazy bastards. </em>

    ***

    Go Gun-Woo sat across from Moon Jae-Hyun, a heavy expression on his face.

    ¡°The NIS leaking this information is fatal to national security,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said.

    Go Gun-Woo couldn¡¯t even answer.

    ¡°How¡¯s the situation?¡±

    ¡°Saudi Arabia¡¯s unofficial channels demanding Abibu¡¯s release have beenpletely cut off. They will probably release an official announcement soon.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun groaned while rubbing his fingers together. ¡°<em>Hmm</em>. Whatever the reason, beating Abibu up is inexcusable. I¡¯m sure the assistant director knew that much.¡±

    He pressed his lips together. Afterward, he asked, ¡°What do you think? Is there a way out of this?¡±

    ¡°I can only think of two options. One is to show the evidence and announce that he¡¯s the mastermind behind the terrorist attack. We can then say that he resisted so much during his arrest that he left us no choice.¡±

    ¡°That can be easily disproven during the trial, though.¡±

    ¡°If we announce that he was beaten, we¡¯ll have a hard time cleaning up the mess. For now, we can only im that Abibu is lying to dilute the terrorism case.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed again.

    ¡°What¡¯s the other way?¡±

    ¡°We can negotiate with Abibu. ording to him, he¡¯s been receiving death threats for the information he¡¯s given us. We can use that to get him to confess and announce that the violence was unavoidable because he was resisting arrest.¡±

    ¡°Why would he go along with that?¡±

    ¡°If you pardon him in return, he¡¯llply.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun shook his head.

    ¡°If we do that, we¡¯ll also be covering up the terrorist attacks that killed Director Hwang and Director Song. The agents and soldiers¡¯ sacrifices will be in vain as well.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo was at a loss for words.

    ¡°We need Abibu¡¯s word to stop this, but if we want him toply, we will need to sacrifice our people and diplomatic missions.¡±

    Seeminglying to a realization, Moon Jae-Hyun then turned toward him. ¡°Please protect the assistant director for now. Don¡¯t let him go to Mongolia alone like he said in the interrogation room.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see to it.¡±

    ¡°How long do we have left before we have to release an official statement?¡±

    ¡°It depends on what Saudi Arabia¡¯s official position will be. However, we believe that we should release one before the end of the day,¡± Go Gun-Woo responded.

    They continued discussing the issue a bit further.

    ***

    ¡°Reporter Jo Seok-Do was the one who posted the breaking news story without permission from the higher-ups. If we force him to take it down now, it will only add to the suspicion.¡±

    While Kim Hyung-Jung spoke on the phone, news reports continued to pop up on the monitor.

    - Manager Kim, I¡¯m more concerned about giving instructions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies than creating correction articles. As I said, we¡¯re nning to negotiate with Abibu. Please meet with the assistant director and have him refrain from doing anything else.

    Go Gun-Woo was speaking faster than usual. Despite having thick skin, he was clearly panicking.

    ¡°Understood, Director.¡±

    - Have you spoken with him yet?

    ¡°Not yet. I¡¯ll meet up with him now and call you back after.¡±

    - Losing the assistant director at a time like this will be hard for us to bear. I need you to hurry and tell him what¡¯s going on and hopefully reach a good decision.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave right away.¡±

    After hanging up, Kim Hyung-Jung stood up and called Kang Chan.

    ¡°Assistant Director, are you still at the office? I¡¯d like to stop by as soon as possible. I¡¯ve got an urgent matter to discuss with you.¡±

    - Understood.

    He then ended the call, stood up from his seat, and called an agent over.

    ¡°Let me know as soon as you find Jo Seok-Do. Also, get me a list of the agents who were there when Abibu was arrested and a separate list of the people who were in the interrogation room, including the agents, medical team, and everyone at the police hospital where he was hospitalized.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°One more thing. List down the names of those working on the payroll and those who could have been listening to our frequencies from the counter-terrorism team¡¯s situation room at the time of his arrest.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung walked out the door, then turned around.

    ¡°The article is targeting the assistant director. If something goes wrong, he might take the fall for this. Make sure you don¡¯t leave anyone off the list.¡±

    ¡°Of course, sir,¡± the agent answered, looking even more upset than Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ***

    The moment the syringe was pulled out, Smithen let out a deep breath.

    ¡°Was that too strong?¡± Shan asked.

    ¡°I believe we administered the right amount. He¡¯ll start feeling the pain in his legs again if it wears off halfway, sir.¡±

    While ring at Smithen, Shan ordered, ¡°Dress the chest wound and the bomb so they don¡¯t find it.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve prepared everything you asked for.¡± The man who had tossed the syringe in the trash pointed to the table. There were pants, a cotton tee, a casual jacket, and even socks on top of it.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the detonator?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s remote.¡±

    The man held up a square box the size of his fist.

    ¡°Set it up,¡± Shan instructed.

    The other people in the room walked over to Smithen.

    ¡°<em>Heeheehee</em>!¡±

    Smithen, who was already shirtless, seemed to find it funny that they were taking off the rest of his clothes.

    His body was a mess, to say the least. His chest was riddled with chest wounds, and his thighs had burns centered around knife scars.

    <em>Snap. Tear. </em>

    The men deftly wrapped bandages with four C-4s around his waist, then secured it by tying it tightly.

    Smithen gasped as if he had just felt something exhrating. Shan, who was leaning on the table, watched him with a sharp gaze.

    ***

    As soon as Kim Hyung-Jung sat down, Woo Hee-Seung brought him coffee and then left.

    Silence permeated the room as Kim Hyung-Jung took out a cigarette, offered it to Kang Chan, and lit it.

    ¡°The director is nning to meet with Abibu,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung began.

    Cigarette smoke swirled up into the ceiling vents.

    ¡°He¡¯s going to have Abibu confess that he was behind the terrorist attacks and he resisted his arrest so hard that we had to resort to violence.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no way Abibu will just ept that. What is he offering him?¡±

    ¡°A presidential pardon,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said with difficulty.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression darken, he quickly continued, ¡°After much deliberation, the president and the director came to that decision. They couldn¡¯t ept the idea of you going to Mongolia. That¡¯s also the reason they asked me to convince you not to leave.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed quietly.

    Their n would cover up the deaths of Hwang Ki-Hyung and Song Chang-Wook. It would also render their agents'' and soldiers¡¯ sacrifices meaningless.

    ¡°Please take a break for now,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung insisted. ¡°Abibu has asked us for protection, so he has no choice but to stay in Korea for the time being anyway.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head resolutely. ¡°If the president pardons him, we¡¯ll lose our chance to punish him.¡±

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°Manager Kim,¡± Kang Chan called, cutting Kim Hyung-Jung off. ¡°Think about it. If you negotiate with that terrorist, everything will be over for South Korea. Every time we find ourselves in a simr situation in the future, we¡¯ll be faced with a second or third Abibu. You¡¯d negotiate with the man who killed our agents just because you¡¯re afraid of terrorism?¡±

    Kang Chan sighed loudly.

    ¡°Make an official announcement as soon as I leave for Mongolia.¡±

    ¡°That would mean losing you, Assistant Director, and possibly putting you under intense attack.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still our best option. Tell the nation that I arrested Abibu based on the evidence we¡¯ve gathered and that I¡¯m sorry that something unfortunate happened during the arrest. No more, no less.¡±

    ¡°Assistant Director¡ª¡±

    ¡°What about Director Hwang, Manager Kim? Director Song? Our fallen agents and soldiers?¡±

    ¡°That injustice brings tears to my eyes as well, but if we¡¯re not careful, South Korea¡¯s embassies and residents abroad will be targeted for terrorism. If we lose you, there¡¯s no telling how many sacrifices will follow. We will avenge them, but you must bear with us this time.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Their powerlessness andck of experience inbating terrorism were the reasons they were in this situation. If they let themselves be defeated in this way, the terrorists would continue targeting them.

    He was wrong for hitting Abibu. However, at a time when they had to strike at the first sign of terrorism, how could they negotiate with terrorists out of fear of hurting the diplomatic missions and people?

    Kang Chan let out a long sigh. ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not used to handling terrorist attacks yet, Assistant Director,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. ¡°If reports like thise out and there¡¯s a bombing at Gangnam Station, our people won¡¯t be able to handle it, and then all the me will be pointed at you.¡±

    What would have happened if Kang Chan hadn¡¯t beaten up Abibu? What would they be able to tell the people if the motherfucker continued to insist he was innocent?

    Would the Saudi Arabians have acknowledged that he was the mastermind behind the International Building incident?

    Kang Chan took a long drag on his cigarette to stifle his frustration. ¡°This isn¡¯t right.¡±

    ¡°Sir, this is a matter for the president and the director to decide. Please just follow their requests this time.¡±

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung sighed at the same time.

    A moment of silence followed.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll ept their decision, but please identify who leaked this information and why,¡± Kang Chan concluded. ¡°Otherwise, whatever you do in the future, there will be suspicion among the agents.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung sighed in relief.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°I¡¯ll have to excuse myself. I thought about canceling my ns, but if this is how we¡¯re going to handle the situation, then I¡¯m heading out now,¡±

    When he turned around, G¨¦rard and Choi Jong-Il stood up as well.

    ¡°Is it an urgent meeting?¡±

    ¡°You remember Smithen, right? We said we would have lunch together. I¡¯m feeling pretty frustrated, so I¡¯d like to blow off some steam beforehand.¡±

    ¡°Smithen? The manager of Gong Te automobile¡¯s South Korean branch?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up.

    ¡°Smithen said he wanted to meet your parents the morning they left as well,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said. It seemed he only remembered it now. ¡°ording to him, he¡¯s pretty upset about your father stepping down from his position. He even asked where in Europe they were going.¡±

    Kang Chan turned to Seok Kang-Ho, who grinned amusedly in response.

 Chapter 342: We Wonéˆ¥æª› Take It Sitting (1)

    Kang Chan arrived at the meeting point ten minutes early.

    He took a seat on the terrace. A group of men and women with fierce gazes were sitting inside.

    Without being told to, G¨¦rard got up. ¡°I¡¯ll go order.¡±

    ¡°Do you think Smithen has gone over to the enemy?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°But it <em>is </em>strange, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    When Kang Chan nodded, Seok Kang-Ho grinned, and his eyes glinted.

    Just then, G¨¦rard returned and sat down at the table. ¡°Here¡¯s your coffee.¡±

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard were dressed in suits without a tie, while Seok Kang-Ho was in suit pants and afortable tee. He also had abi jacket over hisp like a nket. Kang Chan picked up his coffee and took a sip. He thenughed softly.

    Before he knew it, they were hanging out together, and the one who had been separated from them wasing to meet them.

    If only Smithen had more guts, they would¡¯ve been able to meet on better terms than they were now.

    Kang Chan set down his cup of coffee.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard bluntly called.

    Kang Chan nced at him, then followed his gaze.

    Smithen was a tall American, so it was easy to spot himing from afar.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted as he looked at Smithen.

    <em>Motherfucker!</em>

    He was acting strange, evidenced by his head swaying as he walked.

    ¡°Caaaptaaain.¡±

    Smithen raised his hand and waved. He looked like he¡¯d had a good drink.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, did you get confirmation?¡±

    ¡°A silver van dropped him off at the subway entrance and left right after.¡±

    While they spoke, Smithen entered the shop and walked to the terrace.

    ¡°<em>Heeheehee</em>, Captain.¡±

    ¡°Sit,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <em>Shuffle. </em>

    Smithen sat down in arge chair and put his hands on the armrests. He hadn¡¯t even said hello to Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard yet.

    Kang Chan noticed that one of Smithen¡¯s eyes was red.

    ¡°How are you?¡±

    ¡°Good¡­?¡±

    ¡°Good? Why are you sweating so much when it¡¯s not even hot outside?¡±

    ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Smithen.¡±

    Smithen looked at Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard and then back at Kang Chan.

    G¨¦rard rubbed the scar on his cheek in amusement. At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes glinted.

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    Kang Chan had already been ring at him even before Smithen called him.

    ¡°Smithen. Put your hands on the table.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Put your hands on the table.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t miss one of Smithen¡¯s eyes twitching.

    ***

    The silver van that had dropped Smithen off turned right twice, driving into an alley that led to the back of the building that housed the coffee shop.

    The road that they had taken was barely wide enough for two vehicles to pass. Moreover, the cars parked on one side of it made it even harder for them to speed up. Nevertheless, they still pushed onward.

    Just as they were about to turn right where the alley split, a dump truck came straight out of the alley on the left.

    <em>Vroooom!</em>

    Seemingly intending to crash into the van, the dump truck continued to elerate. It then collided with the van, pushing thetter nearly ten meters away.

    <em>Boom! Crash! Shatter!</em>

    <em>Dash! Dash!</em>

    Fully armed counter-terrorism team agents in ck suits rushed to the van.

    <em>Vrooom! Creak!</em>

    Right after, two ck vans with ¡°S.W.A.T.¡± written in white letters on their sides raced by.

    ¡°Tear it off!¡±

    With guns pointed at the vehicle, the armed agents in suits peeled away the remaining ss and viciously ripped open the passenger door.

    <em>Bam! Bang! Bang! Creak!</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung and two other agents jumped into the van, finding a man in the driver¡¯s seat sprawled out and covered in blood. They also saw two more men on the floor at the back, both of whom had a pistol in their waistbands. Near them were a machine gun and a bay.

    ¡°Tie them up! Cuff their wrists and thumbs so they can¡¯t use their arms or fingers! Bind their torsos and gag them too!¡± Kim Hyung-Jung instructed.

    Once he had stepped out of the car, agents rushed in and tied up the unconscious men.

    In addition to the wrist cuffs, they put small thumb cuffs on each hand and then secured their torsos with leather straps.

    ***

    A hugemotion erupted outside.

    From the terrace, they heard iron ttering, cars crashing, and a vehicle being violently shoved back.

    Smithen looked at Kang Chan and then dropped his gaze again. He dragged his hand awkwardly across the table.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Seok Kang-Ho moved the pistol from his thigh under the jacket.

    ¡°Smithen, if you put your hands down, we¡¯ll shoot a hole through your forehead,¡± Kang Chan warned with a smirk. ¡°I was hoping we wouldn¡¯te to this, but the look on your face has convinced me otherwise.¡±

    Smithen couldn¡¯t handle the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I doubt you¡¯d target me or my parents on your own. This is yourst chance. If you¡¯ve been threatened to do this, tell me now.¡±

    Smithen¡¯s wavering eyes flicked to the front of the building. Kang Chan turned his head and followed his gaze.

    ***

    The noise carried across the street.

    People from the coffee shop peeked out of the alleyway in surprise, but Shan¡¯s eyes remained glued on the terrace.

    It didn¡¯t matter. It didn¡¯t matter if there had been a car ident or if there had been any other disturbance.

    No matter how Kang Chan tried to avoid it, he wouldn¡¯t be faster than Shan¡¯s thumb pressing the button.

    <em>¡®I¡¯ll make sure you go to hell today!¡¯</em>

    Shan had endured his horrific time in Loriam longing for nothing but this moment.

    As a bonus, Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard were also sitting on the terrace of the coffee shop across the street. Shan found it a shame that he couldn¡¯t kill Kang Chan himself, but he was already plenty happy with the way things were going.

    <em>That dumb Oriental! Dirty chink tried to win the favor of the team by treating Smithen well!</em>

    Asians were a structurally inferior race.

    Even the best of them had their limits, just like Kang Chan now.

    It was really over now.

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    Shan¡¯s van was parked in the small gap between the buildings opposite the coffee shop. Hence, with a mere push of a button, he¡¯d have a clear view of Kang Chan disappearing from the world without a trace.

    He couldn¡¯t wait any longer.

    Once everything was over, he could simply drive away in the van, which had the windows open to take the impact of the explosion.

    Shanughed savagely as he rubbed the switch in the backseat of the van. He touched the button multiple times, eyeing it like candy that he had been saving to eat.

    Every time he softly nudged its tip with his thumb, an almost unbearable rush of pleasure swept through him.

    At that moment, Kang Chan gazed at Shan¡¯s van.

    <em>¡®Smithen! You idiot!¡¯</em>

    It was clear that Kang Chan had simply followed where Smithen was looking.

    Feeling as if their eyes met, Shax shivered with a thrill of pleasure. It was even more stimting to press the button while facing Kang Chan.

    Smithen simply sat across from Kang Chan, yet he had done his job perfectly.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung dashed over.

    ¡°We found three men in the van, but they only had pistols and bays!¡±

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    Kang Chan could hear his own breathing now.

    His surroundings, including the cars passing by, seemed to slow down. Nevertheless, he didn¡¯t take his eyes off the van.

    ¡°Captain!¡± G¨¦rard called.

    Kang Chan quickly turned, finding Smithen crying.

    With his hands still on the table, Smithen finally seemed to have recollected his bearings.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il! Tie him up!¡±

    As soon as Kang Chan gave the order, Choi Jong-Il and the agents, who were in the back of the terrace, rushed at Smithen.

    The agents pinned his arms behind his back and pulled his clothes up. The bomb around his waist was the first thing they saw, followed by the gaping wounds in his chest.

    Smithen pitifully stared at Kang Chan, like a chicken caught by the wings.

    ¡°Drag him inside!¡±

    Kang Chan grabbed the terrace¡¯s railing and jumped over it.

    ***

    Since everything happened on the terrace, Shan could see it all.

    He didn¡¯t know how Kang Chan was reacting like that or when he had prepared it, but it was an excellent counter.

    Shan smiled savagely, his thumb still on the switch.

    He got goosebumps.

    Once he had detonated the bomb, Kang Chan would be sted into the air.

    ¡°Farewell, God of ckfield!¡± Shan screamed. He pressed the button.

    <em>Click!</em>

    ***

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan gripped the terrace¡¯s railing with his left arm. In the short moment that he was airborne, he had drawn the pistol strapped to his right ankle.

    ¡°Daye! The van on the opposite side!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard jumped up from their seats, toppling the tables and chairs.

    ***

    <em>Click. Click. Click. </em>

    Shan pressed the button rapidly in session, but nothing happened to Smithen, who was being dragged helplessly into the coffee shop.

    ¡°Get going! Get us out of here!¡±

    <em>Swish! </em>

    Shan tossed the switch aside and quickly picked up a gun from the ground.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard were heading straight toward him on the street, and three ck special forces vehicles had appeared around the curve, their tires screeching.

    <em>Creaaak! Creaak! Creaaaak!</em>

    <em>Boom!</em>

    Just as the van turned out of the alley, Kang Chan suddenly threw his hands in front of him.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    Blood sshed out of the driver and passenger¡¯s heads, causing the van to keep driving straight toward Kang Chan.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard shot at its wheels, but it didn¡¯t slow down.

    <em>Bang! Boom! Bang, bang! Boom!</em>

    Kang Chan hit the tires.

    <em>Clunk! Crash! Clunk!</em>

    With its front tires blown out, the van bounced loudly but continued to steer toward Kang Chan.

    In the blink of an eye, Kang Chan pushed Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard out of the way.

    <em>Yeah! That¡¯s it!</em>

    <em>Hahahahaha!</em>

    <em>If you don''t want to go to hell alone, we can go together!</em>

    ¡°God of ckfield!¡±

    Kang Chan was right in front of the shattered front windshield now.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard¡¯s shouts and gestures from the ground made everything even more dramatic.

    <em>Vrooom!</em>

    Amid the chaos, a ck special forces vehicle suddenly rushed up.

    <em>Boom! Crash! Crack!</em>

    The van was already right in front of Kang Chan when it was pushed five meters to the side before finally stopping.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard immediately rushed forward. Kim Hyung-Jung, his subordinates, and the armed counter-terrorism members followed suit. In an instant, the van was surrounded.

    The streets were cordoned off from vehicles and pedestrians alike.

    <em>Click, click, click!</em>

    Armed with pistols, Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard covered Kang Chan as he rushed into the van.

    <em>Crash! Crack!</em>

    Two armed agents chiseled away at the ss and warped doors with ck axes.

    <em>Shatter!</em>

    Right after, Kang Chan was greeted by the van¡¯s devastated interior. He found Shan sprawled on the floor, covered in blood.

    ¡°Pull him out!¡±

    Cleaning up this mess had to be prioritized. Kang Chan tossed Shan aside and ran to the special forces truck. The agents were pulling out the agent who had driven it.

    ¡°Ambnce! Hurry!¡±

    They would have stille even if Kang Chan hadn¡¯t shouted, but he couldn¡¯t help but yell anyway. He knew how terrible it must have been to sit in the driver¡¯s seat and put the pedal to the metal.

    Kang Chan could have avoided it, especially since he was in the zone and could hear himself breathing. However, the agent didn¡¯t remove his foot from the elerator until thest second.

    There was no way a member of the counter-terrorism team would wear a seatbelt. Hence, the impact the agent had felt couldn¡¯t possibly be weak.

    Kang Chan went down on his left knee in front of the agent lying on the ground.

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang,¡± the masked agent called with difficulty.

    <em>Weeoo! Weeoo! Weeoo! Weeoo!</em>

    ¡°The ambnce ising! You¡¯re fine!¡±

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t given the order. The radios, phones, and any frequencies within a one-kilometer radius had all been jammed, preventing the agents from using their radios. Hence, they made this call purely based on their judgment.

    ¡°You can¡¯t let terrorism win, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan looked down at the agent with a nk stare.

    ¡°No matter what anyone says, the agents all follow you, so don¡¯t ever back down. Please continue protecting South Korea.¡±

    The agent was still waiting for his answer when the paramedics rushed over.

    Kang Chan thought of the recruit he had lost in Africa.

    How could they have the same eyes?

    <em>Pat, pat. </em>

    Kang Chan tapped the agent¡¯s helmet. ¡°Hurry back to your feet, got it? We took quite a hit, so we have to beat them back double.¡±

    The agent¡¯s consciousness faded.

    As the paramedics ran forward, Kang Chan carefully stepped back.

    The road was empty except for the bomb squad in front of the coffee shop.

    They had neutralized the situation.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard put their pistols back on their ankles.

    <em>Vroom.</em>

    A van for Kang Chan rushed down the middle of the road.

    His face would be exposed if he stayed here too long. The moment Kang Chan got in the car, Kim Hyung-Jung walked over and stood at the door.

    ¡°All the explosive devices have been cleared, so we¡¯ll release the frequency hold in the area and order the snipers to head back. Radio and phonemunication should soon be possible again.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good. I¡¯ll go to the office.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied with relief.

    The van took off, quickly turning the corner and blending into the traffic.

    ¡°Ha! Shan, that fucking son of a bitch! Who did he think he was after? We should¡¯ve twisted his neck earlier!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed, spewing out his unresolved frustration from earlier. ¡°<em>Whew</em>! Our agents have an awesome sense of duty! I can¡¯t believe he thought of crashing into that bastard¡¯s van like that. He pulled it off so spectacrly, too.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in response.

    The agents had done everything today as part of the counter-terrorism team.

    Nothing could beat experience, after all.

    The Itaewon crisis involving Wui Min-Gook, the suicide bombing incident, and the International Building terrorist attack made the team¡¯s movements more sure and decisive.

    ¡°Look at the time. Although Samseong-Dong and Naegok-Dong were close by, it¡¯s still amazing that we only needed fifteen minutes to prepare for this operation.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡±

    ¡°Hm? ¡®Right¡¯ isn¡¯t enough! They did an amazing job!¡±

    Kang Chan grinned and looked away from the window.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we have lunch at the office when we get back?¡±

    ¡°What? Lunch? Is it already thatte? <em>Whoa</em>! It¡¯s already one?! Well, how about we get some stir-fried octopus? The red goodness would taste fantastic with rice.¡±

    ¡°Do whatever you want.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho readily took Kang Chan¡¯s bait. The van was now driving into the parking lot entrance of the office.

 Chapter 343: We Wonéˆ¥æª› Take It Sitting (2)

    ¡°You¡¯re saying this all happened in an hour?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo took and then let out a deep breath.

    ¡°You took this on purpose under those circumstances?¡±

    ¡°I zoomed in from where the snipers were. Their faces are blurred and unrecognizable, so I¡¯ll release it as soon as you give me permission.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo incredulously looked up at Kim Hyung-Jung, who was standing in front of his desk.

    ¡°Manager Kim, what if¡­ this turned out to be a simple incident?¡±

    Instead of waiting for an answer, Go Gun-Woo continued, ¡°Civilianmunication systems, including phones and police radios, were shut down for nearly an hour without authorization. What if that guy named Smithen didn¡¯t have a bomb? What if the guy driving the van was just giving him a ride? What if they were friends?¡±

    ¡°We used satellites to track the van¡¯s movements and had a sniper confirm that the driver was a foreigner. Hence, we concluded that it was worth the risk if it meant stopping a potential terrorist attack.¡±Go Gun-Woo still looked unconvinced. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it was too risky a gamble?¡±

    ¡°Director.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Despite having addressed Go Gun-Woo, Kim Hyung-Jung still found it hard to be straightforward.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t hold back in front of me. If you¡¯ve got something to say, please go for it. Only then will I understand your intentions.¡±

    ¡°Then let me be blunt, sir. The NIS counter-terrorism team is not a police force or the prosecutor¡¯s office. It is an organization whose primary goal is to stop terrorism.¡±

    With a determined expression, Kim Hyung-Jung added, ¡°In response to your ¡®what if,¡¯ allow me to ask you this. Between a C-4 explosion in the middle of Gangnam, the death of the assistant director, the agents, and some innocent citizens, or injuring the people in the van, which would you choose, sir?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t avoid Go Gun-Woo¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°I know you have principles, sir. However, emphasizing principles as an administrator is different from the work of the NIS. It would be best for you to know that your opinion is the most important basis for the president when he makes his judgment.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you mean by thatst statement,¡± Go Gun-Woo replied. He looked as if he was expecting an exnation.

    ¡°I meant that the methods you suggest will ultimately be the most important factor in the president¡¯s decision on counter-terrorism policy.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying I should be bolder?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Kim Hyung-Jung looked down. However, he didn''t deny it.

    ¡°Is this what the assistant director thinks?¡±

    ¡°The counter-terrorism agents of the Samseong-Dong created this n themselves.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked at the report, then back up.

    ¡°Manager Kim, if we do this, what do you think are the odds that we can prevent terrorism and punish Abibu?¡±

    ¡°I estimate our sess chance to be around seventy percent.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think we should do whatever it takes to achieve our goals? Even if that means bending the rules?¡±

    ¡°The NIS is an organization that works behind the scenes, doing whatever it takes to protect Korea and its people. We are shadows in life and nameless stars in death.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo sat motionless, staring at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Director, we¡¯re not an organization that operates against the people. We can¡¯t be principled while dealing with enemies or the intelligence bureaus of other countries.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo let out a deep sigh. ¡°<em>Haaa</em>. Are you aware that if your ideals change and you turn against the people, no other organization will be able to keep the NIS in check?¡±

    ¡°I am.¡±

    ¡°I, too, have given instructions to say that the violence was part of the arrest process. Do you think I should do more than that?¡±

    ¡°Director.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo¡¯s face was unreadable. ¡°There is still time. Please be honest with me.¡±

    ¡°You and the president are the ones who set the direction, not our agents, sir.¡±

    The corners of Go Gun-Woo¡¯s mouth twitched, but he didn¡¯t reply.

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s statement coulde across as arrogant or dangerous. It was no different from saying that their agents would never do such a thing as long as the higher-ups did well.

    ¡°World powers are trying to put a stop to the Eurasian Rail and the development of next-generation energy nts. They¡¯re not afraid to sponsor terrorist attacks or assassinate people through the DGSE or the DIA. If we don¡¯t respond to them aggressively out of worry about what might happenter even though our own people have already been caught in the crossfire¡­¡±

    Go Gun-Woo¡¯s gaze prompted Kim Hyung-Jung to be more straightforward.

    ¡°Our agents and soldiers will have to shed endless blood in vain.¡±

    ¡°So you didn¡¯t approve of negotiating with Abibu either.¡±

    ¡°I apologize, sir. Although I followed your order to stop the assistant director, I didn¡¯t feelfortable doing so.¡±

    The corners of Go Gun-Woo¡¯s eyes twitched.

    ¡°I feel like I¡¯m talking to the assistant director himself,¡± he said as he stood up from his desk. ¡°I¡¯ll meet with the president and let him know what we decide.¡±

    With Kim Hyung-Jung walking ahead of him, Go Gun-Woo left his office.

    ***

    <em>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</em>

    Kang Chan, who was sitting at the table, picked up his phone. He had just finished lunch and brushing his teeth.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Manager.¡±

    - Two of the criminals we caught in the vans are dead, while Smithen and the other terrorists are in the ICU. Smithen has stated that he was forced to cooperate with the attack.

    Kang Chan had expected as much.

    Seok Kang-Ho just observed Kang Chan¡¯s expression since Kang Chan couldn¡¯t tell him what was going on mid-call.

    - Smithen has stab wounds on his chest and severe cuts and burns on his thighs.

    ¡°What about Shan?¡±

    - He¡¯s in critical condition in the ICU.

    ¡°Please increase the perimeter around Shan and make sure no doctor can get near him unescorted. Let me know as soon as he regains consciousness.¡±

    - Understood.

    Kang Chan hung up and ryed the conversation to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°How did someone locked up in Loriam manage to get into South Korea?¡± Seok Kang-Ho muttered to himself.

    ¡°Romain probably sent him,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°The DGSE guy?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean Romain has decided to get rid of you altogether?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°That son of a bitch¡­¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Seok Kang-Ho shut his mouth.

    Kang Chan looked out the window.

    Romain hadn¡¯t even taken away his position as deputy director-general yet, so why had he tried to use Shan to kill him? If he used the DGSE, their attack would¡¯ve been more precise and intense.

    Kang Chan seemed to have found a connection and was getting closer to it, yet for some reason, he still couldn¡¯t see it.

    <em>¡®This doesn¡¯t match what the ambassador said either.¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan recalled what Lanok had told him.

    <em>¡®If we get rid of Shan, the Star of David will have one less thing to worry about. On the other hand, if we keep him around, he¡¯ll continue being a nuisance who can reveal their secrets at any moment.¡¯</em>

    If so, Romain, who was most certainly a member of the Star of David, would have already killed Shan, not sent him to South Korea like this.

    What was it? What was going on?

    Kang Chan continued to re out the window.

    ***

    Moon Jae-Hynu pushed himself up from his desk.

    ¡°Shall we take a walk?¡±

    The promenade was one of his favorite ces to go for private talks.

    The two entered the promenade through a door at the back of his office. A short distance from them, Jeon Dae-Geuk followed in silence, and a bit farther away, suited bodyguards could be seen.

    After about ten minutes of listening to Go Gun-Woo, Moon Jae-Hyun gestured to a bench. ¡°Let¡¯s take a seat.¡±

    He then sat down and waited for Go Gun-Woo to sit.

    ¡°You must have been quite offended,¡± Moon Jae-Hyunmented.

    ¡°It was more like being hit with a stinging p. It startled me awake.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun chuckled, and Go Gun-Woo smiled.

    ¡°In the past, Director Hwang had said something simr. He said he would do all the dirty work, so I should keep my hands clean.¡±

    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m still not sure. I feel like we might be unsealing a monster that shouldn¡¯t be unsealed.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded after hearing Go Gun-Woo¡¯s words.

    ¡°When I told Director Hwang that, he replied that if I didn¡¯t use the power of the NIS now, someone in power would eventually use it with ill intentions.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo pressed his lips together.

    ¡°What do you think, Director?¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked at Moon Jae-Hyun. ¡°I believe this is something you should decide, Mr. President.¡±

    He expected the president to agree.

    ¡°Right now, I agree with Director Hwang. The country has gained a priceless opportunity, and the stakes are too high. Someone has to y the viin against the enemy even if the cost is painful and blood is shed. Moreover, I feel it is my duty as president to take responsibility for this.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun stood up, his expression firm.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave this up to you, Director. You will decide what the NIS will look like in the future. I chose one of the most capable people I know in this world to lead the NIS, and I trust in my decision.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo stood up from his seat and sighed.

    ¡°Sir, could you just give me five more hours?¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun slowly looked around their surroundings before finally fixing his gaze on Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°I have entrusted the NIS to you for the rest of my term. You¡¯ve got two years left,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun replied with a determined expression.

    ***

    Counter-terrorism team barracks.

    As the agents stood by their respective beds, Go Gun-Woo walked in with two attendants.

    ¡°Attention! Salute!¡±

    As Kang Myung-Gumanded, the agents saluted Go Gun-Woo, who nodded in response.

    ¡°At ease!¡±

    ¡°No need to be so stiff. Let¡¯s rx,¡± Go Gun-Woo said.

    ¡°Rest!¡±

    The agents rxed into morefortable positions, but their stances remained rigid.

    The room wasn¡¯t too bad.

    Go Gun-Woo was walking into the back of the waiting room when he stopped and saw an empty bed and locker.

    ¡°What happened to the agent using this bed¡­?¡±

    ¡°He turned into a star during the suppression of the International Building terrorist attack, sir,¡± Kang Myung-Gu, who was following behind with another attendant, replied.

    Go Gun-Woo raised his hand to sweep the empty bed. He then walked over and opened the locker.

    Despiteying down their lives for their nation, agents like the one who used to upy this bed came to his desk as a one-page report, the unrecoverable pain their families felt delivered to him on a single sheet of pair. The same was true for those who were deployed around the world.

    ¡°Your name and rank.¡±

    ¡°I am special agent Kang Myung-Gu of the counter-terrorism team, sir.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked at Kang Myung-Gu and the agents standing next to their beds.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to ask you one question,¡± he said.

    Kang Myung-Gu gave him an intense look.

    ¡°The agents who turned into nameless stars during the International Building incident¡­ what do you think they wanted most?¡±

    Finding the question unexpected, Kang Myung-Gu tilted his head, unable to respond.

    ¡°I heard you all rush into the sites of terrorist attacks first ande outst. I wanted to know what you and your fallen brothers wanted when you all ran to the scene.¡±

    After a moment of silence, Kang Myung-Gu asked, ¡°May we tell you our resolve in chant?¡±

    ¡°You have a chant?¡±

    ¡°We do.¡±

    ¡°If it will serve as your answer, please do.¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu turned to the agents and quickly looked at them.

    ¡°Attention!¡±

    <em>Thud!</em>

    The agents simultaneously stood straight.

    Kang Myung-Gu¡¯s voice echoed in the room. ¡°Our motto!¡±

    ¡°Taegeukgi! Take my soul! Mothend! Take my blood!¡±

    Their chant was short and strong, and the determination in their words dug into Go Gun-Woo¡¯s heart like a stake, rendering him speechless.

    Silence enveloped the barracks. A momentter, with a determined gaze, he said, ¡°Moving forward, we will definitely face many hurdles. Nevertheless, I will not forget your chant. You have given me the courage to meet with the president. I will lead the NIS with the knowledge that we have agents like you to rely on.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked more rxed now than when he had entered.

    ***

    The International Building incident caused quite a stir. However, the Nonhyeon-Dong terrorist attack in broad daylight along with the articles about Abibu caused an even louder buzz.

    When the president¡¯s emergency press conference was announced, local and foreign reporters flocked to the newsroom.

    As Moon Jae-Hyun entered, shes immediately went off.

    Standing on the podium, he raised his gaze and looked straight ahead.

    ¡°First of all, I would like to express my regret for having to hold a press conference about unfortunate events twice in a row.¡±

    It was time people left work. Hence, many were listening to the press conference through radios and TVs.

    Moon Jae-Hyun nced at the manuscript on the podium and then looked up with a firm expression.

    ¡°South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service has arrested Saudi Arabian Prince Mohammed Abduh Abibu as the mastermind of the terrorist attack on the International Building.¡±

    Stunned exmations from the reporters could be heard over the airwaves.

    ¡°The evidence we have gathered that incriminate him includes radio interception from the NIS and our military, radios from the terrorists we have neutralized, and a tablet connected to the CCTVs of the International Building. We also have Prince Abibu¡¯s confession.¡±

    The shes were so loud that it was almost hard to speak.

    ¡°The NIS has received a confession from Prince Abibu that there would be another attack today in addition to thest raid in Mongolia. Hence, we made all the necessary preparations against it. Earlier at eleven-thirty today, we arrested all the perpetrators of the attempted terrorist attack in Nonhyeon-Dong.¡±

    The press conference roompsed into heavy silence.

    ¡°Contrary to the reports of the alleged assault in the news, Prince Abibu stubbornly resisted during the arrest, which led to unavoidable injuries.¡±

    <em>sh! sh! sh! sh!</em>

    ¡°We still don¡¯t know if Prince Abibu was motivated by personal greed or simply nned the attack to further Saudi Arabia¡¯s next energy initiative given his status.¡±

    The screen showed the reporters tapping away rapidly on theirptops.

    ¡°These two terrorist attacks, as well as the raid on our base in Mongolia, have caused the Republic of Korea incalcble mary losses and the unfortunate sacrifices of the members of the NIS counter-terrorism team, the 606¡¯s Special Forces Unit, and the 35th Brigade.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked at the manuscript on the podium and looked back up.

    ¡°My fellow citizens, they havemitted an unprecedented crime against our nation. For that reason, I ask for your cooperation, patience, and understanding while we do what must be done to protect our homnd and sovereignty.¡±

    <em>sh, sh, sh, sh!</em>

    The shes didn¡¯t go off as much as they did in the beginning, perhaps because they thought it was the usual end of the announcements.

    ¡°Moreover¡­¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun paused for a moment and spoke toward the camera with a stern face.

    ¡°As the President of the Republic of Korea, I hereby inform the government of Saudi Arabia that Prince Abibu has vited the territory and sovereignty of the Republic of Korea, threatened the lives and safety of our people, and murdered our soldiers trying to defend our sovereignty and territory.¡±

    The president of South Korea was lodging a formal protest against the Saudi Arabian government during a press conference?

    The flustered reporters could be seen panicking and checking with neighboring reporters for confirmation.

    ¡°If, ording to the results of the investigation, any organization or country has anything to do with the terrorist attack by Prince Mohammed Abduh Abibu, the government of the Republic of Korea will make sure that they pay the price for their actions. Consider yourselves warned.¡±

    <em>sh. sh. sh, sh.</em>

    Shortly after the press conference ended and Moon Jae-Hyun was shown leaving the room, a screen shed into the studio with the words ¡°Breaking News.¡±

    [At the end of the president¡¯s announcements, a video of the terrorist incidents in Nonhyeon-Dong earlier today was released.]

    The video began with blurred faces.

 Chapter 344: Made Up His Mind (1)

    <em>Du du du du du du du!</em>

    Deep in the night, a helicopter with bright lights kicked up dust as itnded in front of the South Korean base in Mongolia.

    Kang Chul-Gyu was already waiting outside.

    No matter who hade to the base, Kang Chul-Gyu had always greeted them inside. This time, however, he came out to greet their guests himself.

    Kim Tae-Jin, Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and the DMZ team members stood behind him, while the foreman cautiously watched them further from the back.

    Two women and two men got out of the helicopter. Their bags and the supplies that the basecked were then unloaded.

    The four moved toward the base, seemingly being chased by the wind generated by the propellers.

    Kang Chul-Gyu stepped forward.

    ¡°Wee, everyone. My name is Kang Chul-Gyu.¡±¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Kang Dae-Kyung, and this is my wife.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve traveled a long way to get here.¡±

    ¡°I apologize for the inconvenience.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. Why don¡¯t we head inside first?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu gestured toward the gate and then looked at Assistant Manager Kim and Cha Min-Jeong.

    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Kim Seok-Jae. NIS.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Cha Min-Jeong.¡±

    ¡°Kang Chul-Gyu.¡±

    The two shook hands with Kang Chul-Gyu with honored expressions.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head inside for now.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    As the group entered the barracks, the helicopter lifted off, its engine roaring.

    <em>Du du du du du du du!</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu led them to the barracks around thirty meters into the base. As if under strict guard, the DMZ team double and even tripled-encircled Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    The foreman, who was pushed back a little, tilted his head in curiosity but quickly returned to the barracks when Yang Dong-Sik gazed at him.

    <em>Creak.</em>

    ¡°This is it.¡±

    The DMZ team member waiting in front of the barracks opened the door for them. As they stepped inside, the dust and wind outside dissipated, reced by a cozy feeling.

    ¡°There are three rooms inside. I know it won¡¯t be the mostfortable, but please make yourselves at home. It also has a separate dining room where you can have some ramyeon if you¡¯re hungry.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu led the way through the barracks himself.

    ¡°This is Kim Tae-Jin, President of Yoo Bi-Corp.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you,¡± Kim Tae-Jin greeted as he shook hands with Kang Dae-Kyung. Yoo Hye-Sook simply bowed.

    ¡°This is Nam Il-Gyu, and this is Yang Dong-Sik.¡±

    They also shook hands with Kang Dae-Kyung and exchanged bows with Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Seo Sang-Hyun, Joo Chul-Bum.¡±

    More introductions followed.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook tilted their heads while looking at Joo Chul-Bum. However, they didn¡¯t say anything else. His tanned face and beard made him hard to recognize at first nce.

    ¡°If you ever feel ufortable, please let any of us know.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook bowed their heads repeatedly in gratitude.

    ¡°You¡¯vee a long way, so please get some rest for now. We¡¯ll see you again tomorrow morning.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu led everyone out.

    Kang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, Assistant Manager Kim, and Cha Min-Jeong looked around the room together.

    ¡°Goodness!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook eximed. The room was so neatly organized.

    There were iron bed frames and wardrobes in both corners, and the room was fragrant.

    The four returned to the sofa and sat down together.

    ¡°Would you like a cup of tea?¡±

    ¡°Do we have any green tea?¡±

    Assistant Manager Kim stood up and rustled around. He then returned with bags of green tea in mugs.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked around the living room.

    ¡°So our son used to stay here?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s face showed mixed emotions.

    The mugs were ced in front of the four.

    It was a long flight, and sleeping on the ne had only tired her out she couldn¡¯t sleep.

    ¡°I knew Kang sunbae was here, but I didn¡¯t expect him to wee us in himself,¡± Assistant Manager Kimmented.

    ¡°Right? I was so nervous when I shook his hand earlier,¡± Cha Min-Jeong responded.

    ¡°Is he a famous person?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°I doubt there¡¯s anyone in the National Intelligence Service or South Korea¡¯s special forces who doesn¡¯t know him,¡± Assistant Manager Kim replied.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook exchanged nces. Earlier, they had gotten the impression that Kang Chul-Gyu was the easiest person to talk to in this ce.

    ¡°There are many stories about him that have been passed down like legends, but what struck me was the respect our instructors had for him. President Kim Tae-Jin and the special forces soldiers have so much respect for him.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    It didn¡¯t seem like Assistant Manager Kim¡¯s impression of Kang Chul-Gyu was getting through to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    After about twenty minutes of small talk, Yoo Hye-Sook said, ¡°Honey, I think I can still hear the helicopter.¡±

    Everyoneughed.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go wash up first.¡±

    Cha Min-Jeong followed her, but Yoo Hye-Sook insisted she stay seated before leaving for the room. About twenty minutester, she came back out looking refreshed.

    ¡°They must have made a new bathroom in the room. I can still smell the cement from the toilet.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung stood up.

    It was time to sleep.

    ***

    Kang Chan was sitting at the table with G¨¦rard, looking out the window.

    Every building in sight now had lights turned on, much like the cars lining up the streets.

    Click.

    G¨¦rard lit the cigarette in Kang Chan¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    He had been sitting at the table and staring out the window since dinner, which was five hours ago.

    G¨¦rard was no different. He sat across from Kang Chan, asionally bringing him coffee and cigarettes inplete silence.

    On the globe, Korea was as small as a stroke of a brush, yet it was even further divided in half by a line that cut through it.

    The big, strong, and rich countries had always pushed their nation around or bought them out. As a result, others had begun to think that they could pressure them or punch them into doing whatever they wanted.

    After a long moment of contemtion, Kang Chan finally made up his mind.

    ¡°G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°<em>Oui</em>,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    For the first time in the past five hours, they had finally spoken to each other.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking ofunching a preemptive strike.¡±

    G¨¦rard grinned, causing the scar on his cheek to stretch.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take out key UIS officers.¡±

    ¡°What about Romain and Josh?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll use Russia, China, and Germany¡¯s intelligence bureaus. We¡¯ll wage an all-out intelligence war.¡±

    Kang Chan flicked his cigarette into the ashtray and looked at G¨¦rard.

    ¡°What are you doing here anyway?¡±

    ¡°I wanted you to know that, at the very least, you have me and Daye, that idiot¡­¡±

    It seemed like G¨¦rard had more to say, so Kang Chan simply wordlessly lifted his mug with the same hand holding his cigarette instead of speaking.

    Cold instant coffee had its unique sweetness to it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to be lonely, Captain.¡±

    ¡°Punk.¡±

    Kang Chan raised his gaze while waiting for G¨¦rard to continue.

    ¡°At the International Building, and when we captured Shan earlier today¡­¡±

    <em>Where is this bastard getting at</em>?

    Kang Chan silently looked at G¨¦rard.

    ¡°I realized that the officers and agents here are following you just as Daye and I do.¡±

    Kang Chan stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°If you say we¡¯re going to attack the UIS, we will. If you want to beat up Romain and Josh, we¡¯ll help you do that.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the n.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re worried, though, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Me? About what?¡±

    ¡°Me, Date, and the agents and soldiers who¡¯ll have toy down their lives.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at G¨¦rard in surprise.

    ¡°Choy, Krak, me, Daye, and the South Korean agents and soldiers I¡¯ve seen these past few days¡ªnone of us are afraid of being deployed to an operation or a battle.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being dramatic. My heart aches for those we¡¯ve lost, but losing men has never made me fear operations.¡±

    Kang Chan put another cigarette in his mouth.

    <em>Click.</em>

    The ss reflected the light of the lighter, then¡ªlike a TV changing channels¡ªthe red glow of the cigarette and smoke.

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief, then.¡±

    <em>This asshole is ying with people¡¯s feelings.</em>

    Kang Chan looked back outside the window.

    ¡°Sometimes when I¡¯m with you, I get chills.¡±

    <em>What? What is he trying to say now?</em>

    Feeling Kang Chan¡¯s stare, G¨¦rard gave him a mischievous expression and took out another cigarette.

    ¡°When you shout at us to survive in the most dangerous circumstances, when your eyes glint while leading an operation, and when you hold the sacrifices of your men close to your heart.¡±

    ¡°Well, I <em>am </em>a bit cool,¡± Kang Chan joked, but it only made his skin crawl.

    G¨¦rard didn¡¯t bother to hide his disbelief.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never met someone who didn¡¯t want to be in an operation with you. Even the ones who cringe when they hear about the dangers of the operation will grab hold of more magazines if I tell them you¡¯re in charge.¡±

    G¨¦rard blew out a long stream of cigarette smoke. He then added, ¡°I just wish you had more confidence in your orders. ¡®I¡¯m sorry you had to sacrifice yourself, but this operation must seed. I believe in you.¡¯¡±

    Kang Chan slowly turned his head.

    ¡°We have all lived at gunpoint and even ran toward it. What gives us the most strength is knowing that we have you in front of us and behind us and that you trust us.¡±

    Afterward, G¨¦rard looked out the window.

    ¡°G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    G¨¦rard looked back at Kang Chan.

    ¡°<em>Tsk</em>! Are you trying to pretend to be cool?¡±

    ¡°Hm? I wasn¡¯t. Aren¡¯t I better than Daye, though? That asshole would probably boil water for ramyeon even at a time like this.¡±

    There was no denying that.

    Kang Chan chuckled. G¨¦rard joined him.

    ¡°Anyway, those UIS bastards probably think they can get away with messing with you,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    <em>Pft</em>.

    The ss captured Kang Chan¡¯sugh and then, as if surprised by his gaze, quickly reflected the neon signs.

    ***

    It was just after breakfast.

    <em>Step, step. Step, step.</em>

    The sound of footsteps echoed outside the makeshift city.

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>, <em>haah</em>.¡±

    The group had a total of twenty-five men divided into four rows.

    Each step they took, the movement of their arms, and the sway of their heads seemed to have been measured to the millimeter with a ruler.

    <em>Step, step. Step, step.</em>

    Deep in the mountains, the chill of the early March morning made the men¡¯s breaths turn white.

    ¡°<em>Haah, haah. Haah, haah</em>.¡±

    They had alreadypleted fortyps.

    They had run more than sixteen kilometers, but Cha Dong-Gyun had no intention of slowing them down or stopping.

    Sweat drenched their foreheads and trickled down their cheeks to their chins.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not confident, you can leave!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun shouted.

    None of the determined soldiers responded.

    ¡°First Airborne Forces!¡±

    ¡°<em>Hoorah</em>!¡± the soldiers responded.

    ¡°Second Airborne Forces!¡±

    ¡°<em>Hoorah</em>!¡±

    ¡°Third Airborne Forces!¡±

    ¡°<em>Hoorah</em>!¡±

    <em>Step, step. Step, step.</em>

    ***

    Park Chul-Soo, who was sitting in the passenger seat of the jeep, shook his head.

    ¡°Did Dong-Gyun have an argument with his wife?¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho hid a smile, unable to answer.

    ¡°Why is he working the men so hard so early in the morning? How are they going to do their next training exercises after this?¡±

    Park Chul-Su grinned while ncing at the makeshift city at the end of the road.

    ¡°It¡¯s because of Han Jae-Guk, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°I think so.¡±

    Unlike when they were joking, the expressions of Park Chul-Su, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and the deputy in the driver¡¯s seat were serious.

    ¡°The first time we did live ammo training, Captain¡­¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho trailed off and nced at Park Chul-Su.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just call him Captain. It¡¯s embarrassing and awkward to call him Assistant Director when it¡¯s just us. And damn you, punk! Don¡¯t say that and then check my reaction! It makes me seem like a prick!¡±

    Hiding another smile, Kwak Cheol-Ho said, ¡°What he said feels more and more true every day.¡±

    ¡°What did he say?¡±

    ¡°He said that he needed men who could survive any situation. To be honest, I thought he was exaggerating at the time, but the more operations we go on and the more brothers we lose, the more I painstakingly understand what he means.¡±

    Remembering the horrible and desperate battles they had fought in Africa, Park Chul-Su nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    He then nced at Kwak Cheol-Ho. The way he stood with his rifle slung over his shoulder exuded poise and ease.

    He wasn¡¯t putting on a front. Although he looked rxed, Park Chul-Su knew he could pull the trigger at any moment.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette,¡± Park Chul-Su said.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho looked at Park Chul-Su with wide eyes.

    ¡°Do you have any?¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be smoking right now, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho said.

    ¡°It¡¯s not for me.¡±

    In the distance, they could hear Cha Dong-Gyun calling the men and the airborne forces answering loudly.

    ¡°I want to give it to the general.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho pulled out cigarettes and a lighter, then handed them to Park Chul-Su.

    ¡°Help me out,¡± Park Chul-Su said.

    Park Chul-Su held out his arm, and Kak Cheol-Ho assisted him out of the jeep.

    He walked with difficulty. The deputy in the driver¡¯s seat rushed over and supported Park Chul-Su¡¯s left arm.

    Park Chul-Su forced himself to walk down the path to the makeshift city until he reached the spot that offered the best view.

    He then put the cigarette in his mouth and lit it.

    <em>Click, click.</em>

    He propped himself up on his elbows and braced his upper body. With the pain too much to ovee, he frowned as he lit the cigarette.

    A smoke that was different from the white air he breathed rose from his mouth and the end of the cigarette.

    ¡°Put it over there for him.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho carefully took the cigarette Park Chul-Su gave him in front of the downhill view of the makeshift city.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho held Park Chul-Su¡¯s arm again.

    ¡°General,¡± Park Chul-Su said quietly. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re watching them right now.¡±

    In the distance, he could see the water vapor rising from Cha Dong-Gyun and his men.

    ¡°This guy here too.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho looked down. He then slowly raised his gaze to the sky.

    ¡°They¡¯ve already grown so much. They¡¯ve be men who will emerge sessful anywhere in the world.¡± Park Chul-Su frowned as he lifted his upper body. ¡°You¡¯re the reason they¡¯ve gotten this far and can now fight for their rightful ce today.¡±

    He then forced his arm up and saluted up toward the sky.

    Afterward, he heard Cha Dong-Gyun yell, ¡°Back to the base!¡±

    Park Chul-Su put his arm down, turned around with difficulty, and headed toward the jeep.

    ¡°Is that live ammo training?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it unfair to just ask the men to run? I don¡¯t think I could obey those kinds of orders either.¡±

    ¡°Only Lieutenant Cha goes on the live ammo drills.¡±

    <em>Vroom.</em>

    As the jeep started up, Park Chul-Su looked at Kwak Cheol-Ho in surprise.

    ¡°If we join them right from the get-go, the training will be a mess.¡±

    <em>Vroom, vroom.</em>

    Park Chul-Su grinned and looked at the sky above the barracks.

    <em>These wonderful bastards!</em>

    Their behavior now was a clear demonstration of what General Choi Seong-Geon had wanted them to be.

    Park Chul-Su kept blinking his tears away

 Chapter 345: Made Up His Mind (2)

    When the day dawned, Kang Dae-Kyung felt as if he had passed out and woken up from a deep sleep.

    It was early morning, with sunlight filtering through the window, warm air, and the pleasant sound of Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s breathing.

    He carefully looked at her. Ever since they had moved into their nice, fancy house, she hadn¡¯t been sleeping well.

    When he began to see dark shadows in the corners of her smiling face, he disconnected the TV, phone, and inte out of worry. However, since then, Yoo Hye-Sook had slowly begun to lose her smile.

    <em>¡®Is she depressed?¡¯</em>

    Kang Dae-Kyung was scared.

    Yoo Hye-Sook did not have the best health, so he couldn¡¯t help but fear that she would faint.

    He carefully stroked Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s hair. <em>¡®Thank you, dear.¡¯</em>

    Unlike before they were married, she now had wrinkles around her eyes, hollowed cheeks, and other signs of the years she had spent with him.She chose Kang Dae-Kyung, who had nothing back then. They had unwaveringly stayed together since.

    Yoo Hye-Sook showed the same conviction when she gave birth to Kang Chan. While she was crying in front of the ICU, she found the strength to stand up and hold their son.

    This tearful and emotional woman was surprisingly strong and resilient when it came to her husband and child.

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Dae-Kyung with sleepy eyes. ¡°Hm? Do I need to get up?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still so sleepy, Honey.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You¡¯ve got nothing to worry about. Go back to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung softly stroked Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s head.

    He didn¡¯t know how long it had been since hest saw her sleeping so deeply.

    She would keep tossing and turning in bed back at their new home in Hannam-Dong¡ªwhich was protected by agents¡ªand at the hotel in Europe. Now, she was sleeping soundly on an iron bed in the middle of the Mongolian wilderness.

    It was time to wake up. He couldn¡¯t have both of them sleep inte.

    Kang Dae-Kyung carefully got up from the bed.

    Dressed infortable cotton pants and a shirt, he quietly walked out into the living room.

    ¡°Good morn¡­¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung put his index finger to his lips, gesturing at Assistant Manager Kim, who greeted him, to keep it down.

    Cha Min-Jeong looked at the room in surprise, then brought her gaze back to him.

    ¡°She¡¯s not sick. She¡¯s probably just catching up on her sleep debt. I don¡¯t know how long it¡¯s been since she slept soundly, so I¡¯m letting her stay in bed,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung whispered as he walked over to the table against the wall and poured himself some water.

    Cha Min-Jeong nodded. ¡°That¡¯s a huge relief.¡±

    Seeing her relieved expression made Kang Dae-Kyung feel bad. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    He was grateful that an NIS agent¡ªsomeone who was supposed to be doing important work for the country¡ªwas so understanding of Yoo Hye-Sook. However, at the same time, he felt guilty for bringing her to this ce.

    ¡°Shall we join you for breakfastter, then?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung nced at the clock and then looked at the room where Yoo Hye-Sook was sleeping.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we eat first?¡±

    The three silently made their way out of the barracks.

    <em>Swiiish!</em>

    The wilderness air swept past them as if to say, ¡°Wee, you¡¯ve never seen dirt dust before, have you?¡±

    The grimy smell of dirt and the chill of the wind greeted them. However, Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t hate it. It was a bit refreshing.

    When they turned the corner of the barracks, a man about Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s age bowed politely to him in greeting.

    ¡°Good morning.¡±

    ¡°You too.¡±

    Bowing back, Kang Dae-Kyung couldn¡¯t hide his surprise. The base that the darkness had hiddenst night was now clearly visible.

    A massive structure surrounded by scaffolding stood tall in front of the base. Men armed with rifles were on top of it.

    Even the man who greeted him had a rifle on his back and a bay attached to his upper left arm, seemingly saying, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±

    He also had pistols and knives strapped to his waist.

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked away and took a deep breath in.

    <em>Step, step.</em>

    At that moment, Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin walked over to him.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s short hair swayed with the wind, the wrinkles on his face indicating that the years had not been merciful to him.

    They exchanged greetings first.

    ¡°You¡¯re up early.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu smiled. ¡°It must have been a tough night.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. I slept well thanks to your hospitality,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung politely responded.

    ¡°Where is Mrs. Yoo, though?¡±

    ¡°Ah! She¡¯s tired from the long trip. It¡¯s been a while since she slept soundly, so I let her sleep in. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°No need for apologies. Will you be having breakfast with your wife?¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s alright with you¡­¡± Kang Dae-Kyung trailed off.

    Kang Chul-Gyu softly said, ¡°You can call me Director Kang.¡±

    ¡°I see. If it¡¯s alright with you, then why don¡¯t we have breakfast together, Director Kang?¡±

    ¡°Sounds fine. This way, please.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu led the way. Kim Tae-Jin, Kang Dae-Kyung, Assistant Manager Kim, and Cha Min-Jeong followed.

    Once inside the dining hall, Kang Dae-Kyung followed Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s lead and put food on a stic-covered te.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kang Dae-Kyung sat across from one another at a long table. Kim Tae-Jin, Assistant Manager Kim, and Cha Min-Jeong sat beside them.

    The food was simr to those served in the cafeteria at Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s previouspany.

    It was awkward, but the atmosphere wasn¡¯t too bad. While eating, Kang Chul-Gyu answered Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s asional questions.

    Eventually, they finished their meal.

    ¡°Since Mrs. Yoo is still sleeping soundly, would you like to have coffee with me?¡±

    ¡°That would be great.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung was notcking in social experience.

    The best way to get rid of the awkwardness was to keep meeting in person until it was gone.

    Kang Dae-Kyung stood up and followed Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <em>Step, step.</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu took Kang Dae-Kyung above the entrance of the barracks.

    ¡°This is the best view we¡¯ve got.¡±

    It hadn¡¯t been that long since the sun rose, yet it was already zing hot.

    ¡°That¡¯s the factory where we¡¯ll be processing denadite and cetinium. The right side leads to Russia, and the back leads to China.¡±

    While Kang Chul-Gyu was showing Kang Dae-Kyung around, one of the agents walked up the stairs.

    Assistant Manager Kim and Cha Min-Jeong hurried forward to take the tray he brought and serve everyone a mug of instant coffee.

    Kang Dae-Kyung took a sip of the coffee and looked around his surroundings.

    The Mistral, machine guns, wilderness, and the armed soldiers¡­

    He felt as if someone had plucked him out of thin air and thrown him out onto the open ins of old Manchuria.

    ***

    This was the first time Kang Chan had found Vasili speechless.

    He didn¡¯t speak for at least three breaths.

    - Monsieur Kang. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to discuss something like this in person? I¡¯ll get in touch with Yang Bum, and we¡¯ll fly over to you immediately. You can give us that much time, can¡¯t you?

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know Vasili could speak in such a requesting tone.

    Grinning, he looked out the window. His demand to get rid of Romain and Josh must have been that serious.

    ¡°Sure. Let me know when we¡¯ll meet.¡±

    - Will do.

    Kang Chan put the phone down and ryed their conversation to Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard, who were watching intently.

    ¡°Vasili and Yang Bum are on their way here. They want to meet with me first to discuss the n.¡±

    He said it twice, once in French. At the same time, he considered getting another interpreter.

    ¡°Who¡¯s joining the team?¡±

    ¡°Well, to start with, there¡¯s the three of us and the three over there.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard followed Kang Chan¡¯s gaze at Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°Based on the size of our enemies¡¯ forces, we can bolster our numbers with Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s men.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s French came out first like a habit now. G¨¦rard nodded.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, I want you to get the satellite operators to gather information on every country¡¯s intelligence bureaus. Get the UIS organization chart and find out who the top dogs are, where they are, and where their main force is.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°Starting today, the NIS will be reporting about UIS organizations by country. I¡¯m also sending in the 606 and the counter-terrorism team to strike them all at once if necessary.¡±

    ¡°Is that possible?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll head inside now.¡±

    G¨¦rard left with a satisfied smile. Kang Chan then brought Seok Kang-Ho up to speed.

    ¡°With how the atmosphere is, I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll have any problems getting permission for the operation.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see. Our ideas and the politicians'' may be different.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re going to quit just because they disagree.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, feeling like he¡¯d been caught.

    He was talking to Seok Kang-Ho when he received a call from Vasili.

    - I¡¯ll fly in tomorrow at noon, Korean time. Let¡¯s have lunch together.

    ¡°Where?¡±

    - You choose. Ludwig will be joining us, but you should leave room for one more just in case.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t bother asking who the other person might be. If Vasili was going to tell him, he would¡¯ve already told him.

    - If you want, you can also ask the newly appointed head of the NIS toe.

    Before Kang Chan could respond, the call ended. It was bing a habit that he didn¡¯t even get mad now.

    Kang Chan immediately called Kim Hyung-Jung. He felt bad about putting another burden on the already busy man, but it was something he couldn¡¯t put off or pass on to someone else.

    The call was immediately answered.

    - I¡¯m on my way to the Director right now. I¡¯ll stop by on the way there.

    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll be expecting you, then.¡±

    Samseong-Dong wasn¡¯t that far, so it didn¡¯t matter who made the trip.

    ***

    After thirty minutes, Kim Hyung-Jung arrived at the office. Upon hearing about Kang Chan¡¯s n, he failed to hide his surprise.

    ¡°What can we gain from attacking the UIS¡¯ headquarters? I need to be able to convince the director when I see him.¡±

    ¡°The UIS is no different from any other organization. Its head directs the attacks but doesn¡¯t carry them out. We¡¯re just showing them that we will eliminate those who give the order tounch terrorist attacks, just like what we did in Libya. It will be effective.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded, somewhat getting his point.

    ¡°Tomorrow at noon, Vasili, Yang Bum, and Ludwig will be flying in. There might be one more, but I didn¡¯t hear who it was.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked nearly thrice more surprised than he did when Kang Chan told him that he was going to attack the UIS headquarters.

    ¡°Why are those big fishing over?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m nning to eliminate Josh and Romain.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nkly stared at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Manager Kim, if you¡¯d like, you can attend tomorrow¡¯s meeting at noon. You won¡¯t have much of a say there, though.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s shock was reflected in the sigh he let out.

    ¡°Have you found the reporter who wrote the article?¡±

    ¡°Ah! Yes, we have. We¡¯re currently following him and checking who he¡¯s been in contact with based on the phone records he used. We¡¯ll probably have an outline of who gave him the information by tomorrow.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung also told Kang Chan that Shan had not yet woken up from hisa.

    ¡°Assistant Director, why don¡¯t youe with me to see the Director?¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Kim Hyung-Jung for a moment, then nodded and stood up. Considering the nature of this operation, he knew he would have to meet Go Gun-Woo at least once anyway.

    ***

    Go Gun-Woo¡¯s reaction wasn¡¯t that different from Kim Hyung-Jung''s.

    He asked how they¡¯d benefit from attacking the UIS headquarters and then asked Kang Chan if he could go with him to see the President in exactly the same way Kim Hyung-Jung had asked him to.

    Now, he had reached the final stage.

    Kang Chan stood up with Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ***

    They passed five roadblocks before they entered the premises of the Blue House.

    While driving in, they saw people in suits standing at equal intervals. There were also sixteen people on each side of the round entrance ramp. Soldiers stood on one side, and police officers stood on the other.

    [Please step out of the car,] someone ordered through a microphone.

    Once the car had stopped, the secretary got out and greeted Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°Pleasee this way.¡±

    Before getting out of the way, Kim Hyung-Jung pinned an ID to Kang Chan¡¯s shirt. Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung then wore theirs on their left chests.

    It was a darker green than the color of grass.

    When they stepped on the carpet and entered the President¡¯s Office, they saw Moon Jae-Hyun stepping away from his desk.

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    The three men bowed, and Moon Jae-Hyun reciprocated it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk somewhere cooler.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun took them to arge table in the backyard.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been working hardtely, Assistant Director Kang,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said as he sat down.

    Kang Chan just nodded in response.

    This was the president of a whole country. Moon Jae-Hyun seemed to have realized that Go Gun-Woo wouldn¡¯t have brought Kang Chan along just so he could say hello.

    Moon Jae-Hyun continued with some small talk until the tea was set down on the table. The instant it became quiet, he turned to Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°Mr. President, the Assistant Director has proposed a surprise attack on the UIS headquarters to take out their leader,¡± Go Gun-Woo said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun quickly looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Moreover, tomorrow at noon, the heads of the Russian, Chinese, and German intelligence bureaus will be visiting our country. I¡¯m told there may be one more person, but the assistant director hasn¡¯t confirmed who it is yet.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun sighed quietly.

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°Are you confident?¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t sure if it was because Moon Jae-Hyun was the president or he simply had guts, but he was asking questionspletely different from Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I apologize to you and the soldiers, who will be risking your lives, for saying this, but if we go out there and fail, we will be humiliated.¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Moon Jae-Hyun continued, ¡°I¡¯ll reassign all the necessary troops to your counter-terrorism team. That way, we won¡¯t need to get approval to deploy them overseas.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung seemed more surprised than Kang Chan.

    ¡°I believe in the judgment, ability, and performance that you have shown us so far. If you ask for it, I¡¯d even put my position as President on the line and provide you with fighter jets and more.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President!¡± Go Gun-Woo called in surprise.

    However, Moon Jae-Hyun kept his eyes on Kang Chan.

    ¡°I want to show them clearly and unequivocally what will happen if they ever threaten our people, our homnd, and our sovereignty again. For that reason, this operation must not fail.¡±

    <em>So he has already thought about it!</em>

    At that moment, Kang Chan realized that Moon Jae-Hyun was already nning to retaliate.

    ¡°Mr. President, this could turn into an all-out war,¡± Go Gun-Woo warned. He sounded as if he was panicking, but rightfully so. After all, the threat of war was already just around the corner.

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned his gaze from Kang Chan to Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°On our soil, they took our people hostage and murdered our soldiers and agents. If I find that eptable because they¡¯re soldiers, because they¡¯re agents, then I don¡¯t deserve to be president.¡±

    In just two sentences, Moon Jae-Hyun seemed to have bent Go Gun-Woo to his will.

    ¡°Our precious young citizens shed blood to protect our country and represent our people. No matter what their duties are, their deaths are upsetting and painful.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned away. ¡°They, too, are children of South Korea.¡±

    <em>He¡¯s out here saying heartwarming words again.</em>

    Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s eyes were red, yet they showed his determination.

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°This is not revenge. Rather, I believe this will be more of a lesson to the world about what happens to those who threaten our nation.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung looked quickly at Kang Chan and Moon Jae-Hyun.

    ¡°We have the best soldiers and agents.¡±

    Seeing the hope in Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s eyes, Kang Chan continued, ¡°With them, I believe we will get the best possible results.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked like he didn¡¯t know what to think anymore.

 Chapter 346: Are You Ready? (1)

    Yoo Hye-Sook, who woke upte, came out with Cha Min-Jeong looking embarrassed.

    Kang Dae-Kyung was under a truck, wearing work clothes he had gotten from somewhere.

    ¡°Honey.¡±

    ¡°Hm? You¡¯re up? Just a second.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung crawled out on the floor, his face smeared with oil residue.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Donating my skills. Why should I waste my time resting around?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook looked at him pitifully, but Kang Dae-Kyung smiled.

    ¡°I noticed that all the cars here have carbureted engines. You know I¡¯m good with cars. I thought it would perform much better with a little tinkering, so¡­.¡±¡°Sorry, Honey. You have to do this just because I can¡¯t adjust to our new home.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Yoo Hye-Sook. ¡°That¡¯s a misunderstanding.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hm</em>?¡±

    ¡°I was talking to Director Kang, and he said this is important. That¡¯s why I¡¯m doing this.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook wiped her red eyes and looked at Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. We¡¯re still young. We can¡¯t y around and depend on our son yet.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung wiped his nose with his glove. He then said, ¡°Weirdly, I feel at ease here. I feel like whatever was weighing on my heart has disappeared.¡±

    ¡°You feel that way too? Honey, I haven¡¯t slept this well in a long time.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s strange. I also slept quite well. Doesn¡¯t this ce feel strangely rxing?¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook nodded sincerely. ¡°It does. Should I help out in the kitchen, then?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at her with concern. ¡°Will you be okay?¡±

    Just then, Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Tae-Jin came out of the barracks.

    ¡°How was your night?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I slept in.¡±

    Everyoneughed at her abashed expression.

    ¡°You must be hungry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Miss Min-Jeong prepared some soup for me.¡±

    ¡°I see. Well, I was just about to take a look around. Would you like to join me?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu offered.

    Since Yoo Hye-Sook looked awkward, Kang Dae-Kyung took off his gloves and joined them.

    First, they stopped by the cafeteria and the warehouse. Afterward, they went up to the sentry post above the barracks near the main gate and looked around the whole ce. From where they were, they could see Yang Dong-Sik standing on top of the scaffolding, pulling up a long pipe from below with no safety harness.

    ¡°Hey! You son of a¡­¡± Yang Dong-Sik, who had been shouting, shut his mouth when Kang Chul-Gyu shook his head.

    The wind ruffled Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s hair as he looked at Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook before running to the site.

    Kang Dae-Kyung tilted his head. The way Kang Chul-Gyu scanned his surroundings from above the barracks seemed familiar.

    <em>¡®Where have I seen that before? I¡¯m sure I haven¡¯t met him.¡¯</em>

    Something about his eyes and expression tickled Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Hey! You son of a¡­ dog! Do your work properly! You little mother clucking hen¡­!¡± Yang Dong-Sik yelled.

    His strange words made everyone burst outughing and distracted Kang Dae-Kyung.

    ***

    As they left the Blue House, Go Gun-Woo suddenly asked, ¡°Assistant Director Kang, do you have time for a bowl of naengmyeon?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Kang Chan replied. He could eat a bowl of naengmyeon even if he wasn¡¯t too hungry.

    Go Gun-Woo informed the agent who was driving where the restaurant was.

    The agents spoke to the rest of the convoy through a radio. Soon, the van in front of them turned, and the cars and vans behind it followed suit.

    ¡°I visited the counter-terrorism team¡¯s barracks.¡± Go Gun-Woo looked at Kang Chan as he added, ¡°I listened to them chant their motto.¡±

    Kang Chan wondered what Go Gun-Woo, who had probably only ever fought with the pen his entire life, felt when he heard their motto.

    ¡°Our agents couldn¡¯t have shown me their will and determination any clearer.¡±

    The restaurant was not too far from the Blue House. Soon, the agents got out of the car and checked the entrance and the inside. It was still early spring for this summer meal, and it was in the middle of the afternoon, so the establishment was quiet.

    ¡°Manager Kim, have the agents take turns standing guard so they can eat.¡±

    ¡°Copy.¡±

    Inside, they found a table and chairs in the center and a room to the right.

    Kang Chan and Go Gun-Woo entered the room first. Kim Hyung-Jung issued orders to the agents before following suit.

    ¡°This ce makes delicious hoe naengmyeon,¡± Go Gun-Woomented.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with that, then.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have the same.¡±

    As Go Gun-Woo suggested, the three ordered hoe naengmyeon. Afterward, they poured the soup from the kettle, which a waiter had left, and took a sip each.

    Go Gun-Woo seemed like he had something to say, but he stayed silent.

    The atmosphere was still awkward.

    Go Gun-Woo took off his sses and set them to the side, rubbing his temples. He was understandably tired.

    ¡°It has been exactly sixteen years since I first came to this restaurant,¡± Go Gun-Woo said as he lowered his hand. ¡°I used to pass by this ce on the way to and from work¡­.¡±

    There was no way a former prime minister couldn¡¯t eat at this establishment because he couldn¡¯t afford a bowl. He couldn¡¯t possibly be afraid of paying the bill for all the times he had eaten here on credit either.

    Go Gun-Woo added seasoning, sugar, vinegar, and mustard to the three bowls in front of him. He then poured a bit of the cold broth into them.

    ¡°It¡¯s quite vorful when eaten like this. Anyway, let¡¯s eat.¡±

    Their group began eating their hoe naengmyeon.

    They were served enough portions that they had to hold the bowl with both hands.

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung finished almost at the same time, while Go Gun-Woo still hadn¡¯t even eaten half of his yet.

    ¡°Pour some of the hot broth into the seasoning, and you¡¯ll create another delicacy.¡±

    With a rmendation like that, how could they refuse?

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung poured the soup over the remaining seasoning and drank it.

    <em>Dang! This is good!</em>

    The spicy broth was so good that Kang Chanughed in disbelief. Soon, he set down the bowl, satisfied.

    ¡°I still find it hard to shake off my principles.¡± Go Gun-Woo put down his chopsticks in front of his half-eaten bowl of naengmyeon.

    ¡°It was at this restaurant. I was eating lunch with a civil petitioner when someone came in and sshed soup on my face. He asked how I could be bribed with such a small meal.¡±

    The story made the naengmyeon in Kang Chan¡¯s stomach turn.

    Surely Go Gun-Woo wasn¡¯t just saying this because he wanted him to suffer from indigestion.

    Kang Chan looked Go Gun-Woo directly in the eyes.

    ¡°That person was mad at me because of something I was spearheading at the time. I think that¡¯s when I began to stick closer to the rules.¡±

    People really were different. Kang Chan thought Go Gun-Woo could have just stood up and smacked that rude person with a bowl or a kettle. How could he spend sixteen years after that incident afraid to stray from principles?

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°From now on, I will lead the NIS with the determination to be sshed with soup every day. That is what this naengmyeon means to me.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked at Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I will do my best to make the NIS second to none in the world, so please continue to help me.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    If it were up to him, though, he would much rather break the wrist of the person throwing soup at him than get sshed every day.

    ***

    After lunch, Yoo Hye-Sook began to work in the kitchen.

    Just as Assistant Manager Kim helped Kang Dae-Kyung, Cha Min-Jeong readily helped Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°Mrs. Yoo, if you do this, we won¡¯t be able to face the assistant director,¡± Nam Il-Gyu pleaded.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. He¡¯d be d to know I can help in this way,¡± Yoo Hye-Sook firmly replied.

    ¡°Please at least let yourself rest until you¡¯ve recovered from your travels before helping us,¡± Kim Tae-Jin insisted.

    ¡°I slept well this morning, so I already feel refreshed. I¡¯ll rest when I¡¯m tired. Thank you for your concern, though.¡± she answered politely.

    When it came time for dinner, Kang Chul-Gyu, Kang Dae-Kyung, Kim Tae-Jin, and Nam Il-Gyu walked into the kitchen.

    ¡°Come on in!¡± Yoo Hye-Sook greeted them all with a bright face.

    Whatever she was cooking smelled delicious.

    Starting with Kang Chul-Gyu, they put rice in their bowls and sat down.

    The food was so good that, after taking his first bite, Nam Il-Gyu looked toward the kitchen. ¡°This is delicious!¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we try to stop her?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked, still concerned.

    ¡°She told me earlier today that she¡¯s felt more at ease since we got here. This is how she expresses her desire to stay here longer,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied.

    That night, everyone had a delicious and happy dinner.

    Jokes were passed around, andughter erupted around the table.

    ***

    After his meal with Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan visited the Jeungpyeong special forces team with Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee. The soldiers were happy to see them.

    They told him that Park Chul-Su hade to visit, but they unfortunately missed each other.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho asked.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that go without saying?¡± Seok Kang-Ho joked.

    As the others lit a fire in a barrel, which had been cut in half, Kwak Cheol-Ho brought out a tray with paper cups on it.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the coffee!¡±

    When drank outside, instant coffee strangely had a different taste.

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette. Everyone else also began to smoke.

    The sun had long since set over the mountains, but the sky was still quite bright.

    Kang Chan was pleased to see the men. They reminded him of the battles they had endured together. He couldn¡¯t be happier to be with them.

    ¡°Are you heading back now?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kang Chan replied. He then added, ¡°There¡¯s going to be an operation soon.¡±

    ¡°Will you be going as well?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho couldn¡¯t hide their smiles.

    ¡°The operation will be dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    An international special forces team.

    What better way to prove that they were one than to have a glint in their eyes and a smile on their faces when leaving for an operation? Especially one that was dangerous.

    One would only expect to see such an expression from a team that had been through horrific, gruelingbat over and over again.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be deployed for it soon. I don¡¯t know how many are going, though. It might only require four people, but it could need everyone here.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho focused on his words as if listening to a strategy n.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let the men know yet. I¡¯ll update you once we¡¯ve gotten more information. Take care of yourselves.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have another cigarette before leaving.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho pulled out another cigarette and offered it to Kang Chan. He then flicked the lighter on.

    <em>Click.</em>

    ***

    Go Gun-Woo¡¯s Office, National Intelligence Service headquarters.

    ¡°Where is the assistant director?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked.

    ¡°I heard he went to Jeungpyeong,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    The two were sitting in an adjoining conference room, where they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about being eavesdropped on.

    ¡°Manager Kim, are you sure about this report? This could be even more cruel than death.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve checked it myself three times.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo¡¯s gaze was glued to the papers.

    For a moment, silence filled the room, punctuated only by the sound of him flipping through the documents.

    ¡°Director Jeon Sang-Woo has many followers and connections. The fallout won¡¯t be pretty, and since we¡¯reunching a preemptive strike against the UIS, the arrow could easily be deflected toward Assistant Director Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve taken that into consideration, Director,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied heavily. ¡°Even so, Director Jeon has crossed the line by giving over intel about our operations in Libya to the opposingwmakers so they could start an internal federal investigation.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked at the documents again.

    ¡°If these five people go out of office, how much damage will we have to deal with?¡±

    ¡°The Foreign Affairs Division would be shaken from the roots.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo tilted his head.

    ¡°The International Energy Conference is just around the corner. What if we dy this a bit longer?¡±

    ¡°Director, that risks allowing the UIS attack to be leaked beforehand. Director Jeon Sang-Woo had no ess to ssified information rted to Abibu, yet he still managed to give that intel to a reporter.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo rubbed his forehead as his expression turned grim. ¡°Are you implying that besides these five, they also had someone handing them ssified information?¡±

    ¡°I think Director Jeon simply actively checked for secrets that were not rted to his work.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo narrowed his eyes at Kim Hyung-Jung. ¡°Is our information management thatx?¡±

    ¡°Directors can ess it.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t we have a record of the people who opened the documents?¡±

    ¡°When I checked it, I found out that he had summoned an employee from the investigation room to his office. Theputerized data showed that Abibu was injured during his arrest, which is probably how he found out about it.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo sighed again.

    Factions were the problem.

    Jeon Sang-Woo had created a party, managed those under him, and gathered the necessary materials while forming connections with the opposing party¡¯s politicians and reporters by providing them with information.

    ¡°This is a shame for the agents who died serving our country.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo nodded.

    ¡°Arrest them, and proceed as nned,¡± he then ordered.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    ¡°Manager Kim,¡± Go Gun-Woo called. ¡°Is there anything you expect from me as the director of the NIS? Or are there any qualities I should have?¡±

    The question came out of the blue. However, Kim Hyung-Jung thought this was simply Go Gun-Woo trying his best.

    ¡°Director, if it¡¯s alright, please speak more informally toward me and the other employees.¡±

    ¡°Informally?¡±

    ¡°Just give us a chance to get to know you a little better. Outside formal settings, please be more rxed with the counter-terrorism team agents¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d like me to be morefortable with you as well?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s difficult.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ***

    After leaving the NIS, Kim Hyung-Jung immediately went to the office in Samseong-Dong.

    On the road, he called a number. The recipient immediately picked up.

    ¡°Gather all the special agents and have them stand by until I arrive,¡± he ordered.

    All he had to do now was meet up with the agents in Samseong-Dong and arrest Foreign Affairs Division Director Jeon Sang-Woo and the five NIS employees who had coborated with him on the leak.

    There was no end to their tasks.

    They had just dealt with multiple terrorist attacks, yet now they had to bring down someone who had leaked ssified information.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at the driver¡¯s seat.

    Without a moment¡¯s rest, he had searched for plots ofnds to connect the Eurasian Rail to, met up with Kang Chan, and had nowe all the way here.

    With darkness settling in, lights began to fill the streets, each vying for attention.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked out the car window.

    He could see the dark sky above the rows and rows of buildings.

    <em>¡®Director Hwang, Director Song, are you watching?¡¯</em>

    He was human. He got tired just like everyone else.

    However, whenever he did, he recalled his horrific experiences in Mongolia. These days, he also thought of Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook.

    Then, out of habit, he would think of Kang Chan.

    Kim Hyung-Jung secretly smirked like Kang Chan. He had been practicing, but he couldn¡¯t get it down.

    It was rush hour.

    The roads were blocked, so the car couldn¡¯t move fast enough.

    He felt rushed, but there was nothing he could do about this.

 Chapter 347: Are You Ready? (2)

    The next day, around noon, a staggering amount of information came in from Russia, China, and Germany.

    The NIS agents also continued to send a steady stream of information from their respective designated countries.

    Kang Chan believed in them. They were paying with their blood and risked their lives to get him this information.

    Hepared the information that he had received from other countries with the ones that hade from the NIS agents.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t this feel a little strange?¡±

    G¨¦rard wrote names in red on arge map.

    <em>This punk! Why does he write like a fucking toddler?</em>

    It wasn¡¯t important right now, though.

    ¡°The entire UIS leadership and their troops are in Afghanistan. Based on their numbers alone, this is going to be an all-out war.¡±That wouldn¡¯t be easy.

    Kang Chan tilted his head and stared at the names on the map and the approximate number of troops.

    The UIS core leadership and troops seemed to be gathering in a single location.

    ¡°I wonder if they¡¯re nning a major counterattack for capturing Abibu?¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard, it must have cost a lot of money to get those bastards all there. See if you can find their funding source.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± G¨¦rard replied, then immediately went inside.

    Kang Chan smirked and looked at the map.

    Abibu was most likely the one who funded them before he got captured. Hence, if the organization wanted more funds, they would have to show their loyalty to him first. However, since Abibu was in captivity right now, some other asshole had to be paying for all this.

    Kang Chan kept his eyes on the map.

    Considering the size of their forces, it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that they wanted war.

    Besides, the UIS was not a national power. Even if they suddenly attacked South Korea, it would be considered a quarrel between South Korea and a terrorist organization, not a war between nations.

    This waspletely unexpected.

    Even with all the Jeungpyeong soldiers, the 606, and the counter-terrorism team, he still wouldn¡¯t be able to guarantee victory.

    Kang Chan was doing some calctions in his head when Choi Jong-Il approached him.

    ¡°It¡¯s time.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up. ¡°Make sure you get all the information.¡±

    ¡°Copy,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Kang Chan then left the office and headed to the underground parking lot. They then drove to the Seongnam Airfield.

    More than four vans were traveling with him.

    <em>¡®Isn¡¯t this too much?¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan looked ahead and behind them, then back at Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°We received special orders from the Director. He¡¯s probably more concerned now that the former External Affairs director has been arrested.¡±

    ¡°That must be a lot of work for the special agents.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Choi Jong-Il, who was sitting next to Kang Chan, replied. ¡°Ever since the attack on Director Hwang, everyone has been on high alert, so whenever we¡¯re summoned for an emergency, they¡¯re all rushing to take the job.¡±

    Kang Chan nced out the window.

    He still hadn¡¯t gotten revenge for the unjust deaths of Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook. He still hadn¡¯t even identified the person who was supposed to get the OTP.

    <em>¡®One at a time.¡¯</em>

    War? Right now, he was more afraid of the UIS causing shootouts and detonating bombs freely within Korea than he was of war.

    The roads weren¡¯t too bad.

    The intimidating sight of the big ck vans and the ck sedan in between them caused people on the sidewalks and the drivers to stare.

    Twenty minutes before noon, they arrived at Seongnam Airfield.

    They were going to have lunch at a restaurant nearby.

    They had booked the establishment for the entire day, and Kang Chan had already been informed that the agents had the entrance and perimeter underplete lockdown.

    After driving through the airport building and onto the runway, Kang Chan got out of the car.

    ¡°Got a cigarette?¡± he asked.

    Choi Jong-Il handed him a cigarette and lighter.

    <em>Click.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    The smoke drifted out onto the runway.

    <em>A cup of coffee would have been perfect right about now.</em>

    Looking ahead, Kang Chan grinned.

    Getting involved with Gong Te automobile for Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook had led him all the way here, standing on the runway of Seongnam Airfield.

    It felt more strange to be here now than being born again.

    Kang Chan slowly looked around.

    Agents in ck suits and sunsses stood in a perfect circle around him. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee stood right next to him.

    ¡°Do you need anything?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    He had fought so many battles with Choi Jong-Il, and most of them pitted them against terrible people.

    The UIS? Were they even aware of the determination in the hearts of the agents? The sense of duty that ran deeper than the blood coursing through the veins of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team?

    Did they think they could defeat the determination of the 606, who threw themselves into the line of fire at the International Building, and the members of the Jeungpyeong special forces team, who dropped eleven meters upside down just toplete their objectives?

    Kang Chan exhaled. He remembered the size of the UIS¡¯ army.

    There would be no agent or soldier who would refuse to go, but sacrifices would be unavoidable.

    ¡°Sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il called, cutting through his thoughts. Kang Chan looked up and saw a sleek-looking private ne descending in the distance.

    Less than five minutester, itnded on the runway.

    <em>Creaaak! Creak!</em>

    White smoke billowed from the rear wheels, followed by a loud engine roar.

    <em>Errrrrng.</em>

    Upon reaching the end of the runway, the ne slowly turned toward Kang Chan.

    If it was a military ne, Kang Chan would have known its model and performance. Unfortunately, he found private nes difficult to recognize.

    The airne creaked to a stop in front of him. After a moment, its door opened.

    As Kang Chan walked over, Vasili, wearing a suit, stepped out. He had a sharp expression.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    Once off the ne, Vasili looked back. Yang Bum soon followed him out of the aircraft.

    Smiling, Kang Chan shook hands with the two. He wasn¡¯t expecting them to fly over together.

    While they exchanged greetings, Vasili¡¯s gaze remained on the door of the ne, seemingly still waiting for someone.

    Doubting that Vasili had brought a gift or something, Kang Chan followed the man¡¯s gaze and soon looked back at him. Sherman was getting off with aplicated look on his face.

    ¡°He¡¯s the extra person I told you mighte,¡± Vasili exined.

    Sherman was already here. There was no need to make him ufortable, so Kang Chan didn¡¯t question it.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Sherman¡¯s eyes glinted at Kang Chan¡¯s casual tone, but he didn¡¯t mention it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait over there.¡±

    Vasili nced at the agents standing to the side. He then smiled strangely.

    The four walked to the car.

    If Kang Chan knew they would being together, he would have prepared some tea for them.

    He wistfully remembered Lanok bringing ck tea to the tarmac.

    Just then, Choi Jong-Il approached Kang Chan. Quietly, he asked, ¡°Would you like some tea?¡±

    Yang Bum understood Korean, but he didn¡¯t act surprised since it would look tacky.

    ¡°You brought tea?¡± Kang Chan asked in a way that only Choi Jong-Il could hear, making it seem as if he was giving important instructions.

    Vasili, Yang Bum, and Sherman looked over, wondering what was going on.

    ¡°We have everything in the vans, even instant coffee. Would you like us to prepare some for you and your guests?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Thank you.¡±

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    Kang Chan thought Choi Jong-Il should¡¯ve mentioned this earlier while he was smoking.

    Vasili and Sherman stared at him, seemingly wondering, about what they were talking about so secretively.

    Choi Jong-Il turned and nodded. Two agents then brought a thermos and teacups.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have some tea, shall we?¡±

    Vasili came forward with a characteristic expression.

    <em>Glug.</em>

    It was midday. On the tarmac in the afternoon sun, they poured tea into cups ced on the trunk of the sedans.

    Kang Chan wanted instant coffee, but the scent of the ck tea that Choi Jong-Il had served them wasn¡¯t too bad either.

    ¡°Give us some cigarettes too,¡± he requested.

    Choi Jong-Il quietly set down a pack of cigarettes and a lighter right next to the tea cups.

    ¡°Cigarette?¡± Kang Chan offered.

    ¡°Absolutely.¡±

    Vasili and Yang Bum held out their hands. Sherman refused.

    <em>Click, click, click.</em>

    A gust of wind blew past them, making it difficult to light the cigarettes.

    However, a man should be able to light a fire even in the face of a typhoon.

    After lighting his cigarette, Kang Chan handed it to the next person.

    Vasili gave Kang Chan a sarcastic look, then turned away and lit his cigarette with his back to the wind.

    <em>Coward!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Vasili turned back around as Kang Chan blew out smoke.

    It was Yang Bum¡¯s turn. Since he was looking at Kang Chan, his back was luckily already to the wind anyway.

    They drank ck tea and smoked cigarettes, saying nothing in particr.

    After about ten minutes, arger ne descended to the runway.

    Five minutester, Ludwig stepped out of it.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    As Ludwig hugged him, Kang Chan felt a jab in his heart.

    Lanok should¡¯ve been here with them, not in that dark, ominous ce in Loriam.

    Kang Chan sighed. He then led Ludwig to the car.

    Ludwig greeted Vasili, Yang Bum, and Sherman.

    ¡°Would you like some tea?¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we head to the restaurant now instead?¡± Ludwig suggested.

    Kang Chan looked at Choi Jong-Il. Soon, arge van, the kind that celebrities usually rode, pulled up in front of them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    There wasn¡¯t anything else to do, so they stepped into the van and left immediately. After leaving the airport, they drove along the main road for a while, then a smaller road, then a dirt road.

    Ludwig smiled meaningfully as he looked back at the car moving in front of him and behind him. It was as if he was telling Kang Chan, ¡°You¡¯ve be this important.¡±

    After about ten minutes of driving up the mountain road, the car stopped in a spacious parking lot.

    The sign at the entrance read ¡°ming Duck.¡± Kang Chan was d it was in Korean because it was cringey.

    However, he soon remembered that Yang Bum could also read Korean.

    Feigning ignorance, Kang Chan guided the group into the establishment.

    Armed agents could be seen patrolling the parking lot and the perimeter of the building, which was guarded by agents in suits and sunsses.

    Once inside, Kang Chan nced at Choi Jong-Il.

    The hall was as huge as a sports field, but it only had onerge, rectangr table that obviously looked luxurious. There wasn¡¯t any need to go through all this trouble.

    Kang Chan felt like a hillbilly who had won the lottery and invited his friends over to show off his money.

    Anyhow, the table was already set. There was no point inining now, so Kang Chan quietly moved over to it.

    ¡°Shall we eat first?¡±

    ¡°That would be great.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded, and Choi Jong-Il gestured at his men.

    Three women dressed as restaurant staff brought out some food. Kang Chan could tell by the way they moved and the look in their eyes that they were also agents.

    A charcoal grill was rolled over, followed by a duck that looked like it had been bathed in sesame oil.

    <em>Hssss</em>.

    These kinds of people usually didn¡¯t have much interest in food, so eating was just a ritual for them.

    However, today was different. Ludwig dly took a portion of the roasted duck, and Vasili moved his fork differently than usual.

    While they were eating, they were also served meat broth and kal-guksu.

    However, none of them touched the alcohol today.

    Once everyone had leaned back in their seats with satisfied faces, the table was cleared, and tea, coffee, cigarettes, cigars, and ashtrays were ced in front of each person.

    Everyone in the dining room and the kitchen then quietly left.

    Kang Chan drank coffee. Yang Bum and Vasili took cigarettes while Ludwig picked up a cigar.

    Soon, Vasili looked at Kang Chan sharply. ¡°Monsieur Kang. As per the information we¡¯ve sent over to you, the UIS have been gathering in Afghanistan, and they number over twelve hundred. Do you still intend to attack?¡±

    The asshole clearly had more to say.

    As Kang Chan gazed at him, Vasili added, ¡°If an army of that size moves in South Korea, North Korea and Japan will be the first ones to react. If and when they do, we¡¯ll have an unwanted war on our hands. One more thing.¡±

    Vasili nced around the table.

    ¡°To keep such a huge battle between Korea and the UIS, we need to keep the UN¡¯s eyes and ears closed.¡±

    Kang Chan blew out a puff of smoke and stubbed his cigarette out in the ashtray.

    ¡°Vasili, the fact that you¡¯ve thought that far means you¡¯ve alreadye up with a n, so why don¡¯t you just reveal it instead of stalling?¡±

    Vasilughed coldly. ¡°You¡¯re making me feel the woes of being a supporting character again.¡±

    Yang Bum and Ludwig smiled, while Sherman remained expressionless.

    ¡°Yang Bum can take care of North Korea, and the UN¡­¡±

    Vasili looked at Sherman.

    Under the four men¡¯s stares, Sherman coughed and nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take care of the UN, but we do have a request.¡±

    Sherman naturally didn¡¯te all the way here just to have some ming duck. However, the way they all discussed things first without Kang Chan made him feel displeased.

    Kang Chan red at Vasili.

    ¡°Sherman was already going down to the runway when I picked him up. The enemy of your enemy is a friend. In the intelligence world, it¡¯s not umon to shake a hand that had once pointed a gun at you.¡±

    Vasil didn¡¯t look too happy to be giving an excuse.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang,¡± Ludwig kindly addressed him.

    ¡°We need Sherman¡¯s assistance in eliminating Josh and Romain. Moreover¡­¡±

    Ludwig looked at Sherman for a moment. He seemed to be saying not to argue with anything he was about to say.

    ¡°It¡¯s just as important to get Lanok out of Loriam as it is to eliminate Romain.¡±

    Well, if they could get Lanok out¡­

    Kang Chan slowly turned to Sherman.

    ¡°Tell me what you want.¡±

    ¡°Unlike South Korea, we¡¯ve been terrorized in disgrace, so our government wants to show the voters something before next year¡¯s presidential election.¡±

    ¡°Sherman, just get to the point.¡±

    Kang Chan picked up another cigarette and lit it.

    <em>Click.</em>

    He then put it set it on the ashtray.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take out the Taliban and Al-Qaeda leaders who fled to Afghanistan.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Sherman in disbelief.

    Given America¡¯s military might and the capabilities of the US Special Forces, there was no need for him to be telling Kang Chan this.

    Under Kang Chan¡¯s stare, Sherman, with an awkward expression, added, ¡°We want the maximum effect with the minimum number of people.¡±

    ¡°Spell it out for me.¡±

    ¡°I need sixteen special forces soldiers to make a perfect kill ande back without a single wound.¡±

    <em>Pft.</em>

    This crazy asshole wanted Kang Chan to kill the enemy leader, who would be guarded by one thousand two hundred people, ande back in one piece?

    Kang Chan stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray in disbelief.

    ¡°Sherman, asking me to put my men on the line to ensure that not a single US Special Forces soldier is hurt is a ridiculous condition. You either don¡¯t have Special Forces experience or you¡¯ve gone crazy for campaigning.¡±

    ¡°But Lanok¡­¡±

    ¡°Sherman,¡± Kang Chan interrupted, causing Sherman to look at him. ¡°If Romain or Franceys a finger on the ambassador, France will have the most horrible man in the world as an enemy.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Vasili, Yang Bum, and Ludwig. He then continued, ¡°You should also consider how absurd it is to ask a special forces team trying to kill the UIS leadership, who would be surrounded by twelve hundred people, to never get hurt.¡±

    Sherman looked around, seemingly asking for help.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Yang Bum called him by his Korean name. ¡°I would like to ask you to make a concession.¡±

    His sudden use of the Koreannguage caused Vasili, Ludwig, and Sherman to nce back and forth between Kang Chan and Yang Bum curiously.

    ¡°The key that Sherman holds is very important right now. Most likely, the funds that UIS have amassed in Afghanistan areing from the Star of David.¡±

    <em>I knew it!</em>

    These guys had been following the trail of money as well.

    ¡°Perhaps not against Josh, but we¡¯ll also need Sherman¡¯s help in tricking Romain.¡±

    ¡°The DGSE will target Sherman, then.¡±

    ¡°He likely believes that the presidential election is more important than that.¡±

    Yang Bum nced at Sherman and then back at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Sherman aside, I and these two other gentlemen with us have all agreed to follow you. Please try to save Vasili some face.¡±

    Kang Chan wordlessly looked at Yang Bum and then at Sherman.

    ¡°I can¡¯t refuse Vasili¡¯s request.¡±

    Vasili quickly looked between Kang Chan and Yang Bum.

    ¡°If you can convince our neighbors to allow our warnes to bomb Afghanistan, we¡¯ll ept your terms.¡±

    Sherman¡¯s expressions hardened, unable to answer.

    Vasili, Yang Bum, and Ludwig looked on with amusement.

 Chapter 348: Sorry, Mother (1)

    Sherman, who had looked away for support from the others, looked back at Kang Chan. ¡°Monsieur Kang, your terms include eliminating Romain and rescuing Lanok. Wouldn¡¯t it be fair to take that into ount?¡±

    ¡°Sherman.¡±

    Sherman¡¯s eyes showed his displeasure.

    ¡°The UIS has twelve hundred men,¡± Kang Chan rebutted. ¡°It¡¯s hard to take them on with just special forces teams. If you¡¯re ufortable with my terms, send fighter jets from the US.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    Sherman looked at the doorway, seemingly calcting his profit and loss.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan addressed another issue.

    ¡°Mr. Yang Bum, I¡¯m thinking of deploying the troops from the base in Mongolia as well. Can I ask you to guard the base during this operation?¡±

    ¡°As long as the Russian side is taken care of, consider it done,¡± Yang Bum replied. Kang Chan looked at Vasili.¡°I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Vasili said with a pointed look.

    Now, only Sherman was left. The four naturally all turned to him.

    ¡°Very well, we¡¯ll go through China. I¡¯ll handle the UN and Afghanistan¡¯s neighbors,¡± Sherman answered decisively, bringing an end to their crucial negotiation.

    ¡°How will you get Romain to move?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll say the FBI is investigating the IMF head, who is from France, for alleged sex trafficking. Even if it¡¯s just to negotiate, Romain will have no choice but to make a move.¡±

    <em>Scary bastards!</em>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t believe the savagery of these people, who had been in this business for so long.

    ¡°How will you rescue the ambassador?¡± he queried.

    Sherman turned to Ludwig.

    In turn, Ludwig exined, ¡°We¡¯ll be sending a GSG-9 team to Africa and have them support the rebel forces in Congo, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    He then turned to Vasili as he spoke.

    ¡°Our weapons will be entering the Central African Republic. Not officially, of course, but through an arms deal. I¡¯m sure the DGSE will have enough intel to understand why this is happening.¡±

    Germany and Russia could do it, but what about China?

    Kang Chan gazed at Yang Bum.

    ¡°Once Josh is out of the picture, China will divert all economic cooperation with France to the UK,¡± Yang Bum stated. ¡°This wouldpletely block the purchase of the raw materials needed to power the collider, not to mention the TGV, their high-speed railroad that spans across China.¡±

    ¡°One more thing, Monsieur Kang,¡± Ludwig said afterward. ¡°All of France¡¯s intelligence funds deposited in Switzend will be exposed and seized. In doing so, the French regime itself might even change.¡±

    Kang Chanughed in disbelief. Curious, he asked, ¡°If you have these methods, why did you just watch the ambassador get imprisoned in Loriam?¡±

    ¡°Like I said, we wanted to make the Star of David take action,¡± Vasili exined. ¡°Unfortunately, Lanok chose you to be his sessor. We are only following his wishes. Don¡¯t forget that whatever happens after this will fall on your and Korea¡¯s shoulders.¡±

    This asshole had a nice way with words.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect Vasili to speak kindly. However, did he really have to say that Lanok choosing Kang Chan as his sessor was unfortunate?

    He looked around the room, then picked up a cigarette and ced it in his mouth.

    <em>Click.</em>

    The room remained silent as he lit the cigarette and set down the lighter.

    ¡°Vasili.¡±

    Vasili gave him a questioning look, seemingly asking, ¡°What did I do?¡±

    However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t see any reason to argue with him. After all, Vasili was simply staying true to his nature.

    ¡°Although I don¡¯t know thews of intelligence bureaus, let me make one thing clear. While I¡¯m following the ambassador¡¯s footsteps and leading this meeting¡­¡±

    The four patiently waited for him to continue.

    ¡°If anyone here is ever in danger, that bes our most important and urgent matter.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a bit sentimental for our hero to say.¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Kang Chan responded curtly, ¡°but if we seed in building a next-generation energy facility in South Korea, aren¡¯t you thinking of building one in Russia, China, Germany, and Switzend afterward?¡±

    Sherman quickly looked up as if greed had gotten the better of him. No one spared him a nce, though.

    ¡°If this is going to set the course of the world economy for the next hundreds of years, and if we¡¯re destined to stay on this path for a long time¡­¡± Kang Chan blew out a puff of smoke. ¡°We should have this much trust in each other. Hence, after we¡¯re done building a next-generation energy facility in South Korea, I¡¯ll cooperate in the construction of simr facilities in each of your countries.

    ¡°How touching,¡± Vasili retorted, breaking the heartwarming moment.

    <em>Son of a bitch.</em>

    Vasili raised his teacup, and Yang Bum and Ludwig raised their cigarettes and cigars.

    ¡°Will you be in charge of this operation, Monsieur Kang?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°How risky. I won¡¯t be able to watch what¡¯s going on because I¡¯m so scared,¡± Vasili grumbled as he set his cup down.

    ¡°I will put Andrei and thirty Spetsnaz members under yourmand. Consider it a sign of respect and admiration for your country standing up to a terrorist organization like the UIS. Once this operation is over, the Russian government will announce everything I just said now.¡±

    ¡°On that note, do you remember Jiang Kanglin?¡± Yang Bum asked.

    Kang Chan nodded. How could he forget one of the people who had trained alongside him in France?

    ¡°I will send him and thirty Snow Wolves over.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned.

    ¡°Leon and thirty GSG-9 members will be joining you too,¡± Ludwig added.

    That was more than what Kang Chan anticipated.

    Sherman seemed more flustered than Kang Chan.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what we agreed on.¡±

    Before Sherman could further protest, Vasili cut him off. ¡°The US will have a higher chance of getting the achievement you so desire with South Korea¡¯s special forces, the Spetsnaz, White Wolves, and GSG-9 working together. What¡¯s the issue?¡±

    He continued, ¡°If we pull this off, the Star of David won¡¯t be able to just freely swing its tail around anymore. That¡¯s why this operation must seed. In the meantime, as Monsieur Kang requested, we will get rid of Josh and Romain and bring Lanok out.¡±

    Time passed as they discussed other details. At one point, Sherman tried to interject about the next-generation energy facilities, but Vasili brutally cut him off.

    ***

    The NIS agents who had been dispatched to Imic countries were busy risking their lives to find out why the UIS had amassed nearly a thousand two hundredbatants in Afghanistan, where their leader was located.

    NIS Egyptian branch office.

    The Egyptian branch manager shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous.¡±

    All the previous agents had been shot to obtain the satellite coordinatesst time. The only ones left unscathed were two new recruits.

    ¡°Sir, if we just keep monitoring the informant and he gets taken out because of our nonaction, we¡¯ll lose the tail. Aren¡¯t we being ordered to figure out how they got the coordinates because they need the intel? I¡¯ll head out with the new guys.¡±

    The branch manager shook his head again. How could he send two rookies with Um Ji-Hwan, whose right forearm and shin were injured? It was too risky a n, even if it meant they could find a vital informant.

    ¡°That guy isn¡¯t just some random informant. He¡¯s an A-lister. He has a direct line to Greek military intelligence.¡±

    ¡°Um Ji-Hwan, you still haven¡¯t gotten the hang of this ce yet. Even if I allow you to go, our two rookies aren¡¯t familiar with the terrain. Don¡¯t you know the situation we¡¯re in? With everyone else injured, we don¡¯t have anyone who can help you.¡±

    The branch manager was not only Um Ji-Hwan¡¯s senior. He was also a veteran in Egypt-rted fieldwork. Everything he had said made sense.

    Um Ji-Hwan looked down in frustration.

    An informant had asked for their help. This could be theirst chance to find out how they got the satellite coordinates and where the clues came from.

    The branch manager was well aware of that, but right now, they were too short-handed. They could call for reinforcements, but doing so out of the blue was easier said than done.

    ¡°How well do you speak Egyptian?¡± the branch manager suddenly asked the new recruits.

    ¡°I can understand most of the expletives.¡±

    ¡°And your background?¡±

    ¡°I used to be part of the 606, then the counter-terrorism team for two years.¡±

    The branch manager turned to the other recruit this time

    ¡°I¡¯m confident in my English, and I can order in Egyptian. I was a member of the Third Airborne Forces and the 606.¡±

    ¡°Go make me some coffee.¡±

    Anyone listening to their conversation would have thought that the Third Airborne Forces and the 606 were barista training schools.

    As ordered, the two recruits walked to the corner and poured instant coffee and hot water into paper cups. The aroma of instant coffee wafted through the office.

    A few momentster, they came back with a cup in each hand, putting them down in front of the branch manager and Um Ji-Hwan.

    ¡°Has there been any other contact?¡± the branch manager asked.

    ¡°Jung sunbae is following the informant as we speak. We can capture him as soon as you give the order,¡± Um Ji-Hwan replied.

    The branch manager sighed.

    The Jung sunbae that Um Ji-Hwan had mentioned had been shot in the chest and could barely walk. Nevertheless, he was still relentlessly following the informant.

    ¡°It could be the opposite. This could be a trap to get us there. If we find ourselves in a dangerous situation, you, the two rookies, and I¡­¡±

    The branch manager was unable to finish. While holding the cup of coffee, he looked around

    ¡°Permission to speak, sir,¡± one of the new recruits said.

    ¡°Go ahead. What is it?¡±

    ¡°I lost one of my colleagues in the terrorist attack on the International Building. If I can do anything to prevent more sacrifices, even though I¡¯m unfamiliar with this ce, I hope you reconsider whether my safety is really more important than the wellbeing of our nation,¡± the recruit who was confident in his Egyptian said.

    ¡°You punk.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir.¡±

    ¡°Give me a cigarette.¡±

    The branch manager took the cigarette pack and lighter that the rookie handed over. He then red at the three.

    ¡°You all smoke, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The branch manager handed them all a cigarette.

    <em>Click</em>.

    He then flicked the lighter on and held it out.

    As a soldier and an agent of the NIS, it was an honor to have a senior light their cigarettes for them.

    Um Ji-Hwan and the two agents politely moved closer.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>. Think about it this way. It¡¯s not just about risking your lives. Don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re also important assets to the country.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the two recruits answered cautiously.

    The branch manager sighed deeply, blowing out cigarette smoke at the same time. He, too, had a bloody gauze on his nape and a thick bandage wrapped around his back.

    ¡°So, are we going to get the informant?¡± Um Ji-Hwan asked.

    The branch manager nced at Um Ji-Hwan. While making calctions, he bit his lower lip.

    His eyes showed the many storms that he had weathered.

    After taking another drag on his cigarette, he exhaled. ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    This would be a gamble. Helping the informant, who hade to them for help, wasn¡¯t safe.

    However, finding out how he had gotten the satellite coordinates and why the UIS had assembled an army was worth putting their lives on the line for.

    Requesting for backup?

    The branch manager shook his head.

    Every NIS branch in Africa, Egypt, and the Middle East was undermanned right now. They had never been this active before.

    The most they had ever done before was look for spies. Whenever there was a conflict, armed or otherwise, they would always retreat.

    He was grateful and proud of the battle in Libya.

    It was a sign of how important their home country, South Korea, considered the agents they had dispatched all around the world.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    The branch manager stubbed his cigarette out in a paper cup.

    ***

    After seeing off Vasili and the others at the Seongnam Airfield, Kang Chan headed straight to the Samseong-Dong office. He wanted to meet Kim Hyung-Jung, who was probably eagerly awaiting the details of the meeting.

    He thought about asking for a meeting with Moon Jae-Hyun and Go Gun-Woo first, but he didn¡¯t want to seem disrespectful to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    The situation was clear. All that was left was figuring out why the UIS had gathered such arge army. Unfortunately, neither Vasili, Yang Bum, Sherman, nor Ludwig had a clear answer.

    As an organization grewrger, so did its members¡¯ vested interests and greed.

    Arriving at Samseong-Dong, Kang Chan immediately went up to the fifth floor.

    ¡°Thank you foring.¡±

    Kang Chan entered the office and told Kim Hyung-Jung, who had been waiting, everything that had happened over lunch.

    With all their time together, Kang Chan thought Kim Hyung-Jung would¡¯ve gotten used to it by now, yet his eyes still widened at him.

    ¡°Are you really nning to send in fighter jets?¡±

    ¡°Given the enemy¡¯s numbers, bombing is a must.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    It was difficult to ept, but Kim Hyung-Jung had no other choice. His answer reflected his feelings.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head back to my office now.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll call you as soon as I¡¯m done.¡±

    ¡°Please do.¡±

    After parting ways with Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan drove back to his office.

    ¡°How was it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho curiously greeted. ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡±

    ¡°After I wash up,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    He hung up his jacket, then went to the restroom to brush his teeth and wash his face.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>!¡±

    He looked at his glinting eyes in the mirror. He had gotten used to seeing this face.

    The water dripped and soaked the front of his shirt, but he didn¡¯t care.

    <em>¡®Are you confident?¡¯</em> he asked his reflection.

    They were up against twelve hundred hostiles, and the battlefield would be set in Afghanistan.

    Russia, China, and Germany would be sending special forces teams. Meanwhile, the United States would be hanging on their tails.

    This massive operation even required fighter jets.

    Kang Chan had fought countless battles, and after being reborn, he had been in operations that made Kim Hyung-Jung shudder. Thest time he had been in Afghanistan, he had gone against six hundred Quds.

    Yet this battle was still on an entirely different level.

    It was one thing to fight six hundred Quds charging straight at them and another to face one thousand two hundred UIS members in an area they hadplete control over.

    Moreover,manding arge-scale operation was easier said than done. Just because one could drive a 2.5-ton truck nicely didn¡¯t mean they could suddenly pull a 25-ton dump and trailer at will.

    Kang Chan knew better than anyone that, inbat, amander¡¯s mistakes could cost the lives of their men.

    Things were escting. Just as he had decided to eliminate the leadership, the enemies gathered in Afghanistan.

    It felt like a strange, ufortable weight had settled on his shoulders and refused to fall off.

    Kang Chan grabbed a towel from the rack and wiped his face.

    <em>Pft</em>.

    He wouldn¡¯t quit now, though. If someone else had told him about this issue, he would¡¯ve said immediately that they should attack the enemies and show them what their country could do.

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze on his reflection turned into a re.

    <em>¡®I¡¯ll send everyst one of them to the God of Death. They will never get to aim their guns my way.¡¯</em>

    He smirked.

    When he came out of the restroom, he noticed that Seok Kang-Ho had set two mugs on the table.

    ¡°Did the meeting not go well?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°No, why?¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t look too happy.¡±

    Kang Chan sat down at the table and looked out the window. ¡°I was just worried about the enemies¡¯ numbers. I¡¯ve never gone against an army thatrge.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned and lifted his mug.

    ¡°G¨¦rard said you seem worried about the soldiers having to sacrifice themselves. Is that right?¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    This guy had exchanged a conversation thatplicated with G¨¦rard? How?

    Kang Chan¡¯s question was quickly answered. He saw a man in formal attireing out of the office with Gerard.

    It seemed the interpreter, who had lost two fingers, had visited them.

    Seeing him bow in greeting, Kang Chan grinned.

    ¡°The NIS hired him.¡±

    ¡°When?¡±

    ¡°Well, he just got here this morning. Didn¡¯t Manager Kim tell you? When Iined about how ufortable it is to not be able to talk to each other due to thenguage barrier, they decided to hire him to interpret for us and the agents assigned to the satellites.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung was so busy that he must have forgotten.

    The interpreter hade at the best time. Kang Chan liked most that he could trust him since they had already fought together.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, did you get anything from the satellites?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been scanning the suspicious areas, but we haven¡¯t found anything concrete.¡±

    The interpreter ryed Kang Chan and G¨¦rard¡¯s conversation to Seok Kang-Ho.

    This was nice.

    ¡°Keep at it.¡±

    ¡°I told them as much. I¡¯ll keep monitoring them too.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    Once Kim Hyung-Jung was done with his meeting with Go Gun-Woo, they would begin the operation.

    Kang Chan looked at the sky.

    Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s faces suddenly came to mind. He wondered how they were doing.

    He missed them terribly.

    Kang Chan could only hope that Yoo Hye-Sook wasn¡¯t crying¡­

    Just then, he was shaken from his thoughts at the sound of the office door opening.

    <em>Already?</em>

    Much to his surprise, it was Kim Hyung-Jung.

 Chapter 349: Sorry, Mother (2)

    ¡°Say that again?¡±

    ¡°Once Um sunbae and I catch the informant and get the information from him, we¡¯ll head back to the headquarters immediately. If it¡¯s deemed unsafe, we¡¯ll flee to the safe house.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s the safe house?¡±

    ¡°At the Al Ggo intersection.¡±

    ¡°What if it¡¯s inessible?¡±

    ¡°The camouge shop on Al Gsa.¡±

    ¡°Weapons?¡±

    ¡°Pistols on my left ankle and waist, and a bay on my right ankle.¡±

    The Egyptian branch manager checked the magazines and then strapped a pistol to his waist. When he lifted his shirt, the others noticed that one side of the bandages wrapped around his waist was stained with blood.¡°Um Ji-Hwan.¡±

    Um Ji-Hwan raised his head. ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°You know, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Confused by their conversation, the two recruits nced at the two men.

    As the branch manager¡¯s eyes zed, Um Ji-Hwan pressed his lips together.

    Um Ji-Hwan now knew why the branch manager had asked his seniors the same question before they left on missions in the past.

    <em>¡®Keep your juniors safe.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Of course, sir.¡¯</em>

    He would do his best to protect them so they, in turn, could ry their experience to the next generation.

    ¡°Check your radios.¡±

    They all pressed a button on their radios.

    <em>Chk, chk, chk, chk.</em>

    They were ready to go.

    ¡°This is such a risky operation that I didn¡¯t even report it because I doubt it would have been approved. So if you want out, sit down quietly. We won¡¯t shame you for it.¡±

    The branch manager gave Um Ji-Hwan and the two rookies a serious expression.

    After a moment of silence, he turned toward the door.

    ***

    ¡°I¡¯ve made the report to the president as well. We¡¯ve never deployed fighter jets for overseas bombing before, so we still have to go through the chain ofmand and legal procedures,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said with a heavy face. ¡°Anyway, after I reported to the president, the Jeungpyeong special forces, the 606, and the NIS¡¯s counter-terrorism team were put on standby. The NIS will dispatch them as soon as we¡¯ve determined the number of personnel.¡±

    Kang Chan sharply red at the map of Afghanistan on the whiteboard.

    ¡°Manager Kim, can I meet with themander of the counter-terrorism team, the 606, and the Jeungpyeong special forces?¡±

    ¡°Where would you like to meet?¡±

    The office wasn¡¯t the best location.

    ¡°How about the conference room under the NIS? Would that be possible?¡±

    ¡°Yes. When would you like to hold it?¡±

    ¡°Around ten tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°Consider it done. I¡¯ll update you once we¡¯ve prepared everything.¡±

    Twice during their conversation, G¨¦rard came out and quickly scribbled the names of the enemy leaders and their estimated forces on the map.

    They were getting closer to deployment.

    ***

    In a restaurant with a second floor that overlooks the first floor.

    ¡°He¡¯s in there.¡±

    The senior agent following the informant had a pale face. If he wasn¡¯t breaking out in a cold sweat and his eyes weren¡¯t open, Um Ji-Hwan would have thought that he was dead.

    ¡°There are three customers in there right now. If you include the kitchen staff, the servers, and the owner, then we¡¯re looking at six people. More might be hiding somewhere.¡±

    The senior agent gritted his teeth and gripped the window sill. He looked like he could barely keep himself on his feet.

    ¡°We¡¯ve spent ten years trying to catch this guy. Considering he''s been hiding since thest shootout and reached out to us first, there¡¯s about an eighty percent chance he¡¯s on our side.¡±

    When Um Ji-Hwan turned to the restaurant, the senior agent tapped his shoulder.

    ¡°It could be a trap. We¡¯ll have raided their base, so we can¡¯t even give an excuse.¡±

    Um Ji-Hwan had never seen so much determination in the eyes of a dying man.

    He looked so frustrated for being unable to go in himself, so angry for having to send his juniors in, and¡­ so enraged for being unable to die.

    <em>¡®I¡¯ll bring the informant back as soon as possible.¡¯</em>

    Um Ji-Hwan looked into the agent¡¯s eyes and shared his zing determination as well.

    ***

    It was like a war zone.

    Information flooded in from Russia, China, Germany, and even the United States.

    Rukha district, near the Panjshir River and along Saricha Road.

    The mountainous terrain had plenty of ces where enemies could hide. They had to watch out for underground tunnels, too.

    G¨¦rard busily brought documents to Kang Chan. ¡°Captain, they have way too many fucking snipers.¡±

    The information that the Americans had sent contained a rough estimate of the number of snipers and a list of those they knew for sure.

    Snipers were a pain in the ass, especially those holed up in mountainous areas. They were one of the deadliest enemies on the battlefield.

    The Quds alone had over thirty snipers. Including the snipers from other organizations, Rukha was infested with sixty in total. The problem was the damn Quds, the organization with the most veterans in the world.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>. We¡¯ve only identified sixty. There have to be some who are assigned to protect their leadership. Mark them on the map for now, and put the lists in a USB. I¡¯ll take it to the meeting tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± G¨¦rard answered, then went back inside the office.

    The gathering of the UIS had defiedmon sense enough that even Seok Kang-Ho stared at the map in disbelief.

    ¡°Cap, doesn¡¯t it look like they¡¯re preparing for a long war?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right, but this is not a matter of how long the war is. Considering their numbers, they¡¯ve probably brought serious firepower with them too. We haven¡¯t even seen their missiles or other weapons yet. Also¡­¡±

    After a brief pause, he continued, ¡°Intelligence bureaus are bound to detect such arge army. I doubt they¡¯re there to attack South Korea, but there has to be a reason why they¡¯re doing this shit. We need to know what that is so we can deal with them properly.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho red at the map.

    Sixty special forces snipers. One thousand two hundred soldiers in total.

    They were likelyposed of more than justmon militia.

    Sixty out of one thousand two hundred didn¡¯t seem that much, but the snipers had been in the special forces. That meant they had experience of anywhere from seven to fifteen years. It was a lot of pressure.

    What were they trying to do?

    <em>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</em>

    Just then, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang, breaking him out of his thoughts.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - I¡¯ve scheduled an initial briefing at ten tomorrow morning. As you¡¯ve requested, it¡¯ll be held in the underground conference room of the NIS. Two of thebat squadron majors will be there as well.

    ¡°Will that not pose a problem with secrecy?¡±

    - The NIS can vouch for the two majors.

    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, then. Oh, right. Is Shan still unconscious?¡±

    - They believe that he has be so drug-dependent that he¡¯ll die as soon as they take him off the respirator. I¡¯ll check again.

    That son of a bitch.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to give him a nice death. If he had to, he would even twist his neck just before he died.

    ¡°Please tell them to keep him on oxygen. I want to at least be able to watch him die.¡±

    - Got it.

    Putting the phone down, Kang Chan looked at the map again.

    <em>Should I beat Abibu up again?</em>

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    There was no knowing how Abibu would react if he knew that the UIS had gathered in Afghanistan.

    ***

    Um Ji-Hwan left the building with a rookie.

    The sun beat down on the people walking beneath it like a spear, causing them to smell of spices and sweat¡ªstrong and distinctive.

    The jumble of cars, people, antiques, and bric-a-brac lining the roads was as busy and cluttered as it smelled.

    <em>Chk</em>.

    ¡°Move in. Don¡¯t overdo it.¡±

    Following the instructions that came from the radio, Um Ji-Hwan nced at the rookie and began to cross the street.

    His nerves were on edge, but he pretended to be calm. he stepped forward.

    The road was narrow, and the shop was small.

    In front of a dark ochre-colored wooden door, Um Ji-Hwan looked at the new agent once more.

    <em>¡®Ready?¡¯</em>

    Looking at the new agent¡¯s firm eyes, Um Ji-Hwan reached forward.

    The information that South Korea, Kang Chan, and Seok Kang-Ho were waiting for could be in there. If it could put a stop to the terrorist attacks and tell them why the UIS had gathered, then he wanted to do whatever he could to obtain it.

    <em>Creaaak.</em>

    He opened the door and walked in. After the initial rush of darkness, four tables slowly came into view. Two of them were upied.

    Um Ji-Hwan quickly scanned the restaurant. Afterward, his gaze fell on the table with a lone customer.

    The chilly atmosphere seemed to be warning his instincts.

    Three sets of piercing eyes red at him from a table further into the establishment.

    Even though a customer had entered, the owner just watched anxiously.

    <em>¡®Something¡¯s wrong!¡¯</em>

    He wanted to pull his pistol out. However, he wasn¡¯t an ouw in the wilderness. He needed to find out what was going on.

    Um Ji-Hwan looked at the rookies and turned to the restaurant owner.

    <em>Click!</em>

    At that moment, he heard the sound of a guning from the tables.

    <em>m! Crash!</em>

    Um Ji-Hwan ran into the rookie.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Right after, he pulled out the gun from his waist.

    <em>Du du du du! Pow pow pow pow!</em>

    The enemy''s guns sparked.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    Um Ji-Hwan shot two hostiles down.

    If only his right arm hadn¡¯t been wounded¡­

    At the same time, the new agent fired three rounds at the remaining one.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    ¡°Secure the informant!¡± Um Ji-Hwan shouted.

    He felt a tingling sensation in his head and the right side of his chest, but he couldn¡¯t pay it any attention.

    <em>Bam!</em>

    The new agent tugged on the sleeve of the man sitting alone.

    <em>Crash!</em>

    Just then, the doors shattered, and a mass of men came sprawling onto the restaurant floor.

    Um Ji-Hwan aimed at them.

    The branch manager and the rookie were tangled up with three Egyptian men, brandishing bays.

    <em>Jab! Jab! Jab! Jab!</em>

    He didn¡¯t even get to pull the trigger. The branch manager was already stabbing one of the enemies in the neck with his bay, and the new agent was stabbing another in the heart.

    <em>¡®Huh? Why is¡­?¡¯</em>

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Um Ji-Hwan fell to his knees.

    ¡°Hey! Hey, punk! Um Ji-Hwan!¡±

    The bloodied branch manager held him up. Um Ji-Hwan could barely see the sunlighting through the door.

    ¡°<em>Arrrgh</em>.¡±

    He wanted to speak. However, instead of words, blood spilled out of his mouth, followed by a gurgle and more blood.

    ¡°Take him upstairs! Hurry!¡± the branch manager shouted. In response, the two rookies dragged the informant out the door.

    They had secured the informant. He had done his mission.

    Um Ji-Hwan hoped that they could stop the terrorist attacks with the information from the informant and find out why the UIS had assembled an army.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho would take care of the rest.

    ¡°Hey! Come on! Hang in there! Hey! Um Ji-Hwan!¡±

    As if sunlight was filling their surroundings, Um Ji-Hwan¡¯s vision turned white.

    <em>¡®Ah! When you¡¯re in a foreign country, make sure to have soup with your meals, hm? Take care of yourself.¡¯</em>

    He could hear his old mother¡¯s voice, who was holding onto his hand tightly in front of the small house.

    <em>¡®Sorry, Mother.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®What are you talking about? Everyone¡¯s been telling me I¡¯m so lucky to have you as my son!¡¯</em>

    He wondered if she hated or resented him, whom she had been given no choice but to raise while working in the market, freezing on cold days and melting on hot days.

    <em>¡®You¡¯re not hurt anywhere, are you? Whenever I see you in my dreams, I get so upset that I can¡¯t even eat anything all day.¡¯</em>

    Despite her hunched back, she had insisted that she would carry his bags and followed him out to watch him get in the car in front of the house.

    <em>¡®When are youing back this time?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Mother, I¡¯m not sick at all, so don¡¯t be too worried.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Hm! What is it? Why are you saying that?¡¯</em>

    ¡°Hey! Punk! Um Ji-Hwan!¡±

    Gritting his teeth, the branch manager carried Um Ji-Hwan on his shoulder. However, Um Ji-Hwan¡¯s head drooped helplessly.

    ***

    There was more than enough material to go around in the office.

    On aid-out map of the Rukha district, they plotted the enemy¡¯s troop positions ording to the satellites and the data from the intelligence bureaus. As a result, they gained a general outline of the situation.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go get dinner already,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled while the interpreter rolled up his sleeves and analyzed the information.

    It was already getting dark outside.

    ¡°Order for yourself.¡±

    ¡°Fine. Don¡¯t regret itter.¡±

    As Seok Kang-Ho turned to Woo Hee-Seung, Kang Chan¡¯s phone began to ring.

    <em>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.</em>

    What was going on?

    When he picked up, the uneasiness hanging on his shoulders suddenly became stickier.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Kim Hyung-Jung.

    His voice sounded unusually grave.

    As Kang Chan took a deep breath, Kim Hyung-Jung continued speaking.

    - We just got a report that our agents in Egypt have managed to secure an informant connected to the satellite coordinates. The report stated that an arms trafficker named Ivan Dmitriyevich Lebedev was trying to sell the OTP to Russia.

    ¡°He must be a big fish if he¡¯s making deals like that.¡±

    - He¡¯s a well-known figure around the world. On another note, my source also gave me another piece of information on the condition of protection, but I haven¡¯t confirmed it yet.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    - He says the UIS has raised an army because they¡¯re nning to dere a new independent state in Afghanistan, and they¡¯ve nned simultaneous terrorist attacks around the world to coincide with it. The OTP is tounch missiles at that time.

    <em>Those crazy bastards!</em>

    Kang Chan looked at the map on the whiteboard in disbelief. However, he realized right after that the UIS was certainly capable of aplishing such a feat.

    - Assistant Director Kang.

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s tone seemed to have quieted down further.

    This had to be the reason Kang Chan felt iffy. He waited for him to continue.

    - The report came in along with the news that Agent Um Ji-Hwan had been killed in the process of securing the informant.

    Kang Chan turned to Seok Kang-Ho, who was talking to Woo Hee-Seung about the dinner menu.

    - They conducted the operation undermanned. Since there is currently a severe shortage of agents in the Middle East and Africa, we couldn¡¯t send them reinforcements immediately.

    Kang Chan let out a low sigh.

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    - I will contact you again.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Chan put the phone down and turned around.

    ¡°What was that?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho approached him with a grin.

    ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡±

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s expression made Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s smile disappear.

    Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, Lee Doo-Hee, and the interpreter, who was heading to the whiteboard with some materials, all focused on Kang Chan.

    ¡°We found an informant in Egypt. They¡¯ve secured important intel.¡±

    The moment the word ¡°Egypt¡± was said, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes glinted.

    ¡°Ji-Hwan was killed in action.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho gritted his teeth so hard that his cheeks trembled.

    As a moment of heavy silence descended on the room, Seok Kang-Ho walked over to the table, sat down, and lit a cigarette.

    His behavior made how he felt clear¡ªfrustrated, angry, upset, and sad.

    Seok Kang-Ho flicked the lighter on.

    <em>Click. Click.</em>

    This was why letting someone in one¡¯s heart was scarily difficult in this line of work.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    The cigarette smoke he spat out swirled upward toward the vent.

 Chapter 350: Itéˆ¥æªš A Hard Battle (1)

    No one spoke during dinner. All they could hear was the asional tter of forks, knives, and chopsticks.

    <em>We just had to eat pork cutlets at a time like this.</em>

    Kang Chan sliced the meat first out of habit, alternating between eating the pork and rice with chopsticks.

    While Kang Chan was putting the two remaining pieces in his mouth, Seok Kang-Ho quietly asked, ¡°Do you know who Ji-Hwan was dealing with?¡±

    ¡°They probably don¡¯t know for sure yet.¡±

    ¡°Captain, could you look into those motherfuckers?¡±

    Kang Chan chewed his pork and sighed.

    Although everyone was pretending to be focused on eating, their eyes and ears were on Kang Chan.

    ¡°Daye.¡±¡°Yes.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho put down his chopsticks and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m also upset, but if we go around avenging the deaths of those killed in legitimate operations or battles, we¡¯ll be no better than a gang. We can¡¯t use the special forces team for something like this, especially when they weren¡¯t killed unjustly and they were trying to secure an informant.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at his leftover pork cutlets with a stiff expression.

    The fact that he didn¡¯t finish his meal said a lot about how he was feeling at the moment.

    Kang Chan recalled the battle in Africa where they lost a rookie. If Daye hadn¡¯t stopped him then, he would¡¯ve killed the guy acting sarcastic for sure.

    Seok Kang-Ho probably felt so frustrated that he couldn¡¯t breathe. He likely wanted to destroy the organization that killed Um Ji-Hwan, too.

    ¡°Fuck!¡±

    The interpreter, who was whispering his interpretations to G¨¦rard, looked at the pork cutlets with a surprised face.

    ¡°Well, just this once,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked up in surprise. After listening to the interpreter, G¨¦rard grinned.

    He continued, ¡°The battle with the UIS is not rted to it. ording to the information they gathered at the cost of Ji-Hwan¡¯s life, they¡¯re rebel forces, not militias.¡±

    Kang Chan had experienced this all too well in Africa.

    He knew how dangerous and brutal rebels could be, especially those who imed to lead tribes and those trying to set up new governments.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard didn¡¯t need him to tell them that.

    ¡°Steel your resolve. Make sure Ji-Hwan¡¯s sacrifice doesn¡¯t cost you the lives of the Jeungpyeong special forces team I was thinking of entrusting to you.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled at Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s uncharacteristically serious tone.

    Due to the atmosphere, they ended dinner without finishing their meals.

    ¡°Clean everything up, then let¡¯s have some coffee.¡±

    As Kang Chan suggested, they all stood up and cleared the table. In the meantime, Seok Kang-Ho went to the corner and made some instant coffee.

    Since they had eaten and were making coffee, they craved a smoke too.

    G¨¦rard, who was still at the table, offered Kang Chan a cigarette. The two smoked first.

    ¡°It¡¯s my first time seeing Daye like that.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    It was probably difficult. G¨¦rard had suffered from this as well. He even considered retiring because of it.

    Seok Kang-Ho walked to the table, holding the tips of two paper cups ovepping between the thumb and forefinger of his right hand, and one in his left.

    He could have used a tray or something else to support them. Kang Chan wondered if Seok Kang-Ho was doing that because it was morefortable for him.

    Anyhow, coffee was served.

    The three sat at the table and wordlessly drank coffee and smoked.

    ¡°When do you n on leaving?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe in about three days,¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    The interpreter, sensing the tension, kept his distance. Hence, Kang Chan ryed the conversation to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Stay alert and on your toes. Make sure you don¡¯t miss anything until we leave.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir. Anyway, I¡¯ll be inside.¡± G¨¦rard went to the room where the agents were.

    Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette and nced at Seok Kang-Ho.

    At a time like this, it was better to just leave him alone than offer clumsy constion.

    They stared out the window quietly, just as Kang Chan had done with G¨¦rard a few days ago.

    About an hour or so passed.

    Kang Chan picked up his phone and looked for a number before pressing the call button.

    - Hello?

    ¡°President Kim, it¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Ah! Things must be busy over there. How¡¯s the situation?

    ¡°There¡¯s a lot to do. What about Mongolia?¡±

    - It¡¯s the same here. What¡¯s going on?

    ¡°I¡¯d like to speak with Director Kang. Is he there?

    - Just a minute.

    Soon, Kang Chul-Gyu spoke into the phone.

    -Hello?

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    After Kang Chan replied, Kang Chul-Gyu kept an awkward silence. They hadn¡¯t gotten to know each other well enough to ask for greetings yet, so Kang Chan was honestly morefortable with this than having a casual conversation.

    ¡°We¡¯re nning to attack the UIS headquarters in Afghanistan. We estimate their numbers to be around one thousand two hundred. From what we¡¯ve heard, they¡¯re trying to form a new government, but I think there¡¯s more to it.¡±

    A silence different from before fell over the phone.

    It was interesting. One could sense the other person¡¯s emotions through their inaudible breathing.

    ¡°They¡¯ve got about sixty snipers, most of them from special forces units. We don¡¯t know how many civilians are among them.¡±

    - What¡¯s the objective?

    ¡°Eliminate their entire leadership.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s steady breathing followed.

    - What about our side?

    ¡°Thirty each from the Jeungpyeong special forces, NIS counter-terrorism team, 606, Spetsnaz, White Wolves, and GSG-9.¡±

    - If we go, who¡¯s going to keep this ce safe?

    Showing his experience, Kang Chul-Gyu only asked the necessary questions.

    ¡°China and Russia have agreed to cover the area for the time being, but it won¡¯t hurt to leave some basic security.¡±

    - If that¡¯s the case, including me¡­

    Kang Chul-Gyu trailed off, seemingly doing a head count.

    - There will be twenty of us. How will we get there?

    ¡°I¡¯ll contact you as soon as we have a location and transportation. We¡¯ll definitely be leaving in the next three days, though.¡±

    - I see.

    The call ended.

    Kang Chan set the phone down. Leaving Seok Kang-Ho at the table, he turned to the whiteboard.

    They had done all preparations.

    At the cost of his life, Um Ji-Hwan had fulfilled his mission.

    While the interpreter, who hade from the inner room, input new information on the map, Kang Chan stared at it, unmoving.

    ***

    After just one undoubtedly rough night, Seok Kang-Ho was back to his old self.

    Choi Jong-Il and the interpreter looked relieved, but Kang Chan and G¨¦rard didn¡¯t mention anything.

    The hurt of losing someone close to one¡¯s heart never went away.

    Seok Kang-Ho wasn¡¯t over it.

    Just like how Kang Chan and G¨¦rard had acted in Africa, he was forcing himself to be his usual self because he was afraid that his emotions would hurt the other members of the team.

    ¡°Be safe out there,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said when Kang Chan stood up.

    Kang Chan gave him a wave and left the office.

    After stopping in Samseong-Dong, Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung headed straight to the NIS headquarters in Naegok-Dong.

    They arrived about ten minutes before ten. Nevertheless, the entire group was already waiting in the underground conference room.

    Soon after entering the room, Kim Hyung-Jung introduced Kang Chan to the two majors in Air Force uniforms. ¡°Assistant Director, this is Park Seung-yong and Major Lee Ki-Do of the Air Force Operations Command. Majors, this is NIS Assistant Director Kang Chan.¡±

    The introductions after that were simple and easy. Kang Chan already knew Cha Dong-Gyun, and he had already gone on operations with Kang Myung-Gu, themander of the counter-terrorism team, and Jeong Won-Min of the 606.

    ¡°Please take a seat,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    They all sat downfortably.

    Once Kang Chan was seated, Kim Hyung-Jung plugged in a USB to hisptop. He then waited for the beam projector on the ceiling to start up and then turned off the lights.

    A map appeared on the screen in the room.

    ¡°This is a map of Afghanistan,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Everyone looked at the map.

    ¡°There is an estimated one thousand two hundred UIS in the Rukha district. We n to kill the entire UIS leadership responsible for the attack on the International Building and the raid on our base in Mongolia.¡±

    The two majors nced at Kang Chan and looked back at the screen. More information popped up, each apanied by an exnation from Kang Chan.

    After about half an hour, the briefing was over, and the lights were turned back on.

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang, there are many constraints on our fighter jets¡¯ ability to bomb the target. Have you considered that?¡± Park Seung-yong asked.

    ¡°The US will be handling cooperation with neighboring countries, the UN, and any aerial refueling needed between trips. We have also arranged for the fighter jets to be stationed at a nearby Chinese air base.¡±

    ¡°North Korea could provoke us.¡±

    ¡°China and Russia will take care of that.¡±

    Park Seung-yong nced at Lee Ki-Do and turned back to Kang Chan. He seemed to be doubtful of the n, but he didn¡¯t ask any further questions.

    ¡°There are many variables. Even so, we will leave in three days. Please keep this information ssified. I¡¯m telling you all of this in advance because I¡¯d like for you to choose the soldiers to deploy in advance.¡±

    A moment of silence permeated the room.

    Afterward, Park Seung-yong and Lee Ki-do asked a few more questions before standing up. They both said their farewells and were led out by Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kang Chan sat back down with the others. ¡°Let¡¯s have a cup of coffee before leaving. Some cigarettes, too.¡±

    He took out a pack and handed one to each of the men before flicking on the lighter.

    As expected, a whirlwind of cigarette smoke was sucked into the ceiling vent.

    This was Kang Chan¡¯s first time seeing Jeong Won-min and Kang Myung-Gu¡¯s faces.

    At the International Building, he only saw them with their masks on. They parted ways right after the operation.

    ¡°The enemies have sixty special forces snipers. Also¡­¡±

    Kang Chan told them about his agreement with the US special forces.

    ¡°How many will be selected?¡±

    ¡°Thirty per team.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun, Jeong Won-min, and Kang Myung-Gu nodded.

    ¡°This is by no means easy. The enemy¡¯s numbers, the snipers, the terrain¡­ everything is against us. However, if we let those responsible for the terrorist attacks on our country go, we will continue to face attacks in the future.¡±

    Just as Kang Chan finished, Kim Hyung-Jung returned.

    A few questions and answers were exchanged, but it didn¡¯tst too long.

    Kang Chan left the conference room and went to Samseong-Dong with Kim Hyung-Jung. They had a lot of things to prepare and pack.

    ***

    Returning to the office way after lunch, Kang Chan called for Seok Kang-Ho first.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Take this.¡±

    Kang Chan pulled an envelope out of his inside pocket and ced it on the table.

    Raising his gaze from the envelope, Seok Kang-Ho asked, ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Ji-Hwan¡¯s mother¡¯s address and some money. The death notice was sent this morning. You should go and console her.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho swallowed, unable to speak.

    ¡°She¡¯s an elderly woman who lives alone. Now that she has lost her son, she may have lost interest in living, too. For Ji-Hwan¡¯s sake, go and give her the strength to live.

    A stiff silence followed.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not confident, you don¡¯t have to go.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±

    Seemingly having made up his mind, Seok Kang-Ho picked up the envelope.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be departing the morning after tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded with a heavy expression.

    ¡°It¡¯s gonna be a hard battle. I need someone to lead the Jeungpyeong special forces team¡­ I need the Seok Kang-Ho I know. I¡¯m sure that¡¯s what Ji-Hwan would have wanted too.¡±

    ¡°Captain,¡± Seok Kang-Ho called. When Kang Chan gazed at him, he added, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a team of bodyguards waiting for you in the basement. Make sure you stick with them.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up and grabbed his jacket. On his way to the door, he paused.

    Right before he left, he bowed down toward the table.

    <em>Fuck. His heart must be breaking apart.</em>

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

    ***

    Pork belly, some wrapped vegetables, long cucumbers, red peppers, garlic, sour kimchi, gochujang, brown doenjang, and rice.

    While Cha Seung-Ho and Cha Seong-Ho busily moved their chopsticks, Han Kyung-Mi quickly picked up a piece of meat.

    ¡°You should eat too instead of just cooking,¡± she said as she put the meat in Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°You eat first. I¡¯ll eat after grilling this.¡±

    <em>Hissss. Hiss.</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun put more meat on the grill. Unfortunately, the grill was too small to handle both the children¡¯s stomachs.

    ¡°How long will this training take?¡± Han Kyung-Mi casually asked, but there was a hint of anxiety on her face.

    After seeing the hostage rescue situation in Afghanistan and the news broadcast about the terrorist attack on the International Building, she became more fearful.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. Here, eat this.¡±

    Han Kyung-Mi ate the piece of meat that Cha Dong-Gyun handed to him with the tongs.

    ¡°Honey.¡±

    ¡°Hm?¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun put the cooked meat on the children¡¯s tes and raised his gaze.

    ¡°Should we have another kid?¡±

    ¡°Why? I thought you were firmly against it since it could be another boy.¡±

    ¡°I just¡­ I thought that would be the only way to make sure youe back safely from training¡­¡± Han Kyung-Mi trailed off.

    ¡°Why are you making the kids feel anxious? It¡¯s okay. Go on and eat, boys,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun reassured them.

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    Cha Seung-Ho picked up a slice of meat on his te with his chopsticks and ced it on top of Han Kyung-Mi¡¯s rice bowl.

    ¡°Look. The kids are doing better than you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s only because you¡¯re here! They never listen to me when you¡¯re away!¡± Han Kyung-Mi retorted with a bright expression, clearly trying her best to keep her emotions in check. Cha Dong-Gyun smiled. He was grateful to have her as his wife.

    <em>Hissss. Hiss. Hissss.</em>

    ¡°Honey.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a third child when youe back from this training.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked at Han Kyung-Mi mischievously. ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Of course! Juste back safely. We¡¯ll have a third, fourth¡­ maybe even more.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun chuckled in disbelief. ¡°You boys heard, didn¡¯t you? Mom says she¡¯s going to make you a little brother.¡±

    ¡°Dad! The meat¡¯s burning!¡±

    ¡°Huh? Oh. That¡¯s not good.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyu flipped the pork belly. Han Kyung-Mi gazed at him pitifully.

    ***

    Kang Chul-Gyu, who had just received another call from Kang Chan, put the phone down.

    ¡°Did you get a departure date?¡± Kim Tae-Jin asked. Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. ¡°The helicopter will pick us up tomorrow afternoon.¡±

    He nced at his watch.

    ¡°Sir, please let me go this time,¡± Kim Tae-Jin solemnly requested.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already picked the twenty people who¡¯ll be going. You¡¯re the only one who can take care of this ce while we¡¯re gone anyway. Also, the assistant director requested two people in particr.¡±

    The situation left them with no other choice. Aware of that, Kim Tae-Jin didn¡¯t insist any further.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do a good job, but be extra careful not to let the Mongolian border guards and construction workers get any ideas.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu smiled. ¡°This reminds me of the old days.¡±

    ¡°I really wanted to follow you out back then, sir.¡±

    ¡°I wanted to take you too.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded.

    ¡°Then why did you leave me behind?¡±

    ¡°It was just the circumstances. Also, Dae-Geuk, your senior, was quite insistent.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin broke intoughter.

    ¡°Tae-Jin.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called. He said his name the same way he had done in the past.

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for letting me experience this kind of day again.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin awkwardly scratched his forehead. ¡°I don¡¯t deserve such praise. I haven¡¯t done anything to earn it.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu exhaled quietly.

 Chapter 351: Itéˆ¥æªš A Hard Battle (2)

    <em>Du du du du du du du.</em>

    Three helicopters flew in andnded on the ground.

    The men at the base unloaded the boxes first, which were filled with car parts that Kang Dae-Kyung had requested and food ingredients for Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a routine drill,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu, who was standing behind Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik, gently told Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Contrary to what he had said, though, Kim Tae-Jin, Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, the men staying behind, and the soldiers who were leaving all had grim expressions.

    ¡°Have a safe trip.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung extended his hand, and Kang Chul-Gyu shook it. He then sped Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s right hand with his left.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung curiously looked up.Kang Chul-Gyu bowed to Yoo Hye-Sook. ¡°Thank you for bringing your family¡¯s affection and delicious food to this deste ce.¡±

    Afterward, he nodded at Kim Tae-Jin and turned around.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik let them all into the helicopter.

    <em>Du du du du du du du du.</em>

    The helicopter rose into the air, kicking up a cloud of dust.

    ***

    As soon as Seok Kang-Ho reached his destination, he downed a soju and cried. Tears, snoot, and drool dripped down his face.

    ¡°<em>Heegh</em>! <em>Heeeegh</em>! <em>Heeeeegh</em>!¡±

    Therge man had sharp eyes, a pointed chin, and a bulky physique, making him look as if he could throw a solid punch.

    The elderly woman wiped her nose and sniffled.

    She recalled her son saying that he had met an amazing senior¡­ but he seemed more like a bandit.

    The bandit had unexpectedlye into her home. Crying, he looked around the small house, gazed at her, and visited her son¡¯s room.

    The old woman inhaled through her nose, wiped away her tears, and stood up.

    Then, she poured water into a pot and put it on the stove.

    <em>tter. Click.</em>

    ¡°<em>Heeeeggh</em>! <em>Heegh</em>!¡±

    How could she starve the person her son had admired?

    ¡°What are you doing? <em>Heegh</em>.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m about to boil some soup. You haven¡¯t eaten yet, have you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t have an appetite right now anyway. ¡±

    ¡°What do you mean you don¡¯t have an appetite? You need to eat!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho broke into tears again. A long stream of snot dripped from his nose, but he didn¡¯t bother to wipe it.

    ¡°Goodness! What should I do? What do I do for my poor son?¡±

    The old woman hobbled over and wiped Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes, nose, and mouth with her sleeve.

    ¡°<em>Heeegh</em>.¡±

    For the first time, the teary woman¡¯s and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes met.

    ¡°I feel so wronged! <em>Heeegh</em>!¡±

    ¡°Why? What¡¯s making you feel that way?¡±

    ¡°There was so much I wanted to do for Ji-Hwan! But I lost him!¡±

    The old woman let out a choked cry.

    ¡°That mean, rotten boy! How could he leave his kind senior and poor mother behind?¡±

    After more than half a day, the old woman hugged Seok Kang-Ho for the first time.

    ***

    Not long after being informed that Kang Chul-Gyu had left the base in Mongolia, Kang Chan picked up his phone.

    He pressed the call button. It rang a few times.

    - Hello?

    Kang Dae-Kyung had answered.

    ¡°Father!¡±

    - Channy?

    He didn¡¯t expect Kang Dae-Kyung to be so happy to hear from him. Although Kang Dae-Kyung had always been expressive, this was the first time that Kang Chan heard him so delighted.

    - The people here have left for training with Mr. Kang.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    - Are you joining this training?

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t answer. At the very least, he didn¡¯t want to lie.

    Kang Dae-Kyung sighed deeply. It seemed he already had an idea.

    ¡°I know this will make you worried, Father, but I don¡¯t want to lie.¡±

    - Good! As you should. You can tell me anything.

    Kang Dae-Kyung spoke rapidly, likely because he was trying to ept the situation.

    They talked to each other for about twenty minutes. Talking about life in Mongolia and saying that they missed each other eased some of the awkwardness.

    ¡°How¡¯s Mother?¡±

    - She¡¯s in the kitchen. The ingredients she asked for came today, so she¡¯s probably busy cleaning them up.

    ¡°Is she having a hard time?¡±

    - What are you talking about? Your mom¡¯s been sleeping really welltely. She even snores through the night.

    The two shared augh, then talked for another twenty minutes.

    ¡°Father, I¡¯ll call Mother now. Take care of yourself.¡±

    Before Kang Chan could hang up, Kang Dae-Kyung quietly called him.

    - Channy.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    - Are you sure I¡¯ve got nothing to worry about? You¡¯reing back safely, right?

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll call you as soon as we¡¯re done. I might go to Mongolia too. I¡¯ll buy some sushi on the way.

    - <em>Haha</em>!

    They hung upughing.

    Kang Chan exhaled quietly and then called Yoo Hye-Sook.

    - Channy!

    Where else in the world would he be able to hear someone as thrilled?

    ¡°Mother! Are you in the kitchen?¡±

    Getting to talk to Yoo Hye-Sook again made Kang Chan feel overjoyed.

    - Channy! I miss you!

    ¡°Me too. I miss you so much.¡±

    He normally wouldn¡¯t say such cringey lines.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overwork yourself.¡±

    - I won¡¯t.

    Kang Chan knew that after the call, Yoo Hye-Sook would brag about it to Cha Min-Jeong. ¡°My son was worried about me!¡± she¡¯d likely say.

    ¡°I love you, Mother.¡±

    - Me too, Channy!

    He still found it awkward to say such things. After all, they felt foreign to him. Nevertheless, he said them anyway because he knew how happy it made Yoo Hye-Sook.

    Their callsted for quite some time. After hanging up, Kang Chan stared at his phone.

    ***

    NIS counter-terrorism team barracks.

    Kang Myung-Gu scratched his eyebrows and red at the five people sitting in front of him.

    The agent sitting to the very left began to speak, putting forth their close rtionship. ¡°Hyung-nim!¡±

    These men had been through thick and thin together. They should have been able to recognize the strange tension in the air.

    ¡°Punks! Didn¡¯t you say tomorrow¡¯s your father¡¯s birthday? What about you, huh? Isn¡¯t your little sister¡¯s wedding today? Why are all you off-duty bastards here right now?¡± Kang Myung-Gu rebuked.

    ¡°I already told them that I couldn¡¯t make it home.¡±

    ¡°I also said I¡¯m on standby.¡±

    When Kang Myung-Gu sighed, one of the agents quickly added, ¡°We have all already missed going home several times because we were on emergency standby, sir!¡±

    Turning to his peers, he continued, ¡°And you bastards! You¡¯re putting me in an awkward position too! My father¡¯s birthday wille around next year again, but your sister¡¯s wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event!¡±

    ¡°How can you say that, sir? You know her temper! She¡¯s definitely going to get married again. I can just go then.¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu and the other agents allughed in disbelief.

    Kang Myung-Gu looked at the agent sitting at the end. He was holding his bruised left hand with his right hand.

    ¡°You punk! Go put the cast back on!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. That¡¯s why I took it off.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly!¡±

    ¡°Look, sir.¡±

    The agent raised his left arm, balled his hand into a fist, then opened it. He grimaced in pain.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with all of you?!¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re going out on a mission, hyung-nim! Please let me go too. I¡¯m begging you.¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu had already selected thirty people for this operation.

    However, when he adjusted everyone¡¯s shift schedule, the agents swiftly realized something was going on and requested to speak to him. Since then, they had stuck to him like ticks.

    The agents who weren¡¯t around during the International Building incident were especially clingy. Losing their seniors, colleagues, and juniors to that operation had made them so anxious to sign up for missions first.

    Even the off-duty agents bustled around the barracks, constantly cleaning their rifles and bays.

    ¡°Hyung-nim! I just have to switch shifts with someone, right?¡±

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>.¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu sighed loudly.

    ***

    <em>Click. Click. Click.</em>

    Three fully armed men in ck uniforms entered the training center of the 606.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Jeong Won-Min looked scary. Nevertheless, the three sergeants didn¡¯t back down against his sharp re in the slightest.

    ¡°We¡¯re here to ask you to adjust the work schedule, sir.¡±

    ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to cancel my paid leave.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m canceling my overnight leave, too.¡±

    Jeong Won-Min nced at the soldier furthest to the left.

    ¡°I will never need an overnight or paid leave for the rest of my life, sir!¡±

    The ridiculous response made the two sergeants standing next to him look as if they had been betrayed. Even Jeong Won-Min was bbergasted.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    None of the three sergeants answered.

    ¡°Are you guys joking around?¡±

    ¡°We believe our unit has been ordered to mobilize, sir! We¡¯re willing to do whatever it takes to join the operation.¡±

    ¡°You idiots!¡±

    ¡°Sir, yes, sir!¡± Choi Chul-Han replied.

    ¡°Enough with the nonsense. Leave.¡±

    ¡°Please let us join!¡±

    ¡°You bastards¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright if you beat us up and make us run a thousandps around the training field with our army gear on, sir! If it would mean you¡¯d take us, we¡¯d be more than happy to ept any consequences!¡±

    Jeong Won-Min snorted. ¡°What made you think there¡¯s even an operation?¡±

    ¡°At least let me cancel my paid leave, sir!¡±

    ¡°Choi Chul-Han!¡±

    ¡°Sir!¡±

    Jeong Won-Min¡¯s eyes glinted. He was especially scary when he was like this.

    His fussiness and refusal to let even the slightest mistake in training go unnoticed had earned him the nickname ¡°The 606¡¯s Perfectionist.¡±

    ¡°Have you bastards been smoking? Get out.¡±

    ¡°Permission to speak before we leave, sir.¡±

    Jeong Won-Min nodded at Choi Chul-Han.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t slept well since the terrorist attack hit the International Building while I was off-duty.¡±

    Jeong Won-Min coldly gazed at Choi Chul-Han.

    ¡°You¡¯ve noticed, haven¡¯t you, sir? I¡¯ve been training more, running more, and practicing hand-to-handbat alone far into the night.¡±

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°The guilt of being away while my colleagues and juniors sacrificed themselves has been making me restless. If there¡¯s an operation, please send me! I want to stand tall in front of my brothers who have already left this world. Only then will I be able to sleep properly!¡±

    Choi Chul-Han¡¯s gaze remained unwavering even when Jeong Won-Min red at him.

    ***

    - Hello?

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.

    Kim Mi-Young sounded the same as before¡ªno, maybe she had changed.

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    - I know.

    She sounded very upset at him. She didn¡¯t respond with a ¡°Yeah!¡± like she had always done.

    It was only natural for her to feel that way, though. He was disappointed and sad, but maybe this was for the better.

    Kang Chan thought about saying something nice and hanging up. However, before he could, he heard her sniffle.

    - You¡¯re mean.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Kim Mi-Young remained silent. The tears that she had been holding back seemed to have burst.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t realize how hard it had been for her. He knew that she had been waiting for him, but he had no idea that she had been having a hard time because of it.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said, apologizing for not contacting her once and making her stifle her tears for so long.

    About a minute passed.

    - Can I keep waiting for you?

    Caught off guard by the question, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t respond.

    - Dad said you can¡¯t contact me because you¡¯re too busy serving the country. He said I shouldn¡¯t bother you, so I stopped myself from calling.

    Kang Chan pictured Kim Gwan-Sik in his office ordering Kim Mi-Young not to contact him.

    - Can I do that?

    It was funny. Really.

    The moment she asked the question, Kang Chan felt the regret and wistfulness he had thought vanished.

    ¡°Mi-Young.¡±

    - Hm?

    ¡°Do you know what I do?¡±

    - Yeah. I saw you on the TV. The International Building.

    Kim Mi-Young sounded tearful again.

    ¡°Are you okay with that?¡±

    Was that cowardly of him? Should he have asked if she was okay with him killing people and that he didn¡¯t know when he could die?

    Either way, never could he have expected her answer.

    - Stupid!

    He never thought Kim Mi-Young would ever call him stupid.

    - So what? Does that mean you¡¯ll stop seeing me if I don¡¯t be a diplomat or I get fat?

    Kang Chan chuckled. How could someone be so pure?

    - Why are youughing?

    Now she sounded a bit more like herself.

    ¡°Because I want to see you.¡±

    - Now?

    She suddenly sounded excited.

    Kang Chan nced down at his watch. It was a little after ten at night. If he went out to drink tea or take a walk, he¡¯d be giving the agents a hard time.

    ¡°I¡¯m going on a business trip tomorrow. Let¡¯s meet when Ie back.¡±

    - Is it dangerous?

    ¡°No.¡±

    He didn¡¯t want Kim Mi-Young to be more worried.

    They talked for about ten more minutes. When the call ended, he came to a decision.

    If he returned from this operation¡­

    ***

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯ll visit again soon.¡±

    The elderly woman worriedly looked at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be quick. I¡¯ll take care of Ji-Hwan¡¯s funeral myself.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not heading into danger, are you?¡±

    ¡°Not at all.¡±

    ¡°No one wille to his funeral.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡±

    ¡°Make sure youe back!¡±

    ¡°I said I will!¡± Seok Kang-Ho reassured. He then added, ¡°Make sure you eat properly. Keep holding on until Ie back so we can send Ji-Hwan off properly, okay?¡±

    ¡°Of course! I¡¯m going to keep holding on so I can send my baby off. You bettere back!¡±

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>.¡±

    Now that Seok Kang-Ho had vented out his emotions, his eyes glinted more sharply than ever.

    ***

    <em>Clunk, clunk, clunk.</em>

    After having breakfast, the Jeungpyeong special forces soldiers boarded a bus. The sun had yet to rise.

    Cha Dong-Gyun stood at the entrance of the bus, watching them enter.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho was thest to hop on.

    Cha Dong-Gyun slowly turned to the barracks and his aide, who was standing in front of him.

    Their team would surely return victorious!

    That was what Cha Dong-Gyun had learned from Choi Seong-Geon.

    If he could protect South Korea with his hot blood, the Jeungpyeong special forces team would be happy!

    ***

    <em>Click! Click! Click! Click!</em>

    The morning of the 606 was tense.

    One after another, the soldiers met Jeong Won-Min¡¯s gaze as they boarded the bus.

    He was the Perfectionist of the 606. Still, if they were ever in danger, he¡¯d willingly abandon his pursuit of perfection and stand at the front of their formation.

    As they boarded the bus, he shouted the line he¡¯d always shout during training.

    ¡°You are the 606! You must always be victorious!¡±

    Afterward, he followed it up with the words he always told them before training or whenever he wasn¡¯t satisfied with their performance.

    ¡°Your failure will put our mothend in danger!¡±

    Those who couldn¡¯ty down their lives for the 606 didn¡¯t deserve to wear the uniform. That was why the 606 went into battle treating their uniform as a shroud.

    Today was no different.

    ***

    The counter-terrorism team, wearing ck, exited the barracks.

    The tension in these moments was always apanied by silence.

    <em>Click. ck.</em>

    All they could hear were the noises from their rifles.

    The counter-terrorism team had failed to protect Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook. They had lost their colleagues to the terrorist attack on the International Building.

    The pain from those failures had turned into the resolve that now burned in their eyes.

    If it meant protecting the Republic of Korea, the agents wouldn¡¯t mind bing nameless stars! They¡¯d willingly give their souls to the Taegeukgi and blood to the country!

    ***

    Shortly after they arrived at the Incheon Airport, Kang Chul-Gyu and the DMZ team headed to the helicopter that had been waiting for them.

    The flight was exhausting, yet Kang Chul-Gyu and his men¡¯s eyes remained glinting.

    The soldiers walked past Kang Chul-Gyu and then into the helicopter.

    There was no telling who would return.

    However, it didn¡¯t matter. They had already given their lives to their country andrades. They had even sinned against their families to do it.

    ***

    After breakfast, Kang Chan and the others in the office drank coffee and smoked.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Seok Kang-Ho, who had returned at dawn. He still emanated a murderous aura, but it was clear that he had shaken his emotions off.

    Next was G¨¦rard. His eyes were just as fierce as Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s. He smiled, causing his scar to stretch.

    Afterward, he turned to Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, Lee Doo-Hee, and the interpreter, who was smoking a cigarette. Nervousness was evident on the interpreter¡¯s face.

    Kang Chan stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They all stood up and followed Kang Chan.

 Chapter 352: Iéˆ¥æª’l Await The Results (1)

    Kang Chan¡¯s group arrived at the Seongnam Airport a little after eight.

    ¡°Why are there so many of them?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    The perimeter¡¯s security was definitely tighter than normal.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t think too much of it. After all, they were probably just trying to ensure that no information was leaked.

    Lee Doo-Hee presented his identification, and the barricades were opened. They then drove around the main building and straight onto the runway.

    Arge civilian airne came into view, then three buses.

    As they pulled up behind the buses, they swiftly noticed the soldiers and agents standing rigidly in front of them.

    <em>Why are they so stiff?</em>

    Kang Chan stepped out of the car and stood in front of the group.However, nobody turned to look at him.

    Kang Chan immediately realized why they were standing at attention and why there was so much security.

    Moon Jae-Hyun was shaking hands with each of them and patting them on the shoulder.

    Behind him were Jeon Dae-Geuk, Go Gun-Woo, and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    After shaking everyone¡¯s hands, Moon Jae-Hyun headed over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun held out his hand, and Kang Chan took it.

    ¡°Thank you for leading this brave men into battle, Mr. Kang Chan, and I apologize for putting our nation on your shoulders. I look forward to your safe return.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun locked gazes with Kang Chan for a while longer, then shook hands with Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, Lee Doo-Hee, and then the interpreter.

    Next to the 606 stood Kang Chul-Gyu and the rest of the DMZ team.

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo wordlessly took Kang Chan¡¯s hand. There was no need for words. Even if he wanted to say something, he wasn¡¯t someone who was good with words.

    ¡°Please return safely.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The president and the director of the NIS would be waiting for him.

    Kang Chan nodded at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°Attention!¡±

    <em>Thud!</em>

    ¡°Salute the president!¡±

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Moon Jae-Hyun returned the salute and lowered his hand.

    ¡°At ease!¡± Cha Dong-Gyunmanded.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Moon Jae-Hyun slowly looked at the team.

    ¡°As both the president and a fellow citizen of the Republic of Korea, I swear never to forget any of you. I have entrusted you with a difficult task. The least I can do in return is to do my best to make sure this day changes the reputation of Korea.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s determination and sense of mission seemed to have moved the soldiers. By the time he was done speaking, his eyes had turned red.

    After a few moments, Moon Jae-Hyun, Go Gun-Woo, and Jeon Dae-Geuk turned and headed toward the airport building.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun ordered.

    In response, the soldiers headed to the airne trap.

    The counter-terrorism team was the first to climb aboard, followed by the Jeungpyeong special forces team, the 606, and, finally, the DMZ team.

    They saw no need for conversations. All they did was exchange nods and briefly lock gazes before climbing aboard the ne.

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il¡¯s team, and the interpreter went up next.

    Before climbing up the trap, Kang Chan looked back. Moon Jae-Hyun was watching them from the entrance of the main building.

    Kang Chan bowed to him before heading inside.

    ***

    The ne drove down to the end of the runway.

    <em>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.</em>

    The signal to fasten seatbelts lit up, but no one seemed to care.

    Civilian airnes couldn¡¯t bepared to military transports. It was likeparing the back seat of a van to the back of a truck.

    The ne gained altitude and settled into position. Afterward, they heard another ding.

    The operation was finally starting.

    Taking a cue from Choi Jong-Il, Kang Chan stood up and picked up the flight attendant¡¯s microphone.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan, Assistant Director of the NIS.¡±

    The soldiers, who had settled into their seats, immediately focused on him.

    ording to the regtions, he was supposed to give them the emergency evacuation instructions first. However, no matter how many times he said it, no one would listen to them anyway.

    Choi Jong-Il pressed a button on hisptop, making all the screens on the airne disy a map of Afghanistan. It looked exactly like the one that had been used during the briefing in the underground conference room of the NIS. Kang Chan provided an exnation for every piece of information that popped up afterward.

    He began by telling them that special forces teams from Russia, China, and Germany would be joining them and that the US would also send a special forces team to hunt down the two leaders.

    ¡°The Rukha district is off the Saricha Road and has the Panjshir River flowing in front of it, which puts us at a strategic disadvantage.¡±

    The men squinted at the map. A view of the mountain, shot as close as possible, came up on the screen.

    ¡°UISbatants are holding up every inch of that mountain you see, and sixty of them are snipers from special forces.¡±

    Their expressions turned grim.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to meet with the three foreign special forces teams in Bazar. We¡¯ll start the operation once we¡¯ve rendezvoused with them.¡±

    Taking Kang Chan¡¯s nce as a signal, Choi Jong-Il changed the image on the screen. A red line appeared, stretching from the middle of the mountain to Rukha.

    ¡°Jeungpyeong special forces team, you¡¯ll be transported by helicopter and enter through the mountain. You¡¯ll be under Seok Kang-Ho''smand.¡±

    Another red line appeared afterward, following the river to Rukha.

    ¡°606, you will be moving along the river. G¨¦rard will be your headman.¡±

    Kang Chan then looked at Kang Myung-Gu and the counter-terrorism team. ¡°Counter-terrorism team, you will be moving with me.¡±

    A third red line ran between the paths that the Jeungpyeong special forces team and the 606 would take to Rukha.

    ¡°Finally, DMZ team.¡±

    The image quickly changed as Kang Chan spoke.

    ¡°I need you to split into three squads. Eliminate all enemies in hiding, snipers, and the enemy leadership.¡±

    Palpable tension filled the ne.

    ¡°The foreign special forces teams will be covering our six. Merging and mixing teams will make it harder to get the results we want, and leaving our rear open will give our enemies all the opportunity they need to surround us.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at each of the seated troops.

    ¡°The UIS always uses civilians as meatshields. That¡¯s why I assigned the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forcesmander to lead the 606 and Seok Kang-Ho to the Jeungpyeong special forces team. One more thing!¡±

    The screen showed an Imic man with a bomb strapped to his waist.

    ¡°Some of their hostages will be strapped with explosive belts simr to the ones you see on the screen. Even if you think you can save them, do not rush to their aid. Any questions?¡±

    After a moment of silence, Jeong Won-Min of the 606 raised his hand.

    ¡°What if we encounter civilians like that when we¡¯re not under orders?¡±

    ¡°It will be up to the soldier¡¯s discretion whether to save or neutralize the civilian.¡±

    Jeong Won-Min nodded.

    Kang Chan added, ¡°Be especially careful when dealing with women and children strapped with bombs. The moment you hesitate, your brothers die and the operation fails.¡±

    The men had no further questions.

    ¡°If you have any more questions, feel free to ask anytime. Now, getfortable until wend.¡±

    Kang Chan handed the mic to Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°I have an announcement to make.¡±

    What was he going to say? He wasn¡¯t going to say something like, ¡°We have an emergency exit up front, to the sides, and¡­¡± was he?

    ¡°There¡¯s ramyeon, coffee, and hot water in the galley up front and lunch boxes on the cart in the back. Feel free to eat whenever you want.¡±

    After meeting Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Choi Jong-Il put down the microphone.

    Kang Chan walked down the aisle to get to Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik.

    They had already run a mission together in Libya. Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and the others all greeted Kang Chan heartily.

    Kang Chul-Gyu had the same stoic expression as before. Kang Chan expected nothing less of him.

    ¡°Is there anything you want to know about the operation?¡±

    ¡°How many snipers do we have?¡±

    ¡°Three per team.¡±

    The other soldiers began mingling up front. Their noise soon filled the ne.

    Most of the people here had once been in the 606, so they all recognized each other.

    The smell of strong coffee wafted over to Kang Chan.

    When Kang Chan turned toward its source, he saw Seok Kang-Ho approaching, his eyes still glinting. For some reason, Seok Kang-Ho was holding arge tray of paper cups, and Choi Jong-Il was following him with another.

    A member of the DMZ team stood up and took the tray.

    ¡°This is Seok Kang-Ho, the one who¡¯ll be leading the Jeungpyeong special forces team. Seok Kang-Ho, this is the DMZ King.¡±

    ¡°Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    ¡°Kang Chul-Gyu. These are Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik.¡±

    <em>Shit!</em>

    Kang Chan never thought he would see Seok Kang-Ho bow. He remembered that Kang Chul-Gyu was Kang Chan¡¯s father in his previous life.

    The people around them looked at Seok Kang-Ho with surprise.

    After being handed cups of coffee, Kang Chan tried to continue his discussion with Kang Chul-Gyu. However, Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, Yoon Sang-Ki, Jeong Won-Min, and Kang Myung-Gu walked over to them.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim!¡±

    ¡°Well, look who it is! How have you all been?¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho and Yang Dong-Sik were overjoyed to see each other again. They looked like a father and his son reunited after a war had separated them. Cha Dong-Gyun greeted the seniors next, followed by introductions from Jeong Won-Min and Kang Myung-Gu.

    They still had a long flight ahead of them.

    The seniors were just as happy to meet their bright juniors as their juniors were happy to meet them.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to interrupt them.

    ¡°I¡¯lle backter.¡±

    When Kang Chul-Gyu nodded in response, Kang Chan returned to the front of the ne and nced back.

    Seeing the soldiers lining up in the aisle to greet Kang Chul-Gyu and the DMZ team, whom they considered legends, he concluded that he had made the right decision.

    ¡°He has the same eyes as you, Cap. It honestly surprised me.¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    That didn¡¯t sound like apliment.

    As Kang Chan walked past the center countertop and into the business-ss seat section, he found soldiers rxing and chatting over coffee.

    ¡°Where¡¯s G¨¦rard?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s up front.¡±

    Kang Chan walked further down the aisle. Seok Kang-Ho followed suit.

    The ne was too big. He didn¡¯t mind it, though.

    Reaching the first-ss seats, they finally saw G¨¦rard, who was smoking with the interpreter.

    Kang Chan settled in the middle seat.

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Grinning, G¨¦rard offered them a cigarette. ¡°I think I made the right decisioning to South Korea.¡±

    Taking one, Seok Kang-Ho said, ¡°What¡¯s that asshole saying?¡±

    ***

    Underground prison of Loriam.

    Lanok set down the thin current events magazine and stretched.

    The only furniture he had was the bed against the wall, the desk next to it, and a couch.

    <em>Glug.</em>

    Lanok poured some ck tea for Romain, who was sitting on the couch across from him.

    ¡°Why are you telling me this now?¡±

    ¡°If Monsieur Kang is after me, I cannot guarantee your safety, sir.¡±

    ¡°Drinking ck tea often calms your emotions and helps you think clearly.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    <em>Click.</em>

    Lanok set down the teapot. He then puffed on his cigar as if to show disinterest in Romain¡¯s concern.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Each time he sucked on the cigar, the me of the lighter was sucked to the other end and back again.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>. There¡¯s nothing I can do about Monsieur Kang¡¯s temper.¡±

    Lanok leaned back against the couch and gave Romain a stern look.

    ¡°He knows that you¡¯re affiliated with the Star of David and that the Star of David was involved in the terrorist attacks in South Korea. Wouldn¡¯t Monsieur Kang naturally seek to eliminate you?¡±

    ¡°We have the ability to eliminate him.¡±

    ¡°Do it, then.¡±

    Lanok spoke as if the topic wasn¡¯t even worth discussing anymore. He lifted his cup of ck tea to his mouth.

    ¡°You¡¯re making the same mistake as the other DGSE directors before you.¡±

    <em>Click.</em>

    Romain silently met Lanok¡¯s gaze, which was sharper than ever.

    ¡°The moment you gained the power to control the world from behind, you started to believe you could also turn the handles at the front too.¡±

    Romain was rendered speechless.

    ¡°If the DGSE cannot fulfill the needs of the president and his regime, if it cannot serve the glory of France, then it does not deserve to exist.¡±

    ¡°The President still trusts me.¡±

    Lanok nodded. ¡°Of course he does, but how long do you think his trust willst? Will he still trust you if something fatal to his regime or detrimental to the glory of France gets exposed?¡±

    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying. I¡¯ll follow my own judgment on this matter.¡±

    Lanok smirked as he picked up the magazine again.

    ¡°Do you really think the DGSE can¡¯t eliminate him?¡± Romain questioned.

    Lanok looked up and tilted his head. As if he couldn¡¯t care less, he then returned his attention to the magazine, seemingly having lost all interest.

    With a determined expression, Romain coldly said, ¡°If you have anyst words, say them now.¡±

    Lanok took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and put the magazine down.

    ¡°How much time do you think I have?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you five days.¡±

    ¡°And Anne?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t touch your family.¡±

    Lanok nodded. He then went back to reading the magazine, which Romain found ludicrous.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how much faith you have in the boy. He¡¯s noting back from this battle alive,¡± Romain added, obviously displeased with Lanok¡¯s attitude. ¡°When he dies, all the ns that Russia, China, Germany, and Switzend have been preparing will be for naught.¡±

    Lanok put down the magazine once more. ¡°I see. That reminds me of something I¡¯ve been wondering about.¡±

    Romain looked at Lanok with curiosity.

    ¡°Was it you or the Star of David who ordered the assassination of Director Hwang Ki-Hyun and Director Song Chang-Wook?¡±

    After a moment of silence, Romain answered, ¡°It was the DGSE.¡±

    Lanok sighed loudly and rubbed his face. It was an extraordinary disy of emotion for a man who rarely showed it.

    ¡°Hwang Ki-Hyun was too outstanding for the NIS, and he paid the price for it.¡±

    ¡°You mean you dared do such a thing despite knowing how much Monsieur Kang respected him?¡±

    ¡°Like I said, he¡¯ll die in this battle.¡±

    Lanok and Romain stared each other down.

    ¡°I hope you enjoy thest five days you have left.¡±

    ¡°Next time we meet each other, one of us will be dead.¡±

    Romain rose from his seat looking genuinely dumbfounded.

    ¡°Do you really believe that Monsieur Kang can survive this battle, defeat the DGSE, andpete with the Star of David?¡±

    ¡°Do you really believe that this battle can kill Monsieur Kang?¡±

    Their eyes met again.

    ¡°Five days.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for the results.¡±

    Romain turned away with a strange smile.

 Chapter 353: Iéˆ¥æª’l Await The Results (2)

    Alman bin Jibril looked slowly at the people around him.

    ¡°Abibu may have been excessive, but he has shown a clear and unequivocalmitment to our future and our safety.¡±

    Nice men in white suits listened to him with thoughtful expressions.

    Each chair had a side table to its right. However, the center of the room itself was empty.

    Gesturing with his right hand after every word, he continued, ¡°If we bow down to South Korea now, we will forever be under their economic domination!¡±

    ¡°If you approve of my work in Afghanistan, I will end this once and for all!¡±

    Heavy silence then hung around the room. No one seemed to be able to make up their minds.

    ¡°Russia, China, and Germany have joined the fight. Do you really think they would just stand around and watch now that their special forces teams have gotten involved?¡± Uzman, the oldest and gentlest of the group, questioned.

    He had been opposing Jibril¡¯s n from the start. Unfortunately, the majority seemed to agree with it.¡°The president of France himself has called. I was told that he has reached an agreement with the relevant heads of state,¡± Jibril answered.

    ¡°Does that mean they will not interfere anymore?¡±

    Jibril moved the de of his hand as if slicing the air in half. ¡°They promised to stop meddling in Afghanistan.¡±

    ¡°And the United States?¡±

    ¡°They seem happy with how all of this is turning out.¡±

    Jibril looked around the room again. ¡°Remember. We¡¯re the only ones who can punish the UIS, not South Korea!¡±

    As his eyes glinted even sharper, he took further control of the atmosphere.

    ¡°That Korean brat is trying to take everything from us! If we eliminate him in this battle, we will be the eternal winners in the energy business!¡±

    Jibril¡¯s strong-willed statement certainly had an effect.

    ¡°If the president of France steps up as well, we¡¯ll have to pay for it.¡±

    ¡°Part of the terms state that we¡¯ll give them a share of the next-gen energy facilities in exchange for the rights to buy their weapons.¡±

    ¡°What about the United States?¡±

    ¡°We have agreed to put a US presence in the Gaza agreement so that they would have a favorable stand during the presidential election.¡±

    Uzman¡¯s questions did not deter Jibril in the slightest.

    He continued, ¡°Iran suffered humiliation when its Quds were annihted in Africa. Now, we have another chance to show the world the capabilities of Imic warriors! We will make South Korea apologize for torturing Abibu by taking out that brat once and for all.¡±

    Uzman groaned inwardly.

    The tide had turned. Nevertheless, he still wanted to stop this n at all costs. His age and experience warned him over and over again of the dangers it posed.

    ¡°The Korean brat who¡¯s out to eliminate the UIS leadership will be sacrificed tomemorate the eternal victory of our energy project. He will surely die in Afghanistan!¡±

    However, listening to Jibril made Uzman realize that he couldn''t go against this decision.

    ¡°<em>Hmmm</em>.¡±

    Uzman swallowed a sigh.

    The French arms purchase? The American presidential election?

    Jibril didn''t know how light and flimsy trustced only with profit was!

    Moreover, he was too young to realize that there were no absolutes in the world.

    What if, after all this, the Korean kid won?

    Uzman shook his head at the horrifying thought. He then looked at Jibril, masking his doubts as befitted his age.

    Jibril was hiding something. Unfortunately, Uzman couldn''t tell what it was.

    ***

    It couldn¡¯t hurt the soldiers to greet and familiarize themselves with Kang Chul-Gyu and the rest of the DMZ team. Hence, Kang Chan spent some time in the first-ss seats.

    The seats werefortable anyway, and he had coffee and cigarettes next to him. He couldn¡¯t reallyin.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, who was clearly in perfect condition, had gotten lunch boxes and ramyeon noodles with Lee Doo-Hee and the interpreter.

    ¡°How¡¯s everyone at the back?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It seems like everyone¡¯s going to eat together. The DMZ King must be pretty impressive!¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered. ¡°I won¡¯t be surprised if they end up asking him to sign their guns.¡±

    As Kang Chan ate the food in the lunch box with cup noodles, he noticed the Frenchman in front of him blowing on his noodles.

    After cleaning up, Choi Jong-Il walked over to them.

    ¡°Director Kang would like to speak with you.¡±

    ¡°Now?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s waiting in the business-ss cabin.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up. It would be awkward to have hime over here and lose their smoking area.

    He walked to the back and pulled the curtains open, finding Kang Chul-Gyu sitting by a window. Kang Chan sat down next to him.

    ¡°Looks like this is going to be a long battle. Are you okay with that?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    He had a map of the Rukha district spread out on the table in front of him.

    That was boring.

    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to ask ¡°Have you eaten?¡± or ¡°Have you rested?¡± out of politeness first?

    Unaware of Kang Chan¡¯s thoughts, Kang Chul-Gyu ran his index finger along the mountainous terrain. ¡°It¡¯ll take us a while to get to the site too.¡±

    His concern also affected Kang Chan, Kang Myung-Gu, Jeong Won-Min, and the rest of the soldiers.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have fighter jets to support us until we get to our destination by helicopter,¡± Kang Chan added.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at Kang Chan with a mixture of surprise and disbelief.

    He continued, ¡°Bombarding them first beforeunching an attack from the ground should give us a shot at victory.¡±

    ¡°Did you just say we¡¯ll have fighter jets with us?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded affirmatively.

    ¡°This is worth a try, then. I think a concentrated hit on this line should be enough. Our boys can then go in first to clear the way¡­. Yes, this should work,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu mused. He was looking at the map as if to memorize it.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it,¡± Kang Chan said bluntly. ¡°I know you mean well, but they¡¯ll being at us in ways you¡¯ve never seen before. They leave kids wearing suicide belts alone in the mountains. Some even volunteer to be strapped with one and run toward us.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu, who was looking away, smirked.

    <em>What the hell? I was trying to be considerate! He should change the way he smiles!</em>

    His smile was strangely provocative.

    ¡°Are we done?¡±

    Kang Chan was about to stand up when Kang Chul-Gyu quietly asked, ¡°Have you eaten?¡±

    Why did it seem so awkward to ask that question?

    ¡°There¡¯s cup ramyeon and lunch boxes.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up.

    ¡°Get some rest. Things will immediately get rough the moment wend.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu responded.

    Kang Chan made his way back to the first-ss cabin. He didn¡¯t expect the conversation to be so stiff.

    ¡°Back so soon?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    The moment Kang Chan sat down, Seok Kang-Ho tilted his seat back.

    G¨¦rard was already sleeping.

    They had a battle ahead of them. Getting some sleep while they could would be invaluable at crucial moments.

    Kang Chan leaned back in his chair and immediately closed his eyes.

    ***

    <em>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.</em>

    Lights shed, and the rm sounded, signaling that they werending in twenty minutes.

    Waking up, Kang Chan sat up and shook his head.

    Seok Kang-Ho, who was sitting across from him, cleared his throat. ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    The more diligent G¨¦rard fetched some water bottles. His eyes were definitely sharper than before now.

    Kang Chan opened the bottle and drank it. He wanted to wash his face with it too, but they weren¡¯t on a military transport aircraft. He couldn¡¯t just spill water all over the ce on amercial airne.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go wash my face.¡±

    Kang Chan went to the restroom in the back, washed his face, and returned to his seat.

    The time hade to arm themselves.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Everyone in the first-ss cabin followed him.

    They passed the business-ss seats, moving further to the back.

    <em>Clunk. Clunk. Click. Click.</em>

    Eventually, they found soldiers changing out of their uniforms and strapping on their weapons.

    ¡°Here you go, sir.¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki handed him arge sack of off-white uniforms, rifles, pistols, grenades, bays, magazines, and radios.

    <em>ck! ck! Clunk!</em>

    Their usual routine followed.

    Within ten minutes, everyone on the ne had finished preparations. Not long after, thending signal red.

    <em>Ding, ding, ding, ding.</em>

    They were still settling in their seats when the ne lurched.

    It was still quite bright outside.

    Kang Chan looked out the window and saw the familiar airport of Kabul, Afghanistan.

    ***

    Hotan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.

    Park Seung-Young¡¯s sunsses reflected the military runway.

    It had been half an hour since he had arrived at the military airport in Hotan with eight KF-16 fighter jets. He had been staring at the two-story control building and the poorly maintained runway across the deste field ever since.

    ¡°Damn!¡±

    Park Seung-Yong turned around.

    It was hard for the Air Force to fight overseas. Depending on whether it was a dogfight or a bombing mission, different weapons were required, and if there wasn¡¯t an aircraft carrier, maintenance and armament teams had to apany them.

    That was why Lee Ki-Do and the other pilots who hade here kept looking around in disbelief.

    South Korean fighter jets flying to Afghanistan?

    Park Seung-Yong sighed loudly.

    He couldn¡¯t believe he could fly a fighter jet across Chinese soil right after he had taken off from South Korea.

    North Korea was a different issue, but he didn¡¯t think they could defeat the United States, who had the rights to operate in warfare.

    Was this really possible? If it was¡­

    Images of fighter jets had been floating around in his head all night long. Now, he was standing on the edge of China.

    Fifteen or twenty minutes from here was their target¡ªRukha, Afghanistan.

    ¡°Lee Ki-Do.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    Although they were both majors, Park Seung-Yong had more experience. Hence, Lee Ki-Do addressed him with honorifics.

    ¡°Have the men rest, but remain on standby. Be ready to leave at any time.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Park Seung-Yong returned his gaze to the runway.

    A KF-16 fighter jet waited patiently for him, being tended to by the maintenance team.

    It was loaded with the weapons they¡¯d need for the bombing run.

    In truth, F-15s were better suited for bombing, but the Air Force Operations Command had designated them KF-16s just to be safe.

    Park Seung-Young pressed his lips together. He could only hope that their preparations would be enough to take down the militia.

    ***

    There was no time to waste at the airport.

    Right after disembarking, the South Korean special forces team immediately piled into US-provided helicopters and headed to Bazar.

    <em>Du du du du du du du du.</em>

    The noises of the propellers rushed into their ears, the wind past their bodies, and the smell of Afghanistan into their nostrils.

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Choi Jong-Il, whose skills had been fully developed, stared ahead with glinting eyes. Meanwhile, the other soldiers mended their weapons or stared into space.

    During moments like this, they always remembered the people they sorely missed and whose hearts they would break if they failed toe back alive.

    Kang Chan leaned against the wall of the helicopter and looked at the red light inside.

    Why did that remind him of the old Song Chang-Wook, whom they had left behind?

    <em>Du du du du du du du du.</em>

    After about thirty minutes in the air, the helicopter descended to the ground.

    ¡°Daye! G¨¦rard!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    In response, the two men stood on either side of the entrance until the helicopter hadnded and the door had opened.

    <em>Whoosh.</em>

    Wind, dirt, and a faint odor rushed into the helicopter.

    ¡°Secure our front!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <em>Dash! Dash!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and four other soldiers scrambled out.

    Bazar was a t in with a mountain in front of it.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°I¡¯ve got two men up here. All clear,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan quickly exited the helicopter and waved his arms together.

    <em>Du du du du du du du.</em>

    The helicopters in the distancended one after another, and the men they were carrying jumped out.

    The first to arrive unloaded the luggage that they had brought with them.

    Kang Chan scanned the surrounding terrain and pointed down the mountain.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! Set up a perimeter over there and over there. I want a barracks for each team too!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    The men quickly executed his orders.

    Kang Chan looked behind him, finding Kang Chul-Gyu approaching him quietly.

    ¡°We want to take a look up the mountain.¡±

    Kang Chan followed Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s gaze to the top of the mountain. If they could take control of its peak, it would be a lot easier to clear the foot of it.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Please inform the others that I¡¯ll have two men posted per point.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you leave the perimeter to the Jeungpyeong special forces team?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m worried about the sixty enemy snipers. My boys will be better at dealing with them, so leave this one to us.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. He then asked, ¡°Why don¡¯t you wear body armor?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu and the other DMZ team members weren¡¯t wearing body armor.

    ¡°This is just how we¡¯ve always done things. We never wore them in the past either. They¡¯re too much of a hindrance in ambushes and assassinations.¡±

    Everyone had their specialty. Kang Chan insisting that they wore body armor would be like asking a sniper to use a lighter gun.

    It took them thirty minutes to set up the barracks and unload the weapons and ammunition.

    Afterward, Kang Chan summoned Kang Chul-Gyu, Cha Dong-Gyun, Jeong Won-Min, and Kang Myung-Gu to the central barracks.

    ¡°It¡¯s currently twenty-nine minutes past three. Set your watches ordingly. Jeungpyeong team, I want you to guard the base while the DMZ team scouts our perimeter. Make sure to avoid any misunderstandings. Ready? One, two!¡±

    <em>Click.</em>

    The soldiers simultaneously pressed a button on their watches.

    ¡°We¡¯ll discuss the n as soon as reinforcements arrive, then leave right after. Until then, spend your time as you see fit. DMZ team, stay within two kilometers of the base.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied with a stern face. They then dispersed.

    ¡°Would you like a cup of coffee?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Through the scope of his rifle, Kang Chan looked at the tall mountain in front of the barracks. It was dense with thin threes.

    On the Saricha Road, they would only be a thirty-minute drive away from Rukha. If they were to go over the mountain to get to Rukha, it would take them approximately eighteen hours.

    The helicopter would drop them off the mountain, and they would climb down it.

    Feeling a chill, Kang Chan slowly looked from one end of the mountain to the other.

    <em>Click, click.</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the interpreter approached him, their rifles nking as they did. The smell of the coffee in their hands wafted over to him.

    ¡°When will the others arrive?¡±

    ¡°They should be here any minute now.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho handed him the coffee.

    ¡°I¡¯m already looking forward to seeing that Andrei guy.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned. After listening to the interpretation, G¨¦rard did as well.

    Kang Chan kept his eyes on the mountain as he drank his coffee.

    <em>What¡¯s with the chill I¡¯m feeling?</em>

    He had never felt this before. Rather than a warning from his pounding heart or instincts, it seemed more like ice water running down his spine.

    Was it his nerves? Was he anxious because he was in charge of such a huge battle?

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan blew on the hot coffee to cool it down. At the same time, Yoon Sang-Ki urgently approached them.

    ¡°It¡¯s a satellite call.¡±

    He didn¡¯t say who it was.

    Was this the reason?

    Kang Chan handed him the paper cup and took the satellite phone.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - This is the situation room.

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded as if he was in a rush.

    - The NIS has just received word that Russia, China, and Germany have canceled the deployment of their men. Their respective presidents have apparently rejected the notion.

    Kang Chan nced at the mountain.

    Why was his gaze drawn up?

    - Germany is demanding to speak to you on the phone. Can I give them your number?

    ¡°Yes, please.¡±

    - I think it would be best for you to leave as soon as the call is over.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know after.¡±

    After the call dropped, Kang Chan turned to Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard, who were looking at him curiously.

    ¡°Russia, China, and Germany have canceled the deployment of their special forces teams. They say their presidents didn¡¯t give them permission. It¡¯s strange. Ludwig from Germany wants to talk to me, so¡ª¡±

    <em>Ring. Ring.</em>

    Kang Chan immediately answered the call.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s me.

    Ludwig spoke in urgent French.

    - We¡¯re short on time, so I¡¯ll get straight to the point. Romain has countered us with the French president¡¯s support. Just before I called you, thirty fighter jets and warnes wereunched from Iran, so get out of there now!

    That was it.

    Kang Chan looked at the sky beyond the mountain.

    - They¡¯ll be there in less than thirty minutes. Hurry!

    ¡°If they¡¯re that close already, the fighter jets will catch up to the helis in no time.¡±

    - I don¡¯t care what you have to do. Just make sure you escape! They got us with the perfect trap. We¡¯ve even received reports that two hundred Quds have also joined them!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you back after relocating.¡±

    - Retreat as fast as you can! We¡¯ll do something about Romain.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    No matter how skilled they were, it was impossible to deal with fighter jets with their numbers.

    Kang Chan hung up.

    <em>Du du du du du du du du.</em>

    At that moment, he heard the sound of helicopter engines.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard turned their heads and saw the helicopters hovering overhead.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    Even if they ran now, they wouldn¡¯t be able to catch them.

    Kang Chan quickly put his hand on the radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°All units, prepare for battle!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard looked around in surprise.

    There was no time for exnations now.

    ¡°Iranian fighters are headed this way. We¡¯ll give up on cooperation from the helicopters and abandon the barracks, so grab as many weapons and ammo as you can. In thirty minutes, we¡¯re heading to the mountains.¡±

    As soon as the transmission ended, a flurry of activity filled the area.

    ¡°Daye! Lead the vanguard with the Jeungpyeong team!¡±

    ¡°Got it!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly ran off.

    Thirty minutes? Kang Chan pressed a button on the satellite phone.

    - This is the situation room.

    ¡°Thirty fighter jets and airnes from Iran have set off for us. How many fighter jets do we have?¡±

    - Eight are on standby.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>!¡±

    He might not know much about airbat, but they were obviously outmatched.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth as he red at the mountain.

    - We¡¯ll have them take off now!

    ¡°There¡¯s no point. They¡¯ll just be flying to their deaths.¡±

    - They can at least buy you time to evacuate!

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded quite frantic.

    ***

    <em>Ring, ring, ring.</em>

    Park Seung-Young, who had picked up the satellite phone, stated the agreed-upon passage. ¡°This is the dispatch center.¡±

    - Iran has sent thirty fighter jets and warnes to our destination. We need to buy our allies some time to evacuate.

    ¡°Do we have permission to engage?¡±

    - I¡¯ll leave that to your discretion.

    ¡°We¡¯re on our way.¡±

    Park Seung-Young hung up and immediately turned around.

    ¡°Switch weapons!¡±

    The maintenance team looked up in surprise.

    ¡°The enemy has sent in nes! Prepare for a dogfight!¡±

    The maintenance team rushed back to the nes.

    ¡°Get ready for takeoff!¡±

    <em>Dash!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong and the pilots ran as fast as they could toward the fighter jets.

 Chapter 354: I Believe in You (1)

    The weapons and maintenance teams were still busily adjusting the weapons of his aircraft when Park Seung-Yong climbed thedder to the cockpit.

    Park Seung-Young put on his helmet and lowered the canopy. Afterward, he looked out, feeling like he was about to go crazy with frustration.

    ¡°Thirty minutes. Our allies are in danger. Please.¡±

    He didn¡¯t have to radio his sentiments. The weapons and the maintenance teams wouldn¡¯t ck off in this situation anyway. Still, considering the distance, he wanted to get every second he could get.

    <em>¡®Please!¡¯</em>

    Park Seung-Young knew better than anyone how terrifying a fighter jet could be to ground troops.

    Soon, the weapons team moved away from the aircraft. Thedder was removed as well.

    <em>Clunk.</em>

    Looking to his left, he found the chief of the maintenance team giving him a thumbs-up.<em>¡®Please protect the skies of South Korea!¡¯</em>

    They had exchanged the same gesture countless times in training and on emergency dispatches.

    <em>Urrrrrng.</em>

    As the jets whirred awake, seemingly raring to take off, Park Seung-Yong raised his left hand and gave a thumbs-up as well.

    <em>¡®Believe in us!¡¯</em>

    The chief of the maintenance team pointed forward with his index and middle fingers.

    <em>Whoooooosh!</em>

    The fighter jets took off without a hitch.

    ***

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°There¡¯s a cave a hundred and fifty meters ahead!¡± Nam Il-Gyu radioed in.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect the DMZ team to be able to scout that far ahead.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°DMZ team! Lead the men there!¡±

    Taking care to speak politely to his elders at a time like this was ridiculous.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Positioning the men.¡±

    They didn¡¯t have time to think about whether the cave was too high up or how deep it was. For now, they could only hope for a ce to hide, preferably one where the enemies couldn¡¯t see the entrance from above.

    <em>Whoosh! Whoosh!</em>

    Kang Chan rushed out. G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung followed him from the barracks.

    ¡°Hurry! Help them!¡±

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung carried some of the boxes of ammo and grenades.

    Carrying basic equipment like medicine on their backs, everyone rushed to the mountains. The DMZ team led the way.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

    This had to be the reason he felt the urge to look at the mountain!

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°DMZ team! Check the perimeter of the cave for snipers! If there¡¯s any in the area, we won¡¯t be able to avoid being shot at!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Nam Il-Gyu! Take three men with you and guard the nine o¡¯clock of the entrance,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu instructed. ¡°Yang Dong-Sik! Three men at twelve o¡¯clock! I¡¯ll handle the rest!¡±

    Everyone was tuned to the same frequency. Hence, he didn¡¯t have to nag them to be careful or divide themselves into groups.

    Considering it was one hundred fifty meters away, they¡¯d likely take ten minutes to get there. The fighter jets would be on them in twenty-five.

    <em>¡®Those motherfuckers!¡¯</em>

    If they failed to get to the cave before then, it would all be over. The jets could easily shoot them while they were in the open or make the cave copse if they saw them entering it.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! Set up our snipers where you think there will be movement! Withdraw after twenty minutes!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Daye! Secure the perimeter in front of the cave!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Got it, Cap!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°DMZ team! They could just fire missiles at us once we¡¯ve entered the cave! Make sure we¡¯re out of range! We don¡¯t have much time left!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied.

    Kang Chan quickly turned around.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! On me! We¡¯re heading to the back of the mountain! There could be enemy snipers or missiles there!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    Kang Chan ran along the mountains to the t in to his right.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Right after, he leaped onto the ridge. Rifles, pistols, and bays nked as the others followed.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°All snipers are in position!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun radioed.

    ***

    <em>Swiiiiiish.</em>

    Eight fighters soared across the sky. Park Seung-Yong led four aircraft. Lee Ki-Do led the other four.

    ¡°We¡¯re still not sure what the enemies are flying.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t waste time with that. You¡¯re familiar with Iran¡¯s air power, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Once engaged, units three and four would cover units one and two, respectively. Units one and two would move back again along the formation.

    Park Seung-Young looked at both sides. ¡°Forget about the bombing. Our goal is to protect our allies.¡±

    They were so high up that the horizon looked rounded, following the shape of Earth.

    Although the ground seemed to move slowly, most people wouldn¡¯t be able to breathe at the speed they were going. Some would even vomit.

    ¡°Can we engage?¡± Lee Ki-Do asked.

    Recalling the situation room telling him to use his own judgment, Park Seung-Yong steeled his resolve.

    ¡°Shoot down any enemy that attacks our allies,¡± Park Seung-Yong ordered as if he had forgotten that they would be up against thirty enemy aircrafts.

    ***

    ¡°We have to prevent any further takeoffs from Iran.¡±

    - Vasili, you¡¯ll have to leave that to Yang Bum.

    Vasili stared coldly at the monitor in front of him.

    ¡°Considering Romain has influenced the political regimes, the Star of David is bound to move.¡±

    - All of this will be meaningless if Monsieur Kang dies.

    Vasili gritted his teeth. ¡°What about Romain?¡±

    - We have already dispatched agents.

    ¡°Good. I will teach Josh the horrors of the KGB, then.¡±

    - I¡¯ll dispatch the GSG-9 again as soon as I¡¯ve talked to the prime minister.

    ¡°The Spetsnaz needs three hours.¡±

    - That would mean Monsieur Kang would have to hold out for six hours.

    Ludwig sounded thick with regret.

    ¡°<em>Hmph</em>! If this was enough to kill Monsieur Kang I would have already dealt with him myself.¡±

    - Alright. I¡¯ll call you as soon as I¡¯ve met with the prime minister. Is this really what Lanok expected?

    ¡°Maybe not to this extent, but definitely something close to it. This moment will dictate the future, so quiet negotiations won¡¯t be enough to put an end to it. If Monsieur Kang wins, the Star of David will have to reveal themselves to deal with our president, Germany¡¯s chancellor, China¡¯s leader, and France.¡±

    - I didn¡¯t expect Monsieur Kang to be so influential.

    ¡°Yes. Unfortunately, we are just mere side characters in this battle. Anyway, hurry, Ludwig.¡±

    Vasili hung up and then called another number.

    After a brief moment of silence, he said, ¡°Who was it that hid the president¡¯s call from me?¡±

    Vasili tilted his head and smiled.

    ¡°Arrest him, his children, brothers, and every living rtive. Submit evidence as you see fit, and charge him with arms trafficking. Oh, kill his wife. Just say she resisted. The others can serve life in Siberia.¡±

    After hearing a response, he nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll report to the president.¡±

    Vasili put down the phone and picked up a bottle of vodka.

    <em>Glug.</em>

    His eyes glinted as he held up his ss.

    ¡°Lanok, you scary bastard! I can¡¯t believe you got me to bet everything I have!¡±

    Vasili acted like Lanok and Kang Chan were right in front of him.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, if you die, I won¡¯t let you rest¡ªnot even in hell.¡±

    Vasili drained his ss in one swift gulp. He then grimaced, seemingly finding the drink quite strong.

    ***

    ¡°Those idiots!¡± Warab Amedi of the UIS fumed.

    The snipers were meant to take out the enemy in one fell swoop, whether they came in helicopters or traveling up the mountain on foot. However, the fighter jets¡¯ intervention had ruined a part of the big picture he had been forming.

    He had thought they would just be keeping the South Korean fighter jets at bay.

    <em>¡®We¡¯re too out of sync!¡¯</em>

    Now that Abibu was gone, theycked propermunication.

    The UIS couldn¡¯t really care less about Romain. They wouldn¡¯t obediently follow the orders of the French DGSE.

    Amedi gripped the end of the table.

    The UIS¡¯ deration of independence, the attacks of terrorism that were supposed to ensue, and the enormous dealings behind the curtains were now beingbated alone by the small country of South Korea. To make matters worse, that damn brat was leading the way.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be on standby until the fighter jets return. Tell the snipers tounch the missiles or shoot at the first opportunity.¡±

    His subordinate immediately left the underground tunnel to carry out his orders.

    ***

    They only had ten minutes left now.

    Thanks to Kang Chan, everyone was already aware of the situation.

    <em>Chk</em>.

    ¡°Captain, I¡¯m already in front of the cave. I¡¯ll stay here until all the enemy snipers have been taken out,¡± Seok Kang-Ho reported as he kept an eye on the opposite side. He had already spread his men around the cave.

    Although he was often criticized for not being able to use his head for anything but food, he was second to none inbat.

    As far as he could tell, the enemies only had five viable positions they could take. After all, portable missiles that could be carried by people had obvious limitations. If they were too high above the cave, they would blow the entrance and not much more.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at his watch.

    <em>¡®Hurry!¡¯</em>

    ***

    Kang Chan had run up the mountain, muffling the sound as he descended.

    Snipers were supposed to be on two-man teams.

    However, the ones who were alone¡ªcovered in camouge, branches, and various other foliage¡ªwere more frightening.

    Halfway down the mountain, the path suddenly forked diagonally.

    They were too short on time. They had already used up fifteen minutes without much time.

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    Kang Chan looked back to where he had run up from.

    He wasn¡¯t sure if it was because he was in a hurry, but the dirt under the right toe of his boot crumbled easily.

    G¨¦rard, rifle in hand, covered their right, and Kang Chan kept watch of the other side.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    <em>¡®One, two, three, four, five.¡¯</em>

    The enemy still hadn¡¯t done anything.

    Kang Chan gestured to the front with a nod. Since it was dangerous for them to move at the same time, Kang Chan decided to cover their rear while G¨¦rard, who was in the back, proceeded onward.

    Kang Chan scanned the area ahead of G¨¦rard, who was descending the mountain.

    Just then, under the bright sunlight, spiky leaves rattled in the wind.

    G¨¦rard froze. He raised two fingers, then pointed forward twice.

    They had two enemies ahead.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Cautiously yet quickly, Kang Chan moved toward G¨¦rard.

    <em>Motherfuckers!</em>

    Twenty meters down, he saw grass sticking out of the bushes at apletely wrong angle. Three paces away from the sniper, a soldier was covering him, nervously ring at the cave.

    Still squatting, Kang Chan raised his rifle and looked at G¨¦rard.

    <em>¡®One, two!¡¯</em>

    <em>Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!</em>

    The sniper¡¯s head exploded like a watermelon. At the same time, G¨¦rard shot the soldier in the neck.

    <em>Pew! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan immediately fired another shot. Blood spurted from the back of the soldier¡¯s skull.

    ***

    Upon hearing a gunshot echo nearby, Kang Chul-Gyu pulled out the bay hanging around his left shoulder.

    He heard three shots in total¡ªtwo were fired in quick session, while the third came a momentter. That was all he needed to know that they had taken out two men, and the extra shot was done to confirm the kill.

    <em>¡®It¡¯s Kang Chan!¡¯</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu lowered his stance and waited for the enemy¡¯s reaction. Soon, one of them nced back, then peeked into his scope again.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    <em>I was already doing this when you boys were still learning how to walk.</em>

    The most frightening enemy one could encounter was those who¡¯d shoot them from the back while they were trying to sneak up on another enemy. Hence, when Kang Chul-Gyu began to move, two of his subordinates turned around to cover their rear.

    Like a leopard that had spotted its prey, Kang Chul-Gyu crouched down and stuck to the ground, keeping his head hidden among the grass.

    The next moment, he lunged forward.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    The enemy turned back in surprise. As they locked gazes, Kang Chul-Gyu grabbed him with his left hand and twisted his neck.

    <em>Crack! Jab!</em>

    At the same time, he stabbed the sniper¡¯s guard in the neck with the bay in his right hand.

    <em>Shing!</em>

    After pulling the bay out, Kang Chul-Gyu pointed his right index and middle fingers toward his eyes, then forward again.

    His two team members quickly disappeared into the forest.

    ***

    Nam Il-Gyu nodded at the two men following him.

    They had spotted two enemies.

    Nam Il-Gyu could take them down alone, but time was of the essence.

    Earlier, he had heard three gunshots. Considering Kang Chul-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik never used guns in covert operations, he concluded that Kang Chan had taken out some snipers.

    His two team members got into position and then nced at him.

    <em>¡®One, two, three!¡¯</em>

    The moment the enemies turned their heads, bays were plunged into their throats.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    <em>Jab! Jab!</em>

    Right after, Nam Il-Gyu and his men quickly withdrew their weapons.

    <em>Shing!</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu gazed ahead of him. If he had time, he would have cut off their heads and hung them on a tree.

    ***

    <em>Jab! Jab!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik pulled the bay that was deep in the sniper¡¯s neck up toward his uv. The area around the writhing enemy¡¯s neck was stained with blood, but he didn¡¯t have the time to dwell on it.

    <em>¡®Hurry!¡¯</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s eyes glinted as he nodded toward the front.

    <em>Dash!</em>

    At the same time, two men rushed forward.

    The bastards that targeted South Korean soldiers, the Assistant Director, and his shining juniors!

    Yang Dong-Sik was about to move forward when the head of one of his men snapped back and blood sttered out of it.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    As his subordinate slumped to the ground, Yang Dong-Sik looked up.

    The enemies were above them!

    ***

    Hearing the gunshot, Kang Chan immediately got the gist of where the enemies were located.

    They didn¡¯t have enough time to get up there, but they couldn¡¯t and shouldn¡¯t go into the cave while snipers were still outside either.

    Kang Chan quickly pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°DMZ team! Send a crackle if your group has taken out snipers.¡±

    <em>Chk. Chhk. Chk.</em>

    After hearing three crackles in total, Kang Chan spoke into the radio again.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We found one hiding on our five o¡¯clock, which means we¡¯ve taken out four snipers in total. DMZ team, head to the cave.¡±

    G¨¦rard sharply protected Kang Chan while thetter was issuing orders.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let your bloodlust get ahead of you. You¡¯ll have to eliminate all the snipers on the way to Rukha and any other variablester, so get back to the cave immediately.¡±

    Once Kang Chan was done speaking, Kang Chul-Gyu pressed the button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Pull out.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°G¨¦rard! We¡¯ll take care of those two over there,¡± Kang Chan said.

    As his eyes burned ferociously, G¨¦rard nodded. ¡°Oui!¡±

    <em>Whoooosh!</em>

    Hearing a noise from the skies, Kang Chan looked up just in time to see a fighter jet cutting through the clouds.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    They got here faster than he had thought.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and ran upward.

    ***

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    Discovering their allies, the enemy nes began to spread out.

    ¡°Lee Ki-Do! Shoot down the Phantoms! Do whatever it takes to stop them from bombing our allies!¡±

    <em>Swiiiiiish!</em>

    Being in the air with enemy nes was scary. In this high-tech age, missiles and radar detection were more likely to determine victory than dogfights.

    ¡°We¡¯ll stop the MiGs while Lee Ki-Do gets the Phantom!¡±

    Park Seung-Yong pulled the control stick.

    <em>Whoooosh!</em>

    His ne soared, making it seem like the sky was tilting and switching ces with the ground.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    ¡°Unit One! I¡¯ve got an enemy ne on my six!¡±

    ¡°I need more time!¡±

    An enemy ne appeared on his radar.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    <em>Competition? Honor! Eat this!</em>

    The Phantoms had soared all the way here to bomb the ground forces.

    He needed to catch all the MiGs he could and draw in as many enemy nes as possible so Lee Ki-Do could catch the damn Phantoms.

    At the very least, their allies would be safe for as long as they could keep the hostile nes engaged in aerialbat.

    <em>Zooooooom!</em>

    The ground shed by like a three-dimensional graphic.

    <em>¡®Please!¡¯</em>

    <em>Zooooooom!</em>

    His surroundings spun.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    ¡°Unit One! Enemy aircraft closing in from the rear! Be careful!¡±

    Park Seung-Yong gritted his teeth and pushed the side lever.

    Just then, the radar-lock rm red. The enemy ne had entered the target box.

    <em>Beeeeep!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong pressed the fire button, sending out one of the AMRAAMs attached to his wings.

    <em>Peeeeeew!</em>

    Right after, he pushed the side lever as far as he could.

    His Falcon plunged almost vertically.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got a bogie on my six!¡± Unit Three shouted.

    <em>Zooom! Zoooooooom!</em>

    As the upside-down Falcon plummeted to the ground, Park Seung-Yong gritted his teeth to steady his fading vision.

    ¡°Unit Three! Get under the enemy! I¡¯ve got you!¡±

    The Falcon shuddered as an enemy ne soared below it.

    <em>Swiiiish!</em>

    ¡°Evasive maneuvers!¡± Park Seung-Yong shouted. He swung the control stick to the left.

    <em>Booooom!</em>

    Right after, one of the Phantoms burst into mes and plummeted.

    A series of warnings soon red, warning Park Seung-Yong that his Falcon was now in range of the enemy.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    ¡°Unit Three! Now!¡±

    <em>Swiiiiish!</em>

    As Unit Three swerved right and then left, Park Seung-Yong dove into the gap.

    Determined to engulf the entire area in a sea of fire, the enemy had sent a dozen F-4 Phantoms. On top of that, they had also deployed ten F-14 Tomcats and eight MiG 29s.

    <em>Booooom!</em>

    Another enemy Phantom burst into mes and plunged to the ground.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    More nes came after them. One even closely followed after Park Seung-Yong. Fortunately, they were in the air.

    Evasive Maneuver.

    It was a nice name, but it was really just a feint.

    He would draw a long line like he was going right but suddenly go left!

    Park Seung-Yong pushed the throttle lever and pulled the side stick toward him.

    <em>Whirrrrr!</em>

    The sky and ground turned upside down and then back to normal.

    Unit Three had evaded its enemy. However, Unit Seven was still under pressure.

    ¡°Unit Seven! Escape! Escape!¡± Lee Ki-Do frantically shouted into the radio.

    At that moment, Unit Seven was hit. Its wings caught on fire, sending it spiraling down.

    <em>Boooom!</em>

    It exploded in midair before the pilot could escape.

    Unfortunately, there was no time toment his death.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got an enemy on my tail!¡± Lee Ki-Do urgently radioed in.

    Park Seung-Yong jerked the throttle lever and side stick wildly.

 Chapter 355: I Believe In You (2)

    <em>Whooooosh!</em>

    The sun, shining white, swept from the right side of the canopy to the left. The ground and the sky appeared half to the left and half to the right.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got it! Unit Five!¡±

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    The enemy ne was in missile range.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    However, Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon had also entered the enemy¡¯s.

    ¡°Unit One! It¡¯s dangerous! Get out of there!¡±

    If Park Seung-Yong left now, Lee Ki-Do would be struck, and if they lost Lee Ki-Do, the enemy Phantoms would be left unattended.The MiG 29 followed Lee Ki-Do as he made his ne twist around. Park Seung-Yong, who was targeted by another MiG 29, followed right behind him.

    They were too outnumbered.

    <em>¡®I¡¯ve already given my life to the Taegeukgi!¡¯</em>

    Park Seung-Yong made the Falcon soar, then sent it plunging.

    <em>Beeeeeeeeeeeep.</em>

    <em>Click.</em>

    <em>Peeeeeew!</em>

    An AMRAAM flew from the tip of his wings.

    Park Seung-Yong Falcon spun and flew away as if it was tossed sideways.

    ***

    <em>Swiiiiiiish!</em>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and ran upward. He felt as if the sound of the jet engines were digging into him.

    The more the sniper moved, the harder it was to catch him. The good news was that the enemy nes hadn¡¯t bombed them yet, and the noises from the dogfight above made it impossible to hear any footsteps.

    G¨¦rard and Kang Chan gasped as they neared the top. ¡°<em>Haah</em>! <em>Haah</em>!¡±

    They were going to catch their motherfucking enemy so they could escape to the cave!

    Kang Chan pointed G¨¦rard to three spots, ordering him to take them.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Catching his breath, Kang Chan slowly moved forward. In front of him was a patch of grass at an odd angle, a tree rising out of nowhere in the middle of the grass, and an area that was raised above the ground.

    <em>Swiiiiiish!</em>

    Hearing the jumble of airnes sent a shiver down his spine. Nevertheless, he focused on what he could see.

    They only had eight men facing the enemy¡¯s thirty.

    His first instinct was to have them take cover in the cave and, if possible, get their allies¡¯ nes away from enemy skies.

    Perhaps it was because of the nes above them, but the wind was a little stronger now that they were higher up.

    Kang Chan moved slightly, leaning on trees and branches.

    <em>Where is the enemy? Where?</em>

    G¨¦rard was still looking as well.

    Kang Chan knew that the enemy had to be somewhere in this area.

    Perhaps he was even right next to them or under their noses already.

    Maybe he was already in the crosshairs of their rifle scopes.

    At that moment, Seok Kang-Ho spoke on the radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Captain. I¡¯m going to head in front of the cave. Get the sniper before he shoots me!¡±

    <em>That crazy bastard!</em>

    If the sniper turned out to be outside Kang Chan¡¯s range, Seok Kang-Ho would be a goner.

    They were rushed. With only eight friendly nes fending off thirty enemy nes, the thought of being carpet-bombed made Seok Kang-Ho impatient.

    Although the nes were drawing out their voices, it was still dangerous for them to talk on the radios here.

    Kang Chan scanned his surroundings. His venomous eyes glinted mercilessly.

    ***

    <em>Swiiiiish! Swiiish!</em>

    ¡°Unit Six! Fall back! Fall back!¡±

    Despite Lee Ki-Do¡¯s urgent insistence, Unit Six stubbornly pursued the enemy Phantom.

    They were all aware that the Phantom that Unit Six was after was aiming for the ground, but with an MiG on their tail, it was still too dangerous to pursue it.

    <em>Whoooosh!</em>

    The enemy ne plunged, and Unit Six followed.

    ¡°Unit Six! I said fall back!¡±

    <em>Hisssssss!</em>

    Unit Six fired an AMRAAM. Immediately after, the MiG that was chasing him fired an AA-11.

    <em>Boooom! Crash!</em>

    The enemy¡¯s Phantom and Unit Six burst into mes.

    <em>Whoooooosh!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s aircraft plunged as if it had lost its bnce. However, it quickly recovered.

    <em>Beeeeeep.</em>

    The MiG 29 that destroyed Unit Six appeared on his radar.

    <em>Click.</em>

    <em>Hisssss.</em>

    <em>Booooom!</em>

    <em>¡®Please!¡¯</em>

    Park Seung-Yong prayed desperately that Kang Chan, whom he had met just a few days ago, and the ground troops with him would find a ce to hide.

    ***

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion.

    The hair on his head stood on end, and a chill ran down his neck and spine.

    <em>Let¡¯s see if you can hide, you fucking son of a bitch!</em>

    <em>If you can risk getting bombed just to target my men, then I¡¯ll risk getting bombed just to fucking kill you!</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s bloodlust blossomed like never before.

    Suddenly, he froze. His gaze locked on an area where the grass was more clumped than others. The stalks stood stiff even with the wind blowing against them.

    Kang Chan put his finger on the trigger.

    At that moment, Seok Kang-Ho spoke on the radio again.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°I¡¯m moving now.¡±

    <em>A</em>t that moment, Kang Chan saw the muzzle of a gun move.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    He fired three shots into where the sniper¡¯s head and torso likely were, then two more in session.

    Kang Chan ran forward. Almost at the same time, G¨¦rard charged in from the side.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    Kang Chan shot the soldier guarding the sniper, who had been hit in the chest and was now coughing out blood. G¨¦rard shot him two more times.

    The RPG-7 in between them drew his attention.

    These assholes had intentionally waited on this route.

    What would have happened if Kang Chan and his men had flown over this area in a helicopter?

    Just thinking about the consequences horrified him.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We got this one! There might be more, so when you go into the cave, split into teams before you enter!¡± Kang Chan shouted into the radio.

    <em>Swiiiiiiiiish!</em>

    <em>Boooom! Boooom!</em>

    At that moment, the ground shook, and a huge pir of fire rose from the mountain up ahead.

    <em>Bombs!</em>

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <em>Swiiiiiiish!</em>

    The fighter jet that had bombed the mountain in front of them dove down.

    Kang Chan nced at G¨¦rard.

    <em>¡®One! Two!¡¯</em>

    They knew this was the only way to go. It was frustrating and maddening, but there was nothing they could do.

    <em>Dash!</em>

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard threw themselves down the mountain at the same time.

    <em>Crack! Crack, crack!</em>

    Did they slide down?

    No. They essentially just jumped off.

    If they hit a tree, their bones would break, and if they hit their heads on a rock or broke their necks, they would die.

    <em>Swoosh.</em>

    Soon, they hit a hill, sending them back into the air a little before crashing back down again.

    <em>St! Crack! Crack, crack!</em>

    They bounced and spun multiple times. Eventually, they started skidding across the ground, the sharp rocks in their way cutting through their thighs.

    <em>Crack! Crack, crack!</em>

    Every time their chests hitrge rocks, their breaths were forced out of them.

    It felt like the ground and the entire world around them were spinning.

    However, this was the fastest way they could descend the mountain.

    <em>Boooom! Boom!</em>

    The ground shook violently again. The ce that they had just been standing on earlier was engulfed in a sea of fire.

    If they had been just a littlete¡­

    <em>Thud! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard were thrust to the bottom of the mountain.

    <em>Rumble!</em>

    They could barely breathe, let alone groan.

    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>

    As dirt rained down on them, Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu tightly yanked Kang Chan inside.

    ***

    <em>Swoooooooosh!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon soared, seemingly defying gravity.

    The enemies had started bombarding the ground. This was why Unit Six had been willing to die to take out even just one Phantom!

    <em>Swiiiiiiiiish!</em>

    ¡°Unit Eight! You¡¯ve got bogie on your six!¡± Lee Ki-Do shouted again. ¡°The ground troops won¡¯t be able to make it if we can¡¯t take down these bastards!¡±

    <em>Whooooosh!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong forcefully made his airne swerve.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep!</em>

    The enemy¡¯s MiG followed behind him. He didn¡¯t even need to look at the radar to know.

    Park Seung-Yong spun the side stick in a circle. In an instant, the sky and ground were turned upside down and then returned to their respective ces.

    <em>Whooooosh!</em>

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    <em>Beeeeeeep!</em>

    The MiG that was chasing after him was now in front of him.

    <em>Click. Hissssss!</em>

    Avoiding the explosion, Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon, dove toward the ground.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    <em>¡®How?¡¯</em>

    Park Seung-Yong felt a chill run down his spine.

    <em>Boooooom! Boooom!</em>

    The Phantom that Unit Eight had shot and the MiG that Park Seung-Yong had been fighting burst into mes in midair at the same time.

    <em>Booooooooom!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong made the Falcon fly to the side again before soaring vertically.

    ¡°Unit Eight! Turn around! Turn around!¡± Lee Ki-Do radioed.

    ¡°It¡¯s toote! Please protect our allies¡ª!¡±

    <em>Booooooom!</em>

    Unit Eight exploded in mid-air.

    <em>Booooooooom!</em>

    They barely had enough fuel to head back to base now. It was time to leave.

    <em>Swiiiiiiish!</em>

    ¡°Got it! I got it!¡± Unit Four eximed.

    Right after, the enemy¡¯s Tomcat exploded.

    <em>Booooooooooom!</em>

    ¡°This is Unit Five! I¡¯ve got an enemy on my tail! Cover me!¡±

    <em>Whooooooosh!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong immediately dropped down behind Lee Ki-Do¡¯s Falcon.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cover our rear, Unit Five!¡± Park Seung-Yong shouted.

    ¡°Get in my fucking radius!¡± Lee Ki-Do shouted at the wild Phantom that he was chasing.

    Neither Lee Ki-Do nor any other pilots in the air were worried about fuel.

    They were prepared to fight to the death.

    Park Seung-Yong couldn¡¯t be prouder of his squadron.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon cried out in danger.

    ¡°Hurry! Unit Five!¡±

    ¡°Got him!¡±

    Hisssssss!

    <em>Swiiiiish! Booooooooom!</em>

    Lee Ki-Do swung to the left, and Park Seung-Yong to the right.

    <em>Boooooooooooom!</em>

    The Phantom exploded loudly, destroying the MiG that was chasing after Lee Ki-Do.

    Swiiiiiiiish!

    Park Seung-Yong wasn¡¯t one to let any opportunity like this pass him by. His Falcon swerved to the left, then stalked a panicking MiG.

    <em>Click.</em>

    <em>Hissssssss!</em>

    <em>Boooooooom!</em>

    As the Falcon soared high and wide, the MiG burst into pieces.

    ***

    If a hundred people, one after the other, pounded someone with sharp stones, their target would be in the same state as Kang Chan and G¨¦rard currently were.

    They were scratched, torn, and had gouges all over them.

    They couldn¡¯t even be wrapped in bandages anymore.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho walked over to Kang Chan and cut a piece from a bandage with his bay. Then, he shoved it into the open wounds with his fingers.

    <em>¡®Kegh.¡¯</em>

    It wasn¡¯t just one or two injuries.

    As the DMZ team looked on with curiosity, Seok Kang-Ho rolled up the bandages and tucked them into Kang Chan¡¯s body in more than half a dozen ces.

    ¡°Let¡¯s tie you up.¡±

    ¡°Take care of G¨¦rard first.¡±

    Following Kang Chan¡¯smand, Seok Kang-Ho went to G¨¦rard and stuck bandages into his wounds as well.

    The cave was quite deep.

    As Kwak Cheol-Ho came over and tied Kang Chan¡¯s wounds until his blood was barely circting, they heard multiple noises from outside.

    <em>Swiiiiiiish! Booooooom!</em>

    ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki! Can youmunicate with the fighter jets?¡± Kang Chan shouted, looking back. The soundsing from the fighter jets echoed through the cave, drowning out any other sounds.

    ¡°I can try!¡±

    ¡°Then set the radio for me!¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki pulled out a brick-sized radio and held it to his ear.

    ***

    <em>Swiiiiiiiish! Swiiiish!</em>

    <em>Beeeeeeeep!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong took down another Tomcat.

    <em>Click.</em>

    <em>Hissssss!</em>

    The moment the Sidewinder went flying, Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon flew sideways, spinning as if performing aerial acrobatics.

    <em>Boooooom!</em>

    ¡°I got it! Cover me! Cover me!¡± Lee Ki-Do shouted again.

    <em>Whoooooooosh!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon spun and soared behind Lee Ki-Do.

    ¡°I got you, Unit Five!¡±

    <em>Swiiiiiiiiiish! Swiiish! Swiiiiiiish!</em>

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon beeped loudly in warning.

    He couldn¡¯t move away from behind Unit Five right now and let Lee Ki-Do die.

    <em>Swiiiiiiiish!</em>

    Unit Five sank, following the Phantom that had suddenly plunged down. Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon chased them.

    They quickly swept past the mountains, swerving sharply around the bends.

    <em>Whoooooosh!</em>

    Right after, he violently soared higher into the skies.

    <em>Hisssssssss!</em>

    The moment Lee Ki-Do fired a Sidewinder, Unit Five and Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon crossed past each other.

    <em>Whooooosh! Swiiiish!</em>

    <em>Hissssss!</em>

    The enemy¡¯s Tomcat hurriedly soared through the air to avoid a collision with Unit Five.

    <em>Whoooooosh!</em>

    However, Unit Five suddenly spun and followed closely behind the Tomcat¡¯s back.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Dispatch center! We are safe! Get yourselves to safety now!¡± Kang Chan shouted over the radio.

    <em>Whooooooosh!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong covered Unit Five¡¯s rear again.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    The enemies weren¡¯t fools, and there were many of them too.

    The surviving MiGs and Tomcats were all racing to catch Park Seung-Yong first.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have enough fuel to go back! We¡¯ll do our best to stop the enemy nes, so please protect South Korea!¡± Park Seung-Yong shouted in response.

    At that moment, everyone could hear their conversation.

    <em>Whoooooosh!</em>

    As if to answer him, Lee Ki-Do doggedly followed the writhing enemy Tomcat.

    ¡°There¡¯s no time! Hurry! Unit Five!¡±

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    Park Seung-Yong couldn¡¯t move away. Otherwise, Lee Ki-Do would be left wide open.

    <em>Swiiiiiiiiish!</em>

    In the blink of an eye, Park Seung-Yong flew behind Unit Five, which had spun in the air twice.

    ¡°UFOs approaching! Speed 900 knots! There are too many of them! I repeat! Multiple UFOs approaching!¡± Unit Two radioed urgently.

    <em>Whooooooosh!</em>

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon did its best to avoid the MiG behind it.

 Chapter 356: Go Far Away from Here (1)

    Chapter 356 - Book 21 Chapter 9: Go Far Away from Here (1)

    ¡°I got it!¡± Lee Ki-Do yelled.

    <em>Hisssss! </em>

    Lee Ki-Dounched an AIM-9 Sidewinder.

    <em>Boom!</em>

    Lee Ki-Do and Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcons parted¡ªone ascended, and the other dove down.

    At that moment, they heard Unit Three on the radio.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got one behind me!¡± <em>Swiiiiishhh!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong pushed the side stick diagonally to the left.

    He felt like his eyes would roll back; it was nearly impossible to think properly when he was plunging downward like this.

    Gritting his teeth, he pulled the side stick again. ¡°Unit Three! I¡¯ve got your back!¡±

    <em>Bam! Swiiiiishhh!</em>

    Fortunately, they could pay less attention to their enemies¡¯ Phantoms now since the ground forces had gone into hiding.

    ¡°Unit Three! Evasive maneuvers on mymand!¡± Park Seong-Yong shouted.

    Unit Three quickly twisted to the left.

    ¡°Now!¡±

    <em>Boom!</em>

    Unit Three abruptly soared toward the right.

    Park Seung-Yong couldn¡¯t turn in the same direction. Otherwise, Unit Three¡¯s evasive maneuver would be meaningless.

    <em>Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep.</em>

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon flew to the left. Like moths to a me, almost all of the enemy nes chased after him. With their pride hurt, they were determined to shoot him down.

    <em>Boom!</em>

    ¡°Unit One! Pleasee up!¡±

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon was still diving.

    Lee Ki-Do kept telling him to change his course, but Park Seung-Yong remained undaunted.

    ¡°Now¡¯s our chance! Take out as many of those bastards as you can!¡± Park Seung-Yong yelled back.

    <em>Swiiiiissshhh!</em>

    Once close enough to the ground that it looked as if it was the one flying toward him, he finally pulled the side stick up.

    <em>Swoosh! Swiiiiishhh!</em>

    The Falcon turned and flew between mountains.

    <em>Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep.</em>

    ¡°Unit One! Get back here already!¡± Lee Ki-Do yelled.

    If their enemies weren¡¯t stupid, they would definitelye down from the sky above Park Seung-Yong to cut off his path.

    This situation would have been a lot different had they been up against just a couple of nes. However, their enemies currently numbered close to twenty, only six of which were chasing Park Seung-Yong. The rest were looking down at him from above.

    <em>Swiiiiissshhh!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong navigated between the sporadic mountains as the enemy nes gained on him. Above, his allies and enemies fought each other, tangling and swerving all over the air.

    <em>Beep beep beep beep beep beep beep.</em>

    Park Seung-Yong couldn¡¯t keep running from their enemies any longer. Hence, while pushing the throttle lever, he pulled the side stick as far back as he could.

    <em>Boom!</em>

    His Falcon soared toward the sky like a missile.

    The sudden movement made Park Seung-Yong nk out. It was as if all of his blood had rushed to his head and he had left his stomach behind.

    The clouds now looked divided to him¡ªlike an abstract painting.

    ¡°Unit One! Change directions!¡±

    Even Lee Ki-Do¡¯sms now sounded distant.

    Park Seung-Yong smiled, looking at the sky. The shining sun and the clouds around it reminded him of the Taegukgi.

    ¡°Hey! Park Seung-Yong! Fucking turn already! Please!¡± Lee Ki-Do shouted in rage and fear.

    <em>¡®Did you really think I would die in front of the Taegukgi?¡¯</em> Park Seung-Yong thought.

    <em>Beeeeeeep.</em>

    Park Seung-Yong heard a signal warning him that their enemy nes¡¯ lock-on feature had caught his Falcon.

    They had caught him. Even though he had done his best to avoid them like the gue, he ultimately failed to escape their sights.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong pulled the throttle lever and pushed the side stick forward.

    <em>Boom.</em>

    Seemingly having lost its propulsion power, his Falcon began falling to the ground. It was so sudden that no one could predict where it would crash.

    <em>Swoosh! Swish! Swiiiiishhh!</em>

    The enemy nes tailing Park Seung-Yong urgently scattered. Park Seung-Yong¡¯s aircraft was spinning so fast that he had trouble telling the ground from the sky.

    <em>Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.</em>

    The Falcon quickly warned him that it had lost its bnce.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    At that moment, Park Seung-Yong pushed the throttle lever and pulled the side stick.

    <em>Boom! Swiiiiishhh!</em>

    The Falcon leveled in the air. At the same time, Park Seung-Yong shouted into the radio, ¡°I can¡¯t believe I was stupid enough to worry about that man!¡±

    <em>Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.</em>

    Unfortunately, the Falcon hadn¡¯t stopped beeping. Now, it was telling him that it had run out of fuel.

    He had fought as best as he could. All that was left to do was face his death without fear!

    <em>I should try to take down at least one more enemy with whatever fuel I have left!</em>

    <em>Swiiiiishhh!</em>

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s Falcon turned sharply.

    <em>Boom! Swiiiiishhh!</em>

    Their enemy nes were simultaneously flying back toward the direction that they hade from.

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s radar now showed about sixty or seventy aircraft. When he looked up, he saw fighter jets densely filling up the sky in the distance.

    <em>Are those Vigorous Dragons?</em>

    He wasn¡¯t sure whether he was just hallucinating or he was actually looking at a Chinese fighter jet.

    Park Seung-Yong tuned in to the public channel on his radio.

    ¡°Korean fighters!¡± the Vigorous Dragon pilot said.

    Their pronunciation and the words they used were awkward, but they were definitely speaking in Korean.

    ¡°You may now pull back and return to base.¡±

    Park Seung-Yong understood everything they were saying.

    ¡°Roger, Dragon. We¡¯re running on empty, so we can¡¯t head back to base anymore,¡± Park Seung-Yong responded.

    <em>Swiiiiishhh!</em>

    Close to seventy Chinese fighter jets surrounded his Falcon, seemingly covering for him.

    ¡°Korean fighters, please ept your gift,¡± the Vigorous Dragon pilot replied, again in awkward Korean.

    Park Seung-Yong looked past his canopy. Two aerial refueling nes were flying near him, their long oil pipelines hanging in the air.

    The Vigorous Dragon pilot continued, ¡°We hope that you like it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Dragon. You just made me happier than when I got to meet my wife!¡±

    Park Seung-Yong immediately positioned himself for refueling.

    ***

    The piercing sounds of the fighter jets, which had been rushing into the cave, slowly subsided.

    However, it was still too early for them to leave the cave. Honestly, even if they went outside and examined the situation, it would still be difficult for them to see what was happening to the fighter jets since they were too high in the sky.

    Hence, Kang Chan and his men just calmly waited.

    Soon, someonemunicated with them through the radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°This is Park Seung-Yong. China has refueled our birds. It sucks that this is all we can do for you and the others, but have to go back to base now. I look forward to everyone¡¯s safe return.¡±

    Kang Chan immediately held up his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°You fought hard out there. We¡¯ll see you allter.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Copy that, Captain.¡±

    <em>What? What did he just say?</em>

    Everyone quickly looked at Kang Chan. However, even he wasn¡¯t sure why Park Seung-Yong had called him Captain.

    ¡°Give me the satellite phone,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    As instructed, Yoon Sang-Ki handed him the phone.

    Kang Chan pressed the button twice. The dial tone rang afterward.

    - This is the situation room.

    ¡°All of the fighter jets have retreated. What happened?¡±

    - Based on the intel that China, Russia, and Germany¡¯s intelligence bureaus have sent us, I believe South Korea and Iran have chosen to withdraw since their jets are no longer fit forbat.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t tell if this was good or bad news right now.

    ¡°Anything else I should be aware of?¡±

    - Just the testimony of our Egyptian informant. He said that Ivan, the arms trafficker, recently sold a ballistic missile.

    Kang Chan cocked his head.

    He couldn¡¯t just brush off news about a ballistic missile.

    ¡°Give the number of this satellite phone to Russia and China. Tell them what you just told me and that I¡¯m expecting them to call.¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    Kang Chan hung up. Afterward, he raised his head and looked at the soldiers near him.

    ¡°South Korea and Iran have ordered their fighter jets to withdraw. Daye, send some men to stand guard outside. Let¡¯s eat before we decide what to do next.¡±

    The soldiers quickly executed his orders.

    ***

    Vasili received a call from one of the Russian agents stationed in South Korea to monitor the satellites. After the brief conversation, he hung up and cocked his head.

    ring at the monitor in front of him, he analyzed the satellite view of Earth that it was disying. Long lines were drawn on it.

    ¡°ording to this path, Dmitri should be the most suspicious of them all, yet Ivan¡¯s the one who sold a ballistic missile?¡±

    Vasili frowned. Pursing his lips, he zoomed into the map.

    ¡°If Dmitri can¡¯tunch the missile because Monsieur Kang has taken the OTP, then he will definitely look for another way. Is that why the missile was sold to someone else?¡±

    He straightened up, then smiled coldly.

    ¡°Now, even Dmitri sees me as a pushover because I¡¯ve been acting as a supporting character for so long.¡±

    Vasili coldly red at a red triangr dot on the North Pacific.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep watching you until I find out what you¡¯re looking for in the North Pacific.¡±

    ***

    A starving man had fewer chances to win inbat.

    For that reason, despite being in immense pain, Kang Chan sat up and ate C-rations. His wounds throbbed and stung whenever he scooped up bibimbap with a spoon or even just picked up a biscuit.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be in danger if we stay here for too long. DMZ team, find a ce for us to stay on the upper part of the mountain,¡± hemanded.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu answered.

    Nam Il-Gyu then took three men with him outside to carry out the order.

    ¡°Daye! Take some men back to the barracks and bring over the things we left behind,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho selected the soldiers who would go with him and then headed to where the barracks were located.

    Twenty suffocating minutester, they heard their radios crackle.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We secured a location,¡± Nam Il-Gyu reported.

    A momentter, a soldier who had gone with him returned to the cave.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Daye, how much longer?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯re almost at the cave.¡±

    They had to evenly distribute any luggage among all the soldiers before climbing the mountain.

    True to his word, Seok Kang-Ho soon arrived at the cave. They then divided up the bags so that everyone would have an equal load to carry to where Nam Il-Gyu was.

    Kang Chan sighed. ¡°<em>Haaa</em>¡­¡±

    With his rifle slung over his shoulder, he looked around their surroundings.

    The new location that they had secured wasn¡¯t so bad since it was dense with trees. They could also look down the mountain from every direction. As long as a fighter jet didn¡¯t rush toward them again, a ce as perfect as this was rare in the mountains.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun! I want three men in the upper part of that area. Send a sniper and two soldiers to our nks as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    After assigning the soldiers to strategic positions, Kang Chan looked at the map. At the same time, the satellite phone rang.

    <em>Ring. Ring. Ring.</em>

    Kang Chan answered it and swiftly heard a familiar voice.

    - It¡¯s Vasili.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Kang Chan only felt happy when he answered Vasili¡¯s call as curtly as possible.

    - We believe Alex, our nuclear-powered submarine, was the one that was supposed to receive the OTP. The captain of that submarine is Dmitri, who¡¯s currently in the North Pacific.

    Kang Chan just listened intently.

    - The Spetsnaz and GIGN are going to leave in three hours. It¡¯ll take some time before they can reach your position, though.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Romain?¡±

    - He has already left Germany. I¡¯ll take care of Josh.

    ¡°Did you find the route that the Quds are taking?¡±

    - Considering they scattered from Iran to Afghanistan, they¡¯re likely heading over to your position.

    ¡°Is this line secure?¡± Kang Chan asked, having realized that Vasili had been spouting ssified intel carelessly.

    He had to make sure that they weren¡¯t being tapped.

    - The number you¡¯re using right now can only make and take calls through our satellite. Thanks to Russia¡¯s impressive tech, even if others try to wiretap it, all they¡¯ll hear are loud noises.

    <em>Did this fucker really just say that? Is he a propagandist of somemunist party?</em>

    Kang Chan shook his head. All that mattered was that they had a secure line ofmunication.

    ¡°Vasili, we¡¯ll be moving out soon. I¡¯ll contact you twice every day at eight hundred and twenty hundred our local time. Make sure not to call me outside those hours. ¡±

    - Alright.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan looked at the map again.

    ¡°Gather around,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Kang Chul-Gyu, Cha Dong-Gyun, Jeong Won-Min, and Kang Myung-Gu walked over to him.

    ¡°I¡¯m designating this ce as Point Alpha and this one as Point Beta. No matter how convoluted I word it on the radio, you are to regroup in these respective ces if you hear me say Alpha or Beta,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Afterward, with his index finger, he pointed at their target location and then drew a line across the map.

    ¡°DMZ team, I want you to follow this route. Take out all of the snipers you can find while you¡¯re at it,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. His gaze sharpened.

    ¡°606,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°Follow the route in between the Panjshir River and the Saricha Road all the way to our target location.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°Counter-terrorism team, we¡¯re climbing the mountain up ahead. From there, we¡¯ll head to the target spot.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Jeong Won-Min answered firmly.

    ¡°Jeungpyeong special forces team, I need you to stay here and stop the two hundred Quds hoping to join the enemy ranks,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Copy,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied.

    Jeong Won-Min and Kang Myung-Gu looked at him.

    <em>Thirty South Korean special forces soldiers against two hundred Quds?</em>

    Although it wasn¡¯t that much different from their mission to eliminate one thousand two hundred hostels with only a little over eighty people, they still couldn¡¯t help but be worried.

    Kang Chan added, ¡°I was told that the Spetsnaz, the GSG-9, and the White Wolves will be heading over soon, but I wouldn¡¯t count on it.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun answered.

    Kang Chan also knew that sending their thirty-man army against two hundred Quds was a horrible order. Unfortunately, he had no other choice.

    Proceeding with the briefing, he looked at Rukha¡¯s mountainous terrain.

    ¡°Currently, we have the OTP required tounch a missile, the coordinates that Director Hwang had left for us, and the information we got from Abibu and the informant Um Ji-Hwan secured. However, we are still missing a lot of information,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Themanders of each team focused on the briefing. Strangely, hearing the army interpreter quickly ryed it in French made them even more nervous.

    ¡°Just now, I received word that one of Russia¡¯s submarines was the one supposed to get the OTP that is now in our hands. That same submarine is now in the North Pacific. Our informant also told us that an arms trafficker named Ivan has sold a ballistic missile.¡±

    <em>Something¡¯s wrong! </em>

    Everyone now had the same expressions, but none could seem to figure out what was happening yet.

    ¡°Russia¡¯s submarine was supposed to be the one carrying the nuclear warhead, but it has since been transported somewhere else. If that¡¯s the reason why our enemies need a ballistic missile, then¡­¡± Kang Chan trailed off, then quickly nced at all of themanders around him. ¡°They¡¯re likely targeting South Korea.¡±

    After listening to the army interpreter, G¨¦rard nodded.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°Since we¡¯re short on time, I want all teams except for the Jeungpyeong special forces team, which will be covering our rear, to raid the enemy base.¡±

    ¡°When are we moving out?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°In thirty minutes. Rest until then,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    The sun had already gone past its zenith.

    Once they had adjourned, Kang Chan sat against the dirt wall. He bent one of his legs and straightened the other.

    G¨¦rard sat next to him in a simr posture.

    Kang Chan just smirked.

    Strangely, looking at the bastard made him smile. It was probably because he had already been reduced to a mess even though the actual battle was yet to begin.

    ¡°Are we even alive right now?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°Have you gone insane? How else would we be here?¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Afterward, he looked ahead of them again.

    As the sunlight warmed them, the wind blew softly, bringing in the scent of wet soil, trees, and grass.

    ¡°I could use a smoke right now,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°I want instant coffee,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at the army interpreter, who the army interpreter quickly ryed what Kang Chan and G¨¦rard had just said in Korean.

    <em>Oh, shoot!</em>

    Kang Chan turned his head to the army interpreter. Thinking about climbing a rough mountain with him made Kang Chan shake his head.

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, the army interpreter quickly turned to G¨¦rard to gauge his mood.

    ¡°Without proper training, you won¡¯t be able to follow us up the mountain. You should stay here,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    The fear in his face made it clear that the army interpreter was remembering the battle in Africa.

    ¡°It won¡¯t make sense for you to follow the DMZ team or the 606, will it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± the army interpreter answered reluctantly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell Cha Dong-Gyun about this. Once the battle begins, make sure to hide somewhere.¡±

    The army interpreter swallowed dryly and answered, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    <em>Clunk. nk. Clunk.</em>

    Themanders and their respective subordinates soon gathered in front of Kang Chan. The time hade for them to move out.

    Kang Chan stood up. Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard followed suit.

    ¡°If any team reaches our destination ahead of the others, you are to wait until we have all regrouped. Teams that fail to reach the target location by eight hundred tomorrow are to return here,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Instead of giving a verbal answer, everyone just looked at him with determination.

    Kang Chan slowly looked at each of his men.

    ¡°I know I have given each of you a difficult role to fulfill. However, our main objective remains the same. We will kill the leadership of the UIS and return to South Korea together.¡±

    Finally, he smirked. ¡°Move out!¡±

    Before he could go, however, Kang Chul-Gyu extended his hand toward him and patted his helmet.

    Kang Chan nkly stared back at him.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu told Kang Chan.

    Afterward, he smirked and patted Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s helmet.

    Touched, Cha Dong-Gyun eximed, ¡°I¡¯ll see youter, sunbae-nim!¡±

    Instead of replying, Kang Chul-Gyu simply walked onward. He patted Jeong Won-Min and Kang Myung-Gu¡¯s helmets as well.

 Chapter 357: Go Far Away from Here (2)

    Kim Hyung-Jung knocked on the door and entered Go Gun-Woo¡¯s office to report the information they had been receiving, all the changes in the situation, and his conversation with Kang Chan.

    ¡°Wee,¡± Go Gun-Woo greeted from his desk. He looked exhausted.

    ¡°We have received a report that five of our fighter jets have returned to the Hotan Air Base,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    With his expression remaining unchanging, Go Gun-Woo called, ¡°Manager Kim.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°Some military officials are iming that we broke the rules of engagement. They argue that we engaged inbat without first providing them with a report and getting their permission to retaliate. They also insist that we investigate Major Park and hold him responsible for losing some of our pilots and fighter jets, regardless of the reason.¡±

    ¡°During ourst satellite phone call, I clearly told them to make the call depending on the situation on-site.¡±

    ¡°They seem to be trying to take issue with that.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo was already aware of what was said during that phone call since it had been reported to him.¡°People are iming that the National Intelligence Service vited the military¡¯s chain ofmand,¡± Go Gun-Woo said, then looked at Kim Hyung-Jung, perplexed. ¡°The military will have trouble interfering with the 606 and Jeungpyeong special forces team since on paper, they were sent by the National Intelligence Service. However, the same thing does not apply to Major Park Seung-Yong and his squadron.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo exhaled softly, then added, ¡°Manager Kim, as the NIS Director, what should I do in times like this? Should I let the military investigate and decide how they should punish Major Park and his fellow pilots or stop the military from taking action even if it means breaking thew?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you have trouble answering this since the military isn¡¯t wrong either. The president did say that he¡¯ll take care of this issue by saying that he gave the order himself, so I¡¯ll simply act ordingly. Still, it frustrates me when things like this happen.¡±

    Afterward, Go Gun-Woo asked, ¡°What else do you have for me?¡±

    ¡°Russia has given us information about Alex¡¯s course. They have also sent over intel about Ivan the arms dealer. However, they requested that only the two of us ever get word of this.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung ced a USB on the desk.

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>. Alright. Onest thing, Manager Kim.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    Go Gun-Woo turned the monitor on his desk. ¡°Do you know what this is?¡±

    Leaning forward, Kim Hyung-Jung looked at the folder that Go Gun-Woo was pointing at.

    ¡°It¡¯s the folder that I¡¯ve told you aboutst time. It contains all the top-secret information that the agents directly report to you,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined. He then asked, ¡°Did you create a new password for it?¡±

    Puzzled, Go Gun-Woo turned to Kim Hyung-Jung. He then moved the cursor over to the folder. ¡°What does this mean, then?¡±

    [You have entered the wrong password thrice. All data in the folder has been deleted. Please create a new password.]

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Go Gun-Woo in confusion.

    ¡°That folder can only be opened from this PC. If someone tries to connect to this system through an externalwork, it¡¯ll set off an rm and immediately track the hacker,¡± he exined as he stood up straight. ¡°Even if someone manages to ess thisputer, all information inside the folder will be automatically destroyed if they enter the wrong password three times.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean someone has tried getting into the folder but got all the information in it deleted instead?¡±

    ¡°Although this is also my first time seeing that message, I do believe that¡¯s what happened.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never tried opening this folder, though. You?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked.

    ¡°No. I don¡¯t have the authority to, sir.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s gazes met.

    ¡°Someone might have tried to check what¡¯s inside this folder.¡±

    ¡°They could have just purposely entered the wrong password to delete the files, too,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Their eyes glinted at the same time.

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it.¡±

    ¡°Let me know as soon as you learn anything.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung hurriedly left the room.

    ***

    Vasili sat on the outdoor terrace of the Presidential pce with Alexei, the President of Russia. Despite Alexei¡¯s troubled expression, Vasili¡¯s cold attitude did not change.

    ¡°Even though you¡¯re the Director of our intelligence bureau, you can¡¯t just act however you please,¡± Alexei said.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never done anything like that, sir.¡±

    ¡°If so, then why were Shevchenko, his family, siblings, and even his elderly parents all arrested? Why was his wife shot to death on the scene without me knowing?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that why I¡¯m here? To report that to you?¡±

    Alexei¡¯s troubled look persisted.

    After a moment of silence, Vasili began his report.

    ¡°Ivan has sold off the ballistic missile, and Dmitri is going around the North Pacific with the nuclear warhead. If it reaches the hands of the UIS and blows up in the Korean Penins, we¡¯ll find ourselves in a predicament that¡¯s difficult to get out of.¡±

    ¡°If South Korea gets hit by a nuclear bomb, they won¡¯t be able to afford to look elsewhere for the next few decades.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Still, even though we have enormous amounts of crude oil and gas, that will result in the United States and the oil-producing countries in the Middle East repressing us and drowning us in debt.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going too far, Vasili,¡± Alexei warned.

    Vasili red at President Alexei as if challenging his authority. ¡° Please face the reality. If I have to, then I¡¯ll resign from my position.¡±

    ¡°Vasili!¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want that to happen, then don¡¯t let Schevhenko or some other person sway you into ruining what I¡¯ve nned.¡±

    Alexei huffed in disbelief.

    ¡°Do you have any idea how many times I had to face near-death experiences inbat operations and information warfare just to rise through the Spetsnaz ranks and get to this position?¡± Vasili leaned closer to Alexei. ¡°Don¡¯t forget the life-or-death situations I had to ovee to make you the President of Russia. If you do, then you best not ignore my aplishments. As I¡¯ve said earlier, I¡¯ll resign if you want me to.¡±

    Alexei exhaled deeply.

    ¡°But even if I do, I will not allow an imbecile like Shevchenko to be my sessor,¡± Vasili warned. ¡°One more thing. Unless you want to end up in Siberia after your term, then I suggest you stop provoking me.¡±

    He then leaned away, sat up properly, and tugged on his jacket to straighten it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hand in my letter of resignation as soon as I leave, sir,¡± Vasili said.

    ¡°Do you think I can¡¯t control a mere intelligence bureau? The moment you submit your letter of resignation, I will take care of you in a much crueler way than how you arrested Shevchenko.¡±

    The edges of Vasili''s lips curved into the most unpleasant smile possible.

    ¡°If you believe that the Federal Security Service can suppress the KGB, then you¡¯re about to have a huge problem in your hands, Mr. President,¡± Vasili countered, his eyes glinting colder than a snake¡¯s. ¡°If you want to resign earlier than nned because the work is too difficult for you, then by all means. Please do what you want.¡±

    Neither Vasili nor Alexei broke eye contact.

    After a couple of deep breaths, Alexei finally sighed. ¡°What do you, Vasili?¡±

    ¡°Please respect the work of our intelligence bureau.¡±

    Alexei cracked his neck as if in anger, then straightened his head again.

    ¡°That does not excuse your recent actions. You¡¯ve crossed the line.¡±

    ¡°If we can¡¯t get our hands on the next-generation energy facility, Russia will never be able to maintain its current position.¡±

    ¡°You really trust the youngster running around Afghanistan this much?¡±

    ¡°I trust him more than I trust you, Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°Vasili!¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got nothing else to say, then I¡¯ll get going. I¡¯ll hand in my letter of resignation as soon as I leave.¡±

    The moment Vasili stood up, Alexei gritted his teeth.

    ¡°From now on,¡± he said, ¡°I¡¯ll respect the work of our intelligence bureau.¡±

    Standing in front of the table, Vasili looked down at Alexei with a rxed expression.

    ¡°I was initially nning on sending Shevchenko to Siberia, but I¡¯ve changed my mind. I¡¯ll have a firing squad execute him,¡± Vasili said.

    Alexei, who had been looking at Vasili with resentment, sighed and nodded.

    ¡°Thank you for making a wise decision,¡± Vasili said.

    He then turned around and left the terrace.

    Once he had gone down the stairs, two agents approached him.

    ¡°Keep a close eye on him. Make sure he doesn¡¯t attract more bugs,¡± he ordered.

    The two agents respectfully saluted Vasili.

    ***

    Kang Chul-Gyu moved forward silently.

    The soldiers had already scattered. Since snipers could be hiding anywhere in the trees, they carefully swept the entire mountain as they advanced.

    Hearing a gunshot right now would mean that they had lost one of their men. On the other hand, hearing the radio crackle would mean that they had killed an enemy sniper.

    Some of the soldiers went down the mountain while others, like Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik, continued to climb until they had almost reached the peak of the mountain. Kang Chul-Gyu naturally led their group.

    The shape of Afghanistan¡¯s mountains, trees, and even the sunlight and the wind werepletely different from the ones they were used to at the DMZ. Moreover, this was by no means just a skirmish. As part of this long operation, they had to spend the next fourteen hourspletely focused just to survive long enough to reach their destination.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    It had been quite some time since Kang Chul-Gyu had climbed a mountain with his sensespletely alert.

    The wind that touched his skin felt different when he encountered an enemy. Although others weren¡¯t aware of it, his heart hammered to send him a terrifying warning whenever an enemy pointed their gun at him.

    Swiftly, he repeatedly advanced and examined the forest from left to right, gathering as much information as he could.

    With his surroundings seemingly moving in slow motion, he could clearly see everything¡ªeven the ends of the grass shaking and the sharp leaves swaying with the wind.

    There was nothing fun about a battle to the death, but Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t help but feel strangely happy right now. After all, Kang Chan wanted him in this fight.

    When Kang Chan called him in Libya, Kang Chul-Gyu felt so happy that it made him feel uneasy. It made him wonder if he was allowed to be so happy even though his life was stained with blood and tears.

    As ordered, Kang Chul-Gyu was determined to kill all the snipers and key figures of the UIS. This was the best way for him to help Kang Chan.

    The tree leaves rustled as the wind blew and brushed past Kang Chul-Gyu.

    He briefly red at one area of the forest, then looked in another direction.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    If he wasn¡¯t careful, a muzzle could peek out from between the windswept grass before he knew it.

    <em>Swoosh.</em>

    As Kang Chul-Gyu seemingly swayed along with the grass, he suddenly disappeared.

    The wind kept blowing from the mountain ridge and below the valley.

    Carefully but quickly, he advanced like a leopard that had crouched low to hunt a deer. However, he kept getting a different scent and feeling from his surroundings.

    He needed to kill all of the enemies before they could aim and shoot at them.

    Kang Chul-Gyu wanted to protect at least one more soldier who had dedicated their life to their country andrades. He wanted to defeat all their enemies and return to South Korea together¡­ just like what Kang Chan wanted.

    Kang Chul-Gyu thought of his suit that was hanging inside his closet. He wanted to allow the other soldiers to experience the kind of happiness that he had felt¡ªthe kind of happiness that made him open the closet several times just to look at his suit.

    ***

    Cha Dong-Gyun assigned three snipers to the entrance of the mountain and then assigned soldiers to guard them, one of which was the army interpreter.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho, Yoon Sang-Ki, and the soldiers who had fought in Africa and Libya now looked like seasoned veterans. Their eyes were now sharper and their movements calcted.

    Cha Dong-Gyun couldn¡¯t really tell if they¡¯d win if they fought two hundred Quds right now. If Kang Chan was with them, then he¡¯d be confident that they would emerge victorious. Unfortunately, they were on their own right now.

    Regardless, Cha Dong-Gyun calmly assigned soldiers to their respective positions.

    Afterward, he pressed the button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    Before issuing orders, he slowly looked around the mountain, seemingly checking on his men.

    ¡°Looks like we got lucky,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun began.

    The soldiers turned to him as if to ask, ¡°What are you saying?¡±

    ¡°After all, we are now about to fight our enemies¡¯ weakest link.¡± Cha Dong-Gyun took a breath, then continued, ¡°Moreover, we¡¯ll be fighting them fully rested and with the skills that the captain had been trying to teach us during the operations in Afghanistan, China, North Korea, Africa, and Libya.¡±

    Under the Afghan sunlight, Cha Dong-Gyun conveyed his determination to his men.

    ¡°Soon, we¡¯ll be facing two hundred Quds! I believe there¡¯s no better way for us to show how much thebat experiences we¡¯ve umted have helped us grow!¡±

    The soldiers¡¯ eyes met his as they nodded in agreement.

    ¡°In the sky above us, eight of our fighter jets defeated thirty enemy nes! Now, it¡¯s our turn! Let us show our enemies and the world the true might of the Jeungpyeong special forces team, our captain, and the entire South Korean military!¡±

    ¡°If I can!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki then yelled, his voice low and husky, somewhere in the middle of the mountain.

    ¡°Protect the country with my blood!¡±

    Before Cha Dong-Gyun, the soldiers expressed their relentless resolve to protect their country at all costs.

    ¡°I am happy!¡±

    For some reason, Cha Dong-Gyun really wanted to see Kang Chan now.

    He slowly turned around and got into position, then looked in the same direction as the soldiers.

    In the distance, he could see the remains of one of the fighter jets that had been shot down. It had hideously crashed onto the mountain.

    With the grueling battle now on the horizon, Cha Dong-Gyun adjusted his rifle with his right hand.

    <em>¡®Come at us. We¡¯re no longer the same team you bastards fought back then.¡¯</em>

    ***

    Jeong Won-Min and his men moved through broad daylight with only a map to guide them.

    Soon, as he had ordered, two soldiers quickly ran ahead.

    <em>Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    A soldier examined the area in front of him. He then pointed his middle and index fingers toward the sky and then ahead of him.

    <em>nk. Clunk.</em>

    Two more soldiers ran to their target location.

    The others then moved in groups of four, taking turns using the area that they had secured.

    There was a river below them on their right and a road above them on their left.

    They had to follow a dirt road that was almost big enough for just two trucks to drive on, so it wasn¡¯t particrly difficult.

    There was no one on the road since there were no houses nearby. Moreover, since the road was about seven meters above the river, it provided them with a lot of cover.

    Jeong Won-Min would¡¯ve loved to run as if their lives depended on it, but he relentlessly and meticulously stayed wary of their surroundings instead. The others even thought it was excessive.

    The goal was for the 606 to reach the target location without any support.

    They were doing this for Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan trusted and ordered the 606 toplete this task in front of the DMZ King¡ªa living legend among South Korea¡¯s special forces¡ªthe Jeungpyeong special forces team, and the National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team.

    The 606 had to run for twelve hours on the road without being able to stand up straight. They also had to be wary of the mountain in the distance.

    <em>Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    Jeong Won-Min took point and slowly examined his surroundings. He then nodded.

    It was a relief that the sun had gone past the road and was now on the opposite side. A cloud of dust rose from the road and swept above them whenever the winds blew, but it didn¡¯t really faze them.

    This was Jeong Won-Min¡¯s first time hearing about an objective like this.

    <em>I still can¡¯t believe Kang Chan said that our objectives are to kill all of the UIS leadership and return to South Korea without losing a single man. That¡¯s so cool.</em>

    When a smile threatened to break out, Jeong Won-Min red ahead of him to stop his lips from curving.

    Right after, he turned to Choi Chul-Han.

    Sergeant Choi Chul-Han had clung to him, begging him to allow him to join the operation. He even said that Jeong Won-Min could hit him and order him to runps around the training field until he died if it meant getting to join.

    Jeong Won-Min was aware of Choi Chul-Han¡¯s tenacity. He also knew that ever since the International Building incident, Choi Chul-Han had been training with bloodshot eyes.

    <em>¡®Let¡¯s do this, Choi Chul-Han!¡¯</em>

    Jeong Won-Min gritted his teeth.

    Even if it meant this military uniform would be thest clothes he¡¯d get to wear, they would take down every UIS executive and return home together.

 Chapter 358: Letéˆ¥æªš Go Together (1)

    That afternoon, under unfiltered sunshine, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s team walked along the ridge.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il led the way, and G¨¦rard and Woo Hee-Seung brought up their rear.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan kept a sharp eye on his surroundings, his index finger on the trigger loop. They were taking a roundabout way up the mountain. Nevertheless, they only had sixteen hours to trek it. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t make it in time.

    If they weren¡¯t doing this for their country, this would¡¯ve been the perfect time to quit.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes darted back and forth, surveying the men.

    The 606 were clearly well-trained. Given the current condition of the counter-terrorism team, no one would deny that.

    Kang Chan grinned to himself. Why the hell were there so many of these soldiers in South Korea?

    At this rate, he might start going around saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mi-Young! I¡¯ve given my life to my country and men!¡±

    For three hours now, they had been walking with twenty kilograms of equipment¡ªincluding rifles, pistols, bays, grenades, magazines, and ammunition¡ªstrapped to their bodies. They felt as if they could actually taste death now.They could feel indescribable pain in their backs, knees, thighs, and feet.

    <em>Thud, thud.</em>

    Nevertheless, not a single person fell behind. The weight on their shoulders was likely keeping them on their toes.

    Behind them, thirty men would soon be facing two hundred Quds.

    <em>Thud, thud.</em>

    The gruesome battle that the Jeungpyeong special forces team had ahead of them kept the counter-terrorism team members moving.

    <em>Keep your heads up. We can¡¯t fall here.</em>

    <em>Listen to the desperate pleas in each of my steps and stand firm even in yourst moments.</em>

    <em>Keep the Taegeukgi in your minds and the Republic of Korea, our home, in your hearts. Together, brothers, we will head back to the country you are willing to shed your blood to protect.</em>

    <em>Thud, thud.</em>

    Holding on to their anguished hopes, the men marched onward.

    Kang Chan had a sharp expression on his face. The gaping wounds and scratches he had all over made him look even more vicious than ever.

    This battle wasn¡¯t like any of the ones they had fought before. A nuclear warhead was involved.

    Kang Chan had never seen a nuclear missile. However, he was well aware of their horrors.

    Perhaps he was even more afraid of them because he had experienced what weapons could do.

    <em>Thud, thud.</em>

    Kang Chan was also bothered by the atmosphere changing rapidly during his absence.

    What could have made Vasili and Ludwig change their ns?

    At that moment, he thought of Lanok.

    Could he keep Lanok safe once Romain and Josh began to feel like their lives were in danger?

    Vasili had said that he was confident.

    However, if they ever found themselves in a situation where they could not get reinforcements within the day, could they still rescue Lanok?

    Kang Chan looked at the distant sky with glinting eyes.

    <em>¡®I¡¯lle over as soon as this battle is over, Mr. Ambassador.¡¯</em>

    ***

    The elevator doors opened, revealing the only entrance to the basement.

    Three armed soldiers, two agents, and a man then stepped in from behind them.

    Lanok raised his gaze and stood up.

    Sarkose, the French president, looked around warily. He then walked toward Lanok.

    The two exchanged formal greetings and shook hands. However, their expressions and bodynguage remained void of sincerity or emotion.

    ¡°Take a seat.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    When Sarkose sat down, Lanok looked up at the agents standing behind him.

    Unlike Sarkose, the agents didn¡¯t understand what his gaze meant.

    Hence, Sarkose spelled it out for them. ¡°Would you prepare some ck tea for us?¡±

    Looking as if he had juste to a realization, one of the agents straightened up and grabbed a teapot and some tea from a table.

    <em>Click. Glug.</em>

    After some time, the agent finally set down two cups of ck tea and stepped back.

    ¡°How are you doing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got tea and cigars, so I can¡¯tin.¡±

    Lanok picked up a cigar and lit it.

    Sarkose turned around. ¡°Would you leave us for a moment?¡±

    As instructed, the two agents headed back to the front of the elevator.

    ¡°Lanok, why are you being so stubborn?¡±

    Lanok simply exhaled smoke from his cigar in response.

    ¡°From bing the president to stopping Gong Te Automobile, I¡¯m indebted to you. I haven¡¯t forgotten that.¡±

    Lanok knew that Sarkose still hadn¡¯t gotten to his main point yet, though.

    Seeing Lanok¡¯s masked expression, Sarkose continued with difficulty, ¡°I¡¯d like to reinstate you. Can you promise me that there will be no political reprisals?¡±

    Lanok extended his long arm and flicked the ash onto the ashtray.

    ¡°Mr. President.¡±

    Sarkose focused on Lanok.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know how I deal with traitors, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t betray you. I promise.¡±

    Lanok smirked. ¡°With just a single word from Romain, you¡¯ve forgotten all the assistance you received from me, yet you say you haven¡¯t changed? How am I supposed to believe that?¡±

    ¡°Lanok, that¡¯s a misunderstanding,¡± Sarkose quickly replied. ¡°I¡¯ve always nned to meet with you again after Romain is done upholding his end of the bargain.¡±

    A corner of Lanok¡¯s lips curved upward once more.

    ¡°He told me that all of Africa could belong to France¡ªthat he could make it all happen as soon as I gave my approval since he had alreadypleted all the preparations.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a good deal, especially right before a presidential election.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the only reason.¡±

    Lanok raised his cup of ck tea to his mouth in a gesture of disinterest.

    ¡°Lanok.¡±

    ¡°What do you want, sir?¡± Lanok asked as he set his cup down.

    ¡°A guarantee of my safety, no political retaliation, and¡­¡±

    Sarkose nced around. ¡°Your cooperation in the next elections.¡±

    Lanok just stared at him. It was almost scary¡ªthe look in his eyes and his emotionless expression. It was as if he was wearing a mask.

    ¡°Mr. President,¡± Lanok finally said. ¡°What were the conditions Romain offered to have me imprisoned here?¡±

    ¡°Give me your word first, Lanok.¡±

    ¡°How will you believe me?¡±

    ¡°I trust you.¡±

    ¡°Then please show me that you are trustworthy as well, Mr. President. Isn¡¯t that simple and fair? All you have to do is tell me what Romain offered to put me here.¡±

    Rendered speechless, Sarkose gulped.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you expected to get the Director of the DGSE on your side and thought you wouldn¡¯t have to feel burdened by pushing me out.¡±

    Lanok pushed the end of his cigar into the ashtray.

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you believe, then that¡¯s what you have to do, sir.¡±

    ¡°Romain ns to eliminate you, Lanok.¡±

    Lanok smiled.

    ¡°Lanok!¡±

    Realizing that he had gotten too loud, Sarkose nced around his surroundings. Afterward, he sighed.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that the European, Russian, and Chinese intelligence bureaus would turn against us or that the French intelligence bureau and the DGSE would be so divided. That¡¯s why I am here. Now, I need your word.¡±

    ¡°Trustes first.¡±

    Lanok seemed unwilling topromise at all.

    ¡°If I stand up and leave now, Romain will eliminate you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s your call, Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to regret this, Lanok.¡±

    Instead of responding, Lanok wiped all emotions from his face once more. A moment of silence passed.

    ¡°Why in the world are you so obsessed with this Korean kid?¡±

    Without hesitation, Lanok responded, ¡°He¡¯s the strongest person in the world. No matter the situation, you can trust and believe in him. That man treated me and France with respect¡­ at least until your and Romain¡¯s greed ruined everything.¡±

    Sarkose easily understood what Lanok meant.

    After a moment of silence, he stood up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±

    ¡°Take care.¡±

    Lanok leaned back in his seat and picked up a magazine.

    Sarkose let out a long sigh. He then sat back down.

    Seemingly having made up his mind, he began to rattle off.

    ¡°Romain said he would introduce a mary system that could unite Europe, Africa, and Asia.¡±

    Lanok listened intently. However, his eyes remained cold.

    ¡°A new standard currency created by a coalition of Middle Eastern oil producers, British financial institutions, and the Rothschilds. It will bring the copse of the American dor and be the new currency ruling over Asia and the rest of the world!¡±

    After a brief pause, he added, ¡°In exchange for our cooperation, they have promised France all of Africa.¡±

    ¡°Do you really believe that is possible?¡±

    ¡°You know the power of petro-capital, don¡¯t you? If a new standard currency is created after the dor is abandoned¡­ not even our country will be able to resist the influence of the Rothschilds and the financial power of petro-capital.¡±

    Lanok shook his head.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always known Romain was an idiot, but I didn¡¯t think you would go along with selling out France too.¡±

    <em>¡®So Lanok already knew!¡¯</em>

    Sarkose suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

    ¡°What makes you think this n is wrong, Lanok?¡±

    ¡°Simple. Monsieur Kang stands opposite them.¡±

    ¡°So let¡¯s get rid of the Korean brat. For the glory of great France.¡±

    Lanok red at Sarkose.

    ¡°If I could, I would. However, France does not have the men to make Romain¡¯s n our own. Even if Africa is handed to us on a silver tter, we cannot possibly protect it. Only Monsieur Kang has the ability to do that.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t we also have you?¡±

    ¡°Mr. President,¡± Lanok called, silencing Sarkose. ¡°Who do you think holds Europe, Asia, and America in their hands?¡±

    ¡°Well, I suppose Britain controls Asia, and we control Africa.¡±

    ¡°Britain is incapable of organizing all of this. Do you really think Romain and Josh, who can¡¯t even eliminate me, Vasili, or Russia, can tie the world economy together in the face of Russia, China, and the United States¡¯ resistance?¡±

    ¡°I was told there was an alternative.¡±

    ¡°War, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    Sarkose¡¯s expression filled with surprise as he nodded.

    ¡°A war involving China. With the appearance of a new gold standard, if all else fails, the perpetrators of the n will take nearly half the world¡¯s capital in derivatives,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t we invest in derivatives too?¡±

    At that question, Lanok was unable to hide the fact he thought Sarkose was pathetic. He responded, ¡°France will have to repay Romain for nning the war, and they¡¯ll probably demand a share of Africa.¡±

    ¡°What if we win?¡±

    ¡°All the money in the world goes to the one who owns the gold standard. Now, realize that this n is not the desperate need of someone hungry. This n was made by those who want to have more even if it is theirst lifeline.¡±

    ¡°If this n seeds, and the war happens as I want it to, what will happen to France when the new gold standard is introduced?¡±

    ¡°Every time they release more of the gold standard or withhold its production, the price of food, housing, and the value of wages in France changes. We would have to cling to them, begging them not to cut off ourst lifeline.¡±

    Sarkose, who now looked bewildered, turned to Lanok as if he hade to his senses.

    ¡°No political reprisals, my safety, and your duty to the honor of France.¡±

    ¡°Give me back the DGSE, and I¡¯ll ept.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    As Lanok set the magazine back down on the table, Sarkose rose and gestured to the agents.

    Looking at the armed men, Lanok thought, <em>¡®Monsieur Kang, you¡¯ll just have to hold on a little longer.¡¯</em>

    ***

    Kang Chan pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Daye, find a ce to rest.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    It was already past five in the afternoon. The sun was shining like a halo above the mountaintop, making it hard to see.

    <em>Thud, thud.</em>

    After radioing Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan walked for another ten minutes.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ve found one,¡± Seok Kang-Ho radioed.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Secure the perimeter and stand by.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    After walking for another ten minutes or so, he finally saw Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il standing at the end of the ridge, their rifles in hand.

    ¡°Over here!¡±

    Kang Chan quickly moved forward and looked around.

    The area put the mountain behind him and the rocks in front of him, making it a good ce to hide.

    ¡°Kang Myung-Gu!¡±

    ¡°Sir!¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu quickly came running.

    ¡°We¡¯ll eat dinner here and leave in half an hour.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu waved his hand from side to side. The men then dropped to the ground.

    <em>Click. Click.</em>

    Kang Chan climbed to the top of the ridge that overlooked all four sides.

    A few momentster, Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard climbed up to him with C-rations and water packs.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said. When it came to things like this, he was certainly the best.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take turns standing guard.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    The look that Kang Chan gave G¨¦rard seemed enough for thetter to understand what he had said.

    Kang Chan took the first shift. Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard sat across from each other and had dinner.

    <em>Gulp. Gulp.</em>

    While Kang Chan was drinking from his water pack, Kang Myung-Gu came up the ridge and walked over to him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send some men over. Please get some rest after you eat,¡± he said.

    ¡°They have been walking for hours in fullbat gear. This might be the only time they¡¯d ever get to rest, so don¡¯t worry about me. Let them sleep for twenty minutes.¡±

    Since this was his first time joining such an operation, Kang Myung-Gu turned to Seok Kang-Ho as if to confirm what he should do.

    ¡°The men need rest. Let them get as much sleep as they can. If they overexert themselves and copse at night, we can kiss this operation goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Once Kang Myung-Gu had turned around, Seok Kang-Ho resumed eating. He then stood up.

    ¡°Make sure you finish your food,¡± he said. He didn¡¯t really have to tell them that, though.

    At the same time, Kang Chan came down the ridge and ate the C-ration that G¨¦rard had opened for him.

    ¡°Get even just a few minutes of sleep. We¡¯ll be moving at night,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Understood,¡± G¨¦rard replied.

    This wasn¡¯t his first rodeo. Hence, he had no trouble just leaning against the ridge and resting.

    Two minutester, Kang Chan had finished his meal. He walked up to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Head down and get some sleep. I¡¯ll keep watch.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. You¡¯re pretty beat up. You need to rest more than I do.¡±

    Instead of replying, Kang Chan scanned their surroundings.

    ¡°Are you thinking of Dong-Gyun?¡±

    Kang Chan grinned. He then looked back at the direction that they hade from.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and the Jeungpyeong special forces team would do just fine.

    ***

    Cha Dong-Gyun pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Hold your fire. Wait for my signal.¡±

    The Quds, wearing their ck uniforms, confidently approached in their trucks.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    One of the Jeungpyeong special forces team¡¯s snipers, who had just looked at the back of the trucks, said, ¡°Two RPG-7s confirmed.¡±

    A total of ten trucks and two jeeps were approaching them from three hundred meters away.

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked around. It would be disadvantageous to them if they let the enemies get any closer to the mountain.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Snipers, take out the drivers of the jeeps, then prioritize anyone who approaches the machine guns on the jeeps or anyone with an RPG.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The vehicles had closed in on them by about thirty meters.

    During training, the snipers would set up a dummy around five hundred or eight hundred meters away from them. They would then attach a watermelon or balloon with red paint to it as its head.

    Most people wouldn¡¯t even see a bullet go flying.

    At a distance of more than five hundred meters, all one would see was the bullet¡¯s blurred trajectory in the air. It would look as if it had been shot underwater.

    Once the bullet had hit the watermelon or balloon, a red color would spread behind it, making it seem as if a person¡¯s head had actually exploded. Snipers had to practice like that so they wouldn¡¯t panic or freak out once they had blown up an actual head.

    Sniping was more terrifying than most people thought. It was hard to deal with the fact that the moment one had pulled the trigger, the enemy¡¯s head would explode right in front of their scope.

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked ahead as two gunshots echoed.

    <em>Pew! Pew!</em>

    In the blink of an eye, the jeep drivers¡¯ heads exploded.

    <em>Creaaaak!</em>

    The jeeps spun out of control. The trucks screeched to a halt beside them.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    Three of the machine gunners in the back of the jeeps fell out of the vehicle and bounced backward.

    Five down, one hundred ny-five enemies to go.

 Chapter 359: Letéˆ¥æªš Go Together (2)

    An eerie silence hovered between the Jeungpyeong special forces team, who were holed up in the mountains, and the Quds hiding behind the trucks.

    They had taken out five enemies.

    Although Cha Dong-Gyun didn¡¯t expect them to run toward them like lunatics, he still found it suspicious that they were hiding behind the trucks with their hair or the ends of their bandanas peeking out above.

    Cha Dong-Gyun tried to think like Kang Chan and make a move. He recalled what Seok Kang-Ho had told him after losing Han Jae-Guk.

    <em>¡®Settle down.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®All the men will die if themander gets overwhelmed.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Calm them down. Think about what Captain would have done. If you can¡¯t, fake it.¡¯</em>

    What would Kang Chan have done if he was here?

    Kang Chan had faced some of the most undeniably horrific enemies, yet he had always encouraged his men in times of crisis.<em>¡®I¡¯ll try to do it. I will do it.¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan had told him that Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s training was second to none but found it unfortunate that Cha Dong-Gyuncked experience.

    Did Cha Dong-Gyun enjoy being dragged around to ces where he could die?

    <em>Pft.</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun smirked like Kang Chan.

    Without all that experience, how would he be able to face the two hundred Quds d in those stupid ck outfits?

    Cha Dong-Gyun pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    Had he ever radioed others in past situations like these?

    Kwak Cheol-Ho, who was about five meters away, and Yoon Sang-Ki, who was positioned a bit farther away from him, nced at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°We only have one hundred ny-five enemies left.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho stared at Cha Dong-Gyun in disbelief.

    ¡°If our experience in Africa is any indication, they¡¯lle at night. That¡¯s probably why they¡¯re wearing ck military uniforms.¡±

    The enemies were a good distance away, and they had hidden themselves perfectly. Maybe that was why some of the special forces team members chuckled in disbelief at the situation.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Snipers, keep an eye out for enemy RPGs and machine guns. I want everyone else to rest in groups of two with a nearby teammate. When night falls, we¡¯ll teach the enemies a painstaking lesson about who we learned from.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho nced at him from a slight distance away.

    <em>Since when did we start looking at two hundred Quds with such ease?</em>

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°I¡¯m going to try to imitate what the captain always says¡­¡±

    <em>And why is this guy so chatty today?</em>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho gave him a look that said, ¡°What is he going to say this time?¡±

    ¡°Today, every single one of those bastards will be meeting the God of Death. After all, that¡¯s who taught us how to fight. I will stand at the very front. We¡¯ll kill them all, and then we¡¯ll all go home together.¡±

    After the radio transmission, Cha Dong-Gyun casually turned his attention back to the enemy.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho and Yoon Sang-Ki¡¯s reactions were a bit different than when Kang Chan spoke, but Cha Dong-Gyun didn¡¯t mind.

    They had be a team that could afford to be so nonchnt in front of the enemy.

    Cha Dong-Gyun let out a quiet sigh and looked up at the mountain.

    Twenty minutes? Thirty?

    The darkness in the shadows had eaten up the middle of the mountain and was slowly moving toward the wide berth of enemies.

    At that moment, a sniper who had been watching from high above reported in.

    <em>Chk</em>.

    ¡°The enemy¡¯s rear is moving.¡±

    <em>Click! Click! Click! Click!</em>

    They¡¯d been taught to check and double-check all the time. Cha Dong-Gyun and his men inspected their guns and red at the enemy.

    <em>¡®We¡¯ll do well, sir.¡¯</em>

    He felt like Kang Chan was watching over him.

    ***

    The forest had grown dark.

    Kang Chan pressed a button on his radio.

    Chk.

    ¡°On your feet. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The sounds of his men strapping on their armor and picking up their weapons echoed off the Afghan ridge.

    ¡°Daye, I want you to keep a tighter perimeter.¡±

    ¡°Got it, Cap.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il, who had been standing beside him, nodded at Kang Chan and walked onward with Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, stay frosty.¡±

    ¡°<em>Oui</em>.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard understood Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, tone, and instructions better than anyone.

    After giving a firm answer, G¨¦rard fell back with Woo Hee-Seung.

    Kang Chan slowly looked around as darkness fell.

    In the twilight, the bend of the ridge was clearly visible. It was as if the mountains beyond had been lit up.

    They were deep in enemy territory. There was no telling when or where the battle would begin.

    Kang Chan breathed in slowly.

    His bandaged wounds were throbbing, and every time he moved, searing pain surged up as if it had been waiting for him.

    Nevertheless, he knew he could handle this. He would grit through the pain if that was what it would take to finish the job and return safely with his men.

    Kang Chan set his thoughts about missiles aside for now and wondered how the Jeungpyeong special forces team was doing.

    He looked behind him.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°The front is clear,¡± Seok Kang-Ho radioed in.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Be more alert while you move. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The men began to move.

    <em>Thud, thud. Click, click.</em>

    Kang Chan walked on as well, keeping his middle position. The moment he did, an ominous feeling bloomed from within him.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    In this situation where they couldn¡¯t predict anything, his instinctive warnings of not knowing what to expect felt so gut-wrenching. He would rather their enemies ran toward them head-on.

    As the sun continued to set, Kang Chan sharply looked around the ridge once more.

    ***

    After drinking some water, Yang Dong-Sik his water pack back in his back pocket.

    The world had certainly advanced. From clunky canteens, they now only had to carry a wide, thin stic pack.

    He hadn¡¯t run into any snipers yet. Considering he hadn¡¯t heard any crackle on the radio, he assumed the whole team hadn¡¯t found any either.

    <em>¡®Where are these assholes hiding?¡¯</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik pulled out the bay slung around his shoulder.

    Their surroundings had already be pitch ck.

    The dark Afghanistan sky made the moon seem like it was shining brightly out of nowhere.

    In a way, it reminded Yang Dong-Sik of Yang So-Mi.

    He had always known that she was going to run a restaurant¡ªa Chinese-Korean fusion one.

    Based on the way that chubby girl went mad for a bowl of jjajangmyeon, he already knew that that was her path.

    Yang Dong-Sik shook his head and moved forward.

    He had to focus.

    The DMZ team had been assigned to the route over the mountain to the mountain across it and the grassy areas.

    If the slope was too steep even for Yang Dong-Sik and the DMZ team members to head straight, then that would mean the enemy would not be able to hide from those areas either.

    <em>Swish. Swish.</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik moved as silently as he could. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯tpletely muffle his movements like Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Well, he supposed Kang Chul-Gyu looked more like a bobcat than a human when he moved. The way he slid through the grass and approached the enemy without a sound made Yang Dong-Sik d Kang Chul-Gyu wasn¡¯t an enemy.

    <em>Why did she have to marry that guy, though?</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s son-inw, a chef, had an affair.

    <em>No!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik shook his head again and sighed quietly.

    He was having too many random thoughts because of his damned son-inw. Yang So-Mi might have been chubby and had a temper because she took after Yang Dong-Sik, but she was a fine woman. He couldn¡¯t believe that bastard dared cheat on her!

    <em>¡®That motherfucking son-inw!¡¯</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik gritted his teeth, determined to give his son-inw a visit.

    Under the faint moonlight, the mountain seemed eerie and spooky.

    He was passing through a dangerous path. His world right now could end instantly if he ran into the tip of a muzzle.

    <em>¡®I wonder how our juniors are doing.¡¯</em>

    He was having too many random thoughts today.

    ***

    As darkness descended, Jeong Won-Min slightly rxed.

    The darkness between the river and the road was especially cker, making it much easier to move.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Scouts, check out the hill that bends up ahead. We need a ce to settle down for the evening.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    <em>¡°Yes, sir.¡±</em>

    They had been traveling without any rest or water.

    All the men probably understood, though. The Jeungpyeong special forces team was going against two hundred Quds, the DMZ team was dealing with sixty snipers hiding all over the mountain, and Kang Chan and the counter-terrorism team had to go around the rugged mountain to get to their destination.

    He had been intentionally hard on their training. If there was something he didn¡¯t like, he forced them to do it again. He believed it was that kind of training that would save his men¡¯s lives during desperate moments.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Position secured.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Everyone stop. I want four men on the perimeter up ahead. The rest can have dinner two meters apart,¡± Jeong Won-Min ordered.

    Asmanded, the men all stopped.

    They didn¡¯t know where the enemy was. If they huddled together while eating, they could be wiped out by one enemy machine gun. Hence, they would wait to sit down two meters away from the next soldier who sat down.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Once the soldier in front of him had sat down, Jeong Won-Min hid on the hill facing the road as best as he could and then got down as well.

    <em>Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    Then, he pulled out a C-ration from his pack.

    The moon was too damn bright.

    <em>Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    Listening to the sound of the wind and the crinkling of the C-rations being unwrapped, Jeong Won-Min forced himself to eat the rice balls.

    People might ask why he chose to eat so pathetically and was so obsessed with the 606 despite all the hardships.

    Jeong Won-Min picked up a nutritious misugaru [1]drink and lifted it to his mouth.

    <em>Oh bright moon, let your moonlight shine on me.</em>

    <em>Let those bastards see the Taegeukgi on my left arm.</em>

    Jeong Won-Min opened his stic pack and sucked in some water.

    Those people didn¡¯t know the sound of their mothend calling for them.

    Hardships? Would those people have the slightest idea of thest wishes of the men who died in the International Building?

    What about the wishes of their pilots who died somewhere in the sky? They couldn¡¯t even leave a body behind.

    Jeong Won-Min folded and folded the stic of his C-ration and shoved it into the end of his gear.

    Turning around, he saw the rest of his men had finished eating as well and were sitting in simr positions to him.

    Sergeant Choi Chul-Han, who had been cursed at but still clung to his job, grinned at Jeong Won-Min.

    <em>Don¡¯t you hate or resent me?</em>

    <em>No, sir!</em>

    Jeong Won-Min felt like he could hear Choi Chul-Han¡¯s answer from his gaze.

    Noticing that Choi Chul-Han had rice and misugaru dripping from his chin, Jeong Won-Min frowned to prevent a smile from forming.

    <em>You saving that forter?</em>

    <em>What do you mean, sir?</em>

    Jeong Won-Min almost burst outughing.

    At that moment, their moment of peace spiraled into chaos.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    Choi Chul-Han¡¯s head jerked forward.

    <em>Click! Click! nk! nk!</em>

    The soldiers quickly got into position and aimed all around them.

    <em>Rustle. Rustle</em>.

    Jeong Won-Min practically crawled across the ground to get to Choi Chul-Han.

    ¡°Hey! Choi Chul-Han!¡±

    <em>Pew! Pew! Tat! Tat!</em>

    ¡°They¡¯re across the river, on top of the mountain!¡±

    ¡°Snipers! Find those bastards and return fire!¡±

    Jeong Won-Min pulled Choi Chul-Han. Blood dripped from his nose, ears, and eyes, staining the rice at the corners of his mouth and the misugaru on his chin.

    He¡¯d been hit in the neck, which was why his head was halfway off.

    <em>You idiot! You should have stayed still!</em>

    <em>I should¡¯ve smiled at him earlier!</em>

    They didn¡¯t have any time to waste, however. Jeong Won-Min turned around and raised his barrel toward the direction of the enemies¡¯ position.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew! Tat! Tat! Tat!</em>

    The dirt in front of him sttered.

    ¡°Casualty report!¡±

    ¡°Koo Seung-Jo and Sung Ho have been hit.¡±

    <em>Pew! Pew! Thud! Ding!</em>

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    This time, the bullets flew from a different direction.

    The snipers were all gathered here!

    ¡°The radio!¡± Jeong Won-Min shouted to his side.

    ***

    Dust rose again in the distance.

    The darkness had nearly consumed everything around them.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Snipers! Watch for the oing truck!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun radioed and held back a curse.

    The moon was too bright for the situation. Trucks wereing at them with their headlights off.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Fifteen trucks! Based on the enemy¡¯s reaction, they seem to be reinforcements!¡±

    <em>Those motherfuckers! That¡¯s why they were waiting!</em>

    While Cha Dong-Gyun was assessing the situation, the approaching trucks joined the Quds¡¯ trucks.

    Enemy soldiers jumped out of only half of the new trucks.

    Cha Dong-Gyun couldn¡¯t help butugh in disbelief.

    If there were enemies in the unloaded trucks, that meant they had at least three hundred new enemies to deal with.

    Cha Dong-Gyun turned around and looked to his sides.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Remember when we fought in Afghanistan! They could try to push toward us or attack us after surrounding us! We wait until they get as close as possible! Snipers, keep your eyes on the missiles and the machine guns!¡±

    He then red forward.

    Just then, Yoon Sang-Ki asked a ridiculous question.

    ¡°Howe they alwayse in hordes for us?¡±

    He was shouting without using the radio, so his question echoed throughout the mountain.

    It didn¡¯t matter, though. The enemies knew that they were hiding here anyway.

    ¡°You bitches! Our policy is one hundred per man!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho shouted. ¡°Make yourself presentable and greet our guests!¡±

    It was so outrageous that Cha Dong-Gyun wondered if they had gone mad. However, listening to what they said made his heart pound eagerly.

    Hence, Cha Dong-Gyun also shouted at the top of his lungs.

    ¡°Let¡¯s finish them up! We¡¯re going to return together!¡±

    The moment his shout hit the mountain, the new trucks started up once more.

    <em>Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!</em>

    ¡°Snipers! Get them!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    <em>That¡¯s right, abandon the radios! This is more like it!</em>

    <em>Click. ck! Click! Click!</em>

    In the darkness, under the moonlight, Cha Dong-Gyun and his men all aimed at their enemies.

    ¡°Ahu Akbar!¡± The enemies shouted far louder than the Jeungpyeong special forces team¡¯s shouts.

    Therge number of enemies made the widespread, powerful shouts scarier.

    <em>Vroom. Vroom. Vroooom.</em>

    The trucks began to move toward the mountain. At the same time, the new enemies ran after them under their cover.

    Chk.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see the Quds! Keep watch of our nks! I want those guarding the snipers to check for enemiesing from the back!¡±

    The enemies were now within one hundred meters.

    <em>¡®C¡¯mon!¡¯</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun put his index finger on the trigger.

    This situation was simr to the one that they had been in Africa. The enemies were using the night to creep up like cockroaches.

    Cha Dong-Gyun steadily pulled his index finger.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    The bullets from his and his men¡¯s rifles flew toward the trucks and the enemies hiding behind them.

    <em>Du du du du! Du du du! Du du du du du!</em>

    Right after, their enemies returned fire.

    The battle had started. All hell was about to break loose again.

    ***

    Kang Chul-Gyu stopped in his tracks and scanned his surroundings.

    His heart was warning him and his instincts were screaming not to go any further¡ªno, to get out of here.

    His heart had never pounded like this before.

    He was on his way down the side of the mountain, which was narrow enough to be in between two other mountains.

    His heart began to beat a little louder.

    Kang Chul-Gyu quickly pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Stop!¡±

    He had already hidden himself.

    Kang Chul-Gyu red at the mountain up ahead. Not only was it close, but it also overlooked their position.

    <em>¡®Is that where they are?¡¯</em>

    With a warning like this, it was best to go alone.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Stay where you are until I tell you otherwise. If they approach, deal with them our way.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu lowered his stance and began to move. Hoping that all the snipers were hidden in the mountain above, he sharpened his nerves and stepped forward.

    <em>Peeeeeeew! Peeeeeeew! Peeeew!</em>

    Just then, with a whistling sound, white smoke flew down from the top of the mountain.

    <em>Dash!</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu rapidly turned around and ran away from the approaching smoke.

    <em>Boooom!</em>

    Two more explosions erupted, one near him and the other at the bottom of the mountain. The impact sent him into the air and violently crashing down.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    <em>Peeeeeeew! Peeew! Peeeeeew!</em>

    As another RPG shot toward them, Kang Chul-Gyu gritted his teeth and forced himself to move.

    <em>Booooom! Boom! Boooom!</em>

    He was pushed high into the air.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Right after, he fell back to the ground.

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    He leaned his arm on the ground to push himself up.

    <em>Peeeeeew! Peeeew! Peeeeeeeew!</em>

    Missile after missile flew toward Kang Chul-Gyu and where the rest of the DMZ team could be.

    <em>Booooooom!</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu once again crashed onto the ground.

    1. Misugaru a mixture of powdered grains that are usually mixed into a hot or cold beverage, usually water or milk. It¡¯s a popr breakfast drink. ?

 Chapter 360: Are You Watching? (1)

    Kang Chul-Gyu wiggled a protruding rock on the slope free. The world had changed. Where there used to be snipers, rifles, and mines, now there were snipers wielding RPG-7s, also known as ¡®<em>Ah''s magic wand.¡¯</em>

    <em>Whizzzz! Whizzzz!</em>

    Missiles kept flying toward their position. However, they were no longering as fiercely as they had been earlier perhaps because his men had gone into hiding.

    It was funny how the world worked, though. To his surprise, after being sted into the air three times, hended out of the missile range.

    Brushing off his head, Kang Chul-Gyu settled down on the slope as if it were a makeshift fishing chair. Like a wild boar that had just dug up potatoes, his face and body werepletely covered in mud. His back and right shoulder tingled, possibly hit by shrapnel, and blood was oozing from all over him.

    <em>Pfft.</em>

    Brushing his hair with his hand, Kang Chul-Gyu realized that he had clotted blood on his hair and the back of his hand. Fortunately, Kang Chan didn¡¯t have to see him like this.

    A missile whizzed out of nowhere. A massive explosion followed, shaking the slope where Kang Chul-Gyu was sitting.

    <em>Swoosh, swoosh!</em>Dust and soil tumbled down below. Their pathetic enemies seemed to know nothing else but how to hold a missile.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chul-Gyu decided it was time to show them why the Russian, Chinese, and North Korean special forces feared him and the DMZ team.

    While surveying his surroundings, he pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "Nam Il-Gyu."

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "Sunbae-nim! We have two dead and three injured,¡± Nam Il-Gyu replied.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "I¡¯ve got one dead and five injured on my side,¡± Yang Dong-Sik reported.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "I want everyone fit forbat on stand-by. It¡¯s time to turn the tables. Show them how we retaliate.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "Yes, sir. What about the control room, sir? What should we tell them? We agreed to report any enemy sightings¡­"

    Kang Chul-Gyu stood up.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "Nam Il-Gyu, handle the report. Tell them we''ll take care of it."

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "Copy."

    As the huge moon hung high above them, shining down amid the starry sky of Afghanistan, Kang Chul-Gyu turned to the mountain where the enemy was. His eyes glinted ferociously like a furious panther.

    <em>I''ll hang their heads on trees!</em><em>It doesn¡¯t matter if they''re Spetsnaz, Baekryong, or airborne troops!</em>

    He would let his enemies know that he and the DMZ team had passed through and rampaged here.

    ***

    <em>Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh!</em>

    As the 606 fired at the mountain where they suspected their enemies were hiding, Jeong Won-Min epted a brick-sized radio.

    ¡°Control room! This is the 606! We''ve encountered enemy snipers! We haven¡¯t figured out their numbers yet, but we already have three dead on our side!" He eximed, then repeated his message.

    Right after, he heard Kang Chan on the radio. "606! Can you get out of there?"

    "The snipers across the river are pinning us down! Requesting permission to handle this ourselves!"

    A brief silence followed.

    "Understood. Permission granted, 606!"

    "Copy that, Command!"

    Jeong Won-Min handed over the radio to one of his men and eyed the opposite bank of the shallow river, which had mounds of dirt rising like inds amid the twisted stream. The enemy snipers were well-hidden, and they had all stopped firing.

    <em>You think snipers are enough to take us down? Dream on! You have no idea how hard I trained my men, but you¡¯re about to find out!</em>

    Jeong Won-Min turned his head.

    "Han Jeong-Su! Jeong Wook! Take four men each and cross over! Park Nam-Gi! Cover them from this side!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    The instant Han Jeong-Su jumped into action, enemy fire erupted, and the soldiers immediately retaliated.

    <em>Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh!</em>

    <em>***</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun and the Jeungpyeong special forces team unleashed a relentless barrage of bullets. The enemies had blocked the mountain path with a truck like barbarians buying time while they prepared to storm a castle.

    To be fair, climbing this mountain without any cover would be a daunting task. Although its rtively low height was a definite drawback, the ridge gave the defenders a strategic advantage.

    <em>Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Tuk tuk tuk! Tuk tuk tuk! Tuk tuk!</em>

    Amid the rifle gunshots, the Jeungpyeong special forces team¡¯s snipers took down the enemies armed with missiles and machine guns.

    <em>Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh!</em>

    <em>''What else are these guys waiting for?''</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun surveyed his surroundings. He then suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "Snipers! Watch the truck!"

    <em>p! p! p! p! p!</em>

    At that moment, the enemies removed the tarp behind the truck, revealing five machine guns. The weapons swiftly zed.

    <em>Tatatatatatatatatat! Tatatatatatatatatat!</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, Yoon Sang-Ki, and their snipers¡¯ positions were riddled with bullets, causing dust and soil to explode into the air.

    Cha Dong-Gyun ducked down.

    <em>Tuk tuk tuk! Tuk tuk tuk tuk! Tuk tuk!</em>

    While they were under heavy fire, their enemies charged all at once.

    ***

    Aftermunicating with Nam Il-Gyu and Jeong Won-Min, Kang Chan turned on the satellite phone and dialed a number. The call rang thrice before he heard Kim Hyung-Jung on the line, quickly saying everything he had to say.

    - This is the situation room. The enemy seems to have figured out our positions via satellite. Once we hang up, we''ll jam the satellite again, so we won¡¯t be able to use the satellite phone for a while.

    - Except for you, Command, all other teams are under attack.

    The others had already told Kang Chan as much.

    "Anything else I should know?" Kang Chan asked.

    - We are conducting an internal investigation, but there¡¯s nothing special to report yet.

    "Alright. I''ll call you at zero eight hundred tomorrow."

    After hanging up, Kang Chan looked at the dark sky and called Vasili.

    <em>Fucking satellites!</em>

    <em>''Why are the enemies attacking all other positions aside from ours?¡¯ </em>Kang Chan wondered as he listened to the dial tone.

    - Monsieur Kang.

    Kang Chan was so surprised by the voice that he was momentarily rendered speechless.

    - Monsieur Kang?

    "Mr. Ambassador?"

    - Do you ever get surprised, Monsieur Kang?

    Kang Myung-Gu and the other members nced curiously at Kang Chan as he spoke French in a way that felt differentpared to when he was conversing with G¨¦rard.

    - This phone number will be invalid in five minutes, so let me get straight to the point. Special forces teams from the French Foreign Legion, Russia, China, and Germany have departed. The DGSE and Russian intelligence bureau have determined that the missiles Ivan sold do not have nuclear warheads mounted on them.

    "Does that mean there are no nuclear missiles?"

    - It¡¯s more likely that they can beunched directly from a submarine. Since the OTP is in Korea, they might have found another method.

    "I see."

    - Monsieur Kang.

    "Mr. Ambassador."

    Despite the urgent situation, Lanok called out to Kang Chan softly. It was clear that he had more to say.

    - The submarine Alex is in the North Pacific. Their nuclear missiles¡¯ target might not be Korea.

    <em>What is this all about?</em>

    Kang Chan cocked his head in wonder.

    - Alex is clearly aiming for the USA. On the surface, everyone would see this as Russian nuclear warheads beingunched from a Russian submarine.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    Kang Chan red at the sky.

    <em>This is why they¡¯ve got to stop needlessly creating weapons. Just like that satellite.</em>

    - Sherman seems to be panicking now. The US has been searching for Alex, but they cannot react rashly. It''s just like the situation with the Titanic.

    <em>The Titanic? The ship that sunk after it boasted so much about its grandeur? What does that have to do with this? </em>

    - US aircraft carriers are moving, and fighters are on standby, but they cannot strike Afghanistan because they don''t know where theunch device is or if they have another OTP.

    "Do we have at least a small lead?"

    - Unfortunately, we don¡¯t. That''s why we have to leave this matter to you and Korea''s special forces teams... Figure it out... the only way¡­ Monsieur Kang¡­

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador? Sir! Hello?!¡± Kang Chan shouted. Receiving no response, he turned off the satellite phone.

    It was a little over eight in the evening now. They were three hours away from the DMZ team and five hours from the 606.

    Kang Chan gazed toward where Kang Chul-Gyu and Jeong Won-Min would be.

    "Everyone, on me!"

    The agents quickly huddled together. Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, G¨¦rard, and Woo Hee-Seung guarded their perimeter.

    "The DMZ team has encountered the enemy here, and the 606 is being pinned down by snipers here. Both sides have reported three casualties," said Kang Chan.

    Kang Myung-Gu and the other agents¡¯ eyes glinted as they looked up from the map.

    Kang Chan continued, "Special forces teams from France, Russia, China, and Germany have already been deployed. However, there¡¯s likely a nuclearunch device somewhere in the Rukha area that willunch the nuclear missiles themselves from a submarine in the North Pacific to the USA."

    From their location, Kang Chan drew a line toward Rukha with his index finger.

    "Instead of moving around the outskirts, we will be pushing straight through this path. This should cut our time by at least five to six hours."

    Kang Myung-Gu nodded.

    "The mountains luckily aren''t that tall. Still, it¡¯ll be hard to carry all this equipment. We should eat once more here before we depart."

    They had to be quick.

    The DMZ team and the 606 were fiercely battling the enemy as they spoke. Moreover, considering the Jeungpyeong special forces team hadn¡¯t had time tomunicate, they were likely already inbat.

    Unfortunately, no matter how urgent the situation, there was a limit to what they could endure.

    "Pack light. Ammunition, grenades, medkits, water, and just one more meal. Once we leave, we¡¯re not stopping until we reach our target location.¡±

    The agents gritted their teeth, their blood boiling with the desire to depart immediately and their hearts aching for their colleagues who were in difficult situations.

    "Go eat."

    The agents nodded and quickly settled down.

    <em>Chomp. Chomp.</em>

    Kang Chan ryed the situation to G¨¦rard again in French.

    "Here you go, sir.¡±

    One of the agents handed them C-rations. Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, and Woo Hee-Seung, with their rifles slung over their right shoulders, put rice balls into their mouths.

    <em>Chomp. Chomp.</em>

    In the vast area of Rukha, they had to find or destroy the nuclearunch device.

    As they ate, Kang Chan once again looked in the direction of the DMZ team and the 606. Soon after, he surveyed the area where the Jeongpyeong special forces team should be.

    Hearing a rustle twice, Kang Chan put a rice ball, slightly bigger than a fist, into his mouth and chewed quickly.

    <em>I''ve had enough of this kind of life.</em>

    However, someone had to do it. This was the only way to build the South Korea that Song Chang-Wook and Hwang Ki-Hyun had dreamed of.

    "G¨¦rard, I''ll take point with Daye. You cover our rear. I¡¯ll position Choi Jong-Il and Kang Myung-Gu in the middle," Kang Chan ordered.

    "Oui."

    Kang Chan drank from his water pack and then stood up.

    "Choi Jong-Il! I want you and Kang Myung-Gu in the middle of our formation. Daye and I will take point. We¡¯ll be picking up the pace from here on out, but let me know immediately if you notice any problems."

    "Yes, sir."

    Kang Chan moved to the very front and approached Seok Kang-Ho. His body was screaming at him to slow down, seemingly irritated by the pain.

    "Let''s go."

    "Copy," Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    Seok Kang-Ho followed Kang Chan, and so did the rest of the team. They had long since forgotten the number of enemies waiting for them at Rukha¡ªno, they simply no longer cared.

    <em>Isn''t this what special forces teams are for? A small elite force exerting unimaginable power.</em>

    The DMZ team, 606, and Jeungpyeong special forces team would handle their parts.

    <em>I trust them. That¡¯s why I brought them with me in the first ce.</em>

    <em>***</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! </em>

    The Jeungpyeong special forces team¡¯s snipers risked their lives to target the machine gunners. Having experienced countless battles before, they no longer felt as if they had to rush.

    <em>Ratatatatatat!</em>

    Thanks to their machine guns, the enemies had closed the distance between them and the Jeungpyeong special forces team by ten meters. enemies in ck uniforms and dark hoods charged at them head-on.

    <em>Ratatatatat!</em>

    No matter how many bullets they fired, the enemies kepting, steadily closing the distance and stubbornly climbing the slope. They were like demons trying to burst out of a portal connecting this world to hell.

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang! </em>

    <em>Click!</em>

    "Reloading!" Cha Dong-Gyun shouted as he swiftly changed magazines. Even in that brief moment, the enemies continued to push toward them.

    <em>Click-ck!</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Ratatatatat!</em>

    Not long after, Kwak Cheol-Ho shouted, ¡°Changing mags! Cover me!¡±

    In response, Cha Dong-Gyun immediately turned to Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s twelve and rained down bullets on the enemies.

    A momentter, Kwak Cheol-Ho resumed opening fire. At the same time, an enemy managed to reach Cha Dong-Gyun.

    "Inshah!"

    Before the enemy could do anything, Cha Dong-Gyun fired two bullets into his chest.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>sh! Crash!</em>

    However, during that time, two more enemies had managed to close in on him. It was already toote to shoot them. Even if he could take down one, he¡¯d be an easy kill for the other.

    <em>¡®You bastards!¡¯</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun swiftly unsheathed the knife attached to his ankle.

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    <em>¡®I''ve seen and experienced this kind of thing countless times!¡¯</em>

    Swiftly, he grabbed the charging enemy by the cor and stabbed him in the neck. Right after, he turned the enemy around like a shield.

    <em>Crash! Thud!</em>

    <em>Bang! Thud! Thud-thud! Bang! Ratatatatat!</em>

    The first line of defense had copsed.

    "Hold them off!¡±

    <em>Whistle! Thump! Thump! Thump!</em>

    The only silver lining they could see was that the second line of defense could now provide them with cover.

    <em>It doesn¡¯t matter if it kills me! I¡¯ve got to give it my all!</em>

    He would face the enemy with just a knife in hand¡ªjust as Kang Chan had.

    "Do not back down! Don¡¯t let them get past us!"

    <em>Crack! Stter! Crack! Crack!</em>

    Amid the enemy gunfire and advance, the snipers stubbornly protected Cha Dong-Gyun.

    <em>Boom! Bang! Boom! Bang! Boom! Bang!</em>

    <em>''I¡¯ve been taught this too!''</em>

    <em>Ping!</em>

    When a sniper took down an enemy, Cha Dong-Gyun used the brief opening to pull the pin of a grenade.

    <em>''I just gotta keep doing what he did back then!''</em>

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun threw the grenade, then swung his knife three more times.

    <em>Whistle! Whistle! Whistle!</em>

    About ten meters below him, arge explosion erupted.

    <em>Boom!</em>

    <em>Ping! Ping!</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun wasn¡¯t the only one who had learned frombat. Kwak Cheol-Ho fought just as well and hard as he did.

    <em>Whoosh! Whoosh!</em>

    <em>Crack! Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>

    As the neverending gunshots ovepped one another, two more explosions reverberated.

    <em>Boom! Boom!</em>

    <em>''This is it!''</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun recalled the time he defeated enemies in a rundown house in Afghanistan. The moment his enemies lost the initiative, they immediately fled from the area they had been so desperate to im.

    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>

    The enemies staggered and fell as if dancing. However, he could still hear more enemies breathing heavily near him.

    Cha Dong-Gyun met their gleaming eyes that seemed to say ¡°Surprise! Injustice! And the desire to kill Cha Dong-Gyun!¡±

    The enemy kept his re on Cha Dong-Gyun as he iled and tumbled down the slope.

    <em>You want to take me to hell with you, don¡¯t you, you fucking bastards?! Well, guess what? I don¡¯t give a fuck! Go do whatever you want. You can even turn into a ghost and haunt me. No matter how hard you try to scare me, you¡¯ll never cross this line we¡¯re holding! </em>

    <em>I don¡¯t care what it takes! I¡¯m fulfilling the mission that the captain and South Korea have entrusted to me! </em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun shot the writhing enemy.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

 Chapter 361: Are You Watching? (2)

    Kang Chul-Gyu descended the mountain and went around the outskirts.

    The DMZ team was ustomed to operating in ces where sniper bullets orrge knives could hit them at any moment. Hence, they always moved anticipating snipers. Perhaps that was why the enemy resorted to rocketunchers; their sniper rifles couldn¡¯t catch a glimpse of the DMZ team¡¯s heads.

    Ignoring the blood trickling down the corner of his eye, Kang Chul-Gyu climbed the mountain on the opposite side.

    <em>Not even crumbling dirt can stop us.</em>

    As Kang Chul-Gyu ascended the slope, he stopped and red ahead. An enemy sniper was aiming an RPG at the spot where the DMZ team was likely to be.

    <em>How reckless! What were they thinking taking positions this close to us? Are they trying to punch a hole through our chests?</em>

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu charged at the sniper, his footsteps suddenly bing loud and noticeable.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>Startled, the sniper aimed the RPG at Kang Chul-Gyu, but Kang Chul-Gyu swatted the weapon away just as the trigger was pulled.

    The rocket flew down the slope and exploded in a random area.

    <em>Whizz! Boom!</em>

    Using his momentum, Kang Chul-Gyu grabbed the sniper''s neck and then kneed his chest, crushing his ribcage.

    <em>Crack! Crunch!</em>

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>! <em>Gah</em>!¡±

    This sniper was on the far right of the area. Taking him down would clear the way up this mountain.

    Kang Chul-Gyu flipped him over and pinned his arm with a knee. Smirking, he then drew his knife and stabbed it into the enemy¡¯s right eye.

    ¡°<em>Aaaargh</em>! <em>Aaaagh</em>!¡±

    As the enemy let out a scream that seemed to havee from the depths of hell, Kang Chul-Gyu pulled the knife out.

    <em>It felt good firing that rocket, didn''t it? Did you expect me and all of my men to burn to death in the explosion?</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaaaargh</em>! <em>Aaaagh</em>! <em>Aaaaargh</em>!¡±

    <em>Keep screaming! It¡¯ll terrify yourrades and cover the sounds of my team moving.</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaaaargh</em>!¡±

    The scream, now hoarse, sounded even more pitiful. Under Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s knee, the enemy squirmed and twisted.

    <em>That¡¯s it! Keep struggling!</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu slowly moved his knife toward the enemy¡¯s left ear.

    ¡°<em>Aaagh</em>! <em>Aaaargh</em>!¡±

    <em>Do you know why we had to abandon our families? Why we had to be this cruel?</em>

    <em>We spent our lives putting ourselves in grave danger to protect South Korea, our powerless country! Unless we resorted to this, we would have had no chance of survival.</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaaargh</em>!¡±

    Aware that his enemy would faint if the pain decreased or increased, Kang Chul-Gyu twisted the enemy¡¯s neck to keep him conscious.

    ¡°<em>Aaagh</em>! <em>Aaaargh</em>!¡±

    <em>You must think I¡¯m cruel, but it doesn¡¯t matter. If it would stop people from trying to ruin what Kang Chan has asked me to do¡ªif it would stop anyone from getting in the way of the mission he has given me¡ªthen I¡¯d dly be a thousand times more cruel than this. The South Korea that Kang Chan is trying to build will be that strong!</em>

    <em>Crunch!</em>

    Just as Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s knife reached the enemy¡¯s ear, he heard two screamse from afar.

    ¡°<em>Aaaargh</em>!¡±

    ¡°<em>Uuugh</em>!¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu smirked.

    <em>Good work!</em>

    He violently twisted the enemy¡¯s head, which was covered in a mix of blood and sticky fluids.

    <em>Crack! Thud!</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaaaargh</em>! <em>Aaaaargh</em>!¡±

    Screams echoed from elsewhere too. Kang Chul-Gyu turned around, meeting the fiercely gleaming eyes of one of his subordinates.

    ¡°Byung-Chul, sir.¡±

    ¡°Clean this up,¡± ordered Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu had never hung their enemies on trees himself.

    Not far from them, Nam Il-Gyu dragged the knife that he had stabbed into the enemy¡¯s ear toward his chin.

    <em>Crunch!</em>

    ¡°<em>Eeeek</em>! <em>Uuuugh</em>!¡±

    <em>You just had to oppose us, didn¡¯t you? Why do you even still try to get in the way of the assistant director¡¯s orders? Are you fucking blind? South Korea no longer bows to the US, Russia, or China!</em>

    <em>Thud!</em>

    By the time Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s knife had reached the enemy¡¯s chin, the enemy had already stopped breathing.

    <em>You bastard! Well, let me show you Seoul!</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu aimed the knife horizontally across the enemy¡¯s neck.

    <em>Squelch! Squelch!</em>

    Riled up, Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s lips thinned and his front teeth showed. He had heard how dangerous this could be at night, but now that his temper had red, he couldn''t control it.

    <em>How dare these fucking bastards oppose the assistant director!</em>

    <em>These motherfuckers even made the DMZ King himself step in!</em>

    ¡°<em>Uuugh</em>!¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik pulled out the knife that he had stabbed into his enemy¡¯s ear and then used it to behead his enemy.

    <em>Squelch. Squelch.</em>

    ¡°<em>Grggghh! Gah!</em>¡±

    Blood sttered on Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s face and soaked his chest, but he didn¡¯t care. Kang Chul-Gyu had ordered them to punish their opponents the DMZ team way.

    <em>We¡¯ll show you just how cruel and merciless our unit can be. Without our cruelty, we couldn¡¯t have protected our allies and survived to this day. We only have one rule. Only Kang sunbae-nim is allowed to cut our enemies between the eyes. Think of it like a retired jersey number in pro baseball leagues!</em>

    <em>Squelch!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik picked up the severed enemy head and tied it to a tree. Nam Il-Gyu always called this<em></em>¡°showing them Seoul.¡±

    ¡°<em>Aaaaargh</em>!¡±

    Hearing another scream echo from afar, Yang Dong-Sik nced at the distant mountain.

    <em>¡®I wonder how our juniors are doing.¡¯</em>

    Today, for some reason, he had many random thoughts.

    ***

    Jeong Won-Min and ten soldiers crawled into the water. Since modern rifles worked fine even when submerged, they kept only their eyes above the water. It made them look like crocodiles.

    <em>Swoosh. Swoosh.</em>

    If one knew how far away human eyes could be seen on a bright, moonlit night like this, they would never make the mistake of looking up.

    <em>Ssh. Ssh.</em>

    The water soaked their arms, swallowed their shoulders, and wrapped around their stomachs. The smell of briny water and the musty odor of mud filled their noses. Fortunately, they found it bearable.

    <em>Booooom! Boom! Boooom! Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>

    Down below, the soldiers were fiercely drawing the enemy¡¯s attention.

    Staying close to the mountains to keep themselves hidden and far from the enemy entrenched on the mountain, Jeong Won-Min and his men moved upstream. Mud seeped into their noses and mouths, insects from the river rushed at their eyes, and bugs sucked blood from their necks, but they kept crawling forward.

    <em>Ssh. Ssh.</em>

    Jeong Won-Miny t in the water to cross the river, stretching out his legs to keep the current from sweeping him away. After a deep and quiet breath, he submerged his head as much as he could.

    <em>Ssh. Ssh.</em>

    Like a camera half-submerged in water, their vision alternated between water and air with each step they took.

    They moved tediously slow. However, they needed this much patience to catch their enemies off-guard. Fortunately, their relentless training had made it easy for them to stay in such a low stance for long periods.

    <em>Ssh. Ssh. Ssh.</em>

    The current grew stronger, and the riverbed dropped sharply, pulling Jeong Won-Min underwater. Nevertheless, he opened his eyes and stared straight into the water.

    <em>Swish. Swish.</em>

    The dark, deathly river sent mud and tiny particles sweeping past his eyes, yet he still moved slowly. He¡¯d rather drown than ruin the mission.

    <em>I¡¯m just having a bit of trouble breathing. Compared to our training, which made me want to die, this is nothing. Choi Chul-Han must be watching us right now. I can¡¯t believe he begged me to let him join this operation only to be killed while eating a rice ball. He¡¯s missing the battle he desperately wanted to be a part of.</em>

    <em>Ssh. Ssh.</em>

    Jeong Won-Min¡¯s forehead emerged from the river, followed by his eyes, and finally his nose. They had just crossed half the river.

    He submerged once more and pushed onward.

    ***

    After their meal, Kang Chan¡¯s team immediately pressed on, forgoing the usual twenty-minute break.

    Up front, Seok Kang-Ho covered Kang Chan so perfectly that they looked as if they were sharing one mind.

    Although some might think they were simply running forward, the soldiers acting as vanguard had to do far more than just recklessly rush head-on. That was why Kang Chan kept his rifle aimed in front of him despite moving quickly.

    After advancing for about an hour, Kang Chan red at the mountain ahead.

    Considering it was just a small mountain, rather than climbing straight up, it seemed better to go around it. He sharply scanned the path around, then quickly looked back at Seok Kang-Ho.

    Kang Chan raised his right hand and made a circr motion, then slowly waved it side to side like a car wiper, signaling them to hide at the sides of their formation. Asmanded, the soldiers quickly scattered to their nks.

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    Meanwhile, Seok Kang-Ho approached Kang Chan, who gestured to the side of the mountain with a nod. Seok Kang-Ho frowned as he scanned the mountain path, then abruptly gazed back at Kang Chan.

    <em>¡®Tracks!¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan nodded. Those were definitely manmade tracks. He raised his hand again and extended his pinky finger.

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    After a moment, G¨¦rard approached Kang Chan from behind. When Kang Chan pointed to the mountain path, G¨¦rard gave him a knowing look.

    With his index and middle fingers, Kang Chan pointed to his eyes, then signaled G¨¦rard to move to his left and Seok Kang-Ho to his right.

    Their n was simple. G¨¦rard would attack from the left and Seok Kang-Ho from the right. When Kang Chan nodded, the two swiftly went into action.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    At the same time, Kang Chan immediately began climbing the mountain.

    <em>¡®How do you recognize things like that at a nce?¡¯</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard had asked simr questions before.

    <em>How should I know? They just stand out to me.</em>

    Kang Chan truly didn¡¯t know. To him, it was no different from asking how he could run so relentlessly.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    Not long after, Kang Chan reached the top of the mountain. He slowly scanned the area beyond.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    A distance away from his position were more than sixrge temporary barracks in the middle of a t and wide clearing, which looked out of ce in this terrain. They had even set up a perimeter.

    Kang Chan slowly scanned the area again. Considering they were easily over two hundred meters away from the barracks, it was unlikely for the enemy¡¯s perimeter to stretch all the way to his location.

    Considering they only had people standing guard around the barracks, he thought that he was probably right. They didn¡¯t bother positioning soldiers on the mountain he was upying.

    Still, it was better to be safe. Kang Chan took a moment to thoroughly check any suspicious areas. Afterward, he pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°All units, climb up the mountain. You too, Daye.¡±

    Afterward, he gave G¨¦rard the same order in French.

    <em>Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the soldiers all gathered around Kang Chan.

    ¡°Kang Myung-Gu, I want three soldiers covering our rear and nks.¡±

    With a gesture from Kang Myung-Gu, three soldiers quietly moved into position.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan unfolded a map. He then pointed to two areas further back from where they currently stood.

    ¡°606 was stopped here, and the DMZ team here. I heard that after they failed to take us out with fighter jets, the enemy started tracking us via satellite.¡±

    Kang Chan traced the long route that the counter-terrorism team was supposed to take.

    He continued, ¡°So, to stop us, the enemy would likely be waiting around here. Given how many times we had to take detours, even if they moved quickly from that side, they would¡¯ve arrived around here at the same time we did.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why we haven¡¯t encountered the enemy yet, huh?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s one way to look at it,¡± Kang Chan responded. After ncing at the enemy barracks, he pointed to another area on the map. ¡°It looks like they blocked this path to prevent our forces from reaching this location. There must be something there.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like they have rocketunchers with them,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan nodded in agreement.

    ¡°For now, let¡¯s capture them. Snipers, get ready. I, Daye, G¨¦rard, Kang Myung-Gu, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and eight more soldiers will go down.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kang Myung-Gu nodded.

    ¡°We¡¯ll clear each barrack in pairs. We¡¯ll finish them all in one decisive strike. We¡¯ll eliminate the guards, secure positions, and then throw grenades into those makeshift buildings. Kill anyone who manages to survive and get out,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    He then exined the operation to G¨¦rard again.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, take out the left guards. Daye, you handle the ones at the back of their camp. I¡¯ll take care of the ones below. On my signal, everyone else will push forward.¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chan turned to Lee Doo-Hee. ¡°Help the snipers get into position. Provide immediate support if necessary. One here, then one on each nk.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Lee Doo-Hee answered.

    With the orders given, Kang Chan leaned against a tree and looked down. The moonlit barracks looked rather peaceful.

    <em>Couldn¡¯t you all have just lived peacefully? Why did you have to mess with a country trying to improve and force us to go all the way here?</em>

    ¡°Snipers are in position, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded and turned around. Kang Myung-Gu and ten other soldiers waited eagerly.

    Kang Chan assigned each pair to the barracks from the left.

    ¡°Daye, take thest barrack with Woo Hee-Seung.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard! You and I will provide support from the center.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at the soldiers and advanced. Their operation had finally truly begun.

    ***

    Jeong Won-Min and his men emerged from the river and immediately headed into the mountain. The mud clinging to their water-soaked uniforms fell off in clumps as they climbed.

    <em>Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    Compared to the mountains in South Korea and their usual training grounds, this terrain was a piece of cake to them.

    Twenty minutester, they had reached the top.

    Jeong Won-Min tied a rope around his waist and tied the other end to a sturdy tree to allow himself to run down the hill. If he felt like he was losing bnce or needed to stop, he just had to pull with his left hand.

    Right after, he pressed a button on his radio five times in quick session, a signal that would help them avoid confusion and friendly fire.

    Attempting to take out the snipers slowly would only backfire. Considering he already had a rough idea of their positions, it would be far better to rush in and finish their enemies in one fell swoop.

    <em>Click.</em>

    He slung his rifle over his right shoulder and positioned his index finger on the trigger. After looking around to make sure that his men were ready, He tightly held onto the rope with his left hand.

    <em>¡®One! Two! Three!¡¯</em>

    <em>Whoosh! Whoosh!</em>

    They charged down the hill at nearly free-fall speed. Soon, Jeong Won-Min spotted a sniper who had turned his head in surprise.

    <em>Bang!</em>

    He immediately slowed down and took aim.

    <em>Click!</em>

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    Hit between the eyes, the enemy fell to the ground.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    At the same time, gunfire erupted from where the other soldiers were.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Jeong Won-Min released the rope and continued running downhill.

    <em>Boom! Bang!</em>

    Another startled sniper swept his rifle toward him, but Jeong Won-Min¡¯s bullets quickly pierced the sniper¡¯s throat, sending him thrashing to the earth.

    <em>Snipers normally don¡¯t train for a situation like this, so you¡¯ll never beat us with that aim and reaction speed!</em>

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Jeong Won-Min ran downhill again.

    <em>Chul-Han! Are you watching? You better be!</em>

 Chapter 362: Just Press the Button (1)

    Kang Chan descended the mountain with the other soldiers.

    <em>Crumble. Rustle.</em>

    The crumbling dirt and the bright moonlight was a problem, however. Those factors made them take twenty five minutes to descend a hundred and fifty meters.

    Now, they were about fifty meters away from their destination.

    <em>¡®Huh?¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan cocked his head the moment he saw the armed guards. Judging based on their uniforms and how they were standing, they were undoubtedly Quds.

    He turned around toward the path he had been walking on, then pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but the Quds are here,¡± he whispered. ¡°Based on their numbers, they probably set up here while pretending to target the Jeungpyeong special forces team. Proceed with caution when entering.¡±Kang Chan then repeated what he had just said in French.

    <em>¡®If these fuckers are staying here, then there¡¯s definitely something important here.¡¯</em>

    He looked around him as he waited for his men to contact him.

    Five minutester, his radio crackled.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯re ready,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    Kang Chan then got a response from Choi Jong-Il, who was with G¨¦rard.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯re all set.¡±

    He could trust Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard with things like this more than anyone else in the world.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Commence the operation. Press the button on the radio once you¡¯re in position,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Afterward, he went down the mountain again. He only had a little ways to go.

    Aware that this operation would take them quite long, he couldn¡¯t help but feel rushed. However, he knew that being impatient in an operation like this would only cost his men their lives.

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    As Kang Chan descended, he pushed the dirt with the sides of his feet, seemingly creating stairs so that it would be easier for the soldiers behind him to follow him.

    Going down the mountain wasn¡¯t a problem. Keeping watch of their enemies¡¯ actions with every step was more important.

    <em>Crumble.</em>

    He had almost reached the bottom of the mountain.

    Kang Chan observed their enemies, taking a step downward only when they had looked away from his direction.

    If they were just up against UIS militia, not the Quds, then he probably would¡¯ve shot them in the forehead and rushed toward them already. Unfortunately, the Quds were no pushovers.

    Kang Chan spent another fifteen minutes descending the mountain. He only had five meters left to go.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    The crackle of his radio signaled him that one of the teams was in position.

    Kang Chan looked at the soldiers that had been following him and pointed to the ground with his index and middle finger, ordering them to stand by.

    Then, he looked at Choi Jong-Il and pointed at the enemy guards on their right.

    Once Choi Jong-Il had nodded in response, Kang Chan went down the rest of the mountain, moving slowly to the left.

    Carefully, he closed down the gap between him and their enemies. Meanwhile, his subordinates nervously red at the enemy guards.

    He and his men really did pass down their experiences to their juniors. After all, those who had ovee a nerve-wracking situation like this acted differently during training. That allowed them to pass over 80% of their experiences to the soldiers who didn¡¯t participate in this operation.

    The moonlight, the armed guards standing in front of them, and the barracks standing in their way¡ªthere was no better training than being in a situation where they had to breathe carefully and experience suffocating nervousness because a battle could ur with their enemies the moment they made a single mistake.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Finally, Kang Chan got into position.

    He looked away from the armed guard and nodded at Choi Jong-Il. Then, he unsheathed the bay that he had strapped to his ankle and waited for the other team¡¯s signal.

    The soldiers standing behind Kang Chan already had their enemies in their sights. If there was trouble with the team that hadn¡¯t given the signal yet, they would have to force their way through their enemies¡¯ ranks.

    While enduring the heavy silence, they finally heard the long-awaited signal.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    Kang Chan swiftly ced his finger over a button on his radio, then used the crackle to count to three.

    <em>Chk. Chk. Chk.</em>

    He then counted to two.

    <em>Chk. Chk.</em>

    Before pressing the button for thest time, Kang Chan red at the neck of his target.

    <em>Chk!</em>

    <em>Swish! Swoosh!</em>

    As he pressed the button, Kang Chan and Choi Jong-Il threw their bays at the same time.

    <em>Whoosh! SWISH!</em>

    They then rushed toward their enemies like cats pouncing on rats.

    <em>Crack!</em>

    Kang Chan violently twisted an enemy¡¯s neck, who faltered.

    ¡°<em>Keugh!¡±</em>

    <em>Crack!</em>

    Choi Jong-Il took a different approach. He stabbed the bay into an enemy¡¯s neck and severed theirrynx.

    Blood fountained out of the wound, sttering all over Choi Jong-Il¡¯s face and chest. Thankfully, his target didn¡¯t make any noise.

    This was also proof of his experience¡ªChoi Jong-Il didn¡¯t try to twist the enemies¡¯ necks when he wasn¡¯t sure that he could pull it off. And he took care of the enemy in a way he was the most confident in.

    After they had taken out the armed guards, Kang Chan raised his hand and turned it in a circle. He then pointed to the barracks.

    <em>Rustle. tter!</em>

    In a crouched stance, the soldiers headed toward the barrack they had been assigned to.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Kang Chan headed to the barrack in the middle.

    Within a minute, they had all stacked up on both sides of their respective barracks¡¯ entrances.

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    G¨¦rard approached Kang Chan.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    The moment Kang Chan gave them the signal, his men took out grenades. They used their mouths and index fingers to remove the safety pins.

    All preparations were trulyplete now.

    <em>Time to sleep for an eternity, motherfuckers!</em>

    Once more, Kang Chan pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>

    The soldiers threw their grenades into the barracks. Then, they quickly took out a new grenade and removed the safety pins.

    <em>Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting!</em>

    Now, they didn¡¯t have to worry about being loud.

    <em>Swoosh! Swish! Swish! Swoosh!</em>

    They all swiftly turned around and crouched.

    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>

    The barracks, made out of tarp, fluttered as if they were struck by a typhoon. The ground shook with each explosion.

    <em>Whoosh! Swish!</em>

    The soldiers simultaneously ran into the barracks.

    <em>PEW! Pow pow pow! PEW! Pow pow pow! PEW! Pow pow pow!</em>

    The kill radius of a grenade wasn¡¯t that wide. Kang Chan had been told that it was ten to fifteen meters, but if their enemies were crowded in an area, it might only kill six to ten people.

    Even so, consecutive grenade explosions next to them while they were asleep ought to rupture their eardrums at least. Firing a volley or two of bullets while they were dazed would surely kill them.

    Even though he could only hear them, Kang Chan could tell that the enemies were all being killed. After all, he hadn''t picked up any noise that would have indicated retaliation.

    <em>¡®Damn it! People shouldn¡¯t do this.¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan wanted to rush into the barracks with the soldiers and remove at least some potential danger that might harm the soldiers. However,manding the entire situation was the most important aspect in operations like this.

    If any of the teams met any problems, they would need at least two people to provide backup right away.

    Suppressing his frustration with his glinting eyes, Kang Chan stood nearby, examining the situation.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Area cleared.¡±

    As Kang Chan had expected, Seok Kang-Ho was the first to report back to him.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Same here,¡± Kang Myung-Gu said.

    <em>Pew! Pew!</em>

    Right after, they heard someone shooting from two barracks away.

    The soldiers probably shot the enemies again to make sure they were dead.

    G¨¦rard shrugged at Kang Chan. His expression seemed to be saying that he didn¡¯t expect the men with them to be this skilled.

    It took them about three minutes to clear the whole area.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Daye. Start checking the barracks from that side as you walk over.¡±

    After issuing orders, Kang Chan looked at Kang Myung-Gu.

    ¡°Check every barrack starting from this one to that one. When in doubt, shoot the enemies again. Make sure they¡¯re dead.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu headed to the barracks with a few other soldiers.

    Kang Chan heard clunking noises as his men made sure that all of their enemies were dead. Amid the fluttering of the barracks, asional gunshots echoed.

    <em>Clunk. Clunk.</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho confidently approached Kang Chan without a care in the world. Then, he held out his hand, offering Kang Chan not just one, but three packs of cigarettes.

    <em>Did he take those cigarettes from the people we just killed? What a shameless fucker. Well, keeping them is better than throwing them away, right?</em>

    Kang Chan smirked, then turned his head to his left. Kang Myung-Gu had just finished checking thest barrack and was now quickly approaching him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s vacat this ce for now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    He then led the soldiers twenty meters up the mountain.

    <em>Thud.</em>

    He sat on the ground with his back against a slope. Seok Kang-Ho and Gerard sat near him, and the soldiers spread out below them.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan and examined his mood.

    ¡°Afghanistan is different from Africa. We¡¯ll have to go over that mountain first before we can smoke,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±

    Kang Chan felt like Seok Kang-Ho was getting more artful as he became smarter.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Lee Doo-Hee! Lead the soldiers down the mountain. We¡¯ll meet you here,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the mountain ahead. It was still quite a distance away.

    ¡°Are we strong or were those fuckers just stupid? They¡¯re so easy to take down that it¡¯s almost disappointing,¡± Seok Kang-Hoined.

    Looking down at the barracks below the mountain, Kang Chan smirked.

    Even though the other soldiers were looking indifferent, they were waiting for Kang Chan¡¯s answer.

    ¡°You just feel that way because, of all the teams in the world, ours is second to none when ites to skill. We just hadn¡¯t been this sessful because our enemies kept ambushing us.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in agreement.

    They¡¯d finally get a view of Rukha once they had gone over that mountain.

    <em>You¡¯re going to walk again? Right now?</em>

    Just the mere thought of walking seemed to be making his body groan in pain.

    ***

    Standing on top of the mountain, Kang Chul-Gyu red at the area in front of him.

    Although his face was covered in blood and dirt, his eyes remained menacing enough to make people not want to look at him again.

    Soon, Nam Il-Gyu approached Kang Chul-Gyu from behind.

    ¡°We¡¯ve buried our men, sir,¡± he said.

    Like what had happened in Libya, they had to say their goodbyes to their colleagues in a foreign country again.

    ¡°Il-Gyu,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called, his voice void of any emotion.

    ¡°Sir,¡± Nam Il-Gyu nervously answered.

    ¡°Dong-Sik,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    ¡°Sir,¡± Yang Dong-Sik replied.

    The two stared at Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s back.

    Not long after, Kang Chul-Gyun turned around. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    This was Kang Chul-Gyu, a man stronger than anyone in the world and themander of the DMZ team. No matter their opponent, he would always emerge victorious.

    He had never been the type to express his emotions, though.

    The other soldiers unexpectedly felt like they were watching their mentor¡ªwho had been protecting them like the sky keeping them safe from the sun¡ªsuddenly aging.

    Moreover, they felt as if they could feel Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s sadness. The pain he carried was unbearable, yet he had never shown it until now.

    It must have been painful suffering inplete silence, never once letting anyone know about how he truly felt.

    Unable to control their emotions, tears welled up in the eyes of Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and the soldiers nearby.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim, we only managed to get this far because of you. No matter the hardships that we have to face moving forward, I¡¯ll never regret following you,¡± Nam Il-Gyu said.

    Refusing to let Kang Chul-Gyu see that he was tearing up, Yang Dong-Sik dropped his head. He then nced at Nam Il-Gyu.

    <em>¡®Fuck.¡¯</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik swallowed down the only word he could use right now to express himself. He wanted to open up like Nam Il-Gyu, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t think of any other word.

    <em>Those motherfuckers dare cause our Kang sunbae this much pain? I¡¯m going to cut all of your necks and bring you bastards to Suwon so you can look around there!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik gritted his teeth. Seemingly sensing his determination, Kang Chul-Gyu patted his shoulder.

    Yang Dong-Sik gritted his teeth even harder.

    <em>Look, you motherfuckers! Kang Chul-Gyu is this kind of person!</em>

    ***

    Jeong-Wook and his men walked across the river.

    Although his arm had been wounded, Jeong-Wook had killed all of their enemies¡¯ neen snipers in return.

    Jeong Won-Min went across the river, then immediately approached the two soldiers that had beenid next to Choi Cheol-Han.

    First, he cleaned Choi Cheol-Han.

    He went down on one knee in front of Choi Cheol-Han, then used his wet sleeve to wipe his nose and the blood around his mouth.

    <em>Swoosh.</em>

    Afterward, he took out his bay and cut off a piece of Choi Cheol-Han¡¯s military uniform. He covered Choi Cheol-Han¡¯s nose and ears with it.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Jeong Won-Min then untied and removed theces of Choi Cheol-Han¡¯s military boots and used them to tie Choi Cheol-Han¡¯s hands together, which were ced above his chest.

    He did the same for the two soldiers as well.

    The other soldiers simply stood guard, their eyes glinting.

    Once done, Jeong Won-Min stood up.

    <em>Clunk.</em>

    The pistol, magazines, and the bay he had strapped to his body seemed to be telling him that the operation wasn¡¯t over yet.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get going,¡± Jeong Won-Min softly told their fallen brothers.

    Under the moonlight, the three soldiers remained unmoving on the ground, their faces pale. They seemed to be listening to Jeong Won-Min, though they offered no response.

    Jeong Won-Min continued, ¡°We won¡¯t be able to visit you guys again, but until I wear my uniform to my own funeral, I will always keep you in my memories.¡±

    He saluted the three, then turned around. His eyes had turned red with spite.

    ¡°We¡¯re pushing forward, men. We¡¯ll pick up the pace, so those who¡¯ll be taking point, I need you to stay on your toes,¡± Jeong Won-Min ordered.

    <em>Clunk. Clunk.</em>

    Gritting their teeth, the soldiers turned away from their fallenrades.

    They couldn¡¯t get sentimental right now. Their job wasn¡¯t over yet.

    The 606 had been trained to act this way. This was the reason they could be entrusted with such important duties.

    ***

    <em>Stab!</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun stabbed an enemy¡¯s neck, then pulled the bay toward him.

    ¡°<em>Keugh</em>!¡± the enemy groaned.

    Blood sttered on Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s face as his heart sank. He didn¡¯t want this to happen; he was hoping to pull the enemy with the bay and use their body as a shield.

    However, when the enemy twisted their neck, the bay that was supposed to stay lodged in their bones sprang out.

    Cha Dong-Gyun quickly wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

    Everything looked red and distorted due to the blood that now covered his eyes.

    <em>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</em>

    Meanwhile, his men shot the enemy in front of him, sting away blood and chunks of flesh.

    <em>I can see again!</em>

    Although the moonlight and everything around him looked as if it was painted red, all that mattered was that he could now see the enemy rushing toward him.

    At the same time, he heard Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s gun click empty.

    ¡°Reload!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun yelled.

    In response, Kwak Cheol-Ho stepped back and quickly took out a pistol.

    <em>Pew! PEW! Pew! Pew!</em>

    Afterward, with the snipers covering him, Kwak Cheol-Ho changed magazines.

    <em>PEW! Pew! Pew! PEW!</em>

    The soldiers assigned as their second line of defense had been shooting their enemies as if they had gone crazy.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun, with a pistol in hand, also opened fire. As he did, he felt goosebumps all over his body.

    <em>Kang Chan is fucking amazing! How could he kill his enemies with a bay and still find time to take out his pistol even while they were all pouncing on him from every direction?! </em>

    Did he also learn from someone like how Cha Dong-Gyun learned from him?

    Strangely, the enemy that Cha Dong-Gyun was fighting right now felt a bit weaker than the Quds whom they had faced in Africa.

    <em>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Bam! Pew! Pow!</em>

    When Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s rifle began to spew out mes, the situation changed again.

    <em>¡®Come here!¡¯</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun pulled an enemy crawling up the slope by his cor. He then relentlessly thrust his bay at the enemy¡¯s neck.

    <em>Shhhk!</em>

    <em>Can you guess what finger I stabbed you with? Wait, what? Why did I suddenly think that?</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun pulled out the bay, allowing blood to spurt out.

    <em>Where¡¯s the other enemy?</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked away in search. Soon, an enemy with an AK-47 rushed past their formation.

    <em>I should¡¯ve stopped him with the fucker I just stabbed in the neck!</em>

    <em>PEW! Pow! Du du du du! Pow pow pow pow!</em>

    As the enemy sank to the ground, Cha Dong-Gyun was thrown to the back and crashed into the slope on his butt.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Protect our captain!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho radioed in.

    The soldiers assigned to the second line of defense and their snipers shot at their enemies. They didn¡¯t even seem to care if they gave away their positions.

    <em>Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting!</em>

    <em>Those sons of bitches! I told them to save the grenades forter!</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun dropped his head and then turned to Kwak Cheol-Ho just in time to witness his men throwing grenades amid gunfire. It looked surreal.

    <em>Bam! Bam! Bam!</em>

    <em>Crumble.</em>

    Dirt and small rocks fell on Cha Dong-Gyun, making him cough.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Meanwhile, Kwak Cheol-Ho rushed towards him. ¡°Captain!¡±

    He then wrapped his arms around Cha Dong-Gyun.

    A brief silence followed.

    ¡°The fuck? Did you really fall down just because you got shot on your bulletproof vest?¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho asked.

    Finding the situation absurd, he red at Cha Dong-Gyun.

 Chapter 363: Just Press the Button (2)

    Sherman sat across from Lanok, who looked rxed, and Vasili, who was coldly looking away from him.

    To hide his emotions, Sherman took a sip of his ck tea, then put down the teacup.

    <em>Click.</em>

    ¡°It¡¯s time for you to decide,¡± Vasili said in a very off-putting way.

    Looking at Lanok, Sherman smacked his lips. Even though they were in the world of Intelligence, they were working where people lived. Moreover, they were just human like everyone else.

    Did Lanok really n out everything that had happened or did things just work out on their own?

    Sherman looked at Lanok through his thick sses. ¡°Are you sure you can take down the Star of David?¡±

    Vasili red at Sherman, his expression seemingly asking, ¡°Why is he saying nonsense now? We¡¯ve alreadye all this way.¡±

    Sherman continued, ¡°Do you really believe that Mr. Kang can maintain world order?¡±¡°Monsieur Kang made a dramatic entrance right after the Star of David had finished preparing their n for the new currency. He also turned the next-generation energy facility into a reality,¡± Lanok calmly answered.

    After a brief pause, he added, ¡°He also stopped every attempt they made to start a world war. Those feats alone should be enough proof that he can fight the Star of David.¡±

    Sherman now looked overpowered by Lanok, who still wore a mask-like expression.

    ¡°If the United States had learned about how valuable Monsieur Kang was first, they would¡¯ve taken him to America even if they had to force South Korea to give him up. That being said, I¡¯ve made my intentions clear,¡± Lanok concluded.

    ¡°We have to respect our President¡¯s will.¡±

    ¡°No country reflects the views of the ones in charge as much as yours do, Sherman. Stop making excuses and tell us what you truly think.¡±

    Sherman felt as though Lanok had be much more adamant than before. He looked down at his ck tea in hesitation.

    Vasili pursed his lips. ¡°Tell us why the United States epted the new gold system, the true identity of the Star of David, and why the United States decided to go down a different path.¡±

    Amid Sherman¡¯sck of response, he continued, ¡°The United States couldn¡¯t have made this n without knowing the identity of the Star of David, could they? Either way, I suggest you decide quickly. This meeting will be meaningless if the missile Alex is carrying getsunched from the North Pacific.¡±

    ¡°That responsibility falls on Russia,¡± Sherman said.

    ¡°Not really, no,¡± Vasili immediately retorted. ¡°You were the ones who targeted South Korea with that missile. It¡¯s just heading toward the United States right now because Monsieur Kang and South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service stopped the attempt. You can¡¯t get out of this with nonsensical statements, Sherman.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t change the fact that Russia¡¯s nuclear warhead will beunched from a Russian submarine, Vasili.¡±

    Vasili tantly shook his head. Firmly, he responded, ¡°The fact that the nuclear warhead will fall on the United States won¡¯t change either. Don¡¯t forget that in the event of a nuclear war, the United States won¡¯t be able to handle the nuclear missiles that Russia, France, and China have.¡±

    Sherman stayed silent for a moment, then raised his head as if he had made a decision.

    ¡°My conditions are that there won¡¯t be retribution because of this matter and that no one will request additionalpensation,¡± Sherman said.

    Vasili snorted. At the same time, Lanok smirked.

    ¡°We can¡¯t just retaliate against the United States, but there at least needs to be somepensation, especially for South Korea. They¡¯re making a lot of sacrifices to solve this matter.¡±

    ¡°If so, then¡ª¡°

    ¡°We don¡¯t have much time, Sherman,¡± Lanok urged.

    Sherman exhaled loudly.

    ¡°The Star of David already controls the majority of the United States. That¡¯s why they decided to control the global economy. We agreed to control Asia¡ªChina, to be more specific.¡±

    Examining their reactions, Sherman realized that they had already guessed as much.

    ¡°The Star of David is the United States¡¯¡­¡± Sherman trailed off. He had said enough for the two to know what he was about to say.

    After observing their reactions again, he continued with difficulty, ¡°The Star of David acts based on the Economic Intelligence Bureau, which is created by the Federal Reserve Bank[1]. Apart from that, we can only guess what they do.¡±

    Vasili smirked in response.

    ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand¡ªthe EIB is an independent organization. It¡¯spletely out of our control,¡± Sherman added, seemingly making excuses for himself. ¡°We¡¯ve also been looking for ways to deal with them, but they¡¯re secretly inplete control of the United States¡¯ economy and politics. They can also monitor the CIA and DIA¡¯s activities, so there¡¯s really nothing we can do.¡±

    Now that he had said all of that, Sherman actually seemed relieved.

    ¡°If a war urs, the Star of David will make profits from the supplies and construction. I can¡¯t even imagine the interest that¡¯ll ur through the exchange derivatives in Wall Street,¡± Sherman added.

    ¡°What¡¯s the United States¡¯ stance on this matter?¡± Lanok asked.

    ¡°If we can just take care of the Star of David, we¡¯ll do our best to cooperate with the intelligence bureaus of Europe,¡± Sherman immediately answered.

    Vasili smiled strangely at Lanok.

    ¡°Vasili, shut down Alex,¡± Lanok said.

    Sherman quickly looked up in surprise.

    ¡°Russia is different from the United States; we have devices in every nuclear-powered submarine that allow us to shut them down. If we get rid of Alex, you will naturally providepensation, won¡¯t you?¡± Vasili asked.

    ¡°Of course, Vasili!¡± Sherman looked touched.

    ¡°Next on our agenda is the problem with the Rothschilds,¡± Lanok said, changing the topic. ¡°The DGSE will kill thirteen of their key members tomorrow.¡±

    Sherman looked like he didn¡¯t understand what Lanok was saying. It was simply too unexpected and shocking.

    Lanok continued, ¡°Have the American intelligence bureau announce that they sank a nuclear-powered submarine from a third-party country. Arrest the rest of the Rothschilds for nning to start a nuclear war in the United States.¡±

    ¡°Lanok, killing and arresting the Rothschilds won¡¯t make the Star of David disappear.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going to seize the money that they have deposited in Switzend along with those that they have invested in France, Russia, Germany, and other European countries under the pretext that they¡¯re using those funds to start World War III.¡±

    Sherman looked at Lanok nkly.

    <em>Has Lanok always been so fearsome?</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ll cooperate with the United States under the condition that they don¡¯t protest against these measures and that the US courts and the International Court of Justice will deny restitution. I want the countries involved to be given thirty percent of the seized funds. The other thirty percent will be returned to the United States, and the remaining forty percent will¡­¡±

    Lanok was talking about massive amounts of funds that not even Sherman could imagine it.

    He swallowed dryly as he stared at Lanok.

    Lanok added, ¡°The remaining forty percent of the seized funds will be disbursed to South Korea.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡ª!¡±

    ¡°You should at least give that muchpensation. Monsieur Kang and South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service are the ones who stopped this nuclear war from happening.¡±

    ¡°What will happen to the Star of David?¡±

    Vasili shook his head.

    ¡°We n to arrest all of the people involved, no matter what country they¡¯re in, at the same time the Rothchild¡¯s wealth is seized. They¡¯re all going to be sentenced to life imprisonment, and their families will be put under special management. Don¡¯t you even speak nonsense about their human rights or some other bullshit. Otherwise, this is where this conversation ends,¡± Vasili warned.

    Sherman looked stunned.

    A moment of silence passed. In the meantime, Vasili brought over a vodka ss, and Lanok lit up his cigar.

    ¡°The Star of David uses their funds¡ªtheir strongest weapon¡ªto threaten the United States, don¡¯t they? Your people should be able to handle their threats with the thirty percent of the Rothschild¡¯s wealth that the United States will take, no?¡±

    ¡°What will happen to the EIB?¡± Sherman asked.

    ¡°The United States will have to handle that on their own, but you can use the agent who hid from Monsieur Kang and escaped Libya as an excuse. Have the President give a formal apology for your country¡¯s involvement in the civil war in Libya and forunching terrorist attacks in South Korea. I suggest killing everyone who was behind those two matters as well.¡±

    <em>Is there even anything Vasili and Lanok don¡¯t know about?</em>

    Still, Sherman needed confirmation.

    ¡°Doing all of that would be shocking to the Star of David, but that won¡¯t be enough to finish them. You two probably already know that, though, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°The moment we try to suppress them, they will naturally start an all-out war instead of dying a slow death. That¡¯s when the real battle will begin. Consider the forty percent of the funds that¡¯ll be disbursed to South Korea as the war chest that Monseiur Kang will use to fight the Star of David,¡± Vasili answered.

    Sherman shook his head in defeat.

    ¡°What did you promise Alman bin Jibril?¡± Lanok asked as the cigar smoke wafted toward Sherman. ¡°Nothing good wille out of hiding that. If the United States changes its stance again amid all this, then we¡¯ll make sure that the Star of David and the United States will have to fight to the death. Afterward, we¡¯ll just join the side that wins. More importantly, don¡¯t forget that the Star of David¡¯s greed is what caused these results that are difficult to reverse.¡±

    Sherman nodded. ¡°Saudi Arabia is constructing a next-generation energy facility. They were nning on starting an earthquake using the information they obtained from the UK¡¯s intelligence bureau, then officially join the Star of David with the next-generation energy facility.¡±

    ¡°What will the United States earn from that?¡±

    ¡°Control over Asia and a stake in Saudi Arabia¡¯s next-generation energy facility.¡±

    Lanok nodded in understanding. ¡°Those are logical reasons to cooperate with Saudi Arabia. Last question.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not hiding anything anymore.¡±

    ¡°Tell us why the UIS gathered in Afghanistan.¡±

    Sherman stared at Lanok.

    ¡°I want you to tell us what the UIS is hiding behind the justification that they¡¯ll rebuild a war-torn country and why they made South Korea¡¯s special forces team head there.¡±

    ¡°You guys probably know the answer. Do you really need me to confirm your suspicions?¡± Sherman asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know that trust between intelligence bureaus stems from confessing the truth?¡±

    ¡°The first reason is to kill Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Sherman started to answer, looking miserable.

    Vasili tantly smirked, then burst intoughter.

    Sherman continued, ¡°The second is to create a justification to start an all-out war with South Korea.¡±

    Lanok was still wearing his cold, mask-like expression.

    ¡°After establishing a country, the UIS has designated South Korea as the target of their holy war. They believe that revealing the operations that Mr. Kang Chan had done so far would give them enough reason to attack South Korea,¡± Sherman said.

    ¡°The Star of David and Alman bin Jibril gave the UIS the funds for that, didn¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    ¡°Is that why the American special forces team can¡¯t move in to kill the leadership of the UIS themselves? Even if Monsieur Kang seeded in the operation, America would still need the head of the UIS for the next Presidential election. Unfortunately, the secret agreement is making it difficult for you to interfere and kill him. Did I get it all right?¡± Vasili asked Sherman with a sardonic smile.

    Sherman nodded.

    ¡°Sherman,¡± Lanok called

    Sherman simply looked at him in response.

    ¡°We agree that the United States is a powerful nation. However, don¡¯t ignore Europe¡¯s vast experience and Russia¡¯s actual power. There¡¯s also China, a newly emerged lion. We are all looking forward to the new order that Monsieur Kang will create in the world of intelligence.¡±

    Sherman quickly nced at Vasili to examine his mood.

    Meanwhile, Lanok continued, ¡°No one has dominated the battlefield like Monsieur Kang has. No one has given us as much trust in the world of intelligence either. He¡¯s¡­¡± He put his cigar in the ashtray. ¡°Unlike us, Monsieur Kang is just. I hope that the United States will also follow our wishes.¡±

    Afterward, Vasili filled up a ss with vodka. He then filled two more sses and held out a pistol from his chest pocket and ced it on the table.

    <em>Click.</em>

    The message was clear¡ªSherman either had to follow their lead or choose war and death.

    Sherman felt as though the dark muzzle of the pistol was ring at him.

    ¡°Sherman?¡± Vasili pressed.

    ¡°You¡¯re forcing me to make a cruel choice. Isn¡¯t there a gentler way of doing this?¡± Sherman asked, then held up the vodka ss. ¡°I¡¯ll follow the orders of the European intelligence bureaus and Mr. Kang¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Monsieur Kang!¡± Vasili quickly interjected.

    Sherman corrected himself. ¡°I¡¯ll follow Monsieur Kang¡¯s orders.¡±

    <em>Gulp.</em>

    Sherman downed his ss of vodka, deciding not to wait for Lanok and Vasili to do the same.

    ***

    Kang Chan and his men couldn¡¯t see the sun yet, but their surroundings were bing brighter.

    Fortunately, the mountain had quite a dense forest that allowed them to look down at Rukha.

    The soldiers scanned their surroundings and then stood guard where protection was needed.

    From a distance, they observed their enemies¡¯ base, which looked like a mock city.

    At least a thousand enemies were inside that base, and South Korea¡¯s special forces might have to kill them all.

    ¡°Kang Myung-Gu. Have the men eat and rest in turns. We¡¯ll proceed at zero-eight-hundred,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Myung-Gu responded. He then quickly executed hismand.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan found afortable ce to sit.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested as he approached holding C-rations.

    Choi Jong-Il, Gerard, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee walked over with him.

    There were a few different kinds of Korean C-rations. The ones they were eating now had rice balls likest time.

    As everyone ate, Lee Doo-Hee poured water into their misugaru, shook it, then ced one next to Kang Chan.

    ¡°This powder is really amazing. It almost seems magical,¡± G¨¦rardmented.

    Of them all, G¨¦rard enjoyed that misugaru the most. It was fascinating.

    <em>Well, I guess someone with a sweet tooth would naturally like it. Misugaru does have a lot of vitamins and a bunch of sugar.</em>

    Watching Gerard drinking the misugaru, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    <em>I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m with a Caucasian man who has rice next to his mouth! </em>Kang Chan reached out and removed the grain of rice that was stuck near G¨¦rard¡¯s mouth. It made him feel as if he was raising a child.

    Five minutester, they were done eating.

    ¡°You guys sleep first. Let¡¯s rotate hourly,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    Seok Kang-Ho, Gerard, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung immediatelyid down near where they ate.

    With his rifle slung over his shoulder, Kang Chan looked down the mountain. He had put one of his feet on a rock.

    Afterward, he looked around, finding his men lying on the ground.

    These men risked sleeping in the middle of enemy territory just for their sense of duty and the Taegukgi on their left arm.

    Kang Chan feltpletely different emotions nowpared to when he was a mercenary fighting for permanent residency, money, and an escape from his depressing environment.

    The sun peeked out above the mountain in the distance. It began to shine radiantly, seemingly unaware of the horrible battle that the soldiers had ahead of them.

    <em>Rustle. Clunk.</em>

    Kang Myung-Gu carefully approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you resting?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I made the men sleep first.¡±

    ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu sat next to Kang Chan in a simr position.

    ¡°I wish I could have a cup of coffee,¡± Kang Chan muttered as if he was talking to himself.

    Kang Myung-Gu searched for something, then took out a ck stic bag from his pocket and offered it to Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Coffee. I heard you like coffee, so I brought one.¡±

    Kang Chan nkly looked at the beverage.

    Kang Myung-Gu¡¯s expression said, ¡°I made the right call, Didn¡¯t I?¡±

    It seemed this was his way of expressing his sincerity. Taking the coffee and enjoying it was the best thing Kang Chan could do right now.

    Hence, rather than asking Kang Myung-Gu why he brought something like this all the way here andmenting that he didn¡¯t need to do this, Kang Chan epted the coffee and ripped one end of the stic bag instead. He then had a sip of the coffee with a pleased expression.

    ¡°This is good,¡± Kang Chanmented. He then offered it to Kang Myung-Gu. ¡°Coffee tastes even better when it¡¯s shared.¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu quickly epted the coffee and had a sip, making sure his mouth didn¡¯t touch the bag. He handed the coffee back to Kang Chan again.

    ¡°It feels like I¡¯m dreaming,¡± Kang Myung-Gumented.

    Kang Chan nced over, finding Kang Myung-Gu looking at enemy territory.

    ¡°Ever since the incident with Wui Min-Gook, the Directors¡¯ deaths, and the terrorist attack on the International Building, I have been desperately hoping to attack an enemy military base like this.¡±

    Softly, Kang Myung-Gu added, ¡°I would dly turn into a nameless star a hundred times over for as long as it means we¡¯ll seed in this operation. After all, this will give South Korea the confidence to face terrorist attacks.¡±

    ¡°Have you thought about the family you¡¯ll leave behind?¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu nodded. ¡°I have, but making South Korea stronger is more important.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    <em>Why do I keep meeting people like Kang Chul-Gyu and Kang Myung-Gu?</em>

    Kang Chan felt ashamed that he even thought such brave men cared about being mistreated.

    The two continued sharing the coffee as they looked at the enemy base.

    After some time, a soldier quickly approached them.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ve just been informed that the DMZ team and the 606 are on their way here from behind our position,¡± the soldier ryed.

    Kang Chan stood up and walked to the back of the mountain.

    <em>nk. nk. Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    From below, he could see the DMZ team with their bays on their shoulders and the fully armed soldiers from the 606ing up the mountain.

    At the same time, Kang Chan¡¯s men quickly woke up upon hearing people approaching and sensing the sudden change in the atmosphere.

    The DMZ team and the 606 eventually reached them.

    Kang Chan looked at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Kang Chan had numerous cuts on his face that had now scabbed, and Kang Chul-Gyu had fresh wounds on his.

    <em>¡®How did you get so beat up?¡¯ </em>the two wondered as they stared at each other with simr expressions.

    The rest of the soldiers also came up. Everyone exchanged greetings with mere nces and nods.

    For some reason, they felt as if their enemy territory looked smaller than before.

    ¡°You all must have gone through a lot.¡±

    ¡°I sent Il-Gyu and Dong-Sik ahead to scout the enemy base. It won¡¯t hurt to get a goodyout of it while our enemies are still asleep,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu responded. ¡°We also brought some gifts.¡±

    He then looked behind him. At the same time, the DMZ team ced about ten RPGs in front of Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    ¡°Once those two return, we¡¯ll start nning based on what they find. For now, eat and get some rest,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. The soldiers settled to where they werefortable.

    The sun had now risen above the mountain.

    1. A Federal Reserve Bank is a regional bank of the Federal Reserve System, the central banking system of the United States. ?

 Chapter 364: Good Work (1)

    The wind came up from below and whipped around the summit. It then scattered dirt on the men eating rice balls before suddenly vanishing as if it had run away from the weapons.

    The enemies were most likely aware that Kang Chan and his men had already begun their infiltration. Nevertheless, Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik now stood among them, scouting and gathering intel.

    Kang Chan kept watching the enemy lines while Kang Chul-Gyu and the rest of the DMZ team nonchntly ate rice balls.

    Just as they were about to finish their meals, their radios crackled.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°This is Nam Il-Gyu. Heading up now.¡±

    <em>Rustle, rustle. </em>

    After about five minutes, two men emerged from halfway up the mountain.

    ¡°Good work,¡± Kang Chan greeted. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again, Assistant Director.¡±

    The two men uncharacteristically smiled, their eyes curving like crescent moons.

    ¡°Go ahead and eat first. Give us your report after,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu ordered.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The two men lunged for the rice balls as if it were the most importantmand in the world.

    The soldiers of the 606 had barely poured water into the misugaru when the two men turned back around and wiped their mouths with the back of their hands. Their mouths were still full of rice balls.

    ¡°Please have some, sir,¡± one of the 606 offered.

    ¡°Hm? You boys are so kind!¡±

    ¡°Thanks. This looks delicious.¡±

    The two men sounded muffled. Right now, they probably would¡¯ve drank anything given to them¡ªeven if it was rice cakes or kimchi.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel it when he was drinking the misugaru himself, but watching the two men drink it made him feel like he was choking.

    It didn¡¯t even take them a minute to finish the misugaru.

    ¡°There is what it looks like over there,¡± Nam Il-Gyu said, picking up a branch and drawing squares in the soil in ce of the barracks and the buildings.

    He then circled the buildings and the area between them. ¡°There is an underground facility right here. They¡¯ve positioned machine guns here, here, and here. They¡¯re hidden right now, but they¡¯re ready to st us on sight.¡±

    <em>Those motherfuckers!</em>

    This was why they had been so calm despite knowing that Kang Chan and his men had infiltrated their territory. They were nning to eliminate all invaders the moment they entered!

    Kang Chan turned to the enemy base once more.

    Yang Dong-Sik drew a triangle around one part of his illustration. ¡°This area was a bit suspicious.¡±

    ¡°I tried to enter, but it was heavily guarded with people who behave differently from the ones in the open. I¡¯m guessing they¡¯re special forces soldiers. From what I could see, though, they seem to have ballistic weapons.¡±

    ¡°You went all the way there?¡± Kang Chan asked in surprise.

    ¡°Yes. I couldn¡¯t get inside, though. I¡¯m sorry,¡± Yang Dong-Sik said with a genuinely apologetic expression.

    It was absurd.

    Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Jeong Won-Min, and Kang Myung-Gu were bbergasted.

    ¡°They had a lot of men stationed at the barracks here. Considering they also have machine guns set up above this cave, I¡¯m guessing this is where the main leadership is located. They only have a few guards around the rest of the perimeter. I don¡¯t know if they think the machine guns they¡¯re hiding will be enough, but they have almost no security around the outer section.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s finalment concluded his report on the enemy¡¯s strategy.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nced at Kang Chan, seemingly asking how he nned to invade them.

    ¡°The enemies have probably had ample sleep and breakfast already, so just go sleep for an hour for now. Leave the security to the counter-terrorism team members who have already rested. We¡¯ll discuss our strategy once everyone has rested.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied. Everyone looked forfortable ces to sleep.

    ¡°You should get some shut-eye as well, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Kang Chan stayed up all night.

    They weren¡¯t in the middle ofbat right now, so he had no reason to refuse sleep.

    Kang Chan stretched out to lie down where he was. He then closed his eyes.

    Strangely, whenever he came to ces like these, he always vividly remembered Kim Mi-Young¡¯s face.

    Her distinctiveugh, her round eyes¡­

    Kang Chan soon fell asleep.

    ***

    ¡°They¡¯re a bit sloppy, aren¡¯t they, sir?¡±

    ¡°I agree. I don¡¯t think they¡¯re Quds¡ªwhat are you looking at?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    Kwak Cheol-Ho, who had been looking at the body armor, had looked at him with a mischievous expression.

    ¡°Then why did you fall after getting shot by them, sir?¡±

    ¡°You¡ª! You saw the situation earlier!¡±

    ¡°I did. You could¡¯ve used the guy you had stabbed with the bay to defend yourself, but you tossed him aside and took the hit instead.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked at Kwak Cheol-Ho in disbelief, then burst outughing.

    The enemies hade up four times and had been pushed back down again. Enemy corpses had piled up in front of the mountain like a barrier, cutting the men some ck.

    ¡°To be honest, it was scary earlier. It made me realize how great the captain is.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho nodded. ¡°Same here.¡±

    ¡°If it had just been us facing the Quds back then, even with all the special forces teams from every single country, we still wouldn¡¯t have survived without the captain.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho nodded again. He then nced down.

    ¡°We¡¯ve killed half of the bastards. Let¡¯s clean the rest so we can eat.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I realized experience really is important too. I can¡¯t believe we¡¯re having these pockets of peace in a battle like this. We still haven¡¯t lost a single man either.¡±

    ¡°Ha, we almost did, though.¡±

    ¡°Shut it!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun shouted, feigning anger.

    The two began to chuckle.

    <em>Pew! Pew!</em>

    Just then, a sniper¡¯s gunshot rang out. The two men saw two enemies, who had been approaching the machine gun, fall to the ground in quick session.

    ¡°We have enough bullets, don¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°The ones we brought with us when we first got here are enough.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s push, then.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho nced down.

    ¡°Turn the men in the third line around and have them move to those two locations and outward there. We¡¯ll push down from both sides. Once we get there, it¡¯s just a matter of getting our hands on their machine guns to put an end to this.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho responded, his tone now different from when he was joking and rxed. With their rtionship, he could easily tell whether Cha Dong-Gyun was joking or giving orders.

    ¡°We¡¯ll send two teams of five. Get Yoon Sang-Ki and two more toplete our team. It won¡¯t be fun if the real Quds join us.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get them ready.¡±

    When Cha Dong-Gyun nodded, Kwak Cheol-Ho quickly returned to his position.

    ***

    Kang Chan jerked up, shaking his head.

    When he fell asleep tense, he woke up exactly when he needed to.

    He twisted his neck from side to side and picked himself up off the floor.

    ¡°Here you go.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, who had been standing guard by his side, handed him a stic pack of water.

    Kang Chan took a sip and then sshed water on his face. It was a habit he had picked up in Africa.

    Afterward, he returned the pack to Seok Kang-Ho and rubbed his hands together, shaking the water off.

    <em>Fuck!</em>

    The cuts on his face stung like hell. He had forgotten he had them.

    ¡°Your scowl is fucking terrifying. Your eyes¡ª¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just saying.¡±

    The men who had been listening smiled.

    Seok Kang-Ho had to be the most shameless person in the world.

    Kang Chan recollected his bearings and looked at the drawing and the enemy territory on the ground.

    The DMZ team was impressively experienced. Nam Il-Gyu had learned so much from their short scouting mission. They even conducted in the brightness of day, not in the dark of the night.

    ¡°Wake everyone up.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    One of the soldiers stood up.

    At the touch of his hand, the men opened their eyes and sat up immediately. They rustled but said no words.

    A momentter, Kang Chul-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, Nam Il-Gyu, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, Lee Doo-Hee, Jeong Won-Min, and Kang Myung-Gu approached Kang Chan.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard were already next to him.

    Kang Chan picked up a branch and pointed at the drawing in front of him. ¡°Here¡¯s the n. We¡¯ll start by dividing into teams and getting to this area.¡±

    ¡°606, groups of three. You¡¯ll hit these three locations at the same time.¡±

    Jeong Won-Min ingrained the locations in his mind, then nodded. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°DMZ team, support the 606. If the enemies have machine guns here, then they likely have some in other ces too. Find any that they might still be hiding. Check for ymores or other booby traps as well.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied firmly.

    ¡°The counter-terrorism will enter Repello Cave with me once the operation begins. We¡¯ll go in teams of two and take out any enemies inside to secure the machine guns set up there.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Myung-Gu replied with a nod.

    ¡°Jeong Won-Min, once the operation starts, fire the RPGs at the machine guns underground. Can you operate them?¡±

    ¡°Of course, sir.¡±

    ¡°Fortunately, they don¡¯t have a civilian wall. I was worried they¡¯d use innocent bystanders as meatshields. Anyway, we¡¯ll move out as soon as everything is ready.¡±

    Kang Chan quickly told G¨¦rard the n in French.

    ¡°You¡¯lle with me into the cave.¡±

    ¡°Oui,¡± G¨¦rard replied with a satisfied expression, rifle by his side.

    ¡°And don¡¯t get in my way!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a chick any more!¡±

    ¡°Do I have to remind you of Mongolia?¡±

    Kang Chan looked at his watch.

    They were about to have their final battle. Considering the connection of the satellites wasn¡¯t the best anyway, he might as well finish the battle first before calling the situation room.

    Besides, now that he knew that Lanok was on the move again, he already had faith that Lanok would make some arrangements.

    It took a few moments for the DMZ team and the 606 to confer and for the counter-terrorism team to finalize the numbers for each cave.

    It was almost time to go.

    They all checked their weapons and cautiously switched the safety off.

    Although they had discussed the n and divided the tasks in a rxed atmosphere, there was no guarantee that everyone here would return alive.

    A knife-like tension swept through the air.

    ¡°After this operation, no organization will ever dare point their weapons at South Korea again,¡± Kang Chan said as he looked at the men standing by his side. ¡°The goals of this operation are to kill all the UIS in there and get back home safely.¡±

    The men looked at him with different expressions.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and the DMZ team members¡¯ expressions appeared to find his speech impressive, while Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il seemed to be saying that much was obvious. Meanwhile, the 606 and the counter-terrorism team looked as if they were shouting, ¡°What an amazing captain!¡±

    ¡°Any questions?¡±

    Everyone looked at each other with the determination to seed and the desire to get out alive.

    Kang Chan looked at his men, then turned. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    <em>nk. nk. </em>

    He lowered his stance, reducing the chances their enemies could see him from below.

    The men naturally followed him. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee could easily tell his intentions with a nce, while Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard essentially moved as one with him.

    Kang Chan led the men forward.

    ***

    Tension rang through the ranks and over the bodies of the dead enemies.

    The Jeungpyeong special forces team knew that their enemies could pounce at any moment.

    As the sun showed off the swarming insects and the bugs crawling over the corpses in search of a ce to burrow, the men from the third line moved along the ground for cover.

    They had plenty of ammo and grenades left.

    After all, they had only been defending. Meanwhile, the enemies had tried to push past them four times already. Moreover, they seemed to have been lulled into a false sense of security by their numerical superiority.

    Cha Dong-Gyun and his men would end everything in a sh.

    Inbat, there was no reason to give a tired, demoralized enemy time to regroup.

    Finally, the radio transmission they had been waiting for came in.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°Ready.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°It¡¯s time to put an end to this battle. General Choi Seong-Geon is watching us right now, and General Park is waiting for good news. We also have to show the captain what we¡¯re capable of.¡±

    He released the button, causing a crackle in the background. However, he wasn¡¯t finished yet; there was more to be said.

    Amid the sharp silence, as the men turned to Cha Dong-Gyun, the wind and the enemy¡¯s shouting pierced their ears.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun pressed the button again.

    ¡°Jeungpyeong special forces team, we will win this battle and keep South Korea safe from terrorism. I couldn¡¯t have asked for better men to have beside me. On mymand.¡±

    The men turned back to the enemy.

    ¡°Go!¡± Cha Dong-Gyun shouted.

    <em>Peeew! Pew! Pew! Peeew!</em>

    Gunfire erupted from the enemy¡¯s nks.

    <em>Peeew! Pew! Peeew! Pew!</em>

    Sniper bullets hit the enemies who dashed out in surprise, causing their heads to explode.

    <em>Peew! Pew! Peeew! Pew! Peeew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    ¡°Go go go!¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, Yoon Sang-Ki, and two other men ran downward.

    <em>Du du du! Du du! Du du du du! Du du du!</em>

    The panicked enemy fired back, but Cha Dong-Gyun and his men didn¡¯t stop. Instead, they took advantage of the enemy corpses, using them as cover as they rushed toward the machine guns with their rifles zing.

    <em>Du du du! Du du du du! Du du! Du du du du!</em>

    Bullets flew from the gaps in the trucks where the enemies were hiding.

    The snipers could only do so much. They had to stop rockets from beingunched.

    <em>Du du du! Du du! Thud! Du du du du!</em>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho stumbled and fell forward. There was no time to look back now, however.

    <em>Du du du du! Pow pow pow pow! Du du du! Pow pow!</em>

    This time, the soldier who had been running at the end wobbled and fell hard.

    <em>Crash! Crash! Crash!</em>

    At that moment, Cha Dong-Gyun, Yoon Sang-Ki, and the other soldier with them reached the truck with the machine gun.

    <em>Pew! Peew! Pew! Peew!</em>

    The snipers quickly covered them.

    <em>Du du du! Ping ping ping! Du du! Bang! Du du du! Bang, bang, bang!</em>

    As enemy bullets hit the truck, causing sparks to fly, Cha Dong-Gyun climbed into the driver¡¯s seat.

    The truck seemed to loom above everything else.

    If he climbed in from the back, he would have just died turning the machine gun.

    <em>Creaak. Click!</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun turned therge muzzle and swung his arm around to pull the machine gun¡¯s breechblock.

    Then, he put his index finger on its trigger.

    <em>Du du du du du du! Du du du du du du du du! Du du du du du du du!</em>

    A booming noise rang in his ears, and a pungent odor assaulted his nose.

    <em>Pow pow pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow pow pow!</em>

    In an instant, the tides were turned.

    Yoon Sang-Ki and the other soldiers also turned the machine guns toward their enemies.

    <em>You motherfuckers!</em>

    <em>Du du du du du du du du du!</em>

    Bullets were sucked into the gun. Shells spewed out on the other side. At the same time, Cha Dong-Gyun and his men riddled the other trucks with holes and tore apart their enemies.

    As nned, all of his men, except the snipers, leaped forward.

    <em>Du du du du du du du! Du du du du du du du! Du du du du du du!</em>

    Two of them grabbed two unmanned machine guns. The rest slung their rifles around their sides and tossed grenades like confetti.

    <em>Booooom! Boooom! Booom! Booom!</em>

    It was less of a battle and more of a ughter, like the fight against the Quds in Africa.

    It didn¡¯t matter if this battle could stop the terrorist attack heading to South Korea. More than enough bullets had been shot.

    The men who had turned to the side to operate the machine guns were now somewhat standing upright. Cha Dong-Gyun continued to shoot.

    He was proceeding ording to what he had learned. He would wrap everything up neatly to ensure his allies would survive.

    <em>Du du du du du du du! Booom! Boom! Booom!</em>

    The one-sided attacksted for over ten minutes.

    Finally, Cha Dong-Gyun let go of the machine gun and lifted his rifle.

    ¡°Machine guns, stand by!¡±

    He jumped off the truck and quickly dashed to the enemy¡¯s base.

    The smell of blood washed over him. He then saw mutted corpses lying on the ground.

    One of the bodies squirmed.

    <em>Pew! Pew!</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun shot the writhing enemy in the head twice. His subordinates did the same to anyone else who dared move in their presence.

    The long battle was finallying to an end.

    <em>Du du du du du du du du du. </em>

    Just then, they heard an unidentified helicopter in the distance.

 Chapter 365: Good work (2)

    Chapter 365: Good work (2)

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°606, in position.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°DMZ team, in position.¡±

    After listening to thems, Kang Chan quickly looked to his sides.

    His men were waiting for his signal, their hands gripping the balled-up ends of the ropes that they had tied to trees.

    They had to descend the cliff in front of them with a single jump.

    There was a difference in time between reaching the cave above and the cave below, so the team aiming for the bottom had to go first.

    <em>¡®Ready?¡¯</em>

    The men all nodded in response to Kang Chan¡¯s gaze.

    <em>¡®Yes, sir!¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°All units, stand by. The moment Rappel Team One goes down, fire the RPGs..¡±

    Kang Chan took the coiled rope in his right hand and backpedaled to the edge of the cliff.

    They couldn¡¯t let the enemies see them yet.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    His nerves sharpened as the tension rose.

    As always, everything seemingly slowed down.

    There was no telling what could happen once they had started descending.

    If the enemies had people with rifles guarding the entrance to the cave, he and his men would be plunging thirty meters to the ground under heavy fire.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted as he looked left and right again.

    Still, it had to be done.

    Kang Chan looked Kang Myung-Gu straight in the eyes.

    ¡®I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡¯

    ¡®Don¡¯t worry, sir!¡¯

    ¡°Team One, descend!¡±

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Team One, who had been assigned to the cave below, threw their ropes down the cliff and then jumped backward.

    <em>Peeeew! Peeeew! Peeeeew!</em>

    At the same time, they heard RPGs being fired. This was the first time in this operation that they found the whistles of those rocketunchers so weing.

    ¡°Team Two, descend!¡±

    <em>Swish! Swiiiish!</em>

    Starting with Kang Chan, the men threw their ropes back and dropped down.

    <em>Boom! Boooooom! Boom! Boom!</em>

    Loud explosions reverberated as they free-fell nearly thirty meters downward.

    With a powerful kick against the wall, Kang Chan fell into the gap. He then pulled at the rappel at just the right moment.

    <em>Whoosh! Whooooosh!</em>

    Kang Chan aimed for the enemy, ignoring the wind whipping past his ears and piercing his eyes.

    He couldn¡¯t even squint. As he moved from light to dark, all he could see were the outlines.

    As if pouncing toward him, the mouth of the cave seemingly closed in on Kang Chan.

    Now, he could vaguely see their enemies¡¯ silhouettes.

    Kang Chan shot those who panicked out of the cave.

    <em>Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!</em>

    Two of the enemies¡¯ foreheads exploded, sending them stumbling backward.

    <em>Peew! Bang!</em>

    G¨¦rard, who followed right after Kang Chan, fired two bullets as well, shooting the remaining enemies.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    In the corner, they found a desk, a chair, and a dead enemy on the floor, a gaping hole in his forehead. They also noticed a few books, guns, and water.

    The two searched the cave with their rifles at the ready, but they didn¡¯t find anything.

    It was difficult to tell if any of the enemies here were part of the leadership.

    <em>Du du du! Pew! Peew! Pew! Peew! Du du du!</em>

    Behind enemy lines, a battle raged on.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Cave One secured.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Cave Two secured.¡±

    The radio calls came in session.

    <em>Why is this so easy?</em>

    Kang Chan quickly pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Secure any machine guns you can find in the caves. I want everyone else to assist the 606! Cover their descent from the caves, 606!¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Give us a minute!¡±

    <em>Du du du du du! Du du! Du du du du! Du du du!</em>

    <em>Pew! Peew! Peew! Peew! Peew! Peew!</em>

    Gunshots jumbled together. Strangely, they sounded as if they wereing from far away.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Covering fire now! Go go go!¡± Jeong Won-Min shouted over the radio.

    At that moment, Kang Chan turned to G¨¦rard. ¡°G¨¦rard! I¡¯m heading down!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    Kang Chan then grabbed the rope and threw himself back again.

    <em>Swish! Thud! Whoosh!</em>

    He made sure to take a step on the face of the cliff beforending on the ground.

    <em>Click.                                              </em>

    Right after, he turned around with his rifle pointed, finding G¨¦rard at his side.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    Enemies were everywhere.

    While Kang Chan and G¨¦rard were knocking them down, Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, and the members of the counter-terrorism team reached the ground as well.

    Their skills were nothing short of amazing.

    With each pull of their triggers, heads burst into pieces and enemies fell into bizarre positions or were flung back.

    It was a bit strange, though. Their enemies seemed to be running toward the line of fire.

    Well, Kang Chan supposed it wasn¡¯t too weird for their opponents to be running toward them. After all, they were in the middle of enemy territory. Still, it was unusual that they were rushing toward their muzzles like basic hostile NPCs in a video game. Their shock only made it even easier to take them down.

    It didn¡¯t matter, though. They were enemies. Hence, Kang Chan continued to shoot down the iing enemies.

    Just then, Yang Dong-Sik and the rest of the DMZ team revealed themselves like wolves attacking a flock of sheep.

    Was that the reason why?

    Kang Chan stopped firing and watched the situation unfold.

    The counter-terrorism team and the 606, who had pointed their rifles at their allies, stopped themselves from pulling the trigger.

    <em>Rumble!</em>

    The enemies seemed to have been fleeing from the DMZ team. However, when they ran up the mountain, they were greeted by the 606. Surprised, they turned back around only to find Yang Dong-Sik waiting for them.

    Yang Dong-Sik grabbed one of the surprised enemies by the hair.

    ¡°Ah!¡± the enemy cried out, terrified.

    ¡°You son of a bitch! Why do you look down on South Korea?! On our people?! Why are you targeting my incredible juniors?!¡±

    <em>Shing!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik slit the enemy¡¯s throat with his bay.

    The skin opened, and blood spurted and gushed out.

    <em>Shing! Shing!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik gritted his teeth. Eventually, the enemy¡¯s head...

    Meanwhile, the desperate cries and screams of the enemies that the DMZ team had captured echoed from all around them.

    <em>Should I stop this?</em>

    Kang Chan turned his head.

    At that moment, Kang Chul-Gyu walked toward him, his rifle slung over his right shoulder.

    <em>Rustle, rustle.</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu and the rest of the DMZ team members followed right behind. They were dragging twelve captives through the ground.

    The enemies had beenpletely surrounded. No matter where they ran off, Yang Dong-Sik and his team viciously chased them with bays and decapitated them.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    The enemies lifted their guns, but their heads were blown off before they could even shoot.

    ¡°These are the people that Dong-Sik mentioned were hiding underground. They look like they¡¯re part of the leadership.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu grabbed one by the head and brought him forward.

    His nose and jaw were already broken, and he had a bullet wound in his thigh.

    Kang Chan nodded. fre¨¥webnovel

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned his gaze.

    <em>Shing.</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu pulled out his bay from his shoulder.

    ¡°Ahu Akbar!¡±

    <em>Fwoosh.</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s bay dug into the enemy¡¯s ear.

    ¡°<em>Kegh</em>!¡±

    <em>Shing! Jab!</em>

    Nam Il-Gy then stabbed him in the neck and decapitated him.

    <em>Shing! Shing!</em>

    <em>Rustle, rustle.</em>

    They brought another captive forward.

    When Kang Chan nodded, a simr scene ensued.

    They had to do this ten more times.

    Another was dragged forward. Looking at him, Kang Chan smirked.

    It was Warab Amedi, the head of the Afghan UIS.

    Kang Chan slowly approached him and looked him straight in the eye.

    Fear had filled the man¡¯s eyes, but like Abibu¡¯s, they hid something cunning behind them¡ªit seemed he was still waiting for the chance to bare his fangs and ws.

    ¡°Take a good look,¡± Kang Chan said in Korean, causing Nam Il-Gyu to nce at Kang Chul-Gyu. ¡°We¡¯re South Korean soldiers. This g...¡±

    Kang Chan raised his left arm.

    ¡°... is the Taegeukgi. Don¡¯t forget it. If you ever cross paths with a soldier bearing this g in the afterlife, this will happen to you again.¡±

    When Kang Chan stood back up, Warab Amedi spewed out rapid Arabic.

    ¡°He wants to negotiate,¡± Seok Kang-Ho interpreted.

    <em>Pft.</em>

    Kang Chan raised his bay. He couldn¡¯t let them be the only ones getting their hands dirty.

    However, Kang Chul-Gyu stopped him.

    ¡°Let us be the only ones to sully our hands. We will soon vanish in history anyway. All we ask in return is that you and our juniors ensure that South Korea will never have to do these things.¡± He looked Kang Chan in the eye. ¡°Create a world where your predecessors will never have to get their hands dirty.¡±

    Stunned, Kang Chan could only listen steadfastly.

    These were the words of a legend of the South Korean special forces to the currentmander, a senior to his junior, and... a father to his son.

    Kang Chan had to admit it.

    The current Kang Chul-Gyu was a legend, a senior of the special forces, and his father.

    As Kang Chan nodded and took a step back, Nam Il-Gyu charged forward.

    ¡°From now on!¡±

    <em>Jab!</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaah</em>!¡±

    ¡°Never look down!¡±

    ¡°<em>Kegh</em>!¡±

    ¡°On South Korea and the Taegeukgi!¡±

    <em>Jab! Shing! Shing!</em>

    <em>Thud.</em>

    Death was fair to everyone.

    Be they the Sunni, Shiite, or UIS, death would eventuallye for them all.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand why terrorists treated other peoples¡¯ lives like they were worth nothing or how they could willingly die without any sympathy or justification for their actions.

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned to the DMZ team. ¡°Finish the rest at once.¡±

    As ordered, the DMZ team simultaneously eliminated their captives.

    Meanwhile, Nam Il-Gyu picked up the enemies¡¯ heads from the ground.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give them a tour around Seoul.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. Kang Chan just remained silent.

    ¡°Even if any of them manage to get out of here alive, seeing a Korean soldier will fill them with fear moving forward. Those who are told about this incident will feel the same,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said as he looked at the enemies curiously. ¡°They¡¯ve be nothing more than a bunch of misfits now that we have captured their leaders. Has the UIS always been like this? From what I¡¯ve seen, they¡¯re just a bunch of filthy bastards who are brutal to the weak or those in hiding but unconditionally lower their heads before the strong.¡±

    Kang Chan gazed up. The battle seemed so strange that he couldn¡¯t evenugh or cry.

    Hundreds of enemies were running to and fro in the center of the circle as Yang Dong-Sik and his team attacked in between.

    The UIS was certainly capable of terrible things.

    Kang Chan had killed his fair share of enemies in tribal wars in Africa and battles with the Quds.

    However, this was something else.

    Still, despite the thoughts in his head, he couldn¡¯t stop his men from killing the enemies.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and the DMZ team had made this call. Moreover, this was their jurisdiction.

    Above all, it was clear that they weren¡¯t doing this because they liked it either.

    As Kang Chul-Gyu had said, they were acting as the viins so the heroes could shine.

    The DMZ team firing bullets that all the men here should be firing as well. However, theirs carried a different meaning.

    Yang Dong-Sik grabbed another enemy and knocked him to the ground. Thetter had clearly wet himself.

    The next thing Kang Chan knew, Yang Dong-Sik had swung his bay against the enemy.

    At that moment, they heard a helicopter approaching from the distance.

    <em>Du du du du du du du du.</em>

    Kang Chan nced back.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Foreign Legion special forces team reporting for duty. Deputy Director-General, please respond.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°This is Kang Chan. We have already neutralized the situation. Just stand by to intercept rockets or missiles.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chan told his men over the radio that the French Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces had arrived.

    <em>Du du du du du du du.</em>

    Soon after, the helicopter finally came into view.

    <em>Dash!</em>

    Then, something bbergasting happened again.

    The UIS ran toward the helicopter, waving their arms.

    ¡°Are those people requesting help?¡± the pilot confirmed, also seemingly shocked.

    ¡°Yes. They¡¯re hostiles.¡±

    ¡°Permission to open fire.¡±

    ¡°No need. Just avoid them andnd.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    When the helicopternded, Kang Chul-Gyu pressed a button on his radio.

    ¡°Drive the tangos to the center so they can¡¯t escape. Finish them off.¡±

    It didn¡¯t take long for the enemies to be herded into the center. Their faces were now filled with terror.

    The wind made the decapitated bodies strewn across the outskirts look even worse.

    The Foreign Legion troops rushed out of the helicopter and stood before Kang Chan.

    They seemed more pleased to see G¨¦rard than Kang Chan, but Kang Chan wasn¡¯t upset at all.

    At times like this, it wouldn¡¯t be bad to put G¨¦rard in the spotlight.

    A former special forces teammander favored by a deputy director-general? That didn¡¯t sound too good.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Set up a perimeter with the Foreign Legion and get to the chopper. Tell them to jam the satellites on centralm. Check up on the Jeungpyeong special forces team too.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    Once G¨¦rard had ryed Kang Chan¡¯s orders, the Foreign Legion special forcesmander quickly barked some instructions. The two then headed to the helicopter together.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°606! Head to the center.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Copy. Moving in.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Any counter-terrorism team members still in the caves, retreat.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The sun was now directly above their heads.

    Kang Chan suddenly felt thirsty.

    ¡°Is there any water left?¡±

    As one of the soldiers brought him a stic pack, Kang Chan felt a gaze on him.

    Although doing these things still felt awkward, Kang Chan handed the pack to Kang Chul-Gyu so he could drink first.

    <em>Pft.</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at him as if he could read his mind.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to rest over there with my men. Can you get us some cigarettes?¡±

    That wasn¡¯t too hard.

    Kang Chan had G¨¦rard fetch him some cigarettes. G¨¦rard came back with two packs, which Kang Chan then gave to Kang Chul-Gyu along with a lighter.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in ten minutes,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said. He then headed into the forest with his team members.

    Kang Chan felt a tug in his heart. It felt like a foreshadowing of the DMZ team stepping to the side to make way for their juniors.

    Unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t like he could join them for a smoke.

    ¡°??G¨¦rard! Ask for three more packs and bring them here!¡±

    At that moment, Seok Kang-Ho dashed over and offered Kang Chan one. ¡°Here.¡±

    ¡°Hey! You know how bitter their cigarettes are here! Let¡¯s smoke the ones G¨¦rard brings first.¡±

    Once G¨¦rard hade back with cigarettes, Kang Chan and the whole crew lit one each.

    <em>Click. Click.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡± Kang Chan exhaled, leaning against the cliff. ¡°Sit down and get some rest.¡±

    Since the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team was standing guard for them, the men couldfortably sit down and rx around Kang Chan.

    ¡°They said they¡¯ll send in our transport soon. I¡¯ve also received word that the Jeungpyeong special forces team has killed all the Quds. Krak and one of the soldiers are injured.¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, G¨¦rard quickly continued, ¡°They were both shot in the leg, but the Russian and German teams have given them first aid. They¡¯re out of harm¡¯s way.¡±

    G¨¦rard sat next to Kang Chan, took out a cigarette, and put it in his mouth.

    <em>Click.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>¡ª<em>cough</em>! The cigarette tastes like...¡±

    ¡°Why did you smoke that anyway?¡±

    G¨¦rard looked for a different cigarette. Just then, a French soldier dashed over with an ted expression and handed him one.

    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you.¡±

    G¨¦rard raised his gaze. He didn¡¯t recognize the soldier.

    ¡°I¡¯m Sarmone, Commander. I heard of your legendary tales and did my best to join the special forces.¡±

    He offered the cigarette politely.

    G¨¦rard nced at Kang Chan and lit the cigarette.

    <em>You¡¯re the one in the spotlight right now. Bask in it.</em>

    Pretending not to notice, Kang Chan blew out a long stream of smoke.

    This long battle was almost over. The French special forces team should be more than capable of handling the rest of the operation themselves.

    With that realization, his wounds, which had been plugged with rolled-up bandages, began to throb.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung burst into Go Gun-Woo¡¯s office.

    ¡°We¡¯ve received a report that the operation is almost over. We¡¯ve killed all twelve of the enemy¡¯s top officers. We lost six of our men, and eight more are wounded.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked at Kim Hyung-Jung with a puzzled expression.

    Normally, in cases like these, one would say assassinated, not killed. Hearing about their casualties bothered him more than such trivialities, though, so he didn¡¯t question it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll report to the president. Tell Air Force Operations Command to order our fighters back.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°Please make sure to give our returning pilots the right treatment and our fallen the proper honor.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Director Go.¡±

    As if remembering something, Go Gun-Woo stood up and looked at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Oh, and...¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung raised his gaze, waiting for him to speak.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work on this operation, Mr. Kim,¡± Go Gun-Woo said with an awkward expression. He then quickly left the office.

 Chapter 366: It Will Be a Good Lesson (1)

    Kang Chan and his team left Kabul on a civilian aircraft and arrived at the Seongnam Airport an hour before evening. Theynded smoothly on the runway and stopped in front of the main building. While vehicles fitted with stairs and a makeshift lift, along with the honor guard, solemnly positioned themselves in front of the ne''s door and cargo hold, the ne opened.

    The rush of wind and the afternoon sunlight covering the airport made it clear that they were back in Korea. Kang Chan was the first to disembark, dressed in civilian clothes.

    "Thank you for your hard work, Assistant Director, " greeted Moon Jae-Hyun.

    To Kang Chan¡¯s surprise, Moon Jae-Hyun had been waiting in front of the ne. Behind the president were Jeon Dae-Geuk, Go Gun-Woo, Kim Hyung-Jung, and their aides.

    Moon Jae-Hyun seemed internally shocked by the wounds on Kang Chan¡¯s face but didn''t mention them. As always, he simply shook Kang Chan¡¯s hand firmly. Kang Chan introduced his men as they disembarked.

    ¡°This is Seok Kang-Ho of the National Intelligence Service, sir.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work,¡± replied Moon Jae-Hyun.

    After shaking Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s hand respectfully, Seok Kang-Ho moved toward the cargo hold.

    Next, G¨¦rard bowed and shook hands with the president. ¡°G¨¦rard de Mermier of the Foreign Legion, sir.¡±¡°Choi Jong-Il. National Intelligence Service.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡±

    After Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee disembarked, Cha Dong-Gyun followed.

    ¡°Captain Cha Dong-Gyun, sir!¡±

    ¡°You''ve worked hard,¡± said Moon Jae-Hyun.

    Cha Dong-Gyun stood beside President Moon Jae-Hyun. One by one, he introduced his subordinates.

    ¡°Lieutenant Yoon Sang-Ki of the Jeungpyeong special forces team, sir.¡±

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan exchanged greetings with Go Gun-Woo, Jeon Dae-Geuk, and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°You should take some time off and have a meal with us. I¡¯m starting to forget your face,¡± Jeon Dae-Geuk quietly said.

    Jeong Won-Min came down, greeted them, and introduced the soldiers from the 606. Kang Myung-Gu then introduced the counter-terrorism team members one by one.

    It might be a cumbersome task, but this kind of reception could be as valuable as a medal pinned on their chests.

    The interpreter soon climbed down as well. He hesitated in front of Moon Jae-Hyun, who shook his hand for a longer time upon seeing his severed fingers. Moon Jae-Hyun then covered the interpreter''s hand with his left hand.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work. We won¡¯t forget your efforts,¡± said Moon Jae-Hyun.

    The interpreter was now a veteran who had ovee challenging battles in Africa, Libya, and Afghanistan. His entire face was filled with a sense of duty.

    Finally, their injured men went down.

    ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡±

    Starting with Kwak Cheol-Ho, Moon Jae-Hyun consoled each of the injured. Once they had hopped onto the ambnce, it departed ahead of everyone.

    Moon Jae-Hyun then turned around and headed toward the cargo hold. Everyone else followed. The honor guard, wearing white masks and gloves, was standing on either side of it. Kang Chan nodded at the waiting staff.

    <em>Thuuud.</em>

    With a heavy sound, the lift installed in the cargo hold lowered a deceased DMZ team member.

    "Attention!"

    <em>ck!</em>

    The honor guards, wearing khaki tops, and white hats, masks, gloves, and pants, straightened up.

    "Salute!"

    <em>Snap-!</em>

    Slowly, they raised their hands to their temples and saluted the fallen.

    "At ease!"

    They lowered their hands just as slowly.

    "Pay respects!"

    Six honor guards walked toward the body in a stic bag and transferred it into a steel coffin. Once they had properly arranged it, they transferred it to a wooden coffin.

    <em>p.</em>

    Two soldiers waiting at the front lifted the Taegukgi and covered the coffin with it.

    "Lift!"

    <em>nk.</em>

    The soldiers slowly lifted the coffin with precise movements. Such actions wouldn''t bring the dead back to life or lessen the sorrow of their grieving families and acquaintances. However, it was a necessary sign of respect for those who had sacrificed for the country and the Taegukgi.

    "Honor guard, move!"

    The legs of the honor guards moved as if tied together, slowly moving the coffin to the prepared vehicle. The team, once disbanded, had been called upon by the nation. Even in death, they were receiving the minimal respect they deserved.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and the DMZ team members watched with mixed emotions on their faces. After handling the second and third fallen DMZ team members, the bodies of the 606 were lowered.

    "Attention!"

    <em>ck.</em>

    "Salute!"

    <em>Snap.</em>

    The soldiers¡¯ white-gloved hands slowly rose. This task took a long time, but nothing was more important than this.

    "At ease!"

    <em>Snap.</em>

    Their victory was only possible thanks to these men¡¯s sacrifices.

    "Pay respects!"

    They won this battle thanks to the soldiers who died with rice grains and barley tea powder on their lips.

    "Lift!"

    <em>p!</em>

    "Honor guard, move!"

    After covering the coffin with the Taegukgi, the members grabbed the coffin and moved slowly.

    Once respect had been given to all of their fallen soldiers, Kang Chan approached Moon Jae-Hyun.

    "Assistant Director.¡± With reddened eyes, Moon Jae-Hyun grasped Kang Chan''s hand once more. "I will remember the efforts you and your soldiers have shown today for the rest of my life."

    He then turned around. Jeon Dae-Geuk followed his gesture and fell in line behind him.

    "I¡¯ll have to go first, Assistant Director. Please discuss the remaining matters with Manager Kim."

    Go Gun-Woo also extended his hand, grasping Kang Chan''s hand once more before turning away.

    "Ready to go?" Kim Hyung-Jung asked, finally looking relieved.

    "What about my request?" Chan Chan asked.

    "It arrived two hours ago. Preparations should be done by now."

    Kang Chan exhaled quietly. He then turned to his men. ¡°We¡¯ll disperse here.¡±

    All the soldiers were now looking at him.

    Kang Chan continued, "Excellent work onpleting the mission. You all did well.¡±

    Asmanded, the Jeungpyeong special forces team, the 606, and the counter-terrorism team headed toward their respective transport. The DMZ team also headed to their hotel amodations.

    Once the three buses had departed, sedans and vans drove up from behind the main building.

    "Are youing with us?" Kang Chan asked.

    "I was nning to. Is that a problem?" Kim Hyung-Jung replied in a cheeky tone.

    <em>He¡¯s getting cheekier by the minute.</em>

    Kang Chan boarded a van with Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Kim Hyung-Jung. Choi Jong-Il and others hopped into the sedans.

    "We''re going to Bangji Hospital first. Director Yoo is waiting for us."

    "Did you contact him?"

    "Yes. He sounded like he¡¯d be delighted to see us after so long."

    While Kang Chan smirked, the car sped forward.

    Soldiers were already waiting at the Bangji Hospital. They headed straight to the first-floor treatment room.

    "Ouch!"

    Yoo Hun-Woo reacted as usual upon seeing Kang Chan and G¨¦rard¡¯s wounds. Now, he even had instant coffee ready in the treatment room. Using tweezers to prod the wounds, Yoo Hun-Woo pulled out the bandages that Seok Kang-Ho had inserted.

    <em>Rip. Rip-rip.</em>

    <em>Times like this really can drive anyone crazy. Removing bandages stuck to the flesh is literally like tearing live flesh.</em>

    "<em>Ugh</em>."

    G¨¦rard groaned beside Kang Chan as the second bandage was pulled.

    <em>What a baby!</em>

    The treatment took three hours toplete.

    "You¡¯ll need to be confined for at least two days," Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    "I have somewhere I need to go."

    Yoo Hun-Woo shook his head in resignation and administered another injection.

    "Make sure to take your medicine on time and absolutely no alcohol."

    Kang Chan nodded. "Okay."

    He then got up from his seat. He had more than six newly stitched wounds all over him.

    ***

    The mother looked nkly at her son''s face on the altar.

    <em>What¡¯s he so happy about? </em>

    <em>Why did God have to leave behind an old, useless elderly and take someone so young?</em>

    Her brother from Jangseong said he woulde, but the mourning hall was still empty.

    Her son, who had grown up pitiably without knowing a father''s affection, had once nearly gone down a bad path because he was quick on his feet, yet he always massaged his mother''s shoulders at night to encourage himself.

    "I''m so sorry. It''s because I''m uneducated and so useless that you died."

    She felt regretful. If his parents had been a bit morepetent, he wouldn''t have had to do such dangerous work. If they had been more able, his final journey wouldn''t be so deste. A few women who used to do business with her came to help and a few who imed to be her son''srades. That was it.

    The single wreath standing alone in the mourning hall looked particrly lonely. She felt strangely pained by the empty space. It felt too regrettable and sorry that not only could she not properly raise her son in life but was also sending him off poorly in death.

    "How much pain did you endure, my child!"

    The olddy swallowed her sobs. The grief inside her strangely refused to burst out, clogging her chest. Just then, a group of men and women in ck suits rushed in.

    <em>''Oh my!''</em>

    She wondered if something had gone wrong. Did these people hold a grudge against her son? Through her tear-blurred vision, she saw their faces, all with simr expressions.

    "Mother, I¡¯m here."

    The mother blinked and looked at the person who spoke. Her blurry eyes cleared in an instant.

    It was Seok Kang-Ho. The one whom she had been waiting for so long had finally arrived.

    "Oh my! Hyung-nim, you¡¯re finally here! Why are you sote?!"

    The tears clogging her chest finally burst forth, making her feel reassured and, above all, immenselyforted.

    <em>¡®Mother, I met a wonderful hyung-nim.¡¯</em>

    <em>You have met such an amazing hyung-nim, my son!</em>

    The olddy now felt she could properly send her son off. She couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful. Having someone to lean on in this world was a blessing. The mother clung to Seok Kang-Ho''s embrace repeatedly, while Seok Kang-Ho wiped her tears away with his thumb.

    "I told you to hold on tightly, didn¡¯t I? What happened to your face?"

    "I did hold on. I forced myself to swallow water and endure the pain so I could send my child off properly," said the olddy.

    "I¡¯d like to take charge of the rituals. Would that be alright with you?"

    "Would you?"

    A soldier brought water, spirits, and incense inside. They said this wasn¡¯t a formal practice, but the two wanted it done anyway. Kang Chan just watched them in silence.

    Suddenly, the once-empty funeral hall became bustling. Wreaths starteding in, so many that theter ones had their ribbons removed and ced in one spot.

    Once Seok Kang-Ho hadpleted the preparations. Kang Chan stepped forward, lit the incense, and bowed twice. Then he faced Seok Kang-Ho and bowed again.

    "Thank you, Captain," Seok Kang-Ho said.

    "Send him off properly," Kang Chan answered.

    "I will."

    As Kang Chan rose, Kim Hyung-Jung, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee stepped forward.

    "Oh my! Oh my! You wretched boy! Leaving behind such a wonderful hyung-nim! You poor thing!"

    The olddy wailed loudly, seemingly to send her son off properly.[1]

    As Kang Chan stepped back, the DMZ team members entered. Kang Chul-Gyu, after exchanging a nce with Kang Chan, moved toward the altar.

    <em>Damn. </em>

    If everyone here were to be sent into battle, they could probably wipe out an entire city.

    ***

    Han Kyung-Mi took a deep breath, bothered by the broken mirror that she had identally shattered while cleaning. It felt ominous. She kept reassuring herself that it was nothing¡ªthat it was just a broken hand mirror.

    <em>¡®They say it''s best to smash a broken mirrorpletely and throw it away.¡¯</em>

    Recalling her friend¡¯s advice, she put the mirror in a sack and smashed it several times on the ground at night.

    <em>¡®It¡¯s okay. It will be fine. He wille back safely.¡¯</em>

    Han Kyung-Mi habitually wiped down the old sink, which she had cleaned more than a hundred times, when she heard Cha Seung-Ho''s firm shout.

    "<em>Ha-ah</em>!"

    "<em>Aaaaaah</em>!"

    When she ran to open the door, she saw her child with a hand-drawn Dark Vayder paper mask had knocked down her other child, who had a hand-drawn Tarant-Man paper mask.

    "Hey! Cha Seung-Ho! How can you do that to your little brother!"

    Han Kyung-Mi was really upset, but she knew she couldn''t hit the kids now. In fact, the kids weren¡¯t responsible for the broken mirror. She shouldn¡¯t take out her frustration on them for her mistake. The one with a hand-drawn Darth Vader paper mask, watching her carefully, retreated to the corner.

    Han Kyung-Mi helped the one with the Spider-Man mask up, removed the mask drawn to look like bitten cheeks, and hugged the child. She began to burst into tears again.

    Without Cha Dong-Gyun, how could she raise these boys? Could she raise them properly without that dependable man?

    <em>No! Why am I having such ominous thoughts?</em>

    Han Kyung-Mi struggled to gather her thoughts. She had met Cha Dong-Gyun while working in a small office as an ountant. Since then, Cha Dong-Gyun had been unwavering.

    Training,rades, and missions were his top priorities, but Han Kyung-Mi never onceined about it. After all, her husband was simply that kind of person¡ªand he would never change.

    While it was unimaginable for him to abandon the nation, training, and hisrades, he cherished and protected Han Kyung-Mi, Cha Seung-Ho, and Cha Seong-Ho just as unwaveringly.

    "Mom, why are you crying?"

    "Who said I''m crying?!" Han Kyung-Mi yelled.

    <em>It¡¯s only natural for me to raise my voice every now and then, right?</em>

    At that moment, she felt a small pair of hands wrap around her neck from behind.

    "Mom, don''t cry."

    It was Cha Seung-Ho.

    "I told you, I''m not crying!"

    "But you were."

    Han Kyung-Mi''s tears instantly stopped.

    "I will clean up the kitchen. y with your brother, but don¡¯t hurt each other," she said.

    "Okay," Cha Seung-Ho replied firmly, seemingly pleased with the easy resolution.

    Just as Han Kyung-Mi was about to leave the children''s room, she froze.

    "Dear?"

    "What''s wrong? Did something surprise you?"

    "Are you¡­. are you okay?"

    "What do you mean?"

    Cha Seung-Ho and Cha Seong-Ho peeked out from between Han Kyung-Mi''s legs and ran toward the voice, shouting, "Daddy!"

    "Hey! Were you good?" Cha Dong-Gyun said.

    "Yeah!"

    Still wearing hisbat boots, Cha Dong-Gyun hugged his sons with an arm each.

    "Dad, you need to take off your shoes. Come on, get down."

    "Okay. Let me first take off my boots, okay?"

    After putting the kids down, Cha Dong-Gyun bent over to untie his booces.

    His neck, scarred, tanned, and solid, caught Han Kyung-Mi''s eye. How frightening and terrible must the moments have been when he got those scars?

    Nevertheless, Cha Dong-Gyun, with an unaffected expression, hugged his sons andforted her.

    "<em>Uwaaah</em>!" Han Kyung-Mi ran to him, crying like a child.

    "What¡¯s wrong? Did something happen?"

    Cha Dong-Gyun hugged her gently andforted her as if she were a daughter. How could she exin that it was because of a broken hand mirror?

    "Dear! It¡¯s actually you, right?" she asked.

    "Well, yes, naturally. Why are you acting like a child?"

    "<em>Huuh</em>, I¡¯m sorry."

    "Huh?"

    Cha Dong-Gyunughed and patted her head.

    "Kyung-Mi."

    "Yes?"

    She was now a mother. At some point, he started calling her "Seung-Ho''s mom," and it had be natural. At that moment, though, Cha Dong-Gyun called her by her name.

    "No matter what you say, we''re having a third child, so don¡¯t try to stop me."

    "Hey! Stop teasing me!"

    Han Kyung-Mi pulled away and red at Cha Dong-Gyun.

    It felt good to have someone to re at¡ªto have Cha Dong-Gyun by her side again.

    1. In Korean funerals, it is often believed that loudly mourning can help properly send off the deceased. ?

 Chapter 367: It Will Be a Good Lesson (2)

    The funeral hall was now bursting with off-duty 606 members, counter-terrorism team agents, National Intelligence Service''s frontpany staff, and overseas special forces soldiers. It was so crowded with soldiers who had heard about Kang Chul-Gyu and the DMZ team that there was barely any room to walk.

    As the funeral home staff struggled to manage the crowd, Choi Jong-Il approached Kang Chan.

    "We should use two more sections," he rmended.

    "Go for it. Make sure there''s enough food as well," Kang Chan ordered.

    "Yes, sir."

    Choi Jong-Il arranged to use the adjacent empty spaces, which provided a bit more room to sit. When the deceased¡¯s uncle and aunt arrived from Jangseong with their children, the line of mourners stretched even longer. While Seok Kang-Ho quietly greeted the soldiers, the deceased¡¯s uncle and aunt were simply grateful, not saying much else.

    Kang Chan was about to get up when he caught Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s gaze, who seemed to have something to say. There was no need to draw attention. Hence, Kang Chan gestured to the door with a nod and stood up.

    "I''m going to have a smoke," Kang Chan said, preventing the soldiers from following him.

    <em>Where the hell is that guy, though?</em>ncing over, Kang Chan found G¨¦rard talking with the interpreter, surrounded by soldiers listening intently. He decided to leave them be for now.

    Upon climbing the stairs and stepping out to the entrance of the funeral hall, the darkness and the city lights seemingly rushed at him. He made sure to avoid disturbing the soldiers who were smoking. Not long after, Kang Chul-Gyu approached him.

    He pointed to a coffee shop across the road. "Think we can get some coffee over there?"

    There was no need for further discussion. Kang Chan took the lead, and Kang Chul-Gyu walked beside him.

    Kang Chul-Gyu was wearing the clothes that Kang Chan had bought for him at the department storest time. It was alright, though, since it still fit the asion.

    "What do you want to drink?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Maybe a coffee?"

    "Sit down. I''ll order."

    Kang Chan ordered two warm coffees and brought them to the terrace where Kang Chul-Gyu was sitting. The night air was still chilly.

    "When are we heading out?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked as Kang Chan sat down.

    <em>He¡¯s got something to say. </em>

    Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee and put it down. He then looked at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "Dong-Sik looks like he needs some more time. If it¡¯s alright, we¡¯d like to leave first and give him time to sort things out."

    "What¡¯s going on?" Kang Chan asked.

    With a slightly awkward expression, Kang Chul-Gyu answered, "I want to give my team a chance to seek forgiveness from their families before it¡¯s toote. I told them they could go home if they wanted, but Dong-Sik..."

    Kang Chul-Gyu briefly mentioned that Yang So-Mi, Dong-Sik''s daughter, was struggling. Honestly, Kang Chan found it funny. These people could take down a UIS executive with a single nce, yet they needed time to deal with a son-inw. Kang Chan was subtly worried that the son-inw would end up hanging from a Chinese restaurant sign somewhere in Seoul.

    "Are you sure nothing will go wrong?"

    "They won''t make a scene," Kang Chul-Gyu assured.

    He clearly didn''t mean that they wouldn''t hit him¡ªjust that they wouldn''t cause any problems.

    <em>Well, that¡¯s not a big deal.</em>

    "Alright, then. I have a meeting at the embassy tomorrow morning. We need to discuss how other intelligence agencies are evaluating this operation and what our next steps should be. It would be best to leave after the funeral and then stay for about three days."

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded, agreeing to stay at the hotel for three more days with no incidents.

    <em>Why is he always soposed when we''re alone?</em>

    "I''m going to head back first," said Kang Chul-Gyu, ending the conversation somewhat awkwardly.

    <em>What a stubborn old man! </em>

    He wanted to spend more time with Kang Chan but did not want to show that he felt awkward about it. However, his expression had already revealed everything.

    Kang Chul-Gyu exited the coffee shop and crossed the street.

    <em>Damn! </em>

    If it weren''t for the awkwardness, they might have gotten even closer. As Kang Chan pursed his lips, Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung entered the coffee shop.

    "Sit down. Got a cigarette?" Kang Chan asked.

    While Woo Hee-Seung went to order, Choi Jong-Il handed over a cigarette and a lighter.

    <em>Click.</em>

    "<em>Whoo</em>."

    Exhaling the smoke, his frustration eased a bit.

    "Manager Kim left a while ago. He saw you two and asked me to convey his apologies for not being able to say goodbye."

    Kang Chan nodded. By tomorrow morning, Lanok would arrive in Seoul.

    "Let''s head back to the office after coffee."

    "Yes, sir."

    "Call G¨¦rard to the side before we leave," Kang Chan ordered.

    Kang Chan flicked the ash from his cigarette while listening to Choi Jong-Il''s response.

    ***

    For once, he had truly slept soundly and deeply. He thought about going home to Hannam-dong but disliked the emptiness, so Kang Chan fell asleep on the office sofa.

    "<em>Agh</em>!"

    Every part of him hurt. Even just sitting or standing up made his entire body ache and throb.

    "<em>Ugh</em>."

    His wounds had to be stretched regrly. If he left the stitches to pull, every move he¡¯d make would be unbearable. Stepping out of the conference room, he watched the morning light outside the window.

    G¨¦rard, lying on a cot, raised his head. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee almost simultaneously got up. It was the usual morning scene. Apart from the lingering pain and wounds, they felt as if they had just woken up from a long dream.

    Kang Chan walked to the table against the wall and drank some water. Mornings like this made him crave coffee, especially sweet, instant ones.

    <em>Ssh.</em>

    "I''ll handle it," Choi Jong-Il offered.

    "No need. Want some?"

    While Kang Chan was making coffee with Choi Jong-Il, the interpreter approached with a weary face.

    "You didn''t go home?" Kang Chan asked.

    "I thought things might get busy, so I headed straight here."

    It seemed he hade by another car.

    <em>Didn''t this guy say he had a daughter? Come to think of it, I still don''t know her name.</em>

    After breakfast, Kang Chan quickly washed up and left the office. Covering the deep wound on his face with a bandage made him look much better.

    Eventually, he went on his way to meet Lanok. Looking out the car window, he couldn''t help but smile. It felt good that Lanok wasn¡¯t in Loriam anymore and that Kang Chan could meet him any time they were both avable. It was as if this was some kind of reward forpleting the mission and returning alive.

    Eventually, the familiar embassy building came into view. As they entered the parking lot, they found Raphael waiting to greet him.

    "Wee, Monsieur Kang."

    Raphael certainly looked more rxed now.

    "Where¡¯s the ambassador?"

    "He¡¯s waiting for you in his office. Please follow me."

    Raphael treated Kang Chan with even more respect than before. Kang Chan walked through the familiar entrance and up the stairs. Afterward, he made his way down the carpeted hallway and, finally, entered the office.

    "Monsieur Kang!" Lanok eximed. He approached Kang Chan with a bright smile and wide-open arms.

    "Mr. Ambassador."

    Kang Chan was genuinely d to see him.

    "Monsieur Kang,¡± Pierre, who was standing nearby, greeted.

    "Please, have a seat."

    Lanok led Kang Chan to the table.

    "Unfortunately, I have an appointment, so I must leave. Please enjoy your time with the ambassador, Monsieur Kang."

    After excusing himself, Pierre left immediately. There was nothing they could do about his busy schedule.

    Once the two had sat down, Lanok poured them some tea.

    <em>Ssh</em>.

    "How are you?"

    "I''m fine."

    Lanok nodded and lifted his teacup. Pushing aside the pleasantries, he got straight to business.

    "Now, we¡¯re truly at war.¡±

    He exined in detail how they eliminated key Rothschild family figures, froze their Swiss ounts, and withdrew their investments.

    "Roman is in the United States right now, and Josh is detained somewhere in the UK. We will decide on their fate soon."

    Kang Chan understood that a lot had happened behind the scenes. With Lanok now back in position, he seemed to have taken the responsibility of handling them.

    "There won''t be any immediate changes, though. Knowing your abilities and character, they certainly won''t act rashly. For now, we should monitor the situation and respond ordingly."

    "So we have some time for now?"

    "Yes. In the meantime, we need to work on connecting the Eurasian Rail and constructing the next-generation energy facilities. Think of it as a well-deserved break."

    "Where will you be, Mr. Ambassador?"

    "Where else but by your side, Monsieur Kang?"

    Kang Chanughed. He felt like they had just parted ways yesterday and were meeting again today.

    "Since we''ve cut off a part of their body, the Star of David will undoubtedly n a major counterattack. Something bigger than nuclear missiles and more frightening than the gold currency standard. We need to prepare as much as we can while we wait for it."

    Since Lanok was an expert in this area, Kang Chan asked all the questions he had. Their conversation continued until noon and carried on over lunch. As they finished their meal, a familiar figure walked into the dining room.

    "Anne!"

    "Monsieur Kang!"

    <em>This is what life is about! Meeting and spending time with people you care about.</em>

    "Am I interrupting?" Anne asked.

    "Not at all," Kang Chan answered.

    Lanok, looking unusually rxed, gestured for her to join them.

    "Have you had lunch?"

    "I ate out."

    After some brief introductions, Anne brought up an unexpected topic.

    "The DGSE asked us to rmend a new Director-General."

    "<em>Hmm</em>, that''s a tough issue. We need someone we can trustpletely..."

    This was a difficult decision to make.

    As Kang Chan took a sip of his coffee, Lanok called him. "Mr. Kang Chan."

    "Mr. Ambassador."

    Hearing the title "Ambassador" brought a smile to Lanok''s face.

    "How about sending G¨¦rard to the DGSE?"

    "What do you mean?"

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what to say. After all, he didn¡¯t expect to hear such a suggestion.

    "G¨¦rard is highly trusted among the Foreign Legion, especially the special forces. He is incredibly loyal to you and has a favorable view of Korea. His activities over the past year could pose a problem, though..."

    <em>So he has been thinking about this.</em>

    The more he listened, the more Kang Chan realized that Lanok had already nned to send G¨¦rard to the DGSE. Kang Chan had momentarily forgotten, but this was the kind of man Lanok was. G¨¦rard joining the DGSE would ensure that Kang Chan could never turn against France¡ªa calcted move by Lanok.

    "That concern can be managed by the trust you ce in him, Mr. Kang Chan."

    "What kind of role will G¨¦rard have?"

    "I n to appoint him as the Inspector Director-General of the DGSE with the same level of authority as the Deputy Director-General."

    Kang Chan tilted his head in confusion as Lanok''s gaze suddenly turned cold.

    "The current DGSE needs thorough reorganization. I will grant G¨¦rard the authority to remove any suspicious deputies below the rank of Deputy Director-General."

    Kang Chan exhaled quietly. Such a task would require G¨¦rard to risk his life.

    "Will G¨¦rard ept this proposal?"

    "It depends on how you persuade him, Mr. Kang Chan," Lanok answered.

    "I''m worried there isn¡¯t anyone in the DGSE who will follow G¨¦rard."

    "He has achieved great sess in a short time by winning over the special forces members of the Foreign Legion. If he can do that, he can certainly remove the dubious deputies within the intelligence agency and build a new team that supports him."

    "You¡¯ve had G¨¦rard in mind from the beginning, haven¡¯t you, Mr. Ambassador?"

    "All that¡¯s left is your approval, Monsieur Kang."

    <em>Why is everything moving so fast?</em>

    Kang Chan was once again reminded of how powerful Lanok was.

    "Do I have the authority to make such a decision?"

    "Everyone in the intelligence bureau knows G¨¦rard is your man. I¡¯m taking this opportunity to hand over the DGSE to you and to ask you to protect France''s future."

    Lanok looked straight at Kang Chan, his face void of any smile, expression, or emotion.

    "I expect you to use G¨¦rard to take control of the DGSE. Once he has properly established himself, I intend to appoint him as its Director-General. I hope you look after him and nurture any new talents with him."

    Lanok''s voice, though soft, carried a strong resolve. Another deep sigh escaped Kang Chan. This was a request, a wish, and an expectation he couldn''t refuse.

    "Understood. I''ll discuss this with G¨¦rard as soon as I return."

    "I look forward to a favorable oue."

    <em>Doesn''t this feel like some kind of trick? It''s as if Lanok and the DGSE were put into a bowl and spun around, and then I was asked to pick one.</em>

    As if reading Kang Chan''s mind, Lanok suddenly changed the topic.

    "Monsieur Kang, do you have an idea of the scale of funds flowing into Korea?"

    "What?"

    "I''m talking about the Rothschild funds that we¡¯ve seized in Switzend and other countries. A portion of that amount will be transferred to Korea."

    "That¡¯s not really my area of expertise," Kang Chan answered.

    Lanok nodded as if he had expected that response.

    "The Federal Reserve Bank of the United States is not a government institution; it consists of twelve regional Federal Reserve Banks and four thousand eight hundred affiliate banks."

    The sudden shift to economics made Kang Chan pay close attention.

    "Since most of those banks are in the hands of the Rothschilds, the US is seizing this opportunity to reim the Federal Reserve Bank."

    Seeing Kang Chan''s expression, Lanok quickly continued, "The funds from the Swiss banks and foreign intelligence bureaus amount to roughly two trillion dors."

    Kang Chan couldn''t help butugh.

    <em>Shouldn''t something like this feel more impactful? Isn¡¯t that enough to buy everyone in Korea pork cutlets?</em>

    "Negotiate with the Korean government,¡± Lanok said.

    Kang Chan had trouble grasping everything that the man was saying.

    "If they find out about the influx of that money, it will cause immense social chaos. Local governments, administrative departments, the National Assembly, the judiciary, and even civic groups will scramble to benefit from it."

    "How are France and other countries managing this?"

    "The DGSE has taken control of it. It¡¯s turned into some kind of national slush fund."

    <em>What? Are they suggesting we hide the money?</em>

    Seemingly reading Kang Chan¡¯s mind again, Lanok nodded.

    "The Star of David might be waiting for such a scenario so they could trigger massive intion. They have the power to make the dor more worthless than toilet paper."

    <em>All this is giving me is a vague sense of dread. Honestly, I can imagine a few hundred special forces soldiers charging in with bombs right this instant. On the contrary, talk of money and intion feels like a distant concern.</em>

    Thanks to his economics education in Niaplu, Kang Chan could at least somewhat understand all this.

    <em>Did Lanok ensure I get that training because he has foreseen this situation?</em>

    Kang Chan couldn''t help butugh again.

    "I am no match for you, Mr. Ambassador."

    Lanok gave him a mysterious smile. "If the heads of European intelligence bureaus heard you, they''d probably reevaluate me."

    The conversation ended there.

    Kang Chan stood up and exchanged farewells with Lanok and Anne.

    "I¡¯ll be taking my leave, Mr. Ambassador. I''ll contact you after discussing things with G¨¦rard," he said.

    Lanok only nodded. After Kang Chan left the dining room, Lanok sat back down and spoke to Anne.

    "Never forget Kang Chan''s eyes when he heard about the two trillion dors earlier. He wasn''t shaken at all. People who don''t covet what''s not theirs are truly formidable. On the other hand, he hesitated when I suggested sending G¨¦rard to the DGSE."

    Lanok looked at the door through which Kang Chan had exited, then gazed back at Anne.

    "He calcted whether G¨¦rard would be in danger and if he could help in the worst-case scenario. Meeting Kang Chan was a huge opportunity for France. Fortunately, we¡¯ve endlessly prepared for the future."

    "I agree,¡± Anne responded, which Lanok seemed satisfied with.

    "Everything seems to be falling into ce now."

    "Is it really okay to eliminate the DGSE''s executives, though?" Anne asked.

    "In the world of intelligence, being<em> ''tainted with a different color'' </em>means not just being useless but being harmful. Once tainted, they can never return,¡± Lanok replied with a firm expression. "Remember, any DGSE member who carries some other purpose aside from the glory of France must be removed, no matter who they are. They will always be a threat."

    "I see.¡±

    "Watching G¨¦rard will be a valuable learning experience. His judgment, actions, and decisiveness¡ªif his loyalty to Kang Chan can be directed toward France, there will be nothing more I could wish for."

    "Yes, sir,¡± Anne responded respectfully.

 Chapter 368: An Awkward Plan (1)

    After leaving the embassy, Kang Chan headed to the office.

    G¨¦rard as the Inspector Director-General of the DGSE? The same level of authority as the Deputy Director-General?

    In this world of intelligence bureaus, the higher the rank, the more likely it was for people to die. Now, Lanok had just suggested giving G¨¦rard the position of Inspector Director-General in the DGSE.

    G¨¦rard had a higher chance of being in some kind of danger while removing DGSE executives than a chain smoker suddenly smoking again after stopping for three days.

    <em>Should I really rmend this position to G¨¦rard? The man came here because he was lonely. What am I supposed to say if he asks me about what I think he should do?</em>

    Kang Chan felt so frustrated that he didn¡¯t even want to go to the office. He turned his head from the window to the agents.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop by the specialty coffee shop at the intersection over there,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    By now, the three agents with him could easily read his mood.While Lee Doo-Hee was parking the car on one side of the road, Choi Jong-Il quickly radioed someone.

    Afterward, Kang Chan said, ¡°Choi Jong-Il, pick up G¨¦rard and bring him here. I¡¯ll call him so he¡¯ll be ready by the time you get there.¡±

    ¡°Copy. I¡¯ll send one of the teams that are standing by.¡±

    Kang Chan simply nodded in response. He could just leave things like this to Choi Jong-Il¡¯s judgment.

    He then sat on the terrace and called G¨¦rard.

    - Hello!

    The fucker had always been a bit mischievous.

    ¡°I sent agents toe pick you up and take you to a cafe. It¡¯s nice outside, so I thought we should have a cup of coffee.¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    G¨¦rard sounded quite happy.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan instinctively sharply examined the seats where enemies could shoot him. At the same time, he noticed the agents that were standing by near the cafe.

    <em>Damn it! Maybe I should¡¯ve just gone to the office. Did I really have toe here?</em>

    Kang Chan was wearing an expensive suit, but his face was covered in bandages and small cuts. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee were sitting on all three sides of the terrace, seemingly surrounding it.

    The other customers nced at Kang Chan.

    <em>I¡¯m sorry for ruining the mood. I know you guys just wanted to have some coffee in peace. Still, there are times when I also want to have conversations out in ces like this.</em>

    Kang Chan knew that agents in civilian clothes were walking around the alley and waiting in a van in the parking lot for his sake. Nevertheless, he had to do this. He was worried about sending G¨¦rard alone to France. Considering the distance, Kang Chan might not be able to help him immediately if G¨¦rard found himself in a life-threatening situation.

    <em>Just this once, I hope the agents forgive me for putting more burden on their shoulders. </em>

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette from his pocket and put it in between his lips.

    <em>Chk chk. Chk chk.</em>

    Cupping the fire with his hand to prevent the strong winds from blowing it out, he lit up his cigarette.

    Kang Chan then exhaled cigarette smoke. ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    A powerful South Korea?

    South Korea would soon receive two trillion dors. Once they were done constructing the Eurasian Rail and the next-generation energy facilities, then he¡¯d be closer to achieving his goal of making South Korea powerful.

    Their nation had started covering all medical expenses for citizens above a certain age, and not to mention, education waspletely free.

    <em>Haven¡¯t I done enough to sit back and live with the people I cherish now?</em>

    Kang Chan dropped his cigarette into the cup that was filled with ground coffee.

    A familiar van soon stopped in front of the coffee shop, and G¨¦rard in a suit and a shirt got out. He had a firm physique, brown hair, a tall nose, and deep blue eyes with hints of green.

    He smiled at Kang Chan.

    G¨¦rard didn¡¯t look much different from Kang Chan; he, too, had bandages and small wounds all over his face. For some strange reason, though, the vibe he gave off was different.

    Compared to when they looked at Kang Chan, the customers in the specialty coffee shop examined G¨¦rard differently.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you call me all the way out here, Cap?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°Like I said, we¡¯re going to have coffee to enjoy the nice weather. Have a seat.¡±

    ¡°Let me order first. Have you ordered yet?¡±

    ¡°Grab me one as well.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Choi? Want coffee?¡± G¨¦rard asked. Afterward, he went to the counter to order.

    ¡°How can his nasal twang be that attractive?¡± Kang Chan heard one of the girls in the coffee shop ask. He didn¡¯t even want to look at her.

    He wasn¡¯t jealous that women thought G¨¦rard was attractive. Most people knew that Kang Chan was too busy to even see Kim Mi-Young.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard called a momentter. He brought over a few cups of coffee and ced them on Kang Chan and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s table.

    <em>Plop.</em>

    Based on his expression and the way he sat in the chair, being stuck in the office also seemed to have frustrated G¨¦rard.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°Have a smoke first,¡± Kang Chan brightly offered.

    In response, G¨¦rard took a cigarette and lit it up.

    ¡°Isn''t it nice here? It¡¯s been a while since Ist visited this ce. Anyway, it reminded me of you and Daye,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I¡¯m d I came to South Korea.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled, then sipped his coffee. He seemed tired.

    Meanwhile, G¨¦rard finished smoking. ¡°There! All done. What were you going to tell me?¡±

    ¡°How did you know that I have something to tell you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s written all over your face.¡±

    <em>That¡¯s not surprising. I would¡¯ve also quickly recognized that G¨¦rard had something to tell me if he met up with me like this.</em>

    Kang Chan fixed his expression, then brought up what he wanted to tell G¨¦rard.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just been informed that France is nning to conduct arge-scale operation to rece corrupt DGSE executives. They¡¯ll be putting the Inspector Director-General in charge of it. For that reason, they¡¯ll be given the authority of a Deputy Director-General.¡±

    After a brief pause, Kang Chan added, ¡°I was also told that we should take this opportunity to put the DGSE under ourplete control.¡±

    ¡°Do they want me to be the DGSE¡¯s Inspector Director-General?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°What do you think I should do?¡±

    Kang Chan already expected G¨¦rard to ask for his opinion, which was why he had been thinking about this so much.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be putting your life on the line if you ept this, so you¡¯ll have to decide for yourself. If you want to do it, then ept the offer. Otherwise, you can stay here with me just like what you¡¯ve been doing until now," he answered.

    ¡°So what do you think?¡±

    ¡°Like I said, it¡¯s your call.¡±

    Smirking, G¨¦rard tapped off the ashes of his cigarette.

    ¡°What to do, what to do. Should I be the Inspector Director-General of the DGSE or stay by your side?¡±

    <em>Is he even listening?</em>

    Kang Chan stopped smiling as he looked at G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Well, how far do you n to go, Cap? If you¡¯re satisfied with what you¡¯ve aplished until now, then I¡¯ll just stay here, but if you want to aplish something more than this, then I¡¯ll go to France.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if he had just been pped by G¨¦rard.

    ¡°What about the nk years in my past, by the way? The DGSE will definitely question that,¡± G¨¦rardmented.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok told me that it doesn¡¯t matter. We simply need trustworthy people in the right positions.¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded, seemingly getting the gist of why Lanok would say that.

    ¡°Does that mean they¡¯re not going to talk about my past anymore because you trust me?¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°Oui,¡± G¨¦rard quickly answered.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to think deeply about this. I¡¯m only worried about whether it¡¯ll be better for you to go to France and be the DGSE¡¯s Inspector Director-General or stay here with me.¡±

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s all you¡¯re worried about, then I¡¯ll just stay here.¡±

    Kang Chan, who had held up his coffee, burst outughing.

    G¨¦rard''s clear-cut answer made him feel stupid for even worrying. The coffee cup that he was holding now felt as if it was filled with refreshing Spirit instead of coffee.

    ¡°<em>Phew</em>! I feel like a weight has been taken off my shoulders!¡± Kang Chan eximed.

    ¡°You were worried about this?¡±

    ¡°For some strange reason, yes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to France,¡± G¨¦rard repeated.

    ¡°I know, I know.¡±

    Once G¨¦rard had made up his mind, there was no longer any for Kang Chan to persuade him otherwise.

    ¡°Daye has be a decent human being,¡± G¨¦rardmented, changing the subject. He now looked rxed.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°He lookedpletely different from before at the funeral home. Now that I think about it, I can¡¯t even remember what you and Daye looked like before anymore.¡±

    ¡°Me neither.¡±

    Their conversation now revolved around their past, including the battles that they had fought in Africa and how Daye almost died multiple times. Afterward, they talked about how they met again and fought the Quds together, then how G¨¦rard felt when Kang Chan went to Afghanistan to help.

    Every horrible moment in that battle disguised itself as a mere memory whenever they were together like this. Naturally, they didn¡¯t talk about how they killed people¡ªonly about how they thought they would die when they ran out of bullets and how great the Jeungpyeong special forces team had be.

    ¡°Your wounds definitely heal quicker than normal,¡± G¨¦rardmented afterward.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you why.¡±

    ¡°Still, I feel like I¡¯m getting the short end of the stick.¡±

    Cars drove and pedestrians in different outfits walked past as the two talked about various topics. Soon, the smell of food wafted toward them.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t remember how long it had been since hest spent his time like this. Once again, he realized that he still hadn¡¯t properly shown G¨¦rard around Seoul.

    Time flew by.

    ¡°Got any ns this evening?¡±G¨¦rard asked afterward.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m going to meet someone.¡±

    G¨¦rard looked at Kang Chan suspiciously.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be heading there from here. What about you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Should I have dinner with Michelle?¡±

    ¡°Go for it,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°That aside, Cap, what are you going to do about Shan?¡±

    ¡°Well, he had been surviving on drugs, which is probably why he hasn¡¯t regained consciousness yet. I¡¯ll have to watch and see what happens for a few more days. If he still hasn¡¯te around by the time Smithen gets discharged, then¡­¡±

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s eyes suddenly glinting, G¨¦rard¡¯s glinted as well.

    Kang Chan now nned to put a proper end to all this so they wouldn¡¯t have problems anymore moving forward.

    Soon, G¨¦rard took out his phone and called Michelle.

    ¡°Would you like to have dinner together?¡± he asked.

    Kang Chan almost thought that Seok Kang-Ho was sitting next to him.

    What was the point of speaking French with a cool nasal twang when he only talked about things like this?

    <em>This guy¡¯s so boring, though!</em>

    ¡°Can¡¯t you just have dinner with me without asking questions? Are you busy or not?¡± G¨¦rard prodded.

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    <em>With the way you¡¯re talking to her, you¡¯ll end up having dinner at the office!</em>

    ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving soon, so go get ready. I¡¯ll call you when I get there.¡±

    Now, he sounded as if he had actually sessfully made ns with Michelle.

    ¡°The captain already has ns. I¡¯ll be there in fifteen minutes.¡±

    G¨¦rard lowered his phone and hung up.

    ¡°Michelle agreed to have dinner with me,¡± he then told Kang Chan.

    ¡°Do you even want to eat with her?¡±

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s the only one aside from you whom I can actually talk to in French.¡±

    ¡°Why did you talk to her like that, then?¡±

    G¨¦rard blinked as if he didn¡¯t understand what Kang Chan was saying.

    <em>What can I even say to this bastard?</em>

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be on your way? You told her you¡¯ll be right over in fifteen minutes, no?¡±

    ¡°Oh, right! I¡¯ll be taking my leave, then.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    G¨¦rard stood up. After nodding goodbye at Choi Jong-Il, he headed to the van.

    Once he was gone, Kang Chan picked up his phone and called Kim Mi-Young.

    It was strange, but while listening to the dial tone, his heart began to race.

    Kang Chan smirked. Just as he took a deep breath, Kim Mi-Young picked up.

    - Hello?

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    - Hi!

    <em>What the fuck? Am I trying to impersonate Vasili or something? I should speak a bit more softly. Otherwise, I¡¯d be no different from G¨¦rard!</em>

    ¡°Would you like to have dinner with me?¡±

    - Right now?

    ¡°Are you busy?¡±

    - Not at all! Where should we meet?

    ¡°Where are you? I¡¯ll pick you up.¡±

    - I¡¯m almost at our apartment. How long will it take you to get here?

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there in fifteen minutes.¡±

    Kang Chan felt as if Kim Mi-Young hesitated for a moment.

    - Would it be alright if we meet in an hour instead?

    ¡°We can just meet next time if you¡¯re not avable today.¡±

    - That¡¯s not it. I really am free.

    She did seem to be telling the truth.

    ¡°Alright. An hour it is.¡±

    - Okay!

    It had been quite a while since Kang Chan had heard her answer so brightly.

    After hanging up, looked around him.

    <em>Where can I have dinner with her in private despite having so many agents guarding me?</em>

    He spent the next hour just rxing, which he hadn¡¯t done in a while.

    He felt bad for the agents who were watching over him. However, since he was going to meet Kim Mi-Young anyway, he decided to spend his free time at the specialty coffee shop.

    He watched the sunset taint the horizon and fill the windows, making it seem as if blood was seeping into the western sky.

    <em>¡®How are you all doing over there?¡¯ </em>Kang Chan asked the rookie whom he failed to protect and the other soldiers who died before him.

    He¡¯d never forget the faces of his subordinates who were killed in Africa, Afghanistan, Libya, and North Korea.

    He also thought about Choi Jong-Geon, who stubbornly held his ground until the end. Hwang Ki-Hyun¡ªand his sharp eyes¡ªand Song Chang-Wook, too. He could still remember Song Chang-Wook asking him if he loved South Korea.

    <em>Are you all watching us? We¡¯ve aplished a lot, yet I still don¡¯t know if we¡¯ve done enough or what I should even do next. </em>

    <em>Damn it! All this spare time is making me have too many thoughts!</em>

    Kang Chan looked down from the sky and searched for Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°Come here for a moment,¡± he ordered.

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il approached the table. To those who didn¡¯t know them, Kang Chan probably looked like the son of a powerful gangster. They¡¯d likely also assume that he was on the terrace with a member of the gang.

    ¡°I know it¡¯ll be ufortable for the agents, but I¡¯m thinking of having dinner with Mi-Young today. I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Understood. You don¡¯t have to worry about us.¡±

    It was best to inform the agents about his ns in advance. That way, Kang Chan could save them the trouble of blindly following him.

    ¡°Have you thought about where you''re going to have dinner?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet, but I was hoping to eat near our apartment. I still haven¡¯t even decided what to eat. Oh, right! Reserve a pension house for us.¡±

    ¡°A pension house?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I want to stay there tomorrow. Make sure it¡¯s somewhere quiet.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il nodded. He looked as if he was trying hard to look nonchnt.

    <em>What¡¯s with that look? I just want to go to a pension house. If I could go there alone, I wouldn¡¯t have asked him to do this for me.</em>

    After their conversation, Kang Chan stood up and headed to the car with Choi Jong-Il.

    <em>Oh, shoot! How do we get to the restaurant once I¡¯ve picked up Kim Mi-Young? Should I just have Lee Doo-Hee drive us there?</em>

    Kang Chan pursed his lips.

    <em>We should just eat at a restaurant that¡¯s within walking distance of the Cheonsang apartment.</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart strangely fluttered. He thought it was just because he used to live here, though.

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to reach their destination. Kang Chan got out right in front of the entrance of Kim Mi-Young¡¯s apartmentplex.

    Walking through theplex¡¯s main gate, which hadrge pirs on each side, he saw familiar buildings.

    He looked at the bench, seemingly out of habit. There, he found Kim Mi-Young staring at him. She stood up.

    Suddenly filled with a mix of emotions, Kang Chan found himself smiling. He felt a tad bit awkward, but he was happy to see her.

    ¡°Mi-Young!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Hi!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young walked toward him. Unlike thest time they had met, she didn¡¯t skip.

    ¡°What happened to you?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Oh, these bandages? They¡¯re nothing¡ªjust little cuts.¡±

    As Kim Mi-Young examined Kang Chan¡¯s face, their eyes met. She seemed to have grown up again.

    ¡°You must be in a lot of pain,¡± Kim Mi-Youngmented.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Let¡¯s go eat¡ªwhat do you want to have?¡±

    Kang Chan now realized why she had said that she needed an hour. Judging from her clothes, the smell of shampooing from her hair, and her glowing skin, she seemed to have used that time to wash up and change.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay with anything, so you can just pick for us.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we take a walk and eat somewhere that catches our attention, then?¡±

    ¡°That sounds great.¡±

    Kang Chan turned around. Kim Mi-Young walked next to him.

    ¡°How¡¯s school?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It was awkward at first, but it¡¯s a lot better now.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in response.

    Little by little, their surroundings were bing darker.

    ¡°Channy.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know why, but he seemed to be having trouble getting used to Kim Mi-Young calling his name. Although he missed her all the time, hearing her call him ¡°Channy,¡± not ¡°Oppa,¡± made him feel as if he was meeting his younger sister.

    When he turned to her, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s have pork cutlets.¡±

    ¡°Pork cutlets?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Japanese-style pork cutlets.¡±

    Kang Chan felt embarrassed to admit it, but he had never had the pork cutlets that Kim Mi-Young was talking about even though they weren¡¯t that expensive. He lived quite a sorrowful life.

    ¡°Do you know a restaurant that sells those?¡±

    ¡°Yep! We just need to walk a little more from here. Is that okay?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Kang Chan walked in the direction that she told him to go. The longer they walked, the darker their surroundings became.

    ¡°Did you really have time to meet me today?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Yeah. I actually have something I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you.¡±

    ¡°What would that be?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it over dinner.¡±

    <em>Damn it! We stopped talking again. It wasn¡¯t this awkward when we were talking on the phone.</em>

 Chapter 369: An Awkward Plan (2)

    As the evening rush hour began, Kang Chan left the apartmentplex with Kim Mi-Young and headed toward a Japanese-style pork cutlet restaurant.

    The two strolled amid people walking hurriedly past them.

    Kang Chan couldn''t help but smile when Kim Mi-Young looked at him.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the smile?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m just happy I get to spend time with you.¡±

    Kim Min-Young yfully pouted.

    Not too long ago, they used to walk down this road together in their school uniforms. Back then, Kang Chan¡¯s hand was bandaged. Now, she was wearing jeans and a id shirt, and Kang Chan was wearing a suit. The worlds they lived in had be as different as night and day.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you find it a hassle to walk all the way to the restaurant just to have dinner with me?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°You think this is hard for me?¡±¡°Yeah!¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled. Nothing about this could be considered difficult.

    ¡°What did you want to ask me?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Well, before that, where¡¯s this restaurant you want to visit?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s that one!¡± Kim Mi-Young pointed to the building at the corner of the block.

    The sign was written in Japanese. Cheol-Su¡ªa character who had appeared in the Japanese book that Kang Chan had read in school some time ago¡ªwould''ve been very happy to see this restaurant. Of course, he would¡¯ve just left after asking the prices of various things.

    It was a small restaurant that only had ten tables, which were so small that they could only seat two people. Fortunately, they still had one empty table left¡ªthe one right in front of the counter. Kim Mi-Young sat near the wall, and Kang Chan sat near the entrance.

    ¡°Can I take your order?¡±

    The employee seemed quite impatient.

    ¡°One moment please,¡± Kim Mi-Young said, then held up the acrylic menu.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have a beef tenderloin cutlet. What about you?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have the same thing.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s order one beef tenderloin cutlet and one fish cutlet and share instead.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    <em>When did she grow up so much?</em>

    Watching Kim Mi-Young order for them, Kang Chan thought about many things.

    ¡°Now, what did you want to ask me?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    it didn''t feel right to ask her the question while people were eating cutlets right next to them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner first and talk about it over coffee instead.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young cocked her head, her expression seemingly asking what he had in mind. However, she didn¡¯t press further.

    Kang Chan listened to Kim Mi-Young talk about school, her sunbaes, how different the sses were from high school, and what she''d been doing after sses.

    <em>So that¡¯s what you¡¯ve been up to while I was gone... Me? I was going through things I can¡¯t even tell you about.</em>

    Soon, their order was served.

    <em>Ha! These fuckers cut their cutlets into bite-size pieces.</em>

    Even though it was more expensive than the cutlets in the snack bar, it was really nice that they could eat it with chopsticks.

    ¡°Try it,¡± Kim Mi-Young said as she brought up her chopsticks to his mouth.

    Since they were in a restaurant filled with people, it felt wrong to refuse. Hence, Kang Chan obediently ate the piece of cutlet that she was trying to feed him.

    <em>Crunch. Crunch.</em>

    <em>Isn¡¯t this more like deep-fried meat than cutlets?</em>

    ¡°How is it?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s good.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young smiled brightly and then started eating.

    It was ridiculous, but delicious cutlets reminded Kang Chan of Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard.

    Would anyone be able to understand why he thought of two darkly tanned men whenever he had delicious food?

    They were in a small restaurant that was filled with customers who were looking at them, but Kim Mi-Young didn''t care¡ªno, it would be more urate to say that she was too preupied with spending precious time with Kang Chan that she didn''t even notice the stares.

    The look in her eyes, her smile, and even the way she thered the fish cutlet in sauce and gave it to him showed how much she liked him.

    It felt like the awkwardness between them while they were walking to the restaurant was disappearing with each piece of cutlet.

    ¡°This is really good,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    ¡°Right? <em>Huhuhu</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan had been wondering why herugh sounded different.

    <em>Has herughter always been this nice to hear?</em>

    It took them about forty minutes to finish their cutlets, a small bowl of udon, and steamed rice.

    ¡°Do you still have time for coffee?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked afterward.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kang Chan answered. He suddenly felt bad for making Kim Mi-Young wait for him and worry about taking up too much of his time.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay for our dinner,¡± Kim Mi-Young said.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Even though Kang Chan didn¡¯t agree to it, Kim Mi-Young stood up from her seat and quickly ran to the counter to pay.

    Upon catching up to her, he asked, ¡°Why are you paying?¡±

    ¡°Because you came all the way here even though you¡¯re busy.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young unsnapped her wallet¡¯s snap fastener and opened it. She then took out two 10,000 KW bills and handed them to the cashier. Kang Chan didn¡¯t mean to look inside, but he noticed that she only had a few 1000 KW bills left.

    Distressed, Kang Chan pursed his lips.

    By the time they had exited the restaurant, it was already dark outside.

    ¡°Where do you want to go next?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Mi-Young pointed to an establishment a bit of distance away from them. ¡°That way!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a small specialty coffee shop. I like it because it¡¯s quiet,¡± she exined.

    As they headed to the coffee shop, Kim Mi-Young hugged his arm. She unknowingly pulled on the stitches on his forearm, which almost made him frown.

    ¡°This makes me happy!¡± she eximed. Afterward, she asked, ¡°So, what have you been meaning to ask me?¡±

    Had she always been this persistent? Well, it didn¡¯t matter. Kang Chan nned to ask her about it tonight anyway.

    ¡°Are you busy this weekend?¡±

    ¡°Not really!¡± Kim Mi-Young answered.

    The specialty coffee shop was now right in front of them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside. What do you want to drink?¡± he asked.

    After cing their order, they sat at a table near the terrace with their drinks¡ªcoffee and peppermint tea.

    ¡°There¡¯s actually someone that I really want to introduce to you¡­¡± Kang Chan trailed off.

    Curious, Kim Mi-Young looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°He¡¯ll be flying to Mongolia soon. I was hoping we could stay at a pension house with him for about a day before he leaves.¡±

    ¡°A pension house?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked, mixed emotions evident on her face.

    ¡°If you¡¯re ufortable with that, we can just find some timeter and you can meet him then.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that. I was just wondering how I¡¯d get permission to go to a pension house.¡±

    <em>Ah, right! She needs her parents¡¯ permission first.</em>

    Kang Chan looked outside for a moment.

    ¡°Let me talk to your parents about this,¡± he then offered.

    Surprised filled Kim Mi-Young¡¯s expression.

    ¡°It¡¯s better than you sneaking out, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, but do you think my dad will let me go?¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan took out his phone.

    ¡°You know my dad¡¯s number?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    He looked for Kim Kwan-Sik¡¯s number and dialed it.

    The dial tone rang. Soon, he heard the stern voice of Kim Mi-Young¡¯s father.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Good evening, sir. It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Ah. Good evening.

    ¡°I¡¯m with Mi-Young.¡±

    - Is that right?

    Kim Kwan-Sik sounded delighted.

    - How can I help you?

    ¡°I¡¯d like to introduce Mi-Young to one of my colleagues. He¡¯s leaving for Mongolia in three days, so I was hoping you¡¯d let Mi-Young spend the day with us in a pension house tomorrow.¡±

    - You want to go there with Mi-Young?

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    An ufortable silence permeated the call. Kang Chan heard Kim Kwan-Sik let out a groan-like sigh.

    - <em>Hmm</em>.

    - Although I already know you act without hesitation, I still didn¡¯t expect you to confidently ask something like this. Can you keep the promise you made?

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    - Alright. Since I won¡¯t have to worry about Mi-Young¡¯s safety if she¡¯s with you, I¡¯ll put my trust in you.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes, who had been looking at Kang Chan anxiously, widened in surprise.

    - You¡¯re really hard to predict. Can you put Mi-Young on the phone?

    ¡°One moment please.¡±

    Kang Chan handed the phone to Kim Mi-Young. She answered it with a nervous expression.

    ¡°Hello? That¡¯s right. Uh-huh. No. I had dinner with him. Yes. I will. Thank you, Dad.¡±

    When Kim Mi-Young returned the phone to Kang Chan, the call had already ended.

    ¡°My dad said that he¡¯d tell my mom about this himself. What did he tell you? Have you talked to him before?¡±

    ¡°I have. About two times because of work.¡±

    It was a relief that Kim Mi-Young didn¡¯t ask about Kang Chan¡¯s work. He didn¡¯t want to tell her that he met Abibu with her father.

    While taking in the chilly night air, the warm coffee, and Kim Mi-Young¡¯s clear eyes, Kang Chan felt the spite that had filled him slowly disappear. Right now, he was as far as could be frombat and death.

    Kang Chan looked into Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes, which shone as brightly as the stars.

    ***

    ¡°Keep safe,¡± Kang Chan said afterward.

    ¡°I will! See you tomorrow at 1 pm!¡±

    ¡°See you!¡±

    Kim Mi-Young couldn¡¯t turn away from Kang Chan.

    Honestly, Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to turn away from her either. He enjoyed the time he had spent with her so much that he briefly forgot that the agents were keeping an eye on them.

    He never thought he would enjoy looking into Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes and spending time with her this much.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Bye.¡±

    Kim Mi-Young turned away and went home.

    Instead of going home, Kang Chan headed to his office and called Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Hyung-Jung. He quickly told them everything they needed to know and then hung up. Since it was already quitete, he didn''t bother calling G¨¦rard.

    ***

    The next day, Kang Chan had a rxing morning. He left the office after lunch.

    ¡°Heading out, sir?¡± one of the agents asked.

    ¡°Yeah. When Daye stops by, tell him that I have ns today and that I¡¯ll be back tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Yes sir.¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chan headed to the Namsan Hotel. Choi Jong-Il met him at the entrance.

    ¡°We parked the car over there.¡± Choi Jong-Il pointed at the car that they had parked in front of the entrance. He then handed him the key. ¡°We already inputted the pension house''s address into the GPS device, so it should be the first address you see when it turns on. We''ve also prepared everything you¡¯ll need at the pension house.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Kang Chan then entered the hotel and found Kang Chul-Gyu standing by the doors.

    Kang Chan smirked. Kang Chul-Gyu was wearing clean clothes. They seemed to have been washed here at the hotel.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Although Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t know where they were going, he still followed Kang Chan out without a word.

    When Kang Chan pressed a button on the car key, the blinkers flickered and the car unlocked with a <em>click</em>. He slid onto the driver''s seat, and Kang Chul-Gyu sat on the passenger''s side.

    Afterward, they hit the road.

    While Kang Chan enjoyed driving on days like this, driving in Seoul was as difficult as fighting in a battle. Because cars kept cutting into thene, he had to focus so much that they ended up driving in silence until they crossed the Hannam Bridge.

    At that moment, he realized that he should never have a weapon with him when he was driving.

    ¡°I used to think that people like me shouldn¡¯t start a family,¡± Kang Chan began while they were stuck in traffic, ¡°but I changed my mind after our most recent deployment. I met someone in high school, and she¡¯s a freshman in college now. I doubt I¡¯ll be perfect¡­ but I¡¯m thinking of having a serious rtionship with her.¡±

    The car moved again.

    ¡°We¡¯re on our way to a pension house so we can spend a day there with her.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu just kept quietly looking straight ahead.

    They drove the rest of the way to Kim Mi-Young¡¯s apartment in awkward silence. Whenever Kang Chan tried to do something with this man, they would always either do it in awkward silence or they¡¯d be awkward around each other while doing it.

    When they reached Kim Mi-Young''s apartment, she was already waiting out in the front. Kang Chan parked the car on the road and then got out.

    <em>Click.</em>

    As Kim Mi-Young approached them, Kang Chul-Gyu also got out of the car.

    The three stood in a circle. It was fucking awkward.

    ¡°This is the person I told you about yesterday,¡± Kang Chan told Kim Mi-Young. He then turned to Kang Chul-Gyu. ¡°Her name¡¯s Kim Mi-Young.¡±

    ¡°Hello,¡± Kim Mi-Young greeted Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±

    ¡°Get in,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Unsure of which seat to take, Kim Mi-Young hesitated. To help her decide, Kang Chul-Gyu took the backseat.

    The three then headed to the pension house.

    The drive to their destination was so quiet that they could hear when one of them swallowed dryly.

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Kim Mi-Young trailed off, rummaging through her bag. She then turned toward the back seat and said, ¡°Please try this.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Miss,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    ¡°Please be more casual when talking to me.¡±

    Through the rearview mirror, Kang Chan saw Kang Chul-Gyu''s expression twist as if he was sucking on an odd-tasting candy.

    ¡°Have one too.¡± Kim Mi-Young gave Kang Chan candy. She had partly removed the wrapper for him.

    The candies made it even harder for them to talk.

    Amid the silence, the female GPS voice constantly gave Kang Chan directions.

    The atmosphere was simply amazing.

    ¡°What was your name again, Miss?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kim Mi-Young. Please talk to me more casually.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    <em>The hell? He can say something like that with that kind of expression? Well, it¡¯s quieted down again, so what was even the point of that? </em>

    [In two kilometers, turn right to the Gangdong Bridge.]

    The GPS talked about the speed and thenes as if it were saying, ¡°To me, it doesn¡¯t matter whether you guys feel awkward or not!¡±

    Kang Chan drove in difort. Meanwhile, Kim Mi-Young, who had aplicated expression, alternated between looking straight ahead and at Kang Chan. Chul-Gyu just kept staring out the window indifferently.

    There wasn¡¯t that much traffic after exiting the Olympic Expressway. The GPS device didn¡¯t say much more either since they just had to go straight.

    Soon, they began driving parallel to a river. They then turned right in front of the Cheongpyeong Dam. Stylish pension houses and other amodations next to the river came into view.

    [You¡¯ll reach your destination in two hundred meters.]

    The GPS device sounded disappointed that they had arrived at their destination.

    They had the river to their right, across which was a tall hill. They passed by a sign that said ¡®Sweet Tree.¡¯

    <em>What does that even mean?</em>

    Kang Chan parked in the parking lot. A man in his mid-forties then began to approach them. He seemed to be the owner of the pension house.

    Kang Chan liked the clear air of the area the most.

    ¡°Do you have a reservation?¡± the man asked. Based on his expression, he seemed to be wondering what their rtionship was with each other.

    ¡°Yes, we do. It¡¯s under Kang Chan. Did wee here too early?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Not at all. Pleasee this way.¡±

    The owner nced at them again, then turned and led the way out of the parking lot.

    The pension house was amazing. Its living room gave them a nice view of the river, and it also had a yard out front where they could grill meat.

    The owner handed Kang Chan the key to the pension house, then headed to his office, seemingly not wanting to bother them anymore.

    Choi Jong-Il might¡¯ve said something to the owner.

    <em>Screech.</em>

    Upon entering the pension house, the fairlyrge living room and the kitchen immediately caught Kang Chan¡¯s attention. The living room took up half of this multi-story house¡¯s second floor.

    There were two rooms and a bathroom on the first floor.

    A coffee pot, coffee beans, ground coffee packets, and instant coffee were on the kitchen shelves, while the fridge was filled with meat and side dishes. Rice, soy sauce, gochujang[1], regr ramyeon, and cup ramyeon were in the cupboards above the sink.

    It looked as if the agents had gotten one of everything from a convenience store.

    Kang Chan opened a bottle of water and poured it into the coffee pot.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to have coffee¡­¡± Kang Chan trailed off.

    <em>It wouldn¡¯t be right to speak informally to Kang Chul-Gyu in front of Kim Mi-Young, would it?</em>

    ¡°What would you like to drink, sir?¡± Kang Chan respectfully asked Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nced at Kim Mi-Young, then looked back at Kang Chan again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll also have a cup of coffee. What about you, Mi-Young?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just have green tea,¡± Kim Mi-Young answered as she approached them.

    ¡°We don¡¯t need to make brewed coffee. We can just put two packets of instant coffee into each cup,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kim Mi-Young looked surprised but still did as Kang Chan suggested, pouring instant coffee into their cups and putting a green tea bag into hers.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take a look around outside,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    As if to avoid the awkwardness, he went out to the yard.

    ¡°Did you prepare all of this?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°I asked some people to.¡±

    ¡°This must have cost you a lot.¡±

    Kang Chan just smiled in response.

    ¡°It feels awkward, doesn¡¯t it?¡± he asked.

    ¡°A little.¡±

    They were finally able to talk a little bit now that they were alone.

    ¡°What should I call him?¡± Kim Mi-Young asked.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Should I call him sir?¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Kang Chul-Gyu as he poured water into a mug. The man was carefully examining the area across from them and his surroundings, specifically the ces where they could be shot from.

    There was no way Choi Jong-Il would leave the house across from the pension house unattended, though. They had definitely stationed agents in it so they could better secure the area.

    ¡°Would you like to have our drinks outside?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Sure. That¡¯s a good idea.¡±

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young left the living room and went outside. He carried two mugs, and she carried her green tea.

    They had an expansive view, and the air was clean and cool. The warm afternoon sunlight pleasantly greeted them.

    There was a barbeque grill and charcoal on one side of the yard.

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young sat next to each other at the wooden table. Kang Chul-Gyu sat across from them.

    Taking a sip of the hot and sweet coffee made Kang Chan feel a little better.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chul-Gyu looked at the river.

    The sun was starting to go down already, which made Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s wrinkles look much deeper than before.

    Perhaps it was because they were always inbat, but Kang Chan had never noticed how many wrinkles Kang Chul-Gyu had until now. The man was already quite old, his face filled with traces of his past.

    1. Gochujang or red chili paste is a savory, sweet, and spicy fermented condiment popr in Korean cuisine ?

 Chapter 370: I Wanted to Add My Wishes Too (1)

    "What do you do for a living, sir?" Kim Mi-Young shyly asked Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "I guard a factory being built in Mongolia," he replied.

    "Ah, I see," she responded awkwardly.

    When timidly smiled, Kang Chul-Gyu''s lips curved gently¡ªnot cruelly, menacingly, sharply, or mockingly. Kang Chan had never seen him smile like that before.

    "What do you want to be in the future, Mi-Young?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    "Me? I want to be a diplomat," she said.

    "A diplomat?"

    "Yes."

    Kang Chul-Gyu''s smile and question seemed to put Kim Mi-Young at ease. The conversation managed to continue a little longer, though an awkward silence soon threatened to break it again.<em>This is good enough. What more can I ask for? </em>

    Kang Chan gazed at the river.

    "Do your family members also live in Mongolia?" Kim Mi-Young asked, surprising Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan quickly turned back, his gaze unintentionally sharp. Although he immediately softened his expression, he had already startled Kim Mi-Young.

    "My wife and son were with me," Kang Chul-Gyu began, quickly drawing Kim Mi-Young''s attention back to him, "but I lost my son in Africa..."

    Kang Chan watched as Kang Chul-Gyu struggled through the pain.

    Kim Mi-Young''s eyes turned red.

    "The shock took my wife away shortly after."

    "I''m sorry," she said.

    "It''s alright. You didn''t know. Besides, for some reason, I don¡¯t mind telling you this story."

    Silence followed as Kim Mi-Young blinked away her tears and tried topose herself.

    <em>¡®Did I make a mistake? Should I have just had a meal or a cup of tea with them? Am I unnecessarily burdening the two of them?¡¯ </em>Kang Chan wondered.

    "Mi-Young, I''m feeling a bit peckish. Care to have some ramyeon with me?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    "Ramyeon? Let me cook it for you."

    "No, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m not nning to boil it, so I''ll make it myself. Would you like some?"

    "Sure,¡± she answered with a puzzled expression.

    The way he asked her made it hard for her to say, "I don''t like ramyeon!"

    <em>Why would someonee all the way to a pension house just to eat ramyeon? It¡¯s not like there¡¯s nothing to eat here.</em>

    Kang Chan shook his head in response to Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s questioning look.

    "I''ll help you,¡± Kim Mi-Young offered as Kang Chul-Gyu got up.

    She followed him inside.

    <em>Damn it! Smoking a cigarette would do wonders for my mental health right now.</em>

    Kang Chan nced inside, noticing that Kang Chul-Gyu had taken a frying pan and cooking oil. Meanwhile, Kim Mi-Young was opening a packet of ramyeon.

    Recalling the pension house in Gapyeong that he had visited with Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, he realized that he wanted this whole day to be fondly memorable. Eating instant food and drinking tea wouldn¡¯t aplish that.

    <em>Is that why Kang Chul-Gyu is doing something he has probably never done before?</em>

    ncing inside again, Kang Chan saw Kim Mi-Young looking curiously at the frying pan.

    <em>Fried ramyeon? Like crispy ramyeon snacks? If that¡¯s what he wants, they should have just bought some.</em>

    Kang Chan took a sip of his now-cold coffee.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Mi-Young came out with a tray of crispy fried ramyeon.

    At the same time, Kang Chan chuckled. They had indeed fried the ramyeon pieces until they were golden and crispy. They probably didn''t know that the best way to eat ramyeon was to either munch on it raw or sprinkle a bit of the seasoning powder.

    "Try it. It''s really tasty!" Kim Mi-Young said.

    Kang Chan wanted to decline, but he felt sorry for startling her earlier. Hence, he reached out for the ramyeon.

    <em>Crunch.</em>

    <em>What the...? </em>

    He couldn''t help butugh; the taste was simplyughable.

    "It''s good, right?"

    Kang Chan took another piece.

    <em>Crunch, crunch.</em>

    The three ate the fried ramyeon, catching the pieces in their palms.

    "Where did you learn this, sir?" Kim Mi-Young asked.

    "Back in the army, this was the best snack. We couldn''t use this much oil back then, though."

    After eating three or four pieces, Kang Chan was done. However, it felt awkward to stop eating since he felt he had to keep pace with the others.

    <em>Well, this isn¡¯t such a big deal. We¡¯re just sharing two packs of ramyeon.</em>

    He finished the bowl. Unlike the pork cutlets yesterday, the ramyeon didn¡¯t really remind him of G¨¦rard or Seok Kang-Ho.

    Awkwardness dawned upon them once more.

    "Why don''t you two go for a walk?" Kang Chul-Gyu suggested.

    <em>What else can the three of us do anyway?</em>

    "Want to go down by the river?" Kang Chan asked Mi-Young..

    "Sure!"

    Kim Mi-Young¡¯s enthusiasm made Kang Chul-Gyu smile gently again.

    <em>Just stick to your usual self, old man.</em>

    "Let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll be back soon¡­ sir," Kang Chan said, then stood up. Kim Mi-Young followed.

    "See youter, sir," she said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded in response.

    They walked around the side of the pension house toward where the car was parked, then down toward the river. While walking, Kang Chan held out his hand. Kim Mi-Young intertwined her fingers with his.

    The afternoon sunlight broke into sparkling fragments and made the water shimmer. Kang Chan looked both ways to check the road.

    "Let''s go."

    After crossing the twone road, they found a path that led down to the river. The distinctive, slightly fishy smell of the river greeted them as they walked along the bank. Kang Chan held Kim Mi-Young''s hand firmly.

    At that moment, Kang Chan gently squeezed Kim Mi-Young¡¯s hand. "You''re still young, and we don¡¯t know what the future holds, but¡­¡±

    Kim Mi-Young turned to him.

    He calmly continued, "I want us to hold hands, make a lot of memories, and experience new things together. I want your hand in mind until we grow old."

    When Kang Chan nced back, he immediately noticed that Kim Mi-Young¡¯s eyes were red again.

    <em>Why does she get teary-eyed so easily?</em>

    ¡°I¡¯d love that,¡± she replied.

    "I''ll always be by your side. When you be a diplomat, make sure to tell everyone it was thanks to your husband."

    Kim Mi-Young smiled at him in a way only women could do. She looked so filled with love that she looked as if she was glowing.

    The wind swept through her hair, and the sunlight breaking on the river illuminated her like a spotlight.

    There were probably agents on the other side watching with interest and excitement. Nevertheless, Kang Chan slowly pulled Kim Mi-Young closer and hugged her gently.

    "I''m sorry for making you wait. Unfortunately, there will probably be more times like this in the future. I apologize in advance," he said.

    Kim Mi-Young wrapped her arms around Kang Chan''s waist. Choi Jong-Il and Lee Doo-Hee tried to look away and pretended not to see anything. Still, they couldn''t help but smile.

    This was a new feeling for Kang Chan. For the first time, he had someone he could call his.

    Time passed slowly. Hand in hand, they walked along the river. asionally, they would swing their arms back and forth or look into each other¡¯s eyes.

    When they reached what seemed to be a dock for summer waterskiing, Kang Chan stopped. It felt dangerous to go beyond the perimeter of the mountains on the other side.

    "Let¡¯s head back," he said.

    "Okay."

    They retraced their steps.

    "How did you meet him?" Kim Mi-Young asked.

    "We met through work. Since then, he¡¯s helped me a lot. He''s like a father to me," Kang Chan replied.

    Kim Mi-Young nced at Kang Chan as if to confirm what she had just heard, then turned to the path ahead again.

    "I know it¡¯s been awkward, but I really wanted to introduce you to him."

    "I''m fine with it."

    They fell into silence again as they climbed back up from the river bank, crossed the road, and headed up the parking lot of the pension house. Smiling at each other, they finally let go of each other¡¯s hands. It felt a bit awkward to keep holding hands in front of Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <em>What¡¯s the old man up to?</em>

    They turned a corner and entered the yard. Kang Chul-Gyu was sitting at a table, holding a kitchen knife. He was carving something.

    <em>Is he butchering a chicken? </em>

    "We''re back," Kim Mi-Young greeted.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked up at them. He must have known they wereing back but had pretended not to notice.

    "What are you up to?" Kim Mi-Young asked.

    Kang Chul-Gyu smiled at her again. "I wanted to give you something tomemorate our meeting, but I didn¡¯t have much to offer..."

    He handed her a carving about the size of half a thumb.

    "Wow! Did you carve this yourself?" she asked.

    "I just have to make a hole at the top to finish it. Do you like it?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    "Of course! Are you sure you want to give this to me?"

    As Kang Chul-Gyu smiled, Kim Mi-Young handed the carving to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be surprised. He never knew that the old man had such a skill. It was a bit eerie, though. A carving of a snake coiled around a knife wasn¡¯t exactly something one would gift a young girl. It seemed more fitting to be a special forces team''s tattoo.

    <em>Could it be? </em>

    Kang Chan looked up at Kang Chul-Gyu. "A guardian deity?"

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. "I know you¡¯ll keep her safe, but I wanted to add my wishes too.¡±

    What was going on in this old man¡¯s head while he carved a piece of wood with a kitchen knife? Was he thinking of the son and wife he couldn''t protect, making him wish that Kang Chan could protect Kim Mi-Young properly?

    Maybe he hoped that this carving would protect her when Kang Chan couldn''t.

    Kang Chan handed the carving back to Kim Mi-Young.

    "If you like it, I¡¯ll finish it up. Are you okay with it?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    "I love it. This must have been hard to make, though. Aren¡¯t you tired?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu smiled broadly and took the carving back. "I just need to do the sgraffito and apply some oil. It¡¯ll be done by tomorrow morning."

    "Sgraffito?"

    "Oh, just think of it as the finishing touches."

    "You oil it too?"

    "Yes. It makes it much sturdier and longersting."

    Both Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Mi-Young looked a bit more at ease now. Not wanting to stand around awkwardly, Kang Chan lifted the nearby barbecue grill and moved it next to the table. He then grabbed some charcoal.

    "Anything you want me to do?" Kim Mi-Young asked Kang Chan.

    "Could you wash some vegetables?"

    "Sure!"

    She cheerfully headed inside.

    Kang Chan lit up the grill beside Kang Chul-Gyu, who continued to carve the small piece with his kitchen knife.

    "What time are you leaving tomorrow?" asked Kang Chul-Gyu.

    "Right after breakfast. Why?"

    "Just asking."

    The old man wouldn¡¯t ask questions for no reason, but he also wouldn¡¯t give a straightforward answer even if asked. Hence, Kang Chan simply focused on what he was doing.

    The smoke danced around the yard like a mischievous spirit.

    <em>Scritch, scritch, scritch.</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu carved the wood as swiftly as peeling carrots or potatoes. He was so remarkably skilled that had he chosen to go down this path, he might have had a much different life.

    Soon, the charcoal caught fire.

    "How much longer will it take?"

    "I just need to apply the oil, so it¡¯ll be done soon."

    Leaving Kang Chan to fan the fire, Kang Chul-Gyu went inside.

    "<em>Phew</em>!"

    <em>Smoking a cigarette lit by charcoal would be amazing.</em>

    The sun hung low over the mountain across the river, making it hard to see how much the charcoal had caught fire.

    Kang Chan headed inside to get the meat. As he entered, he saw Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Mi-Young washing lettuce and peri leaves together.

    It was unbelievable. Kang Chul-Gyu, one of the most skilled special forces team soldiers in the world, was washing vegetables.

    Then again, here was the NIS Assistant Director and DGSE Deputy Director-General grilling meat and taking out barbecue supplies.

    <em>¡®They sure prepared a wide variety of meat.¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan chuckled as he pulled the beefbeled <em>¡®Korean sirloin,</em>¡¯ from the refrigerator. He then grabbed some scissors and tongs and headed back outside.

    <em>Thud.</em>

    As Kang Chan ced the meat on the grill, Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Mi-Young came out, carrying vegetables, gochujang, chopsticks, bowls, and a pitcher of water.

    "What about the rice?" Kang Chan asked.

    "I saw some instant rice. We can just have that," Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    "I¡¯ll heat it in the microwave," Kim Mi-Young said.

    "Do you know how?" Kang Chan teased.

    Kim Mi-Young yfully pouted and went inside.

    Kang Chul-Gyu sat back down at the table, watching the meat on the grill and the food on the table like a child waiting for snacks at kindergarten. When Kang Chan flipped the meat, white smoke rose, and the smell grew stronger.

    The meat should have been grilled once the charcoal had settled, but the fire was too strong. Still, this was good enough.

    Kang Chan cut the meat into smaller pieces and then ced a well-cooked piece on Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s te.

    "Try it."

    Kang Chan noticed Kang Chul-Gyu swallow dryly. Since the old man was trying his best, Kang Chan pretended that he didn¡¯t see it.

    Kang Chul-Gyu picked up the meat with his chopsticks and brought it to his mouth. Meanwhile, Kang Chan moved the cooked meat to the edge of the grill.

    "It¡¯s as good as the bulgogi fromst time,¡± Kang Chul-Gyumented.

    Kang Chan silently flipped the meat, finding it hard to respond. For some reason, he felt as if Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s words pierced his heart.

    Kim Mi-Young came back with a tray of three bowls of rice and some kimchi.

    "Looks delicious," she said.

    Not wanting to be gloomy around Kim Mi-Young, who was trying her best to remain cheerful and brighten the mood, Kang Chan ced the cooked meat on an empty te and set it on the table.

    Kang Chan looked at Kang Chul-Gyu, who picked up his chopsticks again.

    "Let''s eat,¡± thetter offered.

    "Enjoy your meal. Thank you for the food," Kim Mi-Young said. She and Kang Chan then put some meat onto their tes.

    The meat tasted fine. It was the somber and awkward atmosphere that was the problem. Kim Mi-Young was too young to understand and adapt to theseplicated emotions and rtionships, which made Kang Chan feel sorry.

    As the sun set behind the mountains, darkness quickly enveloped their surroundings, and the wind grew colder. Fortunately, they ate early.

    "Should I grill more?" Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Mi-Young shook their heads. They were just d that the meal was over.

    <em>tter, tter.</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Mi-Young took the dishes inside while Kang Chan cleaned the grill and added more charcoal to keep the fire going.

    The red glow of the mes, the blue flickers between them, the warmth, and the smokey smell created aforting ambiance.

    "<em>Phew</em>."

    All that was missing was a cigarette. After cleaning up, Kim Mi-Young came out with a tray of three mugs, apanied by Kang Chul-Gyu. The beverages were the same as the ones they had drunk earlier. There was still some time before nightfall, and they would have to eat again after sleeping.

    <em>Should we just head back up?</em>

    "Sir, um," Kim Mi-Young called as she sat at the table. Kang Chan turned toward her. "Can I call you Dad instead of sir?"

    Both Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu stared at her, speechless.

    "Chan said earlier that you¡¯re like a father to him. So I want to call you that too."

    Kang Chul-Gyu blinked oddly. After a brief silence, he responded, "I¡¯d be grateful if you did."

    "I¡¯ll call you that from now on, then."

    "Thank you."

    "No, I should be the one thanking you. You even gave me a special gift.¡±

    <em>Snap, crackle, pop.</em>

    "Thank you, Dad."

    As the night began to fall, the charcoal fire illuminated the wrinkles on Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s face.

 Chapter 371: I Wanted to Add My Wishes Too (2)

    The three remained at the table until the charcoal turned white. The stars looked as if they were about to rain down on them, just like in Africa or Afghanistan.

    Kang Chan wanted to go straight back to Seoul. However, he couldn¡¯t suggest that in this awkward atmosphere. After all, he was the one who dragged them here against their will.

    "Do you mind if I head to bed first?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked quietly, getting up from his seat. "I¡¯ll take the room at the end of the hall.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu headed inside as Kim Mi-Young got up from her seat as well.

    <em>This wasn¡¯t what I had in mind. I wanted to create a more rxed atmosphere. Maybe I should have suggested drinking.</em>

    Kang Chan had no idea what to do. Meanwhile, Kim Mi-Young sat opposite him.

    "Aren''t you tired?" she asked.

    "Not at all," Kang Chan replied.

    Kim Mi-Young gently held Kang Chan''s hand on the table."This ce is really nice,¡± she said.

    "Really? That''s great to hear."

    "Does Dad usually go to bed this early?"[1]

    "I don''t know."

    Kang Chan took out his phone to check the time. It was only 8 PM, too early to sleep.

    "If he''s doing this to give us some space, we can call him back and do something together."

    "I¡¯m not sure what we can do, though," Kang Chan said, then looked around.

    "We can ask the owner," Kim Mi-Young suggested.

    "Huh?"

    He hadn''t thought of that. Surely, the owner of this ce would know something.

    "Stay here," he said.

    "No, I¡¯lle with you."

    "Alright."

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young walked to the owner¡¯s office on the other side of the pension house.

    <em>Ding. Ding.</em>

    The wind chimes rang as they entered.

    The office was quite impressive. It had the atmosphere of a city caf¨¦, making it pleasant to the eye. Soon, the owner showed up.

    "Yes?"

    "Excuse me. Is there anything to do at night around here?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Right now?"

    "Yes."

    The owner thought about it for a moment, expressing his willingness to cooperate. "How about fishing by the river? It costs 5,000 won per fishing rod. Worms and dough bait are also 5,000 won."

    "Anything else?"

    "Well, if it were daytime, you could take a boat ride, but right now..."

    Kang Chan looked back at Kim Mi-Young, who was waiting.

    It seemed a bit much to just go to bed at 8 PM.

    "We¡¯ll rent the fishing gear. We''ve never fished before, though. Can we still do it?" he asked.

    The owner sighed. With a serious expression, he said, "I can go set it up and exin how it works to you, but I can''t stay long."

    "That would be great."

    "It can get chilly at night with the moisture, so prepare ordingly."

    As Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young left the office, they heard the owner call out, "Honey!"

    Kang Chan and Kim Mi-Young went straight to the pension house''s living room. Kang Chul-Gyu was there with a towel around his neck.

    "Dad! Let¡¯s go fishing," she said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at Kang Chan as if asking for an exnation.

    "Heading to bed this early would be a shame, so we thought we''d go fishing. We rented the gear here."

    "Come with us,¡± Kim Mi-Young urged.

    Kang Chul-Gyu smiled at her. "Alright. Let''s see if we can catch some fish, Mi-Young."

    His tone and expression made it seem like he should be holding a knife instead of a fishing rod.

    "They said it might be cold."

    "Let¡¯s bring a coat, then."

    Soon, the three headed to the office together.

    They took chairs, a parasol, three fishing rods, stands, holders, bait bowls, worms, and a fis. The sheer number of things they needed almost convinced them not to do it.

    The three followed the owner in a line. Once they reached the riverbank, the owner spent the next thirty minutes setting up the fishing rods and exining how to cast them.

    "Hope you catch a lot,¡± the owner said. He then left so quickly that he almost seemed to be fleeing.

    The three had never seen chemical lights used in operations made so small to serve as fishing bobbers. The three blue lights glowing in the dark river looked quite picturesque.

    "You know, Dad," Kim Mi-Young called, then began telling him about the time Kang Chan set up the sports club and helped struggling kids. She seemed bothered by Kang Chul-Gyu going inside earlier.

    Every now and then, they would check if the worms on the hooks were still alive and rece the dough bait. Kang Chan felt that this wasn''t really something people should be doing for spontaneous fun. Despite how vast the river was, they couldn¡¯t even catch a single fish.

    Kim Mi-Young and Kang Chul-Gyu chatted intermittently until three in the morning. It was a hundred times better than simply sleeping, yet they didn''t want to do it again.

    Afterward, Kang Chan made omelets for breakfast. Considering Kim Mi-Young and Kang Chul-Gyu were satisfied, Kang Chan thought he did well.

    Kang Chul-Gyu unraveled the threads of a towel, twisted them into a string, and turned the wood carving he had made into a neckless.

    "Thank you," Kim Mi-Young said.

    Having been coated with oil and attached to a string, it now looked quite presentable.

    Finally, they were ready to go. They stopped by the office to pay for the fishing rods and got into the car.

    "Do you mind if we stop by Namyangju on the way back to Seoul?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked quietly as Kang Chan started the engine.

    "There''s a memorial park in Sudong. It''s hard to find time to visit, so I was hoping we could stop by on the way..." he trailed off as he looked at Kang Chan.

    Knowing that Kang Chul-Gyu would never ask for a favor like this unless it was really important, Kang Chan didn''t hesitate to search for the memorial park on the GPS. He then picked up his phone and called Choi Jong-Il.

    "We¡¯ll stop by the memorial park in Sudong on the way to Seoul," he said.

    - Yes, sir.

    Afterward, they hit the road.

    Spending a night together and having conversations while fishing seemed to have brought them closer. The awkwardly vored candy that Kim Mi-Young had shared now tasted less awkward.

    They reached the memorial park about thirty-five minutester. Three vans, likely carrying agents, were already parked there. After Kang Chan parked the car, two more vans and a sedan arrived. Although he already had a good idea of who might be there, he only realized it when he saw the memorial building. Chills unexpectedly ran down his spine.

    She had never hugged or told Kang Chan "I love you." Her face had always been weary from life, never showing him even a small smile.

    Kang Chan bought a bouquet of white chrysanthemums at the entrance. He then walked past the agents in ck suits and sunsses openly guarding the entrance and the area inside.

    Kang Chul-Gyu walked down the cool marble hallway and stood facing one wall. In front of him was an old photograph of a woman in her younger years¡ªa time before life wore her down and when she still looked at Kang Chan with hopeful eyes.

    Kang Chan swallowed dryly through clenched his teeth.

    Kim Mi-Young seemed to sense that the person in the photo was Kang Chul-Gyu''s wife. As Kang Chan ced the chrysanthemums in front of the photo and stood up, he saw Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s lips move.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he mouthed.

    <em>Why has life been so hard?</em>

    <em>Was running away really the best option?</em>

    <em>Why couldn¡¯t I have protected them as I protect my family now?</em>

    <em>Should I have stayed in Korea as a nonmissioned officer and protected these two instead of joining the Foreign Legion?</em>

    Kang Chan spoke to the photo.

    "I was just a kid back then. I didn¡¯t know anything,"

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Kim Mi-Young looked at him with reddened eyes.

    "I was too young to think about protecting you both, so..."

    Kang Chan thought he had forgotten. He believed he had sorted out his feelingspletely. That was why he never imagined it would hurt this much.

    "Please forgive me. May you be reborn in a happy ce."

    About ten minutes passed.

    "<em>Phew</em>!"

    Kang Chan gathered his emotions and looked at Kim Mi-Young, whose eyes were brimming with tears.

    "They are like parents to me."

    Kim Mi-Young nodded.

    ***

    Nusa Dua Beach, Bali, Indonesia.

    A grand vi resembling a massive castle sat on top of a hill, looking down arrogantly at the turquoise sea in the distance. It had a private driveway that made it inessible to the public and a luxurious swimming pool.

    In the wide shade cast by a <em>payung</em>¡ªan Indonesian parasol made of cloth¡ªZiegfeld set down a ss of iced tea.

    "What do you want to do next?" Ziegfeld asked.

    "I don''t know," Parthal replied meekly, sitting in front of him.

    Parthal''s bleached blond hair gave him a striking appearance.

    "Things seem to be finally taking shape, don¡¯t they?"

    Ziegfeld, who looked to be in his sixties, smiled at Parthal.

    "We¡¯ve killed half of the Rothschild idiots and taken five trillion dors. Now it''s their turn to becent."

    "Do you really think they¡¯ll do that?"

    Ziegfeldughed in amusement. "You know it costs quite a bit to build this vi, don¡¯t you?"

    He picked up a sugar cube from the table and dropped it on the ground. "Still, I couldn¡¯t stop ants from hiding here. Not even God can stop them from swarming to something sweet."

    Parthal nced at the sugar cube on the ground with minimal interest.

    "Look, they''ve already surrounded it. To us, they''re just ants, but from their perspective, they¡¯re in a brutal fight, cutting each other''s throats. That''s the world you''ve stepped into now."

    Ziegfeld looked away as if he had lost interest.

    "The ones who win and get the sugar always becent. Eliminate them, and it''s over."

    <em>Crush!</em>

    Ziegfeld stomped on the sugar cube.

    "It''s foolish to overthink when dealing with ants. Just crush the ones who win, and they''ll start fighting among themselves again."

    He drank his iced tea and set the ss down.

    "Next-generation energy facilities? Eurasian Rail? If you stop them now, they''ll fight fiercely, but if you destroy them just before they''repleted, they''ll be too devastated to get up again."

    "He''s not someone to be underestimated," Parthal said.

    Ziegfeld snickered.

    "Oh no! Our future ispletely ruined,¡± he sarcastically remarked. ¡°In that case, take down everything around him."

    "I''ve been trying to do that."

    "Parthal."

    Ziegfeld now sounded cold. Parthal looked up at him, adjusting his attitude ordingly.

    "Save your pride for those stupid Rothschilds."

    "I''m sorry, sir."

    "<em>Phew</em>."

    Ziegfeld sighed, calming his emotions. "Will you feel better if I kill him?"

    Parthal''s head snapped up.

    "Does the idea of getting rid of that damn Oriental make you that happy?"

    "He made me taste failure for the first time."

    "You made several mistakes. You used people bound to fail, united your enemies, and fought them in a way they excelled at. Naturally, you¡¯d lose."

    "Yes, sir."

    To Ziegfeld, everything about Parthal seemed pleasing.

    "Let''s take out Moon Jae-Hyun first."

    "What?"

    Ziegfeldughed heartily.

    "That insignificant president of South Korea... Taking him down by removing those around him one by one around him will make you feel better."

    "Did you already know everything?"

    "I¡¯ve been waiting because Lanok hasn¡¯t revealed all his cards yet. Unfortunately, it seems I need to give you some encouragement now."

    Parthal looked hopeful.

    "What do you think will happen if we eliminate Lanok?"

    "Wouldn''t he go mad with rage?"

    "That would be even better."

    "Will you let me handle Kang Chan?" Parthal inquired.

    Ziegfeld looked surprised. With a smile, he nodded.

    "Since he handed you your first defeat, it¡¯s only fitting for you to snap his neck yourself. For now, just rest until I''vepletely dismantled everything around him."

    "Yes, sir."

    Ziegfeld looked at Parthal as if he was the most precious person in the world.

    "What did I tell you to do with ants?"

    "Crush them."

    "That''s right! Don''t lose heart over ants. You were just bitten because you let your guard down. No matter how much they act up, they¡¯re still just ants that cut each other''s throats. Make them realize that."

    Parthal smiled sheepishly. "Thank you, sir."

    Ziegfeld burst into a heartyugh. "You''re such a pure soul to lose heart over mere insects. It''s worrisome."

    ***

    Kim Mi-Young got out right in front of her apartment.

    "Thank you foring with us. I had fun. Take care," Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    "Thank you for the gift. I had a wonderful time too. Please contact me the next time you''re in Korea," Kim Mi-Young responded.

    As Kang Chul-Gyu nodded, Kim Mi-Young hesitantly stepped forward and hugged him.

    "Take care, Dad."

    Kang Chul-Gyu''s cheek twitched.

    "Take care," Kim Mi-Young told Kang Chan.

    "Sure. I''ll call youter," Kang Chan replied.

    Once Kim Mi-Young was inside, Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu got back into the car. They headed toward the hotel.

    "I''ve been having a bad feeling since this morning," Kang Chul-Gyu said, his gaze fixed on the van ahead of them. "I won''t go into details since you seem to have a simr sense. It would be best to be more vignt around you and your surroundings for now."

    Kang Chan understood why Seok Kang-Ho often asked<em>, </em>¡°Is it really that bad?¡±<em></em>during conversations like this. Since the feeling didn¡¯t specifically tell them what was about to happen or where, he had never been able to give him a concrete answer. Hence, there was no need to ask.

    Kang Chan, too, had been feeling uneasy since that morning, attributing it initially to their visit to the memorial park. However, what Kang Chul-Gyu had just told him made him realize that he needed to be even more cautious.

    After reaching the hotel and parking the car properly, Kang Chan walked over to Kang Chul-Gyu, who had gotten out of the passenger seat.

    "We''re leaving the day after tomorrow."

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. "Don''t worry about the factory in Mongolia and the two people there."

    "If things get too dangerous, retreating is also an option."

    Kang Chul-Gyu let out a wry smile. He then addressed Kang Chan by his title. "Assistant Director, trust the DMZ team and the NIS anti-terrorism team."

    They both seemed to sense an imminent crisis. Unfortunately, its nature and target remained unknown.

    In his heart, Kang Chan wished they could just shut down operations in Mongolia and gather everyone in one ce for safety.

    Why did this ominous feeling have toe right after their short vacation?

    "Take care," Kang Chul-Gyu said, then turned to leave.

    Kang Chan didn''t feel right letting Kang Chul-Gyu go like this. Staring at his back as Kang Chul-Gyu walked toward the hotel entrance, Kang Chan felt a strong urge to call out, warn him of the danger, and tell him to retreat if necessary.

    As he stood there, unable to look away, Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung approached him.

    "Good work."

    "It felt like a day off."

    Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh.

    Kang Chul-Gyu had already entered the hotel and walked out of sight.

    "Got a cigarette?"

    Choi Jong-Il handed him a cigarette and a lighter.

    <em>Click.</em>

    "<em>Phew</em>."

    The smoke quickly dissipated into the air.

    1. From thest chapter, Kim Mi-Young started calling Kang Chul-Gyu ''Dad.'' ?

 Chapter 372: You have crossed the line (1)

    On the way back to the office, Kang Chan took out his phone and called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "Do you have a moment?"

    - Good timing. I was just about to call you. Where are you?

    Kim Hyung-Jung sounded noticeably different from usual.

    "Let¡¯s meet at the office. I''ll be there in twenty minutes."

    - Copy.

    Kang Chan hung up and looked around, finding the car crossing Hannam Bridge. The river below looked different from the one near the pension house.

    It wasmon to have breaks in betweenbat. Sometimes, the enemy would take that moment to regroup or pray, but no matter what they did, it would all lead to the same thing.

    They woulde back more brutally and fiercely than before. Enemies who weren''t confident would, of course, choose to flee as fast as they could.The bad feeling that Kang Chul-Gyu got essentially confirmed that the danger that Kang Chan¡¯s instincts were warning him about was real.

    Back in his previous life, he would¡¯ve just had to keep an eye out for Daye, G¨¦rard, perhaps any new recruits, and the operation itself. Now, he had so many people to protect that it had be his biggest problem.

    Soon, they arrived at the office building.

    The road was filled with cars and people. Naturally, many were entering and leaving the building.

    Kang Chan headed to the office through the underground parking lot. Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the interpreter greeted him.

    "You good?" Kang Chan asked.

    "Of course. Thanks, Cap,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    They gave each other their characteristic smiles.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked like he had shed some of the heavy burden that he had been carrying.

    "Want some coffee?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    "Make it a double. Bring some water too."

    Normally, Seok Kang-Ho would have asked the interpreter to do it, but today, he made the coffee himself. He even stopped Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung from helping. It was probably his way of expressing his gratitude for the help he had received with Um Ji-Hwan''s funeral.

    No words had to be said right now. All that was left was to bury Um Ji-Hwan in his heart and wait for the wound to heal.

    Kang Chan took off his coat, hung it up, and sat down at the table.

    "Were you out doing something important?" G¨¦rard asked.

    "No. I just spent a day with Director Kang since he¡¯s about to head back to Mongolia."

    Having guessed Kang Chan¡¯s rtionship with Kang Chul-Gyu, G¨¦rard didn¡¯t pry any further.

    "Here you go."

    Kang Chan picked up and drank the bottle of water that Seok Kang-Ho had brought. He then grabbed the mug of coffee and took a sip.

    At the same time, Kim Hyung-Jung entered the office.

    "Wee."

    Kim Hyung-Jung was holding a paper bag with his left hand.

    As they exchanged greetings, Kang Chan noticed that Kim Hyung-Jung''s eyes were bloodshot due to sleep deprivation, and his face was showing signs of fatigue. Nevertheless, he still looked sharp.

    "You look like you can use some rest," Kang Chan remarked.

    "I n to take a vacation once this is all over," Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    Believing that im would be as wise as believing that Seok Kang-Ho would cut down on his eating. The interpreter quickly made coffee and offered it to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "Could you step out for a moment?" Kim Hyung-Jung then requested.

    "Yes, sir."

    The interpreter moved to the far end of the office and hung out with Choi Jong-Il.

    Just as Kang Chan was wondering what this was about, Kim Hyung-Jung opened one of the many urgent matters they had to discuss in this hectic time.

    "We might be able to catch the people who had Director Hwang and Director Song killed,¡± he said.

    Kang Chan''s eyes glinted. As Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kim Hyung-Jung with equal intensity, Kang Chan conveyed what he had just heard to G¨¦rard in French.

    G¨¦rard smiled knowingly, the scar on his cheek stretching. He seemed as eager as Seok Kang-Ho to catch the terrorists.

    Afterward, Kim Hyung-Jung took out documents from the paper bag that he had brought and ced them in front of Kang Chan.

    "That file contains information about Jeon Sang-Woo, the Director of the NIS External Affairs division. It also has the bank ount details of his rtives."

    Kang Chan continued interpreting Kim Hyung-Jung''s report in French, believing it was best for everyone to be aware of the situation.

    "We gathered this information independently and without a court order. The director authorized the investigation intending to take full responsibility for it."

    Kang Chan gazed down and examined the documents. However, he didn¡¯t see anything wrong with it.

    "Do you remember Assemblyman Huh Sang-Soo?" Kim Hyung-Jung asked, pointing to a section with his finger.

    "His cousin married a man named Yang Seok-Woo. They have two daughters now, and their eldest is Director Jeon Sang-Woo¡¯s wife."

    <em>Yang Seok-Woo?</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded briefly in response to Kang Chan''s questioning look.

    "He''s the cousin of thete Yang Jin-Woo. It appears the two families have made what we call a <em>''Line Circle'' </em>marriage."

    "Line Circle?"

    "The ''<em>Inner Circle'' </em>refers to the immediate families of top conglomerate executives and high-ranking officials like ministers. Their rtives are usually called the <em>''Line Circle.</em>''"

    <em>These bastards! Does that mean everyone else is just a servant or a ve?</em>

    Kang Chan smirked, then ryed all the information he had just gotten to G¨¦rard, not wanting to make him feel left out. He knew that despite his somewhat slow demeanor, G¨¦rard had moments of brilliance when facing the enemy.

    After listening to him, G¨¦rard said, ¡°We just need to kill that bastard, then."

    <em>Oh boy. I might have expected too much from him.</em>

    Kang Chan returned his attention to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "Theputer in the director¡¯s office has a folder where all intel from our agents is stored. Besides reports about misconduct and insubordination, it also contains important information that requires the director¡¯s approval. As a security measure, entering the wrong password three times wipes the folder clean. Now, please take a look at these photos."

    Kim Hyung-Jung took out four photos from the folder and ced them on the table. They were of a man moving toward a door and then walking away.

    "Check the date and time in the lower right corner."

    Kang Chan looked at the numbers that Kim Hyung-Jung had pointed to.

    "He entered the director¡¯s office two days after Director Hwang was killed. Hisst entry was at 1:10 AM. At that time, there was no reason for anyone other than the anti-terrorism team and the Jeungpyeong special forces team to go in there."

    After a brief pause, Kim Hyung-Jung added, "I believe one of our agents directly reported intel about the International Building terrorist attack to Director Hwang. Upon learning about it, Director Jeon Sang-Woo then had Director Hwang removed.¡±

    "What about Director Song?"

    "They probably used his death to divert attention and disrupt the next-generation power facility project. At the time of the International Building attack, Director Jeon Sang-Woo had been preparing an international trade conference with KOTRA at the NIS External Affairs office."

    Although Kang Chan understood the situation, he still felt that they were missing something. After rying the details to G¨¦rard, Kang Chan looked back at the documents. Kim Hyung-Jung seemed to understand how he felt.

    "Please take a look at this. I wasn¡¯t sure about all this either until I got this information. Do you remember when the president announced a thorough investigation into dual citizenship and those who have assets overseas?"

    "Was that when Japan mentioned investing in us?" Kang Chan inquired.

    "Yes," Kim Hyung-Jung answered. He then pointed to a part of the bank statements.

    "Jeon Kang-Ho, Jeon Sang-Woo¡¯s youngest brother, is an American citizen, and his wife practicesw over there. Moreover, just three months ago, they established an investmentpany. Three billion won in dors have been invested in it."

    "By whom?"

    "Alman bin Jibril, a Saudi Arabian royal who has such deep ties with Abibu that he might seed him. This file has more information on him.¡±

    <em>These bastards!</em>

    Kang Chan faintly smiled at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked like he had been sleep-deprived for so long that his eyes were about to bleed. Moreover, his lips had chapped due to fatigue. While Kang Chan was in Afghanistan, he must have dedicated himself to this work, obtaining such critical information as a result.

    "You''ve done well," said Kang Chan.

    He, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard felt that they had finally caught the enemy by the tail.

    With glinting eyes, G¨¦rard picked up a cigarette. As always, now that one person had lit up a cigarette, everyone else followed. Soon, the four men all ended up smoking.

    "What about Abibu?"

    "His condition seems to have stabilized. Smithen can be discharged, but he has requested to stay in the hospital until he meets with you, Assistant Director. Shan hasn¡¯t regained consciousness yet."

    After taking a sip of his coffee, Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan again, his cigarette in between his fingers.

    "What did you want to tell me?"

    "Ah, right." Kang Chan flicked the ash from his cigarette. "It''s hard to say this anywhere else, but..."

    Kim Hyung-Jung and Seok Kang-Ho focused on him.

    "I have a bad feeling that something¡¯s about to happen again. For now, I¡¯d like to tighten our security.¡±

    "Got any ideas where this might go down?"

    Thankfully, instead of doubting him, Kim Hyung-Jung immediately believed Kang Chan.

    "It''s just a feeling, so I have no idea where or how it will happen,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho pulled the documents toward him with a surprised expression.

    "What is it?"

    "You mentioned Alman bin Jibril earlier, right?"

    "Yes," Kim Hyung-Jung answered with a curious expression.

    "That''s an Arabic name. Jibril is Gabriel in English."

    "Gabriel?"

    "The guy who had allegedly been killed was named Gabriel, remember?"

    <em>How is this bastard¡¯s memory so good?</em>

    Kang Chan tilted his head. "Isn''t that stretching things too far? If we went by names, all the Kims, Lees, and Parks would be in cahoots."

    G¨¦rard nced at Seok Kang-Ho, then asked, "Cap, what is Daye saying?"

    Kang Chan quickly exined what Seok Kang-Ho had said.

    "He''s always been Gabriel. Isn''t it a coincidence?"

    "That''s what I¡¯m saying.¡±

    "What did he say?" Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    <em>These fucking idiots!</em>

    Thinking of doing it for Kim Hyung-Jung instead, Kang Chan interpreted what G¨¦rard had just said. Before he could finish, however, Seok Kang-Ho dismissed his suspicions.

    "Isn¡¯t it about time we have lunch? I found a good ce for naengmyeon[1], and they serve meat with it, too. Let''s order from them.¡±

    Kang Chan was sure that Seok Kang-Ho had already made his decision before even sharing it. At the very least, they would never have to worry about the menu for as long as they were with this guy.

    "Order whatever you like."

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up and walked toward Choi Jong-Il.

    "Where is Jeon Sang-Woo now?" Kang Chan asked.

    "He''s under disciplinary action and currently at home." Kim Hyung-Jung quickly responded.

    "What about his surveince?"

    "We''ve assigned two people to monitor him."

    "And Jibril?"

    "We haven''t pinpointed his location yet. Being a Saudi royal, we might need help from the French or Russian intelligence bureau."

    Kang Chan nodded. "Manager Kim, how deeply do you think Alman bin Jibril is involved in this?"

    Kim Hyung-Jung paused for a moment. ¡°Let¡¯s get Director Jeon Sang-Woo''s statement about this matter first.¡±

    "We¡¯re finally approaching the final battle,¡± Kang Chan said. ¡°I don''t know what the Star of David is nning, but instead of waiting for a moment to counterattack, we shouldunch a preemptive strike now."

    When Kim Hyung-Jung looked at him with flustered eyes, he added, "We¡¯ll have no choice but to act on revenge again if they cause another incident simr to the International Building terrorist attack. We should remove Jibril before that happens. At the very least, that¡¯s what the French and the Russians would do."

    "Captain! Chilled broth or spicy[2]?"

    Kang Chan quickly turned to Seok Kang-Ho. "Order whatever you want!"

    Afterward, Kim Hyung-Jung said, "This isn''t something the director would authorize."

    "Can the anti-terrorism team handle this independently?"

    Kim Hyung-Jung shook his head. "I don''t mean to sound pessimistic, but if we fail or leave evidence behind, it will be a national crisis. We also need to consider transportation, personnel deployment, and weapon supply."

    He certainly had a point. Unlike the DGSE, they didn''t have agents who specialized in assassination.

    "In that case, please inform the director of my n. That aside, please set an appointment with the hospital for me and tighten the security at the French embassy."

    "Understood. Should we assign the 606 to the French embassy again?"

    "Yes. Having them over there would be reassuring," Kang Chan replied.

    They were already wrapping up their discussion when Seok Kang-Ho returned to the table.

    "I''ll be stepping out for a bit tonight, Cap,¡± he said.

    "Sure. You should drop by at home, you know. You haven¡¯t gone in what, nearly a month?"

    "Oh! These days, the person I respect and try to emte the most is Admiral Yi Sun-Sin[3]."

    <em>What the hell does that even mean?</em>

    Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung looked at him curiously.

    ¡°When he left home, it took him at least five years before he returned,¡± Seok Kang-Ho exined. ¡°Isn''t that how a man should live?"

    <em>This crazy bastard!</em>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but burst outughing. He then asked, "Why are you going out anyway?"

    Kang Chan didn''t want to stop or question Seok Kang-Ho. The man¡¯s ridiculous statement just made him curious.

    "Ji-Hwan''s mother is going to Jangseong today. I¡¯d like to apany her for a bit."

    Kang Chan simply nodded in response.

    Soon, their naengmyeon arrived. Even though Seok Kang-Ho had ordered five extra bowls, they still managed to finish all of them.

    After the meal, Kim Hyung-Jun stood up. He didn¡¯t even wait to have coffee.

    "I''ll be off now," he said.

    Kang Chan stood up as well and walked him to the office door. "I don¡¯t know where or when this bad feeling will turn into a reality, so no matter how busy you are, I need you to always have a security detail with you. Right now, no one is more important than you are, Manager Kim."

    Kim Hyung-Jung smiled in appreciation, then left the office after saying goodbye. Kang Chan returned to the table, rejoining Seok Kang-Ho.

    "Where''s G¨¦rard?"

    "He¡¯s gone inside to the satellite team. That bastard¡¯s Korean has improved a lot."

    "Really?"

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded. ¡°Anyway, if this Jibril is an ally of Abibu and is involved in the attacks on Director Hwang and Director Song, won¡¯t he be nning another retaliation over this UIS matter?"

    "He most likely is."

    "Then let''s work with the DGSE and eliminate Jibril ourselves already. You having a bad feeling about all this means we don¡¯t have time to be hesitating like this."

    <em>Why is this guy so proactive all of a sudden?</em>

    Seemingly noticing the doubt in Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Seok Kang-Ho added, ¡°I thought about what you said earlier. There are too many people around me who could get hurt. Not just my family but everyone we know, including Director Go, Manager Kim, Director Kim Gwan-Sik, and even our people in Mongolia¡­.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho picked up a cigarette and handed it to Kang Chan.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Their conversation paused as he lit the cigarette.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take the initiative this time. The three of us are enough to act as the DGSE of Korea, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    When Kang Chan simply smirked in response, Seok Kang-Ho gasped, frustration evident in his expression.

    ¡°I''m not doing this just because of Ji-Hwan!¡±

    ¡°Who said you were?¡±

    ¡°Well, honestly, if I get to eliminate those bastards too, then this will be a bit more exciting.¡±

    Kang Chan blew out a puff of smoke and looked out the window. The brilliant sunlight was shining on the city.

    <em>Damn it. It feels wrong to decide to kill someone on a day like this.</em>

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for Manager Kim¡¯s report before we decide.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied quietly.

    Kang Chan then took out his phone and called Lanok. He informed him that G¨¦rard had decided not to take up the position as the Inspector Director-General of the DGSE and that they would be strengthening the security of the French embassy starting today.

    - Is something wrong?

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, this might sound unreasonable, but my instincts are warning me of danger. I would also like to discuss something with you in person.¡±

    - Mr. Kang Chan, your instincts are a talent that others do not possess. Having seen it in action several times myself, I consider it a more reliable warning than any other information can give me. Anyway, it seems we need to tighten our internal security as well.

    ¡°That would be reassuring,¡±

    Lanok burst outughing. When he finally calmed down, he called out to him.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - I understand that your codename implies you bring death to your enemies. Hence, should someone target you or those around you, be sure to do the same to them.

    Recalling Lanok¡¯s words from before, Kang Chan asked a simr question. ¡°Does that mean we need to take a tougher stance from now on?¡±

    - Remember, I, Lanok, am behind you.

    Kang Chan chuckled in response. Soon, Lanok joined him.

    1. Naengmyeon is a Korean cold noodle dish ?

    2. When ordering naengmyeon, you can specify whether you''d like it as "mul naengmyeon" (water), served in a chilled broth, or "bibim naengmyeon" (spicy), mixed with a spicy red pepper sauce. ?

    3. Admiral Yi Sun-Sin was a legendary Korean navalmander known for repelling Japanese invasions in the 16th century using innovative turtle ships. ?

 Chapter 373: You have crossed the line (2)

    Moon Jae-Hyun had such a tight schedule and so many meetings that he didn¡¯t even have time to catch his breath. Things were still somewhat manageable after the announcement of the Eurasian Rail. However, the announcement of the next-generation energy facility made his schedule absolutely brutal. When South Korea''s special forces team wlessly executed a mission to eliminate the UIS leadership in Afghanistan, his workload intensified even further, as if fuel had been thrown on the fire.

    A South Korea that could stand on equal footing with France, Russia, China, and the United States, make Japan take a step back, and defeat the UIS was a powerful image. Observing this, underdeveloped countries in Africa and other nations seeking development mored for meetings with Moon Jae-Hyun.

    South Korea''s status had clearly changed. This shift became evident when a Korean university student in Australia and a Korean businessman in the Philippines were killed. The President of the Philippines and the Prime Minister of Australia promptly expressed their condolences to the Korean embassy and personally called the South Korean Prime Minister. They even made an official announcement to promptly investigate the incidents.

    Right after a meeting with the President of Togo, Moon Jae-Hyun headed to the second reception room. His schedule was so hectic that two teams of attendants were required to manage it.

    "Mr. President," the Chief of Staff quickly approached Moon Jae-Hyun. "The NIS director wishes to meet with you with Assistant Director Kang Chan."

    "Really? Then please make time for it somehow," replied Moon Jae-Hyun.

    "You have a meeting with the President of Mwi right after this. We¡¯ll arrange it twenty minutes after that meeting."

    "Notify the director ordingly."

    "Yes, sir. How about taking a short break?"Moon Jae-Hyun had five meetings with African presidents scheduled today. Although the major points were handed over to the responsible officials afterying the groundwork, he couldn''t miss any of these meetings.

    "This is glory earned through the bloodshed of our men. If I miss such opportunities, then I do not qualify to represent South Korea."

    Refusing the Chief of Staff¡¯s suggestion, Moon Jae-Hyun reached the reception room. Jeon Dae-Geuk stood right behind him with his security detail.

    One had to row diligently when the water was in.

    The meetings involved building airports, roads, and government offices for the African countries in exchange for their resources. The construction costs and expenses for resource development were all included, and the resources were deducted from their debt every time they were brought in. Through power and money, this method was made avable to South Korea.

    In the past, developing resources required significant payouts, and all the roads and development facilities had to be built at Korea¡¯s expense. Now, the government paid the constructionpanies upfront for ports, airports, roads, and other buildings, andter received payment in resources. One might wonder¡ªwhat if, after the construction wasplete, the African countries refused to hand over the resources and acted defiantly?

    Would they dare defy South Korea, which had wlessly executed a mission to eliminate the UIS leadership in Afghanistan? The visiting presidents knew all too well that South Korea had the power and resolve to send its formidable special forces to deal with any such defiance. Stories of South Korea¡¯s operations in Afghanistan, China, Libya, and France had already somewhat spread through intelligenceworks.

    South Korea even arrested and warned the Saudi Arabian prince. Hence, the countries now lining up to request cooperation believed that the UIS could not hinder their development.

    Developing resources was as crucial to South Korea as the next-generation energy projects. Just like the next-generation energy facility, which would generate enormous profits, the resources they¡¯d gain prepared their nation for the distant future.

    Moon Jae-Hyun stared at the particrly vivid Taegeukgi near the reception room¡¯s entrance, supported by long-tailed phoenixes on both sides. It made him remember the special forces soldiers who had been brought back in body bags at the Seongnam Airport. Today¡¯s glory was certainly rooted in their bravery.

    Moon Jae-Hyun habitually gazed at the Taegeukgi and the phoenixes.

    <em>¡®I will not retreat or let their sacrifices be in vain. I will approach these talks with pride to honor our soldiers and agents who bled for South Korea..¡¯</em>

    Moon Jae-Hyung took a deep breath, then nodded. The attendant pushed open therge door of the reception room.

    ***

    Having finished his call with Lanok, Kang Chan took a cold shower and changed into new clothes. Removing the remaining stitches from his wounds made it much easier to move.

    Soon after, Kang Chan''s phone rang.

    <em>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</em>

    "Hello?"

    - This is Kim Hyung-Jung. The Director would like you to apany him to the Blue House.

    "When?"

    - We''re meeting in Naegok-dong in thirty minutes.

    Kang Chan had no reason to refuse. They had to decide on the matter with Jibril anyway. Hence, after telling Kim Hyung-Jung that he¡¯d be there, he immediately hung up.

    "Choi Jong-Il, we''re going to Naegok-dong."

    "Yes, sir."

    Lee Doo-Hee headed down to the basement first while Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung waited in front of the office.

    "See youter. I¡¯ll be out this evening," said Seok Kang-Ho.

    "Don''t forget what I said. Take agents with you and make sure to keep a pistol with you," replied Kang Chan.

    "Got it," Seok Kang-Ho firmly answered while looking into Kang Chan''s eyes.

    Convinced that Seok Kang-Ho understood him well enough to follow his instructions, Kang Chan headed to the underground parking lot with Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung.

    It was currently around three in the afternoon. Nevertheless, as if it was already approaching the dead of the night, his uneasiness grew stronger the more time passed.

    Kang Chan double-checked everything. He made sure to check on the 606 guarding the French embassy, the DMZ team protecting Mongolia, Kim Tae-Jin, and the soldiers assigned to protect Kim Gwan-Sik and his family.

    Afterward, he took a deep breath. It felt like half of his lungs were filled with mud, making it hard to breathe fully. His gleaming eyes made the atmosphere in the car sharp and heavy.

    When they arrived at the main entrance of the Naegok-dong headquarters, Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung stepped out of the main gate.

    "Assistant Director," Go Gun-Woo greeted.

    Kang Chan bowed his head in response.

    Noticing Kang Chan''s intense gaze, Go Gun-Woo nced at Kim Hyung-Jung. He didn''t say anything about it, however.

    Go Gun-Woo gestured to a ck SUV. "Let¡¯s head over to the Blue House together, shall we?"

    Kang Chan got into the SUV with Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung.

    Their convoy consisted of more than six SUVs.

    "Assistant Director, there''s something I want to confirm before meeting the President."

    Kim Hyung-Jung sat in the passenger seat. Go Gun-Woo was behind him, while Kang Chan was behind the driver¡¯s seat.

    "I heard the report from Manager Kim. First, I''d like to hear your opinion on whether it¡¯s right to eliminate Jibril based solely on facts that could be seen as simple investments,¡± Go Gun-Woo said. "Secondly, we cannot ignore the possibility of failure. If things go wrong, dealing with the aftermath will undoubtedly be detrimental to us. We would be used of attempting to eliminate a foreign prince without sufficient evidence."

    Go Gun-Woo nced at Kim Hyung-Jung and then back at Kang Chan.

    "Why don¡¯t we conduct a more thorough investigation on Jibril''s involvement in the attacks on Director Hwang before nning our next move?"

    Go Gun-Woo was clearly reluctant about eliminating Jibril. However, suggesting to meet Moon Jae-Hyun together showed that he respected Kang Chan''s opinion.

    "I''m sure you''re aware that UIS and Abibu are connected," Kang Chan said.

    "There''s no doubt about that," said Go Gun-Woo.

    "I believe our country is currently at war."

    Go Gun-Woo let out a low sigh. "<em>Hmm</em>."

    "They attacked the International Building, killed Director Hwang and Director Song, and threatened us by gathering the UIS in Afghanistan."

    <em>Thump-thump. Thump-thump.</em>

    Just as he finished speaking, Kang Chan''s heart suddenly began sending him warnings. The sharpness of it was so intense that Kang Chan even wondered if an enemy was aiming a rocketuncher at them from a nearby building.

    Go Gun-Woo looked at Kang Chan with a puzzled expression.

    "Director, there are times when my senses be exceptionally sharp. When that happens, my eyes are always the first to show it," Kang Chan exined.

    "Like at the Eurasian Rail announcement?"

    "Yes."

    Now that he had thought about it, Go Gun-Woo had been there too.

    Kang Chan wanted to make it clear to Go Gun-Woo that his gaze had be so intense not because Go Gun-Woo refused to ept his opinion.

    "Since this morning, my senses have been strangely sharp, just like that day. Even now, I feel like someone is aiming a rocketuncher at us from somewhere nearby.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung, sitting in the passenger seat, looked around, and Go Gun-Woo reflexively checked the front and back.

    There was no way to avoid going to the Blue House now, though, nor did they have an alternative course of action. Hence, Kang Chan decided to just keep talking for now.

    "As I was saying, I believe that gathering evidence and enforcing thew applies only to our citizens. Dragging out time to prove the crimes of a hostile country''s leadership, who is fatal to us, is extremely dangerous."

    Go Gun-Woo took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

    "Assistant Director, you are bing too prominent and significant in the eyes of those who have a vested interest in this. They''re keeping their silence now because of your sess in quelling the International Building terrorist attack and eliminating the UIS leaders, but if you make a mistake, they will undoubtedly turn on you."

    Kang Chan found it hard to understand what Go Gun-Woo was saying.

    "Even the military has quieted down because of your achievements, but if the operation to eliminate Jibril fails and problems arise, they are likely to be the first to denounce you."

    With a bitter look in his eyes, Go Gun-Woo added, "They don''t know the full details, and they believe you are being given too much power and authority. Moreover, if the public sees your achievements as our military and the NIS counter-terrorism team¡¯s achievements, public opinion might turn against us, and we might not be able to officially protect you."

    As Go Gun-Woo finished speaking, the SUV entered the Blue House''s driveway.

    <em>Thump-thump. Thump-thump.</em>

    Kang Chan looked out the window and sharply scanned the area around them.

    They were already in the Blue House. His heart should have calmed by now, but his instincts were warning him of even greater danger instead.

    <em>''Could it be...?''</em>

    Kang Chan shook off the thought that momentarily crossed his mind.

    Jeon Dae-Geuk was definitely a reliable person. Was someone deceiving him and targeting Moon Jae-Hyun? Kang Chan scanned the perimeter of the driveway once more.

    ***

    After his meeting, Moon Jae-Hyun headed back to the first reception room.

    "Have the director and assistant director arrived yet?" he asked.

    "They are expected to arrive before your meeting with the President of Mwi ends. Shall I guide them to the second reception room?"

    "No. Prepare us a ce in the garden."

    "Yes, sir."

    After giving instructions to the Chief of Staff, Moon Jae-Hyun gazed at the phoenixes and the Taegeukgi at the entrance of the first reception room.

    South Korea was bing a stronger nation.

    He was grateful that talents like Kang Chan were born in thisnd. He was also both grateful and sorrowful for the soldiers and agents who shed blood and sacrificed themselves for South Korea and the Taegeukgi.

    "<em>Haaa</em>."

    Moon Jae-Hyun exhaled deeply. When he nodded, the attendant opened the door of the reception room.

    ***

    Kang Chan handed over his pistol at the Blue House entrance. Since no one other than security personnel was allowed to carry firearms, he couldn¡¯t argue his way out of this.

    <em>Thump-thump. Thump-thump.</em>

    His instincts were screaming that there was no more time left.

    All Kang Chan could think about was that he had to meet Moon Jae-Hyun and Jeon Dae-Geuk as quickly as possible.

    "Assistant Director, you also need to hand over your radio ording to regtions,¡± the security staff requested cautiously but firmly.

    "Can you contact Director Jeon?"

    "We can."

    "Contact him now. Tell him it''s urgent."

    "The President is in a meeting. Unless it''s rted to security, we can''t disturb him."

    <em>Thump-thump. Thump-thump.</em>

    There was no more time to waste here. Kang Chan was just about to yank off the radio when a staff member approached him.

    "You¡¯re quite early. Anyway, the president has prepared a ce in the garden. Please follow me,¡± the staff member respectfully said.

    He then looked around nervously, noticing Kang Chan''s intense gaze and the deadly atmosphere at the entrance.

    "Where is the president?"

    "He¡¯s in the first reception room."

    "Take me there."

    "Pardon?"

    "Take me to him. Now."

    "Assistant Director, please cooperate with the security¡ª"

    Kang Chan''s sharp re was so intense that the security officer couldn''t even finish his sentence.

    <em>Thump-thump. Thump-thump.</em>

    There was no time to argue. Kang Chan turned to Go Gun-Woo.

    "Director, you have to trust me. The President could be in danger. We need to go to him immediately."

    Go Gun-Woo did not avoid Kang Chan''s gaze.

    "Manager Kim."

    "Sir."

    "As the Director of the National Intelligence Service, I am dering an anti-terrorism emergency at the Blue House due to a potential threat against the President. Assistant Director Kang Chan will takemand."

    "Yes, sir."

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung immediately drew his pistol and aimed it at the security officer in front of Kang Chan.

    "The Director of the NIS has dered an anti-terrorism emergency. Security personnel must cooperate!"

    <em>Click. Click. Click.</em>

    The surrounding security officers quickly pointed their guns at Kim Hyung-Jung and Go Gun-Woo.

    "The Assistant Director is going in. You all know he''s unarmed."

    "Please don''t do this!"

    "This is an anti-terrorism emergency! Stop getting in the way and contact Director Jeon immediately! Go ahead, Assistant Director!"

    After ncing at Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan sprinted into the Blue House.

    <em>Woosh! Woosh!</em>

    Two security officers rushed at him. They were not enemies. They were agents moving with the same purpose.

    <em>Smack! Smack!</em>

    Kang Chan deflected their hands to the side and struck their necks and sides.

    <em>Bam-bam-bam!</em>

    Using the momentum, he sprinted up the stairs.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung lowered his gun.

    "Contact Director Jeon immediately!"

    Finally, the security officers picked up their radios.

    Inside the reception room, Moon Jae-Hyun shook hands with Muritaka, the President of Mwi.

    "Please have a seat,¡± he offered afterward.

    As Moon Jae-Hyun sat down, President Muritaka took the indicated seat. Two interpreters sat close to them, holding notepads and concentrating.

    Tea was served.

    "Don¡¯t you find the weather in Korea cold?"

    "Perhaps because I came with passion, but I don''t feel the cold," Muritaka skillfully responded.

    Standing inside the reception room, Jeon Dae-Geuk touched his ear with a puzzled expression.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "I''ll repeat, the Director of the National Intelligence Service has dered an anti-terrorism emergency at the Blue House."

    <em>What is this about?</em>

    Jeon Dae-Geuk signaled the security guards to heighten their alert. Trust in Go Gun-Woo was one thing, but security was an entirely different matter.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "Assistant Director Kang Chan is heading to the first reception room unarmed."

    <em>Kang Chan?</em>

    He acknowledged Kang Chan''s ability to detect crises, which had been clearly demonstrated during the Eurasian Rail announcement. He also had aplishments to his name.

    <em>Did our security really fail to pick up danger?</em>

    Jeon Dae-Geuk scanned the reception room sharply.

    "May I smoke?" Muritaka asked.

    "Of course. Feel free,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun responded with a generous smile, even extending his hand.

    "This is made with tobo from our country. Would you like one?"

    "Thank you, but I¡¯ve quit smoking."

    "You¡¯ve lost one of life¡¯s pleasures."

    Moon Jae-Hyunughed in response.

    <em>Click.</em>

    <em>Bang!</em>

    Just as Muritaka lit his lighter, the door burst open, and Kang Chan dashed in. Everyone''s eyes, including Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s, turned toward him. Muritaka also looked at Kang Chan with wide eyes.

    "What¡¯s going on? What are you doing?" Jeon Dae-Geuk growled lowly as Kang Chan surveyed the room.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    "Kang Chan!"

    Jeon Dae-Geuk called out again.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    Time seemed to slow down for Kang Chan.

    <em>Thump-thump. Thump-thump.</em>

    Even the sound of his heart beating to warn him seemed to slow down.

    <em>What is it? What am I missing? The guards against the wall?</em>

    There couldn''t be a bomb nted in the building.

    <em>It¡¯s not Jeon Dae-Geuk.</em>

    <em>Crackle. Crackle.</em>

    At that moment, sparks flew from the cigarette in Muritaka¡¯s mouth. Cigarettes mixed with sugarcane tended to spark like that.

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes caught Muritaka¡¯s surprised gaze.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    Kang Chan lunged at Moon Jae-Hyun.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Two security guards reflexively lunged at Kang Chan, while two more drew their guns.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    <em>Crash!</em>

    Kang Chan, the two guards trying to stop him, and Moon Jae-Hyun tumbled to the floor in a tangled mess.

    "<em>Gah</em>! <em>Ugh</em>!"

    Right after, Muritaka grabbed his throat and convulsed, a horrifying expression on his face.

    Kang Chan mped his hand over Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s nose and mouth.

    "Don¡¯t breathe! Get the President out of here!"

    As expected of Jeon Dae-Geuk, he quickly grasped the situation, rushed over, hooked his arms under Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s armpits, and pulled him away. Kang Chan continued to cover Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s nose and mouth as he followed Jeon Dae-Geuk.

    "<em>Ugh</em>!"

    "<em>Ack</em>!"

    "<em>Urgh</em>!"

    The two interpreters copsed to the floor, writhing in agony like Muritaka. Two nearby security guards fell to the floor in simr distress.

 Chapter 374: The Beginning of the War (1)

    ¡°<em>Keuk</em>!¡±

    ¡°<em>Cough</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan, the two security guards who had gotten tangled up with him, and the security guards who had pointed their pistols at him struggled on the floor, their pain evident in their expressions.

    <em>Hiiiiisssss!</em>

    Jeon Dae-Geuk, whose face was now red, pulled Moon Jae-Hyun away. Kang Chan moved with them, firmly covering Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s mouth and nose. Soon, they got out of the reception room.

    ¡°The stairs! Go!¡± Kang Chan yelled through held breaths.

    He felt so much difort in his chest and throat that they seemed about to explode. His head burned as well.

    <em>Hiiiiissss! Bam! Bam!</em>

    Once Moon Jae-Hyun had gone down the stairs, Kang Chan removed his hand from Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s face.¡°<em>Haa</em>!¡±

    The three breathed heavily.

    ¡°<em>Huff</em>! <em>Huff</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan had been covering Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s mouth and nose so firmly that he had left a clear imprint on his face.

    ¡°Bring him downstairs!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Nobody had time to question Kang Chan speaking informally to them. Following his order, Jeon Dae-Geuk ran down the stairs with Moon Jae-Hyun on his back.

    After taking a deep breath, Kang Chan ran back into the reception room, finding the security guards, attendants, and interpreters shaking in pain on the floor.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>!¡±

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>!¡±

    <em>Crackle. Crackle. Crackle.</em>

    Muritaka¡¯s cigarette had fallen to the floor, but it continued to burn. Hence, Kang Chan ran toward it, picked up a cup of tea on the table, and poured it on the cigarette.

    <em>Chkkk.</em>

    He then dragged away the agent closest to the entrance by the shoulders.

    Kang Chan was already running out of breath, and he felt as if his eyes were about to explode. Still, he couldn¡¯t stop. he hoped to save everyone in the room¡ªor even just one more life.

    <em>¡°Ugh.¡¯</em>

    By the time Kang Chan pulled the second agent outside, the agent¡¯s eyes had already rolled into the back of his head.

    Unfortunately, there wasn¡¯t really much he could do to save the others since they were further inside the room. With his lungs seemingly being torn apart, he was left with no other choice but to stay outside.

    <em>¡®I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯ll make sure to get revenge for this!¡¯</em>

    <em>Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan closed therge door of the reception room. He then ran toward the stairs again, finding Kim Hyung-Jung and a few agents running up.

    ¡°Go back!¡± he yelled. Still holding his breath, his face was now red, and his eyes glinted with spite.

    <em>Swish! Swoosh!</em>

    He took off his jacket and shirt as if he was ripping it off his body, then threw it toward the reception room.

    ¡°I said go back!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Upon seeing Kang Chan taking off his pants, Kim Hyung-Jung and the agents immediately went down the stairs.

    Only when Kang Chan had taken off his pants did he go down the stairs.

    ¡°<em>Haa</em>! <em>Huff huff</em>! <em>Huff huff</em>!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung took off his jacket and wrapped it around Kang Chan¡¯s waist. From outside the building, they heard ambnce sirens and agents¡¯ vehicles quickly leaving.

    <em>Weeeooo. Weeeooo. Weeeooo. Weeeooo.</em>

    Go Gun-Woo couldn¡¯t hide his surprise. Fortunately, he chose to trust Kang Chan.

    He believed that no matter the circumstances, they had to prioritize keeping Moon Jae-Hyun safe. Hence, he believed in Kang Chan¡¯s capabilities, which Kang Chan had shown everyone at the presentation hall for the Eurasian Rail.

    Nevertheless, he never imagined that something like this would happen. If Kang Chan hadn¡¯t been around to intervene, this incident would have thrown South Korea into chaos. Moreover, they would¡¯ve found it difficult to know what was going to happen next.

    Kang Chan still had wounds on his face, and his body was riddled with bruises, stitches, and old scars.

    <em>¡®It doesn¡¯t matter to him if he returns home with wounds like those. He never hesitates to go on an operation to prove South Korea¡¯s strength!¡¯</em> Go Gun-Woo thought.

    Go Gun-Woo felt ashamed. While he was going around yelling that he would make South Korea more powerful, soldiers returned from faraway battlefields covered in injuries or body bags.

    He couldn¡¯t believe that he had been such an idiot. Even though Kang Chan had just gone back home from the frontlines with wounds all over and the death of his men weighing heavily on his heart, Go Gun-Woo still found the gall to suggest gathering evidence.

    For the first time in his life, he felt a surge of hostility toward their enemies. He remembered Kang Chan saying that they were at war and that thew should only be enforced ording to evidence when their citizens were the ones being questioned.

    A security guard brought over a shirt and a suit for Kang Chan. They seemed to have prepared extra clothes for emergencies like this.

    Kang Chan wordlessly put them on. Once he had buttoned up his shirt, Go Gun-Woo walked up to him.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked.

    ¡°Right as I entered the reception room, I heard the end of President Muritaka¡¯s cigarettes crackling. When I saw his nose, mouth, and the pain in his expression, I judged that it was poisoned.¡±

    Dumbfounded, Go Gun-Woo failed to respond immediately. Kang Chan gathered all that just by looking at President Muritaka and his cigarette?

    Agents in hazmat suits rushed into the building through the entrance while the security guards quickly secured the surrounding areas.

    Go Gun-Woo informed Kang Chan that he had issued an anti-terrorism emergency decree and that Jeon Dae-Geuk had gone to the hospital with Moon Jae-Hyun.

    After reporting to Go Gun-Woo, the agents received an order from Kim Hyung-Jung to clean up the area.

    Thanks to Go Gun-Woo¡¯s anti-terrorism emergency decree and his initiative to quickly set up amand structure, the terrorist attack in the Blue House was quickly contained. He had done everything at such a perfect time that it seemed as if God had yed a part in it.

    After a brief lull, one of the agents assigned to the President¡¯s security detail approached Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°We¡¯ve determined that President Muritaka¡¯s cigarettes are poisoned. I¡¯ll report back as soon as we have definite results from the analysis, but we think they had potassium cyanide capsules in them.¡±

    ¡°What about our casualties?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked.

    ¡°We lost sixteen men, including the interpreters, the attendants, and the bodyguards.¡±

    ¡°Have you heard from the President?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, no.¡±

    After giving his report, the agent returned to his post.

    Go Gun-Woo stared at the stairs that led to the reception room. Soon, the Chief of Staff walked over to him.

    ¡°We¡¯ve just been informed that the President is fine. He¡¯ll be discharged as soon as they get results from a thorough medical checkup.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo heaved a loud sigh of relief. ¡°<em>Phew</em>!¡±

    ¡°The President wants to see you and the assistant director, Director,¡± the Chief of Staff added.

    ¡°We¡¯ll head over right away. I¡¯ll leave the scene to you,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo walked away. Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung followed him.

    ***

    Thanks to the police escorting them, it didn¡¯t take them long to reach the National Police Hospital.

    Armed soldiers from the 35th brigade had been positioned near the hospital, tightly guarding its vicinity.

    Some of the agents who had been guarding the entrance guided Go Gun-Woo, Kang Chan, and Kim Hyung-Jung to the seventh floor.

    <em>Rattle.</em>

    Once they opened the door and entered the suite reserved for VIP patients, they immediately saw Jeon Dae-Geuk and more than fifteen bodyguards.

    The room was quite spacious. It even had an enclosed space, where Moon Jae-Hyun was sitting in his bed with his upper body raised. An IV had been attached to his arm.

    ¡°What happened to the attendants and agents in the reception room?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun swiftly asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ve received a report that a total of sixteen people have been killed. Among them were the agents and attendants.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun groaned through gritted teeth. Kang Chan had seen his eyes full of determination a few times, but this was Kang Chan¡¯s first time seeing him look so angry.

    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t quit smoking, then¡­¡± Moon Jae-Hyun looked down and shook his head.

    If he had taken the cigarette that Muritaka offered him and lit it up, he would¡¯ve died as well.

    A heavy and sharp silence filled the room. After a while, Moon Jae-Hyun broke it.

    ¡°How did you know that the cigarettes were poisoned, Assistant Director?¡±

    Kang Chan reiterated what he had told Go Gun-Woo¡ªthat he figured it out by looking at Muritaka¡¯s face.

    They were all aware of Kang Chan¡¯s capabilities. Hence, although it was so unbelievable that they were rendered speechless, they had no choice but to ept his exnation.

    ¡°How should we take care of this situation? This incident is grave enough for us to be in an international conflict with Mwi,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked no one in particr.

    Kang Chan was the first to speak. ¡°The President looked like he didn¡¯t know that his cigarette contained poison.¡±

    <em>He even noticed that in that short moment? Does this make sense?</em>

    Nevertheless, again, they felt inclined to believe him. After all, he did figure out what was wrong just by seeing Muritaka¡¯s expression and the cigarette spattering.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°Someone killed the President of Mwi in hopes of killing you as well, Mr. President. Taking that into consideration, anti-government forces are likely waiting in Mwi right now.¡±

    ¡°Even if we insist on that exnation, we will have to take full responsibility for this situation. If things go wrong, this can cause a misunderstanding and make people think that we¡¯re ming the President of Mwi for our failure to provide adequate security.¡±

    This had never happened before. Still, they needed to sort out this incident.

    Moon Jae-Hyun and Go Gun-Woo were definitely flustered. They didn¡¯t even know how they should officially announce the incident and take care of the aftermath.

    ¡°How about we ask the UN to investigate this incident?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°The UN?¡±

    ¡°Yes. They should be able to contact the United States, Russia, the UK, France, and China. Fairness won¡¯t be a problem if the UN itself announces the results of the investigation. We should also send the Jeungpyeong special forces team to Mwi as a peacekeeping force and have them find the culprit.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked at Kang Chan as if he was asking for more exnation.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to find and protect the President of Mwi¡¯s sessor until he assumes the position. However, if he¡¯s connected with the anti-government forces, then¡­¡± Kang Chan trailed off.

    Noticing Moon Jae-Hyun nervously waiting for him to continue, he finally added, ¡°We¡¯ll have to kill him and choose someone we¡¯ll benefit from to seed President Muritaka instead.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun exhaled softly, finding Kang Chan¡¯s proposition shocking.

    ¡°If we do that, then we¡¯ll be interfering in the domestic affairs of another country,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Someone has just used cigarettes in an attempt to kill you and the President of Mwi, Mr. President. We need to find the culprit and kill them. We need to show people that those who attack South Korea will never be forgiven.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded unknowingly.

    ¡°In Africa, hesitating even when we have the power to act means death. We need to at least instill the belief that Africa¡¯s administrations won¡¯t need to worry about anything once they start depending on us,¡± Kang Chan added. ¡°That way, the countries that follow us will know that we have the power to take action, which in turn will prevent them from being swayed in the future. If those countries are ever in danger, they¡¯ll ask us for help before they ask anyone else.¡±

    ¡°Like what people do with France, huh?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan could confidently answer because he was well aware of how powerful France¡¯s control was over the African countries.

    ¡°Won¡¯t the Jeungpyeong special forces team have trouble figuring out the local situation in Africa?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°Do you remember G¨¦rard de Mermier, themander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces?¡±

    Looking straight into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, Moon Jae-Hyun nodded.

    ¡°We can send him to Mwi. G¨¦rard and the Jeungpyeong special forces team should be able topletely dominate the country. If needed, I¡¯ll have France¡¯s Foreign Legion stand by in a neighboring country as well.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded again. ¡°I keep having to ask you to do difficult things for us. For now, let¡¯s wait how the five countries you just mentioned respond before we decide if we should send the Jeungpyeong special forces team. Right! Director, you wanted to see me?¡±

    Although only a short moment had passed, Moon Jae-Hyun finally looked like he was somewhat back to normal.

    ¡°Mr. President.¡± Go Gun-Woo paused to look at Kang Chan. He then continued, ¡°We believe that South Korea is currently at war with terrorists. To that end, I¡¯d like to ask for your permission to kill Alman Bin Jibril, whom we presume to have yed a major role in the terrorist attacks on the International Building, Director Hwang, and Director Song. We also suspect that he¡¯s one of the people that assembled the UIS in Afghanistan.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun was naturally surprised. Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung exchanged surprised nces as well¡ªbut for a different reason.

    ¡°Did we find evidence that he yed a major role?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°Judging crime with evidence only applies to our citizens. We believe that wasting time looking for evidence to kill our enemies¡¯ leader while we¡¯re in the middle ofbat is exactly what leads to dangerous situations like the incident today.¡±

    Once again, Moon Jae-Hyun looked at Go Gun-Woo as if he was dumbfounded.

    ¡°That sounds like the Assistant Director¡¯s opinion, no?¡± he asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. It <em>is </em>his opinion.¡±

    ¡°Does that mean you agree with him? Even if you¡¯ll be the one facing the consequences if we fail?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded, then looked away from Go Gun-Woo. ¡°Do you have anything to add, Section Chief?¡±

    ¡°When the President of the United States visited usst time, I found the requests of their security service disrespectful. However, I learned a lot today. I¡¯ll do my best to prevent something like this from ever happening again.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun briefly nodded. He then looked Kang Chan in the eyes. ¡°Assistant Director.¡±

    ¡°Mr. President.¡±

    ¡°Are you certain that you¡¯re proposing this for South Korea¡¯s sake, not to take revenge?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan answered swiftly.

    ¡°I know that it has only been three days since you returned from Afghanistan, which makes this even more difficult for you to do. But for South Korea and our dream to make it stronger, I¡¯m going to ask you to¡­¡±

    A heavy and sharp nervousness brushed past the table.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to ask you to make sure that the UN does a fair investigation into today¡¯s incident. Please have the UN send a peacekeeping force to Mwi with our special forces team as its key member, too. Have them protect Mwi¡¯s administration and kill our enemies¡¯ leadership,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun firmly requested.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan answered with determination.

    ¡°Hearing the director say that we¡¯re currently at war made me realize a lot of things. After you¡¯ve discussed the fine details with him, you have my permission to proceed with this n. As the President of South Korea, I hereby approve this National Intelligence Service operation.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun giving his permission¡ªwith an unprecedentedly determined expressionpleted the due process.

    ¡°I¡¯m truly grateful for what you did for me today. Personally, you saved me. For South Korea, you saved its President. I will never forget this for as long as I live,¡± he said.

    Kang Chan simply bowed instead of answering.

    ***

    Approximately ten minutester, Go Gun-Woo, Kang Chan, and Kim Hyung-Jung left the room.

    ¡°How about you have coffee with us before you leave, Director?¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    Go Gun-Woo smiled strangely at Kang Chan, who had clearly noticed that Go Gun-Woo was starting to feel exhausted as he finally got to rx.

    Now that he had confirmed that Moon Jae-Hyun was safe, he could afford to spend about ten minutes having coffee with Kang Chan.

    ¡°Well, I suggested coffee, but I¡¯m not really sure if there¡¯s anywhere we can go to for that,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°You can use your position at times like this, you know,¡± Go Gun-Woomented.

    Heeding his suggestion, Kang Chan called over the agent closest to them.

    ¡°I need a ce where the director and I can have coffee and talk in private,¡± he said.

    ¡°This way, please.¡±

    Following the agent, Go Gun-Woo smiled meaningfully again. It was strange¡ªnowadays, he kept finding himself forgetting about Kang Chan¡¯s age.

    There were even times when Kang Chan seemed like a veteran with a lot of experience on the battlefield. However, during moments like this, Go Gun-Woo always felt as if he was looking at someone who lived in apletely different world.

    They walked past the elevator and reached a room that looked like a waiting room or a lounge for the agents.

    ¡°We only have instant coffee here,¡± the agent said.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Please make three cups for us. Put two packets in each one,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The agent bowed and then went outside.

    ¡°You¡¯ll feel a bit better once you¡¯ve drank something sweet,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Go Gun-Woo nodded in response. His hair, which had always been tidy, was now disheveled. He was clearly exhausted.

    ¡°I was only an administrator until recently, so incidents like today still catch me off guard and make me nervous. I just never know what to do or how to respond,¡± Go Gun-Woo said.

    <em>Rattle.</em>

    The door opened, and an agent brought over three mugs on a tray.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Not at all, sir.¡±

    These agents guarded the President. Perhaps it was because Kang Chan saved Moon Jae-Hyun today, but they were especially polite to him.

    ¡°Please drink it while it¡¯s still hot, sir,¡± Kang Chan suggested.

    ¡°Alright. You have a mug too, Manager Kim,¡± Go Gun-Woo said.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The three sipped their hot instant coffee.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to immediately issue an anti-terrorism emergency decree at the Blue House, Director,¡± Kang Chan said afterward.

    ¡°I trusted the look in your eyes. I also believed in the capabilities that you¡¯ve shown us time and time again.¡±

    As the three thought about different matters, a brief silence fell upon the lounge.

    ¡°Director,¡± Kang Chan called. ¡°I made a promise to the agents and the attendants that were killed today.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo turned to him with a heavy expression.

    ¡°Today, we begin waging war against the enemy who dared target the President,¡± Kang Chan dered.

    Go Gun-Woo looked up from the mug in his hands. ¡°Assistant Director.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°I know it¡¯ll be strenuous and difficult, but I ask that you takemand of this war. In your hands, I¡¯m sure South Korea will emerge victorious.¡±

    Judging by the look in his eyes, Go Gun-Woo seemed to have perked up again.

    ¡°If the God of ckfield himself leads our men to battle, this war is as good as ours,¡± Go Gun-Woo added.

    Kang Chan never imagined this man to say something so embarrassing. Nevertheless, Go Gun-Woo remained stoic before Kim Hyung-Jung, who was looking back at him.

 Chapter 375: The Beginning of the War (2)

    Once Kang Chan had returned to the office, he called Lanok and exined the situation to him.

    - Have the South Korean government request an investigation from the UN. In the meantime, I''ll call Sherman and get his cooperation.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.¡±

    - Our enemies are acting bolder than expected.

    ¡°I agree. I didn¡¯t expect them to act like this. As soon as the UN finishes its investigation, we n on sending peacekeeping forces to Mwi to show our enemies our resolve.¡±

    - I never thought the day woulde when France would have to share Africa with South Korea.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t thought of it that way. If this causes trouble for you, then I¡¯ll stop South Korea from sending their soldiers to Mwi.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to put Lanok in a predicament, so he immediately told him his intentions.

    - You don¡¯t have to do that. However, you should begin to consider how to bnce things when you''re deciding your next move. While we trust and follow you, if it seems like South Korea is getting everything it wants, then the intelligence agents and representatives of other countries will be put in a difficult position.¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    - Alright. I¡¯ll contact you again after talking with Sherman.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan looked outside the window.

    Since France was very powerful and already controlled many countries, he thought that it wouldn¡¯t be a problem for South Korea to take control of Mwi.

    <em>I do understand why Lanok said that, though. South Korea is basically just taking the credit for France¡¯s work.</em>

    France definitely wouldn¡¯t be happy that he was suddenly sending South Korean soldiers to one of their territories.

    Kang Chan stared at the cars that filled the roads below him.

    <em>What¡¯s going to happen now? What am I missing?</em>

    The uneasy feeling that took up a part of his thoughts still hadn¡¯t gone away.

    Kang Chan suddenly thought of Seok Kang-Ho, causing him to smirk. That man definitely wouldn¡¯t be attacked so easily.

    ***

    ¡°You should head home now.¡±

    Despite saying that he should go, Um Ji-Hwan¡¯s old mother couldn¡¯t let go of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s hand.

    ¡°You wrote the correct address, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I did, but you better not get injured over something silly or useless. If you do, I¡¯m never going to see you again,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I¡¯m just going to send you my harvest once I go down to Jangseong,¡± she said. Soon after, she suddenly burst into tears.

    ¡°No, don''t cry. Ji-Hwan won¡¯t be able to rest in peace if you keep holding onto him.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho wiped her tears away with his rough hands.

    ¡°Thank you. I will never forget you staying with my Ji-Hwan until the very end so that he wouldn¡¯t be lonely. I¡¯ll keep that act of kindness in my mind for the rest of my life.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re saying nonsense,¡± Seok Kang-Ho responded.

    Now that it was time for her to go, he walked the old woman to the bus.

    Once in front of it, he held out an envelope to her. ¡°Here. Get whatever you want to eat on your way home. Use it to support your expenses and buy everything you¡¯ll need in Jangseong, too.¡±

    Startled, Um Ji-Hwan¡¯s mother waved her hand in refusal. ¡°No! I can¡¯t ept this!¡±

    ¡°Take it. Didn¡¯t you agree to be my mother? Unless you take this, you don¡¯t truly consider me your son.¡±

    The old woman had barely calmed down when she burst into tears again. Sniffling, she epted the envelope. She then raised her dress and ced the envelope into a pocket near her thigh.

    ¡°I wish you good health, sir,¡± the mother said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Now, get on the bus.¡±

    Overwhelmed by how scary Seok Kang-Ho looked, the bus driver gauged Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mood.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll get going,¡± Um Ji-Hwan¡¯s old mother said.

    Seok Kang-Ho hugged her. ¡°Please cheer up. I¡¯ll visit you there once I¡¯m done with work.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. You should head back now.¡±

    The old mother stepped away from Seok Kang-Ho and then headed toward the entrance of the bus. However, before she could board it, she turned around again.

    <em>Does she have something to say?</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at her as if to ask, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    The old mother respectfully bowed.

    ¡°I won¡¯t forget about what you¡¯ve done for me.¡±

    Her words and actions conveyed everything that she wanted to tell Seok Kang-Ho but couldn''t.

    Holding onto the railing, the old woman struggled up the bus, taking one step at a time. She then walked down its aisle.

    She was so small that Seok Kang-Ho could only see half of her face through the windows.

    <em>Chkk.</em>

    Soon, the bus closed its doors and drove away from the boarding area.

    ***

    Vasili got out of the car, looking extremely ufortable.

    He always felt displeased whenever he had to go to the President¡¯s pce, especially after what happened with Shevchenkost time.

    Holding onto the rear passenger¡¯s door, he sharply red at the pce¡¯s entrance.

    No agents or attendants hade out to greet him yet. Since he hade at Alexei''s request, his staff should have been informed that he wasing. At the very least, they would have known that he had arrived.

    Why hadn¡¯t any of the security guards and attendants from the KGB under hismande over to greet him?

    <em>¡®Is this a trap?¡¯</em>

    Vasili¡¯s heart sank.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    He quickly went back inside the car.

    <em>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</em>

    However, at the same time, gunshots rang out. Blood sttered roughly from Vasili¡¯s back.

    <em>Screech!</em>

    He couldn¡¯t even close the back door. Nevertheless, the car quickly drove off.

    <em>Pew! Bam! Pew! Pow! Pew! Bam! Pew! Bam!</em>

    The bulletproof ss and doors were riddled with bullets.

    <em>Screech! Screech! Screech!</em>

    As Vasili copsed on the back seat, his navy blue suit drenched in blood, a ck van drove into view from the back of the President¡¯s pce and followed Vasili¡¯s car. Unable to hold himself up, he was helplessly tossed around as the car sharply and roughly swerved and turned through the roads.

    <em>Vroom! Rattle! Screech! </em>

    Soon, the car left the premises of the President¡¯s pce and closed in on an intersection. Nevertheless, the driver just kept driving straight ahead.

    <em>Screech! Beep! Beep beep!</em>

    As they crossed the intersection as if they were crossing a sidewalk, another car that had also been crossing the intersection roughly changed directions to avoid crashing into Vasili''s car. Right after, it mmed into a building and the van that had been following Vasili.

    <em>Crunch! Crack!</em>

    ***

    Yang Bum sat at a circr table in the octagonal pavilion of a closed airport. He had met Kang Chan here some time ago.

    Soon, he lit up a cigarette.

    <em>Chk chk.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Behind him stood more than ten agents from China¡¯s intelligence bureau, guarding him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe so many people are more interested in their personal gain than the growth and development of the People¡¯s Republic of China,¡± Yang Bum muttered to himself. He then sharply looked at the agents that were lined up behind him. ¡°Tell me right now if any of you need to kill me.¡±

    Agents with square chins, sharp eyes, and stocky builds looked back at Yang Bum. They kept quiet.

    These agents were considered veterans even among the White Wolves. Yang Bum had basically taught and led them himself, so they wouldn¡¯t think about betraying him. However, humans could be quite unpredictable.

    ¡°What weapons do we have?¡± Yang Bum asked.

    ¡°Machine guns, pistols, and live ammo,¡± one of the agents answered.

    ¡°We¡¯ll head to South Korea¡¯s base in Mongolia.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll apany you there.¡±

    After exhaling cigarette smoke, Yang Bum crushed the cigarette into the ashtray. ¡°I understand that the Star of David acting for their personal interests¡ªthey¡¯re our enemies, after all. Still, we have to do whatever it takes to eliminate those who sympathized with them and sold our nation out.¡±

    It was unclear who Yang Bum was speaking to.

    As he stepped down from the octagonal pavilion, he saw a car kicking up dust in the distance.

    The agent who had been standing right behind Yang Bum turned to the two agents at the very left of their formation. ¡°Stop that vehicle!¡±

    ¡°Wait. How will those two escape?¡± Yang Bum asked.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have time for this, sir! We need to get you out of here!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re sending them to their deaths!¡±

    ¡°Get revenge for themter.¡±

    Three agents rushed toward Yang Bum and dragged him away as if they were kidnapping him.

    ¡°They''re going to die!¡± Yang Bum shouted.

    The two agents looked back at Yang Bum. While being taken away, he desperately yelled for them. Honored by how important they seemed to him, the two agents held up their machine guns.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    The cloud of dust was getting closer.

    ¡°Let go! I said let go! They shouldn¡¯t have to sacrifice themselves like¡ª!¡± Yang Bum¡¯s shout was cut off by the sound of a car door closing.

    <em>Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!</em>

    Behind the octagonal pavilion, they heard a car driving off.

    ¡°We met a wonderful superior, didn¡¯t we?¡± one of the agents who stayed behind asked the other agent.

    ¡°He¡¯s the reason I won¡¯t have any regrets even if I die.¡±

    The cloud of dust continued to approach until it was right in front of them. The car then came into view.

    ¡°Baekrang!¡±

    <em>Click!</em>

    Yelling the name of their special forces like a chant, one of the agents held up his gun.

    ¡°For our people!¡±

    <em>Click.</em>

    The agent beside him yelled their chant and held up his machine gun as well.

    <em>Pow pow pow pow pow pow ! Pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow pow!</em>

    <em>Screech! Screech!</em>

    Without any hesitation, the two agents shot the car in front of them as it changed directions.

    ***

    <em>Ding.</em>

    The elevator in the basement parking lot opened, and Vant got out of it with the agents, They walked toward the car that was waiting for him.

    The agents examined their surroundings as Vant got in the backseat. The agent holding the backdoor then closed it and nodded. At the same time, a car that had been parked facing the left side of Vant¡¯s vehicle rushed toward them.

    <em>Vroom! Screech!</em>

    It was too close for them to avoid it. Hence, by the time they had noticed the car, it was already toote. It sped up and mmed into the driver¡¯s seat.

    <em>Crash!</em>

    Right after the collision, the car exploded.

    <em>BOOM!</em>

    Fragments of the car dropped around the area. Soon, another explosion urred, causing even more fragments to shoot out and drop all over the ce.

    ***

    Jeong Won-Min and the 606 knew Kang Chan very well.

    Hence, when Kang Chan called him and told him to be on high alert, Jeong Won-Min immediately tightened the security of the embassy. Moreover, when they heard about the attempt to assassinate the President, they bolstered their defenses even further.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Just before the night fell, the doors opened, and more than ten French agents rushed outside.

    <em>nk. Clunk.</em>

    Jeong Won-Min guarded the front of a car with another soldier.

    They didn¡¯t speak the samenguage, but they easily understood what they were trying to do.

    The 606¡¯s training included executive protection. Hence, they knew how to act without disturbing the French agents.

    The 606 wore a ck beret, dark sunsses, and the ck uniform for the 606''s counter-terrorism team, which had the taegukgi on their left arm. They were armed with an MP5 sub-machine gun slung over their back, pistols, bays, and magazines.

    One agent nodded briefly at Jeong Won-Min, acknowledging the 606''s service. He was silently thanking them for the reassurance they felt from being guarded by heavily armed soldiers.

    While Jeong Won-Min was fiercely staring ahead, Lanok went outside the embassy with Anne.

    The worst they could do was be distracted at times like this. While the French agents, who were in full uniform, surrounded Lanok and Anne as if to cover them from sight, someone had to examine the areas that their enemies could shoot them from.

    As Jeong Won-Min instinctively scanned the buildings nearby, gunshots suddenly rang out.

    <em>Pew! Pow!</em>

    An agent¡¯s nape exploded.

    ¡°<em>Bouge</em>![1]¡±

    Yelling, the French agents pounced on Lanok and Anne.

    ¡°You three! Secure that building!¡± Jeong Won-Min yelled as he fired back.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    More French agents fell to the floor as the enemies continued shooting at them from the rooftop of a five-story building. Right now, only their muzzles were visible.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew! Pow pow! Pew! Pow!</em>

    The soldiers and agents returned fire as their enemies shot them with seemingly no regard for their lives.

    <em>Pew! Pow pow! Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</em>

    Lanok and Anne had fallen to the ground as well. They couldn¡¯t move, much less get back inside the embassy.

    Bullets seemed to have pierced through an agent and hit them. At this rate, they would end up dying.

    ¡°Protect the VIPs!¡± Jeong Won-Min yelled.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Jeong Won-Min then rushed toward Lanok and grabbed him by his upper body. Jeong Won-Min had positioned himself in a way that his bulletproof vest was blocking their enemies¡¯ view of Lanok.

    Lanok was unconscious, and his shoulder and chest were soaked in blood.

    <em>Pew! Pow! Pew! Bam! Pew! Pow!</em>

    <em>¡®Ugh!¡¯</em>

    Jeong Won-Min was shot in the leg and the back of his bulletproof vest.

    His leg hurt like crazy. Nevertheless, he still kept Lanok¡¯s head and upper body hidden by his bulletproof vest as he dragged him to the door.

    Another soldier held and dragged Anne toward the door in the same way.

    <em>Pew! Pow! Pew! Pow!</em>

    He felt horrible pain that felt as if he was being stabbed with a skewer at his back again.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    Yelling, Jeong Won-Min pushed Lanok inside. In response, the attendants inside the embassy dragged him in. Afterward, the soldier who had been dragging Anne handed her over to those inside the embassy. She was also soaked in blood and unconscious.

    It was unclear if it was because they could no longer see their targets or the soldiers that Jeong Won-Min had sent over to their position had subdued them, but the enemies soon stopped shooting.

    <em>Thud.</em>

    Jeong Won-Min sat next to the door of the embassy, his back against the wall. Looking out the yard, he found more than ten French agents on the floor, unmoving.

    He then looked down, finding two holes in his thigh, which was soaked with blood.

    ¡°<em>Cough</em>.¡±

    Jeong Won-Min was out of breath. For some strange reason, he felt like the air wasn¡¯t going into his lungs.

    ¡°Captain!¡± one soldier yelled.

    <em>Cough! Cough!</em>

    A soldier ran toward him and put pressure on Jeong Won-Min¡¯s neck. ¡°An ambnce is on its way! Just stay with me!¡±

    ¡°Hey¡ª<em>cough!¡±</em>

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk! Just hold on, okay?¡± the soldier then turned to his colleague. ¡°Hey! Where¡¯s the fucking ambnce!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re¡­ <em>cough! kegh!¡±</em>

    Blood spurted out of Jeong Won-Min¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°I said don¡¯t talk!¡±

    ¡°The 606 is¡­ <em>ugh</em>¡­¡±

    ¡°I know! Stay with me! You still have to train us and make us suffer!¡± the soldier yelled desperately.

    <em>Weeeooo! Weeeooo! Weeeooo! Weeeooo!</em>

    Finally, they heard the sirens of an ambnce.

    ¡°The 606 is South¡­ Korea¡¯s¡­ bastion...¡±

    With his vision already blurry, the only thing Jeong Won-Min could make out was the taegukgi on the arm of the soldier who was putting pressure on his neck.

    <em>I don¡¯t think I was very close with him, but¡­</em>

    Strangely, even though he should be missing his wife and kids, Jeong Won-Min missed Kang Chan instead.

    <em>¡®South Korea will get stronger, right?¡¯</em>

    Jeong Won-Min really wanted to hear the answer to that question.

    ***

    When Kang Chan arrived at the hospital, he found Kang Myung-Gu of the counter-terrorism team guarding the hallway with other agents.

    ¡°This way, sir.¡±

    Kang Myung-Gu led Kang Chan down the hallway. The rifle slung around his shoulders clunked as they walked.

    <em>Rattle.</em>

    They soon stopped in front of a room. Yoo Hun-Woo exited it soon after, his expression grave.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo greeted.

    ¡°How are they doing?¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo nced at the room, then answered, ¡°They¡¯re both in aa, but the female patient is in a more serious condition.¡±

    ¡°Director,¡± Kang Chan called but didn¡¯t say anything else. The look in his eyes should be enough for Yoo Hun-Woo to know what he wanted.

    ¡°Alright. Pleasee this way.¡±

    He led Kang Chan to the treatment room on the fifth floor.

    ¡°Lie down here,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said afterward.

    Withoutints, Kang Chan rolled up his sleeve and sat on the bed.

    Instead of insisting that Kang Chan should lie down, Yoo Hun-Woo just silently inserted a needle into Kang Chan¡¯s arm. He then gently shook the bag that was being filled with Kang Chan¡¯s blood.

    After three minutes, he pressed a cotton ball against Kang Chan¡¯s skin and pulled out the needle. He then hurriedly left the treatment room, which only evidenced how critical Lanok and Anne¡¯s conditions were.

    Kang Chan rolled down his sleeve and headed to the room that Yoo Hun-Woo entered.

    1. French for Move, ording to the author ?

 Chapter 376: We Are Not a Nation That Bows (1)

    Lines from theplex machinery were connected to Anne. The nozzle, bubbling with air, was linked to Anne''s breathing mask. She was clearly in bad condition.

    "We have removed the bullets, but both patients might need further surgery."

    Although Anne already had an IV and blood transfusion going, Yoo Hun-Woo still connected the additional blood that he had gotten from Kang Chan.

    While hooking up the blood transfusion, Yoo Hun-WOo turned to Kang Chan. "Is there any way we could get help from Dr. Kim Ji-Hoon of the Hannam Hospital? Given the conditions of thisdy and the patient in the next room, our hospital''s staff alone can''t handle it."

    <em>Dr. Kim Ji-Hoon?</em>

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s puzzled look, Yoo Hun-Woo added, "In the field of surgery, he''s one of the best in the world. Abroad, they even call him ''Great Kim,'' a y on ''great surgeon.'' Right now, we desperately need his help."

    "I''ll request his assistance and get back to you."

    "His surgery schedule is extremely tight, so I¡¯m not sure if he can make time. I have no doubt that he¡¯ll be a tremendous help, though. If he cane, it will give us a lot more hope. "

    Kang Chan nodded. Yoo Hun-Woo then took the remaining blood pack and headed to Lanok¡¯s room, which was just right next door.

    Upon entering, Kang Chan was greeted by a simr scene to Anne¡¯s. Lanok was lying on the bed, his high nose and thin face just as pale as his daughter¡¯s.

    Long ago, Lanok¡¯s wife was shot to death. Now, it seemed as though he was about to lose his daughter for the same reason.

    Yoo Hun-Woo connecting the blood pack made Kang Chan a bit relieved.

    Standing beside Lanok, Kang Chan began to talk to Lanok in French.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador. I''ve given you and Anne my blood.¡±

    Yoo Heon-Woo and the nurse turned to Kang Chan, unable to understand what he was saying.

    "I believe you''ll wake up. I''ll be waiting."

    Kang Chan carefully held Lanok¡¯s hand, which had an IV line connected to it. It was cold.

    "Just as you said, the enemy has started moving, but don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll fight this war my own way. I¡¯ll be back."

    Kang Chan let go of Lanok''s hand and left the room.

    <em>ng. ng.</em>

    The weapons and equipment attached to Kang Myung-Gu and his team made a reassuring noise with each step they took.

    Kang Chan pulled out his phone and called Kim Hyung-Jung.

    - Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

    "This is Kang Chan. Two patients admitted to the Bangji Hospital need surgery, and they require the assistance of Dr. Kim Ji-Hoon of the Hannam Hospital."

    - He¡¯s the President''s surgical doctor. I''ll contact him immediately.

    Despite his heavy workload, Kim Hyung-Jung still sounded sharp and resolute.

    "I''m heading to the hospital where Shan and Abibu are," Kang Chan said.

    - I¡¯ll notify them ordingly.

    "I¡¯d like to speak with the director as well. Can you send me his number?"

    - Understood.

    Kang Chan hung up and walked toward the elevator. Kang Myung-Gu and another agent apanied him.

    <em>ng. ng.</em>

    "Take care."

    "Don''t worry, sir. "

    <em>Ding.</em>

    Kang Chan took the elevator down. It was already dark, so there were no outpatients around.

    <em>Ding.</em>

    On the first floor, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, Lee Doo-Hee, and armed soldiers filled the hospital, making it feel like they were in the middle of a battlefield.

    "We''re heading to the Police Hospital."

    "Yes, sir."

    The security had been tightened so much that Kang Chan¡¯s sedan was now surrounded by six vans. As the car started, Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho.

    - It¡¯s me.

    "Come to the Police Hospital with G¨¦rard," Kang Chan said.

    - Got it.

    Kang Chan hung up and looked out the window, realizing once again that he should not underestimate his enemy. Even so, he was not afraid.

    <em>Why are they doing this?Everything is fine, but...</em>

    If they really wanted the next-generation power facility, they should have appealed to Lanok and negotiated with him. If they couldn¡¯t stand seeing Korea grow more powerful, they should have tried harder themselves. Targeting the President of Korea, assassinating the President of a powerless African country, and shooting Lanok and Anne¡ªtheir methods were simply uneptable.

    <em>Korea no longer bows down when hit.</em>

    How many times did the Jeungpyeong special forces team, the 606, and the counter-terrorism team have to prove that Korea had be stronger?

    Every time the car stopped at a signal, the vanspletely surrounded Kang Chan''s sedan. Therge vehicles had their windows painted ck, giving off a very strong and intimidating presence. Pedestrians and drivers nearby nced at them with wide eyes.

    Just as they were about to reach the hospital, Kang Chan''s phone rang.

    <em>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</em>

    It was G¨¦rard.

    "It¡¯s me."

    - Vasili was shot by a sniper as he arrived at the presidential pce to meet President Alexei. His location and condition are currently unknown.

    Kang Chan exhaled slowly.

    - And...

    "Go on."

    - Yang Bum is reportedly fleeing to the Mongolian base. Contact has been lost, so his location and condition are also unknown.

    "Anything else?"

    - Vant, the Director of the Swiss intelligence bureau, died in a car explosion in an underground parking lot.

    Oddly, the more Kang Chan heard, the calmer he felt.

    "Where are you now?"

    - We''re almost at the hospital. The satellite soldiers had to urgently ry this information to me first.

    "Got it. I''ll see you at the hospital entrance."

    - Yes, sir.

    Kang Chan put the phone in his pocket and scratched his eyebrow. The Directors of the Russian and Chinese intelligence bureaus guarding the Mongolian base had been taken out. Naturally, this meant their next target would be the Mongolian base.

    Kang Chan''s phone vibrated shortly, signaling a new message. Two vans entered the hospital entrance as two more blocked the surrounding area. The remaining pair covered the rear of the sedan.

    <em>Whoosh! Whoosh!</em>

    Soldiers in ck suits and sunsses quickly spread out to secure Kang Chan''s path to the hospital entrance. Choi Jong-Il, who had been in the back seat with Kang Chan, and Woo Hee-Seung, who had been in the front seat, stuck closely to Kang Chan.

    Despite the cumbersome and troublesome situation, there was no room forints. With security tighter likely due to the assassination attempt on the President, the entrance was guarded by well-armed soldiers from the 35th Brigade.

    Fortunately, there were no outpatients around due to thete hour.

    As Kang Chan walked to the empty waiting room, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the interpreter entered through the main entrance.

    "Let''s sit for a moment before heading up."

    "Yes, sir."

    Kang Chan took out his phone, finding a message from Kim Hyung-Jung. He dialed the number it contained.

    - Hello?

    "Mr. Director, this is Kang Chan. Is now a good time to talk?"

    - I have about fifteen minutes.

    Kang Chan first ryed G¨¦rard¡¯s report to Go Gun-Woo.

    "The satellite agents will report separately to the NIS, so Manager Kim Hyung-Jung should also be aware of this by now."

    - I see.

    Go Gun-Woo sounded calm.

    "I intend to fight this war my way, Director. To start with, I need the authority to eliminate Shan and Abibu."

    A stunned silence filled the line.

    "Ambassador Lanok provoked the enemy, leading to this reaction. Even so, we still don''t fully understand the enemy''s identity. Although we¡¯ll be wording the announcement differently, the enemy will surely know that I eliminated Shan and Abibu."

    - Are you trying to be a direct target?

    "Yes."

    - Even if you don¡¯t do this, you are already a target. No matter how hard we consider this a war, eliminating captives is...

    Go Gun-Woo let out a deep sigh.

    "This is no different from eliminating Alman bin Jibril, whom we assume to be the enemy''s leader, sir."

    - I understand your anger over all the attacks, but¡ª

    "Sixteen soldiers and staff lost their lives to the assassination attempt on the President. Jeong Won-Min, themander of the 606''s Special Operations Unit, was killed during the attack on the embassy,¡± Kang Chan interjected.

    After a brief pause, he added, "Killing those two announces that we will beunching merciless attacks on the enemy. It might seem hical, but it will be the clearest warning we can give them. Think of us as the DGSE but under the NIS, sir, not just a counter-terrorism team."

    G¨¦rard, Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and the interpreter listened to Kang Chan''s conversation closely. Once the interpreter had ryed it in French, G¨¦rard nodded.

    - Are you asking me to turn a blind eye to this?

    "If that were the case, I wouldn¡¯t have reported it in the first ce."

    Kang Chan heard another heavy sigh from the other end of the line.

    ¡°I''m not asking you to take responsibility either. I¡¯m merely stating that if we are to fight an invisible war, we must do so appropriately.¡±

    - You¡¯ll still proceed with this even if I don¡¯t approve of it, won''t you?

    "No, I won''t,¡± Kang Chan responded without hesitation. "When I referred to us as the National DGSE, I also meant that I would seek the NIS¡¯ approval first before taking action."

    - <em>Hmm</em>.

    Silence followed the deep groan.

    Given hisck of experience with the brutal battles in Africa and the operations that Kang Chan and his men had conducted so far, it was only natural for Go Gun-Woo to have trouble approving Kang Chan¡¯s request. Even so, it wasn''t a matter he could handle alone or take responsibility for by himself.

    Finally, he broke the silence.

    - Assistant Director, your work is the work of the National Intelligence Service. From now on, I will consider our counter-terrorism team as the National DGSE.

    Go Gun-Woo spoke with unprecedented firmness.

    - As the Director of the NIS, I give you permission to proceed with this operation. Use any means necessary to win this war.

    "Thank you, sir.¡±

    Something stirred within Kang Chan. Gazing down the dark hallway, he hung up the phone.

    <em>Bastards.</em><em>You messed with people who have a lot of responsibilities yet are ready to sacrifice themselves for their country. You should never have touched South Korea.</em>

    "Let''s head up."

    Kang Chan walked toward the elevator and boarded it. Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, the interpreter, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung all followed him in silence, causing the atmosphere to grow heavy and sharp.

    <em>Ding.</em>

    The elevator opened its doors on the sixth floor. As expected, the elevator was guarded by agents in uniforms and soldiers from the 35th Brigade.

    "Where''s Shan?"

    "This way, sir."

    <em>ng. ng.</em>

    The soldiers led Kang Chan and his team to a room on the right side of the corridor.

    <em>Creak.</em>

    When the door opened, they saw Shan lying on the bed like a skeleton. IVs, machines, and a respirator were connected to him, He looked almost as if he were already dead.

    "Shan,¡± Kang Chan called as he stood beside the man. "I only wanted one thing."

    The interpreter quickly ryed Kang Chan''s words. Behind Kang Chan were Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung; opposite them stood Seok Kang-Ho, the interpreter, and G¨¦rard.

    "It''s fine to be greedy, but you should never take away someone else''s most precious wish or only hope."

    Staring at Shan as if he could hear him, Kang Chan added, ¡°When you go to hell, be sure to ry my words in everynguage you know. T interpret my words. Tell them it''s about to get a bit more crowded."

    At that moment, Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan.

    "Tell them thathim it¡¯s because the God of ckfield has started a war."

    <em>Crack!</em>

    In an instant, Shan''s head was twisted almost a full circle to fully around to face Kang Chan.

    When the machines started beeping loudly, Seok Kang-Ho yanked out the machine''s cords, allowing silence to envelop the room again.

    The interpreter was stunned. After a long, long fight, one of their battles had finally ended.

    "G¨¦rard."

    "Oui."

    "Only the victors will survive this war. We will use any means necessary to win."

    "Understood."

    The interpreter stammered as he ryed Kang Chan¡¯s words in Korean.

    Kang Chan then turned to Seok Kang-Ho. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes gleamed, and his lips curved into a sinister smile, terrifying the interpreter.

    Afterward, Kang Chan looked at Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung. They looked like they wanted to say something but couldn''t find the right words. Their eyes, however, showed they understood.

    "If you want out, say it now."

    "Absolutely not, sir."

    Kang Chan and his team left the room. Two doctors and a nurse hurried toward them.

    "Call Manager Kim and have him handle this."

    "Yes, sir."

    Choi Jong-Il blocked the entrance to the room.

    "We''ll take care of it."

    The doctors and nurse, sensing the tense atmosphere, quietly turned back.

    "Where''s Abibu?"

    "He''s inside."

    <em>ng. ng.</em>

    As they approached, the soldier guarding the room opened the door. Abibu and his attendant were sitting in chairs in front of the bed. Startled, the attendant stood up quickly, but Abibu remained still, his head tilted up as if frozen. Kang Chan stood directly in front of him.

    "Abibu."

    Abibu swallowed dryly but still showed a hint of concealed arrogance. Right now, he had neatly tied hair, a beard, and curly sideburns that connected to his jaw.

    Kang Chan slowly looked over at the attendant and noticed the remote control in his hand.

    He then turned to the TV mounted to the wall in front of Abibu. It seemed they had just watched the news about the death of the President of Mwi, the assassination attempt on Moon Jae-Hyun, and Lanok''s injury.

    "Ambassador Lanok and his daughter were shot,¡± Kang Chan began as he watched Abibu¡¯s eyes shake. "Vasili was also shot, Yang Bum is on the run, and Vant was killed on site."

    Abibu quickly nced at his attendant. It was unclear whether he was interpreting Kang Chan¡¯s words, finding the situation advantageous, or both.

    "Here''s the thing."

    Abibu returned his gaze to Kang Chan, swallowing dryly again.

    "Our war has officially begun. The first thing I did was snap the neck of the man who tried to kill me. He was staying right next door.¡±

    <em>In this situation? Did he really?</em>

    Doubt filled Abibu''s trembling eyes.

    "You know Alman bin Jibril, don¡¯t you?"

    While trying to maintain a facade of calmness, Abibu offered him a reply.

    "He said he does," Seok Kang-Ho quickly interpreted, slightly startling Abibu and his attendant.

    "I have a request," Kang Chan said.

    After a nce at Seok Kang-Ho, the attendant ryed Kang Chan''s words back into Arabic.

    <em>¡®I knew it! He came here to beg me for something!¡¯ </em>Abibu thought. A smile crept onto his face.

    At that moment, Kang Chan reached out and grabbed both sides of Abibu''s head.

    "I''m going to kill Alman bin Jibril, but before I do, I need to send whoever ordered this attack a proper warning¡ªone that will surely insult them.¡±

    Unable to fully grasp Kang Chan''s intentions, Abibu''s expression filled with shock and confusion. The moment he raised his bewildered gaze and met Kang Chan¡¯s fiercely gleaming eyes, he suddenly began to tremble.

    This was a typical reaction. No matter how tough they pretended to be or how much they possessed, when faced with unimaginable fear, people normally lost all their will to resist, causing them to simply await their fate.

    Those same people became incredibly cruel when they trampled on others. After all, it made them feel as though they could kill anyone they didn¡¯t like at any time without feeling any guilt.

    With that in mind, Kang Chan hardened his resolve.

    "Go to hell and wait for Jibril. When he arrives, tell him that messing with the God of ckfield was a grave mistake. Make sure to apologize to the soldiers who lost their lives because of you as well."

    <em>Gulp.</em>

    <em>Why is this bastard swallowing so loudly?</em>

    As if he had swallowed his saliva so quickly that it got caught in his throat, Abibu started huping. Nevertheless, he tried to speak out of desperation.

    "He said he¡¯ll tell you how to capture Jibril. If you spare his life, he will give you all his wealth and reveal the location of the next-generation power facility being built in Saudi Arabia..."

    Seok Kang-Ho tilted his head, ring at Abibu. Due to his fear and Kang Chan holding his head, Abibu¡¯s Arabic pronunciation began to sound terrible even to someone who didn''t understand thenguage.

    "He just swore loyalty to you, Captain."

    "Malbon dalki!" Abibu pleaded.

    "He begs you to ept it."

    In the face of death, some remained steadfast, while others threw away their pride. Even in the Foreign Legion, terrified recruits often pulled the trigger on themselves just before a melee began. Fear did things to people, and Abibu was no exception.

    Kang Chan nodded.

    <em>This is why you should behave properly when you have wealth, power, and a high position.</em>

    <em>Before the war, I might have felt some sympathy for you. If you had shown remorse when I entered the room, maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªthe oue of this meeting would have been different.</em>

    "Next time, try being more generous."

    The attendant quickly interpreted Kang Chan''s words, nervously watching him.

    "You can''t even use all that stuff anyway, so why be so greedy for other people''s belongings?"

    <em>Snap! Crack!</em>

    Abibu''s neck was twisted grotesquely.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    As Kang Chan released his grip, Abibu slumped lifelessly to the floor. Simultaneously, the attendant let out a wail.

    <em>You bastards kill others so easily. Whether they have much or little, death is the same for everyone. You might regret the unused wealth, but those who never got to live a proper life will be filled with bitterness.</em>

    "<em>Aaaaah</em>!"

    <em>Thwack!</em>

    The moment the attendant lunged at Kang Chan, G¨¦rardnded a solid kick to the man''s sr plexus.

    "<em>Ugh</em>! <em>Gah</em>!"

    While the attendant writhed in pain, Kang Chan turned and left the room.

 Chapter 377: We Are Not a Nation That Bows (2)

    "Choi Jong-Il, call Manager Kim and have him handle this, then join us at the office," Kang Chan ordered.

    "Yes, sir,¡± Choi Jong-Il, who would usually never leave Kang Chan''s side, answered without hesitation. He knew that eliminating Shan and Abibu was a response to the enemy''s provocation and an equally important task.

    "G¨¦rard, head back to the office first. Squeeze Alman bin Jibril¡¯s location and details out of the agents analyzing the intel from the satellite."

    "Oui!" G¨¦rard quickly responded. He then exited through the main entrance with the interpreter and agents assigned to him.

    "Daye, you and I will stop by the hotel before heading over."

    "Got it."

    Kang Chan hopped into a car. Seok Kang-Ho followed him, taking the seat that Choi Jong-Il had usually upied in the back. They then headed to the hotel where Kang Chul-Gyu was staying.

    Just as the car was about to leave the hospital, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang.

    <em>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</em>"Hello?"

    - Monsieur Kang, this is Ludwig.

    Ludwig, usually kind and rxed, sounded as stiff as a piece of wood.

    - I heard the news. I was lucky to survive because the car they blew up was the one my son was in.

    Expressing the death of his son so positively¡ªWesterners really were different.

    - What can I do to help?

    "I just eliminated Abibu, Ludwig."

    A deep sigh immediately followed.

    "I would like to have Romain transferred from the US to Korea. If possible, I''d also like to get Josh."

    - What do you n to do with them?

    "I n to eliminate them."

    - That would mean war.

    "Our strategy to drag out the enemy¡¯s core members has worked. Now, we have to fight this war until only one of us remains."

    - Understood, Monsieur Kang.

    The call ended abruptly. Ludwig had tried to soundposed, but he was clearly furious. His uncharacteristically stiff tone and the abrupt end to the call made that obvious.

    Right after the call dropped, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang again.

    - This is Kim Hyung-Jung. The President will make an announcement in twenty minutes.

    Things were progressing rapidly on all fronts.

    - The director is in a meeting, so I don''t have all the details. We n to announce that Abibu and Shan attacked our agents, forcing them to kill the two.

    "Copy."

    - I¡¯ll call you again if anythinges up.

    As soon as Kang Chan hung up, the phone rang once more.

    "Hello?"

    - Sherman, Monsieur Kang.

    <em>Why did this bastard call?</em>

    Kang Chan looked out the window. "It¡¯s been a while."

    - I just got a call from Ludwig. We can transfer Romain and Josh to Korea, initiate a UN investigation into the Mwi President''s assassination, deploy UN peacekeeping forces to Mwi, and fully support the Korean President¡¯s uing announcement.

    Someone offering so much would always want something in return.

    "Tell me what you want," Kang Chan said.

    Sherman remained silent for a moment.

    - The construction of next-generation energy facilities in the US, the officialization of the US-Korea alliance, and the acknowledgment of the US influence in the Asian region. That''s about it.

    "Sherman, aside from the next-generation energy facilities, your other demands aren''t within my power to decide," Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at Kang Chan and then looked out the window, seemingly uninterested in the French conversation.

    - Monsieur Kang, if we win this war, you''ll have all the power to fulfill those demands. All we ask from you is that you promise on your honor to keep your end of the bargain. If you lose, we¡¯ll take responsibility for the failed investment.

    Kang Chan thought about the proposal for a moment.

    Sherman, currently in a bind for ying both sides, was clearly trying to take advantage of this opportunity. He was undoubtedly keeping another option open on the other side, so fully trusting him right now would be foolish.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <em>I need to hold onto as many allies as possible right now, though.</em>

    "Alright, Sherman. I''ll do my best to meet those conditions."

    - Excellent choice. We will start by informing the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NIS of our support.

    The call dropped. The fact that everyone, even these guys, was too busy to exchange proper farewells showed just how hectic things had be.

    The car drove through the brightly lit streets and reached the hotel. As if there were not enough agents with Kang Chan, he was now being escorted by six SUVs in total. Their ck suits, fierce expressions, and sturdy builds were bound to draw attention.

    "Move the SUVs to the underground parking lot. We need to stay on the alert for prying eyes," Kang Chan ordered.

    "Let one SUV stay with us, sir."

    Kang Chan agreed, concluding that arguing about this would be too much.

    "Let¡¯s smoke before we go up,¡± he suggested afterward.

    "Sounds good," Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    They got out in front of the smoking area by the entrance. As Lee Doo-Hee drove to the parking lot, Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Woo Hee-Seung lit their cigarettes.

    "<em>Hoo</em>."

    Kang Chan felt a bit relieved now that he finally got to smoke.

    Kang Chan pointed to the SUV blocking their path. "Why aren''t the agents in that SUVing out?"

    They had to be feeling cramped in there. Wouldn''t it be better for them to join Kang Chan and his group and just pretend to be on close protection duty?

    Woo Hee-Seung looked at the vehicle. "Heavily armed counter-terrorism team members are aboard that car. Determined not to fail at their job again, Captain Kang Myung-Gu requested to be deployed, and Manager Kim approved."

    Kang Chan could only nod in response.

    "Contact the agents in the hotel and have them check on Director Kang¡¯s room."

    "Yes, sir."

    Woo Hee-Seung issued instructions through the radio attached to his sleeve.

    "You didn''t notify him?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    "Where else would that old man go? He''s probably tidying up his room. Besides, it''s not a good time to wander around aimlessly."

    Just as Kang Chan finished his cigarette, the radio buzzed.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    "He''s in room 1109, sir."

    "Got it. I''ll be heading up. Have some tea with the agents here until I get back."

    "I¡¯lle with you, Cap. I know you can handle yourself, but it won¡¯t hurt to be cautious,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    Kang Chan nodded. They then walked into the hotel and took the elevator to the 11th floor, where agents were already stationed in the hallway. After exchanging nces with them, Kang Chan headed to room 1109.

    <em>Ding-dong. </em>

    "Who is it?"

    <em>Click.</em>

    As always, Kang Chan wondered why Kang Chul-Gyu asked when he would open the door without checking anyway.

    "I¡¯ve got something to discuss," he answered.

    Kang Chul-Gyu stepped aside.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Woo Hee-Seung bowed to him. "We''ll be downstairs. Let¡¯s save our conversation forter.¡±

    The two then turned to the elevator.

    The room was tidy, as expected. Apart from a chair facing the TV beside a round table, it looked unused.

    Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu sat at the table.

    "Have you watched the news?" asked Kang Chan.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. With sharp eyes, he said, "Based on the information we¡¯ve received, two key supporters from Russia and China were attacked. The director of the Russian intelligence bureau is missing, and the director of the Chinese intelligence bureau is heading to Mongolia.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Unfortunately, that means the outer defenses protecting our base in Mongolia have vanished. Taking that into consideration, it¡¯s safe to assume they¡¯ll target that base, don¡¯t you think?" Kang Chan asked.

    "They¡¯re targeting the heads of the Russian and Chinese intelligence bureaus, huh? Seems like we¡¯re up against a formidable enemy this time."

    Kang Chan nodded. "I''m nning to eliminate their leaders with the team here. Until I¡¯m done, our base in Mongolia has to hold out. I''ll send additional troops from Jeungpyeong soon, possibly even tomorrow."

    His eyes conveyed how dangerous the situation was.

    "Should we move your parents elsewhere?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    "I was considering bringing them back to Korea.¡±

    Meeting Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Kang Chul-Gyu replied, "In that case, there''s no need to send additional troops. Focus on guarding our key figures and preventing terrorist attacks here instead. The enemy might be targeting the base in Mongolia to scatter our special forces, so we shouldn¡¯t spread ourselves thin."

    <em>That makes sense. </em>

    "Assistant Director," Kang Chul-Gyu called. "Dong-Sik went to meet his daughter in Sinwol-dong with Il-Gyu yesterday, but they haven''t returned yet. Unfortunately, we don¡¯t carry phones or know the address. Can you check on them? Her name is Yang So-Mi."

    Thinking that wasn¡¯t a problem for him, Kang Chan immediately called Kim Hyung-Jung to ask for the details.

    "Do you think they¡¯ve had an ident?"

    Watching Kang Chul-Gyu sigh quietly, Kang Chan pressed his lips together. If Yang Dong-Sik had impulsively harmed his son-inw or given him a grand tour of Seoul, then they¡¯d be in huge trouble.

    Soon, Kang Chan received a text from Kim Hyung-Jung.

    "I have the address. What should we do?"

    "Mind if I go?"

    "I¡¯lle with you."

    The two left the room.

    If there had been a fight, Kang Chan intended to resolve it somehow. Once in the lobby, he called Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung.

    "We need to stop by the Sohee''s Noodles in Sinwol-dong."

    "I¡¯ll have a car prepared," Woo Hee-Seung replied.

    Kang Chan nodded. Right after, Woo Hee-Seung issued an instruction through his sleeve radio.

    "The car¡¯s waiting up front, sir."

    Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu, Seok Kang-Ho, and Woo Hee-Seung got into the SUV driven by Lee Doo-Hee.

    "Why are we going to Sinwol-dong?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    "Yang Dong-Sik''s daughter runs a restaurant there. He went to meet her yesterday, but he hasn¡¯t been in touch since,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    An awkward silence then filled the van. Fortunately, spending a day at the pension house had lessened Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s unease.

    "We haven''t even had dinner yet," Seok Kang-Ho said.

    "We¡¯ll eat after we see what¡¯s happening in Sinwol-dong," Kang Chan replied.

    Seok Kang-Ho was probably really hungry.

    Soon, Woo Hee-Seung turned around. "The President is making the announcement. Would you like to watch it?"

    "This car has a TV?"

    "No, but you can watch it on this."

    Woo Hee-Seung handed a tablet to Kang Chan. It showed a conference room with an extremely heavy atmosphere.

    "What about the volume?"

    "You can adjust it with this button."

    Woo Hee-Seung pressed a button, and a circle icon appeared under the speaker symbol, indicating the volume.

    As the screen showed a swarm of reporters and broadcasting cameras, a newscaster said, [Following the sudden death of the Mwian President and the attack on the French Embassy, arge number of domestic and international journalists have gathered.]

    Right after, the sound of shutters clicking filled the air.

    <em>Click-Click. Click-Click.</em>

    [President Moon Jae-Hyun is now entering the conference room. We will broadcast his statement and then continue with our report.]

    As Moon Jae-Hyun stood at the podium, a barrage of camera shes went off. He ced his speech on the podium and looked up.

    [Dear citizens, members of the press, both domestic and international.]

    <em>Click-Click. Click-Click.</em>

    [It is with my deepest regret to announce that during our meeting, Mwian President Muritaka was poisoned by a cyanide capsule hidden in his cigarette.]

    <em>Click-Click. Click-Click.</em>

    [President Muritaka, five of his aides, and sixteen of our aides and security personnel perished in this incident.]

    Moon Jae-Hyun paused briefly. The heavy silence, punctuated by the sound of camera shes, flowed through the screen.

    [We mourn the loss of President Muritaka, his aides, and our own personnel and security officers,] he said.

    Gritting his teeth, Moon Jae-Hyun refocused on the screen.

    [Furthermore, earlier today, the French Embassy was attacked. Our 606 Special Operations Unit managed to neutralize the two assants, but not before several French security personnel were killed in action along with one of the 606 members. We extend our condolences for their sacrifices.]

    <em>Click.</em><em>Click-Click. Click.</em>

    The camera shes now seemed to burst cautiously.

    [Ie bearing onest piece of regrettable news. Abibu, the Saudi prince responsible for the International Building terrorist attack, and Shan, the mastermind behind the Nonhyeon-dong terrorist attack, put our agents in danger, forcing our men to take them out.]

    <em>Click-Click. Click-Click.</em>

    A murmur of surprise and astonishment arose among the reporters.

    [In light of all this, the South Korean government has requested that the UN conduct a fair investigation into President Muritaka''s death. Naturally, we will offer full cooperation.]

    Moon Jae-Hyun, who had been looking down at his speech, raised his head again.

    "After this investigation, we will deploy our military to Mwi along with UN peacekeeping forces to find and punish those responsible for assassinating the Mwian President within our country."

    The murmur among the reporters grew louder, nearly drowning out the sound of the camera shutters.

    "From this day forth, South Korea will no longerpromise with any terrorist forces threatening our sovereignty, territory, and citizens, no matter who they are!"

    With a stern expression and steely gaze, Moon Jae-Hyun added, "We will stop at nothing to punish and retaliate against anyone who does."

    <em>Click-Click. Click-Click.</em>

    Moon Jae-Hyun''s determination made the reporters lookpletely overwhelmed.

    "That is all."

    <em>Click-Click. Click-Click.</em>

    The reporters eagerly raised their hands to ask questions, but Moon Jae-Hyun immediately left the press room. As the newscaster began to talk again, Kang Chan handed the tablet back to Woo Hee-Seung.

    Amid the silence that fell in the car, Seok Kang-Ho softly asked, "Maybe not us, but don¡¯t you think ordinary people will be scared by all this?"

    Kang Chan just nodded and turned his gaze to the window. Assassinations, shootings, and the series of events that unfolded right after the International Building terrorist attack would naturally make the general public feel anxious and fearful.

    <em>Are Vasili and Yang Bum safe? </em>

    <em>In this world, while bright lights are already enough to make some people anxious, others are putting their lives on the line at this very moment. I wonder how many think about or are even aware of the ones who risk their lives.</em>

    "We''re here,¡± Woo Hee-Seung said, bringing Kang Chan back to reality.

    They had arrived at an ordinary restaurant halfway down a side street. The old sign hanging above the entrance read "<em>Sohee''s Noodles.¡±</em>

    ***

    After making the announcement, Moon Jae-Hyun returned to his office. The Chief of Staff, Head of Security, and Director of the National Intelligence Service apanied him.

    "It''s ironic, but moments like this make me crave a cigarette more," Moon Jae-Hyun said as he sat at his desk.

    A staff member quickly walked over to him.

    "Mr. President, the President of the United States wishes to speak with you."

    "Now?" the Chief of Staff asked.

    "He''s on the line."

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned his head.

    "Take the call. They''ve expressed their intention to support us. Maintaining a friendly rtionship with the US is crucial right now," Go Gun-Woo said.

    Following his advice, Moon Jae-Hyun reached for the phone.

    <em>Click.</em>

    "Hello? This is Moon Jae-Hyun, President of the Republic of Korea."

    - Mr. President.

    The simultaneous interpreter''s voice ovepped in the background.

    - I express my deep condolences and regrets for what Korea and its President have experienced.

    The interpreter conveyed the message in a t tone.

    - The United States fully supports Korea''s position on this incident and will cooperate to the best of its abilities as a blood ally.

    The unexpectedly strong response left President Moon Jae-Hyun feeling somewhat bewildered.

    - As soon as this call ends, I will announce the United States'' and my position regarding Korea. I hope the strong alliance between the United States and Korea continues.

    ¡°I feel the same way,¡± responded President Moon Jae-Hyun.

    - May God bless the Republic of Korea.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    When the call ended, Moon Jae-Hyun ced the receiver down and looked at Go Gun-Woo with a puzzled expression.

    ¡°What is it, sir?¡± asked Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°Why is the US President taking such a proactive stance?¡±

    Go Gun-Woo, who hadn¡¯t heard the call, found the question difficult to understand. Fortunately, the call had been recorded.

    Moon Jae-Hyun was searching the records section on hisputer when a staff member entered the office even more quickly than before.

    <em>What is it this time? </em>

    ¡°Mr. President, the Presidents of France and Germany wish to speak with you. The Prime Minister of Mwi has also held an emergency press conference, expressing his regrets about the incident. He stated that he trusts the Korean government''s announcement and has requested our military¡¯s deployment to track down the culprits.¡±

    <em>What is going on? </em>

    The US was showing strong support, the Presidents of France and Germany were waiting for him to call, and Mwi had requested South Korea to deploy its military.

    <em>Has South Korea''s status risen this much? </em>

    Moon Jae-Hyun felt an odd lump in his throat.

    ¡°Mr. President, the Presidents of France and Germany are waiting.¡±

    ¡°Then let''s speak with the French President first.¡±

    The staff member pressed the button for Line 1. The conversation would begin as soon as he picked up the receiver.

    At that moment, Moon Jae-Hyun thought of Kang Chan.

    ¡®<em>Assistant Director.¡¯</em>

    This fight started with the Eurasian Rail. Without Kang Chan and his efforts, they wouldn''t have managed toe this far. He faced France, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States alone. He then returned victorious from the brutal battles in Afghanistan, Africa, and Libya.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Moon Jae-Hyun picked up the receiver, firmly resolving not to miss the opportunity that Kang Chan had created.

 Chapter 378: A Sad Goodbye (1)

    Kang Chan got out of the car with Kang Chul-Gyu and Seok Kang-Ho. He then looked inside Sohee''s Noodles, a Chinese restaurant, through the ss door.

    Even though it should¡¯ve smelled like food and they should¡¯ve been busy fulfilling deliveries at this hour, only a small light¡ªthat was barely enough to light up the hallway¡ªwas turned on.

    They didn¡¯t know what Yang Dong-Sik did to his son-inw. For all they knew, he could have already given his son-inw ¡°a tour around Seoul¡± and left his head hanging somewhere in the dark hallway. Taking that into consideration, they had to figure out what happened.

    ¡°Yoo Hee-Seung, have our men stand by. Keep a low profile,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Yoo Hee-Seung answered, then gestured at the SUV.

    Kang Chan pushed the entrance door open.

    <em>Screech.</em>

    Fortunately, the door wasn¡¯t locked. Upon entering, Kang Chan saw six neatly arranged tables. Each one had four chairs under it.

    Nam Il-Gyu stood up from his seat at the table furthest away from the entrance. With a frustrated, sorry, and upset expression, he bowed to Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu.¡°What happened?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked, ncing further down the hallway.

    There was a kitchen in front of the entrance and a door that likely led to a room to the left.

    <em>Rattle.</em>

    Likely having heard Kang Chul-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik quickly came outside. When he saw Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s expression darkened as quickly as an egg would fall to cover an omurice.

    Nevertheless, he didn''t forget to bow to Kang Chul-Gyu and Kang Chan.

    Kang Chul-Gyu didn¡¯t ask why they looked upset; his sharp stare at Yang Dong-Sik already made it clear enough that he wanted answers.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. I was already thinking of leaving in a little bit,¡± Yang Dong-Sik said.

    Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu, and even Seok Kang-Ho gave Yang Dong-Sik a puzzled look. He soundedpletely different from usual.

    ¡°Dong-Sik,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called in a much softer tone. At the very least, he clearly understood the emotions that Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s voice carried.

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°Is something wrong?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Yang Dong-Sik trailed off, still unable to bring himself to exin.

    Kang Chul-Gyu waited for a moment. When Yang Dong-Sik remained silent, he turned to Nam Il-Gyu.

    Nam Il-Gyu could never disobey Kang Chul-Gyu when he was looking at him like that.

    ¡°Dong-Sik¡¯s daughter has end-stage stomach cancer. At most, she only has a month to live. Her husband ran off with everything, including her insurance money, leaving her to die here alone.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik hung his head as Nam Il-Gyu exined the situation with difficulty. As if time itself had stopped, everyone in the hallway froze¡ªeven Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Not long after, Kang Chul-Gyu walked over to Yang Dong-Sik.

    ¡°Dong-Sik,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called gently, his voice seemingly embracing his subordinate. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be, sir¡­¡± Yang Dong-Sik barely managed to answer.

    He tried his best to contain his emotions, but he still burst into tears. It was as if the sorrow that he had been suppressing exploded the moment he saw Kang Chul-Gyu.

    Yang Dong-Sik was in his mid-forties. He was an outspoken fool who acted without hesitation¡ªlike an older Seok Kang-Ho. Still, all he could do in the face of his daughter¡¯s impending death was cry his heart out.

    Upon learning what had happened, Seok Kang-Ho looked outside the restaurant, sniffling.

    Inbat, these remarkable soldiers were second to none. However, outside the battlefield, they werepletely different. Yang Dong-Sik, who hade out unscathed from even the most dangerous operations, was so powerless that all he could do now was cry, and Nam Il-Gyu, who could easily infiltrate enemy bases, could only stand beside him and watch. Even Kang Chul-Gyu, theirmander, felt so helpless that he was looking at Kang Chan for help.

    <em>Why can¡¯t they confidently ask for help? Considering they¡¯ve put their lives on the line for the nation, Yang Dong-Sik should be yelling at the government, demanding they save his daughter! Instead, all Kang Chul-Gyu can do is look at me for help like a dispirited and powerless father. Was this how South Korea treated its soldiers in the past?</em>

    These soldiers were not only appointed members of the NIS¡¯ counter-terrorism team. They had also fought desperate battles in Libya and Afghanistan.

    Yet even Kang Chan couldn¡¯t look after them properly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take her to the hospital,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Yang Dong-Sik looked up in response, his eyes filled with desperate hope. He seemed to be pleading for Kang Chan to save his daughter.

    Kang Chan immediately took out his phone and called Yoo Hun-Woo.

    - Hello?

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan.¡±

    - Ah! Mr. Kang Chan, we were able to set up an appointment with Dr. Kim Ji-Hoon. The surgery is going to take ce tomorrow.

    Once Yoo Hun-Woo was done speaking, Kang Chan said, ¡°Director, I have a woman here with end-stage stomach cancer. She hasn¡¯t been able to get proper treatment for it, so I want her to receive the best treatment.¡±

    Although Yoo Hun-Woo could just rmend a different hospital, Kang Chan trusted that Yoo Hun-Woo would understand and ept his request.

    - How old is the patient?

    ¡°She¡¯s in her thirties.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Yang Dong-Sik, who nodded in affirmation.

    - Please send me her address. I¡¯ll send an ambnce.

    ¡°I¡¯ll text it to you right away.¡±

    - Alright.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan forwarded Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s message earlier to Yoo Hun-Woo.

    ¡°An ambnce is on its way. Let¡¯s entrust her to the Director of the Bang Ji Hospital,¡± he then said.

    ¡°Thank you, Assistant Director,¡± Yang Dong-Sik answered, his eyes still teary.

    Nam Il-Gyu pulled out a chair from the table at the front and offered it to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Please have a seat, sir.¡±

    ¡°Dong-Sik, get ready to take your daughter to the hospital,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu instructed. ¡°You don¡¯t have your phone with you, so we decided toe here to have dinner and let you know that we¡¯ve decided to dy our departure by three days. Who knew it''d turn out like this.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik wiped his nose with his sleeve and looked at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Go. Be quick,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu added with a nod.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Knowing he had to tend to pressing matters first, Yang Dong-Sik went inside the room.

    ***

    Ziegfeld, who was wearing a luxurious blue shirt with a floral pattern and gray shorts,ughed out loud.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we only managed to kill Vant even after all that nning. Even you aren''t as good as you used to be, huh?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I apologize, sir,¡± Xairo replied.

    Ziegfeld nodded, then drank his strong Indonesian coffee. The ground coffee had sunk to the bottom of the cup.

    <em>Click.</em>

    ¡°Is that carpenter ant, that Kang Chan, actuallypetent? Or did you just not do your job properly?¡± he asked afterward.

    ¡°We made an unexpected mistake when we tried to kill Lanok and Vasili. Moreover, Kang Chan most likely interfered in our attempt to assassinate Moon Jae-Hyun.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    Ziegfeld looked at the blue sea in the distance, finding surfers riding the white crests of the waves. Further back, people on yachts were enjoying their free time.

    ¡°What about Mongolia?¡± Ziegfeld asked again.

    ¡°We have already finished all preparations.¡±

    ¡°What about the reinforcements that South Korea will send soon?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re nning to shoot down the helicopter they¡¯ll be riding from the airport in Mongolia to their base.¡±

    Ziegfeld tilted his head in contemtion as he examined Xairo¡¯s strong chin, yellow sclerae, and thin lips.

    ¡°How will you get to their base and the factory they¡¯re building?¡± Ziegfeld asked afterward.

    ¡°Through Russia.¡±

    ¡°We paid Ivan a lot of money for that missile. Make sure you don¡¯t make mistakes this time.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll take care of them all as soon as Yang Bum and Vasili arrive in Mongolia.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll leave that to you,¡± Ziegfeld said, then looked at the sea again almost as if it was out of habit. ¡°The problem is Moon Jae-Hyun. Now that we¡¯ve missed our golden opportunity, how do we draw out an ant hiding deep in a hole?¡±

    He looked like he was solving a difficult quiz.

    ¡°Since the United States and Japan are catering to South Korea to win their favor, we can¡¯t use the forces trying to divide South Korea right now. The economy is also stable, which means the wrong people will suffer if the United States raises its interest rate¡­¡±

    Ziegfeld smiled. After a moment of silence, he added, ¡°Kang Chans cold-hearted enough to kill Abibu. Considering those keeping an eye on us are now suspicious, does this mean they¡¯ve found dirt on us? That carpenter ant even sent us a warning.¡±

    As Ziegfeld muttered to himself, Xairo stood firmly before him, enduring Indonesia¡¯s intense heat.

    ¡°A Japanese prime minister once said that South Koreans scatter like grains of rice because their staple food is rice. He also said that South Koreans should never be allowed to unite and that they should be belittled and manipted to be at each other''s throats.¡±

    Xairo remained still as he listened.

    ¡°Moreover, he mentioned that if a talented person ever appears in Korea, the others have to be manipted into killing that individual with their own hands. It does seem like he¡¯s right. <em>Hmm</em>. If so, then we should take care of that carpenter ant first, shouldn¡¯t we?¡±

    Ziegfeld took his time pondering the issue at hand. Neither he nor Xairo moved.

    ¡°<em>Hm</em>, I promised to capture that carpenter ant alive, though¡­ What should I tell Parthal?¡±

    Ziegfeld frowned as ifing up with an excuse to give Parthal was a bigger problem than finding a way to kill Kang Chan.

    ¡°Using Gabriel won¡¯t give us problems, right?¡± he asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s correct, sir.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to give this issue with that carpenter ant a bit more thought. Anyway, be sure to reassure our allies and prevent Abibu¡¯s death from shaking them. Don¡¯t forget that we already used the old South Korean soldiers as an excuse for why our n in Libya failed.¡±

    ¡°Copy, sir. I¡¯ll bring back good results.¡±

    When Ziegfeld nodded and looked away, Xairo turned around and left.

    The scenery in the distance was still peaceful. The sky was clear, the sun was intense, and the sea was frighteningly blue. More waves rushed toward the shore, breaking into white foam.

    ¡°Moon Jae-Hyun and Kang Chan, huh?¡± Ziegfeld shook his head. ¡°They work well together, but it¡¯ll be more interesting to have them wing each other¡¯s throats out.¡±

    As ifing to a realization, Ziegfield¡¯s eyebrows rose. Mischief filled his expression.

    ***

    Soon, an ambnce from the Bang Ji Hospital arrived at the restaurant. The medical team entered and transferred Yang So-Mi to the vehicle.

    She used to be chubby, but now, she was nothing but skin and bones. The people who were holding her hand couldn¡¯t help but feel bad for her.

    The medics used a nket to ce her on the stretcher, which they then pushed into the ambnce.

    ¡°Dad,¡± Yang So-Mi weakly called.

    Yang Dong-Sik pitifully walked over and stood next to her.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already forgiven you. Please don¡¯t waste your money on things like this.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik could only cry in response.

    <em>Don''t be a fool, you should at least tell her not to worry about money? I get that you can''t be as rowdy right now as you were in Afghanistan, where you were running like a wolf amid a flock of sheep. Still, you should be boasting even if they¡¯re just empty words, shouldn¡¯t you?</em>

    Kang Chan immediately walked over and stood across from Yang Dong-Sik. He then looked at Yang So-Mi.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kang Chan, the Assistant Director of the National Intelligence Service. You don¡¯t need to worry about hospital bills. We¡¯ll pay all of the fees required for your treatment.¡±

    What else would he use his savings on if not for asions like this?

    Yang So-Mi looked back at Kang Chan, the light fading from her eyes. She was forcibly suppressing her hope and wish to cling to her will to survive. For her and her father, it seemed like life meant that they shouldn¡¯t give up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about anything and just focus on getting better,¡± Kang Chan said.

    With parched, white lips that looked as if glue had been applied to them, Yang So-Mi called Kang Chan with difficulty.

    ¡°Assistant Director.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    She smelled nauseating. However, to Kang Chan, her scent was a p that made him realize how much he failed to look after his people.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to die anyway, so please don¡¯t let my dad drown in a mountain of debt because of me. I¡¯m going to die anyway. I¡¯ve really forgiven him for everything.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying? I-I¡¯m fine! There''ll be enough to cover your hospital bills when I die in the next operation,¡± Yang Dong-Sik said in between sobs.

    <em>Why do you have to keep acting like this?</em>

    Kang Chan sighed softly. He had seen many soldiers wounded in battle. Even if they were already as good as dead, their survival remained their biggest wish.

    It was childish and very embarrassing, but Kang Chan decided to make sure that Yang Dong-Sik¡ªwho had spent the majority of his life in service¡ªand his daughter wouldn¡¯t have to worry about hospital bills.

    He wanted to give them hope even if it meant behaving immaturely.

    Kang Chan turned to the medical team. ¡°I need about three minutes with the patient, alone.¡±

    The medical team stepped back, overpowered by the atmosphere.

    ¡°Woo Hee-Seung!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°Sir!¡±

    ¡°Have everyone stand in front of the ambnce, including the counter-terrorism agents.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes and the way he talked made Woo Hee-Seung hurriedly hold up his sleeve and radio in Kang Chan¡¯s orders.

    <em>Whoosh. nk. nk. nk.</em>

    Right after, agents in suits rushed toward the ambnce. Counter-terrorism agents armed with rifles, pistols, and bays quickly gathered as well. They were wearing ck helmets, bandanas, ck uniforms with taegukgi on the left sleeve, and bulletproof vests.

    <em>I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m really sorry that I¡¯m doing this when you all are already having a hard time guarding us. However, I hope you all know that I would do this and maybe even more for any of you if you were in Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s position. So, just this once, let me put a bit more burden on your shoulders for the sake of our old hero, who¡¯s been serving South Korea for so long that he hasn¡¯t even had the chance to look after his daughter properly.</em>

    Kang Chan nced at the medical team waiting inside the ambnce.

    <em>Screech.</em>

    They folded the upper part of the stretcher that Yang So-Mi was lying on, lifting her head upward. Not long after, she burst into tears.

    <em>Why is she reacting like that?</em>

    ¡°These NIS counter-terrorism agents risk their lives to protect South Korea,¡± Kang Chan began.

    Yang Dong-Sik and his daughter cried in each other¡¯s arms.

    ¡°We respect your father. I know this is a long timeing, but from now on, we¡¯ll keep you safe. In front of all these men, I promise that I won¡¯t just take responsibility for your hospital bills but also every other expense until you¡¯re all better, so please focus on your recovery and give our agents hope.¡±

    ¡°D-Dad!¡± Yang So-Mi cried out.

    ¡°<em>Sniff¡­ Sniff¡­ </em>Live. Please live,¡± Yang Dong-Sik muttered.

    Nam Il-Gyu, who was watching from the front of the ambnce, wiped his tears away with the palms of his hands.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Dad¡­ I-I didn¡¯t know you were doing that kind of work¡­¡±

    She was crying so pitifully that Kang Chan had to turn his gaze to the medical team.

    ¡°Please go to the hospital with her,¡± Kang Chan told Yang Dong-Sik.

    ¡°Thank you, Assistant Director.¡±

    As Yang Dong-Sik held back his tears and sniffled, Yang So-Mi reached out with her frail hand and held Kang Chan¡¯s.

    <em>Only an idiot wouldn¡¯t understand the meaning behind her gaze.</em>

    When Kang Chan looked up, Kang Chul-Gyu nodded.

    ¡°Your father won¡¯t go on the next operation, so please don¡¯t worry. He¡¯ll stay with you at the hospital,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Yang Dong-Sik quickly looked at him as if to ask, ¡°What are you saying?¡±<em></em>

    If Seok Kang-Ho acted this way, Kang Chan would¡¯ve smacked him in the head before sending him off.

    ¡°The situation at the base has changed, so our departure has been moved back by three days. For now, please just stay with your daughter,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Once Kang Chan got out of the ambnce, Yang Dong-Sik tried to get out of the ambnce with him.

    ¡°We¡¯ll also be going to the hospital. We¡¯ll see you there,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    In response, Yang Dong-Sik sat back down inside the ambnce and bowed.

    <em>Click. Vroom.</em>

    When the ambnce left, Kang Chan turned around and faced the agents.

    ¡°I know I made it harder for you all to fulfill your duties, but we wouldn¡¯t be here if these people didn¡¯t serve our country.¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung¡¯s lips quivered.

    ¡°Return to your positions,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Asmanded, the agents quickly headed to their respective cars. Likely motivated by what had just transpired, they bowed to Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu one by one despite not being told to.

    ¡°Please cheer up, sunbae-nim,¡± they said before walking past them.

    As the agents got in their SUVs, the SUV assigned to Kang Chan drove toward him.

    Since Nam Il-Gyu still had to lock up Sohee¡¯s Noodles, they had a moment to spare.

    Seok Kang-Ho walked over to Nam Il-Gyu. ¡°Do you need help with anything?¡±

    Meanwhile, left alone with Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu said, ¡°Assistant Director, can you tell my son that I¡¯m very proud of him and that I¡¯m thankful for what he¡¯s done?¡±

    Kang Chan stared at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <em>Why does he sometimes act like an old man out of nowhere?</em>

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± Kang Chan grumbled.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go get something to eat, then,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu answered.

 Chapter 379: A Sad Goodbye (2)

    The extremely long and busy day was ending.

    After they had a light dinner, Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu headed to the hospital. Meanwhile, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho headed to the office.

    When they arrived, they found Choi Jong-Il waiting for them. Choi Jong-Il quickly greeted Kang Chan.

    ¡°Great work today,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°The manager helped us, so we didn¡¯t really have to do too much.¡±

    ¡°Got any urgent matters for me? Otherwise, I¡¯ll go and wash up.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan took off his jacket and headed to the bathroom.

    <em>Swish.</em>The cold water running down his skin refreshed his mind.

    ¡°<em>Phew</em>!¡±

    Instead of immediately drying himself off, he looked into the mirror.

    Kang Chan then thought about his duties, which included talking about the world as if he were simply turning a globe and discussing the possibility and dangers of World War III, fully aware that his decisions could dictate the dynamics of the world for the next five hundred years. At the end of the day, though, he was just like every other person out there. He, too, took a shower in the office and slept on a couch.

    A powerful South Korea? Making a new world order?

    <em>Damn it! How am I supposed to make that happen when I didn¡¯t even know that Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s daughter was dying from stomach cancer?</em>

    Although he promised to protect the people he genuinely cared about, all he had done was act out and do whatever he pleased.

    Drying his hair with a towel, Kang Chan thought of Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook, who were in Mongolia. He also thought of Kim Mi-Young, whom he hadn¡¯t talked to today.

    Kang Chan smirked. As always, instead of feeling frustrated and helpless, moments like this just made him determined to kill the people plotting behind his back.

    When Kang Chan went out of the bathroom, Seok Kang-Ho ced a coffee on a table for him.

    ¡°Where¡¯s G¨¦rard?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I haven''t seen him,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    As Kang Chan sat down, Choi Jong-Il went into one of the rooms. A momentter, he returned with the army interpreter.

    ¡°G¨¦rard came in and then left right after checking the satellites,¡± the interpreter reported.

    ¡°Where did he go?¡±

    ¡°I think he went to meet a person named Michelle.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho looked displeasingly at the innocent army interpreter. ¡°That fucking idiot.¡±

    ¡°Why are you mad?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho turned to him. ¡°Should we not be? This isn¡¯t the time for him to be meeting girls. More importantly, you ordered him to find Jibril, but he sneaked out to meet a girl instead. Does that make sense?¡±

    Holding up his mug, he grumblingly added, ¡°That son of a bitch! He¡¯s still doing stupid shit like this even after seeing what happened to Smithen!¡±

    Still smirking, Kang Chan brought up his mug to his lips.

    While watching Seok Kang-Ho kick a fuss, Kang Chan wondered, <em>¡®Maybe I should meet Kim Mi-Young in secret?¡¯</em>

    He also believed that G¨¦rard wasn¡¯t that stupid.

    Even if Seok Kang-Ho was right, and G¨¦rard had truly fallen for Michelle, it didn¡¯t really matter. Rather than looking like a lovesick fool, it wasn¡¯t a bad idea for him to have a quick meeting with her. That would allow him to focus on work once he was back.

    ¡°You should also go home and visit your family,¡± Kang Chan suggested to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Hey! I told you who I respect.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t fucking matter! You should check in on your family and stay a day at your house, you stupid motherfucker. Why do you even sleep here when nothing¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Right now, you need me by your side. Let¡¯s not say otherwise.¡±

    When Kang Chan turned to look outside the window, Seok Kang-Ho headed to the bathroom, still grumbling.

    ***

    G¨¦rard huffed, his eyes bloodshot.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop here,¡± Michelle said.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s try again.¡± Ignoring Michelle¡¯s worried expression, G¨¦rard gritted his teeth. ¡°I¡¯ve almost got it, so I know this will work.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we ask for help instead?¡±

    ¡°I said just do it!¡±

    G¨¦rard spitefully red at Michelle. The look in his eyes was so intense that he looked as if he should be on a battlefield.

    They were in a secluded ce in Yangpyeong. G¨¦rard and the chair he was sitting on was tied to a tree.

    ¡°The captain will never allow me to do this, so please! I don¡¯t want to hurt him. If this works, then I might be able to identify the people targeting him!¡± G¨¦rard eximed.

    Although his eyes were filled with spite, he also looked quite desperate.

    ¡°I know you won¡¯t understand this, Michelle, but if it weren¡¯t for the captain, I would¡¯ve either died already or be a crazy mercenary who enjoyed killing people.¡±

    Michelle really couldn''t understand what he was saying.

    <em>Is he mentally ill? Deranged? Maybe he has delusions of grandeur? </em>

    Michelle knew that Kang Chan was verypetent, and she had seen him aplish unimaginable things. Still, she couldn¡¯t understand when and where Kang Chan had met G¨¦rard and formed such a solid rtionship with him.

    ¡°Michelle¡­¡±

    Looking into G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes, she realized that he had the same look as when he had been about to cry in Apgujeong-dong sometime ago. Hence, she made up her mind.

    ¡°This is thest time I¡¯m doing this.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± G¨¦rard answered through gritted teeth.

    Michelle dragged the scooter in front of G¨¦rard and then down the hill. She hadn''t realized it at first, but G¨¦rard was calcting the distance between him and the scooter.

    She stopped about twenty meters away from him. From this distance, the scooter''s engine would still be fairly loud to him.

    Michelle started the scooter, making its engine growl.

    <em>Vroom. Vrrooomm.</em>

    ¡°I¡¯m going!¡± she yelled.

    G¨¦rard relentlessly red at the scooter. Everything started from the day he attacked the delivery driver on the scooter in Apgujeong-dong.

    He initially thought he was just having nightmares. After all, his sister died when she was hit by a motorcycle. However, behind those nightmares were very faint memories, and he had started to remember them.

    One of those memories vaguely reminded him of the ce where he had spent the year in his life that he had no records or recollection of. That was why he devoted himself to the satellites and searched all over.

    He couldn''t even tell Kang Chan about that time in his life because he couldn''t remember anything about that year. Still, the red jjampong broth that had spilled on the ground when the delivery guy had fallen continued to provoke him.

    <em>If I try a little bit more, if I can just glimpse through this damn fog, then¡­!</em>

    <em>Vroooom!</em>

    The scooter¡¯s engine let out a loud noise.

    <em>¡®Urrgh!¡¯</em>

    He stiffened as he endured the scooter''s engine sound. Watching the scooter rushing toward him was frightening and arduous.

    However, this was just the beginning.

    As if it had been waiting for the perfect timing, his head began to ache. It was like someone was forcibly prodding and rummaging through his mind.

    <em>¡®Gabriel.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Yes, sir.¡¯</em>

    G¨¦rard grabbed at the memory, begging himself to remember where that was and what he was doing.

    <em>¡®What color did I say it was?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Red, sir.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®The person who killed your family will appear with that color.¡¯</em>

    G¨¦rard saw someone in his memory, looking at him. Although it was all a blur, he remembered their eye color frightening him.

    <em>¡®What should you do to that person?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Kill him, sir.¡¯</em>

    G¨¦rard¡¯s blood boiled upon remembering some stranger telling him to kill someone. Only the captain could order him to do something like that.<em></em>

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>!¡±

    The scooter was now only five meters away.

    His face crumpled from the pain, yet he remained focused on the red scooter.

    <em>Captain! Help me endure this! You would¡¯ve endured this!</em>

    G¨¦rard red as horrible pain pierced through his brain.

    <em>I just need to know the location or identify the person who issued that order!</em>

    <em>Vrooommm.</em>

    While ring at the red paint of the scooter, G¨¦rard smelled burnt gasoline and heard rough engines.

    ¡°<em>Aaggghh</em>!¡±

    Soon, the scooter went past G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Let go! Let go of me! I¡¯ll kill him, so let me go!¡± he yelled.

    <em>¡®Gabriel, you remember where G¨¦rard Gee hid the nuclear warhead, don¡¯t you?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®I don¡¯t! I didn¡¯t even know that something like that existed.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®You¡¯re going to remember if we search through your memories a bit more. If you remember where G¨¦rard hid the nuclear warhead, you¡¯ll be our amazing weapon. If you can¡¯t, then you¡¯ll have to live as a fool for your entire life, so don¡¯t defy us.¡¯</em>

    Unable to endure the pain anymore, G¨¦rard¡¯s head dropped to the side.

    The outskirts of Yangpyeong were already very dark.

    ***

    <em>Weeeooo. Weeeooo. Weeeooo. Weeeooo.</em>

    With a police car escorting them, Kang Chan drove at a breakneck speed to get to G¨¦rard.

    When they reached the location that Michelle had sent to them, they found G¨¦rad lying on the dirt floor.

    ¡°Channy¡­¡± Michelle trailed off.

    Kang Chan immediately ran to G¨¦rard. Blood was seeping out of his eyes, nose, and ears.

    ¡°Daye! Get this fucker on my back!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°I¡¯ll carry him!¡±

    ¡°Just do as I fucking say!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il rushed toward Kang Chan and lifted G¨¦rard onto his back.

    Kang Chan then ran back to the SUV.

    <em>You son of a bitch! You stupid motherfucker! I don''t know what''s going on, but how dare you suffer like this on your own, you stupid fucking son of a bitch! Do I fucking mean nothing to you, huh?</em>

    Kang Chan flew into a rage, making it difficult to hold back his anger.

    A red scooter, a chair, and a rope.

    Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t have been this angry if they had caught G¨¦rard while he was doing something risque with Michelle instead.

    Kang Chan breathed heavily. ¡°<em>Huff huff</em>! <em>Huff huff</em>!¡±

    <em>What were you thinking while you wereing up all the way here? Why did you endure something like this by yourself?</em>

    Running down the hill, he looked as if he could barely stop himself from falling forward.

    Just as their SUV came into view, agents rushed toward him.

    <em>Whoosh! Swish!</em>

    He had built up so much momentum that if they didn''t stop him, he would m into the vehicle.

    <em>Bam. Crash.</em>

    Nevertheless, even though three agents caught him, Kang Chan still crashed into the SUV.

    Two of the agents took G¨¦rard from Kang Chan and put him in the SUV.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il arrived soon after.

    ¡°<em>Huff huff</em>! <em>Huff huff</em>! Get in the car! We¡¯re leaving!¡± Kang Chan ordered. He then jumped in.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    The engine roared awake.

    ¡°I¡¯m going with you guys!¡±

    Michelle was running toward them. She was covered in dirt, perhaps because she fell.

    When Kang Chan nodded, Michelle got in the SUV as well.

    <em>m.</em>

    Once all doors were closed, they immediately drove off.

    ¡°What happened?!¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kang Chan¡¯s expression surprised Michelle. Nevertheless, she still exined the situation.

    ¡°G¨¦rard visited me not too long ago and asked me to have dinner with him. While we were eating, he suddenly said that he would buy a scooter. That same day, we tried this for the first time.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand <em>what</em> they tried since she didn¡¯t exin that part.

    Michelle continued, ¡°Remember when G¨¦rard hit a delivery guy in Apgujeong-dong? Since then, G¨¦rard had been saying that thinking of the color red and the sound of the scooter engine made him feel like he was on the verge of remembering something. However, it put him in a lot of pain.¡±

    ¡°Why was he tied up?¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard said seeing the color red made him want to kill me.¡±

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth, then looked at G¨¦rard. They had reclined the chair so that he could lie down.

    Seok Kang-Ho was wiping away the blood smeared all over G¨¦rard¡¯s face.

    ¡°G¨¦rard said that if it wasn¡¯t for you, he would¡¯ve either died already or be a crazy mercenary who killed people for fun. He also said that if he didn¡¯t do this, then he might end up hurting you, and that if this worked, then he might be able to identify the enemy¡­¡±

    Kang Chan never thought he would ever see blood seeping out of G¨¦rard¡¯s ears, eyes, and nose.

    <em>Weeooo! Weeooo! Weeooo! Weeooo!</em>

    The siren of the patrol car escorting them red. At the same time, its driver repeatedly asked people to move out of the way through the speaker.

    Kang Chan wanted to tell the agents to drive a little faster.

    They decided not to drop by the hospital in Yangpyeong. Rather than wasting time in a small hospital, he believed it would be better to go to the Bang Ji Hospital as quickly as possible.

    Seok Kang-Ho continued to wipe the blood from G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes, nose, and ears. However, more blood kept seeping out.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled urgently.

    G¨¦rard''s eyes had opened blearily. Kang Chan urgently rushed toward him.

    ¡°Captain¡­¡±

    ¡°Everything¡¯s going to be fine. I¡¯ll handle everything, so just rest. Don¡¯t worry about anything,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Captain, it¡¯s Luxembourg¡­ in Garnich. I found a suspicious location in the satellite images¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk!¡±

    ¡°A guy with yellow eyes is in charge of that ce.¡±

    Blood continued to seep out of G¨¦rard¡¯s bloodshot eyes.

    Hearing G¨¦rard¡¯s voice suddenly bing clear and watching blood seep out of his eyes like tears made Kang Chan fear death for the first time.

    He wasn¡¯t distressed or heartbroken¡ªhe was genuinely afraid.

    ¡°Captain! He started everything! The nuclear warhead! He knew me and my adoptive parents¡ª¡±

    ¡°I got it, so stop talking!¡±

    ¡°That fucker is¡­!¡±

    G¨¦rard trailed off. His eyes widened enough to make Kang Chan even more afraid.

    <em>Blood transfusion! I need to give G¨¦rard my blood!</em>

    Kang Chan held up his right hand and bit off the skin on his wrist. He gritted his teeth when he immediately felt a horrible pain.

    He spat out his skin. At the same time, blood dripped out of his hand like a shower on a summer day.

    ¡°You son of a bitch! Don¡¯t you dare die on me! Hold up this bastard¡¯s head!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Seok Kang-Ho ced G¨¦rard¡¯s upper body on his thighs.

    With his left hand, Kang Chan pressed G¨¦rard¡¯s cheeks to part his lips. He then ced and clenched his right hand over his mouth, making his blood drip into G¨¦rard¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°Hey! G¨¦rard!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    While Lee Doo-Hee drove like a madman, Kang Chan continued giving G¨¦rard a blood transfusion.

    Whenever the SUV shook, the blood aimed at G¨¦rard¡¯s mouth spattered all over his face instead, making him look like the main character of a horror movie.

    ¡°Lee Doo-Hee! Floor it! Please!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    <em>Vroom! Screech! Screech!</em>

    Although it was frighteningly dangerous, they swerved in and out of the narrow gaps between vehicles.

    ***

    Yang Dong-Sik stood in front of Yoo Hun-Woo looking as if he couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing.

    ¡°It looks like she was severely assaulted. Unfortunately, she¡¯s so weak now that it¡¯s impossible for her to receive surgery,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    Yang Dong-Sik couldn¡¯t look at her chest and the area below her stomach because she was his daughter. That was why he couldn¡¯t believe what Yoo Hun-Woo was saying.

    Yoo Hun-Woo continued, ¡°You should go inside and say your final goodbyes. If she loses consciousness, she won¡¯t be able to wake up again.¡±

    He was saying something more cruel than a dagger to the heart, yet he looked surprisingly calm.

    ¡°All of our medical personnel are on standby since Mr. Kang Chan asked me to take care of her. We¡¯ll do our best, but there¡¯s really nothing more we can do.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik gritted his teeth. At the same time, Kang Chul-Gyu reached out and held Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Go see your daughter first. We can find that motherfuckerter,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    Yang Dong-Sik turned to Kang Chul-Gyu, whose eyes looked as if he was about to go into the DMZ.

    The murderous look in Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s gaze slowly disappeared.

    ¡°I¡¯m going in,¡± he said.

    After taking a deep breath, he turned toward the door of her daughter¡¯s room.

    <em>Rattle.</em>

    Yang So-Mi, who was lying in bed, turned her head with difficulty.

    Two small yellow IV packs were attached to her, sending unknown medications into her body at different speeds.

    ¡°Dad,¡± Yang So-Mi called out weakly.

    Walking toward the bed, Yang Dong-Sik forced himself to smile. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°They said I can¡¯t be treated anymore, didn¡¯t they?¡± she asked.

    ¡°What are you saying? They said you¡¯ll receive surgery as soon as you regain your strength.¡±

    Yang So-Mi looked much better than when she was at Sohee¡¯s Noodles. Yang Dong-Sik didn¡¯t know how the nurses washed her, but her face and even her hair were clean.

    ¡°When I was in pain, you were the first person I thought of,¡± Yang So-Mi said.

    Forcing a smile while crying made Yang Dong-Sik look stupid, but he couldn¡¯t care less.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t cry.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re crying right now.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik couldn¡¯t answer. Tears kept rolling down his face.

    Yang So-Mi continued, ¡°I forgive you for having me when you were in middle school.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±

    ¡°I also forgive you for not being there for me when I was going through a difficult time.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­¡±

    ¡°So I hope you forgive me for falling ill, and for having to leave you behind.¡±

    ¡°No¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t handle that¡­¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik couldn¡¯t help but burst out crying. His lips parted and quivered as he sobbed.

    ¡°You look like an idiot¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, So-Mi.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Dad¡­ It doesn¡¯t suit you...¡±

    ¡°<em>Sniff</em>¡­ <em>Sniff</em>¡­ <em>Urgh</em>¡­¡±

    ¡°I said¡­ don¡¯t cry¡­¡±

    Yang So-Mi wiped Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s tears away with her hand, which had an IV needle attached to it.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sleepy¡­¡±

    ¡°So-Mi, I¡¯m scared.¡±

    ¡°You said¡­ you¡¯re not¡­ afraid¡­ anythi...¡±

    ¡°So-Mi, please¡­¡±

    Yang So-Mi ced her hand on the bed as she slowly closed her eyes.

    ¡°So-Mi! So-Mi! So-Mi!¡±

    <em>Rattle!</em>

    The door opened, and Yoo Hun-Woo and the medical team ran inside.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu held onto Yang Dong-Sik. He struggled in their arms as they dragged him away.

    Meanwhile, Yoo Hun-Woo was putting so much medication into the IV pack that it looked as if he was pouring the entire thing into the pack.

    ¡°So-Mi! So-Mi!¡±

    Yang So-Mi¡¯s head dropped toward Yang Dong-Sik, and tears fell from her eyes.

    At that moment, the heart monitor let out a sharp, unending beep.

 Chapter 380: Donéˆ¥æª› You Think Weéˆ¥æªe Been Too Gentle (1)

    G¨¦rard''s face was streaked with blood, and Kang Chan''s right hand was a mess. Even their clothes were soaked red.

    <em>Screeeeech!</em>

    Medical staff rushed out of the entrance as soon as they arrived at the Bang Ji Hospital. With skillful precision, they transferred G¨¦rard onto a medical bed and quickly wheeled him inside.

    "Michelle! He''ll need an interpreter. Stay with him," Kang Chan instructed.

    ¡°Got it, Channy.¡±

    Since it was already evening and they had already taken control, there were no people around.

    Kang Chan thanked Lee Doo-Hee. He then got out of the SUV and headed to the emergency room where G¨¦rard had been taken. Yoo Hun-Woo, who was attending to G¨¦rard, quickly ordered various tests. He then immediately approached Kang Chan.

    "Why do you always have to be so reckless?" Yoo Hun-Woo chided.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, I¡¯m fiine. Just keep an eye on that bastard please,¡± Kang Chan said. "We have to wait for the test results."

    ¡°Director!¡±

    "Do you think I''ll lose two people in one night? Just trust me and wait."

    <em>What is he talking about? Is he referring to Lanok or Anne?</em>

    Kang Chan looked up in surprise.

    "Yang So-Mi passed away a little while ago. The French gentleman and his daughter are in surgery," Yoo Hun-Woo informed him gravely.

    He disinfected the wound,yered oil emulsion gauze over it, and wrapped it in bandages. Kang Chan had never seen him look so serious.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± he weakly called as he secured the bandage with tape. "I don''t know what happened, but please don''t do this again. There''s a difference between wanting to save lives desperately and destroying your own body."

    If it were any other doctor, Kang Chan might have reacted angrily.

    "Dr. Kim Ji-Hoon has brought in the Great Surgeon team. You probably don¡¯t know this, but operations where Dr. Kim Ji-Hoon and Dr. Shin Hyun-Soo are performing surgery simtenously have high sess rates."

    <em>What is he trying to say?</em>

    ¡°However, even those two can¡¯t save everyone despite how skilled they are.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo''s eyes mirrored the look he had when he talked about histe brother.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best, but let''s not resort to such desperate measures.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo probably didn¡¯t know how much G¨¦rard meant to Kang Chan. Still, since Kang Chan could sense his sincerity, he had chosen to answer with respect.

    He was sure that it was a tough night for both him and Yoo Hun-Woo. However, For Yang Dong-Sik¡ªwho had just lost his daughter¡ªand Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu, who had witnessed it all unfold, this night could only be described as brutal. To make matters worse, the reports stated that Yang So-Mi had severe signs of abuse.

    Kang Chan exited the emergency room and headed to the parking lot. He then sat on the two-step staircase leading up to the entrance.

    On his way, he couldn¡¯t help but think that this ce currently looked like a battlefield hospital. Armed soldiers and agents in suits were scattered both inside and outside the building, their numbers matching the hospital staff¡¯s.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho silently handed him a cigarette and lit it for him.

    <em>Click.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>.¡±

    The smoke, illuminated by the hospital sign¡¯s white light, stylishly vanished into the darkness.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    He felt as if all the men he had killed had gathered to curse him today.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked. He likely wanted Kang Chan to calm down, just like Yoo Hun-Woo.

    Kang Chan nodded. He then took a drag on his cigarette.

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>.¡±

    As he exhaled, Choi Jong-Il handed him a paper cup.

    Afterward, Woo Hee-Seung offered him a set of clothes. ¡°We had this prepared for you, sir.¡±

    ¡°I''ll changeter. Leave it for now.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sat down next to Kang Chan. He then stared at his cup of coffee, his gaze akin to that of a soldier ready forbat.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Cap.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung were looking at Kang Chan as well.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think we¡¯ve been too gentle?¡±

    ¡°Seems like it. <em>Haha</em>.¡±

    Seok Kang-Houghed with a cruel gleam in his eyes, clearly suppressing an imminent outburst of anger.

    Kang Chan put out his cigarette in the paper cup and looked up.

    ¡°Call the interpreter and have them search enemy bases in Garnich, Luxembourg. Track Jibril¡¯s location as well.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il immediately took out his phone and got to work.

    ***

    Three trucks with 40-foot containers drove down Route 54 in Kyzyl, Russia. Five 2.5-ton cargo trucks with tarp-covered beds were at the front and rear of the convoy.

    <em>Rumble! ng. ng!</em>

    The cab of one of the container trucks turned into a gently curved road, and therge container attached to it awkwardly followed the bend.

    <em>Thud. Thud.</em>

    Vasili¡¯s eyes opened, and his face contorted in pain. The vibrations coursing through the container and his bed seemed to worsen his condition.

    ¡°Help me up,¡± he murmured.

    <em>Clink. Clink.</em>

    Two men in suits, rifles slung over their shoulders, followed hismand. One adjusted Vasili¡¯s pillow, and the other pulled a lever to raise the head of the bed.

    Vasili had so many bandages wrapped around his upper body that he looked as if he was wearing a snug white shirt.

    ¡°Where are we?¡± he asked.

    ¡°We''re on Route 54, heading from Kyzyl to Mongolia, sir.¡±

    Vasili seemed to be at his wits'' end.

    ¡°How long has it been?¡± he asked.

    ¡°About fourteen hours, sir.¡±

    ¡°Have you found that bug who was going around with Alexei?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir. We have also discovered that Yuri Shevchenko orchestrated the attack.¡±

    A corner of Vasili¡¯s lips twitched. When the container¡¯s vibrations hit him again, his unamused expression was quickly reced with a frown.

    ¡°Where is Shevchenko now?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s transporting a missile.¡±

    ¡°A missile? Where to?¡±

    ¡°Coincidentally, he¡¯s heading in the same direction as us. It seems their target is the South Korean base in Mongolia.¡±

    ¡°What about Alexei?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s keeping a low profile.¡±

    Vasili nodded.

    ¡°Damn it. They n to kill me and then use the weapons they got from Ivan to blow up South Korea¡¯s base!¡±

    The man responding to Vasili quickly gauged his reaction.

    "Why did I have to wake up before Shevchenko couldunch a missile at the South Korean base? Now I have no choice but to focus on ying a supporting role!"

    Vasili turned to his subordinates. ¡°Phone.¡±

    One of his men quickly handed him a satellite phone.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok and his daughter were shot in front of South Korea¡¯s French Embassy and are currently undergoing surgery. Yang Bum is fleeing to Mongolia, and Vant has been killed in a car explosion. Ludwig was attacked as well, but he managed to survive because his son died in his ce.¡±

    ¡°Ludwig¡¯s son! That gluttonous idiot. Anyway, Lanok isn¡¯t in a much better state, huh?¡±

    Dialing the number with one hand, Vasili gritted his teeth as if trying to suppress a sudden surge of anger. His upper left lip twitched like a spasm.

    ¡°Alexei dared target me? Fucking cockroach!¡±

    <em>Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap.</em>

    ¡°As much as I want to see the South Korean base in Mongolia explode, I can''t stand seeing that bastard satisfied. I will stop him myself.¡±

    <em>Tap.</em>

    Vasili pressed the call button with his thumb and brought the phone to his ear.

    ¡°What about Andrei?¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t seen any movements yet, sir.¡±

    The call was answered soon after.

    ¡°It¡¯s Vasili.¡±

    Mentioning his name made the other party reply quickly.

    ¡°Have the KGB in Moscow eliminate Alexei. Make it look like a heart attack. Once the announcement and funeral are over, prepare his eyes, tongue, and heart for my inspection.¡±

    After listening to the response, Vasili said, ¡°Wait.¡±

    He then turned his gaze to the man in front of him.

    ¡°How many more men do we need to seize Shevchenko¡¯s missile?¡±

    ¡°We have over two hundred men already in position. We can have it done as soon as you give the order.¡±

    Vasili nodded, then brought the phone back to his ear.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of that myself. Focus on eliminating every family member, rtive, friend, neighbor, and anyone who has been in contact with the shooters in thest three months.¡±

    After briefly listening again, Vasili continued, ¡°Find and kill all of Shevchenko¡¯s operatives and any Mafia members who helped move the weapon. Make sure our fallen KGB soldiers are rewarded as well.¡±

    Vasili then ended the call without bothering to wait for a response.

    ¡°Send the troops in and have them bring me Shevchenko and the missile to the South Korean base in Mongolia.¡±

    ¡°Do you want Shevchenko alive?¡±

    Vasili red at the man.

    ¡°Understood,¡± the man swiftly answered and picked up a brick-sized radio.

    As he ryed Vasili¡¯s orders via radio, Vasili smacked his lips and red at the phone.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I narrowly escaped death just to end up defending a South Korean base! Fucking supporting role!¡±

    Despite his anger, Vasili started dialing another number.

    <em>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. </em>

    ***

    Choi Jong-Il had just pressed the call button when Kang Chan''s phone rang.

    <em>Did he dial the wrong number?</em>

    The perfect timing made Choi Jong-Il double-check the number he was calling. Upon learning that he didn¡¯t make a mistake, Kang Chan answered the call.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Vasili.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Kang Chan heard Vasili let out a deep sigh.

    - Shouldn¡¯t you at least ask how I¡¯m doing? The first thing I did after nearly dying was protect the Mongolian base, you know.

    ¡°Fine. How are you?¡±

    - Should I just blow up the base?

    Kang Chan chuckled. Despite their rough and harsh conversation, they both felt a sense of relief and camaraderie. Deep down, Kang Chan also felt somewhat reassured.

    - Some insect named Shevchenko is transporting a missile he got from Ivan. I¡¯ll bring him and the missile to the South Korean base in Mongolia.

    ¡°What do you need me to do?¡±

    - Vodka.

    ¡°That¡¯ll take a day or so. There¡¯s soju there, so drink that until your Vodka arrives.¡±

    - Soju? Ah! The one I had in Korea!

    <em>Did this bastard really get shot?</em>

    - How¡¯s Lanok?

    ¡°He¡¯s in surgery.¡±

    - Even if I pray here for his death, I just know that man will survive this. Pass on my regards when he wakes up. Anyway, I¡¯ll contact you once I arrive at the base. I¡¯m bringing two hundred ex-KGB soldiers with me, so you can stop worrying about it.¡±

    Kang Chan paused for a moment. With his signature smirk, he then said, ¡°<em>Spasibo</em>[1].¡±

    - That¡¯s the most pleasant thing I¡¯ve heard today.

    The call ended right after.

    ¡°That was Vasili. He told me he¡¯d be seizing a missile from some person named Shevchenko. He also told me to stop worrying about the base in Mongolia since he¡¯d be bringing two hundred former KGB members over,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Just as Kang Chan was about to light another cigarette, Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik walked up to him.

    ¡°What time will we be leaving tomorrow?¡±

    Yang So-Mi, whom Yang Dong-Sik had worried about so much, had passed away due to stomach cancer. To make matters worse, they had just found out that she had been abused. Hence, It was only natural that anger filled the eyes of the three men.

    ¡°Your flight to Mongolia has been indefinitely postponed. Russian forces are currently heading over to our base, so we¡¯ll have to observe the situation for now.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at Kang Chan in disbelief. However, they didn¡¯t even need to talk for him to know that Kang Chan wasn¡¯t lying.

    ¡°I see. We¡¯ll be going out for a bit, then,¡± said Kang Chul-Gyu said, looking directly into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Do you need anything?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu subtly shook his head.

    Kang Chan turned to Yang Dong-Sik. ¡°I have a request.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s hear it,¡± Yang Dong-Sik replied hoarsely.

    ¡°Unfortunately, I need to stay here for some work. If you find the bastard who hurt and abandoned your daughter, please take care of him on my behalf.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s cheeks twitched, and tears welled up in his eyes.

    Contrary, to his expectations, Kang Chan didn¡¯t tell him to take the National Intelligence Service''s stance into consideration or let thew handle this matter.

    Caught off guard, he could only stare at Kang Chan in utter silence.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kang Chan added.

    ¡°None of this is your fault, Assistant Director...¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik bowed his head to Kang Chan, then followed Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu.

    ¡°Do you think he knows where his son-inw is?¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like it. The son-inw¡¯s a gambler, though, so he¡¯ll probably go to someone who can help him first,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied with a shrug.

    <em>Did he think of that on his own?</em>

    Though Kang Chan doubted it, there was no need to confirm it. Just as he was about to head back in to check on G¨¦rard, his phone vibrated again.

    <em>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. </em>

    He quickly checked the caller ID. The number seemed to be a satellite phone¡¯s.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Yang Bum.

    Kang Chan turned and looked at the dark sky between the buildings. Somewhere in that darkness, the sun was preparing to rise and bring a new day.

    ¡°Are you safe?¡±

    - Thanks to the ck Wolf Unit, we are. Anyway, we¡¯re heading to the South Korean base in Mongolia. I¡¯m bringing about one hundred fifty people with us.

    Three hundred fifty Russian and Chinese troops would soon fill the South Korean base. To top it all off, the Russians would be bringing a missile with them.

    Kang Chan let out a cynicalugh.

    ¡°I just got off the phone with Vasili. He¡¯s heading to the base with two hundred ex-KGB members.¡±

    - We can start nning a counterattack once we¡¯ve reached the base, then. How is the director?

    ¡°He¡¯s still in surgery. We¡¯re still waiting for the results.¡±

    - Please send him my regards. I¡¯ll contact you as soon as we arrive.

    Yang Bum also seemed to believe that Lanok wouldn¡¯t die. After rying the conversation to Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan headed to the emergency room.

    ¡°The director is on the first floor,¡± a nurse exined.

    Upon reaching the first floor, the first thing they noticed was G¨¦rard lying on a portable hospital bed.

    ¡°Channy,¡± Michelle greeted called, worry evident in her expression.

    G¨¦rard was still unconscious, but his face had been cleaned, which Kang Chan found somewhatforting. He also had IV packs and supplementary packs attached to his arm.

    ¡°Fortunately, the test results don¡¯t indicate any immediate danger. For now, we¡¯ll just have to monitor him,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said. He then nced at Kang Chan¡¯s bandaged hand. ¡°Will this patient be admitted?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Following his instructions, the staff transferred G¨¦rard to a private room.

    When Michelle hesitated, Kang Chan said, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Go and keep an eye on him.¡±

    Michelle nodded. She then followed the nurses wheeling G¨¦rard away.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the operating room,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said, guiding Kang Chan to the elevator. Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung apanied them to the third floor.

    They all sat in chairs in front of the door that had a lit sign that said ¡°Surgery In Progress.¡±

    Soon, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang again. He pulled it out and answered the call.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - It¡¯s Sherman.

    Sherman spoke in French. His voice was as deep as always.

    - We¡¯llnd at the Osan Air Base at five in the morning, Korean time. Ethan, Josh, and Romain are with me.

    ¡°I¡¯ll meet you there.¡±

    The call suddenly ended.

    <em>I should hold a meeting about phone etiquette for all these bastards.</em>

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, we need to be at the Osan Air Base by 5 AM.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il walked to the end of the hallway and radioed in instructions.

    Yoo Hun-Woo worriedly nced at Kang Chan before turning his gaze to the operating room. The information that G¨¦rard had risked his life to find, the troops gathering in Mongolia, and two of their enemies¡¯ tails arriving at dawn all seemed like pieces of a puzzle falling into ce.

    It was as if they were getting one step closer to the enemy¡¯s core. Now, all they had to do was wait in this dimly lit corridor until the surgery was done.

    <em>Drnnng.</em>

    Just then, the automatic doors of the operating room opened, and two doctors in blue surgical gowns and caps stepped out.

    1. Spasibo means ¡°thank you¡± in Russian. ?

 Chapter 381: Donéˆ¥æª› You Think Weéˆ¥æªe Been Too Gentle (2)

    Kang Chan, Yoo Hun-Woo, Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung approached the doctors.

    ¡°How is he?¡± Yoo Hun-Woo asked.

    The doctor on the left took off his cap.

    ¡°The surgery went well. We still have to monitor his condition, though.¡±

    <em>Is he the Great Surgeon?</em>

    The doctor was down-to-earth and looked like someone who could hold his liquor. He turned to the other doctor beside him, who nodded in agreement. The second doctor looked sharp and precise but seemed tock warmth.

    ¡°Can we see him now?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The doctor directed his gaze to Yoo Hun-Woo, seemingly deferring the decision to him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move him to the ICU and check his condition first,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo suggested.Kang Chan thought it was best to leave these decisions to the doctors.

    ¡°Understood. Thank you for your hard work,¡± Kang Chan said briefly, then turned to leave.

    Since there was nothing more to do here, he thought it best to check on G¨¦rard.

    As the three doctors had a discussion and the surgical staff began to disperse, Kang Chan walked toward the elevator.

    ***

    <em>Rattle.</em>

    The hospital room door opened, and Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik entered.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Clutching his chest, Oh Gwang-Taek got out of his bed, where he had been reclining.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    ¡°Lying around doing nothing is driving me insane.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek turned off the TV with the remote. He then put it on the table.

    ¡°Lie back down.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m almost fully recovered, and I was nning to cross over next month anyway,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said, puzzling the three men.

    He opened the fridge between the nightstand and the wardrobe. He then took out four small cans of drinks and ced them on the table.

    At the same time, Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s expression changed, bing more serious. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°President Oh,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called.

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    Their brief exchange made the urgency and gravity of the situation clear.

    ¡°Dong-Sik¡¯s daughter passed away from stomach cancer a little while ago.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek quickly turned to Yang Dong-Sik.

    <em>If she died of stomach cancer, why are his eyes so full of anger? Did the doctor make a mistake? Do they want to sue the hospital?</em>

    ¡°It seems her husband assaulted her, took the insurance money, and ran away. Dong-Sik managed to get her to the hospital, but she was already too weak for treatment by then.¡±

    ¡°That son of a bitch!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek cursed, twisting his head and gritting his teeth in fury.

    <em>Snap!</em>

    Oh Gwang-Taek suddenly raised his head. His face was red with anger, and his eyes gleamed dangerously.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the bastard? I¡¯ll handle him myself!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek growled in rage. ¡°If a man takes someone¡¯s daughter¡¯s hand in marriage, they¡¯re duty-bound to treat her right! That motherfucking insect¡¯s lower than fucking scum!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek had a daughter of his own. He had quit being a gangster for her sake, and he thought buying bananas for her was as important as dealing with his enemies. Perhaps that was why he felt so strongly about this.

    ¡°Her husband¡¯s a gambler, so he¡¯s probably hanging around gambling dens, wasting away the insurance money. I need your help finding him,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu exined.

    Oh Gwang-Taek stared at Kang Chul-Gyu with a puzzled look.

    ¡°I know the Assistant Director can easily find him, but we n to take full responsibility for this matter, so we¡¯re trying not to rely on him.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek slowly nodded.

    ¡°That bastard¡­¡± He nced at Yang Dong-Sik. ¡°Do you know his name, age, and phone number?¡±

    ¡°Choi Chun-Sik, thirty-two years old. Has a butterfly tattoo on his arm,¡± Yang Dong-Sik replied. ¡°I don¡¯t know his phone number. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°You know I¡¯ve given up that life, right?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said. Just as Kang Chul-Gyu was about to apologize, he added, ¡°That¡¯s why I can¡¯t just call someone to bring him in. We¡¯ll have to do it ourselves.¡±

    With a groan, Oh Gwang-Taek clutched his chest and stood up.

    <em>Creak.</em>

    He opened the wardrobe and pulled out some clothes.

    ¡°President Oh,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called, but Oh Gwang-Taek ignored him, quickly shedding his patient gown and putting on a T-shirt, pants, and a jacket.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said firmly.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked worried about him.

    ¡°Director Kang! I¡¯m Oh Gwang-Taek! Oh Gwang-Taek! Dong-Sik¡¯s suffering, and you want me to just sit here? Let¡¯s go deal with that fucking bastard.¡±

    ¡°This could go wrong.¡±

    ¡°Damn it! With you, Il-Gyu, and Dong-Sik going, what could possibly go wrong? Worsees to worst, we cut his throat and go to prison together! Don¡¯t tell me to stay out of this! I have a daughter too!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek insisted.

    Kang Chul-Gyu took a deep breath and then stood up, ending the argument.

    <em>Creak.</em>

    The four men left the room, leaving behind cans of drinks in the now-silent hospital room.

    ***

    When Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho entered the room, Michelle stood up from beside the bed. Michelle shook her head in response to Kang Chan¡¯s questioning look, indicating that G¨¦rard hadn¡¯t woken up yet.

    Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh and sat down at the table.

    ¡°We should get changed,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll change when we head to the airport.¡±

    Kang Chan was a mess, but he strangely didn¡¯t feel like changing now. Instead, he leaned back in the chair and looked at G¨¦rard, who was lying on the bed.

    <em>Why does this bastard have such long eyshes? He¡¯s like a camel.</em>

    Kang Chan smirked. Given the situation, it was an inappropriate reaction, so Seok Kang-Ho looked at him curiously.

    Kang Chan gestured toward G¨¦rard with his chin. ¡°You used to fight with him all the time, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Ha! I was going easy on him! He was no match for me!¡± Seok Kang-Ho retorted.

    Michelle tilted her head at Kang Chan, her expression seemingly asking, ¡°.<em>Want me to pass a message?¡±</em>

    When Kang Chan briefly nodded, Michelle leaned over G¨¦rard¡¯s bed and whispered in his ear, rying the conversation between Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho in French.

    ¡°See how he¡¯s lying pretending to be all-important right now? Romain, Josh, Ethan, and Sherman will be touching down tomorrow at dawn. The captain still needs me by his side,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    Michelle''s expression grew increasinglyplex, caught between amusement and confusion. She was clearly struggling to determine what to believe and how to process everything.

    She knew of Kang Chan¡¯s capabilities, but it was still disconcerting to hear Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard calling him ¡°captain¡± and speaking of things she couldn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you send him elsewhere because you were worried about him being the weak link, captain?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Michelle, still perplexed, conveyed Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s words to G¨¦rard.

    At that moment, G¨¦rard¡¯s eyebrows and the scar on his cheek twitched slightly.

    Michelle turned back in surprise.

    ¡°Ha! Back then, that bastard needed help just to go to the bathroom. He¡¯s been acting all tough, but look at him now¡­¡± Seok Kang-Ho clicked his tongue while ring sharply at G¨¦rard. He then shook his head.

    ***

    Sergey Gee, G¨¦rard¡¯s adoptive father, had always wanted something from G¨¦rard. Even as a child, G¨¦rard could tell if someone¡¯s emotions were love or hate.

    Intimidation was terrifying. For one to depend on another who didn¡¯t care about them for everything¡ªfood, sleep, and education¡ªwas truly cruel. Having to internalize the cold and harsh gaze and words of the person providing those necessities only made things worse.

    Whenever G¨¦rard regained consciousness, he kept feeling drowsy. Moreover, he thought of Kang Chan¡¯s smirk each time.

    ¡°Chick! Stick close to me until the mission is over!¡±

    It was the first time someone had ever protected him. Despite his mocking, almost condescending smile, G¨¦rard could feel and understand the genuine emotion behind Kang Chan¡¯s order.

    Kang Chan was Asian, yet none of the Foreign Legion''s special forces team members dared look down on him. His shooting skills, hand-to-handbat prowess, leadership, and unwavering loyalty to hisrades made him formidable. If he had been a bit more detached, he could have easily been themander of the special forces team.

    However, the world was full of annoying bastards.

    ¡°<em>Haha</em>! you little chick!¡±

    G¨¦rard would never forget Daye¡¯s expression, words, andughter back then. Strangely, he never wanted to lose to Daye.

    <em>Stupid, big, dirty... He¡¯s just a filthy bastard!</em>

    The confusion G¨¦rard felt when he met Kang Chan during the operation in Afghanistan was indescribable. Still, he had been feeling as though life was meaningless and hoping that someone would slit his throat in some operation, so he had been hoping to see him.

    That didn¡¯t matter right now, though. As of this moment, sleep meant death. If he didn¡¯t wake up here, he would die bleeding from his nose, ears, and eyes.

    At that moment, he recalled the warning of the yellow-eyed man.

    <em>¡®Even if your memory returns, you will die.¡¯</em>

    It was clear now. He still couldn¡¯t move, but he at least finally understood everything. An unknown force coiled around him like a snake, injecting a painless death into him bit by bit.

    Once again, Kang Chan¡¯s smirk appeared in his mind. That was when he heard Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s words again.

    ¡°... because you were worried about him being the weak link, captain?¡±

    It was Korean, yet G¨¦rard could understand what Seok Kang-Ho was trying to say.

    <em>Twitch!</em>

    <em>¡®You damn brute!¡¯</em>

    G¨¦rard struggled desperately in an attempt to escape the death gripping him.

    ¡°Ha! Back then, that bastard needed help just to go to the bathroom. He¡¯s been acting all tough, but look at him now¡­ <em>Tsk, tsk, tsk!</em>¡±

    Daye¡¯s voice pierced through the haze that enveloped G¨¦rard, pulling him back.

    ¡°What are you going to do when he wakes up?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s voice echoed next. Although they both spoke in Korean, G¨¦rard understood every bit of it. They believed he wouldn¡¯t die from such a trivial threat. Hence, they were waiting for him¡ªhis captain was waiting for him.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at G¨¦rard and chuckled.

    ¡°Why should I be worried? This man does nothing but faint. You know what? When he wakes up, we should just assign him to take satellite pictures. If he goes out on another mission and faints again, who¡¯s going to clean up the mess? He¡¯s just a burden!¡±

    Michelle interpreted immediately.

    ¡°Channy!¡± she called out in a panic.

    Blood began to flow out of G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes and nose.

    ¡°G¨¦rard,¡± Kang Chan called with a surprisingly calm voice. Seok Kang-Ho and Michelle turned to him

    In French, he said, "We''ll take care of Romain and Josh at dawn, then immediately fly out to eliminate Jibril. After that, we''ll head to the ce in Luxembourg that you mentioned. We¡¯ll beat up that yellow-eyed bastard if we find him there, so hurry up and wake up."

    The scar on G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek twitched, seemingly in response. Even more blood flowed out of his nose and eyes.

    ¡°G¨¦rard!¡±

    ¡°<em>Hah</em>!¡±

    G¨¦rard spat out the blood that had pooled in his throat.

    ¡°G¨¦rard!¡±

    G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes opened. ¡°Oui! Capitaine! [1]?" Oh Gwang-Taek whispered, pulling his head back.

    They were looking at a farmhouse in the middle of a field in Yangju. The red light from a roof-mountedmp illuminated the building and its surroundings. Fields, a dirt road winding through them, a car, and the typical two-story farmhouse stood in the darkness.

    Although it was alreadyte at night, there was a "Munbang" sign positioned about twenty meters from the house, proving that the information Oh Gwang-Taek had obtained was almost certainly urate. Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s group was twenty meters away from the sign.

    ¡°There¡¯s probably a rabbit hole behind the house for escape,¡± Kang Chul-Gyumented.

    "Do you see anyone aside from the bastards by the sign?" Oh Gwang-Taek asked, scrutinizing the spot where the Munbang sign was. Despite the absurdity of the situation, he only saw one person there.

    ¡°<em>Phew</em>.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek let out a silent sigh and lowered his head again. Although he had seen a lot of things in Mongolia and Libya, he momentarily forgot that the three men with him were monsters.

    ¡°If Choi Chun-Sik is here, then let¡¯s get going,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu told Oh Gwang-Taek. Afterward, he turned to Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik.

    ¡°No need to kill those two,¡± he added.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik quietly responded.

    ¡°Go clean it up.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek shook his head in disbelief. Right after, the two men who had just been beside him instantly disappeared.

    Oh Gwang-Taek and Kang Chul-Gyu watched on in silence.

    A sound like a badger passing by reached them, and the Munbang guard they had seen copsed gently to the ground.

    <em>Where is the other one?</em>

    At that moment, Oh Gwang-Taek noticed Nam Il-Gyu''s arm moving behind the trunk of the parked car.

    <em>All three of them saw that guy crouching behind it?</em>

    ¡°Time to go.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu approached the house like a theatergoer with a ticket.

    <em>Swoosh.</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik, with gleaming eyes, slipped to Kang Chul-Gyu''s left rear.

    <em>Swoosh.</em>

    A little further along, Nam Il-Gyu emerged from behind the car. ncing back, Oh Gwang-Taek saw a man slumped against the car.

    Not long after, he realized that he couldn¡¯t hear the footsteps of the three men.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    Just then, doors on both the first and second floors burst open. There must have been CCTV. Threerge men came out, wielding weapons that looked like iron pipes.

    ¡°Dong-Sik! Catch anyone trying to escape!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik charged down the path.

    ¡°Who are you? What do you want?¡±

    A panicked shout cut through the darkness.

    <em>Thud! Screech!</em>

    The threerge men looked somewhat confident.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± one of them asked.

    At that moment, Nam Il-Gyu darted forward.

    <em>Thud! Thud! Crack!</em>

    No one could even see what he did.

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud! ng! ng!</em>

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>!¡±

    Their opponents fell to the ground like scarecrows with their stuffing removed. Only one of them was still twitching.

    <em>Thud.</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu nced at Kang Chul-Gyu. Upon getting his superior¡¯s permission, he kicked the twitching man¡¯s neck, abruptly cutting off the scream.

    Meanwhile, Oh Gwang-Taek heard someone shouting even further into the house.

    ¡°Let go! Let go of me!¡±

    ¡°You bastard!¡± Yang Dong-Sik shouted.

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    A seemingly endless brutal beating echoed across the darkness.

    1. ¡¯Yes, Captain¡¯ in French[ref]!¡±

    His eyes, nose, and the once-white pillow under his head were now stained with dark, dried blood. Michelle covered her mouth with her hands, looking back and forth between Kang Chan and G¨¦rard.

    With gleaming eyes, Seok Kang-Ho chuckled. ¡°<em>Hahaahaha</em>!¡±

    ***

    "Do you think the bastard is a munbang[ref]In gambling ng, "munbang" refers to a person responsible for scouting gambling sites and selecting locations to avoid police crackdowns. ?

 Chapter 382: Death to the Enemy (1)

    They handled the situation quicker than expected. Once Yang Dong-Sik had swiftly caught Choi Chun-Sik, the rest of the gamblers were no longer a concern.

    Oh Gwang-Taek entered the farmhouse and "educated" the manager, runners, and lookouts with his fists. Meanwhile, Kang Chul-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and Nam Il-Gyu dragged Choi Chun-Sik, who was unconscious, to the car.

    Yang Dong-Sik and Nam Il-Gyu lifted Choi Chun-Sik, put him in the trunk, and closed the lid. About three minutester, Oh Gwang-Taek walked over.

    ¡°Hop aboard,¡± he told the three men and then climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. Kang Chul-Gyu sat in the front passenger seat, while Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik got in the back.

    Once all the car doors had been closed, they immediately drove away, leaving the eerily lit farmhouse behind.

    <em>Thud. Thud.</em>

    The car rocked along the unpaved road, shaking those inside.

    ¡°I made sure they understood the situation. None of them will be making any reports,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu, who was leaning a little, looked at him from the passenger seat.<em>Did he beat them up until they understood?</em>

    ¡°How long will it take from here?¡±

    ¡°About forty minutes,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek replied.

    <em>Thud.</em>

    Upon reaching paved roads, Oh Gwang-Taek stepped on the elerator and picked up the pace. Unlike earlier, the ride now felt incredibly smooth.

    While driving, he asked, ¡°You didn¡¯t kill the bastard, did you, hyung-nim?¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik nodded in response.

    ¡°Ha, bastard! I told them to start a fire in the factory and start melting metal. I n to make a small door with his ashes and set it up behind the factory. I¡¯ve even thought of a name for the door.¡±

    Following the curved road, the car took a quick left turn, its tires screeching.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nced at Oh Gwang-Taek.

    <em>What¡¯s the name of the door?</em>

    ¡°Since he¡¯s despicable, I¡¯m going to call it the Door of Reflection, implying that he should reflect until the door has beenpletely rusted away.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked around to see the others¡¯ reactions, but the atmosphere in the car remained somber, which wasn¡¯t what he was expecting.

    ***

    Kang Chan showered in the hospital room on the third floor and then changed into clean clothes. Afterward, he went up to the ICU, put on a sterile gown, and stood by Lanok¡¯s bed. Lanok looked at Kang Chan with an unusually warm-hearted gaze.

    ¡°Anne¡¯s condition has also stabilized,¡± Kang Chan informed him. He then told Lanok about the calls from Vasili and Yang Bum.

    ¡°Vasili and Yang Bum also send their regards,¡± he finished. ¡°On another note, Sherman, Josh, Ethan, and Romain will arrive at Osan at dawn.¡±

    Noticing that Lanok¡¯s eyes were struggling to stay open, he reached out and lightly grasped Lanok¡¯s hand.

    ¡°It seems we¡¯ve already found the core of the enemy, so just get some rest. I¡¯ll have some good news for you when you wake up.¡±

    With Lanok no longer able to continue the conversation, Kang Chan bowed to him and moved to Anne¡¯s bed. Anne, small for a French woman, looked at him with difficulty.

    ¡°Your father is safe, so don¡¯t worry about anything else and just focus on getting better,¡± he reassured her. Anne only managed a faint smile in response.

    ¡°Everything will be alright. Stay strong, okay?¡±

    An hour before midnight, Kang Chan left the ICU, removed the sterile gown, and headed back to the third-floor hospital room. Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Michelle were waiting for him.

    Honestly, Kang Chan wanted to go to the office. He wanted to check the location in Garnich that G¨¦rard had mentioned and confirm a few things. Nevertheless, he decided to stay at the hospital to support Lanok and Anne and ensure Yang So-Mi¡¯sst moments weren¡¯t lonely.

    First, Kang Chan asked Choi Jong-Il to prepare for Yang So-Mi¡¯s funeral. He then sat down at the table. It had been an incredibly long and busy day.

    Suddenly, he smirked. Despite everything, seeing G¨¦rard opposite him made himugh. If he hadn¡¯t saved G¨¦rard, this long, busy day might have ended horribly.

    ¡°Have you eated dinner?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Michelle nced at G¨¦rard and then shook her head at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll order somete-night snacks. We can eat before heading in.¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Seok Kang-Ho cheered, making it clear that refusal was no longer an option.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to order, get some for the hospital staff and the agents too,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Who do you think I am?¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied cheerfully as he left the room.

    While the deady in the cold morgue and the dying were confined in the ICU, the living orderedte-night snacks in hospital rooms.

    Life didn¡¯t require much. If one was capable, they could live a fancy and luxurious life. If not, he could endure with those around him. Why kill and fight for more?

    As Kang Chan reached for a cigarette, G¨¦rard got up to turn on the venttor and open the window.

    ¡°Want some coffee?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that worth living for?¡± Kang Chan teased.

    G¨¦rard walked awkwardly to the corner. Watching the long-legged Frenchman pour two packets of instant coffee into a cup was quite a sight. Everything about him was long¡ªarms, legs, eyshes, nose, and even the scar on his cheek. That was all Kang Chan knew so far.

    ¡°G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°Oui,¡± G¨¦rard replied as he approached the table with a stic cup.

    ¡°If you ever pull a stunt like this again¡­¡±

    G¨¦rard lowered his gaze, his expression tense.

    Noticing the scar on his cheek twitch, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Damn it! You¡¯re ying the victim again, you bastard!¡±

    Michelle, catching the mood,ughed as well.

    ¡°Together, we made it this far from Africa,¡± Kang Chan said.

    G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes gleamed as he listened, and Michelle¡¯s expression grewplicated again.

    ¡°So don¡¯t fight alone.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Fucker!¡±

    As they shared a strangeugh, Seok Kang-Ho returned.

    ¡°I ordered thirty <em>jokbal </em>and thirty <em>bossam</em>. The hospital staff had to check the order before allowing it,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said. He then grumbled, ¡°You made coffee as soon as I went out to order? You have no sense of camaraderie.¡±

    Right after, he made himself a cup of coffee and brought it to the table.

    ¡°I also ordered stir-fried octopus and rice.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded and put out his cigarette in a paper cup. If they wanted to stand a chance in the iing battles, they had to eat and rest whenever possible.

    ***

    <em>Screeech.</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik grabbed both of Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s ankles as if they were the handles of a handcart. He then followed Oh Gwang-Taek, dragging Choi Chun-Sik with him. As they walked across the parking lot and entered a building made of bricks, the first thing that hit them was the intense heat.

    ¡°Wee,¡± three men built like barrels greeted Oh Gwang-Taek.

    ¡°Have you melted the metal?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s almost ready. Is that the guy?¡±

    The man craned his neck to look at Choi Chun-Sik, who was sprawled on the floor. From their words, actions, and nces, it was clear to Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik that these men were no strangers to this line of work.

    ¡°You guys step outside for a bit,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek instructed.

    ¡°Alright,¡± one of the barrel-chested men replied. He then gestured to the others. The two men bowed deeply before exiting the building.

    ¡°Time to let it all out, hyung-nim. Once you¡¯re done, throw him in there.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek pointed to a round container over roaring mes. It was just the right size for a hot bath.

    ¡°There¡¯ll be nothing left of him within five minutes. Once he¡¯s been liquefied, we¡¯ll pour the metal into this mold, and the Door of Reflection will be finished.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek emphasized the name he had given it, but the reaction remained the same.

    ¡°Do we really need to make a door?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better that we do. If some nosy bastardse to investigateter, this will make it easier to say we were rushing an order since we can just show this as evidence,¡± Oh Gwang-Taek exined.

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded and looked at Yang Dong-Sik.

    <em>¡®Do as you see fit.¡¯</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik lowered his gaze. Choi Chun-Siky motionless on the floor, looking as if he were dead.

    ¡°Is that bastard here to sleep?¡± Oh Gwang-Taek muttered, slipping on a pair of thick gloves from the table. He then picked up adle-like tool and scooped some molten metal.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see if he can sleep through this.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek leaned back as far as he could from the heat and extended thedle¡¯s tip toward Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s face.

    <em>Plop. Plop. Plop.</em>

    The molten metal from thedle dripped onto Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s face. A yellowish smoke rose, apanied by the acrid smell of burning flesh.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    With a scream, Choi Chun-Sik woke up and immediately rolled on the floor. He brought his hands to his face but could do nothing more than il around.

    ¡°Ha! So, you <em>do </em>feel heat, you bastard!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek said, putting thedle away.

    Meanwhile, Nam Il-Gyu brought a chair and ced it behind Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Do you have any cigarettes, Mr. President¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    Oh Gwang-Taek rummaged through his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He then one each to Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik. Afterward, he lit the cigarettes for them.

    <em>Click.</em>

    The light of the me illuminate the four men¡¯s glinting eyes.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    After blowing out a puff of smoke, Oh Gwang-Taek turned back to Choi Chun-Sik.

    ¡°Get up, you piece of shit!¡±

    Groaning, Choi Chun-Sik struggled to his knees.

    ¡°Hey, bastard!¡±

    ¡°Yes¡ª¡±

    ¡°Stupid fucking scumbag!¡±

    Choi Chun-Sik flinched and looked at Oh Gwang-Taek. Clearly, there was a specialty here. Neither Nam Il-Gyu nor Yang Dong-Sik understood why Oh Gwang-Taek was swearing.

    Even though Coi Chun-Sik had answered when called, Oh Gwang-Taek still thrust his face close to him and cursed at him.

    ¡°You blew all the insurance money away, huh, you useless little shit?¡±

    Choi Chun-Sik nced at Yang Dong-Sik.

    <em>Crash!</em>

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s fist, clutching a cigarette, smashed into Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s face.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    ¡°Get up!¡±

    Choi Chun-Sik scrambled back to his knees. He looked like he had lost what littleposure he had.

    ¡°If you give me a shitty answer again¡­¡± Oh Gwang-Taek nced at the zing furnace. ¡°I¡¯ll throw you right in there, so you better answer properly.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Choi Chun-Sik answered.

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s eyes bulged grotesquely, and his lips twisted strangely. This wouldn¡¯t have any effect on Kang Chul-Gyu or Nam Il-Gyu, but it was a clear reminder of Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s gangster background¡ªa truly repulsive impression.

    ¡°Did you waste away all the insurance money?¡±

    ¡°I-I did,¡± Choi Chun-Sik replied, dropping his gaze.

    Yang Dong-Sik clenched his teeth so hard that his cheeks visibly twitched.

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    ¡°Y-yes!¡±

    ¡°Let me ask you one more thing. Why did you beat your wife even though she had cancer?¡±

    Choi Chun-Sik couldn¡¯t raise his head.

    ¡°Did she refuse to give you money? You needed some for gambling, but she held onto the insurance payout, so you beat her up for it? Is that it, hmm?¡±

    Yang So-Mi¡¯s pitiful final moments shed through Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s mind. He swallowed his tears as he red at Oh Gwang-Taek and Choi Chun-Sik.

    Yang Dong-Sik didn¡¯t expect to be asked such a question. He thought Oh Gwang-Taek was just going to rough him up, not try to dig out the reason behind it.

    <em>Bam!</em>

    Oh Gwang-Taek grabbed Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s head and punched him repeatedly.

    <em>Wham! Wham! Wham!</em>

    ¡°Motherfucking trash! What did you see in those dying eyes that made you beat her up, you sorry excuse of a man?!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek relentlessly targeted Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you feel sorry for your dying wife, huh?!¡±

    <em>Wham! Wham! Wham!</em>

    Oh Gwang-Taek yanked Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s head forward, making thetter tremble like an aspen tree.

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell me why you beat her?¡±

    <em>Screeech!</em>

    Oh Gwang-Taek dragged Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s head toward the furnace.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s because that b-bitch said she wasn¡¯t going to use the money for treatment! She said she was going to give it to her father!¡±

    <em>Thud.</em>

    Oh Gwang-Taek released his grip, and Choi Chun-Sik copsed onto the floor.

    ¡°Keep going.¡±

    ¡°She said her father had nothing and that if she was going to die anyway, she wanted to at least cover his rent... When she said she would give the money to a father who never even visited her, I just lost it...¡±

    Had Choi Chun-Sik not been so out of it, he wouldn¡¯t have spoken like this. The tense atmosphere and Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s interrogation skills contributed to his breakdown.

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked up, finding tears rolling down Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave him to you, hyung-nim.¡±

    As if his task was done, Oh Gwang-Taek sat down in a chair and lit a cigarette.

    ¡°Il-Gyu,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called.

    ¡°Sir,¡± Nam Il-Gyu responded.

    ¡°You take over.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu stood up and looked around. They were in a factory that specialized in molten metal. Long iron skewers were scattered around.

    <em>Step, step. Swoosh.</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu picked up a skewer that was about a meter long and about five millimeters thick. It looked like a cut piece of rebar with a blunt end.

    Nam Il-Gyu grabbed the skewer, walked over to Choi Chun-Sik, who was sprawled on the ground face-down, and lifted Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s head.

    ¡°<em>Gah</em>!¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu positioned his left leg over Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s left shoulder and held him tightly. He twisted the skewer, aiming for the ear, with a demonic expression.

    ¡°<em>Aaaah</em>! <em>Aaaah</em>!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s eyes widened, but unlike in Libya, where he had turned away when killing enemies, he didn¡¯t look away this time.

    The skewer didn¡¯t go in easily partly because of the blunt tip and partly because Choi Chun-Sik was thrashing his head in desperation.

    <em>Crack!</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaagh</em>!¡±

    <em>Crack! Crack!</em>

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>! <em>Uuurgh</em>!¡±

    ¡°You bastard! Why couldn¡¯t you live like a decent human being? Why?! Why did you sell a dying person¡¯sst hope just so you could gamble?!¡±

    <em>Crack!</em>

    ¡°<em>Arrgh</em>!¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu gritted his teeth and used everyst bit of his strength. Finally, the iron rod emerged from the other side of Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Dong-Sik, what do you want to do next?¡± Nam Il-Gyu asked, turning his head to Yang Dong-Sik.

    Yang Dong-Sik slowly approached Nam Il-Gyu. He grabbed the end of the iron rod protruding from the opposite ear. Meanwhile, Nam Il-Gyu lowered his leg from Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s shoulder and grabbed the other end of the rod.

    Lifting together, the two men carried Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s limp body toward the furnace. The final material for the Door of Reflection<em></em>was thus dragged into the molten metal.

    ***

    After eating theirte-night snack, Michelle bid Kang Chan and the others goodbye and left. Once she was gone, the three meny down on their beds.

    <em>What is there to worry about? We can just be thankful that G¨¦rard is alive and that we are together again.</em>

    They had slept in piles of dirt, swamps crawling with insects, and mountainsides, so they all naturally fell asleep quickly in this quiet and safe environment. Due to the exhausting day that they had, they slept deeply and soundly. As time passed, moonlight entered through the window and flowed back out.

    When Kang Chan woke up, he shook his head and got out of bed. The lights from the surrounding buildings illuminated the hospital room. He moved to the water dispenser, picked up a bottle, and drank it.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>!¡± Seok Kang-Ho groaned.

    <em>That bastard always wakes up like that. </em>

    <em>Rustle. </em>

    G¨¦rard woke up next. Kang Chan picked up two more bottles of water and handed them to the two. G¨¦rard¡¯s gaze lingered on the bandage wrapped around Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Just drink the water,¡± Kang Chan said.

    As they rehydrated themselves, they couldn¡¯t help but appreciate the fact that they were all still alive and together. Soon, they washed up and made themselves presentable. Choi Jong-Il then arrived around twenty minutes past four that morning.

    ¡°Sir Kang Chul-Gyu and the others are already at the funeral hall,¡± Choi Jong-Il said.

    ¡°Have you even slept yet?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I have,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied with a smile.

    ¡°Good. Anyway, got pistols and knives for Daye and G¨¦rard?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re in the car. Should I bring them in?¡±

    ¡°The car we¡¯re taking?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    <em>No need to bother fetching them, then.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ll just get them on the way,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Following Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Choi Jong-Il headed out.

    In front of the hospital entrance, six SUVs waited with their lights on. Kang Chan hoped the efforts and hardships of the agents waiting inside wouldn¡¯t go to waste.

    He walked past the SUV where Lee Doo-Hee was waiting and moved to the one at the very front. It wasn¡¯t any different from going into battle. They were on a mission, ready forbat at any moment, not knowing who they might lose or when they might face death. No matter the oue, they wouldn¡¯t get recognition for it.

    They only ever got attention for the international building incident. If they had failed back then, they would have had to take all the me.

    <em>Tap, tap. </em>

    Kang Chan tapped the front windshield of the SUV twice and slowly walked alongside it.

    <em>Thank you. At the very least, I, Choi Jong-Il, G¨¦rard, and Seok Kang-Ho understand the value of your sacrifices and efforts. </em>

    <em>Tap, tap.</em>

    Kang Chan performed the same gesture with the second SUV, looking at the fully tinted side window. Just like in Africa, the men with him right now were preciousrades. However, unlike back then, everyone present now was close to his heart.

    Kang Chan tapped the front windshields of the remaining five SUVs before getting into his own.

    <em>Vroom.</em>

    Once their convoy had exited the hospital grounds, Choi Jong-Il handed out radios, pistols, and knives to Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard. The two strapped the pistols and knives to their ankles and clipped the radios to their waists.

    Meanwhile, the SUV sped onto the highway at an rming speed, weaving through trucks and busy cars.

    Before long, they reached the entrance of the Osan Air Base. After verifying Choi Jong-Il¡¯s identity, the guard quickly raised the barricade.

    <em>Vroom.</em>

    The SUV drove straight onto the runway. The six SUVs then lined up with their headlights still on, illuminating the runway marked by guiding lights. Kang Chan got out, followed by Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± Choi Jong-Il asked.

    Kang Chan turned and smiled, prompting Choi Jong-Il to move to the SUV and pour pre-made instant coffee from a thermos into paper cups. The sweet aroma of the coffee filled the air.

    ¡°We gotta have a cigarette with this, don¡¯t we?¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as he handed a cigarette to Kang Chan and lit it for him.

    <em>Click.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    The cool morning air retreated from the cigarette smoke.

    ¡°This reminds me of our first trip to Mongolia,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said. He then nced around the runway with a peculiar smile. In the distance, a ne with its wingtips glistening came into view.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Seok Kang-Ho cast a sideways nce at Kang Chan. ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°Stay alert.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    They didn¡¯t know what could happen, but Kang Chan had just called him ¡°Daye,¡± and he had had the intense look of someone heading into battle. Hence, Seok Kang-Ho was sure that something was up.

    As Kang Chan stubbed out his cigarette in the empty coffee cup, the ne on the runway turned toward them.

    <em>Vrooom.</em>

    When the ne stopped, Kang Chan walked straight toward it. When the private jet¡¯s door opened, a three-part staircase automatically extended.

    Sherman was the first to exit.

    ¡°Mr. Kang!¡± Sherman called.

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    Kang Chan extended his hand. They shook hands warmly.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we talk inside?¡± Sherman suggested.

    Looking into Sherman¡¯s eyes, Kang Chan smiled and nodded. As Sherman stepped aside, Kang Chan entered the ne. Inside were armed agents in suits. Ethan, Romain, and Josh sat across from each other with ufortable expressions.

    Romain silently grasped Kang Chan¡¯s hand, his gaze lingering on the bandage wrapped around it. Next was Ethan.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it has.¡±

    Calling him an ¡°idiot¡± inwardly, Kang Chan shook hands with Ethan. Finally, it was Josh¡¯s turn. Josh looked at Kang Chan with an overtly ufortable and hostile expression. Kang Chan had no intention of forcing a handshake on someone who clearly didn¡¯t want it.

    Kang Chan smirked and reached out with both hands.

    <em>Thud.</em>

    Josh probably didn¡¯t expect to be grabbed by the head as soon as they met.

    ¡°Mr. Kang!¡± Sherman called out quickly. Meanwhile, Romain and Ethan looked on in shock.

    Kang Chan¡¯s and Josh¡¯s eyes locked.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you know? My codename, God of ckfield, means the god who delivers death to his enemies.¡±

    Josh¡¯s eyes conveyed his thoughts as clearly as if he had spoken them.

    <em>You can¡¯t be serious.</em>

 Chapter 383: Death to the Enemy (2)

    Few people understood the fortitude required to kill someone while looking them in the eye. That was one of the reasons why shooting someone was easier than stabbing them. Those who knew how a rookie would make their first kill with a knife would understand. They would stab, stab, and stab again.

    It was hard to believe, but it was true. While experts struck or cut critical areas in one swift move, rookies would keep stabbing their opponent even if thetter was already incapacitated. Moreover, they usually aimed for the gut, which didn¡¯t immediately kill their target. The muscles in that area would grasp the knife as if holding onto it, too.

    Terrified that their struggling victim would retaliate, rookies would just keep stabbing them. They wouldn¡¯t even stop to check on their victim¡¯s condition.

    It took a lot of experience or sheer ruthlessness for one to cut their enemy¡¯s throat or stab their heart.

    At thest moment, both the killer and the victim woulde to a realization. The killer would learn whether they were simply trying to scare or genuinely aiming to kill, and the victim would learn if the killer was frightened or ready to fight to death.

    Seeing the resolve in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, Josh¡¯s gaze wavered like a candle in the wind.

    <em>What? How? Why here?</em>

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <em>You really shouldn''t have underestimated me.</em>In the blink of an eye, Kang Chan twisted Josh¡¯s head, making thetter face the chair he was sitting on.

    <em>Click! Click! Click!</em>

    Alerted, the bodyguards drew their pistols but withheld themselves from opening fire.

    As Kang Chan released his grip and stood up straight, Josh¡¯s head slumped against Ethan¡¯s shoulder.

    Kang Chan then slowly turned to Romain.

    ¡°Romain,¡± he called.

    ¡°Mr. Kang!¡± Sherman called out, almost shouting, but Kang Chan¡¯s eyes remained on Romain.

    ¡°I warned you. Anyone who messes with the ambassador, no matter who they are or which country they belong to, will face the most gruesome enemy in the world.¡±

    Looking into Romain¡¯s stiff eyes, Kang Chan steeled his resolve.

    ¡°Sherman, if I get shot here, the missile at our base in Mongolia will be aimed at New York. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re well aware that Vasili and Yang Bum are already over there.¡±

    Sherman and Romain¡¯s expressions made it clear that they didn¡¯t know.

    It didn¡¯t matter to Kang Chan, though. Even if he died here, he wasn¡¯t sure if Vasili would actuallyunch the missile. However, now that he had pushed things this far, he couldn''t afford to show any weakness.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know that they were nning to assassinate Lanok,¡± Romain said.

    Kang Chan smirked again.

    ¡°I mean it.¡±

    ¡°Then you admit that you knew about the assassination attempts on our president, Vasili, Yang Bum, Vant, and Ludwig?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know about that either.¡±

    Romain now looked somewhat resigned.

    ¡°Even so, you should face the consequences for bringing Ambassador Lanok to Loriam.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang, continuing this act like this is¡ª¡± Sherman interjected.

    ¡°Sherman, have you forgotten the terms of our agreement?¡± Kang Chan asked, cutting Sherman off. ¡°All I wanted was Josh and Romain. Are you trying to break our agreement and force a final confrontation?¡±

    "With you handling things this way, what do you expect my position to be?"

    "Why should I care about your position? Remind me, what did you do when the ambassador was attacked and my allies were targeted? Would you react the same way if someone tried to assassinate the President of the United States?"

    Sherman met Kang Chan''s gaze but offered no retort.

    People didn¡¯t change easily, especially not someone like Sherman. It was clear that he had hoped to mediate and gain something out of this meeting on the ne, but now he could only look at Kang Chan with a frustrated and helpless expression.

    <em>I didn''t think he''de on so aggressively!</em>

    His eyes conveyed his thoughts to Kang Chan.

    "Alright, let¡¯s get this sorted out," Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan stood by the table, looking at the three men and the corpse. Sherman looked troubled, Romain appeared exhausted, and Ethan, the idiot, seemed terrified.

    "The Star of David attacked Ambassador Lanok, Vasili, Yang Bum, Vant, and Ludwig. We lost Vant as a result.¡±

    Ethan nodded. Whether he understood or was just trying not to anger Kang Chan was unclear.

    "Decisions should be made here and now."

    The three men exchanged nces and then turned back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Who¡¯s behind all of this? The Star of David or the DGSE?¡± Kang Chan asked. He then turned to Romain, seemingly asking him for his answer first.

    ¡°Can we talk privately for a moment?¡± Romain asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about scheming. If you start spewing nonsense, that missile aimed at New York will be redirected to Paris.¡±

    ¡°And you think South Korea will remain safe?¡±

    ¡°Romain, regardless of whether you knew it or not, you were part of the Star of David. From the moment Ambassador Lanok was attacked, France became my enemy.¡±

    Romain threw a defiant look at Kang Chan.

    <em>Suchughable defiance.</em>

    ¡°You¡¯ve broken all the warnings I gave you. If you believe threatening South Korea¡¯s safety in front of me is wise, I won¡¯t spare France either,¡± Kang Chan remarked. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate me, Vasili, Ludwig, the Swiss Intelligence Bureau, and my special forces teams. Such threats only work on those who fear war¡ªon scums like you and France!¡±

    He knew he was pushing his limits and putting South Korea''s safety at risk, but he couldn¡¯t afford to be seen as weak in this exchange. In fights where one had to protect something precious, one was always at a disadvantage and often had to face painful oues.

    <em>If France and South Korea both get hurt, who will suffer more? What would happen if Romain continues to resist? Well, I can just snap his neck, and all of this will be over. </em>

    Even if the agents behind him tried to shoot him to death, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t nning to just stand around and get hit, especially with Sherman as a convenient shield.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°Speak.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to talk to you in private.¡±

    Romain¡¯s gaze remained unwavering.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan turned to Sherman. ¡°Mind if we step out for a moment?¡±

    ¡°Not at all.¡±

    Kang Chan moved toward the ne¡¯s door. The guards lowered their guns and watched cautiously.

    The runway was still shrouded in darkness. Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard stood alert. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and other agents in suits were positioned near the ne.

    Kang Chan had just snapped the neck of the second-inmand of the British intelligence bureau and dragged down the director-general of the DGSE. Nevertheless, the support of his determined men, who seemed ready to pull the trigger at any moment, made him feel confident. Of course, it would be just as much of a burden for Romain.

    Following Kang Chan, Romain walked to the front of the SUVs.

    ¡°Do you have anything other than coffee?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°We have ck tea.¡±

    ¡°One cup of ck tea, please.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il poured a cup of tea and handed it to Romain.

    ¡°Cigarette,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Seok Kang-Ho offered him a cigarette and lit it.

    Although Kang Chan likely seemed arrogant, he was only acting this way to appear authoritative. He wanted to send a clear warning that he had grown in influence within the world of intelligence and shouldn¡¯t be treated like a novice.

    Kang Chan also wanted to convey his determination to make anyone who would dare mess with his people or his country face severe consequences. He had learned through experience that in this field, creating the right atmosphere was often more effective than brandishing a weapon.

    That was why he truly appreciated the looks and attitudes of Daye, G¨¦rard, and Choi Jong-Il during moments like this.

    Kang Chan slowly exhaled smoke, giving Romain a look that said, "Out with it."

    ¡°Do you really think you can take on the Star of David?¡± Romain asked.

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you wanted to say, I¡¯m very disappointed.¡±

    ¡°Just answer,¡± Romain insisted.

    ¡°Romain.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m afraid of dying, I didn¡¯t know they would target the ambassador,¡± Romain said. He raised his gaze from the cup to Kang Chan.

    Romain nced around before adding, ¡°In the end, I was used and discarded by the Star of David. Though it sounds like an excuse, if I had nned to eliminate the ambassador, I wouldn¡¯t have brought him to Loriam.¡±

    ¡°So, what are you trying to say?¡±

    Romain¡¯s demeanor made Kang Chan feel a sense of disgust. He had a good idea of what wasing.

    ¡°Give me one more chance.¡±

    It was just as he expected.

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s expression, Romain quickly continued, ¡°Since the Star of David has abandoned me, rather than copsing quietly, I want to strike where it hurts them most.¡±

    ¡°How can I trust you?¡±

    Romain¡¯s eyes hardened as if his pride was wounded by Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    ¡°Why should I bear the burden of you leading the DGSE and causing trouble again? I can end this right here.¡±

    Romain let out a deep sigh.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, you trust the ambassador¡¯s word, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Stop mentioning him. The more you do, the more I want to snap your neck.¡±

    G¨¦rard¡¯s gaze sharpened as he watched Romain, ready to act at Kang Chan¡¯s signal. Romain looked at G¨¦rard uneasily before refocusing on Kang Chan.

    ¡°How about I delegate the power of the DGSE Director-General to you until the ambassador formally instates you in the position, Monsieur Kang?¡±

    <em>He¡¯s going to do what?</em>

    Kang Chan tilted his head and smirked.

    <em>Does he think I¡¯m an idiot? Even appointing a neighborhood watch captain requires proper procedures, what more delegating the powers of the French DGSE Director-General?</em>

    ¡°Although our president must approve of someone¡¯s appointment into a position first, internally, I can delegate my authority to you during a crisis. That way, you¡¯ll know I won¡¯t misuse the DGSE,¡± Romain said, giving the conversation an unexpected twist.

    ¡°Since the ambassador is active again, I¡¯m sure you know that my influence is now limited. Moreover, now that I¡¯ve been discarded by the Star of David, I have nowhere else to go. Given this situation, I¡¯d rather seize a chance to fight for France¡¯s glory with my final effort.¡±

    <em>Is this bastard for real?</em>

    The look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes made Romain sigh quietly. ¡°In a crisis, the Director-General can delegate their authority to one of the assistant directors. Call Hugo at the DGSE and confirm this for yourself. He¡¯ll tell you the same thing.¡±

    Romain handed the untouched paper cup back to Choi Jong-Il and continued, ¡°The authority can only be revoked if I die and the president appoints a new Director-General or if the delegated assistant director returns the power. Those are the only two conditions.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded slowly. ¡°Why go to such lengths?¡±

    ¡°I told you, given the situation, I want to dedicate my final act to the glory of France.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to be deceived again, and he didn¡¯t trust this cunning bastard. Hence, he just watched Romain silently.

    ¡°I agree with the ambassador¡¯s decision to appoint you as themander of this fight, Monsieur Kang. The DGSE and its Director-General¡¯s authority will be a significant asset to you,¡± Romain dered, his tone noticeably different.

    With a bitter smile, he added, ¡°The ambassador probably anticipated this situation when he suggested appointing you as Assistant Director. It¡¯s as if he foresaw this exact moment.¡±

    He seemed to have realized that he was merely a pawn in arger game.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    If Romain¡¯s smile was genuine, then that meant that their roles, whether king, queen, knight, or bishop, made no difference¡ªKang Chan was also just a piece on the chessboard.

    Did Lanok really want this? Was that why he intended to appoint G¨¦rard as the Inspector Director-General?

    This was a fight against the Star of David. Kang Chan needed to protect Lanok, Vasili, Yang Bum, and Ludwig. Hence, gaining additional strength wouldn¡¯t be that bad.

    Finally reaching a decision, Kang Chan took out his phone and called the DGSE.

    - This is Hugo.

    <em>These guys never change.</em>

    "I¡¯ll put you through to the Director-General. Speak with him."

    Without waiting for a response, Kang Chan handed the phone to Romain.

    Staring at Kang Chan, Romain raised the phone to his ear and said, ¡°Hugo, it¡¯s the Director-General. Execute operation <em>Glory of France</em>.¡¯ The hero is Deputy Director-General Monsieur Kang. Verify the approval code.¡±

    Listening to Hugo, Romain gazed at the dark runway.

    ¡°RCG 8359, FDG 2533.¡±

    After another moment of silence, Romain finally said, ¡°Approved. Please hold on.¡±

    He handed the phone back to Kang Chan, who in turn brought the phone to his ear.

    - We are transferring the Director-General''s authority to you, Deputy Director-General. Will you ept this responsibility for the glory of France?

    <em>These bastards!</em>

    They always asked tricky questions to make lying difficult. Refusing here would be even trickier.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    - Approved. As of this moment, all information and decisions of the DGSE have been transferred to you, Acting Director-General. It is an honor to serve you, sir.

    Feeling as if he were under a spell, Kang Chan took a deep breath. He then suddenly realized that this wasn¡¯t what he had wanted.

    ¡°We¡¯ll talkter,¡± Kang Chan said. He ended the call and looked at Romain.

    ¡°From now on, you have to make sure I don¡¯t die,¡± Romain said.

    ¡°Stay at the embassy for now,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Romain¡¯s polite reply made Kang Chan feel awkward, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t pay it any attention.

    G¨¦rard watched Kang Chan with a strange expression.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡±

    Romain turned and walked back to the ne, and Kang Chan followed. By the time they had gotten back to the table, Josh was already nowhere to be seen. Romain sat next to Sherman while Kang Chan looked at Ethan, forcing him to reluctantly move to where Josh had been sitting.

    Taking his seat, Kang Chan said, ¡°Romain will be staying with me for a while.¡±

    Right after, with a nonchnt expression, Romain casually revealed what had happened outside.

    ¡°I¡¯ve transferred the powers of the DGSE Director-General to Monsieur Kang. From now on, any matters regarding the DGSE should be discussed with him.¡±

    Sherman exhaled heavily, looking troubled, while Ethan simply nodded again. Kang Chan thought it was puzzling how Romain had survived for so long as the Director-General of the DGSE.

    ¡°Can we leave now?¡± Ethan asked.

    ¡°Ethan, it¡¯s best not to get involved with the Star of David,¡± Kang Chan warned.

    ¡°I¡¯m not like Josh.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. If he said that Ethan was like Josh, Josh would probably rise from the dead and twist his own neck back to its original position just to prove him wrong.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang,¡± Sherman called, his tone different from before. ¡°I appreciate your strength and decisiveness, but please remember that actions like today will just create more enemies. Try to consider the mediator''s position as well.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want mediation, Sherman. I wanted Josh and Romain handed over.¡±

    ¡°Regardless, handling matters this way resolves nothing.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at him firmly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how foreign intelligence bureaus have been dealing with the Star of David until now, but don¡¯t expect the same thing from me, especially not when ites to messing with my people.¡±

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, you don¡¯t understand the true power of the Star of David. Do you think the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Russia have tolerated them until now because they don¡¯t know how to fight like this?¡±

    Sherman sounded as if he was trying to calm Kang Chan down.

    Since Sherman was being reasonable, Kang Chan saw no reason to get angry. However, he had even less reason to change his mind or back down.

    ¡°Sherman,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Sherman silently met his gaze.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know me any better than you know the Star of David. This is just the beginning. Watch closely and witness how I fight.¡±

    Sherman let out a loud sigh.

    ¡°We¡¯ll leave now.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded and stood up.

    ¡°Take care on your way back.¡±

    ¡°Good luck.¡±

    After shaking hands with Sherman and Ethan, Kang Chan watched as Romain, with a somber expression, briefly shook hands with the two as well before following Kang Chan out.

 Chapter 384: Monsieur Kang Will Be the Target (1)

    Water and oil could be shaken for eternity, but they would quickly return to their rightful ce, just like Kang Chan and Romain now.

    Kang Chan wondered if they were different species or simply had different attitudes toward life. In any case, on the car ride up to Seoul, the two didn¡¯t really talk. Rather, Kang Chan used this time to call the Mongolian base.

    - Hello? To whom do I owe this pleasure?

    ¡°President Kim, Vasili and Yang Bum are traveling to the base with about two hundred and one hundred fifty people respectively. Please cooperate with them,¡± Kang Chan requested.

    Hearing Vasili¡¯s name, Romain quickly looked up.

    Despite the ridiculousness of the early morning call, Kim Tae-Jin replied that he understood without any hesitation.

    - We already received general reports about it, and Kim Hyung-Jung is keeping me informed of the situation. We¡¯ll cooperate as much as we can, so don¡¯t worry too much.

    ¡°Thank you. Are my parents doing well?¡±

    - They are both in such good health now that you¡¯ll be surprised when you see them. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. I¡¯ll be in touch with youter.¡±

    - Got it.

    Kang Chan hung up the phone. Soon, they arrived at the embassy.

    As Kang Chan and Romain got out of the SUV, soldiers from the 606 rushed toward them from the entrance and surrounded them protectively.

    ¡°Follow the 606¡¯s instructions for now,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I was nning on asking the DGSE for security.¡±

    Romain¡¯s tone and expression seemed to be asking for permission, so Kang Chan nodded.

    Their rtionship was so awkward that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t even offer to have breakfast together before parting ways. He didn¡¯t know how they could, considering being with each other was as ufortable as sand being stuck in his eye.

    It wasn¡¯t that Kang Chan was being unfair, but he kept getting the feeling that there was something dishonest in Romain¡¯s eyes.

    They both knew that Romain had to speak first, though. Otherwise, Kang Chan would simply look into it during a discussion with Lanok.

    Leaving the embassy, Kang Chan made his way to his office just before rush hour so he wouldn¡¯t have trafficpletely blocking the road.

    When he reached his destination, he briefly washed up and then had breakfast with his men.

    Kang Chan sat right in front of the window, basking in the morning rays that the sun waszily sending through the pane.

    ¡°Coffee,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said as he set a mug down in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Where¡¯s G¨¦rard?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s gone off to analyze satellite images.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho walked over and sat across from Kang Chan, facing the window.

    It had been a while. Kang Chan was pleased to have some downtime to drink coffee and stare out the window.

    ¡°Daye, the men are tired.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho followed Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, finding Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee sitting at their desks.

    ¡°It¡¯s not just them. I¡¯m sure the boys on guard duty below feel the same. We¡¯re only going to have you, me, G¨¦rard, and a minimum of people on the move when we go after Jibril¡ªor whatever his name is¡ªand that yellow-eyed bastard from Luxembourg. So let them rest, and you get some sleep while you can.¡±

    ¡°Okay. What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get some shuteye too.¡±

    Kang Chan downed thest of his coffee and stood up.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il, I don¡¯t have anything else to do except stop by the hospital in the afternoon, so take turns getting some rest. Daye and I will be getting some sleep.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan moved toward the reception room.

    If he had known it was going to be like this, he would have put a bed here instead of a couch.

    He was living like a soldier in the middle of a battlefield. Hence, he had to get some sleep whenever he could.

    <em>Why do I feel so ufortable, though?</em>

    Kang Chany down on the sofa in his pants and shirt. He then shook off his thoughts.

    For now, he just needed to get some sleep.

    ***

    Kim Tae-Jin felt like he was going to go crazy.

    As soon as Vasili and his two hundred subordinates burst in, they announced that the first thing they were going to do was install a missile¡ªand not just a small one used in skirmishes. The missile they brought was so huge that half of its body would stick out of arge container truck.

    That wasn¡¯t all.

    Amid all the noise from installing and unloading the truck¡¯s lodging-use containers, Yang Bum and about one hundred fifty armed soldiers rushed in. A silver lining was that Yang Bum spoke fluent Korean and that he was polite and unassuming for an intelligence officer of a major country.

    Most of all, Kim Tae-Jin was grateful that this huge group of people could take care of their own lodging and food.

    The nonstop arrival of containers was quickly followed by the creation of another simrly sized base.

    Yang Bum and Kim Tae-Jin headed over to the container where Vasili was staying.

    <em>Creak. </em>

    Ridiculous.

    That was how Kim Tae-Jin felt when he saw the interior, which was decorated like it was some fancy hotel room or a hospital suite.

    Was this the power of a major country? Or was this simply Vasili¡¯s abilities?

    From the bed inside, a sharp, cold-eyed Vasili arrogantly looked at Kim Tae-Jin and Yang Bum.

    ¡°Vasili, meet Kim Tae-Jin, the Korean overseer of this base,¡± Yang Bum said in fluent French and then Korean.

    Leaning back on the bed, Vasili extended his hand and gestured to a chair.

    ¡°As I¡¯m sure Monsieur Kang informed you, I¡¯ll be staying in your territory for a while,¡± he said.

    ¡°We will provide our cooperation for anything you need,¡± Kim Tae-Jin replied.

    Vasili looked at Kim Tae-Jin with a piercing stare, but it didn¡¯t deter Kim Tae-Jin.

    After five seconds of silence, Vasili spoke again.

    ¡°What I want is the alcohol called soju¡­? Yes, soju.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin looked at the bandages wrapped around Vasili¡¯s upper body. ¡°Right now?¡±

    Vasili then nodded in response.

    ¡°I¡¯ll bring you some, then.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin stood up and left, and Yang Bum sat down in the seat he vacated.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan must be quite stressed,¡± Yang Bum said in French.

    ¡°We¡¯re probably being targeted because their n to provoke war and use rebels and terrorists failed. Now that it hase to this¡­¡± Vasili turned to look outside the container¡¯s window. ¡°Monsieur Kang will naturally be their final target.¡±

    With a stoic expression, Vasili looked at the sky reflected in the ss pane, then immediately turned his head toward Yang Bum.

    ¡°When did you scrape together all those retired soldiers from the White Wolves?¡±

    ¡°The ck Wolves have always been around. I disliked how they kept selling themselves to the Triad, so I helped them out in the past. However, I never had any intention to manage the organization.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmph</em>!¡± Vasili eximed in amusement. ¡°So even in our business, peoplee first?¡±

    ¡°I believe that is Mr. Kang Chan¡¯s greatest charm and strength.¡±

    Vasili frowned. ¡°Do you believe that he¡¯s destined to be our hero?¡±

    ¡°Well, there are times when I¡¯m surprised by him.¡±

    ¡°Our protagonist is too sentimental, simple, and ignorant.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why you and the rational High Commissioner Lanok are guarding his back, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a misunderstanding. I¡¯m always looking forward to hearing the news that our simple protagonist and Lanok have passed away.¡±

    Yang Bum looked at Vasili¡¯s mysterious smile.

    Despite being so bandaged up that he seemed to be wearing them as clothes, Vasili had rushed to the South Korean base in Mongolia. With his control over the KGB, the missile in front of the base, and the power to take out Alexei, he could easily be the Russian president right now if he wanted to. Instead, he was here with his missile, risking death all for¡­

    Noticing Yang Bum¡¯s smile, Vasili asked, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m here because of Monsieur Kang?¡±

    ¡°It does seem like it.¡±

    Vasili took a deep breath, his expression bing scarier.

    ¡°Damn it! I got hit in the same ce I got hit five years ago, and the worst part about this wound is that I can¡¯t even go to the bathroom to relieve myself.¡±

    Yang Bum chuckled, and Vasili followed suit,ughing like he was cracking up at a joke that someone else had made.

    ¡°When Lanok, that dreadful man, put Monsieur Kang in the position of Deputy Director-General, we were all prepared for death. We thought he wouldn¡¯t be able to destroy the Star of David, but he could at least incapacitate them for a hundred years.¡±

    ¡°What is it they really want?¡± Yang Bum asked.

    He hadn¡¯t been at the helm of intelligence for long yet. However, he had quite a serious temperament. Paired with his respect for Lanok and Vasili, he was able to ask the question without hesitation.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know everything the Star of David has nned either. However, we do know that they think there are too many people on Earth and that they believe they need to clean up the human race.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s absurd.¡±

    ¡°If Lanok hadn¡¯t built the Hadron Collider, we wouldn¡¯t even have had this chance.¡±

    Vasili had never spoken of this before, so Yang Bum looked at him expectantly, wanting more exnation.

    ¡°It¡¯s simple. In the past, ckheads were nothing more than expensive jewelry. However, we eventually realized that they had energy in them. That seems to be where the Star of David got the idea to wipe out continents. They were thinking of wiping out China and India, reducing the world¡¯s poption by 30%.¡±

    Yang Bum¡¯s eyes sunk deep, focusing on Vasili¡¯s words.

    ¡°We think they n to make Africa uninhabitable through anthrax and envisioned ridding the world of humans little by little. Their ns have even Brazil covered.¡±

    ¡°Is that possible?¡±

    ¡°China and India falling apart and Africa bing a wastnd will force a nuclear war between us and the United States.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t they be in danger too?¡±

    Vasili shook his head. ¡°I believe they¡¯ve been targeting the ¡®cleansed¡¯ Africa and Brazil and developed Bali and Bintan for that reason.¡±

    ¡°What about Europe?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mistake the Star of David¡¯s mission being a world where only they can live. Their goal is for the superior European race to live long and prosper in a pleasant and clean Earth.¡±

    Yang Bum looked puzzled.

    ¡°You must be wondering why the intelligence services of the United States and Europe are unable to stop such an outrageous n. Well, you¡¯ll be able to understand if you look at me, Lanok, and yourself.¡±

    Vasili sharply red at his bandaged upper body.

    ¡°We are bound to be sensitive to our national interests in dealing with them, and the only one who has been able to coordinate us is Lanok, who created the European Intelligence Committee.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    ¡°After all, he went to South Korea as an ambassador to escape attacks and the attention of the enemies. But there, he met a bumbling, ignorant, and simple-minded hero. Monsieur Kang stopped the drug run of Gong Te Automobile, which could have led to Lanok¡¯s downfall. If it wasn¡¯t for that¡­¡±

    Yang Bum exhaled heavily as he sat upright.

    ¡°That exins a little of what¡¯s been going on.¡±

    ¡°A hundred years¡ªthat was all the peace we wanted. But Monsieur Kang¡¯s grasp on the next-generation energy source made it possible to stretch that dream to over five hundred years.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do now?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re just fucking supporting characters, so all we can do is polish our missiles until the main character tells us what to do.¡±

    Just as Vasili finished speaking, a man in a suit with a rifle slung over his shoulder entered the room. He looked down at Vasili¡¯s sharp gaze and whispered something in his ear.

    The man straightened back up.

    ¡°Not only has our hero given us Josh¡¯s head, but he¡¯s been given the authority of the DGSE Director-General,¡± Vasili remarked. He looked so displeased that Yang Bum thought it was too much.

    ¡°How far does that sly Lanok¡¯s calctions even go? It¡¯s impossible to foresee what will happen now that the sly fox and the simpleton are causing a mess together,¡± he grumbled, then turned away.

    ¡°What about Yuri Shevchenko?¡± Vasili asked the man.

    ¡°He¡¯s tied to the missile.¡±

    Vasili nodded.

    ¡°We can let the centipedes eat his body, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir. Should we bury him alive?¡±

    ¡°That would be perfect. Leave it so I can verify his corpse in three days.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    The man with the rifle turned away from Vasili with a satisfied look on his face.

    ***

    Kang Chan woke up from a deep sleep, safe and slightly removed from the battle that was to follow.

    How much time did humankind spend on sleeping? What if someone invented a pill to stop sleeping?

    <em>That would save a lot of money on electricity bills. </em>

    Grabbing a towel, Kang Chan left the reception room and headed for the drinking fountain.

    It was already noon, yet everyone, including Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee, was still stretched out asleep like rice cakes thrown out on a hot day.

    Choi Jong-Il had probably stayed up all night. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but grin when he saw him asleep.

    Kang Chan drank from the fountain and quietly headed to the bathroom. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw G¨¦rard sleeping with one long leg dangling over the edge of a cot.

    Kang Chan stepped into the shower, and the cool water hit him head-on.

    He had to keep his right hand out of the water, which made him look a bit funny.

    There were still many to kill.

    Before, he only had to eliminate enemies to protect his people. Now, he was doing it for South Korea as well.

    <em>How dare they target the President? You think you¡¯re untouchable? That you¡¯ll be safe and sound for the rest of your lives?</em>

    One shouldn¡¯t forget that if they killed others, they should be prepared to be killed themselves.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan spat out the stream of water running down his face.

    Even though he was taking a cold shower, he still didn¡¯t feel refreshed.

    ***

    ¡°Considering the Korean veterans didn¡¯t go to Mongolia, the only thing you got out of this n was Vant.¡±

    Xairo, with eyes the color of a donkey¡¯s, kept his mouth shut and his gaze at the table where Ziegfeld was sitting.

    They were at a private vi on a beach, overlooking the Bintan Lagoon Resort on Bintan Ind.

    ¡°What about the idiots who were waiting in the wings, ready to shoot down the helicopter that wasn¡¯ting?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve already pulled them out, sir.¡±

    Ziegfeld red at Xairo with frighteningly sunken eyes.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t those old men take off?¡±

    ¡°One of their daughters died in the hospital right before leaving.¡±

    Ziegfeldughed in disbelief.

    ¡°I may not know South Korea very well, but do you really think the death of someone¡¯s daughter is enough for soldiers of that caliber¡ªmen of Korean intelligence¡ªto opt to abandon their base and stay within the country?¡±

    ¡°It was also probably because they knew that Vasili and Yang Bum would reinforce their base.¡±

    Ziegfeld sighed, his eyespletely devoid of emotion.

    ¡°How do you propose to capture the Great Ant, then?¡±

    ¡°I n to leak information to the Director of the National Intelligence Service. It¡¯s nothing more than the DGSE delegating authority to Kang Chan, the promises he made to Sherman, and the missile he installed at the base.¡±

    Ziegfeld¡¯s expression filled with disappointment.

    ¡°Xairo.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    The sun shone brightly on thend and the blue ocean in front of them.

    ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve been taking things too easy and became flustered at the slightest fallback. You need to take a close look at what¡¯s in front of you.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°Consider that what you thought was a giant ant was actually a scorpion. I thought it was a giant ant based on what I saw and heard, but shouldn¡¯t you, the one who has to deal with it, have realized it was a scorpion?¡±

    ¡°I apologize.¡±

    Ziegfeld turned his gaze back to the sea and let another silence fall.

    The wind dragged the white clouds over the sea for a long moment, scattering the heat around the two of them and the ornate building.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a good feeling about this.¡±

    Soon, Ziegfeld looked at Xairo as if waking from a dream. He now looked stoic and emotionless again.

    ¡°I can understand Vasili and Yang Bum surviving, but something seems off about the South Korean veterans deciding not to fly over to Mongolia. That¡¯s too much of a coincidence.¡±

    Ziegfeld shook his head.

    ¡°I¡¯m inclined to think he¡¯s as good as a scorpion. Where¡¯s Gabriel?¡± he asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s with Kang Chan.¡±

    ¡°Then use Gabriel to eliminate him first.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir. What do you suggest we do about leaking information to South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service?¡±

    ¡°Proceed as nned. I want results immediately.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Ziegfeld waved his hand, sending Xairo away.

    The cbash-shaped cup had ice in the middle to keep Ziegfeld¡¯s tea chilled at all times.

    He took a sip of the tea and wiped his hands on a white napkin that he kept next to him.

    ¡°A scorpion¡­¡±

    Ziegfeld looked back at the sea, sensing a vague unease blooming.

    As he took a deep breath, the strange foreboding feeling spread from his chest through his veins.

 Chapter 385: Monsieur Kang Will Be the Target (2)

    <h4>Chapter 385: Monsieur Kang Will Be the Target (2)</h4>

    Office of the National Intelligence Service Director.

    Unlike previous directors, Go Gun-Woo had ced two chairs in front of his desk so he could sit face-to-face with the department managers. Currently, Kim Hyung-Jung was sitting in one of the chairs.

    ¡°The evidence is too clear for it to be tampered.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    ¡°We have CCTV footage of the car from the moment it left its parking to the moment it reached its destination. We also have several witnesses who can testify to the circumstances of the kidnapping.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jungid out a few photos in front of Go Gun-Woo. One was a ck and white photo of the car that Oh Gwang-Taek drove.

    The CCTV footage photos¡¯ time and location were clearly printed in the lower right corner in a digital-looking font.

    ¡°And this Choi Chun-Sik?¡±

    ¡°He appears to have been disposed of after the murder. We haven¡¯t confirmed the details yet.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked at Kim Hyung-Jung with a grave gaze.

    ¡°Assault, kidnapping, confinement, murder, and disposing of a dead body¡­¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the son-inw of Yang Dong-Sik, a member of the DMZ team who was assigned to our counter-terrorism team before thest Libyan operation. His daughter died three days ago of terminal stomach cancer.¡±

    ¡°Was that the funeral you went to recently?¡±

    Go Gun-Woo was treating Kim Hyung-Jung morefortably than before.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Apparently, Choi Chun-Sik assaulted her until he got the insurance money. The injuries she sustained made it impossible for her to survive surgery, ultimately leading to her death the same day we brought her to a hospital.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked at the photo again, then gazed back up.

    ¡°Where are those three people now?¡±

    ¡°They went back to the hotel after the funeral this morning. They are scheduled to leave for Mongolia tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°If something goes wrong, it¡¯ll cause trouble for the assistant director.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo sighed and turned the monitor on his desk toward Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°This information came in yesterday. I thought you might want to take a look at it¡­¡±

    <em>Click, click.</em>

    Go Gun-Woo opened a file¡ªa text document in the form of an email¡ªin the Director¡¯s Direct Reports folder.

    It had all fields filled out¡ªincluding date, time, subject, and content¡ªexcept for the sender field.

    ¡°This is about the assistant director and his associates kidnapping and murdering Choi Chun-Sik¡­¡±

    <em>Click, click.</em>

    ¡°And this is regarding the assistant director making promises to American intelligence.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo scrolled down.

    ¡°It says that he has promised to make South Korea build next-generation energy facilities in the US affirm our friendship with them, and recognize their influence in Asia.¡±

    <em>Click, click.</em>

    ¡°It also has an entire section dedicated to the instation of heavy and medium-sized missiles at our base in Mongolia. It even came with photos of the evidence. If these things are published in foreign news, our people won¡¯t leave the assistant director alone.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung, who had been looking at the monitor, straightened his back and nced at Go Gun-Woo with a serious expression.

    ¡°These files were probably sent to me to target the assistant director. If the public learns that three of the agents he recruited had kidnapped and murdered a civilian and even dumped his body somewhere¡­¡±

    Go Gun-Woo¡¯s expression was now as serious as Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s.

    ¡°I will report this to the President. I know it will be difficult, but how about you go to the hotel and try to get these three to turn themselves in?¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you inform the assistant director first?¡±

    Go Gun-Woo shook his head resolutely.

    ¡°Right now, we need to focus on protecting the assistant director. To do that, we have to begin with an internal crackdown. I¡¯m willing to bet my position and my conscience, as I¡¯m sure you are, that the promises he made to the US intelligence bureau and the missile instation in Mongolia were all for the good of our country.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung responded with an agreeing gaze.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what attitude the assistant director will have toward the three of them, but don¡¯t you think it would be better to keep them out of the loop for now? That way, he can¡¯t intervene in any way. Besides, depending on his reaction, there is a good chance that the agents, the Jeungpyeong special forces team, and even the 606 soldiers who respect the DMZ team¡¯s Kang Chul-Gyu will rebel.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung took a deep breath. However, it didn¡¯t make him any less tense.

    ¡°Do you have any way to find the overseas agent who submitted this information?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t, sir. In his determination to eliminate corruption within the NIS, thete Director Hwang prevented us from recording any non-public information input.¡±

    ¡°Then this must be some kind of threat. If I keep quiet after being given this much information, they¡¯ll blow it to the press. Do you think I¡¯m being too sensitive?¡±

    ¡°No. I believe that¡¯s a valid hypothesis.¡±

    ¡°On the other hand, it can also mean that one of our agents overseas is working for the enemy.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo straightened up.

    ¡°Manager Kim, we must protect the assistant director.¡±

    ¡°Of course, sir. I¡¯ll go meet the DMZ team members in question now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll head straight to the President.¡±

    The two men stood up at the same time.

    ***

    On his way to the hotel, Kim Hyung-Jung called ahead to see if Kang Chul-Gyu was out.

    - All three of them are in their rooms.

    ¡°Tell him I¡¯m paying him a visit. Let me know if he¡¯s going out.¡±

    - Copy.

    Just as he put the phone down, the red traffic light changed to green.

    He wished the light hadn¡¯t changed. Unfortunately, the roads were clear enough that he could drive quickly and smoothly.

    This was how it always was. It wasn¡¯t odd for things not to work out the way one wanted them to.

    Upon reaching the hotel, Kim Hyung-Jung parked the car and went to the 11th floor.

    <em>Ding.</em>

    He stepped off the elevator, went to Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s room, and rang the bell.

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    <em>Click.</em>

    The door opened as the question was asked.

    ¡°Come in.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung made a brief bow, then entered the room.

    It was neat.

    The bed was made so well as if it hadn¡¯t been used, and the utensils and fixtures were still in ce. Aside from a cheap bottle of water¡ªwhich looked like it had been bought from a grocery store¡ªon the table, everything seemed untouched.

    Kang Chul-Gyu offered Kim Hyung-Jung a seat a couple of times before the two finally sat down together at the table.

    Kang Chul-Gyu was sharp and had a heavy demeanor.

    However, time was fair to him too. His forehead and the crinkles around his eyes showed the weight of the past.

    Kang Chul-Gyu waited for Kim Hyung-Jung to talk, but Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t bring himself to.

    A heavy silence settled over the room.

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    After some time, Kim Hyung-Jung ced a photo on the table. Upon seeing the picture, Kang Chul-Gyu looked at him as if asking for an exnation.

    ¡°Someone tipped off the prosecution.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes revealed nothing. Kim Hyung-Jung wondered if he was going to deny it.

    ¡°Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s kidnapped, assaulted, confined, murdered, and abandoned a civilian.¡±

    A tremendous sense of gravity settled over the room as Kim Hyung-Jung finished his sentence.

    ¡°There are forces out to get the assistant director, and we don¡¯t want them to capitalize on this case.¡±

    ¡°What can we do?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung let out a sigh and looked at Kang Chul-Gyu, who was sitting across from him.

    The legend of the DMZ. As a soldier and a member of the special forces team, Kang Chul-Gyu was renowned in North Korea, Russia, and even China.

    This man, instead of asking to be saved, asked what he could do so Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t be harmed.

    ¡°I think you should turn yourself in.¡±

    ¡°I see. Can I take the fall on my own?¡±

    ¡°That is a bit difficult.¡±

    Forced to give brutal answers, Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s throat burned.

    ¡°To put a definite end to this situation, you, President Oh, and the two others with you will likely have to turn yourselves in.¡±

    ¡°Is there any way to get at least President Oh out?¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be easy. The best I can do is keep this case off the news as much as possible. If you turn yourself in before the prosecution announces it, I will take care of the rest. I suggest that you four go together to satisfy the prosecutors.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu nodded.

    ¡°The sooner the better, I suppose,¡± he mused.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°Can you wait a little while?¡±

    ¡°I have until this afternoon.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu got up from the table and picked up the room phone next to the TV.

    <em>Beep, beep, beep, beep.</em>n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Kim Hyung-Jung sighed, punctuating the silence.

    ¡°It¡¯s me. Come to my room with Dong-Sik.¡±

    <em>Click.</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu hung up afterward. He then went back to the table and sat down.

    ¡°I have a favor to ask.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    For the first time, Kang Chul-Gyu looked like he wanted something for himself.

    ¡°Please wrap up this case so that the assistant director will never know who did it, and make it clear that everything happened under my orders.¡±

    The weight of Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s words settled on Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s chest, rendering him unable to do anything but gulp.

    <em>Ding.</em>

    When the bell rang, Kang Chul-Gyu rose from his seat and headed to the door.

    There was no greeting or conversation¡ªthe two men simply entered with heavy expressions, seemingly sensing the atmosphere in the room. They nodded at Kim Hyung-Jung and took their seats.

    ¡°Take a look at that photo,¡± Kang Cul-Gyu said. ¡°Someone has reported what we did to the prosecutor¡¯s office. This could harm the assistant director.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik looked up from the photo.

    ¡°If we turn ourselves in this afternoon, Manager Kim says he can wrap all of this up quietly. I n to go to the prosecution now,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu exined.

    Nam Il-Gyu nodded in understanding.

    <em>Were they expecting this?</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at them curiously.

    ¡°I was the one who killed Choi Chun-Sik and poured him into the molten iron, so I should go in first,¡± Nam Il-Gyu replied. ¡°You and Dong-Sik shoulde after, sir.¡±

    ¡°You mother¡ª¡± Yang Dong-Sik yelled before they could finishprehending what Nam Il-Gyu had just said. However, upon ncing at Kang Chul-Gyu, he swallowed the curse back in. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? I was the one who murdered the bastard who killed<em>my</em>daughter, you idiot! I did it for her! She¡¯s not your daughter, so why are you trying to be cool?!¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik turned to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Sunbae and Il-Gyu followed me without knowing anything. You know he assaulted my daughter, right? I was going to kill that bastard, but I didn¡¯t have a car, and I didn¡¯t know the area, so I dragged these two along. Sunbae even tried to talk me out of it¡­¡±

    ¡°Dong-Sik,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called, cutting Yang Dong-Sik off.

    ¡°I gave the orders. You two and President Oh just followed mymands, so don¡¯t say anything else.¡±

    ¡°President Oh has to go too?¡± Nam Il-Gyu asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded.

    ¡°Sunbae,¡± Nam Il-Gyu called. He was wearing a pilled cotton t-shirt, worn pants with creases, and old sneakers.

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t cause the assistant director any trouble,¡± he said calmly. ¡°If you¡¯re framed as the main culprit, the assistant director will be greatly shocked, so please let it be known that Dong-Sik and I perpetrated this incident, and you unknowingly became involved in it.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Yang Dong-Sik yelled in protest.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just do as I say, Dong-Sik. Considering someone¡¯s already reported this, trying to get away with this now will only affect sunbae-nim. In what world does it make sense that the two of us can¡¯t stop you? I¡¯m the one who took care of the guys at the farmhouse anyway, so let¡¯s just stick to this n. We have to protect sunbae-nim and President Oh.¡±

    Through gritted teeth, Yang Dong-Sik nodded, agreeing that they needed to protect Kang Chul-Gyu and Oh Gwang-Taek.

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t do anything but quietly watch.

    They would be given awyer. Even so, that wouldn¡¯t happen untilter. Right now, Kim Hyung-Jung had nothing more to say.

    ¡°Have you contacted President Oh?¡± Nam Il-Gyu asked.

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go to the hospital together,¡± Nam Il-Gyu suggested, showing his willingness to take action.

    He wanted to take care of things before Kang Chul-Gyu said something, and they were all aware of that. How could they not be?

    ¡°Il-Gyu.¡±

    ¡°... Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu was now smirking.

    ¡°If I shirk my responsibilities because you asked me to, then from that moment on, I¡¯ll be nothing more than an old, cowardly man. Do you think I¡¯ll be able to face the assistant director then?¡±

    Under Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s piercing re, Nam Il-Gyu found it difficult to answer.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not waste any more time and just say you followed my orders.¡±

    This was the first time that Kim Hyung-Jung saw Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik not reply to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Let¡¯s call President Oh first.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung called the hospital only to find out that h Gwang-Taek wasn¡¯t in. Nevertheless, thirty minutester, the former gangster arrived at Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s room.

    Thus marked the beginning of a shouting spree that echoed through the room.

    ¡°It was done in my factory! My factory! I was the one who found out where that son of a bitch was! The women at the prosecutor¡¯s office willugh if they hear that I, Oh Gwang-Taek, followed you around without knowing what was happening! What¡¯s wrong with you?!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek was so loud that Kim Hyung-Jung had to ask him to lower his voice several times.

    If someone was listening in the next room, they would have thought it was a group of freedom fighters trying to take credit for killing a traitor.

    After about two hours, the debate finally ended.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek stood up.

    ¡°You just need to turn yourself in by the end of the day. Go and see your family.¡±

    ¡°I saw them earlier today. Didn¡¯t you say this can get in Kang Chan¡¯s way? So let¡¯s go right now.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s final remarks must have sounded decisive. The moment he finished speaking, Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik stood up from their seats and rushed Kim Hyung-Jung.

    This wasn¡¯t what Kim Hyung-Jung wanted.

    He had hoped for some more time, and maybe even to have a nice hot meal with them before leaving. However, Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t stop them.

    ***

    Go Gun-Woo sat across from Moon Jae-Hyun at a table overlooking the backyard of the Blue House. He had to wait a while due to Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s hectic schedule.

    Go Gun-Woo first told Moon Jae-Hyun about Choi Chun-Sik¡¯s murder. ¡°Thest thing I heard was that they were going to the prosecutor¡¯s office to turn themselves in.¡±

    He then went on to report the agreements Kang Chan had made with the US intelligence bureau and the instation of missiles at their base in Mongolia.

    ¡°So our assistant director is being targeted.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what we think.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun drummed his fingers, his gaze drifting to the grass in the backyard.

    ¡°I gave the assistant director the level of responsibility as the Deputy Director-General of the DGSE.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun smiled at Go Gun-Woo, which thetter found surprising.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say that. I also believe in the assistant director. Whenever I recall the sacrifices he has made for our country and the things that he has done, I always feel ashamed that I¡¯m the president.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo listened to Moon Jae-Hyun with an awkward expression.

    ¡°I knew a day like this woulde. It was always like this whenever we discovered talented individuals. Things will be different this time, though. Let¡¯s do everything in our power to protect him.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    For the first time, Go Gun-Woo felt grateful that he chose to be the Director of the National Intelligence Service¡ªthat he was now leading the organization that could protect Kang Chan.

    ¡°Since he¡¯s terribly fond of his agents, please meet with him personally¡­ Or at least arrange a meeting for the three of us so we can console him.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun stood up from his seat.

    ¡°We must protect the assistant director.¡±

    He then turned away.

    ***

    After stopping by the prosecutor¡¯s office, Kim Hyung-Jung made his way to Kang Chan¡¯s office.

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho, dressed in suit pants, shirts, and shoes, greeted Kim Hyung-Jung. Kang Chan¡¯s form-fitting shirt entuated his physique, which seemed like something out of amercial.

    ¡°Wee, sir.¡±

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡±

    Afterward, they offered him a seat. Having Kang Chan greet him so weingly made him feel bad.

    Seok Kang-Ho filled a mug to the brim with coffee and set it in front of Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t an idiot. He knew that Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s expression was different from normal.

    ¡°Today¡­¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung told him that he had juste from the prosecutor¡¯s office. With difficulty, he then exined the reason why.

    Aware of what Kang Chul-Gyu meant to Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho pulled out a cigarette and gave it to Kang Chan as soon as he was finished with his exnation.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have er.¡±

    This was the first time Seok Kang-Ho and Kim Hyung-Jung had seen Kang Chan refuse a cigarette.

    Kang Chan slowly got up and walked to the window. Amid the dead silence that had filled the room, he then faced the sunlighting through the ss pane.

 Chapter 386: You Should Die, Cap (1)

    For three days straight, Kang Chan felt agitated.

    His difort didn¡¯t go away even as they examined the satellite images of Luxembourg and looked for Alman bin Jibril. It was simr to the feeling of being unable to change his clothes even though they reeked of cigarettes¡ªufortable.

    Resting his right arm against the window, Kang Chan looked down at the cars filling the roads, the buildings next to the roads, and the sky that took up half the world.

    Distressed, he found himself chuckling.

    Kang Chul-Gyu''s face now had more wrinkles than before. Traces of time were evident on his forehead, cheeks, the corners of his eyes, and his neck.

    All those wrinkles tugged at Kang Chan''s heart, especially now that he had been told that Kang Chul-Gyu had to go to a detention center.

    Kang Chan knew that Kang Chul-Gyu hadmitted a crime. He killed a man far different from the enemies that they had faced off against¡ªa man who had assaulted Yang So-Mi.

    Suddenly, Kang Chan became disgusted with everything. He also felt very disappointed.

    Was he being selfish?If it was selfish to just want to take a day off after working nonstop, then he wouldn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan called, though his gaze remained on the scenery past the window.

    "Sir," Seok Kang-Ho answered softly.

    "Prepare a car¡ªwe¡¯re leaving. Tell G¨¦rard he¡¯sing with us," Kang Chan said.

    "Alright."

    Finally, Kang Chan turned to Kim Hyung-Jung. "The three of us will be taking the afternoon off, Manager Kim. Those two can protect me, so don''t worry about the security. Please leave us alone even just for this afternoon."

    Seok Kang-Ho had entered the room for the foreign agents. Now, he was heading to the office door with G¨¦rard to leave.

    "You should at least have some bodyguards," Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Kang Chan had to remember that they were innocent¡ªthat they didn''t know the rtionship between him and Kang Chul-Gyu. Even if he wanted to explode, he should know better than to take it out on them.

    "Please turn a blind eye to this. I just want to take a break right now," Kang Chan said.

    He then picked up a jacket from a hanger and walked out the door.

    No one moved as he left the office. They were aware that even though he was holding in his emotions, he was about to explode.

    Kang Chan got in the elevator and went down the building.

    There were agents at the entrance to the basement parking lot as well.

    "We¡¯ll be taking a break, but we won¡¯t be bringing any security with us. I already told Manager Kim about it," Kang Chan informed them. He then got into the backseat of the car that Seok Kang-Ho had driven over.

    <em>Click.</em>

    G¨¦rard closed the car door for Kang Chan and then got in the passenger seat.

    <em>Vroom.</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho immediately left the basement parking lot even though Kang Chan hadn¡¯t told him where to go.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan sighed, then looked outside the window.

    Kang Chul-Gyu naturally had to be punished. He didmit a crime, after all¡ªhe killed someone protected by thew.

    Kang Chan knew all that, yet for some reason, he still couldn¡¯t help but be furious and find it difficult to ept the situation.

    However, he was furious at himself the most. He wondered what he had been doing until now that he let something like this happen. <em>That</em> was the hardest thing for him to ept.

    Kang Chan had heard about Yang Dong-Sik''s daughter some time ago.

    Whenever a Jeungpyeong special forces soldier or an NIS agent died, he would go around saying that they didn''t deserve this, that they shouldn''t be treated like this. However, in the end, he failed to take care of Yang Dong-Sik''s daughter when she was dying from terminal stomach cancer. He couldn¡¯t even protect her from being assaulted.

    <em>Damn it! If only I paid more attention to them, Yang So-Mi wouldn¡¯t have died in vain, and Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and Oh Gwang-Taek wouldn¡¯t have had to go to a detention center.</em>

    The scenery outside the window changed.

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly drove out of the Olympic Expressway. He didn¡¯t know much, but he at least knew why they suddenly had to leave. How ufortable would this situation be for G¨¦rard, who was sitting in the passenger seatpletely clueless?

    Kang Chan exined Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s situation to G¨¦rard.

    In the meantime, Seok Kang-Ho got off the Olympic Expressway and crossed the Gangdong Bridge.

    "Where are we going?" Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho.

    "Gapyeong. We¡¯re going to have some boiled chicken. At times like this, it''s best to just have a hearty meal, drink a bowl of makgeolli, then take a good nap."

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have anywhere else to go, so he remained silent.

    "The weather¡¯s nice today! Look at that river."

    Even if Seok Kang-Ho hadn¡¯t said that, Kang Chan was already watching the river beyond the road.

    After about forty more minutes on the road, Seok Kang-Ho parked the car at a chicken restaurant that Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho had visited before. It had a wooden table and a canopy tent next to the small, crystal-clear stream and offered boiled chicken.

    They drank <em>makgeolli </em>with the acorn jelly[1] that was served first.

    Seok Kang-Ho brought up stories of their time as mercenaries. They had talked about those days so many times that they should¡¯ve been sick and tired of them already. On the contrary, however, they just kept reminiscing about them.

    "Do you remember the other captains worrying a lot because the soldiers from the other units kept bullshitting that they wanted to move to our team after we returned from the operation in Congo? Our cap was so cool back then! <em>Hahaha</em>!"

    Kang Chan ryed what Seok Kang-Ho was saying to G¨¦rard in French.

    Smiling, G¨¦rard chimed in, "It was always hrious to watch new recruits peeking at our unit to see the cap''s face. One idiot even broke three fingers when he fell while trying to imitate the way our cap runs while reloading!"

    Although they were just talking about things they had already talked about before, it reminded Kang Chan that he had survived that ce and that the three of them were still together right now. Little by little, the thought energized him.

    Soon, the chicken was served. There were three people but only two chicken legs.

    ¡°Let¡¯s divide the meat evenly,¡± Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

    He then removed all the meat from the bones with his hands so they wouldn¡¯t have to choose between the good and bad meat.

    After eating chicken, they had porridge.

    Having his fill and talking to the two made Kang Chan feel a little better.

    Soon, they ordered instant coffee. As their mugs were brought to their table, they each smoked a cigarette.

    Noticing that Kang Chan had calmed down and no longer seemed about to explode, Seok Kang-Ho discretely asked, "What are you going to do now?"

    <em>You be a fucking wily fox at times like this.</em>

    "Twist the necks of Jibril and the guy who wrecked G¨¦rard," Kang Chan said.

    "Sounds good."

    Kang Chan then ryed their conversation to G¨¦rard.

    "Daye, since you know Arabic, I want you to spearhead the operation against Jibril. Bring Jong-Il, Hee-Seung, and Doo-Hee with you,¡± Kang Chan said. He then revealed the rest of his n.

    "You remember what we talked aboutst time, right? Since Michelle produces dramas, G¨¦rard suggested that we ask her to apply special makeup on us. I want you and the others to hunt down Jibril looking like Arabs. The National Intelligence Service can probably make you guys passports with your new faces.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    Kang Chan continued, "In the meantime, I¡¯m thinking of going to Luxembourg with G¨¦rard."

    "You want to attack them at the same time?"

    Kang Chan nodded. "Luxembourg may not be their main headquarters. While you¡¯re out chasing Jibril, G¨¦rard and I will try to get as much information as possible in Luxembourg. We¡¯ll join you as soon as we find intel about their headquarters. Let''s put a proper end to this."

    "About time we do that."

    Afterward, Kang Chan told G¨¦rard the n. However, G¨¦rard''s response was slightly different from Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s.

    "I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be fine going to Luxemburg since we¡¯ll be going together, but is it really a smart idea to send that stupid bastard to an operation by himself?" he asked.

    Kang Chan knew these two fuckers fighting again would exhaust the shit out of him.

    "To me, you two aren¡¯t that different¡± he quickly answered.

    "What? No way. That''s not true, Cap."

    "What''s not true?"

    "I use my brain, don¡¯t I?"

    "You¡¯re crazy."

    The two snickered in front of Seok Kang-Ho, who was looking at them suspiciously.

    "Are you going to get some sleep?" Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan afterward.

    "Nah, I''m good."

    "Let''s leave in a bit, then.¡±

    "Sure."

    It wasn¡¯t almost three in the afternoon.

    A cool breeze gently blew past them, apanied by the sound of water rushing over rocks. The warm sunlight kept them from feeling too cold.

    Stepping out of their harsh lives for a moment was all they needed to learn that the world was worth living. However, they knew they would eventually have to return to their brutal lives, where they didn¡¯t even know who was going to die and when.

    Still sitting at the wooden table, the three watched the river.

    It would¡¯ve been great if Kang Chan visited a ce like this with Kang Chul-Gyu at least once. The weather was nice, the sunlight was warm, the sound of water was amazing, and the food was great.

    <em>Naturally, at times like this¡­</em>

    Kang Chan turned around and picked up a cigarette and a lighter.

    <em>Ring. Ring. Ring.</em>

    At the same time, G¨¦rard¡¯s phone rang from inside the jacket he had taken off.

    Only a few people knew this fucker¡¯s number¡ªit had to either be the army interpreter or Michelle.

    G¨¦rard pulled out his phone and checked the caller ID. He cocked his head, but he still answered the call.

    "Ello?"

    - <em>Beeep</em>.

    As Kang Chan cupped the meing from the lighter and lit his cigarette, Seok Kang-Ho sharply called him.

    "Captain.¡±

    He only ever used that tone when they were out on operations.

    Kang Chan quickly looked up and then immediately followed Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s gaze, which was on G¨¦rard.

    It was terrifying.

    G¨¦rard''s eyes hadpletely rolled to the back of his head, making Kang Chan wonder if human eyes could even do that.

    ¡°Oui,¡± G¨¦rard told whoever he was speaking to on the phone. He sounded like apletely different person. "As Xairomands."

    <em>What¡¯s he saying?</em>

    As Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho exchanged gazes, G¨¦rard said something unexpected.

    "I¡¯m going to kill Kang Chan."

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly crouched. With just a nod from Kang Chan, he would kill G¨¦rard.

    G¨¦rard continued, "Afterpleting his duty, Gabriel will ascend to the sky."

    Blood dripped out of his nose and stained his white shirt.

    The area around them had quieted down so much that all they could hear was the water babbling in the stream.

    Eventually, G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes slowly returned to normal. At the same time, he spat out blood.

    Seok Kang-Ho red at G¨¦rard with glinting eyes, still crouching.

    ¡°Captain, I remembered the name of the yellow-eyed bastard in Luxembourg. It¡¯s Xairo. That son of a bitch is in charge of the organization that turned me into this,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    He then wiped the blood from his nose with the tissue paper on the table.

    <em>Chk chk.</em>

    In the meantime, Kang Chan lit up a cigarette and handed it to G¨¦rard. Next, he lit up two more cigarettes and handed one of them to Seok Kang-Ho.

    Even while taking the cigarette from Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho kept his eyes on G¨¦rard. However, it wasn''t because he was worried that G¨¦rard would betray them. Rather, he was worried about what G¨¦rard would do while hypnotized.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Although G¨¦rard saw Seok Kang-Ho crouching and staring at him suspiciously, G¨¦rard exhaled the cigarette smoke as if he wasn¡¯t offended in the slightest.

    ¡°I was aware that you and Daye were in front of me. I also knew how I should act and answer in response to their orders. If I had lost my mind a little more, I would¡¯ve gone somewhere else to answer the phone, and I might¡¯ve tried to attack you.¡±

    Wiping his nose with the back of his hand, he added. ¡°Please tell Daye to kill me immediately if I do anything suspicious.¡±

    ¡°Crazy bastard.¡±

    ¡°What is that fucker saying?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

    ¡°He wants me to tell you to kill him as soon as he does anything suspicious.¡±

    ¡°Motherfucking son of a bitch.¡±

    They swore twice in their quick conversation. G¨¦rardughed weakly, and Seok Kang-Houghed with him, eyes glinting.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard called.

    Kang Chan just looked back at him.

    ¡°You should die.¡±

    It was difficult to respond to things like this. If G¨¦rard had said that in Korean instead of French, Seok Kang-Ho might¡¯ve already attacked him.

    G¨¦rard continued, ¡°When I remembered the name Xairo, I realized that even if we go to Garnich, it isn¡¯t really a ce we can enter. But if you die, then there¡¯ll be a way for me to get in.¡±

    ¡°Is that what ¡®Gabriel ascending to the sky¡¯ means?¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t mean that you¡¯re going tomit suicide?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    ¡°The sky is a jargon that refers to Garnich, Luxembourg. If I kill you and survive, I¡¯ll be able to head to the base in Garnich. They will definitelye to pick me up then.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that we should target that moment?¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded. The scar on his cheek twitched.

    ¡°What¡¯s he saying?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    Kang Chan told him about G¨¦rard¡¯s suggestion.

    Afterward, Seok Kang-Ho looked like he found G¨¦rard¡¯s suggestion suspicious.

    ¡°What if that fucker is nning to use that as an excuse to target you?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hear him out first before we decide.¡±

    Kang Chan looked back at G¨¦rard. ¡°How are you going to aplish that?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what we have to figure out. We need to give them a way to confirm the ¡®kill¡¯ while also keeping them from finding out about our n.¡±

    ¡°This is going to be fun,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    The three then began to brainstorm ways Kang Chan should die.

    <em>Maybe these fuckers have actually wanted to kill me before this?</em>

    Looking deep in thought, Kang Chan red at Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard. The two enthusiastically suggested that he should be stabbed to death with a bay, shot to death with a pistol, or riddled with holes with a machine gun. They even suggested falling from the roof of a building¡­ again.

    It was dumbfounding, but Seok Kang-Ho¡ªwho had been suspicious of G¨¦rard¡ªwas more actively thinking of ways to kill Kang Chan than G¨¦rard.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard stopped talking when they finally noticed the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    At that moment, Kang Chan asked onest question.

    ¡°Who should we tell our n?¡±

    ***

    A day in Jeungpyeong started with training and ended with training.

    When Park Chul-Su returned and took over the administrative problems, Cha Dong-Gyun devoted himself to their training even more passionately than before.

    Park Chul-Su sighed.

    Even though his upper body hadn¡¯tpletely healed yet, he still sat up and looked at the pile of documents.

    Rumors were quite scary.

    Every day, they received requests for cooperation from foreign special forces because they wanted to train with the Jeungpyeong special forces team. Now, the Ministry of National Defense was subtly pressuring them to ept the requests from certain countries as well.

    Park Chul-Su was d that he had learned from Choi Seong-Geon himself.

    He removed the requests for cooperation from the countries that the Ministry of National Defense had rmended they trained with. He then ced them at the bottom of the pile.

    ¡°Lead the military camp as you please. I''ll take responsibility for whatever happens afterward,¡± he once told Cha Dong-Gyun.

    Hence, when Park Chul-Su returned, Cha Dong-Gyun requested just one thing¡ªhe wanted to train. He wanted to train until he was satisfied.

    Cha Dong-Gyun wished to create a special forces team whose members could return together from an operation¡ªa world-famous special forces team that was second only to the DMZ team.

    <em>Du du du du! Du du du! Du du du du!</em>

    The gunshots from the AK-47s in the distance echoed into the barracks.

    To that end, Park Chul-Su got ahold of everything that Cha Dong-Gyun had asked for, including AK-47s and RPGs. They also cut down the mountain next to the makeshift city and made it look like the terrains in Africa and Afghanistan.

    Moreover, they found groundwater so they could make a temporary stream whenever they wanted. This allowed them to train for operations in the rain as well since they could spray the groundwater like a fountain.

    Unfortunately, since the soldiers used so much live ammunition every day, Park Chul-Su had been called over by the higher-ups twice. They sarcastically told him that he was acting out too much because he believed in his connection with the President.

    If Park Chul-Su hadn¡¯t experienced the battle in Africa, he wouldn''t have been able to do all of this for the soldiers.

    If he hadn''t seen how many soldiers apetentmander could save in a hellish battle and lead an otherwise impossible operation to sess, he wouldn¡¯t be the same person today.

    <em>Screech.</em>

    Park Chul-Su stood up from his seat. The adjutant quickly stood up as well.

    He then limped out of the barracks and put a cigarette in between his lips. Right after, the adjutant quickly lit it for him.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatatat! Ratatatatatat!</em>

    Once again, terrifying AK-47 gunshots quickly echoed toward them from a distance. Whenever he heard those noises, Park Chul-Su was reminded of Africa.

    "<em>Hooo</em>."

    The cigarette smoke he exhaled dispersed into the air as if it was afraid of the gunshots.

    "This is ourst training for today, right?" Park Chul-Su asked.

    "Yes, sir. We don¡¯t have night training scheduled today,¡± the adjutant answered quickly.

    "Do you think they''re crazy?"

    "I¡¯m not sure about that."

    The adjutant tried his best to avoid the difficult question.

    Park Chul-Su looked away from the adjutant. He then turned to where the makeshift city was located.

    <em>¡®Get stronger.¡¯</em>

    He thought of Cha Dong-Gyun, then of Kwak Cheol-Ho and Yoon Sang-Ki.

    <em>''The day you men be amander like him, we¡¯ll be the world''s best special forces team in the world.''</em>

    Once again, Park Chul-Su strengthened his resolve to protect the men until they could achieve that goal.

    Now, they had an abundance of experience¡ªthey hadpleted operations in Afghanistan, Africa, Libya, and even the counter-terrorism operation in the International Building.

    However, they couldn¡¯t do anything about the difference in their capabilities. After all, that depended on whether Kang Chan was present.

    Park Chul-Su believed that the soldiers were going to be stronger, and he was going to do his best to support them.

    They were going to be the special forces team that Choi Seong-Geon had wanted to create so badly.

    After smoking, Park Chul-Su exhaled the cigarette smoke one more time as if he were sighing. He then threw the cigarette butt into the can in front of him.

    The dreams and wishes of Choi Seong-Geon¡ªamander with unparalleled perseverance¡ªcontinued with Park Chul-Su.

    1. Acorn jelly ?

 Chapter 387: You Should Die, Cap (2)

    Kang Chan entered Lanok¡¯s hospital room.

    The corners of Lanok''s lips rose when he saw Kang Chan. Although he seemed happy, his expression remained so calcting that those who didn¡¯t know him well enough would think he was displeased.

    ¡°How are you feeling today?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°<em>Tr¨¨s bien</em>[1].¡±

    Contrary to what he had just said, Lanok sounded somewhat sad, but that was likely due to his weak voice and the nasal twang at the end of his sentence.

    Kang Chan sat next to Lanok¡¯s bed.

    ¡°I can¡¯t stay long, Mr. Ambassador, and I probably won¡¯t be able to see you for a while.¡±

    Lanok gave Kang Chan a perplexed gaze. He looked like he wanted more information, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything else.

    A brief moment of silence passed.Once again, Lanok smiled at Kang Chan. They had no need for further words. Kang Chan looked back at Lanok for a few more seconds, then attempted to stand up. However, at that moment, Lanok reached out and held Kang Chan''s hand with his left hand, which had an IV needle in it. Through his weak and bony hand, he conveyed his wishes and resolve to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan slowly looked up from Lanok¡¯s hand to his blue eyes, pointy nose, sharp cheekbones, and thin lips.

    The rtionship they had in the beginning had long since evolved into one so full of trust that they could now understand each other without saying anything. If the ambassador hadn''t been around for him or offered him help, Kang Chan wouldn''t be who he was today.

    Kang Chan held onto Lanok¡¯s hand and smiled faintly.

    Soon, Lanok nodded at Kang Chan, telling him both goodbye and good luck. In response, Kang Chan stood beside the bed and courteously bowed to say goodbye.

    He then quickly straightened up and walked out of the room. Dragging out farewells for too long could make things depressing.

    ***

    Visiting hours at the detention center ended at 5 pm.

    Kang Chan arrived at the detention center with Seok Kang-Ho at around 4:20 pm.

    They had heard that visitors could not meet with aplices in groups. However, since they didn''t have time, Kang Chan had no choice but to ask Kim Hyung-Jung for help.

    Soon, it was decided that Kang Chan would see Kang Chul-Gyu, while Seok Kang-Ho would meet Oh Gwang-Taek at a different location.

    While they were waiting, Kang Chan transferred money to the detention center for Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and Oh Gwang-Taek to use while locked up. He transferred such arge amount that the employee had to double-check it with him in surprise.

    <em>Screech! Screech!</em>

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Before meeting Kang Chul-Gyu and Oh Gwang-Taek, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho heard a car driving noisily outside. They then saw agents rushing into the visitors'' waiting room.

    Although they were wearing sunsses, why did they think eyewear was enough to hide their aura?

    ¡°We¡¯ll be resuming our guard duty. How are you, sir?¡± one of them asked.

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung looked as if they had run over to save Kang Chan from danger.

    Kang Chan felt bad. To think he made them worried just because he couldn¡¯t control his emotions.

    He didn¡¯t intend for this to happen, but it would have been hard for him to show off the authority of the National Intelligence Service¡¯s Assistant Director to this extent even if he had nned it.

    ¡°I¡¯m the head of security.¡±

    A detention officer guided Kang Chan to a special meeting room. Inside, he found Kang Chul-Gyu waiting for him.

    Kang Chul-Gyu was wearing the red, y-colored uniform for prisoners under trial. It also had his room and prisoner number.

    Kang Chul-Gyu, South Korea¡¯s old, gray-haired hero, greeted Kang Chan. He was hiding his emotions behind a smile and a determined expression.

    ¡°How are you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°President Oh can exert his influence here,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said and smiled unusually brightly, making the wrinkles at the edge of his eyes deepen. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee. I heard meeting with us can implicate you, so don''te back.¡±Kang Chan inhaled softly, forcibly stopping himself from saying, ¡°Worry about yourself, old man!!¡±

    He then turned from Kang Chul-Gyu to the employee assigned to observe them. Considering how quickly his pen moved across the paper, he seemed to be writing down greetings that they had never even said¡ªit was like he was writing a novel.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to hear the news that you heard from Africa again. Wait for me, alright? I¡¯ll be back soon,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chul-Gyu sharply looked at Kang Chan. He seemed confused¡ªalmost as if he was trying his best to understand what Kang Chan had just said.

    ¡°I stopped by because I was worried that you¡¯d stupidly skip meals. You get what I''m saying, right?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Over the table, Kang Chan saw Kang Chul-Gyu tightly clenching his fist.

    Since silence took up most of the designated visiting hours, the employee checked his wristwatch.

    ¡°There are more victories out there for you to im, DMZ King,¡± Kang Chan added.

    Having filled out the log he used to "transcribe" the conversation happening between Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu, the employee looked out the window. Because of that, he missed Kang Chul-Gyu''s eyes suddenly widening and him bing flustered.

    Having said everything he had wanted to say and seen whom he had wanted to see, Kang Chan began to stand up.

    ¡°Assistant Director,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu called with difficulty. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked in response. He then left the room.

    By the time he had walked out the main gate of the prison and returned to the detention center, it was already almost five in the afternoon. There were no longer any civilians inside.

    Seok Kang-Ho approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Gwang-Taek told me to send you his regards and tell you that you shouldn¡¯t worry. Anyway, I told Jong-Il to get the car ready. A different agent will drive and return the car that we used to get to this ce.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    When Choi Jong-Il gestured at the agents, Lee Doo-Hee brought over an SUV. Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung got in.

    The SUV soon drove off, looking like it was part of a procession.

    Vroom.

    On the road, Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, and Seok Kang-Ho discussed their next course of action. Eventually, they decided to include Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee in their n.

    The reason they chose those three wasn¡¯t that they were suspicious of others. Rather, it was because if G¨¦rard ¡°killed¡± Kang Chan¡ªbe it in public or behind closed doors¡ªthere was no way Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung would just sit back and watch.

    They would likely jump in front of the bullet that was supposed to hit Kang Chan or shoot G¨¦rard in response. Either way, their reaction would interfere with the n, making things even more fuckingplicated.

    The situation was already hectic and difficult as it was, and the agents were already hard to deceive since they were so full of spite after losing Director Hwang and Director Song.

    Hence, during the twenty-five-minute drive to the office, Kang Chan quietly exined their n.

    Choi Jong-Il looked at the dried-up blood on G¨¦rard¡¯s shirt, Kang Chan¡¯s determined expression, and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s glinting eyes. Afterward, he nodded.

    If Kang Chan was the main character, then G¨¦rard was Supporting Character 1, and Seok Kang-Ho was Supporting Character 2. There were three other characters as well.

    Upon reaching the entrance of the office, Seok Kang-Ho began talking about what they should have for dinner even though he had just eaten chicken, porridge, <em>makgeolli</em>, and <em>muk</em>[2].

    Those foods were suitable for Kang Chan, who had to die soon.

    ***

    ¡°I was told that they arrived in the office a moment ago from a meeting with agent Kang Chul-Gyu and President Oh Gwang-Taek at the Seoul Detention Center.¡±

    Sitting in a chair in front of the desk, Kim Hyung-Jung told Go Gun-Woo what was reported to him in the phone call.

    ¡°Is it safe to assume that the Assistant Director has calmed down after seeing him?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll meet him tonight or tomorrow morning. I don¡¯t think you need to worry too much.¡±

    ¡°I know you already have a lot on your te, but please do whatever it takes to calm him down. The Assistant Director is amazing. Considering all the aplishments he has achieved so far, you would expect him to request something unreasonable, but¡­¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked like he suddenly felt bad for some reason.

    ¡°When I look at the Assistant Director, I sometimes feel like I¡¯m looking at a person who has gone through so much more than I have¡ªa person who¡¯s experienced everything in life.¡± Go Gun-Woo exhaled loudly, then said, ¡°Anyway! What are the results of the investigation on Director Jeon Sang-Woo?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung first handed Go Gun-Woo five pages of documents. ¡°Please take a look at that file first. It contains the call history of Heo Chang-Seon, the person who used to be in charge of the airport¡¯s Lost and Found Division. You just need to look at the highlighted part.¡±

    ¡°Is he still our employee?¡±

    ¡°We fired him under the suspicion of leaking information during the operation in China¡¯s airport. He also made a personal phone call with one of our agents stationed in France using a number that¡¯s under his sister-inw¡¯s name, not his.¡±

    When Go Gun-Woo looked up at him, he continued, ¡°The agent Heo Chang-Seon talked to in France was Jin Seung-Gyo, a veteran agent under our Foreign Affairs division. This year marks his tenth year working in France.¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t he have just personally talked to Jin Seung-Gyo because they befriended each other in the past or something?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, then took out another file and handed it to Go Gun-Woo. ¡°I also would¡¯ve thought that way if it wasn¡¯t for this document.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°A transaction record of the money that Yang Seok-Woo sent to Heo Chang-Seon. I¡¯ve told you this before, but Director Jeon Sang-Woo is Yang Seok-Woo¡¯s first son-inw. Yang Seok-Woo can send living expenses or money to buy a house to his son-inw, but there¡¯s no reason for him to send Heo Chang-Seon money under his second daughter¡¯s name dozens of times when he doesn¡¯t even know him.¡±

    When Go Gun-Woo cocked his head, Kim Hyung-Jung handed him yet another document. In response, Go Gun-Woo looked down and skimmed through the first page.

    ¡°That document shows the current status of Yang Seok-Woo¡¯spany. On the second page is a list of thepanies that he has closed down or liquidated.¡±

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung added, ¡°You¡¯ll see Suh Jeong Motors among them.¡±

    ¡°Thepany closed down after Yang Seok-Woo lost the importing rights of Gong Te automobile to the assistant director¡¯s father. At the time, the people who came to South Korea for the negotiation were Smithen and Shan, the man behind some of the recent terrorist attacks.¡±

    ¡°What on earth is this?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked himself.

    He looked up in case Kim Hyung-Jung had another document to give him, but Kim Hyung-Jung was only looking at him with sharp eyes.

    ¡°There¡¯s a strong possibility that Jin Seung-Gyo reported information about the assistant director through the NIS director¡¯s hotline.¡±

    ¡°We only want to put an end to the matters involving Director Hwang, yet things are strangely getting out of hand,¡± Go Gun-Woomented.

    ¡°We also believe that Jin Seung-Gyo tipped off the terrorist attack on the International Building.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo cocked his head.

    <em>Why would Jin Seung-Gyo tell us that after they worked so hard to prepare the terrorist attack?</em>

    As if noticing Go Gun-Woo¡¯s doubt, Kim Hyung-Jung said, ¡°Director, I¡¯d like to remind you that Abibu used the UIS to execute that terrorist attack.¡±

    <em>That¡¯s right!</em>

    Go Gun-Woo returned to his senses.

    ¡°If so, why do you think Jin Seung-Gyo reported such important information through the NIS director¡¯s hotline?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t been able to figure that out yet, but I¡¯m gathering evidence for a few possible reasons.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo sighed, indicating that he wanted to hear the possible reasons. Through the same sigh, however, he conveyed that Kim Hyung-Jung could keep the reasons to himself if he couldn¡¯t reveal them right now.

    When he looked at Kim Hyung-Jung, Kim Hyung-Jung borated, ¡°The first possible reason is that Jin Seung-Gyo was giving information to Abibu. Since using the NIS director¡¯s hotline would attract less suspicion, Jin Seung-Gyo used it to inform Abibu that Director Hwang had caught onto their n and that he should stop the director himself. The proof of that is the mystery phone number that thete director had called just before he died.¡±

    ¡°So Jin Seung-Gyo killed the previous Director Hwang through Abibu, then infiltrated this room to get rid of the evidence?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct. The second possible reason is that they needed a diversion to make the terrorist attack on the International Building work. Back then, Director Jeon Sang-Woo insisted that the counter-terrorism team withdraw, y an inactive role, and execute a passive operation. He even pressured them to allow the employees back into the building.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo listened attentively to Kim Hyung-Jung, seemingly engraving the exnation to his memory.

    Kim Hyung-Jung continued, ¡°The first explosion urred on the 1st and 45th floors. If there had been any casualties¡ªeven among the employees of Kotra¡ªthe Suh Jeong Group would¡¯ve benefited greatly.¡±

    ¡°Howe?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung took out thest document from the envelope that he had ced in front of him. He then handed it to Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°Suh Jeong Constructions received an enormous amount ofpensation from the government because of the attack on the International Hotel during the Eurasian Rail Conference. They also collected reparations from a special insurance n for natural disasters or incidents equivalent to war,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung exined.

    ¡°Did they take out that insurance for the International Building as well?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir. Please take a look at thest line under their terms and conditions¡ªit exins that the contract is based on their previous experience with the International Hotel. Suh Jeong Constructions would have received an additional 2.5 billion won for each casualty.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked like he couldn¡¯t believe what he was hearing. Would a constructionpany that was a part of such a massive group really n something like this just for insurance money?

    ¡°Yang Jin-Woo¡¯s death put Suh Jeong Group in a bad financial situation. I¡¯ll be focusing on those two reasons while I investigate this matter in more detail,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung concluded.

    Go Gun-Woo thought about how hard it must have been for Kim Hyung-Jung to investigate all this by himself. Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes were bloodshot and sunken, and his cheeks were hollow, making him look as if he was ten years older than he actually was.

    With his history as a special forces soldier, Kim Hyung-Jung would have had an easier time forcing evidence out of people. Nevertheless, he chose to put in the effort to find the evidence properly.

    Go Gun-Woo wanted to say something to him, but as the Director of the National Intelligence Service, he couldn¡¯t easily show his emotions.

    ***

    Kang Chan and his men went to the BBQ restaurant that they had dropped byst time. There were so many of them that they had almost taken all of the tables.

    Except for the armed agents standing guard outside, about thirty agents sat at the tables that had been pushed together.

    There was a pile of meat on each table, but nobody could eatfortably.

    The agents were obviously aware of what had happened to Kang Chul-Gyu. After all, they did drop by the detention center earlier and were forbidden from following Kang Chan all throughout the afternoon. That was probably also the reason why Kang Chan still didn¡¯t look happy.

    They could also guess why they gathered at this restaurant¡ªeven fools would¡¯ve recognized that Kang Chan came here to cheer up the exhausted agents.

    Although they could simply eat and chat, the atmosphere was solemn to a fault.

    Four agents sat at each table, but only two of them ate at a time. Even though they hadn''t been ordered to, the other pair stood guard and examined their surroundings. They didn¡¯t even pick up their chopsticks.

    They had lost Director Hwang and Director Song.

    All of the agents inside the restaurant and all the armed agents standing by outside would still remember Kang Chan patting the SUVs in front of the hospital.

    They had never had a superior who showed them that much affection and respect for their work.

    Hence, now that they were guarding him again, they all oozed with the strong resolve to keep him as safe as possible. They would rather starve than let him down.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan was about to go crazy. He didn¡¯t expect the agents to act like this.

    The agents were taking their duty so seriously that they even received the food the restaurant employees served outside the private room that they had rented.

    He felt guilty for having to lie and deceive them despite how much dedication they were showing him. Losing Director Hwang broke them so much that they decided to eat and sleep in the counter-terrorism team¡¯s barracks instead of returning to their homes. Now, he had to fill them with despair and disappointment again.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    <em>You Star of David bastards better be prepared for the worst¡ªno. You sons of bitches should lower your guard. I¡¯ll make sure to slit your fucking throats wide fucking open for these men.</em>

    Kang Chan ate an adequate amount of food to not seem suspicious, then put down his chopsticks. Meanwhile, despite the situation, Seok Kang-Ho still managed to finish eating an entire bowl of rice.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading out for a smoke,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Ten or so agents immediately sprang up from their seats.

    ¡°Choi Jong-Il. Got any cigarettes?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°Come with me, then. Tell the agents to keep eating. We can just smoke next to the armed agents outside anyway, can¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°Just to be safe, I¡¯ll have Hee-Seung and Doo-Hee go with us as well.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee followed Kang Chan to the door of the restaurant.

    ¡°We¡¯ll stay near the armed agents, so just keep eating. Don¡¯t take too long, though,¡± Choi Jong-Il ordered the agents. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since the assistant director treated us to a meal. It¡¯d be disrespectful not to eat the food.¡±

    Only then did the agents sit down again.

    <em>Huh, I didn''t know Choi Jong-Il could act.</em>

    Choi Jong-Il spoke to them with so much determination in his eyes that he didn¡¯t even look guilty for deceiving them.

    Once he was done issuing orders, he and the others headed outside. They then leaned against the SUV that the armed agents were in.

    They were near the entrance of the parking lot.

    <em>Chk chk.</em>

    After lighting up his cigarette, Kang Chan looked around his surroundings. It was dinner time, so the road and the restaurants around them were filled with people.

    Kang Chan exhaled the cigarette smoke. ¡°<em>Hoo.¡±</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho nced at the CCTV that was installed in the parking lot next to the restaurant.

    At the same time, Kang Chan¡¯s eyes met G¨¦rard¡¯s. He trusted the fucker. Together, they would destroy the Star of David and end this boring fight.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough smoking. Let¡¯s do this,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan exhaled another puff of smoke and then turned to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Lee Doo-Hee. Are you ready?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The two avoided looking at each other as they talked so nobody would find them suspicious.

    Afterward, Kang Chan looked at Choi Jong-Il but spoke to G¨¦rard.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, you may begin,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    There was a lot of tension between the six.

    They were waiting for a moment when there would be a bit fewer people walking by to lessen the chances of anyone near them getting hurt. The timing had to be perfect so G¨¦rard could run away.

    Kang Chan purposely threw the cigarette that he had been smoking, then held out his hand to Choi Jong-Il.

    Using his mouth to hold the cigarette he was smoking, Choi Jong-Il took out a cigarette and a lighter from his pocket.

    Seok Kang-Ho also approached them and asked for one. He then lowered his head toward the lighter that Choi Jong-Il had lit.

    <em>Click!</em>

    At that moment, G¨¦rard lowered his hand and pulled out the pistol strapped to his waist.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    In response, Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il quickly turned around.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    Before they could react, sparks flew from the muzzle of the pistol, and ear-piercing gunshots echoed.

    <em>Whoosh! Rattle!</em>

    G¨¦rard then sprinted away from the area. At the same time, armed agents sprang out of the SUV, and agents in shirts ran barefoot out of the restaurant.

    ¡°Hold your fire! There are too many civilians around! Just follow him and bring the SUV over! Now!¡± Choi Jong-Il yelled.

    People crowded around them. By the time Lee Doo-Hee had brought over the SUV, Kang Chan¡¯s upper body was already covered in blood.

    ¡°Head straight to the Bang Ji Hospital!¡± Choi Jong-Il ordered. ¡°Clear the road!¡±

    As Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung carried Kang Chan into the SUV, other cars cleared a path, their sirens ring.

    <em>Vroom! Screech!</em>

    The SUV merged into the main road, causing Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il to swerve roughly.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Seok Kang-Ho yelled.

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chan looked back at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look right! Did the bastard shoot you in the wrong ce?!¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. He then turned to Choi Jong-Il, surprise evident on his face.

    Afterward, Seok Kang-Ho yelled, ¡°Hey! Lee Doo-Hee! Drive faster! The captain is in danger!¡±

    1. Very good in French ?

    2. The acorn jelly from the previous chapter is a type of muk, which is basically jelly that can be made grains, beans, or nut starch. ?

 Chapter 388: Youéˆ¥æª™e a Strong Man! (1)

    <em>Screech!</em>

    The SUV raced toward the hospital entrance so fast that it looked as though it would crash.

    Like a madman, Seok Kang-Ho jumped out of the SUV and shouted, ¡°Move!¡±

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Armed agents in suits swiftly surrounded the area.

    <em>tter!</em>

    By the time the medical staff rushed over with a wheeled stretcher, Seok Kang-Ho was already running toward the entrance, carrying Kang Chan on his back.

    ¡°Open the door!¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s upper body waspletely soaked in blood.Due to how severe Kang Chan¡¯s condition was, Seok Kang-Ho was leaving a trail of blood drops on his path.

    ¡°Director!¡±

    ¡°This way!¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo ran with Seok Kang-Ho into the emergency room.

    ¡°Lay him down here!¡±

    <em>Thud!</em>

    As soon as Seok Kang-Ho ced Kang Chan on the bed, Kang Chan grabbed Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s shirt with terrifying strength.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    ¡°Leave... leave G¨¦rard alone!¡±

    ¡°That motherfucker betrayed us! He shot you in the chest!¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t fucking matter! Leave him be!¡±

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grabbed Kang Chan¡¯s wrist and tried to pry his hand away.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! Let¡¯s get you treated first!¡± Yoo Hun-Woo pleaded, but Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t release his grip on Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s shirt.

    <em>Why does he want to protect G¨¦rard so much...? He¡¯s a traitor!</em>

    However, Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t break Kang Chan¡¯s will. He couldn¡¯t even loosen Kang Chan¡¯s grip, so how could he go against the fierce determination in his eyes?

    ¡°Alright, alright! Let go of me so we can start treatment already!¡±

    ¡°Promise me!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I promise! We¡¯ll leave that bastard alone, so please let us treat you already!¡±

    <em>Thunk!</em>

    Finally, Kang Chan let go of the shirt and copsed onto the bed.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    The medical staff drew the curtain as one of them cut off Kang Chan¡¯s shirt with scissors.

    ¡°Please step outside!¡± the medical staff ordered.

    ¡°I¡¯m staying right fucking here!¡±

    Despite their objections, however, Seok Kang-Ho stayed by Kang Chan¡¯s side, ring fiercely.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! That bastard!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho gritted his teeth. He was second to none in this field. Seeing the wound on Kang Chan¡¯s chest, he was certain that G¨¦rard had aimed for his heart. Had Kang Chan not twisted away at thest moment, the shot would have been fatal.

    "Mr. Kang Chan! Mr. Kang Chan!" Yoo Hun-Woo called out urgently.

    "Get more blood!"

    His unusually loud voice and the frantic instructions he gave for various injections underscored the severity of Kang Chan''s condition.

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    Medical staff hurriedly brought in machines that looked foreign even to them and ced them around Kang Chan''s bed. They quickly hooked Kang Chan up to IVs and blood transfusions, desperately injecting fluids into the lines.

    Outside the curtain, armed agentspletely surrounded the emergency room and the nearby areas.

    <em>Beep¡ª</em>

    An ominous machine sound echoed.

    "CPR! Everyone, out! Get out now!"

    Kang Chan¡¯s head lolled away from Seok Kang-Ho. He was covered in so much blood that it seemed to have been poured over him. The moment his face turned pale, Seok Kang-Ho felt as if he were falling off a cliff.

    "Clear!"

    <em>Bang! Jolt! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s body arched high off the bed before falling back down. Everything felt distant and surreal, the sounds around him dull and muted.

    "Clear!"

    <em>Bang! Jolt! Thud!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho watched Kang Chan¡¯s head droop limply again.

    "Please! Kang Chan!"

    Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s gown, pants, and hands were drenched in Kang Chan¡¯s blood. He climbed onto Kang Chan¡¯s abdomen, franticallypressing his chest.

    "Kang Chan! You¡¯re a strong man! Please! Mr. Kang Chan!" Yoo Hun-Woo yelled repeatedly as if he were crying. Time seemed to blur.

    <em>One minute? Two? Maybe three?</em>

    Yoo Hun-Woo stopped and looked at Seok Kang-Ho with a vacant expression.

    <em>What¡¯s he saying? He¡¯s not going to tell me the captain is dead, is he?</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho struggled to hold on to his slipping consciousness.

    "Keep trying! You know the captain won¡¯t die to something like this!" he shouted.

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung burst through the curtain and rushed to Seok Kang-Ho.

    "Captain! Get up! We need to go take out G¨¦rard and that yellow-eyed bastard!"

    They grabbed Seok Kang-Ho by the shoulders and tried to drag him away.

    "Let go! Let me go!"

    Lee Doo-Hee and three other agents had to join the two before they finally managed to pull Seok Kang-Ho out of the emergency room.

    "No! Get your fucking hands off me! Don¡¯t you know him? Didn¡¯t you hear him cursing at me in Libya? Do you really think he¡¯ll die like this? Let go! Let me go!"

    The agents around the bed looked equally distraught. The shooting had taken ce during dinner. Consequently, the news following the incident was entirely focused on the event, which had transpired at a restaurant in Gangnam.

    [Reporter Lee Deuk-Soo has obtained CCTV footage of the incident. Let¡¯s take a look at the video.]

    The TV screen showed G¨¦rard suddenly shooting Kang Chan, who was lighting a cigarette. The ck-and-white footage captured the muzzle sh three times and Kang Chan copsing, his chest turning dark.

    [The victim, identified as the head of the National Intelligence Service''s counter-terrorism team who rescued our citizens in Afghanistan and stopped the terrorist attack on the International Building, is reportedly in critical condition.]

    As the journalist finished speaking, Kang Chan emerging from the International Building filled the screen ominously. Although his face was concealed with a helmet and a hood, everyone could tell that it was him.

    [For security reasons, we cannot reveal the counter-terrorism team leader''s identity. We hope for their swift recovery and thank them for dedicating everything to the safety of South Korea and its people. Reporter Yoo Ji-Eun will summarize his achievements.]

    The footage shifted. Scenes of Kang Chan limping and running in Afghanistan, firing while injured, holding out alone in a ruined building, and leading the International Building operation yed on the screen. As the female reporter detailed Kang Chan''s aplishments in a clear voice, the screen showed the Taegeukgi patch on Kang Chan¡¯s arm.

    At that moment, the ancho abruptly appeared on the screen.

    [Breaking News. We have just received word that the head of the National Intelligence Service''s counter-terrorism team has tragically passed away at the Bangji Hospital.]

    The anchor took a deep breath and nced at the script before looking back at the camera.

    [Once again, the head of the National Intelligence Service''s counter-terrorism team has died during an emergency treatment at the Bangji Hospital.]

    The screen then showed the Bangji Hospital surrounded by reporters and news crews.

    ***

    Park Chul-Su, Cha Dong-Gyun, and Kwak Cheol-Ho listened to the anchor in stunned silence.

    "I''ll call Director Jeon or Manager Kim Hyung-Jung. You guys head over there," Park Chul-Su said.

    "Yes, sir."

    Even after answering, Cha Dong-Gyun couldn''t get up from his seat. It was as if the shock had drained the strength from his legs.

    "Hey! Cha Dong-Gyun!"

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked at Park Chul-Su with vacant eyes.

    <em>Is this really happening?</em>

    It felt like watching Park Chul-Su drift away in a river, his face growing distant.

    <em>Smack!</em>

    Park Chul-Su grimaced in pain as he pped Cha Dong-Gyun hard enough to make his chest wound throb.

    "Snap out of it! Have you forgotten what he taught us in Africa? If the French really killed him, then we''ll avenge him. For now, focus on leading the team with determination!"

    The fire in Cha Dong-Gyun''s eyes gradually returned.

    "You can''t drive in this state,¡± Park Chul-Su said. He then turned to his aide. ¡°Drive them! Use my car!¡±

    "Yes, sir!"

    The aide rushed out.

    "Cha Dong-Gyun, go see Seok Kang-Ho or Choi Jong-Il. If the French really did this, we''d go to Seoul in civilian clothes and handle it ourselves. I''ll cover for you, so find out exactly what happened."

    "Yes, sir."

    Cha Dong-Gyun finally stood up.

    "I''m going."

    His eyes now gleamed with determination. As he walked to the door, he hesitated and then turned back.

    "No need for a salute, you idiot! Just go!" shouted Park Chul-Su.

    Cha Dong-Gyun saluted quickly and hurried out.

    ***

    The Blue House and the National Intelligence Service were engulfed in tense silence. To get a clear picture of the situation, secretaries and security personnel were dispatched to the Bangji Hospital to confirm Kang Chan''s death.

    President Moon Jae-Hyun canceled all his appointments and met with Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung in the underground situation room.

    "Manager Kim, do you have a cigarette?"

    "Yes, sir."

    Perhaps trying to calm himself, President Moon Jae-Hyun reached for the cigarette even though he had quit smoking. He then lit it and took a deep drag.

    "<em>Hooo¡­</em>"

    Amid the silence, the smoke drifted toward the vents.

    "If I werecking, they should have taken me instead..."

    Mumbling words that seemed directed at no one in particr, President Moon Jae-Hyun shook his head and put his hands on the table. As the president, he was not supposed to show weakness in front of others. Nevertheless, as if he hadmitted a grave sin, he couldn¡¯t even raise his head.

    The cigarette between his fingers burned like incense.

    "If they gave us such a talent and knew how hard we tried to protect him, they should have taken me instead."

    Despite Moon Jae-Hyun''s deep sigh, Go Gun-Woo remained silent, sensing that the president needed a moment until the cigarette burned out. After a while, Moon Jae-Hyun finally raised his head and stubbed out the barely smoked cigarette in the ashtray.

    He then turned to Go Gun-Woo, revealing his bloodshot eyes. "What¡¯s our next course of action?¡±

    "We have to make sure that the intelligence operations that the assistant director was in charge of keep functioning,¡± Go Gun-Woo replied wearily. ¡°We''ll use his office and contact the relevant intelligence bureaus through our agents.¡±

    ***

    News of Kang Chan¡¯s death reached Kang Chul-Gyu as well. Fortunately, the detention center was lenient enough to allow the detainees to watch the news.

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chul-Gyu red at the TV as if he could destroy it with his stare. It seemed like this was what he had meant. Still, the fact that it was on TV raised a chilling suspicion that maybe the n had gone wrong and Kang Chan had truly died.

    ¡°I stopped by because I was worried that you¡¯d stupidly skip meals. You get what I''m saying, right?¡± Kang Chan had said back then. ¡°There are more victories out there for you to im, DMZ King.¡±

    Remembering his words quite clearly, Kang Chul-Gyu exhaled softly and looked out the small window. The sky looked especially small that night.

    He wanted to get out. He didn¡¯t know what he would do, but he wanted to be beside Kang Chan, taking on the most dangerous tasks rather than being stuck in here.

    ¡°Old man, stop trying to set the mood and sit down.¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek had told the detainees to treat him well, but it seemed that the guy running the ce was annoyed by Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s behavior. Maybe it was because Kang Chul-Gyu wasn¡¯t his sunbae from his days in the army.

    Normally, Kang Chul-Gyu would have just sat down quietly instead of arguing. However, that day, he instead slowly turned his head toward therge man.

    ¡°I told you to sit down.¡±

    The figure had arge head, a thick neck, and quite nted eyes.

    But to Kang Chul-Gyu, he was just a lump of meat.

    What use was it to deal with someone like that?

    As Kang Chul-Gyu turned his gaze back to the window, the big guy hastily removed his socks to avoid slipping on the wooden floor during the fight.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    The big guy charged.

    <em>Crash.</em>

    Not a single person saw how or where that big guy was hit. To onlookers, it might have looked like he just tripped and fell while running.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    In the blink of an eye, Kang Chul-Gyu kicked the downed man onto his back and pressed his foot firmly on the man¡¯s throat.

    <em>Crack.</em>

    ¡°<em>Gah</em>! <em>Guh</em>.¡±

    Others tried to intervene, but upon seeing the fierce gleam in Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes, they dared not move. All they could do now was swallow dryly and watch him warily.

    ¡°My son told me to wait...¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu took a deep breath and raised his foot.

    With his air passage unblocked again, the big guy coughed. ¡°<em>Guh</em>! <em>Guh</em>!¡±

    Meanwhile, Kang Chul-Gyu struggled to calm the murderous intent within him.

    ***

    Life could sometimes be brutally harsh. Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s phone, lying beside him on the marble steps in front of the hospital, painted a picture of that cruelty. It rang incessantly.

    People must have been frantic, wanting to confirm the news they had heard. However, anyone who understood the rtionship between Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho would have known that he wasn¡¯t in any condition to answer calls. Hence, in his stead, Choi Jong-Il constantly picked up calls and repeated the same brutal answer.

    "It¡¯s true."

    Meanwhile, Seok Kang-Ho only had one thought in his mind.

    <em>That bastard¡­</em>

    They had established a hideout in Bangbae-dong. A car, suitable clothes, a wig, and money had even been prepared. If Kang Chan hadn¡¯t held him back, he would have probably rushed over to that ce already.

    <em>Are they trying to deceive me as well?</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho smirked. This had to be what it felt like to go mad.

    ¡°<em>Hehehehe</em>.¡±

    After being reincarnated, aside from a few trips to Gapyeong, Kang Chan fought tirelessly for others¡¯ sake. Now, he had been killed by someone he held close to his heart.

    To think that during the Battle of Mang, Kang Chan was the only one who noticed the brief moment when G¨¦rard got sick of the blood.

    "Send that bastard to another toon."

    "Why? He¡¯s just starting to be useful."

    Shan had been nning a new operation centered around Kang Chan¡¯s toon at the time. That was the same operation that had killed Kang Chan and Daye.

    "Something doesn¡¯t feel right."

    "If you send him away, how do you n to live while constantly worrying about him? Just keep him close. Are the other toons really any safer?"

    "In two days, three toons are moving toward Congo. It¡¯s better to send him with them."

    In the end, Kang Chan still transferred G¨¦rard to another toon.

    <em>He took care of him so well¡­</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho remembered all of it¡ªtheir conversation about meeting again, the moment they returned from Mongolia and parted at the Osan Air Base, even the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes at the time.

    <em>That bastard cannot be left alone.</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho gritted his teeth and stood up.

    "Choi Jong-Il."

    Choi Jong-Il quickly ended his call and rapidly approached Seok Kang-Ho.

    "Tell Doo-Hee to get the car ready. You, Hee-Seung, and I will be heading out. Pack plenty of rifles, pistols, and ammo."

    Choi Jong-Il hesitated to respond.

    "What is it"

    "The director and Manager Kim are on their way, sir. Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho have also left Jeungpyeong."

    "We know the rendezvous point, so it won¡¯t take us long to catch him. That man killed the captain. How could I live with myself if we let him go after everything the captain did for us?"

    Choi Jong-Il met Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes and firmly nodded.

    "Understood. Since there are other agents around, I¡¯ll need about five minutes to prepare. I¡¯ll have the car ready outside the hospital."

    Moved by Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s determination, Choi Jong-Il walked into the building. Meanwhile, Seok Kang-Ho took a deep breath.

    <em>I¡¯ll break that bastard¡¯s neck!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho pulled a cigarette from his pocket. Just as he was about to light it, Choi Jong-Il hurried back.

    "Pleasee inside, sir,¡± he whispered, making it look like he was asking for a cigarette to the other agents.

    Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t seem to read what Choi Jong-Il was thinking.

 Chapter 389:Youéˆ¥æª™e a Strong Man! (2)

    <em>Disimer: The plot, characters, and opinions presented in this novel are purely fictional and do not necessarily represent the views of , our trantors or partners</em>

    "I¡¯d prefer if you entered without the other soldiers noticing," Choi Jong-Il said as he lit Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s cigarette.

    If one couldn¡¯t understand that much, they weren¡¯t just stupid¡ªthey were an absolute fool. Seok Kang-Ho frowned and dropped the freshly lit cigarette, crushing it under his foot.

    "Shall we go now?"

    He followed Choi Jong-Il up the marble steps and through the ss doors. His heart pounded so hard he feared the soldiers around might hear it. Passing the director¡¯s office, Choi Jong-Il led him down to the basement.

    Seok Kang-Ho wondered why they didn¡¯t just use the elevator but not because it inconvenienced him. Rather, it was because it was making him even more clueless about where they were going.

    Soon, they reached the dimly lit hallway of the first basement floor and went through a roombeled with signs for syringes, ster materials, crutches, and bandages. Eventually, they stopped before a set of doors marked ¡°Staff Only,¡± with IV fluids and other medical supplies stored behind them.

    Choi Jong-Il checked both sides, opened the doors, and gestured for Seok Kang-Ho to enter.

    Aware that any dys could prove problematic, Seok Kang-Ho quickly stepped inside and gasped. Kang Chan was lying in the damp and cluttered makeshift storage room.Wheeled machines were intricately connected to Kang Chan¡¯s body, with IV lines and blood bags hanging from stands. Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee stepped aside, and Yoo Hun-Woo approached Seok Kang-Ho with aplex expression.

    "Do you remember when I checked on him earlier? His heart started beating again," Yoo Hun-Woo said wearily.

    Seok Kang-Ho moved closer to Kang Chan.

    Meanwhile, Yoo Hun-Woo gestured to Woo Hee-Seung. "As Mr. Kang Chan requested, after you left and his death was announced, we moved him here as fast as we could with Hee-Seung¡¯s help."

    "So he¡¯s okay?"

    Unexpectedly, Yoo Hun-Woo shook his head.

    "In his current state, if we remove the venttor..." Yoo Hun-Woo trailed off.

    <em>What kind of ridiculous exnation is that?</em>

    Noticing the fierceness in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes, Yoo Hun-Woo exined, "Medically, he¡¯s alive. However, at this rate, we shouldn¡¯t get our hopes up. He asked to be dered dead, but I never imagined he¡¯d sustain gunshot wounds this severe..."

    Trailing off, he looked at Seok Kang-Ho, confused about why he was smirking.

    "Choi Jong-Il."

    "Yes, sir."

    "Proceed as nned."

    "Yes, sir."

    Yoo Hun-Woo couldn¡¯tprehend what was happening. Choi Jong-Il issued orders, and Woo Hee-Seung hurried out of the room.

    "Doctor, we¡¯ll bring a wax figure identical to the captain. Please process his death certificate ordingly."

    "Mr. Seok¡­"

    With gleaming eyes, Seok Kang-Ho gazed at Yoo Hun-Woo. "Don¡¯t worry. That man will get up. Do you really think someone who returned from the dead will die so easily again? Anyway, are there any other medical staff aware of this?"

    "Two others,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo replied in disbelief.

    <em>Isn¡¯t that risky?</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho turned to Choi Jong-Il.

    "Both are secured in the SUV."

    <em>He¡¯s already taken care of all loose ends in such a short time!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho felt like kissing Choi Jong-Il on the cheek.

    ***

    Upon reaching the designated location, G¨¦rard wore a ck wig and shabby clothes. He then headed out to a one-room apartment in Bangbae-dong. The news of Kang Chan¡¯s death had reached him through the TV.

    When he arrived at the hideout, he recalled the conversation he had with Kang Chan while nning the operation.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    Despite G¨¦rard¡¯s defiant re at the time, Kang Chan remained calm. ¡°You are to aim for the heart. This is not up for debate.¡±

    <em>Why is he doing this? Could it be...?</em>

    G¨¦rard felt as if he had been struck on the back of his head.

    "Are you worried that the Star of David might suspect and eliminate me before you arrive?"

    Kang Chan smirked as if telling G¨¦rard not to be ridiculous.

    ¡°Why do you want me to aim for your heart, then? Aren¡¯t you worried that I¡¯ll take this opportunity to kill you? What if the hypnosis hasn¡¯tpletely worn off?¡±

    ¡°Lower your voice.¡±

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    Kang Chan handed G¨¦rard a cigarette and lighter.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Once G¨¦rard had lit the cigarette, his emotions began to settle a bit.

    ¡°Remember the CCTV footage from when Oh Gwang-Taek suspected that you were a traitor and caused a ruckus?¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    <em>How could I not?</em>

    ¡°I suspected you back then, too.¡± Kang Chan smirked. ¡°I¡¯d rather be tricked into taking a bullet than do that again.¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you thought about the people and responsibilities you¡¯ll be leaving behind if something happens to you, Captain?¡±

    ¡°If we want our enemies to believe that the hypnosis hasn¡¯t worn off yet and that you truly n to kill me, then you have to do it before we¡¯ve aplished all our missions. Doesn¡¯t that mean this is the best time to deceive them, no?¡±

    G¨¦rard was so stunned that he forgot he was holding a cigarette.

    ¡°I¡¯ll protect Daye and our team. If you¡¯re going to kill me, do it now and go back to the Star of David.¡±

    ¡°Are you insane?¡±

    Kang Chan gave G¨¦rard his signature smirk. ¡°I mean, if you do kill me, at least you¡¯ll survive.¡±

    ¡°None of this makes sense. Are you sending me off alone again? I can¡¯t do that anymore!¡±

    ¡°What if it looks like I¡¯m trying to kill you?¡± Kang Chan asked with an amused expression. He then brought the cigarette he was smoking to his mouth.

    ¡°I¡¯d just die¡­¡±

    Before G¨¦rard could finish his sentence, Kang Chan stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and said, ¡°G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    He took the cigarette, which hadpletely burned out, in between G¨¦rard¡¯s fingers. With an annoyed expression, he stubbed it out in the ashtray as well.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to shatter the Star of David with this mission.¡±

    G¨¦rard watched as Kang Chan¡¯s eyes sharpened. His captain had returned to his usual determined self.

    ¡°So aim for my heart and choose the path you want. Leave the rest to me.¡±

    ¡°Sometimes, you seem more stubborn than Daye.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. It looked somewhat different this time.

    ¡°Do your best to aim for my heart. If you don¡¯t, we won¡¯t fool the Star of David. If you¡¯re still under any effect of the hypnosis, get rid of it now.¡±

    Kang Chan had the same fierce expression he always had when preparing for battle.

    ¡°Whatever choice you make, only you and I will know about it. If you¡¯re still hypnotized, we can also keep that between us. However, after this mission, I want to see the G¨¦rard I know.¡±

    <em>Is that why he nned such a ridiculously dangerous mission?</em>

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m still under hypnosis, Captain?¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s intense gaze was all the answer G¨¦rard needed.

    ¡°Since the motorcycle incident, you¡¯ve had the same sad look in your eyes that you had in your childhood photos. It hasn¡¯t all disappeared yet.¡±

    G¨¦rard felt something hot rising within him.

    ¡°If I die, Daye won¡¯t leave you alone. No matter which one of you dies, revenge will follow.¡±

    There was no arguing with that.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see that, so I won¡¯t die. Now, get rid of all the fucking hypnosis in you. I¡¯m tired of seeing you bleed from your nose.¡±

    G¨¦rard didn¡¯t know what to say. Hence, he instead sat at the table and took a drag on his cigarette.

    <em>Drip.</em>

    Blood started flowing out of G¨¦rard¡¯s nose again, snapping him back to reality.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± he cursed in Korean.

    G¨¦rard tore off a ply from a roll of toilet paper, wiped the blood, and plugged his nose. Smoking with a blocked nose made the cigarette taste bitter and disgusting.

    <em>It¡¯s perfect for quitting smoking.</em>

    <em>Click.</em>

    Nevertheless, G¨¦rard lit another cigarette, realizing that Kang Chan was right. He had no idea what had happened, and he only snapped out of his trance after firing three shots.

    <em>¡®Go!¡¯</em>

    If it weren¡¯t for Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, twisted in pain yet still unwavering...

    <em>¡®Go! You bastard!¡¯</em>

    G¨¦rard clenched the cigarette in his hand. After going through adoption, cold foster parents, and hellish Africa, he finally met Kang Chan, the only person he could rely on. Considering he had aimed right for his heart, however, G¨¦rard might have just truly killed Kang Chan.

    <em>Captain! I¡¯ll destroy the Star of David even if I have to do it alone! I¡¯ll take down and drag as many of those bastards who hypnotized me to hell!</em>

    Smoke was still rising from the cigarette in G¨¦rard¡¯s hand.

    ***

    "Korean news channels are reporting Kang Chan¡¯s death."

    "Is there a chance he faked it?"

    "None,¡± Xairo firmly answered, making Ziegfeld raise his head to look at him. "We had him go through dualyered conditioning. If Gabriel had disobeyed ourstmand, he would have died on the spot."

    "<em>Hmm. </em>What¡¯s Gabriel¡¯s current condition, then?¡±

    "He''s likely recalling his past."

    "I see."

    Ziegfeld took a sip from the ss filled with iced tea. With a satisfied look, he said, "The iced tea is just perfect. Anyway, it¡¯s best to be thorough. Dig up his grave if you have to, and confirm the DNA from his corpse, blood, or even his cremated bones."

    "Understood. I¡¯ll retrieve Gabriel as well."

    Ziegfeld looked up, quite surprised. "Isn¡¯t it better to leave him be?"

    "If his memories have returned, there¡¯s a high chance information could leak. Besides, we can still use him to manipte the Foreign Legion and the DGSE."

    A hot sea breeze tousled Ziegfeld''s hair.

    "Damn it!" Raising his hand to fix his hair, he asked, "Are you suggesting I was wrong to try and eliminate him through the British intelligence bureau?"

    "Not at all, sir," answered Xairo right away.

    "Fine. Handle Gabriel as you see fit. I heard Xavier died under unusual circumstances. Who do we have in Korea now?"

    "Gabriel''s cousin."

    Ziegfeld¡¯s expression turned sharp in an instant.

    "When Xavier died, we sent him to monitor Kang Chan. He¡¯s in contact with Kang Chan¡¯s woman and supported the recent terrorist attacks on South Korea¡¯s previous NIS director and Energy Resource Department head."

    Despite Xairo¡¯s exnation, Ziegfeld¡¯s gaze remained intense.

    "My apologies. I thought I could manage it independently and judged it was unnecessary to bother you with minor details."

    "Although I believe you, how do you justify not reporting back? Should I only expect to hear results from you from now on?"

    "I was concerned about bothering you with minor issues, but I underestimated the situation. I¡¯m sorry."

    Xairo bowed his square head in acknowledgment of his mistake.

    A brief silence followed. Xairo stood under Ziegfeld¡¯s scrutinizing re. The scorching sun shining on Bintan Ind bore down on his head and shoulders.

    "Xairo."

    "Sir."

    "You are free to retire whenever you want."

    "I¡¯m sorry."

    Another silence ensued.

    The sea breeze continued unabated, shaking the parasol that Ziegfeld was leaning on and sprinkling moisture from the ocean onto Xairo''s head and shoulders.

    "Where is Gabriel?"

    "We can locate him through the chip imnted in his body."

    "It¡¯s hard to predict the game when chess pieces move on their own. Do you think I ask for detailed reports because I have nothing better to do? Monitoring Parthal was no different."

    "I assure you this won¡¯t happen again."

    Ziegfield sighed. "You are free to make your own judgments and decisions, but if you fail to report again, you won¡¯t even have the luxury to retire."

    "Yes, sir."

    Ziegfeld raised his ss and drank iced tea, a sign that his emotions had settled.

    "Retrieve Gabriel and prepare to execute the ns that were halted due to Kang Chan."

    "Yes, sir."

    Ziegfeld waved his hand dismissively, and Xairo turned and walked away from the table, disappearing into the building.

    "A yellow race surpassing the Caucasians, huh¡­"

    He muttered to himself as he gazed out at the sea.

    "Is it possible to create a monkey that surpasses the Caucasians through training? Thinking about him makes me doubt our grand n."

    With a baffled smile, he raised his ss.

    "A toast to the divine will that killed the giant ant! The divine mission to cleanse this soiled Earth! And a world without yellow and negro races that do nothing but eat and breed!"

    His face disyed aplicated mix of contempt and expectation.

    ***

    Vasili poured himself another ss, then looked up. He had ced a table next to the bed, and Yang Bum sat across from him. In front of them were sses and forks, and the te in the center was full of well-cooked pork belly and bulgogi.

    "Bring us another bottle."

    "§¥§Ñ [1]."

    A man with a rifle fetched a new bottle of soju from the refrigerator and ced it on the table.

    Although Vasili¡¯s injuries were serious enough to warrant concern, Yang Bum just silently watched.

    "The intelligence bureaus must be in turmoil. How is China?"

    "The ck Wolf Unit is dealing with the traitors as we speak."

    "Why is it that the ck Wolf Unit, which even Suo Ke couldn''t control, is so loyal to you?"

    "Probably because Suo Ke tried to sell them out while I tried to buy them."

    "<em>Hmph</em>!"

    Vasili downed his soju in one gulp.

    "This has an oddly sweet aftertaste."

    He poured himself another ss, muttering excuses.

    "I can¡¯t believe our main character died so easily. This is troublesome."

    Vasili rubbed his nose and mouth with his hand. Their conversation was in French so the men guarding them couldn¡¯t understand.

    "What are you nning to do?" Vasili asked.

    "Chairman Lanok is still alive. Right now, regaining control of the Chinese intelligence bureau is my top priority."

    "You''re not giving up?"

    "There''s no room for negotiation with the Star of David anyway."

    Vasili''s eyes suddenly gleamed, seemingly dissatisfied with Yang Bum¡¯s response.

    "Russia is more or less sorted out. If necessary, I can even be the first ruler of Russia to hold both the positions of President and Director-General of our intelligence bureau. Anyway, I n to destroy the next-generation energy facility being built in Saudi Arabia."

    "I''ll lend my support as soon as things are settled."

    Vasili smiled slyly and raised his ss. "But, you see..."

    Yang Bum, about to raise his ss for a toast, paused.

    "I have a feeling that our main character is still alive somewhere."

    "Could it be the shock of the news affecting you?"

    Vasili shook his head.

    "After years in the intelligence world, I¡¯ve learned that, sometimes, our gut feeling can be more urate than the evidence or data in front of us. I''ve survived numerous life-and-death situations thanks to my instincts, though it doesn''tpare to our main character¡¯s animalistic intuition.¡±

    He sounded almost defensive. Meanwhile, Yang Fan simply watched with a peculiar smile.

    "For once, I hope the news reports are urate. I''d love to see Lanok¡¯s nose rubbed in the dirt!"

    <em>Tink!</em>

    Vasili clinked his ss with Yang Bum¡¯s and downed his soju in one go.

    <em>Is this what Vasili meant by intuition?</em>

    Yang Bum sensed that Vasili might actually be Russia''s president¡ªone without blood or tears that others could oppose.

    1. Yes ?

 Chapter 390: The Dice Are Cast (1)

    Right after getting a call from Kim Hyung-Jung, Kim Tae-Jin removed the receiver from the satellite TV antenna.

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>.¡±

    Climbing up to the top of the barracks, Kim Tae-Jin took in his surroundings and let out the loud, frustrated sigh that had been clogging his chest.

    Had he ever felt the futility of life as badly as he did now?

    It was bad enough that he received the news of Kang Chan¡¯s death, but now he had to break the news of his death to Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>.¡±

    They had finished building the foundations of the factory in front of the base and moved on to attaching the outer walls.

    It was safe to say that Kang Chan had done all of this¡ªall of South Korea¡¯s achievements¡ªsingle-handedly. The DMZ team and Suh Sang-Hyun had helped with everything they could, but without Kang Chan¡ªwithout him risking his life¡ªthey wouldn¡¯t even have this chance.

    They were too greedy. The country, the government, and the people around him had ced too heavy a burden on Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders. Kim Tae-Jin remembered Kang Chan¡¯s performance during their first live ammo drill and the way he shouted at his men in the mess hall when they were demoralized.

    Unable to hold it in any longer, Kim Tae-Jin lowered his head and sobbed inaudibly.

    South Korea failed to protect the man who had sought revenge for Choi Seong-Geon.

    Kim Tae-Jin rubbed his face like he was washing his face, took a deep breath, and let it out even louder. At the same time, he recalled Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s request during their conversation.

    ¡°His parents will be greatly shocked,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung had said. ¡°Since his mother possesses a gynecologic risk, please make sure she hears the news once she¡¯s back in the country.¡±

    Kim Tae-Jin wished this was all just a bad dream.

    Looked up at the Mongolian sky. The starsvishly scattered across it were shining so brightly it was as if they were soaked in clear water and then wiped dry with a clean cloth during the day.

    <em>¡®I¡¯m sure you¡¯re one of those stars now.¡¯</em>

    He felt like Kang Chan was smirking somewhere in the sky.

    <em>¡®Sorry. I¡¯m sorry.¡¯</em>

    Kim Tae-Jin gritted his teeth and swallowed back the tears that threatened to burst out again.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>.¡±

    Slowly walking down the barracks, he thought about Kang Dae-Kyung, who had tanned from working under the sun, and Yoo Hye-Sook, who always looked exhausted from kitchen work. Despite their fatigue, they always smiled at the soldiers and staff.

    <em>Pat. Pat. </em>

    He took heavy steps back. Just then, he saw a lighting from beneath a truck.

    Kim Tae-Jin had repeatedly told him that he didn¡¯t have to work, yet Kang Dae-Kyung still couldn¡¯t take his hands off the job.

    Kang Dae-Kyung didn¡¯t want to tarnish Kang Chan¡¯s name by cking off. Moreover, he was motivated by his sense of duty and the thought that the vehicles he maintained would help his son build the factory he wanted.

    Kim Tae-Jin chokingly called out to Kang Dae-Kyung.

    Kang Dae-Kyung slid out from under the truck. He removed his greasy neck gloves as he walked over to Kim Tae-Jin.

    With Kang Dae-Kyung looking at him curiously, Kim Tae-Jin told him the brutal truth as gently as he could.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Kang Dae-Kyung stumbled backward and fell to the ground on his bottom. He desperately tried to find hope in Kim Tae-Jin¡¯s eyes and face.

    Kim Tae-Jin knew it was hard to believe, much more ept it.

    ¡°He was shot¡­? Where is my son now?¡±

    ¡°I heard he¡¯s at the Bangji Hospital.¡±

    Following their brutal conversation, Kang Dae-Kyung stood with his mouth wide open as he beat his chest and cried.

    His sobs were so heartbreaking that Kim Tae-Jin found it painful to watch. He couldn¡¯t even make a sound since Yoo Hye-Sook and the men could overhear him.

    ***

    Armed counter-terrorism team agents blocked the entrance to the hospital, their faces covered by helmets and masks. They were outfitted with rifles, pistols, bays, extra magazines, and body armor.

    It had been about half an hour since the news of Kang Chan¡¯s death was announced.

    Citizens had gathered in the area. One by one, they ced white chrysanthemums in front of the hospital¡¯s walls, entrance, and agents, turning the surroundings so white it was as if it had suddenly snowed.

    Surprisingly, people all over Seoul, even in the provinces, also ced white chrysanthemums in front of subway stations and city halls. Moreover, buildings began to hangrge Korean gs on their exterior walls.

    Even though it was already sote in the evening that they should take the gs down, the buildings around the hospital chose to keep gs hanging on walls that faced the hospital.

    The road around the hospital was so crowded that cars couldn¡¯t move, yet there wasn¡¯t a single car honking.

    The crowd grewrger andrger.

    Office workers, housewives, students, kindergartners, families, the elderly¡ªas more time went by, more people brought chrysanthemums. Moreover, instead of heading back home, they lit candles in paper cups and stood in front of the hospital.

    Nobody knew who started it, and the citizens weren¡¯t asked to do it.

    At the head of the crowd was a kindergartener holding a sign that said ¡°Thank you for your service to Korea.¡±

    Many people burst into tears.

    ***

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho arrived at the hospital at nearly midnight. They had to walk quite a distance as there was no parking space on the jammed streets.

    Armed members of the counter-terrorism team let them inside. Once in the foyer, Choi Jong-Il greeted the two.

    ¡°Please have a seat.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯d like to see the captain first.¡±

    ¡°Please wait for Mr. Seok. He¡¯s on his way.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il was their senior. Even if he wasn¡¯t, they felt inclined to listen to his stubbornness since he was most likely more shocked than anyone here.

    Woo Hee-Seung brought coffee from the vending machine, and the four sipped the tasteless coffee.

    ¡°Did you find any sign of the Frenchman?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked. He sounded betrayed.

    ¡°We¡¯re still looking for him,¡± Choi Jong-Il answered.

    Cha Dong-Gyun felt anxious. Fortunately, Seok Kang-Ho soon walked up the stairs and into the waiting room.

    ¡°Good to see you.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho could only bow in reply.

    ¡°Come this way.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho led them to an empty office somewhere on the first floor.

    The room had an iron bed that looked like it needed repair and folding chairs from the auditorium lined up against the wall.

    ¡°Sit.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Cha Dong-Gyun, and Kwak Cheol-Ho pulled out the chairs and sat down. Meanwhile, Woo Hee-Seung stood guard outside the door.

    ¡°I¡¯m doing this entirely at my discretion,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said in an uncharacteristically stern tone. He then looked around the dull room.

    Following Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s lead, Cha Dong-Gyun looked around them. What was going on?

    ¡°After leaving the hospital, head straight to the office.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho spent the next five minutes exining the situation to them. The two found the news unbelievable.

    Kang Chan was dered dead on TV, but he was actually alive?

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s faces perfectly illustrated the expression of someone who had received shocking news twice in one night.

    ¡°Secrecyes first. Tell the troops that I¡¯ll visit them after the funeral, and keep the office under lockdown.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun firmly replied. He then asked a few questions, which Seok Kang-Ho swiftly answered.

    Although the situation came across as a great shock, they were at least d that there was hope. They were also looking forward to destroying the core members of the enemy faction.

    ¡°The captain risked his life for this. It was my decision to get you two involved, so don¡¯t let your guard down. There will be no reporting to me either. Do whatever you need to do.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s eyes and responses were filled with a sense of duty that hade from previousbat experiences.

    ***

    Kang Chan¡¯s office was filled with a murderous atmosphere even though only the interpreter¡ªwho had a rifle slung over his shoulder¡ªwas the only person inside. When Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho arrived, the ambiance only darkened further.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho aimed his rifle at the two hospital staff who hade in with them. At the same time, the interpreter frisked them.

    ring ferociously at the two, Kwak Cheol-Ho warned, ¡°Make yourselvesfortable in here. Feel free to make any request you might have, too. However, if you try to make any form of contact with the outside world, I will shoot you on sight. Do not forget that.¡±<em></em>

    Perplexed, the two could only nod and head inside.

    Michelle behaved differently, though. After calming down the shocked and fed-up special makeup team, she offered Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho coffee.

    ¡°Can I get you some coffee?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re good.¡±

    They sounded quite cautious, but she couldn¡¯t me them. Given the situation, they probably had to be wary of any beverage offered to them, even coffee and water.

    Neither Michelle nor the special makeup team had any idea what was going on. They were just to bring their equipment and create a replica of Kang Chan. Afterward, they were locked up.

    The interpreter took their shut-off phones and collected them like they were his life, so they weren¡¯t able to make any calls or even watch TV.

    Therefore, they couldn¡¯t figure out why there were Korean gs on everyrge building or why people were lining the streets with candles and white chrysanthemums.

    Cha Dong-Gyun took his phone out of his pocket and dialed Park Chul-Su¡¯s number.

    -Hello? Have you confirmed the news?

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Park Chul-Su groaned as if he was trying to fight off the pain.

    ¡°I have a request, sir.¡±

    -What is it?

    ¡°We have to stay in Seoul for at least a week, maybe even longer.

    -Is it because of that bastard?

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun was grateful for Park Chul-Su¡¯s question.

    -Understood. Do you need weapons?

    ¡°I believe we can procure some here.¡±

    A brief moment of silence dawned upon the call. Eventually, Park Chul-Su broke it.

    -If you think there¡¯s gonna be a problem, use my name! Say you¡¯re following my orders! No! This is amand! You two are to do whatever it takes to arrest the man who killed him. If he resists, shoot him.

    ¡°Thank you, General.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun was about to hang up when Park Chul-Su spoke again.

    -Dong-Gyun. I can¡¯t build the strongest special forces team in the world without you, so don¡¯t mess that n up just because you feel responsible, got it? Make it clear that you¡¯re simply following my orders.

    Park Chul-Su hung up.

    The dice were cast.

    ¡°Bring a table over.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho brought a table and two chairs.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun put the phone on the table and sat down in one of the chairs.

    ¡°We have two rooms to guard. The room where we¡¯re at right now and the room where the satellite operatives are. Including the interpreter, we only have a total of three men, so we¡¯ll take breaks in turns. Switch with the interpreter and tell him to take six hours off.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho went inside. Unlike the interpreter holding a rifle¡ªwhich made Michelle and the special makeup staff have trouble breathing¡ªhe moved smoothly and without hesitation.

    ¡°Please make yourselvesfortable.¡±

    ¡°We will,¡± Michelle managed to answer.

    Michelle nced at Cha Dong-Gyun, then turned her attention to the dark sky.

    She remembered the look in G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes back in Apgujeong-Dong. He could be making those eyes somewhere right now¡­

    Although she didn¡¯t know what happened, she somehow felt as if she shouldn¡¯t ask about his well-being right now.

    Where was Kang Chan? Could it be that his replica that they had spent a day making was¡­?

    Michelle shook her head to dismiss the ominous thought that kept nipping at her mind.

    It was already past one in the morning.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho naturally stayed by Kang Chan¡¯s side.

    Whenever he had to leave, even if just for a moment, he made sure to leave either Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, or Lee Doo-Hee in the room.

    A loaded rifle was slung over his shoulder, and pistols were strapped to his waist and ankles. He had also outfitted himself with a bay and a radio.

    The dripping blood packs, IV lines, a gurgling tube pumping in air, and a line that moved in steady waves were the only signs that Kang Chan was alive.

    Soon, the radio crackled.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    -This is Manager Kim Hyung-Jung. Where are you, Mr. Seok?

    ¡°Jong-Il, take Hee-Seung and Doo-Hee ande up with an excuse. Tell them I¡¯m in too much shock to meet them and that I¡¯ll see them tomorrow.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il nodded and left the room with the other two.

    Seok Kang-Ho picked up a gauze pad and wiped Kang Chan¡¯s forehead, then gently took his hand in his own calloused, rough, and scarred hand. It was goddamn cold.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Seok Kang-Ho grumbled. ¡°Hurry and get up already. Seeing you unconscious like this is giving me trouble breathing.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan¡¯s face and hands, which were so white that they seemed as if blood had been sucked out of them.

    ¡°I didn¡¯ty a finger on G¨¦rard, that dumbfuck. So you better wake up from this. I told the men that you will, and I believe it too¡­ but for the first time in my life, I actually feel afraid. I didn¡¯t even feel scared when I was dying in Mang.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Get the fuck up!¡± he spat, then peeked at Kang Chan to see if he was listening.

    ***

    The next day, the chrysanthemums that the civilians had ced in front of the walls, gates, and sidewalks yesterday became blindingly white under the morning sun.

    The Bangji Hospital was even more crowded now. The crowd was sorge that the traffic on the road in front of the hospital now spanned twenty meters.

    There was no reason for the president or any other government officials to visit. After all, a funeral had not been officially organized yet. Nevertheless, congressmen of the National Assembly and other politicians swarmed in as if stamping attendance books.

    Kim Hyung-Jung took control of the hospital with Go Gun-Woo¡¯s permission.

    Visitors were allowed, but only up to the makeshift incense burner that they had set up in the hospital yard.

    ¡°How is Mr. Seok?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s in no condition to speak right now,¡± Choi Jong-Il reported.

    Kim Hyung-Jung sighed quietly.

    It was currently two in the afternoon; twelve hours had passed since he arrived. Nevertheless, Kim Hyung-Jung still hadn¡¯t seen Seok Kang-Ho.

    However, Kim Hyung-Jung no longer had the time to worry about him. He had to deal with a huge crowd of people, among which were a few politicians.

    What if a terrorist attack were to target this ce¡­?

    With that possibility in mind, the members of the NIS counter-terrorism team darted around like madmen, pushing their way through the crowd, while Kim Hyung-Jung barked instructions into his radio like crazy.

    ***

    Aside from Yoo Hun-Woo asionally popping in to change his IV drip and blood pack, Seok Kang-Ho was mostly alone in the hospital room.

    Cup noodles, kimbap, triangr kimbap, lunch boxes, instant coffee, and chocte bars were piled up on one side, but Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t even touch them.

    His heart broke even more when he heard that Kim Gwan-Sik and Kim Mi-Young hade to visit, but there was nothing he could do.

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, and his unkempt beard made him look even more grim.

    ¡°I¡¯m hungry,¡± he grumbled as he salivated. ¡°Wake up already. I want to have some spicy stir-fried octopus with rice with you.¡±

    Seok Kang-Hoined as if Kang Chan was listening.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think we should return the favor to that Arab and the yellow-eyed bastard? It¡¯s gettingte!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho stood up from his seat. He ached from sitting in the same position all night.

    <em>Crack, crack. </em>

    As he twisted and stretched from side to side, he heard refreshing popse from his spine.

    He then craned his neck from side to side while looking at the IV drip with curious eyes. Somehow, it seemed to be dripping more slowly.

    <em>Could it be?</em>

    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking die on me, Captain! I¡¯m going to kill you if you die like this!¡± Seok Kang-Ho growled like a beast, his red eyes ring at Kang Chan. ¡°What? Leave G¨¦rard alone?¡±

    From the darkest parts of his mind, venom rose and apanied his every word.

    ¡°I¡¯ll fucking twist G¨¦rard¡¯s neck¡ª!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho swallowed the rest of his sentence with a gulp.

    Kang Chan, although still pale, was now looking at him with barely open eyes. He then tapped the oxygen mask covering his nose and mouth.

 Chapter 391: The Dice Are Cast (2)

    ¡°Oh!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho dashed over in shock and pulled Kang Chan¡¯s oxygen mask down to his chin.

    ¡°Where¡¯s¡­ G¨¦rard¡­?¡± Kang Chan asked weakly.

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t contacted us yet,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied quickly. ¡°How are you?¡±

    ¡°How long was I out?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho checked his phone to confirm the time. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ 4:03 p.m. the next day.¡±

    ¡°Help me up.¡±

    ¡°Cap, you just died. You really shouldn¡¯t move right now. Let¡¯s wait for Director Yoo toe and talk to you, then you can get up.¡±

    ¡°Daye.¡±¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Once Kang Chan had said his name like that, Daye could no longer refuse orders.

    ¡°Do you remember when I was seeing stars when you were in Libya? Right now, G¨¦rard is in as much danger as you were back then, so pull me up.¡±

    Despite how pale Kang Chan was, his eyes still glinted.

    Left with no other choice, Seok Kang-Ho ced down his rifle on a chair and put his hands under Kang Chan¡¯s armpits to sit him up.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>.¡±

    Blood seeped from the bandages on Kang Chan¡¯s chest.

    ¡°I¡¯ll listen to the situation on the road. Find Choi Jong-Il and get ready to move.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked up from Kang Chan¡¯s blood-soaked bandages and met thetter¡¯s struggling gaze with a stern look.

    ¡°Cap, you were shot thrice near your heart. I¡¯ll guard G¨¦rard myself and protect him if things seem dangerous, so just stay here. I¡¯ll bring Jong-Il and Hee-Seung and make sure wee back alive. I¡¯ll protect G¨¦rard no matter what. Trust me on this.¡±

    Kang Chan had managed to sit up, but he was in too much pain to move.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho sighed quietly, remembering what Kang Chan had told him when the Chinese had kidnapped him.

    ¡°Asshole! Who am I?¡±

    Kang Chan had been covered in blood back then, but that was simply who he was. He would rather die than lose someone he cared about.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure no one can touch even a hair on G¨¦rard¡¯s head, so don¡¯t worry,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said firmly.

    <em>Click. </em>

    The door opened, and Yoo Hun-Woo entered. He initially looked dazed and surprised, but he soon frowned.

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? Lie back down!¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo set down the IV drip, injections, and blood pack that he had brought with him on the side of the bed. He then grabbed Kang Chan by the shoulders.

    ¡°I said lie down!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho gazed at him with conviction, conveying that he would keep his promise. ¡°Do as the director says. I have already given you my word, haven¡¯t I?¡±

    In response, with Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s help, Kang Chan finallyy back down.

    ¡°How can you be so¡­¡± Yoo Hun-Woo scolded Kang Chan as he switched out the IV drip and the blood pack. Unlike before, he sounded quite energetic now.

    ***

    G¨¦rard spent the whole day with the TV on.

    They wereing.

    If not the Star of David, then it would be Seok Kang-Ho who¡¯de and pull the trigger.

    G¨¦rard stared at the TV. He had a loaded pistol, cigarette pack, ashtray, mug of coffee, and roll of toilet paper on the table in front of him.

    For nearly the entire day, the TV repeatedly broadcasted the Bangji Hospital and Kang Chan¡¯s achievements until he had memorized them.

    The sun that lit up the morning disappeared behind the buildings. Darkness silently filled the room, and the light from the TV bounced around, making the studio look like a small movie theater.

    ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    Anxious, lonely, and frustrated, G¨¦rard reached for his cigarette pack. There was just one left.

    He put the cigarette in his mouth and flicked on the lighter, causing a red glow to cut through the darkness.

    It had been a whole day since the incident.

    Only Kang Chan and G¨¦rard knew what happened. Kang Chan probably died and took the secret to the grave.

    G¨¦rard twisted his head from side to side.

    ¡°Fucking Star of David.¡±

    It was absurd. How dare they mess with his head and make him kill the person he liked the most?

    G¨¦rard exhaled the cigarette smoke, eyes glinting.

    Just then, the doorbell rang.

    If it were Seok Kang-Ho, he would¡¯ve punched in the code and let himself in.

    G¨¦rard grabbed the pistol from the table and headed to the front door.

    ¡°Gabriel!¡± he heard someone shout outside the door.

    Backing himself against the wall, G¨¦rard reached out and pressed the lever on the electric lock.

    <em>Beep. Click. </em>

    The door swung open.

    G¨¦rard pointed his pistol at the door. Gabriel, the man he¡¯d seen on the airport security cameras¡ªthe man he¡¯d heard was supposedly dead¡ªstood before him with an odd smile on his face.

    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of eyes on me. Do you mind if Ie in?¡±

    He barged in and closed the door behind him.

    ¡°You should turn the light on.¡±

    <em>Click. </em>

    G¨¦rard flicked on the light with his left hand and gestured to the table with his pistol.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>! What a stench!¡±

    Frowning, the man opened a window as if he didn¡¯t want the smell of cigarettes to get on his fine clothes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit down.¡±

    <em>Ha! Fuck it. Do whatever you want. </em>

    G¨¦rard sat across from him and rested his pistol on the armrest of the chair.

    ¡°How much do you remember?¡±

    ¡°The name Xairo and his face.¡±

    The man looked at G¨¦rard in amusement. ¡°So you don¡¯t know you¡¯re Gabriel yet, then.¡±

    G¨¦rard tilted his head.

    The man smirked again. ¡°Gabriel.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re Gabriel!¡±

    ¡°<em>Whoa, whoa</em>!¡±

    The look in G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes made the man raise his arms into the air as if to calm him.

    ¡°The Mermier family has always been part of the Star of David. We enjoyed wealth and glory until my father, your fool of an uncle, rebelled against the grand ns of the organization!¡±

    It didn¡¯t seem like Gabriel was lying.

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°Your father offered you, Gabriel, to the Star of David in hopes of getting a chance to rebuild the family name. I don¡¯t suppose you¡¯ve remembered that part yet, have you?¡±

    ¡°Just get to the point!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re Gabriel. I¡¯m G¨¦rard. Xairo, who raised you since you were young, gave you a mission: find the nuclear warheads hidden by Sergey Gee.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense. I didn¡¯t have to be locked up for a year after my adoptive father died just to try to remember that.¡±

    The bastard grinned slyly.

    ¡°It took you a year to remember Sergey Gee¡¯s every move. Thanks to you, we found the warhead, and you were able to live.¡±

    He nced around the room like he wanted something to drink. Seemingly giving up, he looked back at G¨¦rard.

    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for your father, you would have died in Garnich, Luxembourg. Oh, do I have to say Luxembourg in a Korean ent for you to understand now? Anyway! Since you contributed to the great n, you were spared and sent to your next assignment instead.¡±

    Another dribble of blood trickled from G¨¦rard¡¯s nose.

    ¡°Don¡¯t rebel. Don¡¯t even try to remember. The moment you cross that line, you¡¯re dead.¡±

    G¨¦rard tore off a long strip of toilet paper with his left hand and wiped his nose.

    ¡°Korean people are so weird. They wipe their mouths and noses with toilet paper. Seems like you¡¯ve been here long enough to pick up strange habits,¡± the man spat out as if he found it pathetic. ¡°I was sick of being a cram school teacher, and it was annoying to kill that girl named Kim Mi-Young! I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d get to leave Korea thanks to your achievement, though. Now, let¡¯s get going!¡±

    ¡°To Garnich?¡±

    The man nodded, looking pleased. Then, he put a hand in his breast pocket. G¨¦rard immediately aimed his pistol at him.

    <em>Click. </em>

    ¡°Hey! Put that down. I don¡¯t have any weapons.¡±

    Slowly, he reached into his inside pocket and pulled out a sinister-looking syringe.

    ¡°If you want toe with me, you¡¯ll need to take this injection. It will stabilize you and help you make another contribution to the grand n.¡±

    G¨¦rard cocked his head.

    ¡°I¡¯m curious, who was that guy on the airport surveince? I thought you died there.¡±

    ¡°Why do you care? I picked him up in France and made him have stic surgery to look exactly like me. If he hadn¡¯t been so clumsy, he would¡¯ve lived longer.¡±

    Seeing G¨¦rard¡¯s gaze, the man wet his lips and shook his head.

    ¡°There¡¯s not much time. Give me your arm.¡±

    In the blink of an eye, the man¡¯s expression suddenly turned cold.

    G¨¦rard hesitated for a moment, unsure if he would survive the injection.

    However, the only way to get to Garnich right now was through the shot that the bastard was offering.

    Even if G¨¦rard killed him, without Kang Chan¡¯s help, G¨¦rard wouldn¡¯t be able to leave Seoul, let alone South Korea.

    <em>¡®To avenge the captain, I have to endure this!¡¯</em>

    G¨¦rard thought back to how he had fought off his reaction to the sound of motorcycles.

    They didn¡¯t know that secret.

    Making up his mind, G¨¦rard held out his left arm.

    ¡°Good boy.¡±

    Looking satisfied, the man pointed the syringe at G¨¦rard¡¯s arm. However, before he could inject him with it, they heard numbers being entered on the padlock.

    <em>Beep. Beep, beep, beep, beep, beeeep. Click. </em>

    The door opened, and Seok Kang-Ho entered the room with a ferocious gaze and expression.

    ¡°Daye¡­?¡± G¨¦rard uttered in surprise.

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung walked in behind him.

    <em>Click. Beep. </em>

    The door mmed shut.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Seok Kang-Ho growled at G¨¦rard with more hostility than the man sitting across from him.

    Although he was speaking Korean, G¨¦rard could now understand that much thanks to the lessons that Michelle had given him.

    The man who was sitting across from G¨¦rard looked at Seok Kang-Ho as he tried to understand what was going on.

    ¡°You! Do you know how to speak Korean?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. When the man nodded, he pushed his face closer to him. ¡°Then tell that son of a bitch that the captain is looking for him.¡±

    The man looked at Seok Kang-Ho with dumbfounded eyes.

    ¡°Kang Chan¡¯s alive?¡±

    ¡°Fucking bitch! How dare you say his name!¡±

    <em>Shing!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho pulled out a bay from his right leg and mmed the de against the man¡¯s throat.

    ¡°Just hurry up and tell him, you dumbfuck! I¡¯ll be damned if I have to stop myself from chopping your head off longer than I have to!¡±

    <em>Gulp. </em>

    Feeling the bay pressing against his throat, the man swallowed and frowned.

    ¡°God fucking damn it!¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay! I¡¯ll tell him!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho gritted his teeth, seemingly holding back the urge to slit the man¡¯s throat. He then moved the bay away.

    ¡°Gabriel! He¡¯s saying I should tell you that the captain is looking for you!¡±

    G¨¦rard looked at Seok Kang-Ho in surprise.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Seok Kang-Homanded, which G¨¦rard easily understood.

    ¡°The captain is alive?¡± G¨¦rard asked in French.

    Unexpectedly, as if Seok Kang-Ho understood, he replied, ¡°What made you think your useless aim and weakass shooting skills can kill him?!¡±

    G¨¦rard found it funny. With the help of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s expression and tone, he managed to understand him.

    Kang Chan was alive!

    ***

    The funeral would be five days long.

    The za in front of the Seoul City Hall and a couple of areas in every neighborhood were set up with incense-burning stations, making the Bangji Hospital rtively quieter.

    Nevertheless, the NIS counter-terrorism closely guarded the area. After all, it was where Kang Chan¡¯s body was being kept.

    Choi Jong-Il returned to the hospital. Only four hours had passed since he left.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°This is Choi Jong-Il.¡±

    Upon hearing the radio transmission, the armed agent guarding the hospital entrance approached the SUV. Using his radio, he then confirmed with Lee Doo-Hee if the vehicle should be let through.

    ¡°Manager Kim has moved to the mausoleum in front of the city hall. Mr. Seok, if you see anything unusual, report it immediately,¡± the armed agent said afterward.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Once the armed agent had stepped back, the SUV went straight through the parking lot and around the back of the building.

    <em>Creak. </em>

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung were the first to get out. They checked the stairs leading down to the basement from the back door.

    Seok Kang-Ho got out next, then a tall, ck-haired man dressed in baggy, hippie clothes.

    Finally, a Frenchman in a neat suit hopped off and looked around.

    Lee Doo-Hee fell in behind him, pushing his back.

    The stairs led down to the basement and into the room where Kang Chan was.

    ¡°Captain¡­¡±

    Kang Chan, who was lying on the bed, looked at G¨¦rard. He thenughed like he couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing.

    ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡±

    G¨¦rard took off his floppy wig and extra clothes and approached Kang Chan¡¯s bed.

    ¡°That damn re of yours is gone, huh?¡±

    ¡°It is?¡± G¨¦rard confirmed.

    Kang Chan then turned to the man who came with them.

    <em>¡®How is Kang Chan still alive? He¡¯s been dered dead!¡¯ </em>the man thought.

    G¨¦rard quickly told Kang Chan what happened in his hideout. He also revealed that his name had been changed and that was almost injected with a syringe.

    Meanwhile, Gabriel could only stare at Kang Chan nkly.

    ¡°The hypnosis you put on him has already been broken,¡± Kang Chan told him in French. ¡°I don¡¯t care what any of you say. This man is G¨¦rard, so cut the bullshit.¡±

    Gabriel gulped.

    ¡°This is the only question I¡¯ll ask you. If you try to lie to me, I¡¯ll twist your neck in a heartbeat.¡±

    Gabriel couldn¡¯t defy Kang Chan¡¯s re, which was only natural. After all, even Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t handle it. Shocked, he focused on what Kang Chan was sayingpletely.

    ¡°Why should I keep you alive?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Kang Chan frowned.

    ¡°Sorry, I couldn¡¯t understand your question,¡± Gabriel immediately added.

    G¨¦rard understood French. From the conversation, he could tell that the Star of David members had a primal fear of Kang Chan.

    He had thought as much, though. After all, most of them likely imagined Kang Chan as a serial killer with a bad temper and two pointy horns on his head¡ªkind of like a cow.

    ¡°Tell me why I should keep you alive even though you¡¯ve targeted G¨¦rard!¡± the scowling serial killer reiterated. He now looked like he was holding back his annoyance.

    ¡°I can be useful to you during your negotiations with Xairo,¡± Gabriel replied, desperation now evident on his face. ¡°You also need me to go to Garnich.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard, you know how to go to Garnich, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan shifted his gaze back to Gabriel.

    ¡°Xairo is waiting for me. If I don¡¯t go, Xairo won¡¯t stay still.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the injection for?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s brows furrowed.

    ¡°It¡¯s a drug that enhances the hypnosis you used on Gabriel.¡±

    Upon hearing his reply, Kang Chan looked away. He had learned everything he needed to learn.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    ¡°Take care of him.¡±

    ¡°Without me, you¡¯ll never get into Garnich.¡± Gabriel, who understood Korean, quickly interjected.

    As Seok Kang-Ho walked over to him, Gabriel took a step back. He then raised his voice and pleaded to Kang Chan for mercy.

    ¡°Geez, you son of a bitch! You¡¯re too fucking noisy!¡± Seok Kang-Ho growled.

    Gabriel fell to the ground, his neck twisted in a gruesome fashion.

 Chapter 392: You Found Out Too Late (1)

    Ten days had passed since Kang Chan woke up.

    During that time, a grand funeral was held, and the cremated remains wereid to rest at the Daejeon National Cemetery.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Yoo Hun-Woo Walked into a hospital room with an IV drip and five syringes. As soon as he entered, he looked at Kang Chan in disbelief.

    Kang Chan had taken three bullets near his heart just a week ago, yet now, he was eating a sandwich with Seok Kang-Ho.

    After Seok Kang-Ho twisted his neck, Gabriel was cremated in a coffin, had his bones finely ground, and wasid to rest at the Daejeon National Cemetery.

    ¡°Let¡¯s clean your wounds first.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo removed the bandages on Kang Chan¡¯s chest. The sight made him shake his head in shock.

    New flesh had formed, filling the holes left by the bullets. After disinfecting and bandaging it, Yoo Hun-Woo exchanged the IV drip and stuck the syringe of drugs into it.

    ¡°What about the blood pack?¡±

    ¡°We have to inject the drugs first and wait two hours.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s Mother?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest. She¡¯s on the brink of death. To make matters worse, she doesn¡¯t have the will to live.¡±

    Kang Chan wiped his mouth with a napkin.

    ¡°Please keep transfusing her my blood. All of this will be over in two weeks at most.¡±

    ¡°As you wish,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo replied with a look of frustration. Standing up from the chair, he added, ¡°Dear Lord. I¡¯m a doctor, yet I agreed to switch out a dead body! If this is discovered, I¡¯m going to be a corpse dumper, aren¡¯t I? I¡¯ll also be the front man for public fraud of the South Korean citizens.¡±

    As the one who treated Kang Chan and thest person to see him alive, Yoo Hun-Woo was inundated with interview requests from news channels, newspapers, and magazines. He was even asked by the government to give an interview to inspire patriotism.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I saw what you did in Afghanistan and the International Building on TV. While I was treating you, I found myself moved by your sense of duty. That¡¯s why I joined this crazy project. To be honest, I still don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re doing this or why you¡¯re willing to get shot for it,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo said with an uncharacteristically serious and heavy expression.

    ¡°Even so, leaving your mother like that is dangerous. I know you¡¯re trying to protect Korea, and I know you¡¯re worried about your mother more than anyone else, and the fact that you¡¯re doing this must mean you¡¯re dealing with something I can never imagine.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho quietly slipped away to get some coffee, likely because he found the atmosphere overwhelming.

    ¡°I hope you go see her before it¡¯s toote. I think your father has reached his limit too.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo told him he¡¯d be back in two hours and left.

    They decided to transfuse Kang Chan¡¯s blood with Yoo Hye-Sook, who was bleeding uncontrobly, so the n was to draw some of his blood today.

    How could he ask if the sandwich was good? Seok Kang-Ho wanted to rip his mouth apart.

    With how much Kang Chan cared about Yoo Hye-Sook, the sandwich was probably thest thing on his mind.

    Seok Kang-Ho felt like he was going mad.

    Kang Chan was in the basement, so he was only an elevator ride away from Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook. Seok Kang-Ho couldn¡¯t even imagine how Kang Chan felt while listening to how his parents were doing from a ce so close to them.

    However, if Kang Chan stepped in front of Yoo Hye-Sook and something went wrong, everything would be ruined.

    They could kiss a powerful South Korea and the n to crush the Star of David goodbye, and they would go down in history as psychopaths who scammed the entire country.

    For Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook too, wouldn¡¯t a dead son be better than the main culprit behind a national scam? The current government and the NIS would have to bear that burden too.

    Kang Chan ate voraciously. He would get up as quickly as he could and twist his enemies¡¯ necks while their guards were down.

    ¡°Have some of this.¡± Seok Kang-Ho handed him a mug full of herbal medicine.

    Kang Chan gulped it down without question, then handed the empty cup to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think these assholes are too quiet?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re probably nervous since they¡¯ve lost contact with that Gabriel guy. Where¡¯s the chip?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho turned around and picked up a palm-sized pad from the table.

    ¡°Ha! Those punks!¡±

    They got it from Gabriel¡¯s body. Initially, they thought it was a device to locate Gabriel, but after checking it a few times, they realized that it was tracking G¨¦rard¡¯s movements.¡±

    <em>Those creepy bastards!</em>

    They did all sorts of nasty things to G¨¦rard.

    An x-ray revealed a razor-thin chip at the junction of G¨¦rard¡¯s back and neck, which was immediately removed.

    The pad was as amazing as the chip. Not only could they resize the map with one¡¯s thumb and forefinger, but it was also so advanced that it showed everything¡ªcountries, regions, and even which building G¨¦rard was in.

    ¡°This is¡­¡± Seok Kang-Ho adjusted the pad¡¯s screen with his thick fingers. ¡°Clermont Ferrand, France¡­ Those motherfuckers are going to be he confused.¡±

    He broke intoughter.

    ¡°This will go to Germany, Spain, then Indonesia. <em>Haha</em>! The people who have to go through the airport CCTV footage are gonna have such sore eyes.¡±

    <em>I hope those motherfuckers¡¯ eyes hurt!</em>

    ¡°What about the preparations?¡±

    Wiping the smile off his face, Seok Kang-Ho replied, ¡°It¡¯ll all be done before dinner. We¡¯ll get the passport I asked Manager Kim in the evening. He¡¯s been trying so hard to convince me not to go. Why don¡¯t we at least let him know that you¡¯re alive, Cap?¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head.

    ¡°We have to endure for now. I¡¯m going to leave through the evening flightter anyway, so I just need to be careful today.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded heavily.

    ¡°What about Jibril or whatever his name is?¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard says he picked the perfect location. I¡¯ve checked his itinerary for Dubai.¡±

    ¡°Take one more look just to be safe. Tell him to keep an eye on the National Cemetery too.¡±

    ¡°The Jeungpyeong special forces team are all over that ce. Apparently, Dong-Gyun called General Park Chul-Su and told him he got a tip that the enemy is going to vandalize the cemetery. I didn¡¯t know he could use his brains.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned.

    If Yoon Sang-Ki and the rest of the Jeungpyeong special forces team were in the area, then he had nothing to worry about. No matter what special forces team came, those men would reign over them, especially on home ground.

    ¡°What time is it?¡±

    ¡°Five minutes before two.¡±

    They had two hours left to draw blood from Kang Chan, and five hours until his departure.

    ***

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s face was half of what it used to be.

    ¡°How are the preparations going?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re done checking in with the local agents. We¡¯ll do a final check in about an hour.¡¯

    In the Samseong-Dong office, Go Gun-Woo checked the passports, which were stamped with Arab photos. He was still not convinced.

    Setting the passports to one side of the table, Go Gun-Woo looked at Kim Hyung-Jung with a weary expression.

    ¡°Do you think we can do this without the assistant director?¡±

    ¡°Even if we fail, it¡¯ll end with the UIS infighting. They canin all they want about the Korean agents in disguise, but they won¡¯t be able to dispute it if we im they¡¯re wrongfully framing us.¡±

    Worry was evident on Go Gun-Woo¡¯s face.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t this concerned when the assistant director insisted we retaliate against our enemies, but for some reason, I feel worried now¡­ Getting rid of Jibril is something the assistant director wanted, and it¡¯s necessary for us too. However, the operation doesn¡¯t have a high chance of sess. And regardless of whether it seeds or not, I still can¡¯t help but think about the aftermath.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve beenmunicating with the Russian and Chinese intelligence bureaus, most notably Vasili, who even called me personally to make sure I have what I need.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo nodded.

    Vasili¡¯s active support was a big reason he approved the operation.

    Russian President Alexei had died of a sudden heart attack. Hence, it was no exaggeration to say that Russia was now under Vasili¡¯s thumb even though he was still at the South Korean base in Mongolia.

    It was hard not to wonder if Russia was trying to take advantage of South Korea. However, it was impossible to back out now. If they hesitated, they could lose all of Kang Chan¡¯s hard-won vested interests to the Russians.

    ¡°Every time the phone rings, I see the president, and I remember that I am now the head of the NIS, I am reminded of how reliable the assistant director was.¡± Go Gun-Woo smiled painfully and stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s take the fight to them. We¡¯ll protect what he left behind and finish what he started.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo patted Kim Hyung-Jung on the shoulder and left the room.

    ***

    ¡°This is how you stick it on.¡± Michelle ced the mask on the face of a special makeup team member. ¡°When you apply the glue, you just have to make sure it doesn¡¯t stick out. Even if someone pulls on it, it won¡¯t fall off unless your skin is also ripped off.¡±

    Michelle pulled on the employee¡¯s cheek after sticking the mask on.

    ¡°Ow!¡±

    Michelle quickly let go and apologized.

    ¡°It¡¯s a synthetic skin that¡¯s used to treat burns, so it wicks away sweat, and with a little BB cream for makeup, you can¡¯t tell the difference by sight or feel.¡±

    G¨¦rard gingerly touched the cheeks and chin of the other mask that Michelle handed him.

    ¡°The issue is making the gluest. Hot water and water vapor weaken its hold, so you don¡¯t want to be in hot and humid areas.¡±

    ¡°What about ces without water vapor?¡± G¨¦rard asked. Michelle then interpreted it for the special effects team leader.

    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous to have your face heat up. If you ever sweat profusely, like after an extreme workout, the glue will only hold for another ten to fifteen minutes,¡± Michelle said, rying the special effects team leader¡¯s response. ¡°If you can¡¯t avoid situations like that, then the best thing you can do is cool your face with ice. If you don¡¯t have any, you¡¯ll have to make do with cold water.¡±

    With her exnation over, all preparations were now done.

    G¨¦rard stuffed several masks, glue, faux leather for hands, and makeup into his bag.

    ¡°How much longer do we have to stay here?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. All this should be over in a couple of weeks.¡±

    Even a fool could have guessed what wasing based on the rifles that Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho were holding and G¨¦rard¡¯s murderous eyes and expression.

    The fact that G¨¦rard was carrying the skins of a Frenchman and an Arab made the mood even more sinister and predictable.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± Michelle worriedly said.

    G¨¦rard smiled at her, crinkling the scar on his cheek.

    That was the first time he had smiled so genuinely.

    Just as G¨¦rard was about to walk away, Michelle called out to him.

    ¡°Gerry.¡±

    G¨¦rard turned around, and Michelle threw her arms around his neck.

    ¡°Come back safely.¡±

    G¨¦rard stood still awkwardly, the bag of masks in his hand.

    ¡°Michelle.¡±

    Michelle let go of him and looked G¨¦rard in the eye.

    ¡°When youe back, let¡¯s go for a scooter ride and have a nice dinner,¡± he said.

    Michelle looked at him curiously, as if asking what he meant. She then gave him a pleased look, realizing that his hypnosis had likely been broken.

    G¨¦rard turned around and stood before Cha Dong-Gyun. Their eyes met.

    Cha Dong-Gyun grinned and raised his right hand in front of him like an arm wrestler. In response, G¨¦rard dapped him up and bumped chests with him.

    They wererades who had fought together in France, Afghanistan, and Africa.

    There had been moments when Cha Dong-Gyun resented G¨¦rard for what he had done to Kang Chan, but once he realized his true intentions, all those negative emotions vanished.

    ¡°Krak!¡±

    G¨¦rard sped hands and bumped chests with Kwak Cheol-Ho the same way.

    After a final farewell, G¨¦rard walked toward the office door. Woo Hee-Seung, who had been waiting for them, emotionally watched Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho leave before walking out the door with them.

    ***

    Yoo Hun-Woo continued to scold Kang Chan as he drew his blood.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan! Take a close look. It¡¯s this medicine. You must apply this at least once a day, but if you have time, apply it more often. For the time being, keep your wounds bandaged as well. I prepared a generous batch for you here, so¡ª¡±

    ¡°Got it, sir.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t skip your medication, and no coffee for a while.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo then gave Seok Kang-Ho a firm look.

    ¡°Alright, alright! He¡¯s not a kid. No coffee! There!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you, Mr. Seok.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo pulled the needle out of Kang Chan¡¯s arms and then stuck a thumb-sized bandage over the needle, finishing all preparations. However, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to leave the hospital room.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Strangely, I feel uneasy. Should I follow you?¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho chuckled. Embarrassed, Yoo Hun-Wooughed with them.

    ¡°Be careful, please.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    ¡°Come to the hospital as soon as you get back.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo didn¡¯t know where they were going or what they were going to do. However, he could feel that Kang Chan was about to do something difficult.

    ¡°We really have to get going.¡±

    ¡°Please take care of my mother.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. Don¡¯t take too long.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo left the hospital room with a wistful look on his face.

    ¡°He¡¯s more affectionate than he looks,¡± Seok Kang-Ho mumbled. He then brought over a mug filled with herbal medicine.

    ¡°Hurry and drink it.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯d you get this?¡±

    ¡°Why do you care?¡±

    <em>Why¡¯s he avoiding the question?</em>

    Kang Chan red at Seok Kang-Ho with his mouth on the mug.

    ¡°It¡¯s said to be the best medicine for women to replenish their blood after giving birth. Choi Jong-Il rush-ordered it, so have as much as you can.¡±

    <em>Damn it! I¡¯ll produce more blood even without it!</em>

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan still finished the medicine.

    ¡°They say it¡¯s also good for the uterus, but I think we don¡¯t have that, so it doesn¡¯t really matter¡­ does it?¡± Seok Kang-Ho quietly muttered under his breath.

    <em>Fucking bastard! You could have just kept that to yourself!</em>

    Kang Chan, who was still lying on the bed, red at Seok Kang-Ho. Soon, the door opened, and G¨¦rard and Woo Hee-Seung walked in.

    G¨¦rard pulled out a bunch of masks and lined them up. They were all different sizes, but Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mask was instantly recognizable.

    Once Choi Jong-Il had also entered the room, they wore their respective masks and listened to the instructions.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got your passports. We¡¯ll be picking up the weapons from our agents in Dubai.¡±

    Now, only that final step stood between them and the operation.

    G¨¦rard put a thickyer of glue on the mask that copied Gabriel¡¯s facial features. He then wiped Kang Chan¡¯s face with a damp, warm towel, then dried it with another towel.

    Afterward, he put the mask on Kang Chan starting from his nose. He pushed out the air bubbles, securing the mask to his face. Strangely enough, it didn¡¯t have the thickness or feel of a mask.

    ¡°Huh!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed, seeing Kang Chan blink.

    ¡°You just need to wear the lenses to finish the look.¡±

    ¡°Hand them over.¡±

    Kang Chan took the lenses from G¨¦rard and put them on.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed again.

    G¨¦rard held a mirror in front of Kang Chan, whoughed at the absurdity of it all.

    ¡°Let¡¯s practiceughing first. You look weirdughing like that with a French face.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    While Kang Chan touched his cheeks, Choi Jong-Il put on the mask of an Arab man.

    Watching the process felt different, but Kang Chan stillughed in disbelief and admiration afterward.

    Seok Kang-Ho, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee disguised themselves as Arab men as well,pleting their disguise.

    Kang Chan thought it would be easy, but it took longer than he thought.

    ¡°Here¡¯s your passport.¡±

    How could they make the flesh on the hands seem so real too?

    An Arab spoke Korean fluently and handed out the passports.

    Everything was finally ready.

    While Kang Chan got out of bed and changed, Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee put on clothes that Arab people generally wore.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    They had to do all kinds of things just because of those motherfuckers.

    Kang Chan slowly looked around the room and took a deep breath.

    Their final battle was about to begin.

    Having put up with so much shit already, Kang Chan was determined to end this once and for all. He would make sure no one would evere at him again.

    Jibril, the yellow-eyed bastard, and the Star of David¡ªwhy couldn¡¯t they just quietly live their own lives? Why did they have to mess with South Korea and its people?

    <em>I guess you didn¡¯t know any better, but it¡¯s toote now.</em>

    South Korea had the God of ckfield now!

 Chapter 393: You Found Out Too Late (2)

    The building had eye-catching golden columns of varying sizes seemingly supporting it. It also had esctors expertly concealed behind ck marble sculptures with gushing water.

    The yellow floor; the lobby with its colorful, glowing patterns; and the luxurious sofas next to the walls¡ªeverything vied for the attention of those who entered.

    Nevertheless, seemingly disinterested in all of it, four men in white suits walked straight up to the desk like wolves amid a cornfield.

    ¡°Wee.¡±

    Despite the manager¡¯s greeting, Choi Jong-Il just stared at him arrogantly.

    Seok Kang-Ho quickly stepped forward.

    ¡°This is Mr. Mohammed bin Wd.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for you. I thank the Lord for blessing me with the honor of meeting such a precious guest.¡±

    The manager of the Burj Al Arab Hotel sped his hands together and greeted the group politely.¡°I assume the room is ready?¡±

    ¡°Of course, sir.¡± The manager shed a toothy grin. ¡°How would you like to make the deposit?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded at Woo Hee-Seung, and Woo Hee-Seung ced a square Chanel bag on the information desk.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    The bag was filled with 100-dor bills.

    ¡°Thank you for preparing this! No deposit is required.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho carefully whispered something in Choi Jong-Il¡¯s ear.

    Choi Jong-Il nodded and looked at the manager.

    ¡°Mr. Mohammed bin Wd would also like to extend to you and your employees a blessing from the Lord,¡± Seok Kang-Ho stated quietly as he pulled out three 100-dor bundles and handed them to the manager.

    ¡°May God bless you, Mr. Wd,¡± the manager replied with a moved expression. He epted the money, then practically flew around the desk.

    Woo Hee-Seung took the bag, and Lee Doo-Hee¡ªalso holding a bag¡ªstood beside Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°I will escort you personally. The Burj Al Arab takes pride in the room we¡¯ve prepared for you. This way, please.¡±

    The hotel¡¯s exclusive room, which Seok Kang-Ho had booked, cost about $30,000 a night.

    Riding up the elevator with a view of the ocean, the manager opened the room on the right side of the hallway.

    It had golden columns and red carpeting, a bed so big that four people could lie on it and not ovep, a sofa that looked like it could suck somebody in, and three other rooms.

    What was the purpose of the big bed in the living room? Was it for people who¡¯d be using the room alone?

    ¡°There¡¯s an iPad on the table to help you with your room. If you need anything, please let me know.¡±

    The manager politely walked away. Lee Doo-Hee then pulled out a phone from his breast pocket and pressed a button.

    The sound of four Arabs chatting animatedly came over the speaker.

    Lee Doo-Hee put the bag he had been carrying on the table and opened the lock. Afterward, he pulled out three palm-sized anti-bugging devices and handed them to Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung. After a quick look around the room, the two ced and installed the devices in the most efficient ces. They then regrouped.

    Choi Jong-Il nodded, and Woo Hee-Seung nodded back.

    They still couldn¡¯t let their guard down, however.

    Lee Doo-Hee flipped the switch on the main device on the table.

    <em>Blink, blink, blink. </em>

    The red light shed three times. Finally, the anti-eavesdropping device gave a steady blue signal.

    ¡°No bugs, sir.¡±

    Lee Doo-Hee picked up the phone and cut off the men¡¯s conversation. He then removed the lining of the bag, revealing a pistol, silencer, bay, and magazines.

    ¡°Time check,¡± Seok Kang-Ho ordered.

    ¡°We have three hours,¡± Choi Jong-Il replied.

    ¡°Why is it so damn hot in this expensive fucking room?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho grabbed a white towel from a basket and wiped the sweat off his face.

    Much like the room they were in, the ocean, anchored yachts, and buildings that looked like slices of watermelon created a view that reminded them that they were in an entirely different world.

    Woo Hee-Seung pulled a map out of his bag and spread it out on the table.

    ¡°I saw a staff earlier stationed in front of the elevator connecting to the fifth floor.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in response.

    This was something they were going to do anyway. One more staff member didn¡¯t matter.

    ¡°Check our weapons. Just to be safe, keep an eye on the entrance as well.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee moved to the window of the first room inside, where they could see the entrance to the hotel. They¡¯d be able to see Jibril entering easily.

    <em>Click</em>.

    Seok Kang-Ho chambered a round in his pistol and closed the chamber.

    After dinner, Jibril had appointments to meet with three people in a row.

    That was their opportunity.

    The only way to get up to the special room was the private elevator, so they reserved a room that was worth tens of millions of won a night.

    Seok Kang-Ho viciously red at the door to the hallway.

    ***

    Alman bin Jibril looked down from the 139th-floor reception room of the Burj Khalifa.

    The Burj Khalifa was named after Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose name meant flower. It was also the person that Jibril had met an hour earlier.

    Jibril breathed out to stifle theughter that kepting. This must be how it felt to pour iced tea down a throat that had just swallowed ten dates at once.

    He remembered the scene that he had seen on TV. Koreans weeping, holding white chrysanthemums and candles.

    The Arab warriors in the heavens had to have clung to God. In response, for Jibril¡¯s sake, the great God threw the disgusting murderer into hell!

    Jibril wondered if there had ever been a more exhrating moment in his life. All that remained now was to hurry up andplete the next generation of energy facilities, join hands with the Star of David, and crush Russia¡¯s economy.

    An infinite supply of oil would halve Russia¡¯s economy. Once it had, they¡¯dunch arge, powerful attack on the ruble.

    ¡°<em>Hahaha</em>.¡±

    Although there were still many things to do, Jibril couldn¡¯t help but burst outughing. After a moment, heposed himself and turned around. An attendant in a white dress quickly approached and leaned over.

    ¡°Cancel everything after dinner.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the attendant answered, then stepped aside.

    It was time to show his power. He needed to show people that he wasn¡¯t like Abibu, who died in Korea like a fool.

    Some people could think that he was already satisfied with everything he had. He had enough money tost a lifetime, so why hadn¡¯t he given some of it away?

    People who were never wealthy always spat out words that showed how lowly they were.

    For Jibril, wealth was a measure of ability.

    How could insects who lived from paycheck to paycheck imagine the pleasure of umting wealth? He couldn¡¯t believe those things leisurely shopped and visited foreign countries when they were beneath him.

    They thought they were equal to Jibril, to whom God had given a mission.

    This world was doomed.

    How could those insects, whom he could easily step on and force to tremble with his gaze, think they were his equals?

    That was why Jibril hated people like Kang Chan¡ªmen who rebelled against money, power, and God-given authority.

    The pathetic bastard could have enjoyed wealth and power for the rest of his life if he only bowed his head. Instead, he stood up for his country, people, andrades.

    In the end, someone he cherished sent a bullet through his heart.

    Jibril let out a sigh as he felt exhrating chills run through his body.

    After dinner, he would cancel his schedule and get some rest. That way, he could disy some more of his authority to the idiots who had been waiting days to see him.

    ¡°Moon Jae-Hyun?¡±

    Jibrilughed like he was sobbing.

    He pictured the South Korean president, who would probably stick his neck out to meet him just like the idiots staying downstairs.

    Jibril would do whatever it took to make that happen. Now that Kang Chan had gone to hell, it would be easy to organize such an event.

    ***

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard sat in a small cafe in front of the old European architecture of Garnich. With a face filled with mixed emotions, G¨¦rard then looked at the four-story building to their left.

    ¡°Calm down,¡± Kang Chan said under the Gabriel mask he wore. ¡°They¡¯ve probably checked the chip in your body now. Once Jibril is out of the way, they¡¯re bound to move in some form or another. Maybe they¡¯re already tracking our movements.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan lifted his cup and sipped the strong coffee.

    Yoo Hun-Woo¡¯s warnings about drinking coffee were still fresh in his mind. Unfortunately, due to their long flight, his body kept demanding strong coffee.

    <em>Click. </em>

    As Kang Chan put down his cup, a polite-looking middle-aged white man sat down at the next table.

    The man opened a newspaper. Soon, an employee approached.

    ¡°Coffee.¡±

    The employee took his order and moved to the cash register.

    ¡°The building you mentioned is owned by the PEP Investment Bank,¡± the man said quietly in French.

    German and French weremon here.

    ¡°Investment counseling is currently taking ce in the building, but the public is only allowed up to the second floor.¡±

    The man buried his head in the newspaper, and G¨¦rard scanned their surroundings while sipping his coffee.

    ¡°I¡¯ve left the weapons in a gray van across the street.¡±

    Kang Chan lifted his coffee cup as he looked diagonally across the street, finding the van that the man had mentioned.

    ¡°The agents in Dubai are waiting in a special room at the Burj Al Arab.¡±

    The cafe employee served the middle-aged man his coffee.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    He leisurely took the coffee up and raised it to his mouth.

    When the employee left, Kang Chan began to speak without turning around.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to the van.¡±

    G¨¦rard followed Kang Chan up.

    ***

    Ziegfeld red out at the sea.

    ¡°You must be mad to call that a report!¡± he shouted into the phone, his voice unusually high and shrill. ¡°Gabriel is roaming around a foreign country unattended? That would mean he has uncovered the secret, but how? He¡¯d die if he ever refused to follow our orders! What about G¨¦rard?¡±

    After listening to the caller¡¯s reply, heughed in disbelief. However, he quickly regained hisposure.

    ¡°Check Kang Chan¡¯s grave! Cut off all contact with the outside world for the time being, and close the Garnich base until we get concrete results,¡± he ordered. ¡°I¡¯m moving to Hawk Bay. Make sure you inform Parthal.¡±

    Ziegfeld mmed the phone down on the table.

    ¡°Has the South Korean National Intelligence Service always been like this?¡±

    Heughed hollowly, like a man who¡¯d been ambushed.

    ¡°So Scorpion was correct? Or is someone toying with us from the South Koreans¡¯ shadows?¡±

    Even now, he still refused to believe in the South Koreans¡¯ capabilities.

    ¡°Vasili¡­?¡±

    Ziegfeld tilted his head and pushed himself up from the table.

    ***

    The container that Vasili was using had a wall that could be raised all the way, revealing the barren Mongolianndscape. It stretched out in front of him like an IMAX movie.

    Vasili was sitting with the head of his bed propped up. Beside him was a table and Yang Bum sitting next to him.

    Yang Bum lit his cigarette and blew out a puff of smoke. He then turned to Vasili. ¡°How long will you be staying here?¡±

    ¡°Until the French snake contacts me,¡± Vasili replied firmly.

    ¡°So you think Mr. Kang Chan is alive after all.¡±

    Vasili tilted his head with an unreadable expression.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think the French DGSE has been acting weird? Romain has been awfully quiet. Knowing him, he should be causing a scene right now.¡±

    Yang Bum looked as if he agreed, but he simply stared off into the distance.

    ¡°We already know what the NIS is capable of. However, that doesn¡¯t exin why they would be set on assassinating Jibril. What¡¯s even more ridiculous is that the reports of the men we dispatched to Monsieur Kang¡¯s office are too ordinary.¡±

    Vasili¡¯s lips curved into a mysterious smile.

    ¡°You¡¯d do better to learn from Lanok than from me if you want to lead an intelligence bureau. That snake is always doing things that are hard to predict like him not contacting me yet. He¡¯s more brutal than I am in that sense.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t brutality inevitable in the world of intelligence?¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmph</em>! He¡¯s ordered the death of a whole French gang before and even killed the vice boss of the organization inside the embassy.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not too¡­¡±

    Vasili nced at Yang Bum and shook his head.

    ¡°The order was given on the assumption that they were involved with the Star of David, but Lanok had apletely different reason behind their deaths. Even the Star of David failed to realize that Lanok had done it to keep them in check.¡±

    Was that such a big deal?

    Yang Bum stubbed out his half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray. Since he had taken charge of China¡¯s intelligence bureau, he had been hoping to learn from Lanok and Vasili. Unfortunately, though, he couldn¡¯t see the importance behind Vasili¡¯s story.

    ¡°Iran.¡±

    What was Vasili talking about now?

    Yang Bum looked at him curiously.

    ¡°Why the Quds rushed in during the UN mission, why Abibu and Jibril had control of the Quds, and why Iranian fighter jets came out when Monsieur Kang headed to Afghanistan.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°The next-gen energy facility they¡¯re building in Saudi Arabia is a decoy. The real one is being built in Iran, and Jibril is using it to normalize rtions between Shiite Iran and the United States.¡±

    ¡°What does the US get out of that?¡±

    ¡°If Jibril offers Iran a share of the next-gen energy facility in exchange for its nuclear weapons, wouldn¡¯t the US be tempted?¡±

    Yang Bumughed in disbelief. Truly, there were no eternal enemies or eternal allies in this business.

    ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see a man like Monsieur Kang in the intelligence world. He¡¯s the kind of person I¡¯ve dreamed of since my days in the Spetsnaz and the KGB¡­¡±

    Vasili sighed.

    ¡°A man with clear enemies and allies, someone who sticks by me through thick and thin, even when the odds are against me. That¡¯s the kind of man I wanted to be in the intelligence world.¡±

    Vasili¡¯s eyes seemed to search for something in the distance. However, in the blink of an eye, he regained his stoic expression.

    ¡°That¡¯s it. If Monsieur Kang is alive, then my actions right now will surely help him. If he truly has been killed, then this will be my final sign of respect for how he lived.¡±

    Vasili shot a sharp nce at Yang Bum. Yang Bum held his gaze.

    ¡°If I return to Russia now, Russia and France will be fighting a bitter fight against the United States, Britain, Germany, and China over the development of the next-gen energy facilities¡­¡±

    Vasili smiled coldly.

    ¡°... until a new power emerges to re-establish the bnce that Monsieur Kang once maintained. Either way, the eventual winner will be the Star of David.¡±

    With a weary expression, Vasili turned his gaze to the open ins.

    ***

    <em>Creak</em>.

    G¨¦rard and Kang Chan opened the doors of the van, finding it empty.

    G¨¦rard sat down in the second row, closed the doors of the van, and jumped over to the third row.

    ¡°Here they are.¡±

    He carried arge sack forward. Pistols, MP5SD, rifles, magazines, bays, and grenades were inside.

    Kang Chan attached a pistol to his waist and left ankle, and a bay to his right leg. He then strapped a leather belt with seven pistol magazines to the back of his waistband for extra ammo.

    He loaded his rifle with a magazine and pulled the breechblock. Bringing a rifle into an investment bank that the public frequented would make him look like a bank robber, but he had no other choice.

    European roads were often bumpy with stones. They were made for carriages and horses, and it wasmon to keep them that way in areas that didn¡¯t have much vehicr traffic.

    The old European buildings seemed quite entric and creepy to Kang Chan.

    He felt like there would be a terrified child somewhere in the buildings or a nobleman using an innocent woman of being a witch and torturing her.

    He didn¡¯t know why he felt that way, though.

    A throbbing pain made Kang Chan move his upper body around.

    He wanted to end all of this once and for all and go back to Korea with Daye, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee.

    Kang Chan twisted his upper body to look at the cafe where he had coffee earlier.

    ¡°Captain,¡± G¨¦rard sharply called.

    Kang Chan¡¯s chest throbbed when he quickly turned back around, but he didn¡¯t pay it any mind.

    ¡°Xairo! That bastard is Xairo.¡±

    He followed G¨¦rard¡¯s gaze and saw the yellow-eyed bastard walking toward them.

 Chapter 394: Donéˆ¥æª› Touch South Korea Even in Death (1)

    Darkness swallowed up the day and swished its wicked tail.

    The Jumeirah Beach Hotel at the front and the old buildings behind it shone brightly that night. Despite the spectacr evening view from the window, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s face was full of ferocity.

    ¡°Where the hell is that bastard?¡±

    It was long past the time they expected him to arrive.

    Jibril was supposed to be staying in one of the hotel¡¯s suites for two days. He should also have at least three appointments scheduled for this evening. Unfortunately, it was already eight o¡¯clock, yet he still hadn¡¯t shown up.

    Seok Kang-Ho and his men hadn¡¯t contacted the National Intelligence Service agents since receiving weapons, equipment, and funds from them since they wanted to prevent any me from falling on South Korea in the worst-case scenario. That was also the reason they only brought the phone that the agents stationed in this country had given them.

    ¡°How long has it been?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked even though he had a rough guess.

    ¡°He¡¯s two hourste.¡±

    At the very least, to uphold his prestige and dignity, Jibril would definitely stay at this hotel. Seok Kang-Ho looked out the window, his eyes glinting. Going out there to eavesdrop and observe until they learned more about the situation had to be wiser than standing around.

    ¡°Gather ¡®round.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee approached Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Let¡¯s use dinner as an excuse. We can try to eavesdrop on others while we eat to assess the situation.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho picked up the iPad and selected a table, food, and time to eat.

    ¡°This is rice mixed with spices and topped withmb. When you eat it, you gather the rice with three fingers and push it in your mouth like this.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho zoomed in on the food and gave details about what he ordered and how to eat it.

    ¡°Establishments like this will probably offer a spoon, but I¡¯ve honestly never eaten at a ce like this before, so I¡¯m not entirely sure. Let¡¯s just adapt to the situation.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°I ordered some pitas as well. You can put some meat on them or dip them in curry or something. Also, you probably already know this, but never use your left hand to eat,¡± Seok Kang-Ho advised, then stood up.

    While he checked the pistol and bay strapped to his leg, Lee Doo-hee deposited the rest of their gear and weapons in the safe and locked it.

    ¡°If anyone tries to talk to you, look at me as arrogantly as you did earlier. I¡¯ll take care of it and whisper to let you know what¡¯s going on. You just have to act ordingly,¡± Seok Kang-Ho reminded them onest time.

    He headed out of the room first, walking into a corridor monitored with CCTVs. The three leisurely followed him to the elevator.

    There were only two rooms on this spacious floor. It seemed like they wanted to make sure the guests had both ocean and city views in whichever room they stayed in.

    Seok Kang-Ho stood in the front, followed by Choi Jong-Il. Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee brought up their rear, guarding Choi Jong-Il¡¯s back as they waited for the elevator.

    <em>Ding. </em>

    The elevator doors opened.

    Seok Kang-Ho felt his heart sink. Five sharp-eyed Arab men stepped out of the elevator.

    ¡°Min Fadrick[1].¡±

    They quickly blocked Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il, giving the person inside the elevator safe passage to the hallway.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked down to hide the mes in his eyes.

    Jibril and his attendant were walking out together from inside the elevator.

    <em>I should¡¯ve waited a bit longer! Should I take care of them now?</em>

    Jibril nced at Seok Kang-Ho and Choi Jong-Il, then looked back away.

    Unlike the other battles they had fought, Seok Kang-Ho and his men had to eliminate Jibril quietly and disappear. They couldn¡¯t start shooting and stabbing in the hallway and create an international conflict that would be difficult to resolve.

    The bastard was already here anyway. They could simply go to his roomter. For as long as they could make him open the door for whatever reason, then they¡¯d be able to put an end to all this. A few bodyguards were nothing.

    As Jibril disappeared into the hallway with his entourage, Seok Kang-Ho pressed an elevator button and waited for Choi Jong-Il. It was hard to talk since they didn¡¯t know if people were listening to them.

    Just then, Choi Jong-Il raised his hand and called Seok Kang-Ho over.

    Seok Kang-Ho politely leaned toward Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°That was Jibril. Should we still eat?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded, then silently pressed the elevator button.

    There was no knowing where that bastard was going and when.

    <em>Ding, ding, ding. </em>

    The elevator doors opened on the third floor, and the four headed to a restaurant.

    ¡°Pretend you¡¯re being capricious. I¡¯ll tell them you don¡¯t feel like eating here anymore because there are other customers and ask them to bring the food back to the room instead. Act ordingly,¡± Seok Kang-Ho whispered, then led the way into the restaurant.

    Since it was dinner time, there were quite a few customers in the restaurant.

    A staff approached them.

    Choi Jong-Il arrogantly raised his hand and called for Seok Kang-Ho. He then whispered something in his ear.

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at the scantily d white woman with a disgruntled expression. ¡°It seems Mr. Mohammed bin Wd doesn¡¯t like the atmosphere of the restaurant. Bring the food to his room.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the employee quickly responded, ending the situation.

    Choi Jong-Il turned around, and Seok Kang-Ho hastily moved in front of him.

    The four then stepped inside the elevator and pressed the button for the 59th floor. The digital numbers changed quickly. Soon, they heard a <em>ding.</em>

    The doors opened. Standing in front of the elevator were two Arabs whom Seok Kang-Ho believed were the bodyguards from earlier.

    With Seok Kang-Ho at the front, the four stepped out of the elevator.

    One of the guards approached the elevator, and Lee Doo-Hee stepped out of the way. Just then, the guard pressed the button to go up. He spoke into his radio.

    ¡°Elevator ready.¡±

    Things just kept getting out of hand.

    Although only Seok Kang-Ho understood Arabic, the three behind him understood the word ¡°elevator.¡±

    Was Jibril headed up to the 60th floor?

    Seok Kang-Ho concealed his gaze and cautiously walked toward the room.

    <em>Click</em>.

    At that moment, Jibril¡¯s door opened, and over ten Arab bodyguards stepped out into the hallway.

    Seok Kang-Ho felt like he¡¯d been pped in the back of the head.

    A helicopter!

    Based on the blueprints he¡¯d studied, this hotel definitely had enough space on the rooftop for a helicopter tond on.

    If they missed this opportunity, the bastard would fly away, and all of their efforts would be for nothing.

    ¡°Excuse me,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said in Arabic. Jibril¡¯s bodyguards rushed to block his way. ¡°My name is Dayeru, Mr. Mohammed bin Wd¡¯s attendant. Are you not Crown Prince Alman bin Jibril?¡±

    <em>Du du du du du du. </em>

    Amid the silence, they could hear the helicopter¡¯s propellersing closer.

    ¡°The crown prince has an appointment. You¡¯ll have to contact him at ater time,¡± the man at the front replied.

    At that moment, Seok Kang-Ho looked back and raised his right foot.

    <em>Shing. Spurt! Spurt! Spurt!</em>

    Instantly, lines were drawn across three of the bodyguards¡¯ necks. A gush of blood followed.

    <em>Whoosh! Whoosh!</em>

    At the same time, Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung rushed forward, pushing past the bodyguards who stood in their way.

    <em>Spurt! Spurt! Spurt! Spurt!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho slit the throats of the bodyguards around him, and Lee Doo-hee did the same to the two who had run over from the elevator.

    Screams filled the hallway as blood spurted from the men¡¯s necks.

    <em>Click. Spurt! Spurt! Spurt!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho cut open the wrist of an enemy who tried to pull out a pistol, then repeatedly slit his throat.

    <em>Whoosh! Jab! Jab!</em>

    Choi Jong-Il grabbed another by the head and stabbed him repeatedly in the neck.

    <em>Spurt! Jab! Jab! Jab!</em>

    Meanwhile, Woo Hee-Seung thrust his bay into the nape of another bodyguard three times.

    ¡°Hurry!¡±

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung rushed in, snapping Jibril¡¯s arms back and dragging him before Seok Kang-Ho.

    Jibril, his eyes wide with terror and his face pale, stared at Seok Kang-Ho as if he were a ghost.

    ¡°I have a message from Assistant Director Kang Chan,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said in swift Arabic.

    Perhaps because of Kang Chan¡¯s name being mentioned, the sight of Seok Kang-Ho holding a bloody bay, or his arms being locked back, Jibril looked like a man possessed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t touch South Korea. Not even in the afterlife.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho pulled back his bay and thrust it straight toward Jibril¡¯s heart.

    <em>Jab!</em>

    ¡°<em>Kegh</em>!¡±

    <em>Jab! Jab!</em>

    He stabbed Jibril¡¯s heart two more times, rapidly turning Jibril¡¯s white garb red and making his face twitch.

    <em>Shing!</em>

    Finally, he shed Jibril¡¯s throat so deeply that it was halfway open,pletely eliminating any chance of recovery.

    ¡°Move!¡± Seok Kang-Homanded, and Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung let go of Jibril and ran out into the hallway.

    Lee Doo-Hee was already holding onto the elevator. The four jumped in and immediately pressed the buttonbeled ¡°Lobby.¡±

    <em>Ding, ding, ding. </em>

    The doors closed and opened again because they had pressed the up button.

    The elevator took only a moment to close its doors again, yet it felt like a thousand years.

    ¡°Good job.¡±

    ¡°You too, sir.¡±

    Once the elevator doors opened again, there was no knowing who would survive.

    This wasn¡¯t their original n. Seok Kang-Ho was supposed to stop by Jibril¡¯s room and say hello. As soon as the doors opened, he would have dove in and eliminated him quietly.

    However, they had no choice but to take out Jibril in the hallway. There was a good chance that someone had seen the whole thing on the cameras. If so, it would be hard to avoid a run-in with hotel security or the Dubai Police.

    Seok Kang-Ho smirked as the digital numbers rapidly went down. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee drew their pistols.

    <em>Uuurng. </em>

    The elevator stopped in the lobby, and the doors opened with a <em>ding</em>.

    ***

    Xairo looked older than Kang Chan imagined.

    Kang Chan lowered himself from the second-row seats and inhaled sharply as Xairo walked past the passenger seat.

    He didn¡¯t expect to see an old man who reminded him so much of Kang Chul-Gyu.

    The man¡¯s gait and bodynguage alone told Kang Chan that he had mastered his special forces training to perfection, and his years of experience added to that. His broad shoulders, angr jaw, gaze that took in the slightest movement around him, and bnce that kept him ready to take on any foe at any moment all proved that he was no pushover.

    <em>¡®Damn it!¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan swallowed a curse as he felt the pain in his chest.

    The van¡¯s sliding doors took too long to open. It was plenty of time for Xairo to prepare.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t afraid of him, but it didn¡¯t seem cost-effective to fly all the way here just to start a ruckus in the streets to get him.

    He nced at G¨¦rard. Thetter looked ready to pounce, yet his eyes were wavering. It wasn¡¯t easy to ovee one¡¯s primal fear of someone who oppressed them when they were young.

    In the end, Kang Chan would have to deal with Xairo.

    The man he was looking for had finally appeared, but the odds were stacked against him. They were right in front of the enemy¡¯s stronghold, the doors would take too long to open, his wounds still hadn¡¯t healed, and G¨¦rard seemed to be losing confidence.

    Xairo nced at the van as he passed by it.

    The tint was too dark to see past it. Still, his eyes glinted as if he could see through the ss of the second and third rows.

    Seemingly disliking what he saw, he suddenly walked toward the van. Surely people could only see out from the inside, not in from the outside.

    G¨¦rard grew smaller as Xairo looked around the back and front of the van. If he moved toward the windshield, there would be no way to avoid him.

    Kang Chan cocked his head and red at him.

    Then, Xairo resumed walking, as if he¡¯d lost interest.

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze watched him walk past the van.

    It would be difficult to chase after him if he went too far away, but they would catch his attention if they opened the door now.

    ¡°He went into the cafe,¡± G¨¦rard soon said, turning his upper body from the back of the van to Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan stared at Xairo¡¯s back for a moment, gathering his thoughts.

    <em>Then how about¡­</em>

    ¡°G¨¦rard, do you have any way to remove the mask?¡±

    <em>Ah, right. We have to immerse ourselves in hot water or make our bodies heat up.</em>

    Kang Chan had a sudden thought.

    ¡°Go order about ten cups of hot coffee from the cafe where we had coffee.¡±

    ¡°Do you think that will work?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try. Hurry.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    G¨¦rard opened the door and got out.

    It was just dark enough for the ominous buildings to light up one by one.

    ***

    Xairo walked into the freshly lit cafe and ordered a simple sandwich, coffee, and fries.

    The cafe was deserted for the evening, which was unusual for Garnich.

    Xairo nced toward the entrance with a disgruntled look.

    He understood Ziegfeld¡¯s concern, but there was no need to be worried about South Korea.

    Even if Kang Chan was alive, even if Gabriel hade to his senses and run away, he was confident he could handle it.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    As arge te of sandwiches, fries, and a cup of coffee were ced on the table, a white-haired Parthal walked into the cafe.

    <em>If only it wasn¡¯t for him¡­</em>

    If it wasn¡¯t for that fool that Ziegfeld continued to shield and defend, things wouldn¡¯t have turned out the way they did.

    Why would anyone trust a genius in economics and math to manage the intelligence world?

    Receiving Xairo¡¯s gaze, Parthal walked over and sat down in front of Xairo.

    He looked like he¡¯d just returned from a round of golf.

    The orange flow of thempshade made the color of Parthal¡¯s hair look even more colorful.

    ¡°I assume you heard the order toe to Hawk Bay?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it safer to be with you? I¡¯d rather stay here and go with you than be bored on the way there.¡±

    Parthal nced at Xairo¡¯s te. He then raised two fingers to get an employee¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Scrambled eggs, toast, and hot coffee.¡±

    The owner, who had looked over, nodded and headed to the kitchen.

    ¡°C¡¯mon. Eat, Xairo.¡±

    Xairo picked up the sandwich and took a bite. ¡°I feel like these orders are a bit too much¡­¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why we need to go to Hawk Bay now that Kang Chan is dead and gone,¡± Parthal said persuasively. ¡°Why don¡¯t we take this opportunity to destroy the Korean facilities and take them out one by one like we didst time instead?¡±

    Xairo, who was listening, took arge bite of his sandwich as if he wasn¡¯t interested in what Parthal was saying.

    ¡°What do you say? I think it¡¯d be possible with your help.¡±

    Xairo set the sandwich he was eating on the te and took a sip of his coffee.

    ¡°We still haven¡¯t confirmed that Kang Chan is definitely dead.¡±

    ¡°Not you too! It¡¯s been all over TV that he is.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in why everything I¡¯ve been doing has gone so wrong. I¡¯m only interested in fulfilling Mr. Ziegfeld¡¯s orders,¡± Xairo said firmly.

    As Xairo picked up his sandwich again, Parthal''s order was served.

    Parthal picked up the pepper shaker and sprinkled it all over the eggs.

    ¡°When are you leaving?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Tonight,¡± Xairo responded.

    ¡°Have you already shut down everything here?¡±

    ¡°As Mr. Ziegfeld ordered.¡±

    Parthal shoveled the eggs into his mouth with a fork. He looked surprised by its taste.

    ¡°I heard he told you to check on Kang Chan¡¯s corpse,¡± Parthal remarked.

    ¡°We can do that when the opportunity presents itself¡ª¡± Xairo paused mid-sentence, ring at the entrance.

    <em>Huh? Why is the legendary Xairo looking so nervous?</em>

    Parthal turned to follow Xairo¡¯s gaze. An Asian man was walking straight toward them.

    Instantly, goosebumps rose on Parthal¡¯s neck and cheeks. He hadn¡¯t felt this way about anyone since the first time he¡¯did eyes on Xairo.

    How could someone have a gaze like that? Someone with eyes more intense than Xairo¡¯s existed?

    Parthal never thought it was possible.

    1. ?? ????, Excuse me ?

 Chapter 395: Donéˆ¥æª› Touch South Korea Even in Death (2)

    It would be foolish for Xairo to draw the gun at his waist right now. Sitting down with his hands on the table, he was at a hundred times the disadvantage of his opponent, who was on his feet.

    <em>¡®Kang Chan¡­!¡¯</em>

    More importantly, the maning at him was Kang Chan¡ªan Asian powerful enough to make him feel more terrified than he could ever imagine.

    <em>If only Parthal could fight!</em>

    The fool probably didn¡¯t have a single pistol with him since Xairo was with him. He was so used to having others back him up that he likely didn¡¯t even see thising.

    Xairo locked eyes with Kang Chan as thetter approached from two tables away, striding without any hesitation despite not having drawn his pistol either.

    He was slender and unusually tall for an Asian. Most terrifying of all was the way he looked at Xairo.

    Xairo saw the corners of Kang Chan¡¯s mouth curve up.

    ¡®That¡¯s it!¡¯Making up his mind, Xairo immediately threw the te with the sandwich at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan tilted his head to avoid it.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Xairo grabbed the knife next to the te and lunged forward.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    In a split second, they traded such quick blows that they weren¡¯t visible anymore. Amid the flurry of attacks, Kang Chan jabbed Xairo¡¯s raised knee with his elbow.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Afterward, he aimed for Xairo¡¯s throat with his second knuckles.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Their hands collided twice.

    <em>Pow! Pow!</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s elbow smashed into Xairo¡¯s jaw, and Xairo¡¯s fist hit Kang Chan¡¯s chest, causing blood to seep from it. Right after, Xairo jabbed Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    <em>Pow! Pow pow!</em>

    Seeing the owner of the cafe pick up the phone, Parthal shook his head at him and moved to the entrance. Seeing the blood on Kang Chan¡¯s chest and watching Xairo triumphantly stab Kang Chan in the eyes made Parthal confident.

    <em>Of course! Everyone in Garnich knows Xairo doesn¡¯t take any losses!</em>

    <em>Pow! Pow pow pow!</em>

    Within the next moment, Xairo relentlessly shed Kang Chan¡¯s left chest while also aiming for his eyes with his pointed index and middle fingers.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    Amid the ceaseless collision of fists and elbows, Kang Chan was once again punched in the chest.

    <em>Pow! Pow!</em>

    In response, he elbowed Xairo¡¯s jaw in quick session.

    <em>ng! Crash! ng!</em>

    Xairo fell back onto a table, knocking over chairs, tes, and sses across the floor.

    If it was any other man, this would¡¯ve marked the end of the fight.

    <em>If only it wasn¡¯t the pain in my chest!</em>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even get the chance to lunge forward.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Xairo threw the checkered tablecloth at Kang Chan¡¯s head, thenunched himself at him.

    <em>Crash! Bang! Bang! Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    Entangled, they knocked over two more tables before hitting the wall of the cafe.

    They barely managed to regain their footing. With Kang Chan¡¯s chest covered in blood, at first nce, it would seem that Xairo was close to winning the fight.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    However, Kang Chan kept hitting Xairo¡¯s jaw with his elbow, and Xairo kept punching Kang Chan in the chest.

    <em>Pow pow pow! Pow!</em>

    More blows were exchanged as they moved away from the wall.

    <em>Whoosh! Pow!</em>

    As Kang Chan¡¯s elbow smashed into Xairo¡¯s jaw, Xairo punched Kang Chan in the chest with eerie force.

    <em>Pow pow pow! Pow!</em>

    After another collision between fists and elbows, they again targeted each other¡¯s chin and chest.

    Their willpower and determination to take the other down brought forth this rare sight. Their opponent was too strong to emerge victorious without sacrificing something.

    Xairo was covered in blood from his nose and mouth, while Kang Chan had blood all over his chest.

    Gritting his teeth, Xairo threw another punch. At the same time, Kang Chan swung his elbow with a venomous re.

    <em>Pow! Crack!</em>

    They both got what they wanted.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow! Crack!</em>

    They traded elbows and punches again, repeating the same motion so many times that they almost looked idiotic.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t breathe because of the pain. He chewed on his cheek to steady his fading consciousness.

    Every time Xairo¡¯s fist mmed into his left chest, he felt like long needles were piercing through his veins. He had never met a special forces soldier who seemed as strong as Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <em>This must be how it feels to have that old man as an enemy. </em>

    <em>Pow! Crack!</em>

    He punched Xairo¡¯s jaw again and took another to his chest.

    He had to breathe. He needed to hear him breathing.

    At that moment, he heard Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s voice and saw him smirking.

    <em>¡®You¡¯d let that man defeat you?¡¯</em>

    <em>What the hell is that old man saying?</em>

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    Kang Chan caught a glimpse of Xairo¡¯s crushed nose and mouth. His nose had been twisted into a bloody mess. Right after, he saw Xairo throw another punch.

    <em>You son of a bitch!</em>

    <em>Thwack!</em>

    Kang Chan swatted the punch away like a fly.

    <em>You¡¯re nothingpared to that old man!</em>

    A moment of panic shed across Xairo¡¯s eyes.

    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>

    Kang Chan elbowed him repeatedly in the nose.

    <em>Crash! Crash! ng! Bang!</em>

    Xairo fell to the floor along with a couple of tables. A heavy silence then filled the restaurant.

    When Kang Chan turned to the owner of the cafe, who had picked up the phone, thetter backed away with his hands raised.

    Kang Chan then looked at Parthal, his eyes still glinting fiercely.

    <em>Flinch!</em>

    What kind of pathetic bastard was Xairo meeting?

    <em>Rustle. </em>

    Just then, Xairo stirred from among the broken crockery and overturned chairs.

    <em>¡®Huh?¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t miss the brief moment when Xairo turned toward Parthal. His eyes were filled with regret for not being able to protect Parthal.

    For now, Kang Chan had to prioritize immobilizing Xairo and getting out of the cafe.

    <em>Crack!</em>

    Kang Chan mercilessly kicked Xairo in the face.

    <em>Thud. </em>

    The bastard fell lifelessly to the floor.

    ¡°You!¡± Kang Chan growled at Parthal in French.

    Parthal, who was looking at Kang Chan, flinched.

    ¡°Pick this asshole up.¡±

    Parthal, who seemed to be in a trance, obediently approached Xairo.

    Kang Chan looked at the cafe owner as if to warn him onest time. He found it ridiculous that he had to treat a civilian this way, though.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>.¡±

    <em>Motherfucker!</em>

    The white-haired bastard was only sitting Xairo up, yet he sounded as if he was lifting the weight of the Earth.

    Xairo¡¯s face was covered in blood, making him look as if he was smeared with red paint.

    Kang Chan grabbed Xairo¡¯s left shoulder and arm, then pulled him to his feet.

    ¡®<em>Argh</em>!¡¯

    Kang Chan grimaced as a shocking pain ripped right through his chest.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    However, his expression only made Parthal stick his shoulder under Xairo¡¯s right shoulder and noisily exert even more strength.

    Kang Chan and Parthal dragged Xairo out of the cafe.

    ***

    The moment the elevator doors opened, Seok Kang-Ho blocked Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-hee with his left hand.

    How could they be so fast?

    <em>Click, click, click!</em>

    Security guards with pistols, police in ck body armor with machine guns, and uniformed cops.

    The redser crosshairs from the machine guns eerily illuminated the foreheads, necks, and hearts of the four men.

    Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung nced at Seok Kang-Ho with their pistols lowered.

    If they moved now, they¡¯d be honebed from the bullets, and it would all be over.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±

    <em>Fucking bastard! Nobody moved in the first ce!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho red at the cops in front of him with glinting eyes.

    What would Kang Chan have done if he was faced with this crisis?

    ¡°Drop your weapons!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho turned his head to Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, then Lee Doo-Hee.

    ¡°Drop your weapons!¡±

    <em>Click!</em>

    The nervous cop tightened his grip on his pistol.

    <em>What should I do? Should we go out with a bang since we¡¯ve already aplished our goal anyway?</em>

    At that moment, Seok Kang-Ho made eye contact with Choi Jong-Il. Seeing Choi Jong-Il¡¯s fearless gaze, he cursed inwardly.

    <em>¡®Son of a bitch! What am I thinking!¡¯</em>

    If Kang Chan, who had flown to Libya in an F16 for his men, were to choose what to do in this situation, would he pull the trigger and let them die? Or would he tell his subordinates to live on?

    ¡°Drop the guns,¡± Seok Kang-Ho ordered.

    Woo Hee-Seung and Lee Doo-Hee stared at Seok Kang-Ho in confusion, and Choi Jong-Il swallowed hard.

    ¡°Hurry up and drop your guns!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted.

    <em>Son of a bitch! Lower your weapons already!</em>

    ¡°If we die here, they¡¯ll know we¡¯re Korean anyway. Let¡¯s just say that the four of us are here to avenge the death of our captain rather than have our country take the fall.¡±

    The three men gritted their teeth.

    ¡°The torture will be severe, and the oue will be a public execution. We¡¯ll probably only see each other then. Don¡¯t forget. I convinced you toe on this operation to take revenge for our captain.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il shook his head briefly. It would be too much for Seok Kang-Ho to carry alone.

    ¡°You don¡¯t know Arabic, so just tell them that I prepared everything, from the weapons to the rest of it. If you give a half-assed answer, it¡¯ll be worse.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho then turned around and slowly crouched to the ground.

    <em>Click. </em>

    He then set his gun down on the floor.

    <em>Click! Click! Click! Click!</em>

    The rifles and pistols in front of them turned to Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee, seemingly hurrying them to set down their guns.

    Grimacing, the three lowered their stances and dropped their pistols to the ground.

    ¡°Push your weapons forward!¡±

    As ordered, Seok Kang-Ho pushed the pistol away with his foot. The others did as well.

    <em>Whoosh! Whoosh!</em>

    An officer wearing body armor charged forward.

    Seok Kang-Ho saw a man on the third-floor ledge across the street filming the scene on his phone.

    ¡°Ahu Akbar[1]!¡±

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    The rifle¡¯s buttstock was aimed at Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s face and chest.

    ¡°Ahu Akbar!¡±

    The three men didn¡¯t know why, but there must have been a reason Seok Kang-Ho shouted those foreign words in his final moments.

    Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee shouted words they didn¡¯t even understand as they were beaten in the face, chest, and neck.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    The horrific beating continued as their hands were tied behind their backs and their mouths were gagged.

    Afterward, the four bloodied men were dragged out of the hotel like dogs.

    ***

    Crumpling Xairo into the second-row seat of the van, Kang Chan slid Parthal in next to him and closed the door.

    <em>Vroooom!</em>

    G¨¦rard quickly jerked the van into high gear.

    It was a dark evening. The only silver lining was that the roads were not lined with CCTV cameras like in Korea.

    As they drove along the stony road, Kang Chan felt a sharp pain in his chest.

    <em>Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    G¨¦rard turned off the road and onto a quiet countryne.

    Arge tree loomed over the van like a one-armed monster amid the European grasses, its branches hanging down to stare at the van.

    Parthal flinched as Kang Chan turned his eyes away.

    ¡®Is this guy a bit dull?¡¯ Kang Chan wondered. The man¡¯s white hair and gaze didn¡¯t seem normal.

    <em>Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    The van veered off the tolerable country road and onto a path that couldn¡¯t even be called a road.

    <em>Creak. </em>

    As Kang Chan looked around, G¨¦rard got out and came back around to the back door.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look just to be safe.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. G¨¦rard then headed toward a wooden shed. It looked like an abandoned country house at first nce¡ªthe kind of ce one would store a bale of hay or tools.

    <em>Crank!</em>

    G¨¦rard opened the old door and stepped inside, then came back out.

    ¡°You can go in now.¡±

    ¡°Bring this bastard with you.¡±

    G¨¦rard grabbed Xairo¡¯s upper body from behind and pulled.

    <em>Rustle. </em>

    A hard kick to the face like earlier would put Xairo in a drunk-like stupor.

    Kang Chan watched Parthal as G¨¦rard dragged the staggering Xairo to the warehouse.

    Parthal was trying to look rxed, but he ended up looking quite pathetic instead.

    ¡°Go on in.¡±

    Parthal awkwardly entered the warehouse.

    <em>Creak. Clunk. </em>

    Kang Chan closed the door and looked around.

    It looked just like any other warehouse. It was covered in dust and had a pitchfork and hay bundled in squares. Its second floor was lined with a railing.

    <em>Riip! Rip! Rip!</em>

    G¨¦rard sat Xairo against a pole and wrapped him up with the tape he had brought.

    They hadn¡¯t told him to, but Parthal obediently stood meekly beside Xairo.

    G¨¦rard dusted off a dusty chair and brought it to Kang Chan.

    <em>¡®Argh.¡¯</em>

    As he sat down, pain shot up once more from the chest area where he¡¯d been hit earlier. He could also taste fresh blood on the inside of his cheek, which he had bitten.

    Kang Chan turned to the white-haired man.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Parthal, sir.¡±

    This is the bastard that Xairo looked at with pity earlier.

    <em>Was I tricked by him?</em>

    ¡°What was your mission?¡±

    At that moment, Xairo, finallying back to his senses, gave Parthal a pitying, frustrated nce.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell him!¡± he yelled through a mouth full of blood.

    ¡°Tape his mouth too.¡±

    G¨¦rard jumped to his feet and wrapped Xairo¡¯s mouth with tape.

    G¨¦rard and Xairo¡¯s eyes met, but G¨¦rard had shaken off some of the timidness from earlier. The blood that had stained Kang Chan¡¯s chest seemed enough to make him feel murderous.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette.¡¯

    G¨¦rard dusted off his hands and pulled out a cigarette and lighter.

    <em>Flick. </em>

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>. I¡¯ll ask you one more time. What do you do?¡±

    Looking at Xairo, Parthal kept his mouth shut.

    They couldn¡¯t afford to waste any more time.

    ¡°Xairo, you remember the injection you sent?¡±

    Receiving Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, G¨¦rard pulled out the evil-looking syringe from his inner pocket.

    ¡°I heard you be obedient after being injected with this. I was originally nning to use it on you, but I¡¯ll test it out on him now.¡±

    ¡°<em>Urrgh</em>! <em>Urrgh</em>! <em>Urgh</em>!¡±

    ¡°You think that bastard will be able to escape from this ce?¡± Kang Chan asked. He then nodded at G¨¦rard, who walked toward Parthal with the syringe.

    Amid his hesitation, Parthal drew back. However, G¨¦rard punched him in the stomach, making him bend forward.

    They were running out of time.

    G¨¦rard immediately injected the syringe into the nape of the toppled man¡¯s neck.

    <em>Stab. </em>

    <em>Thud. </em>

    The moment the man fell to the side, Xairo¡¯s gaze also dropped. He looked like a man who had given up on everything.

    <em>Why would you attack us, huh?</em>

    1. ???? ????, God is Great ?

 Chapter 396: Uncovered Secrets (1)

    Go Gun-Woo turned off the TV and set the remote control down on the side of his desk.

    First came a report from a National Intelligence Service agent, then a video on the inte, and then a foreign news organization reported Jibril¡¯s murder as breaking news.

    ¡°Using Mr. Seok¡¯s shout at the end, I think we can negotiate behind the scenes¡­ Why don¡¯t we try to talk to Vasili in Mongolia?¡±

    With Kang Chan gone, the realization hit him again. The head of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service was not even in a position to meet with Vasili. It was painful and embarrassing, but the reality was sobering.

    ¡°Director, why don¡¯t you go see former Ambassador Lanok in the hospital first? He has a direct line to Vasili. We¡¯ve established friendly rtions with him, and he¡¯s just in the Bangji Hospital, so I¡¯m sure you can request a meeting right away,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung suggested.

    Go Gun-Woo¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Good idea. Let¡¯s make an appointment with him.¡±

    ¡°We need to know how Mr. Seok and Choi Jong-Il will confess. Coming clean by saying that we ordered the assassination is something we need to consider.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo exhaled loudly. ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    He had gotten ahead of himself. He had never done anything of this magnitude before and he was far too inexperienced. His connections in the intelligence world were too few and far between. This moment taught him the importance of a world-ss talent.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think it through.¡±

    Although Go Gun-Woo had been showing his emotions quite frequentlytely, he was an administrator through and through. He knew how to listen to the opinions of Kim Hyung-Jung and other advisors.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see what our agents have to go on, but go ahead with the meeting with Ambassador Lanok. We¡¯ll move ordingly afterward.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo nced out the window and remembered the two men.

    The always confident Kang Chan and Lanok, who always seemed to have a mask on.

    ***

    Lanok was leaning against the bed with his head propped up, his eyes glued to the TV. It was a satellite broadcast specializing in international news.

    ¡°More tea, please.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Raphael, dressed in a suit, lifted a fine china teapot and poured ck tea into cups that seemed to be a set.

    <em>Glug. </em>

    The white porcin cups were filled with rich ck tea. Wisps of steam rose from them.

    Raphael set the cups on a tray, and Lanok lifted one with difficulty and took a sip.

    ¡°I wish I had a cigar.¡±

    Raphael turned and set the tray down on the table as if to hide the smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth.

    ¡°Raphael.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    Raphael turned back around and politely bowed.

    ¡°Who do you think will contact the other first? Me or Vasili?¡±

    Raphael¡¯s expression remained ever-faithful as he stood before Lanok, who had turned his head slightly toward him.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯re going to say you can never predict the future.¡±

    ¡°In the thirty-five years I¡¯ve served you, Commissioner Lanok, I¡¯ve always been in the dark.¡±

    Lanok grinned, his gaze returning to the TV.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m going to have to lose this one. Vasili¡¯s patience has grown quite a bit. In the past, he would¡¯ve already¡ª¡±

    <em>Ring, ring, ring. </em>

    Lanok turned his gaze in amusement, and Raphael brought the phone to him.

    ***

    Setting the phone down on the table, Vasili looked at Yang Bum across from him with a displeased face.

    The still-cool air outside felt good as it rushed through one side of the open container.

    There was a short beep to indicate that the other person had picked up.

    - Vasili, it¡¯s been a while.

    ¡°<em>Hmph</em>! I was hoping to confirm you were dead, but as always, you disappointed me.¡±

    - It¡¯s all thanks to your interest in me.

    The call was on speaker.

    Yang Bum, who was listening, gave Vasili a sideways nce that said, ¡°You two are certainly something.¡±

    ¡°Yang Bum is listening,¡± Vasili said.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to hear your voice again, Commissioner Lanok.¡±

    - The hard times have passed. It¡¯s only a matter of time before we meet face-to-face again.

    After the two men exchanged greetings, Vasili said, ¡°Jibril is dead.¡±

    - I saw it on the news a little while ago.

    Vasili gazed at the wilderness with a wry smirk.

    ¡°A Korean agent could never do that on his own. If you insist on disying the sly and dark mind of Frenchmen, I¡¯ll also step aside now.¡±

    A short silence permeated the call.

    - Let¡¯s take it easy, Vasili. We¡¯re both wounded.

    It was an unusually generous answer for Lanok.

    Vasili was smiling happily, something Yang Bum had only ever seen today.

    ¡°I should prepare a gift for the main character, then.¡±

    Yang Bum whipped to Vasili in surprise.

    - The least we could do is repay him with a small gift.

    Lanok¡¯s response was even more surprising.

    How could these people be so sure that Kang Chan was alive?

    Before Yang Bum¡¯s bewildered gaze, Vasili¡¯s cold eyes curved into a smile.

    ***

    Parthal¡¯s answers made Kang Chan feel as if he had lifted a fishing rod thinking he had hooked a small fish only to get a carp the size of a forearm.

    ¡°Who ordered the deaths of the South Korean agents in Libya?¡±

    ¡°Xairo.¡±

    Under Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Xairo looked like he¡¯d given up on everything now.

    ¡°Why were they killed?¡±

    ¡°To silence the agent who leaked information to the head of the Korean National Intelligence Service.¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled quietly, pushing down his rising frustration.

    He had so many questions that needed to be answered. Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t know how long the medicine wouldst, and he didn¡¯t know when the enemies woulde running over.

    ¡°Is Xairo also the one who targeted the Korean agents who went to Libya to retaliate?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I heard he almost ran into you there.¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    ¡°I heard you bumped into him while exiting the truck.¡±

    The memory shed through Kang Chan¡¯s mind.

    That motherfucker!

    Kang Chan red at him mercilessly, yet Parthal just stood there, his face as ecstatic as if he were dreaming.

    ¡°Who¡¯s in charge of the Star of David?¡±

    ¡°Right now, Ziegfeld.¡±

    <em>Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. </em>

    ¡°<em>Mmmrphh</em>! <em>Mmmmrphh</em>! <em>Mmrph</em>!¡±

    Xairo, who seemed to have given up all hope, mmed the back of his head onto the pole in an attempt to stop Parthal from talking.

    ¡°Where is Ziegfeld now?¡±

    ¡°I believe he¡¯s in Hawk Bay.¡±

    ¡°Hawk Bay? Tell me exactly where that is.¡±

    <em>Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. </em>

    Kang Chan signaled to G¨¦rard, and G¨¦rard walked over to Xairo.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to ruin someone¡¯s life like this, at least show some remorse at the end.¡±

    Xairo looked at them with disregard.

    ¡°If Captain died by my hands¡­¡±

    G¨¦rard, who had been ring at Xairo viciously, delivered a powerful kick to Xairo¡¯s head.

    <em>Pow! Thud!</em>

    Xairo¡¯s head hit the pole, then dropped to the ground.

    Kang Chan repeated his question.

    ¡°It¡¯s a port in Bermuda. About two hundred kilometers from there is an ind that isn¡¯t on the map.¡±

    ¡°What are its defenses?¡±

    Parthal¡¯s face lit up with pride. ¡°Surface-to-air missiles, two submarines, a radar station, air defense artillery. That¡¯s all I know.¡±

    ¡°Is that where the Star of David is headquartered?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s where the Star of David hides when they feel they¡¯re in danger. The Star of David is not an organization but the operator who runs the finances of those in power. If Ziegfeld dies, the next Star of David will be me.¡±

    Parthal couldn¡¯t be more ecstatic. His expression almost made Kang Chan punch him in the face. However, G¨¦rard seemed to have other ideas.

    ¡°I think it would be fun if we can control him well,¡± he suggested.

    Since Kang Chan had already started asking questions anyway, he decided to ask a few more things, from Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s assassination attempt to the attack on the International Building.

    ¡°It¡¯s something I nned with Abibu.¡±

    ¡°How do you contact Ziegfeld?¡±

    ¡°I have a phone,¡± Parthal answered. Suddenly, he started shaking all over. He trembled so profusely that he fell backward.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Around twenty minutes had passed. It would be foolish to stay here any longer.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, take care of that bastard.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡¯

    Following Kang Chan¡¯s instructions, G¨¦rard walked toward the cage and lowered himself to one knee.

    <em>Thud. </em>

    G¨¦rard propped Xairo¡¯s forehead with one hand and his chin with the other. ¡°It¡¯s infuriating that taking this revenge has been so easy. Even so, remember one thing.¡±

    Xairo blinked and twitched, his consciousness seemingly returning. The blood from his nose made him breathe with an odd gurgling sound.

    ¡°Never y with another man¡¯s life again¡­¡±

    Like a master trying to ignore the rebellion of a lifelong servant, Xairo just kept staring at G¨¦rard with disdain.

    ¡°And don¡¯t ever go against the captain again. Not even in death.¡±

    The corners of Xairo¡¯s eyes twitched briefly.

    <em>Swish! Crack!</em>

    G¨¦rard twisted Xairo¡¯s neck perfectly so that his chin ended up pointing skyward. He then pushed himself to his feet.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get that asshole in the car,¡± Kang Chan said.

    G¨¦rard grabbed Parthal¡¯s arms and dragged him out of the warehouse.

    ¡°Ziegfeld¡­¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s brows furrowed as he stood up.

    ***

    Sitting in his private airne, Ziegfeld couldn¡¯t take his eyes off the TV report.

    He felt uneasy. Something was off. He felt a strange tingling in his heels even when he said he¡¯d killed the Great Ant.

    ¡°Was it a scorpion in the end?¡±

    What he found most frustrating was his inability to objectively confirm if the bastard was dead or not.

    Vasili or Lanok could have simply pretended to be the Great Ant using the Korean National Intelligence Service.

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    It was best to get out of a bad investment as quickly as possible.

    The two men he went to Korea with were both dead, and the NIS agents he barely managed to lure over to his side had all been arrested.

    ¡°That idiot¡­!¡±

    They wouldn¡¯t be in this predicament if it weren¡¯t for Abibu¡¯s stupidity.

    It was all fine and dandy until he recruited a Libyan agent to send fake information, orchestrated the timing through a South Korean agent, and Abibu used that to kill the agents. If he hadn¡¯t been so stupidly egotistical enough to target the International Building¡­

    <em>Ring, ring, ring, ring. </em>

    Just then, the phone rang, interrupting Ziegfeld¡¯s thoughts.

    Picking up the phone to see who it was, he smiled softly, which was unbing of the situation.

    Today¡¯s failure was just an ant bite.

    In the long run, there were dozens, maybe hundreds, of ways to bring Korea down. The thriving Parthal would push Korea into a quagmire within the next decade.

    Ziegfeld pressed the call button with satisfaction.

    ¡°Where are you? I said we should go together.¡±

    However, instead of Parthal, a young, strong voice called out to him.

    - Ziegfeld.

    Ziegfeld quickly lowered the phone, checked the caller ID again, and hurriedly brought the phone to his ear.

    ¡°Who are you?¡±

    - I asked if this was Ziegfeld.

    <em>Could this guy be¡­?</em>

    Ziegfeld shook his head. Even if the man was alive, he couldn¡¯t have Parthal¡¯s phone.

    At that moment, an eerie p was heard over the call.

    <em>Pow!</em>

    A familiar scream followed.

    - <em>Argh</em>!

    ¡°Parthal! Was that Parthal?¡±

    - This is fun. Try the other side this time.

    <em>Pow!</em>

    - <em>Argh</em>! <em>Aaargh</em>!

    A surge of both horror and anger made Ziegfeld¡¯s hair stand on end.

    ¡°Who are you? How dare you hurt that child¡­?!¡±

    - Should I kill him?

    Ziegfeld¡¯s mouth clenched shut.

    - Ziegfeld?

    ¡°State your demands.¡±

    A chuckle came from the other end of the phone.

    - Choose. Will you die after Parthal dies, or will you live a life of eternal submission to the Republic of Korea? Did you think I¡¯d die so easily, you idiot?

    Ziegfeld felt a chill run down his spine.

    He thought this could be the case. Somehow, he had expected that this horrible Korean wouldn¡¯t die.

    - It seems like you¡¯re having a tough time choosing, so I¡¯ll decide for you instead. Food always tastes better when it¡¯s ordered by someone else, after all.

    Ziegfeld couldn¡¯t think of anything to say in response.

    - I¡¯ll kill you in order. Go hide where you want.

    ¡°What are you going to do to Parthal?¡±

    - He¡¯s going to apologize to our NIS Director, the Director of the Energy Resource Department, and our fallen soldiers and agents.

    Ziegfeld couldn¡¯t understand what Kang Chan meant.

    <em>¡®Is he going to take them to a memorial or something?¡¯</em>

    After a brief pause, he asked, ¡°Are you going to take him to Korea?¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    - Korea, my ass. He¡¯s going to hell and waiting for you there.

    The call ended with his signatureugh.

    <em>What an arrogant bastard!</em>

    Feeling upset that he couldn¡¯t talk back to him due to his panic, Ziegfeld immediately called Xairo.

    After a few beeps, the phone was answered.

    - I¡¯m disappointed, Ziegfeld.

    The call dropped after he heard Kang Chan¡¯s voice.

    Ziegfeld initially thought that Kang Chan was simply a Great Ant. However, he then turned into a scorpion, and then a cobra farrger than a man. Now, the snake was baring its venomous fangs at him.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho was strapped to a chair in an interrogation room. He had injuries all over him.

    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s say you¡¯re telling the truth. Then tell me exactly where you got the weapons and money.¡±

    With eyes as swollen as the man¡¯s face, Seok Kang-Ho struggled to look up.

    ¡°A Saudi royal was killed in our country. If not at the behest of the Korean National Intelligence Service, then we need to at least know who supplied you the weapons and money so we can clean up the mess, don¡¯t you think?¡± an Arab with a neatly oiled haircut said with a frustrated expression.

    ¡°Look, you¡¯re going to die anyway.¡± The man grabbed the mask that Seok Kang-Ho had worn and waved it in front of him. ¡°Tell me where you got this mask, weapons, and money.¡±

    He then added, ¡°If this is how you¡¯re going to be, we¡¯ll have no choice but to expose you and yourpanions¡¯ faces. As someone who speaks Arabic so well, I bet you also know that the murder of a royal won¡¯t just tide over quietly.¡±

    After a short silence, Seok Kang-Ho said, ¡°Cigrt.¡±

    The man sighed. As if he didn¡¯t have any other choice, he pulled a cigarette out of his pocket, lit it, and popped it into Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Cigarette smoke wafted out the side of Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°Let¡¯s make this easy. It was an order from the NIS, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°It was revenge for killing our assistant director.¡±

    The manughed in disbelief. ¡°Fine, fine. What about the weapons?¡±

    ¡°We got them from Ivan.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s crazy. Ivan doesn¡¯t even show up to missile deals, yet he sold you mere pistols and bays?¡±

    Another puff of smoke rose from Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s mouth.

    The man, who had been ring at him with sheer hatred, shook his head to control his temper. Afterward, he looked up again.

    ¡°What about the money?¡±

    The man stared at the half-burnt ashes clinging to the cigarette. ¡°You told me you got it through an illegal foreign transactions dealer, but you don¡¯t remember his number?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded, thenughed. ¡°<em>Phuhuhu</em>.¡±

    <em>Pow!</em>

    The man punched Seok Kang-Ho in the face, cigarette and all.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s blood sshed, dyeing the man¡¯s waist red. Nevertheless, the man didn¡¯t stop punching.

 Chapter 397: Uncovered Secrets (2)

    <em>Clunk!</em>

    As the van bounced loudly, the lights outside and the glow from the vehicle¡¯s dashboard pushed back the darkness.

    <em>Shit!</em>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but frown due to his aggravated injury. Parthal peered at his expression.

    <em>This bastard is the next Star of David?</em>

    Kang Chan red at the man in annoyance just as they passed by the country road, a perfect ce to twist the neck of a white-headed carp.

    He felt like he was looking at an enemy he couldn¡¯t bring himself to kill. This bastard caused all the recent strange turn of events.

    Kang Chan¡¯s original n was to show up and kidnap Xairo by surprise. The Star of David wouldn¡¯t know what to do, and the world¡¯s intelligence bureaus would be confused. That would be especially true for Sherman, who was always testing the waters before taking a side. That was why Kang Chan took off his mask and walked into the cafe alone.

    However, a stupid white-headed carp bit the bait and easily spilled everything he knew instead. Catching him proved worth it since they learned the location of the enemy¡¯s base from him and used him for provocations, but it was still quite unexpected. As G¨¦rard had said, though, this carp would likely be worth the cost of the fish food if they kept him in a tank and raised him well.

    <em>Well, things have already turned out this way anyway. </em>

    Kang Chan made up his mind.

    ¡°Keep an eye on this guy.¡±

    He stopped the van and stepped out onto the dark country road alone. Judging by the smell of the vige wafting through the clear air, there was likely a grazing field nearby.

    Stars dotted the night sky above the grasnd. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t believe that instead of being with someone he loved in such a romantic ce, he was with the key to ending a fight to the death.

    Kang Chan pulled out his phone and pressed the power button.

    There was no point in confusing the intelligence bureaus when he had already shown his face and learned the name of the enemy¡¯s leader. Moreover, he had already given Lanok a brief word about what was toe.

    <em>Beep. Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring. </em>

    As soon as he turned on his phone, he received a flood of texts and missed calls. The bright light from the screen didn¡¯t quite match the scenery.

    Exhaling quietly, Kang Chan watched the caller¡¯s names appear one after another. Kang Dae-Kyung, Kim Hyung-Jung, Park Chul-Su, Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and even Kim Gwan-Sik and Kim Mi-Young¡¯s numbers were there.

    Kang Chan wondered for a moment if the reward would be worth the pain that he was putting them through, but he soon shook his head. Right now, he had to focus on making the nned calls.

    He contacted Lanok first. The dial tone made his heart pound strangely. Wasn¡¯t Lanok supposed to be the one feeling this way?

    Soon, the tone stopped, and he heard a voice on the other end.

    - Mr. Kang Chan.

    Lanok sounded so calm that Kang Chan wondered how that was possible. He felt his anxiety leave him instantly.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador, this is Kang Chan.¡±

    - I saw the magnificent mission your men havepleted in Saudi Arabia.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t gotten the report for that task yet.¡±

    The conversation went on so naturally that it was as if they had just spoken to each other recently.

    With his usual calm tone, Lanok gave Kang Chan an update on the situation in Dubai, which Kang Chan had been curious about.

    - Vasili and I have finalized a deal with Uzman, a Saudi Arabian royal. I¡¯ll send you his number. I suggest you give him a call.

    <em>Those scary snakes!</em>

    The fact that Lanok and Vasili negotiated with Uzman meant they didn¡¯t believe that Kang Chan was dead in the first ce.

    ¡°Does Vasili know I was alive?¡±

    - He never seemed to have believed you were dead in the first ce.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but grin. These snakespletely outmatched him.

    - It was a brilliant n. I only managed to catch on thanks to the reports from satellite offices and a few other hints.

    It somehow felt like Lanok was trying tofort him. Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh.

    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m currently¡­¡±

    Kang Chan immediately began to ry his current location and situation.

    - Ziegfeld!

    <em>So Lanok knew!</em>

    As if trying to exin Kang Chan¡¯s assumption, Lanok provided an exnation.

    - The DGSE has some control over Luxembourg. Order the DGSE to cover the incident up before it gets out of hand. You can get all the support you need afterward.

    ¡°Copy, sir. Everything will be taken care of if I call Uzman, then?¡±

    -That is correct.

    ¡°Thank you, Ambassador Lanok,¡± Kang Chan said with utmost sincerity.

    - Vasili said it was a small gift for you since you¡¯re doing a big job right now.

    ¡°I see."

    - Now that we know where the enemy is and have Parthal in custody, there¡¯s no need to push yourself too hard anymore.

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    After briefly asking about Anne¡¯s well-being, Kang Chan hung up and immediately called the DGSE.

    - Hugo speaking.

    ¡°This is Kang Chan.¡±

    - We¡¯ll have to verify your voice. Please hold on a minute.

    A dead man was calling. How could he analyze Kang Chan¡¯s voice without panicking?

    These assholes sure had a different way of doing things.

    - Confirmed. It¡¯s good to have you back, sir. We await your orders.

    ¡°Can you track my location?¡±

    - Please hit the ept button on the notification that we¡¯ll send you.

    ¡°Alright. Anyway, I¡¯m near Garnich, Luxembourg. I want you to send agents over here and cover a fight at a Garnich cafe and the kidnapping of two adult men as quickly as possible. Can you do that?¡±

    - We¡¯ll get on it. Please give me a minute.

    Kang Chan nced at the van.

    <em>Buzz. </em>

    The short text woke his screen up, lighting up his surroundings.

    - It should ask to confirm your location.

    Kang Chan immediately pressed the ept button.

    <em>Buzz. </em>

    Another text arrived. It was a phone number from Lanok.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect to be so busy the instant he turned his phone back on.

    - I¡¯ve called off the police search. The agents will reach you in about twenty minutes.

    Maybe it was because of his close proximity to France, but this was nice.

    ¡°Thanks, Hugo.¡±

    - Just doing my duty, sir.

    <em>I don¡¯t have much of a bond with these people. </em>

    Kang Chan opened the car door and told G¨¦rard about the situation. A nce inside revealed the white carp wrapped in duct tape in the second-row seat.

    Should I spray him with water?

    Kang Chan smirked at the carp¡¯s predicament. He then turned to G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Come on out. Let¡¯s have a smoke.¡±

    G¨¦rard stepped out, and Kang Chan sat down on the step of the van.

    <em>Click</em>.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    The smoke slowly dissipated into the still air.

    After taking a moment to catch his breath, Kang Chan dialed the number that Lanok had sent him.

    The default dial tone rang a few times.

    -Allo?

    The older man spoke in French with a heavy Arabic ent.

    ¡°This is Kang Chan. Ambassador Lanok sent me your number and told me to contact you.¡±

    Kang Chan heard a deep sigh from the other end.

    - I headed to Dubai as soon as Vasili and Lanok contacted me, but let us talk about the details in personter, Monsieur Kang. For now, I¡¯d like to express my regrets on behalf of the Royal House of Saudi Arabia for the attack on South Korea¡¯s International Building, the death of two of your directors, and the countless sacrifices of your agents.

    The head-scratching polite apology was delivered in heavily ented French.

    - I would like to put the matter of Abibu and Jibril behind us. To that end, I will personally take the four Koreans to South Korea. I hope this can be used as an opportunity to improve the rtionship between our two countries.

    ¡°That is not for me to decide.¡±

    - All I ask is that you acknowledge it and promise not to retaliate any further. I¡¯ll take care of the rest of the diplomatic matters with Lanok and Vasili.

    Kang Chan sighed quietly. It was better to tie up loose ends neatly than resort to endless bloodshed.

    ¡°Fine. If the four arrive safely in Korea, and Saudi Arabia does not provoke me any further, I will ept your offer.

    - Thank you, Monsieur Kang. I¡¯ll be sure to meet with you personally once this is all sorted out.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan turned to G¨¦rard, who was standing in front of him. He then told him about the conversation.

    ***

    <em>Crash!</em>

    A kick to the chest sent Seok Kang-Ho tumbling backward with his chair.

    <em>Click. </em>

    The door to the interrogation room opened. An elderly man in a white robe and ck gutra, two attendants, and the interrogator¡¯s superior then walked in. At a nce, they looked like they held high positions.

    The old man looked around the room, his eyes reflecting his age and experience. He maintained an elegant posture, while the two attendants serving him carried themselves in a way that made them seem overly polite.

    The interrogator instinctively stood straight.

    ¡°Allow us to introduce to you all Crown Prince Uzman of Saudi Arabia.¡±

    ¡°I thank God for the honor of meeting you, sir.¡±

    Meeting Uzman¡¯s eyes filled the interrogator with a sense of duty. He became even more determined to find out who was behind Jibril¡¯s murder and why¡ªeven if it meant tearing Seok Kang-Ho to pieces.

    ¡°Can you help this man up?¡± Uzman asked.

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    Though puzzled, Uzman¡¯s gaze made the interrogator quickly sit Seok Kang-Ho up.

    ¡°Please untie him and give us a moment.¡±

    The interrogator looked at his superior, who then gestured with his eyes to quickly follow orders. As urged, the interrogator removed Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s handcuffs and shackles and headed to the door.

    ¡°Please call me if you need anything,¡± the superior said extremely politely. He waved at them and left the room with the interrogator.

    Because of his swollen eyes, Seok Kang-Ho had to tilt his head back to look at Uzman, leaving his bloodshot nostrils open for the world to see.

    In Arab culture, when someone this high up came, that meant that their life was over. One word from him, and interrogation and torture would be damned; they would go directly to a public execution.

    Seok Kang-Huughed. He was a little disappointed to die before he could even see Kang Chan onest time.

    That realization and Kang Chan¡¯s face made tears stream down his cheeks and mix with his blood.

    <em>¡®Fuck!¡¯</em>

    He swallowed a curse. He felt as if he had just shown a pathetic side of him.

    The tears were definitely not shed because he was afraid of dying or of this situation. Back in Africa, when he had no one he longed to see, he couldn''t care less about a knife slitting his throat.

    Uzman turned around. He took the phone his attendant handed him and pressed the call button.

    ¡°Just a moment, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    He held out the phone to Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡®What kind of trick are they ying?¡¯

    Seok Kang-Ho kept on tilting his head back to get a better look at Uzman.

    His eyes were swollen, his nose crooked, and his mouth torn and cracked.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang wants to speak with you. We¡¯ll talk after your conversation with him,¡± Uzman quietly said in Arabic.

    Kang Chan called? This damn old man!

    ¡°He¡¯s dead. That¡¯s why I came to avenge him.¡±

    Uzman shook his head with a weary expression.

    <em>Fine, I¡¯ll answer! And I¡¯ll spew a whole bunch of curses! I can see through your goddamn tricks! </em>

    Seok Kang-Ho held out his bloody hand and took the phone. He watched Uzman wipe his hand with a handkerchief as he raised the phone to his ear.

    ¡°Allo?¡± he greeted in French out of concern that these assholes would pin something on him for using Korean.

    - You son of a bitch.

    The Korean curse, spoken by an all too familiar voice, caused a lump to form in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s throat.

    Were they trying to deceive him somehow?

    - Are you alright?

    Seok Kang-Ho just swallowed dryly.

    - Hey! Say something!

    That was enough for Seok Kang-Ho to believe. Kang Chan¡¯s ent and frustration made it clear that he wasn¡¯t being deceived.

    ¡°Captain?¡±

    - Are you crying?¡±

    ¡°<em>Phuhuhu</em>¡­¡±

    Due to his hoarse throat, Seok Kang-Ho¡¯sughter sounded like he was crying.

    - We¡¯ve reached a deal with Uzman. Take the men back to Korea. We still have a bastard to kill, so don¡¯t even dream about sitting this one out.

    After a quick gulp, Seok Kang-Ho replied, ¡°Got it.¡±

    - Daye.

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    - You made the right call to kill Jibril and make the tough decision to surrender. Had you chosen differently, you wouldn¡¯t be able to find peace even in death.

    ¡°<em>Phuhuhu</em>.¡±

    - Recover. I¡¯ll see you soon.

    Seok Kang-Ho didn¡¯t want to hang up just yet.

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    - What is it?

    ¡°Be careful.¡±

    A chuckle came through the receiver. Seok Kang-Ho never knew it could sound so reassuring. However, Kang Chan¡¯s next words made his relief disappear.

    - G¨¦rard says you looked so stupid being dragged away.

    ¡°That son of a bitch would have died in the elevator!¡± Seok Kang-Ho growled.

    Kang Chanughed in amusement.

    - Let me talk to Uzman.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho told Uzman that Kang Chan wanted to speak to him and handed him the phone. Uzma wiped the blood off with a white handkerchief before bringing the phone to his ear.

    ¡°We will keep our word. I trust you will also honor your promise as Lanok and Vasili assured me,¡± Uzman spoke in broken French before hanging up.

    ¡°Can you move?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied.

    Uzman turned around. His two attendants helped Seok Kang-Ho to his feet.

    ***

    A broadcast specializing in overseas correspondence yed on the TV.

    [This is rare breaking news!]

    The reporter¡¯s fast, high-pitched voice conveyed his disbelief.

    [The Dubai government has promptly executed the killers of a Saudi royal. Saudi Arabia has also released a statement saying that they are satisfied with the sentencing.]

    The screen blurred to show four masked men¡ªSeok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee, lying dead on the ground.

    ¡°What¡­?¡±

    Go Gun-Woo forced his face to stiffen to contain his swelling emotions.

    They hadn¡¯t even received any information regarding this sentencing, and he hadn¡¯t met with Lanok yet. To be honest, he didn¡¯t expect the Saudi Arabian government to sentence the four to death so quickly.

    Go Gun-Woo became acutely aware of his inadequacies, making his heart ache. If only he was just a bit stronger, if only South Korea and the South Korean National Intelligence Service were more powerful¡­

    ***

    NIS Samseong-Dong office.

    Kim Hyung-Jung stared at the TV nkly.

    Although he knew that he should meet up with Go Gun-Woo right this instant, he couldn¡¯t help but need five minutes or even just a moment to collect himself.

    Something was strange. Surely the Dubai government wouldn¡¯t have shown the men with their masks on because they didn¡¯t know they were masks¡­?

    Did the French or the Russians have something to do with this?

    <em>Ring, ring, ring. </em>

    Go Gun-Woo seemed to be calling.

    Kim Hyung-Jung cleared his throat and picked up the phone.

    There were times when people froze up unexpectedly. This was one such moment for him.

    Why on earth would Kang Chan¡¯s number pop up at this time of day, or, for that matter, at all? After clearing his head to collect himself, Kim Hyung-Jung pressed the call button with a thumping heart.

    ¡°Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.¡±

    - Manager Kim.

    What? How was this possible?

    He was suspicious, but for reasons he couldn¡¯t understand, tears sprang to his eyes. His heart heated up, and his eyes turned red.

    He had to check if it was really Kang Chan or not. It could be another country¡¯s intelligence bureau trying to distract South Korea or perhaps Saudi Arabia doing this to obtain evidence, but¡­

    - I know this muste as a surprise. I apologize.

    Kim Hyung-Jung swallowed dryly again in an attempt to contain the emotions that kepting over him.

    - Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee will leave for Korea soon. If the Saudi government asks permission for Uzman to visit Korea, please grant them entry.

    Kim Hyung-Jung remained speechless.

    The man sounded like Kang Chan! Only he could say something like this!

    It made sense that the public execution had been done with the masks on now.

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang Chan¡­? Is that really you?¡±

    Laughter came from the other end of the line.

    - Yes, Manager Kim. The very person who saved you in Mongolia.

    Kim Hyung-Jungughed like an idiot. South Korea still had hope. They could continue to run unimpeded like before.

    - Seok Kang-Ho will give you a more detailed exnation, but for now, we need to take some action.

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t even ask where Kang Chan was or if he was okay. Hence, he simply grabbed a notepad and pen. ¡°Awaiting orders.¡±

    - I need the Jeungpyeong special forces team deployed to a small ind two hundred kilometers off Hawk Bay, Bermuda. It''s armed with surface-to-air missiles, two submarines, and anti-aircraft guns, so they''ll have to approach by rubber boats and infiltrate from the shore.

    Kim Hyung-Jung was certain now. Who else but Kang Chan would be willing to take South Korea¡¯s special forces team on such a wild operation?

    - I have to ask you to only inform the president or Director Go. If you need confirmation, ask Ambassador Lanok or Vasili.

    <em>Yes! This was how easy it was to get to Lanok and Vasili with him!</em>

    ¡°Understood, sir. When should they depart?¡±

    Before Kim Hyung-Jung knew it, he was back to his normal self.

    - Seok Kang-Ho and his men will probably insist oning along, so please send the team with those four. Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho are in my office. Please send your agents there and make sure no word gets out.

    ¡°Yes, sir. The president and Director Go may want to speak to you directly, though.¡±

    - That should be fine. Please have them call me. Just make sure to keep it a secret from the hospital staff and D.I. employees in the office. On another note, I have one more difficult favor to ask.

    Kang Chan told him what it was, and Kim Hyung-Jung firmly replied that he would take care of it.

    - It¡¯s nice to hear your voice again, Manager.

    Kang Chan hung up right after.

    Kim Hyung-Jung checked the caller ID several times. He then looked at his notes again.

    ¡°Oh, right!¡±

    Jumping to his feet, he dialed Go Gun-Woo with his left hand and grabbed his jacket with his right.

 Chapter 398: Heéˆ¥æªš Alive? (1)

    <em>tter, nk. </em>

    As lunch ended and the afternoon began, a guard inserted a key attached to his key ring and unlocked the door.

    ¡°2133, you¡¯re being transferred,¡± he ordered.

    The inmates looked at Kang Chul-Gyu with bewilderment. A prisoner would only be transferred during a trial when they had other cases that required them to be tried in another court.

    The younger inmates spent the next five minutes helping him pack his things. Afterward, they said their farewells to Kang Chul-Gyu with rueful looks. Ever since he had quieted their troublesome cellmate down, they had been living infort.

    ¡°Take care of yourself, sir.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu picked up his pack, left his cell, and walked down the hall. The guards handcuffed him before guiding him onto a bus.

    He knew there had to be a reason he was being transferred, but he didn¡¯t even wonder where he was going. Right now, he just wanted to hear about Kang Chan.

    Upon reaching their destination, Kang Chul-Gyu turned down the halls and passed by two sets of bars. ¡°Sunbae-nim!¡±

    ¡°Director Kang!¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and Oh Gwang-Taek greeted him.

    Kang Chul-Gyu thought they were letting them see each other since they were aplices. The men all wondered what was going on.

    <em>Clunk. </em>

    The iron bars connected to the main gate opened, and Kim Hyung-Jung approached the prison warden.

    Oh Gwang-Taek was about to greet him awkwardly when he saw Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s stiff expression.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s face remained tense.

    As seasoned veterans in reading the ins and outs of signals and motions, they all quickly understood that Kim Hyung-Jung didn¡¯t want them to say anything.

    <em>¡®Could it be¡­?¡¯</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu tried to shake off his hopeful anticipation and looked up at the sky.

    He had definitely seen a bright light in Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s eyes and face. If Kim Hyung-Jung hade to pick them up, wouldn¡¯t it be safe to assume that Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s hope hade true?

    Kang Chul-Gyu had eaten three square meals every day to ensure Kang Chan couldn¡¯t call him stupid.

    The men trudged on. The mere fifty meters to the main gate felt like fifty kilometers.

    Upon reaching the main entrance at the end of the small passageway, Kim Hyung-Jung signed onest set of paperwork before heading out with the four men. He then turned his head toward the civil petitioner¡¯s waiting room.

    Three vans stopped in front of them, and agents stepped out of the car to surround them.

    <em>Creak. </em>

    ¡°Please get inside.¡±

    This was the kind of ce that made people worry about being told to stay. Hence, they all quickly climbed in, and the cars pulled away.

    As they drove by the prison wall and turned into a parking lot, Kim Hyung-Jung began to speak with an unreadable expression.

    ¡°The assistant director made a special request. You¡¯ll be attacking a fully armed ind of Bermuda. The President and the Director of the National Intelligence Service have given their assurances about your standing. After this operation, you will be imprisoned again.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu awkwardly turned to the window to hide the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

    Oh Gwang-Taek leaned toward Kim Hyung-Jung as if demanding an exnation. ¡°The assistant director?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Assistant Director Kang Chan.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and Oh Gwang-Taek all looked between Kim Hyung-Jung and Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°What¡­? Are you saying he¡¯s alive? That mother¡ª! I mean, Kang Chan? Fucking hell! Is he actually alive?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes turned toward the van¡¯s window, and the prison wall¡¯s sentry post came into view.

    He was d to have forced himself to eat now. Otherwise, Kang Chan would have called him a stupid old man.

    ***

    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡±

    Park Chul-Su normally didn¡¯t swear this badly. However, he was now screaming into the phone so hard that his wounds had begun throbbing.

    ¡°You two bastards! I¡¯m never going to forget this!¡±

    - I apologize, sir.

    Soon, in front of his nervously watching deputy, Park Chul-Su startedughing like he waspletely out of his mind.

    ¡°As you damn well should be. When are you leaving?¡±

    - As soon as we choose the men who¡¯ll be going on this mission.

    ¡°Have you made your decision yet?¡±

    -Yes, sir.

    ¡°You motherfuckers! <em>Haha</em>! Fucking bastards! <em>Hahahaha</em>!¡±

    To the deputy¡¯s eyes, Park Chul-Su looked like he was in bad condition.

    ¡°Have you gotten permission?¡±

    - The director said he would ask the president for authorization himself. It looks like this will be another NIS dispatch.

    ¡°You little¡ªno, that¡¯s good! <em>Haha</em>! You motherfuckers! <em>Hahahaha</em>!¡±

    The deputy gulped. Park Chul-Su still couldn¡¯t regain control of his wild temperament.

    ¡°Tell me the roster.¡±

    Park Chul-Su made a gesture of writing something on the desk, and his deputy quickly grabbed him a notepad and a pen.

    ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki! Lee Chung-Do! Punks! Just say their fucking names without their ranks!¡±

    Even while taking notes, Park Chul-Su still couldn¡¯t calm down his excitement.

    ***

    The ways of the world were harsh. As if the sun had finally risen long after the grim news, the seemingly neverending requests for interviews about Kang Chan¡¯s death instantly stopped.

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang, how¡­?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun trailed off in disbelief. He sat down before the green grass in the Blue House¡¯s backyard.

    ¡°How are you?¡± he asked the person on the other end of the call.

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked at Go Gun-Woo with bloodshot eyes. He seemed relieved.

    ¡°I see. I called because I felt like I had to hear your voice before approving the operation. I will discuss the specifics with the director, so you only bother yourself with returning safely.¡±

    After ending the call, Moon Jae-Hyun calmly handed the phone back to Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°He had spoken to Saudi¡¯s Crown Prince Uzman himself. I have also confirmed that Agent Seok Kang-Ho and his men are on their way back to South Korea,¡± Go Gun-Woo reported.

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked like he was trying to control hisughter and emotions.

    ¡°Deceiving the president like this¡­ I think we should give the assistant director a pay cut.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo burst outughing but quickly fixed his expression.

    ¡°There will be no more mention of Abibu and Jibril¡¯s deaths. However, we were asked to dismiss the International Hotel bombing and Director Hwang and Director Song¡¯s assassinations.¡±

    ¡°What does the assistant director think?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet. We were scheduled to speak after discussing it with you, sir. However, Uzman has suggested a public apology on his visit, and since we¡¯ve removed the two men involved in this incident, I believe we should take this opportunity to improve rtions with Saudi Arabia.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do that. Be sure to talk to the assistant director and ask if there¡¯s anything else we need to know.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun raised his gaze as if something had urred to him. ¡°I was worried that many are jealous of us, but the assistant director neatly cleared up that matter as well.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t thought of that.¡±

    Standing up from his seat, Moon Jae-Hyun slowly looked around the backyard.

    ¡°People are the only resource we have. I think that¡¯s why the great powers are so wary of our talent. For some reason, world-ss people always seem toe to us.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked at Go Gun-Woo, then turned his attention back to the backyard.

    ¡°The sun is really nice today.¡±

    The warm sun stretched across the green grass.

    ¡°It would have been nice to have Director Hwang and Director Song with us. Our failure to protect them fills me with regret.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked up at the sky.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they protected us. The other spirits who sacrificed themselves for our country must have helped too.¡±

    At a time like this, what else could he say?

    With some newfound ease, Go Gun-Woo shifted his gaze to the grass.

    ***

    <em>Creak. Creak. Creak. Creak. </em>

    One after another, the four people in the ambnce were loaded onto stretchers and wheeled into the hospital.

    Kim Hyung-Jung, who had traveled with them from the airport after escorting Kang Chul-Gyu and the others, ran next to Seok Kang-Ho. Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho, who had been waiting at the hospital, rushed to Choi Jong-Il.

    Their eyes, nose, cheeks, and lips were all so swollen that they just looked like big watermelons.

    Yoo Hun-Woo and the medical staff worked on the men with shocked faces while mobile x-rays and IV drips came in one after another.

    ¡°Out of the way, please! Now!¡±

    <em>Swish! Swish!</em>

    The medical staff pushed Kim Hyung-Jung, Cha Dong-Gyun, and Kwak Cheol-Ho out of the way, while the others pulled the curtains around their four new patients.

    <em>How can they torture men to such an extent?</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung swallowed his emotions and walked out into the yard. Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho followed right behind him.

    The Bangji Hospital was once again filled with armed, suited agents, making the atmosphere quite fearsome.

    ¡°Would you like some coffee?¡± Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung narrowed his eyes at him.

    ¡°We had no other choice. The assistant director gave us his orders, and we were stuck in the office too.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun signaled with his eyes, and Kwak Cheol-Ho quickly headed inside.

    They could never resent each other even if they tried.

    Kim Hyung-Jung chuckled as he took the cigarette that Cha Dong-Gyun was offering him.

    ¡°Here, here! Coffee.¡±

    The three all took a cup and cigarette each.

    ¡°This won¡¯t do. Let¡¯s go over there.¡±

    This was a hospital. There was a lot of attention from people walking by. Hence, the three moved between the buildings and walls.

    ¡°You two! I¡¯m going to have a talk with General Park Chul-Su to make sure you¡¯re punished!¡±

    ¡°Hey! You took the coffee and cigarette, so you can¡¯t say that anymore. Like I said, we were also tied up.¡±

    ¡°At gunpoint?¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun burst outughing at Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s quirky response. Kim Hyung-Jungughed along.

    After wiping away hisughter, Kim Hyung-Jung turned his attention to the hospital building.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>! I hope they¡¯re all okay¡­¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°They will be,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun assured him.

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung flicked away the ash from his cigarette and gulped down his coffee.

    ¡°Have you chosen who¡¯ll being with you?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve already given the list to the general.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded. ¡°I can¡¯t be here in the evening. The Saudi royal family is making a joint statement with the president, so all hands are needed on deck.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Half of the men will be here by the end of the day.¡±

    ¡°You have no idea how much that puts my mind at ease.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho with reassurance.

    ¡°There¡¯s going to be a lot of eyes on this operation,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    ¡°That won¡¯t change anything.¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked no different from a moment ago, but Kim Hyung-Jung could see the glinting determination in his eyes now. At that moment, Kim Hyung-Jung realized that Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho had changed more than he thought.

    Was this what world-ss special forces teammanders looked like? When did they grow up so much?

    Now that he stood face-to-face with them like this, feeling the intimidation they exuded, he learned that not even rumors and reports could do them justice.

    ¡°Why are you looking at us like that, sir?¡±

    ¡°Because I hate your guts!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung was their senior, and they saw each other frequently since the NIS supported their operations. They also shared the pain of losing Choi Seong-Geon.

    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m having a third child.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun grinned. ¡°It¡¯ll probably be another boy. We have even already chosen his name. Cha Seong-Chan! He¡¯s going to have General Choi Seong-Geon¡¯s ¡®Seong¡¯ and Assistant Director Kang Chan¡¯s ¡®Chan.¡¯¡±

    ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been that long since you came back, though.¡±

    ¡°Testers these days work wonders.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung congratted Cha Dong-Gyun with a handshake.

    This wasn¡¯t the time forughter. After all, Seok Kang-Ho and their three other agents had just returned in a mess. However, Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t treat Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho stiffly when they would be faced with a deadly battle soon.

    ¡°I should leave now. Make sure Mr. Seok and¡­ Never mind.¡±

    He didn¡¯t need to nag these two.

    As Kim Hyung-Jung was about to leave, four men entered the hospital.

    Now, this hospital would be safe from the special forces team of any country.

    Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and Oh Gwang-Taek exchanged pleasantries with Kim Hyung-Jung, who soon left.

    ¡°Hello, sirs.¡±

    ¡°You juniors must have your work cut out for you. What¡¯s it like inside the hospital?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re being treated, so we¡¯re just waiting right now.¡±

    Yang Dong-sik, who was on his way back from Yang So-Mi¡¯s urn, patted Cha Dong-Gyun on the arm.

    ***

    Kang Chan sat down on the single-seater couch with a freshly-changed bandage.

    He had just finished ate meal with G¨¦rard and the white-headed carp. Hence, he found himself craving coffee and cigarettes.

    The hotel was provided by the DGSE and had a first-ss security perimeter, which provided Kang Chan some relief.

    ¡°Come here.¡±

    The white-headed carp quickly sat down in front of Kang Chan.

    He looked very frightened and scared of Kang Chan, who had beaten and killed Xairo, but he didn¡¯t seem to have any understanding of his own actions.

    ¡°Where should I send you?¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°Do you want to stay under the surveince of the DGSE? Or do you want to go to Korea?¡±

    ¡°What will happen to me after all this?¡±

    Why was this bastard worrying about the future?

    As G¨¦rard raised his cigarette to his mouth, he looked at the bastard as if he had never seen anyone so stupid before.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem to realize what you¡¯ve done, but a lot of people have been killed because of you. You¡¯ll have to take responsibility for that.¡±

    ¡°I only gave ns and orders.¡±

    <em>Ha! </em>

    Kang Chan almost twisted the bastard¡¯s neck.

    When his eyes shed, the white-headed carp jumped in surprise and blinked.

    ¡°Those ns of yours killed those people. Hence, you and Ziegfeld will die the same way you killed others. Consider yourself warned.¡±

    Seeing the dubious look on Parthal¡¯s face, Kang Chan sighed.

    ¡°When you¡¯re killing other people, don¡¯t forget you¡¯re also putting your own head on the line. Also¡ª¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll decide what to do with you after I get rid of Ziegfeld. Until then,e up with a reason why I should keep you alive. Otherwise¡­¡±

    Some people might suggest letting Parthal off because he was so foolish, but Kang Chan found that absurd. The moment one showed their back to assholes like these, they would pull the trigger without any guilt.

    These motherfuckers only cared about themselves.

    <em>You bastards can keep fighting. I¡¯ll watch from a safe distance. It would be great if things were to go ording to my n, but I could juste up with a different n if I were to fail. </em>

    That was the kind of mindset these punks had.

    ¡®At this rate, I¡¯ll probably end up twisting that bastard¡¯s neck.¡¯

    Kang Chan shook his head and turned to G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Tell the agents outside to hold onto him. It¡¯s fine to shoot him if he resists, but if they do, I¡¯ll have to confirm his identity before they get rid of the body.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    G¨¦rard stood up and went to the door. Parthal just kept flinching. He seemed to have something he wanted to say, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to speak.

    ¡°Um¡­¡±

    Just before the carp could voice his thoughts, two DGSE agents followed G¨¦rard inside.

    ¡°Take him away.¡±

    One of the two agents responded affirmatively, and Parthal obediently pulled himself to his feet.

    <em>What the hell is with this guy? How can he be the next leader of the Star of David?</em>

    Kang Chan red thoughtfully at Parthal¡¯s back as he left the room.

    ¡°He¡¯s gay, isn¡¯t he?¡± G¨¦rard asked out of nowhere. ¡° He¡¯s gotta be.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°The ecstatic look on his face when he was injected with the syringe, the way he walks, and the way he looks at you¡­¡±

    ¡°You punk¡­¡±

    Chills ran down Kang Chan¡¯s back, and his brows furrowed.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you test it then?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who said he¡¯s gay. Why don¡¯t you try seducing him?¡±

    ¡°That son of a bitch! The moment he looks at me weird, I¡¯ll gouge out his eyes.¡±

    ¡°You little shit.¡±

    It had been a long day.

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense and go to sleep! We¡¯ve only got one enemy left now.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Kang Chan and G¨¦rard from the sofa and went to bed.

    He took off his shirt and pants, hung them up, andy down on the crisp bed. It was a fantastic feeling.

    ¡®Huh?¡¯

    However, unexinable difort began to creep up Kang Chan¡¯s back like someone had sshed water on the bed.

    <em>Pft. </em>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect Ziegfeld to be as meek as the white-headed carp, so he was probably scheming something.

    Whatever it was, Kang Chan would still get some sleep when he could.

    He fell into a deep sleep as if sinking into the depths of the ocean.

 Chapter 399: Heéˆ¥æªš Alive? (2)

    A bus pulled up to the hospital, and members of the Jeungpyeong special forces team got off with their faces covered.

    ¡°Your uniforms are in the car.¡±

    Yoon Sang-Ki, rifle slung over his shoulder, walked over and pointed at the bus with his chin.

    ¡°Sir?¡± Yoon Sang-Ki called out to Cha Dong-Gyun, who was heading to the bus, with difficulty.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Is the assistant director really alive?¡±

    ¡°Shut up, punk! Manager Kim and the general kicked the shit out of me because of that.¡±

    ¡°Is he?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s alive!¡±Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho stepped onto the bus.

    Soldiers approached them, wanting to confirm the facts, but when they saw Yoon Sang-Ki grinning like an idiot, they turned away in satisfaction.

    ***

    Kang Myung-Gu of the counter-terrorism team switched shifts with the Jeungpyeong special forces team and left the hospital to check on the agents.

    If another terrorist attack were to attack this ce right now, the situation would be unmanageable. That was why Jeon Dae-Geuk, the security room staff, Kim Hyung-Jung, and the members of the counter-terrorism team were furiously scanning the reporters and the participants.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°Situation report,¡± Kim Hyung-Jungmanded over the radio.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°Counter-terrorism team speaking, all clear,¡± Kang Myung-Gu replied.

    The presidential security office had taken over internal security, the 35th Brigade took charge of the perimeter, and the counter-terrorism teammanded by Kang Myung-Gu¡ªfocused on the buildings and entrances.

    ¡°... and that is how the Republic of Korea and Saudi Arabia will continue to prepare the necessary measures for the developmental future of both countries,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun read his speech and gazed at Uzman, who was standing next to him on the podium.

    Uzman, dressed in traditional Arab attire, with mature eyes and a wiry beard, gestured toward Moon Jae-Hyun with a thank-you before turning his attention to the front.

    ¡°First of all, I would like to thank the people of the Republic of Korea and President Moon Jae-Hyun. Saudi Arabia expresses its regret for the terrorist attacks in South Korea and acknowledges the South Korean investigation results and announcement that our former Crown Prince, Abibu, was the mastermind behind the attacks.¡±

    Surprised gasps came from the reporters.

    ¡°We apologize unequivocally and surely for that.¡±

    <em>Snap, snap, snap, snap! Snap, snap! Snap, snap, snap, snap!</em>

    The announcement was unusual in terms of international diplomatic protocol. Hence, the shock of the reporters was not easily contained.

    Uzman looked at the reporters for a moment, waiting for the excitement to subside.

    ¡°Saudi Arabia strongly supports South Korea¡¯s next-generation energy projects and has expressed its willingness to invest its technology and capital. We will discuss this issue in more depth with the Korean government and at an advanced level.¡±

    As Uzman finished speaking in formal English, a series of shes went off, and reporters scrambled to raise their hands.

    Uzman pointed to a white reporter with a long face.

    ¡°This is Robert, from CMN,¡± an interpreter from the newscast in South Korea said in an unented voice.

    ¡°Crown Prince Jibril was killed in Dubai. Is that incident rted to this visit?¡±

    Uzman leaned closer to the microphone, his face showing no change in expression.

    ¡°I came here after a meeting with the king of Dubai. The Dubai government has announced that Jibril was killed in an act of terrorism by anti-government forces, and the Saudi government has also acknowledged this.¡±

    ¡°What prompted you to make this sudden announcement with South Korea?¡± Robert asked, refusing to back down.

    ¡°South Korea is a country with many talented individuals.¡± Uzman nced at Moon Jae-Hyun. ¡°We hope to establish a friendly and progressive rtionship between our country and the Republic of Korea¡ªone that is not prone to bing cold due to a series of recent events.¡±

    <em>Snap, snap. Snap, snap, snap. </em>

    ¡°The Republic of Korea is at the forefront of the next generation of energy projects, and Saudi Arabia is eager to contribute to and cooperate in projects that will develop the economy, which is currently dependent on fossil fuels.¡±

    A few other reporters were given a chance to speak, but none of their questions were particrly important. Uzman announced that he was taking onest question and then chose a white woman reporter.

    ¡°In your first answer, you said that there¡¯s a lot of talent in this country. Can you name someone in particr or someone you know personally?¡±

    Uzman, who had answered the question about Jibril¡¯s murder without missing a beat, paused for a moment before speaking into the microphone.

    ¡°As you know, South Korea has made an incredible impact on the internationalmunity in recent years. I think that all of this is due to the people who have been working hard and doing their best,¡± Uzman finished, giving a response that seemed to be a nonanswer.

    ***

    ¡°That¡¯s enough of this conversation,¡± Ziegfield coldly stated into a slender microphone, making Sherman lower his posture.

    - Ziegfeld, calm down and listen to me.

    Sherman, whose upper body was visible on the video screen up front, brought up Xairoa in hopes of shifting the me to him.

    - I know what you¡¯re capable of, but since we trusted Xairo¡¯s word, this recent incident has dealt us with a loss. A man who was supposed to be dead showed up out of nowhere and took Xairo out. How was I supposed to expect that?

    Ziegfeld remained silent.

    - I¡¯m sorry to hear about Xairo, but this puts us in a difficult position as well. We have to consider our rtionship with Iran, and we have to contact Mr. Kang too.

    ¡°Sherman.¡±

    Ziegfeld didn¡¯t seem to care, though.

    ¡°The United States cannot interfere in this operation.¡±

    - Ziegfeld, we have no choice but to step in, even if only formally.

    ¡°So you want to show off the American military might?¡±

    - We¡¯ve covered up the events in Bermuda all this time. Isn¡¯t that enough to show you the goodwill of our government? Why don¡¯t you try to negotiate with Mr. Kang instead?

    ¡°Negotiate?¡±

    Ziegfeld¡¯s expression made Sherman bite his lower lip.

    - I¡¯ll mediate for you. Meet with Mr. Kang and tell him what you want. The world you¡¯re in and the world he¡¯s in arepletely different anyway, aren¡¯t they?

    Ziegfeld red at Sherman with a mixed expression.

    Meet the Great Ant?

    That would be a blow to his pride, but it didn¡¯t seem like a bad idea.

    - Shouldn¡¯t you rescue Parthal as well?

    ¡°I¡¯ve already abandoned him.¡±

    After a moment of awkward silence, Ziegfeld glowered at Sherman. ¡°How will you guarantee my safety?¡±

    - He¡¯s a man of his word.

    ¡°What do you want in exchange for your mediation?¡±

    - A stake in the Federal Reserve and abandonment of the new gold standard.

    Ziegfeld burst outughing.

    ¡°Unless the condition is that you kill Kang Chan, you¡¯re asking too much just to see his face once.¡±

    - Ziegfeld.

    Sherman now used a more serious tone.

    - You may hold the world¡¯s economy in your hands, but Mr. Kang is currently the most powerful man in the world of intelligence. It would serve you well not to take him too lightly. France, Russia, China, and Germany respect his word. He also has the South Korean special forces team, the world¡¯s new most powerful infantry unit, in his palms.

    ¡°Who cares about those insects? None of them can survive a nuclear war!¡±

    Sherman nodded at Ziegfeld¡¯s outburst.

    - I said I know what you¡¯re capable of. However, their unity has dropped the sess rate of your n. Besides, you¡¯ve been exposed, and that¡¯s not something to take lightly either.

    Seeing Ziegfeld¡¯s expression, Sherman spoke again.

    - Korea has never had anyone so in tune with their president, which makes it hard to use the Korean regime to get rid of him. What makes him even scarier is hisck of greed.

    ¡°How can someone with no greed build the next generation of energy facilities, connect the Eurasian Rail, and get an undersea tunnel?¡±

    - He has no personal greed. That¡¯s the scariest kind of person. Moreover, as I said earlier, the South Korean special forces team he created is the strongest in the world. There are some things you have to ept even if you don¡¯t want to admit it, no? Respect Mr. Kang¡¯s wishes and try to have a meeting with him.

    Ziegfeld found it hard to respond.

    - Have you ever seen a man that America couldn¡¯t handle?

    Sherman¡¯s final question struck a chord with Ziegfeld.

    ***

    It was well past midnight.

    Kim Hyung-Jung walked over and handed him a phone.

    ¡°Just press the call button.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu never knew he would feel this kind of excitement in his life. It was different from the one that came from meeting an enemy and being in a point-nk situation.

    He nced at Kim Hyung-Jung, seemingly to excuse himself, then headed toward the back of the hospital waiting room.

    Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik watched on curiously.

    <em>Click. </em>

    In the dim light, where he could barely make things out, Kang Chul-Gyu pressed the call button.

    The dial tone rang twice.

    - Hello?

    Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t help but smile. He didn¡¯t know that Kang Chan¡¯s confident, calm voice could be so pleasing to hear.

    - Hello?

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu heard Kang Chan chuckle. Although it could be irritating, at times like these, it was reassuring.

    - How are you?

    ¡°I feel a little heavy from sitting around and eating.¡±

    This time, Kang Chanughed weakly.

    - This was the best n I coulde up with. I need help to execute it properly.

    ¡°I heard it¡¯s an ind. We¡¯re not trained for sea infiltration, so you¡¯ll have to factor that into your calctions.¡±

    - You¡¯ll probably be moving with the Jeungpyeong guys. I¡¯ll see if there¡¯s anything I can do that¡¯s effective. What about jumping and parachuting down?

    ¡°Easy enough.¡±

    - Alright. That aside, I have a difficult favor to ask.

    Kang Chul-Gyu listened to Kang Chan for a moment and nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do. Oh, if I call you, will you pick up?¡±

    - This number is my public one. I can answer calls to this number at any time.

    ¡°Understood. When do we head out?¡±

    - I¡¯ll let you know. Probably within the next three days.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu awkwardly looked at the vending machine in front of him. Strangely, when talking to Kang Chan, he found it especially awkward when he had to hang up.

    - I¡¯ll see you at the operation.

    After ending the call, Kang Chul-Gyu looked at the phone once and went back to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ***

    Kang Chul-Gyu had already visited this room when he first arrived at the hospital.

    <em>Creak. </em>

    It was time to sleep. However, when he opened the door to the room, he saw Kang Dae-Kyung still sitting on the bed with his head in his hands.

    ¡°What brings you here at this time, sir¡­?¡±

    ¡°I apologize for thete visit. There¡¯s something I want to talk to you about. Do you have a minute?¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked at Yoo Hye-Sook, who was lying in bed, then picked up his cardigan and pulled himself up.

    His eyes were bloodshot, and exhaustion was evident on his face.

    Perhaps that was to be expected after losing his son and watching his wife stand at death¡¯s door.

    Kang Chul-Gyu headed straight for the elevator.

    Ahead of them, the Jeungpyeong special forces team was standing on guard with rifles.

    Once the elevator doors closed, Kang Chul-Gyu pressed the button to the top of the building.

    <em>Whoosh. </em>

    Apletely distraught Kang Dae-Kyung and the not-so-talkative Kang Chul-Gyu in the same elevator naturally meant the elevator was going to be silent on the way up.

    <em>Ding. </em>

    The elevator stopped, and the doors opened.

    ¡°There¡¯s a park on the roof. I was thinking of going there.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung replied with a curious face, wondering why Kang Chul-Gyu had asked him toe here. He wanted to know, but there was only a flight of stairs to the rooftop. Kang Chul-Gyu would tell him soon, so there was no need to rush him.

    <em>Clunk!</em>

    The rooftop doors opened noisily.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Two soldiers walked over and saluted Kang Chul-Gyu, then went back to their spots.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit over there for a moment.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu went to a wooden bench with Kang Dae-Kyung.

    The buildings around them were glowing brightly, seemingly defying the night.

    Under Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s gaze, Kang Chul-Gyu began to speak with difficulty.

    ¡°Someone must have been given an assassination mission.¡±

    ¡°To kill me?¡±

    ¡°No, not like that,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu replied quickly. ¡°I heard someone close to him tried to assassinate him. That was why when he was shot, he had no choice but to announce that he was dead and hide the truth from everyone.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung waited for Kang Chul-Gyu to continue. He was confused, but his eyes held a strand of desperate hope.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked him straight in the eye. ¡°It¡¯s about your son.¡±

    <em>What¡­?</em>

    Kang Dae-Kyung looked as if he had been pped hard on the cheek. Kang Chul-Gyu nodded at him.

    ¡°I heard the president found out today too.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡­ Wait.¡±

    Kang Dae-Kyung shifted his gaze toward the light and looked back at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°So are you saying our Channy, my son, is alive?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>!¡± Kang Dae-Kyung gasped,pletely taken by shock.

    He heard Kang Chan was dead. He knew his son was the leader of the NIS¡¯s counter-terrorism team, that he subjugated the terrorist attack on the International Building, and that the UIS deemed him a public enemy.

    However¡­

    All those chrysanthemums and citizens surrounding the hospital, the newscasts that had been repeated over and over again¡­

    Kang Dae-Kyung gazed back up at Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°Then¡­. Where is my child¡­ Where is my son?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s in France. He will pick up if you call him.¡±

    Dazed, Kang Dae-Kyung looked through his pocket and pulled out his phone. His hands were shaking so hard that Kang Chul-Gyu had to look away.

    Kang Dae-Kyung pressed the call button and raised the phone to his ear.

    A momentter¡­

    - Hello? Father?

    Kang Dae-Kyung broke into tears.

    - I¡¯m sorry, Father. I¡¯m so sorry.

    Kang Chan tried multiple times to talk to him, but Kang Dae-Kyung just kept crying.

    ***

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho entered the hospital room with helmets, masks that covered half of their faces, ck military uniforms, and body armor. They also carried magazines, pistols, bays, and rifles over their shoulders.

    Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee had stitches all over their faces, reminiscent of Frankenstein.

    ¡°Why did youe in so scary-looking?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s words came out slurred because he was on a strong drug and his lips couldn¡¯t move properly.

    ¡°Got any cigarettes?¡±

    ¡°They say you should hold out for today.¡±

    ¡°Who said that?¡±

    ¡°Me. Let¡¯s just wait for the stitches to heal, at least,¡± Yoo Hun-Woo rebuked just then, entering the room after Kwak Cheol-Ho. ¡°You¡¯ve got severe injuries in your mouth that won¡¯t close if you smoke. You also have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho groaned regretfully.

    ¡°Until your dentist evaluation tomorrow, no cigarettes or coffee.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll probably copse first treating you men. What¡¯s so good about a damn cigarette anyway?¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo red at Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho suspiciously.

    ¡°We¡¯ll never give him any.¡±

    Yoo Hun-Woo left the room with a skeptical expression.

    ¡°Is everything with that incident settled?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked with difficulty, then swallowed hard.

    ¡°The Saudi royal family made a joint announcement with the president today. They apologized for everything that happened, including the International Building incident.¡±

    Seok Kang-Houghed with satisfaction.

    ¡°Manager Kim came by earlier. Did you see him?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho turned his gaze to ask what he was talking about when the door slid open. Kim Hyung-Jung walked in.

    ¡°Mr. Seok!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung quickly approached the side of the bed.

    ¡°I came by earlier and heard you were sleeping, so I just left. How are you?¡±

    ¡°Alive. Got any cigarettes?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nced at Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho, who simply avoided his gaze and shrugged.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should smoke right now.¡±

    ¡°Hey! Not you too!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho struggled to turn around, finding Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee looking at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t treat you this way when you came from Mongolia,¡± Seok Kang-Ho decisively said.

    ¡°Fine. Open the windows and turn on the air purifier.¡±

    As if he didn¡¯t have any other choice, Kim Hyung-Jung lit four cigarettes and ced one each in the men¡¯s mouths.

    Seok Kang-Houghed once more. ¡°<em>Phuhu</em>.¡±

    ¡°Did you get in touch with the captain?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I just got off the phone with Kang Chul-Gyu Sunbae-nim earlier as well.¡±

    ¡°When are we leaving?¡±

    ¡°In a few days, I was told.¡±

    Ash was starting to form on the cigarettes, so Kim Hyung-Jung and Kwak Cheol-Ho took paper cups and tapped them off.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be up tomorrow,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung shook his head, but he couldn¡¯t say no.

    Who would want to sit out on a mission with Kang Chan right now? Even Kim Hyung-Jung wanted to go!

 Chapter 400: Be Grateful For His Steadfastness (1)

    If one were to take a handful of hot peppers, chew them to numb their tongue, and then pronounce ¡°Mont-Saint-Martin¡± as if they were making the sound only through their nose, it would still sound the same.

    Kang Chan woke up in a hotel in Mont-Saint-Martin, which was on the border of France and Luxembourg. He then went to a restaurant with G¨¦rard.

    He had slept well. The uneasiness still hadn¡¯t subsided, but G¨¦rard had refreshingly twisted Xairo¡¯s neck, and they had collected a white-headed carp the day before.

    Kang Chan had taken a bullet near his heart to shake the damned hypnosis out of him.

    The pitiful look in G¨¦rard¡¯s eyes from his youth was gone, and Kang Chan had spoken to Kang Dae-Kyung on the phone yesterday, so he was in a good mood.

    However, after sitting down at the restaurant, he narrowed his eyes and looked around.

    Damn it!

    He didn¡¯t want to eat in his room, which was why they were here, but perhaps that was a mistake.

    The hotel they were staying at wasn¡¯t grand, but it was still mid-range. Nevertheless, only Kang Chan and G¨¦rard were seated in the restaurant likely because the DGSE had blocked off the entire establishment. Moreover, even though there were only two of them, at least ten people were standing around them.

    Kang Chan hated ufortable things. How could he eat in peace in front of a dozen French agents? He had a natural dislike of such things, which was why he had gotten into the habit of eating with the agents in the first ce.

    Kang Chan turned around and looked at the agent closest to him.

    The tall, pointy-nosed, stereotypical Frenchman with sunsses approached him quietly.

    ¡°Have you had breakfast?¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°Have the agents here had breakfast?¡±

    ¡°We eat when we change shifts.¡±

    A nce was enough to tell that ten agents were in the room. If so, then at least ten more agents had to be positioned somewhere Kang Chan couldn¡¯t see.

    ¡°Sit down and eat with us.¡±

    The agent looked at Kang Chan as if he couldn¡¯t understand what he was saying.

    ¡°I¡¯m notfortable with this kind of security, so sit somewhere close by and eat with us. That shouldn¡¯t cause any issues with security.¡±

    The agent nced behind him, then gazed back at Kang Chan. This seemed so unheard of that he looked as if he didn¡¯t know what to do.

    ¡°Before themander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team, there is no risk to my safety, so let¡¯s eat in peace. Otherwise, I¡¯ll just head back to my room to eat.¡±

    ¡°Can you issue that as an order?¡±

    <em>Ha! These inflexible bastards. </em>

    ¡°Fine. This is an order. All agents are to sit nearby and enjoy their breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    The agent stepped back and gave the other agents instructions.

    The agents sat down at the table in groups of two around Kang Chan and G¨¦rard.

    Now, with all these Frenchmen dressed in ck suits, the two felt like they were at a funeral dinner.

    Kang Chan smirked. If Oh Gwang-Taek, Seok Kang-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party were dressed in ck suits like them, it would¡¯ve seemed like a gangster meeting.

    ¡°What is it?¡± G¨¦rard asked, looking at him curiously.

    ¡°I¡¯m just happy to be alive. Have you ordered yet?¡±

    There wasn¡¯t much to a French breakfast. It was usually a baguette, croissant, boiled eggs, cheese, yogurt, and depending on where one lived, some kind of cereal or fruit.

    Kang Chan tore off a piece from a finger-length slice of baguette and began to eat it with sliced hard-boiled eggs and cheese.

    ¡°When are we going to make our move?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see in a day or two. I¡¯m going to try and get more information first. They have submarines, missiles, and anti-aircraft guns, so we need to be careful. We also have no idea how manybatants they have.¡±

    G¨¦rard nodded. He tore off a piece of the baguette and ate it.

    They finished eating in about half an hour. They talked about a few things, but nothing of particr importance.

    When Kang Chan and G¨¦rard ordered coffee, the other tables did as well.

    ¡°Can I smoke here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll open the windows,¡± the middle-aged manager replied sensibly, setting the coffee down.

    Kang Chan lit up a cigarette and puffed on it.

    Just then, a short man balding in the middle of his scalp entered the room. He looked at the agents curiously and walked straight to Kang Chan.

    The man standing before Kang Chan had dark, double-lidded eyes, arge, round nose, slightly puffy cheeks, and a belly that looked like it could pop off his shirt buttons at any moment.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. I¡¯m Hugo.¡±

    Kang Chan thought Hugo would look sharp and snappy. He wasn¡¯t one to judge based on looks, but Hugo was too different from how he imagined him, which made him feel awkward.

    ¡°Nice to meet you. This is G¨¦rard. G¨¦rard, this is Hugo, my handle at the DGSE.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Hugo from the DGSE.¡±

    The two exchanged greetings and shook hands like they couldn¡¯t be bothered.

    ¡°Take a seat. Coffee?¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll order mine.¡±

    ¡°Want a cigarette?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t smoke.¡±

    <em>Okay, then. </em>

    Hugo ordered coffee, then turned his attention back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Uzman and Sherman have both sent requests to see you, sir.¡±

    ¡°You came all the way here to tell me that?¡±

    Hugo nced at ??G¨¦rard.

    ¡°He can be trusted. If there¡¯s anything you want to say to me, you can always deliver a message through G¨¦rard.¡±

    The manager served Hugo his coffee, briefly pausing their conversation.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Once the manager was out of earshot, Hugo said, ¡°Sherman has sent word that he wishes to see you with the Star of David.¡±

    <em>Ziegfeld wants to meet me? In this situation?</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s expression prompted an exnation from Hugo.

    ¡°Never before has this generation¡¯s Star of David requested such a meeting. It¡¯s an offer that I wouldn¡¯t have believed if Sherman didn¡¯t offer to mediate.¡±

    Was a meeting with Ziegfeld really that big of a deal?

    ¡°What¡¯s the agenda?¡±

    ¡°They only informed us that Sherman requested to meet and that the Star of David would apany him. If you ept, I¡¯ll arrange a location and security and let you know.¡±

    Kang Chan extinguished his cigarette and sighed.

    ¡°Tell him I¡¯ll decide after they tell me about the location and the security they¡¯d be bringing. And ask Sherman why he went through the DGSE when he has my number.¡±

    ¡°Considering there are reports that you¡¯ve died, sir, he likely wants to make sure his request is clear through the DGSE. He probably also thinks that the DGSE¡¯s credibility is riding on this meeting.¡±

    That was understandable. Based on the way that Hugo was analyzing the situation and reporting it, Kang Chan could see Hugo wasn¡¯t just some backroom agent.

    ¡°I see. In that case, forget about the question and just tell him about my demands. When and why does Uzman want to see me?¡±

    ¡°We weren¡¯t given a reason. However, we suspect he has contacted you through the DGSE because he wishes to meet you without informing the Korean government. If you grant him a meeting, he wille over directly from Korea.¡±

    Kang Chan gazed at G¨¦rard, who just gave him a look that seemed to say, ¡°You decide!¡±

    ¡°Pick a suitable ce and time and let Uzman know.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir. I believe he¡¯s on his way already and should arrive sometime this evening.¡±

    Hugo dropped three sugar cubes into his coffee cup.

    ¡°By the way, Hugo. I heard there¡¯s an ind in front of Hawk Bay, Bermuda that isn¡¯t on the map.¡±

    Hugo lifted his cup and looked at Kang Chan. Only then did Kang Chan realize that he hadn¡¯t taken a proper sip of his coffee yet.

    ¡°Apparently, that¡¯s where the Star of David is hiding. I was told there are two submarines, missiles, and anti-aircraft guns, but I¡¯d like to know their exact weapons and numbers. If necessary, you may interrogate Parthal, the man I brought to the hotel.¡±

    ¡°Understood, sir,¡± Hugo replied. Somehow, it seemed like he knew something but was keeping his mouth shut.

    There were too many suspicious people.

    ***

    <em>Beep, beep, beep. </em>

    Raphael politely took the ringing phone to Lanok.

    Current Ambassador Pierre and DGSE Director Romain were sitting next to him at the bedside table.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok greeted. Pierre and Romain¡¯s eyes quickly darted to the phone.

    - Mr. Ambassador. How are you feeling?

    ¡°I feel better and better every time I hear from you.¡±

    - Then I should call you more often.

    A smile tugged at the corners of Lanok¡¯s mouth. He listened in silence as Kang Chan described Hugo¡¯s arrival this morning and their conversation.

    ¡°That was an excellent decision. However, I do have one piece of advice.¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    ¡°Ziegfeld is a man that everyone in the intelligencemunity has had suspicions about. The fact that he¡¯s been officially confirmed to be the head of the Star of David and that he requested a meeting is a first since the Star of David was created. They¡¯ve always passed the title on to their sessors as soon as they were exposed.¡±

    Lanok looked at Romain meaningfully before speaking again.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to get your hands on Parthal. Still, I suggest you y it a little safer from here on out. After all, France has managed to get our hands on the next Star of David and beat out the United States, the nation with the closest ties to their organization.¡±

    Unlike Raphael, Romain sucked in his breath as he tried to hide his surprise.

    - Wouldn¡¯t Ziegfeld abandon Parthal then?

    ¡°You mustn¡¯t think of it lightly. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be a better judge than anyone else, but I¡¯d be more careful about the location of the meeting and the number of bodyguards.¡±

    - I¡¯ll keep that in mind, sir.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan,¡± Lanok softly said, ¡°You have been delegated the authority of the DGSE director, and you¡¯ve been given the chairmanship of the European Intelligence Committee from me. You don¡¯t need to make calls like this anymore.¡±

    Funnily enough, of the three people listening to the call, Raphael, who was standing on the foot of the bed, looked the most pleased.

    - Mr. Ambassador, I n to return to Korea after getting rid of Ziegfeld. After that, I¡¯m going to beg you and Anne to teach me how to y golf. I would also like to introduce a girl to you.

    Lanok burst outughing but soon clutched his chest and frowned. Still, he couldn¡¯t wipe the smile from his face.

    Pierre looked surprised, while Romain looked flustered, having never seen Lanokugh so loudly. Raphael lowered his head to hide his smile.

    ¡°I look forward to that day.¡±

    - Me too, sir. I¡¯ll call you again.

    Once Lanok set the phone down, Pierre took it from him.

    ¡°Romain.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Commissioner.¡±

    ¡°Do you understand why I told you not to make any hasty moves upon hearing of his death?¡±

    ¡°I do now.¡±

    Lanok sharply looked at Romain, making him seem like apletely different person from the one who had justughed.

    ¡°If you had insisted on your ill judgment, you would have put France in irreparable danger. You should be grateful for his steadfastness, especially since in the world of intelligence, his influence has already surpassed mine.¡±

    Romain was about to say something but stopped himself.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to use his being given the DGSE director¡¯s authority as an excuse, then you are not worthy of the position. One nce from him, and the United States, Russia, China, Israel, Germany, and Britain will be fighting for his hand. The oil-producing nations of the Middle East will work together to cling to him, too.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be more careful, sir.¡±

    Lanok nced briefly at Pierre, then gazed at Romain.

    ¡°The DGSE is where the lowest, ugliest things are done for the glory of France. If you want to stroke your little ego, find a job that suits you.¡±

    Romain swallowed dryly as he waited for Lanok to continue. Lanok¡¯s fierce and sharp expression demanded all his attention.

    ¡°Lastly, if you ever oppose him again, I will eliminate you for the honor of France. Do not forget that he is now beyond your power.¡±

    ¡°I will keep that in mind.¡±¡¯

    Lanok watched him for a moment before turning to Raphael.

    ¡°Will you prepare some ck tea? I think I¡¯ll enjoy a cigar today,¡± he gently requested.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Raphael politely replied.

    ***

    <em>Ring, ring, ring.</em>

    Vasili looked at the phone. He then pressed a button instead of picking it up from the table.

    ¡°Vasili speaking.¡±

    - Kang Chan speaking.

    Yang Bum burst outughing in disbelief.

    <em>¡®Are these two serious?¡¯</em>

    ¡°I never knew I¡¯d get to speak with the dead in this lifetime.¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled in response.

    ¡°Yang Bum is listening next to me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good to hear your voice again, Mr. Kang Chan. Are you alright?¡± Yang Bum asked.

    - I¡¯m sorry I wasn¡¯t able to contact you right away.

    ¡°Since you¡¯re alive, and you¡¯ve disappointed me, I hope you have good news. I¡¯m sick of being stuck in this base,¡± Vasili coldly interjected, seemingly hoping that Kang Chan didn¡¯t just call to exchange pleasantries.

    Another chuckle came through the line. Afterward, Kang Chan repeated to Vasili what he had told Lanok.

    ¡°You¡¯re not so simple-minded to believe Sherman and Ziegfeld¡¯s promises, are you?¡±

    - I¡¯ll call you when I¡¯ve gotten a location and how many bodyguards they¡¯ll be bringing.

    ¡°The Bermuda territory is under strict US control. The few times we tried to get in, they fought us tooth and nail. However, we turned a blind eye because they weren¡¯t doing us any particr damage, not because we were scared of them.¡±

    Vasili nced at Yang Bum before adding, ¡°At the very least, negotiations with the US would be a prerequisite to attacking Bermuda. If not, you might have to prepare for an actual war. Imagine the trouble the US will be in if it¡¯s revealed that they covered up the events that urred in that area.¡±

    - I¡¯ll keep that in mind. How are you feeling?

    ¡°Did you think I would die from such an injury?¡±

    Kang Chan snorted. Yang Bum saw the smile sh by Vasili¡¯s lips.

    - Take care of yourself, Mr. Yang Bum. I¡¯ll leave the base in Mongolia to you.

    ¡°You should say that to the person who brought you missiles here!¡±

    - Thanks, Vasili.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, I¡¯ll see you once everything¡¯s wrapped up,¡± Yang Bum said.

    Vasili pressed the end call button afterward. Seeing Yang Bum grin, he turned his gaze toward the wilderness in the distance.

    ¡°What a scary man. He¡¯s managed to drag Ziegfeld out and even has Parthal.¡±

    ¡°Did you already know about the two?¡±

    Vasili nodded.

    ¡°The Star of David hands over the title once their identity is revealed, so there¡¯s no point in taking them out. If they¡¯re hiding, there¡¯s no way to find them either. I had a strong suspicion they were in Bermuda, but for the reasons I mentioned earlier, it had been difficult to search the area.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s not a coincidence that civilian airnes or ships kept getting lost there.¡±

    Vasili nced at Yang Bum and looked back away.

    ¡°The head of an intelligence bureau shouldn¡¯t be so simple-minded. Many of the civilian aircraft that passed by in that area had agents on board. They were trying to photograph the area below with specialized equipment due to suspicions that the Star of David could be hiding there.¡±

    ¡°China has a lot to learn.¡±

    Vasili spoke without even looking at him.

    ¡°Are you not a lion that has just awakened from its slumber? It¡¯s a blessing for China and a misfortune for other countries to have a man like you at the head of the Chinese intelligence bureau.¡±

    Yang Bum followed Vasili¡¯s gaze on the wilderness.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang,¡± Vasili muttered to himself as he shook his head. ¡°When Lanok first suggested this, I thought he was mad.¡±

    ¡°Are you talking about supporting Mr. Kang Chan?¡±

    "No. What he first proposed was unconditional cooperation between the intelligence bureaus. When I first heard about it, I found it ridiculous because it was the exact opposite of the physiology of intelligence bureaus, which were created to serve their own interests."

    "So that''s why the European Intelligence Committee was created."

    Vasili nodded.

    ¡°I never thought I¡¯d meet a man I¡¯d approve of. That vexing man! My life would have been so much richer if he had died.¡± Vasili turned to Yang Bum. ¡°It <em>is </em>thanks to him that I¡¯m sitting here with the head of China¡¯s intelligence bureau, though.¡±

    Since the look in his eyes wasn¡¯t unkind, Yang Bum responded with a quietugh. However, Vasili¡¯s next words, which sounded genuine, quickly put a stop to his joy.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Monsieur Kang, someone with your potential for advancement in the world of intelligence would have already been eliminated.¡±

 Chapter 401: Be Grateful For His Steadfastness (2)

    Struggling to open her eyes, Yoo Hye-Sook mncholically looked at Kang Dae-Kyung. Her husband had always foolishly stood up for her and always protected their family.

    They naturally had arguments every now and then. There had been times when she resented him and felt angry because she couldn¡¯t understand him. Even then, he never deviated away from their family.

    Finally, Yoo Hye-Sook noticed the people standing around her husband¡ªYoo Hun-Woo, Kang Chul-Gyu, Kim Hyung-Jung, and a man in a ck military uniform. To her surprise, the uniform was simr to the one that Kang Chan had worn.

    ¡°Honey,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung quietly called. ¡°Try to stay calm and just listen to me, okay? I asked them to be here because I didn¡¯t think you would believe me if I told you about it alone.¡±

    They had lost their son. What could be more surprising in the world?

    However, people were strange. Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s face paled as the shock of losing Kang Chan came rushing back.

    ¡°It seemed some people were after our son, so they falsely announced that he was dead,¡± Kang Dae-Kyung said, taking Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s cold hand in his own. ¡°If he was announced alive, they would have tried to assassinate him again. Director Yoo here dered him dead, and NIS Manager Kim helped.¡±

    What was he talking about?

    Yoo Hye-Sook, unable to understand, looked at Yoo Hun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung, then at Kang Chul-Gyu and Cha Dong-Gyun. ¡°Honey, our son is currently safe in France. I¡¯ve already spoken to him on the phone, and he¡¯s waiting for your call right now.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook swallowed hard.

    ¡°He said he was really sorry, but he decided it was too dangerous at the time to let us know otherwise, so the men here announced that he was dead.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s hand began to tremble in Kang Dae-Kyung¡¯s grip.

    ¡°You believe Manager Kim, Director Kang, and Director Yoo, right? These people kept our Channy safe, and this man here guarded him. Thanks to them, Channy is in France unscathed. He looked for you as soon as he woke up, and he¡¯s waiting for your call now.¡±

    ¡°Our¡­ son?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Our Channy.¡±

    Yoo Hye-Sook still looked like she didn¡¯t believe him. However, she also clung to the thin strand of hope that blossomed deep within her heart.

    ¡°Can you talk to him?¡± Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

    ¡°A-are you sure he¡¯s alive?¡± Yoo Hye-Sook replied unbelievingly.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s give him a call. Give me just a minute.¡± Kang Dae-Kyung pulled out his phone

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll be outside,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said and looked at the group of people standing with him.

    <em>Creak. </em>

    The four men opened the door. As they stepped out into the hallway, they heard Yoo Hye-Sook say, ¡°Channy? Is that really you?¡±

    <em>Creak</em>.

    Cha Dong-Gyun quickly shut the door.

    The four walked to the chairs that were in the center of the hallway.

    ¡°President Kang is truly incredible.¡±

    No one denied what Yoo Hun-Woo said when he peered at the room. They didn¡¯t disagree, nor could they find any words to say.

    Kang Dae-Kyung had asked the four men here for a favor, and he made up a lie for Kang Chan and Yoo Hye-Sook. Who could me him?¡¯

    ¡°This is a relief,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said. He then let out an assured sigh and brought his gaze back to the door of Yoo Hye-Sook¡¯s room.

    ***

    After finishing his call with Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan took a moment topose himself. Upon feeling better, he called Ludwig and spoke to him for about half an hour. Once done, he put the phone on the table and craned his neck from side to side. He had never called people for so long multiple times in his life.

    ¡°Are you about done yet?¡±

    G¨¦rard was still next to Kang Chan.

    ¡°I think so. I¡¯d rather go fight a battle somewhere. I¡¯m really not good at these things.¡±

    ¡°They suit you.¡±

    ¡°You wanna try?¡±

    G¨¦rard resolutely shook his head. ¡°Absolutely not. I¡¯m made for the scene.¡±

    <em>Buzzzzz</em>.

    At that moment, the bell in the room loudly rang. This hotel stuck to using old things, including its elevators and doorbells.

    G¨¦rard jumped to his feet and headed to the door. He returned with Hugo.

    Hugo bowed awkwardly and sat down across from Kang Chan. It seemed like he had picked up on Asian greetings somewhere.

    ¡°Uzman will be here at the hotel by eight this evening.¡±

    ¡°Eight¡­¡±

    Calcting the time, Kang Chan caught sight of Hugo¡¯s short legs on the couch. He must have bought a pair of pants and cut off the bottoms. People would usually hem them¡­

    ¡°Sherman also contacted us.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Hugo¡¯s forehead. The man seemed to have a way of distracting others with his whole body. Maybe it would be more effective to just get the report over the phone. Anyhow, Kang Chan needed to focus on their conversation now.

    ¡°He had designated ya Santa Lucia, Cuba, as the meeting spot. He wishes there to be a security detail of thirty men on each side, plus five attendants.¡±

    ¡°What is the DGSE¡¯s analysis on that? Is it a satisfactory demand?¡±

    ¡°It is disadvantageous for us, considering the location is Cuba.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at Hugo, demanding an exnation.

    ¡°Cuba is close to the United States, and it¡¯s directly connected to Bermuda. If something unwanted happens there, we have nowhere to turn for help.¡±

    G¨¦rard focused on Hugo¡¯s words with a sharp gaze.

    ¡°Hugo, if I were to refuse this meeting, what is the worst thing that could happen?¡±

    ¡°Your question is too broad to answer, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t think so, but he changed the question anyway.

    ¡°If I continue to try to eliminate Ziegfeld, what¡¯s the biggest thing that he could do? I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s not hiding in Bermuda just to be safe.¡±

    ¡°That would be correct, sir.¡±

    Hugo¡¯s response revealed nothing. However, he soon added, ¡°Ziegfeld can start a world war.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a bit excessive to think that one person¡¯s decision can start a world war?¡±

    ¡°With Ziegfeld, it isn¡¯t. You must remember that he¡¯s the Star of David. The vast sums of money that the Star of David has at their disposal can mobilize entire African rebel armies andunch all the missiles that arms traffickers trade at the same time.¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head doubtfully. ¡°Rebels and missiles alone can cause a world war?¡±

    ¡°The moment he decides to start a war, Mexico, Iran, and a few countries in Africa will change leadership, and those countries will immediately begin a civil war.¡±

    Kang Chan groaned and nced at G¨¦rard. That did make another world war seem possible.

    ¡°That¡¯s the dark side of the economy that the Star of David controls. They¡¯re willing to support rebels for profit because there¡¯s nothing like international unrest and localized warfare to bring in the big bucks.¡±

    Kang Chan listened in silence.

    ¡°Add to that the countries surrounding Russia and China¡¯s ethnic minorities demanding independence, and you¡¯ve got the markings of a world war.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like he¡¯s someone we¡¯ll have to kill eventually.¡±

    Hugo didn¡¯t answer Kang Chan¡¯s statement, but the look on his face said it all.

    ¡°The judgment is yours,¡± his expression seemed to say.

    ¡°How long do I have to give them an answer?¡±

    ¡°As soon as you decide, the DGSE will notify Sherman.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s agree to the meeting. However, tell him I¡¯ll decide when I¡¯ll be meeting with him.¡±

    ¡°Copy, sir.¡±

    Hugo stood up, bowed in yet another awkward way, and left the room.

    ***

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    There wasn¡¯t much to a disassembled rifle, but the same could be said about an assembled one as well. It was just a clunky body, muzzle, and trigger.

    However, when it was slung over the shoulder of a strong-looking soldier, it exuded a tremendous sense of power.

    After speaking with Kang Chul-Gyu, Kim Hyung-Jung took time to speak separately with Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    Right after, the hidden threatening gazes of the Jeungpyeong special forces team members began to surface. An inexinable sense of excitement and nervousness filled the hospital.

    The busy Kim Hyung-Jung headed to Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s room and stepped back out.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t right.¡±

    <em>Riip! Rip!</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho tore off the tape that was securing the IV drip needle and pulled it out in one swift motion.

    ¡°Mr. Seok.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t think of sending them without me.¡±

    The swelling hadn¡¯t subsided yet, and Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s nose and ear were taut, not to mention the dark, nasty bruises.

    ¡°Look at them!¡± eximed Seok Kang-Ho, turning to Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee.

    The three couldn¡¯t defy Kim Hyung-Jung¡¯s orders. However, their glinting eyes clearly showed their desire to go as well.

    ¡°We risked our lives to get rid of Jibril.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Seok! I¡¯m not disregarding your abilities¡ªI decided based on your condition.¡±

    ¡°While we were beaten up, unable to see each other¡¯s faces, we only had two things in mind: we must not bring fire to our country, and we must not cause the captain trouble!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung knew that. Unable to find a proper response to Seok Kang-Ho, he exhaled loudly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call the captain, so please make arrangements for the four of us to go. It¡¯s our job to protect the boss. If he goes to that kind of ce and something happens¡­ Manager Kim!¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung, who was looking at Seok Kang-Ho, had suddenly burst outughing like a madman.

    ***

    Fortunately, Uzman looked more like what Kang Chan had expected.

    After shaking hands, Kang Chan introduced him to G¨¦rard and sat across from him at the table.

    They were at a hotel restaurant.

    Behind Uzman stood half a dozen attendants and bodyguards in white dresses, and behind Kang Chan stood G¨¦rard, Hugo, and a dozen or so DGSE agents in sunsses.

    ¡°You¡¯re younger than I expected.¡±

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re not disappointed.¡±

    Uzman smiled at Kang Chan. ¡°The look in your eyes says it all.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t clear what he meant by that, but Kang Chan assumed he meant it in a good way, so he didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything else when I asked to see you,¡± Uzman continued, gently steering the conversation. ¡°I wanted to see what you were like, and I was hoping that we could use this opportunity to develop a more friendly rtionship.¡±

    Uzman spoke ented French that might have been unintelligible had Kang Chan heard it word for word, but he had no trouble understanding it in sentences.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Pulling Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Uzman added, ¡°There is a saying that our ancestors passed on. ¡®Sow with your back to the wind.¡¯¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho could have recognized the proverb instantly, but Kang Chan had never heard it before.

    ¡°I believe it¡¯s teaching us to sow with the belief that someone will harvest it, even if it¡¯s not yourself. I sowed the seeds by forgetting Abibu and Jibril¡¯s sacrifices and returning the four men to South Korea. With you, the wind, at my back.¡±

    Conversations with old people were definitely scary. Stingingments coulde out of nowhere, just like now.

    ¡°I hope that when the timees for someone to harvest, even if it¡¯s one of us, we will find ourselves at your mercy, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Uzman was trying to say the same thing with his eyes.

    ¡°I understand. I will not antagonize anyone in the future just because they are from Saudi Arabia.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Monsieur Kang. I¡¯ll take my leave then.¡±

    Uzman stood up to leave.

    Had hee all the way here just to say those few words? Not that Kang Chan wanted to talk to him longer.

    Kang Chan also stood up.

    ¡°May I formally invite you next time?¡± Uzman asked genuinely.

    ¡°I will ept your invitation if I can. I thank you for your wise way of ending what could have been an ufortable situation,¡± Kang Chan gently replied. He wanted to at least respond simrly to Uzman¡¯s demeanor and gratitude.

    ¡°I thank Ah that Saudi Arabia is no longer standing in the way of the wind. No man can go against the winds that drag the world and survive. May He give you much more to do.¡±

    Uzman then exited the restaurant with his entourage and bodyguards, leaving Kang Chan wondering if his words were good wishes or a curse.

    ***

    Seok Kang-Ho, dressed in a ck military uniform with weapons clutched at his sides, stuck his swollen head out to study the map. Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee all looked the same as he did.

    At that moment, Kim Hyung-Jung delivered Kang Chan¡¯s instructions to them.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be going to Mont-Saint-Martin in France, which is a forty-minute drive from the airport here in Villers-La-Bresse. Once you arrive, or even before, if the assistant director gives you any further instructions, please follow them.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu, Seok Kang-Ho, and Cha Dong-Gyun nodded.

    ¡°I heard he¡¯s nning to go to Cuba with thirty-four men. You all will move together. I know it¡¯s a hassle, but he ordered you all to go straight to Mont-Saint-Martin with plenty of heavy weapons and ammunition.¡±

    All else aside, Kang Chan¡¯smand to bring heavy weaponry and plenty of spare ammunition was enough to convey his intentions and give them a gist of the situation.

    ¡°We¡¯ve chartered a private ne for this operation. The departure is at 22:00 today, Seongnam Airport, so we¡¯ll be leaving the hospital at around nine. Until then, feel free to have dinner and get some rest.¡±

    After a brief pause, Kim Hyung-Jung added, ¡°We didn¡¯t want to overwhelm the hospital, so we¡¯ve arranged for dinner at a restaurant near Seongnam. We¡¯ll leave when the counter-terrorism team members take over the hospital perimeter.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho winced as he straightened up. However, he immediately pretended he was fine.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t because of the pain.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung and Kang Chul-Gyu couldn¡¯t help butugh as they avoided eye contact. If anyone saw Seok Kang-Ho pretending to be fine with his already big head even more swollen, they would¡¯veughed too.

    ***

    No one was a stranger to each other now. Everyone knew what operations others had been on and what results they achieved.

    After traveling from the hospital in two buses, the group dined at a restaurant near Seongnam that Kim Hyung-Jung had prepared.

    It was a converted house on the outskirts of the city, so it was the best ce to eat privately and away from prying eyes.

    After the meal, the group gathered around to chat over coffee in paper cups.

    Kang Chul-Gyu sat on a red stic chair off to one side of the garden. Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and Kim Hyung-Jung sat around a peeling table, also drinking coffee from paper cups.

    Kang Chul-Gyu hadn¡¯t spoken since they left the hospital.

    Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik didn¡¯t seem to pay him any mind, but Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask him if anything was wrong. Hence, their table had the heaviest atmosphere one could expect of men going out to battle.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim,¡± Nam Il-Gyu called as if in passing. ¡°Are you getting a bad feeling?¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nced at him, and Kang Chul-Gyu nodded with certainty.

    Kim Hyung-Jung knew Kang Chan also sometimes got signals like that. Nevertheless, seeing Kang Chul-Gyu nod at Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s question made him look at Kang Chul-Gyu with a puzzled expression.

    ¡°I¡¯m getting the usual inexplicable sense of uneasiness. Be extra vignt from today onward.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik replied firmly.

    ¡°Do you feel certain ways about battles?¡± Kim Hyung-Jung asked.

    ¡°Sometimes my gut warns me of danger. When something¡¯s about to happen, my heart starts racing or something like that¡­¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyuughed at how awkward it was to exin.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard the assistant director say something simr.¡±

    ¡°So I was informed. We seem to have a simr sixth sense.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung nodded. ¡°I think so too.¡±

    He then asked if the feeling was severe. At times like these, he understood why people went to have their fortunes read.

    ¡°I heard that the assistant director called us here. He¡¯s got a better sense than I do, so he must be getting warnings about the danger ahead as well. There¡¯s no telling what¡¯s going to happen where.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu gave an uncharacteristically kind exnation to Kim Hyung-Jung.

    With twilight rising, the setting sun turned red as if it had been struck by a sword.

    ¡°<em>Phuhu</em>!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s happyughter came over from the other side while Kang Chul-Gyu was staring at the distant blood-red sky.

 Chapter 402: Right Under Our Nose (1)

    Kang Chan spent another day at the hotel. Although the room was always clean, he could really see why people often said hotels were different from homes.

    He got up from bed, went to the living room, and grabbed a water bottle.

    <em>What¡¯s wrong with me?</em>

    He opened the bottle and drank while looking out the window. This city was in the countryside that bordered Belgium and Luxembourg.

    The bright morning sun disguised itself as peace and made the world look calm. The buildings looked just as they did in Medieval Europe¡ªhe could even see a sharp tower among them.

    As if he had woken up in a swamp, Kang Chan felt ufortable and displeased. However, he began to feel better as soon as he looked at the view outside. It seemed as though the sun was drying up the mud on him little by little.

    At times like this, having a cup of sweet instant coffee was the best way to change his mood¡­

    Kang Chan slowly twisted his shoulder, arm, and waist. Like magic, the wound on his chest had already healed to the point where he no longer had to be careful.

    <em>Click. </em>G¨¦rard came out to the living room, looking as if he had just woken up.

    ¡°Hey, you''re up. Here you go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    He picked up a bottle of water next to him and handed it to G¨¦rard. For some strange reason, seeing the fucker made Kang Chan crave coffee even more.

    ¡°Order coffee for us,¡± Kang Chan said afterward.

    ¡°Oui.¡± <em>Du du du Du du du du! Du du du. Du du du Du du du du! Du du du. </em>

    Normally, they would¡¯ve ordered breakfast first before getting coffee. Nevertheless, G¨¦rard obediently picked up the phone while drinking water from the bottle.

    The man was naturally attractive. He had long eyshes, a tall and sharp nose, and green eyes that were even more mesmerizing now with the morning sunlight illuminating them. He also had a scar on his cheek that made him look even cooler. However, he was using his mouth to hold the bottle of water. A bit more sophistication would¡¯ve made the fucker look more handsome.

    Kang Chan shook his head and looked away from G¨¦rard. Just as he was about to start stretching, the doorbell rang.

    G¨¦rard walked to the door with his long legs and crudely epted the coffee cups and coffee pot, making him look like a Westerner delivering jjajangmyeon.

    After pouring coffee into one of the cups, he put it on the table next to Kang Chan. ¡°Drink up.¡±

    ¡°Daye and the special forces team are arriving from South Korea today,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°I heard. At one this afternoon, right?¡±

    Kang Chan picked up his coffee as he nodded. ¡°I have a shitty feeling about this. I¡¯m informing Daye about it as well.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d find it weirder if an operation involving you were to end without a twist.¡±

    <em>Is that how it usually is?</em>

    Kang Chan looked at G¨¦rard, finding him smiling. The scar on his cheek crinkled.

    ¡°This will probably be thest fight for me, you, Daye, and even the special forces team. Everyone better fucking live through this, so you better keep your guard up once you¡¯ve finished your coffee.¡±

    Kang Chan had never spoken in this manner before. Perhaps that was why G¨¦rard stopped smiling and focused on what he was saying.

    The two were wearing shorts and a short-sleeved t-shirt, leaving many terrifying scars on their thighs, knees, chest, and forearms exposed. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what their scars would look like to others, but to them, they were evidence that they survived a hell-like war together.

    Kang Chan drank his nicely cooled coffee and then ced it down on the table.

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to stand behind me in a suit during the meeting. We¡¯ll have to see how things go, but if even Daye has to do that with us, then all three of us will have to fight in the war,¡± Kang Chan exined. ¡°Although the Jeungpyeong special forces team have be world-ss soldiers, we don¡¯t know how well they¡¯ll handle the situation if things go awry.¡±

    ¡°Do you think Ziegfeld will target this opportunity?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we take him out the moment we meet him, then?¡± G¨¦rard asked.

    Kang Chan had naturally already considered the idea before. However, it simply wasn¡¯t possible.

    ¡°Don''t you think that son of a bitch Sherman is mediating for that exact reason? If we take action first, then the United States will request something. What if it¡¯s the opposite?¡±

    ¡°You mean if Sherman sided with our enemies?¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. ¡°We already know that he did. What I mean is what if Ziegfeld¡¯s great n seeds and he kills everyone, including us and Sherman?¡±

    ¡°How would that be possible with you there? I¡¯ll be there too. Daye will probably also do his part, albeit barely.¡±

    This fucker always said things that would surprise and anger Seok Kang-Ho as if it was the truth.

    ¡°But if Ziegfeld could eliminate me and Sherman at the same time, then he¡¯d have nothing to lose. Considering his wealth, he could probably just open his bag and give the United States something valuable. He¡¯d basically just be investing in an opportunity that could earn him a lot of money anyway, wouldn¡¯t he?¡±

    G¨¦rard downed the coffee that he had been holding and ced the cup on the table. ¡°You really seem like the head of an intelligence bureau now.¡±

    When Kang Chan gazed at him, G¨¦rard continued as if he was making an excuse, ¡°I was actually a bit surprised when we met Uzman yesterday. You talked to him in such a dignified manner that it made me wonder if you¡¯ve worked in this field and talked to the heads of intelligence bureaus before.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, then shook his head. ¡°You saw him, didn¡¯t you? What would I gain from yelling at a man who acted with dignity? Anyway, let¡¯s put a proper end to all of this with this operation. The three of us should go out and get some rest after.¡±

    After their conversation, Kang Chan headed to the bathroom and decided not to think about this matter any longer. If thoughts were enough to solve this, then they wouldn¡¯t be risking their lives right now.

    ¡°Order breakfast for us¡ªlet¡¯s have an American breakfast today!¡± Kang Chan told G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    A new day was starting.

    ***

    Lanok barely had enough time to put his phone down. He had been continuously talking to not only Vasili, but also Ludwig, Yang Bum, and the heads of other European countries¡¯ intelligence bureaus.

    Lanok leaned back on his bed, deep in thought. The head of the bed was elevated upright, like the backseat of a car.

    ¡°Would you like a sandwich, sir?¡± Raphael asked.

    ¡°ck tea would be better.¡±

    ¡°Of course, sir.¡±

    Raphael respectfully poured tea for Lanok and ced it on the bed table.

    ¡°Thank you. Prepare cigars for me as well,¡± Lanok ordered. He didn¡¯t even look at Raphael.

    Nevertheless, Raphael didn¡¯t look offended or upset. He brought over cigars, a lighter, and an ashtray in an oval tray.

    ¡°<em>Hmm.</em>¡±

    Lanok held a cigar in his mouth and lit it up with a lighter.

    <em>Chk chk.</em>

    The fire from the lighter flickered closer to him whenever he inhaled the cigar. Soon after, its tip finally burst into embers.

    ¡°<em>Hooo. </em>So it¡¯s not Africa and Europe. Considering we haven¡¯t found traces in Iran, China, and Russia, does that mean the United States ns to use their troops?¡± Lanok asked himself.

    Even though he had just lit his cigar and had just been served tea, Lanok no longer touched either of them. Instead, he just stared out his window.

    <em>Ring. Ring. Ring.</em>

    Raphael quickly handed the ringing phone to Lanok.

    ¡°Vasili. Got anything for me?¡±

    - I searched everyone, from those from the Soviet Union¡¯s special forces team to those involved in NATO, but we found no trace of their troops being mobilized.

    ¡°Have you heard anything from the UK?¡±

    - It¡¯s just as the DGSE has reported. Ethan has already backed out of this matter, and he¡¯s only hoping that South Korea will quickly finish constructing the next-generation energy facility.

    Lanok looked at the clock on the wall with somber eyes.

    ¡°Would Sherman risk everything that the United States owns for this matter?¡±

    - Lanok, Sherman isn¡¯t that different from us; he won¡¯t do such a thing. If the US military makes a move and fights us, then Ziegfeld will get what he wants most: a world war. Sherman knows that as well as we do.

    A sharp and heavy silence permeated the call for a moment.

    ¡°Do we really have to watch Monsieur Kang and South Korea¡¯s special forces team first before we decide again?¡±

    - Weren¡¯t you prepared to do that when you made him our main character? It seems as though you¡¯re only feeling the woes of supporting characters now.

    Lanok smirked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s examine everything again for thest time and see how things y out, then.¡±

    - Alright.

    The call ended.

    ***

    An hour past noon, the sunlight enveloping the Villeroy Rasch Boch Airport began to heat up. Except for grape vines that had just started growing, it was difficult for anyone or anything to endure the heat.

    DGSE agents in ck suits and sunsses had restricted the public from essing the airport.

    Kang Chan stood in front of the runway with G¨¦rard.

    The final battle was starting. There was no turning back from it now.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know who would return to South Korea alive or in a body bag. However, he couldn¡¯t stop this fight anymore.

    <em>Brrrrr.</em>

    Themercial aircraft touched down on the runway, took a wide turn, and approached Kang Chan.

    A truck drove a set of stairs and attached it to the aircraft. Then, the aircraft door opened, and Kang Chul-Gyu climbed down onto Villers-La-Bresse.

    When their eyes met, Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu asked each other questions with their gazes.

    <em>¡®Are you okay?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Did you eat while I was gone?¡¯</em>

    Right after, they answered each other by smiling in a way that was difficult for other people to understand.

    If they were alone and had a lot of time, Kang Chan would¡¯ve just talked to Kang Chul-Gyu instead of just smirking.

    Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik got out of the aircraft after Kang Chul-Gyu. They approached Kang Chan, shouting, ¡°Assistant Director! You must¡¯ve had to go through a lot to get here!¡±

    ¡°Hey, you fucker!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek rushed toward Kang Chan and tightly hugged him. Kang Chan hugged him back to show that he was happy to see him, but it made his chest wound hurt a little.

    Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee headed out of the aircraft next.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed.

    ¡°You crazy fucker!¡±

    Kang Chan was happy to see him. He was always happy to see this fucker.

    ¡°You guys went through a lot,¡± Kang Chan told the others.

    Kang Chan shook hands with Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and Lee Doo-Hee, then patted their right arm.

    He could no longer remember when he had met them and formed this kind of rtionship with them, but he genuinely cared about them now. He had also learned to depend on them.

    The Jeungpyeong special forces team soon got out of the aircraft as well, starting with Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and Yoon Sang-Ki.

    ¡°Please put in a good word for us to General Park and Manager Kim,¡± one of them told Kang Chan.

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Please tell them that you¡¯ve detained us in the hospital.¡±

    Leaving behind the three and their absurd greetings, Kang Chan shook hands with the other soldiers who had gotten out of the aircraft.

    From only having Daye and G¨¦rard, he now had so many dependablerades.

    Among the many emotions he felt were happiness, gratitude, and reassurance.

    They split up into the prepared buses and headed to the hotel. Upon arriving at their destination, Kang Chan ordered everyone to head into their respective rooms and get an hour¡¯s worth of rest.

    However, some naturally didn¡¯t listen. Instead of going to his assigned room, Seok Kang-Ho looked around the room that Kang Chan had been using and suddenly ced his luggage there.

    Kang Chan was with him and G¨¦rard again.

    They prepared coffee and cigarettes as they caught each other up. Kang Chan heard about what was going on in Saudi Arabia, and then exined what had happened in France.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean that fucking Ziegfeld will be targetting you? Let¡¯s break his fucking neck as soon as we see him,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said afterward, proving that his and G¨¦rard''s thoughts didn¡¯t differ all that much.

    <em>I can¡¯t believe I keep having to watch these bastards argue about how they¡¯re better than the other!</em>

    Smiling, Kang Chan ryed what Seok Kang-Ho said in French, making G¨¦rard smile as well.

    ¡°Some people might be aiming for this opportunity. They could try to take me and Ziegfeld out at the same time,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded, his face still puffy.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of deploying tomorrow. I¡¯ll be holding a briefing in a bit, so just rest for now. I need you both ready forbat.¡±

    ¡°Is there something to eat here?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    After ordering a sandwich for Seok Kang-Ho, the three spent an hour hanging around.

    Soon, Kang Chan called Hugo, calcted the time it would take them to fly to Cuba, and made an appointment based on when they would arrive there.

    ***

    At 3 pm, Kang Chan asked for coffee and light snacks to be prepared in the hotel''s restaurant. All employees were ordered to leave the premises as well.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t sure if the hotel didn¡¯t just have that many customers or if the DGSE had simply already taken action, but they rarely saw any regr customers.

    The expressions, eyes, and aura of those who had gathered in the restaurant made it seem as if the operation had already started.

    ¡°There¡¯s something I need to tell you before I brief you all,¡± Kang Chan opened. He then told them that Uzman had visited the hotel and revealed what they had talked about.

    ¡°As a result of our collective efforts, we have finally be a country that cannot be messed with. Using this operation, we will ensure that no one can revolt against that result.¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chan nced at G¨¦rard. G¨¦rard then unrolled arge map over two tables.

    ¡°This is a map of Cuba,¡± Kang Chan said, then gestured at G¨¦rard to unfold the next map. ¡°And this is ya Santa Lucia, which is where we¡¯re supposed to meet. It directly connects to the beach, and as you guys can see from the satellite photo, it has a hill at the back.¡±

    Kang Chan looked up from the map to those sitting before him. ¡°I¡¯ll exin this in simple terms¡ªZiegfeld is the so-called Star of David. G¨¦rard has caught that fucking bastard¡¯s sessor.¡±

    People looked at G¨¦rard, then quickly looked back at Kang Chan.

    ¡°That son of a bitch hasmitted grave crimes. He was behind all the terrorist attacks in South Korea, the assassination of our agents in Libya, and the series of events that happened afterward, including the Quds in Africa and the UIS in Afghanistan¡ªall of that.¡±

    Kang Chan noticed the people¡¯s eyes gradually burning up.

    ¡°This man has the power to start a world war at any given moment. On paper, he wants to meet me to cooperate with me and acknowledge our next-generation energy facility.¡± Kang Chul-Gyu smirked, conveying that he didn¡¯t believe that reason one bit. ¡°Honestly, the fact that that stupid little asshole even suggested something like that makes me ufortable.¡±

    Kang Chan nted his hands on the map and leaned over it, then slowly looked at every man before him. ¡°One more thing. Others will likely try to use this opportunity to kill me and Ziegfeld at the same time. That should tell you about how dangerous this operation will be.¡±

    At that moment, the eyes on him became even more ferocious.

    Finally, Kang Chan nodded. ¡°G¨¦rard, Daye, and Choi Jong-Il. Your team will be going with me in suits.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°Jeungpyeong special forces team. You will be in charge of the perimeter. Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, Yang Dong-Sik, and Oh Gwang-Taek, you will be moving separately but will be receiving orders from Cha Dong-Gyun. Any questions?¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun immediately raised his hand ¡°Willbat engagement be at our discretion?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Kang Chan nodded. ¡°We¡¯re representing South Korea, its National Intelligence Service, and its special forces. It is only proper I leave that decision to you. If needed, you are free to kill anyone and everyone.¡±

    After a brief pause, he looked straight at Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s glinting eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll take full responsibility for that.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze conveyed his intentions as effectively as words.

    Since there weren''t any more questions, Kang Chan issued his final orders.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to leave the hotel at 0900 local time tomorrow and fly out at 1000. We¡¯ll arrive in Cuba at 1700 local time, and the operation will start the next day at 1100. Go get some rest until then. Meeting adjourned.¡±

    Afterward, everyone stood up from their seats.

    ¡°Assistant Director,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu softly called as everyone exited the restaurant.

    ¡°You guys go ahead. I¡¯ll follow,¡± Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho, then sat at one side of the restaurant with Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a good feeling about this,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu revealed. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve felt it as well.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    ¡°I thought I should let you know anyway for everyone¡¯s sake,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu added before finally looking as if he had said everything he had wanted to say. ¡°I¡¯ll head up now.¡±

    With an awkward expression, he stood up. Kang Chan followed. They walked and rode the elevator to their floor.

    On the way, Kang Chan felt the need to thank Kang Chul-Gyu for telling Kang Dae-Kyung that he was alive. However, for some reason, attempting to do so made him feel so bad that it rendered him speechless.

    Their rtionship certainly was quite awkward.

    Kang Chul-Gyu stepped out of the elevator and then immediately headed to his room.

    <em>Why is he in such a rush?</em>

    Shaking his head, Kang Chan returned to his room as well. Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard stood up and greeted him.

    ¡°He just told me that he doesn¡¯t have a good feeling about this. You guys just keep resting. I need to call a few people,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Wearing simr expressions, Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard nodded.

    Kang Chan took his coffee and cigarette, then went to one side of the living room.

    The first person he called was Lanok. He exined what had happened so far, then told him about his n.

    - Vasili and I are investigating all the possible ces they can deploy units from, but we haven¡¯t found any evidence of anyone mobilizing troops. We¡¯ll keep monitoring the United States and let you know right away if anything dangerouses up.

    <em>Is something wrong with him?</em>

    Lanok, whom nothing could faze, sounded nervous. Not even the Eurasian Rail Conference incident or Suo Ke kidnapping him made him sound this anxious.

    ¡°Mr. Ambassador,¡± Kang Chan softly called.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to win.¡±

    Lanokughed quietly.

    - It seems I have forgotten for a moment that we have the God of ckfield. I¡¯ll be waiting for the day you return.

    The call ended on that note.

    Kang Chan put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it up.

    <em>Chk chk.</em>

    Kang Chan blew out cigarette smoke. ¡°<em>Hooo.¡±</em>

    Ziegfeld?

    <em>Death¡¯sing.</em>

 Chapter 403: Right Under Our Nose (2)

    Kim Hyung-Jung had the cord of their telephone draped over his shoulder and a cell phone on the other ear.

    ¡°The entire Foreign Legion is on high alert right now due to an emergency decree. Yes, sir. France¡¯s intelligence bureau and the DGSE have stopped working on foreign affairs. They seem determined to hide their true intentions. I¡¯ll report to you as soon as anything newes up.¡±

    After finishing the call with Go Gun-Woo, Kim Hyung-Jung turned to his monitors and talked into the phone that was still draped over his shoulder.

    ¡°We¡¯ve already been notified of Russia and China issuing an emergency alert. Focus on how the troops in America and the Middle East are acting. Yeah, that¡¯s right! Make sure the information Russia and China have given us won¡¯t be leaked! Keep up the good work!¡±

    <em>Click.</em>

    After cing the phone down, Kim Hyung-Jung hurriedly looked at the monitors again to check the intel from the agents stationed abroad.

    After Kang Chan had left for Cuba, all of Europe, China, Russia, and even the United States started to take military action¡ªthey started to mobilize their special forces and aircraft carriers.

    Kim Hyung-Jung never imagined the day woulde when France''s intelligence bureau and DGSE¡ªboth of which never shared information¡ªwould secretly hand over intel to South Korea or that Russia and China would give South Korea intel in the form of reports a dozen times a day.

    Moreover, the moment Uzman from Saudi Arabia exerted his influence, the atmosphere in Africa and the countries in the Middle Eastpletely and astoundingly changed.Nobody could have ever imagined the Shiites protecting South Korean informants from the Sunnis and giving South Korea information.

    When Kim Hyung-Jung first met Kang Chan hoping to connect South Korea to the Eurasian Rail, he never expected things to be this big.

    If it weren¡¯t for Kang Chan, the dream of joining the Eurasian Rail project would¡¯ve gone out the window. Right now, the National Intelligence Service would¡¯ve simply been busy gauging the moods of the other countries, wondering why they were acting that way.

    Kim Hyung-Jung didn''t expect this operation in Cuba to be big enough of a deal for the United States, Russia, France, China, the UK, Germany, and almost every other country to mobilize their troops.

    Kang Chan, the assistant director of the National Intelligence Service, was at the heart of this operation, and South Korean special forces were protecting him.

    Kim Hyung-Jung picked up the cup that had been pushed to the corner of his desk and drank his cold coffee. Since he couldn¡¯t fight with the others on the frontlines, he instead strengthened his resolve and did his best at what he could do.

    After cing the cup down, Kim Hyung-Jung looked at the monitor again, his eyes burning with his sense of duty.

    ***

    <em>Brrr.</em>

    Following the deep whirring sound of its engine, the aircraft rose to its usual altitude.

    Kang Chan sat in the first-ss seat that had been prepared for him, which was close to the entrance of themercial aircraft, and began making calls. Soon, he put his phone down. Lanok, Vasili, and Kim Hyung-Jung had informed him of the situation.

    Hearing that the United States had mobilized one of its aircraft carriers perplexed him, but this situation <em>did </em>have Sherman involved, a man who would resort to such drastic methods as many times as he liked if the benefits outweighed the costs.

    Unfortunately, the moment an aircraft carrier was deployed, the possibility of a world war urring at any moment became real.

    Exhaling softly, Kang Chan looked outside the window. His heart started to beat faster the moment he left France, warning him that he was heading into danger.

    Kang Chan had expected as much. After all, every time he hadin in bed or tried to rx, he had felt antsy and ill. Moreover, as G¨¦rard and Daye had said, an operation he was a part of would never end without surprises.

    He had felt agitated and his heart had pounded countless times in the past. However, it had never been this intense¡ªhe felt so disquieted and leery that it felt as if death was approaching them.

    He leaned on the table and looked outside the window.

    <em>What does Ziegfeld really fucking want? What is he plotting? Would Sherman really let this meeting end peacefully?</em>

    Kang Chan had never participated in this kind of operation before, which was a problem in itself.

    <em>To be fair, I doubt anyone¡¯s experienced something like this before, though. This is the first time the Star of David officially showed itself to the world.</em>

    Kang Chan red at the clouds outside the window as if he were looking at their enemies.

    Seok Kang-Ho suddenly appeared, interrupting Kang Chan''s thoughts.

    ¡°Here. Have some coffee.¡± Seok Kang-Ho ced arge stic cup in front of Kang Chan. It was evident that he had poured two packets of coffee into it.

    Kang Chan nced up at Seok Kang-Ho.

    ¡°Is your heart pounding again?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked. He sat next to Kang Chan, his eyes sharply glinting with ferocity. ¡°<em>Phuhu</em>.¡±

    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± Kang Chan asked but broke intoughter as well. He strangely found himselfughing along with the fucker whenever he had heard his signatureugh.

    ¡°It just dawned on me that we¡¯ve aplished quite a lot of crazy feats,¡± Seok Kang-Ho exined.

    ¡°Motherfucker.¡±

    ¡°<em>Phuhu</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan sipped the hot coffee. Instant coffee and ramyeon really did wondersforting them at times like this, especially during a flight.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do our best to live through this,¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    ¡°Hey! If we were going to die, we would¡¯ve died in Afghanistan or Africa already.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    <em>What¡¯s up with this bastard?</em>

    Seeing Kang Chan looking at him, Seok Kang-Ho said, ¡°When I heard you died to your wounds just recently, I felt as if I was going to lose my mind. <em>Phew</em>! I¡¯d rather not go through that fucking awful experience again, so we all better survive.¡±

    As they snickered, Kang Chan wondered if their conversation was even funny. On the other hand, though, could he really me himself for finding Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s expression and delivery funny?

    ¡°Get some sleep,¡± Kang Chan said afterward and gestured at G¨¦rard¡ªwho was sleeping¡ªwith a nce.

    ¡°What about you, Cap?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m done making calls, so I¡¯ll be getting some sleep too. War¡¯s about to start.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho returned to his seat and reclined the chair.

    There was no need for words anymore. To handle what Kang Chan¡¯s heart was warning him about, he needed to sleep and eat properly.

    ***

    They arrived at the Jose Marti Airport at 3 pm in Cuba¡¯s local time.

    The aircraft turned on the runway and headed toward the airport¡¯s maintenance department. Right after, soldiers dressed in a way that was reminiscent of themunist party surrounded it. However, instead of being threatening, their presence was reassuring. It was as if Kang Chan and his men were simply being escorted.

    The aircraft door opened, and Kang Chan got out first.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard exited the aircraft with him, and Cha Dong-Gyun and Kwak Cheol-Ho¡ªwho were fully armed and had their faces covered¡ªfollowed right behind.

    As the zing heat and the intense sunlight rushed toward them, an agent among the Cuban soldiers approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯m Lua, the agent in charge of the DGSE¡¯s Cuban branch. It¡¯s an honor to meet you. We have already prepared your transfer.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s the other aircraft?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Over there, sir.¡±

    The DGSE had prepared anothermercial ne for them for the two-hour flight to ya Santa Lucia. However, due to the ya Santa Lucia Airport¡¯s poor condition, it was smaller than the one they had just exited.

    A Cuban soldier with a scruffy mustache kept ncing at Kang Chan and the DGSE agent.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun, secure the path to that aircraft and have our men guard the perimeter,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun immediately issuedmands to his men through the radio.

    <em>Clunk. Clunk. Clunk.</em>

    Three soldiers got off the ne behind Kang Chan. Together with Kwak Cheol-Ho, they surrounded the one that the DGSE had prepared for them.

    Kang Chan turned his head to the DGSE agent again. ¡°Move the cargo.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    After the cargo loader unloaded the cargo, it was moved and loaded into the smaller aircraft.

    <em>It might be too heavy for the ne.</em>

    Kang Chan watched them anxiously, but neither the DGSE agent nor the person moving the cargo brought up such a problem.

    The process took thirty minutes.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun,¡± Kang Chan called, then nodded at the smaller aircraft.

    Cha Dong-Gyun once again ryed his orders on the radio. Everyone immediately got off the ne and boarded the smaller one.

    ¡°Good work,¡± Kang Chan told Lua.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be on standby.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded, then got on the aircraft with Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard. Once Cha Dong-Gyun had boarded with the soldiers keeping their perimeters safe, the ne drove to the runway.

    ***

    It was a shitty two-hour flight.

    Kang Chan could understand the turbulence due to the winds from the sea. However, when they arrived, they immediately learned that the ya Santa Lucia Airport¡¯s runway was just about the size of a fourne road on a vast in.

    <em>Du du du du du du!</em>

    The aircraft endured harsh vibrations, wearing out the tires, until it finally managed to stop near the end of the runway. They would likely have to rece the tires before flying off again.

    Seok Kang-Ho groaned, then shook his head. He wasn¡¯t the only one suffering from this flight¡ªeven Kang Chan had trouble thinking.

    <em>That son of a bitch! Why would Sherman want to meet in a ce like this?</em>

    Kang Chan stopped himself from swearing out loud as he got off the aircraft.

    <em>Vroom. Vroom. Vroom.</em>

    A truck and an SUV drove toward the ne. The vehicles seemed to have been waiting for them.

    Soon, a lean, dark-skinned agent with a mustache respectfully walked over to them. He looked Cuban.

    ¡°I¡¯m Rico, the agent in charge of helping you here in ya Santa Lucia.¡±

    The look in Rico¡¯s eyes made him seem as if he was hiding something.

    It took them about forty minutes to unload the cargo.

    While Cha Dong-Gyun and the soldiers kept watch, Kang Chan slowly looked around the airport. Everywhere he looked, he saw barrennds with only a few assorted trees growing.

    If he had been sent here without any exnation, he would¡¯ve had a hard time distinguishing ya Santa Lucia from Africa, Afghanistan, and Mongolia.

    Even now, he wouldn¡¯t have known that they were in ya Santa Lucia if it wasn¡¯t for the smell that rushed toward him when they lowered the aircraft¡¯s ramp. Most of the time, Africa, Afghanistan, and Mongolia smelled like the ginger they respectively grew. There were also times when they simply had an earthy smell.

    Kang Chan softly exhaled. ¡°<em>Phew</em>.¡±

    Cuba¡ªno, ya Santa Lucia smelled like strong cigarettes that were soaked in seawater.

    Kang Chan looked at Kang Chul-Gyu. His heart was now warning him of the impending danger even more strongly than before.

    <em>¡®The battle¡¯s about to begin.¡¯</em>

    Meeting Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Kang Chul-Gyu briefly nodded. He already looked as if he was on a battlefield.

    The soldiers loaded the weapons and got on the truck bed of the truck in groups of five. The others got in the SUV.

    They drove down a bumpy road for about twenty minutes before finally reaching a lone two-story cement building that stood out like a sore thumb in the middle of the barrennd. It had outdated gray walls, drooping electrical wires that made Kang Chan wonder if people used it tomit suicide or torture others through electricity, and an air conditioner that was halfway outside the window. It also had satellite antennas.

    ¡°Feel free to rest here, sir,¡± Rico said.

    After getting out of the car, Kang Chan looked around their surroundings. Meanwhile, the soldiers checked the building and installed weapons on the roof.

    A cloud of dust rose whenever the unique wind from the sea swept past them.

    The smell of wet cigarettes in the cloud of dust once again reminded Kang Chan that they were here in ya Santa Lucia, Cuba for war, not sightseeing.

    ¡°We¡¯ve secured the building and the roof. I¡¯ll have six soldiers cover the perimeter,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun said through his mask.

    After listening to the report, Kang Chan headed inside.

    Honestly, Kang Chan was a little surprised. Although the old home appliances got on his nerves, its interior was decorated like a luxury hotel.

    ¡°Daye, assign rooms to everyone,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho went up the stairs on their right with Choi Jong-Il.

    There were a total of eight rooms. Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard used the room in the middle of the second floor, and Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik were assigned to the room next to them. Choi Jong-Il and the Jeungpyeong soldiers were given the rooms across from them.

    <em>Can we be shot from outside the building?</em>

    Kang Chan looked out the window of a second-floor room and examined the building¡¯s exterior. Just then, Rico entered. He seemed curious about what Kang Chan was doing.

    ¡°What would you like to have for dinner?¡± Rico asked.

    For some reason, Rico looked as if he wanted to mooch off what Kang Chan was going to have for dinner.

    ¡°Is there anything prepared for us?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    ¡°We¡¯ll prepare whatever you wish. We can prepare a Cuban meal, spaghetti, pizza, or even an American-style steak.¡±

    ¡°One second.¡±

    Kang Chan went to the door and leaned down toward the first floor. ¡°Daye! What do you want to have for dinner?¡±

    ¡°We have cup ramyeon, instant rice, and kimchi. Let¡¯s have that!¡± Daye immediately responded from below.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have the food that we brought here. What about you?¡± Kang Chan asked Rico.

    ¡°I¡¯d also like to have the same if that¡¯s okay with you.¡±

    Kang Chan had guessed as much. Smirking, he agreed to have Rico join them for dinner.

    They made cup ramyeon in arge pot and took out the instant rice. They also prepared kimchi. No one would skip dinner just because the flight was strenuous.

    During the meal, Rico vigorously ate three cups of instant ramyeons even though he imed that it was his first time having them. He also had plenty of their spicy kimchi.

    Kang Chan normally didn¡¯t have much to say about how a person ate, but Rico just looked too detestable when he did.

    After dinner, they turned on the faucet only for it to let out motor sounds, making it seem as if it was pulling up groundwater. Fortunately, the flow of water was strong enough for three soldiers to clean up the rest of their dinner.

    Kang Chan stepped away from the table and went out of the building. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was because of the humidity or the salt in the air, but the sunset near the sea cast a burgundy veil over them, making the clouds look red.

    <em>Thump-thump. Thump-thump.</em>

    He didn¡¯t tell anyone about it, but Kang Chan only had a light dinner. After all, when they ced a cup of ramen in front of him, his heart started pounding a bit stronger.

    He took a look at their surroundings.

    <em>Are our enemies aiming at us right now?</em>

    Not only were the soldiers on the roof thoroughly examining their vicinity, but they had assigned six soldiers to guard areas where their enemies could shoot them. Most snipers wouldn¡¯t be able to get past their defenses.

    <em>What on earth is making my heart pound, then?</em>

    Kang Chan softly sighed.

    <em>Screech.</em>

    At the same time, the door opened, and Kang Chul-Gyu came outside. His eyes were glinting, just like Kang Chan¡¯s.

    Kang Chul-Gyu stood next to Kang Chan.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I felt this anxious. I¡¯ll examine the area with Il-Gyu and Dong-Sik once it gets dark,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said. Slowly looking around their surroundings, he softly continued. ¡°I¡¯d also like to request for you to stay armed. Have your radio with you at all times as well.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Considering this crisis could make Kang Chul-Gyu nag at him for this long, Kang Chan thought he should at least be prepared for any circumstances.

    The darkness was slowly enveloping the sunset that ya Santa Lucia likely enjoyed every day.

    <em>Thump-thump. Thump-thump.</em>

    Kang Chan looked up and around their surroundings with glinting eyes.

    <em>What¡¯s going on? Are there bastards out there ying a trick on us?</em>

    Kang Chan was about to go crazy from frustration and curiosity, but there was no way he could know what was about to happen until it already had.

    As he surveyed the area two more times, the darkness cruelly engulfed the remaining light.

    ¡°I¡¯m going back inside to get ready,¡± Kang Chul-Gyu said.

    ¡°Be careful. Don¡¯t overdo it.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu, who was already turning around, looked back at Kang Chan in hesitation. After a moment, he nodded as if to say that he understood.

    Was this really a good idea? Should Kang Chan put this many people in danger just to meet Ziegfeld, an untrustworthy man?

    By the time Kang Chan went back inside, Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik had already finished getting ready.

    They had pistols, magazines, and bays attached to their waists and ankles. They also had rifles slung across their back. Unique to their team, they also had a bay strapped to their left shoulders.

    The atmosphere on the first floor was as heavy and fierce as the look in Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes. Moreover, Kang Chan entered looking on edge, making the situation even more like they were just about to head into battle.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun¡ªprepare weapons and a military uniform for me, and raise our security to the maximum. I want Daye, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung armed and ready as well,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Kang Chan¡¯s expression and the look in his eyes made Cha Dong-Gyun and Choi Jong-Il move quickly.

    While Kang Chan was changing into his military uniform, Kang Chul-Gyu stood in front of the door with Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°This is Command. Kang sunbae will be heading to the perimeter with two other people. Teams on the outskirts, be advised,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun radioed in.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Team One¡ªcopy.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Team Two¡ªcopy.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Team Three¡ªcopy.¡±

    <em>Screech.</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik said goodbye with their eyes and then went outside.

    <em>Thump-thump. Thump-thump.</em>

    The warnings that Kang Chan¡¯s instincts were giving him intensified as more time passed. Eventually, it started making him feel as if a sharp knife was being stabbed into his eyes and neck.

    Kang Chan armed himself with pistols, bays, magazines, rifles, and even his radio. With his nerves on edge, he looked at the soldiers.

    Rico looked around, surprised at the sharp atmosphere that started from Kang Chan. Only he didn¡¯t know the meaning behind the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    <em>Pew! PEW! Pew!</em>

    Familiar gunshots frighteningly prated their ears.

    ¡°I want more soldiers on the roof! Daye! G¨¦rard!¡± Kang Chan yelled. He then charged toward the door.

    <em>PEW! Pew! Pew! PEW!</em>

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°It¡¯s North Korea¡¯s 8th Special Forces Brigade! I repeat. It¡¯s North Korea¡¯s 8th Special Forces Brigate! The rest of our men should remain at base!¡± Kang Chul-Gyu softly radioed in. He sounded as if he was gritting his teeth.

 Chapter 404: Iéˆ¥æª’l Play Along With You (1)

    Everyone heard what Kang Chul-Gyu said over the radio. The moment the transmission ended, Kang Chan drew his pistol and aimed it at Rico, leaving everyone wondering what was happening.

    <em>Clink!</em>

    ¡°Tie this bastard up,¡± Kang Chanmanded. As ordered, Yoon Sang-Ki and another soldier rushed in and swiftly subdued Rico.

    At the same time, Cha Dong-Gyun sent four soldiers to support the rooftop. The other soldiers didn¡¯t have to be ordered for them to hang by the windows and watch their surroundings. The South Korean special forces¡¯ global standards truly shone in moments of confusion and unexpected situations like this.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun, assign men who¡¯ll be heading out with us¡ª¡±

    The door opened, interrupting Kang Chan.

    <em>Clink! Clink! Clink!</em>

    Kang Chan immediately aimed his rifle at those who were rushing in, and the others quickly followed suit. Just as quickly, however, they identified the group as the one they had assigned to the perimeter.

    <em>Crash.</em>Four soldiers dragged in two others whose necks and chests were soaked in blood. They then copsed together on the floor. As his men immediately tended to the injured, Kang Chan nced toward the door.

    Thest person to enter was Nam Il-Gyu. He had a knife in his hand, and his eyes were gleaming.

    ¡°Just as Kang sunbae-nim said, we¡¯ve encountered North Korea¡¯s 8th Special Forces Brigade. These bastards had a lot of grudges against us in the DMZ.¡±

    ¡°How many?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure, but roughly around fifty.¡±

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun, send ten soldiers¡ª¡±

    ¡°Assistant Director.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu interrupted Kang Chan¡¯smand.

    ¡°Kang sunbae-nim wants you to be in the best condition for tomorrow''s meeting. He also asked us to handle this fight so that our juniors can deal with other enemy traps.¡±

    Despite his urgency to go out and support the remaining two soldiers outside, Nam Il-Gyu conveyed each word carefully and firmly with a look that seemed ready to jump into action at any moment.

    ¡°Please, Assistant Director. Those bastards fight like us. They hide in the dirt and jump out, just like during our training in Jeungpyeong. Theirbat style will definitely get more of our juniors injured, so please just let me, Kang sunbae, and Dong-Sik handle this.¡±

    Every man would have a terrifyingly intense look in his eyes when putting his life on the line. Nam Il-Gyu was no different. A heavy silence and tension enveloped the first floor.

    <em>Do we even have time for this?</em>

    Kang Chan nced toward the door, but Nam Il-Gyu slightly moved to hold his gaze, seemingly locking him in a staring contest.

    ¡°If tonight is already like this, there will be another trap tomorrow. The juniors need to be able to protect you then.¡±

    Every second counted in this critical moment when two men were facing over fifty enemies just outside the door. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t leave the three of them alone.

    ¡°We don¡¯t need to have the meeting tomorrow,¡± said Kang Chan.

    Despite Kang Chan¡¯s decision, Nam Il-Gyu did not back down.

    ¡°Please do what¡¯s best for Korea. We, the DMZ team and Kang sunbae, have given our lives for our country. Dong-Sik has evenmitted the grave sin of negligence against his daughter So-Mi because of it...¡±

    ¡°We do not have time for this. Don¡¯t you know what our men are capable of? They¡¯re currently the best in the world; they won¡¯t be easily taken down.¡±

    ¡°I do know that, but it¡¯s difficult to fight together in this kind of battle. Even if Kang sunbae and I can¡¯t handle everything, we¡¯ll at least expose them. You can step in then.¡±

    There were only two options for Kang Chan. Either break Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s will and lead the soldiers out or ept the determination in his eyes.

    The brief moment of contemtion was too precious to waste on lengthy thoughts. For now, he needed to watch the situation before deciding.

    Kang Chan made up his mind.

    ¡°Fine, but we¡¯ll provide cover fire from the rooftop,¡± he said.

    ¡°Thank you, Assistant Director!¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu saluted Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan quickly saluted in return. How could he ignore such a gesture?

    <em>Creak!</em>

    Right after, Nam Il-Gyu disappeared outside.

    ¡°Cha Dong-Gyun, position two men at each window and send the others to the rooftop. If you spot even one of them, shoot them in the head. Drag that bastard to the rooftop as well!¡±

    After issuing orders, Kang Chan immediately went up to the rooftop. It had been a long time since he¡¯d seen such pitch-ck darkness.

    The stars and the moon hid behind the clouds, cruelly concealing their light. Dust continued to sweep across the rooftop.

    <em>Clink!</em>

    Lee Doo-Hee set up a sniper rifle against the rooftop wall beside Kang Chan, whose eyes had be as cold as ice.

    ¡°Rico.¡±

    The man looked at Kang Chan and his surroundings with an indignant expression.

    ¡°Ramen and kimchi are hard for a first-timer to enjoy. It¡¯s especially impossible for someone like you. Make a wise choice and answer. How did the 8th Brigade get here?¡±

    ¡°I''m innocent,¡± Rico replied.

    <em>This bastard dares mess around with Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s lives?!</em>

    Kang Chan pulled the trigger.

    <em>Bang!</em>

    When the muzzle shed, Rico¡¯s left thigh burst open.

    ¡°<em>Aaagh</em>!¡±

    ¡°How did the 8th Brigade get here?¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>¡­¡±

    <em>Bang! Thud!</em>

    His right leg was shot through next.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>! <em>Ugh</em>¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re keeping your mouth shut? Fine.¡±

    ¡°<em>Uugghh!¡±</em>

    Kang Chan took out his phone in front of the man and dialed a number.

    - This is Hugo.

    ¡°Rico, the local agent in Cuba, has betrayed us.¡±

    Hugo didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°I assume you''re already looking into his identity?¡±

    - Of course.

    Kang Chan nodded and red at Rico. Tears and snot were streaming down Rico¡¯s face, but he still looked indignant. He would naturally feel resentful. After all, he probably didn¡¯t expect the North Korean 8th Special Forces Brigade to be exposed so quickly.

    ¡°Hugo, this incident, following the betrayal of the guide in China, is a disgrace to the DGSE.¡±

    - We will take decisive action.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t miss the way Rico¡¯s eyes darted around in an attempt to listen to their conversation.

    <em>You idiot!</em>

    Whether he wanted to or not, as a local leader of the DGSE, he had to be aware of who Kang Chan was.

    <em>Information warfare? He probably got greedy from the moneying out of Ziegfeld and got involved with North Korea.</em>

    <em>Fine, I¡¯ll y along and give orders ordingly.</em>

    <em>You probably don¡¯t know this, but during my training under Lanok, Vasili taught me exactly how to handle situations like this. I just have to make sure you and your associates can''t even flip a coin anymore, no?</em>

    Kang Chan stared directly into Rico''s eyes. In French, he said, ¡°I will ensure the DGSE never faces another situation like this again. Kill everyone who rmended this man, all agents in Cuba associated with him, his family, and everyone in his phone¡¯s contacts within twenty-four hours.¡±

    Only Rico and G¨¦rard could understand what he had said. Kang Chan smirked at Rico, whose face had turned white.

    ¡°And seize every single penny from his ounts and assets. If the results are unsatisfactory, I¡¯ll order the execution of all involved staff.¡±

    - Duly noted. We will have it done immediately.

    ¡°Assistant Director! That¡¯s¡­!¡±

    <em>Bastard! You should have listened when I was being reasonable!</em>

    ¡°Rico.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Assistant Director, sir. This was something I¡­¡±

    ¡°If you wanted to hold out, you should have shown some more tenacity.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean¡­?¡±

    <em>Bang! Thud!</em>

    Rico''s head snapped back, and blood sttered from his forehead.

    ¡°Clean this up!¡± Kang Chanmanded, then moved beside Lee Doo-Hee.

    Although the others could not understand what he had told Hugo earlier, they got the gist of it from the atmosphere.

    <em>Clink!</em>

    Kang Chan set his rifle on the rooftop¡¯s parapet and red into the darkness.

    ***

    A muzzle shed amid the night, followed right after by a gunshot piercing the silence like a knife. Kang Chul-Gyu nced at the rooftop with fierce eyes, then turned away.

    <em>Firing a gun from the rooftop at a time like this!</em>

    There was no better word to describe it than ¡°incredible.¡± The sound of gunfire offered decisiveness to the enemy and reassurance to the allies. It served as a warning to their opponents that they were being watched and a powerful message to their allies that they had strongrades supporting them.

    Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu found the enemies while they were patrolling the perimeter. Just as they had identified the two Jeungpyeong soldiers and walked toward them, they noticed that the earth behind the two was being disced. The two Jeungpyeong soldiers whirled around to fire, but in such a fight, guns would always be slower.

    They would have been killed had Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu not rushed in. After slitting the enemy¡¯s throat, they quickly realized that their opponents were from the 8th Special Forces Brigade. The way they carried their weapons was so unique that it was impossible not to notice unless there was another Asian special forces team in the world mimicking the DMZ team by hanging knives on their left shoulders.

    Why and how these guys were here weren¡¯t important. All that mattered now was clearing out everyone who had dug into and hidden themselves underground. Moving like a cat, Kang Chul-Gyu gently slipped his left hand into the crumbling soil.

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    Then, like a snake slithering through the ground, his left hand moved forward.

    <em>Did you know that when you cover freshly dug soil, it always leaves a pattern in the direction it was covered? That''s why deeply buried bodies resurface with rainwater and why a single footprint can disturb the dust differently in the wind. Especially on a day like today, with the strong sea breeze, it''s even easier to spot those trying to hide.</em>

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    The moment the soil two steps ahead shifted slightly, Kang Chul-Gyu lunged into the darkness.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    <em>Thud!</em>

    He plunged his knife deep into the ground.

    <em>Crunch! Crack!</em>

    As he pulled the knife from the soil, the sound of flesh tearing and bones breaking echoed simultaneously. Like spilled ink, blood soaked the ground, and the metallic smell quickly spread. To disguise themselves this well, they had to have spent at least half a day preparing. In this position, these people would survive even if a machine gun rained down bullets from the rooftop.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    The sound of Yang Dong-Sik cutting down an enemy came from the right. If there were thick bushes, other ambushes could have been possible, but on this bare ground, hiding in the soil was the best option.

    <em>Did these idiots really think they could eliminate Kang Chan with such numbers?</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu moved silently forward again.

    <em>They must be panicking. Raising their heads risks being sniped from the rooftop, but hiding means getting killed one by one.</em>

    <em>Rustle! Thud!</em>

    The soil moved again, and Kang Chul-Gyu moved like a wildcat, plunging his knife into the ground.

    <em>Crack!</em>

    He heard the sound of muscles and bones breaking against the knife. He was certain that all the hidden enemies around had heard it.

    ***

    Yang Dong-Sik reached into the soil and found the head of the third enemy he had killed.

    <em>Thud! Crunch! Crack! Crunch!</em>

    After several stabs, Yang Dong-Sik ced the severed head atop the enemy¡¯s buried body. This was what they called<em></em>¡°Showing Them Seoul.¡± All the hidden enemies must have heard him as well.

    The enemies probably knew now that the King of the DMZ and Nam Il-Gyu, the creator of ¡°Showing Them Seoul,¡± were around. The warning shots from the rooftop ensured they couldn¡¯t even raise their heads. Yang Dong-Sik spotted an enemy hidden a few steps ahead and swiftly approached.

    <em>Thud! Crunch!</em>

    He plunged his knife into the enemy¡¯s body and then yanked it out.

    <em>Since you¡¯re already dead, you might as well take a look at Seoul before you go.</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik reached into the soil.

    <em>More than ten years have passed. Why haven¡¯t these bastards evolved¡­?</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s hand stopped as he pulled out something curious.

    <em>Sssss!</em>

    It was a wire.

    <em>What¡¯s this?</em>

    He searched the dead body again.

    <em>Did they bring a packed lunch for the Seoul tour?</em>

    In Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s hand was a palm-sized block of C4.

    <em>It¡¯s like a string of firecrackers for when Dades home!</em>

    Realizing why the enemies had surrounded the building and moved in the darkness, Yang Dong-Sik quickly rose to alert Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <em>I have to warm him! </em>

    <em>Click!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik nced down in surprise.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    A sharp steel spike shot out from the soil, piercing his chest.

    <em>These bastards!</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaagh</em>!¡±

    He gritted his teeth and twisted his upper body.

    <em>Click! Thud! Click! Thud!</em>

    Two more spikes shot out, skewering Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s torso again.

    ¡°Dong-Sik!¡±

    It was dark, and more enemies were waiting to ambush them, yet Kang Chul-Gyu noisily approached him. Yang Dong-Sik knew he had to warn Kang Chul-Gyu about the C4 and the spikes, but¡­

    ¡°<em>Kugh</em>.¡±

    ¡­ all that came out of his mouth was a bubble of blood.

    <em>Thud! Crack! Thud! Crunch! Thud! Crunch!</em>

    Every time Kang Chul-Gyu struck with his knife, the sound of enemies being split open echoed.

    <em>Isn¡¯t he a truly admirable sunbae? I¡¯m not just talking aboutbat skills, either!</em>

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Twice, spikes shot out aiming at Kang Chul-Gyu. Yang Dong-Sik could barely see the soil flying.

    <em>Are these something like spring-loaded spikes like the batons used by the police? At least it''ll be useful when you can''t move a gun while lying down.</em>

    Strangely, the noise stopped. Amid this eerily silent world, his eyes remained fixed on Kang Chul-Gyu. He watched as Kang Chul-Gyu plunged his knife into the ground and dragged it, like watching a muted TV.

    <em>Hope sunbae-nim is okay...</em>

    <em>¡®Dad, does it hurt a lot?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®No, I¡¯m okay.¡¯</em>

    ¡°Dong-Sik! Hey!¡±

    He could see Kang Chul-Gyu shouting and approaching, but he could only hear So-Mi¡¯s voice.

    <em>¡®How could youe so soon? You should stay much longer.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Right. I¡¯m rather worried about sunbae-nim.¡¯</em>

    ¡°Dong-Sik! No! Don¡¯t lose consciousness! Dong-Sik!¡±

    He could clearly see the words on Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s lips and felt him lifting his upper body.

    <em>¡®Do you really like him that much?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Yeah, So-Mi. I like Kang sunbae-nim more than anyone in the world.¡¯</em>

    <em>Thud.</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu caught Yang Dong-Sik''s head as it fell to the ground.

    ¡°Dong-Sik! Hey,e on!¡±

    Along with a spatter of blood, Yang Dong-Sik uttered hisst clear words.

    ***

    <em>Swish! Whizz! Whizz! Swish! Crack! Whoosh!</em>

    It looked like a battle between ghosts and spirits. Just beyond the mound that obscured the view of the two-story building, Nam Il-Gyu, surrounded by enemies, could not find the chance to draw his gun. However, he gave the enemies surrounding him no chance to aim theirs either. Seven to ten enemies rose from the ground, encircling Nam Il-Gyu.

    <em>Crack! Whizz! Whizz!</em>

    <em>These bastards have no idea who they¡¯re dealing with¡ªI''m the one who created ''showing them Seoul!''</em>

    Feeling a sense of urgency, Nam Il-Gyu parried the iing knife handles and quickly plunged his knife into an enemy¡¯s torso. He now understood why these fuckers were lying quietly in the dirt. Considering the wires connected haphazardly and the C4 strapped to their waists, it seemed they had nned to lure the allies out and eliminate them all here. They never nned on returning alive.

    <em>Whizz! Whizz!</em>

    In his haste, Nam Il-Gyu got hit in the waist and shoulder.

    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>

    He narrowly avoided the iing knives.

    Thest knife grazed the bridge of his nose, slicing it horizontally.

    <em>These damn greenhorns!</em>

    <em>¡®Damn it!¡¯</em>

    <em>Smack!</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu grabbed the wrist of the enemy who had just swung at his face like a viper. He then severed their wrist and plunged his knife into their neck.

    <em>Swoosh! Thud!</em>

    Meanwhile, he was shed on his back and thigh. It was terrifying; there were too many surrounding him, and they would do anything to take down at least one person. To make matters worse, they would most likely use him as bait to draw out Kang Chan and the special forces team.

    <em>Better to die than be bait. Should I shout? At least Kang Chul-Gyu might hear me.</em>

    <em>Whizz! Whizz!</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu got hit again on his left side and forearm.

    <em>What if I pierced that fucker¡¯s neck and detonated a grenade?</em>

    No matter how many knives flew at him, he could at least manage that.

    <em>¡®Before it¡¯s toote!¡¯</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu gritted his teeth.

    <em>Swish! Thud! Swish! Thud! Swish! Thud! Swish! Thud!</em>

    Gunshots rang out, and holes appeared in the enemies'' foreheads.

    He thought it was Kang Chul-Gyu helping him, but his sunbae¡¯s shouts wereing from quite a distance.

    ¡°Dong-Sik!¡±

    <em>Swish! Thud! Swish! Thud! Swish! Thud!</em>

    <em>Is it a ghost? Is someone helping because our situation looks so pitiful and tragic?</em>

    The shooting was frighteningly urate, giving Nam Il-Gyu enough room to have absurd thoughts. The sound of the shots was different from that of a sniper rifle.

    <em>Could it be?</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu turned his head.

    <em>Click!</em>

    With eyes zing with fury, Kang Chan approached.

 Chapter 405: Iéˆ¥æª’l Play Along With You (2)

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    Fully prepared forbat, Kang Chan sharply scanned his surroundings. He then pulled the trigger, making the muzzle of the MP5S sh. The enemy¡¯s forehead burst open right after.

    <em>Click! Swish! Thud!</em>

    <em>Fucking bastards! I don¡¯t mind fighting to the death in the DMZ due to differing ideologies and situations. But to kill fellow Koreans in a foreignnd just for some Western money? Stupid fucking assholes!</em>

    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>

    Gunshots and shes could be heard and seen in the distance. Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Cha Dong-Gyun, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and Choi Jong-Il were closing in, tightening the encirclement.

    ¡°Assistant Director! There are C4s everywhere!¡± the blood-soaked Nam Il-Gyu urgently shouted. ¡°They¡¯ve strapped explosives to themselves and n to detonate it as soon as you and the juniors approach!¡±

    With a nod, Kang Chan signaled Nam Il-Gyu to get behind him. Perhaps it was because of his fierce gaze, but Nam Il-Gyu quickly obeyed.

    <em>Huff. Huff. Did these little shits seriously impale Yang Dong-Sik''s chest with spikes?</em><em>Swish! Swish!</em>

    Kang Chan slowly swept the soil with his boot as he moved forward.

    <em>Smirk!</em>

    <em>I know where you fuckers are! I watched you bitches fight Kang Chul-Gyu, Nam Il-Gyu, and Yang Dong-Sik from the rooftop! C4? Go ahead, detonate it!</em>

    <em>Do you think we¡¯re stupid enough to stick our heads out and get ourselves killed? Fuck your explosives!</em>

    As Nam Il-Gyu searched for enemies from behind, Kang Chan took out two grenades with his left hand and pulled the safety pins with his mouth.

    <em>Still don¡¯t feel like moving? Then die!</em>

    Kang Chan threw the grenades.<em></em>

    In response, Nam Il-Gyu dropped to the ground out of reflex, not fear. There was no reason to let grenades injure him. Unlike him, Kang Chan squatted and took aim.

    <em>What the hell is this man doing¡­?</em>

    <em>Boom! Boooooom!</em>

    The grenades exploded on loose soil, sending dirt twenty meters into the air and blowing dust over fifty meters up.

    <em>Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>

    As dirt fell like ck rain from the sky, Kang Chan opened fire on the enemies whom the grenades had forced to move.

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    In front of the dazed Nam Il-Gyu, Kang Chan lowered his rifle, grabbed the bay strapped to his ankle, and charged forward.

    <em>Flop!</em>

    Though surprised, Nam Il-Gyu was no idiot. He was still the creator of the ¡°Show them Seoul¡± trend among the DMZ team. He quickly got up, grabbed his knife, and followed Kang Chan.

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud! Slice!</em>

    To ensure that the enemy was dead, Kang Chan plunged the knife deep into the soil. Chills ran down Nam Il-Gyu¡¯s spine as he bore witness to Kang Chan¡¯s precise and brutal knife strikes. Eventually, however, gunfire and grenade explosions from the front of the building broke the silence.

    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>

    Before Nam Il-Gyu realized it, Kang Chan was already firing away. Meanwhile, Kang Chul-Gyu used Kang Chan''s continuous rifle fire as his guide toward them.

    The scene made him feel chills for the third time.

    <em>How could he use his guns, grenades, and knives like that in such a chaotic moment? Is this all to create an escape path for Kang sunbae?</em>

    ¡°Hurry!¡± urged Kang Chan.

    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>

    <em>Click! ck!</em>

    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>

    Carrying Yang Dong-Sik over his shoulder, Kang Chul-Gyu ran toward them with a fearsome expression. Without looking, Kang Chan reloaded and fired relentlessly around Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>

    ¡°Faster!¡±

    Even though Kang Chul-Gyu was only ten meters away now, Kang Chan kept firing at the ground and shouting.

    <em>Crunch! Crunch!</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s footsteps were normally silent, but at that moment, they echoed loudly and clearly.

    As they tried to make their escape, a blinding light burst out and swirled with the darkness. Right after, ear-splitting explosions threw Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu, and Nam Il-Gyu into the air.

    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    <em>Rustle. Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    <em>Damn it! It¡¯s always like this! Those damned bombs always make people stupid. I feel like a ghost has grabbed my ankle and is pulling me underwater. Everything is blurry, and I can¡¯t even hear properly anymore.</em>

    Kang Chan shook his head and moved toward Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <em>Stomp. Stomp.</em>

    <em>Old man! Do you think I¡¯ll just let you die? All you¡¯ve done so far is buy some clothes, eat bulgogi once, and spend an awkward night at a pension house! You can¡¯t die with just those memories! That¡¯s not what you want either, is it? </em>

    <em>Honestly, I find this unfair! I didn¡¯t even know you were the King of DMZ or that you carried scars all your life!</em>

    <em>Thump!</em>

    Kang Chan slipped his hand under the shoulder of the fallen Kang Chul-Gyu, finding his backpletely soaked in blood.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>!¡±

    Moving a body carelessly could push shrapnel deeper. Hence, Kang Chan instead sat down with his legs stretched out in front of him and carefully turned Kang Chul-Gyu on his leg. Kang Chul-Gyu was pale, showing the years etched deeply in his features.

    ¡°Stay with me!¡±

    Kang Chan gently shook Kang Chul-Gyu.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t even called you ¡®Father¡¯ yet! Don¡¯t make me feel guilty and open your eyes!¡±

    Behind him, Nam Il-Gyu was struggling to sit up, and soldiers were running from the building with nking rifles.

    ¡°Wake the fuck up! I won¡¯t forgive you if you go like this!¡± shouted Kang Chan.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked so pale that the blood from his nose, ears, and eyes stood out even in the darkness.

    ¡°Please! Just this once! Listen to me and open your eyes!¡±

    He would have bitten his palm and given him blood just as he had done for G¨¦rard, but he knew it wouldn''t help. On the contrary, it could end up blocking his airway.

    As Nam Il-Gyu picked up Yang Dong-Sik, soldiers rushed toward Kang Chan.

    "We''ll take care of him, sir!"

    Kang Chan nodded.

    <em>Flop! Flop!</em>

    The soldiers began carrying Kang Chul-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik to the building. Behind them were Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Cha Dong-Gyun, Yoon Sang-Ki, Choi Jong-Il, and Lee Doo-Hee, their faces barely visible underyers of dirt.

    "The special forces team has five injured. The building¡¯s windows and front door have beenpletely destroyed as well, sir."

    Kang Chan reached out to Seok Kang-Ho. "Help me up!"

    As ordered, Seok Kang-Ho grabbed Kang Chan''s hand and pulled him up.

    <em>Thud! Rustle.</em>

    The dust that had settled on Kang Chan fell off.

    "Cha Dong-Gyun! The bodies of the people we killed are over there. Gather everything you can find and bring it in front of the building."

    "Yes, sir."

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chan took one step after another toward the building. His eyes were so intense that not even Choi Jong-Il dared ask about his condition.

    <em>Is this what you wanted? Talking about negotiation while stabbing us in the back? A fight where whoever kills first wins?</em>

    <em>Joke¡¯s on you, then. This is our specialty.</em>

    Through thepletely broken door and window frames, the white light of fluorescentmps and the red light of incandescentmps shone out.

    "Phone!"

    Woo Hee-Seung quickly fetched Kang Chan''s phone. Thetter then quickly called a number.

    <em>Tap, tap, tap, tap.</em>

    "Cigarette!"

    Seok Kang-Ho pulled out a cigarette, ced it in Kang Chan''s mouth, and lit it.

    - This is Hugo.

    <em>This bastard is also incredibly busy tonight.</em>

    "Hugo! I don¡¯t know the extent of my authority, but send the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team and all avable troops to Cuba!"

    - The special forces team and two Foreign Legion regiments are ready for deployment.

    <em>Good enough!</em>

    Kang Chan puffed out smoke. "Deploy them right now!"

    - Assistant Director.

    "What is it?"

    - Director Romain¡¯s number is in Rico¡¯s contacts.

    Kang Chan smirked. Whenever things ended chaotically, it certainly always turned out like this.

    <em>These bastards always bark, but you learn the hard way that they bite when you expect them to meow.</em>

    "I¡¯ll handle that myself."

    - If Director Romain dies, your authority as acting director will be nullified.

    "Hugo."

    - Yes, Assistant Director!

    Hugo''s tone became firmer, perhaps sensing the change in Kang Chan''s voice.

    <em>This bastard is definitely easier to deal with over the phone.</em>

    "I¡¯ll handle it myself."

    - As you wish, sir.

    "Onest thing. I want Sherman killed."

    Kang Chan heard Hugo gulp.

    "Is that an impossible order?" he asked.

    - No, sir! We will carry out yourmand for the glory of France.

    <em>I¡¯m actually not doing this for France. This is just who I am.</em>

    However, Kang Chan thought there was no need to rify this. He ended the call, searched for another number, and pressed the call button. With his cigarette burned out, he then threw the butt on the ground and stomped on it.

    "<em>Phew</em>!"

    <em>Carpet? Hotel-grade interiors? I couldn¡¯t care less about any of that. Everyone involved in this mess will lose their heads, just like how Vasili taught us in his special lecture.</em>

    The dial tone stopped, and the call connected.

    - Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

    "This is Kang Chan. We need support from our Fighter Wing, the 35th Brigade, and the counter-terrorism team. Seek cooperation from China and Russia as well. Please get the President''s approval, and if he disagrees, let me know immediately."

    A brief but strong silence passed.

    - Can you specify the target for the attack?

    "Bermuda. A confrontation with the United States is possible."

    As if Kim Hyung-Jung had stopped breathing,plete silence fell on the other end of the line once more.

    "Manager Kim! North Korea¡¯s 8th Special Forces Brigade was waiting to ambush us here. I''ll provide exact casualty details as soon as we have them, but we can''t just let this matter slide quietly."

    Still no response. It seemed Kim Hyung-Jung still couldn''t breathe.

    "Please give me a decision within thirty minutes. I need to request aerial refueling support from China and Russia," Kang Chan said.

    - Ah! Understood! I''ll check immediately and call you back!

    "Manager Kim!"

    - Yes, Assistant Director!

    "Dere a military emergency. Two of the Foreign Legion¡¯s regiments and their special forces team are already on their way here, and I¡¯ll also be requesting a state of emergency from Russia and China. They¡¯ve just thrown a punch at us, sir. It won¡¯t sit right with me if we stay quiet in response.¡±

    - I''ll report that as well.

    Kang Chan ended the call and then looked around.

    <em>nk. nk. nk.</em>

    Kwak Cheol-Ho walked over to him.

    "Yang Dong-Sik sunbae-nim is gone, sir. Kang sunbae-nim is severely wounded, but thanks to Yang Dong-Sik sunbae-nim, he managed to avoid injuries to his head, neck, and heart. We¡¯ll have to see how it turns out."

    Kang Chan nodded. "Is a blood transfusion possible?"

    "Yes, sir."

    Kang Chan¡¯s mood lightened a bit.

    Despite not being given any orders, Cha Dong-Gyun was already positioning soldiers at each window. Moreover, although they had heard Kang Chan¡¯s instructions to Kim Hyung-Jung, none of the soldiers were shocked. On the contrary, their eyes gleamed with determination, making Kang Chan chuckle.

    <em>With these men, there''s nothing we can''t do.</em>

    Setting up the tables and chairs that had been knocked over, Kang Chan sat down and picked up the phone again. He pressed the call button, and just as the dial tone started, the call connected.

    - This is Vasili.

    "Vasili, North Korea¡¯s 8th Special Forces Brigade was lying in wait for us."

    Vasili responded with a low growl.

    - <em>Hmm</em>.

    "I''ve ordered the DGSE to assassinate Sherman and send two of the Foreign Legion''s regiments and its special forces team to Cuba. I''ve also requested the help of our Fighter Wing and two other teams from South Korea."

    - What do you need me to do?

    "The Spetsnaz, support for the Fighter Wing, and aerial refueling."

    - One of my problems is getting solved neatly.

    Unsure of what he meant, Kang Chan just kept quiet.

    - I was considering putting another man in as President, but this situation leaves me no choice but to take the forefront. You¡¯re nning to hit Bermuda, aren¡¯t you? You do realize that the US will likely stand in your way, don¡¯t you?

    "If they want a fight, we''ll give them one!"

    - <em>Hahaha</em>! <em>Hahaha</em>!

    <em>Has Vasili everughed so heartily before?</em>

    - Yes! The main character should have this kind of boldness! Don''t forget to calcte rationally, though. The US might be looking to start a world war.

    ¡°Got it. Is Yang Bum next to you?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Yang Bum immediately joined the conversation.

    - I''m here, Mr. Kang Chan.

    ¡°As you¡¯ve heard, we request the same level of support from China.¡±

    Though Kang Chan was concerned that Yang Bum hadn¡¯t regained his authority in China¡¯s intelligence bureau, he thought that not speaking up in such times would be even more humiliating for Yang Bum.

    - Understood. Let us know the departure time, and we¡¯ll take the necessary measures.

    The man¡¯s response was surprisingly straightforward.

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll contact you as soon as we¡¯ve set the time.

    Kang Chan hung up and immediately dialed another number. This time, the call just kept ringing.

    <em>Is he avoiding the call?</em>

    As the sweet smell of instant coffee wafted in from the inside, where Seok Kang-Ho was making some, a polite voice answered the call.

    - Monsieur Kang.

    "Uzman, this is Kang Chan. I have a request."

    - I can''t imagine what you need, <em>¡®Upwind.¡¯ </em>What is it?

    "I''m thinking of invading Israel."

    Like Kim Hyung-Jung, Uzman abruptly stopped breathing. A moment of silence followed.

    - As one ages, they tend to begin calcting the repercussions of their actions. Hence, I must ask, have you foreseen the consequences of this proposal?

    ¡°Uzman.¡±

    - I''d like to hear your opinion, Monsieur Kang.

    Uzman sounded so calm that it almost seemed as if he were soothing Kang Chan.

    ¡°No sane person desires war, but when one threatens another, they have to be met with retaliation. Only then will they stopmitting such acts in the future.¡±

    - Have you considered our rtionship with Palestine?

    ¡°I am well aware of how the Star of David operates.¡±

    - A <em>¡®fierce wind¡¯</em> indeed. We have our regtions, Monsieur Kang. Can you give us some time? It won''t take long.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Kang Chan ended the call just as Seok Kang-Ho brought over the instant coffee. Due to the broken windows, dust hadnded on the beverage. However, not even that could affect its taste.

    After taking the coffee, he headed to the inner room on the first floor. He nned to give a blood transfusion to Kang Chul-Gyu.

    <em>Creak.</em>

    Seemingly having taken damage, the door screeched as it opened. Kang Chan entered and stopped, taking a deep breath. Kang Chul-Gyu was looking at him with a pale face.

    Kang Chan walked slowly and sat down by the bed, unable to think of what to say. Had Kang Chul-Gyu heard what Kang Chan had shouted while he had been unconscious?

    As they both smiled awkwardly, Seok Kang-Ho walked in briskly.

    "Phone call."

    <em>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</em>

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    Kang Chan answered the call.

    - Mr. Kang.

    "Speak."

    - Mr. Kang! I think there''s been a misunderstanding. You don¡¯t have to mobilize the Foreign Legion.

    <em>Crazy bastard!</em>

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    "Sherman! I''m really disappointed."

    <em>- </em>What do you mean...?

    ¡°If you really don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening here right now, then you¡¯ve just disappointed me even more.¡±

    Perhaps because he was shocked or speechless, Sherman didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Let''s see who dies first, Sherman. That''s something I really enjoy!¡±

    Kang Chanughed, then dropped the call.

 Chapter 406: Why Did You Mess with Him? (1)

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked as though he had ordered sweet and sour pork, stir-fried seafood, ck bean noodles, and spicy seafood noodle soup, only to be told by the cashier that his card had been declined.

    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s North Korea¡¯s 8th Special Forces Brigade?¡±

    ¡°Considering Kang Chul-Gyu, the DMZ team, and Jeungpyeong special forces team are all on-site, I see no reason to doubt the Assistant Director¡¯s judgment,¡± Go Gun-Woo replied.

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned his gaze to the garden. Now, Go Gun-Woo exuded the aura, expression, and authority of a National Intelligence Service director.

    <em>How reassuring.</em>

    At times like this, Moon Jae-Hyun would always remember Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook, whom he had met through Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    <em>¡®If only we were stronger¡­¡¯ </em>

    If Korea had been stronger, they could have protected Hwang Ki-Hyun, who had devoted himself to their country. Moreover, Song Chang-Wook would still be holding the old Korean g that his grandfather had sacrificed everything for during the fight for independence.

    Moon Jae-Hyun took a deep breath, trying to shake off his rising emotions. As the president, he had to prioritize the safety of the citizens and the development of South Korea in every decision.Noticing that his mouth was dry, he drank some water from the bottle on the table before looking back up at the sky. He had never believed in a god, and he wasn¡¯t about to suddenly seek help from one now. Instead, he strove to make decisions that would honor the sacrifices of those who had bled for South Korea and ensure the well-being of the nation and its people.

    How could he think about fighting the United States? The idea was so absurd that it made himugh humorlessly. South Korea had indeed produced an extraordinary individual¡ªsomeone capable of mobilizing the forces of Russia, China, and France with a single phone call.

    Moon Jae-Hyun nodded in acknowledgment.

    <em>I should ept the reality. Powerful countries like Russia, China, and France wouldn¡¯t deploy their troops based on a single phone call from Kang Chan unless there was a good reason.</em>

    <em>The time hase to shed the habit of living under the pressure of powerful nations.</em>

    ¡°What¡¯s Russia and China¡¯s response?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked.

    Kim Hyung-Jung met Go Gun-Woo¡¯s gaze. ¡°They¡¯ve conveyed their intent to follow the Assistant Director¡¯s orders. France has already deployed the Foreign Legion.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard this risks a confrontation with the United States. If so, then the US is probably already aware of this situation as well. Deploying our military and dering a state of emergency will likely face strong opposition from the ROK-US Combined Forces Command.¡±

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service will handle the deployment,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

    ¡°How do you n to send out the Fighter Wing?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked. ¡°I heard thest incident put two of their majors in a difficult position,¡±

    ¡°We can either make an official announcement or insist it¡¯s a joint exercise with Russia and China. If a conflict arises, then there¡¯s no avoiding¡­¡± Kim Hyung-Jung trailed off. His troubled expression made it clear that he was refraining from suggesting that the president should take direct responsibility.

    An unfavorable oue would undoubtedly lead to serious conflicts with the US. To make things worse, all the me would fall on Moon Jae-Hyun.

    Already aware of that, Moon Jae-Hyun instead asked, ¡°How should we announce the state of emergency?¡±

    ¡°We can im that we¡¯ve detected suspicious movements from North Korea or make a public statement. Thetter would make the US reaction unpredictable,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said.

    Moon Jae-Hyun let out a low groan. ¡°The US has to be aware of the Assistant Director¡¯s situation, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned away from the garden.

    Somewhere in the sky, Hwang Ki-Hyun, Song Chang-Wook, and the other patriots who had dedicated everything to South Korea were watching.

    <em>¡®I hope I made the right decision¡ªone that South Korea and our people can be proud of for years toe. Please guide us to the right path.¡¯</em>

    With a heartfelt prayer, Moon Jae-Hyun lowered his gaze.

    ¡°Director.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. President,¡± Go Gun-Woo answered. He then shared a meaningful look with Kim Hyung-Jung.

    A brief silence ensued.

    ¡°I have always wanted South Korea to be a powerful nation. Unlike the Assistant Director, despite knowing that nothinges without sacrifice and pain, I still often find myself afraid of the responsibilities we must bear,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun began, his demeanor and tone befitting a president.

    ¡°I will take full responsibility for this decision. I may go down our history as a criminal, but I refuse to waste the opportunity we have been given.¡±

    With a tense expression, Go Gun-Woo focused intently on his every word.

    ¡°As the President of South Korea, I regard North Korea''s attack on our citizens in Cuba as a serious act of aggression targeting our territory and sovereignty.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung swallowed hard.

    ¡°I hereby dere Watchcon 1 and Defcon 2 for the entire South Korean military.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo gulped as well.

    ¡°Dispatch the Fighter Wing, the NIS counter-terrorism team, and the 35th Brigade as per the Assistant Director¡¯s request. Deliver my orders to the military and the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and handle the follow-up procedures.¡±

    This was far more than just dering a state of emergency. After all, Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s orders involved live ammunition issuance and unit reinforcement.

    With their determination evident in their faces, Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung stood up and headed out.

    ¡°<em>Haa</em>.¡±

    Left alone, Moon Jae-Hyun also stood up and looked to the sky.

    <em>Now more than ever, I should put my trust in him and his judgment. South Korea has to unite firmly around its talent. We should never ruin him with our own hands.</em>

    Having steeled his resolve, Moon Jae-Hyun headed to his office.

    ***

    Lanok had just finished a call with Uzman when his phone rang again. Checking the number, a corner of his lips curved upward. However, as if wearing a mask, all emotions left his expression just as quickly.

    "Hello?"

    - Lanok! Are you trying to start a war?

    <em>It¡¯s rare for Sherman to sound this agitated.</em>

    - Although I expect that young man to make such a decision, shouldn¡¯t you, Vasili, Yang Fan, and Ludwig refrain from joining this madness?

    Despite Sherman¡¯s unusually strong tone, Lanok''s expression did not change.

    - Lanok!

    "I''m listening."

    - What do you n to do?

    "Lower your voice."

    - That¡¯s not important right now¡ª!

    "You better start showing his name some respect, too."

    Shermanughed in disbelief.

    "You put the DGSE¡¯s credibility on the line to summon Monsieur Kang, Sherman, yet we still trusted your word and the CIA¡¯s credibility enough to let you organize this meeting. Unfortunately, you repaid that good faith by trying to eliminate him. Taking all that into consideration, isn¡¯t it only right for you to bear the consequences?"

    - I¡¯ve already told you that I didn¡¯t know exactly what was happening!

    "If you couldn''t handle the responsibility, you shouldn''t have called us to Cuba in the first ce."

    Seemingly at a loss for words, all Lanok could hear now was Sherman¡¯s heavy breathing.

    "Sherman, may I offer you some advice?"

    - Please.

    "Remember what happened to Brandon after terribly undermining US interests? The DIA has its eye on you too. Correct me if I¡¯m wrong, but didn¡¯t you personally order his elimination?

    - Are you threatening me by relying on a mere Korean upstart?

    "You dismiss my warning before the call even ends. Are you really naive enough to believe that the CIA is that powerful?"

    - That¡¯s¡­ not what I meant. I apologize for my rudeness.

    A heavy sigh followed Sherman¡¯s apology.

    - Lanok, I need your help.

    He now sounded almost as if he had lowered his tail.

    - That young man¡ªno, Monsieur Kang respects your advice, doesn¡¯t he? If he doesn''t want a world war, he should settle this matter now.

    "Settle? Now? You attacked him, Sherman. There were casualties. Do you expect me to advise Monsieur Kang to just let that slide quietly?"

    - Tell me what you want, and I¡¯llpensate as best as I can.

    "Sherman."

    Sherman waited quietly.

    "Two Foreign Legion regiments, a Foreign Legion special forces team, a Russian Kusov-ss carrier, the Spetsnaz, a Chinese carrier, and the White Wolves are on the move. That massive force is bringing eighty fighter jets with them, and we still have the South Korean forces to take into the calction.¡±

    Sherman groaned, seemingly in pain.

    "I just had a call with Uzman. Would you believe it if I said the Shiites and Sunnites have joined forces?"

    - That can¡¯t be¡­

    "So take a realistic view ande up with conditions that can appease Monsieur Kang before the DGSE, the Russian KGB, and the Mossad put a bullet in your head. Oh! And don''t forget the DIA."

    Lanok pressed the end call button and ced the phone on the empty spot on the bed. He then turned to Raphael, who was standing nearby with his usual calm expression.

    "That old roon keeps making me imitate Vasili''s bad behavior. Can you prepare some tea?" Lanok requested.

    "Yes, sir. I¡¯ll have a pot prepared," Raphael responded, his expression brimming with pride.

    ***

    ¡°Thank you for taking the time despite your busy schedule,¡± Uzman said in his characteristic soft voice.

    The building he was in had Arabesque windows, a red, ornate carpet, and golden pirs lined up against its walls. Though usually apanied by three attendants, Uzman had dismissed them all to focus quietly on the call.

    While listening attentively to the phone, Uzman nodded as if the person on the other end was right in front of him.

    ¡°We appreciate the respect that you and the United States have shown our culture, Mr. President,¡±

    Throughout the conversation, his voice remained incredibly gentle.

    ¡°However, this decision is beyond my control. Above all, this has created an opportunity for the Shiites and Sunnites to unite, which, as I¡¯m sure you understand, the entire Arab world wees.¡±

    - Uzman! If you invade Israel, we won¡¯t just stand by.

    ¡°Then it seems conflict is inevitable,¡±

    Uzman''s response didn¡¯t match his gentle tone.

    - He has shed with the Arab world many times. You are among the wisest people I know, so I find it hard to understand why you would support such an outrageous decision.

    Uzman nodded before addressing the American President by his title once more.

    ¡°Mr. President, consider how the Star of David has exploited the Arab world. Even if Monsieur Kang has had several conflicts with us, we understand him.¡±

    Uzman took a deep breath.

    ¡°On the other hand, I find it difficult to understand why the head of such a trusted nation''s intelligence bureau would act this way. However, it is possible that he did all this without informing you beforehand, Mr. President.¡±

    With the US President failing to respond immediately, Uzman added, ¡°We have always agreed to center the world order around the United States. That was why we remained silent despite the conflicts between America and our world. However, things are different this time. If America defends the Star of David even though it has revealed its true nature, we will have no other choice but to proceed as nned.¡±

    The experienced ones always sounded intimidating. They had an undeniable firmness within their softness.

    - I hope for amicable rtions with the Arab world, Uzman. Could you dy this decision by just a few days?

    ¡°Please seek Monsieur Kang¡¯s forgiveness first.¡±

    - I don''t understand why he has the final say in this matter.

    The US President genuinely sounded confused.

    <em>Well, I do get why he finds this hard to grasp.</em>

    Uzman nodded for the third time.

    ¡°At the very least, he has never harmed others for personal gain. Moreover, he has trustworthy eyes.¡±

    - Uzman, the world doesn''t ce importance on such things. Why risk national danger due to sentimental reasons?

    Although the man on the call made his displeasure clear, Uzman merely smiled faintly.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize that uniting the Arab world posed a threat to our nation.¡±

    - That¡¯s not what I meant.

    ¡°I believe you, Mr. President. However, I advise you to increase the channels through which you receive information. Due to Sherman''s recent actions, France, Russia, China, Germany, and the entire Arab world have begun to move ording to Monsieur Kang''s instructions.¡±

    For the first time since the call began, Uzman sounded firm.

    ¡°At times like this, it''s better to look in the mirror than me someone else. I expect wise judgment from you, Mr. President. Thank you for your time.¡±

    After a deep sigh, the US President thanked Uzman. The call ended shortly after.

    Their conversation made Uzman ufortable, yet he still smiled while staring out the window, seemingly amused.

    ¡°How can one go against the will of God?¡±

    He looked over the information on the table.

    ¡°A new order¡­.¡±

    Uzman put down the materials he was looking through and slowly turned the golden globe.

    ¡°Korea? God has chosen a truly distant ce.¡±

    Uzman nodded habitually.

    ¡°A chance for the Arab world to unite! Inshah[1].¡±

    ***

    With the blood transfusion done, Kang Chan continued his calls in the room on the second floor. The phone seemed to ring again every time he hung up. Unfortunately, he couldn''t afford to ignore it. After a call with Vasili, he red at the phone and put it on the table.

    <em>Who knew a phone that doesn¡¯t ring could look so beautiful?</em>

    As if to taunt him, the phone rang again.

    <em>Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.</em>

    <em>Who could it be?</em>

    Kang Chan picked up the phone and answered the call.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    - This is Grafelt, Monsieur Kang.

    <em>Who the fuck¡­? Ah! The Israeli guy I trained with in France!</em>

    Kang Chan chuckled as he picked up a cigarette from the table.

    ¡°It''s been a while.¡±

    - Indeed.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Perhaps because he had heard the lighter, Grafelt remained silent.

    ¡°Get to the point,¡± Kang Chan said.

    - Monsieur Kang, I''ll be brief. Please retract the proposal you made to Uzman.

    ¡°What if I refuse?¡±

    - Then the Mossad and the Sayeret Matkal will target you.

    ¡°Does that include you?¡±

    - Yes.

    His honest answer made Kang Chan feel rather somewhat appreciative. However, honesty andpliance were two different things.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± Kang Chan replied clearly and firmly. "Doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s the Mossad or the Sayeret Matkal or whether you¡¯re part of it or not."

    Understanding the French, G¨¦rard looked at him with wide eyes.

    Kang Chan added, ¡°Let¡¯s see if I can kill Sherman and Ziegfeld and crush Israel first before you can kill me. I can¡¯t help but be curious about how this will all turn out!¡±

    - Monsieur Kang, isn¡¯t that unfair to us?

    Kang Chan chuckled at Grafelt¡¯s sudden change in tone.

    - The entire Arab world is suddenly targeting Israel. If this is all because of something you said, then Israel is just getting caught in the crossfire.

    ¡°Grafelt.¡±

    - Yes, Monsieur Kang.

    ¡°Only two things can change my mind: Sherman and Ziegfeld¡¯s heads.¡±

    Although Grafelt had been quick to reply, he didn¡¯t respond this time.

    ¡°Did you find your situation unfair when you were still hiding behind Ziegfeld and profiting through him?¡± Kang Chan stubbed his cigarette into the ashtray. ¡°Cut the bullshit and decide. Bring me their heads or face me in war.¡±

    Kang Chan ended the call and chuckled.

    <em>Are Grafelt and Ziegfeld rted somehow?</em>

    Something was busily moving behind the scenes. It was as if Kang Chan was standing in the center of a spinning carousel in the neighborhood yground, watching the rapidly turning surroundings.

    <em>Fucking bastards!</em>

    These assholes had profited from local wars while hiding behind Ziegfeld andmitting massacres in Palestine, yet as soon as their threats stopped working, they started whining about fairness. Kang Chan knew their true colors, though. If they could, they would have tried to kill him before making any of those calls.

    1. (?? ??? ????) ?

 Chapter 407: Why Did You Mess with Him? (2)

    Under Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s orders, sentries were posted around the building''s perimeter. The soldiers on the rooftop wore night vision to monitor their surroundings better.

    Ever since they discovered North Korea¡¯s 8th Special Forces Brigade, the situation had been rapidly unfolding. Moreover, most of the calls were done in French. In such an environment, it was crucial for the team to be fully aware of the situation.

    Kang Chan sat on the second floor of the dimly lit building. He then pressed a button on his radio.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°I will now exin the current situation. Our country''s Fighter Wing, the NIS counter-terrorism team, and the 35th Brigade have all been dispatched,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Seok Kang-Ho, who had overheard the call with Kim Hyung-Jung, grinned at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°Additionally, a carrier loaded with fighter jets and Spetsnaz has departed from Russia, and another carrier with fighter jets and the White Wolves has departed from China.¡±

    Upon hearing Russia, Spetsnaz, China, and White Wolves, G¨¦rard smiled, stretching the scar on his cheek. Since the call earlier was in French, he already had a rough idea of what was going on.

    ¡°The entire Arab world is preparing to attack Israel, which is protecting Ziegfeld, and our country has dered Watchcon 1 and Defcon 2,¡± Kang Chan said. With a proud look, Cha Dong-Gyun nced at Kwak Cheol-Ho and then looked back at Kang Chan.

    ¡°I received a call threatening me that the Mossad and the Sayeret Matkal are targeting me. We don¡¯t know how the US will react to all this.¡±

    The wind from the sea continuously breezed into the dimly lit building on the second floor, seemingly wanting to listen to Kang Chan speak on the radio.

    ¡°But I couldn¡¯t care less what Israel and the US would do. I will capture Ziegfeld here. One more thing.¡±

    <em>What now?</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, and Cha Dong-Gyun silently waited for Kang Chan to continue.

    ¡°I will make sure they pay a clear and definite price for Yang Dong-Sik sunbae¡¯s sacrifice.¡±

    <em>Yes! That¡¯s it! This is the leader we know!</em>

    The emotions reflected in the eyes of those watching conveyed this sentiment.

    ¡°It¡¯s going to be a tough night. We don¡¯t know what provocations they¡¯ll throw at us before our reinforcements arrive. Still, until they get here, I expect everyone to do their best to hold this building. That¡¯s all!¡±

    As soon as the radio transmission ended, Seok Kang-Ho let out his characteristicugh and walked over to Kang Chan¡¯s table.

    ¡°At times like this, shouldn¡¯t we have at least a cup of instant coffee? The men on duty right now need to be rotated out, too,¡± he said.

    ¡°Order them as you see fit,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Copy.¡±

    While Seok Kang-Ho was instructing Cha Dong-Gyun and Choi Jong-Il, Kang Chan exined the radio message to G¨¦rard in French.

    ¡°This reminds me of the time in Congo,¡± G¨¦rard said.

    ¡°What does?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    ¡°Remember when our squad stayed behind to hold our position?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded and smiled bitterly. ¡°Did we?¡±

    During the operation to rescue the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th regiment, which had been surrounded by Congolese rebels, Kang Chan and his men had to buy time for the soldiers to escape. However, they ended up getting trapped in a two-story building at a night market that sold AK rifles and rhinoceros horns.

    ¡°Here you go.¡± Seok Kang-Ho ced cups of instant coffee in front of Kang Chan and G¨¦rard and then sat down at the table. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    ¡°I was just recalling how this situation is simr to when we were trapped in the Congo night market,¡± G¨¦rard answered.

    Seok Kang-Ho smirked and nodded.

    ¡°What¡¯s your gut feeling?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Still not good. I feel like there¡¯s more toe,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, who understood Kang Chan¡¯s gaze and tone better than anyone, sharply nced at the dark window.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan turned his attention to Cha Dong-Gyun.

    ¡°With the situation as it is, tomorrow''s meeting is off the table. The hours before dawn will be the most dangerous, so make sure everyone rotates for meals and even just a bit of rest.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Cha Dong-Gyun replied as firmly and heavily as the darkness around them.

    ***

    - Sherman! Is it true that you used North Korea¡¯s 8th Special Forces Brigade?

    While holding the phone in his private ne, Sherman looked out the window with a troubled expression.

    - I sent an ambassador, but the President of South Korea remains unmoved. Moreover, they im that you, the Director of CIA, used North Korean forces to attack their personnel, resulting in casualties. There''s no way to excuse this.

    The man sounded strained with suppressed anger.

    - I heard the South Korean team on site has secured the bodies of the North Korean soldiers. Answer me, Sherman! Are you the one who proposed the meeting with the South Koreans in Cuba?!

    ¡°Yes, Mr. President,¡± Sherman replied lowly.

    - <em>Haaa!</em> Sherman!

    the President¡¯s voice and sigh conveyed his regret.

    - South Korea is an absolute and symbolic ally to us. Among all the Asian countries, we have the friendliest and most critical rtionship with them. Do you have any idea what you¡¯ve done?

    ¡°There are many aspects of this situation that have also taken me by surprise.¡±

    A heavy silence followed.

    - Sherman, through a spokesperson, I will support South Korea¡¯s actions, and the ROK-US Combined Forces Command will follow the orders of the South Korean President to dere Watchcon and Defcon.

    ¡°Mr. President! That¡¯s a very dangerous and extreme decision.¡±

    - Sherman.

    The low call sounded ominous. Hence, Sherman quickly lowered his tone.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. President.¡±

    - I agree that the interests of the United States muste first, and I am grateful for the CIA¡¯s dedication to this.

    Sherman replied, ¡°Thank you, Mr. President.¡±

    - Nevertheless, this series of events is difficult to ept. South Korea holds a position far beyond that of a simple ally for us. It is our only foothold in containing North Korea, China, and Russia, and it has been our long-standing blood ally. If we betray its trust, who will believe in our promises anymore?

    Unable to respond, Sherman ced his thick sses on the table and rubbed his eyes.

    - They have the bodies of North Korean soldiers as evidence, and France, Russia, China, and Germany are willing to testify that you called South Korea''s soldiers to Cuba.

    <em>What is he trying to say?</em>

    Sherman swallowed hard and focused even more intently on the phone call.

    - I want this matter resolved by 11 AM as promised in Cuba, Sherman. This is the utmost consideration I can offer you for your dedication to the United States.

    Fortunately, the President still seemed to be suppressing his wrath.

    - Do you understand?

    ¡°Of course, Mr. President.¡±

    - Good. I¡¯ll be waiting for the results.

    Finally, the call ended.

    ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    Sherman ced the phone on the table and sank deeply into the seat of the airne.

    ***

    The door to Uzman''s reception room opened heavily. A white-haired man in a suit entered, and his attendants and security followed right behind.

    ¡°Thank you for making time for me.¡±

    ¡°What could be more important than meeting the Deputy Prime Minister of Israel?¡± Uzman replied. He then shook hands with the man and gestured to the sofa. ¡°Please, make yourselffortable.¡±

    Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Chapi Presley bowed his head in gratitude and sat beside Uzman. Immediately, a tray of tea, dates, and an ashtray was prepared on the table.

    This meeting was an impromptu visit, not a pre-arranged one. Although Uzman could have easily refused, he allocated time for it, and the meeting was hurriedly set up.

    Had the meeting been announced to the public, it would have attracted half the world''s journalists due to its significance. However, the Mossad had arranged it in secret.

    ¡°Time is of the essence.¡±

    ¡°I also don¡¯t have much time to spare,¡± Uzman responded.

    ¡°Our government finds your n uneptable and urges a wise judgment, Your Highness.¡±

    Chapi spoke without hesitation, as if he hade prepared.

    ¡°We will also formally protest to the South Korean government and the head of their National Intelligence Service, who first brought up this issue¡ª¡±

    ¡°Deputy Prime Minister,¡± Uzman interrupted, ¡°there seems to be a misunderstanding.¡±

    Despite Chapi''s sharp gaze, Uzman showed no sign of concern.

    ¡°We are not acting on South Korea''s orders. To be clear, Saudi Arabia proposed this initiative, and the Arab world agreed.¡±

    "I heard you told the President of the United States that postponing the schedule requires Kang Chan¡¯s consent, though."

    ¡°That is different from taking orders.¡±

    ¡°Why did you tell the President of the United States that and decide to invade Israel, then?¡±

    Uzman fiercely gazed at Chapi, which was a far cry from his usual demeanor.

    ¡°Deputy Prime Minister, if you visited me out of nowhere just to ask rude questions, then this meeting ends here,¡± said Uzman.

    He then turned his head toward his attendant. If he were to order him to issue the guest out, this meeting would end.

    ¡°If I came across as rude, Your Highness, I apologize,¡± Chapi quickly replied, trying to hold Uzman''s gaze.

    ring back at Chapi, Uzman slowly but quietly sighed. Behind his kindness clearly hid overwhelmingly intimidating wisdom.

    ¡°Deputy Prime Minister, our oil-producing nations will no longer suffer from Ziegfeld''s machinations. Will we not tolerate the massive profits he uses to fund the massacres in Gaza either,¡± Uzman dered with a firm expression.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang and I have reached a conclusion that respects the Arab world. The Arab world is merely following the new world order he proposed.¡±

    Chapi sipped his tea, trying to hide his urgency, but he couldn¡¯t escape Uzman¡¯s experienced gaze.

    ¡°He ns to eliminate Ziegfeld, who is hiding in Bermuda, using the forces of France, Russia, China, and South Korea. Deputy Prime Minister, we Arabs always keep our vows to God.¡±

    Without breaking eye contact, Uzman extended his index and middle fingers forward to show his resolve.

    ¡°I swore to God that I will follow Monsieur Kang, who respects us, and I epted the attack on Israel as God¡¯s will to eliminate Ziegfeld.¡±

    At that moment, Chapi realized that Uzman, the old fox, had thoroughly outmaneuvered him. It didn¡¯t matter how Chapi twisted or turned the situation. Uzman had already decided to follow Kang Chan.

    ¡°If we could reach an agreement with Mr. Kang¡ª¡±

    ¡°Please, call him Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Interrupted once more, Chapi''s cheek twitched. ¡°If we reach an agreement with Monsieur Kang, will you reconsider your decision?¡±

    ¡°I swear to God that I will respect Monsieur Kang¡¯s decision.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    Chapi¡¯s groan made it clear that he was in a difficult position, having to bow to Kang Chan.

    ***

    <em>Beep, beep, beep.</em>

    Vasili looked at the ringing phone. He then mockingly smiled at Yang Fan.

    ¡°The old roon seems to find the fire on his tail quite hot.¡±

    <em>Beep, beep, beep.</em>

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to answer it?¡±

    ¡°Let him sweat a bit.¡±

    Yang Fanughed as if to say he couldn¡¯t handle it anymore. Finally, Vasili reached out to the phone.

    ¡°Vasili speaking.¡±

    - Vasili, what do you want?

    Surprisingly, Sherman sounded calm.

    Vasili nced at Yang Fan as if to say, ¡°Can you believe this?¡±

    - You don¡¯t want a world war, do you?

    ¡°Sherman.¡±

    - Name your terms.

    The quick response sounded filled with anticipation.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not ignore the obvious solution.¡±

    - <em>Hmm</em>!

    ¡°Go to Monsieur Kang and resolve this with him. He makes all the decisions now.¡±

    - I don¡¯t understand why heavyweights like you and Lanok are following that Korean upstart like obedient kindergarteners! Listen, Vasili! It¡¯s Korea! Korea! Russia, China, and our alliance can sway that country anytime! He¡¯s just a rookie on that tiny piece ofnd!

    Sherman¡¯s anger seemed to have burst out.

    - Just one Spetsnaz strike from the carrier could bring him down in five minutes. Why are you so obedient to him? Even now¡ª!

    ¡°Sherman,¡± Vasili called, interrupting Sherman¡¯s rant. ¡°Why are you so adamant about clinging to Ziegfeld, whom even the US President is ready to abandon?¡±

    Vasili¡¯s eyes remained as cold as ever.

    ¡°If it¡¯s because the next-generation energy facility is being built in Iran, then know that if you don¡¯t leave Ziegfeld now, you¡¯ll never get another chance. I do understand that embracing the Star of David and controlling Iran''s next-generation energy facility would make you a national hero. I can see why you find it so hard to let go.¡±

    - What¡¯s wrong with having the world order divided between the US and Russia, Vasili? If we just eliminate that Korean upstart, everything will go back to normal! China will follow your lead anytime, won¡¯t it?

    Vasili let out a clear mockingugh and nced to the side.

    ¡°Ah, I almost forgot to tell you. Yang Fan of China¡¯s intelligence bureau is with me. He harbors plenty of grievances against the world order being split between the US and Russia. Why don¡¯t you say hello?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Sherman.¡±

    - Please don¡¯t misunderstand, Yang Fan.

    Yang Fan remained silent, creating an awkward pause.

    ¡°Oh dear! It seems our little Chinese fellow is in a bit of a bad mood. It¡¯s best we end this call here.¡±

    With that, Vasili abruptly pressed the end call button. Seeing Yang Fan light a cigarette, Vasili ordered the man standing by to bring some tea.

    ¡°It seems Sherman is nning to take military action.¡±

    ¡°He probably already has.¡±

    Yang Fan nced to the side, noting the resolute look in Vasili¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°He¡¯ll want to resolve this before the Foreign Legion or our carriers arrive. The US military will be held back by their president, Ziegfeld has no official military, and the Arabs are siding with Monsieur Kang. Who¡¯s left?¡±

    <em>Click. </em>

    As Vasili finished speaking, a man with a rifle slung over his shoulder approached him and poured him a cup of tea.

    ¡°It won¡¯t be North Korea. We¡¯ve already put enough pressure on their government to keep them from making any moves,¡± Yang Fan replied.

    Vasili nodded in agreement. ¡°Sherman must have something up his sleeve. Otherwise, that old roon would have already run to Monsieur Kang to negotiate terms.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>.¡±

    Yang Fan exhaled a cloud of smoke and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray.

    ¡°What if I ordered our carriers to attack Monsieur Kang and bring back his corpse? Do you think our protagonist would really end up dead before me?¡± Vasili asked Yang Fan with a serious expression.

    ¡°Well, I somehow feel like we¡¯d witness another miracle of himing back to life.¡±

    Vasili turned his gaze to the horizon.

    ¡°Poor old roon. Why did you have to provoke him?¡± he muttered to himself.

    ***

    <em>Whooosh!</em>

    In the deep, dark night, the wind blowing in from the sea tirelessly swept up the dust.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    With a rifle slung over his shoulder, Kang Chan climbed to the rooftop. The two-story building stood alone on a wide in, making it an ideal target for a missile strike.

    <em>Something else ising.</em>

    With his instincts constantly warning him of danger, Kang Chan sharply surveyed his surroundings. Cha Dong-Gyun had positioned the soldiers over a wide area, keeping them reasonably safe from a missile attack, but a nagging unease still gnawed at Kang Chan. He felt no different from when they were trapped in the Congo market, which G¨¦rard had mentioned earlier.

    Kang Chan couldn''t shake the feeling that the two-story building standing in the darkness was a metaphor for South Korea''s current situation. It struggling to achieve its goals due to the pressures from the US, Russia, China, and France.

    Before him was nothing but darkness and a somber sea breeze. However, behind him stood reliablerades: Seok Kang-Ho, who was sharply scanning the surroundings; G¨¦rard, whose eyes were as ruthless as the scar on his cheek; and the Jeungpyeong special forces team, arguably the best infantry unit in the world.

    Kang Chan recalled what Moon Jae-Hyun had said about South Korea''s future lying in its talented people, making him chuckle softly.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Hearing rifles nking, he turned around to two figures climbing onto the rooftop. Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu soon came into view and approached him.

    <em>''What''s going on?''</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu seemed to have read the question in Kang Chan''s eyes.

    With his pale face and gleaming eyes, Kang Chul-Gyu conveyed his intention to Kang Chan. "Assistant Director, I can''t stand with you in the frontlines in this condition, but I''m confident in my aim. I''ll provide sniper support from here."

    Kang Chan locked eyes with him, seemingly having a brief exchange with just their gazes.

    <em>''The enemy is approaching.''</em>

    <em>''I know, but staying here in your condition won''t help.''</em>

    <em>''I''ll do my part. Let me do this.''</em>

    <em>Whooosh!</em>

    The wind blew, making the small, blood-stained Taegeukgi on Kang Chul-Gyu''s left shoulder flutter. The g used to be attached to Yang Dong-Sik''s sleeve. He had been so proud of it.

    <em>Damn it! How could I stop this?</em>

    ¡°<em>Haaaa</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled softly.

 Chapter 408: Greeting the Morning Together (1)

    With or without stars, the night would pass as it had always done. What kind of morning and what events would unfold after that, though, no one could tell.

    Amid the damp, humid evening in Cuba, Kang Chan looked around to check on his men. Everyone had a limit to how long they could stay extremely tense. That was why the best time for an ambush was just before dawn.

    <em>Will we get through this safely?</em><em>We¡¯ll always be in the most danger when we start to think we¡¯ve survived.</em>

    He would still rx sooner orter despite knowing that, though. Fortunately, his soldiers, who were wearing night vision goggles to better watch over their assigned areas, served as his greatest source of strength. After all, they had traveled and fought many horrific battles together.

    <em>What are our enemies nning?</em>

    Although he didn¡¯t know what their opponents were about to do, he was certain that the oue of this battle would be determined before their reinforcements arrived.

    <em>Would they yield or try to annihte us?</em>

    If forced to choose, Kang Chan would most likely bet on thetter.

    The uneasy feeling and the fact the pale-faced Kang Chul-Gyu had climbed up to the rooftop weighed down the most on his chest.<em>¡®Who should I send?¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan looked into the darkness with piqued curiosity. After a while, his radio crackled, and reports starteding in.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°This is Sector 1. We have spotted heavily armed troops with skull face paint. There¡¯s a lot of them.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Sector 2. Same skull face paint. We estimate over a hundred.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Sector 3. Spotted arge unit in ck camouge. ¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Sector 4. ck camo,rge numbers.¡±

    <em>Impressive bastards.</em>

    With glinting eyes, Kang Chan pressed a button on his radio before he could even finish his thought.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°All teams, retreat,¡± he ordered.

    His men only responded with radio crackles.

    <em>Chk. Chk. Chk. Chk. </em>

    <em>I only know of one group that wears skull face paint so attention-grabbing that they stand out even at night.</em>

    There was no need to think further.

    ¡°Snipers! It¡¯s t ground! Keep an eye out for rocketunchers!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Lee Doo-Hee and the snipers responded firmly. They then gazed into their night scopes.

    <em>ck! ck! ck! ck!</em>

    All the soldiers on the rooftop checked their magazines and pulled back the bolts.

    Kang Chan pointed to the left of the rooftop entrance. ¡°G¨¦rard! We¡¯re up against the Peruvians! I need you on Sector 2 first!¡±

    ¡°Daye! Cover Sector 4 until they get closer!¡±

    ¡°Copy!¡± answered Seok Kang-Ho. He then ran to the right, his equipment nking.

    ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki! Man the machine gun!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    Kang Chan pressed the Push-to-Talk button again. The darkness and the wind were still the only ones rushing in.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯re not new to this business. At this point, those bastards are just another group of guests.¡±

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    The soldiers who had been on guard duty were quickly running back to the building.

    ¡°Today, it¡¯s a special forces team from Peru. The skull pattern painted on their faces is a distinctive feature that means they intend to annihte us. ¡±

    <em>nk! nk! nk! nk!</em>

    Thest of the men in the open rushed inside.

    ¡°Advancing with ballistic shields at their vanguard and then rushing in is their mostmon tactic. Once we¡¯ve used up our grenades and machine gun ammo, it¡¯lle down to hand-to-handbat.¡±

    The soldiers on the rooftop and those who had just climbed up focused on Kang Chan¡¯s words.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°It does not matter, though. I refuse to let this building be our grave.¡±

    No matter where Kang Chan looked, he found men whose eyes conveyed steeled resolve.

    ¡°Eliminate those who stand between us and the morning sun. Remember, if we fail to see the break of dawn, the world will look down on South Korea forever. That¡¯s simply not part of our business n!¡±

    Although looking tense, Seok Kang-Ho still smirked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Be ruthless! Decisive! Send our guests to Death¡¯s embrace like we always do!¡±

    Afterward, Kang Chan took out his phone and dialed a number.

    - Hello?

    ¡°Manager Kim, we have over four hundred tangos swarming our location. We might not be able to contact you for a while.¡±

    - What? What on earth...?

    ¡°I¡¯ll call you tomorrow morning.¡±

    Kang Chan turned off his phone. He then slung his rifle over his shoulder.

    <em>Click!</em>

    <em>Brace yourselves. No matter what hell unfolds, we will greet the morning.</em>

    <em>Whooooosh! Whooosh!</em>

    The wind rushing in from the darkness now carried the strong scent of death.

    ***

    ¡°Ziegfeld! Recall the troops!¡±

    - It¡¯s already toote, Sherman.¡±

    Contrary to Sherman¡¯s frantic tone, Ziegfeld wasposed.

    - We sent five hundred men. Not even thirty of their best can defeat that many. We will get good results.

    ¡°You do know what he aplished in Africa, don¡¯t you?¡±

    - Russia, France, the UK, and the US were with him back then. Right now, the South Korean special forces team is alone, and they¡¯re against Peru¡¯s special forces. His death will bring everything back to its rightful ce.

    Sherman, who was in a private jet, wearily looked out the window. Since the US President wanted all this resolved an hour before noon, having Kang Chan dead was also the most definitive solution he could think of at the moment.

    - I¡¯ve made some arrangements to ensure that the response from the maind will change. Once it does, even the President of the United States will tacitly support you.

    Ziegfeld sounded as rxed as finalizing a deal.

    - We paid Peru¡¯s special forces fifty million dors to make this happen. That should be enough to handle thirty ants, don¡¯t you think?

    ¡°If they somehow fail¡­¡±

    - Japan paid them, not me. They have close ties with Peru. I also know of a ce that neither you nor the CIA know about. If they fail, you¡¯re free to assume a new identity and live apletely different life there, during which you can tighten the noose on those who disregarded you. Imagine getting to enjoy the pleasure that the Star of David basks in every single day.

    ¡°<em>Hmph</em>.¡±

    - Read a magazine or something while you wait on the ne. Once we¡¯ve confirmed his death, you¡¯ll have to clean up the aftermath.

    Sherman exhaled deeply once again. Since the die had already been cast, he had no choice but to prioritize checking the number.

    - You¡¯ll receive a flood of calls pleading to spare that rookie for a while. Best not to answer them.

    Ziegfeld¡¯s tone made it seem as though he was issuing amand. However, though Sherman¡¯s lips twitched, he did not say anything further.

    ***

    The President of the United States sat in front of the cab members overseeing Asian security, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Homnd Security. He then pressed a button on his desk, which yed a connection tone.

    <em>Beeep. Beeep. Beeep. Click.</em>

    - Good evening, Mr, President.

    The simultaneous interpreter¡¯s voice ovepped with Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again, Mr. President. Before we begin, I would like to express my condolences regarding the recent Cuba incident.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun didn¡¯t reply as he was supposed to. The moment the President of the United States looked at the cab members sitting in front of him as if to ask what was happening, Moon Jae-hyun''s clearly dyed response came through.

    - Thank you for the statement of support through your spokesperson and the eptance of Defcon measures by the ROK-US Combined Forces Command. However, our personnel in Cuba havee under attack again.

    The US President frowned, and his cab members looked just as surprised. The CIA, which handled the US¡¯ external intelligence, hadn¡¯t reported anything about this.

    - We have not identified the enemy yet, but we do know that over four hundred armed soldiers are attacking our personnel in your backyard.

    ¡°Mr. President,¡± the US President called, clearly startled. ¡°Allow us a moment to verify this.¡±

    The US President quickly gestured to the Department of Defense official. He then added, ¡°Afterward, we will dispatch our best team. The United States and I hope that this incident does not harm our rtionship with South Korea.¡±

    - I, too, hope that the blood alliance between Korea and the United States remains strong. However, I believe that to achieve this, we have to build trust through actions, not just sweet words.

    The US President looked as though his pride had been wounded.

    - Thank you for your time. I look forward to the United States¡¯ show of sincerity.

    The call ended.

    ¡°Sherman, that old bastard!¡±

    The President of the United States abruptly stood up and red at the cab members.

    ¡°I want that intel verified and the troops ready for deployment now! Contact Sherman! Tell him toe here immediately!¡±

    The cab members hurried out of the Oval Office. Suppressing his burst of anger for a moment, the US President pressed the inte button on his desk.

    <em>Click.</em>

    - Mr. President.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Sherman?¡±

    - He¡¯s not answering his phone.

    After letting out a groan-like sigh, the President ordered, ¡°Summon the Deputy Director of the CIA, the Director of NCIS, the Director of DIA, and the Vice President!¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    ¡°You¡¯re done, Sherman!¡± he growled, his venom-filled voice enveloping the office.

    ***

    The rooftop of the two-story building was approximately six meters above the ground. From this height, one could clearly see the eyes of the people directly below during the day or if there were lights.

    <em>Whooooosh!</em>

    A little past 2 am, the wind started to blow stronger. About seventy meters away, the enemies stopped advancing and began surrounding the building instead. They seemed to number around five hundred, and about two hundred had white skull patterns painted on their faces, making them visible even at night. Upon seeing them, Kang Chan pressed the Push-to-Talk button.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We were right. It¡¯s the Peruvian special forces team. That¡¯s the skull symbol of the Inca warriors. It serves as a warning that they intend to engage in hand-to-handbat.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard gritted their teeth, already imagining how horrific and strenuous the uing hand-to-handbat would be.

    ¡°<em>Heh</em>, bastards! Let¡¯s send them back to hell!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted, thenughed. He had a cruel glint in his eyes.

    At times like these, such brutish remarks oddly provided strength.

    Soon, the enemies¡¯ warcry pierced through the darkness.

    ¡°<em>Hooah</em>! <em>Hooah</em>! <em>Hooah</em>!¡±

    Their shields then hit the ground, the explosive noise echoing across thend.

    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>

    The soldiers quickly looked at Kang Chan. At this distance, they could already start taking down enemies. After all, the bastards had white face paint, and even without night vision goggles, they wouldn¡¯t have trouble hitting targets seventy meters away.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan held his fire and simply red at them. It was strange, considering he had the best aim of them all.

    ¡°<em>Hooah</em>! <em>Hooah</em>!¡±

    <em>Boom! Boom!</em>

    The shortened shouts sounded even more intense now.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Get ready! They¡¯reing!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <em>ck! ck! ck!</em>

    The soldiers shouldered their rifles and ced their fingers on the triggers.

    ¡°<em>Hooah</em>!¡±

    <em>Boom!</em>

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    Right after onest shout and thud, they heard boots begin stomping on the ground. The Jeungpyeong special forces team had experienced brutal battles in Afghanistan and savagebat in Africa. However, this was their first time facing enemies approaching this noisily.

    The South Korean soldiers exchanged nces. This was how units unustomed to these foes fell. Flustered, they would hastily open fire, hit nothing but ballistic shields, and then get killed in hand-to-handbat.

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    Finally, the enemies advanced toward the two-story building that was standing alone in the darkness. With all the lights turned off, the establishment felt even more eerie.

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hooah</em>!¡±

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    The darkness flowed over the shoulders of the enemies, making it look like a thick wall was approaching the building.

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    When the enemies advanced about ten meters, Kang Chan pressed the Push-to-Talk button again.

    <em>Chk</em>.

    ¡°Machine guns! Hold your fire until the enemy is within twenty meters.¡±

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    ¡°The enemies have ballistic shields. Look for openings, and shoot only when you¡¯re confident you can take your target out. If we have to resort to hand-to-handbat, G¨¦rard, Yoon Sang-Ki, and I will be Team One. Daye, Nam Il-Gyu Sunbae, and Cha Dong-Gyun. You three will be Team Two,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°<em>Hooah</em>!¡±

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    The enemies had cut the distance down to fifty meters.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°The two teams on the rooftop will cover the hand-to-handbat teams. Save your bullets for that moment, but keep in mind that if we wait too long, the enemies will overwhelm us with numbers.¡±

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    ¡°We will start firing after chanting our motto. Remember, there are about five hundred of them, and we are only thirty strong. No matter how much we conserve our ammo, we will definitely run out of bullets before morning. However, that does not give you the right to fall! You all better live to see the sunrise!¡±

    The soldiers looked at Kang Chan with eyes full of understanding.

    <em>This is the kind of person leading us, amander who knows even the fighting style of the Peruvian special forces we¡¯ve never faced before, amander preparing to defeat 500 enemies with just over 30 men and greet the morning.</em>

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°I trust you all. Cha Dong-Gyun, give it your all.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hooah</em>!¡±

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    ¡°We will!¡±

    Right after the enemy¡¯s shouts, Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s shout, filled with determination, rang out toward the enemies.

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    ¡°Survive this night!¡±

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    Forty meters left. Kang Chan and his men could now see the faces of the enemies with white face paint.

    ¡°And greet the morning together!¡±

    <em>Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!</em>

    The enemies moved in pairs¡ªone held a shield in front, while another aimed a rifle from behind.

    ¡°Our motto!¡±

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s words, sounding like metal tearing, echoed.

    ¡°If I can!¡±

    The thunderous shout from theirradespletely drowned out the enemy¡¯s march.

    ¡°Protect my country with my blood!¡±

    <em>ck! ck! ck!</em>

    Shouting with all his might, Lee Doo-Hee looked through the night scope. The others also aimed at the enemies¡¯ heads.

    ¡°I am!¡±

    <em>ck!</em>

    Kang Chan aimed at an approaching enemy¡¯s forehead and ced his finger on the trigger.

    ¡°Happy!¡±

    <em>Bang!</em>

    As their motto pierced the darkness toward the enemy, Kang Chan¡¯s muzzle shed.<em></em>Right after, an Inca warrior¡¯s forehead exploded.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! </em>

    Following his lead, the soldiers on the rooftop, the second floor, and the windows of the first floor began opening fire as well.

    <em>Tat-tat-tat! Thud! Tat-tat-tat! Thud!</em>

    Naturally, the enemies began retaliating.

    <em>Tat-tat-tat! Thud! Tat-tat-tat! Thud! Tat-tat! Ping!</em>

    With each enemy gunshot, part of the walls of the rooftop and windows exploded.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! </em>

    Although Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu, and the snipers could sessfully hit their targets in the forehead, the others¡¯ bullets merely ricocheted off the enemy shields and disappeared.

    <em>Ratatatat! Ting! Bang! Ting!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hooah</em>!¡±

    <em>Bang! Thud!</em>

    ¡°<em>Raaaaaaagh</em>!!!¡±

    <em>Bang! Thud!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hooah</em>!¡±

    The enemies steadily advanced, leaving behind those who were hit in the shins and stepping over those who had been shot in the head.

 Chapter 409: Greeting the Morning Together (2)

    ¡°You worthless idiot!¡± Vasili shouted into the phone.

    ¡°We have trained all the officers in Peru! How could the KGB not know that five hundred special forces soldiers have been deployed there?!¡±

    He put the phone on the table. His riflemen watched him nervously, his harsh Russian making them anxious.

    ¡°zhenko!¡±

    - Yes, sir!

    ¡°Have you suddenly decided that life isn¡¯t worth living or do you just want to see your entire family murdered?¡±

    - Absolutely not, sir!

    ¡°Are you trying to take over the KGB while I¡¯m stuck in Mongolia with a measly bullet wound?¡±

    - I¡¯ve sworn my loyalty to you, Director Vasili!¡°Then exin this ipetence! Even a monkey wouldn¡¯t have been this sloppy!¡±

    - I will take immediate action, sir!

    Vasili red at the phone as if it were zhenko.

    ¡°The KGB I know isn¡¯t like this. It¡¯s an organization that always has its enemy on a leash and puts a bullet in their mouth at the slightest sign of danger.¡±

    - I will ensure we return to being that kind of organization.

    ¡°zhenko.¡±

    - Yes, Director!

    Vasili nced at Yang Fan before continuing, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you how to save yourself.¡±

    - Thank you, Director!

    ¡°Find out why this incident wasn¡¯t reported, trace the funds transferred from Japan, and take appropriate action against those involved, then report back to me.¡±

    - I will provide a report that satisfies you, sir.

    ¡°If you¡¯re so tired of your family that you want to kill them all, then this is the perfect opportunity. In recognition of your past achievements, I¡¯ll make sure your children and even your inws arepletely wiped out.¡±

    - I won¡¯t disappoint you.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Vasili mmed the end call button as if trying to gouge out zhenko¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Ziegfeld to use the troops we trained! That bastard has thrown money around so much that everything is in chaos. He even transferred funds through Japan!¡±

    The usually unwavering Vasili now vented his anger in front of Yang Bum.

    ¡°He¡¯s bringing an aircraft carrier to America¡¯s doorstep to seize the next-generation energy facility! This is why we need Monsieur Kang to establish a new order in the world of intelligence and finance!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve received reports that the US is deploying troops.¡±

    Vasili curled his lips into a cold smile. ¡°They¡¯ll make a show of it, but can they easily pass up the chance to eliminate Monsieur Kang?¡±

    ¡°I suppose we shouldn¡¯t just stay put like this,¡± Yang Bum said, making Vasili nce at him. ¡°If the KGB gets hit now, it won¡¯t look good in front of Lanok or the US.¡±

    With a smirk, Vasili reached for the phone. He then dialed a number.

    <em>Ring. Ring.</em>

    Hello?

    ¡°Prince Uzman, this is Vasili.¡±

    - The influence of Monsieur Kang is truly remarkable. To think I¡¯d be speaking with Russia¡¯s highest authority.

    ¡°I trust you¡¯re aware of the situation, so allow me to get straight to the point. I n to retaliate by attacking Iran¡¯s next-generation power facility.¡±

    - Shouldn¡¯t we prioritize supporting Monsieur Kang?

    Their conversation was swift and intense. Vasili raised his head and gave Yang Bum a look that said, ¡°Watch this.¡±

    ¡°I have already sent troops there. However, both Russia and the Arab world will benefit from breaking something that the US has been expecting before they arrive.¡±

    - <em>Hmm</em>.

    Uzman¡¯s sigh seemed filled with years of experience.

    - Targeting Iran could risk splitting the Arab world again. We¡¯ve just managed to unite it. Have you considered that?

    ¡°This is retribution against Iran for siding with the US behind our backs. If we do this under the notion of driving out the US, then this could end up strengthening the unity of the Arab world.¡±

    - So you¡¯re confident that Monsieur Kang can defeat five hundred men?

    ¡°That¡¯s not it. Rather, to be the protagonist, he has to at least ovee this level of crisis. Time is short.¡±

    - You are as fearsome a man as I¡¯ve heard. Even if we lose Monsieur Kang, the destruction of Iran¡¯s facility will allow Russia and France to maintain their interests.

    Vasili just smiled.

    - I¡¯ll contact Iran. Let¡¯s make sure topletely destroy its facility.

    ¡°<em>Spasibo</em>[1]!¡±

    - <em>Inshah</em>[2].

    Finally, the call ended. Vasili raised his index and middle fingers to call over one of his men.

    ¡°Launch the fighters on the carrier. Target Iran¡¯s next-generation power facility.¡±

    ¡°<em>Da</em>(§¥§Ñ[3])!¡± the soldier firmly responded. He then quickly sprang into action.

    ***

    <em>Tat-tat-tat! Thud! Tat-tat-tat! Ping! Tat-tat-tat! Ping!</em>

    The advancing enemies were using MPi-KMS-72 rifles. Despite its intimidating name, though, it was essentially just a modified Russian AK rifle.

    <em>Tat-tat-tat! Thud! Tat-tat-tat! Thud!</em>

    Encountering the damned weapon again, Kang Chan thought, <em>¡®I probably killed whoever made those AK rifles in the past.¡¯</em>

    <em>Pshoo! Thunk! Pshoo! Ting! Tat-tat-tat! Thud!</em>

    As the firefight raged on, the enemies closed the distance down to twenty meters.

    <em>Fucking bastards! Do they think they can take us down just because they¡¯reing in droves?</em>

    Kang Chan pulled out a grenade and threw it into the darkness. After a few more gunshots, a fiery explosion erupted amid the enemy ranks.

    <em>Boom! Boom!</em>

    <em>Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting!</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s men, now highly trained operatives, immediately followed his lead. They pulled out their grenades and threw them one after another.

    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>

    The explosions devastated their opponents¡¯ formation. Before their enemies could regroup, they quickly took aim and shot them in the head.

    They had to kill as many enemies as possible before they could halve the current gap between them.

    <em>Ting!</em>

    A soldier beside Yoon Sang-Ki removed the grenade¡¯s safety pin and swung his arm.

    <em>Pshoo! Thunk!</em>

    Blood sttered from his head. He fell backward, dropping the grenade on the rooftop wall.

    <em>Boom!</em>

    The loud explosion blew apart the wall and shook the whole building.

    ¡°They¡¯ve got a sniper! Find them!¡± Kang Chan shouted as he dragged the fallen soldier to the wall. Unfortunately, he had already been unrecognizably mutted.

    <em>Grrr!</em>

    <em>Pshoo! Thunk! Thud!</em>

    Another soldier fell.

    ¡°<em>Gah! Ugh!</em>¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho hugged the soldier, who was struggling to stop the blood spurting from his neck. He had no means of saving him.

    <em>Pshoo! Pshoo! Pshoo!</em>

    The longer they took to take out the enemy sniper, the closer the rest of their enemies got to them.

    <em>This is unsustainable.</em>

    Kang Chan pressed the Push-to-Talk button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Machine guns! Now¡±

    <em>Tat-tat-tat-tat-tat! Tat-tat-tat-tat-tat! Tat-tat-tat-tat-tat!</em>

    As Kang Chanmanded, streams of death shot out from the windows on the second floor and the rooftop. Like water from a hose, bullets sprayed wherever the machine guns were aimed.

    <em>Bam! Bam! Bam!</em>

    The enemies'' shields shattered, and the bodies and heads of those hiding behind them were ripped apart.

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    <em>Every man who falls in battle has their own story to tell. Even so, if it¡¯s the lives of our men they want, then we¡¯ll kill as many as we can before our machine gun ammo runs out!</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu, Cha Dong-Gyun, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the other soldiers fought back relentlessly. With their enemies so close, they no longer had trouble seeing and hitting them. However, although they felt as if their enemies should be easy to kill now, dodging iing bullets while returning fire proved tricky. It made their uracy drop.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Muzzles breathed out mes with each pull of the trigger, momentarily lighting up a part of the darkness. The recoil hit their shoulders, and the smell of gunpowder filled their noses.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatatatat!</em>

    Amidst the satisfying gunfire, glorious streams of light shot out, hoping to break apart the enemy ranks.

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    Due to the close range, the machine guns tore bodies apart in the most gruesome manner. Arms were shredded, necks were ripped open, and heads exploded into pieces. They couldn¡¯t even count how many they had taken out anymore. Mangled corpses just kept piling up in front of them, filling the air with the nauseating smell of blood.

    <em>What are these bastards fighting for? Why would they keep rushing at us with white face paint in the middle of the night even though machine guns are tearing them apart?</em>

    <em>Why are we in this fucking Cubannd, unexpectedly fighting to the death with Peruvian special forces?</em>

    <em>Ratatat! Ratatatat! Ratatat!</em>

    <em>For South Korea, or the people in our hearts?</em>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    <em>Regardless, we have to survive. Only then can we ponder which of the two answers is correct.</em>

    The enemies were now only ten meters away from them. Whether they liked it or not, true hell was upon them.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°On mymand, we¡¯re charging out! Give it everything you¡¯ve got! Teams One and Two, head downstairs!¡±

    As ordered, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Nam Il-Gyu, Cha Dong-Gyun, and Yoon Sang-Ki retreated.

    To survive, they had to block the entrance. If the enemies managed to get inside, this small building would be taken over in an instant.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    With a roar, they ran downstairs. Kang Chan served as their vanguard, while Yoon Sang-Ki brought up the rear.

    <em>Pew! Thud! Pew! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan ducked as bullets flew through the window and smashed into the walls.

    Their rifles and equipment rattled as they made their way.

    <em>Ratatatat! Ting! Ratatat! Ting!</em>

    <em>Ratatat! Thud!</em>

    As bullets smashed into the walls, one managed to pierce through a soldier stationed by the window. However, they had no time to look back. Kang Chan had to trust his otherrades to handle it.

    <em>ck! ck! ck!</em>

    Kang Chan and the soldiers who hade down with him pressed against the sides of the entrance.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Thud! Ratatatat!</em>

    Bullets flew through what was left of the front door. Beside it were two bloodied soldiers.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ll hold the main entrance! Don¡¯t let them climb through the windows or over the walls!¡±

    <em>Ratatatat! Ting! Ratatatat! Ting!</em>

    Kang Chan pressed his head against the wall to avoid being shot. He then nced to the side.

    ¡°Daye! Cover the rear!¡±

    ¡°Got it!¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Watch our left!¡± Kang Chanmanded in French, then immediately switched back to Korean. ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki! Right nk!¡±

    <em>Ratatat! Ting! Ratatat! Thud!</em>

    Bullets hit what little remained of the kitchen sink, shattering it to pieces.

    ¡°<em>Hooah</em>!¡±

    <em>Survive first. Worryter.</em>

    Kang Chan steeled himself amid the chilling warcries.

    ¡°<em>Uwaah</em>!¡±

    The enemies¡¯ shouts had changed as they charged all at once.

    <em>Crash! Crack!</em>

    Soon, their vanguard burst through the front door.

    <em>Bang! Thunk! Bang! Thunk! Bang! Thunk! Bang! Thunk!</em>

    The enemies fell to the ground with holes in their foreheads, a testament to how reckless their advance was.

    <em>Ratatatat! Thud! Ratatatatatat!</em>

    However, as they fell, one managed to pull the trigger. A bullet hit one of Kang Chan¡¯s men, sending him to the ground.

    <em>Crash! Crack!</em>

    <em>Ratatat! Bang! Ratat! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Using their fallenrades as shields, the enemies charged on. They knew they were going to die. Hence, they rushed forward with the determination to shoot Kang Chan¡¯s team onest time.

    <em>Ratatat! Thud! Whoosh! Thud!</em>

    A soldier shooting from the stairs fell to the floor.

    <em>This is how an army of five hundred fight against 30 men.</em>

    <em>Woosh! Woosh!</em>

    In their final moments, they threw themselves toward the rifles.

    Kang Chan quickly drew his bay. Without it, everything would be over if their opponents managed to grab the barrels of their guns.

    As he pushed away an enemy''s rifle and plunged the bay into its owner¡¯s neck, G¨¦rard and Yoon Sang-Ki took care of the next wave of enemies.

    <em>sh! sh!</em>

    <em>Pshoo! Thunk! Pshoo! Thunk!</em>

    On the other side, Nam Il-Gyu cut down the enemies¡¯ throats, while Seok Kang-Ho and Cha Dong-Gyun covered the rear.

    <em>Ratatat! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    In the middle of the crossfire, Kang Chan and Nam Il-Gyu drove their bays into the necks of the advancing hostiles. This was the only way to stop them from rushing toward their rifles. If they managed to block all of their lines of fire, everyone in this building would die.

    <em>Woosh!</em>

    Kang Chan grabbed an enemy¡¯s helmet and pulled it.

    <em>You bastards! You didn¡¯t expect us to fight like this, did you?</em>

    <em>Shik!</em>

    He drove the bay into the enemy¡¯s neck. At the same time, G¨¦rard and Yoon Sang-Ki shot the next wave of enemies in the forehead and between the eyes.

    <em>You fuckers didn¡¯t think the South Korean special forces could fight this well, huh?</em>

    <em>Crack!</em>

    Kang Chan dashed toward the door and grabbed the chest of an enemy bursting in.

    <em>We¡¯ve already fought a battle like this in Africa!</em>

    <em>Thunk!</em>

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>!¡±

    <em>Why do you keep charging to your deaths?</em>

    As Kang Chan pulled out the bay, the foreheads and eyes of the advancing enemies exploded.

    <em>Whip!</em>

    Kang Chan urgently nced outside. If he or Kang Chul-Gyu were to get killed here, the two men behind them would be left unguarded.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatatat!</em>

    <em>Thud! Thud!</em>

    At that moment, loud gunfire echoed from outside the door. Nam Il-Gyu and Cha Dong-Gyun shuddered violently before copsing to the floor.

    There was no time to tend to them. Even Seok Kang-Ho could die at any moment.

    ¡°Retreat!¡±

    <em>ck! ck!</em>

    Kang Chan raised the rifle slung over his shoulder and stepped back. He then switched to three-round burst mode.

    <em>Ratatat! Ratatat! Ratatat! Ratatat!</em>

    He fired three bullets with each pull of the trigger.

    <em>ck.</em>

    It made his shots deadlier. However, it used up ammunition quickly.

    ¡°Daye!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Yoon Sang-Ki fired back relentlessly. At the same time, Kang Chan switched magazines without lowering his rifle. Afterward, he continued shooting opponents.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    ¡°Reloading!¡± Seok Kang-Ho shouted. At the same time, the enemies began to focus on the door more intently.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatat! Ratatatat!</em>

    Unless they were immortal, there was no way to survive being shot in the heart or head.

    <em>Woosh! Woosh!</em>

    Kang Chan, G¨¦rard, and Yoon Sang-Ki hugged the wall to avoid enemy fire. Finding an opening, they then quickly retaliated.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>Woosh! Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    <em>Ratatat! Ratatat! Ratatat!</em>

    The enemies charged faster than Kang Chan¡¯s team could pull the trigger. Moreover, they kept returning fire as they advanced.

    <em>Wham!</em>

    An enemy rushed toward the barrel of Kang Chan¡¯s gun. In response, Kang Chan mmed his rifle into the enemy¡¯s nose and blew up his head.

    <em>Woosh</em>!

    <em>This is why you need a bay.</em>

    Two more rushed toward him.

    <em>Bang! Thunk! Bang! Thunk! Bang! Thunk! Bang! Thunk!</em>

    The foreheads and brows of the enemies charging from behind exploded like fireworks.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have to look back to know who it was. He was well aware that only Kang Chul-Gyu could shoot with such precision in this dark building.

    In that short period, Kang Chan quickly switched to single-shot mode.

    <em>Click.</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    ¡°Come at me!¡±

    It would be great if they could keep shooting from the stairs. However, their enemies weren¡¯t stupid. They¡¯d just shoot up the stairs and turn it into a death trap.

    ¡°I saide at me!¡±

    <em>Bang! Thunk! Bang! Thunk! Tat! Tat! Bang!</em>

    The enemies charged, seemingly determined to put an end to all this. Kang Chan and his men had no time to drag Nam Il-Gyu and Cha Dong-Gyun off the floor.

    <em>Ratatatat! Thud!</em>

    As a soldier next to the window fell back, Kang Chul-Gyu managed to descend the stairs, albeit barely.

    ¡°Yoon Sang-Ki! Cover the window!¡±

    If the enemy managed to through that window, everything would be over.

    <em>Pshoo! Pshoo! Pshoo!</em>

    In that dark room, barrels shed endlessly. With each bullet fired, an enemy fell to the floor.

    1. Spasibo (§ã§á§Ñ§ã§Ú§Ò§à) means ''thank you'' in Russian ?

    2. Inshah (?? ??? ????) means ''God willing'' or ''if God wills'' in Arabic ?

    3. Da (§¥§Ñ) means ''Yes'' in Russian ?

 Chapter 410: Taegeukgis On the Arm (1)

    <em>Ratatatatatat! Ratatatatatatat! Ratatatat!</em>

    Along with ear-splitting gunshots, the machine guns unleashed white beams of light that tore apart hostiles. However, the machine gunners consequently became the center of the enemy¡¯s attention.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    That was why someone needed to cover them from the side.

    Soldiers covered every room and window on the second floor. If any of these areas were breached, the enemies woulde rushing in, and they would all die.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Ratatatatatat! Ratatatatat!</em>

    Oh Gwang-Taek fired three times before hastily ducking below the window.

    This battle was different from the one in Libya¡ªno, this was a scene from a warzone.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek swore. He then raised his rifle out the window again. <em>Bang! Bang! Ratatatat! Ratatat! Pow pow pow! Peeeeew!</em>

    Bullets shattered the window frame and hit the cement wall, forcing him to quickly take cover.

    ¡°Don¡¯t raise your head too much!¡± a soldier shouted.

    It wasn¡¯t like Oh Gwang-Taek wanted to look up.

    This was terrifying. To be honest, he was scared. If one of those bullets had flown by an inch closer, it would have bore a hole through his head and sent it rolling on the ground.

    <em>Ratatatatatat! Ratatatatat! Ratatatatatat!</em>

    Still, how could he leave their machine gunners unprotected?

    <em>Woosh! Click! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang! Ratatat! Bang! Ratatatat! Bang!</em>

    After firing four bullets, Oh Gwang-Taek ducked back down again.

    <em>Does he not get scared?</em>

    The soldier with Oh Gwang-Taek had said that his little boy, who took right after him, was starting to babble. Didn¡¯t he think about what would happen to his son if he died?

    Just then, Oh Gwang-Taek saw the Taegeukgi on the soldier¡¯s arm.

    All these soldiers were willing to fight to the death for South Korea and the Taegeukgi.

    Oh Gwang-Taek didn¡¯t know what to do in this fight. As a total novice in these kinds of battles, he really had no idea what he was doing.

    <em>Fuck! It¡¯s not like I ever knew what I was doing in the first!</em>

    In a fight like this, it was best to just be himself and retaliate Oh-Gwang-Taek style.

    <em>First, I¡¯ll cover my little bro here!</em>

    <em>Swoosh! Click! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang bang bang! Ratatat! Bang! Ratatatat! Bang bang!</em>

    ¡°Hyung-nim! Get back!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek ducked behind the wall again.

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang bang bang!</em>

    The soldier manning the machine gun fell backward, blood sttering from his face.

    ¡°Jin-Su! Hey! Man! C¡¯mon, punk!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek pulled the soldier over.

    Had he not been providing enough cover? Should he have been more aggressive in protecting the soldier even if it was scary?

    ¡°Fuck! Fuck!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek tightly gripped the soldier, whose face had been mangled beyond recognition.

    ¡°You bastard! How could you die like this?¡±

    <em>Ratatatat! Ratatat! Bang bang bang! Bang!</em>

    Seemingly taking advantage of theck of machine gun pressure, bullets rained down through the windows.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°Second-floor machine gunner! Status report! Hey, do you read me?! I need someone from the next room to go take his post! And haul ass! If we lose the machine gun, we¡¯re all dead!¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho radioed.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatatat! Bang pew pew! Pow pow! Pow pow pow pow!</em>

    All the while, enemy bullets pounded the window frames, ricocheted off the machine gun, created sparks, and smashed the wall opposite the window.

    At this rate, they would all die.

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked at the dead soldier. The man had sacrificed himself and his son¡¯s babbling for the Taegeukgi on his forearm.

    <em>Do you not regret fighting like this? You said I also have a Taegeukgi on my arm, didn¡¯t you? You told me you could man the machine gun with confidence thanks to me!</em>

    ¡°Fuck! I have to go back with bananas!¡± Oh Gwang-Taek swore. With his gaze still on the dead soldier, he pressed the Push-to-Talk button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°I¡¯ll man the second-floor machine gun! Leave this ce to me and guard your posts!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taekid the soldier down and immediately grabbed the handle of the machine gun. With both hands on the heavy weapon, he pressed down the buttons with his thumbs.

    <em>Ratatatatatat! Ratatatatat! Ratatatatatat!</em>

    <em>Shit!</em>

    Startled by the recoil, he ended up wasting bullets in the air. The enemy immediately targeted him, too.

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang bang bang! Ratatatatat! Bang bang bang bang!</em>

    <em>I know I¡¯m their target! I know it¡¯ll be hard to survive in this position! What else am I supposed to do, though?!</em>

    The soldier with him had died manning the machine gun. Another soldier would havee to take his ce.

    <em>Am I supposed to justy low until then?! I¡¯m Sinsa-Dong¡¯s Oh Gwang-Taek, motherfuckers! </em>

    <em>¡®Dad! Buy bananas when youe!¡¯</em>

    Oh Gwang-Taek had bought tons of them and fed his daughter bananas daily when he was in the hospital.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatatatatatatat! Ratatatatatat!</em>

    An injustice in his life was that he was born without book smarts. Nevertheless, he did well in life by gambling while he was a gangster, meeting his wife, having his daughter, and meeting Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan had everything to be the perfect gangster. Impable fighting skills, venom in his eyes, and relentless tenacity.

    Then, Oh Gwang-Taek saw how Kang Chan lived.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatatatatat! Ratatatat!</em>

    As Oh Gwang-Taek blew away parts of the enemies¡¯ bodies, he noticed some aiming their rifles at Kang Chan from behind. He quickly turned the machine gun toward them, and bullets flew out of its muzzle half a tempoter.

    <em>Swish! Ratatatatatat!</em>

    If his daughter saw him working hard, she would grow up kind and beautiful like her mother and meet a nice man.

    <em>¡®Dad! Buy bananas when youe!¡¯</em>

    Other kids at kindergarten would no longer ask her, ¡°Is your dad a thug?¡±

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatatatatat! Ratatatatat!</em>

    The men here were all crazy. On top of that, they were dumb and couldn¡¯t do math, especially.

    How could they think they could take on an army of five hundred with barely thirty men? Yang Dong-Sik, who had be his sworn brother in Mongolia, had been killed, and Kang Chul-Gyu was as pale as a corpse.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatatatatat!</em>

    Why did he evene here? He even went as far as begging their captain, who was crazier than everyone else.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Baaaang! Ratatatatat! Bang bang bang bang!</em>

    He ducked down to avoid the bullets, then swiveled the machine gun. The smell of gunpowder filled his nostrils.

    He missed his daughter.

    How could a kid smell so good? Was it because she was his daughter? Her eyes were so big, too. She probably got them from her mother.

    <em>I don¡¯t think it¡¯s because she¡¯s my daughter, but she really is special.</em>

    <em>Ratatatatat! Bang bang bang bang!</em>

    That was it.

    <em>Thud. </em>

    Oh Gwang-Taek crashed to the ground bottom first.

    <em>Shit. I have to get some bananas.</em>

    <em>¡®Dad! Are you a thug?¡¯</em>

    <em>You¡¯ll have to get bananas with your mother¡­</em>

    <em>¡®She won¡¯t touch them unless you brought it.¡¯</em>

    <em>But from now on¡­ you have to¡­</em>

    <em>Thud. </em>

    Oh Gwang-Taek fell to his side.

    ***

    Raphael had never seen Lanok¡¯s eyes glinting so darkly.

    ¡°And the results?¡±

    - As the deputy director-general ordered, everyone involved has been assassinated. All that remains is CIA Director Sherman and DGSE Director Romain.

    ¡°What about the reinforcements from the Foreign Legion?¡±

    - They are scheduled to arrive in two hours.

    ¡°I see. After this call, report Romain¡¯s dismissal to the President for approval. You may call me for confirmation if necessary.¡±

    - That will remove the current Deputy Director-General¡¯s authority as well.

    ¡°Hugo.¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    ¡°Since when did the DGSE start questioning my instructions?¡±

    - I will do as you say, High Commissioner.

    ¡°Good. Let me know what happens.¡±

    - Understood.

    Lanok ended the call and then quickly dialed another number.

    - Louis speaking.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Romain?¡±

    - In his office, sir.

    ¡°I want you to detain Romain in the break room on the second floor immediately. Be ready to kill him on mymand.¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    Lanok hung up and put the phone down on the bed, staring out the window.

    ¡°The United States is going to have to pay dearly once Monsieur Kang returns.¡±

    Raphael just remained standing politely. He knew full well that, at that moment, he shouldn¡¯t dare offer the ambassador any tea or cigars.

    ***

    <em>Bang! Bang! Ratatatat! Bang bang bang! Ratatat! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan crouched low at the front door and squeezed the trigger. He knew the first machine gunner had been killed, and he had heard Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s determined radio call.

    However, he couldn¡¯t offer any help. If he was pushed away from the front entrance, then machine guns be damned, they would all die.

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Ratatatat! Baaaang!</em>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth as a sharp pain ripped through the nape of his neck.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Bang bang bang!</em>

    Nevertheless, he couldn¡¯t stop shooting their enemies¡¯ foreheads. He had to keep defending against those who were pushing through the front entrance.

    ¡°Changing mags!¡± Yoon Sang-Ki shouted urgently.

    ¡°Reloading!¡± G¨¦rard also shouted at Kang Chan frantically.

    Kang Chan immediately pulled out his bay and dashed forward. He then stabbed it right into an enemy¡¯s neck. A pitiful scream followed.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    Wasting not even a second, he shoved the dying man with his shoulder to block the enemying from behind him.

    Meanwhile, as soon as they had finished reloading, G¨¦rard and Yoon Sang-Ki resumed shooting the foreheads of anyone who dared enter. There was nothing else they could do. In this crucial moment, someone had to step up to block off the enemies.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan slit the throat of the enemy in front of him twice. He then used the opening to retreat.

    <em>Fheeeeew!</em>

    As blood spurted out like a fountain from the knife wound, a muzzle popped out from behind the bloodied bastard.

    <em>Swoosh! Swish!</em>

    Just like him and his men, their enemies refused to just die easily.

    Kang Chan quickly used the body of the enemy he had just eliminated as a shield. Bullets would probably go through, but it would be better than being hit directly.

    Gritting his teeth, he braced himself and prepared to be shot in the stomach.

    <em>Thwack</em>!

    However, at that moment, someone knocked the rifle away and slit its owner¡¯s throat with one swift stroke.

    <em>Shing! Spurt! Spurt!</em>

    The man¡¯s skills with a bay made it easy for Kang Chan to identify who had just helped him.

    <em>Fheeeeew!</em>

    As blood spurted from his enemy¡¯s neck, Kang Chul-Gyu twisted the head of the one next to him.

    Kang Chan had more space to breathe now. Getting into position, he resumed stabbing foes to death. The two shed through whoever stood in their way. It was as if they were simply standing in front of a conveyor belt.

    From behind them, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Yoon Sang-Ki blew heads off mercilessly.

    <em>C¡¯mere, motherfuckers!</em>

    <em>Grip! Crack! Bang! Shing. </em>

    While Kang Chan grabbed his next target by the neck, Kang Chul-Gyu twisted the head of another and slit his throat. Kang Chul-Gyu was still so pale that his pastiness was visible in the dark.

    Crack! Jab! Jab! Swish! Crack! Bang! Shing!

    Kang Chan felt hurried. Although Kang Chul-Gyu was spectacrly neutralizing their enemies, he could see him slowing down.

    Grip! Crack!

    He grabbed the helmet of the enemy who had stuck his head out in front of him and spun him around. Right after, he mmed the enemy¡¯s helmeted head into the nose of the enemy running in from behind.

    Thud! Bang! Pow!

    Without missing a beat, G¨¦rard then put a bullet through their foreheads. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but admit that they had some good teamwork.

    The front entrance was starting to be more organized.

    Combat certainly had a rhythm to it. It was dangerous to miss opportunities like this.

    ¡°Daye!¡± Kang Chan shouted. Even though he didn¡¯t say anything else, Seok Kang-Ho still understood.

    A momentter, he heard two gunshots from behind.

    Yeah, that¡¯s it.

    Kang Chan plunged his bay into the chest of a charging enemy and shoved him with his shoulder.

    Bang! Shing! Crack! Shing!

    Kang Chul-Gyu cleared the area around them.

    Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!

    As more rifle gunshots came from behind, they heard a loud crash and felt the floor shake.

    Crash! Boom!

    Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu were thrown to the ground.

    Thud! Crash!

    For the first time, the enemies fell back.

    ¡°Haah! Haah!¡±

    They were out of breath. Their bodies were damped with the enemies¡¯ blood, its pungent odor entering their nostrils.

    Beside Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu forced himself to his feet.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Left nk! Yoon Sang-Ki! Right!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    The enemies definitely seemed to have retreated. At least for now, the firefight had stopped.

    Kang Chan pressed the Push-to-Talk button on his radio.

    Chk.

    ¡°Status report!¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Rooftop here. Four dead, two critically injured.¡±

    This wasn¡¯t a situation to report minor injuries.

    Chk.

    ¡°Second floor reporting. Three dead, President Oh critically injured.¡±

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth. It was painful to hear about deaths and injuries, but he hadn¡¯t been able to help that novice at all on this battlefield that must have been new for him.

    ¡°Five dead and four critically injured,¡± Seok Kang-Ho reported. His eyes shed violently.

    Kang Chan turned to Seok Kang-Ho, finding two soldiers examining Cha Dong-Gyun, Nam Il-Gyu, and three other soldiers.

    ¡°Daye, take the machine gun on the second floor and set it up at the entrance over there.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Watching Seok Kang-Ho head up the second floor, Kang Chan called for the two soldiers.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move the injured to the rooftop.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan hoisted Cha Dong-Gyun onto his back, while Kang Chul-Gyu came over and helped Nam Il-Gyu up.

    Kang Chan was about to stop Kang Chul-Gyu, but the moment their eyes met, he quickly decided against it. How could he ask Kang Chul-Gyu to stay still when his eyes cleary showed the pain of losing Yang Dong-Sik?

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s blood soaked Kang Chan¡¯s back and waist, which constantly sent him sliding down as they headed up the stairs.

    Kang Chan was just grateful that Cha Dong-Gyun wasn¡¯t dead. Right now, that was all he could hope for.

    Swiiiiish! Swish!

    The wind continued to blow relentlessly.

    On the rooftop, with the help of Kwak Cheol-Ho, Kang Chan leaned Cha Dong-Gyun against a wall. He then nced at their enemies¡¯ position. They had retreated about thirty meters away.

    Despite looking even paler than earlier, Kang Chul-Gyu brought Nam Il-Gyu up, and the two soldiers carried their other two unconsciousrades up.

    Kang Chan went back downstairs.

    ¡°Go take a break on the first floor,¡± he said.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    As the two soldiers made their way down to the first floor, Kang Chan entered the hallway on the second floor. He passed the first room and entered the second.

    Oh Gwang-Taek and the dead soldiers were lying inside.

    Squelch, squelch.

    Kang Chan approached Oh Gwang-Taek.

    He knelt down on one knee and observed him closely. Oh Gwang-Taek had his eyes closed, making him look as if he were already dead, and his right ear had beenpletely blown off.

    Kang Chan reached out and lifted Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s upper body onto his back.

    Squelch, squelch.

    Just then, Seok Kang-Ho entered and rushed over.

    ¡°I¡¯ll carry him.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I got him.¡±

    Instead of arguing with him, Seok Kang-Ho simply supported Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s back as Kang Chan carried him.

    Squelch, squelch.

    It was a good thing Oh Gwang-Taek wasn¡¯t dead either.

    ¡°I¡¯ve set up the machine gun at the entrance. How much time do you think we have before those bastardse back?¡±

    ¡°About ten minutes. They need to reorganize their men first.¡±

    Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho spoke as they climbed up the stairs.

    Swiiiiish! Swiish!

    Upon reaching the roof, the wind immediately greeted Kang Chan. The soldiers came over to help him as well.

    Afterying Oh Gwang-Taek down, Kang Chan looked around and then pressed the Push-to-Talk button on his radio.

    Chk.

    ¡°They¡¯ll be back in about ten minutes. We won¡¯t need men defending from the second floor from now on. We¡¯ll leave the second floor clear from now on. Good fight so far.¡±

    After a brief pause, Kang Chan pressed the button again.

    Chk.

    ¡°G¨¦rard. They¡¯ll be back after their ritual. Until then, stay on the first floor and get some rest.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan turned to Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    ¡°Prepare a blood transfusion.¡±

    While Kang Chul-Gyu looked at him questioningly, Kwak Cheol-Ho made a concerned expression.

    ¡°Hurry!¡±

    With the look Kang Chan had in his eyes right now, they knew there was no stopping him.

    Under Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s instructions, a soldier rushed over and took out needles and stic packs from his bag.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how much was enough. Hence, to be safe, he decided to prepare at least half a pack for each of the wounded soldiers.

    ¡°Take it easy, Cap. You just got out ofbat. You¡¯re going to faint at this rate,¡± Seok Kang-Ho reasoned.

    Kang Chul-Gyu sharply looked at Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and the soldier performing the transfusion. ¡°Why is Kang Chan the only one giving blood?¡±

    However, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t reply. With so many people standing nearby, how could he say his blood would prevent the soldiers from dying? It was even harder to tell Kang Chul-Gyu, who had been the recipient of his blood in the past.

 Chapter 411: Taegeukgis On the Arm (2)

    Chapter 411: Taegeukgis On the Arm (2)

    A heavy silence permeated the room as Seok Kang-ho applied gauze and bandages to the injury at the side of his neck.

    Age was scary. Kang Chul-Gyu looked like he couldn¡¯t understand, yet he still quietly stood by Kang Chan¡¯s side and watched on.

    In the silence, the third blood pack was filled up.

    The soldier hesitated, knowing it would be too much to draw more blood. Hence, Seok Kang-Ho stepped in.

    ¡°Split that up and give it to the men equally,¡± he said firmly, then turned to Kang Chan. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Cap. We still have to fight, don¡¯t we?¡±

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and nodded. His body was begging him to stop, and as Seok Kang-Ho said, they still had a battle ahead.

    ¡°Did you give me a blood transfusion too?¡± Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded in Kang Chan¡¯s stead.

    ¡°Is that how I¡¯m alive?¡±

    ¡°We can talk about the restter,¡± Kang Chan replied this time.

    Kang Chul-Gyu red at Kang Chan, his cheek twitching, before turning his gaze beyond the rooftop wall. He looked like he could single-handedly kill a hundred people if he was thrown in battle right now.

    Amid the darkness, winds, and enemies, wounded soldiers were given blood. Meanwhile, Kwak Cheol-Ho and the other soldiers checked their weapons.

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked around. ¡°There should be about three hundred of them left.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be hard to win if we fight in this state. The enemy must have realized that too, which is why they are taking this time to reorganize their lines.¡±

    Like a lioness who had lost her cub, Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s eyes were filled with venom.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go. I just need two to help.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up.

    ¡°Wait.¡±

    He then headed to the stairs. Kang Chul-Gyu followed him.

    Tat tat. Tat tat.

    He walked down the dark staircase, through the dimly lit hallway of the second floor, and into a room.

    ¡°Leaving now might make you feel at ease, but it¡¯s not a good idea.¡±

    ¡°I know whoever goes out there likely won¡¯t return, but we can certainly fight more effectively than if we stayed here.¡±

    ¡°Can Seok Kang-Ho and I follow you, then?¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu furiously red at Kang Chan.

    ¡°If you sacrificed yourself, then fighting in this battle would be pointless.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the same for me. Do you think I¡¯d be able to go to sleep peacefully knowing I sent Seok Kang-Ho or any other soldier to their death? It¡¯s a hundred times better to hold out as best as we can together, so just drop it.¡±

    Kang Chan turned to leave.

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang!¡± Kang Chul-Gyu desperately shouted, stopping him in his tracks.

    Perhaps it was because of the urgency and desperation of the moment, but Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s agony was transmitted to Kang Chan, revealing to him that Kang Chul-Gyu wanted to protect him even if it meant sacrificing himself.

    Kang Chan slowly turned around and looked straight at Kang Chul-Gyu. This had to be the kind of person he used to be. If it wasn¡¯t for the trauma and the painful hallucinations, this would¡¯ve been how he treated Kang Chan.

    ¡°Father.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s pupils shook.

    ¡°Put yourself in my shoes. Can you send your men to their deaths so you can live? Can you order me and two other men to head out there because you¡¯re an important figure?¡±

    Speechless, Kang Chul-Gyu could only swallow dryly.

    ¡°Right now, I need amander like you more than anything. Just help me on the first floor like you did earlier. Okay?¡±

    Were his words sad? Kang Chul-Gyu looked like he was crying.

    You¡¯re pretending to be emotional at that age, old man?

    Kang Chan smirked. The sight made Kang Chul-Gyu force himself to smile back.

    ¡°What are you gonna do?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a request from my son¡­ I can¡¯t possibly refuse.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. Give me some time to speak to you formally.¡±

    This was the first time that Kang Chan had seen such a gentle and kind smile on Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s face.

    As Kang Chan began to head back up the rooftop, the smell of cigarettes wafted over to him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be on the first floor.¡±

    Perhaps that was why Kang Chul-Gyu moved downstairs.

    Tat tat. Tat tat.

    Kang Chul-Gyu was walking away from Kang Chan on the stairs, yet strangely, it felt like their hearts were moving closer.

    He expected the moment to be awkward and unfamiliar. However, it felt refreshing.

    They could not guarantee their victory if the enemy rushed in again. That could have been hisst chance to call him father.

    Kang Chan exhaled quietly.

    When he reached the rooftop, he found Seok Kang-Ho stubbing out his cigarette on the ground.

    ¡°We smoked a cigarette together.¡±

    ¡°Good. Give me one too.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho pulled a cigarette out, gave it to Kang Chan, and then lit it for him.

    ¡°Hoo!¡±

    Kang Chan blew out a puff of smoke and flopped down next to Seok Kang-Ho. He then leaned against the wall. Three snipers stood guard while the men inside sat in simr positions to Kang Chan.

    He turned around and made eye contact with Kwak Cheol-Ho. It was strange, but at moments like this, the men couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.

    Pft.

    Cha Dong-Gyunughed first, followed by Kwak Cheol-Ho and then Seok Kang-Ho. Although this happened frequently in Africa too, it was hard to exin why they wereughing.

    ¡°Hoo.¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled the smoke from his cigarette and stubbed it out on the ground.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got movement!¡± Lee Doo-Hee firmly reported.

    Click! Click! Click! Click!

    The men immediately stuck to the rooftop and took aim.

    Thirty meters away, in the darkness, the enemies were raising their shields as if they were about to march.

    Chk.

    Kang Chan quickly pressed the Push-to-Talk button on his radio.

    ¡°Our enemies are about toe charging in again. There are only three hundred of them now.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and the others nced at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Just like in our operations before this, we¡¯re all going to survive this battle. We¡¯ll be leaving our juniors to seniors who¡¯ll have the legendary experience of defeating five hundred men with a mere thirty.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho and the men gritted their teeth as their eyes glinted to keep their emotions in check.

    ¡°Today, we are going to make history as the South Korean special forces team. Be relentless. Fearless. Be the ridiculously lucky soldiers who all got out of this alive.¡±

    Soon after he was done, eerie shouts pierced through the darkness and threatened the building.

    ¡°Hooah! Hooah! Hooah!¡±

    Click! Click! Click! Click!

    Another battle was upon them.

    The enemies behind the shield wall pointed their rifles forward.

    Kang Chan gave Seok Kang-Ho a look.

    Pft.

    ¡°Hurry on down, Cap.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave this ce to you.¡±

    ¡°Phuhu.¡±

    Fine! Let¡¯s do this, motherfuckers!

    Kang Chan turned to go downstairs when he suddenly heard a crackle from the radio.

    Chk.

    It was followed by a long moment of static.

    ¡°Captain,¡± the voice over the radio called for Kang Chan. ¡°Please confirm your location before we begin bombing the area. If there are friendly forces in the field, have them all withdraw into the building.¡±

    Was that Park Seung-Yong? Major Park Seung-Young of the South Korean Fighter Wing?

    Kang Chan dazedly looked at Seok Kang-Ho and Kwak Cheol-Ho, both of whom had simr expressions.

    Chk.

    ¡°I repeat. A bombing is imminent. All friendly forces, withdraw to the building ASAP.¡±

    Kang Chanughed incredulously and pressed the radio button.

    Chk.

    ¡®I¡¯m at the scene. All allies are in the building.¡±

    Chhhk.

    ¡°Roger, Captain. We¡¯ll take the fight from here.¡±

    The enemies marched toward the building, their boots pounding on the ground.

    We¡¯ll do our best to block them for now¡­

    Kang Chan headed toward the stairs when a sharp sound interrupted him.

    Swiiiish! Swiish! Swiiiiish!

    Chk.

    ¡°Target identified. Commencing bombing,¡± Park Seung-Yong remarked.

    ***

    Vasili narrowed his eyes at Yang Bum.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know there was a snake next to me.¡±

    ¡°I merely sent two aerial refueling nes.¡±

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you telling me about the satellite imagery analysis and the phone call with the South Korean president?¡±

    ¡°I thought it was an opportunity you gave me.¡±

    ¡°Hmph!¡±

    Vasili gave Yang Bum a mock-disapproving gaze, then smirked.

    ¡°So you are a director of an intelligence bureau, after all.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve watched and learned.¡±

    ¡°I see. Why don¡¯t we have a drink of that Korean alcohol called soju, then?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Vasili held up his index and middle fingers to summon someone, then had him prepare the soju.

    ¡°The president of South Korea is incredible too. I can¡¯t believe he sent fighter jets to Cuban soil even though it¡¯s right under American¡¯s nose,¡± Vasili said.

    ¡°He probably has a good grasp of the US situation and is taking advantage of it and the US president¡¯s statements.¡±

    ¡°Even so, it wouldn¡¯t be easy to order a bombing raid. This will make South Korea¡¯s position in the internationalmunity more powerful.¡±

    A bottle of soju, two sses, and Russian fries were set on the table.

    ¡°The US getting punched in the nose¡­¡±

    Glug, glug.

    After filling his ss with alcohol, Vasili looked back at Yang Bum, disbelief evident on his face.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure Cuba was more afraid of China¡¯s words than the United States¡¯. China did purchase all of Cuba¡¯s resources and kept its economy alive.¡±

    ¡°This will sour our rtionship with Israel, though.¡±

    Vasili nodded and raised his ss. Yang Bum raised his in response.

    ¡°Even so, it was a good move.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan saved my life once. This is my way of repaying that debt,¡± Yang Bum said.

    ¡°And you just happened to gain solid rtions with Korea as a bonus?¡±

    ¡°All thanks to the determination of the South Korean president.¡±

    Both men drained their sses.

    ***

    ¡°The bomb raid has begun, sir,¡± Go Gun-Woo dered.

    ¡°Any casualties from our men?¡± Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°The assistant director has turned off his phone, so we¡¯ll have to wait until the fighting is over before we can get a clear picture of the situation.¡±

    With a heavy expression, Moon Jae-Hyun ordered, ¡°Please request a call with the President of the United States.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    As Go Gun-Woo stood up, Moon Jae-Hyun turned his attention to the back garden. China offered its satellite imagery and aerial refueling nes first. When had South Korea¡¯s status risen so high?

    Uzman had called and offered to send Arab troops, and Israel¡¯s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Chapi Presley had called and pleaded with him to intervene.

    It was unimaginable.

    However, Moon Jae-Hyun couldn¡¯t smile. The image of the soldiers who were fighting alone in some faraway ce kept digging into his heart.

    South Korea did not just easily earn its status as the center of the world today. It only became possible with the sacrifices of its soldiers and agents in invisible ces and the blood they had shed.

    ¡°Thank you, and I¡¯m sorry,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun said toward the sky. ¡°I will never let your blood and sacrifices be in vain.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun pursed his lips. The warriors who had died while fighting for their country were watching. He couldn¡¯t show his weak side to them.

    ***

    ¡°Sherman! That old man is ruining everything!¡± the president of the United States fumed like never before. ¡°Chinese aerial refueling nes and Korean fighter nes have entered Cuban territory! We can¡¯t keep our mouths shut! Think of something!¡±

    The cab members looked at each other, unable to speak.

    ¡°The reinforcements from France¡¯s Foreign Legion areing soon as well! If we can¡¯t send troops by then, I¡¯ll just have paid lip service to the South Korean president!¡± the president spat out in frustration.

    ¡°Abandon Sherman,¡± the NSA director urged with a determined look. ¡°We can give his location to Mr. Kang.¡±

    ¡°You want us to be criticized for selling out our director of intelligence?¡±

    ¡°We can just tell him Sherman is with Ziegfeld and dispatch our agents there as well. When the Russian and Chinese carriers hit Bermuda, we¡¯ll be able to take credit for taking out Ziegfeld along with the South Koreans.¡±

    The President of the United States clenched his jaws and red at the NSA director.

    ¡°The Russians are already destroying Iran''s next-generation energy facilities. If we try to stop them, the entire Arab world will turn against us.¡±

    "The Arabs are supporting an attack on Iran''s facilities?!¡±

    ¡°Sherman got us in a tight spot, so we don¡¯t have much to work with. If we just let this happen, we¡¯ll be further and further away from the country that has the next-generation energy facilities in its hands.¡±

    The other cab members¡¯ silence served as evidence that they agreed with the NSA director.

    ¡°Even if we remove our troops from South Korea, if China and Russia cooperate, South Korea won¡¯t care,¡± the NSA director stated under the US president¡¯s heavy gaze. ¡°Above all, as long as Mr. Kang is alive, South Korea will remain different from the Korea it once was. We need to have a more proactive, friendly policy toward them moving forward.¡±

    ¡°Hm¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s in the interest of the United States. If we let Sherman get away with this, we¡¯ll lose any chance we might have of fixing our rtions.¡±

    The president of the United States let out another groaning sigh.

    Beep.

    Just then, the inte rang.

    Click.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    - The president of South Korea would like to speak with you. He requested to hear back from you within thirty minutes.

    ¡°Wait!¡±

    The US president released the button and looked up from the inte.

    ¡°Where is Sherman right now?¡±

    - Over Bermuda.

    ¡°And Ziegfeld?¡±

    - Expected to make contact with Sherman.

    ¡°Does anyone have any objections?¡±

    None of the cab members spoke.

    ¡°Then who will ry Sherman¡¯s location to South Korea?¡±

    ¡°It would be best if the DIA rys it to their National Intelligence Service, sir.¡±

    All the gazes turned to the DIA director, who had been silent.

    ¡°I will do as youmand, sir,¡± the DIA director replied immediately.

    ¡°Very well! We¡¯ll proceed as nned,¡± the US presidentmanded, then pressed the inte button.

    - Awaiting orders, Mr. President.

    ¡°Put me through.¡±

    -Yes, sir.

    The US president put his clenched hands on his desk and looked sharply at his cab members. He felt like South Korea was pushing him around, but he had no choice now.

    ¡°Is there any way we can bring Kang Chan over?¡± he asked.

    The dark looks on the cab members¡¯ faces made the answer all too clear.

    ***

    ¡°Will you thank Mr. Yang Bum for me for his hard work?¡±

    - He¡¯s listening right now, so why don¡¯t you tell him yourself?

    ¡°Mr. Yang Bum, that was a brilliant n,¡± Lanok immediately said.

    - It¡¯s all thanks to the European Intelligence Committee for helping me regain control of the Chinese intelligence bureau. I had to repay Mr. Kang Chan, too.¡±

    Lanok smiled. ¡°I see.¡±

    - It¡¯s disgraceful for me to stay in bed while the main character is being so proactive. I n to return to Russia tomorrow.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll have to get moving too.¡±

    Vasiliughed briefly and then hung up. When the call dropped, Lanok dialed another number.

    - Louis speaking.

    ¡°Eliminate Romain.¡±

    - One moment, sir.

    Click!

    - Hey! Put the High Commissioner on the line¡ª

    Bang! Bang! Bang! Crash! Thud!

    - Your order has been fulfilled.

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Lanok ended the call and nced across the bed with a satisfied look.

    ¡°Shall I prepare some tea?¡±

    ¡°That would be great.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Raphael turned and moved to the table with the pot and cups.

    ¡°Raphael,¡± Lanok called.

    ¡°Sir,¡± Raphael replied as he turned around.

    ¡°Do you think Monsieur Kang will nurture French talents as he promised?¡±

    It was a tough question. Hence, Raphael simply answered in his usual manner.

    ¡°I only follow your orders, sir.¡±

    ¡°So you know why I got rid of Romain.¡±

    Seeing Raphael bow his head, Lanok turned his attention to the window.

    ¡°To think that Monsieur Kang has grown to the point of creating a new hierarchy¡­¡±

    The corners of his lips curved into an odd smile.

    ***

    Swoooosh!

    Park Seung-Yong narrowed his eyes and looked at the ground.

    ¡®Thirty people were holding off against all those enemies?¡¯

    Seeing the lonely building and the enemies surrounding it, Park Seung-Yong¡¯s heart burned.

    ¡°Our allies have been fighting for the Taegeukgi and South Korea nonstop. From now on, this fight is ours. Squadron, begin the attack.¡±

    Park Seung-Yong pushed the side stick forward and immediately pressed the missile button.

    Peeeeeew! Peeeeeew!

    He watched as the enemies¡¯ rifles glowed, their muzzles pointed up in the air. However, a pir of me soon rose high and wide amid their ranks.

    Booooom! Booooom!

    The exhrating sight caused all hell to break loose below.

    Park Seung-Yong gritted his teeth, a random thought urring to him.

    I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m fighting on Cuban soil against Peruvian special forces! On a fighter jet with the Taegeukgi, no less!

    South Korea had be such a powerful and strong country.

    Swiiiiish! Swiiiiiiish!

    Hissss! Du du du du du du du! Hisssss!

    Park Seung-Yong¡¯s heart burned even hotter as he watched Lee Ki-Do and his squadron unleash a barrage of missiles and bullets.

    ¡®Remember this! Engrave the mettle, determination, and courage of our captain in your hearts!¡¯

    Swiiiiish! Swiiish! Swiiiish!

    The enemy numbers dwindled as more mes lit up the dark sky and ground.

    Park Seung-Yong was grateful to Kang Chan and the soldiers for protecting South Korea and the Taegeukgi in such a lonely ce.

    China had provided them with target information and aerial refueling nes. There was also an emergency airport to return to after the bombing was over.

    Park Seung-Yong couldn¡¯t be any happier. South Korea could finally show its strength in this way.

    Swiiiiish! Swiiiiish!

    ¡°Jet One! Are you sleepy?¡± Lee Ki-Do radioed in.

    Oh, right! I was distracted by the view. How dare he ask me if I¡¯m sleepy!

    Lee Ki-Do continued, ¡°I think we can withdraw now, sir.¡±

    Park Seung-Yon grinned.

    Swiiiish! Swiiiiish!

    The squadron members flew up behind him and awaited orders. In response, he pressed a button on his radio.

    Chk.

    ¡°Bombing sessful. Permission to return.¡±

    Chk.

    ¡°Thank you. Permission granted.¡±

    Chhk.

    ¡°Roger that, Captain. Please continue protecting South Korea.¡±

    Their mission was now over.

    Swiiiish! Swiiiiish!

    Still, leading his squadron, Park Seung-Yong circled the sky above the building. He wanted to answer the determination of the soldiers below in this way and let them know that many people in South Korea were watching and cheering them on.

    After giving a quick salute to the building, he pressed the button again.

    ¡°Squadron, let¡¯s head home.¡±

    Swiiiiiish!

    The South Korean fighter jets sliced across the dark Cuban sky.

 Chapter 412: A Bit Too Late, Donéˆ¥æª› You Think? (1)

    <em>Swiiiish! Swiiish!</em>

    The world was still enveloped in darkness. After the fighter jets returned, the wounded were moved to a room on the second floor. Kang Chan called Kim Hyung-Jung and then let the men rest ording to the severity of their injuries. Afterward, he went to the roof with G¨¦rard.

    ¡°We got out alive again,¡± G¨¦rard remarked.

    ¡°Were you expecting us to die?¡± Kang Chan joked.

    G¨¦rardughed in disbelief.

    Just then, Seok Kang-Ho and Kwak Cheol-Ho came up the stairs with bowls in their hands.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°I went through the effort of making these just for you. You know how good I am at this,¡± Seok Kang-Ho answered.

    In each hand, the two men held what looked like instant coffee in a rice bowl in each hand.¡°How¡¯d you light a fire?¡±

    ¡°I burned a broken table and a broken chair. I¡¯ll bring cup noodles in a bit too.¡±

    If there was food avable, Seok Kang-Ho wouldn¡¯t just stand around doing nothing. He would do whatever it took to eat it.

    Kang Chan took the rice bowl from Seok Kang-Ho, and G¨¦rard took one from Kwak Cheol-Ho. The first sip made Kang Chan feelforted both physically and mentally.

    ¡°Here! At times like this, coffee has to be apanied by this.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho took a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from his pocket. Although he could be a bit ignorant, he definitely knew how to lighten up the mood.

    The four men each put a cigarette in their mouths and took turns lighting them.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    This was probably bad for their health, but nothing could heal their mental condition quite like this after a near-death experience.

    <em>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. </em>

    <em>Really? Right now?</em>

    Kang Chan held the rice bowl with his left hand and the cigarette in his mouth. He then took out his phone and answered the call.

    <em>¡°Hello?¡±</em>

    - The United States has sent us Sherman¡¯s location, sir.

    <em>What are those bastards up to now?</em>

    - The DIA called me and told us to be sure to pass the information on to you.

    ¡°Why would the United States want to do that?¡±

    - Likely to save some face in the internationalmunity. They clearly tried to trick and eliminate you, but by giving Sherman to us, they¡¯ll have an excuse for doing so. They also seem to think this is the best thing they can do in the long run.

    Kang Chan nodded in understanding.

    ¡°We¡¯ll medevac the wounded first, and then we¡¯ll decide. There¡¯s no way we can head out right now.¡±

    - I believe the Foreign Legion is almost there.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll call you back once we¡¯ve taken care of the wounded.¡±

    After ending the call, Kang Chan ryed the call conversation twice, once in Korean and once in French.

    While staring at the darkness beyond the rooftop, the four eventually saw a series of vehicle headlights approaching.

    <em>Fuck!</em>

    The fact that Kang Chan was so happy to see the lights made him realize that he was really alive.

    However, it was too soon to let their guard down.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°Vehicles approaching. They seem to be the Foreign Legion, but just to be safe, I want men guarding the entrance on the first floor,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <em>Vroooom! Vroom! Vrooom!</em>

    The long and heavy jeeps and trucks drove directly toward the building. Ten minutester, the vehicles pulled up in front, and soldiers in Foreign Legion uniforms stepped out.

    <em>Creeeak! Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Have them take care of the wounded first. Secure the perimeter, too.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    G¨¦rard immediately descended from the roof.

    ¡°Got a cigarette?¡± Kang Chan asked Seok Kang-Ho, who then handed him one.

    <em>Click. </em>

    While lighting it, Kang Chan saw G¨¦rard leave the entrance and approach the soldiers outside. The man gave off apletely different aura whenmanding the Foreign Legion.

    His posture, gaze, expression, and the charisma he radiated¡­ How could such a man look so sad and helpless whenever he was next to Kang Chan?

    Kang Chan smirked and blew out a long stream of cigarette smoke.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    <em>I guess he¡¯s slightly better than Daye in this regard. Daye looks ignorant no matter what he does. </em>

    Seemingly noticing Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Seok Kang-Ho asked, ¡°What¡¯s the n now?¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t even seen a hair on that bastard Ziegfeld yet. I¡¯m not stopping until we twist his neck.¡±

    ¡°<em>Phuhu</em>.¡±

    The look in Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s eyes made him seem like a hungry tiger that had a dog in front of him.

    The Foreign Legion was creating so muchmotion that the night seemed to being alive. Under G¨¦rard¡¯s orders, they tended to the wounded as best as they could.

    <em>Du du du du du du du du. </em>

    A noisy helicopter swooped overhead, and a radio transmission came from a Foreign Legion soldier who had been standing guard.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got two Apaches and eight ckhawksing in.¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan sharply gazed at the approaching helicopters. It was obvious who had sent them.

    <em>Du du du du du du. </em>

    ¡°The fuck?!¡± Seok Kang-Ho cursed and glowered.

    <em>Land further away, motherfuckers!</em>

    They wereing down in the middle of the field, where piles of dead limbs, scattering blood-soaked dirt everywhere as a result.

    ¡°Move! Move!¡±

    Just as Kang Chan thought, it was the American Green Berets.

    Despite how the situation looked, the men stepped out of the helicopter with their rifles in hand as if in the middle of a dramatic battle and stayed on high alert.

    ¡°<em>Ha!</em> What a shitshow!¡± Seok Kang-Homented.

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    They were like marathoners who ran across a finish line after the podium had already been cleared and cleaned.

    Kang Chan would apud those athletes, but not these men, whose intentions he could see right through.

    While he looked at them pathetically, one came running up to him.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect the United States to send the same men who had fought alongside them in Africa. No matter the situation, it would always be nice to meet arade-in-arms who had been through hell and back with them.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while,¡± Kang Chan greeted.

    ¡°We came hurrying over the moment we received the news,¡± Robert said.

    ¡°When did you hear about it?¡±

    Robert looked iffy about giving Kang Chan an answer.

    <em>Pft. </em>

    Hence, Kang Chan simplyughed. What good coulde out of pestering a man who only lived to follow orders?

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you say hello?¡± Kang Chan suggested, pointing to the others with his chin.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again,¡± Robert told Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Kwak Cheol-Ho. ¡°We will transport the wounded to the United States first.¡±

    Meeting Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, he added, ¡°I heard they¡¯re in critical condition. On my honor, I swear to protect them.¡±

    A special forcesmander¡¯s promise was weighty, especially one that put their honor on the line.

    Since it was the wisest decision they could make for their men, Kang Chan gave his approval after briefly consulting with Seok Kang-Ho and Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    As they moved the wounded to the helicopter, Yoon Sang-Ki came to Kang Chan with a concerned expression.

    ¡°Kang Chul-Gyu sunbae-nim says he¡¯ll stay here.¡±

    Everything just had to be difficult tonight. Kang Chan already expected Kang Chul-Gyu to be stubborn about leaving, though.

    Hence, he simply nodded in response. He then went to Kang Chul-Gyu with the men who had been on the rooftop with him.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got the Foreign Legion and the Green Berets with us. You should take the helicopter to a hospital.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu looked at Kang Chan stubbornly.

    ¡°Father.¡±

    Kwak Cheol-Ho and Yoon Sang-Ki looked curiously between Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu, and Seok Kang-Ho watched on with amusement.

    A moment of silence passed.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll go to the hospital.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu turned and started walking toward the helicopters.

    ¡°<em>Phuhu</em>.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s better than calling him ¡®old man.¡¯¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything. I should also call him Father next time.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do the same,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho obliviously added.

    <em>Squelch, squelch. </em>

    Kang Chan followed Kang Chul-Gyu toward the helicopter where the wounded were being boarded. He didn¡¯t know how the men knew about him, but the Foreign Legion soldiers and Green Berets who were seeing him for the first time watched him with curiosity.

    Kang Chan looked at Nam Il-Gyu, Cha Dong-Gyun, Oh Gwang-Taek, and the other soldiers one by one.

    <em>Du du du du du du du. </em>

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    The helicopter noises made it hard to hear him. Hence, Kang Chan read Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s lips instead.

    Kang Chul-Gyu probably knew that in his current condition, he would only get in the way, especially now that the Foreign Legion and Green Berets were here.

    Kang Chan grinned, and Kang Chul-Gyu smirked.

    Turning away from the helicopter, Kang Chan looked at Robert, who was standing behind him.

    ¡°Robert! I¡¯m holding you to your word.¡±

    ¡°You have nothing to worry about, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. Robert then pointed his index and middle fingers at the sky.

    <em>Du du du du du du. Du du du du du du. </em>

    As signaled, the helicopters took off.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Have the men eat and rest until morning. Command the Foreign Legion to guard the perimeter again.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Kwak Cheol-Ho! Have everyone sleep after they eat.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The men ate their fill of the food that the Foreign Legion and Green Berets had provided. Afterward, theyy down in a room on the second floor using the cots brought by the Foreign Legion.

    Despite themotion outside due to the soldiers moving the enemies¡¯ corpses to one area, Kang Chan still fell asleep as soon as he closed his eyes.

    <em>¡®Ziegfeld, you son of a bitch.¡¯</em>

    Drifting off into a deep sleep, he envisioned the beautiful scene of twisting Ziegfeld¡¯s neck.

    ***

    Israeli Security Council conference, chaired by the prime minister.

    ¡°This means the United States will sacrifice us to get away from the situation,¡± Israel¡¯s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Chapi Presley quietlymented. ¡°If the United States hands Sherman over to Mr. Kang, we¡¯ll be his only enemies.¡±

    Everyone focused on him somberly.

    ¡°South Korea has recently be a force equal to the United States. If we hold out, we may find ourselves facing Russia, France, and China at the same time, not to mention a united Arab force.¡±

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>.¡±

    The prime minister looked at the overseer of the Mossad.

    ¡°What¡¯s this Mr. Kang like?¡±

    ¡°Grafelt here trained with him. Perhaps it will be of some assistance to hear him.¡±

    Grafelt looked at the prime minister and those present. With a solemn expression, he began, ¡°I can answer that question with one sentence. Either get rid of him or make concessions. Those are our only true options, sir.¡±

    The atmosphere in the room became as heavy as lead.

    ¡°How do we get rid of him?¡± the prime minister asked, breaking the short silence.

    ¡°Please turn your attention to this footage from Afghanistan,¡± Grafelt pointed toward the screen on the wall, which showed Kang Chan in action, then turned toward it himself. ¡°After this, he won aplete victory against six hundred Quds in Africa.¡±

    The prime minister gazed at Grafelt with difort. The screen was shut off soon after.

    ¡°Again in Afghanistan, he wiped out the UIS. Now, he has held off five hundred men with a mere thirty in Cuba.¡±

    ¡°Grafelt, I believe I asked about ways to kill him, not how amazing he is.¡±

    ¡°If you are willing to sacrifice Sayeret Matkal, sir, then we estimate about a five percent chance of sess.¡±

    The prime minister chuckled despite the seriousness of the situation.

    ¡°Is it true that he is only neen years old?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir. He graduated from high school this year.¡±

    The prime minister looked around in disbelief.

    ¡°Taking into consideration Lanok¡¯s presence in South Korea, his father establishing a French public car salespany, G¨¦rard de Mermier of the Foreign Legion staying by his side to protect him, the National Intelligence Service managing him, and the DGSE having trained him¡­¡±

    Grafelt looked up from the papers.

    ¡°The most logical conclusion is that South Korea and France secretly created him.¡±

    ¡°Even with the Mossad watching Lanok so closely, he still managed to make such an aplishment¡­ This is unbelievable. Well, what can we do about it?¡±

    Meeting the prime minister¡¯s gaze, Chapi began to look even more troubled.

    ¡°His elimination, all-out war, or¡­¡±

    ¡°Handing over Ziegfeld to him, like the Americans did.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The prime minister sighed heavily, then looked sharply around the room.

    ¡°Have you analyzed the greatest burden we would bear if we handed Ziegfeld over?¡±

    The painful question acknowledged Kang Chan¡¯s power and assumed that Israel would bow its head to him.

    ¡°We will have to give up the gold standard, and we¡¯ll be having difficulties managing the economies of Ennd and the United States for a while,¡± the Finance Minister replied. ¡°The US economy, which we have been suffocating, could be revitalized. We would also lose our control over the oil prices.¡±

    ¡°For how long?¡±

    ¡°With Parthal in their hands, I¡¯d say it¡¯ll take ten years at least and thirty at most before we can recover our vested economic interests.¡±

    The prime minister rubbed his forehead and pressed his thumb against his temple.

    ¡°What are the odds of the US hiding Sherman or handing over a decoy?¡±

    ¡°Satellites from Russia, China, and France are monitoring his ce with pinpoint uracy. Mr. Kang is already the new leader of the intelligence world. With that in mind¡­¡±

    The prime minister¡¯s piercing gaze quieted Grafelt down. An unpleasant, sullen silence followed.

    ¡°If we fight in an all-out war, what are our chances of winning?¡±

    ¡°If the United States stands with us¡ª¡±

    ¡°They abandoned Sherman. What are the chances they would be on our side? Give me a conclusion under the assumption that we, Israel, will be fighting alone.¡±

    ¡°Less than one percent, sir.¡±

    A snort of disbelief summed up the prime minister¡¯s sentiment.

    ¡°If they empty Gaza, and Russia, China, and France nuke us, then it will be all over for us.¡±

    ¡°Who would have imagined a Korean would be able to unite the Arabs?¡±

    The prime minister shook his head.

    ¡°Well, I never thought it would be so easy to take out Abibu and Jibril, especially when they were under our care.¡±

    He sighed deeply.

    ¡°Where is Ziegfeld now?¡±

    The director of the Mossad nodded at the question. Only the prime minister understood what he meant.

    ***

    Sherman swiped his hand across his face in exhaustion and looked at his phone. Calls wereing in nonstop from the DIA, NSA, CIA, and the Oval Office.

    Once again, he checked the number on the other phone in his hand. He then gave it a call.

    [The number you have dialed is not in service¡­]

    After pressing the end button, Sherman looked out the window.

    He had never imagined that the Star of David would take such lowly means to conceal himself. If he was still the CIA director and had the power he used to wield, Ziegfeld wouldn¡¯t have dared resort to this kind of method.

    Sherman gritted his teeth, his long cheeks twitching unpleasantly to the eye.

    Daylight was breaking. He had tond in two hours, if only to refuel, and he had to find a way before then.

    There was only one man who could save him now.

    <em>¡®Monsieur Kang!¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan would make wise judgments, keep his word, find Ziegfeld, and surely eliminate him. He was the only person who could.

    For now, Sherman had to swallow his pride and cooperate with him to track down Ziegfeld. Kang Chan would definitely be interested. After all, Sherman still had his experience with the United States and the CIA.

    Sherman gritted his teeth and searched for Kang Chan¡¯s number. He then pressed the call button.

    <em>Ring. Ring. Ring. </em>

    Finally, the call connected.

    - Allo?

    Kang Chan sounded strangely reassuring. This was the strong voice of amander who had defeated five hundred Peruvian special forces soldiers with only thirty men.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, this is Sherman.¡±

    - Get to the point.

    ¡°I want to negotiate.¡±

    Sherman looked outside the window and awaited Kang Chan¡¯s response. He would surely make a wise decision.

    - Sherman.

    <em>I knew it! </em>

    Kang Chan now sounded gentle.

    Sherman¡¯s lips curved into a smile¡­ until Kang Chan continued.

    - We received a report earlier that a South Korean fighter jet spotted your ne. The US DIA tipped us off.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang!¡±

    - I heard a shoot-down has been authorized. You called a bit toote, don¡¯t you think?

    Kang Chan chuckled from the other end of the line, causing chills to run down Sherman¡¯s back.

    - Romain will be waiting for you in hell. Why don¡¯t you pray onest time? One of our soldiers, Yang Dong-Sik, died because of you. I¡¯d be careful not to meet him, okay?

    Sherman was too dazed to speak.

    - Goodbye, motherfucker.

    The call dropped.

 Chapter 413: A Bit Too Late, Donéˆ¥æª› You Think? (2)

    [The tense situation suggests that a world war might break out,] the news anchor nervously reported.

    [It has been confirmed that Russia and China have used aircraft carriers to attack certain areas of Bermuda. It is still unclear whether this attack in America¡¯s backyard was a training situation or the destruction of a military instation.]

    As the anchor spoke, aerial footage of aircraft carriers filled the TV screen.

    [Moreover, Russia took it one step further. While the world was focused on how the United States would react, Russian fighter jets bombed Iranian facilities.]

    A long plume of smoke rose from the screen, shaky as if captured from afar.

    [Tensions are extremely high, yet the United States and the entire Arab world continue to watch in silence.]

    The screen showed the anchor again.

    [Russia¡¯s military actions are raising concerns about a world war, but the Korean stock market is having a different response. Over to you, Min Ki-Joon.]

    The screen cut to an economics reporter standing in front of an electronic board that was sttered in red. [Reporter Min. Our stock market is exploding right now, but how much?]

    After a brief silence, the reporter responded, [Currently, the stock exchange has triggered the circuit brake to halt spot trading. This is the first circuit brake to be triggered due to rising stock prices since the opening of the Korean stock market.]

    [The current situation is putting the world on the brink of war, so howe our stock market is jumping inexplicably? Could you give us an analysis?]

    After listening to the words his earset fed him, the reporter nodded.

    [It¡¯s due to an endless influx of orders from foreigners, which has resulted in an unprecedented amount of buying that even experts are currently unable to exin.]

    [Could it be that foreigners have chosen our country as a safe ce from a world war?]

    [We are in Watchcon 1 and Defcon 2 right now, so it¡¯s hard to say. However, considering foreigners are cing relentless purchase orders in our stock market, I can cautiously say that we can expect a breakthrough announcement with North Korea soon.[

    Moon Jae-Hyun turned off the TV and looked away with a sigh.

    The stock market was the first to reflect the twelve South Korean soldiers killed in Cuba and the seven seriously wounded.

    ¡°Wealthy people are terrifying.¡±

    ¡°Ever since Sherman was shot down, the dor has been running out of control. The currency market is also a problem. At this rate, the dor will drop to below nine hundred won sooner orter,¡± Go Gun-Woo reported.

    Moon Jae-Hyunughed in disbelief. ¡°The export market will be an issue as well, too.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a one-sided reaction, so we can hedge to some extent, but if it gets worse than that, we¡¯ll have no choice but to take special measures.¡±

    As expected from a former prime minister, Go Gun-Woo was quick to provide solutions.

    ¡°What¡¯s the status of our assistant director?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll be staying in Cuba for the rest of the day to meet with Israel¡¯s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister. He¡¯ll get back to me afterward.¡±

    Moon Jae-Hyun looked like an uncle who had just learned of his nephew¡¯s college eptance. However, he quickly hid his expression.

    ¡°Please make sure our fallen and injured men get the right treatment,¡± he ordered. ¡°Their sacrifice must never be forgotten or neglected.¡±

    ¡°I heard that our fallen will be transported over soon. On another note, sir, Assistant Director Kang Chan has made an unexpected request. ¡±

    ¡°An unexpected request?¡±

    ¡°Even though ourws limit the amount ofpensation we can give to our men¡¯s families, the assistant director insisted on giving a hefty amount even if it means it¡¯lle out of his own pocket. We have been looking into making this possible.¡±

    ¡°I must have been burdening him with that as well,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun regretfullymented.

    ¡°Anyway, sir, we have received urgent requests to meet with you from the president of Peru and the prime ministers of Japan and Israel. Perhaps you should instruct them to file an official request,¡± Go Gun-Woo suggested.

    ¡°I will decide after the assistant director contacts us again,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun replied firmly.

    ***

    Cup noodles, instant rice, and kimchi were served with prime steaks that the American Green Berets had grilled.

    The French special forces team stood guard at the entrance of the building, while the two Foreign Legion regiments guarded the perimeter. The Green Berets were in charge of information and supplies. Although the supplies were just instant coffee, packaged kimchi, cup noodles, and cigarettes, Robert¡¯s eyes still zed with the eagerness to aplish his tasks.

    Kang Chan would have found this scenario better if it weren¡¯t for the phone calls that he kept getting. Still, without those supplies, he wouldn¡¯t have stayed in this deste Cubannd any longer.

    ¡°Where do you want to drink coffee?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the roof,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    After the meal, Kang Chan went up to the rooftop with some of his men. Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and Yoon Sang-Ki had bandages all over their bodies. Even Kang Chan had gauze taped to his neck.

    While the others leaned against the wall, Yoon Sang-Ki made some instant coffee and brought it over with two other soldiers. Of course, they paired their coffee with cigarettes.

    ¡°<em>Haaa</em>!¡±

    <em>Does that punk have to make that noise every time he drinks?</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho remained expressionless, seemingly unaffected by Kang Chan¡¯s gaze.

    After watching Kwak Cheol-Ho and Yoon Sang-Ki go downstairs to transfer the dead soldiers, Kang Chan slowly looked around.

    They were alive¡ªat the cost of twelve men.

    <em>Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. </em>

    The phone rang, seemingly telling him that he should answer his calls now that he had survived.

    After checking the number, Kang Chan picked up the call.

    ¡°Allo?¡±

    - Monsieur Kang. We have taken care of Iran. Let¡¯s hope for a good oue with Chapi Presley this afternoon, shall we?

    Uzman sounded as soothing as always.

    ¡°I won¡¯t go to war for as long as the issue with Ziegfeld is solved.¡±

    - I thought as much. I have a favor to ask, though, if I may.

    There was nothing free in this world.

    ¡°Go for it. If it¡¯s within my capabilities, I¡¯ll consider it,¡± Kang Chan replied gently.

    - Thank you, Monsieur Kang. I simply hope that when you meet Chapi, you ask him for a peace agreement in Gaza.¡±

    That wasn¡¯t too bad.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    - Thank you. Acquiring that agreement will save many lives and make me even more influential in the Arab world.¡±

    ¡°You sowed the seeds. They are bound to bear fruit.¡±

    - <em>Hahaha!</em>

    Even Uzman¡¯s satisfied chuckle sounded pleasing to the ears.

    - I look forward to good news.

    After hanging up, Kang Chan told G¨¦rard and the others about the phone conversation.

    ¡°Do you really think Israel will give us that fucking bastard Ziegfeld?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°If they don¡¯t, we¡¯ll be left with only one choice.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

    They couldn¡¯t back down now that they hade all the way here. Hence, Kang Chan decided to stop at nothing to break Ziegfeld¡¯s neck¡ªeven if it meant crushing Israel. This was the surest and clearest way to end this fight.

    If he didn¡¯t eliminate the very person that led him to Afghanistan, Africa, Libya, and Cuba, the cycle would never end.

    ¡°That bastard is the only one left now,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked as Kang Chan leaned back against the wall.

    Everyone couldn¡¯t help but agree with him. They all felt as though they had done everything except for onest task.

    There was no knowing what would be waiting for them at the end of this road. Nevertheless, Kang Chan wanted to at least ensure that he¡¯d no longer lose people he cared about in this life.

    He looked up at the Cuban sky, finding it blue with clouds that looked like strands of torn cotton candy. Basking in the warm sun and the cool breeze, he thought of Kim Mi-Young. He felt so guilty for what he did to her that he couldn¡¯t even imagine standing in front of her now.

    It was toote to tell her that he was alive. He shouldn¡¯t have treated her like this, especially since they had promised a future together.

    <em>Tat, tat. Tat, tat. </em>

    Just then, Kwak Cheol-Ho and Yoon Sang-Ki came up to the rooftop.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to transfer the dead, sir.¡±

    It took South Korea some time to prepare the flight that would fly their fallen back home. Unfortunately, they couldn¡¯t send the one that Kang Chan had taken on the way here in case he had to use it to leave tonight.

    Kang Chan got up and went downstairs with the others.

    Walking out the front entrance, they saw twelve iron coffins lined up before them. Insidey Yang Dong-Sik and eleven of theirrades, now wrapped in body bags.

    One of these men manned the machine gun on the second floor, while some guarded the first floor and stairs or held out on the roof.

    With a nod from Kang Chan, the soldiers approached and stood around the coffins.

    ¡°Attention.¡±

    <em>Thud!</em>

    ¡°Salute.¡±

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Everyone, even the Foreign Legion soldiers and the Green Berets, slowly raised their hands to salute their dead. They then lowered their hands just as slowly.

    ¡°At ease!¡±

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Right after, eight men stepped forward and began loading the coffins of the fallen soldiers into the helicopter, starting with Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s.

    ¡°Leave them to us,¡± Robert said before turning around.

    <em>Swiiish!</em>

    With a wave of his hand, the helicopter roared to life. Its propellers spun and rose into the sky.

    <em>Du du du du du du du!</em>

    How many people would remember their sacrifice? What would the development of South Korea mean to their families?

    Kang Chan remained motionless. Hence, no one else dared move either.

    After a few moments of silence, Robert cautiously approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Captain. We¡¯ve gotten word that all of the wounded who arrived in the United States are no longer in critical condition. The NSA Director would also like to speak to you.¡±

    His words were spoken in French, so G¨¦rard, the Foreign Legion special forces team, and the other Foreign Legion soldiers looked at Kang Chan proudly.

    ¡°Will you be put in an awkward position if I refuse?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t be getting a promotion anytime soon.¡±

    Kang Chan liked his honest answer.

    ¡°Connect me to him.¡±

    With a grateful expression, Robert pulled out a brick-sized phone.

    ¡°It¡¯s wiretap-proof.¡±

    If Vasili had seen it, he would have given a snide remark about Russian technology again. Robert pressed a button, spoke quickly in English, and handed the phone to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Allo?¡±

    - Monsieur Kang. This is Peterson speaking, the director of the NSA.

    ¡°Kang Chan. Thank you for sending the Green Berets and appointing Robert as theirmander for this operation.¡±

    Robert nced at Kang Chan. A short silence followed.

    - The United States was unaware of Sherman¡¯s ns, but to apologize for his actions, the US government has already issued a statement of support for South Korea¡¯s policy. They also authorized Sherman¡¯s elimination. We hope you will take this into consideration.

    He sounded like he was reading out of a French textbook. Well, it wasn¡¯t like Kang Chan had any trouble understanding it.

    ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll take what you say at face value.¡±

    - Your affirmative response is enough for us. We¡¯ll take care of your wounded.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kang Chan replied in a textbook manner.

    - No, Monsieur Kang. I should be the one thanking you for giving me a bit of your time.

    The call ended afterward. It was such a simple conversation that Kang Chan thought it was absurd that the US had to pressure Robert into taking the call.

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got nothing else to do, we should head in,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said, clearing the area with a single sentence.

    ***

    Aside from a few phone calls from Kim Hyung-Jung, Lanok, Vasili, and Ludwig, the rest of Kang Chan¡¯s evening was uneventful.

    The artificial ind of Bermuda had been destroyed, and the next-generation energy facility being built in Iran had reportedly been reduced to ruins.

    Things certainly seemed to be going ording to his n.

    ***

    The massive, round sun had set halfway into the horizon, casting a blood-red glow.

    ¡°The Israeli deputy prime minister is arriving, sir.¡±

    Robert, who had been on the move all day, stepped onto the rooftop and gazed downward.

    ¡°Bring him here.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Robert turned and headed back down. He seemed to be aiming to take G¨¦rard¡¯s position, which made Kang Chan chuckle.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you change out of your uniform?¡± G¨¦rard suggested.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Kang Chan countered firmly. ¡°He needs to see the kind of path we¡¯ve been taking. If he¡¯s going to insist on keeping Ziegfeld safe until the end, I want him to know that he¡¯ll have to deal with us as we are now.¡±

    G¨¦rard grinned, causing the scar on his cheek to crinkle.

    Soon, they heard a shuffle of footsteps, and a man in a suit and four other men in suits who looked like bodyguards entered the building.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang,¡± one of the bodyguards greeted.

    ¡°Good to see you, Grafelt.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, sir.¡±

    After shaking hands, Grafelt stepped aside and pointed to the man who had entered first.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, this is Israel¡¯s deputy prime minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Chapi Presley. Sir, this is Monsieur Kang.¡±

    The man had white hair and piercing eyes.

    Kang Chan held out his hand, and Chapi shook it. As they shook hands, the two locked gazes, causing the atmosphere to fill up with tension.

    ¡°Have a seat,¡± Kang Chan offered. The Foreign Legion soldiers had prepared a simple table and chairs.

    Chapi followed Kang Chan and sat across from him.

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and Yoon Sang-Ki stood behind Kang Chan, fully armed, while four agents, including Grafelt, stood behind Chapi.

    One of the agents moved over and ced a mug of coffee and a small bottle of water on the table. The sound of his rifle and weapons rattling in the background made the tension even stiffer.

    Chapi peered into the mug and then returned his piercing gaze to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Israel has no intention of sumbing to force,¡± he said.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t have too much experience in these situations. However, he knew what the ring asshole before him was trying to do.

    Chapi was trying to save as much as he could and refusing to bow down to the idea of war.

    The bastard was no different than Sherman. He would stab Kang Chan in the back if given the opportunity.

    If war was inevitable, what was the point of wasting time with words? The fucker had already explicitly said that he refused to surrender anyway.

    Kang Chan smirked and nodded.

    ¡°G¨¦rard.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Give them a ten-second countdown. If they¡¯re still here by the time you¡¯re done, kill them all.¡±

    <em>Click!</em>

    As soon as themand dropped, G¨¦rard pointed his gun forward.

    Grafelt and the agents, who were reaching for their guns, froze and stared at the muzzle of G¨¦rard¡¯s rifle.

    <em>Click! Click! Click! Click!</em>

    The four probably didn¡¯t know it, but Seok Kang-Ho, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and Yoon Sang-Ki were all seasoned veterans now. As soon as the situation escted, the three simultaneously took aim.

    What was faster? Drawing a pistol, or pulling the trigger of a rifle that was already pointed?

    If they were going to insist on seeing the answer for themselves, they could be Kang Chan¡¯s guest.

    Kang Chan turned his gaze to Grafelt.

    ¡°We¡¯ve trained together, so I¡¯ll give you a chance. Get out of here before G¨¦rard stops counting.¡±

    Kang Chan pulled a cigarette from his pocket, popped it in his mouth, and lit it.

    <em>Click. </em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    ¡°Monsieur Kang¡ª!¡± Grafelt urgently called, but G¨¦rard interrupted him.

    ¡°<em>Dix</em>[1].¡±

    The countdown had begun.

    ¡°This is not conducive to the development of either country!¡± Chapi protested.

    ¡°Unless we do as you say, all that¡¯s left is war anyway. Now, fuck off before time¡¯s up,¡± Kang Chan said nonchntly.

    ¡°<em>Neuf</em>[2].¡±

    <em>Did no one tell you about who I am?</em>

    Grafelt looked at the back of Chapi¡¯s head frustratedly.

    ¡°<em>Huit</em>[3]."

    The Israeli agents¡¯ eyes fell to the trigger of the rifles.

    Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard went without saying, but now, even Kwak Cheol-Ho and Yoon Sang-Ki had their fingers on their triggers.

    <em>You think these four wouldn¡¯t pull the trigger because they¡¯re worried about international politics? Ha! Do you think men who worry about that would havee to Cuba? To Afghanistan? Africa? Libya?</em>

    These men had been shoving each other aside for fear of being left off the list.

    <em>You all still don¡¯t get the resolve of the South Korean special forces team¡ªno, the resolve of the people of South Korea. </em>

    ¡°<em>Sept</em>[4].¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled a puff of cigarette smoke and looked at Chapi with irritation. ¡°<em>Hoo.¡±</em>

    <em>I thought so. You boldly let me start counting down, but you¡¯re scared of what can happen at the end of all this, aren¡¯t you?</em>

    Kang Chan could easily read the emotions in Chapi¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°<em>Six</em>[5], <em>cinq</em>[6], <em>quatre</em>[7], <em>trois</em>[8], <em>deux</em>[9],¡± he swiftly counted down.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang!¡± Grafelt called out in surprise.

    ¡°We¡¯ll give you Ziegfeld!¡± Chapi blurted out hastily.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s toote? You should have headed back down in the time you took to talk,¡± Kang Chan replied, brushing off Chapi¡¯s offer.

    ¡°Please, I¡¯m begging you as someone you trained with, Monsieur Kang!¡± Grafelt pleaded.

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze alternated between Grafelt and Chapi. These bastards would clearlye after him as soon as they got the opportunity. If so, then he would feel more at ease to kill them now.

    There was no reason to repeat what happened with Sherman.

    Just as Kang Chan made up his mind, Grafelt suddenly shouted, ¡°Ziegfeld is currently in North Korea!¡±

    Kang Chan nced at him.

    ¡°The Mossad escorted him to North Korea. It¡¯s true.¡±

    <em>These motherfuckers! It was already too much that they pitted people of the same kind against each other once, yet they¡¯re still nning to do it again?!</em>

    Kang Chan slowly looked down at Chapi, who stared right back, refusing to yield.

    ¡°Grafelt,¡± Kang Chan called, his gaze still on Chapi.

    ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a chance. I will offer you a peace deal for Gaza, and if you go through with the agreement in four hours, I promise on my name that there will be no invasion of Israel.¡±

    Grafelt swallowed dryly, and Chapi looked at Kang Chan victoriously.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean I forgive you all for using North Korea again. Don¡¯t ever think of using North Korea again. I¡¯ll use Chapi to set an example.¡±

    <em>What does that mean?</em>

    Chapi¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°G¨¦rard, get rid of that bastard.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Monsieur Kang! He is the Mossad¡¯s¡ª!¡±

    <em>Bang! Thud!</em>

    Chapi dropped to the ground with a gaping hole in his forehead.

    1. ten ?

    2. nine ?

    3. eight ?

    4. seven ?

    5. six ?

    6. five ?

    7. four ?

    8. three ?

    9. two ?

 Chapter 414: Iéˆ¥æª’l Do My Best (1)

    ¡°Monsieur Kang!¡± Grafelt called in protest.

    <em>Click! Click, click! Click! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s men aimed their rifles back at Chapi¡¯s agents. Despite the sudden esction, though, Grafelt simply raised his hand to stop everyone, a clear disy that he was still level-headed.

    ¡°Grafelt.¡±

    Grafelt just red at Kang Chan.

    <em>You wanna go? Let¡¯s fucking go, then. </em>

    <em>Creak. </em>

    Kang Chan slowly stood up.

    Grafelt looked at Kang Chan with astonishment¡ªhis fierce eyes, as intense as the red sunset; his broad shoulders; the thick gauze on his nape; his ck uniform, still stained from the battle of the previous day; and the g on his forearm.This was the same Kang Chan who had trained with him.

    Of course, he was no pushover even then. However, if he were being honest, Andrei from Russia thought he could¡¯ve had a chance back then.

    Now¡­ this was the first time in his life that Grafelt felt like he could see a light shining from behind someone.

    Grafelt was from the Mossad and the Sayeret Matkal, the Israeli special forces. However, the current Kang Chan was exuding such an intimidating air that Grafelt had no choice but to hide the glint of defiance in his gaze.

    ¡°Grafelt.¡±

    ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    The bodyguards looked nervously back and forth between Kang Chan and Grafelt.

    ¡°Are you saying Israel finds it unjust that I¡¯m going to invade it when it has tried to use North Korea to wage war against South Korea <em>twice</em>?¡±

    Grafelt was left speechless.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if this man was the head of the Mossad or the deputy prime minister of Israel. To me, he is no more than the bastard who tried to start a war on the Korean penins twice and hid Ziegfeld from me until the end.¡±

    Deep down, Grafelt couldn¡¯t help but agree.

    <em>Damn it! </em>

    That would be an admission of what Kang Chan had just said.

    ¡°I believe you have to be prepared to put your own life on the line if you want to kill someone. I¡¯ll give two options. War or peace negotiations in Gaza?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not for me to decide.¡±

    ¡°You have ten minutes. Your answer will determine whether I go to North Korea or stay here and lead my men to Israel.¡±

    <em>I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m feeling a sense of authority from this man that I have never even felt from Chapi, the head of the Mossad!</em>

    Was this really the same Kang Chan from their training? Grafelt had to wonder.

    ¡°If I go to North Korea and Ziegfeld is not there, Israel will be in a very ufortable position.¡±

    Grafelt focused back on Kang Chan.

    ¡°Your ten minutes have already started.¡±

    As if jolted awake, Grafelt quickly moved to a corner of the rooftop.

    <em>Click! Click! Click!</em>

    The muzzles of the rifles followed the agents¡¯ every moment, keeping the atmosphere tense.

    Turning around, Kang Chan found Robert standing at the entrance to the rooftop. As ifing out of a hypnotic trance, the man barked out instructions to two of his men.

    <em>Squelch. Squelch. </em>

    Two Green Berets lifted Chapi by his arms and legs. They then carried him to the rooftop entrance.

    No matter how cocky anyone had been while alive, they would always be reduced to such a sorry state in death.

    <em>If he wanted to plunge the Korean penins into war, he should have been prepared to die or for war toe to Israel instead. </em>

    Kang Chan turned and stood with his arms on the rooftop wall. The sun had already disappeared into the distance, but there was still a lingering reddish glow on the ground due to the afterglow of the day.

    Feeling a bit empty, he took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. He knew Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Yoon Sang-Ki were holding rifles behind him. Normally, they would be aiming at their targets and smoking together.

    However, this wasn¡¯t a battle between soldiers. This was a battle between South Korea and Israel.

    Whether he liked it or not, Kang Chan represented South Korea right now. He had to act as their leader and show the Israeli agents that he wasn¡¯t someone to be reckoned with.

    <em>Click. </em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan missed them all¡ªKang Dae-Kyung, Yoo Hye-Sook, Kim Mi-Young, Kim Tae-Jin, Kim Hyung-Jung, and the streets of South Korea.

    He wanted to go to a rustic restaurant and eat pork cutlets with them all. He also craved the white rice with kimchi stew and egg rolls from the restaurant he had once gone to with Oh Gwang-Taek.

    However, the deaths of Yoo-Seul¡¯s father; Um Ji-Hwan, who left his mother behind; and Yang Dong-Sik kept grabbing him by the feet. The soldiers who had fallen in battle in Afghanistan, Africa, Libya, and the International Building served as the foundation that allowed them to fight another day here in Cuba.

    They lost Yang Dong-Sik and over ten other men here, but they had no choice. They couldn¡¯t give up now.

    Who did those soldiers die for? Kang Chan? Bullshit.

    It was for the people who gathered in front of the hospital with white chrysanthemums and candles when they heard that Kang Chan had been killed, for the little girl who stood with a sign that said, ¡°Thank you for protecting Korea,¡± and for the g and the name of South Korea¡­

    Despite knowing it would cause their families unbearable pain, his men still didn¡¯t hesitate to give their lives to their nation.

    Kang Chan quietly sighed.

    If he could create the strong South Korea that they so desperately hoped for, if it could fulfill the wishes of the dead soldiers and agents, he would be even more ruthless than he already was.

    Even if he had to fight an invisible battle, no matter who stood in his way, he would do whatever it would take to emerge victorious.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan blew out the smoke from his cigarette and slowly looked around the darkening sky and ground.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Kang Chan slowly turned around, finding Grafelt stiff-faced.

    ¡°In an hour, the prime minister will personally send Gaza a peace deal. He will also announce that Chapi died of a heart attack while traveling abroad.¡±

    It was clear he still wanted something. Hence, Kang Chan just stared at him in silence.

    ¡°Israel wants a promise from you.¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°That you will not invade Israel in the future, no longer hold Israel responsible for Ziegfeld¡¯s previous misdeeds, and allow us to establish diplomatic rtions with China.¡±

    ¡°I can only promise you the second one.¡±

    ¡°It is enough for me if you promise to try your best.¡±

    Kang Chan looked Grafelt in the eye.

    All these bastards kept attaching strings and conditions.

    ¡°I have to go back with your word. Please think of it as your gift to me for bing the new head of the Mossad.¡±

    Understanding what Grafelt meant, G¨¦rard¡¯s cheek twitched. Robert looked back and forth between Kang Chan and Grafelt.

    ¡°Fine, since we¡¯re no strangers, I¡¯ll trust you just this once. I¡¯ll do my best to fulfill your three conditions.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Grafelt¡¯s gaze dropped to the floor where Chapi had fallen. He then turned back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be off now.¡±

    After Kang Chan nodded, Grafelt turned around, and the rest of the men followed him off the rooftop.

    <em>Click. Click. Click. Click.</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the other two lowered their rifles.

    ¡°Robert.¡±

    ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang!¡±

    For some reason, he seemed excited to be taking orders directly from Kang Chan.

    ¡°See if you can get a helicopter to where our ne is. If you can, we¡¯ll leave in half an hour.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    Robert immediately headed for the stairs.

    ¡°What¡¯s he so happy about?¡± Seok Kang-Ho wondered.

    Everyone followed Kang Chan¡¯s lead and sat back down where they had been.

    G¨¦rard, who spoke French, naturally understood the situation. Hence, Kang Chan only had to exin what had happened to Seok Kang-Ho, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and Yoon Sang-Ki.

    Seok Kang-Ho red at Kwak Cheol-Ho¡¯s feet, where Chapi had fallen earlier. ¡°That motherfucker! He was talking total shit! If I knew, I would¡¯ve shot him a few more times!¡±

    As they were talking, Kang Chan¡¯s phone rang.

    ¡°Allo?¡±

    - Monsieur Kang, I don¡¯t know how to thank you for fulfilling my wish so quickly.

    Uzman¡¯s soft voice sounded mixed with excitement.

    <em>Did they announce it already?</em>

    Kang Chan tilted his head.

    - The Israeli Mossad has been in touch. They¡¯re going to offer a peace agreement in an hour, and they want us to have a response ready!

    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±

    - Thank you, Monsieur Kang! I am most happy to be able to save our children who are suffering there. God must have sent you to save those poor dying children.

    <em>Well, I guess not all Arabs are wicked.</em>

    Kang Chan thought of the girls he had failed to save in Afghanistan before. What if he had the power he had now back then?

    ¡°I believe those children reaped the seeds that you sowed. You said you expected someone to do that, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    - Monsieur Kang.

    Uzman sounded as if he choked up.

    - While I am still able to do something, I swear to God that I will always follow the order you¡¯ll create.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    - If you ever need something from me, don¡¯t hesitate to call.

    ¡°Take care.¡±

    The call ended with a pleasant chuckle. Feeling like he had checked another box, Kang Chan found himself in a good mood.

    Just as he put his phone in his pocket, Robert reemerged into the dark rooftop.

    <em>Tat, tat. </em>

    ¡°The helicopter is ready.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Robert looked at Kang Chan with pride.

    ***

    The South Korean base in Mongolia was a mix of bustle and chaos. Preparations were in full swing for the departure of two powerful men from Russia and China.

    Vasili was still in the container with Yang Bum.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe he thought about killing the head of the Mossad. I guess I¡¯m no match for Monsieur Kang now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m more surprised that he ising to China. It¡¯s one thing that he found Ziegfeld, but I really didn¡¯t think that he¡¯d head straight for North Korea on his way back.¡±

    ¡°Whoever gets on his bad side dies,¡± Vasili spat out, causing Yang Bum to burst outughing.

    After a brief pause, Yang Bum worriedly asked, ¡°Do you think Mr. Kang only has South Korea¡¯s best interests in mind?¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a bit worried about his rapid growth.¡±

    A small gust of wind blossomed and quickly hurried to the other side of the container. Vasili nced in the direction of the breeze for a moment.

    ¡°He knows how to protect his people. We have to believe he¡¯s not the kind of man who¡¯ll forget Lanok and the others who helped him.¡±

    Yang Bum nodded. ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°If he changes, so will we. The smell of blood will be pungent for a while, but isn¡¯t that how we¡¯ve always created order in our world?¡±

    Vasili grinned. Yang Bum smiled back.

    ¡°If you meet the main character, will you tell him to stop by Russia once?¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Vasili slowly took a deep breath, then said, ¡°I never thought I¡¯d ever meet a man who could find and corner the Star of David. On top of that, he even united the Arab world and killed the leader of the Mossad.¡±

    ¡°Somehow, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s because he wanted to. It¡¯s just the way things naturally turn out,¡± Yang Bum replied.

    ¡°Damn it!¡± Vasili suddenly cursed. ¡°I always thought I was going to be at the center of it all until Monsieur Kang appeared. <em>Hmph</em>! Now, I¡¯m just Supporting Character Number Two.¡±

    ¡°Does that make me Number Three?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to discuss that with Ludwig.¡±

    Yang Bumughed at the brazen answer, and Vasiliughed along with him.

    Just then, a man with a gun approached them.

    ¡°We¡¯re ready to go,¡± he gruffly said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back¡ªyou to your world, and me to mine. I got to enjoy a moment of rxation thanks to you.¡±

    Vasili held out his hand, and Yang Bum shook it firmly.

    ***

    Go Gun-Woo flipped through a stack of papers in a fast-moving van.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know who wille. China has put pressure on them, and they¡¯ve sent money before, so North Korea is receptive to an interview. However, they can muddy the waters with the wrong person,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung said, unable to hide his worries. ¡°I have no doubt the assistant director won¡¯t back down. That¡¯s just who he is, but that is also our greatest concern.¡±

    ¡°Will it just be me and the assistant director?¡± Go Gun-Woo asked.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t gotten the assistant director¡¯s opinion on the matter yet, so I¡¯ve only put you and the assistant director on the visitor list so far. Anyone else has been marked as ¡®other.¡¯¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>. This is not going to be easy.¡±

    Smiling bitterly, Go Gun-Woo gazed out the window.

    Kang Chan had made the request out of the blue. Hence, Go Gun-Woo couldn¡¯t help but be surprised when he was told that Kang Chan would be traveling to China, and from there, directly to North Korea.

    Moon Jae-Hyung, Go Gun-Woo, and Kim Hyung-Jung, who was in charge of the working-level tasks, couldn¡¯t help but smile at Kang Chan¡¯s tenacity.

    The very samemander who had annihted North Korea¡¯s 8th Special Forces Regiment in Cuba was now going to North Korea.

    ¡°Manager Kim,¡± Go Gun-Woo called.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

    The vehicle began to turn toward the Seongnam Airport.

    ¡°In the unlikely event that the worst momentes, and you have to choose someone¡­¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked up from his papers and straight at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°Save the assistant director using any means necessary.¡±

    Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t respond. If something happened in North Korea, how would he be able to go and save him?

    However, Go Gun-Woo, who used to be an administrator in the past, had made the request himself. He was prepared for his own death if that was what it took to save Kang Chan. Hence, Kim Hyung-Jung couldn¡¯t reply easily even though they could already see the Seongnam Airport from the van¡¯s window.

    ***

    A civilian airne was waiting at the airport. They would have to board the flight unarmedIt would be a flight they went on with their weapons removed.

    The empty seats were heartwrenching, but none of the soldiers showed it.

    ¡°<em>Phuhu</em>!¡±

    There was always that guy who never really cared for that stuff. He was happy just for being given bread and an in-flight meal.

    Kang Chan sat in the middle of first-ss seats, talking on the phone with Lanok.

    - I¡¯ve given a few instructions to Yang Bum. Even so, it¡¯s hard to guess North Korea¡¯s reaction.

    Lanok sounded worried.

    - We don¡¯t know what they¡¯ll do if they think their regime is falling apart. I know you¡¯ll be fine on your own, but don¡¯t forget that your location is different from where it was twelve hours ago.

    Kang Chan felt a bit shy due to Lanok¡¯s concern, so he just listened.

    - When you return, we should have dinner with Anne.

    ¡°Yes, High Commissioner.¡±

    - Oh, my. That title is strange. I¡¯m going to have to be the Korean ambassador again just for the title.

    The call ended withughter.

    Putting the phone down on the table, Kang Chan turned his attention to the window.

    <em>Pft. </em>

    In the past, he thought Lanok was a ridiculously busy man due to how he traveled everywhere by airne. However, that was exactly how he lived now.

    This time, surely, he would get to end this once and for all.

    <em>Don¡¯t you think so, Ziegfeld?</em>

 Chapter 415: Iéˆ¥æª’l Do My Best (2)

    <em>Ding, ding, ding, ding. </em>

    At around 10 am, the seatbelt sign lit up, signaling their arrival at the Shenyang Taoxian International Airport in China. The sun was just about forehead level.

    ¡°We¡¯re traveling so much,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°It would have been nice if these were all for pleasure,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Seok Kang-Ho grinned. They had traveled around the world for fights to the death.

    <em>Swoooooosh!</em>

    Amid their conversation, the ne began to descend. The ps of its wings were fully deployed, and its engine roared.

    Since they were aboard amercial airne, they didn¡¯t have to worry about getting off the runway. Hence, Kang Chan sat backfortably and waited tond.

    <em>Rumble, rumble, rumble, rumble, rumble!</em><em>Why is the runway of an international airport so shaky?</em>

    <em>Errrrrrng. </em>

    The ne moved down the runway at a leisurely pace and stopped at the corner of the airport.

    Looking at the airport, Kang Chan let out his characteristicugh. Before his eyes were a long line of vans and cars that would normally never be allowed on the runway. In the middle of their ensemble stood Yang Bum.

    - Doors opening.

    As announced by the captain, two of the crew opened the door.

    <em>Whoosh. </em>

    The smell of Shenyang was stronger than Cuba''s. Its cool breeze carried with it the strong smell of spices.

    Kang Chan was the first to step through the door, followed by Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and Choi Jong-Il¡¯s party.

    Yang Bum smiled and held out a hand. ¡°Good to see you, Mr. Kang Chan.¡±

    It was always nice to shake hands with arade with whom he had avoided death.

    Yang Bum looked at Kang Chan with surprise.

    ¡°You truly look like a leading figure in the intelligence world now.¡±

    ¡°Compared to you, the highmissioner, and Vasili, I¡¯ve barely scratched the den. I don¡¯t even look like myself anymore.¡±

    Yang Bum nced at Seok Kang-Ho. He recognized him from their time together.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time.¡±

    ¡°Nice to see you again.¡±

    After exchanging pleasantries, Kang Chan turned his attention to the airne.

    ¡°My men are wearing military uniforms. I don¡¯t want to cause anymotion, so they¡¯re staying on board for now. We are at a civilian airport, after all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay. You can tell them toe down, and they can keep their weapons with them.¡±

    Was this the power of the director of the Chinese intelligence bureau?

    Yang Bum looked as if he still had something to say. However, there was no need to rush. Kang Chan could just listen to himter.

    Kang Chan nodded at Choi Jong-Il.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°Come down with your weapons,¡± Choi Jong-Il radioed. Soon after, armed soldiers began to descend.

    <em>Clunk, clunk. </em>

    ¡°They look different from thest time you helped me. This makes me realize how important experience and a goodmander are to a special forces team.¡±

    Yang Bum looked enviously at the Jeungpyeong special forces before assigning them cars to ride in.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, please join me. I have something to tell you on the way.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Once they had sat in the backseat, the car began to drive straight out of the airport through an exit guarded by armed Chinese officers.

    ¡°Director Vasili wants me to tell you that he would like you to visit him in Russia.¡±

    ¡°I n to do that once all this has been dealt with. On another note, Israel wants to establish diplomatic rtions with China. Grafelt, the new leader of the Mossad, told me himself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make it happen. Are you and Grafelt close?¡±

    ¡°I trained with him when High Commissioner Lanok sent me for intelligence training.¡±

    Yang Bum nodded, seemingly impressed.

    ¡°He must have nned that far into the future. This is why I can¡¯t help but bow whenever I see the highmissioner.¡±

    With small talk out of the way, Kang Chan turned to Yang Bum and looked him in the eye, prompting the man to talk about the heavier matters at hand.

    ¡°As part of our n, I¡¯ve arranged a location that Communist Party leaders previously used. There¡¯s someone important waiting to meet us there,¡± Yang Bum revealed in a hushed tone. ¡°North Korea has been experiencing internal unrest recently. Coupled with economic restrictions imposed by the United States, the potential for localized acts of provocation is high.¡±

    <em>I doubt he¡¯s just trying to scare me. </em>

    Yang Bum firmly added, ¡°North Korea¡¯s Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-Do, is waiting to speak with you.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed quietly. His mind felt as cluttered as the jumble of tall buildings and shabby old establishments outside the car window.

    ¡°Why is he going to such lengths?¡±

    ¡°North Korea¡¯s generals and party officials are ostracizing Kim Jung-Do. To top it all off, Ziegfeld, who has just recently entered North Korea, seems to have promised huge riches to the North Korean leaders.¡±

    <em>That motherfucker! I¡¯m not letting anyone stop me from twisting that bastard¡¯s neck!</em>

    ¡°We believe Ziegfeld intends to either rece the North Korean ruler ording to his liking and settle down there or provide the leadership with refuge and exile funds and have them start a war with South Korea.¡±

    ¡°Can North Korea¡¯s leader be reced just like that?¡±

    ¡°Ziegfeld is trying to persuade Kim Jong-Do¡¯s son to join him, which is what makes this situation so rming.¡±

    There were assholes everywhere. Strangely, though, they always managed to stick together despite biting and wing at each other¡¯s necks as soon as they had gotten what they wanted.

    ¡°What does their supreme leader want?¡±

    ¡°They haven¡¯t told us yet. All I¡¯ve confirmed is that he arrived at the Shenyang Station by train while I was on my way to the airport. Officially, he¡¯s supposed to be in the Chinese intelligence building in Shenyang right now.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Kang Chan believed Yang Bum. This was how allies were supposed to be treated.

    As if to give him time to think, Yang Bum stopped talking. However, Kang Chan didn¡¯t really find much to think about in cases like these. Since the North Korean leader wanted to meet, they would meet. Afterward, Kang Chan would find a way to twist Ziegfeld¡¯s neck.

    After about forty minutes on the asphalt, they turned off onto a dirt road. Eventually, an old three-story building came into view. It had red writing on the worn wooden board by the entrance. Masked soldiers armed with rifles stood guard outside, giving off a formidable aura.

    Was it because the figure in question was important? It seemed like overkill, but it was only natural for them to provide a secretly present North Korean leader this much security.

    Whatever this country built, they always made it so big that it was ridiculous. The car stopped in a parking lot the size of a sports field, and Kang Chan and Yang Bum stepped out.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Cap!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho rushed to Kang Chan¡¯s side.

    ¡°Have our men positioned at the entrance to this building, then wait with Choi Jong-Il¡¯s group inside the entrance.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho headed over to Kwak Cheol-Ho.

    ¡°G¨¦rard!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°The Jeungpyeong special forces team will guard the entrance of the building. You wait inside with Seok Kang-Ho.¡±

    ¡°Copy, Cap!¡±

    Perhaps it would offend Yang Bum that Kang Chan had given these orders in China. However, he wanted to make the least of preparations he could.

    If the North Korean leader died here, Kang Chan would feel as though he had just paid for a junked car.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry if my actions offend you.¡±

    ¡°No, I understand.¡±

    Yan Bum extended his hand and gestured toward the entrance. Kang Chan followed his lead and entered a room at the back of the facility¡¯s first floor.

    It looked like a dining room. Red curtains, red carpet, and red tablecloth.

    Amid the frenzied red color scheme was a round dining table that was so ridiculouslyrge it could seat a dozen people.

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze drifted to the table, which was in front of the window. A lone man was sitting on one of the chairs, waiting in silence. He had slicked-back hair, fleshy cheeks, a thick neck, a huge bulk, and quality Communist Party attire.

    <em>¡®That must be him!¡¯</em>

    Yang Bum walked toward the man who was clearly looking back at Kang Chan. They stood in front of the dining table.

    The man with the covered teacup in front of him slowly stood up.

    Kang Chan looked at the badge on his chest and slowly raised his gaze.

    ¡°Sir, this is Mr. Kang Chan. Mr. Kang Chan, this is North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Do.¡±

    There were only three of them in the giant dining room. Kim Jong-Do extended his hand, and Kang Chan took it.

    With their eyes locked, Kim Jong-Do asked, ¡°You¡¯re the one who killed the head of our People¡¯s Armed Forces and wiped out the 8th Special Forces Regiment, no?¡±

    Tension quickly washed over them.

    ¡°Shall we talk about that first?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Kim Jong-Do¡¯s eyes twitched. He looked ufortable, yet he never once broke eye contact.

    ¡°Excuse me, Comrade Kang Chan,¡± he gravely replied.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we sit down first?¡± Yang Bum interjected.

    Kim Jong-Do nced at Yang Bum for a moment. He then wordlessly turned to the table.

    <em>This table is so big. Where am I supposed to sit?</em>

    Noticing the look on Kang Chan¡¯s face, Yang Bum gestured at the seat next to Kim Jong-Do. ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, please take a seat.¡±

    Kang Chan and Yang Bum ended up sitting on either side of Kim Jong-Do.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to, but it wasn¡¯t like he was going to fight for a seat in this situation. He didn¡¯t want Yang Bum to lose face either, so he just stayed silent.

    A Chinese agent approached and ced a covered teacup in front of Kang Chan and Yang Bum. An ashtray, lighters, and cigarettes were already on the table.

    Considering the North Korean had secretlye to this ce just to meet Kang Chan, it was clear that he wanted something but had a weaker hand. Nevertheless, he was still acting like Chapi.

    <em>Maybe he¡¯ll meet a simr end too.</em>

    Meeting Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Kim Jong-Do finally broke the silence.

    ¡°A bastard named Ziegfeld came and greased the wheels of our military and party leaders. Although you have assassinated Jang Kwang-Taek, and we¡¯ve been capturing the insurgents since then, there are still many left.¡±

    Kim Jong-Do reached for a cigarette and offered it to Kang Chan. He had been ring at him until now, which made the act seem so random.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan silently reached out and epted it.

    <em>Click!</em>

    The big guy lit only his cigarette and put the lighter back on the table.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Kang Chan picked up the lighter, lit his cigarette, and handed the lighter to Yang Bum. It would be a bit awkward for them to move closer to light each other¡¯s cigarette in front of Kim Jong-Do.

    ¡°Look here.¡± Kim Jong-Do blew smoke out of his nose.

    <em>I¡¯m sure he didn¡¯te all the way here just to show me that dirty sight. </em>

    Kang Chan held up his cigarette and looked at him.

    ¡°I sent the 8th Special Forces Regiment to Cuba as soon as I was asked. Since you were there, I thought you would defeat the forces that the generals believed in.¡±

    ¡°Stop beating around the bush.¡±

    Kim Jong-Do¡¯s cheek twitched. He then exhaled loudly.

    ¡°You¡¯re after that bastard Ziegfeld, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯m going to be returning to Pyongyang by train today. You shoulde with me. Tonight, you can eliminate that big-nosed bitch.¡±

    ¡°What do you get in return?¡±

    ¡°We can kill all the North Korean reactionaries colluding with him.¡±

    Kang Chan and Kim Jong-Do looked at Yang Bum at the same time. The suggestion was as random as the cigarette he had offered earlier. It was also so absurd that Kang Chan had no idea where he wasing from.

    It was ironic. The man who had made the ridiculous suggestion and the man it was offered to were both asking Yang Bum if they could trust the other.

    ¡°The money-grubbing reactionaries are trying to rally around Ziegfeld. Even if I send him away, he¡¯ll just repeat what he¡¯s already doing,¡± Kim Jong-Do said, then looked Kang Chan straight in the eye. ¡°If we kill him and the reactionaries at the same time, our generals and party officials will bow down. Do this, and I will announce the connection of the Eurasian Rail. You¡¯ll get to kill the bastard, and I get to wipe out the reactionaries. It¡¯s a win-win.¡±

    <em>Can I trust him?</em>

    ¡°Even after I clean them up, my family and I still won¡¯t be able to live long. Even so, I¡¯ll die satisfied knowing that North Korea didn¡¯t fall into the hands of that bastard. That man wants a war, doesn¡¯t he?¡±

    He now spoke in a way that wasn¡¯t quite informal but wasn¡¯t formal either. Kang Chan supposed this was how he showed his respect.

    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of pressure not to join the Eurasian Rail project. It would be troublesome if the people in the ces it would pass through find out about the outside world, wouldn¡¯t it? The generals and the party officials are worried that civilians will be conscious of their rights and that the system will copse.¡±

    Kim Jong-Do coughed a couple of times as if something was stuck in his throat.

    ¡°This is exactly what that bastard wants. Since it¡¯s bound to happen anyway, he¡¯s trying to instigate a war by offering his help. He¡¯s going to give our generals supplies and tell them he¡¯ll give them money and a ce to stay even if they lose the war.¡±

    After a brief pause, he spat, ¡°See, just because you have power doesn¡¯t mean you can do everything. Not even I can mobilize the troops without the generals knowing.¡±

    Kim Jong-Do tapped the ashes of his cigarette into the ashtray. Considering Yang Bum didn¡¯t add anything to the topic, it seemed like he was somewhat speaking the truth.

    ¡°So you want me to take the train with you and kill him where he¡¯s staying right now?¡±

    Kim Jong-Do nodded heavily. ¡°I¡¯ll be at the Shenyang intelligence building for the time being. I¡¯ll let Director Yang answer whatever questions you have left.¡±

    Right after, he stood up and left.

    <em>Looks like he needs to learn some manners too. </em>

    Kang Chan looked at Yang Bum, his gaze seemingly asking for his opinion.

    ¡°Even if I try to send troops, I can¡¯tpletely cut off the line to North Korea. The information will definitely leak out before the train reaches the country,¡± Yang Bum said emotionlessly. ¡°Ziegfeld is not an easy foe. If he tries to tempt the North Korean leadership with the amount of money he has, they just might make a rash decision. That is why I arranged this meeting. However, I didn¡¯t know the North Korean leader would make that kind of request. I think you should let things settle down a bit before going in.¡±

    Yang Bum nced at where Kim Jong-Do had just been.

    ¡°North Koreans do not keep their word. It¡¯s possible Ziegfeld has already persuaded him and is just trying to sell you out.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. That could certainly be true, but there was one decisive factor that made the risk worth it.

    ¡°If I lose Ziegfeld here, he¡¯ll definitelye after you, Vasili, and the highmissioner. Then I¡¯ll have to go around the world again, fighting the enemies he¡¯s created. I can¡¯t let him go.¡±

    Yang Bum looked as though his piercing eyes could see right through Kang Chan.

    ¡°You have already gained enough power to make it difficult even for Ziegfeld to do anything to you, yet you¡¯re still willing to take this risk?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better than the risk of letting himunch another attack on you, Vasili, or the highmissioner.¡±

    A short silence followed. Afterward, Yang Bum unexpectedly smiled.

    ¡°You truly haven¡¯t changed,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    ¡°China and North Korea? I don¡¯t want you to get into trouble because of me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be off to catch Ziegfeld with the top brass of the intelligence world. Rather than putting me in an awkward position, this will increase my influence.¡±

    Kang Chan felt so embarrassed that he didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°As I said before, we have two Chinese proverbs. First, ¡®if you¡¯re going to eat poison, eat it to the te.¡¯¡±

    <em>Huh? Why would you eat the te too? If you¡¯re going to eat poison anyway, shouldn¡¯t you hit your enemy with the te to show them how venomous you feel?</em>

    Kang Chan chuckled.

    ¡°Second, ¡®the mountains are high, and the emperor is far away.¡¯ There is a familiar saying in Korea. ¡®Thew is far away, but the fist is close.¡¯ I think this saying suits you best, Mr. Kang Chan. As Director Vasili said, anyone who gets on your bad side dies.¡±

    The two shared augh. Afterward, Kang Chan, Yang Bum, and their men made their way to a restaurant.

    ***

    After having a hearty lunch with the rest of the men, Kang Chan talked to Yang Bum at the restaurant. Amid their conversation, they noticed the entrance be a bit rowdy. Go Gun-Woo walked into the dining hall soon after, escorted by a Chinese agent.

    ¡°How are you, Assistant Director Kang?¡± he greeted.

    ¡°Fine, sir. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t finish this in Cuba.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo looked happy to see Kang Chan.

    After exchanging greetings, Kang Chan gestured toward Yang Bum.

    ¡°Director Go, this is Director Yang Bum of the Chinese intelligence bureau. Mr. Yang Bum, this is Director Gu Gun-Woo of the National Intelligence Service.¡±

    ¡°Yang Bum.¡±

    ¡°Go Gun-Woo. Pleased to finally meet you. ¡±

    After a bit of small talk, Yang Bum decided to give them space so they could speak.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a bit,¡± he said.

    Once Yang Bum had left, Kang Chan gestured to one of the chairs. ¡°I have something to tell you, Director. Please have a seat¡±

    Go Gun-Woo nced at the entrance, then sat down.

    ¡°Two hours ago, I had a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Do here.¡±

    ¡°<em>Who</em>?¡±

    ¡°Kim Jong-Do, the Supreme Leader of North Korea.¡±

    Kang Chan ryed to the flustered Go Gun-Woo what Kim Jong-Do had said.

    ¡°If we miss this opportunity, things could be difficult for us,¡± he concluded.

    ¡°This is too risky, Assistant Director.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, but, if we have to go back to fighting in Afghanistan, Libya, Africa, Cuba, and some other country in the future, we won¡¯t be able to withstand it. Besides, if Ziegfeld¡¯s money managed to sway the North Korean leadership, then we¡¯re already looking at war.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo seemed to have gotten his answer from Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯ve already made up your mind.¡±

    They covered a lot of topics in a short time¡ªthe situation in South Korea; Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s request; the appeals of Israel, Peru, and Japan; and the active courtship of the United States. When they were done, Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, and the rest of the Jeungpyeong special forces team came to greet Go Gun-Woo.

    ¡°Take a seat,¡± Kang Chan instructed. He then told his men about Kim Jong-Do¡¯s proposal and the current situation.

    Go Gun-Woo looked at the soldiers in amazement. This task involved eliminating Ziegfeld and also killing generals and party officials in North Korea. Nevertheless, they all just obediently listened to Kang Chan¡¯s orders.

    ¡°Mr. Yang Bum of the Chinese intelligence bureau will be joining us. If hees, at the very least, Kim Jong-Do won¡¯t be able to pull any tricks.¡±

    ¡°Are we all going together?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    Everyone listening looked satisfied.

    ¡°The director of the Chinese intelligence bureau is going too?¡± Go Gun-Woo rified.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Go Gun-Woo nodded in eptance.

    Kang Chan stood up from his seat and searched for Yang Bum to tell him that he would be joining Kim Jong-Do.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you at the Shenyang Station. When should we leave?¡± Yang Bum asked.

    ¡°In twenty minutes. I¡¯d like to request more ammo for our men¡¯s rifles.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make arrangements and notify the station,¡± Yang Bum replied, then left.

    Kang Chan returned to his seat, exchanged a few more words with Go Gun-Woo, and then stood back up.

    ¡°Assistant Director. I¡¯ll see you soon.¡±

    ¡°This is our final mission. I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    After shaking hands with Go Gun-Woo, Kang Chan headed to the entrance of the facility and piled into the cars and vans with the rest of the team.

    <em>Fuck!</em>

    It seemed like things were getting checked off, but everything came off as difficult.

    A palpable tension enveloped the car for the entire forty-minute drive. Kang Chan didn¡¯t find it surprising, however. After all, they were going into North Korea to kill generals and party officials.

    The area around the Shenyang Station was heavily guarded. Kang Chan had never seen a VIP waiting room in a train station until now.

    Soon, Kang Chan and Yang Bum walked right through it to the train. A man in full regalia, clearly an agent, pointed to a railcar in the back, and the two quickly stepped on.

    <em>Creeeak. </em>

    Before they could sit down, the seven-railcar train roared to life and slowly elerated.

    <em>Creeaak. Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    Soon, it sped out of the station. They were finally leaving for North Korea.

 Chapter 416: What Is This? (1)

    As they chugged along the railroad track, which curved so sharply that they could see the front of the seven-carriage train, a Chinese soldier approached Yang Bum and conveyed a message to him.

    "I''ll be back in a bit," Yang Bum said.

    "Sure," Kang Chan replied.

    Yang Bum stood up and left with a soldier. Right after, Kang Chan called his men over.

    "Gather around."

    Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, Lee Doo-Hee, Kwak Cheol-Ho, and the other soldiers approached him. Their team wasposed of twenty top-notch elites.

    "This is an extremely dangerous mission. The challenge isn''t thebat itself but the terrible environment. Frankly, as amander, I shouldn¡¯t have epted it," Kang Chan said. He then quickly repeated it in French for G¨¦rard.

    "Two factors made me decide otherwise, though. First, if we can eliminate Ziegfeld in this mission, we won''t have to lose soldiers in overseas missions anymore. Second, South Korea will be able to hold on to what it has achieved."

    <em>ng! ng!</em>Everyone kept their gazes on Kang Chan as he repeated his words in French.

    "If you see it as a gamble, the odds are fifty-fifty. What I¡¯m worried about is how North Korea will react once we have eliminated Ziegfeld. We can''t rule out the possibility that they will try to kill us on the spot."

    Despite the tension in his eyes, Seok Kang-Houghed heartily, and the others followed. Nobody here seemed to feel fear toward operations or battles anymore.

    Kang Chan continued, "Even so, we are the best that South Korea has to offer. We have never been the type to be wiped out in the line of duty.¡±

    Everyone looked at him with eagerness, and G¨¦rard, who was a beatte, looked at him with pride.

    "We have to be prepared for any situation."

    They didn''t know when Yang Bum would return. Hence, Kang Chan picked up the pace.

    "If everything goes as expected, then great. However, if worsees to worst, we will do our best to get out of the area, and¡­¡±

    <em>ng! ng! ng! ng!</em>

    "... kill Kim Jong-Do."

    The soldiers quickly exchanged nces and then looked back at Kang Chan with gleaming eyes.

    "Kwak Cheol-Ho."

    "Yes, sir!"

    "Yoon Sang-Ki, Lee Doo-Hee, and..."

    Kang Chan named four more soldiers. They nodded in turn.

    "Take these positions and guard the outskirts. If you find anything suspicious, shoot on sight.¡±

    "Understood."

    After the briefing, Kang Chan leisurely looked at each soldier.

    "This mission puts us all in grave danger. If I make the wrong call, there won''t be time to say thister, so I''ll say it now."

    Kang Chan smirked. "I''m sorry."

    Seok Kang-Ho, the soldiers, and G¨¦rard simply responded with smiles and dumbfounded expressions.

    <em>ng! ng!</em>

    The train was continuously picking up speed. Although the sunlight streaming through the windows forced peace upon them, it was not enough to make them forget that they were on their way to an absurd mission.

    A few questions were exchanged, and Seok Kang-Ho cracked a few lousy jokes.

    <em>World-ss team?</em>

    The way they epted orders, even the ones that seemed impossible, was the basic criterion for evaluation. On a train heading toward North Korea, Kang Chan¡¯s men truly demonstrated what it meant to be the best team in the world.

    <em>ng. ng.</em>

    Despite having just gone down from a long flight and a busy day, they still boarded a train heading toward North Korea.

    Few would probably understand, but Kang Chan felt happy to see his men¡¯s eyes gleaming with life.

    As the train curved sharply, the front of it came into view again. Around the same time, Yang Bum and several soldiers opened the door of the carriage and entered.

    "Mr. Kang Chan, I''ve brought the building''s blueprint. We also got you North Korean and Chinese military uniforms. We n to disguise half as North Korean and half as Chinese troops for escort."

    While the soldiers epted the uniforms, Kang Chan epted the blueprint from Yang Bum and unfolded it. It was a two-story building.

    The first floor had arge reception room, a kitchen, and two rooms, while the second floor had a smaller reception room and four other rooms. Thest page showed the other establishments around the main building, which was sorge that the others were quite a distance away.

    Looking at the map, Yang Bum said, "It''s called a safe house. Buildings like this are mostly used for receptions or entertainment, so they are isted from other buildings.¡±

    "What about our escape route?"

    "Like when we assassinated Jang Kwang-Taek before, if the operation seeds, we n to use a helicopter."

    Kang Chan gazed up at Yang Bum.

    ¡°We have twenty men on this train. Things will get quiteplicated if we all cross into South Korea by helicopter. I also n to help Chairman Kim Jong-Do solidify his regime within North Korea before leaving anyway,¡± Yang Bum said.

    Kang Chan just kept silently staring at Yang Bum.

    <em>If you¡¯re going to drink poison, you might as well eat the te.</em>

    <em>That¡¯s right! If you¡¯re going to drink poison for someone anyway, you might as well eat the te. If you were deceived into drinking poison, though, you¡¯d probably be so full of venom that you¡¯d fight to the end.</em>

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think there¡¯s a chance Kim Jong-Do will kill us once this operation seeds?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <em>ng! ng!</em>

    The train was so noisy that for a moment, they failed to hear each other properly.

    ¡°I¡¯m also worried about that,¡± Yang Bum replied with a serious expression. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m here with you, though. I¡¯ve learned from Sherman¡¯s mistakes. My soldiers and I will stay close to Kim Jong-Do. If he betrays us, we¡¯ll kill him on the spot.¡±

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t expect that answer.

    ¡°If that happens, China will gain control over all of North Korea for a while. Currently, quite a few of our forces are among their military and party officials. In short, pro-China forces will rise to power.¡±

    ¡°Even so, there will surely be problems afterward.¡±

    Yang Bum drew a meaningful smile and looked straight into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. ¡°Kim Jong-Do is an intelligent man. He knows that any oue is meaningless if he is dead. The moment he realizes that my soldiers and I are protecting him, He will have trouble doing anything else."

    <em>The world of intelligence is tough. Once you start doubting, there¡¯s no end to it. Frankly, no one can guarantee that Yang Bum and his soldiers aren¡¯t escorting Kim Jong-Do.</em>

    ¡°I see. That puts my mind at ease,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°You¡¯ve already done your calctions in such a short time? That¡¯s amazing, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be surprised by Yang Bum¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°Did I?¡±

    "In that short period, you concluded that your only viable option is to trust me until thest moment, didn¡¯t you?"

    Yang Bum seemed more surprised than usatory.

    ¡°I have one question,¡± Kang Chan opened. Since they were already on this topic, he found no reason not to clear his doubts now. ¡°You¡¯ve brought such elite Chinese soldiers with you that you could have handled this without me and my men. Why did Kim Jong-Do still ask us to handle this?¡±

    Yang Bum tilted his head, seemingly finding the question unexpected. However, he remained unfazed.

    ¡°Kim Jong-Do probably wants to establish a connection with you in some form. Many forces out there aside from Ziegfeld want to exploit North Korea. Among them are Russia, China, and even the United States.¡±

    After a brief pause, he added, ¡°If Kim Jong-Do can establish a connection with you and eliminate internal enemies, he won''t have to worry about external ones for a while. Approving the Eurasian Rail project will also improve rtions between the two Koreas.¡±

    ¡°You lead such aplicated life,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    ¡°I¡¯m still learning. Handling these situations behind theplex calctions of international affairs is the fate of intelligence bureaus,¡± Yang Bum replied.

    <em>ng! ng!</em>

    Once their conversation was over, the soldiers began distributing the military uniforms.

    Well, except for one guy: G¨¦rard.

    Kang Chan chuckled, and Yang Bum followed with a bted, incredulousugh.

    <em>Why didn¡¯t I think of that?</em>

    While they were together, Kang Chan always thought of G¨¦rard as one of their own.

    <em>If only the kid were a bit shorter. He¡¯s ridiculously tall.</em>

    ¡°Find him something that fits! Make sure he pulls down his hat as much as possible, too.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve found something, but we couldn¡¯t find a perfect fit since the North Korean special forces team¡¯s average height is 162 cm.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard! Just try it on!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui!¡± G¨¦rard responded.

    He immediately took off his suit and shirt, causing his solid, muscr physique and intimidating scars to stand out. He then put on the uniform.

    ¡°<em>Pfft.</em>¡±

    ¡°<em>Pfft!</em>¡±

    Unlike Seok Kang-Ho, who burst outughing, everyone else tried to hold back theirughter, causing their faces to turn red.

    With the sleeves ended at his forearms and the pants at his shins, G¨¦rard looked hriously stupid especially with his arms stretched out.

    Kang Chan and even Yang Bum couldn¡¯t help but burst into tears ofughter.

    They were on a train heading toward a deadly mission, yet they felt as if they were just on anotheredy ride watching highlight reels.

    Imagining G¨¦rard running around with a rifle in that outfit made Kang Chanugh again, finding the image even more hrious.

    ¡°You just wear your suit and act as our guide,¡± he said.

    G¨¦rard red at everyone as he changed back into his suit.

    ¡°That guy! <em>Phuhuhu! </em>I¡¯ll never forget that look for the rest of my life! <em>Phuhuhu!</em>¡±

    ¡°Stop it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m trying... <em>Pfft!</em>¡±

    Eventually, thanks to G¨¦rard¡¯s genuinely annoyed expression, theughter subsided.

    <em>ng! ng!</em>

    They put on their military uniforms, secured their rifles inside their jackets, and strapped on their pistols and magazines properly. Thankfully, it was a night operation.

    After a nd meal that seemed tailored to Kim Jong-Do¡¯s taste, everyone fell asleep except for the two on guard duty. If they hadn¡¯t done so many things the past few days, they wouldn¡¯t have slept at all.

    Yang Bum looked at the soldiers with admiration again. Afterward, as the train ran tirelessly, he spent some time talking to Kang Chan. Amid their conversation, they passed by deste stations, hungry rice fields, and dry rivers illuminated by the setting sun.

    They crossed three iron bridges and spent a bit more time on the tracks. Finally, at around 9:40 pm, the train started to slow down.

    <em>ng! ng!</em>

    ¡°Wake up,¡± Kang Chan ordered, and his soldiers immediately followed.

    ¡°<em>Hnnggh!</em>¡± Seok Kang-Ho woke up with his usual noise. Meanwhile, a Chinese soldier approached Yang Bum and whispered something to him.

    ¡°Kim Jong-Do wants to see us,¡± Yang Bum said.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Kang Chan saw no reason to refuse. Dressed in a Chinese military uniform, he followed Yang Bum through the dining, lounge, and the Chinese soldiers¡¯ railcars before stopping.

    <em>The North Korean soldiers must be in there.</em>

    Despite its shy attempt, the railcar reeked of Chinese style. It had a sofa set, two tables, and two desks that naturally exuded rustic charm.

    With a resolute expression, Kim Jong-Do pointed to the sofa opposite him. ¡°Sit.¡±

    Afterward, he said, ¡°We will arrive at Pyongyang Station at 10:30 pm. From there, we will be taking a bus to the building with the Westerner. The operation should be kept under cover. You¡¯ve gotten the blueprint, right?¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan nod, Kim Jong-Do sighed quietly, perhaps to ovee his tension and concern for whaty ahead.

    ¡°Good luck, Assistant Director.¡±

    Kim Jong-Do extended his hand, and Kang Chan smiled as he shook it. No more words had to be said.

    After their handshake, Kang Chan stood up, and Yang Bum stayed behind. Whatever they had to talk about, he couldn¡¯t sit and specte about now. Instead, he returned to their railcar, called the soldiers, and showed them the blueprint.

    ¡°When we arrive at Pyongyang Station at 10:30 pm, we will be transferred to a bus. If everything goes smoothly, there shouldn''t be any issues during the move, but stay alert until the end. Kwak Cheol-Ho!¡±

    ¡°Sir!¡±

    ¡°Guard the perimeter and secure the bus the moment we disembark.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡±

    <em>ng! ng!</em>

    Around twenty minutes after their briefing, Yang Bum returned.

    The train slowed down to a stop as it entered the station.

    With its octagonal cornered round tower and the square building beneath, Pyongyang Station looked like a miniature version of the old Seoul Station. The tform was crowded with North Korean soldiers.

    Kang Chan nced over at Yang Bum, finding even him looking too tense.

    Soldiers and agents in shabby suits surrounded Kim Jong-Do. One slip-up¡ªone wrong move¡ªand this situation could change dramatically. A sharp, keen, and intense tension filled the railcar that Kang Chan was in.

    Kim Jong-Do pushed through the weing crowd on the tform and exited about five minutester. It was eerily quiet for a station, especially one like Pyongyang Station.

    A man in a suit, clearly a North Korean soldier, appeared from the station and gestured toward the railcar that Kang Chan was in.

    <em>Considering that guy didn¡¯t get off the train, he¡¯s probably a North Korean soldier.</em>

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Yang Bum instructed.

    Kang Chan looked back at his men.

    <em>¡®Be as cautious as possible. You have my permission to open fire if necessary.¡¯</em>

    Everyone would understand the message that his gaze contained. Yang Bum and the Chinese soldiers in suits got off first, followed by G¨¦rard, Kang Chan, and then the others.

    <em>Thud, thud. Thud, thud.</em>

    They pressed their rifles against them with their arms to minimize the noise. Despite their stealthy approach, though, they remained ready to draw their guns at any moment.

    As Kang Chan exited the tform, he sharply scanned the surrounding buildings. If someone fired a machine gun at them right now, half of them would die.

    Old marble railings, ss half-eaten by darkness, unlit areas, door frames¡ªeverything seemed suspicious, but nothing stood out.

    <em>Thud, thud. Thud, thud.</em>

    It took them about five minutes to exit the small station. Instead of the main gate, they exited through a door on the left, finding a bus waiting for them.

    ¡°This is the bus. One of our soldiers will apany you. I will be moving with Chairman Kim Jong-Do,¡± Yang Bum revealed.

    <em>Why say this only now?</em>

    While the thought of betrayal didn''t cross his mind, it was clear that Yang Bum hadn¡¯t disclosed everything.

    This was the fate of those in the intelligence world. To his relief, though, his instincts weren¡¯t sending him warnings.

    ¡°See youter.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded briefly and boarded the bus. He sat behind the driver¡¯s seat, the Chinese soldier opposite him, and the rest of his men alternated seats on either side.

    <em>Vroom.</em>

    It felt like he was riding a tour bus from about ten years ago. The soldiers kept an eye out in the darkness. Everything visible made the city feel rustic.

    In this city where most lights were already off at 11 pm, they faced the risk of traffic idents, portable missiles, machine gun fire, and even the driver pressing a button to blow up the bus.

    <em>Ziegfeld, you fucking bastard. You still manage to abuse people even now.</em>

    For the next twenty minutes, they drove down a different road from the one they had taken when they had assassinated Jang Kwang-Taek. Afterward, the bus stopped on one side of a back road.

    <em>Screech.</em>

    Through the bus door window opposite the driver¡¯s seat, Kang Chan saw the building from the floor n. When he turned his head, the Chinese soldier nodded.

    They had no time to hesitate now. Kang Chan stood up, and the bus door opened. While descending the bus stairs, he unbuttoned his jacket, revealing his rifle.

    <em>ng! ng!</em>

    From inside the bus, rifles nked as they were aimed.

    <em>Click.</em>

    ¡°We have secured the bus.¡±

    Now that Lee Doo-Hee was the one driving, they could call on a getaway vehicle at any given moment.

    <em>Thud, thud. Thud, thud.</em>

    They were a hundred meters away from the neighboring building, and fifty meters from their target building. Kang Chan nced at the illuminated building wall.

    <em>Thud, thud. Thud, thud.</em>

    <em>I get that it¡¯s an old establishment, but how can its security be sox?</em>

    ¡°What the hell?¡± a North Korean soldier with visibly shiny hands and mouth asked, looking aggrieved.

    <em>What was that bastard eating?</em>

    <em>ng! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    However, his curiosity was dispelled with two shots.

    <em>Woosh!</em>

    Kang Chan and his soldiers rushed into the building.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    At the same time, several shots echoed from the direction that G¨¦rard and Choi Jong-Il had turned.

 Chapter 417: What Is This? (2)

    In this kind of operation, speed was essential to survival. After all, they would have to shoot enemies down while charging straight ahead. Fortunately, Kang Chan¡¯s team wasposed of South Korea¡¯s strongest elites. None of his men were inexperienced and untrained enough to stumble in a battle like this.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Along with the gunshots that rang out from Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s right, they heard enemies drop dead to the ground.

    <em>Woosh! Woosh!</em>

    Woo Hee-Seung charged at the wall with another soldier, then pressed his back against it and sped his hands in front of him. The other soldier stood to his right in a simr stance.

    Soon, Kang Chan stepped on their hands, and they lifted him as if throwing him over.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Kang Chan fired three shots before hooking his arm over the wall. Seok Kang-Ho clung to the wall to his right, and G¨¦rard climbed up to his left.

    <em>Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!</em>The rest of the soldiers vaulted over the wall with twenty-meter gaps in between. Silhouettes were now flickering in the windows of the building.

    <em>Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!</em>

    <em>Click!</em>

    ¡°What the fu¡ª?¡± said one of the enemies.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Thud!</em>

    The foreheads of those who had opened the door were blown off.

    <em>Woosh! Woosh!</em>

    In less than thirty seconds, they had swiftly infiltrated their enemy¡¯s hideout. All the sacrifices they had made in previous operations had forged them into the unmatched warriors they were today.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    The soldiers cleanly pierced the foreheads of the enemies who came into their sights with a single shot.

    With his rifle at the ready, Kang Chan kicked the door open. His men followed closely behind.

    <em>Woosh! Woosh! Woosh!</em>

    As soon as they entered, women dressed in tacky hanbok and western-style dresses screamed at the top of their lungs.

    ¡°<em>Aaaaaaah</em>!¡±

    <em>These old men¡¯s antics are disgusting!</em>

    On the table were bottles of whiskey and sses, along with some disgusting snacks.

    <em>They dare call themselves soldiers while doing fucked-up shit like this?!</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan drew his pistol and shot the bewildered men in their foreheads.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaah</em>!¡±

    His men opened fire as soon as they barged in as well. They kept the women unharmed, but the women still screamed so loudly that it seemed as if their throats were about to tear.

    <em>Click! Click! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan aimed at every corner and blind spot. After clearing the area, he gestured to G¨¦rard to keep watch and then signaled Seok Kang-Ho to head upstairs.

    An old soldier came into view holding a pistol, but Kang Chan immediately shot him in the forehead. Seok Kang-Ho then blew off the head of the enemy who was right behind the old soldier.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    After the two bodies fell down the stairs, Kang Chan and his men headed up to the second floor. Compared to the first floor, the living room here had a far more quiet atmosphere.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Woo Hee-Seung and another soldier crouched, their rifles aimed ahead.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    Kang Chan nodded at Seok Kang-Ho, who was standing by the door.

    <em>¡®One! Two!¡¯</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho kicked the door open,<em></em>and Kang Chan charged in.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    A woman covered in a nket screamed her heart out.

    ¡°<em>Aaaaaaaaah</em>!¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho threw the weapon of the man they had just shot into the living room and searched the area. He then nodded at Kang Chan, informing him that the room was clear.

    <em>Click!</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Thud! Thud!</em>

    Gunshots echoed from the living room. Someone was killed while exiting the room. When Kang Chan ran out, an old man, barely wearing pants,y on the floor with another simrly dressed man.

    <em>What were these two bastards doing?</em>

    Kang Chan pushed the thought aside. It wasn¡¯t important right now.

    Kang Chan stood in front of the next room, and Seok Kang-Ho positioned himself beside the door.

    With a nod from Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan smirked and burst into the room.

    <em>Bang! Woosh! Click!</em>

    <em>Bastard!</em>

    A man, unmistakably Jewish, sat arrogantly in a single-seater sofa, smoking a cigarette. Kang Chan gestured to Seok Kang-Ho with a nod. It was a signal to clear the remaining rooms with Woo Hee-Seung, and Seok Kang-Ho nodded back and ran out immediately.

    ¡°Monsieur Kang?¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°<em>Tabac</em>[1]?¡±

    ¡°<em>Bon</em>[2].¡±

    <em>Click.</em>

    Keeping his finger on the trigger, Kang Chan slung his rifle onto his shoulder and walked over to the man. He epted the cigarette and lit it with a lighter.

    Gunshots and screams came from the adjacent room.

    <em>Click.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>. Ziegfeld?¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. Ziegfeld exhaled a long puff of smoke and then looked at him, revealing a half-burnt cigarette.

    <em>He¡¯s going to die anyway. Letting him finish his cigarette shouldn¡¯t be a problem.</em>

    Following Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, Ziegfeld returned the cigarette to his mouth.

    ¡°I can offer you half of all my avable funds. It¡¯s a substantial amount. I can transfer it to any ount you want, be it personal or South Korean.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head in disinterest. He then took a drag from his cigarette.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    Gunshots sounded from a farther room, but no woman screamed this time. Ziegfeld¡¯s eyes twitched slightly.

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>. The next Star of David. You¡¯re more than qualified.¡±

    <em>Crazy bastard.</em>

    <em>I¡¯m already overwhelmed with what I¡¯m doing; now he wants me to count money too?</em>

    Kang Chan shook his head again and took another drag from his cigarette. His cigarette had burned halfway, yet Ziegfeld hadn¡¯t brought his back to his mouth.

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan dropped his cigarette on the floor and stomped it out.

    <em>No matter how much money you have, once you¡¯re dead, you¡¯ll be dragged out with your hands and feet tied. You won¡¯t even be able to take enough to buy a bowl of pork cutlet with you, so why go through all this trouble to meet like this?</em>

    ¡°Ziegfeld.¡±

    The man looked straight at Kang Chan, hiding the fear behind his eyes and refusing to ept defeat.

    ¡°You¡¯ll get special treatment,¡± said Kang Chan.

    ¡°Under what conditions?¡±

    ¡°For free.¡±

    <em>¡®What the hell?¡¯</em>

    Hope and despair flickered in the man¡¯s eyes.

    <em>Woosh.</em>

    Kang Chan lunged forward, grabbing Ziegfeld by the forehead and chin.

    ¡°Yang Dong-Sik sunbae will be waiting for you in hell. If you¡¯re lucky, you might get to see Seoul, and that too will be free of charge.¡±

    ¡°Use my value! Rule the world!¡± Ziegfeld yelled.

    Kang Chan stared directly into his eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather have your head.¡±

    Ziegfeld desperately grabbed Kang Chan¡¯s wrists. ¡°Hey!¡±

    ¡°Goodbye, you bastard.¡±

    <em>Snap!</em>

    <em>Crack!</em>

    Kang Chan broke Ziegfeld¡¯s neck, making him face the ceiling. He then let go, causing Ziegfeld to slump over the armrest of the sofa.

    <em>Click!</em>

    <em>Motherfuckers like you have to be finished off properly.</em>

    Kang Chan shot Ziegfeld in the forehead, neck, and heart.

    ¡°Oh! I heard some people have their hearts in their right chest.¡±

    <em>Click! Bang! Thud!</em>

    ¡°It feels like a loss to do this for free for someone so rich.¡±

    <em>Swish.</em>

    Kang Chan pulled out a bay from his ankle.

    ¡°Apologize to Director Hwang, Director Song, and our soldiers and agents who died because of you. Just in case you can¡¯t do it in hell, I¡¯ll show you Seoul from here too.¡±

    <em>Shiiik! Shiiik!</em>

    ¡°Watch closely this time and never mess with South Korea again!¡±

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chan decapitated Ziegfeld.

    <em>Slice. Slice. Slice.</em>

    Seok Kang-Ho, Woo Hee-Seung, and the soldier who had been with them stared at Kang Chan with heavy, sunken eyes from the doorway. He had never done something like this before.

    ¡°This is revenge for Yang Dong-Sik sunbae. Hang his head out the window. ¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The soldier walked over and followed Kang Chan¡¯s order.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Who knows what those bastards might do.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho approached and patted Kang Chan, whose eyes were filled with venom. It was Daye¡¯s unique way of telling him to calm down.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    Strangely, though, his anger didn¡¯t subside. As he looked at the gruesomely decapitated body, more brutal thoughts came to mind. How could this bastard im the lives of so many people and bring unbearable pain to even more?

    How could he do all that just to be the richest in the world?

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Hearing Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s low, subdued voice calmed his emotions a bit.

    As they descended the stairs, they saw about six or seven women huddled in the corner, some of which were from the second floor. With all enemies eliminated, Kang Chan pressed the Push-to-Talk button on his radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°All clear.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Kwak Cheol-Ho replied.

    Now the Chinese guy on the bus would make contact, and the enemy would react.

    ¡°Daye, I want men covering every window. Come to the main gate after,¡± ordered Kang Chan.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°G¨¦rard, youe with me.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan threw off the top of his Chinese military uniform, slung his rifle over his shoulder, and headed for the main gate.

    <em>Vroom! Vroom!</em>

    A bus approached from a distance.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    The soldiers on the second-floor windows quickly took aim, while Seok Kang-Ho and G¨¦rard pressed their backs on either side of the main gate. Kang Chan stood right in the middle, keeping the bus in view. It passed by the one they had ridden earlier and stopped right in front of the gate.

    <em>Ssshh.</em>

    The door opened, and the first person to step out was Yang Bum. Behind him, Chinese soldiers rushed out.

    ¡°Well done. A helicopter will be here soon,¡± Yang Bum told Kang Chan. He then gestured to the Chinese soldiers, who in turn rushed inside.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Pistol gunshots tore through the silence.

    <em>Snap!</em>

    Yang Bum shook his head and met Kang Chan¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°I have taken care of it. I¡¯ve killed all North Korean insiders and associates who knew about this operation.¡±

    It had been so long since the venom within Kang Chanst refused to subside.

    ¡°This is the fate of intelligence bureaus. If any word gets out about this, it will be hard to manage the aftermath,¡± Yang Bum said.

    Somehow, he seemed to hope that Kang Chan would easily ept this. After all, they had dealt finally dealt with Ziegfeld and his North Korean subordinates.

    ¡°What about Kim Jong-Do¡¯s promise?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow, they will officially announce the connection of the Eurasian Rail. I¡¯ll make sure of it.¡±

    In the distance, they began to hear helicopter des chopping through the air.

    <em>Thud, thud, thud, thud!</em>

    ¡°I have also contacted the National Intelligence Service. They said that the UDT[3] is on standby.¡±

    At this point, there was no more room for doubt.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°See youter.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    <em>Thud, thud, thud, thud!</em>

    An MI-172 helicopternded in front of the building, sending waves of tremendous winds.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Daye! Lead the team and board the helicopter!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    Soon after, his men quickly headed to the helicopter.

    ¡°Mr. Kang Chan, we¡¯ve dealt with the Star of David, our biggest threat. However, there are still countless tasks ahead. I¡¯ll contact you as soon as I return to China.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± replied Kang Chan.

    Yang Bum extended his hand for a handshake, and Kang Chan epted it with his right hand. Ziegfeld¡¯s blood had dried and be sticky, yet Yang Bum still grasped Kang Chan¡¯s hand without hesitation.

    ¡°Today marks the creation of a new order in the world of information. It¡¯s an honor to be a part of this moment.¡±

    <em>Is this really such an important event?</em>

    Smirking, Kang Chan nodded and finally headed to the helicopter.

    Seok Kang-Ho and Kwak Cheol-Ho, who had been waiting in front of the helicopter, boarded as soon as Kang Chan did.

    <em>Thud, thud, thud, thud!</em>

    Right before Yang Bum, who was standing strong in the powerful gusts, the helicopter wobbled as it ascended into the sky.

    ***

    Hwang Byung-San Airborne Special Forces Winter Training Ground.

    Moon Jae-Hyun, Go Gun-Woo, Jeon Dae-Geuk, Kim Hyung-Jung, the 606 Special Operations Unit, and the National Intelligence Service''s counter-terrorism team waited with tense expressions.

    Moon Jae-Hyun nced at Kim Hyung-Jung.

    ¡°They are expected to arrive within five minutes.¡±

    He had answered this question about twenty times already. Unlike his usual self, Moon Jae-Hyun was checking with Kim Hyung-Jung every minute.

    Reports hade in that the UDT had received Kang Chan and his men, transferred them to a helicopter, and were now en route. ording to thetest update, they would arrive within five minutes.

    Why wouldn¡¯t Moon Jae-Hyun know this? A president had to be dignified. He had to show a demeanor worthy of the patriots watching from above. Even so, how could he not feel impatient? It was maddening.

    <em>¡®What if the helicopter¡­?¡¯</em>

    Filthy and petty thoughts kept crossing his mind.

    Kang Chan was an essential figure in South Korea. He was the very man who had revitalized the nation. If necessary, Moon Jae-Hyun would readily give up his position as president for someone like Kang Chan. Though it could seem shameless after sending him into death traps repeatedly, seeing Kang Chan in person was the only thing that could put Moon Jae-Hyun¡¯s mind at ease.

    ncing around, Kim Hyung-Jung reflexively said, ¡°They should only be about four minutes away now¡­¡±

    <em>Thud, thud, thud, thud!</em>

    In the distance, they heard helicopter noises and saw red shing lights and headlights.

    Moon Jae-Hyun quickly rubbed his face with his hands. He should not show excessive emotion.

    <em>Thud, thud, thud, thud!</em>

    A momentter, the helicopter descended on the helipad in front of the training ground. Despite the fierce wind tousling his hair and clothes, Moon Jae-Hyun remained steadfast.

    Not long after, Kang Chan disembarked right before his eyes. He looked tired, but his eyes still glinted ferociously.

    Kang Chan, with the face of a beast returning from a fierce battle, walked toward Moon Jae-Hyun after getting off the helicopter. He then immediately bowed his head.

    With reddened eyes and emotions suppressed, Moon Jae-Hyun grasped Kang Chan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Assistant Director,¡± was all he could say.

    1. ¡°Cigarette¡± in French. ?

    2. ¡±Alright¡± in French. ?

    3. We believe this stands for Underwater Demolition Team ?

 Chapter 418: Epilogue

    [The great North Korea has approved the South¡¯s request to connect the Eurasian Rail,¡± the North Korean female announcer, dressed in hanbok, read the announcement with an exaggerated intonation as if drawn from below.

    [Thisys the groundwork for North-South peace development. To prevent the rail¡¯s construction from being disrupted, the North and South have decided to entrust its management to the Eurasian Rail Committee.]

    At the same time, the announcement from North Korea¡¯s central broadcast was also being reported on South Korean news.

    ¡°<em>Wooaaaah</em>!¡±

    Soldiers in the Samsung-dong office erupted into loud cheers. Kang Chan felt the urge to give them all a pat on the back while Kim Hyung-Jung was crying too hard to even even move.

    <em>What did we have to go through to get here?</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung slowly stood up and walked to the window. To achieve this, Kim Tae-Jin had to meet Kang Chan first.

    Just when he had given up everything in Mongolia, Kang Chan appeared out of nowhere and rescued him. Countless even more astonishing events had followed since then. He remembered Choi Seong-Geon, Hwang Ki-Hyun, Song Chang-Wook, and the other soldiers, including those who fell in the International Building, Libya, and Mongolia.

    Their families also came to mind: Lee Yoo-Seul, who kept asking for her father until the end; Um Ji-Hwan¡¯s elderly mother, who buried her dead son and went down to Jangseong; the wife of the counter-terrorism team soldier who sacrificed himself in the International Building; and the struggling smile of Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s daughter.The faces of those who had sacrificed themselves shed in his mind. How could this have been aplished by one person? If Kang Chan hadn¡¯t stepped forward and risked his life for all this, none of it would have been possible.

    Kim Hyung-Jung frowned and looked up at the sky to suppress his increasingly reddening eyes.

    <em>I miss Kim Tae-Jin. He must be tanned ck in Mongolia now. Seok Kang-Ho, G¨¦rard, and the Jeungpyeong men too, who now feel like family.</em>

    Kim Hyung-Jung let out a quiet sigh. There was still a lot of work to be done; he had a mountain of tasks left to organize.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kim Hyung-Jung blurted out, then turned around. ¡°<em>Whew</em>.¡±

    South Korea had finally truly begun growing.

    ***

    They could finally be discharged. While Kang Dae-Kyung was at the office, Yoo Hye-Sook tidied up the bed and the surroundings with a puffy face.

    The soldiers guarding their room were all armed with rifles. They were also wearing ck military uniforms with Taegeukgi patches on their sleeves,plimenting their tanned faces and sharp eyes. She had heard that they were counter-terrorism agents, but to Yoo Hye-Sook, they just looked like soldiers.

    She had been scared of them at first, but her fear eventually turned into guilt. These were the people who had fought in Afghanistan and risked their lives to stop the terrorist attack on the International Building.

    Yoo Hye-Sook felt amazed and delighted when she heard that Kang Chan was alive. However, since then, tears would well up in her eyes whenever she looked at the soldiers outside.

    She felt sorry for the fallen soldiers¡¯ families, who would never get to hear the news that their rtive had returned alive. Instead, they would learn that their irreceable son, father, or husband had run toward death without hesitation for South Korea. The people keeping watch over her were no different. Someday, they too would risk their lives in covert operations, continuing the legacy of bravery and sacrifice without recognition.

    Yoo Hye-Sook sniffled, a sense of pity and regret hitting her.

    <em>Creak.</em>

    The door opened, and Kang Dae-Kyung entered. For some reason, his eyes were redder than hers.

    Wiping her eyes, Yoo Hye-Sook looked outside.

    ¡°Honey...?¡± she called.

    Hearing rifles clunking and low voices outside, she quickly realized that someone was apanying her husband. She quickly tried to hide her expression.

    <em>I shouldn¡¯t show weakness in front of these brave soldiers...</em>

    At that moment, someone entered the open hospital room.

    ¡°Huh?¡± she gasped in confusion.

    Kang Chan¡ªher son, whom she missed even in her dreams¡ªhade to visit her.

    ¡°Ah? Ah?¡±

    While gasping repeatedly, Yoo Hye-Sook stretched out her arms and approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Mother,¡± called Kang Chan.

    Her son had grown even more. In his embrace, which enveloped her from above her shoulders, Yoo Hye-Sook burst into a loud cry.

    ***

    Kim Gwan-Sik couldn¡¯t help but be stunned. NIS Director Go Gun-Woo had given him a hint earlier at dawn. Nevertheless, the 10 am announcement on TV about North Korea¡¯s approval to connect the Eurasian Rail still came across as a surprise.

    Even if next-generation energy facilities were not ready, all preparations for the Eurasian Rail would beplete once the connection line to North Korea was constructed in Goseong.

    He worked hard. Keeping his promise, he had given his all to ensure that he¡¯d be able to stand before Song Chang-Wook without shame. Nevertheless, he still found the announcement so unexpected that it seemed as though it had dropped out of nowhere.

    He knew there had to be more to this, though. Go Gun-Woo¡¯s call hinted as much, and North Korea¡¯s decision would be too abrupt otherwise. As if to prove him right, Go Gun-Woo revealed far more shocking information after the announcement.

    ¡°Assistant Director Kang Chan aplished this feat and returned at dawn today. You will meet him when you attend the Eurasian Rail Committee meeting soon. I thought I¡¯d inform you in advance so you won¡¯t be too surprised.¡±

    Kim Gwan-Sik felt his soul leave his body, sit on the sofa opposite him, and stare right back at him.

    ¡°After we announced that the assistant director had died, he went on toplete operations in Cuba and Bermuda, where he was seriously injured. All of that led to North Korea¡¯s decision.¡±

    ¡°Where is he now, then?¡± Kim Gwan-Sik inquired.

    ¡°He¡¯s out to visit his mother and attend the funeral of the soldiers who died in the recent operation. After that, he has a meeting with the directors of intelligence bureaus from various countries in the afternoon. He has a really busy schedule.¡±

    A few more words were exchanged, but Kim Gwan-Sik couldn¡¯t retain any of them due to the shock.

    <em>Ah!</em>

    Except for one important message.

    ¡°The president wishes to meet you this afternoon.¡±

    ***

    ¡°Do-Hwan!¡± a mother cried. A widowed wife wailed alongside her.

    ¡°Jin-Su, you rascal!¡± a father cried as he clutched his chest. His son had manned the machine gun until he took hisst breath.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Large Taegeukgis were spread over the coffins, and Taegeukgi badges were fixed onto the heads of the coffins. The bereaved families¡¯ heart-wrenching cries filled the funeral hall as they watched the ceremony, refusing to miss thest moments of their beloved.

    Despite knowing that they would leave their loved ones behind, the soldiers never retreated.

    Standing silently at the back, Kang Chan looked at Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s photo. Even though the ceremony was about to end, no one had called his name yet.

    <em>¡®So what?¡¯ </em>Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s face in the portrait seemed to shamelessly ask.

    <em>¡®We¡¯ve taken out Sherman and Ziegfeld.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll find them over here too.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Please take care of sunbae-nim for me, Assistant Director. That¡¯s all I ask. I really like that bastard.¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan felt as if he could hear Yang Dong-Sik. He was standing in a corner with G¨¦rard, Seok Kang-Ho, and the counter-terrorism soldiers behind him. However, no one nced in Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s direction.

    If it weren¡¯t for him, they wouldn¡¯t have discovered that the enemies were armed with C4. He likely wanted to protect Kang Chul-Gyu even in death, and he seeded.

    <em>¡®Thank you.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Do I deserve to hear those words?¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan felt like Yang Dong-Sik was bashfully smiling.

    ***

    He didn¡¯t know how the past three days had passed. Kang Chan met Lanok twice and also saw Anne, who had regained some consciousness.

    ¡°We have only just begun, Monsieur Kang,¡± Lanok said.

    ¡°Do I have to keep doing this?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    Lanok nodded in understanding.

    ¡°I had the same look when I lost my wife. I had such a really tough time back then, too.¡±

    From his bed, he gently covered Kang Chan¡¯s hand with his own.

    ¡°This is not something you can avoid by wanting to. Even if you try to escape this, the tasks you¡¯ve left behind will eventuallye running for you.¡±

    <em>Does he have to continue working in the world of intelligence too?</em>

    Kang Chan smiled bitterly. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of visiting Russia.¡±

    Lanok smiled gently in return and shook his head. Kang Chan had never seen him smile like this before.

    ¡°No need to rush over to Vasili. Shouldn''t you give Raphael the honor of being the first one to serve you some tea first?"

    Turning his head, Kang Chan saw Raphael standing proudly.

    ¡°Can I ask this favor?¡±

    ¡°Of course, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Raphael turned around, his face full of pride.

    ***

    Time had flown by again. A neatly dressed teacher in her thirties stood in front of the ss, with parents watching proudly from the back and sides of the room.

    ¡°Everyone!¡±

    "Yes, ma''am!"

    The children¡¯s responses stretched out like tiny echoes.

    ¡°Today, before our lesson, we¡¯re going to meet someone very important.¡±

    Some children were fidgeting with their desks or touching their noses, but they all looked at the teacher with bright eyes.

    ¡°These people have made such great contributions to our country that they were given medals of honor. Do you remember what they received?¡±

    ¡°Medals!¡± the children answered loudly.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Today, our ss will get to meet wonderful people and ask them any questions you might have.¡±

    "Yes!¡± Oh Min-Ju, a small child with big eyes, answered quietly.

    At that moment, they heard nkings outside. The teacher and the parents quickly turned their gazes to the door.

    ¡°Everyone!¡±

    "Yeees!"

    Even while answering, the children¡¯s eyes kept darting outside.

    ¡°The National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team, who have made significant contributions to connecting the Eurasian Rail, havee out of their way to visit you today. Let¡¯s all give them a big round of apuse!¡±

    Even the mothers craned their necks, peeking outside. The children began pping enthusiastically, and the mothers joined in.

    <em>p, p, p, p, p, p!</em>

    The teacher walked over to open the door.

    <em>nk, nk.</em>

    Five men in ck military uniforms slowly entered.

    ¡°Wow!¡± the children eximed and pped even more excitedly. The boys looked at them as if they were seeing heroes from aic book. One of the mothers in the front covered her mouth in surprise when she saw the man leading them.

    <em>¡®Tomorrow is Min-Ju¡¯s presentation.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®It¡¯s okay. Just make sure to bring bananas when youe. Are you sure you¡¯re ok?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Yes.¡¯</em>

    And now, here he was, with the word ¡®<em>Republic of Korea</em>¡¯ and a bright Taegeukgi patch on his left arm...

    ¡°Oh? Oh?¡±

    Oh Min-Ju stood up hesitantly and looked at her mother with wide eyes before turning her gaze to the front again.

    ¡°Dad? Dad?¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek still had gauze on his ear.

    ¡°Dad¡ªah!¡±

    Running on her thin, short legs, Oh Min-Ju quickly dashed toward him. As Oh Gwang-Taek lifted her up, four men behind him approached and patted her back.

    ¡°Everyone! Min-Ju¡¯s father has received a medal of honor for his bravery. Let¡¯s give him and his team another round of apuse for working hard for our country.¡±

    Even louder apuse filled the ssroom.

    Oh Gwang-Taek looked at his wife and smiled wearily. It was clear to anyone that he was still recovering from his injuries. He had to have pushed himself too hard just to attend his daughter¡¯s presentation.

    ¡°Honey! You¡¯re amazing! You¡¯re such a wonderful father! You¡¯re the best!¡±

    Oh Gwang-Taek¡¯s wife covered her mouth and walked out with tears in her eyes.

    ***

    ¡°<em>Urggh</em>! <em>Agh</em>!¡±

    Unable to hold back his tears, a soldier limped back from the mountains with a heart-wrenching cry.

    <em>ng. ng. ng. ng.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>. <em>Urgh.</em>¡±

    The soldier plopped heavily on the ground.

    Curious about the noise, the door of the barracks opened, and Nam Il-Gyu slowly approached the man, who had passed the first round of training but was likely to be eliminated in the second round due to his injuries.

    If asked whether he wanted to continue, the man would invariably insist on pushing through to the end. How frustrated must he be to cry like this.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You¡¯ll have your chance,¡± Nam Il-Gyu said softly,forting him.

    ¡°This is unfair, sir!¡± the special forces candidate, with dried spit at the corners of his mouth, shouted angrily.

    Nam Il-Gyu looked closely at him. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Yang Dong-Sik, sir!¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu froze for a moment.

    <em>What went wrong?</em>

    As the soldier nced up, Nam Il-Gyu sighed softly and patted Yang Dong-Sik on the shoulder.

    ¡°Dong-Sik.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°Make sure toe back next year. Get that broken leg fixed ande back even more determined.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir! <em>Urgh</em>!¡±

    ¡°And stop crying, you idiot!¡±

    ¡°Bing a member of the Jeungpyeong special forces team has been my lifelong dream, sir!¡±

    ¡°How old are you?¡±

    ¡°Twenty-six, sir!¡±

    <em>Thump!</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu lightly hit the back of Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s head.

    ¡°Hey! People named Yang Dong-Sik never cries! I¡¯ll remember your name, so fix your leg ande back next year. I¡¯ll teach you a special skill then.¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik wiped his tears with his sleeve and looked at Nam Il-Gyu.

    ¡°Have you heard of Seoul sightseeing?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Yang Dong-Sik replied energetically, looking at Nam Il-Gyu with hopeful eyes.

    ¡°Good! I¡¯m Nam Il-Gyu!¡±

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik quickly stood up.

    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet a legend like you, Sir! Corporal Yang Dong-Sik, sir!¡±

    ¡°You rascal.¡±

    Nam Il-Gyu chuckled, his cheek twitching.

    <em>Creak.</em>

    The barrack door opened, and Kang Chul-Gyu stepped outside. Nam Il-Gyu quickly turned around.

    ¡°Sunbae-nim.¡±

    Recruits who failed the second training didn¡¯t even get a chance to be trained by Kang Chul-Gyu or Nam Il-Gyu.

    ¡°This guy was eliminated because of a broken leg.¡±

    <em>Stomp, stomp.</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu approached silently, exuding a strong presence.

    ¡°His name is Yang Dong-Sik.¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu slowly looked Yang Dong-Sik up and down.

    ¡°And he¡¯s crying? What a waste of a perfectly good name.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t crying!¡±

    ¡°Do you know who this person is?¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik quickly nced up, catching on.

    ¡°He¡¯s Kang Chul-Gyu sunbae-nim,¡± exined Nam Il-Gyu.

    Yang Dong-Sik stood up straight and offered them a salute. ¡°It¡¯s na honor to meet you, sir! Corporal Yang Dong-Sik!¡±

    Kang Chul-Gyu saluted him back.

    ¡°Dong-Sik.¡±

    ¡°Corporal! Yang! Dong! Sik!¡±

    ¡°Make sure toe back after your leg heals.¡±

    ¡°I definitely will, sir!¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s determined shout echoed across the yard of the barracks.

    ¡°Come back as Yang Dong-Sik, who never cries.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    <em>Wee-oo, wee-oo, wee-oo!</em>

    The emergency siren red through the quiet barracks.

    <em>Woosh! Woosh!</em>

    <em>Click! ck! Click! ck!</em>

    From the barracks that Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu had rushed into, weapons being readied echoed.

    At the same time, the engine of a helicopter roared awake from behind the building.

    <em>Boom!</em>

    The door burst open, and the fully armed Jeungpyeong special forces team dashed out in helmets, masks, and in ck uniforms. They were outfitted with rifles, pistols, magazines, bays, and radios, and had the Taegeukgi patch on their arms.

    They also had the bay symbol on their left shoulders¡ªthe symbol of the Jeungpyeong special forces team.

    <em>nk! nk! nk! nk!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik remained frozen as the soldiers boarded the helicopter and lifted off into the sky.

    <em>Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!</em>

    ¡°I will definitely return next year!¡± Yang Dong-Sik shouted, his resolve steeled even further.

    ***

    More time passed.

    In the grand conference hall of the ASEM Tower, lights shone brightly from the holes in the ceiling, illuminating the area below. Vasili and Lanok were seated at arge table that curved around the front podium. Empty seats in the middle separated them from Ludwig and Yang Bum.

    In front of them and the empty seats were thin microphones, water bottles, and cups. Opposite the podium were two hundred seats meant for the directors of other countries¡¯ intelligence bureaus. They were in cascading heights, like bleachers, and had tables in front with enough space for a thin microphone, a drink, and a cup.

    Since the meeting hadn''t started yet, the people chatted with those next to them or turned around to speak with those behind them, filling the room with quiet murmurs.

    ¡°They could have arrived a bit earlier,¡± Vasili grumbled as he turned his head toward the door.

    ¡°The Chairman is entering.¡±

    The announcement echoed through the room, and therge doors swung open.

    <em>Thud. Thud.</em>

    Lanok, Vasili, Ludwig, and Yang Bum stood up, signaling the two hundred intelligence bureau directors from various countries to rise as well.

    <em>p, p, p, p, p, p.</em>

    Kang Chan, dressed in a ck suit with a shirt, entered through the door on the right side of the podium with G¨¦rard and approached Lanok first. Meanwhile, the apuse continued unabated from those below the podium.

    ¡°Chairman.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t call me that anymore.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled faintly. He embraced him warmly and exchanged a loud French-style smack on both cheeks.

    Afterward, Lanok let out a quiet sigh.

    He knew that Kang Chan had met with the intelligence directors individually and gotten their agreement to adapt to the new order. Still, Lanok didn¡¯t expect Kang Chan to now exude an overwhelming aura that made even him feel pressure despite having met Kang Chan many times before already.

    Lanok didn¡¯t expect Kang Chan to handle it this well. Standing at the center of the podium like someone who had finally found a well-fitting suit, Kang Chan overwhelmed the world¡¯s intelligence bureau directors with his expression, gaze, and a mere greeting.

    The loud apuse continued as Kang Chan shook hands with Vasili.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t bete just because you¡¯re the star,¡± Vasili remarked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be early next time,¡± Kang Chan answered. He then turned and shook hands with Ludwig and Yang Bum in turn.

    ¡°Good to see you,¡± Ludwig greeted.

    ¡°You look well, Monsieur Kang,¡± Yang Bum said.

    Finally, Kang Chan headed back to the center seat and looked around.

    <em>p, p, p, p, p, p.</em>

    ¡°It¡¯s like a Communist Party convention,¡± Vasili murmured.

    As Kang Chan sat down, the apuse finally stopped. The four on the podium took their seats, and all the directors in front of them followed. Kang Chan ced his sped hands on the table and leaned toward the thin red-lit microphone.

    ¡°<em>Bienvenue</em>[1].¡±

    The metallic sound from the microphone blended perfectly with Kang Chan¡¯s fluent French.

    ¡°After this meeting, you may discuss the finer details with the four people next to me.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s low tone spread a peculiar tension throughout the conference room.

    ¡°Uzman.¡±

    ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang,¡± Uzman, sitting slightly to the right in the front row, leisurely responded through his microphone.

    ¡°As you have requested, we have reviewed Israel¡¯s involvement in global financial interventions. After finding sufficient evidence, we have decided on amittee audit and a one-year sanction against the Mossad.¡±

    The gazes of the directors all swept over to Grafelt.

    ¡°Grafelt.¡±

    Grafelt, sitting a few rows behind Uzman, leaned into the microphone. ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°If you have any objections to my decision, the floor is yours.¡±

    At that moment, Vasili smirked.

    ¡°It is to my regret that this has caused misunderstandings,¡± Grafelt replied. ¡°We will rify through the audit, and if we receive a positive evaluation, we would like to request for a reduction of our sanction period.¡±

    Kang Chan smiled faintly. ¡°Don¡¯t waste time with trivial wordy like ¡®regret.¡¯¡±

    Grafelt looked at Kang Chan with a confused expression, and the room¡¯s atmosphere dropped, turning almost solemn.

    ¡°Regret? There is evidence that the Mossad, together with Japan¡¯s intelligence bureau, sought funds from the Star of David,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Grafelt was rendered speechless. The Japanese intelligence director, who had been almost hiding in a corner, quickly darted his eyes around.

    ¡°Despite Uzman¡¯s wise and logical points, you still tried to deceive ourmittee until the very end. Hence, Japan¡¯s intelligence bureau is also banned from operating for the next two years.¡±

    The Japanese intelligence bureau director didn¡¯t even get a chance to defend himself.

    ¡°If we discover any Japanese agents deployed overseas, they will be killed on sight, and if there¡¯s evidence of information exchange with the Mossad¡­¡±

    Kang Chan sharply looked at the Japanese intelligence bureau director, who quickly lowered his head.

    ¡°I will dispatch the Jeungpyeong special forces team.¡±

    A deathly silence briefly filled the room.

    ¡°<em>Hmph</em>.¡± Vasili looked back and forth between Grafelt and the Japanese director, then nodded. ¡°I probably look very benevolent to them now.¡±

    Lanok, the only one who heard the remark, gazed at Vasili but quickly turned back to the people before them.

    ¡°Zayden,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    Kang Chan looked for a new person sitting in the front row. He then asked, ¡°Why did the CIA get involved in the African civil war?¡±

    ¡°That matter is not under the CIA''s jurisdiction. We had no involvement in the civil war,¡± Zayden answered. The middle-aged man who looked so remarkably simr to Sherman that he could be his son.

    ¡°Alright. Why did the CIA operations team move without reporting to themittee, then?¡±

    ¡°To assess the situation.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded and turned to a page of the document in front of him. The A4 paper being moved sharply resounded through the microphone.

    ¡°rify the use of the ten million dors that the CIA handed over to Mujamko in Africa. Then I¡¯ll believe you.¡±

    Kang Chan raised only his eyes from the document and looked straight at the man.

    ¡°Shall I tell you if you don¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°Monsieur Kang, that is¡­¡± Zayden trailed off.

    ¡°<em>Hmmm</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan slowly raised his head.

    ¡°The CIA broke the first rule of ourmittee. When intervening in conflicts between countries, including civil wars, you have to report to the standingmittee first. Did you forget?¡±

    Zayden couldn¡¯t answer.

    Kang Chan smiled coldly once more. ¡°Or did you simply ignore it?¡±

    ¡°Not at all, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°Will you also deny that the ten million dors was used to purchase ckhead?¡±

    The room suddenly erupted into amotion.

    ¡°Zayden,¡± Kang Chan called, instantly silencing the murmurs.

    ¡°Oui, Monsieur Kang.¡±

    ¡°You do know that individual purchases of ckhead are prohibited, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Vasili, Lanok, Ludwig, and Yang Bum were all staring at them.

    ¡°Stop giving clumsy excuses. Clear the CIA¡¯s position.¡±

    ¡°That matter seems to fall under the jurisdiction of the DIA. We will investigate internally and report to Standing Committee Member Lanok within a week.¡±

    Kang Chan turned to Lanok, who nodded.

    ¡°Alright. Since the standingmittee member has permitted it, you will be given a week to exin. Failure will result in repercussions executed in the name of themittee.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    With the dry conversation ending, Kang Chan slowly looked around at those seated in front of him.

    ¡°We have connected the Eurasian Rail and are on the verge of operating the world¡¯s first next-generation energy facility.¡±

    Coldly and drly, he added, ¡°I hope you will attend the inauguration of the next-generation energy facility next month and continue to contribute to the world¡¯s development.¡±

    When Kang Chan stood up, the four on the standingmittee and all the directors stood up as well. Kang Chan hugged Lanok again.

    ¡°Can I invite you to dinner?¡±

    Smiling, Lanok replied, ¡°I¡¯m always happy to spend time with you if you can spare it, Chairman.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t leave Supporting Character 2 too lonely,¡± Vasili grumbled as he extended his hand.

    ¡°Join us, then,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Sure,¡± he readily epted.

    ¡°Ludwig. Can we have dinner together?¡±

    ¡°Of course, Monsieur Kang,¡± Ludwig answered.

    ¡°Yang Bum, do you have time for dinner?¡±

    ¡°It would be an honor.¡±

    After shaking hands with each of them, Kang Chan headed toward the door that he had entered from earlier.

    At the underground parking lot of the conference hall, Kang Chan appeared with G¨¦rard. The National Intelligence Service¡¯s counter-terrorism team members quickly greeted them.

    ¡°Well done,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°Wait a moment. Choi Jong-Il!¡±

    Standing in front of Seok Kang-Ho, Kang Chan called for Choi Jong-Il.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going to Gapyeong, so I¡¯ll just take Daye¡¯s car. You and the men should take the evening off until dinner.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure, sir?¡± Choi Jong-Il inquired.

    ¡°Yeah. Take a breather.¡±

    Choi Jong-Il smiled. ¡°Copy.¡±

    ¡°<em>Haha</em>! Excellent choice. Let¡¯s go quickly,¡± said Seok Kang-Ho with excitement. He then sat in the driver¡¯s seat of the sedan.

    Naturally, G¨¦rard sat in the front passenger seat, and Kang Chan sat in the back.

    <em>Vroom.</em>

    ¡°What got into you suddenly? I thought we¡¯d be working until dawn again. Do we really have time for this?¡± Seok Kang-Ho asked as they left the conference hall.

    ¡°I have no other ns today except for dinner. Manager Kim will handle the rest too anyway,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°There¡¯s no problem at all, then?¡±

    ¡°Hey! Watch the road!¡±

    ¡°Ah, leave it to me!¡± Seok Kang-Ho replied and focused on driving.

    Two years had already passed in a sh. With the next-generation energy facility inauguration a month away, the scenery and the people on the streets seemed unchanged.

    <em>Has it be a better ce to live?</em>

    ¡°Will everything really be over next month?¡± Kang Chan questioned.

    ¡°No way. I think we¡¯ll be doing this for the rest of our lives,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°That¡¯s dreadful.¡±

    ¡°The work just keeps piling up, doesn¡¯t it? Well, that¡¯s just life. Not for this guy, though.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± G¨¦rard, who had be quite adept at understanding and speaking Korean, immediately responded.

    ¡°You rascal! Aren¡¯t you having a sweet time these days? Huh? You and her?¡± Seok Kang-Ho added.

    G¨¦rard quickly nced at Kang Chan, not daring to say anything further.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <em>This is good¡ªbeing alive and together like this.</em>

    The car sped along the Olympic road. It had been a long time since they had such a leisurely moment.

    When they stopped, Kang Chan got out of the car and sat on a wooden tform by the stream, gazing at the water.

    ¡°Here you go.¡±

    This was exactly Seok Kang-Ho¡¯s style. Kang Chan epted the paper cup he handed over.

    ¡°Without this, drinking coffee is only half as good,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± answered Kang Chan.

    The two chuckled as they lit their cigarettes.

    <em>Click.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hooo.</em>¡±

    White smoke quickly dispersed in the sunlight.

    <em>Fresh air, the sound of water, instant coffee, and cigarettes. Damn. You can enjoy life like this with just enough money for gas, chicken, and makgeolli. Why bother with the stiff expressions in those tough meetings just for wealth and fame?</em>

    ¡°How¡¯s Mi-Young?¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head slightly.

    ¡°Just apologize. You made her think you¡¯re dead. Women seem to have a hard time epting these things,¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°There¡¯s that, but we also need a bit more time. Annoying people just won¡¯t stop clinging on,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you meet Mi-Young instead ofing here, then?¡±

    ¡°She has sses.¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡± Seok Kang-Ho eximed, and quickly brought the paper cup to his mouth.

    The stream flowed nonstop as they smoked a cigarette and drank a cup of coffee.

    ¡°We¡¯ve done some incredible things,¡± Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°Feels like it was just yesterday when we met, Captain. So much has happened already since then, yet it¡¯s like the work never ends.¡±

    Kang Chan shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of taking a trip with Mi-Young after the inauguration next month. I might step back a bit then.¡±

    ¡°A trip? Do you think that¡¯s possible?¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kang Chan with a lewd expression.

    ¡°Watch it!¡±

    ¡°<em>Haha</em>!¡±

    ¡°Hey! Wipe your drool!¡±

    <em>It¡¯s dirty being with this guy, but it¡¯s never boring.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>! What¡¯s that guy doing?¡± Seok Kang-Ho inquired, looking at G¨¦rard.

    ¡°Leave him be.¡±

    Seok Kang-Ho nced back and shook his head.

    ¡°He¡¯s always sweet on his own.¡±

    ¡°You, who just had ate child, shouldn¡¯t be talking.¡±

    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s apletely different story!¡±

    While they exchanged nonsense, G¨¦rard approached.

    ¡°On the phone again?¡± Seok Kang-Ho said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not like you, you blockhead,¡± G¨¦rard retorted.

    Their bickering wasn¡¯t new. Since they still had about an hour and a half of leisure time, Kang Chany down on the tform and looked up toward the blue sky and white clouds.

    <em>¡®Are you watching?¡¯</em>

    It always felt like Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook were watching from somewhere. It always reminded him how many people they had lost to get here.

    <em>If only I were a bit more capable...</em>

    <em>¡®I¡¯m trying my best, but I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m doing enough.¡¯</em>

    While Kang Chan looked at the distant sky, the two who had been bickering were now amicably sharing a cigarette and chuckling.

    ¡°Give me one too.¡±

    ¡°By the way, if the next-generation energy facility is sessful, won¡¯t that make South Korea really amazing?¡±

    Kang Chan nced over and smirked.

    <em>Here we go again.</em>

    Kang Chan sat up and picked up a cigarette.

    <em>When we start talking like this, it always leads to stories of our mercenary days in Africa. We always end upughing, too.</em>

    It was an afternoon, exactly one month before the inauguration of the next-generation energy facility.

    End of Part 1.

    1. Wee ?

 Extra, Chapter 419: The Beginning (1)

    <strong>Preface</strong>

    Hello, it¡¯s Mujang.

    As I serially published the ¡®God of ckfield,¡¯ Kang Chan¡¯s life as a mercenary was like a sad fantasy to me.

    I hesitated a lot before publishing these three volumes.

    I was always afraid of whether I was overdoing it with my inadequate writing skills and depending too much on the undeserved support that you, the readers, gave me.

    However, thanks to your support, this inadequate writer managed to muster up the courage to write ¡®God of ckfield - The Beginning.¡¯

    During the publication process, I saw Director Kwon Yong-Hee from the Maru Publishing Company suffer.

    I saw Director Kwon Yong-Hee''s passion for publishing this novel in every illustration released, book cover chosen, and proofreading phase done. We initially only nned to have the general proofreading, my proofreading, and then another novel-wide proofreading. However, he added another round of proofreading after the hard copy had been released, which showed me how much he truly cared for it.

    I was worried because publishing these three volumes was deemed impractical, but Director Kwon Yong-Hee¡¯sment convinced me otherwise. He said, ¡°I want to give our best to our readers.¡±

    I would like to thank you, the readers, once more. I only managed toe this far due to the endless support you have given my inadequate novel and the countless words of encouragement I constantly received despite my ipetent writing.

    I¡¯ll continue to work hard as a writer, and I won¡¯t stop until I¡¯m able to write a novel that can wholly handle the title ¡®author¡¯ someday. I believe my endeavors are the best sincerity and the best way to express my gratitude to you, the readers.

    I pray that your families and everything that you do will always be filled with luck and happiness.

    Sincerely,

    Mujang

    <em>Brrrr!</em>

    The aircraft tilted widely, mercilessly pulling Kang Chan¡¯s back against its walls.

    <em>Brrr! Brrr!</em>

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    The pilot couldn¡¯t have just finished his training, so why was the aircraft shaking so much?

    Kang Chan pressed himself back against the body of the aircraft. Three types of soldiers were sitting on both sides of it¡ªscared fuckers, fuckers who pretended they weren¡¯t scared, and the strong-willed fuckers who really had no fear.

    The guy that was sitting across from Kang Chan was trying his best to imitate the strong-willed fuckers, but his eyes were already brimming with tears.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <em>That¡¯s it; keep ring and frowning to look tough. I hope all that focus you''re putting into your eyes helps improve your eyesight.</em>

    Finding it tiresome to even look at the soldier, he looked at the end of the aircraft instead.

    As an Asian with a slim figure and a youthful appearance despite his military uniform and cap, he definitely stood out among these men who had killed before and lived a tough military life.

    Kang Chan hade to France¡¯s Foreign Legion because he was fed up with his life. Still, he didn¡¯t expect to immediately be given a mission as soon as he finished his training. It felt as if life was saying, <em>¡®You¡¯re fed up with your life? Fine! I¡¯ll kill you!¡¯</em>

    <em>Brrrr! Rattle! Rattle!</em>

    <em>That son of a bitch! What does a bastard have to do to make a ne shake this roughly?</em>

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    An American soldier sitting at the front vomited again, but no one reacted. Even the guy sitting next to him only moved his foot slightly to avoid being vomited on.

    <em>nk.</em>

    Kang Chan adjusted his rifle, which he had slung over his right shoulder.

    He was so familiar with guns and bays that the drill instructor and his fellow soldiers had asked if he was from North Korea.

    <em>Brrrr!</em>

    Kang Chan tried hard to listen to his breathing.

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    The first time he found himself in a ferocious battle, he initially thought his opponent had unsheathed his knife as a joke.

    The guy rushed at him with murderous eyes only to thrust his knife so slowly that it seemed as if he was moving in slow motion. How could Kang Chan take that seriously?

    Anyhow, he and his colleague attacked Kang Chan one after the other. After that incident, no one picked a fight with Kang Chan ever again.

    He couldn¡¯t believe special forces soldiers would whine just because of a broken arm.

    <em>You bastards should go to South Korea. Even high schoolers fight well with chains there, and if their arm breaks, they just stick a pain relief patch on that bitch. They won¡¯t even have trouble lighting up a cigarette and smoking without help.</em>

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette from his left pocket and bit on it.

    <em>Chk chk!</em>

    Cigarettes weren¡¯t sold in schools, so this was something he found really nice about the military¡ªthey were able to openly buy cigarettes and zippo lighters.

    Kang Chan exhaled the cigarette smoke. "<em>Hooo</em>!"

    The leader sharply red at him, but he couldn¡¯t care less.

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>! <em>Ugh</em>!¡±

    The American soldier vomited even more than before. It <em>could</em> be from the cigarette smoke, but it was more likely due to motion sickness. The damn ne was just shaking too much.

    <em>nk! Brrr!</em>

    The aircraft was definitely descending.

    Everyone knew that their destination was a brutal battlefield. Almost all of the soldiers who had been deployed to it before them had been killed.

    That was why no one could pick a fight against Kang Chan for smoking inside the aircraft.

    Life as they knew it could end as soon as they stepped out of this aircraft, even Kang Chan¡¯s brief life, which he had wasted the majority of going to school despite not wanting to attend.

    If he was disappointed in anything, it would be that he hade here without getting to eat pork cutlets first.

    Did he miss anyone?

    Kang Chan smirked.

    The fact that the military was overflowing with ammunition and cigarettes¡ªthe two things that he had earned in the end¡ªwas somewhatforting.

    "<em>Hooo</em>.¡±

    After onest drag, Kang Chan dropped his cigarette on the floor and stepped on it.

    ***

    <em>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.</em>

    The rm rang with shining lights to signal that they were about tond. A momentter, the aircraft started to descend as if it were falling to hell.

    Thending reminded Kang Chan of the training he had received from Negah[1]. They couldn¡¯t see outside the aircraft, leaving them no choice but to entrust everything to the pilot.

    Part of the training in Negah was having their heads covered with a moistened fabric and their hands tied together behind their backs. They would then walk in a single line, holding onto the waist of the person behind them.

    The training had started with forty-seven people.

    Did people yell at the soldiers, like what Kang Chan had imagined in South Korea? Not at all.

    Did people browbeat the soldiers, like what Kang Chan had seen in the documentaries about the American military? He actually would have felt morefortable if they had done that.

    Unfortunately, all they did was eliminate the wounded. Until then, they only watched even if the soldiers fought amongst themselves.

    During that sleepless two-day march, five or six soldiers gave up, and a dozen soldiers were disqualified.

    At the very least, though, those men left the training alive.

    One soldier was bitten by a harmful insect during their ambush training, and two soldiers died in thest thirty-kilometer stretch of their march in the jungle.

    As part of their training, those who trained them ced a wet sack over their heads and tightly tied it around their necks. The soldiers had to walk along a stream afraid and breathing heavily, holding onto the waist of not the soldier in front of them but the one behind.

    If the man at the front fell because they stepped on a rotten tree or the soldier at the back identally stepped on a rock and fell, the others would fall one after another.

    Soldiers who broke their wrists, fingers, and ankles were disqualified.

    Kang Chan was spiteful. He chose this path because his life was hell. He didn¡¯te to the Foreign Legion because he wanted to suffer.

    Gritting his teeth, he endured each day of the training with men over five years older than him.

    Kang Chan even thought that the excruciatingly tiresome physical pain was actually better than the psychological pain.

    <em>Brrrrrr!</em>

    The aircraft roughly touched the ground.

    <em>Drrrrr. Drrrrrrr!</em>

    Then, it started to roughly decelerate on the runway.

    <em>BRRRR!</em>

    The engine noises made Kang Chan think that it would explode at any moment.

    As the tires screeched on the ground, they heard weapons, magazines, and other equipment in the aircraft nking around.

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    Eventually, the aircraft began to turn and stop. The back door then opened.

    ¡°Go!¡± the squad leader yelled.

    From the moment he had enlisted, the damned Foreign Legion had been exceeding Kang Chan¡¯s imagination. That hadn¡¯t changed even though he hadpleted his training.

    The instructor ced the Foreign Legion pin on their left chest, then punched them in the same area to firmly attach it to their military uniform.

    Kang Chan liked that there wasn¡¯t a fancy ceremony. Still, wouldn¡¯t it have been better to give out the badges in style?

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Today, a total of seventeen people flew to Ndulele from Negah.

    Kang Chan was the fourth person to get out of the aircraft.

    As they basked in the sun, which looked as if it didn¡¯t want to move, a putrid scent and a cloud of dust rushed toward them.

    ¡°These rookies won¡¯t fucking cut it!¡±

    One of the first things Kang Chan noticed in Ndulele was a man yelling roughly.

    He didn¡¯t know where the man had left the top of his military uniform, but he was only wearing a gray cotton shirt. The guy turned his head to look at them.

    Upon seeing Kang Chan, he yelled, ¡°God fucking damn it! Who the hell is this dipshit?!!¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. It couldn¡¯t be the man¡¯s first time seeing a Foreign Legion soldier.

    Staring at Kang Chan, the man cocked his head before looking away.

    ¡°Our enemies are nothing like the rebel forces! We won¡¯t be able to guarantee the oue even if the entire 13th regimentes. Why in the hell would you send greenhorns as reinforcements?!¡±

    Amid all the shouting, the soldiers sluggishly disembarked and looked around their surroundings.

    The base only had five tents for barracks and another that was clearly the operations center. They couldn¡¯t see anything on the horizon, so while it would be a great ce to stand guard, there wasn¡¯t anything they could use to hide from enemies or the sun.

    Eventually, their squad leader stepped out of the aircraft.

    ¡°Stop yelling. Assign these men to their quarters first,¡± he said.

    In response, the man who had been yelling suddenly turned his head again before saying, ¡°They can stay at those two barracks over there! All of them are empty anyway!¡±

    Kang Chan only had to understand the important words in a foreignnguage in order tomunicate with others. Roughly understanding what the man had said, he headed to the barracks in front of him.

    <em>Flutter!</em>

    When they drew back the drapes, the darkness and the heat that had been trapped inside rushed toward them.

    Kang Chan lit another cigarette and exhaled the smoke. ¡°<em>Hoooo.</em>¡±

    He didn¡¯t know what was going to happen or what kind of life he was going to live, but he had alreadye all the way here.

    For the first time in his life, he had aplished a goal of his. Oddly enough, though, it reminded him of his life in South Korea.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan threw his bag onto the cot at the very front. He then swung his rifle to his back and left the barracks.

    It was about 4 pm.

    The sky looked like the color blue had faded out of it, the clouds looked thin and weak as if they had been dried out by the sun moving past them.

    ¡°Ndulele, huh?¡± Kang Chan muttered to himself.

    He took out a cigarette and bit on it. He then lit it with a lighter, almost burning his face in the process.

    <em>Damn it! </em>

    ¡°<em>Hoooo</em>.¡±

    The cigarette smoke overpowered the smell of Africa, but it still circled Kang Chan¡¯s surroundings, waiting for an opportunity to rush toward him.

    <em>What are those idiots doing inside? It''s hot as hell in there.</em>

    Kang Chan, who had been ncing at the barracks, was about to take another drag when he heard someone speak.

    ¡°Got a stick?¡±

    A man with a bushy beard and curved nose approached Kang Chan and stood next to him. He was the one yelling just a few minutes ago.

    People stingy even when it came to cigarettes couldn¡¯t aplish big things. Hence, Kang Chan took out a cigarette and handed it to him. He also held out the cigarette that he had been smoking.

    The man before him seemed to be an important figure. If Kang Chan incorrectly lit up the lighter and burned the guy''s face after having just made his acquaintance, the man could make his life extremely difficult.

    ¡°I¡¯m Enzo, the toon leader of this ce,¡± Enzo spat out as he put the cigarette in between his lips. He then took out a lighter from his pocket.

    <em>nk! Chkk!</em>

    <em>Huh? Why didn¡¯t his lighter go wild?</em>

    ¡°<em>Hooo. </em>We¡¯re leaving tomorrow. Don¡¯t ask questions and just follow me.¡±

    How nice would it be if they just talked about things like this? Everyone would be able to understand what people were saying.

    Enzo looked at Kang Chan with a look that seemed to say he wanted something.

    ¡°My name is Kang Chan, sir.¡±

    ¡°Have you slept with a woman before?¡± Enzo asked.

    Kang Chan had heard this kind of question about a hundred times in the training ground.

    ¡°What do you think, sir?¡± Kang Chan asked back.

    ¡°Where did you learn French? Did you go to school here?¡±

    ¡°It was easy.¡±

    ¡°You must¡¯ve not studied before. Those that didn¡¯t study are quick at learning new things since their heads are empty; they got room to fill.¡±

    Kang Chan only understood about half of what Enzo had said.

    Smirking, Kang Chan bit on a new cigarette. He also took out a lighter but quickly returned it to his pocket. Instead, he lit up his new cigarette using the embers from the cigarette that he had been smoking.

    ¡°Pour a little oil in your lighter; it¡¯s in the barrel beyond that barrack over there. If you don¡¯t do that, your lighter pouch will fill up with gas, explode, and burn you. It can even kill you during an operation,¡± Enzo advised, extending his fingers to emphasize his words. Afterward, he said, ¡°Give me another one.¡±

    Kang Chan silently handed Enzo another cigarette.

    ¡°This operation smells fishy. It makes me feel like we¡¯re just some useless pieces in a <em>janggi </em>board[2]. Let me ask you this. What¡¯s the most important thing during a battle?¡±

    <em>What¡¯s he saying?</em>

    Kang Chan looked at Enzo, who was staring at the horizon in the far distance.

    ¡°<em>Hooo. </em>Doing your best to survive should be your priority. I¡¯m telling you this because your eyes looked the most spiteful out of everyone who got out of the aircraft today. Those who rx on the aircraft won¡¯t make it out of here alive.¡±

    Enzo turned his head and looked straight at Kang Chan.

    ¡°What was your name again?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan, sir.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the most important thing in a battle?¡±

    <em>You should¡¯ve talked slowly if you wanted me to understand what you¡¯re saying.</em>

    Kang Chan smirked. This was the best response to things he only roughly understood.

    He didn¡¯t know why Enzo was doing this, but Enzo smiled the same way before staring at the horizon again.

    ¡°People are dying at that damned horizon even as we speak. We¡¯re leaving tomorrow morning. Reinforcements? The new recruits whoe to Ndulele die in roughly forty-eight hours, so do your best to survive.¡±

    ¡°Forty-eight hours?¡±

    Enzo gave Kang Chan a strange smirk. ¡°Those who live past that die within seventy-two.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Enzo deeply exhaled cigarette smoke instead of answering.

    ¡°The battle tomorrow will teach you why sunsets in Africa are blood red. We might just be pieces on a chessboard, but our blood is still red.¡±

    Enzo briefly shook his head when he saw Kang Chan smirking. ¡°Why did you swing your gun to your back?¡±

    Kang Chan immediately understood. After all, he had heard the same question multiple times back in the training center.

    ¡°This just feelsfortable.¡±

    ¡°I see!¡± Enzo eximed. He then headed back to the operations center.

    ***

    Kang Chan had canned food and bread for dinner.

    Perhaps it was because Enzo thought the soldiers were all going to die anyway, but he didn¡¯t tell them what to do. It just felt like he was leaving them alone and letting them fend for themselves.

    When night fell, Kang Chan¡¯s colleagues fell asleep one after another. Enzo didn¡¯t even designate armed guards for the night.

    Kang Chan sat up from his cot and headed to the operations center. Its sides were rolled up, making the interior visible from all sides.

    <em>¡°Keugh! Urrgh!¡±</em>

    Amid the moonlight that was bright enough to create shadows and the musty and unpleasant odor, he heard cries he couldn¡¯t quite identify.

    Nights in Africa felt ufortable. It was as if he was a cloud that was being dragged away after getting tangled up with the others.

    It didn¡¯t feel right to smoke a cigarette.

    Seeing how Enzo didn¡¯t designate armed guards, Kang Chan figured that nothing unusual was going to happen. However, there was no need to show their lights to an enemy that could be approaching them.

    Kang Chan smirked. He looked at the endless ck ground.

    He was lonely. The most prominent emotion he was feeling right now was loneliness.

    <em>Isn¡¯t there a monkey that¡¯s following Tarzan around here somewhere? Damn it! How is this Africa?! </em>

    Maybe a lion, cheetah, or an elephant wouldn''t make sense. Still, a few animals, like a zebra or a hyena, should have gone past their camp by now.

    Kang Chan thought that those animals would bemon in Africa, yet he hadn¡¯t seen any of them, let alone their carcasses.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what kind of day tomorrow would be.

    <em>Enzo made it clear that many new recruits die in forty-eight hours. Since arriving in Ndulele, we¡¯ve survived for nine hours. That means we only have to survive for another¡­? Damn it! This is giving me a headache.</em>

    Death?

    Kang Chan had no idea what that was like¡ªhe would¡¯ve been able to guess if he actually knew someone who had died during training or even from old age.

    Smirking, Kang Chan looked at the moon that was high in the sky.

    <em>You son of a bitch!</em>

    It was fucking bright for no reason, which kept reminding Kang Chan of South Korea.

    1. we believe that this is a country that the author made up ?

    2. Janggi, sometimes called Korean chess, is a strategy board game ?

 Extra, Chapter 420: The Beginning (2)

    The sun rose from beyond the horizon, signaling the break of dawn.

    Kang Chan washed his face with a small bottle of water. He then sat at a table with hisrades and ate a biscuit.

    There was bread, butter, sausages, chocte, and water.

    <em>I could use a piece of pickled radish right now.</em>

    Just like in the aircraft, their base had three different kinds of soldiers.

    To hide their emotions, they didn''t talk much while eating.

    Despite the African heat, Kang Chan could still feel an ominous chill trying to overpower him from one side of his heart. He felt as if he was sitting on the front seat of a rollercoaster that was ascending toward a very steep drop.

    <em>Damn it! I have to ride a roller coaster first to know exactly how that feels.</em>

    Now that he thought about it, he still had a lot of things left to experience. Smirking, he racked his brain to remember the positives in his life. Rather than thinking of the pork cutlets that he miserably failed to eat at a snack shop before leaving South Korea, it would be much better to think of the things that he had done that other guys hadn¡¯t.

    <em>What were they again? If my memory serves me right, then I first fought to my heart¡¯s content against students who had dropped out of school. After that, I tried soju and cigarettes, and¡­</em>

    Kang Chan nced at the sun, which had now fully risen.

    Wasn¡¯t it fascinating that the sun that rose in South Korea was the same fucking sun in Africa?

    It consumed the darkness here, then cked off to digest it. Eventually, it would leave to consume the darkness in South Korea.

    <em>Must be nice to never have to ride nes!</em>

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    ¡°Gather ¡®round!¡± Enzo eximed, interrupting Kang Chan¡¯s thoughts. He then spread out an old map on the table. ¡°I¡¯m designating this ce as Point Alpha and this ce as Point Bravo!¡±

    Things like this were easy to understand.

    Enzo pointed at Point Alpha with his index finger. ¡°We will be providing this ce with support.¡±

    The dirt trapped under his fingernails caught Kang Chan¡¯s eye more than the map.

    ¡°Once battle breaks out, if you¡¯re ever overwhelmed, make your way to Bravo.¡±

    <em>Did I hear that correctly? He wants us new recruits to move individually?</em>

    When Kang Chan looked up at him, Enzo smirked. "I say that, but you won''t even get the chance to get there."

    "How many enemies are there, and what are they armed with, sir?" the American soldier who had vomited in the aircraft asked.

    Enzo cocked his head. ¡°AK-47s and RPG-7s. Depending on the situation, those rebels can be anywhere from twenty to a hundred fifty.¡±

    Kang Chan wondered if he misheard him.

    "We¡¯ll be fighting one hundred fifty rebels?" the American soldier rified.

    <em>Fuck. I guess I heard him correctly.</em>

    "Didn¡¯t you hear what I said while you were all getting out of the aircraft? Even if the entire 13th Regiment came here, we would still have trouble.¡±

    Enzo, who had been leaning on the table, stood up straight. He then turned his head to the side, gesturing behind him. ¡°Alright. Get in the truck!¡±

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Seventeen soldiers simultaneously stood up.

    ¡°Channy!¡± Enzo called Kang Chan. ¡°Do you know how to drive?¡±

    ¡°No, sir!¡±

    ¡°Then get in the back!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    <em>Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    The soldiers strapped pistols and bays around their waists, then filled their tactical vests with magazines and grenades. Afterward, with their rifles in hand, they rushed deep into the African morning.

    They had to travel to the battlefield with one truck.

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    As Kang Chan got on the truck bed, a disgusting odor rushed into his nose, making him want to vomit.

    Despite the rancid odoring up from the entire truck bed, the other soldiers sat on the benches on both sides and tried their best to lookfortable.

    <em>You idiots! It clearly fucking stinks! There¡¯s no way you all have runny noses!</em>

    It was strange. Men would put their pride on the line over something as trivial as ignoring disgusting smells.

    <em>Go ahead, then. Inhale the odor as much as you fuckers want.</em>

    Kang Chan stood at the front of the truck bed and held onto the roof of the driver¡¯s seat.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    When the vehicle started, vibrations and the smell of burning diesel rushed toward them.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know why they had to protect the area called ¡®Alpha¡¯ or why they had to go there and fight the rebels.

    <em>¡®We¡¯re going to teach you how to kill people, but you can never question why you have to kill them,¡¯ </em>one of Kang Chan¡¯s instructors had told him.

    <em>¡®It is your duty to eliminate those who have beenbeled an enemy by the Foreign Legion onmand. Always remember: Legio Patria Nostra. The Legion is our country!¡¯</em>

    The truck drove straight across the ground as if it were aiming for the sun. The cloud of dust that it left in its tracks made the severity of the situation finally feel real.

    <em>There won¡¯t be a Korean among the rebels, right?</em>

    Kang Chan slowly looked around.

    To him, shooting someone in the head wasn¡¯t any different from smashing someone¡¯s head with a piece of wood. Using chains to strike the shoulders of anyone rushing toward him wasn¡¯t that different from stabbing people in the chest with a bay either. At the end of it all, his targets would all wind up dead.

    However, Kang Chan only fought expelled students in the past. Those bastards only clung to him because they wanted him to be their subordinate. That way, they could steal money from the kids who were still in school.

    <em>Idiots. Who¡¯s ordering who?</em>

    He remembered something hrious that one of them had said with a bloodied face.

    <em>''You can be our leader! We''ll take the money from the other kids. All you have to do is protect us.''</em>

    <em>If I had done what that fucker had said, I would have gotten to eat a lot of pork cutlets.</em>

    Now, he was about to fight rebels.

    They had been on the road for twenty minutes when they came across a rugged hill. At that moment, for the first time in his life, Kang Chan saw a lifeless body.

    Initially, he thought it was just an animal carcass. They were in Africa, after all.

    However, he soon realized that a military jacket was covering the corpse. What was sprawled out on the ground¡ªcovered in wounds¡ªwas clearly a human.

    <em>Vroom! tter! tter!</em>

    The closer they got to the hill, the more the truck shook. The more bodies they found, too.

    Kang Chan also got to see an eagle up close, which was another first for him.

    Kang Chan cracked his neck, then exhaled. "<em>Haaaa</em>!"

    The odor that originally only came from the truck bed now wafted toward them from all directions.

    <em>Ba-dum. Ba-dum.</em>

    At that moment, his heart suddenly started pounding.

    <em>Is my heart telling me that I¡¯m afraid? I don¡¯t know fear.</em>

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Kang Chan tried his best to slow his breathing.

    <em>My fear can only live inside me. If I say it does not exist, then it does not exist.</em>

    <em>Ba-dum. Ba-dum.</em>

    As if it was broken, Kang Chan¡¯s heart pounded harder the closer they got to the hill. He sharply red at the hill before them, which was about three hundred fifty meters away.

    If he could¡ªif he was in a position to give the orders¡ªKang Chan would have demanded the truck stop so he could walk.

    <em>I have to calm down. If I look frightened here, these motherfuckers will make fun of me for the rest of my life.</em>

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    He focused on listening to his breathing.

    <em>Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.</em>

    His heart pounded so loudly that he could confidently say that he had never experienced something like this before.

    <em>What¡¯s going on? There''s nothing surprising about this! I have to calm down. I¡¯m probably only feeling this way because this is my first battle. It''s no different from when the expelled students surrounded me¡ª</em>

    <em>PEW!</em>

    White smoke rose from the hill and flew straight toward the truck.

    <em>Screech!</em>

    In response, their vehicle roughly swerved and slowed down.

    The soldiers that had been sitting on the benches held onto the sides with panicked expressions.

    ¡°Run! I said run!¡± Enzo yelled.

    Kang Chan threw himself out of the truck bed.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    While in mid-air, he heard a heavy crash. An explosion then hit him like an iron rod smashing his head, sting him further away and mming him into the ground.

    <em>Pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow pow!</em>

    Kang Chan forcibly twisted his body to look back at the truck. Although his vision was as cloudy as looking around in deep water, he could still tell that it had been reduced to mes and wreckage. He also saw gunshots making parts of his fellow soldiers explode.

    Kang Chan groaned. "<em>Urgh</em>!"

    <em>I don¡¯t think I¡¯m dead yet, but I gotta make my body listen to me if I want to keep it that way!</em>

    Despite the pain, he forced himself to roll to the side and crawl toward the truck.

    <em>Pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow! Pow pow pow pow!</em>

    Upon reaching the wreckage, the burning heat and disgusting odor quickly struck him. He wasn¡¯t sure if it helped him focus better, but he could finally hear a little.

    Dirt spattered along with the flesh of the other soldiers. Blood, mutted bodies, and burnt heads littered the ground.

    Whenever a bullet hit the smoking truck, it either showered sparks or caused noises akin to someone hitting a tin can.

    <em>Is everyone dead? Did those great special forces soldiers really just get killed?</em>

    <em>nk!</em>

    Hiding behind the truck, Kang Chan swung his rifle from his back to his front. He would¡¯ve dropped it long ago if it had been under his arm.

    <em>nk!</em>

    Kang Chan checked his magazine and then aimed at the hill. Before he could open fire, a groan caught his attention.

    <em>What? Did someone survive?</em>

    Kang Chan leaned toward the direction of the groan, finding Enzo stuck between the driver''s seat and the truck bed. Instead of helping him, Kang Chan first examined the area in front of the hill.

    Fortunately, their enemies weren¡¯ting down toward them yet. He didn¡¯t know whether their enemies thought they were all dead or if they thought their previous attacks were enough.

    Kang Chan leaned into the truck and hooked his hands under Enzo''s armpit.

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>! Who is it?¡± Enzo asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan, sir!¡±

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    Enzo must''ve been buried under something because when Kang Chan pulled his hand, only Enzo¡¯s arms moved; his body didn¡¯t.

    "Go quickly! They''lle down the hill to make sure we¡¯re dead!" Enzo yelled.

    "<em>Urgh</em>!"

    Kang Chan clenched his teeth and pulled Enzo. Breaking a couple of legs would be better than being shot by their enemies, who would soon check if they were dead.

    <em>Hisss! Hisss!</em>

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>! <em>Ugh</em>!"

    Enzo shook his head like a madman and endured the pain as his body moved little by little.

    <em>Hisss!</em>

    Finally, Kang Chan managed to free Enzo from the truck.

    Enzo¡¯s clothes and flesh were split from his thighs to the area below his knees as if they had been cut. Blood was gushing out from his open wounds.

    "Go!" Enzo yelled again.

    Kang Chan crawled to the side and picked up bandages and morphine before crawling back.

    "If you disappear from here, you¡¯ll be registered as dead, so go and get out of this damn hell!"

    Kang Chan already had a hard time understanding Enzo when the man was shouting. There was no way he¡¯d understand him understand him when he was mumbling.

    Kang Chan injected Enzo with morphine. As he tied Enzo''s thigh, they heard the faint roar of an engine from the hill.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Kang Chan looked up, finding a truck approaching.

    Their enemies could hide a truck like that?

    "Go away, you chick! Get as far away from here as you can and hide before the truckes!"

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan picked up his rifle.

    "Slit my neck before you go," Enzo ordered, pointing to his Adam''s apple with his right index finger.

    Kang Chan smirked. Who did this guy think he was?

    Ignoring Enzo¡¯smand, Kang Chan collected the rifles that had fallen to the ground and magazines from the bodies.

    <em>nk!</em>

    Afterward, he firmly nted his rifle between the driver''s seat and the trunk, then assumed a shooting position.

    "You crazy chick!"

    Enzo¡¯s head fell to the side as he breathed heavily. His blood mixed with the dust on his face, making him look scary.

    Emitting ck smoke, the truck continued closing the gap between them.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    Kang Chan knew that he was far away from South Korea. Still, he never expected to find himself in a world where machine guns and RPGs could fly toward them at any given moment. Now, he was surrounded by sixteen dead soldiers, all of whom had been killed in an instant.

    Even the truck in the distance looked unreal to him now.

    Nevertheless, the moment he put his finger on the trigger, he felt as if he had entered apletely different world.

    "<em>Urgh</em>! This is yourst chance. Go and hide," Enzo said.

    <em>Why is he making me feel bad for him?</em>

    Kang Chan clenched his teeth and leaned closer to the rifle. The moment he opened fire, he would essentially be announcing to their enemies that he was alive.

    Someone would die, but their enemies would also rush towards him to kill him

    <em>How does it feel to get shot? Will it hurt a lot?</em>

    If he was going to die anyway, it would be much less painful to die in one shot.

    Kang Chan looked straight at the truck¡¯s driver''s seat. It seemed to be about one hundred fifty meters away.

    He could feel the tension of the trigger pushing against his index finger.

    Since there was nothing around them, he had a clear line of sight of the driver¡¯s seat.

    If Kang Chan pulled the trigger, he was sure that he could kill the little shit driving the truck. However, he would likely also be an eagle¡¯s new, rancid meal soon after.

    Kang Chan gulped dryly. He felt as if he was standing in front of the door to hell, his hand already on the handle.

    The moment he opened fire, hell would be let loose.

    "<em>Urgh</em>,¡± groaned Enzo.

    <em>What will happen to Enzo if I leave him behind?</em>

    The truck was now about a hundred meters away.

    Kang Chan put pressure on the trigger.

    <em>Pew!</em>

    As the recoil pushed against his shoulder, the smell of gunpowder rushed toward Kang Chan.

 Extra, Chapter 421: Toward the Other Side (1)

    The same instant Kang Chan pulled the trigger, the truck lurched, and a clump of mud sshed against the window of the driver¡¯s seat.

    <em>Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan continued to click the trigger.

    Web-like cracks spread across the passenger-side window.

    <em>Creak! Screech! Clunk!</em>

    Amid the screeches, the truck¡¯s lurches, and the enemies jumping out of their vehicle, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t find any time to think.

    If they came running, he and Enzo would be swiftly joining the pile of theirrades¡¯ bodies on the side of the truck.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    With each pull of the trigger, enemy heads snapped back and sttered blood. <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan killed three more.

    <em>Du du du! ng, ng! Thud! ng! Du du du du! Pow pow pow pow!</em>

    At that moment, the enemy returned fire, hitting the burning truck and making the surrounding dirt stter wildly.

    Kang Chan quickly ducked down.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    Enzo pushed himself up on his elbows from his prone position.

    ¡°Give me a gun!¡±

    Kang Chan supposed it wasn¡¯t right to just let him die. He quickly handed Enzo one of the rifles that he had been keeping at his side.

    ¡°Watch out for their RPGs!¡± Enzo warned.

    The truck did end up like this because of the RPG that their opponents had fired from the hillside.

    Kang Chan turned to Enzo, who was gritting his teeth. His eyes were bloodshot.

    ¡°Let¡¯s pull back,¡± Enzo stated.

    ¡°Where?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°They have no sniper! Let¡¯s get back to the truck before the RPGse flying at us again!¡±

    <em>tter!</em>

    Kang Chan jumped up and slung his rifle on his back. He then moved behind Enzo and stuck his hands under his armpits.

    <em>Clunk!</em>

    Enzo left a long trail of blood on their path as Kang Chan dragged him away. Nevertheless, he kept his rifle aimed at their enemies. By the time they were finally five meters away from the truck, countless flies had already stuck to his legs, buzzing as if toin.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Enzomanded, and Kang Chan followed.

    They were in a pretty good location. After all, they weren¡¯t directly visible from the hill or the oing truck anymore.

    ¡°This ce stinks,¡± Enzo grumbled.

    <em>Shit!</em>

    Kang Chan had been smelling rotting corpses nonstop since they left the base. The burning rubber smell from their ruined truck only made it worse

    ¡°They¡¯re sending just enough troops to wipe us out without the risk of casualties on their end. That will allow them to im that they tried to offer us protection but we refused.¡±

    The enemies weren¡¯t budging from behind the truck.

    <em>Vrooom!</em>

    Soon, another truck came out of the hills. It was hard to tell from here, but there seemed to be a gap somewhere in the terrain that could hide two trucks¡ªno, it had to be much wider than that.

    <em>Why aren¡¯t they firing any RPGs, though?</em>

    As if reading Kang Chan¡¯s mind, Enzo said, ¡°They¡¯re out for blood revenge, which means they¡¯re determined to kill us by decapitation, whether it¡¯s with a knife or a swift kill with a bay. Regardless, they¡¯re going to use des on us.¡±

    Enzo made a throat-slitting motion with his hand, which made his exnation easier to understand. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but think that this was an unexpectedly great learning environment.

    Kang Chan smirked, and Enzo looked at him in disbelief.

    ¡°Can I smoke, sir?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Well, we have time before they reach us,¡± Enzo replied.

    Pulling out cigarettes from the left pocket of his shirt, Kang Chan put one in Enzo¡¯s mouth first before lifting the pack to his mouth and biting one out.

    <em>Clunk! Hiss!</em>

    ¡°You found oil to pour?¡± Enzo asked.

    ¡°The one from the tent,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    Kang Chan lit Enzo¡¯s cigarette first, then his own. For some reason, the enemy truck was approaching them at a walking pace.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    The smoke from the two looked like it came from incense being prepared for an uing funeral. Still, the cigarette tasted good enough to make Kang Chan realize that all the cigarettes he¡¯d smoked so far had been for nothing.

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze fell on Enzo¡¯s legs. There were so many flies clinging to them that he couldn¡¯t see any blood. They were waiting for him to die.

    <em>Sly bastards. </em>

    While they wouldn¡¯te for the uninjured Kang Chan, Enzo had to keep swatting them away from his eyes and ears.

    The truck was about two hundred meters away now.

    Enzoughed at the absurdity of the situation.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    He shuddered to think about what this would have been like without cigarettes.

    ¡°What¡¯s taking them so long?¡± Kang Chan wondered.

    ¡°They don¡¯t have to rush. The way you shot at them might have convinced them that you¡¯re a sniper, so they¡¯re slowly pushing forward under cover.¡±

    Kang Chan tilted his head, and Enzo pretended to push something in the air while exining that they were probably pushing the truck.

    This had to be the best crash course in French. Kang Chan could understand everything he said.

    Enzo looked at Kang Chan with bloodshot eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s toote for me. I¡¯ve lost too much blood. You should have another cigarette and get the hell out of here.¡±

    Kang Chan wordlessly handed Enzo another cigarette and put another in his mouth.

    <em>Clunk. Hiss!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    The two lit their cigarettes.

    ¡°Enzo,¡± Kang Chan began.

    Enzo looked back at him in response.

    ¡°The both of us. Together. Tell me how we can both survive.¡±

    The truck was a hundred and fifty meters ahead. It had slowed to a crawl as if they were really pushing the truck.

    ¡°If you can beat all those mening, we can both live,¡± Enzo answered with a smirk.

    ¡°Fight with bays?¡±

    ¡°The approaching truck will join the remaining enemies,¡± Enzo pointed to the ground with his index finger, ¡°ande here.¡±

    He then turned his palm inward and made a pulling motion.

    ¡°I can understand that much,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    This was the first time he had seen Enzo smile like that.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna have to defeat the whole bunch of them hiding behind the truck if they charge forward at the same time. Then we can both live. So stop with the nonsense and be on your way.¡±

    ¡°One hundred and fifty men?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that many now.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    Bewildered, Enzo asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you scared of dying?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡±

    Kang Chan looked Enzo straight in the eye.

    ¡°I¡¯m most scared of ending up alone.¡±

    A short silence enveloped their conversation.

    ¡°You poor thing,¡± Enzomented.

    ¡°Do you wanna die?¡± Kang Chan responded immediately after.

    <em>Pft!</em>

    The two smirked. Afterward, Kang Chan asked, ¡°So we¡¯re safe from this distance even if they start shooting us with RPGs, right?¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Enzo confirmed.

    Leaving Enzo staring at him with a puzzled expression, Kang Chan lowered his stance and moved toward the truck, which was still belching ck smoke.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Swinging his rifle forward, Kang Chan aimed at the wheels of the truck approaching from a distance.

    <em>Bang! Pow! Bang! Pow!</em>

    The truck¡¯s front end sank.

    <em>You motherfuckers! I might as well see this shit through!</em>

    Kang Chan aimed at the truck that had gotten here first.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Baaang! Thud!</em>

    Since it was closer to their position, he found it easier to shoot. He took out three of its tires, making it sink to the ground at odd angles. Nevertheless, their enemies refused to return fire.

    Kang Chan strapped two rifles and the magazines he¡¯d gathered to his waist.

    <em>Oh, right! Since I have time¡­</em>

    He picked cigarettes from the dead men¡¯s pockets and grabbed the medical bag he¡¯d tossed aside earlier.

    Hisrades were covered in dust and dirt, but he could still see their faces, which were as pale as a sheet on the ground.

    <em>Why didn¡¯t I try to get to know these guys better during training? Is it normal to see and touch their corpses without feeling anything? </em>

    Kang Chan crawled back to Enzo.

    ¡°Are you from the North Korean army?¡± Enzo asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Kang Chan curtly replied.

    Enzo looked surprised.

    ¡°Yet you shot those tires with only a bullet each from this distance? How are you so urate?¡±

    Was that something to be so surprised about? Wasn¡¯t Enzo a famed Foreign Legion veteran?

    Kang Chan poured a bottle of disinfectant onto Enzo¡¯s wounds, which were covered in flies.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    Next, he took out all the cigarettes he had collected, crushed them in his hands, and sprinkled them on the wounds to stop the bleeding. Fortunately, Kang Chan had tied Enzo¡¯s thighs off so tightly that the bleeding had stopped somewhat.

    Thezy sun hadn¡¯t even reached the top of their heads yet.

    Kang Chan found it hard to believe that their enemies were only a hundred and two hundred meters away from them. If it weren¡¯t for the truck belching ck smoke and the bodies lying around it, Kang Chan would have thought that he and Enzo had just gotten into a normal ident on a trip through Africa.

    After bandaging Enzo¡¯s legs up, Kang Chan wiped the blood from his hands onto the bandages.

    ¡°Cigarette?¡±

    Enzo nodded and held out his hand.

    <em>Clunk. Hiss. </em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    They smoked facing the truck and the hills.

    This wasn¡¯t bad¡ªsitting with someone, facing the same direction.

    ¡°What about the next reinforcements?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Coming in three days,¡± Enzo told him.

    ¡°So if those bastards stay there until then, we also have to stay here like this?¡±

    Enzo exhaled a puff of smoke instead of replying.

    The bandages were already stained red with blood, and the flies were swarming over them again. At this rate, Enzo would die. It didn¡¯t take a medical genius to figure out that a man who had lost this much blood would die if left here for a day or so.

    Scraping his cigarette on the floor, Kang Chan red at the truck ahead.

    They were obviously biding their time. After the sun passed over their heads, darkness would descend, and they would have plenty of time to take advantage of that.

    Unlike them, Kang Chan and Enzo needed water and food. Above all, they needed blood.

    <em>Ha. I sound like Drac. </em>

    Kang Chan remembered how baggy his first uniform had been and how everyone around himughed when he had put it on. Now, he was wearing something that fit him so nicely that their enemies enemies probably thought he was a seasoned Foreign Legion soldier.

    He looked back. It had taken them about twenty minutes to get here by truck.

    This time, he turned to Enzo. Would Kang Chan be able to do it? No, hehad no other choice, did he?

    ¡°Think we can survive the trip back to the unit¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Enzo looked at Kang Chan curiously.

    ¡°You said they¡¯ll fight with bays. That means they won¡¯t shoot at us, right?¡± Kang Chan added.

    The look in Enzo¡¯s eyes made it clear that he had guessed what Kang Chan was thinking.

    ¡°I¡¯ll carry you on my back. If they shoot us, then we¡¯re dead. If they insist oning at us with bays, though¡­¡±

    <em>Click!</em>

    ¡°We have guns,¡± Kang Chan finished.

    ¡°You¡¯re crazy! Stop acting stupid and get lost already!¡± Enzo shouted.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to die if you stay here.¡±

    ¡°At least you won¡¯t have to.¡±

    ¡°What are the odds they¡¯ll shoot?¡±

    ¡°They haven¡¯t shot yet, so they¡¯ll almost definitelye with bays.¡±

    ¡°Okay, then.¡±

    Kang Chan picked up another rifle and slung it diagonally over his right shoulder.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do this. Just put your leg here.¡±

    He slung two rifles on his left and right waist, and another rifle around his neck.

    ¡°You crazy chick! You need to load off the weight!¡± Enzo rebuked.

    ¡°I need guns,¡± Kang Chan replied firmly.

    Enzo smiled brightly, which was quite out of the blue.

    ¡°Chick.¡±

    The French had such peculiar eye colors. Sometimes, they looked cruel, and other times, they looked very deep. Like Enzo¡¯s now.

    ¡°I¡¯m d I met you before I die. Now, that¡¯s enough. Go.¡±

    ¡°Enzo.¡±

    Kang Chan leaned toward Enzo.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know the way back.¡±

    Enzoughed like he was sobbing.

    Kang Chan adjusted his rifle¡¯s stock. Enzo¡¯s smile showed his willingness to go with him, which delighted Kang Chan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    <em>Clunk, clunk. </em>

    Once Kang Chan had turned around, Enzo leaned over and put his arms around Kang Chan¡¯s nape.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    Enzo tried to swallow his scream, but he couldn¡¯t really stop the shout that came from deep in his throat.

    Once Enzo had put his arms around Kang Chan¡¯s neck, Kang Chan dropped to his stomach with his elbows on the floor. This allowed Enzo to get all the way onto his back. From far away, it probably looked like they were enjoying ast moment of love.

    Kang Chan swung his left arm around and grabbed Enzo¡¯s left leg, trapping it between the rifle and the hook.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>! <em>Argh</em>! <em>Arrrgh</em>!¡±

    <em>Damn it! I should¡¯ve given him morphine!</em>

    Enzo was unlucky.

    They did the same for his right leg.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>! <em>Argh</em>!¡±

    Sobs came between the pitiful screams, but this was still better than death.

    ¡°Hang onto my neck!¡±

    With a gasp of pain, Enzo threw his arm around Kang Chan¡¯s neck.

    <em>ck!</em>

    Kang Chan raised his left foot.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    Then, his right.

    ¡°<em>Urrgh</em>!¡±

    Afterward, he straightened his back.

    Kang Chan wondered why he was going so far for Enzo. He didn¡¯t act this way with his otherrades.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    When Kang Chan turned around to face the way they hade, he heard people shouting behind him. He couldn¡¯t pretend not to hear it.

    <em>Clunk!</em>

    Kang Chan spun around and saw the head of an enemy that had moved away from the cover of the truck.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan slung his rifle from around his neck to his shoulder.

    <em>Baaaang</em>!

    As he squeezed the trigger and the smell of gunpowder wafted out, the enemy¡¯s head snapped back, spraying a light mist of blood.

    He didn¡¯t answer Enzo when he asked him if he was a sniper.

    <em>You motherfucker! Why would you hold your head out in front of a furious opponent?</em>

    <em>Just shoot us instead. Kill Enzo first, or even kill us together!</em>

    <em>Then I¡¯ll run away with peace of mind or at least get to die!</em>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and turned to walk away.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    He headed toward the other side, where the fuckingzy sun was.

 Extra, Chapter 422: Toward the Other Side (2)

    Kang Chan estimated the speed their truck was moving before they got ambushed. Based on his calctions, it seemed to have been moving at a simr speed to running at a moderate pace. If so, then it would take him forty to fifty minutes to cover the same distance at a normal pace, and with Enzo on his back, he¡¯d require at least an hour and a half to two hours.

    <em>Son of a bitch!</em>

    The sun was just now reaching the top of his head, scorching the tips of his hair.

    A pungent odor wafted up from Enzo¡¯s legs.

    Sweat clung to his back where Enzo was touching him. Enzo¡¯s raspy breathing brushed against his nape too.

    <em>Click. Click.</em>

    The tter of rifles, magazines, and bays was more distinct than his boots on the ground.

    That noon, a mass of shadows clung to his boots, trampling them with each step he took.

    <em>Click. </em>Feeling a prickle on the back of his head, Kang Chan stopped walking and turned around.

    <em>Motherfuckers. </em>

    Enzo was right. Crazy bastards with long, scary-looking bays and guns slung over their shoulders were following them.

    They had spread out in a semicircle and assumed a low stance, ready to drop to the ground.

    How many could Kang Chan kill if he opened fire now?

    Kang Chan stood motionless for a moment. He had Enzo on his back, a rifle around his neck, a long curved bay in his right hand, and enemies with AKs slung over their shoulders just behind him.

    It was like a horror movie version of the game ¡°When Mugunghwa Flowers Bloom.¡±

    If Kang Chan turned around and kept walking, the enemies could sneak up behind him and slice his head off. If he turned around and pulled the trigger, he could blow up their heads instead.

    There were about twenty of them, making it hard for Kang Chan to resort to guns. They were a hundred meters away right now. If he started shooting them one by one, they could return fire and end them.

    He had to find a way to kill them all at once or find a ce to hide.

    If the situation was already this dire in Point Alpha, then it would be nonsensical for them to hide at Point Bravo. The headquarters had seemed safe enough to not set up a perimeter, so it was best to head there for now.

    Kang Chan was worried about Enzo too, whose breathing had grown fainter.

    The odoring from his legs was more nauseating than the foul, disgusting smell of Ndulele.

    For now, Kang Chan would go as far as he could. He would attack with his life on the line once their enemies had narrowed the gap to fifty meters.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Enzo was like an injured lion surrounded by hyenas and Kang Chan a lion cub protecting him.

    <em>Fucking hell! I said I wanted to see lions or hyenas, not roley them! </em>

    How did things end up this way?

    Kang Chan never imagined that a world like this existed on one part of Earth.

    He missed asphalt. He missed sidewalks, buildings, streets, the bodegas on the streets, cars newer than GM¡¯s old trucks, and people wearing clothes with red or yellow¡ªanything with color, really.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    His shoulder felt like it was being ripped apart.

    Noticing Enzo¡¯s hold on him weakening, Kang Chan raised his left hand and gripped Enzo¡¯s right wrist tightly.

    This wasn''t good.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Kang Chan stopped walking and looked back. The enemies were about eighty meters away now, still crouched low and ring at him.

    <em>Swish! Rustle!</em>

    Kang Chan reached out with his right hand to untie Enzo¡¯s booces, but the enemies didn¡¯t budge. After putting theces in his left hand, Kang Chan used them to tie Enzo¡¯s wrists together.

    ¡°Enzo.¡±

    ¡°Did you finally¡­ decide to abandon me?¡±

    <em>Ha! Pretending to be cool with that weakass voice. </em>

    ¡°Two things. Why didn¡¯t the enemy attack the headquarters first, and why are they following us right now?¡±

    ¡°The smell¡­ <em>Haaa</em>¡­¡±

    <em>He keeps talking about the damned smell! I know, I can smell it from the ground and your legs hanging from the rifles!</em>

    ¡°They have¡­ on their hill. Themanders don¡¯t want to take¡­ <em>Haaa</em>¡­ But¡­ steal¡­ pretending to¡­. give a fuck¡­ by sacrificing soldiers¡­¡±

    <em>What the hell is he talking about?</em>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand half of what Enzo was mumbling.

    ¡°What do we do when we return to the headquarters?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a machine gun¡­ and a radio¡­ in my¡­ tent¡­¡±

    Kang Chan saw the enemies look at each other. He also noticed their long bays glinting in the sun.

    He took out a magazine from the rifle hanging around his neck. Afterward, he reced it with a new magazine from around his waist and pulled the breechblock.

    The enemies bent their knees and gripped the ground with their hands. Kang Chan had to wait until they were about thirty meters closer before he could attack.

    This was the beginning of a high-stakes ¡°When Mugunghwa Flowers Bloom.¡±

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Kang Chan walked for about five more minutes.

    <em>The Mugunghwa flower</em>[1]<em> has bloomed!</em>

    Kang Chan whipped around, and the enemies lowered their stance and stopped moving. Only seventy meters stood between them now.

    <em>Ashes, ashes, we all fall down!</em>

    One by one, Kang Chan cataloged their spread-out positions and started walking again.

    The shadows gathered perfectly under the soles of his feet.

    He could feel Enzo¡¯s breathing getting weaker and the pain in his shoulder bing worse. Kang Chan¡¯s throat was so dry that he wanted to abandon Enzo now.

    Kang Chan hadn¡¯t felt any camaraderie with any of the other soldiers whom he had spent thest six months with. Now, under the African heat, he was carrying someone who had bummed two cigarettes from him.

    <em>The Mugunghwa flower has bloomed!</em>

    Kang Chan looked over his shoulder. His enemies had covered another ten meters.

    The bastards didn¡¯t even lower their stances anymore, making it clear that they were ready to pounce. With no obstacles in between them, he had no trouble reading their expressions from sixty meters away.

    If they became confident enough to dash forward and slit Kang Chan and Enzo¡¯s throats, they would do it. It was a stupid, ignorant, and dirty way to go about it.

    He couldn¡¯t understand why they had to risk their lives to follow him like this when they could have just shot them.

    The damn Mugunghwa flower would bloom once the enemies narrowed the distance by another ten minutes. Once it did, he would have to them if they were all going to fall down or not.

    ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    The dirt and foul odor tangled in his parched mouth, making it hard to swallow.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Now, it felt like his spine was being crushed too.

    ¡°Kang Channy.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Put me¡­ down¡­ and use me as a shield,¡± Enzo mumbled. He sounded sleepy¡ªdrowsy. ¡°And¡­ <em>Haa¡­ </em>Live.¡±

    ¡°Enzo.¡±

    ¡°Oui¡­¡±

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    <em>The Mugunghwa flower has bloomed!</em>

    Kang Chan turned around, finding the enemies only fifty meters away from them. If they could run a hundred in ten seconds, then they would reach Kang Chan and Enzo in five. If they ran a hundred in fourteen, then they would need seven.

    To survive, Kang Chan had to blow twenty people¡¯s heads off in seven seconds and hope the bay-wielding lunatics didn¡¯t start shooting.

    ¡°Cigarette?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Enzo didn¡¯t reply.

    Kang Chan reached into his top pocket and pulled out two cigarettes.

    The enemies were watching him. Kang Chan wondered how he was affording this rxedposure. However, when he thought that he was about to die anyway, he couldn¡¯t help but crave cigarettes.

    It was sad that he didn¡¯t miss his mom, dad, friends, or anyone else for that matter. Now he knew how mncholic it was to face the end of his life without longing to see anyone.

    Kang Chan swallowed the sadness and frustration and put two cigarettes in his mouth.

    <em>Clunk! Chk! Chhk!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    Grabbing a lit cigarette with his left hand and passing it behind him, Kang Chan took a deep drag on the other one he had been biting.

    Cowardice was the worst thing in the world for Kang Chan. He hated pushing people around by force. Otherwise, he would¡¯ve just run around with the bastards who had dropped out of school and lived off the money they¡¯d stolen from other students.

    Enzo moved his mouth to take the cigarette but identally put Kang Chan¡¯s finger in his mouth too.

    <em>Shit! My life has to end with such fucking dirty experiences. </em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    The enemies exchanged another nce, seemingly finding Kang Chan¡¯s demeanor suspicious. Every time they moved, their bays threw sharp shes of sunlight at him.

    Kang Chan took another long drag on his cigarette. He had been holding this stick in his mouth since the beginning, never touching it.

    <em>Tat! </em>

    The cigarette he put in Enzo¡¯s mouth fell next to Kang Chan¡¯s right leg.

    The smoke from the half-burnt cigarette wafted up Kang Chan¡¯s nose and stung his eyes, but he didn¡¯t care. Watching twenty people spread out in a crescent formation, their bays glinting in the sun¡­

    <em>Fuck this shit. </em>

    Kang Chan never asked to be a trust fund baby. He never wanted a congressman for a father or a university professor for a mother. If only they had patted him on the shoulder even if they were poor, even if things were hard¡­

    Kang Chan spat out the cigarette in his mouth. ¡°<em>Ptooey</em>!¡±

    Fifty meters. Five to seven seconds.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Kang Chan grabbed his rifle, and the enemies ducked low.

    The heat from the ground rose like a heat wave, and the lion cub red at the hyenas.

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    He could hear his breathing. More importantly, he could see the heads of his enemies better now.

    He wanted to kill them with only a painless bullet each. The bastards before him were also only doing this shit because someone had told them to. Neither Kang Chan nor his enemies had personal grudges against each other.

    If he had to kill and be killed on orders, he at least wanted it to be painless and done with just one bullet.

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    Listening to his breathing, Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    Just then, the enemies charged all at once.

    Their nking rifles and their pounding steps all seemed to be moving in slow motion, making it seem unrealistic to him.

    <em>Click! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan blew off the head of the enemy at the very right. He then continued to fire at them, sweeping his gun to the left.

    <em>Crazy motherfuckers!</em>

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    Those who had their heads blown off fell backward, the impact pushing them away. The rest continued to charge at him.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    He only had fifteen meters of distance left.

    If Kang Chan extended his arm, he¡¯d cut it down to fourteen meters, and if he counted the length of the bays, it would be another meter less.

    <em>Baang! Thud! Baang! Thud!</em>

    Ten meters.

    Kang Chan now had a clear view of their sunken faces and eyes, their dirty necks exposed through their loose tops, and the sharp des of their glinting bays.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    ¡°<em>Ahu Akbar</em>!¡±

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    One of them lunged forward, making it seem as if the space between them had shrunk.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even have time to pull the trigger.

    <em>ng!</em>

    The de mmed into Kang Chan¡¯s moving rifle.

    <em>Crash!</em>

    The enemy rushed at Kang Chan, and they fell to the ground together. Kang Chan didn¡¯t have the mind to worry about Enzo.

    Red, bloodshot eyes; ragged breathing; and the odor of an unwashed body!

    Using his left hand, Kang Chan gripped the right hand of the enemy and twisted it. He then grabbed his left hand, which was squeezing his neck, with his right hand.

    <em>Argh!</em>

    A scream escaped from his bony enemy¡¯s dry lips. ¡°<em>Aaaaaaah</em>!¡±

    The moment Kang Chan let go of this wrist, his head would roll on the ground.

    Fortunately, Enzo was behind him like a backrest, so Kang Chan¡¯s upper body wasn¡¯tpletely stretched back.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    The enemy exhibited great force as his left hand dug into Kang Chan¡¯s throat. No matter how hard Kang Chan twisted his wrist, he refused to let go.

    ¡°<em>Kragh</em>!¡± the enemy shrieked and put his weight on his right hand.

    Pinned down, Kang Chan became limited to keeping the enemy at bay with his left hand.

    When the enemy jerked his wrist downward, the gleaming dended near Kang Chan¡¯s ear.

    <em>You motherfucker! You should¡¯ve shot me to death instead! Why the hell did you have to force us into this situation?!</em>

    This time, it was Kang Chan who roared. ¡°<em>Aaaaaaggh</em>!¡±

    1. The Rose of Sharon is South Korea''s national flower ?

 Extra, Chapter 423: Toward the Other Side (3)

    <em>If I¡¯m going to die here anyway¡­!</em>

    Kang Chan gripped the ring finger of the man squeezing his neck. He then flipped it up, causing the bone inside to snap.

    <em>You motherfucker!</em>

    As the enemy flinched, Kang Chan grabbed the middle finger next.<em></em>

    <em>Flip! Crack!</em>

    ¡°<em>Kegh</em>!¡±

    The enemy groaned in pain, and his grip on Kang Chan¡¯s neck loosened.

    Aware that he would be done for if he missed this opportunity, Kang Chan twisted and brought down the enemy¡¯s right hand in front of his face and grabbed the back of the knife threatening to stab him.

    <em>Swish!</em>He then shoved it hard toward the enemy¡¯s throat.

    <em>Pow! Jab!</em>

    Along with a ghastly gasp, blood began to drip from the stab wound. A secondter, it gushed out like water escaping from a torn rubber hose.

    <em>Swoooosh!</em>

    Blood covered Kang Chan from his face down to his shoulders.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan shifted to the side, and the enemy fell to the ground. The man wriggled and shuddered convulsively.

    Though freed from his opponent, there was no way Kang Chan could get up with Enzo on his back. Hence, he unstrapped the rifle from his shoulder and lifted Enzo¡¯s booce-tied hands from around his neck as if he were removing a shirt.

    Enzo was already unconscious.

    Kang Chan raised his upper body and sat on the haunches of his legs. Afterward, he slowly looked around.

    The blood that had dripped down his nose stuck to his throat, giving off a foul odor.

    ¡°Damn it,¡± he cursed in Korean.

    Enemy corpsesy strewn about before him, those to his left closer to him than those to his right. There was also the man who had a grotesquely twisted bay in his throat.

    Kang Chan wiped his eyes with the back of his right arm and then raised his other arm to rub his face, but he ended up smearing the blood all over him instead.

    <em>Rustle, rustle. </em>

    Kang Chan wiped his palms on his thighs and reached into his pocket for a cigarette. Right now, it was the best thing he had that could help him eliminate the smell of blood and the lingering difort akin to the aftertaste of water in a rusted can.

    <em>Clunk. Hiss!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hooo.</em>¡±

    He could really use some ramyeon, soondae, twisted fish cakes on long sticks, shaved ice with lots of red and blue coloring, and mini kimbap right now.

    <em>Shit! I might as well eat pork cutlets and jjajangmyeon.</em><em>The prices are simr anyway. </em>

    ¡°Hoo!¡±

    <em>I wonder if I¡¯ll ever make a friend I¡¯d be willing to die for like that in my life. </em>

    If he survived the whole five years and got French citizenship and pension, maybe he could find a girl too¡­

    <em>Fuck that!</em>

    Bodiesy in front of him all lined up like billiard balls, yet he was thinking of foolish things.

    Kang Chan took a deep drag on his cigarette and stubbed the rest of it on the ground.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Afterward, he pushed himself off the floor.

    He couldn¡¯t afford to take his time anymore. After all, he didn¡¯t even know when enemy reinforcements would starting after him. He also had to rush the pale-faced Enzo back to the unit.

    <em>Shing!</em>

    Kang Chan picked up a bay and approached the dead enemies.

    If he wanted to survive this and return to the unit, he would have to strap a bay to his lower leg and right thigh. That way, if enemies ever pinned him again, he could draw them at a moment¡¯s notice.

    <em>It¡¯ll be easier if I have Enzo on top of that too¡­</em>

    However, he shook his head before he could cut off the cloth that his enemies wore as a skirt over their pants. Its material was so flimsy that pulling on it would probably tear it.

    Kang Chan disappointedly walked back and strapped two rifles diagonally across his shoulders, then another around his neck.

    These alone already weighed over ten kilograms.

    Kang Chan pulled Enzo¡¯s arms up to sit him on the ground, squatted down to face him, and then slipped Enzo¡¯s tied wrists around his neck as if he were wearing them.

    Next, he stuck his arms under Enzo¡¯s armpits and pushed himself up.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    After holding Enzo by the shoulders to keep him from falling, Kang Chan turned away and leaned forward, getting the man to lie on his back.

    <em>Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    He bounced Enzo up twice and then folded his legs around the rifles.

    Fortunately, Enzo likely didn¡¯t feel any pain since he was unconscious. Even if he did, this was a lot more humane than abandoning him here.

    <em>Clunk, clunk. </em>

    <em>Is this why they made us march thirty kilometers during training? Well, that aside, I wonder what those school dropouts are doing now.</em>

    They probably thought life was unfair. While they couldn¡¯t even get a good grade to save their lives, Kang Chan had¡­

    <em>Clunk, clunk. </em>

    The noise from the weapons hanging from him cut his train of thought, seemingly telling him that this wasn¡¯t the time to be concerned about others right now.

    Pain enveloped Kang Chan as he marched under the sun¡¯s brilliant re. His shoulders, back, and thighs felt as if they were going to be ripped apart.

    Sweat was dripping buckets down his back, and he felt incredibly thirsty.

    He wanted to rest. Just for a moment, he wanted to sit down to get the weight pulling down his spine off his shoulders. However, if he stopped now, he wasn¡¯t sure he could get Enzo back up again.

    Gritting his teeth, he pressed on.

    <em>This has to be why the training was mandatory. </em>

    Had he not endured a thirty-kilometer march during training before, he would likely be lying on the ground already.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan stopped walking and looked back.

    It didn¡¯t seem like anyone was following them yet.

    Why did the sun seem to shine in rays? He could remember learning about it in school, but he had forgotten everything about the lesson.

    Kang Chan repeatedly walked and turned around.

    ¡°Should I just kill him?¡± heined in Korean. ¡°It would be easier if I just leave him here.¡±

    It would haunt him for the rest of his life, though.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± he cursed amid heavy breaths.

    Usually, he walked exactly a meter with every step, but with Enzo on his back, he could only cover seventy-five centimeters. For every ten steps, he traveled seven meters and fifty centimeters, and for every hundred, seventy-five meters.

    The sun that had climbed over his head was now back at his forehead.

    In the morning, Kang Chan had ridden a truck to get to where the fucking sun was waking up, and now, he was trudging toward where it was setting.

    He didn¡¯t know how long he walked; he had long since stopped thinking and started moving mechanically.

    Eventually, Kang Chan found their lonely headquarters in the distance. He wasn¡¯t sure exactly when it came into view, but now that he had his goal in sight, the remaining distance felt terriblyrge.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    However, he couldn¡¯t stop now. Narrowing the gap by seventy-five centimeters at a time, Kang Chan moved forward.

    One hundred meters. Seventy meters. Fifty meters.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Thirty meters.

    Twenty.

    Ten.

    The barracks were finally right in front of him!

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    He thought this was the kind of thing where the soldiers should be standing out in front and apuding as he arrived.

    Kang Chan copsed to the ground in front of the tent at the center.

    He¡¯d feel bad if the fall hurt Enzo, but he had brought him all the way here instead of leaving him behind. To be frank, he was unconscious now anyway, so what did it matter?

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>! <em>Haah</em>!¡±

    A bit of the sun had already gone past the horizon.

    Kang Chan peeled the rifle straps off his shoulders, making him feel as if the weight of the world was being lifted off him.

    He felt so light that it seemed as though he could have soared into the sky at any moment if only he had the energy for it.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan forced himself to his feet and moved toward Enzo¡¯s quarters.

    <em>p!</em>

    He drew the curtains to the side, a musty odor greeting him.

    A field cot, a radio on the desk to the left, a machine gun next to it, a table to the right, and water and C-rations on top of it.

    Kang Chan first picked up the water.

    <em>Crinkle!</em>

    He opened the bottle and gulped it all down.

    <em>Holy fuck. Nothing could be sweeter than this. </em>

    Kang Chan grabbed two more bottles. While still downing the water, he walked toward Enzo.

    <em>Gulp, gulp. </em>

    The water dripped down his neck and chest, which felt just as refreshing.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan plopped down beside Enzo. Then, he grabbed his head, pulled him upright, and poured water on his face.

    <em>Pft. </em>

    When the water hit him, Enzo¡¯s face twitched.

    <em>Good. He¡¯s still alive.</em>

    ¡°Enzo! Enzo!¡±

    Perhaps it was the water or Kang Chan¡¯s voice, but Enzo¡¯s eyelids fluttered and opened by a hair¡¯s width.

    He struggled to swallow the water that Kang Chan was helping him drink.

    Kang Chan slipped his arm under Enzo¡¯s armpits and dragged him to his barracks. Then, finally, heid Enzo down on his bed.

    He couldn¡¯t wait to rest. He had to hurry up and finish what had to be done.

    Kang Chan grabbed the medicine box from the table to his right and poured some antiseptic on the bandages.

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>,¡± Enzo groaned.

    <em>This is nothingpared to your close encounter with death. Man up. </em>

    Next, Kang Chan untied the bandages from earlier. He never realized the human body festered so quickly.

    As thick pus dripped from between the pale flesh and onto the bandage, Kang Chan poured a generous amount of antiseptic onto the wound.

    ¡°<em>Urrrrgh</em>.¡±

    That one probably hurt a bit.

    Then, he sprayed and applied a hemostatic and some other medicines onto his legs.

    After wrapping it with some new bandages, Kang Chan found an IV drip pack at the bottom of a medicine box.

    Considering Enzo had lost a lot of blood, it would probably be nice to take something like that. Unfortunately, Kang Chan didn¡¯t know if he could just poke it into any visible vein or if it worked differently. He wasn¡¯t sure if it had spoiled in this weather either.

    ¡°Enzo! Can I put this in your vein? Enzo!¡±

    ¡°Where am I¡­?¡±

    ¡°Wake up! We just got back to the base! Can I use this?¡±

    Enzo looked around him before turning back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Radio first¡­¡± he mumbled, barely coherent. ¡°Left switch, Retreat, all men down, request backup.¡±

    It was a jumble of words, but Kang Chan got the idea.

    He stood up to pick up the radio.

    First, he flipped the red switch on the left side of the square device. Afterward, he pulled the transmitter up.

    ¡°This is Retreat! This is Retreat! Requesting support! I repeat! Requesting support!¡±

    <em>Is anyone actually listening to this?</em>

    Kang Chan repeated himself two more times.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    - Retreat! How many men are alive?

    Wind and chatter tinged the answer.

    ¡°Two. When is backuping?¡±

    - Understood, Retreat. Stand by.

    <em>What the fuck? Did they think I¡¯m Enzo? We¡¯re all dead and there¡¯s only two of us left! How can they end the radio call like they¡¯re saying they¡¯ll catch uster?</em>

    Kang Chan set the transmitter on the table and shifted again.

    ¡°What about the drip pack?¡±

    Enzo was silent now.

    If Enzo was going to die anyway, Kang Chan would feel less resentful if he at least died with an IV attached to him.

    Kang Chan hung the pack over the machine gun and attached a needle to the end of the tube.

    <em>I heard if air enters your heart, you die. Wonder if that¡¯s true.</em>

    He opened the regtor and let the drip fluid drain out. He then grabbed Enzo¡¯s arm and looked for a vein. Fortunately, his veins looked like they were on an anatomical diagram, which made them easy to see.

    <em>Stab!</em>

    <em>Oops. Guess the angle is important. </em>

    <em>Stab! </em>

    <em>Huh?</em>

    <em>Stab!</em>

    The third poke looked somewhat better. Well, he¡¯d seen something like it before.

    Kang Chan secured the needle with a bandage and opened the regtor.

    <em>Drip! Drip! Drip! Drip!</em>

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>!¡±

    Now, he had to eat something.

    Kang Chan picked up two C-rations from the table and walked over to Enzo.

    He first opened the condensed milk and poured some into Enzo¡¯s mouth. Kang Chan¡¯s mouth watered as the sweet smell tickled his nose, but he still fed Enzo the entire pack of condensed milk.

    Enzo looked like he was sleeping. If he woke up, he¡¯d probably say that he had condensed milk in his dream.

    Needing a moment¡¯s break, Kang Chan went outside, sat down at the table not obscured by anything, and began to eat the C-rations.

    His fingernails were stained ck with the blood of the enemy.

    <em>Fuck!</em>

    He had just blown someone¡¯s head off and slit someone¡¯s throat, yet he was now shoveling food down his throat to keep himself alive!

    <em>Crunch, crunch. </em>

    Still, it was important to eat.

    Kang Chan finished two whole C-rations and swigged a bottle of water again. His stomach was full, and he was starting to fall asleep.

    That much was understandable, though. He <em>did </em>walk<em></em>for over two hours carrying that bulk of a guy.

    He wanted to sleep.

    However, he didn¡¯t know when those lunatics woulde dashing at them with bays again.

    Kang Chan had survived twenty-four hours out of forty-eight. He¡¯d heard all the men before him had been killed, so he wondered what Enzo was thinking when he was left here all alone and whenever he had to lead the reinforcements to Point Alpha again.

    Enzo had told him to run away and that he would just report Kang Chan as a battle casualty.

    That had to have been because Enzo knew something.

    After letting out a long sigh, Kang Chan took a cigarette from his breast pocket and put it in his mouth.

    <em>Clunk! Hiss!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    What kind of calm response was that to a report saying everyone else had died and only two survived?

    Were they supposed to just pretend to steal something? At the cost of the death of new recruits?

    Kang Chan tilted his head and looked back at the path he¡¯d taken.

    The fact that they hadn¡¯t set up a guard on the first night had to have been because they were confident that the enemy would never touch this ce.

    Kang Chan scanned the barracks fiercely.

    Did that man know something?

    Thought after thought led to another.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    As he watched the cigarette smoke drift over the African soil, he cut his endless train of thought.

    Based on his reflection of what had happened until now, he thought he could let down his guard a bit. If so, that meant he had time for another C-ration.

 Extra, Chapter 424: Then Die! (1)

    The sun hung at the back of Kang Chan¡¯s head, seemingly begging him to share a C-ration.

    He was so tired that he could fall asleep in no time. However, he wasn¡¯t in training camp anymore.

    If he rxed just because he had finished marching, his head coulde right off.

    Kang Chan set three rifles on the table and checked the magazines. Afterward, he hung his bay next to his pistol at his waist.

    <em>How many did I kill? Is it okay for me to be so nonchnt about it?</em>

    As he thought about all the lives he had taken, he was preparing to take even more.

    To kill or to be killed. It was obvious which one he¡¯d choose.

    <em>I¡¯m going to survive even if that means killing like crazy. </em>

    Kang Chan went into Enzo¡¯s barracks and searched for any extra ammunition he could have. Fortunately, he found boxes of it. He would have probably tackled this situation differently had Enzo been up and fighting with him. However, since he had to fight alone, he needed more than just a machine to avoid certain death.

    The enemies had spread out to chase after him earlier in the day. If they formed a circle around this base and came right at him, he¡¯d have to keep spinning around to kill them. Doing so would make him a perfect target since the machine gun was stationary.

    After finishing all the preparations, His questions from earlier popped into his mind again.

    <em>Why are they insisting on maintaining this base? Why would they sacrifice twenty men for this stupid mission?</em>

    What was even stranger was the enemies¡¯ response. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t understand why they would charge at him with bays when they had RPGs at the ready.

    Was it for revenge? For show?

    That was ridiculous. If all they needed was a head, why couldn¡¯t they just riddle his body and heart with bullet holes and then hack off his intact head? It wasn¡¯t like they needed clean flesh.

    <em>Fuck! </em>

    <em>Thinking about it was starting to hurt his head</em>.

    Kang Chan nced sharply back at the path that he had taken earlier.

    Now closer to the horizon, the sun spat out even more red, reminding him of the blood that had been shed during the day. The shapes of his enemies, shot in the head and sent falling backward, blurred before the setting sun.

    He had reached Africa by way of France.

    It sounded like a nice trip, but Kang Chan had killed people here.

    He seemed to have gotten used to the smell of thend at some point, though. For as long as the wind didn¡¯t blow, he didn¡¯t even notice it now.

    <em>I wonder. </em>

    What would he be liketer tonight? What about seventy-two hours from now? What about in a month, a year, and at the end of his mandatory service?

    He could return with fancy new citizenship, or he could end up like the bastards who had died today, basking in the blood-red sunset and the wind, smelling like Africa.

    In times like these, cigarettes were the greatestfort.

    Kang Chan put one in his mouth.

    <em>Clunk! Hisss!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    Holding the cigarette in his hand, Kang Chan closed his eyes for a moment to fight off his exhaustion.

    ***

    Summer of 2011.

    Heo Eun-Sil, dressed in a ck training uniform, walked to the edge of a 12-meter-high watchtower.

    ¡°Number 35, Heo Eun-Sil, ready to drop!¡± she shouted.

    <em>Clunk, clunk. </em>

    The assistant training instructor pulled the rope attached to Heo Eun-Sil.

    She was wearing a harness that wrapped around her upper body, waist, and thighs. A rope was attached to it just above her hips, keeping her hooked to a pulley.

    Before her was a twelve-meter drop, the height at which humans were said to be most afraid.

    Heo Eun-Sil gritted her teeth every time the assistant instructor pulled and shook the harness.

    ¡°Are you ready?¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± she responded at the top of her lungs, but there was no strength in her voice.

    Heo Eun-Sil realized her mistake toote.

    ¡°Do you not want to jump, Trainee?¡± the assistant instructor asked sarcastically.

    ¡°I do, ma¡¯am!¡±

    Another moment of silence passed.

    Her fellow cadets waiting behind her and below the watchtower watched on nervously.

    ¡°Heo Eun-Sil!¡±

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, yes, ma¡¯am!¡± Heo Eun-Sil answered loudly, her throat seemingly about to be torn apart.

    ¡°Heo Eun-Sil.¡±

    ¡°Ma¡¯am!¡± she vehemently responded.

    As if to taunt her, the mountains in front of the watchtower echoed her answers.

    ¡°Can you pass with flying colors?¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡±

    The assistant instructor once again grabbed Heo Eun-Sil by the back of her waist and shook her.

    <em>I¡¯ll just die if something goes wrong anyway! There are things worse than death here!</em>

    Heo Eun-Sil gritted her teeth and looked ahead.

    ¡°Jump!¡± the assistant instructor ordered.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am! Jumping!¡±

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Heo Eun-Sil threw herself off the watchtower. As soon as she lifted off the ground, she started gliding toward the pulley thirty meters in front of her.

    <em>Swiiiish!</em>

    Heo Eun-Sil raised her arms and legs as she fought against the wind whistling into her eyes. She had been taught to keep her head facing forward, but her body kept twisting away and toward the rope.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    She was rushing toward the safety barrier in front of her at a frightening speed.

    She had to get into position andnd on the ground once she had slowed down. Unfortunately, her body wouldn¡¯t listen to her.

    <em>Boom!</em>

    Heo Eun-Sil mmed into the safety barrier with her left shoulder and squirmed. The instructor and assistant instructor dashed over, grabbed her, and untied the rope behind her back.

    ¡°End of descent!¡± Heo Eun-Sil announced, forcing herself into position as she stood before the instructor.

    ¡°What did I say would happen if you were to lose your center in a high-altitude glide?¡±

    ¡°Your body keeps spinning like a log, ma¡¯am!¡±

    ¡°If you fall like that at 25,000 feet, we won¡¯t even be able to find one of your ears, do you understand?¡±

    ¡°I will make changes ordingly, ma¡¯am!¡±

    The instructor pushed her index finger against Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s forehead. ¡°Make changes, my ass. You¡¯re going to be all blown up and gone by that point!¡±

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, yes, ma¡¯am!¡±

    The red-bereted instructor shoved her face in front of Heo Eun-Sil. ¡°Do you think we will only deal with women because we¡¯re female soldiers?!¡±

    ¡°No, ma¡¯am!¡±

    To her, Heo Eun-Sil was still a young child. She was still wet behind the ears, just having graduated from high school. Others came here with the fourth dan of martial arts mastered, while she had only learned up to the first dan. Still, she knew how to fight in close quarters, which was bizarre.

    The instructor looked her straight in the eye.

    What was ironic was that this little girl had the most venomous eyes in the entire ss of cadets.

    The instructor nodded and slowly straightened up.

    ¡°You have two more chances. If you fail to get into position, you¡¯re done.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡±

    Heo Eun-Sil hurriedly clunked away.

    <em>She¡¯s not even that big. </em>

    Lieutenant Lim Mi-Ok of the 606 Special Operations Training Unit watched Heo Eun-Sil as she left.

    Most kids who had just graduated from high school wouldn¡¯tst three months in training. They often ended up leaving or crying and whining.

    However, although Heo Eun-Sil¡¯s eyes sometimes turned red, she never cried.

    Some would say it was probably because she was a fierce child, but in truth, it was because she always swallowed the tears back.

    That was what Lim Mi-Ok couldn¡¯t understand. What could have made such a young kid so keen?

    Lim Mi-Ok shook her head and looked up at the watchtower. They had to get on with the training.

    ***

    Summer of 1998.

    Although the sky had not gonepletely dark yet, stars were already scattered across its vast surface. It was as if a pack of silver-beaded mouth fresheners had been identally ripped open.

    Kang Chan stood up from the table and walked into the tent where Enzo was.

    The drip pack was now deted like a balloon, already drained of its contents.

    <em>Might as well put another one in.</em>

    Kang Chan pulled out another pack.

    <em>How do I rece it?</em>

    Kang Chan picked up the end of the IV and examined it.

    ¡°Pull me up,¡± Enzo suddenly said, making Kang Chan nce back in surprise.

    The pale-faced man¡¯s eyes were wide open.

    Kang Chan set the pack on the table, grabbed Enzo by the shoulders, and pulled him upright.

    Enzo supported himself with his arms behind him and looked around the tent.

    ¡°Any word from HQ?¡±

    ¡°All they said was to stand by.¡±

    Enzo noddedboriously.

    ¡°Got a cigarette?¡±

    Kang Chan pulled out a pack from his breast pocket. They only had three left now.

    After putting one in Enzo¡¯s mouth, Kang Chan lit it up for him.

    ¡°What about the bastards chasing after us?¡± Enzo asked.

    ¡°There were about twenty of them, but they just came at us with bays,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    ¡°That¡¯s mad shit. You dealt with them by yourself and carried me all the way here?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded.

    Enzo tossed his finished cigarette to the ground, and Kang Chan stubbed it out.

    The heat of the barracks gripped onto the cigarette smoke and stagnated inside.

    ¡°How long have you been here, sir?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    ¡°Three months.¡±

    ¡°And the enemies never once attacked this ce?¡±

    Enzo¡¯s eyes shed in the darkness. Just then, they heard engines rumbling in the distance.

    <em>Damn it, what timing!</em>

    ¡°Morphine!¡± Enzo shouted.

    Kang Chan jumped to his feet and opened the medicine box.

    He handed Enzo the morphine, and Enzo quickly stuck it near his right buttock and thigh.

    ¡°One more.¡±

    That was dangerous. However, it was a hard order to refuse.

    Enzo stuck the second dose of morphine near his left buttock.

    ¡°Pull that string over there!¡±

    It was so dark that Kang Chan couldn¡¯t see properly, but he trusted Enzo and went to look for it. Walking over to the corner, he saw a twisted, dangling string.

    He gave it a gentle tug, finding it surprisingly tied tightly.

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    Kang Chan pulled harder this time.

    <em>Flutter!</em>

    The cloth draped around them like the opening curtains of a stage fell to the ground.

    <em>Rumble!</em>

    With their surroundings now in full view, the engine noises came straight toward Kang Chan and Enzo.

    ¡°The machine gun!¡± Enzo shouted firmly.

    Kang Chan dragged the pedestal and moved the machine gun to Enzo¡¯s bedside.

    <em>Clunk!</em>

    Enzo pulled thetch and looked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°Pull the straps on all the barracks over there too!¡±

    Moving quickly, Kang Chan pulled the strings of the barracks and then grabbed the three rifles and ammo boxes that he had left on the table. Afterward, he went back to Enzo¡¯s side.

    <em>tter! Click!</em>

    As Kang Chan checked the magazines and pulled the breech blocks, the moonlight turned the world yellow.

    It was too bright. So bright that he could make out the outline of the approaching trucks in the distance.

    ¡°There has to be a mine here,¡± Enzo said quietly, his arms over the machine gun. ¡°This has got to be a battle over vested interests. While they sent in troops to sacrifice, they were keeping other people from iming dibs on this mine.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to just take it by force then?¡±

    ¡°This fight would¡¯ve been long over if we knew why we couldn¡¯t do that.¡± Enzo gritted his teeth, still looking like a dead man. ¡°If ites down to it, you better fucking die. If those bastards get to drag you away alive¡­¡±

    Kang Chan smirked, but Enzo didn¡¯t reciprocate.

    ¡°Can I have onest cigarette?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Finally, Enzo smirked. ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    Kang Chan pulled out the remaining two cigarettes. He handed one to Enzo first and lit it up.

    The flickering me of the lighter shed in Enzo¡¯s eyes as it ignited the end of the cigarette in Kang Chan¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    The truck was getting closer.

    ¡°Do you know why they left this ce alone until now?¡±

    Enzo didn¡¯t answer. His expression darkened as the moonlit cigarette smoke disappeared into the silver-tinted world.

    Kang Chan dropped the cigarette on the floor and stomped on it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you if we get out alive,¡± Enzo said.

    <em>So he does know something. That has to be how he has managed to stay alive until now. </em>

    Three trucks drew closer from the distance, interrupting Kang Chan¡¯s thoughts.

    He wondered how many trucks were hiding between these shallow hills for them toe crawling out now.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan aimed at the driver¡¯s seat of one of the oing trucks. The moonlight was bright enough to give him a clear shot at the windshield.

    <em>It¡¯s been a long, long day. </em>

    A gunshot cut through the roar of the engine.

    <em>Bang!</em>

    Another truck lost speed and swerved.

    <em>Bang!</em>

    Finally, Kang Chan shot through the cab of the third truck. He then witnessed the ck outline of a man urgently leaping out.

    <em>Crazy bastards!</em>

    It looked cool to jump with the moonlight glowing behind him, but what did that matter when they were throwing away their lives with bays? How could they put their pride above their lives

    <em>Then die! I¡¯ll make it as painless as possible. </em>

    Kang Chan stood straight and began opening fire.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    With each shot he took, enemies dropped like flies.

 Extra, Chapter 425: Then Die! (2)

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t count how many enemies were squeezing out of the three trucks, but there had to be at least twenty people per truck.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>You motherfuckers! If you want to die so fucking badly, then be my guest! </em>

    Strangely, the more he pulled the trigger, the more venomous he felt. To see his enemies throw away their lives so flippantly made him furious. How could they lunge at him in the bright moonlight just to have a shot at slitting his throat with their gleaming des?

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan killed one enemy after another, sending them falling backward with every pull of the trigger.

    ***

    Enzo stood with his hand on the machine gun, staring at Kang Chan in amazement.

    They were well over a hundred meters away from their opponents. Firing the three-kilogram FAMAS rifle in a standing position from here was no easy feat. And yet, here Kang Chan was, picking off enemies one at a time with pinpoint uracy.

    Although he was Asian, since North Koreans were not allowed to join the Foreign Legion, he had to havee from South Korea.

    Even a sniper couldn¡¯t keep shooting from that position. Enzo had never seen a monster like Kang Chan in his four years at the Foreign Legion. A man like him either died early or became a longtime legend. There was no in-between.

    <em>tter!</em>

    Kang Chan dropped a magazine, grabbed the one hanging from his waist, and mmed it in. He didn¡¯t even look at what he was doing or put his rifle down.

    <em>nk!</em>

    Right after, he resumed firing with machine-like precision.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan fired four more shots and then stared ahead. The enemies had taken cover, making it difficult to shoot them.

    <em>Look at those piercing eyes. Have I ever seen a soldier with such a fierce re before?</em>

    Enzo wanted to save him. He didn¡¯t want to leave such a man lying on African soil as a decapitated or mutted corpse.

    ***

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how many he killed. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t add more to his kill count since their enemies were now sprawled on the ground.

    He nced at Enzo, finding the man staring at him with a dazed look.

    <em>Did the two doses of morphine make him too high?</em>

    Amid the battle, the radio suddenly crackled.

    <em>Chhk!</em>

    ¡°Retreat! Prepare for a rebel incursion! I repeat, prepare for rebel incursion!¡±

    <em>They must be mad. It¡¯s like they¡¯re trying to sell tickets for a bus that already left. </em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze at Enzo turned nk.

    ¡°That means we failed to negotiate with them. Rescue will probablye tomorrow morning.¡±

    Kang Chan looked back ahead. Their enemies still refused to get back on their feet.

    <em>I guess no one in their right mind would stand up and walk over knowing their heads would explode. Their forearms would be pretty sore if they were to crawl all the way to our position, though. </em>

    ¡°Are they not going to stay like that until this all ends?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s up to them. You¡¯ve killed about twenty, but there¡¯s still no knowing what the remaining forty will decide to do. Now, stop acting like you¡¯re the shit and get down low,¡± Enzo ordered.

    <em>There are so many nicer ways to say that. </em>

    For now, Kang Chan obediently took cover behind the table where the C-rations had been.

    ¡°HQ had to have made an agreement with them, but it was broken just a while ago. That¡¯s likely why the rebels showed up here.¡±

    Under the pale moonlight, the pale-faced Enzo looked as if he was telling a good war story.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯d like toe here and slit my throat. As for you, they¡¯d probably take you alive, mess you up, and then kill you.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked in response, yet Enzo¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change.

    ¡°In thest three months, the biggest group I¡¯ve seen consisted of around a hundred and fifty men. How many did you kill during the day?¡± he asked.

    ¡°The ones that got off the truck, plus the ones that chased us afterward¡­¡± Kang Chan trailed off.

    ¡°You must¡¯ve not done well in school. How many of them chased after us?¡±

    ¡°About twenty.¡±

    ¡°So roughly thirty back there and sixty here. How many is that?¡±

    <em>And you¡¯re saying I didn¡¯t do well in school?</em>

    ¡°Ny, sir.¡±

    Enzo nced at Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to make eye contact with him, so he just looked back at the trucks. Under the moonlight, somewhere in front of the three trucks, the enemies were crawling over.

    One of them was foolish enough to move their bay wrong, causing it to reflect the moonlight.

    The glint came from about eighty meters away.

    ¡°HQ was probably pressuring the rebels, thinking there¡¯s something in the hills. It would be inconvenient for them to take it now since they have to finalize negotiations with the South Africans,¡± Enzo exined.

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying they¡¯ve just been pressuring the rebels with the sacrifices of the soldiers?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but that ends today.¡±

    ¡°How did the rebels find out about that ande all the way here?¡±

    ¡°That means someone in the rebel army is in touch with the South African government. HQ negotiated with South Africa, it fell through, and the information was passed onto the rebels,¡± Enzo answered.

    As the enemies slowly inched over, the bright moonlight asionally hit their bays, the momentary glint revealing their position.

    Kang Chan could feel death silently approaching.

    Enzo, who was starting to look like a dead man, was talking in a low voice, but it seemed he was just beating around the bush to say that negotiations had broken down and information had been leaked.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>! Anyhow, we¡¯re gonna have to kill those bastards.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Enzo¡¯s smile made him look like a ghost.

    ¡°You¡¯re really not afraid in this situation? Even with so many enemiesing at us?¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head and looked again in the direction of their enemies.

    Was he scared of them approaching?

    Were they any different from the bastards who hade at him with pieces of wood, chains, steel pipes, and damned paper knives?

    Kang Chan supposed the des were a bit bigger and smirked.

    He wondered if they would also ask for his protection if he beat them up.

    ***

    ¡°We¡¯ll drag him out by our hands, and he¡¯ll receive some TLC from my subordinates all night long!¡± Abdul Janele shouted into his transmitter. ¡°And then I¡¯m going to hang him up, so why don¡¯t we talk again after that?¡±¡¯

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°It¡¯s just Enzo and a new recruit there! We didn¡¯t lie during our negotiations!¡±

    ¡°The man has the skill of a god of death! How can a mere recruit pierce their target¡¯s forehead with such precision from over a hundred meters?¡±

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°If we really wanted to, we would¡¯ve sent the 13th regiment¡¯s special forces! So stop trying to deceive us!¡±

    ¡°Even though he¡¯s a god of death, we will still slit his throat! If you provoke us further, France will never get the Eye of Ndulele!¡±

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°I repeat! If you invade the headquarters, we will have no choice but to send the 13th regiment¡¯s special forces.¡±

    ¡°Then your dearest special forces will find his head!¡±

    With a scoff, Abdul mmed down the transmitter on his desk and turned the radio off.

    He turned around to two men with AKs.

    ¡°I need a clean body and head. Do you hear me?¡±

    ¡°We will bring it to you, sir.¡±

    Pulling a dirty rag from his waistband, Abdul Janele wiped his face as if washing it.

    ¡°A new recruit? Bullshit! Those motherfuckers are desperate for an excuse.¡±

    Abdul Janele shook his head and smiled cruelly.

    The French DGSE was scary, that was for sure. Even with all their resources blocked off, they had managed to put a god of death among their chicks.

    More importantly, though, Abdul was now certain thanks to the conversation that they hadn¡¯t discovered the Eye of Ndulele yet.

    However, they had to have realized that they were on the verge of finding it, which was why they had sent a terrifying recruit.

    The great god was on Abdul Janele¡¯s side.

    If the Foreign Legion troops hade before they discovered the god of death, what would¡¯ve happened?

    However, the morning they came in, their men found the Eye of Nduele. Naturally, they opened fire with RPGs to stop them, which was no different from a stroke of luck for Abdul Janele.

    How could someone kill twenty men while escaping with a wounded person on his back?

    Abdul Janele, who was familiar with the Foreign Legion, thought of who it could be.

    Why didn¡¯t they shoot at such a terrifying enemy?

    Abdul Janele drew a wicked smile.

    <em>¡®Because he¡¯s the god of death.¡¯</em>

    ***

    An enemy¡¯s de shed again. They were only fifty meters ahead now.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you asking me to man the machine gun?¡± Enzo questioned.

    ¡°They¡¯re probably holding back from shooting us because they want our heads. Considering they¡¯re still quite a distance away, there¡¯s no need to provoke them into thinking otherwise,¡± Kang Chan responded.

    Enzo looked at Kang Chan with an unreadable gaze.

    ¡°On top of that, if you start shooting now, you¡¯re going to illuminate their targets for them,¡± Kang Chan added. He felt as if he was being tested, and frankly, he didn¡¯t like it.

    ¡°So we¡¯ll just wait for them toe at us?¡± Enzo asked again.

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze flicked to where the enemy was. ¡°Once they¡¯re only thirty meters away, they¡¯ll stall for time for us to abandon this ce. Maybe a few areing from the side now, though. We¡¯ve got¡­ ten minutes.¡±

    Kang Chan sat down on a wooden crate on the floor and looked at Enzo.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why they want our heads so badly, but we¡¯ll have to kill them to end this dirty fight, won¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not toote. Why don¡¯t you¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like one thing,¡± Kang Chan cut off Enzo, who looked like he had aged a decade in a day. ¡°I hope you tell me everything before the enemy reaches us. We have about eight minutes left now.¡±

    Enzo remained quiet as he red at Kang Chan fiercely.

    In this world of sticky darkness and cold moonlight, the stars strangely whispered of hope. However, they would all shine upon death sooner orter.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t one to avoid a re. Otherwise, he would have already been discouraged and kicked out of the training center. He¡¯d be wandering the back alleys right now or fighting in the streets of Korea.

    Still, though he wasn¡¯t afraid of Enzo¡¯s gaze, Kang Chan turned away. He didn¡¯t want to confirm that the man was hiding something before they met their end.

    Enzo hadn¡¯t requested to be saved.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t want to ask Enzo to confess what he was hiding just because Kang Chan had carried him all the way here. However, he hoped Enzo would tell him if he knew anything about this stupid situation so that Kang Chan would at least have an idea of how the bastards would act.

    Kang Chan cleared his throat. At times like these, a cigarette was the only thing that could make him feel better.

    ¡°My mission was to transport the new recruits to Point Alpha,¡± Enzo said, his words creeping toward Kang Chan like darkness descending on the ground. ¡°They hadn¡¯t attacked us with trucks in three months. I thought this time would be no different.¡±

    ¡°You told me to follow you around.¡±

    ¡°I was going to take you to check out Point Beta.¡±

    ¡°And after that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯de back here.¡±

    Enzo was looking at the shells of the machine gun.

    ¡°So I sent the wrong message. There was only supposed to be one person here, but I said there were two,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Enzo didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°We have about three minutes left.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all I know. I just liked the look in your eye, and you were the youngest Foreign Legion member I¡¯ve ever met. I was just pulled to you.¡± Enzo looked up sharply. ¡°Though in the end, you saved my life.¡±

    ¡°That leaves me with two questions. Why won¡¯t those idiots shoot until the end, and why did they break the order that worked well until now?¡± Kang Chan wondered. He didn¡¯t ask the questions expecting an answer, and Enzo didn¡¯t reply either.

    <em>sh!</em>

    Just then, a de shed in the distance.

    <em>Careless idiots. If you insist on surrounding us thiste at night, you should at least make full use of the darkness. </em>

    <em>nk. </em>

    Kang Chan set his rifle on his knee and checked the magazine.

    <em>Click!</em>

    The sound of the magazine being reinserted shattered the silence of the night. It was loud enough for the creeping enemies to hear.

    ¡°Enzo.¡±

    Time was running out.

    ¡°We¡¯re up against forty, but let¡¯s not get ourselves killed out of stupidity. I¡¯ll fight as best as I can.¡±

    Enzo smirked.

    He probably thought it was a cool smile, but to Kang Chan, it just made him look like something out of a horror movie.

 Extra, Chapter 426: A Soldier Disguised as a Monster (1)

    A three-story building on the outskirts of Pretoria, South Africa.

    On the outside, the establishment looked nothing more than a ramshackle corn tradingpany, but inside, it had a state-of-the-art basement and five special agents standing by in an office on the second floor.

    Pierre Raon, the head of the DGSE¡¯s South African branch, offered a cigarette to the soldier sitting across from him.

    ¡°Shan, I¡¯m sorry we had to sacrifice so many men, but this kind of response isn¡¯t eptable.¡±

    ¡°A new recruit rescued Enzo from the rebels Abdul Janele was leading. Thetest report states they¡¯re still alive,¡± Shan stated. His eyes were already ferocious when he walked in earlier. ¡°Tell me why you sent such a man out of nowhere.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t know anything about him either. All we know is that the new Asian recruit¡¯s actions made a mess of things.¡±

    ¡°If Negah¡¯s training is so good, they should just close all the other training centers and only operate that one.¡± Shan¡¯s narrow eyes shed as he expressed his displeasure. ¡°I know the DGSE is in touch with Abdul Janele. You better tell me what the Eye of Ndulele, or whatever it¡¯s called, is.¡±

    Pierre Raon just looked like a pudgy-cheeked officer worker, but he didn¡¯t break eye contact.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you somewhere else if you want,¡± he said. ¡°<em>Hmph. </em>The dust I¡¯ve inhaled on the battlefields of Africa could fill this office. If this is how the DGSE is going to act, then I¡¯m going to do things my way too.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just a soldier. Don¡¯t forget your ce.¡±

    ¡°I can always just take my uniform off. Countless countries and organizations in Africa want me.¡±

    Neither of the two men gave any concessions. As they looked each other in the eye, the lights of cars passing in front of the building shed through the window.

    ¡°Shan, these are orders from the DGSE,¡± Pierre said.

    The corners of Shan¡¯s eyes twitched. ¡°The Eye of Ndueles are ckheads, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    Pierre¡¯s eyes twitched too. ¡°You know what happens when you provoke the DGSE.¡±

    His retort made Shan hesitate for a moment.

    ¡°Killing Abdul Janele puts us in an awkward situation, but we can¡¯t let him get out of that ce either,¡± he added. ¡°The sacrifices of the men are unjust, but it¡¯s all for the glory of France.¡±

    ¡°Why on earth did you sacrifice so many soldiers? ckheads are rare, but I¡¯m sure the DGSE could obtain them easily.¡±

    Pierre leaned back in his chair looking exhausted.

    ¡°All orders from the DGSE are issued for the glory of France,¡± he muttered, reciting the DGSE¡¯s second of its fivemandments to himself. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t waste our time thinking about this. Both you and I are mere chess pieces that have to move ording to orders anyway. Let¡¯s just go over what we know.¡±

    Pierre nced at the stairs that led to the second floor.

    ¡°The DGSE wants a ckhead that only Abdul Janele knows the location of. They seem to be in contact with him, yet they¡¯re also ordering me and you to pressure him.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s take over that area,¡± Shan suggested. ¡°If we send the troops we have on standby, we can have it cleared out in a day.¡±

    ¡°What about the Eye of Ndulele?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s somewhere under where his base is. It could¡¯ve even been smuggled out already.¡±

    Pierre shook his head. ¡°Abdul definitely found it. That¡¯s why he shot the men with RPGs yesterday.¡±

    ¡°All the more reason to kick his ass, then.¡±

    ¡°The DGSE won¡¯t allow it.¡±

    Shan cocked his head and sighed, then brought his gaze back up. ¡°Tell me one thing, then. What is the identity of that recruit?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t know either, Shan! All we know is that his rampage has thrown the DGSE, the bureau, you, and even Abdul Janele into thisplicated mess!¡± Pierre snarled like a wounded wolf.

    ¡°And the rescue squad?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°Then Abdul Janele will take care of him tonight.¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡±

    Their ominous conversation went on for some time.

    ***

    People naturally cursed when they were forced to watch a bunch of tediousmercials and boring trailers but the movie still didn¡¯t start.

    <em>Those motherfuckers!</em>

    Thirty meters away from their barracks, the enemies remained unmoving, forcing Kang Chan to keep his rifle aimed at them. He would have already rushed them and shot at them with the machine gun had they been all bunched up, but they were lying on the ground in a circle like they were ying a game of hot potato.

    Enzo, who still looked like a dead man, was clinging to the machine gun, and Kang Chan sat on the floor in front of the table a few feet away.

    Was it dangerous? He was close to the table, and a desk covered his back. To his left was Enzo¡¯s bed, and the table from the main barracks covered him on the right. He didn¡¯t really require any more cover.

    The moon was so bright that it revealed their positions. Hence, if they opened fire now, their enemies could easily focus fire on them. Had it been a dark night, Kang Chan could have safely aimed for their heads.

    Even so, he still had to do something.

    <em>Shit!</em>

    There was a four-letter Korean phrase for this. Enzo didn¡¯t understand Korean, though, so Kang Chan just shook his head.

    Amid the clusters of stars in the sky, the full moon shone in the sky like antern underwater.

    Kang Chan was fucking exhausted.

    He wanted to stop caring about who would win and start shooting just so they could finally put an end to this confrontation.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze flicked to Enzo moving the machine gun. Then, he shook his head briefly.

    Shooting their enemies now would increase the odds that their enemies would start shooting as well. They would definitely target Enzo too.

    The twomunicated with their gazes more urately than words.

    <em>¡®It¡¯s better that I be the target. Something¡¯s not right about this.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Like I said, don¡¯t do stupid shit that¡¯ll get you killed!¡¯</em>

    Enzo was right, though. Something did seem odd about all this.

    However, at the end of this confrontation, someone would be dead on the ground anyway. At the moment, there was no point shooting at the enemies with the machine gun over mere suspicions. The enemies weren¡¯t sleeping on the ground ahead of them.

    <em>Fine! If this is what you want¡­</em>

    Kang Chan dropped to the floor and moved to the right side of the table. He then slowly looked around.

    This part of Africa looked mncholic. He couldn¡¯t help but pity the enemies on the ground, waiting for instructions under the bright fucking moonlight.

    Kang Chan spent the next hour memorizing everything. If he had studied with this level of determination, he probably would¡¯vee to France on a schrship, not to be a mercenary.

    ¡°Enzo,¡± he whispered, leaning away from the table. ¡°Don¡¯t make a sound. Get down on the floor.¡±

    Enzo looked at Kang Chan as if asking what he was nning now.

    ¡°I¡¯m too dumb to remember. Just hurry it up,¡± Kang Chan urged.

    Enzo appeared to be confused, but he didn¡¯t refuse. He was going to die smelling rotten anyway, so what did it matter?

    Enzo lowered his arms under the bed and tilted his upper body like a crocodile entering water. However, his legs wouldn¡¯t budge.

    Gritting his teeth, he reached out and grabbed the bandage on his left leg.

    ¡°<em>Kugh</em>,¡± he cried pitifully.

    <em>Thud.</em>

    After setting his left leg on the floor, Enzo let out a series of sobbing breaths. Now that he had felt the terrible pain that was to follow, he couldn¡¯t easily move his right leg.

    Unfortunately, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help him either. The enemy hadn¡¯t fired a shot so far, but that didn¡¯t mean that he could just abandon his post. Otherwise, everything could end in the blink of an eye.

    Enzo grabbed the bandages on his other leg.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>.¡±

    Swallowing a groan of pain, he yanked his leg free and fell to the floor.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know if Enzo had figured out his n, but he had gotten down on the ground like Kang Chan asked.

    Amid Enzo¡¯s ragged breathing, Kang Chan thought back to the things that he had memorized over the past hour.

    <em>How did I even get this kind of idea? Is there someone out there who has the same skill as I do?</em>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know the answer to that. However, this seemed like the best he could do in this situation.

    With his left hand, he checked the 30-round magazines at his waist.

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    Listening to his breathing, he then slowly looked around. He took onest look at the position of his enemies, who were lying t on their stomachs under the bright moonlight.

    He could probably get a better aim if he hooked a bipod to the front of the rifle and steadied it on the ground, but this was still worth a shot.

    <em>¡®One, two!¡¯</em>

    <em>Click!</em>

    Raising his knees from the sitting position on the floor, Kang Chan aimed the rifle in a single bound.

    He then turned as precisely as a cog in a machine and pulled the trigger in rapid session, never even pausing for breath.

    <em>Bang! Swish! Bang! Swish! Bang! Swish! Bang!</em>

    The recoil hit his shoulder, and the smell of gunpowder wafted into his nostrils.

    With each bullet, another life in thends of Africa was lost. Kang Chan¡¯s anger surged again.

    <em>Why? Why are you dying in vain like this? What the hell are you trying to aplish, you sick motherfuckers?</em>

    ***

    Struggling to fight off the terrible pain, Enzo became momentarily distracted.

    Under the bright moonlight, the enemies remained thirty meters away from them, but they weren¡¯t clustered together. Rather, their forty-strong squad was spread out in a circle, forcing Kang Chan to spin around like a clock¡¯s second hand while firing at them.

    It was eerie.

    Every time the rookie Asian soldier squeezed the trigger, the enemy he was aiming at bounced up.

    Unable to take it anymore, the rebels finally returned fire, causing the dirt in front of them to fly in the air. Nevertheless, Kang Chan kept shooting at them like a machine.

    <em>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Du du du! Du du! Du du du!</em>

    <em>Bang! Swish! Bang! Swish! Bang! Swish! Bang!</em>

    <em>Can I shoot down people as calmly as he does?</em>

    Chills ran down Enzo¡¯s entire body.

    <em>Du du du! Pow pow pow!</em>

    While wallowing in his thoughts, terrible pain shot through his leg again.

    ¡°<em>Kegh</em>!¡±

    <em>Bang! Swish! Bang! Swish! Bang!</em>

    Still, Kang Chan remained unfazed.

    <em>So that¡¯s why he has been staring at the enemies for an hour!</em>

    Had he been trying to memorize their locations?

    The beds and tables around them didn¡¯t seem to get in Kang Chan¡¯s way.

    Enzo, who was shaking off his head to fight off the pain, frowned at Kang Chan.

    <em>Bang! Swish! Bang! Swish! Bang! Swish! Bang!</em>

    The moonlight clearly showed the blood staining his leg. It seemed like he¡¯d been shot.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan continued to twist around and fire with pinpoint uracy.

    <em>Click! Clunk!</em>

    The pain was so intense that the way Kang Chan was changing his magazines looked surreal.

    As if they couldn¡¯t take it anymore, the enemies jumped up and charged at them.

    <em>Bang! Swish! Bang! Swish! Bang!</em>

    However, with each bullet fired, Kang Chan blew an enemy backward with a hole in their forehead.

    <em>Don¡¯t you get fucking scared? Do their movements and glinting des really not pose a threat to you?</em>

    <em>Bang! Swish! Bang! Swish! Bang!</em>

    Finally, Enzo saw it.

    The men who were standing up and charging toward them didn¡¯t even have AK-47s. That meant only a few were armed with rifles. Since they were going to die anyway, those who didn¡¯t have guns were simply choosing to make ast-ditch effort.

    <em>Click! Click! Click!</em>

    At that moment, Kang Chan stopped firing. He swept his rifle across the area, scanning his surroundings.

    <em>He killed all forty in that short moment?</em>

    Enzo couldn¡¯t bring himself to look Kang Chan in the eye.

    The Asian soldier with him was either a monster or the god of death disguised as one.

    ***

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    Kang Chan was still trying to listen to his own breathing. He felt as if the world had slowed down, leaving him the only one moving at a normal pace.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    He took onest look at his surroundings.

    This was good enough.

    Corpses were left in the ces he¡¯d memorized. The ones who had tried to run toward themy lifeless too.

    His right shin throbbed with a burning sensation, though.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and pushed himself off the ground.

    It would have been helpful to have Enzo provide cover, but he had been shot in the leg and was also in a precarious position.

    Kang Chan kept as low as he could as he moved toward the headquarters barracks.

    He had to check out the riflemen first. After shooting all of them, he realized that only ten were armed with rifles.

    The enemy leader had to have sent these men to die the same way the Foreign Legion¡¯s new recruits were sent to die.

    Kang Chan had no personal grudge against the dead¡ªhe simply fought to live. Hence, he had ended their lives with only a bullet each.

    Even so, they were all people who had been breathing just moments ago. He wondered what kind of madmen would use human lives so cheaply, causing his anger to surge again.

    <em>Rustle, rustle. </em>

    Kang Chan reached the first body and checked its condition.

    The floor around his head was soaked with blood from the bullet that had pierced through his skull and ripped through his throat.

    <em>Were these guys also getting green cards if they survived for five years? Do they get houses in return for taking my head?</em>

    It no longer mattered, though. Now, the AK rifles andrge knives on the floor simply awaited their new owners.

 Extra, Chapter 427: A Soldier Disguised as a Monster (2)

    It took Kang Chan quite a while to check all forty corpses.

    When he returned to the barracks, his right leg finally gave out. Still, although his odd and limping steps made his weapons and magazines nk around, the pain felt strangelyforting.

    When Kang Chan arrived, he found Enzo tying his leg with a cloth that he seemed to have crawled on the floor to retrieve. Once done, he stretched his legs out and rested his back and head on a bed.

    ¡°Look under the desk there,¡± hemanded.

    Having just examined dead bodies, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t really in the best mood. Still, Enzo had to have a good reason to issue such an order despite the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes.

    Kang Chan wordlessly headed to where Enzo had pointed with his chin. He then searched through the desk drawers.

    <em>Pft. </em>

    It was unbelievable. At the bottom of it were two packs of cigarettes wrapped in stic.

    Kang Chan took the packs and went to get two bottles of water. His right leg dragged a little behind him, but he could still move. After giving Enzo a bottle, he sat down on the ground in front of him and gulped his water down.

    Thanks to a mere bottle of water and some hidden cigarettes, he finally felt as if he could breathe again.

    When he joined the Foreign Legion, he imagined what the battles would be like. He thought he¡¯d be crouching in trenches, shooting charging enemies, or jumping into impossible operations to fight against simrly armed opponents.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Finishing his water, Kang Chan tore off a cigarette and handed it to Enzo. Enzo popped it into his mouth.

    <em>Clunk. Hiss.</em>

    Seemingly intimidated by the look on Enzo and Kang Chan¡¯s faces, the me of the lighter timidly lit their cigarettes.

    Kang Chan exhaled a long puff of smoke.

    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous when you get angry about killing people,¡± Enzo quietly said, his head leaning back against the bed.

    ¡°Farmers plow fields, office workers type, and Foreign Legion soldiers kill people.¡±

    Bringing the cigarette between his curled index and middle fingers to his mouth, Enzo inhaled so deeply that the embers of the cigarette illuminated his face for a while.

    ¡°<em>Hooo. </em>Following orders is part of our duty. That¡¯s all that matters. The fact that you¡¯re alive is more important than anything, though, so don¡¯t think about why you had to kill them or why they ended up as corpses.¡±

    Kang Chan shifted and slowly leaned back against the desk.

    ¡°Treat your wound.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do thatter.¡±

    Right now, he just wanted to rest.

    If he¡¯d been in Korea, would he have be a serial killer? An asshole who preyed on the lunch money of helpless students?

    Kang Chan looked up at the mysterious sky.

    ***

    Summer of 2001.

    On the third day of a joint special forces training exercise, soldiers dressed in camouge strapped special equipment to their chests. They then picked up rifles with new, cutting-edge technology. When the rifle¡¯s trigger was pulled, a device would indicate the death or degree of injury dealt to the opponent, taking into ount distance and wind.

    Cha Dong-Gyun gulped deeply.

    His skills didn¡¯t fall behind too much. Objectively, there was nothing wrong with his movements, senses, aim, or anything else.

    The problem was in the finer details. Theirck of experience aside, they should¡¯ve been given better camouge suits. Unlike the Green Berets and SAS¡¯ camouge suits, which made them extremely difficult to see, the camouge of the Jeungpyeong special forces team was as clear as day. The colors were too distinct. How would they ever fool their enemies with such recognizable colors between the bushes?

    <em>¡®Fuck. They gave us gear that¡¯s whiter than snow. This is making us look like idiots.¡¯</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun gritted his teeth and swallowed another curse.

    Their opponents were wearing camouge suits that were the color of dirty snow. The smarter ones had shown up in whitish suits that weren¡¯t even properly dyed white.

    Ha! When those suits entered pure white snow, they would catch the ambient light and quickly blend into the background.

    The Jeungpyeong special forces suits would reflect the rays of the sun everywhere they went. How could suits that could be captured on camera amongst the snow be proper camouge? Despite their ipetence, the stupid generals were always so pleased whenever they saw the bright white gear.

    If it wasn¡¯t for Choi Seong-Geon, he would¡¯ve quit the special forces team already.

    <em>¡®You are thest bastion of Korea. The battles of the future will depend on the performance of the special forces teams. Even if you do not shine, even if you don¡¯t earn big bucks, you must never lose your pride as a special forces team.¡¯</em>

    Although their abilities were alwayspared to the other teams, Choi Seong-Geon never stopped doing his best to instill pride in them after training.

    The pride of a special forces team? Fuck that. That wasn¡¯t important to Cha Dong-Gyun.

    Cha Dong-Gyun¡¯s pride was in Choi Seong-Geon, who treated him like his own son.

    <em>Peew! Beep!</em>

    The device let out a sound, signaling that another soldier had been killed.

    Cha Dong-Gyun thought of Choi Seong-Geon, who probably had a solemn look in the situation room.

    <em>¡®Colonel, do you really think we can be a world-ss special forces team?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®You idiot!¡¯</em>

    Choi Seong-Geon had chuckled boisterously and cursed at Cha Dong-Gyun at the time.

    <em>¡®You son of a bitch! Do you think I just picked up this colonel position in the woods? Once you get your act together, we can be a team that canpete against the strongest in the world.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®I¡¯m not so sure I can do that.¡¯</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun still remembered the way Choi Seong-Geon had chuckled and patted his shoulder and neck. He had pulled him into a hug like a father would with his elementary school son.

    <em>¡®Let¡¯s do this, Dong-Gyun. A world where we¡¯re not needed would be great, but let¡¯s be a special forces team that no one can stop once we have to take action.¡¯</em>

    Cha Dong-Gyun looked up, finding a meteor streaking across the sky.

    ***

    Early winter 2001.

    Um Ji-Hwan mmed fist after fist into the heads and jaws of the men blocking the alleyway.

    <em>Pow pow pow pow! Pow! Thud!</em>

    He then climbed up the wall and mmed his fist into the nape of thest guard¡¯s neck, quickly putting an end to the fight.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    <em>These motherfuckers!</em>

    Um Ji-Hwan dusted off his hands, picked up his bag, and ran out of the alley.

    He was sick of dealing with assholes like them. However, a part of him also wanted to be their leader.

    He was a mediocre student, but he could afford cram school or a tutor. Well, he supposed he wouldn¡¯t go to a cram school or get tutored just because he was told to anyway. Adults said he didn¡¯t have the brains for it.

    On days like these, when Um Ji-Hwan felt conflicted, he¡¯d always visit his mother before trudging back home.

    Um Ji-Hwan entered a small market parking lot that had multiple stalls centered around a main aisle. After a bit of time walking down the side paths, he stopped near the middle of the establishment and stared at his mother. Her cheeks and nose were frozen red.

    Her hands trembled as she did her best to make a living. Nevertheless, she always smiled whenever she bought sausages or pork belly for Um Ji-Hwan, saying that it made her the happiest.

    While looking around for prospective customers, his mother eventually found him.

    ¡°What are you doing out here? It¡¯s freezing!¡± she eximed.

    ¡°I wanted to see you before heading home.¡±

    ¡°My baby must be so cold.¡±

    All the negative thoughts Um Ji-Hwan had immediately flew away when he saw his mother.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be at home, Mother.¡±

    ¡°Alright! Why don¡¯t you have some fish cakes or jjampong before you leave?¡±

    ¡°No, let¡¯s have dinner together instead.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s nice too.¡±

    Um Ji-Hwan waved at his mother and went home.

    For his mother, her stupid son was her whole world. If something happened to Um Ji-Hwan, she wouldn¡¯t be able to bear it.

    Every bad thought that Um Ji-Hwan had fell away from him with every step he took.

    <em>¡®I¡¯ll take good care of you in the future, Mother.¡¯</em>

    He wondered what she would look like as an olddy.

    <em>It would¡¯ve been nice to have an older brother, though. </em>

    Um Ji-Hwan shook his head.

    ***

    1998, Nduele, South Africa.

    Kang Chan and Enzo flicked their cigarette butts on the floor to put them out.

    ¡°We¡¯ll head to the trucks,¡± the exhausted Enzo told Kang Chan. ¡°Most of them came here only armed with bays, and they didn¡¯t even aim for the trucks. That means they were probably just trying to keep us tied up here. We have to leave while we still can.¡±

    <em>¡®To where?¡¯</em> Kang Chan asked with his eyes. He figured Enzo would understand enough.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the situation to turn out like this either. The next enemy thates along will probably try to eliminate us.¡±

    <em>Shit! </em>

    Talking out loud seemed more urate than trying tomunicate with gazes.

    ¡°To where?¡±

    ¡°Leave that to me.¡±

    Enzo seemed to have decided where they were going.

    ¡°I can¡¯t drive,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Trust me.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Enzo¡¯s legs.

    <em>Sure, he can drive. </em>

    When Kang Chan raised his gaze again, he saw the same intense stare that Enzo had the day Kang Chan arrived.

    ***

    <em>Vrooom! Creak!</em>

    ¡°No! I told you! You have to be more gentle with your left foot!¡±

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    Kang Chan started the car again.

    <em>Clunk, clunk, clunk, clunk! Vroooom!</em>

    ¡°Okay, now press down with your right foot a little!¡±

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    ¡°And gently raise your left foot!¡±

    <em>Vroom! Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    Every time the truck jolted forward, their necks snapped back and forth harshly.

    ¡°Now step on the left pedal again!¡±

    <em>Clunk!</em>

    Enzo shifted the gears.

    <em>Vrooom!</em>

    The truck was moving more smoothly now.

    ¡°Yes! Step on it more!¡±

    As they elerated, Kang Chan stepped on the left pedal as Enzo instructed again. Enzo then shifted gears.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Riding through the dark Africanndscape, Enzo looked to be in high spirits.

    Thanks to the bright moon above them, they could see so far ahead even without headlights.

    ***

    Abdul Janelle looked back at his subordinates with a disbelieving expression.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to just surround them and bring his head if there¡¯s a chance?! Did I issue any other orders?¡±

    The flustered subordinate shook his head.

    Abdul Janele, who was clutching his worn handkerchief, could aim and fire a rifle in a heartbeat.

    ¡°You were just up against two men, yet you¡¯re telling me that all sixty men I sent to surround them have been killed?! They weren¡¯t lined up in front of a machine gun or bunched together in front of RPGS, were they?¡±

    ¡°They had surrounded the two in a circle around thirty meters away, and some even tried to run in. Unfortunately, they all took a single shot to the head.¡±

    <em>m!</em>

    Abdul Janelle violently banged his fist on the desk.

    ¡°Those sneaky DGSE bastards! You can kill them for all I care! Just find them and bring them to me now¡± he furiouslymanded. ¡°Bring machine guns with you! RPGs! Everything! Go and deliver that guy¡¯s head to me!¡±

    Abdul continued to shout at his subordinates as they ran out. Soon after, they began shouting as well and revving the engines of their trucks.

    ¡°If this is how France is going to act, then I¡¯ll have to change my stance too. I¡¯ll teach them that they¡¯re not the only ones who want the Eye of Ndulele.¡±

    Turning around, he lifted his radio transmitter.

    ¡°This is the Farm. The Cargo is ready. I repeat: the Cargo is ready,¡± he said in a surprisingly calm voice. He then flipped the switch and changed the channel.

    ***

    Pierre Raon ran down to the basement and put the headset on his head.

    ¡°Based on the radio transmission, it seems Abdul Janelle already does have the goods. We have not yet identified the person on the other end.¡±

    - I¡¯ll ask you onest time. Did the DGSE run any separate operations?

    ¡°If this is about the recruit, absolutely not.¡±

    The person on the other end quieted down for a moment. The silence of the DGSE was scary. For the honor of France, they could and would wipe out an entire intelligence bureau office in South Africa.

    - Where are the others?

    ¡°We have not yet been able tounch a search operation for fear of conflict with Abdul Janelle. With your approval, we¡¯ll send in the forces we have on standby.¡±

    <em>What in the world is going on tonight?</em>

    Even Pierre Raon couldn¡¯t believe the report that he was giving.

    The person on the other end of the line fell silent once more.

    Depending on the man¡¯s decision, Pierre Raon and everyone else associated with him could be discovered as corpses tomorrow morning.

    He could run away, but only if he was prepared to find his wife and kids as bloody victims of a robbery gone wrong. His parents and siblings would be next.

    [Dispatch a rescue squad for the two, but avoid engaging with Abdul Janele. Reestablish the headquarters afterward.]

    ¡°Understood, sir.¡±

    Pierre Raon spun his index finger in front of his face. Recognizing the signal, one of his subordinates hurried out of the basement.

    After the call, Pierre Raon sighed loudly.

    He had read the report about the young Asian man. A simple, unassuming man who joined the Foreign Legion with nothing about his passport or identity amiss.

    Yet, somehow, he had rescued Enzo, survived against sixty enemies, and disappeared from the scene. Each of the enemies had been killed with a single bullet through the head, too.

    <em>Is he the incarnation of the god of death?</em>

    Pierre Raon wanted to smoke a cigarette and drink some coffee.

 Extra, Chapter 428: You Got Me All Wrong (1)

    Fighting through the vibrations and deafening roars of the truck¡¯s engine, Kang Chan drove in the direction that Enzo pointed. Above, the big moon and cluster of starszily followed them through the African night.

    <em>Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s gaze naturally shifted to Enzo¡¯s leg with every bump, but Enzo was holding up well.

    They had been driving through the African grasnds for twenty minutes, moving further and further away from where they had encountered enemies. Enzo would asionally shift gears as Kang Chan followed his instructions.

    Eventually, they came across the same hill where rebel forces had blown their truck up with RPGs. This time, however, they were on the opposite side. After about ten more minutes, they finally reached its foot.

    ¡°Take your foot off the right pedal.¡±

    Unfortunately, Kang Chan didn¡¯t hear him over the roar of the engine.

    ¡°I said take your foot off the pedal!¡± Enzo repeated. Only then did Kang Chan follow his instructions.

    The engine quieted down, seemingly relieved to be getting some rest atst. However, from under and behind the driver¡¯s seat, the two could now hear all the noises the engine had drowned. <em>Creak. Creeaak. Creak. Vroom. </em>

    They began to slow down. Not long after, the engine shut off on its own.

    <em>Clutter. Clunk!</em>

    The silence quickly engulfed the truck and drifted between Kang Chan and Enzo. At the same time, tension rushed in.

    ¡°We¡¯ll head over there.¡±

    The hill was about three stories tall.

    He had no idea what awaited them there, but he had no other choice right now but to follow Enzo¡¯s instructions.

    Kang Chan got out of the truck and moved to the passenger seat.

    ¡°Get the weapons first!¡± Enzo quietly ordered as he grabbed the inside of his knees and lifted them toward the door. It was kind of ironic that they had been so loud on the way here, yet he was now lowering his voice.

    <em>Rustle, rustle. </em>

    Kang Chan slung two rifles diagonally across his left and right shoulders, and one more around his neck.

    Then, he lifted the backpack containing food, water, and medicines and slipped his hands into his suspenders.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Afterward, Kang Chan walked over to the passenger seat and turned away from the door, facing his back toward Enzo. Enzo leaned in, gripping the door frame for support.

    <em>Clunk, click. </em>

    Kang Chan wobbled as he carried Enzo, the three rifles weighing over ten kilograms, and the three-kilogram backpack. At least his arms were tightly gripping Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders and neck, making it just a tiny bit easier than it would have been otherwise.

    <em>Clunk, clunk. </em>

    The gxy in the night sky seemed to watch as Kang Chan and the wounded Enzo walked toward the hill.

    Enzo weighed down on Kang Chan¡¯s shoulders and spine more than he could bear through clenched teeth. However, he had to push it through it.

    Upon finally reaching the hill, Enzo pointed in a direction with his right index finger.

    <em>Clunk, clunk. </em>

    The closer they approached the hill, the softer the dirt felt.

    ¡°In there.¡±

    At first, Kang Chan thought he misheard. Enzo couldn¡¯t have just asked him to go <em>through </em>the hill.

    Noticing Kang Chan¡¯s hesitation, Enzo pointed again with his index finger.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Enzo was dying, but he wasn¡¯t crazy. Hence, Kang Chan decided to believe him; he silently walked in the direction he pointed.

    To his surprise, there was a path between two hills.

    <em>tter!</em>

    As Kang Chan followed the turn, he stumbled on the uneven ground, causing him and Enzo to groan at the same time.

    They had to hurry. Kang Chan had a twisted shoulder and spine, and Enzo had been shot in the leg.

    After covering another five meters, they came across a small cave.

    Enzo didn¡¯t have to say another word.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    The ttering of their weapons echoed loudly in the cave.

    ¡°We¡¯ll rest here.¡±

    Kang Chan had never been so d to hear an order from Enzo.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan slowly lowered his stance and leaned against the wall as if bumping into it.

    ¡°<em>Arrgh</em>.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t even imagine the pain Enzo was in. A truck had destroyed his feet, and he had been shot on top of that.

    <em>Thud! Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    Kang Chan took off his backpack and the rifle that he¡¯d worn in front, then set them on the ground. Intense pain kept shooting up from his right leg, but all he could do right now was endure it.

    The cave was less than two meters wide.

    Kang Chan leaned back against the wall opposite Enzo. Digging into his backpack, he pulled out a bottle of water and tossed it to Enzo before drinking one himself.

    They only had three bottles left.

    ¡°I found this ce when I was wandering around on my own after dropping off the soldiers at Point Alpha,¡± Enzo disclosed, his words echoing as if he was using a cheap karaoke machine microphone.

    Moonlight nted in and out of the entrance, leaving the inside rtively darker. Fortunately, the walls and ceiling were soforting that Kang Chan wondered if this was why people built and lived in houses.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette.¡±

    It would be suicide to make a fire in here.

    Kang Chan looked at Enzo questioningly.

    ¡°Our truck¡¯s out front, and our enemies can just follow the tire tracks we left behind. If they find us here, we¡¯ll be done for anyway.¡±

    ¡°Then why did youe all the way out here?¡±

    ¡°Considering you killed all sixty men that were sent to surround us, I have no doubt they¡¯ll be using any means necessary to kill you next time. At the very least, this ce is better than the open space our barracks are in since it gives our allies a chance to find us before our enemies do.¡±

    Enzo held out his hand and shook it, urging Kang Chan to give him a cigarette.

    <em>Fine, whatever! You can¡¯t kill a man twice. </em>

    It would be funny if he couldn¡¯t smoke in a cave when he used to smoke in restrooms at school.

    Kang Chan fished out two cigarettes from his pocket.

    The backpack he was carrying earlier had deformed the cigarettes, but it didn¡¯t affect the vor at all.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan carefully opened the lighter and quickly lit the cigarette.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    It was killer. Smoking a cigarette while hiding from death in a cave was delicious.

    It wasparable to secretly smoking in the restrooms away from the teachers.

    ¡°I¡¯ve lost too much blood.¡± Enzo had taken a drag before speaking, causing smoke to puff out of his mouth. ¡°I brought a Monaco citizenship and joined the Foreign Legion.¡±

    Frenchmen could only apply as officers. Hence, Kang Chan heard that if they wanted to join and enlist as regr soldiers, they would have to use the nationalities of other countries.

    ¡°I wanted to be a good soldier. That¡¯s why I signed up forbat.¡±

    Enzo took a deep drag on his cigarette and let it out in a long puff.

    ¡°Channy.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°If a battle breaks out, run deeper inside,¡± Enzo ordered with the same glinting eyes he had when Kang Chan first saw him. He looked like a growling wolf trying to lick his gaping wounds.

    ¡°There¡¯s a passage leading upstairs. Go through it, and you¡¯ll find the rebels¡¯ base. Take a right there.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°Chick, someone has to stay here and hold them off. They probably need a head to present to their superiors too.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t smirk like that to provoke me. I¡¯m not going to put up with a chick¡¯s arrogance just because you saved my life.¡±

    Kang Chan blew out a long puff of cigarette smoke, which slowly spread through the cave. ¡°If I follow your instructions, is my survival guaranteed?¡±

    ¡°For someone like you, sure.¡±

    ¡°You got me all wrong.¡±

    ¡°If you die, you¡¯ll just be a stinky fucking corpse. Rescuing me and killing all those enemies will be for nothing!¡±

    The wounded yet still ferocious wolf looked as if he would pounce and bite at any moment.

    ¡°If it were the other way around, I would have already left you behind. We can¡¯t both get out of here alive, so stop with the nonsense and pray the enemies don¡¯t find this ce. If your prayers don¡¯t get answered, then run deeper into the cave!¡±

    Enzo looked Kang Chan straight in the eye. ¡°Answer me, Chick!¡±

    He pulled out the pistol that hung from his waist.

    Had he really lost his mind now that he was closer to death?

    ¡°I said answer me.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    They shared another moment of silence as their gazes remained locked on each other.

    ¡°Another cigarette,¡± Enzo demanded, and Kang Chan silently pulled out a cigarette and handed it to him.

    ***

    Had his prayers not been desperate enough?

    An hour or soter, a truck¡¯s engine rumbled into the cave.

    Enzo, who was leaning against the wall, opened his bloodshot eyes and looked toward the entrance.

    ¡°If they fire RPGs at us now, we¡¯re dead. Leave. Now.¡±

    ¡°It could be friendlies.¡±

    ¡°No, their engine sounds different. Even though we¡¯re in Africa, the trucks we brought are still a little more advanced than those.¡±

    He tilted his upper body to the left, moving around as he scraped the ground like a rowboat.

    <em>Clunk!</em>

    After crawling to where he could probably see the entrance, Enzo lifted his rifle.

    Never before had Kang Chan seen up close the eyes of a man who was truly prepared for death. They were a strange mixture of sharpness and futility, making them seem more mncholic. It was a far cry from the men who simply boasted that they weren¡¯t afraid of death.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Kang Chan picked up his rifle, slung it over his shoulder, and swung it behind his back.

    The engine noises were nowing from directly in front of them, apanied by the shouts of a man and heavy yet quick footsteps. Weapons ttered as they heard people jump out of trucks and rush toward them.

    <em>Clunk!</em>

    Kang Chan picked up the one remaining rifle and slung it over his shoulder. He then saw Enzo swallow dryly, his Adam¡¯s Apple moving pitifully.

    ¡°Take the backpack.¡±

    <em>So much for acting tough! He¡¯s clearly scared!</em>

    ¡°I¡¯m going, Enzo.¡±

    ¡°No matter what happens, don¡¯t you fucking look back.¡±

    The footsteps had reached the front of the cave now.

    Kang Chan looked down to see Enzo lying on his stomach, rifle in front of him.

    Enzo gave him a dependable smile and then nodded at him, urging him to leave.

    <em>I can¡¯t argue against the smile of a man who has already epted his fate.</em>

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    Kang Chan could hear himself breathing slowly again.

    As the broken moonlight perfectly illuminated the shadow in the crinkle of Enzo¡¯s eyes and mouth, a startled cry came from the entrance of the cave.

    <em>Still, how could you order me to run away? I came all the way here because I didn¡¯t want to be a coward! I fought tooth and nail so I wouldn¡¯t lose anyone! Your legs are missing, and you¡¯re cowering! How can you expect me to leave you behind with nothing but a single rifle?</em>

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    <em>Fine! If you insist, then I¡¯ll fucking run!</em>

    <em>Whoosh! Click! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan charged toward the entrance of the cave.

    ¡°You little¡ª!¡±

    Enzo got cut off mid-curse, but Kang Chan couldn¡¯t care less. He would kill every bastard waiting for him out there even if he had no personal grudges against them!

    He had no intention of sticking his neck out to die for people who were after his life.

    The approaching enemies were no different from the bullies who had surrounded him in an alleyway.

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    Hearing his own breathing calmed him down. It awoke his senses, causing the world to seemingly slow down.

    Kang Chan was about two meters from the entrance when a ck shadow burst into the cave.

    <em>Click! Bang! Thud!</em>

    <em>One down!</em>

    Kang Chan pushed forward.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    Gunshots echoed in the cave. He felt as if he could hear the sound of foreheads popping too.

    With each pull of the trigger, he saw the head at the end of his muzzle exploding like a watermelon.

    <em>That¡¯s not important right now! I have to kill! For me and Enzo!</em>

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan killed every enemy in sight, but the enemies¡¯ bullets soon stopped him, breaking parts of the walls in front of and behind him.

    <em>Rumble! Pow pow pow! Du du! Thud! Du du du du! Pow pow pow pow!</em>

    In the short gap between their barrage, Kang Chan raised his rifle above the dirt wall.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    <em>Du du du! Du du! Bang! Bang! Du du du!</em>

    It didn¡¯t matter if he was in the moonlight, in darkness, or under the stars. He would kill those who stood in the way of his survival. They surrounded Kang Chan, who ducked under the dirt wall in front of him to avoid the bullets.

    <em>Swoosh! Baang! Thud! Baang! Thud! Du du du! Du du!</em>

    He didn¡¯t know how many enemies he was up against. He could¡¯ve gotten an idea if he had seen the number of trucks, but he hadn¡¯t.

    <em>Du du du! Du du! Du du du du du! Du du! Du du du!</em>

    The enemies charged and fired at him far fiercer than they ever had.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Amid the firefight, a ck shadow jumped in front of the cave.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Du du du du!</em>

    Thest enemy whom Kang Chan had shot in the forehead stumbled backward just as they pulled the trigger of their rifle.

    <em>Du du du! Pow pow pow! Du du! Pow!</em>

    <em>Whoosh! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Wasting no time, Kang Chan shot the enemies in the distance. However, as he unleashed the fourth round, an eerie whistle rushed toward him.

    <em>Peeeeeew!</em>

    Kang Chan ran as fast as he could into the cave.

 Extra, Chapter 429: You Got Me All Wrong (2)

    <em>Boooom!</em>

    The earth rumbled loudly as a hard impact from the back sent him flying forward. Right after, a st of hot energy gusted over him.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Kang Chan shook his head as dirt rained down from the sky.

    <em>What happened to Enzo?</em>

    Still clutching his rifle, it seemed Enzo had fallen backward further inside the cave.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chank scrambled to his feet.

    <em>Tat, tat, tat, tat!</em>Enemies with long, curved knives leaped in.

    ¡°<em>Ahu Akbar</em>!¡±

    <em>Swish!</em>

    They shouted unintelligible words as one swung his sword at Kang Chan. As Kang Chan raised his rifle to block it, another swung at him from the side. He barely managed to block both.

    <em>ng!</em>

    Without hesitation, he quickly grabbed the wrist of the man holding the de.

    <em>Oh, did that surprise you?</em>

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Kang Chan yanked the enemy forward.

    <em>Pow!</em>

    ¡°<em>Kegh</em>!¡±

    The sword in the enemy¡¯s grip pierced into hisrade. The feeling of flesh ripping apart coursed through his wrist.

    ¡°<em>Aaagh</em>!¡±

    The enemy used his strength to lunge forward and dig his left thumb into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. The attack made Kang Chan drop his rifle, but it didn¡¯t matter now.

    <em>Thwack!</em>

    Kang Chan pped the enemy¡¯s hand away with his right hand. He then elbowed the enemy between his nose and eyes. This attack had knocked out many of the bigger bullies in the past.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Naturally, the skinny rebel dropped to the ground like a sack of straw.

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    Kang Chan drew the bay strapped to his waist.

    <em>Baaang! Baang!</em>

    Just then, he heard gunfire from inside the cave. Two men had fallen beside Enzo''s prone form, and four surrounded him, swinging their knives at him.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Kang Chan dashed toward him. At the same time, a knife that had been aimed at Kang Chan¡¯s back hit the rifle that he had slung around his back.

    <em>Jab!</em>

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    One of the enemies cut Enzo¡¯s back open, making thetter arch forward like a bow and his eyes roll back.

    ¡°<em>Raaaaagh</em>!¡± Kang Chan shouted like a madman as he reached Enzo.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    A de flew toward his throat.

    <em>You motherfuckers! This is no different from the wooden bats the bullies used!</em>

    <em>Swish!</em>

    <em>I can attack you from the wrist!</em>

    Kang Chan spun half a turn to avoid the knife. He then shed the armed enemy¡¯s armpit.

    <em>Pow!</em>

    ¡°<em>Keegh</em>!¡±

    He didn¡¯t even have time to process the feeling of cutting someone¡¯s body for the first time. Just as Kang Chan finished his opponent, another stabbed Enzo in the neck.

    <em>Jab!</em>

    ¡°<em>Arrgh</em>!¡±

    The enemy on Enzo¡¯s other side also stabbed thetter with a long knife.

    <em>How? What about his bones?</em>

    The de was embedded as deep as a hand¡¯s width in Enzo¡¯s chest. Blood trickled from his nose and mouth.

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    The world seemed to slow down as Enzo turned to Kang Chan.

    <em>Go! I told you to run, didn¡¯t I?! Live!</em>

    His wide eyes were filled with fear and desperation.

    <em>You son of a bitch! Why do you keep¡­?</em>

    <em>Swish! sh!</em>

    Kang Chan slit an enemy¡¯s throat, making thetter stagger backward and grab his own neck in surprise.

    <em>Pshh!</em>

    As blood spurted from the enemy¡¯s neck, Kang Chan mmed into the chest of the rebel standing behind Enzo. He then picked up the rifle that Enzo had been carrying.

    He didn¡¯t know why the enemies were still insisting on using knives, but that didn¡¯t mean Kang Chan had to follow their rules. He pulled the trigger, and a steady stream of bullets riddled the enemies with holes.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Pow pow pow! Ratatat! Ratatatat! Pow pow pow!</em>

    The enemies¡¯ heads exploded. It seemed Enzo had set his rifle to full auto.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatat! Ratatat! Ratatatatat!</em>

    Kang Chan killed every hostile inside the cave. Meanwhile, those at the entrance scurried out.

    Enzoy facing the ceiling, a knife driven from the nape of his neck to his chest. Blood from his eyes, nose, and mouth mingled with dirt.

    <em>Is this why you asked toe here? So you can die easily? I carried you that distance and killed sixty enemies to save us!</em>

    <em>ck. tter!</em>

    Kang Chan changed the magazine of his rifle.

    For some reason, the enemies weren¡¯t running after him anymore. Maybe it was because they were scared of his marksmanship, but they could just be waiting for a chance to take him out with their RPGs too.

    Unaware of the rebels¡¯ ns, Kang Chan pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and put it in Enzo¡¯s mouth.

    <em>You said there¡¯s an enemy base up ahead, right? Don¡¯t smoke up there yet. I¡¯ll probably follow you in a bit, so wait for me. </em>

    Kang Chan immediately rushed further into the cave.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    He was obviously still alive. After all, he was still breathing and running. The crunching of the earth beneath his feet, the damp smell of the cave, the smell of blood from who-knew-where, and the smell of gunpowder in the air also served as evidence of his continued existence.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan felt as if he was soaking in a big bathtub of death.

    He wanted to run to the entrance of the cave and enter a shooting frenzy until he could join Enzo.

    It hadn¡¯t even been that long. One day and a half.

    He had been running on the line between life and death for so long that he wasn¡¯t even sure how to feel anymore.

    <em>Haah, haah. </em>

    The only reasons he didn¡¯t go to the entrance were the brief experience that he had gained from fighting bullies and his venomous desire to avenge Enzo.

    It would be disadvantageous to jump into a crowd. Since he was already fighting, he might as well take out the leader before he fell.

    <em>Click! Click! Rustle! Crumble!</em>

    As Enzo said, the cave curved upward.

    <em>I¡¯ll kill the motherfucker who gave those people the order to attack with nothing but knives! That asshole got Enzo stabbed in the back of the neck and sent him to his death with his eyes open!</em>

    <em>Do you think you¡¯re so great?</em>

    <em>I¡¯ll be sure to put a bullet right in the middle of your motherfucking head, you stupid little shit!</em>

    Kang Chan would figure out if a person could survive being stabbed in the throat with a bay and how they looked once they were dead.

    Kang Chan had fought bullies a year ago. Those assholes were still bullies to this day, just a year older. Unlike them, Kang Chan was now armed with knives and guns, fighting to the death in Africa.

    It was obvious what the oue would be if he went up against those bullies again.

    <em>Click! Click! Crumble! Rustle! Crumble!</em>

    Thirty meters up the crumbling dirt, a round column of light descended in front of Kang Chan.

    It was moonlight. Silver moonlight.

    ¡°<em>Hah</em>! <em>Hah</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan paused for a moment to catch his breath.

    He didn¡¯t hear anyone following him.

    <em>They didn¡¯t know about this passage? Even though the base was right here?</em>

    Now that he had thought about it, he had no idea how long it would take to get to the other cave entrance from here. If it was close, a few of them would probably be standing guard at the entrance by now. Otherwise, they¡¯d be chasing after him.

    They just had to close off the entrance and exit and blow up a couple of RPGs. They could also sneak in and stab Kang Chan like how they had killed Enzo.

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth and red up.

    The entrance was illuminated by the moonlight, which made it look as if it was a godsend.

    <em>Click. Click. </em>

    Kang Chan decided to leave.

    If there was some trap here, his gut would¡¯ve told him.

    <em>Crumble! Crumble!</em>

    He had Enzo¡¯s rifle and the rifle on his back, which had been hit with a knife earlier.

    <em>Haah, haah. </em>

    He cautiously exited the nted entrance.

    The wind whistled, and the smell of Africa assailed him anew again. In front of him stretched arge grasnd full of knee-high weeds.

    <em>Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    Like a mole in an arcade game of whack-a-mole, Kang Chan stuck out his head and looked around. Fortunately, there were no enemies in sight.

    Click, click.

    Finally, he exited the cave. Only then did he realize why the enemies hadn¡¯te this way.

    The hill was three stories high.

    The back of the entrance was a perfect cliff, and there was no easy way up. The only way to get back was to circle around through someone else¡¯s base.

    <em>Shouldn¡¯t they have still radioed each other? Are those rare since they¡¯re rebels?</em>

    Kang Chan had a lot of thoughts in his mind, but he didn¡¯t change his mind.

    Even if he ran away, he didn¡¯t even have any water left. Where would he go?

    Tworge earthen buildings, likely their headquarters, were down the front. They also had two more long buildings that looked like their barracks across the street.

    Enzo had told him to make a right, and he would survive.

    <em>Fuck! You should¡¯ve just told me to carry you up here! They wouldn¡¯t have been able to kill you!</em>

    Kang Chan had left the weight of life on that cave ground. Right now, his shoulders were light, but a sense of emptiness and destion hung all over him.

    <em>Idiot! You should¡¯ve said you wanted me to carry you on my back! If it meant you¡¯d survive a bit longer, you should¡¯ve thrown a fit and insisted I keep walking through the night! </em>

    Kang Chan gritted his teeth.

    <em>Take a good look. I was like this in Korea too. If someone punched me, I punched them back twice. I¡¯ll do my best to send over the bastard who keeps sending rebels after us, so stab him in the neck if you can. </em>

    Kang Chan lowered his stance and began his descent.

    For now, he wasn¡¯t worried about enemiesing out of the cave entrance. Instead of the hammer in whack-a-mole, he could just raise his rifle and st them in the head one at a time.

    The two magazines in his two rifles held sixty bullets in total.

    Except for the asional shout from beyond the cliff toward the mouth of the cave, the base was strangely quiet.

    <em>Click. Tat, tat. </em>

    <em>Where are you hiding? Come out already. I¡¯ll make your death fucking painful.</em>

    <em>tter, click, rustle.</em>

    Kang Chan crept cautiously toward the building on the far left. Since it was impossible to hide in the knee-high grass, he stepped on it instead, lessening the noise from his footsteps.

    <em>Where are you? Let me get a look at you and put a bay through your throat. You should get the treatment Enzo did, at least. We are at war, after all.</em>

    <em>Haah. Haah. </em>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but think that his enemies should have installed some lights.

    It took him about five minutes to reach the wall of the building. Kang Chan braced himself against it and moved slowly toward the entrance.

    He could die here on African soil.

    Would he ever meet someone who could find their way to his heart like Enzo again?

    <em>Idiot! Why did you choose to stay in the cave?!</em>

    Kang Chan sighed quietly and gritted his teeth.

    Right now, he had to hear himself breathe.

    ***

    December 2010.

    Lee Jong-Bok looked around as he entered the four-story military apartment building.

    On that cold day, his daughter, Lee Yoo-Seul, was still hunched over in an old swing.

    ¡°Yoo-Seul!¡±

    Lee Yoo-Seul looked up and came shouting for him as she dashed over.

    ¡°What are you doing here? Did you get in trouble with Mommy?¡± Lee Jong-Bok asked.

    Lee Yoo-Seul hugged her father tightly.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Lee Jong-Bok asked worriedly.

    ¡°It¡¯s cold, Dad,¡± Yoo-Seul responded with a grin. She was wearing cheap cotton pants from the Jeungpyeong market and an old padded jacket from her aunt.

    Could there be anything in the world more precious than this child? Lee Jong-Bok wouldn¡¯t trade his daughter for anything in the world.

    ¡°Dad.¡±

    ¡°You want chicken, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Lee Yoo-Seul dropped her gaze as if she¡¯d been caught doing something wrong.

    ¡°What are you doing? It¡¯s cold! Come on in!¡±

    Yoo-Seul¡¯s mother crossed her arms, closed her jacket, and hurried Lee Jong-Bok inside. She must have been watching through the window.

    ¡°Honey! I want to eat chicken! Let¡¯s go!¡± Lee Jong-Bok eximed.

    ¡°You can¡¯t coddle her like that!¡± Yoo-Seul¡¯s mother admonished.

    ¡°It¡¯s what I want to have today! I might have training soon, so I need some protein.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve already finished your winter training, though.¡±

    Seeing Lee Jong-Bok¡¯s expression, Yoo-Seul¡¯s mother said, ¡°Wait!¡±

    She then rushed inside.

    Whenever he came back from the special forces team¡¯s winter training, Yoo-Seul¡¯s mother was always upset. She¡¯d stay up all night holding in her tears over her husband¡¯s bruised hands and scars.

    ¡°Wear this,¡± she said, bringing some outerwear.

    Lee Jong-Bok pulled her into his arms. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    She always embraced him back.

    Yoo-Seul also walked out the front door of the apartment wearing the padded jacket from her aunt.

    ¡°Do you really have another training session soon?¡± Yoo-Seul¡¯s mother asked.

    ¡°Probably.¡±

    Lee Yoo-Seul never dropped the smile from her face. She was happy to get to eat chicken again.

    ¡°Your dad is tired, Yoo Seul.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Carrying my princess could never tire me out.¡±

    ¡°Goodness! Treat me like that, why don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Should I? Come here. I¡¯ll carry you too.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous! What if someone sees?¡±

    They didn¡¯t have all they could want. However, Yoo-Seul¡¯s mother neverined about it.

    It would be nice to order one and a half chicken once in a while, but the family of three still ate one chicken with smiles.

    Yoo-Seul¡¯s mother even told a totally see-through lie that she didn¡¯t like chicken.

    She sometimes said it was because she had a lot of it before getting married, and other times she said after having Yoo-Seul, she lost the taste for it.

    Lee Jong-Bok handed Yoo-Seul some chicken.

    ¡°Say ¡®ah!¡¯¡±

    Yoo-Seul then put some of it into her mother¡¯s mouth.

    ¡°What¡¯s with you today, dear? Did you do something wrong?¡± Yoo-Seul¡¯s mother asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m the same as ever,¡± Lee Jong-Bok replied.

    ¡°When are you leaving for the training?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll only know when it¡¯s an emergency,¡± Lee Jong-Bok replied nonchntly. ¡°Today, I wanted to treat you out because Yoo-Seul waited for me outside and hugged me when she saw me and because you gave birth to this treasure.¡±

    Yoo-Seul¡¯s motherughed. So what if he didn¡¯t earn a lot of money because he was a soldier?

    He loved his wife so dearly and cherished his daughter.

    ¡°Honey, let¡¯s order one more,¡± Lee Jong-Bok suggested.

    ¡°You know I don¡¯t like chicken,¡± Yoo-Seul¡¯s mother refused.

    ¡°I just feel like eating more today.¡±

    ¡°Here, Dad.¡±

    Just then, Lee Yoo-Seul pulled off a piece and put it in Lee Jong-Bok¡¯s mouth.

    Due to his wife¡¯s rejection, Lee Jong-Bok couldn¡¯t order more even though the chicken only cost seven thousand won.

 Extra, Chapter 430: Whatéˆ¥æªš The Point Of Questioning It? (1)

    Kang Chan went around the corner with his back slightly turned, keeping his right side pressed against the building.

    <em>There¡¯s no way they¡¯re all sleeping. Why aren''t the lights on?</em>

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    It urred to him that this could be an abandoned base and that was why the rebels at the entrance of the cave weren''t following him.

    However, at that moment, he heard dirt crumbling from the end of the cave that Kang Chan had just walked from.

    Kang Chan swung up the rifle in his right hand.

    If Enzo had been here, he would¡¯ve called Kang Chan crazy. He would also have red at Kang Chan with sharp eyes, demanding that he leave quickly.

    <em>You¡¯re not the only one with a bad temper. Can¡¯t you guess my personality when I volunteered to be here at this age to do this? You said that you liked the look in my eyes, right?</em>

    Kang Chan slowly inhaled, then slowly exhaled.He didn¡¯t know how many people would be in the base, but it didn¡¯t matter. Kang Chan wouldn¡¯t stop until he had all of their enemies, shot, or stabbed in the neck like Enzo.

    <em>Rattle! Rustle!</em>

    Crouching, their enemies walked toward the building.

    <em>Those dumb fuckers! The grass is too short to hide in, you fucking idiots!</em>

    It was funny. Kang Chan also came all the way here like that.

    With his back still slightly against the wall, Kang Chan pointed the muzzle of his rifle at the forehead of the enemy leading their approach.

    If his enemies had even the slightest bit ofmon sense, they wouldn''t have walked over in a single line with the moon so bright. Their formation made it easier for one person to eliminate them¡­ just like now.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but be curious about who theirmander was and why he¡¯d allow people like these to engage inbat.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Kang Chan waited for them to narrow the distance between them so he could get a clearer shot. It sounded like an Olympic slogan, but the closer his enemies were to him, the clearer his view of victory became.

    It wasn¡¯t clear when his enemies hadst washed their hair, but the strands were so oily that theyy t against their heads. They also seemed malnourished¡ªas evidenced by their sunken cheeks¡ªand were only wearing old shirts, shabby pants, and yellow fabrics worn on top like skirts.

    Armed with rifles, knives, and determined res, they closed in on Kang Chan one after another. Considering they didn¡¯t approach in groups and used signals, it was clear that they hadn¡¯t even undergone basicbat training.

    Kang Chan remembered the moment Enzo was killed. They stabbed him in the back, the left side of his neck, and then the right side of his neck.

    <em>You know what? We¡¯re all here to faithfully carry out our respective duties even if that means fighting each other to the death, so there¡¯s no point in questioning what you bastards are wearing or how you look. You''re following orders to target me, and I''m going to kill you to live and avenge Enzo. </em>

    Kang Chan firmly put his index finger on his rifle¡¯s trigger.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    <em>Goodbye, fuckers. A piece of advice: when you get to the other side, don¡¯t go anywhere near Enzo if his legs are fine. He had such a fucking deadly look in his eyes before he died. </em>

    The muzzle of Kang Chan''s rifle lined up exactly with the center of his target¡¯s forehead. With a pull of the trigger, gunshots abruptly broke the silence.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Some enemies dropped to the ground on their stomachs, some crouched, and some turned around to run away. However, they all met the same fate; bullets pierced through their skulls, making their heads explode like a watermelon on a stick.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>nk!</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s brows furrowed as he swept his rifle from left to right, finding no survivors. The others had probably quickly hidden themselves in the cave or were lying t on slightly incurved ground.

    <em>nk! Clunk!</em>

    While reloading his gun, he came to a sudden realization.

    <em>¡®It¡¯s empty.¡¯</em>

    Considering no one hade out despite the firefight outside, then the base had to be empty.

    Looking at the entrance of the cave, Kang Chan smirked.

    Now, the tides had turned. Who would be more advantageous if they had a gunfight outside the cave¡ªKang Chan, who was properly trained, or some stupid motherfuckers who knew nothing but kill people?

    ***

    With his headset on, Pierre Raon urgently flipped through his notepad.

    ¡°All that we¡¯ve confirmed so far is that a gunfight urred at Abdul Janelle''s base. Our troops are currently standing by near his base just in case he engages inbat.¡±

    - We found circumstantial evidence that Ethan made a move, Pierre. If he gets his hands on the Eye of Ndulele, your life won¡¯t be enough to take responsibility for it.

    "I''ll send the men, sir,¡± Pierre Raon answered urgently, then swallowed dryly.

    It took a bit of time before the person on the other end of the line responded.

    - Who¡¯smanding the men out in the field?

    "Shan¡ª¡±

    - Then the soldiers engaged in the gunfight are Enzo and the new recruit?

    ¡°The new recruit¡¯s name is Kang Shany[1], sir.¡±

    - Chan?

    "Yes, sir. It¡¯s Channy.¡±

    The name was very difficult to pronounce.

    - Order the men to move in exactly twenty minutes from now. Have them kill everyone at Abdul Janelle''s base. As soon as they finish the operation, send Shan and his men to Borough[2].

    "Yes, sir."

    - We''ll be sending fifteen soldiers and two squad leaders from the training center at 11 am tomorrow. Have them guard the base again.

    "They won¡¯t have amander to lead them, sir."

    - If Enzo and Kang Channy[3] survive, assign one of them to the position.

    "What should I do if they both die, sir?"

    For some reason, Pierre didn¡¯t receive additional orders. When the silence lingered, he hastened to acknowledge the unspoken demand.

    ¡°I''ll take care of it, sir.¡±

    Thems were disconnected immediately after.

    ***

    With his lips thinned, Shan red at Abdul Janelle''s base.

    They didn¡¯t receive any orders even though they heard multiple gunshots.

    Shan knew that Enzo couldn¡¯t endure something like this. If so, then the recruit from South Korea had to be the one holding out against the rebels. South Korea didn''t have firearms or any kind of military training in their high school curriculum, though.

    It would be a mistake to think of this battle as insignificant simply because they were fighting against rebel forces. No matter how much one was trained, shooting someone for the first time would never be easy. Moreover, if over sixty enemies surrounded two people, they would be too terrified to take proper aim.

    <em>¡®Kang Chan killed them all with just a bullet to the head each?¡¯</em>

    Shan was struggling to wrap his mind around the fact that Kang Chan had managed to hit the forehead of an enemy who was in a prone position from thirty meters away. As if that wasn¡¯t impressive enough, his bullets pierced through their heads and exited through the back of their necks.

    <em>¡®Was he a shooting athlete beforeing here?¡¯</em>

    Shan red at the dark and silent Abdul Janelle¡¯s base with deeply troubled eyes. The damn Asian recruit was messing everything up.

    <em>Has the DGSE prepared for something like this? Is that why they sent that kind of monster with the new recruits? If they did create that monster, then at least this situation would be somewhat understandable.</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Gunshots echoed toward Shan from Abdul Janelle''s base.

    <em>What''s going on over there? Are you trying to kill everyone on your tail alone?</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Shan tightly clenched his fist and swallowed dryly.

    Those gunshots all came from one person. Moreover, they didn¡¯t sound like the rebels¡¯ AK-47s.

    Shan wanted to run and confirm what was happening with his own eyes. However, right now, he had to wait for orders from their awful intelligence bureau.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Pow! Bang! Pow! Bang! Pow! </em>

    Shan heard more bullets being fired. For the first time, AK-47 gunshots followed after Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ***

    Abdul Janelle red at the front of the car with an ufortable expression.

    The trucks that his subordinates were in were guarding the front and back of the American jeep that Abdul Janelle was in.

    The Eye of Ndulele was small for a ckhead. Why did France¡¯s DGSE and the UK¡¯s intelligence bureau want it so badly? They were far from jewelers.

    If they were going to make a weapon out of this, they could probably also make guns and cannons out of diamonds. That was simply far too unrealistic, but the damned DGSE and the UK¡¯s intelligence bureau couldn¡¯t have simply made a bet on who could make a ring out of this ckhead.

    Abdul Janelle nced behind him and frowned, thinking he heard a gunshot somewhere.

    He was afraid.

    Though he did order his men to attack the special forces team with nothing but knives, that still didn¡¯t exin how one person managed to fight against that many people by themselves. He was even forced to send reinforcements armed with rifles and even RPGs.

    The soldiers that the DGSE had created were truly terrifying.

    Soldiers like them weren¡¯t created just from training. They were born with special instincts¡ªhuman weapons created with a bit of training and extremebat experiences.

    <em>Vroom! nk! nk!</em>

    Abdul Janelle softly sighed in relief when the jeep took a wide left turn from the curved road.

    Traveling with the Eye of Ndulele was dangerous, but what else could he do? The DGSE had sent a fearsome soldier, which meant they were going to kill him and take the Eye of Ndulele by force.

    He felt anxious about leaving the base with the Eye of Ndulele, but he wasn''t stupid. He knew that he had no other choice but to find a way to survive.

    After ten more minutes on the road, he should arrive at his meeting ce with Ethan, the rising star of the UK¡¯s intelligence bureau. From there, their fate would be tied together.

    If he could use this to get paid handsomely and form a good rtionship with the UK¡¯s intelligence bureau, he would be the secret big shot in South Africa.

    <em>Crackle! Bang!</em>

    Abdul Janelle''s forehead exploded. His blood spattered on the broken windows.

    <em>Crackle! Bang!</em><em>Crackle! Bang!</em>

    Two more bullets flew into the jeep, hitting his throat and face.

    <em>Crackle! Bang!</em><em>Crackle! Bang!</em>

    Even his driver was shot and fell to his side, making the jeep slide to the left.

    With his facepletely destroyed, Abdul Janelle copsed toward the window.

    ***

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Begin cleaning the vi. I repeat: you may now clean up the vi.¡±

    Shan¡ªwho was still frowning¡ªhanded the radio to one of his subordinates, then pointed to the front with his index and middle fingers.

    They had clearly ordered him to ¡®clean¡¯ the vi. In an operation against the rebel forces, amand to clean up meant killing everyone in the designated area.

    Shan could still hear gunshots, which made him want to go over quickly. However, he couldn''t act as fast as he wanted. After all, he couldn¡¯t neglect his duty to guard their territory.

    It would also only take one RPG to eliminate him and his men.

    ***

    <em>You sons of bitches!</em>

    Kang Chan kept his rifle aimed at the entrance of the cave. He had just killed all of the enemies that crawled out of it, plunging his surroundings into silence once more.

    <em>I¡¯ve used about half of the ammo in my new magazine.</em>

    To avoid running out of bullets in the middle of the firefight, Kang Chan had been reloading before he could empty his mags.

    So far, he had killed about forty people.

    Kang Chan sighed as he leaned his left shoulder against the wall. He then lowered his rifle''s muzzle.

    He had never thought that he lived a normal life. Still, he felt as though he had just entered a path that he could no longer turn back from.

    Amid his thoughts, Kang Chan heard someone approaching from behind him. He turned around, but he failed to see anything.

    <em>Rustle! Rustle! Swish!</em>

    However, he soon saw human silhouettes quickly approaching his location. He could tell from the way they moved that they had undergone proper training.

    <em>Damn it! Is it really over now?</em>

    Kang Chan put his index finger on the trigger.

    It seemed he¡¯d be going down in his faded ash-gray military uniform and military boots. Fortunately, he¡¯d at least die with a rifle in his hands.

    Kang Chan came to the Foreign Legion because he didn¡¯t want to resent his parents or anyone for that matter. He also didn¡¯t want to live like a coward that others oppressed endlessly.

    Still, he didn¡¯t expect to meet his end so soon.

    <em>Would I have survived if I followed Enzo¡¯s advice and ran away?</em>

    Kang Chan smirked.

    If he hadn¡¯t done all of this, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to livefortably since Enzo¡¯sst moments would¡¯ve haunted him forever. Furthermore, he would have turned into a killer who¡¯d shoot people who looked like rebels. He wouldn¡¯t even bother to ask who they were.

    <em>I have to shake off these clingy emotions!</em>

    Kang Chan lifted his rifle until the muzzle was lined up just slightly above his shoulder.

    Since the enemies were approaching from behind, they would surely crawl out again from the front as well.

    <em>If I¡¯ve got moles popping up in front of me, I wonder what¡¯ll appear at the back.</em>

    At that moment, a person¡¯s head came up from behind the hill at the back.

    <em>Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    Kang Chan immediately took aim. When he saw the man¡¯s hat and rifle, he stopped himself before he could pull the trigger.

    ¡°Enzo?¡± the man asked as he slowly stood up straight. He kept his rifle aimed at Kang Chan. ¡°I¡¯m Shan, the Lieutenant of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Regiment.¡±

    Upon confirming that the stranger was Kang Chan, Shan finally rxed. Near him, the other soldiers slowly approached the South Korean while still crouching.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t lower his rifle, though. For some reason, his instincts were telling him not to let his guard down.

    1. Pierre says his name incorrectly here ?

    2. Borough is a town in Uganda ?

    3. Kang Chan¡¯s name is said incorrectly again ?

 Extra, Chapter 431: Whatéˆ¥æªš The Point Of Questioning It? (2)

    Shan charged in with his men and fought the remaining enemies.

    <em>Ta-da-da-dang! Ta-da-dang! Ta-da-da-dang! Du du du! Du du du!</em>

    Amid the firefight, Kang Chan sat and leaned against the empty base until things quieted down. He heard a few more gunshots afterward, but silence quickly returned.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Meanwhile, Shan finally walked over. Kang Chan gazed up at him, finding him looking quite sharp-tempered.

    ¡°Enzo was already gone when we found him,¡± Shan said. He then offered a very old Zippo lighter to Kang Chan. ¡°We¡¯ll take care of the bodies. I¡¯ve assigned someone to guide you back to base. You are to remain on standby until further instructions.¡±

    Kang Chan stood up and epted the lighter.

    ¡°You are to answer when you receive an order,¡± Shan said.

    Kang Chan locked gazes with Shan, causing thetter to look very displeased.¡°Answer me, Legionnaire.¡±

    Legionnaire referred to recruits or rookies. To Shan, the title fit Kang Chan perfectly. Based on their ranks alone, Kang Chan should be answering and following his orders, yet Kang Chan merely stood his ground and red.

    ¡°It would serve you well to control your emotions, Legionnaire,¡± Shan softly growled.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Amid the rising tension, the other soldiers approached them. Four of them were carrying a ck body bag that clearly had Enzo inside.

    Kang Chan turned his attention away from Shan and looked at the ck bag.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Alouis,¡± Shan called.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    He turned to his subordinate. ¡°Drop off this recruit at the base in Ndulele. Report back after.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Although he had just growled at Kang Chan to answer him, Shan suddenly backed off for some reason.

    Kang Chan found Shan¡¯s behavior suspicious, but since he never intended to answer Shan, he couldn¡¯t be bothered to waste time thinking about it.

    Alouis turned to Kang Chan and jerked his head to the side, signaling him to move.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    In response, Kang Chan began to walk away. He didn¡¯t want to stay in a ce like this anyway.

    He knew he still had many ws. Although he could make excuses about this being his first operation and that he wasn¡¯t expecting to engage in such a battle, it wouldn¡¯t change the fact that he wasn¡¯t strong enough today.

    That was unforgivable.

    <em>If I had just been a little more skilled, a little more experienced inbat situations like this¡­</em>

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    <em>Just you wait. I won¡¯t ever lose anyone again. </em>

    Their transport was parked quite a distance away from the enemies¡¯ base.

    Kang Chan and Alouis walked in front of the group. Shan and the other soldiers followed them, carrying Enzo¡¯s body.

    They soon reached the hill that an RPG had hit the previous morning. It had a path that they could use to descend and multiple dips that were great for hiding men and even trucks.

    After climbing over the hill, they walked down a winding slope until they reached their truck.

    Kang Chan had only been in Africa for two days, yet he was already sick and tired of the view it had of the damn moon and stars. Unfortunately, just like his inability to rid himself of motherfuckers while he was alive, he couldn''t get away from the military uniforms and weapons, the moons and the stars illuminating death, and the sunzing around somewhere in the world until it was time to devour this continent¡¯s darkness again.

    What Kang Chan needed right now was to board the truck and get some rest. Afterward, he¡¯d have to improve and gain experience.

    At times like this, he often wished that he had someone next to him who would offer their hand and tell him that everything was okay¡ªthat even though his skills proved insufficient, he still did great considering it was his first operation. Unfortunately, he instead had a superior who red at him and demanded that he respond immediately.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <em>Well, I wouldn''t havee here if I had someone like that in Korea. Considering I couldn¡¯t even find anyone like that in Korea, I¡¯d be dumb to think I¡¯d find such a person in this hell.</em>

    Kang Chan turned to look at Alouis, who nodded toward the truck.

    There wasn''t any need for words¡ªhe walked to the truck, got on the trunk bed, and sat on a bench on the side.

    Alouis shook his head and got in the driver''s seat.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    <em>Damn it! I couldn¡¯t be happier to hear this truck¡¯s engine and smell the acrid scent of the exhaust fumes.</em>

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette from his pocket and put it in his mouth. The truck then began to elerate, the rattles making him shake. Winds blew past him as they sped forward.

    <em>Chk chk!</em>

    <em>Damn it! The sound of the lighter that Shan gave me sounds cheerful as well.</em>

    <em>Chkk! Chkkk!</em>

    Kang Chan lit the end of his cigarette as the me wavered among the wind. After taking a drag, he exhaled a puff of smoke.

    ¡°<em>Hooo.¡±</em>

    <em>What an idiot. Why did Enzo insist on staying in that cave even though he knew doing that meant he¡¯d never get to smoke again?</em>

    The cigarette tasted bad, perhaps because he was smoking alone.

    ***

    <em>Brrrr!</em>

    As the aircraft descended, Fabian slowly looked around him.

    Any officer who had over ten years of experience in the Transportation Corps knew how to tell the futures of the soldiers in the aircraft just by looking at them, the cargo they had brought, and their destination.

    Fabian could tell that the soldiers aboard were pawns that the DGSE were going to sacrifice for their n. The fact that the DGSE was entrusting them to a recruit who had just gotten off his first battle only made that even more evident. Soon, they would be given orders that would essentially serve as their death warrants. Naturally, the new recruit waiting for them in Ndulele would die with them.

    <em>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.</em>

    The aircraftnded roughly, almost as if it was having a difficult time handling the weight of life.

    ***

    Kang Chan slept soundly.

    Alouis gave him plenty of water, cigarettes, and even C-rations, making Kang Chan suddenly feel like a millionaire.

    The sun rose in the distance and examined him, seemingly asking him what the hell he was doing with himself. Under its ring rays, Kang Chan headed to a table in the headquarters with a C-ration and three bottles of water.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t sure if it was Shan¡¯s doing, but he liked how neatly they had cleaned up the bodies of the rebels he had killed.

    After opening a bottle of water, he leaned down and poured it on his head. The water gushed down his short hair, cheeks, neck, and chest before falling to the ground. He used both hands to wash his face as well, making him feel a lot more refreshed. Once done, he sat at the table and looked around him.

    The dark swarm of flies that had gathered around the blood stains on the ground told him exactly where the rebel forces had diedst night.

    Kang Chan opened another bottle of water and drank it. Afterward, he took his time eating breakfast.

    He had some water again, then took out a cigarette.

    His hair was nowpletely dry, but it had a more pungent odor than before he washed up. Was this normal?

    <em>Chk chk. Chkk!</em>

    Kang Chan lit up his cigarette, leaned back against the chair, and idled around.

    Not only did they give him food, but they gave him guns, bullets, water, and cigarettes as well. He felt like he would be happy even if they told him to spend five years like this.

    <em>Should I get French citizenship next and happily travel abroad?</em>

    There was nothing he couldn''t do in his imagination.

    He would dress nicely and go on a trip with his French passport. Instead of a rifle, he would have a bag slung over his shoulder.

    The ne he would board for his trip would soundpletely different from all the aircraft that he had boarded so far.

    <em>BRRR!</em>

    It definitely wasn¡¯t going to sound like that.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Kang Chan looked up at the sky.

    In the distance, he found an aircraft descending as if to say, ¡°Did someone just say trip?¡±

    <em>What am I supposed to do? Should I yell at them in a cotton shirt like Enzo did?</em>

    He didn¡¯t really have a reason to worry about things like that, though. They wouldn''t entrust this ce to a recruit who had just arrived two days ago.

    Kang Chan watched the aircraftnd and roughly decelerate on the runway, blowing a huge cloud of dust in the process.

    ¡°Fucking hell!¡± he eximed.

    By the time the dust had densely settled on his hair, clothes, rifles, and the table, the aircraft had already turned to approach him.

    <em>Brrrr.</em>

    The rear cargo ramp opened, and soldiers walked out of the aircraft.

    <em>nk. nk. nk. nk.</em>

    Kang Chan looked at the third person to step out of the aircraft. His cleaner military uniform and pistol evidenced that he was the officer escorting the men.

    There were a total of seventeen soldiers.

    ¡°Designate ces for the soldiers to rest,¡± the officer told Kang Chan.

    <em>What¡¯s he saying? Is he telling me to manage these recruits?</em>

    ¡°Hey. I said designate a ce for these men to rest.¡±

    Kang Chan looked away from the officer.

    ¡°Choose any of the empty barracks over there. Roll up the fabric again before you use them,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    The Caucasian, ck, and Asian soldiers headed to the barracks that Kang Chan had nodded at. While walking, they kept ncing at him in fascination.

    The office threw documents onto the table. ¡°This is your first special promotion. It¡¯s four months faster than usual.¡±

    The Transportation Corps that would return with the aircraft was busy loading things like water, C-rations, weapons, and medical supplies onto carts and then unloading them on the ground.

    ¡°That envelope contains a map of this ce. You¡¯re going to receive a new operation in two days. Until then, keep an eye on the radio. Good luck.¡±

    The officer turned around and walked away. He didn¡¯t demand Kang Chan to salute or respond to him. However, though he didn''t say anything, Kang Chan could see difort in his eyes. It was as if he was talking to a dead man.

    ***

    Summer of 2007.

    Jeong Won-Min frowned at the soldiers standing before him. He slowly turned his head and focused on the soldier on the very left.

    ¡°Choi Chul-Han,¡± Jeong Won-Min called.

    ¡°Sir, yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°Hey.¡±

    ¡°Sir, yes, sir!¡±

    It was already around 3 PM. The sun was heating the back of their heads.

    ¡°Our military has improved so much that our soldiers now speak formally and do all that bullshit. I don¡¯t care about things like that, though. Do you know why?¡± Jeong Won-Min asked.

    ¡°Sir, yes, sir! I¡¯ll do better!¡±

    ¡°Motherfucker! How are you going to do better when your enemies have killed all their hostages and your entire toon?! You¡¯re lucky we¡¯re just training!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do better, sir!¡±

    Even though Jeong Won-Min was spewing curses at him, Choi Chul-Han didn''t falter. Instead, he continued to respond promptly and resolutely.

    Jeong Won-Min looked away from Choi Chul-Han. His glinting eyesnded on someone else.

    ¡°Moon Jeong-Ho.¡±

    ¡°Sir, yes, sir!¡±

    ¡°Did you close your eyes when you jumped through a window to get into a building?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t, sir!¡±

    ¡°Why did you bump your head on the window frame, then, you stupid fucking idiot?¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t happen again, sir!¡±

    ¡°Hey, motherfucker! I couldn¡¯t care less about your fucking promises! By the time you¡¯ve delivered on it, yourrades and all the hostages will have already been killed!¡±

    Jeong Won-Min, the 606 perfectionist, had more spite than usual today.

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t matter if your mistake only gets yourself killed, but it¡¯s a whole other fucking matter if it also kills the men next to you and the hostages who believe in us! Can you promise not to let that happen, huh?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do better, sir!¡± Moon Jeong-Ho yelled.

    Jeong Won-Min red at the soldiers standing in front of him.

    ¡°If you want to keep the taegukgi on your forearm, then don¡¯t half-ass your training!¡± Jeong Won-Min growled. He then looked to his right, where a three-story cement building was located. ¡°You have a minute and thirty seconds to secure the building, eliminate fifteen terrorists, and vacate the area. Understood?"

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    They didn¡¯t yell like when they were at the training center. However, their spite and determination were evident in their response.

    ¡°We will begin in ten minutes,¡± Jeong Won-Min said.

    Afterward, he quickly turned around and walked away as if he couldn¡¯t bear the sight of the men.

    ¡°Atten-HUT! At ease!¡± Choi Chul-Han eximed. The men saluted Jeong Won-Min.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Choi Chul-Han walked away first, and the soldiers followed him.

    ¡°Give me a cigarette.¡±

    Choi Chul-Han plopped to the ground. As instructed, Moon Jeong-Ho handed him a cigarette and lit it for him.

    ¡°Is something wrong, sir?¡± Moon Jeong-Ho asked afterward.

    Choi Chul-Han deeply exhaled cigarette smoke.

    ¡°Go and check the calendar. Since that man has a 28-day cycle, doesn¡¯t that mean today¡¯s the day his period is supposed to start?¡±

    The soldiers who had been listening to their conversation gave a strainedugh. One coughed, the cigarette smoke likely getting caught in their throat.

    ¡°How long did we take?¡±

    ¡°A minute and forty-two seconds, sir.¡±

    Choi Chul-Han nodded.

    The soldiers were recing the window that they had broken during the previous training sessions.

    Inside the building, people were moving the mannequins that acted as terrorists and hostages.

    ¡°Focus. You all know as well as I do that he¡¯s just acting like that because he has already lost men inbat before,¡± Choi Chul-Han said as he extinguished his cigarette. The other soldiers followed his example, then ced the butts in their cigarette packs.

    The soldiers stood up. They then fixed their helmets and ck military uniforms, which had Taegukgis on their left arms.

    ¡°Moon Jeong-Ho,¡± Choi Chul-Han called.

    ¡°Sir!¡± Moon Jeong-Ho quickly answered. Although they had just been joking with each other, Choi Chul-Han now soundedpletely serious.

    ¡°Focus. If you bump your head on the window frame one more time, I¡¯m going to smash that head of yours myself.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Choi Chul-Han looked up at the mock building.

    ¡°We have a minute and thirty seconds. Twenty seconds toe down from the building, another twenty to enter it, ten to kill the terrorists, and forty seconds to escape with the hostages.¡±

    The soldiers followed his gaze to look at the building.

    ¡°Forget about our sesses until now¡ªwe already lost our qualifications with our mistakes today. But it also brought me back to my senses, so I¡¯ll overlook us being reproached until now,¡± Choi Chul-Han said, then looked at the other soldiers. ¡°Let¡¯s get it right this time.¡±

    As if instinctively forced to answer by the look in Choi Chul-Han¡¯s eyes, the soldiers quietly answered, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

 Extra, Chapter 432: Nothing More To Give (1)

    The transport ne departed, leaving behind seventeen future casualties. The soldiers simply didn¡¯t know it yet.

    The setting sun, the swarm of ck flies, the busy soldiers setting up the tent¡ªthese scenes filled Ndulele today.

    Kang Chan sat at a dusty table with a cigarette in his mouth, looking indifferent. He knew smoking this much was bad for his health, but he couldn¡¯t stop reaching for cigarettes now.

    <em>Clomp. Clomp.</em>

    One of the guys in front of the tent approached Kang Chan. He had a square jaw, thick neck, solid chest, bulging arms, and a hairstyle that was shaved close except for the short hair right above his forehead, a so-called ¡°assault troop¡± style.

    The man hesitated in front of Kang Chan. He seemed to have something to ask but didn¡¯t want to appear weak in front of a younger-looking Asian.

    ¡°We will get new orders in two days. We¡¯ve beenmanded to rest until then, so go rx,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    However, the man didn¡¯t move.

    The man seemed to be picking a fight, which annoyed Kang Chan so much that he could probably kill him where he stood right now. Surprise immediately followed, however, for having such a murderous thought just because the man refused to leave. At that moment, he realized how quickly one could turn into a murderer. <em>Right! He might have brothers-in-arms. You go ahead and thrive.</em>

    ¡°<em>Phew</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan dropped the cigarette he was smoking and crushed it underfoot. He then stood up.

    <em>He doesn¡¯t deserve to die. I¡¯m a soldier, not a murderer.</em>

    He walked around the table and took two steps.

    ¡°Hey,¡± the man called very casually.

    When Kang Chan stopped and turned back around, he saw half a dozen guys watching from the front of the tent. He had experienced this endlessly back at the training center.

    He slowly approached the man.

    ¡°Go rest. If you call me like that again, it won¡¯t end well for you.¡±

    Their eyes met.

    ¡°Hey! Let¡¯s get along nicely,¡± the man replied.

    Just as he snickered snicker, Kang Chan punched him in the throat with his right fist.

    The distinctive groans of Westerners echoed from the tent.

    ¡°<em>Ooooh</em>!¡±

    <em>You fuckers just wait a bit; I''ll deal with you soon.</em>

    ¡°<em>Gack</em>! <em>Gaagh</em>!¡±

    As the man struggled to breathe, Kang Chan grabbed his head with both hands and pushed him down. At the same time, he struck the man¡¯s face with his knee.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    The big guy fell back, raising a cloud of dust.

    <em>Clomp. Clomp.</em>

    Without hesitation, Kang Chan walked toward the tent.

    <em>You know, Enzo, it really pisses me off to see these idiots acting up, considering they could all be dead in two days.</em>

    Some hesitated, some took up a fighting stance, and some looked as if they¡¯d throw the first punch, but it didn''t matter. They were all dead men walking. Maybe one of them would survive like Kang Chan, but most would end up as a feast for the flies.

    <em>Let¡¯s calm down! What good would it do to beat up people about to walk into their deaths anyway?</em>

    Kang Chan sighed softly.

    ¡°Do whatever you want until the mission starts, but don¡¯t touch me. If anyone else pisses me off, I¡¯ll take it as a death wish and grant it,¡± he said.

    Just by meeting someone''s eyes, one could tell whether the other person was full of hot air or if they could really kill. As the men looked into Kang Chan''s eyes, they heard moaning from the ground behind them.

    Kang Chan didn''t care, nor did he want to care. He moved to Enzo''s tent.

    Westerners had blond or brown hair, matching eyebrows, sharp noses, and hair all over their bodies, but the most notable thing was that it always felt like Westerners were big-boned, especiallypared to Asians.

    Perhaps that was why they found it easy to underestimate Asians.

    Kang Chan copsed onto the cot.

    ***

    Pierre Raon sighed softly as he looked at the map spread out on his desk. Ten kilometers north of Nduleley the barrennd of Beeshock, which was dotted with small hills.

    The DGSE had stationed the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Special Forces Regiment to monitor Abdul Janelle and prepare for potential interference from other countries. It was supposed to be a perfect deployment.

    However, the DGSE ended up assassinating Abdul Janelle and securing Ndulele''s intelligence. Afterward, they sent seventeen fresh recruits to the only trainee left in Ndulele and gave them an unexpected day off.

    Pierre Raon picked up a cigarette, lit it, and leaned back in his chair.

    "<em>Hooo</em>!"

    After the two-day-old soldier and the seventeen fetus soldiers enjoyed their day off, they would be ordered to join the 13th Regiment in Beeshock. No matter how new they were, they were still Legionnaires. A 10-kilometer march meant nothing to them.

    However, they wouldn¡¯t <em>just </em>be marching. That 10-kilometer stretch was like hell on Earth. They would have to deal with rebelsmitting all sorts of atrocities in the viges along the way.

    The influence of the South African government didn¡¯t reach that area, and France, having secured the Eye of Ndulele, no longer had any reason to maintain it.

    What would happen if radical Imists overrun a vige praying under the cross in predominantly Christian South Africa?

    "<em>Hoooo</em>!"

    Pierre Raon exhaled a longer plume of smoke in frustration. Considering Abdul Janelle had just been eliminated, it was quite easy to imagine the rebels'' reaction once the Legionnaires passed through the ce. Unless one was Godzi¡ªwho was friends with Modzi¡ªit wasn¡¯t hard to predict.

    Had Pierre Raon known this and received such an order, he would have instantly put the rifle''s muzzle in his mouth and pulled the trigger.

    However, the soldiers weren¡¯t allowed to desert. The moment they tried, the 13th Regiment would swiftly intervene.

    Pierre Raon stubbed out his cigarette in the tin ashtray and rubbed his thumb and forefinger together. Even though the surviving soldier likely knew nothing about the Eye of Ndulele, he was still targeted simply because he saw what happened in Ndulele. The remaining seventeen were mere decorations to legitimize the mission.

    Pierre Raon wet his lips, straightened up, and leaned against the desk. He then picked up the pen to his right, took out the report under the map, and signed it.

    The only thing left now was for the soldier in charge to send a radio message to Ndulele''s base tomorrow evening. Before handing over the documents, Pierre Raon lifted the cover to take onest look at the face of the soldier from the East. It was difficult to guess the age of Easterners.

    Pierre Raon didn¡¯t find the soldier attractive, and he certainly wasn¡¯t interested in young men. He only found himself looking at the photo because the soldier looked as if he could never lose in anything, yet he had a deep sense of loneliness in his eyes.

    There was nothing Pierre could do or give, though. With a sigh, he closed the file. In about two days, he would see this soldier on the casualty list.

    ***

    Darkness had once again taken over the African skies.

    <em>How long did I sleep?</em>

    Kang Chan got up from bed. He just woke up from a deep sleep, yet he didn¡¯t feel refreshed.

    <em>Mosquitoes! Mosquitoes! Damn mosquitoes!</em>

    During the day, flies sucked the blood of the dead, and at night, mosquitoes drained the blood of the living¡ªhim. He licked his index and middle fingers and applied saliva to his itchy neck. The medical kit contained ointments, but he felt like he was getting sillier the longer he was in Africa.

    Kang Chan stood up, drank some water, and opened the medical kit. He then turned back, finding it just too cumbersome.

    <em>I need a smoke first.</em>

    Fortunately, there were cigarettes among the supplies, which he found incredibly satisfying.

    <em>Click! Hiss! Hiss!</em>

    Kang Chan closed the lighter''s lid, shook it hard, and lit it again.

    <em>Click! Hiss!</em>

    The me barely caught, seeming to need more fuel. After a quick smoke, it was time to sleep again. However, it would be silly to go back to sleep without doing anything, so he figured he should at least be smart and light a mosquito coil.

    Finding mosquito repellent in the supply box behind the desk, Kang Chan licked his lips as he took out the lighter. The me would catch, but the short wick would burn out immediately. It was bothersome, so Kang Chan justy down¡ªnot because he was dumb, but because he waszy.

    A pleasant scent tickled his nose.

    <em>Was there such a soft fragrance in Africa?</em>

    Kang Chan opened his eyes to the smell that seemed to make up for the difficulties of the past two days. The morning coffee aroma in Africa was divine. He got up, drank water, washed his face with the remaining water, and stepped outside.

    As if waiting for him to wake up, the peeking sunlight rushed in, swallowing the darkness inside the tent.

    Kang Chan walked over to the central table, and the three soldiers who were sitting there stood up with wary looks.

    ¡°Coffee?¡± one of them asked, his pronunciation making it clear that he was American. He then poured him arge cup of coffee.

    Thinking that there was no reason to refuse such an offer, Kang Chan took the cup and quietly took a sip.

    <em>Nice! Coffee is great! </em>

    He didn¡¯t think that coffee could have such aforting aroma until he took a sip. Seeing Kang Chan''s expression, the soldier pushed two cans across the table.

    <em>Bastard! He offered me in coffee first when he had these all this time?</em>

    Kang Chan added cream and sugar to the coffee, making it tempting and really sweet.

    ¡°How many arrived with you?¡± the soldier who had given him the coffee asked.

    ¡°Sixteen.¡±

    A brief silence followed as the soldiers exchanged nces. They likely guessed what had happened to the sixteen others who weren¡¯t present.

    ¡°We had a senior officer named Enzo too.¡±

    The silence deepened.

    <em>They did give me coffee. It¡¯s only proper to return the favor.</em>

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°I heard that most new soldiers sent here die within forty-eight hours. The sixteen others who came with me didn¡¯t evenst twenty-four hours.¡±

    The three soldiers gritted their teeth in determination, trying not to show fear. Seeing no need toment on their expressions, Kang Chan leaned against the table and drank his coffee.

    ¡°Are you from North Korea? Japan? China?¡± the soldier who had given the coffee asked, watching Kang Chan¡¯s reaction.

    ¡°South Korea,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    The soldier¡¯s puzzled expression turned into a slight nod. It was hard to tell if he actually understood or just pretended to.

    Kang Chan had breakfast, refilled his lighter, rested, had lunch, took a nap, and then had dinner. The three soldiers lingered nearby the whole time, but since they could do whatever they wanted, Kang Chan didn¡¯t argue against it.

    The more the clock''s hands moved, the tighter their time felt. The evening felt simr to the moments before disembarking from the cargo ne.

    As Kang Chan drank the sugar from the bottom of his cup, they heard avoid among the winds. It sounded as if someone was speaking to a fan.

    [Base! Base! Come in.]

    <em>Click. Click.</em>

    The three soldiers who had been with him all day followed behind him.

    [Base! Base! Come in.]

    Kang Chan picked up the receiver on the desk.

    ¡°This is Base.¡±

    [Depart tomorrow at 07:00 and gather at Point Delta.]

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    With what sounded like a gust of wind, the transmission was cut off.

    On the table, Kang Chan spread the map that the transport officer had given. He then smirked.

    He didn¡¯t expect to see the target point so clearly circled in red, especially on an operational map. Even the route from Ndulele to the target point was marked in red.

    ¡°Beeshock?¡±

    Kang Chan examined the route.

    <em>It¡¯s roughly 10 kilometers.</em>

    <em>They expect us to join up on foot? They could just pick us up by taking a truck through the outer road! What am I missing here? If only Enzo was here or I had a bit of experience, then I would have instantly understood the real meaning behind such an order.</em>

    Silence and tension slowly spread out.

 Extra, Chapter 433: There Was Nothing Left to Give (2)

    Kang Chan put down the radio and moved to the table outside. The three soldiers followed behind him like they were tied by a string, their faces much more serious than before the radio transmission.

    ¡°Gather the soldiers,¡± Kang Chan said.

    One of them executed his order. Soon, annoyed, curious, and tense soldiers approached the table. The man whom Kang Chan had hit earlier stood at the front with a bruised nose, eyes, and cheeks. He looked quite displeased.

    ¡°We have orders to depart at 07:00 tomorrow and gather at Beeshock. We¡¯ll have breakfast and check our weapons by 06:30.¡±

    The soldiers craned their necks to look at the map, but the moonlight was not bright enough to see anything other than the red lines.

    Regardless, they had to get some sleep before the operation tomorrow. Hence, Kang Chan got up and headed to the barracks, making the crowd slowly disperse.

    Kang Chan then returned to the radio and took out the documents that the transport officer had left. Going through the pages, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a shortugh. Right behind the page of his special promotion were the personal details of the seventeen recruits.

    <em>Who were these personal records supposed to be for?</em>

    Looking through them would only allow him to memorize a couple of names at best. When Kang Chan first came to France, he too thought that mercenaries shared some kind of sticky emotional bond that made them willing to die for each other.However, it was all nonsense. This ce was nothing more than a gathering for personal gain. Besides, the training process made it hard to form emotional connections.

    If someone didn''t pass the course, they were out. Moreover, although it presented many situations that required teamwork, it only ended up making them worry about their colleagues dragging them down.

    Kang Chan walked over to the field cot and threw himself onto it. It was best to sleep whenever possible. Otherwise, his concentration would falter just like during those awful two days he had to endure with Enzo,

    He could hear faintughter outside.

    <em>You guys go ahead and waste time. I¡¯m going to sleep. Wait, did I forget something¡­?</em>

    Kang Chan suddenly got up to take out the mosquito coil.

    ***

    Waking up just before sunrise, Kang Chan shook his head, got up, and drank some water.

    <em>Today¡¯s the day.</em>

    He grabbed a water bottle and poured it over his head.

    ¡°<em>Phaah</em>! <em>Phaaah</em>!¡±

    Washing up always made him feel so rejuvenated. It was incredible.

    After drying off, he brushed his teeth with his fingers until they were squeaky clean. He then tied his hair back with a bandana and put on his beret. Next, he put on his uniform and checked his weapons one by one, strapping them to his body. ??

    <em>No regrets. This is the life I chose.</em>

    <em>Click! ck!</em>

    After checking the rifle''s magazine onest time, he slung the gun over his shoulder and turned it to his back.

    <em>Clomp. Clomp.</em>

    The noises his weapons made as he walked felt strangelyforting. It was as if they were saying, ¡°We¡¯re in this together, so take care today too.¡±

    Kang Chan dramatically flung open the tent p, but the sight that greeted him only made him frown.

    <em>Why the hell is it raining in Africa?</em>

    The drizzle annoyed him. After all, it had rendered his shower earlier pointless. At the very least though, when the horizon started to brighten, the rain made the coffee aroma feel new again. Kang Chan walked to the central table like a child distracted by the sound of a flute.

    ¡°Coffee?¡±

    ¡°Coffee,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    The soldier poured arge cup of coffee for him, then added cream and sugar.

    It might not seem like much, but the quantity really affected the taste. Once satisfied with the amount of cream and sugar, Kang Chan sat at the table and drank the sweet coffee.

    The morning sun began to rise from the far end of thend, but it couldn¡¯t fully push away the darkness due to the rain. Fortunately, the sound of raindrops gently falling on the tent¡¯s roof and the water trickling down to the ground matched the coffee quite well.

    That day, Kang Chan learned that Africa smelledpletely different when wet.

    <em>Yes, you all need to shower at least once to survive.</em>

    While Kang Chan was drinking coffee and looking into the distance, the soldier who had given him the coffee ced a C-ration in front of him.

    <em>This guy must have worked as a server in a restaurant or something. </em>

    The way he ced the cup and C-ration made it seem as much.

    They had no idea what would happen once they had left the ochre-colored Africannd.

    <em>Crunch. Crackle. Snap.</em>

    The four ate together. For some reason, they felt as if they had been together for a long time, though it was probably just because of the coffee that the guy had served him.

    <em>Crunch. Crackle.</em>

    Kang Chan chewed on a biscuit and took a sip of coffee. He hadn¡¯t realized howforting sweet things could be.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± the soldier who had served him coffee casually asked.

    Kang Chan nced at the soldier and swallowed the biscuit he had in his mouth. It certainly wouldn¡¯t hurt to exchange names. After all, it would help in situations where they had to get each other¡¯s attention.

    It was just a little bit, but Enzo had been special to Kang Chan. Still, not asking for the names of the soldiers they were with would be really foolish.

    Just as Kang Chan was about to say his name, the soldier who had given him coffee spoke with deep eyes.

    ¡°They told us to follow your lead in the transport ne.¡±

    <em>Maybe this guy went to college but ended up here because his family¡¯s restaurant business went under? Well, it¡¯s also possible he just couldn¡¯t get over a breakup.</em>

    ¡°Just call me <em>Capitaine</em>[1],¡± Kang Chan said.

    The two soldiers listening nodded with pursed lips, indicating that it wasn¡¯t a bad idea.

    ¡°I¡¯m Maxon. I¡¯m from the US. I went to college for about a year, worked at a bakery for another year, then finally enlisted here.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <em>Got one right!</em>

    ¡°I¡¯m James. I¡¯m from the US too. yed American football until high school, then I came here.¡±

    <em>No wonder he looks like a gori.</em>

    The introductions went around in order.

    ¡°I¡¯m Gegen. Was a farmer before I left the US.¡±

    Kang Chan recognized the word "farmer" there.

    Since the others had introduced themselves, it was only proper for him to return the favor.

    ¡°Kang Chan. Korea.¡±

    The soldiers extended their hands with a big arm swing as if holding something under their arms. Nevertheless, although handshakes still felt unfamiliar, Kang Chan still shook hands with them in turn.

    <em>Do Americans always have to shake hands this way, though?</em>

    After the brief introductions, the fourteen soldiers who had been inside came out. It was time to depart now. Kang Chan put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it.

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>.¡±

    <em>Would I be able to return here? Who will remember Enzo once I¡¯m gone?</em>

    As he smoked leisurely, the soldiers with rifles hanging from their waists also smoked or looked around, waiting to depart.

    <em>Fucking bastards are acting like idiots in the rain!</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ll be taking one truck. Whoever can drive, check the truck and fill it with fuel.¡±

    The soldiers looked at each other until two finally clomped off to handle it.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    Soon, an engine roar echoed throughout Nudle.

    These guys at least had some sense. After driving the truck over to the group, the driver got out and opened a fuel can. The oily smell of fuel and the acrid exhaust smoke from the truck conveyed the scent of civilization in Nudle.

    The soldier in the driver¡¯s seat stuck his upper body out of the window. ¡°We¡¯re ready!¡±

    Kang Chan stood up and walked toward the truck. The rest of the men followed him.

    <em>Clomp. Clomp.</em>

    Even though he had only been here for three days, the higher-ups still decided to put him in charge of the recruits behind him. Hence, he couldn¡¯t help but wish to meet the person who gave him the order to lead these seventeen soldiers to Beeshock.

    <em>Getting there shouldn¡¯t be a problem if that was all we had to do. </em>

    However, as shown on the map, they had to walk through the mountains instead of just driving to the rally point.

    ¡°Sniper.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡± came a reply from behind the group.

    ¡°Set up your rifle behind the driver¡¯s seat.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    The soldier moved quickly.

    <em>Damn! </em>

    They had only fought the rebels once. Seeing the sniper run off as ordered felt like watching a school y about the military. There was more to it¡ªevery rifle was loaded, and one slip could end everything in Nudle, just like with Enzo.

    Kang Chan looked over the remaining soldiers.

    ¡°We can take the truck to the outer road and drive all the way to Beeshock, but I¡¯m sure our superiors have a solid reason to make us walk through the mountains instead.¡±

    The soldiers, their rifles now slung across their chests, listened intently.

    ¡°Once we leave, do not ever let your guard down.¡±

    ¡°Fucking hell!¡± someone cursed, interrupting Kang Chan.

    Everyone¡¯s eyes turned to the soldier whom Kang Chan had beaten up yesterday. He still looked dissatisfied.

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, then say it properly.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not so different from us, so stop acting so high and mighty! I have two years of military experience! I should be the one leading!¡±

    Kang Chan smirked at him. The soldier¡¯s swollen, bruised face made him look quite hideous. If he had looked like that yesterday, Kang Chan would have definitely killed him. Oddly enough, though, he wasn¡¯t enraged right now. On the contrary, he came to a realization.

    It wouldn¡¯t be different from Korea. If he had to deal with this, he¡¯d crush him so thoroughly he wouldn¡¯t dare speak up again.

    ¡°If you want to move independently, then go ahead.¡±

    The guy¡¯s expression conveyed perfect contempt. Since were armed with firearms, Kang Chan acknowledged that if anyone went crazy and opened fire, they would end up shooting each other.

    ¡°Decide. Will youe with us or move separately?¡±

    ¡°Fucking shit,¡± the soldier cursed once more before heading to the back of the truck.

    ¡°Come back here,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Almost as if the world had paused, a moment of silence followed his instruction.

    ¡°Are you deaf? I saide back here.¡±

    The guy turned his head to look at Kang Chan, then walked over slowly. Unlike yesterday, he was fully prepared to intercept any attack. This bastard was clearly trying to provoke Kang Chan into another fight to establish dominance before they departed.

    <em>Clomp. Clomp.</em>

    He stopped just an inch away from Kang Chan and then pushed his head forward.

    <em>If I mess this up now, this coulde back and bite me in the asster.</em>

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <em>Anyone who thinks like that can never win a fight even if they¡¯re as skilled as Bruce Lee. I¡¯ve known this instinctively since birth.</em>

    Kang Chan twisted his neck from side to side. ¡°Would you feel better if I went first?¡±

    The surrounding soldiers exchanged nces.

    ¡°Yeah. It would make me feel more at ease.¡±

    The guy pushed his head further forward and sneered.

    <em>What¡¯s there to drag this out for?</em>

    <em>Whish! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan headbutted the soldier, hitting him right on the bridge of his nose.

    <em>Fuck! The bastard withstood it! Was I too close?</em>

    When his opponent staggered back, Kang Chan lunged and grabbed his head. His opponent immediately covered his face with his elbows.

    <em>What made you think I¡¯d knee your face again? You¡¯re obviously already expecting it! If I did that and got caught, we¡¯d end up on the fucking ground.</em>

    <em>Crack!</em>

    Kang Chan twisted the guy¡¯s neck sharply,

    ¡°<em>Aaaargh</em>! <em>Argh</em>!¡±

    The soldier fell backward as he screamed in pain. It seemed he wasn¡¯t much different from the ones Kang Chan had faced in Korea. Well, to be fair, a slight twist of the neck could make anyone copse and freak out.

    <em>Clomp. Clomp.</em>

    Kang Chan walked over to his opponent. Just as his opponent looked up, Kang Chan stomped on the back of his neck with his boot heel.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    <em>Stupid fucking shit! Well, if anything One good thing about the rain¡ªno dust.</em>

    He wanted to kick the soldier in the jaw to ensure he would never challenge him again. However, thinking of the road ahead, Kang Chan decided to give him a gentler punishment.

    He smirked, amused that he was so full of humanity.

    ¡°Load him up.¡±

    As Kang Chanmanded, Maxon and a few soldiers rushed over and lifted the injured soldier into the truck bed.

    ¡°It¡¯s about time we head out.¡±

    The soldiers moved more decisively now. After confirming that everyone was aboard, Kang Chan climbed into the truck bed as well.

    <em>Clomp. Clomp.</em>

    Kang Chan walked over to the sniper with the mounted rifle. He then pped the roof of the truck twice with his palm.

    ¡°Move out!¡±

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    <em>Thud! nk!</em>

    Kang Chan and the soldiers swayed with the truck¡¯s vibrations. Meanwhile, the head of the soldier sprawled on the floor bobbed from side to side like it was dancing.

    1. Capitaine means Captain in French. ?

 Extra, Chapter 434: Everything Went Smoothly (1)

    The rain showed no signs of stopping, making it seem as if a humidifier had been turned up high or the morning dew had settled near a reservoir. Nevertheless, the truck continued bumping along the road, which wasden with the earthy scents of Africa.

    Beside the sniper, Kang Chan kept a sharp eye on the hills.

    <em>What if I had stopped the truck back when my heart was pounding?</em>

    <em>Thud-! nk!</em>

    The truck shook violently for a few seconds, causing a groan toe from the back. If one had to describe it, it sounded like a defeated dog lowering its head and whimpering.

    When Kang Chan turned his head, he saw the soldier sprawled on the truck bed struggling to sit up. He had a cut in the area between his eyes, making it seem as if he had sliced himself with a razor de. However, in truth, it was a clear sign of a swollen injury being struck.

    The soldier grimaced as he tried to raise his head. Considering Kang Chan had twisted his neck and stomped on his nape with his boot heel, his struggle was understandable.

    Kang Chan banged on the roof of the vehicle. ¡°Stop the truck!¡±

    Asmanded, the truck screeched to a halt. Kang Chan then immediately walked to the back.The soldiers watched silently with their mouths shut tight. In situations like this, most would think to help the guy up and offer him a cigarette.

    <em>That would certainly be a kind and humane gesture, but this bastard doesn¡¯t deserve it. Even now, he¡¯s still looking for an opportunity. Idiots who know nothing but bark like him get weird ideas if they¡¯re given a cigarette.</em>

    <em>¡®You act tough, but you¡¯re scared, aren¡¯t you?¡¯</em>

    Moreover, he had to protect his pride in front of the sixteen other recruits.

    As Kang Chan approached, the soldier clutched his stiff neck and slowly leaned back just to be able to look up. Despite his swollen and torn face, the man still red at Kang Chan defiantly.

    <em>I knew you¡¯d keep acting like this, you fucking bastard. You picked the wrong person to mess with, though. I have smashed the faces of people tougher than you and forced them to cling to me. One of them was even crazy enough to attack with a broken arm.</em>

    <em>Whish! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan stomped on the back of the man¡¯s neck with his boot heel as hard as he could.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>!¡±

    The soldier wobbled but didn¡¯t fall.

    <em>This kid can take a hit, I¡¯ll give him that.</em>

    <em>Whish! Thud! Whish! Thud!</em>

    He had to stomp on him two more times before the man finally crashed onto the truck bed. A couple of the soldiers looked at Kang Chan with dissatisfaction. R

    <em>It¡¯s fine. Come at me if you want to fight. </em>

    <em>Letting everyone know that I have a natural talent forbat can be beneficial at times. It¡¯s a hassle, but I¡¯ll just have to deal with those who have to experience it before they understand.</em>

    Kang Chan walked back to the sniper and banged on the roof with both hands.

    ¡°Keep moving!¡±

    <em>Vroom! Rattle! nk!</em>

    It would still take them about fifteen more minutes to reach the hills. Fortunately, nothing special happened as they drove through the wetndscape of Nudle. Kang Chan¡¯s heart didn¡¯t race as it had before either.

    Eventually, they arrived at their destination. The driver, unfamiliar with the inner part of the hills, stopped the truck at a distance and waited for orders. It wasn¡¯t even 8 am yet.

    The area was peaceful, serene, and covered in mist. It was hard to believe that just two days ago, dozens of heads had been blown off and Enzo had been stabbed in the neck here.

    ¡°There¡¯s a path inside! Go further in!¡± Kang Chan shouted, and the truck started moving again.

    Driving deeper into the hills, they finally came across a path that dug into the right side.

    <em>Rattle! nk! Rattle! Screech!</em>

    Finally, they reached a point where the truck could go no further. If they followed the path over the hill, they would find the enemy base, which was nowpletely empty.

    Kang Chan turned around. With a swift nod from him, the soldiers quickly disembarked from the truck. However, the one who had been lying down struggled to sit up.

    Kang Chan smirked and walked straight toward him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll follow orders,¡± the guy muttered urgently.

    Kang Chan stood over him, looking down for a moment. It didn¡¯t matter if the man lost hisbat ability. After all, that would be better than having an armed soldier gnashing his teeth behind him. If the rebels showed up and this bastard disrupted things, things could quickly turn into a mess.

    ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed softly.

    <em>What are we doing? Why are we fighting among ourselves with rifles and bays in this strange ce?</em>

    He decided to give the soldier one more chance.

    ¡°Get down.¡±

    The guy flinched at themand, but he soon twisted around. With his ass on the floor, he dragged himself with his legs toward the edge of the truck.

    <em>Scrape! Scrape!</em>

    <em>What a pathetic sight. </em>

    For the soldier, moving had to hurt as much as having a broken neck.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>!¡±

    The guy stifled a groan as he forced himself off the truck, clutching his neck with both hands as he moved.

    ¡°Sniper, stay here!¡± Kang Chan ordered as he got out of the truck. He then walked toward the soldiers.

    ¡°James!¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Take three men and scout ahead. Make sure to check if the houses ahead are clear.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    James nodded at Maxon and two other soldiers, then headed onward.

    ¡°Gegen! Go up that hill and keep watch.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Regardless of nationality, the first lesson they learned in training was to respond to orders in French. They were then taught the instructions that Kang Chan had just issued. Afterward, they underwent a lot of really awful training, which drastically reduced the number of recruits.

    Gegen, who had gone up to the hill that Kang Chan indicated, raised his rifle and scanned the area slowly. Western soldiers looked good doing that sort of thing.

    ¡°Everyone else, take a break,¡± Kang Chan ordered again.

    They had only been on the truck for about twenty minutes, yet his men soldiers seemed ted to be given the chance to rest. They probably expected to march the rest of the way to their destination in the formations that they had been trained on. To those who had passed the Foreign Legion training, that''s what they expected the 10-kilometer march to seem like.

    They¡¯d have to wait here for thirty minutes total; fifteen minutes up, then another fifteen to head back down.

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette, put it in his mouth, and lit it with his lighter.

    These soldiers had heard Kang Chan was in charge. After all, he had arrived in Ndulele three days earlier. That experience was the difference between him and the recruits.

    It didn¡¯t matter if they treated each other casually. Thanks to some weird military discipline, they made no personal insult. Moreover, those who defied orders in the Foreign Legion would be heavily punished.

    There were only two ways a soldier who got beaten up could rebel. Fight Kang Chan and win or convince all the recruits to shoot him and then falsely report that he died under enemy fire. Inbat, he could certainly be shot from behind, but he wasn¡¯t foolish enough to fight with an enemy behind him.

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>.¡±

    Because of the humidity, the cigarette smoke could only linger lowly before disappearing.

    He felt so fickle. He hadn¡¯t eaten much, but the moment he put a cigarette in his mouth, he thought of coffee with just the right amount of cream and sugar.

    <em>Hot, sweet coffee and cigarettes enjoyed in a humid ce would be nice.</em>

    He smirked and thought of the instant coffee packets he had seen in Korea. If he ever had time, and if he could go to France, he would buy a whole box. He wouldn¡¯t have to rely on anyone for coffee, and he wouldn¡¯t have to carry cream and sugar separately.

    Time passed slowly. There was still an awkward and ufortable atmosphere among the soldiers, and the injured guy struggling to move his head only made it worse. It was like a boring ss where no one could fall asleep.

    Soon, James¡¯ team returned.

    ¡°All the buildings were empty, and we didn¡¯t see anything suspicious.¡±

    Though it was easy to understand his report, theck of suspicious signs bothered Kang Chan. That could either mean someone had cleaned up thoroughly or James wasn¡¯t observant enough to notice them.

    ¡°We¡¯re moving out! James!¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Take two men and lead the way. Gegen! Bring up our rear with Maxon!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡± Maxon and Gegen responded loudly.

    With an eye gesture, Kang Chan had James start leading the way.

    Having trained for situations like this endlessly, their formations now looked pretty good.

    <em>Clomp. Clomp.</em>

    As the soldiers began to march, Kang Chan spotted the sniper peeking from atop the truck.

    <em>That kid has no sense. Then again, after seeing that guy get beaten up for disobedience, he probably doesn¡¯t want to move without orders.</em>

    ¡°Come on over!¡±

    As Kang Chanmanded, the sniper jumped down from the truck with a relieved expression.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan pulled his rifle from his back to his front. As he walked, he ced his right index finger on the trigger, ensuring he¡¯d be able to respond to any situation.

    They marched on peacefully yet anxiously. After all, they didn¡¯t know when or where their enemies would fire an RPG or rain down bullets on them. The atmosphere was also getting more humid, slowly turning into a sauna.

    James¡¯ squad was walking about fifteen meters ahead, while Gegen was about ten meters behind.

    Finally, they came across the empty houses. They had to pass through those buildings and go through the mountain. Fortunately, considering its size, it shouldn¡¯t pose a problem to them.

    Kang Chan grew even more vignt as he inspected the ground and the spot where he had shot the rebels the previous day. Just as James had said, there were no signs of anyone having died there.

    To their left was the entrance to the cave that he had fought in a while back. They could have checked it briefly, but Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel like doing so. He wanted hisst memory of it to be the one where Enzo was standing proudly and smoking a cigarette with him.

    Watching James¡¯ back, Kang Chan shook his head. The fact that James failed to notice the cave entrance when he scouted this area meant that he probably wasn¡¯t very observant.

    Amid their march, bright sunlight suddenly shone down on Nudle. With the sun finally out, Africa smelled significantly cleaner.

    Some soldiers had their arms slung over their rifles, some carried their rifles with the muzzles pointed down, and some leisurely looked around as if they were just here to sightsee. No matter how they walked, they all moved with an air of ease. Kang Chan didn¡¯t feel like criticizing them for that, though.

    After about ten more minutes of walking, the empty building started to disappear behind the hills.

    Everything was going smoothly. At the pace they were going, they would likely reach their destination today.

    They continued down the winding path. Eventually, hills about sixty meters high came into view on either side of them.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Kang Chan ordered in English.

    The soldiers gave him looks that seemed to ask, ¡°What now?¡±

    <em>Should we just walk through? Or should I send the unobservant James ahead to scout again?</em>

    Kang Chan looked around, both ahead and behind. If a machine gun fired at them from the top of the hill, they¡¯d likely be wiped out here. Unfortunately, they didn¡¯t have the time or manpower tob through all the hills around them.

    ¡°James! Scout twenty meters ahead!¡±

    Following Kang Chan''s order, James and another soldier moved even further away from their group.

    ¡°Spread out more! Gegen! Double the distance you¡¯ve been following!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡± Gegen replied.

    As James moved a sufficient distance ahead, Kang Chan nodded to the soldier in front to proceed. Including Kang Chan, they numbered eighteen in total. James and another soldier were twenty meters ahead, leading the way. Behind them, the men walked in pairs two meters apart except for Gegen and Maxon, who were bringing up the rear twenty meters behind.

    Some would likely ridicule Kang Chan for being overly cautious or think he was being overly pretentious just because he had arrived a few days earlier and had been promoted.

    However, he couldn¡¯t care less. On his first day here, he already experienced an RPG blowing their truck up and having rebels charge at them with knives. Hence, he couldn¡¯t help but be cautious.

    Kang Chan¡¯s throat felt dry. He wanted to drink some water and take a short break somewhere to smoke a cigarette.

    Slowly scanning the area ahead, he noticed that the path stretched further into the gaps between the hills.

    <em>Should we find a suitable spot to take a break? We could rest on a hill with a good vantage point. If we continued like this, we would arrive in no time.</em>

    Kang Chan looked around slowly in an attempt to find a suitable hill for resting.

    <em>Why are the hills here so barren?</em>

    The hills were so dry and sparse that if they threw Tarzan here, he would beining of mental instability within a day. However, this also meant that their enemies didn¡¯t have anywhere to hide.

    <em>Dense jungles, long vines stretching down, monkeys running along them, lions in the distance, and something like a deer in front. That was the scene I was expecting to see here in Africa.</em>

    It seemed like the lessons they had about Africa needed to be redone.

    Kang Chan chuckled to himself, but it was cut short when his heart started beating strangely.

    <em>Thump thump. Thump thump.</em>

    It reminded him of the moments before they got hit with an RPG on his first day.

 Extra, Chapter 435: Everything Went Smoothly (2)

    <em>Wait, what''s going on? What¡¯s the problem?</em>

    Kang Chan thoroughly scanned their nks.

    <em>Thump thump. Thump thump.</em>

    A chill ran down his arms and back as if ice water had been poured over him.

    <em>Am I going crazy? Is it because I¡¯ve been too tense?</em>

    He had to know why his heart was suddenly pounding.

    After a few more steps, his heart began to pound so hard that he felt as if someone was punching his chest.

    <em>If I could go back to my first day¡ªto when my heart started beating like this before an RPG hit our truck¡ªwhat would I do differently? </em>

    Without a doubt, he would have screamed to stop. <em>Forget certainty; it¡¯s better to be cautious for now. Stopping the march doesn¡¯t require much effort or cause significant losses. </em>

    Kang Chan raised his left hand, then yelled, ¡°Stop!¡±

    The soldiers ryed the order to those in front and behind, bringing their advance to aplete halt. They then looked at Kang Chan with mocking eyes, seemingly asking, ¡°What now?¡±

    <em>We stopped. Now what?</em>

    <em>Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. </em>

    <em>Damn it! Don¡¯t just beat; tell me something!</em>

    Kang Chan slowly surveyed their surroundings, but nothing stood out.

    The low hills nking them were not dense enough to hide in, so they didn''t seem particrly dangerous.

    <em>Wait. Behind us?</em>

    Kang Chan nced back.

    <em>Damn it! No wonder there were no signs ofbat!</em>

    ¡°James! I want you halfway up that hill! Hurry! Get in position and prepare to fire! Gegen! Go to the opposite side with Maxon!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    Instead of running, the three walked as if it were just another boring drill.

    ¡°Those in front, follow James! Those in back, follow Gegen!¡±

    <em>Clomp. Clomp.</em>

    The soldiers looked disgruntled. If Kang Chan hadn¡¯t fiercely beaten the disobedient soldier from the truck, someone would have surely rebelled by now.

    <em>Where did that guy go?</em>

    Kang Chan looked for the soldier he had beaten up, finding him hunched over, clutching his neck as he struggled to follow Gegen.

    Even a low hill was still a hill. And the soldiers were climbing withints as if they were being forced into an unwanted drill. From an observer''s standpoint, it was frustrating, but there was nothing Kang Chan could do about it now.

    Five minutester, the soldiers finally got into position.

    ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    It was maddening.

    <em>If nothing happens after all this¡­</em>

    Kang Chan stood alone on the path, looking back and forth.

    <em>Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.</em>

    His heart pounded harder and harder, yet the soldiers positioned on either side found nothing suspicious. Enduring the zing sun and the soldiers'' gazes, he held his rifle up and prepared to fire.

    <em>Being amander is too fucking exhausting. Should we have just kept walking even though we risked being hit with an RPG?</em>

    He took onest look behind him. They clearly hadn¡¯t checked the cave.

    <em>¡®Could someone be hiding inside, waiting for us to lower or guard?¡¯</em>

    Considering the enemies had cleaned up all traces ofbat, this was his most confident guess.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    Kang Chan took a cigarette from his pocket and lit it. If nothing happened by the time he finished smoking, they¡¯d have to move on.

    <em>Click. Ssssss!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    He smirked as the smoke curled up into the humid air of Nudle.

    <em>This is fucking embarrassing.</em>

    His men were probably starting to think that he was just overreacting. ncing up, Kang Chan saw the soldiers looking down at him, some even lying downfortably.

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>.¡±

    As Kang Chan exhaled his second puff of smoke, a head appeared from the path behind. He quickly tossed his cigarette and moved to the side. At the same time, he heard the soldiers at the hills lifting their rifles and taking aim.

    The figures eventually came into full view. To his surprise, they were just children.

    <em>One, two, three, four... eleven in total, along with three frail women who seem to be their guardians.</em>

    It was impossible to guess their ages. They wore old, faded clothes and loosely wrapped cloth around their waists.

    Someone whistled yfully. They were about a hundred meters away, continuing to walk hesitantly. The children kept looking back at the three women.

    <em>I didn¡¯t hear any truck engine, though.</em>

    The only ce they could havee from was the cave. If they had arrived in a truckter than Kang Chan and his men, these civilians couldn¡¯t have kept up with their pace. Moreover, even if they had been in the cave, they still couldn¡¯t have matched the Foreign Legion¡¯s marching speed.

    Kang Chan tilted his head in confusion. Meanwhile, the women and the children continued to approach him.

    Was it because they lived in an area like this? They shuffled as they walked, yet they moved faster than expected. In no time at all, they narrowed the gap down to a mere thirty meters.

    Kang Chan focused on the three women. They had curly hair, gaunt cheeks and necks, narrow shoulders, and thin arms and legs. More importantly, two of them were crying. He could see their tears glistening in the bright sunlight.

    When they covered another ten meters, Kang Chan shouted, ¡°Stop!¡±

    The children huddled around the three women.

    ¡°Maxon! Ask them what¡¯s going on!¡±

    As ordered, Maxon interpreted his question in English. However, they clearly didn¡¯t understand.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Do they speak English or French?¡± Kang Chan asked, but the women didn¡¯t respond.

    Maybe they were just passing through. This was their home, so they likely knew paths that Kang Chan didn¡¯t. Kang Chan motioned with his hand for them to pass.

    Hesitantly, the three women resumed walking, and the children closely followed as if bound to them. Now that Kang Chan saw them, his heart had returned to normal. One of the women turned her head when she was about 10 meters from Kang Chan. Her eyes were filled with terror, which seemed to be the reason she was crying.

    ¡°Stop!¡±

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan raised his rifle and aimed it at the woman.

    ¡°Send the children away!¡±

    Though they couldn¡¯t understand them, the look in their eyes showed that they got the message.

    ¡°Children!¡±

    Kang Chan pointed at the children with his left index finger.

    ¡°One at a time!¡±

    He then held up his finger to indicate the number.

    ¡°Maxon!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Take the children away! One at a time!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    As Maxon descended from the hill, Kang Chan repeated, ¡°Children! One at a time!¡±

    Just as Maxon slipped down the hill, an eerie mechanical sound came from the woman.

    <em>Beeeeeeep¡ª!</em>

    <em>¡°Aaaaaaaah!¡±</em>

    Along with the piercing scream, a massive explosion and a powerful shockwave hit Kang Chan. They sted him through the air and mmed him to the side.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    ¡°<em>Uughh¡­</em>¡±

    The impact left him dazed. His skull felt as if it had been broken to pieces, making him feel as if he had just faced a typhoon head-on.

    He could see the children scattering and soldiers on the hill opening fire, causing the dirt around the children to spray up into the air.

    <em>Thooom! Thoooom! Thoom! Ratatatatatat!</em>

    After what felt like a long dy, Kang Chan finally started hearing the gunshots, though they still sounded stretched and muffled. He shook his head to clear up his mind and rolled to the side of the path.

    <em>Thud! Ratatatatat! Thud! Thud! Ratatatatat!</em>

    Rebels swarmed up from behind, shooting wildly.

    ¡°Sniper! Take out the RPGs!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <em>Fwooooosh!</em>

    A white streak shot from the rebels toward the path. Two more followed shortly after, causing explosions powerful enough to shake the ground and rock the hills nking them.

    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>

    <em>Ratatatatat! Thud thud thud! Ratatatat!</em>

    Dust and bullets fell like rain.

    <em>Thud! Thud thud thud! Ratatatatat</em>

    Bullets struck the hillside and the children¡¯s corpses, making them jerk violently.

    <em>Thud thud! Ratatatatat! Thud thud thud! Fwooooosh!</em>

    Kang Chan lowered his posture and climbed up the hill, causing his chest, thighs, waist, and shins to ache. Blood seeped from the torn parts of his uniform, but it didn''t hinder his movement.

    Reaching the top, Kang Chan moved back toward where the soldiers were. He could now clearly see the enemies positioned on the path. There was no time to waste.

    <em>Click! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>It doesn¡¯t matter when theye or how many they send over. I''ll fucking kill them all.</em>

    <em>Thud thud! Ratatatatat! Thud thud thud thud! Ratatat! Ratat!</em>

    The rebels continued shooting at the Foreign Legion with their AK rifles. Having regained their senses, Kang Chan¡¯s men returned fire.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    With each pull of the trigger, Kang Chan sent a rebel tumbling backward with a bullet in their forehead. He quickly took one who tried to fire an RPG, causing them to spray a thin mist of blood.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Instead of paying any attention to his men¡¯s astonished stares, he quickly reced the magazine, chambered a round, and continued his killing spree.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    As the five remaining enemies retreated and disappeared down the path, the soldiers looked at Kang Chan with respect.

    <em>Crazy bastards!</em>

    ¡°Gegen! Bring the wounded down!¡± Kang Chan shouted, then scanned the surroundings.

    At least four were dead on his side alone¡ªone with a grotesquely twisted neck, another with a charred upper body, and two with chests drenched in blood.

    ¡°Take care of the wounded!¡±

    The soldiers quickly executed hismand. Groaning, the injured were carried down.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>.¡±

    The aftermath was devastating. As Kang Chan approached the soldiersing down from the other hill, he was quickly greeted by an unbelievable sight. Gegen, whom he had ordered to carry the wounded down, was lying on one side of the path with his right temple blown off. His left eye seemed to reflect the painful realization of his fate.

    ¡°How did you know¡­?¡± Gegen asked as Kang Chan approached.

    ¡°Just hang in there a bit.¡±

    ¡°As a farmer, you learn that there''s a time for everything¡­ Time to sow, time to bloom, and¡­ time for everything to end.¡±

    Kang Chan sat down beside Gegen.

    The survivors tended to the wounded, most of whom were severely injured. Unfortunately, their supplies were scarce.

    A soldier across the way coughed up blood. Soon after, he passed away.

    ¡°Captain¡­¡±

    Kang Chan looked back at Gegen. A moment of silence followed.

    <em>Crazy bastard. Why call for me when you¡¯re just going to stare and die?</em>

    ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    <em>Did I make the wrong choice?</em>

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette from his pocket. He already expected to face countless battles when he joined the Foreign Legion. However, he never thought he¡¯d find himself in a ce so full of death.

    <em>nk. Hiss!</em>

    <em>"Hoooo."</em>

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    James, looking as battered as his uniform, approached Kang Chan with an agitated expression. He nced at the dead Gegen, who still had an eye open, and then turned his gaze back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Seven dead, including Gegen. Three severely injured,¡± James reported.

    ¡°The sniper?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s over there.¡±

    James gestured with his chin.

    ¡°Assign a soldier to cover the rear from the previous position, and let the rest take a break. Make sure the sniper eats in shifts up top.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    No matter what others thought, in James¡¯ eyes, this battle had cemented Kang Chan as their leader.

    Kang Chan looked back at Gegen.

    <em>Are you asking me how I knew the rebels wereing? Is that why you can¡¯t close your eyes?</em>

    ¡°<em>Hooooo</em>.¡±

    Having a smoke right after surviving a deadly battle sometimes felt like the best thing in the world.

    <em>How did they follow us so precisely?</em>

    If they waited in the cave, they had to have known that he and his men woulde this way.

    Kang Chan looked down the path that the rebels had taken. The fractured rays of light seemed to shake off Ndulele¡¯s humidity, giving him a clear view of the scattered and mutted corpses of the children.

    <em>Why did they have to make the children walk with the women? It served no purpose!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan dropped the cigarette and crushed it under his boot, venting his frustration.

 Extra, Chapter 436: Weéˆ¥æª™e Following the Map (1)

    Though they followed the designated path on the map, they still encountered women strapped with bombs and rebels lying in ambush.

    Only idiots wouldn¡¯t find this situation suspicious.

    Kang Chan organized his thoughts, then took out the map and slowly examined it.

    There was a long red line on the map to mark a route, but it wasn¡¯t there to tell them how to reach their destination. Even during their training in the training center, the instructors only marked their target location on the map and told them to go there. They never gave specific orders on how the trainees should get there.

    The route indicated by the red line on the map was likely infested with rebels and all sorts of shitty situations.

    ¡°Damn it! We¡¯re not here to y fucking Donkey Dong!¡± Kang Chan muttered to himself.

    Kang Chan remembered the arcade game machine that he had yed in front of the convenience store back when he was young. Toplete a stage, the yer had to climb thedders all the way to the top while a gori threw various things at them from above.

    He couldn¡¯t understand why Donkey Dong would throw obstacles at them from above when they were just following orders. It wasn¡¯t like they could earn bonus points for going up all the way or revive deceased soldiers by putting a coin into a game machine.

    Kang Chan had to think of another way to get there. Otherwise, they¡¯d just be marching to their deaths.One of their options was to climb the hills straight from their current location until they reached their destination. Since the hills weren¡¯t that high anyway, it could be the easiest path for them

    ¡°<em>Tsk</em>!¡±

    However, that was only true if they were fresh out of the base and were still in good condition. Unfortunately, he had three injured soldiers to consider now.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    James approached Kang Chan and handed him C-rations and water.

    ¡°One of our injured has passed away, sir,¡± James said.

    Kang Chan epted the C-ration. He then sat down and had some water first.

    Gegen was still right next to them. They had just drank coffee with him this morning, yet now hey on the ground with a swarm of flies buzzing around him.

    After having some water, Kang Chan opened the C-ration and ate the biscuit.

    Looking around, he found the bodies of the children scattered on the ground with innumerable flies feasting on them. The bombs that had been strapped to them had blown them all apart, and the rebels¡¯ bullets only further tore them up.

    They would¡¯ve liked biscuits more than Kang Chan did.

    It took about three minutes for Kang Chan to finish the C-ration. He drank water again before slowly standing up.

    The surviving soldiers gauged Kang Chan¡¯s mood.

    ¡°Gather ¡®round!¡± he ordered.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Perhaps because they had finally seen Kang Chan in actualbat, the soldiers no longer seemed defiant.

    They departed with eighteen people total, Kang Chan included. Eight fell in battle and two were wounded, leaving them with only eightbat-capable soldiers. To make matters worse, even those eight were injured. One of them was even walking around holding the back of his head, making it clear he wouldn¡¯t be much help.

    Kang Chan unfolded the map again and ced it on the ground. With his index finger, he traced a line from one part of the map to their destination.

    ¡°This is where we¡¯re currently at. I don¡¯t know why or how, but the rebel forces definitely know that we¡¯ll be taking this route. The fact that women and children strapped with explosives blocked our way should be clear enough evidence that they¡¯re aware of our movements.¡±

    A soldier cocked his head in confusion.

    <em>What a fucking idiot!</em>

    ¡°If the rebels had been chasing after us since we left the base, we should¡¯ve at least heard engines following us all the way here. Theck of any vehicr noise means they waited for us here in advance and only made the women and children follow us after we¡¯ve gone past their hiding spot,¡± Kang Chan exined.

    The soldier still looked as if he didn¡¯t understand, but the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes overwhelmed him so much that he reluctantly nodded anyway.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°There are two ways we can go about doing this. We can either climb the hills and head straight to our destination or continue marching through the route marked on the map.¡±

    The soldiers listened so intently that it made Kang Chan wonder if they were the same people who had looked at him with dissatisfaction just moments before the battle.

    ¡°The problem is the deceased and the injured.¡±

    The other soldiers followed Kang Chan¡¯s gaze and looked around their surroundings. The sniper and another soldier had gone up the hill, so only six of them had gathered.

    ¡°<em>Capitaine</em>,¡± the soldier holding onto the back of his neck called. He had raised his left hand respectfully, making him seem obnoxious. ¡°I have experience serving in the military, sir. May I say something?¡±

    Perhaps it was because Kang Chan was only staring at him, but the guy urgently continued, ¡°I¡¯m Smithen, sir. I served in the US Army before enlisting in the Foreign Legion.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°We should take care of the deceased now,¡± Smithen suggested.

    <em>What the hell is this crazy bastard saying?</em>

    They felt a cold breeze sweep past them for some reason. Eight people were able to move, and eight people died. Was there anything else they could do other than follow Smithen¡¯s suggestion?

    <em>Fine! Smithen¡¯s suggestion does sound logical! It¡¯s my fault for not asking how we should take care of the deceased anyway.</em>

    Since Kang Chan had allowed Smithen to speak his mind, Kang Chan would look like an asshole if he hit Smithen now for what he had said.

    Still, Smithen looked so shameless that Kang Chan couldn''t help but want to hit him.

    Kang Chan calmed himself down. After taking in his surroundings for a moment, he came to a decision.

    ¡°Smithen.¡±

    ¡°Oui,¡± Smithen answered. He looked proud that Kang Chan called his name.

    ¡°Take care of the deceased, including the children over there.¡±

    Only when Kang Chan turned to him did Smithen quietly reply, ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°I want everyone on this task,¡± Kang Chan added. ¡°I¡¯ll think about which route to take in the meantime."

    The soldiers scattered again.

    Walking away from the busy soldiers, Kang Chan went up the hill that Gegan had been assigned to.

    <em>Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    The dirt crumbled under his boots as he climbed the hill. Eventually, he reached a high enough vantage point to get a clearer view of their surroundings.

    Since he had alreadye all the way here, he decided to climb all the way to the top. It was slightlyrger than most hills in the area, but it still didn¡¯t take him long to reach the top.

    Across the hill, Kang Chan could see the sniper and another soldier. Below him, the others were moving the bodies of the deceased soldiers and children.

    The area around them looked so repetitive it was as if someone had just copy-pasted one part of it multiple times.

    They had covered about three kilometers in the morning, which meant they were only seven kilometers away from their destination now if they followed the route on the map.

    <em>I¡¯m already on top of a hill. Might as well have a smoke.</em>

    He took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

    <em>Chk chk. Chkk. Chkkk.</em>

    The smell of gasoline and oil rushed into his nose. The strong cigarette smoke quickly followed.

    ¡°<em>Hooo.</em>¡±

    <em>What on earth am I doing here?</em>

    A person¡¯s environment definitely affects their train of thought. Normally, whenever someone tried to attack him, he¡¯d immediately think about hitting them twice for revenge. However, since he arrived in Africa, he had be a lot more philosophical.

    ¡°You bastards have already predicted that we¡¯d grow suspicious and choose to cross the hills, haven¡¯t you?¡± Kang Chan asked himself.

    He red at the direction that they¡¯d take if they were to make a beeline for their target location.

    ¡°You motherfuckers have prepared even worse situations for us on that route, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Still smoking, he looked at the path that led down the hill. Whoever marked the route on the map had probably sent Donkey Dong to wait for them at the end of it as well, ready to throw things at him and his men again.

    Kang Chan exhaled more cigarette smoke.

    He made up his mind.

    <em>Rustle. Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    When Kang Chan went down the hill, he found the soldiers'' and children¡¯s corpses neatlyid on the ground. The soldiers untied the shoces of their fallen colleagues, one to tie the corpses¡¯ sleeves and the other to bind their boots.

    Why on earth did the instructors in the training center teach them something this cursed?

    ¡°Sniper! Get over here!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°Oui!¡± the sniper answered loudly and then headed down the hill.

    Catching onto Kang Chan¡¯s n, the other soldiers gathered around him without being ordered.

    Kang Chan took a look at his men, then dered, ¡°We¡¯re following the map.¡±

    The soldiers looked confused by his decision, but they didn¡¯t question him.

    ¡°We¡¯re going take turns carrying our injured on our backs. Rebel forces coulde at us from the front, so keep your weapons ready and stay on your toes.¡±

    ¡°Oui,¡± the soldiers obediently answered.

    ¡°Sniper! Take another soldier with you and scout ahead. I want the area twenty meters ahead of us secured at all times.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    They answered him so often that Kang Chan was starting to get annoyed.

    ¡°James! Cover our rear with Maxon!¡±

    James answered affirmatively, then headed to the back of their formation.

    Including Kang Chan, only fourbat-ready soldiers remained unassigned. Considering one of them was the soldier he had beaten up, they technically only had three unscathed men left.

    Kang Chan approached the injured soldiers. One of them had been shot right above the chest on his right side, and the other had been shot in his stomach and thigh. Their wounds had been tightly bandaged, but in all honesty, it was difficult to say how long they wouldst.

    Kang Chan crouched in front of the soldier who had been shot in the stomach. In turn, the soldier tilted his head toward him with difficulty, gasping for breath. Kang Chan hadn''t noticed how old the soldier was before because he was Caucasian, but they seemed to be around the same age.

    ¡°We¡¯re going,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The soldier looked at him with sorrowful eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to carry you on my back, so hang in there for a little longer.¡±

    ¡°Water¡­¡± the soldier trailed off, seemingly hoping to quench the dryness of his lips.

    Kang Chan briefly shook his head.

    He remembered being taught in the training center not to give any drinks to those who had been shot in the stomach or chest.

    ¡°Water¡­ please¡­¡± the injured man weakly pleaded again.

    Kang Chan felt as if he was listening to the soldier¡¯sst wish. Would this soldier be able to survive if he didn¡¯t give him any water? Like Gegen, the soldier already knew that he wouldn¡¯t make it. Hence, it didn¡¯t seem right not to grant his final, desperate desire.

    Kang Chan looked behind him and demanded some water. Soon after, a soldier held out a small bottle toward him. After epting it, he held up the injured soldier¡¯s head with his right hand and slowly poured some water into the soldier¡¯s mouth.

    The soldier opened his mouth. Although he couldn¡¯t swallow the water, Kang Chan noticed happiness filling the brown eyes below the soldier¡¯s blond eyebrows.

    ¡°Thank you, Captain,¡± he said.

    He then closed his eyes as if he was satisfied. Afterward, his head dropped and fell out of Kang Chan¡¯s right hand.

    Although Kang Chan had shared a cup of coffee with Gegen, this soldier¡¯s death hit him harder than Gegen''s for some reason.

    Kang Chan ced the deceased soldier¡¯s head on the ground and then took out the bay that he had attached to his ankle. He cut the shoces of the soldier¡¯s right boot, made a hole in the soldier¡¯s sleeves, and then tied the sleeves together. Next, he tied the soldier¡¯s boots together with the left boot¡¯s shoce.

    Afterward, Kang Chan nced over to one of the men standing behind him. In response, the man grabbed the dead soldier by the feet and helped Kang Chan ce him next to their other fallen brothers.

    The other injured remained conscious.

    ¡°Put him on my back!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°I¡¯ll carry him, sir.¡±

    The soldier who had helped him stepped forward and crouched down.

    That wasn¡¯t a bad idea. They would take turns anyway.

    With the help of another subordinate, Kang Chan put the wounded man onto the soldier¡¯s back. He then held up his hand, turned it in a circle, and then pointed at the front.

    As he had gestured, their group began to walk in silence. He couldn¡¯t help but think that they had just sacrificed nine lives just to cover three kilometers.

    <em>Fine. We¡¯ll follow the route you guys told us to take. I''ll take this path even if Donkey Dong or some other fucking monster will be waiting at the end of the line to eat us. I¡¯ll just shoot them all in the fucking head!</em>

    ***

    Their next twenty minutes were fortunately uneventful.

    ¡°Switch,¡± Kang Chan said.

    As ordered, the wounded was transferred to another soldier¡¯s back. Meanwhile, the soldier whom Kang Chan had beaten up discretely nced at them while pretending to keep an eye on their quiet surroundings.

    It seemed a detestable fucker would always be detestable.

    They spent another twenty minutes walking.

    ¡°Switch,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Smithen looked at Kang Chan with surprise. For some reason, it looked as though Smithen¡¯s head moved quickly even though the back of his neck hurt.

    Kang Chan had a feeling that if he ordered Smithen to carry an injured soldier on his back, he would put on an act to show how much pain he was in. Not that it mattered since Kang Chan also didn¡¯t want to entrust their wounded to someone who wasn¡¯t feeling well.

    Kang Chan crouched, and two soldiers ced the wounded on his back. The man¡¯s burning heat pressed against him, and his foul odor quickly hit Kang Chan¡¯s nostrils.

    Having the injured soldier on his back reminded him of the time he had to carry Enzo. However, the weight of the soldier was a bit easier to bear since he was still conscious. Moreover, unlike back then, Kang Chan only had to carry one rifle.

    After about fifteen more minutes of walking, the soldier apanying their sniper quickly approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°We see a vige about seventy meters ahead, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t see anything from here.

    ¡°We think it¡¯s upied by natives. The houses look like they¡¯re made of mud.¡±

    ¡°Did you see anyone?¡±

    ¡°No, sir.¡±

    ¡°Keep an eye out. Secure a ce for us to hide as well.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan resumed walking.

    The soldier on his back was trying hard to hold in his groans. The smell of his sweat and the nauseating odor from his wounds was difficult to endure, but Kang Chan pushed through anyway. He constantly reminded himself that this was better than carrying the soldier¡¯s corpse.

    After walking for another five minutes, their sniper signaled that they should lower themselves.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Kang Chan went behind their sniper and lowered the injured soldier from his back.

    They had stopped at a good area. It was densely popted with trees that offered them a lot of cover, and it also had a path that led further toward the vige. Since people had to walk uphill to get to this position, it wasn¡¯t a bad area to watch both sides from.

    ¡°<em>Haaa</em>. I need water,¡± Kang Chanmented.

    The moment he quenched his thirst, he felt so light that it was as if he could jump a hundred meters into the sky.

    Kang Chan turned his arm widely toward the back and called James and Maxon.

    The path ahead of them curved widely to the right and then to the left. At the end of it was the vige that the soldier had told him about.

    It looked a bit strange to Kang Chan. The mud huts all over the hill looked more like gravestones, making it difficult to determine whether the vige was a residential area or a graveyard[1].

    If it was actually a vige, then it should have been filled with people. They couldn¡¯t even see goats, let alone people.

    Kang Chan sighed.

    <em>Did whoever marked the route on the map know about this ce?</em>

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    While he was mulling over his thoughts, James and Maxon ran over.

    Kang Chan turned toward the flustered men.

    1. In South Korea, the deceased were traditionally buried in burial mounds built on hills or mountains ?

 Extra, Chapter 437: Weéˆ¥æª™e Following the Map (2)

    Kang Chan met James¡¯ gaze.

    ¡°It¡¯s the rebels!¡± James urgently eximed, clearly caught off guard.

    Unexpectedly, though, Kang Chan remained calm. He even thought that this was an obvious oue¡ªlike a ghost appearing in a horror movie at the exact moment he predicted.

    ¡°How far away are they from us?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°About a hundred meters, sir. We haven¡¯t figured out their numbers yet.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the natives¡¯ vige again.

    The rebels knew thisnd¡¯s geography better than anyone else, yet they still chose to make their presence known right before Kang Chan and his men entered the vige.

    <em>¡®Why push us into the vige? What are they nning?¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t sure if he was smart or the rebels were just stupid, but it was a very obvious trap. Since he coulde to any conclusion he wanted, he chose to believe that he got this all figured out because he was smart.From the back, people had to walk uphill to reach this area.

    ¡°We need extra magazines!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    The soldiers urgently took out the magazines that they had ced at their waists.

    ¡°Sniper, you¡¯re going up with me. James, guard that side! The rebels coulde at us from the front! Let¡¯s go!¡±

    After cing five magazines inside his belt, Kang Chan went up to the hill with the sniper.

    <em>Rustle! Rattle! Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    Even though the mountain was covered in thick trees, dirt still crumbled and fell whenever they took a step. Thirty meters up, Kang Chan finally got a view of around forty rebels approaching them on the road.

    Perhaps it was because of the hot temperature, but the air glimmered near them. Nevertheless, the rebels continued walking toward Kang Chan¡¯s men amid the heat haze. One of them had an RPG slung over his shoulder, and the rest were proudly carrying Ak-47s.

    Kang Chan smirked. Even though he and his men were new recruits, they were still properly trained soldiers.

    Even so, the rebels approached them as if they were showing off their numbers, possibly because they believed that they had killed many of the soldiers.

    ¡°Once I start shooting them, you are permitted to open fire. Kill as many as possible,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    The sniper grabbed his sniper rifle and then got into a prone position.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°You focus on their right nk and rear. I¡¯ll take out their left nk.¡±

    ¡°Oui,¡± the sniper answered, then pulled the breechblock.

    <em>nk! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan also pulled his gun¡¯s breechblock and then slung his rifle on his shoulder.

    Surprisingly, the noises reached the rebels in the distance. They scanned the area for the source.

    Amid their confusion, Kang Chan pulled the trigger.

    The head of the rebel walking in front of their formation snapped back. In response, the others urgently jumped toward the hills nking them.

    Kang Chan and the sniper easily shot the rebels from above. Considering they would¡¯ve still been able to hit their targets in the head even if their targets ran around crazily, there was no way they wouldn¡¯t hit some rebels hiding beside nearby hills.

    With each pull of the trigger, Kang Chan sent a bullet into his target¡¯s head. It pierced through their skull and hit the ground, making dirt rise and form a cloud of dust.

    One after another, the rebels¡¯ heads exploded.

    Kang Chan could tell that the rebels hadn¡¯t had proper training or experience just from the way they fired their rifles. Though they seemed familiar with shooting a gun, theycked form and uracy.

    The rebels attempted to return fire, but it was clear that they were flustered and panicking.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan just kept shooting them in the forehead. With each gunshot, a rebel¡¯s head snapped back, sending them falling backward. Blood sprayed from their heads, and dirt rose from behind them.

    Kang Chan and his men didn¡¯t ask for this fight; they never coaxed the rebels to approach them.<em></em>On the contrary, the rebels were the ones who chose to close in on soldiers who had undergone months of training to kill people.

    Soon, only a few rebels were left standing. Two tried their hardest to run back down the path they hade from.

    <em>You were the ones who tried to attack us first, yet you¡¯re all now running for your fucking lives? Why did you bastards even send women and children strapped with bombs after us?</em>

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan aimed at the back of one of the runners¡¯ heads.

    <em>Bang!</em>

    The rebel fell forward with his arms stretched out, making him look as if he was yelling, ¡°Hip hip hooray!¡±

    Kang Chan targeted the other runner next. Aiming at the back of their head, he immediately noticed the rebel¡¯s stark terror.

    <em>You son of a bitch! Why would you make those women and children go through something so despicable?! </em>

    <em>Bang!</em>

    The rebel fell forward as if somebody fiercely pped them from the back, ending their brief battle. They had killed over forty people this time.

    Kang Chan sighed. cing his rifle down, he leaned back against the hill.

    This wasn¡¯t a game. With a few pulls of the trigger, he had killed an absurdlyrge number of people.

    Although Kang Chan had killed them to survive and see through someone¡¯s n, he couldn¡¯t help but sigh softly.

    ¡°Guard this ce for now. We don¡¯t have enough people, so just request assistance if the rebels appear again,¡± Kang Chan ordered their sniper.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan went down the hill, leaving their sniper behind. On the way, he kept having absurd thoughts.

    <em>If the rebels ran out of bullets, would they try to attack us with knives?</em>

    When he rejoined the rest of the group, he noticed that the soldiers had a different look in their eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Nothing, sir.¡±

    <em>Why are these fuckers bullshitting me when I¡¯m already in a bad mood?</em>

    ¡°Smithen,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Still can¡¯t move your neck?¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    Smithen shifted his gaze between Kang Chan and James.

    <em>Should I make it so that he can¡¯t move his eyeballs as well?</em>

    As if reading Kang Chan¡¯s mind, Smithen quickly answered, ¡°I can move my neck, sir.¡±

    He didn¡¯t forget to frown as if to show that he was in pain, though.

    Kang Chan smirked, making the pain quickly disappear from Smithen¡¯s expression.

    <em>Seriously, what the hell is wrong with this fucker?</em>

    Kang Chan sighed softly, then turned his head toward Maxon.

    ¡°Maxon. We¡¯re going into the vige. James, if more rebels approach us from behind, assist the sniper and shoot them down; we¡¯ll leave as soon as we hear gunshots. If you hear gunshotsing from the vige, just hold your positions,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Oui,¡± James answered.

    Smithen was nervously gauging people¡¯s moods. Meanwhile, Kang Chan checked his magazine and pulled the breechblock.

    <em>nk!</em>

    Maxon and Smithen pulled their breechblocks as well.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°I¡¯ll take point. Maxon, cover our left. Smithen, our right.¡±

    Back at the training center, they were taught to use this formation to search for something.

    After issuing orders, Kang Chan lowered his stance and headed toward the vige.

    Instead of following the curved path, they advanced in a straight line, pushing their way through the trees.

    <em>Rattle. Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    They could easily get their heads blown off if hostiles were hiding behind the mud walls. Hence, they scanned their surroundings as thoroughly as they could even though it made their advance slower.

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart felt as if it would jump out of his chest whenever he noticed a hole in a mud wall or a small crevice in one of the roofs made out of tree branches and leaves.

    <em>tter. tter. Rustle. Rustle.</em>

    They kept hearing different noises with each step. However, it was at least better than hearing gunshots. Likewise, it would be fine not to notice everything for as long as they didn¡¯t miss a muzzle aimed at them.

    Cutting through the curving road, they came across a round mud hut ten meters ahead. They also noticed a passage behind the hut that was barely big enough for Kang Chan to enter crouching.

    <em>We have to search all of these mud huts?</em>

    That was going to take a lot of time, but they had to do it. They were still about six kilometers away from their target location. To ensure they could leave this ce and get there alive, they had to clear the mud huts first.

    Kang Chan used his left index and middle fingers to designate Maxon a position.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    As ordered, Maxon stood against the mud hut on the very left and took aim. Meanwhile, Kang Chan pointed Smithen to the second mud hut from the right.

    <em>Whoosh! Bam!</em>

    Smithen roughly ran to the position but ended up mming into the mud wall, causing Kang Chan and Maxon to flinch at the same time.

    <em>Motherfucker! Didn¡¯t he say he has experience serving in the military?!</em>

    If Smithen survived searching this ce, Kang Chan thought it would be a good idea to look into what kind of experience he actually had in the army.

    Kang Chan approached the mud hut at the very front.

    <em>Whoosh! nk!</em>

    He initially couldn¡¯t see much due to how dark it was. However, he still had enough vision to distinguish people even if they had the darkest skin tone.

    Kang Chan slowly swept through the area with his rifle. Finding it uninhabited, he headed to the next mud hut.

    <em>Whoosh! nk!</em>

    It waspletely empty as well.

    After securing his location, he assigned Maxon and Smithen to new positions.

    It took them fifteen minutes of searching to check most of the mud huts. Only two remained, both of which were slightly far away from them.

    Kang Chan ordered Maxon to move first. Just as he looked at Smithen to give him new orders, they heard someone cough, though it sounded muffled.

    ¡°<em>Keugh!</em>¡±

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan and Maxon turned their rifles toward the direction of the cough. Unlike them, Smithen only looked toward it.

    Kang Chan pointed Smithen to a position with his index and middle fingers and then assigned Maxon to a new position as well. Afterward, he slowly headed toward the direction of the sound. He nted the butt of his rifle against his shoulder and put his index finger on the trigger.

    <em>Shoot! Just shoot the suspicious huts. Why bother searching each one like this?</em>

    The sunlight, the earthy smell from the mud walls, the smell of leaves from the mountain, and the shadows of the huts and trees urged Kang Chan to pull the trigger.

    After posting Maxon on his left and Smithen on his right, Kang Chan thought about just firing toward the direction of the cough and riddling the two remaining mud huts with bullets. That way, they could just take their time searching through them.

    Kang Chan didn''t even hear their footsteps. Moreover, his nerves were so on edge that he kept putting pressure on the trigger.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Fortunately, he could still hear his breathing.

    <em>No, I shouldn¡¯t shoot. The rebels might not be here, and innocent women and children could be inside those huts.</em>

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan pointed his rifle into the first mud hut, finding no one inside. He slowly turned toward thest mud hut.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    <em>If the enemies had guns, then they should¡¯ve shot us by now, so they¡¯d probably jump at us with a knife or some sort of weapon. Only then will I shoot. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be no different from a murderer.</em>

    As Kang Chan turned toward the entrance of thest mud hut, he froze.

    He probably wouldn¡¯t have noticed it if he hadn¡¯t been in a cave before, but theyers of mud on the mud wall looked exactly like theyers on the entrance of the hill cave that Enzo had guided him into.

    With a nod, Kang Chan gestured at Maxon to head toward the front of the mud wall that continued up the hill.

    Maxon nodded in response. He then slowly approached the cave.

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>!¡±

    They could hear someone crying inside the cave now.

    <em>Whoosh! Click! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan immediately ran and aimed his rifle inside the cave. Within its dark, low, and small interior, women and children were sitting on the floor, hugging each other. Some looked at Kang Chan with bright eyes, while others hung their heads, avoiding his gaze.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan swept through the area with his rifle just to be safe. Fortunately, he didn¡¯t see any hostiles.

    ¡°Come out, slowly.¡±

    Kang Chan spoke to them in French, but it seemed like they didn¡¯t understand him.

    ¡°Out!¡±

    With a nce from Kang Chan, Maxon spoke to the natives in English. In turn, the women quickly exchanged nces.

    ¡°Ask if they understand English,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Maxon spoke to them again, and the natives responded in broken English. To Kang Chan, it didn¡¯t sound like they were speaking English, but the native woman wasmunicating with Maxon.

    ¡°Check if there¡¯s men or armed people first,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Maxon talked to the natives again, and the natives responded in broken English.

    ¡°They say there are no men here. They only hid because they heard gunshots,¡± Maxon said.

    Kang Chan sighed softly and started to exit the cave. Before he could, a woman asked something.

    Maxon listened to her, then turned to Kang Chan. ¡°They¡¯re asking for some food and water if we have any.¡±

    Kang Chan sighed deeply.

    Since he had lost some of his men, they now had extra food that could cover lunch and dinner for ten people. If Kang Chan and his men could walk thest six kilometers without eating, they could even give them the surviving soldiers¡¯ food as well.

    They found around seven skinny women and nine children with swollen stomachs. Unfortunately, Kang Chan didn¡¯t have the faintest idea of what they should do in this kind of situation.

    ¡°Maxon, go up over there and stand guard; I¡¯m going to bring our men over. Smithen, you guard this ce,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Once Maxon had secured a good vantage point, Kang Chan walked back to James.

    <em>Why are things getting soplicated?</em>

    Having Maxon watching over the vige and their sniper guarding their rear made Kang Chan feel a bit at ease.

    ¡°James! I want all men to head down to the vige¡ª¡±

    ¡°<em>Aaghh</em>!¡±

    The piercing scream from below abruptly cut off Kang Chan.

    <em>Click! Click! nk!</em>

 Extra, Chapter 438: Weéˆ¥æª™e following the Map (3)

    <strong><em>Trigger warning: Potential rape</em></strong>

    Kang Chan reflexively lowered his rifle.

    ¡°James!¡± he called as he ran toward the cave.

    James urgently followed.

    The twigs on the ground snapped underfoot as they ran through the bushes. Kang Chan couldn¡¯t care less about stealth now, though.

    <em>nk!</em>

    As soon as they reached the entrance of the cave, they held their rifles up and took aim. They then found Smithen also pointing his rifle.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    The women inside the cave were still tightly hugging the children, looking pale with fright.¡°They resisted when we tried to search them, sir!¡± one of the soldiers answered.

    As Kang Chan examined the cave one more time, one of the terrified women wiped her tears away with her right hand. She then nced at Kang Chan with bright eyes.

    ¡°James. Ask them what¡¯s wrong,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Smithen looked flustered when James nced back at Kang Chan.

    <em>Will these motherfuckers listen to me?</em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s eyes glinted, making James quickly follow orders.

    A woman clutching a child tightly against her tried to answer through her tears. She kept ncing at Smithen as she spoke.

    ¡°Move back,¡± Kang Chan told Smithen.

    ¡°Captain, it¡¯s not what it looks like¡­¡±

    Kang Chan cracked his neck, silently threatening him. Smithen quickly took a step back.

    ¡°Ry exactly what I¡¯m about to say to the natives,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Oui,¡± James quickly answered, having noticed the atmosphere.

    ¡°We¡¯re just passing by this cave,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Once James ryed that in English, the women and children inside the cave shifted their gazes between Kang Chan and James.

    Kang Chan continued, ¡°We have no intention of hurting anyone. We¡¯ll also share as much food and water as we can, so nothing will happen if everyone just stays put. Does anyone have any weapons?¡±

    After James ryed Kang Chan¡¯s question, all of the natives shook their heads, including the woman who had been wiping her tears.

    ¡°Can any of you tell me why you screamed a moment ago?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    After a brief silence, somebody answered from further inside the cave. They sounded worried and hesitant.

    James turned his head toward Kang Chan. He looked as if he found their answer slightly absurd.

    ¡°They¡¯re asking if you¡¯re the god of death that the rebels mentioned, <em>capitaine</em>.¡±

    <em>What the hell does that even mean?</em>

    The natives started to exin, perhaps because they saw Kang Chan¡¯s expression. This time, multiple people talked at once.

    ¡°They¡¯re grateful you took revenge for their dead families and killed the rebels in their stead. The tribes and rebels in Ndulele call you the God of ckfield, which means the god of death of the cknd. It appears in their legends.¡±

    ¡°Tell them to stop spouting nonsense and just tell me why they screamed.¡±

    As soon as James repeated Kang Chan¡¯s question to the natives, more women and children talked.

    ¡°They im that the God of ckfield is Asian and that he fought against Abdul Janelle¡¯s rebels alone,¡± James ryed.

    <em>Why are we talking about different things in one conversation? </em>

    ¡°I got it already. Just figure out why they screamed,¡± Kang Chan repeated.

    James said something to the natives.

    Right after, the natives shouted with joy inside the cave for the first time. The women and children then simultaneously stood up and gathered around Kang Chan.

    With their palms spread out in front of their faces, they kneeled before Kang Chan and mumbled something.

    ¡°They¡¯re blessing your future,¡± James exined.

    Kang Chan was about to go crazy.

    ¡°Okay! Last chance. Tell them to exin why they screamed.¡±

    James ryed Kang Chan¡¯s question again. In response, the women spoke loudly, tantly looking in Smithen¡¯s direction. Kang Chan wasn¡¯t sure if they were acting that way because they trusted him.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan urged when he saw James stiffening.

    At that moment, the woman who had been crying ced a young girl who looked about ten years old in front of Kang Chan.

    The young girl was wearing arge and stretched-out cotton t-shirt and shorts. She had curly hair and bright eyes.

    <em>Could it be? Did Smithen sexually assault this young girl?</em>

    Noticing spite quickly filling Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, James quickly exined, ¡°The woman ims that Smithen ced his hand in between the girl¡¯s legs. When the girl said that it hurts, Smithen pointed his gun at her, so she screamed¡­¡±

    Kang Chan turned his head to the girl again, whose gaze had dropped to the ground. The woman who looked like her mother kept wiping her tears away with the back of her hand.

    Kang Chan hung his rifle around his shoulder and swung it behind his back. He then approached Smithen.

    ¡°Captain¡­¡±

    Kang Chan knew the son of a bitch had a gun. However, they were too close for Smithen to shoot him with it. On the other hand, Kang Chan had forcibly swung his rifle behind his back because he felt as if he¡¯d shoot Smithen if it was in his hands.

    <em>Pow!</em>

    Kang Chan suddenly punched Smithen¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple, sending Smithen falling backward.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    Gasping for breath, Smithen ced his arms in front of his chest to block Kang Chan¡¯s kicks.

    <em>This fucker dares block me?</em>

    <em>Swish! Pow! Swish! Pow!</em>

    Kang Chan mercilessly struck the back of Smithen¡¯s neck with the heel of his military boots.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Smithen urgently shouted, seemingly able to breathe again.

    <em>So you can breathe, then?</em>

    With his left hand, Kang Chan grabbed a fistful of Smithen¡¯s hair and held his head up. He then pped Smithen with his right.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    Blood spattered all around them. Smithen¡¯s writhing grew weaker by the second.

    ¡°Captain!¡± James urgently called. He then restrained him from behind.

    ¡°Move!¡±

    Out of anger, Kang Chan turned his head to look at James. If he had to, he would have beat James up as well. However, when he saw the desperation in James¡¯ eyes, his anger slightly subsided.

    ¡°I won¡¯t kill him, so let me go,¡± Kang Chan said.

    James carefully stepped back.

    Kang Chan grabbed Smithen¡¯s head with both hands. He looked as if he was holding Smithen¡¯s ears.

    ¡°The hell are you crying for?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Smithen was actually crying.

    <em>This motherfucker is crying because he got beat up when he forced himself onto that young girl?</em>

    ¡°Smithen,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui¡­¡±

    ¡°What do you think is worse, strapping explosives to the natives or doing something that¡¯ll haunt that girl for the rest of her life?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    <em>You don¡¯t know the answer, do you? I¡¯m not so sure myself.</em>

    Kang Chan felt as if he¡¯d break Smithen¡¯s neck if he kept talking to him. Hence, he headbutted the man with all his might.

    <em>Swish! Bam! Thud!</em>

    James grimaced as he watched. When Kang Chan stood up, he quickly looked away.

    ¡°Go and tell the other soldiers toe here, then give ten C-rations to the natives. We don¡¯t have a lot left, so make sure to distribute it properly,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui,¡± James answered, then walked away.

    Smithen remained sprawled out on the ground, his head lulled to one side. Looking down at him, Kang Chan took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

    <em>Chk chk. Chkk!</em>

    Kang Chan took a slow, deep drag, filling his lungs with smoke.

    ¡°<em>Hoooo</em>!¡±

    He then exhaled it all out of his system.

    <em>Is it bad that I get the urge to kill when I get angry?</em>

    After looking at Smithen again, Kang Chan looked up at the sky behind him.

    The battles he had foughttely were different from his fist fights against the thugs in South Korea. Here, they weren¡¯t fighting to kill someone¡¯s spirit or to see who was stronger. Rather, they fought to survive. That was possibly why Kang Chan got the urge to kill whenever he became enraged.

    <em>Can I really get used to this with time? Will I even get to live long enough to see that happen?</em>

    Kang Chan took another drag.

    He was probably having trouble because he had never been in this kind of environment before. Once he got used to this life, he should be able to differentiate when he actually needed to kill, when he just had to get angry, and when he just had to beat someone up.

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan blew out cigarette smoke. It was a first, but he missed Enzo.

    <em>What would Enzo have told me if he was here?</em>

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    The other soldiers came down. After seeing Smithen, they carefully approached the cave and gauged Kang Chan¡¯s mood. While a soldier who was carrying an injured soldier on his back was heading to the shade in between the trees, James took out some C-rations and opened them.

    Even though James had clearly warned the natives not to cause amotion, they couldn¡¯t seem to help themselves. Kang Chan watched as the children ate with their dirty hands and the women fed their children the crumbs that had smeared around their lips.

    As he lit another cigarette, Smithen frowned deeply and moved his head.

    ¡°<em>Ugh..</em>.¡±

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Kang Chan approached Smithen. He seized him by the cor and pulled him over.

    The headbutt had left a concussion on Smithen¡¯s forehead, the blood that gushed out of it covering his nose, mouth, and chin.

    Seeing Kang Chan, Smithen grew frightened. It was a pathetic sight.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    <em>Swish! Pow!</em>

    Since Kang Chan was holding Smithen by the left side of his cor, his head snapped and dropped to the right.

    After hitting him again, he shoved Smithen to the back as violently as he could.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Dust rose from the drynd and quickly settled on the blood seeping from Smithen¡¯s forehead.

    ¡°Can we smoke, sir?¡± a soldier asked Kang Chan after he turned away from Smithen.

    ¡°Do what you guys want. Get some rest,¡± he answered, then sat on the ground and leaned against the cave wall.

    ***

    Pierre Raon nkly stared at the tall and dark-skinned informant standing in front of him. The man had been assigned to maintainmunications with the rebels.

    ¡°They call him the god of death,¡± the informant said deeply in Broken English. He then pointed at the back wall with his index finger.

    Pierre Raon figured that direction had to be where the noisy new recruit was.

    ¡°Hey! This doesn¡¯t make sense. Aren¡¯t the rebels exaggerating?¡± Pierre Raon asked.

    ¡°Abdul Janelle¡¯s death has shaken them up, but we still have to take their numbers into consideration.¡±

    The informant made hand gestures as he spoke. Pierre Raon clenched his teeth to suppress the urge to break the informant¡¯s finger that kept moving in front of his eyes.

    ¡°How did the remaining rebels react?¡± Pierre Raon asked again.

    ¡°I think they¡¯re nning tounch arge-scale attack on the recruits before they can meet up with the 13th Regiment. They¡¯ll look for an opportunity once the recruits leave the vige that Abdul Janelle took all of the men from.¡±

    ¡°Alright. You can go now.¡±

    ¡°Will we mobilize the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces, sir?¡±

    Pierre Raon stared at the informant. Thetter would most likely use his answer to negotiate with the rebels again.

    ¡°No, we won¡¯t,¡± Pierre Raon answered.

    The informant nodded as if he had expected as much.

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, then out with it.¡±

    ¡°France wants to kill all of the rebels here, right?¡±

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°Have they checked if there¡¯s another Eye of Ndulele? If something like that exists here, then¡­¡±

    The informant¡¯s index finger went up as if it was going over a hill, then descended right after. ¡°The rebels would¡¯ve run away, not put their lives on the line.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re spouting nonsense! Go!¡±

    The informant picked up the envelope that Pierre Raon had thrown at him. After shrugging, he left the office.

    Pierre Raon turned around and leaned against his desk. He then took out a cigarette from his cigarette case and held it in between his lips.

    Pierre Raon doubted he¡¯d survive in the DGSE if they issued such a recklessmand just to see how the rebels would respond.

    <em>Chk chk. Chkk.</em>

    <em>¡°Hoooo.¡±</em>

    He wondered what kind of order the DGSE would give if the new recruit survived long enough to reach their target location.

    If he had to guess, then they would probably send the recruit to Congo or Gabon[1], the worst area of operations for the Foreign Legion. The rebels here were like kindergartenerspared to the vicious ones there.

    How long would the recruit survive in a ce even the 13th Regiment had trouble surviving in for two months?

    Regardless, Pierre Raon hoped the recruit would die here. That would be better for both of them, considering he had to report to the higher-ups.

    ***

    About thirty minutes had passed since they shared the C-rations with the natives.

    Nothing special happened since except for themotion Smithen caused when he begged for forgiveness as soon as he barely came to his senses.

    ¡°We¡¯re leaving. James¡ªtell the natives that we¡¯re leaving. Give them the same amount of food you gave them a moment ago,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    In response, the soldiers stood up from their spots. James did as instructed as well.

    The women inside the cave immediately responded. One even rushed toward Kang Chan with her hands in front of her face. She knelt in front of him as if asking for his blessing.

    Kang Chan looked at James.

    ¡°They want to follow us. Since they met male outsiders, the rebels woulde and kill all of them. The Sunnies would torture and burn even the children."

    ¡°Tell them that¡¯s going to be difficult since we have to join the others in the military camp.¡±

    James ryed Kang Chan¡¯s response, and the women gave a reply three times longer than his.

    ¡°They¡¯re asking us to at least take the children. They im that the adults will be fine for as long as we can use the military camp to send their children somewhere the rebels in this area won¡¯t be able to get to.¡±

    Even James looked as if he was in a predicament now.

    Kang Chan turned to their wounded, then looked at where they had to go.

    ¡°God of ckfield!¡± The woman who had been kneeling before Kang Chan stood up. ¡°Save us, please.¡±

    Kang Chan understood the woman¡¯s desperate wish better through her eyes than her words.

    She reached out with her long and thin arm to pull a small girl in front of her. The girl burrowed into her arms, but she just kept pushing her away to Kang Chan.

    1. A country in Central Africa ?

 Extra, Chapter 439: A Better Life Than Now (1)

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    The soldiers kicked up dust with every step they took on the dried mud path that led to the hills. James and another soldier walked about ten meters ahead, followed by their sniper, seven women, and eleven children.

    The rest nked the natives, with Smithen taking up the left and Kang Chan walking ahead of him. Maxon and one other soldier brought up the rear.

    It was maddening. Walking like this knowing armed rebels could just jump out of nowhere was undeniably nerve-wracking for inexperiencedbatants like them.

    The women swayed as they walked, while the children had a spring to their steps. By the time the toddling children reached the age of the women holding their hands, they too would have dry skin and a sway to their walk.

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    The path itself made Kang Chan tense up far more than walking with the soldiers. Sighing, he kept a sharp eye around him and the women walking ahead.

    He learned early on that the woman walking behind him was only seventeen and that her daughter was five. In this cursednd, that could be life and culture. At the very least, it was clear that a five-year-old was too horrifyingly young to be hiding in a cave and fearing the brutal ughter of rebels.

    He wanted to save them¡ªto send them to a ce where they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the rebels.The standard step taught in the training center was about a meter and ten centimeters. Every morning and evening, they walked until they became ustomed to the step.

    Hence, when walking like this, they could roughly estimate the distance they had traveled based on the hours walked. So far, they had already covered a kilometer, which was usually when children would look up at their mothers to show their struggle.

    Kang Chan thought of the soldier who had asked for water. They could easily endure it if they were only a kilometer away from their destination, but they still had five kilometers left to cover.

    ¡°Stop!¡± Kang Chan ordered. The soldier to his right loudly repeated themand.

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    While Kang Chan moved left and right to survey their surroundings, dust billowed up around the women and children.

    ¡°We''ll rest for ten minutes! Sniper! Go up there! James! Move up thirty meters to the left side and secure the perimeter!¡± he eximed, then turned around. ¡°Maxon! Find a good vantage point thirty meters behind us!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    The soldiers¡¯ equipment nked as they moved. The man carrying the injured moved to the left side of the hill andid the injured person down in the shade. With a hand gesture from Kang Chan, the women moved with their children near the injured. ???

    The women shaded their eyes with their hands and looked at Kang Chan. The most striking sight was their dust-covered feet. Both the women and children were barefoot.

    One child had a bleeding, cracked foot, but no one seemed to pay it any mind.

    ¡°Distribute water and C-rations.¡±

    At Kang Chan''smand, a soldier handed the women a C-ration and a bottle of water each.

    ¡°We''ll eat here before we set off again. Keep two extra bottles of water just in case.¡±

    Kang Chan gestured toward their injured, and the soldier currently in charge of him gave a brief reply before moving.

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan turned his head to the natives, finding a woman who seemed to be a mother sprinkling water from her hands onto her child''s face.

    <em>Funny. Although we¡¯ve got a limited supply of water, they still pour it into their hands to drink. Their hands aren''t even clean, yet it doesn¡¯t seem to matter. Even now, in this situation, they still somehow found the strength to sprinkle water at each other andugh together.</em>

    C-rations simr to the ones they had in the cave were distributed. Kang Chan leaned against the hill opposite the injured person and opened his.

    <em>Crunch. Crunch.</em>

    There were seven women and eleven children. Only then did he realize that the woman with two children could definitely run out of food.

    <em>Damn it! I''ve never had my lunch, school meals, or even a piece of bread taken from me!</em>

    Kang Chan looked at a child staring intently at his C-ration and then offered the meal to him. The child gazed at him, turned to his mother, and then hesitantly approached him.

    ¡°<em>Ngiyabonga</em>[1].¡±

    Kang Chan handed over the C-ration with a faint smile. The child epted it timidly before turning back and running to his mother.

    <em>You know, you¡¯re the first person I''ve ever given my food to. Some kids in Korea only brought chopsticks to school, but even they never touched my food. Well, maybe that was because the side dishes weren¡¯t worth it, but that''s beside the point. No one ever dared eat in front of me, not even during recess. </em>

    <em>Anyway, eat that, grow stronger, and strive to have a better life, kid. At least better than one where you¡¯re forced to eat C-rations on the road.</em>

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

    <em>Click! Sizzle!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoooo.¡±</em>

    He desperately craved a sweet cup of coffee. Just one sip, followed by a puff of his cigarette while the sweet taste still lingered, and he''d have noints in the world.

    Kang Chan smirked. Even though he had always lived with less, watching the women and children made his previous life seem luxurious if not for the battles he had fought.

    Time flowed with the precision of an obsessive miser. They were already halfway there, but they still had a really long trek ahead of them.

    Kang Chan got up.

    "Get ready to move!"

    Asmanded, Smithen and the other soldiers stood up.

    <em>That bastard acted like he was dying earlier, yet he doesn¡¯t seem to have any problems gobbling up C-rations with his unmoving mouth. </em>

    <em>As the saying goes, when you dislike someone, even watching them eat bes the most annoying thing. I should observe that bastard every now and then to build patience.</em>

    Kang Chan walked over to the injured soldier.

    "We''re halfway there. It won''t take much longer, so hang in there. You''ve done well so far."

    The man, whose face had turned pale, nodded weakly. When Kang Chan crouched down, Smithen and another soldier lifted the injured man onto his back.

    <em>Creak. Creak. Plod. Plod.</em>

    The women and children instinctively moved to the middle of the path. Curious children turned their heads to look at Kang Chan, but it was hard to know why.

    ***

    The Sohee¡¯s Noodles Banquet Hall had been closed for about a month now. In the dark store, Yang So-Miy in the cold room to the left of the kitchen at the back, takingbored breaths and thinking of the one person who always showed up just to leave behind an apology.

    <em>How can someone so clueless think they could be a soldier? </em>

    Since being kicked out, he had been bouncing from one manualbor job to another.

    Despite everything, though, she wanted to see him just once.

    If she had let him eat a bowl of jajangmyeon before he left thest time, it wouldn¡¯t have weighed so heavily on her heart.

    <em>I wanted to leave him some money, at least a deposit for monthly rent¡­</em>

    <em>Rattle.</em>

    Hearing the door open made Yang So-Mi''s heart pound with fear. She had nothing left to give, and if they demanded more, all she could offer was her life.

    ¡°Is anyone here?¡±

    Yang So-Mi felt her ears perk up.

    ¡°No one?¡±

    She had desperately wanted to see him and call him Dad, but now that she heard his voice, all her pent-up resentment blocked her feelings again. As her emotions surged, her breathing became wheezy, like the sound of wind through a slightly open window.

    ¡°So-Mi?¡±

    <em>Rattle.</em>

    The door opened.

    Yang Dong-Sik peeked inside with a dazed and foolish expression.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    He threw off his shoes and stepped inside.

    ¡°So-Mi! What''s wrong? What happened?¡± Yang Dong-Sik asked.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    <em>No! That¡¯s not what I wanted to say! Just this once, I wanted to ept him calmly.</em>

    ¡°Are you sick? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    <em>¡°Haaa. Haaa.¡±</em>

    Yang So-Mi looked at the wallpaper peeling from the ceiling. She then burst into tears.

    ¡°Don''t cry, So-Mi.¡± Yang Dong-Sik reached out but hesitated to wipe her tears.

    ¡°Why did you have me? <em>Haa, haa. </em>You couldn¡¯t even take responsibility, so why?!¡±

    ¡°I''m... sorry.¡±

    <em>That''s not what I wanted to say. I¡¯m acting no differently from before. </em>

    ¡°Are you really okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine! Just go.¡±

    <em>This isn¡¯t right! This could be thest time I see him. No matter how much I hate him, I have to call him Dad just once¡­</em>

    ¡°Look at your face... What happened?¡±

    Yang Dong-Sik caressed her sunken cheek.

    Yang So-Mi didn¡¯t expect his rough hand to be so warm. Having never imagined anyone would cry for her, her own tears began to fall more freely. She never thought she¡¯d cry so much in front of Yang Dong-Sik either.

    ***

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    The sun had dipped behind their heads, thering them with hot rays as they struggled onward.

    Having walked another kilometer, Kang Chan decided to have his men and the civilians take another break.

    A living person¡¯s rotting body had an overwhelming stench. When mixed with sweat, it became even more nauseating. However, just like the first time he had this cursed experience, the truly horrible part was the weight of the soldier on his back. As the soldier''s strength waned and his body sagged, his remaining life became lighter. This truth was far harder to bear than walking an extra kilometer with him on his back.

    "Stop!" Kang Chan shouted, and the soldiers immediately stopped and passed themand along. "Sniper! Secure a vantage point! Give James and Maxon the same orders I issued earlier!"

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    As the sniper moved, Kang Chan walked over to a half-shaded area. Smithen and another soldier approached andid the injured man on the ground. He was barely conscious now, and his face waspletely drained of color.

    "Give him some water."

    The soldier opened a water bottle and slowly dribbled some into the injured man¡¯s mouth, but he couldn¡¯t seem to swallow it. It was a ridiculous thought, but he wished the water was at least cool.

    It sounded insane, but the dying soldier, the children sagging in the shade, and the weary women looking at him made Kang Chan wish he could sit down and spend the next twenty minutes eating frozen red bean ice cream from a Korean supermarket. However, if he could only get one wish, then he¡¯d use it to get to their destination.

    <em>I¡¯d willingly forget about the ice cream.</em>

    Kang Chan stood beside the soldier and looked around, finding the sniper climbing up diligently. He also saw James ahead and Maxon behind climbing hills. They had to be sick of climbing hills too.

    His mouth was dry and tasted the dirt. At times like these, there was nothing like a cigarette.

    As Kang Chan took out a cigarette and rummaged through his other pocket, his heart suddenly started pounding.

    <em>Thump. Thump.</em>

    He quickly turned his head, startling Smithen so much that he straightened up.

    <em>Thump. Thump.</em>

    <em>What now? What¡¯sing this time?</em>

    Kang Chan turned to where the sniper was. The sniper was still climbing.

    "Sniper! Get down! Now!"

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan threw away his cigarette and raised his rifle.

    "Stay alert! James! Maxon! We¡¯ve got enemies inbound¡ª!¡±

    A chilling gunshot rang out, cutting off Kang Chan.

    <em>Bang!</em>

    The sniper''s head exploded, and his body tumbled down the slope.

    ¡°<em>Aaaah</em>!¡±

    The next gunshots came from Maxon''s direction. It seemed there was a sniper positioned on the hill on the left side of the road ahead. If so, then their safest bet right now was to climb halfway into the hill to their left.

    "Take cover! Get to that hill! Hurry!"

    <em>Bang!</em>

    A bullet hit the dirt near James.

    <em>Tat-tat-tat! Tat-tat!</em>

    James was slightly better off. He seemed to have found some cover and was returning fire, temporarily stopping the sniper''s aggression. The women and children had crouched down about ten meters up.

    "Smithen! Guard the front!"

    <em>Tat-tat-tat! Tat-tat-tat! Tat-tat!</em>

    "You, follow me!"

    Kang Chan, along with the remaining soldiers, climbed up the hill.

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    They seemed to be waiting just beyond the curve to the left.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatat! Thud thud thud! Bang!</em>

    Gunfire from automatic rifles and a sniper rifle rang out simultaneously. They seemed to haveunched an attack out of fear of being spotted by the soldiers who would have climbed the opposite hill.

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    <em>Rustle! Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    His breath grew heavier, but the seemingly neverending gunshots urged them to hurry.

    <em>Ratatatat! Woosh! Thud thud! Ratatatat! Bang!</em>

    He had to keep moving. If James fell, they would all be trapped and finished.

    1. Ngiyabonga means thank you ?

 Extra, Chapter 440: A Better Life Than Now (2)

    <em>Ratatatatat! Thud thud! Thud! Ratatatatat!</em>

    Firing like that in full auto made Kang Chan worry more about running out of bullets than James dying. Panting heavily, he finally reached the top of the mountain. If he climbed over the bulging dirt mound in front, he¡¯d quickly reach the other side. Kang Chan put his index finger in front of his lips and showed it to the soldier following him.

    ¡°<em>Huff</em>. <em>Huff</em>.¡±

    The soldier¡¯s heavy breathing sounded like an excited pervert¡¯s, but it was better to be cautious.

    <em>¡®I¡¯ll go over!¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan gestured with his left hand, showing that he would climb over the dirt mound.

    <em>¡®Cover me if you hear gunshots!¡¯</em>

    The soldier nodded.

    <em>Thud thud! Thud! Bang! Thud thud! Ratatatat!</em>The sound of gunfire had changed dramatically. They were probably running low on ammo and couldn¡¯t fire indiscriminately.

    <em>Rustle! Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    Kang Chan pressed his body close to the dirt mound and climbed up. Finally, his head reached the same height as the mound.

    ¡°<em>Hup</em>!¡±

    The scariest part was not knowing the rebels¡¯ numbers. Bullets could rain down on him as soon as he stuck his head out, or a sniper could eliminate him while he was aiming at an unsuspecting target. Kang Chan carefully gazed above his cover.

    <em>Thud thud! Ratatatatat!</em>

    The rebels, dressed in their characteristic loose clothing, kept shooting at them with their AK rifles, causing white smoke to billow out of their muzzles.

    <em>Where the hell is that sniper?</em>

    The rebels still firing at the opposite hill evidenced that James was still holding his ground.

    <em>Why won¡¯t that bastard send a couple of rounds my way?! I could really use some help locating him!</em>

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang!</em>

    The rebels peeked out and fired wildly, As James returned fire, a gunshot echoed from the bushes right in front of Kang Chan. The next moment, he saw the sniper¡¯s head.

    <em>Good job, bastard!</em>

    Kang Chan slowly raised his rifle.

    <em>¡®One! Two!¡¯</em>

    He fired two shots at the sniper. Right after, he shot every rebel head in sight.

    <em>What now, motherfuckers?! </em>

    The rebels stopped shooting carelessly at the opposite hill and ducked for cover.

    <em>Bang! Click! Bang! Click! Bang! Click! Bang!</em>

    Due to the short distance between them, most of the bullets pierced through their targets and hit the ground behind them, kicking up dust.

    As Kang Chan switched magazines and slowly raised his upper body, the soldier he had ordered to provide cover finally came up beside him. Trusting such a man felt ridiculous, but he had no choice. He carefully surveyed the area below. ?

    <em>Ratatatat! Thudududud! Ratatatatat!</em>

    Rebels were shooting at them diagonally opposite where James was.

    <em>These bastards are a fucking pain in the ass!</em>

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan aimed at the direction of the smoke. Just to be safe, he fired three shots.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>Thud! Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    He saw a man roll down the hill as if he had slipped off.

    ¡°You! Make sure you cover me properly this time! James! I¡¯ming down!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    After hearing James¡¯ response, Kang Chan slowly moved toward the fallen rebels. He then grabbed one of their AK-47s.

    <em>Rustle!</em>

    With every step Kang Chan took, the dirt crumbled beneath his feet.

    ***

    It was an exceptionally long day for Pierre Raon. He had just finished work and was considering stopping by a bar when a soldier burst into his office and urgently called for him.

    ¡°Sir! We¡¯ve just received a radio transmission from the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces team!¡±

    The report snapped Pierre Raon to attention¡ªthey had been waiting for this. He quickly stood up and followed the soldier to the basement. He then put on the headset.

    ¡°This is the situation room.¡±

    He hoped desperately that this day would finally end. Once the new recruit had been dealt with, peace would return to the DGSE¡¯s South African branch.

    [The delivery has arrived!]

    Pierre Raon stared nkly at the radio.

    [Among the four deliverymen, one is seriously injured. They also brought a few irregrities.]

    The voice sounded hoarse, almost as if the wind was disrupting it. However, it was still easy to understand.

    ¡°Irregrities?¡±

    [They arrived with natives. Seven women and eleven children. How should we proceed?]

    A wry smile crept onto Pierre Raon¡¯s face. He thenughed deted.

    ¡°Stand by and await further orders!¡±

    [Yes, sir.]

    After setting down the headset on his desk, he slowly headed toward the basement stairs.

    <em>They made it? They actually reached their destination?</em>

    ¡°<em>Hahaha</em>!¡±

    <em>And with natives, too?</em>

    ¡°<em>Puhahaha</em>! <em>Wahaha</em>!¡±

    How would the DGSE respond to a report about the rebels and natives calling the recruit the God of ckfield?

    ¡°<em>Wahahahaha</em>! <em>Woo-hoo</em>! <em>Hahaha</em>!¡±

    <em>Crazy fucking monster! I can¡¯t believe he actually made it through that path alive!</em>

    Pierre Raon wiped his tears with the back of his hand and sat down at his desk.

    Just when he thought he had calmed down, he burst outughing again.

    ¡°<em>Wahaha</em>! <em>Heeheehee</em>!¡±

    The man was just fresh out of training. Nevertheless, he managed to drag Enzo along and stir the DGSE. Moreover, he had just survived certain death and arrived at his target location.

    <em>This should be a headache, so why do I find it funny instead?</em>

    Pierre Raon took out the documents about the new recruit, which he had set aside on the left side of his desk.

    ¡°<em>Ha</em>! Let¡¯s meet the God of ckfield, then!¡±

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    He flipped through the papers, then red at Kang Chan¡¯s photo.

    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve gotten this far, you better keep surviving as a member of the special forces team. Get that residency permit and live proudly.¡±

    Pierre Raon picked up a pen.

    The new recruit had survived, which meant he was now out of Pierre Raon¡¯s jurisdiction. Instead of stamping <em>¡®Deceased</em>,¡¯ he stamped <em>¡®Transferred¡¯</em> on the file. He then drafted a new report tracking his movements. This time, though, he found himself enjoying the extra work.

    <em>Scratch. Scratch.</em>

    At the bottom of the report, he wrote ¡°God of ckfield¡± in the reference section. He then ced the paper in the approval box to his right.

    ***

    It was a peaceful and abundant evening.

    As soon as Kang Chan and his team arrived, the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Regiment provided arge tent for the natives and Kang Chan¡¯s group. Smithen and the other seriously injured soldier were taken to a different tent for treatment, leaving only James, Maxon, and one other soldier with him. On one side of their amodation was a pile of C-rations and water bottles, which looked like a bountiful harvest to them.

    Kang Chan gave the tent to the women and children and sat at the table in front of it.

    ¡°Would you like a cup of coffee?¡± Maxon, who was sitting with him, asked.

    ¡°Sure! Cream and sugar?¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Maxon headed to the tent next door.

    ¡°Do you really have no military experience?¡± James asked Kang Chan mischievously. ¡°I heard the way people praised Abdul Janelle. Even though I saw it happen firsthand, I still can¡¯t believe you managed to take out his entire force alone.¡±

    ¡°We did it together.¡±

    James shook his head with a bitter expression. ¡°That¡¯s not true. Everyone knows that if we weren¡¯t around, you would have finished the mission much faster. Conversely, if we had gone alone, none of us would have made it.¡±

    ¡°Here! Hot coffee!¡±

    Maxon walked over, his fingers adorned with mugs. Kang Chan reached out and took the one filled with creamy coffee. Only then did he realize how amazing coffee could smell.

    After taking a sip, Kang Chan took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

    <em>Click! </em>

    ¡°<em>Hooo</em>!¡±

    He exhaled the smoke pleasantly toward the creeping darkness.

    ¡°Half of the special forces team is moving tomorrow morning. While making coffee, I saw them selecting personnel.¡± Maxon now spoke with a bit of familiarity.

    <em>If we already had this much trouble against an unorganized rebel group, how horrific are the conditions that the special forces have to face? </em>

    Kang Chan shook his head and decided to focus on enjoying his coffee and cigarette instead.

    ¡°By the way, where do we go next?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll get orders. Just follow them,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    James and Maxon nodded.

    Amid their conversation, an officer of the special forces team walked toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°Kang-chani.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Kang Chan, sir.¡±

    The officer didn¡¯t seem to care about Kang Chan¡¯s correction, though.

    ¡°From now on, you¡¯re assigned to the 11th toon of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Regiment. We leave tomorrow at 07:00. Report in an hour for your orders and weapons.¡±

    <em>What the hell just happened?</em>

    ¡°Answer, Kang-chani.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    The officer nodded as if satisfied. He then turned and left.

    The Foreign Legion Special Forces was not a division that just anyone could join. Soldiers had to have over a year ofbat experience and six months of special training to get in.

    ¡°Captain?¡±

    James, Maxon, and the other soldier with them looked more surprised than Kang Chan.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°They want me to die, I guess,¡± Kang Chan answered.

    It was just a joke, but the three men looked at him as if they had heard such orders before.

    <em>God fucking damn it. At least let me finish my coffee.</em>

    Kang Chan lifted the mug to his lips. He then finished his cigarette.

    ¡°<em>Hoooo</em>!¡±

    Things had been getting messier right from the beginning. Although he couldn¡¯t quite understand the reasoning behind the order, he figured it would be best for him to learn how to survive in the special forces team anyway.

    Contrary to Enzo¡¯s expectations, Kang Chan managed to survive for seventy-two hours. However, it only resulted in him being assigned to a much more deadly environment.

    After about an hour, he reported in to receive his weapons.

    <em>So this is the special forces team.</em>

    Instead of a FAMAS, he was issued an MP5SD with a silencer attachment, magazines, and pistols. Even the uniform was a different basic color than what he had worn so far.

    Kang Chan felt like a new recruit at the training camp again, but he couldn¡¯t back down now.

    The special forces soldiers shot intense res at Kang Chan. They all had strong jaws and were covered in numerous scars.

    If they challenged him, he would dly ept. However, he had no intention of starting a fight. Hence, he just epted his equipment and returned to the tent.

    <em>Creak. Plop.</em>

    As he put down the items on the table, he heard the women and childrenughing inside the tent. They seemed more rxed now that they had gotten to eat and sleep.

    <em>Thatughter is enough. I can¡¯t ask for a better reward.</em>

    He hoped that after he left tomorrow, they would be sent to a safe ce where they could live a better life.

    When it was time to sleep, Kang Chany down in a makeshift tent with the three other soldiers. This was the firstfortable night he¡¯d had sinceing to Ndulele.

    ***

    Waking up at dawn, Kang Chan washed up with a bottle of water, put on his uniform, and gathered his weapons. He packed everything else he needed into arge backpack. Fortunately, he didn¡¯t need anything particrly heavy, so it didn¡¯t weigh him down too much.

    He then enjoyed a hearty meal with the remaining three soldiers. They had canned food, bread, butter, and jam, and coffee.

    Finally, it was time to go.

    ¡°I¡¯ll never forget you, Captain,¡± James said.

    Kang Chan shook hands with him, Maxon, and then the other surviving soldier.

    ¡°I¡¯m off! Let¡¯s meet again if we get the chance!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    The three soldiers stood at attention and saluted. After responding with a smile, he headed toward the special forces team¡¯s rally point.

    It was still early, so everyone was lounging around with their backpacks beside them.

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    Kang Chan ced his backpack on a nearby empty table and stretched his arms. He was sick of carrying stuff on his back, but at least the bag didn¡¯t smell bad.

    He nced down the path they¡¯d be taking. Since they were halfway up a hill, it would likely take them about twenty minutes to reach the end of it and board a truck.

    ¡°Hey, Rookie!¡± a man with a heavy Arabic ent called mockingly.

    Kang Chan had experienced this in training camp. Knowing it was best to just ignore it, he focused solely on the path ahead.

    ¡°Ha! Hey! Rookie!¡±

    Unfortunately, no one even tried to stop the man. Hence, Kang Chan decided to use his experience to handle it.

    He turned around with a faint smile.

 Extra, Chapter 441: The Mission is to Kill (1)

    The murderous intent in the gazes of the special forces team was clearly different from that of the new recruits, not to mention the thugs in Korea. A sly smile masked their eyes, which were devoid of any fear of killing, as they marched toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°I heard you¡¯re a special case. I advise you to get rid of that look in your eyes.¡±

    The one who spoke was another soldier with deep eyes standing next to the Arab man. The silence of the surrounding soldiers and their gaze directed at Kang Chan made it clear that the soldier was the leader of Team 11, which included Kang Chan and eleven others.

    ¡°Shanny.¡±

    ¡°Call me Channy,¡± Kang Chan corrected.

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯m Gillot, the team leader. I look forward to working with you,¡± Gillot said.

    When Gillot stood up, the soldiers who had been watching all simultaneously rose from their seats. The simple act of standing conveyed the feeling that they had spent considerable time together and that the soldiers trusted him.

    ¡°Why did you sling your rifle backward?¡± Gillot asked.

    ¡°Because it¡¯s morefortable this way,¡± Kang Chan answered. Gillot nodded and slung his backpack over his shoulders. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    He headed down the path that Kang Chan had been staring at. The soldiers followed behind him, casting meaningful nces and faint smiles. Kang Chan silently picked up his backpack.

    <em>Clink. Clink.</em>

    They walked for twenty minutes quietly, yet the peculiar sense of camaraderie that Kang Chan had felt with Enzo in Ndulele remained evident among the soldiers, excluding him.

    He followed the soldiers ahead inplete silence.

    <em>How do I blend in with them? </em>

    Gillot had curly gold and gray hair, brown eyebrows, deep eyes, a nose different from the French, and an unmistakable ent. He looked like one of the Italian men in a barbershop magazine. He¡¯d probably look good in photographs if he had a perfectly fitting ck suit, white shirt, and slicked back hair toplete the greasy look.

    <em>Add wild eyes and scars, and you¡¯ve got yourself a Gillot.</em>

    <em>Clink. Clink.</em>

    They had absolutely no conversation during the walk. When they reached the truck, Gillot didn¡¯t tell them to get in either.

    <em>ng!</em>

    Instead, he stood with his back to the cargo bed, and one of the soldiers stood in a simr stance across from him. One by one, they climbed into the cargo bed. ??

    <em>Clink! nk! Clink!</em>

    Each grabbed the backrest of the cargo bed and pulled themselves up, Kang Chan included. Afterward, with a nod from Gillot, the soldier on the opposite side climbed up as well. He ced his backpack at the rear, walked to the front, and set up a machine gun on the roof of the driver¡¯s cabin. This scene was distinctly different from how new recruits moved together.

    Meanwhile, Gillot moved to the passenger seat. Once he had closed the door, the truck hit the road.

    Kang Chan watched the hills gradually recede from the swaying cargo bed. He couldn¡¯t shake off why Enzo and the recruits were left to deal with the rebels when they had special forces teams like this.

    <em>Rattle! tter!</em>

    With each jolt, James, Maxon, and the natives faded into the distance, and Enzo¡¯s presence grew fainter like the scent of Ndulele.

    <em>Vrooom!</em>

    The truck picked up speed as the road smoothed out. After about twenty minutes, they reached a much cleaner runway than the one where they had firstnded in Ndulele.

    Kang Chan knew that losing hisposure now and ncing around would make him look like a country bumpkin. Hence, he simply assumed that there would be a transport aircraft in the area.

    Eventually, the truck changed direction, and a ne finally came into view.

    <em>Screech!</em>

    The truck stopped close to the tail of the aircraft. Afterward, the Arab soldier smiled slyly and nodded.

    <em>Time to get off!</em>

    Kang Chan jumped down from the cargo bed and walked toward the transport aircraft. All he could hear were his footsteps and his weapons and equipment nking; there was hardly any talking.

    The silence felt more suffocating than wearing a tight suit. It would have been better if they just attacked and shouted at each other that it was killed or be killed.

    Kang Chan sat at the innermost seat of the transport aircraft and set down his backpack.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>!¡±

    They were flying to a new ce now. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know how it would differ from Ndulele, but this was likely how the life of a Foreign Legion soldier often looked like.

    <em>Clink. Clink.</em>

    The soldiers boarded in single file, with Gillot being thest to enter.

    <em>Grrrrrrrrrrrung.</em>

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    As the rear door of the aircraft slowly closed, the engine roared awake and warmed up.

    <em>Ding, ding, ding, ding. Drrrrrrrrrrrr.</em>

    The transport aircraft began to move slowly, then quickly sped down the runway. Everything inside shook noisily.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    Eventually, it rose to the skies. Considering how high they were ascending, they seemed to be going quite far. As soon as the ne leveled off, Gillot took out a cigarette, and the soldiers rxed into morefortable positions.

    <em>This is fine! Pretending to be friendly would be more burdensome.</em>

    Kang Chan took out a cigarette, ced it in his mouth, lit it with a lighter, and took a long drag. As the smoke was drawn back, Gillot began to speak to the soldiers.

    ¡°We arending near the Ubangi River on the border of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. From there, we will then head to Zambi. Our objective is to eliminate the rebel leader Umbembe, who has taken control of Zambi. As you all know, this mission will be far from easy. The 13th Regiment sent seventy-two soldiers to Zambi, yet not only were they wiped out, but they also failed to eliminate the target.¡±

    With a cigarette in his mouth, Gillot took out a folded piece of paper times from his left pocket and handed it to the soldier next to him.

    ¡°Memorize the face. He might pass by and greet us while we¡¯re walking.¡±

    The soldiers scrutinized the photo sharply before passing it along. Eventually, it reached Kang Chan. The middle-aged man in the photo was bald; had an extraordinarilyrge head; and had narrow, slit-like eyes that made him look even more ruthless.

    Their objective was to kill this man¡ªsomething that Kang Chan could never have imagined before. He handed the photo to the soldier beside him.

    ¡°Khalid! As per the rules of the 13th Regiment, if you want to opt out of this operation, let me know before we arrive.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡± the Arab soldier who had called Kang Chan a chick answered. It seemed his name was Khalid.

    "Go get some coffee," Gillot ordered.

    Khalid hesitated for a moment but still stood up.

    "Khalid!" Gillot called again. He tilted his head and looked up at Khalid, who had just risen from his seat. "The rules of our team don¡¯t change just because we have a new member."

    As Gillot spoke, the ash from the cigarette hanging from his mouth fell to the floor.

    "When I give an order, you respond."

    A tense atmosphere filled the transport aircraft for a brief moment.

    "Oui," Khalid reluctantly responded. With a nod from Gillot, he moved slowly.

    "Channy."

    It seemed to be Kang Chan''s turn.

    "Oui," Kang Chan answered inly.

    "Wee to our team. This operation will decide whether you be a full member or not. One more thing.¡±

    Gillot took out a new cigarette just as the aroma of coffee quickly filled the aircraft.

    "Since you haven¡¯t received our training, you will have to take care of yourself. Think of this operation as an observation."

    Gillot looked at Kang Chan as if expecting a response.

    "Oui."

    By the time Kang Chan responded, Khalid had returned with arge paper cup of coffee¡ªthe kind one might get at a burger joint. He had ced it on a torn-off side of a wooden crate.

    Khalid handed the coffee to Gillot and then walked toward Kang Chan, distributing coffee to the seated soldiers with a wave of his hands along the way. Honestly, coffee without cream or sugar smelled good but was bitter¡ªKang Chan didn¡¯t want to drink it.

    When Khalid reached Kang Chan, he lowered the empty board with a sly expression.

    "You don¡¯t get one. Go make some yourself.¡±

    <em>Cheap bastard!</em>

    It was a relief that Kang Chan didn¡¯t want the coffee in the first ce. Otherwise, he might have felt deeply humiliated.

    "I don¡¯t need any, so don¡¯t worry about it."

    "Go make some.¡±

    It was clear that if Kang Chan refused, Khalid was ready to give a sharp response. Kang Chan slowly turned to Khalid, who seemed ready to take out his frustration from Gillot¡¯s scolding on Kang Chan.

    Nevertheless, Kang Chan just smirked.

    "Go! Make some coffee! You chick!" Khalid yelled.

    Holding coffee in his left hand and the board in his right, he assumed a stance that made it clear he intended to either strike Kang Chan with the board or pour hot coffee on him if things went awry.

    No one intervened; they were content to watch and see how Kang Chan would handle the situation.

    Hesitating at a moment like this meant losing. So did calcting the aftermath.

    <em>Smack!</em>

    Kang Chan quickly kicked Khalid¡¯s shin with the sole of his boot while still seated. If he followed up with another kick to the falling man''s face, peace would be restored. However, as soon as his attack connected, Kang Chan realized that he had made a mistake. Khalid had bent forward slightly, maintaining his stance.

    <em>Ssh!</em>

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    As the coffee spilled, the board that Khalid swung came straight toward Kang Chan¡¯s head.

    <em>Crash! Wham! Thud!</em>

    The board shattered against the wall of the transport aircraft. With all his might, Kang Chan punched Khalid in the sr plexus.

    "<em>Ugh</em>!"

    <em>Crash!</em>

    In retaliation, the right elbow of the man dug into Kang Chan¡¯s left cheek with relentless force.

    The sharp pain made Kang Chan reel. He felt as if his cheek and jaw were breaking, but copsing because of it would make his decision to fight meaningless.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    <em>Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!</em>

    Kang Chan struck the man in the sr plexus again and then followed up with several consecutive blows to his ribs with his right elbow.

    <em>Smack!</em>

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan thought that would be enough to bring him down, but Khalid struck Kang Chan''s back forcefully as he burrowed into his chest. The shock and sharp pain spread through Kang Chan like an electric current.

    <em>Fucking bastard!</em>

    At that moment, Kang Chan felt a surge of anger like never before.

    <em>You think you can trample on those who seem weak just to show off your strength?!</em>

    Kang Chan raised his head and aimed at Khalid¡¯s chin.

    <em>Crunch!</em>

    This time, he surely hit the mark.

    <em>Thud! Thwack! Thud! Thud!</em>

    As Khalid wobbled, Kang Chan delivered a series of blows to his neck and sr plexus, finally bringing him down like a tree that had been cut down.

    <em>Baaaaaang!</em>

    ¡°<em>Huff</em>. <em>Huff</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan scanned his surroundings. To his surprise, Gillot calmly offered advice as if he had enjoyed the show.

    "Next time, extend your middle finger sharply. It would have ended the fight more quickly. Be careful not to misdirect your strikes, though. You could break your finger first."

    After a brief pause, he asked, "Not drinking coffee?"

    "I don¡¯t like it without cream and sugar," Kang Chan answered.

    "It''s in the back. While you¡¯re there, stretch your back and waist a bit. Have you trained in martial arts?"

    "No."

    "Impressive. They call you the God of ckfield; the rebels in Ndulele must have had a reason for that. Now go prepare your coffee and stretch."

    Gillot looked Kang Chan straight in the eye as if expecting something.

    "Oui," Kang Chan answered.

    It was the minimum courtesy owed to amander. As Kang Chan moved, he heard Gillot give the order to clean up. Three soldiers walked toward the fallen man, muttering among themselves.

    Honestly, Kang Chan wished there was at least one more Asian among them. Being amidst Westerners, who had entirely different thoughts, cultures, emotions, and appearances made him feel like a goose among ducks or a piece of pickled radish between onions and ck bean paste[1].

    Heading to the back of the transport aircraft, Kang Chan saw a thermal container with cups, cream, and sugar.

    <em>Damn it! Why did he have to provoke me into this nonsense? I didn¡¯t even want coffee!</em>

    Kang Chan nced back. Khalid was sprawled out, upying space where three people could have sat.

    <em>Hold it! Hold it! Hold it!</em>

    Beating up a fallen man wouldn¡¯t make him feel better. Moreover, it would only create more trouble. Kang Chan poured coffee into a paper cup and added cream and sugar. Every time he moved his face, a crunch came from his left jaw. Moreover, bending and straightening his back caused the bruised areas to ache.

    <em>These guys here sure can take a beating like that bastard Smither. </em>

    ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    At least the sweet aroma of the coffee wasforting. When Kang Chan slowly walked back to his seat and sat down, Khalid groaned and sat up, then shook his head.

    "<em>Nngh</em>.¡±

    1. In Korean and Chinese restaurants, pickled radish, onions, and ck bean paste aremonly served as side dishes, with diners often dipping the onions into the ck bean paste. ?

 Extra, Chapter 442: The Mission is to Kill (2)

    Kang Chan took a sip of the hot, sweet coffee and frowned. He felt a stinging pain as soon as the coffee entered his mouth, telling him that he had a wound somewhere inside it.

    Meanwhile, Khalid seemed to have regained both his senses andposure. The odd sneer that had previously marked his face when he nced at Kang Chan was gone.

    As the transport aircraft flew smoothly, Kang Chan took out the cigarette that he couldn¡¯t finish earlier. He then lit it again

    <em>Click! Chk!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    The Westerners nced at the smoking Asian man.

    <em>What?</em>

    ¡°Get some rest. We have a solid five-hour flight ahead of us, ¡±Gillot said. He then climbed up to the overheadpartment and stretched out.

    Already feeling tired, Kang Chan looked around and found afortable position to lie down in.<em>¡®Fuck!¡¯ </em>

    The unpleasant pain in his back made him curse. He felt petty to let it irritate him, though.

    <em>Damn bastard! I told you I didn¡¯t want any coffee!</em>

    As Kang Chan closed his eyes, the fatigue of the past few days enveloped him like a cozy nket.

    <em>Vroooom!</em>

    Kang Chan woke up to the ne¡¯s engine making a new noise. As he snapped his eyes open, he immediately felt his jaw throb. When he tried to get up, his back felt so stiff that it made him wonder if his spine was broken.e

    <em>¡®Ugh!¡¯</em>

    He stretched leisurely. After being hit with wooden clubs or baseball bats back in Korea, stretching out the next day was the best remedy.

    <em>Experience is definitely crucial for survival.</em>

    As the soldiers who had been lying down began to rise one by one, Kang Chan walked to the back and grabbed a bottle of water.

    <em>Clink!</em>

    He drank about half of it and then poured the rest into his hand to wash his face.

    ¡°<em>Phew</em>!¡±

    When he returned to his seat, the soldiers were looking at him curiously.

    <em>Have you guys never seen someone wash their face before?</em><em>Or are you just amazed that I used only half a bottle of water to wash up?</em>

    Just because he was getting stared at didn¡¯t mean he was going to bleed or bruise. He didn¡¯t feel like asking them any questions either, so he simply sat back down.

    <em>Vroooom!</em>

    The water on the floor flowed toward Kang Chan, clearly showing the direction the aircraft was flying. At that moment, Gillot, who hade down from above, moved to the back.

    <em>Clink.</em>

    He mimicked Kang Chan by drinking some water and washing his face. This time, even Kang Chan joined in watching Gillot.

    ¡°What? What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Gillot looked back at his audience with a puzzled expression, which was somewhat amusing. When the soldiers simply chuckled, he shrugged.

    ¡°Crazy bastards,¡± Gillot muttered as he took his seat. He then ordered, ¡°Check your weapons.¡±

    <em>ck! Click! Click!</em>

    Metallic noises echoed across the ne as the soldiers followed Gillot¡¯smand. Kang Chan examined his magazines, handgun, bay, and newly issued grenades.

    <em>ck!</em>

    The new rifle felt much morefortable in his handspared to the old FAMAS rifle.

    ¡°Is there a reason you¡¯re carrying an extra bay?¡± Gillot asked.

    ¡°During a fight with the rebels, I realized I should have an additional bay I could reach with my right hand at a given moment.¡±

    Gillot just nodded, seemingly finding his reasoning logical. He then looked at the bay hanging from Kang Chan¡¯s waist.

    <em>Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Grrrang!</em>

    <em>Why do they always ring the bell right as the transport startsnding?</em>

    Along with the bell, the transport aircraft abruptly descended.

    <em>Roaaaar! Thud! Rumble! Ratatatat!</em>

    Everything inside the aircraft shook violently. It was as if they were on one of those gym machines that shook its user with a thick belt around their waist.

    <em>Vroooooom!</em>

    The engine let out onest scream before the transport aircraftnded. After moving for another thirty seconds or so, it finally jerked to a halt.

    As the door opened, Gillot pointed to both sides of it with his index and middle fingers. In response, two soldiers quickly ran to the designated positions.

    Gillot then moved his index and middle fingers from his shoulder to the front, signaling the soldiers at the back to start disembarking.

    These were hand gestures that they had all learned in training camp. Initially, it seemed embarrassingly childish and awkward, but seeing Gillot perform them with his stern face made Kang Chan realize that even such trivial gestures could reflect a leader''s personality.

    <em>These bastards are lucky to be born with long legs, arms, and fingers.</em>

    Kang Chan was thest to exit the ne. In front of them, a Frelon helicopter was waiting, noisily chopping through the air.

    Imitating the soldiers¡¯ posture as they boarded, he found a suitable spot near the entrance and sat down. Afterward, Gillot and the two soldiers standing guard boarded the helicopter.

    <em>Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!</em>

    The deafening noise of the helicopter lifting off made their ears ring. Unlike the transport aircraft, the helicopter was filled with scorching heat, dust, and a pungent smell.

    ¡°Gather ¡®round!¡± Gillot shouted once the helicopter started moving forward.

    In response, the soldiers leaned toward him. Gillot pulled out a folded map from his left pocket and spread it out on the floor.

    ¡°This is the area we¡¯re heading to! Here¡¯s the Ubangi River!¡± He traced a line that seemed to represent the river with his index finger. He then pointed to a spot on the Ubangi River. ¡°And this is Zambi!¡±

    <em>Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!</em>

    ¡°Take a good look at this area called Bongo! Imagine a triangle with the apex above Zambi and Bongo, and another triangle with the apex below.¡±

    Gillot gave Kang Chan a sharp look as if to say, "Make sure you remember this."

    ¡°If things go south during the operation, I¡¯ll call out one of these two! If you hear Alpha, head to the upper apex, and if you hear Beta, head to the lower apex! Move to those points as fast and safely as you can!¡±

    Gillot looked at his men before folding the map and putting it back in his pocket. Only then did Kang Chan realize the full meaning of Gillot¡¯s instructions.

    <em>What? Are we going straight to catch that big-headed guy without even a proper briefing like in Ndulele?</em>

    <em>Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!</em>

    Gillotughed when he saw Kang Chan¡¯s puzzled expression.

    ¡°Our missions are always like this! If we had to coordinate with headquarters and other teams, that meant we¡¯d be aiming to eliminate the rebel stronghold itself!¡± he yelled over the loud chopping noises, making it seem as if they were just having a normal conversation. He then leaned against the wall of the helicopter.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan also leaned against the wall near the door. The relentless African wind whipped through his hair, clothes, and sleeves as if urging him to catch their target.

    He felt as if he wanted to spend some time ying with it. A few days bonding with this curious wind, even under the relentless sun, would be nice.

    Although he had anticipated experiencingbat as a soldier of the Foreign Legion, surviving each day was proving to be a daunting challenge.

    <em>Is this why they promise citizenship? Because hardly anyone survives?</em>

    <em>Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!</em>

    The Frelon helicopter tilted and changed direction.

    ***

    Shan red at the plump man sitting opposite him. ¡°Despite my warnings, you still underestimated the DGSE¡¯s capabilities and inevitably ruined things. I will be expecting the promisedpensation.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t our fault; it was Abdul Janelle¡¯s recklessness that messed things up. There was also the unexpected appearance of a rookie with extraordinary abilities.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying you can¡¯tpensate me?¡±

    The plump man smiled broadly. ¡°A gentleman always honors his promises. You needn¡¯t worry about that. However, I came to see you because I want to take our rtionship to a more productive level.¡±

    Shan¡¯s expression remained stern as he waited for the plump man to continue.

    ¡°We don¡¯t just want an Eye of Ndulele. We want a proper ckhead.¡±

    ¡°I find that hard to believe. How can a man of your stature find it difficult to procure a ckhead or two? They appear once every ten to twenty years in Africa. Considering how wealthy you are, you should be able to offer terms they can¡¯t refuse.¡±

    The plump man shook his head graciously. ¡°What we desire is something special. I¡¯m sure the DGSE feels the same. That¡¯s why they went to such lengths for the Eye of Ndulele, which is rtively small.¡±

    "<em>Hmm</em>."

    ¡°No need to worry. We¡¯ve already secured shares in Gong Te Automobile for thispensation. If you maintain your trust in us, we¡¯ll continue to acquire more shares annually.¡±

    Shan¡¯s eyes twitched slightly.

    ¡°Until we find a new ckhead, you¡¯ll receive a fixed amount of money and shares every year. Once we locate our target, we¡¯ll support the rebels on your side, and you can handle the remaining tasks then.¡±

    ¡°What if the DGSE takes everything again?¡± Shan asked.

    Looking troubled, the plump man pursed his lips. ¡°We¡¯ve learned from our mistakes. We n to oust the individual who led the DGSE in this operation and give you a more decisive role in the next mission.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not thatplicated. You can retire using the excuse of a reasonable injury and live the rest of your life peacefully as a shareholder and executive of Gong Te Automobile.¡±

    Shan let out a big sigh, making the plump man smile with satisfaction.

    ***

    <em>Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!</em>

    The helicopter left the soldiers out in a ce where the river wasn¡¯t even visible. Though it was hard toprehend the ways of the world, Kang Chan felt as if he had been struck in the back of the head for expecting a t, open area like Ndulele.

    Instead, he was met with mountains that stretched in a continuous line, with the river running further beyond them. Despite having seen the map, he foolishly missed these basic details when imagining the area.

    Gillot led them into the gap between the mountains, assigned four guards, and ordered a brief rest.

    Switching between transport had taken its toll, making them feel as if they were sinking into the ground.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have guard duty rotate every hour until everyone has slept for two hours. We¡¯ll be on the move until dawn tomorrow, so eat before we depart. Once we reach our target location, we¡¯llmence the operation at sunrise the next day,¡± Gillot said.

    <em>Clink! nk!</em>

    The soldiers leaned against whatever they could find and sat infortable positions.

    Even though he had slept on the transport aircraft, Kang Chan also settled into a morefortable position and closed his eyes. After all, they likely wouldn¡¯t have much of a chance to get any sleep once they had begun to move, especially with those tall mountains ahead.

    Africa was such a strange ce¡ªthe mountains were lush with trees, but instead of straight, broad-leaved trees, they were lined with pine-like ones, making it hard to tell if they were in Africa or the banks of the Hongcheon River.

    <em>We¡¯re having such a cool afternoon today. It¡¯s strange.</em>

    The coolness made sleepe more easily, like stepping into an air-conditioned room on a hot summer day.

    <em>I wonder if there are rabbits in those mountains?</em>

    Thinking about wanting some meat, Kang Chan closed his eyes. He imagined a greasy pork cutlet smothered in the same sauce served everywhere, sliced up, and eaten piece by piece with chopsticks. When he got tired of it, he¡¯d have some pickled radish, rice, and a few small pieces of kimchi.

    Kang Chan would likely have a decent sry by the time he received his permanent residency in five. He could leisurely sit and watch people passing by while enjoying a pork cutlet. When he got bored of that, he¡¯d have fried rice covered with an egg omelet, then more pork cutlets.

    Thinking of food, he drifted off to sleep.

 Extra, Chapter 443: They Call This a Rebel Camp? (1)

    After sleeping for an hour, Kang Chan took his turn on guard duty with three other soldiers.

    He had slept on the ne and after the helicopter dropped them off, yet it was still early evening. The mountains cast long shadows over them, cooling down the area enough to make themfortable.

    With his rifle slung over his right shoulder, Kang Chan kept an eye on his surroundings. However, the only noteworthy things he noticed were the strange creatures that looked like a cross between squirrels andrge rats. They kept ncing at him so much that he couldn¡¯t help but smirk.

    <em>Can¡¯t believe I¡¯ll be dealing with rebels and squirrels for the next few years. I doubt many can survive in this profession for even five months, let alone five years.</em>

    The sun dropped further behind the mountains.

    <em>Tap, tap.</em>

    Hearing people tapping on their rifles, he quickly imitated them. About five minutester, footsteps approached.

    <em>Swap, swap.</em>

    The next team walked up to Kang Chan and relieved him from his post. After exchanging nods, he returned to his original spot. The other three soldiers he was on guard duty with arrived around the same time.The most impressive thing about living with the special forces team was how little they spoke¡ªjust like now.

    They seemed to have an established routine. Everyone knew their tasks and carried them out without much supervision or interference unless they made a huge mistake or issue.

    The three soldiers with him quicklyy down to sleep for their allotted hour.

    <em>I should sleep too. We¡¯ll be walking all night.</em>

    Kang Chan also found afortable spot and tried to sleep again.

    ***

    <em>Clink! Rustle!</em>

    Kang Chan jolted awake to a soldier rummaging through a backpack. The others were already awake and preparing to eat their C-rations too.

    <em>You have to be perceptive to get anything in life, even if it¡¯s just getting some tteokbokki sauce from others after ordering kimbap.[1]</em>

    Kang Chan opened his backpack, took out a C-ration, and quickly ate it.

    Once everyone was ready, Gillot issued clear and decisivemands.

    ¡°Greg! You two take the front.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Channy, you stay behind me.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Asker! Cover the rear.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    The soldiers followed his orders without any fuss. With a nod from Gillot, Greg marched onward.

    <em>Tap, tap!</em>

    About three minutester, they heard tapping from the front. Gillot looked at Kang Chan and started walking.

    <em>Swap, swap.</em>

    They walked through the darkening African mountain path. Dirt and small stones crunched under their feet, but it wasn¡¯t loud enough for them to start being on high alert. ?

    <em>Chirp! Chirp-chirp-chirp!</em>

    The unique sounds of African wildlife filled the air. Kang Chan had always wondered and longed to see the creatures that made those noises at night.

    They walked non-stop for two hours just to kill a big-headed African man.

    <em>Would surviving the next five years and obtaining citizenship be worth it? How would these experiences help me once I had gone out of this life?</em>

    Kang Chan cast a nce at Gillot, who was walking in front of him. Themander of the Foreign Legion special forces team was walking silently through the deep darkness, slightly illuminated by the moonlight.

    Among the twelve soldiers with him, some would bemanders like Gillot. However, many would eventually go their separate ways, carrying the weight of life elsewhere in Africa, just like Enzo.

    <em>Swap, swap.</em>

    Kang Chan had always envied the seemingly ordinary kids the most. He never approached them or interfered when they were being bullied, but back then, he honestly wanted to be friends with them.

    He sighed softly.

    <em>Should I have helped them?</em>

    His head shook almost involuntarily.

    <em>Fighting the dropouts from school was already exhausting enough. Having to fight those cocky idiots from school as well would be such a fucking a hassle.</em>

    Kang Chan chuckled. At that moment, Gillot raised his left hand over his shoulder. Kang Chan stopped walking and quickly raised his left hand as well.

    <em>What happened? Is there something ahead?</em>

    He stared ahead with heightened tension. Meanwhile, Gillot covered his mouth with both hands and started making animal noises.

    <em>Chirp! Chirp chirp chirp! Chirp! Chirp chirp chirp!</em>

    <em>Damn! Can¡¯t believe my wish to see whatever¡¯s making those noises ising true right in front of me.</em>

    Soon, they heard barksing from the front.

    <em>Woof! Woof! Woof!</em>

    ¡°We''ll take a twenty-minute break,¡± Gillot lowly ordered.

    In response, the soldiers sat down in suitable spots, maintaining a two-meter distance. Since disembarking from the helicopter, there had been one thing that Kang Chan was dying to know. He wanted to ask, but keeping quiet seemed to be the most important rule here, so he hadn¡¯t dared speak up.

    Hence, Kang Chan just drank some water.

    As he did, he heard a low voicee his way. ¡°I wanted to be a pilot, you know.¡±

    When Kang Chan turned slightly, he found Gillot, who had been staring at the mountain ahead, now looking at him.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t have many choices, so I joined the Foreign Legion in hopes of escaping to a ce where I could choose anything. At some point, though, I realized I couldn¡¯t get out.¡±

    Gillotughed like a magazine model and slowly nced at the sky beyond the darkness.

    ¡°Easterners are somewhat different from us. Their thoughts and mindset? Something like that.¡± After a brief pause, he asked, ¡°Why did you join the Foreign Legion?¡±

    ¡°Just wanted to get out of the ce I lived in,¡± Kang Chan answered. Since they were already talking, he decided to ask the question he had been pondering since they got off the helicopter. ¡°By the way, why don¡¯t you use radios?¡±

    ¡°Special forces teams receive two types of missions. It¡¯s up to themander to decide how to tackle them. When we¡¯re deployed to really tough operations, we wear ck uniforms and helmets. We are also issued radios.¡±

    Amused by Kang Chan¡¯s puzzled expression, Gillot borated, ¡°Abdul Janelle was only a leader of a small, isted rebel tribe. Our target, Umbembe, is a regional rebel leader. If you¡¯re given a helmet and a radio, that means we¡¯re dealing with rebels on a national scale.¡±

    Contrary to his initial demeanor, Gillot was unusually talkative now. He seemed to be either lost in the sentimental atmosphere of the night or reminiscing about old memories.

    ¡°Growing rebel factions also hire mercenaries, many of which are seasoned special forces soldiers who have been discharged due to misconduct. Quite a few of them even enjoy killing so much that they can¡¯t do anything else,¡± Gillot said, then turned his head back to the mountain.

    ¡°On the way to bring in the natives, we fought a group that had a sniper among them. Can even small rebel groups like them afford mercenaries?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Gillot tilted his head. ¡°After Abdul Janelle was killed, his faction shouldn¡¯t have been able to afford one. Are you sure it was a sniper? Rebels get hold of sniper rifles and cause trouble.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded. That was certainly possible.

    ¡°After we eliminate Umbembe, you¡¯ll get a vacation. You might have the chance to enjoy time with a beautiful African woman or, if you¡¯re lucky, meet a blonde beauty in France,¡± Gillot said.

    It sounded too good to be true, like boasting about a golden calf at home.

    With a low sigh, Gillot stood up first. He ced both hands around his mouth and made the strange animal call again. Starting with Kang Chan, the soldiers in the middle of the formation stood up. Soon, an eerie response echoed, matching the African night.

    Gillot began to walk, and Kang Chan followed him. They walked for about two hours, rested in silence for twenty minutes, and then began walking again.

    <em>I still don''t know their full capabilities, but I can tell from their movements that new recruits are no match for these soldiers. The skill gap is just too big.</em>

    Walking at night was three or four times harder than during the day. Fortunately, they weren¡¯t going too fast. The breaks were a big help too.

    They walked for yet another two hours, took another twenty-minute break, and then resumed walking. It was hard to estimate how far they had walked or how much distance they had covered.

    Four hours and twenty minutes into their march, Kang Chan wondered how long it would have taken if they had traveled this distance by helicopter. He med his fatigue foring up with these difficult questions that could have been on a math exam.

    It had been over two hours, yet Gillot, seemingly determined, continued to walk in silence. asionally, he would look back at Kang Chan with a look that seemed to say, ¡°Not bad.¡±

    Considering Kang Chan was a new recruit, his resilience naturally surprised Gillot.

    <em>Swap, swap.</em>

    After what felt like an eternity of walking, Gillot finally stopped and brought both hands to his mouth. Unlike before, he split the animal call into three distinct parts.

    Kang Chan felt as if he was gradually learning everything he had to know.

    Hearing Gillot¡¯s signals, Greg and Asker walked back toward the middle of the formation. Though they didn''t make much noise, they couldn''t hide their heavy breathing.

    "We''ll spend the next twenty-four hours here. Assign guards in pairs and have them rotate every four hours. And Greg."

    "Oui," Greg answered.

    "Post the guards at the front and rear of our location. If we can¡¯t secure a three-kilometer perimeter around it, we''ll move to a different location.¡±

    "Do we include the new recruit?"

    Gillot nodded without hesitation. "He already stood guard earlier. I doubt he¡¯ll fall asleep and get us killed, so just add him."

    "Oui."

    Greg and Asker formed teams with the other soldiers and headed out. The soldiers stood facing outward in a circle, waiting for the two to reach their designated positions.

    About ten minutester, they heard Greg¡¯s animal calls.

    <em>Woof! Woof! Woof!</em>

    Gillot sighed and sat down on the ground. He then pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

    The soldiers settled into morefortable positions as well.

    <em>Here, really?</em>

    Noticing Kang Chan''s questioning gaze, Gillot chuckled. He pulled out a lighter and shielded its me with his hand.

    "Umbembe is fifteen kilometers away from here, and people don¡¯t normally go through this area. We¡¯re not up against special forces teams, so there''s no need to look so surprised," he exined as he lit up his cigarette, causing it to bob up and down as he lit it.

    "<em>Hoo</em>!"

    Gillot looked satisfied. Kang Chan drank some water first and then also took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. He lit it as quietly as possible and quickly took a drag.

    "<em>Hooo</em>!"

    <em>It¡¯s strange, but smoking makes my chest feel so light. That aside, though, why did we even walk so much if we were going to stay here for 24 hours anyway?</em>

    Since this was his first time working with Gillot¡¯s team, he couldn¡¯t help but be curious about a lot of things. However, Gillot immediately turned to his side and went to sleep as soon as he finished his cigarette.

    After stubbing out his cigarette on the ground, Kang Chan used his backpack as a pillow and tried to sleep.

    <em>Nothing can cure insomnia like a nighttime hike.</em>

    ***

    The four-hour guard duty rotation aside, they spent the next twenty-four hours in so muchfort that it seemed as though they were just out on a vacation in the middle of the cool mountains. However, as time passed, the tension in the soldiers'' faces grew more evident.

    Darkness enveloped their surroundings soon after dinner. As the deep night fell, the atmosphere surrounding their team turnedpletely different from when they crossed Ndulele; most striking were the eyes, which now seemed more resolved to face death.

    They ate and slept fiercely. It was as if they instinctively felt the need to ensure they were in peak condition and the desire to enjoy everything they could while they still had the chance.

    Around three hours past midnight, Gillot stood up. Kang Chan, who had been lightly asleep, immediately woke up and got to his feet as well. Despite having slept peacefully, the tension made him alert to every sound.

    Gillot had Greg and Asker return to their positions at the front and rear of the formation. Afterward, he issued the signal to resume their walk. Two hourster, faint lights seeped through the gaps between the mountains. After forty minutes more, sunlight finally embraced all of their surroundings.

    <em>Swap, swap.</em>

    <em>Tap, tap.</em>

    After walking for another hour, they heard someone at the front tap on a rifle''s barrel.

    Gillot continued walking. Three minutester, they found Greg crouching with another soldier.

    Gillot raised his left hand as a signal. He then crouched and crawled toward Greg before gesturing for the others to approach the same way.

    <em>Swap, swap.</em>

    Kang Chan bent forward as he followed Gillot. Eventually, the enemy base came into view just below their position.

    <em>Damn it!</em>

    <em>They call this a rebel camp?</em><em>It¡¯s a fully equipped military baseplete with guard posts!</em>

    Kang Chan nced over, realizing Gillot also had a serious, heavy expression.

    1. Koreans like to dip kimbap in tteokbokki sauce. If they order kimbap, they have someone who ordered tteokbokki to share their sauce with them. ?

 Extra, Chapter 444: They Call This a Rebel Camp? (2)

    Romain looked at the report with a calm expression.

    "How many soldiers know about this?" he asked.

    "I received it directly from the desk of the DGSE¡¯s South African branch, sir," the soldier standing before him answered.

    Romain¡¯s brows furrowed deeply as he looked up from the report.

    ¡°Just the PIC[1], me, and the assistant director,¡± the soldier quickly amended.

    "Destroy all evidence and instruct the soldier to ensure no reports rted to Shan leak elsewhere. If necessary, eliminate him and rece him with someone we can trust."

    The soldier didn¡¯t respond.

    "Protect Shan, but report to me if he contacts anyone. If a DGSE agent is tracking him, divert their attention or eliminate them."

    When the soldier failed to respond again, Romain slowly raised his head."Do my orders dishonor France¡¯s glory?"

    "No, sir. I will have it done."

    "Wait,¡± Romain said just as the soldier was about to turn and leave.

    "What about Director Lanok?"

    "The car bombing has made him extremely cautious about his movements. Moreover, because of the Mossad¡¯s and MI6¡¯s suspicious activities, the DGSE has started providing him with top-level security.¡±

    Romain slowly nodded as suspicion filled his eyes."What exactly is he nning to do with those damn jewels? He seems to be forming a private organization outside the DGSE, but why?"

    The soldier standing before him remained silent as if he hadn¡¯t heard a word.

    "Report his movements to me daily," Romain ordered.

    "That will be difficult, sir."

    Romain leaned back in his chair with a look of disbelief.

    "Director Lanok¡¯s movements are reported directly to the assistant director, and even other directors don¡¯t have ess to those files. Considering I¡¯m in charge of the South African branch, he will easily catch me if I try to track his movements."

    Despite his displeased expression, Romain said nothing further.

    ***

    Gillot took his time surveying Umbembe''s base and the surrounding terrain.

    "<em>Hmm</em>."

    He let out a long sigh and tilted his head. He didn¡¯t say it out loud, but seeing the base in person made him think that the mission to eliminate Umbembe would be much more difficult than anticipated.

    "Kasier."

    "Oui."

    "Can you snipe from in front of that central building?" Gillot asked, almost in a whisper.

    The soldier named Kasier pulled a cylindrical scope from his waist and raised it to his right eye.

    "We need to get about seven hundred meters closer, sir. They seem to have built the base with that in mind. If we go around to the left, we can close the distance, but we won¡¯t be able to see the entire area behind the building."

    Gillot, taking his time again, slowly moved back.

    "Kasier, keep an eye out for Umbembe. Greg, post a guard over there. We¡¯re taking a break," he ordered.

    While Greg directed a soldier to stand guard, Gillot sat down against a nearby tree. He bent his left leg and then stretched out his right leg. Afterward, he rested his rifle on it. Although he looked rxed, his right index finger remained hooked on the trigger guard.

    "Damn it," Gillot suddenly muttered to himself. "No wonder they talked about vacation just for killing a rebel leader."

    He twisted his upper body and looked down at the base, which was at the bottom of a cliff.

    From Kang Chan''s position, only the end of the base and the river flowing in front of it were visible.

    It was the first time he had seen such a filthy river. The muddy water, streaked with yellow, looked as if it had been stained with ochre. The now oppressive sunlight shattered into tiny fragments, sparkling on the river''s surface.

    Mountains, rivers, and sunlight on the water normally made for a beautiful scene, but the Ubangi River here was more like a woman wearing cheap jewelry and heavy makeup on an unwashed face.

    The condition of the river changed nothing, though. They were here to find and kill the bald ck man hiding somewhere around that dirty river.

    Gillot, leaning against the tree in front of Kang Chan, had turned around three times in contemtion already.

    ¡°Shit!¡±

    As the sun rose higher and the heat began to set in, Gillot cursed for the third and fourth time in quick session.

    "Fuck! God fucking damn it!"

    It was as if he was irritated for making some foolish mistake.

    <em>Whates first, turning around or cursing?</em>

    Driven by a curious whim, Kang Chan observed Gillot. Unsurprisingly, his gaze remained fixed on the river. Eventually, Gillot slowly stood up and walked over to Kasier.

    Maybe he wasn¡¯t as consistent as he seemed.

    "Any movements?" Gillot asked.

    All the soldiers focused on him.

    "Some, but no one resembling Umbembe,¡± Kasier responded, still looking through a scope like a pirate searching for a treasure trove from the crow''s nest of a ship.

    Gillot nodded, then turned around with a determined expression.

    "Everyone, gather ¡®round,¡± he called. Only Kasier and the sentry didn¡¯t join them.

    "Look."

    Gillot drew two lines in the dirt with a stick the size of a finger.

    "This is the river."

    It looked like two earthworms.

    "This is their base. This seems to be the headquarters, and here, here, and here are three buildings."

    Afterpleting the drawing of the base on the ground, he wrote numbers inside the circles representing buildings.

    "We¡¯ll call the headquarters Building One, the one above it Building Two, and the one between us and the river Building Three. The base is too far from any good vantage point to make sniping viable, so we¡¯ll split into three teams of four and simultaneously clear all buildings instead."

    Gillot looked up at his men.

    "The buildings form a triangle, so it will be difficult to kill Umbembe from behind. No matter which building he¡¯s in, the team leaders have permission to take him out. Once Umbembe is down, everyone retreats. I¡¯ll lead Team Alpha1, Greg will lead Bravo, and Asker will lead Charlie."

    Greg and Asker nodded in acknowledgment.

    "Since there''s a higher chance for Umbembe to be in Building One, I¡¯ll position myself in Building Two to get a good view of the headquarters. Kasier and you two wille with me."

    Gillot then turned to Greg. "Since this is Khalid and Channy¡¯s first mission, I''ll split them between the teams."

    The soldiers'' eyes moved from Kang Chan to Khalid.

    <em>Fucking bastard acted as if he¡¯s been with the special forces team for ages.</em>

    "Greg, take him, Channy, and the sentry to the back of Building One. If either Alpha or Charlie kills Umbembe, give us cover while we retreat."

    "Oui," Greg responded firmly.

    "Asker, take Khalid and the remaining two to cover Building Three. Remember to retreat immediately after the kill."

    "Oui," Asker replied quietly. He then looked at the soldiers he would bemanding.

    The sun was now about forehead height.

    "Umbembe could appear at any moment. Stay alert, and hold this position for the next three days. If he doesn¡¯t show up then, regroup here at dawn the next day."

    The two team leaders gave firm answers. It was a tense moment, though Kang Chan listened to Gillot''s orders with a calm demeanor, unlike the desperation he felt with Enzo.

    "Team Alpha will move first, followed by Bravo, and then Charlie."

    Right after, Gillot walked toward Kasier.

    "Get ready to move."

    Kasier put away his telescope and slung his sniper rifle, an FR-F2, over his back.

    "Greg! Move out once I¡¯m in position. You remember the signal?"

    "Yes, sir,¡± Greg responded.

    As if on a treasure hunt, Gillot soon headed off.

    "Get your gear," Greg instructed.

    Kang Chan tightened his backpack straps and carefully checked his magazine.

    He learned something new again. Even though they were embarking on a mission where lives would be lost, the seasoned soldiers seemed utterly unconcerned about any impending danger.

    If they were lucky, they¡¯d get to quickly kill the bald ck man and leave. Otherwise, they¡¯d have to wait a long time and retreat under fire.

    Either way, they knew that worrying now wouldn¡¯t change anything. They¡¯d calmly approach their designated areas, eliminate the target, and get out as fast as they could.

    Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh, recalling the number of times Gillot had surveyed the rebel base and cursed. This mission was tough enough to make someone with so much more experience than these soldiers curse repeatedly. Fully understanding the situation, the tension crept up and steadily enveloped him.

    "<em>Haaaa</em>."

    In situations like his, he had discovered that the best he could do was exhale slowly. If that didn¡¯t help, then he could try listening to his own breathing.

    Fifteen minutes passed, then twenty, and eventually twenty-five.

    <em>Chirp! Chirp chirp chirp! Chirp! Chirp chirp chirp!</em>

    A strange animal call echoed. It sounded like a bird or perhaps a monkey, but definitely not human.

    "Let''s go."

    Greg stood up. Kang Chan and another soldier followed him.

    <em>No matter the situation, people will always seem to have lousy social skills. Even if our only objective is to observe, shouldn¡¯t we at least introduce ourselves?</em>

    After a short walk, they came across the soldier standing guard. With a nod from Greg, he joined the group from the rear.

    They tried to make as little noise as possible. They stepped on tree roots whenever they could, and when necessary, they leaned on thick trees for support, making the journey quite slow.

    Kang Chan had a clear view of the rebel base. The more they observed it, the more formidable itsyout seemed. The four outposts built on the outskirts, except for the cliff, were particrly threatening. If those were manned, it would be difficult for Teams Alpha and Charlie to even take aim.

    After about twenty minutes, they reached the back of Building One. Greg assigned the two soldiers to their positions before directing Kang Chan where to stand.

    Kang Chan and the soldier to his right couldn''t see the front of the building, but they had a perfect view of the entrance to Building Two and half of Building Three¡¯s entrance.

    After positioning them, Greg raised a hand to his mouth.

    <em>Kreee! Kreee! Kreee!</em>

    It had to have been amon animal sound in Africa. Kang Chan had always wanted to see the creature making that noise at night.

    With the rebel base right below them, there was no way to speak, nor any reason to. Kang Chan positioned himselffortably against a tree and aimed downward.

    "<em>Haaa</em>."

    Building Two was about three hundred meters away¡ªa distance an MP5SD would have trouble covering.

    Kang Chan nced at Greg and then looked at their target location again. If Umbembe appeared, they would likely either move closer or prepare to cover the other two teams¡¯ retreat after eliminating Umbembe.

    As Kang Chan scrutinized the base, the sound of an engine reached his ears. Given the time, Team Charlie likely hadn¡¯t reached their position yet. Kang Chan turned toward Greg, finding the man ring ahead with his jaws clenched. The vehicle noises grew louder, asionally apanied by rattling, yet they received no signal indicating Team Charlie¡¯s arrival.

    <em>Vrooooom!</em>

    Vehicles soon came into view, seeminglying from the part of the mountain where Gillot¡¯s team was lying in ambush. First a jeep, then a truck, then another jeep and truck.

    <em>Screech!</em>

    The first jeep stopped at the entrance, followed by the trucks and the second jeep, which then moved in front of the headquarters.

    The distance and the view obstructed by the headquarters made it difficult to confirm if Umbembe was in any of the vehicles.

    <em>Screech!</em>

    The two trucks parked, blocking the view of Buildings Two and Three, while the jeep stopped between them.

    <em>Thud.</em>

    Around thirty rebels armed with new AK rifles, M16s, and even Russian Dragunovs jumped out of the truck beds and encircled the central jeep. Afterward, they scanned their surroundings with practiced ease.

    <em>Who the hell sent just twelve of us to kill a man guarded by so many rebels?</em>

    Wondering what themander who sent them here looked like, Kang Chan slowly looked at the jeep at the entrance. Theck of a mounted machine gun made it seem more like an escort vehicle. In its passenger and back seats were two men armed with sniper rifles and RPGs surveying the area.

    Even if they managed to kill Umbembe, the other two teams would likely have trouble escaping unscathed. No, more importantly, Team Charlie hadn''t even signaled their arrival yet.

    Perhaps they were still making their way through terrain far rougher from the ones the other teams encountered. This would make retreating equally challenging.

    From inside and outside the buildings came conversation and doors opening and closing, giving life to the base. Unintelligible exchanges and heartyughter filled the air.

    Judging by the atmosphere, Umbembe had probably arrived.

    <em>Hoo. Hoo.</em>

    Kang Chan focused on his breathing to calm his nerves. If the opponents at Ndulele were thugs, these were well-trained special forces teams.

    He asionally worried about encountering trained rebels in Ndulele. If his enemies there had been as skilled as the ones here, he wouldn''t have survived. On the other hand, that just meant that a single mistake in this operation could spell the end for them.

    <em>Hoo. Hoo.</em>

    <em>Moo. Moo. Moo.</em>

    While listening to his own breathing to calm down, Kang Chan heard an animal call, likely from Team Charlie.

    <em>ck! ck!</em>

    Two soldiers at the entrance of the jeep aimed their rifles and RPGs in the direction of Team Charlie.

    <em>Bang!</em>

    At the same time, the front door of the headquarters banged open.

    Mercenaries ran out, took cover behind the trucks, and aimed their weapons toward where Team Alpha and Team Charlie were positioned.

    1. Person In Charge ?

 Extra, Chapter 445: They Call This a Rebel Camp? (3)

    As soon as Team Charlie signaled that they were in position, the two at the jeep aimed precisely at the hill where the soldiers were, while those from the headquarters pointed their guns at Team Alpha¡¯s location, never lowering their guard.

    Perhaps it was due to the unusual bird call or the mercenaries¡¯ vast experience, but they instantly recognized it as a human sound. Either way, thirty mercenaries were now aiming their guns at the other Foreign Legion teams. This situation was far worse than someone ordering pork cutlet from a Chinese restaurant or demanding pig''s feet from a chicken ce.

    The situation had gotten messy without even catching a glimpse of Umbembe''s bald head.

    <em>Are we just going to keep hiding and watching?</em>

    While Kang Chan waited for orders, the mercenaries started the engines of the trucks and jeeps.

    <em>Vroom! Vroom!</em>

    Above the vehicr noises, he heard a door open. It seemed the bald man was about to leave. The building was blocking Team Bravo¡¯s vision, preventing them from doing anything, while the trucks obscured Teams Alpha and Charlie¡¯s view of the entrance.

    Right now, waiting for the bald man to return could be the wisest move.

    <em>Gillot said we¡¯ll wait for three days anyway, didn¡¯t he?</em>As Kang Chan exhaled softly, a chilling sniper rifle shot pierced his ears, and the mercenaries immediately opened fire.

    <em>Bang! Whizz!</em>

    <em>Ratatatatat! Bang! Tatatat! Bang! Ratatatat!</em>

    <em>Ratatat! Bang! Ratatatat! Bang!</em>

    As the mercenaries in front of the building riddled Teams Alpha and Charlie¡¯s positions with bullets, the jeep at the entrance fired an RPG toward the hill where they suspected Team Charlie was.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    <em>Boom!</em>

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang! Tatatatat!</em>

    Using the continuous gunfire as cover, the trucks and jeeps started driving away.

    <em>Vroom! Vroooom!</em>

    If thest person toe out was Umbembe, then he had to be in the jeep. Right now, all they could do was charge forward and catch him before he escaped.

    <em>Bang! Whizz! Ratatat! Bang! Whizz!</em>

    Amid the tense moment, sniper shots and counterfire were exchanged. The two trucks nked the jeep, seemingly shielding it.

    <em>Whizz! Bang! Whizz! Ratatat! Bang! Whizz!</em>

    Team Alpha fired at the jeep at the entrance, and one mercenary slumped down.

    To block Umbembe¡¯s escape, Gillot took a risk; he charged down the hill and fired at the jeep at the entrance.

    <em>What is Team Charlie doing?</em>

    Kang Chan quickly nced at Greg.

    <em>Are we just going to sit here and watch while Alpha is fighting like that?</em>

    <em>Bang! Whizz! Ratatatat! Bang! Whizz!</em>

    While Gillot targeted the jeep at the entrance, Asker, from his original position, kept aiming at Umbembe.

    <em>Ratatat! Whizz! Bang! Whizz!</em>

    <em>We have to help them! Even if it¡¯s just to draw some attention away from them!</em>

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang! Whizz! Bang! Whizz!</em>

    <em>Why is Team Charlie hiding even though they¡¯re the ones who ruined everything?</em>

    Unable to bear it any longer, Kang Chan urged, "We have to go!"

    Greg turned around. Even though Team Alpha got locked in fiercebat right before his eyes, he still seemed to be hesitating.

    "You fucking idiot!¡± Kang Chan cursed in Korean. In French, he then said, "I''m going."

    <em>ck!</em>

    Kang Chan stood up from behind the tree and immediately jumped down the hill.

    <em>Whizz! Whoosh!</em>

    He slid down the cliff in a half-lying position. He felt as if his thighs, buttocks, and lower back were being torn apart, but he had no way to stop now.

    "<em>Ugh</em>!"

    <em>Thud! </em>

    Kang Chan fell to the ground. Gritting his teeth, he got up and ran past the building.

    <em>Ratatat! Whizz! Bang! Whizz! Ratatat!</em>

    The battle raged on. Gillot fiercely held off the mercenaries heading toward the jeep that he had stopped at the entrance, forcing them to hold their ground.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    <em>Special forces team? Working together for a long time? Screw that!</em>

    Kang Chan quickly followed the loud gunfire ahead. As soon as he reached the building, he skillfully scaled the wall and moved to the corner. He then peeked around, finding mercenaries shooting at Gillot from between the trucks and the jeep.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan raised his rifle. The distance was less than a hundred meters. He didn¡¯t know why, but he just knew he couldn¡¯t miss a target from this close.

    <em>Huff. Huff. </em>

    Kang Chan squeezed the trigger.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    In an instant, he put a bullet into four heads. The enemy quickly returned fire, shattering the corner of the wall that Kang Chan was hiding behind.

    <em>Ratatat! Thud! Bang! Thud! Ratatat! Ping!</em>

    Crouching, Kang Chan nced up at where Team Bravo was stationed.

    <em>No cover fire?</em>

    <em>Click!</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Ratatatat! Thud! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan shot two more mercenaries in the head before ducking behind the wall again. Finally, Greg and two other soldiers descended to join him.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan took down another two.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Ratatat! Thud!</em>

    As Team Alpha continued firing at their opponents, he took down three more enemies in quick session.

    <em>Click! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>Ratatat! Thud! Ratatat!</em>

    By the time the enemy counterattacked again, Greg and the other two soldiers had jumped down next to Kang Chan. They all huddled behind one wall, which was stupid.

    Kang Chan gestured with his index and middle fingers toward his eyes and then pointed at the opposite wall. Greg nodded and quickly moved to the position with one soldier.

    <em>You¡¯re the team leader for fuck¡¯s sake! We should be the ones moving there, not you! </em>

    Just as Kang Chan raised his rifle, the soldier beside him leaned out and fired first.

    <em>Click! Bang!</em>

    <em>Ratatat! Ping! Ratatat! Thud!</em>

    The enemy had clearly been waiting. The soldier barely managed to shoot twice before he fell to the ground. With his neck and chest blown apart, he could only writhe in pain.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    Kang Chan considered checking on him, but the soldier soon went limp. The grimy, mud-colored walls, the dirty ground, the uniforms, the dark rifles, the ckened hands and faces¡ªeverything in the rebel base looked ck and white except for the blood staining the fallen soldier''s neck.

    With each bullet fired, another body left a ssh of red on this monochromatic world. If not for all the blood, killing and dying would have probably felt more like a game¡ªsomething one could brush off and walk away from.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    After changing magazines, Kang Chan heard gunfire from Greg''s side.

    <em>Whizz! Bang! Ratatat! Thud! Ratatat!</em>

    The mercenaries certainly responded and fired differently from the rebels in Ndulele. Still, managing to kill one of Team Bravo¡¯s members seemed to have divided their attention. With their guards down, all that was left was to seize the opportunity.

    <em>Click! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan blew off the heads of thest three enemies in sight. The rest of the mercenaries had ducked and clustered in between the trucks.

    In a burst of action, Kang Chan instinctively dashed out.

    <em>nk! Click! nk! nk!</em>

    The weapons strapped to him protested loudly, urging him not to do something so reckless. He knew it was madness, but he couldn¡¯t stop himself from seizing the chance.

    He had already charged forth by the time the madness and recklessness of it all finally struck him.

    <em>Click! Click! nk!</em>

    All he could hear now was his weapons nging and his allies providing cover fire.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    The battered, ckened truck was now right in front of him.

    <em>Click!</em>

    With his rifle at the ready, Kang Chan pressed his body against the truck. He then pulled the pins of the two grenades that the special forces team had issued him.

    <em>Ting. Ting.</em>

    He heard the sound of weapons nging inside. Nevertheless, he still waited two seconds. Throwing the grenades too early would give the enemies a chance to pick them up and throw them back.

    <em>Whizz!</em>

    As soon as Kang Chan threw the explosives, he dove onto the ground.

    <em>Boom!</em>

    The ear-splitting explosion shook the ground violently.

    <em>Rustle!</em>

    Kang Chan got up quickly as dirt rained down. He then dashed behind the jeep.

    <em>Click! Click! Click!</em>

    He swung his rifle around. Though some were still alive, he saw no enemies who could still fight.

    "<em>Ugh</em>."

    One of them, bleeding from his forehead, eyes, chin, and neck, struggled to aim his gun. Kang Chan looked into the enemy''s eyes and shook his head.

    <em>Don''t do it. It''s not a good idea.</em>

    The enemy smiled faintly in response. As Kang Chan heard soldiers running toward his position, the man managed to raise his AK rifle.

    With his left arm destroyed, he tried to shoot with his right hand alone. However, he had trouble pulling the trigger.

    Kang Chan understood that the enemy wanted to be killed. Still, it was hard to understand why a mercenary would give up on life so easily.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Just before the soldiers could reach them, Kang Chan pumped the enemy full of bullets.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    The man got what he wanted. However, a few others who didn¡¯t want to share his fate were also killed in the process.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Kang Chan lowered his rifle and stepped away from the truck, deliberately facing the mountain. Although he had been fine until now, he suddenly felt nauseous. He couldn¡¯t stand the smell of blood and gunpowder anymore.

    To hell with the rebel base; all he could think about was smoking a cigarette.

    Turning his rifle to the right, Kang Chan took out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag.

    <em>I have to do this shit for five more years? Stuck between onions and ck bean paste?</em>

    "<em>Hoo.</em>"

    He braced himself for situations like this before joining the Foreign Legion. Still, encountering something this intense right out of training seemed too harsh.

    "Channy,¡± Greg called just as Kang Chan exhaled smoke for the second time.

    <em>Cowardly bastard.</em>

    When Kang Chan turned to him, Greg gestured downward. Gillot, leaning against the truck''s wheel, was smiling weakly at Kang Chan.

    <em>Clink. Clink.</em>

    Kang Chan slowly approached Gillot. Somehow, he had already expected Gillot to die too. He just knew that those who had a special bond with him would eventually end up dead¡ª like Enzo.

    "Cigarette," Gillot said, his eyes looking sleepy.

    Kang Chan plopped down opposite him, lit a cigarette, and ced it in Gillot''s mouth. Blood was flowing copiously from his chest, abdomen, and right thigh.

    "Take this," Gillot said, nodding toward his left pocket. "It''s the squad leader''s insignia. Get the remaining men back to base."

    "Have you forgotten that I''m a rookie?" Kang Chan inquired.

    "<em>Hmph</em>. Do you even know what it means to be given this insignia?"

    Kang Chan didn''t respond. He just took a drag on his cigarette.

    "They call you the God of ckfield. Had I met you a bit sooner, this life might not have been so bad," Gillot said, the cigarette bobbing up and down as he spoke.

    <em>Clink. Clink.</em>

    At that moment, Greg approached. "Five survivors.¡±

    "There will be four soon. I¡¯m assigning Channy as temporary squad leader," Gillot ordered.

    Greg didn''t respond either. Kang Chan lit another cigarette to mask the smell of blood and avoid nausea.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    While looking down to light the cigarette, Gillot''s head drooped, and his eyes unfocused. White smoke from the cigarette in his mouth rose over his face.

    Kang Chan exhaled smoke loudly. He then pulled the cigarette from Gillot''s mouth and tossed it to the ground.

    He didn¡¯t know if he had an eye for recognizing who was about to die or if he had a curse that killed anyone he liked or couldmunicate. Either way, although this was only the second time, he was already tired of seeing people die.

    "Staying here would be dangerous," Greg said softly.

    Kang Chan slowly turned toward him. If Greg had helped a bit sooner, maybe Gillot would still be alive. As the desire to shoot the cowardly bastard in the forehead surged, Kang Chan clenched his teeth.

    After ring at Greg for a moment, he turned back to Gillot.

    "I should get going."

    He wanted to remember Gillot like he remembered Enzo with the lighter he left him. However, he also didn¡¯t want to ever be in a squad led by a coward like Greg again.

    Kang Chan tore off the thumbnail-sized Foreign Legion insignia from Gillot''s left chest. He then stood up and slowly looked up at the sky. If only he could fly away from all this.

    "<em>Hoo</em>!"

    <em>Sentimentality ends here. </em>

    Kang Chan turned to Greg. "Greg."

    "Oui."

    "Take care of Gillot. We leave as soon as you''re done."

    "Oui."

    Greg walked over to Gillot to tie his sleeves and boots.

 Extra, Chapter 446: Iéˆ¥æªe Never Hoped for Something like That (1)

    Including Kang Chan, only four people survived.

    While Greg was tying the sleeves and shoces of the deceased soldiers, Kasier¡ªtheir sniper¡ªchecked Umbembe¡¯s body.

    Watching Kang Chan skillfully shoot down their enemies, recklessly rush toward the truck, and throw the grenades that effectively ended the battle seemed to have caught Greg, Asker, and Kasier off guard.

    All they could do now was return to the runway where they had been dropped off. However, Kang Chan was already dying to get answers.

    He first took out the map that Gillot had been carrying, then checked their way back. Next, he went into the main building and examined it.

    Was it because Umbembe was the leader of the rebels? Without meaning to, he cursed when he saw the food and fruits inside the building.

    ¡°Crazy fucker.¡±

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Soon, Greg followed after him and looked around.¡°We have taken care of the deceased, sir,¡± Greg said afterward.

    ¡°Have everyonee inside. Let¡¯s eat this before we leave,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Oui,¡± Greg answered. He then called the two soldiers that were outside.

    <em>They should eat before they get beat up. I want their bruises to look good. </em>

    Kang Chan and the three other soldiers sat at the table against the wall.

    The fruits weremon tropical fruits, but he was unfamiliar with the meat. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was beef or goat meat, but it was salted and grilled before a thick, heavily scented sauce simr to curry was poured over it. It was very salty, and the scent irritated him.

    It wasn¡¯t surprising that he didn¡¯t like it, though. They didn¡¯t make the food with his tastes in mind.

    After having their fill, they all had a smoke together.

    After taking a deep drag, Kang Chan exhaled the cigarette smoke.

    Finally, it was time to get some answers.

    ¡°Asker,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Unlike Greg, Asker didn¡¯t answer right away.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you do anything when Gillot engaged the enemies inbat?¡±

    Greg and Kasier looked at Asker.

    ¡°The enemies were focused on us, and the RPG they fired at us killed two of my men. I couldn¡¯t afford to return fire,¡± Asker answered. He then looked at Greg and Kasier as if he was making excuses to them. §²

    ¡°Greg. Why didn¡¯t you help right away when the gunfight broke out?¡± Kang Chan asked again.

    This time, Asker and Kasier looked at Greg.

    ¡°I was waiting in case we had to retreat after killing Ubembe, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded as he took another drag on his cigarette. ¡°<em>Hoo. </em>Kasier, can you ept their reasons?¡±

    Finding it difficult to answer, Kasier wiped the sauce and oil around his mouth to stall.

    Still, that gesture was all Kang Chan needed. He stood up, finished his cigarette, and dropped it on the floor. He then stepped on it.

    As Asker was ncing at the others across from him, Kang Chan kicked him hard on the chest.

    <em>Bam! Crash!</em>

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    However, Asker was a special forces soldier. He was quick to get back on his feet.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Kang Chan rushed toward Asker and tried to elbow the left side of his face. Asker blocked the attack with his arm and then threw a powerful right to Kang Chan¡¯s waist.

    As if hit with a hammer, the air was knocked out of Kang Chan¡¯s lungs. Nevertheless, he tried to hit Asker with his right elbow once more.

    This time, his elbow hit Asker between his ear and chin.

    <em>Swish! Crunch!</em>

    Kang Chan elbowed Asker near the chin one more time. Afterward, he relentlessly struck him in the gut with his second knuckles.

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>!¡±

    Yelling, Asker fell backward onto the floor. After twisting to the side, he vomited what he had eaten.

    ¡°<em>Haah. Haah</em>.¡±

    Asker was strong. Despite only having thrown a few blows, Kang Chan was already gasping for breath.

    Kang Chan¡¯s side was aching so badly that he felt as if he was being wrung. Ignoring the pain, he turned toward Greg.

    ¡°If you or Asker had helped, we could have saved at least one more person. Gillot would still be alive, too,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Greg dropped his gaze in shame, tightly pressing his lips together.

    <em>Bam! CRASH!</em>

    Kang Chan kicked Greg hard, mming him against the wall. Unlike Asker, Greg didn¡¯t quickly stand up or fight back.

    ¡°<em>Cough! Phoo!</em>¡±

    Behind him, Asker roughly spat and shook his head.

    <em>Crack. Crack.</em>

    Kang Chan craned his neck from side to side and then turned around, finding Asker in a prone position. Without second thoughts, Kang Chan mercilessly kicked him in the stomach over and over again.

    <em>Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam!</em>

    Aske just stood by and watched as hisrades were killed off one after another. Throughout the entire battle, he didn¡¯t even shoot once despite two of his men dying and another being severely wounded.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Asker groaned like a dog after falling on top of filth. Only then did Kang Chan back off.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand how motherfuckers like them could call themselves special forces soldiers of the Foreign Legion. He felt the same way about the special forces soldiers he had met in the training center.

    Were Enzo and Gillot exceptional legionnaires?

    <em>Howe those good men had to die while these motherfuckers survived and even had the guts to eat fruit and meat?</em>

    Getting the urge to kill the bastards again, he turned away from them.

    ¡°Kasier. Check if we can use the jeep at the entrance. If we can, we¡¯ll drive it back to the runway using the route on the map,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ***

    Kasier gauged Greg¡¯s mood. He then stood up. ¡°Oui.¡±

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Kang Chan went out through the front door. He then examined the trucks near the jeep, the Ubangi River that stretched past the vehicles, and the sky looming over them.

    This new life didn¡¯t feel unfamiliar at all; he just felt as if he just regained what he had lost or returned from a faraway ce. He wasn¡¯t sure why it was so easy for him to get used to this life or what the end of it would look like, though.

    Tightly gritting his teeth, he red at the Ubangi River.

    If his life would keep revolving around gunfights to the death, he at least wished he had the ability to protect those he could connect with.

    He hoped that would happen, even if he had to be the god of death.

    ***

    Miguel read the report twice. Even though he had given the same report to his superiors, he still couldn¡¯t believe it¡ªthe 11th unit of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Regiment acted unterally and killed Umbembe, the man they had been so sick and tired of seeing even in their dreams.

    Umbembe had many names; he was even known as a rebel leader. However, in reality, he was just an archviin who killed the natives and trafficked women, children, organs, and drugs to amass wealth.

    With his riches, Umbembe hired former special forces soldiers from all around the world as security guards. Eventually, he became a huge headache for the DGSE. They tried to catch and put an end to his reign, but they ended up losing seventy-two legionnaires instead.

    Now, Miguel had just read a report stating that twelve special forces soldiers had eliminated Umbembe. Although they lost eight men in the process, he still found it hard to believe.

    Miguel¡ªthe head of the DGSE¡¯s Central African branch¡ªread the six-page document once more.

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    Like before, the information about the Asian legionnaire caught his attention.

    ¡°God of ckfield, huh?¡±

    Miguel narrowed his eyes at what South African Branch Manager Pierre Raon had written at the bottom right corner of the document.

    The DGSE gave him all sorts of information. It also issued duties and special orders to the agents, not the Foreign Legion.

    One such order was the elimination of Umbembe.

    A special agent was sent to execute it, but he was killed in the line of duty. Afterward, they lost seventy-two legionnaires.

    Miguel recently requested huge reinforcements to wipe out Umbembe and his men in one go.

    The biggest reason they had to kill him was that Umbembe hadpletely ignored France¡¯s influence after taking over an area in Congo.

    Ubembe even requested tolls from everyone and every vehicle that passed through his territory. If they refused, he killed them immediately.

    In any case, Miguel was d that the nuisance was dead¡ªif the report was factual.

    Miguel put down the document. As he considered having a cup of coffee, two agents dressed like safari workers entered.

    ¡°We¡¯ve confirmed Umbebe¡¯s death, sir,¡± one of the agents reported. When Miguel looked back at him, he added, ¡°We¡¯ve got his body downstairs. The eight fallen legionnaires have been taken care of as well.¡±

    ¡°What was the cause of his death?¡±

    ¡°There was a bullet wound in his shoulder, but it looks like the actual cause of his death is a grenade explosion.¡±

    Miguel could finally believe the news. With Umbembe¡¯s death confirmed, he poured some coffee into his mug, feeling much better.

    ¡°How many mercenaries did they kill?¡± he asked afterward.

    ¡°We counted at least twenty-nine bodies.¡±

    <em>How am I supposed to believe something so out of this world</em>

    Miguel looked at the agent.

    ¡°The grenades blew some of the bodies into pieces. We¡¯ll need a bit more time before we can give an exact number,¡± the agent borated.

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just count the number of heads?¡±

    ¡°The grenades also tore apart the heads¡­¡± The agent shrugged as if it was difficult for him to exin.

    <em>I understand why they aren¡¯t too worried about this; how many mercenaries died isn¡¯t really important.</em>

    ¡°Find an informant who can contact Ungua. Tell him I want to meet,¡± Miguel ordered.

    ¡°Yes sir.¡±

    Once the agents left, Miguel slowly drank his coffee.

    Umbembe¡¯s organization wasn¡¯t going to disappear overnight just because he was gone. However, as Ubembe¡¯s sessor, Ungua now had no choice but to cooperate with the DGSE. After all, with Ubembe gone, they could kill Ungua anytime with just Miguel¡¯smand.

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>.¡±

    For the first time in so long, Miguel found the air in Africa refreshing.

    ***

    As soon as they reached the runway, Kang Chan greeted the l¨¦gionnaire stationed there. They were then moved to a nearby temporary base.

    Kang Chan was questioned for two hours. Afterward, their operation officially ended.

    Perhaps it was because they were near an airport, but the base had a water tank.

    Once Kang Chan was assigned to a barracks, he immediately took a refreshing shower. He then treated the wounds he got from sliding down the mountain.

    He put on shorts and a cotton t-shirt, then sat in front of the barracks with sweet coffee and a cigarette.

    Kang Chan exhaled cigarette smoke. This wasn¡¯t so bad.

    He actually felt morefortable away from Greg, Asker, and Kasier. He heard that they would be going on vacation once they were done being questioned.

    Kang Chan never hoped for something like that¡ªhe just wished he could stay here for at least a few days.

    ***

    Dayeru Abdul Karim Azar had been huge since he was born. He had a big head; thick forearms;rge, threatening eyes; and a waist that was as thick as most trees. Even his neck and ankles were huge. He had a bald spot around the top of his scalp, though, so he kept his head shaved.

    Born in Touggourt, Algeria, Dayeru blindly came to France after killing Hamir Al Woofi, the leader of the tribe that had killed his mother and older sister.

    Since he couldn¡¯t speak French, Dayeru mostly worked in an Algerian organization. He was usually put in charge of introducing women to tourists or picking fights with them.

    Although Dayeru did whatever they told him to do, they couldn¡¯t do anything to him whenever he was enraged.

    Dayeru was the perfect example of a simple, straightforward, and stupid person. Hence, he was easy to order around. However, due to his awful temper, they quickly learned that it was best to run away when he was angry.

    People suggested pumping him full of bullets, but Dayeru proved to be an excellent asset for an organization fighting against two other Algerian factions.

    Naturally, people had tried to attack him with knives, saying that they were going to teach him a lesson. He often quickly resolved it bypletely breaking their arms, though.

    Dayeru was also loyal, so those who liked him secretly protected him.

    Bluntly put, they just had to be careful around him when he was mad. Unfortunately, they couldn¡¯t predict when his switch would flip.

    Every night, Dayeru would go out to the front of the Excellemont Hotel[1] in the streets of Saint-Lazare[2], which was where the cheap hotels in Paris, France were.

    He would then do his main job: watching French men or Asians looking for women and pickpocketing them as soon as he found an opportunity

    At some point, Dayeru stopped smiling. He didn¡¯t cry, though; he never was the type to.

    Still, he took special care of older women. Whenever somebody asked them how much their services were and then left afterward, he would always run after them to steal their money. He would then give it to the old women regardless of how much it was.

    The women in that area called Dayeru Abdul Karim Azar the head of the Excellemont Algerian Syndicate.

    1. A hotel that the author made up ?

    2. a street in the 8th and 9th arrondissements (districts) of Paris, France ?

 Extra, Chapter 447: Iéˆ¥æªe Never Hoped for Something Like That (2)

    Trigger warning: Mentions of rape and suicide

    September 2001.

    Just as dawn broke, Kang Chan went out of his army tent in Kilima, Democratic Republic of Congo. He then slowly warmed up.

    His face was sunburnt, his body was now firm, and his eyes glinted. Those who¡¯d seen Kang Chan for the first time wouldn¡¯t be able to guess his actual age.

    Kang Chan breathed out slowly as he followed the path that went around the perimeter of the barracks.

    It had been more than three years since he took charge of the 11th unit of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Special Forces Regiment. The days since then didn¡¯t feel particrly long, but they didn¡¯t seem short either.

    During that time, the nickname ¡°God of ckfield¡± became well-established not only in Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo but all over South Africa.

    That didn¡¯t mean that Kang Chan just became famous. Still, he had encountered rebels who raised their hands and surrendered as soon as they heard he was in the area. Nearby natives also often ran over and clung to him, asking him to save them.

    After ap around the barracks, he slowly broke into a run. It had been approximately two years since he started this routine. Suddenly missing South Korea, he began to crave pork cutlets, <em>ramyeon</em>, <em>sundae</em>[1], and <em>tteokbokki </em>like crazy. It had been so long since hest saw Korean writings that he was about to go insane.

    Once he started to dislike Africa, the more he dealt with the rebels, the higher the cruelty hiding deep within him seemed to w its way up and bind him.

    ¡°<em>Huff huff! Huff huff!</em>¡±

    He had decided to start this routine out of frustration. He felt as if he was about to explode, and he needed a way to let it all out. Like magic, Kang Chan had since calmed down and became as stable as a river.

    Having spent such a long time with the Foreign Legion, he could now speak French even in his sleep. He could also swear in many different ways, which he had never imagined doing.

    Moreover, he learned to speak some of the regional dialects in Africa. He could even ask for food now regardless of where he was in Africa.

    The rising sun shone down on Kang Chan.

    <em>¡°Huff huff! Huff huff!¡±</em>

    Kang Chan wanted to stop having to do this daily routine and just have rxing mornings. Despite his wishes, though, he simply clenched his teeth and continued running with all his might. This was the only way he could ever feel refreshed and earn the right to smoke tasty cigarettes.

    Upon returning to the front of his barracks, he nted his hands on his knees and gasped for breath.

    ¡°<em>Haah. Haah</em>.¡±

    He had to let himself cool down like this for about five minutes. Otherwise, he¡¯d just keep sweating even after a shower.

    Finally catching his breath, Kang Chan walked to a wooden table that they had ced in front of the barracks. He then drank plenty of water and put a cigarette in his mouth.

    <em>Chk chk. Chkk.</em>

    Kang Chan exhaled the cigarette smoke. Only then did hepletely calm down.

    Sitting in front of the table, Kang Chan looked at the Kasai River[2]. He heard that crocodiles lived in it, but he hadn¡¯t seen one yet.

    While smoking, the smell of sweet coffee caught Kang Chan¡¯s attention.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    He then heard a soldier approaching him.

    ¡°Captain,¡± a soldier called.

    Kang Chan turned his head towards the soldier. From there, Smithen approached him, carrying two mugs.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    ¡°Coffee, sir.¡±

    <em>Does this fucker think I¡¯m a fool that doesn¡¯t even know coffee?</em>

    ¡°It¡¯s not the South Korean coffee that you bought sir; it¡¯s coffee that I made with cream and sugar,¡± Smithen exined.

    He then ced a mug in front of Kang Chan before sitting on the side of the table.

    Kang Chan turned his head to the river again. He remembered feeling annoyed and dejected when the soldiers brought Smithen over, telling him that the bastard had justpleted the special forces¡¯ training.  ?

    ¡°Captain, about your uing vacation¡­¡±

    Kang Chan silently drank coffee.

    <em>What the fuck! How much sugar did this crazy bastard put in this?</em>

    Smithen continued, ¡°I was wondering if we could go out somewhere nearby while you¡¯re in France, sir.¡±

    ¡°Smithen.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°You know I can¡¯t make that decision, right?¡±

    ¡°I do, sir, but if you propose it to the higher-ups, they¡¯ll definitely approve.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at Smithen. The fucker was clearly restless; it seemed he was longing for a woman¡¯s embrace again.

    ¡°Okay. Now, leave,¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Smithen shouted but quickly stopped himself when Kang Chan nced back at him. ¡°Please, Captain.¡±

    Smithen quickly stood up. He then nced around in desperation before turning around to leave.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Kang Chan watched the man walk away before drinking the coffee again. The bastard caused problems with women whenever they took their eyes off him for even just a moment.

    Kang Chan always managed to resolve the issues by beating Smithen up. At this rate, though, he¡¯d probably end up physically breaking the idiot one day.

    He smirked, then burst outughing. He¡¯d at least try a bit not to let that happen.

    ***

    At around lunchtime, Dayeru woke up in bed with his thick arm under his head. He¡¯d have to go out to the streets in a bit, so he quickly hadmb meat and rice.

    At this point in his life, he desperately wanted only one thing: for someone to step in and kill him, be it with a gun or a knife.

    Committing suicide was very cowardly, and if he offered his neck to the knife of a man who stood no chance against him, he would still be aughing stock even after being buried six feet under.

    He didn¡¯t want to be difficult¡ªhe just wanted a really strong individual to finallye and end his misery in a battle he had given his all to.

    Dayeru sighed.

    That was why he was cruel to syndicate members who approached him while he was protecting the streets of Excellemont. He hoped that one of them would bring back a rough and strong man who could either shoot him in the head or slit his neck in one try.

    However, he also had to be merciless for the sake of the old women of Excellemont. After all, if he weren¡¯t around, they would be treated worse than animals.

    Dayeru groaned and slowly stood up. His body felt heavy.

    He could still remember his family¡¯s death as if it had happened yesterday. That day, people hung his mother and older sister on a tree, set them on fire, and then imed that their crime was walking in a way that seduced men.

    Hamir Al Woofi, the leader of a small tribe, yed a major role in their deaths. Dayeru also learned that Hamir and five other men raped his older sister the day she died.

    Dayeru slit the throats of three of them and stabbed the other two in the heart. He then beheaded Hamir. Afterward, he cut off their dirty penises to make it clear why he killed them.

    He hoped revenge would make him feel relieved, but it didn¡¯t help at all.

    Eventually, he came to the streets of Excellemont. Since then, he had gone off to work hoping to die.

    A lot of people advised him to learn French, but he stopped not because he was stupid but because he felt it would make him want to live.

    Dayeru put onfortable cotton pants and a shabby shirt. He then left his room in the two-story house at the back of Excellemont.

    <em>Vroom.</em>

    When his colleague saw him, he quickly started the car. Looking as if he was swatting away a fly, Dayeru gestured at him to go first.

    He had to take a walk on days like this. That way, the members of the rival organizations would recognize and shoot him or at least get the opportunity to attack him with a knife.

    Two people greeted him as he trudged to his destination, pretending they were happy to see him. Unfortunately, no one attacked him.

    Dayeru leaned on the car that his colleague from earlier had parked after arriving before him. He then bit on a cigarette.

    <em>Chk chk.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoooo.¡±</em>

    He used his index finger to remove the meat stuck between his teeth before taking another drag off his cigarette.

    Exhaling cigarette smoke again, he saw an Asian man approaching him from the other side of the street.

    His build, the way he walked, and the look in his eyes made him look difficult to handle.

    <em>Huh?</em>

    Eyes glinting, Dayeru red at the Asian. He seemed young, but Dayeru wasn¡¯t sure. It had always been hard to guess how old Asians were.

    Dayeru watched as the man headed straight to his destination. If he followed the road, he would eventually reach the Excellemont Hotel. Behind it were the bars that rough men usually visited.

    Women approached the Asian, but he didn¡¯t even nce at them.

    <em>Fucking kid! You¡¯re a tourist, aren¡¯t you? You should help women who live like this! You know what? I¡¯m in a bad mood anyway, so might as well.</em>

    Dayeru threw his cigarette and walked toward the Asian man.

    Most tourists took out their money if Dayeru threatened them in Arabic and rubbed his thumb, index, and middle fingers together. He pinned those who weren¡¯t fazed to a wall and took out their wallets.

    His job was easy, and he did this three or four times every day. For some strange reason, though, Dayeru¡¯s heart pounded.

    He swallowed dryly and took a deep breath. Afterward, he blocked the Asian man¡¯s path.

    The man looked at Dayeru. It was only for a brief moment, but Dayeru got goosebumps all over his body the moment he saw the man¡¯s glinting eyes.

    Amid their staredown, the man smirked offensively.

    <em>Should I kill him?</em>

    ¡°Dayeru!¡± a colleague urgently called.

    The women darted away from them, surprise evident in their gazes. Meanwhile, the Asian man had already turned and was walking away from Dayeru, acting as if he had juste across a crazy person.

    Once Dayeru approached the car, the fellow member handed him a sharp jambiya[3].

    For some strange reason, Dayeru turned more ferocious. As he frowned, his colleague took out a pistol and checked the magazine.

    Eight people were approaching them.

    ¡°<em>Phuhu</em>.¡±

    His eyes glinted as he waited for them, and the jambiya in his hand reflected the lights on the street.

    One of the men stood across the car and took out a pistol, keeping its muzzle pointed to the ground.

    ¡°Dayeru,¡± another called.

    ¡°What?¡±

    They spoke in Arabic.

    Catching onto the mood, those who were walking down the street picked up the pace and lowered their heads.

    ¡°We respect you, so we came here to ask a favor,¡± the man answered. The intensity of Dayeru¡¯s gaze made him nce around them before adding, ¡°We want to put ten women in your care. In exchange for managing them, you¡¯ll get a twenty percent cut. Good deal, no?¡±

    ¡°What if I refuse?¡±

    The man scratched his forehead as if he found Dayeru bothersome. ¡°They¡¯re old; we can¡¯t send them elsewhere. As the head of the Excellemont Algerian Syndicate, don¡¯t you think you should give them a chance?¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm.</em>¡±

    Annoyed, Dayeru nced away from the man. He saw the Asian man whom he had targeted a moment ago going down the basement of a building a block away from them. It was a bar that didn¡¯t really require people to be formal. It also offered cheap whiskey, beer, and wine.

    The Asian had gone to a bar, which meant he wouldn¡¯t be leaving any time soon.

    ¡°I want seventy percent of earnings.¡±

    ¡°Hey, we¡¯re trying to be polite here. We would rather dump them somewhere. You know we can¡¯t give you that big of a cut,¡± the man replied. He then reached up toward his pocket but suddenly hesitated. ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand. I¡¯m just trying to have a smoke.¡±

    True to his word, the man slowly took out a cigarette and a lighter from his pocket.

    If it became difficult to take care of old women, these people would kill them and leave their bodies somewhere.

    <em>Chk chk.</em>

    The man lit up two cigarettes and offered one to Dayeru.

    ¡°Sixty percent,¡± Dayeru countered.

    ¡°Fifty.¡±

    After pondering for a moment, Dayeru nodded and epted the cigarette. He took a deep drag off of it.

    Ten more old women would be roaming this street from now on. Some of his colleagues would definitely kick up a fuss, but he could just resolve that with his fists.

    ¡°Do your best for us,¡± the man said. He dropped his cigarette on the ground and walked away.

    In response, Dayeru handed the jambiya back to his colleague.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be at the front,¡± he said as he threw away his cigarette. He then headed to the bar that the Asian man had gone to.

    The moment he feared a situation, he would always be afraid of it. The fear would make him give up on his goal, learn French, and eventually regain his desire to live.

    He hoped someone would stop him from having those thoughts¡ªthat someone would allow him to rest even if it meant killing him.

    Dayeru walked down the stairs. From beyond the thick cloud of cigarette smoke, he could hear people talking loudly andughing. Once he opened the door and entered, the noise slightly died down, starting from the entrance.

    Looking around, he found the Asian man sitting at a table with a beer in front of him and a cigarette in hand.

    Dayeru approached him from behind.

    In response, the Asian man turned around and smirked at him the same way as earlier.

    It was terrifying.

    1. <em>Sundae</em> is a blood sausage in Korean cuisine. ?

    2. a left-bank tributary of the Congo River, located in Central Africa ?

    3. A dagger of Yemen origin. It has a short, curved de ?

 Extra, Chapter 448: I Want To Go Right Now (1)

    Watching the scene unfold, the noisy patrons in the bar suddenly fell silent. Even though Dayeru was the one who had followed the Asian man and stood before him, he was still the one fuming with anger.

    If this had been on the street like earlier, Dayeru would have already shoved him while pointing at the women, but here, he was at a loss for words. He doubted he could evenmunicate with the man in front of him.

    Dayeru stood in the center. All eyes were on him and the Asian man sitting at the table, who had looked away.

    ¡°Stand up,¡± Dayeru ordered in Arabic. He then rubbed his thumb, index, and middle fingers together, forming the universal gesture for money. ¡°You need to pay up for what you did to those women outside.¡±

    When the Asian man looked around, someone spoke to him in French. They seemed to have interpreted what Dayeru had said. In response, the Asian man smiled as if he found the situation amusing, filling Dayeru¡¯s eyes with rage.

    <em>This fucking bastard! Fine! Let¡¯s see how tough you are!</em>

    His mind started racing whenever he faced someone intimidating. That was why he always acted before he had time to think¡ªjust like now.

    ¡°<em>Graaaagh</em>!¡± Dayeru yelled as he charged aggressively.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>He swung his massive fist, which wasrger than a sledgehammer. However, the Asian man easily deflected it.

    <em>Thud! Thud!</em>

    <em>¡®Fucking bastard! You were armed?!¡¯</em>

    As if stabbed with an awl, a sharp pain shot through his elbow and armpit.

    His opponent then struck him in the neck andnded a heavy blow between his left ear and jaw, making him feel as if he had just been hit with a hammer.

    <em>Crash!</em>

    Dayeru sprawled on the floor, but he quickly shook his head.

    <em>Fucking coward! You sat there ignoring me just to pull out a fucking drill?</em>

    He touched his right armpit with his left hand. Contrary to his expectations, there wasn¡¯t any blood.

    Looking down at Dayeru, the Asian man started speaking in French. Dayeru couldn¡¯t understand him, but he could tell it was perfect, fluent French.

    Dayeru growled as he slowly stood up, rotating his right arm and cracking his neck from side to side. He then burst intoughter.

    Now that even more rage had built up in his eyes, the Asian man should no longer appear as intimidating. However, he was quickly proven wrong. Unlike before, his opponent¡¯s eyes now gleamed even more intensely.

    In this battle, there was no room for words. Dayeru suddenly lunged, aiming for the man¡¯s neck.

    <em>I¡¯ll break it in one blow! I just have to withstand the punches and grab his head!</em>

    <em>Wham! Thud! Crack!</em>

    He was quickly hit in the neck and sr plexus. His side now ached, and he felt as if his left ear and jaw had been shattered.

    <em>What the hell? What just happened?</em>

    <em>Bam! Wham!</em>

    Struggling to breathe, Dayeru felt another hammer-like blow to his side.

    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>

    Excruciating pain coursed through his left cheek and jaw. It was as if they were breaking apart.

    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>

    Stars burst in the pitch-ck world before his eyes. This was the first time he failed to see his opponent¡ªand the first time he had been beaten so brutally before he could evennd a punch.

    As he bent forward, a sharp object pierced his neck.

    <em>Wham!</em>

    A jarring pain shot through his jaw and nose, forcing his head back.

    <em>Crash!</em>

    Groaning, Dayeru copsed pitifully to the floor.

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>! <em>Gah</em>!¡±

    <em>You bastard! You¡¯ve already beaten me this badly! You might as well kill me!</em>

    Dayeru struggled to get up. He had suspected this would happen. After all, he did find the man seemed a little terrifying.

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>! <em>Huff</em>! <em>Huff</em>!¡±

    Breathing heavily, he shook his head and painstakingly pushed himself back to his feet.

    The Asian man said something else in French, but no one responded. It seemed as if whatever he said was directed at Dayeru, and the others were too scared to interpret it.

    ¡°<em>Tsk</em>!¡±

    Dayeru spat out the blood that had pooled in his mouth and turned back toward the Asian man.

    <em>Look at this guy¡­</em>

    It felt as if the Asian man¡¯s slight head tilt was mocking him.

    ¡°I am Dayeru Abdul Karim Azar, head of the Excellemont Algerian Syndicate and the warrior who beheaded and castrated the six men who murdered my mother and sister! It¡¯s about fucking time we end this!¡±

    When the Asian man locked eyes with him, Dayeru broke into another charge.

    <em>Wham! Thud! Bam! Crack! Snap! Crack! Wham! Thud!</em>

    He couldn¡¯t even tell where or how he was being hit. The pain in his jaw, neck, sr plexus, thigh, side, and armpit was so intense that his vision started to fade.

    It was strange. As he thought that he was about to die, a bizarre sense of relief washed over him¡ªhe felt as if he was finally free.

    He had to endure. If he fell, the Asian man would stop beating him. Born big and strong, he wouldn''t die easily. He had to hang on no matter what.

    ¡°<em>Graaah</em>!¡± Dayeru gritted his teeth and leaned forward, determined to keep fighting.

    He wouldn¡¯t die that easily.

    <em>I told you! I¡¯m not going to let some weakling with a knife take me down.</em>

    <em>Wham! Thud! Bam! Crack! Crack! Wham!</em>

    He¡¯d only ept death if he fought as hard as he could to the bitter end.

    ¡°<em>Aaargh</em>!¡± Dayeru let out a guttural cry as he pushed through the excruciating pain and leaned forward.

    <em>Crack! Snap!</em>

    <em>Crack!</em>

    A sharp impact shot through his jaw, making even more stars explode in his vision as he slowly fell backward.

    <em>Crash!</em>

    When he hit the floor, he no longer felt pain¡ªhe didn¡¯t feel anything at all.

    ¡°<em>Phuhuhu</em>.¡±

    <em>This bastard is strong. There¡¯s no doubt about it. </em>

    That day, Dayeru Abdul Karim Azar finally met his match. Still, he knew he had to get up.

    He had never been beaten like this before, but he knew that he¡¯d recover from this in just a few days. He couldn¡¯t just lie down and give up.

    He had to either kill the sneering bastard and turn today¡¯s fight into a legend or die by his hands.

    ¡°<em>Gaagh</em>.¡±

    With trembling arms, Dayeru forcibly pushed his upper body up.

    <em>Just wait a bit. I¡¯ll be there soon.</em><em>If those six bastards I killed are there too, let them know I¡¯ming.</em>

    The moment he got back to his feet, he screamed like a madman. ¡°<em>Aaaargh</em>!¡±

    He then started tough. Honestly, he was afraid of charging at him again. He felt as if he did, he would really die this time, which he had been half-hoping for.

    <em>Who the hell is this guy anyway?</em>

    As Dayeru slowly turned, the Asian man¡¯s lips curved into the same irritating, unsettling smirk.

    <em>You dare mock me even though I¡¯ve mustered up this much courage?</em>

    ¡°<em>Gaaaargh</em>!¡± he shouted as he lunged forward.

    <em>Whoosh! Thud!</em>

    However, he took a solid hit to his neck. He bent forward just as the Asian man grabbed the back of his shirt, causing the fabric to tighten around his throat.

    ¡°<em>Gah</em>!¡±

    <em>If you don¡¯t have the resolve to eliminate me properly, then I¡¯m going to fucking kill you! Showing mercy will only get you killed.</em>

    As Dayeru gritted his teeth, staring at the Asian man¡¯s knee, he felt another excruciating blow to the back of his neck.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    ¡°<em>Guh</em>!¡±

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    <em>Hey! You bastard!</em><em>If you keep me hitting like that, then I can¡¯t even die!</em>

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    ¡°<em>Graaggh</em>!¡±

    <em>I don¡¯t know how your fists can drive into my bones like this, but if you want me dead, you have to aim better!</em>

    <em>Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaargh</em>!¡±

    It was a brutal beating. Intense pain kept surging from his neck, and he seemed to have broken bones all over. Nevertheless, he remained conscious.

    His vision turned pitch-ck, and for a brief moment, he saw his mother in a hijab, cradling him.

    He choked back his sobs.

    Finally, as if by a miracle, the beating stopped.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    The Asian man released him, and he fell to the ground.

    <em>Flop!</em>

    ¡°<em>Phuhu</em>. <em>Huhuhu</em>. <em>Phuhahaha</em>. <em>Haaa</em>¡­.¡±

    Dayeru tried tough, but the tears kepting. All he could do now was weep like a wounded bull.

    <em>This isn¡¯t the life I wanted.</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaaaaaah</em>!¡±

    <em>I just wanted to be a merchant, grillingmb in those two pans I had. Now, you¡¯re telling me I can¡¯t even die the way I want to?! You fucking worthless scum! You evil Asian bastard!</em>

    When Dayeru raised his head to look at the Asian man, he saw him still standing there, quietly watching him. The man briefly said something in French, and someone nearby responded with a reply that included Dayeru¡¯s name.

    ¡°<em>Huff</em>!¡±

    Dayeru wiped his tears with the back of his hand and spat out a mix of blood and saliva.

    Finally, the Asian man spoke for the first time.

    ¡°Dayeru,¡± he called.

    As Dayeru raised his head, Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh. This hulking figure, filled with rage, strength, and persistence, was now crying like a child. The beating he had just taken would have knocked anyone else out cold, yet here he was, still conscious.

    <em>You wanted to die, didn¡¯t you? You charged in with the hope of releasing all that pent-up anger¡ªhope that death would bring you some relief.</em>

    <em>You stupid fucking bastard! You¡¯re a brute built like a bear! You probably don¡¯t even have a passport, and I bet you¡¯ve killed people and have plenty of other crimes to your name.</em>

    <em>¡®Damn it! What kind of medal am I going to earn from this mess?¡¯</em>

    The thought of Shan blowing up in anger made Kang Chan shake his head. He then turned to the Arab man who had been serving as his interpreter.

    ¡°Ask him if he can follow me right now. Tell him that where we¡¯re going, most failed to survive for even just forty-eight hours.¡±

    The Arab man¡¯s eyes widened in shock, but he quickly recovered and ryed his message as if he had suddenlye to his senses.

    ¡°Tell him that even if he manages to survive for forty-eight hours, he¡¯ll likely be dead within seventy-two,¡± Kang Chan added.

    As his interpreter continued rying everything in Arabic, Kang Chan looked back down at Dayeru.

    He couldn¡¯t help butugh in disbelief. The Algerian¡¯s tear-covered and blood-streaked face now had a glimmer of hope.

    <em>You filthy bastard.</em>

    ¡°Get up,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Dayeru gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand.

    ¡°Do you need to pack anything?¡±

    Dayeru shook his head exactly once.

    <em>How great would it have been if this man were Korean? We could haveughed and drank instant coffee together.</em>

    ¡°Let me remind you: you¡¯re walking into a ce where you¡¯ll likely be dead within forty-eight hours,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Before Kang Chan could continue, Dayeru interjected. He slurred as he spoke, making him sound like a drunkard.

    ¡°<em>Niranjaba</em>[1].¡±

    ¡°He said, ¡®Let¡¯s go. I want to go now.¡¯¡±

    Smirking, Kang Chan turned around and ced money on the table to pay for his beer.

    ¡°Come,¡± he then ordered as he walked toward the door.

    The patrons quickly moved aside as Dayeru Abdul Karim Azar, the head of the Excellemont Algerian Syndicate, staggered out of the bar, following the God of ckfield.

    ***

    As the head of the DGSE¡¯s Central African branch, Miguel thought Shan and Kang Chan were forces that couldn¡¯t be ignored.

    Orders typically came through the French military, but things were different in this part of Africa. For France and the rest of Europe, Africa was like a cog in the economic machine. The sess or failure of operations executed here had a direct impact on France, which was why the God of ckfield had such a great influence.

    Miguel frowned deeply as he held the phone.

    ¡°Shan, the man killed six vigers and fled. He doesn¡¯t even have a passport. Other than being alive, he doesn¡¯t meet any of the Foreign Legion¡¯s requirements. How on earth are we supposed to enlist this Algerian?¡±

    - Channy said he¡¯s willing to return his medals.

    ¡°Does he think medals are some kind of bargaining chip? That damnmanding officer has already returned three! Even so, there¡¯s really nothing I can do for this Algerian.¡±

    - Understood, sir. I¡¯ll ry the message.

    ¡°Wait. Where is the God of ckfield right now?¡± Miguel asked.

    - He¡¯s at the training camp. If he refuses¡­

    Miguel quickly nced at the schedule. They had to deal with a tribal rebel group in Congo by the end of the month.

    ¡°Shan, you know the selection criteria for the Foreign Legion have changed. You need a passport now, and your identity has to be verified.¡±

    - Channy is hoping that the DGSE will handle it.

    Miguel grimaced as he suppressed a groan. The God of ckfield had already been on active duty for over three years. Moreover, as themander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Special Forces Regiment, he had the right to refuse up to nine more operations.

    Which would be easier¡ªdealing with the Congolese tribal rebels without him or fabricating an identity for the stupid Algerian?

    Miguel clenched his fist. Trembling, he said, ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll contact the training camp. Order the God of ckfield to return.¡±

    - Yes, sir.

    After hanging up, Miguel stared at his schedule as he tried to contain his anger. This was a minor issue, considering the tremendous sess that the DGSE had achieved across Africa was all thanks to the God of ckfield¡¯s remarkable efforts.

    ¡°<em>Hah</em>.¡±

    Miguel sighed. He had to ensure that no more medals were returned.

    1. The Arabic phrase ¡°<em>niranjaba</em>¡± trantes to ¡°Let''s go¡± in English. ?

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Extra, Chapter 449: I Want To Go Right Now (2)

    Kang Chan returned to base with five boxes of instant coffee packets, ramyeon, cup noodles, and thin noodles. He could still remember the joy he felt when he first discovered instant coffee and ramyeon during his first leave in France.

    The journey to Kilima in the Democratic Republic of Congo was long and arduous. It involved amercial flight to Kinshasa, a transport helicopter to Manamana, and finally a jeep ride to Kilima. When they arrived, covered in dust, the soldiers came down to greet him.

    ¡°Ramyeon? Is that ramyeon?¡± Smithen''s eyes shone as he licked his lips.

    <em>In a previous life, this guy must have been a dog that survived on nothing but ramyeon. Maybe a mutt that followed a female dog around all day, living off a single packet of ramyeon that his owner threw to him every night. </em>

    The thought made Kang Chan feel oddly sympathetic.

    While three soldiers carried the boxes inside, Kang Chan headed straight to his quarters. He stripped off his cotton T-shirt, which didn¡¯t even match his jeans, and changed into military pants and a short-sleeved shirt. Strangely, wearing the uniform always made him feel at ease.

    Laughter echoed from outside. It was probably Smithen, rubbing his belly and joking about eating five packets of ramyeon for dinner.

    Kang Chan pushed aside the p of his tent and walked directly to the centralmand tent. Considering he had taken a good two weeks off, it would only be proper for him to report in.

    When he entered, Shan nced up at him. His presence here meant they had a mission ahead. <em>Why is he always holed up in this tent despite the heat?</em>

    ¡°Sit down,¡± ordered Shan.

    Kang Chan sat across the table from the sharp-featured man.

    ¡°We leave in two days. We have to deal with the tribal rebels in Congo.¡±

    ¡°Is this a solo mission?¡±

    Shan nodded and slid a map across the table.

    ¡°Study the area. We depart at seven.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan took the map and exited Shan¡¯s tent. He then made his way back to his own tent, which was about ten meters away from themand tent. Afterward, he sat down at the table in front of his tent and lit a cigarette.

    <em>Hello again, Kilima! How have you been, Kasai River?</em>

    <em>Click! Ssshh!</em>

    The musty smell of Africa had be asforting to him as the rich, sweet aroma of coffee and smoke.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan looked up at the sky above the Kasai River and smirked. The thought of the bear-sized man looking lost in front of the training camp amused him. By now, both the recruit and the drill instructor were probably going through hell. ??

    ¡°Here¡¯s your coffee!¡±

    Smithen, looking even more deted, sat down beside Kang Chan with a cup of coffee.

    <em>He¡¯s up to something again.</em>

    Smithen only ever brought him coffee when he wanted something.

    ¡°About the next mission¡­¡± Smithen started.

    ¡°Smithen.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan nced at him. ¡°If you¡¯re going to spout nonsense, save it forter. If you¡¯re feeling uneasy about the mission, you should request a transfer to another squad.¡±

    ¡°The 13th Regiment has strict rules¡­¡±

    When Kang Chan turned his gaze toward him, Smithen immediately mmed up.

    ¡°You asked for a vacation that wasn¡¯t in the rules, and now, as soon as I get back, you say you have a bad feeling? You know this is the second time, right?¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯ve always done my part, no?¡±

    <em>ck.</em>

    Kang Chan set down his mug, making Smithen flinch.

    ¡°Stop spouting nonsense and get ready.¡±

    As Kang Chan put the cigarette back in his mouth, Smithen stood up with a disgruntled expression.

    Smithen had never known how to give up, though. He would use any underhanded means to get what he wanted, even if it meant eating whatever he couldy his hands on. Without missing a beat, he headed straight for Shan¡¯s tent.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Shan asked sharply, looking up at Smithen as he stood before him.

    ¡°I have to speak with you.¡±

    A brief silence followed. Finally, Shan gestured to a chair. ¡°Sit down.¡±

    ¡°I have a bad feeling about the uing mission, and I¡¯d like to opt-out.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    Shan closed the folder in front of him and leaned back in his chair.

    "Discuss that with your captain," Shan responded.

    ¡°I did, but he didn¡¯t allow me,¡± Smithen replied.

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Smithen hesitated, causing Shan to sh a subtle, knowing smile.

    ¡°Listen, Smithen. Every special forces soldier wants to join the 11th unit of the 13th Regiment. Kilima was even prepared specifically for the 11th unit. You do know that, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Smithen remained silent.

    ¡°If your captain submits a transfer request, you¡¯ll be reassigned to another squad. While regtions are in ce, the higher-ups won¡¯t reject a request from Channy. Is that what you want?¡±

    ¡°No, sir.¡±

    Smiling faintly, Shan took a mental note of Smithen''s simple, selfish, and greedy nature, along with his weakness for women.

    ¡°Then stopining and just go on this mission. However, moving forward,e to me first if something like this happens again.¡±

    Puzzled, Smithen looked at Shan.

    ¡°When reliable soldiers like you serve under a strong, independent leader, you often feel pressured to sacrifice more than others. I believe your kind should be rewarded more, though. Don¡¯t you agree?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you this: if you ever feel uneasy or need something, you report to me directly. And¡­¡± Shan shook his head. ¡°Never mind. You can go now.¡±

    ¡°Oui,¡± Smithen responded and left themand tent.

    ***

    Dayeru wasn¡¯t smart, but he was no fool either. During the process of joining the training camp, he bore witness to Kang Chan¡¯s influence. As if by magic, two days after joining, he received a passport under the simple name ¡°Dayeru Azar.¡±

    It was like being reborn.

    An Algerian intelligence officer who couldn¡¯t speak French brought the passport.

    ¡°Even if you don¡¯t know much else, it¡¯s good to learn the names of weapons, basicmands, and retreat orders in French.¡±

    ¡°Understood. About the person who brought me here¡ªwas he someone important?¡±

    The instructor responded with a deep sigh, seemingly asking how Dayeru could be unaware of such a thing.

    ¡°Passing this course won¡¯t be easy. If you¡¯re injured, you¡¯re dismissed immediately. Same goes for failing the course. If you pass, though, you¡¯ll move straight to the special forces training program.¡±

    The instructor¡¯s answer wasn¡¯t even remotely rted to Dayeru¡¯s question of whether Kang Chan was a big shot. It made him wonder if the instructor had misunderstood the question.

    ¡°The person who brought you here is the God of ckfield, the most outstanding special forcesmander in the Foreign Legion in Africa. There¡¯s a line of soldiers waiting to apply for his unit.¡±

    Dayeru felt a chill run down his spine.

    ¡°Even the DGSE respects that man.¡±

    ¡°<em>Phuhu</em>.¡±

    <em>Well, that makes getting beaten up by him a little less humiliating.</em>

    ¡°What¡¯s he to you?¡± the instructor asked, his face filled with curiosity.

    <em>Well, he¡¯s just the one who beat me up like I¡¯m a fucking dog.</em>

    Dayeru recalled his encounter with Kang Chan. His most striking memory was the way Kang Chan looked down at him.

    He wanted to ask why Kang Chan brought him here if they ever met again, but he didn¡¯t expect a straightforward answer.

    ¡°When does your training start?¡± asked the instructor.

    ¡°Monday. I heard I can rest until the end of the week,¡± Dayeru answered.

    ¡°With just this passport in your hand, you¡¯ve already gained incredible luck in life. Whatever choices you make here, I hope they lead to good results.¡±

    With his job finished, the soldier turned and walked away.

    Dayeru blinked and stared at the passport in his hand. Military uniform,bat boots, rifle, bay, and barracks¡ªhe could never have imagined being in such a setting, yet here he was, right in the middle of it all.

    Dayeru remembered Kang Chan ncing back at him before leaving the training camp. The man had a leaner build, yet Dayeru could still vividly remember the strength in his shoulders and the determined look in his eyes.

    <em>Does someone like him feel lonely too? That¡¯s how I saw it, at least.</em>

    Dayeru sighed, shaking off his thoughts as hey down on the cot.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± he shouted.

    His neck and side still ached horribly.

    ***

    Kang Chan pointed to his eyes with his index and middle fingers, then gestured toward the tree on the left.

    <em>Click. Click.</em>

    Reznov, their sniper, cautiously moved forward to take position. Afterward, Smithen and the rest of the soldiers followed the rest of Kang Chan¡¯s instructions.

    Now, they were ready.

    Kang Chan surveyed the area once more. Catholics and Protestants together made up half the poption of Congo. While the city centers had been rtively orderly, venturing into the outskirts often led to encounters with shamans, where murders, looting, and human trafficking urred every few days.

    They were descending a slope on the mountain. The mission was to assassinate a rebel chieftain who ruled over a tribe, and the dy was beginning to feel unjustifiable.

    The sun was just beginning to rise. About sixty meters below, tree houses and huts wereing to life, signaling the start of another uneasy day.

    The cunning rebel leader had positioned his home in the center of the vige. It was the best built among the surrounding huts, too. The sheer size of the vige was also another problem¡ªit was muchrger than expected.

    Charging in would inevitably trigger a woman¡¯s scream, followed by a firefight where the women and children were the first casualties. To make matters worse, some of the women screaming and running around would suddenly pull out AK-47s from under their skirts.

    For now, they should wait. When the morning came, someone was bound to emerge, and they would seize that moment. As the sun rose higher, women began to step out of the mud huts. Some held babies in their long arms as they moved leisurely, while others had children waddling behind them.

    The poption seemed to be asrge as the vige itself.

    It was still difficult to gauge the ages of African women urately. Except for one or two exceptions, most bore the marks of hardship and struggle, making it as hard to guess their ages as solving a math problem.

    <em>¡®Damn it!¡¯ </em>

    Kang Chan cursed under his breath as he watched the vige¡¯s morning unfold. There were too many women and children.

    This ce was full of women who lived under constant threat of losing their children, watched over the women who had already lost them, and slept with the men who would sell their children. Such was the reality of this remote part of Congo.

    Women exhausted by life could lose their children and be done grieving within half a day. To them, hunger and disease were more immediate concerns.

    <em>¡®Wouldn¡¯t it be better to die than to live like that?¡¯ </em>Kang Chan wondered, allowing the dark thought to cross his mind momentarily.

    Aside from the women who would charge with guns in hand, they also had to keep an eye out for the men who had armed them. If someone told them it would be better to die because they had nothing, then Kang Chan should have already died back in Korea.

    <em>Creak.</em>

    The door of the house in the center opened, cutting off Kang Chan¡¯s thoughts.

    <em>¡®Come out.¡¯</em>

    A shirtless ck man carrying an AK-47 stepped out.

    <em>That¡¯s not him.</em>

    Next, an older man with a headdress made of feathers and bones emerged.

    <em>That¡¯s probably a shaman.</em>

    Kang Chan slowly aimed his rifle.

    <em>Juste out so we can end this quickly.</em>

    As if responding to his wish, arge man with a haughty expression stepped out with his hand resting on his waist.

    <em>Bingo!</em>

    Kang Chan immediately nodded toward Reznov, who in turn took aim.

    <em>Thwip! St!</em>

    The target¡¯s head exploded, spraying blood around the door.

    <em>Thwip! St!</em>

    Kang Chan then drilled a bullet through the head of the man holding the AK-47.

    The shaman screamed, women shrieked, and children began to cry.

    <em>Click. Click.</em>

    Kang Chan swiftly scanned for any others with weapons.

    <em>Ratatatatat!</em>

    Gunfire erupted from beside the door of the rebel leader¡¯s house.

    <em>Whizz! Whizz!</em>

    The bullets were haphazardly fired, not posing much of a threat. However, even stray bullets could tear through flesh.

    <em>Thwip! Crack!</em>

    The sniper fired but missed. Still, they had shaken the enemy enough to force them to retreat inside.

    Kang Chan slowly turned his rifle and surveyed the vige again, fixing his gaze on a particr mud hut. It was partially obscured by another house when viewed from above.

    He noticed someone moving a rifle inside it earlier, though they were now out of sight. Even minimal training could prevent someone from holding a rifle so carelessly. This was typical of rebels who had only been taught how to shoot unarmed civilians.

    Kang Chan could only hope that the person wasn¡¯t a woman a scrawny woman with frizzy hair and a protruding forehead or a child barely past the age of ten. The sniper kept his muzzle pointed at the rebel leader¡¯s house while Kang Chan aimed for the mud hut.

    After a moment of silence, an old man¡¯s shout echoed, and a frail woman wearing a headscarf ran out of the hut that Kang Chan was monitoring. She wobbled as she charged toward Kang Chan¡¯s position.

    <em>Click. Click.</em>

    Barefooted, she ran across the ground. The AK-47 in her hands seemed to scream that his time hade.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Extra, Chapter 450: Is There Really Nothing You Want? (1)

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know anything about the woman running toward him. All he knew was that she was barefoot, carrying a rifle, and charging up the hill in his direction.

    He pointed forward with his index and middle fingers, then clenched his fist tightly. In response, the two soldiers to his right crouched down and moved lower down the hill.

    They had alreadypleted their mission by taking out the rebel leader, so they could just leave. However, if they left now, the remaining rebels and the armed woman would each go on to gather reinforcements. Then, the new groups would sh, and the survivors would continue the cycle of violence, doing even more horrific things to make money.

    Only those who had lived a sheltered life would think that killing the rebel leader could stop such events. After all, the woman, who was acting as an informant, wouldn¡¯t give up the benefits that she gained from her position. However, since shecked the ability to be a rebel leader herself, she would instead call in someone more powerful. Only then could she secure her role as an informant.

    <em>Rustle, rustle, rustle.</em>

    Kang Chan could now hear the woman climbing up the hill. However, she stopped abruptly at the base.

    <em>Rustle! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan scanned the huts around the area from which the woman had run. Someone in the rebel leader''s house had to have shouted at her to run up the hill. If so, then someone was likely hiding in the huts down the hill, ready to fire as soon as the soldiers revealed themselves.

    <em>Such tactics might work in a battle between rebels, but they won¡¯t work against us. These young ones clearly only know naughty strategies!</em>They had quietly dealt with the woman charging up the hill. However, a man shouted again, and a second woman soon made her way to the hill.

    <em>¡®That¡¯s how they want to y it, huh?¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan nced over at Reznov.

    <em>Thwip! Thud!</em>

    Startled by the dirt kicking up at her feet, the woman, immediately dashed into the nearby building.

    <em>These bastards!</em>

    Kang Chan quickly moved.

    <em>Rustle, rustle!</em>

    With the sniper in position, they wouldn¡¯t be in any immediate danger if they descended the hill.

    Even though it was a downhill slope, it was just about sixty meters. Kang Chan quickly reached the woman who had fallen unconscious. She was already tied up with a rope, and her mouth was taped shut, making resistance difficult. This was in ordance with a rule that Kang Chan¡¯s unit followed: avoid killing women whenever possible.

    Kang Chan directed the two soldiers to his nks. They then started moving toward the hut in front of them.

    With Kang Chan covering them, the soldier on the left pushed forward, and the one on the right followed. The two soldiers pressed themselves against the walls of the hut.

    <em>Huff, huff.</em>

    Kang Chan aimed his rifle as he advanced toward the same hut. The entrance was nothing more than a hole barely big enough for an adult to squeeze through. Peering inside, he only saw a dented pot and a wide wooden board. In huts with slightly better living conditions, he could also find arge basin and a broken stic te. ?

    Pressing himself against the side of the entrance, Kang Chan nced at the two soldiers with him.

    <em>¡®One, two!¡¯</em>

    <em>ck!</em>

    ¡°<em>Aaaaaah</em>!¡± a woman screamed. She was clutching a child to her chest.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan quickly scanned the corners of the hut but found nothing unusual.

    A young boy with especially white eyes pouted as he looked at Kang Chan. He was about five years old; in another seven years, he¡¯d be slinging an AK-47 over his shoulder and smoking cigarettes.

    Kang Chan moved on to the next hut.

    <em>Why not just leave?</em>

    The DGSE believed that Kang Chan handled missions cleanly for France¡¯s benefit, but he wasn¡¯t concerned with such matters. All he thought about was that if they disappeared now, someone even more vicious woulde and do unspeakable things to these people. By eliminating anyone associated with the rebels, they could at least ensure peace for about six months.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    The two soldiers moved quickly, and Kang Chan advanced to the second hut.

    <em>Huff, huff.</em>

    Kang Chan scanned his surroundings, narrowing his eyes slightly to adjust to the darkness inside the hut.

    <em>¡®One, two!¡¯</em>

    <em>ck!</em>

    <em>Bang! Thud!</em>

    A man with a bullet through his forehead copsed to the ground, his rifle ttering beside him.

    <em>I told you, it¡¯s not going to work.</em><em>Facing a well-trained and experienced soldier, especially a special forces one, ends differently from what you¡¯d expect.</em>

    As Kang Chan stepped back out of the hut, he heard the distinct sound of a sniper rifle.

    <em>Boom! Thud!</em>

    Right after he heard someone fall, and he heard a voice over the radio, ¡°It¡¯s the tango hiding in the main building!¡±

    Having done this kind of work together for so long, they now moved in sync with each other. Moreover, with the most troublesome target out of the way, today¡¯s mission was going smoother than expected. Kang Chan raised his right hand and made a circr motion before pointing toward the central building.

    <em>Rustle, rustle!</em>

    The rest of his men began moving in to secure the building. Momentster, they had secured the central building in the vige.

    Now, they had to call out the remaining enemies. Kang Chan raised his hand and made two circr motions in the air.

    ¡°This is the God of ckfield!¡± Reznov shouted from the hilltop. ¡°If you surrender now, you won¡¯t be harmed! I repeat, this is the God of ckfield! Come out now, and you won¡¯t be harmed!¡±

    <em>I shouldn¡¯t bother counting the women who rush out.</em>

    Since they had captured the man hiding in the hut and killed the one in the main building right in front of them, there shouldn¡¯t be much resistance left.

    <em>Screeech!</em>

    As Kang Chan focused on the hut in front of him, a man he had thought was a shaman emerged with his hands raised.

    ¡°This is your final warning! If anyone is found hiding a weapon during the search, they will be shot on sight!¡± Reznov added.

    <em>Click. Click. Click.</em>

    Starting with the woman who had hidden from Reznov¡¯s shots, the rebels slowly emerged with their rifles held above their heads. With a nod from Kang Chan, four soldiers rushed forward.

    ¡°On your knees! Get down!¡±

    They quickly confiscated the weapons and tossed them away. Afterward, they forced the men and women to kneel and held them at gunpoint.

    Kang Chan nced sideways and sighed quietly when he saw Smithen standing nearby. Somehow, this guy always managed to disappear during the critical parts of the mission and then reappear afterward, pretending to keep watch.

    With the capture of the shaman, eleven armed individuals, and three additional women found hiding rifles in their huts, the situation was more or less under control. As Kang Chan smoked a cigarette, Reznov came down and confirmed the identity of the dead rebel leader.

    ¡°Target confirmed,¡± Reznov said.

    ¡°Prepare to move out,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Now, all that was left was to escort the captured rebels out and hand them over to the DGSE.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan was still holding his rifle and smoking when he heard a woman screaming and crying, followed by sudden silence.

    <em>Click, click.</em>

    The sound came from behind the central building. As Kang Chan walked around the building, he saw one of his men jump back in shock. Two women were kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs, while Smithen, who had been on top of one of the women, looked up at Kang Chan with a troubled expression.

    ¡°Captain! These women were hiding weapons. They¡¯re going to die anyway, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    French was spoken in Congo. Although some of the more remote areas spoke dialects that were difficult to understand, most people couldprehend French. Hence, the woman beneath Smithen and the two kneeling with their faces toward the wall had undoubtedly understood the conversation. Kang Chan walked straight toward Smithen.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    <em>Wham!</em>

    Kang Chan kicked Smithen in the face, sending him rolling off the woman. He then kicked him in the chest and side three times before giving him a moment to recover. As Smithen turned his head from side to side, the two women lowered their heads even further, and the woman he had pinned down knelt beside them on her own. Smithen slowly got up, adjusting his pants.

    ¡°<em>Ugh</em>.¡±

    Once he was back on his feet, Kang Chan drove his right elbow into Smithen¡¯s cheek.

    <em>Crack! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!</em>

    These women would never let go of their guns now. They wouldn¡¯t be able to give up the taste of power that they had experienced by acting as enforcers for the rebels.

    If they attacked, there would be no choice but to kill them. Still, killing them inbat waspletely different frommitting an atrocity against unarmed prisoners.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan stomped down on Smithen''s cheek with his boot.

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, haven¡¯t I? There¡¯s a world of difference between a gunfight and crushing someone like this.¡±

    ¡°<em>Grrrgh</em>!¡±

    Blood streamed from Smithen¡¯s mouth as Kang Chan pressed his heavy boot against it even harder.

    ¡°Captain! That¡¯s enough!¡± Reznov, who had approached unnoticed, quietly urged.

    As Kang Chan lifted his foot, Smithen groaned and curled up on the ground.

    <em>Click. Ssshh!</em>

    Kang Chan turned his attention to the three women.

    ¡°Tie them up and bring them along,¡± he ordered.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    The soldiers quickly hauled the women to their feet and led them away.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    ¡°Any medals left?¡± Reznov asked.

    ¡°No. I used them all up after myst leave.¡±

    ¡°What will you do with that, then?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll probably get his pay docked, or he¡¯ll be kicked out of the special forces.¡±

    Reznov nced at Smithen in disbelief.

    ¡°Captain, send him to the disciplinarymittee or transfer him to another unit. He¡¯s done this thrice already.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked and looked back toward the hill that they had descended.

    ***

    Miguel wiped his forehead as he stared at the solitary report on his desk. Having a special forcesmander who could clean up troubled areas this efficiently was the only stroke of luck in his African intelligence career.

    ¡°Is there anyone among the captured rebels who could be useful?¡± he asked.

    ¡°It would be more effective to bring in someone new,¡± the soldier answered.

    Miguel nodded. It was the little things that made a mission a sess.

    If they had only taken out the leader and returned, the Foreign Legion would have likely had to reupy the vige and stay until a new leader was elected. With things handled this thoroughly, they could send in someone they trusted to temporarily control the entire tribe.

    ¡°Understood. Hand all the captives over to the Congolese government,¡± ordered Miguel.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Also¡­¡± the soldier hesitated.

    Miguel looked up, finding his troubled expression.

    ¡°One of our men took a severe beating.¡±

    ¡°Again?¡±

    Miguel rubbed his temples as the soldier quietly exited the room.

    ***

    After a twelve-hour journey back to Kilima, Kang Chan immediately sought out Shan.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already reported the operation to the DGSE. Just tell me why you beat Smithen.¡±

    ¡°He assaulted one of the captured women.¡±

    Shan tilted his head, scrutinizing Kang Chan.

    ¡°Beating a soldier like that isn¡¯t the best approach.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m nning to transfer Smithen elsewhere.¡±

    ¡°But if he goes somewhere else and starts running his mouth, that could cause you a lot of trouble, don¡¯t you think? Wasn¡¯t the rebel woman going to die anyway?¡±

    ¡°Anyone who does something like that in front of me will get the same treatment,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Shan fell silent for a moment.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cover this up for you, but I¡¯ll allow the transfer of Smithen just this once.¡±

    ¡°Is there another mission?¡±

    ¡°It seems the Sunnites massacres have started. Twopanies from the 13th Regiment and three special forces teams will likely be deployed, so follow my lead this time.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan rose and left the room. A short whileter, Smithen, his face swollen and bruised, entered.

    ¡°Sit down.¡±

    With half of his face puffed up, Smithen looked particrly sullen.

    ¡°Get a grip, Smithen. If you keep this up, even I won¡¯t be able to protect you. The captain has already asked to have you transferred elsewhere.¡±

    Smithen¡¯s bloodshot eyes widened in shock.

    ¡°If you want, I can send you to a squad where your career will be respected. But don¡¯t expect life there to be any easier than it is here.¡±

    ¡°I want to stay here.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to contest the beating you received?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ correct.¡±

    Shan¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile.

    ¡°Listen, if you can¡¯t handle it,e to me quietly next time. There¡¯s no shortage of hungry women around Kilima.¡±

    Smithen¡¯s eyes darted quickly as if calcting his options.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to overthink it. You¡¯ll understand more when you move up in rank. You¡¯ll find there are soldiers you feel more for. So, from now on,e to me quietly. Then you can go out ande back without a word.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Go now. Make sure you don¡¯t draw yourmander¡¯s ire for a while.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    After Smithen left, Shan muttered to himself, ¡°No women, no money. Does he really not want anything other than instant coffee and ramen?¡±

    Thinking of Kang Chan¡¯s unyielding demeanor, he sighed in disbelief.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Extra, Chapter 451: Is There Really Nothing You Want? (2)

    The base was near Agadez in Niger.

    ¡°The Sunnites are expanding their influence in this area,¡± Shan said, circling the Agadez area on arge map with a pointer. ¡°Over the past two months, they have killed one thousand four hundred tribespeople, including women and children, and the violence is still spreading.¡±

    He then tapped the marked area with the pointer. ¡°There are around two hundred Sunnites concentrated here. ording to the intel, they have also hired Qud snipers and soldiers. However, the exact number remains unclear.¡±

    ¡°The 11th regiment¡¯s special forces will take this position, the 10th will take this one, and the 12th will cover the right side, forming a triangle to surround and pressure the enemy.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s team was positioned at the top of the triangle, with the 10th regiment¡¯s special forces on the lower left and the 12th on the lower right.

    ¡°When the special forces move in, the 3rd and 6thpanies of the 13th regiment will advance from the south. The operation begins the moment the 11th regiment reaches their position.¡±

    This was a briefing exclusively for the special forces team.

    ¡°The objective of this operation is to eliminate all two hundred Sunnites.¡±

    Everyone¡¯s attention then shifted to Kang Chan. It wasmon knowledge that the wide base of the equteral triangle meant his team would have to bear the brunt of the enemy forcesing up from below. The base of the triangle being wide, narrow, or pointed didn¡¯t matter, though. All that did was that his regiment would be taking the most heat. Kang Chan stared at the map in silence.

    Niger was the perfect definition of a ¡°barren Africa¡±ndscape¡ªsandy mountains, deste wastnds with barely any de of grass, scorching sun, and winds that seemed to hurl dirt directly into one¡¯s eyes.

    Agadez was the connecting point between those barren mountains in Niger¡ªa ce where every hole was crawling with hostiles and where the gentle-looking Nigerien people would suddenly appear when one least expected it.

    Many of its people looked like Egyptians.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ¡°Any questions?¡± Shan asked, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers. He paused briefly on Kang Chan as if waiting for confirmation.

    ¡°Tomorrow, the 11th regiment will depart at 08:00, marking the start of the operation. If there are no further questions, then you are all dismissed.¡±

    The soldiers stood up from their seats.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    The wind blew, making it feel as if a handful of sand had been thrown into their eyes. Within an hour or two, their eyes would be crusted with what felt like gravel. That was why camels and the people here had such long eyshes.

    ¡°This won¡¯t be easy, will it?¡± Reznov muttered quietly as he walked beside Kang Chan.

    ¡°If you¡¯re feeling uneasy, say so now.¡±

    ¡°Why would you say that? I¡¯m not that kind of guy.¡±

    He then nodded toward Smithen, who was quickly retreating into the barracks. His face was still swollen and unhealed.

    Kang Chan shook his head, wondering if the bastard had a baby camel hidden in the barracks. Spending so much time around that twisted man was starting to warp his thoughts.

    <em>Shouldn¡¯t I try to trust people until the moment I see him staring awkwardly at me from behind a camel? Then again, maybe that doesn¡¯t apply to him. Ah, fucking bastard! Just what I needed¡ªmore stress to an already exhausting day.</em>

    As Kang Chan and Reznov sat at the table in front of their assigned barracks, Smithen emerged, rustling as he came out. Kang Chan smirked at the sight of that mess of a face carrying a mug that reeked of desperation.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Smithen called.

    Kang Chan pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth.

    ¡°I brought coffee.¡±

    <em>Click. Ssshh.</em>

    ¡°I promise it won¡¯t happen again,¡± Smithen said so submissively that Reznov had to turn away to hide a smirk.

    Smithen¡¯s apology was always hard to take seriously, especially when he was slimy enough to bring only one mug of coffee despite being fully aware that two people were sitting at the table. §²

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>. Smithen,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re familiar with the Sunnites¡¯ cleansing operations, right?¡±

    Smithen nced at Reznov as if seeking confirmation.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t have a good feeling about this mission, then now would be the time to tell me. I¡¯ll let you sit this one out.¡±

    Smithen blinked at Kang Chan.

    ¡°But if you make the same mistake again, especially if it involves children, you¡¯re going to be on the casualty list.¡±

    Kang Chan¡¯s piercing gaze made Smithen gulp nervously.

    "Those women could be destined to die¡ªthey could be targets that need to be eliminated. Even so, don¡¯t take my order to aim for the forehead lightly. We are soldiers on a mission, not monsters driven by madness."

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    "If you turn me or my men into murderers or monsters..."

    Kang Chan paused. Smirking, he took a drag from his cigarette.

    "I¡¯ll make sure you regret it. Don¡¯t push me to be a monster and choose you as my first target. Dying in battle is one thing; putting others in danger with reckless actions is another."

    Smithen lowered his gaze to his mug of coffee.

    "Anyway, as I¡¯ve said earlier, if you¡¯ve got a bad feeling about this mission, then speak up now. For you, this could be a matter of life and death, so think carefully."

    Smithen swallowed hard for the second time.

    "I¡¯ll participate, sir."

    Kang Chan tilted his head slightly as he looked at Smithen. This guy was opting to join the mission despite all the warnings and the fact that this operation in Kilima wasn¡¯t much more than basic tribal cleansing.

    Kang Chan motioned for Smithen to go. With a slight hesitation, Smithen stood up and headed toward the barracks.

    "Want to share some coffee?"

    "Captain, I like everything about you, but that sugar and cream, not so much," Reznov answered.

    "Youck faith."

    "Oh? My faith in you is as strong as the African sun."

    Reznov¡¯s joke, delivered with a straight face, made the twough heartily for the first time in a while.

    "Reznov."

    "Oui."

    "Being in the higher terrain means the burden on us will be enormous. We¡¯ll be facing a tough situation; that¡¯s why our regiment gets special treatment."

    Reznov nced around, then turned his gaze back to Kang Chan.

    "Is that why you tried to exclude Smithen?"

    "Partly, yes," Kang Chan answered briefly as he stubbed out his cigarette. "I don¡¯t have a good feeling about this operation, so I¡¯d rather not bring along anyone who could screw things up. That¡¯s also why I need you to stay focused more than anyone else."

    "Understood."

    Kang Chan lit another cigarette.

    "Aren¡¯t you going to drink your coffee?" Reznov asked.

    "I don¡¯t feel like it."

    Kang Chan suspected that Smithen had done something to the coffee, like spitting in it.

    ***

    Smithen quietly entered Shan¡¯s tent.

    "I¡¯ve apologized to the captain."

    "Anything else?"

    "He said if I wanted to, I could sit out the mission tomorrow."

    Shan eyed Smithen with a curious expression.

    "I told him I¡¯d participate, and that¡¯s what I¡¯m going to do."

    "<em>Hmm</em>."

    Shan turned around, grabbed two cans of drinks, and brought them to the table.

    <em>Chk. Chk.</em>

    "Drink. It¡¯s a rare beverage in Africa."

    Smithen reached for a can. "Thank you.¡±

    "It¡¯s coffee with quite a unique taste. It also has alcohol in it, so it¡¯ll help you sleep well."

    After taking a short sip, Shan set his can down.

    "During tomorrow¡¯s mission, let me know if we find any maps in the Sunnites¡¯ stronghold. Channy will take care of it, so just tell me how many there are."

    "Aren¡¯t our maps of this region more urate? If it¡¯s something marked differently..."

    Smithen quickly shut his mouth when he noticed the displeasure in Shan¡¯s eyes.

    "Right, got it; it¡¯s none of my business. I¡¯ll be sure to report anything out of the ordinary, not just the maps."

    "That¡¯s the attitude I expect from you. Keep that in mind," Shan said.

    "Yes, sir," Smithen replied.

    Smithen downed the rest of his drink and examined thebel on the can as if to confirm what he was drinking.

    ***

    <em>Whoooosh!</em>

    The barren ins, rugged mountains, yellow dust, dirty winds, and even the stars and moon watching over it all¡ªAgadez definitely reminded Kang Chan of Nudle.

    <em>¡®Idiot.¡¯</em>

    Enzo once said recruits wouldn¡¯t survive beyond forty-eight hours, and even if they did, they¡¯d die within seventy-two. That was exactly how it went for him. He didst about a day longer than expected, but that was barely worth mentioning.

    <em>Click. ck. Click. ck.</em>

    Kang Chan opened and closed the lid of his Zippo lighter, reminiscing about Enzo. He¡¯d reced the wick and flint several times over the years, but he always kept the same mixture of gasoline and kerosene.

    <em>¡°Survive at all costs.¡±</em>

    <em>Damn it! How could you go and die in a cave after saying something like that?</em>

    <em>"If you disappear from here, you¡¯ll be registered as dead, so go and get out of this damn hell!"</em>

    <em>¡®You crazy chick!¡¯</em>

    The man Enzo once called ¡°little chick¡± had now be the God of ckfield in this godforsaken hell.

    <em>¡®He was so pitiful.¡¯</em>

    Enzo¡¯s words back then were really funny. How could a cripple like him, who had to be carried around, still manage to say something like that with such a straight face?

    <em>If I had the experience and skills I have now back then, I would have managed to save Enzo from those fucking rebels in style.</em>

    Kang Chan ced a cigarette between his lips and lit it. He then took a deep drag.

    ¡°<em>Hoo.</em>¡±

    Staring at the cigarette, he wedged the end of it into a crack in the corner of the table.

    <em>I¡¯m leaving this one for you, Enzo. Know that I still remember you even though I¡¯m in a ce where no one else likely will. So even if it¡¯s through some dirty wind,e and take a drag before you leave. Wouldn¡¯t it be something if we could still share a cigarette? </em>

    <em>If you have time, look up at the stars and the moon. Even if you live among filthy winds, we can at least have that beautiful scenery in our hearts.</em>

    <em>Whoooosh!</em>

    With a faint smile, Kang Chan walked back into the barracks.

    ***

    <em>Thud thud thud thud thud!</em>

    After breakfast, helicopter rotor des chopped through the air as the soldiers prepared their weapons, bringing a tense atmosphere to the area.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Since this was a joint operation, they were issued radios. Kang Chan also memorized the titles assigned to each regiment and prepared the map. After checking on his men, he walked over to Shan.

    ¡°Move out!¡± Shan ordered, his hand resting on his belt as he looked at Kang Chan.

    After a brief salute, Kang Chan turned away, and his men quickly boarded the helicopter.

    <em>ng! ng!</em>

    Kang Chan bent down and ran toward the helicopter, boarding just as it took off and drew a circr cloud of dust into the air.

    <em>Thud thud thud thud thud!</em>

    Thirty minutester, theynded at the Agadez Airport. From there, they transferred to a truck and drove for forty minutes. They then trekked up the mountain for another hour, eventually reaching the target location.

    Agadez was arge city in Niger that spoke French. It even had an airport. However, just an hour away from the city, tribal exterminations took ce.

    <em>Thud thud thud thud thud!</em>

    The wind howled only to scatter as if startled.

    With their rifles across their thighs, the soldiers sat back and leaned against the walls. The tension was slowly creeping onto their faces.

    These men had been through countless battles, yet the horrors of tribal massacres lingered in their memories. They could still freshly remember women burned to death and hanging from trees; little girls with their noses, ears, and tongues cut off; and boys and men with their ears pierced byrge nails. Those scenes of massacre, so unimaginably cruel that they defied normal human understanding, left a significant andsting shock.

    Moreover, as the operation dragged on, madness began to consume the soldiers themselves and turn them into murderers. Hatred was truly terrifying.

    <em>Thud thud thud thud thud!</em>

    Kang Chan quietly exhaled as he looked at the sky.

    <em>What kind of final moments did Enzo and Gillot want? </em>

    Somehow, the thought that those two might not have had any specific goals in mind made himugh. However, one thing was certain: they wouldn¡¯t have wanted to be monsters consumed by madness.

    <em>Thud thud thud thud thud!</em>

    As the helicopternded at Agadez Airport, two Foreign Legionnaires greeted them.

    ¡°This way!¡± one of them shouted, as if out-yelling the helicopter noise was his top priority. When Kang Chan gestured with his head, his men quickly moved.

    <em>Fucking lunatics!</em>

    Just because they were special forces soldiers, they always tensed their necks and shoulders when passing regr soldiers.

    <em>ng. ng.</em>

    As they moved toward a truck, Reznov and another soldier ced their rifles on the roof of the driver¡¯s cab. Meanwhile, Kang Chan walked around the back of the truck and climbed into the passenger seat.

    <em>Vrooooom!</em>

    The truck immediately sped off from the runway.

 Extra, Chapter 452: Just Stay Alive Until I Get There! (1)

    The truck sped through the barren mountains. The four fuel barrels loaded under the cargo bed clearly showed the strain of the long journey.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    The driver skillfully navigated through the dunes, which had changed shape overnight, and the steep slopes that could send anyone tumbling. Only those with ample experience could manage the route they were taking.

    The man sitting in the middle nced at Kang Chan. Perhaps he was curious about what the ¡°God of ckfield¡±<em></em>looked like or maybe simply fascinated to see an Asian out here.

    <em>Vroom! Vroom!</em>

    Through the side mirror, he could see the rear wheels kicking up sand like water on a puddled road.

    They drove for twenty minutes before stopping.

    "Park somewhere safe!"

    "Oui!" the soldier responded immediately. He parked the truck at the base of a dune."We¡¯ll rest for five minutes before heading out again!" Kang Chan shouted.

    "Oui!" replied his men.

    He then got out of the passenger seat and moved to the back.

    Kang Chan¡¯s team consisted of twelve men, himself included. Considering they were assigned to the top point of the triangr formation, they all had every reason to feel proud¡ªexcept for that bastard Smithen.

    "Take five!" Kang Chan ordered, and the soldiers quickly disembarked, taking positions between the dune and the truck.

    Even though he had been sitting in the passenger seat, he could already feel the sand grinding in his mouth. He gurgled it off with water, then put a cigarette between his lips.

    <em>Ptew!</em>

    Only rookies would spit out the sand first. Those who were somewhat seasoned exhaled the sand and smoked at the same time.

    <em>Hooooo.</em>

    Meanwhile, those who had adopted the mindset that the sand was cleaning the gaps between their teeth had likely spent a good deal of time as a mercenary in Africa.

    Their five-minute break passed quickly. After checking that all the soldiers had boarded the cargo bed, Kang Chan got back into the passenger seat. With two soldiers moving together as if preparing for the return journey, the man sitting in the middle was pressed against the driver¡¯s side, looking extremely ufortable.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t care about that now. After all, they¡¯d only be driving for twenty more minutes before going on foot for an hour to get to their destination. He figured the guy would be morefortable on the way back, so there was no need to worry about it.

    ***

    Dayeru quickly became the troublemaker of the training camp. Being a recruit designated by the DGSE didn¡¯t exempt him from anything. In fact, if his performance wascking or if he got injured, he could be dropped just like anyone else.

    <em>Thud! Thud! Pow!</em>

    The hierarchy battles, a staple of the Foreign Legion, raged on for a full week. At the end of it, Dayeru unsurprisingly came out on top. As the highest-ranking recruit, he had only one demand: not to force the use of French after the training wasplete. ??

    Hence, the soldiers in his barracks and all the other recruits quickly picked up Arabic. Even the instructors began to understand and speak basic Arabic.

    Dayeru was extremely crude, but he wasn¡¯t an idiot. On the contrary, he even had a cunning streak. Having mastered French and military terms rted to weapons, it became difficult to catch him off guard.

    Unable to endure any longer, an instructor finally sat Dayeru down with the Algerian recruit for a conversation.

    "What the hell are you doing? You should be cooperating! You do realize there¡¯s a Frenchnguage exam, right? This kind of attitude won¡¯t do.¡±

    "Shorten the duration," Dayeru said.

    "What?"

    "Cut the six-month program short. I heard there¡¯s a special forces camp opening in four months. If you promise to send me there, I¡¯ll agree to use French in the barracks."

    It was probably the most audacious thing that the instructor had heard since the God of ckfield trained at the camp years ago.

    The instructor looked at Dayeru with a face that said,<em></em>¡°I¡¯ve lived long enough to see it all.¡±

    "Tell me why you refuse to learn French. Even though the DGSE rmended you, if you keep this up, I¡¯ll have no choice but to dismiss you for refusing to train."

    The instructor¡¯s warning didn¡¯t faze Dayeru, though.

    "I heard new recruits die within forty-eight hours of deployment. Even if they survive, they rarelyst more than seventy-two hours."

    "That¡¯s¡­ Go on."

    The instructor had initially thought it was nonsense, but he remembered the God of ckfield.

    Dayeru continued, "If I¡¯m heading off to die anyway, then I don¡¯t want to waste my time learning anything apart from weapons andbat skills. Picking up a few more words here won¡¯t make much difference in staying alive. Let¡¯s just make things easier for everyone."

    That was clearly bullshit.

    However,ing from a guy destined to join the God of ckfield¡¯s team in the most dangerous missions, it oddly seemed to make sense¡ªeven more so with the big-headed Algerian staring him down.

    "<em>Hmm</em>."

    The God of ckfield had personally brought him here, and the DGSE had ordered that after his training, Dayeru be sent straight to the special forces camp.

    "Dayeru.¡±

    "Oui."

    <em>Clever bastard! Look at him, reading the room and suddenly answering so politely.</em>

    The instructor red sharply at him. "I¡¯ll send you to the special forces camp that starts in two months. But if you get injured or fail any part of the training, you¡¯ll be expelled, no exceptions. From now on, don¡¯t force anyone to speak Algerian in the barracks."

    "Oui."

    <em>If only I could toss this troublemaker into the special forces camp now.</em>

    The instructor was ready to use the DGSE¡¯s orders as an excuse to expedite Dayeru¡¯s transfer.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    "Dismissed."

    As Dayeru walked back to his barracks, he chuckled softly to himself.

    Using the experience that he had gained in Excellemont paid off. The organization struggled the most when they couldn¡¯t speak French. Knowing that, he was able to shave off two months.

    He would now get closer to that fierce-looking Asian guy sooner. The special forces camp would be tougher, but it didn¡¯t matter. He could just push himself harder there.

    If he could cut down the time, he wouldn¡¯t speak a word of French at all. After all, where else in the world could there be someone who could break him like the Asian?

    "Just wait. Stay alive until I get there!" Dayeru shouted.

    He never imagined that the day woulde when he wanted to meet someone in this world, much less stand beside another.

    "<em>Phehehe</em>."

    Dayeru¡¯s eyes gleamed so brightly as heughed that the Algerian soldier, who had been interpreting, didn¡¯t dare say a word.

    ***

    Kang Chan and his men trudged along the path, the ground beneath their feet sinking deep. The map andpass were all they had to guide them. Mountains, dunes, and nothing but endless, godforsaken sand stretched out before them.

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    The sun beat down mercilessly on them as they walked without rest, seemingly challenging them to see how far they could go.

    <em>At times like this, I can¡¯t help but think of red bean shaved ice. Now that I¡¯ve saved up quite a bit in my bank ount, I could easily buy some. Of course, I¡¯d have to eat pork cutlets first.</em>

    <em>Squelch, squelch.</em>

    <em>Shluff, shluff.</em>

    The noises they made echoed as they climbed up and descended the dune.

    <em>I¡¯m exhausted, but we can¡¯t just take a break in ces like this. </em>

    There was no way to avoid the unbelievable eyesight of those who used this area as their base. The fact that they could already see the target location only made their situation even more pressing.

    The mountain was made of solid earth, firm enough to dig a trench and live in. If the enemy decided to take aim from up there, there¡¯d be no way to avoid it.

    After a long walk, they had closed the distance to their target location to a mere kilometer.

    ¡°Halt!¡± Kang Chan ordered, and the soldiers stopped. ¡°Reznov! Get ready!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡± Reznov answered.

    The effective range of the CheyTac was about two kilometers. Hence, Kang Chan determined this area would be the best position for Reznov to provide cover fire against enemies armed with AK rifles.

    Reznov positioned the CheyTac atop a dune andy down. Two soldiers then covered him with sand.

    One soldier stayed behind to assist him.

    ¡°Move out!¡± Kang Chanmanded, and the remaining soldiers resumed their march.

    <em>Squelch. Squelch.</em>

    When exhausted and on edge, idents were bound to happen¡ªespecially during a mission involving a tribal massacre.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    The wind blowing across the desert put them on high alert.

    <em>tter.</em>

    Even hearing a rock tumbling ahead made them tense up. Fortunately, they reached the mountain without incident.

    Kang Chan sent four men ahead. When they reported that it was all clear, they entered the mountain.

    The holes and small caves in the middle of it terrified them the most. If a muzzle poked out from one of those, it was almost certain that someone would get hit.

    After reaching their designated position, Kang Chan scanned the surroundings and used hispass to check the direction from which the enemies, pushed by allied forces below, were likely to appear.

    From here, they would have to move down and capture the first area below.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what their enemies, who were driven by anger, would look like. They could use hostages or strap themselves with bombs. However, one thing was clear: they would have to face the bastards to find out.

    For now, though, they had to rest before stepping into hell.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Reznov! Move out.¡±

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Oui,¡± Reznov responded through the radio.

    Kang Chan exhaled quietly. ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    A sense of unease, like storm clouds gathering in the sky, slowly crept up on him.

    It was already ten in the morning. Kang Chan¡¯s unit was supposed to move an hour before noon, which meant they should have already entered the area below by now.

    Yet, for some reason, Shan had only just given the order to move. Considering it would take a full hour to drive from here to the area of operation below, themand was absurdlyte.

    <em>Vroom! Vroom! Vroom!</em>

    The trucks sped in a line toward the operational area.

    Most of the soldiers assumed that the squad under themand of the God of ckfield had been given a special mission. After all, that was the only reason they would ever risk putting their best unit in such danger.

    Kang Chan slowly stood up. His heart felt heavy as if his veins were blocked, and his eyes glistened with tension.

    Being in a disadvantageous position and feeling uneasy were two different things. He knew this was a tough mission, but that didn¡¯t make it any easier to shake off his uneasiness.

    The soldiers quickly exchanged nces after seeing the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. Reznov and Smithen had a good sense of what that look meant.

    ¡°We¡¯re moving out. Manrici! You and another soldier take point!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    Manrici, an Italian, quickly moved ahead.

    ¡°Reznov! Watch our rear!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Move out!¡±

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    Asmanded, the soldiers began to move forward.

    Without needing to be told, they maintained a distance of fifty meters from the vanguard and two meters between each other.

    <em>tter. tter. tter.</em>

    Every step they took sent small rocks tumbling, marking the presence of the group as they made their way through the barren mountains. After about twenty minutes of walking, the lead soldier raised his arm and signaled three times before pointing ahead. It seemed they had finally reached the first target area.

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    Kang Chan lowered his stance and approached the soldier, who was lying t. There were bodies scattered below.

    Even though they had grown ustomed to war, the brutality of a tribal massacre was enough to ignite rage in anyone who witnessed it. The fact that women and children were among the victims only made it worse.

    The children of Niger, with theirrge eyes and long eyshes, were being brutally murdered under the pretense of tribal cleansing. Their eyes were gouged out, their noses and ears cut off, and then they were left to die. Sometimes the killers even took turns doing things that only someone like Smithen would do beforemitting such atrocities.

    Kang Chan exhaled quietly, letting go of his emotions. Letting his emotions get the best of him would only increase the chances of throwing himself into the enemy¡¯s line of fire,

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    It was time to show these murderers why he was known as the God of ckfield in all of Africa.

    Kang Chan slowlymitted theyout of the terrain below to memory, including the wide-open caves and those with wooden doors. Somewhere down there, there were likely still some tribespeople who hadn¡¯t been killed yet.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t understand why the innocent tribespeople in this area had to be subjected to senseless ughter. Nevertheless, he had to prioritize dealing with those responsible for it.

    Kang Chan pointed Reznov to a position and then began to move down the mountain.

 Extra, Chapter 453: Just Stay Alive Until I Get There! (2)

    On hit, a bullet would either wound or kill. Either way, it didn¡¯t take much force to pull the trigger and fire it.

    <em>Shluff! Shluff!</em>

    Kang Chan descended with his MP5SD aimed, the dirt under his boots constantly slipping away. The corpses were still fresh. He had found the stench unbearable in Ndulele, but now, he had reached the point where he could even tell how many days a body had been dead.

    <em>I get that this is all part of war.</em><em>Still, did they really have to kill the children? They didn¡¯t have the strength to pull a trigger yet. Was that little girl, whose arm and hair are sticking out from the pile of bodies, hoping for a Shiite victory or a Sunni jihad?</em>

    On this cursednd, children lived without even a broken-down car or a tattered doll just to be brutally murdered for the sake of spreading a type of fear that wasn¡¯t even worth a handful of sand.

    <em>Shluff! Shluff!</em>

    <em>Fear? They don¡¯t even deserve that! That¡¯s an emotion meant for humans, not monsters.</em>

    Two soldiers nked Kang Chan, following in a simr stance. As they descended the hill and passed by the pile of bodies, a line of caves came into view. They were scattered along the ridge, both above and below.

    Reznov was responsible for the upper caves, which had steps carved out from dirt anddders made of dried wood. Kang Chan nodded to the left, and two soldiers swiftly pressed themselves against the wall.<em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    It was still too dangerous to send soldiers to the right. The caves stretched out along the ridge, making them easy targets for the enemy.

    Kang Chan briefly nced back.

    <em>Boom! Thud! Whistle¡ªthud!</em>

    As if in response, Reznov¡¯s sniper rifle rang out, and an enemy soldier dropped from about five meters above.

    <em>Screech! Charge!</em>

    In response, enemies charged from the front.

    <em>ck!</em>

    Kang Chan turned his rifle and pulled the trigger.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    Blood sprayed as he shot foreheads open.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    As an enemy copsed, the one right behind them fell lifelessly as well, seemingly yanked back by the neck. Kang Chan wanted to pierce their eyes or the center of their noses so they would writhe in agony. ??

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    It was easy to be a monster consumed by madness. However, if he let himself go that far, he feared he¡¯d end up like them¡ªslitting throats slowly or tying people to trees and setting them on fire. Unable to stand the thought, he aimed for their foreheads.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan ran forward as he squeezed the trigger. The two soldiers moved with him, covering his nks.

    <em>Bang! Thud!</em>

    With each quick and urate shot, he bore a hole through an enemy¡¯s forehead.

    <em>ck! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    Right after Kang Chan took out two more, Manrici shot a man charging from the side, hitting him in the neck and torso.

    <em>Boom! Boom!</em>

    Reznov, hidden behind cover, took care of the RPGs and grenades above Kang Chan¡¯s line of sight. Their enemies were brutal, but they didn¡¯t have any experienced mercenaries among them.

    <em>ck! ck!</em>

    After scanning the area, Kang Chan raised his left hand, made a circr motion, and then pointed forward.

    <em>Creak! Creak! tter!</em>

    The remaining soldiers who had been waiting above quickly advanced to Kang Chan¡¯s position. Kang Chan pointed forward twice with his left index and middle fingers, signaling for two teams of two to move ahead and search the area. This was the farthest point of the Sunnites stronghold.

    This area was so barren that there were only a few tribespeople in the area. Given how many they had already dealt with, there couldn¡¯t be a huge number of enemies left.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    Kang Chan, with his rifle aimed, moved toward the central,rgest door with two other soldiers. He nodded to instruct them to press against the walls and then positioned himself at the right side of the door.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang!</em>

    Gunfire erupted from the soldiers searching the other caves.

    <em>¡®Get ready!¡¯</em>

    When Kang Chan''s eyes met Manrici''s, Manrici resolutely nodded.

    <em>¡®One, two!¡¯</em>

    <em>Bang! ck!</em>

    Manrici kicked the door open, and Kang Chan moved in, pushing the muzzle of his rifle inside. Women, elderly people, and children, their mouths covered with their hands, stared back in shock, their screams caught in their throats.

    <em>ck! ck!</em>

    Kang Chan quickly scanned their faces. Their eyes would tell him whether or not there were enemies among them¡ªespecially the eyes of the elderly.

    ¡°Anyone wearing a bomb?¡±

    Fortunately, the people of Niger could understand French. A few quickly darted their eyes left and right, the kind of movement people made when they wanted to look back but couldn¡¯t. In these situations, the first one to speak up was usually the culprit.

    ¡°Is anyone else here?¡±

    An elderly man at the back slightly raised his head and nced at Kang Chan. He then answered, ¡°This is everyone.¡±

    As soon as he spoke, the eyes of the tribespeople who couldn¡¯t look back flickered in frustration. Kang Chan smirked as he watched, which made the old man flinch.

    Not even a momentter, the old man¡¯s forehead burst open, sending him falling backward. Kang Chan surveyed the others, who had now huddled in fear.

    ¡°Anyone wearing a bomb?¡±

    Once again, some shifted their gaze nervously. A woman raised her trembling hand beside her face.

    ¡°If I point or nod at you, exit the premises. Slowly.¡±

    Kang Chan nodded to the woman and a child at the front. They hesitated for a moment but soon walked past Kang Chan and out of the cave.

    <em>ck.</em>

    The people tensed up as Kang Chan turned his rifle, but they rxed right after. If they all rushed out at once, the person wearing the bomb would get anxious. Left alone, they could fear being shot or losing their chance to escape, leading them to act irrationally.

    ¡°Only move when I tell you to, and do it slowly.¡±

    Next, he signaled for three people to move. He checked for any signs of danger around them and met their gazes. These people weren¡¯t skilled at lying, so their eyes often betrayed them. After sending out everyone seated at the front, Kang Chan approached the woman who had raised her hand earlier to inform him that a bomb was strapped to her.

    ¡°We¡¯ll let the others out and then remove the bomb. Just stay still and hold on for a bit,¡± he said.

    The mid-fifties woman nodded. With another nod from Kang Chan, the others quickly slipped past the woman and exited the cave. Kang Chan nodded toward Manrici, who was standing at the back.

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    Manrici and another soldier slowly backed away toward the door.

    The preparations wereplete. With his rifle lowered, Kang Chan slowly approached the woman.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the bomb?¡±

    The woman gazed down to her abdomen.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to cut it off from behind. As long as you don¡¯t move, nothing will happen.¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    With a deep frown, the woman nodded weakly. She likely thought that Kang Chan wanted to get behind her to shoot her.

    Kang Chan slowly crouched down.

    <em>Swish.</em>

    He then retrieved the knife strapped to his ankle and moved closer to the woman. Dynamite was usually just strapped around the waist, with the detonation device typically connected by a switch.

    Kang Chan moved behind her and carefully cut each of the wires wrapped around her back. Once he had severed the six wires, the dynamite belt slipped off her and fell to the ground.

    The woman caught her breath and swallowed dryly.

    ¡°Go,¡± hemanded.

    The woman sobbed as she ran out of the cave. Only then did Kang Chan straighten up.

    ¡°How did you know the old man was holding the switch?¡± Manrici asked, ncing at the body.

    ¡°When he spoke, the women all looked at their children.¡±

    Manrici stared at the dead old man as if questioning whether it was really possible to notice something like that, but it seemed he didn¡¯t get an answer.

    ***

    Shan stared at the map with a troubled expression.

    The enemy¡¯s resistance had been strong from the start. ording to the n, the enemies should have been pushed upward the moment the attack began. However, for some reason, they had established a defensive line below and were even resisting together with Qud forces.

    Although the special forces teams could hold their own, the growing casualties of the 3rd and 6th Regiments were bing a huge issue.

    ¡°Shit!¡±

    Things rarely went as expected. They had deliberately dyed the start of their operation to push the enemies upward, but oddly enough, even those who should have been positioned above were now concentrated here. It seemed as though the enemies believed that there would be more Foreign Legion troops above. After all, they wouldn¡¯t have decided to take on this many forces just because they were afraid of twelve men.

    ¡°Damn it!¡±

    Kang Chan wouldn''t go down easily. Now, instead of worrying about where the enemies were concentrated, he needed an excuse for why they had started an hourte. He also had to make sure those so-called gentlemen hadn¡¯t yed some kind of trick.

    ***

    Once the fear and shock subsided, an overwhelming sadness took over the men. The people who pulled out the bodies clutched their chests and wept or sat against the crumbling mountains to pour out their grief. Kang Chan looked past them and toward the path ahead. It wasn¡¯t much of a road¡ªjust more sand to walk through¡ªbut it led to more caves and what looked like mud houses.

    Soon, Reznov approached him and issued a report. ¡°The area has been cleared. We¡¯ve eliminated twenty-six enemies.¡±

    As Kang Chan nced back, Reznov added, ¡°We couldn¡¯t confirm the number of dead tribespeople.¡±

    ¡°Station two soldiers where we came in, then have the men take a short break. I¡¯ll let you know when we¡¯re ready to move out,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    With his gaze fixed on the path ahead, he pulled out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. He had to understand why the Sunnites killed those people.

    <em>Tribal massacre?</em>

    The moment he saw the people left in the cave, Kang Chan realized that the Sunnites hadn¡¯t targeted this ce just for a simple tribal massacre¡ªthey had killed the tribespeople to obtain something. What that something was, Kang Chan had no idea.

    However, it was either a treasure so valuable that they were willing to kill half the tribe to protect it, or it was something they didn¡¯t even know they had, even after half of them were ughtered.

    People here wouldn¡¯t answer Kang Chan¡¯s questions, and he wasn¡¯t interested in the treasure anyway. However, knowing what it was and using that knowledge against the enemy would resolve things quicker and easier. It could also result in fewer casualties among his men.

    <em>Click. Sizzle.</em>

    Kang Chan lit a cigarette and casually nced at the area. The sky was washed out as if bleached. Sandstorms drifted like fog over the mountains, and the sand gleamed brightly in the sunlight. Cries of despair and sorrow constantly erupted in the distance.

    Kang Chan sighed.

    He didn¡¯t turn his head. What good would it do to see the dark mountains riddled with caves, the bodies lying in front of them, and the people wailing over those corpses?

    ording to his orders, they could stay here and deal with any approaching enemy. Based on the map, there had to be another tribe about twenty minutes away from their location. Someone else could be facing the same horrific fate there.

    ¡°<em>Tsk</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan turned back.

    <em>That bastard! So fucking hard to like!</em>

    Smithen shot Kang Chan a resentful look, almost as if he had something to feel guilty about.

    ¡°Reznov!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Get lunch ready! We¡¯re moving out in thirty minutes!¡±

    ¡°Copy!¡± Reznov responded loudly.

    A momentter, after gathering the soldiers, Reznov approached Kang Chan with a C-ration in hand. They sat with their backs against a spot where they could see the path connected to the vige.

    ¡°Captain, is there a problem?¡± Reznov asked, then bit off a piece of chocte.

    ¡°For a tribal massacre, the number of civilian casualties is off, and the bodies are too intact. The tribespeople also reacted strangely. It feels like we¡¯ve gotten involved in some fight over a treasure or something,¡± Kang Chan answered. He took a bite of a biscuit and nced around. ¡°I don¡¯t care what they¡¯re protecting, but...¡±

    Reznov slowly chewed his food, waiting for Kang Chan to continue.

    ¡°It would piss me off if it turned out that what we¡¯re really guarding aren¡¯t lives, but some treasure we don¡¯t even know about.¡±

    Reznov responded by munching loudly on his biscuit.

 Extra, Chapter 454: Just Stay Alive Until I Get There! (3)

    After lunch and a brief rest, Kang Chan issued the order to move out.

    Manrici, along with another soldier, moved ahead. They advanced past those standing like gravestones with empty and hollow gazes built on a foundation of grief.

    If it weren¡¯t for that grief, if it weren¡¯t for the bloodshot eyes of the old woman leaning against the wall, constantly wiping away tears, they might have held out here longer.

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Heading onward with his rifle slung over his right shoulder, Kang Chan could only think of one thing: somewhere at the end of this march, they could find a child who would survive all this¡ªjust as Enzo and Gillot had. Perhaps they would grow up dirty like Enzo, regretful like Gillot, or even bitter like Kang Chan himself.

    <em>Still, isn¡¯t it more important that they at least get a chance to live?</em>

    Twenty minutes would pass quickly¡ªit was nothing for trained soldiers. The zing midday sun and the hot sand were minor inconveniences. The real issue was theplications that could arise just from walking across the desert.

    A sniper could be hidden beneath the sand, lying in wait with their rifle aimed like a scorpion. An actual scorpion or some venomous creature could also crawl up their legs. Lastly, there was the constant irritation from Smithen, who was always trying to position himself at the back and stirring murderous impulses.

    <em>Tap, tap!</em>After about twenty minutes of walking, they heard a rifle¡¯s muzzle being tapped lightly from up ahead. Kang Chan quickly approached the scouts, finding Manrici lying prone on a dune and facing forward.

    Kang Chan immediately joined him, using his left hand to brace himself as he approached. About thirty meters ahead, where the sand ended, was a ridge around thirty meters high. Like a gaping mouth, nestled within it was a tribal vige. It had a narrow entrance, but its interior widened out.

    Right out front was a line of people¡ªall still hanging from the ropes that killed them. Perhaps if they were still alive, this would be even more horrifying.

    The sandstorm tugged at the corpses¡¯ clothes. The small bodies with short legs dangling among the others only made the scene even more heartbreaking.

    This was the kind of scene that fit the narrative of a tribal massacre.

    <em>Should we have set out sooner? At the very least, we could¡¯ve given the children a chance to live long enough to grow old with the desert. They could¡¯ve seen as many sunsets as the sands in this barrennd.</em>

    As Kang Chan stared ahead with eyes full of fury, a scream was caught in the wind and brushed past him. The sight that unfolded was all too familiar. A man in a turban and ragged clothes was dragging a woman by the hair toward the hanging corpses.

    An old man hanging onto the man in a turban shouted something, but other people with AK rifles blocked him. A child screamed in terror.

    ¡°Reznov!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    ¡°Oui!¡± Reznov responded.

    ¡°Aim for the one holding the woman! The moment Reznov fires, we charge! Manrici! Pick four soldiers!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Smithen! Cover us from behind with four men!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    As Reznov set up his CheyTac on the dune, Kang Chan turned and checked his magazine. The shouts and screams made it easier to mask their approach, but it didn¡¯t mean they could afford to make any noise.

    Thend was all sand, and running through it was nothing like running on solid ground.

    ¡°<em>Haaa.</em>¡±

    With a sigh, Kang Chan fixed his gaze ahead. Shouts erupted in quick session.

    The Sunni man trying to hang the woman was yelling, while the old man and the child were begging for mercy with equal desperation. As the man tossed a long rope over the wooden frame, the boy¡¯s scream pierced the air.

    ¡°<em>Aaaaah</em>!¡±

    ¡°Reznov!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    <em>Boom!</em>

    The gunshot rang out first, and in the blink of an eye, the man who had thrown the rope was mmed backward as if he¡¯d been blown away.

    <em>Thud</em>!

    <em>Creak! Creak! Shluff! Shluff!</em>

    Kang Chan charged forward. Manrici and four other soldiers followed close behind.

    <em>ck!</em>

    Kang Chan aimed as he ran.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Only Kang Chan could shoot like this, especially with women, old men, and children with nooses around their necks nearby.

    <em>Creak! Creak! Shluff! Shluff!</em>

    ¡°<em>Huff</em>! <em>Huff</em>!¡±

    Weapons ttering, boots hitting the sand, and the rough breathing of the soldiers burst out around Kang Chan. Running across the sand, not knowing when a bullet could strike, was a nerve-wracking and terrifying experience.

    <em>Boom! Boom!</em>

    The second sniper shot echoed as they narrowed the distance to about thirty meters.

    ¡°Manrici!¡± Kang Chan shouted and briefly pointed ahead with his left hand.

    ¡°<em>Huff</em>! <em>Huff</em>!¡±

    Manrici and two soldiers dashed toward the left wall near the entrance.

    <em>Ten meters to go.</em>

    Gunfire erupted from the direction that Manrici had run toward.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Tat! Ratatatat!</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Manrici and one soldier were knocked to the ground, while another soldier fired back wildly in the direction of the threat.

    <em>Crash!</em>

    Kang Chan leaped in front of the hostages. The pungent smell from the hanging corpses hit him hard, but he had no time to think about it now.

    ¡°Get them out of here!¡± Kang Chan shouted, and two soldiers dragged the hostages toward the right wall.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Thud!</em>

    Bullets whizzed past Kang Chan. As a sharp pain red from his right side, the child screamed again.

    <em>ck! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan fired while retreating. One of the soldiers was desperately pulling a bloodied old man away from the fray.

    <em>Qwack!</em>

    Finally, he managed to retreat to the right wall at the entrance.

    <em>Ratatat! Tat! Thud! Ratatat! Whiz!</em>

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan noticed that the lone soldier on the left side was in danger. He was firing desperately, but from Kang Chan¡¯s position, it was hard to see where the sniper¡¯s hideout was located. He was certain that the sniper was so well hidden that even Reznov didn¡¯t have a shot.

    <em>Tat! Thud! Ratatat! Whiz! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan and the soldiers on the right provided cover fire.

    He then turned and yelled, ¡°Is there a way up there?!¡±

    The woman and child seemed out of their minds, probably because they had just witnessed the old man get shot.

    ¡°Talk to me!¡± Kang Chan urged.

    ¡°There¡¯s a passage inside! It leads up from the inside!¡± the boy said as he pointed to the entrance with his right hand. ¡°There are a lot of people inside too!¡±

    Tears welled up in the child¡¯s eyes. Kang Chan pressed the push-to-talk button on the radio.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°Reznov! I¡¯m going inside! Provide cover fire! Smithen! Move Manrici until I¡¯ve dealt with the enemies inside!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Afterward, he nced at the two soldiers with him. They had already heard the orders over the radio and knew what to do.

    <em>Ratatat! Whiz! Bang! Bang! Ratat! Thud!</em>

    <em>¡®One, two!¡¯</em>

    After counting to three, Kang Chan charged inside.

    <em>Creak. Creak.</em>

    The interior was muchrger than it appeared from the outside. Caves were carved into the circr hill inside, like the seating in an opera house.

    <em>Ratatat! Tat!</em>

    Gunfire rang out immediately, and smoke billowed from one of the caves. Kang Chan stood alone on the stage, with the audience shooting instead of pping. The bullets could pierce his eyes, rip through his throat, or tear his heart apart.

    <em>ck. Bang! Bang!</em>

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    Amid the enemy¡¯s shouts and gunfire, Kang Chan strained to hear himself breathing.

    <em>What the hell is this?</em>

    It was as if someone suddenly sshed water on his face; everything around him started to move in slow motion.

    <em>What¡¯s going on?!</em>

    He could see everything¡ªclearly. All of it, in such precise and detailed rity that it was impossible to describe. The muzzle of the gun poking out from the cave, the stance of the man aiming it, even the grains of sand drifting in the wind¡ªhe could see it all.

    <em>Did I die when I heard that gunshot earlier? Is that why everything¡¯s moving so slowly?</em>

    He had a simr experience when he fought at the training camp, but that was nothingpared to this.

    <em>ck!</em>

    Kang Chan took aim. Whether he was dead or alive, he couldn¡¯t just stand around and watch the enemy aim at him.

    <em>Bang! Thud!</em>

    A dark hole appeared in the forehead of the man with the AK rifle. He copsed as his head jerked from side to side.

    <em>Damn it all!</em>

    <em>ck! Bang! ck! Bang! ck! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan kept firing as he ran.

    <em>So this is what it means to fight like a ghost. Fine, then!</em>

    If it meant saving the soldier pinned against the wall, then he would dly die and turn into a ghost.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    <em>I don¡¯t care what you believe in. Just make sure you end up in hell when you die!</em>

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan dashed toward the back of the left wall, where the boy had pointed. He spotted a staircase inside, leading further up like a tunnel.

    <em>When I get there myself, I¡¯ll line you all up and kill you again!</em>

    <em>Crash!</em>

    Kang Chan spun around as he ran up.

    <em>sh!</em>

    A knife came shing down from above.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    <em>Fucking bastard! You can see me even though I¡¯m already dead? Watch as your knife falls slowly, then!</em>

    <em>Bang! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan fired just in time.

    <em>Whizz!</em>

    Another knife came flying from higher up the stairs.

    This time, it was toote to aim his rifle.

    <em>Crash!</em>

    Kang Chan pressed his body against the wall as hard as he could.

    <em>Wham!</em>

    He then grabbed the clothes of the man who had swung the knife.

    <em>Swish! Thud! Splurt! Splurt! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan drew thebat knife from his belt and swiftly shed and stabbed the enemy''s armpit, side, neck, and sr plexus in quick session.

    <em>Crash! Thud! Thud! St!</em>

    The enemy tumbled down the stairs and copsed onto the floor.

    ***

    The Neck Ghost of North Korea and the DMZ King of South Korea were both monsters and heroes. They brought death to their enemies and life to their allies.

    Yang Dong-Sik froze in ce as leaves brushed against his shoulder. He quickly gazed back, but no one was there. He was sure that Kang Chul-Gyu had been standing there just a moment before.

    <em>Rustle! Crunch!</em>

    A momentter, a familiar sound emerged from the darkness. Yang Dong-Sik exhaled softly and swallowed dryly.

    It wasn¡¯t just that Kang Chul-Gyu could move without making a noise unlike other people; he could also snap the neck of a feared Spetsnaz operative using only his left hand. Just now, he had deliberately slit the enemy''s throat to avoid the sound of breaking bones. He even covered the enemy¡¯s mouth and nose to prevent even a single gurgle from escaping.

    <em>Swish.</em>

    Kang Chul-Gyu emerged from the darkness as if he were materializing out of thin air. He then signaled with his eyes to advance before disappearing again. Yang Dong-Sik felt tears welling up.

    Everyone knew that today was the birthday of Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s child. Nevertheless, despite the news that Spetsnaz would be deploying today, he had stepped forward once again.

    ¡°Please, take the day off,¡± Nam Il-Gyu had suggested.

    Kang Chul-Gyu responded with a faint smile. ¡°All the kids holding the posts right now are someone''s precious son.¡±

    ¡°Just for today¡­¡±

    ¡°Il-Gyu.¡±

    ¡°Sir.¡±

    Even though Nam Il-Gyu responded quickly, Kang Chul-Gyu remained silent for a moment.

    Kang Chul-Gyu was a living legend, though he was more famous among enemy forces than among his own. There was even a joke that any North Korean soldier who managed to take Kang Chul-Gyu''s head would instantly be the minister of the Air Force Airborne Corps of the People''s Liberation Army.

    "Our motto!" Kang Chul-Gyu shouted.

    "I''m sorry, my family! I''ve given my life for my country and myrades!" Nam Il-Gyu dered resolutely.

    <em>Swish.</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu suddenly popped his head out next to Yang Dong-Sik, bringing him back to the present. Yang Dong-Sik almost thrust his knife forward in surprise.

    <em>¡®What are you doing?¡¯</em>

    Those who had lived this kind of life for a long time could tell what a person was thinking just by looking into their eyes.

    <em>¡®Let¡¯s go!¡¯</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik nodded and followed Nam Il-Gyu.

    The faint crescent moon kept the night pitch ck. Hence, he had to stop breathing for a bit just to barely detect the enemy''s presence. On top of that, he also had to search for and eliminate any enemy in hiding during his patrol.

    <em>¡®That man will be resented by his child one day.¡¯</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik quickly brushed the thought aside. After all, he wasn''t in any position to judge others. He had barely taken a few more steps, moving slowly over thirty seconds, when a terrifying sound reached his ears.

    <em>Crack! Slice! Whiz! Thud! Crash!</em>

    No matter how urgent it was, rushing out would be a suicidal move. He needed to check for any movement around him and proceed cautiously, like a tree swaying in the wind.

    <em>Crack! Swish! Thud!</em>

    After taking two more steps, shadows tangled against the backdrop of the dark sky. Five figures surrounded one.

    <em>Are you telling me to hold back here?</em>

    <em>Crash! Rustle!</em>

    The moment Yang Dong-Sik charged forward, the leaves right beside him shook, and someone suddenly crashed into those leaves.

    <em>Rustle!</em>

    <em>Thud! Swish!</em>

    Nam Il-Gyu had ambushed the Spetsnaz soldier targeting Yang Dong-Sik. Leaving him behind, Yang Dong-Sik lunged toward Kang Chul-Gyu, who was facing five enemies.

    <em>Whish!</em>

    One of the enemies by the nk swung a knife at Yang Dong-Sik.

    <em>Thunk! Swish! Thud! Swish! Thud!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik drew the knife strapped to his shoulder and engaged the enemy. Both parties knew that this battle wouldn¡¯t end until one side was dead. The eerie silence of the fight, with no shouts, curses, or even heavy breathing, made it even more unsettling.

    <em>Wham!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik gritted his teeth as the enemy punched him in the side, causing all air in his lungs to escape.

    <em>Thud! Slice! Thud! Slice! Swish!</em>

    Still, Kang Chul-Gyu was fighting five¡ªnow four¡ªof these enemies all by himself. Hence, Yang Dong-Sik couldn¡¯t stop.

    <em>Whish! Wham! Swish! Thud!</em>

    Just as he managed to block the enemy¡¯s knife and swung his knife twice, an awl drove into his side and forearm in quick session.

    <em>Thunk! Thunk!</em>

    <em>¡®Aargh!¡¯</em>

    It was a signature weapon of the Spetsnaz.

    <em>m!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik stubbornly grabbed the enemy¡¯s neck.

    <em>You didn''t see thising, did you? You had no idea there was someone who could teach you how to fight with an injured arm, did you? That''s because I¡¯m the right hand of the DMZ King! Or more like the deputy prime minister of the DMZ! </em>

    <em>Swish! Swish!</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik had been taught to target the eyes first when grabbing the enemy, then the right armpit and neck, before cutting the windpipe.

    <em>Stab! Stab!</em>

    <em>Slice!</em>

    ¡°<em>Grrrk</em>.¡±

    As the enemy fell to the ground, Kang Chul-Gyu, with terrifying eyes, appeared in front of him. He nced at the fallen enemy before checking on Yang Dong-Sik.

    <em>Huff. Huff.</em>

    Only Yang Dong-Sik and Nam Il-Gyu knew Kang Chul-Gyu¡¯s unique breathing pattern. They knew that when he breathed like this, it meant that his anger had reached the sky, and no one should challenge him.

    <em>¡®Are you okay?¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Yes, sir.¡¯</em>

    Yang Dong-Sik¡¯s tears welled up again in gratitude. After all, Kang Chul-Gyu grew so furious because Nam Il-Gyu and Yang Dong-Sik had been in danger.

    <em>Slice! Slice!</em>

    <em>¡®Crazy bastard!¡¯</em>

    In this emotional moment, Nam Il-Gyu was busy trying to give the enemy a<em></em>¡°view of Seoul.¡±

 Extra, Chapter 455: Iéˆ¥æª“ thinking of Advancing Like This (1)

    The situation here was simr to the previous vige.

    Leaning against a wall, an old woman cried and wiped her puffy eyes while an old man was clutching his chest, trying hard to ept his middle-aged son¡¯s death. A boy continued to hit his head as he wailed.

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯tment on their actions. After all, it was their unique way of expressing their sadness.

    He looked down at the two soldiers whom they hadid at the entrance of the vige. The soldier whose eyes, throat, and chest were shot through had died on the spot. The other had been in anguish until he died a moment ago.

    <em>Snap. Click.</em>

    Kang Chan put a cigarette in his mouth and took a deep drag.

    ¡°<em>Hoo.</em>¡±

    With the cigarette still in between his lips, he exhaled smoke. He tried his best to suppress his anger, but after slowly putting his lighter back in his pocket, he bit down on his cigarette as if trying to break his teeth.

    The soldiers quickly gauged his mood as he breathed out another cloud of smoke. Kang Chan spat out his cigarette.

    <em>Hold in my anger? Why should I just leave that bastard alone? He got two of his colleagues killed by running outte alone even though he had been ordered to cover them!</em>

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    Kang Chan turned around and threw a right straight at Smithen.

    <em>Pow!</em>

    ¡°<em>Urgh! Cough! Cough!</em>¡±

    Smithen blocked his upper body, thinking Kang Chan was about to hit him in the stomach, but he ended up grasping at his throat, struggling to breathe.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    Reznov tried to stop Kang Chan only to flinch and step back. Kang Chan had already unsheathed his bay.

    <em>Stab! Stab!</em>

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan stabbed both of Smithen¡¯s corbone muscles. He then consecutively kneed him.

    <em>Crash!</em>

    Smithen fell backward and copsed against the wall by the deceased soldiers.

    ¡°Reznov!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°Take all of this motherfucker¡¯s weapons! From here on out, he is no longer a part of my unit!¡±

    When Reznov didn¡¯t answer, Kang Chan turned his head to him. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ¡°Oui!¡± Reznov finally replied in front of the frightened soldiers.

    Smithen groaned, which sounded like a sob. However, Kang Chan had not even a drop of pity or sympathy for him.

    ¡°Smithen,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°You are hereby discharged from my unit. If you¡¯re ever caught with weapons, I will take it as your intent to kill me or other soldiers and kill you on the spot.¡±

    When Smithen nced at Kang Chan, Kang Chan stomped on him as if he was actually trying to kill him.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    ¡°Use those eyes of yours to look at the soldiers you got killed, you son of a bitch!¡±

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    ¡°Those men trusted you to have their backs! They trusted you with their lives!¡±

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    ¡°Captain!¡± Reznov clung onto Kang Chan and barely managed to separate him from Smithen.

    ¡°Haller! Forman!¡± Kang Chan called.

    Two soldiers quickly stepped forward. They, too, rushed inte because they waited for Smithen¡¯s orders.

    ¡°Look at your fallen colleagues and engrave them in your memory! They ran into danger thinking you motherfuckers had their backs!¡±

    The two soldiers looked away, clenching their teeth.

    ¡°I said look at them, you fucking bastards!¡± Kang Chan growled.

    Perhaps out of shame, guilt, and fear, the two subconsciously turned away instead.

    Kang Chan twitched, ready to attack them with the bay in his hand.

    ¡°Captain! Please! Those two idiots were just following orders!¡± Reznov clung onto Kang Chan¡¯s arm like an abusive man trying to stop their significant other from leaving. ¡°If you stab them as well, it¡¯ll be difficult for you to avoid punishment even with a hundred medals!¡±

    ¡°You two will remain here until further instructions,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui,¡± Haller and Forman answered weakly.

    Right after, Reznov held out a cigarette toward the hand that Kang Chan was using to hold the bay. He hoped it would make Kang Chan sheathe his weapon to ept the cigarette.

    Fortunately, it worked. With his bay back in its sheath, Kang Chan took and bit on the cigarette that Reznov had handed him. However, the sight of his fallen men still enraged him. At this rate, he¡¯d eventually end up causing an ident.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Kang Chan walked out of the same entrance that he had run into earlier. Reznov jerked his head at Smithen, ordering the others to treat him, before quickly following Kang Chan.

    The 11th unit of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Special Forces Regiment was famous throughout Africa.

    Even after earning the God of ckfield title, Kang Chan continued to rack up achievements. It came to the point where every recruit would hear about his first and second battles at least once before even joining the Foreign Legion.

    Reznov stared at Kang Chan¡¯s back as thetter smoked and stared at the desert that they had run from.

    Under the intense sun, the white cigarette smoke rose in front of the blinding sand. It then went past Kang Chan¡¯s head and vanished into the air.

    Kang Chan¡¯s capabilities were evident in the recent battle as well. He rushed forward, entered the tunnel, and quickly eliminated fourteen hostiles by himself using only a bay and a rifle.

    Reznov was a sniper. Although CheyTac wasn¡¯t a standard issue sniper rifle for the Foreign Legion, Kang Chan still managed to give him one. He knew that remarkable snipers would never be picky about guns, but all snipers had a gun or two that they had always dreamed of using ever since they were given the role.

    In any case, as their sniper, Reznov always watched Kang Chan from the back. That was why he knew how scary Kang Chan could be when he was charging toward their enemies. However, that was also what made Reznov realize that their young Asianmander couldn¡¯t handle his men dying.

    That could be the only weakness of the God of ckfield, the bringer of death.

    The other soldiers probably had no idea how much of a strong impression the back of theirmander left whenever he ran toward their enemies to protect his men.

    However, Reznov was all too familiar with it. He had even noticed that Kang Chan always moved and fought with the soldiers following him in mind. Theirmander would always take on the most dangerous tasks and kill the enemies who posed a threat to his men first.

    The cigarette smoke that Kang Chan exhaled scattered and disappeared into the air again.

    Right now, their young Asianmander was mourning the deceased soldiers in solitude. He was ming and getting angry at himself for failing to protect them.

    Reznov sighed softly.

    He wanted to stay by this person¡¯s side for as long as possible and witness what Kang Chan would look like once he had grown even stronger.

    They had lost two men, but they also won another intense battle under the banner of the Foreign Legion¡¯s 13th Special Forces Regiment.

    Kang Chan was the pride of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces.

    Reznov shook his head and looked behind him, finding two soldiers helping Smithen move to the side.

    Most would have trouble handling Smithen because he was born with the innate ability to endure attacks. However, he had met his match.

    ***

    Shan continuously received urgent messages on the radio requesting assistance.

    [The thirdpany''s the second toon are calling for aid from Echo and Lima!]

    The situation was getting worse.

    ¡°Have everyone fall back!¡± Shan ordered through gritted teeth.

    The soldier manning the radio nced at Shan. If everyone below withdrew in this situation, the enemies would all flock above, where the 11th unit was positioned alone.

    Even during that short moment, soldiers continued to urgently call for help and report their situations through the radio.

    Shan met his subordinate¡¯s eyes. As if to confirm his decision, he reiterated, ¡°Tell them to retreat!¡±

    ¡°All soldiers, fall back to the Bisons¡¯ Nest! I repeat! Abandon your positions and retreat to the Bisons¡¯ Nest!

    After rying Shan¡¯s orders, the soldier stared nkly at the radio. Even if they sent a helicopter now, it would take more than an hour and a half to go around the enemy base and reach the 11th unit.

    It wouldn¡¯t take long for their enemies to notice that the Foreign Legion was falling back, so every second counted.

    The soldier looked at Shan again, who still hadn¡¯t dispatched their helicopter.

    ¡°I¡¯ll meet the soldiers at the Bisons¡¯ Nest,¡± Shan said as he stood up.

    ¡°What about the 11th unit, sir?¡±

    Shan only red at the soldier in response. Shortly afterward, he left the situation room.

    ¡°<em>Haaa</em>.¡±

    The soldier copsed back into his seat.

    <em>Thud.</em>

    The gruesome battlefield noises that the radio transmissions had picked up a moment ago were still ringing in his ears, making him feel as if he could already see the future of the 11th unit.

    ***

    The sun was now shining down at the back of their heads.

    They had already fought in two battles and lost two soldiers.

    <em>¡®What should we do?¡¯</em>

    The next vige was fifteen minutes away from them.

    Kang Chan nced back. Since the boy hadn¡¯t hit puberty yet, his cries sounded more sorrowful and desperate than a girl¡¯s.

    That boy was constantly crying and hitting his head with his palm. The man sprawled out in front of the boy still had the rope around his neck.

    While Kang Chan was busy mulling over his thoughts, rebels were likely hanging nooses around people¡¯s necks and beheading someone in the next vige.

    If he turned a blind eye and pretended that none of that was happening, then he could spend some time here to smoke and drink water. He wouldn¡¯t be going against orders.

    Kang Chan looked ahead, which was where the sun rose.

    He had never found killing people pleasant. In fact, he wanted to stop.

    ¡°<em>Kyaaa</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan looked behind him one more time. The boy who had lost his father was still hitting himself in the head. In front of him was the body of a middle-aged woman.

    ¡°<em>Argh! Agh</em>!¡±

    For some strange reason, Kang Chan felt as if the boy¡¯s cries were being engraved in his heart.

    ¡°Reznov!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re leaving!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    He wouldn¡¯t argue with his men if they grumbled that they had met the wrongmander. After all, they were right. Nevertheless, if they were standing in front of civilians in military uniform, shouldn¡¯t they at least do what was right and be ready to aim their guns at their enemies?

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    The soldiers gathered in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°Our orders were to secure a position and remain on standby, so I¡¯m leaving this area solely for the sake of a personal operation,¡± Kang Chan said as he looked at his men, who had their rifles slung over their right shoulder. ¡°We will be advancing to the next vige. Our entire unit was entrusted with the duty of killing all of our enemies and saving the natives, and I will faithfully follow thatmand.¡±

    The soldiers nced at the crying vigers.

    Kang Chan added, ¡°In ordance with the tradition of the 13th Regiment, you will not be shamed for choosing not to join this operation. Quietly walk to that side if you don¡¯t want to participate.¡±

    A brief silence followed.

    Reznov nodded toward the direction that they had to go. ¡°We¡¯ll follow you, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked. He stepped forward and started walking to their destination. The soldiers fell in formation right behind him.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    With Kang Chan at the forefront, they followed the path made of hot sand.

    ***

    Vasili¡¯s thin lips curved into a strange smile.

    ¡°All that¡¯s left is for you to decide, Vasili,¡± Alexei said. Sitting in front of Vasili, he squirmed to ovee the overwhelming aura that Vasili exuded. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be helpful in many ways if I be the president?¡±

    ¡°How will that be helpful?¡±

    ¡°I can help you continue using the KKB.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you just said I need your help in using the KKB even though it¡¯s already mine. That¡¯s the funniest thing I¡¯ve heard recently,¡± Vasilimented.

    He held up a ceramic teapot. As he poured ck tea into a cup, he continued to raise the teapot until it was almost his eye level.

    ¡°Alexei.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Have some ck tea.¡±

    Vasili then pulled the cup toward him.

    They were in arge, deste office. Only he and Alexei were sitting at therge, circr table in the middle of the room.

    Security guards that used to be in the KKB were standing in front of the door with their hands sped in front of them. They were trying hard not to miss even a small movement from Vasili.

    After having some ck tea, Vasili wiped his thin lips with his index finger. ¡°We have a specific way of taking care of those who betray us. We cut their shoulders, thighs, sides, and shins with a knife.¡±

    When Vasili turned his head toward the agents, one quickly approached him.

    ¡°Bring some vodka,¡± he ordered.

    The agent bowed and nced at the agent in charge of drinks. Thetter then brought vodka and shot sses to the table.

    After filling Vasili¡¯s shot ss with vodka, the agent quickly headed to the door as quickly as he approached Vasili.

    ¡°Where were we?¡± Vasili asked Alexei.

    ¡°<em>Um</em>¡­ you were talking about cutting traitors with a knife.¡±

    ¡°<em>Ah</em>! That¡¯s right. After that, we tightly tie their hands and feet before burying them, leaving only their head above ground. We make sure they¡¯re lying t on the ground before burying them. That way, centipedes will smell their blood and eat into their body.¡±

    Vasili took a sip of his vodka before adding, ¡°Do you know how many people I had to feed to the centipedes to get to my position? What were you doing while my precious men were turning into cold corpses in Bosnia, Herzegovina, and Ukraine?¡±

    ¡°Vasili, we had different roles. I¡¯ll cooperate as much as possible, so please tell me what you want.¡±

    Vasili, who had been pouring vodka for himself, nced up at Alexei. ¡°Europe is changing. New weapons far superior to nuclear weapons are about to appear. <em>Phew</em>.¡±

    Vasili mmed the bottle of vodka down on the table, making Alexei flinch.<em></em>

    ¡°I¡¯ll operate Russia¡¯s intelligence bureau as apletely independent organization. In return, I¡¯ll make you the president. Keep in mind that the only reason I¡¯m not taking the seat myself is that I¡¯m trying to prevent the Europeans from killing us.¡±

    Alexei swallowed dryly. ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, you are to discuss all matters rted to national defense and diplomacy with the intelligence bureau before you take care of them.¡±

    When Vasili red at him, Alexei quickly answered, ¡°I will. I promise.¡±

    Vasili nodded toward the door.

    It was a humiliatingmand. Nevertheless, Alexei awkwardly left the office. Although forced, he faintly exuded his determination to not lose his nerve.

    <em>Click.</em>

    Once Alexei had left the room, Vasili looked at an agent, who in turn quickly approached him.

    ¡°Get rid of the woman Alexei is dating today. Search through that bitch¡¯s phone and delete all of her bank transactions and everything with her name in it. Kill everyone who lives in the houses in front, behind her, and next to her home so no one will question her death. You can also just sentence all of them with life in prison in Siberia.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°<em>Ah</em>! Do the same for that bitch¡¯s parents, siblings, and the children of her siblings.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    The agent stepped back, his eyes now glinting.

    Vasili took another shot of vodka.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I have to pay attention to all of this when I¡¯m already busy trying to figure out what Lanok is nning. Well, I guess that¡¯s the reason Alexei is fit to be the president of Russia,¡± Vasili said to himself.

    ring ahead, he thinned his lips.

 Extra, Chapter 456: Iéˆ¥æª“ thinking of Advancing Like This (2)

    Kang Chan had lost two men and left Smithen, Haller, and Forman behind. Hence, only seven of his team headed to the next vige. Thankfully, no one wanted to opt out of the operation.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    As theirmander, Kang Chan walked at the forefront. He had his rifle slung around his right shoulder and his right index finger on the trigger.

    Now, the other soldiers could observe Kang Chan. Unlike Caucasians, who looked stocky in military uniforms, theirmander looked tenacious.

    Inbat, whenever they¡¯d see him charge toward their enemies, they had always thought, <em>¡®We¡¯ve been smiling around and talking with such a monster all this time?¡¯</em>

    Fortunately, the monster was on their side. Looking at him made them feel as though they were looking at a strong older brother with excellentbat skills.

    Moreover, despite being a relentless killing machine, Kang Chan found the deaths of his men more painful than anything in the world. If one of them were to die, he would agonize over it, just as he had agonized over their fallen colleagues a moment ago.

    After watching him act in such a way, it would¡¯ve been more strange if the soldiers still thought that Kang Chan would recklessly lead them to their deaths.

    Special forces soldiers of the Foreign Legion naturally had to face the humiliation of being excluded frombat like Smithen if they acted cowardly just to survive.Only those who had passed the special forces training could apply to join special forces units. It wasn¡¯t meant for those who would beg for their lives in the middle ofbat.

    That was why the other soldiers looked at Smithen as if they were sickened with disgust. It was also the reason Haller and Forman stared pitifully at Reznov and the others, begging to be taken with them.

    Now, even if Haller and Forman went to another unit, they would only be assigned insignificant duties. After all, they selfishly let their colleagues die for their own sake.

    Losing their balls and being rushed to the hospital would have been much more honorable than earning such a reputation.

    Soon after they started to walk, they saw smoke in the distance. A revolting scent then rushed towards them.

    <em>Rustle! Rustle!</em>n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chan climbed to the top of a dune and silently red ahead.

    They were already toote.

    The enemies had piled the natives¡¯ corpses in one ce and lit them on fire. Unusually dark smoke also rose from the bodies that were scattered near the entrance. Moreover, a small amount of smoke was rising from the wooden roof of a mud hut.

    Rebels would only burn corpses right before they left.

    <em>Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    Kang Chan went down the dune. The soldiers followed him in heavy silence.

    Upon entering the vige, the sight that he was already expecting greeted them.

    ¡°Form teams of two and search through the vige,¡± he ordered.

    The soldiers went deeper into the vige with their rifles at the ready.

    <em>You repulsive fuckers could¡¯ve at least poured enough gasoline to burn thempletely.</em>

    Their enemies probably did this to ensure no one would survive. However, they made it so that only the vigers¡¯ skin would be burned. The thought made Kang Chan feel bad just by looking at the corpses.

    As he slowly examined their surroundings, he heard one of his men yelling from further inside the vige.

    ¡°Stop! Hey!¡±

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    Ignoring the soldier, a child dashed out toward the entrance, but Kang Chan quickly caught them.

    <em>nk! nk!</em>

    The soldiers chasing after the child stopped in their tracks.

    ¡°<em>Agh!</em>¡± the child yelled.

    ¡°Hey! It¡¯s okay! Calm down!¡± Kang Chan said.

    ¡°<em>Agh! Argh!</em>¡±

    As he had expected, the child was a boy. Girls rarely survived tribal massacres since they often met fates worse than death.

    Kang Chan lifted the struggling boy by the waist and walked deeper into the vige, preventing the boy from seeing the bodies of the burnt natives, whom the boy would¡¯ve been living with until now.

    ¡°<em>Aaaaaah!</em>¡± the boy screamed again.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    They walked past the smoking huts that let out acrid stenches. Eventually, they saw the desert again.

    Kang Chan put down the child and quickly grabbed him by the shoulders to prevent him from running away.

    ¡°Look! It¡¯s okay, so calm down!¡± Kang Chan said.

    The frightened child couldn¡¯t even look at him properly.

    The boy had nicely parted hair, eyes as big as a camel¡¯s, long eyshes, and a tall nosemon to Egyptians.

    ¡°We¡¯re a special forces unit of France¡¯s Foreign Legion. We came here to help, but we were toote. Just calm down, alright? We¡¯re not here to hurt you, do you understand?¡± Kang Chan exined slowly and softly.

    Finally, the boy nodded.

    Kang Chan turned his head to his men and told them to give him water. One of them handed a bottle to Kang Chan, who then unscrewed the cap. The boy just kept staring at him.

    ¡°Have some water. Drink slowly,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The child shifted his gaze between Kang Chan and the water. He was likely scared and suspicious. To put him at ease, Kang Chan had a sip of the water first without touching the rim of the bottle.

    ¡°See? It¡¯s fine. Drink it slowly. I¡¯ll stay here with you if you want, so don¡¯t worry about anything else,¡± Kang Chan said afterward.

    The boy took the bottle of water with both hands and drank it carefully.

    The more he returned to his senses, the more reality seemed to set in for him, evidenced by the sorrow slowly enveloping his expression. Finally, after drinking, he hung his head and cried while hitting himself.

    Kang Chan stood next to the child like a loyal subordinate. His shadow had stretched past the child, who was facing the sun.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯ve secured the area, sir,¡± a soldier reported. ¡°We found nothing of interest.¡±

    He then nced at the boy as if he was trying to report where they found him. However, he decided that there was no need to do that right now.

    ¡°Have some of our men guard the perimeter. Let''s take a short break,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Reznov went to the front with four soldiers.

    After about ten minutes, the boy looked at Kang Chan, exhaling shakily. There was nothing Kang Chan could do for him right now other than look back at him.

    ¡°They killed everyone,¡± the boy said.

    Kang Chan just kept his gaze on him. <em>¡®I know. I saw their bodies.¡¯</em>

    ¡°They killed everyone in our tribe.¡±

    The boy gritted his teeth and violently pped his head again as if remembering the horror.

    A momentter, as if getting a hold of his emotions, the boy revealed, ¡°They told us to give them the artifact of the sultan.¡±

    Kang Chan had never heard of that before. Had the Sunni Muslims been doing all this bullshit because of that artifact?

    He hoped that the boy wouldn¡¯t notice the look in his eyes. After all, he didn¡¯t want the boy to be suspicious of him and wonder if he was interested in the treasure.

    Thankfully, the boy was looking at the ground. Soon, however, he quickly raised his head. ¡°We don¡¯t know where it is!¡±

    <em>¡®I¡¯m not interested in things like that, so you don¡¯t have to tell me.¡¯</em>

    ¡°Why was I the only one carried into the hut and told to hide?! They didn¡¯t even tell me to get revenge. They just told me that Ah would protect me!¡±

    The boy looked straight into Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. Though he was extremely nervous, it seemed he was slowly calming down. Fatigue, drowsiness, and hunger now showed in his gaze.

    ¡°Do you want to eat something? You can get some sleep after. I¡¯ll protect you,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The boy quickly shook his head.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to travel long distances in this condition. Get some sleep; I¡¯ll protect you,¡± Kang Chan insisted.

    For a moment, the child appeared to contemte what to do. Soon, he pointed toward the desert.

    Kang Chan looked at where the child was pointing. There was nothing there.

    <em>Rustle.</em>

    The child stood up awkwardly but hesitated.

    ¡°Go. I¡¯ll follow you,¡± Kang Chan said.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    After leaving the vige, they walked about twenty meters. The boy looked behind him every two steps, checking to see if Kang Chan was following him.

    Eventually, he stopped and knelt in front of where the sand started to appear again. He then lifted a square stone b.

    <em>Shkkkk. Shkkkkk.</em>

    Kang Chan discretely looked inside, finding dirt stairs that led down intoplete darkness.

    ¡°If you think you need to go in there to feel better, then go ahead. I¡¯ll protect you from here,¡± Kang Chan said.

    The child shook his head.

    ¡°You want me to go inside with you?¡±

    This time, the child nodded.

    <em>This kind of request is nothing.</em>

    Kang Chan nodded at the soldier behind him to signal that he was going to go down the stairs.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he then told the child.

    The child pressed his hand on the ground and climbed down the stairs. Not long after, he checked to see if Kang Chan was following him.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    It was dangerous to go anywhere that they hadn¡¯t searched through yet, but it didn¡¯t feel right to tell the boy that he couldn¡¯t go inside in this situation either. Hence, he just wordlessly followed him.

    ¡°We have to block the entrance,¡± the child said.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be too dark? Do you have fire to light up that hole?¡±

    ¡°We can close the opening with the stone b.¡±

    <em>Fine. I¡¯m already trying to make him rx anyway.</em>

    Kang Chan went down the stairs a little more and then picked up the stone b. Afterward, he used it to block the hole again.

    <em>Rumble. Rumble.</em>

    Little by little, the beam of light narrowed until it waspletely cut off.

    <em>Rumble.</em>

    The darkness hiding inside the hole rushed toward them, revealing a faint glow further inside the hole.

    <em>What¡¯s that?</em>

    Kang Chan looked at the child nkly. It seemed to being from a small fluorescent bulb that was covered in cotton.

    Perhaps it was because the light waspletely blocked out, but his vision gradually adjusted to the darkness.

    There wasn¡¯t much inside. It just seemed to be a hole dug into dirt that was as hard as rocks, making it look like a hallway that was about ten meters long.

    All of the walls were giving off a faint light likely because of fluorescent minerals. Kang Chan figured that the natives had used this ce to store their food.

    The child took a few more steps into the cave. He then crouched and leaned back against a wall. Since it was fairly cold, Kang Chan worried that the child would catch a cold.

    The boy wrapped his arms around his knees before burying his face in between them.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    He nodded.

    Kang Chan sat in front of the child and leaned against the wall. He then raised his left knee and ced his rifle on his right thigh.

    ¡°There¡¯s a legend about this basement,¡± the boy started, sounding as if he was sleepy.

    ¡°If you¡¯re talking for my sake, I¡¯m fine. Just get some sleep.¡±

    ¡°Apparently only those who wash themselves with the light of the Agadez can earn the true power in the sultan¡¯s artifact.¡±

    The boy seemed to be talking to Kang Chan because he was afraid and to make sure that he wasn¡¯t alone. It was no different from any other kid going to a public bathroom and calling out to their mom to check if they were still there.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have the artifact of the sultan,¡± the boy said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    ¡°They killed everyone.¡±

    As Kang Chan was exhaling softly, the child¡¯s breathing changed. Although he had just been talking clearly, he quickly fell asleep.

    The faint light surrounded Kang Chan and the child as if it were cleansing them.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t even know the boy¡¯s name yet. He hadn¡¯t told him his name either.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know what the child would be when he grew up. He could suffer from nightmares for his entire life out of fear or get filled with so much madness that he¡¯d end up bing a murderer who ughtered Sunni Muslims.

    Of course, he could also ovee the pain and turn out to be an excellent person. The chances of that happening were very, very low, but it existed.

    The child started to breathe heavily but then calmed down again. He seemed to be having a bad dream.

    Wherever their sultan was, Kang Chan hoped that he would wash away this child¡¯s pain with this strange light¡ªthe light of Agadez.

    Kang Chan decided to forgive Smithen. He had to do that much before he could ask the intelligence bureau to look after the boy. However, it would be under the precondition that the child would willingly go with Kang Chan.

    ***

    Watching the soldiers that were retreating to the Bisons¡¯ Nest, Shan gritted his teeth.

    ording to the information from the British intelligence bureau, there was definitely a treasure rted to the ckhead in Agadez.

    That was the reason Shan was ignoring the 11th unit in the first ce. If by chance its remarkable Asianmander found the treasure first, things could beplicated. Kang Chan had never been the type to hand over something he found strange.

    On the contrary, he would definitely hold out the treasure like some kind of coupon and request something absurd from the DGSE.

    Shan sighed.

    Unfortunately, their operation had failed. The two special forces units they had deployed lost more than half of their men. The two Foreign Legionpanies had it even worse.

    ¡°Transport the wounded first. Count the casualties and damages and report back to me after,¡± Shan briefly ordered.

    He then turned around. Now, he was thinking of heading back and dispatching a helicopter through the radio to retrieve Kang Chan¡¯s unit.

    <em>¡®Please die before the helicopter reaches you.¡¯</em>

    Shan disliked Kang Chan.

    He hated the man¡¯s tenacity, which was unlike other Asians¡¯. He also disliked Kang Chan¡¯s glinting eyes and charisma, which easily captivated soldiers.

    However, what Shan loathed the most was Kang Chan¡¯s ability to always return alive even from the most dangerous pits of hell that Shan had thrown him into.

    If others asked him why he hated Kang Chan so much, he would simply reply, ¡°I just do. What else do you want me to say?¡±

    Whenever Shan looked at Kang Chan, he always felt as if he was facing a leopard that was baring its fangs toward his neck.

    <em>Am I feeling ufortable because I¡¯m worried about the British intelligence bureau being involved in this? Or is it because that man is acting high and mighty and refuses topromise with injustice?</em>

    Shan sighed softly, trying to get rid of the ufortable feeling. He remembered the look in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes in Ndulele when the bastard held his ground instead of obediently answering him.

 Extra, Chapter 457: Iéˆ¥æª“ Not Cowardly (1)

    Kang Chan took Munbaki, the child, back to the vige where he had left Smithen and the two men.

    Even now, more people could be dying. It could have already reached numbers too high to ignore just because he chose to save a child.

    However, the burned corpses made him steel his resolve. If it was this bad here, it would be no different wherever he ran next.

    The Sunnis, for whatever reason, were out to destroy evidence. It would be far more wise to return with Munbaki than run for ten or twenty minutes just to see more burned corpses.

    <em>Rustle, rustle. </em>

    Just like his conflicted heart, the hem of Munbaki¡¯s Imic dress swayed as he walked.

    After every three or four steps, Munbaki looked at Kang Chan as if to confirm if he was still there. Whenever he looked at Kang Chan, his gaze would flicker to the rifle Kang Chan held, the pistol at his waist, and the bay.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t me Munbaki for wanting revenge. Although Kang Chan had only ever lived in a world of bullies, he¡¯d probably take up arms too if he lived in a world where Sunnis killed everyone around him.

    <em>Click, Click. </em>Upon returning to the vige that they hade from, Haller and Forman greeted Kang Chan¡¯s group with stiff faces and postures.

    ¡°All clear, sir.¡±

    <em>You¡¯re not guarding sentry posts, you fucking idiots.</em>

    Instead of responding, Kang Chan just went inside.

    Smithen frowned but forced himself up.

    Seeing the bodies lying in a row to one side of the entrance, Munbaki hurried over to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Set up a perimeter and take a break. Put extra men at the back.¡±

    Reznov called for four more men and stationed them on the upper ground. Higher areas were more advantageous to stand watch from, after all.

    Kang Chan looked around the vige.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Just then, Haller approached Kang Chan.

    ¡°Captain, please give me another chance. I want to regain my honor.¡±

    The desire to shake off his humiliation burned brightly in his eyes.

    ¡°Bring those two men back alive, then I¡¯ll reconsider. Until then, if you say ¡®honor¡¯ with that snout of yours one more time, I¡¯ll take back your weapons.¡±

    Haller¡¯s cheeks twitched as he dropped his gaze.

    <em>Son of a bitch!</em>

    Kang Chan smirked at Haller and Forman, who were standing hesitantly behind him.

    These bastards were serious. If Kang Chan asked them to prove their sincerity, they would draw their bays and slice their palms. Now, at the very least, he believed that their blood was boiling with the desire to restore their honor.

    <em>Pft. </em>

    But that would all be gone when the bullets flew.

    No matter how bravely one had fought in the past, once the fear of death took over their head, their body would forever stop listening to them.

    ¡°We were simply following orders, sir!¡±

    ¡°Haller.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s say Smithen did give the order, as you said. Then why didn¡¯t you cover fire? Since when did we wait formands to shoot in the middle of a battle?¡± ?

    All the soldiers were listening to their conversation.

    ¡°As a gesture of appreciation for all the battles we¡¯ve fought together until now, I¡¯ll forgive you for what you just said and even pretend not to have heard it.¡±

    Haller quickly examined Kang Chan¡¯s expression.

    ¡°But if you dare spout that kind of bullshit in front of me again, you¡¯ll be heading back in the same pathetic state as Smithen.¡±

    Haller¡¯s gaze dropped to the ground.

    Having said what he needed to say, Kang Chan turned around toward the vige with Munbaki. However, he only managed to take two steps before Haller called for him again.

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    Kang Chan stopped.

    <em>This is what I get for holding back curses because of the kid.</em>

    Kang Chan turned around with a fierce re. Contrary to his expectations, though, Haller confessed how he had felt.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. You¡¯re right. Back then, I momentarily thought that I could survive, which dyed my response. Those few seconds of temptation turned me into a coward. I thought we were too far anyway and that we were only running toward our deaths.¡±

    He looked flushed.

    <em>Click. </em>

    Haller pulled out his gun.

    Reznov flinched and dashed forward but stepped back when Kang Chan red at him.

    ¡°I, Frederico Haller of the 11th Special Forces Unit of the 13th Regiment, have betrayed the honor of the special forces!¡± Haller shouted with a crumpled expression as if reliving his own cowardice. ¡°I will punish myself for the dishonor of not protecting myrades.¡±

    <em>Click. </em>

    He pulled the breechblock of his gun.

    For men whose lifelong dream was to join the special forces and jump into battles to the death, the most humiliating insult was probably hearing that they sold the lives of theirrades to save themselves.

    ¡°Haller,¡± Kang Chan said.

    Haller, who was aiming his gun at his temples, looked at Kang Chan with bloodshot, emotional eyes.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    The soldiers¡¯ gazes alternated between Kang Chan and Haller.

    ¡°Can you take the forefront at the next battle?¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    Kang Chan red at him ferociously. Instead of backing down, Haller showed determination with his expression.

    A gust of sand blew between them as they crouched in the corner of the vige.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be watching during the next battle,¡± Kang Chan replied. He then turned around with a hand on Munbaki¡¯s shoulder, who was clinging to his waist.

    ¡°<em>Merci beaucoup, Capitaine</em>!¡± Haller shouted.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Munbaki looked up at Kang Chan, but he didn¡¯t say anything.

    The vige had a narrow entrance, but it widened inward. Kang Chan and Munbaki went to the innermost part. They then sat down and leaned against a wall.

    ¡°If possible, we¡¯ll rest for a while and then return. Don¡¯t worry too much. I¡¯ll talk to the DGSE and see if there¡¯s a way for you to be sent to France.¡±

    Munbaki just blinked.

    ¡°In the meantime, you¡¯ll stay with me.¡±

    Munbaki looked at Kang Chan as if asking why, but he couldn¡¯t bring himself to ask.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    ¡°Captain, dinner,¡± Reznov called as he approached with three C-rations, handing one each to Kang Chan and Mubaki.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± Kang Chan said.

    At that moment, Reznov, whom Kang Chan had thought would leave, plopped down between them.

    ¡°What?¡± Kang Chan asked,

    ¡°I brought three, sir. One of them is mine.¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t giving two to Munbaki?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get him another if he wants more.¡±

    Seeing Reznov holding out his hand with a smug look on his face, Munbaki smiled for the first time.

    <em>Rustle, rustle. Crunch!</em>

    It was time for the bloody sun of Agadez to move over the dunes, dragging the miserable day with it. The Agadez sunset stained hands, cheeks, and everything in sight, seemingly painting them red.

    They were halfway through the C-rations when one of the soldiers stationed at the upper caves shouted at them.

    ¡°Captain! Men dressed in Imic garb!¡±

    <em>Swish! Swoosh!</em>

    Kang Chan darted up, and Reznov followed.

    Munbaki, who had a biscuit in his hand, looked at Kang Chan as if was about to cry.

    ¡°Reznov! Take the kid further up!¡±

    Munbaki shook his head.

    Up ahead, military boots hit the ground, and their weapons nked.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Kang Chan quickly lowered his stance and looked Munbaki straight in the eye.

    ¡°I need your help now. Go up there with Reznov. Please. That¡¯s the only way I can face them.¡±

    Munbaki swallowed hard and hugged Kang Chan, who had knelt down.

    An inexplicable emotion was caught in Kang Chan¡¯s throat. After stepping back, Munbaki walked toward Reznov.

    ¡°Get up there!¡± Kang Chan ordered again.

    Reznov was a sniper. Naturally, he had the advantage when he was higher up.

    He ran toward the cave above, and Kang Chan quickly headed to the entrance.

    Fortunately, the entrance was narrow.

    As he ran, a soldier leaning against the wall pointed ahead.

    <em>Fuck! </em>

    About fifty enemies were approaching them.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan checked his magazine and then looked at the crypt where Reznov was supposed to be. Afterward, he looked at the rest of his men.

    At the same time, Smithen approached him while applying pressure on his shoulder. ¡°Captain. Please give me another chance.¡±

    ¡°Go back.¡±

    Kang Chan sounded more gentle than usual, but the fire in his eyes showed he wouldn¡¯t have trouble pulling the trigger if Smithen insisted.

    Smithen¡¯s shoulders drooped as if he¡¯d been shot in the forehead. He returned to his original position withoutints.

    Amid the fluttering turbans and dresses were men with rifles dangling from their hips.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°Reznov! Check if they have RPGs!¡± Kang Chan radioed.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°They only have personal weapons.¡±

    Kang Chan looked at the enemies and tilted his head. They were far too rxed for someone being chased.

    If so, then they were either here to kill all the remaining survivors of this vige or learned that the Sultan¡¯s artifact was here.

    Kang Chan¡¯s annoyance surged.

    <em>Shit!</em>

    Was Africa an antique shop or something? First it was the Eye of Ndulele, and now it was the Sultan¡¯s artifact.

    About seventy meters away, the enemies began to hide in the sand dunes, though they kept their eyes on the special forces soldiers.

    As the sun set, the dunes¡¯ shadows¡ªas deep as the approaching darkness¡ªbegan to stretch across the blood-rednd.

    Kang Chan smirked as he watched the group of enemies.

    Based on their movements, someone was clearlymanding them. They soon created a long line, proving the fact.

    <em>Look at you. </em>

    Kang Chan tilted his head again. They also seemed to be moving as though they knew that his unit had upied the vige.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°Reznov, search for theirmander. It has to be someone with military experience. Kill anyone who looks suspicious based on how they¡¯re dressed, their gestures, or even the way they move their heads.¡±

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan pressed the push-to-talk button again.

    <em>Chk. </em>

    ¡°The enemies know we¡¯re a special forces team, and it looks like they¡¯ll being in after dark. If we hide in the sand, our guns won¡¯t be effective.¡±

    The red glow of the sunset was fading into the darkness.

    ¡°If they don¡¯t charge in immediately, it means theirmander has a n. Even so, we¡¯ll take them all down and go home together after.¡±

    The men sighed. Some things they got used to, some things they didn¡¯t. Standing across from enemies like this was one of thetter.

    The darkness grew a little thicker.

    <em>Come. We¡¯re going to fight anyway. </em>

    The Sunni forces and a few mercenaries couldn¡¯t be too tough to deal with. However, at that moment, Kang Chan¡¯s heart suddenly began to race and beat loudly.

    <em>Thump, thump. </em>

    <em>Huh? What am I missing? With an entrance like this, it should be hard for enemies toe from behind. </em>

    The darkness enveloped the dunes and the enemies deeper and deeper.

    <em>Thump, thump. </em>

    <em>What? What is it?</em>

    Kang Chan looked sharply from one end of the long line of enemies to the other. A thought then shed in his mind.

    <em>Damn it! So this was why they didn¡¯t bring RPGs!</em>

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chan pressed the push-to-talk button again.

    ¡°Reznov, I want all of your men down there to descend as quietly as they can! Make sure they don¡¯t get spotted!¡± he growled.

    The men looked up, but they didn¡¯t notice any changes.

    Three minutester, Reznov, Munbaki, and four other men descended from the caves above.

    Kang Chan held out his hand to stop them in their tracks. He then pointed at Reznov and then at his eyes.

    <em>Rustle, rustle. </em>

    Reznov approached him cautiously.

    ¡°They seem to have us surrounded. They¡¯re probably waiting for reinforcements,¡± Kang Chan remarked.

    Reznov looked in the direction of the enemy.

    ¡°I¡¯ll charge in and buy us some time. You lead the men out. Take the child with you too.¡±

    ¡°Captain! Send someone else! I¡¯ll stay!¡±

    ¡°The most unhelpful person in closebat is a sniper. Cut the crap and get ready!¡±

    <em>Thump, thump. </em>

    There was no time.

    ¡°Reznov!¡±

    Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s eyes, Reznov gritted his teeth and turned around.

    Someone had to stay behind and help. About two men.

    It was a difficult mission to survive from.

    Kang Chan watched Reznov and then turned to the three men beside him.

    ¡°Captain! You promised to put me up front,¡± Haller eximed with a firm expression. ¡°Forman and I will stay behind with you.¡±

    The eyes of the man right in front of him showed that he was prepared to face death. Few would ever show such a gaze in their lifetime.

    They spoke with their eyes.

    <em>¡®It¡¯s a difficult mission.¡¯</em>

    <em>¡®Please leave it to me.¡¯</em>

    <em>How did Smithen manage to persuade guys like these?</em>

    Kang Chan nodded at Reznov.

    ¡°Captain?¡±

    ¡°Get going already! If more troopse, we¡¯ll all die here!¡±

    Reznov red at Haller and Forman in frustration and stepped back.

    Kang Chan sighed quietly and surveyed the enemies.

    If he looked at Munbaki right now, he felt as if he would stall for time.

 Extra, Chapter 458: Iéˆ¥æª“ Not Cowardly (2)

    ¡°We¡¯ll rush to the mound ahead on the count of three. I go first. Haller, you take the left; Forman, you¡¯re on the right.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Kang Chan exhaled. At the same time, a shout and amotion came from the enemies in front of them.

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    Kang Chan rushed forward first.

    <em>Click!</em>

    He slung his rifle over his shoulder, took aim, and began opening fire.

    <em>Ratatatatatat! Bang! Bang! </em>

    Their enemies quickly retaliated.<em>Ratatatat! Bang! Ratatatat!</em>

    The sand around Kang Chan bounced up like firecrackers as he ran.

    <em>Peew! Pew! Peew! Ratatatat! Ratatatat! Bang!</em>

    Haller and Forman ran close together. They fired back relentlessly, making it seem as though they were trying to make amends for their past mistakes.

    <em>Swoosh! Swoosh! Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan settled on the front of the mound first. Haller and Forman threw themselves at his nks.

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>! <em>Haah</em>! <em>Haah</em>! <em>Haah</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan looked back; he couldn¡¯t see Reznov and the others anymore.

    Upon checking on the men beside him, he quickly moved to the right. Forman was applying pressure to a gunshot wound on his stomach.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t just his stomach. He had been hit twice in his right chest as well. However, he seemed to be feeling more pain in the stomach.

    ¡°<em>Kegh</em>!¡±

    Themotion at the dune ahead of them was still ongoing.

    The enemy shouts that Kang Chan had heard earlier seemed to be a signal for their new reinforcements.

    He didn¡¯t have time to examine Forman right now. Kang Chan patted his head and climbed up the dune.

    The enemies had crouched down and were approaching.

    <em>Click! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    With every shot, Kang Chan took down a hostile on the horizon.

    A fierce gunfight ensued.

    ¡°Haller! Take the enemies at the front!¡± Kang Chanmanded. He then turned the muzzle of his rifle to the right, aiming to eliminate the enemies moving toward where Reznov had run.  ?

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    The silhouettes moving in the darkness dropped to the ground one by one. As if in retaliation, a tremendous barrage of enemy fire came flying at Kang Chan.

    <em>Bang! Ratatatat! Bang! Ratatatat! Ratatat! Bang!</em>

    Still, Kang Chan had likely done enough for Reznov to get out of the way safely.

    He didn¡¯t why the motherfuckers were going all out like this, but his men, Munbaki, and the cowardly bastard whom Kang Chan had almost beaten to death would at least get to go escape unscathed. That was all he could ask for.

    Forman let out a long, stretched-out groan. ¡°<em>Aaargh</em>¡­¡±

    Kang Chan quickly nced at him, finding Foreman grinning from ear to ear.

    <em>Bang! Ratatatat! Bang! Baaaang! Ratatatat!</em>

    Haller and the enemies exchanged shots.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a cowardly bastard, Captain,¡± Forman said with difficulty.

    ¡°I know. I don¡¯t leave missions like these to cowards,¡± Kang Chan replied.

    ¡°I really liked you, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked.

    Still grinning, Forman¡¯s head dropped to the sand. However, his eyes remained on his captain.

    <em>Thud. </em>

    ¡°You were a brave soldier. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t realize that earlier.¡±

    Kang Chan closed Forman¡¯s eyes with his right hand.

    <em>Banf! Ratatatat! Bang!</em>

    He had to help Haller now. The enemies were firing to stop Kang Chan and Haller from moving anywhere else.

    ¡°Haller!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    ¡°When I start firing, get to Reznov!¡±

    Haller gazed at the bottom of the dune. He then looked at Kang Chan with red, bloodshot eyes.

    ¡°Go on ahead! I¡¯ll get out when I can, so cover me then.¡±

    ¡°You should go first, Captain!¡± Haller protested.

    Kang Chan slightly raised his head to check the enemy¡¯s movements. They would probably break into a charge soon.

    ¡°I¡¯m better than you both in shooting and running, so just leave. I don¡¯t want to have to worry about you.¡±

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    ¡°Get ready!¡±

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    While Kang Chan checked his magazine, Haller prepared his rifle.

    ¡°Haller.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Survive. I¡¯ll see youter!¡±

    Kang Chan patted Haller on the head twice and then looked past the dune.

    ¡°Here we go!¡±

    <em>Click!</em>

    Haller slid under Kang Chan and moved to the edge of the sandy mound.

    <em>Why aren¡¯t these fuckers raising their heads?</em>

    Kang Chan nced back at Haller.

    ¡°<em>Waaaaah</em>!¡±

    At that moment, enemies sprang up from all over the dune in front of them. They charged through the dark desert, leaving the sky on the horizon behind.

    <em>Ratatatat! Ratatatat! Ratatat!</em>

    ¡°Run!¡±

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    With each pull of the trigger, a dark silhouette fell to the ground. However, there were too many of them.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan took down the enemies in the direction Haller would run first. He couldn¡¯t do much to the enemies that wereing for him for as long as Haller wasn¡¯t safe yet.

    At that moment, Haller suddenly climbed to the edge of the dune and suddenly began letting his rifle loose.

    ¡°You son of a bitch!¡±

    ¡°Go, Captain! You¡¯ll have to take my dead body to get me out of here!¡±

    <em>Bang! Ratatatat! Bang! Ratatatat!</em>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t say anything to him.

    #Illustration 005

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Ratatat! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan shot the enemies charging at him in the forehead.

    ¡°Reloading!¡± Kang Chan shouted and lowered his stance. He quickly changed magazines and returned fire once more.

    The enemies outnumbered them far too much. With only ten meters between them, Kang Chan felt as though he would meet his end here.

    As if nail to the coffin, he heard a sniper rifle go off.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! </em>

    However, he quickly realized that it wasing from the direction that his men had escaped to.

    ¡°Reznov! You crazy bastard!¡±

    ¡°Get out of there! Now!¡±

    Reznov and two of his men kept up a steady stream of fire, buying Kang Chan and Haller some time.

    ¡°Haller! Run! Now!¡±

    As Haller followed his order, Kang Chan jumped up and shot the foreheads of those who had rushed toward him.

    <em>Bang! Ratatatat! Bang! Bang!</em>

    ¡°Captain! Run!¡±

    Reznov¡¯s shouts seemed to shatter the darkness. Nevertheless, Kang Chan knew it wasn¡¯t time for him to run yet.

    He needed Haller to get to safety first and help disperse the enemy fire. Only then would his route be covered.

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang! Bang!</em>

    ¡°Captain!¡± Haller finally shouted.

    <em>Click! Click! Click! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan lowered his stance as much as possible and hauled ass to the right of the vige. Gritting his teeth, he then threw himself toward his men.

    The soldiers consecutively provided cover fire to stop the enemy¡¯s offensive.

    ¡°Get back!¡±

    Kang Chan braced himself against the right wall and raised his rifle.

    <em>Ratatatat! Ratatat! Ratatatatat! Ratatatat!</em>

    The enemies were rushing and shooting at them like madmen, making it hard to get a good shot. Nevertheless, as the dirt wall was patterned with bullet holes, Kang Chan and his men returned fire.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Ratatatat!</em>

    Amid the gunfight, they heard helicopters approaching from behind them.

    It would be more probable for monkeys to run toward them with AKs than for Sunni insurgents to mobilize helicopters in Africa.

    ¡°Get back! Secure the helicopter!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    <em>Bang! Baaang! Ratatatat! Ratatat!</em>

    One of his men quickly ran backward.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    ¡°Reznov! Go!¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡± Reznov replied loudly. Just as he stepped away, his throat and chest exploded.

    Kang Chan grabbed him and pulled him back with no hesitation. He had to do it quickly because Haller was taking on the enemy alone.

    ¡°<em>Kegh</em>! <em>Agh</em>! <em>Aaarggh</em>!¡±

    Every time Reznov tried to say something, blood bubbled up from his throat and mouth.

    ¡°<em>Krrgh</em>!¡±

    Coughing up blood, his bloodshot eyes turned to Kang Chan.

    ¡°<em>Krrgh</em>¡­¡±

    Not long after, his head fell to the ground like Forman¡¯s.

    <em>Thud. </em>

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>. <em>Haah</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan felt strangely out of breath. It was as if he had just run all the way here. The rest of the world seemed to have rushed off into the distance as well, leaving only Reznov and Kang Chan behind.

    ¡°Cap¡­tain!¡±

    Kang Chan heard Haller call out in the distance. He felt like clinging to the enemy to give him a little more time to mourn Reznov¡¯s death, but if he didn¡¯t pull himself together now, Haller would die too.

    <em>Haah, haah. </em>

    Soon, he began hearing his breathing again. The distant world slowly came closer and yed as slowly as its approach.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan turned around and aimed.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud!</em>

    <em>Reznov! It was an honor to meet and fight alongside you. </em>

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Bang! </em>

    <em>But right now, I have to protect Haller and the others. </em>

    <em>I¡¯m sorry for leaving you alone like this. </em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s shots had be frighteningly urate.

    The enemies¡¯ foreheads exploded as they went down like dominoes. As if they had realized that they couldn¡¯t keep going at this rate, they all ducked behind a nearby dune.

    <em>Ratatatatatat! </em>

    <em>Chk!</em>

    ¡°Captain! Now!¡± a soldier radioed in.

    ¡°Haller!¡± Kang Chan called.

    <em>Swoosh! Click! nk!</em>

    Haller charged, and Kang Chan followed him.

    <em>Ratatatatatat!</em>

    The helicopter was about fifty meters away from them.

    After narrowing the distance to twenty meters, Kang Chan turned around. He went down on his left knee and aimed at where the enemies would likelye.

    ¡°Captain!¡±

    ¡°Go! Get on first!¡±

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    As Kang Chan expected, the enemies appeared over the right wall.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! Bang! Thud! </em>

    The enemies pressed themselves against the wall, daring not to run out.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Ratatatatat!</em>

    Instead, they fired back with their bodies behind the wall, which dropped their uracy to a non-threatening degree.

    ¡°Captain! Let¡¯s go!¡±

    <em>Swoosh! Click! Click!</em>n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Kang Chan ran toward the helicopter.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Haller, who had one foot in the helicopter, and the soldiers inside opened fire one after another.

    <em>Click!</em>

    Kang Chan jumped into the helicopter, and Haller immediately turned around and put his other foot inside the helicopter.

    As they boarded, a sniper gunshot echoed.

    Haller¡¯s neck exploded, his blood sttering onto Kang Chan¡¯s face.

    <em>Ratatatatatat!</em>

    As the helicopter jerked and took off, Kang Chan¡¯s men and the enemies traded blows relentlessly.

    <em>Ratatatatat!</em>

    Eventually, the tilted helicopter went over the ridge, ending the gunfight. When the helicopter settled into position, Kang Chan pulled Haller¡¯s body inside, which he had been holding onto tightly.

    <em>Du du du du du du du!</em>

    ***

    Men rushed out as the helicopter descended to the base.

    Haller¡¯s body was passed down first, and Kang Chan followed.

    <em>Click, nk. </em>

    No one spoke. They just got out silently and stared nkly.

    Munbaki fidgeted in front of Kang Chan, who was covered in Haller¡¯s blood.

    ¡°Munbaki, as you can see, I¡¯m a mess right now. Go with the soldiers and rest. I¡¯lle by after I wash up.¡±

    Kang Chan turned and gave one of the soldiers an order to make a ce for Munbaki to rest and protect him.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    The soldier who replied nodded at Munbaki. Kang Chan forced a smile at Munbaki, who was staring at him as though he didn¡¯t want to go.

    <em>¡®It¡¯s okay. Go.¡¯</em>

    The blood in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes dyed the world red. Its scent drifted into his nostrils.

    Kang Chan could handle being covered in blood as long as it was the enemy¡¯s. However, this redness and smell were thest traces of his fallen soldiers.

    It was painful.

    Kang Chan slowly raised his gaze.

    ¡°Anyone got a cigarette?¡±

    A few soldiers frantically dug through their pockets. Soon, one brought a cigarette over.

    Kang Chan held out his hand, which was sticky with blood. The soldier lit it for him instead.

    <em>Click. Hiss. </em>

    <em>Fwoosh. </em>

    The flickering light of the cigarette illuminated Kang Chan in all his red glory.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan smoked next to the helicopter.

    Everyone, from the helicopter pilot to the soldiers surrounding him, stared at him with mixed expressions.

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>!¡±

    Kang Chan spat out a cloud of white smoke into the night. Despite having entered his blood-red body, it remained as white as snow.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Kang Chan swore in Korean.

 Extra, Chapter 459: He Thanks You For Letting Him Come Here (1)

    Shan summoned Smithen and sat down across from him early in the morning.

    ¡°<em>Whew</em>! I got a briefing from the unitmanderst night, not a written report.¡±

    Shan nced at the paper that he had scribbled on and looked up with a troubled expression. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    ¡°ording to Chan¡¯s report, the 11th unit killed more enemies than two Foreign Legion regiments and two special forces unitsbined. And that¡¯s despite the fact that they kept one of the men out ofbat.¡±

    Shan paused, his gaze sliding to Smithen¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°The act of stabbing you in the shoulder is punishable, but it¡¯s hard to punish him. The DGSE has high hopes for him, and as you sawst night, all of the soldiers admire him greatly. We can¡¯t ignore that.¡±

    <em>Rustle. </em>

    Shan pushed the paper aside.

    ¡°If word gets out that you acted cowardly, it¡¯ll get tough for you here, especially with Haller and Forman killed in action. Do you know what the first thing Kang Chan did after he lit his cigarette?¡±¡°I don¡¯t sir.¡±

    ¡°<em>Ahem</em>. Even though he was still covered in blood, he went to Haller and stayed by his side for half an hour. Thirty other men stood silently with him. If he tells anyone about your cowardice¡­¡± Shan trailed off and slid his right hand across his throat.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be strangled in your sleep. You¡¯ve thrown the pride of the 13th Regiment of the L¨¦gion ¨¦trang¨¨re to the ground.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not quite the full story, sir.¡±

    Shan smirked. ¡°Smithen.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°Was there anything special about Kang Chan that you noticed during this operation?¡±

    ¡°Nothing, as far as I know.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Leaning back against his chair¡¯s backrest, Shan continued, ¡°The unitmander has requested you be transferred to another unit. Given his personality, I doubt he¡¯ll go around telling others about your issue, but I don¡¯t know if the rest of the soldiers will stay quiet.¡±

    ¡°Please give me another chance.¡±

    Smithen clung to Shan with a desperate look in his eyes.

    ¡°There is one way,¡± Shan responded as if he had been waiting for Smithen to say those words. ¡°I can cover your issue in exchange for sending the child that Kang Chan had brought to France. That¡¯s too much work for me to do, though.¡±

    ¡°Please help me, sir. I¡¯ll do whatever you ask in the future, just as I have been doing.¡±

    Smithen looked into Shan¡¯s piercing eyes, his expression and tone desperate.

    ¡°Can I trust you?¡±

    ¡°You know you can easily get rid of a regr soldier like me. Even so, I¡¯ll stay loyal to the end.¡±

    Shan smirked as if imitating Kang Chan.

    ***

    Mubaki had been with Kang Chan for about three days. He was still young, but even he could tell how much the soldiers respected Kang Chan.

    He had never seen an Asian person before. Even at this base, he was the only Asian man.

    The respect that all the soldiers had for Kang Chan made Munbaki¡¯s heart beat faster.

    Since then, he had started calling Kang Chan ¡°<em>Capitaine</em>.¡±

    ¡°Munbaki! Come here!¡±

    The soldiers all took Munbaki around. They gave him food and even yed ball with him, which he had never seen before.

    It was fun, surprising, and a bit unnerving for the young child. Soon, the cause for his anxiety arrived.

    Flushed from having kicked a ball around with the soldiers, Munbaki came back to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Munbaki,¡± Kang Chan addressed.

    ¡°Oui, <em>Capitaine</em>,¡± Munbaki replied, sitting down across from him.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be departing for France tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°<em>Capitaine</em>?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t stay here together. The soldiers here will be going our separate ways in two days too.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll run errands for you. I¡¯ll do anything you ask.¡±

    Kang Chan smirked and extended his hand. His hand smelled faintly of cigarettes as he stroked Munbaki¡¯s hair.

    ¡°They¡¯ll find you a ce to stay and a school. When you finish school, you can apply for the Foreign Legion. I won¡¯t say anything then.¡±

    ¡°After finishing school?¡±

    Kang Chan nodded in response.

    Even Munbaki knew that even if he pleaded, he couldn¡¯t stay here.

    ¡°<em>Capitaine</em>,¡± he quietly called. ¡°You¡¯ll still be here when Ie, won¡¯t you?¡±

    Kang Chan chuckled and nodded.

    ¡°Promise me,¡± Munbaki urged.

    ¡°I promise.¡±

    Munbaki lifted his right hand and spat in his palm. He then held it out to Kang Chan.

    ¡°If I take this, will the promise be official?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a promise that you can never break.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t feel likeing back anymore, don¡¯t do it,¡± Kang Chan said. He then spat in his palm and shook Munbaki¡¯s hand.

    The next day, Munbaki left with tears streaming down his cheek. The day after, Kang Chan traveled to Kilima, Democratic Republic of Congo. Smithen apanied him.  ?

    ***

    Three months passed. Since then, more soldiers had been sent to Kang Chan¡¯s unit, and they had gone to four more operations.

    Afterward, Kang Chan formally requested a leave of absence. It was something he had never done before, but the higher-ups granted his request without question. He deserved to be rewarded for his capabilities and tremendous performance in theirst four operations.

    Unexpectedly, Kang Chan spent his vacation in Kilima. His break meant the 11th unit got a break too.

    The unit needed three more soldiers. Despite the difficult nature of his unit¡¯s missions and the fact that every operation resulted in deaths or injuries, volunteers were outpouring.

    For these soldiers, who had chosen to be in the special forces, the 11th unit was a badge of honor, pride, and legend.

    ¡°Pick from here.¡±

    Shan thrust a file in front of Kang Chan.

    ¡°I heard one of them told you about wanting to join. Apparently, he had a lot of issues at the special forces team''s training. I was told to tell you to use your discretion to decide, but they want your decision asap.¡±

    Kang Chan took the file from Shan.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go out and meet some girls? Let loose?¡±

    ¡°I just wanted to take a short break. I needed some days when I don¡¯t have to be on standby for missions.¡±

    Shan remained expressionless. ¡°Alright, then. Check the file out and select three people by evening.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Kang Chan left Shan¡¯s barracks and returned to his own.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Throwing the documents on the table, Kang Chan sat in front of it and took out a cigarette.

    Selecting recruits had always been ufortable for him. At some point, applicants started to flood in, and Kang Chan was given the authority to choose from them. It was a burden.

    <em>Click! Hiss!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    Kang Chan began to open the file with a cigarette in his mouth. Just then, a soldier approached with a mug of coffee.

    ¡°Recruitment?¡±

    He sat down across from Kang Chan and held out the mug. The sweet smell of coffee wasn¡¯t too bad.

    Kang Chan took the mug and sipped the coffee, then leaned his upper body against the backrest.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go out?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t have anywhere to go.¡±

    ¡°You mean you don¡¯t have any money to spend?¡±

    ¡°I had enough to lend Smithen.¡±

    Kang Chan grinned, and the soldier grinned simrly.

    Kang Chan exhaled once more. He then nced at the file.

    He couldn¡¯t believe there were so many madmen wanting to join a unit that was only ever given tough missions.

    ¡°Lots of them want to go on operations under yourmand.¡± ¨¦iric looked up from the documents and puffed up his chest exaggeratedly. ¡°I, for one, am also honored to be working with you. Can you see how proud I am?¡±

    <em>One minute he¡¯sughing and talking, the next he¡¯s a bloody corpse. </em>

    ¡°I like it. When Ie back from a hard mission with you, when soldiers from other units show their respect for you, and when the Foreign Legion soldiers look at you with admiration. Every time I witness those, I think of how d I am to havee here and serve under you.¡±

    ¡°Crazy bastard.¡±

    ¨¦iric grinned. ¡°Lots of guys imitate the way you change magazines and the way you smirk, you know. I¡¯m off now.¡±

    ¨¦iric stood up.

    The Irishman had a solid physique and a good personality.

    Kang Chan took another sip of coffee and flipped open the cover of the file. He had to select three men, including a sniper.

    As soon as he looked at the first page, he couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.

    It was Dayeru.

    The beady eyes on his huge head were ring at Kang Chan as if demanding to quickly choose him.

    <em>How is he already eligible toe here?</em>

    Even going straight from regr training to special forces training required the influence of the DGSE.

    Kang Chan looked at Daye¡¯s training and file notes.

    <em>#Finished training early. Rmended by God of ckfield. </em>

    Just based on the official file, Dayeru seemed like an excellent soldier. Kang Chan peered at the cursive writing at the bottom.

    <em>#Speaks no French at all. Unwilling to learn. Violently oppressed his peers during training. Will have difficulty fitting in wherever he is ced.</em>

    In other words, it was warning whoever was reading the file to never pick him. Dayeru seemed to have pissed off the instructor who wrote it.

    <em>#Discharged from training early under the condition that he apply to the 11th unit, 13th Regiment. If denied, he will be discharged as a misfit for the Foreign Legion. </em>

    The words ¡°misfit¡± and ¡°discharged¡± were in bold.

    Kang Chan looked at the applicants in the back. Aside from Dayeru, they all had at least two years of experience in special forces teams. Because special forces training usually didn¡¯t end around this time of the year, the only fresh soldiers were those who had applied with the condition of being discharged.

    Kang Chan selected three men and returned to Shan¡¯s barracks with the file in hand.

    Upon seeing Dayeru¡¯s file, Shan gazed up at Kang Chan. However, he only said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let them know.¡±

    ***

    Kang Chan spent his break running around the base and working out. Soon, his men returned as well. Not too long after their arrival, the three soldiers whom Kang Chan had selected walked into the Kilima base.

    <em>Click, click.</em>

    Three men walked toward Kang Chan¡¯s barracks. Two were carrying MP5SDs, and one had a CheyTac.

    Seeing Kang Chan, Dayeru¡¯s eyebrows twitched.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you learn French?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Dayeru responded with his signatureugh. ¡°<em>Phuhuhu</em>!¡±

    ¡°Mazani!¡± Kang Chan called. A soldier quickly came over. ¡°This man will stay with you in your barracks. He can¡¯t speak any French, so be patient with him. Take him.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Mazani, an Algerian soldier, gestured Dayeru toward his barracks.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Dayeru suddenly called in French.

    That was it. After that, he rapidly said something in Algerian.

    ¡°He heard that¡¯s what they call you here. He also thanks you for letting hime here,¡± Mazani interpreted.

    <em>Pft.</em>

    ¡°Tell him to go change ande back so we can have a smoke.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    Mazani ryed Kang Chan¡¯s words to Dayeru, and Dayeru nced at Kang Chan once before leaving.

    ¡°You two are from special forces teams, so I don¡¯t have to give you any orders in particr, do I? There¡¯s a barrack back there that¡¯s empty. You two can stay there for now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to be staying with you, Captain,¡± Monachel, the new sniper, responded and turned back.

    Kang Chan had always found receiving recruits ufortable. Familiarizing himself with new faces and the ruckus that followed was bothersome as well.

    <em>Crash! Crash!</em>

    Kang Chan frowned and got up from the table.

    The other two had experience, so Dayeru was the only one who would make such a fuss.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    As Kang Chan walked over, he heard a series of crashes and punches.

    Three soldiers standing in front of the barracks quickly moved aside.

    <em>p!</em>

    Kang Chan immediately lifted the veil covering the barracks¡¯ entrance and entered.

    <em>Pow! Pow! Pow! Pow!</em>

    Dayeru was sitting on top of Smithen, who was as big as him, and beating him one-sidedly.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Kang Chan growled.

    Dayeru¡¯s head snapped up.

    Covered in blood, Smithen groaned. Sitting on top of him, Dayeru¡¯s eyes zed with fury.

    Kang Chan looked him straight in the eye.

    It was the typical look of a man who had lived in a world where fighting was the only way to survive.

    If Dayeru disobeyed, Kang Chan could simply beat him again. If that didn¡¯t fix him, Kang Chan would break his arm and send him away. Those who didn¡¯t listen to orders could endanger the lives of others.

    ¡°You son of a bitch,¡± Kang Chan spat out in Korean.

    At that moment, Dayeru got off of Smithen.

    Kang Chan looked at Mazani, wanting an exnation.

    ¡°Smithen refused to make coffee, sir,¡± Mazani said.

    Smithen, now holding his nose, barely managed to get up.

    <em>Ha. That stupid idiot. </em>

    Kang Chan wordlessly left the barracks.

 Extra, Chapter 460: He Thanks You For Letting Him Come Here (2)

    Although Kang Chan¡¯s vacation was over, there were no immediate operational orders. In times like these, the 11th unit usually spent their time working out. It was probably one of the best ways to get to know new recruits, too

    Twelve split into six-person teams for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon to y a special forces sport called ¡°intense ball.¡±

    First, they set up a stic bottle in the middle of a circle. They could throw the ball from outside of the circle or jump into it with the ball. As long as your foot didn¡¯t touch the circle, you were good. It was simr to handball.

    Naturally, points were scored by knocking down the other team¡¯s bottle with the ball. Although the game was called intense ball, touching the opposing team member holding the ball meant they were out, so there was little chance of injury.

    The action was as fast-paced as basketball, with the attacking teams always changing, and the field was half the size of a ser field. Hence, it involved a significant amount of running around.

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>! <em>Haah</em>!¡±

    Not surprisingly, ten minutes into the game, they were all already gasping for air.

    ¡°Run!¡± Kang Chan yelled, pushing the soldiers.

    The men took off their shirts under the African sun and resumed running relentlessly. Dayeru was outstanding. The big guy moved so smoothly, and the first day they yed the game, Smithen realized he was no match for him.

    After the match, they were all sweating buckets.

    They huddled in the shade of the barracks, drank water to cool off, showered, and took naps. They were all enjoying the perfect break.

    Kang Chan, fresh out of the shower, was cleaning his pistol when someone spoke to him.

    ¡°Captain, check this out.¡±

    ¨¦iric walked over to the table and held out a photograph to Kang Chan. It was a picture of an exhausted-looking woman holding a newborn child.

    ¡°My little sister just gave birth to a baby girl.¡±

    Kang Chan almost burst outughing.

    He already found it a wonder that ¨¦iric¡¯s sister resembled ¨¦iric¡¯s rugged face so much, but even the daughter she had given birth to was the spitting image of her uncle.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t she look like me?¡± ¨¦iric asked with a grin.

    ¡°Congrattions,¡± Kang Chan replied, though he wasn¡¯t sure if it was something to congratte.

    ¨¦iric looked pleased that his niece looked like him. An uncle with no concern for his niece¡¯s future¡ªKang Chan thought he was a selfish bastard. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Kang Chan lowered his gaze to the table and reassembled the disassembled pistol.

    He was afraid of soldiers that suddenly got through his walls like this. That was why he deliberately kept his eyes on the pistol.

    As the day came to an end, the fiery red sunset began to appear in the distance.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    Just then, Kang Chan heard heavy footsteps.

    ¡°Captain.¡±

    It was Dayeru.

    The big-headed guy set a mug in front of Kang Chan.

    Dayeru had beaten Smithen like a dog when he had asked him for coffee. However, he somehow knew Kang Chan¡¯s tastes and had prepared some sweet coffee.

    ¨¦iric looked at Dayeru and the mug in front of Kang Chan with interest.

    ¡°Take a seat.¡±

    Dayeru sat down at the table to Kang Chan¡¯s left. His coffee was also mixed with cream and sugar.

    <em>Would it have hurt this punk to make some coffee for ¨¦iric too while he was at it?</em>

    Kang Chan checked the grip and trigger of his assembled pistol and then chambered a round.

    <em>Click! ck!</em>

    Weapons that were well taken care of like this became the force that protected the unit.

    Kang Chan strapped the pistol to his waist.

    This time, Mazani came over with two mugs, one of which was for ¨¦iric.

    Two sweet coffees, and two ck coffees. The four sipped from their mugs as they sat around.

    Coffee that had the perfect bnce of cream and sugar was a lifeforting concoction. Unfortunately, the one that Dayeru had brought wasn¡¯t thatforting yet.

    ¡°<em>Tabac</em>?¡± Dayeru asked in a thick, awkward ent.

    Kang Chan sighed, finding Dayeru¡¯s French ridiculous. He couldn¡¯t believe Dayeru managed to join the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces with only this level of French. Still, he liked that Dayeru was suggesting having cigarettes.

    When Kang Chan smirked, Dayeru smirked back and handed him a cigarette. He also took out a lighter.

    <em>Clunk. Chk. </em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    As they smoked, the sunset dyed the entire world red, making it look as if it had been plunged into a sea of blood.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like your name, Dayeru. I¡¯ll just call you Daye from now on,¡± Mazani said.

    Dayeru wordlessly drank his coffee as he listened. He then grimaced, his shoulders shaking. The hot coffee seemed to have singed his tongue.

    Kang Chanughed in disbelief as he watched the big,rge-headed man wriggle like a crocodile.

    ***

    Shan was dissatisfied, and the man sitting across from him looked ufortable.

    They were at an open-air cafe in the Kilima neighborhood.

    The cold coffee and tea and crumpled cigarettes in the ashtray reflected the two men¡¯s emotions.

    ¡°We won¡¯t make any more mistakes,¡± the man spoke in British English.

    ¡°My position¡¯s much more awkward now due to the soldiers¡¯ respect for that Asianmander. I hope you use more proper mercenaries this time,¡± Shan rebuked in French. ¡°I can¡¯t believe a special forces sniper killed the wrong man. It¡¯s hard to trust you after what happened in Agadez; the DGSE wouldn¡¯t have been so sloppy.¡±

    ¡°He used a weapon that was dropped on the ground to avoid arousing the suspicions of the French DGSE, and he was just unlucky. We haven¡¯t been involved in any of the four operations since, so I think you can rest assured that the DGSE won¡¯t be suspicious of you.¡±

    <em>Click. </em>

    The man unhooked his leather briefcase and slid a stic folder toward Shan.

    ¡°These are shares of Gong Te automobile and a proof of deposit from Paribas.¡±

    Shan just lowered his gaze, not even bothering to extend his hand or anything.

    ¡°We have information that a red glow was seen in Chad. We¡¯re going to be supporting the Imist rebels there. The DGSE has probably gotten wind of it too and will send that Asianmander over.¡±

    Shan frowned as he focused on what the man was saying.

    ¡°It will be easier for you to manage the 13th Regiment¡¯s special forces unit if that man, whom the DGSE trusts, falls in battle. You can trust the mercenaries we¡¯ll be sending this time.¡±

    ¡°Are you sending the SAS or something?¡± Shan sarcastically remarked.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Shan looked at the man in surprise.

    ¡°They will be selected from active duty.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got one more question. What is that red glow?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not important.¡±

    ¡°If the 11th unit will be dispatched for it, it has to be a little important.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s energy, but it¡¯s almost depleted.¡±

    Shan¡¯s eyes glinted. ¡°So it¡¯s not a jewel.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a special energy that only we and France know how to harness. Even if you were to sneak it away, it would be treated as a mere jewel by anyone but us or the DGSE.¡±

    ¡°Is that a warning?¡±

    ¡°Well, sometimes, we be greedy for things beyond ourprehension. It¡¯s mutually beneficial for us if you don¡¯t forget that.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    Shan could finally see the big picture. To his surprise, the Eye of Ndulele and the Sultan¡¯s artifact meant energy.

    <em>¡®Scary bastards.¡¯</em>

    The people in the intelligence world were frightening.

    Shan had considered secretly bargaining off the ckhead if he obtained it, but they were tantly warning him against it.

    ¡°It¡¯s time to go.¡±

    The man across from him stood up, and a group of ck men who had been around them shifted toward him. They were all British special agents.

    After a quick nod, the man disappeared into the crowd.

    <em>¡®SAS agents, huh¡­¡¯</em>

    Shan stared at the yellow African sky.

    It would be hard for even Kang Chan to get out of this trap.

    That man was too valuable to eliminate. Unfortunately, he wasn¡¯t as greedy as Smithen.

    Being without greed was fine, but Kang Chan had strangely managed to twist Shan¡¯s ns. He especially disliked how the special forces soldiers respected Kang Chan more than him.

    <em>¡®That fucking Asian bastard.¡¯</em>

    Shan silently picked up the stic folder on the table.

    ***

    Smithen entered Shan¡¯s barracks.

    ¡°Sit down.¡±

    Shan motioned to a seat across from him.

    ¡°How was your break?¡±

    ¡°It was nice.¡±

    The bastard¡¯s knack for taking a beating was how he had survived for so long. It was the reason he was now the longest-surviving man of the 11th unit, second only to Kang Chan.

    ¡°There¡¯s going to be an operation in two days.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Shan sighed quietly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing special, but they¡¯ve been saying some nonsense about seeing some glow in that area, so if you see anything like that or if your unitmander does anything strange, let me know.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Shan looked at Smithen with dissatisfaction.

    ¡°I might be giving you special treatment, but I won¡¯t tolerate abandoning the pride of the special forces. If you do anything reprehensible to the soldiers again, I¡¯ll be the first to send you elsewhere. Consider yourself warned.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir.¡±

    For some reason, Smithen sounded quite confident.

    ***

    Romain wiped his face with the back of his hand.

    The intelligence bureaus of Britain, the United States, Germany, Switzend, Russia, and Israel were all buzzing.

    <em>What the hell is going on?</em>

    Romain felt as if he¡¯d been pushed to the side. He couldn¡¯t stand it.

    He only had Lanok to me. Although he needed solid information, the French DGSE director was so personally protective of himself that it was hard to get any intel on him.

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    Romain sighed heavily and looked over the Foreign Legion¡¯s recent work. Its soldiers were always called in to eliminate rebels who were ughtering civilians or harming the French honor.

    <em>What is going on?</em>

    Lately, however, its special forces had been frequently deployed to areas with ckheads.

    Romain knew they were after the damn jewel. What he didn¡¯t understand was why in the world the DGSE was fighting all over Africa in search of it.

    He leaned back in his seat and contemted.

    Why would they sacrifice precious special forces soldiers for jewels that could be easily brought with the budget that the DGSE had?

    Romain leaned over his desk again and scrutinized the new operation order.

    <em>¡®Gorko?¡¯</em>

    There was no doubt that it was the hiding ce of the Imic insurgency¡¯s leader, but that wasn¡¯t enough justification to deploy three special forces units and fivepanies. An army thatrge would be enough to intervene in a country¡¯s civil war.

    Shan, themanding officer.

    Romain tapped his index finger slowly on the desk. He had been keeping an eye on this soldier under the assumption that he could one day use him to get rid of Lanok, that bothersome man.

    ***

    Although Dayeru looked dumb and had a big head, thick neck, and arms that were the size of Kang Chan¡¯s thighs, anyone who would say that to his face would have their teeth, arms, or necks broken.

    Dayeru was quick-witted, determined, and tenacious. He had endured the torment of instructors at two training centers and joined Kang Chan¡¯s unit with great expectations. However, now that he was here, he couldn¡¯t help but think that there wasn¡¯t much to it.

    He had heard all the rumors about Kang Chan and what the 11th unit was like. Contrary to what he had heard, though, all Kang Chan had done so far was smirk. He didn¡¯t show any of the ferocity or coolughter that he showed in the bar.

    Kang Chan looked sharp and hard, and Dayeru could see that Kang Chan was athletic when they yed sports, but shouldn¡¯t the man pull him to the side for a conversation or something now that he hade all the way here?

    He even made him sweet coffee, yet¡ªlike always¡ªKang Chan just smirked.

    Did he read theirmander wrong? He was so sure that Kang Chan had the eyes of a strong man.

    Dayeru shook his head. He had acknowledged Kang Chan.

    Even if Kang Chan wasn¡¯t who Dayeru thought he was, thetter believed he should still be satisfied that he had a proper identity now.

    Dayeru clicked his tongue and headed to the corner. He then hunched over and boiled water.

    He could do this much for the first man he¡¯d ever wanted to follow in his life.

    Dayeru poured three spoons of coffee, three spoons of cream, and then five spoons of sugar into a mug.

    <em>What¡¯s with his childish tastebuds anyway?</em>

    This wasn¡¯t coffee. This was a sugary drink with coffee voring.

    Dayeru couldn¡¯t help but admit that he had gotten a bit used to it, though. After all, he had been drinking it with Kang Chan. It wasn¡¯t all that bad to enjoy it with a cigarette.

    The water was boiling away. Now, he just needed to pour the water into the mug.

    Dayeru couldn¡¯t believe he was making coffee in such a ce.

    <em>¡®I need to stop by Excelment.¡¯</em>

    He felt bad for not being able to soothe the olddies.

    ¡°<em>Argh</em>! Hot! Shit!¡±

    Dayeru put his fingers in his mouth and red at the kettle, his eyes glinting.

    For some reason, he had never had a great rtionship with things that were hot or required fire. Except for cigarettes.

    ¡°<em>Urgh</em>.¡±

    Dayeru took the coffee that he had made with much difficulty to Kang Chan.

    ¡°Chan!¡± Shan suddenly shouted, and Kang Chan stood up.

    Kang Chan smirked upon seeing the mug. He then began to walk over.

    It was strange. Kang Chan hadn¡¯t said anything, yet Dayeru understood that Kang Chan wanted him to wait for him.

    Dayeru ced the mug at Kang Chan¡¯s spot and made himself a mug of sweet coffee as well.

    ¡°<em>Ah</em>, shit!¡±

    It was still hot.

 Extra, Chapter 461: Just Like Reznov, Haller, and Forman (1)

    Once Kang Chan stepped in, Shan jerked his chin toward the table.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been assigned an operation,¡± Shan said dryly once Kang Chan had sat down.

    It didn¡¯te as a surprise. Considering he had just taken his break, it had been a while since Kang Chan had been deployed.

    ¡°We are to neutralize the Imist rebels who have taken over Gorko, Chad. This is a big operation that involves two special forces teams and five Foreign Legionpanies in addition to the 11th unit. The 11th unit will be in charge of the first strike.¡±

    Shan slid two maps toward Kang Chan.

    ¡°These are detailed maps of Gorko¡¯s entire terrain and rebel bases. It¡¯s a mountainous area, so we assume the enemy¡¯s base is in a cave.¡±

    ¡°Do they have civilians?¡±

    Shan shook his head.

    ¡°No, but I heard they use the ce to train rebels or deliver weapons to the rest of Chad. Beyond that, I don¡¯t know.¡±¡°When do we depart?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow morning at nine. You¡¯ll take a ne to Yao, then a helicopter to Gorko.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Kang Chan took the two maps and left Shan¡¯s barracks. The area being civilian-free made him feel as though a slight burden had been lifted off of his chest.

    Before heading back to his barracks, Kang Chan looked for ¨¦iric first.

    ¡°¨¦iric! We¡¯re leaving at 0900 tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    That was enough of an order for the troops. The rest, as always, would be better issued on the ne.

    ¡°Mazani!¡± Kang Chan called the Algerian. He then moved to the table.

    Dayeru was still at the table with a mug of cold coffee in front of him.

    As Kang Chan sat down and picked up a cigarette and lighter, Mazani approached him.

    ¡°Tell Daye that we¡¯re leaving at 0900 for tomorrow¡¯s operation. And tell him to stay behind me no matter what happens once the operation starts.¡±

    Mazani interpreted Kang Chan¡¯s message into Arabic for Dayeru.

    Due to thenguage barrier, Dayeru still couldn¡¯tmunicate with his teammates even though they were already about to embark on a dangerous mission. It was absurd.

    If it weren¡¯t for the DGSE, he couldn¡¯t have gotten anywhere near the Foreign Legion; he wouldn¡¯t even be hired as a staff member. Well, he would probably rather die than be a regr employee, so it didn¡¯t really matter anyway.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Dayeru called, speaking for the first time. He then began to speak rapid Arabic, which made Kang Chan think the bastard was really good at it.

    ¡°The ones who killed my mother and sister spoke French. I¡¯ve hated thenguage since,¡± Mazani quickly interpreted. ¡°He says if you tell him to, he¡¯ll start learning it.¡±

    Kang Chan looked Daye straight in the eye.

    One shouldn¡¯t have to live a life that they didn¡¯t want, especially in a ce where they could die at any moment.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t fully understand Dayeru¡¯s hostility toward the men who had killed his mother and sister, but he knew what it felt like to be angry upon seeing a mangled corpse.  ????¦¢¨º£Ó

    ¡°Tell him he doesn¡¯t have to.¡±

    Mazani looked at Kang Chan in surprise and confusion. However, he soon snapped out of it and turned to Dayeru to ry what Kang Chan had said.

    ¡°Remind him to stay behind me, though.¡±

    After Mazani did as instructed, Dayeru replied with, ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¡°He has to answer me seriously when I call him Daye too.¡±

    ¡°Oui,¡± Dayeru repeated.

    ¡°Crazy asshole.¡±

    Kang Chanughed. Dayeru followed suit.

    ***

    The next morning, the men woke up to therge rats screeching behind the barracks as snakes snapped them up.

    Mornings in Kilima always felt the same.

    Kang Chan found the people here quitezy, but perhaps that was due to the pitiful screams of rats that he heard every morning. The early risers here were often eaten first by those who had been hungry all night. Moreover, the eagles that flew the highest were thest to descend on carcasses, causing them to miss out on some meals.

    He woke up at dawn and ran around the perimeter of the base.

    Why would anyone be diligent in this part of the world when early-rising rats were eaten and soaring eagles went hungry here? It didn¡¯t really matter to Kang Chan, though. He was neither a rat nor an eagle.

    After his long run, Kang Chan opened a stic bottle, drank water to refresh himself, and washed up.

    Since Dayeru had joined Kang Chan¡¯s unit, he had been waiting for Kang Chan at the table every mealtime. Kang Chan didn¡¯t say anything about it.

    Their breakfast was essentially just canned food dumped onto a te. Still, Dayeru ate a lot.

    Kang Chan watched the ridiculouslyrge Algerian as they ate. Somehow, they seemed simr.

    He exuded the aura of someone who had spent most of his life alone. Kang Chan didn¡¯t need words to know that, and it wasn¡¯t like he would understand if Dayeru told him anyway.

    They finished breakfast without a word of conversation.

    <em>Should I teach him Korean?</em>

    Unaware of Kang Chan¡¯s thoughts, Dayeru picked up the tes and went back to his barracks.

    It was time to prepare for the mission ahead.

    Kang Chan entered his barracks and put on a different military uniform than usual. He also wore a helmet and a bulletproof vest that had lots of pockets for arge-scale battle.

    Next, he strapped on his weapons one by one.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    When Kang Chan stepped outside, his men were already ready and waiting for him at the table. They remained quiet during oddly tense moments like these.

    Kang Chan looked at ¨¦iric and gestured toward the entrance.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    They would be moving in pairs, two meters apart. Depending on the situation, Kang Chan could adjust the distance between the front and back.

    The truck immediately spewed out thick smoke when it saw them. The rumbling of the engine and the smell of burning diesel fuel signaled the start of the operation.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    ¨¦iric and another soldier stood guard at the entrance of the truckbed as the others climbed in. Their new sniper, Montechelle, climbed into the back of the truck and hung his CheyTac from the roof of the cab. That was enough for everyone to know that he was a veteran.

    After confirming that ¨¦iric had climbed in with the rest of the unit, Kang Chan walked to the passenger seat. Once he was inside, the truck hit the road.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    <em>Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    There were times when he wished he could drive down a well-paced road in a luxury sedan instead of the barrenndscape of Africa. He wondered what it would be like to sit on a street full of buildings, sipping sweet coffee and smoking a cigarette. People in neat suits, form-fitting dresses, and the like would walk by.

    But what would he do in such a ce? Be an office worker? That was a terrible idea.

    A pork cutlets restaurant owner? He¡¯d likely end up hitting customers in the head with the tes, which would be too troublesome to deal with.

    ¡°<em>Haah</em>.¡±

    Perhaps this was how Enzo and Gillot felt. They wanted to soar in the sky, but they couldn¡¯t leave the lifestyle behind.

    <em>Vroom! Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    The truck continued to zoom off noisily.

    All operations started the same way. Unfortunately, the same could be said about how they ended; some of the soldiers departing today wouldn¡¯te back.

    The 11th unit received special treatment, but that was only because their missions were harder and always required sacrifices from the soldiers.

    Kang Chan tried not to think about it.

    He could never get used to seeing his men covered in blood, coughing, and then dying with a pale face. It didn¡¯t matter how many times he experienced it.

    However, just as how water flowed through cracks, ¨¦iric and Mazani seeped through his walls, and he couldn¡¯t help but have a soft spot for Dayeru, who struggled so hard toe to him.

    Just like Reznov, Haller, and Foreman.

    <em>Vroom!</em>

    The truck swerved around a bend, and an airne came into view. This was it.

    Kang Chan sighed quietly and shook off his emotions.

    <em>nk! nk!</em>

    As always, ¨¦iric guarded the entrance, and the men climbed into the ne in single file.

    The tarmac was bare and well-paved.

    <em>Urrrrng!</em>

    The aircraft¡¯s engines slowly grew louder in preparation for the uing flight.

    As the cargo door of the ne closed, the rms red and the green lights shed rang three times.

    The airne then hit the runway.

    <em>Clunk! Clunk! Clunk!</em>

    As usual, the shudder of the nes told Kang Chan and his men how the runway curved.

    <em>Vrooooom! Creak! Clunk! </em>

    Unleashing a flurry of noises, it continued to pick up the pace.

    <em>Rooooar!</em>

    As the cockpit rose, everyone naturally sagged downward. The men all tilted toward the ground.

    <em>Urrrrng!</em>

    Finally, the aircraft took to the skies.

    ¡°Gather ¡®round,¡± Kang Chan ordered, pulling out the maps. ¡°We¡¯re taking out the Imic rebels who have taken over Gorko. We¡¯ll fly to Yao, where we¡¯ll take a helicopter to Gorko. From there, it¡¯s about a three-hour ride through the mountains.¡±

    Kang Chan pointed to the route with his index finger.

    ¡°This is Point Alpha, this is Point Bravo. If we¡¯re forced to retreat, we¡¯ll regroup here. Questions?¡±

    Only Mazani spoke, quietly interpreting Kang Chan¡¯s instructions into Arabic under his breath.

    ¡°Alright. Get some rest for now,¡± Kang Chan finished. He folded up the map, stuffed it in his pocket, and flopped down on the bunk against the wall of the ne.

    The men settled in, each finding afortable spot.

    They were on their way to an operation, where they never knew when they were going to get sleep. Getting as much rest as they could right now would increase their chances ofing back alive.

    ***

    The engines¡¯ roars changed as the ne tilted wildly.

    Waking up, Kang Chan pushed himself up and sat up in his bunk.

    Dayeru got up and stretched. ¡°<em>Hnnngggh</em>!¡±

    Meanwhile, Kang Chan headed to the back and picked up a bottle of water. He opened it, downed half of the water, and then used the rest to wash his face.

    The enemy could attack them at any moment once they were out of the ne.

    The men checked their weapons despite not being told to.

    <em>Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!</em>N?v(el)B\\jnn

    <em>Rooooooar!</em>

    Soon, the ne made a roughnding on the runway. Once it had stopped, its cargo door opened.

    <em>Du du du du du du du du!</em>

    ¡°¨¦iric!¡±

    Kang Chan pointed with his index and middle finger, and ¨¦iric ran out.

    The helicopter was twenty meters away from the ne.

    ¨¦iric raised his arms and waved them twice.

    ¡°Move!¡± Kang Chan shouted.

    Asmanded, the men ran out.

    ¡°Daye!¡± he called.

    Dayeru quickly followed him to the helicopter. ¨¦iric and the other soldier then stepped in.

    <em>Du du du du du du du du du!</em>

    The helicopter shot up straight to the sky.

    The sound of the helicopter in their ears, the wind rushing in and out of their faces, and the familiar smell that came from their target locations¡ªmissions in Africa were all like this.

    Kang Chan sharply scanned the area below them.

    The mountainous regions from Yao to Gorko were uncharacteristically green for Africa. They were also made up of peaks of varying heights and depths, which likely made them hard to trek.

    Some people would likely think Kang Chan was just sightseeing, but scanning the terrain in advance could sometimes unexpectedly help them.

    <em>Du du du du du du du!</em>

    When he turned to his side, he saw Dayeru looking at him.

    The moment their eyes met, the punk forced augh. ¡°<em>Phuhuhu</em>!¡±

    <em>Ha, acting tough, are we?</em>

    He was probablyughing to get over his nerves now, but he would definitelyugh genuinely once he had swallowed all his anxiety. Before he could achieve that, though, he had to go on a few more missions like this first.

    It wasn¡¯t something that could be taught. They were born with it.

    <em>Du du du du du du du du!</em>

    After about an hour in the sky, the helicopter began to dip down.

    ¡°¨¦iric! Lead! Mazani! Rear!¡±

    The two men shouted affirmatively.

    As the wind whipped around the area, the helicopter tumbled down into a depression in the middle of a mountain.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    It was a roughnding.

    ¡°¨¦iric!¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¨¦iric immediately ran with one of his men to the foot of the mountain. Once he was around ten meters away, Kang Chan shouted, ¡°Daye!¡±

    He and Dayeru jumped off the helicopter together.

    <em>Click, click. </em>

    They were about forty meters away from a good hiding spot. Fortunately, Dayeru followed him pretty well.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    Kang Chan huddled close to the foot of the mountain, and Dayeru hunkered down next to him.

    <em>Du du du du du du du!</em>

    When Mazani finally reached their position, the helicopter had already lifted off and was heading back the way it came.

    The men waited for Kang Chan¡¯s instructions.

    However, Kang Chan decided to wait. They would only move once their ears, which the helicopter had desensitized, could pick up on the movement around them.

    <em>Swoosh! Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    After ten minutes or so, Kang Chan finally began hearing the faint sounds of the forest.

    Kang Chan looked at ¨¦iric and pointed twice deeper into the mountain with his index and middle fingers, signaling that they would move in pairs, two meters apart.

    ¨¦iric left first with another soldier.

    ¡°Daye.¡±

    Right behind him, Kang Chan walked with Daye.

    The other men followed in the order that they had exited the helicopter.

    <em>Click. Click. </em>

    They could use the trees to hide, but that was also true for the enemies. They also had to be careful of natives showing up unexpectedly. Some could being into the mountains looking for wild game, and others could be bringing their goats with them. Either way, they would run back to the rebels and tell them what they had seen.

    The soldiers walked with a keen awareness of their surroundings. Most of them kept their rifles slung in front of them, their left hand pressing down the muzzle and their right index finger hanging over the trigger guard.

    Around two hours in, Kang Chan found a spot with a clear view of the area below.

    <em>Fsssssss</em><em>, </em><em>fsssssss</em><em>!</em>

    He whistled through his teeth, signaling ¨¦iric to stop.

    ¡°I want eight men guarding the perimeter. We¡¯ll stop for food and take a twenty-minute break.¡±

    They stopped just a little after five in the afternoon.

 Extra, Chapter 462: Just Like Reznov, Haller, and Forman (2)

    Kang Chan and Daye sat with their backs against a tree, eating C-rations.

    Kang Chan couldn''t believe he was sitting in the middle of Africa and having dinner with the same guy that he had beaten up in a basement bar in Paris.

    Perhaps it was because Daye¡¯s instincts were relentlessly going against his anxiety, but his eyes were darting around more than when Kang Chan had seen him in the helicopter.

    They wordlessly ate dinner and drank water.

    Ten minutester, Kang Chan and three other soldiers rotated shifts with the ones standing guard. Even then, Daye continued to stay right by his side.

    ¡°Go and get some rest,¡± Kang Chan told Daye, gesturing with his chin at the tree that they had sat against earlier.

    Daye remained standing next to him, pretending not to understand.

    Even though it hadn¡¯t been long since Daye joined the 11th unit, he was already on his way to his first battle. If Kang Chan threw recruits like Dayeru into battle and told them to fight by themselves, their death would be as likely as Kang Chan finding sugar at the bottom of a cup after finishing his sweet coffee.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan called as he looked out into the darkening evening sky.Daye stood next to Kang Chan, his bear-like build looming over his captain¡¯s toned physique. The burly man then stared at Kang Chan, fires burning in his eyes.

    ¡°Survive. Right now, that¡¯s all you have to do,¡± Kang Chan said in Korean.

    It didn''t matter whatnguage he used. Since Daye couldn¡¯t understand eithernguage, Kang Chan speaking in Korean was no different from him speaking in French.

    The wind swept across the top of the mountain, brushing past Kang Chan and Dayeru. Their surroundings continued to grow even darker.

    Kang Chan sharply examined the area below the mountain. As if imitating him, Date looked down as well.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    For some people, their grades were the most difficult problem they had to deal with. For others, money mattered more than anything else. Some hoped to get a job or earn more.

    Kang Chan nced behind him. For Daye, ¨¦iric, Mazani, Montechelle, and even Smithen, surviving in Africa mattered more than anything else.

    They came to Africa because they didn¡¯t want to be a coward and because they didn¡¯t want to ask other people for help. However, since then, the continent had been forcing them to prioritize their survival.

    The men here often showed pictures of their families smiling and talking to each other. In ¨¦iric¡¯s family photo, though, his younger sister was the only one who had ever reached out to him. He had four siblings, and his parents were still alive, yet the others never contacted him for some reason.

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t ask ¨¦iric about it since he didn¡¯t want to know why. ¨¦iric didn¡¯t talk about it either.

    Most of Kang Chan¡¯s subordinates were going through something simr.

    <em>Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    Ten minutes quickly passed.

    ¨¦iric approached Kang Chan with another soldier. It was now time for them to leave.

    ¡°We should reach our target location in an hour,¡± Kang Chan told his men. ¡°Our enemies may be on the lookout, so be careful. Mont!¡±

    No one approached or answered him.

    Montechelle, who had been looking around, met Kang Chan¡¯s eyes. Startled by the realization that he was the one being called, he immediately rushed over.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be taking point with ¨¦iric. Stay on your toes, got it? The enemies¡¯ sniper could be anywhere. Do you remember our signal?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Montechelle quickly nced at ¨¦iric¡ªhe didn¡¯t know the signal.

    <em>"Fsssssss, fsssssss!"</em>

    Kang Chan made a noise that sounded like he was inhaling through his teeth.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Montechelle responded.

    ¡°Go.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    ¨¦iric already knew why Kang Chan was sending Mont with him: Kang Chan wanted ¨¦iric to teach Mont how Kang Chanmanded the unit.

    ¡°Smithen,¡± Kang Chan called.

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    He energetically approached KC as if God himself had called him

    ¡°Follow me.¡±

    ¡°Oui.¡±

    Just like before, Kang Chan pointed Mazani to the back, sending the soldier to guard their rear.

    With all preparationsplete, they would now enter their enemies¡¯ range.

    Kang Chan nced at Daye before advancing. As he walked, he prevented the weapons on his body from making any noise.

    Daye continued to nce at how Kang Chan was walking, but he didn''t mimic Kang Chan. Instead, he continued to walk with his rifle slung to the front and his left hand on the muzzle.

    The stars in the sky shone as brightly as ever, seemingly doing their best to fulfill their purpose. Unfortunately, here in Africa, even stars risked dying earlier than others.

    Although it was hard to believe, the crescent moon above them was the same as the one that Kang Chan had seen in Seoul. That truth was as undeniable as the color of the blood that had gushed out of the natives, soldiers, and rebels who had fallen on thisnd.

    ***

    Mahujani, the leader of the Taliban in Chad, slowly looked to the side with sharp and nted eyes. He was in charge of the holy duty of teaching the warriors and eliminating the anti-Imic forces.

    ¡°Fivepanies from the Foreign Legion have moved out in armored vehicles, sir,¡± amander wearing a turban reported.

    ¡°What about their special forces teams?¡±

    ¡°We have already finished preparing to fight against the 11th unit, their advance party. As soon as we kill them, we¡¯re nning to follow the route they had taken.¡±

    The lights in the cave flickered, looking like they were going to lose power soon. It was unstable due to their outdated generator, but nobody med it.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Men with sunburned faces, curly beards, and Turbans waited for Mahujani¡¯s orders.

    ¡°We will follow Ah¡¯s intentions. Have the British intelligence bureau take care of France¡¯s Foreign Legion and the monster in their special forces units. Afterward, we will regroup here for our next crusade,¡± Mahujani said.

    His voice echoed in the cave with a rhythmic cadence. For some reason, the others had been deluded into thinking that Ah had sent a holy message, and Mahujani was its deliverer.

    Mahujani continued, ¡°Ah has given us Jihad as our holy obligation! Im will spread through the warriors who will fight in this holy war! Hence, Ah will provide a ce for them in heaven!¡±

    Mahujani looked at one of his men. The soldier fiercely stared back at him and gritted his teeth, expressing his firm determination.

    ¡°Africa¡¯s headache is going to be punished today. Trample over him, then return with his head and throw it into the fire. We will be stronger when the soul of that monster wails because it has no ce in the afterlife!¡±

    The men before Mahujani clenched their fists, showing their blood-boiling resolve.

    ***

    In the dark of the night, Plip looked through his night scope on his Barrett M82, checking the area where he assumed his target would appear.

    There was little chance of Plip missing his target if they were less than a kilometer away. Not to mention, two other snipers whose skills he had acknowledged were on standby. Even if the target was one of the Foreign Legion''s special forces soldiers, it would still be difficult for them to survive.

    Personally, Plip didn''t want to carry out this mission, but a sniper only followed orders and eliminated targets. Deciding who to kill was beyond his power.

    Their mission would bepleted as soon as he shot his target and confirmed that the Taliban from Chad was attacking the rest of the 11th unit.

    Fortunately, the moonlight wasn¡¯t bright, which somewhat consoled Plip.

    ***

    Kang Chan and his men walked for about forty minutes as quietly as possible, making them slow down.

    The ground under Daye¡¯s military boots quietly crunched whenever he took a step, while the ground under Kang Chan¡¯s feet kept the silence of the night.

    Whenever the wind blew and the trees rustled, Daye would immediately look at the trees. Afterward, Daye made sure to examine Kang Chan.

    Kang Chan¡¯s rifle was slung over his right shoulder, his right index finger hanging over the trigger. His eyes sharply glinted like a leopard targeting its prey.

    He exhaled quietly, feeling as if somebody was tightly gripping his heart. As if half of his lungs were filled with cotton, he also found breathing ufortable no matter how much he inhaled.

    Kang Chan¡¯s anxiety kept making him think that a lion would attack them from out of nowhere or a venomous snake would fall on them from a tree. He considered the possibility of the ground under them suddenly sinking as well.

    Even if none of those were going to happen, he couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy anyway. After all, this was his body¡¯s way of warning him about the impending danger that they would soon face.

    Kang Chan wasn¡¯t a shaman, and he couldn¡¯t see the future. However, whenever his chest tightened like this, danger somehow always followed.

    After sharply looking at their surroundings, he looked at the mountain in the distance.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Even though he hadn¡¯t intended to, he could hear himself breathe now. This always happened automatically whenever he became nervous.

    They walked for about five more minutes.

    <em>Badum. Badum. </em>

    Kang Chan¡¯s heart pounded loudly.

    They were still quite a distance away from their enemies¡¯ base. Still, in this darkness, they could never be sure where death woulde from and bite their necks.

    <em>¡°Fsssssss!¡±</em>

    Kang Chan inhaled through his teeth, giving ¨¦iric and Mont the signal.

    ***

    They almost got Kang Chan.

    Plip could see the outline of their enemies through the reticles of his scope. Had their enemies approached for just three to five more minutes, he would have gotten a clear shot of the target.

    Plip discretely raised his head and looked ahead of him. He couldn¡¯t see the enemies hiding in the forest. If they turned even just slightly, the branches near them would also move. They could identally scare a bird or a wild animal as well.

    However, there wasn¡¯t any of that; Plip couldn¡¯t confirm where they went at all. He looked into the night scope again. The enemies that had been visible from time to time until a moment ago were now gone.

    With his anxiety making his heart race, he quickly looked at his spotter. The man briefly shook his head; he couldn¡¯t find their targets either.

    Had their enemies discovered their position and moved around it? No, that was impossible.

    Not only were Plip and the other snipers camouged, but they had applied camo cream and were even trained not to let their eyes reflect the moonlight.

    <em>Where did they go?</em>

    The eerie feeling that had started in his head seemed to be coursing through the rest of his body now, giving him goosebumps.

    <em>¡®Something¡¯s wrong.¡¯</em>

    Tightly clenching his teeth, Plip red through his scope. He wasn¡¯t going to back down. As the best sniper for difficult missions, Plip would stop at nothing to kill the Asianmander.

    After firmly making up his mind, Plip ced his index finger on the trigger.

    ***

    Crouched low, ¨¦iric and Montechelle approached Kang Chan.

    Unlike Montechelle, ¨¦iric knew what the glint in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes meant.

    They had descended the mountain, slightly deviating away from the path that they had been. They were in the middle of the woods now.

    Looking at the soldiers, Kang Chan put on his bva. Since they weren¡¯t camouged, there was nothing better at quickly hiding their skin tone than this headgear.

    His men put on their bvas as well.

    With his left index finger, Kang Chan pointed to Montechelle and then to the ground. Afterward, he pointed his right index and middle fingers to the ground behind his left index finger, ordering Montechelle to prepare to shoot their enemies and two other soldiers to protect him.

    ¨¦iric pointed to his eyes with his index and middle fingers before opening his hand and showing his palm.

    <em>¡®Which direction should we go, sir?¡¯</em>

    Using his hand like apass, Kang Chan made an angle with his thumb and index finger toward the mountain at the front.

    <em>¡®Go to that mountain across from us. Keep a gap this wide between us.¡¯</em>

    Montechelle was experienced enough to understand Kang Chan¡¯s orders, but he couldn¡¯t understand why Kang Chan was acting like this even though they hadn¡¯t found anything particrly suspicious. He didn¡¯t get why ¨¦iric and the others were following his orders with nervous expressions either.

    While Kang Chan was covering them, Montechelle carefully went behind a fairly thick tree.

    Kang Chan had ordered them to put on their masks, which meant that their enemies were nearby.

    Montechelle ced his Chaytac on the ground and slowly aimed at the area that Kang Chan had ordered them to target to check if he had a clear view of it.

    About a minuteter, Montechelle raised his hand above his head and then tightly clenched his fist.

    In response, Kang Chan ordered Smithen and another soldier to guard Montechelle.

    With the basic preparations done, all they had to do now was search the area that Kang Chan was anxious about.

    Kang Chan pointed the soldiers to their positions, including Dayeru. He then looked at ¨¦iric and Mazani before descending the mountain.

    He moved so slowly that watching a snail would have been more exciting.

    There wasn¡¯t a predetermined distance that they had to search, nor was there a time limit. He would keep checking the direction that he and his team were going to go until his instincts told him that it was enough.

    Kang Chan could keep doing this until the morning. There had even been times when he had arrived at their target locations during searches like this.

    ¨¦iric and Mazani carefully searched and followed Kang Chan from both sides.

    It wasn¡¯t easy to cheat death, but if it meant getting to protect his unit, he would never hesitate to keep acting like this.

    They advanced as they conducted the strenuous and difficult search.

    ***

    Thirty minutes passed quickly. Plip hadn¡¯t found a trace of the 11th unit since.

    If their enemies had a change of ns, Plip and his team should¡¯ve seen them going back. If they had changed course instead of heading back to their base in Gorko, he would have found signs of that.

    The more time passed, the more frustrated Plip grew.

    His countless training and the senses that he had honed through his experiences in various operations were telling him that he was in danger and that he should run away while he still could.

    Plip had once waited in the middle of a road that his enemy would eventually take and endured three days at the edge of a precipice. He had also felt a snake brushing past his leg multiple times. Moreover, he had lost his spotter on more than one asion, forcing him to stay in one ce alone for three days.

    Plip sighed.

    The worst thing a sniper could ever do was move after finding their target. This was especially true when their enemy suddenly disappeared, like now.

    Plip slowly rubbed his sniper rifle with his right hand.

    This Barrett m82 was his reliablerade. Since it was given to him, it had never missed a target until now, regardless of who it was.

    Plip believed that Kang Chan was bound to eventually appear in his scope again. Once that moment came, all he had to do was to pull the trigger.

    This strange situation would onlyst for a moment. Soon, he¡¯d have a bullet in his target, ending this operation with his victory.

    The best time to ambush someone was right before sunrise.

    The 11th unit probably chose to rest right now for that moment. Plip and his spotter just had to keep waiting. Sooner orter, the Asianmander would show himself.

    Exhaling softly, Plip red ahead.

 Extra, Chapter 463: Ello? (1)

    Extra, Chapter 463: Ello? (1)

    Kang Chan maintained his vignce for over two hours.

    He didn¡¯t search in one direction either; there were times when he¡¯d go up the mountain before heading down again.

    They were risking their lives to search for their enemies. Worse, they were still humans at the end of the day; their backs were bound to ache, and they inevitably lost focus as time went on.

    Though already well aware of Kang Chan¡¯s searching method, ¨¦iric still found himself blown away deep down. Their captain seemed more like a robot scanning the forest. He didn¡¯t rest or lower his guard for even a moment.

    All of the soldiers knew and witnessed this same man quietly sitting in front of his fallen subordinates for thirty minutes.

    It was in moments like this that the spite, disappointment, pity, and self-reproach in Kang Chan¡¯s eyes tirelessly persisted.

    If he could save his men through tedious and unrelenting searches, he would keep doing this for days on end.

    Kang Chan stopped walking.¨¦iric stood on edge. He felt as if his nerves were escaping from his body through his head.

    About three hours had passed since they started to search the forest.

    Kang Chan slowly turned his head, then turned his left hand in a circle three times before pointing twice at an area diagonally above them.

    <em>¡®Two tangos in that direction¡¯</em>

    Afterward, he pointed ¨¦iric to a tree in front of them. He then pointed to the ground with his left index and middle fingers.

    <em>¡®Cover us from there!¡¯</em>

    As ¨¦iric was getting into position, Kang Chan and Mazani stood their ground and kept watch.

    <em>Rustle!</em>

    Dirt quietly crumbled under ¨¦iric¡¯s feet as he knelt and leaned against the tree.

    Next, it was Mazani¡¯s turn.

    Kang Chan pointed Mazani down the mountain in the same way he did for ¨¦iric.

    ¨¦iric and Kang Chan guarded Mazani as he slowly and carefully hid in the location that Kang Chan had pointed at.

    Two enemies were supposed to be in the direction that Kang Chan had pointed at, but neither ¨¦iric nor Mazani could see them.

    After examining their surroundings, Kang Chan slowly crouched and headed deeper into the dark forest.

    ***

    There were still six hours left before sunrise.

    Plip¡¯s target was somewhere a kilometer ahead. Right now, all they could do was be a part of the forest¡ªlike a rock or a tree¡ªand wait for their enemies to show themselves again.

    Mahujani was waiting for Plip and the other snipers to report that they had killed their target. However, this wasn¡¯t something that they could rush.

    <em>¡®I¡¯m not surprised that we¡¯re taking this long. We were told that he¡¯s the bestmander of the Foreign Legion¡¯s special forces.¡¯</em>

    His gut was warning him that it would be difficult for him to fight the Asianmander, let alone kill him.

    Nevertheless, Plip kept his index and middle fingers on his rifle and looked into the night scope.

    He could stay in this position for an entire day if he wanted to.

    ***

    Suddenly suspicious, Mahujani looked at the men in front of him with displeased and spiteful eyes.

    ¡°What if the British intelligence bureau has tricked us?¡±

    Regardless of which country it was located in, the intelligence bureau was an organization that acted for its own nation¡¯s interests. Even though the British intelligence bureau had promised to help them, that organization could offer the same help to the DGSE anytime.

    ¡°There hasn¡¯t been any information or signs of that being the case, sir,¡± one of the men responded.

    Mahujani looked in the direction that the Foreign Legion¡¯s 11th special forces unit was supposed to enter. He had heard that the British intelligence bureau had sent snipers to kill the Asianmander. If so, they should¡¯ve heard gunshots by now.

    <em>¡®Could it be? What if France has pressured the British intelligence bureau into backing out?¡¯</em>

    Mahujani quietly shook his head. If that was the case, then the 11th unit would¡¯ve been attacking their base by now.

    There were only twelve people in the 11th unit. Even if they were exceptionally remarkable, Mahujani¡¯s warriors would be able to handle them.

    As long as he and his men could leave this ce alive, they would be able to build another base like this as many times as he wanted.

    <em>What on earth is going on?</em>

    Mahujani exhaled his frustration.

    ***

    Kang Chan slowly went down. As if drawing arge circle, he then climbed the mountain in front of them.

    Eventually, he saw a straight twig. There weren¡¯t any trees or twigs that grew straight up in Africa.

    The only things that could be as long as a hand and pointing straight up in African forests were the muzzles of rifles. If the trees also suddenly rustled behind it, then it was most likely a sniper.

    Moreover, no tree in Africa would remain unmoving while the wind was rustling nearby branches.

    Kang Chan just had to confirm his suspicions.

    Carefully approaching and checking if the tree was actually an enemy was a hundred times wiser than marching onward under the assumption that it was just a tree. He could get him and his men killed with that thinking.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    <em>Fucking sons of bitches.</em>

    Kang Chan quietly headed toward the location of the suspicious twig.

    A sniper had killed Haller just before he could board the rescue helicopter. Kang Chan didn¡¯t know where or how snipers could suddenly approach and attack them like this, but he had no intentions of forgiving them.

    <em>Haah. Haah.</em>

    Kang Chan moved without making a sound. He didn¡¯t know how he could move like this; it all just came naturally to him. If someone asked him how he could do this, he would be as confused as an eagle that was stopped mid-flight and asked how it was flying. He could move normally if he wished, but he could also move silently.

    He walked in between the trees, turning so that his shoulders fit in between the hanging branches. If he was ever uncertain, he slowed down so much that he didn¡¯t even appear to be moving.

    It took another thirty minutes for him to reach his target, but he couldn¡¯t care less. If he could confirm that it was a sniper, then the three hours that it had taken them to search the forest and the thirty minutes it took for him to reach the sniper¡¯s location would be well worth it.

    Kang Chan stopped again.

    Perhaps it was because he approached them from the back, but he could see the waists of two people.

    They didn¡¯t move at all while Kang Chan was approaching them, which meant that they had been properly trained.

    <em>You should check your six from time to time.</em>

    Kang Chan ced his right index finger on the trigger. Shooting them in the forehead was the surest way to kill them.

    ¡°Ello?¡± Kang Chan called out.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    The two men turned their heads toward Kang Chan, surprise and shock evident in their faces.

    <em>Bang! Thud Bang! Thud!</em>

    The silence in the forest shattered in an instant.

    ***

    Plip felt his heart sink to the ground.

    <em>¡®How¡­?¡¯</em>

    Two rifle gunshots echoed in the direction where Team Two was lying in ambush. Silence then filled the forest again.

    There was nothing that could prove the death of his men more than those noises. Their operation had failed.

    Plip didn¡¯t know how, but their Asian target had found out that snipers were targeting him. He had also figured out Team Two¡¯s location and killed them.

    They failed¡ªPlip admitted as much. It would be stupid to stay here and lose another remarkable sniper.

    He decided to pull out of the operation.

    <em>Chk.</em>

    ¡°We¡¯re returning to the base. I repeat. We¡¯re returning to the base.¡±

    Plip then nced at his spotter, signaling to leave.

    ***

    The high-ranking rebel in charge of security urgently ran into the cave.

    ¡°We believe the UK¡¯s operation has failed, sir.¡±

    ¡°What? What makes you think that?¡± Mahujani asked. He didn¡¯t even seem fazed in the slightest.

    His ability to remain calm and act boldly was what made him the leader of this rebel force.

    ¡°We were told that the British snipers started withdrawing when they heard gunshots from France¡¯s special forces soldiers.¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm</em>.¡±

    The British intelligence bureau wouldn¡¯t sell their nation¡¯s snipers to France. If so, then this could only mean that the infamous Asianmander had killed the British snipers.

    <em>He¡¯s this good? Is that monster really this talented?</em>

    Mahujani tightly gritted his teeth and then looked at the ceiling of the cave.

    It would be difficult for them to take down fight two special forces units and five Foreign Legionpanies and their armored vehicles.

    Regardless of what anyone said, following their original n and fighting just the twelve soldiers was the wisest choice at the moment.

    ¡°Prepare the warriors. We¡¯re oveing this crisis ourselves. I¡¯ll takemand! I want to behead that monster and throw his head in the fire myself.¡±

    ¡°<em>All¨¡hu Akbar</em>!¡±[1]

    After receiving Mahujani¡¯s orders, the executive responded and went out of the cave with a grim expression.

    Mahujani looked at the other high-ranking rebels in the cave with him. ¡°This is Ah¡¯s will. He told us to preach our religion through Jihad. Today is no different!¡±

    Even though they were now in an urgent situation, he remained calm and rhythmic.

    Mahujani continued, ¡°Go, my warriors! Know that heaven is in the shadow of a knife! Show no fear and bring me our enemies¡¯ heads!¡±

    ¡°<em>All¨¡hu Akbar</em>!¡± the others yelled, filling the cave with their firm determination.

    ***

    Kang Chan called ¨¦iric and Mazani using their signal.

    ¡°<em>Fsssss</em>! <em>Fssss</em>!¡±

    The two reached Kang Chan in no time at all. After all, they didn¡¯t have to circle around like Kang Chan or move slowly.

    Mazani examined the bodies before standing up with perplexed eyes. Their enemy¡¯s sniper rifle and its attachments seemed unusual.

    Most snipers became scarier as they grew older. After all, once they had be skilled to a certain degree, their amount of experience became all the difference between them and other snipers. The more experience, the better they were.

    Kang Chan looked at the area that they hadn¡¯t searched yet.

    No idiot just send one sniper team. If these men he had just killed had colleagues nearby, they would¡¯ve heard the gunshots. However, if so, they would have already shot Kang Chan.

    This clearly meant that there was another team of snipers.

    <em>¡®Where are you bastards hiding?¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan examined the area in front of them.

    <em>Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    Although it was faint, he was certain he heard something move. Those unfamiliar with Africa would¡¯ve had trouble recognizing it.

    He smirked in the direction of the sound.

    <em>Are you fuckers seriously trying to escape while moving that loudly? Moving like that with my unit around is no different from begging for us to kill you! We spend most of our time here, you know. </em>

    <em>You little shits wouldn¡¯t know this, but I asked for the headquarters to be in Kilima because I wanted my men to be able to identify the sounds of the forests in Africa even while they were asleep. You¡¯re not escaping from us with movements this loud, especially not after what you¡¯ve done to Haller.</em>

    Kang Chan advanced toward a ridge more quickly and surely than before. ¨¦iric followed him on his left, and Mazani on his right.

    The enemies would be exposed if they went down the mountain, and their shadows would be visible if they went up. Their only viable choice was to climb the ridge.

    Kang Chan moved quickly for about fifteen minutes before stoppingpletely.

    <em>Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    A momentter, he found two figures moving carefully and quietly.

    The enemies could have escaped if they ran like crazy from the start instead of climbing the ridge. However, in this African forest, Kang Chan wasn¡¯t the only one they had to run away from.

    Kang Chan ced his finger on the trigger. Fortunately, he could skip the hassle of issuing orders this time. Unlike the other soldiers, there was no need to call out to ¨¦iric and Mazani.

    <em>Pew! Bam! Pew! Bam! Thud!</em>

    Two gunshots shattered the silence again.

    <em>¡®Check if they¡¯re dead!¡¯ </em>Kang Chan ordered with his gaze, and ¨¦iric quickly followed.

    <em>¡®They¡¯re wearing the same uniform as the men you killed a moment ago, sir.¡¯</em>

    Kang Chan pointed to the front with his index and middle fingers. There were signs of people moving from somewhere not too far away from them.

    ***

    Midway up the ridge, Plip stopped moving and then nced at his surroundings. Gunshots had once again rang out not too far away from them.

    He was about to go crazy. From always being the one putting targets in his scope, he now felt as though he had be prey trapped in this dark forest.

    How on earth did the Asianmander find out that snipers were lying in wait for him? How did he locate Teams Two and Three and kill them with just a bullet each?

    Plip couldn¡¯t move yet. When his spotter looked at him, he quickly shook his head.

    Moving rashly in this forest would just put them in even greater danger. Biding their time here and moving only after they had understood the situation would be far wiser.

    Time slowly passed as they waited, but nothing else happened. Their surroundings had already quieted down.

    <em>Should we wait ten more minutes? No, maybe a little longer than that?</em>

    While Plip was slowly looking at his surroundings, he heard people moving loudly in the distance.

    <em>¡®You idiots! Thanks, though!¡¯</em>

    The reckless footsteps, loud nkings of AK-47s, and ragged breathing made it clear that the Imic rebels had decided to take matters into their own hands despite promising to wait.

    Since they were going to attract the Asianmander to them, Plip and his spotter could use that moment to escape. They could also ascend to the role of hunters and put the Asianmander in the reticles of his scope again.

    Plip shook his head at his spotter again.

    It still wouldn¡¯t be toote to move even after the Asianmander had begun to move toward the Imic rebels.

    Plip wanted to aim his sniper rifle at him again.

    <em>¡®Go to the rebels quickly and shoot them with your damn rifle.¡¯</em>

    Just as Plip solidified his resolve, someone called out to him.

    ¡°Ello?¡±

    Plip got goosebumps all the way up to his cheeks. His mind nked out in fear as all of the hairs on his body stood up. Nevertheless, he quickly turned around.

    <em>Bang!</em>

    He dropped lifelessly to the ground.

    1. All¨¡hu Akbar is an Arabic phrase called <em>Takbir</em>. It means "God is greater" or "God is the greatest. It is amon Arabic expression that can be used in various contexts, such as when expressing resolute determination or defiance ?

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Extra, Chapter 464: Ello? (2)

    Extra, Chapter 464: Ello? (2)

    Kang Chan heard rough footsteps, the nking of rifles, and branches breaking as he killed the sniper. No one said anything about it, but he and the two men with him knew that arge army was approaching.

    Their enemies had waited for the snipers in the forest to kill him. The fact that they were now charging in meant Kang Chan had dealt with all of the snipers.

    Still, if the three tried to fight that many enemies here, they would only sacrifice themselves in vain.

    ¡°We¡¯re heading back to the unit!¡± Kang Chan ordered. He then quickly made his way to the other soldiers.

    <em>Rustle! Rustle!</em>

    It didn¡¯t matter if they made noises now. Their enemies¡¯ advance was far noisier than they could ever be.

    Despite having just finished a nerve-wracking three-hour search, Kang Chan ran as fast as he could. He ignored the crumbling dirt, the leaves scratching his face, and the branches getting tangled with his feet. <em>nk. nk.</em>

    <em>¡°Haah! Haah! Haah! Haah!¡±</em>

    Although ¨¦iric and Mazani gasped for breath as they sprinted for about thirty minutes, running on empty was a hundred times better than death.

    <em>Tap tap!</em>

    Up ahead, they heard their colleagues tapping their rifles to confirm their identities.

    ¡°Mont! Smithen! Get ready for battle!¡± Kang Chan shouted. He then climbed to a higher ground.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    The soldiers, who had aimed in Kang Chan¡¯s direction just to be safe, quickly lowered their rifles as soon as they saw him.

    <em>Thud! Thud!</em>

    ¡°<em>Haah! Haah!</em>¡±

    Breathing heavily, the exhausted ¨¦iric and Mazani sprawled out on the ground behind the other soldiers.

    ¡°Give me some water!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    A soldier quickly did as instructed.

    After drinking some of it, he quickly said, ¡°I believe we have killed all of their snipers, but we¡¯re notpletely sure yet. However, a huge group of hostiles is approaching us. I need you all to hold your position unless ordered otherwise.¡±

    <em>Rustle! Rattle! Clunk! nk!</em>

    Their enemies¡¯ tant approach continued.

    The moonlight wasn¡¯t that bright, which made their surrounding appear even darker.

    The shroud of the night was much more advantageous to their enemies. After all, they knew the area better. They also had far superior numbers.

    Considering sniper teams were waiting for them and enemies responded so quickly, Kang Chan couldn¡¯t help but think that information about him and his men had been leaked.

    ¡°Captain,¡± Montechelle whispered, which likely meant that he could already see the enemies in his scope.

    ¡°When the battle starts, kill those with an RPG or grenades first. Take out those who look or act like high-ranking rebels as well,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui,¡± Montechelle briefly answered.

    Except for Dayeru, who was right next to him, everyone had experience and could understand Kang Chan.

    ¡°Daye,¡± Kang Chan called.

    Dayeru quickly looked at him.

    ¡°No matter what happens¡­¡± Kang Chan made a cutthroat gesture.

    He spoke in Korean. Continuing to speak in French, which Dayeru didn¡¯t want to hear, would only give both of them a headache.

    <em>tter! Rustle!</em>

    The enemies formed an encirclement around Kang Chan and his men.

    There were so many enemies that Kang Chan would believe it if he was told that all of Gorko¡¯s rebels hade here. Their enemies probably approached them so noisily because of their massive numbers, too.

    <em>Goddamn it!</em>

    Dumbfounded, Kang Chan cursed deep down. Even though he had heard that the rebels were stupid, he never expected them to wear white clothes at night.

    Had the rebels approached them withnterns instead, Kang Chan and his men would¡¯ve been blinded by the light. Instead, they chose to basically be walking targets.

    People like them had scattered throughout Africa to behead the powerless natives, light them on fire, and subject the women to various cruelties all because the natives were weaker than them despite believing in the same religion.

    Kang Chan pointed his rifle at the enemies and waited.

    Close-quartersbat waspletely different from what people imagined them to be. Dirt and trees would explode right in front of them, and the same could be said for the head, neck, or chest of enemies acting out and leaning forward so much that they exposed themselves. After seeing all of that, those who didn¡¯t have strong guts would find it hard to aim at their enemies again.

    That was why a lot of soldiers shot their enemies while ducking; they wanted to avoid seeing them die.

    However, that was also the reason soldiers had to train. Even if they didn¡¯t intend to, participating inbat naturally allowed them to show the result of their training.

    The enemies carefully approached them now. They looked as if they were searching the mountain.

    Kang Chan smirked.

    The enemies had ck vests over their white clothes and were armed with AK-47s. They also wore turbans.

    Only soldiers with a lot of experience or born suited for situations like this could join special forces units.

    No matter how low those rebels crouched, special forces soldiers would still be skilled enough to shoot their protruding shoulders, heads, and any other body part.

    Kang Chan quickly looked at Dayeru. He felt somewhat reassured once he saw Daye pointing his rifle with spiteful eyes.

    Even though the rebels up ahead were now right below them, Kang Chan and his men continued to wait for them toe closer.

    More rebels continued to approach; there seemed to be no end to them.

    <em>How many did they bring here?</em>

    <em>tter!</em>

    Their enemies were now only twenty meters away. It would be problematic if they waited any longer and the enemies rushed toward them all at once.

    Kang Chan ced his index finger on the trigger. They didn¡¯t know when this battle would end, but it would begin the moment he pulled the trigger.

    Soon, he fired the first shot.

    <em>Bang!</em>

    Following his lead, his men began to open fire as well.

    The rebels jumped and hid behind the trees, got down on the ground, or hid their heads behind rocks. Nevertheless, Kang Chan and his men took them all down.

    While Kang Chan and his men killed the enemies right in front of them, the hostiles in the distance returned fire, likely not wanting to miss this opportunity.

    However, the 11th unit was already positioned behind great cover. The rebels weren¡¯t that skilled either, making the situation less tense than it sounded.

    ¡°Keep an eye out for more snipers!¡± Kang Chan shouted from behind a tree.

    He pulled out a magazine from his vest pocket and reloaded his gun.

    <em>Click! nk!</em>

    Kang Chan then examined his surroundings, looking for any other approaching enemies.

    Next to him, Dayeru stood up and shot their enemies.

    Kang Chan had heard that this was Dayeru¡¯s first battle, yet the man showed no fear. After shooting a couple of rounds one at a time, he hid back behind a low hill.

    ¡°Daye!¡±

    Dayeru quickly looked at Kang Chan. His eyes were glinting so much that he looked as if he would shoot Kang Chan as well.

    Kang Chan made the letter U with his index finger. If they just constantly peeked and fired from one spot, their enemies would eventually just start waiting for them to pop out.

    Even if these rebels were all worthless, the sniper who had killed Haller could be among them.

    Kang Chan tapped his magazine toward Dayeru.

    Dayeru nodded. He took out a magazine from his pocket and reced the one in his rifle.

    <em>nk!</em>

    They were ready to rejoin the battle now.

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang bang! Ratatatat! Bang!</em>

    The enemies didn¡¯t stop shooting at them.

    <em>They¡¯re either shooting at us to protect the rebels in front of us or¡­</em>

    Kang Chan looked at the top of the ridge. They had slightly descended from the path they walked on, so he couldn¡¯t see what was on the other side of it.

    The enemies were consistently shooting the area in front of Kang Chan and above the ridge.

    In some ways, they had poor uracy, but they could also be preventing Kang Chan and his men from climbing past the ridge and escaping. However, what if some enemies were climbing the ridge from the other side to attack them in multiple directions as well?

    Kang Chan immediately felt a chill run down his spine. He discretely stood up.

    ¡°Aim at the direction some of the rebels are shooting from! On mymand, open fire at the same time!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    It was probably around midnight by now.

    ¡°Cover me!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    <em>Boom! Boom! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    As the soldiers simultaneously opened fire, Kang Chan ran toward the ridge right above them.

    <em>Whoosh!</em>

    He then threw himself to the hill in front of him and descended to the other side.

    Kang Channded on top of twigs and roots, causing them to break and rustle loudly. Below him, people in white clothes were advancing toward his unit¡¯s position.

    Keeping a wide stance for stability, he began shooting at the rebels.

    <em>Click! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    He immediately eliminated the enemies right in front of him. Unfortunately, as he had expected, a lot of rebels were approaching from this side of the ridge as well. To make matters worse, they had spread out to prevent his unit from escaping.

    <em>Pew! Pew! Pew! Pew!</em>

    As Kang Chan continued to shoot down the enemies, a buff man roughly threw himself to the same hill. He skidded down until he reached Kang Chan.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    They didn¡¯t have time to talk, though. Kang Chan and Dayeru relentlessly defended their position against the enemies around them. Behind them, they could hear his men fighting a ferocious battle.

    Now that Kang Chan and his men had caught on to their enemy¡¯s n to attack from this side of the ridge, the rebels on the other side seemed to have resumed their charge.

    ***

    The loud gunshots from the forest rang all the way into Mahujani¡¯s cave.

    Since even the high-ranking rebels went out to the frontlines, only Mahujani was inside it.

    As he sighed quietly, a high-ranking rebel urgently ran inside.

    ¡°We havepletely surrounded them, sir!¡±

    ¡°How are they reacting to our attack?¡± Mahujani still sounded calm.

    ¡°Unfortunately, they¡¯ve caught on to our n to attack from the other side of the ridge. They¡¯ve mounted a strong defense!¡±

    ¡°<em>Hmm!</em>¡±

    There was a reason that Asianmander was called a monster. Still, how was Mahujani supposed to believe that the man managed to learn about the snipers waiting for him, find and kill all the snipers, and even figure out that they were trying to pincer them from the other side of the ridge?

    Anger filled Mahujani¡¯s eyes. ¡°Start the second phase of our n. We have to kill and behead that monster and his subordinates no matter what.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the high-ranking rebel answered firmly before running out of the cave.

    If his two hundred warriors couldn¡¯t even kill twelve men, how could they call themselves warriors or Mahujania amander?

    Mahujani tightly clenched his teeth and waited to hear the oue of the battle.

    ***

    The sun was down.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    <em>Du du du du du du! Du du du! Du du du du du du!</em>

    Armored vehicles pushed their way up the mountain, and five Foreign Legionpanies followed suit.

    <em>Du du du! Ta da dang! Ta da da dang!</em>

    The soldiers returned fire whenever enemies shot them. Each time, their bullets¡¯ empty cartridges fell loudly on the rocks.

    <em>nk! ng! nk!</em>

    <em>Vrooom! Ratatatat! Vrooom! Ratatatat!</em>

    Amid the intense firefight, the Foreign Legion soldiers continued to follow the armored vehicles.

    ***

    Shan remained inside themand center¡ªwhich was just a makeshift building.

    Whenever they received information through the radio, he marked the location on the map in front of him.

    ¡°We have secured our first target location, sir,¡± a soldier reported.

    He approached Shan and moved the g that symbolized the armored vehicles and a triangle that symbolized the twopanies.

    ¡°What about our casualties?¡± Shan asked.

    ¡°ording to their reports, the enemies¡¯ resistance is unexpectedly weak. Only two of our men are seriously wounded.¡±

    Shan looked at the terrain that the armored vehicles would soon reach. It was a mountainous area, which meant it wouldn¡¯t be able to go any further. That was where Kang Chan and his men were.

    ¡°What about the 11th unit?¡± Shan asked again.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t heard from them yet, sir.¡±

    Shan briefly nodded. The British intelligence bureau was certainly very capable. Not only did they deploy snipers to kill Kang Chan, but they also made almost all of Mahujani¡¯s troops focus on Kang Chan¡¯s unit.

    Shan looked at the map with a heavy expression.

    The more the damn Asianmander aplished, the more the 11th unit was assigned and dispatched to dangerous areas.

    Like magic, the DGSE always seemed to figure out the area that the British intelligence bureau had told Shan. Moreover, Kang Chan¡¯s unit was assigned to the mission each time¡ªalmost as if it was already a given.

    <em>If only that damn Asianmander obeyed me half as often as Smithen.</em>

    Shan frowned.

    <em>I can¡¯t believe he¡¯s going against orders to return to the base just to save his men!</em>

    A sniper could have made Kang Chan¡¯s head explode. If not, then the rebels could have already gotten to him.

    Shan sighed. Thinking of his shares with Gong Te Automobile and the savings ount in the Paribas bank, he softly suppressed his conscience.

    ***

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    The enemies that had targeted the other side of the ridge fell back a couple of meters.

    <em>Click! nk!</em>

    Kang Chan changed magazines first. Once he was done, Dayeru took his turn to reload.

    <em>¡®What are these fuckers up to?¡¯</em>

    The rebels who had been continuously shooting at them suddenly stopped and looked for cover.

    It was unlikely that they simply ran out of bullets.

    Looking around the back, Kang Chan¡¯s heart began to pound against his chest.

    <em>Badump. Badump.</em>

 Extra, Chapter 465: Ello? (3)

    <em>Do the enemies still have snipers?</em>

    Kang Chan quickly red at where he had killed the enemies¡¯ snipers.

    <em>No, I doubt it. If they did, their advance wouldn¡¯t be this noisy.</em>

    The effective range of an RPG-7 was about three hundred meters, and its maximum range was five hundred meters. If the rebels attacked them with an RPG-7¡ªa weapon so cheap it was also known as ¡®the cannon for the poor¡¯¡ªKang Chan and his men would be able to fend them off at least to a certain extent.

    <em>Badum-badum. Badum-badum.</em>

    <em>What the fuck is this?! It¡¯s not like I have angina! Why is my heart going crazy when it won¡¯t even tell me what¡¯s about to happen?</em>

    Gritting his teeth, Kang Chan looked around him again.

    He wanted to protect his men¡ªno, he had to.

    Before he could, though, he had to figure out their enemies¡¯ objectives and figure out why they were hiding and staying quiet.Kang Chan examined the direction that the enemies hade from. Deep in the forest, they were keeping him and his men surrounded.

    <em>Goddamn it!</em>

    ¡°Daye! On me!¡± Kang Chan called and then headed to Montechelle. Dayeru followed him, rifle nking.

    ¡°We¡¯re going down the mountain to break through the enemy¡¯s encirclement! Hurry!¡± Kang Chan ordered his men.

    Themand came out of nowhere, but they were special forces soldiers. Moreover, they had worked together numerous times.

    As soon as the order was issued, ¨¦iric and Mazani sprang into action. The others urgently stood up and followed suit.

    ¡°¨¦iric! Cover our rear! Mazani! Let¡¯s go!¡± Kang Chan jumped down the mountain.

    <em>Swoosh! Rustle! tter!</em>

    Mazani and, unexpectedly, Dayeru followed suit.

    Even though they were making a lot of noise, the enemies didn¡¯t respond.

    The soldiers in Kang Chan¡¯s unit knew what he was capable of better than anyone else. Hence, they didn¡¯t hesitate to throw themselves down the mountain as if they were jumping into a body of water.

    <em>Swoosh! Rustle! Swish! Thud! Plop! Rustle!</em>

    As Kang Chan had worried, the enemies finally counterattacked, breaking the stillness of the night.

    <em>Pew!</em>

    As they rolled and skidded down the mountain, the top of the ridge that Kang Chan had been at exploded.

    <em>Pew! Boom! Pew! Boom!</em>

    The enemies had begun bombarding their location with mortars, raining down shells on them.

    <em>Swoosh! Swoosh! Whoosh!</em>

    Rocks and twigs scratched the soldiers¡¯ shins, hamstrings, and waists as they sprinted.

    <em>Boom!</em>

    Dirt soared into the air and fell back down on Kang Chan and the others.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Kang Chan roughly mmed down the mountain. As the others followed him, the enemies began rushing toward them.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Bang! Ratatatatat! Thudududud!</em>

    Kang Chan couldn¡¯t breathe. He felt as if he had been hit in the side.

    <em>Ratatatat! Boom!</em>

    The throat and body of one of his men exploded into pieces.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    At this rate, they were all going to die. Somebody had to stop this onught.

    Kang Chan swung his rifle to the front.

    ¡°<em>All¨¡hu Akbar!</em>¡± the rebels yelled. Right after, they charged toward Kang Chan and his men with AK-47s andrge, glinting knives.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Kang Chan didn¡¯t know where or how he got wounded, but he couldn¡¯t breathe properly. Still, despite feeling so out of breath that his eyeballs were going to pop out, he kept returning fire anyway.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Ratatatat! Thud! Ratatatat!</em>

    Arge number of rebels were rushing toward them. There were so many that killing some of the ones leading the charge didn¡¯t seem to make any difference.

    The other soldiers also started to return fire.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Ratatatatatat!</em>

    Amid the gunfight, an enemy appeared right in front of Kang Chan. His knife glinted under the moonlight.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Wasting time turning and aiming at the man would get them all killed. Hence, Kang Chan unsheathed his bay and stood up.

    <em>¡°Urgh!¡±</em> Dayeru groaned as he charged straight at another enemy from next to Kang Chan.

    <em>Swoosh! Slit! Shick! Shick!</em>

    Kang Chan avoided his opponent¡¯s attack and cut thetter¡¯s side open. He then stabbed him in the neck twice.

    ¡°<em>Argh!</em>¡±

    <em>Stab! Stab! Swoosh!</em>

    Meanwhile, Dayeru grabbed his enemy by the arm that was holding the knife. He then deeply slit his enemy¡¯s throat.

    However, he fought just one enemy for too long. Another rebel managed to cut him in the area right above his waist.

    Kang Chan targeted the same enemy, preventing Dayeru from getting backstabbed. Fortunately, the other soldiers kept returning fire, slightly improving the situation.

    <em>Ratatatatatat! Bang! </em>

    Kang Chan and Dayeru were in a tangled mess. Moreover, as the others continued to trade blows both in front and behind them, another soldier was sted into pieces.

    <em>Swish!</em>

    Kang Chan took out his pistol and pulled the trigger, quickly eliminating the hostiles around him. Meanwhile, Dayeru was still stabbing his opponents with his bay while yelling as if he had gone insane.

    With no rebels left around Kang Chan and his men, the rebels in the distance began shooting at them.

    <em>Swoosh!</em>

    ¡°Get down, you stupid fucker!¡± Kang Chan immediately pushed Dayeru aside with his shoulder.

    <em>Thud!</em>

    Dayeru looked at Kang Chan but quickly returned to his senses.

    <em>Bang! </em>

    Kang Chan had said this several times, but Dayeru wasn¡¯t stupid. The man quickly pulled out his pistol and continued fighting.

    <em>Bang! Thud! Bang! Bang! </em>

    The other soldiers also simultaneously shot the nearby enemies.

    There was a rhythm inbat. The flow of the battle had changed, with the enemies that had been rushing toward them now being pushed back.

    ***

    A radio operator quickly approached Shan.

    ¡°The 11th unit¡¯s location was bombarded with mortars, sir.¡±

    Shan was surprised. After all, he had been told that they were going to kill Kang Chan and his unit quietly with their snipers.

    ¡°Send the 10th unit to help them! Deploy two of ourpanies that are on standby as reinforcements!¡± Shan ordered.

    The radio operator quickly ran off. He looked as though he had received the order that he had been hoping for.

    Their enemies had already put their tails between their legs. Hence, Shan couldn¡¯t turn a blind eye to the rebels firing mortars at the 11th unit.

    <em>¡®Why can¡¯t those fuckers just do their fucking jobs!¡¯</em>

    Shan gritted his teeth.

    The Foreign Legion was already having difficulties even finding traces of the red light; they could have even mistaken a cheap incandescent light bulb for the ckhead. Now, Shan had failed this operation all because his people couldn¡¯tplete their missions.

    ***

    <em>Click! nk!</em>

    Kang Chan reloaded his rifle and pistol. He then red ahead with glinting eyes.

    He had lost three of his men, yet he couldn¡¯t even mourn them, let alone tie their hands and feet together. All he could do was ce their hands on their chests.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to keep cutting through enemy lines,¡± Kang Chan said. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    The enemies had already retreated and hid again. If they bombarded him and his men again, they wouldn¡¯t have anywhere to hide.

    ¡°Captain!¡± a soldier called pitifully, clutching the area above a wound. His knee seemed to have been destroyed by a bullet.

    They were all going to die if they stalled here. However, if Kang Chan just left that man here and a mortar was fired toward them again, they wouldn¡¯t even be able to find his remains.

    Kang Chan quickly ran toward the wounded soldier and offered his back to him.

    ¡°Hurry!¡± he urged.

    The others provided cover fire as he carried the wounded soldier on his back. Everyone¡¯s faces had turned dark from all the dirt and blood.

    ¡°Hold on!¡± he told the wounded soldier.

    <em>nk! nk!</em>

    Kang Chan started to run from the forefront, and the others followed him.

    The soldier on his back was clinging to his neck so tightly that it was suffocating him. Though the soldier normally wouldn¡¯t do something like this, his wound and the situation seemed to have shocked him enough to unconsciously hold on as best as he could.

    The wounded soldier desperately fought to live, and Kang Chan carried the weight of that desire.

    Being able to breathe easily again meant that the strength in the soldier¡¯s arms had disappeared¡ªthat he had lost yet another subordinate on African soil.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Bang bang bang!</em>

    The enemies started to shoot at them again. Not long after, smithen rolled around the ground, screaming. Kang Chan returned fire, and his men quickly followed suit.

    <em>Ratatat! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Amid the gunfight, a soldier tried to save Smithen, but he ended up getting shot in the back instead. Even if they were wearing a bulletproof vest, it would still be painful enough to make some faint. Moreover, one mistake could get them shot in the waist or head.

    Kang Chan frantically covered fire to prevent the enemies from shooting his men. Meanwhile, the waist, legs, throat, and head of the soldier who had been protecting Smithen exploded.

    <em>¡°Argh!¡±</em>

    Smithen hid behind the dead soldier, making it hard to help him.

    With the wounded soldier still on his back, Kang Chan squatted down before returning fire.

    ¡°<em>Raaaaah!</em>¡±

    Yelling like an animal again, Dayeru rushed toward Smithen.

    The enemies were behind the ridge that was right in front of them.

    Kang Chan took cover behind a dirt hill and tried his best to shoot their enemies.

    <em>Shhhhk!</em>

    With all his might, Dayeru pulled Smithen by the arm and his back cor, which made thetter yell out in pain.

    ¡°<em>Aaaaaagh!¡±</em>

    ¡°Hurry! We¡¯re pushing forward!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Ratatatat!</em>

    Kang Chan knew that he wouldn¡¯t be able to hit their enemies since they were behind cover. Nevertheless, he kept shooting at them to stop them from returning fire while he and his men advanced.

    ¡°If you need to reload, now¡¯s the time!¡±

    <em>Ratatatatat!</em>

    As some of the soldiers provided cover fire, Kang Chan switched magazines while keeping his rifle aimed at their enemies.

    In an attempt to take advantage of that moment, a rebel raised his head to shoot Kang Chan. However, a bullet quickly found its way into his forehead.

    The wounded soldier¡¯s hold around Kang Chan¡¯s neck was bing weaker.

    ¡°Faster!¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    Still crouching, he continued to advance.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    To his surprise, Dayeru carried Smithen on his back and began to run after him.

    ***

    Mahujani could no longer keep a calm expression.

    ¡°You have to run away, sir!¡± a high-ranking rebel with a long beard shouted.

    How on earth was Mahujani supposed to believe that two hundred of his warriors failed to kill twelve people? They even mobilized snipers and mortars!

    Mahujani wanted to kill all twelve of his enemies and parade their heads around. However, they hadpletely foiled his ns.

    <em>How do they know about this location?</em>

    The high-ranking rebel added, ¡°The special forces team and twopanies from the Foreign Legion are approaching from the front. We have to leave, sir!¡±

    ¡°Where should we go?¡±

    Though surprised and flustered, Mahujani still sounded calm. However, his rhythmic cadence had disappeared, making him sound in.

    ¡°We have to avoid the God of ckfield! There¡¯s no way to stop him, sir!¡±

    Mahujani stood up. He felt unbearably humiliated. Still, right now, all he could do was escape.

    <em>Ratatatatat! Bang! Ratatatatat! Thud! Bang!</em>

    Hearing gunshotsing from right in front of the cave, the high-ranking rebel headed out of the cave and checked what was going on.

    Mahujani was about to go crazy. His opponents had killed almost all of the two hundred rebels that he had deployed.

    Contradicting his expression, he hurriedly walked over to the high-ranking official, who was waiting for him.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Ratatatat!</em>

    The gunshots were all they needed to understand the situation.

    ***

    Every time Kang Chan and his men killed the rebels at the forefront, those behind them took their ce and rushed forward. They fought recklessly, as expected of rebels.

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>

    Every time Kang Chan pulled the trigger, he sent an enemy mming backward with a bullet in their forehead.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    The rest of the rebels ducked in surprise when the other soldiers also returned fire.

    ¡°Reloading!¡± Kang Chan yelled. With his rifle aimed, he switched magazines.

    ¡°Mont! Kill the rebels on top of the ridge!¡± he ordered before rejoining the battle.

    Montechelle swung his sniper rifle to the back. He then quickly put it down in front of him and stabilized it with his legs.

    <em>nk!</em>

    As Montechelle pulled the breechblock, the enemy on top of the ridge began turning around to run away.

    ¡°Mont!¡± Kang Chan urged.

    <em>Bang! Bang! Ratatatatat! Bang! </em>

    Soon, they heard the familiar Cheytac gunshot. A figure on top of the ridge fell to the ground.

    <em>nk!</em>

    As Montechelle pulled the breechblock for the second time, the other rebels hid behind the ridge.

    <em>Ratatatatat!</em>

    Kang Chan advanced as if he didn¡¯t know how to stop.

    <em>Bang! Bang!</em>

    With glinting eyes, Dayeru kept up with Kang Chan. He was fighting as if this wasn¡¯t his first battle.

    <em>Ratatatat! Bang! Thud! Ratatatatat! </em>

    They advanced for about twenty more meters. Finally, the enemies stopped shooting.

    <em>¡°Haah. Haah. Haah. Haah.¡±</em>

    Breathing heavily, Kang Chan kept an eye on their surroundings. The other soldiers stood their ground, enduring the pain from their wounds.

    ¡°¨¦iric! Secure this area!¡± Kang Chan ordered. ¡°Mont! Mazani! Daye! On me!¡±

    Kang Chan quickly took point. He didn¡¯t put down the wounded soldier¡ªif the enemies charged at them again, it would be difficult for ¨¦iric to stop them while also taking care of the wounded.

    Mazani, Montechelle, and Dayeru¡ªwho was still carrying Smithen on his back¡ªfollowed Kang Chan.

    <em>nk! nk!</em>

    <em>¡°Urgh!¡±</em>

    Smithen¡¯s groans seemed to be making the difficult walk even harder for them.

    <em>Click! Click!</em>

    They aimed their rifles in different directions as they advanced. Eventually, they reached a cave.

    When Kang Chan nced at Mazani, Mazani quickly stood to the right of the entrance.

    <em>¡®One! Two!¡¯</em>

    <em>Whoosh! Click! Click!</em>

    They searched through the cave, but it waspletely empty.

    <em>¡°Haah. Haah.¡±</em>

    With the battle roughly over, Kang Chan headed back out. Only then did he put down the wounded soldier on his back. Finding no enemies nearby, he finally felt slightly at ease. He figured that the wounded soldier would be safe here.

    ¡°Mont! Check the enemy you killed earlier!¡± Kang Chan yelled.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    As Montechelle headed to where he had shot the rebel, Kang Chan looked around. Smithen, who had been groaning nonstop, seemed to have fainted, his head now hung limply.

    It seemed Dayeru had also been stabbed. The area below his waist was stained dark with blood.

    ¡°Daye.¡± Kang Chan nodded toward the cave. ¡°Head inside.¡±

    Their mission still wasn¡¯t over, and Kang Chan¡¯s eyes were still glinting ferociously. Hence, Dayeru couldn¡¯t even think of disobeying him.

    <em>nk. nk.</em>

    Dayeru walked into the cave and put down Smithen right in front of the entrance as if he were throwing the man down.

    An incandescentmp kept the cave lit. Apart from it, there was only a table and a small end table with a kettle on it.

    As Dayeru looked away from the end table, he noticed a red light sh twice from inside the cave.

    <em>Click! </em>

    Dayeru aimed his rifle at it in surprise, but it didn¡¯t show up again.

    <em>Was that just my imagination?</em>

    Smithen still hadn''t regained consciousness, and it seemed Kang Chan hadn¡¯t noticed the red light from outside the cave.

    With his rifle raised and ready, Dayeru approached the cave wall. However, the red light was no longer anywhere to be found.

 Chapter 466: What Was Your Name Again? (1)

    Montechelle, who had a moderate build, dragged an enemy¡¯s corpse by the hair. Though usually gentle, his eyes were now filled with ferocity.

    ¡°I found him a bit farther away from where he was killed. Someone probably tried to carry him.¡±

    Half of the middle-aged man¡¯s neck had been blown off, and the remaining portion was hanging loosely on his shoulder.

    Kang Chan stood in front of the cave, facing downward. To avoid a possible sniper shot, he stepped back two paces and slung his rifle over his shoulder. There was still some time left before dawn.

    ¡°Mazani! Check the wounded and call ¨¦iric,¡± he ordered.

    ¡°Oui!¡±

    Kang Chan was bleeding from his shoulder and waist. Just like their two severely injured men, most of the team also required urgent treatment. They also lost four men to a properly trained sniper and mortar fire.

    While recalling the things that didn¡¯t add up, he noticed reinforcements approaching in the distance.

    <em>ng. ng.</em>¨¦iric soon approached with two other soldiers, and Dayeru emerged from the cave. His eyes still hadn¡¯t lost their intensity. Diving into the realm of death was never easy. Oveing the fog of the mind and the numbing of the body to stab the enemy required unimaginable willpower.

    Dayeru, who had ovee all that, was now staring at Kang Chan. Kang Chan looked at Dayeru¡¯s waist and smirked.

    Dayeruughed. ¡°<em>Phuhuhu</em>!¡±

    <em>Crazy bastard. </em>

    Kang Chan knew that Dayeru wasughing now, but once he got back to the base, the pain would hit him so hard it would make him groan involuntarily.

    Soon, the reinforcements¡ªthe 10th unit¡ªreached their position.

    ¡°We have two critically wounded. Bring them down,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Will do.¡±

    The 10th unit quickly moved Smithen and the man that Kang Chan had carried from inside. After cooperating with the 10th unit for a while, Kang Chan saw more Foreign Legion soldiers closing in.

    <em>ng. ng.</em>

    Kang Chan, Mazani, ¨¦iric, Dayeru, and two other soldiers moved out, and the Foreign Legion soldiers respectfully stepped aside, honoring the God of ckfield and his team. After about twenty minutes of walking, they reached a truck.

    ¡°Got a smoke?¡± Kang Chan inquired.

    The driver swiftly handed him a pack and a lighter. Kang Chan took a cigarette and gestured toward the soldiers.

    <em>Click! Fwoosh!</em>

    ¡°<em>Hoo</em>.¡±

    He smoked with the other soldiers, perhaps to erase the smell of blood and feel alive.

    ***

    Miguel, the head of the DGSE¡¯s Central African branch, rested his forehead on his left arm, which was propped on his desk. He couldn¡¯t figure out what exactly went wrong, but the stubborn Asian captain¡¯s unit had single-handedly dealt with almost all the enemies and even taken down Machzani. They had no choice but to give him another medal.

    <em>That unyielding Asian captain¡¯s going to get another bargaining chip again.</em>

    ¡°<em>Hmph</em>!¡±

    After ncing at the report, Miguel sipped his iced tea and stared into the air, noticing that something was off.

    <em>¡®Could Shan be deliberately pushing that man?¡¯</em>

    It was too reckless. If that were the case, then how did the enemies know that the 11th unit would appear there and prepare snipers and mortars in advance?

    Miguel had to submit a report soon, so he set aside his suspicions and began drafting the document.

    ***

    Despite having wounds severe enough to warrant a forced evacuation, Dayeru, who had returned to Kilima, adamantly refused to be transferred.

    ¡°Captain!¡± Dayeru called.

    Kang Chan responded to Dayeru¡¯s request with a faint smile. Of the twelve who had been stationed at Kilima, only six remained. Since the unit needed new members, they couldn¡¯t execute operations yet.

    ***

    Shan visited the hospital where Smithen had been transferred. Bullets had torn and burst open his thigh and shin. The severe bleeding aside, he was fortunatepared to having bullets lodged in his bones.

    ¡°<em>Grrr</em>!¡±

    ¡°Stop whining or I¡¯ll send you somewhere else,¡± Shan said firmly.

    Smithen abruptly stopped groaning.

    ¡°Did you see any red light?¡±

    ¡°No, sir.¡±

    ¡°You were with Channy the entire time, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Do you think the light could have appeared while you were unconscious?¡±

    Smithen briefly tilted his head. As if making an excuse, he replied, ¡°When that bastard Dayeru threw me to the ground, I briefly regained consciousness, and then reinforcements arrived soon after.¡±

    Smithen licked his dry lips, seemingly struggling to speak.

    He continued, ¡°If the light appeared after that, our reinforcements would have definitely seen it.¡±

    It was a perfectly reasonable statement, yet a brief silence followed.

    ¡°Why are you so insistent on staying under Channy? I could send you somewhere morefortable.¡±

    ¡°I want to stay in the 11th unit.¡±

    Shan¡¯s sharp gaze,ced with poison-like suspicion, pierced through Smithen.

    ¡°Exin your reason.¡±

    ¡°He knows how to protect his men.¡±

    Smithen didn¡¯t notice the slight twitch in Shan¡¯s eye.

    ¡°He assigns tasks ording to each soldier''s abilities. He stands at the forefront, and he blocks the danger ahead¡­¡± Seeing Shan¡¯s piercing gaze, which gleamed with a chilling intensity, Smithen quickly changed his stance on the matter. ¡°Above all, the 11th unit receives special treatment.¡±

    ***

    The day after the operation ended, Kang Chan sat face-to-face with Shan.

    ¡°You will be getting five new members,¡± said Shan as he handed a file to Kang Chan. ¡°Smithen¡¯s injuries aren¡¯t too severe, so he¡¯ll be back soon.¡±

    ¡°Even so, don¡¯t you think he¡¯ll have trouble joining operations for a while?¡± Kang Chan argued.

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into that again. For now, select four and notify me first.¡±

    ¡°Even with Smithen included, I still need to choose five, no?¡±

    ¡°I have a candidate in mind for one of them. I¡¯ll inform you once it¡¯s confirmed.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kang Chan took the file and left Shan¡¯s tent.

    ***

    The week passed quietly. Aside from the injured soldiers¡¯ faces being covered in ck scabs and Dayeru groaning every time he moved his waist, nothing much happened. The tired ones would nap during the day and sleep at night, while the bored ones loungedzily at the table in front of the tent, looking like theziest people in the world.

    Shan visited the gathering of the unit but soon shook his head in confusion and left. Korean, French, Arabic, and English were all being spoken in a bewildering mix. He couldn''t make sense of the situation at all.

    As the sun set, Kang Chan selected the soldiers who would join the unit. He never discussed such matters with the team since soldiers who had been part of the discussions tended to pay more attention to or disregard the newly assigned members.

    Before dinner, Kang Chan visited Shan.

    ¡°I¡¯m choosing these four,¡± he said, handing over the list.

    Shan first nced at the documents and then looked up at Kang Chan.

    ¡°This guy is clearly a French national. Why did you pick him over other more experienced soldiers?¡± asked Shan.

    He pushed forward the document of the soldier with Monegasque nationality. French nationals often acquired Monegasque citizenship to enlist asmon soldiers. Those who came this way tended to cause problems with their unusual stubbornness.

    Kang Chan looked at the soldier¡¯s photo in the document and chuckled. The reason he picked him was that the expression in his eyes was simr to Dayeru¡¯s. How could he exin that?

    Shan let out a low sigh when Kang Chan remained quiet.

    ¡°I can recall Smithen, right?¡± Shan inquired.

    ¡°If it doesn¡¯t interfere with the next mission, I¡¯ll do so. What about the remaining spot?¡±

    ¡°I''ve already selected someone,¡± Shan responded as he handed over a document.

    It was a soldier who had joined the special forces team training right afterpleting the general training course, much like Dayeru.

    ¡°This one¡¯s practically a rookie,¡± Kang Chan stated.

    ¡°His training results were so outstanding that he qualified for special forces team training. I thought he would be a good fit for the reputation of the 11th unit.¡±

    Kang Chan had his doubts, but there was no reason to oppose it.

    ***

    After Kang Chan left, Shan reviewed the documents again. Soldiers with excellent training results generally fell into two categories. Some, like Kang Chan, stood on their own, while others disyed loyalty to rank.

    Looking at the photo of the well-groomed rookie, Shan smiled in satisfaction. Smithen was already on board. If he could properly mentor this untainted recruit through Smithen before he fell to Kang Chan¡¯s influence, he would be a valuable asset too.

    He¡¯d have a smart and obedient soldier on his hands.

    ***

    In 2007, Director Hwang Ki-Hyun of South Korea¡¯s National Intelligence Service led President Moon Jae-Hyun and Prime Minister Go Gun-Woo to the agency¡¯s underground briefing room.

    In a world where even the departure of helicopters or the movement of bicycles at the Blue House could be detected by the United States, China, Russia, and Japan, there was no ce in South Korea more secure from eavesdropping than this one.

    ¡°Ambassador Lanok is clearly the one holding the reins,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun began his report the moment they sat down. ¡°Based on the information gathered by our agents in Europe, it seems even the DGSE and Russia¡¯s intelligence bureau hold Lanok in high regard.¡±

    ¡°Why has hee to our country? The position of French ambassador hardly suits his stature,¡± President Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

    ¡°Our best guess is that he¡¯s avoiding the British intelligence bureau and the terrorist threats in the Arab world,¡± replied Hwang Ki-Hyun.

    A heavy silence filled the underground meeting room.

    ¡°We absolutely cannot miss this opportunity,¡± President Moon Jae-Hyun said as he nced at Prime Minister Go Gun-Woo. ¡°It¡¯s a rail that will run through Europe. Our country will be the starting point, attracting immense cargo volume. More importantly, it will allow us to prevent war.¡±

    Prime Minister Go Geon-Woo listened in silence.

    ¡°I understand your concerns, Prime Minister, but whose name gets attached to this achievement is not what matters. Before long, powerful nations that need a war will find no ce as appealing as the Korean Penins.¡±

    ¡°We need to consider the political implications more carefully. The initial costs could be astronomical, and we¡¯ll also need to structure the organization. If there are no tangible results, all of this could backfire in the next election,¡± Go Gun-Woo advised.

    Despite Go Gun-Woo¡¯s counsel, Moon Jae-Hyun remained resolute.

    ¡°The Eurasian Rail is the only way to divert the massive influx of cargo from China to our country,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun replied to both Hwang Ki-Hyun and Go Gun-Woo. ¡°Find a discreet channel to connect with Ambassador Lanok. My priority is the development of our nation and ensuring that our people can live without the threat of war.¡±

    Go Gun-Woo nced at Hwang Ki-Hyun, who remained expressionless.

    ¡°I¡¯ve set aside any political ambitions. As the President of South Korea, I must put the country''s progress and the happiness of its citizens first,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun dered with firm resolve, leaving Go Gun-Woo with no further objections.

    ¡°If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gets involved, other countries¡¯ intelligence bureaus might catch wind of it. The National Intelligence Service should find the discreet channel,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun added.

    ¡°We will do our best, but it won¡¯t be easy,¡± Hwang Ki-Hyun responded with a serious expression.

    ¡°I understand, but we have to seed in this mission. To that end, we absolutely need to find that channel,¡± Moon Jae-Hyun replied, his eyes shining with determination.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    ***

    <em>ng. ng.</em>

    Five soldiers approached Kang Chan¡¯s table.

    ¡°You four already know how things work in the special forces, so I won¡¯t say much. ¨¦iric! Assign these men to their barracks,¡± Kang Chan ordered.

    ¡°Oui!¡± ¨¦iric responded, pointing the recruits in the right direction.

    ¡°You. You¡¯re new to this kind of unit, so observe and follow along for now. If it gets too tough, let me know right away, and I¡¯ll arrange for a transfer,¡± Kang Chan instructed.

    ¡°The moment I heard the legend of the God of ckfield, I have already decided to join the 11th unit,¡± the rookie replied unwaveringly.

    His unblooded eagerness made Kang Chan feel as if he was listening to a freshly plucked chicken lying in a refrigerator¡ªhe got chills.

    ¡°It¡¯s better to reserve judgment until after your first battle. Go and rest for now,¡± Kang Chan advised.

    ¡°Oui!¡± the rookie responded. He then turned with slightly more precise movements.

    Just as Kang Chan chuckled, a loud noise erupted.

    <em>Crash! Bang! Thud! Thwack!</em>

    <em>What¡¯s going on? </em>

    Other than Kang Chan, there were only five seasoned members left, and Dayeru¡¯s injured back made it difficult for him to fight. Kang Chan licked his lips as he moved toward the barracks.

    <em>¡®Huh?¡¯</em>

    He was honestly surprised.

    <em>Even with a bad back, Dayeru¡¯s still getting a nosebleed?</em>

    ¡°Stop!¡± Kang Chanmanded.

    The new recruit whipped his head around at the order. Blood was streaming from a cut on the corner of his left eye and mouth. If this was that typical, arrogant French pride, Kang Chan had no intention of forgiving it.

    ¡°What the hell is this?¡±

    Moreover, whatever the reason, when someone looked at him with those eyes, it immediately sparked his anger.

    Dayeru, with his waist bandaged and soaked with blood, was panting heavily in front of him. Seeing Kang Chan¡¯s gaze, the recruit gritted his teeth and half-lowered his eyes.

    ¡°What was your name again?¡± Kang Chan asked.

    Perhaps it was the question that made the recruit quickly raise his eyes to meet Kang Chan¡¯s.

    ¡°G¨¦rard! G¨¦rard Gee, sir,¡± he replied in defiance.

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